Chapter 38

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Epilogue

L ila James sat among her classmates, feeling the weight of years of all her hard work, sacrifices, and dreams realized all at once. It had been a long road, but she’d done it.

As the announcer finally called her name, she stood, her heart pounding with pride, and made her way across the stage, feeling as though she were floating. The degree in her hand was more than a piece of paper; it symbolized everything she’d fought for, every late night, every challenge overcome.

When she stepped off the stage, she was greeted by the loudest cheering section she could have ever hoped for. Her family—her Lockwood Racing family —had come together to celebrate this milestone. Although Lila hadn’t told most of them about finishing her degree until they received the invite in the mail, they all showed up to support her.

Cyrus and Robyn were there, each beaming with pride. Her mother had insisted on sitting up front, holding a massive sign with her name on it and waving it wildly, with tears in her eyes.

Colby and Liam were grinning from ear to ear, Colby flashing a thumbs-up as if to say, I knew you could do it, while Liam gave her a proud nod.

Gonzo and Abby cheered loudly, and Ben, standing tall at the end of the row, gave her a slow clap and a wink.

And then there was Brian. A proud smile graced his perfect lips, and he mouthed, I love you .

At the end of the commencement, Lila made her way to them and their embrace. She was met with hugs, high-fives, and tears. Cyrus pulled her into a fatherly bear hug, his voice thick with emotion. "You did it, kid. We’re so proud of you," he murmured, giving her an extra squeeze before stepping back.

Faye wrapped her arms around Lila next, brushing a tear from her cheek. "You’ve come so far. Further than I ever did, and I’m inspired by it.”

Lila could hardly find words; her throat was so thick with emotion as each family member took a moment to congratulate her.

Finally, she was standing before Brian, her greatest inspiration. He’d been her beacon. Her center and encourager.

Lila knew she couldn’t be good for him or anyone else until she felt good about herself. Today was one of those final pieces of the puzzle.

He wrapped Lila into a tight embrace. “I’m so proud of you.”

Lila beamed. “I’m pretty proud of me too.”

It was Colby’s turn to pull Lila into a bear hug. “Mark’s role is still open. Now, will you take it over?”

“Oh, you didn’t know? I’ve already billed you, and my first invoice should be in your office.” Lila laughed but was only half-kidding.

Before they gathered for pictures, Colby rested her head on Liam’s shoulder. She spoke so only he could hear. “Lila’s going to be super busy when she officially starts in a couple of weeks.”

“Why is that?”

Colby shrugged. “Probably because everyone is going to want to interview me.”

“How is that different from any other time?”

Colby looked up and gazed into Liam’s eyes. “Probably because no other driver in NASCAR has ever come off a championship season and then taken a maternity leave.”

Liam froze. Slowly, he turned to Colby.

She placed a single finger to her lips as her gaze flittered around.

He glanced down at her non-existent belly before looking back into her eyes. He mouthed, Are you pregnant ?

Excitedly, Colby nodded. “Yeah, but for now, let’s keep it between us.”

Liam kissed Colby as he swept her up into his arms and swung her around.

Lila yelled to them, “Whatever y’all got going on over there, put it on pause! I want a group picture.”

As they gathered for photos, both Lila and Colby looked around, hearts swelling with gratitude and love.

This was more than a graduation—it was a celebration of family, resilience, and the countless people who had lifted them. Standing amid their Lockwood Racing family, they felt like they had everything they could ever want or need.

As the camera clicked, it captured their laughter and shared pride. This was only the beginning of a new chapter in their lives, surrounded by the people who meant the most.