Over the next three months Riley Ann's condition was steadily improving. Mackenzie was still the same. Sam was practically living at the hospital. He only left to go back to his hotel room and shower. Britt and Austin came to the hospital. They went into the nursery where Sam was with Riley Ann.
"Hi." Britt said.
"Hi." Sam said.
"How is she doing?"
"Still improving."
"Good."
"She'll be home before you know it." Austin said.
"I'm gonna go see Mackenzie." Britt said.
Britt went to Mackenzie's room.
"Hi Mackenzie" She said. "Riley Ann gets more and more beautiful every time I see her." "We all can't wait for you to wake up and see her." "I miss you." "It would really help Sam if you could wake up." "I know you will soon."
The next morning Sam was in the nursery with Riley Ann. The doctor came over to them.
"Would you like to hold Riley Ann today?" The doctor asked.
"I finally can?"
"Yes, but only for a few minutes." "Please sit down and a nurse will give her to."
Sam sat down in a nearby chair. The nurse gave Riley Ann to him. He was filled with instant joy, but also instant sadness, because he wanted Mackenzie there to experience this moment with him.
"Hey you." He said smiling. "There's daddy's girl." "I'm so happy I finally got to hold you." "Mommy will be here soon, I know it."
"I have to put her back now." The nurse said.
"You have to go back now." Riley Ann grabbed his finger with her whole hand and squeezed. "I know, I don't want you to either but you have to." "I love you." He handed her back to the nurse.
A few hours later Sam was visiting Mackenzie.
"Mackenzie I don't if you can hear me, if you can please wake up." He said. "It doesn't have to be right now, not even today." "You need to be ok." "I need you." "Please, if you can hear me, fight this and come back.