November
A quiet, but busy month as everyone dived into work, after Mercy's determined no to the wedding planning, she'd taken to life at the studio, with Alex to prepare, venues to book for the tour, accommodation to source, back up band members and promotion she was feeling the pressure. Sam's passion for writing was back, the winter critiques were coming up, he was creating. Mercy's birthday was quiet, just as she wanted they'd just about prized her away from work for that to happen, on reflection Mercy finally got a guilty conscience
"Hi" her head popped round the study door, Sam stopped strumming notes
"Hi" he smiled, it had been nearly a week since she'd actually arrived home while he was up "This is a nice surprise"
"I know, I've been distracted for a while, I'm under so much pressure right now" she took his kiss and hugged him for as long as she needed to "I released the song today"
"You never said you were doing that"
"I didn't want a big deal" she rested her head on his shoulder as he sat playing 'Ain't A Lonely Christmas Song' by Tayla Parx
"Another hit, do you need me to do anything?"
"No, I see you're busy too, writing again?" she looked over at the desk
"Yeah" he smiled, kissing her forehead
"I was hoping you'd want to look into a mirror later"
"I could do with finding one right now" he laughed "Asia's pretty upset about today not being the day"
"Our day will come" she assured him reaching up to kiss his lips, they stood looking into each others eyes before he pulled her back into him
"Bathroom" he grabbed her hand to make their way upstairs
23rd December
It was going to be Lathan's first Christmas, everyone had gone over the top, Sam and Mercy had the added pleasure of buying for their child and grandchild, Asia and Lathan had made a second home at Grant's parents house, so they were very much based there most weekends, which suited everyone, because they were busy creating, and only Kurt was around to give them any meaningful attention.
Everyone had been busy preparing for Jake and Kitty's pending renewal ceremony, the family were arriving in Santa Monica today for the holidays, because of the pending event, so Jake and Kitty were having more guests than they'd initially expected with Sam and Mercy's family attending. Everyone was staying between Kurt and Blaine's, the wedding venue or their house to make things less complicated for the actual Christmas Day. Ryder, Marley, Sam and Mercy didn't waste the evening the champagne started flowing at midnight and didn't stop until the last man fell at around 5am
24th December
Early afternoon Jake turned up with bride to be by his side, begging for Sam to be his best man, it seemed everyone except the bride and groom had prioritised the event, the preparation of all that took his attention for the rest of the day as they shopped, fitted and adjusted in an afternoon, Mercy had found some time to go off with Kitty and Asia, she'd asked them to be bridesmaids at short notice. They sat over coffee listening to Kitty's story about her split family, her Father and his new wife refusing to come if her Mother and her new husband came, resulting in none of them making the trip.
On the evening their parents, Ryder and his family and Jake And Kitty celebrated Mary's birthday with cake and champagne, eventually everyone retired and Sam and Mercy finally went to bed "What a day" Sam slammed down across their bed, naked "That was a well needed shower"
"You never said we were going to be the freaking wedding planners" she lay under the covers, stroking his forehead
"I didn't know" he laughed "We've brought suits two days before his damn wedding, this guy is so unorganised"
"It hasn't finished for me; I've got to go with Kitty to see the hotel tomorrow, check all the arrangements" Mercy frowned
"It's Christmas Day"
"I know, but I guess that's what happens when you book a special event for Boxing Day" she laughed "But on the plus side, Kitty's really nice though"
"Yeah, I don't know what went wrong there, they were great dating"
"People change don't they"
"We won't, will we?" he looked up at her asking
"I don't know" she looked at him seriously "We haven't even had a real fight yet"
"We have to have fights?"
"Not in front of Asia and Lathan"
"How's that a fight if it's planned?" he laughed "If I remember rightly our fights take place in the bathroom"
"Oh yeah" she giggled "Oh, I forgot to mention, wedding planning doesn't finish at the checks tomorrow morning, apparently the hen night's going to be at the hotel, Kitty says we're staying over till boxing Day"
"You're leaving me alone?"
"Yeah I want to see what withdrawal looks like on you" she laughed
"Sorry but tonight I'm flaked, I got nothing babe, I need to sleep" he yarned
"Sleep babe" his eyes were closing as she spoke, she kissed his forehead and let him settle in for sleep,
If you're tired, lay your head down, on my pillow, when the morning comes, we'll get up and try again
If you're tired, lay your head down, on my pillow, I'll be here my love, until your wings can mend
'If Your Tired' by Connor Duermit
She hummed stroking his hair, smiling as he snuggled into her, she reached over for one of the sheets, and threw it over him
25th December
Christmas morning, Sam sat up feeling an empty bed "Mercy" he called, it wasn't like her to get up before him "Mercy" he flopped back onto the pillow hearing no response "Happy Christmas" his hand hit something alien as he moved, he picked the note up and opened it "Happy Christmas Babe, Kitty has an emergency, back as soon as I can, I'll need that door stop positioning" he read laughing out loud at her comment. He should have known he wasn't getting away with last night and this morning, he grabbed his joggers and a T-shirt and made his way downstairs, happy for Asia and Lathan to keep him company until Mercy got home
"Happy Christmas" he walked in smiling at Asia singing to Lathan
"Happy Christmas" she giggled, watching him take Lathan to throw him up in the air, while he kissed her, it was their ritual, but she loved to watch
"Grant lasted as long as he could, he called an hour ago" she laughed "He's coming round to watch little man open his presents" she looked at her Dad "Is that alright?"
"Yeah, that's fine"
"Have you got any further with this date yet?"
"No" he threw Lathan in the air
"Is that why she's never here?"
"No" he sat down next to her, smiling at Lathan pulling faces "You're Mom has a lot on right now, she's getting ready for Alex's first tour, she's having problems creating and that's stressful enough, I'm not about to pile anything else on"
"So you guys are not arguing?"
"No" he looked into her eyes "I'm used to her giving radio silence for days, weeks even, when she's creating, and then one day she'll call me up and she's all excited and you can't stop her talking" he looked at Lathan "I guess we'll need to get used to being around Cedes"
"I guess" she frowned "I got used to the Nutty Professor quick enough" her face broke into a smile
"I can get nuttier" he laughed
"You need coffee" she got up to go make it
Two hours later they were sitting in the music corner, Sam was playing nursery rhymes on his guitar, when Mercy walked into the room, followed by Grant, Kitty and Jake "Happy Christmas" Mercy smiled at seeing her family, kissing Asia and Lathan before she settled into Sam's arms "I missed you"
"I missed you too" he whispered back, wondering where all this emotion was coming from, but as quick as it came it was over, and she was walking around demanding presents be opened, laughing overjoyed at Lathan's first Christmas and the blessing of Asia being with them.
"What do you think was wrong with Mom earlier?" Asia asked her Dad
"I don't know, she'll probably tell me later" he looked across the room at her playing with Lathan
"Do you think looking at all the plans for Kitty's renewal got her thinking about your wedding?"
"Hopefully" he smiled
"What are you two hatching?" Mercy asked
"We're having a moment" Asia laughed
Artie, Quinn, Brittany and Matt turned up late morning, they'd booked into the venue hotel, but had agreed to dinner at Sam's place, if they could help. They were doing everything traditional this year, all the women found the kitchen, while the men made ready the dining room and kept Lathan entertained
It had been the longest time since Mercy could remember this time of the year being so happy "I want to sing" she announced, walking out of the kitchen, everyone following, it wasn't often she sang outside of work. Sam watched her walk across the room, she seemed in a better mood, getting up when she started playing her version of 'A Baby Changes Everything' by Jordan Sparks & Matt Bloyd suddenly Sam knew what was wrong, she was happy and that wasn't something either of them were familiar with, but he was happy she'd finally worked out that she could be, she called him over, he sat next to her, knowing she wanted him to sing in public
Mercy: Teenage girl, much too young, unprepared for what's to come, a baby changes everything,
The words belonged to someone else, but they were singing their life, the day they found out they were having a baby, they were scared, cried, got angry and finally settled into the fact they were going to do this, they were going to have their child. It had taken them another month to get the courage up to finally tell their parents, they went in with the intention to tell them good news, but it had turned into anger, disgust and separation
Sam: There's not a ring on her hand, all her dreams, and all her plans, a baby changes everything
Sam sat thinking about his well rehearsed proposal, smiling at himself, wondering what he actually had to offer her at that time, the shopkeeper had called him cute and romantic because he wanted to buy a ring for his girlfriend. His friends had laughed at him telling him he was too young for all that, but he knew in his heart she was the one, and with the baby on the way, they were already a family, it was just that no one else knew it. His attention drawn when Asia and Grant joined in, that brought a tear as he sat thinking his own daughter was stood there living their life over, taking happiness in the fact that they were there to support her through it
Sam, Mercy, Asia, Grant: A baby changes everything, and she cries, oh, she cries, oh, whoa (Cries) (She has to leave)
Sam: Now she has to leave, Mercy go far away
Grant: Whoa, and Heaven knows Asia & Grant: She can't stay
All: A baby changes everything, A baby changes everything, and she cries, and she cries oh, she cries
Grant: (Sam, Mercy & Asia): (Shepherds all) Shepherds all gather 'round (Gather 'round) (Up above) and up above, a star shines down
Asia (Mercy, Sam & Grant): A baby changes everything (Changes everything)
Mercy & Asia: Higher up (Higher up), angels sing (Angels sing) Glory to the new born king (New born king)
Sam & Mercy: A baby changes everything a baby changes everything, everything, everything, everything
Sam & Mercy (Everyone): Hallelujah, hallelujah (It changes everything) Hallelujah, hallelujah, Hallelujah, hallelujah, oh, oh, ooh, oh,
Asia & Grant: A baby changes everything, Sam & Mercy: Oh, everything
"A baby changes everything" Mercy looked at Asia, tears in her eyes "And I'm happy about that change" Mercy watched Asia coming towards her for a hug, they had that feeling in common
"Everything" Sam looked at Grant stood with Lathan in his arms "He looks good on you" he finally told the boy, Mercy and Asia smiling at him finally accepting the relationship
"No doubt" Grant laughed "But he looks much better on you" he handed him his grandson
"I didn't know you could sing" Asia tapped her Dad's shoulder "Dark horse"
"There's a lot of things I do" he laughed, taking her kiss "Lots of things" he looked at Mercy
"You liked it didn't you?" Mercy asked
"Yeah but this is family" he looked around the room
"Sam I believe in you, you can do whatever you put your heart into, just try some time in the studio, please?"
"For you, I can do that" he laughed "And Asia's something special too" he looked at his daughter "I'm sorry I stopped you for singing, if that's what you want, I'll support, sorry, we'll support you" he looked at Mercy "Back to the birthday boy" he looked at his brother, watching the women wonder off to the kitchen
Dinner was served, eaten and digested, Grant and Asia took Lathan over to Grant's parents house to have desert with his family and open Lathan's presents over there. Rachel, Joe and Bree had flown in fresh from some award ceremony Rachel had just accepted having closed on her 500th performance, over a gruelling 4 years on Broadway, they were all happy to be getting a new normal on the cards. When they got back to Asia's home around 8pm Ryder's magnificent cake came out, Amy and Asia got everyone playing games, and later on that sat as tradition would have it, watching Christmas movies until Kitty jumped up
"Ladies it's time" Kitty announced "I need to get this hen party started"
"Do you have to go, it's nearly midnight?" Sam asked a sleepy Mercy laying on his chest, his head propped up by cushions on the floor "It was horrible waking up without you this morning, you're going on tour soon it's..."
"Sam" she giggled "How are you going to cope when it's our turn?"
"Is that going to be soon?"
"We'll talk about it when I get back off tour"
"Great" his eyes met with Asia's sitting on the couch behind them, both too excited to hope
"I believe Joe and Blaine will be here any minute" Kitty told the guys "Behave yourselves" she warned laughing as she left
"In the morning babe" Mercy kissed her man and got up, he followed her that wasn't enough to last the night
"You left me a note" he reminded her as they walked to the front door
"Sorry babe, tonight it's my turn to be tired"
"Are you serious, this is some sort of revenge?" he snapped
"No" she looked into his eyes "I would never do that" her anger turned to a smile "Unless it was a game"
"Is it a game?"
"No babe" she rested her hand on his chest "I really am chief bridesmaid" she reached up to kiss his lips "And I guess they're all in there waiting for you to do your best man bit too" she pointed to the living room "Goodnight"
"Goodnight" he frowned, watching Blaine and Joe walk through the door
26th December
Sam touch the empty bed and jumped out of his sleep wondering where Mercy was, it took him a couple of seconds to remember, he really didn't like that feeling, he grabbed his phone, throwing it down when it rang out, of course she'd be busy with the bride. "Happy Birthday" he told himself getting up "She hasn't even remembered" He looked at his phone again, jumping up to go wake Jake up, and get him to the venue on time "Jake" he opened the guest bedroom door calling "Wedding day" he smiled at Jake's head popping up
"Coffee" Jake held his hand up telling him he was up "Shower" he pointed to the bathroom, Sam laughed and closed the door
They had a quiet breakfast, Artie and Matt turned up opting for the swim while Sam and Jake sat in the whirlpool, before it was all hand's on deck. They were like a military unit, glasses of champagne in hand as they donned identical white shirts, Jake and Sam had navy blue suits, while Matt and Artie had classic black, when they were satisfied they left for the venue.
They sat in the bar waiting for the go for about thirty minutes, a very jittery Jake finally jumped up and announced it was 11:55 and time to go. They walked part way down the beach to the empty blue Gold chairs "Where is everyone?" Sam asked looking at Jake
"This is the kind of shit that happens when you let women arranged everything" Jake replied
"Don't tell me, we've got another hour long wait?" Artie moaned rolling his eyes
"Typical" Sam sat on one of the chairs
"Oh" Artie suddenly jumped up "Here's Q and Brittany" he smiled at them coming towards him "We thought we were early" he smiled at his wife
"Or you guys were super late" Sam added, wondering why they were wearing white
"They're coming" Quinn told them, rushing to get a seat
"Okay" Sam got up when he heard the music coming, and patted Jake on the shoulder "Your up"
The two men stood at the front waiting for the bride to arrive, the music started, they watched the Minister turn the corner into view, smiling looked at the two men, Sam shocked at Angelo and Earl singing a very familiar song 'Pursuit' by Alain Dumas behind him, as they took their spot "Hi" he looked from one to the other
"Hi" they both smiled back before their attention went back to the aisle, smiling at Asia making an appearance, also in white
And I know that it took me a while, to realize what I'm about to say, but just here me out
There's no one I'd rather be with, there's no one I'd rather be with, I'll always choose you
You're the only one my heart's drawn to, And that's the truth
So I made up my mind, and I hope I still have time, to make this right...
"Oh" Sam frowned at Grant stood beside her, carrying Lathan, followed by Amy and Adam "What are they doing…" he stopped at seeing Mercy walking down the aisle in a white dress "What the…" he stood with his mouth open, smiling at what might be happening right now. He never even noticed when Jake moved out the way, or when, Asia kissed him, leaving her lipstick on him enough for Amy to wipe it off. "Babe" he gasped when she got to him "What are you doing?" he looked at their entire family walking behind her taking seats and laughing or smiling at the scene
I'll pursue you till the end of time, there's no mountain that I will not climb for you
Can't describe this feeling that's inside, please take a chance and get behind me
Just follow and I'll lead the way, step by step and day by day
No need to worry, I won't play games, just follow and I'll lead the way
"We're getting married babe, happy birthday" she smiled up at him, turning to give her Dad a kiss and pass Asia her flowers "Sorry we're a bit late, Asia had a bit of meltdown about the flowers" she giggled
"You" he turned to Jake laughing
"What Mercy wants Mercy gets" Jake held his hand up in surrender
"I haven't prepared anything" he looked at her frowning "You look absolutely stunning by the way"
"I have and thank you"
The minister quickly said his speech and the deed was done in less than 15 minutes, they took pictures, ate, and cut the cake before everyone settled enough to start the speeches "Everyone" Neville tapped his glass with his fork getting their attention, signalling for Mary, Dwight and Annette "We came into this union separately but today we want to join it united" he smiled at Sam and Mercy
"We drove home this day 32 years ago, with our little miracle Sam, it was overwhelming, and difficult time for us, but his little face looking at us to help him thrive, got us hooked" Mary told them
"Mercedes was our present from God, we'd been told there was no hope and as soon as we gave up trying, there she was, it was a troubled 9 months but we all survived" Annette shared
"I should be saying something like, today we're here to share the beginning of their lives together" Dwight laughed "But I'm almost certain we're smack in the middle of it" he looked at them sat listening "There's no relationship to build, we can all see it's there, and it's stood the test of time, like no other I've ever known in such circumstances" he looked at Neville
"They've shared the joys and burdens of life without even knowing it, they are truly best friends, I'm sure they understand that marriage is an adventure, and their promises today further cements that bond they already have, in finding Asia I know you've found love beyond compare, we have too" Neville smiled at his Granddaughter
"To the bride and Groom" they all echoed holding their glasses up, the room confirming the toast, Asia suddenly stood up demanding attention, before bursting out crying, she was overwhelmed
"I think she means congratulations" Grant hugged her telling her parents
"Hi everyone" Mercy stood up, taking over the floor "These things happen so fast in these places, you barely get a chance to breathe" she smiled at their friends and family around the room "I guess Sam knows by now today is for me to talk and him to listen" everyone laughed "Not to say he never listens to me, on the contrary" she looked at him "First of all could everyone give themselves a round of applause for keeping this to themselves for the past few months" she stood smiling and clapping at everyone's efforts
"I'll get you all back" Sam told them
"I'm quite emotional today, I know you can't tell,. it's taken nearly 16 years to get this resting bitch face to look good" she smiled at everyone's laughter, she looked down at Sam sat next to her "I feel privileged to finally be here, with you, and our close family and friends" she looked out at the crowd "Thank you all for being here today" she smiled at their parents "To all my sisters in crime, you know who you are" all the women cheered "For helping me to make this day possible"
"Your welcome" Marley called across the room, holding her glass up
"We finally found each other in a storm, one morning on our way to do some Christmas shopping, jumped on the bus and found a way to calm the storm within us, and that's been the theme of our relationship ever since. I don't imagine anyone here, knows how it feels to have planned your entire life out in a week, and then have it all sit on a back burner for 16 years"
"Babe" he grabbed her hand
"When we got pregnant with Asia, or should I say, Mercedes Samantha Jones-Evans" she smiled at her daughter "It was the happiest day of our lives together" she grabbed Sam's hand "I was going to make it in the music industry and sing beautiful memorable ballads, and Sam was going to be a music teacher so he could still do something he loved and be at home so we could have a stable life for our baby" she chuckled "We had such big plans, hold up, that happened for us" she laughed "You're right Dad, we've had so many miracles happen for us, we just know we're smack in the middle of our blessing" she looked at Sam "Because, I still love you with all my heart" her voice broke with the emotion
"And I still love you with all of mine" he got up and hugged her tight
"So could everyone please stand and raise their glasses to the new Mr and Mrs Sam Evans" Ryder stood up smiling, drinking what was left in his glass "Then their dance" he looked at Jake, waiting for Sam and Mercy to take their seats again, this bit of the proceeding, neither of them knew about
The guys singing their version of 'Represent' by August Rigo for their first dance,
All: Do, do, do, do, do, do
Jake: Yeah, let's get something straight baby, you can have it your way baby Grant: Since I been on your wave baby, you been all out on crave baby
Matt: But I need a trade baby, some participation, open the conversation, if we're starting on this relationship
Artie: I can't be on my best behaviour, if you keep making me sit and wait for it
Blaine: All that, that's fact, need you on me, I've got a taste and I don't know if I can take it
Chorus
All (Joe): Baby I want more than a little bit, I need every little bit of it, that's no bluff I'll make every other woman irrelevant I need you to represent for my love
I want every thought, every detail, no other female, makes me feel the way that you do, when you do it baby I want more than a little bit I want every bit of your love
Said I want all, (oh no) said I want all (oh no)
Alex: Tender love and tender kisses all these things that we keep missing out cause you're out her tripping
Ryder: I just wish that you would listen close, close, if you were a bottle of pills, I'd surely overdose
Joe: And if you were liquor I'd drink a case of you and toast every sip I would, savour
Jake: No ice no chaser, drunk off your flavour make me wanna do things. do things. do things
Mike: Put some money down on a new house, new diamond ring
Chorus
All: Girl I ain't begging but I'm just telling you true, when I want loving girl, I want it from you. Girl I ain't begging but I'm just telling you true,
Sam: when I want love, I want it from you
The Four hour reception was coming to the end, Sam was sat next to Mercy with Lathan bouncing on his lap, learning Mercy's parents were taking Asia, Grant, and Lathan, to Ghana the following morning for two weeks, and they were going home to an empty house, to be totally alone for two weeks. They said their farewells to their guests and went home.
"I couldn't believe you two didn't argue about the wedding date harder" Mercy looked up at him, laying across his lap for the ride home
"What Mercy wants…"
"Mercy gets" she laughed
"I've got something for you at home" he stroked her hair off her face "Mrs Evans" laying his head onto the backrest in the car, it had been an eventful holiday. His eyes opening when the car came to a standstill "Mercy" he nudged her to wake up "Babe" he shook her "We're home" they got in and went straight upstairs
"Could you undo me?" she turned her back for him to undo the tiny buttons on her wedding dress
"Before you take that off" he went across the room and took a small box out of the chest of draws "Family tradition tells me, that this has been passed through generations of Jones men" he laughed walking towards her "Obviously you broke the mould" he opened the box "Your Dad insists I give you this one" he slid the large ruby centred ring on her finger
"But I love my wedding ring" she looked at it against the one she'd chosen
"Are you about to go head to head with your Dad?"
"I thought maybe you could do that for me" she gave him her puppy eyes
"There's a line Mrs Evans, it's drawn just over dissing the daddy in law" he laughed "But I think I've finished our song" she sat on the bed waiting, watching him grab his favourite guitar to strum his version of 'Who I love' by Guy Sebastian "It's raw but I think it's ours"
Sam: Look where we've been, life's taken us places, beyond both our dreams
Since we were eighteen, yeah we had each other, didn't matter, what would come our way
I needed you then and I need you today
Yeah you're still what I want, and believe me when I say, you're prettier now
More than when we were crushing, I still get a rush every time that we touch, you're more than enough for me
Both: Ooh, so don't fix yourself, oh cause, nothing is broken, there's no one else, who could even come close,
Yeah, I know, I know you're a beautiful mess, but that's who you are, and that's who I love, I won't let you go,
If you could see the way I see you, you will know, you could never make me love you less
And yeah we're a beautiful mess, but that's who we are, and that's who I love
"And then the bridge goes something like…"
Multi-dimensioned with purest intentions, that's who you are (Who you are, who you are, who you are)
Sent from above, always leading with love, yeah, that's who you are (Who you are, who you are, who you are)
And that's who I love
"I think that might lead into the end, I'm not sure yet" he smiled "So what do you think?"
"That I love the way you see us, that's exactly who we are" she walked over to him, turning for him to undo the buttons
"Do you think you could leave this on, and get in the bathroom"
"Sam"
"One night only, I promise"
The End