Chapter Text
It is the last Sunday evening in late April 2025. Spencer and Trina are making their way to the Robinson-Ashford house for a family dinner. It’s been a year since Spencer 'returned from the dead', and since then, Spencer and Trina have been inseparable. Some might even call it 'clingy', but they had no room for other people’s thoughts or opinions. When they cuddled or made love, it was as if they sought to fuse their bodies into a single entity. Maybe that was impossible, but when their hearts and souls were already one, why not try to fully merge the physical?
The ride over is filled with a comfortable silence infused with looks of admiration, stolen kisses at stop lights, and gentle touches. Deep down, Spencer's contemplating how best to ask Curtis for his blessing to marry Trina.
Having reached the house, he parks the car in the driveway and opens the car door for Trina. Before Trina can put the key in the door, Spencer pulls her in for a passionate kiss, one that she is more than happy to reciprocate. When they pull apart, Trina gives Spencer a look, and mouths the word “Behave!”
As they enter the home, Curtis and Marshall are ready with hugs and kisses for Trina and firm yet warm handshakes for Spencer.
The aroma of soul food fills the home and gives it a cozy feel, almost like a grandmother’s hug. Trina and Spencer were expecting more of Marshall's 'famous gumbo’ but were both relieved to smell the scent of cornbread, baked macaroni and cheese, collard greens, baked turkey wings, and peach cobbler instead.
Stella and Portia came out of the kitchen ready to place the dishes on the dining room table. After they both hug Trina and greet Spencer, everyone sits down to say grace and take part in their traditional Sunday meal.
Spencer loves being included in the Robinson-Ashford Sunday dinners, and he admires Trina's family, even though he knows has more to do to fully gain their acceptance because ‘returning from the dead’ wasn’t enough. A small part of him understands. Trina is his goddess, and her family cannot accept any mere mortal for their daughter, even if he comes with billions and a royal title.
Trina enjoys the feeling of being in perfect balance, surrounded by the people she loves most. She was happy to hear from her father, Taggert, yesterday. Trina invited him to dinner and hoped that he might stop by for a hug and a plate of food. However, she was careful not to get her hopes too high. Taggert was struggling to do basic things these days due to the drinking and depression that followed the paternity reveal.
Trina wasn’t sure what she could do to help. She mentioned rehab and therapy to Taggert, but he brushed it off with a “Baby girl, I’m fine”.
Before their call ended, Trina reassured him that he’s still her father and the only person she calls ‘Dad’. Trina’s relationship with Curtis is flourishing, and she finds it wonderful to have a bonus father. But part of her aches for the old bond she once had with the man who raised her. Taggert was the one who wiped her tears, bandaged her scraped knees, and went over cheerleading routines holding poms-poms and practicing choreography. He’s the reason she’s so sharp and fearless.
Trina talks to Spencer about her feelings and memories. As usual, he listens intently with his arms wide open for her to fall into. Trina can see how much he hurts when she’s hurting. She knows that if he had the power, Spencer would soothe her every wound and prevent any hurt or disappointment headed her way, just so he could continue to revel in her smile and laughter. His heart grew knowing that he could do something to make Trina happy, and he hated that he could not fix this situation for her.
As Curtis and Marshall clear away the plates after the delicious meal, Trina and Portia move to the couch to catch up. Stella and Spencer are left alone at the dinner table. Spencer was hoping to have a moment alone with Curtis and Taggert to ask for their blessings, but here he was, alone with Stella. That’s fine. Spencer likes Stella; she has a way of making people feel comfortable. She can be firm but she’s also warm and fair, like Trina.
Being the younger of the two, Spencer decides to make small talk about the weather, but Stella cuts him off saying, "Look, young man, I can sense there's something more you want to say. You look more on edge tonight than you have at our other Sunday dinners."
Spencer relaxes; something tells him he can trust Stella. She may not approve but she won’t be harsh, and she’ll keep quiet until he’s able to talk to Curtis.
" Um, yes. A part of the reason I'm here tonight is to ask Curtis and Taggert for their blessings. I plan to propose to Trina soon. We've talked about our future. After everything that's happened since Paris, we don't want to waste any more time."
Contrary to Spencer's expectations, Stella does not display an expression of shock or disapproval.
She replies, "If I'm honest, I was expecting this. Let me say, I do believe you’re both too young for marriage. But after watching Trina grieve for months when she thought you were dead, it made me realize how deep your connection is to each other. I also see how the light has returned to her eyes, and how beautifully she laughs when you’re by her side. I know you're not asking me, but you have my blessing! Curtis will come around, but Portia is the one you need to be worried about."
Spencer nods in agreement and smiles as he realizes that Stella will soon be his ‘Aunt Stella’, too.
And in Aunt Stella fashion, she asks, " Where would you get married? I know Cassadines do it big! But you know I go to a beautiful church with a lovely congregation. If you and Trina decide on something small and intimate, it's a good option. You know I've been trying to invite the family for First Sunday’s service, but everyone says their busy. Why don't you and Trina come for service next Sunday at Port Charles First Baptist Church on Green Street? We can make it a family affair!"
With excitement at the thought of being included in more Robinson-Ashford family activities, Spencer gives a happy and resounding "Yes!".
Trina and Portia hear his enthusiasm and give each other a surprised look. Out of curiosity, they make their way over to the dining room table, just as Curtis and Marshall enter from the kitchen.
Trina with an amused smile asks, "What's all the excitement about?"
" Spencer says he wants to join us at my church for next Sunday's service!"
“Us?” being a silent shared thought. Portia, Trina, Curtis, and Marshall give each other a deer-in-headlights look.
Spencer looks at Trina and says, "Yeah. Since we’re both free next Sunday, I told Stella we could go."
Stella chimes in " Wouldn't it be great for the whole family to come? It would mean so much to me to have everybody there."
Curtis, ever wanting to make Stella happy so long as she stays out of his business says, “Sure Auntie. Why don't we all go?"
Portia pinches Curtis on the back and he shoots a grin in her direction.
With a frozen smile, Portia replies " Yeah Stella, why not? I'm not on call at the hospital next Sunday.”
Lastly, Marshall who's been trying his best to get more time with Stella, exclaims, " That's a wonderful idea!"
"Great then it's settled. Oh, I can't wait to show off my family at church. Watch out for my group texts. I'm gonna invite T.J. and Molly to come too. "
To Trina's disappointment, Taggert never shows up, and Spencer has not been able to catch Curtis alone. He'd have to wait for another time.
Trina hugs everyone as she and Spencer prepare to leave.
Once they get in the car, Trina lets out a big laugh. Spencer’s confused and wants to know what’s so funny.
“Everyone’s been trying to avoid going to Stella's church, and thanks to you, the entire Robinson-Ashford clan will now have to show up.”, Trina says laughing even harder than before.
Spencer begins to blush from his unintended miscalculation.
Once they’ve buckled up, Trina notices his expression. " Baby, I know you just wanted to be kind, but I wish you would have asked me before accepting Stella's invitation to her church."
Spencer looks at Trina with confusion "Is something wrong with Stella's church? I know I grew up attending Greek Orthodox and Catholic masses on occasion. But church is church, right?
Trina shakes her head," Spencer, have you ever been to a Black Baptist church before? The message is the same, but it's delivered in a different way than what you might be used to. And, I wouldn't say there's anything wrong with Stella's church, exactly. I went to a First Sunday service with her once last year. It's just that the service is all day, Spencer. Like, the entire day. There are a lot of people who give their testimonies at any time during the service, and you have no idea when it's going to end. Stella and I sat up front next to her church sisters, and I had no way of sneaking out. Honestly, I was hungry and exhausted after it was over. There was a luncheon, but I was too tired to socialize.”
"I'm sorry, it's just that I was talking to Stella about us wanting a future together, and she responded so positively that I..." Before he can finish his thought, Trina shifts from the passenger's seat onto Spencer's lap and pulls him in for a kiss.
“Oh, I know you meant well, baby. I love that you’re so comfortable with my family and that you take every opportunity to join in." He nudges her nose.
" Trina, every part of you amazes me, and I want to celebrate every facet of you, including your family."
They kiss passionately until both are breathless. Trina then smiles and in a seductive tone says, "Maybe, I can celebrate parts of you once we get back to your place?"
That was all Spencer needed to hear! He immediately pulls out of the driveway and hits the road like a speed demon.