Racing For Love

Epilogue

"Are you ready, Ace? James said they're meeting us in five minutes! We've got to go." Jono shouted through the suite as I made the final touches to my makeup and grabbed my clutch bag.

I looked at myself one last time in the mirror, a quick adjustment to my dress, and then I walked through to Jono with a grin. "Ready as I'll ever be." As I turned to Jono, I noticed he was wearing his tuxedo and looking incredibly handsome. The light tan he had gained from our end of season holiday seemed to contrast with his white shirt perfectly. His eyes met mine, and there was warmth in them that made my heart skip a beat.

His hand lightly squeezed mine. "You look absolutely stunning, Ace," he said softly, his voice filled with admiration. "I can't believe how lucky I am."

I smiled, feeling a rush of affection for this man who had been my rock throughout the challenges of the past year. "You too JC," I replied, leaning in to plant a kiss on his cheek. "Now let's get going before James tells us off!"

He offered me his arm, and together, we left the suite, heading to meet James and Max before we all made our way to the gathering that awaited us. The grand ballroom was filled with the soft murmur of conversations, the clinking of glasses, and the flashes of cameras as journalists and racing enthusiasts mingled beneath the warm glow of chandeliers. Tonight was not just about celebrating the official launch of The Stephens Foundation, it was also a celebration of all the people who had stuck with me this year and supported me through the challenges, and mistakes, I'd made.

I stood in the centre, trying to take it all in. I was wearing another of my mother's dresses. As a Bianchi fan, she seemed to have a penchant for red and this was a glorious floor length ballgown in a deep, almost burgundy, red. The fabric hung gracefully and unbelievably, fit me like a glove, my shoes poking out underneath, the flashes of silver occasionally catching in the light.

I was of course wearing my locket, and I reached up to touch it, my finger adorned with my father's signet ring, which I had taken to wearing. These mementos helped me to feel as if my family were all with me. I could almost see their beaming faces looking back at me through the crowd. I knew they would be proud of me, and even with the feelings of grief still swirling within me, I could appreciate everything that had led to this moment, and all of the people in my life that supported me that were here tonight.

My friends were all around and I slowly turned to take each of them in. Kate looked radiant in her own way, with Farid Al-Mansoori by her side – I wasn't surprised when she coyly asked if she could bring a guest – his presence seemed to hint at whatever it was that had been growing between them. The consortium members had come too - their presence a testament to the partnership we had formed. I caught the eye of Sylvie and Pete who raised a glass in my direction, Pete winking at me whilst Sylvie grinned. Matt and Faye were here, James and Max of course, and so many more who had become like family over the last year.

The talk of the evening was Genevieve Beaumont, the young driver who had risen through the ranks with the foundation's support and was set to make her Formula 1 debut next season. The foundation had grown rapidly - thanks to Pete's financial advice, we were now supporting fifteen talented young drivers, all chasing their dreams. Every one of them was present at the launch with their families, some looking fairly awestruck being in a room with so many influential figures from the motorsport industry.

All of a sudden, it was time for me to speak - I had been happily chatting to various people before the organiser came up and reminded me, handing me a microphone. I stepped up to the small podium, feeling the nervousness I had been trying to avoid by sipping champagne. I spotted Kate, who smiled and stuck her tongue out at me, knowing I would laugh - the nerves begin to dissipate – these were friends and family, I didn't need to be nervous.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for being here tonight to celebrate the launch of The Stephens Foundation. This journey started with a dream, my dear Uncle Joe's dream, but it has become a reality because of each and every one of you." I tried my best to keep my voice steady, as my gaze swept across the room. "I want to thank my parents, for instilling in me a love for racing and the belief in its power to change lives, and to Joe Stephens, who always believed in my abilities. I carry their memories with me every day."

"To the mentors," I continued, raising my glass, my voice filled with gratitude, "your guidance and support are the pillars upon which these young talents build their dreams. You've not only been a driving force on the track but also in shaping the future of racing. Your dedication to nurturing the next generation is nothing short of inspirational. Please raise your glasses to Lars Blom, Giovanni Mancini and reigning World Driver's Champion, Jono Campbell!"

As everyone toasted, clinking their glasses together, my eyes found Jono in the crowd. After the announcement of his retirement, he was inundated with offers once again, taking a role with the Sky broadcast team and signing on as a mentor for the foundation - along with Giovanni and Lars. Jono smiled widely, the grin that had become so familiar to me, and could still send tingles through my body.

"And to Jono, especially, you've been my support when I needed you, and pushed me when I didn't think I was capable. Thank you for helping me grow, and thank you for being by my side."

As I continued my speech, I felt the weight of the year's challenges and heartaches. My fingers reached up once again to touch the locket around my neck. "This year has been filled with losses and mistakes, but it has also been a huge year of growth and resilience for me. Together, with this team, we will continue to provide opportunities for the racers of tomorrow, and in doing so, honour the legacy of those we've lost.

Finally, Thank you. Thank you to each and every one of you, from the bottom of my heart."

I made one final toast to the foundation and stepped down from the podium as applause filled the room. The launch of The Stephens Foundation marked a new beginning for all of us.

I had no idea what challenges the next year would hold, but I knew it was going to be exciting.