Soooo this will actually be three parts

Enjoy!


She Who Rides Cowboys Saves A Horse: Part Two

"Hey daddy!" Marie shouted as she walked into his house. "We brought you some dinner."

Joe smiled from his place on the sofa, placing down his laptop. "Shouldn't you be on bed rest?" He asked, getting up and meeting his daughter halfway before giving her a gentle hug. "Son." He added, greeting her husband Jordan.

"What's up Pops. I grilled some steaks and figured you might want some." Jordan replied.

"Well you thought right, come on we can eat in the dining room." He said, guiding them into the dining room. "I'll grab some glasses and-"

Jordan shook his head. "Let me, I know where everything is." He gave Marie a quick kiss on the forehead before walking towards the kitchen.

Marie smiled, taking a seat and sighing. "I swear, I'll be happy when I can breathe normally again."

Her father chuckled sitting at the head of the table. "I can't wait to meet my grandbabies, not much longer right?"

"Yeah, we're in the endgame now." She answered, rubbing her stomach. "Which prompts our real reason for coming over unannounced."

Joe sat up, giving his daughter his full attention. "Okay, I'm listening."

"Well one, I'm taking my leave earlier because I want to really focus on getting prepared for the twins." Marie started and her father just nodded. "And two… you need to let Mercedes come home."

"No. The first one, yes but no…" He said, shaking his head. "She will come back when I feel she has really learned a lesson."

Marie frowned, huffing. "What lesson do you think she needs to learn that she hasn't already been taught?"

Joe furrowed his brows, attempting to reign in his brewing anger. "Mercedes is my child, not yours and you are also my child so I don't have to explain anything to you."

"Daddy, you have to stop acting like she's just some airhead that spends money all day on useless things! Did you know her Christmas Ball is really for charity? She makes all her friends and the people she invite donate to a different charity each year."

"I'm aware." He growled. "But that-"

"She also volunteers and I know I shouldn't have but I looked at her finances. She's not using a single cent you give her to pay for any of her bills. I mean she does use the allowance on shoes but I don't think she deserves any of this."

Joe shook his head. "You don't see everything Marie… you haven't seen everything!" He spat. "She bought a ranch TWO years ago but never went to claim it! She just paid for it and left those people there wondering when the rug would be pulled from underneath them."

"Daddy-"

"No! This isn't the first time she's bought something and didn't follow through with it. Your mother… she would've never been that reckless and you, you've never done anything like that. She has to-"

"No, you have to stop acting like the reason you treat her the way you do is because everytime you look at her you see momma." Marie interrupted.

"I-"

Marie shook her head. "I didn't even know that you'd been comparing her to me until she called me asking to come home. She has done everything to impress you and you don't even see it… I didn't see it either and that's on me but like you said, she is your child."

Joe looked at his daughter before looking away. "I don't… I know she's not Avery but-"

"No but's daddy. Even I see it when I look at her… she's not momma. Yeah she has her face and laugh but she's not momma and you need to let her go."

The older man flinched at those words. "That's like asking a fish to live without water."

Marie sighed. "No, that's like a daughter asking her father to see her little sister for the brilliant person she has always been instead of keeping her at arms length because all he can see is his late wife." She countered, slowly rising to her feet. "You're gonna blink and she's gonna be gone too only this time it won't be because she died but because you couldn't let go." She walked over to her father. "Two weeks is all you have, either you go get her or I will. Come on Jordan!"

Jordan came as soon as he heard his wife. "I put the steaks in the oven…"

Joe shook his head. "You could've warned me."

"Eh, I like breathing." Jordan quipped, gently grabbing Marie's elbow to help her. "Besides, she's giving me two babies- I'll hit an old person if she asks me to."

Joe chuckled, shaking his head. "Let me know that you made it home safely."

Marie waved her hand in acknowledgment. "Go get my damn sister!"

"I'll consider it."


Mercedes sat on the edge of her bed, knee bouncing as she contemplated actually going to Sam's place. It wasn't like she didn't know the reason he wanted her over there but it was because she knew the reason. Confusing, but she had let someone get close to her before and it ended badly. She forced her eyes shut, refusing to think about her ex before deciding to call Bree. Normally she would call both Kitty and Bree but for this particular conversation she needed someone who would be willing to at least listen to what she had to say.

"So you're talking to me again?" Bree asked as soon as the phone connected.

Mercedes sighed. "We need to talk about… Shawn."

"I thought you didn't want to go back down that road?"

"Bree…" She said before stopping and starting a video chat. She fussed with her hair until she saw her friend's face. "Hey…"

Bree looked at her before sitting up. "What happened?"

"Nothing bad just… I'm nervous. I'm supposed to go to Sam's place for a very specific reason and I just…"

Bree nodded, understanding everything she couldn't verbalize. "Shawn."

"Shawn." She repeated swallowing. "But he- Sam isn't… he doesn't seem like he would be like him."

"Mercedes, did you ever tell Marie about what happened? Did you tell anyone?"

She shifted on her bed. "Just you and Kit… well she got the abridged version but you know everything."

Bree groaned. "You need to tell your father and sister what happened."

Mercedes nibbled on her bottom lip. "I told Marie a piece of it but I can't… I don't know how to tell them that without them looking at me like some helpless child."

"You were a helpless child Mercedes. God you've been carrying this around for years and it hasn't benefited you by not telling someone."

Feeling tears burning, she pushed them away. "I know but I'm not now and I just need…"

"You called me because you knew Kit would be harsh and I love that you trust me to listen but Merce, you have to either tell him why you're afraid or tell your family what happened that summer."

Mercedes quickly wiped the tears that started to fall. "Wh-why did he have to do it to me though? Like it's not fair and I have to just walk around with this guilt."

Bree's expression softened. "You were… young and you did what you thought you had to do to get him out of your life. Was he the last person?"

She nodded. "I mean technically yes but I don't know… I don't feel unsafe with Sam."

"Then why not just go really, really slow?"

Mercedes snickered. "Well he got me off in the pond today soo that's out the window."

Bree giggled. "Well did you like it?"

She nodded, throwing herself back against the bed. "I did… It's crazy because it was just soo… open. We did it in the pond and it was spontaneous. But now I know he wants to go further and I want to… I really do but…"

"How about just going to talk? If he can't respect that then he's not good enough for the rest. Don't go over there with the intention of sex and if it happens it's because you wanted it to happen."

"Maybe..." Mercedes said, a nervous tremble in her voice.

Bree leaned in closer to the screen, her eyes sincere. "Merce, remember, nobody has a right over your body but you. Not Shawn, not Sam... You are in control. You decide what you can or cannot do."

Mercedes nodded slowly. Talking to Bree always helped her regain some of her lost confidence. "I just... I think he will understand but it's not about him understanding, it's about me still being scared."

"I get that," Bree replied gently. "But that fear won't go away until you confront it." She paused, biting her lip before adding softly, "And confronting it doesn't mean to rush into anything you're not ready for."

Mercedes chewed on her lower lip. "You're right... I guess I'll go to Sam's and we'll see what happens."

"That's the spirit!" Bree chimed encouragingly.

She chuckled lightly at her friend's enthusiasm. "Thanks, Bree... for everything."

"Anytime, Merce. You know I'm always here for you," Bree answered, her voice sincere.

Mercedes ended the call and stared at her reflection in the mirror. She was strong, she reminded herself, her thumb tracing the faint scar on her wrist, a physical reminder of her past ordeal. And she was wiser now. She knew she had nothing to fear, and yet the memory lurked, always lingering.

She shook out of her nerves as she slipped on her shoes. As she walked to the door, she cast a last glance around her room. It was a mess - clothes scattered everywhere kinda like her life but if there was one thing Mercedes had learned from all of this, it was that things could change quickly. One minute you're on top of the world and the next, you're gasping for breath, holding on for dear life.

As she stepped out of the front door, a surge of fear washed over her again. She took a deep breath and mustered every ounce of courage she had. She was Mercedes, she told herself again, as if trying to convince an unseen skeptic. She was strong, capable, and in control of her own life. With that thought in mind, she began the walk to Sam's place enjoying the cool breeze against her hot skin.


The walk to Sam's place was nerve-wracking. Every passing step threw a set of memories about Shawn that seemed to be yelling at her to turn back. But when she eventually approached his driveway, she felt a strange sense of calm wash over her - like being in the eye of a hurricane, where everything was momentarily still.

Sam's house was beautifully lit with warm yellow lights. The sight felt comforting to Mercedes - it wasn't intimidating or unwelcoming. She walked up to the front door, her heart pounding inside her chest. Taking a deep breath, she knocked lightly.

A moment later, Sam opened the door. His eyes widened in surprise before a warm smile spread across his face. "Mercedes," he smirked. "I thought you said you weren't going to come."

Mercedes shrugged, attempting nonchalance though her nerves were screaming at her. "Eh, gotta keep you on your toes."

Sam's eyebrow rose, looking her over admiring how her jeans seemed to hug her in all the right places and her shirt revealed nothing but for some reason his mouth was watering at way it perfectly outline the swells of her breast. "Hmm," he nodded and stepped aside to let her in.

She flashed a smile at him as she passed by, allowing him to lead her into the living room where she saw a picnic dinner set up on the floor. "What's all this?" She asked, looking at the food and then back at Sam.

He smirked and took her hand. "I'm guessing you haven't eaten yet?"

"You assume correctly," she admitted, feeling a sheepish grin spread across her face. The set up was endearing and unexpected, a chunk of normalcy amidst the chaos of her life. It felt good.

"Well, take a seat." Sam gestured to the floor where plush cushions were strewn about. He had indeed outdone himself. There were sandwiches, a large bowl of salad, and what smelt like homemade pizza. "And I also have wine," he added, lifting a bottle in emphasis.

Mercedes let out an appreciative laugh. She lowered herself onto one of the cushions, carefully folding her legs beneath her. She watched as Sam poured wine into two glasses, his movements steady and sure. There was an appealing calmness to him that she found solace in.

He handed her a glass and their fingers brushed momentarily. Mercedes felt a jolt of something unknown, akin to electricity bounce between them. She looked at him then, really looked at him. His eyes held a depth that was not just captivating—it was magnetic. They were a rich shade of blue, flecked with gold and green. The light from the living room lamp made them shimmer like two perfect gems, drawing her in.

He cleared his throat, bringing Mercedes back to reality, and raised his glass for a toast. "To... good company?" he proposed, a teasing glint in his eyes.

Mercedes chuckled and raised her glass to meet his. "To good company," she agreed, her voice slightly shaky from the stirrings of an emotion she couldn't quite decipher yet.

They clinked glasses and sipped their wine in silence — a comfortable silence, as if they were old friends catching up after years apart. Sam watched Mercedes curiously as she nibbled on a slice of pizza, her features softened by the candlelight.

"Tell me something I wouldn't know about you," he proposed suddenly, leaning back on his hands.

Mercedes raised an eyebrow at him and swallowed her bite of food. "Something you wouldn't know..." She figured this would be the best time to tell him her current worries. "Well... I'm nervous about tonight... about what happens after the food is gone."

Sam took a sip of the wine, nodding slowly. "Nervous why? Have you not been with anyone before?"

She shook her head. "No, no... I have and that's why I'm nervous."

A flicker of confusion crossed Sam's face before it was replaced with an understanding that made Mercedes' heart flutter. "Ah," he said softly, like a puzzle was slowly starting to piece itself together. "You're nervous because of your past."

Mercedes nodded, relieved at his understanding. She didn't want to spell out all the details of her past for him, but she wanted him to know that this wasn't just about him—this was about her too.

Sam reached across the small space between them and lightly took her hand in his. His thumb gently brushed the back of her hand, his touch reassuring. "I'm not here to pressure you into anything, Mercedes. All I want is for you to feel comfortable being around me."

Mercedes felt a lump form in her throat at his words. Tears welled up in her eyes and she looked away, embarrassed at displaying such vulnerability so soon. "You see... My ex was, umm, he was older and knew I came from money but I didn't know that at the time. I gave myself to him... freely and he was just so convincing."

But Sam only squeezed her hand reassuringly. "Hey," he said softly, "If you don't want to talk about this."

She shook her head. "I need to if we're going to go further... I got pregnant and I told him. He was so mean to me about it and basically told me he wasn't going to be involved so I got an abortion." She paused looking at him before shifting. "He threatened to expose what I had done and told me that if I wanted him to go away, I needed to pay him."

Sam's thumb paused from the gentle stroke it was making over the back of her hand. He took a moment to digest what she had said, his gaze dropping to where their hands were interlaced. "Mercedes," he started, his voice low and choked with an emotion he couldn't quite decipher.

"No," she interrupted, shaking her head. "You need to know, Sam. All of it." Mercedes took a deep breath before she continued. "So I did. I gave him everything he asked for just so he would shut up and go away. But he didn't stop there, he threatened me again and asked for more money until I decided to move here to get away from him."

Sam felt a rage bubbling inside him, a mixture of anger towards Shawn and sympathy towards Mercedes. Yet, the calmness in her voice and determination in her eyes told him that this was a woman who was strong despite her past ordeals. Fighting back the anger, he simply squeezed her hand in a silent vow of support, looking at her with an intensity that sent a warm shiver coursing through her body.

Mercedes glanced down at their entwined hands before meeting his gaze, seeing a promise there. A promise that he wouldn't be like Shawn. Their pasts were different yet tinged with similar colorings of fear and hurt, but maybe this connection was the start of a new chapter for them both. A part of her whispered caution but another part, much louder and bolder, told her to take the risk.

"Thank you for being honest with me, Mercedes," Sam's voice was soft, his gaze never wavering from hers. "I can't erase your past but I promise you this - I'm not here to hurt you or take advantage of you. If we take this further, it will be because we both want it and are ready for it."

Touched by his assurances, Mercedes gave him a watery smile. "That means a lot to me, Sam. More than you can imagine." She released a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding.

Sam gently let go of her hand, using his now free hand to brush away the stray tear that had escaped down Mercedes' cheek. "Let's take it one step at a time, okay? No pressure."

Mercedes nodded, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears as she gazed at him. Her heart ached with the tender care he was showing her, so unlike Shawn's selfishness and greed. "Sam," she began, hesitating slightly before continuing, "I'm not opposed to... us being more intimate. I just... I don't want to rush into anything."

The confession hung heavy in the air between them, and for a moment, Sam didn't respond. He simply held her gaze, his eyes reflecting his understanding and appreciation of her honesty. When he finally spoke, his voice was deep and sincere. "We're going to take this at your pace, Mercedes. Your comfort is my priority."

The words washed over her like a soothing wave, quieting her fears and stirring a warmth within her that she hadn't expected. A tiny spark of hope flickered in the depth of her heart. She felt seen, respected even - something she hadn't experienced in a long while. His words weren't merely spoken; they were felt, deeply and profoundly, resonating with the part of her that yearned for a connection that ran deeper than mere physical attraction.

She nodded, offering him a small but genuine smile. "Thank you, Sam," she managed to say, her voice choked with emotion. Her heart fluttered as he returned the smile—a soft, sincere and understanding look that filled her with an unexpected feeling of comfort and security.

He glanced down at their hands, his fingers still entwined with hers on the table. "Would you like to dance?" he asked suddenly, gesturing towards the old record player in the corner of his apartment.

Mercedes' eyes widened slightly in surprise before she nodded slowly. "I'd... I'd like that very much," she replied, allowing him to lead her into a slow dance in the middle of his living room.

As Sam guided her gently across the makeshift dance floor, Mercedes found herself lost in their shared rhythm, swaying gently to the melodies that filled the room. The record played a soft country tune—a calming beat that echoed the gentle thudding of her heart as she found herself pressed against Sam.

She rested her face in the crook of his shoulder, her breath hitching as his hand slid from her waist to rest on the small of her back. Sam's other hand held hers securely, a comforting presence reminding her of his lingering promise—there was no pressure here, only understanding and respect.

Sam turned them slowly, his steps measured with consideration and care. He could feel Mercedes' heartbeat against his chest, aligning perfectly with his own—an intimate dance all its own. This was new territory—both for him and her—and a mutual understanding was built in their shared vulnerability.

Mercedes felt an array of feelings—fear, courage, peace. She was scared of allowing herself to be vulnerable again, but at the same time, she also felt a sense of courage for taking the leap of faith. It was Sam's gentle reassurance and understanding that made her feel a little more at peace, a sensation she hadn't felt in a long time.

As they swayed to the music, Sam gently lifted her chin, nudging her to look up at him. His gaze was steady, his green eyes reflecting sincerity and commitment. He had said it before and he would say it again – he wasn't here to take advantage of her or hurt her.

"Mercedes," he whispered, his voice barely above the softly playing music. "Whenever you're ready... I'll be waiting for you."

Her breath caught in her throat at the sound of his seductive words. This was not the familiar Shawn she had known for years. This was Sam, whose touch and words sent shivers down her spine.

She closed her eyes, feeling the heat between them before meeting his intense gaze with a sly smile. "Been that long for you?" She teased.

He rolled his eyes, "Way to ruin the moment."

She couldn't stop her deep laugh. "Can you blame me?"

His hand tightened around hers, and he leaned down to rest his forehead against hers. "Not really."


As the soft crooning of the record player filled the silent room, Sam entwined his fingers with hers and took a step back - just enough to spin her gently before pulling her back into his arms. The free-spirited dance was a sweet release, an unspoken promise of what might come in their future. But they were content in that moment, lost to the world and their shared rhythm.

He spun Mercedes one last time before pulling her close again; this time, he held her even tighter than before. Sam glanced down at her, noting the sparkle in her eyes that wasn't there before. As though something had shifted within both of them, a certain weight lifted, replaced by an unspoken understanding that had settled comfortably between them.

Mercedes looked up at him, her brown eyes gleaming under the dim lighting. Small lines around her eyes crinkled as she smiled back at him, her heart filled with a unique sense of peace and contentment. "Thank you, Sam," she murmured, her voice just above a whisper, but he heard her loud and clear.

"Don't mention it, Mercedes," Sam replied gently. His gaze lingered on hers for a long moment before he slowly leaned down and pressed his lips against hers. He smiled when she kissed him back before they both deepened it.

Mercedes wrapped her arms around his neck while he held her tighter against his chest, their bodies swaying together in rhythm with the music. The world outside ceased to exist; it was only them, their breaths intermingling, and the slow tempo of their hearts echoing in sync.

Sam broke away from the kiss first, his breath slightly hitched as he rested his forehead against hers again. His eyes studied her face, memorizing every line and curve, every hint of emotion that played over her features. A warmth spread through him, a sensation so powerful that it left him breathless.

"What if tonight we just cuddle?" Mercedes couldn't help the flutter in her heart at his offer. "No strings, no nothing. I'll even sleep over the covers." He added with a light chuckle.

A breathless giggle escaped Mercedes at Sam's words, her heart pounding in pure affection and admiration for the man across from her. "You'd really do that?" She murmured, her gaze shining with an emotion she couldn't quite place - somewhere between relief and pure contentment.

Sam nodded firmly, his own expression never wavering as he held her closer. "Absolutely," he replied, his voice just above a whisper in the low hum of the record player. "Like I said before, Mercedes... no pressure."

The sincerity of his words, combined with the gentle comfort of his embrace, brought another wave of tears to Mercedes' eyes. He was not Shawn - he would never be Shawn - and for that, she was grateful. The old memories no longer held her captive; instead, they were replaced by new ones filled with respect and tenderness.

She smiled through her tears, reaching up to wipe them away as she nodded at him. "Thank you...Sam," she said again, her voice quivering with emotion. But this time, the thank you was different. This time, it was a sincere acknowledgment of the trust he'd earned, of the safety he'd made her feel.

Sam nodded, a slow knowing smile spreading across his face. He gently brushed away a tear that had escaped down her cheek before whispering back. "Always."

As the record came to an end and the room fell silent, Sam guided Mercedes towards his cozy couch. The warmth and intimacy of their shared moment continued as they settled in comfortably against each other. His strong arm held her close to him while she rested her head on his chest, listening to his steady heartbeat.

For once, Mercedes allowed herself to truly relax. She closed her eyes and let out a content sigh as Sam started to stroke her hair gently. A small smile played on her lips as she nestled closer into his chest, his familiar scent surrounding her. It was a simple moment, but to Mercedes, it felt like an eternity of peace she hadn't known in a long time.

Sam held her tighter, his thoughts slipping into the tranquility of their shared silence. He found comfort in their closeness, a kind of connection he had never felt before. The weight of the world seemed lighter, almost non-existent, when he was with Mercedes.

Mercedes was quiet for a long while before speaking again. "Sam?" she began softly, breaking the silence between them.

"Hmm?" he murmured in response, his hand still absentmindedly stroking her hair.

"You not that big of an asshole." She quipped and he laughed.

Looking down at her, he smiled. "Your ability to ruin an entire moment needs to be studied." He said before grabbing the throw off the back of the couch and placing it over her.


So yes our girl has some depth to her and now she can really ride the damn horse! Spolier- her daddy is going to cock block them.. well only a little lol! Until next time xoxo!