Chapter 10 – Birthday Girl

Gabi's POV

"Would you call me crazy if I wanted another kid?"

Troy snorted coffee everywhere, I felt my eyes go wide as he began to cough. "Excuse me?" I shuffled a laugh as I looked at him, "I'll take that as a yes then," Troy busted out into laughter, "You want another kid…" Troy drawled out, "Brie, you have breast cancer and we have five kids, why on earth do you want a sixth child?" Troy was still trying to recover from the coffee that sprayed through his mouth.

"I don't know, Lo is going to be three…three like" I held up three fingers, "This old! She isn't even a baby anymore," Troy laughed as he came over and pushed hair away from my face. "Brie, love, we are not having any more children. We have plenty of years left with the ones we have."

I sighed as I rested my head against his chest, "I miss when they were babies,"

"See that's called the grandparent stage, when we can hold and spoil, and play with them and then they cry and you hand them right back to our kids," I rolled my eyes, "Fine but I really want another kid," Troy laughed, "Negative. Not happening." I pursed my lips, "Even if I gave you my cancer eyes?" Troy turned his head, "Nope. Can you even have kids after chemo?"

"I don't know, Google it,"

"You Google it," Troy shot back, I stuck my tongue out and we heard a chant of laughter from the door. "Are you two children?" I turned to see Sharpay as I shrugged, "And if we were?"

"Then I would know that you are still Troy and Gabi," I laughed as Troy squeezed my sides, "Yea, you're a nut."

Troy and I laughed, "And has something changed?" Sharpay walked in as she slid a paper across the counter. Troy leaned over my back as he read it, "This came to my office today," Troy squinted, "I'm appearing at a fundraiser?" he asked confused, "That's what I thought because you haven't even done much since Gabi's D-day," Troy nodded, "Yes, I mean I signed my contract to be a scout and I am doing some of that still but nothing big. I defiantly didn't sign up for a fundraiser."

I scrunched my nose, "New York?"

"I'm not going," Troy said flatly, "I'm not leaving home for thirty six hours, no,"

"I don't even know why it came to my office!"

Troy shrugged, "I always use your office for fundraising stuff. Zeke just normally handles them," Sharpay scoffed, "Whatever, I guess you better just call these people. Hey, when is Lo baby's party?"

"Saturday the 8th,"

"So a couple of days after her birthday?" I nodded my head, "Yup,"

"Good, I'll see you guys later, call them! And stop sending your shit to my office!" Troy laughed as he moved from behind me to sit on the counter. "Yea, I guess I better go call them. I think I am going to go for a run after that. You want anything?" I shook my head, "I think Lo and I are going to go watch a movie."

"Sounds good," Troy kissed my forehead.

"Momma,"

"Lo," I countered, she smiled as she sat up, "I wove you," I smiled, "I love you too," she giggled and she looked at me, "I want a puppy for my bifthday," she announced, "I don't know sweetie, we are too busy."

"Oh,"

She frowned and turned her head away as she then giggled, "Mommy,"

"Yes Lo?"

"Can we go eat dinner tonight?" I turned my head, "Of course we will eat dinner tonight," she scrunched her eyes and she shook her head, "Out," she said, "Maybe daddy will take you, it's Monday though,"

"Mommy, we all go," I looked at Lauren as she crawled into my lap, I sighed, "Emma has a soccer game tonight. Would you want to go to that?" she shot up and nodded with an excited look, "Please!"

I smiled, "I'll talk to your dad," she smiled and she crawled up next to me. She tucked her head under my shoulder and I kissed the top of her head. I haven't been out of the house much since my surgery. A couple of doctor's appointments and two dinners at the Bolton household. They were nice but I was normally worn out by the end and begging to go home. The first couple of times I skipped out and I knew I was slipping from my old ways.

When Troy walked through the door from his run he smiled to see Lo and I. Lo didn't see him, as she was busy playing something on the iPad. Troy moved quietly behind her before crawling onto the bed and grabbing her waist.

She squealed and then saw it was Troy. A buddle of laughter tumbled from her throat as Troy laughed, "What's up pretty girl?"

"Games!" she said with a point, Troy nodded, "Are you taking care of mommy?" he asked, he brushed her hair from her forehead as Lauren nodded but continued back to her game. Troy looked up at me with a small smile, "How is my beautiful girl doing?" I shrugged, "I'm okay," I looked at Lauren, "I think she might need some lunch soon,"

"Oh yea," Troy said, he kissed her temple before he crawled over her to straddle me. He smelled of sweat as he kissed me. "How are you really feeling?" he asked me, "Okay," I answered again, Troy turned his head as I rolled my eyes, "I'm fine," Troy laughed, "I think I might go to Emma's soccer game tonight and then maybe we can go out to dinner as a family," Troy blinked as he looked over me. He froze beyond his blinking, "What?"

I smiled as I brought my hand up to his cheek, "I want to go out tonight." A slow smile reached over his cheek and he kissed me. "That sounds prefect." He said with a big goofy grin, "I think Emma would love that."

"I think I just need to get out of this house some."

"Yea, I think I can agree to that."

Troy moved from on top of me as he disappeared into the bathroom. My eyes looked on the screen as a movie was playing but I wasn't watching. My mind went to Liam who has this girl he liked and then to Emma who was going to be a freshman next year and her friends. Wes who was playing baseball and just being Wes not concerned with the world and then my little Alli girl. A smile spread over my lips, as I loved my two little girls. Alli and Lo were going to be best friends even with the three-year age difference.

They played dress up together at nine months old. Lo followed Alli everywhere and loved Alli. It was Emma and Liam all over again. It was the sweetest thing in the world honestly. Wes seemed to drift with Emma and Liam more but still didn't have that person. I guess that was the mistake with five children. Somebody was the odd man out but Wes wasn't like he wanted it. He did his work and the kids played with him when he was younger, they still do today, Liam and Wes play basketball at least twice a week. Troy loves to take Wes out to do things all the time. He has everybody really.

I thought about how siblings fought, namely, Jenni and Troy. Our kids fought all the time but it wasn't ever slamming doors and getting angry with hitting. It was always over something. I could see Lauren and Allison fight over guys and the clothes but with all of the older kids it never happened. Allison and Emma are too far apart to be sharing clothes or that fight wouldn't start until a long while. Liam and Wes didn't care who wore whose clothes. It was clothes to them. Space was normally given, it was times like that, which I knew Troy and I did a fabulous job with the spacing of our kids.

The girl's weddings would be years apart, or so I hoped. Everything was simply perfect with timing really. I turned my head as the bathroom opened and Troy came out with a fresh change of clothes and his hair matted to his head from the hot shower that he took. The steam rolled out after him as Lo giggled and slid off the bed as Troy picked her up. "I'm going to make Lo here some lunch, do you want anything?"

I turned my head slightly as I looked at him, "Mac and cheese?" Troy nodded, "One bowl of mac and cheese coming right up," he flew Lo out of the room as a small smile grew over my face. I really couldn't believe that she would be three in a couple of days. It was honestly beyond me. Thinking back to when she was born three years ago made me laugh. It was a funny day in the end, it was Cinco De Mayo of all days and I was overly pregnant to the point people asked me if I was having twins.

Troy was concerned was more than any other pregnancy and I didn't understand why that one besides that it had been three years since my last pregnancy but still. I was confusing my self further just thinking about all of that now. I sighed as I pushed the bed cover away as I went over to turn on the shower to bathe myself. I stripped and got into the shower.

That was my thing after having kids. I always took long showers, Troy would have to watch them or whomever was around and I would take a thirty-minute shower. It was mostly to just let my mind wonder off and to get a little nap in as I bathed but it was also part of that fact I didn't know when I would get another one.

Now a day, my showers were quick and fast because I was constantly moving from one place to the next. A practice to a game, a dinner to a play, a dance recital to yoga, and lunches with the girls were every other week and Troy and I had date nights once a week.

I frowned; Troy and I had not had a date night since March. No, cancer was not going to take over my life anymore than it already has. I rinsed my hair and then I shut off the water as I wrapped a towel around me.

I changed into a pair of jeans and the bra that I had bought just for my breasts online a couple of weeks ago. I then pulled on a t-shirt to Emma's school just so I had on something to support her. When I went downstairs Troy was singing something and Lo was trying to sing right along with him. I smiled as I slipped behind Troy and he looked up at me. "What's up beautiful?" I shrugged, "Just finishing my shower,"

"Something on your mind?" he asked as he stirred in the milk, I leaned back against the counter as I played with my wedding ring. "Troy, when was the last time we had a date night?" Troy paused for a moment and then his face drew a blank, "I'm not sure and that's not right. I am normally able to tell you the date and time," Troy muttered, "Maybe because it's been two months,"

Troy sighed, "You haven't exactly been your best in two months."

"I'm done letting this cancer run our lives,"

"Be easy there tiger, we haven't even hit the chemo stage yet."

"I still don't want cancer running my life. I never got to go to Liam's games; I am missing Emma's games. Wes is starting baseball soon, and then I have Lo who asks me if we can all go to dinner as a family because we haven't done it in a long time. Troy, I'm missing out on their lives."

"I get it," Troy said as he scooped macaroni out of the bowl and slid it over to Lo who was eagerly waiting with her princess fork. "I think we should go out Thursday night." I declared softly, Troy looked over at me and a soft smile reached over his lips. "Do you really think you have to ask me twice?" Troy asked I smiled as I wrapped my arms around his waist. "I like how you don't want cancer to define you but you also have to learn to rest,"

"I have to learn how to prioritize," I corrected him, he nodded, "That too. Go to one of Emma's games a week, one of Wes's and that is normally plenty." Troy tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, "I don't want you hurting yourself."

"I'm not. I feel so good lately."

"Good, I want to see you have energy because I know in a few weeks," his voice trailed off and I kissed the bottom of his jaw. "I still want date night. Even if it's in this household. I want it. I miss my time with you and sometimes I'm not sure when was the last time we had an adult conversation," Troy laughed as he pulled me close, "Very true."

"Now, can I have my mac and cheese?"

He laughed, "Yes, you may,"

Wes and Alli were talking about something, more like arguing about something as Troy drove the car towards the middle school soccer field. Liam was meeting us there later since he was doing something with Rayne, a relationship that was budding quickly. It was nice to see Liam bonding with somebody else but it was hard to see the reason why. The fact that she was losing her mom was hard and the fact that I was going to have to go through that made it hard for Liam, something Rayne could quickly bond too. That has been her life for so long now how could she not?

Troy reached over as his hand spread over my knee. Emma had no clue I was even coming tonight. She normally would sit in my room for a couple of hours after her game as we talked about how she played and anything else she wanted to talk about. She was my little girl and she was everything, we would lie together and I knew I could count on her to be around. She was just so much like me when I was younger.

When Troy pulled into the parking lot, a cheer erupted from Allison as I laughed. Troy looked back and he shook his head, "Your children," he said softly, I snorted, "More like yours," he smiled as we both slipped out of each side of the car. My feet hit the ground and I felt like people were already staring. If you lived here you probably knew I had breast cancer at this point. I had five kids ranging from the smallest of schools to the high school. The kids were not silent about it either and that was fine, I just, I got the stars and the looks of sympathy.

I helped Wes and Allison as they started a shoving match. "Hey, guys, stop," I pulled Allison back slightly as she was the smaller one. She scrambled backwards and I let her press her self back against my legs. "Mom!" she complained, "He is being mean to me,"

"Well ignore him," I instructed, she huffed and walked next to me. Lauren was in Troy's arms as we walked up to the stadium. Since it was a middle school game then we all go in free, once we walked by we all quickly found a spot in the stands to sit. We sat towards the back as Allison crawled into my lap. I kissed the top of her head as she leaned back against my shoulder. I found Emma quickly as I watched her dribble the ball and move down the field.

Her feet were moving quickly as she loved to play. It was her favorite, she moved fluidly and when a defender came up to her she faked them out to continue to send in her practice shot. Yet, she was just as excited if the game was actually playing. The refs blew their whistles as captains were sent over to do the flip of the coin. Emma and Alexa both ran over there together.

"Gabi!" Taylor's voice caught my attention as I looked at her, "Hey Tay!"

"It's so nice to see you here!" she scooted Troy over as he laughed; he was being pushed away from me. Chad snorted, "What's wrong Troy? Normally you are pretty stiff with that?" Troy shrugged, "I'm not sure. I trust Taylor," Taylor grinned proud as she pulled Matt into her lap. "How are you feeling?" she asked with a smile, "Better, honestly,"

"What has it been about five weeks?" I nodded my head, "Sure has," I said with a soft sigh, "Five really long weeks,"

"First soccer game?"

"Second, I just stayed in the car for most of the first. I could see from there."

"I didn't even know,"

"Yea, I wasn't too big on seeing."

Taylor laughed as Allison played with Matt a bit. I watched as Emma ran back to her team with Alexa right behind, they both entered the group as they talked and began to chant wildcats.

Troy looked over at me as he smiled, "You okay?" he mouthed, and I nodded my head as he turned back to the field. Emma looked up towards the bleachers as she scanned the area looking for Troy probably. When she connected eyes with me, I smiled as I sent her a gentle wave. Her face lights up like a Christmas tree. I laughed as Troy chuckled, "I think she is going to play well today," Chad said aloud, "Look! It's my momma!" I turned to see Liam climbing up the bleachers. He was alone as he had his keys in his hand.

I smiled as he took a seat in front of me, "How was your day?"

"Good," he replied, "It was another Monday,"

"I bet it was,"

"Do you remember that Monday of school?"

"Like it was yesterday but I still am going to send you to school every Monday,"

"Dang, it was worth a shot,"

"If you ask Grandma she would tell you I tried it more often then what you might have believed." Liam laughed as he leaned back against my knees, "I heard something about Applebee's for dinner." Chad muttered over towards us, Troy laughed, "Dude, come on,"

"No, more the merrier,"

"Oh yay!" Taylor said with a grin, "I don't have to cook tonight."

Liam and Alli laughed as I shook my head, "So you are looking at summer full of chemo huh?" Taylor asked I felt Liam's body stiffen as I let my hand rub his shoulder. "Yea, sadly, but it will be fine. We are looking at the end of May, beginning of June to start."

"Ouch, good thing your kids keep busy during the summer."

"Yea, Liam has his basketball thing, Emma goes to that camp for a couple of weeks, Allison is enrolling in a dance camp that goes everyday through July, and then I have Wes who will be doing a lot of baseball and baseball camps, then my little Lo girl might go to a few things but mostly her same routine."

"I'm not sure I want to do basketball this summer," Liam said after a moment, Chad and Troy looked at him for a moment but then both looked forward. "I mean, I might but I don't know,"

"We'll talk about it later," I told him, he sighed as I rubbed his shoulder a little bit more.

A whistle blew starting the game and the next thing I knew, my eyes couldn't be taken away from the ball.

After the cheered and shook hands, had a meeting, Emma and Alexa were tearing away from the group. I stood up as Troy helped me down the bleachers. I stood on the flat ground as my kids began to wonder around, the sky growing dark as the sun was beginning to set.

"Mom!" I turned to see Emma, I smiled as I gave her a big hug, "You played fantastic sweetie," she grinned as she hugged me, "I'm so happy you came," she grinned and I smiled, "I'm happy I came, how do you feel about a big family dinner?"

"Is Alexa coming?" I nodded my head as she smiled, "Yay!" I laughed as we switched places; Troy was walking back towards the car with Lauren and Alli. Wes was following Liam and Emma caught up with Troy. I smiled as Troy hugged her and kissed her forehead.

He was possibly the best person out there.

Troy's POV

My eyes reached lengths to watch her laugh, the way her head tossed back slightly, and her white teeth showed glee and the bubble of laughter that she purred made my stomach swim with delight. Her eyes were glowing with happiness and I couldn't shake how happy I was. She was so happy right now and I never wanted to see that change. She was decorating Lauren's room while she slept in our room.

It was hard to believe it has been three years since Lauren came into this world. She has definitely changed it for the better and I will always love her for that. Balloons were scattered everywhere and her new toy that Gabi had insisted on buying even though we had an older one from when we got Emma one.

Gabi told me that we had to get her a new one, it was outdated and no fun. It was just a little play kitchen but I knew Lauren would love it because she loved the kitchen. She was going to be a cook just like her Uncle Zeke. "Are you going to help?" her voice brought me back to the present, as I was still standing with a balloon in my hand. "Mhm," I replied, Gabi loved to celebrate the kid's birthdays more than she was going to tell you she did. She grinned with a pride as she placed another balloon on the floor. Her eyes grew with a big amusement, as I haven't seen this in a couple of weeks.

She placed streamers on the door; the kids enjoyed it a lot too. Liam even enjoyed it so many years later and Emma grew excited knowing she was going to wake up to something special. They all go nuts over their birthday.

As I added a couple of balloons to the floor Gabi grinned, "Do you want to go get her?"

"I can,"

"Thanks for helping me," I sent her a gentle smile, "Anything to see you happy,"

"I always want them to feel special on this day, they deserve to feel special." I looked at her as I always felt this amazement when she said things like that, she never thought about her self. Even though cancer was floating in her body and she has different breasts and she has the best leave me alone story. She still gets up every morning to help the kids get out the door, goes to their games, and decorates their bedroom with balloons the day before their birthday.

She didn't care if she was dying, she would do it herself.

This is promptly how Lauren was produced, she had decorated Allison's room for her third birthday and we ended up making another child. It was whatever and a story to remember but I couldn't make myself not want to do it again, even though we did this five times a year. It seems to surprise me even more.

I stretched out and I took a long breath as I went to go get Lo, hoping to keep her from waking up. I gently picked her up and I went back into her room, Gabi was setting her lights to turn on and the noise machine to keep her asleep. I kissed the top of her head as I tucked her in and Gabi smiled, "My birthday girl,"

She tucked her in extra tight and then she walked out behind me. "You're beautiful," I muttered into her ear, she smiled, "I know, it's those times that make me feel like that." She skipped off to the bedroom as I stood back.

She always knew what to say.

Gabi's POV

A squeal erupted through the house and I knew Lauren was awake. I sat up with a big smile as it was going to be a normal Wednesday for most of the kids but Lauren turned three today and that was special enough to cause a big celebration in the house.

I tossed my legs over the side of the bed and I padded out of the room, I went down the stairs and into the hallway. She was in her room kicking around her balloons like any other three year old. I giggled and she turned towards me, "Happy Birthday Lo!" she grinned as big as her lips would part. I picked her up gently and hugged her tight, "How does it feel to be three?" I asked her with a shift towards my waist.

"Fun!" she cheered, I giggled as I turned to see a sleepy eyed Troy standing in the doorway. "There is my birthday girl," Lauren giggled as she was transferred over to Troy, "How about some morning snuggles as it is only five in the morning," Lauren and I laughed as we both walked back to our room, Lauren and I cuddled under the blankets as I whispered fun things in her ear as she looked up at me with her big blue eyes.

"You are so pretty," I told her, she reached up to grab my nose and I scrunched my face up. Troy rolled onto his side as he stroked my hair for a minute and then lowered himself towards Lo. "What does my sweet girl want to do on her birthday?"

"Zoo!" she cheered, "That's my girl," Troy said with a laugh, he looked at me, "Are you up to a zoo day?" he asked eyeing me carefully, I brought out a big smile, "I'm completely up for a zoo day."

Once we heard the kids getting up Troy and I both got up. I took Lo downstairs as I placed her in her chair and I began to make the kids the special birthday breakfast. It was confetti pancakes and whatever side they chose. Bacon, Sausage, cupcakes, whatever they wanted. Lo had picked doughnuts and I had them ready with sprinkles all over the top.

I began to make them as Emma and Liam filed into the kitchen. "Happy Birthday Lo!" they both cheered, Lo grinned bigger as I served up the first plate with frosting on top, and I stuck in a candle that formed a three. A sleepy Wes and Alli filled the kitchen as they joined for this part and then went to get ready for the school day. Troy arrived as we sang her happy birthday and she blew out the candle.

She giggled as she dug into the pancakes and doughnuts as Emma and Liam filled their plates. Troy put a coffee cup in front of me as he kissed my temple. "Such a fantastic mom," I smiled as he touched the small of my back. He then moved away from me, his hands wrapped around his own coffee. Lo was all giggles all morning and as Wes and Alli came down the stairs, Liam and Emma were walking out the door.

I greeted Alli and Wes to a hug as I kissed the tops of their heads, "How did you two sleep?"

"Good,"

"Okay,"

"Why okay Wes?"

"I had a bad dream,"

"I'm sorry, do you want to talk about it?" he shook his head, Troy looked at him softly and then I knew Troy decided to talk it out of Wes on the basketball court later or some other time they were together. I slowly nodded my head as Troy moved to change the station on the radio to something else. Lauren was a mess by the time she was finished eating and definitely hyped up on sugar. "Yes, running around all day will be perfect!" I cheered as I lifted her up and set her down. My lifting restrictions of Lo were still there but I promised to only do it sometimes and it was her birthday. I couldn't deny those perfect blue eyes.

Troy shot me a look and I grinned, he couldn't deny my smile either. Troy shook his head and he came over to wrap his arms around my waist. "Stop,"

"It has almost been six weeks Troy,"

"Yet you still haven't seen the doctor so it doesn't matter," I huffed as Troy laughed, "I'll carry Lo around, alright?" I sighed and nodded as I walked the kids to the door. I waved them off to the bus driver and I sighed, the first part of Lo's birthday was over.

Now we celebrated with her all day, then we went to the restaurant of her choice, which if we were lucky might be In and Out. She was three and didn't know much better than a good cheeseburger.

Now we had Liam who wished we would fly to California for dinner but that was out of the question. I licked my lower lip and I leaned back. "I'm going to get ready," I announced, "I'll get Lo ready,"

"Sounds good,"

"Polar Bears," Troy pointed, Lo laughed as she skipped around still high on the sugar. I smiled as she then pointed to something else in the tank, Troy bent closer as he nodded in agreement. "Daddy, I want a polar bear," Troy laughed, "How about a kitten?" he asked, she shrugged, "Okay!" Troy shook his head as he led her out of the tunnel and I followed them.

We then went to the penguins. This was still one of Troy's favorite places to be, he liked the zoo and seeing all of the big animals. It was something he loved to do with the kids and when they were younger. Lo was still that way, when she saw something she just loved. Her eyes would light up and she would be so fascinated with it. She would point and grin and giggle. She couldn't get over it until the next thing.

Troy sent a glance back to me as he turned his head, "You doing okay?" I nodded, "I'm fine," I said with a smile, "Lo, Momma is starting to get tired," I couldn't deny that going to bed well after midnight, then waking up at five, cleaning and cooking all morning, walking around the zoo for several hours and more to still come was really beginning to wear on me. "I think we should go watch the seal show, what do you say birthday girl?"

"Yes!" she cheered, Troy waited for me to catch up as we walked slowly to the arena where it would be held. We were twenty minutes early but we would get better seats. We found a spot to get settled and I got out a snack of sorts to offer Lo as we waited. She took the granola and began to eat it slowly. She was looking at all of the balloons, animals, and people walking around.

She curled against Troy as I wondered if she might take a small nap while we waited. Troy looked down at her wondering the same thing but she sat back up and slid off Troy's lap. We contained her between us as she walked around; we kept her from throwing granola. She grinned with excitement as people began to fill the stands; people began to walk around the deck as the seals were already sleeping.

Troy scooted closer as he wrapped his arm around my waist, he let my head fall onto his shoulder. "Do you want to bust out of here after this?" Troy asked softly, "We can do a little more," I told him, "Brie," his voice wrapped, "Troy, honestly,"

"You don't have to do this tough act for her or me Brie,"

"It's not a tough act. I'm celebrating her birthday." I said as I moved away from him, "There is nothing more I want to do than just let her be happy. She is always home with me, letting her out is fun and she is so happy."

"But I don't want to see you miserable," Troy commented, "We have to find a happy medium,"

"And I'm physically okay Troy, I am just tired,"

Troy finally just shut up, as he knew it wasn't any use anymore. My mind was made up, after long beat of silence I looked at him, "I'm not saying let's spend the next five hours here, after this lets explore maybe the butterfly house and the birds then we can leave. Is that okay?" Troy looked at me as he reached behind my ear as he rubbed it softly. "Will you tell me other wise?" he asked, I nodded, "Of course,"

He knew that I just lied but he let it slide as the show began to start. He pulled Lauren onto his lap and he pointed things out as they began to do tricks in the air. Lo would squeal with enjoyment every time. Her eyes glowed and I never wanted to see that look disappear from her eyes.

The show was beginning to end and I gathered up our stuff when I just felt exhausted, my body was ready to be done for the day, as I knew I had totally over done it today. I wasn't going to let Troy win though because he knew when I needed to leave. We stood up and Troy took on look at me and I knew he knew right then but he walked with me to the butterfly house.

He let Lo down as she went running in with another toddler. The butterflies were not scared of the people as they landed on Lo's head. I laughed as I took a picture of her and she clapped her hands as another landed on her fingers. Shaking my head, I reached down to pick up a stick as another butterfly landed on it. Troy picked up Lo to show and we locked eyes, "Lo do you want anything before we leave?"

"No leave!" she cried, I felt guilt run through my body, "Lo, sweetie, we have been here all day. It's time to go home and rest before dinner tonight okay?" Troy smoothed talked her but she kicked to get away from him and she ran over to me. Troy looked at me sharply but I bent down to be level with her. "Mommy we stay," she said with her big sad blue eyes. I felt my emotions kick in as I began to say yes. "Lo, no, we are leaving,"

She began to throw a fit, a large fit that people stared at. Troy picked her up as we walked out, he wasn't mad nor was he embarrassed. He was just simply holding his ground, something I couldn't do today. It's something I could never do on there birthdays. Lo was in complete meltdown mode, which I was partly blaming the lack of nap.

Troy and I walked out of the park in quiet. Lauren was trying to get away from Troy because that is whom she is mad at. Troy got to the car as he unlocked the car and got her into her car seat. I settled in my seat, as it was a little after two. Troy got into his seats as Lauren was babbling about something. She was upset and I couldn't blame her. I wanted to stay longer myself.

"I think Lo and I are going to take a nap," I told Troy as we were half way home, "Probably sounds like a good idea,"

"Troy," I said softly, "Stop," I whispered, "You were right but can we just not do this?"

"Brie you are pushing your body to the limit. They want you rested and ready to battle chemo and this is not it?"

"I'm not going to lay in bed all day on my daughters third birthday,"

"It's not like she is going to remember it," Troy muttered, I felt the words attack my body as I turned away from him. "She might not remember it but I will. I told you Monday, I'm not letting cancer win and take all of the fun out of life. Tomorrow, you and I are going on a date. Us. Together. I know I turned you down a couple of weeks ago but now I want it. We can't keep fighting each other."

Troy let out a long sigh, "I think it was just a hot day and we all need to relax a little."

"I think so too," I whispered, he rubbed my knee with his thumb. "Friday can we have a rest day then?"

"Absolutely,"

Troy pulled into the driveway, once he parked the car I got Lo out as Troy sent me a warning look but I ignored him. We walked up the flights of stairs together and I then found my bed as we crawled in together. I wrapped Lo into my arms as she cuddled into me. I pulled her shoes off and I kicked mine off as well.

Sleep overtook both of us before Troy could even enter the room.

Troy's POV

Skimming a book, I heard the door open and suddenly the house was bursting with life. I shut the book and I placed it on the table, I wasn't much of a reader and I still wasn't but when both of my girls were fast asleep, my emails were caught up on, and I watched tape after tape. I needed something else and that led me to pick up a random book. Emma and Alli walked through the house together as they went to the park after school to let Lo and Gabi rest a while longer.

Liam and Wes were not far behind and I stood up, my back popping in places it shouldn't pop. "Are they awake yet?"

"No, I'm going to get Lo up though," I responded, I climbed the stairs carefully as when I got to the top of the second flight, I pushed open our door and Lo was already awake. She was playing on the floor but Gabi was still passed out. Her chest falling and rising in an even beat, Lo scrambled up and I picked her up as I shut the door again. "Do you feel better?" she nodded, "Yes,"

"Good," I took her downstairs as the kids all greeted Lo with more birthday love. "Can we do presents?" Lo asked, I laughed as I let her sit down, "Mommy is still napping,"

"Mommy always naps," Alli, muttered I tried to not let the frown slip over my lips. "Lo, go play for a little bit okay?" I went back into the kitchen as Liam followed me, "Is Mom okay?" I nodded, "Perfectly fine, why?"

"Don't you think perfectly fine is a bit uh…much?" I laughed, "Yea, I guess so but she just overdid it today, that's all."

"Are we going out to dinner tonight?"

"I'm not sure," Liam nodded, "Did Lo have fun today?"

"Yes, she had a blast until nap time past and she was cranky." I rinsed the sink and Liam slid into a bar stool and I looked up at him. "Where does Lo want to go?" I asked him, "I don't know, I can look though," I nodded as he went back into the living room when Alli came running in. "Where is mommy?"

"Upstairs," I said, she turned, "Oh, I'm hungry," I sighed, "I know sweetie, go play with Lo for a bit okay?" she nodded and then disappeared. Liam came circling around as he leaned against the counter, "She wants what mommy wants," I raised my eyebrows and Liam shrugged, "Came out of her mouth," the pitter patter of her feet came sliding into the kitchen as Lauren looked up at me. "Mommy can pick," I squatted down to be level with her, "Lo, sweetie, you can pick tonight." I told her, "I want mommy to come,"

"Would you just want me to make dinner of your choice at home?" Lo grinned, "Could we still have cake and ice cream?" I laughed, "Do you think mom is going to let you go without cake and ice cream,"

"That would not be mom," Liam agreed, I laughed, "What would you want?" I asked her, "Chicken and potatoes!"

"I think I know what you are talking about," I murmured, I stood up and I grabbed the cookbook that Lo loved to pick through. She squealed when she saw it and I then pointed to the dinner I think she was talking about. "This?" I asked she nodded with a big grin, "Please!"

"Sure thing pretty girl," I looked up at Liam, "Do you want to watch the kids or run to the store?" Liam debated it for a minute, "Can I take Lo with me?" I shrugged, "Lo, do you want to go with Liam to help pick up dinner?" she nodded, "Alright," I picked her up as I handed her over to Liam.

"I'll send you a text of everything we need okay?"

"Yup," he took Lo as they went to the door, I began to move around the kitchen marking everything we were going to need. Once I sent the text to Liam I looked at my three other children, "Who has homework?"

Liam's POV

Pulling into the grocery store, I saw the list waiting from my dad. I stuffed my cell phone into my pocket as I got out to get Lo. She was a chatterbox the entire ride to the grocery store. I lifted her into her arms as I held her close. She giggled as she tugged on a strand of my hair. "What's up Lo?"

"It's my birthday!"

I laughed, "It is your birthday, what did you do today?"

"I saw bears and lions and,"

"Tigers!" I added, "Oh my!" she laughed and I grabbed a cart as I slid her into the top part for her to sit down. I pulled my phone out as we began to work our way around the store. "Liam Bolton?" I turned around to see one of my teachers from school. She smiled as she spotted Lo, "Sister right?" she questioned, I nodded with a smile, "Yup,"

"Doing some shopping for mom?"

"Eh, kind of. More like dad,"

"Oh yea, mom not home?" I felt my shoulders roll with tension, "She isn't feeling well," it ran across her mind and she blinked, "Oh Liam, yes, how is your mother? My mom had her as a student back then,"

I nodded, "She is doing well, she is six weeks post op, so she is good,"

"Very well, have a good night Liam," she walked away as Lo looked at me with wide eyes, "Ignore it," I told her, we began to pick up more as the cart moved suddenly and I looked up to see Uncle Chad. I laughed, "Hey,"

"What are you doing?"

"Buying Lo's birthday dinner." Chad smiled, "That's right," he moved closer to her, "I think somebody turned…three today? Do we know who it is?" Lo laughed, "It's me Uncle Chad!"

"It's your birthday?" she nodded with a big smile, "Happy Birthday Lo," Chad gave her a high five, "How are you?" he asked, I shrugged, "I'm me,"

"Uh huh, I see,"

A text came from my dad and I showed him, "I got to keep moving,"

"I'll see you later, call me if you need me," I nodded as I finished walking through the store without any other interruptions, or so I thought.

When I began to load the belt with foods, I let Lo pick out a piece of candy to eat and she smiled as when I looked up I was met with Rayne's fresh green eyes. "Rayne," I greeted, "Oh hey Liam, Lauren," Lauren blushed and rested her head forward against me. "She is a little shy, I didn't know you worked here," I mentioned, "Yea, I have to help bring in some money or we would be on the streets," she said softly, she began to ring me up. "What are you doing later tonight?" she asked me, "It's Lo's birthday,"

"Really?" she asked, I nodded, "Happy Birthday Lauren!" Lauren peeked out at her and I rubbed her back, "How is your mom?" I asked her, she looked up and met my eyes, "She is doing a lot better right now than they expected, she is still fighting." I nodded, "That's good."

"Thanks for asking," she pulled up my final total and I paid with my dad's card. "Call me if you want to talk later. You know I'm always open ears,"

"I might have to take you up on that," I nodded as she handed me my receipt. Our hands brushed together and I looked at her, "I'll see you tomorrow okay?"

"Okay," I pushed my cat away as I hurriedly put the groceries in the car and buckled Lo in. I drove quickly back to the house because well I had three missed calls from my dad.

Gabi's POV

I rolled onto my back as I felt a little finger in my side. "Mommy! Dinner!" I opened my eyes as I blinked and then rubbed them. A yawn slipped through my mouth as I looked at Lo, "Are your sisters and brothers homes?" I asked her as I let my eyes rest again, a snort came from the corner as I rolled over to see Troy.

"Brie, it's almost eight." I sat straight up quickly as I looked at the clock, "What the hell, Troy, her birthday dinner,"

"Is done." He responded, he moved off the door, "Lo decided to do what mommy wanted and I talked her into picking dinner at home," he moved onto the bed as he pulled Lo onto the bed. Lo came over to stand in front of me with her big three-year-old smile. "I want mommy to be happy," I felt tears fill my eyes and Lo wrapped her arms around my neck. "You didn't have too sweetie, it's your birthday."

"I love you mommy," I hugged her closer as I felt tears fell off my cheeks. "I love you too Lo, you are the sweetest three year old ever." Troy rubbed my back as I let Lo down and she went scrambling down the stairs. "Are you okay?" I wiped a tear away as I nodded, "She didn't have to do that," I said, Troy smiled, "Even at three years old she wants to do what's best,"

I smiled as he helped me up, "It's a good choice of dinner, one of her favorites,"

"Potatoes and chicken?" I asked, Troy laughed, "How did you guess?"

"I think she does like that one more than restaurants,"

"It's her favorite,"

When we got to the kitchen I saw how dark it was getting outside and the kids were all around. "Hey momma, Lo wear you out today?" I smiled, "Something like that," we all gathered around the table as Troy sat across from me, he had on a big smile and I couldn't help be more proud of my family.

"Where are you and dad going?" I looked at Emma, as I shrugged, "Not sure,"

"He is surprising you?" I nodded, "I guess, I mean, after twenty years, how much surprising can really be done?" Emma shrugged, "With love anything is possibly," I smiled as I pressed lipstick against my lips.

"Are you guys going to go to like an old high school spot?" I laughed, "I don't know Emma,"

"I'm completely jealous,"

"You'll find it one day," I told her with a smile, "I don't know, what you and dad have is really special," I looked over at Emma who was scrunched up on the toilet seat as she was watching me get ready. I ran my fingers through my hair, "And if you wait long enough your special person will come. I promise." She smiled as I hugged her, "Mom? Can you help me?" Allison came running in as she looked at me, "Oh yea, you and daddy are going out,"

"Mhm, what do you need help with?" I asked her, she showed me her little bit of homework, "I can help you Alli cat," Emma slid off and I handed her the paper, "Thank you," she nodded as she kissed my cheek, "You look pretty mommy," I smiled as I thanked her as I finished adding my jewelry. I looked at my capris with my grey tank top and my dark brown leather jacket with a hood.

I slipped on a pair of flip-flops as I grabbed my cell phone and bag. "Brie, are you ready?" hearing Troy's voice made me think of a date years ago, back when I lived with my mom. How he would ask me if I was ready. Butterflies erupted in my stomach as this was nothing new but it was our time together.

I emerged from the room, "Coming!" I yelled, I moved down the stairs as when I got to Troy his eyes followed my body. He looked at me with a hint of Aw and I smiled, "Might not want to ruin your appetite with those flies," Troy clamped his jaw shut like if he was a teenager. Emma and Liam laughed as Wes grinned, I pulled Troy closer as I kissed him, "Let's get out of here," Troy raised his eyebrows, "Let's go then Mrs. Bolton," he winked as I smiled, "Kids, if you need anything Chad and Taylor, Grandma or Grandpa, you chose. It's date night you know the rules."

I smiled as Troy and I went down the stairs, the kids knew what date night meant. You didn't call us unless it was a dying emergency. Grandparents and aunts and uncles always knew when they happened and knew. They couldn't call us and when we got home if they were still up it was still our date night. We could go into the kitchen and have a glass of wine and just be us.

"Emma kept asking me questions about where we were going. She doesn't seem to know that you wont tell me anything," Troy laughed as he picked up my hand as we backed out of the house. I took in his clean outfit, a pair of jeans with a button down shirt. His sleeves rolled up to reveal his sexy arms. "She will figure it out." Troy said with a smile, we drove for a while and I wasn't even sure where we were going.

Troy then pulled up to a little restaurant as he parked his car. "How come I have lived her for many years and don't know what that is?"

"It's new," Troy said with a shrug, he got out of the car and rushed to my side to open my door, I grinned as he slipped his hand into mine, "Come on," He dragged my hand inside and when we got to the door Troy smiled, he opened it up and I was hit with the aroma of Italian food. Troy took us up to the counter as we seated in the bar area.

"How may I help you too?"

"Two Zinfandels," Troy said, he smiled as he sighed and rubbed his eyes, "School is almost over right, I'm ready to sleep in," I laughed as two glasses of red wine were placed in front of us. I took it carefully as Troy and I both tasted it. Wonderful.

"Yes, school gets out in like two and half weeks,"

Troy went quiet for a moment, "We have that appointment next week,"

"Can we skip the cancer talk for the evening? I just want to be with my husband," Troy smiled as we took our glasses, as a table was ready for us. Troy and I settled in the booth and we scooted closer together. "So the Lakers want me to go look at this kid,"

"Go," I said instantly, "Brie, I would be gone for a week,"

"And?"

"I don't want to leave you to kill yourself for a week,"

"Troy," I smoothed my hand over his, "I'll have your mom help me, I promise,"

"Brie, I don't know,"

"Then why did you ask me?" I said calmly, Troy sighed, "I guess I knew what you would say but I don't know, I'm not sure I can do it."

"You can do it and you will do it. You're amazing." I reached out to touch his arm as I rubbed it softly, "You don't have to be worried about leaving me Troy. Honestly, I am going to be fine. If it was during a chemo week than maybe I would be a bit more concerned with you leaving but I'm just recovering. I'm fine. It's a week," Troy gave me a hesitant look and he rubbed his face with his hands, "I'll be fine."

"Last time I left you were a mess," Troy said softly, "Last time you left I had just had surgery and was still coping with this cancer stuff, I know I declared that we were not going to talk about it but you can't hold off your stuff because of me Troy. I will tell you when I don't want you to leave me. When I can't let you leave me. I promise." Troy held my eyes as he nodded, "Okay,"

"You'll do it?"

"Just for you." I smiled as I pulled him into a gentle kiss, "Good," Troy smiled as he kissed my temple. "You are my favorite," Troy whispered, I smiled, "I better be," he winked and when he pulled away he sighed, "What are we going to do with Liam,"

"What about Liam?" I asked him, "With Rayne, I mean, he has never really liked a girl. He likes her even if he won't admit it,"

"Why are you freaking out about it?" I asked with a laugh, "We just let it happen. What would have happened if your dad intervened?"

"Didn't my dad try?" he asked me, I laughed, "Good point he did."

Troy smiled, "I don't know, it's just new…"

Troy wrapped his hand around the glass as he pressed his lips together, "What about when Emma starts to date?" Troy shot me a glance, "Can we just not?"

"Or Lo?" I teased, he sent me an even dirtier look as I giggled and I wrapped my hands around his arm, "Chill," I whispered into his ear, "then don't talk about that," I smiled, "Yes, I know, it's hard to think about."

"It's hard to think about anything besides tomorrow,"

"Yea?"

"Yea…I mean everyday we talk about the weeks or the years ahead but really, we just have to take it to tomorrow because after that who the hell knows." He sighed and I rested my head on his shoulder. "How are you feeling?" he asked after a quiet beat between us.

"Fantastic, and you?"

"Fantastic, really?" I smiled, "It may be a small stretch but I am feeling a hell of a lot better than lately." He swallowed, "Good,"

"You seem quiet," I said quietly, "I'm enjoying the quiet," Troy finished, "Oh really,"

He sent me a small smile, "Really,"

Troy laughed, as we were both a little buzzed, we stumbled into the house as I pressed my fingers to my lips. "Shh," Troy laughed, "Okay," we both collapsed onto the couch as we laughed again.

"Let's build a fort," I looked at him, "A fort?" he smiled, "Yea, a fort. Like one that you build with pillows and blankets," I giggled again, "Why?"

"To be young again…so why not?" I laughed, "Let's do it," Troy and I shot up from the couch as we began to pull out all of the blankets and pillows from around the house. We dragged them into the living room and around the house until we got there. I fell over and I busted out into a loud laughter, Troy couldn't breath he was laughing so hard. I shook my head as I laughed and we got up to continue.

We were probably making a lot of noise but we didn't care all that much. It was well after midnight and the kids were all fast asleep…or I hoped so. Troy began to construct the fort in the living room as I went into the kitchen to look for some kind of alcohol. This is why our fort, as adults, was better. We could get drunk and have sex in the fort while if I ever caught my kids, underage, doing this I would kill them with my bare hands.

I found a bottle of wine and two glasses as I returned back to the living room. Troy was pinning blankets to the walls and draping them as I laughed, he looked over with a big grin as he jumped down and he kicked off his shoes. I followed him and he climbed into the fort that I knew Troy would have built as a child. I climbed in after him with the wine and glasses. I plopped down next to him as Troy smiled, "Give me,"

"You are getting me drunk tonight,"

He laughed, "And if I am?"

"I still have to get up in the morning and take care of my children,"

"They don't have school tomorrow," Troy, whispered into my ear, "You're lying to me," I whispered back to him, he grinned, "It was worth a shot, I can call my mom,"

"We have to be responsible," I noted, "We have been responsible for sixteen years." He whispered against my lips, "I'm not so sure about that," I said as he wrapped his arms around my shoulders. "What?" he asked, "We have at least ten nights or so we called somebody to come watch the kids the next morning."

"Ten," Troy repeated with a deadpan voice, "Do you know how many people do so much more than that?" I laughed, "Well yea but we aren't them," Troy shook his head, "Whatever, we are still drinking," I smiled as I took my glass, "I guess so, I mean we are twisting my arm a bit,"

Troy rolled his eyes and he pulled me close to him, his nose pressing against my throat. "I can not believe we went this long without having a date night," Troy said as he rubbed my arm, I shook my head, "I know, can we please not go that long ever again?" Troy grinned, "Of course not,"

Troy kissed the back of my neck as I moaned, "Please," I whispered, Troy peaked his head out of the fort and he smirked, "Are we going to keep this quiet?" Troy questioned, I saw the naughtiness work over his eyes and I smirked, "Keep all clothes on except for what's needed to come off,"

"Oh sounds hot," Troy murmured as he pulled me on top of him, I smiled with a smirked as I pulled him closer to me, my lips pressing onto him. I then began to suck on his collar bone as he moaned, "God, I love date night," he said with a moan, I giggled, "I love you Troy,"

"I love you too,"

Liam's POV

Rubbing my eyes, I tried to keep them open long enough to make it up the stairs. It was Friday. Yes, it was finally Friday. Only a couple of weeks left of school, two exactly, and I couldn't be more excited. Sophomore year would be over with and I would finally be an upperclassman.

I yawned deeply as when I made it to the top of the stairs, I didn't have any trouble keeping my eyes open. I knew mom and dad didn't get back till late and I knew they had a couple of drinks while they were out. They were both giggling and laughing…loudly but this…this was different.

"Wow," I looked over to see Emma as we both stared at the mess in front of us. "Should we uh…wake up Alli and Wes?"

"Wes is up," my voice carried out as I looked at the two of them, they had built a fort…at 39. I busted out into laughter as Emma looked at me, "You think this is funny?"

"I think this is hilarious. Do you have of your friends parents come home and do this?" Emma looked at it and I watched her smile in amusement. "They are really in love,"

"They are in something," I murmured, I walked over as I picked up a half open thing of wine and two half empty glasses. I shook my head, as they were probably drunk by the time they fell asleep. I grabbed them and I went into the kitchen to rinse them out. "I'm going to get Alli up," Emma said as she grabbed an orange from the fridge. "Mhm,"

I began to make lunches, four different sandwiches containing all different condiments. I felt it was weird I knew them all by heart but I watched my mom make them every morning. I began to catch on after a while; pulling different things out of the cabinet I packed the lunches with ease. Setting them aside, I pulled out an apple and made some fruit breakfast for the next two kids that would come down.

"Liam?" Wes's nervous voice came back as I looked over at him, "Yea bud?"

"What is this?" I smiled as I went out to see my two parents wrapped into each other, "Date night last night, remember?" it registered and he nodded, "Oh yea, they like to do funny things,"

"It's called Love," I responded, "Come on, breakfast is in here." He nodded as Emma was coming down with a half dressed Allison. I raised my eyebrow as she waved me off and lead her to the laundry room. I laughed as I walked outside to see our neighbor out, I smiled and jogged over, "Hey, Mr. Wayne,"

"Liam, how are you this morning?"

"Fabulous," I responded, "I have a favor to ask though," he smiled, "It will cost you,"

"I'll buy your next newspaper," he nodded, "Fabulous, what can I do?"

"Alli is in Kindergarten and to get her on the bus somebody has to be there to watch, so if you don't mind could you watch them get onto the bus?" he nodded, "Yes, I can but may I ask where are your parents?"

I laughed, "Sleeping, they had date night last night. I think they got in late and we are stomping around the house and they aren't even awake." He chuckled, "Those two. How is your mom doing?"

"Pretty good. She is doing more and more everyday,"

"Good for her,"

"Thanks, when will I need to be back outside?"

"In about twenty minutes,"

"Sounds good,"

"Thank you Mr. Wayne, I'll tell Wes to head over around then,"

"Sounds good,"

"Thank you!"

I jogged back to my house and I called out to Emma, my eyes glanced back over to our parents and I laughed, those two were impossible sometimes.

Gabi's POV

I blinked, dazed, from the sound of Lo. My head pounded from the amount of wine I was had last night. I looked over at Troy who was still sleeping, his arm over his eyes, I moaned as I rolled into his shoulder and he groaned, "Is it already six thirty?"

"I have no clue what time it is?" I questioned, I pressed my hand around searching for my phone. Troy looked at the ceiling as he laughed, "Did we really build a fort last night and sleep in it?"

A giggle burst through my mouth, "It was your idea," Troy laughed, "We had sex last night," Troy murmured, he ran his hand through my hair and I nodded, "We did,"

"It was good,"

"It was," I finished, Troy smiled as he kissed my forehead. When I finally found my phone, I pulled it up to my face as I looked at it, I then shot up. "Holy shit,"

"What?"

"It's nine thirty!" Troy was quick to follow as the fort began to collapse as we both went running through the house checking all of the rooms; I went up stairs as he went down. We pushed open doors and when we found each room, besides Lo's, was empty. We both yelled.

Lo wrapped her arms around me as I laughed, "Good morning sweet girl," she smiled bigger as I kissed her forehead. Troy and I met downstairs, "How did we sleep through them getting up, dressed, and out the door? Who got the kids on the bus?" I laughed, "Troy, I have no fucking clue."

Lo looked at me surprised, "Don't repeat that," I told her, she giggled as we all went into the kitchen. I looked around and there was a note lying on the counter.

Mom & Dad –

You both were pretty passed out so Em & I took care of everything. Hope you two had fun on your date night. Mr. Wayne watch Alli and Wes get onto the bus after we left…unless they are still there then, I'm sorry. Oops.

Have a great day. See you after school…

Liam

P.S. Cool fort. Can we build one after school?

Troy and I laughed at the last line, he wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me close, "I love our kids,"

"I love them too,"

Sorry this is so late in the day! We got a new puppy this week and whew. Puppies are a lot of work. Haha, so here you go! I hoped you enjoyed!

Please Review!