Hey guys, here's an update for you! I hope you enjoy it! I am sad this story is coming to a close, but I love it just the same.


Sam stood frozen in the center of the room, panic coursing through his veins as realization coursed through him. His breath hitched as he scanned the suite, trying to make sense of it. Trying to make sense that Mercedes was gone.

"She couldn't have gone far, right?" Dave said, stepping closer, his hand resting on Sam's shoulder.

But Sam didn't respond. His mind was racing. Just moments ago, they were on the cusp of the happiest day of their lives, and now—this. He clenched his fists, fighting the anger that threatened to consume him. He couldn't believe that Mercedes's mother had caused this much damage, not only today but for most of her life.

"She probably just needed space," Kurt said, trying to reassure Sam though his voice was tinged with worry. "Maybe she went to the beach or the garden. I'll go look."

"I'll help," Dave offered.

Sam nodded but barely registered their words. Where would she go?

Turning on his heel, Sam bolted towards the door, determined to find her. He could feel her pain as if it was his own. The agony of reliving the trauma her mother had thrown at her like a weapon, cutting deeper than any physical wound. She shouldn't be alone, he thought. He'd never forgive himself if something happened to her.

Sam dashed through the hallway, his heart pounding in his ears. He reached the lobby, scanning the faces of people walking by, but none of them were her.

"Sam!" Santana's voice called out behind him. "Wait!"

He paused for a moment, spinning around to face her. "Where could she have gone, San? She was so upset."

Santana placed her hand on his arm, squeezing gently. "Listen, she just needs time to breathe. Rachell's words cut deep, and Mercedes has always bottled that pain. You know she's strong, but this...this was a lot."

"I just—I don't want her thinking she's alone," Sam said, his voice cracking slightly. "She's been alone enough. It's time for her to realize that we are her family."

Santana's eyes softened. "She knows she's not. But right now, it's not about us swooping in to save her. She needs to find the strength that we all know she has."

Sam exhaled shakily, the weight of the moment pressing down on him. "I don't know if I can wait for her to be ready to talk. I need her to know I'm here. I need her to know I love her."

Santana smiled sadly. "I'll check the garden and the spa. You check the beach."

Sam nodded and took off towards the beach, running faster than he had in years. His heart told him that's where she would be. She loved the ocean; the first moment they arrived, her eyes widened in pure joy, so he prayed this was where she went.

The sun began to set, casting an orange glow across the waves as he reached the shoreline. For a moment, he thought he'd lost her again, but then, he spotted a figure sitting at the edge of the water, feet buried in the sand and hand on her stomach. He knew.

It was her.

Sam slowed his pace, quietly walking up behind her. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore filled the silence between them. He didn't speak, not yet. He just sat down beside her, close but not touching, waiting for her to be ready.

Mercedes's face was streaked with tears, her eyes red and puffy, but she looked out over the ocean with a quiet strength in her gaze. After a long pause, she finally spoke, her voice soft but steady.

"I didn't kill him, Sam. I wouldn't…I didn't."

Sam's heart clenched as he turned to her. "I know, baby. I know."

Her lower lip trembled, and she pressed her forehead against her knees, shaking her head. "Why can't she just let it go? Why does she hate me so much?"

Sam reached out, gently placing his hand on her back, his thumb rubbing slow circles of comfort. "Some people...they hold on to their pain because it's easier than letting it go. But that doesn't make any of what she said true. You did everything you could for your brother. You loved him. That's what matters."

Mercedes let out a shaky breath, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't want to ruin this, Sam. I don't want my past to take away our future. First, it was that whole mess with your parents, and now this… it's me, it has to be me."

He pulled her into his arms, cradling her close. "You're not ruining anything. You're the strongest woman I've ever known, and that's why I'm marrying you. You and our little girl are my future, Mercedes. Nothing will change that."

Mercedes leaned into his chest, feeling his steady heartbeat beneath her cheek. His warmth enveloped her, and she felt safe for the first time since the confrontation with her mother. Sam's love was like a lighthouse guiding her through the storm.

"I'm sorry," she whispered, her tears soaking into his shirt.

"You don't have to be sorry," Sam said softly, kissing the top of her head. "We'll get through this together."

After a moment of silence, Mercedes pulled back slightly, looking up at him with a small, tired smile. "I don't deserve you."

Sam chuckled, brushing a stray tear from her cheek. "You're right. You deserve better than me. But you're stuck with me now."

Mercedes laughed through her tears, and Sam's heart swelled. He wiped her face gently and kissed her forehead.

"Come on, let's go back," he said. "We've got a wedding tomorrow, and I need to see you walk down that aisle looking like the most beautiful woman in the world."

Mercedes nodded, her heart lighter. She stood, taking his hand. Together, they started walking back towards the hotel, side by side, ready to face whatever challenges came next.


Sam stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the gray tuxedo jacket over his broad shoulders, his hands smoothing out the fabric with calm precision. His reflection showed a man who had finally found peace. Beside him, his best friend Dave leaned against the dresser, offering a rare moment of quiet support. In contrast, Mike, the new friend he'd made along the way, fiddled with his tie, cracking a joke about how the wedding would go off without a hitch.

"You nervous?" Dave asked, his tone casual but laced with curiosity.

Sam met his friend's gaze in the mirror, a soft smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Not at all. I'm ready. Been ready since the day I met her."

Stevie, his younger brother, gave a low whistle as he adjusted his own tie. "Man, she's really changed you, huh? Can't believe my big bro is actually settling down."

Sam chuckled. "Yeah, well, she's the one. No doubt about it."

Dwight, who had been silently watching from the corner, finally stepped forward. His once imposing figure seemed to soften, and he smiled proudly at his son, glad that his past didn't hurt his oldest son. Glad they could overcome his relationship with Mercedes

He cleared his throat awkwardly, breaking the silence. "You know, Sam… I always hoped you'd find someone who could make you happy. Someone who'd stick by you."

Sam turned to face his father, the air between them thick with unspoken words. "She's amazing dad…"

"I know son, I know I can't take back what happened, but knowing that you understood, knowing that you and Mercedes overcame everything, I am proud of the man you are. Proud of the father you are about to be."

Sam smiled, standing in front of his father, on the brink of a new beginning, Sam felt something shift inside him. "I forgive you, Dad," Sam said, his voice quiet but firm. "For everything. I just want to move forward with Mercedes and all of you."

Dwight's eyes shimmered with unshed tears as he gave a slight nod, the tension between them easing in that moment of reconciliation.

Dave clapped a hand on Sam's shoulder, grinning. "Well, then let's get you married, man. She's probably waiting for you."

Sam turned back to the mirror one last time, his heart swelling at the thought of Mercedes. He was more than ready. In a few short moments, she would walk down the aisle, and he would take her hand in his, finally making her his wife.

"I can't wait to start my life with her," Sam said, his voice low with emotion. "She's everything to me."

Stevie smirked, Mike let out a low laugh, and even Dwight chuckled softly, the room filled with a sense of camaraderie. Today wasn't just the start of a marriage. It was the beginning of a new chapter for them all.


Mercedes stood in front of the full-length mirror, her fingers gently tracing the delicate lace details of her dress. The form-fitting white lace hugged her body perfectly, and the mermaid silhouette flared out dramatically at her knees, making her feel like she was walking in a dream.

Her hair cascaded down in elegant waves, styled just the way she liked as if the whole world had paused to marvel at this moment.

Santana stood behind her, adjusting the off-shoulder straps of the dress. "Girl, you are glowing. Seriously, look at you! You're about to marry your soulmate and never look better."

Mercedes smiled softly, a little laugh bubbling up. "I still can't believe this is happening. After everything… I'm just so ready to be with him."

Stacey approached from the side, holding Mercedes' veil, her voice gentle. "He's going to lose it when he sees you." She smiled, her eyes twinkling. "You're the best thing that's ever happened to him, you know?"

Mercedes' eyes glistened with unshed tears. She had been through so much—pain, heartbreak, moments where she didn't know if she could love again. But here she was, moments away from walking down the aisle to the man who made her feel whole, who made her believe in the future again.

As her fingers rested on her growing belly, she whispered to herself, "This is where I'm meant to be."

Kurt, holding a bouquet of deep purple flowers that matched the bridesmaids' dresses, beamed at her from the corner of the room. "And to think, all this started with a misunderstanding. You two are like magnets."

Mercedes laughed, her nerves calming a little with the presence of her closest friends. "He saved me from so much," she admitted, a soft vulnerability in her voice. "I didn't think I could feel this way, but with Sam… it's different. I'm excited for what's coming. I feel free."

Mary quietly approached Mercedes as they finished preparing her dress. Her steps were hesitant as if she carried a weight on her shoulders. For a moment, they locked eyes in the mirror, and Mercedes felt the heaviness between them, a remnant of the past tension.

Mary sighed, her voice barely above a whisper at first. "Mercedes, I owe you an apology. I know we've been doing well, but."

Mercedes shook her head, turning to Mary. "It's ok."

"No its not." She swallowed, gathering the courage to continue. "When Sam told me about you, I was so excited to hear that he found someone so wonderful. But finding out about everything that happened between you and Dwight, no matter how innocent it was, I was… angry. Hurt. I let my pride get in the way, and I am truly sorry."

"Mary, if this is about my family."

"Oh, sweet girl." Mary moved closer to her, taking Mercedes's hand in hers. "It's not. Though I am sorry you had to endure that hateful woman. But no, this isn't pity; I am proud to call you my daughter."

Mercedes let the tears fall as Tina walked over to them with tissues. "No crying, I know that's a lot to ask, but your makeup is flawless sweetie."

Mary nodded, her eyes softening with warmth. "I'll just finish this with you, are an incredible woman, Mercedes. The way you've fought through everything, the way you love my son… I've never seen him happier. You make him a better man, and for that, I'm so grateful. I'm proud of the woman you are, and I'm so happy Sam chose you."

Mercedes' breath hitched, and for the first time, she truly felt at peace. "Thank you," she whispered, more tears gathering in her eyes. "That means more than you know." Tina blotted Mercedes's eyes.

Santana wiped a tear from her own cheek, playfully rolling her eyes. "Great, now we're all crying before the wedding even starts."

Tina stepped forward, adjusting Mercedes' hair one last time. "You're not just ready for this, Mercedes. You're about to soar. And we're all here for you every step of the way."

As the room quieted, Mercedes took a deep breath, her hand resting on her belly again. The past was behind her now. What mattered was the future she was building with Sam, their family, and the love that had brought them here.

"We are ready, but first, baby girl, and I want to thank you all for standing by me. I love you guys."

Everyone smiled as Stacey handed her the bouquet, and Mercedes turned to face the mirror one last time. She was no longer the woman who had been hurt, abandoned, and uncertain. She was the woman who had risen from it all, ready to walk into her future.


Sam stood at the altar, his gray tuxedo sharp against the soft colors of the beach setting. As he glanced down the aisle, his breath caught in his throat. There she was—Mercedes. Walking toward him, her dress hugged her curves perfectly, the intricate lace designs shimmering in the soft sunlight. Her hair cascaded down her shoulders, and the way her gown trailed behind her made her look like a vision from his dreams.

His heart pounded as if he were seeing her for the first time. All over again, he fell in love. Every step she took brought her closer, and he felt his world centering on her. She smiled softly through her tears, one hand lovingly resting on her pregnant belly. Their child. Their future.

Mercedes blinked away the tears threatening to spill over, her gaze never leaving Sam. He was her rock and heart, and seeing him standing there, waiting, made the world disappear. It was just them, together. She couldn't help but cry as she placed her hand on her belly, feeling a deep sense of love and peace. This was her family.

Friends and family, a small gathering of those who mattered most, sat in quiet awe, watching the love radiate between them. The sound of waves lapping against the shore added a serene background, and the arch covered in purple and white flowers was picture-perfect, framing the two of them.

When it was time to speak their vows, Sam took a deep breath and looked into her eyes. "From the moment I met you, as unconventional as it was, I knew. It was instant. You saved me from settling for a life that wasn't meant for me. You showed me what true love is and what happiness feels like. You complete me, Mercedes. And so today, in front of the people who truly matter to us, I promise to always support you, to always love you, and to make sure you, baby girl, and our future children are happy, safe, and loved."

Mercedes squeezed his hands, her voice trembling slightly as she began. "You did the same for me, Sam. I thought I knew what love was until I met you. You opened my eyes to show me I was just settling for less. You showed me what it means to truly be seen, to be loved. You saved me from a life of mediocre happiness and showed me what I deserve, and I will forever be grateful for that. You complete me."

The vows felt like they were sealing not just their union but the lives they had already started building together. As Sam slipped the ring on her finger, his heart swelled, knowing they were meant for each other—two souls that had found home in one another. And with that, they kissed, sealing their bond forever.