DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN GLEE NOR ANYTHING ELSE.
LUKE MARSHALL-MICHAEL TREVINO
BRANDON MARSHALL-CHRIS PINE
STACEY EVANS-BRIANNE HOWEY
STEVIE EVANS-AUSTIN BUTLER
MARY EVANS-FELICITY HUFFMAN
Mercedes smiled as she popped a piece of carmel corn in her mouth. Her and Maverick had finished putting up the last of the Christmas decorations early this morning, and now she was in the kitchen cooking some sugar cookies. She hummed along to a song that was playing from her iPod.
Maverick plopped down on the couch in the living room. He was exhausted from all the work they did this morning. He didn't want to do anything but sleep. Finally smiling in content as he closed his eyes. He immediately groaned when he heard his cell phone ringing. Blindly reaching for it off the table, he answered with a slight huff, "Hello."
"I'm freezing my ass off out here, come open the door." The voice said on the other end of the line.
He shot upright, "Oh my god. You're here?" He said as he hopped off the couch, running towards the door. He swung the door open with a big smile, phone still to his ear, "HEY!"
Luke pulled the phone from his ear, "Dammit Mav, hang up the phone." He smiled at the young boy, pulling him into a hug.
Maverick hugged him back tightly, "You're early." He pulled back and stepped aside.
"You know I had to beat everyone else just so I could get to guest room I wanted." Luke said as he pulled his piece of luggage in.
Maverick laughed, "I understand." He closed the door behind him.
"Where's Cedes?" Luke asked as he looked around the living room.
"She's in the kitchen." Maverick smiled as he laid back down on the couch.
Luke nodded, "Let me go put my stuff up." He headed towards the back and opened the door to the guest room, sliding his stuff in. He shrugged off his coat, throwing it on the bed as he walked back out the room. He entered the kitchen quietly where he saw Mercedes' back turned, singing alone with the radio. He tip toed behind and waited until she turned around.
Mercedes was so into what she was doing she didn't hear anyone come into the kitchen. She turned around with the pan of cookie, nearly dropping them as she screamed. She placed her hand to her heart, "What the hell Luke?"
He laughed at her, wrapping her into a big hug, "Hey Cedes."
Mercedes wrapped her arms around him, "Hey." She kissed his cheek, "What are you doing here so early?"
"Just wanted to see your pretty face." He smirked as her as he let go.
"Yeah..sure you did." She sat the cookies down on the table with a smile, turning back to him, "You just wanted the bigger room."
Luke laughed, "That's true but I also miss y'all." He smiled at her. Luke was one of Mercedes' brothers who she grew up with her foster parents. He was four years older than Maverick and they were really close. Luke lives and attends college in Arizona and plans on majoring in sports therapy.
"Well I miss you too." She smiled over at him.
Luke took in his sister, raising a brow. She seemed really, really happy. He knew that look anywhere, "Who is he?"
"What?" She gave him a confused look.
"The guy you've been seeing." Luke walked over to her, "The dude you're also having sex with because you're practically glowing." He poked at her face gently as he look at her mocha skin, "Fuckin' glowing."
Mercedes felt her face start to heat up. Besides her sisters and Maverick, Luke was really good at telling when something was up with her, "I-umm.."
Luke grin started to get wider and wider, "I'm listening.."
She turned away from him, "I-um." She was about to tell him but the house phone started ringing, "Got to get that." She hurried out of the kitchen.
Luke shook his head, snatching up one of the cookies, "Oh yeah..she's in love." He bit into the cookie as he walked back towards the back.
Sam groaned as he heard all the commotion going on downstairs. Looking at the clock and seeing it was a little after eleven he sighed. His family had arrived last night and they haven't settled down yet. He rolled over and immediately jumped up when he heard a small yelp. Turning back around, he saw his daughter laying there clad in here pink polka dot pajamas playing a game on his phone, "What are you doing sweetheart?"
Madison looked up at him with tired eyes, "I'm sleepy but I can't go back to sleep."
Sam could tell she was sleepy. Taking the phone out of her hands, he pulled her small body up against the pillows and pulled the cover over her body, tucking it underneath her. He leaned down and kissed her forehead, "Close your eyes." He waited until she did so, "Now count down from thirty."
"O..okay." She said tiredly as she did what he said. Once she hit twenty, she started to drift off into a peaceful slumber.
Sam smiled as he stood up from the bed, going to the draw to throw on a shirt. He opened the door quietly and headed down the stairs to see what was keeping his baby up. He almost screamed when he saw his mother in her face mask, "Ma..what are you doing?" He asked taking in the mess in the kitchen.
Mary smiled at her son, "Getting a head start on cooking."
"Ma.." He started but was interrupted by a loud noise coming from the living room, "What in the hell.." He muttered underneath his breath. He saw his sister at the door, holding up his hand, "I don't even want to know." He turned back to his mother with a small pout.
"Cheer up grumpy, it's Christmas Eve." She poured him a glass of coffee.
"It's also eleven o'clock in the morning." He emptied some sugar and cream into his cup.
"Time for you to get up anyways Samuel." She leaned over and pinched his cheek, "I'm sorry if I woke you and Madison up, I just needed to get some things done."
Sam sipped his hot drink, licking his lips, "It's okay, she went right back to sleep after I left."
Mary smiled as she reached for her cup, leaning against the counter, "I'm so happy that you have full custody Sam and that woman is out of your life forever. She was nothing but a menace."
Sam sighed as he listened to his mother. He was happy that Nicole could no longer hurt Madison, "I'm glad too Ma. I finally have a peace at mind in knowing Madison is safe."
Mary nodded as she looked at her eldest. She was so proud of him. All the shit that he has been through, he never gave up. He was a fighter just like his father, "Well I'm so proud of you sweetheart." She smirked as she sat her cup down, "Lets change the subject. When do I get to meet that gorgeous girlfriend of yours?"
"Soon actually. She invited us to dinner tonight." Sam smiled brightly. He couldn't wait for his family to meet Mercedes.
Mary looked at the dreamy look on his face, "Hhm, someone's in love."
"I am Ma..I couldn't imagine my life without her." Sam said as he looked at his mother, with nothing but sincerity in his voice.
"Well I'm happy that you're happy." She leaned over and kissed his cheek, grimacing when she saw the green mud on his face, "I should go wash this off."
Sam smiled, wiping the side of his face, "Yeah.." He got up from his seat and headed towards the living room.
Mercedes groaned as she threw out another dress from her closet. She was getting to meet Sam's family tonight for Christmas Eve and she wanted everything to be perfect. Her mother had called and told her that their flight had got delayed and they wouldn't be there until in the morning. So it look likes it was going to be just her, Maverick, Luke and The Evans tonight. She looked over to the corner and smiled seeing and outfit sitting above the rack. She stripped from her clothes, grabbing to pair of tights, sliding them on. She then grabbed the long sleeved sweater dress and threw it on. Smoothing the fabric over her curves, she slid into her black flats that had a flower on the tip. She wrung her hands the her loose curls, pulling them into a high ponytail. She cursed under her breath when she heard the doorbell ring. Looking over at the clock, eyebrows furrowing, "They're early." She muttered as she walked down the stairs. Once she hit the bottom step, she quickly went to the door, checking herself in the mirror before she opened it. Her smile started to become wider.
Brandon smiled at his sister, "Hey Mercy." He wrapped his arms around her waist, lifting her off the ground, leaving tons of small pecks on her face.
Mercedes yelped as she felt her feet leave the ground, laughing when she felt him kiss her all over her face, "My god B..put me down."
Brandon sat her down in her feet with smile.
"I thought your flight got canceled." She moved aside so he could come in.
"It did..I just took the train for the rest of the way." He said as sat his bag down on the floor. Brandon was the second oldest in the family. He lived in San Antonio and was a head detective at the police department.
Mercedes smiled brightly, "Well I'm glad you could make it." She locked the door behind her, "We're having some guest over for dinner so go freshen up."
"Who?" He asked curiously.
Before she could answer another voice beat her to the punch, "Her boyfriend and his family." Luke said as he walked over and gave his brother a hug, "Hey bro."
Brandon eyes went wide as he hugged Luke, "Boyfriend?"
Mercedes tucked a loose piece hair behind her ear, "Yes..boyfriend." She walked towards the kitchen to go check on the food. She had decided to make big pot of chicken and dumplings with a side of green string beans.
Brandon followed behind his sister with Luke in tow, "Are we talking about a boy that's just a friend or a boyfriend, boyfriend?"
Mercedes fixed her mouth to say something but was interrupted again by Luke.
"Boyfriend, boyfriend." Luke smirked as he grabbed another cookie from the plate, "She's knockin boots with him too."
"Shut up Luke." She glared at the younger sibling, turning back to Brandon with a skeptical look. Even though she was a older than him by a couple of months, she always look up to him as if he was older. She always wanted his approval for anything.
"I'm happy for you." And he meant that. His sister has been through so much and to see her finally smiling a real smile again..that made his heart warm up but it still wasn't going to stop him for seeing if this guy was good enough or not. He snapped out of his thoughts when he saw Maverick come in, "Little squirt."
Maverick laughed softly, "I'm not little anyone Uncle B." He went and hugged the older man.
"I know.." Brandon smiled at him, "You're growing up so fast, making me feel old."
Mercedes smiled briefly at them as turned off the isle.
"So.." Brandon started as he sat down on the stool, "What do you think about mom's boyfriend?"
Mercedes internally rolled her eyes at him but she really did want to Maverick's answer. She bumped her hip against Luke so he could move.
"Hey." Luke glared at her, plucking her on her arm.
Maverick cleared his throat as he looked at them, "He's really cool. He makes mama happy and that's all that matters." Maverick caught Mercedes' eye and gave her a small smile.
Mercedes smiled at her son. That's the only approval that really mattered to her. Hearing the doorbell, she immediately started to get nervous again, "Can you three sat the food on table please?" When they nodded, she headed back towards the foyer, checking herself in the mirror again. She opened the door with a smile.
"Woah, you're hot." Stevie said as he took her in, ignoring the glares from his family.
"Erm, thank you." She smiled awkwardly at him.
Madison slid her way through them and smiled when she saw Mercedes, "Mama.." She ran up to her.
Mercedes picked her up, kissing her cheek softly. She turned her attention back to the older woman, "Hi you must be Mrs. Evans." She held out her hand.
Mary pushed her hand away, "We hug darlin'." She gave the shorter girl a hug, "It's very nice to meet you." She pulled back.
"You too." Mercedes said before she noticed they were still standing in the cold, "I'm so sorry, come in. It's freezing out here." She tighten her grip around Madison as they walked in. When they finally came in, she turned to the two teenagers.
The blonde girl smiled at her, "Hi I'm Stacey and this idiot over here is Stevie."
"I can introduce myself." He bumped his sister to the side, "My name is Steven but you can call me whatever you like." He grabbed her hand and kissed it, causing Madison to frown at him. She pushed her uncle's forehead away from Mercedes.
Sam jerked him by his collar, "Enough.."
Mercedes laughed, "It's nice to meet you guys." She told them that they could hang there coats on the rack. She sat Madison down on her feet and told her to take them to the kitchen. She turned around and smirked lightly when she saw Sam, raising a perfectly arched brow, "I didn't get a proper welcome."
Sam smiled as he pushed off the wall, walking towards her he wrapped her arms around her waist, bending to capture her lips in sweet kiss, "I miss you."
"I miss you too." She murmured across his lips, leaving little pecks on them. She pulled back with a small frown, "Where's your dad?"
"He's sick. He said he's so sorry he couldn't make it. He wanted to meet you so bad." Sam said as held her close.
"Aww..I hope he feels better." She said before she heard laughter coming from the kitchen, "I think we should head in." She grabbed his hand and led them to the kitchen.
Dinner was amazing. The conversation flowed wonderfully to Mercedes. She was basically getting to know Sam's family as they were to her. Her nerves finally was gone but once again came back when her brother ask the question she has been dreading all night.
"Sam, can I speak to you..in private please." Brandon wiped his mouth as he stood up.
Madison looked around curiously, "Uh-oh.."
"Uh-oh indeed short stuff." Luke smiled at the pint size girl as he got up from his seat, grabbing Maverick with him.
"Hey I wasn't finished." He exclaimed as a pout started to form on his lips.
"Relax, it'll be here when we come back." Luke said as he dragged him out of the kitchen.
Sam nodded as he got up. He knew this was coming and he prepared himself for it. He looked over at a worried looking Mercedes, "I'll be fine."
"Listen if you don't come back alive..can I have your truck?" He called out behind him.
"Stevie..shut up." Mary scolded her younger son, resulting him to sulk in his chair.
"I'm just saying Ma.."
She shook her head at him as she stood up grabbing the plates.
Mercedes shook her head, "No, I can get it." She started to get up from her chair but Mary stopped her.
"No..you cook this delicious meal it's the least we could do." She gestured for Stevie and Stacey to help her.
"I wouldn't feel right if you did Ms. Mary." Mercedes chewed on her bottom lip.
Stacey turned to her with a soft smile, "You can't fight with her on this..I'm telling you, you will not win."
"So true." Stevie said as he followed his sister into the kitchen.
Mercedes sighed as she looked over to Madison, who had a bothered look on her face, "What's wrong baby?"
Madison got up from her seat and went to Mercedes, "Mama..is daddy going to be okay?"
"Yes he is baby girl." She picked her up, sitting her in her lap.
"Okay.." Madison said slowly, a smile appearing on her face, "I have something for you."
Mercedes cocked a brow, "You do?"
"Mhm.." Madison said as she slid off of her lap, running towards her chair again. She fidgeted in her jacket pocket until she found what she was looking for. She pulled out the small rectangle box with a smile and went over to her, "Since I won't see you tomorrow, I wanted to give you your present." She handed her the box, "Merry Christmas."
"Madi.." Mercedes started as she took the small box from her. She unwrapped the paper opened the box, she gasped when she saw the small heart pendant, "This is so beautiful Madison."
Madison smiled brightly, "It matches mines." She took her small hand and tugged her necklace, "I have the other piece to your heart."
Mercedes smiled at her, "Yes you do." She sat the present on the table and wrapped her into a big hug, "Thank you so much baby girl. I love it so much."
"You're welcome." She smiled into her shoulder, cuddling into her side.
Maverick stood in doorway looking on at the integration between the two. He couldn't help but smile. He loved that his mom could be a mother figure to Madison. Many people assumed that it would make him feel jealous or replace because she was spending time with another kid, but it didn't. He wasn't like that. He internally rolled his eyes when he heard Luke call his name. Turning around, he headed to the back of the house.
Sam nervously wiped the sweat off his forehead as he sat down in the chair. He could honestly say that he was definitely scared shitless. Clearing his throat a little, "So.."
"Lets cut the small talk Sam." Brandon said as he sat I front of him, "Don't break her fucking heart. I'm a cop Sam, don't forget that. Mercedes may be older than me by a couple of months but to me..she is my little sister and I don't play when it comes to none of my siblings..especially the girls and especially Mercedes." He gave Sam a cold hard stare. He sighed as he soften up his act when he saw the nervous look on his face, "Look I'm sorry if I'm coming off as a hard ass but I'm just trying to protect my family. Mercedes and Maverick have been through so much. Between getting pregnant at a young age, to her boyfriend getting killed, I can't help but be tough on guys who come in her life. I need to make sure that the person she is with is with her for the right reasons."
"I understand everything that you're are saying." Sam sat up a little in his chair, putting on a brave face, "I don't plan on ever hurting them, period. I love Mercedes with all of my heart. I couldn't hurt even if I tried. She is my world.."
Brandon nodded, "I can see that you're a good man Sam, Maverick even told me you are. I think that it makes me feel a little better that you are not just here for Mercedes but him also." He stood up from his chair, walking around till he was facing Sam, holding his hand out for him to shake, "Take care of my sister."
Sam shook his hand, "I will."
Brandon smiled, "Good..because I would hate to shoot you."
Both of the men laughed as they walked out of the room with understanding between both of them. Sam stuffed his hands into his front jean pockets as he walked back to the dining room, a smile instantly taking over his features as he saw Madison in Mercedes' lap. His eyes drifted off towards her neck, smiling when he saw the gift Muffin had picked out for Mercedes around her neck. He quietly walked back in and sat in a chair beside them.
Mercedes smiled as she looked over at Sam, "Glad to see you're okay."
"I am..thank god." He breathed out with a small smirk gracing his plump lips.
Madison lifted her head off of Mercedes' shoulder, sliding out of her lap, she walked over to her dad, "Daddy? Did you give mama her gift?"
Sam shook his head with a smile, "Not yet but thank you for reminding me." He tapped her nose as he moved his hand to reach into his pocket. He smiled when he finally pulled out the box, "Don't freak out okay?" He slid it to her, "Merry Christmas baby."
"Sam..." She drawled out, "I told you not to buy me anything."
"Now what kind of boyfriend would I be if I didn't?" He smirked at her as he lifted Madison in his lap, "Open it."
Mercedes let out a small huff as she grabbed the box, tearing the paper from around it. She lifted the top, letting out astonished gasp, "Sam.."
"It's a promise ring." He said as he took in her features, "My promise that I am making to you, that I'll try to be the best boyfriend ever."
Mercedes felt her eyes starting to water as she listened to Sam, looking down at the beautiful diamond heart-shaped ring. She was speechless, "It's beautiful." She whispered softly.
"Just like you." Sam said as he reached over for the box, pulling the ring from it. He balanced Madison in his lap as he leaved over and slid the ring on her finger. He smiled as he looked at her, "Perfect fit."
Mercedes smiled as she leaned over and gave him a kiss on the lips.
Madison grin got wider as she watch on, letting out a happy squeal as she clapped her hands.
Sam pulled back in laughter as he heard his daughter clapping. He looked over at Mercedes with a grin.
Mary couldn't help but smile at the interaction between them. She nodded her head to herself in approval. This is the woman Sam needs in his life. After talking with her tonight, she instantly knew why Sam fell in love with her. Clearing her throat a little, "I've enjoyed dinner tonight Mercedes. Thank you again for having us." She grabbed her purse and jacket.
Mercedes stood up from her seat, "It's was nice meeting you as well Ms. Mary and you guys are welcome here any time." She smiled as she lead them to the front, "Hopefully Mr. Evans can make it next time."
"Of course sweetheart." She leaned in and have her a hug, "You have a wonderful Christmas."
Mercedes gave her one last hug to her, Stevie and Stacey. She waved at them as they blew the horn and closed the door.
Heading into the living room, she grabbed two presents from under the tree and went back to the kitchen. She smiled as she saw Madison straightening up Sam's tie, "Don't think I forgot about you guys either." She handed them the presents, "But there's only one rule."
Madison eyes brightened, "What is it?"
"You can't open these until tomorrow." She smirked when she heard them groan.
"Mama.." Madison pouted.
"Baby.." Sam drawled out as he started to pout also.
Mercedes laughed at them, "Not until tomorrow." She pinched both of their cheeks.
"Fine." The duo said in unison as they folded their arms.
Mercedes kissed them both on their foreheads, "I love you though."
Madison smiled, "I love you too."
"Me too." Sam smiled as he stood up and looked at his daughter, "We should get going. It way past your bedtime."
"Okay." Madison laid her head on his shoulder.
Mercedes grabbed her jacket and walked them outside. Once they got to Sam's truck, she watched as he sat Madi in and buckled her up. Mercedes leaned in and gave her a hug, "You have fun tomorrow."
Madison wrapped her arms around Mercedes' neck, "You too." She pulled back and kissed her cheek.
Mercedes smiled as she closed the door. Turning back to Sam, she wrapped her arms around his neck, standing on her tippy toes as she left small pecks on his lips, "You have fun too."
"I will." He smiled as he kissed he again, letting his lips linger on hers. He pulled back laughing as she groaned, "Oh, can you give this to Maverick for me." He reached in his pocket and pulled out a flat wrapped present.
Mercedes took it from him, "What is it?" She asked curiously.
"I'm not telling you nosey." He tapped her nose.
Mercedes frowned, "Fine.." She huffed as she pulled back, "I should let you go." She kissed him again, "Drive safe."
"I will. Love you." He smiled as he got into the car.
"Love you too." She watched as he started up his truck and left. She smiled contently as she walked back towards her house. This had been the best nights ever and she couldn't wait until they did something like this again.
A/N. I'm back! Its almost been a month since I've updated this y'all. So sorry about that but senior year has been keeping me busy. Anyways, on to the story. A lot of fluff in this. Do you like Luke & Brandon? What do you think about the Evans Clan? A little Madcedes cuteness. We will get to meet the rest of Mercedes family in the next chapter. Now, something really BIG happens in the next update and it's totally unexpected. Like I said, it has something to do with Mercedes and Mav's past. You guys had some wonderful guesses and are kinda on the right track, but you'll just have to wait & see! Life lessons will be learned and a tough choice is coming Mercedes' way! Keep telling me what you think, I LOVE hearing from you guys. :)