Chapter 24 – Big Ol' Family
Wednesday, November 24th, 2021
Gabi's POV
12 Weeks Pregnant
Sutton sat on the counter as he helped me stir the brownies for tomorrow. Saylor went with him to practice with Luna as it was supposed to be a chill shoot around for players who didn't leave and wanted to get work in. It was not mandatory but just an open gym and work-out for the players. Troy and Cameron were there together while the rest of the guys were home. Sutton grinned up at me proud of himself and I clapped my hands, "Good job, buddy," I cheered for him, and he gave me the gummiest smile. I shook my head with my own smile as we both poured it into the pan as we were going to have a full house tomorrow. All of the friends, both sets of parents, some of the guy's parents, and any of the basketball team that was going to be here.
I especially couldn't wait to meet Kaden and his girlfriend, Jacy. Troy invited them to come over early to just hang out with the twins while we finish prepping dinner. I helped get the brownies in the oven as I put Sutton back down on the ground with some of his own snacks. My parents were going to go be with Blaine and Lucy this year. I didn't blame them as they were going through a hard change and Blaine couldn't get away from the basketball team as they were in a big tournament. I rolled my lips together as I double checked my list of everything that I needed to make today.
We were doing potluck style, and everybody was bringing something so my list wasn't too long, but it was long enough. I was tired but I knew I needed to finish cleaning. I helped Sutton wash his hands from his snack and then took him into the living room as I picked up all of their toys and started to vacuum. His brown eyes tilted back to look at me and I smiled as he went for the toy bin and surveyed it when the door to the garage opened. "Mama! Mama!" Saylor came through the door, and I laughed, "Hi baby!" I bent down to greet her as she wrapped her arms around my neck, and I picked her up as I snuggled her. "Mama missed you," I kissed on her little sticky cheek, and she patted my cheeks in return. "Did you have with daddy and the basketball team?" she nodded her head with a toothy grin.
"Good, where is your daddy?" I asked as I sat her down as Luna came panting into the living room where she collapsed next to the kids. It was her hair that I was always vacuuming up. I went in search of my husband as he was in the garage with Cameron and Jax. They were stocking the fridge in the garage and laughing together. "Hi Gabi," Jax greeted, and I waved, "Hi, I was just making sure my husband didn't get hurt between his car and the house." Troy shot me a grin with a shake of his head. "I released the two children in the house." He told me and I laughed, "I know, and I never heard you, making sure you didn't teach Luna how to open the door." Troy chuckled with a shake of his head. "No, I went to the store with Saylor and grabbed some stuff. We're just putting it away,"
"I am going to put them down for a nap so I can finish cleaning," Troy nodded his head, and I went back inside to scoop up the two toddlers. I carried them upstairs and into their bedroom. I sat them down in the room as I changed their diaper, gave them their water, and sat down in the gliding chair to rock them for a few minutes. Each of them curled up and I let my eyes close for a moment. I kept moving until a baby was being removed from my chest and I let my eyes fly open and those blue eyes were full of love. "I thought you were going to finish cleaning?" I blinked confused as I glanced around as I wasn't sure how long I had been up here. "You came in the garage an hour and half ago," he whispered as he laid Sutton down in his crib and then took Saylor as he lifted me up afterwards.
"Go take a nap, I'll clean." He said quietly as we walked out and I shook my head, "No, I will come help. I must have just taken an at least an hour nap." I said and Troy protested, "Brie, if you are tired go take a longer nap that doesn't have two toddlers draped over you." He wrapped me up in his arms and I yawned but shook my head. "We have so much to do. It's going to take both of us to not waste the next thirty minutes." Troy laughed and kissed the top of my head. "Did any kids show up?" Troy nodded, "Almost all of them that didn't go home. There was only one missing, and he was working."
"Kaden?" I whispered as Troy helped him find a job that was conducive to his hours and would be willing to work with his basketball schedule and school schedule while still providing a wage. "Yea, he is thankful for the meal tomorrow. And for the invite to come watch the first football game." I squeezed Troy, "I am excited to meet him this time. He somehow snuck around me." Troy smiled as we went downstairs and started cleaning. The twins gave us forty-five minutes before they woke up and Troy kissed my head and told me to go be with them while he finished cleaning. I didn't protest as I went upstairs and got them out, changed diapers, and played in their room.
Saylor climbed into my lap and rubbed her eyes as I brought snacks for both of them as Troy and I already agreed to just order pizza tonight. Troy came up and he smiled watching us, "All done?" he nodded, "I finished what we started. I am not going to say you are done though to your standards." I rolled my eyes but laughed as he got down on the floor with us. Sutton ran to him and hugged on him. "Hi buddy, did you have fun with mommy today?" Sutton nodded his head as we were trying to do more one-on-one time with each kid. They were twins but they were two separate people. We wanted them to spend time alone without each other, too.
As they got older it was becoming more important to the both of us. Sutton laid his head down on his shoulder and Troy rubbed his back as Sutton melted into him. Saylor sprawled over my lap with her toy in her hand as I loved our little family, and I knew soon there would be another little one here with us. Troy must have known my thought because he smiled over at me. "Do you have any inkling? Boy or girl?" Troy asked me and I shook my head. "No. I honestly don't. If I am being honest? Most days I forget I am pregnant." Troy chuckled, "Good. I would rather it be that way."
Troy's phone rang and he reached over for it to show that his mom was calling. I smiled as he answered it and talked to her. My eyes closed as I laid on the floor and Saylor played around me. "Ma, I gotta go. My pregnant wife is falling asleep on the floor." I couldn't stop the smile that drug onto my lips. I opened my eyes as I felt him move, "Go see what else needs to be done and then go lay down. You are tired." I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him closer to me. His body laid next to mine and the kids played around us.
"If I went to bed now then I would be up so early. Plus, I am hungry."
"Then let's go sit downstairs." His fingers worked into my back, and I just let my head rest on his chest. "Or better yet – go lay down in bed and I will bring you pizza." I just laughed again as the door to the house opened and Troy rolled onto his back and sat up because we weren't truly expecting anybody. "Knock, knock!" Beth's voice echoed throughout the house, and I couldn't stop my own grin as I sat up. I ran my fingers through my hair, and I stood up with Troy's help as I scooped up Saylor while he grabbed Sutton, and we headed downstairs, and I stopped dead in my tracks.
"Aunt Gabi!" Lucy came running straight for me and I put Saylor down and I let her knock into me as I wrapped my arms around her so tightly. It had been way too long, and I couldn't stop my tears as I held onto her. "Lucy," I breathed, and she was crying herself as we held onto each other. "What? I can't get a hug?" I looked up to see Blaine and I lost it all over again as I picked up Lucy and I wrapped up with Blaine as he hugged me back as he towered over me. "What in the world are you guys doing here?" I asked as I wiped away my tears as my mom was crying behind them with James standing rocking on his heels with his hands in his pockets.
He looked so good. He looked…happy.
"I don't have practice until Friday afternoon and Aunt Beth said that you missed us." I just nodded as I hugged him again and he hugged me so hard back. "I did miss you." I told him and he smiled, "We missed you more." I just sniffled as I went over to hug James and then I wrapped my arms around Beth. "Thank you," I whispered into her ear as our bellies rubbed against each other. I reached down to rub her 19-week belly and she smiled while her hand looked for mine. "For being only seven weeks behind me you have zero belly action." She said with a pout and Troy chuckled behind me as he was holding Lucy and smiling at Beth.
"I think she is owed this one," Troy piped, and I shook my head. "Uhm but we do have a secret with us." I raised an eyebrow towards her, and she held an envelope in her hands with gender written on the front. I gasped. "Beth!" she laughed, "I want to be surprised and I figured what better way than letting you surprise us." I couldn't stop my tears as I wrapped my arms around her neck, and I just held on so tightly. "Yes," she laughed, "We just want something small. A cake is fine. We can do it here tomorrow." I shook my head, "We have so many people coming over tomorrow. What about if we did something in like two hours?" I asked her.
"You have time for something in two hours?" she asked, and I nodded, "Yes, I do. I want you to be able to enjoy it." I told her and she just smiled with a nod, "Okay, I trust you."
I hugged my parents and Troy was laughing with Blaine and James about something. I clutched the envelope in my hand, "Troy, I am going to go and run and find something." I told him and he nodded, "Do you want some company?" he asked, and I hesitated, but I did not because I did, and I couldn't take my sister. "The kids will love being with your family." I smiled with a nod as Troy helped get their dinner out as we promised to come back with a gender reveal and pizza.
Troy's POV
I watched Gabi talk to the baker as she didn't want to know either and luckily, we stopped in the right bakery on the first try. She was thrilled to help find a quick way to help Gabi and pulled out a white cake and was going to quickly inject the correct color into the cake. It was simple and probably exactly what Beth wanted. Gabi turned to face me with her face flushed and her eyes bright. "Do we want to do this?" I shook my head, "No, I want it just us unless you do want this." I asked her and she shook her head, "No, I just want it us, too."
"Now, I don't care if we get it written on a card and go somewhere just the two of us." I told her and she came over to me and let her head tilt back to look up at me. Her arms wrapped around my waist, "Did you know my family was coming today?" I smiled and let a tiny nod escape. "I knew Beth was coming. I was just as surprised about Blaine and Lucy with James. Blaine and I are already going to get some work in together tomorrow morning." We both smiled at each other as I dipped down to drop my mouth to her mouth. "I love you; I love seeing you with your family."
Her eyes closed to that and exhaled, "I am so happy you love my family. I think I would be so hard if you didn't." I laughed softly, "Baby, if I didn't like your family, I don't think we would have made it." We both laughed as I wrapped her up in my arms. "After we eat and find out what your sister is having – can you go to bed please? We have a long day tomorrow." I whispered to her, and she nodded her head. "I will get those babies down and into bed while you get ready for bed." She yawned and rested her head against my chest as I held her up at this point.
My phone rang and I swear that's all it did any more as I reached into my pocket, and I picked it up to see Jax calling me. "Hey," I answered. "Hey, are you at home? I was watching this film and wanted to show you something." I shook my head, "No, I am not. Gabi's family all surprised us – Blaine and Lucy included. Beth had her gender reveal results and we are getting a cake right now." Jax laughed, "Fuck, okay, that's awesome. Enjoy family time. I will clip it and send you an email."
"Thanks, Jax. I appreciate it. Go spend time with your family." I spoke and he chuckled, "I will. I promise. I just wanted this done so it wasn't looming over my head." The baker came back with a smile on her face and a box in her hand as Gabi grinned, "Thank you so much," Gabi paid and gave a big tip as we walked out together. I held her hand as I bid good-bye to Jax on the phone. We walked hand in hand back to the car as we stopped to grab the pizza before heading back home. Gabi held the cake in her hand as we walked back into the house together as the kids were playing with Blaine and Lucy on the floor. Beth was lounging back against Colt while laughing about something as Gabi's parents were sitting on the couch with warm tea.
"Hi, we're back!" I called as I planted the pizza on the counter, "Can we just do the reveal?" Beth asked anxiously and Gabi nodded holding up the cake. "Wait, how did you get that so fast?" Gabi laughed with a shrug, "Small town," she shot a wink towards me as I smiled, and Gabi pulled the cake out of the sheet as it wasn't very big, but it was just the right size. "Dada! Dada!" Saylor reached for me and whined as I easily picked her up and she rested her head on my shoulder. "Do you want to find out if you are going to have a baby boy cousin or girl cousin?" I asked her and she shook her head as the group laughed while we all watched as Gabi grabbed a knife and then she picked up Sutton.
"I am so excited!" her mom clapped her hands extra giddy, and I couldn't stop my own smile watching the family. I rubbed Saylor's back and kissed her curly hair as she gripped my shirt. Beth looked back at Colt with a smile on her face, "Are you ready?" Colt just nodded with his own smile as I looked over at Gabi who had a glimmer of tears in her eyes. They count the cake and carefully slid out the knife before cutting the other side. Gabi handed her a spatula to pull the cake out and they gave a grin towards each other, "Okay, are you ready?" Beth nodded and they slowly slid the cake out before the blue icing was spilling out of the middle.
Beth squeaked with happiness and dropped the cake and turned around to throw herself at Colt as he was laughing, "I told you it was going to be a little boy," he told her as she wrapped herself around him. Gabi wiped away some of her own tears and I couldn't stop my smile. I walked over to Gabi as I kissed the top of her head, "I'm glad we were able to do that for them." She whispered and I nodded, "Same and I cannot wait until it's our turn." I smiled as I let my hand fall to her belly, and she leaned into me as Saylor twisted her head around on my shoulder. "Hi baby girl," Gabi said. "Is she still awake?" Gabi nodded, "Barely."
"Give me Sutton and I will take them up to bed. Spend time with your family for a bit before you go to bed." She nodded as I took Sutton on my other side and Saylor whined and tried to push him. "Saylor," I warned softly, and she just cried instead. "Beth, Colt, I cannot wait to meet your little man. It's going to be amazing to have another little basketball or football or dancer running around here." I said with a smile, "But I am going to put these little rascals to bed before they both start melting down." They laughed as Beth came over to give them a kiss on their cheeks with a promise to see them in the morning while they gave their grandparents a kiss before I took them upstairs. I sat them both down as they both cried now. I shook my head as I changed their diapers and put on PJs before grabbing a book and sitting in the rocking chair.
I turned down all the lights besides the bedside lamp and rocked them gently as they both curled up on me. I read the one story and by the end both of them were practically asleep. I gently laid each of them down and gave them their water and blanket before kissing their foreheads. I went downstairs to find Gabi and Beth curled up together smiling as they were laughing about something. Colt was sharing a beer with her dad and James, and I nodded as her mom must have gone to bed. Lucy and Blaine were still up, and I went over to ruffle Lucy's hair.
"Did Sutton and Saylor go to bed?" I nodded my head, "Yup, they sure did. Are you going to go to sleep?" I asked with a raised eyebrow, and she laughed, "Maybe." I smiled, "Aunt Gabi needs to go to bed, soon." I said lifting my eyes towards her and on command she yawned. "I am tired," she said curling up into Beth and I laughed, "I know." Colt and Beth laughed as I went over to stroke her face and she leaned into my touch. "C'mon, you get to spend all day with them tomorrow plus everybody else." I yanked her up gently and she sighed, "I guess I am going to bed," I laughed as I wrapped her up in my arms and she held onto me. "You don't have to go to bed, but you were struggling before your family got here," I whispered to her, and she shook her head as she wrapped her legs around my waist.
"Take me to bed," she mumbled while resting her head on my shoulder. "Oh, my third child to put to bed,"
"Yea, in my belly," she mumbled again, and I couldn't stop my laugh as she waved good night to her family while I took her to our bedroom. I sat her on the edge of the bed and her hands found the back of my head and she dragged my mouth to her mouth. "I love you, thank you for today," I smiled stroking her cheek, "What can I get you? Or are you just going to go to bed?" She shook her head, "I need to wash my face and go to the bathroom." I nodded as I eased her back up and she went to wash her face. I went back downstairs to make sure nobody needed anything, but the only people still up were James and Blaine. They were talking across the table to each other, and I smiled, "How is Tennessee?" I asked and Blaine looked over for a moment with his eyes somewhere else. "It's fine," Blaine said standing up. James started to protest but Blaine left regardless.
I raised an eyebrow as James squeezed the back of his neck. "Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt. I was just coming to check on everybody." James shook his head, "No, it's fine. He's just pissed at me." I started to say something, but he started to speak instead. "I met a woman," I opened my mouth to say something but snapped it shut. I wasn't sure what I was supposed to say in this situation. "After Zoey, I truly thought I would never meet anybody again, but it's been three years and I am…" he stopped with a laugh. "I never thought moving to Tennessee would help me so much, but it has."
I went over as I grabbed two beers before going to sit in front of him. I handed him a beer and he happily took it from me and exhaled, "I haven't told Lucy yet. I wanted to tell Blaine first because I knew he was going to take it the hardest but he kind of already knew. It's our neighbor. She was divorced around the same time Zoey died. It's been the longest three years of my entire life. Full of therapy, tears, angry kids, and just…so much anguish. I sometimes think it hasn't been a day and other times it feels like years, and I don't know how to handle this part. Zoey would never want me to be alone, but I never want them to feel like I am replacing their mom."
"Blaine's mad?" James just nodded his head, "Yea, I know the past three years have been so hard for him. I wish I knew how to make it easier." I sighed, "I'm sorry, James. You deserve to be happy. It doesn't matter if it's been 6 months or 10 years. I think the first one is always going to be the hardest with the kids. They know you with Zoey and only with Zoey and it's just…a reminder that she isn't here." James laughed as he ran his hands over his face. "I cried after our first date because it wasn't Zoey. It was always supposed to be Zoey."
"I think you have to let them both have the same emotions and go slow. Don't rush it. Just…let them lead you. I don't know how I would do in that situation – in either part but I am sorry that this has been the hardest road." He smiled, "I am just glad you could bring a little light to this family when we really needed it the most." I just smiled, "I'm glad I could, too."
Troy's POV
Thursday, November 25th, 2021
I found Blaine outside bouncing the basketball as I closed the door. It was still early but I heard the ball, and I knew it was him. "Hey," I said, and he looked up at me as he then took a shot. "I talked to your dad last night." Blaine caught the ball and then turned to look at me. He tossed me the ball and I took my own shot as I waited for him to respond. "Would you move on so fast from Aunt Gabi?" he asked, his voice hot and I closed my eyes. "I don't know, Blaine. Life is so weird, and grief is so hard and there is no right path to anything." I paused and I looked at him. "I don't know honestly what I would do, and I don't think we have a right to judge your dad based off of it."
Blaine inhaled a deep breath before taking the ball and taking another shot. "It's too soon, it's too fresh still," Blaine's voice cracked, and I sighed, "Blaine, there is no timetable and wasn't it just a few months ago that you wanted your dad to just be happy?" I asked him softly. "If this woman, whatever her name may be, makes him a smidge happier – don't you want that for him?" Blaine didn't speak for a moment, and I watched him try and work through his emotions. "I do want him happier but seeing him with another woman that isn't my mom?" his voice broke into a sob, and I walked over as I wrapped him up as if he was Saylor or Sutton. Protecting him from the on-slot of emotions.
"It makes me remember again that she isn't here, and she wasn't here for my first college basketball game, and she wasn't there for Lucy's first day of school in Tennessee or that she just…isn't here and I just…" I let my hand hold him closer to me. My fingers gripping the back of his neck as he lost control of his own emotions. "She wasn't there for my first college game," he repeated, broken, and defeated as I closed my eyes. "I'm so sorry, Blaine. I wish, if there is anything I could do for this family is to bring your mom back for one more day to just see what you have all accomplished – I would. I really fucking would."
Blaine pulled away as he wiped at his face and shook his head, "I want my dad to be happy, but this all feels so fast. It's only been three years."
"It's been three long years for your dad. Raising Lucy by himself, watching you achieve your dreams with your friends by his self, going to bed every single night wishing your mom was right by him again. That's a long three years, Blaine. I don't think he went searching for somebody to replace your mom. He went searching for somebody to be there with him to support his kids and to support him when he needs somebody else. He probably wasn't even looking for her. He was healing and working on himself. You need to give your dad grace." I told him softly. "I am not saying that you need to be best friends with this woman, I am not pushing you to meet her. I am not telling you that everything is going to be smooth sailing from here, but your dad is doing the damn best he can do and for that – you give him grace."
Blaine inhaled deeply and exhaled as he shook his head, "He gets a new wife, but I can never have a new mom." His words were raw and painful, and I pulled him against my shoulder. "And I know that your dad wishes that he never had to find a new wife. He only wants your mom. Nobody will ever fill the void of your mom. For you. For your dad. For your sister. For your aunts. For anybody. There will always be the hole in everybody's hearts where she is supposed to be, but I know for a fact if Gabi was in this position – I would want her to find somebody to make her happy again and who knows, Blaine, maybe, one day this woman could give you that feeling of somebody else is in your corner. We might be years from that but maybe she gives you some of that love again. Maybe you see your dad smiling again and wouldn't just that alone make you happier?"
I swallowed as I watched his reaction and he shook his head, "It's so hard," he whispered and I squeezed his shoulder, "I know, Blaine. I tell Gabi all the time that there are just moments where nothing is easier, and it feels as if you are back at step one. This is a moment where it's just harder because it feels like you are leaving her behind and somebody is trying to take her place, but nobody is, and nobody will take her place. She will forever be your mom and she will forever be looking over you." Blaine turned again and rested his head on my shoulder. My arms holding him in.
"I just miss her so much,"
"I know," I whispered, "I know."
I gave him all the time in the world that he needed and then we played basketball. I worked with him on the court, and we went until he was exhausted. He laid on the court and I told him I had to go check on the kids and Gabi as I walked inside. Gabi was behind the counter as she was laughing with Lucy. They were flipping pancakes together as Gabi smiled down at her. "Good morning," I said kissing her cheek and then Lucy's head and she giggled. "Morning, I saw you outside with Blaine." I turned to connect eyes with Gabi, and I saw the sadness in her eyes. I just nodded, "Yea, we were playing basketball." I told her for Lucy's sake.
"Luc, will you go check on Sutton and Saylor? See if they are still sleeping?" she nodded her head hopping down and heading to the twin's nursery. "What's wrong? Is he okay?" she asked as Lucy ran up the stairs. "I came downstairs last night, and I found James talking to Blaine. They were arguing and James told me he started seeing a woman. He told Blaine about it and Blaine freaked out – is freaking out." I corrected. "James just told him, and Blaine feels like it's only been three years and James feels like it's been the longest three years of his entire life. Blaine just…he misses his mom. He wishes she was there for his first college basketball game. He feels like his dad can replace Zoey, but he never can, and I think that just stings."
Gabi blinked her eyes a few times and nodded, "You have to move on," Gabi whispered, and I shook my head, "Gabs," she shook her head harder in response. "No, I need you to understand that I want you happy for our children and I don't want you to wait for some milestone. You'll know and James probably knows that it's time for him to move on. I will write a letter and put it in the box for the kids and say that is something that I would truly want. I want my family to be happy and I will talk to Blaine because James deserves some resemblance of happiness again." Her voice cracked and I wrapped my arms around her tightly.
"Okay, okay," I whispered into her ear, and she gripped onto me. "I hate this for them."
"I know, I do, too. There is no right or wrong answer in this situation for any of them. All of their feelings are valid, but I tried to explain to Blaine that his mom would want his dad to be happy and if this new person makes him happy – it's not fair to let him have that chance again. Just like his mom wants him to be happy. I just think he needs times." I explained quietly as the grief that wove through this family was so deeply imbedded. It was sticky and hard to pry through, but this family was so worth it.
"Does Lucy know?" I shook my head, "No, I think he is hoping to soften Blaine up first before approaching Lucy." I rolled my lips together and kissed her head, "Okay, I will talk to both of Blaine and James." Gabi started to move around in the kitchen again as I hesitated.
"Give them some space today, maybe tonight. I know they leave early tomorrow but maybe tonight you can sit with at least Blaine." Gabi just nodded, and I kissed her softly, "I love you," my eyes took in every feature on her face. Always trying to commit every single thing to my memory. On the good days and bad days, she was the one I always wanted at the forefront of my mind.
"I love you, too."
"'Uncle Troy! Saylor is awake!" Lucy's voice echoed down the hall, and I smiled, "I am going to get our baby girl." I kissed her temple before walking down into the nursery as Lucy was giggling and talking to Saylor as she was grinning at her. "Uncle Troy she's being silly," I laughed as I picked her up and Saylor wiggled and cried wanting down. "I think she wants her cousin Lucy," I put her down and Saylor took her binky out as she slammed into Lucy. Lucy just laughed and picked up her hand, "C'mon Saylor," I shook my head with a smile. "Wait, Lucy, I need to change her diaper."
Saylor screeched and tried to take off running but I snagged her up and Lucy stood by her head and talked to her as I changed her diaper before letting them both walk back to the kitchen. Lucy held Saylor's hand as Saylor just grinned up at Lucy the entire time. I smiled watching the two of them as I peered back as Sutton was rubbing his eyes but pulled his blanket back over his head. "Hi buddy," I whispered, and those brown eyes flashed open, and a slow grin spread over his lips as he reached for his pacifier and stood up. I picked him up and he laid his head on my shoulder. "Good morning," I whispered into his ear, and he gripped my shirt. I gave him a moment but then changed his diaper. Sutton liked a slower morning and he snuggled into my chest as I carried him downstairs. I tried to put him on the ground, but he whined and buried his face into my neck.
Gabi smiled looking over at us, "Is my little man sleepy?" I nodded, "I finished waking him up." Gabi nodded in understanding, and I gave a smile over towards her. I sat down at the table, "Gabs, just tell me if you need an extra hand. I will put him down." Gabi smiled, "No, I am almost done. Get those Sutton loves." I did always try to cherish these moments. He wasn't going to want to do this forever and I will take what I can get. He was going to be two years old soon and it was wild to think they were both almost two. Two years since they took about ten years off my life. Blaine, Saylor, and Lucy came into the kitchen as Blaine was carrying both of them. Each of them giggling like mad as Blaine smiled at each other.
"I found these two," he dumped them both into the couch just increasing the squealing. Sutton lifted his head and rested his head on my shoulder again, but I could feel his chin pressing down and watching. I eased him down onto the floor as Lucy came running over, "Sutton! Come play!" she took his hand and dragged him into the living room. I stood up and went into the kitchen to help Gabi prepare their breakfast plates before they both started protesting. James and her parents joined us as I smiled, "Good morning, everybody, who's ready for a great day?"
I opened the door for Kaden and his girlfriend, Jacy were on the other side. "Hi, welcome!" I greeted both of them as Kaden turned, "Coach B, this is Jacy. Jacy, this is Coach B." I shook my head, "Troy, you can call me Troy." I told her as I shook her hand and showed them where to put their jackets as Saylor came running into my legs. "Dada! Sutty mean!" Saylor's whine echoed as I picked her up and she rubbed at the tears on her face. "Sutton was mean?" she nodded her head, "My toy!" she screeched as she tried to get down and get to the toy that Sutton has been playing with.
"Saylor, I think Sutton has been playing with that. You can find a new toy." I told her and she just pouted, and I shook my head with a laugh, "Sorry, probably not the best first impression of children." I said as they both laughed. "Saylor, do you remember Kaden? This is his friend, Jacy." Saylor looked over at them and she gave a smile as she wasn't the shy one. "Hi!" she waved, and they both laughed and waved back. She reached over for Jacy and Jacy looked surprised, "She is not the shy one of the group." I said with a tiny laugh as Jacy took her and Saylor gave her a grin. "Saylor, can you tell Jacy how old you are going to turn in a few weeks?"
She grinned, "Two!" she held up three fingers and we all laughed as I helped her drop one of the fingers. "Two? That's so big." We walked further into the house where Blaine, Lucy, and Gabi were all lounging on the couch watching a football game. "Kaden, Jacy, this is my wife Gabi – and our niece and nephew Lucy and Blaine." I turned towards Kaden with a smile, "Blaine thinks he's a big shot and plays at Tennessee." Kaden swung his eyes to look at Blaine, "Guard?" Blaine nodded his head, "Yea, I won't start this year." I rolled my eyes, "As if not starting your first year is the end of the world." Kaden laughed as Saylor and Sutton took to Jacy like a duck to water. Gabi got on the floor with them as Kaden flocked to Blaine.
Gina, Andy, and my parents were in the kitchen working on dinner as they wanted, too. The friend group was coming over with their parents and families. It was going to be packed house here tonight and I couldn't wait. A few other players were coming but I told them a later time. I wanted Kaden to have time here. I wanted him to feel welcome here. "Did Coach B coach you?" Kaden asked Blaine. Blaine laughed and shook his head, "No. I went to the rival high school, but I am the reason they met." He gestured between Gabi and I and I smiled, "That is a true story. I was there scouting you."
"You were there watching him?" Kaden asked Gabi and she nodded, "Yup, I came from work and sat up top. This random stranger started hitting on me." I balked, "I wasn't hitting on you! I was striking up a conversation." I sat down with my back against the couch as Kaden laughed as Jacy had both kids in her lap. Kaden watched her before joining her on the floor. "Maybe we can go outside and mess around on the basketball court." Blaine said and Kaden nodded, "Yea, I mean, only if Jacy doesn't care. I don't want to leave her." Gabi sent me a smile and I smiled back at her. "We can all go outside for a little bit." Gabi said. "These two need to burn off some energy." I helped Gabi up as Kaden helped Jacy up before we put jackets and shoes on the kids. Blaine carried Sutton as Kaden picked up Saylor.
"Jacy, let us know if you need anything." Gabi told her, "How far along are you?" Jacy gave a tiny smile as if thinking about it just made her happier. "18 weeks. Our due date is April 23rd." Gabi gave her a grin, "You are about six weeks ahead of me. We're due at the beginning of June. Are you guys going to find out if it's a boy or girl?" Kaden shot Jacy a look and she laughed, "He doesn't want, too. I do though. I want to have everything picked out. I want to know its name. I don't know. Kaden thinks we should keep it a surprise."
I chuckled, "It would be fun either way, but woman calls the shots here, Kaden." He laughed as we let the kids out back and into the playhouse as I took the guys to the top of the driveway where the basketball hoop was. It wasn't long before all of my friends found themselves over in the driveway playing as well. Noah was running around the backyard as Kaden and Blaine were laughing and joking with each other as they tried to take us coaches on. "Blaine, I think you should come play here." I laughed as did Blaine, "It would have been a lot of fun. Troy never said anything though and I had committed to Tennessee already." I shook my head, "You are where you are supposed to be. It was good for your entire family." He just a smile as the twins came running around with Noah not far behind.
"This time next year there is going to be two more of these!" I said tossing one into the air and I looked over at Kaden, "Maybe three if you come back next year." Kaden laughed, "I don't know where we will be next year. I have to find a job the moment we are done with basketball and then I have to fight off my parents about coming back home." Jax looked over at me and I just shot him a look back, "Have you and your parents talked?" I asked him and he sighed, "Barely. They just call and tell me that I need to do the right thing. I don't know what the right thing is." Kaden pulled at his hair and Blaine looked between all of us for a moment. "I mean – wouldn't finishing school be the most important thing? You're almost done right?" Kaden nodded. "I only am taking two classes next semester and one online. I have time to work more after basketball and then I would at least have my education."
I nodded, "You are doing the right thing. You parents are just needing to adjust. Maybe if they come up here for basketball," Kaden shook his head, "They have never watched me play college basketball. Hell. They have barely watched me play basketball period." I blinked a few times and I tried to find something to say to that. "Kaden," Cameron said, and Kaden shook his head. "I can't force my parents into doing shit they don't want to do but I am never going to be like that for my kid." I just swallowed as I couldn't imagine this shit with my kids. I would drop everything I was doing to go watch them in whatever they wanted to do. "Okay, after we are done playing you can go home and talk in person with your parents. Get the clarity that you need." I said softly. "But you need to know that this is your family. I don't care that we just met in August. This is your family, and we will do whatever you need."
Cameron, Jax, Dylan, and Jesse all nodded their head as Kaden looked over his shoulder for a moment and he nodded his head, "I appreciate it but don't feel obligated. I'm only here a year." I laughed, "I wouldn't do anything if I didn't want, too. After having my own kids, I couldn't imagine not going to games of my own kid's ore telling them they need to fix a mistake that can't be fixed. You deserve better than that with a hard situation. It was an accident,"
"Bolton is good with those," Dylan said slapping my shoulder. I shot him a look, Kaden and Blaine both laughed, "Okay, okay no ganging up here. I am just saying, this is a safe place for you." Kaden did something I was least expecting, and he hugged me. I just hugged him back because I wasn't sure the last time, he was hugged by an adult figure even though there wasn't that big of an age gap between us. Just about eleven years but if I was the older brother he needed? That I could be. I could be a father figure to him, too. Whatever he needed. He let go and wiped his face before each of the assistant coaches hugged him, "Fuck, I'm not typically an emotional person."
We all laughed as Blaine shoved his shoulder, "C'mon, let me show you some shit on the court." Blaine and he took off as I smiled, "Maybe we're doing something right." The group laughed and I felt good. I felt happy that my house could be somewhere that they all felt safe.
Gabi's POV
The whole room was bustling with people as I stood back and watched. My heart was absolutely full as basketball players who didn't go home were sitting at a table and Blaine was in the middle laughing and having the best time. Lucy was living her best life with all the toddlers and babies as she was playing with all of them in the living room. All of Troy's friends and parents were scattered throughout along with my family. Beth came over and she checked my hip and she let her hand rest on her belly. "How is my boy bestie?" I asked and she gave a smile, "So good. This is a sight." She whispered and I nodded as I looked over to see Troy laughing with Macken and Silas. Brady and Ada couldn't make it, but they wanted to be here, too.
"I love it so much," I whispered over to her, and she gave me a squeezed, "As you should. You deserve this." Beth hugged me to her side as I wiped at my tears. "I love everybody in this room and some of them I have only met a few times. Just knowing that we get to be a home for college athletes and that we just have so much love for our kids. I want our kids to grow up with so many people who love them." Beth nodded with a smile, "I would agree. I am trying to get Colt to move down here. I want to be with my family." I looked over at Beth and I shook my head, "You both look so good up there." I told her. She smiled but I saw her own tears brimming, "I know but this pregnancy has made me miss you so fucking much. I know mom and dad are bouncing between three locations, but nothing makes me wish that I could just be down the road from my little sister and her kids. I spent my time with Colt and his parents every single day."
She paused as she took a breath, "It's not that I don't love them. I do. I really love them but I just…I am trying to talk him into having another farm down here. Let's make our own farm and I would do the whole damn thing with him. I don't know. I just…" she wiped at her face, and I wrapped her in a hug as we both held onto each other for a long time. "I love you," I told her, and she let out a laughing sob, "I love you so fucking much,"
"Are we okay?" Colt's voice interrupted us, and Troy wasn't far behind with his own worry. I wasn't sure why these two weren't used to the two of us crying but Beth just shook her head. "I am just emotional," Colt's whole face softened, "And I just miss my sister," I saw the flicker of stress on his face after that, "Beth," his voice was barely above a whisper, and I let those two be as I went over to my own husband. The pads of his thumb brushing away my tears. "You good?" I nodded, "I just…I love my sister and I love this whole room of people. I love knowing that our kids are growing up in a really loved environment."
Troy pulled me into his grasp, "I am glad there is something we can agree upon. They have been so busy today. They are going to crash so hard." I laughed with a nod as Jacy was sitting on Kaden's lap and I smiled watching as Kaden whispered something to her and she looked down at him with a smile on her face. "It looks like Jacy and Kaden are really good together." Troy followed my eyes and he smiled, "Yea, his home life isn't great. You don't mind if he keeps coming around, right? I think he needs somebody in his corner."
"Of course, he needs people. We can be his people." Troy kissed the top of my head and sighed, "I love you," I smiled as I tilted my head back and gave him a quick kiss. "I love you, more." Our eyes connected and he smiled as his hand fell to my belly and smiled, "Next year there will be another little one running around that we created. Plus, Lennon and Cameron's kid. Then Kaden's kid – it's going to be a kid filled house. Plus, I wouldn't put it past Sage and Noah." We both laughed at that as my eyes took in the scene again. There was a time that I never thought my heart would be full again on Thanksgiving. It was a holiday that was hard to swallow the first year because she wasn't there.
But she sent so many people to my life.
That it was harder to miss her. The overwhelming love of the room made me teary-eyed again as I went in search of Blaine. I hadn't had a chance to talk to him. I spoke to James as he was distressed about everything, and we both cried together that none of this was fair. He showed me a picture of this girl that was a year younger than him and going through a similar story. They leaned on each other and sometimes that is what is needed. She may not be his next forever, but she is the moving on. I rolled my lips together as I knew James was struggling because he only wanted his son to be happy.
Blaine was talking with Kaden as they had formed a fast friendship, "Hey, can we talk?" his eyes glanced up to me and he nodded his head, "Yea," I smiled at Kaden. "Mrs. Bolton – thank you for allowing Jacy and I come over today. We both really appreciate you and Troy opening your home to us. We both…" he paused as he cleared his throat and gave a half smile as Jacy squeezed his hand. "We both really needed this." He finished. I was already a mess of hormones and emotions today as I couldn't stop my tears as I leaned over to hug him. "It's Gabi and you are always, always welcome in these doors. Do you understand? Late, early, and anything in-between. We are both here for you." He just hugged me tighter back and I hugged Jacy as I wiped my tears away before taking Blaine out back.
"Hi, I talked to your dad." I said and Blaine just groaned and rolled his eyes, "I don't know. I don't know what you want me to say Aunt Gabi," I swallowed, "I just need you to give your dad grace with this situation. He only wants to see you happy, and he doesn't want you avoiding home. He will end this for you because he doesn't want to lose you. Don't do that to him." I whispered softly. "That's not fair to him. You aren't home that much and if you aren't ready to meet her – fine. You don't have to do that, but you have to let your dad have a glimmer of happiness again. I would want Troy to find somebody to make him happy."
Blaine just shook his head, "But Sutton and Saylor wouldn't ever be the same."
"And your dad isn't the same." I reminded him. "Your dad is just trying to put one foot in front of the other. He is just trying to keep himself together and he is lonely. Lucy goes to school and is in bed by nine. The quiet eats at him. He said they met because they were both regularly outside on the deck and they just started talking. They were both lonely. He wasn't searching for a replacement for your mom, Blaine. He's just trying to live in a world without your mom. Every single day I know he thinks about her because I do. You do. Lucy does. He does. There is no replacing her, but she would want you to open your heart to whoever made your dad happy again."
I took a deep breath, and I thought about what I wanted to say next to him. "Just thinking about Troy being alone and sad? It makes me sad. He deserves to laugh and smile. You deserve to laugh and smile, and you are. You are doing those things and you are moving on with your life. I think you need to let your dad have the same benefit. She will never be your mom and your dad understand that. Lucy also needs a woman in her life. She is going to be a teenager and she is going need guidance. I can't be there for her every single day. I am not saying this woman is going to be the person for your dad but it's a step in the right direction for him. Do you remember calling me because you weren't getting sleep?"
Blaine just nodded his head, "He's come so far from that moment, and I think we both can allow him to let him live his life again." Blaine just inhaled and I saw the tears drip down his cheeks. "I just really, really miss her." I nodded as I went over to hug him. "I know, I do, too. She should be the loudest person in there tonight." Blaine laughed and nodded his head, "She really would have been." We both laughed as I held onto him. "I think just all the firsts without her have been so much harder and then dad came at me with the whole girl thing and I just…fuck. It's been hard recently."
I squeezed his arm, "I know. Sometimes it is easier and sometimes it is harder. There is no in-between."
Blaine was quiet for a moment, "I love you Aunt Gabi," I smiled, "I love you, too. Your dad could use those words. I think he thinks you are really mad at him and maybe just explain why you were initially upset. Set boundaries. Tell him, you are happy for him, but you aren't ready to meet her yet. That you want them to be more serious and he will understand, Blaine." He nodded, "Thank you," I nodded as he went back inside, and I took a deep breath because I did wish it was easier, but I knew that because of everything – I had all of them.
Sorry about the late late update! Between finals, work, and Christmas it has been chaotic! Hopefully time slows down a bit and I get some writing done! Enjoy! X
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