Chapter 30 – First Games
Monday, October 28th, 2019
24 weeks pregnant
Gabi's POV
I watched Troy tug on his long sleeve dress shirt as their first home game was tonight and the guys all agreed that they were going to wear a suit san tie tonight – my personal favorite look that they sported. It was a navy suit with a white undershirt with those brown shoes. I was still in my dress from work as I was going to video tape the girls dance tonight. Troy turned around and he sent me a look with a smug smile on his face. "You checking me out?" I nodded my head up and down as I walked over to him.
"I love this suit. I might make you marry me in this suit." Troy chuckled, "I think I need a better suit than this old thing. I can do navy though." I nodded my head up and down. "I love navy on you." I tugged on the belt loop and he chuckled as he smiled with a shake of his head. I nibbled on my bottom lip as I pulled out the bag from behind my back. "What is this?" he asked and I smiled as I rocked on my heels.
"This is your first game of the season gift – I found them a while ago and I have been waiting to give them to you." He eyed me with suspicion as he slowly took the bag from my hand. He sat on the edge of the bed as he began to pull out the tissue paper. He sat it down next to him and then picked up the case at the bottom. Those blue eyes flickered to me again before he opened it up and he sat quietly for a moment.
"Gabi," his voice was hoarse and I sat on his knee as he scooped his free arm around my back. "So maybe I fibbed a little. I ordered them a while ago. They seemed fitting and I wanted to wait until our anniversary but I couldn't so…happy first game." He looked up at me from the basketball cuff links that had Coach Bolton written across them. "I love them, this is…amazing." I kissed his temple and I picked up the first one and I put it on his first sleeve before taking the other one to the other sleeve.
"I want you to look perfect and I cannot wait to watch you coach tonight. Just remember – they will be listening." Troy chuckled as he let his hands run over my belly that was overwhelmingly large and in charge. "You have the best mommy," he whispered against my belly and I couldn't stop my laugh as his other hand tried to sneak up my dress. A naughty smirk on his face, "Troy Bolton," I warned and he just laughed with a smile on his face.
"I love you; I would continue with my threat if I didn't have to get to the gym. I will see you there, right?" I smiled with a nod. "Yes, I will be there in thirty minutes. I am going to go grab an iced tea and pick up Lucy. She wanted to come." Troy kissed my head and nodded his head, "I'll see you then. I love you," he kissed my cheek before dropping to my belly. "I love you and you," his kisses on each side and I let my fingers brush the top of his head.
"No, no, don't mess that up."
I just laughed as I sent him a look, "As if you won't mess it up all night long and drive me fucking crazy," his hands framed my face before kissing me again. "That's my plan baby, drive you fucking crazy so I can take you right back here to fuck you senseless," my body warmed just from his words and he knew it from my face. "Go before you are too late, okay? I love you. We'll see you there." Troy grabbed his backpack before heading out.
I touched up my make-up in the mirror as I grabbed my purse before heading out the door. Luna was at my parents' house so that his parents could come to the game tonight. She loved my dad and it had my mom considering getting them both a dog. I walked across the house to the car as I text James that I was on my way. I stopped by Sonic to grab myself a Cherry Limeade instead of a tea and got Lucy grape slushie.
It wasn't but five minutes later that I was pulling up to the house and Lucy was excitably standing out front. James had a smile on his face as he walked down the steps with her. It was good to see him in better moods and happier. They were getting the house ready to list on the market and he was actively searching for a new home. Blaine and Lucy were both okay moving as they wanted their good memoires with their mom to be in that house and to start making new memories.
"Hi sweet girl!" she giggled as she crawled into her seat in my car and James helped her buckle up. "Are you sure Gabi?" I nodded my head. "Yup, I got my girl for the night. I know Blaine said they had practice and he was going out with some friends afterwards." James nodded. "Yea, they are. I am going to just be here so if she wants to leave early and you don't just call and I'll come get her." I nodded my head, "I will. Thanks for letting me getting some aunt and Lucy love tonight."
He smiled with a nod as he kissed Lucy good-bye as I turned to hand her the slushie. "Oh, thank you Aunt Gabi," I smiled, "Sure things. Are you ready to watch Uncle Troy tonight?" she nodded her head as we started towards the high school. "But I am really excited to see the dancers." I smiled as I turned to wink at her. "Me, too,"
It only took ten minutes to pull up to the gym and I helped Lucy out of the car as we held hands as we walked in together. "Hey Gabs!" I heard Lennon's voice as I turned around to see her heading towards the door. She was still in her work attire which consisted of a crop top and a pair of leggings with a long sleeve jacket. "Hi Len!" I called back and Lucy glanced at her. "Who is that Aunt Gabi?" she questioned with a whisper and I smiled, "She's one of Uncle Troy's friends," I whispered back.
Lennon caught up to us and Lucy stopped as she stuck her hand out, "Hi, I'm Lucy. I am Aunt Gabi's niece. I love her a lot." Lennon's eyes went wide and a big smile crossed her face, "Well hello Lucy, I have heard lots and lots about you. You are pretty adorable." Lucy shrugged as she went back to drinking her slushie as I just laughed behind her with a shake of my head. Lennon laughed, "Oh god, your daughter is in big trouble if she turns out like that."
"Right, she is going to be a little spit fire. I can feel it." We both walked in together as Cameron was waiting on Lennon at the table and he grinned watching all of us walk in together. "Well, well, I was the lucky one. Susie, I got these three."
"Don't make me tell Troy you are trying to steal his girl," Susie threatened causing Cameron to lift his hands, "We all know that Troy is protective over it. I can make the boss man come out here himself." Susie chuckled, "No, no Camey," Cameron rolled his eyes with a smile on his lips as we all followed through. "How was work today?" Lennon asked and I nodded, "Great. I think I am going to need to assistance once I have these babies and heal." I told her and she light up, "Oh my god, that would be so much fun. Maybe after Sage is all healed, we can do a little group workout with us girls."
"Ohh…that sounds amazing! We could do it in the mornings or evenings,"
"Yes! We really should. Away from the men and the kids," I laughed, "They can all watch each other," I joked and Cameron huffed, "Ya'll have zero faith in us. You do know that we are capable?" Lennon and I shared a look with each other that caused us to laugh. "We will drop all three babies off and then leave for the afternoon. We will see who survives when we get back."
"Deal," Cameron said and we just shook our heads with a laugh. Cameron walked away and went back to the locker room. Lennon laughed with a shake of her head, "They will literally die but I think Troy and Jesse would be able to handle it." I smiled while we all found some seats behind the bench. Lucy smooshed between the two of us as she looked around at the basketball court. "Does Blaine play tonight?" she asked and I shook my head. "No, they don't play until tomorrow."
She nodded her head and I watched the door as it pushed open and out walked Troy, Dylan, and Jax. They were all in a discussion as I couldn't take my eyes off him for a moment as he stuck his hands in his pockets while he rocked on his heels. His eyes lifted up as Cameron came up behind him and his eyes landed on me with a smile tugging on his lips. He nodded his head before he began to walk away as the boys were on the court warming up. He walked over towards us and he smiled, "There is my beautiful girl," I shook my head with a laugh.
"Troy, you literally just saw me." He gave me a wicked grin, "I was talking about Lucy," I just shook my head with a laugh as Lucy launched herself at Troy. "Hi Uncle Troy!" he hugged her tightly, "How is Lucy?" he asked and she giggled, "Good! I met your friend Lennon,"
"Yea? She's really fun. She dates my friend, Cameron." She looked around at his friends, "The one in the gray?" Troy chuckled with a nod, "Yes, that's him." Lucy nodded her head, "That's cool,"
"Are you going to help Aunt Gabi record the dancers?" she nodded her head up and down, "I can't wait to watch them dance!" Troy tickled her stomach, "What about my basketball game?" he questioned and she shrugged her shoulders. "Meh," Troy chuckled as he sat her down. "Fair enough, Lucy. Just root on the good guys, okay?" she nodded as she climbed back up to sit with us. Troy came over and he smiled as he tipped my chin backwards. "I might have been talking about you," he said with a wink and I just laughed as he dropped a kiss to my lips.
"Good luck," I told him and he grinned, "With you here? I'm good." I shook my head with a smile as Troy went back to preparing to coach and Dana plus Brea showed up and settled in around me. The boys came out and took a fast lead during the game as Troy was successfully coaching them across the court. His fingers pulled through his hair as he shifted back into his chair. "Gabi, how do you handle watching that all game without combusting?" Dana asked as she took a bit of her nachos. I just laughed, "I'm on fire. Don't worry," I sent her a wink back and she just laughed. During the 2nd quarter we were going to help and make sure the girls were all warmed up and ready to go. I rubbed my belly as one of the twins pressed up into my ribs. I shifted my weight on my feet as I watched Lucy run around in a circle and tried to mimic the dancers around her.
We heard the buzzer sound for the end of the first half and I grabbed my cell phone and I wished the girl's luck. "Kill it ladies!" I grabbed Lucy's hand as I walked up the stairs and found a spot in the very middle that the girls were going to face as I started to record the dance. It was their hip-hop dance today and they strutted out into the middle of the court. Lucy gasped with excitement and I just smiled with a shake of my head. Dana was on the other side getting ready to start the music. Once they were all in position Dana started the music on the other side and I pressed film on the phone.
The music busted through the sound system as the girls quickly went into their routine. Brea settled on the other side of Lucy as she watched with me. The girls were killing it in most aspects but it was slowly starting to fall apart towards the end. Nothing that couldn't be fixed but we were hyper fixated on every single turn and move to make it the best. I heard the gym door open and I couldn't stop my smile as Troy was leaning against the wall as he watched the dancers move. His eyes found mine for a brief moment and he smiled softly before turning his attention back to the court.
My heart warmed with his support as the girls finished out their dance routine The crowd all clapped as the girls exited the gym. "C'mon Lucy," I said with a smile as I tugged on her hand to follow me out into the lobby. The girls were all buzzing with excitement and happiness about their first comp dance on the floor in front of other people. "You guys did amazing!" Brea said with a grin. "Really? Did it look okay? Can we watch?" Annie asked and I nodded as I handed over my phone to them. My hands rubbed on my belly when the lower portion tightened. I frowned in discomfort but it went away fairly quickly.
"Gabi, what can we do better?" Layla asked and I smiled, "You guys did really well for the first time performing it. The beginning was really strong but we have to work on endurance to get through the end. It started to get sloppy, our turns not as sharp, etc." Dana nodded her head, "I agree. It was a strong start but a sloppy finish. We will work on the second half more during practice this week and building the endurance. You did really well though ladies,"
We did a quick chant before they all broke apart. I walked back into the gym with Lucy as I took my spot next to Lennon and Sage. "Gabi, those girls probably love you." Lennon said and I laughed with a shrug. "It is a lot of fun. I love working with them and it definitely light a fire underneath of me to open my own dance studio again." I rubbed my lips together when Troy and his team all walked back out of the locker room. Cameron, Jesse, and Troy were all in deep discussion over something but it let up as they continued to walk over.
Cameron smirked at Lennon as Lennon just chuckled under her breath, "I love that man," Len said and I gave her a smile, "He seems like a great man," I told her. "He is fantastic and knows how to take care of a lady."
"Do you think they share tips?" Sage questioned and I blinked and I couldn't stop my laugh, "I am so going to ask him."
"They have, too. All of us claim they are really good in bed. They have to share tips to all be good. I want to know who started it." We all busted over in laughter as Troy turned around to face us. "What is so funny you three?" he questioned and I smirked with a shake of my head. "Nothing that concerns you right now." Troy just arched an eyebrow. I winked towards him and he turned around with a smile on his face as he called his team over to do a big discussion of strategy.
He started some of his second string as they were up by twenty-five already. Troy took a relaxed seat back as they all worked together on the court and practiced their plays against the other team. His fingers dug through his hair again and I bit my lower lip with a shake of my head. My belly tightened again and fear crept into my chest as I took a deep breath and relaxed as it never lasted long but it was uncomfortable.
James Island took a demanding lead into the fourth quarter as Troy replaced all of his starters and turned around to face me. I pointed towards Lucy and nudged my head out and he nodded his head in understanding that I needed to get Lucy home. "Love you," I mouthed and he smiled as he mouthed it back to me. I escorted Lucy out of the gym as she hugged on my legs. "Did you have fun?" I asked her and she nodded her head. "I did. I like the dancers. Can I be a dancer?" I nodded my head. "Absolutely. After Aunt Gabi has the babies, I can teach you."
Lucy grinned as I loaded her into the car and drove her back to James's place. I rubbed my lips together as my belly did that tightening again. I kept my tears at bay with the worry that was building in my chest. I wasn't even in the third trimester yet. I pulled into James' drive way and Lucy popped out as James was waiting for her. He scooped her up in a big hug and I couldn't stop my smile. "Thanks Gabs!" I nodded with a smile as she ran inside and I sent one more wave before I drove home.
Once I got inside, I let Luna out of her kennel and let her run around the backyard. I leaned against the railing as I waited for it to happen again.
Troy's POV
I high-fived Cameron as I walked out to my car, "Hell of a game," he said and I smiled, "I think we're going to be good this year. I just have this gut feeling." I told him and he smirked from ear to ear. "Good enough to get through West Ashley and your soon to be nephew?" he questioned and I shrugged as I pulled open my Jeep door. "I sure as fuck hope so but I don't know. It's a hard place for my heart to be in because I want Blaine to do really well but I also want it for me, y'know?"
Cameron nodded his head, "Luckily, it's just two more seasons." I agreed with that as I waved good-bye as I couldn't wipe the smile off my face. The boys played really well, Gabi was on cloud-nine from the girls dance performance and I was going to go home to hopefully a very horny fiancé. It wasn't a far drive from the gym to our house when I noticed the lights still on. I figured she would be upstairs by now and almost in bed.
I parked my car and worked my way inside when I glanced over to see Gabi sitting on the couch with tears running down her face. I blinked once and then twice as I set my stuff down. "Gabs?" I questioned and she turned to face me as I could only see pure fear on her face. "Baby, what happened?" I practically jogged over to her as her fingers were on her belly. "What's wrong?" I felt my own panic build in my system. She was fine earlier.
"I keep feeling my belly get really tight," her voice was shaking and the fear that was deep in her eyes shook me to my core. "Shh, okay, I need you to take a deep breath and calm down for me, okay?" I knelled in front of her as I pulled her into my bed and held on to her tightly to try and get her body to relax. Her nose pressed into my neck and I just held onto her. Her body slowly began to relax and once she wasn't sobbing anymore, I pulled back to look at her.
"Okay, start from the top," I whispered to her as I brushed her face with my thumb. Her eyes closed for a moment as she swiped the back of her hand against her cheek. "I was at the game when my belly just got really tight and uncomfortable for a moment. It went away and then it happened again. It happened once more on my way home and then when I was standing outside with Luna. It just all of a sudden gets really tight and hard and it's all in my belly and what if the babies aren't, okay?"
I soothed her as I sat on the couch and pulled her into my lap. "Shh…don't panic. How about we call your mom and see what she has to say? Maybe this is something normal. If you want to go to the hospital to get checked out, we can." I kissed her forehead and she closed her eyes, "Will you call my mom?" I just nodded as I picked up my phone and I pressed on her mom's name.
"Troy? Is everything okay?" Gina answered the phone and I just stroked Gabi's skin. "Gabi just has a pregnancy question. She's a little freaked out though. We're on speaker phone." Gina moved around for a moment. "Gabi, what's wrong?" her mom had the soothing mom voice as Gabi just let her hands keep rubbing her stomach. "I keep having these almost cramp like moments in my belly and I'm scared it's contractions. I'm only 24 weeks mom," her voice cracked and broke at the end.
My heart broke for her as I just wanted to keep her safe, "Shh…Gabs, listen, I have a few questions. Can you answer them?" she sniffled, "Yea," she whispered and Gina cleared her throat. "Are they happening in regular fashion? Like every ten minutes? Like clockwork?" she questioned. "No," she answered. "It's all random. Sometimes it's thirty minutes and sometimes it's 15 minutes and sometimes it's 20 minutes."
"Good, that's good. Is it in your back or your stomach?" she questioned again, "Stomach."
"Another good sign. Are they getting stronger?"
"No, it's always just like a cramp in the front. Always the same intensity." Gabi spoke as Gina exhaled, "Sweetie, it just sounds like Braxton Hicks. They happen in the second and third trimester. If you were in true labor, they would be happening in a regular fashion, they would be getting stronger, and they would most likely start in your back and work forward. I had them with all of you kids." I wiped her tears away as she breathed out as her eyes looked up with tears again.
"Are you sure?" Gabi asked her and Gina sighed, "I can't be 100% sure sweetie but that is exactly what it sounds like. If they get stronger, closer together, and more regular then you need to go to the hospital as soon as possible, okay? You might take a bath and see if they stop, it sometimes helps."
"Thank you, Gina," I told her. "Take care of her, Troy."
"Of course,"
"I love you mom," Gabi whispered and Gina sighed, "I love you, too sweetie. I know it's scary but you are doing everything right." She took a deep breath and I hung up the phone as I just held her against my body. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to freak out over nothing," I shook my head, "It isn't nothing if you think it is something. You didn't know. You've never had kids before how are you supposed to know?" She wiped her tears away as I let my hands run over her belly. "They are okay. You are okay. Do you want to take a bath?" I asked her and she shook her head no. "Will you take a shower with me?"
"Of course, I will, are you okay?" she took a few deep breaths and then nodded her head. "I was scared. I'm 24 weeks which I know is viability but they would be so tiny and so sick." I kissed her temple and I just breathed in her scent. "Were you this scared at the game?" she shook her head back and forth. "No. I was honestly not that scared. I was just kinda worried and unsure of what it was but the more it kept happening the more scared I started to get."
I smoothed her hair out and I kissed her temple again, "I love you," she gave a tiny smile, "I love you, too." I easily helped her up and I pulled her into a big bear hug and she inhaled, "it hasn't happened in a while. Maybe it's done. If it keeps happening tomorrow, I'll call my doctor's office."
I dropped a kiss to her lips and I escorted her upstairs as I started the shower and slowly started to undress her. She didn't resist or argue as I placed her in the shower as I stripped and followed her into the shower. She eyes were closed under the warm steam and I just wrapped my arms around her chest to pull her back against me. I helped wash her hair and rinse it out as the conditioner was next and then I slid soap around her body with pleasure for both of us.
She turned to face me with hooded eyes as I shook my head, "Not tonight, you need to rest." I told her and she started to pout. Her fingers wrapped around me and I shook my head, "Baby, I don't want to stress you out any farther. I need your body to rest," she squeezed my dick again and I nearly lost my footing. "You kept brushing your fingers through your hair tonight and then you came home and you took care of me and you didn't freak out when I was freaking out and you called my mom and I just…I love you."
"Which is why you are going to go lay in bed while I take care of a problem you started."
"You lathered me up with soap and think that I'm not just as turned on?" she questioned and I smiled down at her. "Go to bed, baby," I whispered into her ear as she nearly had a meltdown from that alone. She crossed her arms stubbornly as I turned off the water and I picked up my towel to wrap around my waist and then I wrapped Gabi in another towel as I picked her up and carried her to the bedroom. I grabbed my t-shirt and I slid it over her head and she looked up at me with puppy dog eyes.
"Troy,"
"Sorry, you get some rest tonight and I will treat you to one hell of a morning." I whispered against her lips and she nearly convulsed from that alone. "Fine, you're lucky I am emotionally exhausted." I just shook my head with a smirk on my face as I dropped a kiss to her lips. "I love you,"
"I love you, too. Even when you don't give me sex." I just laughed with a shake of my head. I had a problem to take care of.
Gabi's POV
Saturday, November 2nd, 2019
25 Weeks Pregnant
The afternoon breeze whipped through the dog park as Luna was running around happily with the other dogs. I chewed on my lip as Troy was walking back with Luna at his side as were going to take her home before we went out to dinner together on the water tonight. We both were giddy to share our baby names with each other. Troy had a game last night but so did Blaine. I chose to attend Blaine's game as Troy and I grabbed dinner together afterward.
I did call and confirm with my doctor that I was most likely experiencing Braxton-hicks' contractions and she calmed my fears that I was going into early labor. It was a heavy weight lifted off my shoulders and I was back to my happy self. Luna ran into my side and I rubbed her fur as Troy pulled me into his arms. "You ready to get out of here?" I nodded my head as Troy leashed Luna as we headed towards the exit. His fingers dipped into mine as he locked them together.
"Any out-of-town trips this year?" I asked him and he chuckled, "After the babies are born which I don't know how that's going to work,"
"You are going to go and maybe I will see if Beth wants to fly out here to be here. I would go with you but I don't think taking two newborn twins on the road that early would be our wisest idea." I joked with him as I elbowed him gently. "No, probably not but if you want me to stay,"
"Troy," I threatened, "You are the head coach you have to be there. It will be three nights. Auntie Beth would probably love to come." We made it out of the park and Luna hopped in the car. I settled into the passenger seat as Troy navigated back towards the house. "I am going to shower and change then we can go." I told him. He nodded his head, "Sounds good. Don't take too long or else I'll be joining you." I couldn't stop with a laugh and I reached over to tug on his hand. I clasped on my fingers to his hand as I stroked his skin. "I can't wait for tonight and all of the names you came up with."
"We can veto two on each list. Tonight. The others we can sit on and persuade each other on." Troy argued back and I smiled, "Yea, I love it." His fingers squeezed my hand as we went back to the house. Troy fed Luna while I went upstairs to shower and I pulled on a pair of jeans with a white t-shirt and a tan cardigan over top. My belly was on full display as I pulled on a pair of booties as I blow dried my hair letting the curls fall naturally and adding a little necklace along with a pair of earrings.
"Sexy momma," Troy grinned as he entered the bathroom and I grinned as I tipped my head back to receive a kiss. "I love you," I whispered to him. He smiled, "I love you, too. You ready?" I nodded as he kissed me once more before I went to grab my purse. I walked downstairs as Troy finished doing whatever he was doing. I locked Luna in her crate with a few cookies before going to the car. Troy was right behind me.
"I am very excited to spend the evening with you," I said with a smile towards him. "Every night with you is my favorite." I smiled with a shake of my head as we weren't too far from one of our favorite restaurants. "How was basketball this week? I don't think I really asked you about it." Troy sent me a grin, "It was a good week. We worked on a lot of our plays and I think this team might have a decent chance this year without any injuries. They work hard."
"Good. I thought they looked pretty good in the game I watched but I was a little distracted." Troy reached over and let his hand run on my belly, "I just can't believe sometimes that there is two of them in there." I laughed, "I know. The fact that somebody is going to trust the two of us with two babies is sometimes crazy in my opinion." We both shared a look and a laugh with each other. Troy pulled into the parking lot and we went inside and was quickly seated with our reservation.
Our view overlooked the water and I couldn't stop the smile as I enjoyed the beauty. "Good evening, what can I get you to drink tonight?" our waitress came up to us and asked. Troy smiled, "I'll take a pale ale," I rubbed my lips together and smiled, "I'll take a water, thank you," she nodded as she walked away. We both knew what we were getting before we even walked in. We ordered an appetizer when our drinks arrived as Troy wiggled in his seat.
"Okay, I can't wait any longer, how do we want to do this?"
"Let's stay with our boy names – we each say one and then we just write them down so we can look at them and then we can veto before moving on to girl names." We shook and agreed on it, "I'll go first for boys and you go first for girls," I told him and he agreed again as I pulled up my phone as I found my top five list.
"You ready?" I asked him and he nodded his head with a smile. "My first name, and these go in no order. I love all of them equally. Noah Tate," Troy blinked and smiled, "I do like it. It sounds good together and very original. The first name I have is Jackson Tate,"
"Ohh that is cute, very southern strong name." Troy took a drink of his beer as I proposed the next name. "Mason Tate," Troy scrunched his nose and I laughed, "Is that an immediate veto?" I asked him and he nodded his head with a laugh. "Yea, sorry, Macken dated a Mason and I just was never a fan of the name or him." I just laughed taking zero offense mostly because it wasn't my favorite on my list. "Silas Tate,"
"Silas," I rolled around in my mouth trying to figure out how much I loved it rolling off my tongue. My fingers rested on my belly as I tried to picture myself yelling Silas across the yard. "I like it, a lot, actually." Troy grinned, "Good. It was one of my favorites."
Our appetizer arrived as we both dug in while I went into my next one. "Sutton Tate," Troy stopped moving his chip to his mouth as he thought about it for a moment, "Sutton," he repeated back to me. "That is a cute baby name and a good handsome strong name for when he's older. Also, very southern but I really like that one. You redeemed yourself from Mason," I just laughed with a smile on my cheeks because nothing was better than this. Debating baby names with each other over dinner as our babies rolled in my belly? It really didn't get much better.
"Remy Tate," I nibbled on my lip and grinned, "That is cute. Remy."
"What's your next one?"
"Owen Tate," I responded and Troy laughed, "You really like the southern names. Did you google them?" he joked and I shook my head. "I did google a lot of names on a list but never just southern. I guess I tend to like the shorter names out there." Troy dropped another piece of food into his mouth as he swiped his hands. "Ezra Tate," I scrunched my face up tight with a shake of my head. "I like Ezra but I don't like it with Tate. I am dead set on Tate." Troy laughed with a nod, "Okay, okay, fair enough. We are both down to one veto on this one."
"Baylor Tate,"
"Baylor? I actually…I actually really like that." I smiled as I chewed on my lip, "I love it. Baylor and Sutton were probably my top two favorite on my list. Owen was another close one."
"Honestly? That was my top three as well. I'm using my other veto on Noah. I like it but it's just a little too popular, I think. I have like ten in all of my classes." I nodded in understanding, "I agree. Okay, but you still need to give your last name."
"Jameson Tate,"
"Like the whiskey?" I questioned towards him and he laughed, "Yes, like the whiskey but I really like it as a name." Troy bargained and I grinned, "I like it a lot, too. I think my top three of your list was Silas, Remy, and Jameson." I said honestly and he balked, "You don't like Jackson?" I bit on my lip with a tiny nod. "Yea, sorry, was that your favorite?" I whispered to him and he shook his head with a laugh. "No. My favorite was Silas,"
"Honestly, what was your favorite?" Troy asked and I shrugged, "I really couldn't decide between Sutton and Baylor. Owen really is another strong favorite." I finished off my water as Troy finished his beer as our waitress came back over to refill my water and give Troy a new beer. Our food wasn't far behind either.
"Okay, so our top six for boys are Remy, Owen, Sutton, Jameson, Baylor, and Silas." I nodded my head, "A very strong mix." I told him and he smiled as he took his first bite of his pasta he ordered. "I feel like the girls are going to be harder."
"I love all five of my names," I whispered to him and Troy laughed, "I have one that stands out and I will not tell you which one until we choose because I don't want influence." I arched an eyebrow, "Is there a reason?" Troy shrugged, "I was looking up meanings to a lot of the names I suggested and I really liked a meaning to one and I really liked the name. Again, I won't tell you the meaning until it's all said and done."
"Troy," I nearly argued and he shushed me, "No. It will all work out like it is supposed, too. Are you ready for my first one?" I just nodded my head, "Madeline Claire," I smiled, "It's classic and beautiful," I told him and he grinned, "It was always one of the names that I kinda always wanted to name my kid."
I took a bite of my dinner and I thought of which one I wanted to tell him first. I really did love all five. "Julia Claire," Troy turned his head as he let it digest into his system. "That's pretty. Julia." Troy smiled, "I could see our daughter named Julia."
"That plays well off of my next name – Josie Claire."
"Stop! That was my sixth name on my list!" I jumped and Troy laughed with a grin, "I really liked it also I'm surprised that was the first name of ours that overlapped." I rolled my lip together with a smile, "I kinda like that we don't have many similar names. It opens the playing field."
"Sawyer Claire," I announced with my next name and Troy turned his head. "I haven't heard that for a girl yet. I like it." I could tell her didn't love it and I almost vetoed it for him because all of the names he gave a good reaction for the ones he loved and a mute reaction for the ones he hated. Troy kinda grinned with the next one, "Okay, you can't quickly veto this because there is a bit of meaning behind this name – this is not the one I was talking about but…Savannah Claire,"
I couldn't help but laugh as I tried to stop my wide smile, "Savannah? Really? As in where we conceived our children?" Troy just grinned, "It would go with Jameson – which I am pretty sure lead to the conceiving in Savannah." I giggled as I couldn't help but shake my head. "With that aside, it's a really pretty name. If we did go with that, I would leave out the whole that is where they were conceived part of the story."
"Fair enough, at least until she was in her thirties." We both smiled at each other as I went for my next one. "Adeline Claire,"
Troy blinked and nodded his head slowly, "That is such a pretty name," he nearly whispered the words as he thought about it. I nodded, "I loved it. I saw it and I just…knowing that her nickname would be Addy? It would be beautiful."
"Emery Claire," Troy told me as he took the final bite of his meal and I thought about it for a minute. "I like it. I think I looked at it a few times and it almost made my top ten." Troy winced, "Okay, okay, that wasn't your favorite."
"It's really pretty but I love Savannah and Adeline and Julia and all of these so much more."
"Okay, fair, your first veto." He said stubbornly. I just cracked a smile, "Caroline Claire," Troy shook his head almost immediately, "Nope. I don't like the whole two C thing there." I sighed with a frown, "I know, I love the name Caroline though. It was hard to just skip it."
"I also think that having Caroline while living in the Carolina's would be too much."
"Fine, fair,"
Troy played with his napkin for a moment before giving me his last girl's name, "Saylor Claire," I nearly dropped my fork with the name because it was…graceful and beautiful. "Wow," I whispered quietly. "Where did you find that name?" Troy shrugged, "Searching the internet." I rubbed my lips together with a nod. "It's beautiful. Wow, this is going to be so hard."
"What is your last one?" he questioned and I smiled, "Magnolia Claire," Troy arched an eyebrow, "I know, it's a mouth full but it's very pretty and just…her nickname could be Maggie or Lia. It would be pretty and I just loved it the moment I saw it." I rushed out in one breath as Troy chuckled, "Brie, calm down, I really like it." His fingers intertwined with mine, "They were all beautiful names. You made it hard to pick my other veto."
"Sawyer," I shot back at him. "You barely reacted to it. The other ones you reacted a lot more. You want to veto Sawyer."
Troy shrugged with a nod, "Okay, yes, fine."
"Okay, don't hate me. I am going to veto Madeline." Troy smiled, "After hearing all the names we came up with – that is understandable."
"Savannah, Adeline, Magnolia, Saylor, Josie, and Julia" I looked up at him as tears filled my eyes, "I can't wait to see their faces one day. Do you think we should decide before or keep it open?"
"Do we want their names to coordinate in any sense or just whatever we love best?" Troy threw back and I rubbed my belly that was overly full, "Let's write them all out. Pair them together, and see what we get. Let's sleep on it."
"Yea? Table this discussion?" I nodded my head, "I think the name is in there though. There are so many good ones." I breathed in deeply and nodded my head while I looked at him, "Maybe we can take our top six that are left and make our top three after we pair them together and see what we have left. If we match at all with what our favorites are." Troy nodded with a smile, "I love it."
Troy stood up and he pulled me up out of my chair as he cupped my cheeks while pressing his lips to mine, "I can't wait to do our little family. I can't wait to hold them and do all of this life with you." I smiled as I kissed him again. "I love the life we are creating,"
Tuesday, November 5th, 2019
Gabi's POV
I sat down with Lucy and James as Blaine was jogging down the court warming up for the game tonight. Troy didn't have a game tonight and was going to join the family once he was done at basketball practice. "Aunt Gabi! I am so happy that you made it!" Lucy wrapped her arms around my neck and I hugged her tightly. "Hi Lucy, how was school today?" I asked her and she grinned, "Really good. I had a lot of fun and daddy came to read a story to my class like mommy used to do."
My eyes lifted up to see James and he smiled with a shrug, "That is so nice,"
"Yea! And then we went and got pizza after school." I smiled as I kissed her head as my parents showed up and scooted in behind us. "Hi guys," my mom hugged me from behind and my dad kissed my head. Lucy crawled into my dad's lap and he was chatting with her. "I am so glad you went to read at her school," I told her and he exhaled, "I feel like I am finally able to start breathing again. I think the therapist, the time with Beth living at the house, and just…time has slowly started to heal it."
He squeezed my hand, "I do want to make sure I thank you so much for all of this past year. I know I have been really unfair to you and it wasn't anything you ever did. I was just…jealous. I was jealous that you were finding love right after I lost mine." I squeezed his hand gently, "I know. I'm sorry. It was poor timing but I think Zoey had a bit of hand in the whole thing." James chuckled with a nod, "I bet she did. God, I miss her." His eyes got glassy and I just squeezed his hand and went in for a side hug.
"I really miss her too."
James smiled as they were announcing the line-up for West Ashley when Troy slid into the other side of the bench next to me. "Hey guys," Troy greeted as he shook my dad's hand and gave my mom a side hug before bending to kiss my head and then Lucy's cheek. She giggled, "Uncle Troy your cheek is scratchy." Troy just shot her a grin, "Your aunt loves it," I smacked his shoulder as James laughed as Troy shook his head with a back pat.
"No notes?" James asked and Troy laughed, "No. I told my assistants that they are in charge of these games for scouting. I am just here to enjoy good basketball." Troy slid his hand over my leg and he squeezed my knee. "Hi baby," he kissed my cheek again and I laid my head on his shoulder. "You tired?" I nodded my head, "Yea but I am happy to be here and then going to dinner with the family." Troy gave a smile. "That does sound nice. Blaine's favorite?"
I nodded my head, "Yup, I am ready for some chips and queso."
"Uncle Troy, will you go get my candy?" Lucy asked and James turned around, "Lucy," James scolded.
"No, no, it's okay. C'mon sweet thang let's go. Gabs, do you want anything?" I shook my head. "I'm good. Thank you." He nodded as he checked with my parents before he walked off hand in hand with Lucy. James nudged me with a smile, "Are you ready for that all the time?" I nodded my head with a smile, "I am. We were debating baby names the other day. I think we are going to use Zoey's middle name for our daughters middle name." James blinked with a tiny smile, "It will be beautiful, Zoey would love it."
"I couldn't use Zoey. That was her name and that was Zoey. It was all Zoey. There couldn't be anything more than that." James chuckled as the boys tipped off and we became engrossed in the game. Troy and Lucy came back with a pack of Skittles with a giggle and she planted herself on Troy's lap. Blaine was playing really, really well tonight as he raced around the court. He looked so…happy. He was laughing with his friends on the court. "Is he still free of a girlfriend?" I asked James. He nodded his head, "Yes, he has been talking to a girl but I don't think it's anything serious."
"Ohh I am glad. He looks happy." James smiled a sad smile, "Yea, he finally looks happy but I just wish he never had to endure that." I rubbed my lips together with a nod of my head as I let my hands rest on my belly while I lead into Troy again. Troy was watching intently but happily. "I love how much you love this game."
"It's like watching you with your dancers which I think I pointed out on the very first night we talked." Troy smirked down at me and I just laughed, "You did." Blaine went up and shot a three and it circled in causing our whole section to hoot and holler. Half-time rolled around and I stood up to stretch my legs out. "I'm going to run to the bathroom," I said and Troy nodded as he stood up to let me by. I walked down to the cafeteria before going to the bathroom. The line was long but it moved quickly before I returned to the gym but was stopped at the door as my fiancé walked out.
"Hi," I said and he smiled before taking my hand. "Come here," he pulled me down a hallway, "I missed you today." He whispered as my back hit the wall. I smiled, "I missed you too," he tipped my lips back and pressed his against mine. He then rested his head on my shoulder. I ran my fingers through his hair as I breathed him in. "Is this you telling me that you don't want to go to dinner?" I whispered and Troy chuckled, "No. I want to go to dinner. I just needed this moment with you."
We didn't move for several more minutes while we stayed in the hallway together. He finally lifted his head and brushed his thumb over my cheek, "I love you,"
"I love you, too."
"Thanks for this moment," he said and I laughed as we walked back into the gym hand in hand as they were warming back up together. We got situated on the bleachers together around my family as we were all laughing and having fun. We facetime Beth in and I couldn't stop but smile for a moment thinking about the time that I was so sad at Troy's game because I didn't have my family and here, I was…surrounded by it.
There was no better feeling.
Happy 4th of July! I am SO sorry for the super late update. The chapter wasn't finished and I was busy all day long with family coming over and our party that we throw every year but I stayed up late and got it finished. I hope you all love! There are SIX names left. What do you think the final names are?! LET ME KNOW in the reviews!
Please Review!
Next Update: August 1st (okay, okay, hear me out. I am working A LOT over the next several weeks plus going out of town for a week and I just have a lot of LIFE happening. It is important to me to give you good quality of chapters and hopefully this will be the last small break from this story. I am going to have a lot of free time after our vacation. Please please stick with me! I have so much left for this story and another one after this!)
Love yall
