Chapter 12 – Alabama

Monday, October 24th, 2022

Troy's POV

We were on a losing skid.

We lost the last two and my anxiety was heightening because of it because it felt like my fault. I was distracted off the field and I wasn't 100% here. I needed to be 100% here if we were going to repeat, again. I picked at the callous on my hand as my eyes were casted down and not at the film from the three picks I threw yesterday. I had been in a terrible mood for the past ten days and fuck did I hate that for Gabi. She was back on all of her injections, with extras added in, and so she was hormonal. I couldn't say our house had been pleasant the past handful of days, but we were both moody.

The bye week was fast approaching, and it was coming at the best time possible. We had two more games and then we had a week off. A week I could dedicate to Gabi, mostly. Claire called me out on my grumpiness this past week and I didn't blame her. "Bolton, I need you 100% focused this week. If I have to lock you in a goddamn hotel, I will." I just closed my eyes and nodded. It wasn't a threat I wanted to question. Once film was over, I went to get treatment, and Hanson plopped down next to me. "Do you need to talk? Or are you just going to simmer here?" I shook my head.

"I'm just…frustrated. Last week is all on me," Hanson rolled his eyes, "Last time I checked – this was a team sport. I dropped a ball. Reg fumbled. Our defense acted as if we they had never played defense before. This isn't on you alone." I just sighed and they worked on my shoulder. "Is this about Gabi?" he questioned, and I just shrugged, "I think my mind is 100 different places right now. I think Gabi is part of it. Claire is part of it. Football is part of it. There is a lot on my mind right now. I am just so tired of it all." I felt the agitation underneath of my skin. It was only two losses, but they felt huge to me. I felt like I was playing like absolute shit, and I couldn't change that unless I changed it on the field.

"Don't hit me for saying this – but you haven't played well since the failed transfer. Is that bothering you more deep down than you want to admit, too?" Hanson asked and I chewed on my cheek as I didn't want to give an answer because it was. It wasn't a secret that it was bothering the shit out of me. Gabi seemed to effortlessly turn it around and I wanted to know how she did it. The therapist I had been seeing has truly only heard about this failed transfer. Gabi was able to put a different outlook on it and I was desperately trying to achieve the same mindset.

"Troy," Hanson repeated my name and I finally looked at him, "Yes, okay, it's bothering me. I've been talking to my therapist about it. I told Gabi it was bothering me. It isn't going away." I complained as our trainer finished up and wrapped ice around my shoulder. "What about it? Just let it loose." I sighed as I leaned back, "I think part of it is that Gabi just effortlessly was able to move on. I think trying again gave her a new purpose and while I see it – I also just wonder so much about the last one? What would the kid have been like? What would we have named him? Would they like football or band or something else entirely. I don't know."

"Those are all really fair thoughts, but didn't you tell me Gabi knew you were never going to have thirteen kids? That there wasn't going to be all of them? Is this going to be your thought if you have five left over and don't do anything with them?" I swallowed on the thought because maybe? Was this the downside of having so many eggs? That we would eventually have some that we did nothing with? The thought paralyzed me for a moment, and I inhaled and exhaled. The anxiety crept up in my bones and Hanson cursed, "I didn't mean to put that thought into your head."

I shook my head, "It's fine. I don't know. I don't know if I just need a day with Claire and Gabi tomorrow. I don't know if nothing will be better until after Gabi and I go to Alabama together. I don't know." I stressed to him. Hanson nodded his head as if he was understanding. "How about I take Claire for the night. I know you only get so many nights with her but let her come sleep over tonight. Take your wife out on a fun little date or just stay in and do other adult things. After that we can all go to the zoo or something tomorrow as a group."

"You'd watch her?" Hanson nodded, "Of course. My girls love playing with her. It isn't a hardship." I just nodded, "Okay, yea, that sounds really great actually."

"But after tomorrow you have to get your head back in the game. You have to let it all go at least on the football field. Remember in college once you let the outside stress go on the football field you became great. Do not let the outside noise get to you. Yea?" I breathed and nodded as Hanson wasn't wrong. The moment I left Gabi outside of the football stadium in college – it was the moment I became great only because it was my only place she couldn't touch. I needed this to stay the same way. "36 hours," Hanson said slapping my back before walking away.

I let him go and I finished with my ice before taking a quick shower and heading to my car. I called Gabi but it went to voicemail. I knew she had some meetings today but all from home so she could be there with Claire. I sighed as I eased into the drive as I knew I needed to let go of a lot of things on my mind. I think one of my biggest fears is – what if the next one also doesn't work? What if we lose two? Will we be using all 13? The thoughts nagged and that was my anxiety. I really hoped Gabi was fine with a night in tonight with just the two of us, but I wasn't bringing any football in. I had film to watch but I think I needed to decompress from football.

I obsessed last week after our first loss.

Clearly, that didn't work.

Pulling into the driveway I parked in the garage, and I got out. I opened the door as I heard Claire and Gabi both laughing in the kitchen. I smiled as I walked in, and they were putting cookies on the cookie sheet. My stomach instantly growled, and Gabi looked up to meet my eyes as she gave me a patient smile. Claire looked up and grinned at me with her biggest smile possible. "Daddy! Gabi said you were a little sad about losing yesterday and we should make you cookies! We made you cookies!" I walked over and I scooped Claire up as I hugged her to my chest. "How in the world did you know I needed Gabi's cookies?" Claire giggled, "She said you did," I kissed her temple as I reached for a hot cookie and stuffed it in my mouth. "Mmm…that is so yummy." I kissed her cheek before putting her back on the ground. "Thank you, Claire." She gave me a wide tooth smile again before I went over and wrapped my arms around Gabi.

"Thank you," I whispered to her, and she reached up to let her hand cup my face. I leaned into her touch, "I knew you needed it," I closed my eyes to ward off any sort of emotion right now. "What's wrong?" she asked, and I just shook my head as I pinched the bridge of my nose. "I don't know. I think the last three weeks have just been a lot and the fact that you aren't mad at me for being an ass this past week helps. I haven't been the best husband or father and I just…" I swallowed as Gabi shook her head. "Troy, you can't do 100% of everything all the time. It is going to exhaust you mentally and physically and I think you are there. You are giving 100% to me and the fertility treatments. You are giving 100% towards Claire. You are giving 100% to the football team. You can't do all of that. Stop trying to run yourself into the ground."

My eyes held hers and she reached up to squeeze the back of my neck. "You can let go of a little in all categories and still be doing too much." I shook my head, "Where am I supposed to let go?" Gabi went to answer when Claire barged into my legs to show me something. I gave Gabi a half smile while stealing a cookie and then picking up Claire. "How do you feel about going to hang out with Camilla and Lulu? They are wanting to play with you tonight." Claire squealed with happiness as I went to help pack her a bag and Gabi leaned in the doorway.

"Claire has a sleepover?" I nodded, "Hanson offered to watch her for the night and then tomorrow we have an activity for the girls to do together." I told her as I packed a few other things. "Figured we could have a nice night in between the two of us. I think I just need to hit the reset button and that gives us time to finish our conversation from earlier. I don't want to be the mean husband or the annoying husband. I just…I need to shift my gears." Gabi nodded her head in understanding as to what I was trying to say. "I'll cook dinner." She said softly, "Then we can curl up in the theater. I think we both need some time with each other – especially after last week."

I just nodded my head as I understood again what she was saying – last week was hard on everybody in this house. Ember came up and nudged me with her head and I rubbed it back and forth as I played with Claire for a while in her bedroom before putting her in the car and taking her to Hanson's house. Once I got back home Gabi was on the phone with somebody but making a dinner for the two of us. I started to help her and once she was off the phone, she turned on some music. We worked together without talking and when a good song turned on, I pulled her into my arms.

"Troy, dinner is going to burn," she said with a laugh as I pulled her into a slow dance. I shook my head, "I don't really care that much," she smiled and must have understood from that sentence alone. Her head rested on my chest as I just held her close, and I breathed in and out. "I'm sorry the past few weeks haven't been good." She whispered, "I don't think I have personally done anything, but I want you to know that I am sorry, and I want things to turn. I know you feel like you don't spend enough time with Claire. I know you feel like you don't spend enough time with me or focusing on our fertility treatments. I know you feel like you don't spend enough time working on football, but you are doing the best you can with the limited amount of time you have." Her voice was quiet, and she never lifted her head from my chest as I soaked in her words.

"You need to understand though that you will have to give and take. Right now, take from me and give it somewhere else. I am okay. I know you feel like I am going to fall apart or that I am still sad about the failed transfer, but we are so close to our next one that I am excited again. I know that those same feelings could come right back but I also know I have you in my corner and that's all that really freaking matters. I want you to know the same. I know the failed transfer hasn't been easy for you, I promise, your feelings are very valid, and we will both be taking a break after this next one if it doesn't work but I have a good feeling."

I kissed the top of her head and took a deep breath of Gabi. Everything about her calmed me from the top of my head to the tip of my toes. "I love you, and it hasn't been easy to just let it go. I need to figure out how you did it." Gabi just let out a laugh, "I've wrote a lot of my feelings down on paper. I even gave him a little name. Nothing I would ever consider naming our child but…it helped." I raised an eyebrow, "Like what?" I asked her and our eyes connected as she shook her head. "It's little just…when I saw the egg, I couldn't help but think of a bug. It's just kind of what it looked like, so the nickname is bug."

I smiled, "I like it."

"We can grieve that it never happened, but we also have so much to live for. I don't want you to be frustrated on the football field. We aren't out of options, Troy. We are just at the beginning, and I need you to hold onto that." I pulled her mouth in for a kiss and she let me for a moment, "No really, we're going to burn this food." I just laughed letting her go and I felt my breath get a little easier. She finished up dinner and we both went out back as the heater was on and it wasn't a half bad night. The fresh air felt good against my face and our legs interlocked underneath the table.

"I'm glad you aren't shutting yourself in the theater tonight." She said softly, "Me, too. I don't think it helped that much either. I still played like shit yesterday." I grumbled. Gabi shot me a look, "You need to loosen some of the pressure of yourself. If this was Claire and say she had a bad game of whatever she wants to play. Are you going to tell her to take it all on her shoulders? And if it was her mistake – you would help her own it but at the same time give her a place to breathe." I nodded, "I would. Yet, this is our lively hood."

"And?" she questioned, "Everybody has a bad game or two, Troy. You are doing your best. Give yourself grace, please," her voice was a whisper towards the end, and I heard her. I heard her and I wanted to do it for her. "I have another session with Dr. Whit tomorrow. We'll go more into everything about the football side. Some of the stress is the infertility portion of our life. I know you tell me you are okay but sometimes I just really hope you aren't putting on a brave face for me. How are you doing?" I asked her point blank.

"I'm okay," she whispered, and I heard the way her words hiccupped at the end and then the tears that filled her eyes. She gasped on a breath of air, and I immediately stood up. "Sorry, I didn't mean to cry. I promise, I am okay," she dabbed at her face, and I sat next to her and let her lean against me. "I am working through my emotions and Dr. Whit's recommendation for my own therapist for all of this is helpful. I have been writing everything down but knowing how much this is affecting you hurts. I never want to do that to you, and we should have waited. You wanted too."

I tugged her into my lap, "Shh…no, we don't have to wait. I think this whole thing is a mind trip for me. It's your call – always. I support your decisions. I love you, so much, and I just want you to know that I am going to be fine. I think my anxiety is just flared up and it could be for several reasons. Not just one. It just makes it all worse and it makes me think deeper into things when I should just let the thoughts stop at a surface level. I dissect things into the tiniest thoughts that cause my anxiety to worse. It's such a tailspin."

Her arms wrapped around my neck and her face buried into my shoulder as we held onto each other. "I love you, thank you for the honest conversation tonight. The fertility treatments will be over for a while soon. If we don't get pregnant, then we will have to work through that together. I am scared it's not going to work." She whispered and I stroked her hair. "I know, baby, I know."

We forgot about the rest of our dinner before taking some wine to the theater. We curled up together and watched a movie as I think we both were letting go of the scary thoughts and accepting things into our life that were unsure. I had to let all of this go on the football field. That was important. Gabi was giving me that permission by just telling me to let go of some things and balance our lives better. It wasn't long before she was in my lap and we never had to say anything, but we never needed, too. We healed each other. Our mouths fusing, our bodies moving together, and our clothes hitting the floor.

Nothing could heal me like she could.

Friday, November 4th, 2022

Gabi's POV

Transfer #2

Troy held my hand as we had an early morning date with Dr. Monty as we were doing our second transfer today. My belly was full of nerves, excitement, and a little terrified but I knew that I got Troy all to myself until our bloodwork day after the game on Sunday. We were heading to Alabama on Thursday as he was going to attend practice on Friday and then show me around. Today, I was under strict instructions to go home and rest. My mom was in town, and she was out waiting in the car as Troy had to go straight to practice. They won the next game and Troy looked better out on the field after our long conversation. He felt better, too.

It was only two losses in the loss column, but I know that feels like the end of the world, but it wasn't. They had already given me valium and my bladder were full while we waited. Troy kissed the top of my head, and I closed my eyes, "You aren't leaving the house until Sunday. Strict bedrest," Troy murmured, and I laughed, "I don't know if I can completely pull that off, but I will spend 24 hours in bed," Troy gave a tiny smile as Dr. Monty came in with her team. "Okay, let's try this again, yea?" I nodded as she said my lining looked a lot better this time around compared to last time which seemed hopeful for me.

Troy was organizing fluids for the next several days until we left town to do anything that could help this baby stick, stick, stick. He was even having an acupuncturist come to the house because there were some theories that it could help. I was letting him run with his ideas because it was helping him, and I would do anything for this pregnancy to stick. Troy kissed the top of my head as Dr. Monty set up camp and I relaxed as we talked about our plans coming up and what we were doing until the 14th. "Are you an everyday tester?" I shook my head, "No, because I want to let all the positive energy into the pregnancy and any negative isn't it for me."

Dr. Monty smiled as it wasn't long before the embryo was implanted into my body. Troy and I watched it on the screen before she waved the ultrasound around to see the fluid. "Congrats, you're pregnant until proven otherwise," I smiled as they had me lay back for a little while even though I was about to pee my pants. There was definitely less excitement this time around, but I was still hopeful for the chance. Once the deemed me able to sit up and go to the bathroom, I changed into my clothes and went back to find Troy waiting for me. He opened his arms and I walked into them as we filmed all of this again. I was getting ready to release our last transfer videos this week.

It was time and since we did our second it felt appropriate to share. Troy framed my face and planted a soft kiss to my lips, "I love you, you're amazing." I smiled as I kissed him again. We went out back where our cars were, and my mom was scrolling on her phone and Troy opened the passenger door for me. "All go well?" I nodded my head, "It did. Everybody cross your fingers and toes." Troy smiled while kissing my temple. "I love you, go home, rest, and do nothing. Pick up nothing. I will bring home dinner." I nodded in agreement as he told me that the IV hydration person would be there at 3.

He squeezed my hand one more time before walking away and my mom smiled, "Are you okay?" I just nodded as I blinked away the tears, "I just really hope it works this time." I whispered and my mom squeezed my hand. "Good thoughts, Gabs. Good thoughts." I agreed and we went back home where I did as I was told. I laid in bed, took naps, and stayed hydrated.

Thursday, November 10th, 2022

Troy's POV

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

It had been quite some time since I had been back to Tuscaloosa, but it felt different with Gabi on my arm. This week had been great for us already. We had stopped by in North Carolina to check on the beach house and it was coming along well for us to move back into it in February. Gabi couldn't wait to get back there because once we were finished with that project, we were going to build our dream house in Boston. We were still searching for some land, but we were being picky as we truly wanted it to be our forever home.

"This is where we got pizza every single Sunday night for football games." I opened the door to our favorite little pizza place as I loved that she was getting to experience all of this with me. We hadn't really talked about the transfer much as we were doing everything, we could on our end, but we wouldn't find out until Monday. I was anxious for that alone, but we were going to have a good weekend. After the game on Saturday, we were heading back home only because I wanted to spend all day Sunday with Claire. I owed her some time as well and I had a whole daddy/daughter date planned. Monday morning, we were going to do the blood draw and I was going to be with Gabi all day – thankfully. We didn't return back to the practice facility until Wednesday as we had a Monday night game.

"It better be good pizza," Gabi said, and I smiled at her. "It is. You know I take my pizza seriously." I escorted her to the back bar area as I was spotted almost instantly. Talk about a town that I couldn't go to without being stopped. I had better luck in Boston than here. "Troy Bolton! Back in Tuscaloosa!" I laughed as I greeted a few people, "I am glad to be home, but I am going to spend the evening with my wife, gentleman." I excused us and Gabi laughed, "Oh no, are you going to be ultra-popular here this weekend?" I cringed, "Yes, probably."

"Is there something you are craving?" I asked as we both looked over the menu, but I already knew what I wanted from it. "I think the BBQ chicken pizza sounds good," she said tugging her lip into her mouth. I smiled, "Yea? It's my favorite." Those brown eyes glanced up at me with a smile, "You were the one who introduced it to me in high school. I shouldn't be surprised." I laughed as we ordered a large and I ordered a side of wings. "The videos of the failed transfer did amazing on TikTok." Gabi said and I glanced over at her. "Yea?" Gabi nodded, "Better than I thought they were going to do. People really resonated with our emotions, and they are glad that somebody is spreading light that it isn't easy."

I scoffed and laughed, "No, it's the furthest thing from easy." Gabi gave a half smile, "Some people think it is and I am trying to help break the stigmas for that. It's also nice because I am able to focus on those videos this period. Nobody is asking if we tried again already or not because they know it's on a time delay. I just…I am thankful for that community some days. I really feel like it can get me through some of the harder days – finding other woman and for you men who have gone through this time. Sometimes these ten days are the hardest wait."

I gave a half smile, "That is why I try to distract you every single day." She gave a smile as our food came out altogether. We both dove in, and I groaned, "My god, it is as good as I remember it being. I wasn't just drunk." We both laughed together as we happily ate our food while making conversation. I couldn't wait to show her campus tomorrow and I was taking her to the football practice with me. The game was early on Saturday, thankfully, and I couldn't wait to get her back home and resting. I still wanted her to rest but I knew she couldn't rest forever.

College kids were coming in the door left and right as I glanced over at Gabi, "Did you do anything wild in college? Did you have a spot?" I asked her and she gave a tiny smile, "I did, and it was the library." I shot her a look, and she just gave me a laugh. "I don't know. I did drugs but we already knew that, and it was all experimental. I went out and drank but it was never that fun. I don't know. I just think college was initially hard. I had more fun during nursing school and my first year as a nurse than anything. else. I had some wild times my first year in Boston when I met Wren."

"There were many times that I was out after a big football game that I wished you were with me. You would have had fun here all four years. Mostly because we would have still been together." Gabi shook her head, "Like I always say – it is all supposed to work out like it is. No dwelling." I shrugged, "I think being back here reminded me of how much I did it. I sat in this very spot and wanted you." She looked over at me and shook her head, "Stop it. I can't have sex with you." I threw my head back in a laugh as a few other people stopped and talked to me and I paused as somebody walked through the door.

"Holy shit, Braxton?" Braxton York looked up and grinned, "Shut the fuck up, look what the cat drug in." I stood up and hugged him, "Gabi, this a former teammate turned coach – Braxton York. He was my backup quarter back and then he turned into the quarterback coach and then into the OC." Braxton laughed, "And Braxton, this is my wife Gabi." Braxton leaned in and hugged her, "It's nice to meet you. Troy, I never pegged you to be a two wife kinda guy." I rolled my eyes as he jabbed my ribs. Gabi laughed, "Gabi you are the girl he moped about for too long." Braxton said, and I just laughed as Gabi grinned, "That would be me. It was his own doing,"

Braxton laughed as he ordered a beer. "I heard you were making an appearance tomorrow for practice." I nodded, "Gabi wanted to come see Alabama and I told her I would take her. Our bye week worked out really well." Braxton nodded, "Married yet?" I asked him and he shook his head. "Engaged. We get married this summer. Kids yet?" I shook my head, "No. We just have Claire, but she keeps us on our toes." I said with a laugh while giving Gabi's hand a squeeze. It was sometimes hard to answer only because we wanted to tell the world we might be pregnant, but we don't know yet or not. Braxton and I caught up as Gabi leaned back into me. Gabi excused herself to go to the bathroom as I smiled watching her. "Yup, you are totally different with her than you ever were with Eve."

"I know." I told him with a shrug, "I am not sure why I ever married Eve,"

"Because you got her pregnant."

I rolled my eyes, "Well, yes, but I have learned that isn't a reason to get married."

"There was no telling you that all those years ago." I sighed because he wasn't wrong. There was no talking me out of it. "You look happy," I smiled, "I am happy. I hope you are just the same. Are you liking the coaching gig?" he nodded as he dove into working with all the quarterbacks and then the offense. "It won't be too long until you have NFL offers. The offense looks really damn good." I tipped my beer back as Gabi came back and I let her settle between my legs. "Thank you, I am glad it looks good on TV. I have been nervous before every single game this year because of my role." We both laughed as I kissed the top of Gabi's head as I glanced at my watch.

"Brax, I gotta get to bed soon. I'll see you tomorrow." I shook his hand as Gabi was sweet to him before we both headed out of the bar. I linked our fingers together before walking down the main strip of college bars. We were just on the outskirts of the stadium as I pointed out a lot of my memories. "I thought you had to get to bed soon," Gabi teased poking my ribs and I laughed, "I just wanted to get out of there. I wanted to show you my favorite places before taking you back to the hotel and kissing you senseless. Just because you are on pelvic rest doesn't mean I can't make out with you."

She shook her head as we made our way back to the hotel and I took her upstairs and fulfilled my promises.

Friday, November 11th, 2022

Gabi's POV

Troy held my hand as he took me under the tunnel and out onto the field. The team was doing a walk-through for tomorrow as the team didn't know Troy was coming today. We paused at the outskirts of the tunnel before turning around, "C'mon, I want to show you some stuff before we go interrupt practice." He held my hand and pulled me back and opened the locker room doors. It was quite a sight. "I can't believe it," I told him with a laugh as each of the lockers had a neon A and the lockers were personalized to the players.

Each of them had a large comfy chair and their stuff all jammed into their locker. Troy laughed, "This was opened my last year here. It was a lot of fun to be the first group in – especially as the oldest quarterback." I gave him a smile as he showed me the training rooms where he spent a lot of time and then down into the massive weight room. "I have so many memories here. I can't believe how much I miss this somedays. I make so much more playing in the NFL but sometimes there was nothing like playing every single Saturday and then going out to party right after."

I smiled as we made it to the indoor practice facility and I shook my head, "Are these facilities nicer than the Loyalist?" Troy chuckled, "Sometimes I think yes but I like my paycheck more now." He circled his arms around my neck to pull me back against him. I leaned into his body as I can only picture 19-year-old Troy putting in all the work in this gym. "I'm proud of you," I whispered, and he kissed the top of my head. "For what?" he asked, and I smiled as I tilted my head back to look him in the eye. "For chasing your dreams."

He blinked and cleared his throat as he only nodded his head, "I chased my dreams because I couldn't chase my girl. Now I do both and I really hope I am showing Claire to chase her dreams." I smiled, "You are. You'll show our future children the same thing. You are doing amazing things, Troy." We shared a smile before he walked me back out towards the practice field. He held my hand as we walked onto the grass, and he stopped for a moment as if memories hit him. I squeezed his hand, and we made our way across the field and Braxton noticed us first.

"Well, well, well don't we have a little surprise for all of you." The guys all turned around to face us and the entire group broke out into hysterics. Troy laughed as I let go of his hand as he went to shake hands and talk to the team. He hugged his coach and I watched with a smile. It was always fun to see him make somebody else's day. Just his mere presence at this practice made their day. They would go home and call their moms and tell them about how Troy Bolton showed up to their practice. "Gabi? Coach Seth Williams." I shook his hand, and he had a very strong southern accent. "Hi, I'm Gabi."

"It's nice to meet you. How long have you two been married now?" I laughed, "Not that long. But we dated through high school and met when Claire was diagnosed with cancer again." He raised a single eyebrow, "Are you the girl…" I just laughed with a nod of my head. "Yes, I am the girl. It's his fault." Coach Seth laughed with a shake of his head. "It's always their fault." I couldn't help but laugh as Troy made his way over as he gave Coach Seth a hug. "How the hell are you? I want to come up for a Loyalist game soon." Troy grinned, "Just tell me when and the whole family has ticket."

Coach Seth chuckled with a shake of his head, "I will. Maybe this December." He gave a grin towards Troy, "I see you finally won back the girl who gave you all of the trouble in college." Troy laughed as his eyes landed on me with the brightest smile on his face. "Damn straight. She saved my life last year." I shook my head, "I did not." I told him with a shove. "C'mon Gabs, you are the only person who kept me sane with Claire's cancer plus the divorce. If it wasn't for you, I am not sure where I would be. Probably a lack of a super bowl."

Coach Seth squeezed Troy's shoulder, "How is that fireball, Claire? I miss watching her toddle around practice." Troy just laughed, "She is much bigger now. Going into Kindergarten next year if you can honestly believe that." He pulled out his phone and I knew he was looking for a picture of her which wouldn't be hard to find. "My god, she has gotten big. Is she with Eve?" Troy nodded, "Yea, it's a thing for Gabs and me to get away during bye week to recharge. We leave tomorrow after the game so that I can spend all day on Sunday with her."

"He's obsessed with her." I explained and Coach Seth laughed. "He was when she was a baby, too. I don't know how he juggled parenthood and football, but he did it." Troy's face flushed, "I had no other choice." Troy put it simply as I shook my head because he would put his mind to anything, and he would get it done. I squeezed his hand and he talked to a few other coaches and players approached as he found the current quarterback, Carter, and shook his hand. "My god, it's always been a dream to meet you." I gave a laugh and Troy smiled, "Look, I was you once. You can become me. If you can play at Alabama, you can play anywhere."

Carter just gave a grin, "Is Wiley house still a thing?" Troy asked him and Carter let out a laugh, "Yea, I stay in your old room." I gave a confused look at Troy smiled, "Before I moved out my fifth year – I lived in the football house. It was standard for the quarterback, too. It was on Wiley St, so it was Wiley House. Somebody's dad bought it a long time ago and it's just rented out from that family at this point. I only moved out to live with Eve and Claire. That house has…memories." Troy finished and I couldn't stop my laugh. "Oh god, I don't think I want to know."

Troy snorted, "No, you probably don't." Carter and Troy talked for a little bit before he addressed the entire team. They were on pace to go to the college football playoffs, and I knew Troy was always tuning in on Saturday to watch them. I tucked up and underneath of his arm as he talked to another group of players. He never stopped but pulled me back against his chest. It wasn't our trip from last year, but this was almost just as great. Getting a peek into his life and suddenly I had wants of taking him to UNC. To show him where I hung out and to just…know that each of our paths had a purpose.

Once practice was over Troy thanked everybody as we headed back for our rental car. "I want to take you to another one of my favorite places, you up for it?" he asked, and I nodded my head, "Of course. I am up for anything." He gave a smile as we walked together once we parked. The air was chilly this afternoon but not too nippy. Once he pushed the door open, I was engulfed in the best coffee smell of my life. "I bet you did spend a lot of time here." I joked as he did love coffee but so did I. I walked hand in hand with him as we went to the counter. "This coffee shop always spoke more to me than others." He said as we stood at the counter, and I quickly saw the reason why.

"It was like my little wink that you were still with me," he whispered as I stared at my favorite creamer as one of the options. The one that he had shipped to Boston just for me. The one he knew I loved so much. "I used to sit here and just think about how you would have loved this place." I looked around as it was full of windows and sunny spots. It was bright and light with greenery. It was beautiful and it had the best environment for studying. "I went here when I missed you the most so naturally, I got to know the owners." I laughed as I wiped away the tear and turned to hug him.

"I'm glad you had this." I whispered and he smiled as he cupped my face to kiss me softly before we both placed our order. We sat at a little table and just talked. About anything and everything. I was thankful that we steered away from the maybe pregnancy because I wasn't sure if I could talk about it. I was keeping my distance. I devoured the muffin Troy bought and those blue eyes looked content. "Are you doing, okay?" I asked him and he nodded, "I think our talk plus the win really helped me out in the long run."

"Good, I got a call from Dr. Rich today, Claire's lab work was great." I visibly saw Troy exhale, "I think I will really calm down once we do her next scan and that little dot is gone." I squeezed his hand. "I know. I know that is always in the background for you, but she is doing so well, Troy." Troy gave a smile, "I just don't know what will happen if something happens to her."

"Nothing is going to happen to her. I think that might play a reason the failed transfer bothered you so much. It was a child we were supposed to have, and it might have just taken you back to Claire and how you couldn't imagine losing her. So how could you imagine losing something that we both created?" he pulled his bottom lip into his mouth as if he really thought about it. I took a deep breath and Troy gave a tiny smile, "You're probably right. I never thought about it that way. Anything with the two of us…"
I smiled at him as I squeezed his hand. "I love you, Troy."

"How are you feeling?" he asked, and I shrugged, "Okay, I guess, I just…" I paused for a moment to gather what I wanted to say to him. "I think I am just trying to keep my distance from this whole idea that I could be pregnant. I don't want to get too attached and maybe that will make the after easier." I shook my head, "That sounded terrible." Troy chuckled, "No, it isn't. I understand what you are saying. It's easier to just…be ignorant." I gave a tiny nod, "I want this so badly for the both of us but I also just…I just don't want to feel that again."

Troy squeezed my hand, and we redirected the conversation back to some of his memories of Alabama. All the good ones that he wanted to share, that had him laughing, and everything between. He didn't mention Eve once. He talked about Claire's a few times. Alabama was a place for him that he experienced 1000 emotions. I tucked my hands into his and I was just happy to see some of this part of his life. "You talk about the moments where you thought of me, and I know I didn't think about you a lot towards a certain point only because it was painful but there was a place at UNC – in the library actually. I walked past a shelf, and it had your favorite book from childhood right next to mine and that book display absolutely never changed from my freshman until I graduated." Troy smiled, "The Magic Tree House with Junie B Jones?" I laughed, "Yea, they were right next to each other. I just…I can't believe in four years that it never moved."

His thumb stroked my skin, "I'm glad it never changed. It forced you to think of me." I just laughed, "I didn't need that much help. You crowded my thoughts on most occasions. Especially when you were in the constant Sunday morning highlights with how you played on Saturday." Troy couldn't stop the slow grin on his lips. "I would have been better with you here. I have been a better football player since you came back into my life." I shook my head, "That isn't on me. That is on your hard work."

"Yea, but I also don't have to stress off the field either. I mean, I am, currently but that is just life, but I know I get to go home to you at the end of the day and that…that makes me so fucking happy." I reached across to kiss him, and he smiled against my mouth. "Anything else you want to show me?" I asked him and he just gave a slow smile.

Saturday, November 12th, 2022

Troy's POV

The booth was crowded as Alabama was winning by ten. They honored me on the field before the game as they had retired my jersey – a surprise to me. Gabi was seated next to me but was half asleep. She didn't sleep well last night, and I knew the looming test of Monday was weighing on her shoulders more than she wanted to admit, too. I rubbed her shoulder gently and she twisted to rest her head against my shoulder. "You doing, okay?" I kissed the top of her head as she nodded, "Yea, I am just sleepy. I think this weekend has wiped me out. "

"Or is it because you didn't sleep last night?" I asked her and she tensed slightly as I kissed her hair again. "I love you," I threaded our fingers together as I watched the game as our quarterback launched the ball down the field and it was easily caught. I had vivid flashbacks to Hanson and I running this field. I sent him a picture and he quickly called me, "You should have invited me." Hanson spoke and I just laughed, "It is Gabi and I time. I don't share with anybody. Claire isn't even here." I reminded him and he sighed with annoyance.

"I would have loved to have caught up with coach and just watched a game. Instead, I am watching a fashion show." I couldn't help but laugh, "Yea, I know about that life. I am coming back after the game anyways. Gabs and I are going to get Claire early tomorrow morning and spend the whole damn day with her."

"You deserve it. I am also thankful we don't see each other until Wednesday." I just chuckled in response as I bid him good-bye before I glanced down to see Gabi scrolling on her phone. "College football still give you the ick?" I asked her with a tease of my fingers against her bare skin. She laughed, "Yea, a little bit. I have programmed myself to just not watch anything college football related." I chuckled. Half-time started as I got up to refill my drink and Gabi's before bringing some snacks over. "Troy? Troy Bolton?" I looked up to see Cassidy Johnston. She was one of Eve's really good friends in college and once we moved to Boston I never really heard about her again.

"Cassidy?" I asked as she was wearing an Alabama shirt and she grinned, "What the hell are you doing here?" she hugged me, and I gave her a hug back. "I brought my wife up to show her Alabama and I apparently got surprised with a jersey retirement." Cass laughed, "I saw you and Eve got divorced." I nodded with a tight smile, "It was something we should have done a long time ago. My high school girlfriend, who was truly the love of my life, came back into my life and I just…" I looked over at Gabi who was talking to somebody on the other side of her. A smile on her face but I could see she was tired.

I had half the mind to message the pilot and tell him to get ready to go.

Maybe sleeping in our own bed tonight would be helpful.

"She's beautiful, how is Eve?" I shrugged, "For the most part – I think, okay? We really don't talk too much unless it is Claire related. She is working with Gabi, my wife, and they are helping oncology kids." Cass's eyes got really wide, "Oh my god, can I meet your wife? I work with the sorority houses, and we could take on her non-profit as one of their charities they raise money and campaign for." I grinned, "Yea, let me introduce the two of you." I lead her over to Gabi and Gabi looked up with a smile, "Hey, did you grab food?" I shook my head, "Not yet. Gabs, I want you to meet Cass. She and I used to go to college together and she was good friends with Eve back in the day. She wanted to talk to you about The Sunshine Pact." Gabi's whole face light up and Cass sat down and began talking a mile a minute. I shot Gabs a wink before I went to get a refill on my drink and grab food for the both of us.

I sat the food down in front of Gabi as they were still talking, and I don't think either of them realized I showed up. I talked with a few of the boosters in the box as I watched the game unfold in front of me. Once the middle of the fourth quarter approached, I realized Gabi was leaning back against my legs with her hand holding my hand. Cass was still chatting with her, but they had long moved topics at this point as Gabi just was holding me close. I smiled looking down at her because it was these times that I was thankful that she was here. My phone buzzed as we were in a large lead of this game, and I knew our driver was probably here.

"El, are you ready to go? The driver is here, and you look tired." I kissed her temple as Cass grinned, "Oh, this is Troy Bolton in love." Gabi laughed, "I hear that a lot. I'm sad he didn't treat Eve the same way," I rolled my eyes, "I never loved Eve like I love you," I told her with a tiny pinch, and she laughed pulling away. "Cass, it was so good to meet you. Reach out to me and I can set up a zoom call with the sorority that gets to represent our amazing non-profit." Cass hugged her and I shouldn't be surprised at how well my girl can make friends – even with my ex-wife's old ones.

They hugged as I looped her arm into mine as I helped her out of the booth as we said bye to a handful of people along the way. Once I got her to the car, I made sure she was buckled in, and I held her hand. "I hope you had a good weekend." I told her and she gave me a smile, "I got to spend it with you, didn't I?" I smiled back at her as I captured her mouth with mine. "I love you, thank you for coming and meeting all of these people."

"It might have worked out for me better than I could have realized." She said with a tiny smile, and I could only smile back. "I'm scared," she admitted after a few beats and I swallowed, "I know. I am, too." Those brown eyes looked at me with a little bit of helplessness and I waited until our car was parked on the tarmac and I tugged her into my lap, and we just held each other because that was all there was to do.

Happy Sunday! Enjoy this chapter and hopefully I am back soon!

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Next Update: TBD, please look on my page for updates in when I will be updating both Coach's Wife and Loyal.