Alright, no jokes in this chap....I feel odd saying that lol
Well, you all saw this coming, so read on and be happy! XP

Four days later both Shawn and Riley left the hospital. Pretty much all of the police station had come to visit Shawn, and had met Riley. The two were inseperable so to see one you had to see the other. Everyone adored her, and Riley used the distraction to push other things out of her mind.

Everyone steered clear of the topic of her parents, so that helped, but she couldn't totally forget. Well, except for the one time she'd fallen asleep curled up next to Shawn. She'd forgotten then.

And Shawn had been trying to forget to, but it was like a giant shadow, constantly lurking. The only time he'd let himself stop worrying about what would happen to his little friend was when she'd accidently fallen asleep with him on his hospital bed. He'd just taken in the blissful moment and forgot everything.

But now, sitting in the car waiting to find out what was going to happen to her, it was unavoidable. Riley was close to tears and had a death grip on Shawn's hand, while Shawn looked ready to explode and offered no real comfort to her. Gus, although he'd come to really like Riley, was more concerned with Shawn's mental health.

Henry had told them about Mitch and if Riley got stuck with him Shawn would probably take it worse than Riley. And, if Riley got stuck in a crappy orphanage it'd be the same situation.

Finally, Gus pulled up in front of the Santa Barbara Police Department. They'd decided to come her right after leaving the hospital, just to get it over with, and Karen insisted on telling them the news, instead of some stranger.

Shawn was practically glued to the seat. "It'll be ok." Riley told him. It was wrong that she was reassuring him. It should be the other way around.

Shawn swung his legs out of the car and managed to get his crutches situated after only a short time. He was used to crutches by now because he'd broken many bones before. Shawn hobbled up the stairs, Gus ahead, and Riley behind.

Riley couldn't help but smile at his complete stupidity/determination. There was a ramp right there, but he had to take the stairs. They walked (limped in Shawn's case) in, and headed straight for Vick's office. Everyone went quiet as the three went past. They all knew what was going to happen.

Karen looked up as they entered, and so did Henry, who'd insisted on coming. "Hello Mr. Spencer and Mrs. Vick." Riley greeted.

Henry melted and gave her a small smile. Karen did too, before motioning for them all to sit down. Gus shut the door as Riley took a seat to the right, and Shawn plopped down next to her, crutches falling to the ground. Then, Riley resumed her squeezing of Shawn's hand. Gus sat down between Shawn and Henry.

They listened intently as Karen cut straight to the point. "Riley's parents are dead," Riley cringed and Shawn squeezed her hand reassuringly "and Mitch Smithson is her only living relative. But-" Shawn perked up. He was sure she'd be given over to that monster, but there was a but! "Mitch Smithson has been found guilty of many charges other than accessory to kidnapping. He's currently in jail, and though he'll be out with bail by morning, he's been labelled an unfit guardian."

Riley looked down and finger her arm sling. "So?" Henry asked, trying to speed things along. It wasn't helping when they all had to worry.

"She'll be put into foster care." Riley let her welled up tears fall now. At least if she was with Mitch she'd know where she would be in a couple months and have a permanent home!

"No." Shawn said firmly.

"No?" Karen asked, confused. Riley looked at him hopefully.

"No." He repeated.

"So….?" Riley let the question hang.

"I want to adopt Riley." Shawn rushed out. Then, Shawn, Gus, and Riley all held their breath.

"Can he?" Henry asked.

"I don't see why not. As long as he's sure."

Shawn nodded, jaw set. "Positive."

Riley jumped up and flung herself into Shawn's lap. Shawn grinned and hugged her tight. "I love you." He whispered.

"I love you too." Riley whispered back.

K, what do you think, should there be an epilogue, or a sequel? I wanna make a sequel a little with Riley and Shawn lol But it's up to YOU! My wonderful readers! In case I haven't expressed it, I'm SO SO SO SO SO thankful for your positive feedback and encouragement C: With so much stuff going on in rl, it's nice to come on and see amazing reviews from amazing people like you!

Anywho, REVIEW! Tell me if I sucked this chap up or something....or tell me I did good lol Tell me if I should do another Shawn/Riley fic, or tell me if I should drop off the face of fanfiction...anything!!