This is it! My favorite chapter! Chapter 24!

Nathan POV continued...

"I... I don't know. Do you?"

"No. I didn't... until I met you." I took her hands into mine and looked deep into her eyes. "Mercedes when I first saw you I felt something surge through me. I don't know what it was or why, but I do know that it was one of the most incredible feeling's I've ever experienced. I guess what I'm trying to say is... I love you, and I want to be with you."

"Nathan... I don't know what to say."

"You don't have to say anything. It's just how I feel. I know you want to take things slow but..."

"Nathan I lied to you." She said cutting me off.

"What?" I asked confused

"I lied to you when I told you that I needed time to think about us. I don't need time to find out how I feel about you. I already know that. I was just... scared that you didn't feel the same way I do, and that I would get hurt again like I did with Michael."

"I would never, ever hurt you like that Mercedes. Ever."

"I know you wouldn't. And I think it's time I stop lying to myself."

"Lying to yourself?"

"I kept telling myself that what I fell for you couldn't be love. But it is. I love you Nathan."

I couldn't help but smile. I had waited a long time to here those words and now that she had said it, it was the happiest moment of my life. I pulled her into my arms and kissed her lightly at first. I lay her on the bed and kissed her more passionately as our bodies melted into each others. She held on tight to myback as my hands roamed her body and I heard a small moan as I lowered my lips to her neck. We stayed that way for a few moments before I moved back to her lips and the phone rang. Damn phone! I looked up separating my lips from hers.

"Let the machine get it." Shewhispered pulling my lips back onto hers.

I gladly did as I was told and listened as the recording went off.

'Hey it's me, you know what to do.'

I listened as the person left the message.

"Hey sweetie it's me. I'm sorry I haven't called but I've been extremely busy. Anyways... I just called to talk to you about this weekend."

Without a word she slid from under me and crawled up her bed pressing the speaker button on her machine.

"Dad?" She asked as she rested her head on the head bored.

"Hey sweetie. How are you?"

"I'm ok, how bout you?"

"Fine. Did you get the money I sent you?"

"Dad... I told you to stop sending me money."

As I listened to her conversation I crawled up the bed and rested my head on her stomach. I looked up at her and she smiled down at me, and started playing with my hair.

"I know, but I just wanted to make sure that you were gonna be ok."

"How much did you send?"

"10 I think."

"$10,000? Dad... why would you send me so much?"

"$10,000!" I said out loud

"Who was that?" Her father asked

"Oh, that was Nathan."

"Nathan? Who's Nathan."

"Just... someone." Mercedes said smiling at me.

"Let me talk to this boy."

Mercedes nudged me lightly signaling me to say something. I don't know why but talking to her father made me nervous as hell.

"Hey, Mr. Davis."

"Mr. Davis? Mr. Davis makes me sound so old. Please call me Tom." He said laughing.

"Thanks, I'll do that." I answered pulling Mercedes into my lap. Although she was only talking to her father on the phone I could tell she was extremely happy that he had called.

"So... Nathan, how is my daughter adapting?"

"I think she's doing well. I mean... I love her."

"I bet you do. She's an easy person to fall in love with."

"I believe you." I said placing a small kiss on her lips.

"Nathan... I have one question for you."

"Ok."

"What exactly are your intentions with my daughter?"

"Daddy!" Mercedes yelled out embarrassed. "Alright I think we've had enough of that. Dad you were gonna tell me something about this weekend."

"Right... I don't think I'm going be able to make it. I'm going have a big conference and I can't get out of it. I'm sorry Mercedes."

"Dad... this is the 3rd birthday you've missed." She said sadly.

"I know sweetie but I promise to make it up to you ok? I really wish I could be there but I can't. I hope you can understand that."

"I understand. You have to work. Look... dad I have to go." I looked at her and her eyes began to water.

"Ok, I'll call you later. I love you sweetie."

"Love you too dad."

"Goodbye Nathan. Take care of my little girl for me."

"Don't worry. She's in good hands."

Mercedes got off my lap and sat up on the edge of the bed.

"Bye sweetheart."

"Bye dad."

She pressed the speaker button once more and wiped her eyes before turning to look at me.

"Baby, what's wrong?" I asked moving to sit next to her.

"He's gonna miss my birthday again. It just bugs me that he's always working. Last year he sent his love in a letter and a brand new car. I spend my birthday last year with my mom and Ciara. Not that I'm complaining... I just wish he could be here."

"I'm sorry baby." I said pulling her into my arms.

"It's ok. I'm used to it. You know... my mom would always wake me up on my birthday with a cupcake with a tiny pink candle in it, and the phone in her hand. My mom and dad always sang happy birthday to me. Even if my dad was away. I don't know why she did it but my first birthday with her she did it and it kinda became a tradition." She said smiling

"When is you're birthday?"

"Saturday."

"Aren't you gonna be in LA on Saturday?"

"Yep. I'll be all alone on my birthday. Unless... you come with me." She said looking up at me and smiling.

"I don't know about that... I mean... I'd have to check my schedule."

"Baby!" She said hitting my chest playfully.

"I'm just kidding. There wouldn't be another place I'd rather be."

"Awe… you're so cute." She said cuddling up to me

"Thank you, but I already know that."

I felt a vibration in my pocket and I pulled out my cell.

"Hello?"

"Nathan, it's me. Where the hell have you been! I've been looking everywhere for you!"

"What's going on Tim?"

"Dude… we need to talk."

"Right now?"

"No tomorrow. Of course right now."

"Alright, I'll be there soon."

"Ok."

I put the phone back in my pocket and looked down at Mercedes.

"Baby, I gotta go."

"Ok."

She got off my lap and I stood up.

There it is... did you like it? Please tell me you did. Ok, wellI wasn't gonna post this chpter until tomorrow but Newyorkchicka left me a review so... here it is! Thanks again for all you've done! Oh! I have one question... does Lucas seem like a jackass in this story? Cause if he does it won't seem like that in future chapters... I promise.