Through It All

Chapter 5: This isn't suppose to happen

I let the scent of lavender engulf me making countless memories invade my mind. I tighten my hold on the brunette, not wanting to let go and wanting to stay close to her. I missed my Riles.

I haven't seen her in a while. She's been busy with school and I've been busy with a sick one month old. But now that she's here I am going to make the most of my time with her.

"God I've missed you," I mutter against her shoulder.

"I missed you more," she whispers back.

I roll my eyes and pull away slightly, just enough to look at her. "You've changed." Her hair looked fuller and held more natural curls than they originally did. Her lips more plump than usual and she's just overall glowing.

Her eyes widen and she takes a large step back. "What do you mean?" I furrow my brows at her sudden actions, she's never been self conscious about how she looked with me before. "You look beautiful Riles," I chuckle and pull her back into my arms.

"Why are you acting so weird? Are you hiding something from me?" I laugh but the way her body becomes tense under my arms answers my playful question.

"Auntie Riley!" Really Noah? I was about to find out about a juicy secret your Auntie is hiding.

I'll figure it out later. I should actually take advantage of this day to relax and stay away from drama. Whatever Riley is hiding can wait for later, unless she really needs me. 

"Noah!" She squeals in return and scoops up the three year old in her arms. They fall into a conversation, mostly being Riley asking him questions to which he happily answers. My eyes shift away from the two and fall onto Josh slowly approaching us with our other baby in his arms. An involuntary smile pulls at my lips, my heart fluttering on it's own just at the sight of the love of my life.

"Hey niece."

Riley turns around, keeping Noah in her arms and her smile widens. "Uncle Josh, long time no see."

"And why is that?"

"College is kicking my butt."

"You're almost done, all you need is to power through it."

"I'm trying," she breathes out. "Oh my gosh is that Lynie?" She gasps when she notices the baby in Josh's arms. "Who else would it be?" Josh playfully teases making the brunette roll her eyes.

"She's bigger than the last time I saw her."

"Really?" I ask, "If you compare her to Alaina she's tiny."

"She's a little chunkier than when I last her."

"And still slightly sick so if you want to hold her wash your hands," Josh warns. It's been almost two weeks since I've had to bring her to the hospital in the middle of the night and she still hasn't properly recovered. We had to keep her away from practically everyone in hopes that she'd feel better soon. Once Noah got home from school we made sure to give him a bath before he even got remotely close to her, we couldn't risk him bringing in more germs that would make Lynie even more sick. Our family kept their distance for the passing days and Josh and I always made sure to wash our hands before touching her.

Her fever is gone and the only thing that's left for her to fight off is her cough. Even though she seemed better we knew she had a weak immune system and we couldn't risk her getting worst.

"Poor baby girl," Rileys coos, tightening her hold on Noah. "She's been through so much."

I nod with a sad smile, "She has."

"On a much happier note, are we ready to go?" Josh asks, changing the subject.

"I am," Riley grins. "What about you Noah? Are you all packed and ready to go?"