THE BIG DAY!
The sun rose in the sky sparkling like a diamond in the azure sphere reigning over Mont Royale like a canopy adding to the festive aura that covered the commonwealth. The entire population was aware that the presidential palace was the focus of the day, with media reps from across the globe gathered to report and record for posterity the marriage of Speed Racer to his longtime spotter, navigator and love, Trixie Shimura. The swarm of media personnel already buzzed about the formal garden like the fat bumblebees that flitted from rose to rose in the arbor where the ceremony would be at 5 PM that evening.
It was 11 o'clock and the bridal party had just run through the wedding rehearsal, congregating in the dining room for brunch. Both the bride and the groom had eschewed the meal, begging off as the inevitable butterflies tickled their stomachs and made keeping food down virtually impossible. Both sought a time of solitude for private reflection before the ceremony. . .
Trixie sat on the bed of her room, drawing out of her makeup case a framed picture of her parents. She sighed as she studied the image of her mother and father, both locked in each other's arms. Her father was clad in his military uniform and her mother was gazing at him lovingly as they sat in what looked like a porch swing. It was her only photo of both her parents together and she cherished it, running her fingers reverently over its surface with her diamond twinkling as she began to speak.
"Oh, Mom and Daddy, how I wish you could both be here today with me! My wedding day, to marry the man I adore. I know both of you would be so happy and I know you'd both love Speed, he's so wonderful! And his family is like a second family to me, they took me in and made me feel like I was one of their own, even before Speed asked me to marry him. You'd have loved them, I just know it." She wiped the tears from her eyes as she went on.
"I will miss seeing you both out there as I make my vows. Daddy, I'll miss you walking me down the aisle and giving me to Speed as his wife. And Mom, I'll miss you sitting in the front row, wiping the tears of joy from your eyes as you see the band slipped on my finger. But know this, I know I'll feel you both there beside me." The tears began flowing in earnest as memories flashed in her mind and so she gave into the overwhelming emotion rushing through her.
Trixie continued letting the warm rivulets trace their ways down from her sea green eyes as there was a soft knock upon her door. She hopped from the bed, hurriedly brushing the tears from her pinked cheeks and leaned against the closed door.
"W-who is it?" she asked timidly, hoping it wasn't Speed. Seeing him now would only add to her discomfort, she was nervous enough as it was.
"Trixie, dear it's me, Mom Racer." The softly maternal voice of Speed's mother sounded. "Is everything all right?"
Trixie sniffled, "O-of course, Mom Racer." She opened the door with a tremulous smile and let the trim form of the Racer family matriarch into her room. Both ladies went over to the bed and sat, side by side.
Mom Racer smiled placidly at her future daughter-in-law. "I was worried about you. You took off right after the rehearsal and didn't eat a thing. Are you okay?"
Trixie nodded, "Uh-huh. Just a little nervous." She plucked at the elaborate trim of the bedspread with a faraway expression on her pretty face as she stared at the photo of her deceased parents.
Mom Racer gazed at her with fond understanding. "I know how you feel. It's not everyday a girl gets married." She picked up the framed picture and examined it. "And it's a day you want to feel your family near."
Trixie nodded again, tears flowing anew.
Mom Racer put the picture down and took Trixie in her arms and embraced her. "Trixie darling, I came up here to offer my help and to let you know how thrilled Pops and I are that you're going to officially become part of our family. If we had gone out to choose a wife for our son Speed, we couldn't have made a better choice than you."
"Thank you," she murmured.
Mom Racer turned to gaze at the beautiful wedding gown, hanging as if in hushed anticipation, on a hanger like it was floating on air. She rose and went to the garment, fingering the beaded bodice and sleeves. She then gently touched the veil with the circlet of pearls and crystal beads with a look of hushed awe. "You are going to be breathtaking in this gown and veil, Trixie. My son is truly blessed."
Trixie smiled as she picked up the rose Speed had left outside her door the night before from its bud vase on the night table and brought it to her nose to inhale its perfume. "I'm the one who's blessed."
Mom smiled sweetly. "We are all blessed."
Trixie was touched by the few words spoken by the older woman who had been like a surrogate mother to her these three years. Three years of being a member of the Go Team as a vocation and being a part of the boisterous, loving Racer family afterwards. After her father died, she had no clue as to how her life would go, then she met Speed and he and the Racer family took her into their circle. Three eventful years later and now here it was her wedding day.
Mom was lost in a reverie as well, thinking about the fact that her middle son, her second born was about to become a husband. She recalled the day she brought Speed home from the hospital, a tiny infant with a head covered with downy ink-black hair and the most startlingly blue eyes she had ever seen. Even as a baby, he was fearless and she knew he would grow up to be a very special young man. At 21 he had far exceeded her expectations. Both she and her husband were extremely proud of him and excited to see him marry a girl that they both heartily approved of.
There was another rap on the door and Janine, Lilly and Calcia walked in. "Well, Trixie, the zero hour's approaching," Janine announced cheerfully. "We'd better get a move on."
Lilly Marker took note of the subdued atmosphere of the room. "Is everything all right?"
Trixie shook her head to bring herself to reality. She replied crisply, "Yes, Lilly everything's fine. Let's go, I want to take a shower and then we have to do my hair." She then headed into the bathroom as the other women set up her trousseau.
Meanwhile, the groom was seeking some reflection in the one place he felt the most peace, behind the wheel of the Mach 5. Speed sat in the cockpit of his racing machine, tempted to go for a ride but realizing that he knew little about the surrounding countryside and not wanting to get lost four hours before his wedding, he contented himself with just sitting in his car.
Speed sighed as he contemplated what would take place in the next four hours. He idly thought that it was his last time sitting in the Mach 5 as a single man. Now when he raced, it wasn't just his life that was effected, it was Trixie's too. And in a few years, God willing, it would be their children effected by the decisions he made as he was behind the wheel of this vehicle. The entire concept was sobering to say the least.
His daydreams were interrupted by the long lean form and masked visage of Racer X who strode up to the Mach 5 and glanced down at his brother grinning. "Well, Speed, how's the groom doing today?"
Speed glanced up and gave the masked man a shaky smile. "I'm okay. Just spending some time alone before I gotta go and put the monkey suit on." He stared off into the distance at the people running about preparing the waiting formal garden.
Racer X nodded, "Cold Feet?"
Speed shook his head vehemently. "No siree, Racer X." At the man's slightly doubtful expression and steady gaze he admitted sheepishly, "Well, maybe they're a little chilly."
Racer X threw his head back and chuckled. "Relax, Speed. It'll be a piece of cake. Besides, Sparky'll be there beside you and so will I. So take it easy, little brother."
At those words Speed's head whirled to face the masked racer. "What did you call me?" he demanded as he raised himself out of the Mach 5's cockpit and leapt over the side to face him.
Racer X sighed and he said slowly. "I called you 'little brother' because I'm your older brother Speed." At Speed's incredulous manner he nodded and removing his mask stated, "I'm Rex."
Speed just stood there staring at Rex with a mixed expression of disbelief and recognition. "I knew it! I just knew it! Hot damn, am I glad you're here, Rex!" he cried as he hugged Rex tightly. "There's no one else I want here today more than you. Except for Trixie of course." Tears began coursing down his face.
The two brothers embraced tightly, their emotions expressed for so many lost years. Speed was ecstatic, his heart filled with such joy he could barely contain it.
"Wait'll the folks hear! And Trixie, oh I gotta go tell Trixie--" he began but Rex laid a restraining hand on him.
"I think they all have enough to deal with now, Speed. Remember, you're getting married in three hours. Why don't you let me break it to them after the ceremony, at the reception."
Speed nodded, "Yeah, I guess you're right, Rex. Okay, it'll be our secret till the reception." He offered his hand to his brother and the two Racer men shook on it.
Rex grinned, "C'mon let's go get you ready to get married." They walked to the palace arm in arm.
It was 4:30 PM, thirty minutes before the beginning of the ceremony and Speed and Sparky stepped out and into the rose arbor, by the lectern where the minister would stand and marry him to Trixie. As he had promised Rex, he kept the news of Racer X's revelation quiet though his best friend had asked him repeatedly why Speed was so giddy. Speed gave him the explanation that it was his excitement about the wedding but Sparky was suspicious, nevertheless.
The formal gardens of the presidential palace were like a dream. The entire area was carpeted with neatly trimmed lush green grass and surrounded with a veritable profusion of exotic flowers that festooned the parameter of the north quadrant where the rose arbor stood, covered in a multitude of multi-colored roses. Their fragrance wafted in the soft breeze as the water fountain sparkled in the golden late afternoon sun. The guests of the wedding, all racers, their wives or girlfriends, and their crews were all seated murmuring among themselves as a string quartet played romantic music.
"Hey buddy, the last minutes of your freedom are ticking away. Any final words?" Sparky said glibly.
Speed, resplendent in his black tuxedo, sighed, "Sparky, wouldya knock it off? This is the happiest day of my life." He grinned in pure delight.
Sparky shook his head and then added, "If you say so." He got serious, "All kidding aside, Speed, I want to wish you the best. Trixie's an amazing lady and the two of you just fit together as if you were made for each other. You're both gonna have a great life together." He patted his pal on the back.
Speed smiled warmly and said in gratitude, "Thanks, Spark. You know we will."
Both resumed their wait.
In the president's study, which he generously offered as the bride room, Mom Racer, Janine, Lilly and Calcia were finishing assisting Trixie with her final preparations. She was completely dressed in her wedding gown complete with something old—her mother's gold locket that her father had given her when she turned 16, something new—her wedding gown and veil, something borrowed---her hosiery because the panty hose she had had been torn and she borrowed Janine's extra pair, and something blue—the garter she was wearing for the reception.
The women had just finished pinning and adjusting Trixie's veil when there was a knock on the door and Natalie reminded the group in her crisp efficient manner.
"All right everybody, it's time. Mother of the groom, you're first, then the two bridesmaids, and maid of honor, then you Trixie."
"And don't forget me," a gruff voice sounded from the doorway. Pops was there in his black tuxedo, his vast bulk filling the doorway. His wife approached him and gave him a kiss.
"Dragon, you look just stunning."
Pops grinned, "And you, my love, are a vision." He glanced around the room at the three other girls and his future daughter-in-law. He made a low whistle as he commented, "And you all could put the flowers in the garden to shame, you're all absolutely breathtaking." The girls all smiled in pleasure.
Mom smiled, "And there is the famous Racer charm." She glanced at her wristwatch and addressed the others. "We'd better get ready to go."
The other girls nodded and followed Mom as she left the study. Pops came up to Trixie who looked at him with a expression mixed with trepidation and joy. He took her by the arms.
"Trixie, I just want to say something to you. As I told you before that I knew your father very well and I know that if he were here today that he'd be so proud of you. You've become a lovely woman and an exceptional person. I'm so glad that you're going to be my son's wife."
Trixie was moved to tears. "Thank you, Pops. I promise I'll be a good wife to Speed."
"I know you will, honey. And I'm honored that you asked me to give you away, I feel like I'm giving my son the most precious jewel in the world."
Trixie blinked back her tears. "You're about to make me cry, Pops."
Pops chuckled, "Well, I don't want to do that now do I?" He took a clean linen handkerchief from his pocket and dabbed at her eyes and cheeks, trying not to smudge her makeup.
The soft music from the garden swelled with the introduction to "The Wedding March." Pops offered his arm to the beautiful bride and said, "Let's go get married."
Trixie smiled through her tears, her heart fluttering with joy as she gave him her hand and they headed out to the garden.
Speed, Sparky, Racer X, and Spritle were watching as the bridesmaids made their way to the front of the arbor. Trixie had chosen the colors of spring for their gowns. First came Calcia, adorned in lavender taffeta with a full skirt and sweetheart bodice with short puffed sleeves worn over the shoulder. She carried a bouquet of lilacs and lilies of the valley. Then came Lilly in pale yellow, the sunlight causing her hair to shine like newly minted gold. She carried a bouquet of daffodils and daisies. Then Sparky's eyes widened like saucers as Janine strolled to the front. She was adorned in pale pink and she was carrying baby pink roses and white violets, her auburn hair a sunlit cloud framing her pretty face.
Speed grinned at his friend's stricken manner and nudged him in the ribs but then the music got to crescendo as the guests rose, heralding the entrance of the bride. His grin faded and his eyes widened to huge cobalt pools then focused as they locked on the ivory clad apparition floating down the aisle on his father's arm. His heart skipped a beat then began pounding as the most beautiful creature he ever saw made her way slowly, languorously down the aisle.
Speed felt himself holding his breath as his mind played back past pictures of Trixie. Navigating for him, flying her helicopter, fighting side by side with him, saving his life, she was always mesmerizing to him, no matter what. But he was ill prepared for the vision she was as she gracefully glided toward him, her lovely countenance radiant with a Mona Lisa smile, her sea green eyes alight with love. She's an angel Speed said in awe to himself God sent me an angel straight from Heaven. She takes my breath away!
Finally, Pops drew Trixie up to the lectern and gently pushed her veil back, then placed her beside Speed who was dazzled beyond belief as he took her hand, so delicate and white in his. He was hoping that when the time came he would be able to speak the words that would make her his forever. But for the time being he was too thunderstruck and hopelessly in love to speak.
The music ended and the guests sat down as the minister stepped forward and smiled benignly at the starry-eyed young couple before him.
"Beloved family, friends, and honored guests we are here today to unite this man, Gregory, and this woman, Patricia, in the bonds of holy matrimony. Is there anyone present that objects to this union let them speak now, or forever hold their peace."
The garden was silent except for the song of birds that had gathered to observe the joining of the two waiting. Upon the silence the minister continued. "The vows of matrimony are not to be entered into carelessly nor taken lightly. Understanding this, please join hands."
Trixie turned to Janine and handed her bouquet of white roses and baby's breath as gazing into his beautiful ocean blue eyes, she took Speed's hands in her own. She could physically feel the intensity of his emotion radiating from those glowing orbs of his.
The minister addressed her, "Patricia, do you take Gregory as your lawfully wedded husband? To have and hold, in sickness and in health…."
As she listened to each vow, Trixie reflected on the path before her. In reality she had begun the sojourn on it that fateful day three years ago when a handsome raven-haired racer handed her a dropped wrench on her airfield. Little did she know at that time that they would share so much, from dates and rides like average couples, to life and death situations as they traveled and raced around the world. They saved each other's lives countless times both literally and figuratively.
"….promising and keeping yourself only onto him as long as you both shall live?"
Trixie gazed deeply into Speed's eyes. "I do," she replied softly yet firmly.
The minister then turned to Speed. "And Gregory, do you take Patricia to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health…."
Speed smirked slightly as he heard his Christian name. He had been known as Speed for as long as he could remember, even as a toddler. But as he listened to the minister recite the vows his mind closed out everything but Trixie, her very presence filling his senses. He was totally oblivious to everything but her as he studied her long-lashed fathomless eyes, eyes that held his future, his life, and his heart.
"….promising and keeping yourself only onto her as long as you both shall live?"
There was no hesitation as Speed spoke out clear and distinct. "I do." He saw the tears gathered in her eyes as they sparkled like twin emeralds.
The minister then announced, "Speed and Trixie have requested to make vows of their own to each other at this time." He gestured to Trixie first.
Trixie took a deep breath as she gazed into the handsome classically sculptured face that belonged to the one who meant everything to her. She smiled a sweet, loving smile as she spoke.
"Speed, I can't believe that I'm here, now standing with you, about to become your wife. It's like a dream to me, a lovely image I've held close to my heart for a long time. And I promise you I'll always stay beside you, support you, walk with you, and go wherever you go. I will be your wife, your best friend, your lover, and the mother of your children. I will stand with you through every mile, every smile and every tear and I will be your confidant and your comfort all the days of my life. I love you.
Speed smiled and then took a deep breath as well. "Trix, when we decided to speak our own vows in addition to the others, I tried so hard to put in words the way I feel about you as my wife. I'd write something down in the morning and then read it at night and crumple it up and toss it in the trash. I went through two pads of writing paper for the last two weeks and then just decided to tell it to you in one simple statement. You're the girl of my dreams and I love you, baby. And I'll finish by borrowing these words from a great poet," he continued reverently. "Come, grow old with me, the best is yet to be."
Trixie's eyes sparkled like stars as she was drawn into the sapphire depth of Speed's above hers. They seemed suspended in time and the crowd around them appeared to have vanished when the minister softly cleared his throat.
He then asked, "May we have the rings, please?"
Sparky reached in his pocket and proffered the two gold bands and handed the smaller of the two to Speed and the other to Trixie.
The minister continued, "Gregory, take hold of her left hand and repeat after me, 'with this ring I thee wed and pledge my troth'."
Speed took Trixie's left hand and slipped the slim gold band on her finger saying, "With this ring I thee wed and pledge my troth."
"Patricia, take hold of his left hand and repeat after me, 'with this ring I thee wed and pledge my troth'."
Trixie took Speed's left hand and followed suit, murmuring, "With this ring I thee wed and pledge my troth."
They both gazed deeply at each other, still clasping hands as the minister continued, "By the power vested in me I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride."
Speed's face lit up as he tenderly cupped his hands on Trixie's beautiful face. He slowly drew her mouth to his as his lips gently teased hers open to receive him, his tongue lightly tasting her but holding back as the promise for more later in private played at the back of his mind. They reluctantly broke apart.
The minister smiled and announced, "Family, friends, and honored guests I present to you for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Gregory 'Speed' Racer! What God has joined together, let no person tear asunder."
Speed and Trixie turned and waved to the applauding group as they strode hand in hand down the aisle, man and wife.
It was a gathering that was like no other, a celebration of such joy and happiness that the atmosphere was almost ethereal, like something in another realm. The guests and friends were overcome with the effervescence of the climate, joy was presiding over the people like a bubble gliding through the air.
The back of the garden was arranged so that the rays of the sunset shone in golden light over the white linen covered tables, fine crystal and silver glittering among the finery of the guests. At the head table, the wedding party was seated awaiting the entrance of the groom and bride who were off still getting their pictures taken. A five-piece combo was playing a variety of music as the attendees all chatted and socialized. Suddenly, the combo quieted and there was a drum roll as the lead singer of the group announced cheerfully…
"Ladies and gentlemen, the bride and groom have arrived so without further ado we introduce to you Mr. and Mrs. Speed Racer!"
The garden erupted in applause and cheers as Speed and Trixie came into the area looking for all intents and purposes like the figures on a wedding cake. They stopped before the head table and exchanged a kiss to the delight of their guests. Then the newlywed couple went and took their places at the head table.
As Trixie sat down between Janine and Speed she sighed, "Well, finally it feels great to sit down."
Janine smirked as she answered, "Yeah and soon you and Speed'll get to lie down."
"Janine!" Trixie gasped, blushing.
That caught Speed's attention. "And what is causing my bride to blush so? We haven't even done anything yet to make you blush," he teased, leaning in to put his arm around her and nuzzling her neck.
Janine grinned as she leaned over. "I just said that you and Trixie will be lying down soon."
Speed cocked an eyebrow at her. "Yeah, and maybe soon it'll be you and Sparky, huh Janine?"
"Don't start, Gregory," she chided as Speed groaned and Trixie giggled.
"That's enough, Patricia," he intoned in mock severity to his wife. She playfully stuck her tongue out at him as he leaned in and captured her mouth with a kiss.
Racer X then came to the table and grinned. "Well, how's married life so far you two?"
Speed and Trixie grinned and he replied. "So far it's groovy. We just finished getting the pictures taken." Speed glanced at the tall man in the tuxedo and the mask. "Where've you been? I haven't seen you since the ceremony."
The masked racer shrugged. "I've been around."
"Well, don't disappear. I want you to hang around in the next few minutes," Speed directed as Trixie regarded him quizzically.
"Speed, what's going on?" she wanted to know.
Speed smiled lovingly at his wife. "You'll see." He was absolutely beaming.
Mom and Pops came over to the couple. Mom embraced them both and gushed, "Oh the two of you are so beautiful. I'm so happy that you're finally married." She sniffled as the tears flowed again.
Pops took her arm. "Come on Anyi, let's go sit down." He began leading her to their seats but Speed jumped to his feet and restrained them.
"Wait, Mom, Pops, I have an announcement to make." He took a spoon and empty crystal glass and beat the two together announcing, "Excuse me, everybody, I have something to say!"
The crowd's attention was immediately drawn to the head table and the garden quieted as Speed continued, "I'd like everybody to know that this is the happiest day of my life. First, because the girl of my dreams is finally my wife." He smiled down at Trixie who lowered her lashes and blushed prettily. "And, next because this day, my older brother Rex is here to share in my joy." He grinned at Racer X and with a gesture continued, "Everybody, my brother, Racer X, Rex Racer!"
The garden became hushed as the shock of the announcement hung in the air like a cloud that had suddenly descended. People's faces registered amazement but no three were more thunderstruck then Pops, Mom, and Spritle who rose slowly to his feet from the end of the head table.
Her face alight with relief and stunned joy, Mom Racer slowly walked up to the tall man with the mask. She gently took her hands and slid the mask up and over her first born's face. His midnight blue eyes regarded her lovingly as she ran her hand through his mahogany hair.
"I knew it," she whispered with conviction. "All those times you watched over Speedy, I just knew it. Oh Rex, my darling son, my first baby!"
Rex was overcome with emotion as he enfolded his mother's petite form in his arms. "Hi Mom," was all he could manage in a hoarse voice.
Spritle raced over and plastered himself to his oldest brother. "Rex! Oh boy, Rex!" The boy burst into happy tears.
Pops, however stood there with a look of stunned disbelief. All this time, all these races and he couldn't even recognize his own son, the fruit of his loins. He examined the man who stood before him, being embraced by his mother and youngest brother, and was filled with the feeling of self-loathing as his past action and his last words toward his oldest son replayed in his head.
"Your driving technique was very bad! I don't want you behind the wheel of a racecar again!"
Rex broke away from Mom and Spritle and regarded his father tentatively, with a veiled expression. Pops had not moved an inch, like he had sprouted roots, his visage impassive so Rex decided to make the first move.
"Pops."
Pops eyes were dark impenetrable pools that bored into Rex as his first born stepped gingerly up to him. Rex offered his hand to his father.
The garden was completely quiet, as if sensing the tension, everyone had collectively held their breath. Speed grabbed Trixie's hand and squeezed tight, afraid that his impulsive action revealing Rex as Racer X may very well be the first shot of World War III. The two Racer men contemplated each other evenly, like two fighters sizing each other up. Then Pops reached and took Rex's hand and pulled him into a bear hug, tears coursing down his jowls.
"Welcome back to the family, son."
Rex's eyes filled with tears as he clung to his father. Mom and Spritle came and joined the embrace and then Speed and Trixie got up and joined the Racer family circle as the guests began applauding and the band started playing.
After dinner, the wedding cake, and the ceremonial first dance, Rex approached Speed and clapped him on the back. "Well, little brother, you never cease to amaze me. This is supposed to be your and Trixie's big day."
Speed wrapped his arm around Rex's shoulder. "Big brother, you comin' back to the family the same day I take a bride was just icing on the cake. I don't care if it overshadows my wedding one bit. We've all waited so long for you to come back, and Trixie's a part of the family too, she's just as thrilled as the rest of us."
"That's right," a soft, husky voice said as Trixie joined them. She went up on tiptoe and planted a kiss on Rex's cheek. "It's so nice to finally see that handsome Racer face." Rex blushed with a sheepish grin as she turned to her husband. "It's time for me to throw the bouquet, let's go, sweetie."
Speed shrugged at his brother and said chuckling, "She's already giving me orders." He was pulled away to the center of the garden. Rex threw his head back and laughed.
The unmarried girls all lined up as Trixie stood with her back facing them. She took her bouquet of ivory roses and baby's breath and tossed it over her right shoulder and it landed right in the arms of Janine Trotter, who caught it with a surprised look on her pretty face.
Speed was beside Sparky and nudged him. "Tick, tick, tick," he said sotto voce with a smirk.
"What the hell's that supposed to mean?" Sparky asked, annoyed.
"You'll see," Speed promised slyly. He went and took Trixie's hand and guided her to a waiting chair. "Have a seat, angel." He got down on his knees as the single men were all directed to line up. He gently lifted up the skirt of Trixie's gown and dived under the voluminous skirts as she tittered nervously.
"Speed, you're tickling me. What are you doing beside getting the garter?" she asked in a low voice
"If you're asking what I'm doing I must not be doing it right," he answered as he emerged, sliding the garter down her slender, shapely calf and over her tiny foot.
"Ohh, you're terrible," she protested weakly as he snickered wickedly.
Speed got to his feet and held up his prize, the pale blue garter. "Okay, fellas, here she comes," he sang out as he turned his back and flipped the lacy garter over his shoulder. An Oooo from the crowd as the delicate projectile hit its mark then whistles and catcalls from the racers gathered when they saw whom the lucky recipient was. Just as the Speed/Trixie coupling was common knowledge in the Formula 1 circle, so was the speculation on Sparky Sabu and Janine Trotter.
Speed turned around and as he saw who had the garter his face broke into a broad grin. "BOOM!" he thundered.
Sparky was holding the garter with a scowl on his face. "Very funny, wise guy." The crowd roared in laughter as holding the bouquet Janine blushed.
Speed and Trixie were about to leave the reception when Rex approached the couple. "Trixie, do you mind if I borrow your husband? I promise I'll give him right back."
"Sure, Rex. I have to see the girls about something anyway." She reached and gave her husband a kiss. "I'll be right back."
Speed nodded and turned to his brother. "What's up, big brother?"
Rex studied his kid brother with an inscrutable expression. "You know Speed, I don't know how it happened but somewhere in the last three years, you became a man. I saw it at the race yesterday and then again today when you and Trixie spoke your vows to each other. I just want to tell you how proud I am of you, little brother and of the kind of man you are."
Speed's eyes were large with emotion. "Rex, something always told me that you were Racer X, even when it seemed like you were on the wrong side."
"I needed to keep my identity a secret, Speed. From Pops especially, I wanted to prove to him that he was wrong. But I couldn't abandon you, Speedy, no matter how hard I tried." The two men embraced.
They broke apart wiping their eyes. "I wish nothing but happiness for you and Trixie. There aren't two other people in the world who deserve it more," Rex stated.
"Thanks, big brother," Speed responded as Trixie came up to them.
"Everything okay?" she asked as sensing the emotion as her eyes fluctuated between the two Racer men.
Speed wiped his eyes dry. He smiled at his bride, "Couldn't be better, baby. Couldn't be better."
NEXT…EPILOGUE…BIGGER NIGHT
Author's Note: The names Gregory and Patricia came from the different reincarnations of the Speed Racer saga via the NOW comics from the 80's and "Born to Race" by Tommy Yune. Gregory was Speed's Christian name in the NOW comics story (thanks Oriana) and Patricia was Trixie's name in "Born to Race."