Overprotective

Chapter XIX

It was now August of 1914, and I was hanging up laundry outside my comfortably sized home on the shore of Northern Wales. There were rocks leading down to the grey water, turned that color by it's reflection of the clouds.

"Mama!" I heard AJ yelled, as the seventeen month old boy ran to me, and upon reaching me he tugged gently at my skirt.

"Yes, dearie?" I asked while clipping a sheet to the clothesline.

"Joey cryin'."

I sighed, and followed my son into the house. There was my baby boy, laying in his crib, redfaced and screaming. By the smell, I judged he needed to be changed. I picked him up, and rocked him, "Shh…. Joey, it's alright. Mama is going to change you." I said soothingly, and carried him over to the table in the middle of the room.

On April fifteenth, the second anniversary of the Titanic sinking, coincidentally, I had given birth to my second son, Joseph Matthew Welch. He was now four months old, and had a small bit of soft hair on his head, looking dark brown like mine, and his eyes were also green like AJ's and Spencer's.

I changed Joseph, while AJ sat on the floor playing with Ellie. Good thing the cat was good tempered, the way my boys pull her tail and everything. If I were her I'd have scratched them a long time ago.

Once I put a new cloth diaper on him, I held him close. AJ was now pulling on my skirt. "Mama!"

"What is it?"

"I hungry."

"I'll make you some lunch in a little bit, alright, sweetie?"

"I hungry now!" he whined.

"Well mama is busy at the moment. You'll have to wait."

"Mama!"

"Adam James! Stop." I snapped. "Go outside and play, let me finish my chores, and then I will make you lunch, alright?"

"Fine." my son answered, and ran off. Even though he didn't have a vast vocabulary, he still knew enough to drive me crazy.

I watched him go outside and pick up his blocks. I was about to turn to put Joey back into his crib to finish napping, when I saw a black automobile pull up to my house. Spencer stepped out of the car, wearing a suit, and although less than a year had passed since I'd seen him he looked older. Probably because he had a bit of facial hair that made him appear more mature.

I watched him bend down and ruffle AJ's hair a bit. "Hey, buddy."

"Who you?" AJ asked, staring up at him.

"I'm a friend of your mom's." he began to walk towards the door.

I then rushed outside. "Don't touch my son!"

"Woah." he put his arms out in front of him, "I haven't even made it to the door and already you're screaming at me. And for the record, he is our son."

"What do you want?" I asked angrily, shifting Joey to my hip.

"I wanted to see you. And AJ and…" he looked to the baby.

"His name is Joseph."

"May I hold him?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"You might kidnap him like you did to AJ."

He sighed. "I'm not going to. I'd just like to hold my son for a minute."

I slowly handed Joseph to Spencer, and I watched him as he cradled the infant in his arms so gently.

AJ waddled over to us. "Mama, who is he?"

I looked to Spencer with my arms crossed. "Nobody, sweetheart. Just some man I knew."

"You make me lunch?" he asked Spencer.

"AJ! You act as if I do not feed you. I told you I'd make you lunch in a little bit. It's not my fault you refused to finish your breakfast this morning."

AJ began stamping his feet. Joey began to fuss and cry. "Oh, no." I said, taking my baby back and trying to rock him gently.

"Mama! I hungry!" AJ screeched.

Spencer grabbed my son's hand. "Come on, I'll prepare you a sandwich."

"No, you don't have to. He can wait." I said to him, not really wanting him in my house.

"It's fine. I don't mind at all." he turned to AJ, "You'll have to show me where your mother keeps everything, alright?"

AJ nodded, and dragged Spencer past me, into the house. I followed, with Joey over my shoulder. I tried to whisper soothing things to him, and within a few minutes he tired himself out and fell asleep on me.

I leaned against my kitchen counter and watched Spencer prepare a ham sandwich for AJ.

"Tank'oo!" AJ said, with food in his mouth after he received his sandwich and ran off.

Spencer came and faced me. "So, it's a bit hectic around here."

"No. Not really. Only sometimes. It's a bit difficult being a single mother of two little boys. But you wouldn't understand that."

"You shouldn't have to raise them alone. You don't have to. I-"

"No. We don't need you."

"Please, Merry, give me a chance to prove myself." he begged.

"It's Meredith to you."

"Meredith. Please… Give me a few days, a week even, to prove myself to you. Let me see my boys, and let me win your heart back."

"You're not going to win me back. But fine, you may stay for a week to see the boys. You'll stay in your car, and if you do one thing I don't like, you're gone. Clear?" I guess I couldn't keep him from his sons.

"Crystal, Ma'am." he said with his winning smile.

He was outside playing with AJ as I washed dishes. I could see him from the window, looking more youthful, and my son was beaming as he spent time with this man he didn't even know was his father.

By the evening, I had put Joey to bed, and cooked breakfast, even made a plate for Spencer. A small plate though. I called them inside. I was sitting in a chair at the kitchen table, and AJ ran to me. I wrapped my arms around him and lifted him into my lap. He took the spoon from his plate of corn and tried to feed himself. He managed to with only getting a third of the corn on the floor.

"Where's the baby?" Spencer asked.

"Sleeping. I put Joey to bed before I made dinner. It's not much, but you can have some."

He turned and put some corn on a plate and a piece of chicken. I had already eaten. He sat down beside me and AJ.

"So why'd you name him Joseph?" he asked before taking a bite of chicken.

"My mother picked it out."

"It's a nice name. I like it. I think it was one of my great grandfather's names."

I was quiet, spooning the last bit of corn into AJ's mouth, and letting him off my lap. "I'll be right in to read you a story and put you to bed, alright sweetie?" he nodded, and ran off.

"I'm jealous, you never read me stories before bed." Spencer said with a smirk.

I glared at him, and then picked up AJ's plate to bring it to the sink. I picked up Spencer's as well.

"I was still eating that!" he said with a half full mouth.

I was washing the plates and ignoring him, but I was well aware of his eyes on my back.

"So what happened to all the money?"

I shut off the faucet and turned, leaning against the sink. "What money?"

"When we divorced, you got a very large sum of money, and I heard your aunt leant you some too."

"It is none of your business."

"I was only wondering, because you could have a large home and nannies and a lot of fine things. But instead you take care of the boys by yourself and live here."

"There is nothing wrong with my home. It had four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, a dining room, a sitting room, and it's all I need. What would I do with a large house? And I didn't want nannies. I want to raise my children. I was raised by my family, not by hired servants. It's how I'd like my kids to grow up."

"You don't need to be so defensive, Mer. I was just asking."

"The money is all being saved for your sons' futures. Is this why you're here? Financial reasons? What kind of trouble did you get yourself into now? Don't expect me to help you."

Spencer stood up. "I'm not in any trouble, and I'm not here for money. I wouldn't come to you for money anyway. I just wanted to see my sons."

"Well, you did. For the first time in a year you saw AJ, and Joey for the first time in his life. Would you like an award?" I asked sarcastically.

"Meredith, let me explain, over the past year-"

"I don't want to hear it." I interrupted, and crossed my arms. "Go to your car. I have a son to take care of." I left the room, going to read AJ his bedtime story.

The next day, I looked outside to see Spencer's feet hanging out of the car window. He must have been asleep across the seats, because I couldn't see the rest of him. I sighed, and turned away, when I got an idea. I snuck outside as quietly as possible, and approached the car, where I reached in and pressed the horn. Spencer sat up quickly, looking around "What on earth do you think you're doing?"

I laughed. "Wake up call."

"Thanks…" he said sarcastically, while painfully stretching.

"Come on, get up. If you're going to stay on my property, you might as well help me get a few things done." I grabbed his arm and pulled until he opened the car door and got out.

He woke up and dressed AJ for me while I made breakfast. I held Joey on my hip while I mashed up a few bananas with a fork for him.

Spencer came in with AJ sitting on his shoulders. I smiled slightly, but quickly made it disappear. I can't have Spencer thinking anything.

There was a knock on the door. Still holding Joey, who was fussing as I tried to feed him, I asked Spencer to answer it for me.

He left AJ sitting at the table, and went to the door, opening it. There was my brother, Edgar. "Hello. Who are you?" my brother asked.

"Spencer Welch. You?"

Edgar's mouth formed a scowl, and he shoved Spencer back from the door opening. "What are you doing here?"

I rushed over "Edgar, stop. He's just here to see his sons."

"He doesn't deserve to see them. Not after all I heard about him." my brother glared at him.

My nieces Joanna and Louisa were in the door way. "Daddy? What's going on?"

Everyone fell silent. I turned to the girls, "Everything is fine. How about you two take AJ to the sitting room and play?" I gave them a smile.

They helped my son off the chair and walked off to the sitting room. Edgar leaned against my kitchen counter, glaring at Spencer, who was running a hand through his hair nervously.

"I'm here because I wanted to see my sons. I do deserve to see them." he growled.

Edgar rolled his eyes and looked to me. "How are the boys doing today?"

"They're good. Joey seems to be in a good mood this morning so far, and AJ has been excited since he woke up. Probably due to the fact he found a new playmate who is on the same level of intelligence." I gestured to Spencer, who in return lowered his eyebrows a bit in annoyance.

I sent Spencer to the backyard to pull out some weeds for me in the garden, while I sat with my brother in the sitting room. His daughters were running around the halls with AJ.

"Are you alright with him being here? If not, I'll force him out, Mer." Edgar said seriously.

"It's quite alright, Eddie. He just wants to see his sons. And while I may not admire his company, he is good for the boys, and he's been willing to help me out today."

"If he does anything, let me know. Even the tiniest little problem. I don't trust him. Not after all he did to you."

"I do wish Harry hadn't told you all everything. It was difficult enough to tell him."

"We're your brothers. We just want to keep you safe."

"I know, but I had to actually beg you, George, and Harry not to sail over there and wring his neck."

"What did you expect us to do? We're your brothers. We'd kill a man who hurt you, and that man did."

"It's fine, Ed. He's only here a few days for his children. This has nothing to do with him and I. I can't keep his babies from him, since they are half his. I wouldn't do that. I'd feel awful if he did that to me."

"I just don't want him to hurt you again, and I don't want him fooling you, or getting your hopes up."

"You don't trust him."

"Why, do you?"

"Of course not. He's an overbearing, sorry excuse of a man. Why would I ever trust him after all he did?" I stood up from the kitchen table and went to the sink to begin doing dishes. "He's selfish and slimy and doesn't think about the consequences of his actions on anybody else. He always thinks that stupid smile of his will make everything better, but he's wrong. He's just-" I didn't notice how furiously I had been scrubbing a plate that it broke into three pieces in my hand.

"Meredith Wynne Lowe!" Edgar jumped out of his seat, coming to me quickly.

"Welch. My last name is still Welch. It wasn't changed back. It's my children's names too."

"Fine, Meredith Wynne Lowe Welch. Happy?" he said, and I nodded. With a sigh, he said, "Are you really going to let him get to you like this? You can kick him out of here. You don't have to let him stay. Don't let him control you."

"He isn't controlling me. I allowed him to stay by my own choice, and I'll get through it. It's just bringing up old wounds, alright?" I leaned against the counter. "It's only a few days."

"I won't argue this with you anymore. You're becoming upset. Just if he does one thing wrong, you had better call me. George and I will set him straight."

I forced a slight smile. "Thanks, Ed."

He wrapped his arms around me gently, "No problem. Just please, do not hesitate to tell me if he steps out of line. Don't protect the bugger."

"I won't. Now can we just end this?"

He hesitated, but then nodded, turning away from me. "I should probably gather up the girls and head home. Kendra wanted us all home tonight because her parents are coming for dinner." he jokingly made a gun with his hand and pretended to shoot himself. I couldn't help but laugh.

After he had gone, I was about to give AJ a bath, when Spencer volunteered to help me. So we both sat on the bathroom floor by the tub, with AJ in the water, splashing more of it out of the tub on us.

"So why was Edgar here?" Spencer asked suddenly, gently washing soap from his son's eyes.

"He visits me every few days. The girls like to see AJ and the baby, and Edgar will sometimes help me with difficult housework, or just give me an hour or so of company."

"That's nice. He didn't seem too happy to see me."

I snickered for a moment. "He's my brother. None of them are going to be happy to even hear you breathe."

He hung his head down. "I wish they didn't hate me so much. I wish you didn't hate me so much."

I didn't respond, because to tell the truth, I wasn't quite sure if I hated him now or not, or if I hated him ever. A broken heart is sometimes the product of still lov- I mean, caring for someone…

I allowed Spencer to spend the night on the couch, and the next morning allowed him to do a lot of my house work. If he was going to stay in my house, he'd have to earn it.

After I prepared breakfast for everyone, I decided a nap was in order. I hadn't slept too well the night before. It happened occasionally. I laid down on the couch, and shut my eyes.

In the darkness, I heard hundreds of shrill shouts cut through the night. The air was thin and dry, insufficiently filling my pleading lungs. My clothing, soaked completely, was stuck to my skin everywhere, absorbing the cold air. I shivered violently, unsure if it was from the voices or from the cold, or both. I peered over the side of the lifeboat and saw bodies everywhere, buoyed up by their life jackets, with their heads rolled forward. I recognized Emma in her stewardess uniform. She was covered in ice, pale, and her eyes were half open. I put my hand to my mouth to fight back the scream building up inside me. The lifeboat began to shake violently back and forth. My hand fell to the side of the boat where I held on, letting out the scream I'd been holding in, and I squeezed my eyes closed tightly, wishing it would end.

My eyes opened suddenly, and I was in the sitting room, on the couch. Spencer was above me, with his arms on my shoulders, shaking me awake. I stopped screaming and stared at him as he quit shaking me.

"Are you alright?" he asked, putting his hand against my cheek soothingly.

I weakly pushed it aside, "Yeah, I'm alright. Just a silly dream."

"You were having quite a nightmare. Care to talk about it?"

I would love to, but instead of saying that I forced a scowl, "No, not with you." I sat up, "Now excuse me," I pushed him out of the way and stood up.

"It was about the sinking, wasn't it?" he asked, and I froze, but did not face him. "I have them too, you know. The nightmares. The memories. It's alright to have them, Mer."

Now I turned to him. He was sitting on the couch, wearing a concerned, sympathetic expression. "I didn't have them so bad before, except for times when I've been most stressed."

"Happens to me too. They were pretty bad right after the sinking though. I was able to stop being so haunted by it for awhile, until when you left… It just made me even more haunted."

"I'm sorry to hear that." I replied plainly.

"The memories will fade with time, I'm sure. For both of us." he patted the spot on the couch next to him. "Come on, I don't bite." he smirked.

I went and sat beside him, keeping myself a few inches away.

"I'm not afraid of you biting me." I joked, trying to keep things light.

"Then what are you afraid of?"

To be honest, I was afraid of allowing him back into my life again. But I wasn't about to let him know that. "Nothing. I'm not afraid of anything."

He was quiet for a few seconds. "You know, you don't have to go through this alone. We both experienced the sinking. We both knew people who died. We should be helping each other deal with it, like we were before."

"Not everything can be like it was before, Spencer."

"And why not?" he asked, moving his head an inch closer to mine and staring directly into my eyes, expecting an answer.

"Because. Too much has happened." I stood up quickly, but he grabbed my arm, pulling me back down onto him, awkwardly. I was now on his lap, and we were both tilted so we were almost laying down on the sofa. "I'm sorry." I said, while slowly moving off of him.

He gently tightened his grip on me, "I'm not."

I pulled away from him, and stood up. "I need to go check on my children. I'm sorry."

"Merry…"

"No. Leave me alone." I stated plainly, and left the room.

Once in the next room, I leaned against the wall. Why was my heart beating so fast?

At dinner, he and I ate in silence at opposite ends of the table. I'd put the boys to bed. Spencer's foot accidentally brushed against mine, and made me shiver. I hoped he didn't catch that, but the smirk I saw on his face told me he had.

I finished my supper and collected the plates, placing them carelessly into the sink for washing tomorrow. "I'll be going to bed now. 'Night." I stated plainly, heading out of the room.

"Goodnight, Merry." I heard him say softly, followed by the sound of the sink turning on and him cleaning the dishes even though I hadn't asked him to.

That night, I woke up, hearing Joey crying from the other room. I climbed out of bed, and staggered sleepily down the hall to my sons' room. I saw Spencer in there, holding Joey to him, and trying to calm him down by humming. I couldn't help but smile at this. I stood against the doorframe quietly, watching, until Joey's crying ceased, and Spencer turned around. "Oh, Meredith." he blushed, "How long have you been there?"

"Long enough." I entered the room, and took the baby from him. His eyes were now closed, and he breathed softly in his slumber. I lowered him back down into his crib, where he rolled over onto his side a bit, let out a little yawn, and brought his arms close to his chest.

"I heard him and figured I'd help out. He is my son after all." he smiled that smile that used to always make me weak in the knees.

"Well, thank you." I said, turning to head back to my bedroom, when he caught my shoulder gently. I looked back and saw him gesture for me to follow him.

He led me into the sitting room. "Sit." he said, smiling. I waited on the couch while he went to the record player. He turned on the softest music he could find. Then came back to the couch and held out his hand. I hesitated, then let him have my hand, pulling me up and dragging me slowly to the middle of the room. He placed his hands on my waist, and I unsurely put my hands on his shoulders. "I wanted a dance, if that's alright." he said, still with the same gorgeous smile on his face. How could I say no to that?

"It's the middle of the night though. Why would you want to dance so late?"

"Why not?"

I took this as an acceptable answer. I was still tired, and I leaned against him.

With my head on his shoulder, and my arms gently around him, we swayed together to the soft music. "Just because I'm dancing with you doesn't mean I forgive you." I muttered.

"I know."

"And this doesn't mean you're winning. I'm not falling for you."

I could sense he was smirking. "I know, Mer."

I lifted my head off his shoulder. I noticed we had stopped moving. For how long, I wasn't sure. My eyes met his almost emerald green orbs. "And…" I lost my words.

He finished them for me, "And just because we're staring passionately into each others' eyes doesn't mean we're-"

"Back together…" I finished his sentence breathlessly.

He leaned in towards me, and I moved my head back an inch, and hesitated, as he just waited there, eyes half open.

Next thing I know, I'm softly brushing my lips against his. This feeling was so familiar, and I felt like I was back on my aunt's parlor floor in New York, finally giving in to Spencer's love.

I pulled away, and stared at him.

His eyes were still shut, and he slowly opened them. "Meredith…" he whispered my name so wonderfully.

"You…." My head was spinning, I had to come up with the words to say. "You hurt me."

He looked down, ashamed, "I know…"

"No, you don't know. You cheated on me, injured me a bit, became so distant and insensitive I barely knew who you were anymore. Your treatment tore me up inside. And I had a kid to raise. I was trying to stay as strong as I could, and I never got to properly heal. Then a year later you come waltzing into my life again, expecting to be a part of it. Expecting for this to be okay."

He grabbed my hands, "I'll do anything to make this all okay again, Mer. I swear to you. I-"

"How do I know you won't just do it all over again?"

He sighed, "Want the proof?" he asked, and I nodded while blinking away tears. He took me to the kitchen and pointed out the window. "See that car? That is where I live."

"Wait… What?" I asked. He had to be joking.

"I sold the house. I gave up the business to those three bastards who wrecked up my life. I spent the past year after you left me for good trying to tie up all these loose ends. Then I bought a ticket on a ship, and I tracked you down. I had to see you. I had to tell you I changed. I got rid of everything. I haven't even drank in months. I'm the Spencer Welch you knew before. Only a bit smarter, I hope."

"What did your mother say about this?"

"She was upset that I got rid of the company and that I was leaving. But then I told her, I was doing what I know Adam would want me to. That softened her up a bit. Brought her to tears, actually. She understands I had to do this."

"I need you to promise me, you won't hurt me. I need you to promise to never do to me what you've done before. I need you to promise it, and mean it with all your heart. If not, then don't even bother."

He looked me sincerely in the eyes. "I, Spencer Lucas Welch, promise with my whole heart and every other inch of me that I will never hurt you, and that I will never do to you what I've done before. The pain I saw in your eyes was too much for me to bear."

I collapsed into him, and felt his arms wrap around me. He chuckled happily.

I pressed my lips to his firmly, smiling against his mouth. His tongue beckoned me for entrance, and I allowed it. His arms were around me tightly, and his hands moved up my back until they reached my hair, which he threaded his fingers through, keeping us glued together. Suddenly, his fingers slid down my back, and to my hips, where he lifted me up, and grabbed my thighs, bringing my legs around his torso.

I gasped, and threw my arms around his neck. He giggled, "Hold on." he told me, huskily, carrying me to my bedroom. He dropped me onto the mattress, and turned to shut the door as carefully as possibly, to not wake the children.

I sat on the edge of the bed. "Well that was gentlemanly of you."

"One of my many qualities" he returned to me, cupping my face in his hands, and kissing me again as he climbed over me. Now I was on my back, looking up at him. It felt like it had in the beginning.

He was attempting to undo my clothing, and I felt slightly shy because he hadn't seen my body in a year. After carrying two children, I was only slightly larger than I used to be, but I still wasn't comfortable with my body. He noticed the look on my face and stopped, "What's wrong?" "I'm just a bit self conscious…"

"Meredith, you're as beautiful as the first day I even saw you. Nothing could ever make me not attracted to you. Trust me."

"Okay." I whispered with a grin, as I relaxed a bit, and helped him free me from the confines of my clothing. Once we were down to nothing but our natural selves, we slid under the covers together. He placed his hand on the crook of my neck, and pulled my lips to his again, hungrily. Then his lips moved slowly down my body, leaving soft kisses from my jaw to my stomach. "Spencer, please…" I said breathlessly.

He looked up at me, and then kissed my forehead. "You're sure about this?"

"As long as you're sure not to hurt me again…"

His lips formed a sincere smile, "I wouldn't dream of it."

Soon enough, our bodies were moving as one, more perfectly than ever. I put all my emotions into every movement. I hadn't felt this much passion in so long, and for me to be sharing a moment like this again with Spencer… My head kept telling me I gave in too easily, but my heart said this was just right.

Afterwards, I snuggled up beside him, and we fell asleep together.

When I opened my eyes again, it was morning, and the sunlight was coming through my window painfully bright. I squinted my eyes to adjust to the light, and then looked next to myself with a smile. That is until I realized I was alone. That bastard had left me. I curled up and was about to cry, when I realized I had to check on my children. I jumped up, grabbing my light pink silk robe from my dresser, and quickly putting it on. I ran out of the door, when I heard some noise in the kitchen. I cautiously walked down the hall, and peered into the kitchen. Spencer was there, cooking breakfast. I sighed and rested my head against the door frame.

He had heard me and turned around. "Good morning, Beautiful."

"Good morning." I said shakily.

"Are you alright?" he looked worriedly at me.

I nodded unconvincingly. "I'm fine."

After studying my face for a moment, he frowned, "You thought I left, didn't you?"

I nervously pushed my dark hair behind my ear. "Well I woke up alone… It was the first thought that came to mind…"

He wrapped his arms around me, and brought me close to him. His lips were firmly placed against my forehead. "Why would I leave the beautiful mother of my children after an amazing night like last night?" I blushed at this, "I don't deserve you. It's you who should be leaving me. Again…"

His eyes met mine. "I can't leave you. Not again. Not when my heart is finally whole again…"

My lips met his in a gentle kiss, until he broke away. He looked down and I followed his eyes to AJ who was tugging on his pant leg. "Why you kiss mommy?"

Spencer looked at me for a moment, and I nodded, letting him know it was alright to explain. He picked up our son and held him. "You see, I love your mommy very much. And I love you very much, and your brother. I know you don't know me much, but I'm your daddy."

"Daddy?" AJ asked curiously.

"Yeah." Spencer smiled at him. "And after breakfast I'm going to take you outside to play. That sound good?"

"Yeah!" he yelled, smiling widely.

"Good." Spencer then went on to tickle AJ's tummy, sending the boy into fits of laughter.

"Daddy!" he said between giggles.

Spencer put him down and looked to me. "I'll finish breakfast. You want to wake up Joey?"

"Sure. I'll get him up."

I went to the nursery, and peered into the wooden crib to see my sleeping baby boy slumbering away. I lifted him up gently, and held him to my chest. His eyes opened slowly, and he looked around.

"Good morning, handsome."

He gurgled happily, seeing it was me, and then let out a soft yawn. I cradled him in my arms, rocking him gently. I carried him back to the kitchen, and sat down at the table, just as Spencer placed a plate in front of me.

"I didn't know wealthy boys like you knew how to cook." I said sarcastically.

"I know how to at least fry an egg and some bacon. I'm not entirely useless."

"You're certainly not." I said a bit suggestively, causing him to raise his eyebrows, and then grin.

He attempted a sexy growl, causing me to laugh, and AJ to turn to him saying "You sound like a lion!" and begin growling as well. I thought I'd fall off my seat with laughter.

After breakfast, Spencer was chasing AJ around the yard, as I sat on the porch holding Joseph, who was looking around with very open eyes, curious as usual about the world around him.

AJ's laughter and Joseph's gurgles faded into the background of my perception for a moment as the previous night's event replayed in my mind. It felt so right, and it was all so wonderful, but after everything that had happened, was it really the best thing to do? How did I know his words were the truth and that he wouldn't go and hurt me again? He had apparently tried so hard to win me back, that I know he'd be an idiot to screw it up like he did last time. I guess I would just have to trust my heart on this one.

Edgar's car pulled up into my driveway, and he stepped out of it, walking towards me, after directing a glare Spencer's way.

"Hey, Mer."

"Ed, what's going on? I didn't expect to see you today."

"Well, George and I sort of let it slip that Spencer was here. And mum wants to see you tonight. We're all going over for dinner. Bring your houseguest if you want. Georgie and I want to have a talk with him." he smirked,

"If I bring him, the two of you are to behave yourselves, do you understand me? I will not have you guys interrogating the father of my children."

"We weren't planning on interrogating the boy. Just a little man to men talk. If you know what I mean." he gently hit his palm with his fist. Then, laughing at my shocked expression, quickly said, "I'm only kidding you. But still, come by tonight. Ma and father are expecting you all."

I froze for a moment, staring at his smirk. "Alright, fine. We'll be there."

After Edgar left, Spencer was walking to the porch with AJ. "Why don't you go inside and find us something to eat?" he said to my son, who smiled and went into the house. "What did your brother want?" he asked, taking a now fussy Joseph from my arms.

"He was inviting the four of us to eat dinner tonight at my parent's home."

"What time?"

"Are you sure you want to go? My brothers will be there, and I'm sure they and my father will end up treating you like you are scum."

"But I am scum, my dear." he said with a smirk.

I kissed his cheek, "No, you're not. Not to me. My family will just need some time to adjust."

"So what time?"

"Be ready by five."

At ten to five, Spencer found me in the baby's nursery, dressing him. He was wearing a light blue collared shirt and dark grey trousers. He looked casual and handsome. I was just wearing a simple yellow cotton dress. I did have nicer clothes, but this was just dinner with family, and I didn't want to show up flaunting the fact I have money.

"You look lovely." he said, coming up behind me, and placing a simple and gentle kiss on my neck.

"You don't look half bad yourself." I turned my head, and leaned in to give him a kiss on the lips, when AJ burst into the room, wearing brown pants, and a white shirt that was inside out.

"I dresseded myself." he said proudly.

"That you did. I'm so proud." I walked over to him, and fixed his shirt. "There, you look smart."

"Like his old man." Spencer added, smiling.

I returned the smile, and turned back to my son. "Now go get your coat."

Once he left the room, I turned to Spencer and gave him a peck on the lips. He had another idea, and pulled me in for a more passionate, longer kiss. When we broke apart, I lifted Joseph from his crib, and held him against my hip.

We got into Spencer's car, with me holding AJ next to me, and Joseph on my lap.

My parent's house was just down the road, really. It only took ten minutes of driving to arrive. Spencer parked, then came around to help me with the children. He helped AJ out, and let him stand beside him, then took Joseph from my hands, and gave me his arm to help me out of the car. I then took my youngest from him, and he picked up AJ, as we walked nervously to the front door.

I quietly opened the wooden front door, and we all walked in carefully. Spencer put AJ down, and turned to me, "They'll know we're here eventually, Mer."

Then suddenly two pairs of arms grabbed onto Spencer's shoulders and dragged him from the room. It was my brothers George and Edgar. "Oh hey guys… Haven't seen you since the wedding, George. How've you been?" Spencer said nervously, as they pulled him into the other room.

"George! Edgar!" I yelled furiously. I couldn't believe those two. "Get your hands off him this instant!" I followed, until I was blocked by my nieces and nephew.

"Hello dearies. Please move." I said as politely as possible.

"But daddy and Uncle George told Joanna, Dylan, and I we're supposed to keep you from following them." Louisa said innocently.

I bent down to their level. "Listen, do you love your aunt Meredith?" they all nodded. "Then instead of doing this, how about you all go find your fathers and not leave their sides until I say so?" I figured this way Edgar and George couldn't do much to Spencer with children around.

Louisa and Joanna smiled and ran off, with AJ trying to catch up. Dylan, who was thirteen, was too old for this type of nonsense. I placed a hand on his shoulder and led him into the next room with me. Then we all entered my father's sort of den, where he would normally keep his important things and go to escape my mother when she became too much to handle.

Spencer was sitting in the corner in a large, leather armchair, appearing a tad nervous as my brothers towered over him.

"George Rhys and Edgar Owen Lowe! What on Earth do you think you are doing to him?" They both looked at me, appearing very afraid seeing as I used their full names. They knew I meant business. "The two of you are entirely insufferable!"

"Merry, we just wanted to offer the boy a drink." George explained.

"You two idiots would likely poison him, hence why I'm here to rescue him." I walked over to Spencer.

Joanna and Louisa had listened to me, holding onto their father's legs and not letting go. Dylan, being a good boy and listening to his favorite aunt, began to talk his father's ear off. My brothers were obviously getting annoyed, as they kept telling their children to go away and bother their granddad instead.

I grabbed Spencer's arm and pulled him to his feet. We left the room, with AJ following behind.

"Thank you." he said sincerely.

"You're welcome. I should have known those two would be immature. Honestly, two grown men with families acting that way. What kind of examples are they setting for their children. They're rude and-"

"Mer, stop. It's alright. If I can handle you, I'm sure I can handle your brothers."

"And what's that supposed to mean?"

"Just that you're fiery and passionate, and somebody I don't wish to upset ever again. I'd rather face all of your brothers than face you when you're angry."

"Then don't make me angry. Or you'll have to face me, and all my brothers."

We entered the dining room, where my parents were seated with my sisters-in-law, Kendra and Enid.

"Meredith, dear." My mother said, reaching out her arms. I walked over and hugged her, planting a quick kiss on her cheek.

I kissed my father's cheek too, "Good to see you, Papa."

"You as well, cariad."

They saw Spencer behind me, and my father was about to say something, when AJ ran towards him and hugged his shin. "Taid!" he said. Yes, I had taught my son to call my father 'grandfather' in Welsh. My father picked him up and rested him on his knee.

"Good to see you again, sir." Spencer said politely, extending his hand out to my father, who eyed it carefully, and then to my relief, he shook his hand.

"Mother, father." I looked at both of my parents who now had their attention on me. I shifted Joseph over to my other hip, "Spencer showed up a few days ago to see the boys, and we've been speaking. I believe we've settled our issues, and can possibly salvage our relationship for the boys."

"But-" my mother began to speak, but I shushed her.

"Meredith! Don't you dare interrupt your mother." my father said sternly. "Apologize."

"I'm sorry, mama." I lowered my eyes to the floor.

"Meredith, fy merch, after all he has done to you, you'd take him back?" my mother spoke in her usual soft, rhythmic tone. Her words flowed like music.

I was about to respond, when Spencer cut me off. "Mrs. Lowe, I would do anything for you and your husband and your whole family to trust me again. I gave up my business and my home just to come here and earn my family back. I would like to really become a part of your family, if you'd let me. Back home all I have is my mother. Please, give me a chance."

"You have another chance to prove yourself, boy. But if you ever hurt my baby girl again, you'll be facing the end of my shotgun." my father looked him straight in the eye, and I swear I hear Spencer gulp nervously.

"Papa! That's terrible."

"It's the price a man will have to pay for hurting my daughter again." he said to me, then turned back to Spencer, "We clear?"

"Yes, sir." he replied with more confidence than I would have guessed.

"Good. Now sit. Would you like a drink?"

Spencer appeared surprised by my father's change in attitude. "Su-sure." he stuttered.

My father grabbed the whiskey bottle from the center of the table and poured a glass for Spencer, handing it to him, which he took with somewhat shaky hands, and drank in two large gulps.

I poured myself a glass as well. If I was going to make it through this night, I'd need all the help I could get.

Soon enough, we all sat around the table. My father at the head, my mother beside him on one side, and George on his other side. Beside George was Enid, and Dylan. Then Joanna, Louisa, Kendra, Edgar, myself, with AJ on my lap, and Spencer with Joseph on his. As we ate we discussed how my grandmother, Bronwen Lowe was, seeing as she hasn't been feeling too well lately, and about how we haven't heard much from Arthur ever since his second daughter, Lydia, was born two years ago. We assumed he must just have his hands full. I was grateful my family had settled down enough to not insult Spencer during dinner. Although I knew it was all going too good to be true, when my brother George brought up something I didn't want brought up.

"So, Meredith, have you heard from Llewelyn lately? He was a very nice fellow."

I froze. Yes, I had gone on a few dates with a man from town months ago. I wasn't sure how Spencer would react.

"Who is Llewelyn?" Spencer asked, feeding Joseph a very small piece of carrot.

"Umm… Well, Spencer, a few months ago I went on a few dates with this man I met, named Llewelyn Dwayne. It wasn't anything too serious."

George laughed, "Mer, what do you mean it wasn't anything serious? He met the family more than Spencer did. We all really enjoyed his company." he glared at Spencer, obviously trying to tell him he was unwanted.

I looked over at Spencer, to see him looking emotionless.

"I need to get my sons to bed. I think I'll be leaving now. Goodnight all." I spoke quickly, standing up with AJ falling asleep on me. Spencer followed my lead, lifting a fussy Joseph into his arms and following me out.

"Spence?" I tried to get his attention once we were in his car, but he didn't respond.

Once inside the house again, we carried both of our now sleeping boys to their room and put them to bed.

I followed Spencer into the living room, calling his name to get his attention.

He finally turned to face me, "So you were involved with another man?"

"Spencer, it was a very short relationship. I didn't want to be alone. Can you honestly blame me for that?"

"Did you sleep with him?"

"No! How can you even ask me that? Rude…"

"I just needed to know."

"You mean to say you weren't involved with anybody during our separation?" I crossed my arms and awaited his answer.

"I honestly wasn't. for the past year I've only been focused on fixing you and me."

"Oh, I get it. You'd only start another relationship when you were actually married. I see…" I said sarcastically.

He appeared really hurt. "Meredith, you are mine! Since the first day I met you, I've known I've wanted you to be mine and only mine."

"I'm not a possession, Spence."

We both stood there quietly, and our minds were both working to digest each other's words. "The past is the past. If we both don't try to move on from it, it will poison out relationship forever."

"You're right…"

"Of course I am." I attempted a smile, and so did he.

He placed his hand to my jawbone, and pulled me in gently until my lips brushed against his.

Then we sat on the couch beside one another. My head was on his shoulder, and his arm was around my back, keeping me close to him. We fell asleep there, close to each other, and just enjoying being back together.

Before you all kill me, I've been working on this one chapter for months. My ex-boyfriend had been giving me some trouble, and I fell into a pretty awful depression. Worse than before. I needed some time to get myself together. I worked on this little by little, and finally finished the chapter. I just finished it now and didn't double check it. So I'm hoping it is alright. I have decided this will not be the end. I have a few more ideas in my mind for it. So those of you who didn't want this to be it, you've gotten your wish. Haha. Ps. I looked up some welsh on google. Hope it's right. Taid means Grandfather, fy merch means my daughter, and cariad means love. Please review. I hope I haven't lost too many of you due to taking so long with this. I'll have the next chapter up as soon as possible. Thank you! -Kell.