ODDS OF LOVE - SEASON 14

Episode 63

" Dad , I'm still at the community center with Miracle," Spencer said as he spoke to his father on his cell phone as Susan Mullins helped settle both Miracle and Spence in their car seats in the back of Spencer's handicapped accessible minivan. " Susan and I are taking Miracle and Little Spencer out for ice cream to celebrate before I drop her and Spence off at their house. Yes , Dad , we won ! They both won ! It's amazing. Even with the little boo boos on the first day they both won first place. They say it's a rare tie. Which means they will both be on the cover of Baby Bloom magazine. You should have seen the looks on LuLu and Mary's faces. Especially LuLu. How did things go in court? "

Andrew was so quiet for a long time that Spencer was beginning to get nervous over top of his excitement. "Dad , anything wrong? Are you alright? Richard? Nigel? "

Andrew sighed. " It was not quite the way we all expected. It was emotional..... Yes. It was very emotional for everyone involved. Anyway, long story short, that daughter of Alice Rose took custody away from your brother but she didn't give it to Tania either. It's only temporary pending certain factors like her talking to Lewis. They meet again later in month. " He paused briefly. " She gave me temporary custody of Lewis. Since he's currently at the Moss Center that just means I make all the legal decisions for him but......."

Spencer was stunned. " Dad.... No..... How could they take Lewis away from Richard? It's Rebecca all over again. How is he? "

Andrew sighed. " I'm not sure. He and Nigel left the courthouse soon after the hearing. They looked like they were arguing. "

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" You're not leaving me," Richard said abruptly as he watched with alarm shooting through his body his husband hurriedly packing his suitcase  back at the house. " This is ridiculous. Don't do this. I don't blame you for anything that happened today. "

Nigel turned to look at Richard after shutting his suitcase firmly. The look on his scarred face was devastated and heartbroken but also stubborn. " It's not ridiculous. It makes sense. She took Lewis away from you because of my past. If I'm no longer in your life then there's no issue. Without me you are a shoo in over flighty Tania with all her issues. Without me you can get custody back from your father and life will go back to normal for you , for Lewis. "

Richard grabbed him by his arms firmly. " No ! It makes no sense ! If you are not in my life there is an issue! The issue is I can't make it without you. Please. Please don't leave me. Please don't leave us. You say you're doing this for me and for Lewis but what about the other children? Rebecca? Richie ? Tanisha? What do I tell them? "

Nigel leaned forward to rest his body against Richard's and Richard's arms wrapped around him tightly. " I don't want to hurt them. I want, if you allow it, to be apart of Rebecca's life. And, Lewis's. As for Richie and Tanisha.... I know you didn't want them as foster children, that it was all me , but I don't think they should be disturbed in their routine right now. They're used to the house and you and Rebecca. If you don't want them here they can come with me to Dad's. In fact that may be best. "

Richard held Nigel close and tight like he never wanted to let him go. Which he didn't. If he released the man Nigel would disappear from his life. " I do want them as foster children. I love them as much as my other children. And I want you. I want you all here. Please don't do this. We can keep fighting this without you leaving. We lost a battle not the war. "

Nigel pulled away even as Richard tried to keep him close. " Richard , I love you. Please don't think I don't love you. I always have. You make me so happy. I can't bear making you unhappy. "

" You don't make me unhappy. I've never been as happy as I am with you. Please don't leave me. Please don't leave us. We need you. "

Tears streamed down Richard's face even as they formed within Nigel's eye. Nigel leaned forward to press a tender yearning kiss to his husband's lips. " If you lose your son permanently it'll make you unhappy. I saw you with Rebecca. It broke you. I can't watch that with Lewis knowing it's my fault. "

" It's not," Richard whispered against his lips. " It's not your fault. I don't want a divorce. I don't want you to leave me. I want you here with me. With us. We're a family. You're..... "

Nigel pulled away and reached for his suitcase, saying," It's for the best. I love you. I love Lewis. I want you to keep your son. I'll call the kids later and explain. I'll ask Richie and Tanisha if they want to stay with you or come with me. "

" Nigel......"

Nigel headed for the door with his bag. He only stopped when Richard asked," Please take care of yourself. Take your medicine. Alright? "

Nigel swallowed hard. " Of course. It'll be ok. I've been nothing but trouble for you anyway. It's for the best. You'll see. I'll wait outside for Alexi to pick me up, alright? "

" No , it's not alright. I love you, damn it."

Nigel choked out," I love you too. "

Then he walked out of the bedroom with his packed suitcase.