Chapter 36 - Spencer
Chapter Thirty-Six - Spencer
As the four of us make our way to the baggage carousel, I see Andie suddenly freeze, her eyes lock on something or rather—someone across the terminal.
Before I can ask what’s wrong, she’s taking off, sprinting through the crowded airport and leaping into the arms of a tall, broad-shouldered guy complete with a baseball cap and huge grin on his face at the sight of Andie.
The way he catches her with practiced ease and holds her just a bit too long tells me immediately this isn’t just some casual acquaintance. There’s history there, a deep, meaningful history.
Well, that’s not concerning at all.
A hand lands on my shoulder as Maddie gives me a reassuring look.
“That’s Charlie. Don’t worry, Spence, he’s like a brother to her,” she explains, clearly reading the mild panic on my face.
“He was there when Cody died, and the one who had to tell her. They’ve been through a lot together.
But in the end, he only wants to see her happy. ”
Right. The guy who was with her husband when he died. No pressure or anything.
She releases her hand from my shoulder and goes to join Andie, welcoming Charlie into an embrace of her own.
I watch as Charlie lifts Maddie slightly off the ground in what appears to be their standard greeting.
His eyes, however, never leave Andie, watching her with the protective vigilance of someone who’s seen her at her worst and made a personal vow not to let her go through that again.
“Don’t worry, man, I won’t let him steal your girl,” Evan says from beside me, giving my back a pat like he’s sealing his promise. The death glare I shoot him is evident as he quickly removes his hand from me.
“You’re incorrigible,” I mutter, though I’m grateful for his attempt to lighten my mood.
“No idea what that means, but I’m taking it as a compliment,” he replies with a grin.
Last to join their little reunion. I am wondering what role I’m going to play while I’m here. Will I be introduced as Andie’s boyfriend? Her friend? That guy who followed her to Kansas uninvited?
Deciding to test the waters I stand near Andie, but I don’t show too much affection. I don’t want to make her rush to tell people if she isn’t ready. Even though a selfish part of me wants her to proudly introduce me as her boyfriend.
"Charlie, I want you to meet Evan and Spencer," she says, gesturing to us. Charlie’s eyes narrow slightly as we shake hands. His grip is firm to the point of it becoming a strength competition—the universal male signal for I could hurt you if I wanted to. I can see him analyzing me, sizing me up and determining if I will be a friend or foe. His eyes have a hardness to them, the kind that comes from carrying someone else’s pain alongside your own.
“How do you guys know these two?” Charlie asks, getting straight to the point. No small talk, no pleasantries. Just a direct question, you have to admire his ability to not placate and pussy foot around the big question. He shifts him closer to Andie, practically putting himself between us.
I hold my breath, waiting for Andie’s response, unsure if we’re about to get the boyfriend label or if she’s going to go with something vague like friends.
“Well, Evan is Spencer’s brother. And Spencer . . . is my boyfriend.”
She said it. She actually said it.
She did it, removed that wall and took the first step. No fear, no shame. That’s my girl, my sweet, beautiful Andie. I try to keep my face neutral, but inside I’m doing a victory dance that would embarrass even the most enthusiastic sports fan.
“I’m sorry, what?” Charlie’s face darkens—a mixture of disbelief and what looks like betrayal distorting his features. His jaw clenches and he widens his stance, ready for a confrontation. The big brother has fully emerged, clearly unhappy with this development.
His eyes flick from Andie to me and back again, trying to process how this could have possibly happened.
There’s something else in his expression too, a shadow of pain, as though Andie’s words have reopened a wound.
Of course. I’m not just some new guy in Andie’s life.
I’m the living, breathing confirmation that she’s moving on from Cody, his best friend.
“Lay off, Charlie. Spence is a great guy. Take a moment to get to know him and then judge him,” Maddie interjects, stepping forward like she’s preparing to physically defend us if necessary. I love that Andie has Maddie, a woman who will come to her defense and mine too, apparently.
“Evan, on the other hand . . .” Maddie continues with a small smirk. “I got nothing to say on that one.”
“Ouch, love. I thought we were getting along great,” Evan replies, dramatically clutching his chest like he’s been wounded.
“Down, boy. Still taken,” Maddie reminds him, though there’s a hint of amusement creeping into her eyes.
“Damn shame, too.” Evan sighs, with an exaggerated once-over that somehow comes across as playful rather than offensive.
“Look, Charlie,” Andie says, trying to move things along before there’s a chance for further interrogation. “I know you planned on just me and Maddie, but by chance, do you have room for all of us in your vehicle?”
Charlie looks between all of us, lingering on me a beat longer than necessary. “Sure do. Come on, I’ll take you guys. But Andie, we need to talk about this later.”
I haven’t won him over yet, but at least he seems reasonable enough not to make a scene in the middle of the airport. Small victories.
As we finish gathering our bags and head toward the exit, Charlie falls into step beside me. He slows once we are walking side-by-side, putting more space between us and the girls. “Where you guys stayin’, Spencer?” he asks, his tone deceptively casual but with an undercurrent of steel.
“I planned on getting a hotel room in town near Andie,” I reply.
“Actually, he’s going to stay with me, Charlie.” Andie’s voice cuts through our exchange as she turns back. I don’t know who was more stunned by Andie’s abrupt invitation—Charlie, or myself. The words came out of her mouth like she’d been planning it all along.
“I am?” I ask as Charlie simultaneously says, “He is?" His voice has risen almost an octave, and the look he gives me could cut diamonds.
“Absolutely not, Andie,” Charlie argues, his protective instincts visibly kicking into high gear. “You can’t be serious. You’ve known this guy for what? A few months? No, not a chance.”
“That’s not your decision to make.” Her eyes flash with fire.
There’s my fierce girl—not this broken woman Charlie needs to protect—choosing to fight for us.
“Let’s get something straight. I know him better than you think.
So, you can either drive us all to my place or we’ll catch a cab, your choice.
” Her fury turns to me. “And you—you’re staying with me.
I’m not letting you stay at a hotel,” she says with finality. “I have plenty of room.”
I take her by the elbow hoping for a moment to speak in private. Behind us, I can feel Charlie’s eyes burning holes into my back.
“Andie, it’s not a problem. Evan and I can stay at a hotel,” I tell her quietly. “I don’t want to make things awkward for you with your friends and family.”
“No, Spencer, it’s fine. Besides, I’d much rather have you with me. So, no more arguing about it.” She squares her shoulders, plants her feet and lifts her chin—this isn’t a request—it’s a declaration. She’s claiming us, and damn if it isn’t the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen.
Turning back toward Charlie, she delivers the definitive answer: “They’re going to stay with me, Charlie.”
He visibly struggles with his response, trying to maintain composure as he rolls his neck side to side.
Finally, he nods curtly, though the murderous expression on his face makes it clear he considers this a terrible idea.
He picks up her luggage with more force than necessary, storming off toward his car.
“Well, he seems delightful,” Evan mutters, appearing at my side. “I think he’s mentally measuring you for a coffin.”
“Not helping, Evan,” I reply through gritted teeth.
“What? Just making an observation. By the way, I’m taking the guest room furthest away from you, easier to escape if he comes after you.”
Well, that’s one way to announce to everyone that we’re serious.
Nothing says committed relationship like moving your new boyfriend into the house you shared with your late husband.
The thought makes my heart pulse so hard I swear there is an audible hammering for everyone.
Is that what’s happening here? Am I about to stay in the house where she lived with Cody?
The home they built together? I hadn’t considered that angle until now, and suddenly I’m not sure if this arrangement is a step forward or a recipe for disaster.
“Just so you all know, Abby will be out tonight, so you guys will meet her in the morning,” Charlie announces as we pull out of the airport parking lot.
He catches my eye in the rearview mirror.
His gaze on mine for an uncomfortable length of time before returning to the road.
“And the guys are planning station dinner while you’re here. They want to see you, Andie.”
The way he says it makes it sound less like a welcome committee and more like a jury executing a verdict for my head. I can read between the lines: The guys are Cody’s friends too, and when they find out about you, they’ll be there to evaluate the new man in Andie’s life. Fantastic.
“Who’s Abby?” I lean over, whispering to Andie. Yet another person in her life I’ve never heard mentioned. “Oh, sorry. Abby’s my sister. She’s been staying at my place while I’ve been away.”