Racing for Keeps

Chapter 17

Shawn's POV

It's been a week since Emma and Niall got here and Camila has made major strides having her best friend by her side. Emma's been so strong in dealing with Camila when she beats herself up for little things. She won't let her tear herself down, and as much as I tried to help her with that when it was just us, I think the fresh face and perspective is exactly what my girlfriend needed.

Niall and I have been able to catch up and do some exploring around the city. I took him to the venue that Connor and I now co-own and he was thrilled to see our investment.

Despite my best intentions, I also had an ulterior motive in bringing our best friends to Arizona.

I'm ready to propose to Camila.

I'd talked with Niall at length about doing this before him and Emma got married. I didn't want to steal his thunder, but I also don't think I can wait much longer. If almost losing Camila has taught me anything, it's that I can't be a day without her. I can't lose her again and I want forever with her. I'm beginning to sound like a broken record I'm sure, but I just need her to be my fiancé and then my wife. Hell, I'd be okay with her just becoming my wife!

I'm also selfishly waiting for the day she becomes Camila Mendes so she can rid herself of the name that still connects her to Mario.  She's been talking about going through the process to change to her mothers maiden name, but why go through that hassle when she can just take my name?  I do understand the need to remove herself completely from Mario though.

Speaking of which, he's tried to reach out several times. Each time Camila either doesn't answer or waits until he tries to contact me before letting me handle the situation. As of a few days ago, Mario is to have no contact with either of his children or his now ex-wife.

Ah yes, Sinu filed for divorce while we have been in Arizona and as much as she and Camila mourned the end of that relationship, Sinu is free and so is Camila and James.  My lawyer and their family lawyer teamed up and expedited the whole process.  Mario will have years added to his sentence for every time he tries to contact his ex-wife and kids from here on out.  It's a small victory in my mind and I can tell that Camila is much more relaxed with one less thing to stress about.  I however, can't imagine what she's going through given my dad is so loving and protective of me.  I'm thankful everyday that my family has taken Camila in as one of their own and my father is like the one she never had.

James and Becca are due back from their honeymoon this weekend.  They've been having a great time soaking up the sun and spending some carefree time with each other.

James made me promise to wait to propose until him and Becca could help me plan the perfect proposal.  Becca swears it has to be better than hers was with James because Camila should feel like a Queen.  I totally agree with this and will do whatever I need to to make sure this is something she'll always remember.

A few days later...

We're currently sitting waiting for Camila to get her next brain scan done.  She's had one done weekly for quite some time now and so far the last several have been clear of any abnormalities.  We've both been itching for good news as it's long overdue and I think we are both hoping we get the green light to let her resume all physical activity.

If ya know what I mean ;)

Dr. Shepard and Dr. Grey meet us in the room with unreadable expressions. Giving me a quick nod, they look at each other and then Camila. I feel her stiffen beside me as I'm sure the nerves of her results are gnawing at her; I know they are for me. I place my hand gently on her thigh, placing a kiss on her temple as I try to get Camila to breathe normally. She's practically shaking in my arms, the anticipation is just too much.

After clearing her throat, Dr. Shepard speaks up. "Camila we have the results of your latest scans. Now before I give these to you, we've noted you've made remarkable progress in your ability to walk. Dr. Grey and I couldn't help but notice you walked the whole way to the test and back without assistance."

Camila nods next to me. "Yes, my best friend who's a nurse is here so we've been working really hard on my recovery. I hope that's okay" she sighs next to me, slightly cowering back in fear as if she might have realized she pushed herself too far and is about to get a scolding from the two scrub clad women across from us.

"It's wonderful Camila. We are so impressed" Dr. Grey says excitedly. "You're scans look almost completely back to normal as far as brain function goes and I think the push from your friend is doing wonders" she says.

Camila and I both let out a surprised breath I'm sure neither of us knew we were holding as I wrap my arm around her shoulder and pull her closer to me. "Amazing babe" I whisper in her ear before the doctors continue.

"With that said Camila, we'd like to loosen some more of your restrictions and up your physical therapy regimen" Dr. Grey says.  I can feel my bones quiver as Camila's hand tightens around mine; both hoping these loosened restrictions mean good things for us both.

"We like to see how much you can do without your cane.  If in two weeks time; after another scan; you've grown in strength and endurance, and the scan is clear; we'll consider giving you the green light for all physical activity.

"All physical activity?" I pipe up.  I feel a smack to the arm as Camila cheeks turn crimson beside me.

The doctors across from us both chuckle.  "Yes Shawn all physical activity" Dr. Shepard says with a wink.

"This is great news baby!  You're one more step closer to getting out of here!" I exclaim happily as I watch my girlfriend nod her head tentatively.  I sense the nerves are back but I know now is not the time to address them.  She needs time to process what all this means and the changes ahead.

"We'll meet with your physical therapist and your regular therapist to update them of the changes, but Camila do you think this is something you can handle?  Are you willing to give this a shot?" Dr. Grey asks.

"Yeah.. I guess so" Camila answers hesitantly.  "I guess I just wasn't expecting news like this.  I've had so many setbacks, it's hard to believe that this time is actually substantial progress."

Both doctors nod in understanding. 

"We get it Camila, it's been a long road for you.  Take this as a victory and keep moving forward.  Having the right attitude about this will be beneficial as well.  You can do this!"  Both woman reach across the table for her hands giving them a gentle squeeze.  "Besides two weeks is no time compared to before, and I'm sure Shawn and your friends will make this time fly by.  Use it to your advantage and we'll see you in two weeks."

"Thank you doctors" Camila finally smiles at them.  "I'm glad it was good news today."

The doctors smile at us both in confirmation that they agree before standing up, straightening their scrubs and leaving the room.

I turn to Camila, my hand stop wrapped in hers.  "This is amazing baby, look at how far you have come!" I coo at her.

"I know Shawn, I'm just nervous that it could all change for the worse and we have to push off being together, together for more time" she sighs.

"Honey you can't think like that.  You have to look at this as a challenge you're ready to meet head on.  I know you.  You're the strongest woman I know.  You just need to get out of your head for a little bit and refocus" I say. 

"And I know just the thing to help you do that" I wink at her, nudging her to stand up so we can leave the room.

"You do?  But Shawn... we can't!"

"I'm not talking about that sweetheart" I chuckle as we walk out of the meeting room.  "Let's go grab some things from the room and then I'll get the car."

Camila looks at me confused before shrugging and just going with it.  Her hand tightens around mine as she plants a kiss on my cheek.

"I love you Shawn" she says.

"I love you too Camila" I say back as I kiss her temple.  "Now let's go on an adventure" to which she squeals in excitement before we head back to our room and get ready.