WHAT IF???

Chapter 66: Acceptance

As Sam settled onto the couch, tears streaming down her cheeks, she felt the weight of her sorrow pressing in on her from all sides. Lost in her grief, she was jolted back to reality when she heard her name being called repeatedly.

"Sam! Sam!" The voice grew louder, more insistent, until finally, Sam recognized it as Mon's voice.

Startled, Sam blinked away her tears and looked up to see Mon kneeling in front of her, concern etched on her face. Relief flooded through Sam at the sight of her, like a beacon of light in the darkness of her despair.

"Sam, wake up," Mon urged gently, her voice soft yet urgent as she reached out to gently shake Sam's shoulder. "Are you okay? What's wrong?"

Sam rubbed her eyes, the remnants of tears clinging to her lashes, as she scanned the room for any sign of Mon's belongings. Her heart pounded in her chest, a mixture of anxiety and hope swirling within her.

Her gaze landed on Mon, who stood before her with a look of confusion etched across her features. "What's going on, Sam?" Mon asked, her voice tinged with concern.

Sam let out a shaky breath, relief flooding through her as she realized that Mon hadn't left yet. "I thought you were leaving," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Mon's confusion deepened, but then understanding dawned in her eyes. "Oh, Sam," she murmured, stepping closer and reaching out to gently wipe away the tears that still lingered on Sam's cheeks. "I'm not going anywhere."

Sam's shoulders sagged in relief, a weight lifting from her chest as she allowed herself to believe Mon's words. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice filled with gratitude as she pulled Mon into a tight embrace.

Mon's worry deepened as she observed Sam's tired demeanor. "Are you okay, Sam?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.

Sam managed a weak smile, but it did little to mask the exhaustion etched on her face. "I'm just tired from the hospital," she admitted, her voice heavy with fatigue. "I dozed off when I sat down on the sofa, and I had the worst dream."

A pang of sympathy tugged at Mon's heart as she listened to Sam's words. "I'm sorry to hear that," she said softly, reaching out to gently squeeze Sam's hand in a gesture of comfort. "Do you want to talk about it?"

"You look so exhausted from that dream," she observed, her voice filled with concern. "I'm worried it might affect our baby."

Sam nodded, her expression weary but determined. "I'm okay now," she replied, her tone more assured. "Seeing you here with me, it's already helped. I've convinced myself it was just a dream, and that it will never happen."

Mon settled beside Sam, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Is it about the annulment?" she teased, a playful smirk dancing on her lips.

Sam shook her head, a hint of amusement in her tired eyes. "It's worse than the annulment," she replied with a sigh.

Leaning in closer, Mon raised an eyebrow in mock concern. "Oh, worse than the annulment?" she teased, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "Let me guess, in the dream, I broke up with you?"

Sam's cheeks flushed slightly as she nodded, a sheepish grin tugging at her lips. "Yeah," she admitted, her tone tinged with embarrassment. "But it'll never happen, I promise."

Mon's teasing grin widened as she nudged Sam playfully. "Are you sure about that?" she teased, a playful twinkle in her eye. "You better be careful with your decisions, Sam. Who knows, I might just break up with you."

Sam straightened, a newfound confidence evident in her demeanor. "I'm confident, Mon," she declared, her voice steady and resolute.

Mon raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Sam's sudden assertiveness. "Confident about what?" she inquired, curiosity lacing her tone.

"After what happened with me and grandmother at the hospital," Sam explained, her voice tinged with determination.

Mon's interest piqued as she leaned in closer. "What happened?" she pressed, eager to hear more.

Sam's voice held a note of relief as she updated Mon on the situation. "Everything's okay now with grandmother," she reassured, a hint of gratitude in her tone.

Mon listened intently as Sam continued, explaining how her grandmother had apologized for everything that had transpired. "She didn't think it would happen to me," Sam revealed, her voice tinged with understanding. "She feels responsible for the pain I've endured with Kirk."

Sam paused, her expression softening as she recounted her grandmother's unexpected request. "She wants to meet you, Mon," she confessed, her eyes meeting Mon's with sincerity. "She wants to apologize to you too."

Relief flooded Mon's expression as she processed Sam's words. "I can't believe it," she murmured, her voice tinged with disbelief and joy.

Sam nodded, a small smile playing on her lips as she witnessed Mon's reaction.

Unable to contain her emotions any longer, Mon pulled Sam into a tight embrace, tears of joy streaming down her cheeks. "Thank you, Sam," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "Thank you for everything."

Sam returned the embrace, holding Mon tightly as she whispered her heartfelt gratitude. "Thank you, Mon," she murmured, her voice filled with emotion. "For standing beside me always, for understanding me, and for loving me unconditionally."

With tears of relief and love still glistening in their eyes, Mon and Sam exchanged a tender look before uttering the three simple yet powerful words: "I love you." In that moment, their bond felt stronger than ever, fortified by the trials they had faced together and the unwavering support they had shown each other.

Mon's voice was gentle as she suggested, "You should rest now, Sam." With a tender smile, she offered her support, assisting Sam to her room with careful steps.

As they reached the doorway, Mon gently reminded Sam, "We have a doctor's appointment for your prenatal checkup tomorrow."

Nestled beneath the covers, Sam's eyes fluttered with weariness, yet a question lingered on her lips. "What did I do to deserve you, Mon?" she whispered softly.

Leaning in, Mon pressed a sweet kiss to Sam's forehead, her touch imbued with love and affection. "You've done nothing but be yourself, Sam," she murmured, her voice filled with warmth. "And that's all I'll ever need."

With that, Sam drifted off to sleep, comforted by Mon's presence as she watched over her, a silent guardian in the night.