Thank you for your continued interest and support. I do not own Glee or the characters, neither do I own Grayson's Vow.

Very long chapter...

MERCEDES

The Beazley House was a 1902 mansion that had been transformed into a charming bed and breakfast, just a short walk from the downtown riverfront.

And it's where I've been staying for almost a week now as I simultaneously lick my wounds and complete my portion of the list for the upcoming party at the Evans Vineyard.

I had been in contact with Alice via text, and I knew all was going well with the projects both inside and outside the house.

She had offered repeatedly to come visit me, but I declined.

I appreciated it, but there was nothing anyone could do for me. And it would only hurt more in the end if I continued to get closer to the people who were Sam's family... and not mine.

I had to start pulling away, lest I be even more devastated in the end than I already knew I would be.

It was telling, I supposed, that Sam hadn't even texted me once, much less tried to call.

What a mess my latest scheme had become...

I had to comfort myself with the knowledge that the end goal had actually been accomplished.

I was financially independent, in possession of the freedom I'd sought, and as for Sam, his vineyard was on the way back to being operational and, hopefully, very successful.

And now here I was, putting the finishing touches on my costume for the party tonight.

I will attend as I had promised, make sure everything went well and ensure Sam and I look like an upstanding married couple...

Afterwards, I will immediately leave town.

I couldn't return to The Beazley House without it looking suspicious, anyway. Because I had made friends with the owners and they thought I was staying here because of all the work being done at the vineyard.

Which I perpetrated by complaining that the construction dust was stirring up my asthma. But really, I wouldn't be able to stay in or near Napa after all.

If anyone in town found out Sam and I weren't in fact a happily married couple, they'd feel duped and the whole point of this party...which is to improve people's perception of him...would be for nothing.

However, I will ask him if I could spend one last night in my little cottage, and then ask Harrold to give me a ride to collect my car, and leave in the morning.

My heart sunk and I swiped at the tear before it fell down my cheek... I had cried enough this week. And I didn't have time for tears right now, not to mention, that I had spent almost an hour on my makeup.

And so, I squared my shoulders and slipped on my shoes just as my cell phone rang... Tonight's ride had arrived.

I took one final look in the mirror, picked up my suitcase and left my room.

On the way out, I heard staff in the kitchen off to the left of the front entrance preparing dinner, but no one else was around.

And since I had already paid my bill, I headed outside. I would see the owners at the party...they'd been invited.

The car was waiting in front of the house and the driver looked me over with wide eyes when I descended the stairs.

"Wow!" he said. "That is quite the costume!"

He took my suitcase and opened the door, offering me his hand, but his eyes moved over me appreciatively.

I smiled...

"Thank you," I said, climbing inside the car and gathering my long gown around me and arranging it as best as I could so it remained neat.

This dress was the main reason I wasn't driving myself. I wanted it to remain nice and as I said neat, but I also wanted to feel special...like a princess being driven to a fancy costume ball.

The dress was made to seduce those around me...I have to be truthful and it was very Gothic.

It was a black stretch-knit bodycon mini dress, which consisted of mesh slit flare sleeves, a maxi overlay and pentagram neck detail. It also included a belt.

I accessorized it with black four and a half inch heels and a set of black jewels wound around my neck. And a wide-brimmed sheer witch's hat completed the look.

My hair was left to hang long and was made even wilder than it normally was with the help of a curling iron. And I was wearing black lipstick.

My eyes were rimmed in black also, and my mask was black and covered only my eyes, making them look cat-like.

I had considered a number of costumes, but in the end, this was the only one that felt right. It was fabulous! It showed off my curves and flirty flared sleeves, and I know I won't need to brew a potion to tempt others...

Or a certain green-eyed dragon...who I would leave as I arrived to him... his little witch.

'No,' I thought dejectedly. 'Not his. Never his.'

Despair swirled in my belly with the knowledge that this would be the last night I'd spend time at Evans Vineyard. Maybe this costume was really just my pathetic way to privately acknowledge my love for Sam.

I wanted him to accept me as I was...

All of me.

Instead, he wanted my body and nothing more.

'What a fool you are, Mercedes. A stupid, desperate fool.'

I would never be enough in his eyes, just as I'd never been enough in my father's eyes, or even in Chris'.

But I needed to be enough in my own eyes, and for now, that would have to be okay.

The drive seemed to take only moments and I forced myself to breathe deeply... I was sure my hands were cold and clammy.

My car pulled to a stop and when the driver opened the door and I took his hand and stepped out, I sucked in my breath, my heart dipping into my stomach and then rising again.

The place was beautiful...

The fountain was filled with water, splashing softly as it cascaded from the top tier down to the shimmering pool below. The pinks and purples of approaching twilight filled the sky and offset the golden lights of the fully lit house.

The ivy was trimmed and tended, the window boxes on each balcony filled with lush greenery and white cascading petunias. The scent of roses, and what I now recognized as hawthorn flowers, drifted on the breeze rustling the now beautifully landscaped foliage.

I turned slowly in a full circle, taking it all in, noticing the twinkling lights that filled the trees leading up the driveway, adding to the magical ambiance.

It was gloriously beautiful and so captivating. It was the perfect setting for a fairy tale.

And how I wished it was mine.

Taking a deep sustaining breath, I pulled my shoulders straight and nodded once to the driver, who handed me my suitcase and nodded back.

The only vehicles in the driveway I noticed, were a catering van and two other cars that most likely belonged to the musicians I'd hired, which meant I'd made it in perfect time to greet the first guests.

I'd be greeting them with Sam by my side...

For just a moment, panic threatened to shatter my composure, but I took another deep breath and brought my chin up, whispering a quiet prayer to my Gram, asking her to send me strength. Then I relaxed my shoulders, reassuring myself.

"You can do this. This one final thing."

I nodded in greeting to the two valets dressed in black pants, white shirts and red vests, who stood off to the side, waiting for the first cars to arrive.

They nodded back...

I rang the doorbell even though I had become accustomed to letting myself in since Sam and I had gotten married.

As usual, Harrold open the door, his eyes widening before they crinkled very slightly at the corners.

I blinked...

Had I just received my first semi-smile from Harrold?

I grinned at him as he took my hand in his and bowed his head.

"Mrs. Evans."

"Harrold..." I said, about to tell him to call me Mercedes for the hundredth time, when my voice caught in my throat from noticing the foyer and emptied living room beyond.

I set my suitcase down so Harrold could store it somewhere, my eyes widening. The wood molding was shined to a high polish, the chandeliers glittered brightly and the very last vestiges of daylight streamed in through the windows, creating shifting shards of prisms on the walls.

Tall vases of roses, lilies and greenery were on every exposed surface, scenting the rooms with their intoxicating sweetness. And as I wandered into the living room, I saw the small string quartet had set up in one corner, and a fully stocked bar had been installed in the opposite corner.

The furniture had been arranged to provide ample seating, but also plenty of room to mingle and even slow dance to the orchestra, should guests desire.

Walking to the window, I looked out over the clear, clean aqua water of the swimming pool below, where a small band would begin playing after the cocktail hour concluded.

Small, intimate tables dotted the patio, and beautifully positioned votive candles set the whole scene alight with a romantic aura.

Dear God... So beautiful...

Turning back to face the room, I stood silently for a moment, a feeling of joy mingled with sadness coursing through my body.

I loved this place deeply. And I was leaving it.

I looked down, despair making me feel weak.

Then I felt the weight of someone's stare and raised my gaze...

Sam stood across the room... And as that beautifully sensuous mouth curved into a grin, I sucked in a breath, taking in his costume.

He was wearing a black tuxedo. And the mask he wore covered only the top half his face, made to look like iridescent blue, green and black dragon scales curving around his eyes and the sides of his head.

There were small horns at the top and threads of shimmering red and orange running through it to look like fire.

He was dressed as a dragon...

The delight I felt was sudden and fierce and I brought my hands to my mouth, bending forward as I laughed joyously.

Elation, hope, happiness, surprise, sorrow, and a hundred other emotions, slammed into me...

And I took a step towards him at the same moment he began to walk to where I stood.

Had he done this for me?

He paused and turned slightly to show me the wings attached to his back...black with the same blue-green scales and threads of fire.

His sexy half-grin grew as he turned towards me again and we met in the middle of the room, rushing together and stopping suddenly when we were a few inches apart.

We stood looking at each other for several heartbeats before he said,

"Hi, little witch." His voice sounded raw and as I stared into his eyes, seen only through the holes in the mask, I swore I saw longing. "You look ravishing."

"Hi, dragon," I breathed, questions swirling through my mind. He was devilishly gorgeous as he again smiled down at me, and my heart flipped once and then twice inside my chest. "So do you. I can't believe you did this."

I nodded up at his mask, smiling again.

"Oh I did," he assured me. His grin faded as he took one step forward. "I missed you."

"You did?" I whispered, taking one step forward as well.

He took a step closer...

"Yes, God yes! Mercedes, this week... I have so much to tell you. We have so much to talk about. I hope..."

"We do?" I asked, my words colliding with his, hope blooming inside me again.

"Yes."

I looked down...

"You didn't even call me," I said, trying to keep the hurt from my voice. "I thought..."

"Alice tried to find out where you were."

I blinked...

"I didn't know she was asking for you. Why didn't you just ask me yourself?"

"I didn't think after... Well, I wanted to show you rather than tell you. And so, I thought it best if I wait for tonight," he said, a throaty edge to his voice. "I needed to look in your eyes. Mercedes..."

"I..."

"Mercedes!" I heard sing-songed loudly from the doorway. And Alice came rushing towards us, dressed as a fairy godmother. I laughed happily, turning to her and letting her sweep me into her warm embrace. "Oh, I don't want to crush you. Let me look at you." She turned me one way and then the other. "Perfect, simply perfect."

"You, too, Alice," I said. "You should wear this all the time."

Her expression gentled as she said,

"My darling girl, you know how much I've come to care for you, right?"

"Yes," I said, hugging her again. And I did. Despite the reasons she'd brought Stevie and Olivia here... But I was suddenly beginning to believe her reasons were deeper than I yet knew.

I didn't doubt the purity of her motives or that she cared for me. Because I felt it in my heart.

Seconds later, Olivia and Stevie came into the room...

Olivia was dressed as the most perfect Tinkerbell I'd ever seen. And Stevie, just as handsome as his brother, was dressed in a tuxedo with a green mask, Peter Pan hat and a sword strapped to his side.

I felt heat rise in my face at the thought of the last time I'd seen them. But when they grinned at me, and Olivia hugged me warmly, I relaxed and I felt a small measure of relief.

I looked over at Sam whose expression seemed calm.

And as Olivia and Stevie went to get a drink at the bar, I turned to him, seeing warmth and a peace in his eyes I'd only caught glimpses of before.

"You've made up with them," I said incredulously.

He nodded...

"Yes. There were a lot of apologies to go around. And I explained all about...us. I told you I had a lot to tell you about."

I opened my mouth to speak, wanting very much to hear exactly what he'd told Olivia and his brother, but the doorbell rang.

Then the string quartet started up, the crooning melody of "I See The Light" filling the air, as food staff entered from the kitchen holding delicious-smelling hors d'oeuvres on silver trays.

The next two hours were a whirlwind of greeting and chatting with guests, making sure everyone was comfortable and enjoying themselves, and ensuring the party got off to a seamless start.

The costumes were wonderful, some no more than beautiful masks combined with evening wear, and others entire creations from head to toe.

I still couldn't believe Sam was dressed as a dragon...

Once I had a moment to take a break, I took a glass of champagne off a passing tray and stood back to admire all the hard work I'd participated in.

Everyone looked like they were having a great time, and if the admiring looks on everyone's faces as they looked around were any indication, Evans Vineyard had impressed them.

Hopefully, they would spread the word in town that Sam had been welcoming and hospitable and his home was beautifully inviting.

His home would send the message that there was every reason to believe the vineyard itself was on the rise under his management.

Who didn't like a good comeback story?

Who wouldn't wish to be part of one?

This was my hope, and the point of the party.

I glanced around for Sam and saw him among a group of guests...one of whom I recognized as Destra Fabray...and they were laughing and obviously entertained by something he was telling them.

He looked up and caught my eye, smiling over at me. But it was the expression in his eyes that made my breath catch, though.

That smile. It would be my undoing.

My attention was suddenly snagged by Harlan, dressed as The Beast, and Kitty dressed as a punked-out version of Beauty.

I hugged them both, delighted to see them.

Harlan had begun working at the vineyard, which was wonderful. And despite his internal and external scars, he was such a good, kind man.

I was so glad Sam had someone like him...

I spent a few minutes chatting with them and getting to know Kitty better, then moved off to mingle with the other guests.

I greeted Willie, dressed as a very large Aladdin, then chatted with Carlos and his wife...dressed as the Wolf and Little Red Riding Hood...for a short time before excusing myself to make sure everything was going well outside.

The outdoor patio was awash in the glow of candlelight, guests milling around the pool, the sounds of their laughter mingling with the sound of the band just starting a new song.

I stood for a moment, observing...

There hadn't been a moment to talk more with Sam and I was filled with the desire to get him alone. But obviously, the night had been a whirlwind so far, and despite my impatience, I was very satisfied with the way the party was going.

"May I have this dance?"

I whirled around at the feel of a warm body behind mine, the whisper of breath ruffling my hair...

A beautiful dragon was grinning down at me, his hand held up to take my own.

"I just realized I haven't danced with my wife yet...or ever, for that matter."

I let out a small laugh on a breath and took his hand as he led me to the middle of the dance floor. And I recognized the song right away. It was from the movie "Enchanted," although I couldn't have named it.

"I didn't realize dragons could dance..."

Sam pulled me into his arms and began to lead. Leaning close to my ear, he whispered,

"Oh yes. People assume we're cumbersome, but it isn't true. It's a little known fact...dancing with a dragon is like dancing with lightning."

And then he spun me around...

My heart leapt and I laughed out loud, my hair flying out behind me. He spun me back the other way as he grinned down at me, and as silly as it might have sounded, I felt as if I was glowing.

We slowed then... I, completely lost in the music and the sway of his body against mine. I wanted to ask him so many things. And I needed to hear him say the words I thought I saw reflected in his eyes.

But I needed to be alone with him...

I needed the moment to be just about us.

I was still nervous and grappling with how quickly things had changed, because I'd been prepared to say goodbye to him tonight. And now...

And now there was a whisper of hope, even if I was almost afraid to dream.

The song ended and I stepped away slowly, unable to take my eyes off my husband, even as he gazed down at me also, with something in his expression I'd never seen before.

He reached up as if to touch my cheek when we suddenly heard applause.

I looked around and saw that we were the only ones on the dance floor and that the guests were clapping as if we'd just performed for them.

I giggled, warmth rising in my cheeks as I gave a small curtsy and Sam bowed, looking slightly embarrassed, too.

Then a woman approached us, walking with the slightest of limps, a kind smile on her face...

"That was lovely," she said, reaching out her hand. I took it in my own. "I'm Willie's mother, Nancy."

"Oh!" I said. "So nice to meet you. Willie has become part of the family here."

She let out a breath, looking teary as she shook Sam's hand.

"I won't keep you...but I..." She breathed in sharply as if trying not to cry. "...I just wanted to thank you, Mr. Evans." Her words ended on a whisper.

"You're welcome," he said softly. She nodded at him and turned, disappearing into the crowd.

"I only gave him a job," he murmured.

"I suppose," I said. "But, I think to her, that's a mighty big only."

I looked up at Sam... His appreciative gaze caught mine and he let out a soft breath.

Suddenly, off to my right, I heard the soft clap of a singular person approaching us, so I turned, smiling...only to see my father.

My smile faded and my heart stuttered in my chest, even as Sam grasped my hand.

"Hello, Mercedes," my father said.

I eyed him warily, looking around quickly to make sure no one nearby could hear us. He was standing in shadow and apparently no one had recognized him as of yet.

Not that it would be peculiar, I supposed, for my father to be at a party I was hosting, but I certainly didn't want him to stay.

"What in the hell are you doing here?" I hissed.

"I planned to visit you at your new home. Forgive the intrusion. I had no idea I'd be interrupting a party, but I didn't like the way we ended things in San Francisco. I wanted to learn a little more about the man you married." He suddenly looked to Sam. "Seems you're more than she led me to believe," he said. "So of course, any father would be worried about his daughter under these circumstances."

"Can we discuss this somewhere more private?" Sam asked, stepping forward, his jaw hard and his words clipped. "This is hardly the place."

At that, he nodded to the people all around sipping champagne, laughing and beginning to fill the dance floor behind us.

My father narrowed his eyes, but nodded once, and Sam, not letting go of my hand, led the way to his office.

When he closed the door behind us, his tone was arctic as he said,

"Let me give you some advice. Don't ever just drop by our home."

My father turned to him, his eyes equally as cold...

"You'll understand, of course, if I choose not to take any advice from a murderer."

He spoke through his teeth, his lips barely moving.

Sam eyed him, no emotion whatsoever revealed on his features...

"What do you want?" I asked dejectedly. This night had been so full of magic before he'd shown up. Despair made my heart sink.

He looked back and forth between the two of us, eyeing our costumes, but obviously choosing not to comment.

"You and I haven't always seen eye to eye, Mercedes. But clearly, I don't want my daughter married to a murderer and an ex-con," he said.

"Don't," I responded. "You don't know anything about who he is."

Nausea pressed against my stomach, and I brought my hand there as if to hold it back.

"Mercedes," Sam said, a cautionary tone in his voice, but his expression unchanging. "You don't need to fight my battles. Let me speak to your father alone, please."

I grabbed his arm...

"Sam, you don't know what he's..."

"I think that's a good idea," my father said cutting me off. The smile he shot in my direction looked as flimsy as his campaign promises.

Sam made eye contact with me...

"I can handle myself, little witch." His voice became tender. "Go back to the party, please."

I let out a frustrated breath, glaring at my father for a moment and then meeting Sam's eyes again.

My heart dropped, a feeling of dread settling in my stomach. What was going to happen now?

"Fine." I acquiesced, not knowing what else to do. So I walked out of the room, bawling my hands into fists to keep the shaking to a minimum.

The moon cast a golden glow from above and feathery fingers of mist encircled my feet from below.

I sat on the bench next to the hedge maze, the one I'd sat on with Stevie, what seemed so long ago, but in reality had only been a week.

I removed the pins holding my hat and sat them on the bench next to me, using my fingers to lift my hair off my scalp.

The dread I'd felt in Sam's office had settled into a lonely lump of cold fear. I could barely attempt to name the many worries that swirled in my gut at the thought of my father and him conversing alone.

Why was my father here and what could he possibly want?

What did he know?

It hadn't sounded like he remembered Sam, even though he'd obviously looked him up. What would he attempt to control now?

Would I ever be free of him?

When I heard footsteps approaching, I stood, turning in time to see Sam appear around the curve in the path.

He'd removed his mask...

I let out a breath, feeling a flare of panic.

"What happened?" I asked.

He gave me a small smile.

"Your father offered me a whole hell of a lot of money to walk away from you permanently, even more than what your grandmother left in trust."

The lump, previously in my throat, dropped to my stomach...

I exhaled a sharp breath and turned away, wrapping my arms around myself. Well, the good news was he evidently believed our marriage was real.

"Is he gone?"

"Yes."

"You should take it," I said. "We're divorcing anyway. He doesn't have to know it was already planned."

I tried to sound sincere. I only hoped the scratchiness of my voice didn't entirely betray me.

"You're shaking," he said.

"Am I?" I rubbed my hands down my arms. "It's a little chilly, I guess..."

His hands replaced mine, rubbing down the sheer fabric covering my arms. They were so warm and so solid.

"Mercedes," Sam whispered. "You don't have to worry about him anymore. I'm your husband...it's my job to take care of you now. I don't want his money. I told him as much. And I don't want to walk away. I was hoping you understood that tonight."

"You...you don't?" I said, finding my voice and turning back to him.

He smoothed a piece of hair back behind my shoulder.

"No, sweet, beautiful witch. I don't. I realize it might be difficult to take a man seriously who's dressed in a dragon costume, but..."

I laughed softly...

"That's the reason I'm taking you seriously."

He smiled...

"Good, because I was hoping... Well, I was hoping we could give this marriage a real try. I was hoping you'd agree to be mine...for real. My wife, my lover, my friend."

Vulnerability was etched in the hopeful set of his features, in those deep, green eyes. And my heart leapt with joy.

"Make our marriage real?" I breathed.

"Yes."

I wanted that, too, so much I almost didn't dare hope, and yet, there was still so much unresolved between us...

"What about Olivia?" I asked, looking down.

He exhaled a breath...

"I never loved Olivia, Mercedes. Or if I did, it wasn't the right kind of love. I know that now. She was meant for Stevie. I know, because I understand what it feels like when a woman is meant for a man... The way you're meant for me."

"Sam," I murmured, leaning into his hand when he brushed it along my cheek.

"We all talked this week. Olivia and I were never destined to be married. We were friends. And, Mercedes? We never... Well, we never slept together either. I knew... I knew I didn't love her, and that she didn't love me."

I let out a deep breath...

Hearing those words alone brought me peace.

He smiled then. Gorgeous dragon...

"I told them about us," he said. "I told them I was going to try to convince you to give me a chance. Now, it's like a weight has been lifted from all of our shoulders. And I have my brother back."

I studied Sam's face, understanding the peace in his eyes...

"I'm sorry about that stupid ring. I..." He pursed his lips as if choosing his words. "I didn't mean to hurt you. I just didn't think about it. And when I found that ring, I figured it'd do well enough as a prop. I'm sorry that's what it was at the time. If I was choosing jewels for you, I'd choose something entirely different. Something beautiful for your eyes perhaps," he ended on a whisper. "Nothing as colorless as diamonds or opals. Not for you."

I felt like I was in a dream. Because I had spent a week talking myself out of this, so filled with fear of rejection and the instinct to run.

"Will this work? We've done this all backward. I'm your wife."

He chuckled softly...

"Yes, you are. My enchanting wife." His eyes roamed over my face as his expression became serious and filled with need. "Just tell me you want me too, Mercedes."

My heart quickened... He'd asked me twice before if I wanted him. The first time, in my hurt and confusion, I had said no. The second time, I had said yes, and then I had left.

But now, I saw what he was really asking...

Apart from Alice and Harrold, who had filled in as many holes as possible in his life, he'd never felt truly wanted by anyone. He'd been needed by his brother, but rejected by every other person that counted.

Yes, I wanted him...

And I wanted him to know he was worthy of being loved.

But was I ready to give him my trust again?

And was he willing to give me his?

"I do, Sam. I do want you. We just... In some ways we know so little about each other."

"I know what I need to know and the rest we'll learn."

I smiled, even as Sam took my hand and we began walking along the path towards the front of the maze, the sounds of the party drifting to us on the faint night breeze.

"What's your middle name?" he asked.

I laughed softly...

"Flora after my Gram. What's yours?"

"I don't have one."

I turned to him...

"No middle name? It doesn't seem right that someone should have no middle name."

He shrugged and smiled, his lips curving up into a soft, vulnerable smile.

"No, I suppose not."

I let my eyes drink him in... Standing there under the stars, I saw him so clearly, not just his striking male beauty, but all of him..

His intelligence, his loyalty and protective nature, his wit and his deep sensitivity...the thing he let so few people see.

And suddenly, I felt awed.

I was his wife.

This beautiful man had chosen me.

I wanted to love him, heal him and transform all his dark memories into light...

I wanted to be worthy of him and I longed for him to love me back.

"What made you realize how you felt?" I asked, glancing at him and lowering my lashes, suddenly feeling shy.

He smiled...

"Alice helped me realize. She encouraged me to take a leap of faith... To let go."

"Ah. Good advice."

"And you? Did you know before tonight?"

"I think I've known for quite some time now."

"You have?"

The delighted look on his face said it all...

We stopped next to the entrance to the maze and I turned towards him, grasping his hands in mine.

"Here we are," I said softly, nodding my head towards the maze.

"Yes," he said, his eyes flickering away from the maze and back to me. "Here we are."

Then he moved closer to me, pulling me into his arms and whispering against my lips.

"You bring me peace, little witch, and you put a fire in my blood."

I smiled against his mouth...

"But do you trust me?" I asked, placing my palm flat against his jacket, running my hand over his chest, feeling the strong beat of his heart beneath.

"Trust you?"

A crease formed between his brows.

I ducked under his arm and he spun to face me.

"Come find me, Sam," I said and I ran into the maze.

"Mercedes," Sam called, a low edge to his voice. "What are you up to now?"

"Helping you let go of something," I said, turning a corner and then quickly turning another. I heard him behind me, walking slowly as I ran. "If you can find me, I'm yours."

"Mercedes," he said, and despite the distance, I heard the warning tone. "I know this maze well...there's no hiding from me here."

Of course I knew that. I knew that very well...

A thrill went down my spine as I turned another corner...

"Really, dragon?" I called. "We'll see. I'm waiting."

I was already hopelessly lost, simultaneously feeling a small thread of fear and sympathy for what Sam must've felt, being alone in here all those years ago.

And also the tingle of excitement at the knowledge that he'd find me.

The shrubbery was tall and untended, the moon and stars and the glow of the house beyond, cast the only light... And as I ran by, holding the overlay of my skirt as close to my body as possible, branches seemed to reach out and grab me.

Meanwhile, Sam didn't say another word, but I heard him walking with purpose through the weeds and fallen branches, straight towards me as if he'd known where I would run.

I turned one more corner and there, in what seemed the middle of the maze, was an old fountain in ruin and disrepair.

Seeing a stone bench, I sat down and waited for my husband to find me.

The distant strains of music and voices from the party took a backseat in my mind as I listened intently for his footsteps, my pulse quickening, my heart thumping.

"Where are you, little witch?" he asked, much closer now. But it didn't sound as if there was question in his voice. He knew exactly where I was.

My heart rate increased...

Sam turned the corner at the far end of where I sat and my breath stuttered in my throat.

In the glow of the starlight, I could see his gaze was trained on me. So I stood slowly and as he started to walk towards me, I held up my hand, motioning for him to stop so I could come to him.

Because I suddenly understood that sometimes it's right to meet in the middle, and sometimes, the simplest act of grace is to meet the other person where they are.

That is love...

Sam watched as I approached, his eyes dark and fathomless...

And as I drew nearer to him, it came to me, that watching him in front of the bank that day, I had fallen in love, but only in some romantic, girlish way.

I had fallen in love with the idea of him.

But here, in the deep, dark of the maze...where he had once been lost and frightened and alone...I reached out my hand, and I fell in love with the man.

I fell in love with my husband.

His hand in mine was solid and warm and real. And he grasped me back.

Wow! Again, what a chapter!

A warm hello to all, but permit me to name a few...

Rontora, I am honored. Thank you for weighing in.

Onetree, Tina, Tana, Homies, Emestee 1, Guests etc., hello and thank you all for your kind words.

Everyone of you...readers, readers and reviewers rock!

Stay safe!