Chapter 16 – Surprise

Monday, June 15th, 2021

Gabi's POV

Troy sat on the edge of Claire's bed as she was recapping all of his evening with Jackson and Eve. She explained how she gave Jackson a bottle and I saw the tight grimace on Troy's face but a smile for his daughter to show that he was proud and happy. I knew that was one of those moments that Troy wanted to be there for with his daughter. To see her grow into a big sister. "Gabi, you are wearing pretty jeans, why are you wearing pretty jeans?" Claire asked and I couldn't stop my laugh.

"I am wearing pretty jeans because I went and had dinner with a special friend." I told her with a wink and she smiled, "Is he going to be your prince charming?" she whispered and I laughed with a shrug, Troy lifted his shoulder and looked at me with those twinkling blue eyes yet there were two pairs now. "Maybe," I whispered back and she grinned, "See daddy? Gabi found her prince charming. You should find Cinderella," Troy just chuckled.

"You and your fairy tales," he dipped forward and kissed her forehead. "You seem to be feeling better, baby," Claire nodded her head, "I am sleepy though."

"Then get some rest baby," I made sure that her IV fluids were running smoothly as she was getting a little bit of extra nutrition at night to prepare her little body for her BMT. Troy and I walked out together and I went to the sink and I started to do the dishes in front of me. "What are you doing?" he questioned and I smiled. "I figured I would do the dishes really quick before we went to the balcony so we don't have to do them in them in the morning."

Troy squinted, "We don't do the dishes on a date," I just giggled as I washed off the two plates, the silverware, and a few other things that had collected in the sink before sticking them in the dishwasher with the dishes from when Troy made dinner. "See? All done and you refilled the wine." Troy smiled with a shake of his head as he came over and gently lifted the sweatshirt off my body. "What are you doing?" I whispered.

"Making sure you didn't change." He whispered back to me with a smile etching on his face. I just laughed as he peeled off my UNC sweatshirt and he smiled before dropping his lips back to mine. "C'mon, let's go sit on the balcony." I just nodded as I followed him out to the balcony with my glass of wine as he sat down but pulled the other chair closer to him. I lifted my feet to his lap and he chuckled as he slipped off my boots.

"Do you have any other questions for me?" Troy asked quietly and I thought about it for a moment. "Why didn't you ever just…call me?" I questioned out loud and Troy looked over at me with a sigh. "I thought about it. So many times. But I was hoping that you just moved on and were happy. I was a miserable fuck but I did it to us and I couldn't complain." He shrugged and I just struggled with the thought of it but I probably wouldn't have answered the phone. I would have ignored him.

"I wish I could accurately describe how much I missed you," I whispered and I twisted my head to look out at the Boston skyline. My throat choked up as I thought back to all of those days that I just wanted to talk to him. To tell him about my day. His hands snuck up my leg and he squeezed my knee gently. "I moved into my dorm and I cried in my bed because you weren't there and I couldn't share it with you. I sobbed when my 'friends' asked me to go to a football game knowing that I should be going to support my guy. I wanted to call you when I got into nursing school. I wanted to tell you all about my bad days with nursing school and all of my big achievements. I always, every, single, time thought about you."

Troy shifted and it didn't take long for him to pick up my wine glass and then pick me up to come sit in his lap. "I wanted to call you the day I walked onto campus at Alabama, because I was terrified. I didn't have that safety net of you. The day I suited up for my first game – I looked for you in the crowd. When I made my first start…I wanted to call and tell you about it. My first injury in college I kept waiting for you to check up on me. When Eve told me, she was pregnant…I nearly drove to UNC to ask you what the fuck I was supposed to do because I never loved her. She was just…there."

My brown eyes took in his face and he just shook his head as his eyes flickered to mine. "I did what I thought was right through and I know that it was not right. Eve and I probably could have co-parented really well together without having to get married. The day I was drafted, I could barely smile because you weren't there next to me that night. I wanted to send you a picture of Claire the day she was born. I thought of you on my wedding day and that is some fucked up shit. It was just a moment though – when Eve was walking down the aisle, I shook my head and looked away knowing that it should have been you walking down the aisle. I should have known from that moment on that my marriage was doomed."

I couldn't stop the emotion that crept up my throat, "I regret my choices but don't at the exact same time. I regret letting you go thinking what you did but I love the woman in front of me. This strong, beautiful, radiating woman who is such a kick ass nurse with the brightest smile for all of her tiny little patients, the girl who worked her ass off, and became one of the best. I asked your boss for the best and he didn't hesitate with a name. It was you and god, that makes me so fucking proud of you. You did so many things. So many great things." I tilted my forehead to meet his forehead and he shook his head. "I have a beautiful daughter who I could never live without. It's such a tough line in my head to follow because I want the last eight years of memories to be with you but I don't regret Claire. Not one minute."

My lips pressed to his lips and he groaned with the contact. His hands slid inside of my bodysuit. His large hands against my bare back had me whimpering into his mouth. My hips rolled into his as it had been so long. Troy groaned as he tugged my hair, our lips moving quickly and efficiently. His rock-hard length pressed into me as my fingers slipped into the collar of his shirt. I began to unbutton the shirt as he easily picked me up and carried me across the penthouse.

My hands ran through his hair and he kicked his bedroom door shut, he deposited me onto the bed but I dragged him down with me. "We can stop," he whispered against my mouth and I shook my head. "We can't, we really, really, can't," I whispered back as my lips trailed down his neck and over his collarbone before pushing off his button up shirt and tearing off his undershirt. I took in his marveled chest, Claire's footprints on his side and then I gasped.

Tears filling my eyes. My eyes couldn't leave it. I couldn't look away from it. "How long?" I whispered. I reached up and let my fingers trace the letters and Troy exhaled, "Eight years. It was my first one." I blinked away the tears and I finally pulled my eyes to meet his. "You've had this for eight years?" I nearly choked on my sob and Troy tilted my chin backwards. Our eyes connecting. "I never stopped," he whispered and I lifted up and I pressed my lips against the tattoo underneath of his collarbone.

Mozzafiato was scripted in my handwriting along his chest with seagrass on either side of it and beach waves underneath of that. A picture I drew back in high school when we were sitting in class together. "Troy," I whispered again and he didn't say anything. He just captured my lips again with his lips. He took the kiss slow, his lips pushing and pulling before his tongue slid into my mouth. He eased me back onto the bed as he unbuttoned my jeans before sliding them down my legs. His lips going down my chest.

"I'm regretting the body suit," I nearly cried as his skin wasn't against mine. Troy chuckled, "I'm not regretting it one damn bit," I rocked my hips up and he just took his sweet ass time as he finally undid my body suit and we both had to wrangle it off my body. "Fucking, hell, El, you are so fucking gorgeous." I pulled him back down to my body and Troy kissed between my thighs and his fingers squeezed my legs before pushing them apart. His mouth teased my center and I nearly cried out when he disappeared. He just chuckled against my belly as he kissed all the way back up my body. His lips brushed against mine again and he inhaled deeply.

"I never thought I would get to do this with you, again." I unbuttoned his jeans and started to push them down his waist. His Calvin Klein boxer briefs were flush against his skin and did absolutely nothing to hide his erection. I slipped my hand inside and he growled at the contact and pressed into my palm as I stroked him. He slipped a finger inside of me unexpectantly causing a gasp to push from my lips. "Jesus," he swore underneath of his breath. "You are so wet,"

Troy captured my lips again in the most intense, passionate, kiss of my entire life. My hands traveled through his hair I tugged on the ends of it. Troy stood up after a while and he ditched his briefs and my mouth watered at the sight of him. The v pointed straight to what I wanted, needed, at this point and he was the best. He was always the best. I spotted another tattoo on the back of his shoulder but I couldn't get a good look at it before he was crawling up my body with more kisses.

I struggled to keep my composure when his mouth pressed against the most sensitive part of my body causing my first orgasm to spread like wildfire through my body. "Troy," I whimpered because I needed him. "What do you want?" he whispered in my ear, "You, I want you," I nearly cried. "I'm always yours, I will always be yours." Troy's voice caused goosebumps to travel down my skin. "I just need a condom,"

My head shook back and forth, "It's okay, I have an IUD and I'm clean. You are the only person I've ever been with without a condom." Troy's blue eyes flared to my face and he nearly melted on the spot. "I'm clean, I got tested after everything happened with Eve but I need to be inside of you like yesterday," I just laughed as he pushed into me with one swift motion as I cried out and his groan filled my ears. Oh my god, it felt so fucking good. He felt so fucking good. I forgot how well we fit together. Troy gave me a second to get used to him after so many years without him. I never wanted to go years without him again. I couldn't. His warm body pressed into my body and it felt so fucking good. I missed him. I missed his body. I missed his lips. I missed his dick. I missed his heart the most.

"Troy," I felt my back arch and tilted to meet him as he thrust in and out in a pace that hurt but felt so fucking good. His fire of a touch raced across my body lighting up my entire length from my head to my toes. We were immediately in tune within seconds of each other as if we didn't have those eight years apart. He knew exactly what I needed before I knew what I needed. Love. I felt his love. "Fuck, El, I've missed you, this fucking connection," he groaned as he pushed my legs further apart and lifted the other to hit a whole new spot. His eyes took me in, those eyes, were full of so much emotion. Thankful that we were here, happy that it is us, thrilled that we found our way back to each other. "Troy, please," I begged him when he dropped his lips to mine again in a ravish frenzy. He fucked my mouth as he also fucked me and I was paralyzed from it. So. Paralyzed.

He circled his hips and I circled my legs around his waist as he removed his hands and my hands immediately went to his hair. I tugged on those strands that I missed so much and the smell of him caused all of the nostalgia to come full force. We were both grabbing and stroking and trying to get as close as fucking possible to each other. Our fingers were trying to grip and grab onto every single surface, trying not to let the other get any further away. Both of us were terrified that the other was just going to disappear. Our touch wasn't enough. We could never be close enough. He rubbed against me and I nearly lost it from that moment. "T, I can't," the pleasure was too much. Too good. Too familiar. He drove in quickly again and I lost it.

It sent me over the edge, again, and Troy groaned from the feeling as I squeezed him and it wasn't long before he lost all control. His groan that ripped from his throat as he climaxed caused my hair to stand up on my arms. He pumped a few more time before collapsing on the side of me. His head resting on my shoulder as we were both breathing rapidly as we tried to catch our breaths. His warm body folded into mine, his lips brushing my hair and my forehead.

"El," he paused and he twisted his head to look at me. "Can I call you El again, because baby, you were my El. You were always my El." I just nodded my head as I looked at him. Those blue eyes were so clear. I nestled my body into his body and he circled his arms around me. "That was like…" he paused and just laughed for a moment, "It was like coming home." I smiled as I pressed my lips to his chest. I let my lips press into the tattoo on his chest. "I didn't know you had this," I whispered.

"It was in my truck. I had literally been in Tuscaloosa for like 10 days and I opened my center console and it was just sitting there. Right on top. I couldn't actually believe it. I was shocked. I just sat and my cry and I lost my shit because I remember the day so vividly watching you draw it in class and tucking it into my pocket. That night, I went to a tattoo place and I demanded they put it there. To this day – I have zero regrets about getting it because I knew that you would always be one of most important people in my life."

My fingers traced the letting and the little waves underneath of the word. My eyes blurred as I stared it and my fingers kept tracing it over and over again. "What did Eve say?" I questioned as I looked up at him and Troy shrugged. "I don't know. I think she asked me about it and I made up some bullshit answer about it being for my love for North Carolina. I don't think she ever looked up the word. I don't think she cared to know."

"What about all of those shirtless pictures?" Troy laughed, "Have you been googling me?" he questioned with a smirk rising on his face and I felt my cheeks blush over. "What if I have?" I questioned with a smile tugging on the corner of my lips. "If it's for a photoshoot – they airbrush them out or they cover them up. Whatever they want to do. I don't take my shirt off after the game or on the field where there is press because I don't think it's necessary. Nobody really knows I have it."

Troy dropped his lips to mine as he slowly kissed me, "I never stopped, El. I never stopped loving you. I need you to understand that." I just nodded my head as I reached up to kiss me again. "I know. I can feel it. I could see it. I feel safe with you, Troy. I have always felt safe with you. No matter how heartbroken I was." I sat up and Troy hooked his arm around my waist. "Where do you think you are going?" he questioned. I sent him a playful smile back, "I might fuck on the first date but I don't sleep over," I said with a wink and Troy narrowed his eyes.

"Wrong. Answer." He said as he pinned me back to the bed and I couldn't stop my laugh. Those blue eyes looked me over with complete hunger in his eyes. "So. Damn. Beautiful." He whispered dropping down to forearms and kissing me on the mouth. "You are staying in this bed." He whispered to me and I shook my head. "Your daughter is down the hall. What if she goes looking for me and I'm right here? I really want to make sure we're good before we bring Claire into this." I stressed to him and he bit my lower lip to stop my ramble of words.

"First, she is attached to her IV pole. She can't go that far without one of us hearing her. I'll either redirect her or you'll just say you were coming from the kitchen. She's four." He reminded me as he dropped a kiss to my cheek and then down again. "Claire is always going to be here and if you think you're sleeping in a different bed across my apartment you've lost your goddamn mind." I giggled as he sucked on my collarbone. "Third, you aren't moving out unless you go to Philly. That's the only reason you are moving out so you might as well sell your apartment and get your cat back." I nearly choked on the mention of my cat.

"Yea, I think Wren stole him. I'm not sure I am ever getting that cat back." Troy chuckled as he kissed in-between my breasts before looking up at me. "What if we don't work out and I sell my apartment and my things?" I questioned and Troy growled, "Gabriella Lou Montez…what part of the words I am never letting you walk away again do you not understand?" he almost sounded angry and those blue eyes matched it. I ran my fingers through his hair and I just shrugged, "Life happens, Bolton. We can't always stop it. You're a big NFL star. I'm a nurse."

"And?" he questioned with a quirked eyebrow. "We are different people now. I just…you already paid for my lease through August. Might as well keep it." Troy crushed my mouth against his, "You stay here. Keep the damn apartment. I don't care. You aren't leaving though." I just shook my head with a smile. "Whatever you say, caveman." Troy grunted with my response as I wiggled out from underneath of him. "Where are you going?" he questioned.

"Pee, you are the one who dumped all of your seeds inside of me," I reminded him and Troy just grinned. "Yea, damn straight I did. Also, I'll never forget the first time you let me do that." I just laughed because I had caught him off guard that day. I had gotten my first IUD in high school and felt comfortable enough after having it for a few months to let him finally go bare – without risking pregnancy and I thought he came from that statement alone.

"I'll stay the night in here, Bolton but we better not have to explain anything to your daughter tomorrow morning." Troy just grinned.

Friday, November 14th, 2014

Semi-finals

Gabi's POV

The nerves were imbedded deep into my pores. The team was down by 14 points as we were going into the 4th quarter and their defense was tough. My knee was shaking up and down as I rubbed my lips together. His parents were seated behind me with Gianna and Lucas on both sides of me. My parents couldn't make it tonight as it was a bit of a drive but I rode with the Bolton's. We talked about all of the schools Troy was talking too and how each of his visits were going.

I told my parents honestly that I was going with Troy. I know they were nervous that college could affect us but there was no way. Troy and I…we just had something magical. My eyes flickered over to Troy and he had his head down and was talking with his coach. He pointed something out on the paper and they both nodded their heads when our defense picked the ball for an interception. Our entire crowd jumped to our feet in excitement.

Troy grabbed his helmet and his coach tapped his back as he ran onto the field with his offense. They were in good scoring position as Troy lined up his team before calling the play. They snapped the ball and Troy pulled back before launching the ball in Liam's direction. It landed smoothly in Liam's arms before he ran ten more yards before being tackled by the ten-yard line. Our section remained on our feet as the nerves were so tight.

I was barely breathing.

Troy lined them up again and he handed the ball off to his running back as he twisted and ran five yards before being tackled. Troy called out the next play as he reversed and looked for an open receiver before launching it but getting tackled at the same exact time. My breath exited my body as I heard the roar of the crowd as we must have scored but my eyes stayed on Troy. He rolled over onto his back and took a deep breath when Liam came over and pulled him off the ground.

Troy just nodded his head as Liam said something as they came off the field together. The athletic trainer began to check Troy out but he just nodded his head as if he was fine. I finally exhaled and Sara touched my shoulder. "He's okay, sweetie, I promise. Those start to get easier." I just gave a half chuckle and I watched as our team held them to a three and out before Troy was back out there. He commanded the field and pushed his team all the way to the endzone – again.

We were all screaming and smiling as the game was tied with 7 minutes left on the clock. The other team fumbled the ball on the fifty and we recovered it. Troy was getting a lot more pressure this time and his line couldn't hold off the defenders for as long pressuring him to get the ball out faster. They failed to get the game winning touchdown but our kicker hit a field goal to put us up by three. My eyes flickered to the clock to see 4 minutes left. I sucked on my lower lip and put my head between my legs because I couldn't watch.

"You okay, Gabs?" I looked up at Lucas and nodded my head. "I am just so nervous," I said with a laugh and Lucas grinned. "It's hard with these close games but he's going to do it." He squeezed my shoulder gently and smiled at me as we watched the defense try and stop the run down the field. There were several passes, a few third down attempts, and finally they stopped them just shy of field goal range. There was less than a minute left as they were going to attempt the field goal kick.

I was so nervous.

Troy was standing on the edge of the sidelines watching his defense. They lined up for the field goal and I held my breath as they snapped the ball and the kicker launched it, I gasped as the ball went wide right and I jumped up screaming as the refs signaled that it wasn't good. Our whole section was screaming with excitement to go to the finals. They sent Troy back out there to kneel on the ball in the victory formation. Once the ball was snapped and Troy was down on his knee the whole section was clearing.

The team was mobbed in the middle of the field as I dropped my stuff and I began to follow the crowd. Gianna and Lucas were hot on my heels as we jumped the fence to the field to join the players. I just wanted to hug him and then let him go celebrate with his team. Lucas grabbed my hand and he was pulling me through the crowd until I saw him in the break. He was laughing and hugging his coaches and his friends before his eyes shifted and found mine.

A big grin spread across his face and I took off across the field as I jumped and wrapped my legs around his waist. He caught me smoothly and I buried my lips into his neck. The smell of grass and sweat on his skin and his body was wet but I didn't care. "I'm so proud of you," I whispered into his ear as I hugged him tighter. "I love you," he whispered back and I just pulled back to look at his face before our lips were connected together.

"We're going to state," he whispered and I laughed tossing my head back, "We're going to state,"

Tuesday, June 16th, 2021

Troy's POV

I woke up with my girl in my arms. The girl. The only girl. The girl I have loved since I was 17 years old. Her body was curled into my body and I just stared. I seriously never thought I would see this day again. I never thought I would wake up with her in my arms. I wanted to wake her up but I knew I only had so much time before Claire got up. I brushed my lips over her forehead and trailed down to her chin before hovering over her lips. She wiggled underneath of me and I smiled watching her.

Last night, I finally told her the full truth of what happened those last couple of weeks but it was still hard. I made that decision and I would make it again. Gabi let her brown eyes flutter open and she gave off a tiny smile, "Good morning, beautiful," I whispered dipping down to kiss her softly. Her arms looped around my neck and our lips met in the middle. I sucked her bottom lip into my mouth and she groaned into the kiss. I locked our fingers together wedging myself between her legs. "You are my home," I whispered into her mouth.

"DADDY!" I grimaced as I pulled away from Gabi and she let out a soft laugh, her brown eyes glancing up at me with a smile on her lips. "I love that girl fiercely but I would give anything to sit her in front of the TV all day." Gabi laughed and pushed my shoulder. "Stop it, go distract your daughter while I go sneak into my room and change." I dipped down and I stole one more kiss from her. My mouth attacking hers gently but passionately. "Troy," she mumbled into the kiss as Claire started to whine.

"Go," she said again and I just grinned as I pushed off the bed as I dipped down and grabbed a pair of shorts off the floor and tossed her my t-shirt to sneak out to her room. She just smiled with a shake of her head but I watched her sniff it before pulling it on. I walked out into the living room with the biggest smile on my face as I pushed into Claire's room. She was sitting up in bed with her eyes half closed and still rubbing them.

"Morning baby girl," I greeted as I went over and I disconnected the IV and capped her port like Gabi showed me to do a million times. I kissed her bald head afterwards and crawled onto her bed. She curled into my lap and yawned. "I'm really sleepy daddy," I chuckled, "Then why did you wake up?" I asked her. "Because I missed you." My heart softened at her words and I just laid down in her bed with her. She curled into my shoulder. "I just want to feel better daddy," she whispered and my heart cracked in half.

"I know baby, I know," I whispered as I stroked her head. "Why can't I feel better?" she cried and I choked back my own wave of emotion. "Morning Claire," Gabi walked in with a pair of leggings and a t-shirt, ahem, my t-shirt still. I shot her a look and she just smiled at me but she quickly frowned with her assessment of Claire. "Sweetie, what's wrong?" Gabi sat on the edge of the bed and Claire sighed sleepily, "I'm tired and I just hurt," she whispered.

"I'm sorry, sweet thang. Let me see what I can do to make you feel a little bit better." Gabi reached forward and stroked her cheek. "I wanted Daddy cuddles," Claire blinked open those big blue eyes and Gabi smiled, "I always enjoyed those," she whispered and Gabi sent me a quick wink as she meant me and not her own father. Gabi got up and went to the med cart in the room as she found what she was looking for plus Claire's daily meds.

She listened to her and did a quick assessment of her before providing her probably pain medication. "I think you are going to be extra sleepy today, Claire. I bet your daddy will lay with you though today and make sure you feel better." Gabi told her and I just pulled her into my grasp a little bit tighter. "Daddy, can we move to the couch and watch TV?" I kissed her cheek, "Of course, sweet girl. I have to go to practice later. Do you want me to see if mommy can come over?"

"Yea, will Gabi be here?"

"Of course," I glanced up at Gabi and she nodded her head, I knew she wouldn't leave Claire in this state. "C'mon, let's go to the couch. Do you want to share a smoothie with me?" I asked Claire as I picked her up easily and carried her to the couch. My little girl was smaller than she should be and I felt like she was more bones than anything else. I hated it. "The good kind. Not the green kind." Claire said with a scrunch of her nose and I chuckled.

"Fair enough,"

"Those green ones are gross," Gabi agreed as we walked into the living room. "They are not gross," I fought back but it was useless with those two girls. I was putty in their hands. "You put like every green veggie in them. It can't be good." Gabi said with a smile as she began to pull out blueberries, bananas, and strawberries from the freezer. She grabbed the whole milk and all the extra calorie nutrients that she added just for Claire.

"I'll make you try one next time," I fought back and Gabi just sent a smile back towards me. I settled with Claire in my lap as I turned on Paw Patrol for her and she was content to watch as she sipped on some water. I picked up my cell phone and I text Eve to see if she could come over this afternoon when I had a planned throwing session.

She agreed and I had her coming ten minutes early. I was going to be nothing but open and honest about my relationship with Gabi. I didn't need her throwing it back in my face and nothing happened until last week and I was going to tell her that. Not that she had much leg to stand on, she had a baby with a different guy and told me it was mine. I tossed my phone on the couch and kissed the top of Claire's shiny head. I couldn't wait for her hair to grow back.

The blender came to life in the kitchen and I peeked over at Gabi. She was moving around the kitchen and getting the cups ready to go. We had become pros at giving her a small amount and filling it up as we go with my smoothie. Gabi went back to the freezer and pulled out all of my "green" shit and I just smiled. The fact that she had watched me enough to know how to make it. The smell of coffee brewed in the apartment and I felt so content in my heart.

I knew that I wanted to get out of this penthouse sooner or later. I wanted a house. A yard for Claire to play in. Space. Maybe a dog. I wanted Gabi to live there.

Philadelphia.

My gut turned with the minor though that Gabi was going to have to leave Boston. I didn't want her to leave Boston. I wasn't going to think about it though. We still had the whole summer in front of us. Two months until that happened. We would figure it out but I was going to start looking for a house. Maybe while Claire was getting her BMT done I could move. She could come home to a brand-new room and a surprise for her.

A pool in the backyard.

A swing set.

My girls.

"Here ya go, Claire." Gabi handed her a smoothie and me a smoothie. I thanked her as I gently squeezed her hand and she shook her head before walking away. She went back to the kitchen and I smiled. Yea, I think my future was bright from here.

Saturday, November 22nd, 2014

State Championship

Troy's POV

I tossed the ball back and forth with my back-up quarterback, Bryson, as the nerves were creeping up my belly big time. We were in North Carolina's football stadium and it was filling to the brim with people to watch us play in the state championship. I wanted to vomit on the whole trip here yesterday. I was nervous. So, freaking nervous and the only person who could ground me was somewhere in the stands. I didn't know where and I hated it.

I caught the ball and I threw it again before we went out and did some run through practice plays. The guys ran around and moved around as we were ready for this game. It was going to be a hard-fought battle but I was ready for it. My team was ready for it. This was what I wanted before I graduated high school. It was what I had been working for, for years, and it was time to succeed. Coach began to call us back to the locker room and I looked around the stadium. I just wanted to see that dark hair.

"Troy," I heard her voice and I whipped around to see her at the bottom of the railing. I jogged over and I couldn't stop my smile as I took my helmet off and I reached over for her hand. "Hi baby," she grinned at me and those brown eyes held so much happiness. "I am so proud of you for just getting here. I am rooting for you baby; I am so excited to watch you. Do the damn thing," I grinned up at her and I tugged on her hand and pulled her mouth to my mouth.

"I love you,"

"I love you, too." She whispered and I gave her a quick kiss and then I winked before turning back to run to the locker room. I was ready now. She was here. I saw her. Coach yanked me into the team meeting and I focused in on what he was saying and our initial game plan. I was going to do this for my team. I wasn't going to let them down two years in a row. We got it. We did.

The next twenty minutes blurred by with the announcements and running on the field, the national anthem, coin toss, and deciding to defer to the second half. I was back on the sidelines when I noticed how packed it was. I noticed all of the students who were here and all the families. I watched our kicker launch the ball towards the opposite endzone. The other team caught it and started to run up the field but was tackled at the thirty. I shifted from foot to foot on the sidelines because I couldn't do anything but encourage my teammates to work hard.

The defense pushed against their line and the nerves started to creep in again. It was almost my turn as they flipped to third down and I was antsy. The crowd was growing rowdy and I looked over my shoulder, just once, to spot her with my family up towards the top of the first section. Her eyes were glued to me and I just gave a tiny smile back before I focused.

This was the moment.

The moment I had been waiting for.

I had to capitalize. I had to push. I had to do this.

"Offense!" the coach screamed after they punted the ball. I tugged on my helmet and I ran out onto the field with my team. We huddled up and I nodded to each of them. "Boys, this is the thing we have been working for the entire season. Let's play the best damn game of football we have ever played in our lives." There was grunting and nodding and my nerves started to fade as I went back to just playing football. I stood above my center and he snapped the ball.

The nerves completely disappeared.

This was my game.

I swung the door open to reveal Eve and the car seat carrier. My eyes lingered on Jackson, who I got weekly updates about from Claire as if it didn't rip out my heart to know that was supposed to be my son. "Hey, thanks for the invite." Eve said with an appreciative smile. I just nodded my head as I stepped backwards to allow her access into the penthouse that was once hers too. I exhaled as Claire was passed out in her bed. "Claire is sleeping but she has been for a little while. We got her to eat an entire smoothie this morning but nothing since then. Gabi is pushing fluids right now and should be back to disconnect them."

I picked up my cell phone and my backpack, "Oh she isn't here?" Eve asked setting Jackson's car seat on the counter. I shook my head, "No. She's at yoga but she should be back soon." I hesitated because I wouldn't be back before Gabi came back and I wasn't sure how this was going to go but Eve already told me she had to leave before I got back. "Listen, and I need you to listen closely," I said as I grabbed my water bottle. My eyes averting her as I tried to keep myself busy. "Gabi and I are dating." I told her and Eve's eyes flared to me. I finally looked at her.

"It's literally 24 hours old so don't start getting any extra ideas, I convinced her to let me take her out on another date to explain what happened in our relationship but you're right – there was still feelings there but I would have never acted on them if our marriage was strong, happy, and full of actual love – then I wouldn't have ever acted on them. I would have never let anything happen because I don't cheat. I never would and I never will. We didn't have a whole lot of love in our marriage and I'm still not convinced you didn't trap me with Claire but I love the damn girl like no other so I don't actually give a shit." Eve went to speak and I shook my head. I honestly never wanted to know. I didn't want her lies and I didn't want her truths. She knew I was going to get drafted high and become an NFL star and then suddenly she ends up pregnant. Yea, it took me a few too many years to put that one together. "So, I am dating Gabi, that's the end of the story. Claire doesn't know a damn thing because Gabi wants to wait and make sure this is still as good as it once was." I stopped talking and I let my eyes look at Eve.

She looked exhausted, honestly. The bags underneath of her eyes were growing and she didn't look as put together as she once did. Apparently, she had fallen down a handful of pegs since our divorce. She had to actually work now and raise a child on her own.

Eve just blinked at me and exhaled, "I can't say I am surprised. There was too much chemistry there for anybody to ignore. I promise not to say anything to Claire and thank you for telling me upfront. Nothing happened before yesterday?" I shook my head. "No. Not a damn thing. She resisted a lot of it but yea, we're seeing each other again and I really plan on not fucking it up this time. I also plan on getting the fuck out of the city and finding land." Eve's eyes grew wide with all of my statements.

Eve just nodded her head slowly, "Can you keep it within twenty minutes of here so it's not a long commute for me?" I nodded my head, Eve glanced over at Jackson and she exhaled rocking her car seat gently. "It was in my plans already. I don't want to be that far from the facility. Look, Eve, I want to be the best co-parents for Eve. I hate how we ended but that doesn't mean we have to take it out on Claire. As soon as treatments are over, we can sit down with each other and agree to a schedule. A fair schedule for the both of us and Claire. I want to be able to be in the same room as you and be present. I'm done being mad." The honest truth left my mouth and I think Eve was just as surprised as me.

It was honest though. I was moving on with my life and being mad at Eve wasn't going to benefit Claire. I wasn't in a relationship anymore and I didn't owe her any money. I just wanted Claire to be happy. Being able to co-parent with her, hosting birthday parties, and being able to stand in the same room – that is important to me. Claire is important to me.

Eve just rose a single eyebrow and she nodded her head, "I want that, too. I want that for Claire. I want that for us. I am um…I'm talking to Jackson's dad." I swallowed down as my eyes flickered over to Jackson. I wanted another baby. I didn't realize that until I couldn't have another one right this minute. I didn't realize how excited I was to add another kid to my life until it was taken away from me. I pushed that thought far away because I had a long time to go before that was ever going to happen. "He wants to be in his life and we just kinda talk a lot. I don't know where it'll end up but I owe you the same curtsy." I pulled my eyebrows together and I just nodded my head slowly.

"Has Claire met him?" she shook her head gently back and forth. I pulled my bottom lip into my mouth and then released it before sighing. "Can I meet him before she does? Just so I know who my daughter is meeting? I won't dictate your relationship; I just want to meet him." Eve just nodded her head slowly, "If we become more serious. You won't like punch him in the face for…" I shook my head. "No. Eve, I…" I exhaled hard. It was a tough fucking blow to realize that it would be the man she cheated on me with but…I honestly didn't care. I had my girl. "A lot of shit happened for a reason and yea, I'm pissed you cheated on me and lied to me but…our relationship was doomed from the beginning and part of it was my fault. I shouldn't have gotten into a relationship when I wasn't ready for one. If he makes you happy…I'm glad somebody can." Eve looked at me with tears in her eyes and turned away.

Yea, this was probably the most grown-up conversation we've ever had together and that was sad. I had no need to comfort her or walk over to her as we both stood our ground. "Thanks, Troy. That means a lot. You are a good guy but we both made our fair share of mistakes together." I just nodded my head because yea, we definitely had. We were both to blame for how our relationship ended.

"I have to get going but thanks for letting me tell you without freaking out. I really do love her, Eve. She is just…she was always the one for me. I shouldn't have let her go in the first place but if I hadn't…we wouldn't have Claire and I wouldn't have been able to imagine my life without her in it. Everything happened for a reason." I paused and smiled, "I love that little girl so damn much it actually hurts. She is my world. I would appreciate if you don't talk to Gabi about our relationship today. She knew I was telling you but just give her some breathing room. This is all…a lot for her. I really did break her heart and I have a lot of work cut out for me."

Eve grinned, "You always liked the challenge,"

I just shook my head with a laugh as Claire called out from her room and Eve smiled, "Have fun, I'll see you later this week." Eve nodded and I walked out the door and I felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders.

Gabi's POV

State Championship Game

The clock was winding down and the game was tied with the ball in Troy's hands. He was yelling on the field to his players as the play clock ran downwards. There was only 30 seconds left on the clock and we needed a touchdown. I bounced on my feet for a few moments and took in a deep breath. My dad stood on the other side of me as they snapped the ball and Troy caught it effortlessly as he threw it quickly to Liam as he stepped out of bounds to stop the clock.

24 seconds remained.

My stomach twisted in knots and I could barely breathe. Troy huddled the team together and they all clapped their hands as he set his receivers into motion. They settled into their spots when the ball was snapped again and Troy took steps backwards, his footwork beautiful, as he looked around as his line blocked for him effortlessly while he launched the ball to Wyatt. Wyatt caught it and ran down the sidelines to get them to the thirty. He stumbled out of bounds and the clock stopped again.

My eyes flickered back to the clock.

16 seconds.

I wanted to vomit.

I squeezed Scarlett's hand and she squeezed mine back. Lucas and his parents were right in front of me. I used my free hand to brush my fingers through my hair. They were at least in the range for a field goal and we had control of the ball. We just had to keep the ball. I swallowed down on the rising bile as Troy lined up and the next play was a run play that gained us nine yards. A time-out was called and there was 10 seconds left.

Troy and the team were huddled up while getting quick water before getting back in the game. There were lined up and they snapped the ball. Liam ran out and Troy threw a quick pass as Liam found an opening and ran into the endzone. I jumped up and down screaming with excitement as we were all hugging and laughing with each other in the stands as Troy and Liam were hugging tightly in the end-zone as there was only two seconds on the clock.

They punched in the extra point but still had two second left on the clock. They had to kick off again before the real celebration can get started. Our student section was getting rowdy with excitement as they lined up to kick the ball as they had one play. They caught the ball and started to run. I held my breath as they continued to move down the field and did a couple of lateral passes before somebody knocked the player out of bounds. Our side of the stadium erupted with noise and we were all moving towards the field as we haven't won start in thirty years.

My eyes found Troy laughing and celebrating with all of his teammates in the middle of the field. The students were jumping the side to go join them on the field but I hung back. It was going to be a mad house down there and as much as I wanted to be with him – but I also just wanted to watch him. He was laughing and just smiling wide as he was hugging his coaches, his teammates, and nodding his head as he shook hands with the opposing coach.

His eyes started to flicker around and his eyes moving around before going to the stands. His parents were standing next to me along with my family. He flickered to us and a wide smile spread over his lips before he came jogging over. People tried to stop him but he just held up his finger as I rolled over the fence and started to meet him half way in my Bolton jersey. I jumped up and he easily caught me as I pulled him into a big kiss. "I am fucking so proud of you, Troy Bolton." I whispered as I pulled away and just hugged him tightly. "I love you," he whispered into my ear, his body squeezing me extra tight. "I love you," I whispered right back to him.

His blue eyes were shining with happiness and I brushed my fingers through his hair. "So damn proud of you," he just laughed as he sat me down before going to see his parents and my parents but I just smiled. That was my boyfriend. My love. My state championship. My everything.

Gabi's POV

I crossed my legs as I flipped through some pages as I was in a conversation with my sisters but my mind was pre-occupied. When I got back to Troy's apartment today Eve was there and a half asleep, not feeling that great, Claire but Eve was smiles. Jackson was in a good mood today and that caused everybody to be in a good mood. She had left a little bit ago with Jackson and I had put Claire to bed as Troy had shot Eve and I a text – in the same group message that he went to get a drink with a few of his receivers. He texts me on the side to make sure I was okay with it and I was – he didn't go out that often. Most of the time his friends would come here.

My mind was mostly caught up on the fact that we were doing this whole relationship thing again. My heart fluttered with the mere thought of it and my belly was full of butterflies because I was so scared but so happy to do it again. He made me happy. I just hope we had all learned our lesson about miscommunication and just speaking to each other. I wasn't sure how comfortable I was going to be in our relationship if I was leaving in a few short months.

Did I want to leave? Did I want to go do this? It was an opportunity of a life time but…I let my thoughts stop there because I didn't want to get carried away. It was June. I had time to make my decisions and I could just be a floor nurse, I mean, what was so bad about that? I loved Claire and I never stopped loving Troy Bolton. The door to the apartment clicked open and I heard his keys hit the counter and his shoes get kicked off.

"El," his voice called out and goosebumps traveled down my body. I missed when he called me El. I missed when his arms wrapped around me and he buried his lips into my hair when he saw me. I missed all of those little touches and smiles. I really wasn't sure how we went this long without doing anything but…I swallowed, "In the living room," I said out loud. Troy came in and his eyes surveyed me with a smile on his face. "Hi beautiful," he walked over and collapsed on the couch next to me.

"Hi," I said with a shy smile. Troy grinned as he gripped my chin gently and he dropped a kiss to my lips. His mouth hovered over my mouth after that and a smile fought on his face. I could smell the whiskey on his breath and I just closed my eyes. I didn't know I loved that smell so much on him. Between the cedarwood sex smell with the whiskey breath…my panties were no longer dry. "I think I am going to get ready for bed," I said as I reached up to rub his shoulder.

Troy twisted his head, "In my bed, correct?" I shook my head with a tiny smile on my face "No, I do think that we need to take this slow. I'm still scared. I still think we have a lot to re-learn about each other. I still love you and I still want to do everything with you but…I think a few nights apart in different beds is good. At least until you tell Eve and Claire." A frown played on Troy's lips as he surveyed my face. Those blue eyes gauging all of my emotions.

"I told Eve this morning," he said as he brushed his hand on my cheek. My eyes popped open and I looked at him. "You told her? She didn't say anything." Troy bit down on his lip and nodded his head, "Yea, I did. I didn't want her to be able to throw it back in my face if I didn't tell her right after we got together. I just wanted to make it clear. I made it clear to her that you are off limits to her to say anything, too. If you want to bring it up – I don't care but I don't need her attacking you or some shit," I leaned into his touch. "How about no sex but you in my bed," he bargained and I smiled with a shake of my head.

"No, I love you, but no. We just started this thing again,"

"And I wasted eight years not having you."

"Thank you for telling, Eve. She never said anything and was in a good mood all day. I would have never guessed." Troy gently moved his hands to my hips and gently lifted me up to staddle his lap. His hands sliding up my back side and I let my hands circle around the back of his neck. "Are you sure I can't change your mind?" he whispered and I shook my head gently. "I want to do everything with you but I also want to make sure that our relationship is solid. If we have to do long distance and…" I stopped as those blue eyes held mine.

"I get it, I just, one taste of you again and I can't get enough. I'll never get enough." I smiled as I dropped my lips to his. The kiss was slow and gentle as his hands stayed put as we just – kissed. His lips soft and teasing while our tongues probed and massaged as I whimpered after a while. The taste of the whiskey on his tongue and his cock pressing into me had my entire body weakening. Troy pulled back from me and he cupped my face.

"Go get ready for bed, I'll see you in the morning. Okay?" I swallowed and his thumb traced my swollen lips. The restraint he was showing was something else because he was the one who wanted to take me to bed but he knew and respected my decision. "Don't you dare think I'll be this good every night," he said as I got up off of his lap. I giggled and shot him a look with a smile on my face, "I don't think I can be a good girl every night. No worries," Troy smirked as I went to my bedroom, shut the door, and collapsed back against it.

An exhale worked through my lips and I couldn't stop my growing smile. I was so happy and I was trying to figure out how to prevent this crash from happening.

EKKKKK! They are together and they have so much future ahead of them! What did you think about the tattoo? You knew he had some sort of tattoo relating to Gabi right!? Let me know all of your thoughts! I love these two. Probably one of my favorite Gabi/Troy couples that I've written about!

Can't wait to hear all of your reviews!

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Next Update: October 17th