Anna’s first trip to East Asia had been in April, and now she was flying to Japan. She wiggled in her seat and checked that her book was accessible before fastening her seatbelt with sweaty hands. Despite all the flying this year, take-offs and landings still made her nervous. This was also going to be a sixteen-hour flight, which meant that even in business-class, it would feel like an eternity.
Next weekend was a race in Thailand, followed by one at Phillip Island, Australia, and then one in Malaysia before they would have the long flight home for the final race. Thinking of the end of the season and the future gave her a fluttery feeling in her stomach. For all that she and Isaac were closer than ever, there were still several unknowns in her life that had to be addressed. She’d love to stay in Spain, but she would need to renew her travel visa.
When the plane left the gate to taxi down the runway, she grabbed her book and focused on it until they were far above the ground. Isaac gave her a knowing look, squeezing her arm, and she smiled back.
Isaac started out the Japanese race weekend at Motegi on a tear—setting lap records during practice—and was in the best form of his career. She’d never seen him so dominant in practice. It boded well for the race. Many had met the news about himnot returning next year with incredulity, but he seemed at peace with the decision, and had no trouble answering the dozens of questions posed by the media. She’d worried that his brother might have more difficulty with the news, though Isaac had mentioned that the conversation had gone well.
Vince crashed in both FP2 and FP3. He wasn’t injured, but his slower lap times meant he had to come through Q1 and Q2 while Isaac earned his first career pole position. On race day, Vince recovered to finish first, and Isaac came second, again.
Thailand was gorgeous, with warm and sunny weather, unlike the torrential rains of Indonesia in the spring. The race had been going well for both brothers until Vince crashed on the second lap. Anna caught her breath, watching the screen until he jumped to his feet, and with the help of the race marshals, got his bike upright. He remounted and chased the rest of the field, gravel falling from his machine for the first couple hundred yards. She was thankful Isaac was getting out after this season. He’d defied odds in not having a major injury before now.
Vince carved his way through the pack of riders like a scythe and looked to be a threat for the podium despite his fall as they swept down the home-finish straight into the final lap. Isaac led with Luka in second, while Vince and Spencer fought for third. Their battle was where the camera focused, as it was a contested fight. Anna wished they would go back to Isaac at the front as she became nervous whenever she couldn’t see him for extended stretches of the race. Anything could happen and she might not know. She wiped her sweaty palms and hoped he didn’t crash.
Typical of Vince’s usual aggressive style, the duel came down to the last handful of corners as they traded positions three times before Vince’s tires gave way. He’d used up the grip coming from behind after his crash. His head was in his hands after he slid off the track, but he appeared uninjured. His accident perhaps distracted Spencer, who crashed a secondlater, leaving Fabiano to steal third, crossing the line with a skyward fist pump.
Vince’s DNF, combined with his missed race after the break, left Isaac in the lead for the championship for the first time as he crossed the line in first. He’d led this race at the Chang International Circuit from start to finish. Anna hoped he could carry this lead through the last three races. Racers were superstitious, so she wouldn’t say anything, but there was a real possibility he could win the title.
For the days between the races in Thailand and Australia, Isaac and Anna rented a thatched cottage on the beach in Thailand where they spent most of their time lounging in the shade with their books, swimming, and making love. It felt like this was how life was supposed to be when on holiday. No stress. No worries, and lots of quality time with the person she loved. She couldn’t imagine a better place to spend her thirtieth birthday. Six months ago, she’d dreaded this landmark, but with the changes she’d made to her life, turning thirty no longer bothered her.
On their last night in Thailand, she and Isaac strolled down the white sand beach at night. It was dark and quiet, without city sounds as their beach was remote and away from the more popular tourist resorts. They were far enough from city lights that the sky was covered in a blanket of stars. Isaac had probably paid a fortune for a romantic getaway like this, but she’d learned he didn’t need to worry about money and that he liked to spoil her. He’d surprised her with the announcement that this trip was her main birthday present.
Despite being independent, she was happy that he wanted to treat her to such things. Still, she’d feel better about money when her townhouse sold. There had been no further trouble from Adam, who was scheduled to move in a few weeks. Thoughmeeting him in Texas had been difficult, closing that chapter of her life had been satisfying and important.
“What are your plans after the racing season is over and your umbrella girl career is over?” said Isaac, interrupting her thoughts as they walked hand in hand along the water’s edge.
“I’ve finished the edits my editor suggested,” said Anna, thinking of her story. “I should be ready to query soon. I want to find an agent and try the traditional publishing route. It might take a while, but once my townhouse is sold, I have time. I just need one person to love my story and share my vision.”
“Is it ready for me to read?” Isaac squeezed her hand. He’d asked several times, but she’d put him off, afraid he might think her story was too dark or wasn’t any good.
“Do you still want to?” She gave him a sidelong glance.
“Of course.” They walked a little farther, the sand soft and still warm beneath their bare feet as they listened to the gentle lapping of the waves on the beach.
“That wasn’t what I meant about the future,” said Isaac after a few minutes of silence. He stopped and took both her hands. “You are my other half, my soul mate, or as we say in Spanish, media naranja.” The words sounded sweet and melodic when he said them. “Will you stay with me in Cervera? Marry me and make the new house our home.” The reflection of the stars and moon gave his eyes a pale glow.
His words didn’t surprise Anna, but she found herself still blown away. Her heart raced, and tears of happiness welled up. It must be a dream. “I want to stay. With you.”
“Mi Corazon. Marry me and stay in Spain. If you don’t want to live here, I’ll come to America if you prefer, but I want to share my life with you. I want to read all your books and make love to you whenever I want. I want to decorate our house together, watch MotoGP on TV, or visit Barcelona or Aragon to cheer formy brother. We’ll get the best seats and dress like super-fans in Vasquez colors.”
Anna threw herself into his arms and kissed him until they were both breathless. More than anything, she wanted to stay in the beautiful house in Spain with Isaac. She’d hoped that she might, but hadn’t let her fantasy get carried away in case she was wrong.
“Is that a yes?” Isaac spun her in a circle, a grin on his face.
“It’s a yes,” she said, feeling like her heart might burst from joy.
He pulled a ring from the pocket of his shorts. Its diamond caught the moonlight and seemed to steal it as it sparkled white and silver when he slipped its cool metal onto her ring finger.
...
Anna and Isaac arrived in Melbourne, Australia late the next night after having spent four extra days in Thailand. She kept their engagement news quiet until Isaac shared it with Vince and his mother. Anna sent Catarina a text the next day before they joined the others in Australia, eager to share their good news in person.
“Can we meet before going to the track in the morning? I want to show off my engagement ring.”She’d told Catarina already but showing her would be fun.
“Sure. Meet at 8:15 for breakfast? We can chat and take the second shuttle.”
Anna held out her left hand, admiring her exquisite ring. She couldn’t wait to show it off to her friend. It was a circular diamond solitaire on a vintage-inspired band of white gold that must have cost a fortune. Isaac’s choice was beautiful.
Isaac came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her as he nuzzled her neck before releasing her with a kiss. “If you don’t like the ring, we can exchange it.”
