It's Time

Me and You

Olivia's POV.

I purposely pretend to be asleep as Spencer gets up to prepare for the day. Things are still a little off between us, not that he isn't trying. I just need time to make sense of everything he shared with me. With the season over, Spencer has taken over school drop-off and pick-up duties. His prior arrangement with Gabriel hit a roadblock... for lack of a better description.

Once I hear the garage close, I slowly crawl out of bed—31 weeks and counting. As much as I've loved being pregnant, I can't wait for these little girls to find their new home earthside. All week, Jace has been begging us to name the babies something with a J. At first, the thought repulsed me because all I could think about was Jamie. I decided not to ask any more questions about that child because I'd experienced enough pain with that situation. However, when I was talking to Gabriel yesterday to confirm the playdate for the kids, he told me his wife— her name doesn't even deserve to be spoken out loud— had a younger brother who died named James. Super convenient. I know I should feel bad for thinking that, but all I can see is the way she looked at my husband during their friendly chat in my kitchen during my son's birthday. She's completely lost in him, and I wouldn't put it past her to have named her kid after him.

As much as that conversation infuriated me, a part of me needed to hear it. I glance at the picture above our kitchen table that brought everything full circle for Gabriel's wife. I consider it one of my worst still shots, but it's always been Spencer's favorite. I didn't know how to edit photos back then or anything about different lenses for different settings. Still, it hung in Spencer's bedroom in high school, his dorm room in college until we got our apartment, and then it settled into our new home with us. And now, it hangs in the home we've built together. I guess it's really a key part of our story.

The garage opens, and I steady my nerves as I prepare for my husband to walk through the door with whatever 'I'm sorry' gift he settled on this morning. Yesterday was a Tiffany Blue teddy bear floral arrangement. The day before was a new lens for my camera, and the day before that was a new computer for my home office. While I appreciate all the gifts, all I really need is time.

He walks in with a bouquet of lavender/blue Sweet Peas, and I'm instantly stunned. Very few floral shops produce Sweet Peas in this area, and it takes a long time to grow them. They're so unique but can also be very expensive. They're gentle, light, and each flower takes on a life of its own, which is why they're my favorite flower. I have no idea how he managed to get a bouquet of nothing but Sweet Peas.

"Good morning," He says, handing the flowers to me.

"Hi—good morning. Wow, Spence." I say as I admire the vibrant colors, and I can't help but feel overwhelmed with happiness as I look at the arrangement.

"I— I was hoping you'd maybe have lunch with me today?" He speaks timidly as he fidgets with his wedding ring. His eyes drift toward my bare left hand and instantly drop.

"I mean only if you want to. I understand you need more time." His voice cracks.

"Everything is swollen right now." I pull out the necklace tucked in my shirt with my wedding band and engagement ring on it. I can hear the sigh of relief he lets out.

"Don't forget, you branded me, Mr. James." I point to the tattoo on my ring finger, trying to ease the tension. "And, yes. I'd love to have lunch with you today." He's trying. It all means nothing if I won't even meet him halfway.

"Fair enough, Mrs. James." His smile falls short of his eyes.

"Bentley needs to go out, and I need to get dressed. Maybe we can go get some stuff for the babies and then get lunch in town?" I try to make our interaction as normal as possible.