There were no words to describe the aura that surrounded a one Mercedes Jones. The lights illuminated her chocolate skin on the expansive stage. The sparkling, fuchsia dress that adorned her body looked amazing. I couldn't help but stare at her as she sang "Sweet Love" by Anita Baker. Every time I saw her perform, shivers ran down my spine.
My baby was going places. Her voice alone could open several doors for her, but coupled with her personality and intelligence and beauty, she could make her own keys and then just move in and take over.
Even though it was her brother's wedding, I could tell she was singing to me. I saw her eyes as she stared deep into mine. Everyone else in the room was watching Trevor Jones and his new wife as they swayed to the melodic tones of the wonderful voice of his sister. I couldn't take my eyes off of my girlfriend of two years. All I could think of was the fact that I wanted this to be us as soon as possible. We were only sophomores in college, but I wanted to make her Mrs. Evans. I wanted to see her in an amazing wedding gown with all of our Glee friends in the ceremony. I wanted to wipe away the tears that were sure to fall when we recited our own, personal vows. I wanted us to sway to some sappy, but beautiful love song.
My heart ached for it all.
As Mercedes finished the last few notes of her song, I smiled up at her. The guests of the wedding applauded with gusto. Elaine, the newest member of the Jones clan by marriage, had tears in her eyes. Mercedes stepped down to hug her and her brother. She politely thanked the people that applauded her and slowly made her way over to me.
"Damn baby, that song was beyond amazing." She sat down in the chair next to me and rested her head on my shoulder.
"Thanks, Love." I kissed her forehead and draped an arm around her shoulder. She was still humming the song under her breath.
"You know, it might not be customary, but will you sing to me at our wedding?" I stated after a brief, content silence came upon us. She slowly sat up and looked at me, incredulously.
"Sam, Are you serious?"
"Yes, maybe we could do a cool duet type medley thing?"
"You really want to marry me?"
"Of course, Someday after we finish college. I know your father would kill me if I tried to marry you right now. I would be delighted to have you as the new Mrs. Evans."
"I think I'll sing some Alicia, then. Her love songs give me chills."
"I'm sure anything you choose to sing will be heavenly, the future Mrs. Evans." A small silence enveloped us. Maybe it was from the revelation that we both wanted to be married to each other. We had never discussed this before so the overwhelming emotion of love washed over both of us and we had to ease ourselves back down from cloud 9.
"Baby?" I asked
"Hmm." She offered in acknowledgement.
"Don't think that that was the actual engagement. I'm going to have to plan the greatest proposal scene ever, complete with a parade, Aretha Franklin and Beyoncé and a 4 carat ring." She chuckled softly beside me.
"You know me so well! I love you, Sam."
"I love you too, Honey."
"Now let's go dance. I have to show you off to my nosey family." We danced softly to the soulful music that was pouring from the speakers. Mercedes softly hummed the melody of the song into my ear. She suddenly stopped and then pulled back to look me in my eyes.
"You know, If you can't get Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross will do just fine." She smiled and damn if her smiles weren't contagious.
I hope you enjoyed that sweet little onesie of SAMCEDES! Thanks for reading!
