A/N Hey guys LadiJ here and I am finally back and finishing this story! Yes I said it, this is the last chapter in the second part of this series. I am going to write the final part to this series, but I can't make any promises on when it will be out. I am going to make sure it is complete first before I post it, so I won't have long wait times in between post. I want to first say Thank you to all who have read, reviewed, followed, and favorited this story. It has truly been a labor of love, and I hope you all enjoyed the journey of Sam and Mercedes. It's not over yet, so be on the look out for As I See It (Ever After) Thank you so much to my beta ZeeJack! You are such a dear friend to me, and always encouraging me to write and finish this story, so I thank you from the bottom of my heart. So I am not going to go on and on, I will just say Happy reading!
Much Love
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Glee or any NFL team mentioned in this story!
Draft Weekend
Mercedes had so many emotions going on inside her about this trip to New York with Sam. A lot of things could happen that were life changing, and she wanted to be that support and that rock for him. She could tell he was nervous about everything, but he was trying not to show it. One thing Mercedes could see about his future if he were to get drafted, Sam was going to be hella busy. From the day he made his announcement, their house was bombarded with calls from agents who wanted to sign Sam. They would send gifts to woo him, and some would even come by. Sam eventually signed with a small agency, actually he was their first big client. He said he chose them over the big shots, because he didn't want to be just another number. He liked the promise of the personal, and attentive services to his needs. He knew that this was a huge step in his career, and he was going to need all the guidance he could get, and Mercedes agreed. The agency was also happy, because they had a voice going into the draft, and maybe they would be able to pick up more clients along the way. These past few months leading up to New York were super busy, trying to find clothes to wear to all the events, getting Sam's speech ready just in case he won the Heisman trophy; right down to making sure reservations for flights and hotels were in order. Mercedes happily took over that role for Sam, ensuring everything was done. He was so busy himself, going to the NFL combine and trying to impress the scouts. He would be up early in the mornings to work out, then go to class, then back to the combine again. Sometimes he wouldn't get home until midnight, and was completely exhausted, but he said it was worth it. Mercedes had her own schedule to deal with as well, she was in the studio putting her finishing touches on her album, and her single was going to be released the same weekend as the draft. She was supposed to do some promotional tours for the single, but she asked the label if she could start it as soon as she got back. They agreed, as long as she did a few appearances while in New York, which she agreed to, because there were some events that she was not allowed to go to anyway. Sam was okay with her taking care of her business while she was in New York, as long as she was going to be there for the big events. The packing was done, and they were heading to New York, and they were both so excited. Sam's agent's set it up so that they were flying first class, and this was a first for the both of them.
"Can you believe we are flying first class baby?" Sam asked.
Mercedes smiled and shook her head, "No I can't, but I guess this is a preview of what your life is going to be as a NFL pro player."
"No Mercy," Sam said grabbing her hands, "This is a preview of what our lives are going to be like. We are going to be traveling in style everywhere we go."
"That sounds great babe, but you know that's not all I'm worried about." Mercedes reassured him, "I just want us to be happy in everything we do. I want us live the lives that we both dreamed about."
"And we will," Sam kissed her hands, "and this is the first step to those dream lives. I can't wait to take this next part of our journey baby."
"Me too Sam, this weekend could be one of the biggest weekends of your life, and I am so honored to get to share it with you."
"There's nobody else I would want to share it with."
They began to make out right there on the plane, forgetting anyone else was around. Until they heard someone clearing their throat, they pulled apart, and saw a guy sitting across from them staring. Sam recognized him;
"DeMarcus Wright. How are you man?"
"Sam Evans, I'm good man, but not better than you I see." DeMarcus said smiling at Mercedes.
Sam smirked, "Yeah, I am doing good. Let me introduce you to my girlfriend-"
"Mercedes Jones." DeMarcus said, "No introduction necessary, I'm a fan."
Mercedes gasped, "A fan? Well then I should get the pleasure of meeting a fan. How do you two know each other?"
"DeMarcus is the quarterback for the Oregon Ducks, and is also a fellow nominee for the Heisman Trophy." Sam smiled, "It's funny we're on the same flight."
DeMarcus nodded, "It is, so I hear you signed with that small agency, what made you go with them?"
Sam smiled, never letting go of Mercedes hand, "I liked the personal attention they can offer me. I am so clueless sometimes, I need people that know what they're doing to guide me through this process. You signed with Infinity right?"
Demarcus nodded, "Yeah I did, they had the best offer for me, so I went with them." He looked over at Mercedes again, "I didn't mean to interrupt you two….okay well maybe I did, but you guys were having way too much fun, and a brother got jealous."
Mercedes giggled, "I'm sure you have no reason to get jealous over us, I am sure your girlfriend makes you just as happy."
DeMarcus shrugged, "I don't have a girlfriend at the moment. My schedule won't allow me to properly nurture a relationship. I don't know how you do it Evans."
"Well it's easy when you have someone like my Mercy." Sam said, kissing Mercedes on the cheek. "She is so special, and understanding. She never complains about me having late practices or two-a-days. She always makes sure I take care of myself and stay healthy, and she is just so beautiful, I would be a fool to let her get away.
Mercedes blushed under Sam's compliments. He always said things like that, but she was still always surprised when he would say things like that so freely to anyone that would listen. She looked over at DeMarcus, "You see, it's possible." She giggled, and kissed Sam on the cheek.
DeMarcus smiled, "I guess I need to find someone like you huh?"
"Someone like her, but definitely not her," Sam interjected, "she's all mine."
Mercedes playfully hit Sam's shoulder, "Sam, I am sure he didn't mean me."
"Hey I was just making sure he knew." Sam shrugged his shoulders.
DeMarcus laughed, "Nah man, I got it, Mercedes is off limits. You guys are good together anyway, I would be crazy to try and break that up."
"You would fail miserably." Mercedes said snuggling closer to Sam.
They all chatted for a little while longer, and before long, they were landing in New York. They said their goodbyes and Sam and Mercedes was picked up by a driver and led to their limo that was waiting for them.
"OMG Sam! They got you a limo!" Mercedes squealed, as she got in the car. "You are big time now babe!"
Sam shook his head, he was just as amazed as Mercedes was, "I don't know about big time, but this is really cool."
They were driven to their hotel, where they were going to meet their parents later on. After they were checked in, they were taken to their room, a Jr. Suite. Both of them were shocked at the treatment they were getting.
"Sam…." Mercedes gasped, "How small is this agency of yours really? Because they look like they are blowing all their money on this weekend.
Sam looked around the room in awe, "I don't know Mercy, they say I am their first client, but I agree with you, this looks like they are blowing their budget right now."
They didn't have long to settle before there was a knock on their door.
"I got it babe." Sam went to answer the door, "Frank!"
Frank Levin, Sam's agent was standing on the other side of the door with his assistant Veronica Miller.
"There his is!" Frank said smiling, "The man of the hour, how are you Sam? How do you like your accommodations?"
Sam moved to the side to let Frank and Veronica in, and smiled, "It's amazing Frank, but you didn't have to do all this."
"Oh please, this is the least we can do for our client. You gave us a shot when no one else would, so we owe you."
"But this cost a lot money, and I don't want you to waste it on fancy hotels, and limos." Sam pleaded.
Veronica and Frank laughed, "Oh Sam, you are such a sweet kid. You obviously have no idea who I am do you?" Frank asked. "I used to be the top sports agent for Infinity and I left there with all the contacts I could have ever wanted, and the money as well. But I chose not to take the contacts with me, because I wanted to see if I could get clients on my own. Now the money, I earned that, and I took that to start Stars Aligned Agency. So you never have to worry about where the money is coming from, and when you are on a team, trust me with the commission I get, you will pay me back." Frank laughed and patted Sam on the shoulder. "Mercedes, you are looking lovely today, how are you liking everything?"
"I love it, thank you Frank." She smiled looping her arm with Sam's. "You have really hooked Sam up on this trip, but he deserves it."
"That he does." Frank agreed, "Well I just wanted to drop by and give you your itinerary for the weekend, starting with tonight's award ceremony. We will have a car here by 6:00 sharp, for you and your family. And it will take you to Radio City Music Hall, where they are holding the ceremony."
Veronica handed Sam a sheet of paper, "Everything you need to know is on here, and if you have any questions, feel free to call me."
Sam nodded, "Thanks, I am sure everything will be fine. I am ready for all of this to be done and over with actually."
Frank looked confused, "Aren't you excited about all this?"
"Oh I'm excited, I'm just tired of not knowing what's going to happen. I just want to know if I won or not, or if I am going to a team or not." Sam had been stressing about all this since he heard about everything. He tried not to show it, but Mercedes knew it.
She grabbed his hand and led him over to the bed and sat him down, sitting on his lap, and cupping his face, "Babe, listen to me, you need to relax, and take this moment, and enjoy it. This is never going to happen to you again, and it is huge. Win or lose, you earned this, okay?" She kissed him sweetly on the lips, "You are going to the NFL, and the best team for you is going to draft you. Just enjoy each moment of this babe, this is a great moment for you." She ran her fingers through his hair, and rested them on the nape of his neck, "You got this."
Sam kissed her on her forehead, then her lips, "Mercy, have I told you that I love you today?"
She giggled, "Yeah you did, but a girl never gets tired of hearing that."
"Well Mercedes Jones, Sam Evans loves you forever and always, and I thank you so much for being such a great support system for me. I know I'm stressed out, but you always know what to say to pull me off that ledge."
They were so caught up in their own moment they forgot that anyone else was in the room, until Veronica sniffled.
"That was so beautiful, you guys are so cute and in love, I can't help it….I ship you!" She clapped her hands, "From here on out I ship Samcedes."
The two of them cracked up laughing.
"Oh My GOD…!" Mercedes said.
"…She's Sugar!" Sam finished.
They laughed some more, and Veronica was looking at them very confused.
"Um, can you guys enlighten me, who's Sugar?"
Mercedes calmed down enough to talk, "Sugar is a friend of ours, who you might get a chance to meet this weekend, but she said the same thing when Sam and I first started dating in high school, and that was the name she gave us."
Veronica smiled, "Well this girl seems smart, and I hope to get to meet her."
Frank stepped in, "Are we done fangirling over the happy couple?" He looked at Veronica, and she sheepishly nodded. "Good, now we need to leave them to get ready, the ceremony is in 3 hours, and traffic is going to be hell. So let's leave them to get dressed." Frank dragged Veronica to the door, "Your parents should be here by now but they are just going to get dressed and meet you guys in the lobby."
Sam walked them to the door, and laughed at how Veronica was acting, "Thanks guys for everything, we'll see you all later on this evening." He shut the door and looked at Mercedes, all he could do was shake his head. "So I guess we need to get dressed huh?"
"Yup, let's get the next Heisman Trophy winner ready for his big night." She replied with a huge smile on her face.
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Pulling up to Radio City Music Hall was a surreal experience for Sam and Mercedes. Only they were allowed to walk the red carpet, so their families were dropped off to enter the ceremony through another door. Flashbulbs were flashing and reporters were clamoring for a quote from Sam. He gripped Mercedes arm, still not being used to all this attention that was coming his way. They stopped to pose for pictures, and answer a few questions. One thing they both knew, this was something that they both had to look forward to in their lives, and so far, so good. They walked into where the ceremony was being held and found their seats with their families. Sam was holding Mercedes hand rather tightly, and he didn't realize he was doing it, until Mercedes patted his hand.
"Babe, are you okay? You're squeezing my hand rather tight."
Sam looked down, and loosened his grip, "I'm sorry Mercy, I guess I'm more nervous than I thought." He sighed, "I didn't realize I how much I really wanted to win this, I mean it would say that I made the right decision in where I focused a lot of time and energy. It also means that people I respect noticed how hard I've worked, and want to acknowledge that. Is that bad?"
Mercedes cupped his cheek, and kissed him lightly on the lips, "No babe, it's not bad at all. This is a huge award, and of course you would want to win it, I would think something was wrong with you if you didn't. You have worked so hard to get to this point, and now you are seeing some of the fruits of your labor, so just take in this moment and enjoy it. Win or lose Sam, you are still an amazing football player, and the best boyfriend."
Sam couldn't stop smiling at that last part Mercy added, "Thanks babe, I know I've said that a lot today, and I have been a bit of a worry wart, but I really thank you for being here to support me throughout all this."
"Sam there is no place in this world I would rather be right now, besides you look so hot right now, I need to be right by your side to show off how fine my man is." Mercedes smirked, and rubbed his cheek with her thumb.
Sam was about to speak, but then the lights dimmed, "I guess its show time."
The awards started, and everything was nice. The presenters had Sam star struck, and the spectacle of it all had Mercedes in awe. It was a great night so far, and the big announcement was next. Bo Jackson was the presenter and he talked about how he felt when he won his Heisman. The more he talked, the more Sam gripped Mercedes hand. He listed off the nominees, and took a breath.
"And this year's Heisman Trophy Recipient is…..from UCLA Sam Evans!"
The crowd cheered, and the loudest cheers came from Sam's section. He was stunned and couldn't move from his seat. It wasn't until Mercedes actually pulled him up and kissed him sweetly on the lips, did he realize what was going on.
"I am so proud of you baby." Mercedes whispered in his ear, "Now go get your award."
He pulled her in for another kiss, then he kissed his mom and hugged his dad, and did the same thing for Mercedes parents, before making his way to the stage. He shook Bo Jackson's hand and made his way to the podium.
"Wow! I can't believe this. I can't believe this, my mind is racing right now. I am so glad I have a great girlfriend that told me to write out a speech, or I would forget everything I wanted to say." He pulled out his speech, "first I want to thank God for giving me the talent to play a sport that I absolutely love. I am so grateful to be able to go out and do this every day. I want to thank my parents for being so supportive of me, and not letting me give up on what I love to do, even when we were going through a very tough time in our lives, you still always pushed me to keep going, and I love you both for that. I want to thank every coach that yelled at me when I messed up, and trusted me to lead your team. To my other set of parents, I thank you. I thank you for trusting me with your precious daughter, and giving us room to grow into adulthood. I will forever be grateful to you both. To the greatest friends I can ask for, you all know who you are, look how far we've all made it, and we did it supporting one another and I am so happy to be a part of that family. To my agent, thank you for believing in me, and I hope to make you glad you took a chance on me. And last but definitely not least, to my beautiful girlfriend, and my future...Mercy, I love you so much, there are no words to describe the feeling I get knowing that you are in my world You have been my support throughout this whole journey, and I can't thank you enough. I love you so much, and I know that this is just the beginning of our journey, and I can't wait to see what's next." He tapped his chest twice, and Mercedes did it back, with tears streaming down her face. "Thank you so much." He walked off the stage, and over to the press room to do a few interviews, even though all he wanted to do was get back to his Mercy.
Frank could see that Sam was zoning out with all the questions being thrown at him, and the last thing he wanted, was for Sam to look like he couldn't handle the press. Frank had big plans for Sam, lots of endorsement deals in the making, but they needed to see that he was a good spokesperson. So he sent a message to Veronica, and told her to get Mercedes, and bring her to the press area. Within minutes, Mercedes and Veronica were walking in the press room. Sam perked up as soon as he saw Mercedes, and Frank knew then that their connection was stronger than anything he had ever seen. A half hour later, Sam was done with all his interviews, and the first person he went to was Mercedes.
She hugged him so tight, and the tears she thought were gone, came right back when he wrapped his arms around him.
"Sam, baby you did it! I knew you were going to win. I had this feeling all day long that you were going to win, but I didn't want to freak you out."
Sam smiled bright, "Baby, this is insane. I wanted to win, but I honestly didn't think I would. It feels like a dream, but a very good one."
"Well this is only beginning for you babe." She kissed his cheek.
"This is just the beginning for the both of us." He kissed her back.
They were finally reunited with their families, and there was no shortage of tears and congratulations all around from their parents. It was truly a spectacular night, and it was far from over. They arranged to go to dinner and meet up with Artie, Sugar, Kurt, Blaine, Rachel and Joe. Since they all lived in New York, it seemed like the right thing to do. The dinner was amazing, and when Sam turned his phone back on, he was bombarded with texts from everyone.
Congrats Sam! I can't believe I know a Heisman winner, but u deserved it! ~Finn
I am so proud of you Sam! Tell Mercedes I said she looked beautiful ~ Sunny
OH MY FUCKING GOD DUDE! YOU DID IT! ~Puck
Wow Trouty, I'm so happy for you, and your speech didn't suck. ~Snixx
Sam I am so proud of you man, if anybody deserved it, it was you. ~Sean
Sam, this is so amazing! You looked handsome and your speech was amazing. Tell my Soul Sister that she was rocking that dress ~Q
Sam you won a trophy, how cool is that! ~Britt
Way to go Sam, I am glad to say I know you. ~Rory
Sammy, I hate we couldn't come to NY, but watching you win was good too. ~Stacie
My big brother is a Heisman winner, I can't wait to brag to all my friends about you Sammy ~Stevie
Sam smiled reading each of those text messages, he had great friends and family, and he knew he was blessed. He was brought out of his thoughts by Mercedes waving her hand in his face.
"Huh...did you say something babe?"
"I have been calling you for a few minutes. I asked what you were smiling so brightly about."
"Oh, I'm sorry Mercy, I was caught up in these text messages." He handed her his phone. "Everybody texted me."
Mercedes started reading the text, and was smiling from ear to ear. "Now I see why you were smiling so bright, these are amazing." She looked up at Sam, "We have some great friends don't we?"
"We sure do." Sam leaned in and kissed her cheek, and glanced around the table at everyone there. "And it's good to have some of them here tonight, along with our family. Tonight has just been a good night."
"And the weekend is not over yet baby." Mercedes smiled and squeezed his hand.
The rest of the night they enjoyed fun filled conversation with all their family and friends. Unfortunately they had to cut it short because Mercedes had an engagement in the morning, and needed her rest.
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The next morning, bright and early there was a knock on Sam and Mercedes' hotel room door. Sam groaned and hid his face under the cover,
"Who is that at this ungodly hour?"
Mercedes sighed, "Probably Kurt, he insisted on dressing me for my performance this morning. Go back to sleep babe, I'll keep Kurt in the living room, and quiet."
"Yeah good luck with that." Sam mumbled.
Mercedes slowly climbed out of bed and laughed, "Yeah I know right." She made her way to the door and opened it. "Hey Kurt."
"DIVA! Why are you still sleep? You got a show to do." He walked in with all his bags, "You should be up warming up your voice."
Mercedes shut the door and shushed him, "Kurt, be quiet, Sam is still sleeping. And I wouldn't call singing one song a show."
Kurt rolled his eyes and started pulling products out of his bag, "I would call it a show if you're going to be on TV, which you are. So no more talking, start warming up while I start on your hair."
She shook her head, "Don't you think I should shower first?"
"Fine, I'll look through your closet while you do that, and find something great you can put on."
"Kurt, if you wake up Sam I am going to kill you." She shook her finger at him.
"Too late for that." Sam walked in from the bedroom. "Hey Kurt." He walked over and kissed Mercedes, and headed to the fridge.
Mercedes smirked as she saw the blush that was creeping on Kurt's face, "Um, baby, you want to put on a shirt, and some shorts?"
Sam turned around and shrugged his shoulders, "Nope." And went back in the fridge. He pulled out some fruit and water.
"But babe, we have company?"
"And company woke me up before I was ready, so company is going to have to deal with me in my underwear. Company is lucky I even put them on, you know I sleep naked." Sam grabbed the rest of the fruit and headed back to the bedroom, and shut the door.
Mercedes cracked up laughing, "That's my man."
"Yes it is" Kurt said, "and I have seen way more of your man than I wanted too."
"You know you liked it." Mercedes joked.
"He is a sight to behold diva." Kurt said fanning himself.
"I know right."
They both laughed until Kurt finally got himself composed, "Now go get in the shower, we don't want you to be late."
Mercedes took a quick shower, and came out to get ready. Kurt had picked out a gorgeous outfit to wear and he did her hair and makeup. Two hours later, Kurt, Mercedes, Sam, and their parents were heading to the studio for Mercedes television debut. She sang her first single, "My Only Love, and made sure to find Sam in the crowd of people and sing it right to him. The performance went off flawlessly, and everyone there raved about it. Kurt posted it on his Facebook and Twitter, and soon Mercedes was getting text messages from everyone.
You killed it Cedes, from one diva to another, you were awesome ~ Snixx
You did the damn thing Mama! Can't wait till you get home ~Puck
Amazing! ~Sean
You are a superstar Cedes, I am so glad I can say I know you ~ Q
Can I get your autograph? ~Britt
How come I was not invited to the studio? But you were terrific! ~Rachel
I loved every second of that performance ~Joe
Oh My God Cedes, you were so amazing! And so beautiful! ~Sugarygoodness
That's my boo! The praise hand was up during that performance ~AA
I was screaming my head off, and people were looking at me like I was crazy! ~Sunny
Fabulous as usual Cedes ~Finn
Mercedes was beaming after reading all the love and kind words from her friends. They were all so supportive, and she was so happy to have them in her life. Just when she thought everybody that was going to text had, her phone buzzed again. She picked it up and smiled.
You killed it sexy! I am going to make you hit that high note again later on tonight ~Sam I Am
She looked up to see Sam smirking at her, and she quickly responded back;
I am going to hold you to that ~M
They both laughed and he walked over and kissed her deeply, "Oh you know I am a man of my word."
"Well first we will go find out where you're going to be spending your NFL career, and then we will worry about keeping your promise." She kissed him back.
She went to her green room to gather all her belongings. Finally Mercedes and her whole crew were escorted to their cars.
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Later that evening
Sam and Mercedes were sitting at a table in Madison Square Garden where the NFL Draft was taking place. Sam was yet again nervous, because he was hearing his name floated around for a couple of different teams, and he wasn't sure where he was going to go. He hadn't talked to Frank much today, because he was busy getting the last minute deals together. He was holding Mercedes hand trying to remain calm. A few people stopped by their table to congratulate him on his Heisman win, and he thanked them, even though he was a nervous wreck. Mercedes could see that Sam was nervous, but didn't want to keep hounding him, so she just held on to his hand and was his rock. That was their relationship in a nutshell, if one was in a difficult situation, the other was their rock, even if no words were spoken between them, they felt the love and support and that was all that mattered. The lights dimmed, and everyone was scrambling to their seats. Out of nowhere Frank appeared at the table patting Sam on the shoulder.
"Sam my boy, how you feeling?"
Sam shrugged his shoulders, "As good as I can Frank, but I am so nervous. Can you tell me anything?"
Frank smiled, "I could tell you everything, but it would ruin the surprise. So I am going to keep it to myself. I will tell you this, you won't have to wait long to find out though."
Sam looked up at Frank with an amazed look on his face, "Wait what?" He was about to speak, but he was cut off by the Commissioner of the NFL talking.
"Welcome to the NFL Draft we are ready to begin, and our first team is ready to announce their first pick."
A man walked to the podium holding an envelope, "Good Afternoon, the Chicago Bears have selected, from UCLA Quarterback Sam Evans!"
The place erupted and Mercedes wrapped her arms around Sam's neck.
"Baby, you did it! I am so proud of you."
Sam was still stunned, he never thought he would be the first picked. He held on to Mercedes like his life depended on it. His parents and Mercedes parents surrounded him and hugged him so tightly.
"I am so proud of you son," Dwight said, "now you hard work is paying off."
"Baby boy, you have made me one proud mama." Mary said sobbing.
"Oh Sam, I knew you were headed towards greatness, "Maxine said, "don't rest on your laurels now, keep working hard."
"So I expect skybox tickets," Marvin said, "it gets cold in Chicago."
Sam took in everyone's words, but he never let go of Mercedes hand. Frank had to force him to go on stage and do his photo op with the owner of the Bears organization. Sam was so shocked all he could do was plaster on a goofy smile and take the pictures with his jersey and baseball cap. Soon after he got off the stage he was surrounded by the media. They were firing off questions left and right, and he was answering them the best he could. He was finally reunited with his family, and he was right back at Mercedes side. Frank walked over to him,
"Hey, congrats man, you deserve this. And don't you worry about that contract, let's just say that it is a doozy."
Sam smiled, "I trust you Frank, and I know you would not let me get anything less than you think I deserve."
"You got that right Sammy boy. Now we are not going to talk about that right now, we are going to get you guys out of here and let you celebrate as a family."
Sam smiled bright, "Thanks Frank, you know I prefer that over all this madness."
"Not a problem, I got something set up for you guys back at the hotel, so let's go."
They all headed out to the limo Frank provided and they were back at the hotel in 15 minutes. Once they walked in the door, they saw the room had been decorated with orange and blue balloons and streamers everywhere. Sam's mouth dropped to the floor,
"Frank…" He looked at his manager who was smiling from ear to ear.
"Hey, I said I was going to treat you right, well here is a start to what your life is going to be like from now on Sam."
Sam couldn't hold back the tears any longer, "This is amazing, thank you."
Mercedes wiped the tears from his eyes, "Oh baby, you're crying."
"I'm just so happy right now babe." Sam pulled Mercedes in for a hug. "I can't believe this is actually happening right now, I mean this is my life."
"It is your life Sam, and you deserve everything that is happening to you." Mercedes cupped his face, "You worked really hard for this, and now you are seeing all your hard work pay off."
"I'm just happy I get to share all this with you Mercy. Both of our dreams are coming true, and it feels amazing." Sam kissed her on her forehead.
"And it only gonna get better from here Sam." Mercedes returned his kiss.
Sam smiled and hit his pocket, she has no idea!
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1 year later….Graduation Day!
Mercedes was in her bedroom getting dressed. She looked at the clock several times and sighed. There was a knock on her door, "Come in."
Santana walked in with a smile on her face, "Hey Aretha, why aren't you dressed yet? We got a graduation to get to."
"I'm going to be ready for graduation." She said flatly. "I just need to put my dress on and I'm ready."
Santana sat on the bed, "Why do you seem so down? We're graduating today! All our hard work is paying off today."
Mercedes dropped her head, "I know, but…"
"You miss Sam."
"Of course I miss Sam, it's been a months since I've seen him. The last time I got to go see him play, the weekend went so fast. He's been working just as hard as we have, and he deserves to be graduating just like us."
Santana walked over and wrapped her arms around her shoulders, "He is graduating, and he's getting his degree."
"In the mail." Mercedes pouted.
"Oh Cedes, I'm sorry you and Sam can't be together today, but think about it, you are going to move to Chicago after graduation, and you and Sam will be together again. You said he was buying that big house you fell in love with the last time you were there right?"
"Yeah he is but…"
"No buts girl, there is no need to mope, today is your graduation, your album blew up the charts, and even bumped me from the number one spot," She glared at her, "but I ain't mad...no more." She laughed.
"San…"
"Don't San me, I am not going to let you sit around here and mope when today is a happy occasion. Now you know if Sam could get here, he would."
"I know, and I'm not mad, just a little sad, because I always wanted to have Sam with me today." Mercedes said shrugging her shoulders.
"If that's what my baby wants…"
Mercedes whipped around and saw Sam standing there holding a bouquet of roses and she almost knocked Santana down running to him. "SAM!" She jumped in his arms, "You made it!"
Sam wrapped his arms around her and held her as tight as he could, "Of course I made it. There is no other place I would want to be." He kissed her deeply, "Man I missed you Mercy."
"I missed you too baby, why didn't you call me? Or tell me you were coming?" She playfully swatted him on the shoulder.
Sam laughed, "That would have ruined the surprise. Now I know you are not wearing that to graduation, so come on, let's get you dressed."
Santana got up, "Well I'm going to leave you two to that, and I will finish getting myself ready too." She smiled and left the room.
Sam walked to the closet and pulled out a few dresses of Mercedes, "So which one of these are going to be lucky enough to grace that sexy body of yours."
Mercedes was just staring at Sam and smiling.
"Mercy...baby, do you hear me?"
"I hear you, I'm just so shocked and happy that you're here." She walked over to him and wrapped her arms around his waist, "I missed you so much baby."
Sam put the dresses down and hugged her back, "I missed you too baby. I hate that we have been apart for so long, but look on the bright side, after today, you are going to be moving to Chicago this weekend, and we will be together again, in our own home."
Mercedes smiled so bright, "Say that again Sam."
"Which part?"
"Our own home part."
Sam scooped Mercy up, and she wrapped her legs around his waist, "You and I are going to be moving into our very own home….together."
"I love the way that sounds baby."
"And I love you Mercy, forever and always."
"Forever and always Sam."
He kissed her so deeply, "Now, come on sexy, we have a graduation to get too."
Mercedes smile was as bright as the sun, and she hurried to the bathroom to finish getting dressed.
Later that afternoon, after graduation was over Sam, Mercedes, Santana, Quinn, and Sean, were waiting for Puck, and their parents to come around to their designated meeting spot. Santana and Quinn clamored around Mercedes.
"Cedes, I can't believe you are going to leave us for Chicago this weekend." Quinn said pouting.
"I know right," Santana chimed in, "It's been us since our glee club days, and now I really have to say goodbye to you, it don't seem right."
Mercedes had been trying to hold back the tears all day, but now it was like the floodgates opened up, and she was bawling like a baby. "I am going to miss you guys so much. You have helped me so much, especially this past year with Sam gone, you guys helped me get through the rough times."
"You're our girl, and we will always be here for you." Quinn said, trying to fight off her own tears.
Santana whipped her head towards Sam, "This is all your fault Trouty, snatching our Cedes away from us."
Sam walked over and wrapped his arms around Mercedes waist, "First of all Satan, I am not snatching her away, she is coming willingly. And second of all, let me make this clear, she is MY Mercy, okay."
Just then the parents walked up, and Marvin Jones spoke up, "Um, excuse me Sam, but until you put a ring on it, she is MY baby girl."
"Ooops, I guess you heard that Trouty." Santana laughed.
"Well it's funny you would say that sir." Sam smiled.
Mercedes looked like she was about to pass out, "Sam…"
He stepped in front of her and got on one knee.
Mercedes started waving her arms, and shaking her head, "Baby…"
Sam pulled out the ring box he bought in Italy, "Mercy, I love you so much. And ever since we danced at prom, I knew that one day I was going to be at this point with you. You have given me the greatest gift when you gave me your love. I didn't have to do anything extra special to earn it, I just had to be myself, and you loved me for me, and for that I will be eternally grateful. You made me want to be better for you. I worked harder, so I wouldn't be left behind, and with all that hard work, it has landed me my dream job, and I owe it all to you and the way you love me. I know that without you, none of this would have been possible, and I can't think of a better place, and a better time than to make it official." He wiped the tears that were in his eyes, and opened the small box, "Mercedes Patrice Jones, would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
Mercedes was bawling like a baby at this point, and so was everyone around them. Her words were caught in her throat, so she just nodded until something squeaked out, "Yes!" She jumped into his arms, "Yes Sam I will marry you." She hugged him so tight, and kissed him deeply.
Everyone was cheering, clapping, and wishing them well. Sam finally got off his knee, and slipped the ring on Mercedes finger.
"Baby, this ring is beautiful."
"I got it 3 years ago in Italy." Sam smiled.
"3 YEARS AGO!" Mercedes yelled, "How in the world did you hide this from me for 3 years."
Sam laughed and shrugged, "Easy, I had it with me everywhere I went. There was never a day that I had this ring away from me. I couldn't risk you stumbling on it before I asked you."
"Sam Evans…"
"Yes future Mrs. Evans?"
"I love you."
"And I love you too."
"Forever…"
"And Always…"
The End
A/N So there it is guys, tell me how you feel about it. Was it a hit or miss...I can take it
BTW PLEASE REVIEW! AND THANK YOU FOR READING
LadiJ