We Found You

26

The rest of the summer flew by and before they knew it, it was almost time for the final race before the playoffs in Daytona.

Claire had moved in after their small separation in Chicago, both of them deciding nothing would come between them again.

"Hayden go get your clothes, honey, we have to get packed," Ryan said as he and Claire packed for Florida.

Hayden ran out of the room and grabbed her favorite outfits, bringing them into the room along with her Elsa suitcase.

"Here Daddy,"

"Good job. Go get 5 shirts for me," he told her, chuckling as she ran back to her room.

"Only 5?"

"We're going for 5 days aren't we?"

"Unless," she smiled a little bit. "We stay a little longer and go to Darlington from Daytona,"

"I would be okay with that," he nodded, "a few extra days to lay on the beach,"

"Exactly,"

"Let's do it," he nodded, "You got an RV park we can take the bus to?"

"I'm sure I can find one. Even better. On the beach," she grinned as she kissed him right in front of Hayden.

"Ewww!!"

"Hayden," Ryan chuckled, looking at the little girl as she covered her eyes in disgust. "It's okay,"

"That's gross Daddy!" She yelled, moving her fingers slightly to look at them.

Ryan smiled a little and kissed Claire again, making Hayden run away to her room but with a little giggle.

"She'll get over it," he chuckled, making Claire roll her eyes but eventually kiss him again.

——————

With the school year quickly approaching, Claire was only able to go to Daytona and Darlington before it would start. She was soaking up all of her time with Ryan and Hayden at the tracks and hated that the summer was ending but she was happy to see the final race before the playoffs.

The prayer was said, the national anthem was sung and it was time for the See You laters. She didn't love that moment but she did at the same time. They were both aware that racing was dangerous and that this could very well be the last time they would see each other. They also knew that the cars were extremely safe but that didn't make Claire worry any less.

"I'm not gonna like this in 2 weeks when I'm sitting on my couch at home watching you strap in," Claire smiled, turning to him as they were getting ready to start.

"Well, I'll make sure that you talk to me before and after," he promised as he pulled her close and held onto her for a moment.

"You better," she nodded, wrapping her arms around his neck, "be safe,"

"I will," he nodded, quickly kissing her before she turned around to head for the pit box, "hey Claire,"

"Yeah?"

"I love you,"

"I love you too Ry," she grinned, giving him one last kiss, "now go kick ass,"

"I'll see you at the end,"

She nodded, smiling before she headed to the pit box and sat in her seat next to Hayden.

"Are you gonna be my new mommy Claire?" Hayden asked, looking up at the woman next to her.

"I don't know baby, but for now, I'm just Claire. Okay?"

"Okay!" She smiled, letting Claire put the soundproof headphones on her. "I still love you, Claire!"

"I love you too bugger boo," she grinned, hugging the little girl tightly as the engines fired.

Stage one was pretty good with Ryan coming in 22nd before stage 2 started. He worked his way through the field and finally made it to the front with one lap to go in the final lap. He was right next to the 54 of Ty Gibbs and had the 6 of Brad Keselowski behind him who was hopefully pushing him since they were former teammates.

The 20 tapped the 54 who came down and hooked Ryan in the right rear, sending him into the wall at 191 miles an hour.

"Is daddy okay Claire?" Hayden asked immediately, looking at her before looking back at the car.

"I don't know honey,"

It happened right in front of pit road so they had a front-row seat to everything but her eyes were on the monitor of the broadcast. The breath of relief she let out seeing Ryan moving around in the car, was bigger than she ever would've thought.

She took Hayden to the care center as soon as she could, waiting with the other drivers' teams and families. Hayden played with her iPad while they waited while Claire just sat there.

She had all of his things from the car, watching the rest of the race on the TV screen.

"You alright?" She asked as he came out of the back.

"Yeah. Just pissed," he nodded, "Hayden. Come on kiddo,"

Hayden simply got up and grabbed Ryan's hand, walking out of the care center. He did his mandatory interviews while he held Hayden's hand and soon enough, walked back to the bus with her and Claire.