A/N: Hey sorry it took me so long to update so here it is! Thanks to my betas Jill and Zee for making my words readable love you girls!

DISCLAIMER: I don't own Glee nor I want to and yes Samcedes was endgamed in cannon, the stupid editors cut the scenes... Enjoy!

Chapter Nineteen

You "I love you too, Sam."

He was shocked by her confession. "Mercedes…please darlin', don't say it because you think that it is what I want to hear," he begged close to tears. "Please don't say it if you don't mean it…"

Mercedes wrapped her arms around his neck and stared into his eyes. "I, Mercedes Jones is in love with one Sam 'Corroded Asshole' Evans." She declared.

"Darlin'…" he pressed his forehead against hers. "I-I love you Mercedes Jones." he confessed, shyly at first. "I love you Mercedes Jones." he repeated, a little stronger. "I love you Mercedes Jones!" he shouted a third time. "Forever and always…"

XXXX

Several dogs began to howl as Sam's voice bounced off the houses around them.

"See even the dogs agrees with me," he quipped, pressing his body against hers. "Darlin', I can't believe you actually love me back." he whispered, his lower lip quivering. "The world's biggest corroded asshole."

"I know right?" she agreed, giggling softly. Mercedes shut her eyes and listened to Sam's heart beating loudly in his chest. "I love you Sam Evans heaven help me, but I do." She hugged him tighter against her. "I love you."

"Darlin', say it again…please?" he requested. "I just want to hear you say it."

Mercedes looked up and gazed into his green eyes. "I love you." She repeated softly.

Sam stared into her brown eyes, the love he saw in them made his heart skipped several beats; he swept a thumb across her full lips. "You're perfect, you know that?"

Mercedes tilted her head upward and kissed him, first a little peck followed by a sizzling, toe-curling kiss that left them both wanting. The feel of her hot tongue snaking in and out of his mouth, swirling and twirling around his tongue almost brought Sam to his knees. He reached down and cupped her voluptuous ass, growling lustfully as he thought about the things they were going to do to each other once they got back to Burt's. Mercedes continued to tongue-fuck Sam's mouth until their lungs threaten to collapse. She reluctantly let her tongue slid out of his mouth; her breath tickled his face as she gasped for air.

Sam nipped her bottom lip, craving more of her sweet, sweet taste. "Darlin'," he panted, fishing the car keys out of her front pocket. "I think we better leave before we get arrested for lewd behavior."

"Lewd behavior?" Mercedes chuckled; her brown eyes sparkled in mischief under the moonlight. "Yeah you're right, the last thing we need is for Mama to have something else against you." She stuck out the tip of her tongue and swiped it across his lips. "Wanna go for it?"

Sam raised his eyebrows and grinned wickedly, for a moment he actually considered it, but the thought of getting his ass kicked by Burt Hummel won. "And get the living shit kicked out of me by your Daddy Burt?" he shook his head "No darlin', we will not be giving anyone a peepshow." He reached around her to unlock the car. "What you got to show is for me and me only."

She giggled softly, brushing her hair over her shoulder. "Admit it; the thought did appeal to you for a minute there didn't it?"

"I ain't gonna lie," he replied, smirking. "The thought of you spread eagle on the hood of the car…" he shuddered in delight, basking in the glory of it all. "Yeah it's time to go."

Mercedes giggled as she climbed into the driver's seat. "Yeah, you promised to make me the Evans special." She reminded him.

"And I always keep my promises." He reminded her, closing the door for her.

XXXX

They arrived in time to see Burt carrying two large suitcases out to his truck. "Back so soon?" he asked, throwing the luggage in the back of his truck. "I didn't expect you two to be back until later…much later." he took off his hat and wiped the sweat from his brows with the back of his hand.

"Anthony was there…" She began.

"Say no more." Burt butted in, holding up his hands. "He didn't try to start anything did he?"

"We did exchanged a few words, but that was all." she shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly. "It ended before things turned ugly."

"Oh?" he looked at Sam, raising an eyebrow. "Were you and Anthony about to fight?"

Sam nodded his head. "We would have, but Mercedes quickly defused the situation."

"Good for you Mercedes." Burt said, patting her gently on the shoulder. "The last thing you two need is another reason for Nicole to distrust Sam, especially when she is willing to give him a chance."

"I know." Sam agreed, grateful that things didn't escalate between him and Mercedes' ex-boyfriend. He didn't need to have his hard won points with Nicole vanished because he beat that annoying motherfucker's ass. "Thanks babe." he said boldly in front of Burt. Sam bent down and kissed her sweetly on the cheek, he would've kissed her on the lips, but he wasn't brave enough to do that in front of Mercedes' Daddy Burt… at least not yet.

Burt bit the inside of his cheeks to keep from laughing, for someone who is known as an international action hero superstar, Sam was such a little chickenshit.

Mercedes glanced at Burt's luggage in the back of the truck, a slow smile curved on her lips. "It seems that someone is anxious to move out." she said, teasingly.

Burt turned to look at his luggage. "Oh yeah, Nicole and I decided that it was best if I got settled in before she is release tomorrow." Burt explained, smiling bashfully. "I didn't know what to take so I threw everything that I think I would need in the bags." He chuckled, nervously. "I planned on sorting things out later when I unpack."

"It looks as if you packed everything except the kitchen sink."

"I think that's about right." he chuckled.

An awkward silence fell upon them. Sam, sensing there was more to say between Burt and Mercedes, excused himself, giving them the privacy they needed.

Burt leaned against his truck, his hands folded over his chest. Mercedes smiled faintly at him as she ran her fingers through her soft curls.

Burt took a deep breath and slowly exhaled, knitting his brows together in concern. "Mercedes, are you sure you're okay with me moving in with your mother?" He began.

"Yeah," she answered honestly. "But at the same time I never thought that another man will be living in the same house she had shared with my Daddy." She continued, thinking about all the good times she had with her father while growing up. "It's going to feel kind of weird, that's all."

Burt nodded in understanding; it would be no less weird if Nicole would have agreed to move into his house with memories of Kurt's mother in every corner. "I can assure you that it's going to feel weird for me too." he confessed. "And for your mother too, but I think she is more worried about the nosey neighbors all up in our business than anything else."

Mercedes scoffed, thinking about Miss Charlotte walking her nosey self across the street to take a good look at Sam. "Don't let Mama fool you, she can handle those old biddies that live around there." She assured him.

"That I do know." He said with a chuckle. "I just don't want to have to dislodge her foot from someone's behind when she should be recovering."

Mercedes laughed out loud, just thinking about it. "Daddy Burt, you are the best thing that had happened to Mama in a long time." She stood on her tip-toe and kissed him on the cheek. "You are so good for her." she murmured, burying her head in his chest.

A huge smile graced the older man's face, his blue eyes sparkled. "Thank you for saying that.' he enveloped her into a bear hug. "I think we are good for each other, too." Burt released Mercedes from his embrace and glanced quickly at his watch. "I better go." He said. "I have to make sure everything is perfect for your mother's homecoming tomorrow. You know how she gets when things aren't to her liking."

She rolled her eyes and giggled softly. "I'm glad you are dealing with her instead of me." she teased. She brushed the strands of hair out of her eyes and watched Burt as he climbed behind the steering wheel of his truck. "See you in the morning…bright and early."

Burt stuck his head out the window and nodded as he waved goodbye. "No wild parties." He joked as he backed out the driveway.

Mercedes rolled her eyes and shook her head. "Yes Daddy Burt." She replied, remembering all the times in high school she talked Kurt into throwing parties for Anthony and his football buddies. She waved goodbye, turned and walked into the house, locking the door behind her.

She was greeted with the mouthwatering aromas coming from the kitchen, her stomach grumbled loudly in protest, reminding her the last time she ate was at lunch. She let her nose guide her in the direction of the kitchen; Sam was hovering over the stove about to place a huge omelet onto a plate.

"Mmmm, you got it smelling good in here." Mercedes complimented, stealing a small chunk of cheese and popping it into her mouth.

He looked up and grinned. "I hope you're hungry darlin'." He said. "I think I had outdone myself this time."

Her stomach grumbled loudly, answering for her.

"I take that as a yes." He chuckled, winking at Mercedes. She's so cute when she's embarrassed! "Why don't you sit your pretty self down and prepare your taste buds for a masterpiece?" he suggested.

Mercedes stole another small chunk of cheese and sat at the table, Sam slid the golden delectable dish onto a plate along with several slices of bacon and brought it to the table and placed it in front of her.

"TADA!" he sang-song, waving his hands around dramatically.

She giggled, licking her lips. "It's beautiful." She replied, staring at it.

"Uh…darlin' aren't you going to taste it and tell me how good it is?" he asked, frowning a little.

"I'm waiting for you to grab a plate from the cabinet and join me." She explained.

Sam laughed and sat down beside her, scooting his chair over until they were touching. "Darlin' that would be a waste," he said, picking up his fork. "I will end up eating off your plate any way." He shrugged. "So why bother?"

Mercedes rolled her eyes at her boyfriend and shook her head. "I only have one request." She said, sliding her hand into his free one.

"And that is?" he asked, loving the chills that ran down his spine at her touch.

"I call dibs on the last piece of bacon," she answered, smirking.

"Mercedes, darlin' that's not fair." He pouted, giving her his best sad puppy dog expression.

She placed her hand in front of his face as if to ward off the effects his expression had on her. "Nope not going to fall for it Mr. Evans." She said, taking fork in hand. "The last piece of bacon is mine…deal with it."

"You're not going to share?"

"Nope." She said, popping the 'p'.

"Darlin'…"

"Nope." She repeated, cutting into the omelet. She placed the forkful into her mouth, immediately her taste buds rejoiced as she slowly chewed the tasty morsel. "Mmmm, this is good." she said, around a mouthful of food. "I think you're right, you have outdone yourself this time."

"Made it with love, darlin'." He bragged, cutting a piece for himself. "That's the secret ingredient…love." He explained. "And because I love you, I will let you have the last piece of bacon."

Mercedes raised her eyebrows at him. "Excuse me?"

"I will let you have the last piece of bacon." He repeated with a straight face.

"Sam Evans…" she said, her voice raising an octave. "First of all you don't let me…"

Oh shit! "I'm sorry Mercedes," he apologized quickly, hoping he hadn't taken things too far. "Darlin' I was only playing around, it's the corroded assholeness in me. Forgive me?"

She cut her eyes at him as she continued to eat. Damn this omelet is the shit!

"Sunshine?" He asked, not able to stand the silent treatment. "Aren't you going to forgive me?"

Mercedes picked up a slice of bacon and bit into it, turning up her nose at him.

"You are my sunshine my only sunshine, you make me happy when things are gray…" he warbled off-key. "…Com'on darlin', say something." He pleaded, kissing her softly on the cheek. "Mercedes…" he drew out, sounding like a whiny kid. "Okay, I will continue to sing half assed until you crack a smile."

Mercedes twisted her lips in an effort to stifle a laugh; she wondered how long she could stand his singing until her ears begin to bleed.

Sam, sensing that he was wearing her down, continued to sing. "You'll never know dear how much I love you… Please don't take my sunshine away'…darlin' look at me, please?"

She took her time turning her doe eyes towards him…

Brown eyes locked with green ones…

He waggled his brows at her…

Mercedes tried to hold back the laughter…

She failed miserably.

Tears streamed down her face as she laughed uncontrollably. "Ohmigod, that was awful," she said between gasps of breath. "Sam who ever told you that you could carry a tune is going straight to hell."

"Awww darlin' you know my voice is golden." He quipped, laughing with her. "Bet I can record that song tomorrow and it will be certified triple platinum in a week."

"You know what? You're probably right; there are a lot of tone deaf people in this world who would buy just about anything."

Sam cupped her face in his hands, leaned over and kissed her deeply, desire spread quickly throughout Mercedes' body like kindling wood on fire as he probed the inside of her mouth. She entangled her fingers in his hair, straddling herself onto his lap. He grunted, allowing his hands to travel slowly down her back until they settled on her voluptuous ass. They kissed until they were both light-headed, Mercedes slowly pulled away, resting her forehead against Sam's as they took deep breaths.

"I take it that I'm forgiven?" Sam said, more of a statement than an actual question.

Mercedes nodded, planting soft kisses on his lips. "Mhmm."

The corners of his mouth quirked up in a smile. "I knew you couldn't stay mad at me." he quipped, returning her kisses.

"No I couldn't." she agreed, smiling softly.

"It was the Evans' special wasn't it?" he said knowingly. "I put my foot in it."

"You're cute." She giggled, ignoring his question. She ran her fingers through his blond locks.

Sam closed his eyes, enjoying her touches. "Cute? Is that all? I thought that I was devastatingly handsome."

"Conceited much?"

"Not really, I only care about what you think of me…and my family of course."

"And your legions of fans." She added, kissing the tip of his nose.

He swept his thumbs across her lips and shook his head. "At the end of the day it will always be you…always you."

Mercedes reached over and grabbed the last piece of bacon and broke it in two, offering half to Sam.

He raised his eyebrows. "Are you sure?" he asked, accepting the offer. "Cause once it's in my mouth..."

"Shut up before I take it back..." She butted in, taking a bite of her half.

Sam stuffed his half in his mouth, smiling like a kid who has unlimited access to a candy store. "Mmmm…"

Mercedes shook her head. "You are such a corroded asshole."

"Yep, but you love me any way." He countered.

XXXX

Mercedes went upstairs to get ready for bed while Sam tidied up the kitchen. As she sat on the bed in Sam's room applying shea cocoa butter to her skin, she looked around the room and noticed her toiletries and a good portion of her clothes was part of the décor.

Mercedes had unknowingly moved in his room.

When did this happen? She wondered. After she finished her beauty regime, Mercedes began gathering some of her things to take back to her room, she bumped into Sam on her way out the door he saw the clothes in her arms and gave her a puzzling look.

"Darlin' what' going on?" he asked, scratching the back of his neck, nervously.

"I'm just clearing some of my clutter out of your room." she replied, nonchalantly.

"Why?"

To her surprise, Sam took her things from her and brought them back into the room, dumping them in the nearest chair.

"Sam, I'm invading your space…" Mercedes began to protest.

He cut her off with a kiss.

"What ever gave you that idea?" he asked. "I have no problem with you 'invading my space' as you so eloquently put it. Do you?"

She shook her head. "No, but…"

He cut her off with another kiss.

"Mercedes, darlin' I like having our things jumbled together." he confessed. "Besides, it would be a waste of time. You are only going to be bringing them back." he added. "In fact, you should go ahead and move the rest of your stuff in here." He suggested. "It'll be a lot easier don't you think? And let's be honest, you haven't slept in Kurt's old room since the first night we got here."

Mercedes bit down on her bottom lip, everything he said has been true, she loved the feel of his room, it looked lived in with all of their things intermingling, this is the room where Sam comforted her, promising her that her mother was going to get better, this was the room where they shared their first kiss, where they are a couple and exploring each other's bodies.

This is the room where they love…

"I'll move the rest of my things in the morning." she replied, smiling shyly.

"Good answer, good answer." Sam chuckled, hugging her close. He inhaled deeply, taking in her scent. "You smell so good." he murmured as he kissed her earlobe.

Mercedes' breath hitched in her throat as the tingles ran down her body and settled between her legs.

"Something tells me my baby likes that." he smiled, pressing his pink lips against her sweet skin.

She nodded, leaning into his kisses.

Sam lifted her chemise over her head and flung it across the room. "You won't be needing that." he stepped back to admire her curves, shaking his head in awe, his green eyes darkening with lust. "Darlin', you are so beautiful."

Mercedes stepped into his personal space, lifting her head to gaze into his orbs. She reached out and swept a hand across his stomach, causing his abdomen muscles to contract under her touch. Sam parted his lips slightly and let out a soft moan. She grabbed the hem of his shirt and pulled it upward, exposing his hard abs. Mercedes sucked in her bottom lip, fighting the urge to lick them.

Who in the hell am I kidding? She slowly flicked the tip of her tongue over his abs, leaving behind a wet trail as she traced a path to his navel.

Sam jerked in reaction to Mercedes' tongue causing electric sensation as she dipped her tongue in and out of his navel. "Mercedes…" he growled, his cock straining uncomfortably in his pants.

Mercedes stopped long enough to snap open the button of his jeans and carefully tugged down the zipper, freeing him from his confinement. She placed a quick kiss on the head of his cock and returned to lavish more love on his navel. Sam entangled his long fingers in her soft locks, his breathing erratic and heavy as Mercedes' tongue swirled around in his bellybutton.

"Darlin'…" he drawled, his southern accent becoming more pronounced by the second. Sam's knees buckled slightly as Mercedes' kissed his bellybutton and started a wet hot trail leading to his throbbing cock. "Darlin…" he repeated a little louder, to get her attention.

Mercedes looked up, her brown doe eyes questioning.

"Darlin', if I don't sit down, I'm going to hurt myself." He explained, helping her to her feet.

"So I have the power to bring you to your knees?" she asked brazenly, smirking as she raised a perfectly arched eyebrow.

Sam stared at her generous mouth, remembering just seconds ago what pleasure it had given him. He nodded, licking his lips. "Darlin' you have power over Me." he confessed, his voice thick with emotion. Sam inched his head closer to hers, will there ever be a time that he would tired of her sweet taste? "Your love is my weakness."

Mercedes swallowed down the huge lump in her throat, her heart fluttered like a butterfly in her chest…

He pressed his lips against hers, feeling the jolts of electricity that was always present between them. Sam was addicted to her and there wasn't a damn thing he could do about it, as if he really wanted to.

The kiss left them reeling, like it always does whenever they pull apart.

"Wow." Mercedes gasped, trying to catch his breath, running the tip of her tongue over her kissed-swollen lips.

"I know right?" Sam chuckled, cupping her face in his hands, sweeping his thumbs over her lips. "I told you I was an amazing kisser."

"I have to give it to you," she said, still feeling the imprint of his lips on hers. "You are right about that."

"I'm good at other things too." he hinted, grinning wolfishly as he casted his eyes toward the bed.

Her body trembled in excitement, thinking of those other things he is good at. "And who told you that, one of your fangirls?" she quipped, lacing her fingers with his and leading him towards the bed.

"I'm pretty sure it was my sexy girlfriend." He said, sitting down on the bed and taking her with him. "I had her hitting notes only dogs can hear."

"You must got some hella skills if you can do that." she sat on his lap, wiggling her ass against his erection.

"Oh I do darlin', trust." He moaned, dipping his head to nip her on the neck. "Your man ain't got nothing on me."

Mercedes growled softly in her throat, her arousal steadily climbing…

"How would you know what my man got?" she whispered, her fingertips danced lightly across the slick head of his cock. "Are you a peeping Tom? Should I alert the police?"

Sam grunted, loving the way her fingers feel on his sensitive organ. "Darlin', I don't have to be a peeping Tom to know your man ain't got no skills." He pushed her hair to the side and nipped her shoulder blade, smiling when he felt her shiver in delight. "As I see it, there is only one way to prove that what I'm saying is the truth."

"And how are you going to prove that?" she asked, her tone low and suggestive. She brought her fingers, covered with his pre-cum, to her lips and greedily licked them clean.

"I'm gonna have to show you." He whispered, getting more turned on as he watched her licked her fingers clean.

"Aren't you afraid that my man or your girlfriend might walk in on us?" she took his hand and guided it between her thick thighs, letting him feel how wet she was for him.

"I'm not scared," he slowly dragged a finger across the length of her clit. "Are you?"

Mercedes moved her hips in tight circles, grinding herself against his finger, getting wetter and hotter by the second. "Scared? That word is not in my vocabulary." She replied, reaching down between his legs and wrapping her small hand around his cock and giving it a squeeze.

Sam inserted another finger inside her slick core, pumping his fingers in and out, as Mercedes simultaneously stroke his cock.

"That's it Mercedes," he panted, loving the lusty moans escaping from her lips. "Sing for me darlin', tell the world how good I make you feel." Sam, himself, found it harder to concentrate as ripples of pleasures shot through out his body. Mercedes was driving him to the point of no return!

Mercedes generous breasts bounced up and down as she continued to grind herself against his fingers, she knew it would be a matter of time before she reached her first climax. She was determined for her and Sam to come together. She sped up her pace; loving the way Sam thrust his hips to meet her stroke for stroke. "Am I making you feel good, baby?" she whispered, in her lust fill haze.

"Yes! Yes! Yes!" Sam cried out, trembling. His balls contracted warning him he was about to explode.

He felt her vaginal muscles tightened around his fingers. "Don't stop Sam, please baby don't stop." She begged. He watched in fascination as she tossed back her head and screamed his name; her juices dripped down his hand and onto his thighs as her climax washed over her.

Sam shut his eyes, smiling blissfully, chatting Mercedes' name, as his joined her in the land of ecstasy, shooting his hot seed all over her hand. He slumped forward and nestled his head between her soft generous breasts. Mercedes draped her arms around his shoulders and rested her chin on top of his head, cooing contently. He wrapped his arms around her and held her tightly, loving their closeness.

Mercedes ran her fingers through his damp hair, planting several kisses on his forehead. Sam looked up; she dipped her head and kissed his brows…

The tip of his nose…

She kissed all the spaces in between, until she reached her main target – his lips.

"Mmmm…." Sam moaned against her full sweet lips, tangling his hand in her dark tresses. Mercedes swipe her tongue over his lips, sending shivers up and down his spine. He was greedy for more, quickly sucking her tongue into his mouth, savoring the taste that was uniquely hers.

Mercedes' pulse quickened with each stroke of his tongue exploring the depths of her mouth, her elicit moans filling the atmosphere became a symphony of pure pleasure. The feeling of euphoria consumed her as she soared to new heights, being kissed; being touched, being wanted by this man was love. All consuming, everlasting, soul stirring love; there was no way on God's green earth she would ever give it up!

They both cried out in protest as they reluctantly parted to fill their neglected lungs with much needed oxygen. Sam, staring at Mercedes under half hooded lids, traced the outline of her face with his index finger. Mercedes shut her eyes, getting lost in his feathery touches.

"I'm going to dump my man." Mercedes announced, half smiling. She opened her brown doe eyes, locking them with his emerald green ones.

"Oh?" Sam replied, smirking. "Why is that?"

She reached for his hand and brought it to her kissed-swollen lips. "His skills, sad to say, are severely lacking." She laced their fingers together and placed them over her heart. "I hope you're not that attached to your sexy girlfriend, I'm about to kick her ass, she have something that I want."

Sam chuckled lightly. "What does she have that you want?" he asked, his voice an octave lower.

Mercedes licked her lips, looking at him coyly. "You," She whispered. "I want you."

"She was dumped the moment I saw you." He confessed, feeling her heartbeat speed up under their entangled hands.

"You are a smooth talker, Mr. Evans." She teased. "That silver tongue of yours can get you anything you want."

"That may be so," He said, planting a firm kiss on her lips. "But, I only want one thing and one thing only."

Mercedes' breath caught in her throat. "Is that so?" she murmured, breathlessly.

Sam responded by placing their entwined hands over his rapidly beating heart, smiling knowingly. Mercedes felt her temperature rising a few degrees before returning his smile with one of her own.

XXXX

After spending two hours, in the shower, exploring each others bodies, until the hot water ran out; Sam and Mercedes gotten dressed and went to The Lima Bean for breakfast. Sam skimmed over the menu and placed it down, he propped his elbows on the table and put his head in his hands and stared at Mercedes as she read the breakfast section of the menu. God she's beautiful! He said to himself.

Mercedes, feeling his eyes on her smiled as she continued to read the menu. "What?" she asked, without looking up.

"Nothing, darlin'," Sam replied with a serene look on his face. "I'm just basking in your beauty."

Mercedes rolled her eyes and shook her head." "It's a good thing you don't write your own scripts," She quipped, closing the menu and tossing it aside. "Because that was really lame."

"That might be so darlin'." He countered, reaching across the table for her hand. "But it achieved the desired affect." He smirked, threading their fingers together. "You're smiling right?" he stared at her lush kissable lips, which were still swollen from him, kissing them earlier.

"Score one for corny, out of date lines." She giggled softly, her brown eyes twinkling.

"It still works."Sam sang-song. "I know something else that still works too." He added, his green eyes sparking mischievously.

"And what is that?" Mercedes asked her curiosity piqued.

"Serenading the one you love." He cleared his throat and stood up.

"Sam, what are you doing?" Mercedes asked, horrified. "Sit down; please sit down before you embarrass yourself."

"Sorry darlin'," he replied, "I have the urge to express how I feel about you through song."

She hung her head down, as people began looking their way, curious as to what was going on.

"Excuse me ladies and gentlemen," he said aloud. "I hope everyone is having a great morning…"

A couple of people muttered their answer.

"See this beautiful lady here?" he placed a hand on Mercedes' shoulder as she slumped down further in her chair, pulling her hair over her face as not to be recognized. "Mercedes, darlin' don't be shy, wave to the nice folks."

The bystanders laughed as she quickly wave.

"Thank you darlin'," he said, bringing a splattering of laughter from his now captive audience. "As you might have guessed, I am in love with this beautiful woman and I want to express my love for her through song…"

"Awww how cute…" a table of teen girls gushed, looking at him dreamingly,while others clapped or whistled.

"Now I have to warn everybody that I don't have the best voice in the world and I might end up shattering a few glasses, but that shouldn't stop me right?"

"Sing to your girl, bro!" Someone shouted, bringing the whole room to applause.

Most of the cooking staff walked out the kitchen to see what was going on as well as the servers.

Mercedes felt the heat of embarrassment creeping up her neck and settling on her cheeks wishing that any moment the earth would open up and swallow her.

"I will, but I need help on what to sing to her," Sam replied. "Does anyone knows a simple love song that even I with my limited vocal skills can sing?" he asked the crowd. "Anybody?"

A little girl no more than five waved her hand frantically in the air until she had gotten Sam's attention.

"Yes, precious?" Sam replied, smiling at the little girl who suddenly became shy and had buried her head in her father's chest.

Mercedes sat up in her chair slightly and pushed her hair out of her face just in time to see the little chocolate brown girl tapped her father on the shoulder and whispered something in his ear.

"Are you sure?" he asked his daughter.

His little princess nodded her head shyly.

He laughed and kissed her forehead. He looked at Sam with a huge grin on his face. "She said Skidamarink."

The crowd roared with laughter…

"Skidamarink?" Sam echoed, rubbing his chin, thinking about it. "Okay, I think my voice can handle it." he laughed.

"Oh god." Mercedes groaned, under her breath, shifting uncomfortably in her seat.

"Don't be so shy darlin'." He said, tugging on her hand. "Let the great folks of Mayberry…uh…Lima see your sweet face!"

She shook her head furiously. "Go away Sam!" she hissed.

"Can't do that Sunshine." He pushed her chair from the table and cleared his throat.

Mercedes peaked through her hair and saw Sam getting down on his knees, her breath hitched in her throat as he placed his head on her lap and wrapped his arms around her waist.

"Skidamarink a dink a dink, Skidamarink a doo, I love you. Skidamarink a dink a dink, Skidamarink a doo, I love you…" his voice cracked. The people began to clap, urging him to continue, most of the women crossed their hands over their hearts looking on in envy, wishing their men were as romantic as Sam.

Mercedes found herself smiling despite herself, her heart thumped wildly in her chest. She brushed the hair out of her face and gazed down at Sam.

Sam tilted his head upward and looked deeply into her brown eyes and smiled. "I love you in the morning and in the afternoon; I love you in the evening and underneath the moon…" he continued, his voice going an octave higher. "Skidamarink a dink a dink, Skidamarink a doo, I love you… I love you darlin'… I…love…you…" he finished off-key.

The Lima Bean exploded in applause and cat-calls.

She cupped her hands over her mouth and giggled softly as her eyes shimmered with tears.

She was in love with an idiot.

Mercedes dipped her head and kissed Sam sweetly on the lips.

"I love you, Mercedes." He whispered, unashamed.

"You are such a corroded asshole." She sniffed, wiping away the tears that had fallen.

"And yet you love me any way." He countered, leaning in for another kiss.

"Yes I do." She said without hesitation, wrapping her arms around his neck and hugging him close.

XXXX

After an eventful breakfast, they made their daily trip to the florist; Sam bought Mercedes a bouquet of flowers and a dozen of yellow roses for Mercedes' mother that is to be delivered to her mother's house later on in the day.

"The florist is going to miss you." Mercedes said, admiring her bouquet of asters. "You have been their number one customer."

"I'm glad that I could help stimulate their business." Sam said. He looked over at Mercedes and smiled as she brought the bouquet to her nose and inhaled their heavenly scent. "I promised my woman that I will send her flowers every day and you know me darlin', I always keep my promises."

The short ride to the hospital was filled with anticipation, Mercedes couldn't wait for her mother to be release from the hospital and back at home. Sam cruised around the hospital's parking lot looking for Burt's truck. He spotted it parked near the hospital's entrance and parked the car in the empty parking space beside it.

Sam shook his head as Mercedes checked her appearance in the rearview mirror. "Darlin', you can't improve on perfection." He complimented, lacing their fingers together.

Mercedes smiled, squeezing his hand gently as they walked towards the hospital entrance.

"I hope Doctor Zuri has signed Mama's release papers already." Mercedes said as they rode the elevator to the third floor. "I'm so ready to see the back of this place…" she shook her head and took a deep breath.

Sam kissed her on the forehead to calm her nerves. "I know you are darlin', just imagined how your mom feels, she's been cooped up in this place for nearly two weeks."

"Knowing Nicole Jones the way I do, I will not be surprised if she forges his name on her release papers if he takes to damn long to sign them." Mercedes chuckled softly. "She could scare the hell out of Satan if she's pissed enough."

Sam scrunched up his face as he thought about what she said. "Yeah, I can see that happening." He laughed, "Your mom could make Satan her personal bitch."

The door to the elevator opened and the two of them stepped out, hand in hand. "Good morning angels of mercy." Sam greeted the nurses at the nurses' station as he and Mercedes walked by.

"Good morning Sam." A few of the younger nurses greeted, practically salivating over the handsome actor. They craned their necks and watched him disappeared around the corner.

OOOO

"Knock, knock, knock, I hope everyone's decent." Mercedes said, announcing her and Sam's arrival."

"Mercedes come in here and stop your foolishness." Nicole replied with a smile, she was glad to see her daughter.

"Morning Mama," Mercedes said, walking up to the bed and kissing her on the cheek. "You're chipper this morning, has Doctor Zuri signed your release papers?"

"Not yet," Nicole sighed, grabbing a chocolate pudding cup from the gift basket Burt had given her.

Mercedes smiled at Burt, who was watching the morning news on television with the volume down. "Hey Daddy Burt."

Burt turned in her direction, returning her smile with one of his own. "Good morning Mercedes…Sam."

"Good morning Mr. Hummel." Sam greeted, taking his usual seat.

"Hello Sam, how are you this morning?" Nicole greeted warmly, keeping her promise to be cordial to Sam.

"I couldn't be better," he replied, surprised she acknowledge his presence. "Thank you for asking." He caught Mercedes' eyes and grinned.

"I see all your flowers are gone," Mercedes observed, sitting in the vacant chair on the left side of her bed. She also noticed her mother was dressed in a soft pink warm up suit with her shoulder length hair pulled back in a ponytail.

"I took all of your mother's get well flowers and mementos to your house last night." Burt answered.

Mercedes stared at her mother, trying her best not to cry as she thought about how close she came to losing her. She reached out and brushed a strand of hair out of her mother's face. "What the first thing you're going to do once you are release from here?"

Nicole finished the last of her chocolate pudding before answering. "I'm going to take a nice long hot bubble bath to get this hospital stench off me," she said. "Followed by relaxing in my own bedroom and being waited on hand and foot by that very nice man right over there." she nudged her head in Burt's direction.

Burt cheeks turned a light shade of pink as he turned from the television and caught Nicole's eyes.

Mercedes felt really awkward watching her mother and Burt having eye sex right in front of her. She quickly diverted her eyes, turning them in Sam's direction; he shrugged his shoulders and winked at her.

"Soooo," she drawled out, breaking the spell between her mother and Burt. "Is there anything you want me to do for you?" she asked, "I can call and make an appointment for you at Crown and Glory?" she suggested. "Or cook your meals?" Mercedes wanted to be of some use to her mother.

"You can call and set up an appointment for me." Nicole replied, frowning, she knew her hair looked a hot mess. "Tell that simple receptionist I want Miss Brenda or Miss Ada to come to my house. I don't have time for those nosey heffas at the salon grilling me about my health. I get enough of that around here and cooking a couple of home cooked meals will be nice too."

"Okay, once you get settled in at home, I will make the appointment."

There was a soft knock on the door before it opened, revealing Doctor Zuri on the other side. He walked into the room with a bright smile on his face. "I can't believe that one of my favorite patients is leaving me today." he said, taking his stethoscope from his pocket and placing it around his neck. "How are you feeling today Mrs. Jones?"

"I am on top of the world." She replied, excitedly. "I am so ready to leave this place."

Doctor Zuri nodded in understanding; he checked her vitals one last time and wrote the information down in her chart. "Mrs. Jones you are free to go." He announced, happily. "Remember what we talked about you taking it easy and attending your physical therapy sessions regularly."

"I have all the things we've discussed ingrained in my memory." Nicole replied. "Plus if I happen to veer off course, I have my loving family to remind me."

He chuckled. "Alright, Mrs. Jones one of the nurses will be in here a few minutes with a wheelchair, do you have any last minute questions for me?"

Nicole shook her head…

Doctor Zuri glanced around the room. "Okay, Mrs. Jones I will see you in a few weeks so take care and please don't hesitant to call me if you have any questions at all concerning anything."

"Doctor Zuri, thank you for taking such good care of my mom." Mercedes said, gratefully. "I just can't thank you enough."

He shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly. "I was just doing my job." He said, humbly.

A nurse walked into the room with a wheelchair. "Mrs. Jones, your ride is here." She announced, cheerfully.

"Finally." Nicole cheered.

The nurse raised the headboard and helped Nicole inched her way to the edge of the bed where Burt lifted her up and placed her gently in the wheelchair.

"I'll take it from here." Burt informed the nurse.

"Are you sure?" she asked.

"Yes, very sure."

Mercedes reached for her mother's overnight bag; Sam took it out of her hand.

"Mercedes grab my basket for me please." Nicole said.

"Mama, do you have everything?" Mercedes asked.

Nicole looked around the room one last time and nodded. "Let's get the hell out of here."

XXXX

"Nice ride." Nicole complimented as Burt helped her in the back seat of the Acura. "Yours?" she asked Sam.

Sam shook his head. "Leasing." He replied. "You want it?"

Mercedes jabbed him in the ribs, giving him major side-eye.

"Ouch, Mercedes I was only joking," he said, rubbing away the pain. "I know that I can't bribe your mom…" he looked at Nicole, giving her his sweetest smile. "Right?"

Nicole rolled her eyes as she got settled in the back seat. "Material things don't sway my opinions of people." She replied.

Burt leaned in and buckled her seatbelt and kissed her softly on the lips. "I will see you at home." He said.

She reached up and caressed his cheek gently. "All right."

Mercedes slid into the passengers' side and turned to look at her mother. "Mama, do you need to stop any where before we head home?" she asked.

Nicole shook her head. "I just want to go home and be surrounded by the people who love me."

"Does that include me?" Sam quipped, sliding in behind the wheel.

Nicole crossed her arms in her lap and pursed her lips. "Turn on the radio, I need to hear music. I need to get the sounds of machines out of my head." she said, ignoring his question.

Mercedes shook her head and side eyed her mother as she looked at her in the rearview mirror.

Sam, seeing how upset she was placed a comforting hand on her left forearm and gave it a gentle squeeze.

She turned to look at him.

'I love you.' He mouthed.

Mercedes' heart stuttered and she felt weak in the knees as the heat from his touch warmed her. 'I love you too.' she mouthed back.

Nicole looked at them from the backseat, the intensity at which they were staring at each other made her feel as if she was intruding on something every intimate between them.

"Ahem!" She said, clearing her throat. "If you two are finish making googly eyes at each other, I really would like to go home."

"Sorry Mama," Mercedes apologized, smiling at Sam. "What kind of music do you want to listen to?"

"Something funky and upbeat to match my mood." She replied.

Mercedes fiddled with the radio until she found her mother's favorite radio station coming out of Cleveland, Baby Love by the Supremes were currently playing.

"Now that is what I'm talking about." Nicole grinned, looking out the window, bopping her head to the beat.

The ride home was uneventful, ever so often Mercedes would check on her mother by looking at her through the rearview mirror.

"I'm still breathing." Nicole would reply every time she catches her.

Sam pulled up in the driveway behind Burt's truck, where he was waiting to help Nicole out the car.

"We're here." Mercedes announced. "Welcome home Mama."

Nicole's brown eyes lit up like a Christmas tree as she laid eyes on her home, it had been a long, tough several weeks and she had missed it. "Home." She announced, loving the way the word felt on her tongue.

Burt opened the door to the backseat, reached across her to unbuckle her seatbelt. "Be careful." he said, watching her slowly scooting to the open door. He offered his arm for her to lean on.

She swatted his arm away. "I'm not an invalid." She said loud and clear.

"Who said you were?" he countered, rolling his eyes. "Excuse me for being a gentleman." Burt dropped his arm to his side.

Nicole lifted one leg and placed it on the pavement, she grabbed the car handle and for support and managed to get her other leg out the car which took more effort than she was willing to admit.

"Mercedes I think we should go inside," Burt said. "It seems like your mother got it all under control."

Mercedes opened her mouth to protest, but Burt held up his hand to silence her.

"Nicole will be fine, she doesn't need help." He reminded her.

She looked at her mother, it was obvious she was struggling, but was too proud to speak up. Mercedes' heart was telling her to go help her, but her brain was telling her not to interfere and let Burt handle things.

"Sam, take Mercedes by the hand and take her inside please." Burt said.

Sam nodded and threaded his fingers with hers. "Come on darlin', let's go." He urged her.

Mercedes took a deep breath and nodded. "See you inside, Mama."

Burt grabbed Nicole's overnight case and gift basket from the bed of his truck and knitted his eyebrows together. "See you inside Nicole." He said before turning his back to her and headed towards the front door.

"How long are you going to let her stay out there?" Mercedes asked, Burt anxiously as he walked into the house.

He shrugged his shoulders. "You know how stubborn your mother can be." He answered. "Don't worry I will let her stew in her pride for another ten minutes." He added. "How do you like the welcome home banner?"

"Uh? Wha..?" She asked, puzzled.

Sam pointed at the huge silver and gold banner hanging in the foyer with pictures of her mother that she had never seen before.

"Wow," Mercedes said, looking up. "That is really sweet; Mama is going to love it."

"I think so too." Sam agreed.

"Daddy Burt are those pictures recent?"

"Yeah, your mom and I took a short trip to Chicago a few months back." He had a sparkled in his eyes as he remembered their weekend getaway. "I took her to see Swan Lake at the Joffery Ballet. We really had a great time."

"Swan Lake? That's one of Mama's favorite ballets."

"I know, now if you excuse me, I'll go and place Nicole's overnight case in her bedroom." Burt said, heading for the staircase.

Mercedes peeked through the curtain and saw her mother still sitting in the same position they had left her in, she chewed nervously on her bottom lip as an expression of worry washed over her mahogany face. Sam pulled her in a comforting embrace; Mercedes buried her face in his chest and inhaled deeply.

"It's going to be alright darlin'." He muttered in her hair, swaying side to side.

"I know it is." She said. "It's a good thing Daddy Burt is taking care of her because I would have dragged her in by her roots about now."

Sam chuckled.

"What?"

"I see where you get your badassness from."

She hit him playfully on the chest and grinned.

"Did I say something wrong?"

"No." she replied. "I take that as a compliment, my mom doesn't take crap from any one."

"And neither does her daughter."

"Damn right and don't you ever forget that."

They heard the clump of Burt's footsteps as he came down the stairs. "I'm going to get your mother now." he announced as he passed by them. "See you in a few and Mercedes don't look so worried, I got this." He assured her.

Mercedes nodded with an unsure smile on her face.

"Mercedes, darlin', Mr. Hummel's right, don't worry."

"I'm trying not to…" she sighed heavily. "I think I will be here for another week, I just want to make sure everything will be okay."

"Alright," Sam said. "When ever you're ready to go back to California just let me know and I'll make the arrangements for us to leave."

"Sam…" Mercedes ran her fingers through her hair, trying to think of the words to persuade him to go back to California without her. "Sam…" she repeated. "You don't have to stay here with me. I will be alright, besides you have a movie to finish and…"

"Hold it right there, darlin'." Sam said, interrupting her. "I'm not leaving Mayberry without you." He said. "I don't give a fuck about some movie, being here with you, supporting you is more important than anything else at the moment."

"But Sam…"

"You're not listening darlin'," he said, interrupting her again. "I. Am. Not. Leaving. You. Here. Alone." He cupped her face in his hands and tilted it upward, making sure they were looking directly into each other's eyes. "I'm not leaving you here alone." He reiterated, making it crystal clear there was no way he was going to change his mind.

"Okay," Mercedes sighed, with a small smile on her face. "But I still feel guilty."

"Why? I don't. Mercedes, darlin', what ever concerns you, concerns me; I'm not about to go off and finish a film when my mind would not be on it because I will be thinking about you and how you are coping with things."

"I can handle myself." She said so what annoyed.

"I know you can, I will never doubt that." he stroked her cheeks tenderly with his thumbs. "But even the most independent woman needs support." He replied, with his famous lopsided grin on his face.

She shut her eyes and leaned into his touch. "There is no getting rid of you is there?"

"Nope." He said, popping the 'p' for emphases. "You are stuck with me, darlin', lucky you."

Mercedes giggled softly. "So lucky me, huh?" she said.

"Yeah, lucky you." He confirmed. He slid his hands down her sides and pulled her in closer before kissing her sweetly on the lips.

Mercedes turned around in his arms to look out the window, to her dismay Sam took a few steps back to prevent her from snooping on Burt and her mother.

"What are you doing?" she protested, turning around to face him.

"Letting Mr. Hummel handled your mom in private." He replied. "Didn't you believe him when he said he 'got this'?"

"Yes I do, but…"

Sam shook his head, silencing her.

"Mercedes let him handle it."

"Fine," she pouted, crossing her arms over her chest.

Sam, thinking how adorable she looked, chuckled to himself.

"What?"

"You are too cute when you're pouting, kinda sexy."

Mercedes rolled her eyes, trying not to smile.

"Com'on." He said leading her towards the door that led out the foyer. "Why don't you show me your baby pictures?" he suggested. "I bet you were a very cute baby."

"A matter of fact I was." She replied. "I hope you are ready to overload on cuteness." She smirked.

"Darlin', I'm more than ready." He said. "Plus it gives me an idea on what our future daughters will look like." He muttered under his breath.

"What's that?" Mercedes asked, sliding her hand in his.

"Nothing darlin' just mumbling to myself." He replied, curling his long fingers around hers.

She stood on her tip-toes and kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you."

"For what?"

"For being a loveable corroded asshole."

XXXX

Burt walked up to the opened car door and leaned against it. Nicole looked up at him and pursed her lips.

"How's it going?" he asked casually.

Silence…

"Okay, now you are giving me the silent treatment." He took off his baseball cap to scratch his forehead and put it back on again. He chuckled softly. "Nicole Jones, you are one stubborn woman." He began. "But, I can be just as stubborn…"

"You left me here." She butted in, fuming. "You knew I needed your help and you left me here."

"Is that right?" he countered, a small smile crept on his face. "As I recall you said you didn't need my help."

She looked at him, her brown eyes filled with fire. "You are enjoying this aren't you?"

"Yes I am." He admitted, reaching for her hands and gently pulling her up on her feet. "Are you ready to let me help you now?" he asked. "If not I can leave you standing here and hope to God you won't fall down and break your stubborn ass as you try to walk to the front door without assistance."

Nicole linked her arm in his and leaned on him as her response.

"It's about damn time." Burt said, relieved he didn't have to use drastic measures to get her into the house. "I was prepared to throw you over my shoulder and carry you in the house."

She looked at him skeptically.

"What, you don't believe me?" he shut the car door with his free hand. "Act like a brat again and that's exactly what I will do." He warned her.

"I'm such a mess." She said, taking a small step. When Burt didn't refute her claim, Nicole glance up at him and furrowed her brows together. "You're supposed to disagree."

"Why? You were speaking the truth."

She pursed her lips together. "Are you sure you want to take care of me, knowing how stubborn I am?"

"Yes."

"I can always hire a nurse or better yet I can have Mercedes…"

"No." he stated bluntly. "You don't need a damn nurse when you got me and as for Mercedes; she is going back to California to live her life. There is nothing for her here in dead ass Lima, Ohio."

Nicole looked down at her feet, she knew there was no way Mercedes would stay there; she would wither away and die. And that was something Nicole wasn't prepare to handle.

"I know that." she said finally. "Lima was never her home."

"Or Kurt's." Burt added.

They made it to the front door; Burt carefully opened the screen door and guided her in. Nicole gasped in surprise when she saw the huge welcome home banner hanging in the foyer.

"Burt you didn't…" A huge smile lit up her face. "Are those the pictures from our Chicago trip?"

"Uh-huh." He shut the door quickly behind them. "You like it?"

Nicole nodded. "Very much, thank you." She chuckled as she reminisced about their Chicago trip. "We really had a great time didn't we?"

"The best," Burt agreed. "Although, I have a feeling our cruise is going to blow that out of the water."

"I can't hardly wait…" she was interrupted by the sound of Sam's boisterous laughter coming from the direction of the family room, it was followed by Mercedes' familiar laughter. "I wonder what's so funny?" she asked.

"Let's go and find out."

Mercedes and Sam were sitting on the couch looking at a photo album of Mercedes' baby pictures when Burt and Nicole walked into the room. Mercedes looked up and smiled at her mom as Burt helped her eased into a chair.

"How are you feeling Mama?" she asked.

"I'm a little tired, but I'll make it." Nicole answered, stretching her legs. "What's all the laughter about?"

"I'm showing Sam my baby pictures."

"Mercedes was a cute baby." Sam piped up.

"She still is."

Sam looked at Mercedes as if she hung the moon and nodded in agreement. "I agree."

Mercedes felt her cheeks warming up. "Uh…Mama do you want anything to drink?" she asked, changing the subject.

"I like to have some water."

Mercedes moved to get up from the couch, Burt held out his hand to stop her.

"No need to get up Mercedes, I'm heading that way." he said. "You continue to show Sam your embarrassing baby pictures, I'm sure you have come across quite a few of you and Kurt."

"Oh god yes." She chuckled, rolling her eyes. "I can't believe you two thought it was a good idea to have us lying on Rader buck ass naked." She flipped back through the pages until she came upon the deeply embarrassing photo of her and Kurt sleeping on the golden retriever.

Nicole and Burt roared with laughter as Mercedes held up the album to show them the humiliating picture. "It's cute." Nicole replied, wiping tears from her eyes. "You and Kurt use to think that you two were her pups."

"Really Mama?" She deadpanned. "Daddy Burt what is your excuse?"

"She was a great babysitter." He snorted, causing the four of them to laugh hysterically.

The laughter continued as Nicole and Daddy Burt told Sam some of Mercedes and Kurt embarrassing childhood stories while Mercedes suffered in silence.

"How about that time when Kurt and Mercedes made their own Christmas light?" Nicole laughed.

"Hey you can't blame that on me." Mercedes spoke up, defending herself. "That was all Kurt." She giggled.

Sam looked at her, one eyebrow raised. "You made your own Christmas light?" he asked.

"Oh yeah," Burt chimed in. "That was a classic."

"Do tell."

"Well Mercedes and Kurt were playing doctor…"

Before anyone could continue, the doorbell chimed.

"Dear God please don't let that be Miss Charlotte with her nosey ass." Nicole prayed, shaking her head in annoyance.

"If it's her, I'll tell her that you are not up to having visitors." Burt replied, getting up, stretching his body before making his way to the front door.

Nicole tried to hold back a yawn but couldn't.

"Mama, do you need to lie down?" Mercedes asked.

"No," she replied. "I'm tired of lying down; I need to sit up for a change." She yawned again.

"But Mama…" Mercedes began to protest, Sam gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze, in hopes of getting her to hold her tongue.

It worked.

Burt returned with a huge box and laid it gently on Nicole's lap. "It was the delivery guy from the florist." He explained. "These are for you." Burt looked over at Sam and smiled.

Nicole's stared at the rectangular shaped box for several minutes before carefully opening it. "Wow," she gasped, picking up one of the long stem roses and deeply inhaling it sweet aroma. "Burt these are beautiful, thank you."

"You're welcome, but they are not from me." he answered.

"Then who…?"

Sam cleared his throat…

Nicole looked up at him, raising her eyebrows in an inquisitive expression. "You?"

He nodded. "You're welcome." he replied. "I'm glad you like them."

"I do." She admitted. "And thank you for these, now just because I like the roses doesn't mean I'm about to become a standing member of the Sam Evans club."

"I understand." He said, putting on the charm. "You are not easily swayed, I haven't forgotten."

"Glad you remembered it."

"Mama why don't you let me put the roses in a vase?" Mercedes suggested.

"All right thank you."

Mercedes pushed herself up from the couch, walked over to her mother and gently lifted the box of flowers off her lap. "Sam got good taste doesn't he?" she smirked.

"Of course he does Mercedes, he got you." Nicole agreed. "My beautiful daughter."

She smiled bashfully.

"Let me give you a hand, darlin'." Sam said, getting up from the couch and stretching his long legs.

Nicole yawned for the second time,

"I think it's time for you to rest." Burt said, placing his arm around the back of her chair.

"I'm not tire." Nicole protested, trying to stifle another yawn.

Burt raised his eyebrows, not believing a word she said.

"But I'm not." She insisted.

"Nicole, you only been out of the hospital for a few hours, your body is still healing from the accident and the coma," he gave her a small smile. "Sweetheart, I know you want things to be like they were before you were in the hospital and you'll get there. I promise, but you must take it slow, the last thing Mercedes and I need is for you to end up back in the hospital because you refuse to follow doctor's orders."

Nicole twisted her lips, trying to think of a comeback but couldn't find any because all of what Burt was saying was true. "You're right." She said, holding her hands up in surrender. "Lord knows I don't want to go back to that place." She looked up at Burt. "Would you mind drawing me a bubble bath? I want to wash the smell of the hospital off me before lying down."

"No problem at all."

She turned to Mercedes and Sam. "Mercedes there is no need for you two to hang around here." She said. "After my bath I'm going straight to sleep."

"Are you sure you don't want me to help you with your bath?" Mercedes questioned. "I could scrub your back…"

"That will not be necessary." She said. "Burt is here if I need help."

"Okay," Mercedes replied, feeling rejected. "Maybe we can stop by later?"

"I would like that." Nicole said. "But call first, I might still be sleeping." She added quickly.

"All right Mama." She bent down and gave her mother a light kiss on the cheek. "I love you."

"I love you too honey."

"Bye Daddy Burt, if you need any help…"

"I will call you." He promised.

Sam gave the elder couple a small wave and followed Mercedes into the kitchen.

XXXX

Sam noticed Mercedes wasn't very talkative on the ride back to Burt's. He had a feeling he knew what was bugging her but he decided not to bring up the subject unless she brought it us first.

He glanced at her briefly though the rear view mirror, she was staring out the window, deep in thought.

"Want to talk about it?" he asked.

She shook her head.

"Okay darlin', but I'm here if you want to…"

"She doesn't need me." Mercedes blurted. "I should be overjoyed and doing somersaults, but I feel hurt."

Sam nodded in understanding a he kept his eyes on the road. "Have you considered that your mother is not trying to depend on you because you will not be around for long?"

"Yeah," she sighed, turning around in her seat and playing with her hands. "I appreciate what she is doing but it still sucks."

"Do you resent Mr. Hummel being the one she is depending on?"

"No," she said without hesitation. "Daddy Burt is the best thing that had happened to Mama since my Daddy died. You'd seen the way they are with each other." A small smile tickled her lips. "I have no doubt in my mind that he will not put up with her bullshit." She looked up at Sam. "Sam I really don't want to go back to Burt's just yet."

"Where do you want to go?"

"Turn left at the second stop sign, there's some one I like for you to meet."

"Alright, this person seemed to be pretty important, who it is if you don't mind my asking."

"My Daddy."

XXXX

They sat in the parked car outside of Lima's Cemetery in companionable silence, watching the leaves being tossed to and from the silent wind. Sam was taken aback when Mercedes announced she wanted him to meet her father. Was this another sign from Doctor Jones? He wondered. Sam knew that he would have to tell Mercedes he had visited her father's grave the day before, but for now he is going to go along with it.

Mercedes turned to Sam and stared at him intensely with a tender look on her face.

"What?" he asked in a nervous whisper.

"I just want to make sure you don't think I'm crazy for wanting you to meet my Daddy." She answered. "Because he's you know…" she shrugged her shoulders. "…deceased."

"Darlin', I don't think it's crazy at all." He said, taking her hand in his. "I consider it an honor for you wanting me to meet your dad."

"Are you sure?" she asked, some what skeptically. "Most guys will think it's kind of creepy."

"I'm not most guys." He countered.

"Yeah you're right about that." she said, her brown doe eyes looking him over. "You're on a whole 'nother level by yourself."

"I'll take that as a compliment I think?" he chuckled.

"Are you ready to meet my Daddy?"

"Yes."

"All right."

Sam released her hand, and quickly hopped out the car and ran around it to open the door for her. Mercedes glanced at her appearance in the review mirror before accepting Sam's hand to help her out the car.

"I don't see why you bother looking in the mirror," Sam said, threading their fingers together. "You look gorgeous as always."

"Trying out your Tennessee charm on me?" Mercedes quipped, she lead him through the iron gates of the cemetery. "I'm not the one you have to impress."

Sam looked around for the caretaker; he feared the man would recognize him from the day before thus ruining this special moment with Mercedes.

"Are you sure you're alright?" she asked, studying his expression as they walked along the gravel path that led to her father's resting place.

"Yeah, why?"

"You seem a bit jumpy."

"Well yeah, I'm about to meet my girl's father. Who wouldn't be nervous?"

Mercedes giggled softly to herself.

They walked the rest of the short distance in silence, coming to a stop at the huge marble headstone. Mercedes reached out to touch the cool, smooth slate; tears suddenly stung the back of her eyes.

"Hello Daddy." She greeted softly. "So much has happened to me since I'd visited you last." she continued. Mercedes looked down and noticed the flowers. "Daddy Burt has been here recently, probably to get advise on how to handle my Mama." She chuckled, dabbing at the corners of her eyes.

Sam squeezed her hand gently for comfort.

She squeezed his back.

"Daddy I brought someone with me today that is very important to me." she said, looking at Sam bashfully. "He is kind of a big deal in Hollyweird which makes him your typical bratty actor, but don't let that fool you." She tucked her curls behind her ears. "Underneath all that superficial crap, he truly is an asshole and a corroded one at that."

Sam raised his eyebrows. "Hey, I thought you wanted your father to like me." he spoke up, giving her the side-eye as a huge grin spread on his lips.

"I'm not going to lie to my daddy just because he is deceased." Mercedes said. "You are those things and yet I fell in love with you any way." She smirked. She turned her attentions back to her father's tombstone. "Daddy, in all fairness, Sam has a good side. Through hard work and determination, he made his way to the top of his profession. He's very protective and loyal to the ones he loves as well as generous. Besides being an amazing actor, he is an incredible artist who will have his own graphic novel publish someday. I could go on, but there is just so much room for his ego." She glanced briefly at Sam and giggled, softly. "Daddy, I like for you to meet Sam Evans, one of the most important men in my life besides you, Daddy Burt, and Kurt."

Sam swallowed down the lump that formed in his throat at Mercedes' introduction. "Er…ahem…" He said, clearing his throat. "Hello Doctor Jones…sir, it's an honor to finally meet you…"

XXXX

They sat on Burt's back porch glazing at the stars after checking on Nicole. Mercedes felt better about things after spending time at her father's gravesite with Sam. She told her father about her life in California and how excited she was about people being interested in her music.

"But you all ready knew that didn't you Daddy?" she asked, smiling wistfully, tears stung the back of her eyes. "That's why you put money aside to make sure I returned to LA to pursue my dream. You knew I would die if I stayed in Lima."

Sam reached over and wiped the stray tears from Mercedes' cheeks, startling her out of her thoughts.

"Sam!" she gasped then smiled apologetically, letting him wiped away the rest of her tears that streamed down her cheeks.

"Darlin', a penny for your thoughts?" He asked, softly.

"I was just thinking about my dad," She sniffed; her lower lip trembled as she tried not to cry. "I don't want to let him down, he believed in me so much."

"Darlin', I don't think that could ever happen," he pulled her into his lap and held her gently against him. "From what you'd told me, your father knew you were destined to share that great voice of yours with the world one day."

Mercedes nodded in agreement. "He used to say that I sang my first words." She laughed, sniffling. "And then he would show me the video to prove it."

"And did you? Sing your first words?"

She shrugged her shoulders. "You know how parents are, if they believe a thing then it's true."

"So did you sing your first words?"

"Mama and Daddy in b flat." She deadpanned.

Sam chuckled; he brushed the hair from her forehead and planted a soft kiss between her brows. Mercedes snuggled closer to him and smiled contently.

"Sam?"

"Yes, darlin'?"

"I think it's time for us to go back to California."

tbc...

A/N: Thanks for reading!