You asked and I answered! Here is your update! I hope you enjoy it. Stay safe and blessed guys!

Sam awoke with a smile on his face; he stared at Mercedes and Malaya, and his heart yearned for them; he needed to be with them, and he would do whatever he could to make it happen. Taking a breath, he knew the only way they could truly start over was if he came clean about everything to Mercedes.

Mercedes stirred, and he smiled as she opened her eyes; he watched as she looked down at Malaya and then over to him. "Morning, Sam."

"Good Morning, beautiful."

"Mmmm," Mercedes said as she stretched out. "Laya should be up shortly; she's not a morning person, which I respect…on Holidays." She laughed.

"We can order breakfast…if you guys would join me after she opens her presents."

Mercedes nodded. "I could eat."

Sam nodded. "Okay, but first, can we…can we talk?" He stood walking out of the fort, and Mercedes followed after him.

"Sam, if this is about last night, I am willing to give you a chance."

Sam ran his hands through his hair. "I don't want to start this on a lie or in drama."

"Sam, I think you are confused; when I said to start, I meant with Laya; I know you have a girlfriend."

Sam shook his head. "No. Mercedes, first off, Penny and I are not together. We were, but I broke up with her before I even got here. But there is a new article."

"An…article?"

"Penny and I were arguing after you left my place. And she not so gracefully made a comment about what I would do if she were pregnant. Now considering she and I haven't had sex in months, we would know if she was pregnant, but that is beside the point. I didn't want you to get blindsided."

Mercedes raised an eyebrow. "You don't want me to be blindsided, so you are just keeping me updated?" She questioned.

"Yes, I don't want you to be hurt or confused; I want to be completely honest with you."

Mercedes nodded. "So ... she's not pregnant?"

"If she is, its not by me."

"Okay...well, did you love her? Or do you?"

Sam shook his head. "No, I dated her because she was there, but when it comes to relationships…." He moved her hair out of her face. "There was only one person on my mind."

Mercedes sighed. "Okay."

"Did you love your ex?"

She chewed her bottom lip. "He was the first guy I could see a future with, but I couldn't…." She sighed, looking at the fort and sitting. "When I met him, he pursued me, and I liked that feeling. He was handsome and smart, funny, but something was missing. I guess I always felt something was missing because I never really wanted him to meet Laya. We had been dating for six months when he asked me to marry him. We were engaged for all of two seconds when I realized that I couldn't do it. He was a traveling food blogger, and I was not doing that to my daughter. And he wasn't you."

Sam smiled. "You still love me."

"I still have…feelings, I never said it was love."

"You still love me." He said, leaning into her.

"Sam!" She pushed him away from her. "You broke my heart when I was seventeen, and I had to raise our daughter alone. But I was so very in love with you, and I never had a chance to move on. So I don't know what I am feeling."

"Mercedes, in honor of us being honest, I want to be honest. I came to see you when I was drafted in the NFL."

Mercedes raised an eyebrow. "You what?"

"I went to your parent's house, and Miles told me you moved down south and that I should leave you and Laya alone."

"I'm sorry, my brother did what now?"

"Because I didn't hear from you, I just thought he was right. And then I found your letters…my grandfather hid them for years and only gave them to me on his deathbed."

Mercedes breathed. "Oh, okay…"

"Okay?" Sam asked, concerned.

"Okay, I understand now that people seemed to interfere in our relationship…."

"That doesn't mean that we can't be together now."

"Oh Sam, that's…no." She stood. "And I don't mean this because I don't think you've changed. I think you have, and I see now that our history is more complicated, but…I created a life for Laya and me in Charleston, and I am not ready to give it up for maybe."

"This isn't a maybe; it's a second chance," Sam said, standing in front of her. "I can ask for a transfer or quit all together."

"No. Sam, you have worked really hard to get to where you are, and I have done the same. I wish things were different and that we could have been the family that we were supposed to be. But as of right now, all I can do is make sure that you and Laya keep this relationship going."

"So we are over before we begin?"

"Momma?"

Mercedes turned towards Laya and smiled. "Hey, Lil Nugget, are you hungry?" Mercedes walked towards her and kissed her forehead.

Sam looked at Mercedes and Laya and decided to do everything he could to ensure he would get his family back.

Sam smiled as Malaya animatedly spoke about how much she loved all of her gifts. Sam's mom had made her a crochet blanket, and Stevie and Stacey bought her a bunch of cute toys that just made her day. And Sam bought her a limited edition Ms. Marvel Comic with a matching costume, and she changed into it immediately.

Mercedes smiled, pulling out two boxes for Sam. "These are for you."

Sam smiled like a kid in a candy store, grabbing them. Opening the big box, he looked down at the scrapbook of photos.

"Laya and I made it for you so that you could have a piece of us here with you in Ohio. It's everything from the day she was born until now."

Sam looked through the photos and smiled. "Oh wow, you were such a beautiful baby."

"That's what Uncle Bas says all the time." Malaya said, pointing to a photo.

"Who is that?"

Mercedes smiled, hearing the hint of jealousy in his voice. "I met Sebastian the moment I went into labor. He and his dad were at the restaurant, and I was literally waiting on them when my water broke. His dad delivered Laya, and Bas became my best friend. He has been there for us since day one."

"Oh, so are you and he?"

Mercedes smiled. "Bas is pretty sprung on Hunter, but who knows." She teased. "Open the second one."

Sam tried his best to hide the relief he felt as he opened the second box. His eyes widened as he saw a Rolex watch. "Merce…"

"Wait, there is more. I had this watch specially made. She opened the top and revealed the photo she, Sam, and Laya had taken while skating. "It has a secret compartment so that when you are separated from us, you still have us with you."

Sam leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. "I love it." He moved and hugged Laya. "You and your mom are amazing at gift-giving. But now it's my turn. Here Merce."

Mercedes sighed, taking the box from Sam. "Sam, what did you…wow…" She pulled out a pair of dangling diamond teardrop earrings. "They are beautiful."

Sam handed her two envelopes.

Opening the first one, she shook her head. "Oh, my dad is going to love these tickets to the game."

"He can have the ones you don't use, but I was hoping you guys would come to tonight's game."

Mercedes nodded. "I am sure we can do that…as long as you are okay with it…I don't want any issues, you know?"

Sam nodded. "I get it."

Mercedes opened the other envelope and handed it back to Sam. "No."

Sam refused to take it. "I am not asking you to take this because you need it or because you failed. I am asking you to take it because it's what I owe you and what you deserve."

"Sam, this is a check for 10 Million Dollars…."

"I wanted to give you more, but my lawyer advised against it until you and I came to an agreement on things."

Mercedes sighed, shaking her head. "Sam this is…so much…"

"Not really, this is just endorsement money, not even what I made this year. Take it, Mercedes, you have been raising our daughter only our own; I want to give you this."

Mercedes sighed. "Fine, I will invest most of it so it can make Laya money til she's old enough to spend it."

"It's not just money for her; it's for you too. Upgrade the restaurant; hell, open a new one. I want you to enjoy it too."

Mercedes smiled. "We could use some upgrades." She said, trying to imagine spending the money.

"It's okay to do something for yourself." Sam said, taking her hand.

"I haven't done that in so long."

Sam smiled. "How about this? There is a jacuzzi tub in there with all kinds of bath bombs and oils. There is a pillow too so you can relax. I have a few hours to chill, so Laya and I can hang out while you relax."

"And you really don't mind?" Mercedes asked.

"Not one bit. She's my daughter, too, and you deserve a break. After your bath, you both can either stay here or go home, and I will have a car bring you to the stadium. I have a box that my family stays in during the games."

Mercedes nodded. "Oh, okay, that sounds good."

Sam smiled, pulling a box from behind the couch. "There is one more thing. I got this for you and Laya; you don't have to wear them if you don't want to."

Mercedes opened the box and pulled out a kids-size jersey.

"That one is for Laya, and the other is for you. I already sent your family their jerseys."

"Sam, you bringing us to the game and us wearing your Jersey, that is going to make a statement."

Sam smiled. "Good."

Sam was on air; well, he felt like it. Felt like he was finally in his element. He was playing the game of his life, leading his team to victory in a way he never had before. Most of it was him showing off, and he knew that. He had two very important people in the stands, and he wanted to make sure that they saw him at his best.

With every play and every pass, his eyes drifted up to the box they were currently occupying. As they walked back to the locker rooms, he felt a hand his the back of his shoulder pad and smiled.

"Evans, I don't know what has gotten into you but keep it up, and we will continue to ride this train all the way to the Superbowl."

Sam shrugged. "What can I say? Today is a good day?"

"Rumor has it that you brought that sexy baby mama of yours. I still can't believe that you, Sam Evans, got that sexy thick-ass sistah to give you anything. Were there not any fine brotha's at your school?"

"Anthony, you are sounding pretty bitter, my friend." Sam teased.

"I am just saying, had she met me first, she would be saying Evans, who?" Anthony laughed.

"Are we talking about that fine woman in his seat? Where the hell did you find her, and can I get her number!" Joshua, one of the linebackers, said, laughing. "She stood up to cheer and put all the cheerleaders to shame."

"Ya'll gonna stop looking at my girl." Sam warned.

"But is she, tho? Cause last I checked, you and penny were pretty tight."

Sam tugged off his jersey. "Okay, let me clear the air right now because obviously, ya'll didn't understand what I meant earlier when I said she was mine. Penny and I are done; we are over. Mercedes is mine, and you all will keep your paws off of her."

There was a round of murmurs, but no one challenged him.

Sam changed quickly, making his way to the box seats but stopping when he heard raised voices. He walked inside and noticed an upset Laya standing behind Mercedes and a shrieking Penny.

"Do you know how much this costs! And that brat just destroyed it! Why are you even here, you low-class loser."

"I already told you it was an accident! She's eight, and you bumped into her; you better be glad she wasn't hurt, or I would have had to deal with you!"

Penny stepped closer to her. "Oh, please deal with me! I would have you arrested at the snap of my finger!"

"Do it!" Mercedes challenged. "I am not scared of you, and you are just pissed that Sam told me everything. Coming in here thinking Sam and my relationship is anything like yours was."

"Oh, you bitch!" Penny growled.

"You better watch your mouth!" Mercedes warned. "Stace, can you please take Laya down to my parents."

Stacey nodded, Malaya held onto Mercedes, but she smiled, bending down. "I will be right there, sweetie."

Sam walked in as Malaya walked to the door. "Daddy!"

Sam pulled Malaya to him as Penny snarled, looking at him and her. "You wanna know about your daddy?"

Mercedes moved into her eyesight. "I am gonna tell you one more time to calm the hell down out of respect for the Evans and this stadium, I haven't knocked the shit out of you, but you come at my daughter one more time, and I am not gonna hold back."

"Pathetic! That's the word to describe you. Sam would be smart to get as far away from you as possible. Everyone knows you are just looking for a payday. And this little bastard is just along for the ride." She spat. "You are nothing more than worthless trash." She tilted her head towards Laya. "Did you know that your daddy didn't want anything to do with you?"

Mercedes balled her fist and punched Penny dead in her nose, then used her other fist to punch her in the mouth.

Penny fell back, screaming. "My face!"

"I warned you to stop talking about my daughter! She is eight damn years old. I know you are jealous, but damn grow up!" Mercedes said, moving towards her.

Sam held Malaya close as Stevie sat back and laughed. "Mercedes, have I told you how much I loved you lately?"

"Looks like she's gonna need a new nose job." Stacey smirked.

"What exactly happened here?"

"Daddy, I don't like her!" Malaya said. "She kept yelling at me for no reason!"

Mercedes looked at Sam. "She's crazy! We were waiting for you as you asked us to, and she just came in here and bumped right into Malaya. Then she started calling me a liar and calling my daughter a bastard. Say what you want about me but come for my girl, and I go for your face."

Sam turned to Penny. "What is wrong with you?"

"Wrong with me? What is wrong with you? She assaulted me! Sam, I am pressing charges against her. You are all witnesses."

Stevie threw his hands up. "Witnesses to what? You tripping?"

Mercedes looked at her with a frown. "I get you being angry that you and Sam are over, but coming for a child? Our Child? Hell no!"

"Come on, guys, let's go celebrate the win." Sam said, leading her out of the box.

Penny ran after them. "This isn't happening; you are not gonna let her hurt me and just walk away; we were together for almost four years! I hadn't even heard about this bitch or her bastard before that article!"

"That's it!" Mercedes growled, moving towards her again, but Sam held her back, waving over security.

"How can we help you, Mr. Evans?"

"This woman needs to be banned from my box. And removed immediately."

"Sam, you can't do this!" Penny cried. "Do you know who I am?"

"Someone who fucked with my family." Sam said, glaring at her. He turned back to Mercedes and Laya. "I am really sorry that you guys had to see all that."

Mercedes nodded, and Sam bent down to Malaya. "Are you okay?"

Malaya nodded. "I know momma said violence is not good, but I am glad she hit her."

Mercedes bent down to her. "Violence isn't good, and momma should have done better, but when someone hurts you, it is my job to protect you."

"It's my job too. And what she said about you, what she called you, and you are not that."

"Momma said they are mean because they aren't happy with themselves."

"That's because your mom is very smart." Sam stood and took Malaya's hand. "I think you have earned some Ice cream."

Mercedes sighed. "And some ice. Momma done broke her nail."

Mercedes placed the dishes into the dishwasher as her mother walked into the kitchen. "Hey, baby, how are you?"

Mercedes sighed. "Hey, momma. I am…Lord, I am so confused and conflicted."

"Uh oh, okay, come over here and talk to me; the last time you felt this way, you chopped all your hair off and instantly regretted it."

"Thank God for wigs." Mercedes smiled. "But I am afraid this is much bigger than hair care issues."

"This is about Sam and Malaya?"

Mercedes looked at her mother. "How did you know?"

"Girl, I have eyes, and it's as clear as them both sleeping on that sofa right now."

Mercedes grabbed herself a creme soda and sat down. "Mom, I created a pretty great life for Malaya and me. So why is it so hard to think about leaving tomorrow?"

Amelia moved closer to her wrapping her arms around her daughter. "You chose to have that girl when the man you loved left you. You raised her to be as strong and independent as you, but seeing her with Sam makes you think of you and your dad. And you know she needs it, and she needs her dad."

"Mom, he broke my heart; what if he breaks hers? It's not even about picking up and moving here, I have a great team in place, and I could travel back to make sure that Grams place stays the amazing restaurant it is; it's about coming back here, following Sam and him breaking both of us."

"Oh, sweetie, you still love him?"

Mercedes chewed her bottom lip. "I dunno…maybe." She said through her tears. "Maybe I had hoped that when I saw him again, I would have moved on and let go of the past."

Amelia nodded. "Sweetie, I know that you love him, but how do you feel now? Being around him, being with him and your daughter?"

"It's a big risk, and I stopped taking risks the moment Laya was born."

"Then you have to decide, will you go home and pray that Laya gets the relationship she deserves with her dad or stay here? But just because you do either or doesn't mean you have to be with Sam."

Mercedes nodded. "Almost nine years later, and he's still causing me to feel like I am that same vulnerable seventeen-year-old."

"He's a man; that's what they do. Now you have to decide, are you that same vulnerable girl or my beautiful grown-ass woman of a daughter."