Chapter 1 – Dreams

Thursday, September 3rd, 2020

Twins 8 months old

Gabi's POV

The scent of fresh paint filled my nose as I had painted an entire coat over the walls today in the dance studio.

Yes, my dance studio.

I found a partner, actually, a couple of partners to make my vision come true. Dana, Brea, myself, and another woman, Mia, all pooled our money and resources together to bring Zoey's Dance Studio to life. Once I told them my inspiration, they all agreed that it should be named after Zoey. We painted the inside walls a soft pink color this afternoon once we were all off work. It was a challenge to balance our jobs plus getting this dance studio up and running.

Our first classes were taking place in exactly two weeks.

Troy's and I wedding was in one month exactly.

All of the planning had come together almost beautifully over the past several months. I was so excited to become his wife and then we were spending the next week together in Saint Lucia together. The kids were going to be staying with our parents split throughout the week to make it easier on everybody. I was excited to just spend that time with him again. We had been banking my salary and with the four partners it eased some stress off my shoulders.

"It looks good," I turned to face Brea and I smiled with a nod, "It really does. Tomorrow, the logo painter will be here to paint the logo on the wall over here," I said turning to point towards the wall. Opposite of the logo wall was a wall full of mirrors. The front doors were windows and then the back was brick accent. It wasn't a huge space but enough to start our business. It had taken all summer to get everything together and we wrote out a contract between the four of us.

It was the goal in December that I would quit my day job and run the day-to-day operations around here if everything was going well. Brea and Dana were keeping their teacher jobs for now and Mia was going to be our financial person and here in the mornings for now. We already had full classes from our advertising to the schools in the district. "Shouldn't you be getting home to those sweet babies? I can't believe they just turned eight months old." I pushed out my lip as my babies were getting so, so big. I don't know where my three-pound babies went but they were both now almost fourteen and sixteen pounds and eating monsters. Neither of them could crawl but they would roll around, sit up on their own, and loved to play.

"Yes, I'm surprised Troy hasn't called yet. He loves our evenings together. It has been so much harder since we both are back at work at the moment." Brea laughed with a nod, "He does like your time together. Isn't today the one-month mark?" I nodded my head with a smile on my face, "It is. I am very excited to finally marry that man." I let out a dreamy sigh because after the championship game – life was great after that. He surprised me with two days off to spend together before I went back to work.

Then he spent all summer bring the twins to the office and letting the entire office meet them and allow me to see them during the day. I think I was the saddest once he went back to work in August. Now basketball season was rolling back around and I was getting a little sad knowing that our days together were going to be shorter and not as many. My phone pinged and I shot a smile over towards Brea. I picked up my cell phone to see a picture of both the babes. Troy was the one who took them and picked them up from day care typically as it was right next to the high school.

My heart fluttered with both of their cheesy smiles as they sat up on a blanket outside.

Gabi: Is this a bribe to come home?

It didn't take but a couple of seconds until another text came through.

Troy: is it working?

I laughed and smiled as I sent another back.

Gabi: yes, it is.

"I can lock up, get outta here." I grinned as I picked up my purse and keys from the counter at the front of the dance studio. I paused to take in another look. It was going to be perfect for all of my dreams of this space. The two big chandeliers were gorgeous in the space. I could only picture a little girls first dance class along with competitive dance. I got chills just thinking about our first-class next week. It was just an introductory class but I was excited.

Since having the babies and recovering – I was loving finding myself back on the dance floor and getting creative again. It was another leap trying to find another work life balance with adding the dance studio plus my day job but Troy had been nothing but encouraging and trying to help find the balance. "Okay, Brea, I'm outta here. Do you need anything?" I asked getting ready to push out of the door and she shook her head with a smile. "Snuggle those babies," I just nodded with a smile as I left and went back towards my car.

I climbed inside as my thoughts filtered back to the last several months. I loved my babies during the newborn stage but with each new season of life I loved it more and more. Getting to watch them roll over, sit up, become more interactive, and just laugh and smile at the world? I couldn't believe how amazing it was. Watching Troy be a dad? That was even better. We had moved them to their own room around five months when they started to only wake up one time a night consistently. They still typically both woke up around 3-4 for a little snack but that was easy enough and they both would automatically fall back asleep.

Troy and I resumed our normal sex life after that for the most part. Sometimes we were too tired or didn't have that much energy but we at least had our time together. If it was just watching a TV show or having sex or just talking – the last hour of our day didn't have the babies present. I navigated the short drive home as I pulled into the garage. Luna was running around as I spotted Troy tossing Sutton up in the air.

"Sutton, who's here? Mama!" I smiled at Troy's voice as I walked over to them. Saylor was on her tummy on the blanket trying to reach for one of her toys. Sutton grinned once he caught sight of me and then started whining once he couldn't reach me. Troy chuckled as I slipped him from Troy's grasp. "Hi baby boy," I murmured as he buried his head into my neck. He wiggled and kicked his legs; they were both currently starting to get teeth which most of the time meant grumpy babies.

"Ms. Kimmy said that they both had good days today and to stop worrying too much about them being fussy at day care." Troy said. I shot him a look and he just grinned. He tipped me head back and planted his lips to mine, "Hi, did you have a good day?" I nodded my head as he pulled my body into his but Sutton cried out. Troy rolled his eyes as he picked up Saylor as she giggled and she snuggled into her dad. She was still very much his look alike. Those blue eyes, sandy curls, and his skin tone proved that Saylor was 100% his child. By default, that made Sutton his as well but you wouldn't know it.

He definitely favored me.

"I think they are getting hungry. I am getting hungry and I want to kiss my fiancé," I laughed as we walked inside together with the babies while Luna nipped at our heels along the way. I put Sutton on the living room floor while Troy followed suit before pulling me into a big hug against his body. He kissed me head and then my cheek before finding my lips as if he didn't see me for lunch today. "Hi,"

"Hi, do you know in one month we will be husband and wife?" Troy raised an eyebrow with a smile playing on his lips. "Really now? I can call you, my wife? Do you know what I am looking forward to? The whole week afterwards where you will be in a bikini and I won't be able to keep my hands off of you." I smirked up at him. "Good thing I have that IUD. No more babies for a while," Troy smirked and shook his head. "Not until they go up to the next day care level where it gets cheaper," I couldn't stop my laugh as I wrapped my arms around his neck and I played with the hairs on his neck.

"I'll do bath time tonight," Troy said running his hands down my back. "How was work today?" I asked him this time and he nodded, "Good, really good. Our open gym after school went really well. Jesse brought Noah up and I thought about going to grab the kids but then I thought about chasing both of them and if they were grumpy?" I laughed as I let go of Troy but he grabbed me again. He was in his basketball shorts and his James Island Championship t-shirt.

"What do we want to make for dinner?"

"I think I am going to change my clothes and then play with my babies while you make dinner."

"Bath and dinner?" I smirked, "I'll do clean up in the kitchen, pack their lunches for tomorrow, prep bottles, and then do PJs and bed time."

"You always do PJs and bedtime. You have to nurse them." I laughed as I let my fingers fold with his. Troy couldn't stop the smile as he kissed me softly, "Spend that time with those babies," I nodded as he walked away and I dropped down to the floor to play with them. "When did they have their last bottle?" I asked him. "They both had one when I walked in the door to daycare. Probably like an hour and half ago."

I nodded as they should be fine for some amount of time. They were still getting a calorie packed formula bottle a day and it was typically at day care but at home for the most part they exclusively nursed. I only pumped at work anymore or when I was out and about when they were supposed to be eating. It had been a nice adjustment as I felt in the beginning that was all I did was pump. I played on the floor with both of them as I heard Troy moving around the kitchen. Sutton pushed up on his arms and I just smiled watching him.

Saylor cried out and I picked her up as she snuggled in my lap. She was definitely going through the thick of teething right now. Last night, she practically used me as a human pacifier. "They really said that Saylor wasn't grumpy today?" I called into the kitchen. Troy laughed, "They said she was fine. Nothing her binky couldn't fix and holding her and comforting her. She was okay, they know how to handle teething."

I sighed as I kissed the top of her head as she grabbed her pacifier and chewed on it. "Yea, can we use that instead of mommy tonight?" I asked her and she smiled while closing her eyes. She reached up to rub them as Sutton caught wind of this action and cried out. They were both very jealous of each other if the other one was receiving more attention. "Sutty," I picked him up as he rested his head on one side and Saylor rested her head on the other side.

I stood up with the both of them as I went into the kitchen. Troy smiled looking at the two of them as he prepared chicken, sweet potatoes, and green beans. "I think they are both exhausted," Troy smiled, "I bet momma is exhausted. I didn't realize until this morning that you were up with Saylor for half the night."

"Half? Every time I put her down, she cried again, she would nurse for three minutes, and then stop and I would try to take her away but it was a repeated game. I think I might have slept a few hours." Troy sighed as he sometimes wished I would let him help more at night. Once they were only waking up once a night I didn't care. It was easy for me to just nurse them back to sleep. I didn't have to pump and there were no dishes to be washed.

I highly doubt anything else could have soothed her last night.

"It's okay, really, I am hoping that tonight will be different." I gave Troy Saylor as we both took them to the high chairs as we buckled them in. They played with their toys we gave them while I went and started to prepare their lunches for tomorrow and their bottles while Troy finished dinner. The rest of the night started to pass in the typical nightly blur. We fed the kids dinner while we ate our dinner. They loved sweet potatoes and we gave them the smallest bites of chicken with some bananas. Troy and I ate as we caught up over the day before Troy took them upstairs for bath time.

I did clean up, finished packing up bottles and stuff for tomorrow morning. I went upstairs as I picked out two sets of PJs, two pairs of clothes for tomorrow, and laid out everything we would need in the morning. "Gabs," I headed into the bathroom where I picked up Sutton who was done first as Saylor was wiggling in the tub. "Hi big buddy," I said as I took him to the nursery and I dried him off, put on lotion, and dressed him in the light blue jammies. I brushed his hair and kissed on his little face. "Hi handsome," he giggled. "Naked baby coming in," I laughed as I took Saylor from him.

We repeated the same routine as Troy cleaned up the bathroom. Once they were both dressed and snuggled up, I turned down the lights in the nursery, turned on the sound machine, and closed the curtains to make it dark. The only light was the lamp next to the chair and the sound machine. They both started to get fussy as I picked each of them up as I curled up in the rocker with each of them. They cried and fought as I got each of them latched on to sooth both of them.

"Oh yea, it's been all freaking day since you nursed, I know, it's so hard." I stroked each of their cheeks as I rocked them gently. They typically nursed for nearly twenty minutes at night. Troy came in as he sat next to the rocker as he smiled, "Sometimes I feel like our nights are go, go, go but I wouldn't trade it for anything. I love our little routine." I smiled as I looked at them and then over towards Troy. "I want to ask you something and don't freak out," I shot him a look.

"That isn't the most promising way to start a sentence,"

"Do you want to go away this weekend?" his voice was soft and I swallowed on the lump in my throat. I have been so busy lately that I was mostly ignoring the dates. It was creeping closer and closer to September 6th. My God, how had it almost been two years? I stared at my babies and I blinked away tears because I wasn't sure how to handle this weekend. "Would you want to go to Wyoming and see your sister for the weekend? We can leave tomorrow night, I already have been looking at a flight out there, and come back Monday morning. I know you are trying to open the studio but if you want to get out of here and go see Beth and Colt…"

I blinked looking up at him, "You would do that?" Troy chuckled and just nodded his head, "I would do anything for you, baby. Or we could just drive somewhere again with the babies? Or we can stay home. I just want to know what you want to do. I respect getting the hell out of here." I looked down at the babies again and I took a deep breath. "I don't know if it's worth disrupting there schedule that much to go all the way to Wyoming for a weekend but…" I didn't say anything for a moment.

"Maybe we could go to Savannah, or somewhere in Florida. Take a drive away from here." Troy suggested with a little shrug. I nibbled on my lip and I nodded my head, "How about an isolated place on the beach? Nowhere fancy. Just a little shack or something. I can wake up and drink my coffee on the patio. The kids can play in the sand. We can just have…quiet time." He cupped my face and kissed me and then kissed each of the baby's head.

"I'll go see what I can find. Are you good here?" I nodded my head. He walked out of the room and I just cuddled both of the babies as they fell asleep against me. I moved them up to my chest once they stopped eating and just snuggled. I closed my eyes tightly as I couldn't stop the stream of tears as I held the two of them in my arms. Knowing how lucky I was to have each of them. I kissed their heads as I put each of them in their cribs before putting them in their sleep sacks and owlets.

I brushed my fingers against their head and I walked out of the room. I went in comfort of Troy as he was sitting at the kitchen counter with his laptop open. I walked over and I let my fingers run over his shoulder. He turned around to face me and one look at the tears on my face he turned fully around as I broke down in his arms. He wrapped me up tight and I sobbed into his neck. "She never got to meet them and I just stare at them and look at how perfect they are and she never got to meet them." He wrapped me up so tightly in his arms I could barely breath.

"I know, Brie. I know." He whispered into my ear. Neither of us spoke for a long period of time but his hand continued to go up and down my back in comfort. "Can we go lay in bed together?" I asked him. He just picked me up with ease and took me upstairs. He curled up with me in bed and I just hugged him tighter. My body curving with his body. "I've got you, baby." He whispered.


Troy's POV

I rocked Sutton back and forth as Gabi passed out earlier and Sutton woke up not too long after. He was teething and didn't actually need anything. I just rocked him gently as he chewed on his pacifier as I was scrolling through Airbnb's for a place this weekend. I needed to get her out of here. She had been so busy with the dance studio, the final wedding plans, and whatever else she had going on. Plus, with Zoey's two-year anniversary coming up I knew she was just feeling it all right now.

Sutton rested on my chest and he yawned, "Yea, baby, you need to go back to bed." I whispered into his ear. He yawned deeply and stretched in my arms. "For mommy, yea?" he closed his eyes as he finally started to suck on his binky. Once he was almost asleep, I tucked him into bed again as I yawned myself and headed back towards our room. Her cheeks were still red from the tears and I crawled in to bed and let my body mold into her body.

"Does he need to eat?" she whispered. I shook my head, "No. He's fine. He just wanted some love. I gave him Tylenol so hopefully he'll sleep for a while." I kissed her cheek and she turned over to face me. This time last year her eyes were full of straight sadness. This year? She's better. Her eyes are still happy but there are the hints of sad. Appropriate sad. "I could have gotten up with him since I go into the office later on Friday."

"Nah, I was already awake. Don't worry about it." She curled back up on top of me as she yawned but her hand wondered south. Slipping into my boxer briefs. "Gabi," I said with a laugh and she sent me a coy smile. She rolled to straddle my lap as she kissed my mouth. Her body rocked against mine and it didn't take a lot of effort for me to be all in. I slipped my hand up her, my, shirt and I threw it across the room. My hands skimming her body as sometimes the only un-interrupted time we got was at night. "In a month – you'll be my wife," I whispered into her ear. "In a month – we're going to be on the beach with no kids. Just the two of us."

"You made that sound sexy," she whispered and I couldn't stop my laugh as I turned her over onto her back as I kissed down her bare body and pressed her legs apart as I teased her with my tongue. Her fingers gripped my hair in a plea to keep going. Her gasps of air, her abdomen tightening, I couldn't contain myself as she pulled me back up and I slanted my lips over hers as she got to taste herself. I easily slid inside of her as she scratched my back. She pushed me on my back to take control as I thoroughly let her.

My eyes took in every single curve, look, and movement as she was just…amazing.

She collapsed against me as our bodies were slick with sweat as I kissed below her ear. "I love you," I whispered.

"I love you, too."


Saturday, September 5th, 2020

Gabi's POV

I curled up in outside chair as it was still early in the morning with the light breeze. Troy found a little beach house that was isolated in Pawley Island – just about an hour and half north of Charleston. It was quiet and all I could hear was the water crashing on the beach. We weren't going home until Monday which meant that Troy took the day off and I loved when we got an extra day together. My eyes watched the cloudy sky as I wanted to call Beth but it was like four am where she was.

My eyes twisted to the baby monitor to see both of the babies asleep as I thought of all the things that I would love to tell Zoey. Saylor had her ornery grin and I knew that Zoey's spirit was inside of her. I took a sip of my coffee as I had thrown myself into the wedding these past several months and I had not reflected on another year without Zoey. I knew with my wedding day approaching that it was going to hit hard but I also didn't want to ruin my wedding day with emotion.

"You're up early," I tilted my head back to see Troy walking out with his bedhead but with coffee in his hand. He sat in the chair next to me, "Couldn't sleep. I was just tossing and turning and I didn't want to wake you up." Troy sent a smile as he reached for my hand. "You can always wake me up," he whispered. I sent a smile, "I want to find a way to honor Zoey at our wedding." I told him. "I don't know how and I also don't want my whole day be sad because she isn't there. I want to acknowledge my feelings but I also know she would hate if I was upset on our big day."

Troy nodded his head, "I think we can come up with something and you're right. I want you to have a really, really good day. I think if you set a moment aside to allow yourself to think of her, talk to her, and be there then move on it might help." Troy suggested. My eyes focused on the water rolling onto the beach and I nodded my head. "I think you're right." I didn't take my eyes away from the shore as I just let the tears burn my eyes.

His fingers brushed against my knee, "Talk to me," I swallowed on the lump in my throat as I was thinking of all the things already that we were doing for Zoey. I had one less bridesmaid than Troy's groomsman. Beth was going to walk alone with two set of flowers and lay one down next to her for Zoey's spot. I wanted something else though. "I miss her every single day," I whispered and Troy scooted closer to me. "I know you do,"

"I just honestly can't believe it's been two years since I've talked to her." Troy let our fingers collapse together and I just held on to him. "She would have loved this house." Troy gave a soft smile, "Blaine was telling me that the beach was her favorite spot. That is honestly what persuaded me from the mountains to the beach. I bet you feel closer to her here." I nodded my head and Troy sat back but held my hand as we were both quiet for a while.

I soaked up the sun that was slowly rising and the waves that were gentle against the beach. "Can we just hang out on the beach today?" I asked and Troy nodded, "Your wish is my command, do you want me to go pick up breakfast?" he asked. I shook my head. "Not yet," I said as I squeezed his hand. I wasn't ready to let go of him yet. "Tell me a happy memory, one you haven't told me yet." Troy asked and I thought about it for a while as I eventually got up to sit in his lap. His big arms wrapped around me and I felt safe. I nuzzled in and I smiled thinking of one of my favorites.

"When we were younger – we loved to build forts and have sleepovers inside of them. We would take all day to build up our fort and then we would make sure they were perfectly fit for a night of sleeping. The last time we did it – Zoey was like 17 or 18. She didn't really want too with her younger sisters but she did it anyways. I was 5 or 6 and she made honestly one of the most impressive forts I had ever seen. I remember that people kept calling Zoey to come out and do something because it was Friday night and she kept telling everybody no. She was hanging out with her sisters. Her sisters who were 12 and 6. She just wanted to hang out with us and she drove us to get ice cream and my parents had to come downstairs to tell us to be quiet. To stop giggling. I think we stayed up until 6am."

Troy smiled, "I know our kids are only like nine months old but I can't wait for them to have siblings. I want to build forts with them one day and you can tell them all about Aunt Zoey." I felt the tears slide down my face with a laugh escaping my lips. "Can we not have kids 12 years apart though?" Troy bellowed out a laugh and kissed my head. "I mean…I know you'll still be sexy as fuck in 12 years and only be 38."

Our fingers slid together and I couldn't stop my giggle. "You'd be 42," Troy pinched my side with a laugh. "What do you want to do for your 30th birthday?" I asked him with a tilt back to look at him. Troy shrugged his shoulder, "It's practically our one month's anniversary. We would have just gotten home from vacation. I believe it's a Sunday. That means there will be football and a day with my best friends. The honestly sounds like the best day to me."

"Maybe we can do it at our house and invite your parents, my parents, and make a day of it." Troy smiled as he rubbed my thigh, "I call dibs on you on Saturday night though." Troy grinned, "I like the sound of that." We kissed softly as I pulled away and we both just sat in quiet for a little bit. "Will you get McDonald's breakfast?" I asked randomly. Troy laughed and then went quiet, "Are you okay? You hate McDonalds."

I smiled, "It was Zoey's favorite breakfast," I whispered. "Pancakes for the kids. Egg McMuffin for me. Hi-C orange to drink." Troy pressed his mouth into my hair and he didn't move for the longest time. "You got it, baby." I waited a few more minutes before I got off his lap. Troy squeezed my hand and went to change his clothes. I didn't move from the chair until I heard Troy. "Mama is out here," I couldn't help but close my eyes with a smile on my face because I loved listening to Troy talk to the kids. "bababa," I heard Saylor's voice as Troy came onto the deck.

"I found somebody awake. Sutton was still passed out though." He handed me Saylor who was in a pink sleeper. She had her blanket with her name on it as she curled up into my chest. "Mamama," I kissed the top of her head that was full of hair. "Tell daddy, bye bye, bye bye," I said waving to Troy and she waved her chubby hand and Troy grinned at her. "I'll be back." I nodded as he went to the car as I snuggled with Saylor.

She started to pull at my shirt and I shook my head as I lifted my shirt so she could nurse. "Couldn't even snuggle with mom for five minutes?" she latched and I stroked her head. I never thought we would see this day. She was a terrible nurser in the beginning but she slowly over time figured it out and she loved it. She rubbed her eyes with her other hand as I wouldn't be all that surprised if she fell back asleep.

"Your Aunt Zoey, she would have eaten you up. One day, we will look at pictures of her and I'll tell you the best stories." She ate for fifteen minutes before falling back asleep. We just snuggled in the fresh air as the beach was starting to wake up a little more. People were walking the shoreline but it wasn't crowded or busy. Just increased foot traffic. I heard Sutton kicking around and I looked at Saylor again. I took her inside with me and I went to their little nursery we had set up for them. It was dark with their pack n' plays and sound machines.

I opened the curtains and Sutton cooed out. I laid Saylor back down and I picked up Sutton who gave me the world's biggest grin. "Well good morning, buddy," he threw himself into my body and I just hugged him tightly. "Mama loves you," I whispered into his ear. I changed his diaper and then nursed him when Troy came back. "Is that my little buddy?" Troy came over to kiss the top of his head which distracted him.

He broke off and gave Troy a grin and it caused Troy to laugh as Sutton reached for Troy. "Good morning, buddy!" Troy kissed on him as I smiled while I grabbed my drink. "Where is my princess?"

"She just wanted the goods and then she fell back asleep." Troy nodded as he held onto Sutton while I diced up their food. I grabbed some fruit from the fridge that we brought with us and I cut everything up as Troy put Sutton in the high chair and I gave him a plate. It was all small sizes but we watched him like a hawk. He would most likely nurse again afterwards. I unwrapped my sandwich as Troy went upstairs to get Saylor up for the day. He brought her back down here as we all ate breakfast together. Troy gave me a smile and I smiled back but I felt heavy. He knew that.


Troy's POV

Gabi tried to get a picture of Saylor and Sutton on the beach but they were both exhausted and needed to take a nap. My eyes watched her as she was holding it together really well today. I almost didn't take the twins but I also think she needed them. Tomorrow, I booked a massage for her. I wanted to pull her into my arms and just keep her there but she was strong. She could do it. "Okay, okay, we can call it quits."

I laughed as it had been a good day. We spent it on the beach with the kids. They took their morning nap in the shade on each of us as we just held hands while we relaxed. It was honestly nice. The past several months had been so busy with the studio, starting school, and finishing the wedding planning. I couldn't believe we would be married in a month. It felt like a long time coming. It was going to be such an amazing year.

"Let them nap while I clean mommy," I whispered to her and she giggled as we had mostly already packed up. We each grabbed a kid and I pulled the wagon behind me as we headed back for the house. We rinsed them off underneath the shower before taking them upstairs. We made sure to rinse them off really good in the tub but they were both screaming and exhausted. "Go change so you can nurse them," Gabi agreed before going to rinse off in the shower and just throwing on a tank top. I brought her both babies who were just in a diaper and a t-shirt.

They both were eager to get to Gabi as she soothed both of them. "Just because you jumped in the shower doesn't make you clean." Gabi gave me a smile with a shake of her head. "I understand. I know what you want." I gave her a grin while they both fell asleep within ten minutes. I helped her get them both in their beds before I easily picked her up. Her legs locking around my waist as I took her across the hall to our bedroom and bathroom.

Her fingers threaded through my hair and tugged up on it, "What can I do for you?" I whispered into her ear and she practically gasped on the words. "Make me forget what tomorrow is," she whispered back. The words being lost in the shower water as I pulled back to stare into her eyes. The tears filled hers and I gripped her a little closer while my lips pressed the softest kiss to her.

I took my time. I was deliberate about every single move I made. I honestly didn't want to fuck her. I wanted to make love to her and that wasn't as good in the shower. I pressed her back against the back wall with the shower head raining on top of both of us. My hands skimming her bare legs. "Let me wash you so I can take you to our bed. Anywhere but in here," she only nodded in agreement as we both washed each other's bodies. My balls we tight as I skimmed over her boobs and butt with soap.

Our mouths fused together as I framed her face, my body leaning over her. Once we were both clean, I turned the shower off and ditched the towels and just went straight for the bed. Our bodies slick and brushing against each other. "You make me forget the world around me." I whispered into her ear. "Just with you in my sights. You make me forget the world around me."


Sunday, September 6th, 2020

"How is she?" Cameron's voice came through the phone as I heard Noah squeak in the background as I watched Sutton and Saylor roll around on the floor and play with their toys. "She's okay,"

"You sure?" Jesse's voice piped through on the Facetime as we were having a group facetime together. I nodded my head, "Yea, she is okay. She woke up this morning and was quiet but she smiled and laughed with the twins before going to her massage. She doesn't seem as sad like last year but I think getting away and spending time together has been good. She'll be okay. I think tomorrow when we get home things will turn around, she'll focus back on the wedding and the dance studio and she'll become my girl again."

"I hate this for her," Dylan spoke as he leaned down to kiss Josie's head. He was still asleep in bed as they were getting together for the afternoon games and Dylan appeared to be on his couch. "Same, I wish we could all just squeeze her up and get her mind off this day." Jax said with a sigh as he looked over his shoulder. I truly loved my friends. They were my people and they loved Gabi. "She's going to be okay. The twins have been amazing for her. They are keeping her mind off a lot of it. The grief will never go away but it will dim and get less bright."

"Are you coming home tomorrow morning?" I nodded, "We're packing up after breakfast and hopefully the twins nap the entire time we drive."

"Smart plan," Jesse said. I grinned with a smile on my face, "It was my plan."

"Guys, I am ready for basketball to get up and rolling." I spoke and the subject switched. Each of them shared a look as I was avoiding the conversation. "Guys, I promise. Things will be okay. She's okay. I'm proud of her."

"Do you think we can make another state run? That thrill was amazing." Jax said, I smiled, "I hope so. I think this is Blaine's year. Not that I'm going to try my damn hardest to knock them off – I don't think we beat West Ashley and honestly, I think I would be okay with that. Our team was fantastic last year. We'll be really good this year but not fantastic. I'm going to push them to be fantastic but…" Cameron nodded, "Yea, I get it. I don't think Blaine will be that sad." I laughed with a nod as I scrubbed my jaw as my eyes focused on the babies.

The door opened and I smiled, "I'm going to go guys, see you Tuesday." I hung up the Facetime. Our bachelor party this past summer was a fucking blast and it makes me excited for next year. We finally did our San Francisco trip to play golf for five days and we had a blast. Jax got married in the middle of July right after we got back and Brady was getting married next week. Lennon and Cameron were planning on getting married at the end of May next year.

That would make four of us married and I know Dylan isn't far behind. He might deny it but he loves Josie. I nibbled on my lip and Gabi came in the room. Her face light up when she saw the babies and they light up as they wiggled over towards her. She laughed getting down on the floor and crawling over to them. "How are my sweet babies?" I smiled watching her as she kissed on them. "How are the boys?" she asked me with a smug smile. I only smiled back, "Good. We were discussing if we were going to win it all again this season. I told them I think it's Blaine's turn." Gabi smiled while looking down at the babies.

"I talked to Blaine and Lucy on my way back. They are both doing okay and they went to see her grave. They are doing so much better." Gabi gushed as she was proud of her niece and nephew. "I think the house and the fact that James is doing a lot better is just…good for them." I sat up and got off the floor as I went over to her. "They are strong kiddos. They still hurt. Just like you still hurt." Gabi gave me a half smile. "It shows me that I can put a smile on my face and be okay."

"You don't have to be okay," I whispered into her ear. "Today of all days – you do not have to be okay." She leaned into my body and I just wrapped her up tight as the twins cooed and talked on the floor in front of us. "Just like those two will have days where they aren't okay and you have to show them it's okay. It's okay to not be okay," I continued to talk to her as she just buried her face into my shirt and cried. I just held her while the twins entertained themselves.

It broke my heart to know how much it still hurt her.

But I also knew I was supposed to be right here for her. Loving her. Showing her that somebody was constantly in her corner. After a few minutes she pulled away from me and wiped her eyes. She reached for Sutton and she pulled him into her body while she kissed his head. "I love you sweet boy," I let my hand rub her back and she leaned into my body.

It was a quiet day. We spent time on the beach. We ate dinner and she rocked the twin's extra-long tonight after feeding them. I was out back watching the ocean with a beer as the sun was setting. My own thoughts reflected on a woman I had never met but I knew I would have liked her a lot. I loved her sister. I would have loved her, too. I tipped my beer bottle back as Gabi came out back with a glass of wine.

"Hey, did those two go down?" I asked as I reached my arm out and pulled her into my lap. Her body folded against mine and her head landed on my shoulder. I pushed the swing on the back porch back and forth with my feet. "They fell asleep like thirty minutes ago but I just wanted to hold them a little while longer." I kissed her head and rested my cheek against her head. "I think I want to do a butterfly release or something along that nature."

"Butterflies?" I asked and she nodded, "We did one at her funeral. She hated the releasing of balloons because they were bad for nature so she always would be the person suggesting butterflies instead. I think we should do one at our wedding." I nodded my head, "Let's do it."

"I'm also going to write her a letter in the morning. To reflect and acknowledge."

I smiled, "Good. I'm glad. You deserve that moment."

"I wish you could be there." I closed my eyes and just nodded, "I know. I wish I could, too. I want to wait to see you in that beautiful dress." Gabi smiled as I threaded our fingers together as we just stared at the ocean together. Breathing in the salty air and just being one.


Tuesday, September 8th, 2020

Gabi's POV

I nervously stood at the door waiting for our first class to show up. Today was the first class. It was just a Tuesday, Thursday introductory class. Our first big classes were this weekend and I was just so fucking excited and nervous at the same time. "They will show up," Brea said squeezing my hand. Tonight, was for 10–13-year-old. We were starting in that age range and we might over time expand it.

My stomach rumbled as I nervously looked down at my leggings and crop top, "Do you think I should change? I did have twins?" I spun around to face Brea and she just laughed, "My god, you look amazing for having twins. Stop stressing out. This is worth it." I just nodded my head as I went over to make sure everything was ready. Our high school team was coming to help us tonight and a lot of them were signing up for our 15-18 session that was starting next month.

Before I knew it – the building was filling up with young dancers who were wearing leggings and t-shirts. It was just $10 to participate tonight. Molly, Lulu, and Kiley were all taking money at the door and greeting all of the dancers. They were going to perform their hip hop dance and that was the dance we were going to work on tonight. We were taking some parts out for them but it was going to be fun.

The clock struck 6 and I went up to the front with Brea, Dana, and Mia. All the girls were seated as it was a packed house. My nerves bubbled in my chest as I cleared my throat, "Everybody, I would like to welcome you to Zoey's Dance Studio. My name is Gabi, this is Brea, Dana, and Mia. As a young dancer many years ago, I always had the dream of opening up my own dance studio. I wanted to teach girls my same passion. My passion carried me through college and I lost my passion for a bit but I was able to find it again with the help of Brea and Dana. They invited me to help coach James Island dancers. I quickly agreed but then fell pregnant with the most adorable set of twins. It felt like my reality was a long way away but…after conversations with Brea and Dana we found all the right people with Mia and we just…began talking. We talked about what we wanted for a dance studio. We talked about how we were going to run it. We talked about money. We talked about all of it. We wanted this together and we did it together."

Tears flooded my eyes as I stared at all of the young dancers and then I glanced up to catch a pair of blue eyes with two babies in his arms. He gave me a wide grin as he told me he was going to put the babies down and catch the end of it. His mom was going to watch them. That big fat liar. "When it came to the name – I had one request. I wanted to name it after my sister who I tragically lost two years ago because she was the one pushing me to reach for my dreams. Zoey was everything I wanted this dance studio to be. Fun, free-spirted, and full of laughter. Zoey is my inspiration and I am so happy all of you decided to join us on our opening night."

The room clapped and I wiped my tears away as we all did a side hug, "Now – let's dance!" we got all of the girls stretched and moving as Troy sat in the back corner watching my every movement. Those blue eyes sparkling with nothing but happiness as he was wrangling those twins. The tears never left my eyes the entire time but I laughed and smiled more tonight than I had in days. The girls were all giggling and laughing as we tried the hard things.

The music was loud. The smiles were big. The girls were trying there hardest and all of our high school dancers were having fun trying to teach the younger ones. My heart was full of life in the moment and I knew this was the track Zoey pictured for me. This dance studio. That fiancée. Those babies. These people. It was all a plan that I didn't know about until I needed it. The overwhelming feeling of love sat in my chest as we all danced our hearts out.

Once the hour was up – everybody was wanting to stay for more. "Thursday!" I encouraged as so many of the young girls came up to hug each of us. I thanked each of them and the parents all thanked me as it felt good. This all felt good.

"Say mama," I turned around to my blue-eyed man who had two babies and a bouquet of flowers. I grinned as the twins were probably hungry and exhausted. I kissed each of them on the head. "I want to see these two!" Brea took one and Dana took another as Troy just gave me a grin. The tears fell down my face as he handed me the bouquet of flowers while pulling me into his body. "I am so fucking proud of you, Gabriella soon-to-be- Bolton. You had big dreams and I know people told you over and over again that you couldn't do them but I knew. I knew so deep that you could do this and I am so proud of you. The feeling is so overwhelming and I hope you are proud of yourself. These girls? They laughed and smiled all night. They are already begging to come back again and I knew it. I knew you could do it."

I covered my mouth as he pulled me into his body with those strong hands as I broke down in tears. Mostly of happiness. That I did it after many people did tell me that I couldn't do it. "I love you, thank you for coming tonight and being here. Thank you," Troy just chuckled, "Did you honestly think I was going to miss this? That I was going to miss your grand opening?" I laughed as I pulled away wiping my tears away.

"That isn't officially until Sunday," I told him. I was initially sad because I wanted it to be Saturday but Brady and Ada were getting married. It was going to be such a busy weekend but I already took PTO Monday to recover. I would get to spend my day at home with my babies.

He cupped my face and smiled, "I love you, I'm proud of you. Thank you for showing our children that they can dream big." I pressed up on my tiptoes and I pressed my mouth against his mouth. "Thank you for cheering me on and telling me I could do it when I doubted myself." He hugged me tightly as Brea and Dana handed those babies in my arms. Troy took one and we posed for a handful of pictures.

"Gabi, we're about to start cleaning." Dana mentioned. I nodded my head as I gave Troy Sutton and he reached down to kiss my forehead. "Take your time. I'll get them a bottle and into bed. You enjoy this." He squeezed my hand with his before walking off to grab the bags. My eyes really watered when I saw somebody else standing in the doorway. I wasn't expecting her until Friday but there she stood.

"Beth," I breathed as I went over and wrapped her up tightly in a hug. "I'm late, my flight was delayed and I was supposed to be here for the entire thing but I'm sorry." I laughed as I hugged her tighter, "Do not apologize. I am so happy to see your face." We continued to hug as she wiped away all of her tears and I wiped away all of my tears. "Where is Troy and those babies?"

"They left. They are grumpy and tired. I am going to finish cleaning up here and head home. Are you staying with us?" she shook her head. "No. I told mom I would stay there and if I had to bet your fiancé probably cannot wait to get his hands on you." I giggled with a nod, "I cannot wait to get my hands on him. He was here for all of it and he told me how proud he was of me and it just felt so good to hear. I guess I think back on my time with Brad and how often he discouraged my dreams. Troy never once doubted it."

Beth just hugged me tightly again. "That's how I know you found him." I just closed my eyes so thankful that I did.


Troy's POV

I had dinner ready, the kids were asleep, the wine was poured, the flowers were on display and I just…I couldn't wait to celebrate her. I even grabbed a cake that spelled our congrats across the top with Zoey's logo underneath. I was so proud of her. She poured her heart and soul into this. She saved all her money and we balanced a fine budget to make her dreams a reality. I wanted this to be the perfect day. She already texted me saying she was starving but would just have a PB&J.

She had to work tomorrow. I had to work tomorrow but I wanted to celebrate her tonight. She would only have one first night. I already planned a big party for Sunday afternoon after her grand opening with all of our friends and family. Luckily, my family was all willing after Brady and Ada's wedding. It was just so coincidental that it was the same weekend. Gabi didn't want to delay the opening because our wedding was hot on our heels.

The door to the garage opened and I glanced up to see her drop her bags and kick off her shoes. "Troy," she called out my name and I chuckled, "Right here," her eyes looked up as she reached down to pet Luna. "Hi, I expected you to be on the couch getting ready for basketball or something," I shook my head as I opened my arms and she just grinned before walking into them. I hugged her so tightly to my chest and I picked her up as her legs wrapped around my waist.

"I need to eat first," she said with a giggle.

"I know," I took her into the dining room and I sat her down as she gasped. The table had candles light with dinner covered up with the wine next to it. "Troy," I reached down to kiss her cheek before pulling out her chair. "Sit, eat, I knew you were going to be hungry and I want to celebrate you." She just shook her head and sat down as I sat across from her. I uncovered our plates and she grinned at her favorite food. "First, a toast." Gabi's cheeks flushed as I lifted my wine glass.

"To the girl that absolutely amazes me every single day, who told me her dreams, and who made them come true while balancing planning a wedding, being a mom to two very needy babies, and working a full-time job – you are just…amazing Gabriella. I am so proud of you. I am so thankful that I can look at our twins and tell them their mother is a fucking badass woman. The past two years of your life have been so difficult and every day you wake up with a smile on your face and with a mission and my God, Gabi, I fucking love you. I love your drive. I love how fucking strong you are because I can promise you, I would be on my knees. I cannot wait until you are my wife."

She pressed her glass against mine but had to put it down to cover up her tears. I reached across to wrap my fingers around her wrist. "I am so thankful that you are going to be my husband because I was telling Beth when I saw her earlier how much Brad told me this was a terrible idea and how he never thought I could do it and then I mentioned it one time to you and all you said was let's do it. How can we make it happen? That's what I want for me. That's what I want for my kids. You never questioned it. You just said – let's do it." I smiled softly as I kissed her hand gently.

"There are no dreams that shouldn't be reached." I whispered to her.


HI! Long time without these characters but I am so excited to bring them back! I hope you enjoyed and I can't wait to dive into this story!

Let me know all of your thoughts!

PLEASE REVIEW!

Next Update: October 16th