*Disclaimer- I do not own Glee, its' characters or its' music.

Mercedes and Sam arrived at the hospital early the next morning. The doctors informed Mercedes that next 24 hours of her grandmother's health were critical in determining her overall outlook. Her grandmother was slowly responding to the medication and her vitals definitely seemed to improve, but no significant changes had happened yet. Mercedes stayed in Sadie's room during the morning, speaking soothingly and singing to her, while Sam sat in the waiting room.

Not long after, Mercedes' father Albert Jones arrived at the hospital shortly after they did. Albert Jones greeted Sam with a hardy handshake and pulled him in for a surprise hug. Sam managed to barely pat the back of the burly man who was built like a linebacker. Sam was a little overwhelmed by the man's strength. Sam noticed that he looked much more refreshed than he did yesterday.

"Good morning, Sir. I'm glad to see you were able to get a little rest last night." Sam managed to breath out after Mr. Jones released him from his bear hug. The older man slapped Sam's back playfully, which nearly pushed Sam to the ground.

"I do feel better, Sam. I want to thank you again for coming here with my little girl. I think I would have been up all night with her, if you weren't here. I'm glad she has a good friend like you to help her through this." Sam's face reddened as he offered his half crooked smile.

"Is Mrs. Jones going to be coming soon?" Sam asked curiously. He was surprised that no one had yet mentioned when she was coming. Mr. Jones' face grew somber, as he looked Sam squarely in the eyes.

"I'm sorry Sam. I just assumed Mercedes-" he stopped midsentence, shaking his head. "Then again, I shouldn't be surprised that she didn't say anything to you. Sam, my wife died five years ago in a car accident. It was a freak accident with a semi-truck that exploded on the highway as she was on her way home from work." Sam didn't know what to say to that revelation.

"I'm so sorry, Sir. I didn't know." Sam looked sympathetically at Mr. Jones as he nodded quietly.

"I figured as much." He said heavily. "Mercedes doesn't like talking about it. She had a very hard time with her mother's death. They were very much alike in terms of personalities, which made them butt heads constantly. I am guessing that you know that my daughter can be pretty hard headed and stubborn. " Sam let out a small laugh as he rubbed the back of his neck. Mr. Jones laughed softly at his reaction.

"I understand, believe me. Her mother was ten times worse than her if you can believe that. She was full of sass and attitude but truly soft as a marshmallow inside, and I adored her." Sam saw that Mr. Jones' eyes had saddened and lined with unshed tears.

"When she let you see the real person inside, it was like you were seeing the most amazing light that God ever created. She was amazing, inside and out." Sam couldn't help but be moved by the passion and love that Mercedes dad obviously still had for his wife. He thought about how he felt when he saw Mercedes' singing "Halo" on stage. She looked like an angel. She was majestic, like she floated straight from heaven. Mercedes' father sighed heavily.

"I think Mercedes never forgave herself for not making amends with her mother before she died. They had just argued the night before over some trivial matter. Mercedes carried a heavy guilt over never appreciating her mom enough or letting her know how much she loved her. That asshole of a boyfriend that Mercy had back then didn't help either." Sam didn't realize that he was making a scowl until he felt Mercedes' father patting his knee.

"Don't worry. He's long gone, thank heavens. Devante Harper. He was Mercedes' high school sweetheart. They were together for the majority of junior and senior year of high school. Despite my objections, they kept seeing each other after they graduated while Mercedes pursued her singing career in New York. I never did like that asshole. Always grinning in my face when I knew all he really wanted was to get his hands all over my daughter." Sam couldn't help to smirk at the disgust that spread over Mr. Jones' face.

"He followed her to New York claiming to want to help her until she got discovered. Only problem was his lazy ass never did get a job or help with any bills. Mercedes worked two jobs to support both of them in their tiny apartment in Manhattan. Then when Mercedes' mother died, this asshole was barely there for her. He told her he'd stay in New York to take care of her apartment. He barely called her while she was here with me for the funeral and a little while after. I knew she needed to get back to her life, but it felt so good to have her near me, you know."

"She was your little girl. Ofcourse you wanted her with you while you were grieving." Sam sympathized.

"Yes, but in my heart, I knew I was being selfish. She had a life and career of her own. So after a couple of weeks, I told her she should go back. When she got back home, she discovered that she had been evicted from her apartment. Devante was nowhere to be found. He took her rent money, her things, everything. Everything was gone. After that experience, Mercedes became a completely different person. She closed herself off from any type of meaningful relationship and became a workaholic. She was destroyed emotionally. She trusted Devante with everything and he completely abused her trust. She went back to New York completely broke, without her mother, and without the man she thought she loved. "

Sam quietly sat staring at the white walls of the hallway, trying to process the information he just learned. He felt like he suddenly understood why Mercedes always pushed everyone away and kept them at a distance. His heart ached for the pain and rejection she must have went through after losing her mother and her boyfriend's betrayal. Suddenly it made sense that she always careful of not being used and never over-committing to any one person. Sam was so grateful to her father for sharing that information with him.

"Well, I'm going to go inside now and see Sadie." Mr. Jones slapped Sam's knee as he rose from his seat. Sam stood and extended his hand to him.

"Sir, thank you for sharing that with me about Mercedes, but can I ask you why? I mean why did you tell me all this?" Sam asked cautiously as he shook his hand. Mr. Jones smiled at Sam and put his hand on his shoulder.

"Because when I look at you Sam, you look exactly the way I did when I was falling in love with my wife, and she was an even harder nut to crack than Mercedes. But I don't want you to give up on Mercedes. She's a handful, but, just like her mother, she's so worth the fight." Mr. Jones squeezed Sam's shoulder and went inside the hospital room.

Sam truly saw two sides of Mercedes. One side was the open, funny woman who laughed with her whole heart and truly cared for others. She is the woman that he went sightseeing with and to the carnival. She was the woman who helped him win the ice cream shake contest. She was easy to love and free. Then there was the other side, the side that was loud, full of attitude and sass. That side of her wasn't always bad, but it was definitely false. It was a mask that she put on whenever she wanted to shield the real girl inside. Sam knew that Mercedes was afraid of rejection, but he didn't know the extent to how high and thick her walls really were. One thing he did know from this visit is that her father was right- he was falling in love with Mercedes.

Sam's phone vibrated in his jacket as he stood in the hallway. It was Tina, likely calling to learn about Mercedes' grandmother's condition and to update them on her tour schedule. Sam could tell that Tina was concerned that Mercedes would try to act as if she was unaffected by her grandmother's condition and internalize all of her fears. Tina was very much more Mercedes' big sister than her loyal employee.

"Just make sure she doesn't hold everything in." Her voice was full of concern after hearing how Mercedes acted backstage after hearing about her grandmother's health.

"She seems to be doing fine, Tina. She was very emotional last night, but she seems to be a lot better today." Sam reassured her. Tina sighed.

"Sam, in addition to being a magnificent singer, Mercedes is the master of acting as well. She has learned to shut off her emotions and self-preserve at all cost."

"I'm taking care of her, Tina. I'll make sure she's ok." Sam said sincerely.

"I know you will Sam. I know you care about Mercedes just as much as I do."

"Tina, I want to do something special for Mercedes, but I am going to need your help."

"Sure Sam. Anything. What do you need?" Tina asked enthusiastically.

XXXX

Sam convinced Mr. Jones to give him the keys to the Jones' house to set up a surprise for Mercedes and him. After spending the day setting it up, Sam returned to the hospital to pick up Mercedes and her father. He knocked on the hospital door and was surprised by three happy faces turning to him as he walked into the door.

"You must be Sam." Sadie greeted him in a low, rough whisper. Mercedes smiled wildly at Sam as he walked towards the bed. His heart warmed at the sight of her relieved and happy face. Her eyes were glassy with happy tears.

"Sam, this is my grandmother, Sadie. She woke up about 40 minutes ago. I was going to call you, but I was so thrilled to talk to her." Mercedes laid her head of her grandmother's lap. Sadie slowly lifted her hand and stroked Mercedes' hair.

"I'm so sorry I gave you such a fright, baby. Sadie is right here and I ain't going nowhere until the good Lord tells me it's time. And He ain't said no such thing to me yet." Mercedes looked up at Sadie, nodding silently. She was so relieved to have her grandmother with her, alert and strong. Mr. Jones stood up from his seat and pulled Sam closer to Sadie.

"Mama, Sam is the reason Mercedes is even here. He set up everything for her to be here, instead of on her tour." Mr. Jones physically placed Sam in his seat by the hospital bed, while Mercedes couldn't help but watch him.

XXXX

Since last night, Mercedes' mind kept replaying the conversation they shared in the hotel room. The memory of his eyes, the scent of his skin, and the feel of his touch circled her mind over and over. She replayed the words that he spoke to her, trying to decipher whether she should trust them or not. Everything in her body and spirit told her that Sam could be trusted, but she was afraid to trust her instincts. They have failed her so many times in the past that she dared not trust them with her heart again. Mercedes felt her heartbeat quicken at the mere closeness of Sam in the room, and wanted nothing more than to wrap her arms around him. His blonde hair had little ripple of waves that Mercedes longed desperately to run her hand through. She felt ashamed of herself for thinking such things while her grandmother was lying sick in the hospital.

XXXX

Sam suddenly felt nervous about addressing the matriarch of the family, but his fears quickly vanished as he stared into the gentlest face he ever saw. Despite being in recovery, Sadie's face radiated strength and power. Sam easily lost Mercedes' beautiful round eyes and button nose came from the elderly woman. Sam couldn't help but wonder if Sadie was just as beautiful as Mercedes when she was her age.

"So Sam, my son and granddaughter seem to think you are the closest thing to an angel of the Lord." Sadie teased. Sam's face reddened under the woman's intense scrutiny. He rubbed the back of his neck nervously.

"They're just being kind, Ma'am. I knew how much Mercedes wanted to be here with you and I just did whatever I could to make that happen for her." Sadie tilted her head to the side. Mercedes got up from the bed and walked toward the window. She turned her back to Sam, urging her heart to stop beating so quickly at his words.

"And are you the one who have filled my room with all these lovely roses?" Sam nodded shyly.

"I hope you don't mind that they're silk?" Sam asked.

"Oh they're perfect, baby. I am allergic to real roses, but these were perfect. You are such a handsome young man." Sam felt like his entire face was on fire and started fiddling with his fingers. Mercedes giggled into her hand as she faced the window.

"Thank you, ma'am." He answered quietly.

"Are you married, Sugar?" Sam laughed nervously and looked over at Mercedes, who quickly turned her body to face Sam and her grandmother. Her face blanched as she nervously darted her eyes to the ground.

"Um...No, ma'am. I'm not." Sam felt his palms begin to sweat.

"Well you know my granddaughter isn't married either. You two would make some beautiful babies." Sadie remarked thoughtfully. Sam's mouth dropped open as Mercedes' eyes bulged.

"Sadie!" Mercedes squealed. She was covering her face with both hands.

"Listen here, Missy. Sadie needs some great-grandchildren and Sam seems like the perfect fella to do that with. Sam, do you know Jesus?" Mercedes continued to shake her head and she laughed. Sam began to laugh as well.

"Yes, ma'am. I do."

"Good. I am going to start praying for the two of you to get married, so y'all should just get ready." Sadie turned her head to the side and coughed. Then she let out a long yawn. Mr. Jones walked up to her bed and gently kissed Sadie on the forehead.

"Mama, you rest. Mercedes, Sam and I will be back tomorrow morning. I love you Mama." Mercedes followed closely behind her father and kissed her grandmother goodbye as well. Sam turned to walk out the door, but at the last minute, ran back to the bed and kissed Sadie on the forehead. Before he could leave, Sadie held his wrist.

"Thank you for coming, grandchild." She whispered with her eyes closed.

"Oh ma'am. I'm not Mercedes. This is Sam." Sam explained quietly. Sadie opened her eyes slightly, grinning.

"I know that, Grandchild." She answered matter of factly. Then she patted Sam's wrist and closed her eyes. Sam stood there watching her for a moment and then left the room.

XXXX

When Mercedes and her father entered into the Jones' residence, Mercedes was amazed at what she saw waiting for them. The dining room table was immaculately set with a large buffet table along side it. The buffet was set with atleast 15 different types of dishes, with atleast seven different pies and cakes.

"Sam, this way too much food for just the three of us?" Mercedes remarked, shocked by the huge display.

"Yeah, probably. But you both haven't eaten practically anything since Sadie has been in the hospital and you need to keep up your strength. Anyway, whatever we don't eat, your dad can keep as leftovers for the next couple of days." Mercedes turned to her father who was practically salivating over the array of food. She laughed at his obvious return of appetite.

"I guess my Daddy approves but first let's say grace." Mercedes reached her hands out to her father and Sam. They all held hands and bowed their heads. Mr. Jones cleared his throat.

"Father God, thank you for your grace and mercy over our family and for this wonderful feast in front of us. We thank you for healing our beloved Sadie and allowing us more time with the angel that you have given us. We are grateful to you for the love of family. Family born-" Mr. Jones squeezed Mercedes' hand. "And family created." Mr. Jones squeezed Sam's hand. "Let our family stay together and grow together. In the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen." Sam and Mercedes lifted their heads and looked up at each other, their hands still together. Mercedes mouthed "Thank you" to him as she released his hand and walked toward the buffet. Sam watched her move to the buffet and prayed quietly that his next surprise would turn out well.

XXXX

After dinner, Sam led her father and Mercedes into the living room. He ushered them to the couch as he stood in front of a large movie projector. Mercedes raised her eyebrow at him as she took in the movie projector.

"Sam, this isn't Avatar, is it? I've watched it a thousand times with you already." She warned. Sam scrunched his face and stuck his tongue out.

"Just sit back and watch, Ms. Bossy." Sam barked. Mr. Jones shook his head, giggling at their bickering.

"Ok," Sam explained, "this is a collection of photos and clips that I was able to find today. I am hoping that it will bring some happy memories for both of you." Sam began the movie projector and the screen was filled with an image of Mercedes' father and Sadie, when her father was about 2 years old.

"Daddy, is that suppose to be you?" Mercedes squealed as she smiled and pointed at the screen. Her father let out a bellowing laugh.

"Sure is! Man, I haven't seen that picture in years!"

"Sadie was hot back in the day." Sam remarked. Mercedes smirked at Sam as she shook her head.

"You better watch it with my grandmother, Sam. I will cut you." She snapped. The movie continued with pictures of Sadie over the years and Mr. Jones. Mercedes was hooting and hollering until she saw the next picture.

"Momma?" She whispered. The picture was of Mr. and Mrs. Jones. They were hugging each other and laughing. "When was this picture taken?" She asked quietly. Her dad blew out a heavy breath.

"That was the day I proposed to her. Carol, your momma, was as happy as a clam for atleast a week." Mr. Jones watched the screen with glassy eyes. The next pictures were of Carol and Albert's wedding. Mercedes moved off of the couch onto the floor directly in front of the screen.

"Her wedding dress is beautiful." Mercedes looked dreamily at the image of her mother in the gown. She always knew her mother was beautiful, but these images just made her look breathtaking. Mercedes drew a breath when she saw the next picture. It was of her mother holding her as an infant. Her mother's eyes practically ignored the camera as they stared lovingly at the infant girl in her arms. Mercedes looked at the image and couldn't stop the tears from streaming down her face. Her mother was looking at her with such pride and love. Mercedes felt her shoulders begin to tremble and her body shake, when she saw the next picture of a toddler Mercedes kissing her mother's cheek. She suddenly felt arms reaching around her waist, and someone sitting behind her. She turned to see Sam's tear stained face looking softly at her. Looking into Sam's eyes, Mercedes felt a dam break inside of her. She released a gut wrenching sob that resonated from the very pit of her soul. She tried to suppress the tears from falling but they were relentless. It was years of regret and guilt that was finally coming out. Sam held her tightly and rocked her in his arms. He kissed the top of her head and leaned his cheek against hers.

"Your mother loved you so much Mercedes." He whispered in her ear. "Her eyes looked at you with so much love and so much joy. That kind of love never goes away. In spite of the fights, in spite of the disappointments, that love lives on forever. Your mother never stopped loving you." Mercedes shook her head as tears continued to fall.

"But I never told her, Sam. I never told her how much I loved her, how much I need her." She spat the words as tears fell in her mouth and ran down her neck. Sam held her face in his hands and he wiped the tears away with his thumbs.

"She knew, Baby. She always knew. She knows right now as she is looking down at you with love and pride." Mercedes listened to Sam's words and knew in her heart that he was right. She did know that her mother was looking down at her right then. Mercedes suddenly felt the love of her mother surrounding her in this overwhelming aura of warmth. She looked up at Sam, who was looking at her so lovingly and with so much concern. She smiled brightly at him as she took a deep breath and then exhaled.

"How do you feel?" He asked quietly, as he watched her intently. Mercedes tilted her head to side thoughtfully.

"I feel like a huge weight has rolled off my back and suddenly I am as light as a feather." Sam looked at Mercedes and realized that this was the first time, since he has known Mercedes, the she seemed totally and fully peaceful. Mercedes looked around the room and realized that her father had left.

"Where did Daddy go?" she asked.

"He left when I came and sat behind you." Sam replied. Mercedes ran her hand along Sam's face and caressed his soft skin. She leaned in and kissed him sweetly on the lips. Then she laid his head on her chest.

"I can never thank you enough for doing this for me." She whispered to him. Sam wrapped his arms around her and kissed the top of her head.

"I don't' ever want you to try." He whispered back as he rocked her in his arms.

***Thank you to all the reviewers, the followers and the favoriters! I hope you enjoy this chapter. It was a labor of love that stirred a lot of memories. I hope you see that relationship developing in a a great way. Thanks again and please let me know what you thought. Tootles***