Chapter 28 – Two of a Kind
Saturday, September 8th, 2019
Gabi's POV
"It's been one year without you, Zo." I picked at the grass underneath of my legs as I sat in front of her grave. We had breakfast with my family this morning as we all talked about Zoey and all of our favorite stories about Zoey. Blaine was extra quiet but nothing out of the normal for him with everything going on. "Our family was nothing but understanding that I wanted to spend the time with Troy away from here. I just needed it. I needed to not be here."
I exhaled heavily and I just shook my head, "I miss you and I am glad you popped into my dream. I told myself that after tomorrow I have to be happy again. I have to be myself again. I want to smile and I am ready to start preparing for these babies. I am still trying to find a unique, fun, low key way to found out the sex of these babies. Any thoughts?" I smiled as I rested my head on my knee. "I'm just really tired, Zo. I want to sleep tomorrow all day. I don't want to leave my bed. My belly is already getting big and they are moving. Troy can't feel them yet but he will soon…right?"
I rubbed my lips together and inhaled deeply, my eyes were heavy. "I love you, Zoey. Take care of my babies, okay?" my fingers rubbed over her stone and I stood up as I walked back to my car. My family was nothing but supportive that I needed to just be away that day. Troy and I spent the day being tourist and not dealing with my problems. We picked out some gender-neutral outfits for the babies. The very first one for each of them.
It was just a cream and an olive footie pajama that buttoned up with a match knotted hat. They were adorable and I couldn't stop rubbing my fingers over them dreaming of the day they would be wearing them. I called Troy as I got into the car and he answered on the first ring. "Hey baby, you doing, okay?" I couldn't stop my smile because I just…I loved him something fierce. "Yea, I am just really tired. Is there any way we can just chill tonight? Maybe pizza in bed?"
"Of course," he stopped for a minute, "I can cook homemade pizza or we can order in,"
"Order in. I honestly, babe, I just want to lay in bed with you." Troy chuckled quietly and sighed, "Yes, we can do that. Are you feeling, okay?" he asked again and I just nodded, "Yea, I just have one more day for this mood before its time to get back to living my life like I want to live my life." Troy didn't say anything for a beat, "Alright. I'll get ice cream, too." Tears filled my eyes and I just blinked them away. "I love you," I whispered back to him.
He just chuckled in response, "I love you, too baby." I hung up the phone and pulled up and into the driveway before dragging my body inside. I was more and more aware of the babies moving inside of me and stopped to just feel them. The tears filling my eyes again, and finally falling, because I was grateful for this life I was living. I almost hated that I wouldn't change it but I also wanted my sister back. It was such a weird thought and I sometimes wondered if Zoey wouldn't have died would I have found Troy? I couldn't imagine my life without him and I hated that my sister wasn't in it.
I swallowed back on the wave of emotion as I continued inside to hear Luna barking and a group of laughter. I peeked over the corner to see Cameron and Jesse sitting at the counter with stuff scattered around them. Almost as if they were all grading papers together. Troy was seated on the corner and I set my bag down before Troy glanced over at me. "Hey brie," I smiled as the other two turned and gave me a smile.
"I am going to head upstairs," I said with a tiny smile and Troy squinted as the other two quickly started to pick up their stuff. "No, no, you guys do not have to leave. I am just going to lay down for a little bit. I am just tired and need a break, you guys all finish up." Cameron and Jesse both glanced over at Troy and he just nodded allowing them to go back to what they were doing. I turned to head upstairs as I knew he was going to follow.
Opening the door to the bedroom I walked inside and began to take off all of my jewelry and lay it on the counter. "Anything I can do for you before dinner in bed tonight?" I turned to see him leaning in the doorway and I shook my head. "No, I think I have a migraine forming and I just…don't feel that well. I really think it has a lot to do with the past few days but I think I honestly need to sleep." Troy walked over and he framed my face and looked in my eyes for a few minutes, "Do you want to take a bath? Shower?" he asked me and I just closed my eyes and leaned forward against him.
"A semi-warm bath sounds nice," I whispered and he just kissed me head and gently walked into the bathroom while tugging my hand with him. He turned on the bath, shut down the lights, and helped undress my body. My body allowed him to do all of it and then I was stepping into the warm water and sinking underneath of it. He rolled a towel and placed it under my neck while pulling my hair out of the tub.
"I need to call your mom," I whispered and Troy squinted, "Why?" I gave a half smile, "She raised an amazing man," he smiled with a shake of his head. "I mean, I bet she would love to hear that phone call." He joked with a dimple poking out in his cheek. The warm water did feel good and I relaxed backwards. He kissed my forehead gently, "I am going to finish grading papers downstairs and then order pizza and get ice cream. I will be back in thirty minutes to check on you, okay?" I nodded as he put my phone above my head. "Here is this if you need me."
"Thank you," he gave me a smile before heading back out. The warm water honestly made everything inside of my relax and it caused my eyes to get even heavier. I allowed my eyes to rest and my hand stroked my stomach gently as a few times as the babies moved again. A finger stroked my arm and I let my eyes pop open in surprise as I didn't hear Troy enter. He kneeled down next to me and smiled. "Hey sleepy, I am about to leave. Mind getting out so I don't worry about you the entire time?" I just nodded.
He eased me up and out of the tub as he helped me pull on a pair of underwear and he found one of his t-shirts that smelled just like him. "C'mon here," he whispered as he pulled me into his body. My fingers grabbed his shirt as I just rested against him. His arms gently picked me up and I wrapped my legs around his waist. "Mmm…you smell delicious," I smiled as he sat on the bed but I stayed firmly on his lap. My head resting on his shoulder.
His fingers ran up and down my back so soothingly, I gripped his shirt tighter because I didn't want him to move. I never wanted him to move.
Troy's POV
I continued to rub her back knowing that she had fallen asleep but I also knew that this is where she needed me for the moment. I sent Jesse to grab pizza and Cameron to grab the ice cream. I couldn't pin point what was exactly wrong – just that she needs this right here. I heard the front door open again and I gently laid her back down in bed and untangled her fingers from my shirt. I hopped down the stairs as Luna came back in with Cameron.
"Here ya go man, she doing, okay?" I nodded, "She's sleeping. I found her half passed out upstairs in the bathtub." I brushed my fingers through my hair as Cameron smiled. "You are a good man, how is she physically feeling?" I smiled with a shrug. "I think she's in a weird spot with her sister and then again with just being seventeen weeks pregnant with twins." Cameron nodded, "Anything else I can do to help?" I shook my head. "No, thanks for hanging out and grading papers with me. Plus going for the run,"
"Yea, no problem. I saw her face when she walked in. She looked like she's just physically exhausted." I couldn't disagree with his statement. I bit down on my lip as Cameron left and I greeted Jesse in the driveway. "Good luck man,"
"Good luck to you," I said with a grin and Jesse laughed, "Are you excited?" I just nodded with a smile on my face, "Yea, I am. She is starting to feel them move and I can't wait to feel them. Hold them. All of it." Jesse smiled tilting his head back. "Yea, I am just as excited. Take care of her tonight," I agreed as I paid him and then walked back inside. I placed the pizza in the oven to keep it warm as I went back upstairs to see her curled up on her side.
There wasn't a chance in hell I was going to wake her up from this slumber. I crawled onto the bed with her as I reflected over the past couple of days. It was mostly just her watching videos and looking at pictures. She told me more stories over the past couple days than she ever talked about. She reflected on the day and the past year. She grew quiet after that again. She hugged and talked to everybody this morning at breakfast but then left for a bit.
I reached for her belly as I gently stroked it. She told me that she could feel them move all the time but it just wasn't strong enough for me to feel yet. Her fingers moved over my hand as she squeezed it gently. Her ring brushed against my skin and I stared at her face. "Go back to sleep," I whispered to her. Those eyelids fluttered open and she looked so tired. "I couldn't sleep last night," she whispered and I closed my eyes. "I'm sorry baby, were you not comfortable?"
She shook her head back and forth against the pillow. "No, I was fine. I just…I couldn't shut my brain off. I kept thinking over and over again about how the past year of my life has been a living hell but at the same exact time I absolutely love my life right now. I love that I am pregnant with your babies. I love that we are engaged and set to get married next year. I love my current job. I love the friendships I have made. All of this is a result of my sister dying and I just…" she inhaled deeply and her eyes flickered rapidly. I watched the emotion take over her face and the tears well in her pretty brown eyes.
"I feel so fucking guilty about it all. Did I have to lose her to get all of this?" her voice cracked at the end and the tears were unavoidable. "Did I have to cause so much unhappiness in Blaine, Lucy, and James to get mine? I can't stop thinking about it." My heart broke for her as I laid down next to her. Our noses just inches apart as I leaned forward and stroked her hair. "Brie, baby…I firmly believe we would have met. Our paths were destined to cross at some point and I don't think your sister dying had anything to do with it. I think you would have still shown up to that game if Zoey was alive. I think you still would have ended up talking to me because I saw you from the moment you walked into the gym. I was going to come find you. If I didn't see you at that game – we had three years of games for our paths to cross."
She sniffled and inhaled deeply as she looked at me, "I know you were engaged and getting married but I really don't think that would have happened. Your family was ready to protest because they could see how unhappy you were. Baby, I honestly think you would have gotten your happiness no matter what. It was a sad, unfortunate circumstance that your sister died before you found that happiness but that's all it is baby, a sad unfortunate circumstance."
Her arms wrapped around me again and I just held her. "I don't deserve you," she whispered into my ear and I just shook my head. "You are my happiness, baby, I knew these days were going to be hard. I just want you to come through them with a smile on your face and if pizza, ice cream, and a stupid movie help with that tonight? That's what we do. If you want Beth to come over and lay in bed with you – I'll call her. I am not expecting this to be easy on you."
"I don't want to feel like this anymore." I closed my eyes as the pain seeped through her voice as grief was a funny thing. I learned about the cycles of grief in school but our teacher got extremely real with us. You never get over a loss like the one Gabi experienced. You just learn to live with it and some days the wave of grief just takes over and you can't unbury yourself. Slowly, those days grow fewer and fewer apart but they still continue to happen. The days where breathing seems like just way too much shit.
My hand cradled her head and I just kept her close to me as I rocked her back and forth gently. "I love you so endlessly," she whispered into my chest and I kissed her head gently. "Can we do a movie party downstairs? I would like to invited Beth and Colt?" I just nodded my head and kissed her head. "I'll order another pizza. I had the guys pick one up for us but I'll order another." She smiled and kissed my chest while I just stroked her hair.
"Go get settled downstairs and I'll call Beth, okay?" she just nodded as we both got up and she went to the bathroom and I just exhaled. My heart breaking so slowly for her and just wishing I could make all of it better.
Gabi's POV
My sister and I sat side beside outside with the fire pit going as we were giggling and laughing together. Colt and Troy were on the other side having a conversation together. We did watch a movie and eat pizza with the two of them and then we went outside to enjoy the ice cream and Troy ended up starting a fire. I rested my head on Beth's shoulder, "I am going to miss having you around," I whispered. "I want you to go and find your happiness but I will be sad that I can't call you to enjoy pizza when I'm having a rough day."
She brushed her fingers through my hair, "I was proud of you for getting away for a few days. You needed that. Just know that my door is always open and I know traveling for you is about to get a lot harder but you know for damn well I will be back to see these babies, okay? I will be here to help you just like we helped Zoey."
I smiled over at her as I rubbed my belly, one of the babies rolled and moved causing me to smile bigger. "I love feeling them move. I wish you guys could feel them." A smile reached over her lips. "Hopefully before I leave." I looked over at Troy and Colt both laughing together with their beers in their hand. "Beth, do you ever feel guilty that Zoey dying caused us to find them?" I asked her quietly and Beth was quiet for a moment and then nodded her head. "When I first met him, I never really thought about it but would I have ever gone to Wyoming if she hadn't? Would I ever have the courage to leave and do my road trip without that push of courage?"
I just nodded my head in understanding, "I had been in a funk because I can't stop thinking about it," I told her. "Would I have met Troy? Broken up with asshat? Spent more time with family? Would I have done any of that without her dying?" Beth inhaled and she played with my hair. "We are exactly where we are supposed to be is what I tell myself. I think you would have met Troy. I think I would have met Colt. I don't know how or when but I know we were supposed to. I know you are supposed to be having these babies with him. I think you need to let it go and not question it. You have zero reason to be guilty for finding him and your happiness again."
I smiled up at her, "I want to be happy,"
"Then be happy baby girl, you deserve it. You can be sad about her and still find your everyday happiness."
"Now you just sound like Regina," I said with a nudge to her stomach and she laughed pushing me off. "What are you girls talking about?" Troy called over and I turned to face him. He was studying me with those blue eyes. Flickering around trying to find anything to key in on my emotions. "Just about how you two make us happy," Beth called causing both men to grin like cats. "Ya'll want to do a double date soon? Maybe next weekend?" Troy suggested and I couldn't stop my smile. "We'll plan it," Colt said causing Beth's eyes to go wide. "Ya know, I think I like the sound of this. What do you think, Gabs?" I just smiled and nodded as I rested my head on Beth's shoulder.
"I'm in,"
Colt came over and sat on the other side of Beth while Troy sat on the ledge next to me. "We'll plan a fun one," Troy said with a wink and I just smiled knowing that Troy Bolton knew how to plan a date. "Gabi, what was the stupidest thing Beth did as a child?" Beth groaned and I giggled as I shook my head, "I think I swore on a sister secret that I wouldn't tell." Colt and Troy both chuckled. "A sister secrets?" Troy questioned and I nodded my head.
"When we told our sisters something that we didn't want anybody else to know we would do the sister secret handshake. As far as I know none of our secrets went to anybody." Beth smiled with a nod, "I loved that. You would literally make me shake before you ever spilled a word when it was an emergency."
"Okay, but you have to spill one for each of you," Troy said shifting his weight and I shifted to lean into him. His fingers coming down to massage my shoulder. Beth twisted her head and glanced at me with a smile on her face. "My favorite sister secret from Gabi was when she told me about wanting to be a Duke Dancer because she wanted to get rid of her virginity." I gasped as I looked over at Beth as the two men dropped into a fit of laughter.
"Gabriella," Troy said and I just laughed with a shake of my head, "That wasn't quite what I said. I said maybe if I was a Duke dancer more guys would become interested in me because during high school not many were." Troy raised his eyebrows quickly. "What? Are you serious?" I shrugged, "Nobody ever asked me out. What am I to assume?" Beth rolled her eyes, "Gabi was the confident girl that no guy was willing to touch because she would chop their balls off if they mistreated her. Not sure how the hell she settled for what's his name for so long but…I think that fire is back." Beth said with a wink. I just rolled my eyes as Troy bent over and kissed my head.
"Beth once made me promise to not tell a single soul that she puked right after sex for the first time…all over the guy in bed." Beth gasped and stared at me with wide eyes. "GABRIELLA!" Troy and Colt were both bent over laughing together as Beth shook her head. "Mine was so much worse than yours!" I just laughed with a shrug while she gently punched me in the arm. I laughed tipped over into Troy's legs.
"Why did you puke?" Colt asked in his thick accent and Beth rolled her eyes. "I was 17 and drunk for the very second time ever. It felt like a wild roller-coaster ride and I just…puked everywhere. Sadly, some in his mouth as well."
"Oh my god, no," Troy said with a sputter of laughter. Beth glared at me and I just laughed again as I yawned, "I think I am going to get ready for bed. Thank you for coming over," I told her and she smiled while hugging me tightly. "I will come whenever you need me. Thanks for talking and hanging out with me. I love you,"
"I love you, too." Troy helped me stand up and I reached over for Colt. "Thanks for taking care of my sister," he chuckled and hugged me, "You two are pretty similar. It's fun to hang around with." I laughed as we all went back inside while Troy put out the fire. I walked Colt and Beth to the front door as they were going back to the kids. I waved good-bye as I shut and locked the front door. Troy came back through the back door with Luna at his feet. "Have a good night?" I just nodded my head. "Thank you," he smiled. "I will do whatever it takes baby,"
We walked upstairs together as pulled me into our bedroom and quickly shutting the door to lock Luna out. I laughed, "Troy," he just wiggled his eyebrows before cupping my face and planting those lips on me. The kiss went from sweet to not so innocent quickly. His fingers reached for my thighs and he easily picked me up and pressed me back against the wall. "I think I want to take your mind off everything another way," I smirked into the kiss as let my fingers run through his hair.
"I will forever let you take everything off my mind,"
Saturday, September 14th, 2019
18 weeks pregnant
Gabi's POV
I adjusted my dress as I slipped on a pair of sandals over my newly manicured feet. Troy and Colt sent Beth and I to the salon to get our nails done today. It was a well-deserved manicure and pedicure that we both spent the entire time chatting and laughing together. They promised us the epic date today and I couldn't stop the smile of our significant others getting along. It made me happy. "Gabs, are you about ready?"
I twisted around to see Troy step into the room as he was in a pair of navy shorts with a white short-sleeve shirt that had three brown buttons at the top. He was wearing a pair of Converse shoes and I couldn't stop staring. A smirk crossed his lips, "Gabriella, are we staring?" I just nodded my head with a slow smile tipping onto my face. The past week has been better. I was in a better mood at work, I was seeing Regina a few more times a week, and I had been spending more time with Troy or Beth.
He crossed the room and wrapped his arms around my neck, "You look stunning," I reached up on my tiptoes to press my lips to his. "Mmm…this is dangerous. I would love for this to continue but we have to go. Colt and Beth are meeting us at the restaurant for part one of our date," I blinked my eyes and looked up at him, "What are we doing?" I questioned with a turn of my head and he shook his head. "No way, c'mon, dinner,"
I picked up my phone and bag as I followed Troy out of the house. Luna was already locked up and I slipped into the car as he started it up. His free hand immediately went to my knee while his fingers massaged it. He navigated the car until we found ourself at a water front restaurant. "Oh, I love this place," I whispered and Troy chuckled. "I know. We've talked about it before but I was waiting to bring you until busy season ended and we are finally there. I recommended it to Colt and he agreed."
"Are you two enjoying your new found friendship?" I asked him as I slipped out of the car. Troy laughed with a shrug, "If you would have asked me two months ago if I was going to be friends with a cowboy from Wyoming? I probably would have laughed but he's a really cool guy and really good for your sister. He reminds me of myself," I just laughed as he looped an arm around me. "Oh, does he?" Troy nodded his head with a smile on his face.
"He really does," he threw me a smile and we walked into the restaurant together. We found Beth and Colt who were out back on the deck already smiling and enjoying a drink. "Hey guys," Troy pulled out my chair and I thanked him as he settled in next to me. "Troy, I got you a beer. You have to try it first and then I will tell you what it is." Colt quickly started and Beth just shook her head with a smile. "Gabs, I almost ordered you a drink and then I remembered you are 18 weeks pregnant."
I ran my fingers over my belly and I shook my head, "I know. I don't actually miss drinking all that much. I am excited to finally found out what we are having though." Beth clapped her hands in excitement. "I cannot wait to throw you a gender reveal. Have you decided what you want to do yet?" I shook my head. "No, I really haven't. Troy?" I asked turning towards him and he sighed with a shrug, "I mean, I could just be told and be happy."
"No," Beth glared at him and I laughed, "I don't want to do cake. Maybe we can do confetti? Troy and I can each have one and shoot them off together?" I questioned and Beth nodded, "That's cute! I think that would be fun and easy to do. Especially since it's for a small group." I nodded as I glanced over at Troy, "Are you okay with that?" Troy nodded his head, "Of course."
"Colt, do you want kids?" Troy asked him and he nodded his head, "Eventually. I'm not desperate but I would love to have kids someday." His eyes flickered over towards Beth as she shook her head with a tiny curve. "Colt, can we do like a year of a relationship first?" Troy laughed, "Uh…I mean, the whole year thing, that wasn't our plan." Troy shot me a wink and I just let out a little laugh. "Yea, I mean, I would have liked to wait a year but…Troy Bolton had other plans."
"I did not actively try to get you pregnant."
"We actively forgot a condom on several occasions," I tossed back with a smile on my face. He only smiled back with a shake of his head, "So note to ourselves, if we want to make it a year, continue to use birth control without stopping." Beth said and Colt just chuckled. "Yea, probably a good idea." The waiter came over and took our order and we continued in our conversations. We got to know Colt better, I loved seeing him interact with Beth, and just getting to breathe and be happy was – exactly what I needed.
Troy slipped his fingers over my bare skin as our fingers skimmed each other. A smile on our faces, my phone buzzed on the table. I glanced at it to see Jenna's name pop up on the front. I snatched it up and I opened the text as I nearly squealed with excitement. Troy raised his eyebrows in surprise, "You, okay?" I grinned, "Jenna went into labor!" Troy grinned from ear to ear, "That's amazing, what did she say?"
"Just that she was admitted because she was having consistent contractions and that she's already five centimeters dilated. Oh, I am so excited," I clapped as Jenna grinned, "Only twenty-ish more weeks until that's you," I laughed with a shake of my head. "I highly doubt I carry these two babies that long. They are going to become bigger than me in there." Troy laughed while he reached over to lay his hand on my stomach.
"I just hope nothing happens during a basketball game," Troy said with a shake of his head, "How is coaching basketball?" Colt asked, "I tried to play one year but I was just too big." Troy scrunched his nose and shook his head. "You would have been great down low. I know your passion was football but hell, you could have done great. You probably just needed a better coach." Colt tipped his beer towards Troy, "That is probably a true statement. The team never was five hundred all four years I was there."
Our food arrived and we all ate while finishing up some conversations. It didn't take long for us to devour all of our food and pay out our check. There was no argument between the boys, Colt took it, but they must have come to an understanding for it already. I rolled my lips together as we all stood up and walked out to the car as Troy nodded towards Colt. "We'll see you at the next stop." Colt said and Troy grinned as he opened the Jeep door.
"Oh, I am so excited that Jenna is going to have her baby. I can't wait to meet her and see her," I gushed with excitement. Troy smiled over at me, "I am excited to see you become a mom," I felt my cheeks flush and he pulled up my hand to kiss my palm. "I think you are going to be a pretty great dad." I told him and he just shook his head. "I will have zero ideas what to do." I smiled up at him, "Do you need a bit of a daddy boot camp?"
"Think you can do it?"
I nodded my head as Troy turned into the drive-in movie theater, I gasped, "Are we seeing drive in movies?" Troy chuckled with a nod of his head, "Yup. Colt went to rent that truck so we had somewhere to lay in the back of. It's covered up but there is an air mattress and blankets in the back with snacks and drinks." I couldn't stop my smile as I turned to face him and I threw my arms around his neck.
"I love you so much,"
"I love you, too, c'mon, let's go join the party."
Sunday, September 15th, 2019
Troy's POV
Gabi laced our fingers together as we walked through the hospital hallways. Jenna had her baby earlier this morning and after our golf round and giving them time as a family Jenna had asked Gabi to bring food and to come see their little girl.
Willa Jo.
It was a cute name and it really got my wheels turning about what our kid's names were going to be – that we had to actually pick names to name them. That was probably the most terrifying thought alone. Gabi looked back at me with a smile on her face, "I am so excited. I cannot wait to see you holding a baby." I balked, "Wait, I am holding her?" She twisted to face me and gave a laugh. "Wait, are you nervous Troy Bolton?"
Reaching behind my neck I rubbed it with a shrug, "Yea, maybe," she stopped and looped her arms around my waist. "I guess daddy bootcamp starts today," she whispered tilting her head back and I smiled with a tiny shake of my head. "You are going to be such an amazing dad, don't doubt yourself." I kissed her head as she turned and took off for the room. Once she entered the room she was grinning and dropped my hand.
Ethan was sitting on the edge of the bed and Jenna had her hair tied up with a tired smile on her face. She was holding a pink little blanket and my pregnant fiancé practically barreled Ethan over. "Yea, okay, I will move out of the way," Ethan said and Gabi just tossed him a glare before gushing over the baby. My eyes just held her as I watched her stare at Willa. Ethan nudged me arm with a smile, "You seem to be ready for that,"
I smiled, "I don't know about being ready but I am excited to see that face all the time." Gabi was already holding her and cradling her in her arms. I swallowed as I stared at her as she murmured to the baby. "Troy, she already told me she wants you to hold her so don't you dare think you are getting out of it." I just cracked a grin as I went over and gave her a hug. "How are you doing?" I asked and she grinned, "Good. I am absolutely loving her and getting to snuggle her. God, she's amazing. I truly thought I fell in love with Ethan as soon as I saw him but the moment, I saw her I was in just…in love."
"I'm not sure how I feel about that statement," Ethan spoke up and I just laughed with a shake of my head. I walked over behind Gabi to take a peek at the tiny thing in her arms. Willa was asleep as Gabi stroked her cheek. "She is beautiful," I said looking up towards Jenna and she smirked at me, "Who? Your fiancé or my daughter?" I just grinned back, "Both."
"Suck up," Jenna tossed back and I just shook my head with a laugh. Gabi tilted her head to smile back at me. "How was labor?" Gabi asked her and Jenna shrugged. "The first part sucked and then I got the epidural and then it was great. I took a fat nap. After that, it was time to push and that wasn't as fun but still better than the first stage." Gabi smiled, "She was a champ," Ethan piped up. My eyes were trained to Gabi and the baby.
"I will still be at the gender reveal." Jenna said and Gabi shook her head, "Jenna, you have a baby now."
"And I am going to bring my baby. I'm not missing this." Gabi rolled her eyes and then turned to focus on me. "Your turn, I mostly want to see those muscles cradle a baby." I just smiled at her as she gently transferred her to my arms where she made a noise but then settled into my hold. My arms were tight and I was nervous that I was going to just drop her. "Relax, Troy, you aren't going to hurt her." Jenna said.
"You look pretty cute yourself with that baby," Gabi spoke. I looked at her as she nestled into my arms and I knew in my heart that I couldn't wait for my own moment with our babies. I let my eyes meet Gabi's eyes as she smiled at me. Her hand drifting to her stomach and I smiled watching her. "Oh, I can't wait for the two of you to have your babies. You are going to be so freaking adorable. Just with my daughter you two have so much love."
I held Willa for five more minutes before I gave her back to Jenna. Jenna grinned down at her daughter as she talked softly to her, my arms wrapped Gabi's shoulders as I pulled her back against me. "You are going to be such a beautiful mom," I whispered into her ear and she looked up at me with a smile on her lips. "I can't wait for our turn."
Saturday, September 21st, 2019
Gabi's POV
19 weeks pregnant
I woke up with a pair of lips on my belly and his fingers itching up my body, "Morning," he whispered and I smiled, "Good morning," my eyes fluttered open to see his wild hair and overnight growth on his face. It scratched my belly as he hovered up and over my face. "We get to find out what the babies are today." I smiled as I pulled him down closer to me. "I am very excited and we are almost half way through our pregnancy."
One of the babies kicked and I picked up Troy's hand and gently placed his hand there. He twisted onto his side as the baby kicked again. Troy's eyes went wide and I grinned, "Did you feel it?" he nodded his head, "Yea, that's one of them kicking?" I nodded my head and he laughed while rubbing his hand over my stomach again. "They are moving inside of you. How amazing is that?" the other baby kicked on the other side and I found his other hand to place it there.
Troy just grinned like a fool as he stared at my belly. "I cannot wait to see their little faces and noses and oh my god, we're going to be parents." He gave me that big goofy grin that I adored so freaking much that it nearly hurt. I brushed my fingers through his hair, "After today we have to be discussing names." I told him and he nodded his head, "We will. We will discuss all of the names."
He dropped a quick kiss to my lips before we both got out of bed and began about our day. Beth, Sara, Sage, Lennon, and Josie all set up the house last night as they directed us to sit and not do a damn thing. Nobody knew the genders because I handed the envelope to an employee, they read it, and then pick the correct confetti cannons. She made sure to cover up all of the labels to prevent us from seeing anything that would ruin the surprise.
I pulled on a white dress that framed my bump and my boobs. I slid on a pair of sandals and did a light layer of make-up as Troy got out of the shower and came over to wrap his arms around my body while pressing his lips to my neck. "You look stunning," he whispered into my ear. I smiled, "Thank you,"
He kissed my cheek again and I backed up as he pulled out a pair of jeans with a t-shirt. "Are people here?" I asked him and he nodded, "Sage and Sara were already downstairs setting up food. The boys are setting up out back. Beth text me that she was on her way over." I nodded my head as I finished up as Troy pulled on a hat backwards before reaching for me again. "What is your bet?" he asked and I squinted, "What do you mean?"
"You've never told me what your thoughts are…what are they?" I nibbled on my lip for a minute and shrugged, "I have no strong inkling in any direction. That's an honest answer. Do you?" he shook his head, "No. I was hoping you would." I laughed and I smiled softly, "We'll know soon enough,"
I went downstairs to see Sage, Sara, Lennon, and Josie all in the kitchen as they were setting up for today. "There is the momma to be!" I grinned, "You guys, I cannot thank you all enough for this." I said and they all just grinned big. "It's going to be so much fun, just getting to celebrate these two babies. We are so excited to found out what these babies are." I hugged each and every single one of them as it was just our families joining after this.
Jenna and Ethan were coming with little Willa Jo who I was getting daily, more like hourly, snapchats about her. Annie was going to come over as well but that rounded out our little family. They instructed me to sit down as it was almost noon which was when the party was starting. Cameron and Dylan were grilling hotdogs and hamburgers out back. Troy was already outside when our families started to show up.
I migrated out back as Blaine was playing bags with Jesse, Jax, and James. It was a sight to see James smiling with his kids again. It wasn't that same full smile but he was breathing and attending family functions again. It was refreshing. "Hi sweetie!" my mom showed up with a big grin on her face. I went over and hugged her tightly, "I am so happy for you," I squeezed her back. "I am so excited to find out what my next grandchildren are going to be!" I just gave a smile towards her.
"We will find out soon enough. I think we decided to do it as soon as everybody was here so that way we can celebrate and have fun as a family." My mom just grinned and gave me another hug. My dad was next as he kissed my temple before going to find Troy. Macken and Brady showed up along with Beth in tow. I went around hugging everybody and listening to everybody's prediction. A lot of double boy guesses were thrown out. Boy and girl were also the next popular.
"Hey!" Beth came over and hugged me, "I brought my camera and I will take pictures of you guys!" I grinned, "Thank you," I whispered as I hugged her tightly. "When you come during Thanksgiving can we do a little maternity set? I'll pay," Beth reared back with a shake of her head. "Absolutely not. You are not paying. You are my sister." I just shook my head and I hugged her again. "Thank you,"
"Anything for you,"
My eyes wondered around to see Troy had a beer in his hands while messing around with his best friends. I walked over and I slipped my arm around his waist. "Hey baby," he dipped down and kissed my head. "Hi, we're just waiting on Jenna. I think your parents just showed up." Troy looked over towards the back door to see Laura and Tommy walking through the back door. Troy raised his beer in a greeting as I smiled and waved.
"Perfect. Do you need me to do anything?" I shook my head, "No. I don't. I just was seeing what you boys are up too," Jax grinned, "Just the normal bullshit, Gabs. Giving Dylan a hard time about his beautiful girlfriend, giving Jesse shit about his need to make sure Sage is comfortable at all times, telling Troy that he is whipped," Jax winked and I just laughed with a shake of my head. "Wait, what about Cameron's bullshit of no proposing?" Troy piped causing Cameron to groan loudly.
"I hate all of you." He muttered underneath of his breath.
"Jax are you the perfect one?" I questioned and he just batted his eyelashes, "Well of course," I just laughed as Troy shook his head while rubbing his hand on my back. I looked over at the back of the house again to see Jenna and Ethan coming out of the back of the house. A baby carrier in Ethan's hands. I squealed as I let go of Troy and I jumped and jogged over to the deck as Lennon, Annie, and Sage were all taking peeks at my goddaughter.
"Oh my god, you are stunning," Jenna proclaimed and I threw my arms around her neck. "How are you doing?" I asked her and she grinned, "I smell like baby puke, I barely got to shower before we came, she hates the car but is finally asleep." I pouted and she tapped my nose, "I promise, you will get cuddles from her. I am just not ready to rock the boat." I laughed in understanding as I took my own peek to see her in a little zip up jammies.
"Oh god, she is so cute," I whispered causing Jenna to smile. "So, when are we finding out?" Annie asked as she took a sip of her drink. I swung around to see Troy watching me with a tiny smile on his face. "I think now," I told them as I went over to hug Laura and Tommy. "He got to feel them kick this morning," I told Laura and she grinned as her eyes got a little watery. "How did he do?" I just smiled, "He wouldn't let go."
Troy came over and kissed his mom cheek and then hugged his dad, "I heard you got to feel them move this morning," she said to him and his face light up causing my own eyes to get watery. I swallowed on the lump in my throat as I loved it. I loved how much he loved them already. "It was unreal mom. It was pretty faint but I could feel them."
My eyes looked up at Troy, "You wanna find out?" I asked and he just grinned with a nod. "Yea, I really want to know." I just laughed as I summoned Beth and she just nodded as she went to grab her camera. Sage went to grab the cannons as we started to gather all of our family and best of friends around. "Here, let's take a few pictures before," Beth said. Troy tucked me into his side and we both smiled for the camera as I framed my bump.
"You two are freaking adorable," Sara called out and I just laughed while Troy kissed my head. "Get a room," Cameron hollered and we all just shook our heads with a laugh. I looked around the backyard to see all of the people who have become so close to me in the past year. Who lifted me up when I needed it the most? Helped me. Cared for me. They were the people who stood by me. Some of them old. Some of them new.
I blinked away the tears as I felt the love and the happiness that crawled off of all of them. "You, okay?" I tilted my head back to see Troy and I just nodded as I wiped away a tear. "I just love looking into this crowd of people and see how many people love us and our babies. I know this isn't all of them but this is a lot of freaking people. I went from a small family and little friends to…this." Troy gave a half smile as he brushed my tears away.
"We do have some amazing people in our lives, don't we?" I nodded my head as one of the babies kicked and I let Troy's hand touch their again. He just grinned wide at the sensation, "Let's find out," he said and I just nodded my head, "Yea, let's do the damn thing,"
Sage gave each of us a cannon and I just smirked looking at him, "On three," I told him and he nodded his head, "You have to close your eyes," he told me and I just giggled with a smile. We made sure we understood how to use the cannon and we looked out into the crowd. "Are you guys ready?" I called and they all yelled with excitement. I looked over at Troy and he winked, "Ready?" I nodded my head as we raised them to flat out in front of us.
"One," I said and Troy let his eyes fall shut, "Two," he said and I grinned as my eyes closed. "Three," we both yelled together.
I heard two pops of the cannon as I let my eyes fly open.
I gasped to see the pink and blue confetti floating through the air. I covered my mouth with shock as Troy laughed with a big smile on his face, I turned to face him as he engulfed me into a tight hug. I wrapped my legs around his waist and I pulled him into a kiss.
"I love you," I whispered into his lips and he just grinned in return. "I love you too, I can't believe we are getting one of each." I just laughed as I kissed him again and let my forehead settle on his. "I think it's exactly what I wanted." I whispered back to him and he nodded his head, "I think so too,"
We turned as Troy sat me back down on the ground. Troy and I walked back towards our families as my mom were crying hysterically as she hugged both of us. "I am so happy for the both of you," I just smiled wide as Troy was engulfed with his friends, Jenna came over and wrapped me up tightly. "Willa is going to get a girlfriend and a boyfriend," she nearly sobbed with her overjoyed hormones. I just hugged her back as everybody was excited and happy.
"Gabi," I turned to see Beth and she had her camera, she had tears in her eyes and I walked over concerned as she showed me a picture. My legs were around Troy's waist, our lips on each other as there was still a few strands of pink and blue willowing around us. Both of us had the biggest smiles on our faces and the happiest shine in our eyes. "I am so happy for you," she whispered and she hugged me tightly as I couldn't stop the tears.
"I also love that I can see how much he loves all three of you in one picture." I wiped away my tears as she showed one prior to us finding out as his hand was on my belly with that grin. "He was feeling one of them move," she smiled, "You were both so shocked and your reactions were so genuine. I love you. I love him for you. I love seeing how happy you are and I cannot wait to see you become a mother."
I reached over and just hugged her tightly, "I am happy that you found that somebody too."
Troy's POV
I let my hand dance across her belly as I was still basking in the glow of finding out that I was going to have a son and a daughter. We had taken to celebration once all of our friends had left and I know I needed to let her sleep but I couldn't stop. My lips placed on her lower belly and she brushed her fingers through my hair. "Are you happy?" she asked me and I just laughed with a tiny nod. "Yea, baby, I am really happy."
She gave a tired smile as her eyes were having a hard time staying open. I crawled up until I pulled her back against my chest. "Any name ideas?" I teased her and she smiled in her sleep and her body turned towards mine, "I don't know. I feel like there are so many options and I just hope we can agree." I chuckled under my breath as I tipped her head back and let my lips press against hers. "Troy," she whispered with a laugh and I just smiled. "You have all day tomorrow to rest."
"We have football Sunday," she whined and I smiled, "I can get us out of it,"
"You just want to have sex again." She accused letting her eyes fall open and she smiled, "I mean I would never say no but if you need to rest tomorrow then we will rest." I dropped to kiss her as I took her bottom lip in-between mine as she widened her legs for me to settle between. I couldn't control my smile as I lazily kissed her as I turned her to get her off her back. She straddled me and took over the kiss. Her naked body stunning as her bump was growing and her body was accommodating.
"Have I ever told you how beautiful you are?" she blushed while I brushed her hair off her shoulder and kissed that. She yawned and I smiled as I gently laid her back down onto her side. "Are you happy there is one of each?" I asked her as my fingers circled her nipples as she stifled a moan from the contact. "Yes, I think it's the best of both worlds." I smiled as I let my fingers inch down her body. "Troy," she whispered and I stopped, "What?"
"I'm sleepy," she said and I nodded as I leaned forward to kiss her softly. "I know, I'm just making sure you sleep well." She frowned as I let my fingers inch down her body and then between her wet folds and she gasped. "Troy," she pleaded. "Relax baby, let me take care of you."
Her body reacted in tune with my fingers as she arched and spread her legs further apart for my hand. She moaned out my name as I sped up as I watched her. Probably my favorite part about us having sex was getting to see her pleasure and her reactions. "I need you," she nearly begged and I shook my head. "No, baby, this is just for you so you can sleep," I whispered to her and she nearly cried out from those words.
I added a finger to the mix which really got her to cry out and arch her back, "No, Troy, I want you inside of me." It took nearly all self-restraint but I could only assume she was already going to be sore tomorrow. She was almost twenty weeks pregnant with twins. It was taking a toll on her body. Yet, she rolled away from me and the next thing I knew she was straddling me and sliding right on. I nearly groaned from the contact as she climaxed from that movement alone.
I nearly lost my shit as I held her hips and pumped into her several times as she rode the high. I quickly finished myself because I did want her to go to bed. She nearly collapsed on top of me but I pulled her down to the side as we both caught out breaths together. She nestled into my chest and closed her eyes, "I love you so much Troy, I can't wait to do this parent thing with you." I kissed her head and I just smiled.
"I love you, too Brie. You are going to be such an amazing mother." She just snuggled in and I wrapped her into my arms. Grateful that I was right here with the woman I loved and knowing that I would have a son and a daughter within the next twenty weeks.
Happy Sunday! I hope you all are having a good weekend! I hope you enjoyed last week's Nurse Montez update and this update! Are we happy about a boy and a girl? I am!
Also…with twins…do you prefer their names rhyme or just have the same first letter? Tell me which one you prefer! It might influence their names!
PLEASE REVIEW!
Next Update: June 20th
