It was Penny telling him to open his eyes! Had to be! That was her way of letting him know that it’s okay to move on. It’s just uncanny that Mercedes got in an accident the same day that Penny died two years ago. And Stacey probably knew that Mercedes was only leaving for two days lol! Gotta love her! But my babies finally got their act together and the feelings out. A spa is one hell of an engagement gift lol, but I love it! Thank you so much for sharing!

Ease dropping never helps anyone. In almost every case, they hurt both or most parties. It also doesn’t help to keep emotions bottled up. They cause people to form opinions of the wrong kind. And all of that happened here. Ugh...

Omg I loved this story! It was so sweet and moving. I love the natural profession of Sam & Mercedes and how she warmed his way into her heart! I really thought she was going to be injured the car and held my breath while reading that scene. I am enjoying your challenge so much! It’s giving so many gems!

Remember the communication bit I was talking about? Yeah, that’s flown out of the window. I was so happy that Sam started going back to his family functions. Everything was going so well until Stevie’s slip up. Ugh! I’m embarrassed for him, and it shook everybody. I got a feeling that Mercedes is gonna start to pull away after that. Sad face...

I’m glad the folks of that town recognize Mercedes’ talent. Make your money, honey! Sam’ jealous tail was so ready to read her the riot act, but with one look at her, he gave to the place to start her business lol! That’s what I call power! I can’t stress communication enough and I’m glad that they are doing it. I hope Mercedes is able to help him heal as well as trusting in Him again. And that kiss! They are so done lol!

I love Stacey lol! Cheeky little lady, she is lol! She kinda gave them to push that they needed. Of course Sam had to snap again, but I’m glad that he finally opened up to Cedes. Now everything makes sense. He’s set himself free and feels better for it. And I wonder if she’ll still befriend Bones after this. I don’t know how to feel on that front. I know Sam is hurt, but he may have to forgive him to move on.

To say that Sam is surly, those that know him can read him like an open book. He told on himself really. Mercedes doesn’t have a clue to what he feels toward her other than hate. Nick sees it too, but ole dude can’t help but flirt with a beautiful woman lol! Kitty is a jealous heifer too. When Sam finally decides to apologize for being an ass, Bones comes in and everything is back to square one. Mercedes doesn’t know what happened between him and Bones, and it’s wrong of him to assume she does. It’s his property, I get it, but dang. Say something!

I wonder if that type of dog is real. I gotta look that up, but Sam was so wrong for doing Mercedes like that. At least Stevie had the decency to tell or show her the truth. Stevie also hit the nail on the head about Sam’s feelings toward Mercedes. Dude was mesmerized by her body lol! Bones...why do I have a feeling that he may be kin to Sam? Stacey’s reaction has me puzzled. I’m glad Mercedes took to him. Some people deserve second chances.

Sam is so stubborn. He’s met his match in Mercedes. Stacey too while I’m at it lol! I loved his reaction to seeing Cedes show up to the meeting. You can’t keep a string woman down, sir.

Just finished this story. Loved it, of course! Thank you for another Samcedes story! Moving on to your next story. I can’t wait!

Omg, no! I’m getting My Girl flashbacks! Going back, Sam is an ass. Someone needs to kick him. Maybe Stacey and Mercedes can take turns. Stacey is also on to something with Sam. He’s pushing Mercedes entirely too hard when he could have given her something way easier. But that last scene... that’s horrifying! I’m so glad Mason was there!

Shane is an ass. Some man of God he is. I’m glad Mercedes didn’t try to find an excuse to stay and got out of dodge. I didn’t know what to make of Sam but I guess we’ll see. I like Stacey this lol!

I loved this sooo much. I’m a sucker for fluff and this story leaned into the realms where you’re anxiously wondering what’s going to happen next and then you get hit in the gut with butterflies. This will definitely be a go to story!

I really thought she was leaving for good. I'm happy she was able to find true joy in her career and love with Sam.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

And did I say ...

Thank you my friend for allowing me to guilt you into posting the closing chapter a day early because I just wanted to have that daggum band-aid ripped off so the pain of the story ending doesn't linger for an extended period of time.

Thank you!

But never did I imagine that chapter 10 being what chapter 10 ended up being. Personally, chapter 9 had me believing that she was leaving town for good. I mean she had told Sam about the church offering her old job back. Not once did she tell him that she wasn't taking it, but she did keep saying that Wyoming was just temporary. After Sam didn't give her a reason to stay, she made sure that she had put Sam in her rear view mirror by quitting her job and moving out of the cabin that she had rented before her paid time was up. You have Nick giving her a fond farewell by toasting her departure with actual wine instead of whatever is on tap. He even pleaded for her to come back and visit. "My ride has arrived" with Bones dangling keys in her hand giving the impression that he was taking her to the airport. Hugging people goodbye for crying out loud.

I THOUGHT MERCEDES WAS LA BOUND TO RESUME HER OLD LIFE.

Of course, I could understand why Mercedes would want to go back. The urge to say "I told you so" to those individuals who had shunned her during and after the divorce is too strong. Even Tracey had admitted that they didn't know what they had until she was gone.

But I am proud that she had decided not to go back. I am also proud that even though she had thought it would be best to push Sam away, that she had chose a direction for her life. The karma train had finally come down the tracks and picked up Shane and Tesla at the station, before it headed over to its final destination. People finally knew the type of person that was and now she is free.

Personally, I don't think Shane ever did love her.

Anyway, she now has a direction. She wanted to open up a beauty shop and eventually, she found the courage to reach out to her old friends in the music industry to see if they would be open to let her foot back into the door. Now she is writing songs for artist.

When I thought that Mercedes was going to put Sam in her rear view mirror, I thought that she was going to do that in LA. I didn't think for a moment that she was going to do it clear across town.

But I got all teary eyed on Sam's portion of this chapter. The alarm that he had felt when he heard that Bones was taking Mercedes to the airport. The pain of what happened to Penny would happen to Mercedes was overwhelming. Sam reliving the night that Penny died in his mind as he is racing to prevent Bones from possibly killing Mercedes. When he had caught up with Mercedes and was practically begging her to stay by offering Mercedes anything to make her stay and not leaving him.

That was a serious heart tug. You must not have any feelings in your soul if you didn't choke up then.

Now they are on the same page. They have finally communicated their feelings and in time, Mercedes had an engagement ring on her finger and a business that Sam had given to her as a present so she would not be far from home.

Sam may not realize this, but Mercedes has changed him in more ways than he knows. Not only did she get him to love another female again and move on with his life, she also got Sam to finally take an vacation outside of Wyoming.

I bet that is something that he has never, ever done.

Thank you for this gift! Your alphabet challenge has been my COVID-19 isolation salvation!

BTW, I still want to know who killed Dwight in Breach Of Trust. We know that Ryder didn't kill him. Cooper only admitted to killing Anthony before he had blew his brains out. That mystery is still floating around in my head.

Until we meet again ... Goodnight Bunnies!