Chapter 30

Five Years Later

Natalie felt the time come as she saw Amber's eyes filled with tears though their relationship has never been stable since meeting on that fateful day. Natalie saw the look on Amber's face knowing that it is the end of their journey since they weren't able to ever find a new home again and Sheila has gone off with Shanna to a whole new world, they got married last spring in the most beautiful sunset and also on a gorgeous beach setting.

Natalie felt Amber's hands go into hers then they're heads lightly touched one another. Natalie took a deep breath as their eyes met, Natalie couldn't hold in her thoughts much longer.

"Are we sure this is for the better?" Natalie asked in a soft whisper.

"Darlin', we have to let us go. We aren't meant for one another no matter what we do." Amber replied, brushing back Natalie's tears.

Natalie couldn't imagine her life without Amber in it but their is always that jealousy twinge that Amber still faced and when they ran into Sarah a few years ago, she admitted to being in love with Amber sister Hailey instead of being truthful with Amber all those years ago it broke Amber's heart more and that her sister literally stole her wife or did she? Natalie wasn't sure where this mess happened since she came in later.

"Darlin', I can't forget what happened to us back at that bed and breakfast in San Antonio when I accused you of loving Sheila. I am a horrible person and don't deserve anyone especially you. Natalie, we have to let each other go." Amber pleaded with tears.

They held each other tighter through each memory of them being together. Natalie couldn't let Amber walk away and it is shredding her heart each time Amber tries to leave.

"I can't and won't, let you go. I still love you." Natalie replied with raw in her voice.

Seven years down the drain because Amber couldn't love Natalie the way they were meant to be and it killed her mostly since she left her dumbass ex-husband for Amber. Natalie didn't want it to end this way. Natalie felt Amber slip out of their embrace and she grabbed her back for another hug, Natalie wouldn't let go of Amber and it wasn't going to keep being this way.

"Darlin', you need to let me go. I can't stay." Amber said.

Natalie nodded in agreement then watched as Amber slipped from her embrace one last time. Natalie and Amber ended up back in New York to live with her father but it didn't last when Amber announced that she is leaving Natalie and going back to Texas alone. Natalie didn't understand any of it.

"Babe, why are you leaving me?" Natalie asked.

"Darlin', their comes a time when a relationship must end. You are back in New York safely with your father but I don't belong here and I don't belong with you." Amber replied packing her things.

"We were finally working through all the hardships of the past couple of years." Natalie complained.

"I have to leave. You will someday understand but I am going back to Texas." Amber replied as diligently as possible.

Natalie had no words as she watched Amber pack everything of hers in all the luggage she could manage. Natalie didn't believe in loving no one else and Amber is her soulmate, she knew it and felt it long ago but Amber wouldn't stop packing her things.

"Amber, please! Don't go, I love you." Natalie said through tears.

Natalie watched as Amber lugged everything up and down the stairs as she packed her new truck up with everything.

"I am staying tonight but leaving early in the morning. I will be sleeping in the guest bedroom. Natalie, you are a wonderful woman but you are to keep the distance. Do not wake me up for anything and I mean it. Good night." Amber said as she closed the door then locked it.

Natalie went straight to her own bedroom because she knew her father wouldn't want to hear of them two breaking up. She wouldn't lock her room, she wanted Amber to be able to come to her. Natalie didn't sleep that whole night and when she heard Amber going downstairs in her boots, Natalie bolted out of bed and opened her door to find Amber staring at it down the stairwell.

"Don't. I knew you wouldn't sleep but stay where you are. I will be gone soon." Amber whispered.

Natalie nodded watching Amber go down the stairs into the kitchen as Natalie also made her way down but watched with a close eye. Natalie loves Amber so much that it is hurting her to see that Amber is willing to walk out.

Once Amber finished, she placed everything in the sink and then grabbed her keys, walked straight to the door leaving it open as Natalie followed then couldn't control herself.

"Amber, wait!" Natalie yelled across the lawn.

Natalie watched Amber stop and turn around slowly.

"Can I have a hug at least, please? Amber, I want to hold you one last time." Natalie pleaded.

Natalie watched as Amber made her way up the steps and they were in one another arms. Natalie savored in Amber's western smell that always made her smile and she held Amber tight. The hug ended but their hands met with their foreheads. As it was Natalie hated to see Amber leave her but Natalie felt her slip away.

*~*~*

Natalie felt shaking like she was getting pulled out of the dream as she heard her voice, the woman she loves so much.

"Baby, wake up, wake up. It is a dream, I am right here." Amber whispered softly.

Natalie opened her eyes slowly to reveal that her best friend and love is by her side that it was just a dream and that they were still together. Natalie breathed a sigh of relief.

"Babe, I thought I lost you in that dream. My heart felt ripped open." Natalie whispered back.

Natalie felt Amber kiss her softly.

"Darlin', that isn't happening. Remember what you told me when we met?" Amber asked.

Natalie shook her head.

"I don't either, darlin' but I know I love you." Amber replied in her southern twang.

They shared kisses and giggles while still being in the bed and breakfast out in San Antonio, they ended up loving the place where they worked together and their bedroom became permanent. Sheila and Shanna worked out their differences and also ended up working in the same place, they did get married, it wasn't a dream because Sheila kept squealing like no tomorrow.

While working though Amber came through the kitchen by giving Natalie a hug and whispered that she needed to be in the dining room when she was done. Natalie had no idea what was going on that day. Natalie got done with her dishes and put everything away as she walked out to the dining room to see it decorated with everything she adored from fancy heels, make-up and country boots and music. Natalie then saw Amber down on one knee with a beautiful ring that shined bright in the lighting. Natalie walked over to Amber with her eyes filled with tears.

"Natalie, will you be my wife? I love you and can't wait to see what the future holds." Amber asked in her southern accent.

"Yes, yes, I will be your wife." Natalie replied.

Their lips met and they were both so happy that everyone cheered when she saw their friends being for their engagement. It was an evening worth not forgetting any time soon.

The End