Chapter 20 – Redo

Thursday, September 12th, 2024

Gabi's POV

I snuggled up with Logan in her bed as I ran my fingers down her side. She had been battling a nasty low all day today and I knew she was exhausted, I was exhausted as I kissed on her temple. I heard the door squeak open and I turned slightly to see Troy leaning in the doorway, "She okay?"

"I think she is just exhausted," I said quietly, "but the last time I checked her blood sugar it was 150," Troy came over and ran his fingers through my hair as his fingers touched Logan's forehead gently. "I'll watch her for a bit. How about you go rest?" my eyes turned back to Logan and I shook my head, "I'm okay, I missed her a lot, I don't really want to leave her side right now." Troy nodded his head but he only took that opportunity to climb over the top of both of us before landing against the wall.

Logan quickly opened her eyes startled and her chin trembled, Troy laughed, "Logi, it's okay, it was just me," Troy easily lifted her up and planted her on his chest. Logan turned her eyes toward mine and I stroked the side of her face, "How do you feel baby?" she shrugged her shoulders and I reached over to grab her meter and I poked her finger gently after putting the strip in. Troy rubbed Logan's back and then the blood sucked up onto the meter.

It counted down from five and then a 62 flashed back on the screen. I let a soft groan slip through my lips as I covered my arm over my eyes. "How about we move this to our room?" Troy whispered, "There is a much bigger bed in there." I looked at him and then at Logan who was battling sleep again, "Logi, you need to come have a glance of milk with mommy and a cookie." She shook her head and I sat up, "C'mon," Troy said gently, "We'll even dip our cookies in our milk and see who can make the best milk mustache," Logan opened her eyes a bit more to look at Troy and she smiled, "You ready?" she nodded her head.

I rolled out of the bed and Troy followed me down the stairs with Logan wrapped up in his arms. When we got downstairs, I got the milk out of the fridge and grabbed three glasses from the cabinet while Troy grabbed the Oreos. Troy smiled as I poured three glasses and Troy gave out three cookies. Logan sat in his lap while I pulled myself up onto the counter. I crossed my legs underneath of me and faced Logan and Troy.

Logan dunked her cookie into the milk and she held it for a while until she then stuffed it into her mouth. I giggled as I took my phone out and took a snapchat of her. I smiled and she smiled up at me as I finished the video and sent it to the group. I smiled, "Momma, I don't feel good,"

"I know baby, if you eat you'll feel better." I told her, I reached forward to wipe her hair away from her face. She turned to bury her face into Troy's chest after only eating two cookies and very little milk. She started to cry and Troy wrapped his arms around her tightly. "Lolo, you need to drink some milk," he offered gently, she shook her head and I frowned looking at Logan. This had been an ongoing event all day today and I could only imagine how she feels.

Getting off the counter, I went around to the other side so I could kiss her forehead. "Lolo," she shook her head with tears, "If you finish your milk you can pick a movie to watch while you cuddle in bed," I offered, she sniffled and I grabbed a straw. I stuck it in her milk and I handed it to her, "Sippy cup," she said, "Finish that and then you can have a sippy cup of juice,"

She sniffled again and I placed the straw between her lips. She sucked on it gently while I grabbed my milk while I took another drink of my own. She parted her lips and turned her face back into Troy's chest. "That might be enough if we give her enough juice," Troy offered, "Once she lays down then she will fall asleep," Troy sighed and I rubbed Logan's back, "Lolo, another drink," she gripped onto Troy's shirt tightly, "Lolo, we could watch Frozen even,"

She finally turned to take another long drink until the final sip was away. She then looked at me and I offered her to come over to me. She leaned over and I took her into my arms. "I'm sorry sweet girl," I ran my hand down the back of her long hair as Troy slipped out of the seat to prepare a juice cup. I began to walk up the stairs with her when Troy caught up with me. I went back into Logan's room, "Gabi, we should take her to our room."

"We have to keep this normal Troy, right?" he looked at me, "Brie, you need to rest and this bed isn't big enough for the three of us." My eyes lingered on her little twin size bed, "Troy, she is going to think she can just sleep in our bed."

"We'll break the habit, we just need to keep her safe right?" I nodded and Troy took his hand down my back, "C'mon, then you can sleep with a peace of mind. I'll stay up until her blood sugar stabilizes." I looked at Troy, as he was a blessing because he had gone to do a bunch of testing and rehab today, along with doing a big workout with Lance and Gary with another team. He was gone all day today leaving me with a child who couldn't keep her blood sugar up.

We moved into our room as I laid Logan down but she cried, "Lolo, drink some of this," Troy said handing her the sippy cup. She took it and then took a couple of drinks while I settled in next to her. I plugged my phone in, "Do you have an alarm set for her midnight check?"

"Yes," Troy responded, "I'll do two tonight,"

"Good," I laid my head on the pillow as Troy reached over and checked her blood sugar as she battled her own eyes. My thumb stroked down her cheek and she flinched when the needle hit her skin. I kissed her temple and I heard the meter beep.

"130," he said softly, I smiled, "Good,"

"Gabi, get some rest,"

He didn't really have to ask me twice.

Friday, September 13th, 2024

"Are you sure about tonight?" Troy asked I nodded my head as I reapplied the lipstick to my lips. "We haven't had dinner with your parents in months," Troy nodded his head as he moved the toothbrush around in his mouth. "I am just making sure," the words came out mumbled together while I looked at him, "Are you nervous for this dinner?"

"Me? Of course not!"

"You aren't scared of your mom questioning our behavior?" Troy wiped his mouth off and looked at me, "Gabi, I can handle my mom." I giggled, "Luke is probably excited to have you over,"

Troy rolled his eyes, "I guess he already has plans for us to watch some video so I can give him tips," I smiled as I turned to face him while I let a necklace dangle in front of him so he could help me. He took it from my grasp; I turned around for him to lock it into place. Troy rested it on my chest and he clipped it. After that, he pulled my hair out from behind it, his hands gazing my skin gently. He then leaned over to kiss my temple.

I leaned back into him and he rubbed my shoulders gently, "I love you," he whispered into my ear, I smiled as I turned around to plant a kiss on his lips. He smiled while he pulled me in closer to him. "Mommy," I turned to see Logan wearing a pair of jeans with a royals t-shirt. I smiled as I bent down; "Are you ready?" my fingers ran through her air to comb out the knots. "Yes! Will Aunt Em be there?"

"No,"

"Actually, she is home for the weekend," Troy said, I turned to look at him and I raised an eyebrow toward him. Troy sighed, "Apparently, there is a new boyfriend." I grinned at Troy and he laughed, "This isn't funny!"

"Did I laugh?"

Logan giggled and I smiled as I smoothed my hands down her shirt, "Are you ready baby?" she nodded her head and I smiled. I stood up as I went to slip my flip-flops on and then a couple of bracelets. I made sure that I had everything that I needed in my large bag while Troy threw Logan over his shoulder. She giggled aloud and I smiled as I followed them down the stairs. My cell phone rang and I picked it up, "Hello?"

"Hey! What are you and Troy doing tonight?" Mallory's voices on the other end made me smile, "Going to his parents place for dinner." Mallory sighed, "Damn, I miss you."

"I miss you too." I said as I grabbed the keys and my wallet adding it to my oversized bag, "When is this big shindig?"

"Soon," I offered, "Once the boys are back in town." I answered, "Good, and the other thing?"

My eyes flickered over to Troy and then Logan, "Time and date are both good."

"Good," I smiled, "It will be fun."

"I'm glad you and Troy are finally figuring this out," I smiled as I played with my hands while I followed Troy down to the car. "Me too."

"Well have fun with the Bolton's,"

"I will, I'll come see you guys tomorrow?"

"I work tomorrow night,"

"Mal," I pouted, "I'll be awake from eight to two,"

"Nine thirty, Starbucks?"

"Yes! I'll leave Colin with my kiddos,"

"Good, I love you,"

"I love you too!"

I hung up soon after and Troy glanced over at me from the drivers seat. "How is Mallory?"

"Good, she misses me."

Troy rubbed his finger over my knuckles as he drove to his parent's house. Logan was giggling in the backseat the entire time about something, as I just wanted to lay my head down. "I know you are tired, we won't stay long," I looked over at him, "No, we can spend time with your family. I may just need a couple glasses of wine," Troy smiled with a nod, "You can drink tonight."

"Thanks for being so kind," Troy laughed aloud while he turned into his parents driveway. He pulled the car to a stop and Logan squealed as she was already unbuckling her seatbelt. Troy got out of the car and once Logan's door opened she took off. Troy laughed shaking his head as he came over to wrap his arm around my back as we walked into the door. My head leaned on his shoulder as we opened the door for Logan.

She shot off right to where Emily was sitting on the couch. "Aunt Em!" she attached her self to Emily and Emily laughed, "Hi Lo," she wrapped her arms around her tightly. I smiled as Troy squeezed my side before letting go and kissing my temple. Luke came down the stairs, "Troy! Come here," he sent me a look and I smiled, "I'll go pour myself a glass of wine."

He rolled his eyes as he followed Luke up the stairs. I went into the living room and I looked at Emily who was holding Logan close to her. My eyes then turned towards the tan male with dark hair and dark eyes sitting next to her, his eyes were focused on the baseball game on TV, the Royals against Detroit. He was wearing a pair of dark jeans with a plain white shirt showing off his tan even more. Damn. He was attractive as hell.

My eyes went to Emily and she smirked, I smiled with a nod and she laughed, his attention finally turned to me and he raised an eyebrow, "Gabriella Bolton," he said, his eyes focused on me, I laughed, "Yea, that would be me,"

"That means Troy is here, Em," his eyes turned to her and I couldn't help but laugh, "Uh oh, you found your Troy," I whispered, she shook her head and laughed, "He is upstairs with Luke,"

He stood up, "I am being rude. I'm Finn Hart,"

I grasped his hand in mine, "Gabi," he smiled, "You do amazing work on Fox Sports, I am quite upset you aren't broadcasting right now." I laughed and nodded my head, "Yea, that is a disappointment." He smiled and Logan looked at me, "Mommy?"

"What baby?"

"Can Aunt Em do my hair?"

"If she wants,"

I then turned as I went into the kitchen where Jack and Lucille were preparing dinner, "Hello," I said with a smile, "Gabi!" I went over to hug the two of them and they hugged me back tightly. "How is everything?" Lucille asked, "Great," a smile plastered over my lips when Logan came running into the kitchen to greet her grandparents. Jack laughed picking her up and swung her around. She giggled when I heard Emily from the living room.

"Troy, be nice,"

"Uh oh," Jack mumbled, I turned on my heels and went back into the living room. A hard glare was thrown at Finn and I slipped my hand into Troy's hand. "Hey, do you mind helping your parents," I asked, he looked at me and then he looked back towards Finn, "Gabi, a boy,"

"Yes, and your sister is a senior in college,"

Troy scowled, "No,"

I shoved his shoulder, "And can you imagine Logan dating?" I asked Emily, she hooted, "Good luck Lo!" she called out, Troy didn't even smile, "She won't date either,"

"Oh Troy," I rolled my eyes and I pushed him into the kitchen. "Gabs, that is my sister," he whined, I laughed, "she is twenty-two Troy, leave her alone," Troy sighed and he greeted his parents. I helped Lucille finish dinner while Jack opened a beer. "How was New Mexico?"

"Great," Troy said as he looked at me with a smile, I smiled back at him, "So we are doing better?"

'Much better," I answered for Troy, "We talked and worked a lot out."

"Good, are you rejoining the team?"

"Yes, when they come back to Kansas City."

"Good," Logan came over and she pulled up on my lap, "What's wrong baby?" I asked she rubbed her face against my chest because we didn't get a lot of sleep in our house last night. "I love you," I laughed, "I love you too." She pulled back to look at me and I let my fingers run through her hair. "Are you okay?" I asked her, she shrugged her shoulders and rested back against me, Troy came over and sat down as he nursed the beer that he had opened.

Lucille came over and she smiled at Logan, "Do you want to help me get the plates and silverware over here?" Logan nodded her head because she knew that if she helped now then Lucille would give her ice cream after dinner for being a big helper. I smiled as she ran into the kitchen and Troy reached over and squeezed my knee. Finn and Emily came into the room and Troy sighed as he stood up, "Hurt her and I will kick your ass," Troy said, Finn laughed as he shook Troy's hand, the peace offering.

"It really is an honor to meet you," Finn said, "I grew up in Liberty and have been a Royals fan for life." Troy smiled, "That's great," Emily smiled at Finn and I knew that she didn't bring boys around very often because of Troy's reaction so I knew she was fairly serious about Finn. Lucille called that dinner was done and Logan plopped the rolls on the table and slid into her seat. "I'll make her plate." Troy offered, "Thanks,"

He nodded as we both went into the kitchen and made our plates along with Logan. I poured her a glass of milk and took it too her, once her food was in front of her she started to eat while Troy and I sat on either side of her. Luke planted himself next to Troy while Jack and Lucille filed in with Finn and Emily. "All right Finn," Troy said, Emily and I both shot him a glance as his eyebrows tightened. "I just want to know some things guys,"

"I'm with Troy," Jack said, Emily rolled her eyes while taking a bit of her meal. "How old are you?" Troy asked, he cleared his throat, "Twenty five," Troy's head snapped to Emily and Jack also cleared his throat, I reached over Logan's leg and squeezed Troy's knee while I sent him a glare, "Are you working?" Jack asked, "Kind of. I am actually doing med school at KU,"

"Back up," Troy said as his head was spinning, "How did you guys meet?"

"At a party," Emily said, "He is friends with Jaymee, so when we went to the party, they introduced me to him over the summer. We have been seeing each other most of the summer. We are trying long distance and it has been working so I thought it was time for all of you to meet him."

The whole table appeared quiet, "Med school huh?" Jack asked, Finn smiled, "Yea, I want to be a sports medicine surgeon,"

"Wow, that is impressive. Did you play sports?"

"I played basketball until I blew my knee out freshman year of college," Jack's ears perked up and looked over at Finn, "Basketball huh?"

"Yea, do you like basketball?" Emily snorted, "He tried to get all of us to play,"

"I was SO close to getting Luke to play," Jack grumbled, Finn glanced over at Luke who was pushing his food around his plate, "What happened?" Finn asked, "Troy was drafted into the MLB," Emily said with a laugh, Troy smiled, "What can I say? The game is contagious."

Jack rolled his eyes, "I coach at Blue Valley."

"That's awesome,"

The conversation turned and the group chatted as Emily was in her final year of college and then she would be doing her student teaching here in Kansas City. "How do your friends feel about the KU/MU rivalry,"

"Blue and red for life," Finn grumbled, Emily laughed and pushed his shoulder, "No, gold and black,"

"Whatever," he turned to smile at her and she smiled herself as I looked over at Troy. "Momma, I am done," I looked down at Logan and I gasped, "Shit, Troy, we forgot to give her insulin."

"Shit," Troy got up out of his chair and I quickly looked at her plate calculating in my head the correct amount of insulin would be, "I took care of it," my head snapped up to Lucille, "She had leftover insulin and needles here so we did it while we were getting dinner ready. Right Lolo?" she nodded her head and Troy stopped running around trying to find the bag and I let out a deep breath, "Wow, thank you Lucille,"

"No problem. I forgot to tell you guys."

Troy settled back into his seat while we continued to talk about several things. We caught up over the time that we had lost when we were all fighting. Finn laughed with the group and learned more about us as a family while his hand slipped with Emily's. Logan crawled into my lap at some point and I rubbed her back as she pressed her face into my chest. "Did Logan have school today?"

"Yea, she is pretty tired after the day too."

"Poor girl," I kissed the top of her head while she stirred, "How old is she?"

"Four," I answered towards Finn, "She'll be five in November," Finn smiled, "She is sweet, do you guys have any other kids?" an awkward breath went over the room and I swallowed painfully, "Not yet, we are hoping to have more eventually," the room was awkward after that and Emily squeezed Finn's hand, "Do you want to help me with the dishes?" Finn nodded as they began to collect plates. Luke went to the living room to clean up as I rubbed Logan's back.

Lucille got up and she looked at Troy so he got up to follow her and I sighed as I looked at Jack, "How are you?"

"Good," I said, "I am much better than when we left."

"Good,"

Troy's POV

"How are you and Gabi?" my mom asked as I followed her into the garage, "Good,"

"Are you lying?"

"No." I said, "Is she okay?"

"She is obviously upset mom, she wants another baby and well…" my mom sighed, "I'm sorry, I just…I don't want anything to happen to you guys."

"We figured it out." I assured her, "We just needed to remember some things, trust me, and things could not be better right now." My mom turned to look at me and she nodded her head slowly, "What do you think of Finn?" I laughed, "I like him, sadly,"

"He is a good guy, I met him last weekend, Emily wanted me to meet him before you guys got your hands on him,"

"Logan isn't going to date,"

"You say that…but then somebody like you will be missing out on a great girl."

"As long as it is somebody not like me." My mom laughed and hugged me, "I miss you Troy,"

"I miss you too mom,"

I let go and she gave me another glance, "Are you guys really better?" I laughed, "I promise, I can even show you that we are better." I walked back into the house and I spotted Gabi as she was still sitting down with Logan in her lap. Logan was playing with Gabi's phone and I went over as I kissed the top of her head, she tilted her head back and gave me a smile, "What?"

I shook my head with a smile, "Nothing," I said softly; I pulled a strand of hair away from her face as I kissed her. She grinned and Logan giggled, "Daddy, don't do that,"

"Don't do what," I questioned, Logan giggled louder, "Don't kiss mommy,"

"Why not," I challenged, she grinned, "Because that's gross." I raised an eyebrow, "Gross? Is this gross?" I began to tickle her abdomen and she busted out into loud giggles. I picked her up from Gabi's lap but she tried to cling to Gabi in response. I couldn't help but laugh as Gabi started to laugh herself. I finally got Logan from Gabi's grip and I tickled her more. "Daddy," she laughed, I slowed down and I kissed her cheek. "Is that gross?" I mumbled into her ear, she giggled as she took in a deep breath of air to regulate her breathing again.

"No," she said as she kissed my own cheek, I laughed and I hugged her. "See, when you love somebody, you kiss them," I leaned over to kiss Gabi's cheek and then I kissed Logan's cheek. Logan smiled, "I love you daddy," I wrapped my arms around her and she hugged me back. "I love you too Lolo,"

I turned to catch my mom's eye and my mom smiled at me as she was helping doing dishes. I gave her a smile and then I looked back at Gabi who was smiling up at me, "Whose up for a game of whiffle ball?" Luke asked, I smirked, "I am always up for a game of whiffle ball, Lolo, do you want to play?"

"Yea!"

Monday, September 16th, 2024

Gabi's POV

Kansas City, MO

"Alyssa, I can't believe this is our last stretch together," Alyssa gave me a smile as she held Logan's hand tightly as we walked into Kauffman Stadium, "I have to say, I am going to miss the free tickets," I laughed and nodded, "I know Logan and I are going to miss you a lot, trying to find a replacement is…difficult."

Alyssa nodded, "I put together a list of girls in one of my classes who are single and aren't looking for a normal job," she dug around in her purse and found a piece of paper as she handed it to me with three to four names on it. "Oh, Alyssa, you didn't have too!"

"No, I did. I know we still have two more weeks together but…you guys have given me such an opportunity to take care of your beautiful daughter who I love like my own and let me travel with you guys. I can't begin to thank you enough for giving me a job that I had the freedom of not working for a while and then working a lot in a short period. I was able to get married and finish my education. You also prepared me for how to be a mom in seven months," I turned to look at her and she gave me a sly grin.

"Alyssa!" I said with a gasp, she laughed, "I haven't said anything because of everything with you and Troy but now that everything is SO much better, I am so happy to tell you because I know that I can do it and I am confident that I know how to take care of a little baby and a toddler," I reached over and I grabbed her in a hug. Logan looked at me like I was crazy as I held her tightly. "I am so, so happy for you." She laughed, "Thank you, I was nervous to tell you."

"I know my reactions to this have been crazy lately. I'm sorry."

"No, you have ever right to be but how are you and Troy?" we walked into Kauffman and I smiled, "We are a lot better. We have talked it out and I think we have a floorboard underneath of us again. I also think that we know what our next steps are with the baby front."

"Yea?"

"Yea, and I am so upset that my baby won't get to have you!"

She laughed, "I know, I know, we'll have to stay in touch because I can not go that long without seeing Ms. Logan," Logan looked up but her eyes were searching. Once we got downstairs, she gasped and went running as she saw Salvy. Salvy laughed and picked her up in a twirl. My eyes lifted over to Josh and I took a deep breath, "Alyssa…excuse me," she nodded, "I'll take Logan from here,"

"Thank you,"

"Have a good night,"

I nodded and I walked over to Josh who was listening to his headphones, I tapped his shoulder gently and he spun around to face me. His eyes grew and then reduced as I bit on my lip, "Can we talk?" I asked, he nodded his head, and I walked out of the clubhouse and towards the corner of the room. Troy took notice as I pulled Josh to the side and I let Josh lean against the wall. "I'm sorry, and I know I need to apologize to Melissa as well but I am sorry,"

Josh rubbed his eyes from the exhaustion of the season and a newborn baby. "Gabi, I have told you once, Melissa was out of line the entire time."

"And I just want to tell you I was also out of line," I paused, "I let my emotions get the better of me and I let the fighting with Troy and I get the better of me. I let the whole situation get in the way and my feelings just came out and they were way overboard. I don't actually feel that way at all, I am jealous." I admitted, "I am really jealous."

Josh looked at me and he laid his eyes on me, "Gabi, if I had to pick the best mom out of the group, it would be a tie between you and Ellie and I would give you the edge." I looked at Josh with a frown, "Because you love Logan like there is no tomorrow and we can all see how awful this past year has been on you and Troy. You both deserve it more than any of us and I get why you are jealous because you have this love that is just too deep."

I didn't say anything but I just looked up at Josh, "Are you guys coming over tonight?"

Josh smiled, "Of course." I reached up and I hugged him, "Thank you for not being angry,"

Josh laughed as he hugged me back, "You are my little sister Gabi, I could never be mad at you." I breathed a little easier, "Thank you Josh,"

I backed away and Troy smiled at me as he picked up his glove, "Are you going to throw?" I questioned, he nodded, "Yea, do you want to watch?" I bit on my lip and smiled, Troy grinned, "C'mon," he reached out and I grabbed his hand but then I stopped, "Wait," I pulled out my phone and called Joel, I spoke with him for a couple of minutes as Troy went to get a Gatorade and water. I nodded and smiled, "C'mon,"

Following him out onto the field, Joel was already down here and I laughed, "Hi!"

"Oh my god you look twenty times better," I smiled as I hugged him tightly, "Well I am back and he is throwing,"

"We'll roll," I nodded my head as I leaned back against the tarp, "How was everything?" Joel asked as Troy warmed up and stretched, I leaned back and I looked over at Joel, "We are better. We are a lot better." Joel smiled, "I can tell." I took a deep breath, "I am just happy that we talked because we were not heading in the right direction."

"I'm glad I didn't lose you," Joel said with a laugh, a couple of other players came out to watch Troy or they did their own stretching and running on the field. Troy finally threw a ball and him and Salvy played catch together. I smiled watching them joke around and the smile that came on Troy's face, "How is he doing?"

"Good, he feels good."

"That's tremendous, will he be good to go next year?" I shrugged, "We can only hope. You never know what will happen." Joel nodded as I watched Troy when I heard Logan, "Mommy!" I turned and she was grinning with eye black underneath of her eyes and a grinning Zach coming up behind her. I laughed, "What happened?" I asked in a concerned voice, she giggled, "Nothing momma! Uncle Zach painted on my face!"

I laughed, "He did didn't he, I bet dad will love it." She grinned and looked over my shoulder at Troy. She then broke off from me and went to Troy, he was throwing the ball back when Logan giggled and yelled his name. He held Salvy up and he looked over at Logan, she raced across the grass and then clamped onto Troy's leg. She giggled looking up at him and Troy laughed, "What happened to you?" he picked her up and she pointed to Zach. I walked over and shook my head, as she looked so much like Troy right now.

"Do you want to play catch?" Troy asked her, she nodded and Salvy laughed, "Trading me in!" Troy smiled, "Go see Salvy and I'll throw it to you," I got my phone out and I took a picture as Salvy came within ten feet of Troy as Troy squatted down and put the glove out there as Salvy handed Logan the ball. "I'll be dad!" she shouted, the group laughed as she took the ball and threw it to Troy. Troy easily caught it and she squealed, "Again!"

Troy laughed and he tossed the ball to Salvy who gave it back to Logan. Logan did it again and I took a picture of her as she threw it to Troy. She giggled and looked over at me, "Momma!" I nodded and gave her a thumb up, "Good Job Lo!"

Troy gently threw it back to Logan and she caught it, Troy turned to look at me, "A born natural Gabs," I laughed and shook my head as Logan threw the ball back to Troy. They did this for fifteen more minutes until it was time to start batting practice. "You two, come here," I said waving my finger, Troy picked up Logan and she grinned holding on to Troy. "Smile," I instructed, Troy laugh and Logan grinned as I took a picture of the two of them.

I shook my head and I put my phone into my back pocket. I leaned up and kissed Troy's cheek, "You guys were cute," I said, he smiled and kissed me with Logan's disapproval. I then kissed Logan's cheek, "Do you want to go get some food? You have to be hungry after school." She nodded her head and I reached over to take her from Troy. Troy leaned over to kiss Logan's forehead, "I'll see you after the game okay?" she nodded her head and Troy leaned in closer to me, "I love you," he whispered just as he kissed me.

I smiled, "Come find me in a little bit before it all gets crazy," he nodded and I turned to walk back with Logan. "Alright baby girl, let's get you some food and then you will go hang out with Alyssa,"

"Hanson?"

"He might be here," I looked around and I found Zach, "Zach, is Hanson going to be here tonight?" I asked, Zach smiled, "Yea, Alex is looking for you."

I gave a thumb up and I went into the clubhouse where Alyssa was talking with another nanny on the team. They laughed, "Alyssa, do you want to take her upstairs and go get some dinner? She didn't get anything after school today. I didn't have time."

"Of course! Come on Lo," I handed her off and I saw Alex across the room with Hanson. I waved my hand and I walked over as she hugged me, "How are you?" she asked, I nodded my head, "Good, really good," she smiled, "I'm glad,"

"Are you and Zach coming over?"

"Of course!"

I nodded as an arm slipped around my waist and I smiled, "I found you," he whispered into my ear, his sweaty body pressed against the back of mine as I drew in a hot breath of air. Alex smirked, "Better huh?" I smiled as Troy pulled me back; I walked out of the room and onto the elevator up to the offices. He laughed, "Gabriella, what are you doing?"

"We haven't had alone time since we got back,"

"You keep letting her sleep in our bed,"

"Yea well…I missed her." Troy laughed as we got off the elevator, I waved to many different people as Troy and I walked into my office. I quietly shut the door and Troy quickly had me pressed back against a wall. His lips hovered over mine and he smiled, "I missed this," he whispered, his hand working its way around my back as he pulled me closer to him. I felt him against me and I groaned as I finally pushed our mouths together. His hand pulled me in close and I took in a deep breath, "I love you," he whispered into my ear as he broke apart.

I smiled and I kissed him again, "She will be sleeping in her own bed tonight." Troy grinned and he kissed me softly, "Damn straight," he said, I laughed, "She has school tomorrow as well so…after you drop her off,"

"Me?" he said with a laugh, I nodded, and "You, and I promise if you do" I winked and slowly opened the door, he gave me a look and I smiled, "I'll see you when you get home tonight Mr. Bolton," he laughed, "Alrighty then,"

"So Gabi, we saw that you posted on social media that Troy started throwing again and we actually caught that on camera today, we thought out viewers might enjoy that," Casey started, I smiled as they pulled up the video, "Is Troy starting to feel better?"

I laughed, "He is feeling a lot better with a ball in his hands." I watched him throw another one, "and this is actually really cute," Casey started, I couldn't help but laugh as I watched the video of Logan going up to Troy but then we cut back to the game. "Logan got to play catch with Troy today and she absolutely loved it."

"I bet, natural thrower?"

"Yes," I said with a laugh, I smiled as they went back to the video with Salvy helping Logan. I shook my head, "I love her,"

"She is pretty funny," Casey said, "Does she call them her boys?" another laugh escaped my throat, "She does, I don't know when that started, she might have been two or three when she claimed them as her boys but really…she runs that clubhouse. With Troy and I both apart of the organization she is here all the time and she will run from locker to locker talking to all of them until I drag her out of there." I said with a laugh, "She absolutely loves it."

"Which is good,"

"Which is fantastic," I finished, "I would hate if she hated it here because…this is what we do. Troy and I very glad we are here." Casey smiled as we went back to play calling and my eyes drifted down to the player's section where I already spotted Logan and Alyssa sitting with Alex and Hanson. I smiled and looked back at Troy in the dugout, smiling, having fun.

Yes, this is everything that I needed.

Logan ran around and I laughed while having my feet kicked up on the table in front of me. My head was leaning onto Mallory's shoulder while Troy had his hand on my knee. I smiled looking at all of my friends when I glanced at the clock knowing Logan had to be up early tomorrow for school.

"Lolo, you got your thirty minutes of playing. It's time to go to bed,"

"Yea, we need to get out of here," Mallory said, her eyes drifted to Audrey who was sleeping on Colin's chest. "Ditto," Newman said, "It was fun though but we are going to have to start moving these to weekends," we all nodded in understanding because our kids were starting school and they did have to sleep. The Newman's also had to work in the morning. "How about Friday we do a redo?" I asked aloud, "Sounds good,"

"Wait, Gabs, I thought we had a date planned for Friday," I frowned, "Shit, right,"

"Saturday," the offer went around and people agreed as I went to grab Logan, a lot of smiles went around and I was so happy that all of our friends were here. "I am going to put Logan to bed, goodbye to everybody that is leaving," I waved as I took Logan upstairs.

Once we got upstairs I went into the bathroom as I let her use the restroom, she then changed into her PJ's while rubbing her eyes. I helped her brush her teeth and then we went into her bedroom. I pulled back the blankets and she curled up on top without much of a complainant, I tucked her in and I reached for her meter that sat on her nightstand. The number came back in the 160's and I was satisfied. "Mommy will come wake you up in the morning for school okay,"

She nodded her head and I leaned over to kiss her forehead, "Is daddy better?" she asked me, I smiled, "Almost," I told her, "He is almost better."

"I miss watching him play," she mumbled, her eyelids already drooping, "I know baby girl," I kissed her forehead, "I love you Logan,"

"I love you too mommy,"

Those words would never get old as I turned off her lap and then her nightlight as I walked out of the room. I heard small chatter downstairs so I shut the doors and went down the stairs. Zach, Alex, Josh, Melissa, Ellie and Chase were all still down in the kitchen talking quietly. I looked at Melissa who had been avoiding me all night or I had been avoiding her, I couldn't really tell. I took a deep breath as I walked over to her as she was cradling Brooke.

"Hey," I said quietly, she looked at me and then back to Brooke, "Hi," she said softly, I took a deep breath, "I'm sorry, Melissa, I am," she looked at me with a hint of tears behind her eyes, "No, I'm sorry," she said, we moved into the other room as we both sat down on the couch away from the rest of them. "I was a bitch," she clarified, I laughed, "So was I,"

"Yea but I was hurting your feelings at the worst possible time,"

"I also know that pregnancy can be rough and I was just being mean,"

"You have a right Gabi,"

"No, I don't have a right to be a spoiled brat," Melissa looked down at the two month old Brooke with a smile, "I get it though Gabi, I get the mother feeling and I get why you want to do it again so badly. I love her so much and she is so perfect. I see you and Troy with Logan and I can't wait for her to do that with Josh. I can't wait for all of that but I also love this, just holding her," I smiled with a nod, "It is amazing. You think you want one stage to last forever but I love every single one with her."

"I am just sorry," she said, I looked at her, "I'm sorry too,"

She smiled at me, "You were the first to help me with the whole Josh mess and I wish I could have been there for you with Troy." I sat up a little straighter, "Troy and I are doing a hundred times better,"

"I know, you can see it between you guys. The tension is gone. Whatever needed to be fixed, you fixed it." I leaned over and I looked at Brooke, "I haven't held her yet, can I?" I asked, she nodded and I took Brooke from her arms. She stirred leaving her mother but quickly readapted as I took in a deep breath, I felt my own tears in my eyes as I looked down at the little girl. "Are you okay?" Melissa asked, I bit on my lip and nodded, "It still hurts every now and then," I smiled at Brooke as I adjusted her blanket.

"I could understand," I nodded but I smiled, Melissa and I sat and talked for a little bit longer. I then gave her Brooke and I ventured into the kitchen. Troy was leaning against the counter as he talked to Chase, Zach and Josh. Ellie and Alex were holding sleeping children, Emerson and Hanson while I snuck around as I stood in front of Troy; he automatically put his arms around my shoulders to ease me back against him without breaking the conversation.

The other girls joined the conversation and the guys took turns holding the sleeping kids. "I think we need to bust out," Ellie said, her eyes turning to Emerson, I smiled, "I'll swing by the bookshop," she nodded with a smile and I waved by while the others started to gather their things as well. Troy kissed the top of my head and laughed when Zach said something to him. The rumble against my back made me hold on to him a little bit tighter.

He let go and I walked to let our guests out, I hugged the girl's good-bye and the guys waved as they were all holding the kids. I waved back as they went down to their car and I smiled as I shut the door. Troy eased his arms around my waist, "You okay?" he asked me, I nodded, "Yea,"

"I saw you talked to Melissa,"

"We are better,"

"Good,"

I nodded, I turned to face him, "It still sucks seeing her with a baby though," Troy's face fell a little and he pulled me into his arms. "I'm sorry Brie,"

I pulled away with a smile, "I'm okay, I just..."I took a big breath of air, "I just can't wait for that again," Troy smiled, but he didn't say anything as he brushed my hair behind my ear. "Of course," I then leaned up to kiss him, he wrapped his arm around my waist to pull me up and he gasped as my hands ran up his shirt. "Where do you want to do this?" he mumbled, I kissed his cheek and down his jaw, "Downstairs," I mumbled back, Troy swiftly picked me up while I kept kissing him.

He had to stop one more than one occasion to push me up against a wall to completely focus on kissing me. He then would keep moving until he came to one of the back bedrooms, the furthest away from Logan as he dropped me down to the floor. I landed on my feet and I then pulled him in for another long kiss. He groaned as he pressed himself against me, I moaned in response as his hands went up the back of my shirt. I reached over to unbuckle his jeans that he wore to Kauffman.

Troy pulled away as he began to unbutton each of the buttons on my shirt with his fingers. Once each of them was unbuttoned he pulled it off, he then took his jeans off and I pulled my slacks off. His shirt was discarded as he came over in two steps to press our naked bodies together. "Have I ever told you, you are beautiful?" I nodded my head, words were cut off from my vocab, he pulled his hand into mine and he then pushed me gently onto the bed.

I bounced on the mattress as he climbed on top of me and kissed me again, his fingers rubbed my nipples causing a moan to brush from my lips. "Fuck, Troy," he laughed as I moved out from underneath of him, "What are you doing?"

"You'll see," I pressed him down into the bed and he grinned as I pulled his briefs off his hips and I began to work my hands around him and he moaned in pleasure. I then bent over as I began to kiss my way up his body and then back down, "Shit, Brie," I then laid on top of him as I started to press my lips to his again. His hands framed my face and he held me close to him, our tongues battled each other and I cried out.

His fingers dug into my hip and I moaned as I teased with entrance, "Gabs, don't make me flip you over," I laughed as I snaked my arms around his neck, "Are you being inpatient?" he pulled me into a kissed me again and his fingers pulled down my underwear and I laughed pulling away, "Gabs," I shook my head and he finally grabbed me and flipped me over. He then slammed into me as I let out a large gasp. He pulled me into another kiss; the kiss was aggressive and rough.

"Fuck," Troy groaned as he pulled out and went back in and he proceeded to do it over and over again. I pulled at the sheets underneath of me as I tilted my hips up towards him, almost begging him to go faster and harder. He groaned into my neck and I let my hand lay on the back of his neck.

Once the shudders came for him, mine slowly followed. Once everything stilled, Troy rolled over onto his back and he heaved out a big breath of hot air. "Fuck, Gabi," I laughed as I rolled onto my side to face him. He looked over at me, "That was amazing," I concluded, Troy nodded as he was still trying to catch his breath. "We should probably go to our room," I said quietly, Troy eased his arm over my body and he smiled, "Yea, we should, I am just interested for tomorrow,"

I grinned, "Oh…just you wait."

Tuesday, September 17th, 2024

"Lolo, brush your teeth," I said as I finished packing her lunch, she only had a half day of pre-school today but she would still eat lunch at school before Troy or I would pick her up. I bit down on my lip when Troy came into the kitchen. He turned his eyes to make sure Logan wasn't in the room when his fingers slipped inside my shorts around the front, my body stilled as he gazed over the top and I tried to keep from gasping as he slowly did a circle.

"Troy," my words almost seemed panted as I strained from making a noise or pulling him upstairs into our room. "Hmm?" he asked, he went a little deeper and I finally let a gasp out, "Momma, daddy!" Troy quickly slipped out and put his hand against my stomach as I tried to calm my breathing down. Troy kissed my cheek, "Good morning," he whispered into my ear; he let go of me as I grabbed the sink because my knees were weak.

"Morning baby girl," Troy greeted, he reached for the sink to wash his hands as I turned to give her a smile, "Mommy will come get you after lunch okay?" she nodded and I leaned forward to give her a big hug, "I love you baby, have fun at school,"

She kissed my cheek and I smiled, Troy picked up Logan and she wrapped herself around him. "I'll see you when you get home," Troy winked and he turned to leave with Logan, "Have a good day!"

Logan held her lunch tightly and once the door shut, I smiled as my phone rang, I grabbed it and I answered it, "Hello?"

"Hey sweetie! Are you busy?" my dad asked.

"Kind of," I said, I thought of Troy dropping Logan off at pre-school down the road and coming back within the next ten minutes. "Oh, I was going to stop by and see you. I don't have much to do today,"

"Sorry, I am getting ready to leave to go see Ellie and have lunch with Troy before picking Logan up." My finger tapped the counter slowly, "Well, what are you doing tomorrow morning?"

"How about I come have breakfast with you tomorrow morning after I drop Logan off?"

"Sounds good, at the house or iHop?"

"How about iHop, I could use some pancakes,"

"Good, text me tomorrow,"

"Will do," I smiled, I then hung up the phone as I looked at the clock knowing Troy would be back soon. I made sure the blinds were closed as I took off my pants and slipped off my underwear. I put my underwear on the outside of the garage door handle so when he came back into the house he would know. I then went upstairs as I ditched my shirt and bra as I grabbed his t-shirt from last night, I slipped it over my head as I heard the garage door open.

I hurried back downstairs to the kitchen as his feet came up the steps.

The door opened and I heard the quick pace of Troy's feet. "Gabi," he grumbled, I sat on the kitchen counter as he came into the room, his eyes found mine but his eyes didn't last long there as he let his eyes drift to my lack of clothes and he held up my black panties.

"These are wet," he said with a smirk, "Somebody interrupted my morning," Troy laughed as he came into the kitchen and he easily slipped his hand up my thigh and in-between my legs. I spread my legs for him and he dropped his head onto my shoulder, "You are making me weak," he mumbled, his finger slipped inside again and I moaned as Troy started to suck on my neck gently. I wrapped my legs around his waist to pull him closer to me.

"You weren't joking," he whispered as he kissed up my neck, I could barely breath as he pulled back to look at me. He pushed up his t-shirt as his fingers wove around my mid section and I reached forward to tug down his shorts. I smirked, as he didn't have any underwear on, "Somebody else is ready," I joked, Troy laughed as he pulled me forward and straight into me. I gasped and he moaned, "You are tight," he groaned into my ear, "So tight,"

I pulled him into another kiss because really…I didn't want to do anything else but kiss him.

Troy circled his arm around me and he kissed me, I straddled his lap as our lips moved around each other. "Fuck, Gabi," he groaned, "We have been doing this since I dropped Logan off this morning, it's almost time for us to pick her up." He groaned, as I kissed him to shut him up.

"We have a lot of lost time to make up,"

"I'm all for that but I am exhausted and we have an hour without a toddler." I pulled away to look at him as all morning we had basically just moved around the house. Our lips were swollen, we had a couple of different hickeys each, and I was tired myself but something about him, I just didn't want to stop. "Fine, but you have to hold me," I said, Troy smiled, "I can do that,"

"How about a shower first?" Troy nodded, "Fair deal, I think I can handle one more go around," I smiled as I leaned in for a kiss and Troy was into this a little bit more. His lips moving and his hands circling around me. He picked me up and we took a nice long shower together, he washed my hair and I washed his body and once we were done, we both dressed for the day and collapsed into the bed with thirty minutes to spare before having to get Logan.

I set my alarm and I rolled into his arms, "Fuck Gabs, that was hot. All morning."

I smiled, "I love you Troy,"

"I love you too,"

He kissed my forehead and I relaxed into his chest as we lay like this, not much talking, as we both napped for our little time that we had left. His hand rolled and I woke up to my alarm, Troy groaned, "I am not ready for her. She will be a bundle of energy,"

"She might nap, depends on what she did at pre-school," I sat up and grabbed my flip-flops. "I'll be back."

"I'll go with you,"

"Are you sure? You can rest," he thought about it and he nodded, "I'll take a nap then," I smiled and went downstairs as I grabbed my car keys and did a survey to make sure there wasn't anything around. I had cleaned the counter well along with everything else we had touched earlier. I went to get into my car and drove to her pre-school. It was a nice September day; I kept the windows down and when I pulled into the parking lot.

Getting out, I locked the car and went to the front of the building as I stepped inside the world winning pre-school. One of the teachers smiled, "Logan! Mom is here!" Logan turned around and she giggled as she came running over. I smiled as I picked her up, "How was your day beautiful?" she grinned, "Good!"

"Good, were your blood sugars good?" she nodded her head into my shoulder and she yawned, I took her backpack from the teacher as she gave me a report of her blood sugars, I thanked her and went outside but Logan was already half asleep. I settled her into her car seat and I took a picture as I sent it to Troy. She was tired as well mostly because we let her stay up somewhat late last night.

Troy sent back a smiley face and I smiled thinking about yesterday.

I found the picture of the two of them from the baseball game yesterday and I posted it on my Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook page. I smiled as I wrote the caption underneath of it.

I love these two more than life itself. She always wants to be just like daddy and I can't blame her!

I smiled as I pressed send and then I made the picture my background picture as I looked in the back at a sleeping Logan. I smiled because this was the perfect way to start over.

Friday, September 20th, 2024

Troy wrapped his arm around my shoulder after our late dinner after the win tonight at Kauffman stadium. I smiled as we came up to our empty house besides Alyssa's car in the driveway. "We didn't do much, are you sure?" Troy asked me, I nodded with a smile, "I would rather spend all of our time in here anyways," I kissed his cheek and Troy grinned as he walked up the stairs. I followed him as I linked my hands with him.

He opened the door and I grinned as I took another step up, "Surprise!" Troy stopped and I snaked my arm around his waist and Troy laughed, "What?" I set up on my tiptoes, "Happy 30th birthday," I whispered into his ear; he looked at me and laughed as he took a step into the room.

I followed him as I glanced at all of the partygoers in my house. I smiled as Troy looked at me, "Wow," he breathed, he started to thank everybody and a beer was shoved into his hands. "Troy, we didn't get to celebrate your 30th birthday very well in Chicago and then a lot went down after that so, here we are," Zach said raising his arms, "We are finally celebrating that big three oh," Troy smiled and he turned to look at me, "Did you have this planned?" I nodded, "Ever since I asked for a redo,"

He smiled and he raised his beer, "Let's welcome this bitch,"

The crowd laughed and I smiled as Ellie came up next to me, "Wow, he was surprised,"

"We pulled it off."

I hugged her and she handed me a bottle of beer, I tipped my glass to her and she smiled. "So, what are we going to do first?" I laughed, "First, we crank the music, second we dance like there is no tomorrow," Ellie cheered as we worked our way through the crowd and I turned up the music a little bit louder and started to dance in the living room where the furniture had been pushed away. We laughed and danced through several songs.

I grinned when I felt Troy's arm snake around my waist, "There is nothing I like more than seeing you dance," I turned around and snaked my arm around his neck, "It may be two months later but I am freaking loving this," he whispered into my ear, "You deserve a good thirtieth birthday,"

He grinned as he pressed his lips to my face as he kissed me, "I wish we would have never fought those past several months," I squeezed his arm, "You know what, I think we are a stronger couple because of it and I can't be upset over it anymore." Troy stroked my cheek and his eyes looked up at the clock, "I love you," he whispered, "I love you," I smiled as I kissed him back because the song switch and Troy pulled back with a laugh.

"Salvador!"

We all laughed as Troy backed away to join his friends and I crossed my arms over my chest, Cody came over and hugged me, "Thank you for fixing him," I leaned into him, "I am happy that he allowed me to fix us."

He sighed, "A redo party, I like it,"

"He deserves more than a night out with friends,"

"You also deserve more," I looked at Troy as he was singing with some of his friends. I smiled as he tilted his head back in laughter and I felt my heartbeat again like everything was going to be just fine.

Hey guys! I know I promised an update yesterday but well…I somehow was super busy and just didn't have the time but with the holiday weekend here it is! I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter! They are finally getting back to normal which is a HUGE YAY!

Thank you for all of the love and patience!

xx - JO

Please Review!