Chapter 8 – Kick-Off

Monday, September 5th, 2022

Gabi's POV

I served Claire pancakes and yogurt for breakfast as she dug in as Troy was at practice already as their game was Thursday this week. "Thanks Gabi," I nodded with a smile as I was feeling so much better, even after, the gala but Troy made sure I didn't do much Sunday. The gala was such a success that I couldn't stop crying from how much money we had raised. I ran my fingers through my hair as Ember was at my feet. I started cleaning up the kitchen as I ate yogurt and granola. "Gabi, I had a lot of fun at the gala."

"Yea? So did I." I told her with a smile, "You and your daddy made my day." Claire giggled, "Daddy loves you a lot." I smiled, "I know. I love you a lot, too." A smile turned on her lips as she ate most of her breakfast before requesting to go outside and play. "In a little bit," I told her, and she sighed as she went to play with her toys. I had a few videos to edit and a few phones calls to make about The Sunshine Pact. I edited the videos from our egg retrieval as that was the one that was due to be watched next. I rolled my lips together and once that was posted I made the three phone calls that I needed for The Sunshine Pact, and I had an interview next week about our gala.

"Claire, are you ready to go play outside?" I asked her and she nodded her head as my phone rang on the counter. I reached for it and answered it, "Hello?"

"Gabi, it's Indy. How are you feeling?" she asked, "Good actually, really good. I know you and Troy discussed letting me go to the gala and I promise, he made me take it easy all night. I took it easy yesterday and my bloating is incredibly decreased, and I feel so much better." I told her honestly, "Oh, good. That is great news. Dr. Monty still wants you to come in tomorrow to just check and make sure everything looks good, is that okay?"

"Yes, of course." I told her. We made the appointment as she smiled, "I also have good news." I paused as I felt my heart climb into my throat. "Your final report for your embryos was 15." I covered my mouth as I couldn't stop my tears from leaking out of my eyes. "15?" I whispered and she laughed, "Yes, do you know how many you want to send for testing?" she asked.

"Half, Troy and I agreed on half. I know that's an odd number, so I am going less. Let's send 7." Indy laughed, "Sounds good, and you do not want to know the genders?"

"No, we don't. Troy and I both decided that we will take the healthiest and strongest embryo. Dr. Monty's discretion."

"We can talk more about it tomorrow and the next steps. Once your next period starts, we can start talking about the next steps." I nodded as I wiped my eyes, and I thanked her again as I wanted to call Troy and tell him right now, but I should surprise him. "Gabi!" Claire's voice cut through and I went outside as her, and Ember were running around. "I thought you were coming?" she asked, "I am right here. Sorry, I got a phone call." I wiped my eyes again and she came over and looked up at me. "Is everything okay?" I nodded with a tiny smile, "Everything is great, actually." I told her and she gave me a smile as we went out back. I distracted Claire for an extended period of time with Ember running around.

"Hey Claire,"

"Yea?"

"Do you want to help me surprise your dad with some news?" I asked her and she grinned, "Yea!"

"Good, c'mon, we need to go to the store."

Troy's POV

I laid on the table as I was getting worked on with my shoulder as it was feeling way better than it did last week. It made me feel better that Gabi was feeling way better. She woke up before me this morning and was working on The Sunshine Pact from our bed. I hooked my arm around her, and she just laughed. I love her laugh.

I had one of my best practices today in a long time and I think the stress of going the egg retrieval was beyond us and I wasn't sure if anything could be worse than what we just went through. Minus if this doesn't work, emotionally. Physically, that had to be the hardest part for her. "How does this feel?" Seth asked as he worked it a different way. "Great," I told him as it did feel great. "Good. I think you got through it. You are good to go," I thanked him as I headed for the showers as people were filtering out already. Hanson was sitting and talking to Reni about something as I went to the shower and hopped in.

Tonight, I planned on taking both of my girls out to dinner to celebrate surviving the last few weeks and to give them both attention before I was swamped with football. I slipped on my navy golf shorts with a white Loyalist polo as I slid my backpack over my shoulders, and I waved bye to a handful of people before I made my way out of the stadium and to my car. I called Gabi the moment my car was started, and she answered, "Hey," she answered, "Hi daddy!" Claire's voice was in the background, and I smiled, "Hi beautiful girls," I greeted.

Claire giggled in the back as it made me smile, "How was practice?" Gabi asked and I settled into my drive back to the house. "It was good. Probably one of the best that I've had in the past couple of weeks," she sighed on the other end, and I quickly diverted her thoughts. "How are you feeling? Okay?" I asked and she was quiet for just a moment, "Yea, I'm good. I feel great today. Dr. Monty wants me to come in tomorrow and talk through our next steps." I could hear the giddiness in her voice, and I smiled just thinking about it. "What time? I just want to throw with my receivers for a bit tomorrow."

"Nine, your mom called me earlier and I asked if she could come watch Claire for a little bit. You don't mind right?" I heard the nerves behind her voice, and I chuckled, "No, baby, I don't care if my mom comes and watches my daughter. You know that I would never care."

"I just don't like making those decisions for you. It's your daughter and maybe you wanted her to go back to Eve early or Lucas or I don't know. I just asked while I was on the phone and I,"

"El, baby, it's okay," I soothed, and she sighed, "Okay," she breathed, she had Claire talk to me for the rest of my drive as she told me all about her morning with Gabi. "Daddy, Ember is being so silly," I couldn't stop my laugh as I pulled into the driveway. "I'll be inside in one minute, Claire."

"Okay, see you in a minute!" she hung up as I shook my phone as I grabbed my water, backpack, and my iPad full of game film that I needed to finish tonight. I opened the door to the house and Ember and Claire barreled into my legs. I laughed as I hugged on Claire, "Did you miss me that much?" Claire nodded against my legs as she grabbed my hands, "Daddy! Gabi has a surprise for you!" I arched an eyebrow, "A surprise for me?" I asked and she nodded her head, "Yea! We worked on it this afternoon," she drug my hand and I walked into the kitchen as Gabi was grinning at me.

"What are you two up too?" I asked as I went over and cupped her face to drop a kiss to her mouth. "C'mon, dad, this way," Claire grabbed my hand as she dragged me out the backdoor, "Claire," I shrugged off my backpack and dropped my stuff on the counter before we made it outside. Gabi wasn't far behind us as once I looked up, I stopped dead in my tracks.

Two big balloons, one in pink and one in blue, were blowing in the wind with a literal egg on the other side of it. I spun around to face Gabi, and she had her own tears in her eyes as I couldn't even stop my own. "15?" I whispered and she nodded her head as she came over to me as I picked her up with a laugh, "Fifteen?" I repeated and Gabi laughed as she kissed me with a nod. "Fifteen chances," I buried my face into her neck as she held onto me tightly in return. "Daddy, why couldn't we just buy 15 eggs?" Claire asked. Gabi started laughing first and I fell right behind as I looked over at Claire as Gabi's feet dropped back to the ground as I grabbed Claire, "Wouldn't it have been easier?" Claire nodded her head with a smile on her face, "I wish we could have."

Claire shrugged as she went running around with Ember as I cupped Gabi's face and gave her a quick kiss, "I can't believe we have 15." I whispered to her, and she laughed, "I couldn't stop crying when they told me on the phone. I told them to send 7 of them to get genetic tested and reminded them that we don't want to know genders."

"Now tonight has turning into a celebration dinner."

"Dinner?"

"We're going out tonight," I told her, and she grinned up at me. "Where too?" I just grinned. "You'll see,"

Gabi's POV

I watched back the video of Troy's reaction and I couldn't stop crying watching it again. I was finishing getting ready as I pulled on my jeans which were still a little snug but were fitting better than they would have last week. I tugged on a t-shirt as Troy told me it was casual tonight. I was thankful that it wasn't anything more than that. I did a little bit of make-up and fixed my hair into a high ponytail before joining Claire and Troy in the living room. They were playing a game together as Troy let me go take a nap for a little bit.

"Claire, go put your shoes on." Troy instructed her and she took off running and Troy gave me an easy smile. "You look beautiful," he told me as he stood up and his lips went straight to my neck. I laughed as I let my hands hold onto his waist. "How many more days do I have to keep my hands off of you?" he mumbled against my skin, and I couldn't stop my laugh. "We can ask tomorrow." I told him and he grunted as he kissed me before going to put Ember away in her kennel. I walked out to the car as Claire zoomed past me.

She climbed back into the back of the car while I got in the front. Troy joined us as he grinned, "C'mon ladies, let's go get some dinner." Claire laughed as he started in for the opposite way of downtown. Troy was having a harder time getting out without people stopping him, taking pictures, etc. and he did his best to avoid that with us. "Claire, tomorrow Grandma Sara is going to come hang out with you for a bit so Gabi and I can go to another appointment." He told her through the rearview mirror. "Why can't I go?" she asked.

"Because baby, it's just a lot of talking." I turned to face her, and she pouted, "But is it about the baby?" she asked, and I nodded, "It is but there is no baby yet. We still have a little bit to go. Whenever we go see the baby, you can come with us." Troy shot me a look and I let my hand fold over his arm. "Yea? I can come one time?" I nodded, "Yes, it will be your sister or brother after all." She gave me a smile and went back to playing with a toy she brought with her. Troy glanced over and I looked back at her before back to Troy. "I didn't say the first one. I just said one of them and I can promise there will probably be plenty of them. She's excited."

Troy gripped my thigh, "I want that first one just the two of us." He said and I nodded, "I know. We'll get it, plus, I know we said we would tell her soon, but I would want to wait a few weeks to make sure everything sticks." I told Troy wearily and he squeezed my hand. "We will. I think we also need to discuss how we are going to handle the posting on social media."

"I think I am going to delay it by six weeks. That way, I am pretty far along by the time we actually announce if we get to announce something. I'd be close to 10-12 by the time I was finished posting all the old videos. I'll do it both ways, too." Troy kissed my hand and he nodded, "You don't have to post any of it, Gabi." I smiled, "I am not going this far into this journey and not posting this part. I am hoping this is going to be the happiest part, Troy." He squeezed my hand as he pulled into a place full of food trucks. Claire grinned, "Dad! I love food trucks!" Troy chuckled, "I know, baby."

We all got out of the car and Troy let his hand fold into mine as his own handheld Claire's. We walked around and surveyed each truck as Troy kept his sunglasses and hat tucked low to avoid the people that would notice him. Claire wanted to get tacos from one truck, and I wanted to get a grilled cheese and fries from another. "I think I am going to get Tacos; do you want me to go with you?" Troy asked and I shook my head. "No, go with Claire. Get your food." He nodded as he kissed my head before he walked off with Claire.

I went to get my food and once I ordered I stood in line waiting as somebody tapped my shoulder, "Are you Gabi? Gabi Bolton?" I looked up as it was a middle-aged woman, "Yes, hi, do I know you?" I greeted and she smiled, "No, no, I just…my name is Molly and I…" she paused and gripped onto her purse. "I have to thank you for sharing your journey with IVF. My husband and I have been trying to have a baby for 5 years and I have been so scared of IVF but…the hope that you have and the way you talk about it…it's given me hope to just try it. I really want a baby, but I was never sure if I was going to survive all the injections. I told my husband if we do it, he has to dance with me every night after the injections." I felt the tears first but the smile second as I dabbed at my eye. "That was all, Troy," I told her, and she gave a little laugh.

"I can see how much he loves you; I don't want to interrupt anymore." I nodded my head, "Thank you for stopping me, I wanted to share my story for that sole purpose. It's so hard but I know one day it's going to be so worth it."

"Can I give you a hug?" I asked and she nodded as I embraced her, "You can do it."

"Thank you," I hugged her tighter before they called my name, and I went to take the order. I could feel the eyes on me as I turned to see Troy sitting at a picnic table with Claire with their tacos. I just nodded my head to let him know I was okay as I headed back towards the far corner. I sat down next to him, and he looked over, "What was that? Are you okay?' I nodded, "I am. That was a woman named Molly and she was thanking me for sharing our IVF journey." I told him as I blinked away the tears. "She said she had been too terrified to do it but that our videos helped encourage her to do it."

"That's amazing," Troy whispered. I nodded, "She told me that when she told her husband the only requirement is that they dance after the injections." Troy popped a tiny smile and I leaned into him. "I think the hugs before the appointments are better," Troy laughed, and he kissed the top of my head. "I will do anything to make the process easier. It seems like nothing," he told me, and I shrugged, "But in the moment it's everything." Troy's blue eyes were blazing as he stared at me, and I kissed him softly on the cheek.

Claire and I asked Troy about his practice today and in return he asked about our day today. His hand clamped down on my thigh gently as we both finished our food well before Claire as she was too busy telling stories today. "Claire, you were a big hit on Saturday." I told her and she perked up, "Really?" I nodded. "I keep getting a lot of phone calls wanting to run our story in the paper. About you being the first person to get a Sunshine Pact basket." I told her. She beamed and looked at me with the happiest smile on her face. Troy beamed right back between the both of us.

"You both are amazing," Troy squeezed my thigh the same time he looked at Claire. The sun was starting to set, and I looked over at Troy as he nodded his head. "C'mon ladies," Troy picked up our trash as I helped as we headed towards the car. We got in and he took us on a little drive before coming to a little lake. The sun was setting over it and it wasn't the beach, but it felt like second best sometimes. Troy and I would come out here sometimes to just enjoy the view. "Daddy, are you going to be gone a lot coming up?" Claire asked and Troy sighed softly as he planted her on his lap.

"Football season starts on Thursday. We will get to have all day Sunday together." Troy explained to her. "Mommy said she was going to drop you off early on Sunday, so that way we get the whole day together." Claire sighed but turned into his body. "I like having you home all the time." Troy brushed her hair off her head and kissed her temple. "I know, I like being home all the time, but daddy also loves to play football a lot." Claire played with her hands for a moment and then nodded her head, "Okay, but can I go to the next game?"

"Yes, of course," Troy told her, "Thursday is the only game you aren't going to go to. So, you are only missing two," Troy explained to her, and Claire balanced on his lap as she turned to face him. "Gabi said we are going to wear fun outfits together," Troy chuckled as he peered over at me. "Hopefully my jersey is involved," Troy peered over at me, and I shrugged, "You'll just have to wait and see." Troy groaned as I leaned into him as we sat on the picnic table and stared at the sunset. Claire's laugh filtering around us and I knew one of these days there would be another little laugh.

Tuesday, September 6th, 2022

Troy's POV

I wrapped Gabi up in my arms as I rubbed them up and down as we were about to go in for her appointment, but it had been a hectic morning. I felt like we both stopped to breath for this moment, "You ready?" I asked and she nuzzled her head in deeper. "One more second," I chuckled as I kissed her head, "Baby, there is nothing to be scared of today."

"More bedrest." Gabi grumbled and I chuckled, "Hopefully no more bedrest and only one more week of no sex," A laugh echoed from her mouth as I kissed the top of her head before I separated from her. "Come on, the sooner we go in, the sooner we can get breakfast, and the sooner I can make out with you in the car." A laugh vibrated against me as I locked our hands together. I walked down the hall and into the waiting room as Gabi checked in. She came to sit next to me, and I folded our hands together. "I am so sad that I don't get to share a bed with you tomorrow," I whispered to her.

"I think we will both survive. I'll be at the stadium early. I have a few things to do with the wives."

"First season as a wife,"

Gabi smiled as she went to say something, but her name was called instead by Indy. I let my hand fall to her lower back as I guided her through the waiting room. "First, we'll do an ultrasound and then Dr. Monty will meet with you." Gabi nodded at the standard procedures at this point. She undressed from the lower half and sat on the edge of the bed. I rolled closer to her as she laid back with a sigh. Those brown eyes turned to face me, and I smiled, "Last night I had a dream that we were at an ultrasound for our baby. We could actually see a baby on there instead of ovaries."

Gabi's face lifted in a smile and then a laugh erupted, "I never thought I would get sick of ultrasounds of my ovaries," we both laughed together as I nodded while my thumb swiped over her knuckles. The door opened and I looked over to see the sonographer behind me. I slid out of the way, and I let our fingers tangle together. It wasn't a long ultrasound and then she also did another on her stomach before nodding, "You will meet with Dr. Monty in her office." Gabi nodded as once the sonographer left, Gabi got dressed and we made our way to Dr. Monty's office.

"Come in, come in," she greeted both of us and we took a seat together. I could see the nerves building within Gabi and I squeezed her hand as Dr. Monty smiled as Indy sat in the corner and began to take notes of our appointment. "Gabi, I took a quick peek at your ultrasounds, and everything looks great. Your OHSS looks so much better, and it appears that you are feeling way better." I nodded my head in agreement with Gabi. "I am, I turned a corner after Sunday. I am now just ready to start the next phase." Dr. Monty nodded with a smile, "I bet. Your results were great, and we will have the results back from your genetic testing in about 2-3 weeks."

My hand squeezed hers again as Gabi nodded, "What are the next steps?"

"Your period should start within the next handful of days. It's typically anywhere between ten and fourteen days after the retrieval. Once you have your period, we will have you come in on day three. We will start estrogen and do blood work. We'll do three weeks of medications, injections, etc. If your lining of your uterus looks good, we will schedule the transfer for the 3rd or 5th day. You will continue the medications until the 10th day where we will draw your blood. This will confirm if you are still pregnant or not. Regardless, we will keep doing follow-up blood work. If you aren't pregnant and you had no issues that arose during the process, we can go right into the next one once your period starts."

Gabi nibbled on my lower lip, "If it doesn't work," she started, and I squeezed her arm. "How about we just focus on the first one and go from there?" I said softly as I didn't want to get into her head about something not working. "I am just trying to show that we can do this as much and as fast as you want." Dr. Monty clarified. "I know your goal was to hopefully have baby in the off-season window and sadly, that window is closing." Gabi let her mouth shut and I watched her jaw tighten. I never wanted her to do this on her own, but I also knew she probably wasn't going to want to stop. My fingers gripped onto her arm a little tighter and she just nodded her head. "Okay," she finally spoke, and Dr. Monty went over all the drugs and supplements that Gabi would be on for an embryo transfer.

She was relaxing before the end of the appointment and once we exited Gabi promised to call at the start of her next period. That had me frowning with the thought that it was going to start any time. We walked out of the appointment, and I tugged on Gabi's hand and embraced her in my arms. "I know, I know you want to have a baby in the off-season, but I also know that you want a baby. We can make whatever work, El." I whispered into her hair. "I think I just want to get through the first one and if we need a second one and then we can go from there. I might just need a damn break after."

My lips pressed to the top of her head, and I exhaled, "I wouldn't blame you." I reminded her as I wanted her to always know that she had 100% control of this situation. Whatever she wanted, I wanted. We both got into the car as I held her hand as I drove to our favorite little diner. Gabi and I got out as I tucked my hat lower and kept my sunglasses on as we went inside and went to the back corner like we normally did. "On Saturday, I want to go out on a date." I told her and she looked up at me, "Yea?" she questioned, and I nodded my head. "Yea, a date that has nothing to do with IVF, football, etc. The first part will just be us but then we are going to meet up with some friends later on in the evening."

"You planned all of this?" Gabi asked as she took a sip of her coffee, I nodded my head, "I did. I think we both need a distraction and to do something for us." Gabi looked down at her coffee and looked up at me with a smile. "I'm excited," A smile crossed her face as I took a drink of my own coffee. "What are you doing while I throw?" I asked her and she smiled, "I am going to go to the hospital and check on the basket supply. After that, we're talking about opening an office down here. I think it is going to be helpful to get it out of our house plus we can hire more people."

The flutter in my chest at watching her succeed was everything. "I'm so proud of you," she gave a smile, "I want to make it the best but also make sure that it stays true to its values. I still want the small feel, but we might just need more people. People to do all of our payroll and money issues, to help plan galas, to help continue expanding onto other hospitals. It's in the beginning stages,"

"I think we wait until next year to get Dare to Dream off the ground." I told her as we both just had a lot on our plate at the moment. "I agreed. I think we need to make sure whatever we do, we do it right. Figuring out the best way to donate and to make sure we are picking people who actually need help."

Breakfast came and we both dove in, and we talked about what else was going on this week besides the game on Thursday. "Friday, I just have to go in for film and recovery. I'll be done by noon. Short practice on Saturday morning before taking the day off on Sunday."

"Spending the whole day with Claire?" she asked, "Yea, plus I think Hanson wants to come over and watch games."

"I think I might invite Wren and Val," I nodded, "Sounds good, Lucas might join, too."

"So, Sophie?" Gabi questioned and I shrugged, "Has she told you anything?" Gabi shook her head. "No, just that they are having fun and it's nothing serious. That they both know they are at different points in their life." I nodded at her speech as I had basically gotten something similar from Lucas. "I just told him to treat her well." Gabi let out a laugh, "Sophie might eat him herself," we both let out a loud laugh and I smiled over at her. "Come on, let's get our shit done so I can go get my little girl and spend the rest of the day with both of my girls."

Thursday, September 8th, 2022

Gabi's POV

I laughed with Amber as all of the wives decided to get ready with each other today. We had gotten a suite at the hotel the guy was staying at, and we were all getting ready together as the drinks were flowing, minus me and Amber, as our make-up was being done for us along with our hair. My phone buzzed and I saw Eve's name pop up. I smiled as I slid it over to answer the call. "Gabi! I'm here!" I laughed, "Okay, I am going to come get you." I said as I stood up from the chair, I was sitting in. Eve and I agreed to surprise Troy tonight with letting Claire come for the first half of the game.

She had her pre-school tomorrow morning so she couldn't stay out all night but long enough to get to see her dad and watch a bit of the game. Eve was going to meet us at the game to watch the first half, but she allowed Claire to come get ready with us. I walked out into the hallway and went to the elevator and made my way to the lobby where Claire and Eve were waiting. Claire squeaked as she went running across the floor and into my arms. "Hi Claire," I hugged her tight and Eve gave a smile, "I will meet you guys at the game." Eve said. Claire nodded as she turned and ran back to give Eve a hug.

"I'll see you in a little bit, baby," Claire kissed her cheek and ran back to me to grab my hand. "Have fun," I waved to Eve, and we headed back upstairs as my hair was already done as I kept it simple with a low bun with a braid intertwined. Claire was so excited to see all the wives as she went around to each of them as I had her sitting down and they curled her hair. I did a little bit of make-up on her face to make her happy and that won't piss her father off. I know Troy wanted his jersey involved but I had a different outfit that I wanted to wear for tonight.

I found a navy dress that hugged all the curves but was soft and comfortable while I grabbed a light blue jean jacket with Bolton across the back and the Loyalist logo and his number on it. It was so damn cute, and Claire had a matching on. Once my own make-up was done, we all had dinner served to the suite as we all ate before getting dressed. Amber had the cutest bump on her belly, and I felt that stir within me that I wanted that soon. "How are you doing?" Bianca asked and I gave a half smile. "I am going well. I am feeling so much better compared to last week and I cannot wait for all the next steps."

"You are going to have the cutest damn babies," Amber mumbled, and I couldn't stop my laugh. "We have to get there first," I said. Amber squeezed my shoulder, "You will get there. I know it. Plus, I think Troy would do just about anything to make all of your dreams come true." I just gave a smile and a shake of my head. I got Claire situated in her outfit before Amber took pictures of the two of us together before the bus taking us to the game arrived. My fingers grabbed onto Claire's hand as she looked up at me looking older than she should look.

"Gabi does daddy know yet?" she asked, and I shook my head. "No, he was complaining earlier that he missed you." Claire giggled and covered her mouth. "He is going to be so surprised," I just laughed, "He is going to love getting to see you." I told her. My feet ached already in the boots that I had decided to wear but it completed the outfit. Claire was wearing a pair of Troy's adidas shoes with her dress. We all got onto the bus and Claire sat next to me, the excitement was in the air, and I was so excited. To watch the first game and to cheer on my husband.

All of us girls were in really similar outfits with the jean jackets as all the returning wives had a super bowl champ patch on one of the sleeves. Tonight, was the first game back in Boston and the place was going to be flowing with energy. Claire babbled next to me as she was telling me all about her pre-school class at her private school. It was a pre-k situation to make sure she was absolutely ready for school. I wove my fingers through her curly hair as we still had a bit before we could see Troy and I wanted to get my hands on him.

I missed him, too.

It was one of the first nights in our house with nobody else there.

It was quiet and I didn't sleep much. My brain spun in circles all night long about everything because the one person who could quiet it wasn't there. "I got a text from Hanson to come down to the field," Amber said leaning over and I grinned, "Already?" she nodded, "Yea, I asked because we want to take a big group picture before everybody starts to arrive. We can go back down later again. We can actually stand on the field." I kissed the back of Claire's head as I smiled knowing Troy was going to be thrilled to see her.

Once the bus arrived at the stadium, we all piled off and headed towards the entrance. I walked with Claire until we got to the opening, and we could hear the music playing and the boys laughing. Claire squealed with excitement as I couldn't stop my own laugh as I followed her into the opening as the place was empty besides the gameday set up. My eyes quickly spotted my husband as his back was to us as he was in his normal pre-game outfit. His cleats were untied so he must have been done already as I bent down to whisper into Claire's eat, "Go get him, but be quiet," she nodded her head and I let her go as I quickly grabbed my phone and started recording as it didn't take her long to get to him and she slammed into the back of his legs.

Troy looked down and the grin that spread over his face – it made my insides twist up with happiness watching him. "Claire!" he picked her up and she wrapped her legs around him and he chuckled, "What in the world are you doing here?"

"Gabi and mommy worked it out!" Those blue eyes swung up to find me and I couldn't stop my smile as I walked over to him. "My god," he paused as those eyes devoured me and I smirked, "Like what you see?" I twisted around and he whistled, "Daddy, I have the same jacket." Claire wiggled down and spun around for him to see. "Both of my girls," his strong hands wrapped around my waist, and he squeezed me. "You look so fucking good," he murmured as he kissed below my ear, and I smiled as I peered back up at him. "I love you," I whispered into his ear.

"Thank you for bringing her."

"Eve is going to come watch for a little bit to take her home mid-game. So, make sure you get all the love you need to get you by until Sunday." He smiled and kissed me quickly before chasing after Claire. He picked her up and wrapped her up in his arms when Lucas appeared next to me. His arm wrapping around my shoulder as I leaned into him. "Next year, he'll be holding two," Lucas said as if he knew every single thought running through my head. The tears that were on the surface to give him another one that makes him just as happy that Claire makes him. Claire giggled as I smiled but couldn't stop the few tears. Lucas pulled me into his arms into a big hug. "We only have a moment before my brother realizes you are upset. You make him happy by just being you and enough. I know you want that to be your son and daughter but do not put more pressure on yourself." He whispered and I choked back more tears.

"Lucas, what's wrong? Is she okay?" Troy's voice was panicked, and Lucas chuckled, "Told ya," he whispered, and I couldn't stop my own laugh as I pulled back to wipe a few tears away. "Claire, I heard the mascot was getting ready. What to go pester him?" Lucas took Claire as Troy had his hands on my face and those blue eyes were searching for all the answers. "What's wrong, El?" he whispered, and I shook my head, "Nothing. I just…I love watching you with her. I love watching you chase and play with her. I love hearing her laugh because you made her laugh. The happiness that radiates off of you…" I shook my head as he sighed softly as if all the puzzle pieces connected in his head.

"El," he whispered as he hugged me to his chest, and I just laid there. "I just have this deep dark fear that we aren't going to get that together." I whispered so quietly I wasn't sure if he had even heard but the way he tilted my head back and those blue eyes looked at me, I knew he had.

"We will get that one way or another, baby. We will." He wiped a few tears away, "I know you see everything that you want for your children when I am with Claire, but I ache for the opportunity for you to get it."

"I love you," I told him. "I am not sad. I am just…jealous that I'm not pregnant and I'm jealous that it isn't easy and I just…I want this to happen for us so badly."

"I know, I love you just as fucking much, but you have to take the pressure off, sweet girl." I just nodded my head, and he kissed me softly before hugging me again. "We have so many chances and it's all going to be worth it. Every single minute of this. The moment we get that sweet baby, it will all be worth it." I took his words and stored them in my heart when I felt Claire's arms wrap around my leg. "Gabi! I found the mascot." Troy chuckled as he kissed my head before lifting Claire up. "Sounds like we need a family picture," Troy tossed Lucas his phone and we all posed after I triple checked my face wasn't red, but it wasn't, and I was thankful you couldn't tell a few tears had been shed.

Troy held Claire with the biggest smile on his face and his arm wrapped around me as I leaned into him.

Claire and Troy quickly turned once the photo was done and went to straight to my abdomen to tickle me. I squealed and took off running, "No!" I screeched and Troy laughed as he sat down Claire and grabbed me almost as quickly because of the shoes I was wearing, and he lifted me up and I couldn't stop laughing. "Claire, get her!" Claire's little hands started in on me and I couldn't stop my laughing. "Troy! Claire!" I wiggled and laughed harder as they both worked me and I almost peed my pants before Claire got distracted and Troy couldn't stop laughing himself as he righted me, and the twinkle was back in those blue eyes.

My smile was happy, and he let his finger tap my lip, "That's what I needed to hear," I smiled with a shake of my head as I hugged him. "Play hard tonight, Bolton."

He kissed my head, "I will."

Gabi's POV

I couldn't take my eyes off of him as he was electric.

It was like nothing had changed from last season and he was on fire the entire time he was on the field. He commanded the whole area around us. I rubbed my lips together as Amber was sitting on one side of me and Sara on the other side of me. "I just love watching him play." I nodded as I looked over at her. "I know." My eyes watched as he stepped back and launched the ball down the field to Hanson. He caught it easily and ran ten more yards before being tackled. Troy ran down the field to catch up as Claire had just left at half time with Eve as they both had a good time.

Troy and the Loyalist scored a touchdown as we got the extra point to put us up by 14. Troy laughed on the sidelines with his friends as he was hugging and talking with his coaches as he was sitting on the bench and looking at the tablet. "How are you doing?" Sara asked looking over at me. My eyes glanced over at her, "I'm okay. Just getting ready to start prepping for the first embryo transfer." I told her with a tiny smile, and she squeezed my knee. "You are so strong for going through all of this." I gave a half smile as I let my eyes wonder to my husband again.

"I couldn't do this without him." I told her honestly. "I don't think there is any other man out there that I could have even attempted this with. He just…he knows how to make me feel better. He knows what I need before I need it. He just knows me, and I am forever grateful for that about him. It's been so much harder than I thought the whole process was going to be." Sara reached over and grabbed me into a tight hug. "You know you never have to do this if you don't want, right?" I closed my eyes, "I have too because one of my favorite things is to watch him be a dad and I want to be a mom,"

Sara just gave me another tight squeeze, "You are an amazing woman," I laughed as I wiped away my tears. "Troy told me you don't want to find out the genders," I shook my head with a half-smile. "No, I just want to have a baby. I don't care if it's a boy or a girl. I don't want the pressure and fighting of what we should do. You know?" Sara nodded with a smile as we looked to see Troy taking the field again. "You raised an amazing man," I told Sara. She let out a loud laugh, "You know, about three years ago, I never thought I would have heard you say that."

I laughed this time myself, "Yea, you're right. I would have never said those words willingly back then."

"He only ever did it because he loved you so much and never wanted to drag you along with him." I let her words sink in because it was something Troy and I had discussed thoroughly since getting back together but hearing his mom say it? It brought a new level of emotion to me. "I know," I whispered back to her, and she gave a tiny smile over towards me. "I still told him he was an idiot." I couldn't stop my laugh and she just hugged me. "You are both going to do big things because you grew without each other. I wish you would have had all of those years together, but I think you are going to have a better relationship."

"I think we do, too."

We both watched the game for a little bit before I laughed, "I should have kicked him in the shin that day."

Sara busted out into a fit of giggles, "You really should have."

We hugged again as we both continued to watch Troy dominate on the field. It wasn't long before the game was winding down and the kick-off of the season was officially over. It had almost been a year since we announced our relationship. Time was flying and I was so happy. Once the game was over, the celebrations on the field occurred, we all started to head to meet with them. It was going to take a bit for all the players to come out but the whole family headed down there. I was getting tired but knew I needed a hug from him.

"He has meetings tomorrow," Lucas said scrolling on his phone next to me. I shot him a look, "Really?" Lucas nodded his head, "Yes, sorry." I groaned as I wanted to keep my husband to myself once he was done with practice and film tomorrow. Lucas squeezed my shoulder, "Sorry, babe." I leaned my head into Lucas's shoulder. "He should be done by four." I just nodded as Lucas wrapped me up in a hug. "Lucas, I swear to God, I have seen your arms wrapped around my wife more today than I want." I couldn't stop my laugh as Lucas chuckled himself.

I let go of Lucas and I turned to see Troy with his pre-game outfit on with a navy plaid suit. The first couple of buttons were undone on his white shirt as he was sans tie. His dress shoes were back on his feet, and I walked over to him as I wrapped my arms around his neck. "You played amazing," he chuckled as he easily picked me up and I pressed my mouth to his. "Why are you hugging my brother again?" he asked, and I just laughed, "Are you jealous of your brother?" Troy laughed and shook his head as he kissed me again, "No, just making sure my girl is okay."

I nodded with a tiny smile, "I'm great, actually, he was just telling me you have meetings tomorrow afternoon." Troy groaned as he dropped his head into the crook of my neck. "I know, I'm sorry. I really much rather lay in bed with you all day." I kissed him softly one more time before I let him go to say hi to all of his family. "Did you talk to Claire yet?" I asked and he nodded, "Right after my shower, I knew it was bedtime." I nodded my head as once he finished up here, he tugged my hand closer to him. "Hi, you look damn good in that suit." I told him and he chuckled as his fingers skimmed underneath of my dress.

"You look damn good in this dress."

"Troy,"

"No," Troy responded as he kissed my neck. "Troy," Reni yelled, and Troy shook his head again. "Later this week, not tonight," Troy kissed another spot on my neck, and I closed my eyes. "Oh, for fuck sakes, Bolton, get off your wife." Troy pulled back and threw Reni a murderous look. "I am going home with my wife. I'll see you tomorrow morning." I paused as I put my hand on Troy's chest. "Go out," I told him, and Reni cheered behind him. "Only if you come with me," he brushed his thumb over my bottom lip, and I shook my head.

"I am tired, but I know you are going to be up for hours with your post-game adrenaline. Go out with your friends. You never get to do that." I saw the hesitation on his face as I pressed up onto my tip toes and kissed his cheek. "Not like we can do anything anyways. Go, have fun, be twenty-six with no regrets." Troy just hesitated for a moment as Reni groaned. "Troy, c'mon," Hanson hit his back on the way out and he finally nodded as Reni whooped with happiness. I wrapped him up in a hug and I kissed him, "Have fun, call me if you need me to come gets you."

He held up two fingers, "That's it,"

"Better kiss me when you get home," I teased and he just chuckled, "Always, El."

Friday, September 9th, 2022

Troy's POV

I heard her before I even opened my eyes.

Tears.

My eyes snapped open, and I sat up looking for her, but she was right next to me curled up in the fetal position.

No.

No, no, no.

We were supposed to have a few more days before this was to occur. I knew it was coming down the pipeline but not yet. I rolled over as I dragged her back against me and she sniffled, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wake you." Her voice was hoarse, and I kissed the back of her neck. She was passed out when I got home earlier, and I didn't wake her and now I'm glad I didn't wake her. "No apologizing," I whispered to her. "Do you want me to grab the pain meds? Heating pad? Anything?" I asked her as I fucking hated this with a burning passion for her.

It did give me some sense of hope that she would be getting to start the process for the embryo transfer, but it was hard to focus on that when she was in this much pain. "No, don't leave me," her voice was a whimper and I just held on tighter. "This started earlier than expected," I whispered, and she nodded her head, "I understand now why I was so tired yesterday." I used my hand to firmly apply pressure to her lower abdomen before moving to do it just a little bit over. She eventually after a while rolled over to face me and I brushed her hair away from her face.

"Being pregnant and not having a period for nine months? Sounds amazing." She whispered and I smiled as I dropped a kiss to her forehead. "I bet it does. I cannot wait for the day that we can just get rid of the problem." Gabi gave a tiny laugh as her hand ran down my arm. "You should go back to sleep. What time did you even get home?" she whispered into the dark air. "One? Two?" I couldn't exactly remember. "Were you safe?" she whispered, and I threaded my fingers through her hair. "Of course, I had two whiskeys."

"I don't think I got my kiss," she teased with a tiny pinch as I chuckled pressing my lips to her forehead. "Now it's just mid-morning breath," Gabi laughed as I liked hearing her laugh. We both talked for a while I coaxed her back to sleep. Doing all of the tips and tricks that I knew to help her fall back asleep. Once she was breathing evenly, I waited for a bit before I let her go and I reached for my phone. I had been doing research to see if there was anything that I could do to help her not have such terrible cramps. I shot off text messages to an acupuncturist and to the IV fluid lady who came to help after her egg retrieval. She told me that she had some stuff that might be able to help.

I was willing to do just about anything to make her feel remotely better. I slid out of bed as it was almost seven and I went downstairs to grab ibuprofen and the heating pad. I made her a large water with electrolytes. I took it upstairs as I put the water and pills by her bedside, and I plugged in the heating pad as my own body was fucking sore from yesterday. I tucked the warm heating pad against her abdomen, and she let those eyes flutter open. "Shh, close those eyes again." I brushed her hair off her face as I wrapped the heading pad around and velcroid it onto her abdomen.

Her fingers wrapped around my wrist, and I smiled, "Go to sleep, unless you want to take some pills before you fall back asleep?" I questioned and she just nodded as I handed them to her and her drink as she took a few sips. "Come lay with me," I kissed her temple, "I am going to get ready for my day. I would love to lay with your all morning but if I don't get up and get started, I may never move." She just sighed and I squeezed her hand before I went to get into the shower. I showered, shaved, and got dressed as I had treatment this morning and we were reviewing film.

Gabi was back asleep as I left her a note to take more pills in six hours and that I had people coming over at noon to take care of her. I kissed her temple as I walked away and went downstairs as Ember was sleeping in her kennel. I let her out as I walked outside with her and I closed my eyes for a moment, I hated seeing her like this, but I knew this was going to get us to the places we needed to go. Once Ember went to the bathroom, I fed her, and let her go lay in bed with Gabi. I called Sophie on my way to the stadium.

"Hey Troy, everything okay?"

"Yea, I just…if you don't mind will you go hang out with Gabi today if you have time? I have treatment and film review today. She got her period this morning and was in a lot of pain. I just don't want her to be by herself." Sophie laughed, "Yea, of course, good game last night."

"Thanks, did you watch?"

"Of course. Scarlett facetimed me for half of it." I couldn't stop my laugh, "You all need to come to the next one. Gabi would love it. Thank you for going to see her. I have a few people coming over to do a few things to see if it helps her periods. I'm desperate to find something that works to help her."

"Why isn't your brother like you?"

I laughed, "Because I am the nicer of the two of us. Sorry,"

She just laughed as we finished our phone conversation. I hung up as I rubbed my forehead and exhaled slowly, it was all going to be okay.

Gabi's POV

My husband.

My husband was trying to win some award.

Between the fluids, the heating pad, meds, and the acupuncture – I wasn't actually feeling that bad. Sophie had come to hang out with me all morning and we did nothing but veg on the couch together and laughed. I knew he had meetings all afternoon, but I wanted him to come home right now. I was even more in love with him right now than I was before, and I couldn't imagine how he found all of this. I was curled up on the couch with Ember as Sophie just left when the garage door opened. "El?" his voice rang through, and I smiled, "In the living room,"

Troy walked into the living room looking exhausted but happy. He padded over towards me, and his lips found the top of my head before my cheek and then my lips. "How was your day? How are you feeling?" he sat on the edge of the couch, and I smiled, "Are you trying to get laid? A blowjob? What? Everything you did today was amazing," I whispered to him, and he chuckled as he brushed hair behind my ear, and he kissed me. "I am trying to stay sane. I do not like seeing you suffer, and I hate your periods. I just did some research to see if I could do anything to help you."

"It did help, thank you," I whispered to him, and he bent forward to capture my mouth his. "I love you, El. I am glad it helped."

"How was treatment? Meetings?" I asked him as he moved my feet into his lap, and he rubbed my calves. "It went well. The treatment was great, the meetings were fine, it was all a busy day, but it was a good day. We get the full day off tomorrow," my mouth fell, and Troy pressed his finger to my lip. "No, no, we are still getting our date tomorrow." I hesitated but Troy shook his head. "Don't worry about it. I have it all figured out and you are going to love it. The day between the two of us and we don't even have to leave the house."

My eyes flickered over to him, and he just wiggled his eyebrows together as I shook my head. "I love you," he whispered over to me. "I love you, too. It's been a good week." I told him as I captured his hand in mine and he gave a smile. "Yea?" he asked, and I nodded, "Fifteen chances, you were an amazing last night, and we are hopefully not that far away from being pregnant." Our fingers locked together, and Troy smiled, "Can't wait,"

"Okay, but really…are you trying to break all the rules?" Troy just threw his head back in laughter and I smiled watching him.

HI! Thank you SO much for the patience with this story and the updates! I have been drowning recently and just trying to keep my head above water between school, moving, and working. I am having a hand procedure tomorrow so I am going to be down a hand and won't be able to type for a little bit. Hopefully it isn't TOO long and I am hopeful that I can get something out to you in the beginning of October but no promises. Life has been life recently. These characters aren't going anywhere so I just ask for patience! I want to give you a chapter for every week but sometimes this takes a back burner and I hope you understand!

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