Chapter 39 – The Happiest Place on Earth
Sunday, February 20th, 2022
Troy's POV
Her dark hair was fanned over my chest as she was still naked and tucked against me. The relief I felt after this past week was immerse. I won the super bowl. I secured the girl. Claire was healthy. She had her last round of blood work and it all looked great. This all felt good. We were flying home this week to go pack everything up and bring it all back down here. We had to get Ember down here and we were going to just have a good time down here.
We left for Disney World in two weeks.
My hand ran down her spine and she wiggled in my embrace as her hand with that ring on her finger landed on my bicep. Her eyes lifted up to look at me with the sleepiness behind them. Claire went home with my parents last night to give Gabi and I some time together. I was going to get her after Gabi and I had breakfast together. My lips found the top of her head and she smiled as she wiggled her finger around. "Did we really get engaged?"
I chuckled, "Yes, we did. Any regrets?" she shook her head, "No, no regrets." She whispered with a happy sigh leaving her mouth. "I honestly did not see it coming," Gabi said with a laugh. "I figured I would always know but you completely took me by surprise. You left all sorts of hints and I still didn't pick up on it." I chuckled as I turned her onto her back as I stared in those brown eyes. "You gave me the one sign I needed knowing that you were ready. El, I wasn't joking when I said that I would have proposed in July. I would have but you wanted to get your IUD out and you want to start a family and that to me meant you were ready for the next step."
She shook her head with a laugh as she reached her hands up to brush through my hair. "I am also shocked you didn't have Claire more involved. That just seems more your style," I smiled with a shake of my head, "I thought about it. I truly did. I also knew that our relationship started way before Claire and that moment was for us. I'm getting married for me. I'm getting married because I love you. Claire has little to do with that and I don't want my marriage to be because of Claire. It's because of me. I'm a selfish bastard and I want you." I captured her lips with mine and she wrapped her arms around my neck to pull me down onto her.
"I'm just as selfish and I like how our engagement went down," she whispered as we kissed and nipped on my lip. Our arms connected together as I glanced at the clock to see that it was a little bit after nine. "I just have to go pick up Claire by 11," I murmured as I pulled her into a deeper kiss. "While we're in Boston this week I'm getting my IUD out," her words were a whisper on my lips and I groaned from the mere thought of us having a baby together.
My phone rang next to the bed and I groaned as I pulled away from Gabi. I reached for it to see my mom calling me. I rolled onto my back as I answered it. "Hello?" I answered as Gabi rolled onto my lap and I could hear my mom's grin from the other side. "Hi! What time are you thinking about picking up Claire? She keeps asking. I think she wants to spend some time with you." Gabi let her lips trail down my body and I closed my eyes to focus on my mom's words.
"Yea, I think in about an hour. Gabs and I just got up. We're going to eat and then we'll be over to get Claire. Thanks for watching her, I also am dreading the day she never wants to hang out with me again." My mom laughed as Gabi pushed the sheet away and she wrapped her hand around my dick. I nearly bit my tongue to keep my mouth shut, I could hear my mom talking still but I couldn't comprehend any of it. "Yea, mom, I'll text you when I'm on my way? Okay?" I hung up the phone before tossing it to the floor before I flipped her over onto her back.
"Funny, are you trying to get me in trouble with my mom?" I questioned and she barked out a laugh. "Troy Bolton, you already have a kid."
"And? I don't need her realizing I'm trying to have a second one." We both laughed as I devoured her because I would never get enough.
Friday, February 25th, 2022
"Troy, you seem to be having a stellar year already and its only February!" the talk show host for ESPN talked in my ear as I rocked on my heels as I was in the New York studio today. I chuckled as I nodded, "Started with some great playoff wins, a super bowl win, and about a week later I asked my girlfriend to marry me where I first knew I loved her back when I was 17." A picture of our engagement that we shared a few days ago along with one of us as teenagers popped up on the screen.
It was a picture of her surprised face and I was down on one knee with the biggest grin on my face. The caption was underneath and it made me smile again just looking at it.
Yes, with everything, Troy Bolton. Yes.
"You were quick back into the marriage game after your divorce with Evelyn Peterson who you share a daughter with," I laughed with a nod of my head. "Yea, Eve and I are actually in a much better relationship now than when we were married. Eve and I got married after we had Claire and while we had some good years. After our divorce and we both cooled down – we focused on the important thing and that is our daughter. Claire is very important to the both of us and making sure we have a healthy co-parenting relationship is what mattered. Our end was not a fun one for either of us but it was only a matter of time."
"Your new fiancée, Gabriella Montez, the founder of The Sunshine Pact, who was also your daughter's home nurse during her courageous fight with cancer was your old high school sweet heart?" I chuckled with a tiny nod. "Yea, it was just a really weird coincidence of how she came back into my life. We broke up when I went to Alabama. I never spoke to her again until she was Claire's nurse and we kept our distance from each other until about six weeks after my divorce and we just…we cleared the air on past mistakes and we rekindled our love and she has been an absolute blessing."
The guy smiled, "You look really happy in both of these photos," I laughed with a nod of my head. "She makes me so happy. I don't know what was better honestly. Winning the super bowl or knowing that I was finally going to make her my wife. I wouldn't have gotten through that post-season without her."
"Due to the anxiety?" Jesse asked in return and I nodded, "That and just because life has been crazy this past year. She knows how to ground me in the best of ways. She is the one who helped me identify how much my anxiety was interfering with my game. It was for Claire and it was for football. It worked out really, really well for me this year." Jesse and I both laughed as we talked about the Super Bowl and the different plays that set us up for the big win. We compared some of my throws to the championship game. The interview was long but it was to be debuted in a few segments. We spoke of the next year of football but I was excited to enjoy my off-season first.
"Any big plans now? I feel like you got them all out of the way!" I chuckled, "I'm not sure. I do know that Eve and I are taking Claire to Disney World this off season to celebrate her. She's had a really hard year but took it with stride. She battled cancer, she handled our divorce, and she is so excited to welcome Gabi into her life." A picture flashed of Claire hugging Gabi on the beach after our engagement and my caption was underneath.
I asked both them. They both said yes. Can't wait to make you Mrs. Bolton, El.
"Plus, you got a dog this year?"
A chuckle came from my lips, "Yea, Gabi got me a dog for Christmas. Her name is Ember,"
"Troy, Super Bowl MVP, champion, newly engaged, and has one of the cutest NFL kids alive – congrats. You sir, are having a great year." I thanked him as I pulled off the ear piece as I walked off set as Gabi and Claire were both standing back stage. Claire was grinning up at me and I picked her up easily. "Daddy! You talked about me."
"I did, everybody loves to talk about Claire."
Gabi reached around and hooked her arm around my waist. Her soft body pressed into mine and I smiled down at her as we were going to spend the rest of the day in New York City before catching a flight back to Boston before heading to Disney World next week. Claire was wrapped around my body as I took her back to the dressing room. Somebody began to remove my microphone from my jeans as Gabi began to bundle up Claire. It was a cold day in New York but luckily, we had a private driver. Lucas was also in New York with me and he promised that he would watch Claire tonight while I took Gabs out on a date.
She didn't know that yet but I couldn't wait.
"Troy, thank you," Jesse came back in and shook my hand as I thanked him in return. It was a good interview. "Hopefully more of those interviews to come for years to come. I think the Loyalist are going to be having fun with you for the next several years." I chuckled, "I hope so. I like Boston. It's a really fun environment." Jesse smirked, "No moving to North Carolina?" I rocked on my heels with a laugh. "I think I owe it to the team that drafted me for the long haul. I love Boston. We'll see how our contract negotiations go."
I felt a flicker of a gaze towards me and I looked over to see Gabi glancing at me. I gave her a smile as we took Claire out and we spent the afternoon sightseeing. We took her to the top of the Empire State building making sure that she was being safe and not around too many people. She was growing tired and I was carrying her more than I wanted to carry her for. We headed back to the hotel in the back of the car as Claire slumped over in her seat as she fell asleep.
I reached over to Gabi's hand, "What's on your mind? You've been quiet since the interview." Gabi gave me a smile as she messed with her ring on her finger. "Are you planning to stay in Boston?" she asked which caught me by surprise. "Yes, I do. Lucas and the team have already started salary negotiations. Unless something falls completely apart, I'll stay in Boston." I rubbed her hand and she gave a smile, "You promise to tell me?" I huffed a laugh as I grabbed both of her hands. "Gabs, I'm not doing anything without talking to you."
Her eyes held mine and I saw the past insecurities behind those eyes. I wanted to pull her into my lap but we were all buckled into the car. She turned her head away and tried to pull her hands away from me but I only released one. Our driver pulled up to the hotel and I slipped out as Gabi did from the other side. I unbuckled Claire before carrying her inside. I was recognized almost immediately but I gave a half smile as the doors to the hotel opened. We walked inside as I let my hand fall to Gabi's back and once, we got to the room I deposited Claire in her bed before I turned around towards Gabi. I pulled her into my grasp as I hugged her.
"I know I was a dumb 17-year-old but we're in this together. I don't know where life will take us. Do you want to go to North Carolina?" I asked her and she pulled back to look in my eyes. "You'd leave Boston for me?" I nodded my head up and down. "I would if that would make you happier. Ball is ball. I can just go and get a Super Bowl with the Panthers. Would I prefer to be a franchise quarterback? Sure, but you mean more to me than football."
A tiny smile spread on her lips as I let my thumb trace over her bottom lip. "Nah, I like Boston a lot. As long as you promise we can spend our off seasons in North Carolina." I grinned as I dropped my lips to give her a kiss. "Absolutely. The best time to spend in North Carolina is the summer anyways," I cupped her face and she exhaled heavily. "I love you, Troy. I just don't want to find out from ESPN, okay?" I chuckled. "Sometimes I find out from ESPN," I teased and she laughed at that.
Monday, March 7th, 2022
Gabi's POV
Claire rode on Troy's shoulders as we navigated our first day of Disney World. We were nearing the end of the day as we had a few more rides to ride before we were going to grab dinner and then pick a spot for the fireworks. We thought about our hotel room as it had a decent view but Claire was having too much fun out here. I was just thankful that her lab results all came back clean and I didn't have to worry too much. She was riding a high that I couldn't even describe. Her smiles were huge and she was absolutely loving every minute of this occasion. We flew down yesterday – all of us on a private jet as Troy's entire family came, along with Eve, Christian, and Jackson. It was pre-spring break down here so it wasn't overly busy as we navigated the park. I walked side by side with Gia. "How's the ballet school?" I asked her and she grinned. "Good, I'm glad that Troy helped get it started up for me because I love my job. I love getting to do it my way."
I hugged her, "Good. I'm glad you love your job. You deserve to love your job." She grinned looking at Claire who was happy to be with both of her parents for this trip. "I am trying to get Claire into ballet. She would be the absolute cutest ballerina." Troy turned around to face us with a giggle from Claire. "Stop corrupting my child, she will choose whatever she feels like choosing."
"Aunt Gigi! I want to take classes!" Troy rolled his eyes but he couldn't stop his smile. "She would look really cute in a pink tutu," Eve said and Gianna laughed with a nod, "She would. See Troy?" Troy shook his head with a smile as we came up on a ride that Gia and Claire were going to ride together. Lucas, Troy, and I all followed in line as I slipped my hand into Troy's as he gave me a smile. "Having fun?" I nodded as he pulled me into his side. "Claire is having so much fun,"
We both watched Claire bounce around with big smiles. She threw her head back in laughter as Troy squeezed my hand. "That is one of the best things I have seen in a while." I looked up at him and he tugged on my hand as he stared at my engagement ring. "That might be the other best thing." I laughed as our eyes focused on Claire as my head had been swimming with wedding ideas as everybody and their mother had been asking me about the big wedding and the more people asked – the more I didn't want one.
The line was moving at a decent pace but Gianna and Lucas were keeping Claire distracted. We rode through the ride as Troy and I listened to Claire's squeals of happiness. Lucas looked at the two of us as Claire ran out with Gia to find Eve to tell her all about the ride. "Yea, this was worth taking some time off work. Watching her be this happy is amazing." Bethany was sleeping in one of the strollers that Sara was pushing. "Gabi, any wedding plans yet?" Sara asked me and I shrugged.
"I don't know. I don't have any thoughts, honestly."
"Any idea when?" I shook my head again. "Nope. I honestly haven't thought that much about it. I just know that I want to marry him one day. I'm in no rush but also don't have any ideas of when. I know he wants more kids and I want kids so who knows. Maybe we'll have a kid first and then get married." Sara laughed and she looked over at Troy who was tossing Claire into the air as we headed for the next ride. It would most likely be out very last one of the days. "He loves that little girl, I always thought he would be scared to have more kids."
"Why?" I asked Sara. She smiled, "Because he loves her so much but it sounds like he wants more."
"Oh, I know he wants more. He was devastated after he knew Jackson wasn't his baby. He always talks about wanting more kids and I honestly can't wait to see him as a dad to a little baby." Sara grinned, "He was really cute with Claire when she was little." I smiled watching Troy as we got in line for another ride as Bethany was awake and in Lucas's arms. The girls poked fun at each other as they were both laughing. Troy chuckled about something and I looked over at him as he looked so good in a pair of jeans with a t-shirt. He could try to blend in with the crowd but it was useless.
The more I thought about our wedding the more confused I got about what I wanted. A big wedding? Small? In North Carolina? Boston? Somewhere else? It made my head swim when all I truly wanted was to be married to him. I wiggled with my ring on my left hand as I reached over for Troy's hand. He took it as he gave me a look as he put Claire onto the ground. "You good?" I nodded my head as I gave him a smile. I gave him a quick kiss as we rode our final ride and then headed towards dinner. The whole group went in to get seated and I went to the bathroom.
I checked my phone and shot a text message to Scarlett before I headed back to the table. I sat by Troy and his hand clamped down on my knee. I let my hand run over his forearm as I tried to decide what I wanted for dinner.
"Claire, are you having fun?" Troy asked her and she grinned, "It's been the best day daddy!" Troy rubbed his chest as he smiled at her. "Good, Bethany, are you having fun?" Troy tickled his niece and I gave a laugh. Troy squeezed my knee as the family all was getting along. I even noticed a bigger change in Eve's relationship with Troy's parents. They all seemed to get along really well compared to when I first met all of them. She was even cracking a joke with Marco.
Probably because they knew their son was happy and Eve wasn't attached to him. The room was buzzing with the Disney World happiness as I felt my own eyes grow sleepy. "You can't be tired already; Claire is staying with Eve." Troy murmured into my ear and I gave him a smile. "You think you have plans for me?" I tossed back which only caused him a grin. "I always have plans for you." I shook my head as dinner was paid for and we all headed to find a place to watch the fireworks.
We found a secluded spot as security was well aware that Troy was here this week. Troy nodded to a few guys as we all took seats as Bethany and Claire ran around in front of us. "What do you picture for our wedding?" I asked Troy after a few beats. Troy looked over at me and he shrugged, "I mean, marrying you. That's about all that I see on that day. I've done a court house wedding so…" he shrugged, "Do you want a big wedding?" I asked him. Troy looked over at me with a big of confusion.
"I honestly do not care, baby. At the end of the day – I just want to marry you."
I wiggled my fingers as I pulled his hands to my lips and I placed a kiss on them as I thought about it for a few moments. The fireworks exploded in the sky and the girls squealed with excitement. They sat down in the grass as I let my head tilt back to look at him. "Let's get married. Soon." He blinked as he pulled his attention away from the fireworks and to my face. "What? You want to get married soon?" I nodded my head. "I want a small wedding on the beach. I want our family and our closest friends. A small dinner in the back yard. I don't want anything big and I don't want to drag it out. I hate the question already. I just…I want to be your wife." I told him.
Those blue eyes stared at me for a few minutes and he blinked, "You want to get married this off-season? You want to do it at our house on the beach?" I just nodded my head as he closed his eyes and he reached down to kiss my forehead. "That sounds like the best wedding," he whispered into my ear. "We can go to Italy for a month afterwards," I pulled back to stare at him and he gave a little smile. "We both want, too. Claire can stay with Eve. How long will we have that?" he raised his eyebrow and I knew what he was inferring. My IUD had been taken out by my primary care provider in Boston.
Yet, my period had yet to return but it wasn't atypical for me. I felt the unease in my gut about it but I just squeezed Troy's hand. "Right, I think we do it sooner than later. I don't honestly care for the big wedding idea. I'll find a pretty dress and we'll get married in one of our favorite places and we'll move on with our lives. Why drag it out?" he cupped my cheeks and pulled me into a searing kiss. "I love you so much," the fireworks boomed around us in a grand finale. "I love you," I whispered to him. "I can't tell you how many people ask and I just want marry you. I also don't care."
We both shared a big smile with each other. The fireworks ended and everybody was going back to their own hotels. Claire wanted to stay with Jackson and Troy definitely did not oppose. Eve just sent him a look when it went down earlier today. Troy just shrugged with a smile on his face because we all knew that Troy was going to do with a lack of a child in his room. Troy picked up Claire and he kissed her face, "I'll see you at breakfast?" she nodded her head as he carried her all the way back to the hotel.
"Can we have pancakes?" she asked him and Troy nodded. "We can. Do you feel okay?" she nodded but rubbed her eyes. Those blue eyes watched every more that she made as I did as well. "I am just sleepy, daddy." He kissed her forehead as we walked into the hotel. "Troy Bolton?" Troy grimaced at the recognition as he handed Claire over to Eve. "I love you Claire bear, see ya in the morning." He turned to find my eyes. He nudged his head and I just nodded as I went with the group.
We all were on different floors and once I stepped off on our floor I went to our room as I was exhausted from the day but I stripped my shirt and shorts as I jumped in the shower while Troy was busy with fans downstairs. Once I got out, I wrapped a towel around my body and I walked out as Troy was on the edge of the bed. "You really want to get married this off season?" I nodded, "Yea, I do. I really want to just be married and I want to love you. I don't need the big venue, the parties, I don't need any of it. I don't care. I just want to stand up, vow my love for you, and then keep doing this life together. Being married will change nothing but my last name. I want to continue this life with you and I don't want the questions anymore. I'm over them."
Troy tugged on my towel as I let it go around my body as it folded onto the floor. Those blue eyes dilating and morphing as he pulled me between his legs. "You want to be Mrs. Bolton?" I nodded my head as I dropped my lips to his head. "I want to have your babies and I want to be married and I want all of the things."
"Then let's plan it when we get home. How much of the football team?" I hesitated as his hands skimmed over my naked body. "I think just your closest friends. Hanson, Reggie, Reni, etc. I don't think you need to go crazy. Family and our close friends. Who you would invite to a poker night?" I told him and he smiled, "Perfect. Are we doing bridesmaids and groomsmen?" I thought about it for a minute but I shook my head. "Just the two of us up there. We'll invite Claire up there; I want to vow to her as well. I want to vow that I will be a good step mom to her."
Troy just groaned as he couldn't resist anymore. His lips fell onto mine and he yanked me into the bed. "I love you, a Disney wedding?" I laughed as I shook my head and just kissed him right back.
Tuesday, March 8th, 2022
Troy's POV
"How busy are you trying to make my off season?" I question Lucas as we strolled through Animal Kingdom. Bethany and Claire were running ahead as it was just the two of us with Eve and Jackson. Christian had a business call, Gabi had to do some stuff with The Sunshine Pact, and it wasn't a park everybody was looking forward too. "Probably fairly busy, why?" I smirked, "Gabs wants to get married this off season. Sooner than later. We're going to honeymoon in Italy for close to a month."
Lucas blinked several times as he digested this information. "When?" I shrugged, "I mean, OTAs start in July so probably get married sometime in May and leave fairly soon after that."
"I mean, they are going to want you for commercials and your deal," I gave him a pointed look with that. "Has Mitchell called you yet?" he laughed, "Yea, yesterday. I wasn't going to ruin Claire's trip with your big news." I raised an eyebrow. "8 years, 425 million." I blinked my own eyes a few times this time trying to digest the information. "212 of that would be guaranteed money. 60 million would be a signing bonus. The total of it would be 450 if you hit so many incentives. Some are unrealistic but you could give them that." I watched Claire run in circles with a laugh with Bethany. "Her grandkids would be set for life with that contact."
"That doesn't include any of your sponsorships so yea, your kids are fucking set for life, so are your grandkids, and probably your great grandkids. I'm assuming this is a no brainer." I nodded, "No trade clause without talking?" he nodded, "And I told them you would most likely be willing to move around money depending on what the team needs. You know best that if you don't have the right people around you then you aren't going to win the super bowl. They liked that."
"Yea, tell them when we get back, we can sign papers. I want it done."
"You also just set me for life with that contract," I threw him a glare and he chuckled under his breath. He takes 5% of my annual salary a year from the Loyalist – which would easily be 2.5 million dollars per season. I wasn't his only player either. He was representing a lot of my friends. Hanson, Reni, Reggie, Jones, Brooks, etc. He was paid quite handsomely for being our agents and dealing with all of us. "Sometimes I forget how good I am,"
Lucas laughed, "I don't." I just shrugged as Claire turned to smile at me. "I just see her face and know that money doesn't mean anything without her." Lucas squeezed my shoulder as we walked through a good portion of Animal Kingdom with the girls. "Enjoy to afford that Italian vacation and a quick wedding."
"It's going to be small. I bet we don't even spend that much. Cater food and a bartender with a DJ but in our backyard in North Carolina. I mean if we're doing it in a month or so then…" Lucas laughed, "I figured Gabi would want a huge wedding." I shrugged. "She just wants to get married and hates the question about what we're going to do. She just wants to do it." Lucas grinned, "I like that. She truly is the best." We both laughed as the girls were getting tired as we started to head back to the hotel.
We were going to let the girls nap and spend the afternoon at the pool. Claire was cleared by her team to swim on this trip as she was almost 9 months out since her transplant. Her immune system was healthy and she was doing well. Lucas and I split directions in the hotel with our respective child. Gabi was on a business meeting as I laid Claire down on the bed as I stayed in the area that Claire was in to give Gabi space. I heard her say good-bye to somebody as I stood up and went out there.
"Hi, how was animal kingdom?" she asked. "It was really good. I talked to Lucas and asked how busy he was trying to make me this summer." Gabi cracked a smile at our own little plan that we were scheming. "What about early May?" I asked her as I grabbed her hands. "That way we can spend May in Italy and still have all of June at the beach house and some of July." A grin spread on Gabi's lips as she nodded her head and she pulled me into a kiss. "Yes, just yes," I just gave her a grin.
Thursday, March 10th, 2022
Gabi's POV
I giggled with Eve as we watched Lucas and Troy with the girls in the ocean. Lucas slipped and we busted out into a fit of laughter again. We spent all day yesterday at Hollywood Studios and it was just so good seeing Claire so happy. This trip was for her and for all of the shit she had been through in the past year. "I can't believe it's been a year since she was diagnosed. Some days I feel like it was just yesterday and other days it feels a hundred miles away." I smiled as I glanced over at her, "I never asked and I am wondering – would you want some sort of role within The Sunshine Pact? You are proven on social media and as a former cancer mom yourself…"
Eve blinked and then she looked over at me with a sense of surprise on her face. "Seriously?" I nodded my head, "Yea, I'm serious. You would be an excellent addition to the team. Like I said – you have a great social media prescience, you know how to work social media, and you have the background of a mom with cancer and you have a child in remission of cancer. You have a lot of the things I am looking for and you are family."
Her eyes turned towards Troy and she gave off a laugh, "I wanted to hate you. The moment Troy told me you were his ex-girlfriend I wanted to hate you but I couldn't. You were fantastic with Claire and you authentically did not like him which honestly, I think made me like you more." We both laughed as she watched Troy throw Eve in the air and the two of them had the biggest smiles on their faces with each other. "Because I know you didn't just let him walk into your life. You didn't fall to his feet because that isn't the person that you are. I wanted to hate you because I saw it, I saw how much he loved you and slowly after you let him, I saw how much you loved him back. It was like watching him with Claire and I knew that I could never hate you because you were his end game. You were the final stop and maybe we shouldn't have gotten married, maybe we shouldn't have been together period, but we did and I have no regrets. I let them go and, in the end, – it makes me love you. I want to be your friend not because you will be my daughters step-mom but because you are authentically one of the nicest humans."
My welled tears were hidden behind my sunglasses as I sniffled, "Eve, that was seriously one of the nicest things. Thank you. I remember people asking me left and right about how you acted because you appeared to be a diva and I laughed a lot and said I liked you a lot more than Troy. You are amazing mother and we all make mistakes in this life. You owned them and we are all moving on. I love watching you both with her together. You can clearly tell that you both want what's best for her and I respect that."
"I would be honored to be a part of The Sunshine Pact. I want to help and I think what you are doing is absolutely amazing. It gives me something to do with Jackson and Claire at home." We both shared a smile as I reached over and I gave her a hug. "Thank you, Eve."
"Thank you, Gabi. For so many things." I closed my eyes and gave her another squeeze as I let her go. I felt his eyes on me and I turned to face him with a shake of my head and a smile on my face. I got up as I walked down to the water as Claire squealed as I approached, "Gabi! There was a fish!" I laughed as I let my toes get wet and Troy let his eyes roam my bikini clad body but I was way more covered up than he wanted me to be.
"Claire, what's Beth doing?" Claire took off running as Beth was building a sand castle. "What was all the about up there?" he asked as he framed my face. "I asked Eve to be on The Sunshine Pact board and to help run our social media campaign." Troy blinked with a bit of surprise behind his eyes. "Seriously?" I nodded, "She had a great social media page until she had to shut it down for a while. She knows how to vlog and do all of those things and it would take something off my plate."
A grin spread across his lips as he brought me into a kiss, "I love you and I never thought I would have my ex-wife and my future wife hugging it out on the beach. I always figured you would hate each other." I laughed with a shake of my head. "We all want what is best for Claire and I really do like Eve. She's an amazing mother and she has been a good friend. I think if all of us can have a great relationship. I'm not saying she'll be my best friend who I go to for relationship advice but I think we can be friends."
Troy dipped my head back and he let his lips catch mine in a fever kiss. "I can't wait to marry you," we both grinned into the kiss as I hugged him around the waist. I went to sit with Claire and Bethany as I helped them build their sandcastle. "Gabi, can we get ice cream tonight?" Claire asked. "We should ask your mommy and daddy," I told her and she pouted, "But you are marrying daddy, don't you get to make the choices?" I shook my head. "No, I don't. If they are both here, they make the decisions about what you eat." Claire huffed, "But you gave mermaid pudding, do you think we could find some here?" I laughed, "I don't know. I would have to ring the mermaids,"
Claire giggled, "Gabi, daddy said if I put my mind to it, I could be a mermaid," I raised my eyebrow, "It would take some serious dedication." We both giggled together as we finished our sand castle as a wave came up and started to creep into it. "Oh no!" they both tried to stop the water as I couldn't contain my laugh watching the two of them. I felt somebody sit next to me and I leaned into Troy. "One day, it'll be Claire and our own little babes giggling together."
"One day but right now, I'm good with this. This…this is exactly what I want." Troy kissed my head as I thought about our future and I was excited to get married soon. I wanted to focus on other important things and while getting married was important to me – I didn't need a multi-thousand-dollar wedding to be happy. I just needed the man. "I got my contact negotiations done with the Loyalist," Troy spoke and I looked up at him, "Yea?"
"Eight years, 425 million." I couldn't stop my laugh, "What the hell are you going to do with all of that?"
"Set Claire up and my grandkids up for life. Donate to my favorite charities, including The Sunshine Pact, and give my future wife absolutely everything she wants in life." I couldn't stop my laugh as he gave me a grin, "Also pay my taxes like a normal human." We both broke out into laughter. "Daddy!" Claire launched herself at Troy and he snagged her with a big smile on his face. "Claire bear!" she kissed his face and I shook my head. It was hard to believe that a year ago she was sick and had cancer.
You would never know based on today.
She was amazing.
Friday, March 11th, 2022
Gabi's POV
"You are getting married when?" Scarlett's voice was full of disbelief on the other end of the phone as we were having a slow morning before heading back to Magic Kingdom. I was sitting by the pool as I was facetiming my sisters. "Yes, I know. It's the beginning of May but we're not doing a lot. I'll go get a dress when we get to North Carolina and we're keeping it simple. I just want to marry him." Scarlett, Layla, and Sophie were silent on the phone.
"I'm thinking May 7th?" I tossed and I was met with stares. "You guys, get over it. I don't want the big ordeal."
"You can afford it! Why not do it?" Layla cried out and I couldn't stop my laugh, "Because a big wedding isn't my thing and I truly just love Troy Bolton. I want to marry him in our favorite place where I fell in love with him. Just the bare minimum of people and all the things we want. It's going to be small, romantic, and fun. Our families are all big enough plus with our friends it's going to be a bigger wedding than you all think."
Scarlett cleared her throat, "Gabs, we need to find food, alcohol, a dress, rent tables,"
"And? Didn't you just say I had the money? I have the money. We are going to make this happen. I just need your guys help. Soph, I know with school that you won't be able to do as much which is fine. We're not doing any bridesmaids or groomsmen. Just the two of us at the top of the aisle. Simple. Nothing fancy. Just…a ceremony full of love." I was pleading with my sisters to see the big picture here. I needed them to see the big picture here because this couldn't get out of hand.
"Scar, how's the baby?" I asked her. "Good, really good." I shared a smile with her, "I know this is sudden and fast but I can promise you that this is going to make me so happy. This is what I want and I am already so fucking tired of people asking me when the wedding is going to be and what we're doing, etc. I just…I just want to do it." A grin broke across Scarlett's face, "Then we're going to plan the best damn wedding we can plan."
I giggled as I stared at me sisters, "I couldn't do it without all of you. Thank you. He is going to make me the happiest woman alive." My sisters all shared a look as we chatted about a few more details until we were hanging up the phone. I had already contacted a wedding planner to help with all of the organization of everything but I still wanted to keep things simple. I stood up and my stomach cramped as I closed my eyes knowing exactly what this was. I went to my bag as I quickly swallowed 800mg of ibuprofen as I inhaled, it might not be as bad as it once was. My first period since getting my IUD out. It'll be okay.
Walking back upstairs Troy was lying in bed as Eve kept Claire last night and Troy gave me a grin back. "Hi, what did you do this morning?" I laughed as I walked over to Troy and let my legs fall on either side of him. "I called my sisters and I told them we're getting married May 7th." Troy laughed with his head tossed back as he pulled me into his body. "May 7th?" I nodded my head as our mouths fused together in such a hurry of a kiss.
"It's going to be my favorite fucking day right next to February 2nd and August 19th" we both laughed as I gave him another kiss and I curled up on his chest. His hand wove through my hair as we both got up and got ready for a day at Magic Kingdom. It was our last day and we had a handful more rides to hit up. Tomorrow most of us were flying back to Boston as Troy and I were packing up to go back to North Carolina with Ember and Claire was going to do two weeks with Eve first.
My period hadn't started yet but I added a pad for protection because I knew it was coming. It had been years since I had one but this was good. Troy and I could really start trying for kids now. It was a good sign. Periods were good. We met up with everybody downstairs before heading towards the park. Troy looped his arm around my shoulder and I grinned up at him. "I'm ready for a good day," I whispered to him and Troy agreed. "This whole week has been amazing, actually, more like this past month has been one of my favorite fucking months." We grinned and shared a kiss to the echo of Claire groaning as I couldn't stop my laugh.
Troy's POV
Claire giggled next to me as the ride twisted and jerked along the path of the kiddie ride. She loved every single moment of this and I honestly couldn't wait until she was a little older and we could do the bigger rides together. "Daddy! I love this," the ride shook her which only caused further giggles. We came to a stop and I reached forward to kiss her head. "Yea, did you have fun?" she nodded her head up and down with happiness.
"This has been the best trip ever, thank you so much daddy." She threw her arms around my neck as we stood up and I just pulled her with me. I stepped off the ride with her and I just hugged her outside of it. "You're welcome, Claire Bear. I am so happy you had so much fun." She kissed my cheek as we made our way to our family. Bethany wanted to ride a different ride than this one so we all split directions. I found Gabi, Eve, and my mom sitting outside of a ride as they were all laughing.
Gabi was off today but I couldn't explain it. She continued to smile and be present for everybody but I saw the little frowns every now and then. The looks of discomfort. I didn't press because she would come to me if she needed it. Our day was almost over as we had an early dinner tonight in the princess castle before heading back to the hotel, packing, as we all flew out tomorrow morning back to Boston. Claire would spend two weeks with Eve as Gabi and I were going to make a quick transition back to North Carolina. We were keeping on car in Boston and we were driving one car to North Carolina. We both had business that we would need to take care of in Boston.
Claire wiggled down to go and talk to the women as they all greeted with such smiles. Gabi's brown eyes light up with a smile gracing her lips as Claire told her about the ride. Her eyes lifted up to find me as I rocked on my heels with a smile on my face. "Claire, we need to go freshen up for dinner." Eve told her as Eve and Christian were flying to Upstate New York instead of Boston to spend time with his parents for a few days.
Claire and Jackson were both going and it made it easier to start our two weeks. Gabi reached for my hand, "Do you want to walk around for a little bit?" Gabi asked and I nodded as my mom went back with Claire as we were going to check in with the restaurant for everybody. "Hi," I whispered as I kissed her temple. "Hi, seems like Claire really liked that one." I chuckled, "She did. She had her hands up and giggled the entire time."
Our fingers locked together as we walked but she was quiet. "You, okay?" I asked after a bit and she nodded her head, "Yea, I think this week just has me run down. I'm exhausted but it's been such a fun week. With Claire and with just getting to be with your family."
"It has been a great week. I can't believe how excited everybody is that we're going to get married quickly. I figured they would all want us to have a big wedding." Gabi shrugged, "Nah, I think my parents are just really happy that I am happy. Plus, I think your parents will love a small wedding. It's just us. In our own romantic way. There is no reason for us to have a big wedding besides for the fact that we can."
"True, I think our wedding will be amazing." We shared a look as we made it to the restaurant. I went to check in as I came back out and Gabi was bent in half. "El," I walked up to her and I gently gripped her elbow to help her stand and she gave me a smile. "Sorry, just stretching out my back." I eyed her as I knew she wasn't telling the truth but I let it slide for now. She clearly was preserving for something. "Are you sure you're, okay?" she again just nodded and then wrapped her arms around my body. I held her for a few minutes until my parents arrived with Lucas and Bethany.
"Where is Claire?" Beth asked and I gave a smile, "She went to get changed with Aunt Eve," Beth huffed and I chuckled as Gabi wrapped an arm around my waist. I held her there as Claire, dressed up as Cinderella, Eve, Jackson, and Christian came down the way. Claire skipped to my parents as she showed off her outfit as our name was called. We all walked in and we took our seats as Gabi looked pale. I wanted to ask. I want to see what was wrong but I let it go.
Cinderella was making her rounds as we were ordering our dinner and Claire nearly lost her mind with the excitement. Gabi laughed watching her and I could see how proud she was of Claire in her face. It was one I wore and that Eve wore any time we talked about how far Claire has come since her diagnosis. If you watched her walk by you would never know. We all ordered dessert first since it was our last night of vacation before picking our entrees.
It had the two little girls laughing up a storm at the table as they ate ice cream before their dinner came. "Daddy, are you sure we won't get in trouble?" Claire asked again and I just chuckled, "Who is going to get mad?" I asked her with a shrug and she giggled, "Uhm…I don't know." We all laughed at her response as I held onto Gabi's knee under the table. "Claire, did you have so much fun this week?" Gabi asked as she took a bite of her brownie, she ordered but barely touched.
"Yes! I loved all the rides and I can't wait until I am bigger to ride the biggest rides in the park! Daddy, can we come back when I'm taller?" I gave a grin with a nod, "Of course, baby girl. We'll come back and do all the bigger stuff in years to come."
"Me, too," Bethany shouted and Lucas smirked, "On Uncle Troy's dime," I shot him a glare as my parents both looked at me. "Wait, did you hear back from the team already?" I hesitated but nodded. It wasn't like this would be hidden from anybody at the table. It was all going to be public news in just a matter of hours. "Uhm, yea, we've already worked everything out and I'll sign on Monday before I go back to North Carolina."
"And? How many years?" my dad asked.
"Eight,"
My dad let his eyes light up, "Seriously? That's amazing Troy. How much?" I rolled my lips together with a laugh, "More than I imagined. 425." My mom let his mouth drop open at the news as Gabi shifted in the seat next to me. I let my eyes drift to her again as I let my hand squeeze her leg. "Are you okay?" I whispered and she gave me a smile. It was an uneasy smile and I could see the emotion swimming in her eyes. "Troy, I'm so proud of you. That is an amazing contract."
I could barely focus as my eyes shifted back to Gabi as I acknowledged my dad with a nod. "Hi, no, look at me." My voice was just audible for her to hear. Her brown eyes lifted and she nodded, "I'm fine, I promise. Let's just enjoy this last night with Claire, okay?" she reached up to brush her thumb on my cheek. "Are you sure?" Gabi gave a nod and I kissed her head as I struck up a conversation with Lucas and my dad as we were all chatting about football.
Our dinner showed up and we were all talking when Gabi got up to excuse herself. I wanted to get up and follow her but I refrained. I watched her go as Lucas kicked me under the table. "What's wrong? Is she okay?" I shrugged my shoulders. "I don't know. I seriously have been asking the past few hours but I haven't gotten an answer out of her. She wants to enjoy this tonight."
My eyes peered at Gabi's plate to see nothing had been touched and I couldn't take it anymore. I got up as I headed towards the bathroom and she was coming out of it. She paused at the sight of me and I rocked on my heels. "What's wrong? No bullshit, Gabi. You haven't touched anything on that plate. You aren't yourself and you really haven't been all day." Gabi looked up at me and she shook her head. "I want Claire to have a good time tonight. Okay?"
"Okay, yes, I agree. I just want to know what's wrong."
She inhaled deeply and those brown eyes met mine, "I got my period for the first time in years this morning." It was honestly the only statement she had to make to me. It took me right back to high school when she literally couldn't show up school because they were that back in school. She had one of the worst periods that I have ever seen and if she had been experiencing that all day today? My heart broke. "Gabi," I whispered and she just blinked her eyes and pulled a smile back on her face. "I'm okay, I promise. I just want to finish this night for Claire. Okay?" I opened my mouth to say something but she came up and pressed her finger to my mouth.
"Shh, I'm fine. I promise. Yes, I don't feel good but Claire is more important." I just nodded as we went back out together but I held her hand throughout dinner and tried to move it along. Claire and Bethany were both mostly asleep at the table as I let go of Gabi's hand to carry my little princess and Lucas carried Bethany. We all went back to the hotel as I dropped Claire off at room with Eve as I kissed her good night.
"Daddy, are we flying home together?" I shook my head. "You're going to New York with mommy and Christian. I'll see you in two weeks and we'll go to the house in North Carolina," I tucked her in with the Cinderella costume and all as she cuddled up with her blanket. "You promise?" she whispered and I smiled with a nod, "Yes, I promise." I kissed her forehead one more time as I told her I loved her before heading out.
"Thank you, Troy. This has been amazing." I smiled at Eve, "I'm just glad that she had a blast this week. Have fun in New York. I'll call at some point tomorrow." She nodded as I took the stairs to our floor and I went into our hotel room as I found her in the fetal position in the shower. "Gabi," my voice was barely a whisper as her back was against the wall and the water was falling around her. Her knees tucked up into her chest. "What can I do?" I dropped to the side of the tub and she wiped away her tears. "You know nothing helps. I've done everything." I closed my eyes and I reached for her hand.
"I didn't know they were still this bad."
"I didn't know," her eyes looked up at me. "I've had an IUD since I was like 18. I replaced it once but my periods never came back. This is the first one since I took my IUD out." I felt my jaw move and twist as I hated this. "I'm sorry," she gave me a tiny smile, "How about you get me pregnant so I can voluntarily skip these for the next several months." I just laughed as I shook my head. "That wasn't an option in high school."
She grinned, "It wasn't. I didn't mean to freak you out today. I just had terrible cramps. I still do." I nodded as I stripped off my clothes and I got in with her. I helped her wash her hair and her body before drying her off and taking her to our bed. I helped get her dressed and then I dressed myself before I slid int behind her. She drew her knees up to her chest and rocked against me. "I love you and I am so sorry," I whispered to her. "I hate how bad this is for you."
"I'll be okay, I promise," she twisted around and kissed me softly. "I just hope Claire had fun," I shook my head with a half laugh. "Gabi, that girl had a blast all week. You can be a little less selfless baby, if you hurt this bad all day that you wanted to cry? Then yea, we could have left hours ago. Claire had fun all week long and she can't wait to do it again."
"I love you," her voice was a hiccup as I knew she was trying to hide the pain still. "I am here for you," she finally fell asleep after a while and I picked up my phone and tried to find helpful ways to help her because this wasn't normal. She should be reduced to tears over period cramps and feel this terrible. I kissed her head and I just breathed in her clean scent as I set my alarm for the morning. I loved her and maybe it was the people you came with that made it the happiest place on earth. The happiness of watching your daughter just be a little girl or watching the love of your life make sure she is the happiest.
It was the happiest place.
Happy Sunday! I hope you all loved it! Did you EXPECT a fast wedding? It was very 50/50 for me but I think that's one of the best ways to wrap up this story and get ready for the next one! I'm still trying to figure out what the name of the next story is going to be but I know I am excited to share it!
If you didn't know Coach's Wife debuted last week! Go check it out!
Please Review!
Next Update: Sunday, October 23rd