Chapter 27 – Five Years Later

Saturday, July 17th, 2038

San Francisco, CA

Gabi's POV

I tapped my foot impatiently at my gate because I wanted to go home. I needed to go home. I was granted the next two weeks off from work to spend with my husband over the all-star break and for his induction ceremony in Cooperstown, NY. All of his hard work paid off as he was going to be a member of the baseball hall of fame. We found out in February that he made it on his first ballot attempt with a landslide vote.

I was ecstatic for him to only have to leave for LA the following night to get ready for Spring Training. The past five years have been amazing but also exhausting. My first three seasons I only did Saturday Night Baseball and I spent a ton of time at home with the kids. Last season and this season I took up a show. It meant that I was living in LA more than I was living in KC. It meant that I wasn't around for my daughters' senior year nearly as much as I wanted to be. It meant that my other three kids barely saw their mom unless it was off-season. It meant I was a far cry away from spending 365 nights in a bed with my husband.

I was there for Logan's graduation but Ellie and Mallory did most of the party planning instead of her mom and that hurt a lot more than I was expecting it to hurt. They did a fantastic job but I could see it on Logan's face that she wanted to do it with me and I failed her. I released a sigh as I knew I had to do better. I must do better. My husband refused to say a word because he felt like he had a promise to keep to allow me to do my dreams but we made his career work much better than we were making my career work.

The kids came out to LA as much as possible but all of their schedules were hectic and busy in the summertime. Troy was a full-time dad but also worked with the Royals and at Swings full time. Our lives were basically crazy and it left little room to make sure we were with each other frequently. I tried to come home during the week but the show didn't allow for much time away from the studio and then on Friday nights I was flying to the next city.

Brushing my fingers through my hair I felt the guilt reside deep in my gut. I did enjoy my job. I loved working on the show but…I hated missing my family more. Troy and I talked about it a lot before I took it on and we were going to give it a trial period. Last season was really, really rough but Troy and I both knew we couldn't base anything off the first season. That wasn't fair to me or the studio because it was another growing pain but this year was even harder.

I was missing too much.

I was still a mom to four kids. A wife to a wonderful husband. I didn't have to give up my sports broadcasting. I only had to give up the show and the show wasn't that important to me. My family was more important. My kids were more important. That was what was important. Being there to watch Logan go to college at Northwestern to play volleyball was important to me. Watching Makenli and Addy grow more into their teenage years and be there for the big moments was important to me. Watching Grey grow into the perfect little man he was growing into was important to me.

Fuck the show. My phone buzzed in my lap as I looked down to see Logan's glowing face on the other side. I smiled as she turned into such a beautiful woman. It was hard to swallow that she graduated high school and was moving to Chicago.

"Lolo," I spoke. "You okay?" I questioned. She sighed heavily, "Yea, I'm fine. I just can't wait for you to get home." I felt my chest ache and I nodded, "I'll be home tonight." I reminded her. "You'll probably be asleep by the time I get home though. My flight doesn't leave for another hour."

"You promise to stay home for the next two weeks?" Logan's voice was hesitant as my schedule has been crazy recently and I knew I was letting her down. My chest ached to know that I was letting her down, that she couldn't count on me to stay, that I was failing her as a mother. I squeezed my eyes close.

"Yes, sweetie, I took the next two weeks off of work. I am not going to be leaving until after the all-star break. Plus, we have to get your dad to Cooperstown and celebrate him." Logan let a sigh of relief echo through the phone.

"Do you think I can come back with you for a bit after that?" Logan asked I could hear the nerves in her voice. The closer we were getting to taking her to school, another weekend I for sure took off for, the more nervous and anxious she was getting. She hadn't spent that much time away from us before and it was going to be a major adjustment. She moved into her dorm in a little under a month to prepare for the volleyball season.

"Maybe. I'll talk to your dad when I get home." I told her, "Have you talked with Camden?" I questioned; her boyfriend of the last eight months was the longest one that stuck – shocker – he was a baseball player. He also graduated this past year and was going to Mizzou to play baseball. They both weren't sure what the separation plus sports would bring but they weren't making any decisions yet. Troy and I both liked Camden and he was easy to invite to the house and have around.

"Yea, I have. He is jealous that we are all going to Cooperstown." I smiled as I looked out the window to see a plane rolling up to the gate. I spent more time on a plane than I did with my kids. I had to make a change for myself and for them. "I love you, Mom, I can't wait to see you." I smiled as I played with the rings on my hands. "I can't wait to spend the next two weeks with all of my babies."

"Makenli and Addy are both really excited, Grey has been at Finn's the past week." I could see her roll her eyes and I laughed, "They are best friends. Leave them alone," she laughed as people began to disembark from the plane and heading in a thousand different directions. "Dad really misses you," my heart panged as Troy never really voiced how he was doing. We never really went this much time apart but this summer had proven difficult with everybody's schedules.

"I know baby,"

"No, mom, he really misses you. He's been quiet and I see him just staring at his phone sometimes. I don't know. I think he misses you and I know he won't tell you but this has been hard." I blinked away tears because I missed Troy.

With every fiber in my soul, I missed Troy Bolton. I missed wrapping my arms around him every single night. I miss kissing him. I miss being with him, laughing with him, parenting with him. I was missing all of that for some stupid show that I didn't want to do anymore. My happiness was affecting other people's happiness.

"I'll talk to him tonight." I whispered, "I have to go Logan. I am getting ready to board. I love you." She exhaled and bid her own love back to me. I hung up the phone and thought about our conversation. I thought about what I had been thinking about for weeks now. I knew it was time, I just had to talk to Troy about it. I had to apologize to him for letting this get so out of hand.

The phone rang twice before he answered, "Brie, baby," his voice was sad and quiet. My chest ached, "Hey, I'm at my gate. I just wanted to call and hear your voice." He was quiet for a beat and sighed, "Good. I wanted to hear your voice. You did well tonight, I'm very proud baby." I smiled as I looked at my lap. "I love you, T. Thank you for doing all of this. I know it hasn't been easy. I know I haven't been home." Troy cleared his throat and sighed, "I'm just glad you are going to be home for two weeks. I miss the fuck out of you."

"I miss you, too." I picked at my jeans that I was wearing, "Are you ready for all of the festivities?" I questioned. Troy chuckled, "Yea, I am. I am honored to have made it this far and I can't wait to share my success with the kids this weekend." Troy cleared his throat again, "I can't wait to see you, though, I can't wait to spend the next two weeks together." My chest tightened with guilt, "I'm so sorry," I whispered as I tried to stop the tears but they came anyway.

"For what?" he asked, his voice innocent and so sweet, "For not being there enough for you. For becoming too busy, for doing too much, for not being home." I rubbed my eyes and Troy exhaled for a moment over the phone. "Brie," his voice was soft and I blinked away the tears. "I love and I love watching all of your dreams come true. You have nothing to apologize for." He tried to tell me but I shook my head, "No, I have so much to apologize for. I've barely been home since Logan's graduation and I feel awful."

"Well, don't,"

I didn't say anything else because I didn't want to do this over the phone. I didn't want to be this way with him right now. I breathed in deeply, as they called my zone for boarding. "I'm getting ready to board. I can't wait to snuggle with you tonight." Troy chuckled, "I'll be ready for you," I laughed as I hung up after bidding him my love one last time before I climbed onto the plane.

Troy's POV

I nursed the whiskey in front of me as the kids had all gone to bed, Logan was already back from her date with Camden. He was a nice young man and I had formed a good relationship with him. Logan was thankful for it and I was too. I was terrified to send her off to Northwestern at the beginning of August but I knew it was time for her to spread her wings and fly. She was going to do amazing things in Chicago and it was a short flight away from us.

She toyed with the idea of going to New York but I think my protests to being that far away were loudly heard. Gabi told me to shut up on many occasions because she had to do what was best for her but…I couldn't help myself. I worried about her. My eyes glanced up at the clock to see it was a little after one. Gabi should be home soon and I wasn't sleeping anyway. I hated our phone conversation earlier mostly because I haven't been honest with her. I didn't feel like I had the right to be honest with her because she was doing her dreams. She let me do my own damn dreams for 19 years and I wasn't going to be one to take away from her happiness.

I just wasn't sure if she was happy. She cried during our conversation earlier because these past two years have been hard on our family. She was busy doing a show in LA constantly and still doing Saturday night baseball. She was one of the best and I loved hearing her and protecting her from all the men that found her attractive. I did my best to bring the kids to her but I wanted her at home. Especially with Logan leaving for college. Logan was struggling with the thought of going to college and Gabi hadn't been home to help her. I could only do so much.

I did miss Gabi. I wanted her home with me but I wanted her doing her dream as well. When I found out I was elected into the Hall of Fame – I quickly asked her to spend the entire weekend with me in Cooperstown and to spend time with our family. She agreed without hesitation and I was excited to be a family for a weekend in the summer for the first time in a while.

I heard the garage door lift and I tossed back the final bits of Whiskey. I rinsed out my glass and set it in the sink when I heard the door open. I lifted my eyes to see her, she wasn't looking up yet and it let me just look at her for a minute. She was in a pair of skinny jeans that hugged her ass in all of the good ways, a white blouse that was modest but beautiful and a pair of heels on her feet. She sat her bag down as I leaned back against the counter and the moment her face looked up at me…my gut sank.

She looked so damn tired and not happy.

Tears filled her eyes with one look at me and I just opened my arms. She walked into my grasp and I hugged her tightly to my chest. Her head buried into my chest and she sobbed, I kissed the top of her head as I gently lifted her up onto the counter as I reached down to pull off her shoes. I tossed them onto the floor as her nose pressed into my neck. "I'm sorry," she whispered into my ear, "There is nothing to be sorry about," I reminded her. "You've been doing your job."

She pulled back and looked at me, those brown eyes, I haven't seen them like this in a long time. The lack of sleep, the travel, everything, it was all catching up to her. The daily shows, traveling across the country every week, trying to fit in her family, and just being herself. "As I told you on the phone, you have nothing to apologize for. Nobody in this house is mad at you or thinks of you differently, or anything like that. You're doing what you want to do."

I let my thumb stroke her skin and she swallowed, her eyes adverting in a different direction. She rubbed her lips together and I redirected her attention back to mine. "Baby," she looked at me and breathed out, "I love you," I said firmly, "Nothing will change that. Has the past two years been hard? Yes, they have. It has nothing to do with you though. It's just been hard because we've made a change and it was a big change. Our family is still adjusting. It's only the second season of this. We'll make it work."

"What if I don't want to make it work anymore?" she whispered into my neck. I paused and I pulled back to look in her eyes. She looked right back at me and I reached up to stroke her cheek. "Brie…" she shook her head. "I'm so sick of it, Troy. I hate missing out on time with you. I hate missing out on things with the kids. I hate it." I just hugged her as I didn't know what to say to her at this moment. I never want her to give up on all of the things she wants.

"I'm not happy, Troy. I know you think I am and that this is everything I want but I don't anymore. I thought it was what I want but I don't. I want to be home with you. I want to do Saturday Night baseball and still get to see my kids. That's what I want." I pulled her in for a long kiss and then I kissed her forehead. "Brie, baby, it's whatever is going to make you happy," I whispered.

She didn't say anything but just wrapped her arms back around my neck. "I just want to be with you tonight." She whispered; I squeezed my eyes closed as I just held her close to me. "I'm not going anywhere, baby, I'm not going anywhere."

Gabi's POV

Sunday, July 18th, 2038

I stirred my coffee when a pair of arms were wrapped around my neck tightly. I grinned as I snuggled back into her, "My Lolo," she laughed in my ear and I turned around to give her a tight hug in return. She was exactly my height and was starting to look more and more like me which frustrated Troy endlessly. The only thing Logan had of Troy's was the hair color and part of the eyes. "How is my sweet girl?" I murmured into her ear.

"I miss you." She whispered and I squeezed my eyes shut trying to ward off all of the emotions. "I missed you, too. I'm going to hate when I come back in August and I'm going to be moving you." She stiffened and then gripped me tighter. "What if I changed my mind?" she whispered. The words were so faint and quiet I felt like I had actually missed them. I pulled back as she had her own tears in her eyes.

"Logan, sweetie, what in the world are you talking about? You've been so excited to go to Northwestern and play volleyball. Is this about Camden?" I began to question and Logan shook her head no, "I miss you already and what's going to happen when I'm hours and hours away when your home?" the tears started to fall as I pulled her into the chair near the kitchen. "Our schedules are opposite. I'll be here in the summer and you'll be in LA and when your home, I'll be in Chicago and I hate missing you."

"Oh Logan," I whispered as I reached forward to wipe away some of her tears. "I know you love doing all of it mom and I love watching you do your dreams," she hiccupped and closed her eyes, my girl was on the verge of going to college, starting a life, and turning 19 and she was struggling with the thought of never seeing me. My heart was crushed, my soul hurt, and I couldn't breathe. I didn't want to tell her that I was trying to get out of the show because if I couldn't do it I didn't want to break her heart. Yet, I pulled on a brave face for her and I washed away all of her tears.

"Logan, look at me," those brown/blue eyes looked up at me with such sadness. "I want to see you live out your dreams. I've done my dreams. I did all of my dreams to show you that you can reach for the stars and achieve it. You love playing volleyball, you love Chicago, and some of your friends are going there as well. I know how scary it can be but we'll make plenty of trips to see you. You know your dad is going to want to watch you play all the time."

"But you…"

I stroked her cheek with my thumb, "I'm going to be there." Her eyes looked at me and I could see she didn't believe a word I had just said. I hadn't been around enough and I knew I needed to change it. I hated where I had ended up. My original thought was that it was time to step up and do more but I was starting to think it was a mistake. That I was meant for just Saturday Night baseball because that's what worked for my family.

"Mom," she started but I shook my head, "I'm going to be there. I am going to be home these next two weeks, I am going to be home before you move in, I am going to move you into your dorm, and I am going to cry buckets of tears when I have to leave you. I will be at your first match. I am not going to miss any of that, is that understood?" Logan nodded her head and then hugged me tightly. "I love you, Logan. You are important to me. You are so important to me."

She sniffled and I just hugged her while rubbing her back up and down. "Now, if you don't want to go to Chicago because it isn't the right fit…that's fine. We'll figure something out together. I just don't think that's the reason." She nodded, "I'm excited and I want to go but I'm not excited about being away from you." I brushed her cheek and I nodded, "I know." I swallowed as she wiped away her tears and went to grab a bar for breakfast before going upstairs.

I leaned forward and rested my head on the table. "You okay?" Troy's voice was right above me and I shook my head no as I couldn't stop my own tears. He sat down and pulled my chin for me to look at him. "Brie," his voice was distraught but I wiped away my tears and I just looked at him, "I'll be fine, I just hate disappointing her." Troy didn't say anything for a moment when there was a rumble on the stairs. "Mom!" Grey flew around the corner and Troy moved backward as my 11-year-old collided into my body. I hugged him and buried my lips into his soft hair. He was still Troy's look alike and still loved baseball and still was best friends with Finn.

He was though a very smart kid, he loved to help others, and was a very big momma's boy. I wiggled him back and forth as I kissed on his head over and over again. "There is my little man," I whispered, he pulled back with a goofy smile on his face, "Mom! I'm 11. I'm not little anymore," he said annoyed. "I'm almost 12." I laughed as I shook my head, "You'll forever be my little man," Grey smiled as I hugged him again.

"Dad, can we have eggs and toast for breakfast?" Grey asked Troy was still looking at me with a look on his face. I smiled as I looked at Grey, "We sure can,"

It wasn't long before the twins were awake and were hugging me tightly.

Adalyn was very much into dance and gymnastics anymore. That's all she wanted to do and we were battling her anxiety to this day still. She saw a therapist once a week and took a small dose of medication daily to help ease her anxiety throughout the day. It wasn't an easy decision for Troy and I but it was needed for Addy. She was much happier on it and wasn't constantly worried about either of us when we weren't home. It would flair up from time to time but it was easier to ease her thoughts with all the tools we had in place. She still did well in school and was definitely a perfectionist but we were working on it.

Makenli was stubborn, strong-willed, and defiant in every meaning of the word. She was our trouble-maker and was the one who was constantly grounded or in trouble. She could care less about school and it was a constant battle with her to actually pay attention in school and then do her homework. Makenli would rather hang out with her friends or play basketball or softball than do anything resembling school-work.

She blessed her grandpa Jack by being one of the only ones who loved basketball and was more than happy to play for him and with him. It was probably her favorite sport and right behind it was softball. Makenli knew how to play her dad like a fiddle but they also fought the most. He loved her with a burning passion and wanted to see her succeed but she tested his limits. I got more phone calls about her misbehaving and her attitude than I would like to repeat.

They were each growing up to be a good woman with the typical teenager problems. I looked over at Troy who was still looking at me, concern full on his face, and I just gave him a smile and a nod promising that we would talk later. We needed to have a longer conversation about last night than what I gave him but what I said was the truth. I was done. I wasn't happy and my happiness was with my family. I had to correct that.

Troy's POV

"Looking good, Evan," I said as I watched him pitch at Swing's. The business was booming and I knew Gary would be proud as all get out with how Lance and I were running the place. Cody, Zach, and Josh all were employees here and we had made this the ultimate training place for baseball players. Evan turned towards me and smirked, "Not every day I get to work with a hall of Famer," I rolled my eyes as ever since the announcement they wouldn't leave me alone about it.

"Focus Evan, if you want Florida to really look at you, then you need to fix that curve." He rolled his eyes back as I walked away. I pulled down my hat and rubbed my face. Grey was running around with the kids his age on his team while I worked here. I mostly worked with the older kids or the younger kids helping them develop good habits. I left the middle school age alone mostly because Grey was around there and I didn't want to coach him too much. I just wanted to be his dad.

Gabi took the girls out for manicures and pedicures right after breakfast so I was still itching to get to talk to her. I heard the entire conversation with Logan and it broke my heart. I knew it broke Gabi's heart as well. I could see it all over her body language but as the kids woke up, she put on her happy mom's face and got carried away with the morning. I knew that Gabi wasn't happy anymore and we had to fix it. I couldn't see her like that. She broke down on me last night and I just wanted to fix it all for her. I wasn't sure how she was going to get out of her contract. I wasn't sure if it was going to happen this season but I do know that I was going to help her do whatever she needed.

I think the difference between her career and my career is that I was home a lot more often than she is. She is rarely home and it was taking a toll on our family. This was a far cry from spending 365 days in a bed together. "Hey, how's Gabi?" Josh saddled up next to me as he was working with the outfielders a row over. "Uh good, I guess. We haven't had much time to talk. I waited up for her last night but she was exhausted. She got up before me and was up with the kids when I got up so we just haven't had time." I omitted the part about her confessing how unhappy she is because I wasn't sure what was going to come from it.

Josh sent me a look, "Your face says something isn't okay."

"I don't know. I just don't think Gabi is that happy doing this anymore. I know how much she loves calling and doing this but…" I stopped. "I can't assume anything. I just think it's starting to take the toll; I think she misses being home every week, and with Logan getting ready to leave for college in just a few weeks it's starting to set in on what she is missing." Josh slowly nodded his head, "You aren't going to say anything though because you don't want her mad at you because you think she's not around enough."

"And that's not it. She's busy, she's working, and she makes damn good money being the best. I just wonder if she wishes to go back to just Saturday night baseball." I shrugged my shoulders as I sighed, I knew all of that was the truth but…Gabi and I had to talk first. "I love her so damn much and Logan was crying to her this morning because Gabi has missed a lot in the past year and a half. I think Logan just wants her mom around more and with her leaving for school…" I scrubbed my forehead as I shook my head.

"It'll get better. Just talk to her about it." I breathed and nodded as I heard the doors open and I turned to see who was here. I wasn't surprised that it was Camden coming through the door as he was religiously here. I am afraid to say that I introduced my daughter to Camden. He's been working out here since he was in 9th grade and at a different school than Logan. They were both here the same day a little over 18 months ago and I introduced the two as I was privately working with him.

I saw the connection immediately and I kicked myself in the ass later for it. They were friends for a while and then switched to a relationship. They have been dating ever since. I liked Camden, a lot, he was a hard-worker, a good athlete, and good to Logan. He was respectful of us at home and I've never heard Logan talk about Camden in a way I didn't like. "Hey Troy," Camden said with a nod as he placed his bag on the ground. He was a really, really, good pitcher. He was offered a full-ride to Mizzou and he was ecstatic to go play in the SEC. I promised to continue to watch his film and help him develop but I had a sneaking suspicion that he wasn't going to last at MU for four years.

"Camden," I said with a nod, "You ready to work?" he nodded his head and planted himself on the ground. He pulled on his turf shoes and glove as Josh nudged me while he wiggled his eyebrows. I just rolled my eyes because I knew what he was thinking. I was just choosing to ignore it on all levels. I had a conversation with the both of them, separately, about being safe and to not do anything stupid. There were more threats on Camden's side but I told Logan she was just as accountable. She knew that Gabi got pregnant at nineteen and I told her how much worry I had when I found out.

That I wasn't ready. Gabi wasn't ready. We made a mistake and I didn't want her to make the same mistake. I also told them I absolutely never wanted to catch them in the act. That would cause a lot more problems for both of them and so far, so good. I couldn't deny that it wasn't happening but at the same time, I didn't want to know about it either. "Cam," his eyes shifted up to look at me, "How is Logan? She's been pretty upset the past few days at the house."

Camden sighed as he finished tying his shoe and then stood up. He was a few inches shorter than me but we could look eye to eye. "She's been pretty upset with Gabi being gone. I don't know what triggered it but she kept talking about just staying home or going to Mizzou and I told her that she was so excited for Northwestern and that it was a good fit for her but I don't know. She just kind of broke down about it the other day. She admitted it was mostly because of wanting to be around so she could see Gabi more."

I blew out a breath and nodded, "She told that mostly to Gabi this morning. I just wanted to make sure it was nothing else. I was more afraid it was because of you." Camden grinned, "I wouldn't let her not go to Northwestern because of me. That's stupid." I smirked, "I knew I liked you. Now, go warm-up." He jogged around the facility a couple of times as I felt my phone vibrate. I picked it up to see Gabi sent a picture of her and the girls.

I was so happy that she was home for the next two weeks. I knew we were flying out to Cooperstown on Wednesday for the ceremony on Sunday. Camden was actually coming with us, a surprise for the both of them, because Logan was leaving two weeks later and they were trying to get in as much time as possible together. They were going to give it the good ol' college try for long-distance and I hoped it worked for them. I did like Camden but I warned both of them how hard it was going to be.

"You're lost in thought," Cody pushed my shoulder and I smiled, "Just a lot on my mind. You still coming to Cooperstown?" Cody snorted, "You think I would miss the big induction? Fuck no," I smiled and nodded, "Good. Are you coming over tonight?" Cody grinned, "Yea, Gabi is back in town and the whole group is getting together. I wouldn't miss it for the world."

"Good."

Camden came back as I helped stretch him out and then we began to play long toss together. My shoulder was doing a lot better after having two more surgeries. I couldn't get it up there anymore but I could play catch and toss a ball with the kids. "Dad! I want to play with Camden." Grey came running up and grabbed his mitt. It was hard to believe that he was almost 12 because I could have sworn, he was just born but he was a natural leader, even though he was a baby, and loved the game of baseball. There wasn't a fighting chance for him to love anything else though.

"Only for long toss," I said, "He has to pitch today." Grey nodded and hopped over to catch with Camden. Grey was all about the outfield. He loved playing centerfield and running around. He was a natural at it too and I was glad he wasn't following in my footsteps.

"You and Gabs okay?" I looked over at Cody and nodded, "Yea, we'll be fine. We just need to talk." Cody gave me a look and nodded, "If you say so. You're typically glowing when she gets back." I just shrugged again because I didn't know what to say. I didn't know what to say to her and I didn't know what to say to Cody. I was stuck.

"Grey, you need to clean your room." I reminded him as we walked through the door. Camden pulled in behind me as he grinned, "Should I switch to Mr. Bolton?" I laughed and shook my head," Get out of here," I said with a laugh as he went bounding up the stairs for Logan's room. "Door open!" I yelled.

I just heard two laughs in response as Makenli was laying on the ground in her swim-suit, "Are you straight from the pool?" I questioned and she looked over at me, "No, I am waiting on Addy to go." I just nodded as I went into the kitchen to find my wife getting stuff ready for tonight. "Hey Brie," she turned and smiled. She was still a God damn beauty. Those deep brown eyes and her hair was piled on her head. "Hey babe," she turned back to what she was doing but I went over and wrapped my arm around her waist.

I buried my face into her neck and I breathed in, "Can we talk for a minute?" I asked her, she nodded, "Yea," she wiped her hands off and I took her hand as I laced our fingers together. I took her to the office as I looked at our collection of baseballs on the wall. It had covered two different walls in our house and I loved them. I loved everything about them. It showed our entire journey together until this point and it showed me how far we have come. I breathed out as I pulled her between my legs as I sat on the desk. My finger played with her original wedding ring and I smiled looking at it.

"Do you want to talk about last night?" I questioned turning my head to look at her. She turned her attention away from me as she took a deep breath, "I called Tyler this morning," she whispered, "After you left and I laid it all out there to him. I told him that I couldn't do this anymore." I rose my eyebrows and I looked at her. She released a sigh, "He can't make any promises but he is going to talk to the network. It may not happen until next season but I am not going to do this again."

I stroked her face with my thumb and I kissed her forehead, "Are you sure?" I whispered and she nodded, "Are you disappointed?" she asked looking up at me. "I'm quitting and not doing…" she stopped talking and breathed out forcefully, "Gabi, why would I be disappointed? We talked about it at the beginning that we were going to try and see. It didn't work. Did you love it?" Gabi slowly nodded her head, "I did love it but it wasn't worth it." She looked up at me and I squeezed her gently.

"I do love Saturday Night baseball and that was my dream but I've been thinking maybe in about oh I don't know…seven or eight years I could switch back to a team and maybe we can both do our dreams…together." She whispered and I felt my eyebrows pull together as I looked at her. "What?" she laughed, "Saturday night baseball is a lot of fun and it's been fun but do you know what would be more fun after all of our kids are out of high school?" I laughed, "You want to broadcast for a team and I become a pitching coach?" I asked in a bit of disbelief. She grinned, "Yea, wouldn't that be fun and well…365 days of each other."

I laughed again as I pulled her into a deep kiss, "He said he'd let me know in Cooperstown what he finds out." She said while pulling back and I stroked her face. "I love you, I'm proud of you for acknowledging that you weren't happy. The old Gabi, the one I love just as much, would try to make it all work and I don't think any of it would all work. I could see how unhappy you were getting." Gabi frowned and glanced up at me.

"Why didn't you say anything?" she asked and I laughed, "Because I would have been an asshole for questioning your dreams. You never once questioned mine and you let me realize when I wasn't happy anymore. You had to come to that on your own terms. Or else you would have hated me. I do want you here with us and I want the kids to see you more. It was easier to make everything work when they were younger and when it was for a shorter stance but it was just too much and too long without each other." She buried her face into my chest and I just held on. "I love you and I'm damn proud of you. You are one of the best and even if you have to finish the season…it'll be worth it in the end."

"I love you, Troy. Thank you for being patient with me." She whispered.

I buried my face into her hair and breathed in, "Thank you for being amazing." She laughed and tilted her head back before I descended my lips down onto her lips. Her fingers gripped the back of my hair while I slipped one hand up her shirt and pulled the other flush against my body. Gabi advanced the kiss and I groaned against her as I missed her. I pulled away and kissed down her neck and over her collarbone.

"You better go check on Camden and Logan," she whispered, "Because they could be doing this too," I grunted and she giggled against my skin. I kissed her again, "Fine but this will continue tonight."

Gabi's POV

Mallory, Ellie, Alex, Britt, and Melissa were all sitting around the bar as we were all sipping on wine. Becca was wrangling Finn out of the pool as he needed to change and get ready to go home with the rest of the kids. "Gabi, are you happy to be home?" Britt asked. I nodded, "Yea, I really am. I was in need of seeing my kids and my husband. I think I am coming to a few different realizations with this trip home that I can't keep doing this."

A look was shared among the group, I sighed, "I know, I'm good at the show," I had talked about it with them extensively how much I loved doing the show but at the same time it wasn't worth it anymore.

"Troy didn't ask you, did he?" Ellie asked, her eyes serious, I shook my head, "No, I mean," I sighed while shaking my head, "No. He didn't. He knew. He could see it on my face and he could see how much I was struggling. He refused to ask because he didn't want me to think that he wasn't going to support me so he never asked. The moment I said something he told me everything he's been holding back." The girls all nodded in appreciation, "I'm over not being there for my kids. I miss them."

"I only ask because you never asked Troy if he wanted to leave." Ellie pointed out with a tip of her wine glass, "I know, but at the same time, I always knew he was happy. I didn't have to ask. I also could see at the end that it was time to hang it up." I struggled with my next words, "I think I wanted this so badly two years ago and I was excited when it came along because I felt like I had to add on because everybody else was doing something else. I did it because I felt like I had too and when we struggled last year – it was hard. This year was harder and missing out on some of Logan's stuff was hard. I just…I didn't think it was going to play out like this."

"You feel like you're making the right decision?" Melissa asked I nodded, "I think so. I want to watch Logan play volleyball in college. I want to be there for Makenli, Addy, and Grey. I want to be their mom for more than six months. I work from February to October with little breaks in my schedule. I'm always in LA and I think I'm over it. The longer I let this go on the worse it's going to get. I love my job but I love my family more. I talked to Tyler and he's supposed to tell me their decision by the end of Hall of Fame weekend."

Alex squeezed my hand, "Troy will be happy as long as you are happy. He hasn't been happy and I think that's because you haven't been happy." I smiled and I nodded, "I know. He's been a saint. He's the best dad and the past five years he's proven that in every sense of the word. The transition was smooth and he was so natural at it. He's successful with helping all of the pitching staff for the royals plus all of the kids at Swing's. He's an incredible man and I can't wait to honor him this upcoming weekend." I smiled as I looked up to see him laughing with Zach, Josh, Cody, and Collin. He laughed tossing his head back as he was approaching 45 but damn, he was still my man.

He worked out in our home gym religiously and had become one of the most sought out pitching coaches in Kansas City. At first, it was mostly because of his name but then people saw what he could do with kids and even some other major league athletes came to him. To work with him. It was special and I loved watching him in his element. I couldn't wait for us to it together one day. "How is the big party coming?" Britt asked.

"Good, we have a bit of a surprise up our sleeve. I am excited to go and watch him get honored for his best achievements this weekend." We all caught up as I missed my friends just as much as my family. Mallory and Ellie loved to fly out and hang out with me in LA when I had time. Britt would pop out from time to time and it was just good to see them. I knew going back to just Saturday Night baseball was the answer to a lot of my problems.

"Mom!" Logan's arms wrapped around my waist and she leaned into me, "Can Camden come over? I'm going to tell him about going to Cooperstown with us." I smiled and nodded, "Yes, just make sure he's out by midnight." She nodded and took off back to the house. Grey was following Finn around as I smiled. Makenli and Addy were still splashing in the pool and hanging out with all of the other kids. I loved our gatherings as our friend group had evolved so much over the years. Additions but never subtractions.

We were always going to be friends no matter what was going on in our lives and once you were in – you were in.

It was some of our most special relationships and having all of these kids and aunts and uncles for our kids to grow up around was special.

Saturday, July 24th, 2038

Troy's POV

I shook hands with a few of the bigwigs of Cooperstown as I pulled on my suit shirt because I was sweating my damn ass off. Tomorrow as the big day and my nerves were at an all-time high. I don't know why I was nervous because there wasn't anything, they could take away from me. I did all the hard work already – I just had to give a big speech tomorrow. I was good at those. "Troy, we are so glad that you made it in on the first ballot."

I smiled, "Thank you, I am thrilled. I am so excited and honored to have made it into the hall of fame. It wasn't ever a true goal of mine but it became a goal of mine eventually. I wanted to be considered one of the best of all-time." Ed smirked, "You did it. We're honored to have you here today and to honor you tomorrow." A hand slid around my waist and I smiled, I looked down to see my beautiful girl with her hair flowing in the wind with that pretty dress that was all different lengths with a pair of heels.

"Gabi, it's a pleasure to see you again," she shook Ed's hand and I squeezed her closer to my body. "Troy, you got lucky with this one." Ed said with a wink towards Gabi and I laughed, "Oh, I know sir. She's my best friend and the love of my life. I know how lucky I am to have her." I dropped a kiss onto the top of her head while she smiled, "I'm a lucky gal to have him. We make quite the team." Ed chuckled as he got distracted with somebody else giving me the opportunity to pull Gabi in a different direction.

The kids were with family back at the house we had rented. My entire family was here, Luke was flying in tomorrow morning from Houston to make it. Emerson was already here with their daughter Kinsley who was only a year old. Emily was here with her three kids, yes, they had one more and had all boys. Just my luck but I loved being their uncle. Benny was only two years old and he loved chasing his brothers around. Gabi's parents made it along with Cameron and Lilly. Cameron married Lindsey after they had their daughter together. They add another kid right after he graduated Athletic Training masters. Lilly was married to Dean and she had a son and was pregnant with their daughter. It was a bang-bang on the kids but she didn't suffer a miscarriage to Gabi and Kylie's relief.

Cody and his crew made it out, Zach and Josh, along with Lance. All of my biggest supporters were here and I couldn't be more excited to share this will all of them. I tugged Gabi into a corner as I dropped a heated kiss onto her lips and she tugged on my suit jacket. "I love you, you doing okay?" I nodded as I stroked her face. Those brown eyes. "Did you know my favorite feature on your face are those eyes?" she turned her head to the side. "No, I didn't." I smiled.

"Mostly because they tell me everything I need to know. If you're happy, sad, frustrated, or anything in-between – those eyes tell me and I love it. I love that I can read you and that I know you." She smiled and reached up to stroke my face, I leaned into her touch and I breathed in deeply. "I love you, Brie. I'm so thankful we made it through all of these years." She leaned into my chest and I hugged her tightly. "When we were 17 years old did you imagine we would be like this? Right here?"

A laugh echoed from my mouth, "No, I never thought I would get into the hall of fame at forty-five. To be honest, I thought I still be playing." She tipped her head back in a laugh and shook her head, "Troy Bolton…" I laughed with a smile on my face. "What? You don't think I could still be playing right now if it wasn't for my damn shoulder?" she let a smirk tip onto her lips with a shake of her head. "I would have killed you."

I laughed again as I dropped a kiss onto her and she pulled me closer to her. "I love you," she whispered, I stroked her cheek and brushed my fingers through her hair, "I love you, too. Thank you for being here and for supporting me all of these years."

"Of course," she whispered back.

Gabi's POV

I hugged my dad tightly as he squeezed me in return, "How are you doing?" he asked, "I miss seeing you in KC," I laughed as I pulled away, "I'm good. I've missed you. I'm working on being home a shit ton more but it is definitely a work in progress." He smiled, "Troy told me." I rolled my eyes, "Of course he did. You know, I think I want this same pact with Camden that I know everything about Logan's life before she has a chance to actually tell us." My dad just smirked, "I liked it."

"Of course, you did," I said with a laugh as I looked over to see Logan, Camden, Grey, Makenli, and Addy all sitting down and talking over dinner. I smiled watching them, "I can't believe I've gotten to do this with two of my favorite people before," I said with a smile. My dad grinned over at me, "I barely got in on that third vote," I laughed as he tugged me closer to him. I leaned into my dad and took in an inhale of his scent that was so familiar and home to me. I love him so much and I was so happy that he's gotten to do so much with me.

"Is she ready for it?" My dad asked and I let a wide grin spill over my lips, "Yes, she is so excited. I am excited to watch her fly." My dad gave a smile as he squeezed my shoulder. "Tell me more about this being home?" my dad asked as somebody came around and handed us drinks. "I asked Tyler if he could talk to the higher-ups to get me out of my contract. I would pay any kind of money to get out of it so I could be home with my family. So that I could watch Logan in college. So, I can be there for my kids. I would pay a lot of money for that and I miss my husband."

"Troy misses you," I scanned the area around me and I smiled watching him talk with a few different fans. He was in a button-up shirt tucked into his slacks, his jacket ditched, and some serious forearm action was taking place. "It's time. I also proposed to him that after Grey graduates' high school that maybe we can both move to the same organization and he can be a pitching coach, I can be their broadcaster, and do it all together again."

My dad chuckled, "You guys are the power couple of baseball."

"Damn straight they are," I turned to see Dylan and I laughed as I launched at him. I wrapped my arms tightly around his neck, "Dylan," I breathed and he chuckled, "How are you?" he asked squeezing me. "Really good, I'm just still mad you move out of LA as I move into LA." Dylan let out a chuckle as he was hired in Texas to be the GM there with a better opportunity. "From the conversation I was just hearing you're trying to leave again," I let a sad smile turn up, "Yea, It's time. I tried. It's not working."

Dylan shrugged, "Still with Saturday Night baseball though?" I nodded, "I'm not giving that up. I'm signed on there for another three years anyways. It's the show that I need out of and I only had a year left on that contract."

"They love you; it'll work out. How are the kids?" I smiled, "Really good. Logan is off to Northwestern in just a couple of weeks." Dylan frowned, "Shut the fuck up, how is she that old? She isn't eighteen." I grimaced, "I'm afraid so." An arm hooked around my waist and anchored my back against his body. "Dylan, my dude, what's up?" Troy reached across with his other arm to shake Dylan's hand as Dylan smirked, "Happy Hall of Fame weekend,"

Troy's blue eyes light up with excitement and he smiled, "I love it. It's been a lot of fun. The dinners, the conversations with so many greats, I can't wait to keep coming back to honor more people. Hell, maybe one day Gabi will be honored with the Frick Award." Troy sent down a wink as I rolled my eyes, "Doubtful." Troy's lips turned down, "Why is that doubtful? You're amazing at your job and people are damn lucky to have you. They fought over you." I couldn't stop a slow smile from rolling on my lips as Troy rolled his eyes.

"See? You know your damn good. Don't doubtful my ass again," I giggled as he kissed my head. "Any big plans after this weekend? The big 4-5?" Dylan asked and Troy chuckled, "Yes, I think we have a plan that not many people know about yet." Troy said and I turned around to look at him. Those blue eyes playing innocent and a smile tugging on the corner of his lips, "What?"

"We have plans?" I questioned and Troy let a wider smile to come on his lips.

"Maybe."

He leaned down and pressed his lips against my ear, "I figured a little vacation to celebrate your days with us is in order. Maybe New Mexico for a few days," I looked up at him and he smiled while stroking my cheek. "It's been years and our kids have never been." I smiled as I hugged him, "It sounds amazing,"

Sunday, July 25th, 2038

Troy's POV

I shifted nervously in my suit as the sun was beating down on us as everybody was slowly starting to get in place and the whole event went underway. I was getting inducted with three other guys this weekend and I played with most of them throughout my career in one way or another. I inhaled as Gabi reached over and squeezed my knee. "You okay?" she whispered; she was in a beautiful dress that hit below her knees while sitting in the chair, it was blue with thick straps, with her hair in a fancy bun as it was a hot summer day.

The kids have all dressed accordingly and I gave her a reassuring smile, "I'm okay. Nervous. I'm first, I was gifted with Bolton." She laughed as she slid her hand over my thigh and gave it a squeeze. "We're going to get settled in our seats. You're going to kill it," she whispered into my ear before reaching up on her tiptoes to kiss my cheek. I squeezed her hand again, "I love you," she smiled, "I love you, too." They went down to their front row seats and settled in as I cleared my throat as I sat down. The crowd got quiet as they began to show a highlight reel of the four players on the stage. I smiled seeing all of the different highlights from my career, a knot forming in my chest because I missed it. I missed throwing the ball every day, I missed the constant demand, I missed it.

I chuckled at a couple of other ones but when it ended, the rolled into the ceremony. They introduced all of us and I smiled and waved to the crowd as the MC cleared his throat, "For the first, we are going to introduce the first member of the 2038 class. He spent his entire career, with one city, won multiple world championships, several Cy Youngs, and many other awards. He was unanimous on his first ballot – I introduce you, Troy Bolton," the crowd cheered loudly and I smiled as I stood up, buttoned my jacket, and walked forward to shake hands with the three people standing upfront. The commissioner smiled, I thanked him as we all stood in line. The crowd cheered loudly as the gentleman next to me had my plaque for me.

"Commissioner is going to read Troy's plaque," the lady announced as the commissioner began to slowly read off all of my accomplishments over the years, all of the awards, all of the championships, my eyes lingered on the KC logo on my hat as I couldn't stop my smile looking at it. The commissioner finished, calling me a true ace of the game before we all took pictures together. The lady, Mrs., Newson, went back to the microphone. "Before Troy gives his speech, we had a special request," I lifted my eyes to Gabi but she was firmly in her seat, my eyes swung over to see my 18-year-old daughter walking across the stage.

My heart galloped in my chest and the nerve immediately kicked in but she sent me a smile and I smiled back at her. The pride filling my chest. Mrs. Newson smiled at Logan and she took a step up, "Everybody, Logan Bolton, Troy Bolton's daughter." I swallowed on the emotion in my throat just seeing her here. She smiled as she confidently leaned into the microphone. "Hello," she squeaked at first but she laughed with nerves before smiling, "I think just about everybody here knows that I am Troy's daughter and I couldn't have been a luckier girl to have him as my dad." She sent me a smile over my shoulder and I had to keep all of my emotions in check. I still had to speak.

"My dad vowed to my mom to keep her in one city for his entire career because she didn't want to constantly be moving. If you know anything about baseball, you know that you have to be good to get that. You have to be the best to not want to be traded so my dad became that. He was the best. He was an ace. He was the person to get them out of funks and he was the one who could break the spells. My dad was a magician on the mound and I am so glad I got to experience 14 years of watching him do the game he loves so passionately." She looked down at her notes and smiles, "I was so proud of my dad all the time, I always used to tell people who my dad was, I was so proud to just say that's my dad and he's the best." The crowd chuckled while she sent me a look over her shoulder. The mischievous look that her mom always gave me clear in her eyes.

"When my dad sat us all down and said he was retiring, I was upset. I didn't want him to stop. I didn't want him to stop being the best and doing the best and traveling to play. He was just fun to watch on the mound and to see him around his teammates. He was funny, caring, and he took care of Kansas City. He stayed. He loves that town and we're still there. Yet, nobody got to see the true side of him and that was when he was my dad." I swallowed on the lump but a tear leaked.

"He loves all of us fiercely. He only wants the best for us and when he was home – he was all dad. He wasn't Troy Bolton the Ace. He was just my dad. He laughed with me, grounded me, and made sure I had a normal childhood. He didn't let his fame take over our childhood. Yes, I may know how to run a clubhouse full of grown men and might have known a few too many rap songs before the age of ten but it came with the territory. My mom also worked in the field so I literally spent every single day at the ball fields but I couldn't imagine it any other way. My dad would run around with us in the outfield or chase us through the pool at our house. It didn't matter where we were but he was always my dad and I can't imagine not doing this today. Thanking him for always being there for me, for supporting me, and cheering for me."

I released a breath of air and I bit on my lip, "When he sat us down again and told us that he was inducted into the hall of fame? I felt so much pride. I saw all of his hard work – just so that we could have a normal childhood, to give my mom stability, to just let us live in one house, and go to one school. He worked hard for that. He worked hard for Kansas City. He worked hard for me and I couldn't thank him enough. I'm thankful for everybody who recognized how worthy of this honor than my dad is. He truly worked for it and I am so proud." She twisted to look at me, her own tears in her eyes, "I love you, Dad," I felt my own shell break and I took a step forward before crushing her in my embrace.

"I love you, too, Lolo," she laughed into my collar as I kissed her head. "I'm so proud of you and impressed. I love you," She squeezed me again, "Now, don't fumble over your words. That's embarrassing," I chuckled as I kissed her temple again and released her before I straighten up as the crowd was done clapping.

I stood in front of the podium and I looked over the crowd before I settled on my girl in the front. She sent me a smile and I smiled back, "Thank you," I said into the microphone as the cheers quieted. "It's really hard to follow that, Logan, I love you and thank you for all the kind words. I did a lot of learning and growing with you being our first child – you always were doing things first and your mom and I are so proud of you." She sent me a smile as I looked out at the crowd.

"I picked up a baseball for the first time when I was 3." I started, "I was an addict from the first moment. I spent every single day with a ball in my hand, as I grew, I would hit in cages, throw bullpens, and I wouldn't miss a work-out session. It was all I did throughout high school. I always told my dad and mom that I was going to be a superstar baseball player. They would laugh and shrug it off but from a young age – I was serious. I put in the work to show them how serious I was. I never stopped and I wanted to be the best. Initially, I wanted to be the best because that's all I wanted to do. I just wanted to be the very damn best. I wanted fame and honors." I smiled looking down at my notes, "But as almost everybody knows I met my wife in my junior year of high school and I was a goner from that moment on. It wasn't about me anymore. It was about us. I didn't want to be the best because I wanted fame. I wanted to be the best for her. I wanted to be the best to have stability. I wanted to be the best to make her proud."

She already had tears running down her face and I smiled softly, "I was drafted when I was 18 years old and I thought I knew the world. I didn't. I knew nothing. I did a lot of growth over the next two years. I worked hard in the minor leagues, I met some amazing people, I went to a bunch of different towns and I worked hard. My wife and I went through a lot of growing pains and the long distance was hard but we did it. When I was called up shortly after my 21st birthday, I knew I had to work hard to stay, and I did. I worked my ass off to be one of the best, I found my methods, and I worked through them. I proposed to my wife that same year." I laughed, "It was a rush of a year, probably one of my favorites, and I kept working hard. My wife became a broadcaster, we got married, had babies, and we still struggled. Baseball has a lot of distance involved but we made it work." I flipped a page and took in a deep breath.

"When I was told I needed that shoulder surgery – I didn't want to admit it but it was time to be done. I finished the season, won one more championship, and one more Cy Young before walking away from the sport I love. It was the hardest decision to try and not push it but I didn't want to come back after my surgery and be mediocre because I never was. If I couldn't give my all, do my best, and be the best then I didn't want to play anymore. With that I was able to be home with my children, let my wife spread her wings, and become a dad. Being a dad is my favorite job right next to being my dream thing – a baseball player."

"Being a baseball player in a young child's mind is a lot of fame. Getting to do really cool things and having money and just saying you're one of the best but I quickly learned that being a pro athlete wasn't just that. It was more. It was about the community that you were doing this for. It's about the connections you make. It's about the people who come to cheer you on. It's about more than just yourself and I was lucky to have the best community. Kansas City, they are the first people I am going to thank. I am so honored to have spent my entire career there and as my daughter said from the beginning – I wanted to stay in one place my entire career. I didn't want constantly be traded or hopping around and I made that clear from the beginning. They told me in return I had to be worth keeping. I made it worth their while. Kansas City treated me so kindly, they let my family grow there, they welcomed us with open arms and constantly showed up. They cheered, rooted, and bleed baseball in that city. I'm happy to remain there with my family. I'm happy to continue to work for the organization, I'm happy to say that is my home."

"I did almost leave once but Kansas City reminded me why I stayed there. They reminded me of what was important. To my parents," I looked in their direction as my mom smiled. I looked at Luke who had wiggled in with Emerson on his hip with Kinzley on his lap. "I will never be able to thank you enough for constantly paying for the camps, the private lessons, and for escorting me around the country to different tournaments. For reminding me that school was important and to keep healthy relationships. You two have been my biggest fans since the moment I started playing, my support system, and I love you and thank you for constantly being there."

"To my siblings, Luke and Emily, I am so proud of both of you. I'm proud of who you've become, for working hard and doing big things. I thank you for being supportive. I stole a lot of mom and dad's attention for so long. It drove wedges between us from time to time but I was lucky to have you all for siblings. I can't wait to continue to watch you on your everyday adventures. Luke, I hope one day we're sitting here celebrating you." Luke laughed and I smiled, "To all of my best friends," I breathed out, "I wouldn't have made it here without the friends that I've made. Josh and Zach – my first roommates in rookie ball. We bonded instantly and quickly. We traveled through the system together, played together, won a championship together. Still, best friends to this day and I am so thankful for you guys – for pushing me, making sure I worked hard. To Cody, my first catcher, my ultimate best friend, always by my side – thank you. You've taken panic phone calls, you've helped my family, you were there for me in some of my darkest times. I'm so thankful for you moving to KC, for being there with your family, and for being another father to my kids."

I took in a deep breath as I felt my eyes get wet just thinking about the next two people.

"To Lance and Gary…" I paused to breathe, "We lost Gary five years ago and it gutted me. He was my first pitching coach and we would call each other after all of my starts and see where anything went wrong. What I could fix. I think it was mostly to just talk to him but it was those conversations that helped me stay humble. He coached me from 12 until I was 18. He was there for me for every moment in my career until my retirement. He was such a special man and I can't thank him enough and honor him enough." I smiled as Lance gave me his own smile, "To Lance, Gary's sidekick, I'm thankful for you. For convincing the old man to come to KC, for keeping Swings running, for allowing me to make changes. I love working with you and helping young kids like Gary did for both of us. Swings was a second home for me and I am so excited to get back and back to work."

Lance laughed and I smiled, "Next, I have to thank my agent, Alex Montez," he laughed and I smiled, "We always joked that we had the same goal in mind with my career and that was to make the pretty girl happy, I loved having you as my agent. Knowing that you only had the best interest in my career and with my family. Only making sure I was happy and that my family was happy. I love your daughter and I am so glad you gave me a chance to prove that I could love her properly. Kylie, thank you for being there for Gabi when I couldn't. For being an amazing grandmother and mother-in-law."

I smiled as I swept my gaze back to Gabi in the front row. "Finally, the most important people in my life. First, to my kids. Logan, Makenli, Adalyn, and Grey…you four are the light in my life. Being a dad to the four of you was an honor. I know I missed a lot of things – I missed games, matches, recitals, and school plays throughout the years but you always gave me a smile that told me you were happy that I was out there being happy. All four of you got to be around this game and to have memories of me doing what I love. To show you that you can do what you love. Any dream you have is attainable and I want you to reach high for them. You four make me smile within moments of seeing you, you make me laugh, and after any of my long road trips I couldn't wait to hug each of you. I want to thank you for having the patience, for understanding, and for allowing me to do this. I love you all. I can't wait to see where the future takes us and I can't wait to cheer you on with your life goals."

My eyes locked onto Gabi as I felt the knot tighten in my throat while I looked at her. "To my Brie," I swallowed on the knot trying to push the emotions away. "You were my rock throughout the years. After every start – good or bad – you were there for me. You knew the best ways to cheer me up afterward and to celebrate the good. You were there from my draft day to my retirement and my god, I fell more in love with you with every achievement. To have you in my corner and to know that you were there to cheer me on and support me…it was an honor. You took a step back from your career to take care of our kids because you wanted me to finish my career and I will never be able to thank you enough for that. You are my girl, my life, my everything. Everything you've done for me throughout those years never went unnoticed. All of the flights you took, all of the cities you've visited with four kids, and all of the hotels we stayed in. I know we're still chasing our 365 nights together but we'll get it eventually, I love watching you do your big things. I love supporting you but I want to finish with one more thank you. Thank you for allowing me to do this every single day. Thank you for giving me my dreams. Thank you for letting it become your dream. I love you, Brie." I wiped underneath my eyes as I released a big breath.

"Thank you to Cooperstown for this extreme honor and I can't wait to continue to give back." I nodded to end my speech and everybody stood up and thunder of claps. I smiled and waved but my entire family came up and wrapped their arms around me. I hugged each of my kids, kissed their heads, and whispered how much I loved them. I spotted her though, my world stopped spinning, the clapping faded, and when she wrapped her arms around my neck – I felt at home.

I squeezed her close to me, "I love you so much Troy Bolton," she whispered into my ear and I squeezed her again, "I love you, Gabriella Bolton."

Tuesday, July 27th, 2038

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Gabi's POV

I swung my legs back and forth on the tailgate of the truck he rented as I tilted my head back to see the stars in the sky. Troy handed me a wine glass while soft music played from the back on a speaker. I smiled as he scooted up next to me. Logan was with all of the kids back at the hotel we were staying in. We sold the house about three years ago to a buyer who was very interested and nobody had been coming back to New Mexico.

Yesterday, we drove around and showed the kids all of the big places. Where Troy and I met, both of our houses, the high school, and the baseball field. We stopped at the Original Swings and Grey was in awh. Yet, this place was just too magical to share with the kids. It was our place. Our spot. I took in a breath of fresh air while I leaned into Troy. "I've missed this view." I titled my head back to see Troy was mostly staring at me.

"I do miss the dark sky and the view and just the quiet time with you." Troy laced our fingers together as we were finally slowing down after the Hall of Fame weekend. Tomorrow was Troy's 45th birthday and we were celebrating in New Mexico before flying home. "I talked to Tyler today," I mentioned and Troy glanced down at me. "Yea? How did that go." I took a sip of wine as I tried to hide my smile. "I just have to go back for the next two weeks."

"Are you still okay with this?" He asked, "Yes, I'm excited. I'll go back until it's time to move Logan into school and then I will just go to Saturday night." Troy buried his lips into my hair and breathed in. "Thank God," he whispered into my ear, "I miss the fuck out of you." I tilted my head back and he captured my lips in that movement. "Doesn't this spot make you feel 17 again?" I whispered and he let a slow smile roll onto his lips.

"In all of the best ways."

We pressed our lips together again as Troy hopped up, "C'mon, let's dance," he took my wine glass and set it down. I laughed as he pulled me into his embrace and I settled into him. Our bodies aligning just right, the stars twinkling from our favorite spot, and so much happiness floating between us. The music was soft and we were quiet while we just danced with each other, our fingers laced, the quiet settling in. "I thank God every single day that you walked into that pizza place that day," he whispered into my ear.

I choked back the emotions and I laid my head on his chest, "I'm thankful that you were there," I whispered back, "I'm thankful that you came back for me. I'm thankful that we did this together. I'm thankful I didn't give into my fears." He cupped my face as we stopped dancing.

"I will never stop fighting for you. I will never let you be unhappy. I will never stand by. I love you, Brie. You are forever mine," I smiled and I kissed him before I wrapped myself around him. Thankful to be here with him. To have supported him. Loved him. To have done this journey of life with him and I was so excited to see where our future takes us but I was for sure that he would be right by my side the entire time.

W O W

I'm in tears thinking of this series being over. I put a lot of work into this series: from Baseball Lovers all the way to Closer. It's amazing how long this series has been going on for and I am so thankful for all of the lover over the years. I am so happy that you all stuck through. A lot of things have happened over the years and this story was right there in the middle of it. This is my second-long series and they are some of my favorites to write. Getting to dive deep into the characters and make them all so complex. This chapter was long because there was so much, I wanted to fit in.

Baseball Lovers, The Show, Fame, Moment of Weakness, Ace, and Closer are all very near and dear to my heart. Over all 6 stories you readers have reviewed over 2,400 times. That's amazing. To see your love for it. All of the words that have been written, all of the chapters spoken, all of the good and the bad. I am so glad that I wrote all of these series. Thank you for being there and I can't wait to see your final reviews for this story.

Please, please, tell me your favorite story, moment, chapter, or quote from any of these stories. I love seeing all of the memories. All of the growth. I want to know your favorite parts!

PLEASE REVIEW (I wanna know!)

THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. I can't wait to share more with you in the future with new characters and new stories!

Xx – J