What can I say? I promised to update more often, but running a nonprofit has it challenges and it's ups and downs. I can say I want to update more often, but tomorrow and next week would be a totally different case. We then put our true wants to the back of our priority list for other things, then so much time passes by and it isn't until a faithful reader reminds you that you still have a story to tell that you remember to come back. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this update of Mercy's Choice and to those who still read and ask for updates, I'm sorry for making you wait. Thank you for liking my writing.

The next morning, Mercedes woke up to her phone buzzing, someone breathing near her ear, and a tight arm around her waist. She grabbed her phone from the side table and hit the snooze button, stopping her alarm. She yawned and turned her head to look at her bedfellow. "So beautiful," she thought as she watched how his blonde hair laid at his forehead and how his nose scrunched and mouth smiled as he dreamed. She remembered how the night led them to her room. He walked her to her door and kissed her goodnight. She changed and laid in bed. It felt lonely, knowing he was a few doors away from her under the same roof put things in perspective for her. She didn't want to sleep alone in her big house anymore. She wanted to feel him next to her. She jumped out of bed and as soon as she opened the door, he was already standing there waiting for her. She grabbed him by the hand, led him to the bed, and they watched each other as they laid under the covers. He moved close to her, held her at her waist and kissed her goodnight again.

"See that's how I know you love," He said, surprising her. She watched as he slowly opened his eyes.

"What are you talking about Sam," She said.

"I could feel you staring at me, like you are trying to remember every part of my face. I know it's love because I've memorized every curve and line of your face and I love you," He said.

She sighed, "Saammmm, are we really ready to say I love you?"

"I know I am, the question is are you," He replied.

"This scares the daylights out of me, how fast we are moving," She paused and brushed his cheek with her hand, "but yes Sam, I love you too. How is this possible," She asked.

"Because it has be destined and blessed by God….. I love you. You mean everything to me. Tine is irrelevant. I knew you were it the moment I saw you in the church. You made me fall from that ladder remember," He said,

She giggled, "You're just clumsy."

"No, you're just that breathtaking," He said as he pulled her close. She gasped and closed her eyes feeling his mouth closing on to hers.

He kissed her softly and pulled away. She was about to kiss him deeply when her alarm sounded again. She turned over and checked her phone. She saw it was 8:00 and she groaned. She had rehearsal at 10. She turned back to Sam, kissed him softly, and moved the covers to get up.

"Wait Mercy," Sam said grabbing her arm, "Tell me one more time."

She smiled and said, "I love you Sam." She got out the bed and went to prepare for her day. Sam smiled, inhaled deeply and said to himself, "This is forever. I'll love her forever."

Mercedes' band was already set up and ready for rehearsal. She walked in and greeted her music director, musicians, and backup singers introducing them all to Sam. After talking a bit, getting to know each other, the rehearsals began. It was two hours on nonstop praise and worship. Sam was in heaven. He connected to the music and to Mercedes singing. He worshipped with them. He felt the anointing and the spirit radiate all over that room. He never felt more connected to God and to Mercedes than in that moment. At the end of rehearsal, Mercedes asked Sam to pray and for the first time since Sam told her that she would be his wife, God revealed it to her. She saw it and she knew, Sam Evans was her husband.

After rehearsal, everyone drove to Panera Bread for lunch. When they arrived, Mercedes held Sam back from walking into the restaurant.

"Sam I have to tell you something," She said.

"What is it babe," Sam turned to her worried.

"God showed me what He showed you. You're my husband," She said.

"Are you serious Mercy. Don't play eith me because my heart is beating out my chest right now."

"I'm serious Sam. I know without a doubt in my mind that you are my husband, my one."

Sam smiled and lifted Mercedes, "Thank you God. I told you Mercy. You're it for me."

"And you're it for me Sam. I love you. Marry me," She responded.

Sam put her down and looked into her eyes, seeing if she was joking. "Are you serious," He asked.

"I'm serious Sam. I want you to marry me. It may not be today or this weekend, but marry me soon," She said,

"Mercy, I will love to marry you, but let's enjoy California and we'll talk about everything and make plans when we get back to Ohio."

"Ok, we'll table it for now, but I don't want to wait too long when I already know."

"I know, me either, I love you."

"I love you too Sam."

Sam kissed her hand and held it as he guided her into the restaurant. His heart was so full. He was so happy he told her yes to California. Who knew this would be where God revealed His plans to her. As he ordered his and her food, he held her hands a little tighter, planning never to let her go.

Until next time...