Chapter 25 – Victory

Sunday, September 15th, 2019 – 33 weeks pregnant

81-65 20-4

Gabi's POV

The noise of the plane caused a lot of us to remain quiet. Some of the guys were sleeping among the group after a long week. In the past ten games the Royals had gone 8-2 and the Detroit Tigers had gone quite the opposite with a 3-7 record making the playoff clinch somewhat easier for them. Troy reached over to take my hand easily; we had been dancing around the topic of our first year anniversary. Neither one of us had really said anything.

Troy had won another game today for the team and we had been pretty busy all morning. He drew a heart on my hand, "So I know you know what today is,"

I smiled, "I am assuming you know what today is."

"I do indeed."

Troy leaned over to kiss my temple, "Happy One Year anniversary baby," he pressed his nose into my hair, "Happy one year anniversary,"

"Did you actually think we would be six weeks from having our first kid on our one year anniversary?" Troy questioned, "Not really. I did want to start a family sooner than later though. I am okay with it. They say the first year of marriage is the hardest."

"It wasn't the easiest," Troy agreed, "but it was fun."

"Many, many, many years to go with each other." I said to him, Troy folded my fingers with his. I kissed his temple softly, "Okay, so," Troy pulled his phone out, "I want to make a top ten moment list of our moments from the last year starting after our wedding. So anywhere from September 16th to now."

"Both of us are making ten?"

"No. Five each."

I nodded, "But it can't be the same one?"

"No. Ten different moments,"

I smiled, "Well my number one is finding out I was pregnant." Troy smiled whiling typing it down on his iPhone. "One of my favorites was finding out we were having a girl." I lay back with a smile, my head resting on his shoulder. "My second favorite was our honeymoon." Troy laughed, "That was a fantastic two weeks."

"It was one of my favorites."

Troy thought about it for a moment, "I would have to say my first ten wins this season was by far one of my favorites to celebrate with you." I laughed, "Another fantastic couple of weeks with each other." Troy squeezed my knee while I thought of my third one that I shared with Troy. "I know this is going to sound crazy but, after your first loss of the season and baby girl decided to kick. The way you acted after that was amazing."

"My third one is when you told me about your promotion. I have never been happier for you. The way you came in crying and so happy. I replay that moment a lot." I smiled thinking back to that day with each other. I giggled, "My next one was of us working out at Melissa's on that snow day. I will never forget that work out."

"I will never forget how sore I was after that work out," I giggled, "My fourth one was the Halloween party. The costumes were amazing." I smiled while Troy continued to write these things down in his phone. "Okay, my fifth was making you freak out in Surprise about me going to the pool nude." Troy frowned, "That's not funny." Troy declared, "I don't like that one, try again." I laughed, "Troy!"

"Nope, try again."

I wrapped my arm around his bicep, "I guess our first Christmas together." Troy looked down at me, "Really?" I nodded, "It was fun. We got to spend it with your family that morning and it was nice. I loved it."

"Speaking of Christmas," Troy said looking at me, "I don't want to do any families in the morning. It's time for you and me now. We will have baby girl here and it should just be us." I raised my eyebrow, "You have been thinking about this."

"I honestly have. I am not going to keep this family thing going like that. I want to do our own thing. I want our own traditions. We can go see our families in the afternoons or the day before. We can work that out later but I want that morning with you and baby girl."

"You are amazing Troy Bolton,"

He smiled, "My fifth one should really be my first one but when you told me you were pregnant." I looked up at him while he smiled, "You never told me on how you felt in that moment. I saw how you felt but I wasn't sure what you thought."

Troy looked up with a laugh; "I didn't actually believe it at first. I saw the onsie and it went through my mind, I wanted it to be true. Then when you said there was more with the baseball. I loved that baseball." I smiled softly, "What I never thought I was going to tell you was this…I was scared as hell. I freaked out too because I was scared that what if moment. What if you lost the baby or something happened because I could never witness you through that. I was scared."

My heart nearly broke looking at Troy, "Then you told me you were eleven weeks pregnant and a wash of anger came but honestly, I was happy that you were almost done with your first trimester because it meant that you were going to be okay. I didn't want to see you bare that heart loss again. Never. " I reached up to kiss his cheek, "I love you Troy Bolton,"

"I love you too."

We landed in Kansas City and we were beginning our last regular season home stand. Troy grabbed my hand while we bid a good-bye to the team. Troy dragged me into the car and then he took control of the car.

"So, to celebrate our one year anniversary, I figured we needed to do it peaceful in our home."

"Oh?"

"Mhm, I was thinking a movie and dinner on our couch."

"That sounds nice."

"Good."

Troy drove home from KCI, when we pulled in I noticed lights on in the house. "Did we leave a light on?" I questioned, "I am not sure. I thought we turned them all off." I frowned getting out of the car. Troy got in front of me to lead me up the stairs and with each one I gave a questioning look, "Close your eyes Brie,"

"What, Troy what is going on,"

"Just close your eyes,"

I sighed and did as told, the house opened and Troy pulled me through. He guided me through the house. "Okay, open them,"

I blinked open my eyes, a gasp filled my lips and Troy smiled. "Do you like it? I had a couple of minions help me out." I covered my mouth while tears formed in my eyes looking at everything around us. There had to be over one hundred candles lit in our living room kitchen area, a table set with dinner steaming off the plate, balloons filled the house with rose petals on the floor.

"Troy," he smiled, "I figured this will be our only anniversary without a baby. Our only anniversary of being married without a child running around so I had to make it special, I wanted to make it special for you."

"Thank you," my eyes looked at him, I went over and pulled him into a kiss, "Thank you," he smiled, his lips pressed against my forehead, "Let's eat," Troy pulled my chair out for me and I tried to gracefully sit down but my bump made it hard. Troy rubbed my shoulder gently, "Troy, is this what we ate on our wedding night?"

"It sure is." Troy gave me one of his famous smiles though, "Except, instead of white wine we are having a nice apple juice," I laughed looking up at him, "You are truly amazing Troy, you spoil me day end and day out."

"I try my hardest,"

I took my phone out and I went to take a picture of Troy, "Smile," I instructed, Troy rolled his eyes, "I thought this was later this week,"

"It is." I instructed he finally stuck his tongue out while I smiled. "Good,"

Troy and I dug into our food with a big smile on our faces; we ate dinner together and chatted about different things. Troy pushed his plate away after eating most of his food, his hand reached across to grab mine. "This was good, did you get it from the same place?"

"Yes," he answered, "So," he started, "I may have gotten you a couple of things," I laughed, "I didn't doubt you…" Troy smiled, he got up from the chair and he went into the kitchen. I took the opportunity to get the gift I got for Troy. I settled back before he came, "Okay," he sat back across from me, "So you kind of have to come look at it, this wasn't a wrap it up and give type of thing."

I raised an eyebrow, "Well then I want you to open yours first," Troy nodded, grabbed it, and he began to unwrap it. He laughed while it unraveled, "I know it isn't anything big but I figured it is what you needed,"

"Gabs, it's awesome," he looked across the table with a smile, I had customized him a pair of Nike shoes, "Look inside the shoe," I instructed, Troy peered in the left one and then the right one. He smirked, "I did need a new one of these," he pulled out a new iPod, "I downloaded it with a bunch of new music," I told him, "Things you would like."

"You rock." He got up after setting his stuff down; he took my hand to help me up. "It is all wonderful. Thank you Brie," he kissed me softly and he then grabbed my hand. "Come on though,"

Troy guided me through the house, we past the kitchen and when we got to a couple of different doors Troy turned to face me. "So we have two offices right?" I nodded my head slowly, "And I figured we only technically need one. We both have laptops and can go anywhere. So…" Troy took a breath, "I guess you just need to see,"

He turned on the door there was a sign with the letter 'G' over top. Troy slid his hand over the door and he then opened it up. He pushed the door open while I stood back in shock. The room was a calming blue with white shelves. The whole back wall was lined with the baseballs Troy had written on. My eyes flirted to the white couch along the window wall, a soft chair in another corner. A blown up picture of Troy and I on our wedding day was on the center of a wall.

On a table there was a 3D sonogram of baby girl. "Troy,"

"I figured since we are about to have a baby that you might need your own space that won't be taken over by baby stuff. This is what I like to call the baby free zone for you. I get to get away with baseball stuff and all bunch of things. You need a spot for your sanity."

"Troy," my eyes went over to the baseball wall, "Also, I wanted to get all of those baseballs out of the buckets. I wanted you to be able to see our journey together." He took me across the room and he pointed to the one in the corner. "That is the day we met…February 5th, 2012." Troy pointed, he then drew a zigzagged line with his hand, "and this is all of our journey all the way until today" he pointed at the last ball that was close to us. I traced my fingers over it.

Our first anniversary 9-15-19

"I made sure our top ten moment from this year got put up there." I looked at him amazed, "How?"

"Don't doubt my magic,"

I laughed taking a seat on the sofa, "Troy, I don't have words for this room."

"I figured you would like it."

"Thank you," I said, I got up to pull him into a kiss, "But Mr. Bolton…I think this room needs to be broken in right," my finger pulled down his zipper, he raised an amused eyebrow, "I can't disagree with this statement."

I giggled pulling him into a warm kiss, "You are amazing Mr. Bolton, thank you for the last year of my life. Making it the best it could possibly be." Troy kissed me again, "No thank you,"

Wednesday, September 18th, 2019 – 34 weeks pregnant

83-65 20-4

Gabi's POV

"If the Royals win tonight and Detroit loses tonight then the Kansas City Royals will clinch the American League central," Casey laughed next to me, "The Royals have been hot in the past two weeks and the Detroit Tigers have not been hot." Casey said with amusement, I rubbed my belly that couldn't imagine to be any bigger.

We only had six weeks left in my pregnancy and nerves had started to build up inside. The Royals were leading 5-2 in the top of the 8th inning. Everybody's eyes kept flickering to the Detroit score in the corner of the stadium where it was being tracked. Currently they were winning 2-1 at the top of the 5th. We were going to end before they did so there would be a clubhouse watch after the game.

Zach circled the mound ready to shut down the 7th inning. The Royals had hit a long streak of winning making the K a wild place to be in late September. It was packed in every seat, standing room was gone and everybody was happy as could be. I pressed my teeth together while I tried to could a good idea of what was going on. I rubbed underneath of my glasses because my contacts were no longer working as well.

I had gotten a better script from my doctor just on Monday and got glasses the day after. I definitely needed them because my vision was blurry as hell lately. They claimed it to be the pregnancy hormones but I wasn't completely sold. I sat down on the chair that I had because my back hurt like hell as well. Whoever thought the last six weeks of pregnancy was a good idea was stupid.

I called the play by play with Zach pitching very carefully to make sure I got everything right. It was a tense session because tonight would decide if they were going to take the central or if they were going to have to fight another day.

Zach shut down the inning and the Royals went down in order as well. Holland came out for the top of the 9th inning. Troy was spitting sunflower seeds on the ground, his leg tapping up and down while his eyes flickered over to the corner of the stadium. He pulled his hat up and ran his fingers through it. A nervous habit he had picked up over the past couple of days.

"This Royals team wants to do their part tonight. They want to win and they want Detroit to lose." I said with a pause, "The whole clubhouse is on edge," I mentioned, the cameras flicked to many people in the dugout who looked stressed.

"Troy Bolton," Casey started, "preached at the beginning of the season about how this team was going to do well and here we are in position to win the central on September 18th."

Greg Holland nailed down the ninth and everybody cheered and screamed in excitement. They pulled up the Detroit game on the jumbotron the game was tied at the bottom of the 6th causing people to hush. We were off the air and the pre-game show was starting. We were not going to be interviewed tonight I gave Casey a grin. "I am going to go see the boys downstairs."

He nodded his head, "I'll be down in a minute."

I wanted to quickly move through the stadium but my stomach was too big to allow me to move quickly anymore. When I got to the clubhouse, I slipped in but it was empty. I walked down the hallway until I got to the top of the tunnel and saw all of the boys sitting on the field. Troy was sitting on a chair watching the game; the fans were all still seated while the game played out.

Kicking off my heels I walked across the field, my hand slipped across his shoulder, they were tense and I gently rubbed them. "Hi pretty girl," he said, he grabbed my hand to squeeze it gently. "Come here," he pulled me around front while the jumbotron went too commercial. "How are you feeling?" he asked, his hat had turned backwards while the boys were sitting down on chairs watching.

"I'm okay. My back hurts a little and my feet are dying."

Troy pulled me down onto his lap gently; I adjusted myself to shift my weight over his whole body because I had gained some more. His hand smoothed over my back, "I am so nervous Gabi,"

"I know, I know," I rubbed the top of his hand, he rested his head onto my shoulder while we watched the game in almost silence. Troy eventually patted my side and I got up so he could. He then disappeared to talk to somebody while I sat in his chair. The top of the 9th inning came along Troy circled back around, his hands squeezing the top of my shoulders gently.

He bent over to kiss the top of my head. He then touched my belly gently, a yawn filtered out of my mouth, "I'm sorry, I just want to see the end of this game."

"I know you do, I want to see it too. I just haven't been sleeping well lately, you know that." Troy sighed, "I do. Hopefully tonight will be better," I grinned spinning around to look at him, "Hopefully tonight we are celebrating," Troy smirked bending closer to my ear, "Yes, ma'am," I laughed out loud pulling him in for a kiss. He poked my chin with his finger afterwards, "You're adorable."

"I love you," he whispered into my ear, "I love you too,"

He squeezed my hand and then sat down next to me on the ground. "Troy, you can have your chair back." I told him, he laughed, "No way, you are pregnant Brie, I can handle the ground." I leaned over to kiss the top of his head. He enlaced our hands together while the Detroit game continued. They stayed tied at the end of the 9th and then continued into the 10th.

The fans were still on edge and many of them were still here. Troy rubbed his forehead during the commercial break; I twisted my chair to look at him. I took his hat off and placed it on my head. He looked up at me with a raised eyebrow, "What?"

"Relax," I whispered, I squared his jaw in my hand. "I can't relax, our season,"

"Does not depend on this game." I said, "Tomorrow it will be the same story. You win, they lose we move on. You know that. It will not be the end of the world." Troy rested his forehead onto my knee, "I want it clinched, mine, not theirs. I want it now." I smiled, "Patience was never your virtue."

He kissed my knee and I turned to face the screen again. The Tigers were playing the White Sox's in Chicago. I bit on my lip because Chicago had somebody on second with only one out. Troy squeezed my hand gently while Troy watched the screen intently. Zach and Josh sat on the other side of me. I took Zach's hand, "You pitched well tonight." I told him, "Thanks."

"Josh, nice RBI double,"

"Why thank you Mrs. Gabriella," I smiled, "Where is my good job at?" Salvy said coming up behind me, "Nice game calling Sal," he smiled, "Thank you!" Troy laughed from next to me; his head leaned on my knee. A crack of a bat caught all of our attention as we looked up at the screen, Troy stood up quickly as loud cheers erupted from the stadium. The boys all began to scream and dog pile one another.

I looked at the scoreboard as the White Sox's were jumping on one another. I pulled my phone out and I took a picture of all of the boys on top of each other screaming and celebrating their win tonight. Celebrating what they have been trying to achieve for so many years.

A victory that really mattered, a victory that Troy could finally rest with, my eyes drifted to the team. My eyes found Troy who was beaming with a smile. His hair was wild and everybody seemed excited. This twinkle in Troy's eye made me so happy. I felt tears in my eyes while I looked at him, the way he seemed to just bounce with happiness.

Thursday, September 19th, 2019 – 34 weeks pregnant

84-65 20-4 – AL Central Champions

Gabi's POV

Troy rubbed my back gently; we were getting ready to have both of our families over for dinner. Troy and I went to get our maternity pictures done today. We went the non-traditional route and just had fun. The morning was full of laughing and just being us. Troy pressed another point in my back while I leaned forward. It felt so good because my back has been so sore.

He kissed the back of my neck gently, "Are you feeling okay?" Troy questioned, "I am feeling dandy, how are you feeling AL Central winner?" Troy laughed while he pulled me back against him. His arms wrapped around my belly while he kissed my temple again. "I love you," he whispered into my ear, "You better. I still have six more weeks of carrying this baby around." Troy smiled, his hand grabbing mine; he began to play with each of my fingers.

"I will never be able to repay you for that," Troy said quietly, I turned around to face him, "If you can get up every time the baby wakes up." Troy laughed, "I think you are providing the food," he reminded me, I grumbled, "Whatever,"

Troy smiled then he kissed me gently, "Come on, our parents and siblings will all be here soon."

Troy took my hand and helped me up, I felt like I was waddling at this point. My hips hurt more, my back ached, and I was having heartburn more frequently. I was all around uncomfortable but happy. I was happy with how everything was going. We had a sonogram this morning and a check up. Everything was normal and healthy. She was getting bigger and bigger which made me happy.

Troy guided me downstairs when the doorbell rang. I went over to answer it with Lucille on the other side with Jack and Luke. I greeted each of them with a hug, "How are you feeling?" Lucille asked, I nodded, "Good, a little uncomfortable at times but times could be worse." I said with a smile, "Good! What is for dinner Troy?" Lucille asked, "Chicken," Troy answered; he went into the kitchen while I slipped into the seat.

"Have you been making Gabi do a lot of cooking lately?"

"No mom," Troy said, he snuck a look towards me and I winked back at him. I smiled while he began to cook something else. Luke went over to Troy, "Troy, and can we please go play?"

"I have to finish cooking bud,"

"After?"

"Most likely. Cam and Lilly are coming."

"But I want to play with you," Troy laughed, "They are eight bud, you can play with them until I am done."

"I'm eleven," I laughed at the persistence, "Cam was going to bring his glove over," I offered. Luke Bolton never left without his glove. I bit on my lip gently when Luke turned towards me; "My glove is broke," Troy choked on his spit while Lucille gave me a warned look. "Well guess what house you came to Luke?" Troy looked at me wondering what in the world I was doing. I went to one of our garages and I pulled open the door.

I began to filter in and out of boxes for a couple of minutes, "Brie, what are you doing?" I lifted a box, "Gabs," Troy warned, I put it down and I turned to look at him, "What?" he laughed, shaking his head, "You are something else. You remember you are thirty-four weeks pregnant right? You shouldn't be lifting boxes." I shrugged my shoulders, grabbed another box, and set it down on top of the other.

He came by and touched my waist to grab my attention, "What do you want?" I peered through the box on top, "The bottom box," he picked up the next box and I finally found what I was looking for. Troy grinned, "My high school glove."

"I figured he could use it for now unless you want it."

"No, no, he can use it. I want it back though."

"You tell him that." I went out back to the kitchen where Luke was pouting, "Luke," he turned around and I waved a glove. He grinned, "Thank you Gabi!"

"Hello?" I backed into the living room to wave at my parents, my dad gave me a big smile while my mom ushered in the two kids. Cam and Lilly both came over to give me a big hug, "How is school going?"

"Good," the echoed together, I smiled, "Cam, Luke is here and wants to play catch. Did you bring your glove?" he nodded and held it up to show me with the ball inside. "Go ahead and go find him. Lil, you want to stay in the kitchen?" I asked, she nodded her head and then buried her head into my side. "She has been missing you," my dad said quietly, I nodded my head and ran my fingers through her hair.

"Come on, I want to show you and mom something,"

My mom raised an eyebrow, "Just come," I instructed, I began to lead them when I grabbed Lucille as well. "Want to see my anniversary gift?" Lucille smiled, "I have heard about this,"

"It is amazing," I declared, we came to the door and I opened it up. My mom gapped, "Gabi, this is beautiful. What is this supposed to be for?"

"Me. It is my room only. It is my get away if I need one."

"I love all of the baseballs," my mom looked at them closer, "Oh my God are those the ones?"

"Those are the ones," I told her with a nod, "This is amazing. Troy is brilliant."

Lilly turned back towards me with a sad face that I couldn't quite place, "Come on Lil, let's go boss Troy around," I slipped my hand through hers, we went into the kitchen and she climbed onto the barstool next to mine. She looked at my lap, which I was pretty sure she wanted to sit in but that wasn't going to happen. My belly took up most of my lap and I was already having back issues.

"Gabi?" I looked at Lilly, "Yea?"

"When are you going to have the baby?" she asked, I smiled, "In a couple of weeks. Not much longer." I told her, she grinned, "So you won't be as busy?" Troy looked over at me and I looked at Lilly. A knot formed in my stomach, "I'll still be pretty busy Lilly,"

"But you'll stop working right?"

"Not really,"

"But, I want to see you more," the knot grew bigger in my throat while I looked at my younger sister. She then got up and ran off to somewhere, I sat frozen in my spot. My eyes glued to where she just was. I then got up and went to go after her but was stopped by my dad in the living room. I looked up at him, "Hey, come here, your mom will handle her. You come with me,"

He led me out the front door then he sat down on one of the chairs on our front porch. I sat down next to him and he rubbed my shoulder gently while tears ran down my cheek because my sister wanted to spend more time with me and I didn't have more time.

"Gabs, there is nothing you can do about that,"

"I should be spending more time with her!" I declared, "I should make more room for her in my life," my voice began to panic and my dad got up to stand in front of me. "Gabi, you need to calm down. Lilly, is just having a rough day."

"That doesn't mean I am not neglecting our relationship,"

"You are a busy woman. You work, you travel, you are almost nine months pregnant, and you are starting a family. Maybe, in the off-season you can work her in a little bit more. Right now, you need to focus on you and Troy and the baby." I wiped away the tears, "Lilly just is in an awkward stage that you went through. Cam is making all of these friends and she is feeling left behind."

I nodded my head while I tried to calm myself even more; my dad kissed my forehead and hugged me. "Lilly will be fine. You don't need to stress over that right now okay?" I nodded and he took a step back, "Somebody else wants to talk to you so I am going to go inside," I smiled, "Thanks Dad," he nodded, then went inside, "Are you okay?" I looked over at Troy and I nodded, "It hurt,"

He came over and he helped me stand up. He then slipped his arms around me, his lips pressed into my head while I just breathed in his clean scent of Troy. "Being a grown up sucks," I whispered, "It does sometimes but Lilly will understand when she is older."

"But right now she just wants to hang out with her sister and I don't have time for her," Troy pulled me chin up a little, "Because you are working, carrying around a human, and trying to enjoy some of the last few months of our normalcy. It's okay," I let my head fall back into Troy's chest, "I am going to take her out some time next week."

"If that makes you feel better," he kissed the top of my head again, "Come on, I bet she wants to hang out with you and play Uno all night."

"Oh can we play tonight?"

"Most definitely."

Thursday, September 26th, 2019 – 35 weeks pregnant

89-67 20-4 – AL Central Champions

Troy's POV

I board the bus in exhaustion. The end of the season haul was becoming a little much and my body was becoming worn but this was the post-season grind we were about to live. We had clinched the central a week ago and now we were just playing for home field advantage. We currently didn't have it but we were only back half a game. I leaned my head back when Zach collapsed down next to me.

"How is your wife full of energy tonight?" Zach asked, I looked over at him, "She is full of energy?" I questioned, "You haven't seen her?" he asked, I shook my head, "No."

"Well she is full of something,"

"Hell, with five weeks left I would figure she is holed up in a bed,"

"No, she is like bouncing off the walls."

I laughed, I wondered about Gabi right now. She was doing well and keeping up with her schedule with five weeks to go in her pregnancy. I was becoming very excited as time went on but I was also very nervous. Zach smiled, "Dude, do you know I am getting married this off season,"

I laughed, "I know. It is crazy huh? I can't believe Gabs and I have been married for a year."

"And you are having a kid in October," I nodded my head, "Crazy."

Josh sat behind us and he groaned, "I am so tired. I just want to sleep for days."

"These past couple of games have been long and hard," I remarked, "How are you feeling after yesterday?"

"Only my 4th loss," I remarked, "I am okay. I wanted that loss out of the way before the playoffs. I have to be sharp out there." Zach rolled his eyes, "I bet so. I bet you get Cy Young," I looked over at him, "Don't even talk about it." I remarked, "I don't even want to talk about it."

Zach laughed along with Josh. "He doesn't want to jinx it."

"I will have a baby when that is announced, I don't need to be worrying about that. If it happens, it happens. I am not forcing the issue."

"You are the best damn pitcher in major league baseball this year," Josh pointed, I groaned, "Stop talking,"

The bus came to a halt and I bolted out of my seat, Josh and Zach laughed at my quickness because talking about the CY Young scared me. That was the one thing I wanted badly and now that it was a possibility it scared me. Only the best of the best get that award and to myself…I wasn't the best of the best.

I waited outside of Gabi's bus and she came off laughing with Danni, "Hey! I am going to go hang out with Danni down in the bar, do you want to come?" she asked, I slipped her bag off her shoulders and took it from her. "You aren't exhausted?" I asked her, she laughed, "Not really. You don't have to come."

"I'm going to go change into some other clothes and then I will be down." She nodded and walked off with Danni. She was smiling and happy, I was happy to see her this way. I was glad she wasn't completely miserable. I went up to our room, inserted the card, and then opened the door. I put her bag on the table then I collapsed down onto the bed. I tried to gain energy to go downstairs but I couldn't summon any.

After a while, I got up then I decided to change into a pair of shorts and a long sleeve t-shirt. I slipped on a pair of tennis shoes then returned downstairs. I witnessed Gabi sipping on her water with a smile on her face. Her hand rested on her belly then her eyes light up. A smile crossed my face looking at her then I walked over. Her eyes flickered up towards me and I smiled, "Am I still free to join?"

"Please!" Danni said, "I never get to spend time with you guys!"

I ordered a beer then I rubbed Gabi's knee. "How are you feeling?" I asked, "Having a little trouble breathing like the past couple of days. I wish she would start to drop a little bit and stop putting pressure on my lungs."

"She has five weeks left, she can stay put,"

"Ha ha funny,"

"This is your last road trip,"

"Fair enough." She said, "What? This is your last road trip?" Danni said, Gabi laughed, "It is yours too. You don't get to go on the playoff flights. We don't go on those unless you cover the games and then you fly separate."

"What?" Gabi nodded, "Yea, but I am not going to any of his games on the road because hello, I am almost about to give birth. I don't feel like doing it in the air," I snorted, "Please, let's not."

She smiled over at me, "Come on Troy, where is your sense of adventure?" I took a drink of my beer and laughed, "Not in medical school."

"Touché,"

Friday, October 4th, 2019 – 36 weeks pregnant

93-69 20-4 – ALDS – Kansas City

Gabi's POV

Troy sat at the table he was looking at me but he wasn't really there. Troy was going to be in his first post-season game tonight. He was starting tonight and it all fell on to his shoulders. I reached around and rubbed his shoulders gently, "Troy, you are going to have to relax." I whispered, "You'll be there right?" Troy asked, "I need you close."

"Troy, I need to sit in the players section. I don't want to be down with all of the fans. I am feeling very big and I want to enjoy the game tonight."

"I need to be able to see you."

"Do you want us to sit in a suite tonight?" I asked him, he ran his fingers through his hair and he let out a long sigh. "I don't know, I fucking want you to sit next to me in the dugout." I laughed and I kissed his cheek. "Troy, you'll do fine tonight."

"I gave this to Kansas City, I got them twenty wins on my back and now…all of a sudden I have this weight on my shoulders. I have to get another win tonight; in the postseason and last night I kept having dreams about the baby. The baby of all things and I just can't stop thinking about her. I don't know I have so much going on." I sat down next to him and I pulled his hand into my lap. I rubbed his hand for a moment and then I decided to get up and rub his shoulders where the most of his stress built up.

My hand massaged his shoulders gently while he exhaled; I rubbed his shoulders for a long while until he finally made a noise. "I should be doing this to you." He mumbled, "No, no, you are stressed out and you need it more than me." Troy laughed, "You are like four weeks until your due date."

"I'll be okay." I told him with a smile, my eyes found his and I kissed his cheek. "Remember, I'll be there, it is just a game that you are playing in. You take a deep breath and then you'll be fine."

Troy rubbed his face, "I need to go to the stadium. Being here, my mind begins to wonder and I don't know, I can't think about the right things."
"Well…do not worry about me. Baby girl and I are perfect. She isn't going anywhere and she is kicking like she is supposed to. Healthy. I am fine. A little tired along with a little more trouble with the breathing but fine. My dad is escorting me to the game tonight along with our entire group of friends. You need to focus on the game."

"Gabs,"

"Troy, right now, is the only time I will let you put baseball before me." He raised an eyebrow in curiosity to my statement. "Right now, you are becoming this huge famous thing. You are becoming a huge star and you are trying to win a world series for a town that hasn't had on in years Troy. Years."

He reached across for my hand, "I love you, and you know that right?" I laughed and nodded, "I do. I know once this is over then you will focus on me again and I am fine right now. I am enjoying my last few weeks of us."

He pulled me close to kiss me, "Thank you,"
"Just remember this conversation when there is a poopy diaper." Troy laughed, "I'll remember."

"Alright, I am going to go. You are riding with your dad?"

"Yes,"

"All of our friends got tickets?"

"Yes," I answered again, "You have nothing to worry about. You have your lucky shirt?" he nodded and he slipped his hat on his head. He kissed me again, his fingers gripped my chin and he kissed me again. "I love you,"

"I love you too," I wrapped my arms around him and he kissed the top of my head. "Come to the locker room right after the game okay? I want to see you."

"Understood. Go kick ass,"

"I always do."

Once Troy left, I looked around and I ended up in the baby's room. Everything was set up ready for the baby to be born. Skip liked to lounge in here a lot but we had a lot of baby clothes that needed to be washed. We had gotten a lot off of the registry that was adorable. She had a whole drawer dedicated to Royals stuff.

I began to drift through; the diapers were set up and the wipes. Everything was set up and ready.

I sat down in the glider chair, I actually slept in here the other night because I was really uncomfortable in bed between heartburn and leg cramps so I escaped to in here.

I couldn't believe in a month she would be here. I was excited to meet her and hold her. I wanted to cuddle her and just never let her go. I was so excited. I ran my hand over my belly and she kicked. I smiled because her legs were near my ribs so she was slowly making her way down making it seem even more real.

I got up after a while and grabbed some of her laundry that needed to be done. I went to the laundry room and started it. I then went to get ready for the game tonight.

I bounced my legs up and down in nerves. My eyes flickered around the electric stadium. Troy was on top of the mound and he was pitching well. He had given up one home run and three other hits but had only given up two runs.

The Royals had scored three times for him. I exhaled while I looked at the board. It was the seventh inning and his pitch count was up there.

The other pitcher had already been pulled so they were working off of Baltimore's bullpen.

My dad sat on one side of me with Ellie on the other. She was holding my hand because I was a nervous wreck every time Troy was on the mound. She squeezed it gently while I took a deep breath.

"So about our Halloween party?" I laughed, "I better have a baby on Halloween,"

"Tell me how that works out for you." My dad replied, "Your mom was late with you, like two weeks late." I laughed, "That will not happen." I replied, "I have weddings to be in and things to get done. Baby comes out."

"Whatever works for you,"

Ellie rubbed my hand while Troy recorded the first two outs quickly and the third was becoming a battle. I held my breath on the inside because they just needed to win three games. That was it. Three.

I wanted the first three in the bag; right now wins and then we could fight the rest of the way. The batter fouled up the next pitch, the ninth in a row. Troy was growing frustrated and Salvy could tell. I bit on my lip while they talked, his shoulders went up and down in a quick movement, his eyes flickered around and he looked up at the booth. The booth was filled of other announcers, which was fine because I was too nervous to speak.

Troy then settled onto our section, the umpire began to walk out and I stood up. He let out a long breath, nodded, and then dug into the mound. "Was he looking for you?" Jack asked from down the row, I sat back down and I nodded my head. "He was. He was so nervous earlier, I was afraid he was going to cry," I whispered, Emily laughed, "Oh my god,"

"You can not tell him I said that!"

"But I am!"

Chase and Colin laughed, "I can't wait to hear that story."

Troy threw the next pitch belt high and the batter swung about two seconds late. Troy and Salvy threw their arms up together with emotion as they went walking off the field. Everybody stood up applauding Troy for his effort today. I stood up, "I'll be back,"

Troy was at 110 pitches and he was done. Ned would be insane to let him go any further. I began to walk towards the clubhouse, reporters were already lining up and I snuck back, the door was closed but I knocked on it gently. I bit my lip and it propped open, the clubhouse manager, "He is at his locker," he whispered, I snuck in and I went over to his locker.

He was standing there gripping his locker most likely trying to relax. He probably needed to breath and to just wrap what just happened in his head. I wrapped my arms around his waist and he relaxed against my chest. "Gabs,"

"You pitched so well out there, I am so proud of you," I whispered, Troy squeezed my hand gently, "Gabi, I will never be able to explain that thrill." I squeezed him tightly, "Hopefully one day I will experience such a thrill."

"I hope you do because that was amazing." He turned around and his face was flushed from the semi-warm evening. His hat was sticking up off his head and his hands pulled me close. He kissed me, "Thank you for standing up, you relaxed me."

"I knew what you needed," I squeezed his hand and he smiled, his lips pressing into my temple.

Tuesday, October 8th, 2019 – 36 weeks pregnant

93-69 21-4 – ALDS

2-1 in ALDS

Gabi's POV

I had a huge group of people over watching the game. Duffy was pitching for the Royals tonight and so far in the fourth inning they were winning. The whole room was full of nerves and I wished I were there right now, in Baltimore with them. I was no longer allowed to fly and I understood but that didn't make this any harder. My mom and dad were sitting on a couch watching the game; my siblings were sitting on the floor coloring.

All of our friends were over minus the ones that flew out to watch this game. Cody, Rebecca, Melissa, and Alex all flew out to watch in person with Troy and the boy's extra tickets. I let out a sigh of relief once the inning ended and the Royals didn't give up a run. Jack and Lucille were also with Troy so that meant I was watching Luke until they got home tomorrow. Hopefully they would be coming home and we were be getting ready for the American League Championship series.

So far it looked like they were going to play the Athletics. I bit on my lip and I watched, as everybody got ready to bat. Hosmer, Gordon, Salvy. We needed more runs; we needed something more to put us in line for the win. We were only winning by one lousy run.

Ellie, Chase, Mallory, Colin, and little Audrey were all over watching as well. Luke came running down the stairs and he then sat back down watching intently. If anybody was as excited as he was they were pretty excited. He went to school everyday bragging about his brother playing in the World Series. It was rather cute.

The nerves in the room were growing bigger and bigger with each at bat and the less runs we were putting up. Audrey was sleeping peaceful in her car seat and I kept trying to focus on the game but my mind kept swirling with so many thoughts on this game.

Duffy came back out for the fifth and he kept it scoreless only needing ten pitches to get the three outs he needed. I got up because I needed to pee again she had slowly shifted down into my pelvis and I was peeing constantly. Nights were miserable and I wasn't getting much sleep especially with Troy gone all the time right now. He normally could help but he hasn't been here the past three nights.

After using the restroom, I came back out to see that we had a runner on second and Josh up to bat. "Come on Josh," Ellie said, I smiled because I have never known this group to be this quiet. It was eerily quiet in this house as we watched this game. There was a lot on line because if they won they moved on. If they lost tomorrow night's game will be miserable for all of us.

Troy would start tomorrow though but I didn't want to see Troy under that pressure.

Josh connected the bat with the ball and it sailed towards the outfield, then a little further as it went right of the left field fence. Screams erupted from our household as the boys in the dugout went wild, a surge of energy went through everybody as we were high fiving and cheering. The Royals sailed from there on out with the game. Duffy didn't even give a whiff of a chance for Baltimore.

Once the final out was recorded the boys were celebrating in the middle of the field. Troy was bouncing up and down; tears filled my eyes because I wish I could witness this moment. I wish I could wrap my arms around him congratulating him but somebody's foot against my stomach told me why I needed to be here. I understand. I rubbed my large stomach and wiped away a couple of my tears.

Ellie and Mallory came over to hug me, "Those better be happy tears,"

"Always."

"Good. You should have a voicemail waiting for him."

I bit on my lip and I nodded. Reaching for my phone I called Troy to get his voicemail, I smiled looking at one of our wedding pictures.

"Troy Bolton, I love you."

Wednesday, October 9th, 2019 – 37 weeks pregnant

93-69 21-4 – ALDS – Kansas City

3-1 in ALDS – Champions

I waited at Kauffman stadium for the bus to pull up. Fans were everywhere awaiting their winners of the American League division series champions. They wanted to see them in person and to know it was actually real. I was with security and I wanted to see him.

He had texted me back last night that he loved me and he was busy most of the evening with press and then team celebration but he would call me later. He did call me but I was already passed out and when I got up this morning he was on his way home.

A bus pulled into Kauffman stadium and excitement grew throughout the parking lot. People began to cheer and wave flags around everywhere. Windows were being pulled down on the bus and the boys began to look out at the crowd. People cheered like they won the World Series but they were one step closer to that.

They were on of four teams left standing.

I spotted Troy and he was having so much fun that I never wanted him to step away from this. I never wanted to see this season end. This season was a special season and nothing was going to be the same from here. His fame was growing into something else, he smile seemed to be everywhere, and those eyes could be found on bulletin boards.

The bus stopped and security pushed back fans, the windows went up and the door opened. The boys filed off and they began to sign autographs. One by one they signed and signed, Troy got off and he was taking pictures and signing autographs. He laughed and messed around with his teammates. He turned a little towards me and he hesitated like he saw me but he signed two more then he looked over again.

His eyes laid on me and I smiled. A grin spread over his face as he talked to a fan for a moment then he ran down the line of fans. His arms wrapped around my waist and he pulled me in close. A laugh bubbled in his throat, "Gabriella, you were the only person I wanted to see." I pulled his face to close mine in a quick kiss. "I wanted to greet you boys in a job well done."

"I bet you did."

We kissed again and he rubbed my stomach, "How is princess doing?" I smiled at his nickname for her already, "She is good. Like I told you the other day she is no longer pressing on my lungs but now on my bladder." Troy smiled, "Not much longer."

"Not much longer," I told him, he kissed the top of my head and he looked at the fans that were enjoying the signatures. "I am going to go sign some more autographs,"

"Go soak it up," I told him, "I'll always be here." Troy backed away with a smile and returned to the fan he disappeared from. I settled into a chair while I watched the crowd while a buzz began about the ALC games were to start in just a couple of days.

Happy Sunday! I hope you are all enjoying your weekend! Thanks for all of the support with this story! I love you guys a lot!

Please Review!