Chapter 11 – Saving Grace

Troy's POV

Claire and Eve talked quietly on the bed as they were staring at baby brother. My back was planted against the wall towards the door as this was hard enough. Claire was excited to see Eve and her brother, Jackson, which thankfully was not the name we had picked out. I had yet to say a word to her as Claire held her baby brother and then looked at me, "Daddy, come hold baby brother!" I gave a grim smile as Luke smiled at her and spoke up for me. "You should get all the love, Claire."

Claire let her eyes hold me for a moment and a frown displaced over her lips as if she knew something was wrong. I gave her a reassuring smile and Eve put on the best face she could for Claire. My eyes glanced down at my watch as I cleared my throat, "Claire, about ten more minutes then we need to go home and get ready for bed." Claire pouted and she turned to look at Eve, "When are you coming home, mommy?" Eve let her eyes trail to mine and I let my jaw harden.

"We'll talk about it later, Claire Bear," Eve said and I knew I was going to have to sit Claire down tomorrow and explain that Mommy wasn't going to be living there anymore. I rolled my lips together and looked over at Lucas. He was going to take Claire out front as I had a few words with Eve. Claire cooed over her brother and my stomach twisted with disgust and hate towards Eve robbing me of this moment. Not allowing me to be a part of this moment. My phone buzzed and I looked at it to see that my mom and dad were going to stay for another two weeks like originally planned to help with Claire.

Dan's text sat up top though telling me that the papers were ready. I would have them sitting on the counter as I knew Dan could work magic and I knew my money was going to good work getting that started. Nothing would be official until he could get it to a judge but damn did, I want her not attached to me. In the divorce she had to take her old name back and ditch my name effective immediately. "Claire, give the baby back to mom and go with Uncle Lucas."

"No, Troy, give me a few more minutes." Eve said, "She needs to eat and go to bed," I snarled and Eve's eyes shut for a moment but she just nodded. Eve took the baby and put him in the bassinet next to the bed before grabbing Claire in a tight hug. "I love you so much sweet girl, I promise, I'll see you soon." Claire looked at her funny, "What do you mean mommy? Are you staying here?" tears welled in Eve's eyes and Claire looked at me with wide eyes. "Daddy,"

"Claire, go with Uncle Lucas." I said softly and she looked at Eve and then back to me before her own tears filled her eyes. I went over and I gently picked her up from the bed. "Daddy, what's wrong?" I shook my head as I kissed her head. I hated that she was bald but I knew she was getting better. "We'll talk later, baby girl. Mommy is okay though, I am okay, and your baby brother is okay. You'll see mommy again soon," she sniffled and kissed my neck, "Say bye to mommy and give her a big hug and kiss."

I let Claire back on the bed as Eve savored her hug and whispered into her ear as they both finally let go. "I love you mommy, I love you baby brother," Eve smiled with tears running down her face as I handed Claire over to Lucas. "C'mon, Claire Bear, I heard there was soda in the vending machines,"

"Lucas," I growled and he sent me a wink with a big smile pulling on his lips before they disappeared out the door. "Troy, you can't keep her from me."

"I'm not going to," I said firmly, "But you are going to play by my rules right now. Is that understood?" Eve let her mouth open and snap shut as her own eyes started to get angry. "First, I appreciate that you didn't chose the name we chose together. Second, tomorrow you will have divorce papers. Sign them. What it will say inside is that I am going to have full custody of Claire," Eve balked and I held up my hand, "Only until her treatment is over and Gabi isn't necessary anymore. Claire falls asleep in my apartment with Gabi in my apartment every single night. You will have two days that I pick that you can spend the entire day at the apartment while I am not there. Once Claire is better, we will sit down like fucking adults and figure out a schedule but I will have primary custody. If I move – she moves. Understood?"

Eve swallowed hard but nodded her head, "I will transfer 250,000 dollars to your bank account and set you up in a suitable apartment that you will be able to afford and is good enough for my daughter to live in. I will make the first two payments to let you get settled and find a job or whatever you are going to do but that is the end of my money. To whatever you want with it but that's it – understood unless it is Claire related and I will purchase it for her." Eve closed her eyes and just nodded her head, again. "Finally, you will drop Bolton. Monday, Mandy is going to release a press release and tell the damn truth. I'll send it to you before it goes live but it is happening. You need to own up to your mistakes and one day you will have to explain that to your daughter. I will sit her down tonight and tell her that you are coming over the next day but you are moving to a new apartment."

"How are you going to explain it to her?" she questioned, "I am going to be as transparent as possible but also leave out most of the truth. I am going to explain to her that mommy and daddy don't love each other anymore and that the baby isn't daddy's baby. She needs to understand why I don't have a bond with that child." Eve covered her face with her hand, "When you come over on Monday you can say whatever you want to say."

"Troy, I am sorry," she whispered and I just laughed, "You're sorry because I am upending your life. You're sorry because you were caught. You're sorry because that baby isn't mine. You're sorry because you knew we should have never gotten married in the first place." Eve squeezed her eyes shut and breathed, "I never wanted to hurt you, Troy. I was going to end it right around the time I found out I was pregnant and then I didn't know whose baby it was and I just…I stuck it out and then Claire was diagnosed with cancer and she is your entire world."

"Yea, she is. I know you have money from everything you do and I hope that will help you out. You can talk about how our marriage failed; you can talk about all of the things you want to talk about and etc. but I am not to be blamed – understood? I didn't cheat on you. If those words come out of your mouth, I will sue your ass for just about everything you have left." Eve swallowed down as she just nodded her head and she pursed her lips.

"You emotionally did," I rose an eyebrow, "When? With Gabi? I've had two conversations with her that remotely strike me as emotionally cheating. Once in the bedroom when you were pissed because I fucking laughed and the other time was when Claire was in the hospital a few weeks ago."

"No, Troy, you never let me in. You never got over her. You bought a fucking nursing home for her. You can't stop staring at her. You should have never asked me to marry you."

"We had a kid together and you could have said no," I threw back. I saw the energy just zap from Eve and she shook her head, "You should have never let her go and you did and look what happened?" My jaw ached with fury and I shook my head. "I don't regret my decisions because I have Claire. I can't imagine my life without Claire. Gabi will never take me back and I don't know why you think she even would."

Eve turned her head away and breathed, "Because she never stopped loving you either. It was clear from the moment she walked into the room in the hospital. Both of you just…stopped breathing and suddenly this wire sparked again in the both of you. I don't know. I just…I watched the both of you. You're right. She's pissed and angry and she probably shouldn't have taken the job but…you're right. I cheated long before she came along. I regret my decisions and I will agree with your demands because you're going to be a good dad to Claire and that's all I care about."

I rubbed my face and nodded, "I will take care of Claire. 100%. Always. I'm sorry this happened but Eve this should have happened a long time ago anyways. I'll send you a couple of apartment listings that are close to our building that are manageable price range for you. There will be at least two bedrooms and I will get you started. Until then, Marissa said you could stay with her. Claire is our number one priority and we will be good parents together for her. I am fucking pissed, Eve. I will be for a long time but Claire deserves good parents."

"I agree."

"Good, I'll have the papers to you by Monday. You can come over after 9am and be gone by 4pm. Gabi will be there all day." She just nodded her head again and I turned to leave, "Troy," I turned to face her, "Can I Facetime her every night before bed, please? I want to be able to say goodnight and I love you once a day."

I looked at the woman I called my wife for the past handful of years, the girl that mothered my first child. I was never going to keep Claire from her and I knew if it was reversed, I would need to see her face at least once a day. I nodded, "Yea, if she's having a good week and isn't sick then we can do some nights at your house, too. I am not trying to take her away from her mother. I just need to make sure her life is stable right now. Her cancer is enough right now. Us separating is enough right now. We'll figure it out as we go but right now – she stays with me. You can facetime her every day and those two days a week." Eve nodded her head, "Thank you, I know you probably didn't have to work with me at all on this."

I hummed a laugh, "I want my daughter to have a mother. I want her to be loved. I am not going to use her as a pawn in our divorce."

With that, I turned and walked out. I took my wedding ring off and tossed it in the closest trash can.

Friday, February 14th, 2014

Gabi's POV

I giggled with Mrs. Johnson as we did arts and crafts together – Valentine's Day crafts together. She was making on for Mr. Johnson who was secretly cooking her a dinner with Troy. Mr. Johnson had pulled me away the last time I was here and asked if I was coming on Valentine's Day because he needed a little help with his Ruby to give her the proper Valentine's Day. I only smiled wide and nodded my head that Troy and I would come if he needed help.

So, I was distracting Mrs. Johnson while Mr. Johnson made her dinner. "What are you and Troy doing tonight?" she asked me and I smiled, "I don't know. He has something up his sleeve after we leave here. I think it's probably dinner and a little making out in his car." Ruby lifted her eyebrows with a big grin on her face, "Ah young love. It's so beautiful. How long have you been together now?" she asked me and I smiled, "About six months." I told her. My fingers went up to the El necklace sitting on my neck that I only took off to shower and that was it. It could rot my neck and I probably wouldn't take it off.

"Oh heavens, so little time but you guys are just too cute," I laughed and smiled with a shake of my head. She finished making her card for her husband as I finished mine for Troy. "I think there is a little something, something in your room," I said as we cleaned up together. A little grin lifted on Mrs. Johnson's face as I helped her down to her room. Once we walked in – a red dress was laying on the bed and she gasped, "Oh my, what has Floyd done," she whispered and I smiled.

"We'll have to see. C'mon, would you like me to help you change?" she nodded as I shut the door and I helped her get into the dress that fit her beautifully. "I think Floyd wants to get laid tonight," I barked a laugh and smiled, "I think Troy does, too," I said with a wink. "Oh honey, if I was 17 I would do him, too. He is gorgeous." I couldn't stop my laugh as I zipped up the rest of her dress as I helped her fix her hair and she even applied a thin layer of her favorite lipstick.

"Dear, will you open the closet and on the top shelf is my favorite perfume. Will you hand it to me?" I nodded as I reached up and grabbed what she was asking for. She took a deep breath of it and smiled, "It's Floyd's favorite. I keep it for safe keeping. They stopped making it a few years ago." I smiled looking at her, "I bet he'll love it." Once she was ready, I hooked our arms together as we walked down the hallway. "Are you going out with Troy like that?" She questioned and it caused me to laugh, "Yea, I am. He told me it was a casual kinda night,"

"Oh, well, you look beautiful no matter what." I felt my cheeks flush as Mrs. Johnson smiled and she stopped, "Oh, he made my favorite." She whispered, I saw the tears glisten in the corner of her eye and I smiled, "He's been working hard with Troy all afternoon. I bet it is going to be delicious." I told her. Ruby gathered herself and I finished escorting her to the little room Troy and Floyd sat up together. Once we rounded the corner, I spotted Troy as he was finishing Floyd's tie and Floyd looked over his shoulder to see Ruby.

Ruby gasped as her husband and dropped my arm before going over to her husband. Troy stepped away and he winked over at me as Ruby and Floyd embraced each other tightly. I nudged my head and Troy nodded as he grabbed his things and we quietly walked out of the room together to allow them their time together. I rubbed my lips together and leaned into Troy's arm as we walked towards the parking lot. "She was so excited to put on her favorite perfume and surprise him with it."

Troy couldn't stop his tiny smile on his face, "He was excited to be able to cook her dinner. I didn't help that much, only when he needed an extra set of hands. He told me so many stories about their dating years and I couldn't wait to get more time and more dates and more memories with you." I smiled as we walked out to his car. He pushed me gently against the passenger door and his lips hit mine. He kept it clean and short as he pressed his lips to my temple. "I love you, I'm glad you got me doing this. I actually love it."

I tugged on his shirt with a smile, "I love that you love it. It's just good to be there for other people. Also – Mrs. Johnson said Floyd was only doing this because he wanted to get laid." Troy let out a belly laugh and let a slow smirk crawl over his face, "I understand how the man feels," he pressed his nose into my neck and his lips slid up and over my jaw before landing my lips again. "I want to be an old horny man still wanting to bang my wife."

"Wife?" I murmured and he hummed an answer against me but I knew what it was.

Sunday, April 25th, 2021

Gabi's POV

"Gabi," I turned towards Troy whose shirt was half soaking wet and his hair was hidden beneath a baseball cap. His eyes were sad but a tiny smile was on his face. "Hey," I said as I finished washing some medical equipment in the sink. "Did Claire get you?" I said with a tiny smile and he laughed with a nod, "That she did. She's an expert at getting me soaking wet when it isn't my bath." I felt a smile pull onto my lips and stared at him for a beat.

"I just wanted to first let you know that nothing is changing. Claire is going to sleep here and you are going to take care of her here. You won't be going to Eve's apartment or anything. I do have a favor to ask of you though…" I looked at him and tilted my head to watch him. He was clearly nervous and I felt that familiar tingle in my belly as he started to talk. "Eve is going to come over here twice a week to spend the day with her while I'm at OTAs. I'll be gone all day and it's the perfect opportunity for Eve to be here and that way Claire doesn't have to watch me ring her throat with my hands," he joked and I laughed, "You want me to be here?"

He exhaled heavily, "Would you mind? I'll pay you extra for it and I just…I can't do it yet but she does need to see her mom. Eve needs to see her and she needs to spend time with her brother but I can't do it yet. I don't have a nanny yet, fuck, I'm going to need somebody to move in here and take care of her…" I watched the stress build on his shoulders. "Troy, hey," his blue eyes glanced at me with worry in his features. "You have me until August. I'm more than happy to be a nanny/nurse for your child. You don't have to pay me any extra because you are already paying me enough." Troy's whole body sunk with relief.

"Seriously? You would be okay doing that? Are you sure?" his questions rumbled together and I laughed, "Yea, I'm sure. I'm not doing anything else right now. I am more than happy to help you because your whole life was just turned upside down. I'm already here. You can take your time finding somebody qualified." Troy exhaled and nodded as he pulled me into his arms, I yelped as he crushed his very large body against mine for the first time in eight years. I gasped from the hard contact and felt my arms limply circle around him. My whole body was burning alive with the contact and the feel of him. My lungs stopped moving air and I was pretty sure my heart went into overdrive. "I can't thank you enough," he whispered as he held me and my entire body tensed as I had to pull away. This was too much.

"Ah, fuck, Gabi, I'm sorry." Troy ran his hands over his face and I couldn't help but laugh but you could hear the anxiety behind my laugh, "Stop apologizing. Claire knows me as well. It isn't another change to her life." Troy exhaled hard and looked at me, "What about Jace? Is he going to be okay with you taking on more work? I know your relationship is young," he started to ramble again and I really couldn't stop my laugh. "We broke up, I mean, we were barely dating but I stopped it because I didn't have time." Troy's blue eyes constricted on those words as he nodded, "Wow, I didn't know – I'm," I pushed him and laughed, "Do not say it." A boyish grin broke over his face and I just shook my head as I went back to focusing on what I was doing. "Gabi, one last thing I swear do you know how to break bad news to kids?" my chest tightened and I nodded, "Yea, I do." Troy swallowed hard and he looked at me, "Can you help me with Claire? I'll stop asking you for shit, I swear, I just…I don't know what to say or do."

His hands scrubbed his face and it was the first time I noticed that he didn't have his ring on his finger. I paused as I couldn't stop staring but I shook my head and nodded "I can be there to help along but you have to do it, Troy. She's going to be confused and scared but just reassure her that she will continue to see her mom and her baby brother. I wouldn't lie about that baby not being yours though. She's smart. She'll figure it out." Troy gave a grim smile and nodded, "I already planned on it."

"Good,"

Troy led the way back to Claire's room where she was sitting on the floor in her PJs and playing with her doll. Her little bald head staring back at us, "Alright Claire Bear, let's get into bed." Troy started to shut off the lights in her room as I leaned in the doorway for moral support more than anything. I knew Troy knew how to talk to his daughter but he just wanted somebody else…there. "But daddy I want to continue to play!" she argued but she was exhausted.

"Oh, I know you want to play but it is time for you to get some sleep. Mommy is coming over tomorrow with baby brother."

"Jackson?" she questioned and Troy hesitated but nodded his head, "Oh good! I am so excited to see him," she started to ramble on about mommy and Jackson as she climbed into her bed. Troy easily tucked her in while she continued to talk. Troy allowed her to chatter up the room as his hands ran down her bald head as he cupped her neck. "Claire, baby, I need you to listen to me." Her eyes fell to his eyes and Troy stroked her face.

"Claire, mommy and Jackson aren't going to live here with us." Claire crunched her eyebrows up and she watched Troy's face looking for a reaction. She was trying to figure out how to react but Troy held strong and just looked at her. She just stared at him for the longest time, "Why?" she asked, her voice dropping down and Troy swallowed down as he sighed, "Because baby, it turns out I'm not Jackson's daddy. Your mom and I have been fighting more and we just…we want you to be happy and we can't be happy together." Tears welled in Claire's eyes as she looked over Troy's shoulder to me. Troy finally faced me and his face was distraught and I couldn't help. I was just moral support.

"But why aren't you Jackson's daddy?" she questioned, "Because I'm just not his daddy, baby. It's very confusing and I wish I could explain it better to you but right now. He isn't my baby and your mommy and I are not okay to be around each other right now." Claire tried to get up but Troy gently pulled her back. "Claire, sweetie, I am so sorry. I wish…I wish mommy and daddy could make it work but we can't."

"I just want mommy and daddy together," she gasped and the tears started to spill over as she let out a sob, Troy eased her into his lap and he held her against his chest. "You are still going to see Mommy and you will see Jackson. You will sleep here every night and when you are all better you will sleep at Mommy's too. We're going to both be there for you and love you…together. Just…mommy and I won't be together anymore."

"But why?" she asked him and Troy sighed as he laid back into bed with her and cradled her in his big arms. I stepped away from the door to allow them privacy but I let my back hit the wall to listen. Just in case he needed help or…I shook my head back and forth. I couldn't stop listening to him. He was such a good dad. "Because sweet girl, I…" there was a pause and he let out another sigh, "I don't love your mommy anymore. I haven't loved your mommy like I should have."

"Why?"

"Because I just haven't and when you heard us fighting…people in love don't fight like that. I'm sorry you heard us but I promise…things will be better. Mommy and Daddy will both be happier. You will get to see all of us and everything will be okay but Mommy will not live here anymore. We won't be married anymore but we will love you all the same. Do you understand, Claire?" it was quiet and I could only assume she nodded her head.

"I love you, Claire."

"Will you fall out of love with me, daddy?" she asked, my heart broke at her words and Troy shifted in the bed as I slid down the wall to listen. I didn't care if he hated me. "Oh no, Claire…I could never fall out of love with you. You're my daughter. You are my little girl. I love you so much and nothing will ever change that."

"Promise with everything?" she murmured and I gasped quietly while putting my fingers over my mouth. He had a sigh of hesitation and replied, "With everything, Claire Bear."

"So why did you fall out of love with mommy?"

Troy sighed, "Because we made promises to each other and we didn't keep them. That's why Jackson has a different daddy. It was a broken promise. We both love you though. We will both love you." Claire sighed softly and I was about to get up when Claire asked another question.

"What is it like to be in love with a girl daddy? Is it the same as when I will be in love with a boy one day?" Troy chuckled, "Uh, you aren't going to be around any boys anytime soon," he teased her right back and Claire giggled – a much better sound than her crying. "What's it like? Like princesses?" Claire asked again and Troy laughed, "A little bit. There was a girl I loved so much once and being with her made me very, very happy. We'd lay on the beach together, she loved watching me play football, and she loved to laugh and help people. When I was with her…everything felt good and my tummy had all of these butterflies and she was…" his voice trailed off as tears welled in my eyes.

"She was my everything and we did everything together." Claire giggled, "She sounds like a princess. You should go find her daddy," Troy let out a dry laugh and nodded, "I will one day, sweet girl. I just don't think it will be that girl. I broke her heart. I have you though and that makes me the happiest." Claire giggled and I had to get up and scramble to my room. I tried to keep my tears from showing as I went to the bathroom and shut the door, turned on the shower, and let out a cry. I breathed in deeply and tried to stop my tears because he was right – we had both grown up and changed.

Troy's POV

Monday, April 26th, 2021

I hurled a football down the field right into Liam's hands and I grinned as he took off on the route. I wiped my fingers off on my towel in my shorts as the Coach Robby patted my back, "Good throw, Troy." We did several reps on the field as I knew the moment, I walked out of this room today the whole world was going to know. The press release was happening after I got to OTAs and Eve was already at the apartment.

Gabi had text me that she had arrived and her and Claire were trying to pack up her side of the closet. Jackson was with her as they were moving into the apartment at the end of next week. They chose one close and she agreed to the price. I breathed out as I looked down at my Loyalist t-shirt and shorts with leggings underneath. My sponsor was Adidas so I wore all of their clothes they sent me. "Troy," I glanced over to see Coach Davis had called my name. I tossed my football to my quarterback coach before jogging over. "What's up Coach?" I questioned.

He eyed me suspiciously, "You look really good for the shit show your life has been for the past week." I grunted and laughed, "Yea, well, football makes me happy. I don't have a wife who yells at me for going to football, and Claire took it surprisingly well." Coach Davis nodded, "Well, I hate to break the news but there is a shit ton of press out front. We're going to have you go out the back. Lucas already said he would pick you up." I grunted with displeasure and I nodded, "Thanks for the warning, Coach."

"No problem. I'm glad to see you doing okay. I need you ready for this season," I nodded, "I will be. Coach, you know if anything happens with Claire, I am going to have to take a step back this season. If…" I shook my head as she had scans tomorrow afternoon. "Troy, I know nothing will come between you and your little girl. Just keep my updated." I smiled and nodded as the whole team began to pack it up. Typically, I would meet with the press for a little bit but I knew they closed it today.

I went to my locker as I changed back into my jeans with a fresh Adidas t-shirt and grabbed my bag. I picked up my cell phone to see a text from Dan, Mandy, Lucas, my parents, and a few other people that I was friends with along with a name at the bottom. Gabi's name lingered there and my heart swelled. When Claire asked me what it was like to be in love with a girl…it was her. It was and still is her. I quickly glanced through a few text messages.

Dan: I dropped the papers off at the apartment. She said she was going to send them to her attorney. I'll let you know when I get a signed copy. I still need your signature.

Done.

Mandy: Press is having a field day with this. Please call me when you are done.

Lucas: Fuck, T. This is a nightmare. Call me. I'll also be waiting for you out back. You need to sneak out.

Mom: I am coming over to make dinner. Anything special?

I smiled as I went to respond to that message first.

Troy: Spaghetti…duh.

I laughed as I looked at Gabi's text next.

Gabi: Claire and Eve are still doing well. I don't know if you want updates? Not sure. I am just…they are okay. Claire is asking her a lot of questions and she's been pretty honest. She had a few friends here helping her pack up and get everything out. I've tried to stay out of the way but…yea. Anyways, I stress baked cookies. I made a triple batch. I don't think you can eat through all of those.

I couldn't stop the rumble of laughter on my lips, she babbled when she was nervous and it definitely carried over to text.

Troy: Triple batch? You are calling my name. My mom is coming over to cook spaghetti. I appreciate you making appetizers and dessert. Those chocolate chips will be a delicious pre-course.

Next, I called Mandy.

I packed my bag as I did, "Troy, hey, I'm glad you called. We are going to have to do a quick statement of you. They want more. I talked to Eve and she really needs to be careful leaving your place. It's surrounded. I know you guys aren't getting along, I get it. I just…I know you want to keep her and that baby safe, too."

I brushed my fingers through my hair and nodded, "Yea, I'll figure it out. Gabi said she had friends over carrying things out of the apartment complex. I'm glad she's staying safe. I'll talk to her when I get home. We'll figure something out. What are they doing?"

"They are all turning on Eve, we expected that, but death threats and…" I let my hand run down my face in utter exhaustion from this entire situation. I hated her even more for putting me through it. I didn't ask for this nightmare of a press day. I know I am equal parts to blame for how our relationship tumbled but this part? No fucking thanks.

"Okay, I'll say something."

"Can you do something really quick? Right now? I'm pulling up to the stadium."

"Did you talk to Megan?"

"Yea, I did. She's in agreement."

Scrubbing my jaw, I nodded, "Quick. Brief. No questions." Mandy sighed with relief, "Okay. I'll be there in two minutes. Meet me outside of the locker room." I nodded my head as I walked out as I said good-bye to a few of the guys. "Luc," I said as I called him, "I'm out back. You ready?"

"Mandy wants me to do a quick press release hoping to help with the backlash. I know she deserves the blame but she doesn't deserve death threats," I said with a sigh. Lucas grunted from the other end of the phone. "Fine, text me when you are coming back."

"Will do."

I waited ten more minutes for Mandy when she rounded the corner with Megan, the teams head PR, and they were both in a deep discussion. I raised my eyebrow towards them as they stopped in front of me. "C'mon, we have limited press in the press room. All you need to do is say that you having nothing but respect for Eve as a mother and that she made a mistake and you are divorcing and that you guys need privacy." Mandy said and I nodded my head as I took a drink of my water.

"Okay."

They led me back to the press brief room and when I walked in the entire room went into a tailspin of questions. I went to the podium and stood at the front as Megan stood up in the center. "Okay, Troy is going to make a quick statement. No questions. He will leave right after the brief and I ask you to respect that today. Remember, I control your passes." The group chuckled as I looked out at many different outlets that I have talked to all of my career.

I cleared my throat, "I know the news of Eve and I is shocking and heartbreaking…nobody is more heartbroken than me but I have nothing but love for Eve as a mother to our daughter, I appreciate her willingness to co-parent our daughter together as we navigate a new world. Our divorce is pending and right now our family needs privacy. Our daughter is still sick, Eve has a new son, and our daughter is trying to navigate a new world where her parents aren't together. I would appreciate if you could provide our family the privacy and distance. Our daughter needs it. I need it. Eve needs it. Thank you."

I stepped back as Mandy grinned at me with a thumbs up as I quickly walked with security as Megan thanked me on my way out as the press screamed with questions. I was lead through the zig-zag of hallways before we came to the backdoor where I hustled out to Lucas's car that was waiting right there. "I'll call you later, Meg and Mandy," they agreed as I climbed into the passenger seat.

"Good talking," he said with a look as he put the car in drive and lurched forward. I buckled my seatbelt and nodded, "Yea, well, I don't want Eve staying the night at my apartment tonight so I need to figure out how to get her out without getting her hurt." I mumbled, "I can see if Jeffery and Miles can come do security for her." I grunted, "I don't want to fucking pay them." Lucas gave me a side-eye, "I know but you don't want her at the apartment, right?"

I sighed and ran my fingers through my hair, "Correct."

Lucas called Miles to see if they could come do security for Eve and Jackson as I leaned my head against the window. The exhaustion of the past several days was weighing heavy on my shoulders as I didn't want to go home and see her. I couldn't.

Once we pulled into the underground parking, he dropped me off at the elevators and I hopped out before making a quick dash and getting onto the elevator. I bypassed the main floor before going to our floor and the door was opening as she was coming out with Miles with Jackson hanging from her arm. My hot anger swelled in the pool of my belly and I couldn't breathe with her in my sights. I stopped short and Miles looked up at me with a nod and I just nodded back. "Troy, hi, I uh…I," I shook my head. "Eve, I'm not in the mood, okay?" she frowned and her mouth opened. "Is this about Claire?" I questioned.

Her jaw snapped shut and I swallowed hard as she shook her head no, "Then I don't care, Eve. The only thing connecting us is that little girl. If you need to say something about that then please but if not…I will Facetime you tomorrow night so Claire can say good-night." I began to walk past her and into the apartment.

"Troy, I'm sorry,"

I spun around to look at her, "You're sorry? Rich, Eve. I had to go up on a stand today and say I respected you as my daughters' mother but fucking hell that is the furthest thing from the truth. I'm angry, I'm hurt, and just being in the same room as you cause so much anger that I don't want to say things I don't regret when I am angry." I threw back at her and I looked at Miles. "Get her out of here," I requested as I shoved into the apartment.

The door slammed behind me and I stopped hot as I came face to face with Claire. Her eyes full of sadness, "Daddy," I dropped to my knees as I pulled her into my arms. "What baby girl?" I whispered quietly, "I want you and mommy to be together in here." Her nose pressed into my neck and I sighed as I let my head tilt forward and I hugged her tightly. "I know sweet girl, I know, I wish…I wish I could make that happen but it is better if mommy and I aren't in the same room. Baby," I sat back on my heels, "I am going to say something and I know…I know how much you love your mommy but daddy is mad at mommy. Very mad and I do not want you to see daddy angry at mommy."

She sniffled, "Then don't be angry at mommy," she said and I couldn't stop my small smile, "I won't one day, sweet girl. Today isn't the day. How about I call Grandma and see where she is with dinner and then we can watch Frozen II?" I questioned and she sniffled and nodded her head again, "Gabi is making cookies," my head flew up with a sudden smile on my face and I looked down the hall towards the kitchen. "Go play for a little bit, okay?" she was reluctant to leave my side and I scooped her hand into my hand. "Do you want to come with me? Maybe steal a cookie before grandma gets here?" a wide grin splashed over her face and I easily scooped her up into my arms.

I walked down the hall towards the kitchen when I saw Gabi for the first time since this morning. She was in a pair of leggings with a crop top that showed an inch of her belly. I swallowed down hard as my eyes watched her move the cookies from the cookie sheet to the cooling rack. "Gabi, I told daddy," Claire rang out and Gabi spun around with a smile on her face. Her curls bouncing with the movement and she had that glow to her of just being content and happy.

"Oh yea? I bet he smelled them when he walked in the door," she teased and I grumbled as my belly grumbled for those cookies. "One cookie, Claire Bear and then we are going to go play before dinner gets here which I want you to eat as much as possible," I said setting her on the counter. "Okay, daddy," I smiled as I reached over for two cookies and I handed Claire one, "Wait, Gabi needs one, too," she whined and I couldn't stop my laugh as I swung a look over towards Gabi.

"You joining us?" I questioned with a raised eyebrow and she laughed, "If that's what Claire wants," she grabbed a cookie and we tapped them together before diving in. I moaned with the first warm bite and my eyes closed. God, these were good. "Gabi you make the best cookies ever," Claire gasped and I couldn't stop my chuckle, "She sure does," I agreed as I popped the rest of it into my mouth. Gabi smiled at me for a beat before turning to finish what she was doing.

Claire finished her cookie and I planted a kiss on her head as she sent her to go play. I was nervous because she had scans tomorrow morning to see if there was any active cancer. I knew I wasn't going to sleep tonight because I wanted my little girl to be better already. I needed her to be okay. I couldn't handle if she wasn't okay. I breathed out heavily, "You, okay? I heard the about the press conference." I just nodded my head. "Yea, I'm fine. I just…" I closed my eyes and rubbed my face. "I don't want to do anything wrong by her." I said with a look towards the direction that Claire just went off in.

"You aren't doing anything wrong by her. She's four. She doesn't need to see you go blow to blow with Eve and right now separation is good. You are allowing her to see her mother when you aren't here and I think it'll get better." She said and I just listened to her voice. Absolutely hating myself for letting her go. This could have been us.

No. You didn't want this for her. You didn't want the trophy wife life for her. You never wanted this for her. She's too good. "Thanks, Gabi, I love the cookies." I told her and she barked out a laugh and her brown eyes glittered with humor. "I know, it's why I made them. I figured you could use something to cheer you up." I gave her a smile and I nodded, "I'm going to call my mom, shower, and then hopefully dinner will be here."

"Okay, I'm going to go check on Claire and remember she is NPO after midnight for her scans tomorrow." I cringed and just nodded, "Troy, I'll be with her every step tomorrow. I'll rush the scans." I swallowed as I couldn't do this without her currently. I couldn't look at her either though because I was feeling a ton of emotions at the moment and I couldn't handle them. I wanted to touch her. I wanted to kiss her but I literally haven't divorced my wife yet. It hasn't even been a week. No.

"Thank you," I rushed out before I walked away, walked into my room, and shut the door before I slunk back against it. Fuck, me.

Tuesday, March 18th, 2014

Troy's POV

I laughed as the waves crashed along the beach as Gabi and I were sitting on the sand letting the sun soak into our skin. It was our Spring Break and we were making the most of the week together. She was currently sitting in my lap as I nibbled on her neck causing her to laugh again. "Hey, baby," I whispered and she looked over at me, "Yea?" she questioned in return. Those brown eyes full of hope and happiness. "It's hard to believe we've been dating for nearly seven months." She smiled and kissed my neck.

"It's been an amazing 7 months," she acknowledged with a hint of a smile on her lips. "It has been and I know we love to stay in the present but what are you thinking for after we graduate next year?" the nerves riddled in my stomach because I was set to play football. Where was the biggest question mark in my life?

"I don't know. I want to stay in North Carolina. I was thinking UNC because it isn't far from home. I can still see my family and because I don't know what I want to do yet I can touch the water there and see what I like the best." She shrugged her shoulders, "What about you?" I swallowed on the lump in my throat, "I don't know. I know I am going to be playing football somewhere but I don't know if that will be in North Carolina." Her lips fell and she turned her head away. Her eyes lingered on the beach in front of her as she processed my words.

"Is anybody talking to you?" she asked me and I nodded my head, "UNC, Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, a few smaller colleges. They have all reached out and I have some workouts coming up but…I don't know where I am going to land." I told her and she exhaled and gave me a smile, "We'll deal with it as it comes. I'm not set and stone for UNC. I just…I love North Carolina. It's my home." She told me and I only smiled and kissed her softly in return. "I know, El, I know. I don't want to take you from your home. Ever."

She ran her fingers through my hair before she slid off my lap and we both watched the waves together. "We're young, Troy. We're going to figure it out but we don't have to figure it out right now. We still have our entire senior year in front of us. We have all summer and I know you will be so busy playing football but I just…" she let out a deep breath, "I don't want to get ahead of ourselves. We could break up next year and I don't want to make you pick a college because of me."

"I won't," I told her and her brown eyes looked at me, "I'll tell you where I am going and then we'll figure it out from there but I am never going to ask you to follow me, El. Never in a million years. You have so many dreams and I want to watch you achieve all of those dreams."

"What if our dreams are too big? For the both of us?" she whispered as I swallowed on the lump of emotion in my throat. "I want to help all the people. You want to be in the NFL. Both of our dreams are valid and real and…realistic." She breathed out and looked over at me. "I am never going to ask you to compromise on you wanting to be in the NFL either. What if it's just too big for our relationship?" I shook my head back and forth and I turned my head away.

"I refuse to believe that." I whispered. "Our dreams are perfect for each other. You are going to help people. Take care of them. Educate them. You are going to do that. I'll do my thing and we'll find us in the middle. I know we will. Our love is…" I broke it off as I tried to find the right words. "Our love is big and almost too much sometimes. I think of you every single moment of every single day. On the field, in the weight room, when you are right next to me. I want to be with you. I feel at home with you next to me. I feel…right. I feel as if the world is spinning in the correct alignment when you are right next to me. I know we're only 17 but fuck, El, I can't for the life of me picture anything but you and I fighting against this world. Big dreams, small dreams…it's you and I."

She turned and kissed me hot and heavy on the lips. "I love you, T." she whispered against my lips and I kissed her right back. "I love you, too." I whispered and she smiled, "We'll make our dreams work. I promise,"

"With everything?" I echoed and she nodded her head, "With everything."

Tuesday, April 27th, 2021

Troy's POV

I stroked Claire's head and I kissed her forehead as she was getting ready to go back to her scans, "I'll be right here when you wake up." I whispered into her ear and she nodded her head, "I love you, daddy," I smiled and I kissed her nose, "I love you, too." Eve stood up and she hugged and kissed Claire as she called me last night begging to be here today. I couldn't say no. It made Claire happy and I knew if it was me on the other end, I would die if I couldn't be here today.

She left Jackson with her best friend as Gabi smiled at the both of us, "I'll come update you when she's moving to her bone marrow biopsy, okay?" I nodded as Gabi had been a saving grace the past several days. I don't know how I would have made it through last weekend without her. Fuck, I had to make sure I kept her in the head space of her as my nanny and nurse to my daughter. A job I would have never pictured her having. My stomach curled at the thought as they took Claire back while the room froze over between the two of us.

"I'm going to go call Hanson or something," I wheezed and Eve sighed, "Troy, can I just…"

"No, Eve, I am not ready for this." I said turning to face her. "I am not over it. I am not ready to understand your feelings. I am not ready for any of it. Yes, we both screwed up. I blame myself for a lot of it but you cheated. You didn't have the courage to even tell me that you didn't want to do this anymore. Do you know how long I had been working up the courage to tell you that I wasn't in love with you anymore? That I didn't want to do this anymore? We weren't meant to be and that's fine but you didn't have to cheat on me and then have a baby with somebody else while married. I would have never, Eve."

She went silent and just nodded her head, "That's fair,"

"I'm going to go somewhere else, just text me when she's done."

I walked out of the room and I found my mom sitting in the waiting room. I went over and I sat down next to her and she smiled, "How are you doing, honey, Claire back there?" I nodded my head, "Yes, she is. Gabi has her." My mom reached over and squeezed my knee. "Good. I'm glad you found her for this. Somebody you could trust." I smiled, "Yea, I just…this might be too much for me right now. Gabi is practically becoming our nanny and nurse and this…this isn't what I ever wanted for her. I didn't want this life for her."

"I know, honey, when you told me you broke up you were so heartbroken but I knew your lives were in such different places. You were looking for the NFL and she wasn't sure what her next step was. It was a hard choice you had to make but…maybe once everything cools off you can just talk to her. Maybe you don't know that girl anymore and maybe just maybe she never got over you either." I shook my head, "She did, mom." I whispered.

"How do you know?"

I just shrugged, "Because I broke her heart."

"She doesn't seem to be actively dating and from her sisters it sounds like she never has. It's constantly been somebody different, never lasts long, always finding a reason it doesn't work." I didn't say anything back because I didn't have anything to say back. "I can't right now. My marriage hasn't even ended technically, my daughter has cancer, I have the biggest year of football coming up on my shoulders, and fuck…" I breathed out and my mom just rubbed my back.

"It'll all work out like it is supposed to work out." My mom reminded me and I just closed my eyes and nodded because I didn't have much left in me to give at this point.

"Her scans look a lot better," Dr. Rich said as Eve and I sat on the other side of the table. I tried to put about six feet between us but the office was only seven feet long. "Her bone marrow biopsy will take a couple of days to come back but I am very encouraged by the results. We'll still do two more rounds of chemo and see where we are sitting. We aren't clear yet but the chemo is working and I am very pleased with it."

I felt a gush of air whoosh out of my lungs with the clearance. "It hasn't spread anywhere. I think we've contained it. I am going to suggest we do intracranial chemo to make sure that the cancer doesn't spread to her brain and to make sure no lingering cells are up there. We'll finish this regimen and do that once a month for two months. We'll see where we are sitting after that and talk about a bone marrow transplant. I think it's best for her in the long run to make sure her cells are all clear."

"What does that mean for a BMT…can she do it at home?" Dr. Rich sighed and shook his head, "I wouldn't feel comfortable doing it at your home. I understand the privacy is big for the both of you right now but if we do the BMT…it has to be in our special unit. We'll keep your privacy as best as we can but she'll have no immune system for a while and any infection can kill her fast. Gabi is a fantastic nurse but sometimes we just need more than we have at home."

I nodded as I played with my hands, my right hand looking for my ring on my finger to twirl around like I used to do when I was nervous. "How long would she be here?"

"Probably around a month. We might be able to discharge you a little faster if you keep Gabi but this might also be around the time, we lose Gabi, too. We'll have to play it by ear." My gut sank and I don't think it was due to the fact that our daughter might need a BMT. It was that we are going to lose Gabi at some point. I exhaled and nodded, "Thank you, Dr. Rich." He nodded with a smile on his face. "I am pleased with everything. I've updated Gabi already. She mentioned that you are talking about going to Wilmington in May. I just want to check Claire's counts before you go."

Eve looked at me and I looked at Dr. Rich, "Oh, freak, yea, her sister is graduating high school. I have family from there. I talked about going but I don't know if we'll be able to swing it. I might just let Gabi go," I said with a shrug and Dr. Rich looked at me for a beat and then nodded, "Whatever you decide, we'll check her counts before you go if you go." I shook his head, "Thank you," I echoed my sentiment and he shook Eve's hand before we walked out.

"Are you still going to North Carolina with her?" she asked and I shrugged, "I don't know. I would like to take Claire and it would be before football really starts going. It could be good for her. We'll stay with my family. Gabi will be in town so if something happens, she would be around. We might." I said with a shrug and Eve just nodded her head and then walked away. I let it go as I watched her walk into the bay area that Claire was waiting in with Gabi.

Gabi walked out and her eyes caught me, a small smile playing on her lips. "It's good, Troy. She's responding well and she's going to be okay. I just feel it in my bones." She whispered and I turned my head to survey her face for a moment. "Are you just trying to make me feel better or…" she shook her head. "No, I typically have these gut feelings about kids. I have a really good feeling about her. She's going to be okay, Troy. I can't promise anything but I just…she's a little fighter. It might be a little rocky but she's eating, she's responding to treatment, I think her bone marrow biopsy will come back better than expected."

I brushed my hand through my hair and I looked at Gabi, "I don't know how I would have survived the last five days without you," I finally blurted and she gave a soft smile and nodded, "I know. I am just trying to make sure that little girl is okay." She offered and those brown eyes twinkled. The emotion was thick in my throat and I nodded my head, "I can't thank you enough," I whispered and she gave a tight smile. "I know, Troy."

"You never had to do this."

"I know." She hesitated and her eyes closed for a brief second, "I know I didn't have to do it but I wanted to do it. I needed to do it. You were this open window to my past that I couldn't shut and then suddenly you in the room again…your little girl needed my help. I know our past is just that…our past but I think we both needed to find some closure and to just…know that we're okay in our lives." She said and I shook my head and she reached out and touched my arm briefly.

"I know you aren't okay right now. I won't go anywhere until it is but I knew in my bones then that you needed help and it was something I could give to you."

"My saving grace," I whispered back to her and she laughed under her breath, "Something like that, but c'mon, Claire wants to go home and watch Moana." She started to walk away but I couldn't get over the fact that she said home referencing to the same place we were living. The words circled in my brain and the more I heard them – the happier I got.

Happy Sunday! I hope you enjoyed the chapter and you all had some GREAT reactions to the last chapter. I remember starting this story and being like how am I going to get them out of this relationship – and when I thought of that I figured it was genius and played well into all of my plans. Now…time for Troy and Gabi time (Star eyes)

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Next Update: August 8th – I know. I know. I'm sorry. If you read Coach Bolton I gave the same update. Life is just crazy right now. I work six nights out of the next seven. I go out of town for a week and I come back and I work three in a row again. Just to give a little break to myself and less pressure here (and a better story for you) I will be back in August with no breaks in sight after that. I haven't been able to catch up on life lately and just need a few weeks! It'll be here before you all know it!