Formula 1 | One Shots

Fairytale | Max Verstappen

Author's Note: Done in Max's POV

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Fuck, I'm nervous. I never get nervous, but I currently find myself with my hands shaking and sweat starting to pool at my forehead. There's 1 hour until the ceremony and every worse possible scenario is going through my head. Evie and I had planned everything perfectly, yet I was starting to doubt things. Like an angel sent from heaven, Charles  knocked on my suite door and came in with a bottle of whiskey, a few glasses and the boys. "We figured you could use a drink or two to calm your nerves" he chuckled. "Perfect timing, I was about to freak out and grab your sister to escape out of here" I replied, laughing nervously. Charles shot me a grin and started pouring the whiskey in some glasses. Lando, Charles, Arthur, Lorenzo, Carlos and Danny all raised their glasses with me, "To Max and my little sister. May you guys be married and in love forever!! Cheers!"  

Evelyn Leclerc, the youngest of the Leclerc clan, the one who changed my life. After running into her in the paddock 15 years after me and Charles's karting INCHIDENT, she knocked me off my feet- literally. She accidentally knocked into me outside of Ferrari hospitality. At first I didn't recognize her. She had grown up. She was always beautiful when we were younger, but I hadn't seen much of since she went away to Italy for school. She had long light-brown hair and her eyes were greener than ever. Most everyone thought her and Charles were twins even though she was  a few years younger than him. 

I was in a dark period of my life when her and I met again. I had just ended a serious relationship after finding out my girlfriend was cheating on me. I picked up my life in Belgium and moved to Monaco to live there during the race schedule. I was angry, I pushed people away and I blamed others for my misfortunes. I put all my energy into racing and I was good at it- despite being aggressive and coining the nickname "Mad Max." The boys on the grid understood what I was going through, but looking back- I was a total asshole. Back then I had regretted every getting into a relationship with my ex Rose, but if it hasn't for her, Evie would have never been in my life. Everything happens for a reason I guess?

My nerves started calming after my second drink and I cut myself off there, knowing I didn't want to be tipsy at our ceremony. While the boys were still chatting and discussing how excited they were for the reception, Lorenzo pulled me aside to check on me. I assured him that I was okay and just wanted everything to be perfect for Evie. Lorenzo adored his little sister and was very protective of her. When we first started dating, he had his hesitations based on what he knew about me from the media, and I surely didn't blame him. But here we are now, hugging and getting ready to officially become family, brothers. Taking a final look at my vows, I tucked it safely away in the pocket of my tuxedo. I turned to my groomsmen and said "Okay boys, let's do this." 

As we entered the church, I walked up to the alter and mentally prepared myself for what was to come. In the crowd I saw all our loves ones beaming. My mom and Pascale were already tearing up, and I was starting to get emotional. We had agreed to save three chairs in the front row to our lost loved ones. A chair for Herve, Jules and Anthoine. Christian winked at me and Geri was waving. Slowly the music began and the wedding party made their way in. The bridesmaids and groomsmen stood on opposite sides and Charles made his way next to me as I asked him to be my best man. Everyone rose as the music shifted to the piano version of "Young and Beautiful" by Lana Del Rey. Evie loved that song and it was a constant during our relationship. On our 5th date I had surprised her with tickets to see Lana, and it was a core memory for us both. Snapped out of my thoughts, the double doors opened and there Evie was with Lorenzo walking her down the aisle.

Time stopped for me. My breath caught in my throat. I truly didn't think I could fall more in love with her, but in this moment my heart was bursting. It was as if an angel was gliding through the aisle. Her dress elegantly trailed behind her and her veil looked almost like a halo surround her head. I didn't even realize I was tearing until Charles handed me a tissue. Whatever I did in a past life, I was so grateful to be given Evie in this lifetime. Lorenzo kissed both of Evie's cheeks, handed her off to me and made his way to stand with the other groomsmen. I had to control my tears just looking at how beautiful she was up close.

"Hi" she shakily said when she saw me. Her eyes were glossy and I could tell she had been crying too. "Beautiful" I responded to her. The minister proceeded to start the ceremony. My nerves were getting the best of me as we began to approach the vows. Evie wanted to go first and it only made me cry more. How raw she was and emotional, her words resonated with me so much. At first we were only going to share our vows in private with each other, but we chose to have an intimate wedding ceremony, and everyone close to use deserved to hear our vows. Once Evie was done, I don't think there was a single dry eye in the room. The last sentence about how she wished her dad could see her fall in love with the man of her dreams really pulled on all my heartstrings. Charles put his hand on my shoulder in comfort and I pulled out my paper note from my jacket. 

"Evie, as we stand here today, on the threshold of forever, I can't help but marvel at the journey that brought us here. Fate, it seems, had a way of intertwining our lives. We may have crossed paths during mine and Charles karting days, but little did we know then, the significance of those chance encounters. Our journey has been anything but easy. We faced hurdles and challenges that tested the strength of our bond, yet through it all, our love endured.  It was in the moments of doubt and uncertainty that our love truly shone brightest. In your eyes, I found solace and reassurance, a beacon of hope guiding me through the darkest of nights. With you by my side, I knew that together, we could conquer anything that stood in our way. Today, as I stand before you, I vow to cherish the love we've built, to honor the journey that brought us here, and to never take for granted the precious gift of our shared bond. I promise to be your steadfast companion, your unwavering support, and your greatest advocate in all of life's endeavors. With you, I've found my home, my anchor in a world of uncertainty. Together, we've overcome obstacles that once seemed insurmountable, proving that love truly knows no bounds. And as we embark on this new chapter of our lives together, I pledge my heart to you, forever and always. You'll always be my pole position." The crowd laughed at my Formula One joke to end my vows.

"Max Emilian Verstappen, do you take Evelyn Pascale Leclerc to be your lawfully wedded wife? do promise to love and cherish her, in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, for richer for poorer, for better for worse, and forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto her, for so long as you both shall live?" "I do." "and Evelyn Pascale Leclerc do you take Max Emilian Verstappen to be your lawfully wedded husband? do promise to love and cherish him, in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, for richer for poorer, for better for worse, and forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto him, for so long as you both shall live?" "I do" she responded. "By the power vested in me and the principal of Monaco, I now pronounce you... husband and wife."

"You may now kiss the bride." I pulled Evie in by the neck and tenderly kissed her lips. It was as if all our love for each other pulsed through us. Everyone rose and started clapping for us. We faced the crowd and raised our intertwined hands to everyone. A final tear slid down my face as I turned to my wife. I finally had the fairytale love story I deserved. It was worth all the past pain I endured, because she saved me in more ways than she knows. I love you Evelyn Pascale Leclerc-Verstappen.