A/N: My sister is feeling better guys... however my mother is sick and so is my little cousin. Right now we know my cousin has Covid. My niece does not! (THANK GOD!)

I want to say my family has been very careful and have been practicing social distancing and wearing mask. My sister is an essential worker and that's how she got sick from work, it was confirmed. My cousin has been quarantined only leaving when she needed to go to the store so we are not sure how she got it. I really love appreciate all kind words and prayers!

Lastly send love and prayers to Naya's family, friends and her sweet baby boy. Send love to her former cast mates as well because today is also the anniversary of Cory's death.

Chapter 20

We know the Way

"I'm not stopping." He said huskily but almost pleadingly.

"Prove it." She said running her hands down his abs then tugging at his sweat pants with a smirk.

Sam bit her bottom lip before gently sucking on it making them both moan, he pulled away chuckling at her cute pout before he began kissing a trail of fiery kisses down her neck. He dipped his head in between her breast inhaling her sweet scent before nibbling on her flesh making her arch back, he moved to one of her breast raking his teeth along her hardening nipple while teasing the other with his fingers. He didn't realize how much he missed hearing her moan but as her soft moans began to fill the room he felt his self tightening in his sweat even more.

After getting reacquainted with his old friends he moved down her body kissing, biting and licking every inch of exposed skin before reaching the band on her lace panties moving them down just enough to see her bare hips. He ran his thumb along her smooth skin before placing feathery kissing on each hip then moving downward more revealing more of her soft flesh before her panties were resting on her thick thighs.

"Up."

Mercedes lifted her hips off the bed so he could pull them all the way off leaving her completely bare in front of him She could see his eyes roving over her body slowly and intensely, she wiggled fighting the urge to cover herself.

"You're so damn beautiful baby, this body brought our daughter into the world and it's gorgeous." He said looking at her locking his eyes with hers and Mercedes bit her lip at his words. Sam kissed her deeply before trailing wet kisses down her body again.

He started to plant kisses on the thighs before gently biting her inner thighs and running his hand along her slit before easing a finger inside her heat. Her soft moan excited him on a level that he couldn't even explain, it had been too long since they were able to tease and explore each other's bodies that he knew taking his time was going to feel like torture to her but he had no intentions of rushing this moment. Sam slowly worked his finger inside of her before adding a second causing her to arch into his fingers and let out breathless whimper, he remembered she only like being teased for so long before she took matters into her own hands.

Sam swiped his thumb along her swollen pearl earning a deep moan and a jerk from her and it made him wonder what she meant by not having any form of sex for those past years.

"When was the last time you pleasured yourself baby?"

"I haven't..." She said letting out another moan when he flicked her hardened bud, Sam was shocked at her admission but it only motivated him to make sure it was well worth the wait.

"I found a love for me..." Sam sang smiling as he moved up her body slowly kissing her skin before reaching her lips and kissing her deeply and pulling away to look at her as he gently caressed her cheek smiling.

"Well, I found a woman, stronger than anyone I know..." He continued noticing a few tears falling and quickly kissed them away will grabbing hold of her hips, he kissed her cheeks then her nose and finally her lips again before slowly entering her hold back the groan he so desperately wanted to release, it was much different than earlier and he could tell by her soft shudder she felt the shift as well.

He allowed a few moments for them the get adjusted before he pulled back and thrust into her earning a deep moan and ragged breath from her. He kept his eyes on hers as he continued with his slow strokes before he felt her moved against him wanting more, he quicken his pace every thrust going deeper adding more pleasure for them both. She began matching his thrust, her heat squeezing him tightly making him groan and bit his lip from getting to loud.

"Sam..." Mercedes arched up and felt herself slipping into a sweep moment of bliss, she looked into Sam's eyes feeling the last bit of those years she missed him melting away, she moaned as she felt that old feeling building within the depths of her core and wraps her arms around his neck pulling him for a hot kiss and she could tell by the groan he let out he was close too. Sam wrapped his arms around her waist closing the gap that was created by their body and dove into her not letting his thrust until he felt felt her shuddering and heard her soft moans grow louder. Sam crashed his mouth onto hers to capture it before he felt his own climax nearing, he moved his head and gently bit her shoulder to stifle his own groan as his peak rushed throughout his body.

"Shit!"

"I agree..." She said still feeling the waves and his member twitching every soft often causing flutters to flow through out her core. Sam waited a few moments before easing of of her and laying on his side pulling her close, she snuggled up to him letting out a deep breath smiling as she looked up at him.

"I know, I love you too. Get some sleep baby." Sam said taking the words right from her mouth before placing gentle kiss on her lips.

"Goodnight Sammy." She said before dosing off with Sam right behind her.

…

Mercedes woke up to a familiar feeling and smiled when she felt Sam's hand lazily caressing her breast, she turned her head and stifled a laugh because he was definitely still asleep with a goofy smile on his face. She slowly wiggled out of his hold and decided to shower then check to see if Samantha was awake, she heard him mumble something before walking into the bathroom. She turned the shower on and got in allowing the hot water to run over her body, she could feel the ache as she moved slowly but welcomed the feeling.

She was washing her hair when she felt a pair of large hands run along her shoulders before wrapping around her waist.

"Good morning."

"Good morning to you." She responded smiling even though her eyes were closed to prevent shampoo from getting into her eyes.

"Here let me." Sam said moving her hands from her hair and replacing them with his own as he gently massaging her scalp before nudging her a little so that she was under the stream of water, he ran his hands through her hair as the shampoo rinsed out smiling at her because he remembered how he would always ask if he could help her but she would say no but when she got sick he washed it for her and it had been soothing for them both.

"I always liked when you would wash my hair and never understood why you wouldn't let me wash yours until I did the first time." He said smiling again when she opened her eyes.

"To be fair you didn't understand the process that was more than shampoo and conditioning." She replied smiling back at him.

"What's changed today because I know my shampoo isn't going to do anything but make it poof up." He asked with a light chuckle.

"I'll rewash it when I get home, I just-"

"I know after good sex you gotta wash your hair… I haven't forgotten." He said winking at her before pulling her into a deep kiss and she smiled against his lips wrapping her arms around his neck kissing him back.

"Maybe we should see if we're still good at shower sex." Sam said in between pecks as he pushed her against the shower wall.

"We have a four year old that needs breakfast and a party the we have to start preparing for and I-" She was cut off by him lifting her up and grinding his member into her, she let out a pleased giggle before moaning when he did it again.

"We have time baby besides I checked on little bit before coming in here, she was still asleep." He said nibbling on her neck then biting it gently before aligning his self with her wet core and easing into her with one fluid motion causing her to gasp and grab onto his should tightly. She inhaled deeply and let it out when he began using his hands to make her rock her hips as he slowly began matching her movements pumping into her. They both moaned before her head fell back and he attacked her neck with gentle low bites and kisses, she was still sensitive from the night before and felt beginnings of her climax reaching.

"Oh God… yes!" She said feeling herself tightening around him and increased his thrusting making it damn near impossible to keep her moans barely above a whisper, Sam let out a strangled groan gripping her tighter before he felt her unraveling around him and then she let out breathless cry gripping his shoulders to keep herself up. Sam couldn't hold back any longer and dove into her using the wall to keep her steady, he didn't give her a chance to come down fully from her first orgasm before she felt another one already building and it was approaching fast. Sam felt her tightening again and finally released loudly forcing Mercedes to cover his mouth with her hands as she climaxed again as well. They remained connected breathing heavily until their breaths became more even, Sam slowly eased out of her and let out a low groan and had to steady his self before letting her go.

"I guess we know the answer to that." Mercedes said with a breathless laugh making him chuckle and nod in agreement. The water had grown cold but they chose quickly clean up and get dressed, Sam gave her a shirt and a pair of sweats to put on feeling happy that she didn't have any panties to put on. They both check on Samantha and were pleased she was still asleep being they were in there far longer than either of them knew they would be and went down stairs to prepare breakfast.

"Do you think it'll be easier if we went to your place to start getting the party ready?" Sam asked right as her phone began to ring and she let out sigh.

Hello?

Where are you? We have to get the party together and I've been sitting out here for over thirty minutes.

Moma just use the spare key I'll be there in twenty minutes.

Where are you now?

I'm at Sam's… baby girl got sick and I stayed over.

Did you get any sleep?

MOMA! Good bye!

Matt our baby over there being grown and think I don't know.

Really? Why did you tell daddy that! Ugh, I'm on my way!

Mercedes hung up rolling her eyes before shoot Sam a smile.

"How about you head over and I'll bring little but once she wakes up?" Sam said walking over and kissing her gently.

"Thank you, I'll see you guys in an hour?" She asked grabbing her purse and keys.

"Whenever she wakes up and finished her breakfast we'll be on our way. I have a few of the hand drawn sighs if you want to take them." He said walking her out, she nodded and he handed the signs to her.

"So I'm guessing it's going to be a really long day with screaming kids everywhere?" He asked and she let out a short laugh.

"Oh you have no idea the madness that's about to ensue but it'll be worth it. They'll be doped up on sugar and excitement then I'll sing, we'll cut the cake and let them play a little longer before it's time for everyone to leave. It's been tradition that she leaves with my parents or Tina to give me a break so she won't be there after the party ends… if you want to you know help clean up." She replied winking at him and he smiled brightly before kissing her deeply. They started to get a little to deep into the moment when her phone started to ring again.

"Moma, I am on the way!" She said already knowing it was her mother.

"Bye baby, we'll be there in a little." Sam said shaking his head with a chuckle.

…

Mercedes wasn't lying when she said it was going to be madness, there were well over twenty plus kids running around the house and yard that was beautifully decorated. There was a huge balloon arch with various shades of orange and blue balloons, there were tables lined with grass skirting and palm tree center pieces with characters from the movie as well as an inflatable water slide. There was tented area that some kids were sitting and enjoying the actual movie as well. The inside was also decorated with the signs Sam made with flowers adorning the hooks that kept the signs hung, their was island music play along with a few songs from the movie playing every so often.

Sam wasn't fully prepared for the many stares he got once he changed into he costume that he was require to wear, he much like Mercedes matched the father and wore a malo and ankle lei's he opted out of wearing the headdress and wore a traditional lei around his neck. He waited for Mercedes and Samantha to make their grand entrance, he was excited to see so many people there to celebrate her for her birthday and it made him even happier to know everyone else was also dressed to go with the theme.

"Well it's good to have you here!" Diane said hugging him tightly, Sam couldn't even deny that the older woman looked absolutely stunning in her dress, she was the only one that wore plain clothes but kept to the island feel. It was a light blue floral ruffle off the shoulder dress that she paired with sandels and ankle lei's.

"I'm happy to be here… it's a little umm."

"Loud? Crazy? Too many damn children and not enough alcohol? Well baby get used to it because we plan on celebrating like this every year!" She said laughing.

"How did you manage to get all of this together? I know I helped but barely…" Sam said looking around in amazement, he was only asked to help place the signs then keep Samantha out of the way until they were finished.

That task alone was hard because she kept trying to go downstairs and help… well her version of help meant trying to take a peek at her cake and cupcakes. Sam figured they'd need for her not to be there for a while so he took her to the store to pick out a gift for herself even though he had already bought her one. He gave her exactly one hour to pick two gifts and true to herself she took the whole hour debating about three different items and when Mercedes called asking him if they headed back he ended up buying all three.

"It helped when you took her to the store and we had a list and just followed it. Those signs are beautiful by the way."

"Thanks I'm happy I could do it, can I ask you something?' He asked looking at her seriously.

"If you're going to ask me if you can marry her the answer is the same as it was last time."

"Ha… well no, that's not what I wanted to ask but it's good to know. How did she handle all of this alone? I know what she told me but from someone who saw for their own eyes…"

"Whew Lord baby, that is a loaded question. She was never alone not really and for the moments she was she still had you deep down I knew she would never move on and don't hate me for saying this but I had hoped she would. That love she has for you wasn't like how most young people love no, it's like the love I have for her father. Unwavering, unrelenting and completely unconditional… the most dangerous kind of love because once you have it, there isn't any escaping it no replacing it. You two might not be there yet, but you two will never not be there if that makes sense. Her heart didn't break when you died, it couldn't because she was carrying a piece of you… that's why it's going to be hard. She mourned losing you, not losing your love she never lost it and it never left her… your physical being wasn't here but that love you shared no share is unbreakable. Don't be afraid of taking that leap again, hell you already took one." She said winking at the last part making him blush.

Mercedes and Samantha came down the stairs and the air got stuck in his lungs when he saw them both smiling at each other, Samantha looked so adorable in her own red malo with a grass skirt underneath, her top was beige with white sleeves and her normal curls were down with a matching flower crown and necklace. Mercedes was dressed more like an older Moana than the mother, she wore hula skirt with red and yellow flower petals down the center and red and orange ones along the band, she had a red sleeveless crop top and her flower crown matched with the red and yellow. They looked breathtaking and Sam couldn't help but smile at how beautiful his girls looked, when he and Mercedes made eye contact her eyebrow rose and she gave him an appreciative nod.

"Daddy! Do you like my outfit? Mommy changed it so that I didn't look like everyone else and she changed hers too!" Samantha said doing a twirl.

"I love it! You look beautiful, both of you do." He said picking her up and spinning her around making her laugh.

"I'm going to play then you and mommy can come sing to us!" She said when he put her down and ran off to play with her friends. Sam smiled watching her show off her outfit to the other guest and before Mercedes could make it to her one of the kid's mom walked over smiling at him.

"She yours?" She asked eyeing him and Sam moved back to create space looking back and noticing Mercedes wasn't there anymore before feeling the petite woman place a hand on his arm.

"Yes, she's my daughter…" He said removing her hand and looking the other way for Mercedes before spotting her with a smirk on her face, he shot her a look to help him and she just shook her head and walked outside looking back laughing slightly.

"She's beautiful, looks just like you. That's my daughter right there." The woman said pointing to a cute little brunette and Sam nodded.

"She beautiful as well, if you'll excuse me..." Sam said trying to get away but the woman grabbed his hand with a sweet smile.

"I hope I'm not being to forward but would you like to set up a play date with our daughters… maybe we can do a little picnic while they play?" She asked a little too happy about the picnic aspect, he wasn't aware but a few other mothers were now looking at him with the same smile.

"I would love to join in on this play date, that's my daughter over there." Another woman said nodding over at a little curly headed girl with bright blue eyes.

"We can make it a group things." Another said and Sam felt his self boxed in by the women around him.

"Well it seems that you have forgotten that you're married and that if he's the birthday's girl father that would make me her mother… he's not interested but I'm sure when we can plan something we can put together group play date." Mercedes said making them all stiffen before she grabbed his hand and walked off to join the rest of the party.

They all played games, danced around and enjoyed the food Matt grilled for the party. There were a few relay races and to make sure everyone enjoyed the races everyone won a prize in the end, every so often Mercedes would catch Sam interacting with the other kids playing with them making them laugh. She couldn't help but laugh when the kids began bombarding him asking him to sing a song after Samantha mention he had a guitar, he looked a little panicked so she decided to help him out just a little and got her mom's attention.

[Diane]

I know a girl from an island
She stands apart from the crowd
She loves the sea and her people
She makes her whole family proud

When she started to sing Sam was equally relieved and shocked because he never knew she could sing but he understood then just where Mercedes got her voice from. All the kids that surrounded him quickly went over to where the older woman stood and listened in awe with Samantha standing in front looking at her grandmother with so much joy.

Sometimes the world seems against you
The journey may leave a scar
But scars can heal and reveal just
Where you are

The people you love will change you
The things you have learned will guide you
And nothing on earth can silence
The quiet voice still inside you

And when that voice starts to whisper
Moana, you've come so far
Moana, listen
Do you know who you are?

[Mercedes]

Who am I?

When they heard another voice come from behind them all the children turned and noticed Mercedes standing there with bright smile before she continued to sing.

I am a girl who loves my island
I'm the girl who loves the sea
It calls me
I am the daughter of the village chief

She pointed at Samantha and nodded her over before she kneeled down and sang directly to her as everyone watched smiling. Mercedes encouraged Samantha to sing along with her and Sam could stop the tears that feel when she did, seeing them singing together and how happy they were just to goof off together was all he ever wanted in life and it was right in front of him.

We are descended from voyagers
Who found their way across the world
They call me
I've delivered us to where we are

I have journeyed farther
I am everything I've learned and more
Still it calls me
And the call isn't out there at all, it's inside me

It's like the tide, always falling and rising
I will carry you here in my heart you'll remind me
That come what may
I know the way

I am Moana!

Everyone cheered and the biggest smile crossed Samantha's face when all of her friends ran up and hugged her singing Mercedes's praises for her beautiful voice. Mercedes looked and noticed that Sam was looking at her with a soft smile, she started to head over before her mother brought out the cake which made Samantha scream out in excitement because even though Moana was her favorite, Pua was her ultimate favorite and so they her a cake that looked exactly like the cute little pig.

"Okay it's time to sing happy birthday!" Diane shouted looking to eager about this part. "Mom, dad come on it's your job to sing happy birthday." She added nodding Sam and Mercedes over.

Samantha did a happy dance before Sam picked her up then wrapped an arm around Mercedes internally sighing because he had wanted to touch her all day but proved damn near impossible with her moving around everywhere and him playing with the kids.

"Ready baby girl?" Mercedes asked and Samantha nodded vigorously and together Sam and Mercedes sang happy birthday to Samantha who had a permanent smile on her face clapping when they finished, Sam leaned down so she could blow out her candles and cheered along with everyone after she took a good minute for her wish.

After she blew out the candles, cupcakes were given to each child and a little cup of ice cream, they all seemed find a place for them sit and enjoy a calm simple moment together. Sam refused to let Mercedes go and made her sit on his lap while they at their cupcakes and ice cream with Samantha close.

"What'd you wish for little bit?" Sam asked.

"If I tell you it won't happen!" She said matter factly making her parents laugh.

"What if you gave us a hint?" Mercedes asked giving her a hopeful smile.

"Well… I want you and daddy to buy me a baby brother or baby sister." She said with a straight face and both Sam and Mercedes froze looking at their daughter in shock.

"Ah… little bit that's not really how it works." Sam said before saying ow when Mercedes elbowed him.

"How about we get you a new baby doll?" Mercedes asked trying to see if that would end the conversation.

"Nope. I want a REAL baby sister or baby brother." She answered before getting up and walking away to be with her friends.

"Well shit." Sam said before laughing. "She is definitely my child..." He added kissing Mercedes on her temple.

"Hey where's Stevie and Stacey? I thought you invited them." She asked turning just enough to see his face and smiled.

"I was wondering that myself but I'm not sure… I wanted them to meet her today." Sam said he had noticed they hadn't shown up but figured they would have by now.

"Maybe they were too busy? It's okay we can have them over for dinner or something… I really want them to meet baby girl." Mercedes said taking a bite of her cupcake before sighing. "I am getting close to being okay with your mother meeting her… forreal I just need a little more time." She added surprising them both.

"You sure?" He asked leaning in and kissing the icing off the side of her lip.

"Mmm… I am just let me have a little more time." She said kissing him back jumping when she heard someone clear their throat and saw her mother standing there with a smirk.

"Come you know what time it is." Diane said handing her the video camera and Mercedes groaned.

"Five years later and I still dread doing this, I'll be right back." She said grabbing the camera and walking off back inside.

"You can go next, you got five years of making up to do but for now come on I'm sure Matthew's some where around here with his camera, I want to get some more shots of you and sweet pea." Diane said grabbing his hand and walking him over to where Samantha was dancing. Sam smiled and started dancing along with her and some of the other kids, he sang along to the songs and made then do a conga line to You're Welcome which made the other guest and her parents laugh as he encouraged them to join as well.

When Mercedes came out from doing her recording she smiled at the sight she saw, Sam singing and dancing with their daughter, her friends and their parents along with her all doing the conga line. Sam winked at her before moving the line towards her and she let out laugh holding her hands up shaking her head no but Sam countered by shaking his head yes and grabbed her by her hips walking her backwards while still singing. Everyone cheered once they were done, Diane and Mercedes started handing out the treat bags and giving away extra cupcakes as the guest began to leave.

"Do we not let her open her gifts while the guest are here?" Sam asked and noticed Samantha jerk up from her spot on the couch with her grandfather talking his head off.

"Can we open my presents now?" She asked excitedly and Mercedes gave Sam a look before shaking her head.

"We don't open gifts in this house unless it's Christmas because moma, meaning me can not handle the screams after hearing them all day long. So like always she will be opening her presents with her grandparents who can tone out the screams… that and I get to have a nice bottle of wine." Mercedes answered with a smile that let both Samantha and Sam know they were not about to break the tradition.

"Well can she open the gift I got her?" Sam asked with a hopeful grin.

"PLEASSSEE MOMMY!" Samantha said making everyone laugh before Mercedes nodded, she understood why this was important to Sam and he smiled before giving her a quick peck on the cheek and running to get her present that he'd hidden.

Sam came back in with two large boxes and the loud scream that made Sam understand why Mercedes was hell bent on not breaking the tradition, he sat the boxes in front of her and shot a nervous smile to Mercedes.

"Okay so I thought really hard about this so I hope you like it!" Sam said before Samantha gave hima big hug.

"Thank you daddy!" She said before even opening the gift. "Can I open it now?" When both of her parents nodded she tore into the wrapping and her eyes grew big once she saw what he'd had gotten her. Mercedes walked over to see what stunned their child into silence and her breathing hitched when she saw his first gift.

"I GOT MY OWN GUITAR!" Samantha shouted before hugging Sam again.

"Open the other one." He said feeling proud that she liked his first gift and felt Mercedes hand squeeze his giving him a sweet smile. They watched as she opened the second gift and winced when she let out another scream before hugging Sam again.

"It was hard finding a case so I decorated it myself… do you like it? I figure since your mom told me you were interested in mine, I could teach you to play after school and on the weekends." Sam said pulling the beautifully painted guitar case out for everyone to see, he painted a wide variety of mermaids in water or siting near a colorful waterfall with her name written across it.

"I love it daddy!" She said hugging him again with a slight yawn, Diane and Matthew took that as their sign to load up and Mercedes grabbed her overnight bag from upstairs as Sam carried her to her grandparents car. They said their goodbyes and waved them off before both letting out deep sighs and walking back inside letting out groans.

Soooo... the next chapter will pick up right after this one and I hope to have it very soon! This chapter is so sweet and adorable and it was so much fun writing! I just want to say I love you all that do read my stories, please tell your loved ones you love them... tomorrow is so fragile. Until next time XOXO!