Chapter 7- Rescue me... again

(The next day Diane is about to wed Shawn. They are getting married in what looks to be a small white chapel. Diane waits in a small room in the back of the church. She wears a dress that looks a lot like the one she wore when she was going to marry Sam. Shawn is standing near the minister who is marrying them, an unhappy looking Samantha at his side. A few minutes later it is time for Diane to enter the church. She opens the double doors and starts to walk slowly down the aisle shutting them quietly behind her. She gets about half way when she can hear a faint creaking noise behind her. She smiles graciously at Shawn, the minister, and her daughter before turning around and walking back into the room. When she get there she sees Sam standing there, tall as ever waiting for her. Rescuing her, for the second time.)

Diane: ( she runs over and hugs Sam, something he wasn't expecting her to do) Sam! What are you doing here?!

Sam: I've saved you before and I'm doing it again. You're not going to make this mistake. (he pauses for a couple of seconds) You belong with me. (Diane has that "awww Sam" look on)

Diane: Awww Sam.

Sam: Tell me you don't want to marry this guy.

Diane: (she begins to cry slightly) No, I don't. I don't want anything he wants, we don't have the same dreams, hopes, goals. He wants Samantha and I to travel around with him while he pursues his acting career. I want to settle down.

Sam: I can give you that.

Diane: I want a home that I can be proud of, not some apartment.

Sam: I can give you that.

Diane: I want more kids, a family.

Sam: (looks very sincere) I can give you that.

Diane: ( drops the bouquet she had been holding and hugs Sam again) Oh Sam! (she has stopped crying by now) The only reason I was even with Shawn in the first place is because you two are analogous.

Sam: Ok yeah whatever, now do you want to make out?

Diane: Sam!

Sam: Oh come on!

Diane: Well I won't make out with you but I will kiss you. (she kisses him, a long sweet, beautiful kiss just like the always used to. filled with passion and lust. it seems to last forever until Shawn bursts through the door)

Shawn: What is going on here? ( Sam and Diane break away quickly, as Samantha comes into the room)

Samantha:(jumping up and down) Yay!!!

Diane: (turning to Shawn) Shawn I know that this must be terrible for you but I'm sorry, I can't marry you. I'm in love with Sam and he loves me. (she turns to Sam) Don't you Sam?

Sam:(hesitates for several minutes. Diane looks very hurt and like she is about to cry)

Diane: Sam can't you say it? After all these many years, can't you bring yourself to say you love me?

Samantha: Daddy? (she goes over to Sam, grabs his hand and pulls him down to her eye level.) Daddy it's very easy, listen to me. Mommy- I mean Diane, I love you. See? Now you try. (Sam stands up and looks into Diane's eyes)

Sam: Diane, (glances over at Samantha who nods her head) I love you. ( they kiss again and Samantha smiles with satisfaction)

Shawn: What?! What do you mean? Diane?

Diane: Oh Shawn, I'm sorry. I told you I can't marry you. I've done some thinking and I've figured out that the only reason I was with you is because you were a very close parallel to Sam.

Shawn: What?

Sam: I know! Does she do that with you too?

Shawn: Yeah! She does! But I still want to marry her. Diane I guess this is it. You can come and get your things in the morning. (he storms out, angrily shutting the door behind him)

Diane: Oh Sam I've missed you so much! ( she hugs him)

Sam: (still hugging) Yeah I've missed you too. ( he suddenly get down on one knee taking her hand in his. with his other hand he reaches into his pocket and pulls out a ring) Diane, I've waited too long for this. Will you marry me?

Diane: (with surprise) Oh Sam! (hesitates) No. ( the expression on Sam's face turns to his "crazy look". he stands up and drops her hand and looks straight into her eyes.)

Sam: NO?! No? You know Diane I'm tired of your games, 15 years later and you still say no to me! ( he turns and walks to the door, opening it. before he leaves he turns back to Diane) CALL ME WHEN YOU HAVE A CUSTODY ARRANGEMENT!

Diane: Sam wait, let me ex- (he's gone)

(Diane begins to cry and Samantha who is also crying runs over and hugs her mom around the waist. Secretly Diane wonders if that was the last chance she would ever have to be Mrs. Sam Malone.)