Author's Note: Well the ride is over, and so's the story. I know everybody hates Bruce but this chapter is going to show him redeeming himself. He's not really a bad guy, just misguided. And as always, Speed and Trixie lend a helping hand so there's a happy ending. A great big thanks to all those who read and reviewed and Dee thanks for being such a fan for so long—feel free to review anytime. And yes, there are more ideas for Speed Racer stories in my head and I'll be working on another soon. Thanks for all the support and hope you like it.

EPILOGUE----LEARNING TO TRUST

Over at the entrance, Twinkle and Bruce peeked in and saw the ecstatic throng staying apart as not to intrude. Bruce had recovered from the beating he had received at Speed's hands although he did sport some bruises. But his expression was one of shame as he turned away. Upon finding his car safe, Sparky had dropped the grand theft auto charges so the inspector and his officers had not arrested the trapeze artist for that but he was still going to be charged for kidnapping. As the officers conferred with the Interpol inspector Bruce waited with Twinkle feeling horrible and not from the fight.

He sighed as he and Twinkle walked away from the tent and he sat down on the curb in front of the diner, placing his head in his hands. Twinkle took a seat right beside her fiancé, as the two of them stared ahead, deep in thought.

"I'm glad Trixie and the babies are okay," Twinkle remarked softly. "I would've felt terrible if something had happened and she'd have lost them, I never would've forgiven myself."

Bruce raised his head and turned to her. "You have no reason to feel guilty, cara. Everything is completely my fault, and if anything happened and she lost the babies, it would be me that was at fault. And Speed would have every right to finish me off."

"But Bruce, I---," she began but he laid a finger on her lips.

"No bambina, you haven't done anything, it was all me," Bruce said firmly, his jaw set. "I've just learned that I've been horribly wrong about everything I believed and with my messed up views I endangered a pregnant woman and her children. I deserve everything I'm gonna get."

At those words, both officers came up to the couple and Hutchens said taciturnly, "Sorry to interrupt but Mr. Trapezini we have to take you and book you. So please come with us."

Bruce and Twinkle got to their feet and both officers flanked the ex-trapeze artist, taking his hands and cuffing them. Twinkle's chocolate eyes glistened with tears as she walked over to the helicopter with Bruce and the two police officers.

"I'll find out what we can do. Oh Bruce!" she cried as she hugged him tightly.

"Don't cry, cara mia. I'll see you later," he said as the police pushed him into the chopper and slammed the hatch shut, like a prison door. The chopper started up and took off, leaving Twinkle staring up, the tears falling down her cheeks. . . .

Inside the IRC tent, the main event of the birth of Trixie and Speed Racer's twins, Victori and Cam was still continuing as everybody buzzed about the cot bearing the new Racer family additions, nestled securely in their mother's arms. The proud father was still kneeling beside the cot, not wanting to leave his little family's side. He just could not keep his eyes off his children, amazed by the miracle of their existence and feeling more joy than he had ever felt winning any race.

"Oh baby they're so beautiful, I just can't get over it," Speed murmured as he continued gazing at the infants who were staring around at their surroundings with a newborn's wonder.

Trixie smiled and nodded, "They're perfect, Speed. Absolutely perfect." She cuddled them, breathing in their scent, the sweetest perfume she had ever smelled. Her eyes were limpid forest pools as she regarded her husband. "Thank you so much for everything you did, you did a great job."

He smiled lovingly at her as he kissed her again. "I told you we're a team, Trix. We always get the job done together, sweetheart and this was no different. We can do anything as long as we're together. Besides, I should be thanking you, you really did a terrific job, getting them here." Speed then pressed his cheek against hers as he whispered, "Thank you for being the mother of my children."

Mom, Pops, and Rex all had stepped and stood back and watched the tender exchange, feeling like they were intruding. Pops said quietly, "We should get going back, forget the race now."

Mom sighed in an exasperated manner. "Some things do take precedence, Dragon. After all think of your grandchildren."

He glared at her and said irritably, "I know Anyi! I was just thinking I have to tell the crew that we're officially out of the race. For the love of Mike, I'm just being practical." He turned and nearly collided with Twinkle Banks as she entered the tent.

"Ummph! Oh Twinkle, I didn't see you. We're officially out of the race."

Twinkle nodded, "I figured, Pops. Can I go and see Speed, Trixie and the baby?"

"Babies," Mom corrected. "Trixie had twins, a beautiful baby boy and a precious little girl."

"Ohhh, how wonderful!" Twinkle said her pretty face beaming. But her smile faded as she recalled how Trixie had been placed in danger by the man she, Twinkle wanted to marry. Tentatively, hesitantly she approached the little family.

Speed was encircling his wife and children in his sinewy arms, murmuring in her ear as she tittered and Rex watched with a softly amused expression. The tiny twins were gazing up into their father's face, fascinated by him as the former girl daredevil came to the cot. Rex turned and stared, his expression neutral but his eyes a cold midnight blue.

Speed glanced up at his partner as she stood before them. "Hi Speed, Trixie. Congratulations," she said, her head down as she gazed at the pair.

Trixie returned the regard, her eyes a soft sea green. "Thanks, Twinkle. Are you okay?"

Speed gazed adoringly at his spouse, who as always was concerned for others more than herself. He squeezed her in his embrace, broadcasting his love to her.

Twinkle said shyly, "I'm okay. The police took Bruce in custody because of the kidnapping charge." A tear slipped from her luminous chocolate eyes. "I'm so, so sorry this happened, please forgive me!"

Speed said softly, "It wasn't your fault, Twinkle. Your fiancé's a grown man, accountable for his own actions, like the rest of us."

"Speed's right," Rex's baritone sounded. He came and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "You're not to blame."

Trixie nodded as the twins gurgled. "Twinkle, the doctor said the babies could have come at any time, and even though we couldn't get to a hospital, Speed and I had planned to have our baby naturally, so we were prepared. And Speed was wonderful, as always." She gazed fondly at her husband.

Speed felt the warmth of a blush as he said modestly, "I couldn't have done it without you, baby."

Trixie continued, "So, please, Twinkle, don't be sorry. Our babies would've been born sooner or later and I'm glad that the IRC tent is supplied with first aid items so it went great."


Twinkle looked at the new mother in gratitude through tear-filled eyes. "T-thank you, Trixie."

Rex's eyes twinkled as he studied his sister-in-law. "Yeah, and you were in rare form with the shots. It's a good thing Speed and I have bulletproof egos or we'd be needing medical attention from the way you verbally lambasted us before."

Trixie's eyes grew wide in horror. "Oh I'm so sorry, Rex. I was just so out of my mind with pain, I didn't know what I was saying."

Twinkle wiped her eyes and smiled tremulously. "So I guess that's what I have to look forward to someday, huh?"

Trixie grinned as her daughter hiccuped. "Yeah, it's no picnic but look at the results." She held up the babies to emphasize the point.

The entrance to the tent opened and Sparky and Janine walked in and over to the group in the corner. "Well, I took care of the Mach 5, she's ready to roll if you guys are ready. Speed nodded and got to his feet as Trixie attempted to rise but was detained by her precious bundle.

"Here, baby give me Cam," Speed directed, taking his son from Trixie. He held the baby boy deftly and securely with one arm while assisting his wife to her feet by grasping her elbow as she held Victori.

Janine came over and said, "Let me help you, Trixie. I'll drive you and Speed to the nearest hospital in the GTO, Sparky can drive the Mach 5 behind us." She went to the other side of Trixie as Speed carrying Cam was on the left. They all headed out leaving Rex and Twinkle behind.

Twinkle looked at Rex nervously as he stood there formidable and cool, his dark mask intimidating as always. He stared ahead as he said taciturnly, "Let me give you a ride back home."

"Okay."

He took her elbow and they too headed out. . . .

The next day, Twinkle was at the police station heading to the holding cell that Bruce was in. She walked past the other cells accompanied by a police guard while wolf whistles and catcalls rained down on her. They stopped at the second to last cell.

"Hey Trapezini ya got a visitor," the guard intoned as he inserted the key in the lock. He slid the bars open and let Twinkle in as Bruce got to his feet.

"Okay, miss. You have twenty minutes and I'll be back." He stepped out and slammed the door closed, his footsteps fading as he walked away.

Twinkle came over and kissed Bruce, wrapping her arms around him as she asked, "Are you all right?"

He nodded as he returned the embrace. "How are things going with me getting out of here?"

Twinkle sighed as she replied, "Well, I've talked to the DA and Speed and Pops are both vouching for you because of me so he said due to the fact that you've never had any record, that you'll probably get a suspended sentence. Sparky and Speed both decided not to press charges, but because kidnapping's a felony, that's why you'll be tried."

Bruce released her and sat on the bunk with a sigh. "I really made a mess out of things for us, haven't I? You'd be better off without me." He lowered his tawny head in shame as she sat beside him, taking one of his hands in both of hers.

"No matter what, Bruce we're going to get through this together. You've been the one who stood by me all through the past three years, from the good times and the bad, when Daddy died and I lost the circus. So I intend to stand by you in this just as you stood by me." Her delicate jaw was set in determination.

Bruce gazed at her and marveled at the way she looked, her strength making her even more beautiful in his eyes. He squeezed her hand as he said gratefully, "Thank you, bambina. I've been doing a lot of thinking and I want to tell you something, okay?"

She nodded her face pensive as he continued, "I learned something through this whole thing. When I was riding with Trixie, all she said was how much she trusted Speed to be a gentleman toward you.

"He was you know," Twinkle responded. "All along all we did was concentrate on the race. And in between that he just went on about his wife and being a father. He's quite a man."

Bruce nodded woodenly as he said, "I know. When I saw him throw away his position in the race to help his wife, I realized that all these years I was wrong about marriage. The Racers are absolutely devoted to each other."

"I know, Bruce. They've been together for a long time, and were as devoted to each other even as boyfriend and girlfriend. I knew it when they both helped me the first time I met them."

Bruce said in a low voice, "I should've believed you. And that's something else I've been thinking about." Her eyes grew wide as he went on, "I know that you said that you were going to stand by me but you probably don't want to marry me now. I don't blame you but if you gave me another chance, I promise that I will do everything I can to be the kind of man you'd be as devoted to as Trixie is to Speed."

Twinkle sighed deeply as his words struck a chord. She had been thinking very seriously of giving Bruce his ring back and his words just made her as ambivalent about their relationship as she could be. She saw the yearning in his eyes, as there also was bleakness, almost a resignation that he had lost her. She felt her heart constrict in pain for him as she saw the mixed expressions battle on his even features.

She reached and took his face in her hands. "I love you, Bruce and I meant what I said before. I intend to stand by you through everything. You can bet on it."

Bruce looped his arm around her and with his other hand, cupped her cheek as he drew close to kiss her but they were interrupted by the inopportune gravelly voice of the guard. "Sorry Trapezini, but the visit's over. C'mon, miss." He opened the door and stood waiting.

The couple got to their feet and embraced briefly. Bruce walked his fiancée to the cell door and she turned to wave as the guard closed the door in his face. He turned and went back to his bunk as she walked out into the world once more. . . .

THREE MONTHS LATER….

The bride and groom entered the restaurant hall to the applause of the delighted crowd and exchanged a sweet kiss. The newlywed couple then made their way to their seats as the rest of the room buzzed with joy filled conversation at the joining of Theresa "Twinkle" Banks and Bruce Trapezini.

At the main table, matron of honor Trixie Racer and best man Speed Racer sat together and smiled as the bride and groom sat down.

Trixie leaned over and said cheerfully, "Well you guys finally made it. Congratulations."

Speed echoed the sentiment as he added, "Yeah, I bet you never thought it would ever happen."

Twinkle replied, "It's been a very long trip to the altar, with a few obstacles."

Bruce looped his arm around his bride. "Yeah and we'd have never made it if it weren't for you two. We owe you a great deal."

Speed grinned at the former circus star. "Don't mention it. Me and Trix were glad to help, huh baby?"

Trixie nodded her sea green eyes sparkling, "Uh huh."

It had been a jam-packed three months. After Bruce's trial where he indeed got a suspended sentence, Trixie, Mom Racer, and Janine all helped Twinkle plan her wedding, Trixie doing that in between caring for her twins. And with some slick detective work, they were able to track down all the former performers from the Universal Circus to share in Twinkle's day of happiness. Since they all had known Twinkle since she was a baby and Bruce since he joined the troupe, they all were delighted to attend the nuptials. Trixie and Speed insisted on helping to pay for the event, and Pops gave Twinkle away.

Bruce regarded the Racers warmly. "I really don't know how to thank you both. And especially you Trixie, for settin' me straight when I was crazy." He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek while she blushed. "You're quite a special lady."

"I didn't do anything special," she said disparagingly. "Just spoke the truth, without trust, a marriage can't survive."

Bruce shook his head as he said, "Just the same, it was your words that finally got through to me. As I said, you are a very special lady."

Speed nodded in agreement. "You said a mouthful, Bruce." He leaned in and gave his wife a kiss to prove the fact.

END