Notorious Hope

40. Welcome to the World

Northside Hospital-1:00pm

''He's so beautiful, I can't believe he's mine''

She lies her cheek on her palm. Admiring her boyfriend as her son rests in his arms. Leaning across her bed and caressing his cheek. Her son looks like he could be Josh's twin. Dark brunette hair, faint freckles, big ole' lips and the bluest eyes she's ever seen.

''Hi little baby...''

The brunette's heart warms as she watches her family enter the room. 

''He's so beautiful sweetheart. Do you have a name yet?''

Lucas removes the baby from his arms and into Elliot's. Walking back over towards the tiresome brunette. Kissing the temple of his sister's head, he takes his nephew into his arms.

''You wanna tell them?''

He ushers the brunette towards her family.

''We have decided on the name, Alexander Gabriel Jones.''

After her twin's near-death experience at birth, it's only fitting that they name her baby boy after Josh.

''You named him after me?''

She affectionately squeezes her twin's hand, giving it a squeeze.

''Of course, I did. You're my best friend in the entire world, how could I not?'

FP' taps Lucas on the shoulder, grabbing his attention. Although he's initially hesitant to leave Riley, he knows she's in good hands with her brothers and Dad.

''I brought you out here because I just wanted to thank you, Lucas. For taking such good care of my daughter through everything. I just hope that this'll continue because I'd hate to see her heartbroken again.''

Lucas feels as if he's played the overprotective family routine a thousand times. After everything, the couple has been through he knows that they're only looking out for her. 

''Of course, Sir. I'd never want to do anything to make you think any differently of me. I promise that I'm gonna take care of your daughter.''

Her heart soars at the love that this boy shows her daughter every day.

''Thank you, Lucas. But just remember that if I do find my daughter bawling her eyes out because of you, I'll make sure you never see the light of day. Do you understand me?''

The Texan furiously nods as FP scares the living daylights out of him. FP fiddles around in his jacket, pulling out a velvet box. Lucas's heart beats rapidly at the sight. He never thought he'd ever fall in love. Not after his parents' example of marriage. 

But then he met Riley and he can't ever think of her not being around. He knows she's somebody he could happily spend forever with.

''This, was the wedding ring that I gave Gladys. As a little girl, Riley would always talk about having a ring from her Prince Charming one day and living happily ever after. Back then I thought it was a sweet sentiment but I also knew that someday she would get married. When I met you and saw the way you and Riley looked at one and other, I knew you were going to be somebody important in her life.''

Twirling the box in his hands, FP opens the box to reveal 4-carat silver band. A simplistic diamond engraved within the ring. Lucas admires the ring as he can't help but think of Riley.

''Now, you don't have to use this as an engagement ring, but, if you do, you have my blessing.''

 The two embrace before she hands Lucas the box which he places in his back pocket.

''Okay, thank you, FP''

The two reenter Riley's room as they walk in on an intimate moment between herself and Alexander. The young mother, brushing her fingertip gently across her son's cheek, kissing his forehead ever so gently.

''Hey, do you wanna hold him?''

Riley scoots aside to allow room for Lucas to sit. Handing Alex over to Lucas.

''Hey Buddy...I'm so scared I'm gonna hurt him.''

Riley kisses her boyfriend's cheek softly. 

''It'll be alright, Luke. I know you won't hurt him.''

 Resting her chin on his shoulder as they both loving glance down at Alex. As Riley lovingly glances at her son, it's as if the world melts away and it's just him and her. 

''I love you, Ri''

Grinning up at her boyfriend, leaning in for a kiss. 

''I love you too, Luke''

As Lucas gazes at Riley and Alex, the ring takes centre stage in his mind. 

He knows what he needs to do