Backroad Fate

Chapter 42

    (Madison's point of view)
    Sunday, September 6th- week of knee injury:

        We are on our way back home. Denny's first time back in the car, since his knee injury, was today. It was the Bojangles' Southern 500. We decided not to dress up in out throwback outfits. It was too much of a hassle. Denny finished the race sixth. Not bad for a guy with a knee injury. Next week is the Richmond night race, Denny's home track. He's really excited about it.

    2 weeks later:

    It's ten minutes before the start of the Chicagoland race. Denny finished sixth again last week. His teammate Matt Kenseth won. Denny was pretty happy with his finish. He has been resting a lot lately. He's also been doing physical therapy. He's really confident about his chances today.

     "Drivers start your engines!"
 
      This is the first chase race and Denny desperately wants to win it 

      10 laps to go

       Denny was running second currently. I could hear Dave, Denny's crew chief, over the radio saying, "You can do it. You got this, bud."

       White flag

       Denny's leading! He's coming into turn four.

           "Denny Hamlin wins the 2015 myafibrisk.com 400 and The Chase opener!" I heard the announcer scream.
        I was jumping up and down screaming.

          "This win is Denny Hamlin's first career win at Chicagoland Speedway and his 26th career win. He now transfers into the next round of The Chase!" The announcer blared over the speaker.

        At victory lane

       Denny was getting out of the car with Austin's help. People cheered and confetti flew.
  
       The smile on his face brought tears to my eyes. He has wanted this win so bad, since his injury. When he stepped down I could tell he was in pain. He looked down at the ground and leaned up against the car. I rushed over to him and put my hand on his shoulder. He looked up at me with tears in his eyes, also.

       He smiled at me and pulled me into at hug.

        "Congrats, you deserve it. You're pretty tough." I told him.

        "Thanks I couldn't have done it without you." He said, standing up more. He pulled me in and kissed me.

       He pulled away and looked into my eyes.

         "God, I love you." He said, smiling and chuckling. 

         "I love you, too, so, so much."