The Other Side: Growing Pains

16. Planned Parenthood (Part 2)

Olivia's POV

"Why is it so dark in our house at seven in the evening?" I ask as we walk through the front door.

"Is that a candle?" Spencer follows and I grin because he's been doing special things like bringing me candy, cards and flowers all week. Despite the fact that I've already forgiven him for not telling me the truth about the move to California.

"Did you do this?" I ask as we walk down the hallway to see rose pedals leading to a dimly lit kitchen.

"No," he answers seriously and I look at him curiously.

"Yeah right, Spencer!" I respond as I sit in front of a table full of Popeyes chicken and side dishes.

"I'm for real. I didn't do this, babe!" He says as he grabs a note from the middle of the dining table.

"What is that?" I ask anxiously and he smiles as he reads it to himself. "What is it?"

"Our kids say that we need to have 'one of those nights'," he mumbles before handing me the paper to read.

"Dear parents... On behalf of your loving children, we would like you to enjoy 'one of those nights' on us. SJ bought the food. Omari lit the candles. Skyler laid down the rose pedals. Shai and Owen were in charge of dessert. I'm writing this letter to let you both know we love you... I would've said that Grandma Grace provided the ride, but she definitely charged us for gas." I read and happy tears fall from my face. "We know things are hard on the family right now. But if we learned anything from losing Milan, it's that life's too short. So please accept this night as an opportunity to do grownup stuff without interruption."

I laugh at her ending before standing up to hug my husband.

We're already doing better than last week. But this kind gesture from our babies let's me know that we're not doing as bad as it seems as parents.

Spencer laughs before looking over at the chocolate-covered strawberries we have for dessert.

"Is it me or do you agree that our kids want us to——," I start to say and he laughs hysterically.

"I think so," he finishes. "Little nasties."

I chuckle along with him before we sit back down and begin to eat.

Despite being totally here for spending a special night with my husband, my mind keeps drifting to my brother.

He's back in the city, and eagerly waiting for the final results. It's taking longer than expected, which is really scary.

The thought of my brother fades, when I feel Spencer touch my hand with the tip of his fingers.

"How you doing?"

I smile at his words because they remind me of a much simpler time in our life. A time spent back in Beverly when we would talk over sushi at lunch.

I chuckle. "You know it's been a lot."

"Well, I think I speak for the kids when I say you don't have to be 'strong Liv' tonight. You can be as vulnerable as you want with me."