Chapter 11 – Are You?

Friday, January 8th, 2021

Gabi's POV

Saylor and Sutton both wobbled around the back area of the court as we were waiting for the final regular scheduled James Island v West Ashley. Troy was wearing dress pants with a polo as they were all on the other side watching the end of the JV game.

"Dada!" Sutton pointed as he popped his binky out of his mouth to point and I laughed, "Yes, that is dada but he's busy," I pointed out. Sutton just wrinkled his eyebrows and pointed at him again. "Dada!" he said it louder and I saw Troy's head turn over the noise of the game. He hadn't seen us yet as he worked all day, and I came from classes. I picked the kiddos up from my mom. I was letting them burn some energy as they were both running circles around me. Troy caught sight of us, and he gave a grin as he nodded towards Jesse and Cameron as he headed our direction.

"Dada! Dada!" Sutton bounced on his feet as he wobbled and nearly fell but Troy swooped up to pick him up. "Hi buddy! Did you have a good day!" Sutton giggled as he kicked his feet and Troy grinned at him as he tossed him up in the air. Saylor was whining as she crawled over to him, and he chuckled picking each of them up. "Hi sissy girl, did you both have a good day at daycare?" he kissed on each of them before he came for me. "How was Zoey's?" he kissed me quickly and I smiled. "It was really good. I need to work on some things when we get home tonight, and I also got a few things to market out."

"The guys wanted to grab a drink afterwards," Troy said, and I knew he wanted me to join with the look he tossed my way. "I can't tonight, why don't you just go with your boys for a night out? Are the girls all going?" he shrugged as he pulled his bottom lip into his mouth. "I don't know but I do know that I want you with me." I shook my head with a smile. "I'm sorry, I just want to get work done so tomorrow we can have our day with each other after open gym."

He sighed and nodded his head, "Okay, fine, you don't care?" I shook my head. "No, no, go get a drink with all of your friends." The whistles and the buzzer went off as Troy looked over his shoulder. "C'mon you two," I reached for Saylor and Sutton as Troy gave each of them to me. He kissed the top of my head and then each of their heads before taking off.

"Good luck!" I hollered off to him. "Thank you, I love you,"

"I love you, too."

He went off as I went to the bleachers as they were both kicking and crying as Troy left. "I know, I know, you love your daddy." Tommy reached for one of them and I passed the other off to my dad. They were both happy with the hand-off. Jenna was sitting two bleachers down and I got down to her level. "Hi, how are you?" I asked her and she grinned. "Good. We just in the mindless January doing all the things. Troy is busy with basketball, and we are trying to figure out everything with the house." Jenna grinned, "I cannot wait until I come visit you down there with Willa."

"We have plenty of space! Please, come and see us all the time. You know I will be up here all the time with Zoey's," she grinned. Jenna couldn't have been happier for us, and she promised that I wouldn't replace her best friend status. I told her there isn't any damn way I possibly could. "You know I will be down there as much as I can. Let me see your inspiration,"

I showed her through the house, and she just grinned as I explained all of my dreams and wants for all the spaces. The boys finished their warmup as I looked over at Troy as we sat across from him today. I gave a smile when Lennon grabbed my shoulders. "Hi beautiful!" I tilted my head back in a smile. "Hi, hi, how was work?" I asked her. "Really, really good! Plus, planning all of the wedding and doing all the house stuff? I am living my best life." I just laughed as Lennon and Josie were probably the two that were the most excited for all of this. Every single day I was getting more and more excited though for all the potential in the future.

I overheard a Facetime session between all of the guys and heard Dylan talking about proposing to Josie to round out the group of all of them. He received more shit than help from his friends, but it was his role of the group. I told Troy I had overheard, and he told me to keep my mouth shut and that it was happening probably after basketball season. He is going to take her down to the house and do it where he wants to spend his life with her. It was cute and romantic which Troy reported back to Dylan. The game was moving fast pace in front of us as Troy and Coach Sam's were both getting the most out of his players as the gym was full chaos.

Blaine shot a three and it circled in to put the score up by 2 for West Ashley. Troy paced the side of the court as he yelled out something as his players hustled along the court. "Aunt Gabi," Lucy came over and she plopped down on my lap. "Yes, Niece Lucy?" she giggled, and she wrapped her arms around my neck. "Daddy said you were moving?" I blinked as I looked around to see if there were any families by me. "Lucy," James scolded as there was a time out right before half time. "Wait why can't we talk about it?"

"We just haven't told a lot of people, yet. That's why but yes. Just like you are moving with Daddy," she poked her bottom out and she rested her head on my shoulder. "I'm going to miss you Auntie Gabi," I wrapped my arms around her, and I held her to me. "Not as much as I'll miss you," I murmured into her ear. "Do you still miss mommy?" she whispered into my ear, and I closed my eyes. I didn't find myself always thinking of her like I used to, but I could get caught off-guard like these moments. "I do, do you?" I asked her back and she nodded into my shoulder as I felt her little tears hit my neck.

I blinked a few times trying to get rid of the tears filling my eyes as I just held her. The whistles for half-time came and I picked her up as James looked at me with concern in his eyes as I shook my head that I got it. I went out to the back hallway and sat at one of the tables sitting back there. Lucy had the little sobs and I choked back my own. "Lucy, baby, I miss your momma so, so much and I know how much you miss her, but she is right here with you." I tapped her heart, and I cupped her little face. Her cheeks were red, and her eyes were red from all of the tears. "I am going to miss you because you've been like my mommy when I missed her the most."

My heart cracked.

Broke.

Spiraled.

Her little voice wobbled, and I couldn't stop my own tears as I just scooped her up. "I'll just be a phone call and a plane ride away, sweet girl. I will always be there for you, but you and James and daddy are going to go on a new adventure." I just wrapped her up and held her as we both cried. "I love you, Lucy, I love you so much." I whispered into her ear, and she sniffled. "Can I come stay with you sometimes?" she asked, and I smiled, "Of course. Maybe in the summer you can come down for several weeks and we can play. I think Uncle Troy wants to put a pool in the backyard."

Lucy grinned as we both wiped our faces, and I kissed her head. "I love you, Lucy. I am so proud of you. You just tell daddy whenever you want to call and talk to me." She nodded and she smiled, "I love you, Aunt Gabi." I held her hand as we both walked back into the gym, and I felt his eyes zero in on me. I looked up to see him and he pulled his eyebrows up to his hairline. "I'm okay," I mouthed to him as I nudged my head to Lucy. He didn't relax fully but enough that made me feel better. He just nodded his head as he turned to a conversation with Cameron. We made it back to the bleachers as both of my kids were playing with the moms now and James looked at me with concern on his face.

"Is she okay?" he asked as Lucy went to sit in my dad's lap. "Yea, she is just missing her momma and I think with all of us moving around. She said she's going to miss me and," I stopped as I couldn't stop the overwhelming tears again with the thought of her words. "Fuck, what did she say?" James said quietly and I shook my head. "She just said that she was going to miss me because I was like her mommy when she missed her the most." I bit on my lip and wiped tears away and James sighed as he looked over at Lucy who was already giggling with my dad.

"I'm worried about her. She's been quiet recently."

I just hugged James and he hugged me back, "Thank you for always being there for us." He whispered and I just inhaled and nodded, "I wouldn't have it any other way." James squeezed me as I went to go sit back down and I knew I needed to hold one of my babies. I turned to my mom, and she must have seen it written all over my face as she gave me Sutton. I dipped my head into his soft hair and inhaled deeply. I rolled my lips together as I let my chin rest on his head as he leaned back into my body and played with my hand. He reached for my rings, and I smiled watching him as I lifted my head to see those blue eyes watching the two of us.

Fuck, no distraction. I smiled over towards him with a wink as I had Sutton wave to his daddy. Sutton grinned and tried to get down and I held him down. Troy smiled back over at us as the game resumed and Troy focused right back in. It was such a tight game all the way through, and I felt my aunt heart soar watching Blaine. He was amazing on the court, and I couldn't wait to watch him play at Tennessee.

The game flipped into overtime as both teams were hustling and playing hard. I knew Troy wanted a win, but he also knew how much it would mean to Blaine. The boys on the court were giving it their all when James Island shot up a jumper shot as the buzzer sounded to win the game. The gym went nuts with activity as Troy bounced up and down with all of his friends laughing as if they just pulled off the biggest feat. Troy quickly sobered up as he got his team to shake hands and he pulled Blaine into their normal post-game hug. He patted him on the back as they were both laughing by the time they pulled apart.

Each of coaches hugged Blaine and Troy grabbed Coach Sam's in a handshake with a laugh as kids were hugging and laughing on the court as I stood up with Sutton. Saylor was passed out as we all went down on the court as nobody had gone to the locker room yet. Troy was looking over the heads of everybody before he spotted us. I gave a big grin as we collided together in a big hug with Sutton between us. We were both laughing as he kissed the top of my head. "I'm proud of you," I whispered, and he smiled as he kissed me before taking Sutton from my arms.

"Hi buddy! Did you see Jake hit the winning shot?" Sutton cooed and grabbed at his face. "Where is my baby girl?" I nudged over towards his mom, and he smiled and waved at his family. "I am going to get them in the locker room and talk to them. Will you please wait? Actually, I am making you wait. I am taking him with me." I just laughed and nodded my head. He walked off with Sutton as I caught Blaine talking to his dad, my mom, dad, and Lucy. I went over and hugged his sweaty self. "Good game, you looked amazing."

'Thanks, Aunt Gabi,"

"Yea! You looked good!" Lucy jumped at him, and Blaine caught her in a hug. "It was a fun game, that's for sure." Troy's parents came over to congratulate Blaine on a good game as I reached for Saylor. "Thank you," I told her. She gave me a smile as Saylor rested on my shoulder passed out. Troy was back out on the floor after about ten minutes with Sutton in his arms who had a basketball. I laughed as he was stopped to talk to a few parents, and he nodded and smiled the entire time. He nudged his head as they nodded as he came over to us. "Hi sweetie! Good game!" his mom hugged him as did his dad. "Thanks guys, it was a fun one. I told Blaine hopefully there is only one more between us." We all laughed as Troy smiled. He greeted my parents and I smiled at him. "Gabs, I'll walk you out. Are you still okay if I go with the guys?"

"Yes, of course," Troy nodded as we both started to head out as we got away from everybody and out into the parking lot. "Are you okay? Was everything okay with Lucy?" His questions were rapid fire, and I gave a half smile as I unlocked my car door. "Let's put them inside," I said, and Troy nodded as he got Sutton buckled in and I put Saylor who started crying the moment she hit her car seat. "I know baby, we are going to go home and go to bed." I gave her, her favorite pacifier and kissed her forehead after buckling her in. Troy came over and gave Saylor a kiss on the forehead and she cried reaching for him. "I know, sweetie. I know." He soothed her and once she settled down, he shut the door. I leaned back against the car as he caged me in. His lips fell to mine, and he pulled me into his arms.

"She asked me in the stands if I missed her mommy and I told her I did and I asked her if she missed her mommy and she just nodded and started to cry." I swallowed on the lump in my throat and exhaled as I looked up at him. "I took her out to the hallway, and she said she was sad that we were moving, and she was moving because she was going to miss me, too and that she was going to miss me even more because I was like her mommy when she missed her mommy," I choked on the final word and Troy's blue eyes cracked at the sound as he tugged me into his arms. "Oh Brie," he whispered into my ear.

"She just hit me in a spot I didn't know that was still valuable," I wiped my tears away and Troy kissed my head. "I'm sorry. She is probably going through so much." I gave a smile towards him and nodded, "And it's things like that will make you feel it all over, again. I'm glad she has you," he gently tugged at my chin to look at him. "Are you sure you don't want me to come home?" he asked again with skepticism all over his face. "Yes, please, go. I am going to take them home and just nurse them, put them to bed, and I am going to have a glass of wine."

"I thought you had work,"

I gave a half smile, "I'll see if I get to that. I need to decompress." Troy just hugged me again and he held me for the longest amount of time. "I love you and you are an amazing woman. I am so lucky to be married to you and have children with you." I smiled as I kissed him again. "I love you, too."

He opened my car door, and I got in and started my car. I rolled the window down, "Just text me if you want me home,"

"Enjoy and celebrate your night with the boys." He just nodded with a smile, and I kissed him one more time before he walked back to the high school, and I drove off towards home.


Troy's POV

It had been a true boy's night.

All the girls wanted to either go home or they had other plans. I had changed into a pair of jeans with a t-shirt at the gym as we had picked one of our favorite tables near the back as Cameron came back with a pitcher pf beer and plenty of glasses. "To one last win over West Ashley," we cheered, and I shook my head, "We could have one more,"

"We barely pulled that win out of our ass," Jax mentioned with a tossed look towards me. "But we did." I pointed my glass towards him. He laughed as I picked at my beer label on the glass. "When should we tell them?" I asked looking up at each of them. Nobody jumped to answer as we all stared at each other. "I think the longer we can go the better." Jesse offered.

"What if they find out?" Dylan questioned. I took a long drink of my beer as I exhaled. "I don't want them to find out but from anybody but us but at the same time the longer we go the worse it is going to be." I sighed heavily and I looked up at the ceiling. "There is no right answer. The University of going to announce it at the end of their season that we are taking over. Our season might still be going. The school district said they are posting their jobs and the basketball coaching position in the beginning of March. I think we have to tell them sometime in February."

"But when? Before districts? Before another state run?" I rolled my lips together as this was my point. "I think we tell them about it this week at practice." I finally said. I was meet with blank stares and shifting in the table. "Why?"

"Because then they have time to be mad about it. They have time to know, and it won't ruin their season. We got our hardest game out of the way and if we lose a couple more because they aren't focused and pissed off at us then oh well. But hopefully by the time districts roll around it will be over the hill, and we don't have to let it hang over us."

"I think he's right," Jax said with a shrug. "You have to do it," Cameron mumbled, and I just laughed, "It's the duty of the head coach. Let's just do it Monday after practice and be done with it. Brush my hands with it. I hate that it's hanging over my head and then we can talk about it."

"Do you think they are going to hate us?" Jesse questioned and I shrugged my shoulders. "I hope not. I hope they see that this is big for us and that we are going to try to set them up for success."

"I keep meaning to ask – wasn't Justin getting recruited by Georgia Southern? Didn't you talk to the coach last year?" he asked, and I laughed, "Yea, I did. I talked to him like it July about Justin. I never heard anything again though and Justin hasn't mentioned anything."

"Can you imagine us recruiting?"

"The trips will be fun," Dylan said with a grin, and I shook my head with a laugh. "Fuck, I am going to have a love and hate relationship with recruiting. Leaving Gabs and the babes?"

"Tell them to come," I just laughed as who knew what our lives were going to look like here in the next several months. My phone buzzed and I looked down to see a text from Gabi. I smiled as I picked it up and it was a picture of the babies snuggled on her chest together. I sent back some hearts and checked in on her. "Gabs and Lucy were both crying during the game today, she, okay?" I looked over at Jesse as I nodded. "Yea, Lucy told her that she was going to miss Gabi because Gabi was like her mommy after her mom died."

All four of them winced.

"Exactly. I almost went home with her, but she told me to come. It's weird that her entire family is leaving here."

"Wait, really?" I nodded. "James is going to follow Blaine to Tennessee with Lucy and her parents are coming with us."

"Seriously? That's amazing." I nodded in agreement to Jax's statement. "Yea, I am thrilled actually. My parents still have Brady and Macken here. Especially with Brady getting ready to have a kid soon. That way we have somebody in Statesboro who will watch our kiddos and we can still get some of our time in. I bet they would watch Noah," I said nudging towards Jesse. "That would be really nice. I wish one of our parents were coming."

"I think they are moving in with us until they find a place."

"Not like you don't have the space."

I just chuckled as we did have the space. We got off the basketball topic and talked about our upcoming trip to Tampa that we were all excited about. None of us could believe that we got Super Bowl tickets. We were all getting together to watch the playoffs this weekend on Sunday. We went through a few more pitchers of beer. My eyes took in each of my best friends and I was happy that we were doing this together. I honestly don't think I could do it without them. This next adventure was going to be our biggest yet and I didn't want to fuck it up. I already sent out a message to my former college coach and asked to meet up to talk.

I was going to find guidance through this.

Once we were all done, and we paid out our tabs we all went different directions as we had an open gym tomorrow morning. I got into my car as I looked to see it was a little after midnight. I dropped by our 24-hour store and walked in as I grabbed stuff for breakfast tomorrow morning and some of Gabi's favorite muffins. There were some flowers left out from today and I grabbed those as well. I felt the need to spoil my girl. I checked out and headed home as it was all dark, but Luna was laying by the door. "Hi sweet girl," I rubbed her head as I put away the groceries and put the flowers in a vase as I headed upstairs after letting Luna out one more time.

I peeked in on the twins to see them both sleeping in their cribs soundly.

Saylor was on her tummy with her butt in the air.

Sutton was on his side with his favorite blanket tucked in his hand and a water cup in his crib. I shook my head as I went to our room as I stripped off my t-shirt and I pulled off my jeans as Gabi was on her side with her arm reached out towards my side as if she was waiting for me to get in bed. I smiled as I put my phone on the charger with an alarm to get up before any of them. I crawled into bed, and she shifted as I reached over to brush her hair away from her face. "Hi," she whispered, and I smiled, "Hi baby, sorry to take up your room." She laughed quietly in her sleep, and I kissed her forehead.

"Go back to sleep, baby."

"I love you," she whispered.

"I love you, too." I whispered right back.


Saturday, January 9th, 2021

Gabi's POV

I woke up and I stretched out as the bed was empty, but I knew Troy crawled into bed late. I rolled around for a minute as I sprung up to see it was almost after nine. Troy Bolton. I quickly rolled out of bed as I hopped down the stairs as I paused at the end of the stairs to see Troy cooking breakfast with two twin toddlers in their highchairs facing him with Luna panting underneath of his feet as if he took her for a run already. "Sutty, you already had two pancakes. Eat your blueberries," Troy pointed towards him, and Sutton just threw them towards Luna who happily gobbled them up.

My eyes took in the flowers on the counter and my favorite coffee and muffin sitting right next to it. Fuck, I loved this man. My eyes looked up at him and he finally looked up himself as he let a smile plaster over his face. "I thought I was going to have to wake you up." I shook my head as I walked forward, and Troy moved around the twins because he knew the moment, they spotted me it was game over. "Why the tears?" he asked as he came closer, and I shook my head as I let my head fall on his chest and he wrapped me up in his arms.

"Happy tears, I love you," I whispered, and he just chuckled. "Is this what I get for letting you sleep in?" he asked, and I laughed myself which caused screeches up front. "And coffee, and my favorite muffin, and letting me sleep in, and cooking breakfast, and just being you. I love you." He smiled as he cupped my face as the twins started crying as they heard my voice. "I love you, too." He kissed me softly and ran his hands down my back as I wiped away the tears before I let go before those two rascals started a food fight.

"Good morning my sweet babies," I bent forward as I kissed each of them on their little heads. They had sticky hands from their blueberries and strawberries on their tray. "Mama!" Saylor screeched reaching for me and I laughed as I kissed them again as they both tried to share their breakfast with me. I took fake bites as they both giggled. I felt those blue eyes on me, and I looked up at him. "What?" I asked and he shook his head as he had that smile on his face. "Nothing. I just love watching you with them. I love you."

I went over and wrapped my arms around his waist as I tipped my head backwards. "I love watching you." Troy chuckled as he cupped my cheeks with a quick kiss. "I am so excited to go to Tampa with just you." I whispered to him, and he chuckled, "You mean sans kids." I nodded my head. "Yea, I love them, but I miss you." He kissed me again and he wrapped around me as we held each other in a hug. "Your coffee is ready, and I am going to finish your breakfast." A smile etched into my lips as I let him go and I went to sit at the bar as Troy went back to cooking.

Luna came over for pets and I looked the babies who were both smashing more food into their mouth. "Hi Luna," I scratched her head, and I looked up at Troy again. "How long have you been up for and when did you get home last night?" I asked and he chuckled. "I got home a little before one. I ran to the store last night and got everything. I got up around 6 this morning to run Luna and grab your coffee before getting those kiddos up." I shook my head with a laugh, "Thank you. What time is the open gym?" I questioned and he looked over at the clock. "Ten-thirty."

A gave a smile, "Maybe once you get home, we can go bundle them up and take them to the park for a little bit. I think it's supposed to be nice." Troy sent me a smile and he nodded, "Yea, I think that's a good idea."


Monday, January 11th, 2021

Troy's POV

I graded papers on my desk as it was my lunch period, but I wasn't all that hungry knowing that I was telling the team after practice today. I ran my hands through my hair when my door opened. I looked up to see Justin and Donovan walk through the door and neither of them looked very happy. "What's up guys? Shouldn't you both be eating lunch?" I questioned as I tilted back in my chair. "Coach B, have you been lying to us?" I arched an eyebrow as my stomach did a somersault. "What are you talking about?" I leaned forward as my elbows hit my desk.

Donovan rolled his eyes as if I should know what they are talking about. Neither of them spoke and I tilted my head, "Guys, I don't know what I've been lying about but I won't know until you tell me." I finally stated and Justin just laughed. "My offer from Georgia Southern was pulled," both of my eyebrows shot up this time at his words and I felt the blood leave my face as I stared at him. "Justin," I started, and he shook his head. "They told me they were bringing a new coach in and that it was going to conflict with the NCAA because of the new Coach they were bringing in since he was my high school coach."

"Are you leaving?" Donovan asked point blank and I stared up at them with just enough hesitation that both of them paled and shook their heads. Donovan was still a junior and I felt horrible that Justin's scholarship was being pulled from Georgia Southern. "Coach B," Donovan said, and I closed my eyes as I exhaled. "We were going to tell the team this afternoon after practice." I said looking between the two of them. "Yes, I got a job offer from Georgia Southern. Yes, I am leaving." Donovan just stared at me as Justin sat on the corner of a desk staring at the wall.

"Who is going to take over? Jesse? Dylan?" I opened my mouth, and I cleared my throat, "We're all going."

The silence that ebbed between the two of them broke my heart as they both look defeated. Probably for different reasons. The bell rang overhead, and I looked at both of my players. "Look, I know, I know this is shocking and I am sorry for how this played out. Justin, I want to talk to you before practice because I did not know this was going to mess with a scholarship. Donovan, we are going to talk about it as a team after practice."

"No," Donovan objected. "No, they already know. We asked to see if anybody knew anything." I just closed my eyes as it must have gone around this past hour because I had two players in here last hour. "Fine, we will have a team meeting before. I'll send out a message to come straight to my room after. Do not, do not tell any of them about the assistant coaches, is that understood? They can be pissed that I didn't say anything, but they can't know about them yet. I will know if it came from either of you, too." They both just stared at me.

"I can't believe you are going to leave us," Donovan muttered, and my heart cracked in my chest, "Donovan," I spoke as my classroom door swung open. Luckily, I didn't have any players in this hour, but I had to send an SOS text out to the group. Jax and Cameron were both down the hallway as I followed the two players out of my classroom. I spotted Cameron and he gave me a look as I nudged my head towards Jax room as he had planning period during this block of hour. He just nodded as he popped in his classroom for a moment as I went to Jax room.

I walked in as he was sitting at his desk eating and doing something on his computer. "Hey, don't you have a class starting?" Jax questioned as Cameron came in the door. "What's wrong?" Cameron asked as he looked at the clock. "They know." Jax turned his head, "Who knows? What do they know?" I ran my fingers through my hair as I tugged it up with the stress. "They know," it clicked in both of their heads at the same time. "Fuck, how did they find out?" I shook my head. "I don't have time for the whole discussion but just know if they show up. They don't know about you guys and let me tell them that. They know about me. They think one of you is taking over. Just let them believe that for the rest of the afternoon."

We all shared a look and I glanced at Jax, "Text Dylan and Jesse. Let them know. I'm going to send a text out to the basketball team and tell them to come straight to my room. We may not have practice. We'll see how it all unfolds." They just nodded as we all went back to our classrooms, and I couldn't concentrate. I couldn't think about how this was going to unfold, and I felt utterly terrible. I got through my class and did my teaching for the day. I wasn't sad to see this part go – I would miss the interaction with other students, but basketball was my passion.

My gut soured with how this conversation would play out. Once I gave my class time to work on their paper I sat at my desk and fired off an email to Mitchell asking about Justin's scholarship. I needed answers about that because that felt dirty and wrong to do to him. This fell in my lap, and he shouldn't be punished. The class seemed to drag on forever as my last hour was my plan hour in case of games and I had to leave early. Once the final bell rang, I knew who I needed to talk to and what I wouldn't give to leave and go find her.

I shut my door as I shot off the text to the team about team meeting in my room. They all knew what it was about. Nobody said anything back, but they all knew to be here. I went back to my desk as I Facetimed Gabi. She answered on the first ring, and she must have seen it on my face. "Oh no, what happened?" she asked, and I rubbed my face with my hands. "They found out before I could tell them."

Gabi and I had a long discussion that it was going to be better to just tell them. She helped ease my worries and that it was going to be better. I wanted to get ahead of it. "Oh no, Troy, baby," I closed my eyes as I shook my head. "And it was in the weirdest way possible, too. Justin had gotten an offer to go to school there and play basketball. I forgot that I talked to the coach last summer about him and how he is a great player. I never really heard about it again. Apparently, Georgia Southern called him today and told him they couldn't go on with his scholarship because of the coach they were bringing in and it was his old high school coach."

Gabi closed her eyes and shook her head, "Baby, I am so sorry. I know how much you wanted them to hear it from you." I rubbed my face as I shook my head. "I feel so fucking bad that I didn't tell them sooner." My jaw was tight, and I looked up at the ceiling. "Troy, baby, I wish I could change it for you. Just be honest with them. They will understand." I just nodded as I looked at her and I couldn't stop the overwhelming feeling of failing them. "Did I make the right choice? Am I just…moving on and not thinking of them?"

I couldn't stop the tears that collected if I tried, and I pressed my fingers into my eyes sockets to stop it. "Of course, you made the right decision. For you. For your family. For your career. Those boys are only there for four years, and they will be heartbroken because you changed your life. Remember how you talked about how you thought coaching was pointless last year? That you were just doing this for a trophy? And I told you that it was for so much more than that? Guess what – it was. For them and for you."

I rubbed my face and nodded, "I know. I just hate how this felt." I whispered to her. My eyes looked right at her, and she was in her car. "Where are you going?" I asked her. Those brown eyes met mine, "To you. You need a hug." I felt my jaw relax and I just stared at her. "Yea?" she smiled, "Yea,"

I just shook my head as I hung up to let her focus on driving as I went to the bathroom, splashed some water on my face, and I went outside as I saw Gabi's car pull through the front of the high school. I walked to meet her at the curb, and she pulled the car to the side, and she hopped out. "Troy," her voice was soft, and I just picked her up in the tightest hug as she pressed her face into my neck. "I'm so sorry, baby. You are doing the right thing." I just breathed in her scent. It changed since she became a mom. She smelled more like baby lotion and vanilla. It was intoxicating.

"I know, thank you, for coming. I did need this." I let my hands grip her face softly and I dropped a kiss to her lips. "I love you," she smiled, "I love you, too. There is a surprise in the back." I arched my eyebrow as I let her go and opened the door closest to me and I saw both of the kids in the back. "Sutty!" I cheered and he gave me the gummiest grin which eased every single thing inside of my chest with that one grin. "Hi big boy!" I kissed his forehead as Saylor cried reaching for me. "Hang on sweet girl, daddy will be right over there." Sutton reached for my face, and I kissed on him before I went to the other side to greet Saylor.

She giggled as I blew a kiss to her belly, and I smiled and felt just about everything ease inside of my chest. "I love you babies," I whispered. I backed out and I took one look at Gabi, "Thank you, that was everything and more." She gave me a smile. "They will understand. They might be mad today but just be honest with them. Answer their questions. They are just sad because you are one of the best things that ever happened to them." I shook my head with a smile, "Thank you," I whispered. She just nodded her head, "Of course, I'll be home tonight."

"I thought you had a class?"

"I took care of it."

I just swallowed and smiled.

She was amazing.


The classroom was full of the team as I had changed into basketball shorts and a James Island t-shirt. Cameron, Jesse, Dylan, and Jax all sat alongside me with the blank stares of the rest of them back towards me. "Coach B, are you really leaving?" I swallowed on the knot in my throat and nodded. "Yes, I am. I got a job offer at Georgia Southern to be the head basketball coach. It happened in November when we were in Myrtle Beach. There was a lot of discussions if I was even going to take the job or not because it had to be right for my family. I just accepted it a couple of weeks ago and I wanted to get through West Ashley before we did anything. The coaches had a meeting after our game on Friday and we all decided we would tell you tonight after practice."

My eyes bounced around to each of my players as they all looked at me in near disbelief of the words I was saying. "I am sorry that you found out before I could tell you. I know how disappointed and angry you must be right now and for that I apologize again. This is not how I wanted this to go. I wanted to tell all of you and then let you all ask the questions that you had about what was next. For me, personally, the past couple of years this basketball team has been absolutely everything to me. There is no other team I wanted to work harder for and had the pleasure of coaching. Every single one of you worked so hard and made me one of the proudest coaches. You as players got me to this next stage in my coaching career. Our run last year? I have never been prouder. To the freshman that weren't here – you walked onto this team and matched the effort our seniors were putting in."

I swallowed as I took a deep breath, "I am proud of all of you. I am so thankful for all of you, and I want nothing more than to finish this season on a high as your coach. I am not leaving early. I am finishing this season with you, and I am going to put in the same amount of effort. As much as Gabi would like me to not watch as much film as districts comes around." That eased some of the air in the room as they laughed quietly. "I love you guys and I never wanted this to be the way this occurred." I hesitated as I looked at my best friends beside me. They all looked the same way I felt.

"The thing you don't know…Cameron, Jesse, Jax, and Dylan are coming with me."

I felt the collective gasp work around the room as they collective got louder. "Wait, I thought one of them was going to take over?" I could see the sense of frustration as nothing was going to be normal for any of them now. I held up my hand to get them to quiet down and I exhaled heavily, "When they presented the offer to me – they presented it as an offer to all of us. They liked how we worked together and how we coached together. We are all going to Statesboro together."

"Seriously?"

Eyes met across the room, "You are the best coaches…how…" I shook my head. "I know, I am sorry. I am going to work hard to make sure you have a great coach coming in. Things will change though. It won't be the same and you might be a better team and have a better coach."

"Oh, come on, Coach B, you are the best coach." I laughed under my breath, "I appreciate that but what I am saying is maybe this next coach, next year, will have something new for all of you." There was grumble and groans among the group. "Do you have any questions?" I asked sitting back against a desk as I stared at all of them.

"So, winning state and leaving? Was that always the plan?" Donovan asked and I shook my head. "I wasn't looking for this. You all need to understand that. Did I want to coach in the college world one day? Yea, sure. It would be a dream of mine, but I was happy here. I was content here. I love coaching here. I was approached with an offer. I did not submit my name. Honestly? I'm not sure how this is going to pan out. The only college experience I have is from when I played. I had no plans on leaving until this fell in my lap and I cannot turn it down. I can't."

"And we can't either. You guys have been there for once every single step of the way, and you taught us what it important about coaching. It's about the players." Jesse spoke up beside me as they all just stared at us. "How could you just…leave us? We're all expected to be good again next year and we're good because of you guys."

I shook my head, "No, we are good because you guys are great players. You put in good work, you put in the extra work, you are all coachable, and you listen. You want to be the best, so you work to be the best. That doesn't have to change with another coach. You just put in the work and do what you need to do. You can be just as good without me. Trust me, I wish I could take all of you with me because I know how to make you all the best because you want to be. I can only hope I get the same level of commitment from my next group."

"Why do you all have to go?"

"Because – it was none or all of us." I answered before any of my friends could. "We've been best friends for too long. I wouldn't take a position if I had to pick and choose which friends came with me. We're doing it together."

We spent twenty minutes letting them ask questions while we answered all of them without hesitation.

"Why didn't you just tell us sooner?" Justin asked and I shrugged, "Because when it was first presented it took a long time to make the decision. It wasn't easy. My wife just opened up her own dance studio and we have two young children with our families here. We all had to make sure we were making the right decision at the time. Then it was Christmas and winter break and I wanted you all to get that win over West Ashley. It was important that we focus on that instead of this. This is the first time that I figured we should tell you. I wasn't lying that we were going to do it after practice today, but it came out before – like I said. I am sorry you found out that way, but I am not sorry that I am taking this position. Just like I want all of you to go do your dreams? I am chasing mine. I encourage you every single day to go and do whatever you want to make you happy, and I am more than happy to help you with whatever that is, but I wouldn't be true to myself if I turned this down and didn't chase my dreams." I paused as I looked around. "I would be a coward and shouldn't be able to preach it any other way. Because I want you to all follow your dreams – big or small."

Nobody really said anything after that, and they looked around the room. "Do you have any other questions?" I asked quietly.

"Coach B, you do tell us to follow our dreams and you have helped all of us. In different ways. I guess…" the group looked at Jace and sighed, "You are going to do an amazing job as a college coach." Jace finished. "And you should chase your dreams." I gave him a smile, "Thank you. I am excited for my next adventure, but I am sad to leave this one. I wasn't lying. I have loved every single minute of this."

"Same, I never imagined how much I would love being a high school coach." Jax added, "All of you have changed my life one way or another over the years."

"Winning state? It is something I will never forget. No matter how far we go in the college world." Jesse spoke up as he looked around. "This was everything to me and I want you all to succeed in life."

"Do not think that we don't get this next stop without all of you because we don't. We don't get this opportunity without all of you. You changed our lives and I pray that we change yours." Cameron said with a look towards the group and Dylan gave a look towards the group. "I didn't think this would be as hard as it is, but it is so hard. Troy was crushed when he found out you all knew beforehand because we all know how important we are to you. Just because we leave doesn't mean we aren't in your corner. You will have our contact information after we leave and if you need help or need guidance all you have to do is reach out." Dylan added.

"And we'll try to find a game to come to next year to support all of you." I tossed in. "We aren't leaving because we don't want to be here. We're leaving because it's next in line." I leaned forward as I exhaled. "How about we go play coach's v players, yea?" the group jostled and moved as we all headed towards the gym. I felt a weight lift off my shoulders as I looked around at my friends. "I think it went well." I nodded, "I think it did but guys, I can't with how they found out. It pissed me off."


Gabi's POV

I sipped on a glass of wine as I nervously shifted waiting for Troy to come home. He broke my heart today when he was devastated about the boys finding out about everything before he had the opportunity to tell them. The kids were playing in the living room as Troy wasn't sure if he was going to do practice or not but since it was after five, I am assuming they did something. I picked up take-out and I was thankful that Dana was able to take my class today as it was just a mini session. I took another sip was I made Sutton and Saylor their dinner as I put them both in their highchairs.

Sutton whined and cried as I gave him his water and food. Saylor's curly hair bounced as she reached for me and cried out. "Say, baby, eat your dinner." I pointed down to her food which was grilled chicken, cooked carrots, and cut up strawberries. They had leftovers from their lunch this week. I ran my fingers through Sutton's hair when Luna whined. "I know, baby. Once dad gets home, I'll take you for a run. Mama needs a run."

The garage door opened, and I spun around to see Troy with a gray t-shirt that was now wet with sweat and a pair of basketball shorts. His shoes were untied, and he dropped his backpack. He ran his hands through his hair as Luna went up to nudge him and he smiled. "Hi baby girl," he rubbed her head as he finally looked up to see me. "Hi," he said with a smile. "Hi, how did it go?" I walked over and he shrugged, "It was fine. They were upset and angry, but they got to ask all of the questions and get it out of their system." His blue eyes avoided mine as he ran his hands through his hair.

"Yea? That's good. Did you work out or practice?" Troy laughed softly as he looked at his shirt, "We played coach's v player. It was fun. It loosened everybody up and by the end they were all laughing, and I think they are ready to finish the season." His hands placed on his hips as he looked at me finally and my heart could barely take it. The sadness behind them, it hurt me. He inhaled and exhaled evenly as he continued to stare at me. I took a step forward as I wrapped my arms around his waist as I tilted my head back to look up at him. His jaw tightened and relaxed. "Troy," I whispered, and he gave me a brief smile before closing his eyes.

"Today was literally the hardest day of my career. Telling them? Talking to them? It almost made me want to back out of the coaching job." I pulled him into the kitchen as I planted him in a chair, and I wedged myself between his legs and sat on his lap. "And by the end they probably understood. This is your forever. This is their high school. They are going to go so far because of your guidance." I ran my hand over his cheek and let it rest there as he let his head fall against it. His eyes closed and he exhaled as the twins both cried out.

He let a smile flicker over his face, and he looked back towards them. "I know that doesn't take away how hard today was because there is no denying that. I am proud of you though for standing up and telling all of them and apologizing for not being the one to tell them. I love you and I know you did good by them." Troy frowned for a moment, "But did I? Should I have told them as soon as we accepted it? Should I have just ignored the fact that we were playing West Ashley? I should have told them sooner and fuck, Justin? I feel fucking terrible."

"Troy, you can't beat yourself up over this. You made the best decision for the team. You wanted them focused and they were. Now, you have time before districts to get everything ready. You have time to refocus all of them. You made the best decision for your team and that you have to do from here and to the future." He swallowed and I just wrapped my arms around his neck and let my fingers play with his hair. His hands gripped my hips as he just held me close to him. "Thank you for coming to the high school today. I needed you."

"I know you did," I whispered to him.

"After I snuggle both of those babies can we snuggle on the couch and watch a movie?"

"No papers to grade?" I asked him and he shook his head. "No, even if I did, I wouldn't. I just want to spend the night with you." I pulled back as I gave him a kiss and let my forehead rest onto his. "I love you, Troy. You are an amazing coach, husband, and father. Never doubt any of those things. Not today and not the next. You are amazing." He let his fingers pull gently on my hair and he kissed me again. "You are everything I ever needed, Gabriella Bolton."


Happy Sunday! I hope you all enjoyed!

The next chapter is going to be delayed because I am going out of town for the weekend and won't be taking my laptop with me! Hopefully with this little break we can get this story ahead and get Loyal out there soon! I am hoping to do that before I go back to work! I am making no promises but that's the hope!

Please REVIEW!

Next Update: March 26th