Chapter 43 – Film and Babies

Monday, March 9th, 2020

Troy's POV

The TV flashed with the film as Sutton and Saylor were both not sleeping next to me as I was trying to give Gabi some solid hours of rest. The past week had been a rough go with the babies. They got their two-month vaccinations and they were both just growing and hungry all the time. Gabi was exhausted. Yet, I had a ton of film to watch. Districts were this weekend and we only had two days to prepare. I took a drink of coffee as I was shooting texts back and forth.

A year ago, Gabi came downstairs and crawled in my lap.

This year, I had two non-sleeping infants in my lap.

Boy, how a year can change everything.

I stretched my legs out and yawned as I needed to wrap this up. I did have to get up and teach in the morning. Our first game was Thursday. If all went well – we would meet West Ashley in the championship game. I mostly had Jax working on their film because I wanted to be ready. I fucking loved Blaine but I needed that win. This was my team to take to state. He still had another year and they had a promising freshman and sophomore class.

I did not have nearly the promising freshman and sophomore class – which is fine. I'm not that worried but I wanted it big time this year. My phone rang and I answered it, "Hi, did you want Madison's film? They lost their star point guard to an ACL injury. I'm not sure who is taking his place." Dylan rattled on the phone and I looked down at Saylor as I nodded, "I had heard that. I know we could play them in the quarterfinals but I'm not that worried about them. We will be able to get film of their first game." I countered.

"True, I just…Bolton I want this. I want this for me, you, and all of our guys." I smiled because I loved that my friends cared just as much. "Same, buddy. Why do you think I have Jax working double time on West Ashley? I might even watch film and use what I know but that also feels dirty and wrong. I love Blaine but this one I want for myself." Dylan grunted, "You had to go falling for the girl who is related to fucking Blaine."

I chuckled, "It's only for one more year and then I could give zero fucks about West Ashley. I want to kill them every year after that." Dylan snorted on the other end of the phone. "I might be quitting soon. These babies need to eat one more time and then hopefully they will sleep and we can all sleep for a little bit." Dylan yawned himself, "Yea, I might finish this game I am watching. I'm working on the scouting report for Thursday."

"Thanks man, I really couldn't do this all without any of you."

"We're a team, Troy. This is what a team does." I smiled, "Can't wait to do this damn thing together,"

"Neither can I, but we all have to work tomorrow. So, let's wrap up." I agreed as I ended our conversation and I texted the group chat to be done for the night. I got up as Gabi probably was going to be up soon anyways to pump. I grabbed one bottle from the fridge before taking the two upstairs. Gabi was stirring under the covers and I smiled. We had sex the night I got back and nothing sense. Mostly because we were both exhausted. I already took two days of PTO for after basketball to spend with her and the kids before she goes back to work.

I couldn't wait for those days.

But for now – just falling asleep next to her was enough.

"Hey," I whispered and she blinked open her eyes and looked up at me. "Hi,"

"Which one do you want to nurse? Or do you want both of them? I haven't warmed up a bottle yet." She shifted to her back and rubbed her face, "Both of them. That way I don't have to pump." I laughed as I handed her Saylor first. "I'll take Sutton to put this away and I'll keep him distracted and happy." She nodded as she got Saylor situated. I put the bottle back and then shut off everything. Luna was sleeping at the end of the bed as I laid Sutton in the bed next to Gabi on the boppy while I changed into a pair of shorts, brushed my teeth, and went to the bathroom.

"Are you still up watching film?" she laughed after she said it. "Dumb question," I chuckled as I crawled into bed with Sutton. He was fighting off sleep as I let him rest on my chest. "Yea, we called it quits though. This time last year you were crawling in my lap trying to get me to come upstairs."

"You gave me a great reward the next morning," I tilted my head back in a laugh, "Yea, I did. Want another one tomorrow?" Gabi giggled, "Maybe." I smiled as I held Sutton as Gabi and I had what we liked to call our midnight chats. I hated when she got up by herself with them so typically, I would just get up to talk to her. Keep her awake and to be an extra set of hands. "So, you'll play Thursday, Friday, Saturday?" Gabi asked. I nodded my head, "Yea, hopefully we play all three days. Then we do the sweet 16 and quarters next week. If we achieve that the following weekend will be final four and state championship."

Gabi nodded her head in understanding, "It will be fun."

"The sweet 16 and quarters will be played in the College of Charleston's area and then if we go to the finals those are held in Columbia."

"Oh, road trip, I'll have to see if Beth or my parents would want to go to have an extra set of hands."

"You have faith that we'll make it that fair,"

Gabi twisted her head to look at me, "Why wouldn't I have faith you would make it that far? All the hard work that you are putting in with the team, watching film, balancing us – why wouldn't I believe in you? You're an amazing coach, Troy." I blinked my eyes a couple of times as I stared at her when I was the one who should be in complete awh. "I don't know. I sometimes think what I am doing is pointless. We're trying to achieve this one thing that only one team can achieve. Pushing myself, my players, my friends…"

"Troy, it's important to you. It's important to those boys. Not including the scholarship offers that could come for them for making it this far. The looks they might receive. You are making such a difference in those boys and that's the important part. It's not about winning the whole damn thing – it about the work ethic, It's about leadership and showing them that they can dream for big things and time and hard work can achieve them. Don't minimize what you are doing with them. This is more than just basketball. To some, this is a future."

I just shook my head as I smiled with a laugh of disbelief. "If each of us didn't have a baby, this is one of those times that I would pin you to the bed. That was…amazing. I needed that. You're an amazing, woman Gabriella." Her cheeks flushed and I let my fingers lace with her fingers. I pressed my lips to them and she looked at Saylor before putting her in bed. "I think we can spare a minute," Gabi said stealing Sutton as well.

She climbed in my lap and she kissed me. Her arms locking around my neck and my fingers finding her hips. "I love you Troy, I can't wait for our kids to watch you do what you love." I kissed her again and she just smiled. "This will be a fun ride and I want you to enjoy it. We'll be here. I know you will do what you can with the babies." I just shook my head with a smile as I let my hands run up her body and frame her face, "How did I get so damn lucky," we both shared a laugh together and I pressed her back into bed.

I got up as I handed her Sutton while I changed Saylor's diaper and wrapped Saylor in her sleep sack and rocked her to sleep. I put Saylor down in the bassinet while I turned down the lights and made sure they would stay asleep. Sutton was way more efficient at eating so it wasn't long before Gabi was pulling him back to burp. "Here, I'll get him ready." I spoke. She smiled but handed him to me and I changed his diaper, swaddled him, and then rocked him but he was mostly already asleep.

I crawled back into bed and I shut all the lights off, Gabi made sure the sound machine was on, and I pulled her back into my body. "I love you," I whispered to her. "I am so happy that we get to do this every night." She let her fingers fall over mine and I just held on.


Gabi's POV

Thursday, March 12th, 2020

We all filed into the gym for the first game as Blaine was playing first on this Thursday. Troy and the team were already here but he told me that he was going to come sit with us for the first half before spending the second half in the locker room before getting ready for the game. The twins were both sleeping in their car seats as I didn't want to mess with them too much. "I'm just glad they aren't playing each other today." I said with relief.

"Oh, I agree. It is way too stressful for that." My mom spoke. I laughed with a nod as my dad rubbed my shoulders. "Are you getting rest at home?" I nodded, "As much as they let me. Troy is super helpful, too." My dad kissed my forehead, "As he should be, I agreed to allow him to marry you under those pretenses." I shook my head with a smile, "I doubt you told him that."

"I told him to take care of you. That's the only important thing." I hugged his knee when I felt his body slide next to mine. I turned and he gave me a smile as our eyes connected, "Hi," I whispered as I leaned forward to kiss him. He kissed me back cleanly before he wrapped his arm around my shoulders and pulled me into his body. "Did you have a good day?" he nodded his head, "That I did. The boys are all amped up to get going and I am excited to get the show on the road."

"If we win tomorrow the guys all want to go out tomorrow night. Do you think we could send the babies back with your parents tomorrow?" Troy asked. I smiled as I let our fingers clasp together. "That actually sounds really nice. Getting to spend the evening with you?" Troy smiled as he kissed the top of my head. "Hey mom," I tilted my head back, "Would you want to watch the babies after Blaine's game tomorrow?"

Her eyes light up and she smiled, "Of course. For how long?"

"If you stay for Troy's game we are just going to dinner and get drinks afterwards. If you leave before the game is over it would be the game and after that. Do you know what time you play tomorrow if you win?" I asked him. "Probably 6,"

"We can be home by 10:30." I told her. She nodded with a smile, "I would love to," I hugged her as we all settled in to watch West Ashley play. Lennon, Sage, Sara, and Josie all arrived during the first half of the game. Sage was so, so pregnant and I knew she had to be uncomfortable. "How are you doing?" I asked her. She let her hand fall to her belly, "I'm okay, exhausted, and so ready for him to come. We set our induction date." I grinned, "That's so exciting! What day?"

"We'll go in Sunday night, I told Jax that way he can still be involved for the sweet sixteen," I shot her a look, "No, you guys need to soak up all the time together with that little guy."

"For the record," Troy interrupted, "I told him that I didn't expect him to do anything. I told him to stay home with you guys."

"And I told him there was no way he wasn't going to be involved if you were there. We will be okay," Sage said with a laugh. Troy shook his head, "I enjoyed my time off with my kids."

"It's two more weeks," Sage said with a shrug. "He won't be working and he will have three weeks of nothing after that. Spring break landed nicely to give him one more extra week. It's not like he won't be there. He'll just be gone in the evening." I gave her a hug, "Us basketball wives are special," I whispered to her. She laughed as she peeked in on those babies. "I can't believe I am about to have one of those." I smiled.

"You are going to love it so much,"

Blaine worked the court as he was having such a great game. My heart was full watching him and I knew Zoey would be so freaking proud of him. He had such a rough go but he was doing the work he needed and was holding his head high. Lucy climbed in my lap and I just held onto her as she told me all about her school day. Once half time occurred, Troy kissed the top of my head and then Lucy's cheek. "Bye Uncle Troy!"

"Bye, Lucy," Troy shot me a wink, "Good luck,"

"Thanks babe,"

I watched him walk away and Lennon giggled, "No wonder you ended up pregnant." I just laughed and shook my head with a smile.


Troy's POV

I closed the door as we took the win easily tonight and we all stayed at the high school to watch film together. The house was dark and I prayed that everybody was asleep. I yawned and I stretched my arms out overhead while I put my stuff away and crept upstairs. Luna was passed out next to Gabi as both of the babies were still fast asleep. I took a quick glimpse at both of them as they were already looking so much bigger.

I walked into the bathroom as I shut the door and turned on the shower. I would rather just shower now and then snooze my alarm in the morning. I was exhausted and the playoff grind was hard but it was worth it with every single win. I took a fast shower and dried off before pulling on a pair of shorts. I shut off the lights before going back into the bedroom and getting into bed. Luna shot me a look before getting down onto the floor.

My eyes fell to Gabi who was fast asleep and all I wanted to do was kiss her. I refrained as I just laid down, "I'm awake," her voice was sleepy and I just smiled as I let my hands reach out to grab her hips. "Why are you awake?" I asked her. She smiled as her head rested against my chest. "I heard you turn on the shower. Don't want to get out of bed tomorrow?" I grunted with a shake of my head. I let my lips brush against her hair while her arms wrapped around me.

"I love my job and I love basketball but these few weeks are seriously the most exhausting."

"Add in two newborns."

"Those two are so worth it." I whispered into her ear. "I just wish I had more time for them,"

"It's just a moment of time," she reminded me. I wiggled down so our faces were closer and those brown eyes flickered to mine. I let my lips ghost over hers and she smiled while she pressed back. I let my fingers drag into her hair as she lifted her leg to wrap around my waist. The kissing went a lot further than I figured it would but when she rolled on top of me, I knew I was in trouble.

Until Saylor cried.

Gabi pulled back with a laugh as she turned to look over her shoulder towards Saylor. "Do you still love them?" Gabi asked. I laughed as I nodded, "Yea, I do. We'll have our time together before too long." Gabi kissed me again before she got up and went to attend to Saylor. "Go to sleep, Troy. It's nearly two in the morning."

"Are you sure? I can help." I offered and Gabi just shook her head. "No, please, you need to sleep. I can handle the two of them." I stared at her for a beat and then just nodded my head, "Okay, only if you are sure…" Gabi only grinned at me before walking out of the room with Saylor and then coming back for Sutton. "I'm 100% positive. Go to sleep," she said as she shut off the lights and closed the door. I couldn't stop my smile.


Friday, March 13th, 2020

Gabi's POV

I buckled Saylor's car seat into my parents' car as my dad was struggling with Sutton's on the other side. I wiggled Saylor's around as my parents only stayed for Blaine's game and tomorrow it was looking like the rematch. The tie breaker. Troy's game was going to start in the next fifteen minutes and he gave the twins a quick kiss as I took them out with my parents. They were taking them back to the house for the final bottles and bed time until Troy and I got home.

Once I had Saylor's secured, I went over to help my dad with Sutton's car seat. He thanked me as I wiggled his just the same and I shut the door. "All you have to do is release the seat belt when you get home to get them out." My dad nodded, "Thank you sweetie," he kissed the side of my head and I gave him a hug. "No, thank you. I appreciate it."

"Spend the time with your fiancée, you both deserve it. We'll get these babies fed and in bed."

"I laid all of the things you'll need in the nursery. The bottles are labeled in the fridge."

"Gabi, sweetie, we can handle it. Go back inside," my mom gave me a hug and I nodded, "Okay, okay, thank you. Call me if they are too fussy or won't settle," my dad chuckled at that one. "Gabi, if we can survive you then we can survive these two." My mom laughed as I shot both of them a look. My dad only raised an eyebrow, "You were the most challenging of the bunch." I laughed this time and shook my head before peeking in on my sleeping babies one more time before jogging back towards the school.

I took three steps into the building when a hand wrapped around my waist and I was being pulled towards a hallway. "This is very familiar," I echoed and he just let out a deep throaty laugh as he pressed me back up against the wall on the other side of the gym. The music was blaring and I could hear the pounding of the basketballs but one sweep of those blue eyes and most of the noise faded away. "I keep seeing this beautiful woman, probably a mom, maybe a nanny with these two adorable babies and I just…" I couldn't stop my smile as he dragged his nose across my cheek, "I can't stop staring,"

"Troy," he smiled as he kissed my lips softly, "How are my babies?" he asked me. "Good, sleeping. They will be just fine. I can't wait to have undisrupted time with you and your friends." Troy wiggled with nerves and I let my fingers close over his. "You are going to steer this team correctly, there will be the biggest rematch tomorrow. I know once we get home tonight it will be film, film, film but…" Troy shook his head back and forth. "Film is done. We've been working on West Ashley film since before the season ended. We knew it was it was going to get to that point. The papers are done and printed. Why do you think we're going out to get drinks tonight? Why do you think once your parents leave, we aren't going upstairs?"

Goosebumps ran down my body and I smiled up at him as whistles blew in the gym which caught Troy's attention. "That's my call. I'll see you after the game, pretty girl." I shook my head as he gave one last kiss before running back towards the gym. It had been over a year but he still made my legs jelly. I pushed off the wall and started walking into the gym as I found the girls. "Ohh mama is free tonight!" Lennon wrapped her arms around my neck and I laughed as I hugged her right back.

"I can't wait to have a drink tonight and not have two babies on my boobs." The group laughed while my eyes went over to Troy who was talking with the team as if he wasn't just talking naughty into my ear in the hallway. My cheeks flushed with anticipation of tonight. They did the announcements and the first whistle blew. The game went fairly as expected.

James Island took a quick lead and they truly let up. Troy was such a fun coach to watch. He cheered on his players, he redirected them, and could rein in the attitudes of teenagers fairly quickly with a sharp look a fast whip of his tongue. He knew exactly when to push and when to pull back. His friends were nearly identical but they had all been coaching together the entire time. I remember asking Troy once if he felt bad or guilty because he got the title of head coach. Troy shook his head because in retrospect it's the job nobody wants. You have to be the one to talk to parents. You have to be the one to make the hard decisions. You have to be the one to do the things people don't want to do.

Yea, Jax is the head coach for the JV team and Dylan is the head coach for the C team. Cameron was technically the first assistant coach to the varsity team and Jesse was the second to the JV team. Troy quickly stated back when we had the conversation that they made a pact to never hold those titles to heart and somebody had to wear them. They did everything together beside Troy being involved with the C team that much. They watched film together. They ran practices together. They scouted and went to all the games. They did the open gyms and each of them acted as the head coach to all teams.

It's how Troy explained it work. He also argued they should all be paid the same. It cut down from what Troy would make as the head coach but he honestly didn't care. He just loved that his friends got to be by his side. It made coaching better. It made his team better.

The game concluded just as fast as it started. They all celebrated but they knew the biggest challenge was truly in front of them. They shook hands with the other team and all celebrated getting to the final game of the weekend before next weekend. Win and go on. Lose and go home.

Troy huddled all the kids back to the locker room as they all cleaned up. The girls all stood up and stretched as we were all under strict instructions to not leave until they were done. Sage and Jesse already claimed they were only staying for dinner. Sage was so pregnant and I knew she was exhausted but she didn't look overly exhausted either. Cameron and Jax were the first two out of the locker room. Cameron had changed into jeans as did Jax. They each claimed their women.

"We're going to head over to the bar and claim a table," Cameron said. "Oh, do you want me to come with you?" I asked. Cameron shook his head, "No. Troy told me to make sure you waited patiently." I rolled my eyes with a laugh as James Island was hosting districts this year. It rotated schools every single year and it so happened to be here. Jesse came out and scooped up Sage in a tight hug before kissing her belly. It wasn't long for Dylan to greet Josie as I raised an eyebrow.

"Where is he?"

Dylan gave a smug look, "He's coming. He's making sure the players all get the fuck outta there," I laughed with a shake of my head as they each had already left when Troy walked out with one of his players. His tie was loose around his neck as he hadn't changed yet. I rolled my eyes with impatience but those blue eyes held mine as he just gave me a smirk. "C'mon," he said. I blinked as I followed him through the school was that slowly emptying. His classroom was up a flight upstairs and in the back corner. He unlocked it with his keys before pulling me into the dark room.

His fingers clasped with mine and he never even turned on the lights. He pressed my body against the wall and I let my legs wrap around his waist as he hoisted me up. "Congrats," I murmured as his lips found mine again and he didn't slow down. "All of your friends know?" Troy laughed as he let his lips travel down my neck. "They just knew that I was stealing you for a few minutes before we show up." I laughed while I kissed him again. His fingers gripped my ass tightly.

"I had zero intentions of fucking you in here, seriously, but it's becoming more tempting." I giggled against his lips as he stopped and he let one hand go to flip on his lights. Those blue eyes morphed and moved as he adjusted to the light, "I mean, I'm not scared to have sex right here." Troy shook his head, "I cannot because then every time I step in here, I will look at this spot and imagine us having sex with each other and…that will never end well." I couldn't stop my laugh as I just kissed him again. It was slower this time and our lips were gentle with each other.

"Change superstar, I'm hungry."

He dropped me and then gripped my face to kiss me again. He quickly changed into a pair of jeans and a South Carolina gamecock's t-shirt. He slipped on a crewneck and I walked over to hug him. His arms hugged me back and he kissed the top of my hair. "C'mon, let's go."


Troy tipped the whiskey glass back and I took a sip of my wine as it was just Dylan, Jax and Troy left. Cameron and Jesse both bailed with their women to head home. His fingers were firmly on my leg as I chatted with Josie and Sara. My cheeks were flushed from the wine and Troy had ditched his crew neck. "How is mom and dad's night out?" Dylan asked. "Good, it's nice to get out of the house and with people again."

"Now we have to wait for Jesse and Sage to get out of that phase," Dylan said with an eyeroll. Josie hit his arm and he laughed, "I'm not being mean, it's just honest. Bolton was preoccupied for months before he thought of us again outside of basketball – again. I know. It's normal. He had two kids, two sick kids, and I'm loving that he is back in the social circle. It will take time for Jesse to come back." Troy shot him a look and Dylan chuckled. "I love your kids; they are so cute. I can't wait to be Uncle Dylan."

"He's not lying. We did disappear for a while." Troy laughed with a shake of his head as he polished off his whiskey. I only had one and a half glasses of wine. I had to pump eventually and I didn't want to waste it. "Do you want another one?" Troy asked me in my ear. I shook my head but thanked him as he walked himself to the bar. Troy went up to the bar and ordered another one but I also watched him pay off our tab.

He came back as he sat down and then pushed his chair back and patted his lap. I smiled with a shake of my head but he leaned in to my ear, "Let me show you how much I want you," I felt the goosebumps run down my arm and he easily pulled me back into his body and my ass landed right where he wanted me to feel how much he wanted me. I would be shocked if he didn't have sex with me in the car at this point.

"Are you ready for tomorrow?" Sara asked. The three guys glanced around at each other, "If we can get through this weekend, we will be able to make it to the final four." Troy spoke carefully. He rolled the whiskey around in the tumbler. "But this will be the hardest game until then. We play each other a ton, I even watched film this go around, and I will buy Blaine the biggest steak dinner and a call to whatever college coach if I get this one."

"Oh, he makes you feel guilty," I said. Troy gave a half smile, "Yea, I feel guilty beating him. He's been through so much and he wants the same things. I love him. He'll be my nephew and I want to watch him succeed. He's just in my way for this one." Dylan and Jax both laughed as they hit their beers together. "He's a really good kid," Jax said with a smile. I felt my own smile climb on my lips, "He won't hate you, Troy. You have to act like you would if you didn't know him."

"That's what I have been telling him," Dylan defended himself. Troy secured my body closer to him and his fingers dipped underneath my shirt. My skin tingled and his fingers just kept stroking to get the fire started. God bless my wireless pump was in the car and I could pump on the way home. "I am trying. I just really have this battle when I'm doing it."

"Like you said, only one more year of it." Jax offered.

"He will still love you after tomorrow," I reminded him. Troy just smiled as his fingers inched lower. I wiggled in his lap and he grunted. He threw back the rest of his drink and smiled over at his friends. "Guys," Dylan groaned, "I'm not even dragging Josie out of here yet." Dylan protested. Troy just chuckled underneath of his breath, "Dylan, we have two kids who will want to eat by midnight most likely. If not earlier. I only have so much time. So long are the days of having unlimited time for sex."

Josie and Sara both laughed loudly as Dylan frowned. "Hi, so Jos, how do you feel about never having kids?" Josie again hit his shoulder and he tugged her into his body. Jax and Sara shared a smile with each other as if they had their own secret but weren't sharing yet. Troy tried to unzip my jeans and I swatted his hand away as I laughed. "I have to pump first or else who knows what will happen," Troy sighed, "Fine, fine, guys, I'll see you all tomorrow. I'll be at the gym by noon."

"The game isn't until five." Jax argued.

"I have to make sure everything is set up." Troy reminded him. We both stood up as I finished off my wine and I took the car keys from Troy. "C'mon, we can pick up your car tomorrow before the game." Troy nodded as he slipped his hand into mine as we headed out after saying good-bye. We didn't make it to the car when he stopped and kissed me hard. "I'm debating if I can make it home," I laughed. "We have to make it home and get rid of my parents."

Troy groaned but I patted his chest as we got into the car. I quickly, well, as quickly as I could attached the portable breast pump and started pumping. I turned on the car and shot my parents a text that we were on our way home. "Tonight, was good, we need more of these." I spoke. Troy smiled, "That we do." Those blue eyes looked over at me as he let his large paws run up and down my leg. His fingers trying to inch too close. "Troy," he laughed and he smiled, "Couch, kitchen counter, or dining room table?" Troy offered and I laughed, "Hmm, couch, I wanna be on top." Troy groaned from my words and I just laughed.

I pulled into the driveway and parked my car in the garage as Troy got out first. We made it inside and my parents were watching TV. "Hi guys! Did you have a good night?" I nodded, "It was a much-needed night. A good break from Troy watching film and some good time with friends." A smile crossed my mom lip, "Good. Those two babies are absolutely perfect. They both drank their bottles and went right to bed."

"Oh good," I took off my pump as Troy took them from me so he could put the fresh milk in the fridge for tonight. I hugged each of my parents as I escorted them to the door. "The big game is tomorrow, I already told Lucy and she is so excited to wear her shirt again." I smiled, "It will be fun. I again, don't know who I want to win." Troy grunted from the kitchen and my dad chuckled. "She'll make it up to you," my dad said shooting him a wink. Troy's eyebrows lifted up the ceiling and I couldn't stop my own laugh. "I love you guys, thank you so much for bringing them home to allow me to enjoy tonight."

I hugged each of them and I walked them to their car. I turned once they were in the street and heading home. Troy was waiting for me in the entrée way to the house. I stepped inside and he quickly shut the front door and locked it before I was pressed up against the back of it. We were ripping each other clothes off as the teasing had been such a thing all night, we were both hot and ready to go from the moment. Our clothes were scattered as Troy took me to the couch and pressed my back against it as he wiggled off my jeans and underwear.

He spread my legs out and let those lips work until he hit the spot. I nearly bucked off the couch and I gripped his hair to pull him into my body. His fingers pressed inside of me, his tongue on me, and my body was hot that it nearly exploded. Troy was satisfied as I pressed him back into the couch. I wiggled his jeans off of him and his underwear was thrown off as I stroked his dick. "Gabi, I hate how fast this is going but you have literally worked me up all day."

"Who says there can't be a round two? Like you said – we have until midnight." Troy nearly came from those words alone as I let my knees fall on either side of his thighs and I let my body lower onto his. We both gasped and moaned together as I let my teeth sink into his skin. He couldn't stop muttering explicit as I let my body rise and lower against his body. His hands found my hips as he helped control the pace and I kissed his neck, shoulder, and then I found his lips.

This drove him crazy as I knew he wouldn't last long this way.

"Oh my god, you are too much. I can't," Troy gripped my body harder as he finally had enough and he pressed me back into the couch and drove into my so hard I nearly screamed. He silenced me with his mouth and his fingers found my sweet spot as I released against which pushed Troy right over the edge. He collapsed on top of me as we were both trying to catch our breath. His lips brushed against my cheek and he smiled softly, "I love you so much,"

I turned my head to look at him as I let our lips brush against each other, it was soft, calm, and sweet. His fingers wiggled through my hair. "I love you, thanks for an amazing night." I told him. He smiled, "No, thank you. This night was much needed."

"I kinda wanna cuddle our babies," I said. Troy laughed.

"I also kinda wanna do that again."

Troy pushed himself onto his elbows and he grinned while sticking his pinky out. "First, we do that again. Second, we cuddle our babies."

I grinned and I hooked my pinky with his.

"Deal."


Troy's POV

Saturday, March 14th, 2020

I was going to vomit.

It was half time and we were leading by ten.

In my bones and guts, I knew this felt too good to be true. We all entered the locker room and the guys were all fired up and pumped up to be kicking West Ashley's ass. Dylan and Jax were both hopping up and down with excitement as I just felt nauseated about the whole thing. I stepped into my office as each of the head coaches came in as we had a quick debrief. The door shut and I shook my head, "Troy, what? This is going so well,"

"Too well," I shot back out. "I feel played almost. Yes, they are playing fucking well but my god, something isn't sitting right. They need to focus because I have a feeling that the ten-point lead is only going to dwindle quickly." I pointed out. Cameron shared a look with me, "Troy," I just shook my head again. "I know how badly we all want this but at the same time so does West Ashley. Do you think they are just going to lay down? No. It's going to be a blood bath these last two quarters and they are all a little too excited in there as if they already won."

"They are doing it on purpose," Jesse breathed out as if it just dawned on them. "Get them all hyped up, lose focus, and they come out determined in the second half. It might not be exactly the game plan but it sure as hell became the game plan." Jax shot out. We all scrambled into the locker room as I clapped my hands. It took them a few too many seconds to focus on me. "Boys, I need you to listen really closely. You are playing very, very well. I am not discrediting that in the slightest. You are playing so well they want you to think they have no chance to get back into this game."

All of them got really quiet from that statement. "That timeout they called in the beginning of the second quarter. They came out looking a little different. They want you to be over confident, they want you to be cocky, they want you to lose focus. Do you know what you aren't going to do? Be cocky. Think that you can't easily go and lose this game. If we lose – we are done. Do you understand those words from my mouth?" A handful of them nodded, "Do you understand?" I asked louder this time.

More nods.

"I want you to quickly change your mindset. We are down by ten. Now, that you know we are down by ten – what are we going to do differently?" I asked. I sat down as I grabbed the dry erase board and started to draw some plays that we were seeing. Once I heard the first buzzer I looked up at my team, "What's the score?" I asked them. "We're down by ten," they echoed. I nodded my head, "Again, what is the score?"

They repeated themselves.

"If you lose focus for a moment, if you get too excited, if you blink for one moment, they will take this game and they will be moving on. They will not look backwards. They want you to think that. If you blink, you will lose this game. Do you understand?" they nodded and we put our hands in the middle of the circle. We yelled as they all went running back out. My eyes focused in on my coaches and we all shared a nod.

"We can't blink either. We are going to be more aggressive." We all agreed as we went back out there. I took one look at the spot to see Gabi smiling and holding Saylor against her chest. Sutton was in my mom's arms and I smiled before turning and focusing on the game. I repeated again to my team that we were losing and that we needed to work hard.

And it seemed to work.

It seemed to work well because West Ashley looked surprised about how focused they were. We worked hard, we were aggressive with rebounds and shooting. I refused to hold the ball. I think it made for a better game to fairly win it. The gym was loud to the point I couldn't think nor could I hear myself scream across the court. I feared for the twins' ears. Coach Sam's called a time out in the middle of the fourth quarter. I sat my starters down and I looked up at the score to see that we were still up by ten.

"Do. Not. Lose. Focus. If you keep playing the way you are playing, we will be playing next weekend. Do you understand me?" the group nodded again and I grinned from ear to ear, "I really, really want to play next weekend." The group laughed as I sent them back to the court. I sat down for a moment and I felt the nausea fade away as my team never blinked. They never lost focus. They kept playing hard and doing everything I asked them to do.

Blaine looked defeated towards the end. I tried to keep my eyes off of him this entire time but I knew he would be okay. I swallowed down the bitter pill as the time expired. I couldn't fucking believe it. We had done it. All the film, all the late nights, all the hard practices had all paid off. I couldn't stop the grin on my face. Our half of the gym erupted into cheers as the boys piled on top of each other in the middle of the court. I was hugging my best friends as we had truly pulled off one of the biggest wins. "Oh my god, we fucking did it," Jesse said with a big laugh.

I was quick to redirect the team to hand shaking as I was last. West Ashley was crushed. Blaine was the second to last person. I paused as I pulled him into my arms. "You played a hell of a game, I'm so proud of you and can't wait to watch you kick ass your senior year." Blaine squeezed me back, "Thanks Uncle Troy," he said in my ear. I couldn't stop my smile as I looked at him with a grin on my face, "I'll see you in the backyard." We both laughed this time as I gave Coach Sam's a handshake.

"Impressive how well you kept them focused," he said. I smiled, "It was my only mission." He chuckled as the boys were all laughing and talking together. I went over to behind the bench where half of my coaches already were. She met me half way with no babies in her arms and I lifted her up. She laughed hugging me tightly, "I am so, so proud of you." She whispered into my ear and I just swung her around with a laugh. "That was so much fun," she gave me a quick kiss and I gave her one tight squeeze before putting her down. The twins looked adorable with their ear muffs over their ears.

"Troy, let's go,"

We had to do the trophy presentation and we took a team picture as I let the kids pass the trophy around as I was congratulated by admin, by other coaches, and what not as we made our rounds. "Troy, before I put them away, I want a picture," I turned to Gabi as I quickly swept in and grabbed Sutton as I lifted him up in the air. "Buddy! We did it!" I blew on his face and he let a smile cross his lips. I grinned at him as Gabi and I posed together with the babies followed by one with the trophy as well.

"Okay, okay, one without the babies."

I pulled her to my front and I let my arms wrap around her neck as we smiled together. Gabi turned around and she kissed me quickly, "I love you, go out, celebrate with your friends." I wanted to hesitate and shake my head no but she only shook her head yes. "Go, you deserve this." I just smiled and kissed her again.


Tuesday, March 17th, 2020

Gabi's POV

Troy knocked on the door quietly as it swung up to reveal an exhausted Jesse who had the biggest smile on his face. He was a proud new daddy as thy had just gotten home from the hospital this afternoon. Troy had both car seats in his hands of our sleeping babies. "Hi dad," I greeted as I hugged Jesse. He smiled as Troy quietly put the carriers down in their living room. "Sage will be right down with him. She was finishing trying to feed him."

I smiled as her induction had gone smoothly and they had him midday yesterday. They made them stay for twenty-four hours and released both mom and baby together. I knew next time we would most likely get that experience but I was a little envious of the situation. Troy rubbed my back as if he knew what I was thinking in the situation. Sage came downstairs in a baggy t-shirt with a pair of shorts and her precious baby in her arms.

Troy stood up as he hugged her and peeked in on their sweet boy, Noah.

"Hi buddy, I'm Uncle Troy," Sage laughed as she sat down next to Jesse. "How are you doing?" I asked her. She shrugged with a half-smile, "Okay, I'm sore and I'm exhausted but every time I look at him, I can't look away. I don't want to stop staring at his sweet face."

"I know how you feel," I said with my own smile. "It's like suddenly you are wide awake even though you are so exhausted. It's so hard to stop staring at them." Sage sent a smile my direction, "Also – you make breastfeeding look so natural. I'm kinda envious of it." I couldn't help but laugh at that statement. "Oh, I appreciate that comment because it was hard. I guess a lot of everybody missed my early days of breastfeeding. It can still be a struggle with Saylor. Half the time she isn't interested and will gladly take a bottle from Troy."

Sage smiled while staring at Noah, "That makes me feel a little bit better."

"Don't compare," I quickly interjected. Both Troy and Jesse glanced at me as I bit down on my lip. "I did it a lot with Jenna. I compared to how she did everything and how Willa acted at the twins age and it wasn't helpful – at all. Each baby will be different and you will figure it all out." Sage gave me a look and I saw the tears in her eyes as if she already needed to hear that. I got up and I went to sit next to her as I got my first glimpse of Noah in person.

He had dark hair and he was so little but in retrospect probably wasn't that much smaller than the twins. "Troy, you wanna grab a drink?" Jesse asked. Troy just nodded as he got up. He let his hand brush my shoulder while they walked off. "It's only day two. Do not put any pressure on yourself than eat, sleep, and cuddles. You might have a moment to go to the bathroom. Forget a shower." Sage laughed as she brushed her tears away. "Momma, you are going to do amazing things. Don't stress about breastfeeding, or if you are doing enough because just holding that baby and snuggling is enough."

"He's so cute," I smiled watching him, "He really is," Noah wiggled in his mom's grasp as I remember those first few days after having the twins. The emotions, the scares, the feeling of not being enough. Mine might have been slightly different but after talking to each mom – we all had the same fears. We weren't doing enough for our kids. I wrapped my arm around her shoulder as she leaned into me. "It sounds like labor went, okay?"

She nodded, "It actually was amazing, God, I hope I am not bragging because I know how stressful and scary yours was." I shook my head with a smile. "I wouldn't ask if I couldn't handle it."

"It was good, I was already contracting when we got there and with a little help I went into full blown labor, he came within thirty minutes of pushing and it was a dream."

"Good boy," I cooed. Sutton cried out from his car seat and I got up to go grab him. I unbuckled him from the restraints and picked him up as Sage laughed, "How big is he? I think Noah might be bigger." I couldn't stop my own laugh. "He's 11 pounds, I seriously hope Noah isn't that big." Sage laughed as I settled Sutton on my lap and he rooted around. "Jesse, fair warning, somebody wants to eat." Jesse chuckled from the kitchen. "I'm getting used to that already,"

Troy laughed himself as I maneuvered my shirt and got him to latch on easily. "It gets easier?" Sage asked and I blew out a breath with a laugh. "It gets easier with some things, harder with other things, and then all the new things. I promise it's worth it though," Sage couldn't stop staring at Noah while she stroked his head. "He isn't eleven pounds, right?" Sage couldn't stop her laugh with a shake of her head. "No, he was 7lb 14oz,"

"I swear Saylor just passed that," we both laughed together as Troy and Jesse rejoined us in the living room. Troy kissed the top of my head as Sutton nursed for what felt like forever until he pulled off. I moved my shirt over and I handed Sutton over to Troy. "Hi buddy, are you full now?" Troy rocked him as Sage handed Noah over to Jesse as they compared sons. "I can promise you one thing, I have absolutely nothing figured out besides that I love those babies and Troy. The rest – I make up along the way."

"Good, I'm glad that's how it's supposed to be." We both laughed together as I gave her a hug. "You can call, text, or facetime the silliest questions. I do it all the time with Jenna. I'll send it to Jenna if I don't have the answer." She laughed, "Okay, okay, thank you. I feel silly being only two days but…"

"It seriously doesn't help with all the emotions."

"You got that right. I swear I've cried more the past two days than I have my entire pregnancy." Jesse grunted and Troy laughed underneath of his breath. I shared a look with Sage as we both laughed together. We didn't stay too much longer but as we walked out Jesse was carrying one of the car seats when he paused, "Thank you, she needed to hear those things. I try and reassure her that everything will work out but I'm just as clueless,"

"Trust me, I'm just as clueless but it's nice having those emotional feelings validated. She is full of hormones. Just give her grace," Jesse hugged me tightly, "I'm thankful he found you." I smiled, "I'm thankful I found him and all of you."


I laid down Saylor as it was well past midnight. I hadn't seen Troy in a while as I went downstairs as I wrapped my sweatshirt around my body. I let my foot hit the bottom stop as I found him with his iPad and his laptop in front of his face while also having the TV silent in front of him. His air pods were popped in his ears and I smiled watching him. He was such a good coach and I knew he was putting in all the effort he could give.

I walked over to him and his eyes lifted up to meet mine. He smiled as he dropped his phone into his lap as I saw Cameron and Dylan on the other end. "Hi," he said. "You need me to take them?" he asked and I shook my head. "No. I would like my fiancée in bed with me but I know he's busy." Troy smiled as he pushed his phone over and his laptop to the other side of the couch as he pulled on my hand gently.

I fell into his lap and I kissed the side of his cheeks as he chuckled and took his air pods out, "Okay, guys, she can hear you now." Troy spoke and Dylan chuckled, "Are you hiding us?" Troy rolled his eyes, "No, I had my air pods in, she's trying to drag me to bed ya'll. As if we didn't have a game tonight."

"Just a few more hours, Gabi,"

"You all have to work tomorrow," I reminded them. None of them said anything and I just rolled my eyes with a laugh. I curled up on his lap and he just secured me to his body. "I feel like this is a repeat," Cameron shot out. I wiggled in Troy's embrace as Troy was moving with me. "It is a repeat, from last year, I am going to take her to bed." I opened my eyes and I shook my head, "No, no, it's okay. I can walk," I told him and Troy just hummed and pretended to not hear anything that came out of my mouth.

"Troy," I said as he started to climb the stairs and he just sent me a smile. "You fell asleep and we watched another thirty minutes of film. I need thirty more and you should sleep in a bed. I love having you in my arms. I'll pick up right where we left off as soon as we're done." I just nodded as he gently laid me down and he let his lips hover over mine for a moment before pressing his lips to mine. "Get some sleep, we have a big night tonight."

I just laughed as I pulled his body down onto mine. I loved the feel of his weight on top of mine. None of that would ever change.


Hi guys! Sorry for an update nearly two days late! I worked all weekend + the Chiefs (sad face) game yesterday. It has just been busy! I hope you all enjoyed the chapter! The LAST chapter to this story is next! I was never truly sure how this story was going to end and it's been such a long journey for both Troy and Gabi – it feels right to wrap it up here before the next chapter of their lives!

Coach's Wife will debut on April 10th!

Gabriella Montez finally feels like she has it all together: she's about to get married, two beautiful children, her sister back in her life, and she's finally opening up her dance studio. All of the pieces are finally falling into place and she couldn't be happier with how everything in her life was unfolding after the previous two years. Yet, she knew life could never be that easy. Troy gained attention as a coach from his deep post-season run in the State of South Carolina among the highest ranked basketball schools. When he gets an offer of a life-time, that is terribly hard to refuse, Gabi will start to realize what it means to be a wife to a coach. Troy is absolutely nothing but supportive of Gabi but also has this deep desire to do move his career forward in a way he never truly thought was possible. The two have to figure out what to do and how to both be successful while being attentive parents to their two needy twins.

EKKK! I am SO excited for their next adventure! I am hoping the next story is so much lighter compared to this story! It will be a more family atmosphere and adults trying to figure out their next step! Let me know what you think!

Please REVIEW!

Next Update: February 13th