Disclaimer: I own nothing but the mistakes as always. Thank you for reading, reviewing, and/or following and favoriting this story. Yesterday I shopped way too much and had time with my family via phone but time well spent, so I had no time for proofing and posting this chapter. This is the end. The first two versions of "Endless Love" is by the originals and the version at the very end is Luther Vandross and Mariah Carey's version.

Chapter 16

Sam

I unlocked the door to my house. I'd been at the gym since seven a.m. helping prepare for the ball. The gym really went all out for the event, but after all, it wasn't just a celebration. The gym was using their ten-year celebration ball as a fundraiser. The members of the gym were able to donate different tiers of money to participate in the ball. All proceeds were going to Healthy Heart Beats, an organization that raised awareness about heart disease and prevention.

I only had an hour and a half to get ready and get over to pick Cede up. I couldn't shake the anxious feeling that had been plaguing me since I woke up that morning. This was more than a ball to me, and my mind wouldn't let me forget it.

I made quick work of showering. I added product to my hair and styled it in a way I'd seen some of the guys in GQ magazine do. I'd sprung for a new suit and a purple tie. Tina told me the color of Cede's gown, so we could match. I gave myself a once over in the mirror and noticed the hint of a smile was there. I was taking Cede, my love, to the ball. I was a lucky bastard, and I knew it. In the words of Hamilton, 'I was not going to throw away my shot.'

Standing in front of Mercedes's door I straightened my tie. I brought my hand up to my hair to be sure that it was still in place. Really, I was wasting time. My nerves were at an all-time high. Reaching my hand up I knocked before I had any more time to sit and contemplate. There were footsteps scurrying around on the other side of the door. Then the door was being opened and my breath was stolen.

My heart didn't know what hit it. Cede's curves were covered in a purple dress that hugged her in all the right places. Her hair was straightened and her normally tight curls were replaced with loose curls flowing past her shoulder blades. Her eyes were accentuated by the gold makeup she'd chosen to wear. She was breathtakingly beautiful.

"Hey, is everything ok?" I heard her ask me.

I blinked my eyes to clear my mind enough to answer. "Y-yeah, everything's great. More than great. You look so gorgeous."

She looked up at me through thick lashes and said, "Thank you. You look very handsome as well."

I stepped toward her needing to touch her. I bent down to place a kiss on her cheek. To my surprise, she turned her head and my lips landed on hers. Unable to stop myself I deepened the kiss. She wrapped her hands around my waist and hugged me to her body. Just as quickly as it started it was over. She pulled back and looked up at me.

"We better get going. Let me grab my bag."

A few seconds later she returned with the small bag in tow. She locked up, and I escorted her to my car.

When we arrived at the ball, there were already quite a few people there. I offered her my elbow and led her into the building. Mercedes gasped when she took in the gym that had been turned into a ballroom. Her eyes darted around the space taking it all in.

"Wow, they really transformed this space. I can't believe they were able to do all of this with a gym."

"Trust me, it took hours. I was here at seven a.m. helping set stuff up."

Mercedes turned toward me and placed her hands on my chest.

"Well, you did a fabulous job. Maybe you have a future career in party planning and decorating?" She giggled at that.

"Hell no, the lady who coordinated most of this was running around like a mad woman barking orders saying that everything had to be perfect. Too much stress. I was mostly here for the heavy lifting." I said winking at her.

"I just bet you were."

Most everyone had drinks in their hands and were mingling. There were trays with hors d'oeuvres going around.

"Would you like to get a drink?" I leaned down and asked in her ear. I felt a subtle shiver run through her body.

"Sure."

I grabbed her hand and led her to the bar.

"What would you like, sweetheart?"

"I'll take a glass of red wine, please."

We walked around and spoke with some of my coworkers and clients until dinner started. We sat at a table full of my co-workers. Mercedes fit right in. She was animated when speaking with some of them about their websites and ideas they could incorporate. She even gave a few of them her business cards and bagged them as potential clients.

After the dinner plates were cleared, music began to play over the speakers that had been set up around the gym. It sounded like an old song from the eighties. I didn't care what it was just that it was slow. Mercedes was in the middle of a conversation with one of the female trainers at the gym when I lightly grabbed her hand. She looked over her shoulder at me and smiled.

"Would you like to dance?"

Her smile widened, and she nodded her head yes. She turned back to the other woman to let her know she was going to dance, and that it was a pleasure to speak to her. Then she turned back to me. I helped her from her chair and guided her to the dance floor. She placed her hands on my shoulders as I wrapped my arms around her waist.

She rested her head against my chest as we swayed to the music When I looked down at her, her eyes were closed. She looked peaceful. Like that was the only place she wanted to be. I wanted her to always feel that way with me from now until forever. I loved her more than I knew it was possible to love someone.

I rested my head on top of hers enjoying the smell of her.

"I love you," I whispered.

We stayed like that in each other's arms swaying to the music talking about an endless love. For just a while it felt like we were in our own little world. There were no outside problems or interferences. Just the two of us, together.

Far too quickly the music died down and someone started speaking over the microphone. My heart started beating quickly in my chest. I counted slowly to ten and then back down to one in an attempt to calm my nerves. This was the portion of the night where the top donors would be recognized and speeches would be given. That also meant it was almost my turn. I'd prepared over and over in my head but that didn't change the fact that I was scared out of my mind.

We took our seats and listened to the line of speakers. The fundraiser was a success and a nice amount of donations had been raised. I zoned out for much of the speeches. I was too distracted by my own speech to focus on anything else. Cede reached over to start rubbing my back and asked if I was ok. She must have sensed my anxiety. I gave her a weak smile and nodded.

"Next we have a word from one of our personal trainers here at the gym, Sam Evans."

Hearing my name pulled me from my thoughts. I looked at Cede and she quirked an eyebrow at me. I mouthed I love you to her before getting up and going to the podium. I focused on taking slow and steady breaths as I approached. This would by far be the most important speech of my life.

Mercedes

My eyes followed Sam as he made his way to the front. He hadn't mentioned being a speaker, but maybe it wasn't a big deal since he was an employee. There was a slight sheen on his forehead. Maybe he didn't like public speaking. I didn't take him for the type to be afraid to talk in front of people considering he instructed fitness classes.

The microphone screeched when Sam adjusted it to his height, he winced. His eyes landed on me and he smiled before starting his speech.

"Hello everyone, my name's Sam. It's great to see you all here to celebrate our ten-year anniversary, but also such a great cause. At our gym, we focus on more than weight-loss and physiques. We focus on helping people live healthier lifestyles."

Sam took a sip of the bottle of water that was given to him at the beginning of the speech.

"This year I had the opportunity to help someone very special. When I met this client, I knew that she was different. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate all my clients and put my best foot forward when it comes to helping them. It's just this particular client captivated me from the first time I saw her. She was the most beautiful woman I'd ever set eyes on. So much so that for the first time I risked my professional integrity and gave her my number."

Sam's eyes bore into mine. I couldn't blink, couldn't think, I wasn't even sure how I was breathing.

"That client turned into more than that. She turned into my best friend, my confidant, the best thing that ever happened to me. My love."

Sam broke eye contact with me and looked down on the ground. His shoulder slumped as he continued.

"Being a stupid man, I pushed her away. I didn't trust her when she was truly one of the few people in the world that were looking out for me and wanted what was best for me. She only ever wanted me to be safe and happy. I was too blinded by my insecurities and a stupid hero complex to see the truth, so I pushed her away."

The room was silent. The room was hanging on his every word just as much as I was. His coworkers kept glancing at me gauging my reaction. Mine had to be a mix of shock and bewilderment. This was certainly not the speech I had been expecting.

"Then by the higher power that be or by some miracle from Him, she agreed to spend time with me as friends again. I've even been so lucky that she agreed to join me at this ball tonight. Mercedes, I hate to put you on the spot, but can you please come up here a second?"

One of the girls that Sam worked with nudged me because apparently, my feet had decided they didn't know how to move. I shook my head no, not wanting all that attention on me, but he made a 'come here' gesture with his hands. He looked vulnerable. A man came over and took my elbow helping me up and escorting me to the podium.

When we reached the front Sam reached his hand out to me. My hand was trembling as I placed it in his. His smile was so sweet. I was too nervous to return it. I chanced a glance around the room and all eyes were on us. I wouldn't consider myself a shy person, but all those eyes on us had my legs feeling weak. Sam turned his whole body to face me.

"Mercedes I was a complete idiot. I chose to ignore your affection and kindness. I was too blinded by pain and the need to save someone that wasn't ready to be saved. In the process, I hurt you. You are the first woman I've ever opened up to about my past. You are the first woman that I've ever imagined what my future could be like with. You are the first woman I've truly allowed myself to love. I know sorry isn't enough to make up for the hurt I caused you, but I am so sorry. I'm committed to spending each and every day showing you how sorry I am and how much I love you. How much I really need you."

The emotions of the whole situation took over. I hated crying in front of people, but the tears were flowing freely. Someone placed a tissue in my free hand. I dabbed at my eyes knowing it was no use.

"I know that I said I'd try to just be your friend, but I can't do that anymore. I want to be your lover, your friend, your everything. Mercedes, I know I don't deserve it but please give me another chance to prove my devotion to us."

Sam placed the microphone back on the podium. He grabbed my free hand with his and pulled me into him.

"Do you think you can ever forgive me Cede and move forward together?"

I buried my head into his chest overwhelmed by emotions. I did love him so much. He'd hurt me, but unlike Anthony, he thought he was doing what was right for his family. Anthony had just been a jerk that wanted his cake and to eat it too. The time Sam and I were apart had truly sucked. At times I wanted to die because of the pain. No matter how much I tried to get him out of my system, he was still always there. I imagined he always would be.

I nodded my head against his chest. His hands captured the sides of my face and he lifted my face to look at his.

"Is that a yes?"

"Yes," I replied, barely able to get the word out.

His arms encased my body, and he began to kiss me as he spun me around. Much to my surprise, I giggled. When he placed me firmly back on the ground, his smile was magnificent.

"I love you so much, Cede. Thank you so much for not giving up on me. You are the single greatest gift that has ever come into my life. I'm so thankful for you."

"I love you too Sam. Don't blow it this time. I'll be holding you to your word. And we are going to have to talk about your sisters and set parameters in our relationship. You will have to know what I will take and not take. This is your final chance with me."

"I'd expect nothing less. Let's get out of here, okay?"

"Don't you need to stay until the end since it's your work event?"

He dipped his forehead to touch mine.

"Somehow I think they will understand if I leave early."

"Good, because I'm done being the center of attention for one day. I should have made you sweat before giving you my answer after that stunt you just 't ever do anything like that again. I was mortified."

"You can make me sweat alright." He winked at me. His mind was in the gutter not listening to everything I said, just the sweat part.

He reached for my hand and started to pull me toward the door. An applause erupted from the crowd and a few cat whistles sounded as well. Sam gave a salute as we slipped out of the door into the night.

"Where are we going?" I asked Sam when I realized he wasn't taking me back to my place.

"Home," was all he answered.

When we pulled into his driveway, I wasn't surprised. We didn't talk on the way to the door or while he opened it. As soon as it was shut he had me against it kissing and touching my most intimate places. He took his time worshiping every part of me. Showing me just how much he'd missed me.

Sam wasted no time lifting my dress up and over my head. His hands were back on me grazing every part of my body. He wrapped his arms around my back and unlatched my bra. My bare nipples now up and at attention anticipating his touch. He didn't disappoint. His head dipped down as he alternated sucking and licking each nipple.

My back arched against the door. I reached down to his pants trying to unbuckle them so I could stroke his hard length.

"Here, let me help," he said around my nipple.

Without stopping his delicious torture to my breasts he reached down and made quick work of unbuttoning his pants They dropped down around his ankles.

"You still have too many clothes on too. Let me help you with that."

He pulled my panties down my legs to the floor. His face was level with my sex. He ran a finger through my slit.

"You're so wet, Mercedes. Is this all for me?"

He smiled up at me as he placed his finger in his mouth and sucked it dry.

"Mmm, delectable."

My hands went to his hair trying to pull him up. "Please Sam, I'm aching for you."

"Not so fast sweetheart. Now that I had a taste I need the whole don't know how much I missed tasting you. I could live off of your honey baby."

He buried his face in my mound and ran his tongue over my clit."

My knees buckled. "Oh, hell," I gasped.

This egged him on. He continued to lick and suck until I felt like I was going to explode.

"Oh my gosh, that feels so good."

"I know something that's going to feel even better."

Before I knew what was happening, he was back on his feet.

"Wrap your leg around me, baby."

He grabbed my left thigh and guided it around his hip. He positioned himself at my center.

"I'm not going to be able to go slow this time, Cede. I need you too badly right now."

"I don't want you to go slow."

He entered into me with one thrust. A groan came from deep in his throat.

"Damn it, you feel even better than I remember."

I licked my lips loving the way I was able to make him feel.

He pulled back out and plunged back in, in a steady rhythm. My head fell back against the door as I took all that he gave. His tongue licked up my neck to my mouth where he kissed me hard and deep.

His thrust sped up and I could feel my orgasm building. His steady thrusts became more frantic until I heard myself scream out.

"That's right, sing for me, sweetheart."

Moments later Sam let out a curse and collapsed against me.

After the most intense lovemaking, I'd ever experienced we cuddled up on his couch. He stroked his hand over my hip as my head laid on his shoulder. I felt complete peace and satisfaction.

"This is exactly how I want to end every day. With you right by my side," Sam said.

"I think I could get used to this too."

"You better, love because there is no way I'm letting you go again. You're my forever."

Epilogue

Those all too familiar butterflies were fluttering in my stomach. That was my body's natural reaction every time I saw him. Some say that feeling doesn't last forever, but for me, I prayed that it did.

"You ready Sweet Cede?"

I moved my eyes from my reflection over my shoulder to my dad.

"More than ready."

Four months after Sam poured his heart out at the ball he asked me to move in with him. Things had been going great since we'd gotten back together and taking the next step seemed natural. We had talked about Stace. How we would deal with her as a team if she came around again. How he would listen to me and respect my opinion and allow Dwight to be her main support. Although Sam loved his sister, he would never allow her to move in again and take advantage because relapse was a part of any recovery. When I knew I could trust him after two short months later after living together, he was down on one knee proposing to me.

He told me he'd had to stay late one night at the gym due to some audit the next day. He asked if I'd be able to bring him dinner since he wouldn't be able to leave for a while. I ran out in my pajamas to deliver his food.

When I got there most of the lights were out. I sent Sam a text to let me in. One of his co-workers ended up opening the door for me. They told me he was in the gym. When I walked in the same slow song "Endless Love" we danced to while we were at the ball was playing. He was dressed in a tuxedo and held a single red rose.

'What's going on?" I asked him.

He came to stand in front of me taking the food and replacing it with the rose.

"I just wanted to dance with my girl. May I have this dance?" He held his hand out. I placed mine in his still unsure of what was going on.

"You look lovely tonight."

I laughed at his omission. "I'm in my pajamas. I hardly look like much of anything right now."

"It doesn't matter what you wear, you always look good to me."

"You're just saying that because you want to get me naked," I joked.

He laughed, "I'm always down with a little naked time with you." His face took on a serious expression. "What I want is something a little deeper."

He moved back from me and dropped to one knee.

"Mercedes, I would love it if you would spend the rest of your days with me. I love you, and have experienced life without you knowing that I never want to be without your presence. You are my heart's beat. I will promise to always make you feel as treasured, loved, and necessary as you are to me right now forever. Will you marry me, my one endless love?"

I cried uncontrollably. Of course, I said yes, which led us to today.

My dad crooked his elbow out for me and I slipped my arm into his. We made our way down the hall and to the closed doors that led to the ballroom. The sound of my favorite love ballad started to play over the speaker. A few moments later the doors were opened and everyone stood up. My eyes scanned the room. I was overwhelmed by a number of people that came to support us on our special day.

My dad and slowly down the aisle. I smiled as I passed each row. When I looked up front, I saw my future staring right back at me. His smile was contagious, and I returned it with one of my own. As we reached the front row, I saw my stepmother sitting next to my brother. My brother who had reached out to me by email, and we had been reunited with our father not caring what the hell my stepmother thought. Our relationship with her was still strained, but Sam was always there to back me up when it came to her. She accepted the fact that Sam and I were getting married. She'd even been threatened by my father with him leaving her if she said or did anything to my brother or me that made us uncomfortable or hurt that he would legally separate from her. This threat kept her mouth and her ill behavior towards us under control.

"Who gives this woman away?" The pastor asked.

"I her father do." My father placed a kiss on my cheek and gave me a hug before passing my hand over to Sam.

I handed my bouquet to Tina, my maid of honor and only witness. I turned back to Sam and smiled at Uncle Dwight over his shoulder. When Sam asked Uncle Dwight to be his best man, the older man had teared up. So did Sam, but neither one of them would admit to it.

"You look so beautiful, Mercedes. I'm the luckiest man in the world because I get to spend the rest of life with you," he said so only I could hear. Then we shared a microphone and sang to each other "Endless Love" which had become our song. I couldn't stop the tears flowing from my eyes as Uncle Dwight appeared shocked as if he was hearing Sam sing for the first time. Sam had sung the song enough to me since we had reunited that he was good in putting in his own version of what I called Lutherisms. Most people would not believe that my white boy could not be put the shame on this iconic song.

After we finished singing to each other, my pastor went through the rest of the ceremony. It felt like it went by in a blur. I was wrapped up in Sam's gaze. Sometimes looks and body language can say more than words, and in a room full of people we had our own private conversation. I did tune in when he announced us man and wife and told Sam he could kiss the bride. He promptly wrapped me in his arms and dipped me, kissing me senseless.

When he tilted me back up, he was grinning. "I love you so freaking much, Mrs. Evans and I am so glad that you trust me with your heart. We are truly two hearts that beat as one."

"I love you, too, Mr. Evans for forever. You are my endless love."