Chapter 8

It's the 2nd week of January and everyone's back to reality. Quinn just enrolled in her spring semester at NYFA which starts the next week and Sam is back in the office. He's been bugging her about the gift ever since they got back to New York. She still hasn't found the right time when and where to give it. Since Kurt is with Sam at work, Quinn decided to ask another New Yorker's help. She called in Blaine to accompany her at a pet store that's not anywhere near Sam's office or their house. Blaine said yes but won't be able to go out until tomorrow. Quinn decided to just stay at home with Andrew and watch some Barney.

Sam, on the other hand, has work to do. His gig at the resto bar was on hold since Elaine and her family are still on vacation and the resto bar is closed until next week. Sam's still in a competition with his arrogant office mate, Lloyd Harding. He didn't want it to be like that but he's making Sam fight back. Not physically but mentally. Lloyd would always show off at work but Sam doesn't care. The moment when Sam gets all the attention, Lloyd would do something for the attention to last short.

Luckily, on his first day back, Lloyd was absent. It made all Sam's stress easier to deal with. He was feeling good that day and really excited to go home and be with his family.

On the way out, Sam was cheerfully bidding everyone goodbye as he was stopped by his boss.

"Sam!"

"Oh... Hey, Lara. I'm just on my way out and..."

"Sam. Why don't we have dinner tonight? I'd like to talk to you about an important event for June. Plus, we need to celebrate your return." She smiled at him.

"Important event? About what?" He asked.

"That's why we need to have this dinner meeting to talk about it. Come on. I know a place." She didn't wait for an answer and grabbed his hand to go to her car at the basement.

The drive on the way to the restaurant was just short but Sam took the time to text Quinn.

"Hey babe. Dinner meeting right now, I'm sorry. I'll be home soon, I promise. I love you."

"We're here. Let's go." Lara said, as she opened the doors and went out of the car. They grabbed a seat as the waiter arrived.

"Hi. Are you ready to order now?" He asked. Sam heard his phone buzz and he checked it.

"Yeah, sure." Lara told the waiter while browsing through the menu. "Sam?" She asked his accompaniment.

"Yeah?" Sam asked but he was still reading the text he got.

"It's time to order."

"Uhm... Yeah. I'll eat anything. You do the ordering I just need to make a call." Sam nodded and smiled. He stood up and went to the restroom.

He called up Quinn after he received a very weird text from her.

"Hey, babe. What's up? Why did you cancel our meeting with the wedding planner for tomorrow?" He asked.

"Sam. I... I actually have other plans for tomorrow. I have some things to finish at school so... We're rescheduled the next day, don't worry."

"Oh, okay. I understand. I just thought you were having...second thoughts and I..."

"Sam, I'm not, okay? I love you." She giggled on the other line.

"I love you too so much. I promise, we're gonna have the best wedding ever." He smiled and he can feel his cheeks turning red.

"Just be at the altar and I'm fine. Now, go ahead with your meeting. Come home soon, okay?"

"Yes, mom. I love you." He hung up and went back to the table. When he got back, he saw there were platters of food already. He thought, maybe there were visitors coming.

"That's a lot." Sam said as he sat.

"It's an early congratulatory gift to you." Lara grinned like a winner.

"Congratulatory? For what?"

"There's an art exhibition by the New York Art Museum on June and guess whose pictures got a slot." She gave him a quick applause.

"No way! Is it me?" He was so surprised that he's starting to tear up. Lara nodded in excitement. "That's awesome! I can't believe it! But... how?" He asked.

"I submitted them the photos you had with your resume. They liked it and they want to include you in their event."

"Thank you, Lara. You're the best boss ever." Sam smiled at her as the waiter added more food on the table.

"Alright. You'll have to submit your best photo on or before the last week of May. They'll just choose one and it will be framed for the exhibit. I'll give you more information when I receive them."

"I can't believe it. That's a really big opportunity for me." The smile on Sam's face is irremovable. He was excited for the things to come. Having his photo in an exhibit by the New York Art Museum could possibly make him known and loved or hated by the world. He was willing to take the risk cause he believes in himself plus his family's support will get him through.

"With that said..." She grabbed Sam's plate and filled it with every type of food on the table. "You better eat up. Everything in this place is delicious. Go on. Try the rolls." She pointed out.

"Okay, okay." Sam giggled and took a bite. "Mhmm. It does taste good!"

"Try the spareribs!"

Sam tried it and he loved it. He knew he had to take Quinn here some time.

"The noodles are good too. Try it, Sam."

"Are you planning on bloating me or something?" He laughed as he tasted the noodles. "That's good. I like the noodles." He drank some water and wiped his mouth. "You better eat, too. I can't finish all of these." He said and giggled but he coughed at the end. His coughing continued as Lara ate her dish.

"You know, I forgot to tell you. I've been planning..." She stopped as Sam's coughing started to sound different. His breathing starts to sound different too and his face is starting to become red.

"Sam, are you okay?" She asked.

Sam shook his head as he held on to his neck. He was rubbing his chest as it was getting harder for him to breathe. Lara went over to his place and started to tap his back as he continued coughing.

"Ccc...caan't... breathe." Sam tried to shout and Lara panicked immediately.

"Sam! What's wrong?" She didn't know what to do. She was shaking hard and kept rubbing Sam's back to calm him down.

"Hospital!" Sam finally shouted as he got weaker and his face fell on the table.

Lara screamed in fright. The waiters helped her bring Sam to her car and she drove off to the nearest hospital. Sam became slightly unconscious as he was battling his breath. When they got to the emergency room, Sam was completely unconscious already.

Xxx

Sam opened his eyes and the first thing he sees is the clock hanging at the wall on the other side. It read 10:24 pm. He exhaled and felt that he was wearing an oxygen mask. He was quite clueless with what happened after he took a bite of the noodles Lara told him to try. He looked to his right and saw Lara holding his hand and silently crying. He removed his hand from under hers.

"Sam... You're up." Her face lit up like a Christmas tree when she saw Sam's eyes open.

"What happened?" He asked.

"You passed out after choking. Are you allergic to noodles?"

"What was in that noodle?"

"It's called seafood mixed noodles."

"Oh..." He stopped. "Makes sense. I'm allergic to seafood." He pouted.

"I'm sorry, Sam... I didn't know. I should've asked you and..."

"No, it's fine. Like you said, you didn't know." He smiled and she smiled back. "Hey, have you seen my phone?"

"Yeah. It's with me." She opened her bag and grabbed the phone. "Here." She handed the phone to him.

When Sam checked his phone, there were 19 missed calls and 5 text messages asking where he was, all by Quinn. Sam tried his best to text her.

Quin im in Livingston hospital emergency room ryt now im sorry pls come.

Xxx

Quinn was walking back and forth in their living room as Andrew was fast asleep inside the room. She was in contact with Kurt for the past 20 minutes. She hasn't heard from Sam since 2 hours ago. She left her phone on the counter and went to the kitchen to make some coffee for her. She was about to get a mug when she heard her phone buzz. Fast as lightning, she ran to see who messaged her.

It was Sam. He's in the hospital emergency room but why? Slowly as she was re-reading his text, tears started falling down her face. After what felt like her 48th time reading the text to make sure it was real, she finally called up Kurt.

"Hey, Kurt."

"Quinn, are you okay?"

"Yeah. Can you like...be here in 5 minutes? Watch him over for me for a while. I need to go to Sam." Her voice started to sound like crying.

"What happened to Sam? Oh my Goodness."

"I'll tell you everything later. I just need to be at the hospital soon."

"Okay, I'll be there."

Xxx

Quinn got to the hospital 15 minutes later. She raced to the counter at the emergency room to ask where her fiancée is.

"Excuse me. Samuel Evans, please?" She asked and her whole body was still shaking from the moment she received the text.

"Second to the last bed on the right." She was told and she ran to check it out. There she saw the love of her life lying still on the bed with an oxygen mask. There was a girl sitting beside him but she was too worried to notice her.

"Sam!" Quinn called as she ran to his bed.

"Quinn." He whispered while lifting himself up by his elbows. He was still weak so his eyes weren't clearly opened.

She hugged him the moment she got to the bed. Sam was filled with kisses as he hugged her back.

"I was so worried about you. I didn't know what to do or where to find you."

Sam giggled as he embraced his fiancée. "Baby, I'm fine. I just accidentally ate something with seafood..."

She pulled back. "You know you're allergic to seafood, Sam. Why did you eat something with seafood?"

"It was an accident. I didn't know." Lara stood up as her words interrupted the couple's conversation.

Quinn's face turned to her as she heard the confession of the night's crime. Her face was trying to figure out who this girl beside her fiancée was.

"Uhm... Quinn. This is my boss, Lara Shireman. Lara, this is Quinn." Sam introduced one to the other.

"Nice to meet you, Quinn." Lara extended her hand and smiled.

"You too." Quinn said but didn't do anything. She just nodded at Lara and looked back at Sam.

"Where's Andrew?" Sam asked.

"I asked Kurt to look over him while I'm here. He's sleeping anyway so..." She said, fixing his hair and kissing his forehead. "I love you, dad." She whispered.

"I love you too, mom. I'm fine. I just need to take medications and at least a day for rest." He whispered back.

"I hope it's okay for Sam to stay at home tomorrow. My husband..." She paused. "...needs a lot of rest as stated by the doctor." Quinn told Lara.

"Of course." She faked a smile at her. "Our company's first priority is the safety of our employees. Your fiancée..." She paused for emphasis. "...can take the day off tomorrow." She smirked at her like the evil she is.

Sam grabbed and held Quinn's hand tight. He then looked at Lara. "Thanks, Lara."

"Your bills are covered by the company by the way. You can leave anytime now anytime you can. Here's the doctor's prescription." She handed the paper to Sam.

Sam removed the oxygen mask and sat up. "I think I'm ready to go now."

"Are you sure?" Both the ladies asked at the same time.

Sam stopped and looked at both of them. He giggled. "Yes. I'm sure. I just need my bed now...and my family." He placed his arm around Quinn's shoulder.

Quinn kissed him on the lips and smiled. "Let's go home." She helped him go down the bed to walk. Quinn fixed Sam's shirt before walking out of the emergency room and Lara gave them a special offer.

"Let me take you guys home. It's the least I could do."

"No, it's fine. I can take Sam home. We'll just get a cab..."

"Sam...Is in a state of weakness right now." Lara exhaled. "I think it's better if you ride in a more safe and relaxed vehicle." She gave her that freaking smirk again and Quinn felt defeated. "I'll just go get the car. I'll meet you two outside." She said and left.

The ride on the way home was really awkward. Sam and Quinn sat at the back while Lara was driving. The whole time, Sam was basically hugging Quinn and they were cuddling in each other's arms. It was obvious that Lara had those jealous eyes on them but Quinn decided to ignore the stares. They got home and thanked Lara for the ride. She left as soon as the two got inside.

Quinn put Sam to sleep in their room with Andrew while she and Kurt talked over coffee for a little while. Kurt had questions and Quinn opened up how much she feels that Lara Shireman has an annoying crush on her soon to be husband. Kurt just laughed at her saying she looks so adorable when she's jealous. He also said that she's never met Sam's boss but he'll keep an eye on her for Quinn at the office. Quinn told him not to as she didn't want to seem so desperate and obsessed about Sam but Kurt reminded her that it's normal to be obsessed about Sam because she's the fiancée. They conversation went on until about 2:30 in the morning.

Xxx

Morning came and Sam woke up without Quinn beside him. Before he could get out of bed, Quinn entered the room carrying a tray.

"Good morning." She greeted.

"Hi. Good morning, you. What is that?" He asked as he sat up.

"Breakfast in bed. You're gonna need all the energy you can get." She sat beside him and laid down the tray. "You looked so weak last night. I can't let that happen again." She ran her fingers through his hair.

"Thank you, honey. " He kissed her on the lips. "Your lips are good for my breakfast, lunch and dinner... Or even midnight snack." He joked as she laughed.

"You're sweet but you're gonna need real food and a lot of rest for today. You're not allowed to get out of bed except for bathroom breaks." She ordered.

"Yes, mom." He agreed.

Quinn helped him eat his breakfast before taking his medicines. After eating, Quinn asked him if he'll be fine on his own today with Andrew. Sam said yes cause all he'll do is watch TV and play with the little guy. He isn't allowed to go out as ordered by the doctor and Quinn so he let Quinn finish whatever business she needs to finish outside.

Around noon, Quinn met up with Blaine to visit a pet store. She knew this gift was long overdue so she didn't let anything stop her from getting it today. It took her a long time until she finally decided what breed of dog she'd buy.

She bought a French bulldog puppy. She thought it was adorable so she bought it the moment she saw the pup. She bought him accessories too and its own bed.

Blaine brought Quinn home at almost evening and she was feeling really excited to show the puppy to her family. At first, she left the dog outside the door and then she entered the place.

"Sam? I have a surprise for you." The excitement in her face was too much and Sam thought it was just too adorable.

"Hey, babe. I have a surprise for you too! You'll never guess..."

"Wait! Stop. Me first, okay? This was supposed to be my gift for you and Andrew last Christmas and now is, I think, the right time to give it to you." She smiled.

"Alright. Shoot. I bet your surprise isn't as good as mine." He teased, crossing both arms across his chest.

"Wait right here." She said and went out the door. She picked up the puppy with its stuff and showed it to Sam. "Tada!"

"Oh my God! Quinn, that's so cute!" Sam squeeked in happiness. He grabbed the dog from her and carried it around like a baby. "What's the name?"

"His name is Cooper. Look at his dog tag." She smiled as she picked up Andrew from his play pen.

"Hello, Cooper. Nice to meet you!" He said and went closer to Quinn and Andrew. "This is my son, Andrew. You're gonna be buddies from now on, alright?" He was clearly having so much fun.

" Do you like it?" She asked.

"Like it? I love it!"

"It was actually your mom's idea. She's helped me a lot you know." She giggled.

"That's good to know. Are you ready for my surprise?" He asked.

"Bring it on." She was about to sit on the couch but he stopped her.

"Go to the counter, babe. Tell me what you see there."

She stood up and checked the counter. "I see bills... Tons of bills. I'm sorry, Sam but this is only giving me a headache and I can't..."

"What's on top of the envelopes?"

She saw two keys chained in to one. The first key was the key for their house and the other one had a logo of an Audi, which she finally figured what he was trying to say.

"Oh my God! You got us a car?" She asked as she faced him.

He went closer to her. "It's from the company. It's a company car. I get to use it as long as I'm employed there."

When she found out it came from work, her mood immediately changed. "Are you sure it's not just from that bastard bitch, trying to buy you out?"

He was surprised by her language that his eyes opened wide. "Woah. Bastard bitch? Where is this coming from?" He sat on the couch and tapped beside him for her to sit. She didn't though. She just placed Andrew down on the play pen.

Quinn stood in front of him. "You know what I'm talking about. It's the girl from last night." She pouted as Sam laughed out loud.

"Babe, she's my boss!" He laughed more.

Quinn sat beside him and crossed her arms across the chest. "I don't care. She gives me a different vibe."

Sam placed the puppy down on the play pen. He wrapped his arms around her in an embrace and kissed her head. "Last night was an accident. She didn't know I was allergic to seafood. It was my fault too. I should've asked first."

She looked at him and they were now face to face and eye to eye. "I want you to find out what she's allergic to and I'm gonna drown her in it."

Sam never thought Quinn would be this funny. She's just too cute for words. "You're funny. If you do that, no one will pay me for my work."

"We'll rob a bank." And she kept getting more hilarious.

"Never mind her, okay? Just think of it this way. Now we have a car, a new pup, a house to live in, a family..." He paused and kissed her on the lips. "...and tomorrow, our wedding plans will start."

She smiled after everything he said. She just couldn't explain the excitement she's feeling.

"Are you excited?" She asked.

"Of course, I am. You're one step closer to being my wife."

She kissed him on the lips. "Can we move our wedding?"

He was surprised by her question. "Move? Are you planning on marrying me at the age of 50?"

"No... I want to move it this year." Her face was serious but then she gave him a side smile at the end.

Sam smiled back. He felt more excited than Quinn now. "What about your school?"

"They'll be fine. It's just a one day event. I mean, I don't think I'll have classes on the weekend. Maybe we could do it in September on a Friday then we'll have our honeymoon for the weekend. Does that sound nice to you?"

"It sounds very nice, mom. I'm excited." Sam smiled and noticed his son was doing something really adorable. Andrew was hugging the sleeping Cooper.

"You see? He liked my gift more." Quinn teased.

"Fine. You win. I like your gift more too." He giggled and kissed her on the head.

"Okay, you play with the two and I'll go make some dinner." They kissed and she stood up to go to the kitchen.

Tomorrow is gonna be an exciting day for their family. They're really starting to feel the family vibe and it's like the wedding is the only thing left. Could it be? Or maybe someone wants more kids?

They're getting married in 8 months and as of now, that's all they could ever think about.

End of Chapter 8! Hope you had fun with this though it's a bit short. I had a hard time writing as I lost inspiration. Just a question though. Are you guys getting bored of this story because of my late updates? Hehehe I'm really really sorry about that :( I'm gonna update more frequently as I'm on my semester break :D Plus! I have plotted the story till ALMOST the end and it's quite emotional so sorry about that. Hope you continue to read my story! Read, Review and Share! Till next time. I might update again tomorrow or the next day :D