Forever and always

Chapter eighty-two

Olivia's pov:

October 2024

We were now in the U.S. for the race at Circuit of the Americas, a track I've always loved. There's just something special about the energy here–the atmosphere feels bigger, louder, more electric.

Charles had already raced in Azerbaijan and Singapore since Monza, where he'd taken that unforgettable win. He's still leading the championship, and we're both excited–hopeful, really–that this might finally be his year. My heart races just thinking about it.

This time, all four of us were in Texas together. The journey here had been exhausting–I traveled with the twins alone since Charles flew straight from Singapore, and of course our plane was delayed. But in the end, none of that mattered. We were safe, reunited, and together again. That was everything.

"I'm gonna say hi to Max and Daniel quickly, I'll be right back, okay?" I told Charles after we'd been at the track for a little while.

"Of course. I have to leave in about forty-five minutes anyway, so I'll keep these two until then. Take your time, love." He gave me that warm smile that still makes me melt.

"Okay, I'll be back before that," I promised, leaning down to kiss him before heading toward Red Bull.

Inside, I found Max with Kelly and little P. "Olivia, when can I play with Matheo and Elena again?" Penelope asked, her big brown eyes full of hope.

"Soon, I promise. Maybe later or tomorrow?" I said with a smile, and Kelly nodded.

"Yeah, let's make that a deal," Kelly told her, and P's eyes lit up.

"Yay, thanks Auntie Oli!" She hugged me tight, and I couldn't help but laugh. She really is the sweetest little girl.

"P, wasn't there something you wanted to tell Olivia?" Max teased, grinning.

"No, Maxie, I already asked her," P said, looking confused.

"Come here," Max whispered something in her ear, and she giggled.

"What is it?" I asked curiously.

"I'm gonna be a big sister!" she blurted out, smiling so wide I thought her cheeks would hurt.

I froze. "No way. Are you serious?" My eyes darted to Max and Kelly, utterly stunned.

"Yup," Kelly said softly, her smile warm. "I'm pregnant."

My jaw dropped before I squealed and pulled them into a hug. "Wow! Oh my god–congratulations! I'm so surprised but so, so happy for you!"

"Thanks, Oli. We're happy too...still a bit surprised ourselves," Max admitted with a laugh.

"How far along are you?" I asked, still trying to take it in.

"Thirteen weeks," Kelly said proudly. "So we're finally telling people."

"Oh my god. Wat–that's what you were hiding from me back at Zandvoort! I knew something was up!" I said, swatting Max's arm playfully.

"Yeah, that was it," Max chuckled. "We just wanted to wait until after twelve weeks."

"I get that, trust me," I said with a knowing smile.

The news kept sinking in–my brother, about to become a dad. I already knew he'd be an incredible father. He was such a loving stepdad to Penelope, and now he'd have a little one of his own.

"Actually," Kelly added with a laugh, "when you and I had that talk about kids back in August, I was already pregnant then. I just didn't know yet."

I gasped. "Oh yeah–little did we know back then." We both laughed.