Chapter 23 – Holiday Frenzy

Thursday, November 28th, 2024 – Thanksgiving

Gabi's POV

The month of November seemed to fly by with Troy doing intense rehab and with Logan going to school everyday. I was working with a lot of charities at Children's Mercy and it was just a busy time. Nothing exciting happened because our big Halloween party that went off without a hitch. I pressed my lips together as I waited for Logan to be finished getting ready. She had turned five in the beginning of the month and thought she was miss independent.

We threw a big party with all of our families and friends to celebrate five years of Logan and it was a lot of fun. She got plenty of toys and princess costumes. I bit on my lower lip when she opened the door wearing a summer dress. I smiled with fake patience because we were already late to Troy's parents house. "Logan, you can't wear that." I said kindly, I went into her room and I picked out two different outfits. "You can choose between these two outfits because it is cold outside."

She pouted and I looked at her, she sighed and went back into her room. I massaged my forehead, "Gabi, are you two almost ready?" I went down the hall as Troy was putting the stuff in the back of the car. "Your daughter is being difficult." I announced as I sat down on the barstool. "My daughter?" Troy asked with a laugh, I looked at him and he stopped laughing, "What's wrong?"

"I already have a headache, we have two family dinners to sit through and I just…I want to go to bed." Troy came over to kiss my forehead, "What's wrong?" he asked again, "I don't feel good," Troy wrapped his arms around my back and he rubbed up and down. "Just tired?"

"Yea, I think I am coming down with something too."

"My baby sick, no," I smiled and he smiled back, "Is this better?" Troy and I both looked at Logan still in the same dress but with a sweater over top. I rolled my eyes softly and Troy sighed, "Logan, go put some jeans on and if you can't do it yourself I will have to help you. Do you want me to help you?" she shook her head, "Then take the dress off and put some jeans on with your sweater. Go," she pouted and went running down the hallway.

"Five year olds," Troy said shaking his head, I smiled and Troy ran his hand down my arm. "I can't believe she is five," I whispered, "Didn't we go through this a month ago? On her actual birthday?" I smiled, "We did, I just…it is hard to imagine that she is almost in Kindergarten. I just think about it all the time." Troy sighed as he kissed my temple and he handed me my Columbia jacket. "Put this on and I will go make sure Logan is changing."

"Okay."

"We're going to have fun today."

"I know, I just…don't like bouncing around to your family and my family and then we want time to ourselves. It just doesn't happen." Troy smiled, "We love our families,"

"I do love my family and I love spending time with them but spending time with you and Logan…" Troy smiled as he ran his hand down my arm and he kissed me softly before turning to go check on Logan. I grabbed the remaining items as I went down to the car. I shoved the rest into the back and closed the trunk to the car. Troy came down with a whining Logan, as he didn't look very happy. "Logan, knock it off."

She held onto his shirt as I pulled out my phone to see what her blood sugar was. We had also gotten her on the Dexcom and Medtronic pump. I always had access to her blood sugars and we didn't have to play the shots game all day long. We just pushed numbers into the pump and it gave her a dose and only had to change it every three to four days. Her blood sugar was in the mid hundreds so she was just being a five year old.

Troy buckled her into her car seat and shook his head, "She wasn't even remotely changed."

"One of those days,"

He backed out of the drive way as he rubbed my knee with his hand. "Luke asked me to go to California with him in the beginning of February, right before Spring Training," he said glancing over at me, "Some showcase he is going to with his team and he wants me to go," I nodded, "Okay," I answered, "If you want too." I answered him; he glanced over at me, "Are you sure? That is right before our lives get crazy." I smiled, "Troy, you barely spend time with Luke anymore. When I first met you, you guys were inseparable."

Troy smiled, "I then found this beautiful girl and decided to spend a lot of time with her, I went into the minors, and then I got married and went to the majors and then I had a baby with you and well…" I smiled and my eyes peeked back at Logan. She was still pouting about her wardrobe change. "Can you believe Emily graduates in May?" I asked with a glance out the window, "I know, it's crazy, she still doesn't know what she wants to do."

"I don't blame her," I said quietly, "I'm glad I found my dream," Troy smiled, "I'm glad you have the job you do." I smiled at Troy because I looked at Logan again. "What if we stayed that baby trying a couple of days early," I whispered quietly, Troy raised his eyebrows sharply and he looked over at me. "I thought I made those choices." I shrugged, "I am pretty sure my dad would love a night with his granddaughter or your mom would love a night with her granddaughter."

Troy laughed, "You want me all to yourself," I nodded my head with a smile and Troy smirked, "Hopefully one of them wants a preschooler for an evening,"

"Or a sassy one," I mumbled quietly, Troy smirked as he pulled into my parents driveway for the first Thanksgiving of the day. Oh joy.

Troy's POV

I tipped my beer back gently while I sat at the counter watching Alex tend to Lilly. She had tripped outside playing with Logan and took a tumble. He put another Band-Aid on as I sighed; Lilly jumped down and then went running back outside. I smiled as she blew past me and I looked at Alex. "How is Gabi?" he asked me, I sighed, "Good, she didn't feel so hot earlier today."

"She seems to be in a lot better mood."

"Logan was just being sassy earlier today. Gabi wasn't in the mood for it." I took another drink of my beer as Alex leaned against the counter. "How is the elbow?"

"Doing a lot better. They think I should be ready by Spring Training." Alex nodded his head with a nod, "Troy, your wife is passed out on the couch," Kylie came in and I laughed, "Really?" she nodded her head while she pulled her hair back. "She was watching TV with me and then I looked over and she was gone." I sighed, "She hasn't been sleeping well lately. She seems to have a lot on her mind."

"Like what?" Alex asked, I shrugged, "Logan, getting pregnant, all of the charities she took on, I don't know, it is getting out of hand."

"She did take on an odd amount this off season,"

"We have three galas for three different charities in the next two weeks." Alex cringed and I nodded, "So I hope you are ready to babysit,"

"How is the nanny hunt coming?"

"It's sadly not. Another thing Gabi is panicking about."

"How did the meeting go, she never said anything about it," Kylie asked me, I shrugged, "Not my place to tell. I mean I know it's the both of us but it is her thing to talk about." Kylie and Alex both respected that as I nodded, "Nothing is medically wrong but yea, they figured out what the trigger is most likely." I chewed on my lip and crossed my arms, "Will you guys keep an eye out on Logan? We have to get going here shortly to my parent's place."

They nodded as they went outside. I went into the living room as Gabi was passed out on the couch. I sat down cross-legged by her head as I stroked her cheek. Her eyelids fluttered but didn't open as she only pulled herself closer together. I smiled as she was swatted my hand away from her face. I laughed and she finally opened her eyes to look at me. "What?" I leaned forward to kiss her softly and she pulled her hand around to the back of my neck.

"Hey so trying for this baby thing isn't going to work if you are so stressed out."

"I'm not stressed out."

I shook my head with a grin, "Whatever, your three charities and Logan isn't stressing you out." She laughed and I kissed her again. She reached out with her hand and I grabbed it gently as I locked my fingers with hers. "Are you about ready to go to my parents?"

"No," she protested, a pout coming over her face and I smiled, "I have seen that pout today and it didn't come from you." Gabi rolled her eyes and I kissed her again. She laughed and shook my head, she wrapped her arms around my neck and I grinned as I pulled her off the couch. She screamed and I started laughing. I pulled her down onto the floor with me and she tried to get away but I flipped her over and pinned her against the floor.

She laughed as I held her hands above her head and she squirmed trying to get away. "Gabs, I got you," I said with a laugh, she gave another pout and I kissed her again, "I love you," she smiled, "I love you too," I kissed her cheek as I released her hands and she got up quickly and wrapped her body around mine. I laughed as she hugged me, "I'm going to explode if you squeeze me any harder, your mom cooked really well,"

Gabi let out a sweet laugh and I smiled looking at her laugh, I kissed her gently and she ran her fingers through my hair. "Alright, c'mon, we have to get ready to go."

Gabi's POV

Troy swung Logan around while I looked over at Emily. "How is the boy toy?"

"Finn," she paused with a smile, "Finn is good. He went home to see his family and whatever,"

"You like him,"

"I do," Troy looked over inside the house as he was trying to work off all of the meals that he had eaten. "How are you and Troy?"

"Great," I answered, Emily smiled and I felt my eyes grow heavy from the lack of sleep that I had gotten in the recent weeks. Jack and Lucille were laughing in the kitchen, "Are we going to go see the Plaza lights?" Emily asked, "Finn and his family are going down," Jack shared a look with Lucille and I nodded, "Troy and I talked about it."

"Go see if they want too." I stepped outside when Troy looked up at me and Logan came sprinting across the deck, "Mommy!" I smiled as I picked her up, "Do you want to go see the lights?" she nodded and Troy and Luke came running over shoving each other. "Your parents want to know if you want to go see the Plaza lights," Troy nodded, "Yea, Logi will have fun and then we can send her back with my mom." I nodded, "Logi, do you want to stay with Grandma and Grandpa tonight?"

"Yes! I want to cuddle with Aunt Emily!" I smiled as I went inside with Troy, Troy talked to his mom and she smiled with a nod, "Sounds like a plan," I smiled at them all while they talked, we filtered out to the cars and Logan begged to ride with Lucille and Jack. Troy placed her into her car seat and she smiled with a big grin, "We'll see you there Lolo," she nodded her head and I followed Troy out to our car. Troy slipped his hand into mine and I smiled, "I kind of just want to skip this all in all." I just smirked as he shook his head.

"Gabriella," I laughed, "What?"

"Stop with the smirking,"

"Okay, I do need to talk to you for five minutes though." Troy nodded as I slipped my seatbelt on and I looked at him, "On Saturday we have the Pediatric Cancer Gala, we are the honoree guests and I already asked my parents to watch Logan that night."

"Okay," Troy said with a nod, "Then on Friday we have the diabetes on for Children's Mercy, to help raise money for JDRF. Logan is going to come with us on that one and then we don't have another one until Christmas when we are doing the thing for the hospital in general,"

"Wow, I am exhausted." I slapped his shoulder gently, "Brie, listen, I get you are bored and you need something to do with Logan in school everyday but we are trying to have another baby and you are doing a lot…" I smiled, "I am not that stressed out. Just tired." Troy shot me a look and I smiled, "Troy,"

"I want this to be successful Brie," I smiled at him, "I know, and maybe if we start trying now then we will be successful."

"Have you already stopped taking birth control?" Troy asked, "Yea," I answered, "This morning, I figured we are close enough to December."

"Good, I'll decide from here on out,"

"Ouch, you aren't ready,"

"No, I don't want you stressing about it." I shook my head, "I won't stress over it."

"Gabs," I shrugged my shoulder and Troy reached over to rub my leg as he pulled into the parking lot we always parked in when we went to the Plaza. His parents pulled up beside him and he looked over at me, "Take it easy Gabs," we both got out and he wrapped his arm around my shoulder as we started to walk to catch up. Logan was on Luke's shoulders as she was laughing while they walked. Troy kissed the top of my head. "I think we are going to be successful,"

"Brie," Troy's voice was a warning, "I just have a good feeling Troy,"

We walked down and were suddenly in a huge crowd of people. Chatter of a crisp Thanksgiving night echoed around as the talks of Black Friday had already started. Troy held my hand as we both kept an eye on Logan. Troy kissed the top of my head while we waited around for the lights to turn on. Music played from the stage and I rubbed my hands together. "Your cold,"

"Little bit," I answered, "I am hoping you will warm me up later,"

Troy closed his eyes, "Damn, you shouldn't have said that." I giggled as he kissed the side of my head and his arms wrapped around me. I buried my face into his arm while he rubbed his hand down my arm. "Mommy!" I peeked out from Troy's arm and she was waving, I waved back and she giggled. Troy laughed pressing his face into my head. We walked over to where they were and Logan reached out for me. I took her in my arms and I kissed her face.

"You feeling okay?" she nodded her head and I held her on my hip. The nip in the air made her shiver and I pulled her hood up and over her head. She pressed her cold nose against my neck and I laughed, "Logi, you are cold."

"No," she mumbled, I smiled and rubbed her arm when the countdown begun. The countdown ended and Christmas music started to play with all of the lights coming alive on the Plaza. I couldn't wipe a smile off of my face as they twinkled around. "Gabi! Troy!" Troy and I both looked at Lucille and she wanted to take a picture. I smiled and nudged Logan as she did as well. Lucille gave us thumbs up and Troy kissed my forehead gently.

I am so thankful that this past year Troy and I made it through the toughest patch of our marriage. I was thankful I had a healthy daughter. I was thankful for everything I have been given in my life.

I rested my head on Troy's chest while he played with my hair, "I really want to kiss you some more," I whispered, Troy laughed quietly as he kissed the top of my head. "We have kissed all night." He said running his hand down my stomach. I turned into him and he wrapped his arms around me.

"Which nanny do you like more…Andy or Katy?"

"Don't you think we should kind of let Logan pick? I mean she is old enough, let them both baby-sit her one night. We like them both and Alyssa suggested them…" I sighed as Troy rubbed my lower back, "I guess, I just…I don't want them to pull out the stops and make her like them."

"I think that Logan is very smart," I sighed, "I don't know,"

"Or we can have them both baby sit and we judge based off Logan's reaction. We don't let them know this is the point we decide."

"What if we kept two?" Troy arched an eyebrow, "What do you mean?" I shrugged, "They are both college students right? They are in college and looking for a nice summer job along with babysitting along the way, if they have a conflict or something…they are still young,"

Troy nodded, "We could but we would need a primary one,"

"Fine, let Logan pick," I buried my head in the pillow and Troy laughed rolling on top of me, "You weigh a lot," I muttered, Troy laughed as he kissed the back of my neck. "You're pretty,"

"You're sucking up,"

"Can you believe at thirty we are still able to stay up until three in the morning having sex?" Troy said, I laughed from his statement as I shoved him off of me. "For record, I am only twenty-nine, we are also very in shape and your damn baseball life keeps us going like this." Troy smiled as he tucked me closer to him. He yawned as I closed my eyes for a minute. "Personally, I like Andy more than Katy. They are both really nice ladies but Andy seems more hands on and wants to play with Logan vs. Katy who kind of doesn't from what I could tell."

I nodded my head into his shoulder as he pressed his lips against me. "I love you Brie," I smiled as I turned my head to face him, "I love you too."

Saturday, November 30th, 2024

I put a pair of earrings in my ear, as I knew Troy was waiting on me downstairs. He had already taken Logan to my parents house for the evening and he was very impatient with my slow going but pictures was going to be taken and people that I didn't know were going to be looking.

I smoothed my hands down the black dress and I went out the bedroom door, I made it down the hallway with Troy's head against the wall, "Brie," he yelled, I laughed from behind him and he spun around, he went to say something but his mouth faltered, I grinned, "Maybe you shouldn't get so pissy for me taking so long," Troy again didn't say anything as I pulled at his tie to bring him closer to me. He stumbled over his feet and I kissed him.

"C'mon, we are going to be late."

I moved away from him and he came down the stairs after me, "You are beautiful," he call as he hit the bottom step. "Thanks Bolton," I grinned, "You don't look half bad yourself." And he didn't, Troy put on a black suit with a gold vest and a black tie to support pediatric cancer. His hair was slicked back and that probably was the only thing I didn't like. I loved being able to run my fingers through his hair and not get stopped by the amount of gel he would put in.

I slid into the car as I made sure all of my dress made it in and then I shut the door. Troy glanced over at me and he shook his head, "Damn, we need to do these more often,"

"Just kidding, this is a lot of work." Troy laughed and I smoothed over my black dress. It was a long dress that had a high neckline all the way around. My arms were bare and I was already cold but I was going to have to survive. I turned the heat on higher and Troy glanced over at me, "You are going to freeze,"

"It's indoor," I muttered, Troy laughed as he pulled up to the hotel. The valet was in full force as Troy slipped out of the car, the valet opened up my car door. I slipped out as I heard somebody snap a picture while Troy came to my side. He slipped his arm through mine and I smiled with him as Troy waved to some people with a bright smile. I smiled back while I held a clutch close to me. We made it inside the hotel where one of the doctors greeted us.

"Mr. and Mrs. Bolton, we thank you for attending in your busy holiday schedules. The children are going to love having you around Mr. Bolton and Mrs. Bolton as well." I smiled as I held onto Troy's arm while I wiggled my heels around. "Follow us, we will lead you to your table."

Troy smiled as young kids caught sight of him, he stopped a couple of times and he let go of me. He went to one table and signed several autographs and took plenty of pictures. He kept going to a couple of different tables as I gave a small smile to the lady leading us. "Is it that table over there?" I asked her, she nodded, "He'll do this until he goes to all of them. We'll be there in time." She nodded and I went over by Troy when a mom stopped by.

"You were on the floor not that long ago," I smiled, "Gabi," I stuck my hand out and she smiled, "Viv," she responded, "You came by with the signed calendars of all of the Royals players, my son, Keller, absolutely was in love with it. He can't stop talking about it." I smiled over at Viv and I looked back over at Troy. He was laughing with one of the younger kids, "Troy loves doing things for the kids,"

"He comes to the floor but never when Keller is up there," I laughed, "Troy does frequent the floor. Does Keller have another set time?" Viv looked at me as she looked over at a little boy around Logan's age. She nodded her head, "The week of Christmas Keller will be getting his fourth round of chemo," I cringed, "I am so sorry, what type of cancer does he have?" I asked gently, "Leukemia," I sighed, "I'm sorry." I replied, "I hope that we are helping make this time easier."

She nodded as she looked over at Troy was giving a high-five from Keller, Troy laughed as he gave him a big hug. I looked over at Viv who was smiling as Troy grinned with Keller and he looked over at me and his mom, "He is great with the kids," Viv said gently, I smiled, "You should see him with our five year old daughter. Those two are absolutely two peas in a pod." She smiled, "I'm sorry to hear about her diagnosis this summer. The rumors spread around the hospital fairly quickly."

I gave a soft smile with a shrug, "You know, we are blessed that we can control it. I can't imagine having to do the chemo every month and the constant doctors appointments. You parents are the true heroes." She looked at Keller again with a smile, "He makes it so worth it," I took a picture of Troy with the kids and I shook my head with a smile as I nudged my head towards our table. Troy glanced over at it to see a round table with nobody sitting at it.

He looked at the kids that he was around and he stood up for a moment. "Who is sitting at our table?" he asked me quietly, I shrugged and I went over as I peeked at our table to see a lot of people running the show who would probably never actually sit down. I smiled as I went over to one of the ladies who were sitting at the table. She was directing orders and I smiled, "Hi, Troy wants to know if he can bring several of the kids over to our table and sit with us."

The lady looked surprised but she smiled, "Yes! Of course, not a lot of those people will actually sit anyways. We were trying to give you and Mr. Bolton some privacy." I nodded, "Well, is there anyway we an extend our table to add more kids?" I questioned, she nodded and suddenly a table was being pushed with ours and Troy was directing all of the kids over to the table. Viv came up to me and she had tears in her eyes, "What is he doing?" I smiled, "He is here to have dinner and raise money…well...to be honest, he doesn't like these events the best and these kids probably feel the same way. He is going to make this fun. Troy makes everything fun."

She smiled as a tear fell off her cheek, "I haven't seen Keller smile this big in so long,"

"We'll take care of him at our table," I squeezed her shoulder and Troy was talking to a young girl. She was shying towards her mom and I came over as I knelled down next to Troy. "Amber, this is my wife…Gabi," Troy introduced, I smiled softly, "Hi Amber, I love your dress! It is so pretty," she smiled and her cheeks turned a darker red. "Thank you," she mumbled quietly, "Do you like princesses?" I whispered, her eyes looked around and then looked at me, she nodded her head and I smiled as I opened my clutch.

I pulled out my princess stickers that I always carried because of Logan. "I have these awesome princess stickers for the bravest girls in the world. I think you are one of the bravest, do you want a sticker?" I asked her, she nodded her head with a smile and I let her pick a sticker. I leaned in closer to her, "Do you want to come eat dinner with me and Troy?" I asked her, she looked between us and she nodded her head. She let go of her mom's hand and then wrapped her arms around my neck. I smiled as I hugged her tightly.

"C'mon, I think the seat next to me is still open." I winked at her mom and she was crying as I picked her up and took her over to the table. I sat her in the chair right next to mine as I held her hand while Troy took a seat a couple chairs away. I leaned over to the boy next to me as I glanced at his tiny feature. "Hi, are you Gage?" I asked, he nodded his head with a smile and I smiled back, "Are you ready for dinner?"

"I want dessert!"

"I want dessert too," I claimed, "Amber, do you want dessert?" she nodded her head and I leaned over towards the girl on my other side of Amber. "Devyon, do you want dessert?" she nodded her head with a big grin and Troy caught my eye. I shrugged my shoulders and Troy cleared his throat as one of the people came by, "Ma'am, I think we are going to need dessert first tonight…" his eyes caught mine as the lady tried to protest but the kids all screamed out with joy.

Troy and I both laughed as we looked at all of the kids and I smiled as tears filled my eyes but thy went away quickly as the kids all started telling me their stories and everything about themselves. They told me everything I would ever want to know as cake and ice cream hit the table first. I laughed as Amber stuffed her face with chocolate and vanilla, Keller was laughing and sitting on Troy's lap, Devyon giggled while eating and Gage couldn't have been happier.

Troy hugged Keller tightly and I squeezed Amber, "Quick picture," somebody called, Troy and I took our kids we had grown attached too and then smiled at the camera. Their families joined us as Viv hugged me close and then Amber's mom Tess. Handshakes were shared with Troy and more hugs and more pictures were taken as the place filtered out. Troy and I were some of the last remaining people in the building along with the chair of the board.

"I am impressed," I turned around and she smiled at the two of us, "We have never had so many parents gloat of the people we bring in on the chair." Troy squeezed my hand and I looked at her, "We are just trying to make those kids have one great memory in all of the awful ones."

"I don't think they will forget it."

Troy smiled as we shared a look; I let out a long yawn, "Thank you for letting us come,"

"We want you to do more with them," she blurted, "We have never had an athlete come in and request all of the kids sit with them. We have never had our person stay until they all left and signed so many autographs and took so many pictures. We have never had this before and we want this to continue." Troy nodded, "I have had a lot of fun tonight. We are committed but I also really want to help with the diabetic unit as well,"

"Close to home,"

"Pediatric cancer is just as important because that could randomly strike any family but I also want to make sure we have both." The lady nodded, "Of course, understood." I smiled and I hugged her and then she shook Troy's hand. Troy and I started to walk out as he started to loosen his tie from around his neck. I let out a long breath while the valet brought our car around. They opened the doors for us and I slipped inside.

"That was a lot of fun,"

"Keller is a big fan of yours,"

"He didn't act like it. I mean, he acted like he liked me but he didn't seem like one of those that wanted my autograph and crazy about me."

"He is a sweet kid,"

"You took to Amber," I smiled as I turned my head to look at Troy, "You made those kids a hell of a lot happier tonight." Troy sighed, "Brie, you had more to do with that than me. You helped plan it and organize it. You donated the money and what not." He squeezed my knee, "I am proud of you,"

"I'm proud of us both for what we did tonight." Troy smiled as I glanced out the window during the rest of our drive home. He pulled into the driveway and he parked the car. I opened the door as my thoughts all came following me in the door. Troy followed me in as he took his tie off and his jacket went on the counter. My heels were kicked off in the car and I was already taking my jewelry off. We went into our bedroom as it was well after midnight as I turned to Troy to have him help me.

He unzipped my dress slowly and he kissed the back of my neck gently. I slipped the dress off and replaced it with a pair of shorts and one of Troy's t-shirts. I scrubbed my make-up off my face as Troy leaned against the back wall. "You okay?" I shrugged my shoulders as tears filled my eyes but my head was down. I continued to scrub my make-up off but my shoulders started to shake. "Brie," his voice was quiet as his arms pulled me backwards.

"Those kids don't deserve anything that they are going through. They don't deserve the chemo and the hair loss and the pain," Troy wrapped me tightly in his arms, "and none of those parents deserve to watch their children go through that. Nobody deserves to watch their child suffer from pain." The tears made my heart ache as Troy kissed the top of my head softly, "Nobody deserves it Brie," he whispered, "No," I said pulling away, "People do deserve certain things and bad things always happen to the best of people." Troy wiped my tears away with his thumb.

"I know Brie, the best people are also the strongest people." I wiped my own tears away and I rested my head on his chest. "Amber, Devyon, Gage, Keller, Adam, Jessie, River, and Kat…none of those kids deserve a moment of what they are going through and that hurts. They are kids who have big smiles and the bravest hearts." Troy kissed the top of my head, "You have the biggest heart Brie, and you are so upset over kids that you just met."

I looked back ready to disagree and he shook his head, "You are so upset over how unfair the world is to young children. The world is unfair and the world sucks ass but those kids are making us realize that we are so much stronger than we really are. Those kids are always smiling and happy even with the worst circumstances. They are brave. You are brave. You are letting them get close to you and that is the bravest thing I have ever seen because I know how thick those walls are."

A small smile formed over my lips and he kissed me softly, "You are a brave person Gabi, always doing more to help more people. You are an amazing person and I could not be more happy for you to be my wife." I hugged him tightly and he squeezed me to his chest. "I love you Troy,"

"I love you Brie, I love you,"

Wednesday, December 11th, 2024

I pushed the shopping cart and Ellie squealed, "What," I said turning around to look at her, she picked up a toy and I squinted looking at her. "Look at this, this is perfect for Emerson!" I shook my head as I continued down the aisle. I picked up a baby doll that Logan would probably love. "What is going on with you and Troy?" Mallory asked as she was alternating between the boys and the girl's aisle. I shrugged my shoulders, "We are doing fine,"

"Fine?"

"Better," I assured, Mallory shot me a look and I shrugged my shoulders as I looked at her again, "We are doing great, fantastic, I don't know what you want from me."

"You are really moody," she said looking at me, "Give her a break, she put on three parties for three different charities in three weeks time. She is exhausted." Ellie stated, I sighed, "That could be a reason,"

"Why are you being so tight lipped?" Mallory asked me, I didn't answer as I went down to the princess costumes. "Is Troy keeping you up late?" Ellie asked, I turned around to face the both of them and I sighed because I couldn't keep a secret from my best friends. "We're tying again," I spilled, they both gasped, "Gabi!"

"We went to a doctor and nothing is wrong. They think it was mostly stress related except the third one." They looked at me and they squealed as they both grabbed me in a tight hug. "We are so proud of you! Have you had a period yet? Ovulation?" I laughed, "We aren't keeping track of anything. We are just letting it happen. I stopped taking birth control at the beginning of the month and Troy kind of decides when we try from then on out. I don't really know and we aren't stressing about it."

"That's good!" Mallory smiled so big I thought her face was going to break, "Ah! I bet there will be another baby Bolton here sooner than later." I rolled my eyes and I continued shopping. My eyes lingered down to the baby aisle not far from the toys. "C'mon, let's go look." Mallory dragged me down and I laughed as we came up to the baby clothes. I smiled, as all of the clothes were so little. My fingers ran over them and to the small socks.

"I just want it to happen so bad," I whispered, "I want another small baby," Ellie smiled, "Chase and I are talking about trying again soon. He wants to get through the beginning of the year though before we start worrying about another baby."

"How do you think Logan will react?"

"She has asked for a sibling before," I answered, "It has been a while but I think she would love it." Ellie smiled as we continued shopping down the Target aisles. We chatted quietly while we finished Christmas shopping for our little people in our lives. "What are you getting Troy for Christmas?"

"Sex," I answered, "A lot of sex." Ellie and Mallory laughed aloud, "I bet that is what you guys are doing,"

"Uh…well…we have stepped up our game a little bit," Ellie shook her head, "I didn't know that was possible between you too." I laughed and I smiled, "I got Troy season tickets to the Chiefs this year, so he already knows about those but I got him a new pair of golf clubs, the ones he has been wanting but hasn't bought yet." Mallory smiled, "Is that all you got him? You have unlimited money," I rolled my eyes, "Becca and I went in and got them a hotel in Arizona for a weekend of golf,"

"So…"

"Becca bought Cody a new pair of clubs as well."

"Awh best friend status," I nodded, "They haven't had any quality time with each other in a long time."

"Okay…can we talk about your pediatric cancer gala? You were the hero of Kansas City for good two weeks," I shrugged my shoulder, "It just happened and well…Troy is planning a pajama party with the pediatric cancer unit. He is going to buy pizza and donate a good chunk of money to the unit. He has all gung ho on this with an ice cream party and what not while watching a baseball movie of some sort, I was leaning towards Sandlot or Angels in the Outfield."

"Can I come?" Ellie asked, I laughed, "It sounds fun, I know, it was fun the other night though. The JDRF was fun too. Logan had a blast showing off her insulin pump to other kids around her age. Troy did the same thing at that one too and then the hospital one was the worst. No kids were there and it was stuffy. Troy and I bailed out kind of early on that one."

"Shows that Troy is in it for the kids,"

"He is completely in it for the kids."

"You guys completely deserve another kid, you guys are some of the greatest parents." I smiled as I looked at them; "We got Logan another American Girl doll, he one she has been obsessing over for Christmas along with a new doll house."

"With little things?"

"Yea, some little things along. My parents and his parents spoil her endlessly so we try to not go overboard."

"What did you get the kids?" I asked Mallory and Ellie as I moved towards the checkout counter. We rattled on about what we were getting the kids and I smiled at the both of them because this was nice. Being with my friends was nice.

Friday, December 13th, 2024

"Do you want to go out of town this year, just the two of us?" I glanced up at Troy from the bills and I shrugged, "I don't care," I answered, "When would we go and where would we go?" I asked Troy shrugged his shoulders as he took a drink of his water. "I don't know, I figured more time for us the better chances of a baby happening." I laughed, "You just want to have more sex which I don't know how that is possible." Troy smirked as he leaned closer to me.

"You are kind of hot right now," he mumbled, I smiled as I put down my pen, "Troy, we are literally having sex in the morning, after Logan goes to school, and at night, I mean that is three times a day," he came around and he laughed, "Not everyday," he whispered into my ear, "We are lucky to get it completely done at least once a day, if that, when was the last time we had sex? Wednesday? Tuesday?" I smiled as he kissed on the back of my neck, "Logi is already asleep," he whispered into my neck.

"Troy," I said, he smiled, "but seriously, do you want too?" I turned around and he pulled my legs closer to him. He pressed against me and I closed my eyes, "Troy, we went to New Mexico earlier this year without Logan and just went to Disney World. I think we are okay without a vacation between the two of us. We are having plenty of sex right now anyways," Troy grinned because normally our vacations were meant to make up for lost time between each other. He let his hand slid up my leg, "Really," he whispered into my ear, "It has been since Wednesday,"

I let my eyes roll and Troy kissed on my neck. I dropped the pen I was holding and wrapped my arms around his neck. "Atta girl," he said, I giggled as I pressed my lips against his. He slipped his tongue into my mouth and I squeezed his chin with my fingers and I smiled when somebody cleared their throat. Troy and I pulled apart, as his eyes were alert at our late night guest. Josh and Zach stood on the other side of the kitchen awkwardly holding three beers.

"Did you forget our chain of text messages earlier?" Zach asked Troy, Troy cursed as he gave me a knowing look of that this is why we tried to start sex three times a day. I smiled over at the boys, "What are you guys up too?" I asked, "Came to hang out with Troy and talk about shit that has happened," I nodded my head while I looked at Troy, "You have fun. I am going to finish the bills and go to bed." Troy kissed my forehead, "Don't go to sleep too fast," he whispered into my ear.

I rolled my eyes, "Troy, stop talking dirty and get over here." Troy laughed as they all went out back and I shook my head as I finished paying the bills. Once I finished I poured myself a glass of wine as I went upstairs and I looked at my menstrual calendar and I sighed. I stopped taking birth control before I said I did, I knew when my next ovulation was and I skipped out and knew we had plenty of sex.

Yesterday, I took a pregnancy test and it came back negative, which was fine. I was prepared for that because it was the first month off birth control but now I just wanted my period to come. I wanted it to come and go so we could try again. I wanted to try again.

Going over I went into Logan's room to check on her, she was lying on her belly sleeping peacefully. I sighed and went back into our room as I lay on the bed and I thought about everything. I thought about forcing myself to get so excited about getting pregnant when in reality I should be just having fun with Troy. Troy and I were having good sex right now and it was fun. Logan was happy and she was enjoying pre-school.

Christmas excitement was in the air and I could only think of Christmas morning. I smiled because I had so much to be thankful and I shouldn't be keeping my thoughts on what wasn't happening. It would happen when it was time and I was going to be okay. Everything was going to be okay.

Tuesday, December 24th, 2024

Troy kissed my temple softly while we lay downstairs in the movie room. Logan was watching a Christmas movie in her new pajamas and it was quiet. The fireplace was putting off warmth and the Kansas City air was chilly. Logan was intently watching the movie and Troy wrapped his arm around me.

"Period week during Christmas isn't any fun," he whispered into my ear, I smiled as I looked back at him, "The day its over is the day we start having serious fun," I whispered as I kissed him, Troy smiled, "That's why on New Years Eve we are going to a serious party downtown and then we have a hotel room for afterwards," I looked at him, "It probably wont be next week,"

"Well no but that is the start of a very hot week,"

"Logan is home all of that week," I pouted, "Guess we are going to have to be very sneaky," Troy whispered into my ear, he kissed me again and I pulled away before Logan turned around to look at us. "I like how you think Mr. Bolton," he smiled as we finished watching the movie with Logan. She got up and came over to lie between Troy and I. I kissed the top of her head and she smiled, "We have a lot to do before Santa gets here,"

She giggled sitting up, "Let's see…we have to put out the reindeer food so they really want to stop here," Troy started, Logan stood up but I grabbed her hand, "Then we have to put out all of the milk and cookies for Santa so he doesn't get too hungry," I continued and Troy pulled her close into a hug, "Then we have to read The Night before Christmas and The Polar Express." Logan giggled and she looked between the both of us, as Christmas Eve was my absolute favorite.

We started the day lounging around and finishing are last minute wrapping that needed to be done with Logan. After that we made our Christmas cookies that were for Santa and the cancer floor. Then we went to help with the pediatric cancer floor at the hospital. Troy surprised Keller today who was there and we brought him a present, a gift from the Royals and Troy.

Season tickets to the Royals next year and he was so happy. Viv and his dad Blake were so happy that they couldn't help but cry with tears. I smiled thinking back on it and then when we came home, Logan took a shower and we braided her hair and then we ate dinner. Our Christmas Eve dinner was pizza but Logan got to make the pizza with our help and she loved it. Troy and I had wine while we gave Logan grape juice in a wine glass.

She felt so grown up and she loved it. After that she got to open her Christmas Eve present. It included a new Christmas movie, hot chocolate, pajamas, and reindeer food. She loved it and got so excited every year. After she opened it she changed into her pajamas and we made hot chocolate while Troy started the fire. We cuddled up in the movie room while we turned on the movie of the year. This year was The Grinch Stole Christmas and she loved that too.

Troy stood up as he took Logan's hand and they went up the stairs. I got up to follow them and Troy was putting Logan's coat on her so she could go spread the Reindeer food out in the front yard. She was babbling about something as they zipped up her coat. She slipped on her boots as Troy opened the door and Logan went running outside. She sprinkled the dust everywhere on the grass that was hard with cold. Troy wrapped his arm around my shoulder and he kissed my temple softly.

"She is so cute," he whispered, I laughed as she did a circle and sprinkled some more. "Logan go a little bit farther! Santa has to see it from the sky!" she went running the other direction and Troy laughed. "Is it bad I love Christmas Eve more than Christmas?" I asked quietly, Troy shook his head, "I love it more too. I love just spending time with you and Logan." I smiled as Logan came running back to the house. Troy smiled and she came running through the door.

"Alright, put your coat and boots up. Then we'll put the milk and cookies out." She nodded and I went into the kitchen. I pulled the plate and glass out while Troy continued to help Logan. They did a blood sugar check as she came running into the room. "Let me help! Let me help," I picked her up to put her on the counter. She started to place the cookies and then she ate one. I smiled as we both took a bite of the cookie.

"Yummy," she cheered, I smiled and she helped me pour the milk out into the glass. We set them out by the Christmas tree and then I picked her up snuggling her. "Okay, we have two books to read and then after that it is time for bed. How does that sound?"

"Santa will come?"

"Once you are sound asleep but if you don't sleep then you don't get anything from Santa," she nodded her head and I kissed her temple softly. "Let's go potty and then we'll lie in bed and read our books, go," I put her down and she went running into the bathroom. Troy looked over his shoulder and then he looked at me, "Here," I smiled and he put it in my hand. I looked down and Troy smiled as he placed his hands on my hips.

"Open it," he said quietly, I opened the box and I looked down at the golf chain with two connecting pieces, I looked up at Troy and he looked down at it, "It means new beginnings and after the year had, we need our fresh start, I thought it was appropriate to get." I smiled and I took a deep breath, "I am so glad that we are getting a fresh start with each other vs. not." Troy smiled and I kissed him softly, "Thank you, it is beautiful."

"I love you Brie,"

"I love you too," he squeezed my arm and Logan then called our names, "Right there Lolo," Troy said, he kissed my forehead and he then darted up the stairs. I turned the fireplace off and then shut off the lights as I heard their giggles from down the hall. She squealed with laughter as I heard Troy's voice and I smiled hearing them. I went down the hall and I sat down on the floor by her bed as Troy was already lying next to her.

"Momma," she stood up and I smiled as she had me lay on the bed and she lay on top of me. Troy read the stories and I felt her slowly falling asleep as she listened to the two Christmas stories. Tomorrow morning she will jump on our bed until we woke up so she could see what Santa brought her. We would open gifts and then spend the day with our families. It was a beautiful day that we celebrated with each other.

Then on the 26th we spent the day lying around the house while Logan played with every single new toy she had gotten. No wonder people loved this time of you because I couldn't get enough of it. Troy glanced down at me and he winked with a smile and I smiled back as I played with her hair. This was the best it could get.

I really, really, really loved writing this chapter. Ugh. This family is so cute.

Hopefully you are all rooting for the Royals to win today! : )

Hope you have a good week!

Please Review!