Chapter 4 – Girl's Night

Friday, September 12th, 2025

93-53

Gabi's POV

I yawned while my fingers dragged down Addy's back as she snuggled onto my chest. My eyes were blurring over but I was trying to stay awake while I watched the game unfold on the screen. Troy was still in pitching against Chicago and he had done fairly well. I knew his end was nearing but that only meant I could go to bed. Logan had fallen asleep a while ago and she was making this somewhat easy on me this time around.

She understood that I needed to pay attention to the babies but she was also being bribed with the fact that once Troy got home, we were going to have a girl's night. It was planned for tomorrow night and we were going to go get dinner together, go see a movie, and then grab some ice cream before coming home. Troy would give the girls their first bottles tomorrow afternoon when he got home to make sure they would take them okay.

Then on Sunday night we were having a friends day with everybody minus Josh and Zach who would still be away with the team. This would give Logan something else to look forward too and me to look forward too. I chewed on my lower lip as Troy struck out the side with 104 pitches and I knew he was done. I sent him a text message from my phone and then gingerly moved so that Addy didn't wake up. I rolled my lips together as I scooped up Mac as well.

I quietly walked down the hall and I eased them into the bassinet. My phone buzzed while I settled on the bed, "Hey," I answered, "Hi baby girl, how are you doing?" I smiled, "I'm okay, getting ready for a pump and then off to bed."

"How did the rest of the evening go?"

"She was good," I answered, "She behaved but she was just quiet." Troy sighed from the other end, "You pitched well,"

"My mind is other places,"

"We'll figure this out Troy," he didn't say anything for a couple of minutes, "I think we need a date afternoon," I arched my eyebrow at his suggestion, "Can we take a nap during our date?" I whispered, he laughed, "You know, maybe we should drop the kids off and just take a fucking nap on Sunday,"

"Sounds like a good plan," I mumbled while I snuggled into the pillow. "I think I am going to forget pumping," I whispered, "You sound a bit tired,"

"Can we please have a date afternoon full of naps,"

"Mhm," he responded, "But you need to get to sleep now."

"Okay,"

"That didn't take a lot of convincing,"

"Nope,"

"G'night Brie,"

"Night Troy,"

"Love you,"

"Love you more,"

"Whatever,"

We both laughed and hung up.

Troy's POV

"To Troy's no-hitter,"

"And the birth of his twins," I laughed as the drinks clicked together and I downed my drink. It burned against the back of my throat when Zach hit the back of my shoulder, "Time to celebrate Troy boy," I smiled while a beer was slid my direction, I nodded to Jace on the end and he saluted me, "Why do I feel bad?" I questioned, Zach smiled, "Because your wife is at home with two newborn babies and a five-year old who is angry,"

I laughed rubbing the back of my head, "Yea," he smiled at me while he ordered me a shot, "You might want to loosen up a little bit." He said, "Gabi gave you her blessing to be here, use it, sleep," I shook my head, "I haven't slept that well. I kind of miss being at home."

"Those girls are beautiful,"

"All four of them," Zach laughed a little and I smiled, "I really do wish I was on my way home right now." Zach slid into the seat next to me, "I bet, I was the same way after Hanson was born. I just wanted to be with him and Alex." I nursed my beer and peeled at the label while I sat and thought about everything. "You're a parent. If Hanson was acting the way Logan is right now, what would you do?" Zach sighed, "Let it ride the wave it's on." I frowned, "You say that but,"

"I know, it could be different in the moment but maybe you just let her ride it out. She'll get bored with it eventually and it might take a while." I rolled my eyes, "I don't get it, she was so excited for the babies to come and then she kind of fell apart." Zach nodded his head when Josh straddled the seat on the other side of me. "Why are you just drinking a beer, this night is basically celebrate you," he took my beer out of my hands and ushered to the bartender.

"This man needs something stronger than a beer," I laughed grabbing my beer away from him, "Stop, I have to get up in the morning and go home. I can't be that hung-over."

"I beg to differ," Josh muttered, "You don't get much of a chance away from screaming children," I rolled my eyes again at his obnoxious comment, "Alex is pregnant," Zach blurted, we both looked over at him and he let a grin slip onto his face. I laughed, "Dude!" I shoved his shoulder and he smirked, "We have been trying but also keeping it on the down low. She is about eight weeks along,"

"That's fucking fantastic," Josh, muttered, "Oh come on, you love your daughter," I said, "Yea, but now everybody is having more than one. You were the last dude!"

"No, Ellie and Chase…"

"She'll be knocked up here sooner or later. Emerson is getting bigger," Zach and I laughed when three drinks were slid to me. I raised an eyebrow at the bartender and his eyes dragged to the two blondes sitting on a barstool. Zach and Josh looked over as well, Josh let out a low whistle, "Wow," he muttered, I looked down at the drinks and back up to the girls. They were smirking while looking over at me and I wondered their end game.

"Look at those breasts," Josh muttered, I rolled my eyes, "You guys can have them,"

"You didn't even look at those girls," I pulled my cell phone and the picture of my four girls at home popped up, "Josh, those are the only girls I want to look at," Josh groaned, "Bolton, you are getting soft in your old age. You can at least look,"

"Even if I looked, I wouldn't be impressed." Zach laughed, "Josh, you keep forgetting that our best friend here is head over heels in love with his wife and has been for how many years now?" I looked at my drink and I smiled, "Thirteen years,"

"Minus six months," I shot a look at Josh, "Really?" he snorted, "Actually, I bet you could minus a whole year off of that after your nasty fighting earlier," I groaned finishing my beer, "I'm out of here." I mumbled, "Whoa, whoa, Josh, stop pissing him off." Jace said coming back over, "I'm not pissing him off!"

"Him leaving begs to differ!" Jace pushed me back against the stool, "Sit Bolton, my friend here needs another drink," he said pointing, I bit on my tongue and put a fake smile on my face. I just wanted to go to bed and then wake up and magically be home where I could look at my girls.

Saturday, September 13th, 2025

94-53

I pushed eggs around on the stove while Logan colored on the counter. The twins were sleeping against my chest in the wrap, "Mommy, are we going out tonight?" I nodded my head, "We sure are," I answered with a smile, "Just you and I," I responded looking at her with a smile. She grinned, "Good! What are we going to do?" I slid her breakfast onto the plate and then I gave it to her. "I think we are going to get our nails done together, after that we are going to get some dinner together and then go see the Peanuts movie."

She squealed, "Yes! Can we dress up?" I smiled over at her, "We sure can," she giggled and tapped her fingers together. I laughed at her while I ran my fingers through her hair. "No babies?" I shook my head, "No babies," I answered, "But mommy is going to bring that machine with me and in the car in-between dinner and the movie we're going to play a game but that is the only thing we are doing with the babies tonight."

She looked at me skeptical, "Pinky promise." I said sticking my finger out, she smiled and shook my pinky. "Atta girl, we are going to have fun tonight okay?" she nodded with a big smile and I leaned forward to kiss her forehead. I started to clean up the mess around the kitchen when I heard the garage door lift. Logan had asked for breakfast for lunch so I knew that was Troy finally getting in from the road trip. I smiled when the door opened.

"Where are my girls?" Logan gasped from her spot when Troy appeared in the kitchen. "Daddy!" he laughed and he went over to her first, something we had talked about, and kissed her forehead. "How are you Lolo?" she grinned up at him, "Mommy made me breakfast for lunch," Troy nodded looking down at the plate, "Is it good?" she nodded, "I am excited! Mommy said we are having a girl's night!" Troy looked up at me with a smile, "You sure are,"

He kissed the back of her head again while she continued to eat when he came over to me. He wrapped his arms around me and he grinned kissing my lips. "Did you get some rest last night?"

"The usual," I replied, "Better than less," I nodded my head in agreement when he kissed the top of each of the girl's heads. "How is Addy Mac," I smiled as he kissed me again, "They are both sleepy and should be wanting their first bottle soon," Troy smiled, "I am going to take a fast shower. I still smell like smoke and alcohol from the bar last night. They were all happy that they got to treat me to a night out and get me as drunk as possible."

"Okay, once you are done they will want to eat. I'll heat up there bottles in about ten minutes,"

"I'll be back in about ten and Brie…" I looked up at him as his blue eyes sparkled, "Are you busy Monday night?" I eyed him with curiosity, "Besides tending to your children?" he smirked, "Besides that," I shook my head, "Nope, nothing," he nodded, "Good, I plan to celebrate seven years of you being my wife that night," my cheeks rose with color while he disappeared down the hallway when I started to freak out. I completely forgot about our anniversary, I looked down at the twins and I placed them in their swings.

"Mommy," I glanced up at Logan as she played with her t-shirt she was wearing. "Yea?" I said as I made sure the babies were good and then returned to Logan, "Can we cuddle?" she asked, her eyes were heavy with sleep and I smiled, "That sounds like a good idea," I told her, "How about in twenty minutes we go downstairs and cuddle in your bed. We can both take a nice long nap together?" she nodded her head while I turned on her favorite show. I grabbed the bags of breast milk that I had thawed overnight; I dumped it into two bottles while I heated the first one up.

I then found my breast pump and started to hook that up when Troy came back down the stairs with his wet hair pressed against his forehead, a pair of sweats and a t-shirt. He gave me one of those devil smiles and I shook my head, he came over and he quickly dropped a kiss onto my lips. "I missed you," I smiled up at him, "I missed you, mostly at two in the morning when they were both crying." Troy laughed, "I felt guilty yesterday going out,"

"Don't, you deserved it." Troy rolled his eyes at me and I smiled, "Makenli would like to eat," I whispered to him, he smiled, "I'll be back," he walked into the living room where he picked up Makenli and returned. He reached for the bottle I warmed up; he tested the temperature just like when he did when Logan was little. Makenli squirmed in his arms and he just smiled at her as she rested in his big arms. He put the tip of the bottle against her lips and she happily took it from him.

"Atta girl," he looked down at her and I couldn't help but smile at him, "After I am done here, Logan asked me to snuggle so we are going to go to her room and snuggle." Troy looked up with a nod, "Good, and I am serious. We're going out Monday night, okay?" I bit down on my lip, "Okay, who is watching our three children?" I asked him since he had everything planned out. "Cody is going to take Logan and she is going to have big sister boot camp at his house while the twins go to my parents house."

I hesitated and he shook his head, "Not an option. I even played with having the twins stay the night but I figured you would throw a fit." I snorted, "You got that right, I am not ready for that yet."

"Well Logan is staying the night with Cody and because her and Ben go to the same school now it is non issue," I sighed, "Okay,"

"Brie, I haven't gotten one on one time with you in a very long time," I looked at him and I nodded, "I know, I miss having adult interaction." He smiled and came over to kiss my forehead. "Looks like Mac likes getting a bottle from her daddy," I said as I stroked the top of her head. Her fingers were clutched onto Troy's shirt while she ate. "I think I like doing it." I smiled leaning into him and he kissed the top of my head again.

"Mommy, I am sleepy," Logan came into the room dragging her blanket behind her. "I'm almost done Lo," she nodded returning to the living room, as I was almost finished. I unhooked everything, stored it in the freezer and then I looked at Troy. "Adalyn's bottle is sitting on the counter waiting to be warmed. I'm taking Logan downstairs, come get me if you need some back up," Troy laughed, "Not a chance, go," I smiled as I turned, "Lo, are you ready for a nap?"

She came running over as we went downstairs together. She jumped onto her bed and I followed, we both cuddled close while adjusting the blankets. She snuggled against me and I couldn't help but grow excited for my evening with Logan. It has been a rough go around getting adjusted and I am pretty sure a night out with her was the step in the right direction.

"What if it doesn't go well," I stressed, I pulled on a pair of my nice maturity jeans and Troy laughed, "Gabs, you are both going to have a good afternoon together. You just fed the girls and they both took bottles like nobody's business. Go out with Lo girl and have a good night. You know what you need to do." I sighed and Troy rubbed my shoulders, "My other girls and I are going to have a good night doing whatever pleases us so please, have fun," he kissed my neck and I leaned back against him.

His hard chest pressed into my back while his arms wrapped around me, "Do you have any idea how much I miss you and I," I whispered, he sighed, "I know," he answered, "Monday night though," I smiled while he pressed a kiss into my temple. I pulled away while I put on a plaid button up over my nursing tank. I paired it with a white scarf that was fluffy and my brown riding boots. "Momma!" Logan came bouncing into the room wearing a pair of leggings with a long sweater.

"Do you want me to do your hair?" she grinned nodding up at me, "Just like yours!" my eyes reflected in the mirror across the room to see my hair that was tossed into a messy ponytail. I also took note in the bags underneath my eyes that make-up couldn't cover up and the lack of color in my face. "I'll do my best," I sat her down and I glanced up at Troy, "Can you got find her combat boots?" Troy looked at her outfit and turned his head, "Black or brown?"

"Sparkly black!" Logan instructed, Troy smiled, "Yes ma'am," she giggled at Troy while I played with her hair. I pulled it back into a ponytail but I also braided it back and made it look more like a mess while mine was a tired mess. She jumped up, "I want to see it,"

"Sit back down and I'll take a picture," I instructed, she smiled while sitting on her bottom and I took a picture of the back. I showed her and she looked at it in awh, "Thank you mommy," she wrapped her arms around me and gave me a tight squeeze. "You are more than welcome," I kissed the top of her head when Troy returned with the shoes. He helped Logan slip them onto her feet while I finished getting ready.

"Alright, I need a picture of my girls," Troy said with his mouth-watering smile. I looked over at Logan, "Where do you want to take the picture?" I asked her, she pushed her lips out in thought and she bounced out the door, "Outside!" I laughed while Troy smiled at me, "You have everything?" I nodded my head, "Yea, I put the cooler in the car already and my breast pump is in there. Call me Troy if things get out of hand,"

He shook his head, "Not a chance." I looked at him, "Troy," he smiled, "Sorry. You are enjoying this night with Logan, now go, you have pictures to be in." I shook my head while I went downstairs. Logan was waiting impatiently at the door with her hands on her hips. I shook my head with a smile when I eased her into my arms. "Gabi," I looked over at Troy with an innocent look, "What?" he gave me that look that told me I was pushing it.

"Oh come on Troy, I am fine, I am holding my daughter." Troy shook his head while Logan wrapped her legs around me while I kissed on her face. She giggled and I smiled at her, "Alright you two, you better go." Troy smiled at the both of us and wrapped his arms around us tightly. "Daddy!" Logan shrieked while squeezing us, I laughed while he kissed the both of our heads. "I love you guys,"

"Love you too Daddy,"

"Be good for mommy, understood?" Logan nodded her head and I put her down on the ground, "I love you too," he kissed me softly on the lips, "Have fun, don't stress," I nodded my head against his cheek when I took Logan's hand and we disappeared down the hallway. Logan dragged me down the stairs where we both climbed into the car. She buckled her seatbelt in the back of Troy's car and she smiled up at me. "Do you want to get Starbucks?" I asked her, she nodded her head with an excited grin.

"Caramel Steamed Milk?" I questioned, "With extra whip!" she requested, I shook my head with a smile, "With extra whip."

"What color do you want?" I asked, she examined the wall closely and then looked at her outfit. "What color are you getting?" she asked looking up at me, she held her tiny Starbucks cup in her hand looking too grown up for her own good. I scanned the wall myself while rubbing my lips together, "I think I am going to do a black with sparkles." I told her, "I want to do blue sparkles!" I nodded with a smile while I grabbed two different choices and let her choose.

"That one!" she pointed to the dark Royal blue in my left hand, "Good choice," I took it away from her and she giggled, the lady took us back into the corner where they normally took me. "I see we are treating this princess to a day," Kacie said from her chair, I nodded my head with a smile, "We figured we could use some time away from two babies, right Lo?" she nodded her head with a smile as she scooted close to the table. She put her drink on the table while she positioned herself.

I looked at Kacie with a smile, "Can you do something special for me?" I asked quietly leaning across, "Can you try and make her nails look like Cinderella or some princess? She is having a rough go at it with the twins at home and I am trying to make her feel as special as possible." Kacie nodded with a smile and then leaned over to her partner. They whispered quietly and the girl smiled, "My name is Lee,"

"Lee, it is very nice to meet you. I am Gabi and this is my oldest daughter Logan,"

"Do you have any siblings, Logan?" Logan shifted uncomfortably in the chair and Kacie looked over at her while she began to file my nails. "Yea," Logan said quietly, her head tucked down, I gave a soft smile as I looked up at Kacie and Lee, "Tonight is a baby free zone huh?" Logan finally grinned and nodded, "No babies," Kacie laughed, "Can I ask your mommy one question about them?" Logan thought about it and then nodded her head.

"Two girls correct?" I nodded my head, "Identical twin girls,"

"How old are they?"

"Two weeks on Sunday,"

"Wow, still wrinkly and you are out of the house?" I laughed, "A five-year old has demanding attention." She gave a smile while we continued on the nails; Kacie dropped the baby talk and the girl's clearly entertained Logan as they did both of our fingers. Logan wiggled in her chair while they painted, "So what else are you lovely ladies doing tonight?" my eyes glanced over at Logan, "Lo, what else are we doing tonight?"

She looked over at me with her wide blue eyes, the innocent look that swept across her face and the gracious smile. "Mommy and I are going to get dinner at Noodles and then go see Peanuts!" Lee gasped, "Oh my goodness! That is amazing! What are you going to eat at Noodles?" Logan rubbed her lips together, "I am going to get Mac and Cheese,"

"Yummy!" Kacie exclaimed, "I am excited," Logan, said, "Are you in school Logan?"

"Kindergarten!"

"What is your favorite thing to do?" Kacie asked Logan, Logan pondered the question, "Going to daddy's baseball games." Lee smiled, "Is that why you chose sparkly blue?" Logan shrugged, "My favorite color is blue." Lee nodded her head and they played songs in the back of the salon. My nails were done first and I took pictures of Logan. She was happy as could be letting somebody paint her nails. I sent a picture to Troy and he sent one back of the girls hanging with each other.

I turned the phone towards Kacie and she gasped, "How beautiful!" I nodded with a smile as Lee finished Logan up, "All done," Lee said, Logan pulled her nails back and she gasped, "Ohmygod mommy look!" she screeched and she stretched her fingers out for me to see. I couldn't help but look in awh while the blue sparkles had little hints of Cinderella across the five fingers. I couldn't help but let tears fill my eyes, "Lee, those are beautiful,"

"Gabi, sweetie, no tears in the salon," Kacie said, I laughed, "I am over emotional recently," I sniffed, I looked up at Logan, "Did you tell Ms. Lee thank you?" she shook her head and turned to latch a big hug on Ms. Lee. She laughed while I hugged Kacie from the side. I went over paid for the both of us, Logan skipped over with her Starbucks cup. "You have a good afternoon Bolton ladies, Ms. Logan, come back and see us soon okay?" Kacie winked at her and I giggled, Logan nodded, "I'll be back soon,"

I shook my head with a small smile and walked out the door. I stopped towards the brick wall for a good background drop. I pulled Logan closer to me as I squatted down. "Come here," I pulled her in and she laughed while we held our Starbuck cups up and took two or three pictures. I then made her stick her fingers out for a picture of her nails. I escorted her to the car and drove across town to the Noodles and Company. Logan babbled incoherently in the back about being excited for mac and cheese.

I stroked Logan's hair while her eyes trained on the giant screen in front of her. The popcorn had been eaten and scattered across the floor, her fist still clutched the candy that she chose tightly. She smiled at a scene that I paid little attention too while I just watched her. This evening had been fun and I am glad to put a smile on her face again. After this though, we would be going home and the night would magically end. I wanted to just ask her a couple of questions about the twins and making her life easier but I had refrained all night.

Once the credits began to roll across the screen and the lights flickered on above us, Logan looked at me with a big smile on her face. "Did you like it?" I asked her, she nodded her head, "I did," I smoothed her hair back away from her face. "Are you ready to go home?" I asked I tried to keep my eyes open the entire movie, which was a challenge.

She looked down at her nails and she shook her head, "No," I frowned because maybe the talk would come up naturally, "Why not?" I began to pick up the trash around us and she jumped out of her chair. "You're going to go back to the babies," she whispered. I bent down to be closer to her, "Lolo," she lifted her eyes to meet mine and I gave her a reassuring smile. "You know I love you a lot right?" she nodded her head that pout breaking from her face.

"The babies are very, very tiny and they still need a lot from me like when they were in my belly." Logan hesitated taking a step away from me but I just moved an inch closer. "You are still very important to my though. Once we a week we will go out and do something together. Just you and I okay?"

She let a tiny smile break onto her face, "But you have to be good at home. Daddy is going to start staying with the team all the time and you're going to have to be my big girl helper,"

"What does that do?" I stood up and grabbed our things as we headed towards the exit. Once I dumped the trash I picked her up and she nestled into my cheek. "Doing all of your chores that you have, making sure we change your site on time, and helping mommy when I need some extra help."

"I can do that?" I nodded, "Good, if you can do that we will go out once a week and have some mommy and Logan time okay?" she nodded her head and let out a long yawn. I put her into the car and she crawled to get in her car seat. Starting the car I drove out of the movie theater parking lot and towards home.

Logan was already starting to fall asleep in the back because the afternoon had been long into the evening. My phone buzzed in the cup holder to see my dad calling me. I picked it up, "Hey, I hope I am not waking you up."

"Not at all. Logan and I went out tonight."

"How did that go?"

"Really well," I responded, "What's up?"

"I didn't know if you could help me out next weekend…" I squinted, "With what?"

"Your mom and I decided we need a little break from this teenage tension house and we just want to get away for the weekend." I snorted, "and you want to put them in my house?"

"I figured it would be good for Logan to be around her aunt and uncle, you could focus on the twins with Troy,"

"Dad…"

"If not that is fine, we will find a friend for them but you were my first option." I sighed, "I guess as long as they behave here, I don't have time to be dealing with them and their attitudes lately."

"Lilly will be fine with you…it's Cam," I sighed, "I'll be more than happy to let my siblings come over for the weekend. Where are you and mom off too?"

"Cayman Islands,"

"For the weekend?" I said with a laugh, "We leave Thursday night and get back Monday afternoon."

"Long flight for a short amount of time,"

"It will be used wisely," I laughed, "Alright, I gotta go," he bid his goodbye when I pulled into the driveway. I peered into the back and noticed that Logan was fast asleep. I smiled because she had a good day today.

I shut the car off, I got out and I opened the back door. Logan moved her head and she opened her eyes to reveal the clear blue. "You ready to go see Daddy?" she nodded her head while rubbing her eyes. She jumped out and she raised her arms to be carried. Troy wasn't going to be happy but I couldn't help it. I picked her up and she wrapped herself around me. We walked into the house where Skip greeted us, "Hey buddy,"

I walked up the stairs with her on my shoulder and ventured into the living room where I heard the TV on. I smiled at the sight in front of me; Troy was laying in the recliner with both of the girls lying on his chest. They were already in a pair of purple PJ's and a little hat on their heads. Troy's eyes were closed and the TV was playing softly following along with the Royals game.

"Do you want to go put your PJ's on?" she nodded into my shoulder and I put her on the ground. She went running down the stairs while I smoothed my jeans out. I went over to the couch and kissed Troy's forehead.

He jumped startled and his blue eyes filled mine, he squeezed the girls closer to him and I smiled, "Having a good nap?" I questioned, he nodded his head still slightly confused. "How was your night?" I asked, I peeled Makenli from his arms and I snuggled her. "Good, we have been doing a lot of this." I looked around and I noticed how clean it was, "Did you clean?" I questioned, he nodded, "Yea, I picked everything up, did several loads of laundry, dishes…" I smiled, "Troy Bolton," he smiled back at me, "Let's go tuck our big daughter in," I laid down Makenli and Troy rested Adalyn right next to her.

We both bounced down the stairs and Logan grinned at the sight of Troy. "Daddy, daddy look at my nails," she showed off her fingers and Troy picked her up easily, "Those are super pretty,"

"Thank you! I like mommy's too," I smiled at her when Troy laid her down on the bed. "Can we read a book?" she asked, Troy nodded, "Of course, which book would you like?"

She pondered and picked up a book about cats, I laid next to her while I listened to Troy read the book to her. I stroked her hair until she was fast asleep when Troy helped me out of the bed. He quickly checked her blood sugar and then we both crept back upstairs.

Peeking over at the girls I smiled to see they were still sleeping, Troy sat down on the couch, his eyes lifted to watch the game when I walked over to him. He flickered his attention to me when I slipped my legs around his waist.

"Gabriella, what are you doing?" he asked me quietly, I smiled while I wrapped my arms around his neck. My lips pressed to his and he seemed shocked by this at first and then his hands pulled me in closer.

His lips moved against mine, his lips parted slightly for my tongue to brush against his teeth. He moaned, "Where did this come from?" I pressed my nose into his neck while we both caught our breath. "I told you, I missed you."

He laughed, "I didn't realize you missed me like that," I nodded my head, "We only share like two second kisses when Mr. Bolton, I love our twenty minute kisses."

"Well for that," Troy pushed me back against the couch and he crawled on top of me until his lips met mine. "I would have to agree Mrs. Bolton,"

His lips moved over mine while I breathed in the scent of Troy Bolton. His hands ran down my side, "We're going to have to stop," he whispered in my ear a couple of minutes later. "I know," I replied, "I need to feed the girls anyways," Troy dropped down on the other side of me, his nose pressing into my neck as his warm breath blew on my face.

"How many weeks?" he questioned, I laughed, "Two weeks and you're already counting down?" he gave a sly grin, "These six weeks give me horrifying nightmares of those three months we spent apart a couple of times…" I laughed as I turned to give him a quick kiss. "Good for you that we are still in each other sights." Troy smiled while I pushed off the couch. "Will you grab Addy?"

"Of course, how did your night with Logan go?" I sighed as I picked up Mac and headed for the kitchen to grab water. "It went really well. She had fun doing big girl things and she really enjoyed the movie."

"Did you have fun?" he asked, I nodded, "Yes, I forgot how much fun it is to be around Lo like that. She smiled and laughed all night. We only talked about the babies once and it was a good conversation."

Troy nodded as we retreated to our bedroom, he sat down on his side of the bed while I laid down Mac, and I changed into my clothes and let out a long yawn. "What did you and the girls do tonight?" I asked, Troy lay on his side with Addy, "We watched TV, cleaned the house, watched the Royals, ate some food, didn't we," his eyed looked at Addy with a smile and I couldn't help but smile at him.

Sunday, September 14th, 2025

94-54

My eyes opened with a soft tap to my shoulder, Logan was standing before me with her blanket clutched tightly in her hand. Her blue eyes were spread open with fear and I could see a hint of tears behind her eyes.

"Lolo," I whispered, "What's wrong?"

"Bad dream," she whimpered, I scooted over in the bed but met with resistance called Troy. I nudged him a little harder, "What?" he mumbled, "Move over," he let out a groan as he rolled onto his back and scooted over. Logan climbed in our bed and Troy sighed, "Lo, what's wrong?" Troy asked she wedged herself in his grasp while pressing her face into his bare chest.

"Logan?" Troy looked down at her and then at me for an explanation, "Bad dream," I said with a sleepy shrug. "She's crying," Troy sat up a little bit and pulled Logan into his grasp. "Lo," he said quietly, she didn't say anything but I knew from Troy's concerned face that she was still crying.

I scooted closer and rubbed her back with my hand. Logan was prone to nightmares and dreams that caused this reaction. It broke my heart because she was easily scared by most of them. Troy reached over and grabbed his glasses from the nightstand table. "Brie, get some sleep," he said quietly, my face fell a little, "No, you guys are okay. Stay," I told him, Logan's eyes were red with tears. Troy hesitated, "Gabs,"

"The girls will want to eat soon anyways, I am okay," Troy nodded and he relaxed back in the bed. "Lo, do you want some milk?" she nodded her head in Troy's shoulder. I shifted out of bed and Troy looked at me, "Brie,"

"I got it," I told him, moving out of the room I went downstairs and quickly decided that I would bottle feed the girls because it is faster and then pump once Logan falls back asleep. I warmed up two of the bottles for the twins while I poured a cup of milk for Logan and put a top on. I waited the necessary minutes for the bottles to be warm when I climbed down the hallway again.

Logan was resting in Troy's arms when he noticed three drinks in my hands. "Huh, this will be interesting," I laughed and I crawled back onto the bed. I gave Logan her milk and then turned on our TV. I flipped through Netflix until I found a show for her to watch. Troy slowly scooted her to the middle of the bed between us. I slid out of the bed while I grabbed Mac and Addy from their bassinet. I gave Troy Mac and he took a bottle and I settled in with Addy. Logan looked at the both of us for a moment and then just laid back.

After the show ended, I pressed to start the next one but Logan sat up instead and she looked at the twins. "Is that milk?" she asked curiously, I nodded, "It is special milk," I told her; she nodded her head and rubbed her eyes. "Do you want to help?" I asked her; she looked at Addy eating and her eyes scrunched up. Troy silently observed the both of us when Logan shook her head no. "Okay, do you want to watch the rest of this show?" she nodded and sat back down leaning into me. Troy sighed with a shake of his head while he burped Makenli. Troy shifted out of the bed and he laid Mac back down and then he looked at Addy who was resting on my shoulder now.

"What me to take her? I know you need to probably pump now," I nodded and he took her from me. I grabbed my breast pump and hooked that up as Troy shut off most of the lights and then crawled back into bed next to Logan. He pulled her closer to him and she pressed her face into his chest. "You okay Lo?" he asked, she nodded her head. "Can I stay in here?" my eyes peered at the clock that read four fifteen, Troy looked at me and I nodded because the next feeding Logan would probably be ready to get up in the morning.

"Only for you sweet girl," she fell asleep rather quickly after that. She was tucked in Troy's embrace while I finished. After I was done I unhooked and took the breast milk downstairs. I put it in the freezer and then went back upstairs. I laid my head down on the pillow while I looked at the innocence of Logan's face playing in front of me. I wish I could help her understand the siblings more but we were making progress in the right direction. She understood that things weren't going back and now I believe she was just taking time to accept that. All is due in time.

"How is the jealousy thing going?" I sighed while I put pizza onto a plate for Logan, "It's definitely going," I replied looking up at Alex, she gave me a smile, "I just hope Hanson doesn't do what Logan is doing, I mean, I love Logan but I don't know if I can handle that."

I looked up at her confused and she gave me a broad grin, "Oh my god! Alex!" she laughed and I launched a hug to her body. "I am so happy for you!" she smiled, "Good! Now those twins of yours won't grow up without a buddy," she helped me carry the pizza into the kitchen where many little mouths were waiting to be fed.

"Adult beverages out back," Troy called, he was cradling Mac in his arms while I shared a smile with him.

"Mr. Bolton told me he was taking you out tomorrow," Mallory, said coming up behind me, I bit on my lip with a smile, "Our anniversary,"

"That has to be good for your relationship,"

"Except that we can't do what we want to do," Mallory and Alex laughed, "I can't believe you even want too." I smirked, "Have you seen my husband guys?" they both looked in Troy's direction. His had on backwards, a fitted Royals t-shirt and a pair of jeans with a baby in the crook of his arm.

"Okay, yea, I could have sex with your husband," Mallory agreed, "Even two weeks post delivery of twins because if I had to look at that all day…"

"See?" they laughed and we went back into the kitchen to get some food for ourselves. I glanced around for Addy to see she had landed in Ellie's arms. "Okay, no, serious, how do you look at him all day like that?" Mallory asked, "I wish Josh looked that good,"

"Being a professional athlete helps," Alex commented, "I mean, Zach looks pretty similar," I looked back over at Troy who was laughing with Cody and Chase. "Ugh, why did I not wait until Gabi had all of the connections?" I stifled a laugh and I walked over to Troy. I slid my arms around his waist, my head pressing in his back, he was in the middle of a conversation but he moved his hand to cover mine.

"When do you join the team again?" Chase asked him, Troy sighed, "I'll probably go everyday again when they get back from this long road trip, and I'll go back for my next start which is Wednesday. They fly home that night though so I'll fly back with the team."

Cody grinned, "He wants to be at home, don't let him lie to you guys," I couldn't help but let a smile slip onto my face, "So what? I love being with my girls and they are going to grow up fast,"

I couldn't help but into the conversation, "I would love for them to weigh like eight pounds so we can feed like once a night instead of three times a night." Troy laughed which caused vibrations to fill me. I moved to stand next to him and my eyes landed on Makenli sleeping in his arms. "You even want one feeding?" Cody asked, I nodded my head, "Yea, I love having that hour of really quiet time with them but only once a night. The third time is a bit excessive."

My eyes watched Makenli and I glanced at Troy, "Do you want me to go put her in our room so you can eat and have a drink?"

"I'm not drinking tonight," Troy said, I raised an eyebrow, "Okay, do you want me to take her still?"

"I got her," I nodded my head with a smile while I backed away from them. Cody sent me a smile back while I leaned against the counter and watched the kids eat.

Troy's POV

"How's Gabi doing?" my hands lowered Makenli into the bassinet and I smiled, "Good, she has been pretty happy minus the few emotional meltdowns from going to one kid to three."

"And the lack of sleep and lack of eating and the lack of everything else that could lead to tears," I laughed turning to Cody, "Yea," I answered, I walked to the door and he sighed, "How are you doing?"

"Pretty tired but I am moving and living, Logan has been having nightmares recently so you know, the three times a night with the twins and then Logan never picks the same time," Cody laughed, "Becs and I are more than happy to give you guys a break from Lo," I leaned back against the wall as I let out a long breath, "It's getting better. I mean…she doesn't really want to talk about them or even look at them but the other night she laid in bed with us while we fed them."

"She's co-existing." I announced while rubbing my forehead, "You ready for post season?" I groaned, "Yes, I am so excited for it but I am also not sure how everything is going to happen. I want Gabi at every game and I want Logan at every game,"

"So do it,"

"Gabi is going to need help,"

"Your parents will go, her parents will be there,"

"Yea, I know, she is already tired and then all of the travel,"

"It is an experience and the first post season she was heavily pregnant, the second post season, you had Logan who was getting ready to turn one and then one after that and she worked both of those."

I chewed on my lip, "She can finally enjoy one,"

"Enjoy might be a strong word."

"Troy," Cody shoved my shoulder, "Fine, really, I want you to go…" Cody rolled his eyes, "I can't take that much time off work but I will be there for every start and of course every single home game." I closed my eyes leaning back while I shook my head, "I have a feeling this is going to be a good year,"

"Good, hey, Brett emailed me and they want to do a thing this winter back in New Mexico…a small weekend with the old team. I know that you are busy but we all have families now and we haven't all seen each other in a while."

"December or January," I told him, I smiled, "That would actually be a lot of fun. We haven't had the team together in quite some time. Have you told Lance and Gary?" he nodded his head with his own smile. "We thought about doing it in KC to play against one of their teams, like their 18 team, but Lance suggested that we play against the ones in New Mexico. He needs to go down there anyways."

"Hell yea, I am totally game for this." He nodded while we went down the hall to where the rest of the group was. My eyes searched for Gabi and she was in the chair in the corner by the fire, her legs were tucked underneath of her while she held a bottle of water tightly in her hands.

I broke away from Cody and went over to her, she looked up at me and a smile grew on her face. "Hi," she said, "Hi," I answered. I sat down on her legs and she laughed, "Troy,"

"What," I asked innocently; she laughed again when I nudged her over in the chair. She pushed up until I slid underneath and pulled her into my lap. My arms wrapped around her and she snuggled into my chest. "This is good," she whispered into my ear, I nodded with a smile while kissing her cheek. She leaned back against me while the rest of the group filtered around.

"The kids are all watching a movie," Mallory said, Collin was sitting close to her and we all let out a sigh of relief that they were all sitting and not destroying everything yet.

The Royals game was on in the corner and my eyes lingered there for a little while until they brought my attention away from it. "Wishing you were there?" Melissa asked, I smiled shaking my head no, "Nope, I am good right here. I mean, yes, I miss being with the team but also really happy to be spending this time with my family." Gabi let out a sigh and I could feel her smile, I tightened my grip on her while pressing my lips into her neck. She squeezed my hand and I breathed because this is exactly where I needed to be.

Monday, September 15th, 2025 – 7th anniversary

94-55

Troy leaned back while I breathed in the fresh air around the both of us. The radio was on and we were listening to the game so Troy kept in the know of what was happening. He rubbed a circle on my knee while my eyes gazed of the lake and the sun setting over the corner. "You are deep in thought," Troy brushed my hair away from the back of my neck and he planted a small kiss on the back of my neck. I turned my head to face him and he smiled, "I'm just tired," he smiled stroking my face.

"I love that you have a great reason for being tired," I smiled back at Troy and he eased me into his grasps. This evening we had dropped Logan off for big sister boot camp at the Newman's and then the twins off with Troy's parents while we went out to dinner. It was a nice night out after spending the last two weeks with infants. Troy smiled into my ear, "Hang on," he stood up and went around to the front of his car and he began to play a song. I began to listen and I smiled.

"Troy," he stretched his hand out, "Mrs. Bolton, seven years ago, we danced to this song for our first dance as a married couple, can we do it again?" I couldn't deny the smile that made my knees weak. I put my hand into his and he grasped it as he pulled me closer to him. My arms stretched around his neck and his hands made me as close to him as possible. "What do you remember the most about our wedding day?" I asked him, Troy couldn't help but grin at the question.

"I remember how stunning you looked. You were drop dead beautiful that night and I just wanted to take you to the hotel right then and there instead of actually marrying you." I giggled, "Anything else?" Troy thought about it for a moment, "I remember thinking that I was marrying my best friend," I gasped shoving him as My Best Friend by Tim McGraw played through the speakers of his truck. "Cheesy!" I called, he shook his head, "Truth, you are my best friend Gabi and everyday I fall even more in love with you."

"I love you," I kissed him and Troy ran his hands down my body, "What do you remember the most?" Troy asked me, I knew exactly what I remember most from that day because it is the only thing I ever thought about when I thought about our wedding. "You know, most people remember getting ready or the vows or the reception but Troy Bolton, I always knew I married the right one because when I think of our wedding day…I think of your smile. You were so happy that day and it is the first thing. Always."

He gave me another smile and I closed my eyes to rest my head against his chest. The pattern of his heartbeat relaxed me and I took in a deep breath. The song ended and Troy didn't let go for several minutes. "I have your gift," he said once he finally let go. I finally looked up and a shock went through my system. I covered my mouth in surprise and Troy turned around concerned. "What?" he asked me, "Are you okay?" tears filled my eyes and I shook my head, "I forgot. I forgot to get you a present," Troy's face softened and he grabbed me by the wrists, "Gabi," he said softly, "I forgot, I am a horrible wife. I completely forgot," I tried to pull away from him but he wouldn't let me.

"Gabs," he said softly, I wouldn't meet his eyes, "Gabriella," I wiped away the tears when he lifted me up. He sat me on the tailgate of the truck and his fingers slipped underneath of my chin. He pushed my head up and his eyes looked into mine, "Brie," he said quietly, "You are not a horrible wife, tell me, please, what happened two weeks ago?" I didn't answer him as I tried to keep my tears from falling further. He sighed, "Gabi, we had two babies two weeks ago. After that you have come home and been dealing with Logan and our two newborns who don't weigh a lot."

"That doesn't excuse me, you got me a gift," he laughed gently, "Brie, I have left the state since the girls have been born." I looked at him and more tears filled my eyes, he shook his head with a small laugh while he wrapped his arms around my shoulders. He pulled me into his chest while I cried, "I'm sorry," he kissed the top of my head softly, "You have nothing to be sorry for," I let out a little laugh and pulled back to look at him, "I forgot our anniversary, then I forgot to get you something, and now I am crying on our anniversary,"

Troy tucked a strand of hair behind my ear; "You're an amazing woman Brie with a lot going on, now, are we okay?" I nodded while I sniffled while his lips pressed to my forehead. He then reached behind him and handed me the gift. I shook my head, "I don't deserve this," I told him quietly, he laughed, "Gabs, listen, two weeks ago you gave me two more girls that I just absolutely love into my life. That is the greatest gift you could ever give to me. You had a stressful pregnancy from the beginning with the girls up until the very last day and that is a gift. You put up with it. You did it. You are breastfeeding them constantly and being a beautiful mother. I am telling you Gabi, that is my gift. I don't need anything besides you and my three girls."

His fingers wiped away my tears, "You are the one who needs a thousand gifts just so I can show you that everything you do is appreciated all of the time." His sweet words were hot against my ear while his fingers stroked my cheek. "I love you," he whispered, I gave him a small smile, "I love you too Troy,"

"Then open this," he said, he put a small package in my hand. I slowly undid the bow, the wrapping paper, and then I was faced with a box. I peeled the lid off and my eyes were greeted with three little hearts attached to a silver chain. The first one looked identical to the one sitting on my nightstand at home with Logan's name and birthday on it and her birthstone. It was just smaller. My eyes gazed to the next two with the green gem, Makenli Rae and Adalyn Mae's birthday on the back and their birth stone on the front. "Troy," I said quietly, he smiled, and "I figured you needed an upgrade." His lips pressed against my forehead again. "I got each of the twins one as well…like I did for Logan. I went smaller so we could fit more on the necklace if we need too."

I smiled up at him and he kissed my temple, "I love it. Thank you so much Troy."

"No, thank you my beautiful wife," he pressed his nose against my cheek, I kissed him and he smiled. "You're beautiful," I shook my head with a smile and he nodded his head with a bigger grin. "I love you Mr. Bolton," he put his hands on my cheeks and he placed a small kiss on my lips, "I love you too Mrs. Bolton,"

I thought this would be out earlier.

I ended up at my best friends house.

Oops.

So here it is! I am still working on Rescue but MAYBE tomorrow? Maybe? Don't hold me on that but hopefully by Wednesday.

Thanks for ALL of the patience with me updating. It is just a CRAZY time of the year.

Xx – Jo

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