!!! IMPORTANT MESSAGE AT THE END !!!

| March 26 | Monday Morning|

~ Sam's POV ~

The jolting of the plane made my heart shake with fear. I had never flown before, and as of now we were off to a literally shaky start. My hand found Megan's instinctively and gripped it.

"Babe, it's okay. We're just taking off," she comforted.

"I know." My eyes closed. "I just don't like flying."

"You've never even flown before," Blair stated.

I turned around. "And you've never been eaten by a clown, but you're still afraid of them, aren't you?"

"That's different!"

Tony and Megan found the exchange humorous, but my anxiety was sky high.

After about five minutes, the plane seemed to level out, allowing my heart rate to decrease. Luckily, Shawn had gotten us a nonstop flight, knowing that the less change I had, the better. I would thank him later.

"Are you alright?" Megan asked.

"Yeah," I answered.

She smirked. "You're kinda cute when you're scared."

"You find my pain cute?"

"Just a little."

"That's a bit sadistic."

Instead of saying anything, Megan just gave me a mischievous smirk. I found my brain distracted from the plane ride only for a moment.

"You think Charlie is gonna be okay?" I wondered.

"She'll be fine." Megan adjusted in her seat. "She's in good hands at The Kennel. Plus, she'll be around other dogs."

I knew Charlie would be fine. I was just trying to distract myself with conversation, which Megan must've picked up on.

"Have you talked to Mariah since...?"

"No," I answered. "And apparently she didn't try picking up Sara's shift the next day either, which means she'll probably get kicked out of wherever she was living."

Megan fell silent.

"I couldn't let her work like that," I claimed.

"No. You couldn't."

"I mean, I know that I'm her friend but... my job is important. She would've done more harm than good anyway..."

I was trying to find reason, but it didn't matter. I knew I had done the right thing when it comes to work policy, but things got blurry when you took everything into consideration.

Mariah and I were cool, and I knew she was going through some things. She messed up, which was why I didn't fire her. I could've done a lot worse. I'm sure Danna would've.

"You did the right thing, Sam," Megan finished. "Sometimes you'll have to be a manager before a friend. It's your job."

Her words comforted me, but I still couldn't help but feel bad for Mariah. I had been where she is now, and its not easy. You feel alone, isolated, and in need of an escape.

"Hey," Megan interrupted my thoughts. "We're on vacation. No more thinking about that until we get home, alright?"

I nodded, knowing that Jinx and Mariah would be fine without me there. Danna had eagerly agreed to cover my few shifts in order for me to go and see my brother, so there was nothing to worry about.

And so, I would try my best.

* * *

We touched down and found our baggage quickly. Shawn was waiting for us at the pickup area with an SUV, all smiles and a little bit of a tan.

The first thing I did was embrace him.

His strong arms wrapped around me and healed a small part that had cracked the day he left. My brother and I had our differences, but we were always close no matter what. Him moving didn't change that.

"You suck for moving so far away," I mumbled into his chest.

His arms tightened around me. "I know."

I pulled away for everyone else to greet him with hugs, watching him move to Megan next.

"How's school?" he asked.

"Almost over."

They both laughed within the embrace.

Blair and Tony greeted him and then we all climbed into the car.

"So, is this a rental?" I asked, referring to the car.

"No, it's my boss's," Shawn informed. "It stays here for when he comes to Tampa."

"This guy must be loaded."

"Yeah. You guys are gonna freak when you see this house," he said.

The drive wasn't far. Maybe ten minutes, and then we were pulling down a lengthy brick driveway. Shawn wasn't kidding when he said we would freak.

"Holy shit," Blair whispered from the backseat.

"Holy shit indeed," I agreed.

The house had a post-modern exterior. White, square and rectangular walls reflected the sunlight and complimented the red brick driveway. Shrubs and plants also gave it some color. How much did this guy make?

"The inside is even better," Shawn said as he climbed out of the borrowed car.

We grabbed our bags and followed him inside. The interior matched the outside, sleek and symmetrical furniture caught my eyes. It had the most beautiful chandelier hanging above the walkway, and the natural light made the house glow. The far wall was lined with windows, allowing us to see that there was, in fact, a pool. I shouldn't have expected any less.

"There isn't a bad room either," Shawn claimed. "Why don't you guys put your stuff up and we grab some dinner?"

"Sounds good to me," I answered, taking Megan's hand and leading her up the stairs. Blair and Tony followed behind.

When we made it to the bedrooms, Blair and I peered inside the first room.

"Is that a-?"

"Balcony," I finished. "We call dibs!"

"Bull! I saw it first!"

Then Blair and I proceeded to attempt to shove the other out of the room. Inevitably, I won.

"Finders keepers!" I teased.

Blair just rolled her eyes and stomped down the hall with Tony laughing at her side.

"I'm dating a child," Megan mumbled.

I looked at her. "I thought you knew this?"

She laughed as we both placed our bags on the bed. Then, we faced each other.

"Are you happy?" I asked.

"Yes. I needed to get away..." She stepped closer and ran her fingers through my hair. "We needed to get away."

"Definitely."

Then her lips were pressed against mine. A fire ignited deep within, and I fell into her kiss. There were some things that never changed, and this was it. The need for her. And now that we were hundreds of miles away from Columbia, we could finally relax and just enjoy each other's company.

We pulled apart.

"We should go back downstairs..." Megan suggested.

I pulled her closer. "Fine. But when we get home, you're all mine."

Her cheeks turned a light red. "Deal."

* * *

"So, yeah, I think I'm gonna marry her."

I just stared at my brother from across the pool. He was really drunk and talking about Casey, his girlfriend, and I could tell he was really happy with her. It was nice to see Shawn focus on something other than work for once.

"Yeah? When's the wedding?" I teased.

"I think I'm gonna propose to her soon," he slurred.

"Well y'all have been together long enough," Megan included.

Then we locked eyes. Was she trying to tell me something? Oh, she was definitely trying to tell me something...

"Yeah, well, I think I'm gonna head to bed." He lifted himself out of the pool. "Some of us have to actually work on this vacation."

I laughed as I watched my brother wrap a towel around his waist and stumble into the house. Blair and Tony were already asleep upstairs, which left me and Megan alone in the pool.

We locked eyes again.

"So..." I swam over to her. "Were you trying to tell me something with that look earlier?"

"What look?" she played dumb.

I smirked. "You know what look, Megan Jeanne."

She blushed. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

One of my hands found her waist under the water, which pleasantly surprised her as she jumped and smiled in reaction. The other trapped her between me and the pool wall. I stood eye level with her and tilted my head, studying her with an intense look.

"You deserve the world," I claimed. "And I'm gonna try my best to give it to you."

So, I was a little drunk as well, but it didn't make what I was saying any less true. I loved Megan with everything fiber in my being. There was no one I wanted besides her.

"But I don't need the world, Sam," she confessed. "I just want you. Forever."

Her hand fell on my cheek as I rested my face in her palm, enjoying the affection. I still had no idea what I had done to deserve someone like her.

"Marriage is a huge commitment."

"It is."

"And it's scary, and governmental, and so..." My voice trailed off.

"It's a celebration with our friends and family," she continued. "It's a day where we get to show everyone how much we love each other. It's a day we'll remember for the rest of our lives..."

I knew this. I knew all of it, so why did it still scare the hell out of me? Shouldn't I be jumping at every opportunity to marry Megan and make her mine forever? I knew that's what I wanted, but I also knew I didn't need marriage to obtain it. Maybe that's why it wasn't a huge deal to me.

Instead of talking anymore on the subject, I moved in. Skin pressed against skin as the sound of water moved around us. Megan gasped at the sensation.

My hands gripped her waist as I wedged myself between her thighs. Her hands traveled into my damp waves and we connected in a kiss. Our tongues danced while my hands roamed, and the adrenaline soared through me.

She tried to pull back. "I know what you're doing."

"What's that?" I whispered against her lips.

"You're trying to distract me..." She sighed as I kissed her neck. "Because you don't want to talk about this."

"That's not true."

"Sam."

I lifted her up, forcing her legs to wrap around my hips so she wouldn't fall under. I gently pressed her back against the wall of the pool.

"Can't I just show you how much I love you?" I whined. "We're on vacation. We're alone..."

I felt Megan's body relax as I finished my sentence. She knew I was right. I wasn't trying to avoid anything. Or, maybe I was. But she wanted me, and this conversation could wait till later.

We made out for a few more minutes. My hands gripped her thighs and enjoyed the feeling of her skin while her hands played in my hair. Then, finally, she couldn't take it anymore.

"Let's go upstairs," she suggested.

"What? No pool sex?" I teased.

She just laughed as I followed her into the house and up the staircase. We dried as much as we could, removed our swim suits, and climbed into bed.

My lips practically attacked Megan's neck as her legs squeezed my hips. I didn't know why, but I wanted her extra bad tonight. I blamed it on the fact that I was finally away from all the drama in Columbia and, of course, the alcohol in my system. We weren't worried about work or school and I could finally enjoy my girlfriend without any interruptions.

One of my hands found her arousal and I moaned into her mouth. The thought of Megan wanting me just as bad as I wanted her never failed to get to me. I loved it. I craved it.

Our chests were pressed together, allowing me to feel her breathing shallow. Her neck tilted back at the sensations, allowing me to run my lips along her jaw. I tangled one hand in her dark waves while the other continued to tease. Her thighs tried to close but my hips prevented that.

I smiled into a kiss as her body language became needy. Her hands tangled themselves in my hair, letting me know she was about to lose it if I didn't give in to her.

My lips traveled down her neck and over her breasts, refusing to neglect any part of her. I wanted her to feel how much I loved her and let her know that, even if it wasn't now, I still wanted her forever. And if that meant marriage, then fine.

"Sam..." she moaned. "Please..."

I moaned against her chest at the plea. God, could she get any hotter?

My teasing came to a halt as I moved quickly down her flat stomach and over her hip bones. My arms wrapped around her thighs as I paused just enough to get her worked up. Then her hands found my head, guiding me where she wanted me. I couldn't help but smile up at her.

Her eyes locked with mine. They were clouded with lust. I dipped my head and tasted her, watching her crystal eyes roll into the back of her head. The sight made my stomach clench in pleasure.

"God..." she whispered.

I could tell she was already close, and I had just started, which made me want to hold out even more. She wouldn't appreciate it. At first, of course.

Her hands massaged, pulled and guided my head as I let her take control, but not fully. I would pull back when I felt she got too close, causing her to pull tighter on my hair. At one point, I was sure she was going to rip my hair out by how hard she was gripping it, but I didn't mind. Not one bit.

I played with her for about ten minutes, and then she was practically begging me to let her finish. I figured she had suffered long enough.

I let two of my fingers slide into her while I applied just a little more pressure with my tongue.

"Oh..." she moaned, her hips arching to meet me. "Sam..."

I sighed and continued my motions, speeding up just a little every time. She was tensing around me, throbbing in anticipation as I focused on my movements.

Her hands released my hair, which caused me to look up and witness my girlfriend coming undone. A vein in her neck protruded and her back arched. I gripped her thighs with both arms, preparing for when she decided to let go completely.

"Oh...!"

Then she fell. Her body convulsed with pleasure as I held on tight, refusing to let her go. My heart pounded against my chest at the sight, reveling in her release and practically finding my own.

I allowed her to come down from her high before climbing back up and giving her a smile. Her face was flushed with color.

Her hands grabbed my face and she kissed me. My head spun in response to the embrace. Then, before I knew it, I was on my back as Megan climbed on top of me. I stared up at her and admired every inch of her body. Her slightly visible tan lines that were just starting to form. The few freckles on her chest and the light definition of her abs. I decided this was one of my favorite sights.

"You're beautiful," I whispered.

She just gave me a half smile.

I leaned into a sitting position, Megan still straddling my lap. I could feel her warmth against my leg, and I wanted nothing more than to touch her again. I wanted to keep driving her crazy. It was one of the many things I never got tired of.

Two fingers teased her, causing her to gasp as her lips pulled into a fuller smile.

"I can't have a break?" she teased.

"It'll feel much better if I do it now."

She surrounded my fingers again, gasped at the sensation and buried her head into my neck. A low moan escaped her throat. The way her body fit into mine, how the chemistry never died... had to mean something, right?

We were meant for each other, despite the kickback and obstacles we've faced throughout our relationship. After everything, what we felt for each other never ever faded.

"Sam..." she moaned into my neck. "Right there."

I deepened my motions, hitting spots I knew drove her body mad. Her hands held onto me like I was all she needed. The heat was nearly unbearable, but I didn't mind.

She was getting closer, and I was ready. I was ready. What the hell was I waiting for?

"Yes..." Megan tightened around me.

I quickly laid Megan on her back but never stopped my motions. The sight of her losing control and the sounds she was making made me feel things I knew I would never feel with anyone else.

Short nails dug into my back as her head tilted back, giving me access to bite and suck. Her legs wrapped around my waist and the world seemed to stop. Her body was shaking against mine in anticipation to another climax.

And without much warning, she came again. I swore I felt it, as if our souls were somehow connected and sharing pleasure.

"Sam!" she cried out.

I remained pressed against her, refusing to break the bond we had formed. There was something different about this time, but it wasn't bad. It was different, but it didn't scare me.

And only for a moment did I picture my life without Megan, and it was nothing but gray clouds. Everything would be black and white without her. I had grown so much living alongside her, that if she disappeared, I felt as if who I was as a person would simply crumble.

Our bodies relaxed together as she curled up into my chest, still breathing heavily. I turned to look at her.

She noticed my staring and gave me a weird face.

"What?" she asked.

I smiled. It was like I had so much to say but wasn't sure how to say it. I needed her. I wanted her. She was everything to me and I wouldn't ever let her go.

But she knew that, and it wasn't anything she hadn't heard before.

I took a ragged breath. "I-I think that... marriage has always scared me because... my parents."

She sensed the seriousness of the situation and sat up.

"I, uh..." I sighed. "I grew up always having to hear my mom talking about leaving, and woke up to dad sleeping on the couch most mornings, and just..." I paused to gather my thought. "I never wanted to feel that with the person I was supposed to love for the rest of my life."

Megan's eyes softened. "We're... you're not you're parents."

"But we could be. Eventually."

"No." She shook her head. "My parents had their faults too, obviously, but I vowed that I wouldn't even consider marriage until I found someone that would make me want to work through all the bullshit life throws at you."

I would go through hell and back for Megan. I was sure of it. And I'd do it over and over again if that's what I needed to do to save our relationship, although, I didn't feel that would ever be the case.

She grabbed my face. "I'm going to love you forever, Samantha Carson. No matter what."

Suddenly I remembered a time in my life when I had been terrified to jump into the unknown. It was a family vacation, back when I was around seven or eight. We had gone camping at this lake, and there had been this drop off that seemed to be a thousand feet down to my younger self. Looking back now, I was sure it was only a few.

But I couldn't see the bottom. It was just dark blue-green, and my legs had shakily carried me to the edge, where Shawn demonstrated his courage by front flipping off the edge. I had envied how brave he was, jumping into the unknown at the bottom.

"Come on, Sam!" he yelled from below. "I'm not gonna wait forever!"

And I knew Megan would wait forever, but I didn't want her to.

Then, I jumped. The fall felt like forever. My tiny body hit the cold water and shocked my senses, but it was the first time I had tasted adrenaline. The rush. And after that, I couldn't stop jumping.

"I wanna do this," I blurted.

She seemed taken back, but a small smile showed on her lips. "Do what?"

My heart sped up. "The marriage thing. I want to. But I've never given it much thought before you."

"So, are you-"

"I'll just need help," I admitted. "A lot of help. Like with the planning and the ring shopping and..."

"Sam," she cut me off. "We're doing this together. That's the point."

"But I'm scared."

"I know."

We just stared at each other, but I knew I wanted this, even if it was buried beneath ample amounts of fear. I wanted this forever, but I knew forever meant a lot more obstacles, ones much bigger than Nikki and who was going to do the dishes this time.

But if there was one thing I had gained from being with Megan, it was faith that things would work out in the end.

All I had to do was jump.

***A/N***

Whew. Hey. So, first off... I'm sorry. I know it's been awhile, and I wish I could give you a more elaborate reason as to why, but it's literally just the fact that I'm actually adulting now and it's HARD. That is all.

SECONDLY, and please don't groan in disapproval and annoyance, but I have an idea for AMA:

I have been wanting to publish this book. Everyone knows this. And judging from my private messages and comments, so do y'all. So, here's the deal...

I'm going to edit it ONE MORE TIME to try and get it as perfect as I can. That being said, I need your help.

Tell me the parts you enjoyed in the OLD AND NEW VERSIONS if you've read both. This is specifically directed at the readers who have been here since the beginning as well.

I want to make the best version of this story, but considering I'm not a reader, it's nearly impossible to identify with important parts that may have been missing in the new version.

So, please, if you can, comment on this section and tell me what you miss from the Old AMA and what you loved from the New. I'm going to do my damn best to finish this up before the end of 2018 and try to get this in a paperback for those of you that want it.

I figured, just like Sam, that it's time to start making jumps towards the things I really want. So, I hope this encourages you all to do the same with your own lives, and to help me out as well!

With all the love (even if some of you hate me right now),

Lauryn <3