Chapter 11 – Celebration
Troy's POV
My eyes watched as the batter swung at a pitch that I shouldn't have thrown. The ball sailed over the plate belt high, right down the middle. My entire body cringed as I watched him flex his bat; I watched his muscles contract, as I knew the all too familiar feeling over knowing that's the pitch.
My mouth faulted and my arms fell to my sides as I waited, the world seemed to be spinning slowly. The Cub swung the bat and I waited for the only sound a pitcher hated to hear on the mound. The familiar pop of the bat that signified that they got the entire damn thing and it was half way out of the ballpark.
But I heard nothing.
My eyes snapped to Sal behind the plate as he jumped up behind the plate with the ball firmly in his glove. I let out a scream of laughter as I tossed my glove into the air. A rush of adrenaline powered through my system as I wrapped my body around Sal in the tightest damn hug. We were both laughing and talking and screaming, as we had just become world-fucking champs. The team was mobbing around us as nobody cared anymore. We won the last game.
We. Did. It.
We were pushing and shoving. Laughter was being heard and I couldn't help but feel amazing. I felt my shoulders grow lighter, my heartbeat with ease, and I could breathe. My lungs deflated and I inhaled as I pulled a World Champion shirt over my head, a new hat was put onto my head as I quickly turned it backwards. Sal was off attacking Coach with a bath of water. Jace, Josh, Zach and I embraced in a tight handshake hug duo.
Casen came over and pushed me with a laugh until I was pulled aside. I then spotted my girl's – all four of them standing together by the dugout. Gabi was crying and Logan was beaming with a smile. My heart couldn't feel fucking prouder than that moment. Gabi locked eyes with me and I held up a finger as I looked towards ESPN pulling me aside. Gabi gave me a bright smile that made me want to completely forget about the interview. I turned towards them though as they greeted me, "Troy Bolton! You are a world champion!"
The biggest smile wouldn't leave my face, "Can we say that again?" I asked with a laugh, the reporter laughed, "You're a world champion! How does it feel?" I tilted my head back with a laugh, "It feels pretty amazing. I don't know how to describe it. Our team has been working so hard to get to this point, to get this win right here and we did it. We did it and I couldn't be more proud."
"You pitched an outstanding game, did you have to convince your coach to let you back out?" I shook my head as I took in the scene of the field again, "No, he came up to me and asked if I was okay to finish it and of course I wasn't going down without a fight. I was ready to do it."
"Daddy! You're a WORLD CHAMPION!" Logan wrapped her body around my legs as I laughed picking her up, she squeezed my neck tightly and I hugged her back just as tight. "This is your oldest daughter, correct?" I nodded with a smile, "Yea, this is my Lolo," Logan grinned at the camera and I chuckled, "How do you feel about your daddy right now?" she giggled, I locked eyes with Gabi standing just beyond us as I wanted to wrap my arms around her so badly. "I love my daddy!" the reporter smiled at the two of us, "Troy, you clearly have plenty of celebrating to do, go celebrate!" I thanked them, as I only wanted to do one damn thing.
I put Logan down onto the field despite her protests, I then took two giant steps towards her and I pulled her into my arms. "I'm so proud of you." She whispered into my ear, I felt myself get choked up holding her against me. I could feel one of the twins move and I smiled peering down at the two of them.
"Thank you for constantly being by my side," I whispered to her, "For supporting me, for loving me, and for constantly cheering for me." she pulled back for a moment as she wiped away the tears falling down her face. I kissed her forehead gently and then her lips, "Congrats World Champ," I laughed tilting his head to touch mine. My eyes looked down at the girls again as they were both awake but content pressed against Gabi. I kissed each of their heads and brushed my thumb across their little hairs.
"Troy! Trophy! Locker room!" Somebody yelled and I turned to nod as Gabi squeezed my arm tightly, "Go enjoy it," she told me with a nudge, I grinned and nodded as I gave her one more kiss. I then bent down to Logan, "I love you baby girl," she smiled at me and I tickled her before running off to the locker room. I skipped down the steps and raced through the facility until I came to the locker room. The plastic was up, goggles were being passed around, and I couldn't be damn happier.
"Boys!" somebody yelled, "Quiet down," the music stopped as the team gathered around and people were taking pictures like crazy. I then spotted it; I spotted the gold trophy that hoisted flags all around. Inscribed on the bottom was the words World Champions 2025.
My heart beat a little bit faster as I wanted to get my hands on the damn trophy so badly. I wanted to hold it close like it was my fourth child. The commissioner talked and then they went down the line as they passed the trophy around the front office. All of them basking in the moment of having that one thing we have strived for since I got here, "Mr. Bolton," I turned towards the sound and a lady was waving me over.
Josh and Zach looked at me as I followed her, I shrugged in response to their questioning looks as I followed her to the front. They were wrapping up the trophy talk and I wanted to be with my team, I didn't want to be pulled aside for another interview. "Now, we are here to present the 2025 World Series MVP," I was shuffled to the front as the commissioner of baseball began to talk again, "This player didn't just have a great world series, he had a fantastic post season run after his return from Tommy John surgery,"
My eyes snapped up to the front, "He has shown tremendous heart and we would be honored to award the 2025 World Series MVP to Mr. Troy Bolton." The room erupted with cheers as I stepped forward as a microphone was put in my face and a trophy was handed to me. My hands were shaking as I received it, a smile bigger than all the previous displayed on my face as they gave me the trophy. "Thank you, oh my god," I laughed taking the trophy closer, "Wow, this is amazing," I let my eyes trail the spiral trophy and then the tagged 2025 World Series MVP on the bottom.
"Wow," I breathed, the group laughed, "Troy, as part of Chevy, we are proud to reward you with a 2026 Chevy Corvette," my eyes widened and I couldn't help but laugh again, "Troy, you had one of the greatest runs as an American League pitcher in this World Series. You batted over .300 and you even came in to pitch hit successfully twice, and then you pitched seventeen and 2/3 innings of complete domination." I felt a smirk rise over my lips as I nodded, "Yea, it was…crazy."
"How did you do it?" my eyes looked over at the group of guys watching me, "I didn't do anything without these guys right in front of me. We all worked harder than anybody could believe to get into this spot. We all wanted this. We all needed this. This has nothing to do with how I played, it has everything to do about how we all played. Three other guys took the mound in this series and pitched better than I pitched. Our hitters kept getting those runs to let us relax on the mound. This was nothing without the team effort."
The guys cheered around me and they leaned in for one more question, "How are you going to celebrate?" she asked, I looked at the trophy in my hands and then at the group of guys, "I'm going to find all of my girls and celebrate with them and then with my team. I can't wait," the group smiled and then we were released, as the boys were prepared. Bottles were handed out, and they were quickly opened as I found a beer for myself.
The spray flew everywhere once it started but the smell of champagne was probably my new favorite smile. I held my trophy tightly in my hands as multiple people sprayed me with champagne I then returned the favor. Once things began to settle down in the locker room, I was pulled aside telling me that I had plenty of interviews that I needed to get too.
"I need to go talk to Gabs for a minute," I said as I handed my trophy off to a guy to wash it off, "Of course, go," I took the steps double timed as I looked around the infield trying to spot her in the sea of families. Royal's fans were still lingering as I waved to them until I found her with Britt and Melissa. My family was close by as I went up behind her and wrapped my arms around her waist, "I told you I was going to make you proud tonight,"
She laughed in my ear, "I have something to show you though." She turned to face me with a curious look, I nudged her to get her going and she nodded her head, "Okay, okay, what is it?" I pulled her along as my eyes rested on the black corvette sitting on the grass, my trophy was being held right by it, waiting for me to take pictures. "What do you think of my new car?" I asked her as we both looked at it, it took her one, two, three beats before gasping, "Oh my god!" she turned towards me with a wild electric look across her face. "You're the MVP?" I nodded my head and she laughed while pulling me into a tight hug.
The twin girls on the front squirmed and I just wanted to hold them. I wanted to cuddle with them and Gabi. "I bet you have a lot of talking to do." She said holding my wrist between her fingers, I nodded, "I do but I really just want to be with you."
"No, you go. I love you and you can have fun tonight. I'll always be there."
"How about we leave the twins and Lo with our parents so you can celebrate with me."
"I'll think about it, go," she shoved me off and I turned to give her a big smile, I then took notice of my family lingering back along with Cody. I looked at the car again and I held my finger up as I jogged over there. I pulled my mom into a tight hug, "I'm so proud of you sweetie," I smiled kissing her cheek and then I rubbed Luke's head, he laughed getting away from me as my dad looked at me with overwhelming pride.
"I'm so happy for you Troy," I hugged him and then I crushed Emily in a bear hug. "Good job big bro,"
Lastly, I stared at my best friend. We both looked at each other and he couldn't suspend a half grin, "You know, you could have put that last ball two inches lower," I rolled my eyes and nodded, "Yea, probably."
"And then I don't know what Sal was doing but the three two curve tonight did not work in your favor, should have done a fast ball up. They would have chased that thing all damn night." I shook my head as I finally pushed him, he laughed and hugged me, "Good job, I expect to see some of that money,"
"How about a spin in my corvette?" I questioned with a raised eyebrow, "You're the MVP?" Cody said, my mom and dad looked at me and I smirked with a nod, my family busted out into cheers as I was mobbed in hugs again. "I really need to get over there but I had to come thank you guys for being here."
"I want to drive it!" Luke said, I laughed, "Sorry dude,"
Jogging back to the people, I apologized as I noticed Gabi standing close by, I smiled at her while I took pictures in front of the sleek black car, I ran my hands over top of it and I couldn't stop the smile brimming on my face. "You like that?" Josh asked coming up next to me, I let out a low laugh, "Gabs is going to give up her Audi for this,"
"Never!" she yelled, I turned to see her walking over, "It is a nice car but I'll keep my Audi,"
"So you'll never want to drive it?" she laughed, "I never said that." Josh and I laughed, I looked at Gabi, "You doing okay?" she nodded as I leaned forward to kiss her forehead, "I have press to do so if you want to get out of here I'll meet you back at the hotel."
She looked down at the girls and then nodded, "I just want a picture of us as a family." I nodded my head as I picked Logan up; we then were able to get our hands on the World Series trophy as we took a picture as a family with the trophies. Gabi and I took one as a couple, we let Logan take one by her self and then Gabi took the twins out of the wrap. "Alright, we're going to get out of here." I nodded as I kissed her again and gave her a tight squeeze.
"I'll see you in a bit, okay?" she smiled and squeezed me back as we separated, I couldn't be happier than this moment right here.
Gabi's POV
After nursing each of the twins I put them into their sleepers, and laid them down as Logan was battling sleep on the bed. It was rather late but I was still debating if I wanted to go out and celebrate with Troy. "Momma, I want to cuddle," she whined, I nodded as I lay down next to her and she pressed her head into my stomach. She held her blanket close to her face as I heard the familiar click in the door.
Logan bounced up and raced to the door as I heard Troy enter the room, "What are you still doing awake?" he asked, I heard his bag hit the floor followed by Logan's feet leaving the floor. "I wanted to cuddle with mommy and daddy." I smiled sitting up as Troy looked at me, he was in a pair of dark jeans with a button down shirt. His hat was backwards on his head while his eyes caught mine, "You wanted to cuddle with mommy and daddy?" she nodded her head while rubbing her eyes.
"I miss you daddy," she pressed her face into Troy's neck because Troy had been extremely busy and absent the past two weeks. I saw Troy's face falter at her words, a small frown replacing a smile that I hadn't seen removed all night. Troy pressed his hand to the back of her head, "I'm sorry baby, and it will get better soon."
He sat her down on the bed, he looked over at the twins and I knew he missed all of his girls. He has not had enough time with any of the girls lately, "Daddy is going to go out for a bit," he said relaxing next to Logan, she pouted, "No, I want daddy to stay," she turned into him and Troy kissed the top of her head. "I'll stay right here until you're asleep okay?" she didn't say anything this time as I tried to keep my eyes from closing.
"Are you going to go?" he asked me with a bit of hope in his eyes, Troy has had time with the girls but if I was completely honest…we had not had any time with each other but for a couple of short moments. "I want to go Troy but I am tired, plus, who would watch them? It is already late."
"Your dad said he would, he would just stay in here tonight and,"
"I don't know," I responded playing with Logan's hair, "C'mon Brie, I miss going out with you." I smiled shutting my eyes for a moment and then opening them, "I guess I should celebrate with my World Champion husband," Troy let a smile take over his face and I reached over to connect our hands, "After all of the celebrations, I need to spend so much time with my Lo-girl," Troy ran his hand down her side, "She just doesn't like sharing you."
"I don't like sharing her," he played with her hair, "She's asleep." He said glancing up at me, "Do you have pumped milk for the babes?" I nodded running my fingers through my hair, "Yea, they have enough for one feeding, which shouldn't be for two or three hours, so that gives us four to six hours until we have to be back." Troy ran his hand down my arm, "Good, I'll go grab your dad." He slid off the bed as I stood up.
I grabbed a pair of light washed jeans that had a couple of tears in them. I then grabbed a gray t-shirt with a brown cardigan as I went to the bathroom to get dressed. I hadn't been out in a couple of weeks and I was excited but I also hated leaving my babies. I heard my dad and Troy walked back into the hotel room as they were laughing about something. I touched up my make-up from the tears that I shed earlier and then let my hair down around my shoulders. My fingers eased a portion of my hair into the center of my back as I put a knot of my hair there.
Opening the door to the hotel room, Troy turned my direction and his eyes from my legs all the way to my eyes. The slow trail made goosebumps appear over my skin as I went around him to grab my ankle boots and jewelry. "Dad, are you sure you can handle all three of them?" I asked sitting down on the bed, "Gabi, your husband just won the world series. Go celebrate."
Troy tapped my knee with his leg, "C'mon Brie," I stood up and nodded as I found my purse and then looked at my three girls sleeping. "Text me when the girls wake up to eat again. We'll have to be home for the next one." Troy was talking to my dad as I sighed turning to face him, my dad nodded, "You guys have fun, okay?" a supported smile came to my face and I nodded, "Of course."
Troy and I laughed as it was almost four in the morning and we were still partying in downtown Chicago. Jace, Casen, Zach, Josh, Sal, and Ethan were all still partying with us and the other half of the team was dispersed around the room.
I had remained completely sober since I had to feed the girls soon but I still had fun with Britt and Melissa. Troy wrapped his arm around my shoulder and he kissed my temple, his breath was musky with alcohol, "Tomorrow is going to be a different version of hell." I smirked, "For you," he smiled as his eyes closed from the exhaustion of the past several hours. "Are you ready to go back?" I asked him as I brushed my fingers over the back of his hair.
He shook his head for a moment, "I think I need to have sex with you first." I laughed, "Maybe tomorrow night when we are at home,"
"No, no, we need to have it tonight. That would be celebration sex. Tomorrow would just be sex," I rolled my eyes at him and he laughed kissing my temple, "Fine," he whispered into my ear, "I'm probably too tired anyways." I smiled at him as I squeezed his knee; Britt and Casen were both pretty intoxicated as I tugged on Troy again. "C'mon Troy," he tossed the rest of his drink back and nodded pushing back his chair.
"Where are you guys going?" Josh asked standing up, "We have to get back soon, two babies are looking for their mom." Troy placed his hand on my shoulder and I smiled, "We're going to have plenty of time to party and celebrate more. You guys all have a flight to catch at noon," I reminded them and a groan was heard among the group. They all knew the amount of press that was to come and the parade in the next several days.
Troy slid his hand around my waist as we walked out the front door together; Troy gave out a thousand high-fives along the way. He was continuously congratulated and I smiled walking along with him until we made it out onto the street. Troy let out a laugh, "I can not believe this Gabs,"
"I don't know if I have ever been more proud of you," I said turning to face him, Troy smiled down at me, "Now you know how I feel," he said reaching up to stroke his thumb across my face, I reached up and wrapped my fingers around his wrist. His eyes stared into mine for a long time and he let out sigh, "Can we dance?" he asked looking at the vacant street. I laughed, "To what?" I asked him, he held up a finger as he slid his iPhone out of his pocket.
He scrolled through his phone and he came across one of his old favorites, the soft music drifted from his phone and he dropped his phone into his pocket. He reached his hand out and I looked at the empty area, a stray taxi passing by every now and then. I smiled at him as I reached forward towards his hand; he smiled pulling me in close as he sang the song underneath his breath while we danced with each other.
"I miss you," he finally whispered into my ear, I tilted my head to look at him, "I have been with you all night,"
"With other people, I am constantly sharing you and maybe I just want you to myself for a little bit." I kissed him softly, "I promise you, we'll get some good time together soon but we have very young babies," he didn't say anything and I rested my head on his shoulder. The song turned to another one but neither of us moved from our spots. "I love you Troy," my fingers massaged the back of his shoulder, "I love you too," he kissed me again and I patted his chest.
"I would love to dance right here with you all night long but we have two babies that are about ready to eat. Plus, my boobs are starting to kill." Troy smiled kissing my temple, "I can't wait until I am snuggling with my girls."
We walked back hand-in-hand through the streets of Chicago. I smiled leaning my head into his shoulder as we soaked in the complete quiet time, "You're my favorite World Champion," I whispered to him, he laughed, "I'm a fucking World Champion,"
"You're Troy Bolton, World Series MVP, and World Series Champion."
He let a big smile cross his face again, "I sure as hell am."
Tuesday, October 28th, 2025
My eyes were battling sleep as I looked at the vacant spot next to me in bed. I reached over for it but came up with cold sheets as I reached for my cell phone on the nightstand. Today was the parade and Troy never came home. This had been happening since we had gotten home yesterday afternoon. He was busy doing press all over the damn city and preparing for New York after the parade later today.
I pushed his contact and it pulled up his face, "Hi, yea, I know, I am supposed to be home but I got caught up at the store and that delayed me." I rubbed the bridge of my nose, "I'm just checking on you."
"It's two in the morning Brie, why are you awake? The babies?"
"No." I answered, "I reached over for my husband and he wasn't there." He sighed, "I know, I am at the bar right now with the team. I am leaving soon. I promise."
"You have a busy day today,"
"We have a busy day today. You need to go to sleep Brie,"
"Then come home," I pouted from the other end, "I want my husband." Troy sighed from the other end of the phone, "I know baby, I am trying to worm my way out of here but you know how it has been. I swear after this parade,"
"You'll be in New York City," I interrupted, "Fuck, I know, I'm sorry. I'll be home soon." I sighed and bid him good-bye, not holding any promises as I hung up the phone. My eyes stared up at the ceiling as I pulled the blankets closer to me. I twisted onto my side as I was up because of the twins, they had both woken up wanting to eat and they both went back to sleep with little effort on my part. My fingers spread over the side of the bed as I pouted.
A cry echoed from the baby monitor as I blinked with confusion. I sat up as I pushed my blankets away moving across the hallway. Makenli was screaming in her bed as I quickly picked her up from her spot in her crib. Her cries got louder; I walked out of the room with her before she woke up her sister. Going back to our room I rocked her in my arms as she curled against me. "Do you want some skin-to-skin action baby girl?" I kissed her temple as I sat down on the bed.
I undressed Makenli, which caused her to cry out in protest. I then lay back in my bed as I pulled my shirt off and tossed it over as I rested Makenli on top of me. She quieted as I rubbed her back gently while kissing the top of her head. She babbled against my chest, clearly not wanting to sleep right now. I heard the garage door lift and I smiled at Makenli, "Daddy is finally home," I said rubbing her back and she moved her head to the other side. She then moved until her mouth was by my breast, "Are you hungry sweet girl again?"
She latched on and began to eat as her brown eyes flicker up to look at me with a smile on her face as she ate. I laughed looking at her as I stroked her face, "I thought you weren't awake because of the girls?" I looked up at Troy in the doorway, "Well, they did wake me up to eat but I fell asleep for about twenty minutes and when my husband still wasn't home…" Troy smiled as he came into the room, "So why is little Miss eating again?"
"I don't know actually. She woke up screaming about ten minutes after I called you and I took her in here. She was calming down against me so we did skin to skin and she decided she wanted to eat," I brushed her hat off her head and rubbed my fingers through her hair. Troy came over and tickled her foot but she continued to eat. "She's hungry," I smiled, "I wouldn't trade this for the world Troy," he smiled at me and then leaned forward to brush his lips against my forehead.
The smell of smoke and beer filtered through my nose and as I went to say something he put his fingers against my lips, "Yes, I know, I smell. I am going to take a shower right now and then I am demanding to snuggle with my wife and maybe my Mac girl," A smile spread over my lips as Troy retreated to the bathroom. He was gone for fifteen minutes and when he came back Makenli was still eating which caused Troy to raise an eyebrow.
"She okay?"
"I think a growth spurt is about to happen with both of them." I said with a shrug, "I am not ready for that yet." I rubbed her back and she finally pulled away as her eyes were alert and I smiled at her. "Do you want to go see daddy?" Troy nestled into the bed next to me as I handed him Makenli. "Hey babe," he smiled at her as he played with her. I tossed him the pajamas and he put them back on along with her hat.
I reached for my t-shirt but Troy flickered his eyes towards me, "What are you doing exactly?" he murmured with a smile playing on his lips, "I thought you wanted your husband." He teased; I shook my head as I pulled my t-shirt over my head. "Nah, now that I have a baby holder I'm all good." I winked at him and he started to laugh as he finished dressing Makenli. Rolling to my side I faced him as he wrapped his baby girl into her favorite blanket and gave her a pacifier as he rocked and talked to her.
My eyes surveyed them together as I wasn't sure what smile I enjoyed more on Troy. The smile that he displayed when he won the World Series was bright and beautiful and it was huge. He couldn't wipe it off his face and you just knew he was fucking ecstatic, but right now I look at him with the soft smile on his face. The corner of his mouth turned up and his eyes mesmerized by his two month old daughter. His eyes blinked watching her and she made a noise causing Troy to beam with pride at his own child. I could see all of the hopes and dreams that were held in his eyes while watching his middle child.
I definitely loved that second smile more.
"Can you believe they are going to be two months old?" Troy shook his head, "No, it went by way too fast and I feel like I got to spend zero time with them." He stroked her face again and then reached over to rub his arm, "You're going to get to spend a lot of months with us." Troy shrugged his shoulders, "But I don't ever get this time with them again." I watched the two of them interact with each other and Troy was tired but happy as could be.
My eyes were struggling to stay awake but I was happy to all asleep watching my husband loving on his daughter.
Troy laughed with the group around him as he held onto the water bottle. My eyes scanned the rows and rows of trucks that were going to drive the players around Kansas City in the traditional World Series parade. Makenli and Adalyn were getting passed around from family to family, as they were being loved on. Logan wouldn't even leave Troy's side as she clutched his hand tightly while they stood still.
Troy let his eyes scan the perimeter of the area and he looked at me with a faint smile crossing his face. He let go of Logan's hand but Logan quickly grabbed onto him. His eyes looked down at her, a flash of concern sweeping over his features.
He bent over to pick her up and she gladly accepted as she wrapped her legs around his waist and rested her head on his shoulder. Troy's lips moved as he talked to her quietly and she nodded her head.
Logan was dressed in a Royal blue dress that fell below her knees with a sweater since it was a late October day but it was fairly nice outside. The twins were in gray fleece pants with a gray hoodie and a pair of blue converse. They wore their Royals bows in their hair as I spotted Britt with one and then Alex with another.
Alex was granted time to come celebrate with her husband as long as she took it easy. "Do you want to see mommy?" I looked up as Troy walked closer to me with Logan but she shook her head.
"No," she clutched Troy's shirt between her fingers and he sighed. "Why not?"
"I want you," she pouted, Troy pressed his lips together and I knew he wouldn't deny her with that response. He looked at me with a tired smile. The exhaustion was etched into his face tightly as he rubbed her back with his free hand.
My eyes surveyed Troy's dark blue jeans and his World Series Champion jersey all of he players were wearing today.
"Have I told you that you look fantastic today?" my eyes flashed up to Troy, "No," I said with a laugh. He smiled, "You do."
"I'm wearing jeans with a plaid shirt," I remarked, "What is sexy about that?" Troy raised an eyebrow as he took a step closer to let his fingers rub against the material, "I may be mistaken but I believe this is my plaid shirt?" he asked with a growing smirk, I rolled my eyes pulling my shirt away.
"I don't know what you are talking about," I declared with a fighting smile, he laughed and reached over to kiss my temple.
"Alright guys, start loading the cars," Troy looked around as he tried to find Makenli and Adalyn. "Britt and Alex," I told him with a smile, "I'll go grab them."
"You got it?" I nodded as he walked off to his car and I went the opposite direction as the two girls met me half way.
"Here are your beautiful girls," Britt said as she gave me on and then Alex gave me the other. I smiled down at the girls and I thanked them as we all headed towards the cars. "When does Troy leave for New York?"
"Tonight." I answered with a sigh, "He'll be gone for three days on a press tour and I don't know how he is going to do it. The man can barely stand up without falling asleep."
"I know Zach didn't get home until like three this morning."
"Troy got home around two but then he stayed up and played with Makenli until she fell asleep and then got up when Logan got up this morning…" Casen was waving for Britt to hurry and I smiled at her, "I'll see you guys soon." I maneuvered to our truck where Logan was already planted on Troy's lap. His dad and brother sat inside as well as I came over.
"Will you guys help Brie?" Jack and Luke both stood up and came over as Jack reached for Makenli and I gave Adalyn to Luke. Adalyn cried out as she left my arms so I quickly climbed into the back of the truck. Luke gave me Adalyn and she pulled on my shirt as Troy looked at the two of us.
"Lo, do you want to hold one of your sisters?" Troy asked, she shook her head, "No," Troy rolled his eyes at the dramatics that she was displaying. "So are you taking her to New York or…"
Troy laughed, "No, sorry," Logan snuggled into him, I knew she missed spending time with him but he was going to be gone for the next several days so she better get on board. Jack played with Makenli as the cars began to move out from the Sprint Center. Troy patted the spot next to him; I smiled while sitting down next to Troy and Logan. I leaned my head onto his shoulder as I released a sigh. "Logan, you know daddy is going away for a couple of days right?"
She pouted but didn't say anything; she just looked at the side. Troy sighed leaning into me, "So can we just leave now or…" he whispered into my ear, I laughed and shook my head as I wanted to close my eyes but I knew Troy was excited. He smiled as we were close to the street and I could hear the bands playing and the fans cheering. I squeezed Troy's knee while the cars ahead of us pulled out and I knew this was going to be fun while sitting up.
Once we hit the street we were hit with blue.
Blue shirts. Blue signs. Blue everything.
Troy and I both laughed as we rode along in the car while we both waved to all of the fans that were everywhere. Logan giggled waving as well; people even were calling her name as we passed by. Troy watched as players hoped out of cars to sign autographs and Troy looked at them, "Go," I said as I pulled Logan off his lap with my free hand. She protested but Troy hopped up quickly and out of the truck as he ran over to sign several autographs.
People mobbed him but a similar smile to the World Series night appeared over his face. He ran down the line signing autographs and people were taking pictures left and right. He kept up with the car and after a while he hopped back in. A layer of sweat formed on his forehead as he slid back next to me. "That was fun,"
"Good, you should be having plenty of fun right now." Logan protested trying to move back to Troy but I held her a little bit tighter as I gave Troy Adalyn. Logan protested putting her foot down in anger. I laughed pulling her backwards against me. "What if mommy misses you?" I asked her, she pouted, "But I see you all the time." She broke away from me and I laughed while she went back over to Troy. Troy shook his head with a smile as he waved and smiled at all of the fans.
I smiled as well as they called my name as well with excitement. Jack and Luke were taking plenty of pictures and videos for us to enjoy this as a family. Troy took pictures of the girls and he made me smile of one as I laughed looking at the crowd. The deep blue continued through the heart of Kansas City as my heart was so happy with how the city was celebrating. How excited the crowd was and how pumped they were.
I love this city.
Wednesday, October 29th, 2025
My eyes soaked in the full bed around me as Logan was sleeping on Troy's pillow and the twins rested on my chest sleeping happily. "When is daddy going to be on TV?" Logan asked rubbing her eyes. She had begged me to let her stay up and watch Troy on one of the late night shows that he was appearing on.
He wouldn't be home until Halloween and I was so tired already. The twins decided to regress in their eating habits and were eating an extra time each night and my damn breasts hurt. I closed my eyes as the TV went too commercial. Troy was out at some party that he was invited too and sent a couple of text messages. He told me that the filming went well earlier and that I should watch. It wasn't much of an issue since Logan and the girls were keeping me up late.
"When will daddy be on TV?" she asked me again, I blinked and looked over at her, "I don't know sweet girl, soon," I said as I let my eyes fall shut but one of the twins shifted on top of me. I held onto them as I kissed their heads. I picked up my cell phone as I dialed Troy's phone number and he answered on the second ring without hesitation. The background music was loud and the voices of thousands were blurred together.
"Hang on Brie,"
I didn't say anything because I knew he was fighting the crowd to get out the door. Once the noise began to drift away, I took the opportunity to talk to him, "Hi,"
"You okay?" he asked, "I'm just checking on you." I responded while I ran my hands down the girls back. "I should be checking on you." He told me, "I'm okay. Somebody insisted on staying up late to watch her daddy on TV with mommy." Troy laughed, "I bet." He exhaled and I could hear it. I could hear how tired he was and I could hear how much he would rather be here right now then there. "How is the party?" I asked him.
"It would be a lot better if my beautiful wife was here." I smiled, "I just want to come home." He said I could hear him swirl the cup in a circle that he did when he was done for the night. "Troy!" I heard Casen in the background and Troy sighed, "I love you," I whispered to him, "I love you too." He said back to me, "I'll call you tomorrow morning."
"Okay," I hung up moments later and Logan was almost asleep when the TV turned on and they announced the next guest as Troy. She twisted over to see the TV but kept her blanket close to her face as she watched. I turned the TV up a little as Troy took the stage and people were clapping as he sat down with his MVP trophy.
"Welcome," the host, Eli, said as Troy took a seat, Troy laughed, "I am happy to be here." They threw out a joke and Troy laughed as he nodded, "What does it feel like to be a World Series Champion?" Troy grinned, "Fantastic. There is no way to describe the feeling." Eli smiled as he posted a picture of Troy throwing his arms in the air and grabbing Sal in a hug. Then a picture of Troy grabbing me into a hug after the game, they flashed back to Troy who was smiling.
"Did your wife get to come with you?" Eli asked, Troy smiled shaking his head, "No, we have three young girls and my oldest is in kindergarten. The past couple of months have been crazy and we decided that it is time to give Lo some consistency again."
"You just had twins right?" Troy nodded with a smile as a picture of all three of our kids popped up, "Yea, that is my daughter Logan, and my two youngest are Makenli who is on the left and Adalyn who is on the right." Eli laughed, "How in the world do you tell those two little ones apart because they are identical correct?" Troy nodded, "Yea, they are. We have hats for them that have their initials right now. We have socks as well that keeps everything separate."
"And your wife Gabi is a broadcaster for the Royals," a picture of Troy and I popped up with him in his uniform and me with the headset on after an interview. "Yea, yea, she is…God, she is a saint. I haven't been home much or helping much the past several weeks and I left her at home with two month olds and a crazy five year old. I couldn't have done what I did on the field without that girl. She grounds me. She is a beautiful woman who is so much stronger than I will ever be. I mean she worked almost all the way up to her due date with the twins while taking care of our little girl. I just will never be able to thank her enough for all of this."
The crowd clapped and I felt the warm tears as I wiped them as they moved on from the interview and I decided to wrap the girls up. I laid them down in their rocker next to my bed and I then curled up with Logan who had fallen asleep. I kissed her face and she curled up next to me without hesitation. I couldn't wait for Troy to be home.
Thursday, October 30th, 2025
I took a sip of my coffee as Logan played with her breakfast quietly. The twins were upstairs still sleeping after a long night between all three girls. Logan woke up once looking for Troy and then the twins decided last night was a good night to get up for an extra feeding at separate times.
"Mommy, I don't want to go to school. I want to go see daddy," she pouted and then her eyes filled with tears, "I miss him." I set my coffee down on the counter and then went over to kiss her head. "He'll be home tomorrow morning." I told her, "After you get home from school." I reminded her, she sniffled again as I kissed her temple. "I love you sweet girl," she turned around and buried her face into my chest.
"I miss daddy too but he is celebrating with his teammates. He worked hard."
"I miss him." I kissed her forehead and gave her a tight squeeze, "C'mon, let's get you ready to leave. You have to give out your birthday invitations today." I reminded her as I helped her down from the stool. "But what if my friends don't come?" she asked turning to look at me, I bent down and looked into her blue eyes that she possessed from Troy. Her long wavy hair that came from me was the only distinct thing that identified her as our child.
"Then sweet girl you'll have all of your other friends," I reassured, "and you'll have me and daddy plus your sisters." She sighed and I pulled up my phone to check her blood sugar before she walked out the door. Once reading the number I opened the door as the bus was pulling down the street. Logan turned around and buried her face into my legs, "I don't want to go." I bent down to face her again, "Why not?" I asked her as I played with her hair.
She shrugged her shoulders and I kissed her temple, "C'mon, I'll walk you to the bus." I shut the door as I walked down the driveway with her as she held my hand tightly. The bus door opened up as we made our way to it and the bus driver smiled at Logan. "Good Morning Lo!" Logan buried her face into my leg again, "She is having a tough morning." I replied as I rubbed her hair gently, "She is missing her daddy."
"I see, well, I have some stickers if you want a sticker." The bus driver offered, Logan looked out past my leg and she reluctantly let go. "Logan, I love you." I called, she turned around and gave a half smile, "I love you too mommy," she walked onto the bus to survey the sticker collection of the bus driver. I smiled and waved as I took a couple of steps back. The doors closed and my chest clutched because my little girl had a bad morning but still got on the bus even when she didn't want too.
I walked back to the house as the bus drove away. My eyes were heavy as I picked up my phone to see if I missed anything when one of the twins cried out. I felt my eyes fall for a moment and my body fell back into the couch. I rubbed my forehead for a moment and then pulled my body back out of the couch to tend to my other two girls.
Fingers danced up the side of my arm and then lips pressed to my temple. My eyelids flew open and I was met with baby blue eyes and a tiny smile, "Do you know I have the hardest time waking you up?" A smile wrapped around my lips as I sat up and wrapped my arms around his neck. He squeezed me tightly to his body and I breathed in his scent, "What are you doing home early?" I asked him letting go, "I couldn't stand it anymore. I was going to vomit if they took me too one more party. I think I want to be sober for a good three months."
I smiled standing up as I pulled him in for a deep kiss. He inhaled against me as his hands laid flat against my back. He twisted his feet until he had me pressed down onto the bed, his hands roam up and gaze across my breast when I winced, "The girls are going to need to eat soon." I whispered as I let my eyes open up to look at him. He groaned burying his face into my neck, "There is this little girl sleeping downstairs that only talked about seeing her daddy tomorrow morning at bedtime. All she talked about. I bet she would love to curl up with her daddy tonight." I said playing with the back of his hair at the nape of his neck.
He smiled pushing up off the bed; "We lock the door tomorrow night."
"Halloween party,"
Troy frowned, "Gabs, I don't think I can handle another party and especially this party. I am going to be hounded all night. I think I want to take Lo trick-or-treating and watch a movie with her and the girls. You can go. You probably want a night out."
My eyes looked up at Troy and I ran my hand down his face, "Troy Bolton, I have spent the past mouth catching you on the fly. I have spent the last month with you watching film and not getting to actually spend time with you. Nothing sounds better than spending the evening with all four of my people." Troy smiled and kissed me again, "I only want to be with my four girls who see me as their husband and dad. Not as a superstar."
I kissed him again and he breathed deeply, "C'mon, we are going to go surprise a little girl at midnight." I smiled sitting up as Troy pulled my hand as we went walking past the nursery. Troy came to a stop and turned as he pushed the door open. He peeked on his other two girls first with a tiny smile appearing on his face. "I think they got a lot bigger since I last saw them." I snorted, "Not to complain to you but they haven't let me sleep since you left. They both want to constantly be eating."
Troy cringed, "I shouldn't have woken you up."
"No, no, like I said, they were wanting to eat in a minute plus I got a couple of minutes with my husband." He smiled again while we both looked at the twins for a moment longer as they slept peacefully. Troy and I went downstairs after that as we opened Logan's door. She was lying on her belly with her eyes hidden from the world. Troy walked over and sat down on the bed as I took notice of the bags growing underneath of his eyes. The way I noticed his lower back hurt because of how he was sitting and the small smile that came on his face as he leaned over kissing the top of her head. His sweatpants were drowning on his body and his t-shirt loose.
He whispered her name quietly into her ear. She stirred underneath his touch and her eyes opened up, she blinked a couple of times before letting a big smile cross her face. A similar one crossed Troy's as she stood up and Troy picked her up in his arms. "Daddy," she said with a big grin, "There is my sweet girl." He hugged her tightly as she grabbed his shirt with a big smile on her face. "C'mon, you can come cuddle with us." I picked up her blanket as Troy carried her upstairs. I followed and peeked in on the twins again but they were both still asleep.
"Daddy, mommy said you weren't going to be home until tomorrow after school."
"I thought I would surprise you. I missed my girls." I crawled back into the bed as Troy laid down Logan. She crossed her legs as she waited for Troy to change into a pair of shorts and one of his cutoff t-shirts. He pulled back the covers on the bed and Logan waited patiently for Troy to settle before moving next to him and cuddling with him. Troy inhaled and kissed the top of her head as his eyes were already battling sleep.
"Go back to sleep Lolo, you have school in the morning."
"Will you take me?" he asked, "Yes," he answered without a second thought. His hands reached out and he brushed his fingers over my arm. I grabbed his fingers and locked my fingers with his. He smiled as he shut his eyes and tugged Logan a bit closer to him. He pressed his lips against her temple and he didn't move for quite some time while I watched both of them drift off to sleep. I let go of Troy's fingers as I stood up and moved to the nursery across the hall.
I didn't want to wake Troy up because I am not sure when the last time he slept was. I turned off the monitor and I lay in the chair rocking back and forth as my eyes drifted between open and close until one of the girls woke up.
Troy's POV
Friday, October 31st, 2025
My alarm went off and I quickly snatched my phone to shut it off as I rubbed my eyes with my left arm as my right arm was weighted down by a five year old. My eyes looked over at the other side of the bed and I had pictured a beautiful dark haired girl still sleeping but she wasn't right there. I frowned while I turned slightly and pulled my arm away from Logan as I gently shook her awake. "Logi," I whispered into her ear.
She blinked her eyes open and I smiled because this was by far the best way to wake up. She sat up and I laughed at her bed head, "You need to get ready for school." I told her as I brushed my fingers through her hair. She nodded her head and let out a yawn, "Daddy, I'm glad you're home." I smiled sitting up to kiss the top of her head, "I'm glad I'm home too." I stood up from the bed and I picked her up. I tossed her into the air and she laughed until I put her down. She ran off and I walked across the hall to the nursery.
I pushed open the door as I let a smile cross my face at the scene in front of me. Gabi was curled up in the chair with one of the small blankets wrapped around her. I peered in at Makenli's crib to see her brown eyes looking back at me. I smiled reaching over the railing to run my fingers across her belly as she twisted in her tight swaddle. I slowly released the swaddle and she kicked her legs free and her zip up jammies were striped with gray and white.
I reached down to pick her up but she let out a blood-curdling scream at my trying to pick her up. Gabi flew out of her chair at the scream and her eyes were wide with alert. She placed her hand over her heart and exhaled as she put her hand over her face. Makenli was still screaming and Gabi carefully reached over for her as she calmed down. My eyes broke watching her calm Makenli down and Gabi looked at me.
"She hasn't let much of anybody touch her." She told me, "She is cranky lately. Adalyn is probably up for some daddy cuddles though," she encouraged. I nodded as I went over to Adalyn as I did the same exact thing that I did with Makenli but this time Adalyn just curled up against me. Gabi came close and she rubbed Makenli's back. "Look, sweet girl,"
"Why did you sleep in here?" I asked reaching over to stroke Makenli's face, "Because, I wanted you and Logan to sleep. They woke up a couple of times last night after you got home wanting to eat." I sighed closing my eyes and Gabi reached over to brush her hand against my shoulder. "Go take Logan to school and then we will lay in bed together all day with these little girls. They seem to miss their dad."
I gave a half smile at her attempt to make this a little better. "I have been absent." I whispered looking down at Addy who was looking around the nursery. "You have been busy Troy," she responded, "And you deserved these past couple of days." Her eyes flickered up to mine and she looked at me for a second until she let a smile form on her face, "I am so excited for tonight. I am excited to just spend the evening with you and the girls. We haven't done that in a long, long time and I am ready."
"I love you," I told her as I reached forward to kiss her forehead. "DADDY!" I smiled as I put Addy back into the crib. "Go," she told me with a smile, "If you want to pick up breakfast on your way back I wouldn't be sad." I laughed and slid my lips over her temple. "I love you," I whispered to her. She leaned into me with a smile, "I love you too."
Gabi's POV
"WHAT?" Mallory's voice from the other end did not surprise me as I watched Troy play with the twin girls on the floor. "We aren't going tonight. Troy and I are both exhausted and he really wants a night in with the girls and I really want a night with my husband." I said as I watched the clock making sure Logan's bus wasn't coming by.
"But this is the Halloween party! They are World Champions,"
"And Troy is stressed and tired," I countered quietly, his eyes looked up at me and I smiled back at him as we both took a long nap earlier today when the twins took their long nap of the day. "You guys are getting old."
"Mal, we have been put through the ringer the past eight weeks. Cut us some slack. We'll still go trick-or-treating with the group but then we are staying back." Mallory sighed loudly and I shook my head, "Zach and Alex aren't going."
"Yea, Alex is on bed rest Gabs,"
"Mal," I warned, she huffed again, "and I'll see you later tonight." I hung up and rubbed my forehead as I went into the living room and sat across from Troy. "How much longer until Logan is home?" Troy asked I looked up at the clock on the wall as I looked back at Troy. "Ten minutes," I said, Troy grinned as he crawled over to me, I laughed as he began kissing my neck.
"Do you think it is appropriate to ask our parents to watch the kids tomorrow night? I think I need a night of my wife and no kids." I kissed him and leaned my head against me, "Maybe. I think we could both use a night without kids in our beds but the girls are eating more a night." Troy ran his fingers down my shirt and he kissed my neck. "Maybe we can pawn Logan off?" Troy laughed shaking his head, "No way, those babies still all of your attention. We still need a proper celebration."
I laughed pushing his shoulder; "You have been celebrating for almost a week now."
He pulled back to look at me and I watched his eyes flicker for a moment until he rested them on me again. "I may have been celebrating but I only ever wanted to be with you guys." I bit my lip and reached forward for his hand, "We missed you too but you deserved it." He tilted his head to the side and he smiled, "I get a ring." He whispered with a laugh, I laughed and leaned forward to press my nose against his.
"I get a ring." Troy grinned with a laugh, "My wife gets a World Series ring, how bad ass is that?" I climbed into his lap and pressed my lips against his, "Thanks babe," he wrapped his arms around me and he looked at Makenli and Adalyn in front of us. "I feel like I could sleep for hours." Troy said with a laugh, "I know. Our friends are disappointed in our lack of showing up tonight."
He smiled, "I don't care. I'd much rather be with my girls tonight." I smiled kissing his cheek as I stood up and walked over to the front door as I opened it to make sure the bus hadn't arrived. I heard Troy move around in the living room until his arm slipped around my waist.
"I can not tell you how excited I am for this off season,"
"Same," I said with a smile, "We have so much to do and things to see."
"Plus our girls,"
"But we have to get our proper celebration," Troy interjected with a laugh; I smiled shaking my head as the bus pulled down the street. Troy let go as he slipped through the door and walked down to the curb. When the bus pulled up, Logan jumped off and laughed as she circled her arms around Troy. I smiled at the sight that warmed my heart the most.
Love the Bolton family! So cute!
Trust me guys! There is plenty of Troy & Gabi stuff coming up for the two of them! I am so excited to write the next several chapters!
I will now begin to work on Rescue and then back to this chapter. I highly doubt Rescue gets updated in May. Insert sad face. I have graduation stuff this week and next week and then I leave for a week long vacation. I will try my hardest to get things done but no promises. We'll see! Be patient!
Thanks for the love!
Jo
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