Chapter 22 – Big Day

Friday, October 29th, 2021

Troy's POV

I sat in front of my team as we were expected to win tonight against a school, I had never heard of, but I scouted the shit out of them. The kids all thought I was insane for how much I prepped for this game, but I told them I wasn't leaving a stone unturned. They didn't trust me enough and I was trying to prove to them that I am doing my best and I am working hard. I needed the very same back from them. Cameron and Jax sat beside me while Dylan and Jesse stood in the back. "Look, this is the test of how we are going to do out there. I need you to trust me because the moment you don't trust me to get you through this game is the moment we are going to struggle. Please, trust me, if you have issues let's talk after the game. Let's work out there."

I exhaled as I stood up, "We are prepared for this team, and I need you to act like it. The starting five is not solidified so things could change after tonight especially if I don't see what I like to see." The group shared a few looks, and I looked over at Jax who added a few things before we broke down and they headed back out to the court to finish warming up. My eyes connected with my best friends as I was riding a high this week from hearing our baby's heartbeat, but nobody knew yet and it was nice to have a little secret between Gabi and myself.

"Do you think they are going to listen?" I shook my head back and forth, "Not a damn chance," I muttered and Jax just laughed. "You are handling this well." Cameron said rocking on his heels, and I shrugged, "I just have to roll with this until they are going to trust me enough. If we lose tonight? It'll be because they don't listen to me. They all have way too much talent to lose to this team. I suspect we will be losing at half time, and I have a plan." Jesse whistled with laughter as we were in quarter zips and slacks. We all walked out of the tunnel and into the arena that was buzzing with not a ton of people but enough to make me remember high school games.

My eyes searched and I found her after a moment. All the girls were sitting together, and I wanted to go over, but it would rile the twins up and I just needed to focus. I watched my teamwork through warm-ups like they used to do last year. I tried to keep some of what they were doing similar in the sense of their pre-game routine. There previous coach was sitting a row behind the bench, and I walked over to him, "Do you think I have a shot in hell of them listening to me?" he chuckled and shook his head, "Not the first half. It's a stubborn team. We talked about this." I nodded in understanding because we did talk about it. He helped me develop the plan to help get them to trust me enough.

We were going to win this game.

I walked onto the court as we talked with the refs, met with the coaches, and my captains which were voted upon the team and were two of the seniors. Once that was done, we went running back to the locker room to do our final thing before heading back out. The intro played and the butterflies took off in my stomach. Holy fuck, I was going to coach a college game. "Take a drink," Cameron hit me with a water bottle, and I glanced over at him. "Take a drink. You look like you are a deer in the headlights." I inhaled and shook off it. "You are just coaching a basketball game. You've done this for years. It's nothing new." I took his pep talk as I finished off the water and gathered my team in a circle to go over the first play of the night and the reminders of defense. I took a knee in front of them as I made eye contact with my starting five that was getting ready to be announced.

"Look," I yelled over the music, "I won't hesitate to pull you if you aren't going to listen to what I am trying to tell you. I can see a clear difference of the play went array and the play you chose to run is something different. Don't test me or you will all be running this week, if we lose this game. I will change my starting five. I know what I am doing." I repeated to them, and they all shared a look with each other debating if I would follow through – I 100% would follow through. The started announcing my starting five as I nodded to my coaches, and I looked across again. She gave me a smile and I felt all of the anxiety of this moment fall away.

I was glad we had an exhibition game on the schedule because this was helpful. It wasn't the first game. We weren't going to have this on our record, but we can treat this like our first game. The next one is just number two. Once they were all out on the court, I sat on the chair and leaned forward as Jax was right next to me. "We got this, Bolton." He hit my fist and I nodded, "We got this," I mumbled as we tipped the ball and took possession. I yelled out a play and almost immediately was ignored. I groaned internally as the play fell apart and they took a sloppy shot for the other team to rebound.

"Seriously? They don't even give it a play?" Jax grumbled and I just nodded, "Sub out Wilson and Johnson," I said and Jax chuckled, "Those guys have met their match." Our defense was pretty solid as I watched them closely as I yelled a few different times as I stood up on the sidelines and at the dead ball they subbed out. Wilson came over hot as he stormed past me, as the point guard, it was his call. "Nope, sit," I pulled him into the empty chair on my left. "Why didn't you run the play I called?" I asked and he just stared forward. His jaw working back and forth. I waited while also paying attention to the game rolling in front of me. I got up a few times to direct the point guard who was actually listening to me but wasn't as talented across the court. We were winning by two as I sat back down and nodded to Jax as he took over for the moment.

"Kaden, we can sit here all day and just watch this game unfold or you can tell me why."

He remained silent, "Fine, go sit down there. Might as well put on your sweatshirt. You aren't going back in." I stood up as he shook his head, "This is bullshit,"

"Language," I reminded him, and he just rolled his eyes, "We aren't high schoolers," he grumbled before going and sitting towards the end of the bench. I refrained from rolling my own eyes as Jax just let out a laugh. I took over and the first media time out occurred as I circled my group around and made some substitutions. Kaden was fuming on the bench and Jesse was trying to talk to him. "Look, we should be winning this game by fifteen. You are all a talented bunch of basketball players. I need you to act like it. I don't know what games we're playing here but I am sick of it. I will sub everybody out who doesn't listen. We are racking up laps at practice. I think you need to figure out as a team if we are going to spend the whole season miserable or trying to win this damn thing."

The buzzer sounded and I reminded them the play and I watched as it was slowly getting better but there were times, they override my decision. I would immediately pull them and Jax already had the next player ready. We were getting to the point that I was going to have to sub people back in who had disobeyed me. Practice tomorrow was going to be brutal. Half time is going to be brutal. We got too half-time losing by two – as I predicted as I had my weakest group on the court, but they were the ones listening to me right now. Wilson stormed back to the locker room, and I glanced at Coach Hamilton, and he just nodded his head, and I agreed before going back to the locker room.

"Kaden Wilson," I called his name and pointed to my office door that connected to the locker room. "Go," he rolled his eyes and I refrained from rolling mine as I looked at the group. "Look, we can start fresh in the second half of this game. We can start from the beginning and see if we can actually beat this team as a team or we can keep doing what we're doing. Clearly, your decisions are not working. So, how about you all think of three things you can change and then we can talk about it in two minutes." I nodded towards Dylan and Jesse to stay with them as Cameron, Jax, and I went to talk to Kaden. He was sulking in the chair across from my desk, "Pulling me after thirty seconds?" he tossed with heat behind his voice.

"Kaden, look, I want you as my starting point guard, but you are the one you have to trust me the most. I told you what was going to happen if you didn't listen to me. I am watching the plays unfold, I have watched hours of film on this team, yes, I give you the permission to change things as you see them on the court but damn, you didn't even try to run the play I gave you," he didn't say anything, and I walked over to sit on the edge of my desk. "What's the problem? Is it because I coached high school and don't have college experience? Because damn, playing in college gives me experience, more experience in that department than Coach Hamilton. I have coached years of high school and won a championship in the highest division of high school basketball." I blinked as I waited for a reaction, "I am more than happy to play you, but I am also more than happy to pull you from the starting five if you can't just listen to me."

Kaden lifted his head as he stared at me for a beat, "It's my senior year," he gritted between his teeth. "Coach Ham was supposed to stay throughout my entire four years, and he left," I shook my head, "He's literally sitting behind us. He didn't just leave. He's been at practice. He's been helping me. You'd think you would be thankful for that. Kaden, it's your call. You have two minutes to think about it before you need to give me an answer. Do you want to be a leader or not?" I stood up after that and walked out as I went to talk to the team. We found a few things to do better, and I clapped as we headed back out to the court for warm-ups. Kaden came out and he paused by me, "I'll try again," I blinked and nodded, "Good. Thank you for making the decision." Kaden just walked in front of me as my eyes looked at Cameron.

"You're doing fucking great," he said slapping my back and I just nodded, "I sure fucking hope so," Dylan chuckled as we walked back to the bench. My eyes found Gabi for a moment, and she was laughing as Saylor sat in her lap. It was already on the calendar for the team to come over to my house on Sunday to watch some football and then have dinner. Team bonding was very much needed and maybe if they saw me in a different setting it would go over better. They could see me in a different setting with my kids and maybe it would give them some more trust.

The game resumed and for the most part – I was listened to and shocker – we were winning by fifteen in the last two minutes. Jax just sat back with a tiny laugh as I nodded my head as the game wrapped up. I greeted my players back before we shook hands and I let them go talk to their friends that were here. I gave them five minutes as we all headed in one direction ourselves. Gabi let Saylor down as she came bouncing down the stairs when she saw me with the biggest smile on her face. I grinned back at her as I lifted her up and over the rope when she got to me with a squeal. "Dada!" she threw her arms around me, and I closed my eyes and hugged her so tightly, "Hi baby," I murmured. "Daddy!" Sutton had his binky in one hand and a blanket in another as I chuckled picking him up as well.

"Hi buddy, did you watch basketball?" I kissed his forehead, and he nodded his head as he laid his head on my shoulder. Gabi came down the stairs and she was so damn beautiful. "Hi, you did great." She said and I smiled as I reached up to tug her to me. "Thank you, it was a grind. How did they do?" she nodded, "Good, they loved being passed around. Sutton is tired though." I nodded in understanding as I glanced at him. I went to hand one of them back which caused both of them to cry and cling to me. "I just have to do a wrap up conversation. I'll take them." Gabi hesitated but nodded, "Thank you for being here," she just smiled, "Always."

I walked into the locker room with both kids as most of the guys were sitting and waiting for me. Once I counted all of them back in the room I started, "Look, I am going to keep this short and sweet – first, these are my kids. Saylor and Sutton. Can you two say hi to daddy's team?" Sutton grinned and popped his binky out, "Hi!" he waved, and the group chuckled as some of the tension fell apart as Saylor gave a shy wave before tucking her head back into my neck. I just smiled before looking at them, "I truly hope you see the difference between the first half and the second half of this game. I am not going to talk your ear off tonight but be prepared to practice hard tomorrow and to run. You redeemed yourself more in the second half. I want you to come in tomorrow and I want to know how we can make this better. What can I do to help you? We'll start in here and then we'll go to the court."

The group nodded, "Practice is cancelled on Sunday as we are going to watch football and have dinner at my house. If it's nice – we'll have everything outside with a handful of TVs for whichever game, you want to watch. Family friendly – so watch your language. I don't care how you talk on the court as long as it isn't directed towards anybody but during a game lets control it as best as we can, yea?" the group nodded, "Shower, get out of here, I'll see you all in the morning." We did a break down and they all went to get ready. I nodded towards Jax and Cameron as I helped Gabi get the kids out to the car. They both were fussy as I put them in their car seat. "Do you need me to come home to help?" I asked and she shook her head as she yawned. "No, I got it. Finish up here."

"How are you feeling?" I asked her softly and she gave a tiny smile, "Good, truly, night and day difference here." I pressed her back against the car gently and tipped her chin back to kiss her. "Go work on that team, they really don't listen to you.' I just groaned and let my head rest on her shoulder. Her fingers waved through my hair, and I smiled, "I love you,"

"I love you, too."


Sunday, October 31st, 2021

The entire team showed up and I was thankful. Practice yesterday wasn't a good time and there was a lot of talking involved and then a lot of running to follow through with what I initially said. I told them they could be out of there right after dinner to go do whatever Halloween plans, they had tonight. The kids were all going trick-or-treating through the neighborhood after dinner and before bedtime. The guys seemed relaxed as they were all in the garage with three TVs all on different games. They showed up in their favorite team's jerseys and they were laughing.

Saylor, Sutton, and Noah were all running around as Stella was strapped to Sara but a few of the guys were interacting with the little kids. They were running around and laughing as they chased them. One of them helped Sutton shoot a basket and I knew this was going to be good. After the game, after talking through everything yesterday, and now this? I don't think I could have asked for anything better. Cameron came up behind me, "I think we turned a corner." I laughed and nodded, "It was a tiny corner but it's better." My eyes turned towards Kaden who I was still struggling with because he was the one, I needed to trust me the most.

He was sitting off to the side and looked to be lost in space. I walked over as I pulled a chair over next to Kaden and he blinked and looked up at me. "More yelling?" he questioned twisting his water bottle in his hand, "No, no yelling." I pulled on my jeans as I sat next to him. "I just want to know what you want from me. What can I do for you? Do you want to watch film with me? Do you want to discuss game plans? How can I help our relationship?" I asked him as I wanted to have a good relationship with him. I was willing to do just about anything to get it, too. "Daddy!" Saylor ran into my legs as I laughed picking her up. "Hi, Say, can you say hi to Kaden?" she twisted to look over at him and she gave a bashful wave, "Hi," she mumbled, and I couldn't stop my chuckle. Kaden smiled a little at her.

"How old are they?"

"They will be two in December, which is, shocking." Kaden inhaled deeply and he shook his head, "Did you know how to be a dad?" he questioned, and I just raised a single eyebrow and shook my head, "No, I was pretty much thirty and didn't have a clue what I was doing but it comes pretty naturally." Kaden just nodded for a moment before he opened his mouth. "I wasn't expecting Coach Ham to retire last year, and it threw me off. I tried to get my mind right about it all summer long and I was prepared to come into this year, and I was ready but…" he rubbed his head, "I messed up in my actual life." I raised an eyebrow to watch him, "Messed up how?" I asked as I let Saylor play with my hand, "No, I can't," he shook his head as he tried to get up, "Kaden, talk to me, as your coach I want to be somebody you can confide in. It can stay between the two of us and well Saylor, but she knows about twenty words." Kaden just laughed as he ran his hands through his hair, "I got my girlfriend pregnant." He finally said looking over at me, "And I blew up on her and then I took it over to you and the team because I am just…lost. My entire senior year has blown up. Then to top it all off – my dad lost his job, and my mom barely makes enough money to support them and my sisters. I was supposed to have fun this year with Coach Ham and just figure out if I could find a way to play overseas or something and now…" he stopped talking as he looked over at his teammates freaking out over some catch.

"Kaden…" I started and he laughed shaking his head, "you don't have to say anything, I know I messed up, I just…she's mad at me. I'm mad at me. I'm just kind of mad right now and I am so scared I am, going to be like my parents and never have enough for their kids even though they try their damn hardest…" I put Saylor down as she went running off and I looked at Kaden, "You get to be mad; you need to worry about getting through school and basketball that you are luckily getting paid for which has to take such a stressor off your parents. They are going to keep doing their best because that is what parents do. With your girlfriend you also have to realize your mistakes and I'm not talking about basketball. You both made a mistake and you both have to own up to that. I get it – it can be scary, and I was scared as fuck when Gabi told me she was pregnant. We hadn't been dating very long but I also knew she was going to be a great mom and she was my future. How long have you been dating her?"

Kaden shrugged, "A little over a year, I don't know if she was forever though, and I highly doubt she'll talk to me after I blew up when she told me." I didn't speak for a moment because he was all of 21 years old and I couldn't imagine being in his shoes right now. "Does she know how far along she is?" he thought about it for a moment, "I think she was due in like March or April." He told me and I nodded, "How about you go and talk to her? Talk to her and figure it out together. I think that would calm you back on the basketball court, but you have unresolved problems right now. It's causing more chaos in your life, and I am here to support you in any way that you want me too. I can't imagine how terrified you might be."

Kaden just let his head fall for a moment and he rubbed his neck. "You won't forgive yourself if you walk away from the situation. Those kids – those kids changed my life and I know you have a whole life ahead of you, but we can get through your basketball season and after that? My phone number doesn't change. Is she also a senior?" he nodded, "She graduates in December." I rubbed his shoulder, "Kaden, you are a smart basketball player. From what I can tell a really damn good person. Coach Hamilton was surprised that you were acting like this, but this makes sense. Your entire world was uprooted around you. I think though we can piece it all back together." He blinked and just laughed for a moment, "You make it sound so easy."

"It won't be but if you don't try then you really won't be any better." Kaden was quiet for a moment, and he nodded his head, "Like I told you on the very first day – I am here to be your coach but also somebody you can trust. Okay? My door is always open, you can always text me, and if you just want to spend some time with a few one-year-olds then I got a couple." He just laughed and swallowed, "Thanks Coach B," I clapped his shoulder and nodded, "Have some fun and start fresh tomorrow, okay? I need you to help me with the rest of the team. You are my point guard, and I don't want to bench you. I want to play you. You are my best player, so show me that."

He nodded, and I walked away as I shook my head, drama in my first damn year.

Sutton was chasing Noah and I smiled before I went into the kitchen as Sara, Sage, and Gabi were all around the table talking and laughing. I went up behind Gabi to kiss below her ear and she shook her head, "Bolton, can you leave your wife alone for a few minutes?" we both just laughed, and I shook my head, "I can't. I would be a terrible husband if I didn't." Gabi grabbed my hand, and her finger ran over my wedding band, and I just smiled. I left them as I went over to Jax who was standing and watching a game as I tugged on his shirt. "What? The Lions are trying to win." I just tugged on him again and into the office upstairs. "Troy,"

"Kaden has a lot more going on in his life that is causing this backlash towards us." Jax raised a single eyebrow, "Like?"

"Like his parents are struggling for money because his dad just lost his job and I know he wants to figure out how to help them, his girlfriend is pregnant, and Coach Hamilton just leaving kind of rocked his entire world." Jax sucked in a breath, "Shit, the damn kid is barely 21." I nodded my head, "I know. So, we need to give him some grace with everything, but I think we've made a little bit of headway tonight. I think we have to remember these kids are living a full life and their adults for the first time and on their own." Jax nodded, "That is probably the hardest part. They have to be accountable for themselves instead of turning to their parents." I nodded as I ran my fingers through my hair. "We got this, Bolton. I think we are heading in the right direction. Today is going really well." I smiled with a nod and sighed, "I agree. It might be the most winning season of our lives, but I think it will be a stepping-stone. The learning curves. That is what we have to remember."


Monday, November 1st, 2021

I kissed up his chest and up the column of his throat as he groaned in his sleep. It was still dark outside, but the clock had ticked over past midnight. I fell asleep a lot earlier than I had planned but I woke up and grinned because it was my favorite persons 31st birthday. I kissed his neck and then his jaw before moving to his cheek. "Gabs?" he breathed out a word as I rolled my hips against his groin, and it didn't take long to get a reaction out of him. "Happy Birthday," I murmured in his ear, and he just smirked as I let my lips fall to his. He let his hands brush against my back, and he came to find nothing. No clothes. No bra. No underwear.

"Fuck, Gabi," he groaned as his hips arched up and I just shook my head before letting my body work down his body. My lips wrapped around him as I took him as deep as I possibly could. "Fuck," his fingers wove in my hair, and I worked him as I rubbed my own thighs together trying to get the friction I needed. "No," Troy pulled me up off of him and I smirked as he pushed me back down into the bed and he didn't take mercy on me. He slammed into me as we both groaned satisfied. "Fuck, I love birthdays," I couldn't stop my laugh as I pulled him back down to kiss me.

"If I wasn't already pregnant, I am pretty sure this would do it," I gasped as he shut me up with his fingers. "I forgot how horny you can get in your first trimester." He whispered as he worked my body. I tried to grab onto him and to hold on for the ride. He dragged out two orgasms from me before he let himself go. He dropped to my side before our mouths fused in a gentle kiss. My fingers brushing through his hair and a smile on my face. "Happy Birthday," I told him again and he smiled as he kissed me once more. "Thank you, baby. If you want to do that for the next 365," I just laughed as I shook my head. "A special birthday treat," I told him with a tap on the nose.

"Plus, I am horny. I woke up really needing you and you got lucky it was after midnight." Troy chuckled as he pressed a kiss to my shoulder. "I would have probably gotten lucky twice if it was before midnight." I giggled and shrugged, "Who knows, you might get lucky twice regardless." We snuggled up to each other and I let my fingers dance across his chest. "I love you, Gabs," he whispered into my ear, and I smiled looking over at him, "I love you, more. I am so lucky that I get to spend the best years with you." Troy smiled as he kissed me again.

He wasn't wrong.

He got lucky again.


Saturday, November 6th, 2021

Gabi's POV

10 weeks pregnant

Saylor and Sutton were napping in prep for Tommy, Laura, and Macken's arrival into Statesboro tonight. They were here for a long weekend to be here for Troy's first game and a belated birthday celebration for Troy. Most of the boy's parents were coming down and we were going to have a fun weekend. I was resting as Troy should be back from practice soon as he was going to grill tonight, and we were going to spill the beans that we were pregnant tonight. I scrolled on my phone when I heard the door open as Luna popped up to go check in out. It wasn't long before Troy was coming up into the bedroom.

"Kids still sleeping?" I nodded my head and Troy crawled onto the bed next to me, "How was practice?" I asked and Troy shrugged, "It was okay. I am getting nervous about our first actual game." He admitted as he pushed me back onto my back gently as he found my mouth before working down until he pushed my shirt up gently, "Hi baby," he murmured against my stomach, and I smiled watching him. He was into this pregnancy way more this time around especially in the early stages and it was probably for many reasons – he had kids and knew how it would all unfold, plus, he watched my pregnancy develop and how amazing it was.

My fingers ran through his hair, and he smiled up at me, "Are we finding out if it's a boy or girl?" he asked me and I laughed, "Do you want to wait?" he shook his head back and forth, "No, unless you want to wait. I mean, we know you'll be having a C-section again, so if you wanted that." I shook my head and smiled, "I felt like I bonded to them last time while they were still in my belly because I knew. Because we knew their names. Because they became a little person. I liked that. Plus, I need to know how to design my new nursery." We both laughed as he came back up and cuddled up with me. My fingers tugging into his hair, and he sighed, "I love you," he whispered into my ear, and I smiled, "I love you, too."

A crackle came through the baby monitor and Troy grunted, "We need to get them up anyways, your parents will be here in a little bit and then we can finally spill the beans." Troy grinned as he sat up, "Stay here. I will bring them here." I nodded as I watched him go. I waited patiently as he came back with two toddlers as they were both still half asleep. He sat Saylor on her feet, but she whined and reached back for him, "hang on, baby, we are going to cuddle with mommy." He put Sutton down as he crawled up to me and put his head on my breasts and rubbed his blanket on his face. "Hi baby," I rubbed his head, and I ran my fingers through his hair. Troy got back into bed next to me and Saylor laid on his chest and Troy smiled. "I can't believe there will be a third in this bed next year."

"Hopefully they like each other." I murmured and Troy smiled, "They will. They will be young enough to not know any different. Now, they might be a little rough but…" I couldn't stop my laugh as Troy's phone rang and he reached over to see his mom calling him. "Hey mom," he put her on speaker phone. "Hi honey, we are almost to Statesboro. Do you need us to pick up anything?" Troy glanced at me, and I shook my head. "No, I think Gabs got everything. We have dessert, we are grilling steaks, etc. If you want anything to drink pick it up," he said.

"Okay, does Gabi want any sort of wine?" Troy smiled but shook his head, "No, she picked up some stuff earlier for her and the girls." He fibbed and smiled, "Sounds good, your dad will probably find some beer." They hashed out a few more things before hanging up. "We should probably get everything ready. Your parents are coming over, right?" I nodded and we got up to start. We changed diapers and let the twins go play in the living room as I tidied up. Troy started to get all the food ready as all the friends started to filter in. I took Stella from Sara to get some baby snuggles. "We're here!" Macken and Silas burst through the door and Troy laughed as he grabbed his sister in a big hug.

"Ugh I'd never thought I would miss you." I couldn't stop my laugh as Saylor and Sutton came running into the kitchen. "Mac, mac!" they both yelled her name, and she grinned as she grabbed them both in a tight hug. "My babies!"

"Mac, give me!" Laura came in and I smiled watching as she stole one of them from her. Saylor and Sutton were both giggling and laughing as they were grabbing onto their favorite people they haven't seen in a little bit. Tommy came in and he hugged his son and then came over to me, "How are you?" I hugged him, "Good, adjusting to life down here." He smiled, Sutton cried and reached for Tommy, "Hi buddy," he held Sutton as they switched kids around as my parents came through. "Hi, how was Beth?" I asked and they both smiled, "So good, she is just glowing." I gave a smile as they were going to freak out in just a little bit knowing both of their daughters were pregnant.

"Are you going to see Blaine next week?" Troy asked my parents and they nodded, "We are. We are going to make it to their first home game." Troy smiled, "I need to figure out if we will ever cross paths. I want to be able to go to a game." I felt that warm and squishy feeling with how much he enjoyed watching Blaine succeed. All of his best friends started to show up with their meat to grill as everybody brought a side dish. It wasn't long before all the kids were running around and everybody was talking, drinking, and then seated at the table to eat. "Gabs, wine?" Sage asked and I didn't deny it as she sat it in front of me and I thanked her as I didn't plan on touching it. He just smiled as Saylor and Sutton were seated between Macken and Laura.

"Gabi, the house is coming along beautifully," Laura said, and I grinned, "Thanks, we need to do work on a few rooms still but for the most part it's coming along." Troy hit my knee as I tried to stop a laugh as my mom Facetimed Beth for some reason and I Facetimed Jenna while Troy's mom facetimed Brady – I wasn't sure how we were pulling this off without questions but before we knew it everybody we loved was on the phone from somewhere else. Even my dad Facetimed Blaine, Lucy, and James. "Okay, okay, while we have everybody and their mother on the phone – which I am not sure how we did." Troy said shooting me a look and I just laughed because it happened naturally.

"Saylor and Sutton have something they want to share," Troy went over to them as I followed, and we both tugged off their sweatshirts they were wearing to reveal t-shirts that read "big brother" and "big sister" on them. Once we removed the sweatshirts the room split into laughs and screams of excitement which scared all the kids. "You're pregnant?!" Beth screamed through the phone, and I couldn't stop my tears as Sutton was screaming and trying to climb up my body. I picked him up as everybody was laughing and grinning as I was pulled into more hugs than there were people, I am pretty sure. Once everybody calmed down and we let the kids go play, the questions started.

"How far along are you?" Lennon asked as her own hand fell onto her belly, "We are 10 weeks, our due date is June 10th, and yes, for all wondering there is only one baby in there. We have confirmed." The group laughed as Troy shot me a smile as I could see the happiness all over his face. "How have you been feeling? I would have absolutely never guessed." Sage said and I laughed, "I am actually feeling great. Just tired really. No morning sickness, no migraines, we are already doing better than last time." The group was all smiles and Dylan laughed, "Fuck, Troy, three kids? You barely have time to do everything you can do now in 24 hours." Troy just rolled his eyes but laughed, "I know, it's going to be an adventure but luckily I am doing it with the best girl possible." He winked over towards me, and I couldn't stop my smile.

"Perfect timing on that date though – summer? It's like you planned it." His dad said and Troy chuckled, "It was planned. I learned my lesson this first time, dad," Troy teased, and I just laughed as I smiled watching Sutton and Saylor running around in the living room. "How exciting, both of my babies having a baby this year." I went over to hug my mom and she hugged me right back. My eyes blurred but only for a moment at the thought of Zoey missing this time. She would have embraced her aunt life so much. "I know," my mom whispered, and I just closed my eyes. "She would have loved all of these babies like her own." I just nodded and I pulled back to wipe the few tears that did escape away. "Beth wanted me to tell you to call her when you have a chance, same with Blaine and Lucy." I just nodded as it got chaotic in there. I needed to call Jenna back, too.

Troy came over and hugged me and I just hugged him back, there were no words that needed to be sad because today was one of those big moments that dwindled into my mind. His hand ran down my back and he kissed the top of my head. "Mama!" Sutton beat on my legs, and I couldn't stop my smile as I bent down to pick him up. Troy smiled as he tucked a piece of hair behind my ear. "I love you," I told him, and I tickled Sutton as he giggled and wiggled away from me. "I love you, too Sutty boy," he just giggled, and he wiggled down my body. He kissed my temple, "I love you, too." I smiled as I called Beth back first as everybody was chatting and smiling.

"Gabi!" I just laughed, "I know, I know, I am so excited we're going to have kids around the same age."

"I am so happy for you! I can't wait," we both giggled, and I talked to her for a few minutes before hanging up and enjoying time with our family. "I cannot wait for our little ones to be close in age," Lennon said with a grin, and I laughed, "I know, too bad we couldn't get Sage to join our little party." Sage snorted, "No way, we need a little bit longer." Sara laughed as Stella was strapped to her chest and Josie was smiling, "Hopefully Dylan I next year." We all laughed as we talked, and the party started to dwindle down as Troy's arms wrapped around my neck. "My mom took the kids upstairs to put them to bed." I smiled, "She's amazing,"

"Want to go get some ice cream or dessert? Just the two of us?" I nodded with a smiled, "Yea, let's do it."


Troy's POV

Tuesday, November 9th, 2021

I spun in my chair as I thought about today. I did not sleep last night. I felt like I was trying to make sure I didn't forget anything. I was trying to make sure I didn't fuck up this first game. My team seemed to be gelling better overall and practices were running smoother. "You are going to make yourself dizzy." I turned to face the door as Gabi was standing in the doorway. I smiled, "You are sight for sore eyes." She walked in and wrapped her arms around my neck. I had been busy with the guy's last night finalizing our game plan and we had a longer run-through to just make sure we were on the same page as a team.

Plus, we had to get some drinks to calm us all down, so I hadn't seen Gabi much this week. My family has been keeping her busy but also taking the twins during the day, so she was able to work this week. "You could have woken me up last night," Gabi said sitting in my lap and her arms wrapping around my neck. I just let out a laugh, "I would absolutely never wake you up." She pouted and I kissed her which caused her to laugh. "Just because I am pregnant doesn't mean that you have to let me sleep – especially when I wanted you last night." I only groaned in response. "Don't say that to me. I would have woken you up."

She just laughed and kissed me again as I let my hands run up her sides, "Are the kids with my parents?" she nodded, "Yea, they wanted to take them to the park and lunch. I took the opportunity to clean up the house and get ready for tonight so when they get home, we can do nap and then I can work for just a little bit before we are getting ready for somebody's big game tonight." I just smiled at her, and she smiled back, "You think I can do this?" Gabi just let out a laugh, "Do it? You are already doing it. You are going to do your best and that is the only thing you can do." She paused as she thought on it for a moment, "When I think of what I want our kids to witness – I want them to strive to do the best they can in whatever they set their minds, too. Not perfection, not laziness but their best. To make goals and strive for them. I think we teach them that by doing it ourselves."

My thumb brushed her chin and I smiled, "I love you and I love that." She shrugged as she thought about it, "Somebody somewhere is going to hate whatever decision you make, and they are going to think you are terrible but in the next room over there is probably somebody who loves your ideas, and you bring something new to the game. You can't please everybody and the fast you realize that you are doing your best and you are making the right decisions for you and your team? The faster you don't care how well you are doing but how to improve upon how you are doing. Quiet the noise around you."

I kissed her roughly as my hand cupped the back of her head and the other secured her to my lap. "Jesus, Bolton, at least shut the door." I broke away from Gabi as she let her head fall onto my shoulder as I stared at Cam and Jax. They were both grinning, but I just shook my head. "Why don't you shut my door for me?" I asked them and they both just laughed. "No, because who knows what you two would do in here. I know what those pregnancy hormones are like now." Cameron wiggled his eyebrows and Gabi just laughed as she picked up her head. "Hi boys,"

"Hi Gabs," they both greeted. "Glad to see that you came to get your husband to fucking relax." I rolled my eyes, "As if you boys are any better." Jax laughed, "He has us there." I let my hand fall on Gabi's back as I looked up at the ceiling, "Do you think I'll be fired if I do a shot pre-game?" we all laughed as Gabi massaged my neck with those fingers that could do dirty things to me. "I would have relaxed him last night, but he didn't wake me up." Jax and Cameron shook their heads back and forth. "We would never wake a pregnant woman up." Jax said and I pointed at him, "See?" Gabi just rolled her eyes. "I thought you boys liked getting laid?" We all laughed again, and Dylan poked his head out of his office.

"What are you all laughing about?"

"Waking pregnant people up," Jax piped, and Dylan scrunched his nose, "Oh bullshit, don't make that face. You will be dealing with this before the end of next year." Dylan rolled his eyes, "I am getting married in June. Give me more of a break than that." I blinked as I looked over at Jax who just threw his head back laughing, "Yea, and you'll have her pregnant by August."

"I haven't gotten her pregnant yet, have I?" Cameron just shook his head, "Yea, but something about when you get a ring on their finger, they want to have a baby, plus, you aren't getting any younger." Gabi just laughed as she kissed my neck and then went to stand up. I frowned, "Where do you think you are going?" she squeezed my hand, "I am going home to take a nap since I am growing your baby." I grinned up at her, "Damn right, you are growing my baby." We both just laughed as Jax, and Dylan rolled their eyes. "You two are so gross sometimes," Dylan grumbled.

"Alright boys, good luck tonight. You will have the biggest cheering section known to man." Gabi waved good-bye as she left and I watched her walk away and I shook my head, "I love that woman so damn much."

"That's good. You're having another baby with her." Dylan deadpanned and I shook my head with a smile, "You'll have one and you'll understand." I told him and Jax nodded with a smile, "After having Stella, I want about three more now." I nodded as I pointed at him. "They are the best. Plus, Gabi pregnant – she is so damn beautiful. I just hope it's a little less scary this time."


Gabi's POV

I watched Troy stick his hands in his suit pants as they went with the pants with their button up shirts tucked in – sans tie. His fingers wove through his hair as he nodded with his players and talked to them as they were warming up. I was chasing Sutton and Saylor up and down the stairs as I was trying to get some of their energy out pre-game so that I could actually watch the game. I was so nervous for Troy, but I was so excited for him. He was going to do amazing out there and I was crossing my fingers and toes that tonight went well. I just wanted it to go well – I wasn't sure if I cared if they won.

"Mama!" Saylor was wearing the little Eagles cheer uniform and I smiled with a nod, "Yea, is that a picture of daddy?" she nodded her head as Troy and the boys were printed on the front of the newsletter. It was an interview done by Troy inside. I read a few pages of it, and I couldn't help but know that he was perfect for the job. I picked it up again and flipped to one of the questions.

"What is your driving force? It takes a lot of guts to jump from high school head coaching to college D1 head coaching without any other steppingstones."

My family, honestly. I want to do right by them, and I worked hard in high school, and I wanted to be successful there but when the thought for a college spot opened up? I knew I needed to do it for my family, for me, and for my kids. I want to be able to show them that they can do whatever they put their mind, too. In college, if you would have asked me if I was going to be right here, right now? I would have laughed in your face, but I put my mind to it, I worked hard, and this is something I really, really wanted.

Speaking of family – how many kids? A wife? Who will be here to cheer you on?

My wife, Gabi, and I have been together a little under 3 years, married for one, and we have twins who are one and will be two this coming December. Our life is a little chaotic, but I wouldn't change it for the world. Gabi is my entire world, and our relationship took off at lightning speed and we did the whole kids thing before the marriage thing, but I wouldn't change anything. My kids, Saylor and Sutton, they are everything to me. Getting to watch them grow and seek out the world and learn everything around them? It's amazing. Gabi is a rockstar – she used to be a Duke dancer and owns a dance studio that she is managing from Statesboro.

I smiled reading the last as there was a few family pictures that were included, and I let my hand fall to my stomach thinking next year – we could talk about our other kid. I guided Saylor and Sutton to our seats as Tommy took Sutton and Macken took Saylor as they went to playing with them as I wiped my sweaty hands off on my jeans. My eyes watched Troy as he was talking with his team as they were starting introductions. The gym was dark, and the lights were flashing as goosebumps traveled down my arms. I couldn't stop the tears in my eyes thinking that no matter what happens tonight – tonight was a win. Troy made his dream come true and I was so thankful for that.

Laura grinned next to me, "I love watching my kids achieve their dreams." I smiled over at her with a nod, "I was just thinking tonight was a win regardless because this was his dream. I am so excited to watch them achieve their dreams." I said looking at Saylor and Sutton who both had a toy and were playing together. Laura smiled, "They are going to be the best. I can't believe you are pregnant. I was not expecting that." I couldn't stop my laugh, "We were actually trying this time. No surprise." She smiled while hugging me. "I just figured you would want them to be older since there is two of them." I shook my head, "No, I want my kids to be close in age. I want them to all have similar circle of friends and I want them to be close. I was six years apart from my middle sister and twelve with my older sister. I don't want my youngest and my oldest more than six years apart."

She raised an eyebrow, "Are you saying there will be another one after this one?" I just laughed with a shrug, "One at a time but Troy and I never said no to four. I think four is the max though – I also like the even number plus my only fear is that the twins will always have each other but the third one might feel left out – ya know?" Laura just grinned because I knew she loved having grandkids. "How are Brady, Ada, and Maverick?" she smiled, "So good. That little boy is so damn cute. I know how much they wanted to come down here, but they were both so busy."

"They will find a game." I said and we focused on the basketball game as it started. The whistles blew and all of our attention was drawn to the court but mine went to my husband. He watched his team that was new to him, but I saw the shift – it was just another basketball game he was coaching. Once the whistle blew, I think that was all he could think about. It wasn't a college game. It wasn't a high school game. It was simply just a basketball game. I think that helped him because by half-time they were winning by fifteen.


Troy's POV

"To our first W," the beer glasses tipped together in the center of the table as the parents all took the kids home and we all went out to dinner at a local bar to celebrate our first win as a team. Gabi was next to me, and I let my fingers fall to her thigh. I gave it a squeeze as we won by fourteen points. I felt good during it and once the whistles blew – I did what I did best. I coached basketball. "God, that was thrilling. The entire thing was thrilling." I smirked as Gabi smiled right over at me, "You were impressive. The team looked a lot better than the exhibition game."

The group agreed, "I think our little home team bonding worked really well. The guys loosened up a bit when they realized we were just there to be a coach to them. Of course, it was an easier first opponent, but we could have bombed that game." The group all nodded in acknowledgement. The guys all debriefed as the girls talked. I wanted to get home and take my wife to bed and do all the things as my energy was pent up. She looked damn good in the t-shirt and jeans with a zip-up jacket around her shoulders. I let my hand crawl up her leg and then to her abdomen as I let my hand lay there. She put her hand over top without thinking as our baby was growing inside of her.

"Our first road trip is next," Dylan said, and I nodded, "I can't wait. It's going to be a fun trip and we are going to have to work harder for this one. Harder team,"

"Okay, okay, we get it. Let's just celebrate this first win. We aren't losing all of them," Jesse joked, and we all laughed as Dylan smirked, "We are going to go five hundred. I can feel it."

"I would take that as a damn win," I told them. Gabi got up to go to the bathroom as I let my eyes follow her until she was beyond my view. "I think we are going to bug out when she comes back," I said tipping off the rest of my beer. Dylan groaned, "Why won't you stay for at least another drink? Please?" he begged, and I just laughed, "Because, my wife is probably tired, and I want to go do some naughty fun things with her." I said with a wiggle of my eyebrows. Jesse smirked, "Can't blame you," Sage hit his shoulder and he rolled his eyes but smiled as he tugged her close. "You want some, too?"

"Not after that." The group laughed as Gabi came back rubbing her eyes, I gave a pointed look to Dylan, and he only rolled his eyes. "Troy, I am going to head home. I'm tired," she said with a yawn. I just smirked, "I know, we're getting out of here." She shook her head, "No, no, you stay out with your friends." She kissed my cheek, and I turned my head to kiss her lips again. "Nah, we're going home together." Cameron just laughed, "Gabs, get him out of here before he bones you here." Gabi's face flushed and I smirked as I kissed her one more time before I went to pay out tab and I waved good-bye to my friends. "Rest tonight because planning starts again tomorrow."

The whole group groaned, and I just laughed as I chased my wife out of the building. I jogged up behind her as I let my hand slip around her abdomen, and I gently turned and pressed her into her car. "Troy," she said with a laugh, and I couldn't keep my hands or my lips off of her anymore. My mouth devoured hers and she groaned as I lifted one of her legs to wrap around my waist and I pressed into her. "I can't wait to get rid of your parents tomorrow," she gasped as she rolled her own hips against mine and I just chuckled in response as my wife was not one to keep quiet. "I do love them here though; the kids are having so much fun with them."

I shut her up with another kiss and cupped her face, "I'll see you at home."


Happy Sunday! I hope you enjoyed the chapter! Let me know what you think!

Update will be in three weeks! I will be out of town the next one so just pushing it back a week!

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Update: November 26th

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