Riley was in the hospital for a week before they released her. Every day I dropped the kids off at school, went to work early so I could leave early, spent the late afternoon/evening with Riley, and then pick up the kids and spend the night with them. When Riley finally came out, she joined us at my apartment. I wouldn't let her go anywhere else. I was able to contact a good friend of mine who is an amazing lawyer and is going to help Riley divorce that monster. Thankfully, neither Riley or the kids had heard from him since he put her in the hospital. I swear the second he tries anything I will see red.

Anyways, right now we are all sitting in the living room watching Inside Out. Maya's on my right side, head on my lap, Riley is sitting on my left side, my arm around her shoulder, and Michael is sitting in front of Riley and I, on the floor, between our two legs. As I take in this moment I realize this is how I wanna spend my nights, every night. Michael and Maya are basically like my kids and I have seen Riley as my wife since the first day I met her. Although we aren't perfect, this is my family and I couldn't be any happier.

X

"Lucas, you really didn't have to come with me. We're just meeting with the mediator and everything will go well," Riley told me as we entered the parking lot.

"I know babe, I just wanna be there to support you," I smiled at her.

"I don't think your presence will be appreciated by Charlie."

The smile on my face instantly changes into a scowl, "Well the feeling is mutual. He should be happy that I haven't pounded his face for what he did to you. I still do not understand why you didn't press charges."

Riley sighs, "Because Lucas, I will not put my children's father in jail. Whether we like it or not Charlie is their father and I hope he continues to be a father in their lives."

I kiss her temple, "You are the most selfless person I know."

Riley giggles nervously, "I'm glad you're here. This is the first time I'll be seeing Charlie since...I don't really know how I'll react."

"That's normal, honey. He did a horrible thing to you. You take all the time you need. You don't even have to look at him. Just look at me the whole time. You're gonna get through this and I will be by your side supporting you. Anything you need I have your back," I smile at her, hoping my words give her some sort of reassurance. I have no idea how I will react when I see Charlie. I don't even know the man, but after seeing the pain he put Riley through I already despise him. I need Riley as much as she needs me. Without her by my side, I know I will beat the living daylights out of him.

"Thank you, Luke, I don't know what I did to deserve you."

I lean in and give her a reassuring kiss, "I ask myself the same thing every day."

X

The room that we were assigned to looked like a typical meeting room. There was a long table in the middle of the room surrounded by chairs. Riley's lawyer, Robert, was already seated looking through papers. There was another man in a suit sitting across from Robert who was also looking through papers as well. So that's Charlie's lawyer, now where is Charlie?

Riley took a seat right next to Robert and I sat next to Riley. Just being beside her I could feel her worry. I grab her hand and give it a reassuring squeeze. She gives me a small smile and continues to look down.

The mediator then comes in. He's a short guy, kind of on the chubby side, with a cold hard stare. This guy better not be an ass. "Alright let's get this show over with, shall we? Is everybody here?"

Charlie's representative speaks up, "Mr. Gardner could not join us today, but he has left everything in order with me, so it should not be a problem."

"I guess that is alright. Let's begin."

The meeting was pretty uneventful thus far. Mostly the lawyers have been going back and forth about what Riley gets to keep and what Charlie gets to keep. So far everything seems to be evenly split. The biggest lost was that Riley didn't get the house, but since she didn't want to argue she let it slide. Not like she would want to live in a house with so many terrible memories. Besides, she has a home with me. That's what matters. Riley and I held hands throughout the whole meeting. I wasn't going to let her go by any means. I would glance at her throughout the meeting and as the meeting went along her nerves subsided. Everything was going smoothly.

That was until, "The last thing to discuss is custody of the children," the mediator announced.

"Mr. Gardner has requested full custody of the children."

Riley's eyes basically jumped out of her face, "W-what?"

"And what was Mr. Gardner's reason for choosing full custody instead of sharing?" the mediator asked.

"Well, he believes that Riley is an unfit mother. While her kids were at their grandmother's, she was sleeping around with her lover."

I stood up, "You will not speak to Riley like that."

Charlie's lawyer held his hands up in defense, "Charlie's words not mine."

"Is this true Mrs. Gardner?"

Riley was squeezing her fingernails into her palm, trying to keep the tears in her eyes from falling, "Yes."

Robert quickly came to her defense, "Riley had already asked Charlie for the divorce by this time."

"But that does not excuse her infidelity," the mediator replied.

My blood is boiling, I am not going to let this man take away Riley's reason for living, "But that does not excuse Charlie beating his wife. And after he put her in the hospital he didn't take his children home. They ended up on my doorsteps. So if there is an unfit parent here, it's him." I could feel Riley's eyes of disappointment after my outburst. She may be mad at me now, but she won't when be when she has full custody of the kids.

The mediator was caught completely off guard, I guess he hadn't had known, "Is this true Mrs. Gardner?"

Riley turns her attention back to the mediator, "Y-yes," she whispers softly.

"Well, that changes everything. Based on this new information, I cannot give Charlie Gardner full custody of his children. I will grant him shared custody, but the children must live with Riley Matthews-Gardner. Since Charlie isn't here, he has 48 hours to agree or disagree to these terms. See you in two days," with that the mediator walked out.

Robert turns to Riley, "I know you didn't want to bring up the hospital visit, but with this information, there is no way your kids will be taken away from you."

"I understand. Thank you," Riley then looked back me with a sadden look and walked out of the room.

I thank Robert for being so helpful and make my way out of the meeting room. I hate that Riley is upset at me, but I know I did the right thing. I wasn't going to let that bastard take away our kids. Hopefully, Riley will understand.

X

The ride home was quiet. Riley just stared out the window, never giving me a glance. The radio played softly filling the silence with something. I kept shifting my gaze from the road to Riley. I felt bad about my sudden outburst, but I don't regret because I know Riley would be devastated without her kids. Once we got to the apartment, we stayed in the car, waiting for the other to make a move.

Right when I was about to speak, Riley interrupted, "I didn't want anyone knowing about Charlie. And now I realize it wasn't for the kid's sake, it was for my own. I didn't want to appear weak to anyone. So when you told everyone the information I didn't want out there, I was ashamed and pissed off. It felt like you put me in the same position Charlie did that night," my eyes drop. I never would want Riley to feel that way. "But ultimately, you made the right decision. Because of you I get to keep my kids. Thank you, Lucas. I love you and I'm glad we get to keep our family," she smiled at me. My eyes fill with joy when she says 'our family'.

"I'm sorry Riley for making you feel so vulnerable," I saw her mouth open and I shut her down quickly, "My turn to speak. I never want you to feel that way because of me. I will work so hard for the rest of my life to make sure you don't feel that way ever again. I love you too Riley, and I would do anything for you and our kids," I smile proudly.

Riley's grinning ear to ear and she leans in and brushes her lips against mine. I pull her closer to me and put all my feelings into the kiss. The love, the lust, the passion, everything I feel for this woman in front of me. I feel Riley returning my feelings as the kiss deepens. It's as though our souls are connecting and finally becoming one. This kiss is the start of our new life, the start of our life as partners.

X

The next couple of weeks went without any problems. We met with the mediator two days later and Charlie had signed the proper paperwork. Riley was officially divorced, with her children and me by her side. While Charlie was at work, we stopped by their old home and gathered all the belongings of the children. Riley refused to take anything because it brought back many bad memories. At the end, Riley left her key on the counter and never looked back. This was the extra step that Riley needed to finally let go of her failed marriage. I know it pains Riley that her marriage didn't work out and I know sometimes she blames herself. I try to remind her that none of it is her fault, but sometimes it isn't enough. Some days are harder than others, but Riley is finally starting to genuinely smile. It's the type of smile that is contagious and makes others around her smile. She is so beautiful and I hope one day I can show her that.

Tonight I decided that we should all go out to eat. It had been smooth sailing since the divorce went through and I wanted to celebrate. Plus, I wanted an excuse to show off to my new family. So I made sure the kids got dressed up, Maya in a pretty pink dress and Michael in some nice jeans and a pink polo shirt to match his sister. Ironically, it was harder to get Riley to dress up then the kids.

"I don't see the point of dressing up if all we're doing is going out to eat," Riley whined.

"It's for fun, Riles. When was the last time you dressed up?" The pause that Riley took was an answer for me, "Too long. Now come on, I wanna see you in your best clothes."

"And why is that?"

I step towards her, place my hands on her shoulders and whispering in her ear, "So I can rip them off the moment we get back."

Riley purred against the sound of my voice, "I like that sound of that. I'll be ready in 30 minutes."

X

Dinner went smoothly. The kids were so happy to be going out the house. I believe they were also glad to see their mother happy. Riley was drop dead gorgeous. She wore a little black dress that flared out at her knees. Her hair was up in a bun to reveal the open back of the dress, showing off her ivory skin. She paired her outfit with silver accessories and silver heels. Her makeup was very light, but I could see hints of silver that she put on her eyelids. Riley always looks beautiful, but when she feels beautiful, she radiates.

After dinner, we made our way back to the apartment, but not before the kids begged for ice cream. Riley didn't want to give in, but I'm a sucker so I convinced Riley to let the kids have some ice cream. Those kids, they have me wrapped around their finger, just like Riley.

After a quick ice cream stop, we made it back to the apartment to find our home trashed. The picture frames that Riley had brought from Charlie's were broken, there were papers everywhere, the lamps were thrown to the ground and the couch cushions were everywhere. I could feel the fear start to climb into the kids and Riley. I tell them to stay at the doorway as I check the other rooms. As I am walking around, there is damage everywhere it will take weeks to get everything back to the way it was.

Suddenly, I hear a crash in Riley and I's room so I rush into the room ready to handle the criminal who disrupted my family's home. The room is being completely totaled by this lunatic. He's thrown the pictures off the walls, broke the mirror, and is currently destroying Riley and I's bed. Without making a sound, I make my way towards my closet and pull out my baseball bat. "Stop where you are and no one will get hurt," I yelled at him to let him know of my presence.

The man stops what he's doing, slowly turns around, and puts his hands in the air. As I take a closer look at him there's something familiar about him, I just cannot put my finger on. His short cut brunette hair, bright blue eyes, medium-sized build. He looks straight into my eyes, staring me down. "So you are the man that has Riley's heart?"

His stare was like ice trying to pierce my skin, his tone of voice harsh, the moment he uttered those words I knew exactly who he was, "Charlie."

"You're the reason Riley left me,"

"No Charlie, you are the reason Riley left you. And she is the reason why I haven't given you the beating you deserve for touching her like that."

"She's MY wife-"

"Ex-wife."

"I can do whatever the hell I please," he continued, "Now I am taking my children and Riley with me and there's nothing you can do to stop me!" Charlie took a step closer to me, but he swayed a bit before he got his footing.

"Are you drunk?"

"Lucas is everything alright?" Riley cried out from the other room.

"Everything is fine. Call the police, I have the thief," I yelled in response. I look back at Charlie and challenge his glare, "You stole Riley's happiness once Charlie. She just got it back and I am not letting you take that away from her."

"I don't think that's up to you, Lucas. Riley loves me. She's only scared right now, but I am going to prove to her that I am still the man she loves."

"You're delusional. Maybe at one point Riley loved you, but she doesn't anymore. She realized she deserved someone who makes her happy. I am that for her. I would do anything for her. How about you, Charlie? What would you do for her?"

Charlie's eyes grew wide, looking at something behind me. As I turn around I see Riley standing in shock. "What are you doing here, Charlie?"

"I came to get you and the kids. Wow. You look stunning Ri Ri."

"DON'T CALL ME THAT!" Riley exploded. Charlie tried to take a step towards her, but I stopped him. I wasn't going to let him cause Riley any more pain. "You have no right coming here and calling me that. Do you have any idea how scared the kids are right now? You never think about them! You don't understand how all this affects them or me. You are so selfish! I don't know what I ever saw in you. The cops are coming now Charlie. And after this, I will order a restraining order. I don't care anymore! I wanted you to be in the lives of our children, but they deserve a better father than you. A father like Lucas."

As Riley was lecturing Charlie, I was studying him. I could see rage boiling inside of him with every jab Riley hit him with. He's going to explode soon and I will be ready. At the end of Riley's words, I was beaming. She deemed me a good enough man to be the father of her children. I looked back at her, happiness exuding off me.

I shouldn't have taken my eyes off Charlie. In less than a second, he had somehow past me and pinned Riley to the wall. He spoke very softly, I could barely hear him, "You don't mean any of that Ri Ri, we're meant to be." He pushes himself on her and tries to steal a kiss. My reflexes finally kicked in and I grabbed Charlie from behind and threw him onto the ground. Then I hold both his arms behind his back and keep my knee on him so he can't get out of my grasp.

"You will never touch Riley like that again you got it? You are lucky Riley is here because if not I would beat the shit out of you like the nothing you are."

Suddenly, I felt Charlie shaking beneath me. I tighten my grip thinking he's trying to escape, but then I realize he's crying. Sobbing, actually. I loosen my grip a bit, but none of it matter once the cops came in. Once they had Charlie, I made my way to Riley. I brought her into my chest and the events of tonight became overbearing. She started sobbing into my chest and I tried calming her down, holding her tight and running my fingers through her hair.

X

After the police took Charlie away and Riley had calmed down, I decided it would be best if we took the kids to a hotel and stay the night. A lot had happened tonight and we don't need to stay in that apartment to remind us.

As I was helping the kids get ready for bed, I realized Riley was sitting on the other side of the room, consumed with thoughts. Once the kids were ready, I made my way to Riley, "Hey sweetie," I said while kissing her temple, "It's time to put the kids to bed."

Riley looks up at me and I can see the tear brimming in her eyes, "Lucas," she took a breath before she continued, "if you want to leave I understand. After tonight you can go back to the normal life you had before you met me. I don't want you to be burdened by all the baggage I carry, so I'm giving you permission to leave."

Hearing her words I realized how broken this situation made Riley. She believed she wasn't good enough to have me or happiness. I got down on one knee and pulled out the box that has been burning in my pocket for the last week.

Riley's eyes widen as she saw me take my position. "So I have had this for a while now, trying to plan my perfect moment. This," I gesture to my surroundings, "is not how I imagined asking you, but this is the perfect moment to prove to my love. Riley, I am willing to do anything for you. I love you and your kids so much.," I could feel the stares from the kids behind as they are trying to listen but not interfere, "I could not go back to my 'normal' life because you guys are my life. I would never leave you, Riley. And I want to make it official, now, after everything that has happened. I want to prove to you that no matter what I will be by your side," Maya and Michael had gotten up from their beds and are now right behind me, "Riley Matthews," I open the box showing her the ring inside, "will you marry me?"

The tears in Riley's eyes had escaped as she looked between me and the ring. The smile on her face grew wider when Maya interrupted the moment, "Just say yes already Mommy!"

She giggled, looking over at her exasperated daughter and then looked at me, "Yes."

Hearing that one word brought me all the happiness I could have ever wanted. Riley Matthews is finally going to be my wife. I pick her up and kiss her, keeping in mind the kids are here. After the kiss, Michael and Maya both hugged me, telling me how happy they were. "Group hug everyone!" I scream out. After some giggles from both Maya and Riley, we ended my proposal with my family in my arms. No moment would have been more perfect than this.

A/N: So I wasn't planning on making a second part to this, but after the reviews, I decided to make one and this is what I came up with. I really enjoyed writing this story and I hope you enjoy the second part. Thank you all so much!