He couldn't help himself, he laughed too. He genuinely laughed. For the first time in as long as he could remember. Maybe for the first time ever. This was how he knew Riley was special. She pulled things out of him no one else was capable of. Taking her arm in a gentle grip, he helped her stand up.

He watched her carefully while she attempted to right her clothes, then he reached out and took her hand. "Time to go," he said, tugging her toward the door.

She resisted, ...