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Standard disclaimer.

It was Halloween, one of Sam's favorite days of the year. And even better, it was on a Saturday, so he spent the day prepping inside the house.

He'd e-mailed and texted invites to the party he was having tonight and had shopped for all the booze and food he was going to need.

Now, all that was left, was the prep.

He'd cleaned the house from top to bottom and he'd bought candy for the kid portion of the night, which would take place early.

After nine, the adult portion would start, though, whoever wanted to come over early and help hand out candy, could do that.

He hoped people would show up early. The more people around to share Halloween with the kids, the more fun it would be.

Bash wasn't going to be able to make it, since he was running the bar tonight. Too bad for him, because, Sam could throw one hell of a party.

He'd done these every year, and while the weeknight ones were fun, the weekend ones were legendary.

When the doorbell rang, he grabbed a paper towel to wipe his hands, then went to the door.

Mercedes being there, surprised him, since she'd told him earlier in the week, she wasn't sure she was going to be able to make it, until much later in the evening.

Since it was only two in the afternoon, it was a shock to see her on his doorstep.

"Hey," he said. "What are you doing here?"

"I've been given a reprieve. Michelle and Mark showed up at the house, after she got off work. She wants to cook for Mom and Dad tonight and help them hand out candy."

"So you get a night off?"

She gave him a smile.

"I do. So, I hope you don't mind, but I hightailed it out of there, before she changed her mind. Mark said to tell you, they'll be over after the candy portion at Mom and Dad's."

"Okay."

"I thought you might need some help for the party tonight."

"I'm glad you're here. I hope you brought your costume with you."

She held up a bag.

"Wouldn't leave home without it," she said.

"Care to give me a hint, as to what you're wearing?" Sam asked.

Mercedes pulled the bag close to her chest.

"Not a chance. You'll have to wait for tonight to see it."

He grinned.

"All right, then." He eyed the bag. "But now you've got me curious."

"Do I? Good." She came inside. "Where can I set this stuff down?"

"You can have the master bedroom to get ready, so put your things in there."

She was hoping he'd say that, because, she had plans for him for later, and it involved his bedroom.

She went in there and laid her purse and bag down, then, came back to find him in the kitchen, making of all things, a cheese ball.

"Aren't you all domestic?" Mercedes said.

Sam looked up.

"I don't know about that, but I can read a recipe."

She went to the sink to wash her hands, then, rolled up her sleeves.

"What can I do to help?"

"Slice some celery and carrots, and then make dip?"

"Sounds like a plan."

Positioned side by side, they prepared the snacks for the party.

Mercedes enjoyed being with him in his kitchen, and he was obviously one of those rare men, who didn't mind cooking.

Sam finished an incredible cheese ball, then, prepped a few other appetizers.

Mercedes knew a lot of men, who would have just propped their feet up and watched football, then, presented their guests with bags of chips and some salsa.

However, although Sam did have a game on in the living room, he watched while he worked. And so did she.

"That kid who plays quarterback for Texas is killing it," Mercedes said, while she made artichoke dip.

"Oh, Ethan Riley? Yeah, he's really good. His dad is a pro-quarterback for San Francisco. He's following in the family footsteps, I guess."

Sam paused, then looked at her, surprised.

"You follow football?" he asked.

"Both pro and college. That surprises you?"

"I guess. I don't remember you being all gung-ho about it in high school."

She shrugged.

"I was interested in the sports you played, but I wasn't a big sports nut back then. Now, though, I like football."

"That's great. We can finish up in here and watch the game."

Mercedes put the artichoke dip in the refrigerator, then washed her hands.

Sam put his dish in the slow cooker, then, they grabbed some drinks and settled on the sofa to watch the game.

"I've heard Riley's stats are really good this season, which means he could be considered a Heisman candidate, his sophomore year," she said.

"You do know your football."

"You thought I was bullshitting you?" she asked.

He gave her a shocked look.

"And you cuss now, too. It's like I don't even know you."

"A lot of time has passed, Sam, I'm a big girl now."

"Next you'll be telling me, you drink alcohol and have sex."

She laughed and took a drink of the beer he'd given her.

"Funny."

He nudged her with his leg.

"Who've you got for this game? Baylor is tough and their quarterback is a senior. He's going to be good in the pros."

She nodded.

"Agreed, but this is Riley's year. Texas is undefeated, and I think they're going to take the Big 12 again this year. They're my pick for this game."

"I think I'm going to have to agree with you."

On the next play, Riley threw a perfect pass, to a wide-open receiver, who ran thirty-six yards for a touchdown.

Both Sam and Mercedes smiled at each other.

"Yeah, it's going to be that kind of game," he said.

It was a blowout, with Texas winning forty-three to sixteen over Baylor.

After that, Sam and Mercedes took a break, to set a few things up around the house.

He made sandwiches for them, and they sat down to watch the Missouri game, though Mercedes kept an eye on the time, because, she'd need about an hour to do her hair and makeup, for her costume, and she didn't want to be in the middle of that, when people started arriving.

So at halftime, with Missouri thankfully ahead, though only by one touchdown, she headed into Sam's bedroom, to start getting ready.

It would be dark soon, and who knew when kids would start to arrive.

Mercedes grinned, as she entered the bathroom.

Her ensemble was going to take some work, and she wanted it to be perfect, especially since, there were several parts to it.

Meanwhile, Sam decided, that since Mercedes was going to get dressed, he probably should, too.

He'd moved all his stuff into the spare bedroom, so he'd be out of her way in the master.

He dashed into the bathroom to do his makeup...something, he definitely was not adept at, but he did the best he could.

At least he'd read the instructions, and there was glue stuff to do the bolts, plus the hair piece.

He inspected himself in the mirror and smiled. 'Not bad.'

He put on the clothes and the clunky shoes, hoping like hell he could walk in the damn things, without falling over.

When he'd seen the outfit at the costume store, he knew it was perfect, and it went with the whole atmosphere of the house.

Sam clomped into the kitchen to refresh his beer.

He heard the door open to the bedroom and his eyes widened when he saw Mercedes.

"Oh my God," she said, as she entered the kitchen. "You're Frankenstein."

"And you're the Bride of Frankenstein."

She looked amazing, with her hair all wavy, and a shock of white on both sides.

She wore a white sheath, and her lips were painted, dark red.

On her neck and arms, she had painted on stitched scars in red, with a few drops of 'blood' on the white sheath, for effect.

It was awesome.

She looked ethereal, and gorgeous.

Mercedes went over to Sam, for a closer look at him.

"Your makeup is perfect. And those bolts on your neck..." She reached up to touch one, her finger just barely ghosting it.

Then, she looked down at his feet.

"Those shoes are amazing. You must be four inches taller."

He laughed.

"Yeah, I hope I don't trip over anything."

She lifted her gaze to his.

"I can't believe we match. I didn't tell anyone about my costume."

"I didn't, either. It's like a psychic connection or something."

"Yeah...or something."

"It's perfect, Merce."

She didn't say anything for a few seconds, but then, she smiled.

"Right. We're going to scare all the kids tonight," she said.

She wouldn't scare anyone the way she looked, he thought. She took his goddamn breath away.

He wanted to close the door, turn out the lights, and kiss those painted, ruby red lips for about twelve hours.

Hell, he was getting hard just thinking about it, but judging from the wary looks she was shooting his way, and the fact he'd actually invited people over tonight for a party, he was just going to have to get his wayward body under control.

So he took a deep breath and mentally squashed his lustful thoughts...at least for now.

"And speaking of the kids, it's starting to get dark, so I should get the show ready to go."

He turned on the lights surrounding the tree and the house, and set the dry ice, so smoke would billow around the porch.

Then, he turned on the scary music.

Minutes later, a few people started to show up, so Mercedes got to work making drinks and setting the appetizers out on the table and on the bar.

"Hey, great costume," Logan said to Sam, as he and his girlfriend Debra came in.

"Yeah, but, too much work. And look at you, all dressed up."

"Deb made me," Logan said with a grimace.

"Oh, quit complaining." Debra rolled her eyes. "You would have thought, I asked him to dig me a grave. Though, that might have been funny, especially since, he is dressed like an undertaker, and I'm the dead body."

Sam laughed.

"That would have been awesome. I might steal that idea for next year. Though digging that hole would be a bitch."

"Not to mention the potential liability," Mercedes added.

"So true," Sam added.

A few more people arrived, then the kids started coming to the door.

Sam had Mercedes right by his side, and man, did she know how to turn on the horror.

She had a dead-eyed look about her, as she slid her hand in the bowl of candy, her head tilted to the side in a broken fashion, while he stiffly walked outside into the smoke, to welcome the kids.

Most of the kids screamed with delight. Some just flat out screamed.

They had quite the light show going, and with him and Mercedes shuffling out through the smoke, it was a hell of a scene.

Cassidy and Samantha had shown up, and both had snuck out through the side door in the garage and were taking pictures.

Several of the parents, who were accompanying their kids, were, too.

Sam had to admit, his was a popular house, because, he was certain, several of the kids made more than one trip.

And it wasn't for more candy, it was to see the lights and the skeletons and smoke and the graveyard.

Once, he'd had to run inside and refill the bowl, and realized, his house was filling up, too.

Fortunately, his friends knew to make themselves at home, and Logan and Debra pitched in, as bartenders, since Bash couldn't be there to fulfill his duties.

He had to admit, he enjoyed watching Mercedes with the kids.

She seemed to know which ones she could be scary with, and which ones to tone it down with.

One girl...she had to be about four years old...tentatively came to the door, clutching her daddy's hand like a lifeline.

And even though her little brown eyes were wide as saucers, she was determined to come to the front door for candy.

So Mercedes grabbed the bowl, crouched down, and smiled at the little girl, spending a few minutes talking to her, explaining that this was all make-believe, and not to be scared.

Then she invited him over, and let the little girl see that he wasn't a real monster.

After that, the little girl got her candy and happily ran down the street to the next house.

Mercedes had an instinct about kids. Someday she was going to make a great mother.

Sam's stomach tightened, as he thought about what could have been between them. They could have had a kid...maybe more.

He hadn't been ready for that kind of responsibility back then. He'd have totally fucked it up.

Maybe, things happened for a reason.

But now?

As he watch Mercedes laughing, with a group of adolescents, who'd come to the door, he re-evaluated his current life.

He wanted a wife...and kids.

He just wasn't sure who he wanted them with. 'Liar!' his thoughts screamed.

He did know. He just wasn't sure, how in hell he could make that happen.

But tonight wasn't the night to be thinking deep thoughts, especially, since, he didn't have answers to any of the questions, that had suddenly started popping nonstop into his head.

He would re-visit those thoughts later.

A few hours later, when the kid traffic had slowed, to just a few of the older kids, Sam and Mercedes took a breather.

"Beer?" he asked, as Cassidy, dressed as a vampire vixen, took over door duty with Samantha, who was perfect, as Raggedy Ann.

"I think I'll have a glass of wine instead," Mercedes replied.

They headed into the kitchen, to grab drinks and some snacks.

"Hell of a turnout tonight, Sam."

"Thanks, Ethan. And you get the night off for Halloween, huh?"

"Yeah. Lucky me."

"Ethan, you remember Mercedes, don't you? She's Michelle's sister."

"Oh, right. Nice to see you again, Mercedes. We met at the wedding. I work with Mark on the police force."

Mercedes put her plate down and shook Ethan's hand.

"Of course. Nice to see you again, too. That whole wedding thing, was kind of a whirlwind for me, since I'd just gotten back in town."

"Understood. How's your mom doing these days?"

"She's doing okay. Thanks for asking."

Sam turned to Ethan.

"Did you bring a date?"

"Marley's here with me, but you know how it is. We're just friends, who decided not to come alone. Less awkward that way."

Sam nodded.

"Yeah, I totally get it."

Mercedes was trying to keep up with everyone.

She had no idea, such a crowd was going to be here tonight.

She knew a lot of people from high school, even the ones who'd gone to Oakdale, the other school.

Growing up in a small town, meant you ran into the same people over and over again, or went to a lot of the same parties, when you were teenagers.

But some were a few years older or younger than her, so tonight was spent reacquainting herself with people, she hadn't seen in years.

"Mercedes, I'm so glad you're here tonight."

She turned and smiled at Samantha Reagan.

"Me too, Samantha. Are you having a good time?"

"Who wouldn't? Sam's Halloween parties are legendary. I wouldn't miss one. Well, there was the one year, right after he and I broke up, when we weren't exactly speaking to each other, but other than that, I come here every year."

"You...broke up. You two dated?"

"For about a year."

"I see. I had no idea." Of course she'd had no idea, because, she hadn't been here.

Samantha waved her hand back and forth.

"It's no big deal, and that was a long time ago. Sam and I are friends now. That's all water under the bridge."

"Really. So you two can still be friends after being...involved?"

Samantha laughed.

"Of course. We had a few months of trying to adjust, after realizing we just couldn't make it work together as a couple. It was more on my part than his. He'd ended it well, and he's always a gentleman. I was the one who had to drown my sorrows for a couple weeks, in several pints of Ben and Jerry's. No woman likes to get dumped, you know."

"Ouch."

"Yeah. But, like I said, we weren't right for each other. I've moved on, and so has he. And as friends, we're great."

"I think you're a much nicer person than I would be, Samantha."

"I don't know about that. You and Sam were a big deal back in high school, as I recall. And you're here now, too, aren't you?"

She let out a soft laugh.

"I suppose you're right."

Samantha looped her arm through Mercedes' and led her towards the living room, where there weren't so many people.

"Sam has a way about him. It's very hard to stay angry with him. He doesn't have a mean bone in his body, and he'd never deliberately hurt anyone," Samantha said.

Mercedes' gaze drifted toward the dining area, where Sam stood talking to Logan and a few other guys.

"No, I don't suppose he would," she said.

"Anyway, we really need to spend some time catching up."

"I know. I promised I'd call you, so we could get together and have lunch. I'm sorry, but time seems to have gotten away from me," Mercedes said.

"That's okay. I understand you've been busy with your mom. It's hard when there's someone you have to take care of. I do the same with my grandmother. She's eighty-two and I'm the only one left to look out for her, though, she doesn't think she needs anyone. She's an independent sort."

"Is that right?"

"Yes. A little too independent. And she's still driving...too fast for my liking, too."

Mercedes could already see her mother doing that, many years from now...being independent and driving her crazy.

"What are you two whispering about over here?"

Mercedes looked up, to see Cassidy had come over, with Marley in tow.

Marley was dressed like an angel, and she looked completely ethereal and quite beautiful tonight.

"My grandmother, and her fierce independent streak," Samantha said.

Cassidy laughed.

"We should all hope to be as independent as your grandmother, when we're eighty-two."

"Yes, she can be quite a handful, but she's taken care of me all these years. It's time I paid her back. And I don't mind, really. My grandfather died a few years back, and she's been missing him, so she likes having me around to keep her company."

"Did you talk to her about the new retirement center?" Marley asked.

"There's a new retirement center?" Mercedes asked, surprise written all over her face.

Samantha nodded.

"Just finished up last year, over in the new section of Hope. It's really nice. I took my grandmother there for a tour when it opened."

"And?" Cassidy asked. "What did she have to say?"

"She said she isn't going to leave her house. She said her children were born there, and she plans to die there. What am I supposed to do?"

"Well, you're the one in charge of her," Cassidy said.

Samantha lifted her chin.

"Like I said, she's mine and I love her. She's pretty much the only family I have left."

Cassidy rubbed her back.

"I understand, Sammy. I didn't mean to get you upset."

"I'm not upset, but I sure could use a glass of wine."

Mercedes lifted her now empty one.

"I'm with you on that one."

They all went into to the kitchen for refills, then, went their separate ways.

Moments later, Michelle and Mark showed up, making Mercedes smile.

"Did you get Mom situated?" she asked.

"We did. Well, Dad mostly did, since he shooed us off, after all the trick-or-treaters left. So we changed into our costumes and had to hurry over here. We didn't want to miss the party, which I see is going strong."

"You look cute," Mercedes said, admiring her sister's sexy prisoner garb. "And really, is Mark playing cop tonight? How unoriginal."

Michelle laughed.

"I know, but he said, he has this idea for later, about me playing escaped prisoner, and something about the handcuffs."

She held up one hand, where the cuffs dangled from her wrist.

Mercedes shot her hand up.

"That's more than enough details, thank you."

Her sister grinned.

"So, how's it going here?"

"Good. The kid turnout was phenomenal."

"I heard the music, saw all the smoke and lights, all the way from the corner. Sam went all out, though he does every year."

"So I hear. This must be the Halloween place to be, huh?"

"It is. Everyone who can, tries to at least swing by. And I really need a drink, so I'm going to grab a glass of wine."

"Okay."

Mercedes remained where she was, and suddenly, a pair of arms wrapped around her. She jumped, then turned to see Sam.

"Oh, it's you."

"Who else would be putting their arms around you?" he asked.

"No idea. No one, of course."

"Good to know."

"Why, would you be jealous if I named someone?"

He cocked his head to the side.

"Probably."

She smiled at that, then remembered her conversation with Samantha from earlier.

"So...you had a relationship with Samantha Reagan?"

"Yeah. We went out for about a year. Did she tell you about that?"

"She did. And now you're friends?"

"We are. Why?"

She shrugged, trying to pretend it didn't bother her. Which it didn't, of course. 'Liar!' a voice inside her head yelled.

"No reason. I just didn't know about it."

"No reason you would, since you weren't here when we were dating. And that was a while ago anyway."

"Okay."

She looked around the room, suddenly feeling awkward.

"Mercedes."

She lifted her gaze to his.

"It's been over for years. And I'm not currently seeing anyone, if you're worried about me and Samantha...or me and anyone else, for that matter."

"I'm not concerned at all. Samantha told me about the two of you, that it ended and you two are friends. I get it, really."

Except, she realized she'd missed a lot by being gone. She wondered what else she didn't know about.

Life in Hope had passed her by.

'And whose fault was that, Mercedes?'

"How about a refill on my wine?" Mercedes asked, planting a smile on her face.

She couldn't do anything about the past. No one knew that better than her.

Fortunately, Sam smiled back at her, and she couldn't help but laugh, at the black lipstick on his mouth.

"What?" he asked, as he walked with her to the bar area.

"Your face."

"I know. It kind of rocks, doesn't it?"

He pulled the cork out of the chardonnay and refilled her cup.

"Oh, it totally rocks."

"So does your hair." He smoothed his hand over it. "How did you get it to do that?"

"I have a crimper."

He frowned.

"It's a girl thing," she said.

"I'll leave it at that and just say you look amazing."

"Thanks." She took a sip of wine and looked around. "Your party is really something, Sam."

He nodded.

"We got a good turnout this year, since Halloween is on a weekend. I'm happy people showed up. And everyone seems to be having a good time."

And they definitely were.

Since it was cold out, Sam had put heaters in the backyard, so some folks had spilled out onto the patio, no doubt buoyed by alcohol and the heaters.

There were a lot of people in the living room dancing to the music, and some in quiet corners talking.

With the added open space, there was a lot of room, which was a good thing, because, Mercedes had lost count of the number of folks, who'd tumbled through the front door, once it had gotten late enough, that the kids had stopped coming.

Around midnight, the party started to wind down and people began to leave.

While Sam was busy saying good night to everyone, and Martin, Ethan, and Mark were making sure everyone was sober enough to drive home okay, Mercedes was picking up random plates and cups and putting away whatever food was left over.

After that, she did some dishes.

That's where Sam found her, a little while later.

"Hey, you should leave that stuff in the sink. I can take care of it tomorrow," he said.

She laid a plate in the rack, then, grabbed a towel to dry her hands.

"There were only a few things. And besides, it's all done."

"Thanks."

"No problem." She looked around. "Has everyone left?"

"Yeah. Martin and Mark were the last to leave. We had a couple of guys, they thought seemed a little unsteady, so they're driving them home."

"That's nice of them."

"Yeah. I turned off all the lights and the garage door is shut, so we're locked in for the night."

She offered up a smile.

"Is that right?"

"Yeah."

He lifted his arms over his head and gave her his best monster growl.

She laughed.

"Now I'm really scared."

"As you should be. You're all alone with the monster now."

"Don't forget, so are you. And speaking of that, I'll be right back."

Leaving Sam with a puzzled expression on his face, Mercedes went into his bedroom and close the door, then shimmied out of the white sheath she'd worn.

That had been her costume for everyone else.

Next up, was one for his eyes only.

She grinned and headed into the bathroom.

Stay safe!