Ch.10 Mrs. Sam Benson
After what seemed to be an eternity, Sam finally stirred. She blinked a few times. "Uhh," she said groggily. The sound of her voice immediately woke a sleeping Freddie, who was keeping vigil next to her bed. "Freddie?" she asked shakily. As their eyes met, fresh tears began falling. "Please tell me this isn't a dream," he said. Sam coughed a bit. "If it is, then why do I feel like complete crap?" she asked with a smile. Freddie bolted out of his seat. "Carly, Spencer, everyone, Sam's awake!" he yelled.
Carly came running into the room at his call. "Sam!" she yelled. The fear and worry disappeared as she ran to Sam's bedside. Spencer and Mrs. Benson quietly watched at the door, smiles growing on both their faces. Sam sputtered as Carly gave her a bearhug. "Uh, Carls, I need to breathe," she said between coughs. Carly pulled back, not wanting to cause Sam more pain. "I'll go get Melanie," she said. As she left the room, she gave Spencer and Mrs. Benson a very serious look. The two took the hint and gave Freddie and Sam some much needed privacy.
As soon as the two were alone, the kissing began. "I never thought I'd see you again," Freddie said, his voice wavering between happiness and sorrow. Sam hugged him closely. "Neither did I," she replied. After five minutes of nothing but kissing, the two finally took a break. "So, first things first," she said, trying to get out of bed. Her body wasn't going for it, though and she lay back. "What happened to Missy?" she asked. The tension in her voice cut the air like butter.
"The police have her," Freddie answered with a smile. "What about her partner?" Sam asked. Freddie suppressed a laugh. "He's in custody too," he said. Sam took the news in. The last thing she remembered, Peters had thrown Melanie to the ground and was about to press the button. "What happened?" she asked. Freddie took her hand in his. "Swat stormed the warehouse. Peters waved a detonator at them, and they shot him twice," he said. Sam never thought she'd hear better news. "What about Melanie?" she asked. Freddie kissed her ever so slightly on the cheek. He saw Carly approaching.
"See for yourself," he replied as the girl in question entered the room. "Sam, you're okay," Melanie said as she rushed to her sister's side. Sam took in her sister's appearance. "Are you ok?" she asked. Melanie nodded. "I've been better," she replied. Turning to Freddie, Sam asked, "Wait a minute, how did you find me? Peters smashed the tracking device I had on me." Freddie removed the barrette that was in her hair. As Sam looked at it, she noticed it was flashing. "You sly fox," she said.
"I wasn't gonna lose you that easily," he said. Melanie decided to keep the fact that their mom tried to visit to herself for the time being. A few days later, and Sam was released from the hospital. As she strode out the door, she turned to her friends and said, "I hope I never have to come here again." The entire group laughed at that. Sam locked eyes with Jocelyn, who was waiting by the car. Before she could speak, Sam embraced her in a hug. "It's ok," she whispered.
"I'm so sorry," Jocelyn replied. Sam looked at her sternly. "What did I tell you about blaming yourself?" she asked. Jocelyn looked at the ground. "Not to," she replied. Sam put an arm around her. "Good, then don't do it," she said with a smile. The group left the hospital quickly. There was much to be done.
Freddie nervously paced in the room. He looked absolutely stunning in his tuxedo. "Spence, I don't think I've ever been more nervous." Spencer put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "It's natural," he said with a smile. Elsewhere in the church, Sam and Carly were having the same debate. "What if he doesn't like my dress?" Sam asked worriedly. Carly grasped her shoulders, stopping her from pacing. "Will you stop already? He's gonna love your dress." The girls were startled by a knock at the door. "It's time," Melanie said on the other side.
The audience waited expectantly. Freddie slowly walked down the isle, adjusting the rose in his tux as he did so. As he reached the altar, Spencer smiled. "You're gonna do fine," he whispered. Freddie turned to the face the audience. The moment of truth had arrived.
As the wedding march began, Sam began her walk down the isle. Freddie's jaw dropped. She looked absolutely stunning in her wedding dress. The bridesmaids were beautiful as well. Standing to the priest's right was Carly. She looked at Sam and sent her friend a thumbs up. Sam nervously smiled as she reached the altar, and turned to face her future husband. The priest began the ceremony. "We are gathered to here today, to join Samantha and Freddie in holy matrimony," he began.
"I'm sorry father, I prefer to be called Sam," she said softly. He nodded. "Forgive me," he said. "If there is anyone among us who can show just cause why these two should not be wed, please speak now, or forever hold their peace." The audience got quiet. Sam smiled. "Do you have the rings?" the priest asked. Spencer handed Freddie and Sam their wedding rings. "Freddie, do you promise to love Sam, to honor her, to hold her, in sickness and in health, in good times and bad, until death do you part?"
Freddie took a deep breath as he slid the ring on her finger. "I do," he replied. "And Sam, to you promise to love Freddie, to honor him, to hold him, in sickness and in health, in good times and bad, until death do you part?" Wiping a tear from her eye, Sam slid the ring on Freddie's finger. "I do," she said. The priest nodded. "By the power vested in me by the Holy Father, and the State of Washington, I now pronounce you husband and wife." He looked at the two knowingly.
"You may kiss the bride." Freddie lifted her veil, and was overwhelmed in joy. Never in all his life had he ever seen a more beautiful bride. The two kissed, as the audience went up in celebration. As Sam and Freddie looked out at their family and friends, they silently reflected upon everything that had happened. And two people in particular, Gibby and Valerie, who were surely looking down from above.