Chapter 39 – Home

Monday, January 27th, 2020

Gabi's POV

It was some odd time in the middle of the night as Sutton was eating as if he never ate before. Today, Troy and I were taking our first day of maternity and paternity leave. It was the first of my 12 weeks and the first of Troy's two weeks. Our Saylor girl was coming home today. After a month in the NICU she had quickly progressed this past week with everything. She took to eating bottles very quickly and we worked on breastfeeding but it wasn't the easiest for her. I told them I wanted her to come home and I didn't care how she was eating to come home.

She was taking full bottles, she was off oxygen, and was over four pounds heading towards five. She passed her car seat test and was ready. We would continue to see our NICU team for the next year for follow-ups but they were both doing so well. It was by far probably the longest month of my entire life but they would both be home tonight. They were expecting her to be a morning discharge and we were going to have our families over for dinner tonight. Macken had come to meet Sutton last week but it was time for the full family.

Luna was also coming home tonight. Sunday, all of our friends were coming over to finally meet them. Last week, I mostly was still at the hospital all day. Troy would switch me while I went home and he spent time with Saylor. By the time he came home, he brought home dinner, I nursed Sutton, and he did bedtime routine while I went to bed and Troy did the first meal. He was watching film after I went to bed but it was the balance that was working.

I can honestly say we haven't spent much time together but I know over the next two weeks we will be together the entire time. I was excited. "Brie," I lifted my head as I was in the nursery with Sutton. I was able to turn on lights and make sure that Sutton was awake. Troy was rubbing his eyes as he yawned, "You both good?" I nodded my head. "Yea, he was starving. Acting as if I didn't feed him two hours ago." Troy smiled as he walked in and brushed his fingers through my hair. "Do you need anything?" I shook my head.

"No, I don't. He should be almost done."

"I'll take him so you can go back to bed." He said and I smiled, "I think I am going to like this you being home for two weeks." Troy grinned. "I would say it would be a lot of fun but I think we're going to be exhausted. The night nurses pretty much dislike our daughter because she doesn't sleep at night." We both shared a laugh as since Saylor had been extubated, she was sassy and vocal. Mostly at night but I was just happy for her to be crying.

Once Sutton was finished, I gave him over to Troy as he was still light as a feather. He was 5.5 pounds and growing every single day. Troy burped him on his shoulder as we all made our way back to the bedroom. I crawled back into bed but I also knew I had to pump. Making sure my supply was ample enough for two babies was almost the hardest part. I attached the pump while Troy crawled into bed with Sutton on his chest.

"Your little sister comes home today," Troy cheered with him. I smiled, "I cannot wait for that moment. Getting to snuggle both of them in bed tomorrow."

"Later today," Troy corrected with a smile. "Later today. We will have both of our babies' home." Troy smiled while he reached over to squeeze my hand. "We did it," I smiled at him as I just watched him with Sutton. Being at home with Sutton was an easier adjustment than we thought we would all figure it would be. Sutton was pretty relaxed. He wanted to eat and have his diaper changed. He slept and was easy going. It made it easy to go to the hospital with him all day.

I curled up on my side and Troy's hand gently brushed his fingers through my hair. "Get some rest, Brie. We have a big, big day."

~T&G~

Troy's POV

We clicked Saylor's car seat in the back of the car and I felt nothing but a sigh of relief. Gabi had already climbed into the middle between Sutton and Saylor as we had spent the morning getting final instructors and all the nurses saying good-bye to Sutton and Saylor. Saylor was crying in her car seat as Gabi tried to console her. There was nothing better than this scene. Both of our babies in the car together. Gabi getting to just be a mom to both of them. It was amazing. They were each in a cute outfit as we were also getting newborn photos done this afternoon at home.

Gabi didn't want to wait another moment because they were almost a month old. Lucky for Gabi, they were still smaller than most newborns. They were each wearing a onesie that said Best Day Ever with little sweatpants. Saylor was wearing a pink flower bow and Sutton just had his little bald head. "You ready?" my eyes met Gabi and she nodded her head with a smile. "I don't want to come back here for a really long time." We both shared a laugh and a smile.

I shut the door while I climbed in the front seat. This felt good for the first time. It felt good. I looked in the rearview seat to stare at Gabi as she was smiling at Saylor while trying to offer Saylor her favorite pacifier. Gabi looked tired but in the best way possible. She finally looked up when she realized we hadn't moved. I gave her a smile. "Just watching you." Gabi shook her head with a smile on her face as we made our drive home as a family of four.

It was almost a month overdue.

Saylor quieted after a few moments and at the next red light I just stared at Gabi. The smile on her face. The happiness in her eyes. This is how I pictured all of this unfolding. It didn't take long for us to pull into the driveway with a big Welcome Home Sign for Sutton and Saylor in the front yard with the big letters in pink and blue. A little stork and baby signs all over the yard with balloons. "I love our people," Gabi said in the back. I smiled looking back at her. "I do, too."

My mom and Troy were making dinner for everybody tonight which was going to be fun and I knew that the babies were going to be passed around with so much love. Nobody had gotten to hold Saylor yet besides Gabi and I. Once I pulled into the garage, I turned the car off. "What time is the photographer coming over?" she was the one that took our maternity pictures, will probably take our engagement pictures, and if all goes well our wedding pictures.

"Around 2. I figured that would give us time to get home, get them fed and happy, before we take a shower and get ready ourselves." I nodded as I slipped out of the car and went around to grab Sutton's car seat. Gabi started to climb out while I went around to also grab Saylor's car seat. I walked inside as there were balloons in here as well and a whimper came from the cage. I sat the twin's car seats down on the counter as I felt my heart soar as I walked over to see Luna in her kennel. "Luna!" I walked over as I let her out and I wrapped my arms around her while she whimpered.

She couldn't lick my face fast enough and I laughed while holding her. "I know, baby girl, I missed you too. It was a really long month." I rubbed her fur as I let her outside as Gabi smiled watching the two of us. "I'm glad Brady brought her over already. That way she can meet them." Gabi got Saylor out of her car seat while I reached for Sutton. He curled up in my arm as he was asleep and Saylor was fussing in Gabi's arms.

I made sure Gabi was safely on the couch with Saylor before I opened the back door to let Luna back in. She was hopping around and she ran over to Gabi. Gabi greeted her and offered her to smell Saylor's head as Luna sniffed and sniffed. I smiled as I went over with Sutton and she did the same thing. "She is like what in the world is that," Gabi said and I couldn't stop my laugh. "These are your brother and sister," I told her while I rubbed her ears.

Luna circled around and I knew she had a lot of pent-up energy. "Okay, what now mama?" I asked her and she looked at Saylor and then at Sutton. "It appears that they are both pretty sleepy. How about a shower and nap?" Gabi gave out and I nodded, "I will help get your situated but I think I am going to take Luna on a quick run. That way she isn't crazy all day." Gabi nodded as we took both babies upstairs as we filled both bassinets next to the bed. I saw the rim of tears and I pulled her back against my chest while I kissed the top of her head. "I am so happy that the both of them are here. I was so scared I wouldn't get this. That they both wouldn't be here." I kissed her temple, "I know, this sight, this makes me so happy." Gabi squeezed my arms.

"I love you, thank you for the months' worth of patience." I framed her face and kissed her. "I love you, too. Get some rest while I take Luna for a quick run. Once I get back, we can shower and then figure out what is needed after that." We agreed and we went opposite directions as I could only imagine the rest of our life was going to be like.

~T&G~

Gabi's POV

I felt like I was cheating on Beth but these pictures were honestly trial runs to see if I wanted her to do my engagement and wedding photos. Vanessa posed the babies together as they were both passed out sleeping during the photoshoot. We had taken series over photos of Saylor and Sutton. In their cribs, in our arms, in the living room, in our bedroom, and she had set up a little area. Saylor had a little bow on her head that was a neutral brown color while Sutton had a bare head.

That was all they were wearing for the most part besides the different swaddles and blanket that we put them in. We had propped them both up on a basketball and it was one of the cutest photos. Troy and I were in jeans with a plain white t-shirt while we took our first photos as a family. Troy slipped his arm around my waist and I felt so comforted with him behind me. "I can't wait to see them," I whispered.

"We made some adorable kids." I smiled up at him as we even got a few photos with Luna. "Okay, any other shots?" I thought about it, "Can we just put them in some sleepers and just a few photos of them like that?" Vanessa nodded as Troy and I each put them in matching sleepers. They were a soft gray with their little bare feet out. I put a pink bow in Saylor's hair and we each smiled and laughed while we changed them.

We laid them in Saylor's crib while we let Vanessa pose them and work with them. How about some more of you guys with them – let's sit on your bed and just be natural with them. Troy grabbed Saylor while I took Sutton and we went to our bedroom. Luna hopped up and I sat against the back while Sutton laid on my chest and Saylor was nestled in Troy's arms. "Gabi," I looked up at Troy and he smiled as he gently grabbed my face and dropped a kiss to my mouth. A smile on his lips and my own smile matched his. "Beautiful, you two are natural in front of the camera." Troy smiled as he kissed me again.

We did fifteen more minutes of pictures before we called it quits as both of the babies were getting hungry, I was getting tired, and we had to get dinner started before all of our family arrived later this evening. Troy went to warm a bottle up for Saylor while I put Sutton at my breast. He was angry and I tried to get him to settle and latch on. After a few more minutes he did and I tried to entertain Saylor.

Luna crawled onto the bed and I stroked her fur as she continued to sniff Saylor. Troy came back and had a bottle with a burp rag. "Come here baby girl," Troy rested her in the crook of his arms as he fed her. He sat down next to me as I leaned my head against his shoulder. "This is what I have been dreaming of," I whispered and Troy dropped a kiss to my head. "Yea? This is it? Us lying in bed together with our kids?"

I nodded my head. "Yea, this is it. No doctors. No nurses. Just the two of us in our bed with our babies." Troy smiled at the sentence, "Yea, that is really nice." I watched Sutton and he was starting to fall back asleep. I tickled his toes and he opened up those brown eyes again. "Focus, little man,"

Twenty minutes later, Sutton was done eating and Saylor mostly finished her bottle. I burped Sutton and I laid him down on the bed, "Let me see Saylor for a few minutes. See if she will nurse any," Troy nodded as he handed me Saylor while he picked up Sutton and swaddled him up. I let Saylor just figure it out on her own with latching. She wasn't all that interested having just ate but I wanted her to make attempts.

Guiding her to my nipple and helping her latch after five minutes of her just doing it on her own, she latched and suckled. I stroked her cheek as I think she mostly was using it as a pacifier because she was falling asleep and her brother mostly emptied me out. I pulled her off and laid her on my shoulder. "Hi sweet Saylor, are you so happy to be home?" I whispered to her. She fell asleep and I just held her against me. "I am going to start making dinner. Do you want Sutton?" I nodded as I wiggled Saylor over and I planted him on the other side as they were both sleeping.

"I think I'll go downstairs." I said moving to stand up with both of them on my chest. "Do you need me to grab anything?" I looked around, "Just my phone and water," Troy grabbed them as we all went downstairs. I situated myself on our couch and I settled in. He handed me my phone and put my water next to me. He covered us up with a blanket as he kissed my head, Sutton's head, and then Saylor's head while tilting his forehead to meet mine.

"This is perfect," I smiled as he kissed me again. I turned on the TV and I just kept staring them. So thankful that I was home with them. Both of them. "Thanks Zo," I whispered quietly. "Thank you so much," I brushed the tears away with the back of my hand as the emotions were almost overwhelming. I was hormonal during pregnancy and it just continued right into postpartum. "I love you, Saylor." I said as I kissed her head. "I love you, Sutton." I whispered as I kissed his head.

~T&G~

Troy's POV

My eyes lifted over to see all three of them sleeping. Gabi's hands protectively over the top of each of them. She had wiggled down into the couch and I went over earlier to place the ottoman on the other side to make sure nobody started to roll. Luna was planted at my feet and she hadn't really left my side since she got back. I couldn't blame her. It was a long separation for the both of us. Our parents would be over soon with our families. Lucy and Blaine were meeting them for the first time and I knew Gabi was excited for that.

I yawned deeply because I was tired. Today had been a long day already. Bringing Saylor home, run, getting ready, pictures, and then getting them fed and down for a nap…woof. Now I was making dinner and then entertain and then…I shook my head when the garage door opened. "Knock, knock," Gina walked in the door and I smiled, "Hi, welcome, thanks offering to help." She nodded her head as she shrugged off her coat. "Of course, where are those cute grandbabies?"

I turned my attention towards them on the couch and Gina smiled looking at the three of them. "She needed that," Gina said with a sigh and I nodded, "She did. The nap and having both of them close to her at home." Gina smiled with tears in her eyes. "She is beautiful with them. Is she doing, okay?"

My eyes watched Gabi for a moment as she moved her hand to pull Sutton closer. "Yea, she's doing okay. I think now that they are both home, she can start processing everything and being a mom. She wants to be happy and I think now we are home and we can start planning our wedding and she can just be a mom." Gina nodded her head as she wiped away her tears. "I am very thankful that you walked into her life, Troy Bolton. She needed you." I went to say something but she started moving around the kitchen when Saylor cried out. Gabi's eyes shot open as it didn't take long for Sutton to also cry.

She was sitting up and I walked over as Gabi sat up with both of them. "Which one do you want me to take?" she handed me Sutton and I took him while I bounced him gently. He curled back up on my chest and fell back asleep once I took him away from his crying sister. Gabi was bouncing Saylor gently as she cried harder as Gabi took her upstairs to, I assume change her diaper. "Oh, let me see than handsome devil, I just washed my hands,"

I let Gina hold Sutton as he mostly went back to sleep with her as well. "I am going to check on Saylor and Gabi," she nodded as I went upstairs as Gabi was finishing changing her diaper and putting her clothes back on as she mostly calmed down. I leaned against the door as I watched her talk to Saylor. A smile on her lips. "Yea, I know, it can't be very fun to sit in a wet diaper." Gabi looked utterly exhausted but the smile on her lips and those brown eyes staring at our daughter as if she was one of the seven wonders of the world…made me just fall in love with her harder.

"Yea, I know, do you want to go see Gigi? It sounds like your brother is being good for her or maybe daddy has him, he loves your daddy already." I smiled, "Nah, Gigi has him," I offered. Her head snapped up and I smiled at her. "Just came to check on my girls but you don't need me." Gabi smiled and I walked over to her. "Did you have a nice nap?" I asked and she nodded her head. "Yea, my first nap with my babies." I smiled as she turned to lay down Saylor and I dragged her into my body.

"I never knew how much more I could love you until I watched you with them." I whispered as my lips brushed over her lips. She gave a smile as I kissed her again, "I love you," I whispered to her and she gripped my shirt. "I love you, too." She kissed me back and I easily lifted her up and her legs locked around my back. God, she felt good. Everything about her felt good. Our lips tangling together and my hands on her body. It couldn't go any further than this but this felt good.

Saylor let out a cry again and I pulled back as Gabi smiled letting her head slid into the crook of my neck. "That felt good," she whispered and I just held onto her. "It really did. Go see your mom. I'll get our cranky girl." She nodded as I put her feet down and I went over to scoop up Saylor. I rocked her in my arms and then rested her on my chest before she quieted. I went downstairs where Gabi and her mom were curled up on the couch staring at Sutton.

"Here," I said as I gave Saylor to Gabi and she smiled, "I'll go finish dinner. You two keep looking at those cute babies,"

"You are bias," her mom tossed out and I laughed, "I certainly am. Mostly about Saylor," I said with a wink. It was no secret that Saylor favored me while Sutton favored Gabi. Our baby pictures even proved it. I went back to the kitchen as I continued to work on the meal which was just chicken fettuccini. "Hello?" James called out. "In the living room!" Gabi called back and Lucy came flying through the house. "I wanna see the babies!" she screeched and my eyes leveled with Gabi who was only grinning.

"Well then come see the babies," she said back and Lucy found her before skidding to a complete stop. "Easy, easy, Lucy," Gina said and Lucy pouted while she peeked in on both of them. "Lucy, come wash your hands first." James called out and she pouted, "But daddy!" she nearly cried and I chuckled. "Lucy, go wash your hands." Gabi said gently. She pouted but nodded before going to wash her hands. Blaine walked in and I smiled, "Hey, how was practice today?" he smiled, "Good. Just gearing up for that next match up," he said scrubbing his hands. I laughed, "I bet you are. It will be a good one."

"How's dad life?" he asked as he watched Lucy go skipping back into the living room where she met her cousins for the first time. "Love it. I love them. It's been a lot of fun. I mean, also really stressful, but having them home has been a lot of fun." Blaine smiled as they situated Lucy with Sutton on the couch as she stared at him. "He's so tiny," she whispered causing Gina and Gabi to laugh. "He really is," Gabi responded.

"Go meet your cousins," I said to Blaine with a little nudge. He smiled before going over as well after washing his hands. "Troy?" Macken and Silas walked through the door. "Hey guys," I waved and Macken was just as giddy as Lucy. "Hands," I called out and she huffed almost the same causing James to laugh. "So that will never change?" I threw him a grin. "Clearly not, I'll have my hands full with Saylor then." James chuckled as he went over to meet his niece and nephew.

Everybody was in the living room as Brady and Ada showed up along with Beth and Colt. I waved to them as they all piled in the living room when Gabi's dad showed up along with my parents. I was almost finished with dinner when Gina joined me. "Go be with Gabi and your babies. This is a moment for you, too." I smiled and thanked her as I went into the living room. Sutton was in Brady's arms while Saylor was snuggled up with Beth.

Everybody was being civil and passing our kids around with love. Lucy tried to keep getting them back. "Mom, dad, come eat," Gina called out. "Oh no, we can all eat," Gabi said and her mom shook her head. "No. You guys go first. You have however many hands here to be with your kids. Go eat a hot meal while they are loved on." Gabi and I shared a look as we nodded before going to the kitchen to plate our food with a salad. Gabi drank water while I opened a beer. We sat down together as I let my free hand settle on her thigh. The babies were well taken care of while we ate together and we finished our meal as everybody else began to join us.

We both ended up with our kids in our arms while our family ate around us. "Is today everything you imagined?" my mom asked and Gabi smiled, "Everything and more. I am just so thankful that the both of them are home, together, under one roof. It's everything." I squeezed her knee gently, "It really is. It's been a long day but it's been an amazing day."

"They are quite possibly some of the cutest babies ever," Ada said.

"So tiny," James pointed out. "I am pretty sure Blaine was twice the size of Saylor." Gabi laughed, "I think he was. You should have seen them a month ago! They were so little. They almost look big now." Gabi said while she stared at Sutton in her arms. Saylor was back in Macken's arms while I just smiled with my family. "When are they attending their first basketball game?" Blaine asked. "Soon." Gabi responded which almost surprised me. "I think we will go to Troy's first game back to coaching and then your next game Blaine. We are just going to keep them in their car seats or in limited hands. I don't want them being passed around at games too much. I want to limit their germs."

"That will be so exciting. Troy, when is your first game back?"

"A week from Tuesday," I said. "We have a home game. It will be a good night. Blaine, you play Friday night at home?" I said and he nodded, "Sorry, I am stealing Aunt Gabs," I laughed, "Nah, I can share. I know Gina and Andy will help Gabi with the kids. Along with the best big cousin ever, Lucy." Lucy grinned and clapped her hands, "Yes! I am the bestest cousin ever!" she cheered. "Hey," Blaine teased her. Gabi smiled over at me and I smiled right back at her.

It was all worth it for this moment.

~T&G~

Sunday, February 2nd, 2020

Gabi's POV

I felt my eyes close as I rocked back and forth in the chair in the nursery as I nursed Saylor – again. She wanted to eat nearly every two hours, sometimes less, we alternated between breast and bottle at this point with her but tonight I was way too tired to go downstairs to make her a bottle so I just let her nurse. Sutton was almost every four hours and I wanted Saylor to that point. I needed to sleep. The first week at home had been amazing but also exhausting.

It was so amazing though. Troy and I had been a team this week together. They both knew how to tag team the two of us though. We were always awake I felt like and it was hard for the two of us to balance sleep, chores, and making sure Luna got enough care and attention. Today, the friend group was meeting the babies for the first time. They were all coming over for the Superbowl and dinner. Troy was grilling wings and burgers while everybody else brought side dishes.

It was going to be fun and I knew all of them were chomping at the bit to come meet the babies. Jenna, Ethan, and Willa were coming over as well. It was going to be a fun day but I needed to sleep at some point. My eyes casted down to Saylor as she continued to eat. We had their first pediatrician appointment this week too and the babies both had gained weight. Sutton was nearing six pounds and Saylor was five and half. They wanted to keep supplementing Saylor but said we could slowly back off with Sutton.

"You, okay?" I looked up at Troy who looked just as exhausted as me. "Yea, yea, I'm okay. She's just starving and I was too exhausted to make her a bottle this go around,"

"You could have woken me up. I would have made her bottle and fed her." Troy offered. I shrugged, "I was still awake from feeding Sutton." Troy came over and brushed my hair away from my face as he looked down at Saylor. "The moment you are done you need to go lay down for a little bit. I will take the next feedings for both of them. Go sleep in the guest room or something, I don't know, you need some sleep." I gave a weary smile and a nod of my head.

"She's pretty much just been using me as a pacifier at this point." I said trying to unlatch her and she cried out. "Just give her here. I will get her a bottle if I need, too." I handed Saylor off to Troy as she ate for nearly thirty minutes. I covered up and I let my head hit the back of the chair. "Go, Brie, go rest." I just nodded my head as I felt my eyes close. "I don't think I can move." Troy chuckled as he watched me. Sutton cried out next and I gave a half smile. "I am going to go get him."

"I'm sorry, Brie," I shook my head with a smile. "I love them. I would do this every night as long as I got them." Troy smiled as he followed me back to the bedroom. I picked up Sutton who had a dirty diaper. I changed it and re-swaddled him before rocking him back to sleep. I crawled into bed when I was done and Troy flickered off the lights. Saylor was still crying every now and then but once Troy settled into bed while Saylor rested on his chest.

"Maybe we move venues and we go to our friends house, that way we don't have to host." I shook my head, "No, no, let's do it here. That way the babies' stuff is all here. I can come up here to feed them and I can put them upstairs if need be. I would rather be in our home." Troy just nodded while he brushed my hair. "Go to sleep, Brie."

~T&G~

I watched Troy rub his eyes as he was standing at the grill. Sutton and Saylor were both currently sleeping in their bassinets in our room while I tried to tidy up the main living space. Everybody was on their way over soon and I wanted it to be nice and neat. I had changed into a pair of leggings with a t-shirt but I probably needed to shower but didn't really have the time. "Hey, hey," Dylan said entering the house and Josie shoved him.

"Dylan, shut up, they have two babies. What if they were sleeping?" I laughed, "They are sleeping but they are upstairs and we try to make it a little noisy so they sleep through noise." Dylan came over and swept me into a huge hug. "I have missed you," he squeezed me and I laughed hugging him back. "I missed you, too."

"How are you feeling? Good? Glad they are both home?" Dylan fired the questions at me in rapid fire. I just nodded, "Yes, super glad that I am home with my babies. It has been an amazing week, exhausting, but amazing." I hugged Josie and they piled their stuff in the kitchen. "Where are they? I want to meet my godchildren," I laughed as Dylan claimed that about them a while ago. "They are sleeping and we will keep them that way until they want to be awake."

Dylan pouted which caused me to laugh, "Your boyfriend is out back," I told him and he smirked as he grabbed two beers before heading out back. "Josie, do you want anything to drink?" I offered. "No, no, I am good. I can do it." I tried to protest, "No, sit down." I just laughed and settled at the bar stool. Sage and Jesse walked in next with Jax and Sara trailing behind them. They were all being quiet and I shook my head. "It's okay, they are asleep but upstairs." They all spoke up as Jesse and Jax both hugged me.

"Troy is out back with Dylan," I pointed as Cameron and Lennon walked through. I checked the baby monitor and the owlets as both of them were doing okay. Cameron hugged me before going out back and I smiled at the girls. "C'mon," I said quietly and we all peeked out back before we went upstairs. I opened the bedroom door and took them over to the bassinets by the bed. "Shut the front door, look at them," Lennon whispered.

"Gabi, they are beautiful," Sage said while staring at them and her own hand falling onto her belly. Sutton was in a grey sleeper and Saylor was in a light purple one. "They are literally so freaking tiny," Josie whispered and I nodded, "They are super small." It took everything out of me not to pick them and snuggle them. "Pick a number between one and ten," I told them and they each looked at each other. "Whoever is closest to the number in my head can pick up one and the second closest can pick up the other one to take them downstairs,"

"Seven," Lennon quickly said.

"Five," Sage threw out and I smiled as I looked over at Sara, "Two,"

"Ten," Josie tossed in at the end. "Lennon and Josie, the number was eight." I told them and they squealed as they each grabbed one gently while resting them in their arms. Sutton wiggled and cried for only a moment before he fell back asleep. Saylor stayed asleep through the transition as we all went back downstairs. They each sat on the couch as Sara and Sage both watched and were waiting for their turn. "Whoa, whoa, when did they wake up? I called dibs!" Dylan said.

"They didn't wake up. Gabi let us grab them and snuggle them." Josie said with a smirk on her face. Troy smiled as he came back in through the back door. His cheeks pink from the weather. His hoodie was pulled up but he pulled it down. He was wearing a pair of jeans as the guys gathered around. Troy came over and he hooked his arm around my neck and gently pulled me back towards his body. He kissed the top of my head.

His hands snuck around and slipped up my shirt, "Troy," I hissed and he laughed against my ear. "I couldn't resist."

"They do need to eat once they are awake." I spoke up, "So whoever is up first gets first dibs on mama,"

"Dinner will be done soon," Troy mentioned. Cameron came over and took his phone. He peered at it and then picked up his phone. "I'll finish this. You sit back and relax." Troy crunched his eyebrows together, "It's fine,"

"No, no, you sit and relax." I laughed as Troy dragged me down as they passed the babies around after washing hands. Saylor was the first awake, "Do you want to do bottles or just feed them?" Troy asked me as he brushed his fingers through my hair. "We can do Saylor's last formula bottle for today and we can do Sutton's breastmilk bottle. I'll just go pump." Troy nodded his head, "I'll make the bottles." I smiled as I reached over and I let my fingers rest on his jaw. He turned his blue eyes over to me and he smiled, "What?"

My thumb stroked his cheek, "I love you," he smiled as he dipped his mouth to mine. "I love you, too."

"Okay, okay, no more Bolton children." Jesse said and Troy grimaced, "No, no more Bolton children for a while." He agreed and I laughed as he got up and I went over to the babies. "Mama is going to go pump. I can assume you all can handle feeding two of them?" I said with a raised eyebrow and the group laughed. "Troy is making them their bottles. Sutton has to eat a different way and Troy will show you. We typically feed Saylor the same way. It helps reduce their risk of choking." I offered and they nodded in understanding. "I'll come with you," Sage said. "I want to pick your brain."

She followed me upstairs as I made sure to have my water, "How is breastfeeding going?" she asked me as we settled in. I grabbed the pump parts, "It's going okay. It's exhausting but it's easier to breastfeed than get up and pump and a lot less cleaning. Saylor has to have so many formula bottles a day to keep her gaining weight but Sutton doesn't have as many anymore. I like breastfeeding – I just kinda can't wait until I can just breastfeed them."

Sage smiled, I showed her how to set the pump up and all about the sizes to make sure she would be set up for success. "I also pump extra to make sure I have a big enough supply for the two of them. I know I have to go back to work in April so I want a big stash for them." Sage smiled as she let her hands dance on her belly. "Did all of this come natural?" she asked me and I shook my head. "No. Not at all." I laughed as I took a drink of water. "I had a lot of lactation consultant help at the hospital and I think that might be the biggest piece of advice. Use your lactation consultant. I am going to see her again this week to get more help with Saylor."

She smiled, "I just love seeing all of our friends love of your babies. Knowing that there will be a third soon – it will be so much fun." I nodded my head in agreement. "I will be fun. I am loving having them home and I want you to cook that little boy for as long as possible." She grinned with a nod, "I agree. You handled all of that with grace though. I kept telling Jesse how strong and amazing you were through all of that."

I looked down and away for a moment as I blinked away tears, "It was really hard. The whole thing was so hard but I knew that I had to show up and be there for them every single day. They needed me. Leaving them though – that was traumatizingly hard. Knowing that anything could happen in the 12 hours I was away? I would have never survived that without Troy. I don't think I could have." I shook my head and Sage squeezed my leg gently. "I cannot imagine, Gabi. You have been through more this past two years then you ever deserve but so many good and happy days are ahead."

"Sutton and Saylor are my everything now and Troy Bolton…" I smiled with a shake of my head. "He is my world, my rock, my other everything. I love him. I fall even more in love with him watching him interact with those sweet babies."

"Jesse is going to be such an amazing dad; I can feel it in my bones."

"They all will be. I can't thank you guys enough for everything you did. Being there for Troy, helping us with anything and everything, always willing to help. We couldn't have done it without you guys either."

"That's what we do. We do this together because we're our own little family. We know that you guys would do the exact same." I nodded as I finished pumping and then I reached over and gave her a tight hug. "Thank you and call me whenever you have any questions. I might have answers or guesses," she laughed and we both were wiping away tears as we went back downstairs. Of course, Troy and Jesse both quickly noticed. "What's wrong?" Jesse asked and Troy just gave a look towards me. "Nothing, nothing, we are both hormonal women." Sage said.

"Truly, we were just talking about how you guys have all been such an amazing support system the past month for Troy and I. We really couldn't have done it without all of you. I can't thank you all enough for being there for Troy when he had to go be with the babies and being there when we didn't know if everything was going to be okay. For cooking meals, for helping with the basketball team, and taking so much off Troy's shoulders – it's been amazing. All of you have been amazing." I couldn't stop my tears again as Troy came over and wrapped me up into a hug. Sutton was with Jesse and Jax had Saylor.

"Truly, you guys, you were amazing. I don't want any of you in that situation but if you ever are we will be in your corner."

~T&G~

Troy's POV

There was nothing better than watching my friends fall in love with my children. When I was growing up with my best friends, I never imagined us right here. I never imagined us all becoming teachers, even though, we might have influenced one another. All of us being coaches together and then all of us getting girlfriends and married and…having kids. I never pictured these final steps but these were some of my favorites.

The super bowl ended and Gabi and the girls were all chatting in the living room. The guys and I were all in the kitchen cleaning up as I smiled, "I know golfing is supposed to start soon but until March – how about dinner Sunday night together? We can rotate houses but I think for a little bit it will be easier here for the next couple of weeks." The group nodded, "We can take turns making the main dish. I think this is a good tradition to start. Especially since golfing might be getting harder to do,"

"No, no, we can still do golfing in the early mornings." I mentioned, "We need to still keep our friendship." A smile went among the group as we all continued to clean. "Bolton, are you ready for getting back into the coaching ring tomorrow?" I nodded with a grin. "I am thrilled. I am pretty sure the girls have all rotated with coming over to hang with Gabi. Jenna and Beth are going to the game with her on Tuesday plus all four of them will probably be there."

"The boys will be happy to have you back. Dylan makes them run a lot more." I laughed as I heard Saylor cry and my eyes lifted over to see Gabi reach for her from Lennon. "God, seeing her with a baby makes me want to marry her and have kids with her." Cameron said. Dylan slapped his back with a laugh, "Damn buddy, then do it,"

He smirked, "Soon."

"It makes me excited to be a dad." Jesse said. Gabi rocked Saylor back and forth as she smiled down at her. My heart thumped in my chest and I wanted to hug her and love on her. The girls started to gather their things as I opened another beer. Sage was holding Sutton and Jesse leaned next to me. "Does it change everything?" I looked over at him and I shrugged, "As in your relationship?" he nodded his head. "Yes, it does. It changes everything. It's a good change though," I told him.

He smiled and I looked at Gabi, "I will be different though. I mean, you and Sage have a handful of years on Gabi and I. It is just…I mean you can't pretend that our relationship is the same. There is little time for the two of us and we are both so freaking in love with those two that we want to spend all of our time staring at them. We can't have sex and there is no pushing it either. I don't know. I love her more though. I love her so much more than I thought I ever could. Watching her be a mom, protect them, feed them, love them…it just makes my heart squeeze with happiness."

Jesse smiled as he watched the two girls with our two babies. "Give me a night and Sage and I will come over and watch those two while you take your girl out on a date. We are going to need the practice anyways," I smiled over at him. "Seriously?" he nodded his head. "Seriously. Before we have our little man," I nodded with a smile on my face. "I'll set something up. Maybe next Saturday? That way it's before I go back to work full time and well before you have your baby."

He agreed with a smile, "Yea, I'll talk to Sage to make sure we don't have anything else planned." I rubbed his shoulder as our other friends started to head out. I waved and hugged everybody as Jesse joined Sage on the couch. I went over as I slipped Sutton from Sage. "They are so beautiful you guys, thank you for letting us come over and snuggle those babies." Gabi smiled with her eyes heavy with sleep. "Yes, of course, thank you for coming over and allowing us to eat dinner."

They walked out and I walked them to the door. "Thanks guys," they nodded and smiled as Sage grinned, "You look good with a baby, Bolton." I laughed as I shut the door and I walked back into the living room. I collapsed on the couch as Gabi was half asleep. "Hey, how about we go upstairs, get these babies fed, changed, and into bed so we can go to bed?" I said and she gave a smile with her eyes half closed. "Yea, we really should but I'm sleepy,"

"I know you are, c'mon, tomorrow we can lay in bed all day together until I have basketball practice." I eased Saylor out of her grips as I held both of them and we went upstairs. "Who do you want to feed first and I'll get the other one ready for bed." Gabi sat down and she took a drink of water, "Sutton. He goes faster." I nodded as I gave her Sutton. "I'll fill up your water and lock the house up and let Luna out."

Saylor and I did our last round together as Luna ran outside to go to the bathroom and I filled the water. Once Luna was inside, I locked the door and shut the lights off as I went back upstairs with Saylor. The first feeding for both of them was a bottle so I typically took the first feeding while Gabi slept while pumping. When I got back upstairs, I changed Saylor's diaper, changed her into PJs, and then put her owlet on while Gabi nursed Sutton. "Saylor," I murmured as she stretched her arms out.

"Daddy loves you; I love you so much," I brushed my nose against her forehead. Gabi smiled, "I love watching you with them."

"I love watching you."

Gabi shook her head with a smile on her face as Sutton pulled off. "He's almost asleep," I nodded as I took Sutton and gave her Saylor. I did the same routine with Sutton and I rocked him for a few moments. Before I laid him down, I kissed his forehead, swaddled him up, and then rested him in his bassinet. He was already fast asleep as I crawled onto the bed next to Gabi as I twirled her hair around my finger. "Jesse and Sage offered to watch them one night so we can go out on a date," I told her.

"Really?" I nodded. "They said they could use the practice. I mentioned maybe Saturday. That way it's before I go back to work and I think we could use a little bit of time together by that point. Just for dinner." I told her. She was quiet for a minute while she stroked Saylor's head. "Yea, I think that would be good. I promised myself that I would make sure our relationship is a priority and the past month I know it wasn't." I kissed the top of her head, "There will be moments that we can't but as long as we come back together then that's what counts." Her head tilted back and I stared in those blue eyes. "I love you," I whispered to her.

"I love you, too, tonight was amazing." I smiled and agreed, "It really was. I knew I had some of the most amazing friends." Gabi smiled as we talked while Saylor pretty much nursed herself to sleep. I burped her and swaddled her up while Gabi changed for bed. Once Saylor was passed out, I changed myself before crawling into bed with Gabi. "C'mon," I motioned for her as I wrapped her up in my arms. Her head resting on my chest as I relaxed with her in my embrace.

My lips pressed into her hair and I just held her. Our babies sleeping next to us. This was it. This was home.

~T&G~

Monday, February 3rd, 2020

Troy's POV

I flipped a pancake while also holding Saylor who I swear was up 90% of last night. Sutton was laying in the swing in the living room as I was cooking breakfast for Gabi as I took the morning shift. She pumped but mostly slept during it and I took care of everything else. I fed both of them, changed them, and got Sutton back asleep while his sister fought it. I sipped my coffee as I knew I was going to need a lot more of these today.

Luna was at my feet as soon as Gabi was up, I was going to take her for a run. It was all about balance. Or maybe we could take a family walk. It could be a little cold though. It was going to be about fifty-five degrees today. Maybe this afternoon? Just to get out of the house for a little bit. We haven't left that much. Which was a nice change of pace from when we spent every single day at the hospital.

I kissed Saylor's face as I continued cooking and making up Gabi's coffee. "C'mon, let's go check on momma." I carried her coffee cup and I went into the bedroom as she was awake and scrolling on her phone. "Morning," I said quietly and she looked over at me. "Good morning," I handed her the coffee and she took a sip of coffee. "Thank you, you have been awful busy this morning." She noted and I smiled. "Just trying to take care of what I can while you get some rest."

"Thank you," she said softly while her eyes lifted up to meet mine. "I made pancakes and bacon downstairs. Sutton is in his swing and little miss is a little cranky." Gabi smiled as she reached for her. I gave her Saylor and she then wiggled her finger towards me. "I want a kiss," I leaned in and I smiled brushing my lips over hers. "I love you; I hope you got a little bit of rest."

"I did. Thank you, the other thing I want today is a shower. A good shower." I kissed her again, "I think we can make that happen. Do you want to go on a walk today with them? I can take Luna and we can get their stroller out, tuck them in, and take a stroll through the neighborhood?" she nodded, "After breakfast?"

"Yes, after breakfast. Then you can shower before I have to head to the gym." Gabi smiled as I pulled her head into my stomach and she rested against it. "C'mon Say-Say, let's go eat daddy's pancakes and drink all the coffee since you refused to sleep last night." I chuckled as we walked downstairs together. I checked on Sutton and then joined Gabi in the kitchen. I made another coffee and we dug into breakfast together.

"I think Beth and Jenna are coming over today to hang out. I feel like I should just do it by myself," Gabi mentioned. I shook my head. "No, no, you take the help. Your sister is only here so much longer and it's two of them. One of you. It's only been a month since you had major surgery and I feel guilty for going back to basketball. I can take another week off?" I offered. My eyes focused on her as she paused and turned to face me.

"Troy, do not feel guilty. We have to start resuming our normal lives again. Yes, I wish we could spend every single day with each of them without having to worry about money but basketball makes you happy. Those boys need you, too. It's just for three hours. I know once you go back to work it will be long days without seeing you but guess what – that's our future. We will make it work. I want you to go back."

I tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, "Are you sure?" she nodded, "I am sure. Those boys need you. Your best friends need you. You still are running for that championship. These babies are so excited to watch their daddy do what he loves." I smiled as I kissed the top of her head. "Thank you, I love you, tomorrow I don't have to leave until almost four." We both shared a smile and I knew it was going to be all okay.

Happy Sunday! They are both HOME! Yay! This story is very close to being over! Only a handful of chapters left AND I finally figured out the direction the next story is going to go. It's taken me a while but I knew I wanted to continue it. I just had to figure out the direction I wanted to take with it. There will probably be 4-6 weeks between stories but there is a second story and I will release the synopsis soon!

Have a great Sunday!

J

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Next Update: December 5th