Race to a Happy Ending

Chapter 14

Cameron's race season came to a close in November. It had been a successful first year with his new team. They hadn't finished first in the final standings, but they had a respectable top ten finish. Once things were wrapped up with racing, Kate and Cameron began making plans for a January wedding. Since it was Kate's second marriage, she didn't want a big affair, but she did want something small and elegant that they would both remember for years to come. They agreed on a ceremony at a secluded beach spot that was Cameron's favorite place to vacation. Kate had never been there, but after seeing many pictures and doing some investigating, she was excited to find it would be the perfect destination and something she probably would have even picked herself.

She also finally gave into Cameron's pleadings and quit her job. He wanted her to be free to travel with him full time when the next season started. The extra time off would also give her time to plan the small wedding. He had initially wanted her to work at the race shop, but instead, she had found something closer to her heart to apply herself to. Since the attack, Kate had begun to meet with a grief counseling group. Her story of infertility, losing her husband and children, and the attack had really stuck a chord with the people she came in contact with. Through the group, and also due to the fact that she was engaged to one of NASCAR's most eligible bachelors, several doors had been opened for her to speak publicly about her grief and traumatic experiences. In just two months, she had already spoken over 20 times to grief seminars, psychology classes at the local university, crisis shelters, and churches. Cameron was so proud of Kate for using these events in her life to make her a stronger person, as well as encouraging people around her who were going through the same experiences.

Kate stood at the hotel window and watched the sun just begin to set over the horizon of the turquoise water. She was stunning in her off-white, strapless gown. Her golden hair hung in loose waves around her shoulders. She had bare feet and a simple floral bouquet. Her dad was at her side, waiting for their cue. Cameron was standing on the beach under a canopy of tropical flowers and at the end of a long row of candles. He wore a simple gray suit, sans tie. He left his shirt untucked and unbuttoned at the neck and rolled up his trousers to reveal his bare feet. He waited at the end of the glowing aisle, with about 30 of their family and friends seated close by.

As Kate came down the aisle to meet her future husband, she could barely contain her emotions. This man had been so good to her and she knew she would always be safe with him. She had been hurt so many times before through so many different events, but in spite of all the pain, she had come out on the other side a stronger woman.

Kate and Cameron gave their solemn vows to each other and they were pronounced husband and wife. After the beautiful ceremony, pictures were taken and then everyone headed inside the hotel banquet room for an amazing reception.

They both knew a lot of their family and friends had to make big sacrifices to fly out to be at their wedding, and they wanted everyone to be treated to a weekend to remember. They had started with a girls and guys separate days out. The guys went out for some parasailing and golf while the girls had an all day spa treatment. The next day they had a fun rehearsal dinner, that included a luau and entertainment from the locals. They ended the weekend, of course, with the elegant wedding and reception. It was something that no one would ever forget.

The day following the wedding, the family and friends left to go back home while Kate and Cameron left the island paradise to a whole different experience for their honeymoon. It was a surprise that not even Kate knew about.

"So, when are you going to tell me where we are going?" she asked.

"You'll know when we get there," he said slyly.

"You're always full of surprises, aren't you? That is what I like about you. I never know what to expect, other than I know it's going to be good!" she laughed.