A/N: I'm back with the sequel! Thanks to all those who asked about it. Nolan's not really in this chapter – he didn't fit into the flow, but I'm not ignoring him. Haha. Please enjoy and review.
Nick Stokes stood in the waiting area of McCarran Airport like he had over two years ago, when he'd first waited for his oldest daughter to work her way through the crowds and into his life. The scene was similar – wary travelers shuffling by, trying to go about their ways. Some lived here, some were just passing through, and yet more were here to play the slots and try their luck in sin city.
This time was different, however, and much less nerve-wrecking. Soon to be sixteen year old Riley had traveled back to Tucson for her spring break to go visit her maternal grandparents, her best friend Allison, and droves of others from what he had heard. She had been so excited to get the invitation from her grandmother back in January. She'd begged him to let her go, and how could he say no? How could he say no to letting her visit the only people she'd known the first thirteen years of her life? Nick recalled with a warm smile how she'd hugged him so tight and screeched into his ear thankfully when he handed her the plane ticket. He had been her hero – like he'd missed out on so many times with her as a young child.
But now he, Sara, Carly, and Nolan were her world, and she loved it. He got to be her hero, but also her worst enemy when she acted up. Being her father was the most rewarding, stressful, wonderful thing he'd experienced in his life, along with being a daddy to Carly and Nolan. And Sara was just as amazing as ever. Once they'd gotten over their rough patch of the first few months of Riley living with them, they'd begun to all really bond. It built character for them all, to accept this teenager into their lives. Nick had sure learned a lot, and had learned about things he never though possible, like how downright exciting it could be to blend two types of nail polish to make a new one, the difference between myspace and facebook, and the taste of Jolt soda. Mindless, but priceless things like that were important to Riley, so they were semi-important to him. It was fun to have a teenager in the house. They were certainly strange creatures, but Nick sure loved his teen. He wanted to kill her sometimes, of course, but he couldn't imagine his life without her now. The last week had driven him nuts, wondering what she was up to and who she was with. How would he ever handle sending her to college?
Finally, he caught a glimpse of a brunette head, the hair pulled back in a messy bun as the eyes attached to it studied her cell phone closely, checking for missed messages while she had been on the plane. She was in a world of her own, as other travelers had to step around that slow moving daughter of his. No one could rush her, he'd learned. He observed that she sent a text message by the way her thumbs were moving hastily, and the grin on her face. It just better not be a boy. Riley finally snapped her phone shut and surveyed the space around her. Within moments, her eyes fell on the familiar, reassuring sight of her father.
She picked up her pace a little, a grin plastered on her face, and within moments she had crashed into his arms.
"Daddy!!" She exclaimed as he rocked her back and forth. Nick beamed from ear to ear as he hugged her tightly. He could never tire of hearing her use that word. Especially when it was sometimes replaced with asshole or jerk. Soon after she'd confessed to him what her stepfather had done to her, she'd asked permission to call him Dad, and Nick of course agreed. Every time she called him Dad, even now after two years, it felt like a gift to hear.
"Hey, sweetheart." He greeted her back, kissing her cheek. Nick pulled back to look at her, not believing how much she'd changed in the two short years he'd known her. "I missed you so much."
"I missed you too." She smiled back at him. There were days when Nick never thought she'd smile at him again, but she still loved him. The fifteen year old then held out her wrist to him. "Look what grandma gave me!"
Nick touched her arm gently as he examined the new bracelet she'd received while in Tucson. "That's beautiful." He complimented her. "You're much prettier though." Nick told her, knowing it would earn him an eye roll. Predictably, she did and gave him a bit of a push so they could start walking towards baggage claim.
"Daaaad, please." She grumbled as they walked. Her cell phone sounded a few moments later, letting out her text message cue, singing ahh, derka, derka, derka. Nick laughed out loud and looked at Riley as she flipped her cell phone open, smiling.
"What the hell was that sound?"
"It's from Team America." She explained as she checked her new message, causing her to laugh herself. It was Allison, checking in on her.
"And when did you see that, young lady?" He teased in a mock-stern voice. Nick was still quite overprotective, especially since she'd gotten her learner's permit. He tried to shield her from vulgar movies, but alas, some things you just couldn't win. She'd be in college in three short years, and there's nothing he could do to stop her from watching these types of movies. Heck, in almost a year she'd be seventeen and able to get into R rated movies by herself. The little girl he'd never got to bring up was fast becoming a young woman.
"At Allison's." She smiled, typing a quick response.
"Hmmm. I see." They stepped onto an escalator to take them downstairs to the baggage claim. "And who's that you're talking to?"
"Allison." She said simply. It was amazing to Nick who involved in conversation they could be, but as soon as that phone went off, he took a back seat. He guessed it was part of being a father to a teenage girl.
Riley slapped it shut again, and tucked it into her back pocket, smiling up at her father again. She hugged him again. It was nice to get away for a week, but she wasn't ashamed to admit that she had missed him.
"I'm so glad you're back." Nick admitted, and then kissed her head. He patted her back as they reached the bottom of the escalator and stepped off.
"Me too. I kind of missed all the lights." She explained as they walked. "Did Carly get any home runs while I was gone?"
Nick smiled at the thought of his middle child. The seven year old had joined a softball team and absolutely loved it, but she was awful, he had to admit. She was a bit too much of a girly girl for it, and she'd only joined because two of her best friends did. It was adorable to watch her try, though. She refused to slide onto bases, because she didn't want to get dirty. Well, he still had hope with Nolan, anyway.
"Not quite." He smiled at her. "That might require a bit too much sweating for her liking."
Riley laughed. Her little sister was hilarious, and so sweet. She had really taken to her role as big sister in the last couple years. Not always setting a good example, but always nice. Nolan, who was now three, also adored both his older sisters. Riley was almost as much fun to play with as his daddy, and much sillier. Sometimes she even took him to the park to play.
Soon, they had picked up Riley's suitcase and Nick lugged it out to the Denali. He grunted a little as he lifted it up into the trunk. She had to have options, she'd told him, when he questioned her on why she was taking so much stuff.
"Do I get to drive?" Riley asked him excitedly as he closed the trunk. Nick sighed at her as he fumbled with the keys, finding the one that turned the ignition. He held them out for her to take, and she quickly snatched them up, making a theatrical, possessed noise. Nick cleared his throat as he watched her hop to the driver's side.
Nick climbed into the passenger's seat, which was becoming more and more familiar these days as Riley drove more and more. He'd never forget her first driving lesson he'd given her. He was normally so laid back, but he was as tense as he ever could remember. Nick didn't let her out of the abandoned parking lot where he'd taken her, though she begged him to. Now that he thought about it, she'd done a really good job, but he couldn't help but be frightened for his life driving with a creature that liked eating ranch dressing and sour cream on everything, and sprayed Easy Cheese directly into her mouth.
"Mental checklist." Nick reminded her, sitting in the passenger list, waiting for her to do their routine of safety checks. Riley rolled her eyes and smiled, but began. First, she adjusted the seat to her desired position, adjusted the rearview mirror, and checked the sideview.
"Seatbelt, please." She reminded her father. Nick always waited for her to remind him, which she never forgot to do. The fifteen year old clicked hers into place before turning around to make sure nothing was obstructing her view out the back window.
"I'm not getting out to check the tire pressure, or if anything's behind the wheels. If you think you're man enough to do it yourself, go ahead." She told him in jest. Riley and Nick had gotten to a very comfortable point in their relationship where they could joke around with each other, be silly, and sometimes take the piss out of each other. (A/N: I have a feeling that's a British phrase I can't get out of my vocabulary – it means basically make fun of; piss sounds better though I think)
"Everything looked fine to me. Good job." Nick praised her, rubbing his fingers under his chin in amusement. He really did get a kick out of his daughter sometimes. Riley had a good sense of humor, but it was that same sassiness that could sometimes get her in trouble.
Riley put the keys in the ignition and immediately reached for the radio dial. A little Brad Paisley predictably played over the radio, and Riley gave her father a disapproving look as she changed it to a top 40 station.
"Dad, Dad, Dad. You just never learn do you?" She sassed, shaking her head at him.
"Put a cork in it." Nick told her bluntly but still, of course, with humor. "I'll turn it off if I have to. And if that derka sound goes off, you better not try to answer it, or I'll rip up your permit myself."
Riley put the SUV in reverse and looked over her shoulder. "It's laminated, dork."
"Scissors!" Nick raised his voice slightly. "Imagine your precious permit cut into dozens of tiny pieces."
Riley kept her eyes on the ground of the parking garage as she shook her head. "I can't believe I'm related to you sometimes."
CSI CSI CSI CSI CSI
About half an hour later, Riley pulled into the Stokes family driveway, under a now darkened, starry sky. She had only given Nick one heart attack, when she almost pulled out on someone in her blind spot, but she'd recovered well. They walked towards the door, and Riley tossed him back the keys.
"Do you need to go change your pants?" She asked him, smirking.
"No, darlin'. But thanks so much for your concern." He answered as she reached the garage door that led to the dining room, and opened it.
"Riley!!" She was immediately bombarded by her two younger siblings, both elated to see her. They never wanted her to leave for an entire week ever again. How did they ever get through the boredom of everyday life without Riley to entertain them?
Nick smiled in appreciation of their relationship as Riley knelt down to hug them both. Carly and Nolan simply adored her, and she liked them as long as they weren't embarrassing her in front of her friends (which had happened of course). Being the youngest of seven, Nick knew how important it was to have good older siblings, and his two had a great one in Riley. Well, most of the time anyway.
"Look, Riley! I lost a tooth!" Carly pointed to the space between two of her top teeth proudly. Riley gasped theatrically and took her time to examine the amazing gape.
"That's amazing." Riley told her in a sincere voice that she seemed to be an expert on faking. Though it was really sweet that she did that on a regular basis to please Carly. "Did the tooth fairy come?"
Carly nodded. "Yeah! She gave me two dollars, and Mommy said she thought the tooth fairy went a little overboard."
The teenager laughed at that, knowing her father could go a little over the top with that sort of thing sometimes. He just liked to see Carly smile.
"Hmmm, I think she's spoiling the right person." Riley ruffled her hair.
"Yeah, Mommy made me put it in my piggy bank." She reported, her annoyance evident in her voice. Carly looked over at her mother with a bit of an evil eye as she walked into the room, having heard the commotion.
"Carly Nicole, is there something wrong with your eyes?" Nick immediately called her on the evil glare she was shooting at her mother.
Carly looked at her father, pursing and twisting her lips. "No, sir." She answered her softly. He nodded at her as Riley stood and ruffled her hair as she rushed over to her stepmother.
"Sara!" The two exchanged a warm embrace, and Nick thought it could compare to one given by some sorority sisters after a long, lonely summer break. Sara and Riley's relationship had blossomed, and they had more of an aunt/niece relationship. She loved Sara and valued her, though they didn't always see eye to eye. However, they were always quick to make up. Riley knew where she stood with her stepmother – she knew both Sara and Nick expected Riley to respect and listen to her. And if she ever forgot, which she sometimes did, Nick was always there to give her a little reminder.
They pulled back moments later, smiles on both their faces. It was strange – sometimes Nick thought that Riley looked an awfully lot like Sara. Maybe after living together for a couple years, they kind of picked up habits and nuances from each other.
"How was your trip?" Sara asked her eagerly, wanting to hear all about it. Riley had spoken of nothing more for months. Her heart had been set on it before Nick had even said yes.
"It was so great!" Riley started as they both walked over to the couch to sit down and talk. "I got to see all my friends from middle school, and my grandma, and my aunt and uncle."
Riley and Sara talked excitedly for over a half an hour, as she shared seemingly every moment of her trip – everything from a trip to an ice cream stand where she saw her old crush, to movies, to gossiping with the girls. Sara could tell that her stepdaughter had loved her visit, and that she did miss her old life. It sounded like she had some great friends and family in her life, except of course her mother and stepfather in particular.
As the conversation was winding down, and both were thinking of heading off to bed, Riley's text alert sounded, causing Sara to also giggle and inquire its meaning. Riley just loved that sound byte.
"Can I go over to Kelly's house?" Riley kept her eyes on the text message as she waited for what would hopefully be an affirmative answer. Sara looked at her watch. It was already nine thirty, and though it was a Saturday, Riley had had a long week, and she had a ton of homework to do tomorrow. Knowing Riley and her friends, they'd be up giggling until four a.m., and she didn't have time to catch up on sleep before school on Monday.
"I don't know, Ry. I don't think that's such a good idea." Sara told her honestly, letting out a yawn.
"Why not?" Riley whined a little bit, but not in an annoying way. Most of the time, she wanted an explanation for a 'no' answer. "It's Saturday night."
Sara yawned again as she picked up an empty glass from the coffee table and stood. "Yeah, but you've got tons of homework, and you'll sleep in 'til noon at Kelly's house."
"Well, it's not gonna take me twelve hours to do homework. Only a grueling three or four." She pointed out.
Sara gave her a look as she stretched her arms a bit. "Riley. You know what I mean. You'll be lazy all day, and then you won't be able to get to sleep until after midnight, and you won't be awake enough for school."
"But, Sara…"
"Riley, don't argue please." Nick's voice interrupted her complaining. It had been a half-hearted attempt and Sara wasn't always as firm sometimes in saying no. She wouldn't have back down, but it sounded like she was still going to be getting a lot of grief from their fifteen year old.
Sara walked to the kitchen with the glass and raised her eyebrows, smiling as she passed Nick. They'd tried to get her to join the debate team, but she wasn't having it.
Riley put on a pained face and looked up at her father as he walked over to her, like she was most wronged person in the world because she couldn't go to a sleepover.
"You know that look doesn't work with me." Nick reminded her, putting his hands on his hips.
Riley dropped it, but returned to her argument. "But Daddy, it's Saturday! Everyone's out doing stuff. Do you want me to be a loser?" She tried to guilt-trip him, though she knew it wouldn't work.
"No, I want you to get good grades and enough rest for school on Monday. Do I need to remind you I just paid quite a bit of money for that plane ticket of yours?"
Riley sighed, looking defeated.
"You've had plenty of fun this last week. And Monday's a busy day. You have your session with Dr. Allman too after school." He reminded her of her busy schedule, as if she could forget. Riley grumbled at the thought of her therapist. Nick and Sara had started sending her right after they'd found out about what her stepfather did to her. Two friggin' years of therapy, and talking about feelings, and having to recall things she liked to bury in the back of her mind. Unpleasant. And on top of that, it was always on Mondays and Wednesdays. Like she needed another reason to dread the school week.
"I don't like Dr. Allman."
Nick took her hands and pulled her to her feet to get her moving. "You said that about your last therapist." He reminded her. It wasn't the doctor she had, it was the fact that it was therapy. However, Nick knew it was helping her, though she'd never admit it. He'd seen quite an improvement in her since she was thirteen. She was still a bit in-your-face sometimes, but much calmer and able to solve her problems without cussing, screaming, and being generally impossible.
"Then I think it's time we said 'au revoir' to therapists, Dad. Obviously, it's just not meant to be." She retorted.
Nick took her shoulders and turned her around so they were both facing forward. He then began walking towards her bedroom, in turn forcing her to do the same.
"Nice try."
Riley grumbled and moaned theatrically as he escorted her to her bedroom. When he reached her door he stopped her and gave her a kiss on the head.
"Goodnight, Ry. I love you." He told her as he opened her bedroom door for her. Riley gave him a pathetic look but complied. She mumbled good night to him also and traipsed slowly towards her bed, like her feet were filled with lead. Nick shook his head and had to smile before he closed the door. If you didn't know her tricks, Riley could sure fool you. It happened every year with at least one teacher.
Nick climbed the stairs to go help Sara put the younger two to bed also, and soon they were snuggled beneath the pale blue comforter, gazing into each other's eyes.
"It was so weird not having her here." Nick murmured to his wife as his hand found its resting place on her hip. Sara nodded in agreement, thinking about how quiet it had been without her. Even now, they could hear music playing softly in her room, and the sounds of her moving about.
"Well, she always makes sure you're aware when she's around." Sara smiled, hearing the teen's door open, then close, then the bathroom door creaking.
"Yes she does." Nick smiled and rubbed at her hip as he scooched in a little closer so he could kiss her with ease. After a few sweet, tender locking of their lips, Nick pulled back and stroked her hair. "I'm wondering if we're putting too much pressure on her though, you know?"
Sara studied his face. "Why's that, baby?"
"Well, she's taking two AP classes as a sophomore, and they want to load her up more next year. And then with her therapist – she doesn't seem to like her that much. And now her school counselor wants her to start taking her SAT this year."
Sara nodded in understanding. "Well, from what I've seen, two advanced courses is definitely not too much for her to handle. I mean, she gets lots of homework, but that probably keeps her out of trouble. She hates all therapists, and taking the SAT this year would at least be good practice."
Nick smirked at her answer. That sounded like Riley to a T. She liked to moan and complain about hard work, but he suspected that she secretly liked it. She must – Riley was getting close to straight A's. If she really wanted out of those AP classes, she knew she could just tell him, or gets lots of bad grades to get her kicked out. But she worked at it. Riley worked her little tail off when she wanted to, and she got good grades for it.
"That's true. You're right." He acknowledged, clearing his throat a little at the way she seemed to trivialize all his worries, in a good way. She eased his tireless mind, and was usually the reasonable one when he wanted to just let insanity take over his brain. When Riley came home after curfew, or talked back, her hand on his shoulder reminded him to calm down, and take things with a grain of salt. She didn't really have to do that at work, minus a few cases, because it was his personal life and family that got him passionate and worked up sometimes.
Sara leaned in and kissed her husband. "Of course I'm right."
Nick laughed, and soon they were tumbling in the sheets, all their worries fleeting away like a bird soaring towards the sunset.