Chapter 41 – Big Win

Wednesday, February 12th, 2020

Gabi's POV

My legs dangled over the bed as I was having my last appointment for the twins. They were both officially six weeks old as of Monday and I was most likely getting my clearance to go back to my normal life of working out and having sex again. Just the minor thought of having sex again kind of freaked me out. I just had abdominal surgery and two babies. I was constantly tired and now that Troy was back and work plus doing basketball practice after school? I was exhausted.

Of course, Troy Bolton, as he always does understand.

I just couldn't seem to get behind a day that it could even remotely happen. I just shook my head as the twins were both in their car seats and both were sleeping. My phone buzzed and I looked down at it to see Troy sending a text message. He had been working late with the team and they had won their game yesterday. He kept apologizing but I continued to tell him that this was basketball season and I knew what I was marrying and getting into.

My fingers slid over the text message to read it and it was just an I love you with a heart. I smiled and sent one back because he was just exactly what I needed in my life. Dr. Willis walked into the room with a big smile on my face. "Oh, my goodness! Look at these big babies! They have gotten so big snice that last time I saw them." I laughed as they were both nearing six pounds. "They are both so freaking cute,"

"Thank you, I am loving having them home." Dr. Willis smiled, "I bet you are. I am so happy that they both were able to come home fairly quickly. I know a month to you probably felt like a life time but that's quick sometimes for 33 weekers."

"I would have kept going if they needed it. I just wanted to bring them home eventually."

"Before I do an exam – I just want to check how you are doing mentally? I know these past six weeks probably were not easy and having a baby is enough to cause an emotional mess." I smiled, "I'm doing okay. I've had my fair share of break downs but I think mostly due to stress, their stay in the NICU, and just all of the memories that it dragged up of Zoey." I told her honestly. "For the most part, I am just so happy to have them home."

"Good, if you ever don't feel that then just let me know. Okay?" I nodded my head, "Also, do you want any kind of birth control?" she asked me. I nodded my head, "I don't feel anywhere near ready to have sex again but I know the day will come eventually. I don't want to worry about pills or anything. I was thinking an IUD." She nodded her head, "Of course, we can do an IUD. I know babies probably aren't apart of your plan for quite some time but when you are ready all we have to do is take it out." I nodded as she went to get the supplies for it.

She came back and checked my incision and then do a pelvic exam before inserting the IUD. It cramped almost immediately but definitely wasn't as bad as contractions. I relaxed and Dr. Willis helped me up, "You look good. You can resume working out and sexual activity when you feel ready. Do not rush into anything. You have an amazing partner. I wouldn't pressure yourself into anything because you think you have, too."

I smiled with a nod, "Yea, I am a lucky girl to have snagged him."

We wrapped up our appointment and she told me to call and come in if I had any concerns. I agreed and I made no plans to be back here any time soon.


I laid on the floor with the babies as they were laying on their tummies while I played with toys in front of them. They each just laid their head back down and I couldn't stop my smile watching them. I had felt like shit all day after getting my IUD placed but I knew in the long run it would be worth it. Sutton started to get angry on his belly so I flipped him over and Saylor just laid her head down and went to sleep. Luna laid on the couch and stared at the babies as she still wasn't sure what to do with them.

The garage door opened and Luna bounced up for the door as I sat up and watched Troy walk in. He dropped his bag at the door and looked over at me with a smile on his face. "Hi baby, how did you appointment go?" he asked. He got down on the floor and crawled over to me and kissed my lips. His fingers cupped the back of my head as he looked at me. "Good. I got an IUD placed and I feel like shit because of it but it's five years of protection unless we want it out sooner."

Troy gave a half smile, "I like the sound of that. We apparently cannot be trusted with condoms or pill birth control." His eyebrows wiggled as he dove down to greet the babies. He laid between them as he kissed each of their heads. "Hi Saylor girl, did you have a good day with mommy?" I smiled watching him as he was still in a pair of sweatpants with a t-shirt. He then looked over at Sutton and he kissed his head. "Sut, did you eat all of your bottles today or did you just want mommy's boob?" I laughed as Sutton had been on a bottle strike but I wasn't that sad about it.

I called his pediatrician and they wanted a weight check at the end of the week to make sure he was adequately gaining weight and if he was there was no reason to force the bottles. I rolled up on my side and curled into a ball. Troy noticed and his face lifted to look at me, "Go lay down. I will handle them the next few hours."

"Are you sure?" Troy laughed as he pushed off his arms and crawled over to me. He curled up on the side next to me as he stared at me. He reached forward and brushed away my hair. "I'm sure. You have been up and doing stuff with them all day long. The least I can do is feed them their bottle and cook dinner." I flipped onto my other side and wiggled back into his embrace. "Can we cuddle in bed tonight?" I whispered. His head laid on mine, "Of course," he moved the hair off my neck and he kissed my neck.

His arms secured me as we just laid on the floor together. I watched the babies as my stomach cramped and Troy must have felt me flinch because he rubbed my lower stomach. "Go lay down in bed," he whispered into my ear. "Can we all lay in bed together? I'm not that hungry. I just want to spend it with you guys." Troy kissed the back of my neck again, "Of course, c'mon, go ahead and I will bring them up." I pushed off the floor and sat up.

Troy stood up first and then helped me up off the floor. "How was work?" I asked him. He smiled, "Work was good. Basketball was even better. I know it's your nephew but I have such a good feeling about our game on Friday." I laughed as I tugged on his hand, "I support both of you during this game. I equally want both of you to win." Troy just chuckled and kissed my forehead. "Go upstairs. The babes and I will be up in a few minutes."

I just nodded as I went upstairs as I changed into a pair of shorts and one of Troy's t-shirts. I got under the blankets as I made sure that my breast pump was nearby if Troy was going to feed them bottles. I flipped through TV until I came across an old favorite tv show. I snuggled down deeper into bed when Troy appeared with two babies and two bottles. "What's your plan? He's going to see me and want me."

"He'll suck it up."

I laughed with a smile on my face as I held Saylor as Troy fed Sutton first. He took the bottle as he stared up at Troy, "See, he 100% just won't take a bottle from you." Troy pointed out. I giggled, "Probably because he can smell it." Saylor fell asleep on my chest again and I just snuggled her close with the flowers on her sleeper. "You are so cute," I murmured in her ear. "You are so cute with that baby,"

"Can you believe their due date is Saturday? And we've gotten six whole weeks with them." I let my fingers brush down her head. Troy smiled over at me, "I couldn't imagine you pregnant right now. You were so uncomfortable when you had them. Six more weeks of growing them?" I laughed with a nod, "Right? That also means that Jesse and Sage are going to have their baby soon. We need to make sure we help them like they helped us. I love how much your friends did and I don't want to not do it because we have twins."

Troy smiled, "Yea, we can make dinner for them and baby sit for them one night. Do you think we can handle three of them?" I couldn't stop my laugh and I shook my head. "I hope you don't mind waiting a long while before we have another kid." Troy snorted, "Four years,"

"Four? Why four?" I asked with a laugh. "By the time we have the next one the twins would be getting ready to start school and day care bills will be cheaper." I leaned my head against Troy's shoulder as I giggled. "You would think about that."

"Two enough is going to kill us." I closed my eyes and smelled his skin. "Luckily, you'll get a discount and they won't even start until they are almost eight months old. I'm thankful our families are willing to help us out to bridge the gap between my going back to work and your summer break."

"What do we need to do for wedding planning? Anything?"

I shook my head, "I need to sit down and figure out what we need to do but I haven't found time yet." Troy kissed the top of my head. "Do you just need an afternoon by yourself to sit down and go through things? Do you want me there?" I looked up at him, "I probably just need to figure out the steps, then I will need you." Troy smiled with a nod and as we switched babies while I changed his diaper and swaddled him up while holding him.

"I always wondered what it would be like to have kids and if it was truly for me. I mean, I love coaching and working with kids but I was never sure but I absolutely love this." Troy spoke up and my eyes watched him as he couldn't stop staring at Saylor. "I love doing this with you – the woman I love and one of the best mothers I have ever seen. I love watching them get bigger and learn new things and just already so proud of them for all of their accomplishments." I smiled as I squeezed his arm. "I am so thankful for their surprise into our lives. I wouldn't have this any other way,"

"I'm just lucky I get to do the best part of my life with you."


Friday, February 14th, 2020

Troy's POV

I woke up early because I had a lot to do today. First, it was Valentine's day and we couldn't celebrate because of the big game tonight. Second, the big game was tonight and I was nervous. I typically don't get that nervous before a game but I wanted this one. I wanted this one and I wanted to be a top seed going into our state tournament. My eyes lingered over towards Gabi as she was fast asleep. The babes only woke up twice each last night which is a good amount. I helped with one of the times and we both probably felt pretty rested.

I quietly got dressed in a pair of shorts with a sweatshirt to take Luna on a run. I quietly shut the door and I grabbed Luna's leash and she danced at my feet. The sun wasn't up yet and I slipped on a hat as we walked out front. "C'mon Luna, we have to get this in so we can set up for momma. She deserves all the love today and well everyday but I want to make sure she sees it. She's been through a lot recently." Luna honestly didn't care about what I said as long as we started running.

Tomorrow, I had a day set up for her. Once she said that she needed some time to just figure out what to do with our wedding I called Jenna, Sage, and her mom to see if they could go out on Saturday together to talk wedding stuff with her and make a game plan. That's what Gabi thrives on and it would probably start to ease her stress. Gina promised that she would call Beth and facetime her in if needed as she was back with Colt. I was going to take care of the babies for the day and then I cancelled our date but did plan to cook us dinner after we put them down for bed. We could hang out on the couch and watch a movie together.

I knew she wouldn't want to be away from the babies that long. I rescheduled for next week with her parents and I still couldn't wait for our time together tomorrow night. Sunday we were just going to have dinner at Lennon and Cameron's place. Little does Lennon know – it's a post proposal party. They are doing pictures with each other and when his original plans to propose kinda got thrown off when the twins came early – he figured this was the second best and we would all be at the house for a surprise party. She moved in back in December and she was chomping to get the ring.

We were all growing up and doing new and big things – I loved it. From high school all the way to now has been a lot of fun with my friends and I wouldn't have it any other way. Luna and I did a lap around the neighborhood and once the sun started to peek up, I pulled her back into the drive way against her will. Luna whined for more but I was trying to catch my breath. I definitely hadn't been running as much and I was out of shape for Luna running. Back before we met Gabi, Luna and I would run miles together. Now we were lucky to get a mile in.

"Luna, girl, we'll do this more. Okay?" I scratched behind her ears as we walked inside together. I stretched my legs out and went ahead upstairs. All three of them were still sleeping. I quietly got into the shower and quickly took a shower and pulled on my jeans with a James Island quarter-zip. It was spirit wear Friday for our big game. I grabbed my suit for tonight and looked over to see that Saylor was awake but content. "Hi little girl," I whispered. I picked her up as she cooed and her blue eyes stared at me.

"C'mon," I took her to the nursery as I changed her diaper and took her out of the sleep sack. She wiggled in my grasp, "We have to set up some stuff for momma," I took her downstairs as I put her in the swing and buckled her in with a blanket. I went into the kitchen where I grabbed the flowers, I had hidden last night and put those on the counter with a small gift that I had gotten her. I looked at the clock as I had just enough time to go get her City Lights Coffee Shop before I had to go to work.

I quickly put Saylor in her car seat and popped her into the car as I shot Gabi a text message so she wouldn't wake up and panic that she wasn't here. It was only a ten-minute drive and I got her coffee and a breakfast sandwich before heading right back. Saylor fell back asleep in the car as I pulled into the garage 15 minutes before I had to be leaving for work. Cameron already told me he was ordering lunch today so I planned on just ordering with him.

I took Saylor inside before grabbing her coffee and sandwich. "Okay little girl, let's go wake momma up with some kisses." I slid her out of the car seat and carried the other two items as we went upstairs. Gabi was propped up and nursing Sutton with her eyes closed. "Good morning," I said walking through the door and she opened her eyes and looked up at me with a smile. "Morning, where did you take my little girl, too?"

My hands shook her coffee and she grinned, I put her coffee and sandwich next to her as I bent down to brush my lips over hers. "Happy Valentine's day," I whispered to her. She kissed me back, "Happy game day," I laughed as she reached up to rub my neck. "Thank you for grabbing coffee and some breakfast." I nodded, "I ran Luna as well," Gabi blinked, "How long have you been awake for?" she asked and I smiled, "A while. I couldn't sleep much anyways because of the game tonight and I hate that I can't take you out tonight."

Gabi smiled with a shake of her head, "I don't want to go out tonight. It's going to be a mad house. I would much rather just spend the night with you after the game. Or the group over for beers. I don't need a fancy dinner on a day. I am happy I get to cheer on my guy tonight,"

I grinned, "So you are cheering me on? Not Blaine?" Gabi smiled with a shake of her head, "I am cheering for both of you. If I could have you both win, I would pick that option." I laughed as Gabi smiled, "Even though, I think I am a bit more in your corner since he already won one of them. I think you guys should split it." I winked as I kissed her again. "That sounds fair." I sat on the edge of the bed as I watched Sutton for a moment as I then laid Saylor next to Gabi. "She has not had anything to eat yet. She was just awake and content so I took her with me." She nodded her head as I brushed my fingers through her hair.

"I hate that I have to get to work but I do. I love you; I will see you tonight. You'll be there a little early?" she nodded, "I will try my hardest. My mom and dad are going to come over and help me out." I kissed her one more time and then kissed each of the babies. "Have a good day at work, I love you, Troy."

"I love you, too." I got up as I smiled at the babies again before I picked up my suit and my backpack. I hated leaving every morning but today was a big day. I was ready for today.


Gabi's POV

I put each baby into a swing as I had fed both of them and changed each of them into a different outfit. I was hoping that I could jump into the shower during their nap but I wasn't holding my breath. I stood up and I looked into the kitchen to see the bouquet of white and yellow daisies. A small bag sat in front and I couldn't stop my smile as he always was blowing me away. We talked about doing nothing for Valentine's day because it honestly wasn't that important to me. Troy showed me love on the daily. I showed him. I didn't need a day for it.

Yet, he still went out of his way to get flowers, coffee, and a gift? I didn't deserve him most days. I took a picture of the set up as I added it to my Instagram story before I pulled the tissue paper out. It had two things inside with a card. I picked up the card first as I opened it to reveal a heart. It opened up and it just had a simple Happy Valentine's Day. He wrote a little note on the bottom.

I love you, Brie. You amaze me every single day with your strength. How could I not want to celebrate you and us? Enjoy x Troy

I smiled as I pulled out the first and it was a spa morning in a couple of weeks on a Saturday. The other was in a little box. I laughed when I read the outside as it was an electronic love note. I popped it open and there was already a note there.

Now I can send you little notes all the time. Love you!

I couldn't stop my smile at how cheesy it was but when I put it down on the counter, I sent Troy a picture and a thank you for all of it. Not but two seconds letter the heart on the side spun in a circle and I couldn't stop my laugh. I tipped my head forward to see a new note.

You're Beautiful.

My cheeks hurt because I was smiling so wide.

I send him a kissy face back before I stored my milk and then went back into the living room to see each of them sleeping. I put their owlet on their toes and the baby monitor in the living room to watch them. I hurried upstairs and turned on the shower as I had no idea how much time I would have. First mission was my hair, the second was shaving, and the third was lots of soap but I had to get through phase one first.

I jumped into the shower and washed my hair, twice, and then deep conditioned. I checked the baby monitor to see them both sleeping still and I went to my razor to do a quick sweep of my body and lathered in soap before one of the first cries rang out. I breathed out a sigh of relief as I turned off the water, wrapped a towel around my body and wrapped a towel around my hair. I hopped down the stairs as Saylor was squirming and crying. I picked her up and she arched her back. I then smelled her poopy diaper.

"Okay, okay, Say, I got you," I took her upstairs to change her diaper and she almost immediately settled back down. "Is that all you needed?" she wiggled back into my arms. I took her to the bedroom to lay her down in her bassinet while I dried off, put on lotion, and then pulled on a pair of jeans with a t-shirt. I took a blow drier to my hair and that startled Saylor. "Sorry, baby," I told her as I just only had to do it for a few moments.

My curls started to be damper, I turned it off, and added some product before going over to pick up Saylor. She curled up into my chest and I held her close to me. "Let's go check on big brother and then we can do some laundry. How does that sound?" I kissed her forehead. Who knew I would love mundane tasks and baby snuggles all day?


Troy's POV

The gym was filling up and I felt the nerves building in my gut. Our JV team had a close game but lost by a last second buzzer basket. My eyes turned in the crowd to see Gabi sitting with her entire family. They were sitting in the middle of the gym and all wearing neutral colors to the game. Lucy was wearing a West Ashley t-shirt but I'll give her a little razzle dazzle later for the shirt. Saylor was in James arms while Sutton was with Sage.

All the other wives and girlfriends were sitting with Gabi along with Jenna, Ethan, and even Annie. The gym was full and Gabi was worried about it being too loud for the babies. She went to buy the ear muffs last minute for them and I couldn't help but smile looking at them with them. A hand clapped my back and I turned over to see Jesse. "We have this," I smiled and I nodded, "I'm just ready for tip-off and we can go from there." I took a deep breath and ran my fingers through my hair.

"I know you haven't had a chance to go say hi to Gabi. Go see them and then let's do the damn thing." I just nodded with a grin as I jogged across the court dodging all of the balls flying around. Gabi watched me the entire way and I moved towards the middle of the bleachers as I scooted my way into their row. "I had to say hi," I said as I hugged her tightly. She had ordered food for all the coaches for after school and I loved her for it. I kissed her quickly as Lucy giggled, "Uncle Troy! I am cheering for my brother," I laughed as I squeezed her chin. "I'll let it slide this time,"

I peeked at the babies but they were both sleeping and I looked at Gabi again. Her lips were just in a small smile as she stared up at me. "Good luck," I dropped another kiss to her lips and stroked her cheek with my thumb. "Thanks babe, Jesse knew I needed a moment with you."

She winked and I bounced down the stairs and across the court where everybody was starting to come back into the bench. I shook hands with each of my best friends as our normal ritual before the game started. The boys all started to make their way back to the bench and my starting five took their seats. I sat down in front of them as I stared at all five of them. The gym was loud and the PA announcer was getting the crowd worked up.

All five of my kids were seniors.

We've always lost to West Ashley or most of the time we lost to West Ashley.

"It's going to be loud, it's going to be a hard game, it will be physical, and I know how much each of you want this win. Go out onto the court and do your fundamentals. Do the little things. Take smart shots. Remember everything we worked on this week. Remember how much you want this and remember that you are all amazing basketball players. Use your head. Ignore the crowd. Just do what you know how to do, okay?"

Each of them nodded their heads and I nodded as I took the white board and drew out the first play and we all agreed before going out. We did our chant as all five of them walked out onto the court. I dropped the white board and I looked at my bench. "You are just as important as those five, understood? This game will be won by the bench. Talk to your teammates, help them out, and when you go out there work just as hard." They all clapped and cheered as I nodded towards Coach Sam and I couldn't stop my smile staring at Blaine.

He smiled back over towards me and shook his head. I just laughed with a shake of my head as I tucked my hands in my suit pants pockets and I exhaled as the first whistle blew. The boys jumped and off we went.


Gabi's POV

The game had been neck-in-neck the entire time. Nobody has held a lead and it was constantly back and forth. Troy was crouched down as he watched a play unfold and he jumped up with a missed foul. He lost his mind when Jax grabbed his shoulder to calm him down. Troy ran a hand through his hair frustrated as he called a time out after West Ashley drained another three – by Blaine. The babies were both passed out in their car seats as the teams huddled around the bench with less than two minutes left and down by two.

Troy went down to a knee as he spoke to each of his players as I wish I could see his face from here. I knew the level of intensity that was on his face and I knew how much he wanted this win for his team and for his coaches. "Mama, you look so nervous and I don't even know who you want to win." I just laughed at Lennon as I rubbed my hands on my jeans. "I don't know who I want to win either but I just am nervous for both of them. It's such a tight game."

The teams came out of the huddle as Troy had gotten himself together and spoke with the ref about the call which they were smiling by the end about. The whistles blew and the boys bounded the ball in while jogging down the court. West Ashley met them at half court where they passed the ball around the key. Troy and Cameron were both yelling something. They went in for a lay-up and scored as they hustled back down the court.

The crowd cheered as Troy watched them roll into defense and he let Jax handle it for the moment but when he saw something he hated he yelled out and the ball came loose as there was a scramble for the ball allowing James Island to run it all the way to the basket. Troy clapped his hands as they ran back to the other end of the court when West Ashley called a time out leaving them one each.

Troy, Cameron, Dylan, Jax, and Jesse were all greeting the boys and giving high fives as they took seats and grabbed drinks. Troy's body language was intense and I couldn't help but fall a little bit harder for him as he coached his team. He had ditched his coat and was only in his button up shirt with his slacks. His sleeves were rolled up as he nodded to each of his players. I turned to focus on Blaine and West Ashley as they were in a deep conversation as well.

The whistles began to blow causing the teams to meet back on the court. There was just a little under one minute left in the game and I was so nervous. Saylor started to scream from her car seat and I saw Troy flinch but his eyes never left the game. I picked her up and she curled up on my chest. She was probably getting hungry but I couldn't take my eyes off this game. They pushed the ball into the court as they passed it around the key as they were only up by three.

Troy called out a play as the kids moved in action, Blaine went for a shot but it was tipped off the fingers of Quinton and fell into the hands of Seth. Troy held up his hands to slow them all down as Coach Sams threw his head back while Troy rolled them into motion as they crossed half court. Blaine quickly fouled Quinton as they went to the free throw line with thirty seconds left. Blaine took his position and huffed while bending forward.

Quinton hit both free throws causing a huge sigh of relief through half of the gym. James Island is up by five and West Ashley hurried down the court, tossed it to Blaine, and he quickly threw up a three for it to drain in. The lead narrowed to two. There was twenty seconds left as they inbounded the ball and the moment; they crossed half court they fouled again. This time, it was Kent. He wasn't the best free throw shooter but Troy just nodded his head towards Kent with a nod. "You got it," he mouthed.

Kent nodded as he took the ball and inhaled deeply as he missed his first one.

"Kent!" Troy yelled his name across the gym. He turned to face his coach and he inhaled deeply and nodded for Kent to follow. He let his hands lower and he nodded towards him, "You got this," Troy said again. Kent just nodded his head and I kissed the top of Saylor's head. "You have such a good daddy," I murmured into her ear. The basketball hit the ground a few times and Kent exhaled before spinning the ball in his fingers and then taking the shot. It circled the rim before falling in and we were up by three again.

Troy and Jax high-fived as Kent grinned while West Ashley called a time-out. The group went back into the huddle screaming as Troy hugged Kent tightly while he laughed and took a seat to get a drink. "God, he's amazing." Jenna said from behind me. I just laughed with a nod as the time out was quick and they were back on the court. West Ashley took out the ball, "I can't watch," I mumbled as I looked down at Saylor.

There was a lot of noise in the gym as the kids were in head phones as the clock ticked down. The final seconds were on the clock and West Ashley player passed it to Blaine who set up outside the key. He went for the three as the buzzer sounded after it left his fingertips. The gym was almost quiet as the ball hit the rim once, twice, and when it went for the third bounce it missed and fell out and away. James Island went crazy as Troy jumped up along with all of his best friends as the gym lost their minds.

I jumped up screaming as I held Saylor tightly as we were all hugging and smiling together. The James Island student section was making their way to the court while my eyes searched for Troy to see him working his way through the crowd before he found Blaine. He pulled him into a hug and I saw his lips moving and his arms tighten around my nephew. I couldn't stop my own tears as I handed my mom Saylor as I climbed down into the crowd as Troy was walking away from Blaine. I ran into Cameron first, "Where is he?" I yelled.

He looked around before dragging me through the crowd and it cleared before I spotted him hugging a few of his senior. He looked up and our eyes connected. I could barely see through my tears as I ran over to him. He picked me up easily and I circled my legs around him. "I am so proud of you," I whispered into his ear and he just laughed while squeezing me tightly. "I am so proud of them." We looked at each other as I gave him a quick kiss. "I love you, thank you so much for being here."

"I love you, too." I dropped down from his body and he kissed the top of my head. "Don't leave, I want to see my babies." I nodded my head, "I think I need to feed Saylor anyways." Troy grinned, "I heard that cry." I laughed as I wiped my tears, "I saw you flinch." He tipped my chin back and he kissed me again. "You are amazing," He grinned.

He went back into the locker room with the boys as everybody was still celebrating that win. I searched for a moment and I spotted Blaine holding Lucy. I walked over and I gave him a hug, "Good game, I'm proud of you." He laughed, "I could have played better but it was a fun one. That's for sure." I shook my head as all the girls were gone but Jenna had Saylor while my mom was holding Sutton. I gave a few bottles out to everybody who wanted to feed as I felt my entire body begin to relax.

It took about twenty-five minutes for Troy to exit the locker room with a smile on his face and his best friends behind him. He stopped to talk to Coach Sam's while Lucy went running over to him. He hugged on her and held her until they shook hands and he walked over. He let Lucy down and he hugged his mom, dad, siblings, and then Ada. "Now where are my babies," he climbed into the bleachers as he cooed at Saylor and then Sutton. His eyes looked up at me and he smiled with a wink as he reached his hand out.

I let my fingers slid in with his and I knew what a rush tonight was for him.


Troy's POV

By the time we got dinner and drinks, got the twins home and ready for bed, it was nearly midnight. Gab fell back against the bed and I couldn't stop my own smile. Today was amazing. There weren't enough words for how amazing tonight was. I felt bad for Blaine because I wanted him to make that shot. I told him as much when I found him after the game. He played one hell of a game and I knew he was going to go so many places.

I crawled over top of Gabi and she opened her eyes to look at me, "Hi superstar," I laughed as I wedged myself between her legs. I kissed her and she wrapped her arms around my neck. "I'm tired," she whispered and I nodded my head. "Nothing more than this, I just needed this." I kissed her right back and she kissed me with a smile. She curled into my body and I wrapped my arms around her. I let my free hand twirl her hair around. The topic about resuming sex hasn't been one talked about that much between the two of us besides that she wasn't ready – which was a-okay by me. I just didn't want her to think I wasn't making a move on her because I didn't want, too. Because I would if I knew she was ready.

"I know you aren't ready to have sex again – and that's fine. Don't let that be any mistake. We can take as long as you need but is there a reason?" I asked her while I twisted her hair around my finger again. She hesitated and wiggle in my grasp to get away from me. I only held onto her a little tighter as I kissed the top of her head. "You don't have to answer that either. If it's simple you just don't want too then I respect the hell out of that. If you think you are changed or it will be different then I want to reassure you that you are beautiful and it might be different but we're also different." She didn't say anything and she twisted to press her face into my torso. I never said anything again as I just ran my fingers through her hair.

My intentions were to never push on this subject. I didn't want to be that guy and I was honestly fine without. She just had two babies and her abdomen cut open. I probably wouldn't want to have sex either but I never wanted her to think I didn't desire her or want her. "I think the only reason I bring this up is because I don't want to push you or rush you into anything. So, I don't do it. I don't push and I don't initiate anything. I don't want you to take that as I find you less attractive or that I don't want you. It's the opposite. I love you and want you and think you are stunning but I respect the hell out of you and know that it isn't the time yet. I just want to make sure our lines aren't crossed and you think I think anything less of what you truly are which is beautiful."

She pushed off the bed and she looked down in her lap, "You don't think I'm different and not the same as before?" I blinked, "Gabs, I would never expect you to be the same after having twins. Good or bad. You had babies. One or two. It doesn't matter. I'm different, too. I'm a dad. You're a mom. Your body feels different probably and I want you to know that you are absolutely stunning in that body. I don't love you for your looks or the sex. I love you because of your heart, your laugh, the resilience, and just who you are. I can even include as a mother. I love you for those things. Yea, it might take a little bit to get our sex life back to what we want it to be but there is no rush. I just want to keep the communication open."

Her brown eyes were soft as she glanced around and blinked her eyes a few times before wrapping her arms around my neck. "I will wait as long as you need me too but I wanted to get that off my chest. I don't want you to think anything less than your beauty." She climbed into my lap and hugged me tightly. "I love you," she whispered while playing with the hair on the back of my neck. "I love you, too." I just held her in my grasp when she pulled back to look at me.

"Part of it is because I'm just not ready. The other part is because I just feel like I will be a disappointment to you and be different. Something you don't like." My face softened and I shook my head, "No, I know, I can hear it from you that you clearly don't feel that." I smiled as I hugged her tightly, "You deserve the world and I respect your boundaries. I just needed you to know." A smile lifted onto her lips and I pressed her back against the bed as we kissed again. I kept it simple and I pulled away from her. "I'm going to get ready for bed."

She smiled and kissed me again, "Thank you for being you," I smiled as I brushed hair off her face and my thumb traced her bottom lip. My eyes stared into hers and I felt the overwhelming feeling of comfort. "Thanks for coming into my life." I whispered back.


Gabi's POV

Saturday, February 15th, 2020

Troy surprised me with my mom, Jenna, his mom, and Sage to sit down and figure out what else we needed to do for our wedding. We had set up camp at our favorite little coffee shop and we each had a device of choice, Beth was on Facetime, and we had a pad of paper with a calendar all circled. Troy kissed me on the forehead and told me to get ready for the day as he was going to be home with the babies all day while I got out of the house for a little bit.

I protested because of our date tonight.

But he redirected it towards him cooking us dinner tonight after we put the babies to bed.

God, I loved him.

"Okay, we have the most important thing nailed down. The date." I smiled as I circled October 3rd on the calendar. "That leaves us about seven months to get it all planned." Jenna said with a huff of air. Ethan had joined Troy over at the house with Willa and I knew when I got back it would be littered with the guys. "Luckily, we are using the food at the facility and their bar. We just need to pick a day soon to go in and figure out what of theirs we want on our menu."

"Gabi, I am going to make a list of the things we need to schedule." I just nodded as I glanced down at my calendar in front of me. "I go back to work in late April. If we can have a handful of this done prior to going back to work that would be amazing. Even if we are having to get together more frequently. That way it takes a load of stress off my plate." The group agreed as Beth laughed from her end of the phone and I knew by her eyes alone that she was talking to Colt.

"First, you need a dress." I smiled with a nod. "That I do. I think I would rather wait until late March or early April to dress shop. My body is still adjusting from post-babies and I don't want to discourage myself." My mom squeezed my arm gently, "Sweetie, you will look beautiful in whatever you choose to wear. Your body has nothing to do with that. Especially after having babies." I gave her a small smile back and Laura chuckled.

"Plus, I think you could wear a paper brown bag and my son would worship it. He chose you for you." I blinked away the hormonal tears. "Thank you, guys, seriously, I just feel like that is one I am willing to push back a little bit."

"I think the most important things might be the ones we needed to schedule people for as we already have the venue." Sage suggested, I nodded in agreement, "I agree. I think our focus needs to be floral, cake, DJ, photographer, and whoever is going to actually marry us." The group agreed together. "We also need to get our engagement pictures done so that we can send save the dates here before too long. I feel like we should have so much more done already." I stressed. Laura squeezed my arm, "You and Troy got a little side tracked with my precious, precious grandbabies. We are going to get you two the perfect wedding day. Your mom and I will be able to tag team some of the addresses for family and get your invitations all together."

"I think we should also pick colors,"

I nervously bit on my lip as I looked at Beth and then Jenna. "As the two people for sure in my wedding – I need to know what you think of a rusty orange color as the bridesmaid dresses? If you hate it or think it will be awful, I will not be offended. I just saw a color scheme and I liked it a lot. Especially for a fall wedding but if you think it's an ugly color then we don't have to do it." I rambled as Jenna snapped her fingers, "Gabi, calm down. Show us the picture."

I pulled up the picture of the rust color, olive/green color, along with a dark blue, I then showed them the inspiration dresses and photos. "Wow, Gabs, I actually love it. When you say rust, I think of a nail but those pictures are gorgeous and if we find the right dresses and with the green and navy? It will be so beautiful. Very boho look which is way more you," Beth said over the phone. I chewed on my lower lip, "Really? You don't have to say these things to be nice to me."

"No, seriously, I love it." Jenna said with a nod. "It is beautiful. The boys could either wear navy or a light tan brown color."

"Navy," Laura, my mom, and I all said at one time. It was by far my favorite suit of Troy's and I wasn't alone. "Send me that, actually let's start a group message."

And so, this is how our day started and went. We all had at least two coffees and we planned away. Sage gave us recommendations from when she was doing all of this for her wedding with Jesse. She highly recommended her cake and DJ lady. "Are you just going to use the girl who did the twins newborn pictures? They were stunning." I smiled with a nod, "Most likely. I need to send her a text to schedule our engagement pictures. No babies allowed in the photos."

"Did you just make that rule?" Sage asked with a laugh. I smiled, "No, it's been on my mind. I want good pictures of Troy and I. Just the two of us. Almost sexy like pictures and this is our engagement photos. No need for babies to be involved in the making of them."

"You might have more after the fact," Jenna said with a wiggle of her eyebrow. I just laughed and looked down at a few of the other DJs I was looking at to have a backup plan. My mind went back to my conversation with Troy last night and how calm and supportive he was with how I felt about having sex again. He was partially right; I wasn't sure if he even desired me at this point but he showed me with words that he really was and then by his actions of respecting my boundaries. I can almost put money on it that Brad would have never.

I almost wanted to give in to him last night but I also knew I physically wasn't ready. Emotionally, I might not be either. He respected that from me and I loved him for it. I did feel bad though because it had been since the twins were born, the morning of actually, and it was a long time. I missed him and that connection but I wanted more time. I just wanted the guilt to go away. I pushed those thought away when my phone popped up with a text message.

It was from Dylan.

I opened it and I saw Troy napping with the two babies on his chest. I smiled as I hearted it and sent heart eyes back to Dylan. I showed Laura and she just grinned, "I always knew he was going to be an amazing father and I know he'll be an even better husband." I just gave her a smile while I almost wanted to go home in this instant. I emailed our photographer about setting up engagement photos and inquiring about our wedding date to put her on the books.

"What about a videographer? I love watching our wedding video." Sage suggested, "I've always wanted one but I don't know if we can swing it with the budget." I told her. "At least look into it. Our guy was pretty cheap for a videographer and it turned out stunning. I'll send you his information or I will just email him." I thanked her as she had been a big help with the vendors and people to contact having just did it herself a few years prior.

I felt like we had a good solid plan for the future and planned another date day next month to see what progress we had made and what needed to be done next. "I think I am ready to go home and see my babies," I said as I began to pack up. "Jesse is over there,"

"Ethan is still there, we'll all come over." I just laughed with a shake of my head. "It sounds about right." I told them with a smile.


Troy's POV

Sunday, February 16th, 2020

I carried the twins inside Cameron's house as everybody was already here setting up. Gabi walked in behind me and she gasped, "Shut up! Why didn't you tell me?" I laughed, "None of you knew because none of you can keep a secret." Gabi slapped my shoulder as Sage and Sara protested. "We could have kept this secret." Gabi said and I laughed as I sat the twins on the counter. "She knows absolutely nothing. She doesn't even know that we are having dinner tonight. Her parents and his parents are there."

"How exciting. That just leaves you Dylan," Gabi teased and he looked over at Josie who was pinning up a she said yes sign. "Yea, I found her." He murmured as I shot him a look and he just grinned back at me. Gabi laughed, "You have come such a long way since I met you last year." Gabi teased. "And you changed our man." Dylan hugged Gabi as he then came over to greet Saylor and Sutton. "Look at those cute, cute babies."

They were both sleeping and we left them along as we both helped finishing setting up. "Cameron said that they are on the way and all went well!" I grinned at Jesse, Dylan, and Jax. His plan was pretty flawless, unlike my fly by the seat of my pants, kind. Even though, it honestly worked fairly well for me. We quickly finished setting up, got the cake out, and made sure the balloons were perfectly arched. "They are pulling up! Everybody parked on the other street, right?" Dylan confirmed. The lights turned off and we all pushed our way out of the doorway.

We all nodded as he was playing it off that he needed to grab some stuff before going to dinner. We all held our breath as Gabi's phone buzzed as did the rest of the girls and we all knew that was a sign that she was texting them. "Ugh they won't answer their facetime!" Lennon complained while the door opened. "Babe, they might be a little busy." Cameron spoke up as he was the first to walk through with a pair of slacks and a button-down shirt.

He flipped on the lights and we all yelled surprise together. Lennon gasped and covered her mouth with a big wide eye. Cameron grinned down at her as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "See, I told you that they were busy." Lennon just laughed and she raised her hand in her air. "I'm ENGAGED!"

The group laughed as the girls all went over to hug her and congratulate her. "Cameron, you did it!" Jesse said putting him in a headlock. We all laughed together as she showed her ring off and the pictures were already being taken along with all of the food and love going around. The babies woke up and were being passed around the room. Cameron and Lennon took pictures together while she showed off her ring.

I went over to Gabi and looped my arm around her neck. I kissed her temple and she wiggled back into my body. "It's been fun watching all of your friends get engaged." She said while tilting her head back to look at me. "It was fun when we got engaged." I told her. She smiled as she wiggled the rock on her finger. "Planning for our wedding yesterday was a lot of fun. I am excited for the day but can't wait for every day in-between." I cupped her face and I kissed her.

"I love you," we smiled together as she hugged me and looked around for our babies. "When Dylan sent me that picture yesterday, all I wanted to do was drop what I was doing and come be with all three of you."

"He shouldn't have sent that picture. I knew it was going to distract you."

"We were almost done anyways," she said. I just shook my head as I kissed her head again. Lennon hugged Gabi tightly and she smiled, "We came into their lives right around the same exact time and I'm glad we both stuck." Lennon said. I shared a smile with Cameron who reached to shake my hand and I shook his hand. Back in the day – we really thought we would all be bachelors forever but clearly that life was overrated.


Hi guys! So sorry that this is late! Work life is hard life especially around the holidays haha but here it is! I hope you all loved it and enjoyed it! Let me know all of your thoughts and feelings!

Happy Holidays everybody!

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Next Update: January 16th (A little break to allow the holidays to get through + get this story finished!)