Chapter 46 – Happy First Birthday Liam

"Liam, look over there?" Liam's head spun as kittens were all around us. He was in Awh as nobody has a cat around us so this was something very new. Liam's birthday was in two days, "Gabi, look at this one," Troy laughed as one jumped around bouncing around him.

I giggled as one of the owners came over to him. "This is one of the littlest but craziest cats, he has a sister somewhere who is a little bit shyer."

"We are actually looking into getting two kittens, can we like put all four of us in a room together, and I mean five." Troy said laughing as the kitten bounced around his feet some more.

"Sure, here she is," the lady picked her up as I carried Liam over to Troy. They brought us back to a room as Troy played with one of the cats in his hand. They were tiny, very tiny. "How old are they?" I asked, "About five weeks old. There was a clutter of them left on the back step, six of them, newborns and these are the only too left."

"Awh," I said as she opened a door for us. There was a small room as Liam squirmed down from my arms and over to the kitty. He sat down on his knees as one of the cats rubbed up against him. I smiled as Liam squealed; the kitten looked at him with a watchful eye.

"Looks like Liam has already found his," Liam crawled after that cat as it looked at him. I laughed as the one Troy was holding, kept purring against his chin. Troy laughed as I walked forward to grab the cat.

"Let me see," I said as I held the small kitten in my hands. It purred as I rubbed its fur. His head nudging the top of my head as I kissed it, it licked me as I grinned. Liam laughed again as it chased around the kitten.

"It looks like we have a perfect match," Troy said as I set down the other kitten for her to crawl towards Liam. It sniffed him before Liam grinned and throwing his hands down to pet it. "Liam," Troy said crouching down, "Gentle."

"How old is he?" the lady asked as she watched us, "He will be one in two days," Troy said as he rested his hands on his knees as Troy let his hands run through the kittens hair. "That is such a cute age." Another cat crawled over my foot as it looked up to me. His blue eyes melting me on the spot.

"How does this cat have blue eyes?" I asked, almost screeched. Troy began to laugh as he came over batting his blue eyes in front of my face. "Do they haunt you?" I groaned as I picked the cat up, "How do you not resist such eyes?" I asked him, Troy tried not to smile. "Liam is going to get his way…a lot."

I shook my head as I noticed the other cat had green eyes. "I guess I have to keep the blue eyed one," I said as I let my fingers run through his hair. "It's the boy too," Troy said with a look. I shook my head as I pushed him gently. Liam looked up at us as the other cat crawled through his lap.

"Bubbles…" Liam muttered as he chased after the cat, I laughed as he had watched Finding Nemo this morning with Troy and I in bed. Troy and I can now repeat it word for word but Liam still squealed every time Nemo first popped up and then his eyes widened when the big fish came.

His facial expressions were priceless and they will be. Today he said bubbles and that was his new favorite word he kept repeating around. "Bubbles." He muttered again as he chased the cat. Troy laughed as his eyes glanced into mine. "I think he has his name…" Troy said with a small smirk.

"Bubbles," I said containing my laugh, "I like it, it will suit him." I said as she pounced in the air. Troy laughed as he came over to pet the one I had.

"Come on, you gotta keep the Finding Nemo thing going, what is yours going to be?" I smirked as I pet the little ones head. "Nemo," I said laughing.

Troy laughed as Liam looked at us, "Cute, real cute," Troy said bending over to kiss me. I smiled as I leaned my forehead against his, "I thought so myself."

Troy squeezed my sides as Liam crawled over to me; he reached up for the cat I was holding. "Nemo?" he asked, I smiled as he was listening. "Yes…Nemo."

"Finding Nemo?" he asked, his eyebrows bending down as if he was confused. Nemo was a squirming, wet, fish and here we have this blue eyed grey and white cat. "Yes…like Finding Nemo." I said back to him gently. Liam grinned as he rubbed his head against the cats.

"We'll take Bubbles and Nemo," Troy said laughing, he tried to contain his laugh as Liam looked at the other cat. "Bubbles!" the cat looked at him and then went running for Troy's legs. Tears formed in my eyes as I was laughing too hard. Troy cracked a smile.

"I love this kid," Troy said, he paid as we went over final details. They had declawed them and they were…uhm…both fixed. "Good…no baby kittens."

They kenneled the two cats up together, we got a load of food, some new toys that Liam loved, and treats. Troy grabbed a litter box with some litter for them as they were going to be indoor cats.

Troy smiled as we were checking out; he reached forward as he kissed my forehead. "Merry Christmas," Troy then went down to Liam; Troy rested his forehead against Liam as Liam reached for Troy's nose. "Happy Birthday to you, my big man"

Liam squeezed Troy's nose as I laughed, the kittens both made noises as Troy's blue eyes looked up into my brown ones. I smiled as Troy smirked. "Thanks,"

"Troy, can you help me out here?" I asked as I raised one half of the banner, Troy put Liam down onto the blanket as he moved forward. He hopped up onto the picnic table as he hung the other half of the sign.

"Thanks," Liam looked at us as he was a pair of little jeans with an onsie saying birthday boy across it. We had one for today and one for tomorrow. Liam giggled as Troy hopped down, "What do you think you are laughing at?" Troy hopped down as Troy blew on his stomach. Liam squirmed away as he crawled across the grass.

"Liam!" Liam's head swirled around to see Chad come towards him. Liam sat up and he giggled as Chad dove down to pick him up swiftly. Liam laughed as Chad blew in his stomach; Troy came over to wrap his arms around my waist as we watched. "Have you put everything up I have told you?"

Troy raised his eyebrows before smirking, "Uh…yea." I pushed his shoulder gently as I rolled my eyes, "You are not very good at this whole first birthday thing," I told him, Troy smiled as his eyes took in my body. I was dressed in a simple white dress, it was lacy as it stopped mid thigh. It had a white layer underneath the see through pattern on top that went all the way down the dress. Bare skin was visible underneath the flower pattern dancing down my arms.

A brown belt as wrapped around my stomach as it pulled my stomach in tight. It looked great against my olive skin as my hair was down in its natural state.

I was wearing a pair of strappy sandals. "God, you should not be allowed to dress like that." Troy murmured as he came closer, "That might be the reason I have gotten nothing done." I giggled as Troy kissed my neck. I pulled off as Zeke and Bentley were here, Sharpay following behide them.

Lakers were showing up and people were coming from all around as Liam's first birthday party by us was underway. It was eleven in the morning, after Liam's first nap and it will be over by the time for his next nap. Troy took Liam from Chad as he went around greeting people.

"Do you need any help Gabs?" Taylor came over, "Uh, sure, if you want to help put these ones up since Troy failed to do so." Taylor smiled as she took them. Her eyes where shielded by sunglasses looked over in Troy's direction. "He is having fun with Liam, I think it's cute."

"Oh, I know it's cute. Did Troy send you pictures of our two new family members?" Taylor laughed and nodded, "Bubbles and Nemo," I smirked as I helped Taylor tape down the table cloths as they wind blew. "They are adorable. One snuggled up with Troy last night. I have a picture of it."

"Troy is the one that doesn't even like cats!" I smirked as my eyes twitched; I looked at Troy who treated Liam like an airplane as Liam laughed. "I know Troy just shook his head as if unbelievable. It's my cat that likes him too. Bubbles is in hiding from Liam chasing him around."

Taylor laughed as Sharpay came over with three month old Bentley. Bentley was sleeping as she looked around before sitting down at a picnic table. "This is cute Gabs," she said pointing towards the cakes. One was a big sheet cake with Nemo, Dory, and Marlin on the front with Happy First Birthday Liam. Then there was a little cake, for Liam that was a picture of all of us together.

We had Liam's first pictures taken earlier this morning. We had done them at the house, the park, and then a few family pictures together. He was just playing around and we had our photography coming to his first birthday to get pictures taken here too.

Liam bounced around as Troy came over to me. "Somebody keeps repeating mom." I smiled as I took Liam into my arms. He looked over my shoulder as Troy kissed my cheek. "Do you want anything?"

"Can you grab me water? I am going to wonder around with Liam." Troy nodded as he let his fingers wrap around my waist as he disappeared over to the coolers full of drinks. I moved to see Mason pulled up; he put his sunglasses on his head before walking forward. "Who is it?"

Liam had grown attached to Mason when he came up a few weeks ago for the few days. Liam played and wanted to be with Mason. "Mason!" Liam cheered, I giggled as he had been talking a lot more lately. I moved towards Mason as Liam stuck his arms out to be passed off.

I kissed his temple as I handed him off to Liam. Liam cheered, "Bubbles!" Mason looked at me and I simply looked at him. "Liam's new cat, Bubbles,"

Mason nodded as I turned around; I saw Troy had just opened up the cooler. My eyes took him in as he stood back up. He was in a nice pair of khakis with a light blue button up shirt. They were rolled up to his elbows as his hair was styled like a mess. Since he got it cut, it always looked like that but I loved it. It followed suit with the pair of Sperry's I had bought him.

Troy stopped as somebody said hi as his eyes glanced around before he came upon us. Liam was chattering his nonsense to Mason as Troy's eyes connected with mine. I smiled as Troy smiled himself back to me. I knew this dress was going to drive him crazy as it was assumed when I wore any dress.

"Gabi…" I snapped my attention back to Mason as Liam looked at me. "Oh God, sorry," I said taking Liam back, "Checking out my nephew there?" I felt a blush creep up my cheeks as Troy walked closer to us. "Just because Liam is going to be one tomorrow doesn't mean you need to get all horny."

My eyes snapped to Mason as he began to laugh. "Mason," I hissed, Mason smirked again as I shook my head. Troy came up to me as he kissed me softly before he handed me water. His arm wrapped around my waist as he pulled me close. "So I think we should walk around as a family to talk to everybody."

"Sounds fine to me," Liam wanted down of course, as he always did but I kept him supported in my arms. Troy said a quick hi to Mason as we traveled around the park talking to group to group. They all told Liam happy birthday and Liam kept trying to get down but suddenly liked all of this attention.

Once Troy took Liam and began talking to all of the Lakers, I moved away as I went to find Taylor holding Bentley and Sharpay relaxing with a water. "Hey," I said sliding into the bench next to them. Taylor smiled as I leaned over to play with Bentley.

"Have I told you, for a mom of a one year old, you look incredibly hot?" Sharpay muttered she had lost a lot of her baby weight and that is exactly what I told her.

"Yea, but you are sexy, hot, and I know Troy wants to have sex with you right now." I blushed as I took a drink of my water. "Zeke and I havent done much of that since I was cleared," Sharpay rolled her eyes, "Honestly, I don't even want to look good anymore," Sharpay complained.

"I was like that for a while but I enjoy dresses now. I love dresses."

"God, your body loves them! I have never seen such a body look well after being pregeant. Shit, what the hell do you think will happen after the next baby?"

"I will finally look like a mother. I will probably be fat and gross looking, Troy will never have sex with me again and our marriage will be over." I joked, Sharpay snorted as Taylor shook her head. "All of my weight went to my hips; I am not even kidding you."

"Sharpay, you look hot. I am a whole nine months ahead of you with this. Just give it time." Sharpay looked at me with a smile before she turned to say something as Bentley began to cry.

"Let me see him," I said as Taylor tried to calm him down. Taylor handed him to me as I rested Bentleys head on my shoulder as I rubbed his back gently. "I think he probably wants to eat," Sharpay said as she looked around. "Do you need some space?" I asked her, "I am really comfortable doing it outside here but I need Zeke to go grab the stuff."

"I'll find him." Taylor said standing up; Bentley began to shush as I handed him back over to Sharpay. "How is breastfeeding?"

"It's okay, I can't get back to my normal routine yet but if it's best for Bentley then I am going to do it. I can not believe you didn't do it." I shrugged my shoulders as I tapped my water bottle against the table. "I thought about it. I researched about it, I did everything but bottle feeding seemed better. Troy wanted to help out with the whole feeding thing so it was just going to be easier, plus you don't always have people around watching your husband."

"Very true, did Liam take to a bottle very well?" Sharpay asked me, "He took to it fine. The nurses thought I was crazy for not wanting to do it but feeding was just so much simpler."

Zeke and Taylor came back as Zeke had a bag full of stuff in his hand. "Here you go baby," Sharpay began to grab things and do things that I never did. "It also feels natural." I nodded as I rested my head into the palm of my hands. "Peek-a-boo!" Liam giggled giving him away as he kept his fingers on my cheek. I turned around as I grabbed him. "Big guy!"

"Play." He said simply, "How about you have daddy take you to play in the grass." I said kissing on his neck while Troy rested his hands on my shoulder. "I was going to grab a beer with the guys afterwards. Do you mind?" Troy asked leaning over to kiss my ear. "How long do you think you will be out? This is the last night Liam will be a baby. Tomorrow he embarks on his toddler years."

Troy laughed into my ear as his fingers rub against my shoulder. "I will be back before bedtime, fair enough?" Troy asked sitting down next to me. "How about an hour before bedtime?" I asked him, Troy raised an eyebrow before nodding his head. "Seven it is."

"I said an hour."

"I gave you an hour and half." Troy smirked as he leaned forward to kiss me. "We are going to bug out after the party and probably grab some dinner. Liam will be napping anyways."

"True, I will probably play with bubbles and Nemo."

"Bubbles…" Troy scoffed, I kissed Liam's forehead as Troy took him back. Troy walked over to a group of people before Troy put him down onto the ground. Troy's ray bans covered his eyes making him wear the perfect outfit. I sighed softly as Troy reached down to hold Liam's hands for him to stand.

Troy nodded his head to somebody before talking. "You two will always have that relationship." Taylor said as she followed my eyes. "What type of relationship?" I asked turning to look at her. "Sex all the time relationship. I could not tell you one time I knew of my parents having sex. God, I bet Liam will walk in on you guys at some point."

"No." I said simply, "You guys are always touching; Chad and I are not always touching. It's like you and Troy have to be touching to breath."

"No…" I said a little more drawn out. "It's not like that; we are just in love and young."

"Chad and I are too! We are not like that," my eyes scanned the crowd of Liam's birthday party again as Troy had Liam on his shoulders as it freaked me out. I took a deep breath as Troy lowered him to his arms again, Liam played with Troy's sunglasses until Troy told him to stop.

Liam then looked around as I stood up, "We need to get this party started," I said as I smoothed out my dress. Taylor stood up as Sharpay finished up with Bentley. I moved towards Troy as a few people complimented me and said hi. I hugged a few as I stopped as Liam spotted me.

I loosely hung my arm around Troy as he bent over to kiss the top of my head. "See…" Taylor said walking by; I rolled my eyes as Troy looked at me. I waved him off as I grabbed for Liam. "We need to either do presents or cake."

"Presents. Liam will be a mess once he is done."

"I know. That is why I brought him a change of clothes." Troy nodded as he moved away from the group of guys. Troy began to tell everybody what we were going to do as I went under the picnic area to sit in the middle of the mound of presents. It was not as big as the family one but it was a good size.

I sat Liam down in my lap as we sat on the ground with a blanket under us. Taylor was going to take down who gave us what and Sharpay was going to hand stuff to us.

Troy came up to sit on the ground next to me as Liam reached forward for a toy car. I kissed the top of my head as I looked around, "Here" Sharpay said handing me a gift.

I gave it to Liam as he looked at it, "Liam, like this," I told him as I unpeeled a thing of paper. Liam turned his head as he peeled some of the paper back. Once he did, he squealed with delight as Troy chuckled and everybody else laughed. Liam bounced in my legs as he pulled at it again for it to rip.

A giggle escaped Liam's mouth as he took his other hand to rip more paper. "This is going to take us all day." Troy whispered into my ear as Liam ripped again. I nodded as I smiled looking over Liam's tiny shoulder. Once he got all the paper off, I revealed that Kobe had gotten him a little basketball.

Liam loved basketballs.

A few of the Lakers began to talk and all I could think was Liam was going to be getting a lot of basketballs.

Happy Birthday rang through the air as Liam sat in a high chair we had brought for him. His cake sitting in front of him as I kept his hands back from destroying, before we can sing to him. He blew the candle out almost instantly before we could finish as he has done it before.

Once the finished, he dug right in without hesitation. I laughed as he smashed his hand into the thing before pulling it towards his mouth. "Oh God, he is so much like you." I said as he took a handful almost smearing it across his face. People laughed as Taylor helped cutting the other cake, both baked by Zeke.

I leaned forward to watch as Troy took a picture with his phone. Sharpay had decided to take a video as Liam picked up another scoop and played with it in his hands. Troy and I decided that maybe it would be better if we just take his clothes off. It wasn't that cold outside and he was just going to eat.

Liam stuck his fingers in it again as I shook my head, he was a mess. "Gabi, Troy, you should have your picture taken with this mess." I looked at Troy as Troy looked at me, "Okay," we moved towards Liam as I knelled on one side of him and then on the other side. I smiled as I lifted my sunglasses off, telling Troy to do the same.

"Great picture." Somebody muttered I then turned my head with Troy as we both kissed Liam's dirty cheeks. I laughed as frosting covered my lips. "Cute," Sharpay said with a little pout.

I began to pull back when Liam offered me a handful of cake. "Momma." Liam murmured as he reached out, Troy smirked as he backed off putting his sunglasses back on. I opened my mouth a little as Liam shoved the cake forward into my face. I tried to smile as Troy laughed.

I opened my eyes to look at him as he instantly frowned, "Sharpay, make sure he doesn't choke." I said as I leaped towards Troy. Troy screamed like a girl as I chased him out of the picnic area.

The group around us laughed as I lunged for Troy, my arms reaching around his neck as I pressed my face against his neck. I tried to keep both of our clothes clean since we did look really cute together.

My lips smeared across Troy's neck as he groaned before pulling away. "You better lick all of that off," Troy said as he stopped trying to catch his breath. "Nope. That would be too satisfying for you."

Troy raised an eyebrow before I hopped down, cake smeared all over his neck as it was still over my face. Troy shook his head as his hands instantly grabbed my sides. I screeched as I began to laugh. Troy tickled me as I squirmed as I began to fall to the ground.

I landed softly before he moved on top of me, his lips dipping down onto mine. I laughed as I pushed him off gently. "Come on, you get to clean up your son since I am wearing white."

"Oh…so that didn't stop you from getting me all dirty." Troy said shaking his head, he rubbed his fingers along his neck to take some of the frosting away.

As we moved back towards the group, Taylor was standing by with wipes. "Your photo girl got all of your little flirting on camera." Taylor said with a sweet smile. Liam was done eating as it looked, just pushing around food. Troy went over to lay down a blanket, wipes and his clothes before he went over holding him away from his body.

"Good." I wiped my face off as I took another wipe from her to wash Troy's neck. I walked over as he was wiping off Liam to softly wipe at Troy's neck. Troy smiled as he cleaned Liam. "Thanks."

"Mhm," once all the blue and white was gone, I crumpled up the wipe before tossing it into the trash. I grabbed Liam's wipes as I tossed everything dirty into the trash can.

Once Liam was up and changed, people started to come by and say goodbye. We thanked them until mostly everybody but the guys Troy was going out with afterwards and Taylor. Sharpay went home with Bentley so he could get some sleep and so she could get a little sleep.

Troy gave me Liam as our photographer asked us to take a picture together. Once we were done, Troy paid her before she told me the pictures would be sent to me soon. I thanked her as she had done a lot of our pictures.

Taylor and I began to clean up as Troy entertained Liam, I could tell he was getting tired as his eyes began to droop and he rubbed his eyes. "Brie, we are losing him." Troy said as he came over. I was finishing throwing out the rest of his cake that we would never eat at the house.

"I know, I know, I am trying to hurrying." I said as I moved around the picnic tables.

"Mommy." Liam mumbled, his voice tired but it stopped me dead in my tracks. "If you can finish up here, I can get him settled into the car." Troy nodded his head as Troy reached out to hand him to me. As Liam rested on my shoulder, he let his head rest on my shoulder as I rubbed his back softly as I moved towards the car, my keys hanging in my hand.

Once I opened the car door, I laid him inside as I pressed my lips against his temple. He clung to my shirt as he yawned deeply. Resting him down into his car seat, I buckled him in, gave him his pacifier and covered him with a small blanket.

He tossed his head before he his blue eyes looked at me. "Did you have a fun party?" I asked no answer. It was probably something he didn't understand quiet yet.

I reached over as I turned the keys in the car to see Taylor, Chad, and Troy lugging things to the car. Chad, Troy, Zeke and Ryan were all going to go out for a few beers together and some dinner while the girls all went separate ways.

Troy came over as Troy popped the trunk open. He shoved the stuff inside as Taylor and Chad followed. I went over to hug both of them, "Thank you guys so much. Liam loved it all."

"No problem, we had a lot of fun."

Taylor smirked as she hugged me tightly, "We need to have a girl's day soon."

"Good."

Taylor and Chad talked for a moment as Chad kissed Taylor before she walked off to her car. Zeke was going to be the driver but I knew Troy wasn't going to get to drunk since we were getting up early tomorrow.

I sighed softly as I looked at the sleeping boy in the back of the car. It was very hard to believe he will be one tomorrow. My fingers grasped the driver door. "Hey, I will be home around eight or so," Troy said looking at me with his intense blue eyes. I nodded as he leaned forward to press his lips against mine.

"That dress is driving me crazy," Troy mumbled as he kissed me again. "I bet it is."

Troy smirked as Zeke called his name, "Promise, I will be home at that time."

"Got it!"

Liam squealed as Bubbles flew across the room. I smiled as I rested on my back. Liam was already in his PJ's as Nemo glanced into the room, Liam laughed before crawling forward as fast as he could to get to the cats. I laughed as I took a picture before rolling over onto my stomach.

The bedroom door opened as Troy came bouncing down the stairs; he had been home for about twenty minutes but went to get something from the room. "He loves these cats."

Troy smirked as he sat down; neither of us had changed out of our wear from earlier, as we were still both eyeing each other carefully. "How is the guy gang?" I asked sitting up, Troy shrugged, "Same as always, Ryan still not proposing and us pushing him too. Zeke and I yawning, Chad and Ryan wondering why."

I smiled as Troy leaned forward to brace his hands into mine. "I think Liam should go down a little early."

"Why?" I asked smirking, "No reason, or maybe because he is rubbing his eyes." I turned to see Liam rubbing his eyes and then he yawned. "I will put my baby to bed," I said as I stood up. My shoes had been removed as I bent over to pick up Liam. He held onto his blanket as I kissed him temple.

Troy smiled as I walked up the stairs, "Night big guy," Liam yawned as he turned his face into my neck. I kissed his temple softly as opened his bedroom door. Sitting down into the rocking chair, I bounced back and forth as the only light on was a simple lamp in the corner.

"Wanna read Good Night Moon?" I whispered as I leaned forward to grab one of the books sitting in front of us. Liam yawned rubbing his eyes again as he tossed his head around. I smiled as all I wanted to do was cuddle with my baby boy. He was really growing up on me way to fast.

I let my fingers run down his back as I began to read him a simple story. Once I closed the pages together, I noticed Liam was barely awake but awake enough to realize what's going on.

I rocked him slightly as I wanted him to fall asleep in my arms again. I just wanted him to be my baby, a year ago today; I had no idea my life was going to change with him. No idea.

I kissed him temple as I stood up to lay him down into his crib. I pulled the blanket around his waist as I watched him for a moment. Moving towards the corner, switching off the lights, I walked out of the room keeping the door cracked.

Walking out of the room, I yawned covering my mouth as Troy was feeding the animals. I moved to the bedroom as all I wanted to do was take my clothes off. I unbuckled the thing around my waist. "Just what do you think you are doing?" Troy whispered into my ear. "Taking my clothes off." I said with a defeated sigh.

"I think that is my job," Troy whispered again as his fingers slide underneath the belt pulling it off my waist gently. I let my head drop as I tried to refrain from rubbing my eyes. "Somebody is really tired," Troy noticed as he kissed my neck gently. "I am really tired, you can undress me but that's about all I have in me today."

Troy nodded as he pressed his nose into my temple. "I totally understand." Troy whispered as he yawned himself. I collapsed down into the bed as Troy kissed my chest gently as he unzipped my dress. My stomach lurched as I let my hands up to unbutton the top of his shirt.

"Maybe I have a little bit more in me than just undressing…" I whispered looking into his eyes. Troy only looked at me with his blue eyes for a long time. "You sure?"

"Of course I am sure, it will last thirty to forty-five minutes until I crash."

Troy smiled as his face came crashing down onto mine; our lips were heated and passionate as the kiss deepened quickly as I unbuttoned another button.

Rolling over, I groaned as last night did last longer than it should have, probably because Troy and I were wide awake after round one. I lifted my head to see Troy wasn't any longer in bed but it was only past eight in the morning.

I stretched out my limbs as I yawned; a smile reached my face as it was Liam's first birthday. I sat up brushing my fingers through my hair as I pushed the blankets away, a cold breeze sweeping over my naked body. I reached down grabbing Troy's blue shirt from yesterday.

Going over to my dresser, I opened up the drawer to pull out a clean pair of underwear followed by Troy's boxers. I rolled up Troy's sleeves as my hair was down in natural waves. I smiled softly as I opened the door heading towards Liam's room when I heard a change of noise.

I heard Liam and Troy downstairs in the living room, a giggle, and then Troy's manly laugh. Going downstairs quietly, I leaned into the doorframe as I watched the two interact. "Liam," Liam's eyes looked up as Troy held Bubbles in his hands. The poor cat looks terrified.

Liam squealed before walking forward to touch the cat. "Gentle," Troy whispered to him, Troy's legs were sprawled out on the floor as Nemo bounced between the couch, the kitchen back to the living room to see what was going on. Liam petted the cat gently as Troy smiled at him.

"Good job Liam," Troy encouraged softly, Liam grinned with excitement as he got down onto his butt to crawl over to one of the many basketballs. "I told your mom that you would love basketball," Troy said as he let Bubbles down to run away. Oreo was adjusting to the two new additions but she didn't mind them too much.

"Bassie" Liam mumbled as he squished the ball into his hand. Troy smiled as he lifted Liam up above his face as he brought him down so he would laugh. I couldn't help but laugh as that caught Troy's attention quickly.

A lazy smile crossed over his face as Liam looked at Troy. "Liam, who is over there?" Liam's eyes glanced around before he caught sight of me.

"Birthday Boy!" I cheered as I crawled down onto the floor. Liam clapped his hands together as Troy gave me a small smile. "I. Can. Not. Believe. You. Are. One." I whispered as I kissed on him, I gave him a big hug as I kissed his temple softly. Liam whined as I let him down to play with one of the cats.

"I think you should wear that all day today," Troy said as Liam paid no attention to either of us. I felt a blush creep up to my cheeks as I reached forward, my fingers grasping Troy's knee. Troy pulled me forward gently as he let me rest in his lap. Liam turned around showing us his purple basketball.

"Purple," I told Liam, Liam looked at the ball then he looked over at Troy. "Purple…" Troy mentioned slowly, his chin resting on my shoulder. "Pppl," Liam tried but he failed, I smiled as I bent over to grab him. I rested him in my lap as I kissed on him. "You wanna go see Nemo?"

Liam's eyes bolted around looking for the cat as I shook my head, "No! The fish!" Liam's eyes looked at me with the wide blue. Like no way, I can really see the real Nemo.

Troy laughed as he kissed my jaw before I stood up with Liam, "Tell daddy to make you some pancakes! Tell him it's your birthday!" I said to Liam, Liam looked at me before he pointed to Troy. "Bifhday." Liam mumbled, Troy grinned standing up taking Liam from my arms.

"It's not my birthday silly! It's your birthday!" Liam looked at me and I giggled, "Come on you two, let's go."

Liam grinned as his fingers touched the glass gently. Fish swam by him as Troy leaned back, his eyes covered with sunglasses. We were at the moment in a dark tunnel as he pushed them back against his hair. "Fishy…" Liam mumbled as he watched it swim by.

He giggled as I set him down as he could chase the fish around. It was a pretty slow day according to some of the workers; still enough to make me nervous to let him go like that but my eyes never left him.

He laughed again as he ran up and down holding onto the side of the wall. He wasn't stable enough to let go yet but he could hold on to keep support. Troy caught him at the other end as Troy raised him into the air. "Cutie," Troy said as he looked at his watch. "We have the whale," Troy said tapping his watch.

"Let's go." I said as I moved past the stroller to start pushing it. Troy held Liam firmly in his arms as we moved through the crowd; I searched through my bags to find Liam's juice and crackers for him to eat while we watch the killer whale show. Troy looked at me with his bright blue eyes before slipping the sunglasses back over.

I flipped my own back down as I popped a piece of gum in offering some to Troy. Troy crept closer as he bent down to kiss my forehead. He then moved Liam to his other side as we climbed towards the stage. Troy and I had both worn our swimsuits as the last time we were hear years ago, we got soaked.

So I was in a simple white bikini with a pair of tiny jean shorts with a black tank top. It was a warm seventy seven degrees outside as it was toasty. Water felt good. Liam was in some swim trucks as they had the whole Elmo area for little kids to play in.

Troy picked up Liam from his stroller as we moved to an area of seats leaving the stroller behide. We climbed into some seats as I gave Liam his juice and crackers that Troy held holding Liam in his lap.

My eyes followed the lines down Troy's body as he was in a pair of grey swim trucks with a black t-shirt. I held his hand tightly as we sat in the middle waiting for the show to begin. We were going to take Liam to play in the Elmo area to wear himself out for his nap. The nap will be when Troy and I eat, walking around just looking, doing whatever to keep him sleeping for a little while.

People began to chatter about the show as a girl came out waving as people walked around. "How are all of you doing?" Liam's eyes perked up as one of the whales jumped a little. Liam's eyes widened at the large animal. "Do you see it Liam?" Liam looked forward as he squinted slightly.

A splash made as Liam laughed loudly. I giggled as Liam looked back at Troy, "You like that?"

Liam nodded as he turned his attention back to the killer whale. The program lasted thirty minutes until it was over, Liam was high on energy as he squealed and was having fun.

Troy and I moved down as we found his stroller, I placed him down into it as I stripped off Liam's shirt. Troy pushed the stroller towards the play area as I stopped him. I bent over to pick up Liam, "You can stash the stroller, and we are going to play."

I crashed into the water as I set Liam down, I let his feet touch the ground with his little sandals I had put on his feet. I smiled as he crouched down to drag his fingers over the water. I smiled as he looked up at me. Water squirted up around him as he stomped his feet.

I laughed before I picked him up taking him further inside. He crawled into an area as I followed safely behide him, water was coming out as Liam sat down. "You gotta keep moving," I nudged him gently as his eyes looked over at me. He smiled as he moved through it again as water squirted up.

It scared him but he kept on moving as I followed him. He splashed in the water as he finally stopped to where I could pick him up. I wasn't drenched but I was wet.

I held Liam's hand as we walked, I noticed Troy standing to the side talking to somebody before he spotted us moving away. He came closer as I looked over at Elmo. "Do you have your phone?" Troy patted his pocket as I nudged Liam.

"I think we should take him over there so he could get his picture taken." Troy nodded as we moved over there, Troy asked him to take a picture with Liam for his first birthday. The mascot got very excited as he called over friends. Troy eyed me before he crossed his arms over his chest.

Elmo then stuck his arms out for Liam as I gently handed him over. I stood close by hoping he wouldn't burst out into tears. His chin quivered as Troy got the fastest picture possible before the waterworks began. Troy took Liam back into his arms as I thanked all of the mascots or characters. They wished Liam a happy first birthday as Troy soothed Liam.

"Liam, you wanna go play in some more water?" I asked him, Liam grinned at the mention of water as I took him down a few slides, on a small water ride as he squealed and sounded delighted the whole way down.

I took Troy's phone as I pushed Troy to go with him since I was getting wet. I dug through the bags as I found a dry long sleeve shirt to put on before rubbing my arms dry, taking off my tank top. I pulled the long sleeve on, then pulling up the sleeves.

Sitting down, I rolled through my text messages when my phone beeped, Lucille was calling. I answered the phone call as I looked in to see Troy leading Liam through a tangle of an area. I grinned, "Hey," I answered.

"Hi," Lucille said, "How is his first birthday going?"

"Great. Troy and him are playing in the Elmo exhibit at Sea World," I said with a small smile as I saw a grin cross Liam's face. I reached for Troy's phone to snap a few pictures of the two. Troy crouched down next to Liam as water squirted up. Liam squealed again as he stomped his feet into the ground.

"Awh! Is he having fun?" Lucille asked, "A blast. I have never seen him smile so much. He is amazed at everything he sees and then playing in the water outside of bath time, hello, it's the bomb." Lucille laughed as I giggled myself. Troy reached up to fix a strand of Liam's hair as a woman approached them.

"I am glad he is having a good time. Troy told me you guys had a lot of fun yesterday,"

"We did…" I said watching them carefully as Troy glanced in my direction before the girl smiled and walked away. Liam reached up touching Troy's face as Troy then nodded his head. It must be about nap time.

We were done with water after this so we could change Liam into something dry, give him food, and let him sleep for a little while. Troy came over as I finished my conversation with Lucille. "I am glad, anymore plans for the day?"

"We are going to grab some nicer dinner, go home, watch Finding Nemo, and then snuggle in our bed until he falls asleep."

"Such a beautiful age,"

"I know I gotta go help Troy get Liam ready for his nap time."

"Have fun and tell him Happy Birthday,"

"I will, thanks!" we hung up as I stuffed my phone back into the bag. "I bet you want to change too." I said to Troy as he ran his fingers through his hair. "Yes, so if you will take him. I will go change really fast." I nodded as Troy kissed me for a second, our lips touching lightly before he pulled back about two inches.

"Go."

Troy smirked as I then pushed the stroller towards the bathroom. Troy held the door open as I told him I would meet him outside. I changed my bra out, the put on the long sleeve shirt again, followed by underwear and some capris. My flip-flops slipped back onto my feet as I then changed Liam into dry clothes.

He whined softly as I bent over to kiss his forehead. I found him his lunch as I put it on the tray in front of him. He began to munch on them as I washed my hands and pushed it out to where Troy was waiting. "I love my new background." Troy said waving his phone.

"I thought you would," I told him with a small smile; Troy hugged my waist as Liam cried from his stroller. Troy stopped to check on him. "What's wrong?" Troy asked that is when Liam went into straight meltdown. Troy lifted him up and out as he let him rest his head on Troy's shoulder.

Liam's eyes quickly closed as Troy pulled us over to a little table with small birds surrounding it. Troy laid Liam down as he handed me the juice and his food.

I tucked it back into the diaper bag as Troy buckled Liam in. He pulled down the umbrella as Troy walked over to press his lips onto mine. "I love you."

"I love you too," I whispered as I let my fingers curl up around his bicep. Troy smiled before turned his head to kiss my temple. "God, I love you you gave me such a beautiful son," Troy whispered, "I will always owe you for that."

Liam was crashed in Troy's lap after eating his small dinner, it was five thirty and we were only half way back to LA. I didn't think he would make it long tonight as it had been a long day for him.

I would have to say his first birthday was a huge success as Troy and I talked over dinner. "Alright, you have to tell me your favorite memory over the last year." I mentioned to Troy.

"No…let's start with the worst memory." Troy said looking at me, I nodded, "Fair enough," I said as I took a bite of the sushi. "I would love to say the worst one is when I went out like a teenager to get drunk." I said looking at Troy, "I really regert that night."

"You were a brand-new mom, you were low on sleep, and it's not your entire fault. I overreacted on you." I smiled softly as I leaned over to take a piece of his food. "Yea, it wasn't my favorite moment."

Troy raised his eyebrows as his eyes looked over at me, his fingers gripping the chop sticks as he picked up a thing of rice. "I have two," I raised my eyebrows as I looked at him.

"When you called me telling me Liam was in the hospital but I couldn't do anything. The other time was when I missed Liam's first Thanksgiving." My eyes softened as one of those times was my fault, "I am completely sorry about the whole RSV thing," Troy rolled his eyes, "Do not talk like that. Please, that was not your fault. It could have happened while I was here or while I was not here."

"I know but…" Troy put his fingers to my lips, "No, it was not your fault. You were right on making me stay; I can not be there every single time." I bit down on my lip as Troy leaned back into his chair. "Like when I missed Liam's first Thanksgiving. It's just something I want to be there for. God, I could miss his second one too."

I shook my head as I let my fingers fall into Troy's as I took a small drink of water. "Trust me; I will not let you miss his second Thanksgiving."

Troy smiled, "Good, because I don't plan on missing his second Thanksgiving." I smirked at Troy as he leaned forward to kiss me.

"Okay, what are some of your favorite moments?" My eyes glanced over at Troy as a big smile appeared over my face. "How do I start? When you proposed to me, we got married, our honeymoon, then with Liam when we just spend quality time as a family. Today, at the zoo, being together was always my favorite time. When Liam talked for the first time, rolled over, took his first steps, those were all huge moments in my life."

Troy smiled as he pulled my hand softly, "My favorite was marrying you. That will be my all time favorite thing from this year. I know it's been a crazy year with Liam but God that was amazing. With Liam, I would have to say when he said dad for the first time." I felt my throat get choked up as I looked at the little boy.

"I can not believe how big he is getting." I whispered, "One year old, that is such a milestone. We made it through the first year, Liam survived us as first time parents, and it's just…amazing." I whispered as I held his hand, he squeezed it as the waiter came over to bill us.

Troy laid down a fifty with a ten to cover the bill and tip as he put Liam in his stroller. "I understand that, we were so scared. I remember watching you sleep in the hospital room; Liam was sleeping right next to you as they hadn't taken him back and I became so scared. I had no idea how we were going to do this. I had no idea." Troy said shaking his head.

"It was never easy. I can tell you that much but there were so many moments that I would love to live over again because of how much I loved it. Putting him to bed each night, giving him baths together, his first birthday party, it was a lot more fun than I thought."

"You are a fantastic mom Gabs," Troy's voice was soft as he looked at me, "I knew you would be a fantastic mom because you are so natural with kids."

I blushed as Troy bent over to kiss me softly, "You were an amazing dad. I will be honest, I was worried for a little while but you came through with such power. You were there, you supported, you played, you change diapers, you watched him, you encouraged him, woke up with him, you were always there."

Troy's eyes looked at me as he shook his head, "No…I was not always there."

"Yes, Troy, you were. You missed Thanksgiving. Good God, you missed Thanksgiving. You were there when he walked, talked, crawled, scooted, ate his first food, rolled over, you were there! You were at the birth, you held my hand, and you encouraged me. You got me through this past year more than you realized; I just hope you understand that."

Troy leaned over as he pressed his lips tightly to mine as his head supported my neck. He had one hand on the stroller as I fell into the kiss. My body pressed against Troy's as he took a deep breath pulling back. His blue eyes a little wet with tears. "You have no idea how much that just meant to me." Troy whispered, "I love you, I have always loved you."

"I love you too Brie, I love you so much."

Liam and I laid in Troy's and I bed as we watched Finding Nemo for the millionth time. Bubbles, Nemo, and Oreo all curled up in the large bed. Liam looked at the TV as he was curled up in his PJ's. Troy was moving around before coming upstairs.

"How are my two favorite people doing?" my eyes watched over Liam as he looked at the TV screen with hope. "Bubbles!" he screeched when they popped out. Bubbles, the cat, popped up as he looked around. I laughed as Troy petted the cat back down.

I yawned as I rubbed my hand over Liam's belly. Liam yawned as he stretched his feet out lying on his back. He curled over into my chest as I rubbed his back with my hand. Troy watched us as I looked up at him. He held a cracker out in front of me as I opened up my mouth.

Liam's eyes flickered to the TV as he watched intently at the screen. It was a little past eight thirty as Liam was ready for bed very soon. I relaxed on the bed as my eyes fluttered close as I thought about how a year ago today; I was lying in a hospital bed holding Liam for the very first time.

My fingers touched the tip of his forehead as I brushed back his hair. My lips touched his forehead as he curled his fingers around my one finger. My ring glistened over to Troy as his eyes caught mine. I smirked as my pillow supported my head, another yawn lifting through my throat.

Watching the fish swim through the sea. Dory and Marlin bounced through the jellyfish; I closed my eyes as I thought about how Troy and I bounced through this relationship. Raising Liam to be such a great kid already, his blue eyes flickered around all the time, curious. I smiled remembering the first time I saw those blue eyes.

I yawned again before I pulled the blankets up and over my shoulders. I held Liam close to me as I could feel sleep taking over my body. It had been a very long year and I was ready for a great nights sleep.

Once I felt the covers being peeled back, I opened my eyes groggily to see Troy trying to get Liam from my grip. "Brie," Troy whispered softly, "Let me have the birthday boy." I groaned as I opened my eyes a little more to see the TV off and it was just a little after eleven.

I kissed Liam's forehead softly, "Happy First Birthday Liam," I whispered, Troy lifted him from my arms as I watched Troy retreat from the room. Tears pressed in my eyes as Troy came back five minutes later.

"He was out before I set him back down," Troy said flipping his t-shirt off before he crawled into the bed. I snuggled deeply into Troy's chest as he pulled me as close as possible. "Are you ready to embark on another year?" Troy asked softly, his fingers running through my hair.

"No." I whispered quietly, "I want my little baby back."

Troy didn't talk as he rubbed my lower back, "He is still your little boy, I promise." Troy said, "I don't want him in diapers forever though." I laughed quietly as Troy pushed back a lock of hair. He pressed his lips against my forehead. "I love you." Troy whispered, "Thank you for such an amazing year."

"I had fun, it was a fun ride but maybe I am ready for year number two. To see how much he changes."

"It will be just as fun, challenging, and rewarding." Troy mentioned his words soft as he curled my hair around his finger. "I think you are right."

No words were mentioned as time ticked by. My head curled on his chest as I thought about how that night a year ago changed our lives forever but what we didn't know was that this next year, was just going to be a whole ten times crazier.

Oh. My. God. That's it. ….Holy crap. Oh my God. I think I am going to hyperventale and cry! This story took me 483 days to complete. (There is an app for that. ;) and it is finally finished as of May 29th 2012. All I have to say is crazy. Writing about this family is crazy and I am so excited to start the next story because I know how excited you guys are! I know I am very excited! I don't know the exact date the first chapter will be out but I have one thing to ask, what is your favorite memory of the Bolton family in this story? I want to know what was your favorite part!

Since it's the VERY LAST CHAPTER do you think you could send me a TON of reviews? I love the final reviews you guys give, I look forward to them. When I wake up in the morning and see how many I got, I get all giddy. I love it. Thanks to everybody that read these past two stories and PLEASE be looking for the next one to read, I promise you, it will be good! I have to be honest, my writing has grown, A LOT. It has grown so much and I just, I love it, thank you. Thank you. Thank you!

Now, please, please, please REVIEW! I am begging you on my hands and knees to give me such a big review count it blows up my phone…just kidding. These iPhones are the best. ;)

PLEASE REVIEW!

I Love you All!

Jo.