Chapter 41 – I Don't Dance
Thursday, May 5th, 2022
Gabi's POV
"Only you would be able to pull off a wedding in like six weeks." Wren said as she sat in my living room. Tonight, was our "bachelor/bachelorette" parties. I was just having the girls over for a wine and game night because I didn't want to go out. I just wanted to hang out with some of my best friends and luckily, all of them were going to be here. Wren, Viv, Rynn, Josie, and all of my sisters were here as well as Gianna.
Amber, Hanson's wife, also joined us as we had grown close over the past several months and her husband was occupied with mine. "How much money did you spend?" Scarlett asked and I laughed, "Not as much as I think people were thinking with the last-minute plans. The photographer and videographer were both the most expensive but I think the ones I wanted the most. Besides that, probably all typical costs. It just took a lot more phone calls."
I took a sip of my wine as we all were doing facemasks. Tomorrow, all of us were getting our nails done. Claire would be joining us but tonight she was with her grandparents. "Do you think Troy will be able to last a month without his daughter?" A laugh bubbled out of my throat. "I'm convinced he is going to fly her out after two weeks. He seems to be handling the two weeks apart well but the moment you ask a moment over he loses his shit. There is no way he lasts all 26 days."
"Did you spend more on the honeymoon or the wedding?"
"Honeymoon, easy. Troy took care of a lot of those details though. I just know it's more expensive probably because of our first-class flight there." The group chuckled as we brought out the first card game to play as a group. We all washed off our masks, refilled our wine, and giggled and laughed all night. "If this was my house, I would make Hanson move to Carolina and play for the Panthers." I laughed with a shake of my head.
"Nah, I like Boston, too." I told her with a smile. "This is a nice little get away for half of the year. Some city. Some beach." The group played a bridal guessing game and it was funny questions. "Is Troy a boob man or an ass man?"
"Ass, 100%. Now, if you ask him, he will tell you both but I don't have any boobs so…" the group giggled as they moved into the next question. "Bottom or top," I laughed, "Honestly, it's a mood thing. When I'm tired – bottom. Let him do all the damn work but it is fun to get on top and torture him for a bit."
"Would you want him to stop wearing deodorant or stop shaving?"
"Can he trim his facial hair? Not shave it completely – just we don't need a yeti man."
They thought about it for a minute, "He can trim it once a month."
"Fine, stop shaving. I like him with a bit of scruff," '
"EW!" Gianna said and I laughed, "But you didn't care about who was on top or bottom?" she rolled her eyes, "I don't like that one either. Just the image." We all laughed. "What is your biggest want for your first year of marriage?" I rolled my lips together as I thought about it. "Honestly, I just want us to have fun the first year." The group glanced around as the only married person in this group was Amber. "I know the first year of marriage can be hard but I just want us to have fun. There will be hard days, especially, coming off his super bowl win and Claire but…" I just shrugged.
"The only reason it's funny is because Troy said the same thing. He just wants to act as if you guys are dating again." I laughed, "You asked Troy?" they nodded. "We asked Troy a handful of questions. Like in high school – what was your first thought when you met him?" I gave a small smile, "I was intoxicated from the beginning. He drug me in and we were inseparable. He was my everything in my last two years of high school."
"Stop, did you two talk about this?" I shook my head. Gianna shook her head, "He said the exact thing. That he was intoxicated and he could have walked away from football. It was a distraction from you." I laughed with a shake of my head again as this continued as Troy and I matched a lot of answers. My phone buzzed and I picked it up to see a text from him.
Troy: Love you. Miss you. Can I come back?
"Lover boy himself wants to come back."
"NO!" they all shouted together. "I know, I know, he just knows that tomorrow night he can't sleep here either."
"I don't know why; you guys are doing a first look."
"He doesn't know that. He thinks he's just doing a first look with Claire and after they are done, I am going to come out." Sophie sighed with a dreamy smile, "I can't wait to see his reaction," I smiled as I couldn't wait for the day. We were getting married at four because I wanted to just spend the night with him. I didn't want to drag out the day and wait for a sunset. I just wanted to do it.
Troy's POV
Saturday, May 7th, 2022
I tossed a football down field as I was anxious and I didn't know what to do with myself. Not the bad kind of anxious. The good kind. The big butterflies and the anxious to see her. To find her. To see her in that dress and just marry her. I haven't honestly seen her in the past two days as we were didn't do anything traditional thus far but she didn't want to spend the night together. We had a dinner last night with our families and friends as it was just a wedding first part.
Hanson threw the ball back and I caught it as I looked over to make sure the wedding was being set up properly. The DJ was setting up, the chairs and tables were all set up, and it was the absolute perfect sunny day. "You good," Hanson came up to me and I nodded, "I'll be better once I see her. I just, fuck, being without her isn't my favorite. I feel like this day is dragging." Hanson looked at his watch, "You should probably get ready soon. Aren't you doing a first look with Claire at 3?"
I nodded, "It's 1:45," I agreed as we went back towards the house. I went in the basement as Gabi was upstairs. I could hear them upstairs as it was weird that I didn't have a group of friends but honestly – all of the people who would stand by my side are in the crowd. We kept it small and I think we'll both thank ourselves later. I jumped in the shower to wash all of the sand off and when I got out there was a camera crew already in the room.
I started to get dressed as Lucas and Hanson were both getting ready themselves as they switched into the shower. I did my hair as they took me outside to do my own personal pictures. It was nice going sans tie with just the navy pants, white button up, and a navy jacket. The first couple buttons were open on my shirt as the photographer nodded her head as she took me back inside. "We will bring Claire down in a few minutes. Okay?" I nodded as I grabbed a snack from the bar and a handful of people asked me questions about what went where.
Luckily, Gabi debriefed all of us that way we all knew.
"Troy,"
I looked up to see Danny standing there with a tiny smile, "Hey," I reached for his hand and I gave it a firm shake. "I always saw this day coming, Troy. I just never realized how much of a rollercoaster this relationship was going to be. I was so heartbroken for Gabi when she came home and didn't eat for a week that I never wanted you to come back into her life." I grimaced from the words, "But at the same time you made her so much stronger in the end. She was able to pick herself up and she made something of herself and I am so proud of her for it. I know she'll be okay regardless of what happens here because she is that strong person now. She knows how to live a life without you. I don't think anything will happen but I know she's going to be better than you because it will be her decision to leave." My stomach rolled and she slapped my back. "As long as you keep her safe and healthy, she isn't going anywhere. I am thankful the two of you are back together but always know she still has that tender heart that wants to help people."
I nodded, "Danny, I don't think I realized how much I messed up until I looked at my own daughter. That I would probably lose my shit but in the end – we all ended up where we needed to be. I'm thankful she's giving me this second chance because she was it for me. I can't promise that I won't make her mad or make her upset with me in the future but I do promise to work through the hard stuff." Danny squeezed my shoulder, "That's all I ask, Troy. You are both full of spirit and life. Don't let it dull." I gave him a smile, "Thank you,"
"Just take care of my little girl,"
"One of four," I cracked and he chuckled, "Be careful. It might run in the genes," I shook my head with a grin, "I'd be lucky to get four of her."
The photographer came downstairs and she grinned, "Alright, Troy, we're ready for you." I grinned because I couldn't wait to see Claire. I loved Gabi's idea of doing a first look with Claire. They were both very secretive of their dresses and the anticipation of seeing both of them was amazing. She took me upstairs into one of the bedrooms with white walls and navy-blue curtains as the room was plain. They positioned me in the corner with my back turned as she made sure she had the right lighting.
"Okay, Troy, we'll tell you to turn around, okay?" I nodded as my hands were sweaty and I couldn't wipe the smile off my face. I rocked on my heels as I heard Claire's giggle first and it was like a hit of drugs. The smile the embedded on my face and the happiness that filled my chest from just that sweet giggle. My god, it was intoxicating.
I heard the camera click a handful of times before they told me to turn around. I counted to three before I turned around and it was instant emotion as I saw Claire. "Daddy! You look so handsome!" I laughed as I squatted down and I pulled her into my arms into the biggest bear hug. She was wearing a white sleeveless dress with lace flowers over the top before it poofed out around her waist. She had a navy sash around her waist and she was beautiful with a little bit of make-up on her face, a compromise with Gabi, and her hair curled.
"Claire, you look so beautiful," I whispered. She pulled back as she grinned at me but then frowned, "Daddy, why are you crying?" she reached up to wipe away my tears as I laughed, "These are happy tears. You are so beautiful and perfect," I tucked a curl behind her ear and her cheeks turned slightly pink with the compliment. "It's a happy day, no tears," Claire ordered and I laughed as I kissed her cheek. I stood up and lifted her up in the air as she wrapped her arms around me in another hug.
"I can promise you one thing, Claire. Happy tears are the best kind of tears. Like the day I heard you didn't have cancer I couldn't stop them." She squeezed my neck and I just held her so tightly forgetting that all of this was documented. "Do you want to practice our first dance?" I asked her again and she nodded her head as I chuckled before turning on a song, not the song for tonight, but another song. I grabbed her little hands as we practiced our dance together, twirls included, as at the end I picked her up and just held her against me. "I love you, Claire. Nothing changes after today besides that Gabi married me. You are still my little girl, my whole world, and everything in between."
Claire kissed my cheek and she gave a smile, "I love you, too Daddy! I love Gabi just as much," I smiled as I can't believe how big she was and I wasn't sure where the time had gone but I was so lucky to have had the chance to be her father. I wiped at my eyes again as Claire looked over her shoulder and she grinned, "Daddy! I have a surprise for you! Turn back around," I gave her a quizzical look but follower her instructions as I heard more giggles from her behind me as I heard the camera shutter a few times.
"Okay, go ahead and turn around, Troy." I nodded as I was so curious to find out what was behind me.
"Holy shit," I covered my face with my hands as I turned around as my shoulders shook with emotion because the person behind me was the last person I was expecting. I turned back around to face her again and her smile was beaming as she was so fucking gorgeous. My own smile had to match as I just stared at her and took her in. "El," my voice was only a whisper as I couldn't stop the tears. There was nothing I could do because she was stunning and I least fucking expected this. She didn't want to do this now. I took a step towards her as I surveyed the dress.
It was a white lace dress that fit her like a glove to her waist before it flared out. The lace had swirls over flowers and prints across it as it dove deep into a V-neck and her back was bare. Her train was long but not long enough to cause problems. "Stop, you're going to make me cry," I couldn't help but laugh as I cupped her face as her hair was in a low bun with little pieces coming out around her. Her make-up was fucking beautiful and she was…stunning.
"Let's cancel the wedding," Gabi laughed as I wiped away a tear or two from her face trying to keep her make-up from being ruined. "You are so fucking beautiful," I whispered into her ear and she tilted her eyes up to help stop any of the tears from escaping. "I thought you never wanted to do this," I whispered and she just laughed, "I had to throw you off. I wanted that authentic reaction. You are an amazing, man. The strongest kind of man,"
I inhaled deeply as I wanted to kiss her so deeply in the moment but I that – that I wanted to wait for. I kissed her cheek and then right below her ear. "I don't get anything on the lips?" I shook my head with a tiny smile as our eyes connected. "That I am saving until you are my wife."
"I think I want to practice our dance," she whispered up to me and I poked her side, "Were you watching?"
"100% and they had to touch up my make-up before I came in here because I was sobbing in the hallway practically," I shook my head as I found a different song but one that still would always remind me of Gabi and our journey. Whatever it Takes by Lifehouse floated through the speakers of my phone as I tugged her closer to me. "Oh my god, I listened to this song so much in college hoping this would be the two of us. That we could work this out,"
"I did, too. I listened to it not too long after my divorce and it helped push me to talk to you. If there was one fucking chance that I could get you back – I wasn't risking it. I was going to do whatever I could to get you back because I wanted this moment. The two of us right here, together, getting married in the next thirty minutes. This is what I wanted." Gabi let her forehead rest against my chest and her shoulders shook so lightly but I knew what it was. I just stopped and held her in the longest hug.
"Thank you…for risking it."
I tipped her head back as I stared in her eyes and I knew she was going to have to get her make up touched up, "Gabi, don't thank me for doing what I should have fixed years ago. It was the easiest fucking thing and also the scariest. I love you, baby. I can't wait to vow to you my forever,"
She groaned as the tears started again and I couldn't help but laugh as I wiped them away, "I love you," she whispered to me.
"I love you, too. Now – I'll see you in a few minutes. Let's go get married, yea?" Gabi smiled, "Yea,"
Gabi's POV
The make-up artist touched up my face because the entire time that Claire and I did our first look with Troy – I was a basket case of emotions. Watching Troy just cry over how beautiful Claire was made me literally sob. I had to walk down the hall and when I came back, they were hugging and then they danced to practice. My heart was so full and I couldn't wait to marry him. His reaction to me was exactly what I thought.
"I'm sorry, I highly doubt this last through the wedding." Aniston laughed, "That's why I stay till after the wedding to touch you up before more pictures." I thanked her as everybody was doing the final touches as it was ten minutes until four.
Claire was with Bethany as my sisters were all sitting around the room as they each gave me a big hug before my dad was supposed to come. He had already seen me and we both cried together. I still couldn't over Troy's reaction. It was the surprise followed by just the overwhelming love that took over his face. I loved that we had a little dance together and it made everything slow down. I breathed as I stared down at the beach as the chairs were filling up with all the people, we loved the most.
"Gabi, you look so pretty," Claire batted her eyes and I Gave her a smile as I got down on her level. "You are so pretty yourself. Your daddy thought you were so pretty," a grin flashed over her face as I just hugged her. "Remember, Claire, just because I am marrying your daddy doesn't mean anything changes. Your mommy still very much loves you and is your mommy. I am just going to be Gabi and I am going to love your daddy." Claire nodded her head because we were trying to make sure she knew that nothing was changing in her little world.
"At the beginning of the wedding – do you care if I call you up to tell you some promises? You'll be up there with your daddy and I." she smiled, "Yea! Can I make a promise, too?" I laughed and nodded my head, "Yea, you can make a promise, too."
It wasn't long before we were going downstairs and I heard the music start. I met my dad and he just shook his head as he gave me a big hug, "You are absolutely stunning and I am so proud and happy for you. I know he will take care of you but I also know that if something happens you won't fall for his bullshit. You are strong and you know your worth. Don't let anybody tell you otherwise." I gave my dad a big hug and he kissed my head.
"Let's get you married,"
My wedding planner gave me my flowers and fluffed my train as she nodded as the music switched as Claire went down the aisle in front of me. I could hear the ooh and awh of her and I peeked to see her giving her dad a big hug. He kissed her temple as he took a deep breath before standing back up. The sun was still high in the sky with the wind lightly blowing. The roar of the waves in the background as my dad squeezed my hand.
We took the first step out as everybody got their first look at me but I couldn't tear my eyes away from Troy. The smile on his face, the happiness in his eyes, it was all everything I wanted. I know he already saw but the awh in his face and the happiness as I walked towards him. I couldn't stop the well of my tears as this was…perfect. I felt like I floated down the aisle towards him and he reached out once we were close. He stopped to shake my dad's hand and they passed a knowing look as I heard the speaking but I just stared at him.
His thumb brushed my jaw and I leaned into his touch. He reached in to kiss my cheek, "You're stunning," I just gave him a smile back as I squeezed his hands. "Troy and Gabi are joined here today to finally, yes, I was told to say finally, get married after a long journey to get here. Today, they are going to make their vows to each other to make their own promises to each other of the next journey of their lives, but first, Gabi wants to make a promise to probably the cutest 5-year-old." The group laughed as I wasn't sure if I was ready for this as Claire skipped up the aisle.
I let go of Troy's hand as I got down on Claire's level as I balanced and I grabbed my note card. "Claire, I knew your daddy before you and after you. I learned really quickly that I loved him a lot more after you because you brought out a side of him, I didn't know existed. He loves you so fiercely and so deeply. When you were sick, I saw how much he hurt and I knew immediately that you were a special girl. We grew close over mermaid pudding and gross medicine but I watched you grow into one of the strongest girls I've ever seen," I couldn't stop my tears as they slid down my face as I stared at her. "I know a lot changed when you were sick and you handled it with such grace. I realized one day that I knew that I missed all of your firsts. Your first smile. Your first tooth. Your first giggle. The first time you said dad and mom. I missed all of that but I can promise you something – I won't miss anything else. I won't miss your first loose tooth. I won't miss your first day of school. I won't miss your first day of whatever sport you choose, and I surely won't miss all of the little moments either. I will never be your mom and I don't want to be but I want to be somebody you trust, love, and can come too. You are such a special girl, Claire Bolton. I am so lucky that you are letting me become part of your family, I love your daddy with all of my heart but I also love you with all my heart because you are an extension of him in the best of ways. I love you, sweet girl."
Claire threw her arms around my neck and I just hugged her back as we were both crying and I didn't have to look up to know that Troy was, too. I asked him if this was something I could do and he agreed that he liked it. He wanted Claire involved but I also said I wanted it for a small time because this was us vowing ourselves. "I love you, Gabi." I inhaled deeply as I kissed her cheek. "I love you, too. I promise I'll always be in your corner."
I kissed her cheek one more time before I sent her back to the front row and I stood back up as Troy Bolton was a man of emotion and he tilted his head back up towards the sky. "Oh my god, I will never make it through my vows." I couldn't stop my laugh as I wiped away the corner of my tears.
"Gabi, do you want to go first and continue? We can do your vows to Troy," I nodded my head because I wanted to go first because I knew he would most likely blow my vows out of the water. I inhaled as I wiped at my eyes as I stared at him for another moment. Neither of us were going to make it.
"Troy, I honestly, I don't know where to start. I sat down several times to write these vows and I knew there was not enough words to declare my love and to promise you our life together. I can be cliché and tell you everything you want to hear but our life has been anything but cliché. It's been hard, emotional, and full of love from the very start. You already know that I will be by your side through everything and honestly – I think I came back into your life at the time I did because you needed me by your side for that journey. I walked back into your life and you were a dad and honestly, I wasn't sure how I felt about it. It was something I pictured the two of us doing but you already had another life. Yet, I fell in love with you all over again because of how you loved Claire and because I knew who you were deep inside." I inhaled deeply as I looked at him and he squeezed my free hand as we were both keeping it together thus far.
"I knew you were a man of deep love; I knew you were a man who would always take care of his people, I knew that you feel so deep and that watching your daughter fight for her life was going to bring you to your knees. I knew all of these things and I knew that I could never not love you. Your branded my heart with your heart. Your soul was attached to my soul. In your eyes, I found my place, in your heart, I have found my love, in your soul, I have found my person, in your speech, I have found my strength, with you, always you, and I am completely and utterly fulfilled. I smile when you laugh because you are my breath and my life. Just your presence in a room makes everything right in the world." Troy broke with the last part and I did as well. I was almost done as I took a deep breath.
"When you pull me into your arms, I feel at home. When I see you watching me with those blue eyes, I see the compassion in your heart. Each time I saw you in high school, I felt all the butterflies, and now that I know what that is – that love – I don't ever want those feelings to go away because I love them just like I love you. Every day I want to walk this life with you because I don't ever want to face it alone, without you, again. I promise, to love you, endlessly, every single day."
Troy shook his head as he wiped at the corner of his eyes, "I love you," he mouthed to me and I gently squeezed his hand. My eyes left Troy for just a brief moment to see the crowd and everybody here – knew us – and they felt the emotions behind our words. "Troy, your turn."
"Honestly, I am really unsure how I start after that." The group laughed as Troy pulled out his phone, "Sorry, I did this one all of my recent flights and I can read this better," he joked and I laughed as he looked at his lock screen before tucking his phone away.
"El," his voice was just for me with that name and I was already crying again. Just from two letters. One word. The name that belonged to him. "I love you and that's is the beginning and the end of everything. You changed my life when I was 17 and every year after that you influenced something that I did. You changed who I was as a person in the best of ways. You made me a better person, a better son, a better brother, and eventually, a better father. Because of you, I laugh every day. I smile and I dare to dream more than I ever have. I was always a dreamer but over time people told me I was dreaming too much but I know with you? I can dream as big and wide as I want. You are, and always will be, the love of my life. I knew at just 17 years old that you were. You were my soulmate, my person, my beginning and my end."
He stopped to clear his throat and he pressed his lips together as he inhaled, "And when you walked into my life for the second time, I realized something very impactful. I realized that what I thought was happiness couldn't compare to the joy loving you brought into my life. The first time, I took it for granted, and the second time? I realized it. You were the air I breath, you are the one that can help me move every mountain and fight every battle. You are such a gift to humanity, El. I can say with absolute confidence and assurance that, what I thought would have to be the end of my life, when Claire got sick, changed into the beginning of a new era, because you showed up. I promise you, El, I promise that every day I will recognize how you saved my life."
I couldn't stop the sob that worked up my throat and he gently touched my face to wipe away the tears as we were both crying, "Because of you – I am a stronger man, a better man, a better father and a better leader. Because of you – I know that we can make a difference in this world together. I love you and I will always be with you. Whenever I am scared, afraid, or anxious – I will trust you. I will love you. I will come to you. I love you, El. I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you by my side."
He pulled me into a hug as we both just held onto each other for a moment before we exchanged rings with each other and Troy inhaled as we were both starting to smile because we were almost there. "I pronounce you husband and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Bolton, Troy – you may kiss your bride now."
"Thank God," he whispered under his breath as he pulled me closer to him as I let my hand reach for the back of his head and he smiled. "I love you so fucking much," he whispered as his mouth fell to mine and the cheers and hollers were heard from the crowd. He smiled against my mouth as his hands framed my face. I pulled back first, "I love you, too." He kissed my forehead before kissing my mouth again and we headed down the aisle.
Husband and wife.
Finally.
Troy's POV
We all ate together after taking pictures along the beach. Luckily, all of our family and friends had no schedule and we were just going with the flow. They allowed us to eat and I let my hand reach over to rub my hand down her leg. "You doing, okay?" Gabi's voice was soft and I smiled, "Yea, I'm married to you. Why wouldn't I be good?" she shot me a smile as I leaned over to steal a kiss. "This dress is so beautiful on you." Gabi smiled as she stared down at it.
"I almost gave up before I found it."
"I'm glad you found it."
"Thank my mom." I smiled as I dropped another kiss and she just smiled, "I ban you from drinking anything but whiskey," I just chuckled as there was a light music playing over the backyard. It was a nice evening as everybody was just enjoying their time now. "Okay, okay, welcome everybody to the wedding that has been a very long time coming." Danny stood up at the top of the stage by the DJ with the microphone. "I am just going to be short and sweet but thank you for coming to Troy and Gabi's wedding. I knew in high school that she was most likely going to marry this boy but if you would have told me how the eight-year journey was going to unfold I probably would have kicked Troy's ass,"
The group laughed as I laughed with a shake of my head, "I'm still tempted sometimes but I also know how much he loves my girl. Gabi is my 2nd of four girls. She isn't my oldest nor is she my youngest but she has such a force within her that you would never know. I am so happy for the both of them. Finding their way back to each other. Congratulations, you too. I know you both didn't ask but we found somebody from each family to give a little speech and we'll start with Lucas."
"Oh fuck," I mumbled which caused Gabi to laugh as our hands linked together. Lucas took the microphone and he grinned, "Look, I'm kind of salty that I am not his best man." I chuckled as Lucas smiled. "I'm pretty sure that we all know each other here but if you don't – I'm Troy's older brother. I was in college when he met Gabi in high school. I remember coming home for a break, I think it might have been labor day or something not too long after they met and I knew almost immediately that something was different. I asked him and he just got the biggest, goofiest grin on his face. I met Gabi that same weekend and I knew my brother was a goner. She was it for him. He was obsessed with her in the best of ways."
I chuckled and Lucas smiled, "And then he was really stupid and let her go and he never smiled like that again. Then I got a phone call about Claire and her nurse. It was his voice. Something changed and when he said her name, I knew he was in some deep trouble because his soul was going to gravitate towards her if he wanted too or not. Troy and Gabi are the kind of love that everybody wants. The love that makes people jealous and honestly, I always knew the day would happen, I just never knew when." Lucas stopped with a smile and he looked at us. "Gabi, I am so lucky to gain another sister. You bring out the best in Troy and you can deal with his bullshit."
The group laughed and I shook my head with a smile as I gripped her hand tightly. "I can't wait to see how your futures play out but I know you will always be by each other sides through thick and thin. Congrats, you two."
Scarlett got up on the stage next and she grinned, "Hi, I am Gabi's oldest sister and well…let's be honest – I wanted to absolutely murder Troy Bolton about nine years ago." I choked on laughter and Gabi giggled next to me. "Troy took such interest in Gabi and I knew my sister was head over heels in love with him. My heart broke when they separated but I also hear her talk to me about it now. They grew so much apart from each other and getting to know Troy again has been everything. I see that spark in my sister, and my sister opening a non-profit that is literally her dreams because she feels the power to do it and break out of her shell because of a man that has always loved her." Gabi had tears in her eyes as I gently eased her into my lap. "Troy gives her that. The confidence to do whatever she puts her mind, too. I also see such a strong sister, a strong woman, and I know she'll be an amazing wife. Through thick and thin. I am so proud of both of you. Troy, please take care of my little sister. I don't think I can nurse her through another heart break and Gabi, that man worships you. Let him."
Gabi wiped away her tears as she went up to hug Scarlett as I followed because next were dances.
"Next, we're going to do the first dance. Troy, Gabi?" I smiled as Gabi laughed with her sister before coming over to me. I pulled her into my grasp and breathed in her scent. It was easy to choose our song. I Don't Dance by Lee Brice started over the speakers while Gabi melted in my arms. "I think this was the easiest choice of our wedding," she mentioned and I laughed, "I think marrying you and saying I do was the easiest part," I teased. We both laughed as I shook my head as all eyes were on us. "Thank you, for this idea, this day has been perfect."
"No, thanks for going along with it. I wasn't sure what you would want but this was the best for both of us." We shared a look together as I kissed her softly and her arms wrapped around my neck as we held each other as the song faded out. "I love you, El. This day was everything." She smiled at me as I gave her another kiss with a squeeze. My mom came out on the dance floor and she grinned, "Troy Bolton, my son, married twice before thirty." I rolled my eyes with a laugh, "Mom," I said and she grinned as Mother by Sugarland started.
"I am happy to see you happy. This is a completely different vibe than you first wedding."
"Because I love Gabi,"
"You claim you loved Eve," I shot my mom a look and she just smiled, "I'm just saying, we all knew that she was the one. Also, who helped write your vows? Did you hire a speech writer? I was sobbing, Troy." I chuckled, "No, mom, I wrote them on a couple different flights. Back and forth to Boston with Claire."
"I didn't know I wrote a poet," I laughed as the song was ending as I gave her a tight hug, "I love you mom,"
"I love you, too. Now grandkids?" I just laughed and rolled my eyes as I escorted her off the dance floor. Gabi and her dad were next as Daddy Dance with Me started on the speakers. My eyes looked around for Claire as I had our own father daughter dance with Claire after Gabi's dance before the party was officially starting. Hanson came over and clapped my shoulder, "What a wedding," I laughed as I watched Gabi dance with her dad. God, the minor thought of that being me with Claire one day got me.
"Also, I figured you would have a better reaction seeing her for the first time," I chuckled as I faced him, "That's because she shocked the hell out of me and surprised me with a first look. I did my first look with Claire and then they had me turn around again and there she was. I bet the pictures are going to be epic. I literally about fell over." Hanson smirked as she hugged her dad tightly. "I'm going to go dance with Claire so we can get this night officially started."
My eyes looked around for Claire as I spotted her running with Bethany. I jogged over and I intercepted her, "DADDY," she squealed with laughter and I shook my head. "C'mon let's dance so we can get this night started." She giggled in my arms as I took her to the dance floor. Father Daughter started through the speakers as Claire and I danced together on the floor as she giggled. "I really like weddings, dad, can we do this more often?" I laughed, "No, baby sorry. We will attend more weddings but no more for right now."
"Gabi looked really pretty,"
"She did, just like you," I tapped her nose and she gave me her best smile. "Do you have to leave after tonight?" her bottom lip stuck out and at that point I just picked her up as she wrapped her arms around my body. "I know, baby girl, I don't want to leave you behind but you are going on a trip with mommy and I will call all the time. I'll bring you back a couple of presents and we're coming to get you before we even come home, okay?" she pressed her face in my neck and her hand rested on my chest. "Gabi and I need some time together to celebrate our wedding and because football season can be a lot. Once we get back though it will be a lot of time here."
"You promise?"
"I promise, sweet girl. I promise."
Gabi's POV
I giggled tipsy as I looked around for Troy as the party was just getting started as the sun was officially gone, the moon was high in the sky, and all of the kids were gone. Claire went back with Bethany with Eve as I looked around for my husband. I had a little surprise for him as I had changed out of my dress into a smaller white one. It barely covered my ass and since my parents were heading out themselves with Troy's so we were mostly down to friends who were all a bit drunk.
"Wren!" I threw my arms around her in a tight hug and she laughed, "Hi, you are stunning and what is this little number?" I giggled again as I took another drink, "I didn't want to run around in that dress all night. We got the pictures, now I want to seduce my husband," I let my eyes wiggle and Wren just laughed. "Where is he?" She looked around for me too when we spotted him smoking a cigar with his football buddies.
I smirked as she led me over there as we came up behind his back as he had ditched the jacket and had his sleeves rolled showing off his strong forearms. He chuckled at something Reni said as I came up behind him and I circled my arms around his torso. His hand with his new ring slid on my arm as the metal caused goosebumps to rise over my skin. "Hi beautiful,"
"Gabi, a wardrobe change?" Hanson asked with a raised eyebrow and Troy pulled away and turned around as his jaw opened and snapped shut as those eyes heated with fury as he descended down my body. The ground behind him chuckled as he took another hit of the cigar before handing it off to somebody else. He finished off his whiskey before taking two steps forward towards me, "You look sexy as hell," he murmured as his hands found my ass and I couldn't stop my smirk as I pulled on his neck to have his lips meet mine.
"Should we wrap this party up early?" Reggie asked and Troy flipped him off over his shoulder as I pulled back with a laugh, "Just checking to make sure Troy likes my outfit," the rumble of laughter from the boys stated that he did. "Hey boys, any of you have any weed?" I looked over Troy's shoulder as he laughed as Reni let his eyebrows hit his hairline. "You want to smoke?" I nodded my head, "We have to fly out tomorrow and I don't want to be too hungover so a little weed instead."
"Troy, you never told us she smokes."
Troy chuckled as he kissed my temple, "I found out my wife went rouge in college and tried all the drugs so…" Reni and Reggie got the biggest grin, "Troy, you dirty dog, you never told us how cool she was." I just laughed as Reni reached in his pocket as he pulled out a weed pen. "I have the real thing in my backpack inside," he handed me that and I quickly took a hit as I turned to give it to Troy. "Oh, yea?" I nodded as he took a hit from the pen before I let my fingers fold with his. "C'mon, I wanna dance with you."
"I don't dance, remember?" he told me with that goofy grin on his face. I ran into my sisters on the dance floor and Luke was laughing with Sophie as Scarlett was dancing with Daxon. Layla was laughing with Wren and Rynn. The song changed and it was a slower song than I was expecting. Troy let his hands roam up and down my back, "I think this has been an amazing day," his voice whispered into my ear and I gave him a smile.
The song switched to something a little faster as I teased Troy as I wiggled my ass and Troy pulled me back against him. My back to his front as I let my arm loop around his neck and he gave me a grin as our eyes connected. "C'mon," Troy whispered as we left the dance floor and headed for the house. I followed him inside and upstairs as we could hear the music from our room. "Troy, our friends are all downstairs,"
"And they have music and unlimited alcohol for another hour. They aren't going anywhere. We'll rejoin them in thirty minutes. I've wait for like three days," we both just laughed together as his mouth found mine without hesitation. His hands easily lifted me up and pressed me back against the wall. "Then I know Reni has more than one joint – we can go down the beach and I'll start a fire. We can pass it around," his lips worked down my neck as he pushed up the dress.
"Sounds amazing," I murmured as I kissed him as he reached up underneath of my dress. "Gabi,"
"Hmm?" I murmured as I lost myself trying to get closer to him. "You don't have any underwear on,"
"Gotta problem with that?" Troy smirked,
"No, ma'am,"
Troy's POV
Gabi was situated between my legs as the DJ and bartender left but we took the leftover booze and the joints to the ocean as I started a fire and we all sat around it. Rynn, Val, Wren, Brecken, Sophie, Layla, Lucas, Hanson, Amber, Reni, Reggie, Bianca, Jones, and Zander all sat around the fire. Everybody else going back to their hotels as Gabi rested her head back against my chest while our fingers were interlocked. We were both high and slightly tipsy.
Gabi giggled at Wren who was doing a dance on the beach as the oceans lapped down and the fire crackled in front of us. "A month in Italy, Claire is going to miss you," Amber teased and I laughed with a nod of my head, "She is but hopefully we'll come back with a sibling," Gabi pushed back into my gut with her elbow as she laughed, "Troy, stop," I just wiggled my eyebrows, "I wouldn't be sad about it."
Lucas shook his head, "Gabi, no, I need him when you get back. You can't be pregnant." I shot Lucas a look, "I am not promising him that but you can't have him all the time, understood? I know he needs to do all of his things but I want him, too." Lucas rolled his eyes, "Yea! Same!" Amber shouted out and Hanson chuckled as he pulled Amber back towards him. "Okay, okay, enough ganging up on me. I am making you money."
"In return – making you money," Gabi pointed out and he smirked, "Well, duh. Troy over there doing his best. Hanson, you're up next."
Amber smirked, "Damn straight, I want that kind of money."
"I should have become a quarterback then,"
We all laughed, "Once we get back, I have to focus on football again and my daughter."
"So, we can do another super bowl?" Reggie asked and Troy grinned, "Fuck yea, June, we'll get back to work down here." Gabi curled into me and I let my arms wrap around her as somebody turned on music and honestly – I couldn't have imagined a better night. A better day. We finished off the joint as I pulled Gabi up and then swept her off her feet. "Troy," she laughed and once I started heading to the water she squealed with laughter. "No, no, TROY!" she wiggled and tried to get away.
"No," I dove into the waves with her and the water was cold as we both laughed. She was laughing loudly once she got up and before I knew it the whole group was joining us. "TROY! My dress is white," I waggled my eyebrows and smirked as I stared at her. "Yea, I know." She hit my chest but we both dissolved into a fit of laughter. The girls all started splashing the guys and it turned quickly into a water fight. Gabi jumped onto my back as they all attacked me from all angles. I couldn't stop my laugh as I went down with her as we rolled in the sand.
Gabi leaned next to me and we caught each other's eyes and busted into laughter. I reached for her and I kissed her, "I love you," I whispered to her and she smiled right back, "I love you, too."
She reached up to kiss me and all of a sudden was swooped off the ground, "SIKE QB – she's ours." Hanson stole my wife as I sat up with a big grin. Gabi's giggle echoed through the air as somebody found the water guns that were underneath the deck and I was pelted. "Hey!" I tackled Lucas and he laughed, "No fucking fair," I stole the water gun and squirted him as I found Gabi on Reggie's shoulders as she wobbled up top but Reggie held onto her as I shot her in the breasts. Her dress was soaked through and everything was visible but we were all too high or too drunk to care.
"Troy!" I just chuckled as I found Bianca and lifted her up on my shoulders, "Oooh…chicken!" somebody called. "You're on Bolton," Reggie definitely had better legs than me as a wide receiver but I could hold my own. Bianca laughed on my shoulders as Gabi and her pushed back and forth. My legs slipped in the water and we were all laughing so hard I could barely see straight. Gabi gave a hard shove and I stumbled back Bianca fell but I turned to make sure she didn't hit the sand.
"Good save, Bolton," Reggie yelled. I laughed, "Give me my wife back," I shot Reggie in the chest with the lone water gun as he chuckled, "Fine, fine, only because I need my wife." He put Gabi down and she tried to run from me but I easily lifted her up and pulled her back to me. "Where are you going?" I murmured and she giggled with those brown eyes. Our hands aligned and I hugged her, "I fucking love you and this was an amazing night."
"Truly, it was amazing. I love you."
"Hey! I know ya'll got married today but c'mon! Let's continue this party."
My eyes glanced over and I looked at Gabi, "C'mon, I think our friends want to party some more."
I barely finished my sentence when Wren and Val grabbed Gabi and took off running before I was slammed into the ground as Hanson tackled me. I couldn't stop my laugh as I landed in the water. "You fuckers," I muttered and we all laughed as we put the fire out with the water before running back and jumping in the pool. It was a damn good wedding night.
Happy Tuesday! Sorry for the late update and sorry for not updating my profile! I literally remembered on my way to work – ha. But I will try my hardest next time! Let me know what you thought!
Please Review!
Next Update: November 27th
