We wanna thank you so much for all your reviews and love of our stories Cee and i have so much fun writing these two and giving you these stories. Also wanna send a shout out to whoknowstv for giving us your 800th review!


Sam smiled down at her, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Thank you for giving me more chances than I probably deserve," he told her quietly. His phone buzzed in his pocket and he froze for a moment in worry. But he'd blocked the numbers. Pulling it out of his pocket, his smile returned. "My mom. Dinner's ready," he chuckled.

Mercedes kissed him once more, before nodding. "Sam you are worth it. If you weren't I would have walked away a while ago." His phone rang and she saw his face. He wasn't the only one relieved it was his mom. "Okay let's go I am hungry."

With a grateful smile, Sam took her hand as they walked back to the house. "We're here!" he announced happily as he stepped into the kitchen. "Mercedes, I don't think you've met my dad yet. This is him," he said, laying a hand on his father's shoulder. "Dad, this is... my girlfriend."

Dwight reached his hand out, offering Mercedes a familiar Evans smile. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you. I've heard a lot about you."

Mercedes smiled seeing Sam's dad. They all looked so much alike but Sam and Stevie looked just like their dad. "It's a pleasure to meet you Sir." She said shaking his hand. "I have heard a lot about you as well."

"Oh, please. Call me Dwight. You're making me feel old."

"You are old, Pops," Sam teased, going to the sink to wash his hands.

"Behave," Mary said, swatting Sam's shoulder playfully. "We're eating in the dining room as this is a special occasion. So finish washing up and come on in."

"Okay, Dwight. And pay your son no mind you don't look a day over 30." Mercedes walked to wash her hands as well. "Thank you guys again for letting me stay for dinner,"

Sam looked at Mercedes over his dad's shoulder skeptically. There was sucking up and then there was just lying. He laughed all the same.

"Oh, of course. We've been looking forward to getting to know you," Mary told her as she grabbed a pan to carry into the dining room. "Sammy here's been talking about you non-stop. And it's been very nice to see him so happy."

Mercedes moved to the table. "I am glad I am here to get to know you too. I can see now how Sam and Stevie turned out so wonderful." she watched Mary come carrying a pan. "Would you like my help?"

"You can bring in the potatoes if you like, dear. There's some potholders there so you don't burn yourself."

Sam went to fridge and pulled out a few beers for him and his brother and dad. "You want one, babe? Or we got wine coolers. Or soda, water, juice. The usual." It was the first time he'd called her 'babe' so casually and he found that it felt really nice.

Mercedes grabbed the potholders and picked up the potatoes. "Soda or Lemonade is fine." She said placing the potatoes onto the table.

"Lemonade, yes. What kind of Southern family would we be if we didn't have iced tea or lemonade?" he chuckled to himself as he grabbed the pitcher of it and brought it into the table.

Stevie finished setting the table, smiling at Mercedes as she walked in. "Good to see you," he said, both of them knowing exactly what he meant.

"Good to be seen." She said giving him a knowing smile. "So where should I sit?"

Sam came in and set the drinks on the table before he pulled out a chair for her. "You can sit here next to me... if you like," he told her with a smile.

"Smooth," Stevie commented as he took a seat across from them.

Mercedes took her seat next to Sam and smiled. "Of course I would like." She sat down and looked at his parents. "So how does retirement feel Dwight?"

"I'll let you know when they actually let me do it properly," Dwight jokes. "I'm kidding. I've cut down a lot, mostly for the sake of my back. And these boys have done a wonderful job of things."

"He still sticks his nose in though. I don't think he can help himself," Sam chuckled. "Not that we don't appreciate your vast wealth of knowledge, Pops."

"Well I suppose I have you to thank for Sam and I meeting. And can I just say you guys have the best fruit I have ever had in my life. I think I just about told everyone I know to stop by the fruit stand."

"Well, that's very sweet of you, Mercedes," Dwight told her, patting her hand before he grabbed himself one of the pork chops.

Stevie cleared his throat, setting down his beer bottle. "How's, um... Marley doing? Just out of curiosity."

Mercedes smiled sweetly, before grabbing the potatoes and loading Sam's plate then hers as if it were the most natural thing to do. "Marley is great, still waiting on you to call her. I mean it's been a few weeks Stevie, you might miss your window." She teased as she handing him the potatoes.

Stevie frowned slightly, his brows drawing together. "There's a window?"

"He wonders why he's single," Sam chuckled, smiling as he watched Mercedes' movements. She already looked so comfortable here with his family and it was nice to see.

"Well, I've been busy!" Stevie insisted. "Somebody had to pick up the slack around here."

"Stevie that just means that she might get the impression you don't like her or want to date her. Just text her and say hi, send her some fruit with a sweet note. Something to tell her that you like her. Marls is such a sweet girl, I think she is perfect for you."

"I don't know, you really wanna do that to her?" Sam teased.

Stevie nodded along with Mercedes' suggestion. He could definitely do that. He stopped and narrowed his eyes across the table at his brother. "You really want me to reply to that?"

Sam's smile disappeared and he swallowed. "I'll stop talking now." He wasn't exactly guilt free when it came to putting women through stuff lately.

Mercedes looked at the brothers and smile. "You guys are amazing. I love how you guys are together. But honestly, sometimes the best thing to do is to be honest."

"Thankfully, I have the least amount of baggage in this family," Stevie reasoned, quite pleased with himself.

"You're still young," Sam reminded him with a laugh. "I'm sure she'll like you just fine though."

Mercedes frowned looking down to her plate at the mention of baggage. She knew all about it as she was dealing with his baggage now.

Sam shot his brother a look before he leaned over and pressed a kiss to her temple.

"So... Mercedes," Dwight spoke up, deciding it was most definitely needed. "Sammy tells me you're a lawyer? The nicest one I've ever met, that's for certain."

Looking up at Dwight she nodded. "Yes Sir. I am a Jr. Partner at my firm." She said proudly. "I think I am pretty good at it."

"She's amazing at it," Sam added. "She's helped so many people. I met one the other day and he couldn't say enough great things about her. She blows me away." He looked at her with a soft smile and caring eyes.

Mercedes blushed looking at Sam and then down casting her eyes to her plate. "Everyone needs someone in their corner. I am lucky enough to be that person for a lot of people."

"And now I'm lucky enough to be one of those people," Sam told her, glancing over at her with a smile.

"It's been very nice to hear the stories that Sammy's shared with us," Mary told her. "And it's always nice to see a woman go after her passion. That's exactly what I taught my daughter."

Mercedes blushed at Sam's words. She turned towards Mary. "My mom told me it was important, that no matter what I wanted to do, I needed to make sure I use my voice for good. To make sure I help more than hurt. And I would like to think I accomplished that."

"She sounds like a very smart woman," Mary said fondly. "And I can see she raised another one. But girls were always easier," she added with a teasing smile at her sons.

Mercedes beamed. "Thank you, maybe one day when she and my dad come out here you guys can meet them." Mercedes laughed. "I heard that too. My mom said my brothers were a handful. And being the only girl and the youngest they were and still are very over protective."

"Oh, we'd love that," Mary told her sincerely. "They're welcome here anytime. We could have a cookout!"

"Oh dear, she's gone into party planning mode," Sam laughed. "It may take awhile to get her back. And, for the record, that's in the brother handbook. Trust me, I've read it."

Mercedes nodded. "Well they promised to come up around the Holidays. My brothers too. I really think they would love the ranch." Mercedes looked at Sam. "Yeah well you say that now, wait till you have two linebackers staring you down. I mean one of them is a literal linebacker for the NFL..."

Sam practically choked on his food. "Wha- why are we just sharing this information?"

Stevie just threw his head back and laughed. "Oh, please, have them come here. For me. Please."

Mercedes looked at Sam. "We never really discussed my siblings. I told you I had two brothers though." Taking a sip from her drink she laughed at Stevie. "You don't even know what team Mac plays for."

"Oh, I don't care," Stevie told her. "I just wanna watch him scare Sam."

Sam coughed a couple more times and patted his own chest. "I remember the two parts. I just didn't know about the huge part," he chuckled.

Mercedes took Sam's hands. "Mac may be huge and he may play for the Chiefs but he is a great big brother who will see that I care about you. And bug may be a Plastic Surgeon who has done some MMA fighting who will too...though you should just call them Marcus and Matthew cause Mac and Bug is just reserved for me." She looked to his parents and back to him. "Would now be a good time to tell you that we have box tickets for the Titans/Chiefs game on November 10th?"

"Oh, yeah, Bug. I remember that was... wait, MMA?!" Sam coughed again, taking a long pull from his beer bottle. He was also a little scared he was gonna accidentally call him Bug now. He glanced over his shoulder and back at Mercedes. "Us as in... you and me?" he asked quietly, gesturing between them with a finger.

Mercedes shook her head. "It was a phase he was rebelling against his education or whatnot. It didn't last very long." As Sam's question she nodded. "Yes as in me and you, and your family if they wanna come. I usually take Marls and some of the kids I help out...but Mac rents out the entire box for me and I never can fill it."

Stevie slapped both of his hands on the table in shock, what with his mouth still being full.

"Swallow your food, son," Dwight told him. "And we would love to join you."

Stevie swallowed and finally spoke. "Shut the front door! Did you just invite me to an NFL game where there will also be a pretty girl?"

Sam was still a little distracted by the fact that Mercedes' brothers could probably kill him without breaking a sweat, but this was pretty exciting news.

Mercedes smiled. "I was trying to tell you guys earlier but I mean this works too. I can promise great company and really good food. He spoils me more than I wish he would but you don't tell Mac no... I tried once he did not like it." She laughed. "But I am glad you guys are coming. Glad you get to meet my brothers."

"Even though I'm still scared... I'm very excited to meet them too," Sam told her sincerely.

"If I wear my Titans jersey, will he punch me?" Stevie curiously

Mercedes giggled covering her mouth. "No Stevie he won't punch you. But I will be wearing Mac's Jersey its tradition."

"I think the better question is if I kiss his sister will he punch me?" Sam pointed out.

"Yeah, but that doesn't involve me getting punched, so... not really a big concern for me" Stevie replied with a grin.

"You won't get punched Sam. They are both gonna love you. I promise."

"That's good. Cause it's not fun," Sam declared, rubbing gently at his side.

His mother raised a curious eyebrow at him, but remained silent on the matter for the time being. "It's very kind of you to invite us, Mercedes. I'm looking forward to it. But please let them know they're welcome here for a home cooked meal as well if they're interested."

Mercedes nodded. "Yes, I will let them know but I should warn you they can eat you out of house and home if you let them. They are greedy people." She said honestly.

"Oh, I'm aware of the problem," Mary assured her, glancing at Stevie as he stuffed two large pieces of potato in his mouth at once. "Luckily, we have fields of fresh food growing around here."

Mercedes laughed. "Yeah I can see you are used to it. I will let them know. And also tell them to be on their best behavior." She glanced over at Sam and smiled softly. "They will love you I am certain. So don't freak."

Sam felt something deep inside his chest and it almost came out, but he remembered he was surrounded by his family and stopped himself for the time being. Instead he just smiled and kissed her cheek. "I can handle it. You're worth it."

"You should know that I don't just introduce anyone to my family. And you are the only guy I have dated that gets to go to a game with me. I don't let people know about Mac cause they all seem to think I can get them different things." She took a bite of her food. "And in all this talk I didn't get to tell you how amazing this meal is Mary it's so good."

Sam frowned a little at the thought of people using her like that. The thought honestly hadn't even come to his mind. He just hoped her family felt he was good enough for her, no matter who they were.

Mary beamed and gave a little wave of her hand. "Oh, thank you, dear. Cooking has always been a love of mine. And I'd say this table is where we've made some of our best memories."

Mercedes smiled. "My mom couldn't cook to save her life, but there was always love at our table. So I get that. I always wanted to learn how to cook like big family style meals. But I never had the time...or well never made the time." She looked down to her plate.

"Well, you're welcome in our kitchen any time. I always loved cooking with my kids," Mary told her. "I'd be happy to teach you as best I can."

Mercedes was plenty embarrassed never have learned to cook, her parents were more focused on them doing other things but hearing Mary she smiled brightly. "Thank you Mary that, that means so much."

They finished dinner and Sam wiped his face one last time with his napkin before setting it on the table. "I promise I'm not trying to get out of clean up duty, but do you mind if Cedes and I go for a walk?"

"Go ahead, son. I'll take care of the dishes," Dwight told him, waving him off. "Enjoy the beautiful night."

Mercedes cleaned up as much as she could before thanking the Evans and following Sam out of the house. She looked at him. "I hope I didn't freak you out about my brothers. I tend to forget how intimidating they can be."

Sam took her hand in his and walked slowly towards the fields. He offered her a reassuring smile. "Nah, it's all good. I mean, I do hope they like me, but you liking me is kind of my highest priority."

Linking her hand in his she nodded. "Well then you have nothing to worry about because i do really like you." She looked down at his hands. "I am falling for you pretty hard Sam."

Sam licked his lips slowly as they walked, his thumb brushing back and forth across the back of her hand. "That's actually... why I wanted to be alone for a while."

Mercedes looked at him and tilted her head. "You did? What's on your mind?"

"During dinner, seeing you be with my family and talking about meeting yours... it just felt really... right," Sam mused as they walked. "And I know we've already been through so much shit and I'm still so sorry about that. But all of that, it just made me realize what's important in my life." He stopped walking and took her other hand too, letting their linked hands hang between them. "And that's you. I love you, Cedes. I want you to know that."

Mercedes stopped walking and looked at him. "You what?" Surely she had been hearing things. It had only been a few months how could he know? But she knew he knew the same way she knew.

A small smile appeared on Sam's face due to the look she gave him. He brought one of her hands up to his lips. "I love you. No pressure for a response, I promise. I just want you to know."

"How can-..." She stopped talking and looked out into the distance. "How can you know? That you love me? Is it just love or are you in love with me? I am sorry I just have to know."

Sam let out a slightly nervous chuckle and shrugged. "I guess I haven't analyzed it that deeply," he admitted. He took a moment and let his thoughts settle. "I guess... I love you and I'm... falling in love with you. And is there anyone who can answer the question of how you know something like that? I just do."

Mercedes nodded. She leaned into him pulling his head down to her. "I am falling in love with you too Sam. You are everything and more than I ever thought I deserved."

Sam let out a soft sigh of relief. He really wasn't pressuring her to give a reply back, but he was also really hoping his words didn't cause her to turn tail and run from him. His hands went to her waist and he pressed his lips to hers gently.

Mercedes kissed him back, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Is it crazy that every time you kiss me I feel it deep within and just need more."

Sam smiled, his face still close to hers. "Not crazy. I'm pretty sure that's just called desire, babe," he told her as his arms wrapped around, his hands pressed to the small of her back.

"Well then I guess you should know that I truly desire you Sam."

"Believe me, the feeling's mutual." He buried his face against her neck and let out a small moan. He wanted her more than he could begin to explain, wanted to wake up with her in his arms and forget the rest of the world existed for just a little while. But he could be patient.

She smiled as he buried his face in her neck. She held him closer for a moment and then lifted his lips back to hers. She kissed him deeply, hands going to the nape of his neck, tongue pushing through his lips needing more of him.

Sam pulled her body against his, his fingers slipping beneath her shirt and pressing into the skin of her back. He gasped against her mouth at the way she made him feel. "Stay with me tonight?" he asked in a whisper.

Shivering at his touch she licked her lips, wanting nothing more than to do just that. "I don't have a change of clothes... but okay." She whispered back against his lips.

"I'm sure we can find you something," Sam assured her. He just didn't want to let her go right now. He couldn't. "I wanna wake up with you beside me."

"You have me Sam." She kissed him once more. "Just make sure your parents are okay with me staying over." She tisked. "Having a girl in your room...scandalous Sam." she said with a smile.

"I'm 27 years old," Sam laughed, shaking his head. "But if it'll make you feel better, I'll ask my mom for permission," he teased, lifting her up into the air for just a moment.

"I was teasing. I just can't wait to wake up in your arms." He lifted her and she laughed nipping at his neck. "Yummy."

"Don't be too eager. There's plenty of fun to be had before we get there," Sam told her with a little grin. He hissed slightly as he set her back down. Clearing his throat, he glanced over his shoulder. "Would you like to see the pumpkin patch? The season is upon us."

"Mmmm if you say so." She nodded holding out her hand. "I would love to see it. Does this mean I can pick out a pumpkin of my own?"

Taking her hand again, he started leading her in that direction. "If you want, of course you can," he told her, swinging their arms gently. "You'll have to find a day to come down on one of the weekends this month. We do the whole shebang. Pumpkin patch, hayrides, kid's activities. My favorite time of year."

"You had me at hayride! I am here, if you need help I can do it. I used to help out when our community center did it back home." She kissed his cheek. "I love that you are sharing this with me."

"We do have a staff, but I'm sure they won't turn down an extra pair of hands if you wanna help out," Sam told her, smiling at her kiss. "I want you to be part of my life. And this... this is my life."

"I love your life Sam. From the horses to the chickens I am here for all of it."

"I don't know. The chickens are kinda assholes," Sam laughed as they came up on the pumpkin patch. "But you can't beat this view."

Mercedes laughed. "Really? Do I even wanna meet them then?" She looked out past the pumpkin patch and smiled. "Wow Sam you were not kidding."

"Probably not," Sam admitted, still smiling as he rested his arm around her shoulders and took it in himself. "Beautiful, isn't it? I know we're just some random farm in the middle of Tennessee and there's all kindsa natural wonders out there, but this will always have a special place in my heart."

She turned to look at him. "Ever kissed a beautiful woman you loved in such a beautiful spot?"

Sam was pretty sure she didn't want a real answer to that. He held her chin gently with his fingers and smiled down at her. "None like you, Cedes," he told her honestly, leaning down to do just as she'd asked.

She smiled kissing him back and wrapping her arms around his shoulders. Pulling him closer to her she placed her forehead against his. "This is a perfect moment."

"Then I'm real glad I could be a part of it." Sam wrapped his arms around her waist and slowly swayed back and forth with her, not caring in the least that there wasn't actually any music.

As they started to the non existing music. Mercedes held Sam closely, head laying on his shoulder enjoying this moment of them and no one else.

Sam rested his head against hers comfortably and just held her as they moved. This was it. This was what he wanted, what he imagined when he dreamt of falling in love the right way. "Maybe you should pick out a pumpkin tomorrow when it's not dark out," he suggested with a little chuckle.

She laughed still rocking with him. "I think you are right, right now all I want is to be in your arms and feel your touch."

Sam made a happy little sound at that idea and pressed a kiss to the top of her head. He started humming softly as they swayed.

She closed her eyes, listening to Sam hum, it was a familiar song and she found herself humming along with him.

Sam didn't want the moment to end, but he could feel the chill filling the autumn night. "Why don't we go back to my room?"

She nodded snuggling closer to him. "I would like that." She took one last look out into the beautiful distance before taking his hand and walking back with him to the house.

Sam slipped into the house as quietly as he could. He could hear the tv on in the living room and saw the backs of his parents' heads as they slipped by. Stevie's bedroom door was already shut tight as they moved to his room. "I can get you a t-shirt and some shorts to sleep in."

Having never snuck into anyone's room before, Mercedes giggled to herself. She entered his room and nodded as she took the place in. "That would be good. Thank you."

Sam dug something out of his dresser and handed it over to her. "I can, um... step out or turn around if you want," he offered quietly.

Mercedes smiled. "Always the gentleman. If you can point me to the bathroom I can do it in there."

"Yeah, it's at the end of the hallway," Sam told her, watching her go. He couldn't deny that he wished she'd stayed, that he could've just laid his eyes on her. Going without sex was a lot easier when you threw yourself into your work 24/7. But now he had this beautiful woman in his arms that he was falling in love with and he was going a little crazy. He looked at himself in the mirror as he got changed. "Don't be a dick, Evans. And speaking of dicks, stop thinking with yours," he instructed himself.