A/N I am sorry it took me so long to update. Real life kind of got in the way. Thank you for all the reviews, follows, and favorites. To my lovely beta LadiJ, you are the best! This is all my head cannon. Please excuse any mistakes, and enjoy the ride.

I own nothing that is Glee, thank God, cause I know if I did ya'll would hunt me down and beat the shit out of me!

Three Weeks Later

Tina and Mercedes were both super excited; they were on their way to Tennessee for a week. It was spring break and they were spending it with Mike and Sam. Mercedes was nervous; she was going to meet Sam's family. Who would have thought that all of this would be the result of a contest? The prize being a photo shoot with a gorgeous man; a contest that she didn't even enter. Now here she was, in a relationship with said man, in love with him and going to meet his family! Things like that didn't happen to people like her. Yet it had, and she was so very thankful.

Observing the happiness that seemed to radiate from Tina she decided to take the plunge and ask her about Mike. "So Tina, I thought Mike was only going to be a one-time thing? It seems to me that the two of you have a little something-something going on. So spill heffa!"

Tina cringed, seeing the look Mercedes was giving her she sighed in defeat. "It's not what you think, I mean it is but it isn't. If you know what I mean."

Mercedes shook her head, "No I don't know what you mean, so break it down for me. Do you like him, I mean really like him or is this just a friends with benefits kind of thing? Cause the way the two of you act and look at each other that FWB line was crossed way back."

Tina knew she liked Mike, as in she would love to be his girlfriend, but she wasn't sure about him. "I really like him Cedes, and I would love to be his girlfriend. I'm not sure he feels the same but I plan on finding out this week. I know I said all I wanted was a fling but now I want more. I feel things with him I've never felt before." she said throwing her hands in the air.

"I'm sure you are feeling things with him." Mercedes said with a snicker.

Tina rolled her eyes, "Get your mind out of the gutter woman." she ordered Mercedes, trying to sound stern but she ruined it with a giggle, "But girly that man is all kinds of flexible!" Locking eyes they both fell into a fit of giggles that made the people around them wonder what could be so funny.

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Sam and Mike were waiting for the girls' flight to land. Mike kept getting up and pacing and checking his watch. Sam couldn't take it anymore, "Mike, just go ahead and admit it, you're into Tina. Quit fighting it and enjoy the fact that you've found your woman. You're about to wear the soles off your shoes if you keep walking like that. Just admit you are really into Tina and do something about it."

Mike shot Sam a glare, running his hands through his hair. He was nervous, tugging on his ear he sighed, "I really do like her dude, she's everything I want in a woman. Hell I didn't even know I wanted a woman much less what I wanted in one. But here she is and I don't know what to do. She makes me laugh, she smart, beautiful, nice as hell and making love to her is fantastic." he told Sam still pacing.

Sam perked up at what Mike had just unwittingly said, "Making love? You said making love, not sex, but MAKING LOVE!" he grinned at Mike.

Thinking back over what he had said Mike dropped down in the seat next to Sam. "You tell anybody I said that and I will cut your balls off." Mike threatened.

Sam just continued to grin, "You cut mine and Mercy will chop yours off, making us both nut-less. So man up, tell Tina how you feel, because I plan on keeping my balls. I suggest you grow a pair and tell Tina what's what." Sam smirked as he gave Mike his tidbit of advice.

Mike huffed at Sam, "I plan on asking her to be my girlfriend while she's here." he admitted.

Sam clapped him on the back, "See it didn't hurt at all to grow a pair did it?" he teased.

Mike glared at him, "I fucking hate you sometimes."

Sam grinned even wider as he sat back and crossed his arms, "You might hate me; but at least you got a pair now." With that Sam pulled his cap down lower and closed his eyes waiting for them to announce Mercy's flight.

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Mercedes was beyond nervous; she was meeting Sam's family today. They were going to have Sunday lunch with them and Mercedes felt like throwing up. Her stomach was in such a knot. Trying to calm down she thought of how she and Sam had spent Friday night and all day Saturday. The man had stamina to give away. They didn't get out of the bed except to eat, shower and use the bathroom. She was sore in places she didn't even know could be sore. But being able to resist Sam was like asking her to stop breathing. That shit wasn't going to happen! Deep in thought she didn't hear Sam enter the bathroom as she relaxed in the tub.

"Baby, are you going to stay in there all day?" Sam leaned down giving her a quick kiss. He knew she was nervous, smiling at her he massaged her shoulders. "You're so tense. It's just lunch and they are going to love you." Running his finger over her shoulder and down to her breast he pinched one nipple, loving the hitch in her breath as it harden under his touch.

"Stop it Sam, how can you be thinking about sex when we're going to have lunch with your family? OMG, They're going to know we've had sex!" Slapping his hand away as he moved it lower, Mercedes began to panic. "What will they think of me? That I'm easy, or a cheap floozy?"

At that Sam began to laugh, "A floozy? Really Mercy, where the hell did you come up with that one? Calm down, they won't think any of that about you, besides my mom knows that we've made love. Notice I said MADE LOVE, we don't have sex, we make love, even if it's hard and fast or slow and soft. It's always making love."

"Your mom knows? You told your mom! SAMUEL DWIGHT EVANS, have you lost your damn mind? OMG, OMG!" Mercedes was sure she was going to have a stroke. This fool had told his mother, HIS MOTHER; that he was dicking her down! "Sam, why would you do that?

Sam shrugged, "We were talking and I was telling her all about you. She asked and I answered." He wrapped her in a towel as she got out of the tub and began to dry her off. "Did you think they thought we were over here or at your house playing tidily winks?"

"They? What do you mean 'they'? You said your mom. Your mom is not a they. 'They' means more than one." Mercedes wrapped the towel around her as she glared at him.

He shot her a lazy grin, "Oh yeah, my dad was there too, sorry I forgot about him, my bad." At her squeak of horror Sam laughed, "Baby when it comes to you I have no shame, I don't care what anyone thinks as long as you are happy. My parents already like you; I talk about you so much they know you. If anyone has a problem with us they can kiss my lily-white ass, you come first and your opinion is what matters to me. Yes I'm glad they like you but if they didn't it wouldn't change my feelings and plans. I love you; we love each other; that's all that matters."

Mercedes melted at his words, "I love you too babe. Plans? What kind of plans?"

"You'll find out. Go get dressed woman." Sam kissed her lightly and slapped her on the ass making her jump. At her glare he just smirked, "Hurry up woman, we've got a lunch date."

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Mercedes had a death grip on Sam's hand as they walked to the door of his parents' home. Suddenly the door was flung open and out came a boy and girl about fourteen; they both looked like Sam but with blue eyes. They didn't have his mouth and their hair was much lighter.

"Hi Mercedes, I'm Stacy and this is my brother Stevie. Sam has told us so much about you. But you're even prettier than he said. I love your hair and that's a really pretty dress. I'm so glad you came to lunch today. I've been dying to meet you. You're the first girl Sam has ever let us meet. You smell really good, what kind of perfume are you wearing." Stacy was practically bouncing while she talked.

When the young girl stopped to take a breath Mercedes giggled. "It's nice to meet you Stacy and you too Stevie. Sam has told me a lot about the two of you too. Thank you and I'm happy to be here. It's a scent I have mixed for me in my home town by a friend."

Stevie rolled his eyes, "Like Miss Chatterbox said, I'm Stevie and it's nice to meet you. I don't see how my brother managed to catch a woman as beautiful as you. I could have sworn he had no game."

Reaching for his younger brother Sam gave a mock growl, Stevie side-stepped him with a laugh. Watching Sam interact with his siblings made Mercedes smile, you could tell they loved each other. The door opened again and an older couple stepped out, Sam looked just like his mom except he had his dad's eyes, mouth and hair color. His mom was slender blond and beautiful, with gorgeous blue eyes that were warm and welcoming. The twins looked just like their mom.

"Well hello there sugar, you must be Mercedes. Aren't you a beauty!" Mrs. Evans held out her arms to give Mercedes a hug. Releasing Sam's hand, she stepped forward, returning the hug, she couldn't help but to feel welcomed by his mom.

"Thank you Mrs. Evans, and it's so nice to meet you." blushing at the compliment she stepped back looking up at Sam's father.

"Honey, none of that Mrs. Evans crap, you can call me Mary or Mama Evans. This is my husband Dwight."

"Sir, nice to meet you." was all Mercedes had time to get out before he swept her into a big hug.

"You can call me Dwight or Papa Evans. Damn, Sam wasn't lying you are beautiful! Welcome to our home darlin'. We're glad to meet you."

Mercedes was a little overwhelmed, but Sam's family was nice and very welcoming, they made her feel at ease. Following his mother into their home she was impressed. Not because the house was fancy, but the air of warmth and comfort. This was a happy home and you could tell the slender blond woman in front of her was the source.

"Dinner will be ready in 15 minutes, so you two go wash up, Mercedes why don't you come with me so we can chat. Sam, help your dad set the table."

Mercedes looked up at Sam; he gave her a kiss on the forehead with a gentle push for her to follow his mom.

"Mercedes you have no idea how happy I am to meet you. I remember Sam calling to tell us that he was doing a photo shoot, he didn't sound happy. He's never liked being in the limelight, then he called all excited, the woman he was going to do the shoot with was all he talked about."

Mercedes shot her a puzzled look, "He told you about me before he met me? I will admit I didn't really know who he was. But when we met it seemed like I had known him my whole life. I guess that sounds crazy. We just seemed to click."

"No honey, that doesn't sound crazy. The way you and Sam connected is very much like his father and I met and married. I met Dwight at a picnic with some of my friends when I was 20 years old. Looking at him it felt like a wall had fallen on me, he tells me he felt the same way. We were married a month later. These have been the happiest 25 years of my life."

"You married him a month after meeting him?" Mercedes eyes widen in surprise.

Mary laughed at her expression, "Yes, it hasn't been easy all the time but I wouldn't change one moment spent with him. Sam is in love with you, and you're in love with my son. So when will you two be getting married? I want some grand-babies before I get too old to enjoy them."

At the sudden twist in the conversation, Mercedes felt the air whoosh out her lungs. She was sure she looked like a fish with her mouth open. Deciding to be just as straight forward as Mary, Mercedes smiled. "Yes, I'm in love with Sam, I have to admit I didn't see it coming, so that wall you were talking about, I know how you felt."

At that the both of them giggled. "Sam hasn't asked me to marry him but if he does then I will be saying yes. As for babies," Mercedes could feel herself blushing, thankful for her dark skin, remembering that his mother knew about their love life. "I would love to start a family with him. The ball is in his court, so marriage and babies will be on his time schedule."

Mary snorted, "Please, if Sam could have, he would've married you the day after you met and we would be expecting our first grand-baby by now. He's just trying to give you time to get use to the idea. He was so giddy the day of the shoot when he called me; I thought the boy was high. Once he quit babbling and starting talking I knew he had found his heart's home."

Mercedes head was spinning, she and Sam had talked about marriage, kids and all the things they wanted in life. But to hear his mother speaking so casually about it blew her mind. Thinking of the phrase Mary had used, 'heart's home' she smiled, Sam was her heart's home.

Lunch was filled with laughter and great conversations. Questions were asked and answered from all; nothing seemed to be off the table for discussion. Mercedes found out even more about Sam and it only made her love him more. The easy way in which his family accepted her warmed her and had her thoughts drifting to the day she would become an Evans.

Watching the way Mercedes laughed and talked with his family made Sam happier than he had ever been. She was not only a perfect match for him but for his family too. He could tell Stevie already had a slight crush on her; he blushed and stuttered when she smiled and talked to him. Stacy was making plans for her and Mercedes to have a girl's day along with his mom when she came back. When his dad found out she knew how to fish and enjoyed it, the biggest grin spread over his face.

After spending a few more hours with his family they were getting ready to leave when his dad pulled him aside. He slapped Sam on the back, "You did good son. That's one hell of a woman you have and I would be proud to call her my daughter. Now put a ring on it and get me and your mom some grand-babies, we ain't getting any younger."

Sam looked over at Mercedes as she was being hugged and fussed over by his mother and siblings. He smiled, "I'm working on it dad, I'm working on it."

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Mike looked over at Tina, the days he had spent with her were the best time he had ever had. She was smart, funny, with a dry wit, beautiful, just the perfect woman. He had never felt these feelings for a woman before and to be honest he was scared but he knew he wanted her. Not as a friends with benefits, but as his girlfriend and down the road who knew.

Tina watched Mike; something had been on his mind for days now. He was the same Mike just with a little something extra. He was more attentive and she caught him looking at her with this look on his face that she couldn't read. Finally not being able to take it any longer she walked over to where he was sitting. "Mike? Is something wrong? You've been...different. You seem like you have something on your mind."

Kissing her hand, Mike smiled at her, "Yeah, there is something on my mind, you."

"Me? What are you talking about?" Tina was confused and a little scared. She had feelings for this man that she never planned on. She thought this was just going to be a fling and she would go on with her life. But life had a way of flipping the script, and damned if it didn't flip it on her.

Mike turned to her, "Tina, I know we said that this would be only a one-time thing. Then I went to Lima to spend time with you. Now you're here with me and I'm happy, really, really happy. I have something to ask you."

Tina could feel herself somewhat relax at his words, "Ok, ask me, because you're making me a little nervous"

"Would you be my girlfriend? I really like you and I want to be with you." Mike held his breath, feeling like he was back in high school.

"Yes! Yes, I'll be your girlfriend!" Tina squealed as Mike grabbed her, pulling her onto his lap. She was Mike Chang's girlfriend, but more importantly he had feelings for her, she wasn't in this alone. She couldn't wait to tell Mercedes.

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Tonight was going to be the night, Sam was nervous as hell. Mercedes had asked him if he was ok multiple times today. Damn he had to quit sweating! He knew they were in love with each other and he didn't doubt what her answer would be, he was just worried about making a fool of himself when asking her. He had never been good with words, tonight would not be the time to fumble the ball. He did an internal face-palm, shit he was thinking in football terms!

They were meeting Tina and Mike at the bar before going to dinner. Seeing them sitting at the table as he entered with Mercedes he relaxed a little. He was going to ask her once they made it home, he just had to make it through drinks and dinner. Running his hand over his face he smiled as thought of an idea.

Mercedes could see that Tina was about to blow if they didn't get some girl time, so excusing themselves from the table they made their way to the women's room. As soon as the door closed Tina began to jump up and down with excitement.

"OMG Cedes! Mike asked me to be his girlfriend!" Tina voice was almost a squeak she was so happy and excited.

Hearing Tina's good news, Mercedes began to jump with her; they looked like a couple of teens, fangirling. "Tina, I knew it, girl, I am so happy for you! I knew something had happened you both were looking to freaking happy!"

Tina blushed, "We are happy. Now tell me about meeting Sam's family"

Mercedes told her about the time she spent with them and how much she liked them. Tina nudged her with her shoulder. "Seems to me; winning that contest was the best thing to happen to you, not that I'm taking credit mind you." She brushed some imaginary lint off her shoulder as she smirked at Mercedes.

Sam shot Mike a grin, "Did you ask her?"

Mike rolled his eyes but couldn't stop the smile from his lips, "Yeah, I did and she said yes."

Sam leaned across the table to give him a fist bump, "Hell yeah, I knew you were grinning like a damn fool for some reason."

"Now the real question is, are you going to ask Mercedes to marry you?"

"Yep, tonight when we get home, I just hope I don't make a fool of myself."

Mike laughed, "You'll be fine. Heads up here comes the girls."

The rest of the evening was spent talking about all their many shared interests and laughing at the stories the women told about their students.

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Sam leaned back against the headboard, toying with the black velvet box in his hand. Mercedes was getting ready for bed and he took that time to reflect on what God had blessed him with. A great career, a family he loved and loved him, his health and the most important blessing of all, Mercedes. Flipping the top open he looked at the ring, not really seeing it but thinking about his trip to Florida the week before.

Flashback

Sam was nervous as he knocked on the door, he knew he wasn't expected but now wasn't the time to think about that. As the door opened Sam looked at the petite woman standing in front of him, she was beautiful like her daughter.

"Good afternoon Mrs. Jones, I'm Sam Evans, how are you today." Sam cringed, he sounded like a damn door to door salesman.

Mrs. Jones knew who he was and had a pretty good idea why he was standing on their doorstep. "Hello Sam, I'm well, and you? Please, come in." Moving she hid a smile as she watched the young man come in, he was sweating and it wasn't even hot.

Sam smiled weakly at her, why did they have to live in such a hot ass state. "I'm fine ma'am, thank you." Hearing heavy footsteps he looked up and met the questioning look of Mr. Jones. Fuck he didn't look this big on Skype! Rubbing his hands on his jeans he now wished he had dressed less casual. Holding his hand out, he introduced himself to Mercedes dad.

Mr. Jones laughed to himself; the young man looked like he was going to pass out. For living in a southern state he was damn pale. He thought it would be next month before Sam knocked on their door, seems like his wife had won their bet. Shaking Sam's hand he invited him into their den.

"Sam would you like something to drink? We were about to have some sweet tea or I could get you some water."

"Thank you Mrs. Jones, some tea would be fine."

"Please call me Carol, Mrs. Jones is my mother-in-law. Have a seat, I'll be right back."

Both men sat in silence, Sam because he was so nervous and Mr. Jones because he was afraid if he opened his mouth he would start laughing. With the way Sam was sweating he was sure if his wife didn't make it back with their drinks the boy would pass out for dehydration. Biting his lips he looked up as his wife entered the room, seeing Sam jump up to take the tray he smiled, the boy had been trained.

"So Sam, what brings you to our door?" Carol asked as she handed out their drinks.

"Thank you Carol, uh, Mr. Jones-"

"Call me Dean, like Carol said, those names belong to my parents."

"Sir, um, Carol, D-Dean, I came to ask for Mercedes hand in marriage."

"Well shit!" Dean slumped back on the couch as Carol jumped up and started doing a little shimmy dance, and started giggling. "You couldn't wait two and a half weeks more?"

Sam looked at them in shock, WHAT THE HELL! He watched as Mercedes mom stopped dancing long enough to hold her hand out to her husband demanding he pay up. His mouth dropped open when Dean pulled out his wallet and handed her all the money he had in it.

"You're a hundred short dear." Carol informed him as she counted the money in her hand. Dean growled at her, making her giggle again, sticking her tongue out at him.

Sam cleared his throat, "Excuse me, but what's going on?"

"She said you would be here this month asking to marry Cedes, I said it would take you at least until next month. You just lost me $300 bucks! Would it really have hurt you to wait a few more weeks?"

"Oh don't be such a sore loser." walking over to Sam, Carol leaned down and hugged him, "Welcome to the family sweetie."

"You know I might forgive you and agree to you marrying my daughter if you let me show some of my friends one of your Super Bowl rings, especially your first one."

"Dean Elwood Jones! Are you trying to trade our daughter for a ring?" Carol popped him on the head as she glared down at her husband.

Sam laughed, "Sorry Dean but Mercy has that ring. I gave it to her weeks ago."

"You did? Well damn, welcome to the family Sam." Dean perked up hearing that Cedes had the ring, maybe he could convince her to let him borrow it for a day when she came down to visit them.

Carol eyed her husband, "Don't even think about it!"

Sam laughed at Dean's guilty look; he was going to enjoy being a part of this family.

End of Flashback

Hearing the bathroom door open Sam quickly hid the small box under his pillow. Walking over to her he ran his finger down the side of her face; she had the softest skin he had ever felt. Dipping his head down he captured her mouth in a slow, deep kiss. Pulling her closer he deepened the kiss pouring all the love he felt for her into this one kiss.

Gasping for breath Mercedes looked into Sam's eyes, there seemed to be an extra glow to them. Before she could say anything he was kissing her again, making her toes curl in pleasure.

"Sam, hold on, slow down baby it's not that I'm not enjoying the kisses because I am, but what's gotten into you?" Mercedes searched his face with concern.

"Nothing's wrong babe, I just wanted to kiss you. I love kissing you and I love you." Sam shrugged, trying to stay calm. Walking her over to the bed he sat down, leaning back against the headboard he patted the space between his legs for her to sit. Wrapping his arms around her he nuzzled her neck, inhaling her warm delicious scent.

"Mercedes, baby you know how much I love you. I know that we haven't been together as a couple long, but it feels like you've been a part of my heart forever. When I agreed to do the photo shoot I never expected to find my heart's home; but I did, you. I took one look at a picture of you and I fell in love. I have never been as happy or felt so complete until you came into my life. I never want this feeling to go away."

Reaching behind him he pulled out the small black velvet box. Keeping it down at his side he continued to hold her tight as he told her more of what was in his heart.

"Baby I love you more than I thought it was possible to love another person. When you hurt I hurt, when you cry, I want to beat the ass of who ever made those beautiful eyes fill with tears. When you smile at me my whole day becomes perfect. I feel like God put you on earth for me, to make my life complete.

Pulling the small box out he heard her gasp as she covered her mouth, turning to look at him. Locking eyes with her he smiled softly at her, "Mercedes Ilana Jones, will you do me the honor of marrying me?"

All Mercedes could do was stare into his eyes, they were filled with so much love. Feeling the tears pricking at her eyes she blinked, clearing her vision. She couldn't believe it, Sam had asked her to marry him. SAM ASKED HER TO MARRY HIM AND SHE HADN'T ANSWERED HIM!

Sam was starting to feel anxious, she wasn't saying anything, "Mercy, baby are you going to say-"

"YES! OMG, yes Sam, I will marry you!" grabbing his head she kissed him, giggling and kissing him all over his face.

Sam laughed as relief flooded his body, she had said yes. Taking the ring out of the box he took her left hand and slid it on her finger. Mercedes looked down at the ring her mouth in a perfect 'O'. Sam brought her left hand to his mouth and kissed it, "Thank you darlin' you have no idea how happy you've made me." Cupping her face he captured her lips in a passionate kiss, their first as an engaged couple.

Sam woke up; looking at the woman in his arms he felt a sense of peace he hadn't felt in years. To be honest he had never felt the contentment that just holding her brought him. Thinking about last night he knew he had that goofy grin on his face, but he didn't care. Last night he had asked Mercedes Jones to marry him, and she had said yes. He didn't know what he had done to deserve her but he thanked God for his gift. One he planned to spend the rest of his life giving thanks to the Almighty for gracing him with.

Tracing her lips with his finger he couldn't help but to kiss her. Licking and nibbling at her lips he felt her stir. Even asleep she was returning his kiss. Sam loved the way she responded to his touch. Mercedes opened her eyes, giving Sam a shy smile she whispered good morning to him. Looking into his eyes she felt a happiness she had never known. She had never been so blessed, she and Sam were engaged. They had made love throughout the night between talks of their future.

They had already set a wedding date, June 1, 2013. School would have been out for a week and that gave her time to relax. With Sam, his family and Mike coming down, as well as her family, they would be able to pack up the few things she had left and ship them to Sam's home.

They had decided she would take a couple of years off from teaching, they both wanted to start a family right away. Mercedes wasn't sure if she would go back to teaching at least not for a while, she wanted their kids to be in school first. They both wanted four children so it could be years before she taught classes again. Sam supported whatever she wanted to do, as long as it made her happy.

Getting his family, her family as well as Tina and Mike on Skype they broke the news of their engagement to everyone at the same congratulations were loud and long. It didn't matter that his family plus Mike and Tina were in the same city with them they wanted everyone to know at one time. Sam had plans for the day and spending hours on the phone was not part of it. When Mercedes showed them her ring, the crying from their moms, plus Tina and Jilly, her sister-in-law set Mercedes off. Finally they were able to end the call. picking Mercedes up Sam carried her to their room to spend some special time with the future Mrs. Samuel Evans.

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A/N I know, I know there was no smut in this chapter, please don't stone me! There will be smut in the next one.

I hope you enjoy the crazy stuff going on in my head, mega hugs and blessings to all!

The next chapter will have the wedding and maybe a new Evans!

BTW Please Review