Love & War 2.0

Ch.28

Spencer's P.O.V

These past couple of months have had their ups and downs ever since Liv and I returned from our honeymoon.

Me and Liv's communication has improved a lot and I am pleased to say that our marriage is stronger than ever. Not every marriage is perfect, but if you and your partner are willing to put the work in, then everything will work out the way it's supposed to.

For our girls, we couldn't be happier to be their parents. This is what I wanted.

Gianna started playing basketball and has already made a name for herself. She's not even in high school yet, and she has led her team to multiple AAU championships. Not only did she start grabbing college scouts' attention, but she also caught one of the best WNBA players in the league, A'ja Wilson. Believe it or not, we first saw her in person in Vegas for the WNBA All-Star game. It was no surprise that she won the MVP award for her performance. Liv and I told her we were huge fans and our oldest daughter started modeling her game after her. Since then, she arranged basketball training sessions with Gianna during her off seasons, and we thank her for taking the time to help our daughter want to be at her very best when she steps onto the court.

Just like her Mom, Kiara started taking ballet classes and I never missed her dance recitals, even if it was during the NFL season. What can I say, it's in her blood and she always exceeded expectations and the audience was in awe of her performances. If she keeps this up, she might have a future in dance.

Now for our twins, Summer and Sienna, they have been a handful at times. You wouldn't believe the number of times Liv and I had to get up in the middle of the night and either feed them or change their diaper. It was exhausting at times, but I wouldn't change it for the world. Also, we had my Mom and Mrs. Baker for help when needed. They were always happy to help support their grandbabies. Being a father has been so much to me and I get to share these moments with the love of my life.

It's safe to say that this has been the happiest I've been in a really long time.

However, the downfall of my life has been me and the Rams not seeing eye to eye when we are currently negotiating a contract extension.

After everything I've been through, I believe I should be the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL. Right now, Justin Jefferson has that mark at $35 million when he signed his contract extension with the Minnesota Vikings.

Luckily, other NFL teams are interested in offering a contract, but some of them were either below or near the $35 million mark. The only problem is that it's not L.A., meaning I would have to move to another city, and there would probably be a debate for Liv on whether she wants to move or stay in L.A. since her career and family are there.

Liv and I took the girls to the Santa Monica Pier where there was the beach, arcade games, and rides. Jordan and Simone also met us there with Shay, Jamailah, and the twins, Sarah, and Stephen.

While the kids were with Liv and Simone, Jordan and I talked about what's been going on lately with the Rams and this whole contract scenario.

"How are you holding up, Spence?" Jordan asked me.

"I'm not gonna lie. It's been tough for me lately." I said to him.

"Everything's going to work out Spencer."

"I want to believe it Jordan, but the last meeting I had with the front office didn't go so well. Can you believe it? Stating that I'm a liability because of my health. That shit hurt man. When I tore my ACL, I recovered and was back at 100%, but then of course there was the night I got shot." Jordan put his arm around my shoulders.

"Hey, it was life or death at that moment. You overcame your obstacle because you had something to live for. Even during the past season when you had the flu, you still prevailed and led us to the Super Bowl again. And we won the next game to 3-peat. Regardless of what happens Spencer, you are going to get paid. You've earned it."

"But that's the thing. If I get paid top dollar, what if Liv doesn't want to move? I don't think I can go through an entire football season without her. She has been by my side through the ups and downs and I just to disappoint her if I choose to leave for another team."

"Did you tell her?"

I shook my head. "No, I couldn't. I don't want her to think I'm choosing football over my family."

"Spencer. Remember what happened last time you two weren't honest with each other?"

"Yeah."

"Don't make that same mistake again."

"I hear you, J." I hugged him and we spent the rest of the day at the pier with our families.

A Few Hours Later....

The girls were knocked out after a long day at the beach. I'm glad they had a fun time today.

It was still bothering me about where I would play next season, but after having that conversation with Jordan at the pier, I needed to be honest with my wife.

"Olivia." I called out.

"Yes, Spencer?" She responded.

"I have to tell you something."

"Okay. What is it?"

We both sat on the couch. "So you know how things haven't been going well with the contract extension?"

"Yeah."

"Well, it went south even more when they told me a liability."

"Spencer, I'm sorry they said to you, but it's their loss and they will regret it when they don't re-sign you."

"I actually was going to add more to that."

"Tell me."

"I got multiple offers from other NFL teams who are willing to pay me within the $35 million range annually."

"What did the Rams offer?"

"$30 million".

"Baby, you know your worth and you have my support regardless of what you do."

"So if I were to play for another team, how's that going to work for us and the girls?"

"What do you mean?"

"If I move to another city for the season, what are you and the kids going to do? I just don't want to feel like I'm choosing my career over you and-" I was cut off by Olivia.

"Spencer stop! Breathe." I inhaled and exhaled a few times before Liv spoke. "You're not choosing your career over me. I don't want you to think that. You would never leave us or the girls. Yes, my career and family are here in L.A., but we can make it work in another city if we were to move. But we won't know for sure until we get answers."

"I'm sorry, Olivia. I was just scared that this would affect our marriage. I didn't want to lose you over the little things again."

"You're not and you never did. You talking to me about this is why we're going to be ok."

"How did I get so lucky to have you as my why?" She smiled and kissed me with passion.

While we were kissing, my phone started to ring.

"Who is that?"

"I'm not sure." I answered my phone. "Hello?"
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Hey, y'all. Sorry I haven't updated this story in a while. I've had a writer's block and my mind has been blank when I've tried to write the next chapter of this story. But don't worry, I have it all planned out now as we approach the final chapters of this series. Spelivia is in a better place than where they were before in their marriage. Do you think Spencer will stay in L.A. or go to another NFL team? Who do y'all think is calling Spencer? Please excuse any mistakes or grammar errors. Let me know your thoughts in the comments section.