Chapter 1 – Family

"Liam!" I crossed my arms as I looked down the stairs, Liam poked his head out of his room and he gave me a grin, "Yes mom?"

"Get up here," I responded, his blue eyes widen a little before he stepped out of his room. His 6'0 frame towering over me already as he was just turning sixteen, "Yea?" he asked, I sighed as lead him into the kitchen, I then pushed a piece of paper over to him. His eyes scanned it and then he glanced up at me, "Mom,"

"Liam, what is that?"

"I'm sorry! I-"

"Liam, a D?" I questioned, he ran his fingers over his face and he nodded, "Yea, I'm sorry. I'll try harder this quarter, it's my progress report mom, it means nothing," I sighed as I stared at my sophomore in high school as he was getting ready to turn sixteen in just a couple of days. "Please don't cancel my party!" he begged, "All of my friends from California are flying in for it, please mom, please," he begged, I let my head fall backwards, "Fine,"

He began to cheer, "But," he stopped as he paled from the but, "You will be grounded until you at least have a c+," he began to protest but he only sighed and nodded, "Fine," I pointed to his room, "Go," he rolled his eyes, I ignored it as I settled into the stool.

I had grown up to be the bad parent as Troy was playing basketball. I folded my arms out as I reached for my phone to only see Troy had sent me a text. I smiled as I responded, our relationship over the past fourteen years had it's up and downs but it had been amazing.

He was still his goofy, romantic self even at the almost thirty-nine years he was. He almost didn't seem to age either as he worked out almost everyday or was still playing basketball like nothing could slow him down. I stood as I heard the garage door open, I jumped up and I ran over to the door, I stood next to it as Troy walked into the house. "Brie," he stopped short as I wrapped my arms around his waist.

"Aw, there she is," I laughed as he turned around and he planted a kiss on my lips, his fingers were rougher as he smoothed them over my face. I glanced up at him and he gave me an earth-shattering smile. "Welcome home," he smiled, "I'm glad to be back,"

He kissed me again as I looked at his face, it was more worn than fourteen years go, the lines were worried and it wasn't as Troy from high school but he still had the body. His eyes were still the blue that made my knees weak, he still had that smile, and he still had the touch. He still is my everything.

"Are all the kids home?" he asked me, I shook my head, "Liam is the only one home, Lauren is taking a nap," Troy nodded his head as he set his stuff down and entered the kitchen. "Are we going to my parents house for dinner?" he asked turning to look at me, "If you are up for it," I replied, "Yea,"

Troy scanned his eyes over something and then I noticed it was Liam's progress report, "What's this?" Troy asked holding it up, "I already took care of it."

"What about his party?"

"I'm letting him have his party since all of his friend from California are coming in for it." Troy sighed, "But what is that teaching him?"

"It's his sixteenth birthday Troy, come on," he sighed as he rolled his head to face me, "I grounded him until he at least has a C+."

"I guess I can live with that," I gave him a faint smile and he came over, he rested his forehead against mine and I smiled, "Dad!" Troy turned, "Liam," Liam was still attached to Troy even during the stage of get away. Troy being a Laker though helped with most of that though, "Can we go play basketball?"

"Can I take a rain check on that? I promised Alli and Wes that I would take them out for ice cream when I got home," Liam's face faded, "How about after you study and dinner, I'll turn the lights on and we can play."

Liam's face brightened, "Thanks," Troy smiled as he walked into the living room; I giggled, as it was odd to see Troy with our teenager. Troy wanted to be best friends but he had to play that parent role. "Don't laugh," he responded, I couldn't help but let the giggle out. Troy shook his head, "Mrs. Bolton, what am I going to do with you?"

"Kiss me,"

He smirked and he kissed me softly, "Exactly."

"Mama," I smiled, "That would be Lo," I responded, Troy smiled, "I'll come with you," I reached for his hand as I took him up the stairs and down the hall to Lauren's room. Lauren was our baby and hopefully our last baby. She was two, getting ready to turn three in a couple of months. May 3rd was when she graced us with her appearance, two weeks late to my disappointment.

I opened the door to her room and she grinned when she saw Troy, "There is my little girl," he picked her up and she squealed wrapping her arms around Troy. I laughed and I shook my head. She acted and looked a lot like Liam as a baby. She had the blue eyes with the same hair as Troy and she was attached to Troy too. That was probably Troy's baby that he loved the most, not that he didn't love all of them the same, he just bonded easily with Lauren after she was born.

Troy dipped her down and her hair flew everywhere, a giggle erupting from her throat. Troy smiled as he went to check her pull-up as she was in the middle of potty training, almost over too.

"Dad?" Troy smiled as he popped out of the door, "Up here!" A screech of laughter came as my other three kids entered the room. All anxious to see Troy after he was in LA for the past two weeks, "Aw," they effulged him into a group hug as I shook my head.

Emma was pressed against his chest, as Troy kissed the top of her head, even at fourteen she was the one to curl up in your lap and lay with you. She was the quiet one of the family but strong and determined.

Wes was right behind her with his grin of a smile, he was more into talking to me and serious. He was serious about school but he played sports and knew how to have fun too at the young age of twelve. He was a very much-planned baby as we decided to start trying for a baby right after Liam turned four.

He was getting ready to be a full time pre-school student and by the time Wes came, he would be adjusted to everything. He was a perfect little boy as he was my first child to sleep through the night from the very beginning, I had to wake him up once a night to actually feed him or he would sleep out cold.

We only did that for a month until he was a bit bigger and could hold more. He had the sharp blue eyes and hair identical to Troy's, besides that, he looked nothing like Troy; I had to stare to even see Troy in his face.

Liam on the other hand, looks identical to Troy. It amazed me how much I saw Troy in Liam. Then we waited a while to have our next child, we waited until Wes was about to start school and we ended up with a beautiful girl, Allison Faith, she looked more like me with a light brown eyes. A mix almost of Troy and my own eyes, she was six and just starting first grade.

Her smile light up a room and she was funny. She was always funny and she wasn't too into me or too into Troy, she would have her days of which wanted which. She was smart beyond her years as she was already reading a bunch of books that were meant for grades older.

"Dad can we go now?" Allison asked, Troy looked up at me and I shook my head, "How about after dinner with Grandma tonight?" the kids sighed but agreed, "Everybody needs to do their chores!" I said, they all began to grumble more as Troy laughed. Allison held her hands up as Troy picked her up easily, "What's up princess?" she shook her head and then wrapped her arms tight around Troy's neck.

The kids all loved Troy.

Some days, they didn't like me and I think everything was about to change. Troy was about to be a full-time dad and Troy was going to have to learn to lay down the rules instead of breaking them himself.

Troy kissed her temple, "How long are you home for daddy?" she asked looking at him, "A while," she grinned as Troy let her down and she ran off. Lauren was sitting on the floor playing with a toy as the kids disputed through the house. "Have I told you how beautiful you are?" I shook my head and Troy grinned, "You are beyond beautiful," he whispered. I felt a blush creep around my cheeks.

"I missed you," he said as he rested his head into my neck. "I missed you more," he smiled as he then shook his head, "Doubtful," I laughed and he grabbed my hand, "I guess we should go enforce rules,"

"I guess we should,"

His eyes twinkled with that look as his fingers dragged me out of the room.

After moving to Albuquerque, New Mexico last year before Liam's freshman year of high school, we had to live without Troy for a year. Troy traveled back and forth from California to New Mexico, as that was his last year.

He planned on playing another one, saying that was going to be it and he was going to retire after winning eight championship rings through his seventeen years of playing but the basketball Gods seemed to have a different force. Troy blew his knee out in the middle of a practice this year right before the season started which sent him packing.

We were thankful in the sense that Troy was going home but what the hell were we going to do now? That was our income and we were set for many years with the amount of money that Troy had gained through his successful years of playing basketball. Troy had two surgeries and has been going back and forth from the LA office twice a month so they can make sure all is healing.

He got the all clear that he is fine now but no basketball for him anymore, not professional anyways. It was a hard way to end the seventeen years of playing but it was going to be okay, as Troy had applied for a few jobs. Troy had ended up going back to school during an off-season and finishing school. Now, I think he was aiming to be a physical therapist or a trainer.

His basketball days were over.

It had depressed him slightly as he didn't know what to do next. He was stuck but the family helped out with all of that. Troy packed up the apartment he stayed in while he was in LA. We moved him all the way out here into our big house.

It had six bedrooms, four bathrooms, a room to hang out in, a kitchen, living room, dining room, and a finished basement. It was a complete and busy household as all of the kids played sports if they were old enough too.

They all had the athletic bone.

"Brie," I turned towards the sound of Troy's voice, "I think we are ready," I nodded as I stood up from the chair and computer. I closed the bars and I slipped on my shoes along with my jacket over my shoulders.

The noise of the kids came into play as Emma and Liam were talking about something; Wes and Allison were fighting over something while Lauren was against Troy's hip. "Everybody to the car, come on, stop fighting," Troy said, he sighed as he tossed me a glance, "Are you alright? You seem distant," he replied, "I'm just tired, that's all," I said forcing a smile over my face.

"You are lying to me," he pointed back, I closed my eyes, "We can talk about it later okay?"

"Fine,"

Troy grinned as we got into the SUV. Emma and Wes in the back, Wes next to Lauren and Allison on the opposite side of Lauren. Troy buckled Lauren in before stepping away to let Alli in.

I settled into the front seat as the kids were all talking about something, Troy took a worried glance over as I turned my head to rest it on my shoulder. "Can you believe tomorrow Liam turns sixteen?" I shook my head, "Stop talking. You are making me feel old,"

"Too bad you don't look a day over thirty," I shot Troy a glance as he gave me a grin, "Come on Brie, you look like you haven't even aged. You are beautiful," I rolled my eyes as I looked at him, "I look like I had five children,"

"Because you did and that makes you even more beautiful," Biting on my tongue, I smiled for him, he shook his head with a sigh. I had aged, my face had more lines in it, my eyes were mostly tired from many sleepless nights and I wasn't as fit as I was many years ago.

I still ran and I still did stuff but it was tough after having five kids to get back into shape like you were at twenty-five. Troy pulled into his parent's house that was just a ten-minute drive through town, past East High where Liam was attending and where Emma would attend next year.

Troy pulled in, as Jenni already seemed to be here. The kids all began to complain, as they wanted out, Troy rolled his eyes and we got the kids out of the car. Allison and Wes raced to the front door, Lauren cried, and Liam was texting somebody.

"Up here," Troy snapped his fingers, Liam looked at him with a surprised look, "Yea?"

"Let's go," Liam crawled out from the car as I picked up Lauren, "Alright, calm down," I whispered to her, she curled in to me as I kissed her forehead. I sighed softly and Troy put his hand on the small of my back.

Lucille opened the door as she greeted each of her grandchildren. "Troy, Gabi," she hugged both of us as we had weekly dinners over at the Bolton's household. It was normally on Sunday's but with Liam's birthday this weekend, we decided to do it Friday night.

"Troy!" Jenni came into focus as she lived about thirty minutes south of here in a small town with Carson who got a teaching job down there. She also had two little kids, Samantha Ann who was seven and Miles Ryan who was two.

They were adorable and Troy loved them both, being their uncle was the best or so that's what he said to me all the time. He loved it. They loved him; it was just something of Troy. Jenni grinned as she took me into her arms, "Hi there beautiful," I grinned, "Hi Jenni,"

Carson hugged me too along with shaking hands with Troy, Troy and Carson had grown closer after he asked Troy and Jack if he could propose to Jenni which made Troy like him ten times more and he loved her, it was obvious. "Good, the family is here," Lucille, said with a big smile. Even being fifty-five nothing was slowing her down as she moved through life with a breeze.

"I'm so excited that Troy is finally home!"

Troy gave a faint smile, as it was a huge deal to everybody. "Thanks,"

"So the big one six," Carson said to Liam, Liam grinned, "Yea, finally, I can drive."

"First you need a car," Troy pointed out to him, "Come on dad, please," he begged, Troy laughed as I shook my head, "You two," Lucille smiled as we all began to help with everything, Lauren stayed close by as she held on to my leg and looked around, Troy came up behind me as he kissed the back of my neck. "Are you sure you are okay?"

"I'm fine Troy," he nodded his head as he made Lauren a plate and everybody gathered around the big table in the dining room. I sat in-between Lauren and Troy as we formed around the table as a big family.

I smiled as I thought of my family, my mom and Sam both went over to Europe to be with Kyle. They all lived over there and loved it, I saw them every other year and sent emails back and forth to keep in touch. We have the rare phone calls but Sam and my mom were traveling the world over there as Kyle married a girl from London and they had a one-year-old son named John.

He was cute and I attended the wedding and I traveled with Liam over to see John just a couple of months ago.

I thought back to all of the places I have been, every year for our anniversary, Troy took me somewhere different. We have been to London, Rome, New Zealand, Mexico, a few different islands, and this past year he took me to Spain, which I had loved.

The kids stayed with Jack and Lucille well, Jack and Lucille stayed with the kids. I loved it and Troy knew how much that trip meant to me every single year. Our sixteenth anniversary was coming and I couldn't be more than excited to see what he had in store this year.

We ate dinner as we had small conversations, going from school, to the basketball season that Liam was participating in. They asked Emma how soccer and volleyball were going and then to Wes who was playing baseball. Allison loved basketball, as she played with Troy constantly but nothing in a league, not yet.

"Sam," Troy got Sam's attention, "Any big plans coming up?" she shook her head, "No, why Uncle Troy?"

"I mean you just turned seven, how do you not have any big plans?" she giggled as Jenni ran her hand over her daughter's hair. I smiled as I poked around my food, eating a few bites here and there as I observed everybody.

It was hard to imagine how much we had grown over these last fourteen years, since Liam was two, since Emma was a baby. I shook my head as I finished my meal as Lucille brought out dessert to celebrate Liam's birthday as just a family. A blush worked over his face, as he didn't like to be the center of attention ever, Lucille put the cake down as we sang happy birthday to him and he blew out his two candles, a one and a six.

Lucille cut up the cake and she grinned softly, passing it out, I took the cake as Troy rubbed my shoulder softly; I knew he was concerned but I was just tired.

Troy shut the door as I turned my attention to him, "They are all in their beds," he whispered, I smiled softly and he came crawling towards me, his lips wrapping around mine, "So beautiful girl, are you going to tell me what's wrong with you?" he asked, I gave him a soft smile, "I'm just tired, it's all honest." I promised as his eyes measured mine, "Are you sure?"

"Troy, it's been a long week and tomorrow I will have a house full of teenagers over," Troy sighed, "So I guess," he paused as he kissed me softly, his lips trailing along my jaw, "This has to wait?"

I laughed as I wrapped my arms around his neck, "Since when do I let this opportunity slide?" Troy grinned as our clothes soon disappeared and we were wrapped tightly in one another's arms. His lips placing simple kisses all of my body, his hands touching the right spots, our sex life has never dulled…ever. We were always in the mood and my last two pregnancies I was always in the mood except for the late weeks.

Which made Troy a very, very happy man, I smiled as he rested on the pillow next to me. His finger drawing patterns on my skin, "I love you Brie," I smiled as I snuggled into him, "I love you too Troy,"

"Do you think he will like it?"

I smiled, "He'll love it,"

My fingers played with his hair as the dark wrapped around us. Troy fell asleep as I lay in his arms, my eyes flickering around, as sleep wouldn't come over me at all. I had these nights as a mom that I just couldn't sleep no matter how tired I was.

Creeping out of the bed, I tiptoed out of the room as I slipped a shirt and shorts on. I then went to check on each of my children. I first stopped at Lauren's room, which was the closest to us. She had her butt in the air in her big girl bed that we had just bought. The railing on the side to ensure she doesn't fall out. I smiled, as she was such a unique little girl, so full of life and happy.

The next room over was Allison, opening her door; I looked in as she had the blankets kicked off. Her ceiling fan on high and her knees drawn up to her chest, her princess pajamas glaring back as I smiled. I went over to tuck her back in to keep her warm. Her face was freckled and her dark hair waved down the pillows. She was talkative and always wanting to hug you and lay with you.

I shut her door quietly as Emma was the next room down; Troy wanted all of the girls on the same floor to ensure he had a watchful eye over them. He was protective and I feared for the days to come with Emma. I knew the fights were going to brew no matter how much she loved him.

Emma was curled up tight as she let even breathes go in and out. Her TV was on but the movie was over. I shut the TV off and I looked at her peaceful face, she was my little girl still who did curl up with me on bad days and she was so close with Liam.

Liam and Emma were so close that I loved watching them grow up together. Traveling down a set of stairs and the down another set of stairs to get to the bottom, I looked at Wes's door, which was filled with signs and posters, opening the door to the room; I glanced, as he wasn't in his bed. I felt my eyes scrunch together. I backed out of the room and I opened Liam's door softly as I saw him lift his head.

"What are you doing up?" I asked him softly, it was a little after midnight as I smiled, "Happy Birthday," he grinned, "Thanks mom," I then noticed Wes laying next to him, "Apparently he had a bad dream, he didn't want to wake you and dad," I nodded as I looked at Wes curled up on Liam's queen bed.

"Are you okay with him in here or do you want me to take him back to bed?" I asked, my eyes flickered over and he looked at Wes, "He's fine," I nodded my head, "Get some rest, you have a big party today," he smiled and nodded as I backed out.

When I got up to the third floor, Troy and I's floor. We had the master bedroom and the most privacy, which we both loved. I went back into the room as I curled up on the bed, "Are the kids okay?" he whispered next to me, I smiled as I curled into him, "Perfect," he smiled as he kissed my forehead, "Sleep now okay?"

I nodded my head as I let my eyes rest and sleep took me to a different world for just a little while.

"Gabi!" I peered out to see Taylor walk in, a big smile crossing her face as I went over to give her a hug. "Welcome home," I whispered, she smiled, "It's good to be back!" I smiled as Taylor and Chad were moving back into a nearby home after the five years in San Antonia, Texas where Chad played basketball for a couple of years, after the prime light of the Laker's years.

"Where are the kids?"

"With Chad, unpacking their rooms." I smiled as I thought to all of the wonderful kids Taylor and Chad had. Alexa had grown to be a major daddy girl, she was strong and beautiful, She reminded me a lot of Taylor and she was only fourteen. Then they had Austin a couple of years later, he was eleven and he reminded me of Chad…a lot of Chad. He was funny, had the same hair and the love for basketball.

There final child, Matt, was six years old and was a mix of the two. He was sweet and funny, had kind eyes. "That's good! Is Chad excited to be back?"

"I think so, I mean he is missing basketball but I think he is enjoying being with the kids some more." I smiled and nodded, "Where is the birthday boy?"

"Out with Troy grabbing a few last party items," I explained, "Auntie Taylor!" Allison came running into the room as Taylor grinned, "Alli Cat!" Allison giggled as she hugged tight to Taylor, "Aunt Taylor is here?" Wes appeared with Emma right behind her, "Is Alexa here?" Emma asked excited, "At the house, she will be here at the party though!" Taylor announced I smiled as Taylor grinned. The kids went back to where they came from but Allison sat on the stool.

"Don't you love it?" I looked at Taylor, "Love what?"

"The fact that our kids love each other," I smiled, "It's a bonus," I said with a nod, "Allison, can you go check on Lauren for me?" Allison nodded as she went to check on Lauren. Taylor smiled, "How are you?" she asked, "I'm fine, why?"

"You seem off?"

I raised an eyebrow, "What makes you think that?"

"Girl, I can read you from a mile away," I rolled my eyes, "Troy said something too but I feel fine! I'm just not getting a lot of sleep right now," Taylor nodded, "That might be it, I think we need to have a girls day soon,"

"We do," I commented, "I think Troy is going to be a trainer or something," I blurted, Taylor looked at me, "Why?"

I shrugged, "He doesn't like sitting around here and Lauren is the only one here during the day. I mean we have plenty of money to make it through the many years ahead, I mean plenty,"

"What was his last contract?" she asked me, I cringed, "35 million for three years," Taylor scrunched her nose up, "I don't even understand,"

"He gave that team seven championships, he got 6 MVP's including the Knicks, and he just was that team after Kobe left, him and Chad," I said shaking my head, "The endorsement deals and everything, I mean shit, he still has the shoe line,"

Taylor laughed, "How could you forget," I shot her a look, those were two painful years of marriage as he was either playing basketball or designing shoes. "Let's not go back there," I commented with a look, she laughed, "Taylor?" Troy's voice called out as Taylor walked out, "Aunt Taylor,"

"Happy Birthday Liam!" he smiled, he then bounced into the room, "Hey there," I mentioned, he grinned, "They landed!"

"Good! Are they on there way?" he nodded his head and he then ran up the stairs to change, I laughed quietly and Taylor hugged Troy. "Where is my best friend?"

"Unpacking, I came over to get away from it for a little bit. I am going to go back over, I'll see you guys in a couple of hours," I nodded as Taylor waved leaving the room. Allison came back with Lauren in tow. I laughed as Lauren was rubbing her eyes and clutching her blanket.

"What's up sweet girl?" I asked picking her up, "Mommy," she cried, I picked her up and I cradled her in my arms, "What?" she smiled, "Blankie," I giggled as she pressed it against my nose. Troy kissed her forehead as he played peek a boo with her in my arms.

I smiled softly and I sat down in the couch as Troy chased around Lauren. Liam came bounding down the stairs and I watched him walk into the entire way, flinging the door open for his two best friends from California appear.

Chase and Brett. He laughed as he high fived them, they were here for the weekend with his their parents who were close behind. Troy stood up to greet them as Lauren sat up; Emma came down the stairs as she was in a dress with her hair pulled back in a braid, "What's up?" I asked her, she shook her head, "Is Brett and Chase here?" I nodded, "They just took off outside."

Emma followed as she was close to them also; Emma's laugh rang out as Troy came back, his eyes connecting with mine. "She is fourteen," I spoke carefully, "And?" I shook my head as I pulled Troy down.

"Their parents are going to the hotel to get some rest."

"Okay,"

"I don't like it,"

"She is fine Troy,"

"She is one of my little girls who is getting to that age,"

"And she is responsible," I spoke soft, "If I see it's necessary then we can sit her down but for now, just let her be fourteen okay?" Troy sighed as he ran his fingers through his hair, "Fine," I crawled into his lap and he wrapped his arms around me. "What would I do without you?" he asked softly, "I don't know, what would you do?" he shrugged, "I wouldn't be able to kiss you."

I giggled as he kissed me softly, "Oh," Troy pulled away for Wes to be standing there, "Do we have time to play a little basketball?" Troy nodded, "Yea, let's go, Lo you wanna go?" Lauren popped up and nodded as the three walked into the backyard. I followed as I heard Troy's voice, "Can we join?"

"Yea! Come on dad!"

I got up as I leaned against the doorframe. Allison and Emma were laughing as they held a basketball, Chase, Brett and Liam were all messing around as Troy, Wes, and Lo joined them. "I call dad!" Emma yelled, "Fine! I want Wes," Wes laughed as he joined the team. I went over to lean against the deck. I watched, as Troy was still able to play with ease.

Liam laughed as he tried to block his own dad's shot. The laughter that made my heart warm was there as Lo ran all over the basketball court. Troy picked her up and handed her the ball, "Dunk Lo!"

She smashed the ball through the hoop and Troy cheered as he swung her around. I grinned and I shook my head as I had the perfect family.

The party was in full swing mode as teenagers were everywhere, food was everywhere, and I could hear the echoes of a basketball game going on outside. Lucille was running around making sure everything was full, Jack was keeping all teenagers in check while the music played through the house.

"Gabs!" Sharpay showed up as I smiled, Zeke had a almost sixty restaurants opened throughout the United States as they were all a big hit, Sharpay finally had the money she always dreamed of and everything was perfect on their end of the relationship.

They had three kids, Bentley, Carissa, and Brooklyn. Bentley and Liam were pretty close as they talked all the time. Carissa was thirteen and Brooklyn was five. They were all wonderful kids and had mixed personalities of their parents. The girls were all divas and I prayed for Zeke most days but he still worshipped Sharpay's ground.

I hugged her as Bentley moved right through as he went to find Liam probably. They had relocated three years ago to here, giving the LA restaurant to one of Zeke's most trusted people as Zeke ran the one here in New Mexico.

It was right in the middle of town and famously populated. "Where is the birthday boy?" I shrugged as I looked around, "I haven't seen him a little while,"

"Alright," she moved next to me as Zeke approached with a cake, "Fabulous! Thank you Zeke!"

"No problem Gabi!" I smiled as I looked at the cake, Red and white, Happy Birthday Liam were decorated across the top. A small smile pushed through my lips as the party had been in full swing for an hour and half. It was about time to do presents and cake, then we were going to set up a bonfire and open the pool up to everybody.

"Hey there sexy momma," I laughed as Troy placed his hands on my hips, "Hi," I told him, "Have you seen your son?" Troy shook his head, taking a swipe at the frosting on the cake, "Hey!" I swatted his hand away as he sucked on his finger, "Mmm, good," he said with a nod, "I'm glad, now go find Liam,"

"Okay, okay," he turned away as I moved into the living room to make room for everybody who was going to come rushing in. It was mostly a pile of cards and stuff like that; a few bags were tossed around but mostly money.

"Brie," I came out as Troy and Liam walked in together, "Alright, presents and then cake or do you want to skip presents?" I asked, I didn't know how a sixteen year old would feel about this, "skip presents, I'll just thank everybody and open them later."

"Alright," I told him, Troy looked at me with curious eyes and I held up my hand. "Well lets do cake on the back porch alright?" he nodded as Troy carried it out and I grabbed the one present that mattered to him most probably.

People began to gather as Troy light candles, Lucille and Jenni were both taking pictures as kids circled us. "Liam, we do have one gift from your dad and I that we want to give you," Liam raised an eyebrow in the same way Troy does, I handed him a bag and he set it down, "Can I open it?"

I nodded; "Sure," Jack was already out from waiting for him as Jenni was taking a video.

My stomach twisted as he pulled open a bag as he pulled out the lanyard and he looked over at us, "No way," I shrugged as Troy put his hands on my shoulder, "Are you serious?" he asked us, Troy laughed as he nudged his head towards the door, Liam bolted through it and Troy and I followed. He flew down a flight of stairs and the front door flew open as Jack was standing there, his back against a 2020 Ford pick-up truck, he laughed as he spun around to look at us.

"This is mine?" he questioned, Troy nodded, "With reason, yes," Liam was quick to pull himself into the cab of the truck he put the keys in and Troy looked at me. "I can't believe he is sixteen,"

"I can't believe we bought him a car,"

"What else are we going to use your millions for?" Troy shrugged, "I don't know," I smiled as he squeezed my shoulder, Troy went around to show him some of the stuff as it was a seven year old truck, it was black and had a few problems as Emma shook her head, "I can't believe you actually got him a car, I thought he was going to have to pay for it?"

"Em's come on," she looked at me and she sighed, "I don't want a truck," I shook my head with a laugh, "Fair enough, come on," I took her back inside as I cut up the cake and began to pass out pieces as I knew Liam wasn't coming back anytime soon.

Everybody grabbed pieces as I tried hard not to rub my eyes from exhaustion. "Mom!" Allison wrapped her arms around my waist, "Yea?" I asked her, she gave me a grin, "I love you mommy," I smiled, "I love you too Alli,"

She let go and then went running off, I finally settled in a chair as Troy came back after a couple of moments, "Hey, I see you cut the cake,"

"Mhm, people were growing anxious,"

"Liam wants to take it around the block, we will be back in a couple of minutes okay?" I nodded as he kissed the top of my head; Lucille came in washing a plate and knife off, "Are you alright?"

My spaced out self looked at her, "Yea, I'm fine, I just cant believe my little boy is sixteen, I mean, I feel like he was just cuddling with me with his favorite blanket." Lucille smiled, "It gets harder every single year. He is a good kid though,"

"I know I just feel like everything is moving so fast. I mean he is almost done with his sophomore year of high school, then next year he will be a junior," I almost choked saying it, "I mean Troy and I were juniors when we started dating and now, fifteen years of marriage, six years of dating," Lucille smiled, "A normal parent breakdown," I sucked in a large breath, "But think, you have a two year old, you have a long way to go,"

"I never want it to end though,"

Lucille pulled me into a hug, "Good thing it never does end, Liam will be having your grandchildren and you and Troy will fall back into the swing of things." I sucked in a deep breath as I looked at her, "I love my kids Lucille,"

"I know you do, I have seen you and Troy grow up so much these past sixteen years, it amazes me so much." My breath was soft as I looked up, "We're," Troy stopped short, "Hey, are you okay?" Lucille moved as Troy was face to face with me.

"I just can't believe Liam is six-teen," I uttered, Troy gave a faint smile as he pulled me into his arms, "It's gonna be okay though,"

"I mean I am going to have to worry about him constantly since he has his own car and,"

"Brie, take a breath," he whispered, I did and he smoothed his hand over mine, "It's going to be okay," I nodded as he wiped a tear away that escaped. "He hasn't even taken his driving test yet," I gave a small laugh, "He is a good driver,"

"Yea, I know, he is a good driver,"

Troy smiled as he hugged me again, my head buried into his chest. "You're beautiful,"

I blushed as Troy smiled, "Let's finish this party,"

"Let's,"

"Mom," I snapped out of the sleep I was in to see Emma standing over me, she was holding a blanket and her eyes flashed with worry, "What's wrong," I asked sitting up, "I don't feel good," she complained, I nodded as I moved over towards the middle of the bed, I patted for Emma to lay down next to me as she curled up.

I pressed my lips to her forehead as she felt a little warm but nothing major. Her arms curled around me and I closed my eyes again. My hand rubbed her back as she was still small enough to curl close to me. Her hair was knotted on the top of her head as she fell back asleep after a while. She was close under the blankets as Troy wrapped an arm around my waist.

My eyes focused on the clock that read four fifty, Troy would be getting up soon to run, Lo woke up pretty early, Liam had a basketball practice, Allison wanted to go to a friends house and Wes didn't have anything, neither did Emma which was probably good. Troy rolled in his lumber of sleep as he rested his chin on my shoulder.

It wasn't strange to have to have kids in our bed, which caused us to stop sleeping naked after a couple of years. After sex, Troy normally threw on boxers while I slipped on a t-shirt.

I took in the warm scent of Troy; Emma came closer as I rubbed her shoulder as I watched the sun began to come up. The sunrise was right out my window as I watched carefully. My eyes traced the sun's outline as Troy shifted next to me, "Mmm, are you already awake?" he asked softly, "Mhm," Troy pressed against me and I felt my mouth drop slightly, "You have not clearly opened your eyes yet,"

"Huh?"

I turned my head as Troy opened his eyes and he nodded, "I see, is she okay?"

"She doesn't feel good, I think it's just a low grade fever." Troy nodded as he brushed his lips over my shoulder blade. "I was gonna see if you wanted to go on a run with me,"

"I thought about it but then I have Em's come in here," Troy nodded as he sat up, he moved around the room quietly as he dressed in a pair of basketball shorts with a long sleeve t-shirt, he came over to kiss my forehead and then Emma's. He lingered over Emma's for a minute, "I think she has moved past a low-grade,"

"Can you grab the ibuprofen?" I asked Troy nodded as he went into the bathroom. He dug around for a minute, shutting off the lights and he handed me the pill bottle. A glass of water with it, "Thanks,"

"Mhm, I'll be back in about thirty minutes. I'll make it short."

"Thanks,"

Emma and I scooted over, as I didn't want to wake her up right now. I rested on and off for a while, Emma woke at one point as I coaxed her to take a couple of pills, she swallowed them with ease before resting back on my pillow.

I fell back asleep for a little while until my door burst open, Wes came running in, "Mom can we go to the park today," I lifted my head as I sighed, "I don't know Wes, Emma isn't feeling well, Allison is going to a friends house and we have to clean the house from yesterday." He pouted as I kissed his forehead, "Sorry bub,"

He stalked out in his pajamas as I tried to rest again but Troy came in the door next, he cringed, "I didn't wake you did I?" I tossed the blankets back, frustrated, "No, you are just the third person to wake me up." Troy sighed as he followed me into the bathroom.

"I'm sorry," he said as he leaned towards me, I pulled my hair back and he kissed the back of my neck. "Go lay down, I'll keep the kids out,"

"It's fine Troy, I'll go get Lo ready for the day, Liam has to be at practice in two hours anyways and you get to wake his happy ass up,"

Troy massaged my shoulders, "Okay,"

I took a breath, "How about after everybody gets up and moving, you can go take a nap?" Troy suggested, "Liam will be at practice, after dropping him off, I'll take Alli to her friends house and then I'll take care of Em, you need some rest Brie,"

I leaned into Troy as he hugged me, "I'm a mom, I don't get to rest,"

"I find that very invalid."

"Fine,"

Troy kissed the top of my head as I ran my fingers through his sweaty hair. "I love you,"

"I love you too,"

"Dinners ready!" I yelled, I put the plates out as the kids came stomping through, each of them grabbing a plate, a piece of chicken, roasted potatoes, with some green beans. The rolls were on the table as Troy was snapping Lo into her highchair to eat.

Emma dragged her tired and sick body into the kitchen, "I'm not that hungry," she complained, "How about a roll?" I suggested softly, she shrugged and I wrapped her in my arms as I hugged her.

"Come on, you can have a roll on the couch." She complained again as I took her over there and Troy brought her a small plate of food, "TV is yours,"

She smiled softly as I returned to the dining room, taking a seat next to Troy and Liam. Lo was in the corner between us as we fed her food. The dinner table was active of what was going on tomorrow morning and that afternoon.

"Dad will you take me to do my drivers test tomorrow morning?" Troy's eyes found mine and I shrugged, "What classes do you have tomorrow morning?" I asked, he cringed, "Ah, History," he rolled his eyes, "Come on mom,"

"How about you go to History and your dad and I will pull you out of school for lunch and to take your drivers test?" I suggested, his eyes light up, "Alright!"

"Liam has a game on Tuesday night," I mentioned to Troy, "Alright,"

"Allison and Wes, you have dishes tonight," I commented, they both moaned, "I already unloaded it," I mentioned as everybody began to take their plates to the sink, Troy went to check on Emma.

"Is everybody's homework done?" I asked, my eyes surveying each kid that would have homework, "Mom can you check something for me?" I nodded my head as I ran my fingers through my hair.

Liam went up the stairs as he then came back with his backpack. He slipped a paper out, "It's my history paper and I want to get a A on it, I just want to make sure it sounds well,"

"Let me read it over and I'll give it back to you in a little bit okay?" he nodded, "Work on anything else,"

Going into the living room, I sat down next to Emma who had her eyes closed against the back of the couch, "How are you feeling about tomorrow?" I asked her softly, "I don't know, I don't want to miss school but I feel like crap,"

I nodded my head as I read a few more lines, "Well if you want to, we can get you up in the morning and see how you feel. If you still don't feel so hot and you don't think you can make it though a day of school, then you can stay home for a day. If you think you'll be alright, then I'll send you to school."

She nodded her head, "I can work that deal," I smiled as I ran my fingers over her hair, "If you go to school and during it, you don't feel so well, just go to the nurse and ask to call me, I'll bring you home okay."

"Okay,"

I stood up as I finished reading Liam's paper, I made little notes and I went into the kitchen to hand it back to him. "It's good, you need to add a little here and their plus a few mistakes. Besides that I think you did well."

"Thanks mom,"

I nodded as he went back to his room, Troy came over, "Go take a bath," he whispered softly into my ear, "Maybe I'll join you in a little bit,"

I smiled, "okay,"

Lo came over as she squirmed to be picked up, "Come here sweet girl!" I hugged her; "Mommy is going to go relax for a little bit, I'll see you tomorrow morning okay?" she nodded as I kissed her forehead. "I love you,"

"I love you too," I smiled as I let her down, I went over as I hugged Allison, "I love you sweetie,"

"I love you too mommy," she turned to kiss my cheek as I smiled. I hugged Wes goodnight and I helped Emma up to her bedroom, as she was ready to go to bed herself. I tucked her in and we set her alarm clock and picked out a pair of yoga pants with a pink top for tomorrow's outfit. I then shut off her lights and ventured to Liam's room. He was at his computer desk fixing his paper.

"Did you have a good sixteenth birthday?" I asked him, he jumped before he turned his attention to me, "Yes,"

"Good, I'm off to bed, love you Liam,"

"I love you too mom," I smiled and I turned to go to my room, I found a glass of wine sitting there and my book that I had been trying to read for months. I smiled as I shut the bathroom door lighting a few candles and I turned on the bathwater.

Slipping in under the bubbles, I let my head drift off as I took a couple of sips of the wine. I loved my family and nothing would ever change that.

Welcome to the new story! I hope you enjoy and begin to love all of the new characters! If you have any questions about things, don't be afraid to ask! I'll try to answer them!

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