Hey everyone, Yeah sorry but this update is pretty soon… I just want to wish everyone a Merry Xmas, happy holidays, happy Hanukkah or whatever you wish to celebrate. What we do know is that it is a time for happiness and family and with that I would like to wish all our reviewer, readers, followers and favorite-ers a safe and blessed holiday and thank you so much for your lovely reviews.

To Tara, have a lovely xmas love with your family, thank you for your support, encouragement and loveliness. You make me want to write more.

Always to Rose happy holidays Rose to you and your family, you are always an inspiration

Disclaimer: I own no characters in here or record labels, I just used the names :)


Chapter 7: Strawberry Wine

"Sammy?"

"Ahmmm!"

"Can I ask you something?"

"Ahmmm! "

Silence

"Mercy?"

"Ummm…"

"Mercy?"

Sam and Mercedes lay on the Hotel couch watching scandal reruns. Sam had become quite familiar with the characters and Mercedes was a very good commentator who always gave him unwanted play by play commentary, but today she seemed preoccupied.

Mercy?

"Um…so I was thinking…that since we are in Lima...I- I might confront my p-parents tonight after your concert, cos they should be back from work then!" Mercedes blurted.

Sam gasped, grabbed the remote and turned off the television set.

"Are you sure darling? I know I've been harping on about it but are you sure you wanna do this?" Sam asked noticeably shocked.

"Yeah Sammy, I think you are right. I think I need to do this." Mercedes bit her bottom lip and nervously fidgeted.

"Well Grammy and Grandpa should be here this afternoon, so we'll get them settled before the concert and then straight after you and I will go over," Sam hesitated, "um that's if you want me to um-"

"Sammy…" Mercedes interrupted, "you know I want you to come with me. Besides, I need to introduce my boyfriend to my parents. I hope they like him though cos he can be a little hot headed sometimes," She giggled.

Sam took Mercedes into his arms and plagued her with butterfly kisses, "you're gonna get it Mercy!"

Mercedes giggled, "yep get the sweet kisses from my lovely boyfriend, oh what torture," she smiled taking him in her arms.

"You know I love you Mercy," Sam breathed.

Mercedes smiled but the smile did not reach her eyes.

"I know I love you Sammy."

Sam pulled away from her and frowned, "Mercy why do you do that?"

"Do what?"

"You always question my love for you baby. You have to stop doing that!"

"Im sorry Sammy, I-I will try…um I know you love me b-"

"But what Mercy?!" Sam grumbled.

"But…but nothing," she sighed and then saddled up to Sam and began kissing him on the nape of his neck.

"Stop trying to distract me Mercy!" Sam moaned.

Mercedes continued to kiss his neck; Sam turned and quickly swept her up in his arms and kissed her passionately on her lips.

"Baby …" he whispered, "I don't care what you think, I love you with all my heart and one day you will know it." Sam rested his head on her forehead and looked into her eyes, "You are my life Mercy."

Mercedes looked deep into Sam's green orbs mesmerised, "and you are mine Sammy," and they fell once again into each other's love.

"Ok honey you can do this," Sam smiled as he took Mercedes hand.

It was the day of reckoning and both Sam and Mercedes were obviously nervous as they sat outside the Jones residence trying to summon up enough courage to enter their humble abode.

"I'm really nervous Sammy," Mercedes whispered.

"It will be ok," Sam smiled taking her into his arms.

"I think Im starting to hyperventilate," Mercedes huffed taking deep breaths as she stared nervously at the home she had not seen in over 6 months.

"Hey darling… look into my eyes," Sam placed his hand on her cheek, "I love you baby and I will be here for you. I will wait right here until you come back out to get me or text me, but if you aren't out in 20 minutes then I'm comin in, even if I have to kick the door in!" he smiled.

"My Cowboy hero," she grinned hitting him gently on his chest, and then kissed him gently on his lips. "You'll wait for me right here baby?" Mercedes whispered.

"Yes, right here." Sam smiled.

"I love you Sammy,"

"I love you too Mercy."

Mercedes gave Sam one last tender kiss then jumped out of the truck. Sam watched after her tentatively as she took her keys out, unlocked and opened the front door. He sent up a quick prayer as Mercedes smiled and waved to him before entering the premises.

"Momma, Papa!" Mercedes called looking tentatively around the house.

The kitchen and lounge were quiet and it seemed like there was no one home. Mercedes always loved coming home, there was always music and happiness in their home, but now that seemed a distant memory as absolute silence filled the air. She glanced at the photo frames along the wall and gently traced the wooden frames with her fingers. Mercedes smiled when she reached a photo of her brother in his army regalia. She was so proud of her big brother but missed him desperately. Tears formed as she ran her fingers gently over the photo.

Suddenly, the sound of heavy footsteps upon the staircase could be heard and as shrieks of joy filled the room.

"Baby girl, oh baby girl!" Mrs Jones shrieked

"My baby girl!" Mr Jones chortled taking Mercedes into their arms. Tears of joy filled the air.

Suddenly there was a soft slap across her arm.

"Where have you been girl? We have been worried sick. Silly texts saying you are fine, is not good enough baby girl!" her mother grimaced.

"Well um I-Im…" Mercedes began

"Cat got your tongue girl?!" her father chuckled walking toward his special chair situated in the corner of the lounge.

Mercedes gulped, "um…I"

"Would you like something to drink darling? Mrs Jones chortled, "Or to eat? We have some of that special lasagne you like in the fridge!"

Mercedes smiled, she loved her mother's cooking and wanted to make a beeline for the best lasagne in the world, but she also knew she had crap to sort out, and there was no easy way to say it.

"Mom, dad…" she stood wringing her hands, "um…I really need to talk to you about something."

Mrs Jones looked at her daughter and knew instantly that this was going to be a serious conversation.

"You're not pregnant are yah girl cos I don't know what to do if you are," Mr Jones groaned leaning back in his chair.

Mercedes rolled her eyes and then sat tentatively down on the sofa. Well I better just do this, she thought then began, "momma, poppa I know!"

Mercedes parents looked at her with furrowed brows

"You know what?" They cried in unison.

"You know!" She looked at them and frowned.

"What?" They queried.

Mercedes huffed and then cast her eyes to the ground as tears beckoned, " I know about your conversation with Sam poppa and I know you put him up to it momma."

Both parents gasped as tears began to prick her mother's eyes.

"Im sorry baby girl…" Momma cried, "Im so sorry," she fell to Mercedes knees, "w-we thought it was for the best but.. I- we-um.."

Mercedes fathers head was now downcast, "I am ashamed baby, I am ashamed that I went to Sam and hurt you so. I-I am so sorry."

Mercedes wept, "Why did you do that to me, why?"

Tears were now fell freely from her fathers eyes, " I thought I was doing the right thing, it wasn't until we saw how miserable you were going to law school that we realised that we were wrong, we only wanted the best for you."

Mercedes sobbed, "10 years daddy, ten years away from Sam…you took ten years of our lives away daddy,10 years we will never get back!

"I know baby, I am so sorry," he whispered.

There was absolute silence for a few minutes then Mrs Jones whispered, "We not only ruined our lives but we ruined yours too. We didn't want you to struggle like us."

"I didn't want you to have to go through what we did baby, I knew what the music industry was like and I didn't want you to go through that," Mr Jones frowned.

"B-but daddy you should have let me learn," she sobbed, "S-Sam and I were happy and you broke that, no sorry can ever fix it."

Mr Jones just stood up and walked toward his daughter, unsure of what to do next. After a minute or so he stammered, "I love you baby girl with all my heart and all I can say is that I am sorry; there is no excuse for what we did," he moved to take her hand but Mercedes pulled it away. Tears filled his eyes and he retreated to his chair and hung his head despondently.

Her mother tried to take her hand but Mercedes withdrew it from her also.

"Darling, please?!" Mrs Jones whispered tears in her eyes, "I am so sorry, if I could I would try and fix it but we don't know how. Your father here has tried to contact Sam through the years but he is such a big star it is no use. We are so sorry that we broke your heart baby, we know how much you loved Sam."

"I still love Sam momma, I always will."

"Oh baby girl, I am so sorry," Mrs Jones wept.

Mr Jones sat on his chair weeping silent tears.

"Papa, momma, were you not happy on the strawberry fields? Because all I can remember was music and happiness wherever we went.

"It was hard baby girl, we didn't know where our next meal would come sometimes, with your dads part time ranch hand and musician jobs we just couldn't seem to make ends meet."

"But other than that momma, were you happy?"

"Yes we were baby girl, yes we were!" Mrs Jones hung her head.

Mercedes looked into her mother's tear laden eyes. Tears running down he own cheeks, "Then why didn't you let us be happy momma. Do you know how heartbroken I was when Sam and I broke up, did you see how miserable I was in New York? Could you see it?"

Mother and father Jones nodded their heads, Mr Jones cried, "I did baby girl and my heart broke knowing it was me who caused it, but we really thought we were doing the best for you. Oh darling, we tried to get in touch with Sam and change things but he disappeared, and we didn't know how to contact him, I am so sorry. I really did try and ring him and even went to his home to find him but he had left to go to his grandparents' home or when we tried his grandparents he had gone to his parents. It seemed like every time I tried to find him something happened. I even went to his concerts to try and apologise for what I asked him to do but they didn't think I knew him. I am so sorry baby girl, he cried, if he were here right now I would beg him for his forgiveness."

Mercedes wiped her tears, and looked at her father, "Would you? are you sure daddy, would you really do that?"

"Yes darling I would," he whispered

"Good!" Mercedes stood nervously, "Cos he's outside."

"What?!" Mr and Mrs Jones gasped,

"Yes I will go and get him," Mercedes bit her bottom lip and nervously wrung her fingers.

Mr and Mrs Jones looked at each other in utter shock as Mercedes exited. In no time at all she was back with an apprehensive Sam holding Mercedes hand for dear life.

"Ah um Sir, ma'am," he mumbled, looking tentatively at Mr and Mrs Jones through his bangs feeling very much like the 17 year old lad he used to be.

Sam grasped Mercedes hand even tighter, Mercedes could swear his vice grip would soon stop the blood from pumping to them.

"Sam!" Mercedes nudge him as she tried to release his grip.

Suddenly Mr and Mrs Jones had him in a tight bear hug almost preventing him from breathing.

Mercedes manage to slip her hand from Sam's grasp and smiled as she watched tears of joy flowing down the cheeks of her parents and a flash of confusion shoot across Sam's face.

"Oh Sam!" Mercedes mother begged, "please forgive us, we are so sorry!"

"Yes please Sam, we were so wrong, we are so sorry son," Mr Jones cried bowing his head in shame.

Sam didn't know what to say, it was a totally unexpected response. He believed there would have been a few choice words spoken and that they would scold him for telling Mercedes about their secret those many years ago but they were the total opposite. Sam smiled as Mr Jones took him into a bear hug like embrace once again and Mrs Jones slipped her arms around Sam and kept asking for his forgiveness. Mercedes looked on and giggled at Sam's obvious uneasiness.

Mr and Mrs Jones stepped back wiping away their tears. Then Mr Jones smiled to Mrs Jones and said, "You two are staying here tonight aren't you?"

Mercedes was shocked at their response.

"Um what?" Mercedes gawped.

"You two, you are staying here tonight arnt you?" Mr Jones smiled.

"Well we have a hote-"

"No you need to stay here for the rest of your visit, we insist, how long are you here for Sam?" Mr Jones growled.

"Um…Sir…my last concert is um…ur… tomorrow! Sam shyly responded.

"Well stay tonight and tomorrow night so we can catch up, it's getting pretty late now," Mrs Jones grinned, "I'll go and get the room ready!"

"What?" Mercedes gaped again. This was not what she was expecting.

"I won't be a second, Sam do you want to sleep on the right side or is Mercedes on the right side because baby girl I can put your nightgown under your pillow," Mrs Jones beamed.

"Momma we, um, we've only just got back together and… we… wel…l we haven't… well!"

"Oh my dear, oh I am sorry, but would you like to stay together in the one room or shall I prepare two?" She grinned.

"Momma!" Mercedes gasped obviously shocked with her response.

When Mercedes was growing up and even in high school boys weren't even allowed to sit in the same room with Mercedes unless a chaperone was present. Mercedes couldn't believe these were her parents. As she looked at her father he seemed to be just as eager as his mother.

"Sam… um could you please excuse us for a little while I just have to talk to my parents! Mercedes furrowed her brow.

Sam smiled lovingly at Mercedes and then proceeded to sit on the sofa. Mercedes walked into the kitchen as her parents followed.

"What's wrong baby girl," Mr Jones asked confused.

"Who are you two and where are my parents?" she harshly whispered

"What do you mean darling?" Mrs Jones frowned.

"Um well firstly, you are overly apologetic about our breakup, which you should be by the way, secondly, my parents would never let me sleep in the same room as someone who isn't my husband." Mercedes side eyed the both of them.

Mr Jones chortled, "oh baby girl firstly, we're apologetic because we caused you're problem."

"Secondly…" Mr Jones looked at Mrs Jones

Mrs Jones interrupted and cheered, "We think…Samandyoushouldhurryupandget marriedandmakelotsofgrandchi ldren!"

Mercedes gasped.

"We've been watching him for some time now and I am a great fan of his." Mrs Jones grinned.

"Since when?" Mercedes shot her a look of utter confusion.

"Since I bought four of his albums, I tell all my friends that you and he are engaged," Mrs Jones smiled.

"But we're not, why would you say that when you don't even know if we are together," Mercedes frowned.

"Oh please darling, he's only been in here for five minutes and I can tell he's smitten. You will be together if you already aren't but my guess is that you surely are!" Mr Jones grinned.

"We knew he was always good for you baby girl but…now he is super good for you," Mr Jones chortled.

Mercedes rolled her eyes, "so you are telling me that just because Sam is like this great big country singing star that he and I should just go and get married?"

"Yep, Oh but don't tell him we like him so much, we are trying to act cool calm and collected," Mrs Jones laughed. "But I cannot wait to tell the girls that he is going to be staying with us, they will be so jealous!"

"Oh Mom!" Mercedes rolled her eyes.

"Oh mother let's get to bed and leave them be, good night darling we'll see you in the morning," Mr Jones smiled.

"Good night baby girl, I will go and make up the spare room, oh I mean rooms," she winked, "and I'll see you in the morning."

Mr and Mrs Jones exited leaving a stunned Mercedes very much, well, stunned.

They both marched toward Sam, Mrs Jones gave Sam a warm hug and chortled, "see you in the morning Sam."

Mr Jones held out his hand and shook Sam's hand wholeheartedly, "good to see you again Sam, or should I say son," he winked, "then gave Sam a big bear hug."

"Good night you two," they chortled as they ascended the stairs, gleefully snickering as they ascended.

Mercedes looked at Sam gobsmacked; Sam looked at Mercedes confused and rubbed the back of his neck.

Sam then walked briskly up to Mercedes and took her in his arms, "honey I don't know what the hell happened but, I'm with them lets go to bed!"

Mercedes hit him playfully on the arm and giggled, "oh Sammy I love you!"

"I love you Mercedes Jones I love you, and I think I'm in love with your parents now too," he chuckled.

Mercedes threw her arms around his neck, "Never let me go Samuel Evans!"

"I never will Mercy," he whispered as he gently kissed her on her luscious lips.

…..

From the backstage Mercedes looked through the stage doors out into the crowd, Sam held her around her waist kissing Mercedes gently along her neck

"Oh Sammy please stop that ,"she whispered sliding her hand up toward the nape of his neck, "I-I'm trying to see h-how many people are out there-Sam!"

"Oh darling, who cares how many people are out there? The only person I truly want here is the one in my arms right now," Sam breathed preoccupied with Mercedes ebony neck.

Mercedes turned and faced Sam, "oh darling, I'm trying to concentrate," she whispered.

"So am I…" Sam breathed and kissed her softly on her lips then added, "Darling I have some great news for you, I hope you will be as excited as I am."

"What darling?" Mercedes looked at Sam inquisitively.

"Well darling, Sony records approached me today and they want to try you for a demo recording."

"W-what?" Mercedes gaped.

"Yep, apparently one of their people must have been at the concert the other day and well they got wind of this beautifully talented sexy lady and they wanna trial you for a demo tape. I said I'll get you to contact them if you're interested." Sam grinned.

"If you're interested…Sammy?!" Mercedes eyes widened, "an actual demo? Oh my, Sony are pretty particular, they never just choose people for that sort of thing. Then she looked suspiciously at Sam. You never forced them to did you Sam?" then folded her arms and looked inquisitively at him.

Sam stood back and raised his arms, "Well it did cross my mind a while ago but, as God is my witness darling no, it was not me, it was all you, cross my heart darling." Sam crossed his heart and smiled.

"Oh my!" Mercedes gasped, "a demo tape? I know it is not anything to get TOO excited over but, oh my Sammy, what happens if they like it?" she smiled

Sam smiled and lifted her up into the air, "if they like it? They WILL like it Mercy! I am so proud of you darling so proud."

Mercedes wrapped her arms around his neck, "Oh darling…" she breathed, "everything is working out even better than expected," she chortled happily and then kissed Sam sweetly on the lip. Sam moved to deepen their kiss when all of a sudden…

"Ahmmm, excuse me ahmm Hey son!"

Sam was startled.

"Sorry to interrupt, but I was wondering where you want me to play?"

"Oh um Mr Jones, I've already set your guitar over there by the band," Sam smiled pointing toward the side of the stage.

"Um thank you son," Mr Jones smiled, "oh and just call me dad, or pop or Reggie if you want," the old man smiled patting Sam on the back.

Mercedes rolled her eyes, as she watched her father walk toward his guitar near the rest of the band equipment.

"Sam stop letting him do what he wants. He doesn't have to play with your band!" Mercedes huffed.

"He's happy Mercy, happy daddy means happy daughter, which means very happy Sammy," he smiled kissing her gently on her lips.

"Sammy, you really don't have to darling," she frowned laying her hands on his taut chest.

"Darling, this is his dream, it's the least I can do," he grinned.

"Thank you Sammy," she smiled watching her father ready his equipment, "he is happy Sammy."

Sam smiled as he watch Mr Jones warm up and play a few chords on his guitar, "yeah he is aye Mercy." And they both held each other in contentment as they watched Mr Jones.

"I'm just gonna check on momma and Grandma and Grandpa Evans and tell them about the demo tape," she squealed.

"Ok darling, I'll see you soon…" Sam grinned from ear to ear, kissed her gently and then watched her walk toward the changing room, looking out through the stage doors he watched as the crowd continued to fill the stadium.

Suddenly a pair of arms wrapped around his waist, Sam flinched.

"Hello baaaby, the sultry voice chortled, I'm baaack."

Sam turned and gasped, "Sabrina?! What the hell are you doing here get your dam hands off me." Sam jumped back and tried to escape her clutches, running for dear life

Sam ducked behind a wall and stood breathless trying desperately to hide from yet another heffa. Suddenly another screech filled the air as a tall slender red headed lass, who Sam couldn't even remember, came running toward him, Samuel Evans, "I've been looking for you everywhere Sam!" Sam screamed like a girl and ran quickly toward the green room as yet two blonde bombshells, Sherrie and Valarie, stood in front of its door, "hello Sammy whammy!" the girls chortled licking their fiery red lips and advancing toward him. Sam felt like he was in a horror movie as the bombshells, the red head and Sabrina advanced toward him. It looked like a scene from a poorly made and under budgeted 'B' movie.

Suddenly the door of the green room swung open and out jumped Grammy, 22 in hand, "get the hell away from my grandson you heffa's!"

"Grammy!" Sam screamed.

Grammy stepped forward and pushed the two blonde bombshells to the side, holding her pistol steadily in front of her, "Step away from my grandson you heffas!" she screamed eyes fixed on her opponents.

Sam ran behind his grandmother, "you know I can handle them aye Grammy he whispered but I don't hit girls."

Grammy rolled her eyes and grunted as she held the 22 steadily in front of her, "shut up Samuel Dwight Evans!"

"I am not leaving Sam yah old bat," snarled Sabrina, "we are engaged and you will not stand between us and our love!" she glared and walked slowly toward Grammy.

The two blonde bombshell strode menacingly toward her too as did the unnamed and unimportant redhead.

"You can't take us all yah old bat!" Sabrina smirked.

"Yeah but we can!" Screamed Mercedes and Mrs Jones, their eyes red with rage.

Next minute, fists and nails and began flying everywhere as Mercedes took the bombshells and hit their heads together, Grammy swiftly made mincemeat of Sabina, quickly knocking her to the floor and Mrs Jones smashed the unknown and unimportant red head into the ground.

Afterward the three of them stood to the side wiping their hands as they watched the four ladies writhe in pain on the cold concrete floor.

"Keep your heffa mitts off my grandson or next time we won't be so nice," Grammy screamed.

"And if I see you anywhere near my son in law I mean perspective son in law you will be sorry! Mrs Jones, tried to growl.

Mercedes nodded, "you best keep away from my Sammy, he is my Sammy so step the hell away from him or you are dead!"

Sam looked on at the scene and gasped as security swept away the bedraggled lot

"Mercy…" Sam smiled obviously chuffed that his woman had dealt to these heffas, "you are so wonderful."

"Samuel Dwight Evans I am not talking to you for at least 5 minutes!" she growled and then walked off.

Mrs Jones grinned ran up to Grandma Evans and chortled, "oh you must be the great Grammy I have heard so much about, glad to make your acquaintance and gave her a warm hug."

"Hello and you have to be Delores Jones!" Grammy smiled.

"Ahmmm!" Mrs Jones chuffed.

"Great work love," Grammy high fived Delores.

"You're not too bad yourself Grandma Evans," she chortled and then added, "Sorry Sam, Grandma Evans… I better go and check on Mercedes, you know how she gets, don't worry Sam she will by your side directly."

Sam smiled as he watched Mrs Jones run off in aid of Mercedes. He would have, but he knew that in five minutes she would keep to her word and come back to him.

Next minute a swift hand caught the side of his head, "Samuel Dwight Evans, I'm sick of covering your sorry ass, look at the mess you've caused, if you hadn't of had so many fiancés you wouldn't have been in this much strife. I feel like I should knock you down instead of those desperate heffas!" she spat and then folded her arms in disgust.

"I know Grammy I'm sorry, I'm so sorry Grammy," he whispered hanging his head in shame.

Next minute he felt the warm arms of his beloved around his waist. Sam looked into her eyes and whispered, "Im sorry baby."

Mercedes just smiled and held him tight, then whispered, "Sammy, I have a feeling that I will be knocking a few more heffas out before the night is through."

Sam hung his head.

Grammy strode passed the two of them and groaned, "I think you should knock him out," then she entered the green room, returned the 22 to its holster and slammed the door.

"C'mon Sammy!" Mercedes smiled you've got a concert to do.

"Are you gonna sing with me tonight baby?"

"No honey but maybe next time, you just get out there and kill them," she smiled straightening his collar and Stetson.

"I am so proud of you Sammy," Mercedes whispered.

"I love you Mercy," Sam smiled, "thank you for kicking butt baby, it was hot!"

Mercedes slapped him lightly and then rose up on her tiptoes as Sam kissed her lightly on her lips and then expeditiously walked out onto the stage and into the applause and roar of the crowd.

…..

Following the concert the after party was held at the Evans home in Lima, those invited were friends and family, Sam's band and backup singers and the crew.

"Oh Mercedes it is so good to see you," Mrs Evans smiled.

"Come here girl," Dwight Evans grinned taking her into a warm hug.

Mercedes! Stacy screamed tackling Mercedes to the floor. Stacy may have been 22 but she still acted like the little 12 year old Mercedes knew from so long ago.

"Hey M-Mercedes," the tall blue eyed blonde slightly young buffed man stammered as he stood afar off into the distance.

"Stevie? Is that you? Oh Stevie!" Mercedes chortled.

Mercedes ran toward Stevie and took him into a warm embrace; Stevie held her tight and smiled, "I've missed you Cedes!"

"I've missed you too Stevie," the two held each other tight, Stevie's arms fixed tightly around her waist not willing to let go, until Sam interrupted.

"Ok now break!" Sam grimaced.

Stevie stepped back and noticeably blushed.

Sam shook his head and eyed Stevie apprehensively, then patted him on the back, "Good try brother but she's taken!"

Stevie chuckled, "worth a try though yah old beggar, I don't know what she sees in you," and took Sam into a headlock, the two wrestled for a few minutes until they were broken up by their father.

"Ok you two just settle down…" he chuckled, "you two really need to grow up!"

Just then the bell rang again as Mr and Mrs Jones entered.

"Hello you two, long time no see!" Mr Evans smiled.

"Yep a good ten years, too long," the Jones and the Evans embraced and they all walked into the lounge ready for a great night.

….

Sam and Mercedes sat on the swings swinging back and forth in comfortable silence as the cheers and laughter of the party wafted through the air.

Penny for your thoughts Mercy

"Just thinking about Kurt and Blaine, I miss them and I feel so bad leaving Finn in the lurch again. I really am the worse bartender in the world and friend…I always just drop them when you turn up…I feel terrible," she huffed.

"Don't worry baby I'm sure they understand," Sam smiled and held Mercedes hand.

"Yeah, I guess," Mercedes sighed kicking the ground.

Sam then moved and stood on the swing and held onto the ropes.

"Did you know I helped my dad build this and that fort over there," Sam pointed toward the fortlike tree house which had weathered with age.

"No baby, no I didn't know, you did a good job Sammy," she smiled looking at his hand work.

Sam looked lovingly at Mercedes and smile, "Did you know that I wished for you Mercy?!"

"What?"

"Yeah."

"I wished for you Mercy, I wished that I would meet someone who would love me as much as I loved them and then I met you," Sam blushed.

"I wished for you on this very swing the night before I went to Grammys and Grandpas and then the next day I met you, down by the river! Sam smiled swinging back and forth on the swing.

"But why would you wish for someone Sammy, most teenagers wish for a car or something random but why would you wish for a person," Mercedes looked up toward him as he swung.

"Cause I was lonely."

"What? But you had your family Sammy,"

"Yeah and I love them but I knew I needed someone else and when I saw you, Mercy, I knew it was you!"

"Whatever Sammy, then it was Cindy and Mandy an-"

"Low blow Mercy!" Sam hung his head and slipped back down and sat on the swing.

"I've never told anyone this but…I kind of felt like I was alone all the time, mom had dad, Stevie had Stacy and I, well I was just there, I felt lonely, that's why I always went to Grammys and Grandpas. I always felt of use there, especially when I helped them out on the farm. I loved it. I felt useful and well loved." Sam smiled

"Oh Sammy, but you are so loved, your family love you so much!"

"I know that Mercy, but I just think that I have always needed you in my life. The day I met you I no longer had that empty feeling, you filled it for me and darling…I don't know maybe that's why I became engaged to so many women, I really tried to recapture what we had and thought that if I married them it might change, but no one can fill it except you, I see that now and I am so sorry Mercy, I'm so sorry for hurting you and just… for everything!" Sam sighed as tears filled his eyes.

Mercedes hopped off the swing and knelt in front of Sam, "I love you Sammy, you will never be alone as long as I breathe, I will always be there for you Sammy."

"I love you Mercy," Sam traced his hand over her cheek and then kissed her passionately.

Suddenly there was a cry, "hey you two, it's time for the toasts," Puck yelled downing a bottle of champagne, his latest conquest in tow. Sam smiled and offered his hand to Mercedes who took it and walked hand in hand back toward the house.

As they entered Mr Evans stood as everyone gathered, "Ok everyone," Mr Evans Cheered, "We are here today for two reasons, firstly, to celebrate and acknowledge all those who worked tirelessly to produce the Lima concert. So please raise your glasses and toast in acknowledgement to all the hard working individuals who helped to make Sam's concerts a success." Everyone cheered and toasted.

Sam then stood beside his father, placed his arm around him and cheered, "I would like to thank y'all so much for the time and effort you placed in producing the Lima concert. We only have one more set of concerts for the year and I know very well that all of you have earned a well-deserved break with friends and family, which brings us to our second toast. All of my friends and family are right here in this room and I am so happy that I have been able to spend my time here in Lima, because myself and Mercy get to spend time with our families. However, the other day we were in Cincinnati, where my darling Mercy resides and I rudely procured her once again from her dear friends, so as a way of amends I have asked them to join myself and Mercy for my final concerts, can you please raise your glasses to dear friends, Finn, Artie, Kurt and Blaine."

Emerging from one of the rooms the four companions jumped out and smiled sheepishly at Mercedes. Mercedes screamed, "oh my," and ran to her BFFL's, hugging them with all her might. Tears ran down her cheeks, she had missed Kurt and Blaine as she had not seen them for some time, and although she had only seen Artie and Finn a couple of days ago the thought of them joining the crew for the final concert only heightened her excitement.

"Ok we aren't quite finished yet darling," Sam continued, "Our final surprise is for Mr and Mrs Jones and my Mercy, again," he smiled, "this surprise has traveled a long way and it has been a mission to try and get him here since he has been stationed in the Middle East for the past two years, can you please raise your glasses for Sargent John Jones." Mr and Mrs Jones stared dumbfounded at Sam and Mercedes mouth was agape as from one of the rooms emerged her dear brother John. Tears fell down their cheeks as they ran to the brother and son they had not seen for two years. The Jones family created a large circle of embrace around him and they all cried incessantly with joy.

Everyone applauded and the music began again as the party resumed. Slowly Sargent Jones made his way to Sam, the Jones family hanging off every limb, "Good to see you in the flesh again Sam," John Jones smiled offering his hand and shaking it firmly, "this was a mighty fine thing for you to do for us Sam, but in saying that, if you hurt my sister again your dead," Sargent John Jones smirked, winked at Sam and then spun back toward his family.

Sam had been arranging Mercy's surprise for some time ever since Sam spent time with Mercedes in Tennessee. He knew she missed her brother and wished he could do something to alleviate her sadness. So he decided to get in touch with Sargent Jones and organise some type of leave. The final concert in Lima seemed the closest and most convenient time for his return prior to the holidays.

As the party continued Mercedes parents approached Sam and hugged him tightly, "thank you so much Sam for the lovely present, it is the greatest thing anyone has ever done for us and we will be indebted to you for life," Mrs Jones smiled tears of joy running down her cheeks. Mr Jones held out his hand and shook Sam's hand vigorously, "Sam, today you have made me the happiest man ever. Firstly by allowing me to play at your concert tonight, it was a dream come true, and secondly but most importantly for allowing us the opportunity to spend time with our dear son. I am more than indebted to you," he quivered tears of joy rolling down his cheeks. Sam took them both into a warm embrace and smiled.

As the two walked off to join their son once again Mercedes slipped her arms around Sam and rested her head on his chest tears in her eyes.

"Baby…" Sam whispered taking her in his arms, "are you ok?"

Mercedes nodded but never said a word.

Sam kissed her softly upon her head and held her tight.

Then finally Mercedes whispered, "thank you for loving me Sammy!"

Tears filled Sam's eyes as he held his Mercy and smiled as he looked out into the crowd at the smiles of their friends and family who had gathered there that evening. He watched Grammy and grandpa as they danced, his mother and father chatting in the corner, Stacy and Stevie arguing about something, Kurt, Blaine, Artie and Finn in a giant bear hug, Mr and Mrs Jones hugging their son and Puck making moves on yet another unsuspecting young lady. It was truly a joyous occasion.

Sam then slipped his hand under Mercedes chin and looked into her beautiful brown eyes, "I will always love you Mercy, I will always love you," he smiled as the music echoed in the background and the sound of happiness filled the air.


I will be updating only once a week now...if I'm lucky...but will make sure I update each Thursday when that shocking Glee show returns to combat its stupidity by fighting it with a lot of samcedes. Please review if you can:)

So happy times with the ones you love my fanfiction family. May God bless you and keep you. May his light shine upon you. Merry Xmas and happy holidays.