Chapter 38 – Big Wins

Saturday, February 12th, 2022

Gabi's POV

I walked out onto the balcony as it was late and Troy was sitting out on a chair out there. We went to bed hours ago but I rolled over and found nothing. He looked over his shoulder as I saw him looking through sheets of plays. "Troy, you have one of the biggest games of your life tomorrow. Why are you not sleeping?" I sank down in his lap as this had been a long week of emotions and excitement. Troy was barely around and I found myself joining all the other moms, wives, and kids doing all the activities. We had a big dinner last night as the kids all were watched by a handful of people while the adults got away to celebrate.

"I couldn't sleep," Troy said honestly as he looked up at me. Those blue eyes nearly glowing in the dark as they drifted back to the sheets in front of him. "Troy, you've studied your ass off all week long. You've done everything you can. It's time to rest your body." I rubbed his shoulder and he exhaled as he rubbed his eyes. "I want this, Gabs."

"I know you do. I want this for you. How about you come back to bed with me?" his eyes glanced up at me with weariness. I rubbed my lips together as I held my hand out and he sighed as I gently pulled him up. I wrapped my arms around him and I kissed his chest. "I love you, tomorrow you will go shine in front of the world of football and everybody who is there for the half time show." A dry chuckle left his throat and I smiled as I tugged him inside.

We climbed into bed as I had him turn onto his belly as I gently massaged his back. "Relax, I think tomorrow you should treat it like a pre-season game. Go out there and just throw the damn ball and lead your team to a victory. They are not ready for you. They did not prepare nearly as much as you. I can promise you that much." Troy laughed softly as I continued to massage his back. "I can't wait to not watch any film for months." I couldn't stop my own laugh. "I also cannot wait."

We both giggled together as I felt his entire body melt into the bed. I laid next to him and he twisted his head to look at me. "You can do it," I whispered to him. "I can do it," he whispered back to me as our eyes connected. "I'm proud of you."

He grabbed my hand and he kissed the center of my hand. "I couldn't have done this without you."

I shook my head and Troy silenced my movement. "I'm sorry, baby but I couldn't have. This? This is because of you and Coach better thank you after we win the damn thing." We both laughed together as he wrapped his arm around my body and we snuggled together. "Tomorrow, we will be super bowl champs," we both shared a laugh together and our fingers interlocked. "Monday starts off-season. Full of sex, beach days, and hopefully other fun things." Troy murmured.

"What other fun things?" I asked and he just grinned as he kissed me again. "Wouldn't you like to find out."

"How is The Sunshine Pact?" Troy asked me and I smiled, "Being managed by Hannah and Bailey. They can handle this for the next week or so. I told them I wasn't sure what was going to happen after Sunday so they are running things until the end of the week." Troy tucked my hair behind my ear, "Good. I'm glad we can take the week with each other. Eve is actually flying out to come to the game. They are here and she is going to take Claire after the game. I told her that I'll come get her for the weekend."

"Yea? Big plans?" I questioned and he smirked, "Win or lose I owe my girlfriend some dates. After that we can figure it out from there."

His eyes were growing heavy as we were talking and I didn't stop until he was fully asleep. I watched him sleep and I knew that he was going to do big things tomorrow win or lose. I was proud of him.

Sunday, February 13th, 2022

Troy's POV

I listened to the music pump into my ears as I inhaled and then I exhaled to try to ground myself back down to earth. I closed my eyes as I took in five even breaths and I opened them to see my jersey and football pants. My cleats were laced and I stared at my helmet in my locker. A pair of hands landed on my shoulder and I titled back to see Reni. I pulled my headphones off and he pulled a chair up next to me. "You ready?" he asked.

I exhaled again and I just nodded, "I think so."

Reni gave me that smile, "No you aren't – go out into the lobby. You got five minutes." I scrunched my eyebrows and I got up as we were getting ready to run back out onto the field. I walked out and a pair of arms were wrapping around my leg. "Good luck, daddy!" Claire grinned up at me and I easily picked her up and she hugged me around my neck so tightly. "Thank you, Claire. You knew I needed this – huh?" she giggled, "No, but Gabi did. Did you know mommy is here? She's going to watch the game, too!" I laughed as I stroked her cheek. "You're going back with Mommy," I reminded her and she huffed with a smile.

"Remember? I'll see you back in North Carolina at the beach house." I told her quietly and she just gave a big smile. I kissed her cheek as I put her back on the ground as I looked up to see Gabi. Those brown eyes were staring at me with the proudest look on her face. I left before she got up this morning and this – this was what I needed. "You look so good," she whispered and I couldn't stop my laugh as I walked over as she looked even better. Wearing a pair of jeans that hugged her entire figure and to my jersey on her shoulders. "You are stunning," I whispered as I pulled her into my body.

"You are going to be amazing," she whispered up to me. I smiled as I dropped a kiss to her lips and our fingers locked together. "I needed this," I told her and she smiled, "I know. That's why I brought Claire down here. I knew you needed a moment." I kissed her forehead and she squeezed my hand. "You can do it,"

Gabi and Claire both headed back and I returned to the locker room as I gathered my team around in a circle.

"Back in August in training camp this – this is where we wanted to be. We wanted to be right here. In this locker room. Getting ready to play for the biggest game of our careers. We have worked way too hard to get right here to let anything else distract us. Whatever is going on in our personal lives – that leaves at the door. Whatever is bothering us with our teammates leaves at the fucking door. You walk out of this locker room and the only, the only, thing on your minds is how to win this football game. In four hours, we'll deal with the rest but right here? Right now? It's playing football."

The locker room got rowdy and we all gathered together as this was it. This was the time to shine and to show the world what we were made of. To stop doubting myself and my team. We were going to do this. We all ran out to the tunnel as we waited for our cue to go out. I gave our head coach a nod, "You got this, Bolton." I nodded as all the talk this week had been about my anxiety and I didn't want that per say – it was starting a ton of conversations. It was helping kids who felt like they couldn't share. It was showing that you could have this diagnosis with life but still persist.

Hanson hit my shoulder, "Let's do it, Bolton," I smirked.

"Let's do it."

Gabi's POV

I nibbled on my lip as I watched Troy lead his team down the field. The game was entertaining and exciting for the crowd but I was a nervous wreck the entire time. Fuck, I just wanted this for him. That way he could play his career without the fear of never getting it. If he had a terrible injury then he knows he achieved it all. I exhaled as his family was in the front row with me of the suite as all of our family, friends, and wives were all in this booth. We had one big one instead of smaller ones. Luckily, Claire was doing so well the doctors were only mildly concerned.

My mom slid into a chair next to me that Claire had disappeared from. I tried to get her to focus on the game but I knew she was too young to truly understand this. "I thought you looked terrible at his high school championship game. I'm pretty sure you are going to vomit into the row in front of you down there." I just laughed with a tiny nod of my head. "I feel like I could. I just want this for him. He has had such a hard year this year and he deserves this one." My mom squeezed my arm as we watched as Troy threw a ball as it was nearly intercepted causing my heart to launch in my throat.

The game was tied as we were nearing the end of the third quarter. I couldn't even tell you who the half time show was as I couldn't focus. I was too busy arguing over what half time adjustments should be made with Lucas and Marco. My fingers tugged on my hair as I stared at Troy as they had a third down and Troy shuffled the ball over towards Reni who crossed the first down line. I threw my hands up in excitement. "C'mon baby," I murmured as I watched him from across the field as he got the ball and surveyed for an open receiver.

My eyes followed his as he found Hanson with a quick toss over the middle and Hanson was tackled at the ten-yard line. I chewed on my lip so nervous. "Gabi, Gabi, I gotta go potty!" Claire came running over as I hesitated to look down at her and then back up to watch Troy pass off the ball for another five-yard gain. My heart was beating in my chest, "Gabi!"

"Claire, sweetie, I can take you." Eve intercepted as she stirred Claire away as I barely looked away from the game. This caused Lucas to belt out a laugh, "My god, are you okay? Have you blinked?" I ignored him as Troy took the ball and backed up in the pocket before scanning the field. I watched as a linebacker came for him but Troy took the opportunity as he found a hole to run. I gasped as he flew over the goal line avoiding a man on the ground as he collided with the turf.

Cheers erupted throughout the stadium as I threw my arms up with excitement. I launched myself at Lucas in a tight hug as I watched Troy jumping and running on the field. "Can't wait to rub in my face that I got the touchdown hug," I just laughed as Lucas loved to push his brothers' buttons about me. They kicked the extra point as I slacked back against the chair as I laid my head down. "Lucas, this is too stressful." Lucas chuckled as did Marco. "Yea, I think this game is taking years off my life." I could only agree as the third quarter closed out. A drink slid in front of me and I tossed it back which this time it was Amber who laughed.

"They look good, relax," I looked over at her, "I can't. It's a running joke that I am never able to relax watching him play." Amber laughed, "You do better during the season than this," I laughed with a shake of my head. "This is the damn super bowl," she just grinned as we watched as the defense came out and held them. The time on the clock was ticking down as Troy took the field again. I always loved him in a football uniform. The long leggings with his short pants and his jersey that fit him like a glove. He was screaming to his receivers as we were running the ball to take time off the clock.

I was proud of him. Regardless of what happened, I was proud. Claire came back from the bathroom and she settled into the seat next to me. "I think daddy is going to do it," she murmured and I smiled down at her. "Me, too," they made it to the fifty before they needed a big play. Troy threw the ball to Reni and he took off for the 1st down. They got it as the clock continued to run off time as Green Bay was running out of time. They had one time out left that they used as I ran my fingers through my hair.

Troy took a hard hit on the next play and I covered my eyes, "Why does that never get easier?" Sara laughed, "I wish I knew. I hate it." I nodded in agreement as Troy didn't waste a second getting back up and playing on with the next hand-off. They got the field goal range and they tried to finish it off but failed to do so. The kicker, Johnny, pushed it in for 3 more points. There was only two minutes left on the clock. I tangled my hands through my hair as I watched Troy hype up the defense as best, he could before going over to the sidelines. I could see the stress on his face from here and when they showed him on the TV with his hands pulling his pads down – I knew.

The defense took the field as I nervously watched the entire thing. The defense showed up though with monster plays and when we got a pick six, I screamed so loud as I was already crying. I jumped as I hugged Lucas and Marco. I looked at the TV monitors as Troy had his hands on his head as the team was celebrating on the side. They had just sealed the deal to win the fucking Super Bowl. Troy had led his team all season long and I looked at the monitors again to see Troy hugging his coach, Hanson, and Reni as they were all on the sidelines together. They were bouncing around with excitement as Troy put his helmet back on again as they had to go finish off the game. "Guys! C'mon," I grabbed my pass from Lucas as his family, Claire, and I made our way down to the field. They had to knell on the ball a couple of times so by the time we got to the field I was able to record all of the confetti raining down with the team celebrating in the middle. I watched Troy as he was hugging everybody and laughing as he had media quickly pressed in his face as he started talking. A laugh boomed out of his mouth that I could hear from here.

"I want to go see Daddy!" Claire whined and I nodded in understanding as we had to wait patiently. They were all still celebrating as they were pulling on Super Bowl hats and t-shirts.

"Alright, you guys can go." I left Claire with Lucas I jogged onto the field as Troy was being pulled away. He already had a Super Bowl Championship shirt on a grin on his face the size of Africa. He didn't see me coming until the last minute when he dropped what he was holding and I launched myself at him. My legs and arms wrapped around him as I couldn't stop my tears. "I'm so fucking proud of you, Troy Bolton," I cried into his neck and he laughed as he held me so tight.

"Couldn't have done it without you, baby," he murmured into my ear. "I couldn't have done it without you." I pulled back and I brought him into the biggest kiss as he just grinned as our mouths fused together and my fingers locked in his sweaty hair. "EW! DADDY!" Troy pulled back with that twinkle in his eye and a chuckle that came out of the base of his throat. I dropped out of his arms as he quickly picked up Claire. He tossed her in the air and then hugged her tightly, "You did it, Daddy! You won!" we both grinned at Claire as Troy hugged her so close. "I have to get ready for the trophy ceremony, but I love you girls. So much," Troy pulled me into his arms as he kissed the top of my head and then Claire's.

"I love you, Troy Bolton. I think that was better than your college championship," I teased which caused him to chuckle. He hugged his mom, dad, and his siblings. He ran to join his teammates as I pulled Claire into me for a big hug. "Daddy, did it." I whispered to her and she just giggled. "Yes! I am so happy for daddy!" we both smiled together as we watched the trophy presentation start. They handed the trophy over to the team's owner, then coach, before Troy Bolton, the Super Bowl MVP, held it in his hands and up and over his head. The crowd roared with appreciation as I couldn't stop the overwhelming number of tears for him. For us. For how this whole past year had transpired.

It was almost too much.

They all talked but when Troy stood up to the microphone, he gave a grin.

"The past year of my life- hasn't been the easiest. A year ago, we lost to the Chiefs to go to the Super Bowl. A couple of weeks later, my daughter was diagnosed with cancer. It was one of the hardest years of my life but every day I knew I had football. I knew that I had my team behind my back. Over the past year, I watched my daughter get better. I fell back in love with the love of my life. I took my football team with the best teammates to the Super Bowl and WE WON IT." His voice carried with the microphone as the crowd got louder. "I think this next year is going to be one of the best yet. I think we're starting over. I am so thankful for this journey, for this trophy, for my teammates and mostly for my girlfriend, Gabi, and my daughter, Claire. I couldn't have done it without either of you."

He concluded the speech thanking coaches and teammates before finishing his praise for his parents and siblings as he handed it back over as the team was passing around the trophy. He caught my eye and he smiled wide and I just smiled back. I fucking loved him.

Troy's POV

I took about 1000 pictures and I finally was granted a shower and more interviews and there is nothing more than I wanted than to find my fucking girlfriend. It was after 9 before I walked out of the media room with a slight buzz from the alcohol I had already consumed. The music was thumping in the locker room as I went in search of Gabi. I found my mom, dad, Lucas, Gianna, and a few other friends but I couldn't find her. "She's walking Claire out,"

I started to jog towards the exit as I caught Gabi holding Claire's hand as well as Eve on the other side. I could hear Claire crying, "But I wanted to see daddy, again." My chest tightened with how I nearly disappointed her. "Baby, daddy is busy. He just won the biggest game of the year. He has to talk to a lot of people." Eve explained. That only caused further hysterics from her as she stopped walking and I stopped myself. I took a quick picture on my phone as both Eve and Gabi looked down at Claire. I dropped to my knees, "Claire," I called her name as she instantly dropped the hands and turned around to face me.

"Daddy!" the relief in her voice as she sprinted towards me and launched herself at my body. I wrapped her up in my arms so tightly as I felt her little shoulders shake. "Mommy and Gabi were making me leave," her sobs were choked and I closed my eyes as I let my lips press into her temple as I just held her close. "I'm sorry, baby, I was taking too long and you need to go to bed soon. You and mommy have an early flight." I stroked her hair and she clutched onto my shirt.

"Can I stay with you?" she whispered and I shook my head as I pulled back to cup her little face. "No, I'm sorry, Claire. You are going back to Boston with mommy. Gabi and I are going to stay here for a couple of days. You have to go get some tests run at the hospital and then we'll meet back up in Boston for the parade, yea?" she nodded as I tucked another piece of hair behind her ear. "I love you; I am so glad I got to see you before you left." She smiled, "I love you, daddy."

"I love you, too, Claire." I whispered back as I kissed her forehead before I looked up to see both Eve and Gabi smiling watching the two of us. "C'mon, I'll walk you and mommy out." She just nodded as I carried her down the hallway to the exit for players and family. Eve gave me a smile, "I'm happy for you, Troy. You played well." I laughed, "I'm glad you could make it, Eve. You had a ton of sacrifices this year to let me get here so thank you." Eve smiled, "Thanks for helping me raise the best little girl,"

I smiled, "That's the easy part," Eve laughed as she took Claire from me and walked out after several more kisses and love yous. Once they were gone, I turned towards Gabi and I backed her up against the wall as she just smirked up at me. "I. Love. You." I dropped my lips to her lips as I devoured her mouth. "I hope you're ready to party," I whispered to her mouth and she just grinned as she pulled me down closer to her. "I can't fucking wait, maybe a little bit of a lap dance for my super bowl MVP," I grunted but grinned at her as I slipped her hand into mine as we walked back towards the family room. I had changed into a pair of jeans with a t-shirt as Gabi had changed herself into a dress with heels.

I greeted my family and we took more pictures as I couldn't wait to take Gabi out. We had a club rented out for us – it went to whomever won the game tonight and I couldn't wait. Gabi looped her arm through my arm as I kissed her head. It wasn't long before we were on a bus being shuttles to the club. Gabi was perched on my lap as beers were passed around as all the players, wives, and girlfriends were on the bus as the music was thumping.

I couldn't get over the whole night.

I won the super bowl.

I honestly couldn't fucking believe it.

The game went so well. I played well. My defense was solid. I fucking loved it and couldn't wait to watch it back. Gabi's small hands were on my thighs as she rocked her ass backwards and I hissed as I dropped my lips to her neck. "How nervous were you?" I whispered below her ear. She laughed as she rocked back again and I used my free hand to hold her still. "So, fucking nervous. I couldn't sit still. I couldn't even look at Claire when she needed to go to the bathroom. I was a fucking nervous wreck, per normal." I chuckled as I turned her head as I found her lips.

"I am so glad it's you with me tonight." I whispered and she just gave a grin. Her lips pressed against mine again as the bus stopped as I pulled away with a groan. She gave me a flirty smile as we all piled off the bus and into the club that was already popping with music as we were some of the last people here. The front office, coaches, and everybody else that was a part of the team found earlier busses to get here. I let my hand fold with Gabi's as I tucked her in closer to me.

The doors opened and it was loud as they were introducing the Super Bowl Champions.

Fuck, that was us.

We were the Super Bowl Champions.

I couldn't stop the slow grin as we walked in and the crowd was even louder for the starters. Pictures were flashing as Gabi ducked her head into my shoulder avoiding the flashing the lights. I found Hanson and Amber, Reni with Allie, and Reggie has Bianca. I guided Gabi to that area as there were fifths on the table of my favorite whiskey already as one was already in my hand. Gabi greeted Amber as they shouted over the music and I let my hand rest on her lower back.

Gabi took a drink that the bartender made as well as we each grabbed a shot.

"To us, THE SUPER BOWL CHAMPS," Reni screamed as we all downed the shot together with grins on our faces.

Yea, we were fucking Super Bowl Champions.

Monday, February 14th, 2022

Gabi's POV

Troy and I didn't stumble into the hotel room until well after 7am. We were both trashed and we both fell in bed together with our clothes on. My eyes blinked open as the sun was shining through the window and I didn't even want to know what time it was. I rolled into Troy's body as his arm automatically secured me against him without hesitation. My eyes peered up at him as he had a bruise on his ribs and another one his arm.

My fingers traced the bruise as I then placed a gentle kiss against it. My head pounded as I let my eyes close again. I had not drunk that much since…ever. I think. His arm moved and he grunted as our flight home wasn't until later tonight as the whole team came back with us. "Holy shit," his voice was a rasp of noise and I couldn't help but let out a laugh and his hand covered my mouth. "My head is going to explode if you don't stop that,"

I bit on my lip as I suppressed the laugh and I reached for my phone. I clicked it on and my eyes closed with the light as I peeked it open to see the time. Holy shit, it was after four. "Troy, what time is our flight?" I said quietly and he grunted, "Seven."

"It's four," Troy cursed underneath of his breath and I rolled onto my butt. His face was buried underneath of his arm and I gently pulled on it. His eyes were dull and I just gave him a fucking smile. "You're a super bowl champion," A slow grin rolled over those lips and I let my knees fall to the outside of his hips as I was just in a t-shirt. His chest was bare as I let my lips drop to his tattoo above his heart and his hand tilted my head back.

"Say it again."

I just grinned, "You," Kiss on his cheek, "Are," another kiss on the other cheek, "A," a kiss on his chin, "Super," a kiss on his forehead, "Bowl," a kiss on his neck, "Champion," I let my lips hover over his mouth and he groaned as he gripped my head to pull me to him. Our mouths fused together as we couldn't stop. "Troy, we need to shower and eat before we fly home." I murmured as I tried to pull away but his hands dragged me back to him.

"I didn't get to celebrate with you last night,"

I laughed, "You taste like stale whiskey," I said and he grunted as he looked at me with those pale blue eyes. "You like it,"

"No, the fresh whiskey taste. That I like." Troy let his thumb brush my jaw and we just shared a smile. "How about we shower together?" he asked me as his hands ran over my body. I laughed as I kissed his chin. "Yea, I think we can manage that. We have to get home and celebrate," we both just shared a grin with each other. We both went into the bathroom as we brushed our teeth and Troy picked up his phone. He grunted as he showed me the screen.

He had well over 50 phone calls, 300 hundred text messages, and I think thousands of social media notifications. "Jesus," I breathed and he nodded as he scanned through most of them before finding the one, he must have been looking for. "Hanson said Coach came back with us as well so the plane really won't be leaving until seven." We both shared a laugh with each other. He shot off a text to somebody as I dug out Advil for the two of us and I handed each of us a water.

We both had a chugging contest with the other before he pulled me into the shower and pinned me back up against the wall. "This is for all the pent-up need for sex last night that I did not get," I just giggled against his mouth because the past twenty-four hours have been a whirlwind but I loved getting to be on this ride with him. There was no better feeling. Then doing this life with him.

Troy's POV

The party just restarted when we landed in Boston.

The fans had greeted us at the stadium and we spent all evening signing autographs and taking pictures. We then went to a bar and drank with the fans. Gabi had her arm slipped around my waist and I could physically see how exhausted she was and I could say the same. I looked over and made eye contact with Hanson. "I think we're going to bounce," I mouthed to him and he frowned. "We won the super bowl," he shouted back.

Gabi tilted her head to look up at me and she looked at me confused. "Gabi, tell him he can't leave. This is our party." Gabi wrinkled her eyebrows and I cursed under my breath. "Hanson, we're both exhausted." Gabi started to pull away from me and I just tightened her grip. "And we're only super bowl champs for so long. C'mon Bolton, get it together QB1," he slapped my shoulder as I let my forehead hit Gabi's head. She laughed, "I think you're tired, not me."

"I am tired," I grumbled and she just laughed as I kissed her head. I continued to mingle, drink, and party for another hour. I took thousands of pictures with people and continued to try and keep going but I was tired. "Hey, champ," I looked at Gabi who reached up to rub my cheek with her hand. "Are you ready to get out of here?" I glanced at her and she just gave me a smile back. "How are you not exhausted?" I asked her over the blaring music as I finished off my beer.

"I am tired but I also know how big and exciting this is for you. I'd stay out all night again if that's what you wanted to do. You truly only get this one time." My eyes looked around to all of my friends and teammates who were all laughing and enjoying themselves. "Let's stay a little bit longer. If you come to the dance floor with me," I told her and she just grinned as we both grabbed another drink and made our way to the dance floor. We were separated from the general public for the most part but the club was rocking.

"Tomorrow, let's have the team over." Gabi said into my ear as we got onto the dance floor. Her arms looping around my neck and her mouth against my ear. "We can have a party at the house for just the team. I'll find somebody to cater food and we can hire a bartender." I raised my eyebrow, "Just for you and the team to celebrate. You've done the due diligence with the fans. You still have the parade. That way it can be relaxed and you boys can play poker or whatever." I gave her a smile as I pulled her into a deep kiss. "You are amazing," I murmured as we both shared a smile together.

She turned around and pushed back against me as I tossed the rest of my beer back before pulling her back against me. "Now, this is the fastest way for me to get out of here." She tossed a smile over her shoulder as she let her body fall back against mine as she danced to the beat of the song. Then she was being pulled off of me, "What the hell," I called as Reni pulled a laughing Gabi away. "No, no, Gabi, if you do that, he will drag you out of here and he will leave this party."

I raised an eyebrow, "Is there something wrong with that?" I asked him. Reni's eyes got huge, "Of course! This is our party!" He took a pull of his drink before pulling Gabi into his side as I threw him a look but Gabi only giggled in response. I could see that she was a little beyond buzzed in those eyes. Her whole body was relaxed and she looked at me with a smile. Fuck, I love that smile. "How about we have another party tomorrow?" I asked him. It was a bargaining chip so I could take Gabi home.

"Where?" he fired back.

"My house." I said and Reni raised an eyebrow, "We'll throw a party with no fans. Just the team. The parade is the next day and we can have fun with that." Reni smirked, "Alright, fine, you are both dismissed but you better not disappoint." Gabi grinned as she came over and she pushed up on her tiptoes as those lips brushed against my ear. "Take me home so I can show you how amazing you are," she murmured in my ear and I practically picked her up and tossed her over my shoulder to take her out of here.

Saturday, February 19th, 2022

Gabi's POV

Troy and I had landed in North Carolina as we both pretty much said that we were just going to go right back to North Carolina before Troy was demanded doing all the other things as super bowl MVP. He told Lucas and Mandy that he wanted this weekend without anything. He had taken Claire to his parents' house because he wanted a night for the two of us tonight to settle back into the house and for the two of us to have dinner together. We haven't had a lot of one-on-one time since the big win almost a week ago. We had that party at the house the day after the party in Boston and it was lively and long. That pretty much continued all night long into the wee hours of the morning before the whole team crashed at the place. Troy and I made a big lunch and everybody ate as they went home before we hired a cleaning service.

The parade was pushed back a day due to weather in Boston and it was massive and big. Everybody came out and it was too much fun to be standing there and watching Troy drink with his friends during the parade route. He was a beam of sunlight and everybody wanted his attention. The press and the interviews he had done over the past several days was so much and I knew he had more to do. We made a quick appearance in Disney World for a parade session and Claire was bummed that it wasn't going but it was literally for less than 8 hours in Florida. We were all over the country. Yet I loved every minute getting to watch Troy in his element.

The biggest thing was the question about his anxiety and seeing a therapist. He never backed down from a question and answered them honestly. Especially about the Chiefs game last year. About his panic attacks surrounding Claire. I was in awh of him. The strength and courage it took to do that was beyond words and he did it without hesitation. People fell in love with my boyfriend this week. A type of love that was going to make him America's quarterback.

My toes dug into the sand as I breathed in the salty air and felt right at home on this beach. "There you are," I twisted around to see Troy walking down in a pair of jeans with a t-shirt on. The sun was out but it was still a bit on the chilly side. "Was Claire excited to see your parents?" Troy grinned with a nod, "I think she was already sick of me." Claire rejoined us the day after the parade as we didn't want her around that big of a crowd so it was just the two of us that day. She was said but Troy promised there would be another one. I just sent him a look and he grinned at me and told me that he was ready for another super bowl already.

"I grabbed stuff from the grocery store to make dinner. I was going to start a fire on the deck in the fire place. Cook dinner and pour a glass of wine, yea?" I smiled as I tucked myself in his body. "Yea, I like that. I think I am going to take a shower first if you don't care," Troy shook his head. "No, go for it. I'll get dinner started." He kissed the top of my head as I turned to grab him in a hug. He laughed, "What's this for?" I shook my head. "It's been a crazy week and I am just so happy that we go to spend it together and now that we're here. That we're in our place." He kissed the top of my head as we stood together on the beach.

"I love you, baby," he whispered and I just smiled looking up at him. We walked back to the house together as I still can't believe he lived here. He owned this. We walked into the house and he went for the kitchen as I went to our bedroom on this floor. I paused as there was a dress on the bed with a bag sitting next to it. I looked over my shoulder and Troy wasn't there but I went to the bed as I let my fingers brush on the soft material as it was a white dress and it was stunning. I reached for the bag as I took out the tissue paper to find a pair of Steve Madden sandals and a note card.

I opened it up and Troy's hand writing was written out underneath.

The past week has been a whirlwind but with you by my side – you made it the best week. Thank you for being there every step of the way. I can't wait to spoil you tonight. A quiet night with dinner at sunset and watching the stars from the beach. Just like we used to do as teenagers. I love you, El. Go get ready.

Troy

I had tears in my eyes as I held the card as I smiled as I couldn't wait to get ready now. I took a shower as I made sure I properly shaved and took my time washing my hair. I stepped out as I wrapped a towel around me and started to get ready. Clearly, Troy Bolton was wooing me tonight in an appreciation for being by his side all week. I nibbled on my lip as I lotion and pulled on a t-shirt of Troy's while I started to do my make-up and hair.

I curled it into soft gentle waves and did soft amount of make-up while I could hear Troy in the kitchen. The bubbles in my stomach from the excitement as I loved him. It had been nearly a year since our worlds collided again and so much had happened in this past year that I couldn't wrap my mind around it. I would have laughed in somebody's face if they said I would be getting ready for a date with Troy Bolton right now a year ago. We felt good though. Everything about us felt good and I couldn't wait for our future together.

My eyes were watery as I was excited for our future but were so happy with our present. Getting to spend our summer down here together and I showing Claire how we used to spend our summers together. I smiled in the mirror as I pulled on the dress with the sandals as he couldn't have found a more gorgeous dress. It was V-neck that had wide straps and it flared out above my knee. The beige sandals were gorgeous on my newly manicured feet that I had done before the parade. I found a soft sweater to add to the

I put on his favorite perfume that I've worn forever before walking out to the kitchen. I smiled softly as I watched him cook dinner as he had at some point changed into a pair of jeans and a sweater. The jeans hugged his ass and I loved everything about it. I walked over to him and I wrapped my arms around his waist. "What is this all for?" I whispered and Troy grabbed my hand as he gently pulled me out and his eyes roved me entire body more than once. Those light blue eyes quickly turned into a dark blue.

"Mozzafiato," he murmured as he pulled me in a twirl to see from all angles. I just laughed, "Troy, what are you doing?" I asked him and he just smiled as he reached to brush hair behind my ear. "I wanted to thank you for everything that happened this week and just being there for me." His thumb brushed along my jaw and his mouth ghosted over the corner of my lips. "Dinner is about done. Sit," he pulled out a bar stool for me. I slid into it as he gave me a glass of wine and I smiled as there was a soft music playing in the background as it really smelled good in here.

"Is this the meal that you made me back in our senior year?" I questioned as I sniffed again and Troy laughed with a nod. "Yea, the Italian dish? The one you loved?" I smiled, "I can't wait. It smells so good." Troy looked good in a cozy sweater and I cupped my glass. "I'm glad you took the hint to get ready," Troy said and I just gave a laugh. "It was hard to ignore when there were presents laying there for me." Troy chuckled as he smiled, "I just really appreciate you and how much you do for me when you don't have to do anything for me."

"We're dating and talking about starting a family together, this is a team situation now. We do things for each other and honestly being there for you this week was as just as much for me as it was for you. Getting to watch you do everything you love? It was amazing. I am lucky to get to watch you do this. I was thinking while I was in the back that if you would have asked me one year ago if I would be in a beach house in North Carolina with Troy Bolton? I would have laughed. I would have laughed so hard because I never would have thought our paths would have ever crossed paths again." Troy leaned back against the counter as those eyes traced me.

"How often did you think about me?" he asked and I blew out a breath with a little laugh on the end. "Too much, honestly. For the number of times that I've told people that I was long over you and I could care less about you? I didn't watch you because I couldn't. It still hurt. I couldn't talk about you because I wanted you. Everyone always told me that it was just a high school relationship but I don't think they ever understood how much we loved each other back in high school." I took a sip of my wine glass and I looked at him. He came over and leaned against it across from me. "I've told you about all the times, the most inappropriate, times I thought of you. It was always you. I don't want to say my daughter's cancer was supposed to be what brought you back into our life but it was what brought you back. I don't give a fuck about the circumstances and how it pained me but I got you in return. Claire gets to experience life with you. Honestly, I'm not sure there is a greater return than that."

My eyes misted over and I tilted my head back to stare at the ceiling to stop the tears. "I was furious that day I walked in that room because I knew in every fiber of my being that I was going to come back to you but it was so messy. You were married, supposedly having another baby, your daughter had cancer, and I also knew I didn't fit in your life anymore. I was mad because there you were and I couldn't have you." My voice cracked at the end and he moved at the speed of light as his arm wrapped around my body and he pressed my head into his chest.

He kissed the top of my head and I let a few tears spill down my face. "I couldn't have you and I had to go live with you. I had to take care of your daughter who was absolutely beautiful. You broke my heart more times in that first six weeks. The day in the kitchen where you couldn't breathe because your grief was so fierce thinking about your daughter being bald and her getting sick from chemo. You broke me in half. You actually broke me. I cried more tears in that bathroom. Because your heart was breaking in front of me with your daughter. I could hear you fighting with Eve and I could see you never loved her but I also knew you would never leave her because you are a man of word and you would always take care of your wife and daughter."

His hands cupped my face and he looked at me with such adoration. "You Gabriella, I was always meant to come back to you. I will always take care of the mother of my child and Claire but I woke up the moment I saw you. I knew that I wasn't meant to show Claire a loveless life. She knew way before any of us that I wasn't happy anymore." He wiped away my tears and he left a kiss on my lips. "I put you into an impossible situation but I couldn't let you go. I couldn't let you go for the first time in eight years. I also knew in the depths of my soul that you were the right person and were going to take the absolute best care of Claire," he murmured and I looked up at him as he brushed the rest of my tears away. "If somebody said I would be in the kitchen of my beach house with Gabriella Montez a year ago I would have laughed but fell to my knees in fucking relief because I finally had her back."

I closed my eyes as I couldn't hold back the sob and his body pulled me into his in a tight hug. "You're ruining my make-up," I cried and he laughed which caused me to laugh myself. I looked up at him as he had his own tears and we each wiped them away. "I think dinner is almost done. I am sorry for how we collided back into course but I am so fucking glad we did." I smiled softly as he dropped another kiss to my mouth before he went to check on dinner. I took a healthy sip of my wine as I exhaled and got up to check my make-up. I touched it up and as I came back Troy had dinner on the plates.

We both sat down with fresh drinks and we started in on the salad, pasta, and bread that Troy had made. We chatted and stayed away from the heavy topics as I took a picture of Troy Bolton with a smile on his face as I couldn't help but love him just a little bit more. "When I was in the back, I was listening to you make dinner and I cried back there too because I just…I love this. I love listening to you. I love knowing that we're going to have a bigger family one day. I love the little family we have now with Claire but I know it's only going to get bigger. I love watching you as a dad. The adoration and love you have for Claire? It's amazing. I'd have endless amounts of kids with you to watch you and to listen to the sounds of a family."

He reached across for my hand and he gave a smile in response to my words. "I love you," I whispered to him and he only gave a smile back. "I love you, too."

Once dinner was done and the sun was setting Troy grabbed my hand and a blanket as we made it outside together. He took me down to the private beach where a fire was already burning and a blanket was sat out as Troy sat down and I wiggled my way into his body while he covered us with a blanket. The ocean roared onto the beach as I breathed in the salty air as the wind blew with the chill in the air. Troy's warm body pressed against me and I curled into him like a cat.

Neither of us spoke for a little bit as we watched the sun start to set below the ocean. His lips pressed into my temple and he breathed in deeply behind me. "You, okay?" I asked as I tilted my head back to look at him and he swallowed as he stared at me. "I don't want to mess this up," I scrunched my eyebrows, "Mess what up?" I questioned. He tried to move away and I protested which caused him to gently laugh. He released from my grip as I shivered as he stood up and adjusted his shirt before gently pulling me up while wrapping the blanket around my shoulders.

"Troy, what's going on?" I asked as I looked up at him and he just reached forward to brush his thumb over my bottom lip. "I said to you today that if a year ago you would have told me I'd be right here? I'd laugh but I would fall to my knee? I wasn't joking," Troy slowly dropped to one knee in front of me and I gasped as I dropped the blanket and let my hands cover my lips with tears stinging my eyes. "Troy," I barely whispered and he just gave me his own watery smile. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a black box while he started in on his speech.

"Gabriella Lou Montez, I fell in love with you when I was 17 years old and there was never a day, I haven't been in love with you. Our lives took a different path but they aligned right when I needed you the most again. I want everything you want, El. I want the big moments, the small moments, the loud and the peaceful moments. I want every Christmas, I want every Monday morning, and everything in between. I want a big family and I want to show Claire how to properly be loved. I want her to see how to love. You, Gabriella, are my person. My rock. My foundation and there was never a day I didn't think of you. I wake up every morning wanting to be next to you and I would have never sought the help I needed without you. I chose right here because when I think of the time, I knew I loved you the first time in my heart it was here. It was on this beach. It was at sunset and the sunrise and I looked at you and I knew that I loved you and I never would stop. I do not want to spend another day alone, El. I don't want to spend another day without you as my forever. I love you, Gabriella Lou. Please, marry me."

I cried as I nodded my head, "Yes, Troy Bolton, I'll marry you." The words were a sob as I dropped to my knees and I wrapped my arms around Troy. My hands ran through his hair and I pressed my lips into his neck as I couldn't stop my tears. "I'll marry you," I whispered into his ear and he just laughed as he pulled back to kiss me squarely on the mouth. His fingers gripping my hair and he pulled back as he wiped away my tears before popping open the ring box.

"Troy," I whispered as I stared at the oval diamond on a simple white gold band. He gave me a soft smile as he reached for my left hand and he gently pressed the ring upwards on my finger before standing up and pulling me up with him. "We're getting married," I whispered to him and he laughed as I jumped up and wrapped my legs around his waist as he brought me into another kiss. "We're going to get married, El," our mouths fused together in a rush as he pulled back and before gently setting me back down.

"This will forever be one of the best weeks of my life and I needed this to be included this week. I always planned on today for the longest time since I knew we were going to the Super Bowl. Win or lose. I wanted to make you mine forever. You were my biggest supporter all season long. The most nervous person in the stadium. I don't want anybody to ever get ideas that there wasn't anything but forever for the two of us." I reached up on my tiptoes as I kissed him again and he just hugged me tightly.

He finally turned me around and Claire came running down the beach towards the two of us in a pretty dress and her hair done with the biggest grin on her face. "GABI! Are you going to marry my daddy? I want you to marry him!" I couldn't stop my laugh as I dropped to my knees as I grabbed her in the biggest hug. "Is it okay if I marry him? I will only do it if you want me, too." I whispered and she giggled into my ear. "I want you to marry my daddy because you make him happy," she whispered back to me. I couldn't stop my tears anymore as she buried her face into my neck. "I love you Gabi, I love you so much."

"I love you, too Claire. I'm going to marry your daddy," I pulled back as she started to squeal. I couldn't stop my laugh as she launched herself over towards Troy. "She said she would marry you!" Troy chuckled as he hugged her tightly. "I know, I'm the luckiest man alive."

Troy pulled me into the embrace as we all hugged together and that's when I noticed our families sitting up on the deck and I turned to look towards Troy. "Troy," I whispered and he grinned, "I had big hopes that you would say yes." We both laughed together as he brought me into another kiss. "There's also a photographer right over there," Troy pointed in a direction that would have captured my face perfectly. "Troy," he just grinned as he pulled me into a kiss as my sisters came squealing down the beach as I intercepted all of them in hugs.

This was by far one of the best weeks of my life. I looked over at Troy over my sisters who were yanking on my hand to look at the ring on my finger. My eyes met with his and we both just grinned at each other. "I love you, El," he mouthed to me and I mouthed it right back.

Yea, I would have laughed my ass off a year ago if you would have told me I would have watched Troy Bolton win the super bowl and be engaged to him by the end of the week.

Swoon. Where can I find a Troy Bolton? Happy Sunday!

Only ONE WEEK until Coach's Wife!

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Next Update: October 9th