The Other Side 3.0

Twenty-Nine

Spencer's POV
MEMORIES

"I can't believe you two are here," I mumble as I put fresh flowers on my father and Uncle's grave. "At least you two get to be together now!"

I look over my shoulder when I hear footsteps coming from behind.

"Man, I think your new security guard hates me. You should've seen the stare down he gave me when I walked up here." Coach Baker says and I chuckle before we shake hands.

"Ever since the death of Uncle Franklin, my management and endorsers have hired an outside security team in addition to the ones I already had."

"Geesh! They're like presidential security detail." He says and I smirk.

"Does it ever get any easier?" I ask him.

He sighs. "I doubt it. Death isn't easy."

I nod, knowing he's right.

"That's why I need you to convince your daughter, it ain't right for me to be galavanting around the city four days after we buried my Uncle." I tell him and he laughs as he folds his arms in true Billy Baker fashion.

"Yeah, that's not going to happen. You know when Liv has her mind set on something, she goes full throttle." He tells me and I sigh in agreement. "Besides, it won't hurt to go out."

"I feel guilty for having fun right now," I admit.

"You know what my mom told me when her sister passed?" He asks me, but doesn't wait for an answer. "She told me life is all about the moments we share while we're here because we won't be here for long."

I nod at his words. "Maybe she's right!"

"She's definitely right. I can attest to it. Because I still remember those moments me and her shared. "So go out with your wife and kids tonight. Make those memories."

"Yeah, you're right!" I respond as I check my watch. "We should go."
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LATER THAT NIGHT...

"When I get back on the East Coast, I'm going straight to the masseuse." I say as I stretch and lay my head back against the headrest in the van.

"Is Uncle Franklin coming back with us?" Summer asks and I shake my head no, plainly, as my wife discreetly wipes a tiny tear from her face.

Liv's been strong for me here. And I love her for that.

"No, baby! But it's going to be okay because he's always going to be with us." She tells her. "On another note, Mommy Liv has a fun family activity planned for us."

Summer accepts Liv's response and moves on, just like most six year olds do.

Truthfully, I haven't talked to SJ or Summer about death because it's too hard. Maybe one day, I'll take them to visit Uncle Franklin and their grandfather at the burial site. But this week is not the week. It's just way too soon.

"What is it?" SJ asks as the little twins sleep peacefully in their car seats.

"It's a surprise," she answers happily and he smiles.

"Have you ever noticed SJ and Owen have identical smiles?" She asks me and I just smile.

"See, that's it! That's where they get it from!" She tells me in a baby voice as she grabs my chin.

"Daddy's not a baby!" Summer says excitedly, before Liv tickles her.

Honestly, Liv and my kids are the main reason why Uncle Franklin's death can't define me or the moment. I know my children and wife still need me to be my best self and that's what I intend to do.