Enjpy!

Hope is Fickle but not Fleeting

Mercedes tossed and turned in bed, unable to shake off the lingering feeling of Sam's lips on hers. She debated setting her alarm for a few more minutes of rest, but ultimately decided against it - she knew sleep would be impossible after what had happened. With a heavy heart, she sat up and grabbed her phone, simultaneously turning off the alarm and sending a group message to her friends. But even as she sent the lighthearted text, her mind was consumed with conflicting emotions about what had transpired between her and Sam.

MJ: I kissed the cowboy…

Kitt: omg

BB: like on the lips?

Kitt: on purpose?

MJ: yes and yes

MJ: I like it… a lot.

BB: the one that tried to kill you with a cow?

Kitt: wait… the cow was there?

BB: why would the damn cow be there?

MJ: lol no the cow wasn't there and yes, the same one.

Kitt: she's on a farm, I just assume they're everywhere

Kitt: what you do it?

MJ: I'm not sure… we were dancing and drinking and he isn't hard to look at but also he was just… nice. Idk

BB: it's D all over again…

Kitt: ugh let's not bring him up

Kitt: but she's right. D was nice to you and look how that ended.

MJ: I was seventeen!

Kitt: and he wasn't, you're smart but when it comes to guys you're not.

BB: yea… cause after D there was Shawn and…

MJ: Shawn doesn't count

MJ: i refuse to talk about Shawn.

Kitt: tough, does your dad even know what he did? Does Marie?

MJ: I have to get ready for work…

BB: avoiding this conversation doesn't make it go away.

BB: don't go jumping off the deep end with some cowboy you won't see after you leave.

Kitt: [side eye emoji] right.

Kitt: sleep with him but don't fall for him. We can't go through that again.

BB: plus you have Tyson that you're currently toying with.

BB: you can't date down.

Kitt: right the cowboy might be fun but he is not from our world. You date equal or higher.

Mercedes rolled her eyes, tossing her phone aside. She hated that they always threw her ex's in her face when she mentioned any interaction with a new guy. She heard her phone pinging with more messages but decided to get ready for work instead. She swung her legs over the edge of the bed, her bare feet sinking into the plush cream carpet as she shuffled over to her closet.

Glancing over her clothes, she heaved a sigh. Kitty and Bree, as always, were excessively critical. It was too early in the morning to deal with their chatter. Rummaging through the piled up choices, Mercedes picked out a comfortable flannel shirt and well-worn jeans. She didn't care about looking polished today; she just needed to get through her shift working with Sam.

Her phone buzzed again from its spot on the bedside table. Mercedes scowled, deciding to ignore it for now. She moved to the living room, slipping on her cowboy boots before walking out and heading to the stables.

The morning air was crisp, filled with the scent of dew and the faint, comforting smell of horses. The sun hadn't fully risen yet, hanging low in the sky and painting everything a soft pink hue. As Mercedes approached the stables, she could hear the soft nickering and restless shifting of hooves from within. Opening the heavy wooden doors, she was met with the familiar sight of the horses. The sight soothed her frayed nerves, and a small smile tugged at the corners of her lips.

She started her chores cleaning the stalls and refilling them with free hay and water. She was surprised at herself,

finding a certain calm in the repetition of her tasks as if each stroke of the rake and every handful of hay were actions stripping away the unease her friends' messages had caused. She paused from her work, running a hand over the soft muzzle of a chestnut mare named Luna, who turned her large, liquid eyes towards Mercedes with a whinny of recognition.

"Luna," she whispered, her eyes meeting the horse's, a connection born from shared solitude. "What do you think about all this kissing cowboys business?"

Luna snorted softly, flicking an ear as if to say that it was all nonsense. Laughing quietly, Mercedes

returned to her work, feeling lighter than before. The stall-cleaning was mindless enough that it let her thoughts wander. Her friends meant well, she knew that, but their relentless obsession over her love life was exhausting.

Finishing up with Luna's stall, Mercedes moved onto the next one, patting Thunder, his coat as black as the night sky. Thunder was always so calm and patient, never causing any trouble unlike some of the more spirited ones in the stable.

"Morning, Thunder," Mercedes said, rubbing her hand against the horse's broad neck. He shuffled his hooves, nuzzling her cheek affectionately. Mercedes smiled, grateful for the comforting presence of the horses.

As she continued her tasks, Mercedes couldn't help but reflect on her friends' words. Yes, she had a history of making questionable choices when it came to men. D and Shawn were just two examples of her past mistakes. But Sam was different. There was an authenticity about him that she hadn't felt with anyone else before.

Lost in her thoughts, Mercedes didn't notice when Sam entered the stable. It was only when he spoke that she snapped back to reality, startled by his deep voice.

"Morning Mercedes," Sam greeted, his voice deep and soothing. Mercedes could sense a hint of nervousness in his tone, mirroring her own feelings.

"Hey... morning," she replied, trying to sound casual as she continued filling the water buckets. But despite her best efforts, there was an unspoken tension between them. Mercedes stole a quick glance at Sam, taking in his rugged appearance and the way his sandy hair fell slightly over his piercing green eyes. It was clear that he felt it too, the change between them.

Sam cleared his throat, breaking the silence. "About last night..." he started, his voice trailing off uncertainly.

Mercedes whips around to face him, her heart pounding violently in her chest. She can feel the internal conflict radiating from him, mirroring her own inner turmoil. "Yes... it was unexpected and..." she forced out, her voice trembling with barely controlled emotion.

Sam nodded slowly, his intense gaze never wavering from hers. "Right..." he hesitated, struggling to find the right words. "And since you're only here temporarily-"

She cut him off with a sharp gesture. "Yeah... and since I'm not staying permanently and we were both under the influence."

"Exactly... alcohol mixed with the adrenaline of the chaos we just experienced... It was a reckless impulse." His words strained.

She shifted uncomfortably before offering a small smile. "Yeah, just a reckless impulse. So we're okay now?"

Sam leaned against the door of the stall, his gaze fixed on her. "Definitely. And besides, like you said, you don't kiss cowboys." He tried to lighten the tension with some teasing.

Her laughter was soft and light. "I suppose you have a valid argument there. Alcohol and witnessing a bar fight do tend to make me lose my better judgment."

"Hmm, did you have much to begin with?"

Mercedes' jaw dropped before erupting into more laughter as she aimed the water hose at him, sending a spray of water his way. "Coming from the guy who practically begged to kiss me."

Sam chuckled, raising his hands in mock surrender as the water splashed against his chest. "Alright, alright, I deserved that. But you can't deny that you enjoyed it too."

Mercedes smirked, turning off the water hose and stepping closer to him. "Maybe just a little," she admitted, her voice laced with playful mischief. "But we agree it was a one-time thing."

Sam's eyes flickered briefly with disappointment, but he quickly composed himself. "Of course," he replied, his tone casual. "Just a spontaneous moment in the midst of chaos."

As they stood there, looking at each other, fire burned in both of their eyes. They both knew that even though they both tried to brush it off as a fleeting encounter, there was an undeniable connection that lingered beneath the surface. Mercedes couldn't help but wonder if she was underestimating the possibilities.

But before she could give those thoughts any more consideration, the stable doors swung open, and the familiar sound of Dwight's happy whistling filled the air. Mercedes and Sam shared one final look before creating space between themselves and smiled at him.

"Morning you two!" Dwight boomed, his voice echoing through the stables. His brows quirked when he saw his son's wet appearance and Mercedes holding the water hose. "Well, well, what do we have here?" he said, his voice gravelly yet full of amusement. "You fall into a bucket son?"

Mercedes felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment as she tried to hide her smile. Sam, on the other hand, laughed openly, his deep, hearty chuckles echoing through the stables.

"Funny pop, no city-girl over here got a little overzealous with her aim." Sam replied,pulling his shirt off. "I'm gonna run to the house and get a dry shirt."

Mercedes couldn't help but let her gaze drift over his exposed chest before she quickly composed herself and looked away. "I hit my target dead-on," she stated confidently.

Dwight's face twisted into a self-satisfied smirk as he listened to their playful back-and-forth. "Today, I want you to partner up with Stacey," he announced. "Jane will be stopping by later to discuss ideas for new ventures we can explore on the ranch."

Sam's expression turned serious. "What do you mean?"

"Well son, your mother and Stacey think we could add a few ways to have more revenue coming in for the ranch and I thought Mercedes could help plus,it gives her a day inside and away from you... especially after your little escapade at the bar last night."

Mercedes felt her cheeks heat up, embarrassed by Dwight's teasing. She glanced over at Sam, who appeared equally flustered.

Dwight chuckled. "Don't worry. Your secret's safe with me." He winked at them and continued, "We're just doing a few things to get us further into the black plus it would be fun to expand what we do here."

Sam's shoulders tensed. "You said everything was good after..." He stopped, looking at Mercedes before moving closer to his dad. "You said everything was fine after they gave it back."

His father smiled, patting his shoulder. "And it is but it doesn't hurt to have a bigger security blanket." He replied. "And I heard that little miss Mercy has a degree in finance, so we could use her brain to help crunch numbers."

Mercedes blinked in surprise, not realizing that her degree in finance had become a topic of conversation.

"Wait, how did you know about my degree?" Mercedes asked, her curiosity piqued.

Dwight chuckled again, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Oh, I know a lot about you, young lady. Your daddy and sister filled me in on the details." He winked at her before turning his attention back to Sam. "But don't you worry, son. Mercedes here will fit right in and help us figure out the best path forward."

Sam nodded slowly, still processing the information. "Alright, if you think it's a good idea, then I trust your judgment," he replied, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

Dwight clapped his hands together in satisfaction. "That's the spirit! Now let's get to work," he declared, ushering Mercedes out of the stables and towards the main house.

As they walked towards the house, Mercedes looked over her shoulder seeing Sam standing there with a frown on his face and a hint of resignation in his eyes. The playful banter and undeniable connection they had shared just moments ago seemed distant now. She knew how important the ranch was to Sam and to his family and she knew that this had to be perfect because she didn't want to let him down... she was gonna make sure that Evans Ranch was in the green before she left.

She turned back to face Dwight, who seemed oblivious to the tension between her and his son. "So, what exactly did you have in mind for expanding the ranch's ventures?" she asked, trying to shift her focus away from Sam.

Dwight rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Well, Stacey suggested offering horseback riding lessons to tourists. We've got a few gentle horses that would be perfect for beginners. And Jane thinks we could start hosting small events like weddings or birthday parties on the ranch."

Mercedes nodded, contemplating the ideas. "Those sound like solid possibilities. With some strategic marketing and planning, we could definitely attract more visitors and generate additional revenue. I can start working on a business plan to outline the logistics and financial projections."

Dwight grinned, pleased with her enthusiasm. "That's the spirit, Mercedes! I knew you'd be the perfect addition to our team. You've got the brains and the determination to make this happen."

Mercedes smiled at Dwight's words, feeling a surge of excitement at the prospect of helping the ranch thrive. She had always been passionate about finance and had dreamed of using her skills to make a difference. And now, here she was, standing on the expansive grounds of Evans Ranch, ready to embark on a new adventure.

As they entered the main house, Mercedes couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at its rustic yet elegant interior. The walls were adorned with beautiful artwork depicting scenes from ranch life, and the furniture exuded warmth and comfort. It was a place that felt steeped in history and tradition, and Mercedes couldn't wait to become a part of it.

Inside, they were greeted by Stacey and Jane, who were sitting at a large oak table covered in papers and notebooks. Stacey's face lit up as she saw Mercedes enter the room. "Mercedes! I'm so glad you're here," she exclaimed, rising from her seat to give Mercedes a warm hug Mercedes returned the hug with a smile.

"Me too," Mercedes replied. "I'm excited to be a part of this and help take Evans Ranch to new heights."

Jane, a woman in her early thirties with big hair and a welcoming smile, looked up from her notes and regarded Mercedes with warm eyes. "Well, I for one am appreciative of the help," she said, standing,extending her hand.

Mercedes shook Jane's handing, smiling. "I'll do my best," she replied confidently. "Just tell me where you want me."

Jane pointed at the empty seat between her and Stacy, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "Good," she said. "Because we're going to need all hands on deck if we want to make these ideas a reality."

As they began discussing the details of their plans, Mercedes couldn't help but notice the ease between Stacey and Jane. Their eyes met with a subtle spark, their voices carrying a shared excitement that went beyond the ranch's expansion. It was clear to Mercedes that there was more than just a professional connection between them.

She found herself intrigued by their dynamic, their passion for the ranch and their unwavering commitment to its success. It was contagious, and she couldn't help but feel inspired by their drive.

As the hours passed, Mercedes became fully immersed in the brainstorming session. They discussed marketing strategies, potential partnerships with local businesses, and even the logistics of transforming certain areas of the ranch to accommodate events.

Stacey's eyes lit up with excitement as she proposed a collaboration with a renowned local chef for a series of farm-to-table dinners. Mercedes couldn't help but be captivated by Stacey's enthusiasm and innovative thinking.

Jane chimed in with ideas for expanding their guest accommodations, suggesting the renovation of an old barn into rustic cabins. The thought of creating a cozy and unique experience for visitors excited Mercedes. She could already imagine the rustic cabins nestled in the serene surroundings of Evans Ranch, providing guests with a peaceful retreat.

As the discussion continued, Mercedes's mind buzzed with ideas. Her finance background allowed her to analyze the financial implications of each suggestion, ensuring that they were not only exciting but also feasible. She began drafting rough financial projections, taking into account potential costs, revenue streams, and profit margins.

The hours flew by, and before they knew it, the sun was beginning to set outside the windows of the main house. A sense of accomplishment filled the room as they wrapped up their initial brainstorming session. They had generated a wealth of ideas, each one brimming with potential.

Dwight entered the room, his boots echoing on the wooden floorboards. He glanced at Mercedes's notes and smiled approvingly. "Looks like we've got quite the plan brewing here," he said, leaning against the table.

Mercedes nodded, a spark of excitement in her eyes. "Absolutely," she replied. "I truly believe that with the right execution, Evans Ranch can become a thriving destination for both locals and tourists alike."

Dwight chuckled, his eyes filled with pride. "That's what I like to hear," he said. "You've got the drive and the vision, Mercedes. I have a feeling that together, we can make this ranch into something truly extraordinary."

Mercedes couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude towards Dwight and the rest of the Evans family. They had welcomed her into their fold with open arms, trusting her with their cherished legacy. It was a responsibility she didn't take lightly.

As they wrapped up their meeting, Mercedes gathered her papers and prepared to leave for the night. She glanced out at the breathtaking view of the ranch bathed in twilight hues, promising new beginnings and endless possibilities.

Walking back to her cottage, Mercedes couldn't shake off the thought of Sam's nervousness about the ranch. stopping, she turned and headed towards Sam place instead. She figured telling him everything they'd discussed and brainstormed today would help ease his mind.

She stepped onto his porch and started to knock but stopped when she heard Jack's raised voice.

"... It's not that black and white! Jesus Sam, you act like the fucking sky is falling but it's not."

"Why is dad even considering all these new ideas?" Sam spat, his voice full of frustration. "You and him said we were fine after we got the ranch back and that her dad gave us extra money to make sure she learns something, but we're barely staying afloat!"

"Because there's nothing wrong with changing things up, why are you so against it?" Stevie asked. "You have to admit having someone with a financial background helping is a good thing."

Sam scuffed and crossed his arms stubbornly. "Yeah, so great that they got cut off because they didn't know the implications of their actions. And now you want to trust her with this?"

Jack sighed."She has a degree and her sister-"

"I don't give a damn if she has ten degrees! She won't be here in a few weeks and when this fails it'll be us having to pick up the damn pieces. We don't have the time or resources to even explore whatever ideas they come up with and need I remind the two of you, her social groups are different from ours. She comes with expensive ideas."Sam said disgustingly.

Mercedes felt Sam's words like a physical blow, the impact landing hard and heavy in her chest. She knew she shouldn't have been eavesdropping, but she couldn't resist the temptation to hear what he had to say. With trembling hands, she placed her notes on the welcome mat and darted away, desperate to escape.

She walked the path back to her cottage feeling gutted but she couldn't understand fully why. Her mind was swimming with the polar changes from Sam, last night he kissed her and now he was talking about her as if she was just some... person.

She stopped, shaking her head. "You are just some person." She said softly. She'd been in this situation before and knew what she needed to do but she was frustrated with herself because for the briefest moment she felt like it would be different here.

But now, faced with Sam's harsh words and doubts, Mercedes questioned whether she truly belonged at Evans Ranch. She had always been the type to prove others wrong, to rise above expectations, but this felt different. This felt personal.

As she reached her cottage and entered the quaint living space, a feeling of isolation settled over her. In that moment, she couldn't help but wonder if she was just an outsider trying to fit into a world that would never fully accept her.

Closing her eyes, Mercedes took a deep breath, trying to steady the whirlwind of emotions within her. She knew she had a decision to make, one that would either solidify her commitment to the ranch or push her away.

With determination in her heart, Mercedes opened her eyes and reached for the phone on the small wooden table. She dialed a familiar number, hoping that the person on the other end would offer some guidance.

"Hello?" a voice answered after a few rings.

"Hey," Mercedes said, her voice soft and hesitant. "Did I wake you?"

"No sis, what's up?" Marie replied groggily, the rustling of sheets audible in the background.

Mercedes licked her dry lips and let out a heavy sigh. "Do you remember Shawn?"

Marie groaned as she sat up, instantly wide awake now. "Unfortunately," she muttered. "Why?"

"Do you remember when I told daddy that I wanted to invest in a company and he got mad because I had already done it?"

"Mercedes, what did you do?" Marie asked, worry creeping into her voice.

"I haven't done anything... but I think my time here needs to end sooner rather than later," Mercedes answered, her tone solemn. "I've learned my lesson and I'm ready to eat crow or whatever it is that daddy wants."

There was a brief silence on the other end of the line before Marie spoke again. "What's wrong?" Her voice was laced with concern, making Mercedes feel guilty for causing her sister worry.

Mercedes took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts before she began to explain. She recounted everything that had transpired since her arrival at Evans Ranch. Marie listened intently, and when Mercedes finished, there was a pause on the other end.

"... and now I just feel confused." Mercedes said.

"I understand," Marie finally replied, her voice filled with empathy. "It sounds like you've given it your all, but sometimes things just don't work out the way we hope. Remember when we were kids and I wanted to be a ballerina? I worked so hard, but in the end, it wasn't meant to be."

Mercedes nodded, even though her sister couldn't see her. She remembered Marie's dedication to ballet and the disappointment that followed when she realized it wasn't her true calling.

"But you know what?" Marie continued. "That experience didn't define me. It was just a stepping stone on my journey to finding my true passion. And I believe that's exactly what this is for you, Mercedes. A stepping stone."

Mercedes felt a glimmer of hope ignite within her chest at Marie's words. Maybe this setback wasn't the end of the world. Maybe it was just a detour leading her to something even more fulfilling.

"But you can't leave yet... even if I call daddy he won't allow it. I know it seems hard now but whatever it is that's troubling you, you have to see it through." Marie added.

Mercedes shook the tears from her eyes. "I don't know what I did to him..."

"Did to who?"

She sniffled. "Daddy, it's like everything I do is wrong. And now he's making me endure this for a lesson I learned years ago. I'm not ungrateful and I'm not air brained and I'M NOT YOU!"

Marie stiffened. "Merce... I-" She sighed. "Is that what you think? That he wants you to be like me?"

Wiping her eyes, she swallowed the lump in her throat. "It's not what I think it's what has always been presented to me. Marie would never do that and Marie should've been there when you did this and why can't you be more careful like Marie. I can not be that way and I'm so damn scared of being Mercedes that I've fabricated this person that everyone sees." She answered, feeling her walls crumbling.

"Oh sweet girl, I didn't know he was saying that to you... I never thought you should be like me. I know you're smarter but you choose not to show it."Marie's voice held a mix of sadness and guilt. "I'm sorry if I ever made you feel that way. You don't need to be anyone else, Mercedes. You're amazing just the way you are. And I've always admired your courage, your determination to forge your own path."

Mercedes let out a shaky breath, her heart pounding in her chest. "But why? Why does he want me to be different?"

Marie's voice softened with compassion. "I think... I think it's because he's afraid, Mercedes. He's afraid of you getting hurt, of you making mistakes. He thinks if you follow in my footsteps, you'll have an easier path."

Tears welled up in Mercedes' eyes as the weight of her father's expectations and her own insecurities became too much to bear. "But I don't want an easy path, Marie. I want to find my own way, to prove to myself and to him that I can succeed on my own terms."

"I know, Merce," Marie whispered soothingly. "And you will. But sometimes, we have to endure the challenges and setbacks for a little while longer before we can truly shine."

Mercedes took a deep breath, feeling a newfound determination strengthening within her. She wiped away

her tears and straightened her back. "You're right, Marie. I can't let this setback define me. I have to face my fears and prove myself."

Marie's voice filled with pride. "That's my sister. Remember, you're strong and capable, and you have the resilience to overcome anything that comes your way."

Mercedes nodded, a sense of purpose filling her heart. She knew she couldn't run away from her problems or let her father's doubts control her. It was time to confront him, to have an open and honest conversation about her desires and dreams.

With newfound resolve, Mercedes hung up the phone and began preparing herself for what lay ahead. She would face Sam's doubt head-on, armed with the knowledge that she was worthy of pursuing her own path. She tidied her appearance and took a moment to gather her thoughts.

As she walked out of her cottage and back towards Sam's place, Mercedes couldn't help but feel a mix of nervousness and excitement. The path leading to Sam's house seemed longer than usual, each step echoing with the weight of her decision.

With each step she took, her confidence grew stronger, fueled by the support of her sister and her own unwavering determination. She knew that the conversation ahead wouldn't be easy, but it was necessary for her to reclaim her true identity and show her father that she was capable of making her own decisions.

As Mercedes approached Sam's house, she noticed him sitting on the porch, lost in thought. His rugged features softened when he saw her approaching, but there was an underlying concern in his eyes. He stood up and walked towards her, his steps hesitant.

"Mercedes," he said, his voice filled with a mixture of caution and remorse. "I didn't expect to see you here so soon."

Mercedes stood tall, meeting his gaze head-on. "Sam, we need to talk…"

Next chapter is... complete ;}

Also- I know I promised to post the bonus chapter of the Client but I made the mistake of letting my nieces play on my laptop while the doc was up so I'm fixing where they added their input. It'll be posted at the end of the week!