Checkered Hearts
His voice was different now, the racing damage to his vocal cords that had required surgery, the slight huskiness that was new and beloved.
"I choose to continue," Arthie replied. The smile that was still new enough to be noticed, still precious enough to be cherished, appeared as he spoke. "The management, the modified racing, the presence, the—" The smile became laughter, the expression that was expansion. "The us. The three-way. The permanent."