Mercedes drove Sam to the ranch as soon as she could. By the time she arrived she could see Stevie and Stacey in a panic.

"Doc Baker's looking at her," Stevie told Sam as he hurried over once he'd jumped out of the car. "I couldn't get her to stand up, but all her legs seem fine. So I don't know what's going on."

Mercedes frowned. She didn't know much about horses but knew they almost always stood. "Can I do anything?"

Stevie just shrugged, wringing his hands in front of him. "Thanks for bringing him home."

"Let me talk to the doc, okay?" Sam said, walking into the barn.

Dr. Baker looked up from the floor of the stall. "Hey there, Sammy. Long time no see. Wish these weren't the circumstances."

Mercedes looked at Stevie. "He wouldn't have stayed away and I wouldn't either. "

Sam crossed his arms over his chest and spread his feet shoulder length apart as he looked down at the horse. "What's ailing her?"

"Well... I hate to say this, but it seems she ingested some pesticides," Dr. Baker told him. "I'm gonna have to give her a charcoal slurry and some laxatives and hope we can flush it all out."

"But we don't spray our horse pastures," Sam insisted, shaking his head. "Ever. You know how we run this farm, doc."

Mercedes overheard the Doctor and Sam and she got a really bad feeling about what was going on. Looking around she saw a car in the distance but the moment she saw it is sped off. "Something isn't right here." She said more to herself than anyone else.

"We didn't spray them," Stevie reiterated, both to the doctor and Sam.

"I know, bud," Sam assured him, running a hand through his hair. He turned around at the sound of Mercedes' voice. "What do you mean?"

Mercedes looked back at Sam from where she was staring. "Sorry I just... none of this sounds right. And I just saw a car that was parked over there speed away. I think your gut was right Sam, someone is doing this to your farm."

Sam looked out toward where she was pointing and chewed at his bottom lip. The fence might've been an angry Andy, but he couldn't see his former friend doing something of this level. The guy loved horses. "Stevie, call Blaze. Have him come down here. I'll grab the charcoal and the hose." He stopped and took Mercedes' hand. "Could you do me a huge favor and go check on my parents?"

Mercedes nodded with a sigh. "Ummm yeah I can go see them." She said. She felt like Sam was just trying to get rid of her but she would do whatever she could to help. Heading into the house she smiled. "Anyone home?"

Mary turned from her spot at the kitchen sink and smiled. "Oh hi, darling. Welcome home." She went over to Mercedes and wrapped her up in a hug. "I am sorry your weekend away seems to have come to such a crazy ending."

Mercedes hugged the older woman back and smiled. "I am sorry it's taken a turn too. How are you guys holding up?"

"Oh, we're holding up. Dwight's gone on to bed," Mary explained. "But I wanted to finish the dishes up and make sure the boys were alright. And now I wanna hear about the good parts of your weekend."

Mercedes nodded. "I can help you with those." Mercedes said moving close. "And the weekend was amazing. Romantic, fun. But I feel so bad that Sam had to come home to this."

"Oh thank you, dear." Mary moved to start putting away some of the dry ones. "That sounds lovely. I know Sammy was so excited to see the ocean. And I know, but isn't that just how work always goes. Trying to ruin your good time."

Mercedes washed the other dishes. "I think we are gonna make a habit of trying to go somewhere like that...I also might have asked him to consider living with me..."

Mary turned and rested a hand on Mercedes' arm. "Oh, please tell me he said yes."

Mercedes blushed. "He did. We are going to start looking for somewhere between here and my place."

"That's wonderful. I mean, don't get me wrong, I love my boys. You know I do," Mary insisted. "But Dwight have always hoped for some... empty nest time you could say."

Mercedes smirked. "Well I mean get yours moma evans!"

Mary laughed, shaking her head. "Hey, feel free to take Stevie along with ya."

Mercedes laughed.. "You raised some really fine boys, and Stacey is amazing too."

"Yes, and she left all on her own." Mary turned to Mercedes and laughed. "I tease. They're all wonderful kids and I'm lucky to call them my own. And now you can call one of them your own too."

Mercedes nodded. "I want too I really do. I can see forever with your son. I mean if he will have me."

"I have no doubt he will," Mary assured her.

The screen door fell shut and heavy footsteps came up behind them. "Excuse my languages, Mrs. E, but horse shit is possibly one of my least favorite things about this here please." He looked over to Mercedes with a knowing smile. "Oh, I've heard about you. Name's Blaze. So nice to meet ya." He held his hand out before pulling it back. "Best wash those first."

"Will you keep it down? Dwight's gone to bed."

Sam didn't do that guy justice. Blaze was loud and out there but she could see why they were friends. "I have heard about you too. Nice to meet you." Merecedes moved from the sink she just drained. "Sinks all yours."

"Thank you muchly. And so sorry, Mrs. E," Blaze added with the loudest whisper ever. He moved to the sink to wash off his hands.

"How's Laverne doing?" Mary asked.

"Looks like she's gonna pull through. A lot of stuff has come out of her though, I gotta say. Was not planning on seeing all that tonight," Blaze admitted with a shake of his head.

"I still can't believe someone did that...I hope they make a full recovery. " Mercedes said sadly.

"She's a tough old gal," Blaze assured her as he dried his hands off. "Sammy you might be able to help with a security system?"

Mercedes nodded. "I have a friend who can get cameras and alarms around here. He owes me one or ten so all I have to do is send him out here tomorrow."

"Very cool. Where have you been all our lives?" Blaze asked with a grin.

Sam and Stevie drug themselves into the kitchen, both looking exhausted. "Doc finished the slurry and cleared her out pretty well. He says she seems to be doing better already, but we need to keep an eye on her. And everything else apparently," Sam admitted with a sigh.

Mercedes just smiled. But when she saw Sam and Stevie, she frowned, they looked wrecked. "That's great!"

Sam nodded as he washed his own hands. He moved behind Mercedes and wrapped his arms around her waist, laying his head down on her shoulder. He really didn't want her to leave. "It is. I'm just worried about what comes next."

Mercedes held arms, hugging him back. "I know, but I already sent a text to Bernie and his team is coming tomorrow morning. The good thing is that they come in a cable truck, makes people think you are upgrading cable. That way if someone is watching they wont know its security."

Sam turned his head towards hers and nuzzled against her, kissing her cheek. "I love you," he whispered. Perching his chin on her shoulder, he smiled slightly. "I see you met Blaze."

Blaze looked up from his spot at the table, setting his beer down, and he threw up a peace sign. "Sup?"

"Feelings mutual handsome." She teased softly. She nodded. "I have. You undersold him I see."

"No description can really live up to all-a this," Blaze said, gesturing at himself like a Price is Right model.

With a roll of her eyes, Mary gave a wave. "I'm gonna head to bed. The fridge is open to any of you. Goodnight, dears."

"Night, Mama," Sam replied, swaying slightly with Mercedes in his arms. "I'm guessing you have to get back to work in the morning, hmm?"

"Night mama Evans." Mercedes said as she swayed with Sam. "I do...but lucky for you I always have an emergency outfit, shoes and makeup in my office. Never know when you need it for court. So I can stay until at least 6. Then I can get dressed at work. I mean if you want me to stay."

"Pleeeease," Sam whined, not ready in the least to let her go yet.

Blaze just sat there, grinning at them and wiggling his eyebrows. "Yeah, he does."

"Blaze, go home," Sam told him.

"You're the one who called me out here."

"Yes, I did. And thank you very much for your help. Now go home."

Mercedes laughed. "Okay if you want me too, but it is rude to send Blaze away without at least catching up with him."

"I saw him four days ago," Sam pointed out, moving to inspect the fridge. "Ooh, there's pumpkin pie in here. Want some, babe?"

"Yes, baby doll, I'd love some," Blaze replied with a grin.

Mercedes snorted. "You go ahead and eat it I am more a sweet potato pie girl."

Sam shot Blaze a look and tossed the dish on the table, grabbing a can of whipped cream and two forks.

"Sit," Blaze requested of both of them. "Tell me about hot girls in Miami."

"I am not going to do that."

Mercedes laughed looking at them. "We were too occupied with enjoying our trip to worry about hot "chicks"...though I was about to back hand a girl for looking at Sam."

"Yeah, you were occupied," Blaze repeated.

"How do you make everything sound dirty?" Sam laughed as he took a bite of pie. "And at least that girl didn't get all handsy like the guy."

"Okay. Okay, I got a question."

Mercedes laughed a long with them and nodded at Blaze. "Okay, what's up?"

"So Sammy boy tells me you're a lawyer, right? Hypothetically, what would you do for a client who... maybe had a few too many beers and drove a tractor through town naked?"

Sam raised an eyebrow. "Are you asking her because you're planning to do it again?"

Mercedes raised an eyebrow, "Again?" She shook her head. "First of all, I would have to decide if I want to take the case. But I would ask if it was his first offence or not?"

Blaze bit his bottom lip and leaned back in his chair, tapping his fingers on the table. "Mmm... interesting. And if he were to plead the fifth?"

"That means hell no," Sam laughed.

Mercedes shook her head unable to hide the laughed. "I would get him off with community service."

"What a coincidence! That's exactly what happened," Sam laughed. "Which you spent most of fixing up all the grass you rode over, which seemed pretty damn fair to me."

Blaze just shrugged, a little smirk still on his face.

"So I have to know was it a dare? Were you just bored? Why would you drive a tractor naked?"

"I was real drunk and it was real hot and... we had a tractor," Blaze answered as if it were a perfectly reasonable explanation.

Sam pointed at him, playing along. "Can you figure out why he's still single? Because it's beyond me."

Mercedes shook her head. "Please tell me this was high school."

Blaze and Sam just looked at each other and back to her with an innocent smile. "It was Ryder's birthday, wasn't it? We'll leave out which one," Sam laughed.

"Alright, I'm gonna be getting home," Blaze decided. "Ginger will be missing me."

"Dog," Sam whispered.

Mercedes laughed and stood. "Well tell Ginger hi and I guess we will see you later?"

"I'm sure you will since Sammy plans to keep you around," Blaze teased, kissing her cheek gently. "And he certainly couldn't live without me. I'll come back in the morning, check out that security system," he added as he turned to Sam. "And I'll fix up that stall door cause it looks like she kicked it real good."

"Thanks, man. I'll see you tomorrow." Sam gave him a quick hug.

"Don't be too loud now, you lovebirds," Blaze added before he slipped out the door.

Mercedes nodded. "I'm not going anywhere " she said honestly. Blushing she turned back to Sam. "Yeah I get why you are friends with him. Though he is a bit rough around the edges.,"

"You could say that," Sam laughed. "But he's a really hard worker and loyal to a fault. He'd give you the shirt right off his back if you needed it. Sometimes when you don't."

Mercedes nodded. "I get that. I can see just how much he cares about you and the farm, your family."

"Our moms are good friends. He's been running around here since we were tiny," Sam explained as he finished off the pie. "Only made sense to hire him." He reached across the table for Mercedes' hand. "Ready for bed?"

Mercedes nodded. "Well he will like what Bernie is gonna do tomorrow. " she said taking his hand. "I have nothing to sleep in."

"Sounds perfect to me." Sam winked at her, leaning forward on the table.

She giggled. "You are bad I swear."

He just smiled, his tongue pressing up against his teeth. "But if you insist, I can find you something. C'mon, I'm tired boy."

Mercedes stood. "When we get our own place I will sleep in the nude just for you, how about that?"

Sam got up and rounded the table, laying his arm over her shoulders. "You're too good to me, really. Who knew when we woke up and made love in that big cushy bed this morning that we'd end up with a night like this."

"Life isn't predictable but what matters is I am here to get you through whatever you need me to. I love you."

"I love you too. And getting to start and end my days with you makes all the shit in between real worth it." Sam pressed a kiss to her temple and led them towards the stairs so they could head up to his room.

Walking up to his room she sighed. "If its vandals we will find out if its worse we will find out and you got me to help you through it." When they reached his room she smirked. "Back to where it all started..."

"So we are," Sam agreed, matching her smile. He pulled open a drawer to find something for her to wear to bed. "You were so nervous to touch me... and now look at you."

Mercedes came up behind him, hands going under his shirt. "And now, I can't keep my hands off you."

Sam set a t-shirt on his dresser before turning in her arms and smiling down at her. "You know, it's a shame though. Before that phone call, I was hoping to teach you just how useful these beautiful lips could be."

Mercedes bit her bottom lip. "You can't teach me here?"

"I suppose I could," Sam mused, letting his thumb brush over her bottom lip. "If you'd like me to."

Mercedes could see he had plans and she shivered as he touched her lip. "Yes." she breathed. "Teach me."

Sam nodded slowly before he leaned down to kiss her. He tipped her head up with his hand so he could deepen his kiss, his tongue moving against hers. She had such a perfect way of making him get lost in her.

Mercedes moaned into the kiss. Reaching up to wrap her arms around him. She hungrily attacked his tongue with hers giving him more.

Sam moaned softly as he walked her back towards his bed. "I am a little worried about how we'll keep up with our careers and maintain this new sex addiction to one another."

Mercedes shrugged. "I have a big office with a couch and a door that locks. So we are good on my end." she teased.

"And I have... you know, an office in a barn," Sam laughed as he climbed into the bed. He pulled his shirt over his head for the second time that night and prayed no one would interrupt them this time as he lay back against the pillows.

Mercedes slid out of her Jeans and moved closer to him. "That could be fun you know...having sex in the barn..."

"I can't imagine making love to you ever not being fun. No matter where we are." He reached out to her, his fingers tangling with hers as she moved towards him.

She let him pull her towards him and smiled. "So we talked about...you teaching me something,,,"

"Yes, we did. Why don't we start nice and easy and you can finish undressing me, hmm?" he suggested.

Mercedes bit her bottom lip and nodded. "Yes daddy."

Sam sat up enough to kiss her again. He loved her so damn much. "Can I tell you something?"

Mercedes straddled him and nodded. "You can tell me anything."

His hands rested on her thighs, sliding up and down and slowly. "No one's ever cared so much about... making me happy. Not just in bed, but at all. I guess I didn't know it could be like this."

Mercedes looked down to him and smiled. "How can someone have you in their life, have you in their arms and not care as much as I do? You are everything."

Sam just shrugged as he leaned forward and kissed along her neck. "I guess not everybody is you."

"Their loss well thats my gain."

"Mine too," Sam hummed happily as he pulled her closer. "I guess I just want you to know how much I appreciate that you care so much."

"I know you care. I am pretty lucky because if it. We both are."

"Mmmhm." Sam's hands slipped under Mercedes' shirt and up her body. "Now... where were we?"

"I think you were going to tell me the plans you had for my lips."

"But I still have too many clothes on," Sam pointed out, his bottom lip sticking out in an exaggerated little pout.

Mercedes looked down. "Mmmm you do don't you? Well let's fix that." She hopped off his lap and moved between his legs to remove his shoes, then his jeans.

Sam watched her, a gentle smile plastered on his lips as she undressed him. She really did take such good care of him and he loved her so much for it. He took himself in hand and stroked gently, their eyes still locked together.

She removed his boxers, the last piece of clothing he was wearing and ran her hands up his thighs. "How is that?"

"Perfect," Sam breathed out, licking his lips slowly. "Now come kiss me, sweet girl. Please."

She nodded. "Yes Daddy." She said leaning up to him and kissing him softly.

Sam hummed against her lips. "Now kiss me everywhere you want to," he said, laying back against the pillows and letting out a breath.

She bit her bottom lip swallowing hard. "Anywhere?"

He nodded slowly, giving her a reassuring smile. "Anywhere you want, baby."

"Yes daddy." she said kissing his lips once more. Her hand moved down his chest as her lips found his neck.

Sam tilted his head back and closed his eyes, letting her explore. He wasn't going to rush her, quite enjoying the feeling of her lips along his skin.

After thoroughly enjoying his neck and the sounds he made, her lips traveled down his chest slowly, licking a trail as she did. She looked up at him as her hand grabbed his long and awaiting shaft. "I ummm i don't know how to do that.."

"Kiss me, baby. Just kiss," Sam encouraged as he opened his eyes and looked down at her. "Let me feel your lips."

She nodded nervously moving down, he was so incredible, making her body feel on fire with passion. She glanced at him, encouraged by his gaze and took a deep breath as she kissed the tip of his cock.

The corners of Sam's mouth curled up as he watched her. His fingers brushed over her cheek gently. "Oh, yes," he moaned quietly. "Just... pretend it's an ice cream cone, yeah? Unless you bite into ice cream. Then... don't do that."

Mercedes nodded biting her bottom lip. She could do that. Keeping her eyes on his, she placed another soft kiss on the tip of his cock before darting her tongue out and swirling it around watching him for his reaction.

Sam gasped softly as sparks of pleasure ran through him. "Oh... yes," he moaned, his back arching up slightly. "Just like that, baby."

His praise just made her more confident as she took him further between her lips. Being mindful of her teeth she just wanted to make him feel good.

"That's it," Sam continued to encourage as he held his hips against the bed. "Oh, that's so good. Your mouth is... so good."

She sucked on him as she pulled him out of her mouth with a "pop" then went right back at him, sucking and licking like he was ice cream like he said, moving faster wanting to pull more out of him.

Sam had known she'd catch on quickly, especially when she was so eager to make him feel good. He lifted his head to watch her for a moment using his hand to slowly guide her back up. "Do you- you want me inside of you, baby?"

Mercedes found a rhythm and was getting lost in it when Sam stopped her. She sat back looking at him. "Was it not... I mean I do I just..." she didn't even know how to ask if he wanted her to stop because she sucked, and not the good way.

Sam quickly shook his head, sitting up to capture her lips in a kiss. "No, no, baby girl. You're doing amazing. Incredible. I just... I didn't wanna leave you hanging if you were in need of some attention yourself. But whatever you want... it's yours."

Mercedes nodded looking at him. "I want you daddy, I wanna feel you, all of you."

Sam nodded along with her. He leaned back and reached into his nightstand drawer to grab a condom. "I like it better when you put it on."

"Anything for you daddy." She mused as she grabbed the condom. It was easier to put on now than it had been before since she knew what she was doing now.

Sam sucked in a breath as her fingers rolled down his length. "Good girl," he moaned before kissing her again. "Lay down for me."

Mercedes kissed him back and did as he asked laying down on the bed in anticipation.

Flipping himself over, he moved above her and found her lips. "I love you so much," he whispered as he moved her legs to wrap around his hips.

"I love you too, so much." she moaned letting him move her the way he wanted.

Sam nodded knowingly and kissed the tip of her nose before sliding himself inside of her. A low moan escaped him as that familiar feeling spread through his whole being.

Her head fell back as he filled her like he always did. So full so and she would never get enough of it.

"Oh, yes, baby," Sam whispered, taking advantage of the opportunity and leaning down to suck at her neck. His hips found a steady rhythm and he knew that no matter who tried to hurt him, at the end of the day he'd be happy.

His lips found her neck and she whimpered. "So good." She arched up grabbing at him. "I love you."

"Love you too," Sam let out, his breath hot against her neck. "I'm gonna take care of you, baby. Always. God, Cedes."

"Take care of me Daddy." She moaned trying not to be loud. "Make me cum..."

"Yes. Oh, yes, I will," Sam promised her as his hips rolled forward. He loved making her feel good. She deserved everything good. His moved down to her breast and his tongue ran over her nipple teasingly.

She didn't know how in such a short time Sam had learned her body so well. He knew what she liked and loved and he gave it all.

He sucked at her sensitive skin as he angled his hips up, determined to bring her all the pleasures in the world. She'd been so good to him, took care of him and loved him. And he wanted her to show her just how grateful he was, just how much he loved her back.

Her body responded to his actions and she reached out for the sheets, needing to grab something, "Sam! So good! Please I'm so close."

Sam kissed his way back up her body, pressing one gentle kiss to her chin. "I want to watch you cum," he whispered desperately.

"I'm so close! she moaned out body shaking. I-" She couldn't even finish her words as she came against him, biting her lip as not to scream out.

Sam was admittedly impressed that she was managing to be as quiet as she was, especially when he was aware of just how loud she could be. And she was so damn beautiful when she was lost in pleasure. "Yes," he gasped as he looked down at her. "God, I love you." His eyes shut and his lips parted as the rush of sensation flooded through him and he came along with her.

Sam coming undone caused her to squirm in pleasure. She pulled him closer kissing him through him orgasm still riding hers.

Sam made the happiest little humming noises as they kissed, his body slowly coming down from his high. She made him feel good in more ways than he could even begin to explain. "God, I love you," he whispered as he slipped out of her and laid on his side.

Mercedes laughed laying next to Sam. "I love you too. So much." She ran her hands through her hair before snuggling close to him.

Sam's arm wrapped around her as he drew her close, still leaving kisses along her neck and shoulders. "You know, it wouldn't bother me a bit if we started and ended every day like that."

Mercedes laughed. "I bet it wouldn't!" She yawned. "Well there is a good chance of that once we start living together."

Sam nuzzled against her comfortably. "You should get some sleep so you can get to work in the morning. Thank you for all your help today. And for an incredible weekend."

Kissing him softly she nodded. "I love you." Closing her eyes she smiled. "You are my dream man." She said sleepily as she dozed off.

"Love you too, baby," Sam whispered. He kissed her forehead before he went to sleep himself.


He woke early the next morning, his internal clock apparently back in working order now that he was home. Letting Mercedes sleep for a few more minutes, he pulled some clothes on and went down to the kitchen to get the coffee started brewing. He decided he might as well check on Laverne and got some shoes on before heading out to the barn. But his attention was quickly caught as he glanced at Mercedes' car. "Oh, you've got to be fucking kidding me."

Mercedes stretched out in the bed frowning when she found Sam was missing. Looking at the clock, she noticed it was a quarter to six. Getting up she slipped into Sam's sweats and made her way to the kitchen.

Sam went ahead and checked on the horse, who seemed to be doing better. He made sure she had some fresh water before heading back inside. Seeing Mercedes, he let out a heavy sigh. "Babe... don't freak out on me, okay?"

Mercedes eyed Sam. "Why would I freak out on you?" She looked at him and frowned. "What's going on?"

Sam rested his hands on his hips and glanced over his shoulder before he met her eyes again. "Someone, uh... maybe, sorta keyed your car."

"What?" She looked at him then got more upset. "What?!" She ran outside and looked at her SUV. The entire left side was keyed while the right said bitch and the hood said slut. "What?" She said sadly almost to tears. "Who would do this?"

Sam ran a hand down his face and sniffled. They both knew the answer to that question, but he didn't really want to say it out loud. "We should call the Sheriff," he said instead.

Mercedes ran her hands through her hair. "Yeah... umm I am gonna call for a car, I can't drive this to work." She said going back up to Sam's room. Looking for her phone she bit her bottom lip trying to control her emotions.

"Wait, babe..." Sam chased after her up the stairs and stopped her frantic searching. Wrapping his arms around her, he held her against his chest. "You can take my truck, okay? We've got plenty of vehicles around here." He pressed a kiss to the top of her head. "I'm so sorry."

"I never..." she stopped talking and took a deep breath wiping her tears. "I have seen this happen, but just never to me..."

Sam's eyes closed and he cursed under his breath. "This is all my fault," he sighed, sitting on the foot of his bed and rubbing at his eyes. "You don't deserve any of this."

She was hurt, she was upset and broken but Sam didn't do this to her. Moving to his lap she hugged him. "It's not your fault.." she said softly.

Sam's arms went around her instinctively and he laid his head on her shoulder. "I should've known. I kept telling myself it was just some stupid kids going too far with pranks, but... I should've known."

"Sam they are just miserable, if you think a little vandalism is going to break us up then you are wrong."

Sam's head turned and he pressed kisses to her shoulder before looking up at her. "Are you sure I'm worth all this?"

"Are you kidding? Sam you are worth everything."

"Doesn't feel like it right now. I hate seeing you hurting."

Stevie popped his head in and startled slightly. "Oh, sorry. Didn't mean to interrupt."

"It's okay. I'm gonna need you to call Sheriff Sullivan though, if you could," Sam requested.

"Why? What happened now?"

Mercedes sniffed seeing Stevie and wiped her eyes trying to show it didn't hurt her as much as it did. "Someone keyed my car."

"What?" Stevie exclaimed, leaning forward as if he heard them wrong. "Why would they do that? If someone's pissed at us, they'd know it wasn't ours."

Mercedes bitterly laughed. "Pretty sure the person who did it is pissed at me for being with Sam."

Stevie crossed his arms over his chest as thought about it. "Really? You think she did all this?"

"I don't know, Stevie," Sam sighed. "But I'd bet Sully thinks she's our top suspect. Can you call him, please? I gotta make sure Cedes gets to work."

Mercedes sighed. "I have seen this happen. Women are crazy, men too." She stood and placed her hair behind her ears. "I told you Sam, I can get a car..."

Stevie nodded and headed downstairs to make the phone call.

"Why waste your money when I have a perfectly... well, pretty good truck you can take?" Sam pointed out. "Unless you're scared of my big old truck?"

Mercedes nodded. "Okay...you are right I will take it."

"Plus, then you'll have a reason to come back," Sam teased, hoping he could get a smile back on her face. "And I'll do whatever I can to help you get your car fixed."

Mercedes shook her head. "I am gonna have it towed once I get settled and I was hoping you could pick it up. I have some work to get done at the office I light run late." She did have work to do but she also wasn't sure she wanted to come back just yet .

"Yeah, of course. Whatever you need me to do," Sam promised her. He looked down at his hands, feeling an ache start to grow in his chest. "Will you call me?"

Mercedes nodded. "Of course I will." She knew he was sad and needed her but she needed to wrap her head around this too. She leaned in and kissed him.

Sam reached out to touch her as she kissed him, offering a sad smile. "Okay. I'll, um... walk you down and get you my keys."

"Sam, I love you."

Sam nodded slowly. "I know. I love you too." Still, he couldn't help but worry that Mercedes would wake up and realize she didn't want to put up with all this. "C'mon."

Nodding she grabbed her bag and followed him to his truck.

He led her down the stairs and stopped in the kitchen to fill a travel mug up with coffee, just the way she liked. He walked her out to his truck and opened the door for her. He handed Mercedes the coffee and the keys through the open window once she was inside. "Drive safe, okay?" Glancing around, he leaned in and kissed her long and hard, secretly hoping they were being watched in that moment. "I love you. And Daddy is always gonna keep you safe."

Mercedes kissed Sam back, hungrily attacking his lips the way she knew it got to him. Nipping at his lips a few times. "I know you will daddy. I love you and I will call you."

Sam nodded and tapped his hand on the truck. "Okay. Talk to you later." Stepping back, he gave her a wave before tucking his hands in his pockets and watching her drive away.

Stevie stepped up next to his brother. "Sheriff and Blaze are both on their way. Let's get some food so we can get through this day."

"Yeah... Okay." Sam glanced over his shoulder once more, just silently hoping it wasn't the last time he saw her.