Chapter 19 – Surprise

Friday, June 21st, 2019

Gabi's POV

My back was flat against the bathroom wall as I kept my eyes closed from the migraine and the nausea swirling in my stomach. I busted out of work early because I couldn't see straight from the migraine that was blessed upon my head and I was having morning sickness from hell. Troy was out with his friends and probably had no idea I was home but I didn't want to bother him. He had been amazing this week and we were taking everything with stride.

We were planning on telling our parents tomorrow and his friends (and Jenna) on Sunday. He was going to tell them at golf on Sunday morning and I was supposed to get Brunch with Jenna. Both of us agreed that if something happened, we would still want them in our circle. He couldn't keep a secret from his friends for that long anyways and I just wanted my parents to know. It would be nice for his parents to know when he has his surgery next week. Just that thought made my stomach roll as I leaned closer to the toilet bowl.

Luna was sitting at the entrance to the bathroom just watching me with worried eyes. I finally felt okay enough to lay my head down on the ground. The cool tile felt nice against my face while I breathed in deeply. I haven't had a migraine like this since a few weeks after Zoey's death and I couldn't decide if it was that or pregnancy that was causing the extreme bout of nausea. I didn't say anything to Annie the rest of this week about the pregnancy but I could only assume she knew based on how I avoided the topic.

I would just tell her on Tuesday when I went in for the day. Troy's surgery was Monday and his mom promised to stay with him on Tuesday so I could go to work. I breathed in and out as I didn't take any medications because I wasn't sure what was even safe for the baby which reminded me that I needed to call my OB to make an appointment. Maybe I could call them and ask what I could take and make an appointment.

I pushed off the ground as I reached for my cell phone as I fumbled around and found my contact information for my OB. It rang her office as I got the receptionist. "Hi, my name is Gabriella Montez and I believe I am pregnant." I announced with a wince as my own voice caused my head to ache. "Oh, who do you see?" the receptionist asked. "Dr. Annie Willis," I said as I leaned back against the wall again. My fingers tugging on my sweatshirt to cover my hands.

"When was your last menstrual period?" she questioned and I sighed as I pulled my phone away from my ear and went to my calendar. "May 15th," I told her after I found my answer and she put it into the computer. "I had a positive pregnancy test earlier this week," I provided as well. She sighed as she clinked around on the other end. "I can get you in for an appointment on July 12th – If you are pregnant and the date is right that would put you around nine weeks pregnant."

"I'll take that appointment," I told her as I would make it work if there was something. "Okay, honey, July 12th at 10:30 at the office. The nurse will send you some paperwork to fill out."

"Can the nurse give me a phone call?" I questioned. "I am having an awful migraine and I do not know what I can take and I don't want to harm the baby." I told her as the exhaustion was etching into my body. The receptionist sighed softly, "Oh honey, yes, I will transfer you to the nurse's line. Just leave your name and your information okay? The nurses will call you back when they get a chance. Just explain that you are early in your pregnancy, have an appointment, but need some help."

"Thank you," I whispered back. "Of course, dear, see you on the 12th." I was transferred over and I left all of the information and after I finished, I hung up the phone and laid back down on the floor. I wasn't sure how long I was down there. Luna stuck close to me and when she moved suddenly, I blinked open my eyes and felt the intense feeling of needing to puke. I scrambled up and emptied my empty stomach into the toilet. I felt a hand on my back as my hair was pulled away from my face. My head hung in the bowl and I felt my eyes close from exhaustion, again. "Brie, baby," his voice was soft as he gently pulled me backwards.

"Why didn't you call me?" I didn't say anything as I cradled my head in my hands. "Do you want to go to bed or stay here?" he questioned softly. I pulled my eyelids open and I finally found his face but it hurt. "I don't know." I whispered to him and his hands framed my face as I tried to focus on him but I couldn't without my head blaring with pain. "what's wrong?" he asked again and I breathed out, "I have a migraine and I am experiencing afternoon sickness." I mumbled as he swept me into his chest and held me close.

"Hang on," he let go and I missed him immediately as I just closed my eyes again. He came back and made little noise before he gently laid my body down and I was met with a pillow, His body wrapped around the back of me and a blanket drifted over top. "I love you," he whispered into my ear and he kissed just below it. He stroked my skin as he kept the room dark, cool, and quiet as I didn't get sick again but he never left either.

My phone rang a while later and I palmed it but Troy took it out of my hands, "Put it on speaker," I choked on the words and Troy didn't disagree. He placed it on and it was the nurse from the clinic. "Hi, Gabi, I got your message. Valarie told me she scheduled you an appointment for the 12th but you are currently experiencing a migraine and want to know what medications you can take?"

"Yes," I spoke up as Troy ran his hand down my side. "The safest thing for you to take is Tylenol or acetaminophen." She explained quietly on the other end. I just closed my eyes to those words because those typically didn't work for my migraines. "Ma'am," Troy cleared his throat. "She appears to be in a lot more pain than Tylenol and she's puking – is there anything else?" I heard the concern in Troy's voice. "Sir, I am so sorry. I wish there was more. Without seeing the doctor, knowing how far along she is, etc. It's just risky to do anything else. Lots of fluids, keep the room dark, lots of rest. I can get a prescription for Zofran if she needs something to help with that nausea."

"Yea, please," Troy said, "Yea, I just need something to take one of the edges off." I said quietly as Troy stroked my hair gently. "Of course, do you still go to the same pharmacy?" she questioned, "Yes," I answered for her and we did a few more things before Troy hung up the phone. "I'm sorry," he whispered quietly and I shook my head. "Not your fault. I've gotten migraines forever. It's been a while since I've had one but I stopped taking my medications when I found out."

"Oh Brie," he whispered quietly. He gently scooped me up off the floor and took me to our bed. "I can't guarantee that I am done puking," I mumbled and Troy didn't say anything but moved around quietly for a few moments before sliding into the bed with me. He stroked my skin and when my phone dinged letting me know that my prescription was ready, he got up, kissed my forehead, and told me that he would be back.


Troy's POV

My stomach was gutted watching her struggle but after I got her medication for the nausea, coaxed some Tylenol down her to just see if it would help, and gave her more water – she passed out. Luna was sitting at the end of the bed with her as I scrubbed my face. I was thankful we were telling our friends and family this weekend because I couldn't handle watching this and not talking about it with somebody. I wasn't sure if this was pregnancy related – probably – but it played a factor.

I watched her for another beat before I went downstairs and ordered in some food knowing that she wasn't going to eat anything more than water and maybe ice cream if I could talk her into that. I closed my eyes when my front door opened causing me to roll my eyes. "Troy," Brady called out and Luna came thumping down the stairs. "Brady, what if I was fucking Gabi? Are you seriously still walking into my house?"

Brady smirked, "It appears you are not fucking Gabi so…" I shot him a glare causing him to chuckle. "Where is your girl?" Brady rubbed Luna's head while looking up at me. "Upstairs sleeping, apparently, she gets awful migraines and today is one of them." Brady grimaced, "Damn, that sucks. Is she okay?" I just nodded my head. "Yea, she's sleeping finally and doing okay. I just ordered some food when you came barging into my house."

He smirked, "Just stopped by to see my big brother."

I shook my head, "Nope. There is no way you just stopped by to say hi. That isn't Brady style." He chuckled underneath of his breath, "Fuck me," he tossed me a box and I grinned wide. "Shut up!" he laughed with a nod as I popped open the box to a stunning ring. The oval diamond sat in the middle with a silver band – it was perfect for the two of them. Classic and beautiful. "Wow, she is going to be so excited. When are you going to do it?" I questioned.

"Tomorrow before dinner, that way when we show up, we can share the news. I've only told you and Brantley." I felt my mouth drop into a frown and I looked down at the ring again. "Oh no, what just happened?" Brady asked and I sighed as I ran my fingers through my hair. "Gabi and I have some news of our own to share tomorrow." I told him as I went to the fridge and grabbed a beer. Brady frowned, "Did you already pop the question? I know you talked about a ring but…"

I shook my head, "I mean, yes, I guess I kind of popped the question but she told me no." Brady really frowned this time as I handed him a beer. "She's pregnant." I told him and Brady gasped, "Shut up, how long have you known?"

"Since Tuesday. We've been talking about who we wanted to share the news with and when but we wanted all of you to know. I don't want to steal your thunder or anything tomorrow. We need to tell this weekend because she's had some bad morning sickness already in the afternoons and with my surgery coming up, we wanted mom and dad to know if she was acting funny." Brady smiled, "Nah, you won't be stealing our thunder. Just give us like an hour or something," I laughed.

"Act surprised," I told him. He chuckled as he took a sip of his beer. "Pregnant, you're going to be a dad. Fuck dude, that's wild." I nodded my head in agreement. "I know. It kind of came out of the blue and I did ask her to marry me but it was right after she got the results of her pregnancy test back and I was excited and I don't know. She doesn't want to get married because of the baby of course and I fucked it up." I peeled the label and Brady snickered.

"You always did get a little too excited when it came to things," I rolled my eyes at him and he chuckled. "I'll be getting married, you'll be having a baby, and hopefully we can hold Silas and Macken off for a while. Mom should be pretty happy between the two of us." I chuckled with a nod, "A baby and a wedding to plan. She'll be thrilled. I am hoping that I can try again with her soon. I love her, I can't wait to be a dad and parent with her…I don't know. I was scared at first but the more we talk about it…the more excited I get."

Brady smiled, "The same with marrying, Ada. I think of how much fun it will be and she will be mine. My ring on her finger. I knew it took me too long probably but I'm ready." We shared a smile as Brady laughed, "Macken is going to shit bricks tomorrow. Between a wedding and a baby? Fuck, tomorrow will be her favorite day." I laughed as we started talking about football and basketball this upcoming season. My food showed up in the middle of the conversation and I scarfed it down.

I heard footsteps down the stairs and Luna right behind as Gabi was rubbing her eyes. Her hair was on top of her head, my hoodie on her figure with Nike shorts. She looked exhausted and her eyes were red from puking. "There is my beautiful girl," she rubbed her eyes and shook her head. "Whatever you say," she came over and curled into my lap as I sat my beer down and tugged her into place. "Hi Brady,"

"Hi Gabi, congrats by the way," I cringed and Gabi smiled, "Figured he couldn't resist from telling his brother," Brady chuckled with a smile. "Yup, I had some big news myself. I am proposing to Ada tomorrow and he was telling me that you guys were telling the family tomorrow. He made sure it was cool for it all to happen." Gabi smiled, "Congrats, Brady. Ada will be excited. The whole family will be so excited tomorrow if they respond to my pregnancy well."

Brady shot her a look, "What are you talking about? The family loves you. Troy loves you. You love Troy. It's obvious. The family just wants what is best and I think they will be excited tomorrow." Gabi smiled into my neck. "I do love him and I am so excited to do it with him." I smiled down at her and kissed her forehead. "A little basketball baby, how cute." We both laughed as I ran my hand up and down her body.

"If Uncle Brady has his way, they will be playing football. Girl or boy." I laughed as Gabi cracked a smile. Brady smiled, "I'll see you guys tomorrow, I can't wait to see mom's reaction." Gabi laughed with a nod as I kissed her again. Gabi stood up and I walked Brady out and locked up the door. "I hope you aren't mad that I told him." I said turning around and Gabi shook her head as she rubbed her arms. "No, no, I understand."

"Are you feeling any better?" I asked her as I took another step and pulled her flush against my body. "Just a little bit. I woke up and wondered where you went and had to go to the bathroom." I tipped her head backwards and kissed her. "Go back up to bed. I am going lock up the house and I'll meet you up there." She nodded and headed up the stairs I forced Luna outside and then locked everything up once she came back in.

I grabbed a bottle of water and went upstairs where Gabi was already curled up in bed again with her eyes shut. I didn't turn on the TV or anything as I didn't want to trigger anymore headaches. I stripped out of my clothes and crawled into bed with her as I gently tugged her closer to my body. She curled into me and I breathed in her scent, thankful that she was right here with me, excited for all of our families to know tomorrow.


Gabi's POV

Saturday, June 22nd, 2019

My stomach was in knots in front of my parent's door. It wasn't from the morning sickness, God Bless Zofran, and my migraine had disappeared after water, sleep, and a few extra doses of Tylenol. No, I was terrified to know how my parents were going to react to the news. Troy gently rubbed my shoulder, "It's going to be okay; they are going to be happy for you, Gabi." I grimaced, "I hope they are. I know my dad has this whole out of wedlock out of touch with reality of how people are today and I just…I just don't want hurt him anymore."

I took in a deep breath and exhaled before repeating the process. I knocked on the door gently as Troy let his hand slip into mine. The door unlocked and my mom swung the door open. "Gabi! Sweetie! It is so nice to see you both." My mom ushered us into the house and she gently grabbed me into a tight hug and then Troy hugged her as we moved into the house. "I wasn't expecting visitors this morning or I would have made breakfast."

I smiled nervously and followed her to the kitchen, "It's okay, Mom. I should have let you know but we don't need breakfast. We already ate." My mom nodded and went to the coffee pot. "Coffee?" she questioned. "I'll take a cup," Troy said and I nodded my head, "Just a little bit, please,"

"Gabi! What a surprise," my dad came into the kitchen and I stood up as he wrapped me into a tight hug. "Hi Dad," he kissed the top of my head as my dad shook Troy's hand before going to get his own cup of coffee. My mom settled the cup of coffee in front of each of us before taking her own seat. "What do we owe the pleasure?" my mom asked. "I feel like it's been a while since I've seen you." I smiled and nodded, "It's been a busy week."

"Troy, has basketball workouts started?" my dad asked and Troy nodded, "A little bit. They are doing strength and conditioning with the S&C coach but after my surgery we'll start up with drills and camps." He explained. "Are you going to try and knock West Ashley off?" Troy smirked, "That's always the goal." My dad chuckled as Troy reached over and gently squeezed my knee while he took a sip of coffee.

"Gabi, sweetie, how is work?"

"Good. I got a promotion, actually." I told her and both of my parents grinned from ear to ear. "Gabi, sweetie, that is amazing! What are you going to do?" I took a deep breath and focused on my hands. "I'll be the head of the social media department. I'll start to help people manage their social media accounts, gain followers, and build advertisements for clients. I'll have people working underneath of me and helping train."

"Gabi! You will be perfect at that!" My mom threw her arms around me again as I laughed and hugged her tightly taking in the smell of her shampoo that she's used forever. "Thank you. I was pretty nervous to take the position but after talking with Troy, my therapist, and my boss we decided to do a trial period to make sure I am mentally strong enough to handle this position with all of the change in my life and all of the change coming."

My dad scrunched his eyebrows together while Troy laced our fingers together and I squeezed his fingers. "What change?" my dad questioned. "You aren't moving, are you?" he threw a look towards Troy and he shook his head no. "Uh, no, nothing like that…" I paused as I stared down at the table and took a deep breath. "I'm pregnant." I finally blurted and four eyes suddenly landed on me. The room grew quiet and I felt myself shrink in the chair.

Then my mom jumped up with excitement and tackled me in the chair as my dad chuckled at the reaction. I took the impact of my mother as Troy laughed next to me as I felt the tears gather in my eyes. I squeezed my eyes shut and squeezed her as my mom laughed. "I am so happy for you!" she exclaimed with excitement in her voice. "It was a little unexpected but Troy and I are both pretty excited about it. I'm not very fair along so things could still go wrong but…"

"Oh, honey you deserve some happiness!" I smiled at my mom as my dad reached over and gave me a hug. "You aren't mad, are you?" I whispered into his ear and he gave me an extra squeeze, "No, sweet girl. Not at all. He loves you. I can see it and that's all that matters because I know he will take care of you." That really caused the tears to well in my eyes while I tried to blink them away but I couldn't do it. They slipped and my dad wiped them away. "I love you, dad,"

"I love you, too. I am just excited to get to love on another grandbaby." Troy kissed the top of my head as I took a deep breath, "Wow, okay, I feel so much better." I let out a harsh exhale and my parents both gave me a quizzical look. "Honey, did you think we'd be mad? You're in your twenties with a good career, with a man who adores and loves you…we're happy for you." My mom told me and I blinked away the tears before she was hugging me again.

"I am just happy to have you. I couldn't be mad at you." I hugged her a little bit tighter as I took in a deep breath. Troy's hand rubbed my back and I smiled down in my lap. "I was very nervous at first. I am excited and I am so happy that I am doing this with, Troy. I am happy that they have you as well." My mom squeezed my hand gently as I exhaled heavily so thankful that it went well. Troy and I spent another thirty minutes talking with my mom and dad as I told them I wanted to wait a little while longer to tell Lucy and Blaine because I didn't want to excite them and then something goes wrong as it had to be early still.

My mom agreed as they had been put through enough recently as we hugged heading out. "Troy, do you want to get the car started? I'm going to make a quick phone call." Troy eyed me for a moment and then nodded his head as he went down to the car. I pressed on Beth's name and I blinked away tears as it went to her voicemail – per normal.

"Hi Bethy, I uhm…I just finished telling mom and dad and I wanted to tell you next. Troy and I are going to have a baby." I laughed at the end as I rubbed my eyes. "We're going to have a baby and I wish that you were here to celebrate. I know you aren't ready but I love you and I miss you and I want my baby to have its Aunt Beth but I understand if you aren't. I just wanted to share the news with you. I love you." I hung up the phone as I scrubbed my face before going to get into the car. Troy automatically put his hand on my knee and rubbed it back and forth.


Troy's POV

I sipped a beer as I watched Gabi interact with Macken and Ada as they were admiring Ada's ring. My mom was over the moon about Brady proposing to Ada earlier this morning. She squealed and hugged both of them for so long with excitement. Then I got the eyes from my mother that I was next and she was damn right – I was next. I was going to have a ring on her finger by the end of the year whether she likes it or not.

Just kidding. I would never force her but I am going to marry her. I know she wants to marry me but I have to make sure that I do it correctly. She clearly doesn't want to get married because of the baby so I have to convince her that I love her and want to marry her for who she is and not because she is going to be the mother of my child. I slipped a hand through my hair as we were going to tell my family after dinner. That gave Ada and Brady plenty of time to bask in the glow while we kept ours on the back burner.

Rubbing my lips together I took another drink as I looked over at her again as she laughed at something. "When is this going to be you?" Silas asked me and I cracked a smile, "Soon. I actually have a ring." I said with a smile on my face. "I just am waiting a little while longer. We haven't even been dating 7 months yet. Our relationship is still young but I am going to marry her." I said and Silas cracked a grin. "I have no doubt. I can't believe you haven't been dating her that long yet. I feel like she's been in your life for so long." I laughed with a nod. "I know. I agree. I mean we met in December and its only June. She changed my entire world in such a little amount of time."

We both looked over at our girls as I shook my head with a smile. My mom called all of us to dinner as we got in line to plate all of our food. Gabi followed me in line as I reached over to kiss the top of her head and we got seated around the table. Gabi was clearly starting to grow nervous as she couldn't focus on eating her food and she barely participated in the conversation around us. My mom kept asking about wedding plans and Ada just shared smitten looks with Brady because they clearly had zero idea what they wanted to do yet.

"Mom, give Ada and Brady a ten second break." I intercepted and my mom shot me a look. "If you were planning a wedding, I could divide the questions." I chuckled as Gabi smiled softly while taking a drink of her water. "Mom, we've been dating like six months. Leave us alone," my mom shook her head. "It's been longer than that." She insisted and I shook my head with a laugh as Gabi smiled at her. "No, we met in December. It'll be six months like in two weeks."

"Gosh, I feel like it's just been so long. You two just have such an amazing connection and intense portion of your relationship." I squeezed Gabi's leg as we let the conversation drift from there a bit before Gabi let out a sigh and glanced at me. I could tell she didn't feel good and I just nodded.

There was a lure in the conversation as I gripped Gabi's hand and cleared my throat. "Gabi and I actually have some news of our own," I watched my mom as her head snapped up to look at the both of us. Brady grinned from ear to ear, "What is it?" my mom asked and I laughed with a shake of my head. "Uh…well, Gabi's pregnant." I spit out and my mom let out a squeal so loud I thought the windows were going to break before she had both of us in a hug. Gabi laughed as she gripped my mom's arms.

"I am so happy for the both of you! I know it's not how you planned things but…a blessing when one is needed. I am going to be a grandma!" she squealed again as Gabi teared up instantly with that comment and I squeezed her hand as Macken was next around me with a smile. "I'm going to be an Aunt!" I smiled with a nod as Ada and Brady congratulated us from across the table as my dad was the one who seemed a bit more put off by the whole thing. He smiled at Gabi but shot me a look and I knew he wasn't very thrilled.

I cleared my throat, "Dad, do you want to go get a new drink together?" I questioned and he nodded as we both stood up. Gabi sent me a look and I dropped a kiss to her forehead. "It's okay, I promise," I whispered into her ear. I followed my dad as he poured himself another scotch while he sighed. "Troy, you've barely been dating this girl for six months with a month without talking to her. Do you really think this is good news?" my dad questioned and I sighed as I leaned back against the counter.

"Is this planned? No. It's not planned but at the same time we can't change anything. I love her, dad. I love her with everything I have. I am going to marry her and I've known that since our first date. We live together. I love her. We're going to have a baby together and if God forbid something went wrong…I would want her as the mother of my children. She loves and gives and is amazing. I promise, I am not taking this lightly." My dad stared at me for a moment and breathed out.

"It's a child, Troy."

"I know. I am also nearly thirty. I have a good job with good benefits and so does she. We can do this. I know and understand your hesitation and trust me…if I could have chosen, I would have chosen to wait a while longer before this happened but I can't and I am already excited. I know it might take you a while to get on board with this but it is going to happen and I am sorry that its disappointing." My dad took a long drink.

"You want to marry her?" I nodded my head, "I wanted to marry her before I found out she was pregnant. She's been pretty sick though and it's already been hard on her. If you are upset – take it out on me. Don't do it to her, okay? She didn't do a damn thing wrong. I fucked up more than she did." My dad just chewed his lip and nodded. "I hope it all works out, Troy. I love you and I know you will be a great dad. It's just concerning how little you've been in a relationship with this lady. I like Gabi, don't get me wrong. She's wonderful and sweet and I do think she will make a fantastic mother but I just hope your relationship can last."

I couldn't help but laugh a little bit, "Dad, we started dating three months after her sister died. I think if we can survive that…we can survive just about anything." My dad smiled as he clapped my shoulder. "I hope so but a child does change everything and you didn't get that time with her before having kids to get to know her without kids. It will change her." I just nodded because it was true. We would both change but keeping the romance alive would be one of my biggest priorities. We didn't get time to travel the world or do all the things we wanted to do but at the same time we have family and I would love to let our child experience all of that.

"I am going to do my best."

"I know you will, son. I just…I want the best for you. I can see how much you love her but if I didn't voice my concerns, I would feel bad." I just nodded in understanding because if I had, okay, when I have a kid, I could see myself seeing the same thing. We haven't been dating that long and yea, we fucked up, but this baby might be just what is needed for Gabi and for myself and maybe for her family. My mom is clearly excited about the fact and I know my dad will come around.

I went back into the dining room as my mom had Ada and Gabi in between her as she was grinning wide knowing that a wedding and a baby were going to be happening quickly. It was like all of her dreams were coming true in just a single day. "Any inkling of boy or girl?" my mom asked and Gabi laughed, "Uh, no, not really. I haven't thought that much about it. I'm just trying to deal with the morning sickness and migraines that I keep getting."

"Oh no, you poor thing." My mom sympathized with her and Gabi smiled, "It's alright. Troy has been a saint through all of it." My mom let her eyes drift to me and she smiled at me. "I bet he has." I let my hand slip over Gabi's shoulder as I dropped a kiss to my mom's cheek. "Thank you for being supportive," I whispered and she looked at me with a kind smile and her eyes were soft. "Of course, baby, you love her. That's all that matters to me." I smiled as I pulled back as I let them all talk for a bit longer but when Gabi couldn't stop the yawns and her eyes kept closing briefly – I knew it was time to get out of here.

"Mom, are you still coming to my surgery on Monday?" I asked and she nodded her head, "Yes. I will be there for Gabi." Gabi looked at her with happiness and smiled, "Thank you. I'm sorry – between the pregnancy hormones and just the surgery in general – I might be a basket case of emotions." My mom laughed and hugged her tightly. "It's okay. I'll be there for you the entire time. We can talk baby." Gabi laughed and I hugged my mom, shook my dad's hand, while giving Ada and Brady another hug in congrats.

"Good luck with the surgery, Troy." Macken said wrapping her arms around my waist. "Thanks Mac, make sure you come over on Monday night to keep Gabi some company. She'll need it." Macken nodded her head as I released her from my hold and nodded towards Silas before I wrapped my hand around Gabi's and lead her outside. "What did your dad say?" Gabi asked as she settled into the car. I sighed, "He was just concerned because we haven't been together very long and how a baby will change our relationship dramatically."

Gabi sighed heavily, "So he hates me?" I chuckled as I reached over and squeezed her knee. "No. He doesn't hate you. He was just voicing his concerns like any good dad would. He knows that I want to marry you, he knows that I love you, and that I am not going anywhere." Gabi turned her head to face me and I gave her a quick glance before turning my head back to the road. "I promise, baby, he isn't angry. Just concerned."

"I know. I just…he does have a right to be concerned. I just hope he likes me and everything after the baby is here. I want our baby to have all of their grandparents." I gave her another squeeze of reassurance, "He will. He was smiling by the end of our conversation. I just think he needed a little bit of reassurance that I wasn't going to abandon you or something. I told him I'm not going anywhere and we've survived a lot of other things in our short relationship." Gabi gave a tiny smile that time and it wasn't long before I was pulling back into the house. I got out and I went over to her as I wrapped her in my arms.

"I know his first reaction wasn't the best but he isn't mad at you. It's more my fault than anything. I am excited though, Brie. I am. I want this for us. I know it's early and I know it's scary but we are going to do it together." She buried her face into my chest and took in a deep inhale. "Okay." I kissed her head and breathed her in. "What do you want to do tomorrow after I am done golfing with the boys? It'll be an early morning so I'll be back by noon."

"Can we go to the pool or something?" she asked and I smiled, "Yea, of course." I dropped a kiss to her lips and then her forehead. "I love you."

"I love you, too." She whispered.


Sunday, June 23rd, 2019

Troy's POV

I hit the ball as it landed on the rough and I cursed as I shook my head as the laughter rolled behind me. I shot them all the bird as I walked over to the golf cart. "You know, I think you're playing like shit because you know you aren't playing for the rest of the summer practically." I rolled my eyes at Dylan as I took a drink of water as we all finished teeing off before heading to our balls. I was getting ready to tell them about Gabi's pregnancy and I was nervous.

That's why I was playing like shit.

Once we were all done and getting back to our carts, I cleared my throat, "Before we continue, I think there's another reason I'm playing like shit. I need to confess so I can actually start beating all of your asses." A look went among the group. "Remember when Gabi called me like last week and I left pretty much immediately?" they all nodded as I sighed trying to stop the smile from working on my lips. "Well…she's pregnant." I finally blurted and all of them looked right at me with shock on their face.

"Shut up," Cameron said and I laughed with a nod. "Yea, I mean, obviously very unexpected for the both of us but we're going to have a baby together." Jax smirked as Jesse shook his head with his own smile. "Wow, so that's why she was upset that day?" I nodded, "I mean a little bit. She didn't really know yet at that point and she just…was scared. We haven't been dating that long and she was worried I would just leave."

Dylan frowned, "Really?" I shrugged. "People are leaving her left and right for other things. I talked her down though and we've told our parents. I will need all of your help come January or February though with the team as she is going to be due around then."

"We're happy for you man," Cameron said with a fist bump, "A little backwards but that doesn't hurt anybody," Jesse claimed and I laughed, "I know. She's dealing with a lot of morning sickness and migraines recently so I am praying that it gets better."

"I never expected you to have the first baby, I pegged Jesse for that." Jesse laughed and shrugged. "We're actually trying. We started like last month so who knows – maybe there will be two babies before too long."


Gabi's POV

I took a bite of my eggs as I smiled at Jenna who was going on and on about her nursery for her little girl as her belly was protruding as she only had about three months left until she was due. I took a drink of my coffee as I sighed, "You okay? You seem lost in your own little world. Is it about Troy's surgery tomorrow?" I shrugged. "I am nervous about that but I also think there is something else on my mind." I told her honestly and Jenna turned her head to look at me.

"What's wrong?" I shook my head, "Nothing's wrong. I just…" I couldn't stop a slow smile on my face. "I'm actually pregnant," I told her and Jenna dropped her fork and squealed. "Shut the front door! You're pregnant!?" I nodded my head as people began to stare. My cheeks turned red as she threw herself at me. "I am so happy for you! Was Troy excited?" I laughed, "Uh…we were both a little shocked at first. I mean we haven't been dating that long or anything. But yes, I think he is excited. Our families know. We're both telling our friends today."

"Oh Gabi, I am so happy for you. How far along are you? Or do you know?" I shrugged. "My best guess says around 6 weeks. We have a long way to go and things of course could still happen but…" Jenna got up and hugged me again and laughed. "Our little girl is going to have a best friend or a husband! Ek!" I laughed as I couldn't imagine having that belly in a few months. "I know you are probably feeling a lot of things with this. I know how much you would want Zoey here and hell…even Beth but…" Jenna started to tear up and she squeezed my hand. "I am here for you. Okay? I am here for you and I will be in your corner the entire time."

I couldn't stop my own tears as I started to cry and hugged her. "I know I only have six months on you but I will give you all my tips as I learn them." I couldn't stop my laugh as I hugged her tighter. "I am so thankful for you, Jenna."

"I am thankful for you. I am thankful that this is Troy's baby and not Brad's baby," Jenna said with a laugh and I couldn't stop my own laugh. "It never happened with Brad because we never got lost in the passion of the moment." Jenna couldn't stop her laugh and we both were wiping away our tears. "I bet your mom and dad are excited," I nodded with a smile, "Yea, they are."


Gabi's POV

Monday, June 24, 2019

My anxiety was high. My heart rate was bounding and my hands were shaking as Troy was talking to the nurse and laughing about something as his doctor came in, marked his knee, and they took another set of vitals on him as he answered a list of questions. I felt his eyes bounce to me every so often and I felt like I could be physically ill. My stomach rolled and I felt like puking. I knew this was from him having surgery and not the baby in my belly.

Or maybe it was both.

I couldn't breathe.

"Gabi," Troy's voice entered my ear and I looked up at him as tears welled up in my eyes as the nurse left the room. I followed her movement and Troy sighed softly, "Hey, look at me," he requested and I looked at him as he reached for my hand and slipped our fingers together. His IV running as he tugged me closer to him. "I can see how nervous and anxious you are. I can see it. I wish I had the proper words to help you through this baby but I don't. I won't make any promises that I can't keep but…I want you to know I love you. That is a promise I can keep is how much I love you." I couldn't stop the tears as Troy brushed my hair with his hand and looked at me.

"I know they will take care of me, too. They aren't cutting me open besides three little holes." I just nodded my head and he pulled my neck to meet his forehead. "I love you; I love you; I love you," he whispered into my ear and I couldn't stop the emotions. I took in a rapid inhale of air and Troy dropped a kiss to my lips. "I love you, too." I hiccupped and I saw the pain cross Troy's face. A nurse came back into the room and Troy didn't let go until he wiped away my tears as I slowly backed up.

"Alright, Troy, I think we are about ready to take you back. Gabi, if you want to say your good-byes and then I'll come update you when he's all done. We promise to take good care of him and we'll let nothing happen to him." Troy's face flinched and I just swallowed the emotion as I stared at him for a beat and then stood up with my bag as I took a deep breath. "I love you," I whispered and Troy nearly had tears in his eyes looking at me. I knew I was making this harder for him but I had to face this fear. "I love you, too. Please don't stress too much. We have somebody else to think about now and no matter what happens today – that is us together. You have me inside of you, right now, as gross as that sounds but take comfort in that. I am with you."

I just nodded my head as he kissed me quickly as a few more people came in the room. I squeezed his hand as I wiped my tears and gave him a smile before I walked out of the room. I managed to make it all the way back to the waiting room where Laura was waiting with a book in her lap but she appeared to be scrolling her phone. I sat down next to her as I tried to keep it together but I was slowly starting to panic.

"Oh sweetie," Laura wrapped me in a hug. "I know how scary this must be from you. Troy told me about your sister and how it unfolded. Just know that I am here for you and you don't have to be strong right now. It's scary. It's okay to be scared." I let the tears slip as I hugged her tightly. "I just wish I could be normal for him right now." Laura laughed gently and brushed my hair gently with her hand. "Troy never liked normal and he understands. If you just randomly did this, he might be more concerned but he knows that this is stressful for you." I just nodded as I wiped away tears. "I love him so much and if I lost him…" I shook my head back and forth.

"I won't make any promises that you won't lose him today because as you learned – we can't keep those. It's out of our control but Troy isn't going to go lightly. Especially knowing that you are here waiting for him. He is excited to have a baby with you. I know he didn't make any promises either but he is there for you." I thanked her with a smile and another hug before she sat back. "Troy said you are having a really hard time with morning sickness and migraines?" I just nodded my head.

"Yea, I used to have chronic migraines all the time but once I switched to my new medication, they gradually stopped but then I became pregnant and stopped taking everything. Plus, with morning sickness," I shrugged and Laura sighed, "It's the worst. When your first appointment?" she questioned. "July 12th – they said I should be around 9 weeks pregnant when that happens." Laura smiled, "I am happy for the both of you."

"Thank you, I know, I know we haven't been dating that long but I do love him." Laura squeezed my hand, "I know, sweetie. Just sitting here and seeing how you react to this situation. It shows me how much you love him. That's all I want for my kids. I want them to find the right love by the right person. Some people are married by this time, or are having kids, or are just dating. It doesn't matter what your timeline is as long as you love."

I blinked away the tears as I did love his mom. She was sweet but also very funny at the same time. "Thank you, Laura."

"I am just happy that I get a wedding and a grandbaby," I couldn't stop my laugh as I smiled at her.


"He is resting comfortably," his surgeon spoke the words that my heart needed to hear. I felt my whole body physically relax and I blinked away the tears knowing he was okay. "The surgery went really well. We made the repair and then cleaned up his knee. He'll need to rest for several days and be on crutches for about the next month with starting physical therapy this week." I nodded because I knew all of this already.

"He was asking to make sure his girlfriend was doing okay though, post anesthesia." I laughed with a smile coming over my lips. "I'm okay. I was just nervous." His doctor smiled, "He's doing well. The nurse will let you know when he's ready to go home." I just nodded as I sat down and let the emotions take over for a minute. Laura rubbed my back as she gave me a minute as I wiped my hands on my shorts. I took in a few deep breaths before my name was being called.

"Gabi?" I looked up at a nurse and I nodded standing up, "Troy is being insistent that he sees you. It's about the only thing we can get out of his mouth." I couldn't stop my smile as I looked at Laura who squeezed my shoulder. "Go check on him. I'll get the car ready." I thanked her as I walked back with the nurse. "No, I need to see Gabi. She is scared and I need to show her that I'm okay." I could hear the pain and desperation in his voice.

I felt my eyes well in tears as I rounded the corner to see my boyfriend with his knee wrapped from his thigh to his ankle and ice running over it. His eyes were closed and his hand was on his head. "Hey," I whispered and his eyes snapped open and looked at me. "I'm okay," he breathed and I nodded my head as I walked over to him and he wrapped his closest arm around my waist and tugged me in closer. "I'm okay," he whispered again and I broke down crying as his hand gripped my neck and gently pulled me close to him. "I'm okay," he breathed and I just nodded my head. I was thankful that he was okay and the relief from hearing his voice was enough to make my knees weak.

"I love you, thank you," I whispered to him and he just looked at me as I pulled back. "Now, do what these kind nurses need you to do." I whispered to him and he let a tiny smile cross his face but I saw the fatigue on his face and the exhaustion of wanting to fall back asleep. "We did get him to take some extra pain medication while the nurse went to get you. We should be able to get him dressed and ready to go in about thirty minutes."

I nodded my head as they brought me a chair to sit down and I linked my hands with Troy's hand. His thumb stroked my skin but he fell in and out of sleep. I brought his hand to my lips to kiss it gently and I thanked Zoey for watching over him because I just knew she did. She isn't ready to see me hurt again and that would hurt. I took in a deep breath of air and the nurse gave him another pain medication before we started to slowly dress him.

He put his shirt on pretty easily but he groaned, "Are we sure I have to wear pants out of here?" he questioned and I looked at the large bulky ace wrap around his leg. "Sorry babe, you have to put on pants. I'll help." I said gently and Troy let those blue eyes flicker to me with a nod as the nurse and I tackled getting his shorts on him. The nurse held his leg, while I slid the shorts on. Troy painfully closed his eyes and took in a deep inhale of air.

"We'll let him rest for another fifteen minutes before we move him to the wheelchair for you guys to head out." I nodded as I just sat close to him as he fell back into sleep. I just watched him and stroked his skin. His chest rose and fell evenly as I sent Laura a text that we were getting ready to head out. I was driving Troy's jeep back but his mom's SUV had more room to outstretch his leg. Once he was home, I was going to let Luna out while Laura got Troy settled.

The nurse showed back up with a wheelchair and I stroked Troy's cheek gently. "Hmm?" I smiled. "It's time to go home, baby." He propped open his eyes and just nodded his head. "Okay." He slowly sat up and the nurse helped shift his legs out. He hissed with the movement but once we were done, he leaned against me for a moment. I stroked his hair and let my fingers drag through it before we got him transferred to the wheelchair.

The nurse handed me a pair of crutches and I nodded my head at her instructions as she gave me a handful of pills for him to take over the next several days. She escorted us out as Troy tried to keep his eyes open as I pulled my bag over my shoulder. Laura was waiting outside the door and we all had to help Troy into the car before the door was shut. "Thank you," I told the nurse and she smiled. "He was a good patient. He really cares about you. Keep that one," I smiled as I looked over my shoulder at him in the car.

"I will. Have a good day." I nodded towards Laura, "Are we good?" she nodded. "I'll get him home safely," I smiled as I walked to Troy's Jeep as I got into the car. I started it and I followed Laura all the way back to the house as we pulled into the driveway together. I went inside to put Luna in the backyard while I went back out to help Troy and Laura through the front door. He slowly crutched his way to the couch before collapsing onto it. We helped get his leg onto the couch and he winced but once he was on, he was breathing softly and nearly asleep again.

I threw a blanket on top of him as Laura brushed his hair out of his face. I smiled watching her as she kissed his forehead. "Call me if you need anything but I'll be there tomorrow morning at 7:30." I nodded my head. "Thank you. I'll give you an update later."

Laura left and I brought Luna inside who whimpered next to Troy and Troy opened his eyes and reached over to pet her as she pressed her nose against his skin. "Hi baby," he rubbed her head and his eyes closed again before Luna laid right by the couch. I collapsed onto the love seat and my own eyes were heavy as the first trimester fatigue, the emotions of today, and the morning sickness – it was a good recipe for a nap.


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Next update: February 7th