Chapter 10 – Christmas and Birthdays
Thursday, December 24th, 2020
Troy's POV
"I still am trying to get over the fact that my big brother is going to coach D1 basketball." I smiled as I leaned back on the couch as basketball was on TV in my parents living room as we were doing a Christmas Eve lunch with my parents as Gabi wanted to be home with the babies tonight at home to start our own traditions with Saylor and Sutton who were going to be one in just a week. I couldn't believe the first year had flown by already.
"It took a bit of convincing with Gabi and Sage to go for it." I said and Brady grunted, "I mean, I get it. She just opened that dance studio." I nodded, "I know. I understood too and I said if she wasn't going to be happy in Statesboro then we were staying here but she gave it a lot of thought, we talked a lot about it, and I think she's actually a little excited. Probably because we are building a house and getting to pick all the things as she pictures them with the layout we got, and we aren't leaving until July."
"When are you supposed to close on the house?"
"The last week of June at the absolute latest." I said and my dad nodded, "I'm proud of you and I am proud of how you let Gabi think about this and make sure she wanted this with you. This is a lot." I agreed as I knew we were signing up for a lot. "When are you telling the boys?" I twisted my beer bottle in my hand as I grunted. "I don't know. I want them to play hard this season and I don't want them distracted by the fact that not only am I leaving but we're all leaving for this season. I want to wait a little bit and just let them play basketball but it's going to get out and I want to be the one to tell them. The only people who know are the principal at each of the schools we work at and the athletic director. They promised they wouldn't post anything until March, so I guess I have until March."
I heard Gabi's laugh and then Sutton's cry as I looked over to see if she needed any help. I stood up as Saylor also started to whine and I easily swooped her up off the floor and tossed her in the air as she giggled with a big smile on her face. "What are we upset about?" I blew on her belly, and she giggled as Gabi smiled at me. "I think she's just getting tired. Just like her brother but I am trying to keep them up to eat some of your mom's lunch because you know the moment, they nurse they are both taking a nap."
I laughed with a nod as I did understand, "Here, give them to me and we'll go sit in the living room away from mommy's boobs." My mom laughed as I shot her a wink before taking both of the squirming toddlers back towards the living room as I deposited one in Brady's lap and then the other in Silas's lap. "Practice for you, a reminder for you that you are too young for kids." They both laughed as Sutton stood up on Silas lap and Brady snuggled Saylor as she played with the little facial hair that he had. "I can't believe I am going to have one of these before too long," Brady said, and I smirked with a shake of my head. "One of the best things ever. I couldn't imagine life without them."
My dad shot me a smile, "I told you. They were going to change your left in the best way possible. How do you think you are going to be able to balance coaching college ball and your family?" I shrugged my shoulders, "I don't know. We are going to have to really make sure we are taking quality time. Luckily, Gabi is going to freelance for advertising and marketing from home and working on Zoey's from home. We will be able to play around my schedule to spend time together." My dad nodded as he took a drink. "You and Gabi have a strong relationship – you had to have one, but this will test it, Troy."
"I know, basketball season in general tests our relationship but I know this is going to be one of the biggest challenges yet." Sutton cried and reached for me, and I took him as I sat my drink down. He cried into my neck, and I laughed, "Buddy, I know, you're hungry. Tell Grandma to hurry up," my dad chuckled as he reached for him, and I handed him over. "Come to papa," Sutton loved my dad and he put his finger in his mouth. "No, no, here is your binky." I handed my dad Sutton's binky as we were trying to prevent sucking thumbs. Pacifiers were easier to take away than hands.
Sutton sucked on it and rubbed his eyes as our whole plan of letting them eat lunch before taking a nap might fall apart. I did want Gabi to get the opportunity to eat before she nursed them though. "Troy, I have plates for both of them." Gabi called and I nodded as I stood up and I collected both babies and headed to the kitchen to put them each in their chairs. They were both crying now, and Gabi laughed, "Go eat yourself, I'll see if they can eat." I said looking up at her and she frowned, "No, we should…" I shook my head. "No, they are both fussy and tired. I'd rather you get to eat before nursing them and putting them down for a nap." Gabi let out a sigh and nodded her head, "Okay," she kissed the back of my head before taking off as I gave each of them their food on their highchair.
They were both fine for the moment, so I got up and started to make my plate. I gave my mom a kiss on the cheek as I passed her. "Hi sweetie, how are you?" I hadn't really had a chance to talk to her since she had been in the kitchen. "Good. Busy." I told her. "I bet. Those two little ones who are both almost walking is going to really keep you on your toes." I couldn't stop my laugh as I began to make my plate. "Yea, I know. They are going to be so much fun though." My mom smiled over at me. "That they are. I am sad you are moving them away from me."
I gave her a side hug, "I know, I know, you are more than welcome to come be with us whenever. We'll have plenty of rooms until I get Gabi pregnant several more times." My mom swatted me, and I laughed, "You don't want more grandchildren?" I asked with a grin, and she just smiled with a nod. I laughed as I went to sit next to the babies with my plate in hand. We were going to let them open presents after their nap to have better success and that gave Gabi and I time to spend with my family. "Mac n' cheese," Macken groaned as she sat down on the other side of me.
"When will the nickname drop?" she questioned.
I shrugged, "Absolutely never," Brady mentioned. Macken groaned as I chuckled. Luna planted herself underneath of the highchair. Gabi snuggled between Ada and my mom as they were talking about something. It felt good to be around family and it wasn't going to be fun moving away from all of them but luckily, we had seven months before that happened. "Dada!" I turned towards Saylor, and I handed her a piece of ham and she threw it on the ground. "Saylor," I scolded, and she only laughed at my voice. I couldn't help but laugh back. "Troy, you can't laugh when she's doing something bad." Gabi said with her own smile on her face. Sutton followed suit with throwing food and Gabi, and I had made the rule that once they started that they were done.
"That's my cue," Gabi mentioned as I began to clean up the surrounding area. They both started crying and Gabi and I began to tag team it together. They were both crying, and Gabi just laughed as we shared a look. "Good thing they are cute," I grunted as we each picked one up and we headed for the stairs where Gabi could feed them and put them down. "Do you want any more food?" I questioned as Gabi got settled and I handed her Sutton. She shook her head, "No, I pretty much finished anyways. Thank you though. Go spend time with your family."
"Are you sure? I can keep you company," I rubbed the back of her neck, and she nodded her head, "Yea, I am sure. Just spend time with them and eat with them. You had a lot left." I just nodded, "Call out if you need anything. I'll bring it." Gabi nodded as I kissed her forehead before heading downstairs. Luna was still licking the floor as I took my seat back. "Did she get settled?" my mom asked, and I nodded. "I offered to stay with her, but she told me to come down and spend time with you guys." My mom grinned, "I love her so much, thank you for finding her."
I laughed, "I am glad I found her. I am so glad she is so understanding of everything. I feel terrible that we're leaving."
"She wouldn't go unless she wanted, too. You know Gabi." Brady pointed out and I nodded as I did know Gabi and I know she made that decision with her heart and her brain. We carried on typical conversations and I asked about Macken and Silas college semester. My mom was questioning Ada about her pregnancy which seemed to be going smoothly. "Any thoughts if it's a boy or a girl?" Macken asked almost visibly bouncing in her seat. "You have one of each already?" I pointed out and Macken shrugged. "And buying for a girl is way more fun. Trust me, I love my Sutty boy but finding cute things for him is not fun. I don't know how Gabi does it." I grunted, "I don't want to know either."
The group laughed as we all finished dinner and put all of it away before I realized that we were missing Gabi. I turned to head upstairs, and I walked in my old bedroom where all three of them were asleep on the bed together. Each of them was face first on her chest but they were clearly done feeding as her shirt was pulled down. She was passed out but with both of her arms wrapped around each of them. She was such a great mom. I backed out of the room and shut the door before heading downstairs where Luna was begging Brady for a treat.
"Is Gabi, okay?" my mom asked, I nodded, "She also fell asleep. I am going to leave her for a while. The twins were both up a few times last night." My dad tossed me a fresh beer and we lounged back on the couch together and it wasn't before too long that I was also drug underneath the Christmas lunch spell.
Gabi's POV
Saylor and Sutton played with their toys that Laura and Tommy got each of them. Brady and Ada got them some clothes and some books while Macken of course got the loudest thing she could find. "I swear that is staying here," Troy said as Sutton banged on the piano. Macken just cackled in the corner as Troy pulled me back against his chest as we were opening up our gifts. Laura and Tommy got us a joint give of a night of baby-sitting and a dinner and hotel in Hilton Head for a weekend. Troy rubbed my thigh gently as that would be nice for the two of us.
They also got us a few pieces of clothing as Troy buried his lips into my hair as we watched our kids play. Our fingers threading together. "I can't wait for that to be us next year," Ada said looking over her shoulder towards Brady. He smiled as he kissed her head as well. "Our baby will be much smaller."
"You did confirm one, right?" Troy asked and Brady laughed, "I'd shit my pants if there was two."
"I think I did." Troy laugh and I couldn't help but laugh as his thumb brushed over my skin. "They are the best two things though," I whispered as I stared at them playing with each other as they crawled across the carpet. Luna hovered behind as Troy called for her to lay down. "Next year, we'll host Christmas." I mentioned. "It'll be in the swing of Troy's season, and I am assuming it will be hard to get home."
"It will give us an excuse to come down there and enjoy some basketball games." Tommy mentioned. "I just can't believe they are taking Cam, Dylan, Jax, and Jesse with you." Laura said, "I would have never imagined such a dream job for you boys." Troy chuckled, "I think I also nearly shit my pants there." We all laughed as Saylor crawled towards me and I picked her up and I stood her up on her feet. She took a step with my hands, "Look at my big girl," I murmured as she had come so far from the little, tiny girl in the NICU who scared me half to death.
She fell into my arms as I clobbered her up and I pressed my lips into her hair. She brushed her hands over my hair as Troy was messing with her behind my back. She let out a laugh and it made my heart soar. "I love seeing you as a dad, Troy." He looked over at Laura and he smiled, "I never realized how much I was going to love being a dad. I also really love being a husband," I shook my head with a laugh, "You are such a suck-up." Sutton banged on the piano again which caused both Macken and Silas to laugh again.
"That is either going to your apartment or staying here," Troy deadpanned behind me. "Oh no, that is not saying at Papa and Grandma's house," Tommy mentioned as he took another drink of his beer. "We can hide it. They can't walk yet," Troy chuckled with a nod in understanding. My eyes glanced at the clock, and I turned to look back at Troy, "I know," he said as his eyes went to the clock himself. "They are going to start getting hungry and tired again, soon. I want to do some stuff at home." Troy nodded. "I hate that we have to leave."
"No, no, we'll see them again soon." He kissed my head as he stood up and began to collect things. I followed behind, "No, you guys aren't already leaving," Macken complained. "I thought we were going to play a card game or something like we always do." Troy hesitated as he looked at his little sister. "Gabs and I want to do some stuff with the babies at home. We are going to start our own traditions." Macken went to protest but Laura put her hand on her arm. "Mac, it is only a matter of time that it was all going to end. We got to spend several hours with them. They have their own family now."
"Maybe sometime next week we can have everybody over, and we can do another dinner and we can play a card game." Troy mentioned and I smiled because it was a good idea to have some family nights. Macken pouted with the idea but seemed to understand. Troy finished what he was doing before he pulled his sister into a giant bearhug. "Maybe next year we can come over earlier and do it before lunch." Macken just smiled as I could see her own tears which would probably dissolve Troy. It almost made me want to stay because making memories with families was the best thing, but I also knew we needed to start making our own family memories.
"I'm sorry, I just hate that we're all getting old." Troy winced because he could hear her tears and he just hugged her hard. "You and Silas will have kids in like eight years and understand," Macken laughed with his statement as he released her and wiped away the tears. "Eight?"
"Minimum," Troy whispered with a wink and they both laughed together. We both got the kids in their car seats and packed everything up as his dad helped taking everything to the car. I hugged Laura, Macken, and Ada before Brady practically tackled me. "I do not think I can think of a time where I have seen him happier so thank you. I know I've said it before, but I am going to say it again. He is so happy with you." I just smiled squeezing Brady. "He makes me just as happy." Brady winked before we wished his family a Merry Christmas and headed towards the car.
We both got in and I reached for his hand, "Thank you for leaving, I know it was probably hard with Macken wanting us to stay." Troy gave a smile, "It was but I also can't wait to do our thing tonight."
Saylor and Sutton were both talking up a storm in the back as I looked over at Troy. "I was looking at Saylor who was standing earlier and I almost cried sitting there." I spoke out loud and Troy gave a look towards me. "What? Why?"
"Because I think of that itty bitty girl who was in the NICU and she's almost walking." Troy smiled as I almost cried again thinking about it. My eyes blurring and I looked at her mirror in the backseat to see her kicking around. "Brie," his voice brought me back and he smiled. "She's amazing," I nodded as I wiped the tear away. "I am so proud of her and him. They both came so far, and I really thought I would keep this until their actual birthday." Troy just chuckled as I wiped them away as he pulled into the house. Luna whined in the back seat and Troy popped the trunk to let her out. He then came around to my side as he pulled me into his arms. His mouth into my hair. "You are such an amazing mom,"
"Your mom is right; it is fun watching you be a dad." I teased poking him in the ribs and Troy laughed as he just held me to him. "Watching you be a mom? Makes me want to get you pregnant again." We both laughed together this time as we emptied out the car and got the twins inside on their playmats.
Troy read them 'T'was The Night Before Christmas' as they were both laying against his chest in their matching plaid Christmas PJs as they were trying to take the book from him. I sat on the couch next to them as I curled up on Troy's shoulder. He gave a smile over towards me as it had been a good night. We made sugar cookies and we let the babies try each. We did dinner, bath, and we took pictures of them underneath the Christmas tree. I even got Troy to wear a pair of matching pajama pants. The twins were batting the book and once Troy finished her inhaled as it was dark, the Christmas tree was glowing, and he looked over at me with a smile.
"I love this."
I gave him a smile back, "I think I love it more."
He dropped his mouth to mine, and I just gave him a smile as I pulled back. "Let me go feed these two crazies and how about we trade our gifts tonight? Let tomorrow be all about those babies." Troy nodded as he went upstairs with me, and I got each of them situated before Troy started to shut down the room. He turned the lights off and then turned on each of the lamps in the room. He then moved to sit right next to me. Each of them ate as Troy pulled his knees up to chest. "I like the simplicity of tonight. I know as they get older it will change but tonight just feels…good. No rushing, no running around, just the four of us." His hand slid over my knee, and I gave him a smile.
"I think this should be how it's done when we are here. Your parents Christmas Eve, my parents Christmas night. I know once we move it will be differently and we'll figure it out again. I don't mind hosting and I know Thanksgiving will be hard, too." He grabbed my hand as he messed with my wedding ring and my engagement ring. "As long as I have you three on those days then I will be okay." I gave him a smile as they both finished and were half sleepy as Troy took Saylor to put her in her sleep sack while I put Sutton in his. We turned the lights off and we both headed downstairs together.
Troy went to pour wine into glasses, and he then came back as we both agreed to just one for each of us. Since we were buying a house and apparently putting in a pool – we were trying to save money. I found his gift and he found the one to me as we switched. "You go first," Troy said. I took a sip of wine and began to unpeel the paper. I stopped once I revealed the cover and I looked up at Troy, "I knew that you were going to need a great laptop if you are going to be doing zoom stuff and what not and if you pick that up," I did as I was told and there was a ring light.
"Troy," I whispered, and he smiled. "The computer has all the best music cutting software for dancing. I want you to still be living you damn dream, Gabi. I want you to do the damn thing and they promised this was the nicest." I put it down and I launched myself at him as I wrapped my arms around his neck. "Thank you," I murmured, and he stroked my hair. "It breaks my heart that I am taking you away from this, but I know you made the decision with all thoughts. I am still going to figure out how to support your dreams."
I couldn't stop my tears as I pressed my face into his neck, "Thank you," I whispered into his skin, and he just rubbed my back. I pulled back and he looked down at his lap. He began to unwrap his gift and I could hardly contain my excitement for him. He unboxed it and he paused as the thing on top was his airline confirmation code. "What is this?" he picked it up and he read through the note. "Tampa? We're going to Tampa?" I bit on my lip, "Keep going," I motioned, and he picked up the next piece as he read the dates.
"Wait, that's super bowl weekend." He said looking up at me with even more confusion and I just gave another grin. "Open the last one," I told him, and he pulled out the last one and read it and he had to of read it again as his eyebrows creased and those blue eyes jumped to mine. "Super bowl tickets, you got me super bowl tickets?" I laughed and I nodded. "Us girls all bought each of you one. We figured since it's in Tampa we could have a couple's trip and you boys can go to the Super Bowl festivities and we can just hang out at the pool and bar." Troy launched himself at me this time as we were both laughing as his mouth found mine. "How? How much money were these?" he questioned, and I couldn't stop my laugh as he continued to kiss my face between questions.
"Lennon knows somebody who knows somebody, and we didn't spend as much as we thought we were going to have, too. Since we weren't doing anything else for the two of us, I felt okay spending this money. We checked the basketball schedule, and you don't play until Wednesday and Friday that week. We'll be home Monday afternoon for practice, but you'll have to take off work on Monday. We leave Friday after practice. You don't have a game that night." Troy just laughed as he kissed me squarely. "You can't say anything to your friends yet until tomorrow night."
"Tomorrow night?" he protested. "Yea, Lennon said she can't give Cameron his until the afternoon and we will each text each other when it's done so that way you don't spoil it." Troy laughed as he kissed me again and wedged himself between my legs. "You are the sexiest fucking wife ever," his mouth found mine and I melted into the couch underneath of him. His free hand pushed up my shirt as my breasts were free for his pleasure. His mouth was soft, rough, and intense within the same span of minutes. He rolled his pelvis against mine and I gasped into his mouth which he ate up. His thumb brushed across my tattoo, and it caused goose bumps down my body.
"I love you, thank you for one of the best Christmas presents ever." We both laughed together this time, but our laughter turned into our eyes holding steady. "I love you," I whispered back, and he dropped his lips to my throat, my shoulder, and then my breast as he reached into my PJs to push them down just enough to get those fingers right where they needed to be.
Friday, December 25th, 2020
Gabi's POV
"How was your morning?" my mom asked as I was helping her clean up in the kitchen. We had dinner and everybody was watching the basketball game on the TV in the living room. "I think I enjoyed last night more than I liked this morning. Don't get me wrong, the babies had fun and loved all of their toys they opened but last night we read a book, did bath time, and we got to take pictures with them under the tree. It was just peaceful and magical. I loved it. Troy and I exchanged gift last night just between the two of us and it was…perfect."
My mom shared a smile, "Good. You need to have those moments with each other. How are you feeling about the move this summer?" she asked me. I smiled, "Good. I am glad we made this decision. I am so excited to decorate and build this house together and be living by all of his friends. I don't know if it will be forever but at least we get to start together." We shared a smile together as she rubbed my back. "Your dad and I are serious about moving down there with you. If you want us down, there."
"Of course, I want you down there, but we will be coming back and forth to here. Your family is still here." I told her as I dried one of the dishes. "Yes, but wouldn't Troy's family still be here? I am assuming you could always crash with them. Especially if you bring those babies. That way you would have us down there." I looked over at my mom as I took a deep breath. "We would go see James and the kids often and we should all go see Beth soon. I would love to explore Wyoming."
"Maybe June? Before we move." I told her. She nodded as Beth came up behind me and hugged me tightly, "Why couldn't Troy go coach in Wyoming?" she asked. I couldn't stop my laugh. "I don't think I would have let him. I am a southern girl." Beth grumbled as Colt was holding one of our kids and I nudged Beth. "I think you need one of those for his arms." Beth sighed with a smile on her face. "I am just waiting for him to pop the question." I smiled as Beth leaned back on the counter. "Troy is buzzing over there."
I rolled my eyes with a laugh, "All of us ladies bought our husbands, fiancés, and boyfriends super bowl tickets in Tampa. They are all finally getting to talk about it with each other. He honestly hasn't shut up about it, but he also made me see the stars about four times last night because of that gift so it was well worth it." Beth couldn't stop her laugh as I showed him what he got me. "I love the both of you." I laughed as I got down and I went into the living room as all of the fun festivities were done. The babies were exhausted from the past couple of days, and I couldn't wait to get some alone time with my family the next two days.
I was mentally exhausted, and I wanted to snuggle my babies in bed. I wanted to snuggle my husband in bed, but I knew he was going to be getting ready for the week of practice. "What are you and Troy doing for New Year's Eve?" Beth asked me as she sat on the counter swinging her legs. "I don't know. The babies birthday is the day before and they will be one. I don't know if emotionally I will be able to handle that. I might just stay home."
"No…you can't be that old yet." I laughed, "You are older than me." I pointed out to her. "But have no kids," my mom shot back. "Troy's friends aren't getting together?" I shrugged, "Sometimes their stuff happens at the last minute. I never really asked. I am just trying to get through their birthday party first."
"Does it make you want another kid?" I laughed and I shook my head. "No, but I am afraid Troy and I need to start talking about the next one. If there will be a next one. I don't want to have a baby during basketball season, so we are really going to have to plan when we have this next one. No more surprises." Beth giggled, "But the best surprises," I nodded, "I agree with that. They are the best." We all went into the living room as I curled into Troy's side, and he snuggled into me as Blaine was on the other side talking basketball with him. Lucy was playing on the floor with her cousins as she was the best entertainer. His large hand laid on my leg as Blaine laughed at something Troy said.
"Are you two ready for another rematch?" I questioned and Blaine grunted. "I hate them and love them all at the same time. I hope it's our last, but I am assuming we will see each other at the district tournament." Troy gave a grin, "Probably. Might have a chance." Blaine scoffed, "You do not have a chance." Troy just laughed with his head hitting the back of the couch. "What's going to happen when Tennessee and Georgia Southern play a game against each other?" My dad asked and Blaine quickly let his head swing around to Troy as Troy grimaced.
"Wait, fuck, Blaine didn't know?" my dad started, and I sighed, "No, not yet," Troy said with a look towards Blaine. "Wait, you got a D1 coaching offer?" Troy nodded his head, "Oh my god, Troy, that's amazing." Blaine said with the biggest grin. "You are going to kick ass. Who is taking over at James Island? Jesse?" Troy shook his head. "We're all going. They offered me the head coaching spot and said they could all come. Gabi and I debated it for a while, but we signed it last week. We move in July, and you cannot tell anybody."
Blaine's face fell for a moment, "Your team doesn't know." Troy shook his head. "I have until March to tell them, and I just want them to play basketball without worrying about next year. Nothing is changing right now, and I wasn't seeking this job out. They sought me out. Nobody knows but our families and people in our school district who needs to know for next year." Blaine slowly nodded his head and he hesitated, "You don't think you should tell them now? Are you going to wait until the end of the season?" Troy hesitated and shook his head. "No, I think just later. I don't know. I don't want to make it that big of a deal."
"But they are going to find out that you've known for this long and are going to be upset. I would be if Coach Sam's did this to us." Troy sat back as he thought about it for a minute, and I could see the contemplation on his face. "I don't know how to tell them either." Troy told Blaine and Blaine shrugged, "They are going to be pissed because they know they have a great coach, and you are taking all the assistants. So, it's not like you are just handing the program over. They have no idea what they are going to get."
Troy took a long pull of his beer and just nodded as he if didn't want to continue this conversation. I reached up to let my hand rub on his thigh and he captured my hand right there. "Okay, but seriously, it would be cool if we had a game against each other." Blaine said and Troy laughed as Sutton reached for him and he easily pulled him into his lap. I knew Troy had a lot on his mind because was there ever a good time to tell the team? There probably was no correct answer here but the only thing he had to do was tell the team before anybody else told them.
The conversation flowed away from that as my mom nudged her head towards the kitchen. I followed and she looked up at me, "Your dad and I are going to come with you. You guys are going to need some extra hands during basketball season and then during the off-season we can go to Wyoming or even come back here for a bit if we want. That way we can freely travel to go see Blaine on the road if we want and we are going to sell the house." I almost felt sucker punched with those words alone. "You are going to move to Statesboro?" I asked her and she nodded. "I think it will be good for your dad and I. Especially if everybody is leaving. Blaine is off to Tennessee and James told him they are going to follow him. Beth is in Wyoming. You'll be in Statesboro. There is no reason for us to stay here without our kids here. We'll travel. See your sister. Blaine. Lucy. We'll go to all of you."
I sat down with the announcement, and I inhaled as I felt my eyes blur looking at the counter. I loved that she was going to follow us and be there for help but at the same time it broke my heart to let go of this house. To never have another Christmas here. This was the house I grew up in with my sisters. "Your dad and I will be lonely and that is something that we don't want. Not with everything else going on. If Zoey was still here," I shook my head as I looked up at her and her face softened. "Gabi, what's wrong? I figured you would be happy."
She came over and wrapped her arm around my shoulder as I let my head rest on her shoulder. "No, I am really, happy that you are going to follow us to Statesboro. I am so happy that our kiddos will have you around, but it just breaks my heart to lose this house with all the memories." I whispered. My mom kissed the top of my head, "There are a lot of good memories in this house but there will always be right here in our hearts. We are going to make new memories. Your dad and I were already talking about it. We don't need this big house and walking past Zoey's room every day is hard sometimes. I know it looks nothing like when she was here but…"
"Oh mom, I'm so sorry," I whispered as I hugged her, and I think both of us were crying now. "We'll start looking for a house,"
"If you want to wait, we have plenty of room for now in the new house, the basement has bedrooms if you want to stay with us for a while." I told her as I wiped away my tears. "We'll keep that in mind. Your dad and I thought about doing the RV life to travel around the country to all our favorite people." I smiled as she kissed the top of my head. She walked away as I rubbed my eyes when a pair of strong hands gripped my shoulders gently and his lips pressed into my hair. "What's wrong?" he murmured into my ear, and I turned around to face him as I let my head press into his chest. "My mom told me they are selling the house to follow us to Statesboro since James is moving, too." Troy started to say something, and I shook my head. "I am happy that they are coming with us. It was just the thought of selling this house with all the memories of Zoey and whatnot." I told him.
He gave a tiny smile as he brushed away the lingering tears and he kissed my forehead. "Then she told me they were already thinking about it because of how big the house is and walking past Zoey's room all the time. It broke my heart for them and then I felt self-ish about being sad." His thumb brushed my cheek. "I would be sad if my parents sold our family home, too. You can be sad, but I can't tell you how happy I am that they are coming with us." I smiled as I buried my face against his stomach as he rubbed my back.
"I offered them a room in our basement if they need to find a place of their own. They talked about getting an RV so they can travel all over to see Blaine, Beth, etc." Troy grunted with his mouth against my ear. "Short term, right? I don't plan on letting it be a secret that I like to have a lot of sex with their daughter." I couldn't stop my laugh as I patted his chest once I pulled away from him. "It clearly isn't a secret," I said nudging my head towards the two babies sitting on the living room. Troy laughed as he kissed my forehead. "Yea, but no reason to advertise it to them. I love them both dearly." We both laughed together, and he relaxed.
"It will all work out," he winked, and I just smiled as he went over to squeeze my mom's shoulder and she reached over to hug him. She said something to him, and he just smiled as he hugged her back. He shot me a wink over her as I heard both of our babes cry out and I knew it was almost time for us to leave. "Aunt Gabi!" Lucy called out, "The babies need you." I couldn't stop my laugh as I got up. "Thanks, Luce."
Sunday, December 27th, 2020
Gabi's POV
"I'm back," Troy walked in through the garage door with Luna hot on his heels as he took her out for a run and then went to grab the two smash cakes. We were doing the twins first birthday party today because their birthday fell during the week, and we just wanted to spend time with them on their birthday. "Did they go down for their nap?" Troy questioned. I nodded my head. "Yea, without a fight. They were both sleepy from playing all morning with their toys." Troy smiled as he came up behind me as he kissed the back of my head.
"Bolton, get your hands off of her." Beth rounded the corner and Troy laughed as Beth had been here all morning helping get the house ready. The two highchairs were decorated with snowflakes and the letters of one hanging down the side. Each of them had a row of baby pictures from the day they were born all the way until we had our first birthday photo session yesterday. We asked for just one of each of them and then one of them together so that we could post them for today and the photographer was so kind about it. Both of them were so cute during it, too.
Beth and I finished putting out all of the food and making sure everything looked perfect. Troy finished putting up some of the last things as there was a photo area with a big 1 to take pictures with. Balloons hung everywhere, to Luna's disappointment as she hates balloons. The twins loved them though. My eyes connected with Troy as he laughed at something Beth said. She laughed back as I shook my head. The rest of the hour flew by as I changed into jeans and a sweater when I heard the twins rustle around.
"Gabs? Are you feeding them or me?" Troy called. "I'll go nurse them. We have time, right?" Troy popped his head in the room and nodded. "I think the guys are heading over but they don't count." I laughed as I went into the nursery as Troy, and I changed each of them into their birthday party outfit and Troy helped me get them situated on my lap to nurse. They were both getting big and long making it more challenging to nurse both of them. Troy had asked me not too long ago if I had planned to try and wean them after their first birthday, but I just stared at him because I didn't know.
I called and asked Jenna and she laughed and said she officially stopped nursing when Willa was 10 months.
These two both wanted it most of the time and I knew nobody else with kids older than these two besides Willa.
It was one of those moments that I wish I could have called Zoey.
They were both done within ten minutes, and I carried them each downstairs as our friends had started to cluster into the living room. "Hi mama," Jenna wrapped me up in her arms and I hugged her back. It was going to be so hard to leave Jenna behind, but I knew I was going to be here enough, and I would still see her. "How are you doing?" she asked, and I smiled, "Good. I am just in a mix of emotions that my babies are turning one."
"You are going to have so much fun with them as toddlers. They are just so much fun." I gave Jenna a smile as they were growing into their own personalities already and it was a lot of fun to watch. Our families started to filter in as Lucy wrapped herself around my body. "Hi sweetie," I kissed her head as she went to play with the babies. Troy and I agreed that we weren't going to open presents with everybody here. We watched Willa melt down over the fact because of how overwhelming it was. We told our friends and family and if they wanted to be facetimed to watch them open, we were willing to do that.
"Mamamam," Saylor was reaching for me as she crawled over to me, and I picked her up as I tossed her up a little. She giggled and buried her face into my neck. "Hi baby," I carried as we said hi to everybody. "Gabi, the progression photos of them are amazing. They were so little and then like BAM! Big babies!" Lennon was looking at the wall and I couldn't stop the tears, "I know," I choked out and she turned with a bit of panic, and I shook my head. She wrapped her arms around my shoulder. "The emotions of realizing that they aren't that little anymore and how far they come is so much,"
Lennon laughed as we hugged, and Saylor went to her. "Oh mama," Troy's voice entered my ear as he wrapped me up in his arms. "I can't stop," Troy chuckled as he rubbed my back with his big strong hands. "I am just so proud of them." We both smiled at each other, and he brushed my tears away as Saylor screeched for her dad. "Saylor, mommy is so sad that you are growing up. Tell her it only gets more fun from here." Saylor looked at me and smiled that gummy smile. "Family picture! Your tradition!" my mom came up with Sutton in arms and I smiled as I took my baby boy. We turned around to let them take our picture as a family. We then placed them on the floor to do their own individual one and then one of each of them together.
They were both smiling at the camera, and I couldn't stop with the smile on my own face. It was so unique to watch them grow up. "I just wanted to let everybody know – if you want to write them each a letter of your favorite memories of their first year of life there is paper and pens in the dining room. They will get all of these letters once they turn 18." My eyes dragged towards Troy, and I didn't know we were doing this. Troy winked at me, and I couldn't stop my smile. "I love you," I mouthed towards him.
Troy and I both said we would write theirs on their birthday. People went into the dining room and started grabbing pens and paper to write letters to our babies. While they were doing this, we got them stripped and naked to put each of them in their highchair. Willa and Noah were both roaming around as Jax came and gave me a big hug. "Congrats on surviving the first year," I couldn't help but laugh as I gave him a hug back. "Thanks for always being there for Troy," Jax grinned, "Wouldn't have it any other way. I expect the same from him." We both laughed as once most were done, we got the cakes out.
It was a perfect day.
The babies both smashing their little fists into the cake. Smearing icing all over their faces and giggling. The number of pictures that were taken and the laughing among the group was joyful to my soul. I weaved my arm around Troy's back and he looked down at me. "They are both amazing," I whispered as they were still playing with the cake. Beth was painting their faces and Lucy was helping. "That they are, and you were an amazing mom this year. I am proud of you," our eyes connected, and he leaned down to kiss me. "You took this whole year with stride, and it was amazing to watch. Watching you be a mother was one of the best parts of my life."
I just let my head rest on his shoulder, and we just held each other as we watched our friends and family love on our baby.
Wednesday, December 30th, 2020
Saylor and Sutton's First Birthday
Troy's POV
My eyes lingered on Saylor and Sutton as they were both officially one. 366 days, with it being a leap year, of the two most amazing little people? I couldn't believe that it had been a full year. Gabi was still sleeping, and I couldn't help but take the two of them in their little footie jammies, sleeping on their bellies, as they slept throughout the night. Gabi cried putting them to bed last night as it was their last night being babies and we were officially entering toddlerhood. It was fucking crazy how fast the first year of their life went.
I walked out as I went downstairs and got coffee for the two of us. This week was amazing as the dance studio was doing nothing this week and I didn't go back to work until next week. We were just spending time as a family. I went back into the bedroom as Gabi was laying on her side and scrolling through her phone. "What are you doing?" I asked as she swiped away a tear. "Just looking at all the different pictures of them to put on social media for their first birthday." I smiled as I gave her the cup of coffee after she sat up.
"I was just watching them sleep." I admitted to her. Gabi smiled as she took a sip, and I pulled her between my legs. "We survived the first year, I think we could say this was a success." Gabi laughed as it hummed on my chest. I kissed her head as I watched her continue to roll through her photos. "I hate how traumatic their birth was," Gabi whispered, and I wrapped my arms around her, and I kissed the back of her neck. "I know. I wish I could change that day for you, so much. I know how you wanted to get time with them, love on them, and not be separated from them."
"Like it was the worst day of my life but also the best day of my life." I didn't say anything back because I agreed with her. "I know it doesn't erase your feelings, or mine, about how that day went but we are both so lucky to have the both of them here. Healthy, on track with development, and the best things that ever happened to us." Gabi hummed an answer and I looked at her curiously. "I still think you might have been the best thing that ever happened to me, Troy Bolton. I am not sure what path I was headed down when you found me. It was going to be a scary one, honestly."
"Gabs, you would have found your way."
Gabi shook her head as she sat her coffee down and then turned in my lap, "I don't think so. I was on a path of self-destruction and not listening to anybody about making sure I was healing. You did that. You made sure I took care of me and grieved, and I don't know if I would have survived that without you. Saylor and Sutton are the next best thing to ever happen to me, but they wouldn't be here without you first." I cupped her face and I let my lips tangle with hers for a moment. "You are an incredibly strong woman, Brie. You would have pulled yourself out one way or another, but I am so thankful I found you when I did."
I threaded my fingers into her hair as I deepened our kiss, and she gave a smile after we pulled away. "They are both so loved. I can't wait to spend the day with them and starting our own birthday traditions in the future. I am glad we are able to give it time to make it how we want it. Especially since they won't remember this year."
"Yea, but I will. This year was so hard in so many different ways but also one of the best years of my life. I love having them and getting to experience life through their eyes." I kissed her head, and I folded our fingers together as she nuzzled into my body. "I think my favorite memory of this past year was taking them both home and getting to have both of them here with us." I told her as I let my hands massage her legs and she smiled. "I think getting to hold both of them at the same time was my favorite moment. Getting to hold both of them at the same time for the first time since they were in my belly was amazing."
"I loved that moment for you."
"When we have another kid – I really hope that it won't be as traumatic, and I can just hold them after the birth."
"We've never truly talked about it, but I was never going to push on the subject because of how traumatic the last one was. I would never ask for you to go through that again. I know we joke about having more kids but we've never just…talked about it and how it makes you feel especially with how it all went down last time." Gabi smiled as she rested her head on my shoulder. "No, I need more babies with you. I love the two we have, and I love watching you be a dad. I don't want it just to be the two of them. I want a family. A big family. Well…maybe not the big family of like eighteen kids but like three or four. I don't know and now that we have more financial freedom it will be easier to have more kids."
I couldn't stop my smile as I pressed my lips into her hair, "That's good because I love watching you be a mom, hold a baby, nurse them, love on them, hold them – I'm not ready to see that disappear yet. I will also understand if it is too much though and we can expand our family in another way. I never want to see you that distressed again. It…it broke my heart, Brie." The crack in my voice gave it away and she wrapped her arms around my neck and buried her face into my neck. "I love you, so much," she whispered into my ear. "I have talked about it plenty at therapy, but that day was so hard and scary, but it was so worth it to have our two healthy babies. It was such a hard day and I know how hard it was for you."
I buried my lips into her hair as we both just held each other as we both made it through this past year together and most of all that first month. She pulled away and brushed the tears off my cheeks and I gave her a smile, "You were so strong though and I was never prouder of you than I was in that moment. Your mom told me how she found it and I just…it nearly shattered me." Gabi exhaled, "I never knew she told you." I gave her a half smile as I stroked her cheek. "I couldn't fix it and I didn't want you to feel bad. It was what it was."
She kissed me and then rested her head on my shoulder.
A crackle and a whine came through the monitor, and I smiled, "Let me go get the birthday duo," Gabi slipped out of my lap and we both got up. "I'll bring them," Gabi shook her head with a smile. "No, I am going with you." We both walked in as Sutton had pulled himself up and grinned at the sight of the both of us. Saylor was still laying down but awake as Gabi reached for Sutton. "Happy, Happy Birthday sweet boy," she cooed as she kissed on his head. I picked up Saylor and I kissed her head. "Happy birthday, sweet girl," I murmured as she wasn't a morning girl.
Gabi and I shared a smile as they both chattered up together and I winked at her. "How about some pancakes with sprinkles?" I questioned and Gabi grinned, "I love it."
Happy Sunday! I hope you enjoyed this chapter! A fun cute little chapter! Let me know your thoughts! I am glad you all liked their decision to move!
Thanks for all the love and patience!
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Next Update: March 5th
