Welp. I am shamed. Shamed, I tell you! I was just checking my dates and its been nearly four weeks since the last update. My B, y'all. I got no excuse...so, I won't drag this out with making up any. The song used for this chapter is 'I Do Love You' (remake) by GQ ( watch?v=YOKq1VmEbtc).
Alright, on with it and please excuse any errors.
Chapter 10
"So I did just like you said, babe. I called them all in my office and told them that I was going to continue with the Superman-Wonder Woman storyline as we previously agreed. Told'em why I felt so strongly about making this happen and that I wasn't budging on it. That it was worth the risk."
Sam's eyes literally danced as he recalled the events from earlier that day. Mercedes paused packing their suitcase as she gave her full attention to him, pride shining through in her smile as she listened to him.
"And...?" She prompted when he paused.
"And they all sat there stone-faced for a few minutes- which really freaked me out. I was thinking that maybe I pushed too far. Like, maybe this was it. I was gonna get fired. Then I was like, 'oh shit, how can I fix this? 'Cause if I get fired, that's seriously gonna delay us getting married an' stuff-"
"Sam. Focus, baby."
Blushing as he realized how carried away he'd gotten, he continued. "Yeah. So, the were all stone-faced for, like, a full minute. Then they all smiled simultaneously. Now, that was kinda freaky. Anyway, they all smile and Mr. Scott stands up and shakes my hand. Told me they were proud of how I stood behind my idea and didn't fold under pressure. They gave me their blessing to keep it going, babe!"
His enthusiasm was contagious and Mercedes allowed herself to get caught up. Jumping from her spot on the bed, she sprang into his arms and kissed him soundly on the mouth. Although she had the utmost faith in her man, when she'd made the suggestion over week ago, she was concerned as to how his plea would be received.
"I'm so proud of you, baby."
Sam returned her kiss eagerly before uttering his reply of, "Thank you for always believing in me."
The congratulatory kiss soon turned into a much more heated lip lock and Mercedes could feel herself being lowered to the bed, her thigh brushing across the clothing on the bed. Which reminded her why they were there in the first place. She broke the kiss and stayed him with a hand to his chest.
"Sam. We have to pack, baby. The driver will be here in less than an hour to take us to the airport. And you still need to change out of your work clothes-unless you want to wear it on the flight."
"..."
She chuckled at the exaggerated pout her boyfriend gave. He could be so silly sometimes. "If you go now, I promise you plenty of kisses when we get to Lima, okay?"
He visibly perked up at the offer. "Oh, yeah?"
"Yes."
"Anytime I want them?"
Mercedes narrowed her eyes as she regarded her beau."...no."
"But, babe!"
"But nothing, Sam. You ain't gonna get me that way. I know you, remember? You're liable to ask me for kisses right in front of my mom and dad. Nah, I ain't about that life, baby." She chuckled as she gave his cheek a sweet pat.
The pout returned. "But your parents LOVE me! They wouldn't mind seeing us expressing our love with a simple kiss."
Mercedes side-eyed her boyfriend as she slipped from underneath him and resumed packing their suitcase. "Boy, you good and well we don't do 'simple kisses'. So, the answer is no."
Deciding to bring out the big guns, Sam stood and walked behind his girlfriend, wrapping his arms around her waist and kissing the tender area behind her right ear."Please, baby?" He purposely made sure to drop his voice an octave, knowing she was powerless against it.
Mercedes initially attempted to squirm out of his hold, but knew she was a goner was he laid sweet kisses on her spot. She groaned in defeat, "Okay. But JUST kisses, nothing else."
Beyond excited with the agreement, Sam kissed his lady on the cheek before pulling away from the embrace and walking into their closet to change. Mercedes knew she'd been played and shook her head as she continued to fold items.
"So, which cousin is getting married, babe?" Sam's voice sounded from inside the closet.
Mercedes finished packing the last of their items and zipped the suitcase. "My cousin Mario. First cousin on daddy's side."
Stepping out of the closet in more casual attire and shoes in hand, Sam sat at the foot of the bed. "And do we like the bride-to-be? I just need to know if I should expect any shade from the family about her."
Chuckling at the question, Mercedes playfully rolled her eyes. "Yes, we love Adrienne. They are high school sweethearts."
"Like us?"
Sam posed the question so sweetly, she couldn't help smiling at him.
"Just like us, babe."
LIMA~LIMA~LIMA~LIMA~LIMA~LIMA~LIMA~LIMA~LIMA~LIMA~LIMA~LIMA~LIMA~LIMA~LIMA
Sam gazed out the window and took in the quaint scenery of what he considered his hometown as their driver passed by familiar landmarks in town. On occasion, he would glance down to his left to see the peacefully sleeping face of his girlfriend and she used his shoulder for a pillow. In quiet moments like this, he would marvel at what had become of his life: reunited with the only woman he has ever truly loved, living with said love in an amazing city, and working in his dream job. And it was in these moments that he felt truly humbled. Closing his eyes, he whispered a short prayer of thanks to God for the life he lived and the blessings he'd been given. Once finished, he placed a chaste kiss on the temple of a sleeping Mercedes.
Feeling the car begin to slow, Sam looked up and saw that they were nearing their destination. He smiled as he could see how happy Mercedes' parents were to have them back home. Literally. The huge 'Welcome home, Baby Girl & Son ' sign greeted them as they pulled into the driveway. Sam chuckled when he noticed that his and Mercedes' names were not used. Although longtime neighbors would know whom the sign referenced, nosey would-be photogs would be none the wiser. No one would know that R & B diva, Mercedes Jones, was back in little ol' Lima until she was heading back to LA. He gently shook Mercedes to wake her and waited for her to stir. She came around slowly, opening her eyes to find him gazing softly at her.
"I'll never get tired of waking up and seeing your beautiful face, Sam." He smiled at her sleep-laden voice.
"And I'll never get tired of you doing that, baby."
He leaned down and gave her a sweet kiss, moaning as she grazed his scalp with her fingernails. The kiss would have continued were it not for the incessant knocking at their window, courtesy of Pop Jones.
"Stop all that macking on my baby girl, boy!"
Even though Mercedes knew he couldn't see beyond the dark window tint, she still blushed and hid her face against Sam's chest.
Jones Kitchen
"Baby girl, I just can't get over how happy you look. I'm guessing the combination of LA and Sam might have something to do with that." Mama Jones knowing gaze softened as she took in her daughter.
Mercedes did nothing to hide her smile at her mother's assumption. "Well..."
"How about we just go with 'yes' for now? But we will definitely talk later, young lady. " She smirked, nodding in the direction of her husband and Sam's nearing voices as they brought the luggage in the house.
Mercedes grinned in agreement as she wrapped her mom in another hug, " I missed y'all so much, mama."
Mama Jones returned the embrace, rocking slightly with her daughter, "That's a part of life baby. Growing up and leaving the nest. But just know we miss you more."
Any further conversation was cut off by her father's lively voice entering the kitchen ahead of him, "If y'all are giving out hugs, there had better be one for me, too!"
Sam entered the kitchen moments later, having divested himself of the bags and smiled at the embracing family before him.
It's good to be home.
The couple arrived to Lima on Thursday afternoon, two full days prior to the wedding, yet Sam could not understand why Mercedes packed so much clothing.
"Babe, you are aware that we're only staying for the weekend, right?"
"Ha. Ha. And I hope you are aware that it's the last few days of Summer, which means unbearable heat and sweat. Not sure about you, but I ain't trying to walk around with sweaty clothes because I neglected to pack appropriately."
Sam continued to stare at her until a smirk overtook his features, " Well, the only sweating I'm planning on doing will occur right here in this bedroom. And we can just shower afterwards."
"Boy!" She gave him no time to duck the pillow she launched in his direction. "Can you stop thinking about that for one day?"
He looked at her like she had lost her mind, "Girl, stop! You don't see what I see: all dat ass, hips an' thighs from heaven above, that face, them tasty-ass lips..." He neared her with each compliment his gaze going from soft to predatory as he eyed her curves.
Mercedes wanted to pant at the look in his eyes. This boy would be the death of her, she knew it. She held up a hand as she backed away from him. "Sam..."
"I mean, how could expect me to not think about loving your body every minute of every hour of every day?" He continued, undeterred.
"Sam, m-my parents are expecting us to meet them downstairs for dinner." She reminded him, grunting softly as her back hit a wall.
His smile was downright predatory as he caged her in with his arms, " Yeah, Pop Jones' famous grilled steaks with Mama Jones' potato salad- which takes them about...an hour to prepare." Reaching out a hand, he pushed open the bathroom door. "And we did say we would be down after showering and changing clothes. So, how about that shower?"
Mercedes felt her resolve fade away just as she felt her core pool with heat, "Oh, damn."
1 hour, 27 minutes later
Sam held the back door open for Mercedes as she stepped out onto the back patio, biting his lip as she passed.
"Sammy boy, I hope it's the smell of my steaks that's got your mouth watering like that..."
Mercedes giggled at the look of surprise on her boyfriend's face. Busted.
Sam cleared his throat in an attempt to save face, "Y-yes, sir. Um, you need any help?" He hurried over to the man's side, ready to do anything to change the subject.
Mercedes walked over to her mom and began helping lay the spread out on the patio table.
"There's that glow again, baby girl."
She ducked her head at the statement.
"Just better make sure your dad doesn't find out Sam is 'glowing' you up in this house." Mama Jones laughter was full at the horrified expression on her daughter's face. "Don't worry, he won't hear it from me."
Mercedes kept her face hidden as she continued to place things around the table, mumbling a muffled "thanks".
"So, son...how's the job going?" Pop Jones inquired genuinely as he flipped the steaks for the final time.
"Oh, it's great! Amazing, actually. I never thought I could enjoy doing something so much and get paid for it."
Smiling at the young man's enthusiasm, "That's a blessing, son. Treat it as such."
Sam nodded in reply, "That's the plan."
"And things around the house? Y'all aren't having to do any repairs around the house, are you? 'Cause for what baby girl tells me y'all pay in rent..."
"Oh, no, sir. No real repairs needed. I take care of any small things that pop up around the house. As a matter of fact, I think we may start looking for a house to buy soon. The money I make is really good and I want us to really have a place to call our own."
Pop Jones looked at him with a slightly raised eyebrow, " A house? Looking to set up roots, I see. And how does baby girl feel about that?"
Sam blushed somewhat at the question, "Well, I haven't really approached that conversation with her. Yet. I figure I should propose first, then we can move on to that."
That eyebrow was damn near touching Pop Jone's hairline, "Oh, yeah?"
"B-but not before I get the blessing of you and Mama Jones, and find a ring that is worthy of Mercedes, obviously."
That calmed him down somewhat, "Wise man. So, when should my wife and I expect this conversation?"
Sam placed the platter before Pop Jones to place the perfectly grilled steaks upon, standing to his full height as he looked the man square in the eye, " I was hoping to have that conversation this weekend, before we leave on Sunday...?"
Michael Jones took in the man before him, seeing how much he had grown up over the years into a man who could love, respect, and take care of his daughter. Clapping a strong hand to his shoulder, he smiled widely, "I'm looking forward to it, son."
Saturday- Lima Botanical Gardens
Sam took his seat near the Jones', closing his eyes ashe allowed the sun's rays to bathe him. He breathed deeply and smiled as the scent of the various roses around him teased his nostrils. Opening his eyes, he took in the beautiful assortment of colors around him, from the veritable rainbow of flowers to the equally stunning hues of light to dark brown of Mercedes' family members, friends, and other guests. He could literally feel the love emanating from everyone at the event. There was a hum of energy and excitement as the guests waited for the ceremony to begin, smiles abound.
The hum died down as the opening strains of a piano began to play...
I can't stay away from you too long ,
Even if I do I'll always call...
The wedding party began their entrance, each groomsman walking down the aisle to meet his respective bridesmaid, before escorting her down the aisle to stand in position.
Checkin' on you to make sure you're okay,
Be the one to brighten up your day...
His chest tightened as he saw Mercedes come into view, and his heart skipped a beat as her eyes found his briefly before she continued down the aisle. His eyes followed her as she took her position at the altar and the heat was intense between the two of them as they had an unspoken conversation. Soon. Sam couldn't wait until he was the groom standing at the end of the aisle, waiting for his love to join him so they could begin a life that would be nothing short of awesome.
The rest of the wedding went by in a blur, although Sam just remembered the feeling of hope and love being very present throughout the entire occasion. Now, he sat anxiously as they waited for the reception to begin. He realized his anxiety was a result of not having his lady at his side yet to love on and hold. Sam had always been emotionally intuitive and being at weddings always served to amp up his own emotions. He had absolutely no problem admitting that weddings made him extremely sappy, but luckily, his lady love never complained about that. In fact, Mercedes always joked that Sam would be the first of them to cry at their wedding. Hearing the deejay's voice come booming in, he perked up, knowing that the wedding party would soon be introduced.
Mercedes hurried to her man's side after enjoying the meal with the rest of the wedding party. She was brimming with energy and ready to get on the dance floor. Sam's eyes lit up as he saw her near, standing to greet her with a warm hug when she arrived at their table.
"You look amazing, baby." His eyes dances across her curves in the bridesmaid dress, hands itching to follow the same path his eyes had gone.
"Thank you, boo. And you are looking good enough to eat in this suit." The heat in her eyes left no doubt as to how she felt.
"Kids..." Pop Jones deep baritone reminded them of their surroundings and they quickly sat down.
The party picked up shortly thereafter and the dance floor was packed to capacity. Sam could feel Mercedes energy vibrating off her as she sat by him. Turning to her slightly, he took her hand which caused her to look into his eyes, "Shall we?".
The couple drank and danced well into the night and the mood around them infectious. Love was definitely in the air. Sam was also very certain that his minx of a girlfriend was trying to kill him in plain view of her entire family. She was definitely stealthy about it, though. For instance, there was the way she would make sure they were in the heart of the dance floor and completely obscured to those on the outskirts (ie her parents) before she would grind against him in a special way that left his pulse thundering in his ears. Or the way she would slow dance with him while singing softly in his ear, knowing how much her voice turned him on. Just when he'd decided that enough was enough and they would be departing from the affair early, he heard Pop Jones' voice overhead.
"Alright, youngins. It's late in the evening and we've watched y'all 'Whip' and 'Nae Nae' all night. And what is a 'Quan'? Now it's time for us old folks to show y'all how it's done." He tossed the microphone back to the deejay and extended an arm in invitation to his wife. Mrs. Jones joined him wordlessly as the opening notes of GQ's 'I Do Love You' began to play.
I do love you, ooooh
But it's alright, alright, aaah...
A few of the younger children chose that moment to exit the dance floor and were immediately and were immediately replaced by a few of the adults from the party, glad to finally have the floor to themselves. Sam pulled Mercedes closer as the song continued to play.
(I do love you)
(I love you, I love you)
I love you so right now
(Ooh-ho-ho-ooh)
My my baby, hey, yeah
Sam chuckled as he saw Pop Jones pointing at him and yelling across the dance floor, "What you know about this, youngin?" He then proceeded to spin Mama Jones in an intricate two-step as the pace of the of the song quickened. Sam looked around and saw other couples doing similar versions of the step. Looking at Mercedes briefly, he winked at her before spinning her out in similar fashion, then drawing her close again as they moved to the music.
"Hey, hey, now Michael! Looks like light skint knows a thang or two over there! Get it, Sam!" Mercedes' uncle James cheered Sam on.
My baby, I love you so
And I don't want you to go, no, no
Why don't you listen to me, ya
I'm beggin' you on bended knees
(I do love you)
(I love you, I love you, ooh-ho-ho-ooh)
My girl, I prayed that your love
It would come to me
Someday
(I do love you)
(I love you, I love you, ooh-ho-ho-ooh)
Because I love you so, babe
You're about to drive me mad
(I do love you)
(I love you, I love you, ooh-ho-ho-ooh)
I love you so right now
Pretty baby, pretty baby
(I do love you).
Mercedes laughed in enjoyment as she and Sam practically glided across the dance floor. "Somebody's been working on their dance moves, I see." She teased.
"Had to. Pop Jones wouldn't ever let me live it down if I couldn't show him that I learned something from our old school lessons over the summer."
She giggled as she imagined the dance lessons her father undoubtedly subjected Sam to during those summers.
(I do love you)
(I love you, I love you, ooh-ho-ho-ooh)
I love you so right now
Oh, baby, I love you so
And I don't want you to go
No, no, no, no, no, no
Why don't you listen to me
I'm beggin' you on bended knees
(I do love you)
(I love you, I love you, ooh-ho-ho-ooh)
This. This was what he wanted. The woman in his arms, the love in the air, the family. All of it. Sam closed his eyes and allowed the music to move him, just as Pop Jones had suggested he do. In fact, he was so in tune with the music that he wasn't thrown off when approached by Pop Jones to switch partners mid-dance. Mama Jones laughed as Sam spun her in exaggerated fashion before catching Pop Jones' eye.
"Watch out, old man, I may sweep your wife off her feet."
Fin.
Alright, that's it for now. Just a short update to get the juices flowing again. The song used during the wedding was 'The Point of It All(Wedding Version)' by Anthony Hamilton. Hope y'all enjoyed an remember that feedback is love!