Chapter 25 – Happiness

Thursday, August 1st, 2019

Troy's POV

I watched Gabi sway to the music as Dan + Shay were singing on stage and I couldn't even pay an ounce of attention. My eyes, my attention, everything, was on her. Fifty times today I thought about bailing on my friends because leaving her for an entire weekend made my knees weak. It only made me more comfortable that she was inviting the girls over Saturday night for a girl's night. Tomorrow, Beth was going to stay with her with the kids for a little slumber party. It's the only reason I didn't bail.

I let my hands wrap around her waist and I pulled her back against me as she tilted her head back in a big grin, "This is amazing," she nearly yelled over the music and I just dropped my mouth to her mouth. My Side of the Fence was playing in the background and she smiled wider, "I love you," I whispered into her ear and she kissed my chin. She looked stunning in that dress and I could only remember the fact that she didn't have any underwear on. Her little belly stuck out and it made me want to leave but I could see how much she was enjoying this.

Dinner with her tonight – was everything we needed. We talked and laughed throughout the entire dinner and I just fall deeper and deeper in love with her. Her fingers gripped my arm and we swayed to the music as Tequila started and Gabi sang softly underneath of her breath. The crowd was energetic and singing loudly to the music everybody knew by heart.

"I ain't even drunk and I'm thinking about how I need ya," I whispered into her ear and she laughed. I could feel the vibration against my chest and she spun around and locked her arms around my neck. "You are my tequila; I always need more." She went onto her tiptoes and pressed her lips to mine. I easily picked her up and she wrapped her legs around my waist. "I want ice cream," she whispered as the song began to wind down and then went into the last track of the night. Speechless started and if there was a song that I ever felt more in my heart – it was this one.

"This is our song," she murmured in my ear as I dropped her as our fingers locked together. I turned her and started to dance in our little area and she tilted her head to grin at me. "You are my everything," I told her. "I keep trying to figure out the best excuse to get out of this weekend because leaving you…" I just buried my lips into her hair and listened to the song. The crowd into it as our whole little area started to dance with each other.

"Do you know what my favorite line is from this song?" I asked her as the crowd sang the words and she tilted her head to the side. She shook her head back and forth while she bit down on her lip. "I've been in a daze ever since we meet," I told her and she leaned her head into my chest. "Because from the day I saw you walk in that gym – I've been in a daze of you. Every morning, I wake up, and it's you. Every night, I fall asleep thinking about you. You are my world," I whispered into her ear as the song was ending and the crowd was getting louder. Gabi squeezed my body before turning around and cheering with the crowd.

She linked our hands together and we quickly started to find our way out of the crowd. She crossed in front of me and our hands disconnected for a brief moment and my eyes watched as another guy plowed into her. The panic seized my entire body. She stumbled and I gaped, "Brie," I called her name as my pace picked up as I quickly wrapped my arm around her waist to keep her from hitting the ground face first. She gasped and I pulled her back up as I secured her to my body. I quickly turned her around and framed her face with my hands as my blue eyes scanned everything about her, "Are you okay?"

She just nodded her head up and down as I finally let out a breath of air, "Are you sure?" she nodded her head again as she wrapped her arms around my waist. She buried her head into my chest and I just held her for a moment before I walked her out. Once the crowd disappeared and the night air circled around us as she eased her grip off of me as she inhaled. "That was terrifying. I never saw him." Her hands were shaking and I stopped to give her a moment. "I don't think he saw you either. I'm just glad that I saw you." She gave me a half smile and I pressed my lips into her hair. "I was slightly terrified for a moment but we're okay,"

"Can we get some ice cream?" she asked and I just grinned, "Of course, anything for my girl and babies." I walked down the street hand in hand as we moved towards an ice cream shop in Charleston. "Did you have fun?" I asked her and she nodded her head with a big grin on her face. "It was amazing, thank you baby," she leaned into my body and I kissed her head as the ice cream shop was full but we happily waited in line together.

"I'm going to miss the fuck out of you," I whispered into her ear and she laughed, "You are literally going to be gone for like three days. I am going to be okay." She murmured and tilted back to look at me. "I know but…waking up with you every morning. Getting to see your face. That's what I want. I don't really wanna wake up with Jax snuggling me." She barked out a laugh and I just chuckled underneath of my breath. "I'll keep the bed warm with Luna. We're going to be okay; I'll facetime you in the morning. It's good for us to spend time apart."

I scrunched my eyebrows and shook my head with a laugh, "No, it's not." I dipped to kiss her and she smiled. We both laughed as I let my thumb brush her cheek. "You are my everything. I don't ever want to be apart from you."

"Your friends need you before we have twins." She reminded me and we both just laughed. "Fine, fine, but promise to facetime me every morning? I like when you just wake up in the morning." We both laughed together again as we ordered our ice cream. My eyes just watched her as she took her first bite and savored it while rubbing her lips together and her eyes fluttered shut. Yea, I wasn't going to be able to make it home.

Friday, August 2nd, 2019

Gabi's POV

I felt the movement next to me and I twisted in the bed as I was still naked from Troy's ravish of my entire body when we got home. He left nothing untouched and we spent our entire night extending our date further into Friday morning. My body was sated and completely happy by the time we fell asleep. I opened my eyes and Troy was picking up his bag and backpack while stuffing his charger and phone into his bag. I reached up to rub my eyes as they were flying to Dallas to golf all weekend.

Apparently, they had a big plan to go to San Francisco next to year to golf but with everything up in the air – they weren't sure. I was hoping that they would still get to do their yearly trips. "Hey," he whispered quietly once he noticed that I was awake. "I didn't mean to wake you up." I shook my head as I reached for his t-shirt that was still laying on the ground. I pulled it over my head and I rose up to my knees as I reached in for a hug. "I would have been really mad if I didn't wake up to you leaving. I need a good-bye kiss. I would have been even more mad if you left without saying good-bye." Troy smiled softly as he dropped a kiss to my lips. "I said good-bye all night long," he whispered and I just laughed as I kissed him again. "I love you, be safe. Please text me when you take off and land. Don't do anything stupid. We need you here."

Troy smiled while he brushed his fingers over my face, "I'll be back late Sunday night, okay? Monday we're going on another date because I really liked our last date." I couldn't help but laugh as I kissed him again. "We'll do a facetime on Saturday with all of the girls here. I'll see you tomorrow morning. Facetime me once you are up."

Troy shook his head, "You wake me up."

We both laughed and I kissed him again. "TROY! I know you two are doing things you shouldn't be doing! GABI, he needs to leave!" Cameron's voice wafted up the stairs and I couldn't stop my laugh as I dipped in for a kiss again. "Go, these babies and I will be just fine. Think of some names," I told him with a wink. "I love you. Text me or call me if you need anything, okay?" I just nodded my head. "I love you, too." He kissed me again and I let go as I crawled backwards into bed. "Bye, Brie," he called and I smiled as I curled back up in bed. I heard his laugh downstairs and his friends laughing with him and knew that this was a weekend that he needed.

"Thank you," I said with a smile on my face to the pizza delivery driver. He nodded as he walked away with the tip and bag as I returned inside as Beth, Lucy, and Blaine were all sitting at the table playing a round of go fish. Lucy giggled as she peered at her cards, "Blaine, do you have any 2s?" she asked and Blaine groaned causing a giggle to burst out of Lucy. "I WIN!" she stood up on the chair and wiggled her butt causing Beth and I to both laughs.

"Good job, Lucy." I said as I sat the pizza down in the middle of all of them. Luna rubbed against my leg and tried to get a better look at the food that was just settled on the table. "Gabi, do you want anything to drink?" Beth asked standing up and walking back over to the kitchen. "Just water," I said as I pulled out a piece of pizza for Lucy while Blaine dove into the other box. "Thanks Aunt Gabi," I shot him a smile. "No problem. I'm surprised you didn't have any better plans tonight with summer coming to an end."

Blaine just shrugged his shoulders after taking a bite. "My friends were getting together but I didn't feel like going." He mumbled and I rose an eyebrow as I looked over at Beth who also seemed just as confused. I set that aside and figured we could come back to it later when Lucy was asleep. "Lucy, are you excited to start first grade in a couple of weeks?" I asked her and she grinned, "Yes! I am going to be the bestest first grader!" she cheered and I just smiled as Blaine sent her his own smile.

"Blaine, how old are you going to be?" she asked her brother and Blaine chuckled, "I'll be in 11th grade. Ten whole grades ahead of you."

"Are you going to get him something for his birthday, Aunt Gabi? His birthday is in a couple of days!" I watched Blaine's face as I knew that was going to be hard for him. His first birthday without his mom. I just…I couldn't believe the one-year anniversary was coming up in just a short month. That caused my stomach to rock and I just shook my head to try and get rid of that thought. "I think grandma is planning something special," I told Lucy.

"Oh, like princess special?" Blaine laughed, "I don't like princesses," he reminded her and Lucy huffed as she took a big bite of pizza. "Why not? I loved when mommy read me princess stories." She sighed as Blaine looked at his sister for a few beats and just nodded his head slowly. "I know. You used to get so excited when she would pull out the Ariel books. You would ask her to listen over and over again." Lucy just smiled wide, "I love the Little Mermaid!"

Beth and I shared a look as the two siblings continued to talk about Zoey which was probably good for Lucy – to know that she could still talk about her. "Aunt Beth, dad said you were going to move in for a little bit." Blaine finally said as we were wrapping up dinner. She nodded, "Just for a few weeks while I find my own place to live and to let your dad have a bit of a breather. I think he might go on a week vacation or something. He needs some time." Beth said softly and Blaine just nodded.

Lucy got up and ran around the house with Luna hot on her tail as Blaine watched her for a beat before looking at Beth and I. "I think my dad needs help. He's struggling," Blaine said. I got up and I went over to my nephew who was suddenly very tall and not so much a little boy anymore. "We know Blaine, that's why he just needs to get away for a little bit. To just…have time to himself. I think it'll be good for him. He's still seeing his therapist; I check with him weekly about it. He isn't drinking, is he?" Blaine shook his head no and he just watched Lucy. "He's just not…there."

"I'm sorry, Blaine." He gave a half smile as he battled back tears in his eyes, "I wish she was here. I hate that I wish sometimes it was him instead of her. I feel awful about the thought but I think she would have handled this better. She would have still been my mom. The pain wouldn't have been any less but…I would feel more supported. I feel like we can't talk about her at home. The pictures of her are disappearing. I hid the one in my room and Lucy's room. I just," he scrubbed at his face and I hugged him tightly. Beth came from the other side and we just held him for a moment. "I want her here," he nearly crippled over in a sob and my entire heart shattered below me.

"We are here for you," I heard Beth whisper. "I know I disappeared for a while and I am sorry – but I am here for you now. I am in your corner and you can talk about your mom. I am so proud of you for doing it with Lucy when I know it's so hard. Your dad will recover from this. You just have to give him time. The first year is always the hardest and he's made it this far. He's still going to work. He's still paying the bills. He showed up to your games. He's trying his hardest but he is under a blanket of grief. That was his forever girl – and I know you don't understand yet but one day you will. You will find that girl…or guy if you are debating that," Blaine laughed at her words and she smiled, "You will understand why your dad is struggling this hard because he just absolutely loved your mom. She was the girl who walked on water."

Blaine smiled as he thought of his mom and Beth squeezed his hand, "I think you probably see it better with Troy and Gabi. That's how your mom and dad were – always. Troy looks at Gabi as if she hung the moon in the sky, with absolute love and adoration. Your dad did the same with your mom. I always know I'm not with the right guy unless he looks at me like that. You have to give him time to be able to just breathe again without her next to him. Hopefully, a little trip, some time away, and the year anniversary happening will help but you know you have Gabi and I in your corner."

Blaine just looked between the two of us with a tiny smile, "We wouldn't have survived this without either of you," he whispered. "You made this year bearable and thank you." Beth and I just hugged him again and he hugged us back tightly. "Group hug?!" Lucy jumped in his lap and wrapped her arms around him. "I love you Blainey," she whispered and I felt my heart crack with the words as Blaine circled his arms around his sister. "I love you, Goose."

"Can we watch Little Mermaid?" Lucy asked and Blaine just nodded as she yelled with excitement before running to the living room. Beth and I started to clean up as Blaine stood up to his full height and cracked a grin, "I like girls…just so we're clear." Beth and I shared a look and busted out laughing. "Positive?" Blaine just grinned with a nod of his head, "Absolutely. But thanks for double checking. That would have made this whole year worse." He joked.

Beth and I just doubled over in a fit of laughter.

The kids were both passed out around us as we had turned on a different movie after Lucy fell asleep. "I'm glad you were here with me tonight." I said looking over at Beth and she smiled. "I haven't had a single regret coming back. You're getting married and having babies. I need to be here for that." She said quietly back and I swallowed on the lump in my throat. "I would haven't been able to enjoy any of it if you didn't come back."

Beth smiled as she circled her thumb over a cup of wine, "I'll ask you in a cute way but – you do know you are my maid of honor, right?" Beth looked over at me with tears in her eyes and she just blinked her eyes rapidly for a few seconds. "I figured you would have Jenna or somebody," she said and I shook my head as I glanced down at Lucy in my lap. "No, it's you. You and Zoey would have shared the roll and I want it to be you."

"I don't deserve that. I left you." I shook my head, "You came back." I told her and she covered her mouth as tears slipped down her cheeks. I gently moved Lucy off my lap and I crawled over on the couch as I sat next to Beth. "The hardest part was coming back and you did that. I understand, Beth. I understand why you left. I understand why you needed time and you were able to do it. It was hard on me – yes. It was hard on our parents – yes. Could you have done it differently? Probably. Nobody is mad though and if it isn't you standing next to me on my big day then I don't want anybody standing next to me."

Beth wrapped her arms around me in a tight hug, "I love you, Gabs. I know we weren't always the closest growing up but I am so happy that you are my sister. I love that he has made you happy. You deserve to be happy." I rested my head on the top of her head, "You deserve to be just as happy. You will find the guy who looks at you like you walk on water." Beth sighed heavily, "I did." She responded and I pulled back in surprise as I looked at her face, "You what?"

She gave a sad smile, "I met him in Wyoming. He works on a cattle ranch. I spent the most time there but…" she sighed heavily as she blinked away tears. "It's where I got your first phone call about being pregnant. I just…I had to leave and I just left right after. I fell in love with him so quickly and suddenly that it rocked both of our lives. He was such a great guy and he looked at me like Troy looks at you. How James looked at Zoey. I learned how to work on a cattle ranch, I fell in love, I spent so much time with him knowing that I wasn't staying forever and he had a job there and I have a life here and…" she gave a sad smile. "It was never going to work. He called me the morning after I left and begged me to turn around and come back but I was already a state away and knew that it was time to start my journey back home."

"Beth," I whispered and she wiped away a few tears that slid down her face. "Have you talked to him since?" I asked her and she nodded, "Every few weeks but it's starting to get harder because he wants me to come back and I have to stay here. He understands that I need to be here but the selfish side of me wants to go back to him. He has a job here that he can't do here." I looked at my sister and I truly thought hard about nothing having Troy Bolton in my life and that absolutely crushed me. "You have to go back," I told her and her eyes swung to mine.

"What?"

The tears filled my eyes but I nodded my head, "You have to go back. You deserve that happiness. That love. If he looks at you like Troy Bolton looks at me and treats you how he treats me…then you have to go back. You don't get that again." The tears spilled down my face knowing that I would have to say good-bye to my sister but I would do it if she was happier. "You are going to have twins, Gabi. You are getting married. I can't leave you." Beth said in dramatics and I swallowed on the lump in my throat. "You will still be their aunt. I will still be your sister. You will still be my maid of honor. You can't let him go through."

"It was just 20 days," she whispered and I shook my head, "I knew I wanted to marry Troy Bolton after 12 hours."

"I want you to meet him before I just go live with him. I have to be here for the kids for a while longer. I can't go back."

"Yet," I whispered back to her.

Her eyes held mine, "You wouldn't hate me if I left?" I shook my head back and forth. "I could never hate you and if that man makes you happy? If he makes you feel loved? Beautiful? Inspired to be your best…I could never ask you to throw that away for me. Never." Beth wiped her face and I did the same to mine as she reached for her cell phone. She pulled up a picture and twisted the phone to face me. It was a very tall and broad man with blonde hair and soft hazel eyes with a big smile on his face as he looked down at Beth in the picture. He was in a flannel shirt with a pair of jeans that hugged his hips and his thighs stretched the pants out. He was rough and handsome – almost exactly what I would picture Beth with. She was laughing in the picture in a cute sweater with jeans and her hair hanging down by her waist.

"Wow, you both look insanely happy and he is very handsome," I said to her and she gave me a tiny smile. "His name is Colt," I laughed at the irony and she smiled up at me. "He is an amazing man, Gabi. I absolutely am head over heels in love with him."

"Then you need to be with him."

Beth just shook her head, "I can't be with him. I can't leave mom and dad. I can't leave you. I can't leave the kids. I can't leave James."

"You can be with him. You can leave mom and dad. You can leave me. You can leave the kids. You can leave James. Yes, maybe stay the six weeks that you promised him but after that…you don't have anything keeping you here besides us. Your work is fluid and I know you. You will never just disappear from our lives again. You deserve this chance at love, Bethy. That man looks like he loves you just as much and I think you give it a chance. Have him come meet the family and then go back with him. There are planes, cars, and trains that will take us to each other."

Beth couldn't stop the flow of tears, "You really think I should go live in Wyoming?" I couldn't stop my laugh as I just nodded, "You might need a bigger winter coat." Beth laughed and hugged me tightly, "I'm going to call him," she pressed a few buttons before she was facetiming and I started to get up but she shook her head and planted her hand on my leg. "Beth?" The timber voice echoed the line as his voice was deep and strong. "Colt," she whispered back to him.

"Are you okay?" I heard a bed shifting and moving from his end and she nodded her head, "Yea, I just…do you think you can find time in the next six weeks to come to Charleston?" He grunted from the other end of the line. "What is this about Beth? Just two days ago you told me that you could never come back. That your life at home was too complicated and I get it. Your family needs you but I want you. I need you. I can't keep doing this if you are just going to keep giving me the same answer."

"I know, I uh, wait, first I want you to meet somebody." She twisted the phone to face to me and I was face to face with a blonde Greek god. His chest bare and his hazel eyes half asleep, "Colt, this is my sister Gabi. I was telling her about you tonight." I gave a smile and a wave, "Hi Colt, I'm Gabi." Colt gave a half smile, "Nice to meet you, Gabi." The gentleman in him was quick to show but the slow irritation was building behind his eyes at my sister. "I was telling her about how you looked at me like her fiancé looks at her. How James, Zoey's husband, looked at her. She told me that I should come back to you because I deserve to be happy and loved."

The room was quiet. Nobody uttered a word after that sentence as Colt and Beth just looked at each other over the phone. "You want to come back?" he finally whispered and she nodded her head, "I never wanted to leave but Gabi is pregnant with twins and getting married. I had to come back. I miss you so much, Colt. I want to be with you. I'm just so conflicted on how to be there for my family from Wyoming." Colt muttered a few choice words under his breath. "Why in the next six weeks?" he demanded and Beth smiled.

"I promised James I would stay at his house for the next six weeks to help with the kids. That'll get everybody through the first anniversary of Zoey's death but I don't have any commitments after that." She whispered to him and I felt like I needed to leave the conversation but her hand was still firmly planted on my leg. "You aren't fucking with me, right? You really want to come back here and live with me? With the cows and the bulls and on the farm with mud and the fucking cold winters?"

She was crying again but nodding her head, "I'll have to come see my family all the time but I want to live a life with you."

"I'll be out there in two weeks and I'll stay until you come back. Let me wrap some stuff up here first." His voice was gentle and the sob that echoed out of Beth's mouth had me inching closer to comfort her. "I love you, Colt." She whispered and he gave her a smile with those white teeth, "I love you, too Beth. I miss the fuck outta you." She smiled while wiping her tears away. "I'll call you in the morning, okay?" he nodded his head and they bid good-bye and Beth turned to face me.

"Are you sure?" I just nodded my head. "He loves you. He wants to be with you. You have to go." She wrapped her arms tightly around me and we just hugged. "Thank you," she whispered into my ear. I just held on tighter. "I guess my kids will be taking vacations to Wyoming to a cattle ranch," Beth snorted with laughter. "They will probably love it."

Saturday, August 3rd, 2019

Troy's POV

I palmed the other half of the bed and when my hand collided with a male chest and a grunt, I groaned, "I'm not your girl," Cameron said shoving my hand off of his chest. I just rolled my eyes, "Clearly," I grunted as I rolled to the other side of the bed and reached for my phone. She sent me a text late in the middle of the night to call her when I woke up because she wanted to talk but she quickly followed it up that she was fine.

She knew I worried.

"I'm going to call Gabs, do you care?" I asked Cameron as I rubbed my eyes and he shook his head as he was texting on his phone. "I'll probably go outside and talk to Len," he got out of bed as he stretched and walked out onto the balcony of the house we rented. I facetimed Gabi as it rang for a few beats when it finally connected and I could hear her laugh before I could see her. Those bright brown eyes were the first thing I noticed and the smile on her face second.

"There is my beautiful girl," I murmured and she just grinned, "Good morning, get some good sleep?" I nodded my head, "I did. Not the same as when you are here though. That is better sleep." She laughed and smiled as she kissed the top of Lucy's head before saying something to her that I couldn't hear before taking me outside. "Did you sleep okay?" I asked her and she nodded her head, "Beth and I went to be kinda late but we fell asleep in bed together laughing and talking."

"Good, I'm glad you had a good night. Did the kids have fun?" Gabi nodded as she took a seat. "Yea, it was…an emotional night. Blaine was pretty upset about his birthday coming up and his mom not being here. He's over his dad not being his dad and…he just kinda broke. It broke my heart." I sat up as Gabi sighed, "But Lucy was in a good mood and was making everybody laugh. I am glad I spent the night with them and did all of the fun aunt and niece and nephew activities with Beth."

"I'm glad you had a good night. Is Blaine okay though?" she sighed and shrugged, "I wish I knew that answer. I think he is struggling. He mentioned that he was supposed to hang out with his friends but didn't want too. Not sure what's going on there but…he was happy most of the night and I think it felt good for him to talk about his mom and get all of his feelings off his chest. I'm glad I'm his safe place." I wish I could reach through the phone and hug her. I only wanted to hug her right now.

"So…I have some other news though." Gabi said as she rocked and I raised an eyebrow at her. "I think Beth is leaving again." I nearly sat up in a panic, "What?" I balked and she shook her head. "I told her to go. She told me last night that during her journey she found the person who looked at her like you look at me. Like James looked at Zoey. She told me should found him but had to leave when she found out I was pregnant." Gabi's eyes were full of tears and I relaxed back – she wasn't just up and leaving again. That was a relief. "Where?" I questioned

"Wyoming. She met a Cattle Ranch farmer." She said with a tiny laugh and she looked at me, "I told her she had to go back. That she can't stay here when she is loved there. Her happiness is there. How selfish of me to ask her to stay when…the person who needs her isn't here? It's so hard to think about her leaving again but I also know that she is going to constantly answer my phone calls now and we can go visit her and she'll come home, too." Gabi swiped at a tear and took in a deep breath of air, "She loves him and I know just thinking about if that was you? If I had traveled and I found you in some other state? I would want to go to you."

"Brie," I whispered and she smiled, "I'm happy for her. I'm sad she won't be here all the time but I am so happy for her. The love we have? The love Zoey and James had? That doesn't come around all that often. If that's what she has with Colt? She deserves to go and live her life. He's going to come here for a month while she helps James and that way, he can get to know our family. I'm excited to meet him." I looked at my girl, so strong, so beautiful, so selfless – letting her sister go when she needed her the most.

"I'm just…your strength is incredible, Gabi. I know how much you want Beth to be there all the time but giving her the permission to go? That is just…you're amazing." I told her and she laughed as a few more tears fell. "Sorry, I know, you hate seeing me cry." She said and I chuckled as I did hate it but I knew those tears weren't all sad. There were some other emotions mixed in. "I love you; I can't wait to meet him."

"She left and he wanted her to come back. She said she couldn't because of our family and he understood. She was scared she was giving too much for only knowing him for 20 days. I told her that I knew I wanted to marry you after 12 hours." I laughed as I brushed my hands through my hair. "I said the same thing. If its love – then she needs to go for it. God made airplanes for a reason. Plus, I heard Wyoming is gorgeous."

"Family vacation?" she asked and I grinned, "Sounds like it. I love you, Brie. Are you okay though? That's a lot to unpack." She gave me a true smile with a nod. "Yea, I really am okay. I'm sad but I am so excited for her. Just a bittersweet emotion." Luna's nose was suddenly pushing at the camera and I chuckled as Gabi laughed. "Do you want to see your dad?" she twisted the phone to face Luna and she was panting with a happy look on her face. "She looks happy," I said and Gabi laughed, "Yea, I think Lucy gave her half of her pancake."

I chuckled as Gabi rubbed her head, "I'm going to let you go. Have fun golfing with the boys today, okay? I love you."

"I love you, too." I told her and she blew me a kiss before hanging up the phone. I let my phone collapse onto my chest and I exhaled heavily. My girl, so selfless. Cameron came back in with his own goofy smile and he shook his head, "I'm going to marry her." I laughed as I looked up at the ceiling. "Who would have thought we would all find our girls within like a year of each other…besides Jesse." Cameron sat on the bed.

"You started it." I chuckled, "She is the girl, apparently, her sister found herself a man…in Wyoming." Cameron raised an eyebrow and I shrugged, "Sounds like she's leaving to go there in about six weeks." Cameron's eyes got wide, "How did Gabi handle that?" I smiled as reached down for my shirt. "She told her to go. Sounds like Beth wasn't going to go back until Gabi told her, too." Cameron shook his head, "She's a saint. She just got her back."

"I know. I was scared I was about to have to fly home to be there." I joked and Cameron laughed as I started to grab my stuff for a shower. "I'm happy you found her, Troy. You needed her. Just about as much as she needed you." I gave Cameron a crooked smile, "Don't you dare think that sentimental bullshit is going to allow you to beat me." Cameron rolled his eyes with a laugh, "Wouldn't dream of it."

Gabi's POV

The house was packed. Ada, Macken, Beth, Jenna, Sage, Sara, Lennon, Josie, and Annie were all in the kitchen as we all made a dish and were putting it all together. We decided to just do side dishes of different varieties and skip the main portion of the meal. There was laughter, wine, and a couple bellies poking around. Everybody was getting along with each other and I couldn't stop the smile on my face as all of the people in our lives were coming together.

Tomorrow morning Ada, Macken and I were all going to get brunch together as were about to all become sisters within the next year. I had a sneaking suspicion that both of them would end up in my wedding as we were slowly all becoming closer. "Gabi, why don't you throw parties more often?" Annie asked as she swept past me. I laughed as Annie was one of my closest friends after the past year. She was there every single step of the way.

"I didn't have a house this size until recently," I joked and that caused her to laugh as she hugged me tightly. "I am happy for you. These are amazing women that you are surrounding yourself with." I gave her a strong smile, "I am thankful that you could be here today. I am thankful that you became my friend even though I am your boss. I want you to be a part of my life even when you get your degree and move on." Annie laughed, "I don't know if I want to leave. Working for you is fun,"

I made my plate and I planted myself next to Jenna and Macken. "Hi girls," I said with a smile as Jenna squealed, her belly was huge and she was due sometime in the next 6 weeks. "How is my princess?" I asked her and she grinned, "Good. Rolling around in there and driving me up a damn wall. I can't believe she might be here next month." I gave her a big smile. "I can't wait to hold her. She is going to be the cutest little princess."

"When are you and Bolton finding out what you are having?" Jenna asked and Macken nearly vibrated next to me. "Oh my god, I cannot wait to find out. Are you going to have a cute little gender reveal? Or just tell people? I think a party would be fun!" Macken spoke at rapid speed and I just laughed. "I don't think we're finding out until our anatomy scan unless we have an ultrasound earlier and they can tell. I haven't asked Troy what he wants to do yet."

"I vote gender reveal," Sage said with a grin on her face, "Are you having one?" I asked her and she nodded her head. "Probably! We're going to just have our closest family and friends over to do it! I just don't know how we want to do it yet." I nibbled on my lower lip as it would be fun. "If you do the genetic test you might be able to find out before then," Sara mentioned and I rose an eyebrow, "We thought about doing it. Just not sure I want to stress myself out." A collective agreement went around the table in understanding as I was only 12 weeks pregnant today. "When will you be twenty weeks? Or do you have your anatomy scan scheduled?" I nodded.

"My scan is scheduled for September 20th at 4pm. I'll be 19 weeks." My hand landed on my stomach and Beth grinned, "What about the 21st? I think I convinced Colt to not go back until September 23rd." I grinned at my sister because it would work out pretty perfectly. He wasn't able to come until almost the end of August but it would work out if they got to stay later into September. She went and talked to my parents about him and her plan. They were just as excited for her as I was.

"I just want the people at this table, plus our families, and of course the guys." I said as the girls all laughed. "That will be fun. It'll be close to before basketball really begins too so we will all be able to hang out." Sage said with a smile. "How does basketball season work?" Josie asked causing Sara, Sage, and I to groan. "We love watching them coach," Sage quickly said as Lennon and Josie both really hadn't experienced a season yet. "It's fun to watch them coach and interact with the boys but…they are literally never home." Sara said.

Lennon and Josie shared a look. "During the playoffs, I literally crawled into his lap at 2am nearly begging Troy to come to bed because he was too busy watching film." Sara groaned peeling over. "I fucking hate film. It consumes their entire lives." I just nodded slowly. "Gabi probably has it the worst because Troy is head coach but the guys all help him. It's the bonus of all of them being best friends. Have they told you about Sunday football yet?" Sara asked.

They both shook their head, "It's about to be toddlers and football," Sage joked and I laughed. "We get together every Sunday to watch football. Doesn't matter the game. 11o'clock rolls around and they are all together until half time of the Sunday night football game. It's a long day but there is food, beer, and they rotate houses. I want to take a big guess in saying there may not be as much rotation next year." Sage explained. I laughed, "Yea, we'll two babies. It might be at our place."

"Gabi, need a nanny? I'll move in and help," Macken said as she took a large drink of her wine. I laughed, "I might. I can't imagine two of them constantly needing me."

"Any inkling on boy or girl? Either of you?" Josie asked and I shook my head. "None. I guess my brain is always somewhere else there. Constantly thinking about what I need to be doing or what my family needs. I sometimes forget I am pregnant." I joked and Sage laughed, "I agree. I sometimes think it's a girl. Other times I have dreams about a boy. Jesse is dead set that I am having a boy though."

"Jenna, did you know? Prior?" Lennon asked and she shook her head. "I thought it was a boy. It's a tiny little girl in there though." She rubbed her stomach and I felt my own hand drop to mine. It was tiny in comparison to Jenna's but for only 12 weeks it was big. "I can't wait to have a baby," Ada said with a dreamy look on her face. "Brady Bolton as a dad is going to be hot as fuck," she dropped and we all laughed. "Wait until you are married." I said with a crack and she smiled, "We are. We have to dig ourselves out of this hole we are in. I think I need to get out of my job and go find a better job. I have an economics degree; I can make better money somewhere else."

"Do you like teaching?" I asked her and she nodded her head, "I love it. I wouldn't mind teaching it in high school setting because clearly the younger kids don't need economics but…I just need a boost of income. Maybe I can go do something with that and then go back and get my masters to teach or something." She shrugged and Macken hugged Ada. "You guys are going to figure it out. You shouldn't have to give up your dreams."

Ada smiled sadly, "I can't ask Brady to step back. He is so close to attaining the head coach position at the high school. He loves it. He is so excited for football season and knows that when the head coach retires that he is primed for the position. Maybe I'll love doing something else, too." I shared a smile with her as it was hard to have to make changes but they could be needed. "Josie, how is Dylan? Like…as a lover? I only know him as like a brother." Sage asked and Josie blushed but grinned. "He's great, really, I mean we have some communication issues but I mostly blame it on the fact that he doesn't do relationships and this is kinda new to him. He's getting better though. He makes me really happy and he tries really hard in our relationship to make sure I am happy."

"He's probably the softest of them all here. Don't let him lie to you."

"Who do you think does the tough love?" I questioned. "Jax," they all said together and I laughed with a smile, "It's not that big of a secret either. He's typically the yeller of the group. Troy is probably a close second. Mostly because of basketball." The conversation kept flowing as we all continued to talk and get to know each other on a deeper level. We shared laughs and the girls kept drinking wine until the bottles were all empty. Beth leaned her head against my shoulder and I just took comfort in her presence.

"What time is the boys flight tomorrow?" Sara asked, "I think like 7 their time, so 8 our time. They are doing another round of golf after they check out." I spoke, "Gabi, Sage, you guys have to make sure Troy and Jesse go on the trip next year. They literally have been talking about San Fran since like two years ago." Sara said and I gave a smile, "I want him to go. I just told him that I need a vacation in return." The group laughed and Sage nodded.

"He is more than welcome to go. I think it's good for everybody. Troy will probably be hard pressed to leave. I heard from Jesse that he really was struggling the first day being away and trying to enjoy it." I frowned at her statement because I didn't know this. He sounded fine when we talked on the phone Friday night but that doesn't mean he didn't hide that from me. "I think he just feels bad that you're pregnant and he's off on a vacation." I rolled my eyes into the back of my head. "He's going to have to get over that. I used to live and do everything on my own. I'm fine. I think he just doesn't want to go without sex for more than two nights."

Macken screeched next to me, "EW," I laughed as the group laughed. "Damn, Bolton is lucky. Jesse stopped asking unless it's been a week," I let a laugh bubble from my throat. "Our relationship is still young. Just give it time. With my previous relationship we were lucky if we did it once a month towards the end." Jenna grunted, "Fucking hate that dude,"

"Dylan and I are like three times a day," Josie said and I couldn't stop my grin, "That sounds about right. Sometimes that's Troy and I. Other times it's a few days," I said with a laugh as Lennon smirked, "I think I enjoy the sex more than Cameron. And he loves it." We all laughed as Sara shook her head back and forth. "Poor Jesse, all of the others are getting daily sex." She shot a wicked smirk over to Sage who laughed. "Just wait until you are all married. Baby has made me a little extra…horny," she said with a smirk and we all laughed.

"Yall that is my brother and his best friends, stop it," Macken said covering her ears. "Brady and I can't afford to do anything else so…" Macken grunted and stood up as she poured another glass of wine down her throat. "You are staying here…correct?" I confirmed with her and she nodded her head. "Yea, I am. Silas is out of town with his family." I just nodded as she went back for another glass as we all laughed at her reaction. "I'm huge, Ethan isn't that lucky anymore. Gabs, I highly doubt by 25 weeks you'll be comfortable enough," I smiled as I rubbed my belly. "Yea, I highly doubt it, too. Say a prayer for Troy,"

"Brady nearly walked in on us the other day, Troy got home and we were about to leave for the concert and Brady walked in downstairs. Troy wasn't happy," I said and Ada laughed, "Yea, we've been on the receiving end."

"We need to do this more often. Girls night and they can have a boy's night. Like once a month," Lennon said and we all agreed with each other. It was good for us to get together without them. "The back-to-school bash will be fun," Sage mentioned and I rose my eyebrows, "What is the back-to-school bash?" Sara laughed, "I forgot. You haven't been to one yet. I feel like you and Troy have been dating for 4 years."

"They throw a party, I think it's Troy's turn to host, the weekend before school starts. They invite other teachers and they cook out and hang out before going back for the year. Typically gets out of hand. Something stupid will happen. Troy had that one teacher last year trying to hump him in public," I cringed and Sage smacked Sara. "No, no it's only fair. I was engaged at that point last year to another man. He can have other women. I just hope…she isn't coming this year." The group laughed and I smiled content. Yea, I could get used to this.

Sunday, August 4th, 2019

Troy's POV

"Bolton, are you going to come next year?" Dylan asked as he turned to face me in the passenger seat. I shrugged my shoulders, "I don't know, man. I'm going to have two kids next year." I told him with a glance and Dylan just rolled his eyes. "Jesse, please tell me you aren't thinking the same thing?" Dylan twisted to face him in the back seat as I was driving everybody back to my place where all the cars were stashed.

"What if we named it Troy and Jax bachelor party weekend? Just the boys in San Francisco golfing. Brady of course can join us but…that way you aren't leaving two weekends and we are still able to go on our San Fran trip that we have been planning for like two years." Cameron piped in the back as he leaned forward. I looked over at Jax to see what his thoughts about this was. "I think it's a solid idea…if Jax wants to do that."

"It sounds like we should be gone for longer than a weekend…maybe a long weekend." Jax said and we all grinned with a laugh as we knew that weekend would probably be nothing but trouble but it was something we had been planning for a long time. Gabi was going to have her party most likely and we would trade. "Yes! Is that what I am hearing that we're going to San Fran next year?" Dylan said nearly vibrating in his chair and we all laughed with a nod as we were going to do that trip.

"C'mon guys, can we make a pact to go every year? Maybe not that far but just to a golf resort for a weekend." Cameron said and I nodded, "I think we can make that happen. A weekend once a year will be nothing." We all again and murmured with excitement. "Bolton, do you have a date yet?" Jesse asked and I shook my head. "We were actually talking about it the day before we left. I think she wants to find a venue first and then pick from dates. The only date that is probably off limits is the 6th of any month and September 12th because that is when Brady is getting married."

"Oh the 6th is coming up – what are you doing this time?" Jax asked and I sighed as I brushed my fingers through my hair. "I don't know. She has to work. This is month 11 and the next one might be the hardest yet. I already submitted PTO for that day. I just…I have to make sure I am there for her. Even if she doesn't want me to be there with her." I rolled my lips together thinking about how Tuesday was going to be hard.

It was nearly midnight as I pulled into the driveway and all of the lights were off in the house. I parked my Jeep in the garage as we all began to get out. I smiled at Gabi's car parked next to mine as we all grabbed our bags and we all bid good-bye to each other. I made sure all of them got to their cars and they started before I walked inside and shut the garage door. There was a single kitchen light on and I saw a plate of cookies on the counter.

Dropping my bags to the floor I reached for a cookie when I heard the thud of Luna's paws coming down the stairs. I turned to see her sprinting for me and I smiled as I squatted down to greet her. "Hi baby girl, is momma upstairs sleeping?" I whispered and she licked my face nearly clean as I scrubbed her ears. "Were you a good girl? I bet you took care of momma, huh?" I scrubbed her head again as I shared the other half of my cookie with her as I began the trek upstairs.

I peered in the doorway as she was curled up in the middle of the bed in my t-shirt with her phone next to her head. She made me promise that I would wake her up when I got home so she knew I was home. I quietly went into the bathroom as I stripped down to my underwear and pulled off my t-shirt and found a pair of gym shorts. I shut off the lights before I went over and crawled into bed and over her as I dropped a kiss onto her lips. She stirred underneath of me and those eyes popped open and a lazy smile crossed her face.

"I missed you," she whispered and I chuckled as I pressed my lips to hers again. "I missed you too but I think you got used to me gone. You are hogging the bed." She laughed and she wiggled over. I laid on my side next to her and I pressed my lips to her lips. "I have to work in the morning," she reminded me as our kiss went from welcome home too, I missed you and need you right now. "Okay?" I whispered back to her and she laughed as she swung her leg over my hip and I gently pulled her onto my body.

"You didn't seem to care when I spent all of Thursday night inside of you," her cheeks flushed as she stripped off my shorts and I groaned from the look of her. "I really didn't mean to do this. I was just going to slid into bed." I told her and she laughed as she dipped down to kiss me. Her breasts brushing against my chest nearly causing me to come out of my skin. "Like I said…I missed you. In more ways than one." I couldn't stop the grin from spreading across my face as I dipped down and kissed her. My knees hit on either side of her as she pushed me over and straddled my lap. "I joked with the girls that you didn't want to leave me because you couldn't go two days without sex,"

She grinned at me and I just laughed, "I nearly went a year without sex but with you…no. I can't go more than two days." I slid my hands over her butt and her hips circled over mine. "You didn't have sex with Samantha last summer at the end of summer bash?" I pulled backwards almost immediately but there was a teasing grin on her face with that mischief look in her eyes. I palmed the back of her neck and pulled her lips close to mine, "Stop listening to Sage," I whispered to her lips and Gabi just laughed as she finished the kiss.

God, it felt good to be with her. It felt good to laugh with her about a girl and she wasn't insanely jealous. "I love you," she whispered against my lips, "I'm really only poking fun," I flipped her back over and I easily slid inside of her as she gasped, "Poke some more fun," I murmured and she just laughed as her head tossed backwards. "Troy," she gasped my name and her fingers dug into my bicep as I bent down to kiss her again. My body moving over hers as her legs wrapped around my waist and pulled me down.

"I can't go two days without you either," she whispered and I groaned at her words. Yea, I needed her. Forever.

Happy Sunday! I hope that you enjoyed the update! Such a cute little family already!

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Next Update: May (WHAT) 2nd