enjoy!


Who in The Hell Told You To have dinner with Cowboys?

Mercedes stood in front of the mirror, her brush paused mid-stroke as she debated with herself. She had already decided that she wasn't going to dinner, but there she was dressed and fussing over her hair. But something inside her compelled her to go. Maybe it was the curiosity, the thrill of the unknown that tugged at her heartstrings. Whatever it was, Mercedes couldn't deny the allure of Sam's invitation.

With a sigh, she set the brush down and made her way to the door. As she stepped out into the cool evening air, a sense of trepidation washed over her. The path leading to Sam's house seemed longer than she remembered, shrouded in darkness and mystery.

"Sure follow the path in the dark alone, no reason to think he isn't gonna lock you away in a secret dungeon like Jeepers Creepers..." She said to herself .

But Mercedes pushed aside her irrational thoughts and continued on, determined to face her fears head-on. She couldn't let her imagination run wild and sabotage a potentially wonderful evening.

As she neared the house, soft lights illuminated the front porch, casting a warm glow onto the cobblestone path. The sound of soft music drifted through the air, dispelling any lingering doubts. Mercedes took a deep breath, steadying herself before stepping onto the porch.

Knocking, she let out a deep breath before the door swung open and she was greeted by Sam's towering figure.

"Happy you didn't make me come and get you." Sam said, nodding her inside. "Food's almost ready, we're eating on the back porch."

Mercedes rolled her eyes, moving inside with him behind her. "You clearly don't know how to host guests." She retorted, looking around, seeing the inside of his house was just as beautiful as the outside. She looked back waiting for him to lead her to the kitchen. "Well?"

Sam chuckled, his deep, melodic laughter filling the air. "Impatient, aren't we? Follow me," he said, gesturing for Mercedes to follow him through the elegant hallway lined with framed photographs.

As they entered the spacious, open kitchen, Mercedes was met with the aroma of savory spices and simmering sauces. The clinking of pots and pans harmonized with the soft background music that seemed to be coming from every corner of the house.

"I hope you like steak," Sam said, "The plates are up there, grab two please." He pointed to the cabinet above the sink.

Mercedes tilted her head slightly, a smug smile playing at her lips. "Oh, so you expect me to grab the plates myself now? I thought you had everything prepared," she remarked, her tone laced with playful sarcasm.

Sam raised an eyebrow, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Well, darling, if you can't handle a simple task like reaching for a plate, I'm afraid I might have overestimated your abilities," he teased, leaning casually against the kitchen counter.

Mercedes scoffed, unable to suppress her laughter. "You're ridiculous," she said, shaking her head as she maneuvered around the kitchen island towards the cabinet. She reached up, her fingers grazing against the cool surface of the plates as she grabbed two. "I swear, you're like a walking contradiction."

He chuckled, turning his attention back to the meal. "You're quite the vocabulary master," he joked. "While you're over there, can you grab glasses for the wine?"

Mercedes rolled her eyes, but couldn't help the smile that tugged at her lips. She grabbed two wine glasses and made her way to the back porch, where a small table was set up with two chairs overlooking a beautifully manicured garden.

Sam followed closely behind, carrying their plates of steak and sides. As they sat down, Mercedes couldn't help but take in the peaceful setting and feel grateful for this unexpected evening.

She peered down at the plate in front of her, and her fork hesitated mid-air. She could see chunks of meat and gravy smothered over rice, and a feeling of unease washed over her. "Did you slaughter Besse for this dish?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

Sam shrugged nonchalantly. "No, she's sick. It would've been bad meat." he said simply.

Mercedes raised an eyebrow, not entirely convinced. "Mhm... I don't think I'm hungry anymore."

He smirked. "It's your loss, I make a mean steak," he said as he poured her a glass of wine. "And don't worry, we wouldn't harm Besse; she's Stevie's beloved pet."

She picked at her plate, her stomach grumbling and mouth watering as the savory aroma of the food filled the air. She pointed her fork at him with a mischievous glint in her eye and threatened, "If I die from this meal, I'll haunt you forever."

Sam snorted."It's not like you haven't already had the meat here." He replied. "You do know that... right?"

Mercedes froze, her fork suspended in mid-air. A chill ran down her spine as Sam's words sank in. She glanced at him, her eyes wide with a mix of confusion and alarm. "What do you mean?" she asked cautiously, her voice barely above a whisper.

Sam leaned back in his chair, a hint of mischief dancing in his eyes. "Oh, come on now," he chuckled softly. "You're on a ranch... Why do you think it takes us all day to work?"

A sense of unease settled over Mercedes as she studied Sam's face, searching for any signs that he might be joking. But his expression remained inscrutable, making it impossible to discern the truth behind his words.

"Are you trying to scare me?" she asked, her voice tinged with a mixture of fear and annoyance.

Sam grinned, leaning forward and resting his elbows on the table. "Maybe just a little," he admitted, his eyes twinkling mischievously. "But in all seriousness, Mercedes, you have nothing to worry about. We don't eat our own livestock. That's just not how things work around here."

Mercedes let out a nervous laugh, though her unease still lingered. "Well, I suppose that's a relief," she said, attempting to brush off the unsettling thought that had momentarily consumed her. Sam watched her take her first bite, waiting for another snarky remark but was surprised when she groaned.

"Oh my god, this is incredible," Mercedes exclaimed, her eyes widening in delight. The flavors exploded in her mouth, the tender steak melting like butter on her tongue. Every bite was a symphony of flavors and textures, leaving her craving for more.

Sam grinned, clearly pleased with himself. "Told you I make a mean steak," he said, taking a bite of his own meal. "Glad to see that you're enjoying it."

Mercedes nodded enthusiastically, unable to tear herself away from the plate. It was as if all her worries and doubts had vanished with that first taste. She savored each morsel, savoring not only the food but also the newfound connection she was forming with Sam.

As she watched him pour more wine into her glass, she couldn't help but ask, "Is cooking your passion then? Other than torturing poor women you barely know for your own amusement." She added with a playful smirk.

But his expression turned serious as he sat up, looking out at the sky darkening with the approaching night. "You'll never understand," he said with a sigh. "This land, our ranch, it's all we have left. It's been my entire life and it was taken away from me in just a few short hours." His voice cracked with emotion, and she could see the pain etched on his face as he spoke about their lost home.

As she looked into his stormy green eyes, she finally understood the reason behind his cold and distant behavior. It didn't excuse his actions, but now she saw the pain and resentment that he had been carrying for two long years. "So me buying this place and then being sent here to work after two years kinda threw a wrench in things..."

His voice cracked as he spoke, and she could see the hurt in his eyes. "It's not that cut and dry," he continued. "We were stuck in limbo for two years, working this ranch while waiting for whoever bought it to kick us out. And then you showed up..." Her heart ached as she realized the weight of her arrival on his already burdened shoulders.

The words tumbled out of her mouth, hesitant and unsure. "I doubt it would mean much but I only bought it to impress my dad..." She admitted, her voice trailing off as she remembered the disappointment on his face. "He wasn't impressed, which is why I'm here."

Sam shook his head in disbelief, a bitter laugh escaping his lips. He couldn't believe her thoughtlessness. "Again, you will never understand it. You bought a piece of land that you thought would impress your father without even considering the consequences for the people who live there. Do you hear yourself? Throwing away millions like it's nothing for land hundreds of miles away... We don't have an endless bank account. I've worked since I was seven. When was the last time you sacrificed anything for anyone else?" His voice was laced with frustration and anger, the years of hard work and sacrifice evident in every word.

Mercedes felt a pang of guilt as she listened to Sam's words. She had never considered the impact her impulsive decision would have on the people who called this ranch their home. It was a stark reminder of her privilege, and she realized how selfishly she had approached the situation.

"I'm sorry, Sam," she said softly, her voice filled with sincerity. "I didn't realize the significance of what I was doing. I never meant to cause you any pain or hardship."

He sighed heavily, his anger momentarily subsiding. "Maybe you didn't mean to, but that doesn't change the fact that you did," he replied, his voice tinged with sadness. "This place is everything to me and my family. Losing it would mean losing our livelihoods, our history."

"Sam, I understand that I made a mistake, and I am truly sorry," Mercedes pleaded, her voice tinged with desperation. "Is there anything I can do to make it right?"

Sam looked at her for a moment, his gaze softening. "I don't know if there's anything that can be done now, Mercedes," he said, his voice filled with resignation. "But maybe...maybe we can find a way to coexist while you're still here."

Mercedes felt a glimmer of hope ignite within her chest. "Okay but you have to apologize... you knew that beast was going to attack." she said. "I want to make amends and find a way for both of us to be happy here."

Sam's face tensed with thought before he slowly nodded. "Okay, I apologize for putting you in that situation. But it was part of your training; eventually, you were bound to encounter Besse."

She sat up and shook her head. "That's not how apologies work. You either feel remorseful or you don't." She challenged, playfully. "Besides, I had only been here for a day and you tried to kill me so I feel like asking for a real apology is light work."

Sam's lips curled into a sheepish smile as he looked down at his plate. "You're right," he admitted, his voice tinged with humility. "I should have known better than to put you in danger like that. I apologize, Mercedes. I truly am sorry for the scare I caused you."

Mercedes felt a flicker of satisfaction at his apology, but her heart still yearned for something more sincere. She reached across the table, gently placing her hand on top of his. "Thank you for saying that, Sam," she said softly. "It means a lot to me."

Their eyes locked, and in that moment, Mercedes saw the vulnerability behind Sam's tough exterior. She realized that beneath his stubbornness and anger, there was a wounded soul longing for understanding and forgiveness.

"I will show you the proper way to do everything and I will do it... more nicely. Deal?" Sam said and she nodded thinking things over.

Mercedes paused, contemplating Sam's offer. She could sense the sincerity in his voice, see the determination in his eyes. Perhaps, just perhaps, there was a chance for them to find common ground and coexist peacefully on the ranch.

"Deal," she finally replied, a small smile tugging at her lips. "But on one condition."

Sam raised an eyebrow, curiosity gleaming in his gaze. "What's the condition?" he asked cautiously.

Mercedes leaned forward, her voice laced with determination. "I want to learn about this place, Sam. I want to understand its history, its significance to you and your family. I want to immerse myself in its culture and truly appreciate what it means to the people who call it home."

A flicker of surprise crossed Sam's face before he nodded slowly. "Alright," he said, his tone softer than before. "I'll teach you everything. From tending to the animals, working the land, to understanding the stories and traditions that have been passed down through generations. But it won't be easy, Mercedes. It'll take time, effort, and a genuine willingness to learn."

Mercedes nodded, her eyes filled with determination. "I'm willing to do whatever it takes, Sam. I want to make amends for my ignorance and prove that I can be a part of this community."

Sam's gaze softened as he reached across the table, gently squeezing her hand. "I believe you," he said quietly. "Let's start tomorrow. I'll show you the ropes, introduce you to the animals, and teach you about our way of life."

As they finished their meal, Mercedes couldn't help but feel a new sense of hope blooming within her. She knew it wouldn't be easy to gain the trust and acceptance of everyone on the ranch, but she was willing to put in the work.


Early in the morning, as the sun peeked over the horizon, Mercedes stood by Sam's side in front of the old red barn, ready to embark on her journey of redemption. Following their dinner, they had to wait another week for Mercedes to be cleared by Santana before she could get back working. She took a deep breath, inhaling the crisp country air, as Sam handed her a worn-out pair of leather gloves.

"First things first," Sam said, his voice steady and calm. "We start with the horses. They're the heart and soul of this ranch. You need to understand their language, their needs."

Mercedes slipped on the gloves, feeling the weight of responsibility settle on her shoulders. She observed Sam as he approached a majestic brown horse named Thunder. The animal snorted and flicked its tail in response, eyeing Mercedes warily.

"Remember, Mercedes," Sam said, glancing at her. "Approach with respect and trust. Horses can sense fear."

Taking a cautious step forward, Mercedes mimicked Sam's gentle movements, keeping her energy calm and centered. She extended her hand towards Thunder's nose, allowing him to sniff it before offering a soft stroke along his muzzle. To her surprise, the horse responded with a nudge of its head against her palm, a sign of acceptance.

A smile tugged at Mercedes' lips as she continued to interact with Thunder, gradually gaining his trust. The tension that once filled the air began to dissipate, replaced by a newfound connection between Mercedes and the horse.

Sam watched in awe as Mercedes effortlessly connected with Thunder. He had underestimated her ability to adapt and empathize with the animals on the ranch. Perhaps there was more to her than he initially thought.

After spending some time on the ground with Thunder, Sam decided it was time for the next step. He lifted a worn chestnut saddle from the tack room, its leather cracked and faded with time. He spoke softly to Mercedes, explaining each part of the saddle and bridle as he moved with practiced ease to prepare the horse for riding. Mercedes watched in rapt attention, her eyes following his movements like a hawk.

"Now," Sam said once he had finished, "it's time to mount." He turned towards Mercedes, offering her his hand. "Think you're ready?"

"I think so," she answered, uncertainty flickering in her gaze. However, she didn't hesitate to take his hand and allowed him to guide her closer to Thunder.

Sam wrapped an arm around her waist as he directed Mercedes onto the horse. The motion was smooth but nonetheless caused a flutter in her stomach that wasn't entirely due to nerves. His strong grip, warm against her back, was a silent reassurance that he wouldn't let her fall.

A smattering of freckles stood out against Sam's sun-weathered skin as he looked up at Mercedes atop Thunder. His eyes locked onto hers for a brief moment that felt like an eternity, leaving them in a bubble where only they existed.

The spell was broken by the sound of laughter echoing through the ranch. Turning around, Sam and Mercedes saw Stevie and DJ making their way towards them. The two boys were like little hurricanes - full of energy and always ready to stir up chaos wherever they went.

"Hey! What are you doing up there?" DJ shouted with a grin on his face as he pointed at Mercedes.

"Well, DJ," Mercedes responded with a newfound confidence, "I'm learning how to ride Thunder."

The boys' eyes widened in surprise, the revelation momentarily silencing them. It wasn't every day they saw a newcomer mount Thunder. Sam only allowed those he truly trusted to ride the majestic brown horse.

"Wow," Stevie finally managed to utter, his voice filled with disbelief and admiration as he looked up at Mercedes.

DJ simply nodded in agreement, his eyes reflecting a newfound respect for Mercedes. "Can we watch?" he asked, glancing between Sam and Mercedes.

Sam nodded, a small smile tugging on his lips as he watched Mercedes atop Thunder. "Sure, but stand back," he instructed, nodding towards a spot a safe distance away.

Turning back towards Mercedes, Sam walked over to her side, placing a hand on Thunder's flank. "Relax," he said softly, his voice barely more than a whisper yet enough to calm her nerves. "You control the horse with your body language- your posture, your movements- but most importantly, your energy."

He gave her hand an encouraging squeeze before stepping back. "Okay," he said, "let's see what you've got."

With everyone watching her intently- Sam, Stevie, DJ and even Thunder- Mercedes took a deep breath and allowed herself to feel connected with the horse beneath her. It was like dancing - moving in sync with another being, understanding each other without words.

Taking Sam's instruction to heart, she sat upright and nudged Thunder gently with her heels, signaling him to move forward.


Dwight watched Sam and Mercedes and let out a heavy sigh, smiling as he turned and walked back to the main house to talk to Mary. Mary was hard at work with Stacey, poring over the accounts. Dwight could see the furrow in her brow and knew she could use some help. As always, he was happy to lend a hand and walked over to join them, ready to tackle any challenge that lay ahead.

Dwight cleared his throat, catching Mary's attention. She looked up from the papers spread out before her and smiled warmly at him. Stacey, their teenage daughter, greeted him with a nod before returning her focus to the calculations in front of her.

"Need a hand?" Dwight asked, pulling up a chair next to Mary.

Mary sighed in relief, pushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "Yes, please," she replied gratefully. "These numbers have been giving me a headache all morning."

Dwight chuckled softly, his eyes filled with affection for his hardworking wife. Together, they began to pore over the accounts, analyzing every detail and strategizing the best way forward for the ranch.

"How much do we have left from what Mr. Jones gave us?" She asked and he sighed.

"Not much, after paying back a few lenders, getting some new equipment and paying the staff... it got us out of the black but just barely." Dwight answered. Mary's brows furrowed in concern as she glanced at the figures. The financial state of the ranch weighed heavily on her mind, and she knew they needed to come up with a plan to ensure their survival. They couldn't afford any more setbacks or unforeseen expenses.

"Maybe we could explore some alternative revenue streams," Stacey suggested, her voice tinged with optimism. "Like offering riding lessons or hosting small events on the ranch. People are always looking for unique experiences."

Dwight and Mary exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with cautious hope. Stacey's suggestion held promise, but they would need to carefully consider the logistics and feasibility of such endeavors.

"That's a great idea, sweetheart," Mary said, placing a hand on Stacey's shoulder. "We'll definitely explore those options. But in the meantime, we need to focus on getting the most out of our current resources."

Dwight nodded in agreement, his mind brimming with possibilities. "We could look into partnering with local artisans and farmers, showcasing their products at our ranch. It would not only provide them with a platform to promote their goods but also attract visitors who are interested in supporting local businesses."

Mary's eyes gleamed with excitement as she leaned forward, her voice filled with determination. "And what if we organize workshops and classes for people to learn traditional skills like knitting, pottery, or even beekeeping? It would not only bring in additional revenue but also preserve the rich cultural heritage of our community."

Stacey nodded eagerly, her mind spinning with ideas. "We could also collaborate with nearby schools and universities, offering educational programs on sustainable farming and the importance of preserving natural habitats. This way, we can raise awareness among the younger generation about the significance of rural communities like ours."

Dwight watched his family brainstorm, his heart swelling with pride. They had faced countless challenges together, but their unwavering spirit and determination had always carried them through. He knew that with their combined efforts, they could find a way to not only keep the ranch afloat but also create a thriving community that celebrated its history and embraced sustainable practices. The passion and creativity in their ideas filled him with renewed hope for the future.


"Am I doing this right?" Mercedes asked, looking over at Sam and she trotted with Thunder.

Sam watched Mercedes with a critical eye, then nodded approvingly. "You're doing just fine, Mercedes," he shouted, his voice strong and encouraging. "Remember to keep your back straight and move as one with Thunder."

Mercedes did as instructed, surprise flooding her features as she felt Thunder's movements fall into sync with hers. It was a subtle shift, but it made all the difference. She felt as though she was flying; a majestic bird soaring high above the plains.

Meanwhile, DJ and Stevie cheered from the sidelines, their hands clapping together energetically in applause. Their excitement was infectious, spreading fast and causing everyone around them to share in their joy too.

"Come on, Sam, take her down the trail!" DJ egged on. "Remember how you taught me?"

Stevie chimed in. "And it'll be a nice gesture after what happened with Besse."

Sam frowned. "I already apologized and she forgave me. It's all good now."

Stevie smirked mischievously. "But you can't erase nearly getting someone maimed with just an apology. Especially one of yours." His brothers shared a laugh and shrugged as Sam shot them a look.

"Aren't you guys supposed to be helping Jack?"Sam asked them

DJ straightened up at the mention of their older brother. "He's, uh... he's hanging out with the Carmichaels."

Sam's brows furrowed and he glanced back at Mercedes with a tinge of regret. "I can't believe it's that time again already," he muttered.

Stevie shifted. "Yeah... come on DJ, let's go finish up. Bro, don't miss the opportunity to go horseback riding with a beautiful girl," he teased.

Sam chuckled, his head shaking in amusement as he approached Ginger. With gentle hands, he carefully placed a worn saddle atop her back, the leather creaking slightly under his touch. Ginger's coat glistened in the sunlight, her muscles rippling beneath it with each step she took. Sam smiled, knowing that she was ready for their journey ahead.

He guided Ginger over to where Mercedes was trotting, gently grabbing Thunder's reigns. "Come on, let's see your skills on a trail."

Mercedes masked her nervousness with an excited grin, pulling Thunder to a stop alongside Ginger. She glanced hesitantly at Sam, who gave her an encouraging nod. He was an experienced horseman who had grown up on these plains, a comfort that helped to calm her racing heart.

Mercedes' eyes sparkled with excitement, her grip on the reins tightening slightly. "A trail ride? I've never done anything like that before."

Sam flashed her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry. Thunder and Ginger know the trails like the back of their hooves. Just follow my lead and you'll be fine."

Mercedes nodded, a hint of nervous anticipation in her eyes. She gave Thunder a gentle nudge and he moved off after Ginger, following them down the well-trodden path towards the woods at the edge of the ranch.

As they ventured deeper into the forest, Mercedes became more comfortable in her saddle. The rhythm of the horse's gait soothed her nerves and she allowed herself to take in the breathtaking beauty that surrounded them.

The sunlight filtering through the leaves created an enchanting play of light and shadow around them, casting a magical glow over everything. The rustling leaves were like whispers in the wind, a serenade from nature itself. The sweet scent of pine filled her lungs as they trotted along, their hooves crunching softly on the path blanketed with fallen leaves.

"This is beautiful," Mercedes murmured, her eyes wide with wonder.

Sam smiled at her, his heart swelling with pride for his beloved ranch. "Wait till we get to the overlook," he said, his voice laced with anticipation. "The view from there is something else."

As they rode on, the climb became steeper and the trees began to thin out, revealing the sky stained with hues of a setting sun. Mercedes felt the cool evening breeze brush against her face, carrying on it the faint scent of wildflowers blooming in the meadows below.

Rounding a bend, they emerged at the clearing Sam had spoken of. The sight that greeted them was nothing short of spectacular: a vast expanse of undulating countryside bathed in soft golden light, its gentle hills rolling away into the distance till they met the horizon.

Far below, their ranch looked tiny and idyllic, nestled in between verdant pastures dotted with grazing cattle. A stream snaked its way through the landscape, reflecting the dusky sky like a shimmering ribbon of silk. Mercedes couldn't help but gasp at the breathtaking vista laid before her.

"I told you it was worth it," said Sam, his gaze not on the view but on her awestruck expression, a soft smile playing on his lips.

Mercedes turned to him, her eyes mirroring the brilliance of the panorama before them. "This is... incredible, Sam. I mean... It's like something out of a painting."

He chuckled lightly at her comment, a gleam of amusement dancing in his eyes. "A painting, huh? I never heard it put that way before. But I suppose you're right. Mother Nature is the finest artist there is."

"Could we sit here for a while?" Mercedes asked timidly, her gaze still fixed on the horizon.

Sam nodded and leapt off Ginger, tying her reins to a sturdy branch nearby. "Of course. The sunset is especially beautiful from up here." He extended a hand to help Mercedes dismount Thunder, his touch steady and warm against hers.

Wordlessly, they settled on a rock outcrop overlooking the view. The evening sun washed the world in hues of gold and vermillion, the soft glow bathing their faces. They sat in comfortable silence, the only sounds being the distant lowing of cattle and the gentle rustle of leaves.

Mercedes broke the silence, turning to Sam with concern. "I don't want to intrude, but I couldn't help overhearing you and Jack talking earlier. Is everything okay?"

Sam let out a heavy sigh and rested his elbows on the table. "No, not really. About two years ago, Jack was engaged. They were driving home during a storm and something went wrong." He paused before continuing, "Their truck started sputtering and swerving, and before they could regain control, it flipped over."

Mercedes' eyes widened, her hand instinctively covering her mouth. She could feel a heavy knot forming in her stomach, dreading the conclusion to his story.

"The car hit a ditch and rolled down an embankment," Sam continued, his voice barely more than a whisper now. "Jack was thrown clear. He had a few broken bones, but... but he survived."

Mercedes found herself holding her breath as she waited for him to go on. The sounds of the ranch and the rustle of the wind through the trees had receded into a distant hum. All she could hear was the steady rhythm of his voice, each word hitting her like a physical blow.

"She didn't." His voice cracked on the final word as he let out a shaky breath, closing his eyes. His hands were clenched tightly in his lap, knuckles white under the strain.

"I'm so sorry," Mercedes murmured quietly, her heart aching for him and his family. She reached over and laid her hand gently on top of his clenched fists, hoping to offer some small measure of comfort.

Dozens of emotions flickered across Sam's face before he finally looked up at her. His eyes were red-rimmed and teary, but there was a certain determination in them that Mercedes couldn't help but admire.

"Thank you, Mercedes," he said, his voice still shaking slightly. He gripped her hand tightly, the warmth of her touch a small comfort in the face of the painful memories. "It wasn't easy... for any of us. Jack took it the hardest. He was... he was so in love with her."

Mercedes' heart ached at the raw pain evident in his voice. She couldn't even begin to imagine what it must have felt like for Jack to lose his fiancee in such a tragic way.

"Time heals all wounds, they say... but some wounds run too deep," Sam continued, his gaze fixed on their entwined hands. "Jack... he still hasn't fully healed."

A heavy silence descended upon them as they both lost themselves in their thoughts. The sunset was beginning to fade now, the sky slowly turning from bright orange to a soft lilac hue, painting a beautiful but somber backdrop to their conversation.

"You know... when my mom died," Mercedes started, her voice barely above a whisper as she tried to push down her own raw emotions, "I heard my dad stayed in her hospital room for a week."

Sam turned his head to look at her, curiosity mixed with sympathy in his gaze. "Why?"

She swallowed hard, fighting back tears threatening to spill over. "My grandma said it's because even though it was a hospital, it smelled like her."

A sad smile tugged at Sam's lips as he understood what she meant. "Yeah... I remember Jack saying something similar about Hayley's house after she passed away." He paused for a moment before adding, "I think sometimes we hold onto whatever reminders we have left of our loved ones just so we can feel close to them again."

Mercedes nodded and squeezed Sam's hand gently. "That's the thing about grief, isn't it?" she mused. "It never truly goes away. We just learn... to live with it."

Silence resumed its rule over them, their shared understanding threading an invisible bond between them. They sat there, lost in their thoughts, the past and its ghosts looming over them like a sad melody.

Sam finally broke the silence. "But you know what? Despite all that happened, Jack has grown so much." His voice held a note of pride that warmed Mercedes' heart. "He's been trying to find happiness again, and I think... I think he will."

"And what about you?" She questioned.

Sam blinked, caught off guard by her question. His gaze shifted away from the horizon, landing on her. "Me?" he echoed, a hint of surprise coloring his voice.

Mercedes nodded, her eyes searching his face. "You've spoken so much about Jack... but what about you, Sam? Have you found your happiness?"

A soft laugh escaped him, more a sigh than genuine amusement. He looked back out at the rolling hills, now bathed in the soft glow of twilight. "Happiness..." he mused aloud, rubbing his thumb over the back of her hand still clasped in his. "That's a big word."

She watched him silently, letting him gather his thoughts. The air around them was thick with emotions - their shared grief and understanding creating an invisible bond.

"I guess happiness is different for everyone," He finally said, a wistful note in his voice. "For some it might be a loved one, for others it could be a place... or even a moment." He shrugged slightly as he glanced back at her. "I think... I think I find my happiness in moments."

"Like this one?" Mercedes asked softly, her voice barely more than a whisper carried away by the cool evening breeze.

Sam's gaze softened as he looked at her, a gentle smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Yes," he replied, his voice low and sincere. "Like this one."

They sat in silence for a moment, absorbing the beauty of the fading day. Their shared connection, deepened by the veils of grief they'd both known, was a comfort neither had anticipated. It was not a grand, boisterous happiness that some might seek, but within it held a peaceful contentment that resonated with them both.

Mercedes shifted slightly closer to him, their shoulders brushing. The gesture was small but it held a universe of meaning; an affirmation of their understanding, a quiet promise of support. "I'm glad I'm here," she said, her voice catching slightly with emotion.

"Is that so?"

She nodded, her expression serious. "I was furious with my dad for making me do this. It's funny how if it had been my sister buying it, he would've praised her for being smart. But because it was me and I forgot about it, he thinks I made an impulsive decision." She let out a deep breath. "The most ironic part is that my investment portfolio is far superior to Marie's, but he will never know."

Sam's eyebrows shot up in surprise as he looked at her. "So you aren't the typical rich girl, then?"

A sly smirk curled on her lips. "I may have scored a 1520 on my SAT's and graduated top of my class, but I haven't been afforded the same recognition as my sister. Our wealthy background may paint a certain picture, but I am not just some shallow, spoiled heiress. My father sees me as vapid and a waste of my intelligence, but all I want is to impress him."

"Damn..." Sam muttered, his admiration for her growing. "Well, now is your chance to do just that. Prove to your father that you are willing to put in the hard work and make something of yourself. And don't worry, I'll write you a glowing recommendation." He nudged her playfully on the shoulder.

She chuckled. "You know, compared to our first encounter, you're not all that terrible."

Sam laughed, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Well, I guess I'll take that as a compliment." He said, checking his watch. "Come on we should head back." He said standing and extended a strong hand towards her. Mercedes couldn't help but smile as she gladly took his hand, feeling the warmth and strength of his grip. With Sam's assistance, Mercedes mounted onto the horse's back before he smoothly climbed onto Ginger himself before leading them back to the ranch for some lunch.


Entering the house, Mercedes was greeted by Mary's warm smile and Dwight's reassuring presence. Stacey, still brimming with enthusiasm, joined them at the kitchen table, eager to contribute her own ideas to the mix.

"I've been thinking," Stacey said. "How about you come out with me and Santana? We can show you around and help you see our little town. There's a bar not far from here... wanna go?"

Mercedes nodded excitedly. "A reason to get dressed up? Hell yes, what time and I'm there!"

Stacey chuckled, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Alright then, let's say around seven? Santana and I will swing by to pick you up."

Mercedes beamed at the thought of exploring the town with her newfound friends. She was eager to immerse herself in the country life and see what they had to offer.


Next chapter will be SAMCEDES filled!