Chapter 26 – Back to School Bash

Tuesday, August 6th, 2019

Gabi's POV

I stirred my coffee in a slow circle as this was the first morning on the 6th that I didn't feel like my chest was going to cave into the pressure but I also woke up with his arm wrapped around my waist and his nose pressed into my neck. Last night we spent the whole evening celebrating Blaine turning 17. He put a smile on his face and celebrated like any boy should but I knew he was hurting. It hurt. James was slowly coming around to everything and he was thankful for all of Beth's extra help. I think it was going to be good for him to go away for a week on a little retreat for widows.

Troy and Blaine played basketball in the drive-way and I sat watching them for most of the time. They never really said anything to each other – just played basketball. Something that Blaine probably needed. It was a good night and I was glad Blaine was able to smile through it.

Luna pressed her nose into my leg and I looked down to see her looking at me with her tongue hanging out of her mouth. "Hi sweet girl," I ran my hands over her fur and took another drink of my coffee as I couldn't believe it had been 11 months. My eyes shut briefly to ward off the incoming pain and the lump in my throat swelled. His arm circled my waist and his body folded over mine. "Good morning, baby," he whispered into my ear. His hands landed on my belly as he brushed it gently.

"Hi," I whispered back as I just wanted to curl up into him. "You okay?" he asked quietly as the clock had just hit 6am. I needed to start getting ready for work but I really didn't have that much desire inside of me at the moment. "Yea, I am just…tired. I didn't sleep well last night." I confessed as I turned to face him. Those blue eyes did that survey to see what he could fix and his hands reached up to cup my face. "I'm sorry. I wish I could make it better." I gave a half smile as I pressed onto my tip-toes and I kissed his mouth.

"I have to get ready for work but thank you for coming to check on me," Troy chuckled, "I would do anything to just wrap you inside of me today." I gave a small laugh as he hugged me tightly to his chest. I just laid there against him and listening to his heartbeat softly in my ear. "Do you want to go look at a wedding venue with me tonight?" I asked him. He raised an eyebrow and nodded his head. "Yea, I do." I smiled, "Good. I am going to try and leave work early so that we can go. I think that is something that would make me happy today."

Troy smiled while brushing his fingers through my hair, "I will do anything to make you happy," I laughed at his cheesy words and he smiled before kissing me gently. "Go get ready for work, I'll make you breakfast. Okay?" I bit down on my lip as I rolled it between my teeth. My fingers wrapping around his wrist, "What if I wanted you to join me in the shower?" I questioned and Troy let his eyebrows raise up but he didn't question it.

"Then I think breakfast is on me via Starbucks." I laughed as he picked me up and pressed me onto the counter as his mouth dropped to mine. Our bodies pressing together as he started the kiss and began to peel my clothes off of me one by one. Once I was naked, he picked me up and took me to our bathroom upstairs. I kept his mouth on top of mine as he sat me on the counter and twisted the shower on. I pulled his t-shirt off and he devoured my mouth with a full passion.

He picked me up and pushed into the warm shower as he pressed my back into the wall. Yea, I'll take this over breakfast.

Troy's POV

I waited in my car as she texted me when she left her office fifteen minutes ago that she was on her way. I sat outside the wedding venue and I couldn't stop the smile on my face looking at it. I think this might be something that we should do every month on the 6th – do something that she loves instead of thinking about it all. If I had met Zoey – I would have to guess that she would want her sister to be happy and this would make Zoey happy.

I checked my phone again and chewed on my thumb nail, this Saturday was the back-to-school bash and I was excited for it. I was ready to get back to school and have basketball coming back in full swing but that also meant the babies were literally coming around the corner. That was terrifying. I took a deep breath and saw her car pull into the parking lot. I pushed my door open and I took notice of her in her car to gauge her mood. She took a deep breath as she was in another summer dress today – she was killing me with these dresses.

After our shower this morning I about dragged her back to bed once she came out ready and dressed for work. I was good on my promise and ordered her Starbucks and breakfast for her and had it delivered to the office. Her eyes flickered up and she gave me a smile once she saw me waiting. Her fingers slipped in the door handle as I met her halfway. My arms circled around her and I pressed her into my body. "How was work?" I asked her.

She sighed, "It was a day. I had a rough meeting this morning with a client and then I was just buried in work all afternoon. I almost cancelled but I want to do this today." I smoothed her hair down and kissed the top of her head. "I'm sorry. Maybe after this we can go get some dinner and then snuggle on the couch with some Netflix or something?" I suggested to her. Gabi's head tilted back and her eyes found mine as I could see the stress on her face. "Yea?" I nodded my head.

"Yea," I whispered as she smiled. I dropped a kiss to her lips and I wrapped my arm around her waist. "Let's go see if we should get married here." She giggled and her entire body perked up. "I hope so. I really like this place. It has a place for each of us to get ready – indoor and outdoor options. Plus, it's stunning. The pictures here would be absolutely gorgeous." Her fingers wrapped into my hand as I let her lead the way. The sign for Hidden Acres were welcoming as Gabi went into the big building.

There were two people, a man and a woman, sitting at the table talking as they both looked up to see our approach. They both stood up and smiled at each other, "Gabi?" the lady asked and Gabi nodded her head with a big smile on her face. "Hi, I'm Gabi, this is my fiancé Troy," she introduced me and I grinned at the world fiancé. I shook both of their hands as they introduced themselves. "Welcome! I am Danny and this is my wife, Sara. We own Hidden Acres. Please, take a seat,"

Gabi and I took a seat next to each other as I slid my hand over her knee while she smiled as the two owners introduced their business and self. "We have a church, an outdoor pond, a reception venue, an outdoor area, there are many different options for where to have your wedding and then how to celebrate it after. This place would allow you to do really whatever you want." Danny introduced and Gabi was leaning forward eating it up.

I honestly, could care less, where we got married. I just wanted to say I Do and call her Mrs. Bolton – if that's what she wanted. If this was the place that was going to make her happy – then I would be happy. If it was the court house – I could also care less. "How long have you two been together?" Sara asked and Gabi gave a sheepish grin towards me before looking back. "It'll be 8 months, actually," Gabi said and I saw both of them blink once. "Are you serious?" Danny questioned and Gabi frowned slightly but nodded.

Sara hit his shoulder, "Danny, that sounds insensitive. The only reason we are both surprised is when we typically meet couples, we are usually able to tell how long they have been together. I can assume from both of our reactions that we had both assumed you two had been together so much longer than 9 months. We don't judge for when couples decide to get married. That is your choice. We've seen people who have been together for 10 years who probably shouldn't get married and people who have known each other for 2 weeks and should get married. We are both just generously shocked that you aren't like two years deep. You have this…aura and we've been talking fifteen minutes."

My eyes flickered over to Gabi who was smiling, "Our love came out of now where and is absolutely something intense but we're really happy together and we just…know." Gabi spoke and I found her hand to give it a squeeze. "I knew after our first date I was going to marry her. I told all of my friends. We were going to get married." Danny and Sara shared a look with a smile between the two of them. Gabi looked over at me with tears in her eyes but she brushed them away. "I uh…actually lost my sister about a year ago and I met Troy just three months after it. He has been the thing I needed to get through all of this. This whole process is going to be very emotional I feel like because of that but I know that I have him in my corner."

I gave her a tiny smile and the two across just smiled, "You are an amazing couple, when are you thinking about getting married? Early next year?" We both let out a nervous laugh together and we shook our heads. "We're thinking next late summer or early fall. We're actually expecting twins in the early part of the year," Gabi informed them and they both laughed. "Oh, that is so exciting! Life is moving fast huh?" Gabi nodded her head, "It really is but at the same time – he isn't my first engagement. I was with another man, engaged, and it never felt like this. It never felt this right. It never felt like it was supposed to end in marriage and it didn't. This…from the moment that he asked me I knew we were going to get married and we were going to do this together because I love him and I need him in my life."

"I really, really think that this place will be something special for all of you. Let's take a tour, look at some dates, and then talk prices." We agreed as they took us on a tour of the property. Our fingers locked throughout the entire time together. It was really pretty and I could see our families and friends coming here to celebrate our marriage together. It was big enough for all of our families and friends as well which was a bonus.

"Would you like to get married in the church?" they asked and Gabi shook her head, "Unless we have to move our ceremony indoors because of rain – I would prefer to do it outside. I would love an outdoor wedding." Her eyes flickered up to mine and I gave her a grin, "Whatever makes you happy, we could get married in the pond and I wouldn't care." Danny chuckled, "Oh man, you are in deep trouble my friend," I just shot him a look with a smile. Yea, I was in deep trouble.

We made it back to the big indoor reception hall and we sat down again. "Okay, let's take a peek at the dates that we still have open. You will have the property the entire weekend from Friday until Sunday." Gabi squeezed my hand and the smile on her face was huge. "The only date that we can't do is September 12th because his brother is getting married that weekend."

"I think we're already booked that weekend anyways, how would you feel about early October? We just had a cancellation." Her eyes swung to mine because she did want fall more than she wanted summer because it would be a whole lot nicer outside. "Would that work for you or is that too close to basketball season? I don't want to make things worse for you." I shook my head back and forth. "Practices will have started, yes, but games don't start until closer to November. Which weekend?" I asked.

"October 2-4," Danny said. I gave Gabi a nod, "Yea, that'll work for me. We can do our honeymoon the week after if you want, I just – won't be able to take any more work off after that." She squeezed my hand tightly and she blinked her eyes a few times before smiling. "I would like to bring my mom and my other sister Beth here this week. Maybe Troy's mom and sister as well. I don't want to lose the date though."

"How about you bring them by this Friday. We'll have a wedding setting up and you can take a peek around with them. We won't let anybody take that date until after your visit on Friday." Gabi just nodded her head, "That sounds amazing, thank you so much. I really did enjoy this whole venue and I really think I want to marry him here." Her eyes caught mine and the happiness that flashed made my heart flip upside down. I gave her a smile as I would marry her anywhere – honestly. Our eyes never left each other as Gabi gave me a smile before twisting her head slightly. "I appreciate both of you for the time and the tour. I will be back Friday with my mom and sister." We shook their hands and we headed outside with our fingers connected together. We barely made it out of the building before I tugged her closer to me.

My fingers framed her face and I stared down into her brown eyes with a tiny shake of my head, "I sometimes just don't know how it is physically possible to keep falling deeper and deeper in love with you." I whispered and she smiled softly. "I'm trying to get inside every single pore," she whispered as our lips weren't far from each other. I just smiled, "Brie, you are in every single inch of my body by this point."

She laughed as I finally kissed her – slow and soft. "Yea, I think this is the place," I whispered after I pulled back and she just giggled. "Want to get dinner?" she asked pulling back and I just nodded my head "Yea, I do."

Friday, August 9th, 2019

13 weeks pregnant

Gabi's POV

I rolled over in bed and I snuggled up close to my fiancé. My face buried into his skin and his arm looped around my waist to pull me in closer. "Why are you still in bed?" he murmured quietly and I smiled as I kissed his pectoral muscle. "I took the day off work to help you get the house ready for the summer bash and so that I could go to the venue with my mom and sister to sign the papers and put a deposit down." His muscles flexed and he rolled me to the front of his body. "What a nice surprise," he murmured. I laughed as I pushed up to look at his face but his eyes were still closed.

I pressed my lips to his forehead and he flickered his eyes open, a smile caused my lips to widen. "How about we go for a walk with Luna together and then go get breakfast and coffee together before going to the store together to get everything for tomorrow?" he questioned and I nodded my head, "Yea, I like all of that togetherness," he laughed as he brushed his fingers through my hair and my lips pressed to his chin.

"Also, we have a doctor's appointment this morning," I whispered into his ear and his eyes snapped open, "What?" he asked moving and I laughed, "I forgot, too. Until I got a text message yesterday morning reminding me. It's not until 11 so we have time but yea we get to see these babies today," Troy pushed me over onto my back and he pressed onto his arms to look at me with a goofy smile on his face.

"What?" I questioned with a laugh and he pressed a kiss to my lips. "This is going to be a fine damn day,"

"Are you going to love me when I'm big?" I asked him and he froze for a beat and his head rose to meet mine as he let out a laugh and looked at me, "Are you serious?" he questioned and I nodded as he laughed out loud. "Troy," I said pushing him and the tears filled my eyes as I tried to get away from him. "No, no, wait, I'm sorry. I'm not laughing at you," he said as he trapped me underneath of him and his hands framed my face. I tried to pull away from him and he shook his head. "No, Gabi, I'm laughing because it's absolutely ridiculous that you would think I wouldn't love you when you are big which isn't even the right word – you're pregnant with two babies. Those are the right words and by the way, yes, I will love you because you could completely change how you look and I would still love you."

The tears dripped down my face and he brushed them away as he tilted his forehead against mine. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you. I just really thought it was ridiculous that you would think that." He kissed me softly and I hooked my arms around his neck. "Really?" I whispered and he chuckled, "Yea, really, you are going to be stunning if I am being honest. Carrying my two babies – you are going to be beautiful."

I wiped away the tears and he got off the bed as he reached his hand out to help me up, "Go get ready, we'll go get breakfast and coffee, and then we'll go see these babies, okay?" I just nodded and he tipped my chin backwards as he kissed me softly. "I love you; I love everything about you. I don't care what you look like – honestly." I hugged him and he wrapped his arms around me. "I'm going to get Luna outside and running around. Maybe we can do a walk tonight," I just nodded into his chest and when I let go, he smiled, "Love you,"

"Love you, too."

Troy went downstairs with Luna and I grabbed my phone as I went into the bathroom and jumped in the shower. I did a quick wash and when I got back out, I turned my curling iron on to fix my hair from yesterday. I pressed on Beth's name and I propped it up as I Facetimed her. "Good morning," she sang from the phone and I smiled as I sat down with the towel still secured around my chest. "Good morning," I told her as I dug out my make-up bag and pulled up my mirror. "What's going on today?" she asked me as I began to do my make-up.

"Troy and I are going to get breakfast and coffee before going to my doctor's appointment to check on the babies." Beth clapped her hands with a big grin, "Stop! I can't wait to hear about it! I didn't know you had an appointment," I laughed, "I know. I didn't either. I was at work yesterday when I got a reminder. I am very thankful," we both laughed together as she smiled as I continued to get ready. "How are the kids?" I asked her.

"Good. I think they are both breathing a little easier knowing their dad is doing what he needs to do and that they can rest at night. Blaine is ready to go back to school. Lucy is ready for school. I think this is all going to be good." I gave a smile, "What should we do for the first year?" I whispered. Beth hesitated and shrugged, "I don't know. Nothing will be enough to honor her. I was kinda asking about it to Blaine and he honestly didn't want to talk about it."

I rolled my lips together as I stared at my phone for a moment and just nodded, "We can talk about with mom when we go to the venue." I said, Beth shook her head, "No. We are doing the whole wedding thing and that is not the conversation today. You deserve today to be about you. All about you." I blinked and gave her a smile, "Thanks Beth," she smiled over at me. "Where is that beautiful man of yours?" she asked as I swiped my concealer over my face.

"Playing with Luna, we're having all of his teacher friends over tomorrow for a summer bash. They go back to work next week." I explained and Beth smiled, "That will be fun." I laughed and shrugged, "I haven't met any of them besides his best friends. Apparently, there is a girl who came last year who was all over him." Beth smirked, "That girl is going to have a hell of a shock factor when she sees the two of you together. That man only has eyes for you."

I gave her a smile as I finished my make-up as she told me about Colt. I was really happy for her and I knew I would miss but what I never wanted to hold her back from her best days. I picked out a flowy tank-top and a pair of shorts that still fit over my bump. I showed Beth and she just grinned, "When do you want your baby shower?" she asked me. I hesitated and I sighed, "I think I want to do it kinda early. I am scared that I am going to have these babies early and I want to be prepared."

"How early?" she asked as I touched up my hair and I breathed out, "Are you going to come home for Thanksgiving?" I questioned and she nodded, "How about that weekend? I would be at the beginning of my third trimester." She nodded her head in understanding, "Yes, of course, why are you scared you are going to have them early?" I just shrugged with actual zero reason as to why I have those thoughts, "I don't know. I am not a big person and there are two humans in there which is going to be hard for me."

Beth gave a supportive smile, "I think you are going to be okay but I understand – how about we aim for that weekend. I'll be in town and we still have plenty of time to plan." I gave her a smile as I finished getting ready. "I'm going to head downstairs, thanks for chatting while I got ready." She smiled, "I loved it. Maybe we can do this more when I go live with Colt." I smiled as I glanced at her, "I'd like that."

We bid a good-bye to each other and I hung up my phone as I went downstairs as Troy had his phone tucked between his shoulder and ear as he was getting some stuff out of the fridge. "Mom, I'll have to talk to Gabi. We have a lot going on this weekend. She might need a rest day on Sunday and our whole family is not a rest day." He pulled back and shut the fridge door. He was in a pair of khaki shorts with a t-shirt that framed those biceps. God, he was so good looking. I would not be sad if these two babies were spitting images of him.

He rubbed his forehead and took a deep breath, "I'll see mom, okay? I promise I'll talk to her." I just laughed as he turned to face me and a smile lifted onto his lips watching me walk into the kitchen. "I promise, I love you, too." He gave me a grin, "You ready?" I nodded my head as he dropped a kiss to my head. "My mom wants to do a family dinner on Sunday night before we all go back to our crazy lives. Do you mind?" I shook my head, "No. I don't." he gave me a supportive smile.

"C'mon, I will put Luna away and you go get in the car." I grabbed my purse and walked out of the house and to Troy's jeep. He wasn't far behind me and his hand covered mine on our drive to our favorite little breakfast place. "I was just telling Beth that I want to have my baby shower during Thanksgiving. Would you want to do a group one? Or should it just be girls only?" I asked him. Troy gave me a glance and a shrug. "What do you want?"

"I think it would be fun to have a dual one if I am being honest – especially since most of my friends are girlfriends to your friends. We could do a whole beer and diaper theme if you want – because honestly diapers are going to be what I want the most of." Troy chuckled, "No shit, it's whatever you want Brie, it's your big day. If you just want the girls there then so be it but if you want to do a joint party then we'll do that."

"I think we should. If we do it during Thanksgiving will you be okay with basketball?" Troy nodded, "Yea, it should perfect actually. We could do Sunday and we won't do football all day. We can have the party at the house or we can rent something." I smiled with a nod as I squeezed his hands. "Brewing and babies – or something like that." Troy just gave me a smile with a nod of his head. "I like it. Especially if it makes you happy."

Troy parked the car a little way down as he found my hand and we walked towards the breakfast place. We were seated quickly as it was slow for a Friday morning. I ordered a latte while Troy just got black coffee. Neither of us looked at the menu knowing what we wanted already. "Are you ready to go back to work?" I asked him and he gave a half smile. "No, to be honest, mostly because I love being able to spend all of this time with you. I love getting lunch, sleeping in, or doing whatever. Once the school year starts – basketball starts I feel like I'll never be home."

"We'll figure it out," I told him and he found my fingers as he played with them. "Saturday, we'll have date nights. If we have anything basketball related it'll be in the morning so Saturday night will be our night." I let my eyes stay on him for a few minutes, "Really?" Troy grinned, "Yea, I think we need to make sure to set a night for us. I won't watch film. You won't work. It'll just be the two of us. It doesn't have to be anything fancy – it just has to be the two of us spending time with each other."

I felt a smile pull to my face, "I really like that," Troy tipped his head to the side, "I really love you," he whispered back and I just smiled as our breakfast and coffee was deposited in front of us. Troy and I devoured our meal while sharing smiles and laughs together over little things. "Who's all coming tomorrow?" I asked him and he gave a brief smile, "Most of our co-workers who we hang out with at work. Us five, plus, a few of our co-teachers and what not – yes, what's her name will be there but," I stopped him with a laugh on my lips.

"Stop, I'm not jealous. I was just teasing the hell out of you that night. You know my last person. Past relationships are a thing. It doesn't make me jealous unless you are actually flirting with a girl that you shouldn't be flirting with – but I know how much you love me and how much I mean to you. Some girl you had sex with before isn't going to bother me." Troy just blinked a few times and nodded his head slowly. "Where the fuck did you come from?" he whispered and I just laughed.

"I ask that every single day about you."

Our eyes connected briefly and he let a smile cross his lips in a wide grin, "Mmm…what time are you going to the venue with your mom?" he asked me with a tilt of his head and I giggled, "Two and I think your mom and sister are coming, too. I wanted to make sure they were included." Troy just gave me a smile with a nod as we both finished our meals and coffee as Troy laid down cash to pay for it while we wiggled out of the booth and back to our car.

We had just enough time to get to the appointment and checked in when the door swung open with them calling my name. I let my fingers clasp with his while we walked back. They had me pee in a cup and then told me to get comfy on the table. Troy settled next to me when the sonogram tech walked into the room. "Hi, my name is Brittney. I am going to do a quick sonogram to take a peek at the babies before your doctor comes in."

"I can't wait to see them," I said nearly giddy and Troy chuckled next to me while the tech set up and I lifted up my shirt to reveal a much too big belly for 13 weeks pregnant. She squirted the gel on my stomach and then began to move the wand around for a few moments before twisting to show us the screen. Their heartbeats filled the room and tears filled my eyes as I watched two little babies wiggled inside of me. "They look so much more like humans this time," Troy said edging closer to the screen.

"They are both in separate sacs and separate placentas so this is good news for a safer pregnancy than if they were sharing a sac," the tech shared and I felt a small relief fall off my shoulders with that. Troy squeezed my hand as I couldn't tear my eyes away from them or get enough of their heartbeat filling the room. "I'll send these to your doctor to review and then she'll be back, okay?" I nodded my head and she wiped up the goo and I pulled my shirt down. I wiped away the lingering tears and Troy frowned, "You okay?" I just nodded my head.

"Yea, they are just…I just love them already. So much."

A flicker of something crossed his face but a soft smile replaced it quickly as he kissed my hand. "I might be bias but they are pretty cute," I laughed as Troy gave a bit bigger smile – seeing the reaction that he wanted from me.

Troy's POV

I stocked the fridge full as the guys were all setting up out back for the party tomorrow. We had all of the food already over here and they would be here early tomorrow to get it all set up and help out with the grilling. Gabi was off with my mom, Macken, her mom, and Beth at the wedding venue checking it out together and putting a deposit down. I shut the fridge door and I lingered on the sonogram pictures on the door. A small smile etched onto my face but it still stirred inside of me that I was going to be a parent in a few months.

On a good day, I remember Gabi is pregnant. Her belly really isn't that big yet, big compared to normal 13 weeks, but still nothing that I look at her and see she's pregnant. Seeing the babies today at the doctor appointment was mostly unreal. From the first time we saw them to now – they had already grown and changed so much. I couldn't imagine once they were actually here. I feel into a bit more love with them and her – watching her cry because she loved them? It made my heart squeeze.

It also worried me in a slight bit that if something happened to one of them – she wouldn't be okay. She already loved them so much, as any mother would, and I just never wanted to see her heartbroken again. I had my fill of her grief for a long time and I never wanted to see her go through it again. She deserved the world in front of her and I wanted to give her that world. Once the doctor brought up that we would be coming in more frequently after her next appointment at 17 weeks, at least every other, and that there was a risk that they would come preterm and might need NICU time.

It scared me but she handled it with ease and understood everything the doctor was saying. My mind became boggled with the information and I couldn't think about anything else than having to go through this hurdle with her. I reopened the fridge and grabbed a beer from inside and I screwed off the cap to take a long pull of it. "Woof, already drinking? You okay?" I heard Cameron approach as I fell back against the counter and I gave a shrug.

"I don't know man, I just…I love Gabi with everything and I am excited to become a dad but today the doctor was talking about the risk of preterm labor and having them early, might have to stay in the NICU, etc. and I just got really worried about Gabi handling all of that. I'm not saying she can't because she can and is stupidly strong woman but what if something happened to one of them? Her love is already imbedded into them and she was in tears just from seeing them on the sonogram today," I said nudging my head to the pictures on the fridge.

Cameron gave a soft smile looking at them, "I know it's all hypothetical and everything may be perfectly fine but…I can't lose her. She is my entire life and I want those babies to also be my entire life." Cameron rubbed my shoulder and nodded his head in understanding from where I was coming from. "I think you will both handle whatever happens with strength. I know how much you love her and care for her and she is your entire world. I think she will always be your entire world." I gave a smile and nodded, "She rocked my entire world."

Cameron just gave a laugh with a nod as Lennon walked in, "Hey Len, maybe you can help Troy a little bit – just a female point of view. You know that Gabi is his entire world but it sounds like her focus is really already shifting to the kids being her world and he's concerned if something happened to them, she wouldn't be okay, any advice?" Lennon frowned for a moment and then nodded, "I think I understand that whole mom thing that those are her babies and she is going to do everything she can to protect them and love them. I don't think that means she will love you, any less, though Troy. I am assuming those kids are already a light spot to your life. I mean, you two are staring at the sonograms, you are going to do everything you can to protect them." I nodded my head, "Of course."

"That's her, too. I doubt she will love you any less but probably more because you are the father and the more you show you are a father the more, she will fall in love. I think you do have to have a conversation though that if something were to happen and it came down to those babies and her – that it has to be her. You can make more babies but not more of her which is probably a hard conversation for her to hear. It will probably be a hard conversation for the both of you but I think that's where it differs. You can't see your life without her and she already can't see her life without them. It's weird to be in that motherly position and be told that if there were to be a choice – it comes down to saving her."

I just slowly nodded my head in understand, "But that girl is head over heels in love with you and when she sees you hold your kids? She will probably want more babies immediately. Make time for each other. Spend time together as a family. Change diapers. It really isn't hard – just be there for her. Have open conversations about your concerns with her because you know that she needs open conversations and she might be having some of the same fears."

"Thanks Len," she gave a half smile. "She's a fantastic woman who has been through way too much. She will probably protest your statement but I also think she might understand as well. I mean – god forbid something happens to one of them and it comes down to her or that baby I would greatly assume she would still want to be here for the other one." My face paled and I took another long pull of my beer. "Please pray for a smooth pregnancy and that we make it to term," I said with a nervous laugh and they both laughed with a nod. "You will. Gabi is going to handle it with ease. What brought this on?"

"I think just talking to the doctor today about NICU and premature babies. Having to increase appointments and what not because of her being high risk with twins. Plus, just seeing how much love Gabi has for them already. I sometimes forget she is even pregnant let alone that we're having two kids in the next six months." Lennon reached forward to squeeze my arm. "I think that's normal for any guy. This is your first, she doesn't look that pregnant yet, and you guys have a lot going on. Just talk to her." I gave her a smile and Cameron slapped my shoulder.

Jax, Jesse, and Dylan all came back inside laughing as we all finished up with the rest of the stuff. "I'll see you all tomorrow," I said as they began to filter out of the door as Gabi pulled into the driveway. They all waved to her and Gabi grinned as she got out of the car. "Mark your calendars boys!" she yelled causing all of my friends to turn around and she flashed me a mega smile. "We're getting married on October 3rd next year!" I laughed as I approached her and picked her up, "It's all signed?" she nodded her head with a big smile. "Yes! Our moms and sisters loved it," her legs wrapped around my waist and I kissed her as my friends hollered and cat called the two of us.

"In the school year? Really?" Dylan complained and we all just laughed as I let my eyes connect with Gabi. "Yea, when my girl wants to get married. We get married." Gabi dropped to kiss me and I squeezed her as Luna came bounding out of the house and bouncing around. Gabi laughed as she lowered her legs to the ground and greeted Luna. "Congrats you, two! I'll mark it on the calendar!" Jesse yelled.

"Is everything set up?" she asked me and I nodded, "Yup, it's all ready to go. Did our moms love the sonogram pictures?" Gabi nodded with a smile as we began to walk inside together. "Yea, they did. They each were trying to figure out the sex of each baby based on how they were laying," she joked and I laughed as Gabi grabbed a water and sat at the counter. I went over and dropped a kiss to her head, "October 3rd is going to be one of my favorite days," I murmured and she just laughed. Those brown eyes beaming with happiness – god, she made me so happy. I only ever wanted her to stay this way.

Saturday, August 10th, 2019

Gabi's POV

Lennon, Sage, Sara, and Josie were all making mixed drinks and a large punch for all of the guests that were going to be coming over. I rolled my lips together as I finished laying out the cookies as the boys were outside setting up the activities. Bags, horseshoe, and a volleyball net were going up in Troy's backyard. "I feel bad for you two, no alcohol for you," Lennon said with a rising smile as she nudged towards Sara and I.

I laughed, "It's okay. I think I can handle this sober." Sara raised her virgin drink she had made, "I got my virgin margarita – I'll survive. Plus, Gabi and I will actually remember this day." We all laughed together as the rest of the food was set out. I was already dressed in a deep v romper that was black and showed off my pregnancy boobs. I had on a pair of sandals as the backdoor opened and all of the boys walked in together.

Troy shifted his sunglasses onto the back of his head as he was in a white t-shirt with bright blue shorts that highlighted his tan and a pair of untied Adidas on his feet. His eyes lingered on my legs before moving up on my body. "This is the first summer bash with all of us in a relationship," Jesse commented as he went over to circle his arms around Sara. "There are going to be some sad teachers here today." Dylan cracked causing Cameron to roll his eyes with a laugh.

"We're all heading towards 30. I think those teachers to find a real relationship." There was a murmur of agreement throughout the room as we all finished our tasks and the next thing; I knew the house was already getting loud and full of people. I lost sight of Troy after the first handful of people showed up and I was mostly sticking with Sage and Lennon. Sage was introducing Lennon and I to people as she saw them.

I walked outside as I spotted Troy with a beer in his hand laughing playing a game of bags. He was playing with Jax and two other women that I haven't met yet. I walked down onto the grass as Luna spotted me first and bounded towards me with her tongue hanging out. "Hi sweet girl," I pet her head as she was busy seeing all of the people as the music was flowing out into the grassy area. I felt his eyes on me immediately as I looked up and he was watching me with his beer tipped back.

"Brie," he called and I smiled as I straightened and went over to his side. He hooked his arm around my shoulders while interlacing our fingers. I quickly felt the girl from the other side glancing at me. "Gabs, I want you to meet Sam and Quinn. Sam is an English teacher and Quinn is an art teacher," he said nudging to each of them. Sam was the one across the way and I took my own assessment of her. She was pretty, blonde, with green eyes and fairly tall. "Sam is also an assistant basketball coach to the woman's team." Troy piped in at the end as he squeezed my hand. "Hi," I said with a wave to each of them.

"Sam and Quinn, this is my fiancé, Gabi." Sam's eyes went wide, "Fiancé? Troy, I didn't even know you were dating anybody," she joked and Troy chuckled himself. "When you know – you know. We've been together for nine months, got engaged a few weeks ago. She's my girl," she blinked a couple of times as Jax laughed. "Sam, you should have seen these two from the very beginning. Literally always together and all over each other."

Sam just gave a nervous laugh and Quinn let out a louder laugh, "Nice to meet you, Gabi. I feel like I remember you from a couple of Troy's games." I nodded my head, "I tried to go to as many as possible. We actually met at my nephew's game. He was scouting West Ashley." I piped up and Troy dropped a kiss to my head. "You look beautiful," he murmured in my ear and I smiled as I titled my head back. "When are you going to fire up the grill?" I asked him.

"Mmm…soon. First, I think I need to go to the bathroom…with you." I felt my cheeks light as he had a wicked smirk on his face. "Guys, I'm going to get ready to start the grill." He looked up and around the area before tossing his bags, "Yo, Nate, play with Jax. Don't let Quinn and Sam beat you." Nate gave him a confused look but just nodded as Troy picked up my hand and we walked back towards his house. He said hi to a few more people but he never really stopped.

Not until we got to our bedroom and he shut the door on the other side. "I can't," he easily picked me up and pressed my back against the wall. "Keep my mouth off of you when you look like this," his mouth devoured mine and I was powerless against him. "I think it's these pregnancy boobs," I murmured and Troy chuckled as he kissed down my jaw and down my neck. "We are not mad about the pregnancy boobs," I couldn't stop my laugh but he quickly silenced it with his mouth coming back down over mine.

His hand slipped into the pant leg of my romper and I pulled back, "Troy there is a house full of people downstairs." Troy blinked once and then twice, "Dammnit, I know, I just…." He paused and he framed his face with my hands. "You are beautiful and I just don't want to stop," I smiled and I kissed his lips. "I know, how about tonight…" I gave a smirk, "Ya know, use your imagination about what will happen tonight." I told him with a wink and he groaned as I slipped out of his grasp.

I was about to walk out of the door when he called my name, I turned to face him and he smiled, "I love you."

I gave a smile back, "I love you, too."

Troy's POV

The sun was gone as people were scattered around the fire and on the deck drinking and talking. I was down by the fire but my eyes were on the girl on the deck. She tossed her head back in a laugh as she was talking to Lennon, Sage, and the dance coach, Dana, who showed up later in the evening. She was thrilled to meet Gabi and they had been talking all afternoon and into the evening. "Earth to Troy," I looked over at Jesse who was smirking. "I see who you are looking at and I know it isn't my wife." I just laughed as I took a sip of my beer.

I was decently buzzed but very much aware of my surroundings still. "Troy, seriously, how long have you been with her?" I heard Sam's voice and I shook my head. "We met in December and we were fast and furious from the beginning. It just…happened." I told her with a shrug. "Is she pregnant or something?" Cameron snickered next to me and I shot him a look. "Actually, yea, she is but not why we are getting married. We aren't even getting married until late next year." My eyes looked over at Sam whose mouth was open.

"Look, Sam, I know you and Troy boy had something last year early in the year but he loves her, like, I've never seen him love her like he loves her. They aren't getting married because she's pregnant. They are getting married because he loves her. Just like I love Lennon, just like Jesse loves Sage, Jax loves Sara, and he won't say it but, Dylan loves Josie."

"Hey!" Dylan shouted and we all laughed, "We're getting older and whatever you two had last year wasn't anything close to what Gabi and Troy have now. Sorry." Cameron told her with a grin and Sam just rolled her eyes with a laugh. "Whatever, your loss, Bolton." I just chuckled under my breath because I lost nothing. My eyes searched for her again as I was really not looking forward to going back to work. I would stay home forever, snuggle in bed with her, go to lunch with her – all of it. Everyday. I wanted us to stay in this phase forever.

I chewed on my bottom lip as she started to walk over this direction and I could tell she was tired. It had been a long two days and I wanted to almost kick everybody out so she could go to bed. I sat up and she smiled at me before going to an empty chair. "Brie," I said and she looked over at me. I tapped my leg and she turned her head, "Come here, please," I said and she just smiled before getting up and coming to settle in my lap. She had put on one of my sweatshirts and had it tugged around her wrists.

My nose went to her shoulder and I gave her a soft kiss, "Hi, you look tired, you okay?" she nodded as she brushed her fingers through my hair. "Yea, I am tired but I think the past two days have just been busy. I'm okay though," I let my hand rest on her belly and her brown eyes looked up at me. "I like when you rub my stomach. It makes it feel more real that there are babies in there." I suddenly never wanted to remove my hand from her stomach. I gave her a half smile, "I won't lie – it weirds me out a little bit but I like knowing that you are protecting them."

Her eyes watered over and I just let my hand rub her stomach gently while my lips pressed into her hair. "Troy, how is the basketball team shaping up?" Nate asked and I smiled, "I think it'll be a good year. We've had good attendance at open gyms and the weight room. I am hopeful that we'll make another run at state. I just have to get through damn West Ashley, which, I can't scout for this year." I said looking over at Cameron and Jax. "Why?" Nate asked.

"I'll be at the games but I need them to do the player reports. I play with Blaine way too much on the personal side and I just don't think that's fair." Nate scrunched his eyebrows, "Blaine is my nephew," Gabi spoke and Nate nodded in understanding. "Damnit, Bolton, you would make us scout the hardest opponent." I laughed and shrugged, "It's just not fair. I don't want to stop playing with him either."

Our conversations carried into the school year and what we were excited about for the upcoming year. "Bolton," I looked over at Jesse and he nodded down and I looked to see Gabi fast asleep. I smiled as I brushed her hair away from her forehead. I adjusted her so that her head was on my shoulder and I just tucked her in closer. We spent the rest of night talking and hanging out. Slowly people began to leave or get rides home from other people.

Gabi lifted her head and snuggled in deeper as I dropped my lips to her head. "Bolton, any plans tomorrow morning? Want to get a round in?" I nodded, "I should be able, too. The house has to be cleaned up tonight though so Gabi doesn't feel obligated to clean it."

"Then let's get to it, go put your lady to bed," I just nodded as I scooped her up and walked towards the back door. She shifted in my arms, "Where are we going?" she questioned sleepily, "To bed, for you," I told her with a smile and she shook her head and tried to move out of my arms. "No, no, stop, you are tired. You and Luna go to bed while I clean up with the guys." She didn't protest but rested her head back down while I carried her upstairs.

I gently eased her down onto the ground as her feet planted to the ground, I cupped her face with my hands and kissed her softly on the lips. "I'll be in here eventually, I love you, go to bed." She smiled sleepily and I kissed her one more time before I went downstairs and began the clean-up crew.

Happy Sunday! I hope you all enjoyed! I am so sorry about not updating last week. I've been working a TON lately and just haven't had time to write. I am trying my hardest to stay ahead in this story. SO – there will be two weeks until the next update. It gives me time to write another chapter or two to get ahead of this story. I really do appreciate you all and I really do believe this is better than my previous stories where I would go…months…between updates. So. I am very thankful for the patience!

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Next Update: May 23rd