Derek

"There she is!!" I grinned, bending down and outstretching my arms.

Riley came flying down the hallway with a big smile on her face, launching herself into me. "Hi Derek."

Kate brought her by in hopes Camryn would be awake, but there was no such luck yet. I spent the entire night sitting at her side, watching the monitors intently and waiting for the slightest sign she was waking up. Cole assured me it was completely normal with the amount of sedative they'd given her, but I was anxious. I wouldn't be content until I saw those beautiful eyes staring back at me.

"Did you have a good time last night?" I asked, picking her up.

She nodded wildly. "Lily let me borrow her Frozen pajamas. Can I see my mommy now?"

Kate and I shared a glance. "Well, Ry, mommy is still sleeping."

"But I want to see her." Tears bubbled in Riley's eyes, all the happiness she had just had quickly vanished. "I want mommy."

"I know, Ry..." I rubbed her back. "But mommy is still resting, and she needs..."

Riley burst into tears, kicking and flailing her body around in my arms. "Put me down! I want mommy!"

I immediately panicked. Considering the last few days, it was completely understandable that she was acting this way, but I didn't know what to do. I couldn't imagine witnessing something like that at any age, let alone so young. Camryn was her entire world, and she was terrified of losing her. I hated the thought of her seeing her mom like this, though. Cam didn't look like herself right now and I didn't want Riley to be scared. This was complicated and the person who needed to be making these decisions was Cam. Cam wasn't available right now though, so I had to do my best to be there for Riley like she deserved.

"I have an idea." I set her down, wiping her tears away. "I think it would be okay if we went into mommy's room and we're very, very quiet. That way mommy can still sleep but you can see that she is okay. How does that sound?"

Riley was apprehensive at first, but she looked at Kate for reassurance. Kate gave her a big smile and nodded.

"Okay." she whispered.

I took Riley's hand and led her into the hospital room. Riley was cautious and stayed right next to me as we walked towards the bed. I watched as she looked at the different computer screens and then at her mom.

Her brow furrowed, and she put her little hands on the side of the bed. "Is she going to wake up soon?" She whispered.

"I hope so." I put my arm around her shoulders.

Riley bent down slightly and kissed Cam's hand. It broke my heart watching her. All I wanted was to see the two of them laughing and running through the backyard in Vancouver again. I wanted them to be safe and happy and far away from all the pain Robby had caused.

I started to lead Riley out of the room, and she glanced back over her shoulder one more time. "You're sure she's going to wake up?"

I gave her a soft smile. "Yes, Ry. Do you remember my brother Cole? He fixed all the places mommy was hurt and he's making her feel better. When she's ready, she's going to wake up and she'll be so happy to see you."

A smile pulled at her lips. "I can't wait to see her."

"Me too." I gave her a tight hug.

"What do you say we go to the park for a little while, Riley? I bet Derek will call us the second your mommy wakes up." Kate suggested, offering her hand to Riley.

"Promise?" Riley asked.

"I promise." I kissed her cheek. "You go have some fun at the park and as soon as she wakes up, you can come back."

She wrapped her arms around my neck and squeezed as hard as she could. "Bye Derek."

"Bye sweet girl."

After Riley left, I resumed my position next to Cam's bed, ready to spend the afternoon doing the exact same thing I'd done since we got here yesterday. I settled into the chair and was about to fall asleep when I heard her wrestling a little bit.

I bolted up, staring at her intently. She was still so for a second I thought I was imagining things. But all of a sudden, her lips opened, and she moaned softly.

"Mmm." She shifted her weight on the bed.

I grabbed her hand, pressing my lips to it. "Cam."

Her eyes fluttered for a second, and then they blinked open.

She stared at me for a minute, trying to get her bearings.

"You're okay." Was the first thing she said.

I couldn't help but laugh. "I was just about to say the same thing about you."

"Where am I?" She looked around the room. She tried to sit up slightly, but she didn't have much strength.

"The hospital. We brought you here after..."

She frowned, memories flooding her mind.

"Robby." She whispered.

I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat.

"How did you find us?"

"The computer I gave Riley. She remembered how to call me."

Her eyes widened. "Really?"

"She saved you."

"Well, you and her." Cam smiled. "Where is she?"

"My sister-in-law took her home so that she didn't need to sleep here. She's been having a blast with my nieces."

"And she's okay?"

I nodded. "She's perfect. She's a little shaken up, but she'll be just fine once she gets to see you. How are you feeling?"

"Okay." She winced. "I'm really sore. Everything hurts, but I don't really remember what all happened."

"Maybe that's a blessing." I bent down and kissed her forehead. "It's so good to hear your voice."

"I didn't think I was ever going to see you again. I thought he'd done something to you." Tears welled up in her eyes as she looked at my own beat up face.

"He's never going to hurt anyone ever again, Cam. I swear."

"Is he..."

"I killed him."

Cam bit her lip, absorbing my words. I could see the conflict in her eyes. My mind went to what Cole had said earlier, about the things Robby had done to her that he wouldn't tell me about. It would take a while to come to terms with everything that had gone on, but we'd work through it together.

"So since we're in the hospital, I guess that means people know we're alive." She was uneasy.

"Yes." This was really the first time I had thought about it. The detective had said he'd need my statement eventually, but there hadn't been any other discussion. I hadn't turned on the TV or been on my phone hardly at all so I had no idea what was being reported. "I don't know what's out there right now, but I'll make sure the truth gets out and you don't have to worry about it any longer."

Cam started to cry, and I climbed into the bed next to her, wrapping my arms around her. "Hey, it's okay, baby. Everything is going to be okay."

"I know." She nodded. "I just... I can't believe it's finally over. All of it."

I kissed her gently. "It is. And now we can move on with our lives and leave all of this bullshit behind us."

There was a knock at the door and Cole came in. "I thought I heard voices." He smiled. "Welcome back, Cam."

"Hi." She smiled, straightening up a bit.

"How are you feeling?"

"I'm okay. I feel tired and weak, but not too much pain."

"Well, considering the shape you were in when we brought you in, that's fantastic." Cole said. "Derek, you think you could give us a few minutes so I can do an exam and go over some things with Camryn?"

I glanced at her to be sure she'd be okay. Cam nodded, and I stood up. "I'll be right outside if you need me."

"Can you get Riley?" Cam asked. "I need to see her."

"Of course, babe." I smiled, kissing her one more time.

I left the two of them in the room so Cole could talk with her and called Kate. Riley would be here soon.

While I waited, I headed down to the cafeteria to get a cup of coffee. I didn't remember the last time I'd had anything to eat or drink. While I was there, I saw a news report flash on the screen with a picture of Riley and Camryn.

"In a shocking turn of events, Camryn and Riley Hastings have been found alive. Robby Hastings was accused of killing his wife and daughter, but the pair were found yesterday at the residence of his parents. It is believed that after years of abuse, Camryn tried to leave with their daughter. Robby kidnapped the two of them once he was released from jail. After an anonymous tip, they were found, and Camryn was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. It is unknown what her current state is. Robby Hastings was found dead at the scene and Senator Hastings and his wife were arrested earlier today for their involvement."

I couldn't help but smile. It was nice to finally have everything out in the open, and for people to know what a monster Robby really was. Cam and Riley could live their lives normally now, without having to look over their shoulders every second. They were both so incredible and I was so privileged to be a part of their lives.

***If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence of any kind, please reach out to someone in your community. In the US, that number is 1-800-799-7233**