Chapter 28 – Celebrations

"Happy Birthday," I snuggled closer to my pillow as Troy rubbed his hand over my shoulder blade. My bare shoulder blade. We had started my birthday celebration a little earlier. "Sleep," I murmured, I was still trying to get my sleeping schedule on track.

We had everybody over last night for my birthday party, we ate, swam, and everybody looked at the ring. Lucille and Jack were still here while Jenni was here also.

"It's already ten babe, Liam is up with Jenni. He wants to see his mom on her twenty third birthday," I moaned as his hands etched closer to my ass. "Can we start my birthday off right?" I asked opening one of my eyes, Troy raised an eyebrow, "Well if that is how you want this day to go," Troy's arms wrapped around my waist as he lips crashed down on mine.

His lips pressed into mine harder as he moved his hands farther down my legs. They slipped underneath and he rubbed them back and forth, as my hand was tangled into the sheets. Once I pulled my hand out from the sheets, my back arched on the bed as Troy hit a spot that made me crave more.

"Oh God," Troy smirked as he let his head drop kissing my stomach. A trail of kisses went down my stomach, as I felt weak. I squirmed away from him as I tried to get him on the bottom. He laughed as he kept a strong grip on my arms; his laugh filled my ears, as I grew weaker by the second ready to give in.

"It's my birthday." I whispered to him, he raised an eyebrow, "And I am your tour guide," a giggled as I pulled him down with my arms wrapped around his neck. My lips attacked his before leaving a trail down his neck. He winced as I hit his sweet spot before gripping onto my love handle.

Troy leaned down after I released him with a long pant. His lips touched my breast gently as I arched my neck backwards as if I was begging for more. "I need you," I mumbled, "You need me?" Troy asked as his hand cherished my body. "I give, uncle, I don't give a shit what you need me to say, just do it." I begged, he smirked, "no need to yell," he said. How did he have this kind of control?


After taking a quick shower…with Troy. We both emerged from the bedroom. "Do you want to feed Liam?" Troy asked me with a quick kiss. "Sure,"

"Do you know what you want to do today?" I shrugged my shoulders, we both walked down the stairs, Lucille was sitting on one of the couches and then Jack was reading the newspaper from yesterday.

"There is the lovely birthday girl!" Lucille said, she stood up and greeted me into a big hug. "Thanks," I said to her, Jack kissed my cheek and then gave me a big hug.

"Twenty three years of Gabi," Jack said, I laughed and Jenni came over. She handed Liam to Troy and then gave me a huge hug. "My soon to be sister in law!" the family laughed as a little tug of loneliness wafted through me.

Troy handed me Liam, "Say happy birthday mommy," Troy asked, I looked at him and he poked his finger into my cheek as I let him lean against my shoulder. "Thanks," I told them all, "But I better feed big guy. Did we tell Grandma Lucille that we started solid food?" she looked at me shocked.

"He is on solids,"

"We are starting, cereal is the first move."

"With water or formula right?" I nodded, "They say once he has the feeling for cereal down we can start some of the others." Going into the kitchen, I placed Liam into the highchair. I buckled him into it as I went over to the cabinet and grabbed a tiny bowl. It was not much he was getting to eat but it was some followed by a bottle.

We had gone to see his doctor straight after getting home on Friday. They had told us what to buy and how much to do. He was getting a little at all of the main meals. He got more at dinner to help him sleep through the night.

I dumped a few tablespoons of cereal into a baby bowl. I then followed it by a few ounces of formula. Troy snuck up behide me as he sucked on my neck gently. A knock came at the door, "That's for me! Sorry Gabi, I will see you later tonight for dinner." Jenni came flying through the room and then went out the door.

Troy looked over at his dad, "I don't know, she has been going out with Carson a lot this week," Troy looked over at me and I shrugged, "You gave them the week off." Troy took a deep breath before going over to Liam. "Hey little guy," Troy grabbed a cup of coffee waiting at the counter before putting one in front of me.

I leaned up to give him a fast kiss before I turned to look at Liam. I smiled at him as I placed a small amount of cereal onto the spoon and placed it into his mouth. He made a face before letting some slip back out. I scooped it up with the spoon. I placed it back into his mouth and he finished it off.

Giving him a few more bites of the cereal. The first try was a mess due to him rejecting most of the food. The next try was better and now we were feeling like a pro.

"Good boy," I told him as he finished off the last bite of the cereal. I unbuckled him and then picked him up. I grabbed my coffee and then the rest of his bottle before taking him over to the table.

"You seem awful calm for your birthday." Jack commented, "Oh trust me, im pretty happy." I said smiling; Troy got up from the table and escaped into the living room. Liam sucked on his bottle as I sipped at my coffee.

"So Liam got you something for your birthday," he said sliding a package across the table. "I am giving you my present at dinner tonight." Troy winked and I smiled knowing there was more after dinner too. I pulled the bottle out of Liam's mouth as I pressed it against the table. I sat Liam up in my lap as he played with his hands.

"What did you get me little booger?" I asked him, he played with his hands some more as I yawned. I peeled back an inch of the paper as I ripped up the rest of it. Once I opened it, I peeled the box off the top. I then gasped, "Troy," he looked at me and then down at Liam.

"This was all him," he threw his hands up in the air and I looked back down at the spa ticket for two. "I figured Taylor will need one here shortly. When Liam and I go up to Frisco later this week with my dad to watch the Giants." I looked up at him and I smiled, "Thanks!" I said as I wrapped my arms around Liam.

"You know what mommy needs huh?" he squirmed in my arms and I got up to put him in his little saucer. I looked around; as he was happy once, he was down.

"Troy," I yelled as I looked at the newspaper lying on the ground. "Yea," Troy's head popped in from around the corner as I walked back into the kitchen. "You know what I want to do today?"

He raised his eyebrows as I looked at his parents sitting at the table. "I want to go look at houses." Troy's eyes spread open and then darted to his parents.

"Houses?" his mom asked, "You didn't tell them?" Troy shrugged his shoulder, "It never came up," I turned to face two parents who looked confused. "Troy and I have decided to move."

"Again?" they asked together, "we decided we are moving out of LA," Troy spoke putting down one of the coffee cups that he was cleaning out.

"Where are you going to go?"

"Up north somewhere, probably forty minutes away or so," Troy added, "Santa Monica," I added, "We want off of the beach and some where with a little land."

Troy looked at his parents, "You guys should come with us,"

"Did you not like this house?" his mom said looking at him, "We both loved it, Gabi wants different and get Liam out of here. Let him grow up in a normal community, not with all of these fancy people. In a normal school."

His parents looked at each other, "Fair enough, I would want the same for you." Lucille said, Troy smiled and then he went over to Liam. He bent over and then looked at him, "You know what, you want to go look at houses?" Liam banged on the thing and Troy laughed. "Really now?" Liam smiled again and I could not help but enjoy the moment between father and son.

"He couldn't be a better dad," I told Lucille, "He is one of the best I have seen, and you got a lucky catch." Lucille said with a smile, "I know I did. I'm happy I got him."

Troy picked up Liam and put him above his head. Troy then brought him down and kissed his forehead. "Well, I will go get my little guy ready and then we can leave." Troy said, his parents looked down at there apparel, "We are going to change really fast." Lucille said, I nodded and then they walked off.

I sat in the middle of the kitchen as I watched. Happy Birthday texts flooded my phone and I let out a deep sigh. Troy came back down the stairs with Liam in his arms and then he looked at me. "Hey, you alright?" I jumped as I looked at him.

"What, yea, I am fine." I whispered stirring my coffee with my little straw that Troy had dropped in. "Your face says something a little bit different." Troy explained to me as he pulled out a chair.

He placed Liam down in my lap as I played with his little toes. "I promise you I am fine," I said looking up at him, his eyes said no but he nodded his head. "Okay, well do you want to stop for some lunch before we go?"

"No, I am fine. I had a bagel," I said to him, I looked over my shoulder to see the half-eaten bagel but I had eaten most of it. Troy stood up grabbing Liam's backpack now that we lugged around and put some bottles into it. We stopped premaking bottles in the summer due to the overwhelming heat.

We met Troy's parents at the top of the garage doors as Troy had slipped Liam's car seat into the car. "Troy do you know what I miss?"

"What would that be Gabi?"

"Getting to drive your Audi everywhere, since Liam car seat doesn't fit as well," Troy looked over his shoulder and then back at me, "Well since we both got new cars when we found out you were pregnant."

"Well, I don't miss my little Toyota that barely drove across the school parking lot but this Highlander just isn't doing it for me anymore."

"Well, that sucks." Troy said I rolled my eyes as I climbed into the back with Lucille and Jack got up front with Troy. "What! Where are you all going? I was coming to give my future niece in law a big birthday hug."

Mason came into view, "We are going house hunting. You in?" Troy asked, Mason nodded and then ran back to his car. Troy backed out as he threw a folder back at me.

"I have been looking and these are my favorites. I was prepared." I pulled open the folder and glanced at the million dollar houses in front of me.

"I was looking for like a five bedroom home instead of like a seven." Troy explained, "Our price difference dropped," I giggled as I looked at all of the options.

"Looks like enough room for three," I joked to him, "Yea, but I am hoping it doesn't stay three for to much longer." I looked up at him and then back down at the papers.

"You already want another child?" Jack asked us, "Not yet, we are just thinking, not until after we are married." Troy explained as he slipped his ray bans on over his eyes, as the sun became a problem.

"Jack! You should be excited! Another grandkid!" Lucille bent over to play with Liam as he made noises. "Yes, Liam wants a sibling." Troy and I caught eyes before we both smirked.

"Well, let them plan there wedding and then we can talk about baby number two." Jack said, Troy laughed, "Thanks dad, did you tell them Gabi?"

I looked up towards him, "You can tell them," Lucille and Jack both turned towards Troy, he smirked as he placed his elbow on the place between the windows as he steered the car.

"The location has been set," he turned the blinker on as he scooted forward in his seat to look over onto the road. "What! You have set a location and never told us!"

"It was just decided a little earlier this week," Troy complained, "Where will it be then?" she asked him, "Lake Tahoe," Troy confirmed with a smile. "I thought that was such a cute idea! Are you going to be like in the mountains or are you going to be on the lake?"

"I think we are going to be overlooking the lake in this little park." I told them, "I can pull it up on my phone; Allison booked it for that day. Our wedding time is going to be five thirty so we can do pictures during the sunset." Lucille smiled and clapped her hands, "Yay!"

Troy turned off on the highway as we came to a stop at one of the many houses on the list. I glanced through the window fixing my glasses on my nose.

"Uhm," I raised an eyebrow at the picture on the paper and then the house sitting in front of us. "I'm not thinking so," I said, as I looked at it even closer. Troy frowned as he reached for the paper from me. "Yea, this is not what I was expecting."

The house looked vacated for a long time as the grass had grown tall and the house held an ancient feeling. "Troy, if you would have looked like at the post date you would have realized this house is like twenty years old."

Troy laughed and then pushed the car forward, "Well, I am glad we looked at that place." Troy mumbled as we drove through the town. We made several more stops just looking at the outsides and deciding if we wanted to stop and look.

"Let's look at this one," I mentioned, "This was only a three bedroom," Troy said to me glancing over his shoulder towards me, "I want to check it out. It's cute,"

Troy pulled into the driveway as I unbuckled my seatbelt. I clipped off and I swung my legs out of the car. Troy went to the other side to grab Liam's car seat before we all walked up to the house. It was an open house today so we just walked in. It was empty of everything.

Wood surrounded everything and the house looked so cute. Jack went in the direction of the backyard while I walked towards the kitchen. The kitchen was attached to a dining room with a nice chandler.

"The paper lied," Troy walked down the stairs with Liam. "There are only two bedrooms upstairs. I mean how does that happen?" Troy asked, "There might be a bedroom but it might not have a closet."

"Then it's not a bedroom," Lucille added, I shrugged my shoulders as I yawned. "Well, then lets keep moving." I peered into one of the bathrooms and then looked over at Troy. "It's cute,"

"Its two bedrooms," his eyes found mine and his blue eye pierced into mine, "I know its two bedrooms but couldn't we add onto it?" I asked he licked his lips as the sun was beating down into the house. "Maybe, but can we looked at the last few houses before we totally decide?" he asked me, "Yes, we do have a few months," I said winking at him.

"Our months are running out." He said raising an eyebrow, Mason came up from around and corner and then pulled me into a hug. "Happy Birthday!" I thanked him as my phone buzzed in my pocket.

"Hello?" I answered, "Happy Birthday!" Sharpay shouted, "From your favorite nephew!" I giggled, "Thanks Pay and future nephew,"

"I thought I called since I bugged out early last night with Zeke." I smiled as I touched the walls of the house. "Its fine, I didn't expect you to stick around long enough." I smiled into the phone as I turned towards the people lagging behide.

"You'll never guess what I am doing,"

"What?"

"Looking for my new house," Sharpay sighed, "We looking for an apartment near you. I want to be a lot closer to you when this baby is born. You will know what the hell to do."

"I am basically expecting you to move in." I joked, "Yea, well, Zeke and I are both clueless. We are reading books and then we are taking some classes later on. Taylor is going to be mad though since they just moved into that place."

"I kind of told Taylor I didn't know if I was going to stay in LA. We talked about way when that we didn't want to stay in LA, that is why I was shocked she was staying."

"Well, the married ones can have there time alone."

"I will be married when we move in," I shut the car door as I helped Troy put Liam back into place. "Well, the old married couple." I giggled and then buckled my own seatbelt.

"Well we are going to probably go grab some lunch then look at more houses. So I will talk to you later." I told her, "Well happy birthday, I am going to go sit on the couch and veg."

"Thanks," I replied as we said goodbyes and hung up. "Shar?" I nodded, "Yup,"


"Wow." I muttered as the walls caved in around us. "This has to be one of the smallest five bedroom houses." I mumbled, "Maybe it's all of the black." Troy said running his hand down one of the walls, I laughed as Liam supported his head up as Mason ran from the backyard.

"No. no. no. no." Mason said marching through, "You are not buying this house. I can not believe we stopped to even look at this house." He muttered as he opened the door. "Get my great nephew out of here!" the door slammed and then I looked at Jack.

"There was a snake in the backyard." I screeched and I went running out the door. I heard Troy laughing from inside as I went straight towards Mason.

"You agree with me now?"

"All it took was snake," I mumbled towards him as I launched open the car door. Troy and Jack followed out with Liam; Lucille came from around back, "That was gross." She muttered we had all come to an agreement that this was not the house for any of us.

"Alright, I think I only have one more house in me." Lucille said letting go a yawn, Liam waved his fingers as I tickled his stomach. "I think I only have one more too. Go home take a short nap with my little buddy then we can go out to dinner. Yes, dinner." I said as his eyes glowed towards me.

"Sounds fantastic, we have reservations at the one place we went for my birthday since we all enjoyed it."

"Mm…do you think I could just order a side of whip cream without getting looked at funny?" he laughed, "Now, I think that might be normal for that place."

"I can't wait to go,"

"I'm flipping for the bill so get that through your heads right now." Troy explained, "I don't want you even touching it." Lucille rolled her eyes. "When he was in high school, I wish he would have flipped for the bill." I giggled and I wrapped my arms around my chest.

My eyes closed against the headrest as the car stopped. "Damn." I opened my eyes to see probably one of the most gorgeous houses that I have seen all day.

"Wow." I whispered, "I want to see the inside of this place." I murmured the driveway was long and huge. Troy turned in and Mason and Jack both gasped.

"Is that a full length basketball court?" the said in unison, I giggled and it sure enough was a full-length basketball court. It was a three-car garage and did I mention the driveway was huge?

Little plants surrounded the line of the drive. The mountains in the background were so beautiful. "Look Gabi, the playground is attached to the basketball court. It's two in one." I rolled my eyes as Troy opened the door. Once getting out I felt as if I was in love.

A fence surrounded the whole property with grass everywhere. A few different palms looked around but there were real trees. "This is nice,"

"This is a five bedroom, five bathrooms, 3.45 million dollar house." Troy repeated closing his eyes at the price, "Just remember the price of the signing bonus," I purred quietly into his ear. He clicked his jaw, "I see the numbers and then that number and I don't see good numbers after that,"

"Remember all of the pay you get for the endorsements that you are signing up for and then the basketball you play." Troy perked up a little, "Let's go look at this house," I placed my hand into his as Lucille picked Liam up.

The door was not unlocked. Go figure, the house was worth millions. "I am going to call the agent." Troy said as he grabbed the card from the door. He placed his phone against his ear and then let it rang through.

"Hi, we are really want to look at this house," he gave her the address and then she made a loud noise when the name ball dropped. I walked around the driveway. I traveled my way over to Liam was he reached his arms out.

"He is getting so big." I kissed his cheek and he laid his head down. I circled my arms around his back and held my baby close to my body.

"I love you," I whispered, Troy met his dad and Mason at the basketball court as that gate was open. "This has to be the sweetest basketball court…aside from the Lakers stadium." Troy added as he rubbed his hands on his shorts.

"Gabi is there a basketball in the back of the car?" I shrugged. "She will be here in fifteen minutes. I told her we just want a quick tour of the house."

"All of the other ones were open house today. Why is this one not?"

"They just put this house up a few weeks ago. It was built in 2008." Troy said as he popped the trunk open. Mason stood against the fence as I kissed Liam's temple. I grabbed the stroller and placed him inside.

Troy pulled a basketball out and tossed it over the fence. Mason grabbed it and took a fast shot before landing back down on his feet. I pushed Liam back and forth on the concert before I sat down. The guys picked up a two on one game.

After long, a car pulled into the driveway and she jumped out. "Hey, thanks so much! We have been trying to sell this house for ages."

"It says is only been up for a few weeks." Troy commented as he tossed the basketball back to Mason. "It has but the owners are desperate."

I stood up and then pushed the stroller closer to the huge front doors that were beautiful. The alcove over the top was perfect as she pushed the door open. "So are you interested in your first house?"

"This would be our second," I said, "We want out of LA,"

"Oh, something wrong with the city?"

"Just not as us," Troy commented; once the doors open, I gasped. "This is beautiful." I murmured as my fingers touched the walls. "There is a heated pool in the backyard along with a hot tub," Troy and I glanced at each other before Jack laughed.

"I am never getting in that."

"Dad," Troy warned with a glance, he smirked and Troy shook his head, "Sorry," he said over to the woman. "No problem well let me take you on a quick tour of the beautiful house."

Once we stepped in it was straight into the entrée way. There was stairs to my left that would probably lead down into the basement. "Alright, this is then entrée way. To your left is the stairway down to the basement. We can start there if you would like and work our way up."

"Is there anything in the basement?" I asked I bent over to pick up Liam so we did not have to travel with the stroller. "It's probably more of a man cave," she suggested as her heel clicked against the hardwood floors.

"There is a wet bar, place for a flat screen TV, game room type place. The floors are cut stone with a pool house/guest house." Troy smiled as they hit the bottom step. "Wow,"

The downstairs was amazing. There were beautiful windows seeing grass and a some mountains. Once you walked in to your left was the wet bar with a space with a spot for the fridge. Off into the back was a spot for a pool table or any other game table. Going to your right would be the place for the couch, TV, etc.

"I love it so far," I murmured as Troy went over to one of the bathrooms. "This would be the guest/pool house." She motioned towards the area. "This is where any of our guests would stay Gabi," he told me as we peered in. "This would be our room then," Lucille joked.

"Sure mom, if this is your room, we get the furthest one away." He smirked towards me and Lucille hit his shoulder. "Troy!" he laughed and shrugged his shoulders, "Mom, would you just relax?" she shook her head and then moved away from him. I adjusted Liam on my shoulder. The sixteen-pound baby was getting heavy for me.

"Here, let me take him," Troy motioned; I patted his back and then kissed his temple. "Go see daddy," he erupted into a cry and I pulled him back. "I got him," I told him as we back upstairs. Once walking in it was straight into a sitting room. Off to the right was the dining room. Once moving through the dining room, we were standing in the kitchen.

"I love this kitchen," I said as my free hand graced over the top of counter. The island was huge as you could sit barstools around the area. There was a huge fridge sitting there with the microwave.

"They didn't want those but they are brand-new." She told us as I opened it. It still had the price tag and stuff inside. The cabinets were beautiful as I opened and shut.

We moved into the living room. It was long and narrow. There were doors at the end she then guided us off towards the next part, the back doors were doubled and she popped them open onto the patio. Rocks surrounded the area with a wooden canopy type thing covering it. You could not sit here in the rain though. It had a built in grill and the view was beautiful.

"Just wait until you see the master bedrooms view," she told us, I grinned as we went out and then passed by a room that was on the first floor.

"Here is one of the bedrooms," she said as the door popped open. It was smaller but it was going to be for probably one of the kid's room in the future. She opened another door, "This is supposed to be an office and the laundry room is in the back of that." She pointed as it did extend.

We went up the staircase until we came to the next room. We saw a few bathrooms and then a room. She guided across into the next room, which would be the playroom because it was big and roomy.

"Alright, you have seen most of the house. Here is the last room I am going to show you." She opened the door and it was the master bedroom.

"Oh my," I breathed a little, "This is beautiful." The room was big and the windows framed the area. The walls were a light brown. The two large windows faced probably the best view of the house.

"Wow, you were right." Troy commented you could see the ocean over the trees. The beautiful blue waves graced the area. Troy flipped on the lights to the bathroom.

It had a Jacuzzi tub with a stream shower, a big shower. Troy smirked but walked right past it, "I love it." I commented as I escaped from the bathroom before Troy could seduce me.

"Well I will give you my card and if you decide you want it then call me." Troy and I looked at each other. I smiled and he nodded, "We'll take it." Her eyes bugged, "Really? You'll take the house like that?"

"Do we have to move in fast? We don't want to move in until September." She nodded, "They probably can't do all the paperwork until July but to know they have a buyer. That is fantastic. When are looking in September?" she asked

"Middle of September. My parents may move us in with the help of some friends. We will be on our honeymoon but we will work those details out later." He threw a cautions glance at his parents.

"Sounds fantastic, so you want to wait until you are married to move in."

"Our first official house as a couple," he winked at me and I rolled my eyes. We all traveled back down to the living room and the main area before we strode outside. I put Liam back into his stroller as we exited.

"I like this house, may I move in with you?" Mason asked with a twinkle in his eye. "No, I don't think anybody will be moving in."

"Sharpay wants to look for an apartment up here with Zeke," Troy nodded, "Wants be near you?" I shrugged, "Wants to be close to the person who knows what to do with a baby."

"When is she due?"

"November, December." I said with a shrug of a shoulder. The woman came running back as she held out a paper. "This is all of my numbers, if I could have you fill just this sheet out knowing you want to close on this house later."

"Perfect." Troy said as he took it from her. I put Liam back into his car seat as I yawned. "I am so ready for a nap."

"It must be exciting to have such a nice house under your name." Lucille said, "I can't wait for you guys to move in. I liked the other house but it didn't seem like you guys."

"I know Troy likes being in the middle of know where sometimes. He loves being able to just leave without people sitting at the end of the street."

"Yea, he will enjoy this whole lot better than what you are at now. He isn't in to that whole cameras flashing name yelling." I nodded, "Neither am I and Liam can't be around all of that growing up. I want to be able for him to go outside without getting hurt."

"I knew when Troy said you might be moving that was way more of the reason. For Liam which is great that you are thinking about him. Troy would do anything for him," I glanced down at the sleeping baby before smiling. Troy would really do anything for him.


"Tell your silly mommy to get up," I rested my head onto the pillow as Troy sat back down onto the bed. "Yes, tell her." Liam clapped his hands together and I reached over for him.

"House hunting tired me out." I whispered as Liam sat on my belly. "Yea, I could tell once you and Liam both passed out. I'm just glad we found a house we both like."

"I know it was so beautiful. We really need to keep the moving on the DL. You can tell people but let's try not to tell,"

"Them, I know, I am trying to figure out how they are going to move our stuff without,"

"That can be there problem but seriously you need to get up. We have to be leaving here shortly."

I sat up and yawned, I did not have to shower but I did need to get dressed. I heard the door slam shut and then feet pounded up the stairs.

"Is it safe?" Jenni asked before opening the door, "Yea," Troy said as she walked in, "Do you care if Carson came with us to dinner tonight."

"It's Gabi's birthday!" she shrugged her shoulders and then looked at me, "I don't care Troy, it will be fine." I smoothed my hand over his wrist. "He doesn't have anything to do tonight since he leaves tomorrow. Please," she begged, Troy rolled his eyes, "Whatever."

Jenni left the room before another word was said. "I better call and tell them," I drifted my feet over the edge and then I looked at Troy. "While I get ready will you feed Liam dinner?" I asked as I stretched my back out. Liam was sitting on the bed supporting his head.

"Yea, I just have to put my clothes on. Go get ready though birthday girl." He came over and pressed his lips against mine, "Twenty three, you might be getting too old for my liking." I gasped and I pushed him away from me. "You dick," I said laughing; he chuckled and circled his arms around my waist. "Not nice Ms. Montez, I may have to punish you for that later." He whispered into my ear as he tugged on it gently.

"Go watch your son before he gets hurt," I said as my hands let go of his shirt. "Oh that's how you respond?" he yelled as I went into the bathroom. "Yes!"

Shutting the door, I grabbed the Victoria Secret purple dress that I had worn a few months ago. The dressed hugged the curves and Troy loved it on me.

Letting out a yawn I dressed quickly before putting on touches of makeup and fixing my hair. "For it being your birthday you seem awful down," Troy said scaring me, "Don't scare me like that!" I yelled as I put my hand over my chest.

"You seem really upset, is everything okay?"

I nodded as I slipped on my black Toms. "I'm fine; I am just ready to go hangout with my fiancées family on my birthday." Troy nodded while biting down on his lip. "Okay then, Liam is eating, my mom wanted to feed him."

I chewed on my lip as I picked up my bag and then Troy came over. A piece of hair had fallen out of the messy bun. He pulled his finger back to replace the piece of hair back into place.

"I love you," I smiled and nodded, "I know, I love you too." He bent over to kiss my lips as he let his hand fall onto the small of my back. My eyes drifted close as I felt myself fall into the kiss. His lips made fire burn on mine, "You have to be the best kiss," I murmured

"Well of course." I rolled my eyes at the cockiness, "I hope Liam did not inherit your cockiness." He grinned, "It's the best part about me,"

"I wonder," I said raising an eyebrow, he laughed, I laughed and he then bent over to kiss to me once more. "Alright love, lets get out of here. You have a fabulous dinner ahead of you."

Troy guided me down the stairs and his family was all waiting to leave. Carson and Jenni were sitting in the corner talking quietly, "We thought about taking two cars," Jack offered, "Sounds great, since there are more of us."

Mason walked out of the kitchen with a beer, "Are you two finally ready to go?" I looked at Liam who was in a little tuxedo. An Awh left my mouth as I went over.

"You have to be the cutest thing ever. You are officially my date." I said kissing his cheek; I cradled him in my arms before Troy looked at me. "What?"

"You traded him for me?" he asked, his blue eyes shined down and I laughed, "Yea, I did." Troy shook his head, "Fine, you don't get your present until after dinner. I might have to punish you even further."

"Mom, can we please get a hotel room tonight." Jenni asked, "I think we just might." Jack added, "Oh come on, Troy, you need to stop with all of the sex jokes." He wiggled his eyebrows, "I have to cover two since I didn't get anything on my birthday."

"That sucks to be you," I motioned to the baby in my arms; he laughed as he opened the door leading down to the garage. We buckled Liam in as I got into the front seat.

We drove the fifteen-minute distant to the restaurant. We grabbed Liam's car seat and then the valet went to park the car. Troy talked to them for several minutes before slipping him some sorta envelope. I adjusted the car seat as I wondered.

"You ready?" he asked fixing his sports jacket, "Yea," I said to him as he guided me in. We passed the server stand and Troy pulled Liam's car seat from my wrist.

He guided me towards the back where we had been before when I saw a few balloons. "Troy, I did not need balloons," I said turning my head to look at him. "I didn't bring balloons Gabs, did you see them in the car?" he had not left my side all day but he could have called. I turned my head that was when I knew I probably had the perfect birthday gift.

"Mom? Kyle!" I shrieked as I ran forward to give them both a huge hug. "What are you guys doing here?" tears stiffened my eyes as my mom looked ready to cry.

"I came for your birthday," she said wiping at the corner of her eye. "Thank you," I whispered giving her another hug, "It's the least I could do for you." She told me, "I owe you a lot."

Sam walked out of the bathrooms. "Awe man, I missed it!" I smiled as I went over to pull him into a hug. "Hi Sam,"

"Happy Twenty-third birthday!" I smiled and thanked him. We all seated as Troy took off his jacket to reveal his dark blue linen shirt with his black slacks.

Everybody ordered drinks and food as we all chatted. My mom held Liam for a little bit before he started to get cranky. I placed him in my lap as Jack slide a gift over to me.

"Here you go," he said, I smiled at him and then opened it. It was a gift card to Victoria Secrets, "Thanks Lucille and Jenni," Jack looked at me, "I know you did not get this."

He started to say something but he stopped, "Fine," I giggled as my mom handed me a small gift. "It's nothing much but,"

I peeled back the paper to see a new cross. The one she had bought me long ago was wearing out. "It's perfect," I said looking up at her; Lucille looked at us before looking down at her drink. The frown that was placed over her face seemed dishearten.

We chatted easily afterwards until the food came. Troy kept one of his hands on my leg. Liam kept reaching out to eat my own food and I giggled kissing his forehead.


"That has to be the best cake ever!"

"The whip cream," Jenni fantasized, we were all getting up ready to leave when my mom pulled me aside. "Do you care if I come over to your house tomorrow?"

"I would love for you to come over to the house." I told her as I greeted her in another hug. I kissed her cheek before pulling back; Sam gave me a big hug before Kyle got the chance. It was awkward with Kyle and Jenni but they talked with ease. Carson was on edge most of the time, just the jealous fact.

Troy picked up Liam's car seat, "I am going to have them pull the car around," he said as he kissed my cheek. I nodded as he disappeared away from me.

We all made our way up to the front of the building as Troy stood there waiting. "Is the car here?" I asked, he nodded and then opened the door for me. I peered out the window, as I did not see the car.

"I don't see the car," I told him as he opened the next door for me too. "What do you mean? The car is right in front of you." I looked at the car in front of me and then back at him.

"That is not my car," I protested, he smirked, "Oh, but it is." He pulled out the keys from his pocket and I then took a closer look at the car. An Audi Q7, the one I pointed out a few months ago.

"No way," I said as I reached the keys from his hand. "We have only had the highlander for only about a year!"

"Gabs, you don't have to keep a car for five years. I knew you did not like the highlander as much as you thought. So, when you mentioned that one." I shook my head, "You are so unpredictable." I said as I opened the car door. It smelled just like a new car.

"This is wonderful, Troy thank you!" I wrapped my arms around his neck as Liam's car seat was already in the back of it. I jumped in as Troy got into the passenger side.

"Gabi, we will see you tomorrow!" my mom yelled, I waved goodbye as all three of them disappeared into there rental car. Troy waved goodbye to his parents, as we would see them later.

Driving home in a different car was different. "What did you do with the other one?"

"I dropped this car off there earlier today. I had Chad and Taylor come pick up the Highlander when we got there to take it to the dealership." I smiled at him from my seat, "God, I already love this ten times more."

"I leased it until I knew you would really like it. We have to go finish up some paperwork later but not until tomorrow." He said as I steered the car closer to the house.

"I feel as if I have ten times more room." I told him, "It's not as boxy either."

After that the drive home was silent, Liam had fallen asleep at the end of dinner and Troy was rubbing my hand. I opened the garage door as I pulled the car through. Jack, Mason, Carson, and Lucille had followed closely behide.

Troy got Liam out, "I am going to go put him in bed. I will then meet you in the kitchen," I nodded as I walked into the kitchen. I let Oreo out into the backyard while Lucille and the rest of them came into the house.

She grabbed a glass and then the wine that I had opened the day before. "Lucille," Jack warned from over there. Troy had emerged a few minutes later as I watched a tension Lucille stand before me.

"Is everything okay?" I asked as my head began to pound, "No, everything isn't okay." Troy glanced over at his mom, "What do you mean?" Lucille finished off her glass before looking at me.

"How do you let such a person back into your life?" I felt my heart sink as she was talking about my mom. "The same person who threaten you so many times!"

I swallowed hard and then Troy was over there. "Mom! You have no right to judge,"

"That is my grandson! I don't want him getting hurt because you just suddenly let her back into your life!" I licked my lips as I tried to stay calm. "Lucille, Troy and I have both been there with her. My stepdad said she is going fine. I was the one that made the mistake!"

"Mistake? What, is Liam just some huge mistake?" she asked, Troy looked surprised as he shot a look over at his dad. "Lucille that is enough," Jack started but I stopped him.

"Yes, Liam was not planned. What I did though was tell my mom when she was probably at her worst point. I set her off even further; I have talked to several people to make sure she is okay. I wouldn't just let my little baby who can't defend himself be around her."

"How do you not know? I don't know if I could even talk to my mom if she did that with Troy!"

"Mom! Would you imagine if that was me? What if you were the one that got mad and then regretted everything you did afterword?" Troy stood up for me as I leaned against the counter. "Would you never want to meet your grandson? Gabi is trying; she isn't going to just leave them alone in a room together!"

Lucille's face softened and then she looked at me. "Gabi I didn't,"

"I know you Bolton's have a thing of not thinking." I mumbled before pushing off the counter. "I'm not mad. I just do not need you always in my private life. I know what my mom did and yea, I am still hurt by it. I am just trying to forget so I can have a normal life with her. Its bad enough my dad isn't around to help."

I went off up the stairs as Troy called my name. I walked into my bathroom and I felt my body feel defeated. I sank down to the ground as tears threaten to drop out of my eyes. I could hear Troy coming up the stairs and into the room. The door shut with a slam as he made his way to the bathroom.

"I'm so sorry!" he apologized, "I had no idea she would do that," I looked up at him and his face changed, "There is more to this," he said, I bit on my lip as he sat down and rubbed my back. My hands shook. "I'm not even mad at your mom," I said taking a deep breath. I did not want to cry on my birthday.

"Then what's wrong?" he asked, my lip trembled as I felt a sob work up my throat. "I miss my dad," I finally cried, Troy let his mouth hang open as I began to cry. I cried on my birthday, from something that has been bugging me all day. He stood up and picked me up to take me to the bed.

"I miss my dad so much," I cried, my chest heaved and Troy rubbed my back while pressing his lips against my ear. "I'm sorry Gabi, I'm sorry." He whispered into my ear. I curled my head into his chest while I fought the tears the came through my eyes.

"If my dad would have never died this would have never happened." I felt my body shake as Troy tried to calm me down but it was almost useless tonight. My dad was missing from my heart, if I could have anything it would be my dad.

"I can't bring him back Gabi, I wish I could." I felt my eyes freeze as I wish all the time that he could. I wish that my dad never would have died and left me alone.

A knock came at the door and Mason stepped in. "Lucille feels horrible," he said, I felt tears leak onto Troy's shirt as the tears did not stop. "Mason, there is more to it. I think we just need to be alone right now." Troy said as I felt my body shake some more.

I could not see Mason as I had my eyes shut. Troy reached for the remote to turn the radio on.

2 AM and she calls me 'cause I'm still awake,
"Can you help me unravel my latest mistake?,
I don't love him. Winter just wasn't my season"
Yeah we walk through the doors, so accusing their eyes
Like they have any right at all to criticize,
Hypocrites. You're all here for the very same reason

I rolled over, as Troy looked me in the eyes. "I wish I could bring him back for you. I wish you could have a few more minutes with him but you can't." Troy looked at me with his clear blue eyes. "I never want you to feel like this," he commented as he held me close. I felt numb and different.

'Cause you can't jump the track, we're like cars on a cable
And life's like an hourglass, glued to the table
No one can find the rewind button, girl.
So cradle your head in your hands
And breathe... just breathe,
Oh breathe, just breathe

May he turned 21 on the base at Fort Bliss
"Just a day" he said down to the flask in his fist,
"Ain't been sober, since maybe October of last year."
Here in town you can tell he's been down for a while,
But, my God, it's so beautiful when the boy smiles,
Wanna hold him. Maybe I'll just sing about it.

"Troy, don't ever leave me." I feared his eyes bored into mine again. My breathing picked up and he stroked my face. "I'm never going anywhere Gabi. I am never going to leave you. I need you," I gripped his hand as he leaned over to kiss me. His lips felt needed and wanted.

I let my hands fly through his hair.

Cause you can't jump the track, we're like cars on a cable,
And life's like an hourglass, glued to the table.
No one can find the rewind button, boys,
So cradle your head in your hands,
And breathe... just breathe,
Oh breathe, just breathe

There's a light at each end of this tunnel,
You shout 'cause you're just as far in as you'll ever be out
And these mistakes you've made, you'll just make them again
If you'd only try turning around.

Troy's hand itched up my dress as he kept his lips close to mine. I tried to unbutton his shirt as he kept placing small kisses around my body.

"I was so angry at him." I growled, "For leaving me and my mom. For leaving, me alone in this world but I remember when you told me that he never left me alone. He made sure you were there first."

Troy cradled me, as he did not stop kissing me. "I was upset that he left, I feel all of those things tonight. He will never get to meet his grandson. Never!" Troy stoked my arm as he shaped our bodies together. He stripped the dress off my body as I helped him with his jeans.

2 AM and I'm still awake, writing a song
If I get it all down on paper, it's no longer inside of me,
Threatening the life it belongs to
And I feel like I'm naked in front of the crowd
Cause these words are my diary, screaming out loud
And I know that you'll use them, however you want to

But you can't jump the track, we're like cars on a cable,
And life's like an hourglass, glued to the table
No one can find the rewind button now
Sing it if you understand.
and breathe, just breathe
woah breathe, just breathe,
Oh breathe, just breathe,
Oh breathe, just breathe.

Troy's eyes find mine as the song ended, "Breathe," he mentioned to me but I could not take the tears that were hiding inside. "I will never leave you. I will not leave you until the day you stop breathing but I will not leave you then because you are my life Gabriella Anne Montez. I will be there with you forever."

My body caved and I wrapped my arms around Troy's neck. "I never wanted to ruin this night." I slowly mentioned as another song came over the radio.

"You never ruined it Gabi." His hands touched my breast as he helped unhook my bra. "You made the night just a little more special." He said, his eyes glowed and I felt a strong urge to hold him.

"You are twenty three now Gabi, twenty three years of pure happiness in this world."

"It's almost been five years without my dad but it's been six amazing ones with you." I whispered, "You are Gods gift in place of him taking my dad."

"I hope im making everything easier," he said before kissing me again. "You are the one that keeps me going Troy,"

I ran my fingers through his hair and I then pulled him down to my level. My lips attacked his and I sat up to look him in the eyes. "Enough of my crying bullshit, its time to celebrate, and I need you." I complained as a throb let loose through my body. Troy grinned, "There is my wild girl."

I groaned as the throb became worse, the want became a need. "Now Bolton, I didn't say take your time," Troy lifted his eyebrows and smirked. "Somebody is a little bossy today."

"I am in need for this; my night has sucked just a little bit."

"As long as I fix that, I am happy."

"You will get your celebration, now come on!" I yelled at him, he laughed and shook his head. "I have loved you since the first time I saw you and that will never change. I love you Brie," I pushed him backwards, "I love you too Troy," our lips connected and fireworks exploded off into the air but the fear of loosing the one I loved stayed. Tears threaten to drop as my heart ached for the loss of my father almost five years ago but I was determined to celebrate the rest of my night.


Okay. First I better help you with any confusion, I don't know what happened but she is turning twenty three, not twenty four. Some dumb mistake sorry. : )

So are enjoying the faster updates? I didn't get as many reviews as I loved, we are so close to 600. Lets push to finish it off! : D

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! I will post there house& the car on my profile! :)

Thanks a bunch people for the reviews! The Truth About Love was also updated today!

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