Hey lovelies...back again. Thanks again to all our readers and you wonderful reviewers. You are so fantastic.
To Tara my cohort: I hope all is fabulous in your part of the world, thank you so much for your support.
Here is chapter 9. One more after this. Thank you so much for the love and I hope your new year is as blessed as it possibly could be.
Disclaimer: Don't own the song or the characters..which you already know..lol.
Chapter 9: Strawberry Wine
The Tennessee moon shone brightly on high. The sound of chirping crickets in the distance filled the night air. Sam and Mercedes sat on the swing chair rocking back and forth upon the old porch. Mercedes lay looking up at the stars, her head resting comfortably on Sam's lap. It had been three weeks since Grandpa had taken ill. Sam dropped everything in his life and decided to stay at the Ranch and help take care of Grandpa and the running of the Farm.
Gently stroking Mercedes dark locks Sam smiled, "thank you for coming to the farm with me to help take care of grandpa Mercy, you don't know how much this means to me."
"Oh Sammy," she smiled looking into his green eyes which gleamed in the moonlight, "it's a privilege to take care of grandpa, you know I love him," she breathed lightly touching his cheek.
Sam whispered, tears in his eyes, "you are truly a gift from God Miss Jones. I don't know how I could have taken care of Grammy and grandpa if you were not here with me."
"Oh Sammy," she chuffed, "I never did a thing. I'm pretty useless darling, it was all you baby. I can't cook, I can't steer the cattle, I can't-"
Sam placed a finger on her plump lips and then slowly bent down, kissing them softly.
"Darling," he smiled as he looked into her eyes, "you are the most precious thing in the world to me, you being here with me is more than I can ask for. I feel invigorated when you are around, I feel like I can conquer the world. Also, you have been tireless darling, nursing grandpa and making sure his needs are met. So don't you dare say you are useless. You are my rock; I would be a blithering mess if you weren't here."
Mercedes giggled, moving a lock of hair from his eyes, "Sorry darling but I have to agree with that last sentence."
Sam smiled rocking them slowly back and forth, and looked up toward the stars, "do you remember our last day together here at the Farm Mercy?"
"Yeah darling, I was a complete mess," Mercedes chuckled holding and caressing his hands, "I really thought I was going to die of a broken heart."
Sam smiled, "yeah me too, I thought I would never see you again. Do you remember the song we sang baby?"
Mercedes rolled her eyes and huffed, "no Sam I don't."
"Darling…" Sam whispered, "please,"
"Ok then yes I do, but I don't want to talk about it," she grimaced.
"Well then will you sing it with me, just one more time please baby, and I promise I won't make you sing it again," Sam pouted.
Mercedes huffed and then smiled and sat up, whilst Sam grabbed his guitar. "I guess so darling." she sighed and then sent a small smile to Sam, "but only because you are too cute to refuse," she smiled kissing him softly on the lips.
Sam beamed from ear to ear, then began to strum the familiar tune.
She was working through college on my grandpa's farm...
Sam raised his eyebrows and smiled, "that was you Mercy." Mercedes laughed and lightly pushed him, closed her eyes and swayed to the song
I was thirsting for knowledge and she had a car
Yeah, I was caught somewhere between a man and a child
When one restless summer we found love growing wild
On the banks of the river on a well beaten path
It's funny how those memories they last
Mercedes joined him in the chorus.
Like strawberry wine and seventeen
The hot July moon saw everything
My first taste of love oh bittersweet
Green on the vine
Like strawberry wine
Mercedes smiled at Sam and sang the second verse.
I still remember when thirty was old
And my biggest fear was September when we had to go
A few cards and letters and one long distance call
We drifted away like the leaves in the fall
But year after year I come back to this place
Just to remember the taste
Mercedes looked into Sam's eyes, Sam smiled and sang with the woman he loved, his heart soared as they sang their song together.
Of strawberry wine and seventeen
the hot July moon saw everything
my first taste of love oh bittersweet
Green on the vine
Like strawberry wine
The sound of their harmonious voices wafted into the night sky and drifted into the rooms above.
"They sound beautiful together don't they momma," grandpa smiled, laying upon their large antique bed and gently holding his wife's hand.
"They do darling, they are made for each other," Grandma Evans whispered and lay her head upon her husband's shoulder, "just like you and I darling." She smiled and gently kissed his work weathered hand.
"If they don't marry momma I'm gonna kill them both with my bare hands," he chuckled.
"Well that's if I don't kill them first darling, cos I am at the end of my tether with that grandson of ours..." she grimaced, "he seems to stuff everything up." Then she chuckled, "Oh my…I just realised, he is just like you?"
"No way, I was never as indecisive as he is!" Grandpa balked.
"Yes you were darling, you were shocking, you took ten years to ask me to marry you and when you did, you spluttered and stammered your way through that too," she chuckled.
Grandpa smiled at the memory, bit his bottom lip and scratched his head, "yeah, I-I did, I thought I was going to pass out." he chuckled.
"Speaking of engagement has Sam got that ring down yet," grandma queried.
"He's gonna ask her tomorrow night."
"She's gonna say no. He still has some proving to do."
"I gave him some advice on what he should do."
"Oh no! Now she's definitely gonna say no!" Grandma rolled her eyes and chuckled.
"Oh momma you are gonna get it!" he smiled, tickling her side.
The sounds of singing, laughter and abject love filled the southern night sky as the small farm hidden in the Tennessee valley housed its happy occupants.
…
Sam sat pensively upon his horse looking out into the distance as the cattle grazed in the valley below. Tonight he was going to ask Mercedes to marry him. He was so nervous; his hands trembled at the thought, the thought of her rejecting him once more. That thought scared him to death. Sam always envisioned Mercedes as his wife, even when he was proposing to all those random women, whom he knew he would never have married despite his proposals. What truly scared Sam though was the thought that he himself had created this monster which had evolved in front of him. Sam's indecision and impulsiveness had destroyed the only thing he was sure about, and that was for him to make Mercedes Jones his wife. In the distance Sam watched Mercedes as she walked Charlie around the paddock, tears filled his eyes as he thought of the woman he loved and the possibility of never marrying her and the thought of her leaving. He bowed his head and resigned shaking his head, "Samuel Evans, you are truly the idiot of the century," Sam cast his gaze toward Mercedes again. "How can I live without her?" He sighed, "How?" Despondently Sam turned his horse and sped quickly back toward home.
….
Sam sat nervously at the dinner table anxiously wringing his hands.
"Thank you for making dinner Sammy…" Mercedes smiled, "it was lovely."
Mercedes was truly impressed with this Sam Evans. Being back on the ranch reminded her of everything she loved about him. He had been so attentive toward his grandpa and even managed to be attentive to her needs, which boarded on obsessiveness at times. Sam did everything, even when she didn't want him to, which was really annoying at times. Mercedes would pick something up off the floor and Sam would quickly swipe it out of her hands. She would even try to cook and Sam would quickly overtake everything, which was kind of lucky for all concerned. Everywhere she turned Sam would be there trying to help or assist or just take over. Mercedes smiled at the thought, it was so annoying it was cute.
"y-your welcome M-Mercy." he stammered, his hands were clammy and sweaty.
"Yes I must say it was darling…" Grammy smiled, "you have been taught well."
"Thank you Grammy," Sam blushed, "I had a great teacher," and winked at his grandmother.
Grammy chuckled and nodded her head, "thank you darling, I don't mind taking accolades when they are deserved."
Sam smiled, then stood and began clearing away the table.
"No darling, I will do that," Mercedes protested and took the cutlery off him.
"N-No it's alright honey, I don't mind," Sam smiled.
"No!" Mercedes demanded, "You sit baby and leave this for me to do please, you and Grammy sit in the lounge and I'll bring you some cake. Would you like a hot drink with it?" She smiled looking at the both of them.
"No thank you darling, I'm fine," Grammy grinned.
"No thanks honey," Sam smiled kissing Mercedes on the forehead.
Sam and Grammy retired to the lounge. As soon as Mercedes was out of earshot Grammy whispered, "Have you got the ring?"
"N-Not y-yet I'm gonna go and get it soon and have to light the tea lights, so can you keep M-Mercy entertained while I quickly go Grammy, I'll be back soon," he stammered.
Grandma nodded her head and smiled.
"I love her so much Grammy..." tears filled Sam's eyes, "I hope she doesn't say no Grammy..." he whispered, "but grandpa gave me some advice so fingers crossed."
Grandma giggled at the thought of Grandpa's advice, then gave him a warm hug and placed a reassuring hand on her grandson, "no matter what, it will be ok darling, you know she loves you."
Sam smiled hesitantly, kissed his grandmother on the cheek and crossed his fingers. Grandma crossed her fingers too. They both smiled as Sam exited out the door.
Mercedes returned with the cakes and quickly looked around, "where's Sammy?"
"Oh he just had to do a few things, he will be back soon."
Mercedes furrowed her brow and then made her way to grandma and they both chatted and chortled while eating their dessert.
…..
Sam saddled Charlie and smiled, "ok old boy this is the second to last time we ride you, the next time will be at our wedding."
Sam kissed Charlie on his nose and grinned, "I love you old boy," he smiled, "wish me luck."
Sam carefully rode Charlie to the house, lantern in hand. Then he climbed the apple tree and searched for the little parcel he had carefully hid in its branches so many years ago. After retrieving it he descended the tree and checked his attire. Sam had changed in the barnyard; he wore dark jeans and brand new brown leather boots, which he decided he would wear to his wedding to Mercedes, if things panned out well. Sam ran a hand over his dress shirt and jacket and adjusted his tie then grabbed two bouquets of flowers from the horn of his saddle. Taking a deep breath he entered the house.
Mercedes and Grammy turned as he entered, Mercedes gaped, "oh my Sammy you look, ah.." Mercedes was gobsmacked. Sam looked so hot, "S-so handsome!"
Sam took off his Stetson, blushed and then smiled, "thank you Mercy, these are for you Grammy," he handed grandma one of the bouquets of flowers. Grandma Evans smiled, took the bouquet and kissed Sam on the cheek giving him a cheeky wink and then quickly excused herself.
"M-Mercy…" Sam stammered, holding the bouquet in his hands, "these are for you a-and will you please come with me? Sam crooked his right arm and offered it to Mercedes.
Mercedes heart pounded, she knew straight away what Sam was up to.
Mercedes walked tentatively toward Sam, took the bouquet, slipped her hand through his arm and blushed, "Thank you Sammy, I love you."
"I love you Mercy,"
Sam led Mercedes outside and mounted Charlie and then tenderly lifted Mercedes and placed her in front of him. Then he led them toward the river.
When they got there it was indeed a sight to behold. Hundreds of tiny tea lamps lined the area. Under the old oak tree sat a simple white throw and a pale of strawberry wine.
Mercedes smiled, "this is beautiful Sammy."
"Thank you Mercy," Sam blushed.
Sam led Mercedes to the throw. Mercedes sat pensively upon the throw as Sam opened a bottle of Strawberry Wine. Then he took a crystal wine glass and poured the wine into it, handing it to Mercedes.
"Mercy," Sam whispered, "you know how much I love you, and I know you know why I brought you here."
Mercedes nervously nodded whilst sipping her wine.
Sam smiled, as he knelt before her, "darling don't be nervous."
"I can't help it Sammy," she nervously bit her bottom lip.
"Do you love me?"
"Yes baby, I love you so much," Mercedes nodded as tears filled her eyes.
"Well, then listen please, Mercedes Jones I love you so much my heart aches when you are not near. I love you so much every day I am with you makes so happy. Darling, I know you need time to process this and I am gonna give you that, how long it takes, I don't care, I just want to ask you, can I do that baby, can I ask you?
Mercedes nodded again, knowing what he was going to ask her.
"Ok then Mercedes Jones…" Sam continued as tears filled his eyes, "I have loved you for so long, and every day I am not with you is one day too many. I love you from the bottom of my heart, and with every fibre of my being. You are my heart and my soul, you are my life… will you, Mercedes Jones, do me the honour of being my wife?"
Sam then pulled out the emerald engagement ring and took a deep breath, "ok darling, now remember don't say a word, I know I have much to make up for, so honey I just want you to hold onto it until you're ready, I don't care how long it takes, if…if it is truly no then…um, then you can say no…now."
Sam anxiously wrung his hands and held his breath, praying, please don't say no, please don't say no, when she said nothing but smiled lovingly at him, Sam grinned from ear to ear and let out the breath he was holding. Then he gently reached around and unclasped the necklace he gave her and slipped the ring onto it and attentively re-clasped it as he placed it around Mercedes neck and kissed her gently on her lips. Mercedes returned his kiss and held him tight.
"I love you Sam Evans," she smiled.
"I love you Mercedes Jones soon to be Mrs Sam Evans," he snickered, Mercedes chuckled and then buried her head in his chest as the two of them lay down and gazed upon the Tennessee moon.
Sam smiled, holding her tight, knowing in his heart, that he was one step closer to fulfilling his dreams and making Mercedes Jones his forever.
…..
"You cheated again?"
"I did not, I would never do that to you!" Puck smirked and licked his lips
"SAM, he cheated again!"
"Stop cheating Puck and stop licking your lips and giving my future fiancé sly sexual innuendos,"
"What me?" Puck grinned mischievously, "never!" he smirked looking longingly at Mercedes.
Sam and Mercedes stayed at the farm until Grandpa was fit enough to moan about Sam's over protectiveness toward him and his need to carry out every task. Grandpa couldn't do a thing without Sam interrupting or taking over everything. In the end, everyone knew Grandpa Evans was more than well enough to take the reins for himself. Sam and Mercedes were ready also to return to their respective lives. Mercedes decided not to sell the firm but left it in the capable hands of people she trusted as she pursued her music career. Finn still owned the bar but was avidly studying toward his architectural degree and Artie was busily keeping an eye on Mercedes blossoming career whilst readying himself for future concerts with Sam. Puck met Mercedes and Sam in Tennessee after a number of meetings he had in Nashville. Puck, Mercedes and Sam were now leaving Tennessee and were preparing for their trip to Los Angeles. Mercedes and Sam were both performing at the Grammy awards. Mercedes was nominated as breakout new artist of the year and Sam was nominated for favorite male country artist, which would be his 3rd nomination in a row and 3rd win if he won, Sam didn't care if he won but was noticeably nervous for Mercedes, who was just happy and shocked that she was nominated.
Next thing a book came flew through the air and hit Puck on the head as Mercedes collected up the cards once more and began shuffling them.
"What was that for?" Puck grimaced rubbing his head.
"You already know you fool!" Sam groaned, rolling his eyes.
"Ok best of five Puck," Mercedes grinned and started dealing out the cards. Once the cards were dealt, Mercedes yelled, her hand at the ready, "ok…start!"
Not even a second later puck yelled, "SNAP!"
"You cheated again!" Mercedes screamed.
Puck smirked, collecting the cards he had won.
"No I never cheat!" Puck smiled, "and I would never cheat on someone as lusciously beautiful as you diva," he winked, licking his lips again.
Next minute, two books flew through the air hitting Puck on the head again.
"Ouch man! You need to get your temper in check,"
"I warned you Puck, you're lucky you're my friend because it would be my fist flying into your face instead of books." Sam growled.
Puck frowned holding his head whilst Mercedes chuckled, suddenly her phone sounded.
"Hey Artie what's up?"
"Hey there beautiful, my future wife after Tina, got some great news!"
Mercedes giggled at his response, Sam rolled his eyes knowing exactly what Artie probably said. These guys were really annoying him and they were his friends. What the hell, Sam thought; they seriously need to sort themselves out!
Mercedes smiled, "what Artie?"
"Your new song is number 2 on the Jazz charts and number 3 on the pop charts!"
"NO WAY!"
"YES WAY!" he screamed.
"AHHH!" Mercedes squealed, then ran to Sam and kissed him; "my new song is number something in the charts Sammy!"
Sam jumped up and hugged her both of them jumped excitedly.
"Number what baby?"
"Number- hang on, number what Artie?"
"Number 2 on the-"
"its number 2 on one of the charts ahhhh!" she screamed.
Puck stood and smiled clapping his hands, "you did it diva!"
Mercedes ran to Puck and hugged him, Puck held her tight and whispered his congratulations in her ear, "I am so proud of you diva," he smiled.
"Ok, now release!" Sam groaned, his arms folded as he stood beside them.
Mercedes smiled and wrapped an arm around Sam and brought them all into a big embrace,
Suddenly she heard screaming over the phone, "Mercedes Jones where the hell are you?"
"Oh, sorry Artie!" Mercedes juggled the phone in her hands I just got so excited.
"So what should I do Artie, I need a real manager, will you be my manager Artie?
"W-what?!"
"I need someone I can trust and I trust you. Will you Artie?" Mercedes could swear she heard a snivel on the other end, "Artie are you all right, what's wrong?"
"Y-Yes…I'm fine and yes…" Artie sniveled, "I would love to be your manager Diva, t-thank you."
Mercedes smiled, "Oh Artie thank you, I will sort out a contract and we'll do it."
"Ok Diva, congratulations and thank you, I love you."
"I love you too Artie, I'll ring you later, thank you."
With that Mercedes hung up the phone and jumped into Sam's lap grinning from ear to ear.
Sam kissed her gently on her neck and then behind her ear and whispered, "I am so proud of you baby, I knew you could do it, I love you darling."
"I love you Sammy."
The two kissed passionately as a rap on the door was heard.
"Um excuse me while I throw up…" Puck interrupted grabbing his coat and suitcase and moving his suitcase toward the door. "I will meet you lovebirds in the limo." he chuffed opening the door to the beaming smile of the hotel busboy.
Mercedes laughed kissed Sam one more time then jumped up, collected the cards and placed her suitcases near the door.
"Hey...um...here are our bags, thank you so much..." she beamed, "I'll just get you a tip," she smiled rummaging through her purse.
"Ah…Um…Miss Jones," the bus boy stared at her nervously twiddling his thumbs, "I don't need a tip, b-but could…um you…please give me your autograph?" he blushed.
"What?" Mercedes was shocked. It was her first real autograph. Oh unless you counted the time she and Finn went nightclubbing dressed as Sponge-Bob and Patrick and everyone asked for their autographs. Finn made the best Patrick ever.
"y-yes please, I don't need a tip I just need you..." he beamed, "just you," he blushed in wonderment... looking at her longingly, then snapped out of his reverie and grinned, "Oh I mean your autograph!"
Sam stood in front of the young man arms crossed, trying to obviously flex his muscles.
Mercedes giggled, "oh sure, you can!" Mercedes rummaged through her bag in search of a pen and paper.
"Um Miss Jones..." the young man smiled again looking apprehensively at Sam, "um, I ah have a special pen," he blushed as he held it toward her,
Mercedes took the pen and said thank you and looked for a piece of paper.
"Um, Miss Jones…" he bit his lip looking at Sam nervously, "um could you please sign my…heart?"
"What?!" Mercedes looked at him in astonishment.
"M-my heart, um…" the young man pulled up his top to reveal his taut tanned abdomen and his large muscular frame.
"Here!" he pointed near the middle of his chest.
Mercedes gasped.
Sam frowned, "you know this is all types of inappropriate behavior for hotel staff; I could get you fired for this!"
Mercedes shot Sam a noticeable scowl.
"I don't care," the young man cheered, "just sign my heart please Miss Jones, it's worth getting fired for."
"H-he won't do that!" Mercedes growled nudging Sam in the side.
"You are so nice Miss Jones..." the young man blushed, "I knew you would be, you are so beautiful," he blushed.
"Just hurry up and sign him Mercy so we can go!" Sam growled then rolled his eyes.
Mercedes tentatively took the pen and signed where the young man indicated.
"Um what do you want me to write um…sorry I don't know your name?"
"Mark, its Mark…just write Mark love Mercedes,"
Mercedes looked at Sam who was red with rage as Mercedes scrawled on the man's chest. Then she rolled her eyes, "c'mon baby it's just one guy gosh!"
"Well actually there's are few more guys waiting for you down stairs," the young man blushed taking the pen from her and smiled, then whispered seductively, "you have such soft hands Miss Jones, I will dream of this moment forever."
That was it Sam snapped, "grab these bags and get your sorry little ass out of here and tell your friends she aint signing none of their chests!"
"Oh Sam just stop it!" Mercedes grimaced, "don't take any notice of him Mark, thank you for taking our bags."
"Thank you Miss Jones," the young man whispered and looked toward the ground.
"You know that's just gonna wash off," Mercedes giggled pointing toward his chest,
"Nah ah …"the young man smiled, "I'm off to the tattoo shop right now and I'm getting it tattooed on!"
"NO YOU CANT!" Mercedes gaped.
"Oh yes I can and I am, I love you Miss Jones," he beamed as he quickly grabbed their luggage and headed out the door before Sam busted his chops.
Sam frustratedly collected the rest of his belongings and threw them in a carry bag.
"Mercedes Jones you are not signing one more naked body!" He yelled.
"He wasn't naked Sam; it was just his chest,"
"Well then you are not signing any more naked chests, dam it Mercy he was all up in your face, he's probably gonna have wet dreams of your touching him and everything!"
Mercedes rolled her eyes, "Sam you've probably signed a billion naked breasts."
Sam was gobsmacked, because he knew it was true, then yelled, "That was then Mercy, and I'm not signing anymore bodies no way no how!"
"Well I am, well not bodies' just taut rippling chest and biceps," she teased as she walked toward him then slid her hands up his shirt.
"Mercy stop trying to divert my attention," he breathed, as she kissed his chest.
"Baby I could sign a million tight, chubby of skinny abs but would only do this with yours," she kissed his chest then moved toward his neck leaving a trail of kisses and then she looked into his eyes.
"Im sorry Mercy..." he whispered, "I-I'm just rotten jealous when it comes to you."
Mercedes kissed his lips softly and whispered, "it will always be just you and I Sammy, always."
Sam smiled and looked into her beautiful brown eyes, "I love you Mercedes Jones, so much."
As they made their way down to the lobby of the hotel Sam was approached by number of women. Arms folded toes tapping they grimaced.
Sam rolled his eyes and gripped Mercedes hand tighter as she attempted to pull her hand away.
"Mercy this is Hope, Bratney and Emma, I was, I mean they were, I mean," Sam closed his eyes as tears began to attack. When is this nightmare going to end! he begged raising his head toward the ceiling.
"My name is Britney!" The blonde mumbled, "Britney!"
But no one was listening.
Mercedes tried to pull her hand away from Sam's grasp, Sam held fast, "Please Mercy…" Sam whispered, "please don't go baby please stay with me!"
"Mercy, I was engaged to all these women, and no…Strawberry wine does not belong to any of you! Its Mercy's song always has been and always will be!"
Mercedes looked toward the ground as the three women stood before them, frowns and scowls etched across their faces.
"Then why did you ask me to marry you Sam?" Hope screamed.
"I was an idiot!" Sam decidedly answered, "I don't love any of you!"
"OK, if strawberry wine wasn't my song then why did you propose to me by the banks of the river? Emma yelled.
"I was an idiot, and anyway, I'm sure we were at a pool and it was a paddling pool, and I'm sure I was drunk, so how can you connect that with strawberry wine?" Sam grimaced.
"But we were eating strawberries when you proposed to me, strawberry wine, strawberries, hello?" Britney queried.
"Are you like really dumb or something, just because you ate strawberries you think this song must be about you Bratney or what ever your name is? Sam balked.
The blonde stomped her foot and huffed.
Puck soon interrupted having seen the pending altercation.
"Look Heffa ladies, I am sick of this whole rigmarole! Hope, Sam can't stand you, you are an up stuck witch and he never really wanted to marry you. He's too nice to tell you the truth!" Hope growled then stomped off.
"Emma, I don't even know what to say to you, but all I know is that Sam doesn't want you around and he loves Mercedes, so adios amigos," Puck waved her away as she quickly ran away crying.
"And finally Britney, poor misguided Britney, yeah Sam thought he loved you but he was just living temporarily in dumb land. He can't even get your name right. You need to figure out what the heck you want, first you're in love with one person and then you're saying something stupid like you love Sam. Well Sam doesn't love you," Puck looked at Sam.
"No I don't love you and I'm sorry to tell you this… but I never did, I love Mercedes and I always have, I loved her from the moment I saw her ten years ago and I always will," Sam held Mercedes hand tighter as he looked decidedly at Britney.
"So there you have it Bratney..." Puck chuckled, "He has always loved Mercedes and he always will. I think you should go and enrol in some kind of get a clue college cos girl your sweet but you are the dumbest broad I have ever met."
Britney stomped her foot again and huffed, "Lord tumbleland will not be happy."
Mercedes looked at Sam puzzled, "Lord tumbleland?"
"You don't even wanna know Mercy trust me!" Sam chuffed rolling his eyes.
"It's her dam cat!" Puck grimaced, "I really think she has a few screws missing."
"Oh my Lord Sam and you wanted to marry her?" she giggled.
"Look Mercy, you dropped me, I was in a state of shock, I don't know what came over me!" Sam grimaced.
"You mean a state of dumbness," Puck laughed, spun around and walked briskly to the exit.
Mercedes hung her head; Sam took her in his arms, "I am sorry Mercy, if I have to say it a million times I will, I love you and only you. You are my one and only."
Mercedes lent on Sam's chest, "oh baby, what are we going to do?"
"Just hold me Mercy and never let me go." Sam whispered.
Sam kissed Mercedes on top of her head then looked into her eyes. Mercedes lightly touched his lips and smiled, "I love you Mr Evans," then laughed incessantly, "Lord Tumbleland? Oh Sam I'm never gonna let you forget this!" She chucked, "let's go Casanova!"
Sam lifted Mercedes up kissed her deeply on the lips and carried her to the waiting limousine as a bevy of strong, naked chested young men ran after them begging for Mercedes autograph.
…
Los Angeles
As Mercedes and Sam stepped from their limousine the paparazzi pounced. Sam beamed from ear to ear as he walked hand in hand with his, soon to be fiancé. Mercedes smiled and waved as fans cheered not only for Sam but for Mercedes also. Mercedes was apprehensive about attending the awards hand in hand with Sam but her manager insisted it would be good for publicity and Sam did not want it any other way. Mercedes looked beautiful in a Kurt Hummel original, a flaming orange chiffon gown which cinched at the waist and subtly hugged her curves. She looked stunning. Sam wore a tailored Valentino tuxedo, black cowboy boots and his favorite Stetson.
"Mr Evans, Miss Jones can I please have a photo?" cried one reporter.
"Over here please Mr Evans, Miss Jones," Sam held Mercedes proudly and beamed in each photo.
Camera and lights flashed left right and center as the two traveled down the red carpet. The crowds screamed their names.
Sam leaned toward Mercedes and whispered in her ear, "Did I tell you how beautiful you look tonight?"
Mercedes blushed and whispered back as they continued walking hand in hand up the red carpet, "I love you Sam Evans. Good luck for tonight."
"Good luck to you baby, I love you too, I hope you win," he smiled against her ear.
"I don't care if I win Sammy, I'm just happy to be here with you, I am so proud of you baby."
Sam etched his lips toward Mercedes taking her in his arms.
"NO!" Artie yelled, releasing Tina's fragile hand, "you can't kiss on the red carpet Sam, that would be like a $10, 000 plus shot."
Sam rolled his eyes and huffed.
"You are taking your roll way too seriously Artie," Mercedes chuffed.
"Well baby, money is time and time is money," Artie chortled.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Mercedes chuckled.
"I don't know but I always wanted to say that," He giggled, "but just keep your lips apart until you get home, these people need to pay for the goods," he chuckled looking at the paparazzi and then took Tina's hand and trundled toward the entrance.
Sam giggled, "Talk about anal!"
Mercedes grunted and rolled her eyes, "that's all I need, an anal Artie," she chuckled.
As they continued to take interviews and walk toward the entrance they were accosted by a beaming Ellen and Porsche DeGeneres.
"Hi you two," Ellen beamed looking mischievously at Sam and Mercedes.
Sam smiled and hugged Ellen and kissed Porsche on the cheek.
"Well Sam the man..." she smirked, "aren't you gonna introduce us?" She smiled looking at Mercedes.
Sam blushed, "Um sorry Ellen, Porsche this is my-"
Suddenly Ellen had Mercedes in her arms and was introducing Porsche to her.
"This is my wife Porsche, It is so nice to meet you, I feel like I already know you, well actually I feel like we are kindred spirits." Ellen chuffed throwing her arms around Mercedes.
Mercedes just stood dumbfounded throughout the whole scene, Ellen DeGeneres just touched me, she blushed, she just spoke to me, ahhh she just kissed me! She has such soft hands, Mercedes looked at the fingers which she had touched and then touched the cheek which Ellen DeGeneres had kissed; she has her arm around me right now, she quietly squealed to herself. Mercedes didn't say a word, she couldn't. Mercedes Jones was gobsmacked.
"So Mercedes Jones or shall I call you Mercy or Merce? I think I should call you Merce, hey Merce, how yah going Merce? Does that sound good? So Merce…If you win tonight you are coming on my show, ok?" Ellen grinned.
Mercedes nodded her head in agreeance, noticeably dumbstruck. Oh my, her arm is still on my shoulder, she silently squealed.
Ellen saddled up to Sam and snickered, "she's not very talkative is she?"
"Um, she's not like that usually but she's in shock…" Sam giggled, "I didn't tell you this but she loves you."
"She has impeccable taste, and she is so hot Sam Evans, you're lucky I'm a happily married woman," Ellen smiled, and took Mercedes hand, "nice meeting Sam's strawberry wine girl. Yah know he adores you aye?" she winked, "I'll see you at the interview after you win."
Porsche shook Mercedes hand and kissed her cheek and then kissed Sam's cheek. Then the two of them walked hand in hand toward the entrance.
The rest of the night went magnificently. Sam stood proudly with tears in his eyes as he applauded Mercedes performance. Mercedes too stood proudly as Sam performed. But the greatest achievement was when they both won their awards, Mercedes for best new Artist and Sam for best Male country performer.
As Sam stood the whole audience gave him a standing ovation.
Sam smiled as he cast his eyes across the audience, toward his parents, Puck, Stacy and Stevie who had arrived before them and finally to his beloved Mercy.
"Thank y'all for that…" Sam smiled, as the audience began to settle. "Firstly, I am honored to have been nominated with such a talented group of people. I would like to acknowledge my manger Puck who is not just a manager but is a true friend, thank you brother for always being there. I also wanna thank my parents and my brother and sister Stevie, Stacy. Also to my Grammy and Grandpa in Tennessee, thank y'all for your undying dedication and love. Finally…" Sam breathed as tears filled his eyes, "I would like to thank God in heaven for these beautiful people who fill my life and for bringing my Mercy to me again. I will always be grateful to him for the beauty which is my Mercy. I love you Mercy with all my heart."
Following the Grammy after party Sam and Mercedes sat on the balcony of Sam's Penthouse. It had been a beautiful night. Mercedes curled up in Sam's arms; a warm throw covered the two of them. Sam sang softly in her ear as she drifted off to sleep. Then Sam looked up toward the moon and smiled, "you've seen me many times old moon, in my saddest times. But tonight take note; this is my Mercy soon to be my fiancé soon to be Mrs Sam Evans. Take note moon, this is a happy time and this lady and I will be married soon." Sam smiled as he gazed at the stars and lay down beside his Mercy, falling tiredly into slumber land entwined with the woman he loved.
Thanks again...Sorry for any mistakes. One more chapter folks and we are done.
Will Mercedes marry Sam, or will her hang ups engulf her? Now that Mercedes has stood with Sam up to the heffa is that the end of them? Will Ellen reappear and will Grandpa and Grammy get to dance at Mercedes and Sams wedding?
All will be revealed next time on Strawberry wine...lol P.S Please Review :) Blessings.