Chapter 31 – 6 Months Later

June 14th, 2028

Gabi's POV

The sun rested on my thighs, my feet were buried into the sand, and I was almost half asleep listening to the waves of the ocean.

"Mom!"

I looked up at Allison and she sat down in front of me, "Yes Al?"

"I want to dance,"

"Then dance," I said leaning back in my chair, "No! I want to dance with my friends," I sighed, "Allison, we are in California for the summer. You can dance with your friends when we get home,"

"No! I want to be with daddy and Liam and Wes!"

"They are busy at home,"

"Mommy!"

"No buts Allison," she sighed and lay back down in the sand. I had not seen Troy in three weeks and it was more than what I was normal too after the past year and half. Troy was normally breathing down my neck and now that he hadn't touched me in three weeks was causing me to become a little…upset.

After I finished my cancer treatments, our lives turned almost normal for the Bolton family. We did a lot of basketball, in and out of the gyms to watch Liam and Emma both plays.

Rayne and Liam were still going at it six months later and so were Cooper and Emma. They were both head over heels in love, not that either of them had uttered such words. Emma was excited to be spending her entire summer with Cooper in the water.

The first three weeks had gone somewhat smooth with Cooper around often. He had convinced his mom to let him graduate from East High, letting him live with his Aunt but he had to go to California for every holiday and summer.

Liam and Rayne were both getting ready to be seniors, which made my heart begin to panic. My body raced with adrenaline just thinking about Liam being 18 in February. He was already looking at colleges and colleges were looking at him. I just couldn't believe that my baby, the one that changed my whole life the matter of months was going to graduate from high school in a year.

I tried to figure out where the time went and I never could, I thought about every memory that I had in the past 18 years and there was never a really bad one. There was never a part that I regretted.

"Mom?"

"Yes Allison?"

"Where is Lauren?"

"Sleeping inside,"

"Why isn't she outside?"

"Because she needs to take a nap,"

"Can I take a nap?"

"Please," I begged, she shrugged and went up to the beach house. I flopped my hand over my eyes and sat up. My eyes scanning the crowd for Cooper and Emma, Cooper was sitting in the sand, Emma in his lap. She laughed and kissed his tanned cheek.

Troy had caught them making out once and I had to talk him down before he had a stroke because boy, he was going to have a stroke. Cooper and Emma were not so touchy feely in the first three months of their relationship. They held hands and joked around but they grew comfortable with each other first before they really started in and I am pretty sure Troy is glad I have Emma this summer.

I smiled just thinking about him, I did miss him.

My fingers reached up and I brushed my hat off, my hands ran through the short hair that I had. I had to keep getting it styled and some what cut to make it look good while it was still trying to grow it's length. I was just happy that it wasn't growing back grey.

It was mostly growing back its natural color and that was fine by me. I slipped my phone out of the plastic bag to protect it from the water and sand. I dialed Troy's number and then I heard the ring.

"Just who I was thinking about," he said quietly, he must have be laying down, "What if it was Emma calling you? Or Allison? Even possible Lo," Troy laughed, "Good thing I am thinking about all of you."

"I'm just thinking about you," Troy laughed again, music to my ears. "What are you guys doing?" I asked, Troy sighed, "Liam and Rayne are out, doing God knows what, I don't even want to know." I smiled, "Wes is out with his friends. He has a game tonight so I am just laying on the couch watching a movie but you four keep coming into my head."

"Allison wants to come home,"

"Oh,"

"She wants to dance but I told her she was staying here because you have a lot to deal with between the two boys,"

"Brie, I mean, if she wants to come home,"

"I miss you Troy,"

"I miss you too, this is the longest we have been apart in a really long time." I nodded with a laugh, my eyes finding the two lovebirds again. "It is and I am so ready for you to get here next weekend,"

Troy smiled, "So have you figured out how to get rid of the kids yet?"

"Mmm…we may just need to leave and go somewhere because I want you right damn now,"

"That is sweet music to my ears,"

I giggled and I ran my fingers through the sand, "How is Wes playing?" I asked, "Good! He is playing really well, his coaches are impressed, and I think it's because I am working with him."

"Giving yourself all of the credit?"

"Little bit, how is Em surfing?"

"She didn't do so hot today and has been pretty bummed over it. Cooper is trying to cheer her up,"

"Oh God, what does that entail?"

"Sex,"

Troy was completely quiet on the other end of the line. My lips were twitching trying to keep anything from coming out of my mouth. "I think I need to cancel my flight for next weekend,"

"No!" I yelled, he laughed, "That is not funny Gabi!"

I busted out into laughter, "But it was because I was prepared for you to freak out and you didn't."

"I am on the inside!"

"No, he is just hanging out with her, nothing that you would freak out about," Troy groaned, "I really like Cooper but I swear,"

"Troy, chill,"

He sighed heavily, "I kind of wish you were laying on top of my right now,"

"I kind of wish I was too,"

We were both quiet for a couple of minutes, "Dad!" Troy moved and I listened as I listened to Liam, "Yo?"

"Yo?" I said stifling a laugh, "this is what happens when you leave me with a 17 year old and 14 year old boys,"

"Are you talking to mom?"
"Uhh…maybe,"

"Let me talk tot her!"

"I'm not talking to your mom," I laughed, "Bull! That is her laugh!" Troy sighed, "I tried," he said, I laughed, "Give him the phone Troy,"

The phone was tossed and I heard Liam on the other end, "Hey momma, how is your boyfriend?" I rolled my eyes, "What?" Troy asked, Liam laughed, he laughed harder, "Oh my god mom, I wish you could have seen Dad's face right there," he was choking words out between his laughter.

I shook my head, "There is no reason to give your dad a heart attack,"

"He completely panicked for about ten seconds and now he wants to kill me,"

"I'm sure he does," I mused, "How is basketball?"

"It's going, I wish we were playing in San Diego this weekend,"
"Me too, I miss you guys,"

"You and dad should switch in July,"

"Nah, I think I am going to keep the beach,"

"Lucky,"

I laughed and nodded, "Yes, I am,"

"Well I have to get to practice, I'll talk to you later momma,"

"Talk to you later,"

He gave the phone back to Troy and he sighed, "I hate him sometimes,"

"You do not," I said with a laugh, "You just hate how funny he can be,"

"That wasn't funny,"

"You know I would never in my life do that to you."

"I know,"

"I love you Troy but I think I need to go pry Emma and Cooper apart so we can eat some lunch."

"Please, six inches,"

"Yea, okay,"

"I love you Brie,"

"Love you too,"

Troy's POV

I leaned against the bleachers. Wes stood in the outfield, his frame already taller than most of the boys on the field. He was battling the sun setting behind us. I looked forward to see most of the parents were talking to one another. I grabbed my water bottle and I thought about what the girls would be doing.

Brie, Lauren, and Allison would most likely be settling down for the evening. Emma would probably go out with Cooper or Cooper would stay with her at the house. They always had to be up early so they never stayed out too late.

"Gabi not around?" I turned to see Trish, Tanner's mom, "She is in California, our daughter, and Emma is wanting to surf this year so they are spending the summer out there. The rest of the girls are out there while I got boy duty,"

Trish smiled, "Must be hard to be separated,"

"Nothing we aren't used too,"

"Is she doing better?"

'So much better, thanks for asking,"
"Must have been a rough year on you guys," she leaned in closer and I cleared my throat, "It was a rough year but it made us closer in the end." She frowned at the statement and I turned away, my eyes settling back on Wes. My fingers itched over my tattoo on my wrist. My fingers tracing the date that was stuck in my head forever, the easy curves of the letters.

Wes made a catch and I clapped cheering his team on, they all came running back to the dugout. Wes got high-fives from everybody. "What's up Dad?" I turned to see Liam and Rayne walking towards me, "Nothing, what are you guys up too?"

Liam and Rayne both scooted in front of me, "Nothing, just out,"

"Just out?"

"Uh huh," Liam nodded his head and I looked at his hand connected with Rayne's his finger stroking hers and jealousy ran through my blood because really that is the one reason I wanted to see Gabi right now.

Did I really have to wait for next week?

My fingers massaged my temple and I looked back out at the field. I noticed my dad walking up and he ended up standing next to me. "Do you want the gym teacher job next year?" I looked at him, "Are you telling my you are retiring?" I asked carefully, "After Liam's senior year,"

I sighed, "I don't know Dad, I would have to talk to Gabi first,"

"I get to chose my replacement and they actually asked me if you would want it."

"I'll talk to Gabi,"

He nodded, "I figured you could work for twenty years,"

"God, that makes me sound old,"

"You are forty,"

I laughed, "Okay, let's not discuss my age,"

"That is young,"

"Whatever, you are young,"

"You are younger than me," I nodded with a laugh, "Alright, we are both young,"

We were both quiet while we watched the game. Rayne and Liam were laughing about something and I looked over at my Dad. "Could you handle the boys for like two days?"

"Yea, I mean, this is there off weekend?"

"Liam's off weekend. Wes has a game. I want to fly to San Diego and see the girls,"

He smirked, "Somebody is missing Gabi,"

"I really am,"

"Yea, we can handle them. Jenni has her hands full with Anthony," I smirked thinking of my nephew. Anthony Troy sneaky Jenni, sneaky Jenni had actually told Gabi while she was still in treatments.

"Thanks,"

"No problem,"

"Try to stop those two from reproducing anything," I said, "Dad!" Liam said, he leaned back to look at me and I laughed, "What?"

"That is so not going to happen,"

"Uh huh,"

Rayne's neck turned red and I tried not to laugh. Liam and my dad both shook their head and I smiled. "Will you be okay if I go see the girls for the weekend?"

"I want to come!" Liam protested, "You have practice,"

"But Dad!"

"Nope, ill be gone forty eight hours."

"Fine," he grumbled, I shook my head with a laugh, "You get to see her next weekend,"

"You do too!"

"Well…I'm impatient and it's my money."

"I hope you go broke," I laughed, "Whatever, I still have endorsement deals,"

"Your dad will never not have money, that's what winning championships do," Jack said, I laughed and Liam groaned, "Am I ever going to live it down?"

"Nope," Jack said, "You missed a freaking free throw to lose,"

Leaning forward I grabbed Liam's shoulder and rubbed it, "You can redeem yourself this year."

"How many colleges were turned around by my lack of free throw ability?"

"Blah, blah, blah," Rayne muttered, I laughed and I hugged Rayne, "You know you love all of the basketball talk."

"In your dreams,"

Emma's POV

My eyes found Cooper, he took to the wave and he rode it out not doing much more with it. A waste of a wave. It was still early while we were already out on the water. My eyes scanned the water again, a wave going under and Cooper paddled out to be next to me.

"What are you thinking?" he asked me, I shrugged my shoulders. I wanted to crawl back into bed because Andy had driven my exhaustion level to a whole new level. We woke up early and did a harsh work out on the beach, and then we were in the water for an hour, another workout before we were dismissed.

"You look exhausted,"

"I am exhausted, I was kind of hoping it would rain."

"That's hell," Cooper said, "Andy loves the rain. We don't surf but we condition." I groaned and I leaned forward on my board. Cooper laughed, "You are going to tip over,"

"Let me," I whimpered, Cooper laughed and balanced the other end of my board. "I don't think my parents or Andy would be very happy with a shark eating you," I looked up at him and he gave me his graceful smile.

"What are you two doing?" Andy yelled, I groaned, "Come on Andy, we have a rookie here," Cooper yelled back, Andy sighed, "Once you guys finish you are free, ten waves," I bounced up and then toppled into the water. Cooper laughed and I got drug underneath of the water.

He grabbed my hand and he helped me get back onto my board, "Go get them," he said shoving my board away from me. I smiled and off I went.

We probably surfed for a good hour and then we retreated to the sandy beach. I collapsed down onto the already warm sand. Cooper laughed and he lay down next to me. His hand finding mine and he folded his fingers through mine. "Do you want to go out tonight?" he asked, I shrugged, "Where?"

"We could go to the pier or I don't know, we could figure it out." I shrugged my shoulder and he smiled, "How about a movie night?" he asked, I smiled, "That sounds a lot better," I told him, "A hell of a lot better," he grinned, "You are something else Bolton," he reached over and he kissed me softly.

The furthest we have gotten with kissing is us losing our shirts and I had a sports bra on the one time. I wasn't ready to do more than that and I think he completely understood because he never said anything.

"Coop,"

"Hm?" he asked, he lifted his head and his green eyes spilled into mine, "Are you happy?" he frowned at the question and he propped himself up on his elbows, "What?" he asked, "Why did you just ask that?" he asked again a little frantic, "I don't know, you are a junior and I mean, boys have these stupid hormones that girls really don't have I mean we do but," Cooper couldn't stop the smile that spilled onto his cheeks.

"Em, I don't need to have sex with you to be happy, honestly, I am happy just being Emma and Cooper. We are having fun surfing everyday and I am pretty sure your dad would kill me barehanded if he ever found out that's what we were doing. You know that,"

"My dad could find out at forty and never be happy with it," Cooper laughed, "This is true," he stroked my thumb, "I'm not ready for that Em, so I don't know how you could be ready for such a thing."

I smiled and he gave me another kiss, "So movies tonight…your house or mine?" I laughed, "I don't care. They are walking distance apart," Cooper smirked and he brought me into another kiss.

He pulled me into his arms and I rested my head onto his chest trying not to fall asleep on the beach. I was so tired. These past three weeks have kicked my ass and Cooper hadn't really flinched from the amount of work we had been putting in. "How are you not tired?" I asked, my lips mumbled the words out. "I am exhausted," I leaned back to look him in the eyes, "Lies,"

"I'm not lying, I am just used to this type of exhaustion." I smiled and he played with the end of my hair. "You ready to go back up to the house?" he asked, I nodded my head and Cooper pushed off the ground, helped me up, and then we were walking back to the houses hand in hand.

"Six?" he asked, I nodded my head and he pulled his hand away and waked to the house next door. His mom had ended up buying the house next to us because she had to move out and well…what better place than right on the beach?

Gabi's POV

"Lauren," I snapped, she looked up at me with her eyes and I looked back at her, she pressed her lips together and then sighed sitting down. I smirked to myself because I just beat my daughter at a stare down. This normally never happened. She went back to doing whatever she was doing.

I scrolled through my email checking it and sending some back, I then saw a light pull into the driveway. Cooper must have gone out to get something and then come over here. I peered out the window and I couldn't really see. It was dark already.

Emma came downstairs, she yawned having slept most of the day after coming back from the waves. She had been going pretty hard these past three weeks and I had been pretty damn impressed.

She was doing what she wanted and I loved it. I loved seeing her this way. It was something that almost made me want to move back to California to let her follow her dreams even more.

"Mom?"

"Yea?"

"What's for dinner?"

"I don't know, what do you want?" I asked, I looked up from the computer and I looked at her, she shrugged, "Cooper talked about bring pizza over in an hour, I didn't know if we should just order some for the whole family."

"Cooper is here…" I said, Emma frowned, "He is still sleeping I'm pretty sure. He hasn't text me back,"

Pushing my computer off of my lap, I went to the front door and peered outside to see who the hell was in our driveway then. Who ever it was, was just now getting out of the car. I opened the door and the person looked up and I knew who it was before I even saw their complete face.

The blue eyes will forever give him away.

I screamed and he looked up alarmed and he laughed, I ran down the stairs and I launched myself into his arms. He laughed picking me up and swinging me around, I buried my face into his neck and he squeezed me tightly. "I missed you so badly I couldn't wait a week."

I laughed and I pulled him into a kiss, "Oh my god Dad!" Emma caught on and she came running out of the house. He put me down and he wrapped Emma into his arms. "What's up baby girl?" he asked, she smiled, "Nothing, I thought you weren't coming till next weekend,"

"I wasn't and then I missed you guys. Liam isn't playing this weekend and my dad can handle Wes," he smiled and I wanted to be back in his embrace. He let go over Emma and I was quick to fold back into his arms. He smiled and kissed the top of my head, "Your hair is growing back quickly," he said almost amazed, I nodded, "Come on," I picked up his hand and I led him into the house. "Lauren! Allison!" I called, Alli came from the upstairs leveled and she giggled. "Daddy!" he picked her up and Lauren was right behind them. He picked them both up and they were full of giggles. "Being away from all four of my girls is too strange to do for three weeks." He said, he smiled and he wrapped me into his arms again. "I missed you mostly," he whispered into my ear. I smiled and he kissed my forehead again. "Alright, so what are you four doing?"

"Lazy night," we all replied, Troy laughed, "Sounds fair," he looked at Lauren. He picked her up and she pressed her face into his neck. "Cooper is coming over later but tomorrow after my workout can we go to SeaWorld?"

"We are going to SeaWorld next week with the boys," I said sitting back down onto the couch. "Oh yea, you are still coming next weekend right?"

Troy nodded his head, "Yes, mostly because of Liam." I looked up at Troy and Lo was wrapped around him. I smiled because I knew Lo probably missed him the most. She loved to cuddle up with him all the time no matter what they were doing.

"Emma, you can order pizza for the family. My wallet is on the counter."

She nodded and went into the kitchen, Allison went back upstairs and Troy looked down at me. "Why must you surprise me?" I asked, Troy smiled, "I haven't gotten to do it in forever and your reaction was pretty funny,"

"You completely caught me off guard and I only knew who you were because of your eyes,"

"Oh yes, my eyes that will forever give me away."

I patted the couch next to me and he sat down, I put my laptop away and I curled up into him. Lauren turned her head to face me and I smiled, "Are you happy Daddy is here?" she giggled and nodded her head. "I love Daddy," Troy kissed the top of her head, "I love you Lo," he tickled the bottom of her foot and she laughed. "Music to my ears,"

Stroking Lo's back, she was already falling asleep even though the night hasn't progressed to her bedtime yet. "Did she nap today?" Troy asked, "Barely. She is probably tired. We spent a lot of time outside today,"

Troy nodded when a knock came at the door. Emma went skipping through the room and pulled the door open. She grinned and Troy smiled, "I'm assuming that is going well," Troy said I laughed, "You assumed right."

Cooper stepped through the door and Emma grabbed his hand. "Mr. Bolton, pleasure seeing you here," Troy nodded his head, "I bet it is," Cooper laughed, I nudged Troy and he looked at me. "What?"

"Be nice,"

"That was nice!" Cooper and Emma laughed, "We are going upstairs to watch a movie. The door will be open dad,"

"At least she has learned well over the past couple of months." I rested my head on his shoulder and yawned. "So I show up and it's time for everybody to sleep huh?" I laughed, "Yea, it is,"

Troy looked down at Lo, she had a grip onto his shirt but he knew how to get rid of those. He stood up and unfastened Lauren's grip and rested her onto the other couch. He then came over onto the couch and he eased me back onto my back and he crawled over top of me. I laughed and he pulled me closer to him. My nose crinkled with a laugh, Troy kissed me softly. "You are so beautiful," he whispered, "I wish that we didn't have to be separated like this."

"I know," I told him quietly, "I wish we didn't either but hey, we are doing great right?" Troy pressed his nose into my cheek, "I guess," he whispered, "My bed is just really cold." A chuckle escaped my mouth. "Well tomorrow morning, sit on the deck and watch Emma. You need to watch Emma because this whole separation becomes ten times better when you see Emma in the water."

"I am so excited, when does she head out?"

"She goes out onto the beach at six thirty, she then does an hour workout with Andy and Cooper. After that they are in the Ocean for a while and then they do another workout on the beach,"

"Intense,"

"It is but Emma has never been so in love with it all." Troy smiled and he rubbed my back, "I have a question Brie,"

"Shoot," he twist so he wasn't lying on top of me, "Did you give up your dreams to let me have mine?" I looked at him surprised by the words he just uttered and I couldn't really process any of it. "What do you mean?"

"What were your dreams in high school?" I felt baffled by the questions and his hand stroked my arm. "I don't know Troy, that was so long ago,"

"You know," he said quietly, he was right, I did know what my dreams were. "Do you want my dreams junior year or dreams my senior year?" I asked him, Troy waited a moment. "Both,"

"Well…before my dad died I wanted to go to Stanford, I wanted to do pre-law and I wanted to get married and to have a family while being a kickass lawyer." Troy sighed heavily, "I stopped you,"

"Shh…" I told him, "You asked for both right?"

"Well yea…"

I sighed and sat up on the couch, "After my dad died I didn't know what any of my dreams were. I only went to Stanford because that was my dad's dream and I guess along the way it had become our dream. So I went but after my dad died I was lost. I went through the motions, I had you, and I didn't any longer have dreams. They were all shattered with one swift night."

Troy looked at me and he tossed his head back, his hand found mine, "Brie, I shattered your dreams,"

"No, my dad shattered my dreams." I said, "I haven't had dreams Troy, I mean, I had them but were those my real dreams? I don't know. Once I met you I wanted you, you were my dream and watching you chase your dream was one of the best things in my life. Watching you on that court and then getting to marry you, have kids with you, be a mom that was my dream in life. Maybe I didn't think that when I was sixteen but, as I grew older and the more I fell in love with you, the more my dream was to just be with you and to live. I have gotten to do so many fantastic things in my lifetime that some people will never experience. I am happy Troy,"

He kissed the top of my head and held me closer. "I love you Brie,"

"I love you too,"

Liam's POV

"You're jealous of your dad," Rayne said with a teasing look, "No,"

"Yes,"

"No,"

Rayne laughed and rolled on top of me to give me a kiss, "Are too," she whispered I wrapped my arms around her to keep her close. "No chance in hell. This house is empty right now,"

"Liam," she warned, I laughed, "I'm kidding."

She smirked, "But we can do this," her lips landed on mine and her tongue went across my bottom lip. I closed my eyes and I brought her in closer. Her lips were soft and she tasted like mint from brushing her teeth just a little while ago after waking up in my bed.

I smiled and we kissed further, I sat up and pulled her into my lap. Her legs wrapping around my torso, my hand landed on her neck and pulled her closer to me. She ran her hands through my hair causing goose bumps to fly over my body. I pulled away from her to breathe, her lips went to my neck and I tried to breathe but she made me a little crazy. "You do know I am a seventeen year old male and this is most likely going to end in a cold shower," Rayne laughed and she pulled back, her eyes were sparkling even after a year of her mom's death.

She would have her moments of heartache but she normally bounced back well. "Maybe it doesn't have to end in a cold shower." She said, I closed my eyes tightly knowing now was not the time but the house was empty. How do you turn that down? Her lips went lower on my neck and I was going to lose it. I was going to lose all control of my six foot four body.

"No, no," I rolled away from her and I took even breaths. "No." Rayne took a deep breath and I sent her a smile, "You're right." She said, "It's not the time for that but I really enjoy kissing you," she said, she crawled towards me and I laughed, "No! I need to recover from that!"

I jumped up and she followed me, I laughed sliding through the kitchen and she was hot on my heels. I slid into the living room again and jumped over the couch and ducked down before she rounded the corner. "Liam?" she called, she crept into the living room, and I peered over the edge of the couch. She crept further and when she started to walk past me I grabbed her leg. She screamed and I laughed taking her down to the ground.

I tickled her and she laughed louder, "You are crazy Liam!"

"So what?"

She laughed louder, a smirk crossing my face. I pulled her into my arms and kissed the top of her head, "You are a dork Liam,"

"You love me,"

Her eyes grew wide because we had yet to utter those words to each other. Did I love her? What was love?

"I'm not going to confirm nor deny that answer." I smiled and I kissed her again, one more reason why we couldn't take the next step. We might feel those things but we have never said those things. Those things are things you can't take back. We have to take it one thing at a time. She smiled pulling me closer to her. "Liam?" my grandpa Jack's voice boomed through the house.

"In here Grandpa,"

He came in and Wes was following close behind. He looked glum so they must have lost. I sighed, "You alright Wes?"

"Yea, we lost and it's because I didn't play very well," I looked at Rayne and she nodded, I stood up and my grandpa shrugged. "Wes, come on," I said, I took him downstairs to my room and I sat on my bed, "What?"

"Normally dad would be telling you this but dad isn't here," he nodded, "You are going to have bad games, you are going to have a lot of bad games every year. You can be the best player in the world and you won't always have a good game. You are supposed to have bad games because those games are going to make you better in the game. You get to see where you have flaws in the game and you get to see where you need to practice harder."

Wes, the young Wes, looked at me with his eyes, "It's still my fault," I shrugged, "If we never failed then where would the fun in life be?" Wes sighed and he nodded, "I guess, I just, I want to win."

"Good. Then work harder."

Wes rolled his eyes and walked out of my room, Grandpa Jack appeared in my room with a smirk on his face. "Your dad would be beyond proud right now of you."

"Oh yea?"

"Because I told him that so I am beyond proud of him for passing that down to his kids." I laughed and he sat down next to me, "Where are you looking at going to college next year?" I shrugged, "I don't know, it depends on how basketball season goes and who offers something up."

He started to say something and I laughed, "Dad has also given me the speech of to go where I want, this is the one time where money doesn't matter. I should go to where my dreams strive for,"

"Hot damn, my son listened to me more than I thought." I laughed and nodded, "I listened to my dad too,"

"Good, it will pay off."

My grandpa left and Rayne came back down. I smiled and she slipped into my lap. Her lips pressed against my temple and I twisted my head up to look at her. "You are an awesome brother,"

"Good, I strive to be my best," Rayne laughed and I kissed her, "You are awesome Rayne,"

Troy's POV

I leaned against the deck while watching Emma. She had gotten a lot better in the past three weeks. "Troy," I looked over to see Andy, "Hi Andy," he nodded in greeting and he leaned against the deck next to me. "She has great work ethic," he said, "I feel a but,"

"No but," he told me, his eyes scanning the waves, watching Cooper drop in on the wave. "She has great work ethic, she is getting pretty damn good, she is focused even with her boyfriend of six months here to distract her. It helps he wants the same thing but still they stay focused while working and play afterwards. It's good. I like it."

"I'm glad,"

"How long are you out here for?"

"Until tomorrow, I have to fly home to be with the boys,"

"Actually," I turned around to see Gabi come onto the deck, her arms crossed over her chest, "I am going to fly home and see the boys for a week. We can switch locations and you can fly home with them next weekend. The girls need to see their dad and I need to see my boys so this is how it's going to work." I smiled and nodded, "Yes ma'am,"

"Thank you," I laughed and she came over to stand next to me, I reached across to rub her back softly. She smiled, "This won't defocus Emma right?" Andy asked, "No," Gabi answered, "She is pretty focused right now," Gabi finished.

"Dadda!" Lauren came running out in her pajamas, I smiled and I picked her up. "Do you want me to stay with you the entire week?" I asked her, she gave me her big four-year-old smile that made everything seem okay in the world. "Please!" I kissed her forehead and she rested her head onto my shoulder. "Momma," Gabi smiled and grabbed her hand and rubbed it.

"Did you sleep well baby girl?"

She nodded her head and yawned, "I'm going to take her inside for breakfast," Gabi pushed back against the railing and reached out for her. Lo sighed and let go of me and going back to Gabi, Gabi took her inside wrapped in her arms. I smiled watching them before turning back to the waves to see Emma lose her balance and then crash into the waves.

My heart raced for a second to make sure she got back up; Cooper was looking at one spot so I looked at that spot as well. Emma emerged reaching for her board and my heart rate quickly slowed back down. She shifted back on while trying to catch her breath. Cooper moved closer to her and she nodded her head. They began to paddle in towards the land.

Andy moved off the deck and I stayed put not wanting to get into the way. Andy met the kids down at the edge of the water, Emma grabbed a water bottle taking a couple of drinks and then turning to head back out into the water. Cooper watched her for just a moment and then followed. My eyes followed her for several moments until she was riding another wave like the last one never happened.

"She got the wind knocked out of her," Andy took his spot next to me again and I nodded, "She is okay though?"

"Oh yea, tough kid,"

I nodded and trained my eyes back to her, yes; she was very tough, extremely tough.

Emma's POV

Cooper twitched while watching the movie, my eyes glanced over at him and he gave me a side smile. I raised an eyebrow and he leaned closer to me. "May I help you?" he whispered, the theater was dark and cold. "You twitched,"

"I'm tired," he proclaimed, "When I am tired I twitch," I laughed, "Oh yea?"

"Yes. It's a true fact." I shook my head and turned my attention to the movie again. Cooper slid his hand over my knee and I reached to grab his hand. He turned to give me another one of his smiles that made everything weak. He rubbed my knee and I flinched, he gave me a suspicious look and I pulled my shorts back gently to reveal a dark bruise. He looked at it horrified, "How did that happen?"

"When I face planted into the water I clipped the edge of my board." Cooper winced, his eyes turned to the movie and then he picked up my hand. We exited the theater and I looked at him as if he was crazy. "You need to put some ice on that,"

"It's a bruise Coop, I will be fine,"

"It will hurt like hell tomorrow,"

"And so what?" he laughed, "Emma, you will barely be able to walk on that tomorrow. It's already swollen," I turned my eyes up at the ceiling, "I am fine. It barely even hurts,"

"It hurt when I brushed my fingers over it,"

"Did not! You like applied deep pressure to it!"

"Did not!"

We both laughed, he found his keys in his pocket and drug me outside. He unlocked his Jeep from here and then he climbed inside and then he pulled me inside. "What are you doing?" I asked with a laugh, "With your dad at your house I haven't been able to do this," he pulled me in for a kiss, my arms wrapped around his neck. He shifted to even my weight on his body and my back pressed gently into the steering wheel.

He rubbed my thigh with his thumb and kissed me again. His lips went over to my jaw and I sucked in a deep breath. "Coop," I whispered, "Hm?" he asked, his eyes looking into mine. I leaned forward and kissed him again, "This is uncomfortable," he laughed quietly and nodded, "Beach?" he asked, "Sure,"

I slid over to my seat and he picked up my hand, he started his car and we began to drive towards the houses. He then took a detour and pulled in front of an ice cream shop. I laughed and he smiled, "Come on,"

We both got out of the Jeep and he went up to order while I found a place to sit. This was our favorite place to go after dates and this was technically after a date. I smiled when he brought back my strawberry. "Thank you," I said with a smile, he nodded and slid next to me. He took a bite after I took a bite. He then reached over to kiss my cheek. I giggled and he smiled. "You're so cute,"

"Cute?" I asked, "Beautiful," he corrected, I laughed, "Am not," I said shoving him gently, he snorted, "Have you seen your parents? They are both like ridiculous with attractiveness,"

"Ridiculous with attractiveness?" I bubbled with laughter, Cooper chuckled, "That came out wrong but really…you are a spitting image of your mom and," he gave me a smirk to tell me exactly what he was thinking. I shoved him laughing, "Cooper!" I yelled, he laughed, "What?" he asked amused, "Don't say that! It's gross,"

"I am just saying, you look like her and well you are very, very attractive," he pulled me closer and he kissed me softly. "Right," my lips formed a smile and he kissed my forehead before backing up. We both ate our ice cream and talked nonsense conversation.

I was falling in love with San Diego.

Gabi's POV

I cuddled into Troy's side and he stroked my arm. It was late into the evening, maybe three in the morning but we didn't care. We were both quiet and thinking. We never had quiet time and when we did we struck the moment. He twisted and lay on his side. His arms pulled me closer, his nose brushing against my temple then his lips pressing there. "What's on your mind?" he asked me quietly, "I thought this was quiet time,"

He laughed quietly, "Yea, it was but I haven't gotten to see you in three weeks. Something has to be on your mind."

"Maybe," I preceded carefully, my mind wrapped around its self-wondering what I was really thinking. My eyes looked up at Troy and he looked at me, "Brie," his voice was on edge now and I sighed, "I just miss you, that's it." He pulled me onto his chest and I looked into his eyes. He brought my chin into his hands, "I miss you too but we all know that's not the real reason you are thinking."

"What are you thinking?" his eyes read mine; and he nodded slowly realizing that I was trying to change the subject. He then smiled pulling me into a kiss. "You, always you," I rested my head on his chest and he stroked my back. My mind went back to my thoughts before. We were getting ready to have a senior in high school and this had been eating at me all summer, all three weeks of the summer.

He was going to be a senior, the baby boy, was going to be a senior. It caused panic to fly through me because that means I have been a parent for almost eighteen years and that it was all beginning to happen. The first one graduates and then the next one and it is a domino effect that will happen so quickly and sudden we don't have anybody in the house and Troy and I are staring at each other.

"Brie,"

I realized I was a step short of a panic attack. I looked at Troy and I sat up, my head buried into my hands. "Brie," Troy's hand rubbed my back softly, I tried to keep all of my tears at bay and he leaned over to kiss my head. "Liam is going to be a senior Troy, he is going in his final year of high school and then he is off to college. Our baby, the one that we had so unexpectedly that changed our lives forever will be graduating from high school. Then two years later it's Emma and then Wes and then Allison and then Lo and," I took a deep breath trying to regain composer.

"Then suddenly we don't have any kids in the house and we are looking at each other twiddling our thumbs. I can't do that Troy, I need,"

"You need to breathe," Troy advised, he brought his hands up to my face and tears welled up in my eyes. He frowned at the sight of them and then he leaned forward kissing me softly. "Gabs…Lauren is four. She is four years old. When she graduates I will be 54." I cringed at that number, "We are not going to be moving our thumbs because well…empty house you know what happens."

A giggle slipped through my lips, "But Liam,"

"Has a whole year of school left." He said softly, "I know, it's scary but you can't be worry about this now."

"It's all I do Troy,"

He sighed, "I know it, it will be okay because you have me and your four other kids."

I buried my head into his chest and he kissed the top of my head.

"Get some rest Brie,"

Gabi's POV

I took the keys out of my bag and I sat on the bus that was taking me to my car quietly. The people around me were sunburnt to a crisp from a vacation they probably enjoyed. I was in the middle of switching between households because we were trying to make all of our kids happy.

Liam deserved to be on this travel basketball team and Emma deserve to be in the water and there for we have to travel back and forth. The boys didn't know Troy wasn't coming back yet unless Emma had told Liam. I wasn't sure she would though. I licked my lower lip and once they pulled up to Troy's car, I grabbed my small bag and down to my car. I thanked the driving giving him a small tip and unlocked my car. I breathed in the New Mexico air and smiled because I was getting to see my boys here in a couple of hours.

Lord. I wasn't sure I was ready to see the house yet though. That could be a whole different story. We could be doing a lot of cleaning this week instead of having fun with the boys and seeing Anthony. I sighed and started up the car, paid for parking, and pulled out of the airport.

The drive was quick and the night sky was falling over the trees, the heat was warming up causing me to pull at my shirt. Easing the car into the garage I shut off the car and opened the door.

"Dad's home!" Wes called, I smiled, and I reached for the door. I heard Liam's bed move and I pushed open the door with my hip. "Hello?" I called, "MOM?" Wes came running out of his room and I laughed, he came crashing into me with a hug. Liam came out of his room with half of a shirt on and I shook my head with laughter. I hugged Wes tightly and kissed the top of his head.

He let go for Liam to pull me into a hug, "What are you doing here?" he asked surprised, "Your dad and I are switching for the week. He is staying wit the girls and I am staying with you guys. We fly together to San Diego and then you guys will come back with your dad."

"So you are only here this week?"

"Yea, sorry guys. You're dad and I will probably do this again some time this summer but for now this is how it's going to be." They each hugged me again and I smiled, "So should I even go upstairs or should I just leave and come back in an hour?"

Liam and Wes shared a look and then nodded, "Come back in a hour," I laughed, "I will,"

Troy's POV

Emma came back into the house after her morning surfing session and she sat down on the chair. She looked at her leg and I peered over at her, "Are you alright?"

"Remember when I crashed on Saturday?" I nodded and she stood up and came to show me her thigh. I cringed, "How did that happen?"

"When I lost my balance I hit the side of my board and did a belly flop, it didn't feel too hot. I could barely keep my balance out there today," I nodded, "Do you want some ice?" I asked her, she shook her head, and "It's just a bruise,"

"It's swollen," I remarked, I touched it and she winced slightly, "Em,"

"It's not that bad dad,"

"She is lying to you," I looked up at Cooper, "I figured," I said, my eyes not leaving his for another moment, I looked back down at Emma's bruise. I got up and went to grab her a bag of ice. I then reached for the tape and she sighed, "You are ganging up on me now,"

"Em, I told you to ice it yesterday."

"Whatever."

I laughed and wrapper the ice around her thigh, "Rest it. Don't push it too much,"

"Yes Dr. Bolton," I looked at her, "Easy," she laughed, "Dad did you ever really have a bad injury?" I nodded my head while putting all of the stuff away, "Yea, I have had a couple of different injuries,"

"I never remember you sitting out many games."

My arms stretched out and I grabbed my coffee cup, "I had one injury that knocked me out for a month."

"What was that?"

"My third concussion," I told her, "It was horrible .You might have been like three or four. Liam might remember it." I said, "Was that the worse?"

"Em, I couldn't walk for like two weeks without getting so dizzy I would puke. It was miserable. They weren't sure if I was going to be able to play much more after that but it got a lot better and I never got another concussion. They said if I did I was done."

"Ouch,"

"Mhm," I took a sip of my coffee and I flipped the newspaper over. Cooper and Emma left the room and plopped into the living room. I sighed and I buried my hands into my face.

Gabi's POV

"Great job Wes!" I clapped as he scored the run and he was all smiles going into the dugout this was a fun life. It had been a lot of fun these past six months. We had been doing normal people things. Going to games, eating dinner as a family, having more movie nights, everything to keep it normal.

Cancer was gone from our lives except for check ups and the pills I had to take to control my hormones. That was about it and I was beyond thrilled. Now we were going to all be a family again for two days but Liam will mostly be with the basketball team. I sighed and one of the moms turned to smile at me. "It's nice to see you here,"

"I'm glad to be here! I feel bad missing all of Wes's games but my daughter is having fun in California."

"Must be hard on the family,"

"Nothing we haven't handled before,"

"Oh right…Troy played that big stuff basketball," I tried not to laugh and I nodded, "Yes, he played that big stuff basketball." Troy would be dying of laughter by now but I was holding myself together. "Mom," I looked at Liam who was texting on his phone. "Yes?"

"Can Rayne stay the night?" he chewed on his fingernail and I nodded, "Sure, door open," he rolled his eyes, "I never sleep with my door open mom,"

"If Rayne comes over you do,"

"Can we sleep on the couch?" he asked, I scrunched my eyebrows, "The couch?"

"I hate sleeping with my door open,"

"No funny business,"

"Why do I come to these games?" he wondered, "Last time dad yelled at me not to do any funny business,"

"At Wes's game?"

"Yes!" he cried with laughter, I giggled, "My bad, I didn't realize your dad beat me to that,"

"You have both done it several times,"

"Because we are good,"

Liam shook his head, "Something like that."

Gabi's POV

Liam shoved Wes and I shook my head, airport nonsense. The week had been fun with the boys but I was missing the beach and all of my girls. They were quieter and easier to handle. These two were so loud and obnoxious. No wonder Troy didn't put up a fight to switch.

I licked my lower lip and I waited for Troy because he was picking us up. He texted me that he was running behind but he was on his way. I stretched my arms out from the short flight. "Mom,"

"Yea?"

"Can we have Burger Lounge for dinner?" Liam asked, I looked at him, "Don't you have a team dinner tonight?" he shook his head, "No ma'am,"

"I thought you did…"

"Nope. We have one tomorrow night at Hunters Steakhouse though…" I sighed, "Come on Liam, I am getting old, you need to help me out with these things." Liam laughed, "Mom you aren't even forty yet and at that you don't even look close to forty."

"Good words Liam," relax filtered through my body, Troy's arms wrapped around my neck pulling me back against his chest. "Hey there beautiful," I smiled leaning back into him and he kissed my forehead. "You on the other hand dad…you look about forty five," Liam teased, Troy shot him a look, "Whatever,"

"Good choice to pick on the older on," I laughed and he laughed kissing the top of my head, "Are you guys ready to join the madness of Bolton de San Diego?" Troy asked, I laughed, "How messy is this household now?" Troy sighed, "Emma wouldn't let me fall behind."

"Atta girl,"

We walked out of the airport for all three of my girls to be waiting, "Liam!" Emma called; she ran up and grabbed Liam into a big hug. Allison attacked Wes and Lo went for me. I laughed, "I feel the love," she gave me a big smile, "I love you mommy,"

"I love you too Lo girl, did you have a fun week with daddy?"

"Yes! I want him to stay forever!"

"Me too,"

Troy rubbed my lower back when the girls all switched and I got hugs from all of them. "Come on, we have things to do, places to eat," Troy barked orders and we all held hands walking back to the car. It was always a great feeling to have the entire family together. Even if it was just for a weekend.

I sipped at my glass of wine and Troy laughed. Lauren and Allison were working out a charades game but they were both failing miserably. They were always a team together because they already had trouble. Normally Troy and I would give them an idea to do secretly but they had to some how figure out how to do it. It was normally comical for them to try.

"Big bird?" Emma asked, Troy snorted, "No!" Lauren said stomping her foot, "I am a cow girl!" Liam and Wes rubbed their eyebrow for a minute, Emma bit on her lip. Troy and I died laughing, "Good try girls. Who do you want to go next?"

"Daddy!"

"Daddy?" Troy said, he handed me his beer and I sat it on the side table. He got up and he drew a card out, he rolled his eyes and shook his head. "Wow,"

"You are on the clock! No talking!" Liam said, Troy shook his head, he then held up two fingers. "Two words," Cooper said, Troy nodded, and Troy then tried and failed a dance of some sort. I turned my head watching him and Emma burst up out of her seat, "GANGNAM STYLE!"

Troy bowed his head and nodded, "That was an old card, what was that 2013?" Troy said looking at me, I nodded my head, "Yea, it was the year Emma was born,"

"Ohh…mom hittin up the clubs?"

Troy gave a glance at me and I glanced at him trying not to laugh, "Nope." I answered trying to keep a straight face, "LIES!" the kids yelled together. Troy and I laughed out loud, "We were like twenty five!" Troy argued, "It was also my birthday that night so…"

I shook my head and Emma stood up to do her next card. Troy settled back in next to me. He grabbed his beer and I dropped my legs over his lap. He rubbed my foot for a moment while I took a sip of my wine.

"This…this is what I wish we could do all summer," Troy whispered looking over at me, I smiled and nodded, "I know."

The kids had started to play again but were failing at this. I watched Emma for a moment and wasn't too sure about what it was until her final move she made. "Bride," I called, she turned at me with a smile. "Yes!"

"I forfeit my turn," I called, "What! Mom!" I laughed, "I don't want to get up, I choose…Liam," Liam rolled his eyes and rolled onto his feet. Troy pulled my hand and he made me rest my head on his chest. His arms wrapped around me and I listened to the steady drone of his heartbeat. I watched my kids laugh and have a great time playing a game together.

Troy kissed the top of my head and I found his hand, I gave it a tight squeeze. "Thank you Troy," he gave me a questioning look, "For what?" he asked, "Thank you for giving me all of this."

Hello! I am so sorry this is a day late but you do have it! It was a very busy weekend and I got caught up watching a stupid series on Netflix. Such a dangerous sight. Sigh. Anyways I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Only one left! So sad!

Thanks for the love and patience!

Xx – Jo

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