Chapter 17 – Promises
Saturday, December 11th, 2021
Gabi's POV
Troy let his finger run down my arm and his lips pressed into my temple, I wiggled over to him and he pulled me tightly into his grasp. "This is the most relaxed I've felt you in a long time. Sex couldn't even get you this relaxed." I couldn't stop the laugh from bubbling up my throat. "I think it's because this semester is over and a week from today, we'll be getting married." Troy inhaled and let out a laugh, "Mmm…I don't know. Not sure I can go through with it." Troy teased and I rolled onto my stomach to look at him with strong eyes. He laughed.
A smile pulling onto his cheeks, those blue eyes and charming smile. "Better not get cold feet, Bolton." He reached for me but I pulled away from him and he whined. "I was just joking. I swear." I pulled away further and he pouted. His bottom lip poking out and those blue eyes so sad. "No, that was mean. You don't get cuddles when you're being mean."
"B…" he whined the word out and I stood up from the bed. I felt a smile tugging onto my own lips as the bed squeaked and I heard his feet hit the floor. I moved a little faster as I tried to beat him to the bathroom but I knew he was hot on my heels as his fingers were on my waist and I squealed with laughter as he grabbed me. Both hands gripped me tightly and I couldn't stop my laugh as I bent forward in his grasp and he couldn't hold back his chuckle. "Gabi, Gabi, who do you think you are leaving our bed before I'm ready?" he murmured into my ear and I sobered up against him. His lips pressed into my neck.
"So damn naughty," I pulled in a deep breath of air trying to keep calm but just his touch sent my body into a frenzy. "B, you know I am excited to marry you?" he whispered into my ear and I inhaled deeply, "I'm excited to watch you grow, I am excited to call you my wife, I'm excited to get to know I'll sleep in the same bed as you every single day, I can't fucking wait for everything to do with you. I'm excited because I know so deep in my heart that you are my girl. My only girl. My forever girl." I turned around and I faced him as he cupped my face with his big strong hands.
"I love you; I need you to know that I was only ever joking." I couldn't stop my smile and I gripped his shirt. "I know, Troy. I was just messing with you but I'm glad to hear all of that. It gives me comfort that you won't be running away in Costa Rica." Troy released a laugh and he planted a hard kiss on my lips. His lips opening up mine, his tongue stroking mine, and his fingers gripping my face. My fingers pulled at the fabric of his shirt while I tried to get closer to him.
A loud thud was heard at our front door and Troy hazily pulled away. He was gasping for air as was I, our eyes connecting, "GABI!" I gasped as I jumped away from Troy and went flying down the stairs. I heard Troy lean against the wall upstairs as I swung the door open to reveal Lauren. She grinned from ear to ear and then we launched at each other into a tight hug. "Lauren," I whispered as I held onto her tightly. "Hi soon-to-be Mrs. Bolton!" she squealed and I giggled.
"What the fuck are you doing here?" I asked pulling away to look at my best friend. She giggled, "I finished my first semester yesterday and I knew you were probably going to be stressed all week. I rearranged my flights, figured I could be here, y'know as your maid of honor, and I'll fly into Costa Rica with you and Troy. Grey won't be there until Friday anyways. It made more sense and I miss you so damn much." She hugged me again and I laughed as I squeezed her.
"I'm so happy you're here," I whispered and she grinned, "Also, your fiancé may have wiggled this into effect. He asked if I would come up here to help you. He doesn't want to see you stressed." She winked and I swirled around to the spot I left him in the hallway to see him long gone but I heard the shower turn on. I felt a smirk come onto my lips, that man, "Will you run and grab us a coffee?" I questioned her. "I need to get ready and then we can go shopping for the final things!" I squealed.
"Yes, yes, let me go get coffee so you can go finish what you two were doing in the hallway." I giggled, "Look, he brought my best friend out here so I wouldn't be stressed. He knows me so well." Lauren laughed, "Damn straight he does. Alright, I'll be back. Normal orders?" I nodded my head. She walked out the door as I ran upstairs as he was stepping into the shower. I pulled my shirt off as I knew he was hard and needy from that kiss upstairs.
"Wait, what," he turned around at my movement and I giggled as I pushed him into the shower. "What about Lauren?" he asked and I giggled again, as I dropped to my knees, "You're getting a blow job AND a coffee," I said as I took him into my mouth and he grunted as he grabbed onto the shower handle. "Gabi," his voice was strained and I took pleasure in that as I stroked him into a puddle of moans and groans from his mouth.
His fingers slipped into my hair as he thoroughly fucked my mouth and when he tried to pull away, I only pulled him closer which pushed him straight over the edge. I pulled back as Troy fell back against the tile wall, his breathing labored, "Jesus," he muttered as his eyes closed. "If I knew Lauren showing up would bring that I would have done it sooner." He said, his eyes peeled open, and the striking blue looking down at me. He pulled on my hand to pull me up and his lips planted on mine.
"I love you," I whispered against his lips, "Thank you for inviting Lauren and letting her surprise me. She is getting you coffee." He grunted as he threaded his fingers through my wet hair to pull me to his mouth. "I promised her we could go shopping. I'm not sure if you had plans." A small smile curled onto his face, "Nah, you go have fun with Lauren. I am going to pack and get everything together before we leave on Wednesday." I smiled at him as I pulled him in for another quick kiss as we both showered with each other before stepping out. He pulled me back against him, "I'll finish what we started tonight. Don't you think I won't give you that same treatment?"
Chills ran down my arm and I smiled at him while I tugged on a pair of leggings with one of Troy's sweatshirts. "Hey B," I turned around to face him and he gave me a smile, a dimple popping out, and a happy look in his eyes. "I love you," I laughed and smiled, "I love you, too."
Wednesday, December 15th, 2021
Troy's POV
Gabi rolled her suitcase next to me as we were finally in Costa Rica with all of her family trailing behind. My parents were flying down tomorrow morning and all of our friends were set to arrive over the next couple of days before our wedding on Saturday. The nerves filled my stomach thinking that after this weekend I would have a wife and I would wear a ring on my finger for the rest of my life but at the same time – I was ready. We were staying at our resort with our family on Sunday and then we were switching to a different resort until the following Friday for our honeymoon.
It was an extended vacation but I think it was needed for both of us. Our first Christmas together would be here but I wasn't upset by that. This was our present to our family as we bought the flights for both of our parents. It was an expensive hit to our budget but it was well worth it. Her mom basically did 99% of the planning and all I wanted to know was what her dress looked like. She was dragging it through all of the airports in a black bag and what I wouldn't give to just unzip it. What I wouldn't give for her to just put it on and give me a private showing.
My eyes landed on the bag again and Coach poked my shoulder, "even if you saw the dress it wouldn't matter. It's just a white dress without her in it. Just wait until she's in it," I turned to face him and he gave me a smug look. I was mostly mad that he knew me so well. He winked before catching up with Brooklyn. Lauren laughed at something Gabi said as I could see her light blue dress in the clear bag and I was jealous. Gabi turned her head and gave me a smile, "What are you looking at back there?" I took two extra strides and caught up with her.
"Just wondering what's in that black bag," I teased as I went for the zipper but she turned quickly and I chuckled. "You wouldn't…" she claimed and I shrugged my shoulders. "I don't know," I kissed her cheek and she shook her head as we found our ride. We all climbed into two different cars and Gabi's dress went in the opposite one of us. I crawled into the car as Gabi slid in next to me. Her head on my shoulder as I brushed her hair out of her face.
"You okay?" I asked her, she smiled looking up at me, "Yea, I'm good. I'm really happy." My heartbeat was a little faster as I kissed on her forehead. "I'm glad you're happy," I whispered to her. Those brown eyes flickered up to meet my face and a content smile reached across her face. "I think we're meeting with the wedding coordinator tonight, dinner, and then I think I'm going to sleep. We both have a busy day tomorrow." I arched my eyebrow, "What am I doing?" amusement laced my voice and she laughed, "You are making sure everything is ready to go with the coordinator while I spend the day in the spa getting primed and ready."
I rolled my eyes with a laugh, "I think I'd rather go with you." I redirected and she giggled, "No. I might have snuck in a game of golf," she whispered, I looked down at her with a smile on my face. Her fingers reached up to brush my skin and I couldn't breathe with her this close. "Friday?" I questioned; Gabi blew out a deep breath of air. "We're meeting with the coordinator in the morning, going to spend time with our friends, and then have our rehearsal before we don't see each other again until our wedding."
I felt the deep frown etch into my face, "Excuse me? What do you mean that I won't see you until our wedding on Saturday?" she smiled and didn't say anything but snuggled deeper into my arm. "Gabi," I whined, "I want to be with you the entire time," I dragged my nose down her skin and she laughed, "Troy, we're going to be with each other every single day the week after our wedding. Our honeymoon. I think you'll have plenty of time."
My eyes closed as I brushed my fingers over her bare skin and shook my head, "There will never be enough time with you, B. Never." I kissed her forehead as she took in a deep breath and laced our fingers together. "I love you, baby," she smiled while we enjoyed the ride to our hotel. My eyes searched the outside windows as the butterflies floated back up my stomach with the excitement of the fact that when we took this ride him – we were going to have rings around our fingers and she would be Mrs. Bolton.
Once we pulled into the resort, we all got out of the car and gathered our luggage. I went to check in with Eli, Lauren, and Trevor while the rest of the girls all stayed back while we got the room keys. Lauren and I were switching spots on Friday night. I was going to stay with Grey in their room while Lauren stayed with Gabi in our room – in the honeymoon suite. Gabi didn't know it yet but I made sure to get the best. It was expensive but I wanted it for her. I wanted her to have the best time.
"Mr. Bolton, congratulations on the wedding," the man said after I gave my name, I smiled, "Thank you, we're excited to finally get married." Eli snorted next to me. "Finally? You barely put a ring on her finger six months ago." I snorted out a laugh, "I didn't want that fast wedding, I mean, I have zero objections but she brought it up. She wanted it and if I don't forget we both agreed that whatever she wants – she gets." Eli chuckled as Lauren smirked on the other side. "Damn straight,"
I shook my head as the kind man gave me the cards and I smiled with thanks before I walked back towards Gabi. She was in deep discussion with her mom and I smiled reaching forward for her, "You ready?" she turned to face me. "Yea, I am." She gave her mom a smile. "I am going to go get refreshed in our room and then I'll meet you for the meeting at 5." My eyes glanced at my watch to see it was just after three. I smiled over at Brooklyn as she winked.
"Get settled. I'll see you both down here at five."
"Yes ma'am," I said as Gabi and I made our way to the elevator. I pressed the button to shut the door as I turned around to face her. She was leaning back against the elevator walls and I reached forward to brush her hair away from her face. My eyes focused on her chest as she inhaled deeply and those brown eyes fluttered up to meet mine. I smiled, "You're stunning," Gabi let out a laugh as she shook her head. "I'm literally a frizzy mess. I'm wearing old make-up, leggings, and a t-shirt."
A goofy smile crossed my lips, "I don't care about what you're wearing. I only care about you and I love you." She rolled her eyes as the doors dinged to our floor. We stepped off as I guided her down the hallway to our room. I slid in the key card to our door and I popped it up as Gabi followed me in with a gasp. The only thing that you saw first was the line of windows along the back wall with the view of the ocean and the pools down below. It was beautiful. Gabi stopped walking as she walked up to the windows and pulled open the balcony doors.
Breathing in deeply, I watched her hair blow in the wind and I smiled watching her. She turned around as there was champagne sitting on the bed with a notecard sending the hotels congrats. "Troy, this is stunning." I smiled as I pulled her into a hug. "Your dad and I split it. I wanted the best for you." She smiled and hugged me tightly, "I can't wait to be your wife."
Gabi's POV
Saturday, December 18th, 2021
Wedding Day
I exhaled with nerves rattling my stomach as I was so excited but so nervous to stand up in front of all of my friends and family tonight to vow myself to Troy. I rubbed my lips together as I rested my hands on my belly to settle the butterflies while I looked out at the ocean. Lauren, Jade, Brooke, and Viv were all in the suite with my mom holding Clara. "You okay?" I turned around as I faced Jessie. I gave her a smile, "yea, I am just getting nervous." Jessie grinned, "So is he. I just went to check on all of the boys and he is nervous but anxious to see you."
I smiled thinking of Troy pacing the room back and forth, "He wanted me to give you something." I let my eyes fall to hers because I had her deliver Troy a pair of basketball cuff links along with a new watch to wear today. I engraved the back of it with Forever Yours - B. "He loved his gift, by the way. He already had the watch on and he was having Grey put on his cuff links." I smiled as I sat down on the balcony as she handed me the package.
"I'll be inside," I smiled at her as I pulled the card and it was just a plain white card with nothing on the front. I opened the card and his handwriting was across the card. My heart racing with anticipation and excitement.
B,
Today is finally the day that I am going to marry you. By the end, you'll be Mrs. Bolton and God, how amazing does that sound? Knowing that we are going to be tied together forever. When I met you on the sidewalk at Duke and shared our first coffee together – I knew you were something special right then and there. I didn't know all of the struggles we would face that first year or for several years after. I didn't know how difficult some of the times were going to be but I did know that you were caring, funny, sweet, and the most beautiful girl. I knew you were going to change my life from the moment I met you and you did. You became my forever girl and I want nothing more than that. I want nothing more than just you. I love you, Gabriella Rae, you are so beautiful inside and out and I only ever want happiness in our future. You are becoming my wife today – I'm the happiest man alive. I hope you enjoy this little thing. I've been working on it well…since the moment I met you.
Troy
Butterflies erupted in my stomach again while I began to peel back the paper. The salty wind hit my face and I took in a deep breath of air before pulling it off to see a photo album. The very first picture was one picture that I would never forget. It was the selfie we took on our hike when we were keeping our relationship a secret. Tears pulled into my eyes as I pulled the book out and flipped to the first page as I gasped.
It was a picture of me trying to not allow him to take a picture of me but I was in the background with a big smile on my face and I could hear his laugh. It was the first time he ever showed me his pictures. The next was a picture of me on that hike, my head was tilted back and the sun was shining on my face and my eyes closed. The tears clogged my throat as I continued to flip through the pages. There were so many pictures that I never even knew about. A handful at the outdoor, our, basketball court that I never knew he took. One I was laying on my back with the basketball under my head while I just stared up with a smile on my face.
One was a picture of me studying on the floor, another was sleeping in the bed, the next picture was me during practice and during a game. The pictures all had different details highlighted and memories that came rushing back. Most of the pictures, I didn't know about but there were a lot of them that I remember trying to hide from him but he always found me. The tears ran down my face as once I got close to the end, I felt the tears give away to a sob.
One of the pictures was me on the bathroom floor, curled up, sleeping in his hoodie and a pair of shorts. It was a few days after my abortion and the bleeding was a little excessive and I was cramping out of my mind. I was an emotional mess and I could see the red tear marks down my face. I never knew he came by that day. The next few pictures were all during the time that I was trying to push him away. Most of the pictures you could see the wall between us but I saw them shift again to when I walked back into his life.
The second to last one was me sitting at a desk in our new house – my eyes focused on the page in front of me twirling my engagement ring around my finger. The focus was on the engagement ring and I didn't even try to stop the tears. The very last one was a picture of me at the airport and I was laughing with my head thrown back. My hair tumbling down my back and I couldn't stop my smile as I traced my picture before I looked down at the note on the last page.
B,
I've been working on this for a long time knowing that I wanted to show you how I see you. I've seen you in every single state and every single emotion. In every single one, you are more beautiful than the last. I see all of the memories and all of the growth we did throughout these photos. You are so beautiful, B. I'm lucky to call you mine.
I wiped away my tears as I flipped through the book again and I smiled at every single picture, I didn't deserve him. I shouldn't do this and get all of this after everything. "You okay?" I tilted my head back to see Lauren and I smiled, "Yea. I am. I just realize how much I love him and how much I want to marry him right this second." Lauren laughed as she played with my hair that was curled and just laying down my back.
"The make-up artist is ready for you," she said quietly, I nodded as I stood up and I walked over to the door. I hugged the book to my chest and I settled into the chair as I wiped away my tears. "Sweetie, are you okay?" I looked at my mom and I laughed, "Yea, I'm just really happy to marry Troy. His gift was perfect and so personal…I can't wait." My mom smiled and I saw the smile creep onto Jessie's cheeks. I rubbed my lips together and I took in this moment and the feeling…I didn't want it to go away.
I nervously awaited out of sight as everybody was getting seated and settled before I walked down the aisle. I felt Troy close by and that gave me enough courage to breathe through all of this. Maybe he was right the other night – I didn't like to be away from him for this long. I didn't like not knowing how he was doing and what we were doing. I just wanted to be with him. "Gabi," I turned at my dad's intake of breath and I smiled as I glanced down at my dress. The deep V on the front and the back were stunning against my tan skin and the dress was lightweight while my hair blew in the wind.
"You look stunning," I smiled as I hugged him tightly while holding my tropical flowers. "Thanks, Dad," I whispered, my dad squeezed me back and I breathed out a deep breath, "You are going to do amazing. Just breathe," I thanked him for the reminder as everybody was suddenly floating down the aisle. The time was quickly moving and the anxiety was turning inside my body and I just couldn't wait to see him. Wyatt and Clara were the ring bear and flower girl while all of our best friends walked to down the aisle together. I felt my stomach twist and tears were gathering in my eyes while I heard the familiar song start to play.
I took a swift intake of air as my dad hooked our arms and we started to walk down the aisle together and the moment we turned the corner, I locked eyes on him immediately and his eyes locked on me before they slowly began to trail down my body and making it back to my eyes. The way his eyes devoured my body for the first time in 18 hours was everything I wanted it to be. The way he lingered for a moment too long on my breasts and then came back up to focus on my eyes and my face. There was nobody else around us – it was just the two of us. The tears started to fall down my cheeks as I could see Troy's eyes welling with tears as well. He looked dashing in his blue suit. The need to touch him was so great and so deep. The need to get to him faster. The need to just hold his hand.
The need to constantly be with Troy and to see his beaming pride in his eyes was enough to knock me on my knees. I wanted to run to him. I wanted to wrap my legs around his waist and just hold him tight because I was the luckiest girl alive.
He made my heart beat faster, my palms were sweaty, and my whole body tingled with anticipation. My dad and I made it to the end of the alter and I had the faint awareness of speaking around me but I couldn't take my eyes off of him. He lifted his arm and brushed against my shoulder. His eyes weren't leaving me as he reached forward and stroked my cheek after. My body leaned into the touch of his warm hand as I felt my entire body relax. All of the nerves disappeared, all of the anxiety washed away, everything disappeared with just one touch of his against my skin. My dad let go of my hand as I reached forward to kiss his cheek and he smiled his own watery smile. "I love you, Gabi. I know I made a lot of mistakes but I am so happy for you," he whispered into my ear, I tried to keep the tears away but it was useless. I squeezed his hand and thanked him again as he took his seat.
Troy picked up my hand and laced our fingers together as he leaned into my body, his lips brushing against my ear, "Gabriella, you are stunning," he whispered into my ear. I blushed as he shook his head while the man in front of us spoke about something but I just focused on Troy. The way his finger stroked my hand, the way his eyes kept trailing my entire body and may be trying to get a peek down the front of my dress. He squeezed my hand gently causing my eyes to meet his and he seemed to be paying just as much attention.
"Gabi," I pulled my attention away from Troy as I turned to face the man who was responsible for marrying us. "Did you prepare your vows?" I cleared my throat and I nodded, "Yes," he smiled, "You may recite them now," I swallowed on the lump in my throat as I turned towards Lauren who gave me the card and I looked up at Troy who bright blue eyes matched the ocean behind him. I smiled softly as I looked at my notecard and I released a shaky breath.
"Troy, the moment you walked into my life was the moment you turned my entire world upside down – for the better. I was lost in this thing called life with no direction of how to get out of the dark hole I was in. We bonded over our love of coffee and later – basketball. Our special spot, on that court, was where I fell in love with you and you pointed me in the right direction. I never in my life thought I would stumble upon the love of my life, I never thought I deserved the kind of love you provided, and I never thought that I would be standing here in front of the love of my life getting ready to make him my husband. It never fit into my life and I never trusted anybody enough but you…you dug yourself in and you stayed." I wiped away the tears as I looked up at Troy and his own eyes were full of tears as I continued my vows to him. His soft skin brushing against my skin and the squeeze of my hand to urge me to continue.
"You are the reason I get up every single day with a smile on my face, the excitement to return home, you are the reason that my mind is constantly thinking. You are the reason that I love so hard, you are the reason I laugh so freely, and you are the reason that I smile so brightly. I will support you, love you, and cherish my time with you. I promise to make all the decisions together. I promise to support you with your dreams and help achieve all of our dreams together. I promise to be with you in times of sickness and in crisis. I promise to encourage you, remain faithful to you, and inspire you to be the greatest person you can be. I love you, Troy. You are the light to my life and I want to promise you forever and then some more because forever just doesn't seem enough." Once I stopped Troy pulled me into his arms and squeezed me, his nose burying into my hair, and I couldn't stop the tears. "I love you," he whispered into my ear, "I love you so much,"
Troy cleared his throat as he pulled back and he looked at me with a smile pulling on his lips while he closed his eyes for a moment, his blue eyes were swimming with happiness and so much pride as he looked at me. The desire that was buried in those blue orbs to just grab me and kiss me hard – that was going to be the best kiss of my life.
"B I wish I could stand up here and make promises to you that I could keep. I wish I could promise that we would never struggle or fight. I wish I could promise that there wasn't going to be heartache and broken promises. I wish I could promise that every single night we would share a bed without being angry. I wish I could promise that we were going to be healthy for every year to come and have kids without zero issues. I wish I could promise that every single day was going to be full of rainbows and happiness – but I can't. I can't promise you those things because I can't control any of it but what I can promise? I promise to love you so fiercely and so deeply." He paused as he swallowed back on the tears in his throat that were collecting. "I promise to support all of your choices – hard or simple. I promise to continuously be by your side through thick and thin. I promise to hold you after long and hard days. I promise to give you my loyalty, my devotion, and respect. I promise to listen to you and care for you."
A tear slid down his face as I reached forward to brush it away through the thick of my tears. Troy grabbed my hand and he kissed my hand gently, "I promise to thank God every single day because I have you in my life. I need nothing more than just that alone and I promise to remember that, to protect you, and to try and prevent all of the bad things but know that with those bad things that I will be there for you. We fight together, B. We do this life together. That I can promise you. My biggest promise is my unconditional love. I love you, B." I choked back a sob as I felt his vows deep in my soul, so deep that they buried deep within.
The rest of the ceremony was a blur as we said I do with each other, he pushed my ring on my finger, and I pushed the ring onto his left hand on that finger with the direct access to his heart. Finally, the words that Troy and I had both been longing for had been echoed.
"Troy, you may kiss your bride," and it wasn't two milliseconds later before his hands framed my face and he pulled me in for a deep kiss. The cheers of the crowd faded and I wrapped my arms around him to pull me in closer. The tears started to slip down my face again with the thought that I was officially Mrs. Bolton. That we were a unit, a team, and by law, he was mine. He pulled back with that goofy smile on his face while he wiped away my tears.
"I love you, B"
"I love you, too," I whispered to him and he winked before he turned, looped our arms, and smirked to the crowd, his eyes looking down at me with a big smile on his face. "You ready for this?" he questioned and I smiled in response.
Troy's POV
The moment I got her down the aisle and inside the waiting area, I pulled her into a room because I had to kiss her more than that. Her dress – was stunning. I about fell over dead the moment I locked eyes on her as her hair was down in beach waves with that dress. Oh God, that dress. It was the perfect shade of white with such a deep V down the front it left little to the imagination. The material was see-through until right before her belly button. The dress flared out but it hugged her ass before the train developed.
She turned around and I felt my jaw go slack – my first look of her from behind. I adjusted myself through my pants and cleared my throat as she turned around, "Gabi," I whispered quietly and she faced me with a smile on her face. Those brown eyes relaxed and happy and I looked at the two rings sparkling on her finger. My own eyes glanced down at the gold ring around my finger. "Your dress is stunning," I whispered to her. "You are stunning."
I breathed out heavily as I let my fingers run through my hair, down her neck, and then down her arms. I reached around back as my hand splayed across the bare skin and I pulled her closer to me. "The back of this dress is going to murder me," I whispered into her hair and she laughed tossing her head back. "I asked the lady for something with an open back because I knew how it drives you crazy. I know how much you love to touch my skin." I felt a growl leave my throat and I pulled her into my back. My hands grasping at her back.
"God, you're beautiful." I kissed her hard and rough for the first time as I needed her. The anticipation all day long was killing me. I woke up this morning and I palmed the bed looking for her. The moment I remembered why she wasn't in my bed didn't justify her not being in my bed. I loved waking up every single morning right by her side and getting to pull her close to me. That was my favorite part of the day and my second was crawling into bed with her. I pried open her mouth as she groaned into mine.
Pulling away before I got too carried away was important. I wasn't fucking my wife for the first time in the holding area – that was for damn sure and I wanted to see her in this dress longer. Her fingers gripped around my neck and she held me close, "I missed you," she whispered, I felt the smile tug onto my lips, "I missed you more. I woke up sad this morning." She laughed and hugged me tightly, her head resting on my chest as we both breathed.
"Mrs. Bolton," I murmured and she laughed softly at the words and it filled my chest with happiness. "Yes, Mr. Bolton?" I felt a smile pull onto my lips and I kissed her roughly on my mouth one more time. "Your vows…" she said pulling back. "Your wedding gift," she gasped at the words and I saw the tears developing again. I breathed out with a smile on my face, "You liked it?" she nodded her head as she wiped away her tears.
"Yea, I loved it. I loved the book of pictures and I loved your vows and it's true. You can't promise a happily ever after – you can promise to stand by my stand and I love it. I'm so thankful for you, Troy." She whispered and I cupped her chin softly. My thumb brushed her skin and I breathed in deeply as we had to go take pictures and get the party started but I really only wanted to take her and hide. "I can't wait for Sunday when there is nobody but us,"
Gabi let a slow smile curve on her lips and I reached forward to kiss her softly this time, our lips tangling together for a brief moment, our breaths shared, and the look that connected us together. Her arms slipped inside my suit jacket and we were both quiet for a moment. A loud knock on the door made both of us jump, "Hey! I know you two needed a moment but pictures need to start." Lauren yelled through the door and I grunted as Gabi smiled.
"C'mon, you get me all the rest of the night," she linked our fingers as she tugged gently, "Yes Mrs. Bolton," I commented and she giggled tossing me a look over her shoulder and I smiled back, yea, I could get used to this. I wanted to chase her for the rest of my life.
I tipped back the last of my beer as I knew it was almost time for our first dance. We took pictures with the sunset in the background and we laughed. We laughed while we took our pictures, we drank each other in, and this day was perfect. "Troy," I twisted my head to see Gabi as she smiled over at me, "C'mon, it's time for our dance!" I smiled following her as Grey jerked my shoulder backward, "You look damn happy," he said with a smile on his face.
I laughed as I looked over at her again, "I am damn happy," Grey just smiled as he found Lauren in the crowd as she was dancing with Clara. I caught up with Gabi as I pulled her into my bed as the DJ said we were going to do our first dance together. I smiled as our song slowly began to trickle out of the speakers and the ocean breeze swept over us.
Falling Like the Stars by James Arthur began to play throughout and I tugged her closer as I always thought about her with this song. It was a joke that we fell in love under the stars at the basketball court and this song was so close to the truth. I wanted to come home and never let her go every single night. I loved her so hard and so much. "What's on your mind?" he whispered as we danced together, our fingers linked, our hearts in beat with each other, and the cloud of happiness that we're setting into.
"Just thinking about you and this song," I whispered into her ear. "About all of those nights on the basketball court under the stars. Promise me when we get home we'll try and go out there and play. I miss playing with you." A smile jerked onto her lips and she looked at me, "Yea, we will. I hate that school starts back up so fast." I smiled, "I can't wait to watch you achieve all of your dreams." I told her, 'I'm glad I get to be right by your side during the entire thing."
Gabi rested her head on my chest and I held her close to me. I almost wanted to stop the dance and just hold her against me but I continued to move our feet. "You are my dream, Troy Bolton. Thank you for never letting me go." A smile worked onto my lips, "I'm thinking that exploring this country with you will be amazing also I hope we can continue to travel like this." Gabi let out a laugh, "We have done a lot of traveling this year – haven't we?" I nodded my head while I rolled my lips together in a smile. "Best year of my life."
"The year we met isn't?" she challenged, I laughed, "No. It's not. That was a really hard year for both of us. We've had a lot of hard years together, B. After we got together, we had to balance basketball, school, and our relationship, and then everything else – I'm glad we got a good amount of time just together where we are settled." Gabi frowned for a moment before her smile lifted slowly back up. "I'm determined to make this the best year of our life."
"Yea?" I challenged back, "Yea, I want this to be the year we look back on with the best of memories. All of the happiness that is right here – I want that all year long. I know this next year of medical school is going to be long but I want to do everything we can." I smiled as I heard the song coming to an end and I buried my lips into her hair. "Yes, I want to do it all as well. I want to make all of it work." The song ended and I tipped her head backward and kissed her softly. The crowd clapped as I squeezed her closer. I let her spin out and she laughed while we went back into the crowd of our closest friends and family.
My dad smirked over at me as I shook my head while grabbing a beer. I took a deep pull as the microphone crackled and somebody cleared their throat. I turned towards the noise to see Lauren holding the microphone with a wine glass in her hand. "I think it's time to do the toasts before this party really spirals out of hand." The crowd laughed as I went over to Gabi and slipped my arm across her back allowing my palm to rest against her bare skin.
The mere presence of her bare skin caused me to spiral down and want to fuck her against a wall. She was god damn sexy as sin. I rolled my lips together as she leaned into my body as Lauren began to speak.
"I've known Gabi since we were both six years old. We became fast friends in elementary school and we never stopped. We played basketball together, we won together, and we ruled high school together. Slowly over the years, she became my sister more than anything else," Lauren's voice caught and she swallowed on the lump. Grey moved in behind her and rubbed her back soothingly. I gripped my own girl tight as I felt her goosebumps trail down her arms from her best friends' words.
"Gabi and I did absolutely everything together so when she decided Duke – I decided Duke. We did it together. I knew she was going to play basketball and I was thrilled to watch her achieve her dreams. I was the only person she ever made time outside of her basketball world after I stopped playing and I loved her for that. Yet, when her world was turned upside down so was mine. I didn't know how to comfort my best friend or tell her that everything was going to be okay but I didn't know because I didn't know Gabi without basketball." Lauren paused as she looked up and looked at the two of us with tears burning in her eyes.
"Yet the moment Troy walked into her life – I saw something change in her. I saw her come back to life and slowly my best friend came back. She found the love of her life on the campus of Duke and in return introduced me to the love of my life." The crowd laughed as Grey smirked behind her. "Troy and Gabi kind of shoved us together and I am so thankful. We watched them fall in love and it was helpful that Grey and Troy were best friends. They would play video games while we wined and gossiped and all of us were happy." The crowd laughed again as I smiled. "I'm so thankful for both of them in my life, in Grey's life, and I am so happy for the two of them. I've watched them struggle, I've watched them fall and love hard, I've watched both of them grow and learn with each other. Troy, I know how much you love her and I am so thankful you love my best friend like that. She deserves that kind of love and I swear if you ever stop…I will not be kind to you." I choked on a laugh as Lauren giggled herself.
"Gabi, Troy deserves the same kind of love back. I know that your world is complex and changing constantly but never forget him and how much he loves you. Laugh with each other and love each other the same. Support each other and I can't wait to see where the future takes the both of you to love birds, here's to Troy and Gabi and their future." Everybody raised their glasses as Gabi walked over and hugged Lauren tightly.
Lauren handed the microphone over to Grey and he smirked, "Where do I begin?" I shook my head as I took a sip of my beer. "I met Troy Bolton in our first apartment complex together. We were paired up as roommates and damn was I lucky. We became fast best friends and I told him one thing from the very beginning – 1. Don't date coach's daughter and 2. Don't get caught up in girls. We didn't have time for that. Our schedules were intense and it was just not something that we should focus on and what did this fool go and do?" the crowd laughed as I couldn't contain my own laugh. "He went and fell in love with coach's daughter – the dumb boy. He was in for an uphill battle there but he did it. He fell in love and got to keep her and got to keep his spot on the team – Coach must have had a real soft spot for him."
I chuckled as I swung my eyes to Eli and he shook his head with a loud laugh, "But I have known Gabi longer than Troy had and from the moment Troy walked into her life – I saw her bloom and become a whole different person. They had an attraction to each other that I haven't seen before. You could see that their souls belonged to each other. They hid their relationship for a while but everybody could see it. Where she was, he followed. They were made for each other and through thick and thin – they have been there for each other. I'm glad we're all best friends because I couldn't imagine doing this life without you guys. Gabi, I am so thankful that you are marrying him. He deserves a girl just like you. Troy, you picked a good one. She has a beautiful soul and I can't wait to see what those kids look like – also I get prime Godparent duties." The crowd laughed as Grey gave a goofy smile.
"I hope you guys have the best life ever, to Troy and Gabs."
We clinked glasses as we all took a picture together while I looked around thankful to everybody here. The dance floor opened up and I gently tugged on Gabi's hand and I took her to a quiet corner. "You okay?" Gabi asked and I smiled, "Yea, I am okay. I just wanted a moment to you. I wanted to breathe and watch this together and remember this together." Gabi looked over at all of our friends laughing and dancing together.
Wyatt was dancing with Eli on the dance floor together, Gabi hooked her arm around me and her head rested on my chest. "I'm so glad we have this," she whispered and I smiled kissing the top of her hair. "Are you ready for this whole adventure?" I questioned and she laughed, "No, but with you by my side – we're going to rock this world together. Anything is possible with you by my side, B." our lips tangled together again and she breathed life into me. "Promise to always hang on,"
I brushed my thumb over her lip with a growing smile on my face, she was beautiful, her make-up was light in nature, her hair starting to frizz from the humid air around us but so god damn beautiful, "Yea, I can definitely keep that promise, too."
Hey guys! Sorry for the really long time between updates! School is definitely kicking my ass currently but after a flurry of tests – I finally had some time to write! I hope you guys enjoyed their wedding! It was fun to write and I love this story and where it's going! There will be another jump in the timeline but that will continue till the end of the story. I hope you all have a fantastic Valentine's Day and a great weekend! Hopefully, this is a good start!
Let me know what yall loved!
PLEASE REVIEW
J
