Well, this is it... the last chapter of my very first story, BITTERSWEET. It was a great adventure and I appreciate every single person that took time and read this. This experience has taught me a lot but especially taught me to be fearless and to let my imagination run wild and free, because the majority of the time it took me to some very fantastic places.

In this story my favorite OTP from Grey's Anatomy makes a short appearance... Yes, I changed their medical specializations to make them fit into my story so I hope all of you forgive me for such audacity but I am not over the fact that Shonda Rimes killed them off the show and I wanted them in my story... Thank you heaven for FanFiction.

I want to dedicate this story to a dear friend of mine, Rosemary. She was my best friend since we were 4 and until the she passed away she managed to smile and keep her positiveness.

I really hope that you guys like this last update and please forgive any mistakes you might run into. My Beta and I are only humans and we are far from perfect.

Disclaimer: I do not own Glee or any of the characters (except Lacey, Marcus, Mercedes' parents, Aunt Sophie and Nate). I do not own Ryan Murphy's poor writing skills, continuity issues or trolling abilities towards the glee fandom. In addition, I do not own any of the songs, the rights go to the rightful owners.

Flashbacks and inner thoughts are in Italics.

On to the chapter and don't forget to review, it's the last one... :/

Chapter 16

It has been a year since Mercedes' life changed forever. Today was the day she was more grateful to be alive and to be beating all the odds. Today she remembered everything she had experienced and everything that she was blessed enough to have. When she met Doctor Mark Sloan and his colleague Doctor Lexie Grey on that first appointment she left their office so drained, she did not leave her room for three days. She locked herself in her room and not even Sam was allowed inside. On her next visit to the Sloan-Grey Oncology Center, she got some very shocking news. They told her that her leukemia stage was very advanced and they were going to try an aggressive treatment on her, in hopes of extending her life. Tears were freely falling on her cheeks at the thought of that memory.

XXXXX

"Excuse me, Dr. Sloan, but my main concern right now is how much time I have left? A teary Mercedes asked. "You see, I just got engaged a few days ago and to be honest, I need to know the reality of my life expectancy and base my decisions from your answer." She said full of sorrow.

"Ms. Jones-"

She cut him off, "Please call me Mercedes. I hate formalities."

"As you wish; like I was saying, my colleague and I have observed and analyzed all your test results over and over again and we even consulted another colleague, Dr. Enrique Martin, who's an excellent oncologist in New Jersey, and we have all come to the same conclusion. Your case is a very tricky one, Mercedes. You presented all the early stage symptoms at a later stage. That makes your case very complicated." Dr. Sloan said in a sad tone.

"What do you mean? Mom, what does he mean?" She said desperate.

"Mercedes, oncology is not my forte; let Dr. Sloan explain himself." Mercedes' mother said. As a doctor, Deborah Jones, knew exactly what her colleague meant, she just did not have the strength to tell her daughter.

Mercedes hid her face with her hands, not ready to face the reality she so urgently wanted to know earlier. But, she needed that truth, Sam needed that truth. She needed to know if getting married was an actual option for them. She wanted to be happy but she was not going to condemn Sam to a short and hurtful marriage.

"Mercedes what I am trying to say is that your leukemia was detected very late, since the symptoms took a very long time to show up." Dr. Slone explained.

Mercedes was terrified and she looked at Dr. Grey looking for a straight and truthful answer. Dr. Grey got the hint.

"Mercedes, what my colleague is trying to say is that based on your test results and the treatment we can offer you, you might have between six months to nine months left."

Mercedes was in shock. She was not expecting to have so little time left. She just started crying while her mother was trying to comfort her. Mercedes' father in the other hand did not take the news so well.

"Less than a year… It can't be, it can't be possible. She's my only daughter, my little girl, my most cherished treasure and you are telling me that I am going to lose her in less than a year." Mercedes' father stormed out of the office.

XXXXX

This was one of Mercedes' most painful memories of the past year but not everything in her life was sad. When she spoke to Sam about the severity of her condition, she was surprised he took it so calmly and told her that he was not going to give up on her and on their relationship so easily. He told her that he was going to be there making her happy every day. Suffice it to say, he kept his promise.

Today she was happy to be standing, to be alive and to be wearing the most beautiful Vera Wang wedding dress she has ever seen for the very simple wedding she was having. Due to chemotherapy, some sessions of radiation and changes on her lifestyle Mercedes was sporting a different look. Gone were her beautiful, luscious curls and her curves were not as pronounced as before. For some of her friends, Mercedes looked like the new Jennifer Hudson, sporting a cute pixie haircut. Still, a very hot look for everyone that knew her, especially her future husband. She wiped her tears and reapplied her makeup, when she walked back to the hotel room it was time to put on the veil and work on the final touches. She felt someone's hand on her shoulder.

"Let me help you, chica!" Santana said as she grabbed Mercedes' veil. "Why so serious?"

"It's nothing, Santana. I'd been thinking about how I am not supposed to be standing here today according to the science and the medicine." She bashfully smiled.

"Girl, shut it. We all knew you were going to become a walking miracle." She said as she finally fixed Mercedes' veil. "I'm glad you kept fighting and I know that you will keep on fighting now that you are going to become Mrs. Evans."

"Mrs. Evans… Wow! It feels so surreal."

"I know. But, damn girl it took you long enough to marry Guppy Face!"

They laughed.

"Mercy, there's something I need to confess."

"What is it, San?"

Santana choked up.

"San, please don't cry." Mercedes requested.

"I have a lot of feelings. When you first told me about what was happening I was so mad I wanted to go all Lima Heights on people."

"Why?"

"First of all, Brittany and I were the last ones to find out. Gosh! Even Puckerman found out before us." Santana whined.

"Santana, Puck is one of Sam's best friends. He called him the next day after we spoke to everyone here in the city and in my defense, I did call you several times but I couldn't get a hold of you until the day I did." Mercedes appealed.

"So, I don't care. Learning about it a week later hurt."

"Even Lord Tubbington was upset." Brittany said walking inside Mercedes' room bringing the bouquet. "But he also said that you were going to make it to your wedding day and here we are."

Mercedes laughed.

Meanwhile, in the lobby Sam was having wedding nerves, not because he was having cold feet, but because he wanted everything to be perfect. He had been waiting for this day since he first started dating Mercedes. That meant that today needed to be perfect because it was the most important day of their lives. Sam paced back and forth; he was on the phone taking care of some last minute details. When he hung up, he ran into Puck, Mike, Finn and Joe.

"Dude, take it easy. If you keep this rhythm, you are not going to make it. The wedding is in four hours." Puck said throwing his arm over Sam's shoulder.

"Puck, you don't understand." Sam stated.

"I think I do. You are tying the knot with Mercedes."

Sam and Mike, who married Tina over the summer, gave Puck a very judgmental look. Puck was the typical womanizer but everybody knew that the only girl he had always wanted is Quinn, but she was always been distant around him, not that she was not interested but she did not want to be part of his list.

"Puck, I am marrying the girl I've been with for almost seven years. For me this marks the beginning of my life as an adult. We are becoming an official family." Sam stated.

"Look… I get it. What I meant is that you don't need to be nervous because you are marrying you soul mate, who I know loves you with the same intensity you love her. I'm not good at these things but I when things are real. I'm not that stupid."

They all laughed and Sam felt a bit calmer.

Four hours passed and Mercedes was walking down the aisle, full of smiles and tears. They opted but for a small wedding, where the guests were their families, their friends from McKinley High and some close friends from the city. Quinn served as the maid of honor, with Puck as the best man. Everyone noticed that after all these years something was going on between the two. After the awaited exchange of vows and I do's, they all moved to an elegantly decorated ballroom to enjoy the reception. Everyone was in high spirits and the newly married couple was smiling like two kids on Christmas morning. Mercedes felt more alive than she had ever felt; she was living her dream, something she never thought she was going to live. Yes, she always had hope but she kept that hope grounded.

While dancing with her husband, she said,

"Thank you."

Sam looked a bit confused. "For what?"

"For letting me love you all this time. For making me feel loved and wanted. For everything you have done and for everything you will do." Mercedes said, resting her head on his chest.

Sam kissed the top of her head and said,

"You don't have to thank me for something that is natural in me. I love you with all my heart, soul and body. I belong to you and it will always be that way. Thanks for not letting me go when you thought everything between us was lost. Thanks for believing that what we have is everlasting."

Mercedes was sobbing.

"I love you, Mercedes Evans!"

"I love you, Samuel Evans!"

They kissed tenderly attracting the attention of the guests that erupted in cheers for the newlyweds. It was definitely the best day of their lives.

XXXXX

For their honeymoon, they decided to go to Mexico for a few days, since they got Dr. Sloan's authorization. Even though Mercedes looked recuperated, her leukemia was not officially in remission and to avoid any relapse she needed to continue her treatment until its consolidation.

Cancun was beautiful, relaxing and romantic. They did exactly what every newlywed couple does on their honeymoon, nights of continuous sex, sightseeing and other activities. They took tons of pictures to show to their families and friends.

It was their last night in Cancun and they were having dinner at one of the hotel's restaurants. The atmosphere was lovely. Something they both loved about the Mexican people was their passion for everything, especially when it came to music. They loved every second the mariachi serenaded the patrons at the restaurant. Sam could not understand the words but seeing how happy Mercedes was, was enough for him to keep the smile on his face.

He grabbed Mercedes hand and said,

"Mercy, this is our last night here and something inside me can't wait to be home but I wanted to tell you that in my life I have never been so happy and I owe this happiness to you. No one or nothing can compare to you or the memories we have built through the years. You are my one and only and it will always be that way."

She smiled. "I know, Sam. I know. I know that because it is the exact way I feel about you."

They enjoyed the rest of their night and in the morning; they took the flight back to New York ready to face their reality.

XXXXX

Sam's POV

'Six years, Six years that felt like an eternity. However, all the sacrifices I made, the time I neglected her, even though she was more than understanding had finally paid off. Today is the day I begin my life as a professional in the medical industry. Mentored by someone that knows all my ordeals; helping people that I could relate to and help the best way I can. Working hand by hand with Dr. Sloan is going to be a great privilege.' I kept thinking over and over again. Medical school sucked at my life, my time and it made me feel like a horrible husband to Mercedes.

"Sam, you're going to be late. Hurry up!" Mercedes said as she walked inside the room.

"I know. I am just a bit nervous. What if I don't match Dr. Sloan's expectations?"

Mercedes grabbed me by the waist and looked dead into my eyes. "Dr. Evans, you are going to be just fine; just go and do everything you've learned all these years but most importantly, do it with your heart on it." Mercedes said.

"Are you going to be alright while I'm gone?" He said as he grabbed his keys.

"Yes. Quinn is coming over to visit."

"Oh, I totally forgot. The play date."

"Exactly. I am going to be very busy keeping Beth and Dianna in place."

I kissed Mercedes on the forehead and left for my first day at the clinic.

While driving around the city I could not help but smile.

"Wow, I can't believe that Mercedes has been by my side more time than people and medicine ever thought. She was a fighter, she was my fighter that against all odds and predictions made me the happiest man in the planet almost four years ago when she told me she was pregnant and almost nine months later our bundle of joy, Dianna Isabelle Evans came into our lives. Damn, I am one lucky guy." He thought and with that positive thought, he found the strength and courage he needed to face his first day as an oncologist.

When I arrived at the clinic, nerves were threatening to take over me but I did all those breathing exercises I practiced with Mercedes during her pregnancy classes. People were giving me all these strange looks but I did not care at all. Walking into Dr. Sloan office this time had a complete different meaning to me. This time I was going to be working with him and Dr. Grey instead of accompanying Mercedes to her check-up or chemo sessions. Things were definitely looking up.

"Welcome Dr. Evans, it's good to have you here." One of the secretaries said.

I smiled. Being referred to as Doctor Evans was going to take some adjustment.

"Sam, welcome! Are you ready for you first day?" A cheerful Doctor Sloan greeted me.

"As ready as I'll ever be." I answered.

The first days were hectic for me; there was so much I still needed to learn but the satisfactions I got from interacting with the patients confirmed me that becoming a doctor was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

Mercedes' POV

While I waited for Quinn and Beth, the fruit of her marriage to Puck, I decided to get in the kitchen and get some snacks together for the girls with the energy I had left. The past weeks have been a bit difficult for me because I have been feeling tired all the time. It felt like all those symptoms I felt when I was diagnosed originally were making a comeback. I was scared but I needed to get one doubt clear up before I went into panic mode. After getting everything fixed in the kitchen she sat on her sofa,

"Mommy! When is Beth coming?" A happy, yet impatient Dianna asked me. Dianna was the perfect blend of us. She got my nose and the form of eyes, but the color was all Sam's beautifully green. Her lips were just like Sam's, too. Also, people thought she got her height from him, she was almost four but physically looked like a 5 year-old.

"Di, she's going to be here soon. Be patient." She gave me the cutest pout I have ever seen. Her personality was all me.

Minutes later, a light knock on the door was heard and Dianna started to jump on the sofa.

" Mommy, Mommy… They're here!" she squealed.

I opened the door and Beth ran inside the apartment. Gone were the silence and peace. Dianna and Beth started making messes in a matter of seconds.

"Quinn, it's so good to see you." I hugged her.

"It's so good to see you, too! How's Sam?" She said as I guided her to the living room.

"He's good. Today is his first day at the clinic. Quinn, I am so proud of him. After everything we've been through and he still managed to accomplish everything he wanted."

"Mercedes, he's an excellent guy and he deserves all these amazing things and so do you for being his inspiration to achieve them. By the way, here's the thing you asked me to buy for you."

She handed me the paper bag.

"Thanks."

She looked at me seriously and said, "Have you talk to Sam about this?"

"No. I don't want to worry him. I need to get all my answers first, that's how it has been between us."

"Well let's get something now." Quinn demanded.

After a lot of hesitation, I decided to face my demons and take the test. The test, whose response could be one of the biggest news of my life or the one that could destroy all my hopes. After I got the answer, it took me quite some time to tell Sam what I discovered that day but I did not hold the news for long because I needed some medical confirmation and he needed to be there for me to deal with whatever our new reality was going to be.

XXXXX

Life could not get any better for Sam and Mercedes, after what she thought was going to be a scary moment some time ago; they confirmed that Mercedes was pregnant with their second child. Since Mercedes was not going into any kind of aggressive treatment, this pregnancy was smoother than the first one. Helping a very overprotective Sam concentrate in his successful medical practice and for both of them to adjust to the fact that little Dianna was going to Pre-K at Constance. For almost her entire pregnancy, Mercedes got involved in different charities around the city and was constantly invited to give some motivational speeches to other women facing what she was already a pro with. Moments like those were the ones that made her reminisced on all the blessings she has been given so far. Yes, she had the possibility of a relapse but she remembered that a long time ago she made a promise to herself to live every day with a smile on her face.

Sam and Mercedes were more in love with each other with each passing day; people that did not know anything about them thought they were newlyweds. They acted so carefree and comfortable around each other, like the true friends they have always been since the day they met. They were a true example of what to expect from life when love is the motor of it. Also, they were surrounded by people that fed them with good vibes and love that helped them deal with the different bumps couples face through marriage and parenthood.

Together they learned about love, respect, forgiveness, honesty and happiness but also, they learned about sadness, tribulations and sorrows. Together years ago, they embarked in an unknown journey that led them to where they were today. They certainly did not knew what life had in store for them and they knew they still had a lot to live and lot to learn but the love they had for each other, their daughter and the baby they had on the way was going to help them find the way to happiness through the unknown roads of life.

A/N: I want to thank all the readers for the support... Every feedback I got from the story really made me happy and help with my inspiration. I wouldn't make it without any of the kind words you guys left me update after update...

To Rose... There are not words that could describe my gratitude to you, you are simply amazing...

Until Next Time...

PS. I have a new story up, You Belong With Me... Check it out!

Blessings & Love...