A Heart's Desire

Chapter 19

Samantha arrived at Natalie's office building ten minutes before they were to meet. She texted her friend to say she would be sitting on the bench by the fry truck waiting for her. Five minutes later Natalie made her way out the front doors and across the street.

"Hey girl, how is everything? How is Declan feeling?"

The girls hugged each other as they settled back down on the bench.

"Good. Doctor says everything is looking good and he should be able to leave the hospital tomorrow."

"That's awesome. Oh such great news. I'm so happy."

"Actually I may have some news that may be even better."

"Oooo, do tell."

"Declan asked me to marry him last night and I said yes." Samantha stuck out her hand to show her friend the diamond atop her finger.

"Oh my gosh!" Natalie squealed as she grabbed her friend for a big hug. "I am so happy for you. We have to celebrate."

"We will but not right now."

"Right of course. You want to get back to the hospital. How about a quick lunch?"\

"Actually I'm going to pass. Listen, I did want to ask you something."

"Sure. Anything."

"I was wondering if you would be my maid of honour."

"Are you serious? Of course I will."

The two girls began hugging again. When they pulled away Natalie could see in Samantha's face that something was wrong.

"Hey what's wrong? Are you not happy with your decision?"

"Oh no it has nothing to do with that. I am so happy and I know that I made the right decision." Samantha got up from the bench and started to walk with Natalie catching up. "I just came from telling Brett."

"Well that makes sense now. Let me guess he told you it was a big mistake to marry Declan and that you should be with him instead."

"Yeah pretty much. Are you sure you're not a psychic."

Natalie tilted her head and shook her head. "No, I just know you guys too well. Are you starting to doubt yourself?"

"No. I know Declan is the man for me. I guess I just feel bad. Maybe I led him on and I never should have gone on the date with him. The kissing was not very smart either."

"Hey take it easy. Don't be so hard on yourself. You had some things to figure out and you were honest with both men the whole time. He knew there was a chance you would pick Declan and he decided that it was worth the risk. That is not your fault."

"Maybe. I didn't want to hurt him."

"He knows that. Deep down he knows that. It will just take a little time for him to come to terms with it."

The girls walked around a bit more talking about possible ideas for the wedding. A few fans stopped them as they walked and asked for pictures. Samantha was happy to pose with them as she hid her left hand in the pocket of her jeans. She always loved meeting and talking to fans.
By the time Natalie headed back to her office, Samantha felt a bit better. She just wanted to hurry up and get back to the hospital. She drove over to the Inn and met Cindy behind the desk. She explained what happened and was a little surprised when Cindy showed her online the articles about the accident. Seemed like the media got wind that movie star Declan O'Shea was in a car crash. She collected Declan's belongings, thanked Cindy and headed back to the hospital.