DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN GLEE NOR ANYTHING ELSE MENTION.

Anne Wilkerson-Marcia Cross

1 Month Time Jump / Early June

"I mean, I don't know why but I'm super nervous." Sam spoke as he followed his pregnant wife around in the kitchen, watching as she placed the pan of brownie batter in the oven.

"I'm sure she feels the same way too." Mercedes let out a small chuckle as she turned back to look at him, placing her hands on his shoulders, "Babe, everything is going to be fine. Stop stressing over it."

"I can't help it Mercedes. I'm like so protective over my father and I don't want to see him hurt ever." He sighed as he ran his hand through his hair, groaning, "I saw him go through it with my mother when I was younger, and that's something I don't ever want to see again."

"Sam, relax. I understand what you're saying, love, I do. I'm pretty sure that your dad wouldn't just bring anyone into his life if he's uncertain about them." Mercedes ran her hands down the sides of his face, pressing a kiss to his lips, "He seems super happy and secure, baby. He's going to be just fine."

Sam huffed out as he looked up at the ceiling, shaking his head, "Jesus be a fence."

Mercedes rolled her eyes at his dramatics as she went back to the stove to check on dinner. Tonight her and Sam was finally getting to meet the woman in Dwight's life. Since a lot has transpired over the past few months and Mercedes had just hit her seventh month of pregnancy, traveling was not an option. So, Dwight had asked if he could bring her out so they could meet her, and even get a chance to attend Arianna's birthday party tomorrow.

Sam heard the front door open and closed, leaning back to see who it was. Seeing that it was Josh, he released a deep breath as he tried to calm his nerves.

"What's up with you?" Josh asked as he came into the kitchen, taking note to the stress in his face as he sat the bags down.

"He's nervous about meeting his dad's new lady." Mercedes said with a smile, thanking Josh for buying some items that they needed for the party tomorrow.

"They're here already. I ran into them at the store and she's pretty nice." Josh said as he patted Sam's back, "You're going to like her."

Mercedes watched as he mumbled something and she shook her head, leaning back on the counter, she began rubbing her stomach, "How was therapy?"

Sam gazed at his wife's stomach with a smile, seeing how much she had grown over the past couple of weeks were amazing. Their little girl was going to be here in no time, and he couldn't wait. Hearing her question, he remove his eyes from her to look at his best friend.

Josh began unpacking the bags, "She literally had me lay on the couch and go to sleep. She didn't ask me anything, so we didn't talk at all. For my whole session, I was asleep."

"She was doing a stress test. She did it last time to me. It's to make sure that we're not letting anything negative dictate our lives because it can impact our health." Mercedes halted her hands on her stomach as she looked at them, "I'll be honest. I was so against therapy, even though I knew I needed it, but these three months of going has done nothing but helped me. Not just with what had happened, but also it's helping me deal with my pain about my mom and my brother."

"It's the best thing that has happened to me." Josh admitted as he grabbed the box of candles and put them by Ari's cupcakes.

Sam turned around when he heard little feet hitting against the hardwood, seeing that it was Ari who had just gotten off the couch from her nap.

Arianna rubbed her eyes as she came into the kitchen, going to straight to her mother with her arms outreached.

Sam picked her up because Mercedes couldn't bend over, handing her the sleepy girl. He watched as their daughter wrapped her arms around her mother's neck and laid her head down on her shoulder. She was so adorable.

Mercedes pressed a kiss to Ari's head just as the doorbell rung. Smiling, her eyes went to her husband as she began to walk out the kitchen, "I'm going to go change, be a good host until I get back."

"But.." Sam groaned as he watched her disappear out the kitchen. Turning around, he looked at Josh, who just shook his head and pointed to the door. He glared at him before walking out, taking a deep breath, he placed his hand on the doorknob and twisted it open.

Dwight smiled at his son, leaning forward to give him a hug as they greeted each other, "Hey son."

"Hey dad." Sam couldn't help but smile as he hugged him, patting his back, he let go and looked at the woman.

"Anne, this is my second eldest, Sam."

Anne smiled gently at the man as she held out her hand, waiting for him to take it before speaking, "It's nice to meet you, Sam."

"Likewise." Sam gave her a small smile as he shook her hand before moving aside so they could enter the home, "Y'all come on in." He locked the door and saw Josh coming out of the kitchen, "And I think you've already met my best friend, Josh."

"Yes I have."

Mercedes blew out a breath as she walked down the stairs with her little in her arms. She honestly didn't feel like changing out of her clothes, but she just changed out of her shirt and sweats, and slipped on a little t-shirt dress. Her hair was piled on top of her head and at this point, she really didn't care. Coming down the stairs fully, she saw a pretty red head woman next to Dwight.

"Papa." Ari called out with a smile as she reached out for Dwight, announcing their presence.

Dwight smiled brightly as he picked Ari out of Mercedes' arms, kissing her cheek before tossing her in the air. Hearing her giggles, he smiled as he caught her before turning to Mercedes for a hug, "Hey dear."

"Hey dad." Mercedes smiled as she gave him a hug the best she could with all of her stomach in the way.

Dwight kissed her forehead before letting go, moving back as he gestured to Anne, "Anne, this is my granddaughter Arianna and my daughter in law, Mercedes."

Anne smiled as she watched the little girl look at her curiously, "Hi there Arianna. You're such a beautiful girl." She chuckled when she looked back at her grandfather before looking over at Mercedes.

Mercedes giggled at her daughter before stepping closer to the woman, shaking her hand, "It's really nice to finally meet you."

Anne nodded as she locked her hands together, "You too. Dwight has told me so many great things about all of you."

"Same here." Mercedes said as she went over and grabbed her husband's hand, "How about we head on to the dining room?" She watched as everyone nodded before they made their way out. Looking up at her husband, she placed a small peck on his lips before they followed suit.

Mercedes decided to keep it light tonight since they were definitely pigging out tomorrow. She had cooked grilled chicken breast with rice pilaf and roasted veggies. Everyone seemed to enjoy it right along with the conversations they had. They learned more about Anne. She had two kids, who were seventeen and eighteen. She was originally born in New York, which explained the east coast vibe Mercedes picked up early on. She moved to Tennessee ten years ago for her job, which she was an owner of a jewelry boutique.

"Dinner was absolutely lovely, Mercedes."

Mercedes gave the woman a smile as she leaned back in the chair, "I'm glad you enjoyed it, Ms. Anne."

Anne smiled as she watched her begin to rub her stomach, sitting her glass down, "I never got a chance to ask. How far along are you? And do you know what you're having yet?"

"Seven months today, and we're having another little girl."

Sam smiled at that as he placed a kiss to the side of Ari's head, watching as she reached for another slice of her chicken.

"Girls rule." Anne grinned as she crossed her legs, staring at the family before her, "I just want to thank you both for opening up your home to me. I had to admit, I was very nervous coming here today." Anne spoke honestly as she looked to Dwight then her eyes going to Sam, "I was really nervous about meeting you, Sam. I know it's not easy for many people to accept someone they don't even know, but I just want you to know that I love your dad. He is the best thing that has happened to me since my kids were born."

Sam let what she said marinate in his head before he spoke, "When my dad told me that he was dating someone, I immediately was happy. He's the kind of person who puts others first before himself. He's an amazing person with the biggest heart, and I just want you to appreciate and cherish it."

"Dammit Sam." Mercedes mumbled quietly as she wiped the tears from her eyes, not even questioning why she got emotional.

Dwight couldn't help but get teary eyed at what his son just said. He was so grateful for all of his kids, but Sam held a special place in his heart. He was so much like him, it wasn't even funny.

Anne could easily tell the relationship between the two. It was so loving, strong, vulnerable, and real. She knew his heart was in the right place and she respected his honesty so much, "I do, Sam. I really do."

"That's good to know." Sam smiled at the woman before his eyes went down to his daughter, assisting with her fork so she could get some veggies.

"Alright, I don't know about everyone but I'm ready for dessert." Josh stood up from his seat grabbed a few plates so he could washed them.

"Do not bring Ari any. She's going to have enough sugar tomorrow."

"Momma." The little girl pouted as she turned her mother, seeing the look her mother was giving her, she let out a small sigh before going back to her food.

Anne was immediately stunned at how Arianna knew what her mother had said. She was definitely amazed at how smart the little tot was.

"I should go get our bags from out of the car." Dwight said as he gave Anne's hand a squeeze before grabbing his empty plate and taking it to the sink before heading out.

"I hope you don't mind but I brought her a gift." Anne spoke all while pulling something from her purse, lifting up the small box that was wrapped in Doc McStuffins paper, "Dwight told me she loves the show, and I keep some wrapping paper in the store for the kids."

"That's was very sweet of you, thank you so much." Mercedes said as she turned to her daughter, "What do you say, Cookie?

Arianna stared at the unknown woman before turning to her parents, seeing them nod their heads, she turned back around and hesitantly reached out to take the gift, "Tank you."

"You're so welcome, sweetie."

Sam felt his phone vibrating in his pocket and he pulled it out, reading the name across the screen, "If y'all excuse me for a second."

Mercedes grabbed Ari from him, watching as she began to tear the paper off the box. Once she got it off, she helped her open the box and she gasped at the handmade nameplate, "Oh my god, this is so pretty. Did you make this?"

"I did. I actually made one for all of you." Anne said as she pulled three more boxes out, handing Mercedes two for her and Sam, and then Josh once he came back to the table, "I was a little hesitant at first because I didn't want you guys to think I was trying to 'buy' you."

"I love it, thank you." Josh said as he stuffed brownie in his mouth, looking at the dog tags with his name on it as well.

Mercedes nodded in agreement as her hand gazed over the plate, "Me too, it's beautiful. Thank you so much."

"You're welcome." Anne smiled just as Dwight came back in, standing up from her seat, "If you'll excuse me. I'm quite tired from our trip, so I'm going to go to bed. Again, thank you Sam and Mercedes for opening up your home to me."

Sam gave her a nod with a smile, "No problem."

"Goodnight, everyone."

"Yeah, I just have one question." Josh pipped in once they left the room, turning to his two friends, "How do you think it's going to go with both your mom and dad with their significant others tomorrow?"

"I mean, I don't think anything should go wrong. They haven't been together in almost twenty years, so." Sam spoke as he sat back down at in his seat, picking up one of the brownies, "These last few months, my mom and dad have gotten to a place where they respect each other. So, nothing should go bad for the simple fact that it's Ari's birthday, they know not to bring drama and two, they don't have feelings for each other anymore."

"And if anything does go out of order, this mama is raising hell." Mercedes said as she moved her hands from Arianna's ears, pressing a kiss to her forehead as she sat the little girl to her feet before standing up, "And on that note, I'm going to head up to bed. We have a long day ahead of us, boys."

Josh smiled when she walked around and gave him a kiss on his forehead too, "Goodnight Cedes."

Sam leaned his head back just in time to feel her lips on his, smiling as he stared up at her, "I'll be up in a few." He watched as she nodded and headed out of the kitchen so she could get ready for bed.

Arianna went over and climbed into her daddy's lap, pointing over to the plate of brownies before looking up at him, "Daddy."

"Stay strong, man. Fight the adorableness."

Sam made a mistake in looking into her big brown eyes. He knew exactly what she was doing and there was a very high chance that he was going to cave, "Dammit." He muttered as he reached over and broke one in half, handing it to her.

Josh just shook his head at his best friend. He had no ounce of courage to say no when it came to his daughter, but who is he to judge when he's the same way.

Since it was Ari's second birthday, her parents decided to not go to extremes like they did last year. This time, Mercedes had planned it. It was family, friends, and she had invited the kids from Ari's daycare. It was a pool party with a Doc McStuffins theme. The menu consists of pizza, hot dogs, chips, cupcakes, and popsicles.

"You know Mercedes planned this party, because there's not face painters and thousands of bouncing houses in sight." Summer joked as she bumped her brother's shoulder, laughing when he rolled his eyes at her, "I kid, I kid."

"Sue me if I want to go all out for my kid's first birthday." Sam closed the cap the mustard and placed the bottle back on the counter.

Summer picked the hot dog off his plate and took a bite, snorting when she saw his mouth fall open. It was never a day she wouldn't get tired of messing with her brother. She gasped when she felt her head go back, glaring at him when he yanked her ponytail.

"What are you two doing?" Mercedes asked once she came into the kitchen, seeing the two siblings glaring at each other.

"She stole my hot dog."

"He pulled my hair."

"Grow up, both of you." Mercedes stared at them in disbelief before shaking her head and going over to get her something to drink, "Arianna doesn't even act like this."

Sam gave his sister a stink eye before opening the buns back up so he could fix him a new dog, mumbling underneath his breath.

"Not swimming today?"

"I'm pretty sure that little hyper daughter of ours is going to make me." Mercedes chuckled as she leaned back against the counter, smiling at her, "Have you met Anne yet?"

"I did." She answered as she bit into the stolen dog again, picking up her napkin to wipe her hands. She frowned once she found the married couple staring at her, "What?"

"Do you like her is the real question?"

"Yeah, because you are mean as a snake, babe." Mercedes admitted as she smirked once she rolled her eyes, "You know it's true."

Summer moved her hair from out face as she stared at the woman in front of her, "I mean, she's alright. A whole upgrade from what he married and who she married in return."

"Summer, chill out and give mom a break. She has been trying, and she has actually changed for the better. And Matt has always been nice to all of us, whether we liked it or not."

"Why the hell are you getting pissed with me? You asked a question and I gave you my answer."

"Stop it. Y'all are not going to sit here and argue at my baby's party." Mercedes said as she walked up and glared at them both. Before she could say anything, Stevie was coming into the door with a giggling Ari in his arms.

"Momma, unk eevie pink." Arianna smiled brightly as she reached out for her, once she got into her arms, she pointed to the young man's face.

"Please don't ask, please."

Mercedes tucked her lips in her mouth as she looked at Ari, who was just smiling and laughing at her uncle. She pressed a kiss to her cheek, before making eye contact with the two silent, stubborn siblings. Rolling her eyes, she looked back down at her daughter, "Let's go outside, Cookie."

Stevie went to get a wet towel so he could attempt to get the paint off, turning back around, he found his siblings staring at him confusedly. He rolled his eyes as he opened up the towel and placed it over his face.

Sam shook his head as he got up from his seat to throw his trash away, picking up his water bottle before heading out back. Opening the door, he winced slightly at the sun before sliding his sunglasses on his face. Looking out at everyone, he chuckled when he saw his little sister. Since their pool was blocked up for the kids safety, Mercedes had went out and bought a big kiddie pool. Summer had volunteered to be the lifeguard and she honestly took it seriously while having the whole get up.

Mary excused herself from talking to some of the parents before making her way over to her son, giving him a small smile, "Party turned out really nice."

"It did."

Mary nodded before crossing her arms, her eyes going over to where Mercedes and Ari were, sighing as she spoke, "Why didn't you tell me your dad was dating?"

"No offense mom, but it's wasn't my place to tell." He said as he looked at her confusedly, crossing his arms as he stared at her, "Why does it matter anyways? You've been moved on, and he's doing the same."

Mary rolled her eyes at her son, "It doesn't matter, Sam. I just asked a question that's all. He seems happy, and that's a good thing."

Sam continued to stare at his mom, trying to figure out why she was acting like she was until it hit him, "You still love him, don't you?"

"Samuel, your father and I had a good run in the beginning then I went and messed it up." Mary shrugged as she crossed her arms as well, looking over at him, "He's a good man and he deserves to be happy. I am always going to love him because he is the father of my children. So, take it how you want."

Sam mouth was wide open as he watched her walk away. He couldn't believe what he just heard right now. Scratch that, he was seriously thinking that his mind was playing some tricks on him.

Mercedes smiled at Ari as she grabbed ahold of her friend Mandy's hand and walked over to the pool. Sitting the bubbles down on the table, she looked over and found her husband staring at his mother weirdly. She walked over to where he was and snapped her fingers in front of his face to get his attention.

"My mom is still in love with my dad." The words fell from his mouth before his eyes made contact with his wife's, seeing her mouth twitch up into a smile before a giggle escaped, he stared at her in disbelief, "What is so funny about that?"

"Baby, I'm surprised it took her to tell you for you to realize that." Mercedes chuckled as she ran her hands down his cheeks, pressing a small kiss to his lips when he frowned.

"How did you figure it out?"

"Let's see." Mercedes smiled as she wrapped her arms around him, "First dead give away was at Thanksgiving. They were just starting the process of being cordial with one another. I think when she saw him interacting with Ari relit something in her. Second time was at Christmas when they began engaging in small conversations. Third time was when I was in the hospital. Believe it or not, they actually comfort each other."

"Do you think she wants to get back with him?"

"No." Mercedes answered honestly as she placed her hands on his shoulders, "In my opinion, I think she realizes she lost a good man but she loves her husband. Deep down, she will always have love for your Dad because they were married then had kids together. But I will say that she is definitely a little jealous of Anne."

"That's clear as day, I actually can see that." Sam snorted as he shook his head, staring down at her as he wrapped his arms around her, "Enough about them, wanna get in the pool?"

Before Mercedes could answer, she felt a pair of wet arms wrap around her leg. Looking down, she saw that it was their daughter staring at them with a smile.

"Momma, daddy..pool." She turned and pointed to the big one, looking back at them with bright eyes.

Sam bent down and picked her up, kissing her cheek, "Come on my Cookie Monster. Let's go to the big pool."

"I'm right behind you." Mercedes said before she turned and grabbed her cup before following her husband. Today had really turned out to be a great day. It was so nice to be surrounded by positive vibes and really get to enjoy their daughter's birthday with no drama.