Chapter 24 – Celebration
Sunday, July 28th, 2019
Gabi's POV
Troy and I pulled up to his parents' house as Brady's and Macken's cars were out front and he already checked that Macken was going to be here. We had just gotten back in town and I was exhausted but we wanted to share the big news with his family first. We both tumbled out of the car and the look of pure happiness on Troy's face was enough to make me happy. His fingers curled with mine as we walked hand in hand to his parent's door.
Troy pushed it open and Luna came bounding down the hallway and slammed into Troy. Troy chuckled and picked her up as if she was a baby while she licked his face clean. "Hi baby girl, I know, I missed you too." Luna cried out and wrapped her legs around his neck as if she was trying to hug him. I just shook my head as Laura laughed. "That girl missed you. I can only imagine your kids one day," I giggled as I went over and gave her a quick hug.
"How was the trip?" she asked me and I smiled, "It was amazing. It was truly needed for all of us." I told her and Troy came in, sans Luna, and wrapped his arm around his mom and hugged her. "Hi sweetie, Gabi said you had a good trip?" she questioned and Troy grinned from ear to ear. "Yea, we have a great trip. A trip I will absolutely never forget." I just shook my head with a smile on my face towards him. "Hey Troy," Tommy echoed out his greeting. "Hi Gabi," I smiled and gave him a wave with a smile.
"You, Troy, we have some left-over dinner. Do you guys want any?" Brady walked out of the kitchen area and Troy shook his head. "We grabbed something on our way back from the airport. We were starving. We were really just stopping by because we have some fun news," Troy rocked on his heels and he just shot me a wide grin. "I asked Gabi to marry me over the weekend," Laura screeched and she laughed, "You did not!?" she yelled and then reached for my hand before pulling my hand to her face to examine the ring. Troy hooked his arm around my abdomen as Laura squealed and Macken came at the noise.
"What is going on?" Brady and Tommy were shaking Troy's hand with smirks on their faces. "Gabi and Troy are going to get hitched as well," Brady said with his own proud smile of his brother. Macken squealed, just like her mother, and threw her arms around my neck. "Stop! I am getting another sister," she squealed, "And I am going to be an aunt and I am…" she was breathing fast with a smile on her face. "Look at both of my big brothers growing up,"
Troy and Brady shared a smile with each other. "I'm proud of you son, you found a good one." Tommy said and Troy blinked over towards his father. My eyes watched him as Macken and Laura were still examining my hand closely. "Thanks Dad, I'm a pretty lucky man to have found her." His fingers interlocked with mine and Laura smiled wide at her oldest son. "Troy, the ring is absolutely stunning. Good pick,"
"Yea, I'm going to have to send a picture to Silas. I want one like that,"
"You don't want the one like I gave Ada?" Brady questioned and Macken scrunched up her nose with a shake of her head. "Ada loved it," he acted wounded and Macken just grinned with a shrug, "You know I've already agreed with Troy's taste more," Macken teased with a smirk towards the middle child. "Oh, you guys knock it off, every single ring that both of your brothers picked out was gorgeous. Ada and Gabi are both different people. They deserve different rings."
"Thanks mom," Brady said dryly. Troy chuckled as we all went over to the table and Laura demanded the story and Troy just gave me a knowing grin knowing that everything was starting to feel…right.
Tuesday, July 30th, 2019
Troy's POV
I flipped a pancake with Luna underneath of my feet as she was just waiting for me to drop something and her tongue rolling out of the side of her mouth and I couldn't stop the smile on my face looking at her knowing that my girl was upstairs on her birthday. One year older but her first birthday without Zoey. I knew Beth being back was going to be helpful today but she wasn't going to be the most excited person in the world.
We were both riding a high from our engagement and I knew that the surprise birthday party I was planning for her tomorrow night was going to be a joint celebration for our engagement and her birthday. Jenna had hijacked the planning and told me to stop helping. I just rolled my eyes and let her take over and I just knew what was happening. Gabi has to go to work today but I was going to make her day as great as I could.
I finished the pancakes and added chocolate milk, her favorite brand, along with the bacon I had done first. I tossed it on a tray as I was going to wait until tonight to give her the birthday present, she deserved. I walked upstairs with Luna on my heels as I heard her alarm going off and a groan escaping her lips. I only smiled as I loved that, I only wish I was waking up right next to her. I tipped my hip into the door and pushed it open as she was rubbing her face and her eyes fluttering closed again.
My hands gently set the tray down and she twisted her head to the noise as I moved over to her naked body in the bed and I crawled over top of her and couldn't stop my smile looking at her. "Happy Birthday," I whispered against her lips and she only smiled against my mouth. "Thanks, baby," she whispered as she reached up with her hand to brush through my hair. "I made you breakfast." I said with a nip of her bottom lip. She let a smile grow over her face.
"You made me breakfast?" I nodded my head and she pulled me down but I was carefully not to put too much weight on her as her belly was already sticking out. "You're the best, Troy Bolton." She kissed me again and I rolled off the bed and grabbed breakfast. Luna whined and with a shake of my head towards her I put the tray down and Gabi grinned. "Are these pancakes in the shape of a 26? Are you making fun of my ages?" She poked fun and I just laughed with a shake of my head.
"Remember, I'm older. I would never make jokes about age."
"Ohh…I forgot. You're about to be 29." I scrunched my eyebrows together as I settled in next to her while she dug into the food. "What is that supposed to mean?" I questioned with a pinch of her arm and she giggled with a smile on her face. "That you are old. No wonder you wanted to get married after 8 months of knowing each other." She teased me with a glint in her eyes and I loved seeing her like this. Her ring bouncing off the light shining through the window and a happy look in her face. "Well, when you get to this age you start to realize what you need in your life." Gabi just smiled before sharing a bite of her food with Luna.
"I would much rather lay in bed with you all day," Gabi said with a pout as I stole a bite of the pancake. "Same, but you are going to go to work. I am going to treat my fiancé to a nice birthday lunch at her place of choosing and then tonight your mom is going to come over and she wanted to cook you your birthday dinner and bring your cake. She wanted me to ask if you wanted to be here or go to her house." I asked her softly, they typically would always go to her mom's house but her mom wasn't sure if Gabi wanted to do that since Zoey wouldn't be there. Gabi swallowed on the bite of food and took a drink of the chocolate milk as she debated it.
"I think going to my parents' house will be good," she said with a tentative smile. I reached over and brushed my fingers over her face and smiled, "All of our pictures are over there and I am all for new traditions but that one is a big one for our family and I don't want to alter that." I brushed my lips to her forehead. "Good, we'll go there tonight for your cake pictures and your mom promised I could see all 25 other ones." Gabi grinned and she brought my lips to hers.
"Wanna take a shower with me?" she murmured and I groaned against her lips, "How is a man supposed to say no to that?" I spoke against her lips and she giggled as I captured her mouth into mine. Her body was still naked as I stood up and eased her up and into my arms. Her legs wrapping around my waist, "Y'know in a few months – you won't be able to do this," she said while kissing along my jaw and I grunted. "Who says I won't be able to do this?" I questioned back as I planted her on the counter.
"Uh the two growing babies inside of me?" she threw back with a suspicious glance. I twisted the shower on as I tugged my shirt over my head as I went back over and kissed her roughly on the mouth. "Guess I'll just have to go to the gym and lift heavier weights. Like hell will I not be able to pick up my fiancé." Gabi shook her head at my stubbornness. "I'm going to be big," she whispered and I just smiled, "You're going to be beautiful," I reminded her.
I pushed off my shorts as I picked her back up and stepped into the shower with her. I pressed her back against the tile and she gasped with the warm water hitting her back. I took full advantage of her open mouth and pressed the kiss further. My fingers squeezed her ass, "This is by far my favorite birthday," she gasped and I just chuckled.
Gabi's POV
"Happy Birthday!" Annie cheered as I walked into the office. I laughed with a smile, "Thank you, I am happy to be here." I shot her a wink and she just laughed. "Your coffee is on your desk. That fiancé of yours sent me cash and your order from your favorite place and asked me to pick it up." My grin only grew double in size from that comment as I wore my favorite dress today and I felt pretty and happy for the first time in what felt like forever.
"You are looking beautiful, damn, you must have gotten that birthday sex today!" Annie exclaimed with a medium whisper and I just shot her a look but my smile gave it away. "Don't you think this conversation is inappropriate for the work place?" Dread filled my stomach at his voice behind me. I turned around and I faced Brad who was holding a cup of coffee in his hands and a smirk on his face. "You wouldn't know anything about birthday sex," I said dryly and Brad chuckled underneath of his breath.
"And that boyfriend of yours does?"
"Fiancé," I corrected and Brad's eyes flared up to meet mine with an intense look. "You're engaged? Already? You haven't even been broken up from our engagement for a year." His voice raised a level and I twisted my eyes to see Annie. Her eyes were wide but she didn't leave me – which I was thankful for. "Yup, we're engaged, we're also pregnant and having twins, and I'm really fucking happy. Unlike with you," I shot back and his eyes grew wider before landing on my stomach to see the tiny little round belly that I was already sporting.
"I may already be engaged again but I can promise you one thing, Brad. I am happier than I ever was with you. I am supported, I am loved, I am told to reach for my dreams, and given everything I need to be in a healthy relationship. He loves me for exactly who I am. He loves me even though he found me at the worst possible time in my life. He loves me. He loves these babies that may have been a complete accident but he doesn't care. He loves me."
Brad just blinked once, twice, and then a third time. "Glad to see you put out for him," he said and I gasped as Annie pushed him backwards. "Get away from here, Brad. It's her freaking birthday and she is glowing. She never deserved you." I looked over at Annie with happiness swelling in my chest because she may have been my assistant but she was also always in my corner and becoming one of my best friends.
Brad just grumbled and walked away as I walked into my office. That was not going to get me down. Not today. I looked at my coffee, and flowers, sitting on my desk and tears filled my eyes because I was treated so much better with Troy in the short 8 months than I was ever treated with Brad in all of those years. "Damn, Gabi, he's a fucking asshole. I'm glad you broke up with that dickwad." I just smiled as I went over and took a sip of my favorite coffee. "I am so lucky to have found the man I am supposed to be with." I told her and Annie smiled.
"You are glowing and that dress is absolutely stunning on you." I grinned from ear to ear, "I picked it out just for my birthday. I wanted to feel special." Annie came over and she hugged me, "You are special,"
My phone buzzed on my desk and I looked down to see Troy calling me. Annie winked before she went back to her desk to finish up what she was working on when I walked in. I settled in my chair and picked up my phone as I started my computer. "Troy," I gushed into the phone. "The coffee and flowers were too much," I told him as I typed in my password. His deep chuckle was in the phone, "This will be the only birthday that we have without kids so I want to make it extra special. This is just the two of us." I felt my stomach burst with butterflies.
"I love you," I whispered into the phone. "I also want to start this and be honest but I also don't want you to freak out. Can you promise me that you won't freak out?" Troy grumbled from the other end of the line. "Gabi, so help me God, if you mention a name that I think you are going to mention I will not promise to not freak out." His voice practically growled through the phone and I just smiled. His jealous side really only came when I mentioned Brad but it was hot and I loved it.
"Troy, I'm fine. I am telling you this because I don't want anything not shared between us. Like if a teenage girl makes a pass at you, you can tell me." Troy choked on his laughter, "Gabriella, that is illegal." I just giggled underneath of my breath. "He just approached me because he overheard Annie mention something about birthday sex because I was glowing. He said that was inappropriate for the workplace and I replied that he wouldn't know what birthday sex was."
Troy inhaled and laughed underneath of his breath, "Atta baby,"
"He didn't care for that too much and made some joke about you, called you my boyfriend, replied that you were my fiancée and then told him that I was having your kids…so he really didn't have much more to say after that. Something about that I put out with you," Troy growled at the last part. "Gabi, so help me God," I smiled, "I love you, I don't really care what he says to me. He doesn't matter. You matter. He left."
Troy just grunted from the other end of the phone. "I love you, too. You matter to me and it's your birthday. If I remember correctly from our shower this morning – your best birthday yet." I could hear the snarky smirk in his voice. "I still think that and it isn't even 9am." Troy chuckled, "Get to work. I'll see you for lunch." We both hung up the phone and I just leaned back in my chair, my hand brushing over my belly. "Your daddy is a really good guy," I whispered.
I dove into my work as I make contact with several clients, caught up on the people underneath of me and made sure they were all going well and got into my morning meeting at 10:30 with Marisa and a few other vice presidents as we gave updates on what we were working on and what our department was working on. A few well wishes and happy birthdays were issued at the end of the meeting and I gave them a smile of thanks.
"Hey Marisa," I said as the door closed with the last of the people leaving the meeting. She picked up her head, "I have been meaning to tell you a couple of things," I told her and she gave me an encouraging smile. "There has been nothing but great things said about you from everybody working with you. They said you took over flawlessly." I felt my cheeks flush and a smile work over my lips. "Thank you, I have enjoyed the promotion. I also thank you for being so gracious for my time off the past few weeks. It's just been crazy." Marisa gave a supportive smile.
"First, I wanted to tell you some news. I am pregnant…with twins," I told her and a big smile broke over her face. "Gabi, that is amazing! How far along?" I smiled, "I am 11 weeks, almost 12. I will be very open and honest with you about the whole process because it's twins but I am hoping to take 12 weeks off – at least. I know that I won't get pay for those last six but I plan on saving and what not to make sure that we can swing it." Marisa smiled, "Of course, our maternity leave paid is 8 weeks but we can for sure get you those extra four off as well." I gave her a grateful smile.
"I will keep you in the loop with everything," I said and she nodded. "Also, I just mostly need advice. I don't want to cause drama or be drama but as you know Brad and I were engaged and just over the time that I broke up with him. He'll stop by my office, he's exchanged words with my fiancé, Troy, and just inappropriate. Nothing reportable, I mean, besides that he told me that I didn't put out but I don't know what to do about it to get it to stop."
Marisa tapped on her chin for a moment as she listened, "How long has this been going on for?" she asked and I laughed, "Since we broke up. I told him to leave me alone after I gave the ring back and he did for the most part but then he got into it with Troy after her got off the elevator and he just cornered me this morning when I was talking to Annie about something. I don't know. I just wish it would stop without having to get petty."
Marisa nodded in understanding as she was a good boss and one that I could look up to and admire after. "I think this suck mostly because it's hard to approach him because he'll know you said something and I don't want to do that to you. I don't want him to know that you've spoken to me because he has clearly made you uncomfortable but I also feel like I have to say something – yea?" I just nodded because it was a sticky situation. It could make everything so much worse.
"Honestly, his work has fallen off over the past several months. I am going to have the partners get together and we're going to have a conversation about him in general. Not about what you brought to my attention besides to add it at the end. If we find that his performance has suffered and his harassment of you – then we'll approach him and go from there. If not, I will talk to the partners about how we can approach him and keep you safe. Okay?" I felt a shot of happiness in my chest.
"Thank you. I know Troy will thank you as well because he had a small issue not coming up here handling Brad himself." Marisa laughed, "Did I hear that you two got engaged?" I grinned wide, "Yea, we did in Florida. It was…amazing."
"Well, it seems that you have a lot to celebrate. Beth returning, pregnant with twins, and getting married? You are one lucky woman and you look so much better." I blinked away the tears as it meant a lot to me. "Thank you, Marisa." She nodded her head and I left the office as I went back to my own as I began to pack up to go meet Troy for lunch. A knock came at my door and I twisted around to see the man I loved the most. His hip leaning against the door with a smile on his face. A pair of jeans with a t-shirt that framed his biceps.
"There is my birthday girl," he murmured and I couldn't stop the bigger grin as I walked over and wrapped my arms around his neck. "Hi," I whispered tilting my head back and he smiled, "Hi," he cupped my face and planted a kiss on me. "You look so happy today," he whispered brushing my cheeks with his thumb and I knew he expected me to be a little different today and that was fair. All of the first without Zoey were hard but at the same exact time – I started to realize how lucky I was as well. I had Troy. I was pregnant with twins. I was engaged. I had Beth. I had my parents. I had Lucy and Blaine. It will never be the same without Zoey but I want to enjoy my time with the people I love as well.
"C'mon, I want to go to lunch." I said with a tug of his hand and he smiled as I reached for my purse and we walked out of the building hand in hand. We walked down the street to my favorite little lunch spot. Troy and I were seated and ordered our drinks before I reached for his hand. "I talked to Marisa about Brad. Apparently, somebody has been lacking on his work as well. She said she was going to talk to the board about everything – not just my complaint. If they don't find it fit to fire him then she is going to talk to the board about how to approach him about the harassment but also keep me safe."
Troy grunted from my words, "I hate that you have to deal with him. I will never ask you to quit your job because I know how much you love it and that would just be letting him win but I wish you didn't have to deal with him." I let my eyes linger on those blue eyes and I shrugged. "I should have broken up with him long before Zoey died. I'm just glad we don't work in the same department. He really hasn't bothered me in a really long time."
His thumb swiped against my skin with a gentle look, "Good. Thank you for telling me this morning. I know I have a bit of a reaction to him." I raised my eyebrow, "A little bit?" Troy shot me a look but a smile played on the corner of his lips. "It's because I love you and I won you so…"
I laughed, "I'm not a prize,"
"You're my prize. My everything." I felt my cheeks flush and our drinks were delivered as we placed our order. "Do you know what I am looking forward to?" I told him and he turned his head. "Dan and Shay this weekend. It feels like forever ago that you bought those tickets." Troy smiled wide, "It's going to be so much fun; I am very excited to spend the night with you. How about we do dinner beforehand? I'm leaving the next morning for our golf weekend,"
I nodded my head, "Yea, for sure. I'm glad Beth is going to be there. I haven't been alone in a long time," Troy chuckled with a nod of his head. "I'm glad Beth is there, too. I'm glad Beth is just back. She came downstairs this morning and was happy that she was here for your birthday. She's helping your mom make dinner and the cake."
My eyes turned away from Troy for a moment as I took a deep breath as I blinked away the tears building in my eyes. "I know you've been expecting me to be sad and upset today because of Zoey which is fair," I said with a tiny laugh, "But I think she would want me to be happy today and I think I'm slowly realizing that I am very grateful to have the people that I still have. That I have to be happy around them and enjoy them. Yes, I love Zoey but I still have so many people and more than I did when I had her in my life."
Troy seemed taken back by my statement and he looked at me closely before shaking his head. "You amaze me, Gabi. Every single day. Your strength is mind-blowing and beautiful. Yea, I did figure today would be hard for you because if I think about it me without Macken or Brady on my birthday? That would be hard. Yet, you've been nothing but smiles and laughs today and what you just said…you literally blow my mind and I love you."
This time the tears did slip but only happy tears. Our food interrupted the conversation and we switched the conversation as he wiped away the fear tears that dripped down my face. We laughed and talked about tonight and where we should go for dinner on Thursday. "Can you believe I'll be 12 weeks pregnant on the 1st?" I questioned and Troy grinned.
"Do you want to find out the genders?" Troy asked me and I nodded my head. "I do. Do you want to do a fun gender reveal or just find out at the appointment?" I asked him this time and he turned his head as he thought about it for a minute. "I think a gender reveal would be fun but just our close family and friends."
I grinned, "Yea, I don't want random people who aren't going to be a part of our babies lives."
"Now to think of something fun to do," I smiled, "I think I have an idea but I have to figure out if it'll work," I said with a wiggle of my eyebrows. I checked my phone to make sure I still had time and Troy asked for the check as we all got up and began to walk out. Once we were back outside, Troy tugged me against his body. I wrapped my arms around his body and his nose buried in my head.
"I love you," he whispered and I smiled, "I love you, too."
Troy's POV
I tipped my beer back as I watched Gabi laugh with her mom and dad as they were telling stories about her childhood. I smiled and laughed with most of them as my girl was a spitfire. I almost wish I knew her prior to Zoey but I also know losing Zoey made her into a different person and I loved her like that.
Beth was playing with Lucy on the floor as Blaine was sitting next to me on the couch playing on his phone. "Are you ready to go back to school?" I asked him and he nodded his head, "Junior year, I'm ready." I smiled, "You are going to be a force to be reckoned with this year. Take it easy on me," Blaine laughed with a shake of his head. "No way,"
I chuckled with my eyes going back to Gabi, "Aunt Gabi looks really happy today," Blaine made his own observation and I smiled. "She is really happy today; I think she realized that she has a lot of amazing people in her life that she wants to be happy for. Your mom would want her to be happy."
Blaine sighed, "I am trying to figure out how I am going to celebrate my birthday without my mom for the first time," Blaine said as he picked at his jeans. I glanced over at him and slowly nodded, "When is your birthday?" Blaine grimaced, "The 5th," I swallowed as his was just next week and that one was probably going to be harder. "My dad doesn't really know what to do with Lucy and I anymore. He's just…breathing."
I winced at his observation of his dad. It wasn't a secret that James was still struggling with all of it. Beth was even beginning to question if she should move in and help with Lucy and Blaine for a little bit to just give James a break. The kids were being taken care of – fed, roof, and clean but Blaine was right. He was just breathing and going through the actions. Gabi did say he started seeing a therapist and I could only hope that it would help.
Who was I to judge though? I don't think I would get out of bed if I ever lost Gabi. The thought rocked my stomach alone as my eyes glanced over at her. She was playing with her hair as Beth had joined them at the table and Lucy was crawling into my lap. "What's up Lucy Goose?" I asked as I sat my drink down and she giggled at her nickname.
"I'm just sleepy," she said resting her head on my chest and I felt the warmth grow. I couldn't wait to have my own. Telling me they were sleepy and sleeping on my chest because they felt safe there. "I think we're about to have cake," Lucy popped up from that and she grinned. "I love grandma's chocolate cake!"
She scrambled down as Blaine smiled watching her, "Do you think my dad will be okay before I go to college?" he asked me and I looked over at him and I shrugged. "I hope so. I know you are worried about leaving Lucy but you still have two years and Lucy will be taken care of by everybody. She won't be alone and she'll have some cousins to play with,"
Blaine smiled, "You're going to be a good dad, Troy." I felt my heart pang, "You have a good dad, too. He's just lost, Blaine. I think I can sympathize with him. If I lost Gabi – I don't think I would be able to breathe. I would need all of the help. He's just…trying to figure how to breathe again without your mom."
My eyes watched him swallow hard on the ball in his throat and he nodded his head. "I know, I just…wish that he would at least resemble the dad I once knew from time to time." I gave a sad smile as I rubbed his back. We both got up and went and joined the group in the kitchen as Gina was getting the cake out of the fridge. I went and let my hands gently rub Gabi's shoulder and she tilted her head to look up at me.
"Are you feeling okay?" she nodded with a wide smile, "Yea, I am. I can't wait to go home with you," she whispered and I smiled as I dropped a kiss to her forehead as Gina called her to the kitchen. Gabi got up and I followed her as Gabi went to the cake and she kept her back at the wall. She smiled big and Gina took her picture, "Okay, Troy, get in it," Gina said and I scrunched my eyebrows. "I thought this was a Gabi thing?" I questioned and Gabi giggled. God, I loved that sound.
"Once we are engaged or married the significant other joins the picture. Next year, the babies will join. I'll have to show you Zoey's," Gabi said and I just smiled with a nod as I went over and stood next to her hooking my arm around her waist. We both smiled for her mom and when the flash went off Gabi turned and buried her face into my chest. I dropped a kiss to her head and just held her right there.
Andy lit the candles and I released her as the family sang her happy birthday and she blew out her candles. Her dad cut the cake and passed it around as Lucy was wiggling and giggling as she took her first bite. "Grandma, you make the best cake," she mumbled with the chocolate crumbs coming out of her mouth. I laughed looking at her and Gabi smiled with a shake of her head.
"Grandma does make the best cake," Blaine said taking his plate. I took my own bite and nearly groaned, "That's delicious," I commented. Gabi smiled with a nod, "She's going to have to teach me to make it so that I can do it for our kids."
"You know I will do it for your kids," my mom said and Gabi smiled, "I know and you will for a very, very long time but I also need to know how to do it for my grandkids, too." Her mom gave her a soft smile, "Maybe for Blaine's birthday you can come help me or Lucy." Gabi smiled, "I'd like that."
Gina boxed the rest of the cake up for Gabi to take home while we said good-bye to her parents and Blaine and Lucy. Beth followed us out and Gabi smiled at her. "I'm so happy you were able to enjoy this with us. I also cannot wait for an entire weekend with you." Gabi hugged her sister before getting in the car and Beth just smiled into the hold. "I'm glad I came back to enjoy it."
The drive home was short and Gabi was battling sleep the entire way. I reached over and let my hand rest on her belly and I still felt weird about it. Weird that there were two babies growing in there. That they were a part of me. That we would have kids in the beginning of the new year. Gabi let her hand rest on top of mine and I sent her a smile. We pulled into the house, "I am going to go get some drinks with a few friends. I have some catching up to do," Beth said with a hug towards Gabi.
"Happy Birthday, Gabs. I am so happy for you." Gabi smiled and we walked inside. "I am going to get ready for bed," Gabi said and I pulled on her elbow gently. "One second, I want to give you your birthday present." I said and Gabi sent me a smile, "You didn't have to give me anything." I scrunched my eyebrows and shot her a look. "Excuse me? You are my fiancé. I am required to get you something."
"You made me breakfast, you had my assistant get me coffee and pick-up flowers, you paid for lunch, you had dinner with my family, ate cake, and you love me and that is the best birthday I could have asked for. Just being with you and being spoiled by you is the best part." I let my hand cradle her face and I shook my head softly, "You deserve the best, Gabi. You deserve everything."
She gave a small smile and I took her into the kitchen as I gave her the little box. She sat down and opened the box and pulled out a little note card. She read it and smiled while looking up at me. "Troy, this is too much." I shook my head back and forth. "It's not enough but I feel bad leaving you this weekend and so do the other guys. Lennon, Josie, Sage, and Sara will be there too. We each bought the same things and I just lucked out that it was right after your birthday." She laughed softly and I kissed her. "I love you and I want you to relax this weekend. You deserve that. Massage, manicure, pedicure, facial – the works."
"Thank you," she whispered. I kissed her softly, "You're welcome, I invited Jenna and Beth as well." Gabi gave me a wide smile, "Do you care if we have a girls night here?" she asked and I squinted, "This is your house, too. You can do whatever Brie."
"I know but I feel like I should ask before inviting five people over," Troy shook his head back and forth, "No, you don't. This is your house just as it is my house." She gave a tiny smile and I reached forward to kiss her softly. "Go get ready for bed. I'm going to get Luna out and I'll be up." She nodded and went upstairs. I smiled with a shake of my head, I loved her. So damn much.
Wednesday, July 31st, 2019
Gabi's POV
Troy held my hand as we walked into the restaurant together as we were both dressed up. He was in a pair of dark washed jeans with a button-down shirt that was rolled up to his elbows with canvas shoes. I went with a long navy dress that ended around my shins with a pair of sandals. The deep-V cut kept grabbing Troy's attention and it made me smile every single time. My hair was down and natural. We walked through the restaurant doors as he gently tugged on my hand again.
"Bolton," Troy spoke to the hostess and the lady gave him a smile before picking up two menus. I hooked my arm with his as the Italian food wafted through the air. "Mmm…I cannot wait." I whispered with a smile up towards him. He smiled down towards me, "It is going to be really good," he told me. The hostess took us to the back room when there was a sudden vibration of "surprise!" coursing through the air. I gasped as I put my hand over my mouth. Jenna came running over and wrapped me in a tight hug.
"Happy engagement and birthday!" she squealed and I just laughed hugging her back. "Oh my god! Jenna!" she laughed as she pulled away. "Troy started the party planning but once I heard you all got engaged, I quickly took it over and made him stop so that we could celebrate both!" I laughed as my eyes turned to find Troy grinning at me with the happiest look in his eyes. "Let me finally see that damn ring," she yanked my hand and took in the view with oohs and awh towards it.
"It's beautiful, so you, damn," I just laughed with a smile on my face. I walked over towards Troy and I threw my arms around his neck. "I love you," I whispered and he smiled, "I love you, too." I walked over and greeted Beth, my parents, as Troy trailed behind as our fingers twined together. "Happy Birthday, Gabi!" Dylan threw his arms around my neck and I laughed, "Also thank you for marrying this fucker, he is damn lucky to snag you." I just laughed, "You're next," I told him with a wink and Dylan scowled but his eyes immediately went in search for Josie.
I laughed, "Yea, okay, you like her a lot and the guys are really happy for you." Dylan just gave a smile, "I feel like I have to grow up with them." Troy laughed from that comment as his hand reached around and expanded across my belly. "Where is Josie?" Troy questioned and Dylan nudged his head towards her at the table talking with Sara and Lennon. I tugged Troy to go over there as I said hi to each of them.
Jax and Cameron were not far behind as they were each giving me hugs. "Congrats, we are so happy to include you into the circle." I smiled at Cameron while I was uplifted in the air suddenly. I laughed as I heard Brady chuckle behind me, "If somebody would have told me in high school that my brother was going to marry the Duke dancer I would have laughed." I shook my head as I turned around and hugged him.
"Hi Brady,"
"Happy Birthday and engagement," he said with that same Bolton grin. I smiled up at him, "Thanks Brady," I went over and hugged Ada who I had gotten closer to when I would get breakfast with Macken. We started our own little girl gang within the Bolton family. "Congrats, Gabi!" I hugged her tight as they were planning a wedding around the same time, I was thinking about it as well. I was going to let them nail down their date first though.
"Gabi!" Annie came marching through and I laughed as I hugged her tightly, "Hi! I am so glad you are here!" she giggled, "I am so thankful to be able to come!" I hugged her tightly and smiled, "We need to go out to dinner together more often! Wait, we are going to get together at Troy's house on Saturday night. Come over!" she nodded her head with a big smile, "I will!"
"Our house," he murmured in my ear and I just tilted my head to look at him. "Sorry, our house," I corrected and Annie just looked at the two of us with stars in her eyes. "God you are both so adorable." Troy and I laughed as he looked around, "Where in the world are Jesse and Sage?" he questioned towards Jax and he shrugged his shoulders. "She's been sick this week," Cameron piped and I frowned, "Poor Sage, that is literally the worst." I empathized as I took in a deep breath while I let my hand cross my belly.
The room was bustling with people and I walked around and greeted everybody else. Troy's parents and I found James, Lucy, and Blaine. James gave me a sad smile and I knew he was struggling. I went in for a hug and I squeezed him tightly. "Thank you for coming," he gave me a squeeze back, "I am happy for you. I'm sorry that I can't show it better." James gave me a sad smile and I just blinked my eyes trying to get the tears to go away. "It's okay, James,"
Blaine came over and he hugged me, "I'm so happy for you, mom would be happy for you." That really kicked in the waterworks this time and I hugged him tighter. "I love you, Blaine." I released him as I had to wipe my eyes. "Aunt Gabi!" I reached over and picked her up as she wrapped her body around mine. "Hi sweet girl," she kissed my cheek and she grinned, I turned to see Troy and he looked at me with a raised eyebrow. "Lucy, what if I told you that I was going to have a baby?" I questioned and she gasped loudly, "A baby?" she nearly yelled and I laughed with a nod. "Yea, a baby." I told her and she grinned from ear to ear.
"Like a tiny little baby?" I nodded with a smile and Troy let his hand rest on my waist, "How about…two babies?" Troy asked her and she nearly screamed and I just laughed as she wiggled down and went running over to James. "Daddy! Did you hear? Aunt Gabi is going to have TWO babies!" James gave her a tight smile and nodded, "I did hear. You are going to be cousin." He told her and she just giggled, "Are you have two boys or girls?" Lucy asked and I shrugged, "We don't know yet."
She pouted, "I want two girls. I want girl cousins." Lucy said with her sass, Troy chuckled while he kissed the top of my head. Someone cleared their throat and the room quieted down as Troy slipped his arm around my waist. My dad was standing at the front of the room and I was already crying.
"Hi everybody, I am so lucky to stand here with so much happiness for our Ella girl. This past year has been one of the hardest years of our lives but in the middle of it – our Ella found her person. Found somebody who adores her, loves her, and cherishes his time with her. He pulled her out of the dark hole that she was diving in and I knew when I saw her smile again and laugh again and just…be my Ella again that was who she was supposed to be with and that she was going to be okay," I couldn't stop the sob from dropping out of my mouth as my dad looked right at me with his own tears in his eyes. "Troy has been so good to her from the first day and when he told me he wanted to marry her – I said yes. Troy was the person I pictured her with. I know the two of them have had a long road to right here and he has stood by her every single day."
Troy kissed the top of my head and I breathed out heavily as I wiped away the tears. "He stood by her on her darkest days. He showed up when it was hard for her to just breathe. Troy was her saving grace and I am so thankful that they found each other. Troy, I know you are going to take such good care of my girl. You've accepted Blaine and Lucy into your life and I can see how well you are going to be as a dad. Those babies are going to be so lucky to have the two of you. So…here is to Gabi and Troy," I let go of Troy as I went over and I wrapped my arms around my dad.
"I love you so much dad," he squeezed me tightly, "I love you too Ella," Troy came over and he shook my dad's hand but he also brought him into a hug. My mom was hugging me and Troy hugged my mom as we were all crying and smiling with each other. I was so thankful for all of these people.
Thursday, August 1st, 2019
12 Weeks pregnant
Gabi's POV
I painted my lipstick on my lips as Troy was heading back from the basketball open gym for the high school and all he had to do was jump in the shower and then we were heading to dinner and the concert. I spun around in my sundress that showed off my belly a little bit. I let my hands run down the front and cradle it with awh of the human body. I still was shocked that I was pregnant half of the time and that I was going to have two little humans.
"Gabs?" I poked my head out to see Beth coming out of her room. She had been spending a lot more time with Lucy and Blaine the past couple of days to help James out. He was still struggling and my heart hurt for him. I knew it was hard and I know it was his whole life but I know how much Blaine and Lucy still needed him.
"What's up?" I asked her and she smiled, "You look stunning. No wonder Troy Bolton impregnated you." I laughed with a shake of my head and she smiled at me. "I am seriously considering moving in and helping James. I don't want to take over for him but I want to make sure Lucy and Blaine are safe. I know that's what caused a lot of drama in your life…" I shook my head, "No, no, I should never have done it because I never got the time and moment to grieve and I went head first in taking care of everybody. If it wasn't for Troy I probably would be living there."
"I just think he needs his time to grieve without having to worry about the kids. I think he needs it. It's almost been a year and I want to get him help. I've been talking to him more frequently and I think he just feels like he is drowning in everything. Comparing himself to Zoey and how Zoey would have done things. I told him I would move in for six weeks to give him a little break and get through the one-year mark before moving into my own apartment and letting them get on with their lives. He's been looking at houses to get out of the one they are in."
I smiled, "I think that's smart. Set boundaries and give him a break while making sure his kids are taken care of without him having to worry about it. I'll miss having you here though," Beth smiled. "I'm not leaving, promise, I actually found a job as a photographer and I am starting to set up appointments and what not for weddings and whatever else." I grinned wide. "I am so happy for you," I launched my arms around her and hugged her tightly. "Thank you, coming home was actually what I needed. I am doing so much better here."
"Good, I am very thankful you are here." Beth gave a smile as I heard the door open to the downstairs garage. I smiled softly as Beth winked. "Have fun with your man tonight," I thanked her as Beth went down the stairs and Troy came up the stairs saying hi to Beth before landing at the top. Luna came out of our room and greeted Troy but his eyes were glued to me.
Those blue eyes roved my entire body with hunger in those blue eyes. I felt my body heat as the path he was creating the path with those blue eyes. He couldn't hide his arousal if he tried while he bit down on his bottom lip. "Fuck, me," he muttered and I couldn't stop the grin as I spun around for him and he groaned. "What time is it?" he questioned as he stalked over towards me and I pulled my watch to my face to see it was only four-thirty. Somebody was home early. "Why?" I asked him with an innocent smile on my face. His body invaded my space and I was intoxicated from that alone. He easily picked me up and I wrapped my legs around his waist. "I just finished getting ready," I said with a laugh and he grunted, "I could care less at this point. You are fucking beautiful and I don't think I could even rub this out to get it to go away." I couldn't stop my laugh as his lips connected to my neck as he pressed my back against the wall.
His fingers slipped up my dress and he groaned when he found my lack of underwear, "Teasing me?" he murmured and I couldn't stop my laugh when his front door closed. He nearly groaned from the noise alone, "TROY?" Brady's voice was booming through the house and Troy just pressed his head to mine. "Will you go see what he needs? Just tell him I'm in the shower." I just nodded my head as he placed a kiss to my cheek before dashing to the shower.
I took a few deep breaths to calm my entire body down from that…moment. I walked out of the bedroom and I went down the stairs as Brady was sitting on the couch, on the phone, biting at his lip. "Hey Brady," he looked up at me and sighed, "I saw his car here, where is he?" I raised an eyebrow. "He just jumped in the shower. We are getting ready for our dinner and concert." Brady let his hand run through his hair as he nodded. "I just need his help with some stuff. Do you care if I wait?" I shook my head as I went into the kitchen to clean up. I started the dishwasher and picked up the counter that Troy had deposited all of his stuff on. Brady was still fiddling with his phone. "Did you and Ada set a date?"
Brady smiled with a nod, "September 12th," he told me and I gave him a smile, "Do you think your mom will murder us if we have both of your weddings within like two weeks?" I questioned and Brady laughed, "She will be so busy for the next year but she will love it. Plus, with those two little babes it will be even better." I gave Brady a smile as I let Luna outside. "Brie, are you about ready?" Troy came down the stairs with wet hair and sans shirt but his khaki golf shorts.
My eyes lingered on his ab muscles and I nibbled on my lip as Troy groaned when he spotted Brady, "What the fuck, Brady, what can I help you with?" Brady just chuckled as he stood up, "First, I get it. Your fiancé looks like that and I am here interrupting it. My apologizes. Secondly, I need help with the house. I need to sell it. Ada and I are going to move into something smaller until we are above water with the finances. Can you please help me?" Troy narrowed his eyes towards him and then looked over towards me.
"Yes, I can help. I don't know how much I can help but I can help. I am starting work again, Gabi is pregnant with twins, she wants to start planning the wedding…I can help as much as I can. I know that you and Ada are struggling because of the hospital bills and because of life and I know you want to have a wedding." Brady brushed his hands through his hair. "Mostly, her parents are paying for a lot of it. Dad and mom are doing the food. So, we got most of the big things taken care of but we just need to downsize for a while. Her broken arm last year was not helpful. Two teacher salaries are also not helpful."
Troy nodded, "Yea, give me some weekends that work for you. I might be able to do some next week before we all go back to work." Brady exhaled and nodded his head, "Thanks, T. I'll let you know. Sorry to crash the party." Troy just grunted as I let Luna in and guided her to her kennel. I gave her a handful of cookies as the front door shut and Troy groaned. "Fucking Brady," I sent him a smile and I turned to face him. "You are a good brother." I went over and wrapped my arms around his neck and he buried his lips into my neck. "I'd rather be a shitty brother and inside of you," I laughed shoving his chest. "Stop, you should save it all for tonight anyways," he let a smile cross his lips and kissed my head.
"C'mon, let's go get some dinner." I followed him out as I picked up my purse and we both climbed into his Jeep. "Why do Ada and Brady have finance issues?" I asked and quickly followed up, "I mean if it's private and they don't want it shared you don't have to tell me." Troy chuckled, "I'll tell you everything. They both went to out of state colleges. Ada had to take out all of her student loans and Brady had to pay the difference of in-state tuition. So, they are eaten alive in student loans and then she broke her arm in lapse of insurance coverage so…they had to pay out of the ass for it. They had just bought the house they are currently in and it's just been a struggle for them the past year. He saved a really long time to buy her that ring and worked extra on the side mowing lawns last summer and whatnot so they weren't taking from the current budget." Troy explained and I felt my stomach flip. "We've never talked money and whatnot in the future. I don't pay to live here." I told him honestly and Troy sent me a sideways glance.
"You don't have to pay to live here. You typically buy groceries, you help with things around the house, I mean…I don't need you to help me pay for the house." Troy explained as he let his hand span my thigh. "I just want you to know I can help you though since we both live there. I just think I guess with the babies what do we want to do? A mutual account that we both put money into for their stuff?" Troy gave a soft smile and looked over towards me. "I think prior to us getting married that might be the best bet but after we're married, I think we just pool it all together. Make our own savings account and checking account." Troy said and I raised an eyebrow.
"Don't you dare say anything about if we ever got a divorce. I don't think that will personally happen but if it did, I think splitting everything 50/50 is the most realistic anyways. It's not like either of us make a ton of money and I hope we never go down that road but I have a firm belief that we would do it fairly. I just…don't see the thought of having to constantly be moving money around when we do everything together. Maybe have our own credit cards so we can buy each other things without the other knowing but…no hiding."
I blinked a few times, "Really?" I questioned and he nodded his head, "Yea, I just think it makes the most sense. I want to be with you. I want to do this life together. Not in separate accounts in fear of the future. All in." I gave him a wide smile and I squeezed his hand, "I like that," I whispered to him and he smiled over at me. "I mean…should we just start doing it now? Slowly? Open an account up and I'll just redirect my paychecks there. I do plan on marrying you in like…a year."
Troy laughed, "Do you have a date in mind?"
"Is there a better time for work? Would you rather have a summer wedding so you don't have to worry about work." Troy nodded his head, "That would be nice but if you would rather wait until the temperatures are cooler, I'll figure it out. I probably won't have much PTO because of the babies." I rubbed my lips together and I pulled out my phone. "As long as our reception is indoors – then I don't care. I wouldn't mind getting married outside though as long as we do a quick wedding. Not a long drawn out…" Troy shot over a laugh, "Do you think I'm catholic?"
"You might be hiding it," Troy smiled as I scrolled till late July, early August in my calendar. "Brady said they have set up September 12th. I thought about early September but what about July 25th or something like that. That way there is some separation between the two dates." Troy sent me a smirk, "You want to plan a wedding in 10 months…while pregnant?" I gave him a grin, "I mean…not really but I also want to be married to you."
"I can take off work and I will take off work to marry you. Just…do it before basketball season." I just laughed as I scrolled through the dates. "I guess we should find a venue first and then go from there. See what dates they have open." Troy gave my knee a quick squeeze, "I think if Ada and Brady get married the week before us – nobody will care. Everybody will still come and my mom will absolutely love it. It will be the best year of her life."
I couldn't stop my laugh as Troy pulled into a restaurant that wasn't too far from the arena that the concert was taking place in. We both stepped out and he linked his hand with my hand. His blue eyes looked over at me with a grin on his lips. "This is about to be the best night of our life,"
Happy Sunday (And Easter if you celebrate!) Sorry for the late post! I was busy soaking up some sun and spending time with family! I will let you know it DOES pick up at the concert so you still have cute Troy and Gabi moments to look forward too!
Let me know all of your thoughts!
Next Update: April 18th
