A/N: For the final time, here's the chapter. Thank you to all my readers and reviewers. And yes, I am crying as I am posting this!!
Many thanks to justacrush for her help with this chapter. Without her, I don't think I would have made it through.
Disclaimer: I don't own and/or am affiliated with any of the characters, the movie, music, etc. I do not own the music used in the chapters. Those are property of artists and the writers!
August 12th, 2016 2:30 pm
They say that growing up is the hardest thing you ever have to do. I don't know who said that, but whoever they were never had to face shooting the winning point in a state championship basketball game, sing a duet in front of the entire school with the girl of your dreams or go through a fourteen hour delivery with their wife. I remember for me as a kid, growing up was always an adventure. As long as I can remember I wanted to be just like my dad, with a briefcase in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other as he heads out the door to work. When I was seven, growing up meant playing on the upper elementary basketball team which came with a new, royal blue uniform. In high school, growing up turned into a land of opportunity called college, where all your dreams came true. Looking back, I sometimes wished that I would grow up so fast that I forgot to just be seven or sixteen for a while. Today, as I watch my wife blow up pink and green balloons for our youngest daughters first birthday, the last thing I want to do is grow up.
The past fifteen years of my life seem to be a blur. Sometimes I wake up and think, oh, that must be a dream, there is no way I married Gabriella Montez. When I roll over and see my beautiful, elegant wife lying next to me, it is the best feeling in the world. I have three extraordinary children who were lucky to have every quality of their mother and few from me. When I see them in the mornings, with their sticky little hands and their rosy cheeks I feel like crying I am so happy. There is nothing more that I would rather come home to than six legs running to the door. While raising three kids is more than challenging, I would want nothing else. I remember the days when I dreamt about playing professional basketball, and once I even considered the life of a rock star (but that was just once). Today though, if the Los Angeles Lakers were to offer me a position on their roster, I would turn them down. Being a dad is the best job in the world, one that could never be replaced.
When I think about all the growing up I've done, it makes me wish that I was seven again, waiting for my dad to come home. When I look at my beautiful little girl and realize that it was a year ago when she came into this world with a strong set of lungs, I realize that she too, is growing up. My Kayden starts her first day of school tomorrow, and she is so excited about basketball tryouts in the fall. Alex is walking around, getting into everything and keeping us busy. And my beautiful, sweet Harper, as she runs around with her birthday crown, brings me more joy everyday with just a laugh. Watching my children grow up breaks my heart, as I know that one day they too will set their eyes on bigger things and will no longer need me the way they do now. While I can pray for pro basketball players, singers and CEO's, all I want is for them to be happy and to dream just as I did.
Woodrow Wilson once said, "We grow great by dreams. All big men are dreamers." I once dreamt to be just like my father with his suit and tie, or a basketball player with the big bucks. Today though, I dream that I can watch my wife dance around the kitchen for the rest of my life, or stand outside the door of my daughter's room, listening to her say her prayers. I dream for my son to be as truly happy as I am today, and to find the special girl who will help him find his voice. I dream for my Harper, as she starts the first year of the rest of her life, that she will go into the world with the same smile she gives to the candles on her birthday cake. If Wilson is right, then the more we dream, the more we grow. If this is true, then growing up is not an age or a job, but instead, growing up is dreaming the unimaginable and making those dreams possible. As I look at my children today, I just wonder what they are dreaming about…
Ordinary note, really don't think so
Not a love this true
Common destiny
We were meant to be
Me and you
Putting down the pen, Tory let his eyes trail over the colorful backyard. Gabi had decided to go all out for Harper's first birthday. Thinking back over the past five years, his smile grew bigger.
Kayden was two and a half years old when the two got another surprise. Gabi was pregnant and that pregnancy was much harder than the one with Kayden.
There were times Troy thought he'd lose his soulmate but the two managed to get through and on December 18th, 2013, Alexander Robert Bolton was brought into the world.
Life was good; the two of them had what they wanted. A girl and a boy; a nice way to round out their family.
Until the Bolton's got the surprise of their life; when Alex was fourteen months old, Gabi found out she was pregnant once again. August 12, 2015, Troy and Gabi welcomed Harper Kenedi Bolton to the world.
Hearing the door slam, Troy was knocked out of his own little world before seeing his wife standing there giving him a look.
"We have your daughter's birthday party in less than an hour and you're cooped up in this house?" Shaking her head, Gabi smiled. "Wanna come help me out outside?"
Groaning, he pushed away from the table before heading outside. "Da da da . . ."
Picking up Harper, Troy walked over to where Gabi was hanging the pink and green balloons. "And here's the birthday girl, mommy."
"Hey sweetie." Leaning over Troy she kissed the birthday girl before looking at Troy.
"Can you believe how fast a year passed?"
Like a perfect scene from a movie screen
We're a dream come true
Suited perfectly for eternity
Me and you
Shaking his head, he watched Alex and Kayden run around the yard squealing and laughing loudly. "Or how fast five years passed? It seems like just yesterday we were bringing Kayden home from the hospital and now she's about to start her first basketball camp."
"Well she does take after her father . . ." Gabi trailed off as Troy smirked.
"She's definitely inherited my basketball skill . . . what she inherited from you is still yet to be found." Troy joked as Gabi scoffed.
"She got her stunning good looks from me. Besides she's a hell of a lot smarter than you ever were."
"I take offense to that!" Troy yelled after her retreating form.
"Of course you would, Troy."
"Mommy's being mean to daddy." Troy mumbled to Harper as the one year old giggled and clapped her hands.
"Dad! Tell Kay to leave me alone!" Alex squealed running away from his sister.
"Kayden, listen to Alex. If he doesn't want to chase him, then listen to him."
"But dad . . . he's trying to steal my basketball." The stubborn little five year old argued.
"Kayden Elisabeth and Alexander Robert figure it out. I've told you two are ready to knock it off." Gabi's strong voice called from somewhere within the house.
Setting Harper in her playpen, Troy headed into the house to see what he could do to ease the tension from Gabi. "What do you need?"
"Well all three kids need to be dressed but I'll do that. You can get drinks in coolers and make sure all the stuff is put together." Gabi started heading out the door. "Where's Harper?"
"In her playpen. I didn't think you'd want her walking off by herself." Troy said sarcastically as Gabi gave him a look.
"Funny Bolton."
"No, really Troy, where's Harper?" Troy turned around and looked into the playpen and noticed that in fact, his daughter was gone. He turned around and looked at Gabi, whom he knew that in a matter of seconds would be in tears if they did not find their daughter.
"Well, maybe she crawled outside. I bet she went to go look at the balloons, you know how she loves the balloons." He said nervously, but trying to sound courageous for his wife.
"Troy Alexander Bolton if something has happened to my little girl, so help me God I will kill you, bring you back to life and then kill you again." As Gabriella darted out the door to look for her daughter, Troy began running around the house feverishly.
"Uh, dad…" Feeling a tug on his pant leg, Troy looked down and saw his daughter Kayden, with her big blue eyes looking up at him. "Daddy, I think Harper knows how to walk."
"Kay baby, don't be silly, now is not the time to make jokes."
"No daddy, really, look!" Troy turned around and found his wife with tears pouring out of her eyes, watching their baby walk across the living room of the house. With each step, Troy felt more and more proud of his daughter than ever before. Kayden started clapping and Alex cheered on his sister as she walked all the way to their mommy.
"Troy, our baby walks! She walks Troy!" Picking Harper up off the floor and squeezing her into a hug, Gabriella sobbed with delight. "You're such a big girl Harper, you're growing up!"
Every day, I need you even more
And the night time too
There's no way
I could ever let you go
Even if I wanted to
3:30 pm
"And where is the birthday girl?" Gabi turned grinning seeing Taylor and Chad standing there with presents balanced in both hands.
"She's with Meghan in the backyard." Gabi said putting the finishing touches on the platters.
"And how's the mother of the birthday girl?"
Laughing, Gabi shook her head. "I'm doing all right. All my tears are all ready gone. Harper took her first steps earlier."
"Awww Gabi . . . she's growing up." Taylor smiled.
Taylor and Chad had gotten married four years ago in a lavish ceremony. There had been over 200 guests and Troy and Gabi had stood up in the wedding party.
"And where is Rowan?" Gabi asked noticing the little girl missing from Taylor and Chad's arms.
"Spending the day with her grandma." Winking, Taylor smiled brightly. "Chad and I needed a day away from her. We can only keep up with a three year old for so long."
A year after Chad and Taylor were married they welcomed Rowan Denise Danforth into their lives. Then four months ago, the two announced they would be expanding their family in October. Twins would be welcomed into our little group.
Walking into the backyard, Gabi let her eyes sweep around the yard. Kayden was sitting on her grandpa's lap laughing loudly. Alex was getting attention from Anna while Harper was laughing with Meghan.
"We've got some great kids, huh?"
Leaning into his embrace, Gabi smiled. "Yeah we do. I just can't believe how fast they're growing up."
"They are kids Gabi that's what they kind of do." Placing a tender kiss on her forehead, he nuzzled his neck with hers.
Spinning her out of his arms, Troy bowed before holding his arm out. "May I have this dance, young lady?"
"Troy!" Shrieking she giggled placing her hand in his. "What are you doing?"
"Getting you out of this depressive mood you're in." Pulling her close to him, he started dancing just like in high school. "Besides we're supposed to be celebrating; not being Debby downers."
The two swayed with the nonexistent music. Gabi had a smile on her face while Troy gazed into her chocolate brown eyes. They were as much in love as high school if not more.
"Ma ma . . ." Pulling her head off of Troy's shoulder, Gabi smiled over in Harper's direction.
"It's time for me to be a mom again." Kissing his lips, Gabi smiled at him. "I'm going to go change her for the party. Will you keep everyone entertained?"
"Consider it done."
Every day I live
Try my best to give
All I have to you
Thank the stars above
That we share this love Me and you
Four hours later, the backyard was filled with friends of the family. Gabi excused herself away from the mother in law chatter before going to sit down at the table with the girls.
Sharpay and Zeke were still in their internal honeymoon bliss. The two had tied the knot just two months ago and were still lovey dovey as ever. Kelsi and Jason had married a year ago and were trying to get pregnant; so far, no word. Lauren and Ryan were a totally different story, however. The two were going on being married for three years and they all ready had two kids; both girls. Alexa Noelle and Delanee Rae Evans; the two apples of Lauren and Ryan's eyes.
"So what are we talking about girls?"
Taking a seat, Gabi relaxed at the girl chatter. "When Kelsi is going to announce she's pregnant. We're all placing bets."
Raising an eyebrow, Gabi smirked. "I give her four weeks . . ."
"You're the farthest away, Gabs." Sharpay shrieked as Gabi shook her head.
"Give it time . . ." Gabi took a drink of water while searching the yard for an important figure.
"Hey girls; she's just like she was in high school. She's still looking for Troy, even though he's all ready hers."
Shaking her head, Gabi smirked. "I'm so not like I was in high school. For one, I didn't have three kids, Troy and I weren't married, and I wasn't this happy back in high school."
Scoffing, Lauren smirked. "Not this happy? From what I heard, you were the smile queen at East High."
"So I was happy but for once, my life feels complete." Gabi smiled.
"Complete? Hmm . . . what ever happened to a houseful of kids and a busy life?"
"Things change; besides, I have my houseful of kids. Three kids are plenty along with two dogs that Troy broke down and got the kids." Gabi said motioning to Jeno, who was a collie/Sheppard mixed, and Spud who was a lab/cocker spaniel mixed, lying at her feet.
"And three adorable kids at that." Sharpay pointed out.
"I guess Troy and I do make cute kids . . ." Gabi shrugged at the thought.
"Um . . . guess?" Taylor shook her head. "Take a look at your kids, Gabs. Kayden looks exactly like you; Alex is a mini Troy; and Harper is just the cutest baby ever. I think you and Troy make the cutest kids around."
Rolling her eyes, Gabi smiled seeing Troy walking closer. "Hey babe . . . should we sing due to someone getting sleepy?"
Getting up, Gabi walked into the kitchen before grabbing the pink and green cake from the fridge before walking back outside. Everyone marveled over the prettiness of the cake.
"Where are we doing this?" Gabi asked looking around.
"I brought her high chair out here so we can strip her down to her diaper then let her get messy; it'll be easier to clean up." Troy thought on logic as Gabi smiled.
"Sounds good to me."
"Come here you little bugger . . ." Troy said picking up Harper as she laughed.
Every day, I need you even more
And the night time too
There's no way
I could ever let you go
Even if I wanted to
Twenty minutes later, everyone was crowded around. Troy had handed the video camera to his dad before joining Gabi next to the high chair. Gabi motioned Kayden to start everyone in singing. Harper had no idea what was going on but regardless clapped her hands together as everyone watched the birthday girl.
"Ok baby girl, blow out your candle." Gabi whispered.
"Ma da ma da." She babbled as Troy and Gabi blew out the giant 1 candle.
Before Gabi could stop her, Harper stuck her hand in the mini pink and green cake before sticking it in her mouth. "Harper . . ."
"Mommy, Harper is disgusting." Alex spoke up as Troy chuckled.
"Alexander . . . don't talk about your sister like that." Gabi scolded as he turned to his dad for help.
"Sorry dude but that was uncalled for." Troy said picking up the messy baby and walking into the house with her.
"And he even takes care of the baby." Taylor said directing that comment to her husband.
"I get up with Rowan when she gets up in the night." Chad said in his defense.
"Only if I tell you I'm not getting up or not to bother me." Taylor complained before looking at Gabi. "What's the secret?"
"Secret for what?"
"For getting your husband to get up in the middle of the night." Taylor grinned.
"Troy? He gets up on his own. Since we brought Kayden home, he wakes up at every little sound any of the kids make. Usually I'll sleep through Harper's cries before Troy wakes me up. Usually, he's up anyways, so he'll go calm them down."
"Chad . . . learn some pointers from Troy."
"Woman . . . I get up when Rowan cries. Just leave it be."
Gabi just giggled at the two as they continued to bicker back and forth.
"Hey Gabi?"
Hearing the call from inside the house Gabi excused herself from the party, calling to Kayden and Alex, before ducking inside the house.
"Yes Troy?"
"Wanna put the kiddies to bed then we'll go back out?"
"Sure." Turning to the two kids, Gabi smiled. "Go say goodnight to aunts, uncles, and your grandparents then come back in. We'll skip bathes tonight."
It took the kids twenty minutes to get through all the goodbyes before rushing up the stairs and into their individual beds. Harper, like always, was the first stop.
Troy put her in her crib before turning on the sound machine and night light. "Good night sweet baby Harper."
Gabi leaned over the crib before putting a kiss on the girl's head. "Good night baby girl."
"Nite . . . lub you." The tired girl yawned before closing her eyes.
The lights were cut before the two headed out of the door. Alex's room was next and the little boy was flipping through a book as the two came into the room. "Night momma."
"Night Alex. Sweet dreams baby." Kissing his forehead, Gabi smiled.
"Night daddy. I love you."
"I love you too. Night buddy. Don't let the bugs . . ."
"BITE!" Alex shouted as Troy and Gabi smiled.
Tucking their son in, Gabi kissed his forehead again before turning on the sound machine and night light. Walking out the door, they headed towards Kayden's room.
Stopping in the doorway, the parents listened to their oldest finish her prayers. "And keep momma, daddy, Alex, Harper, and everyone else in the world safe. Amen."
"That was good baby girl." Gabi said walking into the room.
"I love you momma."
"I love you too baby girl. Sweet dreams."
"I love you daddy." Kayden hugged her dad as Gabi smiled at the exchange.
"I love you too Kayden. Sweet dreams."
Helping her into bed, Gabi and Troy both kissed her forehead before walking out of the room.
Standing in the hallway, Gabi looked at Troy. "We finally got our storybook ending."
"And our lives can only get better from here." And with a kiss the two headed back downstairs to their party and the rest of their lives.
Ordinary no, I really don't think so
Just a precious few
Ever make it last
Get as lucky as
Me and you
Me and you
The song is "Me and You" by Kenny Chesney. There you guys go!! That's the final chapter of Soulmates. You guys have been absolutely amazing throughout this entire story. You are the most amazing readers/reviewers a writer could ask for. Thank you from the bottom of my heart; you guys are the reason I continue to write. dancerlittle