Hey hey everyone...yep back pretty quick with an update cos I know Glee is on in the states soon over there and it's sure to be a horror so I'm sending out some samcedes love...lol.

Thank you soooooo much to all your fabulous reviews. I will get back to each and everyone of you to whom I am able to respond to. To the guest reviewers who I cannot contact, blessings and love always. We are truly humbled at the response.

To all our readers and you fabulous favoriters, alerters etc...you are lovely.

To my writer in crime Tara...you are beautiful..thanks for your wonderful suggestions.

As always to Rose :)

Disclaimer: Don't own anything mentioned in this fic. Narda, nothing :)


Chapter 2 Strawberry Wine

"Don't call me that!"

"Oh, c'mon Sammy, I think little Sammy whammy wants to play," the young woman smiled tugging on his boxers.

Sam scowled at the young blonde before him. A new night after the second concert in Seattle and another dumb groupie who was only too pleased to do whatever he wanted her to do except for one major thing.

"STOP CALLING ME SAMMY BRANDY!" he yelled.

"That's not my name." the dumb blonde chortled, "It's Brit-"

"Brickney!"

"No!"

"Brinkley?"

"NO!"

"Well…" Sam frustratingly shook his head, "Stop. Calling. Me. Sammy! W-WHATEVER THE HELL YOUR NAME IS!"

The blonde didn't seem fazed at Sam's obvious anger. "Aww…is Sammy a wittle grumpy!" She chortled, fluttering her eyelashes.

"I KNOW YOU'RE DUMB BUT ARE YOU DAM WELL DEAF OR SOMETHING TOO!"

"Sammy?"

"RIGHT!" Sam screamed and began collecting her belongings, walked briskly to the patio of the hotel and threw them out the french doors.

"GET THE HELL OUT OF MY ROOM!" Sam screamed.

"What?!"The girl looked at him in shock.

"I told you Bratney not to call me that so get the hell out." Sam was furious, he was at the end of his tether with this one and the sooner she left the better.

"Samm-"

"Don't you dare!"

Sam took her by the arm, opened the door and pushed her into the corridor.

"W-what? You can't do this to me; I'm only in my underwear!" She gasped.

"Imagine it's a swimsuit and you're at the beach!" he chuffed, and then slammed the door in her face.

Sam walked frustratingly back to the bedroom and dropped onto his bed. Sam knew it wasn't right to leave bimbo number 30 in the corridor, he knew it wasn't right to get angry over a simple name, but he just couldn't help himself, Dam it Evans! He scolded himself, get a dam grip. It's been 10 dam years. Sam frustratingly rolled over and grabbed his wallet, once again pulling out the familiar photo and tracing it with his thumb, then holding it in the palm of his hand he lay it on his chest, closed his eyes and dwindled off to sleep, mouthing the familiar words which fell from his lips. I-I miss you Mercy, he breathed.

…..

10 years before

"Ok now don't peek Samson," Mercedes smiled as she held her hand over Sam's eyes preventing him from seeing her surprise.

"Look Mercedes, how can I see when you've got your hands practically stuck to my eyelids," Sam chuckled enjoying his friend's antics.

"Oh shush up Samson…" she chortled, "we're almost there."

"You know it's pretty hard for me to keep crouching down just so you can cover my eyes, you are so short…" he giggled, "Just trust me Mercedes, I promise I won't peek!"

"Well, it doesn't matter Samson, cos we're here now," she squealed, taking her tiny hands away from his eyes and clapped excitedly.

Sam looked around confused, "w-we aren't anywhere different Mercedes?!" he spun around realizing they were still in the same place, at their quiet spot by the river. Sam was puzzled "W-what?" he said throwing his arms out and shrugging his shoulders.

Mercedes and Sam had been trudging around for at least 10 minutes. Sam was sure it must have been some fantastic surprise.

Mercedes chuckled, "I was just pulling your leg, here's my surprise!" She smiled and pointed to the picnic blanket situated in front of them underneath the usual tree she sat. Upon the blanket sat a Chantilly laced table cloth and upon the cloth was a small vase of purple violets, a picnic basket and a large wine bucket filled with Mercedes mothers strawberry wine coolers.

"Wow this looks really great Mercedes, thank you!" Sam beamed, and then scratched his head, "what was all the secretive blind folding stuff about then?"

"That was just for dramatic effect…" she chuckled, "It would have been boring if I just said, oh look, I made a picnic and there it is!" She chortled.

Sam shook his head and snickered, "you're a riot and a half Mercedes Jones."

They both sat down under the large oak tree beside the picnic basket.

"Oh let's say grace Sam!" Mercedes smiled raising her hands to pray.

"A…hmm," Sam agreed.

Mercedes closed her eyes and sent up a prayer of thanks. Then she opened them again and smiled, "Samson, I just wanted to say thank you so much for giving me riding lessons. Its been two fabulous weeks, and I just love it. I just needed to say thank you."

Then Mercedes raised her hand, "Oh and before I forget, I brought some thing for Charlie." Mercedes rummaged through her satchel and pulled out a brown paper bag.

"Samson is Charlie allowed sugar?" she queried.

Sam smiled, "I think he would like that!"

"Good!" she grinned, "I'll give it to him soon!"

She sat the brown paper bag beside the picnic basket then opened the basket to reveal a myriad of delicacies, Fried chicken, corn bread, mashed potatoes and gravy, biscuits and strawberries.

"Mercedes…" Sam gasped, "This is wonderful, I love it!"

Mercedes smiled, "Your welcome Samson."

"Oh, Mercedes it must have taken you a long time to prepare this?" Sam asked, grabbing a strawberry.

"No, it took me no time at all," she snickered, "but I'm gonna be paying for it for the next month or so!"

"What do you mean?" Sam inquired.

"I have to do extra chores for this meal, that's the only way my mom would cook it!" Mercedes stated, eating a strawberry too.

"W-what?" Sam smiled, "your mom made this for me? She doesn't even know me!"

"No sorry Sam, she didn't make it specifically for you…" Mercedes giggled, "I just told her I had to prepare a special lunch for a friend and asked if she could help me prepare it. I never ended up doing a thing at all actually, cos my mom knows I can't even boil water." "Oh…" Mercedes smiled the biggest smile ever and proudly raised the punnet of strawberries, "but I did pick these strawberries!"

Sam giggled as he saw how obviously chuffed she was with the strawberries then he laughed, "you can't even boil water?!"

"Nah, I'm really useless…" she stated popping another strawberry in her mouth, "as a matter of fact I almost burnt the house down boiling water."

Sam bit his lip trying to stop his laughter.

Mercedes offered Sam a drumstick and took one herself and began chomping on it, "You know Samson…" she continued, waving the drumstick as she spoke, "it's not funny!" Mercedes looked at him seriously, "how would you like to go through life knowing your future family would probably die of starvation or worse, thirst, because their mother burns all their food and water?"

Sam almost choked on his fried chicken, "you are not serious Mercedes?"

Mercedes looked at him quiet concerned, her brows furrowed.

Sam tried to mask his obvious desire to laugh.

"M-mercedes, y-you a-are dam well serious!" he stammered between obvious chuckles.

"Look Samson, this really is a serious matter."

Sam sat up and swallowed his pent up amusement, and tried so hard to understand her dilemma.

"Maybe I can teach you? I've been cooking since I was 5 years old, I love it!" Sam proudly stated.

"Oh my Sam, that would be super!" Mercedes smiled.

"Hey you never called me Samson!" Sam looked at her quite puzzled.

"Yeah well, now that I know you can cook I have to change your name again," She beamed.

Sam chuckled. The first week, he had known Mercedes his name was Sam, another week it was Samuel, mainly because that was Sam's real name. The following week and every subsequent week it had changed to Samson.

"Why do you call me Samson?" Sam furrowed his brow and looked at her intently.

"After that guy from the bible!" she stated.

"Oh…" Sam scratched his head, "but didn't he go blind and then die after pushing all that stuff on him?"

"Yep!" Mercedes grinned.

Soo?

"Well, he was tough as nails, just like you. But now I know you can cook, well…that adds a new dimension to things," She gazed off in wonderment.

Sam chuckled and shook his head, oh my gosh, she is just too much!

"Sammy…yeah Sammy" she smiled, "that's your new name!"

"I think I like Samson better," Sam chortled, grabbing a plate and filling it up with all the delicious food he could. "And since we're giving each other names…your name is…Mercy."

"Mercy?" Mercedes smiled, "I like that name, but why Mercy Sammy?

"Well…" he grinned; "Because…Lord have Mercy on anyone who tries your cooking!" he chuckled.

Mercedes grimaced at first then laughed with him, slapping him playfully on the arm. She then smiled, stood up, collected the brown paper bag, strolled up to Charlie and began feeding him the sugar cubes. Then she gently patted his mane and kissed him on his nose. Mercedes wore a simple white cotton wrap around dress which hugged her curves beautifully; her long dark hair fell delicately down her back and over her shoulders. She looked so beautiful.

Sam smiled to himself, as he watched Mercedes and the scene he knew would be forever imprinted in his memory. Sammy?! He grinned. I think I could get use to that name, "Sammy and Mercy" he whispered.

…..

"Hey sweet mama, I'm gonna sit by the window, is that alright?"

Mercedes smiled and waved him on.

"No I am!" Finn interrupted

"Oh c'mon brother I get plane sick," Artie grimaced, then cried, "race you for it, Sasquatch!"

"Whatever, it's still mine," Finn chuckled as Artie blocked Finn with his chair and made a beeline down the aisle of the Plane both trying desperately to beat each other to the treasured spot.

"Ha…your too slow Finney boy, cos I'm just too nimble!" Artie chortled as he quickly blocked Finn once again and slid into the vacant chair with the best view in the pew.

"You two are so silly, anyone would think you were 7 not 27 year olds," she giggled.

Mercedes slid into the seat next to Finn and began to buckle her belt.

"Seattle is gonna be awesome!" Finn smiled, "I haven't been on a holiday for ages."

"You deserve this Finney, even though it's kind of a working holiday, I can't wait to see Kurt," Mercedes smiled, placing a hand gently on his.

"Hell yeah…" Finn cheered, "I can't wait either!"

"Well never mind Kurt, I can't wait to find me a hot chicky babe there," Artie grinned, then looked at Mercedes and winked, "unless the hot chicky babe sitting next to you Finney changes her mind and agrees to marry me."

"I already told you Art, 20 years, if we have no one, then we get married in 20 years' time," she giggled rolling her eyes.

"Yes!" Artie cheered, "c'mon 47, c'mon 47," he willed, closing his eyes and crossing his fingers, "that's me Finney boy…" Artie nudged Finn in the ribs, "that's where I picture myself in twenty years' time, coming home to my beautiful wife, Mrs Mercedes Abram's," Artie wriggled his eyebrows and grinned like a Cheshire cat.

"You're a dreamer Artie!" Finn chuckled.

Mercedes smiled, listening to her friends antics, adjusted her chair and closed her eyes as visions of yesteryear flooded her mind.

…..

10 years before

"My names Artie, Artie Abram's, and this is my friend Finn, Finn Hudson!"

"Nice to meet you," Mercedes smiled, shaking Arties and then Finns hands.

"How long have you been working here for Mercedes?" Artie smiled, eying the strawberries as they moved along the conveyor belt.

"Oh we've been here a few weeks now; my parents rent a cottage over there." She pointed to the east side of the strawberry field. Mercedes discarded a couple of strawberries that were not the adequate size and collected a number which looked ready to be packaged.

"Well Finn and I are trying to make some extra pocket money for Christmas break, we're going skiing," Artie chuffed whilst he busily sorted and then collected a few strawberries and placed them in a punnet.

Mercedes smiled at Artie, "you ski?"

"Yep,"Artie smiled, wrapping another completed package of strawberries

"And what about you Finn?" Mercedes turned to Finn and smiled.

"Uh…um…I," Finn choked. He dropped a number of strawberries and tried desperately to collect them.

"Don't mind him," Artie chuckled "old Sasquatch here has a crush on you so he's gonna be pretty incoherent for a few weeks," he chuckled then added, "however sweet mama, I already told him you and I are getting married so there ain't no use in him gettin all sweet on you," he grinned and wriggled his eyebrows trying to be seductive but failing miserably.

Mercedes cocked an eyebrow, "what on earth are you talking about?"

Artie smiled and winked, "you know…you and me sweetness, you know?!" and winked again.

Mercedes rolled her eyes and chuckled.

It was the first time Mercedes had meet Artie and Finn. Artie seemed cocky, but harmless, and Finn seemed, well, Mercedes wasn't quite sure at that time. But that was the day they became like three peas in a pod.

"Excuse me ma'am, would you like some wine," Mercedes woke out of her reverie, "would you like a wine ma'am?"

"Oh yes please," Mercedes smiled.

"We have a large range ma'am, is there anything, you would like in particular?" The tall brunette air hostess smiled.

"Do you have wine coolers?" Mercedes grinned.

"Yes we have peach, apple or strawberry."

"I'll take straw- oh no, apple thank you," Mercedes replied.

Mercedes took a sip of the cool wine and smiled as she watched her dear friends sleep. Arties head resting comfortably on Finns shoulder.

Mercedes smiled as the cool liquid slid down her throat; hmm she chuckled closing her eyes and thought, apple blossoms.

…..

10 year before

The pink blossoms scattered beneath the old apple tree blanketed the ground. It looked so gorgeous and so picturesque in the early morning light. Suddenly, a faint whisper from high up in the tree, shattered the morning air.

"Pist, get a move on Sammy, I can't wait up in this dam apple tree for ever!" Mercedes cried, trying her best to whisper.

Sam slid through his window onto the roof and up onto the branch of the apple tree.

"What took you so long?" Mercedes frowned.

"Well I had to look good," Sam whispered and then chuckled.

Mercedes rolled her eyes at Sam's comment and then descended down the apple tree.

"Careful Mercy you might fall," Sam cautioned her placing his hand gently on her arm,

Mercedes stumbled and almost fell as the touch of his hands sent waves of electricity through her body.

Mercedes hit his hand away, "I'm fine!" she chuckled.

Mercedes had grown accustomed to Sam Evans touch, but it still totally freaked her out. She was kind of glad she could ride Charlie by herself now because all those lessons were doing her head in being so close to Sam. She was sure she would die if they had to continued staying in such close proximity to each other; the feelings were just too overwhelming. She had to have more cold showers than ever with those close quarter riding lessons. Friend! Mercedes, he's just a friend! she willed herself each time.

"I got up here pretty well Evans, so I can get down pretty well too," She chortled.

Sam chuckled as he watched Mercedes, descend from the tree in a beautiful saffron floral dress which came to her knees, she wore light makeup and light pink lip-gloss. She completed the ensemble with over-sized cowboy boots. She looked so beautiful as the early morning sun licked her soft dark hair and her brown doe like eyes. Gosh she is so lovely Sam thought. As his hand met her arm the familiar feeling enveloped him, oh Sam he gulped, she's gonna be the death of you.

Sam was also glad that he didn't have to help Mercedes ride anymore, well kind of glad, he loved being near her to tell the truth, but he couldn't hide his obvious desire for her as he fumbled and choked each time their bodies touched. Sam began to go into slow motion Mercedes love mode as he watched her descend, but then snapped, Stop it Evans stop it! Think of something, anything else!

At that Sam found the perfect distraction as he eyed her boots and chuckled, "whose boots do you have on Mercy?"

"My brothers," she chuckled, "I couldn't wear my heels climbing the tree, now could I? shesh!" she chuckled rolling her eyes as her feet touched the ground.

Mercedes watched Sam descend and giggled, "C'mon Sammy slow coach!"

When his feet hit the earth, they quickly turned and ran to Mercedes car which was situated a quarter of a mile down the road.

Sam looked at his watch and said, "its 6 o'clock in the morning now; we should get there at 9 o'clock."

Mercedes smiled as they jumped into the vehicle, "Humboldt, Tennessee here we come!" she cheered as they made their way down the dusty track.

"I got a picnic basket in the back ready for the journey," Mercedes smiled, "help yourself if you didn't have any breakfast."

Sam turned toward the back seat and grabbed the hamper.

"Hmm this looks nice," he smiled grabbing a sandwich.

"Look Sammy!" she turned grimacing at Sam, "you should have just told your grandparents you were coming to the festival with me."

"Nah, cos if I did they would make me stay home, they would pack a fit knowing we are going all the way to Humboldt. Anyways, I wrote them a note saying I'd be back later so they won't mind." Sam shrugged, taking a bite out of his sandwich.

"Gosh Sammy you are so gutless…" she chuckled rolling her eyes, "I feel terrible taking you now."

"Don't Mercy, I wanted to come," Sam smiled.

"Hmmm…I don't know Sammy, I think I should take you back."

"No Mercy! It will be fine. I just want to spend the day with you before-"

"Yeah, I know…"Mercedes said solemnly, "b-but we won't dwell on that," Mercedes smiled, "let's just have a great day," she smiled placing her hand on his. Then cheered, "Humboldt Tennessee here we come!"

It was coming to the end of the Strawberry season and Mercedes and Sam decided to go to the Strawberry Festival in Humboldt. They couldn't wait. The carnival had come to Humboldt and Mercedes and Sam were eager to enjoy what little time they had together.

As they reached Humboldt they smiled as they saw large banners and giant sized strawberry pontoons littering the streets, they had arrived just in time as the locals prepared for the strawberry float parade.

Mercedes and Sam parked the car and made their way toward the event. "Wow this is amazing!" Mercedes smiled and watched eagerly as float after float made their way down the main street of town led by a number of high school bands. Sam and Mercedes enthusiastically ran down the road trying to keep up with the floats. The atmosphere was most joyous indeed and Mercedes and Sam enjoyed every second of it.

After watching the parade, Sam and Mercedes made their way to the lot where the carnival stood. Sam played a few of the sideshow games and won a large soft toy for Mercedes at the shooting range booth. Food galore which pertained to Strawberries filled the gleeful setting, strawberry Cotton candy, strawberry popcorn, strawberry pie and anything one could make from strawberries was definitely there. Mercedes and Sam rode on every ride available and rode the tilt n whirl 4 times. As the day wore on Sam noticed a flyer for the strawberry dance at a local farm. As they entered the property it looked like your typical ranch, the large red barn loomed menacingly in the distance. On entering though, the scene was a sight to behold. The barn had been transformed into a beautiful picturesque setting. Thousands of small tea lights lined the walls and fell majestically along the ceilings. Small tables dressed with white table cloths, candles and red roses were dotted throughout the venue. The hay bales which littered the venue set the scene.

Mercedes gasped, "This is so beautiful Sammy," taking his hand as she took in their surroundings. Just then the line dance began and Mercedes and Sam joined the happy throng. Sam was a very good line dancer. Mercedes didn't have a clue but it didn't take her long to catch on. Sam and Mercedes laughed and joked with many a local and it is fair to say they made many fast friends that day. After a couple of hours line dancing Mercedes and Sam sat exhausted at a table.

"I'm so glad I came today," Sam grinned.

"Yeah, what a lovely day Sam!" Mercedes smiled, drinking her strawberry wine cooler.

Knowing time had caught up on them they both looked at their watches.

"We better go Sam," Mercedes huffed.

"Yeah," Sam groaned.

Sam stood to go. Suddenly, the atmosphere changed as the lights dimmed and only the flickering to the tea lights illuminated the dance floor.

Sam smiled his famous half smile as the tune of the song strawberry wine began. Sam had heard it before, well a hundred times before actually. He had deemed it their song two weeks into their friendship, but never had the words meant so much as at this moment, here with Mercy.

He was working through college on my grandpa's farm
I was thirsting for knowledge and he had a car
Yeah, I was caught somewhere between a woman and a child
When one restless summer we found love growing wild

"Gosh this sounds like a nice song don't you think Sammy?" Mercedes smiled listening to the words.

"Dance with me Mercy?" Sam held out his hand, his half grin beaming back at her.

"We better go Sam…" Mercedes smiled, "it's 8 o'clock and we have a long trip home and frankly I think I should have worn my brothers boots cause these strappy shoes are killing me. I honestly don't think I can dance anymore Sam," she chuckled, re adjusting the strap of her shoe.

On the banks of the river on a well beaten path
It's funny how those memories they last
Like strawberry wine and seventeen
The hot July moon saw everything
My first taste of love oh bittersweet
Green on the vine
Like strawberry wine

Sam was a little despondent at her reply but perseverance was his middle name so he asked again, "Mercedes will you please do me the honour of having this dance?"

By now Mercedes had taken in the words of the song, her eyebrows furrowed at first. And then in the next instant her eyes widened, "oh my Sam, this story sounds familiar," she chuckled.

I still remember when thirty was old
And my biggest fear was September when she had to go
A few cards and letters and one long distance call
We drifted away like the leaves in the fall

Sam had been waiting throughout the day to have a reason to be close to Mercedes but she definitely had him in the friend zone all day. Sam bit his bottom lip and thought, it's now or never Sammy, and without a second thought he lifted Mercedes up and pulled her arms around his neck and held her tight around her waist, literally sweeping her off her feet.

"S-sam what are you doing?" Mercedes gasped.

"Well, I wanna dance with you and I figured since your feet hurt I will carry you instead," his hands held fast around her waist, her dainty feet not even touching the ground. They were so close, so intimate there was barely room for the pair of them to breath.

But year after year I come back to this place
Just to remember the taste

"Mercy," he whispered in her ear, pulling her close to him, "I've been wanting to do this all day…and I've wanted to tell you something all day too," Sam hesitated and then continued, "I think, n-no I know...I'm in love with you Mercy!"

Of strawberry wine and seventeen
The hot July moon saw everything
My first taste of love oh bittersweet
Green on the vine
Like strawberry wine

Mercedes was shocked at first but could only see love in his green pools. Mercedes looked deeply into his eyes and then whispered, "Oh Sammy I think…no I know...I'm in love with you too."

The electricity which filled the air was incredible. Sam pulled Mercedes closer still. His plump lips inched closer to hers. Sam's lips grazed hers and then tenderly and softly their lips wistfully traced each other. Sam deepened the kiss and Mercedes received it willingly, their connection only broken for their need to breathe.

The fields have grown over now
Years since they've seen the plow
there's nothing time hasn't touched
Is it really her or the loss of my innocence
I've been missing so much

Sam lifted her higher, and rested his forehead on hers, closing his eyes teardrops slowly escaped trickling down his cheek. "Mercy," he breathed looking into her doe like eyes again, "I don't want you to leave me!"

"Sammy I don't want to leave," she breathed, tears clouding her large brown orbs.

Sam held onto Mercedes for dear life, he didn't want this evening to end. He didn't want the strawberry season to end because he knew Mercedes would have to leave. Sam and Mercedes held each other clutching desperately as tears mingled and the words from the song drifted through them.

Like strawberry wine and seventeen
The hot July moon saw everything
My first taste of love oh bittersweet
Green on the vine
Like strawberry wine

"I love you Mercy," Sam whispered, his arms holding her in desperation, afraid to let her go.

"I love you Sammy," Mercedes breathed, wrapping her arms tighter around his neck.

Strawberry wine
Strawberry wine

From that day on, Mercedes and Sam knew that this was their song. As they returned home in comfortable and loving silence, Mercedes and Sam entwined hands, revelling in the moment, but afraid to speak of the future. Right now they were together. And for now, that was enough.

….

"Hey, welcome back…here we are in Seattle with Ellen on the road and we have something special for you," Ellen DeGeneres smiled into the camera and then stood.

"Ladies and gentlemen this man really needs no introduction, but, I'll give it to you anyway, he is currently one of the most successful country solo artists to date. He has won 7 Grammy awards and numerous other awards, his albums have gone quadruple platinum, he is currently starring in the beautiful movie Lonesome Road which is currently in theatres now and to make it worse he is a total hotty. So without further ado Ladies and gentlemen…my dear friend Mr Sam Evans!"

Sam jumped out as the song Strawberry Wine played. The audience screamed, women and men alike cried.

Sam waltzed out onto the stage and breezed right into Ellen's Arms, the both of them danced, then Sam twirled her around and dipped her as the song finished.

Ellen laughed as Sam kissed her chastely on the lips, and then gently lifted her up. The audience screamed, Ellen applauded and motioned for Sam to take a seat.

As she positioned herself comfortably in her own chair, the audience continued to stand and to applaud.

Sam smiled, took off his Stetson, brushed his hand through his blonde hair and looked out into the audience. "Thank you!" he humbly smiled, then stood and bowed before them. Ellen motioned them to take a seat and smiled.

"So Mr Evans you're finally here! On my show," Ellen smiled.

Sam smiled, "yep!" and then winked.

Ellen blushed, "you know you do that to me all the time," Ellen looked toward the studio audience. "He's such a player," the audience screamed as Ellen shook her head.

"Ok Sam can I call you Sam or should I call you Mr Evans?" She laughed.

"Don't pretend you don't know me," he grinned, "you can call me anything you want," he smiled.

The crowd roared.

"Anything? Really?" she grinned, "what if I called you something entirely inappropriate."

"You wouldn't because you know I love you as much as you love me," Sam grinned.

Ellen stared out into the audience eyes wide opened and chortled, "How many people in the audience would love to hear that from Mr Sam Evans."

Everyone in the audience threw their hands up and chanted Sam's name.

Ellen stood and placed her hands on her hips and laughed, "Hey calm down already. Anybody think we have some great star in here or something," She looked out into the audience lifted her shoulders and strutted her stuff walking like a top model contestant across the stage.

Everyone hooted. Sam sat on the side watching her antics and was in fits of laughter.

Finally she sat down, and smiled, "honestly Sam it's great to have you here."

"It's a privilege to be here," He grinned.

"This is your first talk show; you have never been on a talk show before!" Ellen smiled.

"Nope, and yes it is my very first talk show."

"World exclusive…on Ellen!" she smiled looking at the camera. "I know you have said numerous times that you don't do talk shows. You have turned down so many and here you are…I was so happy when you agreed to be on my show, I am so thankful,"

"Well you know I love you so...I had too," he shrugged his shoulders and smiled.

Ellen grinned; "you are such a smooth operator," she chuckled.

Sam and Ellen chatted for a while about his upcoming movie and his latest concert tours, and then it came to a break. Ellen and Sam took off their microphones. The makeup assistant entered and retouched their make up as Sam and Ellen spoke. "Ok I am going to ask you about strawberry wine, you up for that Sam?" She smiled.

"Yeah I'll be fine," Sam half grimaced rubbing his hands through his blonde locks.

"They don't have to you know Sam," Ellen whispered.

Ellen had known Sam for a few years and they were very good friends. He would stay at her home when he found time and Ellen knew also the significance of that song and about Mercedes Jones.

"It's ok, truly. People have been asking for years about it and besides I hope she will call me after this," Sam smiled, then apprehensively queried, "Y-You're not gonna mention Mercy's name are you?"

"No Sam I would never do that. Thank you so much for this interview Sam," Ellen grinned.

"Well…as long as it helps you and maybe helps me in the process, I'm happy to do it for a friend." he chortled.

Ellen smiled and hugged him. Sam took stock of himself preparing for the questions as the stage hands buzzed around.

"And action!" the director called.

"We're here with Sam Evans the greatest thing since slice bread," Ellen smiled.

Sam grinned.

"So the question so many fans have been asking, are you married, single engaged or what? She queried.

"Single!"

The audience screamed

"The song strawberry wine, what is the significance of it or is it significant, or is it that you just like wine or something?" Ellen chortled.

Sam laughed, "Well before I answer that, can you just tell me why you played that song of all things when I entered? I was looking forward to a bit of Chris Browne or something like that to show off my moves". He chuckled.

"I've seen you dance Sam and frankly I want people to continue thinking highly of you," she grinned.

Sam laughed.

"So… Like strawberry wine? Tell us about it!"

Sam paused for a minute, sat up nervously in his chair smiled and looked at Ellen, "Well, um he began, it's actually a song originally sung by Deana Carter." The crowd applauded. "Yep…" Sam looked toward the crowd and joined their applause. "And it became a song which is pretty much engraved in my heart." The audience awed. Tears glossed over Sam's green eyes. Ellen moved toward him and gently placed her hand on his and whispered, "we don't need to go on Sam."

"Its ok," he whispered then perked up.

"Yeah it's pretty much dedicated to someone I loved and still love very much," Sam sighed.

"Wow, that's gorgeous," Ellen beamed.

Ellen could see Sam was struggling and decided to kill his struggle with humor.

"Is it your mom? You know I love my mom and I'm gonna dedicate a song to her and sing it all over the world like forever too," She giggled.

Sam grinned, and glared gratefully at his friend rubbing the nape of his neck and then replied, "ah…no although I do love my mom very much."

"Girl friend?"

"Yeah my ex-girlfriend," he sighed and Sam began to fidget.

Ellen quickly interjected. "Oh….So she dumped your ass!"

Sam laughed thankful again, and shook his head.

"You know that's a beautiful song."

"Yeah," he bashfully replied, "like her", he blushingly peered toward the audience through his bangs.

The audience screamed.

"Do you want to say anything to her while you're here Sam she could be listening? Look into that camera and send your message? Ellen grinned.

"Nah its fine."

"C'mon Sam! She huffed.

"Oh um ok which one…What this one, this one? He looked confused.

"Yeah…That one and action" she laughed

"Um what am I supposed to say," Sam stumbled looking at Ellen.

"Don't talk to me, talk to the camera! shesh," Ellen yelled rolling her eyes.

"Ah yeah," he brushed his blonde hair from his eyes, "um yeah darling…I love you and always will, can you please just call me, please. Or get in touch with me somehow," he smiled. "Please!"

Ellen soon pushed him aside and said, "Or tweet me, or… or call my show because you really need to put this man out of his misery. Truly…I mean truly," she looked directly in the camera and smirked.

Sam laughed.

Ellen laughed and hugged her dear friend, "Thank you so much for being on the show. Ladies and gentlemen, Mr Sam Evans!" she stood and the audience stood to applaud him. Sam stood, bowed, and gave Ellen a warm hug.

"Thank you Sam," Ellen smiled.

"Well if she rings me it will be me thanking you," he winked.

"Well then when you two are married I want exclusive wedding photos.

"You got it!" Sam winked.

"Fingers crossed Sam," Ellen smiled crossing her fingers.

Sam crossed his fingers, "yeah fingers crossed." Then Sam wrapped his arms around Ellen and took her in for a warm embrace once more.

Entering the green room Puck high fived Sam and cheered, "whoa that was awesome and that shout out to Mercedes was so touching," he pouted his lips and pretended to weep.

"Shut the hell up Puck," Sam playfully hit Puck on his arm and chuckled,

"Right Sam, we're off to Kurt's for his party. You ready to go Sam?" Puck smiled throwing an arm around his friend.

"Yep, I'm more than ready!" Sam cheered and secretly thought, I'm gonna see you soon Mercedes Jones, soon Mercy.

But little did Sam know it would be much sooner than he had ever anticipated.


I hope that was OK? sorry for any mistakes. Please review :) Blessings and goodness always. :)