Her Heart

Chapter 45

Sofia's POV

"You sure you're not pushing it too hard sunshine?" I ask Carter as we're walking her into Riley's house.

Carter scoffs, rolling her eyes at me. "I'm fine, Sof. They wouldn't have let me out if I wasn't ready." She winces slightly as she adjusts her weight, but her stubbornness refuses to admit it.

I glance over at Riley, who's hovering close by, ready to step in if Carter falters. Riley catches my eye and gives me a small nod, clearly as worried as I am but trying to respect Carter's independence.

"Fine," I say, letting out a small breath. "But if you start feeling lightheaded or anything, you're sitting down. No arguments."

Carter snorts softly, her lips quirking into a smirk. "You're starting to sound like Olivia."

Olivia gasps, "What does that supposed to mean?"

Carter chuckles, the sound soft but full of mischief. "It means you're a control freak, Liv."

Olivia crosses her arms, mock offense written all over her face as she stands in the doorway. "I'm not a control freak, I'm just... thorough."

I snort, unable to help myself. "Yeah, okay baby. 'Thorough' is definitely the word I'd use."

Riley grins, shaking her head as she helps Carter settle onto the couch. "You're all stubborn, that's what this is."

Carter leans back into the cushions, her face relaxing for the first time since we left the hospital. "Maybe, but I think it's a good thing. You need a little stubbornness to survive around here."

Riley laughs as she settles into a chair across from us, her eyes never leaving Carter. There's a tenderness in the way she looks at her, one that makes my heart warm. After everything that happened, seeing them both here, together, feels like a small miracle.

I know Carter is gonna have a hard time getting back to full health. One because the heart she got was Riley's uncle and she's worried she's gonna end up like him and two because she's stubborn so she won't rest.

I'm sure Riley will help her along the way though.

"Well if you guys don't need our help Liv and I have to get going."

Carter looks up from where she's lounging on the couch, raising an eyebrow at me. "Going where?"

I shrug, trying to play it casual. "You know, just some errands." Olivia's eyes flicker to mine, she knows I'm trying to dodge the real reason we're leaving, but she doesn't call me out on it.

Riley catches on and raises an eyebrow. "Errands?"

Olivia steps in, quickly changing the subject. "We'll be back later. You just focus on getting some rest, okay?"

Carter narrows her eyes at Olivia, clearly suspicious but too tired to argue. "Fine, but don't be gone too long. I'll need backup when Ry starts acting like my personal nurse."

Riley scoffs, but there's a fondness in her eyes. "I'm just making sure you don't overdo it. You're stuck with me whether you like it or not."

Carter smiles softly, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

I grab my keys, glancing over at Olivia. "Ready?"

"Always," she replies, leaning down to kiss Carter on the forehead. "Behave."

Carter rolls her eyes but smiles up at Olivia. "No promises."

We make our way to the door, but before we step outside, I glance back at the two of them—Carter resting on the couch, Riley sitting close, their fingers brushing lightly. It's a beautiful picture.