Chapter 24 – Up Hill Battle

Friday, January 24th, 2025

"Have fun with Cody," I whispered, Troy smiled as he wrapped his arms around my body and he kissed my forehead. "We are going to have fun." He squeezed my side and I smiled as Logan was at school but had said good-bye to Troy this morning. "Bolton, are you ready?" I kissed him again and Troy took a step backwards, "Yea, I'll be right there."

"I love you,"

"Love you too Brie," he squeezed my hand and he backed out the kitchen and went down the stairs. I sighed and I went back to cleaning the house. I did the dishes and the laundry when I grew tired. I didn't sleep well last night but since I had an hour and half until I had to pick Logan up, I figured now was a good time for a nap. I went down the hall and set a time on my phone as I laid my head down on the pillow. My mind began to wonder as I thought about this weekend.

Logan had a birthday party tomorrow and Troy was gone until Sunday night golfing with Cody in Arizona. They were both ecstatic about their Christmas present that they counted down the days together. Sunday morning I was going to Cameron's basketball game with my parents and then lunch with Melissa and Alex. I took a deep breath as my mind spun with everything that needed to get done. We left for Spring Training in about a month but Troy and I were debating on how things were going to go down this year.

Logan was in pre-school and she needed to go but Spring Training I did a lot of work with Fox Sports so I was confused. I wanted to go with them and I didn't want to be separated from Troy that long. I sighed as I closed my eyes again when I picked up my cell phone. I called my mom when she answered, "What's up?" she asked me, "Hi, I have a question for you."

"Shoot,"

"Logan is in pre-school and spring training is in a month. I know with Kindergarten we will have too stay back but I am not ready for this. I want to go to Spring Training but Logan has school. I have no idea what to do,"

"Gabi, her education is important."

"I know but how do we do this? I have to go down there,"

"For work, your dad and I will watch her when you have to go," I took a deep breath, "I'm not prepared to do this long distance thing again mom," I felt the tears well in my eyes as I tried to stop them. I wasn't supposed to get upset over this. "Gabi, you and Troy are going to be fine,"

"We just patched our whole marriage up,"

"And you guys have never been happier." I wiped my tears away and I tried to relax, "What if I home schooled her?"

"Gabs, she needs the school world. We did it. You did it."

"And I hated being separated from my dad." She tried to say something but I stopped, "and how are we going to do this because I also work for them mom. I go on all of the road trips and she will be at home away from us until the summer and that is missing both of us."

"Gabi, stop panicking. You shouldn't even be worrying about this right now. You need to talk to Troy about the options that you have. Spring Training you can go do weekend trips and then she has a spring break and you can also take her out longer every now and then." I looked at the picture on the wall of us three, "I guess, I just…I wasn't looking forward to this. I liked when she was three and we could just go down there and now she is five and we have to stay back from school."

"You could let her be uneducated." I laughed, "Okay, fine," my mom laughed, "I love you sweetie, and you'll figure it out."

"I know, I just…I am not ready for leaving her behind while we go on road trips."

"You'll get used to it and she'll love her weekend with Grandma and Grandpa." I smiled softly and I thanked my mom. "I am going to take a short nap, I love you mom,"

"Love you too,"

Logan smiled as I picked her up, "Hi sweetie," I kissed her temple and she smiled, "Where is daddy?"

"Remember, he is with Cody," she frowned and I kissed on her face again, "C'mon, we are going to go play with Audrey and Drew." She squealed and I put her down as I held her hand. We went out to the car as she jumped in the back I helped buckle her in. I got into the front of the car and I drove down the street and onto the highway. I had Logan tell me about her entire day in the pre-school classroom and I smiled, as she talked excited.

Logan loved school and I could never take away those interactions from her. She gave me a smile and I pulled into Mallory's driveway. Ellie was already here as Mallory had planned a sleepover for the kids tonight and I had yet to tell Logan. I helped her get out and I grabbed the backpack that I had already packed. I was staying for most of the evening until later when I was going to have the whole house to myself, which was crazy.

I honestly don't remember the last time I had the house to myself…and I wasn't sure I was excited. Logan ran up the stairs and into the house as I shook my head, I followed her inside and Mallory laughed hugging Logan. "Hi sweetie," she then ran off to play with Audrey. I shook my head and Mallory looked at me, "You are looking hot," I laughed, "I actually don't feel good. Headache, tired, you know how that goes," Mallory nodded while Ellie came around the corner.

"Emerson!" I reached over for her and I smiled as I took her in my arms. She giggled as I kissed on her face, she giggled and I let her down so she could go join the other two. "How are you Mrs. Bolton," Ellie asked, "I'm good. I am really good."

"Troy's gone for the weekend?"

"Barely forty-eight hours," I said, "Which is good because Logan is becoming a two man job," the girls laughed, "She is going to be happy that she is staying the night. You are taking them all to the party tomorrow?"

"Yes," she answered, I sighed as I settled back into the chair when Collin came around the corner. "Gabi, Ellie," I smiled as he smiled as well; he kissed Mallory's cheek and whispered something into her ear. She nodded her head and then kissed him again. Mallory put two glasses of wine in front of me and I shook my head, "No thanks, I already don't feel well and I have to drive." Ellie sighed, "Wouldn't drinking wine make it all better?"

"Maybe but not tonight, I'm just not feeling it."

"Suit yourself," I smiled as she handed me a bottle of water instead. I laid my head down as my eyes just wanted to shut and sleep. "Gabi," I looked up with a small smile, "Sorry, I am just tired. I didn't sleep well at all last night. I am thinking about which nanny we are going to hire this season and then how Spring Training is going to go down with Logan in serious pre-school this year. She has kindergarten starting in August and that scares me."

"You don't know how it is all going to work with you broadcasting and Troy playing," I nodded and I rubbed my temples, "I am not prepared for any of this." I whispered, "I can't believe we are trying to add a baby into this mix because then what in the hell do we do? One gets to travel all the time while Logan has to stay behind for school?" I laughed as I looked at them, "This is so fucked up," I whispered as I made sure there were no young ears around.

"How is that going?" Ellie asked, I shrugged, "I am not paying much attention to it." I answered, "I paid attention in November when I knew it was supposed to happen. I then promised myself that I wouldn't take a pregnancy test until I for sure knew I had a possibility to be pregnant. Morning sickness, missed period, etc. I wasn't going to sit around and wait for the day I might get a result." Mallory smiled, "You my friend have come a long way in a year," I smiled with a shrug, "With everything that happened with Troy this past year, I couldn't let it stop me. Troy and I went through a very rough patch and we fixed it. I am blessed with what I have and I have to be happy with that."

"We're glad you realize that. We truly haven't seen you and Troy so in love than right now." I smiled as I looked down at my wedding ring. "Logan is really happy too. She is always giggling and laughing." I smiled looking at the two of them. "She has had a rough year and look at her,"

"Whatever you and Troy do will be whatever is right? You guys have done everything so smart and you think about it. You don't let your children suffer and maybe this year is going to be another big adjustment for you guys but you'll figure it out."

"Thanks guys,"

Saturday, January 25th, 2025

Troy's POV

I hit the ball off the tee as it sailed through the air as I rested my club down and I watched the ball bounce and then settle. Cody grimaced at the good hit and I smiled over at him, "Good thing we didn't bet money today."

Cody grumbled, "This isn't fair because you golf all the damn time." I smiled as I hit his shoulder, "How is Gabi?" Cody asked me, yesterday we traveled and golfed and just caught up on life. Today he had been asking how everything was going. "Good, she is a little stressed right now because of everything going on. She isn't sure how Spring Training is going to go with Logan in school and then traveling. The new nanny issue,"

"How is trying for another baby going?" Cody asked as jumped onto the golf cart, I shrugged, "I don't know, she isn't stressing about it. I don't see pregnancy tests a lot; I actually haven't seen a single one. She doesn't talk about it a lot and she is happy. We are happy."

"I'm happy for you Troy, I have never seen you the way I did this past year." I smiled as I walked over to my ball, I then turned to look at Cody, "I never want to do that again and…I am scared when she gets pregnant again. I am more than scared because I can't watch her go down that road again. I can't watch us go down that road again." Cody sighed as he hit his ball and then I hit his ball after that. We got back into the golf cart and Cody looked over at me.

"You guys are going to be fine. You learned."

"We learned but that doesn't make it any less difficult." I said aloud, "I leave for Spring Training in less than a month and if something happens while I'm gone…"

"Dude, you have to trust,"

"It's hard to trust after four miscarriages Cody," he looked at me and I sighed as I went over to my golf ball. I didn't say anything as the warm Arizona sun beat into my back and I focused on the ball. I tried to think about anything but what Cody and I were talking about because I wasn't sure I was ready for this yet. I wasn't ready for the fear to sink in because everything was so happy right now. Logan was happy. Gabi was happy. I was happy.

We were all so happy.

Sunday, January 26th, 2025

Gabi's POV

My head leaned back against the wall as I closed my eyes and I counted as I took in a deep breath. I tried to get my breathing to relax my body as I had terrible nausea. I was getting sick and I was so happy Troy was coming home tonight so I could sleep in tomorrow and just rest. I needed to rest.

Once I felt the nausea was at bay, I stood up and it came roaring back all over again. I covered my mouth but it was no use as I tilted over and puked in the toilet. My throat felt raw and I closed my eyes, as I was dizzy. I held tightly onto the counter and I flushed the toilet. "Mommy, let's go!" Logan yelled I took in a deep breath as Troy texted me. I looked down at my phone to see he was on his way home. I texted him back with a thumbs up.

He then called me though, I answered, "Hi," I breathed in and out as I tried to let the nausea go. "Hey, you okay?"

"Uh…I don't know. I don't feel so hot." I told him as I closed my eyes again, "I am rethinking lunch this afternoon with my friends to come home and lay down."

"I'm sorry babe, I'll handle Logan as soon as I am home. You sound tired."

"Yea, I'm tired," I sucked in a long breath and I looked at the mirror of my sunken in face. I even looked sick. "I think I am going to have my dad come pick up Logan and take her to the game. I do not feel so hot,"

"Take it easy Brie," I nodded, "I love you, be safe, I'll see you soon," I finished quickly, "Love you too," was all I heard before I hung up and puked again. I sucked in a deep breath as tears pooled in my eyes. I picked up my phone and I called my dad this time. "Hey sweetie, we were getting ready to leave,"

"Hi, I actually need you to come pick up Logan," I whispered, "I am not feeling so hot today."

"Of course, do you need anything?"

"No, I just need Logan to have a good day." I answered, "Okay, I'll swing by in a couple of minutes." I nodded my head and I hung up as I stumbled down the hall. Logan was sitting in the living room playing with her toys and she smiled at me, "Lolo, you are going to go with Grandpa and Grandma. Mommy doesn't feel good." I told her as I smoothed her hair back, she frowned, "Why?" I shrugged, "I think I am getting sick."

She hugged me and I smiled, "Thank you, that makes me feel so much better." I whispered into her ear, she giggled and I pulled away as I heard my dad pull in. He must have been already on the road when I called him. "C'mon, put your coat on." I helped her into her coat and zipped it up tightly. I then opened the front door. My dad was halfway up the steps and he looked at me, "Yea, you look like you could sleep." I nodded, "I think it is a stomach virus,"

"Lilly just had one last week,"

"Yea, it's going around." He hugged me and kissed my temple, "She had a fever though,"

"Oh, well, hopefully that doesn't happen. Logi, be good for Papi," she nodded and he hugged her, "I'll have Troy come pick her up later."

"Will do, take care Ella," I nodded and I shut the door after them. I sank to the floor and I sucked in a big breath because I was dizzy, tired, had an enormous headache, and felt so sick. I stood up as I went upstairs to take a cool shower. I sat down on the shower ground and I thought about when my symptoms started and my mind began to reel about what it could possibly be. I had to wipe everything down so Logan didn't get it.

The water turned ice and I shut the shower off and wrapped a towel around my body, I squeezed my hair for water to fall to the shower floor. I then stepped in front of the mirror as I let my damp hair fall to my back and I looked at my stomach, my eyes settled there for a beat too long and I began to wonder. My stomach hurled forward and I gripped the sink.

No. No. No.

It wasn't the time. I wasn't ready for this yet.

My fingers ran down my fleece leggings as I pulled Troy's LSU crew neck closer to me as I was cold. My hair sat on the top of my head and I looked outside to see snowflakes falling from the sky. Troy texted me that he had landed about an hour ago and that he was coming straight home to check on me. I knew he would be home shortly and that made my stomach tighten even further. I sat on the bed as tears filled my eyes again for the day.

I sat up cross-legged when I heard the garage door open. I felt my hair on the back of my neck stand up as the door opened quickly downstairs and then I heard his footsteps through the house. He was probably expecting me to be asleep since I never texted him back or he thought I was doing something else. He probably didn't think this. I knew how happy I should be but dread only filled me. Fear.

The door to our bedroom opened and Troy stopped dead in his tracks. His blue eyes found mine and I looked at him, "Hey, you feeling okay?" he asked gently, I shrugged my shoulders while I played with my leggings some more. "Brie," he crawled onto the bed and he sat in front of me. His legs spread around me as tears filled my eyes again. They had yet to spill but I knew that was over as I reached down to grab the two white sticks.

I held them out to him and he took them confused before his eyebrows shot up, he looked up at me and with a big smile on his face but it fell. "Oh no, no, Brie," he said, tears spilled down my cheeks and he pulled me into his arms, "No, no Brie this is supposed to be happy." He whispered into my ear but I only responded with sobs of fear. I gripped his shirt as he pulled me to his chest. I wrapped my legs around him and he held me tightly.

"I'm so scared Troy, I'm scared," he rubbed my back, "Brie, you're pregnant," he whispered into my ear, I pulled away to look at him and I saw the heartbreak on his face. He wiped my tears away and he gave me a small smile, "I know you are scared baby girl," he rested me onto my back and he laid down next to me as he pressed his lips to my cheek. "You have ever right to be scared but you can also be happy that it happened. That we get another chance."

I looked at him and he wiped away the stray tears that fell, "This is scary for the both of us but I am so happy right now." I looked at him and he gave me an award-winning smile as his hands drifted down to my belly. "There is a baby in there Brie," I wiped away another tear and he looked at me again, "You have to trust that good things will happen," he pulled me closer to him and he kissed my forehead gently. "When did you find out?" he asked me, I took a big breath, "About an hour ago."

Troy couldn't resist a small smile and I gave him a small smile as well, "I don't want to be scared Troy," he looked into my eyes and he kissed me softly, "I know you don't want to be scared baby girl but guess what, I am scared," I looked at him a little surprised and he took a minute, "I was talking to Cody about it this weekend. I was telling him that we were trying and that I was scared for it to happen because everything is going so great right now,"

I knew where Troy was coming from. Everything was just perfect.

"I am scared that it will happen again and that I will just lose you because we just fixed us. We finally got under our feet again and I know how much you are scared. Your face said it all when I saw you that you were scared. You have every reason to be as well but smile for me because I know that this is also happy. We tried for a year without getting this result and here we are after only a month,"

"Two," I whispered to him, Troy arched an eyebrow and I laughed, "I stopped taking my birth control in November Troy," he laughed and looked at me, "You tried to do it sooner," I nodded my head with a small laugh and Troy kissed the top of my head again, "Okay, two months later and we are pregnant and I don't know, like I said earlier, everything is good right now. Maybe this is something good." His hands ran across my stomach and tears blurred my eyes.

"I love you so much," I whispered, Troy looked at me with look and he then kissed me. He kissed me with a lot of passion as I ran my fingers through his hair. He didn't mind the tears that ran down my face as we kissed a little bit faster. Yet, I had to break off the kiss because I felt the nausea sit deep inside. "You okay?" he asked, "Nausea," I whispered, Troy rubbed my back as I exhaled trying to breathe. "You are leaving in a month," I whispered, he sighed, "I know but you'll be okay,"

"No, you are leaving in a month and that is when I am going to be horny as hell," Troy laughed quietly, "That will be a horrible problem," he whispered as he rolled me on top of him as he kissed me softly. I pulled him closer to me as the kiss deepened and he smiled into the kiss. "Quick Mr. Bolton," I whispered, "Who knows when the nausea will strike,"

I cuddled close to Troy and he ran his fingers down my arms and then to my stomach as he kissed the back of my shoulder. "I can't believe you are pregnant." He said quietly, I smiled and I locked hands with him, "Can we talk about that for a minute?" Troy nodded his head and I turned around to face him. "I want to be happy that I am pregnant Troy and I know how much this means but I am wanting to be distant from it. I don't want to think about it."

Troy pushed my hair away and I took a shaky breath of air in, "I don't think I am more than four to five weeks along Troy, that makes for a very long first trimester." He kissed me softly and nodded, "I know,"

"And you'll be gone for most of it,"

"No, Brie, calm down," he put his hand on my shoulder and I sat up. Troy sat up next to me and he sighed, "I guess that this is going to be hard and I won't be that far away from you. I will never be that far away from you Gabi. If something happens I am a plane ride away. I will always be there for you and if a day is hard then we just have to talk with each other. I love how honest you are being about how you actually feel. A year ago you would have shut me down."

I crawled into his lap and he wrapped his arms around me tightly, "I just want this so badly Troy," my head laid on his shoulder as he kissed the top of my head, "Me too baby girl," I relaxed against him and I started to make up my mind about a lot of things. "Logan and I will stay here for her schooling but I will probably come see you every other week. We will extend her Spring Break to spend more time with you down there. When I have a broadcast I'll come down a day before and stay a day after and then fly home to be with Logan while she stays with my parents."

"I like that," he said quietly, I nodded as I grabbed his hand. "Andy will be our main girl and we will have Katy as a back-up for when we need it." Troy again nodded his head and I smiled, "We might just need two for our two children that we'll have," Troy smiled softly and I smiled back at him as I wrapped my arms around him. "You'll be there for me even when it hurts," I whispered, Troy let out a big sigh, "Of course baby girl," I buried my head into his neck and he kissed my cheek. "Of course,"

"What else do we need to decide?" Troy asked me quietly, I took a deep breath as I shrugged, "I guess we need to decide on how we are going to keep our lives the same because we have eight weeks until we can tell anybody." Troy nodded his head and he kissed me, "Gabi, I think we need to just keep everything the same. You need to stay stress free and happy." I kissed him softly and he squeezed my sides. "How about you go get Logan while I try not to puke," I whispered, he smiled and nodded.

"I miss my baby girl,"

"Me too,"

Troy kissed my forehead and I sat back on the bed, he pulled on a pair of jeans with a long sleeve shirt. I closed my eyes as I titled my head back and laid my head on the pillow. He kissed my forehead, "Get some rest Brie,"

Tuesday, January 28th, 2025

Troy and I waited patiently in the waiting room as my foot bounced up and down. I had already peed in a cup and given my blood but now we were just waiting on Dr. Jo. Troy smoothed his hand over my knee and Dr. Jo's nurse called our name. I stood up and we went back into the room as I settled on the bed. They didn't have me change into a gown, as my stomach grew weak with nausea, which was already an issue.

"Should I be concerned that she isn't having me change?" I asked Troy, he shook his head, "Of course not. She probably has a reason, relax," he said softly, he walked over to sit in the chair next to me. The door opened later and Dr. Jo had a big smile on her face, "Gabriella!" she smiled as she held plenty of papers in her hand and she sat down on the stool. "Congrats Gabi! You are definitely pregnant," I smiled at her as tears filled my eyes.

"Really?"

"Really,"

"Why didn't I change and…" she smiled, "Gabi, based on your first day of your last period you are not even five weeks pregnant yet but your levels are through the roof and the urine test came back positive as well but with only being five weeks pregnant I don't want to look for a heartbeat yet because I don't want you to panic if there wasn't one yet but you are for sure pregnant and I will schedule you for an eight week ultrasound."

"But,"

"Gabi, you are healthy, you have been taking vitamins, how is the stress with life?" she asked me, "Good, there isn't much going on right now that could cause a lot of stress." She nodded, "I want you to wait four weeks Gabi unless something horrible happens but based on your last period, I am putting your due date right at the end of September." I smiled and she wrote it on a piece of paper, "September 29th, 2025, I will make sure you have a baby." I felt tears fill my eyes, "This is the right time and I know you'll do great,"

I thanked her and she squeezed my knee gently, "February 12th," Troy cringed and Dr. Jo noticed, I looked at Troy and my eyes bored into his because there was something he wasn't telling me. "Is something wrong with that?"

"I leave the Saturday before that for Spring Training."

"Rather early this year,"

"I have to get some extra work done with my elbow and I need to have some extra time…" I smiled as I rubbed his knee, "It's okay, we can FaceTime or something," I said with a nod towards Dr. Jo, "I want to not stress about it so," she looked at her calendar and then sighed, "The 12th is actually booked, I am going to have to move you to the next week if that is okay…" I nodded my head, "Yes, my goal for this pregnancy is to not worry about it. I just want it to happen."

She smiled with a nod, "Of course, I'll book you that Monday morning."

"The 17th," I nodded my head and I smiled, "Perfect,"

"Gabi, you have the right mindset and if anything is wrong…you call me okay? If you have one concern." I nodded my head and she hugged me, "You look great and I know you'll do great things." I thanked her and she smiled, "I'll see you in a couple of weeks okay?" I nodded my head as I slipped off the table. Troy and I followed her out and Troy kissed me in the elevator. "I have a good feeling Brie," I smiled up at him and I then frowned.

"When were you going to tell me you were leaving earlier," Troy sighed as he tucked hair behind my ear, "Sunday but…" I nodded and he kissed me again, "I'm sorry," I shrugged my shoulders and he tilted my chin back, "We need to choose a couple of people to know about your pregnancy so you can have them if anything happens which it won't but I need somebody who knows and will watch out for you."

"My parents," I answered, "We can tell them later,"

"I am assuming we aren't telling Logan until much later." I nodded, "Not until I am out of the first trimester. I can handle the heartbreak but I can't watch her get upset because it won't happen."

"Of course, how about we tell both sets of grandparents so that they both know and will help." I smiled and nodded, "We can have them over for dinner tomorrow night."

"Or we can wait a little bit longer if you want," I bit on my lip and I shook my head, "Okay, we can wait until the week before you are leaving and then we will tell them." Troy smiled and he kissed me again, "C'mon, let's go get some lunch and hang out," I nodded with a smile as he held my hand tightly because we could do this. I know we can.

Thursday, January 30th, 2025 – 5 weeks pregnant

"FanFest is tomorrow," I told Troy as he walked into the kitchen, "I know,"

"You know to be there right?"

"Yes, Danni emailed me ten times. I am bring Keller and Amber up," I nodded my head and Troy came around to rest his hands on my belly. "How are you feeling?" he asked me quietly in my ear. I nodded, "Okay, unless you try to put food into my body and then…" Troy sighed, "You need to eat,"

"You don't think I know that?" I said with a roll of my eyes, Troy kissed the back of my head, "I know you know that but I am concerned," Troy played with my hair gently as he looked at the email I was writing. "Mommy, what's for dinner?" I shrugged my shoulders, "I don't know Lolo mommy doesn't feel good." I rubbed my forehead and Troy picked up Logan, "How about some mac and cheese Lo?" she scrunched her nose up and shook her head.

"No, I want something mommy makes."

My head pounded and I shook my head, "No, baby girl, daddy is cooking tonight." She pouted looking at me and I took a deep breath while I rubbed my eyes. Troy glanced at me and then at Logan. "Mac and cheese with ice cream for dessert?" Troy added, she huffed, "Fine," I continued to write my email but my head pulsing with pain. Troy started water and Logan sat next to me and babbled incoherently. "Lolo, I need you to quiet down a little bit okay,"

She looked at me and Troy glanced between the two of us as Logan did the exact opposite of what I needed her to do. She started to sing loudly as my eyes blurred over and I could smell the macaroni cooking. I blindly got up as I darted to the bathroom. "Brie," Troy called, I fumbled down the hallway and into the bathroom as I bent over the sink and spilled my days worth of meals everywhere. I gasped for a breath of air but the headache was blinding.

My headache was blazing as I took two steps away from the sink while I took a deep breath. I could hear Troy talking to Logan downstairs and then I heard him right next to me. "Hey," I held my head in my hands for a moment and Troy guided me towards our bedroom. He sat me down on the bed and he made me look at him. "My head," I mumbled, "It is bad,"

"Get some sleep, relax," he whispered, he kissed my temple gently, "I love you," I didn't answer as I just closed my eyes beginning to let go of the blindsiding pain in my head.

Troy's POV

I sighed as Gabi passed out on the bed as she had only been sleeping really the past couple of days while puking. I went into the bathroom to clean the sink, as I didn't know how she was going to do it when I left in a week. She was going to be exhausted and tired all the time. "Daddy!" Logan yelled, I cursed forgetting about the food I was cooking when Gabi went running out of the room. I bit on my cheek as I went downstairs. The mac n' cheese was burned and I sighed looking at Lo.

"Baby girl, how about we just have cereal and ice cream for dinner or something?" I asked rubbing my forehead, "Where is mommy?" she asked looking at me, I put my elbows on my counter and I looked at Logan. "She is sick pretty girl and we need to talk,"

"About?" I pulled her off the stool and I took her into the living room. "Mommy is going to be sick for a little bit and we just have to be nice to mommy." Logan frowned at me and I yawned, "She just doesn't feel good baby girl and we have to be nice okay? We will talk more about it tomorrow when mommy is feeling better okay?" Logan pouted, "I want to go cuddle with mommy,"

"No, you need to eat some dinner and then you need to go to bed yourself. I'll take you to school in the morning okay?"

"No, mommy takes me to school."

"Logan," I warned, she looked at me with her Gabi pout and I shook my head, "Sorry," I then put her down onto the floor as I got up. She whined but I ignored her while I grabbed cereal from the pantry. I poured it and I put it on the table. "Logan, come eat," I put the milk next to it and a spoon as she came into the kitchen. "Daddy, I don't want cereal, it's not breakfast time."

"Logan, I need you to eat what I give you for dinner. I need to see your insulin pump." She sighed and I took it to dose for her. "I'll be right back. I am going to check on mommy and then clean the bathroom." Logan only nodded as I went down the hall as I opened the door to our bedroom. Gabi was sitting up on the bed and she was rubbing her forehead. "You okay?" I leaned in the doorway and she looked over at me. "My head has a blinding pain in it and my morning sickness is night sickness."

"I'm sorry baby, do you need anything?"

"No, I just need to go back to sleep."

"Do that. I am going to put our daughter to bed and then I'll come lay with you alright?" she just nodded and I shut the door as I went to the bathroom to finish cleaning it when Logan called my name. I groaned as I went downstairs and she was finished. I helped her put her bowl away and I sent her to her room to change into her pajamas and she started to whine about the lack of ice cream. I rubbed my forehead when my cell phone rang.

"Motherfucker," I whispered as I pulled it out of my jean pocket, "Hey," I answered as I went down the hall. "What are you doing?" Cody's voice came from the other end, "I have a sick wife and demanding five year old, anything else?" I asked while I peeked to see Logan sitting on her bed in her PJ's. "Ouch, what's wrong with Gabi?"

"Stomach bug and a headache that could be a migraine."

"Man, that sucks." Logan sat on her bed as she caught sight of me, "Daddy, I want to go say good-night to mommy,"

"Logan, no, she is sleeping and we don't want to be disrupting her," Logan started to cry and Cody laughed from the other end, "Man, call me back when you have five seconds to talk."

"Will do," I muttered as I hung up the phone and I went into the room, "Logan, grab a book you want me to read." She sighed and reached over for her book she must have already picked out. "What's wrong with mommy?"

"Her tummy doesn't feel good and she is tired," I told her, she pouted, "I want to tell her I love her," I kissed the top of her head and I sighed, "Instead of reading you can color a picture for mom okay?" she nodded and went over to her table in the corner of her room. I leaned back and I yawned myself. I got up and I called Cody back, "She already go to bed?"

"No, she is coloring Gabi a picture since I am not letting her say good-night."

"Everything okay?" I smiled and I nodded, "Yea, just a crazy night. Gabi has been battling this for a couple of days now."

"Poor girl, I bet you are going crazy," I laughed, "Little bit,"

"I called to see if you wanted to come to one of my classes and meet with my players,"

"Yea, that's fine, what night?"

"Tomorrow night would be best," I hesitated, "It will depend on how Gabi feels, actually, no, I'll be there but Logan is coming with me. I'll have to come from FanFest but I have the afternoon shift so I'll be done by five."

"I'll bring Ben and they can play with each other and it isn't until seven anyways."

"Sounds like a plan,"

"I'll see you tomorrow,"

"Alright, couple of beers at the house afterwards?"

"Yea sounds good. Becca will have her hands full with Anna and Ryan,"

"I haven't seen Ryan in a while,"

"We should all get together before you leave for Spring Training." I nodded my head as I peeked in on Logan again who was rubbing her eyes but still coloring. "Sounds good. I'll talk to you tomorrow okay?"

"Yup, see you tomorrow," I hung up and I went in Logan's room as I sat down next to her. "That's beautiful," I whispered to her, "Mommy is going to love that but what she is going to love even more is you sleeping." She nodded as she finished her picture and I hugged her, "I love you Lolo,"

"I love you too daddy, will you tell mommy I love her," I nodded with a smile as I went over to her bed and tucked her in. "I'll come get you up tomorrow morning okay?" she frowned and I kissed her forehead, "Sleep tight baby girl," she settled into her pillow as I picked up her card and shut the door. I sighed as I went into the bedroom and Gabi was fast asleep in our bed. I quietly moved around the room as I changed and then crawled into the bed next to her.

I wrapped my arm around her and kissed the back of her shoulder softly as she didn't budge. I couldn't believe that she was pregnant again and I knew the fear she had. I was scared that she would scream my name and it would all be over and we failed again.

I was scared all the time but I couldn't let her see that. She already felt like shit, which I think made, her feel a lot better. She wanted to feel this way because she felt pregnant. She was facing a long uphill battle of 35 more weeks of this. She would have constant worry and constant stress over what is going on inside her body. I knew she could do it though; I just had a gut feeling.

Friday, January 31st, 2025

Gabi's POV

Troy came back through the room as he dropped Logan off at school while I spent my morning puking. He sat down next to me in the bathroom and he rubbed my knee, "You doing okay?" I shrugged as I closed my eyes and Troy kissed my temple. "This is bad," I whispered to him, "How does the head feel?"

"A lot better. I think I just needed some sleep." Troy nodded his head while he took my hand gently, "I can have your dad pick up Logan," he said while he massaged my hand gently, I opened my eyes to look at him and I shook my head, "I should be okay." Troy raised an eyebrow, "Are you sure? I have to leave in about an hour for FanFest,"

"I called Joel and Danni to let them know I wasn't going to be there today but I'll be there tomorrow. I need today to recover and sleep some more,"

"Let your dad pick up Logan, please," I sighed as I looked at Troy and he kissed my temple, "I think last time you were horny more than you were sick."

"I also didn't know at five weeks," I told him, Troy smiled and he kissed me softly, "Toothpaste," I laughed, "It's better than the alternative," Troy nodded in agreement and he kissed me again. I breathed against his skin and he pulled me closer to him. "Do you want to stay here or go lay on the bed?" I smiled at him, "I think I need to do some stuff around the house and try to be a bit more active." Troy gave me a concerned look, "Troy,"

"Brie, if you don't feel good,"

"I am feeling okay," I told him as I stood up, Troy wrapped his arms around my mid-section and I smiled at him. "I promise, I will lay down if I do not feel good."

"How about crackers and peanut butter?" I nodded in agreement as I gave him a high-five, "That sounds like a solid plan."

Troy's POV

"Daddy!" I put my water bottle down as Logan came running towards me from Alex. I smiled as I picked her up, "Hi baby girl," she giggled as I looked at Alex, "Was she good for you?"

"Angel like," I shook my head with a smile as I glanced at my watch, "I have one more autograph session and then I will be out of here," I told Alex, "I want to do it with you!" Logan said, I pressed my lips together as I shrugged, "I would have to ask but I'm sure that would be okay and then Grandpa can get back to his own kids,"

"They are in the stage of leave me alone," Alex said with an eye roll, I laughed and nodded, "Okay, thanks for your help. Gabs is just down for the count with this bug. She was starting to feel better today but I got her to let you pick her up."

"Is she going to the doctor?"

"Yea, she went, just a virus."

"Troy!" I turned around and I held up a finger, "I gotta go, Logi, are you sure?" she nodded into my shoulder and I nodded, "Okay, Thank you Alex,"

"You got it Troy, I'll see you this week sometime," I waved as I walked over to the coordinated, "Do you mind if Logan sits with me?" she nodded, "Yea, as long as you sign autographs, one of the young kids is with you." I nodded as I went to my stage as the buzz of the crowd made Logan press her head further into my side. "Troy Bolton," I looked to my right when I saw the young kid I was with, "Mo Ray," I said as I stuck my hand out, "Our first round pick two years ago,"

"I came up in September,"

"I saw you pitch once or twice. I was pretty focused on my rehab in September," Logan looked at Mo and I smiled, "This is my daughter Logan,"

"She is popular in the clubhouse,"

"Oh yes, I am surprised she isn't two stages over." Mo laughed, "It will be an honor to sign with you."

"I heard you got an invitation to big league spring training?"

"I did, it was…wow." I smiled thinking about my own invite, "Maybe we can work together while you are there." Mo nodded, "That would be awesome,"

"You guys are good," the stage manager came by, I put Logan down as I took her hand in mine and we walked up the back of the stage. Once we got up there a roar of applause greeted our ears and I took a chair where my name was and I planted Logan next to me. Mo sat on the other side of her as she looked at me with her blue eyes. "That's a lot of people," she whispered, I nodded, "I know, I have to sign an autograph for all of them."

"Wow," I nodded as I kissed the top of her head as they started letting people up. I signed autograph after autograph as they interacted with Logan and I. Mo would laugh along with us and we all had a fun time and when we got close to the end my hand started to cramp. I dropped the pen as I massaged my hand for a second to get the cramp to leave. Logan squirmed and she moved into my lap. "Logi, we aren't done yet."

"But I want to sit here," I looked at the ten to fifteen people left and I only nodded my head as I picked up the marker to continue to sign. The fans loved seeing Logan and I smiled as a young boy giggled and waved at her. Logan waved back and I smiled as I shook the dad's hand. "It's nice to see the players have their kids," I nodded, "She loves getting all of the attention,"

"She's cute,"

"Thank you, I'm jealous that you have a little guy."

"Any plans for anymore kids?" my stomach fluttered as Gabi popped into my head and I couldn't wipe a smile off my face.

"Hopefully in the future!" I announced, "Right now we are good with Lo," they nodded and continued down the line as I finished the last autograph. I picked up Logan as I shook Mo's hand again, "I'll see you tomorrow most likely." He nodded and I stepped down the back, "How about we go get some dinner and then we'll go see Cody." She cheered and I pulled out my cell phone as I was escorted out the back. I waved on my way out as I called Gabi.

"Hi," she answered, "Were you sleeping?" I asked, "Yea but I was half awake." The drove me to my car on the golf cart as I sighed, "I am taking Logan to get dinner and then going to Swings to help Cody with the high school team. Do you need anything?" I asked her, she was quiet for a minute and then she sighed, "I'm good. I will probably just eat some crackers but something cold sounds good on your way home."

"I can certainly do that. I love you Brie,"

"I love you too Troy, take care of my daughter. I haven't seen her in a while."

"Here," I gave Logan the phone and she giggled as she started to talk to Gabi. "Mommy!" she was happy to talk to Logan and then we were dropped off at our car. I thanked them and then I put Logan into her booster seat. She buckled in and I waited for my phone to come back to me. "Bye mommy, I love you," I let Gabi talk back and then she handed me the phone. "Alright, I'll be home around nine-nine thirty okay?"

"Got it, I'll call you if I need anything."

"I'll have my phone on."

I hung up and then I got into the front seat as I started the car. I rubbed my hands together and looked back at Logan, "Alright big girl, let's go,"

"Can we have Chipotle for dinner?" I nodded, "Good choice,"

My eyes glanced over at Logan and Ben as they played and Cody worked with the guys. I held the bat out in my hands and I glanced around as the boys all stood up and went to the batting cages, Cody came over to stand next to me and he sighed. "I have a lot of work to do with these kids."

"Yea, I can see that."

"The pitchers could use your help." I smiled, "I am not aloud to throw a ball unless one of the trainers are with me right now." Cody rolled his eyes, "You can at least tell them what they are doing wrong." I nodded, "I can but I need to talk to you for a minute," he looked up at the batting cages and he nodded, "What's up?"

"You know I am leaving for Spring Training early right?"

"Yea, a week from tomorrow,"

"Yea, I am and well…Gabi is staying back with Logan,"

"Okay…"

I couldn't hide the smile on my face as I looked at him, "She's pregnant," Cody looked at me shocked, "No way, man that's awesome!" he hugged me and I pulled back and nodded, "She told me when I got back Sunday night but she wasn't really thrilled and she still isn't. She is scared more than anything and she can't know that you know. We aren't telling any of the friends until well after the first trimester as she wants."

"Of course," he nodded, "I am not going to be here and I need you to be there for her if something happens and I can't be here right away. I just need somebody I can trust to know and be there for her."

"How far along?" I cringed, "She'll be six weeks on Tuesday so we have a long way to go and she is stressed and sicker than she ever was with Logan."

"Yikes, and she isn't even six weeks yet?" I shook my head and he smiled, "That could be good." I nodded, "I'm hoping so because I'm not sure what is going to happen if she has another miscarriage." Cody shook his head, "She'll be okay but yea, I'll look out for her."

"Thank you, we are letting our parents know so they are more willing to help with Logan when she is just having one of those days." Cody grinned, "Dude, congrats though, that is exciting."

"I just hope it sticks. We know so far in advance and we have so long to go,"

"Your guys will be fine, everything is better,"

"That's what we keep saying but it will be an uphill battle. She is constantly worried and she is always scared." Cody patted my back, "It's natural, and she will be scared until she has the baby." I nodded as I took a deep breath, "September 29th," I said, Cody laughed, "Dude,"

"You can't tell a soul,"

"I won't, I promise,"

I smiled, "Thanks Cody,"

Hey Hey! Surprise! You guys got a double update BECAUSE the Royals are moving onto the ALCS AND I got really, really ahead in my writing for both stories so! Here!

I hope you enjoyed this chapter and this story is winding up but there will be another story! I'll provide more details later about it but I am excited! I really don't want to let these characters go…yikes.

Please show some love with the extra update! I love, love getting reviews!

Jo