Saving Riley

63

James' POV

It's been a week, a week of sitting with Riley in the hospital with no intention of leaving her side. I had to leave for 20 minutes to shower a couple time but besides that, my butt has been in that seat with no movement in sight
Paula and John returned to Toronto a few days ago to fill everyone in on how Riley was doing 
John was also doing a huge favour for me that I hope will be ready by the time Riley and I get back to Toronto tonight
"Awh I'm so glad to hear Miss Riley is leaving us!" Laura said coming in. She's been one of Riley's main nurses through her stay and after hearing the good news of the discharge she came straight here to see us
"Thankyou for everything you've done while I've been here" Riley said smiling at her as she got dressed
"Now Misses, I'm telling you now, don't you go overdoing it. The doctor may have cleared you to dance but I don't want to hear you've ended up back in hospital again" She said warning Riley making both of us chuckle
"The doctor may have given me the all clear, but I haven't" I replied making Riley roll her eyes
"I know with James by your side I have nothing to worry about" Laura smiled
She has truly been one of the best Nurses I think any of us could have asked for
Laura always managed to change the dressings with almost no pain to Riley which we both appreciated
"Now when you all come back in town, be sure to pop in and say hello" She smiled as we finally grabbed our stuff
We knew we would have to come back shortly for the Trial against Lucas. But for now, we needed to get Riley home and rested

It's crazy to think neither of us has seen outside this hospital in over a week. I never wanted to leave her side and the Doctors didn't want Riley traveling to far in case it spiked the infection
"Oh Riley" Dr Myers said as we got to the front desk
"I'm so happy with how you've healed but please, if anything feels off. Speak to someone because we don't want any further problems" he answered and Riley nodded
"I'll keep an eye on her" I replied making him smile
"See you two" He finished with a wave.
We were on our way. We were heading home 

--

Now when I started this project a mere 7 days ago, I never in a million years thought I would be able to pull it together this fast in my entire life. 
I've never been one who was good at planning, or following through with the first plan but with the help of Riley's parents.. I've managed to pull it off and I couldn't be happier
I can see where Riley gets her planning side from, why she likes knowing what's happening, why she overthinks all the possibilities
This whole experience has given me a whole new look on Riley as a whole not just her quirks

"This isn't the way to the flat"  Riley said looking out the window of the passenger seat
"I know" I chuckled taking her hand in mine as we continued drive
"Where are we going?" She asked confused
"you're cute, you know that?" I asked and she rolled her eyes
"Surprise, got it" She nodded making me chuckle

In all the time I've know Riley, this most certainly will be the biggest surprise that she has ever gotten from anyone. And I cannot wait to see her face 

We pulled into a new build estate and my eyes were falling in love with all of the houses we passed, each one so similar to the last but also so different in the best kind of way
One thing I know about Riley is, she doesn't need something flashy, she would much prefer a small house with character then a mansion with a hundred empty rooms
She's always wanted a place she could settle into, settle down and start her family
I've known Riley long enough to know all her plans for her future and the qualities needed for a place to feel like Home to her
I hope to god I've hit the nail on the head

We finally pulled into the drive way of a new house, I smiled looking at it. It was as perfect as the pictures had shown me. I sent John on the mission of decorating it with things he knew Ri would like so that when we got here, it would be the perfect place to stay forever
"James what is this" Riley asked getting out the car. I took the keys from the secret place John and I had decided on before going over to lean on the hood of the car as Riley looked up at the house

"What are we doing here?" Riley asked coming over to me 
"What do you think we are doing here?" I asked and she shrugged
"Who are we visiting?" She asked and I shook my head
"no-one Ri" I replied taking her hand guiding her up the steps to the front door
With a quick flick of the key I unlocked the door allowing Riley to walk in
As soon as she was inside her eyes lit up like a kid on Christmas morning
"Welcome home Babe" I smiled making her turn around to look at me
"Don't play with me right now James" She said looking at me in disbelief
"I promise you, this place is ours" I smiled making her scoff before running into my arms allowing me to pick her up and spin her around
"Welcome home Ri" I replied and she giggled
"Shut up and Kiss me" She said before crashing our lips together