My Journey to You

by amber2011

Mercedes moves to a new town with her daughter Abby for a fresh start after a tragedy befalls her family in Lima. She rents an apartment from Sam in an old house he's renovating. She and Sam slowly fumble toward a relationship

28. Chapter 28

CHAPTER 28

SUMMARY: Cooper and LaTonya deal with her pregnancy. Mercedes and Sam get some much needed time alone to reconnect with each other as a married couple.

RATING:Mature

WARNING:Mention of racism, historical racist incident and language, sexual situations, cursing

---

AIN'T NO WOMAN LIKE THE ONE I GOT

Six months later…

LaTonya lay on the couch watching Live and Let Die and sipping a bottle of water. Her belly ballooned in front of her; her long braids were pulled back in a ponytail. The babies kicked and she patted her belly. As fortune, luck, or fate would have it, she and Cooper were going to have triplets. It shocked them both, but they were grateful. The sunshine poured in from the windows; the spectacular view of Mount Mansfield and the backyard filled with maple trees, flower garden and pond soothed her; she never realized how much she loved nature until they moved into this house. After his retirement, they left Tennessee and decided to move to Cooper's house in Stowe, Vermont. They put her father in the local nursing home so he could receive the best care possible for his condition. As a surprise for LaTonya, Cooper had the dilapidated gazebo at the old house renovated and reconstructed and shipped to their new home. It now stood in the back yard surrounded by lilac bushes.

"Simmer down," she said, patting her belly.

Cooper walked into the living room, carrying two bowls of fruit salad. He sat next to LaTonya and kissed her forehead.

"I thought you might like a snack."

The babies kicked again. LaTonya grabbed Cooper's hand and placed it on her stomach. Cooper smiled, feeling them move about, he caressed her belly, leaned down and kissed it; then he rose up and kissed her on the lips.

"How are you feeling?"

"Tired."

"They're restless."

"Yes," she said, rubbing her belly, "I'd like one of them to be named after my father. I don't care if they're boys or girls."

"Your father will love that," Cooper said, he paused and played with one of her braids, "There's something I've been meaning to tell you."

"What is it?"

"I want us to homeschool the kids."

"Really? Why?"

"I don't like how things are."

"What do you mean?"

"With all that's been going on in the news, the way people treat each other…"

LaTonya placed her hand over his and squeezed it. The riot in Charlottesville affected him more than she thought. He watched the news coverage and she could see the anger stretch across his face as the blaze of torches and angry mobs took to the streets; he turned off the television and made calls on his special phone. She didn't ask questions. She figured the less she knew the better.

"Cooper I – "

"I want them to know the world is theirs too. And I don't see that happening in a traditional school setting."

"You can't escape hatred."

"I'm not escaping. I'm chartering a different course. I know my children may face obstacles I never had to face; I only want them to see there is more than what is outside your door. I want to travel with them and teach them. The world would be their classroom."

She hugged him and she smelled the spicy scent of his bath soap.

"I understand."

"I've been thinking about this for a while," he said.

"The only problem is I've never taught anything in my life," LaTonya said.

"You teach me everyday."

"How?"

"You show me how to be grateful, how to laugh, how to love, there's more to learning than what's in textbooks."

LaTonya kissed him and stroked his face, staring into his mismatched blue eyes.

"If you think this is for the best, I'm all for it."

"Thank you."

"I hope I'm a good mother."

"Are you serious."

"Cooper…"

"These babies are blessed to have you as their mother. Why doubt yourself?"

"I don't know. I think it's because everything is so new: New house, new family, new marriage. I'm happy but I want everything to work out."

"Do you feel ok when we go out?"

"What happened to Sam and Mercedes shook me up a bit, but I don't feel unsafe."

"Ok," he said kissing her cheek.

LaTonya pointed to the stack of unopened boxes in the corner of the room.

"What are we going to do with that stuff your parents sent?"

"Send it back to them."

"Let's donate it to a shelter."

"That's better than setting it on fire which is what I want to do."

LaTonya caressed his face. Cooper still wasn't speaking to his parents.

"Help me upstairs. I need a nap," she said.

He turned off the TV and pulled her up from the couch and they slowly walked up the stairs to their bedroom. Sweat trickled down her forehead, and Cooper was concerned.

"Are you ok?"

"A little warm."

Cooper turned on the ceiling fan and removed her nightgown and panties, revealing her gorgeous pregnant body. Her skin was smooth and sleek and dark as onyx; her firm behind was larger, something she lamented about, but Cooper appreciated it, often squeezing and smacking her butt cheeks when they made love; and her hips were wider, accommodating the babies growing inside her; her breasts grew bigger too, and he cupped them, massaging them in his ruddy hands, as she sat on the bed.

He removed her prosthetic leg and propped it against the nightstand. She laid back and looked up at him, nodding her head. Cooper undressed and lay beside her on the bed; he stroked and kissed her belly, got between her soft thighs, and slid inside her, he pumped his hips in a cautious, gentle rhythm, watching her large, heavy breasts bounce and plump nipples harden into stiff peaks. She bit her bottom lip, arched her back, and squeezed him within her. Soon they came together and she shuddered beneath him, tears trickled from her eyes as he kissed her. When she calmed down, he went to the bathroom and returned with a warm washcloth, and wiped between her legs.

"Feel ok?"

"Yes."

He kissed her again and put the washcloth away in the bathroom. He got back in bed and held her in his arms.

"I always want this." She said, looking up at him.

"We won't stop having sex."

"Not sex. But being attuned to one another. I want this to stay the same."

"It will be challenging. Babies cry a lot."

LaTonya laughed.

"Yeah they do."

Cooper kissed her forehead.

"No doubt things will change."

"I love you."

"I love you too."

LaTonya yawned as she snuggled against his bare chest.

"I'm sleepy."

"Well you did come up here for a nap."

"You squeezed my breasts."

"So I did."

LaTonya closed her eyes, smiling.

"You knew what you were doing."

"Perhaps."

"Not perhaps, but definitely."

"Go to sleep, sweetheart."

ooo

Blaine wanted to stay with them as the due date drew closer. Cooper was hesitant at first to allow his brother to come, but LaTonya thought it was a good idea.

"I think it's sweet of him."

"But I want us to bond with the babies on our own at first," Cooper said as they sat in the backyard gazebo; his arm around her and her head on his shoulder."

"He won't stay forever. He just wants to help and you said yourself he's good with children."

"I suppose."

"Let him do it. Besides, I thought you two were getting closer."

"We are I, I just… let me think about it."

"Ok."

That evening he helped LaTonya take a shower, washing her back as she sat on the shower seat, leaning forward against him.

"I'll let him know he can come," Cooper said.

"You'll be glad you did this."

He rinsed her back, the washcloth gliding against her wet skin.

"I hope so."

After they showered, he carefully dried her off, and carried her to the bedroom where he put on her nightgown, and pulled her black stump shrinker stocking over her residual limb. Then he put on a pair of boxers and went back to the bathroom, and wiped out the socket to her prosthetic leg with a soapy cloth, he loved the sleeve art covering it: blue lightning streaks against a black background; Latonya told him she chose the lightning streaks because that's how she saw herself, faster than lightning whenever she ran; it gave her confidence.

After he cleaned the socket, he set it against the bathroom wall, and while it dried, he hand-washed the silicone liner with mild soap in the sink. Once the socket was dry, he wiped the inside with alcohol. Even though LaTonya insisted she could wash everything herself, Cooper began doing it for her, after she experienced severe fatigue during her pregnancy. He didn't mind because he loved taking care of her. He did this every night to prevent the socket and liner from getting an unpleasant odor and of course, to keep them clean and fresh.

After he finished, they lay together in bed with his arm around her waist, stroking her rotund middle. They decided against knowing the sex of each baby, and opted for being surprised like Sam and Mercedes. Cooper loved how LaTonya blossomed during the pregnancy, even if she felt like "whale" as she put it. He hated how she didn't see her beauty. There was nothing more wonderful to him then seeing her, fuller, rounder figure. To help her confidence, they exercised together, doing a special pregnancy workout, and the daily routine lifted her spirits, but sometimes he saw that look of disdain in her eyes when she stood in front of the mirror and it hurt his heart.

LaTonya was far from a needy woman and she never asked for validation, yet he knew she felt ugly while being pregnant; and he wanted to push the negative thoughts from her mind. Another concern about the weight had to do with her prosthesis. As she gained weight, she worried about it being able to accommodate the extra weight, but with her weekly visits to her new prosthesist, a man named Andrew Cade, the needed adjustments were made as her body changed during the pregnancy, and so far everything was fine.

He kissed her.

"Do you know the reason why I had a doll made to look like you."

"It's because I wanted to be a Bond girl," LaTonya said, kissing his hand.

"There's another reason."

"What is it?"

"I wanted you to see how beautiful you are. Really see it. And own it."

"I do own it."

"Lately, you haven't."

LaTonya was quiet for a moment then she said:

"I've always prided myself with being fit."

"You are fit."

"This is different. I've never been this size before and –"

"And?"

"I don't recognize myself in the mirror."

"You're carrying triplets."

"But I - "

"Look at me."

LaTonya raised her head and gazed up at him.

"You're gorgeous and healthy. We've been exercising everyday and you watch what you eat. The doctor says everything is fine."

"There's something else."

"What is it?"

"I know my prosthetic is fine for now, but Andrew said there's a chance I'll need to use crutches toward the end of my pregnancy."

"You use crutches at night to go to the restroom."

"I know, I just… I like standing on my own."

"Do you regret being pregnant?"

"Of course not."

"Is there anything I can do?"

"What you're doing now is great. You're listening to me and you encourage me. I'm scared. I never thought I would be a mother, let alone be pregnant with triplets."

"I'm scared too, but I know we can do this."

"Thank you."

He kissed her forehead.

"You're welcome."

---

JUST YOU AND ME

Sam woke up and reached for Mercedes. He put his arm around her ample waist and his cheek brushed against her green silk nightcap she wore to protect her hair.

"Baby?"

"Hmm?"

"You awake?"

"I answered you, didn't I?"

"Sassy, aren't we?"

Mercedes yawned.

"Go back to sleep."

"I don't want to."

"Why?"

"I don't know."

Mercedes turned to face him.

"Did you have a bad dream?" The early morning light peeked through the curtains, shining on her rich, dark skin.

He kissed her.

"No."

She looked at the clock on the nightstand.

"It's 5AM"

"Sorry I woke you."

"Never mind that, what's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"Are you sure?"

"I've been thinking and… I want us to go away for awhile."

"Go away? Where?"

"Hawaii"

"What? How can we - "

He placed a finger on her plump lips.

"Before you say 'how can we afford it' hear me out."

Mercedes rolled her eyes and nodded.

"Ok, big shot."

"Yesterday, Hiram and Sean called to see how we were doing and – "

"Where was I?"

"Grocery shopping."

"I wish I had been here. I would've loved to talk to them. Why didn't you tell me?"

"We got busy with dinner, and chores, and bath time, it slipped my mind. May I finish the story?"

She tweaked his nose.

"Go on," she said.

"After talking for a bit, I mentioned wanting to go on vacation, and they said they had a house in Hawaii and since they won't be using it until the fall, we were free use it any time we wanted. And you said you always wanted to go to Hawaii, and well, I think we could use a holiday."

"Why?

"Because we've been through a lot. We need to get away."

"Sam I – "

"Baby, listen, the kids will love it. Especially Abby."

Mercedes snuggled up to him and he held her tight.

"I admit watching the news has been difficult lately," she said."

"We need this break. And my parents can come too, so we'll have help with the kids."

"We should invite Aunt Josephine, she would be hurt if we didn't."

"Sure. They sent me pics of the house and it's huge. It has five bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms. It's on a private beach."

"What about the costs of plane tickets, food, and other stuff?"

"Business is even better than ever and we're financially sound. Trust me, Schätzchen, we can afford it."

Mercedes kissed his bare chest, placing her hand on his heart.

"Ok, Sam, we can go."

He hugged and kissed her.

"You won't regret this."

They kissed for a while and Sam needed to be inside her, pushing her onto her back, he hiked up her purple flowered nightie, and he mounted her, sliding into her, savoring each moment her inner walls squeezed him. Her cellulite dimpled thighs wrapped around his narrow waist and she gazed up at him, as he thrust in and out of her, he reached down and unbuttoned her nightie, exposing her big stretch marked breasts. He liked it when she was partially dressed, with her nightie bunched up around her waist and the front of it unbuttoned, and her mountainous breasts spilled out on display. She moaned when he squeezed them and he leaned down and sucked her nipples. Nothing pleased him more than sexually satisfying his wife. Every measure of joy on her beautiful face made their lovemaking even more wonderful.

"Come on, baby, that's it, look at me," he whispered as she began to shake beneath him, biting her lip, she cried out. Sam came moments later, filling her up.

Lately, physical intimacy was a challenge. He worked longer hours, which was a good thing since it meant they were making a lot of money; he even hired an assistant, a young twenty-two year old guy named Vincent with spiked black hair and a tattoo of Light Yagami on his left shoulder. He was hardworking and kind-hearted and often spent time volunteering at the local homeless shelter. Mercedes and the kids adored him, and she often invited him over for dinner because she sensed he was lonely.

Sam didn't know much about his past except that he was abused and bounced around in foster homes until the age of 18. An incident, in particular, stuck out in Sam's mind. One afternoon while they were working on a house in Kentucky, Vincent took off his shirt because it was an extremely hot day and Sam saw huge burn scars on his back; his skin was melted together. When Vincent saw him looking, he only said:

"My Dad hated me," and then he picked up a saw and began cutting a plank of wood.

When Sam told Mercedes what happened, tears fell from her eyes and he was reminded again why he loved his wife so much: she truly cared about people.

So with Sam's long hours and Mercedes busy with the kids and running the household, once they got to bed, they were exhausted and all they could manage to do was kiss and hold each other. They also prayed together and had "reading" sessions, whenever possible. But making love wasn't as frequent, and Sam missed her, missed filling her up, watching her come undone, unravel in the orgasms. Now he was making up for lost time. He held her close to his heart.

"Thank you," she whispered, as he rubbed her back.

"You're welcome and we're not finished," he said, kissing her.

"Oh I know, but let me rest first."

"We've got all morning, hell we've got two weeks since the kids are staying with my parents."

"Aren't you and Vincent working on the Tracy house?"

"No, I'm putting that on hold."

"For what?"

"For us. I can't remember the last time we made love."

"It's been a while," she admitted.

They lay in silence. Then Sam said:

"Baby?"

"Yes?"

"I know this sounds terrible and don't take it the wrong way but – "

"Sam, just say it."

"Do you think Jake will have it easier than Rosy and Abby?"

"Because he looks white?"

"Yes."

Mercedes was quiet for a long time. Sam grew worried. The hate group incident and the crazy racist man in the supermarket were sobering for them and even though the community came together, and they got the help they needed to move forward, Sam's overprotective ways went into high gear and never let up. And though Mercedes overcame her fear, she too was more attuned to her surroundings.

Facing the danger together during the Karofsky situation was different; they were targets of Pauline's twisted wrath, but this was different; that hate and anger came from another place, and though Sam kept his family close, he saw the world differently. He always knew stuff like this happened, but reading about it online or seeing it on the news removed him from it, Finally, he said:

"I'm sorry, schätzchen, I didn't mean to upset you."

"You didn't," she said, kissing his cheek, "I know what you're talking about and it's crossed my mind too. Aunt Josephine hinted about it."

"I don't want them to think the world is against them."

"They won't. We'll teach them to be proud of whom they are, love themselves and trust in God, and understand that some people are ignorant, hateful scum and you have to choose your battles. Our children are loving, smart, funny, wonderful kids; I know they'll make it. I don't want them to lose the love in their hearts but I'm realistic too."

"So am I. And it kills me because I can't stop it from happening," Sam said, "I'm working through it, but damn it, I hate it."

She hugged him.

"I know. But we've got so much to be grateful for… our beautiful family and home, and lots of love and support from the community."

He kissed her and they fell asleep. About an hour later, they woke up and made love again, then took a shower, and his wife's naked, wet body, glistening beneath the shower spray with soap bubbles on her skin aroused him again and he couldn't resist grabbing her wide hips, bringing her voluptuous body flush against his own, and slipping into her, Mercedes received each thrust, moaning into his ear.

She climaxed in his arms, trembling through her release. He then washed her gorgeous mane of hair, all coiled and kinky, and finally as the water turned from lukewarm to cool, he shut off the shower, and they stepped out into the steamy bathroom where he began drying her off, and the simple act of rubbing the thick, soft towels against her wet skin made him hard. He wanted her again.

"Turnaround," he said, his voice low and hoarse.

Mercedes nodded and turned away from him, waiting for his next command.

"Lean forward and hold onto to the sink."

She did as he asked, her breathing labored as she held the edge of the coral marble sink, and goose bumps formed on her damp skin, despite the warm, cloud of steam surrounding them; and Sam knew it was because she anticipated what was to come.

Her soft hair was a mass of springy ringlets, her doe eyes bright, and her ass on display, big and round, stretch marks running across her cheeks. She tried to fade them with Ambi but he wanted those marks as much as he wanted the rest of her. He pressed himself against her back, kissed her shoulders, and slapped her ass.

"You need to watch," he said.

She nodded and with her dainty, manicured hand, wiped away a clean part of the foggy mirror, and soon their reflection appeared in the shiny wet glass; Sam looked wild, his partially dried hair was unkempt, his green eyes shined in the light, and Mercedes clutched the counter's edge, her thick, dark nipples hardened as her chest rose and fell, excited tremors ran through her.

She stared into the mirror and waited. He knew she needed him; by the way her body trembled. He smelled the sweet scent of the cocoa butter shower gel and cool mint shampoo, as he sank into her, undulating his hips; her ass, thighs, and breasts jiggled and quaked. Each time he hit her sweet spot, he elicited pleasurable cries from his wife, but she held back from coming, she needed his permission. This was their form of sexual play. They weren't into anything hardcore, but as their marriage progressed, Sam embraced his dominant side and Mercedes loved the submission.

"You're doing so good sweetheart," he said, thrusting into her.

His praise made her blush, a reddish hue spread across her sable skin. He slowed down, and hit and missed her erogenous zones on purpose.

"Sam…"

"Baby, you can hold on, can't you? I know you can."

She nodded, tears fell from her eyes, and she bit her bottom lip, her white teeth sinking in so deep that a tiny drop of blood formed on the surface. She used all her strength to hold back the flood tide building within her.

"You know why I like you like this?" he asked, his hands roamed to her heavy, sagging breasts and squeezed them.

She shook her head unable to speak, needing to climax.

"You're so damn beautiful before you come, I can't explain it you just are …"

"I… oh God, I…"

"Shhh, he said, holding her tight, rolling his hips, "You're doing good, baby, look at yourself… I feel you squeezing me. I know you want to come, but hold on, it's better this way, you need this."

And she did.

Mercedes got much pleasure from staving off her orgasms under his control, obeying his commands. The need was always present but now it was more pronounced; Sam figured it was her sexual awakening as well as his own to take on these roles in a more prominent way as opposed to the subtle manner during their courtship and first year of marriage.

Since the kids were away, they would make love all day, and fulfill as many fantasies as possible. Mercedes was barely holding on, she took a deep breath and exhaled, tears flowed from her dark eyes; Sam knew it was time for her release. He thrust into her.

"Come," he whispered.

She came hard, crying and yelling, gripping the counter, her legs gave way and he held her tight, supporting her as the orgasm coursed through her body; he came too and it was nirvana for them both. When she calmed down, they washed up again and he dried her off and carried her to the bedroom, where he laid her on the bed and got in beside her. She reached for him like a small child needing comfort, and he held her to his chest, soothing her through the afterglow. He stroked her hair, ran his hands up and down her back, felt her heartbeat against his. Slowly, their eyelids grew heavy and they drifted off to sleep.

ooo

Mercedes woke up and saw that it was noon. Sam's arms were firmly wrapped around her. She relished it and snuggled up against him; she felt his hard erection pressed against her. She reached down and held his length in her hands, stroking it, hot and heavy. Sam opened his eyes and he moaned, at feeling the softness of her sweet hands stroking him.

"Schätzchen."

Mercedes kissed his plump lips and worked her way down his hard planed torso, kissing and licking his skin, while continuing her slow stroking. She went further down and took him in her mouth, sucking with just the right amount of pressure, taking him deep, her head bobbed up and down as she concentrated on giving him as much pleasure as she could, loving every moan she heard from him. He erupted in her mouth, and she swallowed all that he gave her, his hands gripped her hair, tugging slightly as he shuddered above her. When she was finished, she released him, and rose up, kissing him, sharing his essence in the deep kiss. Neither spoke for a few moments until he said:

"Damn."

"You liked it?"

"You have to ask?"

"Just checking."

"Come on, I'll make us something to eat."

"Ok," she said, reaching for her nightie.

"No."

"What?"

"No nightie."

"Excuse me?"

"How many opportunities do I get to see you walk around the house naked?"

"You want us to eat in the buff?"

He kissed her.

"Yep."

"You can't fry bacon naked."

"True," he said, realizing the danger. "Alright, I'll wear an apron and you can't wear anything.

"Sam as much as I want to be adventurous. Sitting my naked behind on the kitchen chair doesn't sound appealing."

Sam laughed.

"How about a compromise?"

"Such as?"

"I'll go cook brunch, and we can eat it up here in bed."

"I like that idea."

He caressed her shoulder.

"Good, I'll be back in a few."

"Sam."

"Yes?"

She kissed him, stroking his cheek.

"Thank you for making me feel so beautiful."

He shook his head, kissing her again.

"You don't have to thank me."

Mercedes looked down at the bed, shaking her head, a few tears fell from her eyes.

"Baby?" he said.

She wiped away her tears with the back of her hand.

"Don't worry. I'm not crying because I'm sad. I hear women complain about how their bodies change after pregnancy, and how their husbands don't touch them like they used to, and while I feel bad for them, I'm grateful that you love me like you do."

He hugged her.

"I'm grateful too. Every day I get to wake up with you by my side."

She looked at him.

"I need to see you."

Sam nodded and they sat up facing each other, legs crossed under them, their knees touching and holding hands. After having their "reading" sessions so often, now the synchronized breathing was second nature, the warm sunshine poured in from the window, shining on their naked bodies. They let their minds and hearts open. The room was silent except for their steady breathing and if you listened closely you could hear their hearts too. Mercedes stared into his green eyes and saw how much love he carried for her and their family, she thought of his long hours and fierce determination, and despite his fatigue, he would play with the kids, sing them songs, and show them how much he loved them: from doing Abby's hair, to eating PB&J sandwiches with the twins while they watched Sesame Street, or giving her impromptu leg massages when she suffered from Charley Horses.

"Thank you for being such a wonderful father, husband and provider. I couldn't ask for a better man to spend my life with. I love you."

Sam squeezed her hands, and gazed at her, getting lost in the dark depths of her dark brown eyes. This was a woman who persevered and survived and loved and lost and gave him the honor to be her husband and father of her children. She ran the household with an efficient hand, cared for Rachel in her last days, nursed the twins, witnessed Abby's tween love with trepidation and understanding, listened to his problems, prayed with him and let him love her no matter what. He was blessed in so many ways and loving her was his ultimate life goal. Her soft, caring, nature made her more precious than the jewel she wore on her finger.

I can't imagine my world without you in it. You're the reason I strive to do better everyday. I love you and our family so much. I am blessed.

They touched each other's hearts, placing their hands over the vibration of the thumping heartbeat and stayed still, staring at one another as they felt the love between them. They hugged each other close, each thanking God for their fortune.

ooo

Sam made brunch and they ate it in the bedroom, naked and carefree. They laughed, talked, and joked and it felt so nice just to be together like this. As much as they loved their children, it was fun to only focus on each other in an empty house. After they ate, Sam took their plates and set them on the nightstand. He reached under the bed and pulled out a small, flat turquoise box, tied with a white satin ribbon.

"I got something for you."

"What is it?

"Open it."

Mercedes opened the box while Sam watched her with a twinkle in his eye. She laughed out loud when she saw what it was.

"Sam, you didn't!"

"I did."

She held up the black lace vibrating panties, amused by the turn of events; Sam had all kinds of tricks up his sleeve.

"You expect me to put these on, don't you?"

"Of course. And I have the remote."

"Of course," she said, fingering the black lace.

"Do you need help putting them on?"

Mercedes shook her head, stood up and glided them over her big, shapely legs; she placed the small, curved vibrator inside the little pocket of the panties; the device rested snug against her labia and clitoris. The stretchy lace material molded perfectly to her ample backside. Sam loved her in lace, leather or silk.

"Perfect fit," she said.

"Turn it on."

She nodded and did as he asked. It hummed discreetly and gave her little jolts of pleasure. A tiny red light shined through the lace.

Sam stood behind her, wrapping his arms around her.

"How does it feel?"

"Good."

"That's the lowest setting," he said, "I think you need a little kick."

"Oh, do I?"

"I'd say you do."

"Go easy on me."

He fondled her breasts with one hand while he set it to the next level. Mercedes felt a more intense sensation.

"Like that?"

She nodded.

"Yes."

"Let's watch TV."

"What?" She said, annoyed by his nonchalance, her body felt electric.

"We haven't watched a movie for a while," he said, ignoring her reaction, "Come on, let's go downstairs to the living room." He slid on his boxers and took her hand, all the while Mercedes felt flushed and aroused.

"Sam, I think…"

"I'll make popcorn and everything, you can relax on the couch."

"The movie better be clean."

"You worry too much," he said, fiddling with the remote and the vibrator went back down to the lower setting, "Better?"

"For now. But you're tricky."

Sam laughed and pulled her into a hug.

"I got you. Don't worry."

"Famous last words."

"You don't trust me?"

"No, not while you're holding the remote."

"That's why it's fun."

"For you, I suppose."

Sam turned it up a notch, and Mercedes gasped, biting her lip.

"Damn," she whispered.

Sam kissed her and turned it down again.

"Ready to go downstairs?"

Mercedes hugged him close, her bare breasts pressed against his chest. She would be lying if she said she wasn't enjoying this; she actually relished in it, and Sam's gaze set her on edge, wanting more of what was to come. Above all, she loved the power play at hand, he was in control and she found it erotically pleasurable that he had the remote, moving the switch up and down on a whim and watching her dissolve into near orgasm each time.

"I'm ready," she said, kissing him as the pulsating sensation of the vibrator grew stronger.

ooo

After an afternoon of intense lovemaking, which ended with Mercedes seated on Sam's lap, riding him without restraint, her hips pumping as she gripped the black leather couch. The living room was in a disarray: a bowl of popcorn spilled on the floor, the discarded panties dangled from the lampshade, and Sam's boxers somehow ended up on top the television. While they watched the anime movie Your Name, Mercedes staved off her orgasms despite Sam's constant tinkering with the vibrator's remote, setting it high and low with no rhyme or reason, and his infuriating calm demeanor drove her crazy as she squirmed and moaned beside him.

Though he had an obvious bulge in his boxers, he watched the movie like nothing was out of the ordinary. During the film, he stroked her thighs, squeezed her breasts and kissed her neck, pushing her to the limit, while the vibrator buzzed between her legs. Much to her credit, she lasted the entire film, and by then Sam was ready to burst and gone was his cool facade, and he felt the sweetest bliss when she slid down on his hard erection and she was finally able to get her release, all the teasing with the remote was worth it, because she loved every second of it and so did he. Those panties were a gift that would get much use. Sam wanted her to wear them out in public, but Mercedes put the kibosh on that idea. She loved walking on the wild side; however, she had her limits.

Later that evening they went to a new Italian restaurant in town called Saluzzo for dinner. Mercedes dressed up in bright sky-blue dress with a plunging neckline and full skirt. She wore Sam's favorite perfume, Ocean Dream, and fluffed out her hair into a pretty Afro, decorated with a blue rose hairpin that Sam bought for her at an antique shop in Chattanooga. Upon seeing her as she descended the stairs, he wanted to forget dinner and take her up stairs to have his way with her again, she was so radiant and beautiful to him, but Mercedes admonished him as he squeezed her ass, when he hugged and kissed her.

"Now, Sam, we've been going at it all day. I thought you wanted to try this place as much as I did."

Sam kissed her once more.

"I do. But you look so gorgeous and sexy."

"You look good too."

Sam begged to differ. He paled in comparison beside his hot wife, but that was okay. He only wanted her to shine. He made sure he wore the black dress pants and light blue silk shirt she favored. He even had time to get a hair cut.

Saluzzo opened in downtown Star Pride not far from the Arts District taken over by hipsters and non-conformists. It was named after a small town in Italy where the owners were from and the décor was reminiscent of an old Italian village with its burnt orange painted walls, high ceilings and ornate crown molding. The floors were mosaic tiles in a pattern of pale yellow scrolls and green flowers. The tables and chairs were made of cherry wood, and a string of small white fairy lights, were wrapped around the ceiling beams sparkling above the customers like tiny stars. It wasn't a very big restaurant but it had a certain charm to it.

Mercedes ordered braised beef in Barolo wine with mashed potatoes and Sam got the fettuccine with cuttlefish ink, mussels and saffron cream. He loved the inky black pasta dish and Mercedes was equally enamored with the succulent braised beef. As they were eating, a young man approached their table; he looked to be in his early twenties and he had brown hair, skin as pale as a porcelain doll, and piercing blue eyes.

"Mr. and Mrs. Hummel?" He said, slightly hesitant.

Sam regarded him with suspicion, and reached over and held Mercedes' hand, giving her silent reassurance he would handle things.

"Yes?"

"I'm sorry to bother you, Mr. Hummel, but my name is Dan Warren, I just want to say that your words were so inspiring at the No Place For Hate rally."

Sam's face relaxed.

"Thank you. And please call me Sam."

Dan rambled on.

"I'm writing a book about hate groups in small town America and I would love to interview both of you."

"I don't know. Stuff like that isn't my thing," Sam said looking over at Mercedes.

"Me either," she said.

Dan tried to appeal to them.

"Look, I can change your name and location. The reason I'm writing the book is to raise awareness."

"That's admirable. But we're not interested," Sam said, "I do wish you luck with your book."

Dan sighed and reached into his back pocket, pulling out a white business card.

"If you change your mind, I can be reached at those numbers," he said handing the card to Sam, "It was nice meeting you both."

"Likewise," Mercedes said smiling at him, "I look forward to reading your book when it's published."

Dan smiled.

"Thank you."

He shook their hands and left.

Sam was glad when he was gone and resumed eating his fettuccine. Mercedes sipped her ginger ale and watched him for a moment then said:

"Are you alright?"

Sam shrugged.

"Yeah… I was just thinking, the sooner we go to Hawaii the better."

Mercedes squeezed his hand.

"I understand. You know I had a lovely time today."

"Me too."

They ordered Cassata Siciliana for dessert, a marzipan covered sponge cake with layers of ricotta. Afterwards they lingered over their espressos and Sam said he wanted to go somewhere else.

"Where? Mercedes asked as she ate the last bite of cake.

"You'll see."

After he paid the bill, they walked out into the warm evening, holding hands, taking their time to get to the car. A few of their neighbors were out as well and waved hello as they passed by them. Once they reached the car, Sam unlocked it, and opened the door for Mercedes. He quickly got in and they were off to the surprise destination.

They drove in a comfortable silence. Sam had one hand on the steering wheel and his other hand was firmly grasped around Mercedes' little hand, her emerald wedding ring sparkled when the streetlights shined into the car. Sam was so proud of that ring on her finger and only she was deserving of it. No other woman was worthy. He glanced at her, as she gazed out the window, a serene smile on her face.

"What are you thinking about?"

"Nothing, just feeling how blessed I am."

Sam lifted her hand and kissed it. He drove a few more miles until he made a left turn and drove up a hill to a two-story white Victorian house with black shutters and red rose bushes planted in front of the wrap-around porch. The front door was scarlet red, and had a heavy brass knocker.

He parked the car in the driveway and unbuckled his seatbelt.

"This is the Chelsea house. We finished renovations and I thought you would like to see it."

"It's gorgeous."

He kissed her and they exited the car and walked up to the house. The rose bushes gave off a heady, sweet fragrance and Mercedes, inhaled the scent, loving how it reminded her of her Grandmother's favorite rose perfume that she only wore on Sundays when she went to the Lima Baptist church, all gussied up in her purple suit and matching pillbox hat. Sam unlocked the front door and upon entering, he turned on the light, Mercedes was impressed with the dark reddish brown hardwood floors. The walls were painted soft cream and the decorative scroll leaf crown molding was a brilliant shade of white and provided a perfect contrast. But Mercedes fell in love with the spiral staircase, which began with a lovely curved volute and a newel post carved with roses. She took a step and ran her hands across the sleek, polished wood handrail and admired the barley twist spindles of the staircase. Sam hugged her from behind.

"I knew you would like this staircase."

"It's like a fairy tale."

"Come on, I have something to show you."

She followed him up the stairs and when they got to the top floor, he turned off the lights and pointed to the ceiling.

"Look."

Mercedes looked up and saw a beautiful, domed stained glass ceiling with panes of red, green, yellow, and blue and in the middle of the ceiling was a giant red rose. The moonlight shined through the glass and made rainbows on the walls.

"Sam…" she had no words for how exquisite it was. She held his hand and gazed up at the ceiling in awe, "It feels like church."

They stared at the ceiling a while longer and Mercedes took a picture of it.

"You should see how it looks when the sun rises in the morning," Sam said.

"I can only imagine," she said gazing at it.

"Come on, let me show you the rest of the house."

"Let's stay here a while longer. I can't get over how beautiful this ceiling is."

Mercedes loved all the colors and light. She stretched out her arms toward the ceiling as if trying to capture each beam of light reflected through the glass. Sam's arms encircled her waist.

"You're beautiful."

She turned around and kissed him.

"Thank you for showing this to me."

Sam began doing a Jimmy Stewart impression. He recited lines from It's a Wonderful Life.

"What is it you want, Mercedes? What do you want? You want the moon? Just say the word and I'll throw a lasso around it and pull it down. Hey. That's a pretty good idea. I'll give you the moon, Mercedes."

Mercedes smiled and played along, saying the next line from the movie.

"I'll take it, then what?"

"Well, then you can swallow it, and it'll all dissolve, see... and the moonbeams would shoot out of your fingers and your toes and the ends of your hair... am I talking too much?"

He paused, stopped doing his impression, and said:

"I would give you the moon, you know. I'd give you this ceiling too if it meant I could see your eyes shine like that every day."

Mercedes held his face in her hands.

"I don't need the moon."

"But you deserve it."

"Sit with me on the floor"

Together they sat on the floor, beneath the stained glass dome, bathed in it's awesome colored light.

Sam put his arm around her. She laid her head on his shoulder.

"You get up at least three times a night to check the locks, check on the kids, and to feel my heartbeat."

"How did you - "

"Shh… I've always known. I'm telling you because you give me everything I need."

They kissed and were quiet for a long time just holding each other until Mercedes said:

"You work so hard. I worry about you."

He kissed her forehead.

"I'm fine. I admit work stresses me out, but when I come home and I see you… all it takes is one look from you, just a small smile or a hug or a kiss and it gets me through everything."

Mercedes rubbed his chest, placing her hand on his heart.

"I understand. After what happened last winter, just hearing your voice was like a soothing balm for my soul. You get me through everything too."

"I love you, Mrs. Hummel," he said, holding her close and kissing her.

"I love you too, Mr. Hummel."

ooo

When they got home, they made love as the ceiling fan blew cool air over their bodies. They stroked and caressed one another and they took their time, kissing and loving each other. Mercedes gave him a massage because she wanted to relax his tense muscles and ease his back pain. As he lay there, enjoying her soft hands, kneading into his shoulder blades, it was all he could do, not to turn over and thrust inside her, but he maintained his self-control. She kissed his bruises as she moved downward, massaging his back. Since he suffered some minor injuries, Mercedes took it upon herself to take a massage course to help alleviate his pain. She became quite adept at giving him massages. Cooper also gave her pointers since he had to give LaTonya massages to soothe her phantom pain.

When she reached his behind, gently squeezing his firm cheeks, Sam was hard and leaking and he could no longer control himself.

"Schätzchen."

"Yes?"

"Lay back."

"But Sam I want to – "

"Don't worry, I'll let you finish but I need you so bad right now."

She kissed his shoulder and laid back on the bed, spreading her legs, the moonlight shining on her dark skin. She tanned so easily, and he loved every shade she became. He took a moment to admire her; he squeezed her chubby belly and fondled her large, pendulous breasts. She looked up at him.

"I didn't mean to get you – "

"It's fine," he said leaning down and kissing her, and slipping his fingers inside her, she was wet and she moaned as he pumped his fingers, "You took the pain away."

She arched her back, and her breasts jiggled. Sam gazed down at her.

"Baby when we get to Hawaii, we're going skinny dipping in the ocean or maybe we'll make love on the beach late at night. I can see you all laid out beneath me, and I want you to wear a white bathing suit."

Mercedes only moaned as Sam told her his fantasy.

"You look gorgeous in white," he said, "In fact, we can pick out a suit together. I want it to be sheer too. Hell, the best suit of all is your birthday suit."

Mercedes smiled at him, grabbing the sheets as she rode his fingers, her hips rising and falling. Then he slid inside her. She felt so good. He remained still, just feeling how awesome it was to be inside this magnificent woman, and he began stroking her, gyrating his hips. Mercedes threw her head back and made those crying noises he loved to hear, as she grew closer to orgasm.

"Or maybe we'll make love under a water fall, your big, pretty legs wrapped around my waist. And I don't care about those dimples in your thighs. They're beautiful just like the rest of you."

Mercedes could barely breathe as Sam kissed her.

"Would you like that? I don't know if it could happen but I want it to. I love you. I love how you take care of us, Mercy, look at me, yeah, that's right look at me, are you getting close?"

She nodded unable to speak. Sam kissed her again and squeezed her thick nipples. He saw her hand wander between her legs, but he stopped her.

"Let me," he said, gently rubbing her clitoris.

Then she came, yelling and shaking, clinging to him and Sam's orgasm followed hers and he savored every moment.

ooo

They lay in bed and talked the rest of the night. Sam oiled her scalp and he loved sinking his fingers into her kinky, coiled tresses. Sometimes they kissed or simply cuddled. Or they sang together, songs they both loved. By the time the sun rose, the room filled with golden light, they fell asleep wrapped around each other.

ooo

The next day they went to the movies and saw a foreign film about a couple in Tokyo who fall in love but can't be together. It was subtitled and needlessly sad and Sam grew restless but Mercedes was transfixed; she cried when the woman died at the end. Sam handed her tissues. Mercedes dabbed her eyes and sniffed.

"The cherry blossoms were beautiful, weren't they?"

Sam only nodded and waited for her to compose herself. He didn't tell her it was only a movie, a very boring one at that, he didn't say it was a silly chick flick. Because her crying touched him, as ridiculous as that sounded; his wife saw beauty in everything.

Afterwards, they had lunch at a nearby diner where they ate roast beef sandwiches and people watched.

"Tell me about them," Mercedes said nodding toward a couple seated about three tables away from them. They were young and rosy cheeked. The woman kept twisting a napkin around her finger and the man stared at her, his gaze holding hers.

Sam glanced at them.

"He's into her."

"How do you know?"

"He's staring at her like he's trying to memorize her."

Mercedes sipped her iced tea.

"That's sweet."

"The tea?"

"No, what you just said."

"It's true."

Mercedes looked over at the couple again, and now the woman put the napkin down, and rested her hands on the table.

"She's sitting in front of him. What's there to memorize?"

"Everything."

They finished lunch and went to an old record store where Mercedes bought a Kate Bush album from 1985 called Hounds of Love. When they got home, Sam put the album on his record player and they curled up on the couch and listened to it. When the song Under the Ivy played, Sam looked at Mercedes as she sang along. It was a strange, sad, and beautiful song, with a haunting quality he couldn't explain.

It wouldn't take me long

To tell you how to find it

To tell you where we'll meet

This little girl inside me

Is retreating to her favorite place

Go into the garden

Go under the ivy

Under the leaves

Away from the party

Go right to the rose

Go right to the white rose

(For me)

Sam listened to her sing; her voice transfixed him. When it was over he said:

"You let me in."

She looked at him, touching his face, not answering him, and really he didn't need a response. She gave him the white rose and that was enough.

ooo

Speranza woke them up the next morning. Her loud cawing in the back yard was shrill.

"Better than an alarm clock," Mercedes said, stretching her arms, "Do you have to work?"

"No."

"What do you want to do?"

"Let's have coffee on the porch."

"Anything else?"

His hand drifted to her bare behind and squeezed.

"Well there is something…"

Mercedes smiled as Sam got on top of her, spread her legs and slid inside her.

ooo

After they made love and showered, they had coffee on the porch as Sam suggested. Speranza wandered over to them and perched herself on the porch rail, watching them as they sipped their mugs of Dallmayr coffee.

"What was all that noise this morning?" Sam said to the bird, "About to give us a heart attack."

Speranza tilted her head and stared at him.

"Oh, so now you're all quiet."

Mercedes chuckled and shook her head.

"She likes messing with you."

Sam lifted her hand, kissing it.

"I reckon she does."

"Let's go for a hike."

"Where?"

"There's a park trail I want to try."

"Ok."

They finished their coffee, changed into hiking gear and went to the park. Mercedes packed them a lunch. The park was deserted and they took the Red River Gorge trail, leading them across a natural rock formation bridge made of sandstone, overlooking a forest filled with beech, sugar maple, white pine, and oak trees, the varying shades of green leaves reminded Mercedes of her emerald ring, when she gazed at it in the bright sunlight, it not only sparkled but turned to different greenish hues, going from light to dark. When she and Sam reached the end of the trail, they looked out across the magnificent forest. Sam put his arm around her, hugging her close to his side. A gentle breeze blew, cooling their skin.

"It's beautiful," he said.

"Yeah."

They took a lot of pictures, drank some water and ate the roast chicken sandwiches Mercedes packed for them before heading back to the car. When they got home, they cleaned up the house. As Sam swept the kitchen floor he said:

"This is boring."

"You missed a spot," Mercedes said pointing to some crumbs in front of the fridge.

Sam ignored her.

"You don't want to have a little fun?"

"We have to get the house in order; it's a wreck."

"Do we?"

Mercedes closed the dishwasher, walked over to him, and kissed him, tasting his cherry chapstick.

"These last few days have been amazing."

"I know."

Sam leaned the broom against the wall, and put his arms around her.

"Dance with me."

"Sam…"

"Come on Schätzchen… dance with me."

She looked up at him.

"Ok."

They slow-danced and he hummed in her ear, their hearts pressed together. Speranza wandered into the kitchen from the back porch, the screen door was wide open.

"That bird," Sam said, twirling her.

Mercedes giggled, enjoying the graceful movements of the dance, then he pulled her closer, hugging her.

"I'm taking you to the prom."

"Oh you are?"

"Yes, I'm getting a tuxedo and corsage, I'll show up at your door and you'll be wearing a blue gown that shows off your curves. We'll kiss behind the bleachers."

Mercedes indulged him.

"Then what?"

"I'll dance every dance with you and we'll be named King and Queen."

"Sounds nice."

Sam kissed her. They stopped dancing and held each other.

"We never had this," Sam said.

"What do you mean?" Mercedes asked.

Sam then ushered Speranza outside and shut the screen door and locked it. He took Mercedes' hand and they went into the living room and sat on the couch.

"I mean ever since we met, something was happening. We were fighting to be together, dealing with Pauline and Abby's silence, going to therapy, trying to get pregnant, Rachel dying, crazy racists… we never had a time where it was just us. To be still and love each other."

"Do you regret it?"

"No because it led us to what we have now. I think these past days mean so much to me because I get to see you again. Our honeymoon wasn't even this long."

"You see me everyday."

"That's different. I mean I can watch you be silly or talk all night or make love whenever we want. We don't have moments of our time but entire days."

She nodded.

"I understand."

"Do you really want to spend this time cleaning?"

"So you told me all of that stuff to get out of sweeping the kitchen?"

He playfully bopped her with a couch pillow, and she laughed.

"I don't want to waste our time on boring stuff," he said, "Let's go for a drive."

"Ok."

They went upstairs to change clothes and as she decided what dress to wear, standing in front of the closet, hands on her wide hips, donned only in her purple cotton sports bra and matching panties, Sam couldn't resist grabbing Mercedes and kissing her before pulling them both onto the bed.

"You look fine as hell," he said, removing her bra to free her breasts, "Sorry, baby, I need you."

Mercedes was about to answer but when he began sucking her nipples, she sighed and enjoyed his ravenous assault on her bosom. She closed her eyes as he pulled off her panties, got between her big, dimpled thighs and slowly licked her. Pleasure washed over her as he continued to taste her, he kept a strong hold on her thighs, keeping them open so she could experience multiple orgasms. She grabbed the sheets and cried out as she came more than once. When she settled down, Sam kissed her, and then took off his boxers, and spooned her from behind, she bent her knees and slightly raised off the bed, as he entered her, pressed against her back, taking his time, he pumped in and out of her, while fondling her breasts and belly, and kissing the back of her neck, sending shivers up her spine. After prolonged stroking and grinding, they finally came, shaking and holding each other.

They lay in bed and cuddled for a while. Mercedes snuggled up to Sam, laying her head on his chiseled chest as he stroked her soft hair.

"You still want to go for a drive?" he asked her.

"Yeah, just let me rest for a while longer."

Sam yawned.

"I could use some rest too."

Mercedes yawned too and laughed.

"You're one horny bastard."

"I couldn't resist."

"I wasn't wearing leather or lace. How sexy could a sports bra be?"

"On you, anything is sexy."

"I guess so… But you acted like I was decked out in lingerie."

"Well, it's not like you didn't enjoy it."

"Oh, I more than enjoyed it. It was awesome."

"It was, wasn't it?"

They took a brief nap and then showered with Mercedes on her knees, taking Sam's member in her mouth, and giving him a blissful ride as his hands slipped on the marble walls. Afterwards they got dressed and headed out for a drive. Mercedes wore a long royal blue sundress to please Sam, because he loved her in blue. She French braided her hair and put on blush and lipstick. Sam whistled when he looked at her, kissing her full cheeks. He wore faded jeans and an Avatar t-shirt. He decided to take a drive on Old Frankfort Pike because it was a sixteen-mile route through horse country, and provided a beautiful scenic ride. Mercedes loved gazing at the bucolic green hills of the country side and watching the thoroughbred horses roam on the farm land, their glossy roan, chestnut and black coats shining in the afternoon sun.

"Have you ever been horseback riding?" Sam asked her.

She shook her head.

"No, but I always wanted to go… oh, look at that beautiful black Morgan, she said, her voice filled with awe, "It's so graceful."

Sam pulled the car over to the side of the road.

"Come on, let's take some pictures."

They took a few pictures and then got back into the car and continued their drive.

"When the kids come back, all of us should go horseback riding," he said.

"I didn't know you liked horseback riding."

"We used to go when we were kids. I would sometimes go when I was in college."

"As much as I like horses, I admit to being a little scared of riding."

"Why?"

She shrugged.

"Oh, I don't know. I guess I hate the thought of falling off."

"It's really great once you get the hang of it. I remember Grandma and Grandpa taking us riding in autumn on nature trails. Finn would always choose a spotted horse named Cinnamon and for a while he wanted to take him home and…" Sam stopped talking and Mercedes reached for his hand, squeezing it."

"You have a lot of good memories," she said, knowing that talking about the past and Finn sometimes upset Sam given everything that happened and Rachel's death.

Sam nodded. His eyes welled up with tears.

"Do you think he's ok?"

"I'm sure he's fine. He said he needed this break with the kids."

"Whenever I call him, he doesn't say much and always has to go. Do you think Lucy and Matt are holding up ok?"

"I hope so. Those kids have been through hell."

"Our kids aren't missing us at all," Sam said, raising her hand to his lips and kissing it, "My parents are spoiling them rotten."

Mercedes smiled. They spoke to the kids everyday and it was clear they were having a blast with Sam's parents.

"That's what grand parents are for," she said.

They drove for another hour and then had dinner at the Heirloom Restaurant in a former small railroad town in Midway. Mercedes admired its old-fashioned storefront appearance and red awning. They sat in a cozy beige booth and dined on huge crab cakes and warm spinach salad. For desert they ordered bourbon butter cake and drank tea. As they lingered over the delicious buttery cake, Mercedes said:

"Sam, I think you are the only person who truly knows me."

"What do you mean?"

"It's not that I wasn't open in my past relationships, but when I put up a wall, it was sort of understood that it wasn't coming down, but with you, I can't do that any more. Remember how you said it was getting better?"

"Yes."

"Well, it felt safe to let you in, for the first time in my life, I could let someone see my struggle."

"Do you think maybe it's because you've grown as a person? And not necessarily who you're with?"

"That could be it too. A lot has happened in my life that's changed me. Regardless of the reason, thank you for being my best friend. I know we honor each other as husband and wife but underneath everything we're friends and that's important too."

Sam got up from the table and sat next to her on her side of the booth; he kissed her and held her face in his hands.

"You're my best friend too. I love you."

They finished their cake and tea, paid the bill and drove home. Mercedes fell asleep in the car with Sam holding her hand.

ooo

The next day Sam and Vincent had to work on a dilapidated house in the Star Pride countryside, so Mercedes spent the day pampering herself, by getting a massage and facial, and having her eyebrows, legs and pubic area waxed. She also bought a sexy, new form-fitting aquamarine dress with a plunging V neck line from Lane Bryant which she liked so much she wore it out of the store, the dress reminded her of the ocean and she thought about the upcoming family vacation to Hawaii. Then she went to the salon to get her hair washed and flat-ironed. She went to Miss Pinky's, the only black hair salon in Star Pride.

The inside of Miss Pinky's was like an elegant throwback to 60s glamour with it's hot pink hair dryers, black and white tiled floor, old black and white photographs of Motown stars like the Supremes and Four Tops hung on the walls, a pink rotary phone sat on the glass receptionist desk, and Golden Oldies played over the sound system. A crystal pink chandelier hung from the ceiling, and the waiting area had a long hot pink vinyl couch. The salon smelled like Dippity Do and hairspray and all of the stylists wore hot pink smocks.

It had been a long time since she had worn her straight, and since she took such good care of her hair, well Sam took good care of it because he was the one who often washed and conditioned it for her, it almost reached her waist. Everyone in the salon marveled over her beautiful locks; and Gladys Pinky the salon owner took her picture to put it on her website. She was an older black woman with dark chestnut skin, and was shaped like a POM bottle, small waist, big hips and a generous rear end that she proudly displayed in tight jeans and straight skirts. If anyone was body positive, it was Gladys Pinky. She kept her salt and pepper hair cut close and it suited her plump, wrinkle free face.

"Madam, you look gorgeous," she said, holding up her phone as she snapped the picture.

The other hairstylists gathered around touching and praising her "good hair" so much so that Mercedes felt uncomfortable. At first it was flattering but then it disturbed her.

"Hey," she said, "All hair is good."

"Oh, hush," Gladys said, "We don't mean any harm, besides, it really is beautiful. Why don't you get a relaxer then people can see it's true length all the time?"

"I bet you that fine ass husband of yours would like it," a stylist named Etta said, winking at Mercedes, "I've seen you around town with White Chocolate."

Mercedes wasn't sure how she felt about the white chocolate comment but let it slide. Etta was a pretty woman with a creamy brown complexion, light gray eyes and red hair which she wore in loose curls framing her round, angelic face. Apparently those eyes ran in her family as Mercedes had seen other black people around town that resembled Etta with those same haunting eyes.

"Well, as a matter of fact," Mercedes said, looking at Etta, who stood with her hands on her hips, her pink smock fitting rather snugly across her big bosom, "My husband likes my hair in every style, but he likes it the most when it's natural."

"Really?" Miss Pinky said, touching Mercedes' hair once more, "I ain't knocking natural but – "

Then Etta interrupted her.

"He may say that, but trust me, when he sees you looking like a curvy, black Rapunzel, with all this pretty hair hanging down your back, "your man will change his mind."

"He likes it curled too," Mercedes said thinking of her wedding day and first date; when she wore her hair in long, loose curls. She remembered Rachel curling her hair and saying how pretty and thick it was; it was a flash of a memory, but it cut through her heart. She heard Rachel's laugh and saw her smile; for a moment her sister was there, and Mercedes had to shake herself from the memory. Gladys' voice pulled her back.

"Etta, don't pay her no mind," Gladys said, shaking her head smiling, "Just wait, she'll be back in here next week for a relaxer."

Mercedes was about to say something when Etta said:

"Like it says in the Bible in First Corinthian 11:15, 'But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering'."

Mercedes stood up, and said:

"And it also says in Song of Solomon, "You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you." So by my estimation I'm flawless either way."

"I know that's right," Gladys said, high-fiving Mercedes, "And Etta, when's the last time you been in church? That's probably the only scripture you know."

Etta pouted, folding her arms.

"No it isn't. I know others."

"Hmmm," Gladys said, "We'll talk about that later."

The other stylists laughed and returned to their stations. Mercedes paid the bill and gave Gladys a generous tip.

As she walked out of the salon, she put on her sunglasses and felt like a movie star walking across the street to the parking lot in her new dress and new hairdo. She received many appreciative glances and a few whistles from passerby and she had to admit she liked the extra attention. When she got home, Sam and Vincent were in the kitchen chowing down on ham sandwiches and chips, Mercedes posed in the doorway like a sexy siren, her hands on her wide hips.

"Well, what do you think? Can I stop traffic?"

Sam looked up from his sandwich, mustard on his chin and his eyes grew wide.

"Damn, Schätzchen, you look… damn…" he wiped his mouth with a napkin, "Baby, come here."

Mercedes did a slow, sexy, walk toward him, taking off her sunglasses as she sat on his lap.

Vincent stood up, clearing his throat.

"I have a few phone calls to make," he said, picking up his sandwich, "I'll meet you back at the house, Sam," he said nodding at him then he blushed looking at Mercedes with his expressive dark eyes and said, "And Mercedes you look really pretty."

"Why, thank you, Vincent."

When he was gone, Sam said:

"You are a hell of a sexy woman. Why are you all dolled up?"

"I just felt like pampering myself today."

"This dress shows off your assets and your hair," he said, running his hands through it, "Wow, I had no idea it was this long but – "

"Do you like it?"

"It's beautiful. And don't take this the wrong way, I just love your natural hair best, that's all, but any way you wear it looks good to me."

She kissed him.

"I got waxed today too."

Mercedes felt Sam grow hard as he squeezed her breast through the silk of her dress.

"Where?"

"Everywhere."

"Upstairs," he said, picking her up and carrying her to the bedroom.

"But you have work and - "

"We got time."

When they reached the bedroom, Sam closed the door. She stood by the bed and waited for him to undress her. She knew that lustful look in his eyes and now it was their time to play and she had another surprise for him. He removed her dress and smiled when he saw her panties.

"You're wearing the vibrating panties."

"Yes and now that I'm waxed I can feel the vibration even more."

"I thought you didn't want to wear them in public?"

"This is different. They weren't turned on. And you weren't with me controlling the remote, that would be disastrous."

"You really need to trust me on that," he said, kissing her, "I know it would be fun."

"We'll see," she said.

Sam pressed his hand against the front of her panties, squeezing her sex, the black lace was the only barrier between them; she was bare and smooth underneath. She moaned as Sam massaged her.

"Where's the remote?" he whispered, kissing her soft neck.

"In the night stand."

Sam slipped his fingers inside her panties and stroked her, feeling her wetness coat his fingers. Mercedes almost came from that alone.

"You know the rules," Sam said, stroking her, "I tell you when to come. Did anybody hit on you with this sexy dress on?"

"Men stared at me. One even whistled."

"Is that so?"

"Yeah… Sam I…" his fingers felt so good. It was agonizing and pleasurable all at once.

"They can only fantasize about you. But I get the real thing. I'm the luckiest man in the world, getting to watch you come apart." Sam kept up a steady pace with his fingers, "You're so beautiful."

"Please Sam I can't take –"

"Yes, you can." He said and slowly removed his fingers. He retrieved the remote. The red light in her panties turned on, he put it on the lowest setting. Mercedes moaned and her legs felt weak, she could feel an orgasm building within her.

"Lie on the bed," he said.

She lay in the center of the bed. Sam turned it up a notch.

"Damn," she said, trying to maintain control, but it all felt so good.

She was about to touch herself but Sam grabbed her eager hands.

"Behave."

Mercedes nodded and shut her eyes, biting her lip as the vibrator buzzed against her labia and clitoris sending gratifying jolts to every limb. She breathed deep trying to maintain her composure.

"You're gorgeous like this," Sam said sitting beside her on the bed, fully clothed. She smelled the paint and sawdust on his jeans. His callused fingers pinched her erect nipples through the delicate black lace of her bra.

"You're flushed," he said, his hands running up and down her big, bare, curvy legs, he squeezed her thighs and cupped her sex, feeling the vibration. Mercedes opened her legs wider, urging him to do more.

"I need – "

He turned up the vibrator another level and she almost came, as Sam pressed his hand against her vulva, he pinched her hard nipples, it was only when he turned it back down that she got a reprieve, tears ran down her cheeks; He kissed her.

"You've been so good for me," he whispered, brushing her long hair away from her face, kissing her once more. He then stood up and undressed; revealing hard muscles and an impressive erection. He opened the nightstand and took out two black silk ropes. He tied her wrists to the bedposts; she was helpless, aching, and aroused.

"I don't want you misbehaving," he said, caressing her chubby stomach, then kissing it.

Mercedes could only moan and nod, she stared at his hard member, dripping with pre-come, and when he saw her pleading eyes, he offered himself to her, and she took him in her mouth, sucking hard.

"Schätzchen…" he said, unable to say anything else because he was lost in sexual pleasure, he closed his eyes.

His reaction fueled her passion; she loved making him feel good, but just before he came, he pulled out, much to her disappointment.

"Not yet," he said, his face red. He straddled her, trapping her in a vice like grip between his strong, muscular thighs; he unhooked her bra, releasing her breasts; he fondled and squeezed them, then he took her thick nipples between his plump lips and suckled like a newborn, as the vibrator hummed between her thighs. He rubbed his length against her sex, a rhythmic dry humping that had her weeping once more, she wanted to come so bad, pulling at her ropes; she wanted more. Sam suddenly stopped and pulled her panties down her legs, and laid them on top of the nightstand; he turned off the vibrator. The room was silent. He kissed her tears.

"So beautiful and good for me," he said as he spread her legs and glided his hand across the smooth, hairless skin of her womanhood, and pushed his fingers inside her coating them with her essence as he pumped them in and out, watching her writhe about the bed, riding his fingers; he leaned down and kissed her inner thighs and placed a feather light kiss to her clitoris, before rising up and pushing his hard member inside her, feeling her squeeze him within her velvet walls, sleek and hot, he stretched and filled her and Mercedes could do nothing except take it. He was in control. Each thrust felt wonderful, she felt her heart would burst, but she was coming apart, she couldn't hold on much longer…

"Sam, baby, please."

Sam flexed his hips slamming into her, hitting her G-spot.

"Come."

And come she did. She screamed and yanked at the silk ropes, her body shook and quaked, her breasts, belly and thighs jiggled, and Sam kept thrusting until he came as well, filling her with his seed. Mercedes had never come so hard before and her voice echoed through out the house. He untied her wrists and she wrapped her arms around him as he lifted her up and cradled her to his chest like a small child, stroking her face and hair, telling her how magnificent she was. He got a bottle of water from the mini fridge next to the bed and held it to her lips.

"Drink, baby."

She opened her mouth and he tilted the bottle, almost like feeding her; she was so blissed out. When she was able to speak, her voice was hoarse.

"Damn," she said.

Sam laughed and kissed her, running his hands through her hair.

"I'm Rapunzel, she said, resting her head on his shoulder, "Thank you for washing it all those times."

"No, you're not Rapunzel. You're better than any princess. More beautiful too."

"Thank you," she whispered, kissing his cheek.

"I may have to spank you next time."

"For what?"

"For misbehaving."

Mercedes buried her face in his neck.

"I can't believe you said that."

"Imagine your pretty ass all red."

"What's gotten into you?"

"Like you wouldn't enjoy it."

Mercedes considered it for a moment. Giving control to him was what gave her the most pleasure and she enjoyed the silk ropes.

"We'll see," she said, "We should shower."

"Let me hold you, just a while longer."

"Ok."

"I love you."

"I love you too," she said and kissed him.

They cuddled a while longer and took a shower where they made love once again, while she donned a zebra print shower cap, and Sam thrust in and out of her. Miss Pinky's was expensive and she couldn't risk ruining a fresh wash and press. Afterwards, she thought of how Etta said he would like her better a certain way, and that couldn't be farther from the truth. He loved her in all ways, even when she wore a crazy looking shower cap, had stretch marks and cellulite, and did all kinds of jiggling when they made love, none of that mattered. Hell, she could be bald and she was certain he would love her anyway. She remembered Etta calling Sam white chocolate and laughed. At first it bothered her, but now it seemed silly. Sam caressed her big behind with the washcloth, gently washing each cheek, and squeezing the abundant, quivering flesh.

"What are you laughing about?"

"Nothing."

"Schätzchen…" he said raising his eyebrows.

"Oh, alright. One of the hairstylists at the salon referred to you as white chocolate and I thought it was funny."

"White chocolate, huh?"

"Yeah, it's dumb."

"True, but it's funny."

They laughed together and she told him what happened at the salon and this amused him but also made him aware.

"I never want Abby and Rosy to ever think they're not beautiful," he said as he washed her back, "These standards of beauty are limiting and I don't like it."

"I agree."

"They're beautiful just as they are. And Jake is handsome. But it's different for boys."

He wrapped his arms around her thick waist.

"Our kids are gonna love the skin their in. I promise."

"I know they will."

He held her for a long time until the water turned cool. Then they got out and dried each other off. Sam headed back to work and Mercedes changed into yoga pants and a t-shirt. She curled up on the couch and began watching an old Betty Davis movie but fell asleep. When she woke up, it was late afternoon, and she was starving. She made a ham sandwich and ate it in the kitchen, watching the sunset from the window. Speranza was perched on top of her birdhouse, looking as regal as a queen. A few minutes later, Sam came home.

"Baby, where are you?" He called out.

"I'm in the kitchen."

He walked into the kitchen, his heavy construction boots caked with dirt, and Sam came over to her, leaned down and kissed her cheek.

"We have a surprise for you."

"What is it?"

"Well you know that old house in the country that we're working on?"

"Yes, what about it?"

"We found this under the floor boards," Vincent said, pushing two big brown envelopes across the table.

"What is it?"

"Open up and see," Sam said.

Mercedes opened one of the envelopes. Inside were three photos. The first was a photo of a heavy set black woman with a round face and doe eyes much like her own. She wore a white lace blouse with a high collar and her hair was styled in the popular Gibson Girl style of the time and big rose was pinned to the left side of her lustrous hair. She stood in a flower garden; she wasn't smiling but her eyes held a bit of childish mischief and merriment.

The other picture showed her sitting in what looked like a parlor, this time her hair is down and cascading past her shoulders, she wore a white frilly dress, her round face serene and staring into the camera. The last picture showed her standing next to a tall white man on the front porch of a house, he had a thin mustache and wide mouth; he resembled Sam. He wore a dark suit and she was in a flowered dress, her hair was down again and a garland of baby's breath sat atop her head, making her look like a queen or some goddess of nature.

"It's you and me," she said staring at the pictures.

"I know. Spooky isn't it?"

"So they were together? How was that –"

"They saw each other in secret," Vincent said, "At least that's what it said in some of the letters we found."

"Letters?"

"Look inside the other one," Sam said, nodding toward the second envelope.

She opened it and inside was a stack of old letters yellowed with age, written in a delicate, sweeping script.

Mercedes read the first one out loud.

Dear Franny,

I'm sorry I couldn't meet you yesterday. There was a brawl at the mill. I thought of you often. I wish to see you tonight. I would love to take you to the fair but as things are, that isn't possible. I know people are saying things. I would never put you in danger. Maybe we could go to Canada? Faraway from this wretched place. I fear for your life and mine, though the heart wants what it wants, and my heart wants you. When we're alone together, it's Heaven. You are my sweet angel. I still think of the first time I saw you in the woods, sitting under a tree, reading and dreaming. That's you, my darling, the eternal artist and dreamer. I don't need the sawmill or this awful town. I do need you to be my wife. Please reconsider. I'll find a place where we can be married and raise a family in peace. I swear by it. I want to parade you around town because I love you so much. I'm so proud of you. I'm better because of you. You have the key. I'll be home late tonight. Don't come if you see rebby boys. They've been watching. They're always watching.

Love,

Thad

A few tears ran down Mercedes cheeks as she read the letter. It was so beautiful and sad. "I can't imagine," she said, "They only loved each other. What's the crime in that? What happened to them?"

"I don't know," Sam said, "I thought tomorrow we could go to the Town Archives to find out."

"Ok," Mercedes said, "I want to know more."

"Good, so what do you want to do for dinner?"

"I'm not hungry but I can make something for you."

"I've got an idea," Sam said, "Why don't I put a few steaks on the grill and corn on the cobb? We can eat in the back yard."

"But you've been working all day," Mercedes said, "I don't mind cooking."

"You can make some side dishes and rolls. I'm not all that tired anyway."

"If you say so, ok, sounds like a plan," she said, kissing him, she turned to Vincent and said, "Would you like to stay for dinner?"

"If it isn't any trouble."

"No trouble at all."

He smiled.

"Thank you, I'll stay."

Just then there was a knock on the door. Mercedes answered and found their neighbor Elias standing there with a straw basket filled with small English cucumbers, and a large bunch of fresh fennel and dill. And on top of the fresh produce were four flat cans of Rugen Fusch smoked herring.

"Hello Mercedes," he said, "My garden is doing so well, I thought you would like these cucumbers, dill and fennel. And my cousin sent me an abundance of herring, so I thought I would share it with you as well. I remember your fondness for herring."

"Thank you, Elias, that's so sweet of you. Won't you come in? Sam and I are getting ready to make dinner, hey, why don't you join us?"

"I don't want to intrude I just – "

"You're not intruding. Besides, we'd love to have you. Vincent is here too."

"Alright, I'll stay. I didn't have dinner plans. I was going to get take-out. The girls are with their mother this week."

"Oh, I see. I'm glad you're joining us. You can help out in the kitchen."

She took the basket from him and he followed her to the kitchen where Vincent was boiling potatoes for the potato salad.

"Hey, Elias, good to see you," he said.

"Hello Vincent."

"Now, I have two helpers. We'll be done in no time," Mercedes said.

While Sam cooked the steaks and corn outside on the grill, Vincent, Elias and Mercedes made the side dishes. Vincent was quite adept at cooking and Mercedes complimented him.

"You're good at this," she said, as he seasoned the potato salad.

"My foster mom taught me," he said, sprinkling paprika on the top, "She was a fantastic cook."

"Do you keep in touch with her?" Mercedes asked as she took the rolls out of the oven and sat them on the counter.

"She's dead," he said, not looking up from the bowl. Mercedes squeezed his arm.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to – "

"That's ok," he said, avoiding her gaze, "Hey, I've got an idea, let's make honey butter for the corn."

"Sure, the honey is in the cupboard above the microwave."

As he prepared the honey butter, Elias made a salad of smoked herring, apples, cucumbers, green onions and fennel; he even made the dressing which consisted of plain yogurt, mayonnaise, dill, mustard, and lemon juice. Mercedes sampled the salad and raved about how good it was. She loved how the unlikely flavors blended together, especially the fennel, which added a unique sweet licorice taste to the salad.

With two men so talented in the kitchen, Mercedes didn't have much to do, since they did the bulk of the work. Mercedes made a pitcher of sweet tea and baked a pan of macaroni and cheese.

When the food was ready, they carried everything outside and sat at the picnic table in the back yard. Citronella candles burned on the table giving off their lemony, grassy fragrance. The strong scent of charcoal smoke and hickory chips wafted through the air. Mercedes wasn't very hungry so she only had a small salad, but Vincent dug into the meal with relish and she was glad he enjoyed the food, but she worried about how skinny he was. She placed her hand on his thin arm.

"Have you been getting enough to eat?"

Vincent nodded and took a bite of corn, the melted honey butter dribbled on his chin.

"Sure, why?"

"You look like you lost weight."

"I'm fine, don't worry," He said.

"Well, if you ever need a home cooked meal, come over any time."

Vincent smiled at her, his dark eyes shined in the candlelight.

"Ok, Mom."

Mercedes blushed and felt embarrassed because she was caught mothering a grown man.

"Sorry, I didn't mean – "

"It's ok, I don't take offense. Besides it's sweet."

Sam kissed her cheek.

"You're so cute when you blush," he said.

"Shut up, Sam."

He laughed and kissed her again.

Vincent watched them and Mercedes noticed his eyes grew sad. She wondered what he was thinking. She knew he had a hard life growing up and that his father severely abused him, but she wanted to know how he survived and what sadness he carried within him.

Speranza wandered over to the their table and Elias fed her some chopped apples from his salad.

"How are the children?" he asked Sam.

"They're doing fine; they're in Tennessee with my parents."

"Ah, I see. I hope you're taking advantage of this time alone."

"Trust me, we are," Sam said as Mercedes blushed crimson.

Elias took a bite of macaroni and cheese, all melted and gooey on his plate and toasted brown on the surface.

"Glad to hear it. Always remember why you fell in love in the first place."

"We could never forget that," Sam said and kissed Mercedes' temple as she rested her head on his shoulder, staring into the candlelight.

"This macaroni and cheese is quite good," Elias said, taking another bite.

"Thank you. It's the white wine I added, Mercedes said, "Gives it something a little extra. Since it's us adults, I decided we needed grown-up macaroni and cheese."

Vincent cut into his steak.

"This is better than any steakhouse," he said as he ate his grilled to perfection steak with a smoky hickory chip flavor. The meat was so tender; their knives slid through it like butter.

"Thank you," Sam said.

"How's business going?" Elias asked.

"Busy as ever. In fact we found something really interesting today."

"What was it?"

Sam, Mercedes, and Vincent filled him in on the letters and photos of Thad and Franny. Elias listened with much interest, shaking his head at the injustice of not being able to live openly as a couple.

"That's horrible," he said, when they finished. "I hope they eventually find happiness."

"Me too," Mercedes said, patting Speranza's head as she sat next to her on the bench. "It's tragic but also fascinating to see how they lived."

They finished dinner and while they ate ice cream sandwiches for dessert, Mercedes got a call from Aunt Josephine, so she went inside to the kitchen for privacy, with Speranza following behind her. She didn't bother shooing her away and let her come in and sit on the floor by her feet as she spoke to her aunt.

"Hi Aunt Josephine."

"Hi Mercy, I got something to tell you."

Mercedes' heart dropped. Was something wrong?

"What is it? What's wrong?"

"Nothing is wrong. It's good news."

"Oh, ok, so what's the good news?"

"Well, I'm seeing someone, and it's getting serious."

"You are?"

"Don't sound so surprised. I still got it."

"No, I mean, I just… well who is it?"

"His name is Alfred Figgins. He runs a deli over on Glenmont Avenue."

"How long have you been dating?"

"About four months."

"And you're just now telling me?"

"I wasn't sure if it would go anywhere, but I'm catching feelings I haven't had in a month of Sundays."

"I see."

"You don't sound happy for me."

"I'm happy."

"Could've fooled me."

"I don't know anything about this guy."

"He's not a serial killer. He's a good man. In fact he used to be a principal a long time ago. But food is his passion."

Mercedes wasn't sure why she wasn't jumping for joy. The news unsettled her.

"What's he look like?"

"I'll send you his picture. He's very handsome. He makes me happy. I never got a chance to be happy like this."

Mercedes pushed aside her feelings of doubt and uncertainty and said:

"I'm happy for you, I really am."

"I'd like you to meet him. So we'll be coming down for a visit next month sometime. How are my babies?"

"The kids are away visiting Carol and Burt. They're having a blast with them."

"I can't wait to see them again. Abby is getting so tall and Rosy and Jake are too cute."

While Aunt Josephine chatted about this and that, Mercedes only half-listened. She didn't know why Aunt Josephine having a boyfriend worried her. She deserved to be happy like everyone else so why was she so bothered by it?

"Oh, Mercy, he's here, I'm going to let him say hello to you, hold on."

"Aunt Josephine wait – "

But her aunt was gone before Mercedes could say anything else. She heard them talking in the background and then a faintly accented masculine voice could be heard on the phone.

"Mercedes, it's good to finally meet you. I'm Alfred Figgins. Josephine has told me so much about you."

"Thank you. It's nice to meet you as well."

"Just so you know, I care for Josephine very much. She's dear to me."

Mercedes heard the love in his voice and it touched her despite her reservations.

"I'm glad to hear it."

"When we come to visit, I'll cook a feast fit for a king for you and your family."

"That sounds great."

They spoke for a few more minutes and Mercedes made up an excuse that she had to go and Aunt Josephine came back on the phone.

"Isn't he the best?" Aunt Josephine said.

"He is."

"Well, baby, I'll see you later. Have a good night!"

Mercedes sat in the kitchen wondering what had just happened. A few moments later, Sam, Vincent and Elias came inside carrying the dirty dishes from dinner. Speranza went back outside. The kitchen was getting too crowded for her. Sam saw her confused face and said:

"Is everything alright?"

"Aunt Josephine has a boyfriend."

He raised his eyebrows.

"Does she now? Good for her."

Vincent opened the dishwasher and began loading the plates in.

"Are you ok with it?"

"His name is Alfred," was all Mercedes said.

After they loaded the dishwasher, Sam poured them all a glass of red wine and they sat around the kitchen table talking.

"I think it's great she has someone. Once you get past her gruff exterior; she can be really sweet," Sam said.

"I suppose," Mercedes said.

"What's wrong?"

"Oh, I don't know…" she said, her voice trailing off, she took a sip of wine and savored it's flavor, "Is this the Barolo wine you got last week."

"Yeah."

"It's good."

"Very good," Elias said, agreeing with her as he took another sip.

Mercedes knew Sam got the hint when she changed the subject so thankfully he didn't press the issue. Instead they began talking about anything and everything and just enjoyed each other's company. Elias left after his second glass of wine, saying he was tired and thanked them for a wonderful dinner. They gave him a good-bye hug and Mercedes fixed him a plate to take home.

When Sam left to use the restroom, she noticed Vincent's wine glass was empty, she asked him if he would like more but he refused.

"It's good but wine makes me sleepy and I have to drive."

"You can stay the night. I'll fix up the guest room."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, it's no problem."

"Thank you. You and Sam made living in this town less lonely."

Mercedes patted his hand. She understood loneliness all too well. Maybe that was her connection to Vincent.

"You're always welcome in our home."

When Sam came back, the three of them finished off the bottle of wine and opened another. They each took turns reading Thad and Franny's love letters aloud. Sam read the last one. There were about thirty letters in all.

Dear Thad,

Thank you for the roses you left for me at the schoolhouse. You better be careful because folks are starting to talk. My students are a rather rambunctious bunch and asked if I had a beau. I told them a fairy left them for me. I knew they were from you even though you left no note. You tied a blue ribbon around them, the one I wore in my hair and left at your house. I'm afraid this letter will be short because I'm not feeling well. Emma made me chicken soup. I'm not going to tell you not to worry because I know you will. I'm afraid my dresses are a little snugger, though when I last saw you, you didn't seem to mind. You showed me those paintings by Peter Paul Rubens in your big art book. All those women with pale skin and hips as wide as mine, red lips and curled hair - they were beautiful and soft. You said I was more beautiful and you kissed me. I painted another picture. This one is of the lake where we swam after dark and fireflies lit up around us. I want to see all the art in the world. After Canada, we can go to Paris and see the Mona Lisa. I heard they don't care about different races being together in Paris, though I'm not certain that's true. Any place is better than here. Imagine us together at the Eiffel Tower eating croissants, drinking café au lait, and walking in the street hand in hand. I would paint every day if I could. Are there any black women painters? Tomorrow, I'm painting a picture of the countryside surrounding your house. Emma will take it to you when I'm done. I love you, dear heart. Keep making plans for our escape. I know my illness is temporary. Oh, and I haven't forgotten I will cut your hair when I am able. We can't have you looking like a vagabond.

Love,

Franny

The letters were funny, sweet, romantic, and gut wrenching. Around midnight, Mercedes fixed up the guest room for Vincent, even laying out a pair of Sam's pajamas for him on the bed, along with a new toothbrush and body wash. Then she and Sam went to bed. They made love, slow and soft, keeping their voices to a low murmur, aware that Vincent might hear them, but part of Mercedes didn't care. She wasn't ashamed of what they did; she loved this man and she could wear his ring and shout it from the rooftops and not care if anyone heard and not fear for her life. When she came, she clung to him tight and cried, joyful and sad all at once. She imagined Thad and Franny sharing moments like this, with the fear of being caught, even killed, and it hurt her heart.

Sam held her tight, understanding how she felt.

"I got you," he whispered.

"I love you so much," she said.

"I love you too."

They were silent for a few moments and she said.

"Reading those letters I felt like I knew them. And they looked like us and…"

"I know, Schätzchen."

"Do you mind if we keep them? Just for a while longer. I know we should donate them to the archives."

"Sure."

"Do you think they made it to Canada?"

"Hopefully, we'll find out tomorrow." Sam said, kissing her forehead.

He sang her to sleep, knowing she needed to hear his voice, and she was carried away with his song, as her eyelids grew heavy and she fell into a deep slumber.

ooo

The next day Mercedes awoke to the smell of bacon and eggs. Sam was still asleep beside her, his arm holding her close to his side. At first she was frightened but then she remembered that Vincent spent the night. She crept out of bed, brushed her teeth, washed her face, slipped on her yoga pants and t-shirt and went downstairs. Vincent was bustling about the kitchen, humming to himself. He looked like he was in his element. He was shirtless and she saw the horrible burn scars on his back and it broke her heart. Who could do that to a child? He looked over his shoulder and blushed.

"Sorry, I was going to surprise you and Sam with breakfast."

"Don't be sorry," she paused, "Is the washing machine on?"

"Yeah, I needed to –"

"Don't worry, it's fine, I understand. Thank you for making breakfast."

"It's the least I can do. So do you like cheese on your eggs?"

"I love it. Cheddar please."

"Coming right up."

They chatted while he continued cooking breakfast. Sam came downstairs with bedhead and rumpled pajamas.

"Morning," he said, kissing her cheek, "Hey Vincent, you didn't have to cook."

"It's no trouble. Besides, I wanted to do it."

Breakfast was delicious. Sam, Mercedes and Vincent sat around talking and joking like old friends. To their disappointment, he couldn't go with them to the Town Archives because he had a doctor's appointment. After he left Mercedes and Sam got dressed and drove downtown. The Town Archives was the building with the gargoyles; Abby had told Sam about the myth of the gargoyles coming alive at night when they attended the ball earlier that year. Inside the building was just as ornate as the outside; there were gray marble floors, dark wooden walls and high ceilings.

Everyone usually whispered in the archives. The hallways were long and winding and your shoes would echo through the building as your heels clicked against the shiny marble. It smelled faintly of floor wax and old books. Not a speck of dust was on any of the polished cherry wood furniture. Sam went to the lady at the front desk, all gray haired and powdered, with kind eyes and a gentle smile.

"May I help you," She said, smiling at them.

"Yes," Sam said returning her smile. "We found these old photos and letters about a couple named Franny and Thad. They were beneath the floorboards of a house at the end of Red Toad Road near the woods. My company is renovating it. We want to know more about them. We know that Thad ran a sawmill."

"May I see what you found?" Margaret asked.

"Sure," Sam said, handing her the envelopes.

She perused the contents of each envelope. Her eyes grew misty at the letters, but when she looked at the photos she raised her eyebrows, looked at Sam and Mercedes and then back at the photos.

"What an uncanny resemblance."

"Yes," Mercedes said, "It spooked us a little."

"Indeed. This is a fascinating story. But we'll have to do some deep digging to find out more."

"We're up for it," Sam said, putting his arm Mercedes. "According to the letters they were making plans to move to Canada."

"These letters are dated between 1901 -1905. We'll start with the deed records for the house and the census records. Then you can check newspapers too."

"We have all day," Sam said.

"Very well, come with me, by the way, my name is Margaret."

"I'm Sam and this is my wife Mercedes."

"Nice meeting you both. Now, let's begin."

They went into the microfiche room where a row of microfilm readers were lined against the dark wooden walls and on the opposite side of the room was a row of old, beige filing cabinets. The floors in this room had heavy red carpet unlike marble floors in the hallway.

"Have a seat," she said, "I'll be right back."

Sam and Mercedes sat down in the plush red velvet chairs placed in front of the microfilm readers and waited for her to return.

"I hope it's a happy ending," Mercedes said.

Sam kissed her forehead and smoothed her hair away from her face.

"Me too."

Margaret returned with six boxes of microfiche dated 1901 -1920 Deed Records. She sat down next to them and turned on the machine. While she inserted the film, they waited patiently, and Mercedes rested her head on Sam's shoulder. When she was finished she said:

"This machine is easy to use. I recommend looking through all the records until you find their names. It will be daunting since we don't know their surname but Thaddeus is a rather unique name so that might make it easier. After you look through the deed records, you can pull the census records from the filing cabinets on the far left over there, she said gesturing to the other side of the room, after that we also have the newspapers too. I'll be at the front desk if you need assistance."

"Thank you Margaret," Mercedes said.

"My pleasure. Well, I'll leave you to your work."

After she left, Sam and Mercedes spent hours looking through the records on microfiche. They found a house deed dated March 1901 for a man named Thaddeus Fletcher who owned the house on Red Toad Road. On the census records they found Franny. Her full name was Francesca Washington, she was listed as a schoolteacher and single living in a boarding house. Thaddeus was listed as single, and his occupation was sawmill owner. They were both in their mid-20s. Next they scanned through many newspapers until they found an article about how Thad inherited the sawmill from his late father. He had an older sister who lived up north in New York. In the newspaper article his photo looked grim, a far cry from the passionate man in the love letters. Mercedes hoped they would find an article about Franny. Eventually, they found a tiny blurb about her teaching at the new Negro school on the other side of town, barely five sentences. It was merely a footnote.

"She was more than that," Mercedes said, staring at the article, "she was an artist and dreamer."

Sam kissed her temple.

"Let's keep looking."

They searched until they stumbled upon an article dated March 15, 1905.

The bodies of Thaddeus Fletcher and a Negro woman named Franny Washington were found in a ditch behind the Fletcher Sawmill. They were beaten to death and their throats slashed. According to the coroner, Miss Washington was pregnant…

Mercedes stopped reading.

"I can't – "

Sam held her, calming her down.

"It's horrible," he said.

Mercedes pulled away from him and they finished the article. No one was arrested for the murders. It said the two were lovers and their act of miscegenation through procreation incensed everyone in town. Packed suitcases were found with the bodies. It is unclear where they were going. Thaddeus Fletcher disgraced his family because he had relations with a Negro woman and Fran's family fled Star Pride fearing for their own lives.

"They didn't make it," she said quietly.

"Let's go home," Sam said.

ooo

As they drove home, neither one of them said much. While they ate leftovers for dinner, Mercedes imagined how their murder happened. Did they plan to meet at the sawmill and then a mob attacked them? They were found with suitcases so they were probably on their way to Canada. She pushed her food around on the plate; she had no appetite. After dinner they cuddled on the couch in front of the TV, but Mercedes was too distracted to watch a movie. They went to bed early and as they held each other under the covers, Mercedes said:

"Let's find their graves. I want them to know they mattered. Their love mattered despite what happened to them."

Sam hugged her.

"We'll honor them," he said, stroking her hair.

"I can't get it out of my mind that she was pregnant. That's probably why she was sick. Remember how happy we were when we found out I was pregnant? I'm sure they felt that joy too but it was taken from them. I'm so angry."

"I am too."

"We're living their dream. We're married with children. We have a beautiful home. They never got a chance to have family or be a married couple," she said, tears falling on his chest, "In those letters they professed such love for each other despite the hate surrounding and look at what happened. I can't imagine the terror they felt. I'm thankful for what I have but I'm sad for what they didn't have and for their senseless murder. Pure hatred is what it was."

Mercedes held on tight, feeling his strong, muscular arms embrace her and drifted off to sleep.

ooo

The next day they found their graves. At the time they were buried, the cemetery was segregated so Franny's grave was further out in the "Negro section." A simple white cross-marked her grave, overgrown with weeds and wildflowers. All it said on the cross was Francesca Louisa Washington May 1, 1880 – March 14, 1905. Sam and Mercedes carefully cleaned up her grave, removing the weeds and any debris. They washed the dirt away from the cross and laid a bouquet of red roses on her grave tied with a blue ribbon. When they were done, Mercedes held Sam's hand, she opened her mouth to speak but no words came out, instead she began to cry and Sam held her tight.

"It's ok," he said, as tears ran down his cheeks too.

Mercedes sniffed and wiped her eyes with a few tissues Sam had in his pocket.

"Hello Franny, you don't know us, but we know you. My name is Mercedes and this is my husband Sam. He found letters you and Thad wrote to each other. I've got so much to say but I don't know how. First off, we look alike, which is weird. But I feel like I know you. You loved books and art and nature. You were smart and kind. And beautiful. Everything about you radiated light and I'm so sorry it was taken from you. Your love for Thad and his for you was so powerful and rare. I want you to know that from this day forward, we'll find a way to honor you. You won't be forgotten. We'll say your names every day. Franny, I'm living the life you were deprived of, and I feel shame and gratitude. I hope in Heaven you're painting angels with Thad by your side. That you get to see France and Canada, eat croissants and drink café au lait with the sun on your face. You can walk anywhere you damn well please and Thad is holding your hand. Your child is alive and you have nothing but peace. You know, every moment of your life was like looking at a series of paintings - from the countryside, to sparkling lakes, red roses and stolen kisses. Please know that you mattered, your voice mattered, your love mattered. And yes Franny, there are black women painters, they're in museums and honored and they carry your torch. I love you, Franny, though we've never met. Every joy in my life I'll share with you."

She broke down in sobs and Sam held her to his heart. She couldn't explain how she felt: gratitude, shame, sorrow, all these emotions welled up inside her. Once she calmed down, Sam said a few words.

"Hello Franny, my wife pretty much said everything I felt. You were a remarkable woman. I love you too. I can't imagine the pain you went through with Thad. You had to create a world of your own, because the one you both lived in denied you the right to exist. Your love for each other was beautiful and it reminds of the love I share with Mercedes, she's my world. We left you roses because we know how much you love them. We'll be back soon to visit and we'll bring our family. You were blessed for the short time you were on this Earth. We feel honored to know you."

They found Thad's grave on the other side of the cemetery. It was unfair that they couldn't be buried together and Mercedes wondered if it was possible to have it done. They were separated in life. Did they have to separated in death too? His headstone was gray marble and simply said: "Thaddeus Raymond Fletcher. Born February 12, 1880 – Died March 14, 1905. Loving Son and Brother." There were fewer weeds around his grave but it still needed sprucing up so they set about cleaning his grave and pulling up the ugly weeds and washing away the dirt from the headstone. They left a bouquet of red roses and a pair of hair cutting shears because Franny often mentioned cutting his hair. This time Sam spoke first.

"Hello Thad, I'm Sam and this is my wife Mercedes. We spoke to Franny earlier. Mercedes is better with words than I am but I will do my best. I found your letters in your old house and read them all. I'm sorry you and Franny lost your life so young and full of hope. You loved Franny the way I love Mercedes. You followed your heart even when you knew the danger; you were courageous and passionate. You were willing to give up everything to be with Franny and I admire your spirit. I can't imagine having your family turn its back on you and then to be killed as you attempted to escape. From your letters, I see you were a romantic and idealist, and life in a small southern town wasn't for you. I hate that you never got a chance to have the marriage and family you desired. I hope you're joyous in Heaven. We'll never take for granted our marriage and children nor will you be forgotten. We'll tell your story and say your names. I love you. You're my brother in spirit."

When he was finished, Mercedes spoke next.

"Hello Thad, I feel grateful Sam found your letters beneath the floorboards of your house because we got to know you and Franny and see what you went through. Your story was tragic and magnificent all at once. I cried as I read them. You were a wonderful man. I liked how you described the first time you saw Franny in the woods and even the drudgery of daily life seemed hopeful. I hate that you had to hide; that's no way to live especially if you've done nothing wrong. Like Sam said, we'll never take for granted what we have. You're a remarkable soul that won't be forgotten. Sam and I have experienced some ugliness recently, but we remembered that we are still blessed regardless of what hateful people think. I'm so happy that we have your letters and can celebrate your love. Thank you for this wonderful gift. We love you."

When she was finished speaking, they went home. Sam made dinner and they ate in the back yard, listening to the summer sounds of crickets and cicadas, smelling the honeysuckle and wildflowers, feeling the warm wind blow against their skin. Mercedes lay her head on his shoulder, taking it all in, every breath, every moment, she clung to it, let it unfold within her skin, Sam was right, they needed this time for just the two of them. She raised her head and turned his face toward him, kissing him passionately. When she pulled away, he said:

"I guess you liked dinner," his voice had a teasing tone.

"I'm glad we have this time together."

"Me too."

She closed her eyes and breathed deep. Sam touched her cheek.

"What do you want do on our last day?"

"Let's go horseback riding."

"Really?"

"Yeah, I know we were waiting for the kids, but screw it, let's do it."

Sam hugged and kissed her.

"Horseback riding it is. You'll love it. We'll make sure you get a gentle horse."

"You won't let me fall?"

"Not a chance."

Mercedes rested her forehead against his.

"I'm holding you to that."

---

END NOTES: Thank you for reading and reviewing my story!