Chapter 11 – Aftermath

Tuesday, October 11th, 2022

Gabi's POV

I was still curled up in his side. My body cocooned into his as this was the only place I wanted to be. I could still hear Indy's voice over and over again. I curled tighter into him, and he kissed the top of my head. I finally passed out at some point last night and I rolled onto my back, "Do you have a work-out?" I asked him quietly and he shook his head. "No, I am staying with you today. You need me." I tried to object but he shook his head. "I told Lucas to take Claire to Eve's. Maybe you don't want me, but I need you. Yesterday was hard and I need you."

I swallowed on the lump in my throat, and I closed my eyes as I rolled closer to him and buried my face into his chest. My face felt raw, I felt sick, I felt like I couldn't stop crying. My baby. The cells of Troy and I that we created – just gone. I inhaled on a hiccup, "I need you, too." I whispered. I tucked my legs through his legs as he rubbed my shoulders. My phone rang and Troy reached for it, "It's Dr. Monty's office." He whispered and I swallowed as I answered it. I put it on speaker as I laid there, "Hello?" my voice was so hoarse. "Gabi, how are you doing?" Indy's voice was soft, and I blinked a few times as I sat up.

"I'm okay, just sad."

"I know, this is the hard part. Dr. Monty would like to see you this week and I know Troy's off day is today, but I also know that this is probably the hardest day to come back to the office. I just know how much Troy likes to be with you and we have an open slot to talk about what's next." I closed my eyes and Troy glanced at me for a moment. "Yea, we'll take it. I just can't promise that I won't be a mess." Indy gave a little laugh, "It's okay sweetie, I hate giving the terrible news. I am praying that in the near future I will get to tell you the positive news."

"I hope so," I whispered. "Does 2 o'clock work?" I agreed and hung up the phone, "We don't have to do this today. I would make anything work." I shook my head as I crossed my legs, and I tugged my knees up to my chest. "I want to do another transfer soon and I just want to make sure we are doing all the right things." Troy glanced at me and pulled me back into him. I straddled his lap, and he tucked hair behind my ear. "Baby, if we need to take a month off. Yesterday was hard. We can take a month and come back to it." I shook my head and Troy cocked his head softly, "Baby,"

"I want you to be here when the baby is born and if we wait much longer…then you'll be in the middle of training camp or the start of the season." Troy just nodded and his words were so soft, "Okay, but what can I do for you? How can I help heal you before we start this over again? I know nothing will take away of what could have been, but I need you in a good spot before we go down this road again." I inhaled and exhaled, "I just need time. I really thought I was pregnant, and I really thought we were going to be celebrating. I just need to wrap my head around it." I looked over at my nightstand where the picture of our embryo was. "I don't want to forget this one," I whispered to him, and he shook his head, "We won't." those blue eyes were sad today and I swallowed. "I'm sorry," I whispered to him as I couldn't stop the fucking tears from falling as I stared at my husband. "I'm sorry, that I couldn't carry our baby," my voice broke at the end and the pain that crossed Troy's face as he pulled me into his body.

"El, please never be fucking sorry for this. This isn't your fault." Our bodies curled together, and I couldn't let go. I never wanted to let go. "Are you sure you don't need to go workout or watch film or something?" I hiccupped as Troy pinned me down to the bed and he hovered over my body. "I have nowhere to be but right here. Tomorrow, we put one foot in front of the other." I just nodded as he wiped away the tears that fell down my face. "I love you and I swear if you apologize for something again that you had no control over then I will drag you to everybody and their mother to tell you that you did nothing wrong. It just wasn't the one. We have more things to try. More things to do. We will do more things and Gabi – I will do whatever you need me to do. You deserve this."

I went to say something, but he shook his head, "And Wren told me what you said. A baby isn't going to make me happy. You do make me happy. You make me so fucking happy that my emotions feed off of your emotions. The moment you say you are done. We're fucking done. No questions. No hesitation. Because I know you will only make that decision when you truly are done with all of it. That you won't make that decision lightly. So – you need to do what is best for you and your heart." I closed my eyes and took a deep breath as I opened my eyes again to look at him. "Okay," I whispered to him, and he nodded as he dropped next to me, and our bodies intertwined together in the bed. "You never need to post anything about these past few days, Gabi."

I shook my head, "The bad and the good with everything in between." I whispered. Troy just nodded his head and we both lay quietly together. His phone went off a couple of times and he ignored it each and every single time. We cried more tears and we talked about all of the different scenarios that could have been with our little babe that we will never really know. Our fingers connected together as we turned our conversation about our futures and our own wants. "Are you sure you want to do another transfer after this next period?" Troy asked softly and I nodded, "I do. After this one I will reevaluate, but I want one more before we push it off for a few months. We're still talking summer."

"I love you," Troy said into the quiet air, and I smiled as I rolled over towards him and blinked my eyes, "I love you, more."

Troy's POV

I held her hand tightly the entire drive to the fertility clinic. We took a shower together and since she wasn't pregnant, she was no longer on pelvic rest, and we took our time in the shower. I showed her how much I loved her, and we were soft and gentle with each other as our hearts were reeling. Her hair was pulled into a messy bun as she was wearing jeans with one of my t-shirts as I kissed her knuckles. "I love you," I murmured to her, and she gave a patient smile. "Can we get Claire? I think we need a little bit of a distraction tonight. I know she is going to Eve tomorrow anywhere but…"

I nodded; her requests were going to be granted all day today "Done. I will text Eve when we get there." Gabi nodded as her head turned out the window as she put on a little make-up and we both got lunch and coffee together. I knew she was going to be okay, and she would throw herself into the next one, but it was so hard to see her have to go through all of this. Once we pulled into the parking lot, I took her hand as we walked through the front doors. I checked us in, and Gabi sat in the corner where we typically sat. Her eyes were far away, and I wasn't sure what to expect with this conversation. She took a deep breath and exhaled. I tugged her into my side as I kissed the top of her head. There were whispers in the room as she tucked her head into my shoulder as we could both feel the stares on us. Indy popped her head out and she made eye contact with me, and I nodded as I eased Gabi up and she lifted her eyes, but I could feel all the eyes on us, and I just let her hide her face against my chest and guided her into the back.

"So sorry," Indy said with a grimace, "I could hear it from back here. We aren't quite ready but if you want to sit in here for a little bit?" I just nodded, "Thank you, Indy." Gabi and I sat in the office as she sat down in the chair, and I exhaled watching her knowing that just a handful of days ago we were full of hope. I wanted to feel that again instead of this floundering feeling. "Troy, sit," her voice was soft, and I finally nodded before sitting in the chair next to her. Her fingers slid into mine and neither of us spoke as we just felt each other's company.

It wasn't too long until Indy and Dr. Monty were coming into the room. Dr. Monty squeezed my shoulder and then bent down to hug Gabi. "I am so sorry," she said, "I know this has to hurt so much," Gabi blinked her eyes a few times and nodded as Dr. Monty sat on the edge of the desk. "I do want both of you to know – there is no rush to go into the next one." Gabi quickly was shaking her head, "No, I want to go into the next one. I know that I have to work through these emotions but in the same breath I want to move forward as well. If we wait too long this baby will be born in the beginning of the season and I am just trying to avoid some of that." My eyes glanced over at her, and she glanced at Dr. Monty and then me. "El, if you aren't ready then I will move hell and high water to make the transition easy."

She let the water fill her eyes this time, "I know you would but I just in vision the two of us lying in bed together for a week staring at our child together. You not having to run off to football or preparing for a game. I don't know. It's self-ish of me, I guess, I just want those moments in the beginning before we have to start chasing you." I swallowed on the lump in my throat as I nodded, and I let my fingers slide into hers. "Okay," I told her as my voice cracked slightly and she squeezed my hand. "Okay, then we will work up something a little different for this cycle to see if it helps. You're lining and everything looked great, but we will add a few more medications and see if we can make sure your body isn't fighting against you." Gabi nodded and asked a handful of questions. "Did I do anything wrong?" she asked. "No, Gabi, you did nothing wrong. There is no guarantee in the IVF world. We could do everything right and love everything we see but sometimes it just doesn't stick."

She nibbled on her lip, and I looked down at my lap as I just held her hand in mine. They talked about the next protocol, and I couldn't believe we were doing this again so soon. I knew we would probably do it again but after we had a baby. Not right now.

"Was it a boy or girl?" my head snapped up as I looked at her, "Gabi," my voice was breathless and she shook her head, "I need to know. It's been eating at me because I don't know if it was a perfect little boy or a sweet little girl and I feel like that's hindering my grieving, ya know?" I shook my head because I didn't know. It made it feel better that I didn't know. Dr. Monty didn't speak for a moment as I inhaled as I watched Gabi, "Dr. Monty, please," Dr. Monty glanced over at me, and I just slightly nodded my head. "It was a boy," she said softly. The sound that came out of Gabi's throat knocked the breath out of me. Her body crumpled forward, and I easily moved her into my lap as I curled around her. I heard the door shut but I didn't see Dr. Monty or Indy leave as I just rocked her in my arms.

"I'm sorry, Troy, I'm so sorry, I know you want a boy," her sobs broke my heart as I just kissed on her and held her close to me. "You have nothing to apologize for, Gabriella. Nothing. You just heard Dr. Monty say that you didn't do anything wrong. You have to believe that if we are going to go into another round of this so soon." I brushed her tears away and let my hands cradle her face to force her to look at me. Those brown eyes were sad, but I could see she was hearing me. "I love you and nothing will ever change that. You did everything right."

She let her head rest against my shoulder and neither of us moved for a handful of minutes before she took a deep breath. "Just know, if at any time you want to back out of this round then I support you. I also support your decision to go forward. You aren't self-ish to want some time as a family after we get our baby." Those brown eyes glanced up at me and she then wrapped her arms around my waist and buried her head into my chest. I kissed the top of her head, "Give me one more and then we will take a break because two of these might crush me." She whispered and I nodded, "Then let's prepare for round two,"

I let her up as she went to wipe her face and check her reflection in the mirror. "We can sneak out the back," I told her, and she nodded her head. She opened the door as Indy was typing on the other side waiting for us. "I'm sorry," Gabi started, and Indy and I both shook our heads. "Stop, you have nothing to apologize for. I am emailing you right now with your instructions on the coming weeks. Once your period starts – message us." I grimaced and Gabi nodded. "Do you care if we sneak out the back?" I asked and Indy shook her head as we escorted us out the back door. Luckily, I parked closer to that direction.

Gabi and I jogged to the car and once we were inside, I looked over, "Claire?" she let a smile cross her face, "Yea, I need a little bit of sunshine."

Wednesday, October 12th, 2022

Troy's POV

My mind was in another space at the moment and every single time I tried to drag it back to the quarterback meeting that I was involved in – the more I got lost in thought. Gabi was keeping Claire until this afternoon because Eve had a few meetings this morning. Gabi seemed better this morning, but I knew she was putting up a front. "Troy," I blinked, and I glanced up at my quarterback coach. "You have got to be paying attention. Where are you right now?" I went to open my mouth but shook my head again. "I'm focused," I told him as I went over the past couple of things, he spoke to me.

"Act like it," I just nodded as Kellen glanced over at me. He knew I wasn't paying attention. Hell, Jake also knew I wasn't paying attention. "Can we have a five-minute break?" Kellen asked and Jake just nodded his head as he got up and went to talk to our offensive coordinator. "What's going on? I can see you so deep in your mind it's not even funny." I didn't know what to say here because I didn't want this to spread around before Gabi was ready for it to spread around. I inhaled, "It's nothing," I finally admitted to him, and Jake just narrowed his eyes.

"Claire, okay? Gabi?" I just nodded, "Both are fine, I just…a long Monday and Tuesday." I told him honestly and I stood up to go get a Gatorade. I walked down the hall as Hanson tugged on my shirt and into a small conference room. "Jake is bitching that you aren't paying attention. What's wrong?" I ran my hand down my face and waited a few beats before I finally looked at him. "Gabi's transfer didn't work. We found out Monday." Hanson opened his mouth and then closed it as he appeared to be shocked. I could see his brain turning to try and find something to say but truly – what was there to say? He sighed eventually, "Troy, man, I'm so sorry," I closed my eye as I nodded. "She was destroyed, and I am just…" I shook my head and exhaled as I gave a half smile. "It's hard trying to focus here today, and I don't want to talk about it with everybody. I don't know how much she wants me spreading right now. She literally got the phone call as I got home on Monday, and we spent all day yesterday just trying to grieve that it didn't work and that we have to try again."

Hanson gripped my shoulder as he squeezed it, "Troy, you don't have to be perfect today. That is a lot of fucking hard news you received but I know you and Gabi are going to rock this entire thing. There are no amazing words for this situation. Just be there for her and do what you know how to do best here. Just go play football." I didn't say anything as I slowly nodded. "She is so deadest on trying to have the baby during off-season and I respect that – 100% but she's stressing out over it. I just wish I could tell her that I would do anything to be there no matter what, but she has an idea of what she wants postpartum to look like that she won't let go of."

"I don't think it's unreasonable for her to have that want, either" Hanson said. "I think it's her lead here."

"Of course, it is, I just, I want to reassure her that we don't have to dive right into another one if she isn't ready yet, y'know? She wants to start right over again, and I am trying to find it within myself to think about doing it all over again. I don't know how she could possibly be ready." Hanson gave me a half smile, "I have seen that girl look at you, Troy. It's as much for her as it is for you. I think you talk to her about how you feel about it, but you support her in the decision." I just nodded my head and squeezed the back of my neck. "She said if this next one doesn't work, she'll take a break until next off-season rolls around." Hanson smiled, "I think that's your answer. She told herself two and she's going to give it two before she makes a pivot."

My name was called through the hallways, and I exhaled as I glanced at Hanson, "Thanks, Han, do you and Amber want to come over tonight? I invited all of her friends from work over because she told them last night. We were going to order in dinner." Hanson smiled, "Yea, I'll ditch the kids somewhere." I shook my head, "No, bring them. Gabi loved being around Claire last night." Hanson nodded as I thanked him again before I walked down the hallway and back to the quarterback room. I sat down and glanced at Jake and Keller. "I'm sorry, I've had a few rough days at home, but I am focused and ready to finish our meeting." Jake's face immediately fell, and I shook my head. "Claire is fine. Everybody is fine. I'm not ready to talk about it yet because it involves Gabi, and I don't know how much she wants out there, but I am ready to finish this."

It probably clicked without me saying any words as Keller and Jake gave me a glance, "I'm sorry, Troy." I gave a half smile and shrugged, "It is what it is but just an emotional couple of days. My mind is with Gabs, but I talked to Han, and I am ready." Jake nodded and we dove into the plans for our game this weekend. I participated and I felt more like myself during the end of the meeting. I went to go do my work-out and I called Gabi for her to not answer but shoot me a text that she was on a business call. I went and grabbed her flowers and some of her favorite things before heading all the way home.

I got home and I opened the door as I greeted Ember who was sitting on the couch. I rubbed her head before I went in search for Gabi. I could hear her voice and I followed as she was sitting outside at a table. The window in the kitchen was open as she was recording herself. I paused as I watched her for a moment as her voice picked up.

"It was one of those things that I just…I felt it. I felt like it was the time. It was the one. It felt right. Which is why, I think I was absolutely crushed when she told me the results. Hearing that the one thing you thought was true was untrue. It ripped the rug out from underneath of my feet, and I was suddenly tossed into a pit of loss. I felt lost. I felt like everything I knew was suddenly wrong. I wanted to hear the words you're pregnant but instead I hear that I'm not pregnant and I just…" I watched her chest rise as she took a deep breath, and her hands covered her face as she took a moment.

"Troy was just as shocked and sad next to me. The way he wrapped me up into his arms is something I'll never forget. I just curled into him, and I felt safe there. I felt like something was going to be okay because he was there, but it doesn't make that ache go away. I felt the ache double because of Troy. I want a baby just as much as he wants another baby but after everything – I know he strives for that again. I know he wants that again. He wants a baby and I know how much he wants a baby with me so just to feel those emotions on everything else. Absolutely crushing." She wiped away tears and I swallowed watching her. "It was a boy," her voice cracked, and I shook my head as I couldn't take listening any more without being there with her.

I walked out and she must have caught me in the camera because she turned around. I held the flowers and the bag of goodies in my hands and those eyes filled with tears. I put the stuff on the table beside her as I wrapped her up in my arms and buried my face into her hair. "I love you, baby, and always remember that I love you. A baby or not baby will ever change that." She gripped my shirt, and I just held her until she pulled away. I wiped her tears away, "I don't know if I will ever post that but I just…I wanted to talk about it all."

"I know, I was distracted today and then I talked to Hanson, and it felt better. I just want you to know – I can't imagine you having to go through all of this again this month. The injections, the bruises, the appointments, and all of that again while trying to reel from this. The emotions from the past few days have been high and I just…I need you to hear me that I will make anything work if you want to wait a month or two or six. I just…I know how much you want time together after the baby is born but I don't think I can rest until I tell you how I feel. I will support whatever decision you make, and I will be in your corner but that was what was on my mind today. How in the world is she going to handle this emotionally because I can barely think without thinking about how this is tearing me apart."

Gabi blinked and took a big breath, "Thank you for telling me," She finally said. "This works because we can say these things to each other. I understand what you are saying and yea, the emotions of this are a lot but I think it will get better with time. It is so fresh still. But Troy, I will handle this emotionally with you. You hold me on my bad days. You cheer me on. You are the one holding my hand and shouldering this pain with me. I can do this because of you, and I am here to shoulder the pain with you as well. I don't want this to distract you at football,"

"Gabi," I stressed as the words came out of her mouth. "Football is so unimportant compared to this." Gabi shook her head, "Football is your job and yes, it is important. Yes, our family is more important just like a job, but you love football Troy and I want that to be a stress-free place for you. If it starts spilling in, then we can stop." I cupped her face and dropped a kiss to her mouth. "We only stop if you say stop. I love you and we will do this together. We will do this with our families. Our friends. One day TikTok," Gabi laughed, and I kissed her again and she wrapped her arms around my neck.

I picked her up as her legs went around my waist and I kissed her harder this time. "Camera is rolling, we might want to shut that off," I laughed and went over to turn her phone off – once the screen went black, I carried her inside and showed her how much I loved her.

Gabi's POV

Our house was full of laughter and our best of friends. I loved Troy for doing this. For inviting them over. For bringing them here to have happiness fill our bones and house. I reminded myself that having family and friends with us is going to be the best for us. Troy was right – mentally it is going to be hard this next month, but I reminded myself over and over again that this is why we were happy with so many chances. We were never going to have 13 kids. We had 13 chances to make our family complete. We had 12 left and that was something I was grateful for.

Troy's hand was wrapped around my abdomen and his fingers were brushing against my bare skin as chills ran down my back. I could feel his smirk behind me as I watched the video back from earlier today and I couldn't get over the love from him. The start of the video was just explaining all of my emotions through everything. The call. The memories. Everything. I know one day that I was going to be grateful for that video. To remind myself to be lucky when I was holding my little, tiny baby one day. "Gabi, are you going to Cleveland this weekend?" I nodded my head. "I haven't missed a game yet and he hasn't lost a game yet."

Hanson chuckled, "Are you the good luck charm?" I smirked, "Maybe. I will be there, and I am taking Claire."

Wren sighed, "That sounds amazing."

"It's going to be fucking cold," Troy clarified for her. "And I am going to have to convince Gabi to stay in the suite." Hanson chuckled as Amber shook her head. "I don't know why she sits out there." Amber said and I laughed with a smile as I let my fingers grasp Troy's. "I like being outside. It feels like a football game. Inside I just feel like some rich snob."

"You are a rich snob," Lucas deadpanned. I shot him a look, "I am not a snob," Lucas chuckled into his beer, "Okay, fine, you aren't a snob, but you are rich. No reason to sit in the cold." Troy kissed the back of my neck, and I could feel his smirk against my skin. "You should listen to my brother," he said. Wren laughed as I shook my head, "I like being at a football game. You're lucky I don't ask for seats in the bowl." Troy grunted with a shake of his head. "No, especially not with Claire. I don't want to have to start hiding my family on social media because people get weird." My fingers folded with his as I understood.

"I know, so, we get the best of both worlds in a seat. Privacy and me being able to sit outside." Viv smiled over at the two of us as Troy got up. The loss of his heat and I looked back at him as his phone was ringing. I bet it was Claire as he walked outside with Ember. Hanson went to check on Bethany and Hanson's kids who were playing in the Claire's room. Wren came over and wrapped her arms around me. "Hi," I whispered, and she smiled as she gave me a big hug when she walked in. "Are you doing, okay?" I nodded, "I am. I am sad but at the same time I knew this wasn't going to be easy. It was only the first one and maybe that's why it hurt? I don't know. I am doing okay though."

She tucked hair behind my ear, "You get to be sad." She reminded me and I smiled, "I know, I am. I just have hope still for the next one – y'know?" she nodded in understanding as I squeezed her hand, "I am excited that I get to have another chance." Wren smiled as she hugged me again and then I had Viv on the other side of me. "How is Troy?" Viv asked and I sighed, "I think okay. I think he is having a hard time going straight into another one and I understand but I also…" I paused as I shrugged, "I really want to be able to spend some time with him in the off-season with our baby. Once the season starts, I mean we see each other like 10 hours a week."

Viv smiled, "I think that's fair. If you get pregnant next month, what month are you looking at for the birth?"

"July-ish. It wouldn't be a lot of time, but it would be better than nothing." I shrugged as I rolled my lips together, "If we don't get pregnant with this next one, I will probably wait until June or July to try again. It gives us a break from everything and then we can have our off-season baby. I know one of these will work and I am thankful for my team." Viv hugged me and smiled, "You are so fucking strong. We love and miss you," I smiled squeezing them when Troy came back. "How is Claire?" I asked and he shook his head. "It was my publicist." My eyes quickly went up to his and he sighed as he rubbed his face. "Is everything okay?"

"There are pictures spreading from our doctor's appointment on Tuesday." Those blue eyes were nervous, and I shrugged, "I'm not surprised. It'll be okay." I told him and he shook his head. "Gabs, you can clearly tell you were upset and I just…I don't want this for you." Hanson and Lucas were both paying attention now as I stood up and I circled my arms around his waist. "Hey, I know but it comes with the territory. We will address it with time." Troy cupped my face and shook his head, "Gabs," I shook my head back in return. "I know," I told him softly. "I wish it wouldn't happen, but it is happening."

"Troy, fill me in." Lucas asked and Troy threw him his phone and Lucas rolled his eyes. "I hate people sometimes. Clearly, it was somebody in the office. I couldn't imagine doing that back to them." Lucas said and Troy grunted in agreement. "Right? I just…it's a moment that shouldn't be shared unless we shared it." I squeezed Troy's hand, "I'm okay," I told him. "I love that you want to protect me from everything in this process but sometimes we can't control things. People are intrigued in our lives, and they caught a moment. I promise, this doesn't bother me."

Troy exhaled and shook his head, "How did I get so lucky to get you?" he murmured as he cupped my face and kissed me softly, "I love you," I told him and he smiled, "I love you, more."

"People suck," Hanson said as he turned off Troy's phone. Amber nodded in agreement, and I shrugged, "We're lucky, that's truly all that matters."

Friday, October 14th, 2022

Gabi's POV

The phone rang and it wasn't long before Indy was on the other line.

"Hi Gabi, how are you doing?" she asked, and I smiled, "Okay, it's been a hard week emotionally, but we have more chances." I could feel Indy smile as Troy, and I were all about the chances. "Can I help you with anything?" I laughed, "Yea, I already started my period today." I told her. "I am confident that I want to do another round and I know I need to come in and do labs on Monday to start the whole process again."

"I know your period isn't a fun time but it's good you started it already! I will schedule your labs and then we will work on your protocol for this go around. Can you come in on Monday for a full appointment or do you want to do Tuesday?" I nibbled on my lip, "Tuesday, preferably for appointments. I do like having Troy there and he practically demands to be there." Indy laughed as we finished setting up the appointment for Tuesday and labs for Monday. "We are going to get you that baby," Indy told me, and I smiled, "Thanks, Indy. We appreciate everything with your office."

"I'm also sorry for the pictures. We feel horrible. Can we do anything to help with that?" she asked me, and I smiled because I knew this was the right office for the job. "I think Troy would appreciate something. He was distraught that anything like that leaked out. I know it comes with the territory but maybe sneak in through the back? I don't want to have you shut the office down or anything silly like that." Indy laughed, "I think we can do that. I'll just give you my personal number so that you can text me when you get here, and I'll let you all in the back."

"Sounds perfect, thank you, Indy."

I hung up the phone as I ran my fingers through my hair as I was surprised to see my period had arrived this morning. I was thankful that we could move forward with the process, but I also didn't feel terrible. I was tired and my cramps were just starting to set in but for the most part I was okay. Troy was at practice still and I knew just mentioning my period would put him in a bad mood. I hated that it did that to him and I almost didn't want to tell him, but he would want to know. I got up as I took a drink of water and focused on work for a while.

The Sunshine Pact was doing so well, and I was so proud of myself for all that I had accomplished in the past year with it. We expanded to another hospital, and we were getting donations left and right. I didn't even hear Troy come inside until he was letting his hand rub my shoulder. "Hi," he murmured, and I smiled, "Hi," I tilted my head back to look at him. "How was practice?" he nodded, "Good. How is work?" I smiled, "Good." I shot him a smile and I leaned forward. "Do you have any plans for Tuesday?" I asked him and he shook his head. "No, I thought about taking Claire somewhere."

"Mmm…we just have a doctor's appointment in the morning." Troy nodded, "For what?" I toyed with my lip and sighed, "I started my period today." Those blue eyes connected with mine, "Fuck, Gabs, I'm sorry." I shook my head, "No, I actually don't feel horrendous. I was actually surprised." I told him and his face changed a little bit. "I have lab work on Monday and then our appointment Tuesday. I promise, I can handle the labs on my own." Troy started to shake his head and I laughed walking over to him. "Troy Bolton, I promise, I can go in there and do blood work. You do not have to escort me. I am a big girl. I do want you there for Tuesday." He cupped my face and held my eye contact. "At this point, I want to be there for your personal safety."

"Indy and I worked it out. I am going to sneak in the back. I promise, I will be there for five minutes." He didn't say anything for a minute before nodding his head. "Okay, I will be there Tuesday. I think my parents are coming up so I will see if they want Claire." I sighed, "I'm sorry that we have to keep taking Claire somewhere. I know how much you need time with her." He shook his head, "it's an hour to give her a sibling one day at daddy's house. I think she'll be okay. Can I get anything for you?" I shook my head before letting my head rest against his chest. "Nope. Can we go and get dinner tonight?"

"How about a date?" Troy countered with and I smiled, "I can get down with a date."

Troy's POV

The giggle that came out of her mouth as our feet were tangled underneath of the table was something that made my chest warm. She tipped her wine glass back as she didn't want to drink much as she hadn't because of IVF but she wanted to let loose tonight. I made reservations at one of our favorite restaurants and I had plans for us afterwards. "You did not do that," I laughed, "I did. I was pissed." She shook her head and smiled over at me. "I think I want to hear you mic'd on the football field." I tossed my head back in a laugh, "No way,"

"Why?" she asked with a smile, "Because I never need Claire to hear it. You know I have a mouth." She giggled again, "Now I really need this." I just smiled with a shake of my head as I took a drink of my whiskey. "Who are you talking to out there?" she asked, and I just laughed, "Whoever hits me typically, but the sidelines are not a clean environment. That is for sure," Gabi took a bite of her food with a laugh. "I do know that you do not have a clean mouth." I wiggled my eyebrows towards her. "You and every single lineman." We laughed together, "I really hope you don't say the same stuff you say to me." I couldn't contain my laugh as I shook my head. "No, a little different. No love or baby girl involved," her cheeks flushed as tonight felt good. I know it hasn't been a week yet but tonight feels like a step in the right direction and maybe Gabi was right.

"Did you trash talk in high school and college?" she asked, and I snorted, "I was the worst in college. I got a few flags for the shit that came out of my mouth." Gabi tipped over laughing with that one. "I bet your coach was absolutely livid." We both laughed, "Yea, he was. Are you still wanting to go to Alabama?" I asked her and she nodded her head, "I would love to go to Alabama. I would love to see where you went to college, where you hung out, and where you learned to be the best," I gave her a half smile, "You saw where I became one of the best." I told her softly and those brown eyes fell into mine. "I mean, I learned a lot of what I needed in high school." I clarified, "But I got the attention in Alabama."

"Troy, you are so much better now than you were at high school." I laughed, "Well, yea, because I am also ten years older. I've learned a lot, but a lot of my basics come from high school and Coach." She smiled and squeezed my hand, "But we can go during my bye week. I'll show you all the things and where I got into all my trouble." I wiggled my eyebrows and she just laughed as we both finished our dinner. I paid the check as we were both in jeans and sweaters as I helped her put her jacket on. I escorted her outside as a few people were lingering and quickly called my name and her name.

I tucked her in closer to me as we made our way to the car, and I helped her inside. "Home?" she asked, and I shook my head. "I said a date, didn't I?" I questioned as I started the car and she laughed, "Isn't dinner a date?" I shook my head. "That's just dinner. I have other plans for us. Something fun and lighthearted." I gave a grin towards her, and she just grinned back at me. "When is your bye?" she asked, "In about a month. It works out. Alabama will be at home, I already called Coach Seth a couple weeks ago. He wants me to come to the locker room and on the field. All the fun things." Her fingers found mine as I drove towards our next destination.

"It might time out really well for our next transfer. We might be in our wait and see period and…I think that will be so good for the two of us." My eyes caught hers because that means she looked into all the dates and based it off her last one. I squeezed her hand and nodded, "It will be good for us regardless. Just time away for the two of us." I watched as she chewed on her lip, "What's on your mind?" I asked her. "I think after I get my blood work taken by Dr. Monty's office at the next appointment, I want to test. I want to take a pregnancy test once we are both together. I will wait the ten days, but I don't know if I can handle hearing those words over the phone again like that. At least I can be prepared."

I pulled the car into the parking lot, and I turned to face her, "Whatever you want." I told her as I leaned across and grabbed her into a deep kiss. Her arms squeezing me as we both got lost in the moment. I easily dragged her across the middle and her knees landing on either side of me. Our lips on full attack and my hands sneaking up the back of her sweater. "Fuck, we may not make it inside," I said as I let my lips down her neck and over her shoulder. "It's shower sex week so…" I groaned as I kissed her again before she opened the door and got out. I followed suite and she looked up to see where we were, and she grinned. "Oh, I am so going to beat your ass."

I chuckled, "You think, Montez?" Those brown eyes glanced at me with the biggest smile on her face. "For damn sure," she took off ahead of me and pulled open the door to the indoor go-kart track. What she didn't know is we were doing it after hours on a Friday. It was just after closing and I walked in as she stopped, "Troy, they might be closed." I shook my head. "Not closed for us." She turned around to face me as it was just after nine. "Just us." I told her and she let her smile grow wider as I shook hands with the owner. "Thanks, man. I appreciate it." I told him and he took us through all the rules and waivers. Gabi and I each signed one before grabbing a helmet.

We both secured them as I took a selfie of the two of us before we both got into a car. I paid the guy for five races. Best of three was going to be the winner tonight before we went and got ice cream. The track was long, and we did three laps each race. We both got in the cars that were lined up side by side and she shot me a grin, "You are so going down, Bolton." I just chuckled, "Whatever you say, baby." The green light flashed, and Gabi took off. I groaned as I was already behind her, and I pushed down harder on the pedal. I was just a tail behind her, but she knew me and anticipated every single move. We both were laughing as I could hear her over the engine. She squealed going around the corner and I chuckled following her. I think I was good losing this one as she was having the time of her life.

The grin on her face? Worth everything, I paid for tonight.

The warmth was in my chest, and I couldn't. I fucking couldn't.

Once we made it around twice, I nearly spun her off, but she escaped, and we rounded and finished the first race with her barely winning. I stopped the cart, and she got me a wide grin, "Race is on, Bolton. I think I beat you." I gave her a grin, "You did," I hollered but I won because she was grinning and that was the best win of the night.

"I beat you fair and square!" she called, and I groaned as I wrapped my tongue around the ice cream cone. "I let you win the first one so the fifth one should have been mine," Gabi just rolled her eyes and I just laughed as we were huddled in the back of my car as we didn't want to go home quiet yet and we wanted to eat our ice cream, but it was too cold to hang out outside. "Tonight, was a lot of fun," she said as she dipped her spoon back into her hot fudge sundae. "Good, I'm glad you had fun even though I technically won." I brushed her shoulder, and she rolled her eyes as I chuckled.

"I won because you had fun tonight and I heard you laugh and grin all night long. That was my win," I told her, and those brown eyes flashed to mine. She opened her mouth and then closed her mouth as if she didn't know what to say. I finished my ice cream cone as I tugged her into my side. "It's been a long week and I both know that we needed something like this. I have to go home now and focus on football before I can go to bed but knowing that you smiled and laughed tonight? It makes me relax a little going into the weekend. This week was hard, but you always surprise the shit out of me." I gave her a half laugh and she put her sundae down in the cup holder before she climbed in my lap and her arms wrapped around my neck and her face pressed into my neck.

"I love you so much," she whispered. "Thank you for letting me forget for the night." I closed my eyes to her words as I didn't let go of her. "I love you and I love you for everything you are going through. You are going to be such an amazing mom one day." I tucked hair behind her ear, and I kissed on her cheek as she brushed away tears. "Thank you for tonight. We should do fun dates like this more often." I smiled as I pulled her mouth to mine for a soft kiss. Nothing beyond that. She kissed my neck and sighed, "I won, too. I won because you're my husband and know how to cheer me up."

A laugh echoed out of my mouth as I shook my head, "I will never not be thankful for you giving me a second chance. In the aftermath of everything from our break-up, how we reconnected, to getting back together – it was worth it for all of this. For these memories. For these moments. For everything in-between. I am thankful for those moments. We grow during this time, and I love that for the both of us. We are going to be a stronger couple because of this. You can tell me anything and how you are feeling right now."

"Besides that, I have cramps?" she joked, and I grunted, "I didn't need to know that. Do you want to go home?" I asked as I started to move, and she laughed pressing me back into the seat. "No, no, I am teasing. I think as the days went on, I reminded myself that we were never going to have 13 kids and that we knew some of them were going to fail. I was caught off guard by the number of emotions and I am still sad that it didn't work but we have 12 more chances, and do you know how lucky we are to have those chances, still? That is what is getting me through every single day right now. Those chances. The love you have for me. Everything in between and I know one day we will look back and wonder about that baby, but I don't think we can dwell on it. It didn't happen for a reason."

Gabi paused as she played with my wedding band and exhaled, "My favorite quote after we broke up was that we are exactly where we are meant to be. It got me through some of the darkest days knowing that I had a reason to be right where I was and looking back? My reason was to become a nurse and to learn how to take care of pediatric cancer patients so I could take care of your daughter. That's why I was there. That's why it was important. There is a reason this one didn't work, and we may never know the reason, but it gives me so much faith that we will get the number of kids we are supposed to get, and the right ones will stick for our family."

I closed my eyes because ideas flashed into my head at rapid fire but when I opened my eyes I was staring into her clear eyes, "I have nothing to follow that up with, but you are an amazing woman and I thank God every single day that you knew how to take care of pediatric patients and if that's why we broke up and that's what made it all worth it? I'll never regret it again." Gabi blinked a few times, and I kissed the tears that slipped away. Because she was right. It made a fuck ton of sense.

Happy Sunday! Sorry for the late update! I hope you enjoy! :)

Can't wait to share more! No promises on an update in two weeks but I will try my hardest!

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Next Update: December 17th (Maybe!)