Hey guys, I am working on the others, but I gotta say my muse for this date was too strong, lol so I had to get it down! I hope you enjoy!

Sam sighed as he went over the offers Mike had sent him; knowing he was a family man now, a few companies were reaching out to him, wanting him to endorse their brands. Most he was going to say no to, but there were a few he figured his girls would like. His girl's. Being with Mercedes and Malaya put everything in perspective for him; this was where he was meant to be.

His phone rang, and he smiled, answering. "He, dad."

"Your mother is on the line too." Mary said quickly. "We want to know what you are doing for the date."

Sam laughed, shaking his head. "Hi, mom. Don't worry; I have dated before."

"You have dated stuck-up industry chicks, not regular women." Dwight reminded him.

"Women are women, dad. And I want to do it big for Mercedes. Limo, fancy restaurant, the works."

"Son, do you think Mercedes would like that?"

"Of course, she will! She's a woman who wouldn't want to be wined and dined. She deserves the best. If I did it for Penny, I should do it for her, and it's only right."

"Sam, your first mistake here is comparing the two women to each other. They couldn't be more different."

Sam laughed. "That may be true, but they all want the same thing in the end. Romance."

"Yeah, but what romance means to one doesn't automatically mean it will work for the other." Dwight warned.

"Samuel, if you mess this up, and I have to choose between that baby and you. Well, let's just say I have another son." Mary said.

"Mom!" Sam said, surprised.

"Son, she's already gone." Dwight laughed. "Look, I know how much this means to you, how much Mercedes means to you. Just be yourself, Sam; she fell in love with you once; she will do it again."

"What if she doesn't like this me…?"

"Then she's not the one for you, son. And you focus on being parents to that beautiful child of yours."

Sam's line beeped, and he sighed. "Dad I gotta go, but I will take what you said to heart and I will do my best to be me."

"I love you, son."

"Love you too, dad." Sam said, hanging up and clicking over with a smile. "Hey, beautiful, how is work."

"It's fine; how are you?" Mercedes asked, smiling through the phone.

"It's going…Mike sent me all these endorsements… Would you want to help me with one?"

"Me?"

Sam laughed at her surprised tone. "You and Laya, they want to have us endorse Disneyland. What do you say? You, me, and our girl, a family trip during spring break?"

"I think she would love that; we would love that."

"It's settled then. That's one I can check off my list. You definitely are my good luck charm. Are we still on for tonight?"

"Yes. I am going home after work to find something to wear; I don't go out much, so my wardrobe is…limited. But I am sure we will find something that works."

Sam beamed, getting a great idea. "Merce, I gotta go, but I will see you later. Don't forget I am picking Lay up, and then she is coming to hang with Hunter and me for a bit, so you just come home and get yourself together."

"Okay, well, I will see you later."

"See you." Sam said, hanging up. He sent a quick text to Tina; as he finished sorting through the requests, he had a date to prepare for soon.

SE: T I need you to find a stylist around here.
TC: Around where?
SE: Here in Charleston, one who will do hair, makeup, nails, the works. I want to them to also deal in clothes cause I need some help.
TC: Lucky for you, I have a client who lives in South Carolina, so I know just the person.

Mercedes threw her dress onto the bed as Sebastian searched through her closet. "Bas, I have nothing to wear! This is not me just going out with Sam; it's me going out with an NFL player, and I feel like such a frumpy mess."

"You do have an unusual amount of mom gear." He said, holding up one of her sports bras.

"It's not my fault my entire life has been work or Laya. I don't have anything else."

Sebastian nodded. "Well, we will just have to figure it out. This is a big deal, and you are going out with Sam."

Mercedes fell back on the bed as a knock sounded and the doorbell rang. Mercedes sighed, rushing over to the front door and pausing when she noticed two women standing there.

"Uh, hi, can I help you."

"Are you Ms. Mercedes Jones?"

Mercedes nodded. "I am… and you are?"

"My name is Unique, and these are my assistants, Jane and Marley. Sam Evans hired us to stop by and make you over for your date tonight."

Mercedes froze. "Sam did what now?"

"It's romantic, ain't it? I wish a man would do this for me. But I digress. Where can we set up?"

"Set up?" Mercedes asked, confused.

"Yes, Hair, nails, feet, clothes. We have a lot to do and little time to do it."

Sebastian moved Mercedes to the side as he pointed to the dining room. "In there would probably be ideal."

Unique nodded as she walked in carrying a huge makeup case, Jane had a huge box, and Marley brought in Five garment bags.

"Okay, so first we pick the outfits, then I will tailor the look around what you choose," Unique said as she nodded to Marley.

Jane set everything while Unique pushed Mercedes into her seat and opened the first bag. Marley pulled out a simple black dress with gold FMP (fuck me pumps). "This simple yet beautiful halter top is the perfect little black dress for those nights when you wanna be naughty instead of nice." Unique teased. "Next, in this floor-length purple gown, you will feel like the bell of the ball."

Mercedes wasn't sure how she felt about the dresses until they unzipped the final dress. Mercedes stood, walking over to the leopard print strappy satin cowl midi dress. The dress had a slit that rose off to the top of her thigh, and the black strapped heels gave the height that she loved.

"This is the dress. This is it." Mercedes said, and Sebastian nodded.

"Oh yeah, Sam won't be able to take his eyes off of you."

"Between you and me, I would have chosen this one for you as well. You are a fierce lioness, and it's time to let your animal out, mama." Unique smiled. "Now, considering you keep your hair in the God-awful bun, no offense, I brought a few human wigs that I think you will enjoy, in case you wanna change it up without messing with your natural hair."

Mercedes sighed, looking at herself in the mirror Jane set up. "I uh…"

"How about you go shower and get your prep work down while we finish setting up for everything? Then you can see the options when you come down and let me know if you want to use them or stick with your natural hair." Unique said.

Mercedes nodded as she turned to leave.

"Oh, Ms. Jones. This is for you as well."

Unique handed her a small bag, and Mercedes hurried off to her room, leaving Sebastian with the girls. As she closed her door, she opened the bag and took out the note from Sam.

Mercedes, thank you for accepting this gift; I figured it was about time someone pampered you. Inside this bag is a little something something I thought you could wear under the dress of your choice; if you want, of course, I don't expect any sex; I just figured you might want to feel as sexy as you look tonight. I can't wait to see you.

XOXO Sam.

Mercedes put the card down and pulled out a black thong. She laughed, shaking her head and noticing another box. Pulling it out, she opened it to reveal a gorgeous pair of tear-drop diamond earrings and a matching necklace.

Walking into the bathroom, she took a quick shower and lotioned herself with her favorite Pretty Peach body butter and spray from Bath and Body works. She stared at herself as she brushed her teeth, looking at her hair. Though in high school, she wore her hair in long curls, after she had Laya, she kept it shoulder length or shorter.

She did the big chop over two years ago, letting her hair grow, and while she wanted to change up her color, she didn't want the chemicals. She had worn a wig once or twice, but tonight was about stepping out of her comfort zone, so she was going to go bold.

Putting on her satin robe, she walked back out of the room and smiled as she was sat right down. In front of her sat five beautiful wigs.

"Okay, Ms. Jones, here are your options, I can do your natural hair, or you can go loose, almost curly waves or deep waves, straight, spiral curls, or goddess locks."

Mercedes glanced at all of the wigs and smiled. "I told myself in the room I was going big or going home, and I want the red loose wavy curls."

"Girl! You trying to kill that man?" Jane laughed. "We definitely are gonna need to post you on our website before and after, not that you don't look good, but you in that red is going to be fire!"

Mercedes laughed as they got to work, doing her nails and feet. Sebastian, who she noticed was quiet, had convinced them to give him a facial as well, so he was nice and relaxed.

Once the girls were in a groove, it didn't take that long for them to get Mercedes ready.

Sam took Laya to the mall with Hunter and then hung out at Hunter and Sebastian's place until it was time to pick Mercedes up. He really loved being there with them; it was everything he never knew he needed. And his daughter was so smart and beautiful like her mother.

As he walked out of the room, Hunter whistled at him. "You clean up nice." He teased.

"Yeah, daddy, you look good. Momma won't know what hit her."

Sam smiled, smoothing down the black suit he wore. He had gotten a haircut and trim while they were out, and now he was getting ready to head home with Hunter and Laya. "I can't thank you enough for all you've done; I know that you don't know me well."

"Don't even worry about that; I see what you are trying to do with Mercy and Laya; they deserve to be happy. But I was serious when I told you that if you hurt my girls, there is no returning here because I will…well, you know the rest."

"Don't worry." Sam said as he looked over to Laya. "I am not screwing this chance up. Not again."

It didn't take long to arrive at Mercedes's place; they were literally five houses apart.

As Sam stepped out of the car, his phone rang. "Hey, Mike, what's going on?"

"Just checking to see how goes getting the family back?"

"It's going well. I am actually taking Mercedes out on a date tonight."

"Oh? That's great. So when are you heading back here?"

"Mike, I don't know to be honest…." He said, looking at Malaya as she bounced up the stairs. "I was hoping to get a trade going. I love the Bengals, I have been with them since I started in this game, but this is my family Mike."

"And she won't move to Ohio? I mean, all her family is here, Sam; it's not fair for you to uproot your life."

Sam shook his head. "What? I can't ask her to do that, and I won't. This is where they live, and it's nothing for me to move. It's everything for them. Look, can we deal with this right now? I will call you later, okay?"

Mike sighed. "Look, I actually called because the Bengals, the team you want to leave so badly, just offered to sign you for an additional two years. After your performance and how you handled the situation with Mercedes, they were impressed."

"What? That is…look, I will call you later, and we can figure it out."

Sam hung up, determined not to think about anything other than his date with Mercedes. This was his chance to show her they could work as more than just parents.

Sam took a breath as he walked into the house. Unique and her girls were packing up.

"Mr. Evans, just in time; your date is finishing getting ready."

As if on cue, Mercedes walked out, and Sam's breath caught in his throat. "Wow." He breathed. "Mercedes, I have no words."

"She's a smoke show, right!" Unique beamed. "You gave me a beautiful canvas, and we elevated her to Goddess status. You are welcome."

Sam moved closer to her, and Mercedes smiled. "I still can't believe you sent them to me."

"You deserved this and more. Unique, you are worth your fee and the huge tip I will leave you."

"Momma, you look like a movie star." Laya said, hugging her. "Let's take a picture."

Mercedes laughed with a nod as Sebastian took her phone as Sam stood beside Mercedes. With Malaya between them, they smiled and did a few poses, and Sam offered Sebastian his own phone to capture a few moments as well. After taking the photos and saying their goodbyes, Sam led Mercedes to the awaiting limo.

"I hope you don't mind; I just thought that since I get this chance, I want to do it up. And I remember you saying that you always wanted to ride in a limo."

Mercedes smiled. "I said that years ago. I can't believe you remembered."

"I remember everything, Mercedes. I remember everything about you." He said, opening the door. "Ladies first."

Mercedes slid into the limo, and Sam followed suit, shutting the door. After a moment, the limo began to move, and she smiled, looking around.

"I didn't know what to expect, but it's spacious." She smiled.

Sam moved to the mini bar and grabbed two glasses filling them with merlot.

"I would like to propose a toast. To new beginnings." Sam said, lifting his glass.

Mercedes smiled, lifting her glass and then leaning in and kissing Sam softly. "To new beginnings." She took a sip and laughed in disbelief. "We have come a long way from going to prom in your truck."

"Yes, we have." Sam said. "I always felt bad I couldn't do more than night."

Mercedes shook her head. "No, Sam, that night was amazing. I had fun. We danced, we hung out with friends…."

"We made love for the first time."

"Pretty sure Laya was conceived that night." Mercedes said, blushing under the soft lights.

"You know...I am not that clumsy mess I was the first time…just saying." He took another sip of his drink.

"Sam, what do you want from me, from all this?" Mercedes asked, looking at him.

"I just want my family. Something I was denied, something we were both denied. But I know I can't just show up and blow up your life, and I want to work for it, and you deserve that."

Mercedes looked down at her drink and sighed. "Your grandfather wasn't a bad man; he was misguided, and its sucks that we both had to suffer because of him."

Sam nodded. "Well, this is a new beginning where he can't and won't stop us from being together. If it's what you want."

The limo stopped, and as the door opened, Sam stepped out and offered her his hand. As Sam led her to the front of the building, she froze. "Le Angelou?"

Turning towards him, she shook her head. "Sam, this place is super expensive."

"I guess it's good that I am rich, huh?" He teased as he led her through the door.

"Ah, Mr. Evans, party of two, right this way." A man said as he led Mercedes and Sam through the empty restaurant.

"Sam…why is it empty? What's going on?"

Sam smiled as he pulled out her chair. Soft music played in the background as a waiter stood next to them.

"May I offer you something to drink?"

Sam nodded. "I preordered the Romanee Conti."

"Excellent choice, sir. It will be right out."

Mercedes frowned looking at him. "You preordered our wine?"

"Yes, it's very good. I had it last year in France."

Mercedes's eyes widened. "You went to France?"

"I flew my parents out for their anniversary, and Stevie, Stace, and I joined them for dinner."

As the waiter brought out the bottle, Mercedes sat up straighter, feeling so very out of place.

"You care to tell me why we are dining alone?" She asked.

"I didn't want to share you; I felt like it would pull focus if we came and people were here. So I bought out the restaurant for the evening. And have a few staff who signed NDA's." Sam lifted his glass. "To tonight."

Mercedes sighed, forcing a smile. "Yes. Tonight."

"For the evening, the Chef has prepared an array of delicates just for you. We have Foie gras on toast, Jambon Rouleaux de chevre and Brie fondant au pesto. Please enjoy while the Chef finishes the Coq au vin." The waiter said, walking away.

"You are going to love the Coq au vin! Drake swears by it. And "

Mercedes looked at him, confused. "Drake?"

"We were all in Atlanta last year, and he lost it."

Mercedes frowned as Sam continued to talk.

"You know Robin would love you!" He suggested.

"Robin?"

"Thicke! He and Nick Cannon are in the same fantasy league as me." Sam smiled, grabbing a piece of toast and Mercedes stared at the food in front of her.

"Aren't you hungry?" Sam asked.

"Very much so…" Mercedes said with a frown.

"Merce what's wrong?"

"I don't know what any of this is, Sam. This is…this is not me, and I should go."

She started to move, but Sam held her hand. "Don't. Please. I just wanted to make your night amazing."

"Sam…look, I get it, things have changed; you apparently have changed. But I am not some Cinderella Princess who needs you to come into my life buying me dresses, taking me to fancy restaurants, and upgrading me, and I am not a damsel in distress who needs saving."

Sam laughed, shaking his head. "I'm sorry, Mercedes, I am an idiot."

"No, you aren't, Sam."

He shook his head. "Nah, I am." He sighed. "My dad warned me, and I still just did what I wanted."

"Sam, I just…this isn't me. I know it's a big part of who you are, but I am not… it's fine, and it's better we know now."

"It's not me either, Mercedes." Sam laughed sadly. "I just wanted to impress you. Show you I'm not some immature guy here to hurt you; this is the kind of date I take people on now, granted I never bought out a restaurant or sent a stylist to them but still."

"Sam, why would you think I would want a date like any of the other women you have been with? You never needed to impress me."

Sam looked away from her. "It's all I have had to do. Penny refused to eat anywhere that didn't have at least four stars, always dressed up, never down."

Mercedes rolled her eyes, annoyed. "Well, your first mistake was thinking that I was anything like that bimbo!"

"I just wanted you to like me." Sam defended.

"I already liked you, Sam! It's why I agreed to go out with you. But I won't change who I am to fit into your world." Mercedes warned.

"I don't want you to change. I mean, you are perfect. I'm sorry, I am sorry." Sam ran his hand through his hair. "Is there any way I can salvage this date? Start over?"

Mercedes sighed. "On two conditions."

Sam nodded. "Which are?"

"One, stop name-dropping and world travel dropping; I don't need to know who knows whoever; I don't know them, so it just feels like you are trying to be someone you aren't or want me to be impressed; that doesn't impress me—cooking tacos with our girl. That impresses me. Helping her with her homework, yes, give me more of that. Being on a fantasy football team with Nick Cannon isn't impressive to me."

Sam nodded. "And the second thing?"

Mercedes moved closer to him. "Lose the tie. It's not you, Sam, or at least not the you I remember. If memory serves me correctly, you are more of a bolo tie man." She teased him with the memory of his Jr. Prom tie as she loosened the one he was wearing.

"I really just wanted you to see that I wasn't that same little boy who left you." Sam confessed.

Mercedes shook her head. "Sam, this is your off-season, and you came here to be with your daughter, and you are not the same person you were."

Sam looked down at the plate. "Can I be honest here?"

"Please." Mercedes encouraged.

"All I really wanted was a good burger…."

Mercedes laughed. "Maybe the Chef will humor us and make you one. I may not be into all this fancy stuff, but I have always wanted to try Coq au vin." She teased.

Sam laughed, signaling the waiter. "Hi, can we get a couple of sodas, please?"

"Soda's?"

"You do have some back there, don't you?"

The waiter nodded. "We do. I am just surprised, is all. Did you not like the wine?"

Mercedes smiled. "The wine is great! It tastes amazing, but it's not us. Thank you, though."

"Oh, okay." He said, nodding. "I will be honest I was surprised at the wine choice."

Sam's eyes widened. "Why?"

"The boy smiled. "I am a huge fan, and I am sorry, but Sam Evans eating French food and drinking wine, it just…it made me question my world."

Sam laughed, shaking his head. "Did everyone here think I was a fraud?"

"You are the one who said in your interview you could survive on Sprite and Cool ranch Doritos." The waiter laughed.

Mercedes snorted. "No one thinks you are a fraud, but Sam, you just gotta be yourself." Mercedes turned to the waiter. "Do you have Cherry Pepsi?"

He smiled. "We have Pepsi, but I can whip some up with our cherry syrup if you are bold."

"I am!" Mercedes teased.

"I'll have a Sprite," Sam said.

"Right away."

Sam sighed. "Did you want to try these appetizers at least?"

Mercedes nodded. "When in Rome, right?" She picked up the toast and sniffed it before taking a bite. "Oh, it's liver."

Sam's eyes widened. "They are feeding us liver?!"

Mercedes laughed. "It's not that bad, Laya, and I like liver and onions."

"So you like it?"

"It's not bad." She shrugged. "Sam, you do know I appreciate you doing all this, right? I didn't mean to sound ungrateful or anything."

"I know." He assured.

As the music continued to play, Mercedes inhaled deeply, finishing her glass of wine (it really was good) before standing. "Dance with me."

"Dance?"

Mercedes nodded. "We are here; music is playing; let's make the most of all this money you spent to try and impress me." She teased.

Sam rolled his eyes playfully as he stood. "Give me one minute." He said, walking over to the waiter.

Mercedes watched them talk for a moment and smiled as a happy Sam moved to her and pulled her closer to him as 'Tonight (Best I Ever Had) began to play.

"Now, this is us." She beamed, wrapping her arms around Sam's neck. "Thank you, Sam. Thank you for all of this."

"Even though it was misguided?"

Mercedes stood up taller, kissing him softly. "Sam, your heart was in the right place; that means more than you know."