Say You'll Stay

Forgiveness

Spencer's never been so nervous about seeing the twins, the last time wasn't great. Witnessing their tears over their father while clinging on to Olivia so closely pulverized me. Knowing that he had an hand in them learning about Jadyn's demise the way they did killed the worst part of him. He meant every word he said before: He'll be whatever they need him to be, or not be.

"Sup guys" He approached them with an easy smile.

"Spencer!" Jayden rushes over, as he widens his arms up for him.

"Sorry I hit you" He says immediately. Jayden embraced him as Spencer gripped on to his shoulders. He wanted the young boy to really hear him.

"Water under the bridge, young man. I think it's admirable the way you defend your mom. It shows real strength and courage"

"Did I hurt you too bad?" Spencer's face remained stoic.

"Had to ice my leg" He pretended to stretch it.

"It'll be fine" Jayden beamed proudly. Zayden hopped down off the porch.

"Does this mean I won't be a Lawrence anymore?" Olivia walked over putting her hand on Spencer's arm.

"You'll always be a part of your daddy. He gave you life, his name, a home, and so much more. Your name will never change, even if someday mine does"

"I want you guys to know something" He includes.

"I'm always here for you. Always. If you want to talk or learn some cool jokes, I'm that guy. I grew up with Darnell, who did it to me, and I turned around and did it to Dillon" They share a laugh.

"Seriously though, I care about all three of you very much" He hesitated to say more. He'd rather show it then just use his words with them. A man's words are only as true as the actions that follow behind. Spencer wanted to teach them the things his own daddy taught him and his brothers. He'd given his mother the world and treated her like she owned it. He never complained. He told him once that if she ever left him, he'd lose himself. He used to think he was out of his mind, until he lost Olivia. She took him by the hand.

"I think," she voiced enthusiastically.

"We should team up and race again, what do you say?" Jayden and Zayden perked up.

"I don't know" He banters.

"I whooped you once, it was really embarrassing for you"

"Tuh!" She spoke directly in his face.

"I beat you! I think your memory is going, old man"

"Old?" Olivia's eyes shined as she looked him over her shoulder.

"Older than me"

"Either way you're wrong, I won right, boys?"

"You lost, mom. I think since Zayden is the youngest, he should be on her team" Jayden suggested.

"Sounds good to me" Spencer bumped his fist.

"Again?" Zayden muttered.

"I get stuck with mom again?"

"Hey!" Olivia jeers.

"I got stuck pushing you two big heads out, you don't see me complaining" she turned and mumbled.

"I gave birth to them, and they like him because he bought them an horse" she griped.

"Insane"

"We can hear you" Spencer reminded her.

"Good" she taunted back.

"Okay" she says as she took out Shorty.

"Rules are there's a new route" He narrowed his eyes at her. "Yeah, I don't think so"