Chapter 13 – End of an Era

Thursday, March 4th, 2021

Troy's POV

The boys were running up and down the court as we were getting ready for districts. My gut stirred thinking that this was my last time worrying about something as simple as district. This was my last few games with these boys. There were a lot of lasts coming up this weekend and it was almost overwhelming. It was officially announced that we were all leaving within the school district, so we had our own senior night. Georgia Southern had also announced that their coach was retiring. They were required to hold interviews, but our contracts were signed and dotted.

Luna was sitting next to me as I glanced at my watch. Gabi was picking up the twins from daycare and taking them to the dance studio and then I was picking them up from there. I bit down on my lip wondering if she would care if I went to my parents' house so I could watch film. I shook my head, no, I had to make time for them. I had to find the work life balance. "You are deep in thought," Cameron bounced the basketball a couple of times and I nodded. "Just thinking about how I am going to finish watching film for tomorrow." I rubbed my face as we have had a good groove since getting back from Tampa.

We won Hilton Head again and the boys had a lot of fun. It was another one of those bittersweet moments. "We will get it taken care of," Cameron said, and I nodded, "I know but, in my head, I was going to just go to my parents' house and let them play with the twins while I watched film because Gabi is gone almost all night tonight. But I have to remember that come next year I have to find time to spend with my kids and my wife and maybe pawning them off to my parents while I do this isn't the best idea." Cameron chuckled, "That's fair but I think for tonight it would be fine. Once we are at GSU it'll be different. We won't have classes and can watch film during the day."

I nodded in agreement as we finished this drilled and moved into reviewing plays that we were going to use tomorrow. We had watched film for tomorrow game, but we had to prepare for Saturday. We had split and divided the two teams up so that way we had a solid understanding of each of them. My eyes watched each of them run through drills as I didn't know how many practices, we had with them. It was weird leaving this part of my life but so excited to jump into the next section of our lives. I rolled my lips together as I blew my whistle before we finished with free throws.

I tucked the practice plan in the front of my shorts as I went over to start cleaning up. "Drinks after the game tomorrow?" Jax asked and I shrugged, "I have to check with Gabi. I don't know if she would want to go or not or if she wants me to come home. We also will have film to watch." Jax cursed, "Playoff season has to be the worst," I couldn't stop the laugh as I picked up the cones and basketballs. Once everybody was done shooting free throws, I let them go after confirming plans for tomorrow. They all went off to the locker room as Luna happily followed behind.

My fingers ran through my hair and I as I rubbed my face, I grabbed my phone, and I tucked my phone between my ear and shoulder. "Troy how are you sweetie?" my mom's voice echoed through the line, and I smiled. "Just finishing practice. What are you and dad doing?" I asked. "We are entertaining Silas and Macken. They came over."

"Beautiful, how about three more?" I asked her. "You want to come over with the babies?" I nodded, "Yea, I need to watch film and Gabi is working all night tonight. Two for one – you get to spend time with your grandkids, and I get to get my work done." My mom laughed, "Yes, of course. We will make dinner, too."

"Oh, what are you making?" I asked as I felt my stomach rumble from the minor thought of my mom's cooking. "We were thinking about spaghetti, will the babies eat that?" I laughed, "Yes, I will bring a few other things. That sounds delicious." I thanked my mom as I hung up and Jesse rolled his eyes, "Such a momma's boy," he teased and I laughed, "It's a win for all of us." I explained and they agreed but requested I get them all leftovers for tomorrow. I waved good-bye to the guys as they were going to lock up and I headed towards Zoey's.

I shot Gabi a text that I was on my way as Luna had her head out the window. "Luna, I am going to run inside and get your siblings. Will you be good?" she turned to look at me and I chuckled as I brushed my hand over her fur as I turned into the parking lot that was full of cars. Gabi had a big event Saturday afternoon with young adults who were coming in for just a fun dance class. They were having a bar, which took the hardest part about getting a liquor license to distribute alcohol. They had sold out quickly and Gabi was so excited. Which is why she was staying late with the girls to decorate.

There was a young class working as Gabi was at the front desk trying to entertain two toddlers as she was also talking to a mom. Saylor was on her hip as the twins has completely stopped breastfeeding which was amazing for everybody. I was able to do all of their bedtime routines without either of them throwing a fit. I pulled open the door as Gabi lifted her head and the relief washed over her face. "DADA!" Sutton spotted me as he pushed up and waddled over to me. "Hi buddy," I bent down to greet him. He leaned into my arms as Saylor whined. "Thank God, they are both so clingy and wanting nothing to do with anybody else." I took Saylor from her. She turned back to the mom at the desk as I juggled both babies as Saylor let her head rest on my shoulder and Sutton was patting my face.

"I see you both missed me," I murmured. Gabi finished with the mom at the desk as she turned towards me, a smile on her face, "Two babies look good on those arms." I laughed as I leaned in, "Have fun setting up, please leave as a group or call me." Gabi just sent me a look and I shook my head. "I love you; I am going to my mom's house." Gabi gave me a look and I laughed, "I need to watch film and my mom wants to spend time with the babies." Gabi sighed, "Just have them home and in bed on time, yea?" I rolled my eyes, "Yes, Gabs, I will make sure they are home and in bed by eight."

"Troy," I just shook my head. "It's just a reminder."

"I know, Gabi. I don't need the reminder." I told her as I grew annoyed. I juggled both babies as I grabbed the backpack. "I'll see you tonight." Those brown eyes looked at me as I exited the building. I went to the car as I placed Sutton in his seat and then went to Saylor's as I buckled her in first before going back to Sutton. Luna was reaching over the seat to sniff each of them when Gabi came out of the building. Her arms crossed over her chest. "Troy, I didn't mean it like that. I just know that you can lose track of times at your mom's house – especially if you are going over there to watch film. I don't know why you can't do it after they go to bed."

Luna stuck her head out the window and Gabi reached up to pet her, "Because, Gabs, I have a lot of film to watch, and I don't know – I'd like to spend time with my wife. I believe I remember all the past couple of years that you hated when I stayed up late watching film." I argued. "I am going over to my mom's so she can see the kids, eat dinner with them, and then I will pack them up and take them home and put them to bed. You act like I don't do it all the time." Gabi turned her head away as she shook her head, "You do. You're a great dad, that's not what I am saying. I just…it was a reminder. Just like you remind me to not walk out alone."

I felt my jaw tighten and I shook my head, "I'll text you when they are in bed." I finally said as I headed for the driver's door. "Troy," her voice was a slight plea and I turned to look at her again. "Go back to work, we can talk tonight." Gabi came over to me and she wrapped her arms around my waist and pressed her head into my chest. She exhaled and I wrapped an arm around her. "I love you; I wasn't trying to pick a fight with you." I kissed the top of her head knowing how important it was to her to not leave on bad terms.

"I love you, too," I murmured as I kissed her forehead. "You don't have to text me. I know you are going to put them down and do everything." I just nodded as I released her and slipped inside of the car. She walked back inside, and I exhaled as my head hit the back of the seat.


I finished clipping film as dinner had started and finished as I showed up here in a terrible mood. My mom and Macken took the twins out back to play as it was nice out and I slipped into the office upstairs and watched film. Silas came to grab me for dinner, but I told them I was almost done with this game. I shot off a text to the group chat that I finished the game I was working on and would go to the next one after I got home with the babies. I walked downstairs as Saylor and Sutton were both giggling and eating all of their food as I made my own plate.

"Did you finish?" my dad asked, and I nodded, "Yea, I have one more to do but I need to have it done by tonight so we can start in heavy on our game plan tomorrow after the game." I sat down as Sutton smacked on his spaghetti as Saylor was munching on bread. "Why the mood?" Macken asked and I rolled my eyes. "Gabi and I just got into a tiff. That's all. We've just been busy the last month and haven't had a lot of time together." I said twirling the spaghetti around my fork. "We're quick at each other's throats and both busier than we want to be."

"What was that fight about? What should I prepare myself for?" Silas asked and I laughed, "It's stupid. She just told me to make sure I didn't stay here long and have them in bed at eight as if I don't know their routine. I do it half the week by myself. It's just annoying when she says or does things like that as if we didn't make the schedule together." My mom chuckled, "Silas, it's just a typical married person tiff. You will have them about anything. Especially if you don't have enough time together. Why don't Macken and I keep them tonight? She's on spring break and it's supposed to be nice tomorrow. We can keep them tonight and take them to the zoo tomorrow. Gabi can come or come get them whenever."

I blinked as that would give Gabi and I a night together without those two minions.

We could get up and go to breakfast tomorrow morning before work.

I tossed the idea around in my head as I wondered how she would take it. They were going to be asleep regardless of when she got home. I could probably finish my last game here and then head to the studio to help them finish whatever they needed finished. "You don't mind? Do you need me to go home and grab anything?" my mom shook her head as she was fully stocked on all the things they would need. "We have plenty of milk, food, and diapers. We have PJs here. Unless they need a blanket or something." I shook my head. "No, they don't."

"Let me keep them," my mom said. "You and Gabi need time together. You haven't had time away from them since the Super Bowl weekend." I hesitated because it wasn't that long ago. "Stop, you both need time together." My dad said as he saw the uncertainty on my face. "Silas, you better be taking notes." Macken said as she tickled Saylor. "Okay, fine, you can keep them." My mom and Macken cheered as I exhaled as I finished dinner and helped clean up Saylor and Sutton. Macken wanted to give them their bath and I helped her take them to the bathtub upstairs as they were both stained in spaghetti sauce.

"I'm pretty sure most of it is on them and less in their bellies," Macken grunted, and I laughed, "You are not wrong. Luna is lapping up all the leftovers." We both laughed as Macken got them in the tub and was playing with them as I went to the room across the hall as I left it open so I could listen if she needed any help. I got through the first half of the game as I could hear Sutty crying. I got up to check on them as Macken had them in clean diapers, sleepers, and had brushed their hair. Sutty spotted me and raised his arms as he rubbed his eyes, too.

"Are you sleepy buddy?" I picked him up as they had portable cribs here for them and I rubbed his back as he nuzzled his face into my shoulder. "What time do you start bedtime?" Macken asked, "730. We let them play from 7-730. We do a few books, rock, and let them have milk before laying them down and just walking out." Macken nodded as she stole Sutton and Saylor to go downstairs to play as I went back to the game. I finished another quarter before I went to help with bedtime. "Troy, I can do it." Macken said and I smiled, "I know. I don't need you getting any ideas to have some of these yet." I picked up Sutton who was beyond tired as I rocked with him on my shoulder.

Macken snorted, "No, no babies yet. You and Brady can do all of that. I do love getting to spend time with them though. Starting PA school soon is going to put a damper in that. Not to mention you moving." I nodded in understanding as I turned so Macken could see Sutton. "He's knocked out."

"He played hard today," I gently laid him down in his pack n' play as Saylor was still drinking her milk as she sprawled in Macken's lap. I went over and I kissed her forehead. "Night, night sweet girl. Daddy loves you," I murmured to her as she rubbed her hand across my face. I pulled her hand to my lips, and she giggled in response. My heart melted with the noise and Macken smiled up at me. "Being a dad looks good on you." I chuckled as I kissed Macken's head before leaving them to do story time. I finished up the game as I made the final notes and promised the guys, I would finish them in class tomorrow.

I walked downstairs as Silas was drinking a beer with my dad and my mom was reading on her Kindle. "I am going to bust out. I think both of the babies are asleep or almost asleep. They should sleep through the night. They can have whatever for breakfast. Gabi will text you tomorrow." I told my mom as I kissed her cheek. "Of course, she is invited to go to the zoo with us tomorrow." I nodded, "I'll let her know. I am going to go to the dance studio to see if they need any help."

"Did you finish film?" Silas asked and I nodded, "My two games. I did. I have to finish my notes tomorrow, but my classes have presentations, and I can multitask." I ran my hands through my hair as I was still in my shorts and t-shirt from practice. "Thank you, guys, call if you need anything or if they are grumpy. I'll come pick them up."

"Go, be with your wife." I just nodded as I walked out and walked to my car with Luna behind me. She jumped in the car as I grabbed a sweatshirt from the back and slipped it on. The hood stayed up as I rubbed Luna's head, "Do you remember these days? Chasing Gabs?" Luna panted as she played with Silas for a bit after dinner as it only took 10 minutes to get to Gabi to see all the cars sitting outside still. It made me feel better that she hadn't stayed without the girls. I put my car into park, and I got out with Luna. It was just the four girls as I knocked on the door. Gabi looked up at me and she gave me a confused look.

She got up to come unlock the door and Luna pounced inside to the girls who all laughed greeting her. Gabi came outside and the door shut as she crossed her arms. "Where are the kids? Why are you here? I told you I'd leave with them." Her tone was angry, and I reached for her as I pulled her into a kiss. "Stop, I'm here to help. My mom and Macken wanted to keep them and take them to the zoo tomorrow. I was able to finish all my film while I was there, and I figured I could come help with whatever you ladies needed until you were ready to come home. We haven't had a moment together since we got back from the Super Bowl. We were both frustrated with each other. We need a moment to ourselves."

She blinked at me and swallowed, "Troy,"

"Gabs, I put them to bed. I did their normal routine and they both went to bed before I was gone. We can have a slow morning together for once in a really long time. My mom said you were more than invited to go with them tomorrow or if you want to work all day without worrying about them. They are going to have a blast. Macken is going to miss them as is my mom." Gabi came forward and rested her forehead against my chest. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have snapped that you showed up. I guess that's how you felt when I told you to make sure they were in bed by eight." I chuckled, "A little bit. I think we both need a minute with each other. If that means I help you four before going home, then that's what we're doing. We could also go get breakfast together tomorrow before work."

Gabi pressed her chin into my chest and peered up at me, "Thank you," she whispered, and I cupped her face. My thumb stroked her cheek, "I don't like when we fight with each other." Gabi laughed and she squeezed me. "I don't like it either. When is the last time we were able to have sex? Is that why you are crabby?" I couldn't stop my laugh as I kissed her. "I won't blame that alone, but it has been over two weeks." Gabi laughed as she was either passed out by the time I got to bed, or I was knocked. Sometimes we both would lay down at the same time and we both knew that it wasn't the night. Now that both of them were walking, we were both in the thick of our careers, and preparing for a big move…we were exhausted.

Gabi led me inside the girls quickly put me to work hanging things up and blowing up balloons. They were setting up tomorrow after their last class which was at 4. They all wanted to go to the game tomorrow night, so they moved up their last class which was the older girls. "Can your mom keep them until tomorrow night?" Gabi asked me after a little bit as she was finishing up some fliers. "Yea, I think so. She didn't say she needed us to get them at a certain time." Gabi nodded, "Do you think she'll just meet me at the game? If I can dedicate a lot of time here tomorrow that would be great."

Her hair was piled on the top of her head and the bags were growing under her eyes and I nodded, "Yea, I'll call her tomorrow morning. They were going to go to the zoo, come back for nap, and then feed them dinner before bringing them to the game. They are going to be tired, probably." Gabi grumbled as that typically meant they were a handful. "Maybe they will nap longer. I'll tell my mom to not wake them up. Just let them sleep." Gabi nodded, "Yea, that sounds good. They can stay up late tomorrow."

"If it's okay with you I was going to go over to Dylan's after the game tomorrow for a bit, we were just going to quickly develop our game plan because we only get a walk through. We already have the games all clipped for the kids to watch and the faster we can just come up with our game plan the better." Gabi nodded as they were all started wrapping up. "After season is over, I took a few days of PTO. I need to use them anyways and I figured it would be fun to do stuff together around Wilmington or just lay around the house together." Gabi smiled, "I like the sound of that."

It was a little after eleven after we had finished, and the girls were all exhausted. Gabi was dragging to her car and opened her car door for her as Luna was waiting patiently. She hopped in and Gabi laughed, "I guess she is coming home with me." I rolled my eyes, "Traitor," she just cocked her head and I chuckled. "I'll see you at home,"

"Troy, I'm so tired." I smiled as I let my knuckles brush against her cheek. "I know. We're going home and going to bed. I am exhausted myself." Gabi just smiled as I closed her door and got into my Jeep as I followed her home. We both pulled into the garage and Luna went to the bathroom before going inside and plopping on the floor of our bedroom. I changed out of my t-shirt and ditched my shorts as I crawled into bed as Gabi washed her face, pulled on one of my t-shirts, and she sighed the moment her body hit the mattress. I rolled to my side to face had and she mimicked my position.

"I hate how busy we've been recently," Gabi whispered, and I stared at those brown eyes as I nodded in agreement. "Get up and go to breakfast with me in the morning. I know it's early, but it could be a little date for the two of us." Gabi sighed for a moment, and she smiled. "Would you judge me if I came home and went back to bed?" I laughed and shook my head. "I'll be jealous. That's what I'll be." Gabi smiled as she closed her eyes and I played with her hair. She twisted around and I pulled her back against my chest as I breathed in her hair as she almost too quickly fell asleep and I just took in the moment, her in my arms, and her smell filling my nose. This was good.


Friday, March 5th, 2021

Gabi's POV

I woke up to a warm pair of lips on the back of my neck and I blinked as my eyes pried open as I was waiting to hear two tiny voices over the baby monitor but one look at my nightstand, I saw that it was blank because they weren't here. I smiled as I wiggled to go back to asleep when I felt those warm lips right below my ear. "I think we should start our morning," he whispered, and I couldn't stop the smile that etched on my lips as I twisted to face my husband. His lips descended upon mine as I couldn't stop my smile. "You wanted a good morning?" I said and he chuckled.

"No kids to wake us up? I think we should get that morning we want." He shifted me onto my back, and he easily peeled his t-shirt off and tossed it across the room. His mouth falling to my breasts as he was much happier now that I wasn't breastfeeding anymore. "Troy," I gasped as he bit down, and I pulled his hips down on top of mine. His arousal pressed against my hip, and I wiggled trying to get it to hit the right spot. "The only reason I am going to go fast is because I do want to take you out to breakfast." I giggled but he shut me up and pressed his mouth to mine.

I slipped my hand down his legs until I got underneath of his briefs to shove them off. I wrapped my hand around him as he hissed. I pumped him, once, twice, before he pulled away from me. He pressed his lips down my chest and onto my stomach before he pressed my legs apart. "T, please," he gave me a wicked smile before diving right in and my hips automatically rising up in a gasp. "This might be better than breakfast," his smirk was high on his face as he was relentless until I was sobbing his name as I came all over his tongue. He took no mercy on me as he slid right in before I was even done and he groaned, "Fuck, two weeks without you feels like an eternity. Can we not do this again?" I couldn't stop my laugh as my body was shaking and I wrapped my legs around his waist to pull him in closer.

He pressed his mouth to my neck and kept hitting the same spot over and over again, "Fuck, Gabs," his groan made me match his movements to encourage him. I met each of his movements with my own and I fell apart and Troy wasn't long after me. He collapsed on top of me. He tried to move off, but I hooked my body around his to pull him closer. "Good morning," I murmured into his ear. He gave a smile and kissed my cheek softly. "I love you," he whispered. I stroked his face with my hand and his eyes closed. "I'm sorry for getting so uptight yesterday. I can't thank you enough for coming." Troy gave me a smile as he pressed his lips to my cheek. "I almost didn't let my mom take the babies, but it made sense. They wanted, too. I think they are both sad that we aren't going to be down the street for much longer."

My fingers ran through his hair as I nodded, "It'll be good for them to spend the day with them. I'll call her after breakfast and work out the details." Troy nodded as he gave me a kiss and pushed up. "C'mon, let's go I arched an eyebrow and he smiled, "Shower, breakfast, and then I have to go to work." I shook my head as I curled back into the blankets. "You take a shower without me. I'm just going to throw on leggings and a t-shirt." Troy huffed but kissed my head and walked into the bathroom. I waited until the shower was on to get up, go to the bathroom, and brush my teeth and hair. I got dressed as he was getting out of the shower.

I let Luna outside as she ran around as I filled up my water bottle and Troy came down the stairs in a pair of jeans and a James Island polo. "Casual Friday?" I asked and he nodded, "Spirit Day for the basketball team," he grabbed a crew neck, and he hooked his arms around my waist and kissed the spot on my neck above my shoulder. "I hate that I have to drive separate." I smiled as I patted his head, "You'll live. C'mon," I tugged on his hand, and I dragged him into the garage. He grabbed his backpack and basketball bag throwing it in the car as I looked at him, "The diner by the school?" he nodded his head as I drove out first as he put Luna away.

I called his mom on my way, and she picked up on the first ring. "Good morning, Gabi!" I smiled, "Morning, Laura. How are my twin goblins?" she laughed. "Good! They are both still sleeping actually. Macken is finishing up breakfast and then we were going to wake both of them up. They slept amazing last night. Never moved after Troy left." I laughed, "Good. I am glad they slept so well. You don't mind keeping them today? I have to be at the dance studio most of the day and then Troy's game tonight." Laura laughed, "No, sweetie. We will keep them all day today. We are going to take them to the zoo, bring them home, and let them nap before Troy's game. We can meet you there around 5:30."

"Laura, you are amazing. Just call me if you need reinforcement." I told her. "If you want to let them sleep longer than normal that's okay. I don't want them to be too grumpy for Troy's game."

"Of course, I will keep you updated. I'll send you pictures of those cuties." I laughed, "Thank you, Laura. Troy and I both appreciated it." Laura laughed as we finished our conversation. I pulled into the diner before Troy as I hung up the phone and headed inside. I was shooting off texts left and right to Mia, Dana, and Brea about everything else we needed to do today. I found a booth as I smiled at some of the waitresses that recognized us. Troy wasn't far behind me as he dipped down to give me a kiss and slid across the booth from me.

"Hey guys, are we doing your normal?" Troy looked at me, "I am." I told her and Troy nodded, "Thanks, Trish." She wrote our order down before walking away. Troy slipped his fingers into my hand, and he smiled, "Did you talk to my mom?" I nodded "I did. She is keeping them all day today." Troy smiled, "I do love that woman," I gave a smile over towards him. "I am going to be busy tomorrow."

"I know, I don't know what time we will play. I think it's either 4 or 6." I blew out a breath, "I may not make it." Troy nodded, "I know. Who is keeping the kids tomorrow? I can take them wherever. I'll need to drop them off around noon."

"My mom. I asked her last week. I don't know what time I will be done. I hate that we aren't around right now." Troy hummed with a sigh, "Yea, it's just a busy time. Once we get through this weekend and after state – it'll be better. Our schedules will be better." My smile lifted and he sighed, "We will put them to bed tonight."

"You need to go watch film." I told him gently and he shook his head, "I'll come home first and help you get them to bed. I miss them."

"You put them to bed last night." I protested and he chuckled, "It's not the same when you aren't there, too." I shared a smile with him as our breakfast was delivered. We ate together and caught up about our weekend where we both knew immediately that Sunday was a rest day. "Are you going to miss it if it is Blaine?" my eyes snapped up to meet his because I didn't realize that. "Fuck," I massaged my forehead and Troy sighed, "I know," I nodded as I rubbed my face, "I'll figure something out. It would help if it's the later game."

"It probably would be the later game. It would send whoever to the finals the next day." I let my head hit the table and Troy chuckled as he reached over to rub my back. "I know, I know. We'll both survive if you can't make it."

"My heart won't." I said looking up at him and he just gave me a half smile. Our food showed up and we both dug into our breakfast when there was a whistle. Troy looked up and he rolled his eyes, "What are you two doing here?" Cameron slid into the booth next to me and I laughed. "A breakfast date. Troy ditched the kids at his parent's house for the night." I told him. Cameron chuckled as he looked over at Troy. "Good, you both needed it."

"What are you doing besides crashing my date with my wife?" Cameron tsked with a laugh, "I am getting breakfast for myself to eat alone in my classroom. Does that make you feel better?" Troy just rolled his eyes and Cameron laughed. "He's moody this morning." I couldn't stop my own laugh. They called Cameron's name, and he looked over at Troy, "The team is coming to your room after school?" Troy nodded as he gave his friend a fist bump as Cameron walked off. "I love your friends," Troy smiled, "They are your friends, too."

"I know, but they wouldn't have been without you. They feel like family," Troy just gave me a smile as we finished up and Troy had to go. I gave him a quick kiss as I paid the bill and went to grab a coffee before reporting to the dance studio.


Gabi's POV

I found Laura's car and I hopped over as I missed my babies. It had been a busy but successful day of getting the studio finished and ready for our fun dance hour with any girl that wanted to show up over the age of 18. We were having a few vendors and a bar for all the ladies while we danced around and had fun. It raised us a lot of money and it was going to be so much fun. Brea and Dana, both told me I could bust out early so I could go to Troy and probably Blaine's game. It was sad they were meeting in the semi-finals.

She got out and I was ripping open the back door as Sutton was on this side, "Sutty!" I reached in as he screeched reaching for me. I unbuckled him and he pressed into my neck as he gripped my shirt. "Hi, baby, mommy missed you so, so much." Laura smiled, "Hi sweetie, how was your day?" I nodded, "Good. It looked like you guys had a blast at the zoo." Laura nodded, "They had so much fun. They were both so tired and slept for almost three hours. I hope that's okay." I nodded as Macken got Saylor out and Saylor cried reaching for me. "C'mon," I hooked both of them in my arms as I felt a sense of relief having them both back with me.

"I hope they are just happy for the game tonight." Laura smiled as we all walked in together as Troy was talking on the phone in the lobby as Saylor spotted him immediately and cried wanting down. Troy looked up at and smiled as we walked into the area as Troy took Saylor in his arms. "No, will you just send pictures? Gabi and I will look at them tonight and make the final decision. We will let you know tomorrow." I arched an eyebrow as Troy mouthed house back to me. I just nodded as we did our final selections not too long ago.

"Perfect, thank you," Troy hung up as he tossed Saylor up in the air. "Hi sissy girl," he kissed on her which caused her own smiles. Sutton watched the two of them before reaching for Troy. "Hi buddy, I missed both of you." He kissed their heads and handed Saylor back to me. "I gotta go, hi mom, hi Mac," he hugged his mom and kissed Macken's cheek before taking off. Both of the babies cried, and Troy hopped out of sight. "Let me take one of those," Macken stole Sutton, and I juggled Saylor. "I know, you love your daddy." I whispered to her as she laid her head against my shoulder. "He's a hard man to not love." Macken said and I just nodded with a laugh as we made our way in and to our seats. Sage was already there with Noah and Lennon was sitting next to her.

I settled in behind them as Macken and Laura sat down. Tommy wasn't far behind them as we all took our seats. Josie and Sara walked up as Sara had her hand on her belly as she was talking to Josie about something. "Gabi, I am SO excited to come to your dance thing tomorrow!" Lennon said and Josie nodded her head, "We are all excited."

"Is this going to be friendly to pregnant ladies?" I laughed, "It can be. You can sit behind the desk and eat all the snacks," Sara smirked, "Hell yea, sounds like a win to me." We all laughed as Tommy stole Saylor from my lap as my parents had come to Blaine's game earlier today. I watched it on my phone, and I looked around for him as he was talking with Troy. I nodded to his parents as I walked over, and I wrapped my arms around Blaine's waist. "I watched the game on my phone. You played well – per normal." Blaine chuckled. "Thanks Aunt Gabi," I nodded, and Troy smiled, "We're making sure we have a date for tomorrow." Blaine chuckled. "We're gonna win it this year."

"I am secretly rooting for you," I told him with a wink. "Just don't tell my husband that." Blaine laughed, "Secret is safe with me." Troy was talking to Cameron and Jax on the sidelines as his team warmed up on the court. His ankle on his knee as he was relaxed and laughing with them as he watched his team. It had to be weird knowing that he only had so much time left here. It wasn't long before the team was on the bench, and they were talking about their opening plays on the bench. They were wearing slacks and polos tonight as Troy ran his fingers through his hair.

It still affected me the same way it did when we first started dating.

Sutton cried and reached over for me, and I took him back as he curled into my body. "Hi baby boy," I whispered, and he curled his fingers into my shirt. I rocked him as the ball tipped off and James Island took control quickly. My eyes followed as I did love basketball and I couldn't wait until I watched Troy on a higher level. He was going to be amazing, and I loved this opportunity for him. Troy paced the sidelines as he watched his team. "Gabi, what are you doing after the game?" Josie asked. "Taking these two, home to go to bed. I think Troy mentioned the guys were getting together to tackle film to hopefully be done quickly."

Josie sighed, "Yea, I was hoping the girls could all get together."

"I mean, everybody could come to my house, but I know Sage has to get Noah to bed, too." Josie nodded as it was hard for each of our sides to get together. "We can come over for a bit. Noah is sleeps just about anywhere and is easy to move. We can have some wine and chat for a bit." I nodded in agreement as Sara grinned, "I love hanging with you girls," she circled my neck as I looked down as Sutton was passed out again. I frowned as I kissed his forehead as he was a little warm. His fingers still gripping my shirt. "Laura," she looked over at me as Troy called a timeout to calm his team down.

"Yea? What's up?"

"Was Sutton acting normal today?" she nodded, "He was quieter than normal, but he was smiling and happy. He fell asleep and slept longer than Saylor." I just nodded my head, "I wonder if he isn't feeling well. He feels warm and is asleep again." Laura grimaced, "Poor guy." I just stared at him as his cheeks were flushed and I hated that he didn't feel well. My eyes connected with Troy's from across the court as he must know based on my face as he squinted. "Sutton," I mouthed towards him as I nudged down in my lap, and he frowned for a moment before following the game in front of him.

The ref made a call and we all disagreed with it and so did Troy who almost flew off the handles, "Seriously?" I could hear his voice from here as the ref told him to sit down and Troy dropped his clipboard and sat in a chair as Jax stood up and took over as Troy rolled his eyes about something and he was still muttering under his breath as he took a second to cool off. James Island was winning by ten when Troy jumped up with something else as Dylan and Jesse both barked at him to chill out. Troy huffed a breath as the ref ran by as Troy bit down on his lip trying to keep his mouth shut.

Jax sat back down as Troy called out a play as it was executed flawlessly as James Island stole the ball and went running down the court in a breakaway. They scored as Troy pumped his fist in excitement as he clapped his team along. His fingers went back to his hair, and he squatted down to watch a play unfold as there was only minimal time before half time. Troy slipped back into his seat as he leaned over to say something to Jesse as the other team shot the ball and missed as the buzzer went off. Troy high-fived his players as they went running back to the locker room as Troy nodded at Jesse and jogged across the court.

I pulled my eyebrows together and he came over to our section, "What's wrong? Is he okay?" his eyes peered down at Sutton who typically was all about watching the game. His stubby fingers still had my shirt in his grasp, and he was fast asleep against me. "I just don't think he feels good, he's fine. Go be with your team." Troy glanced down at him again and nodded, "You sure?" he asked, "Troy, go," I pointed, and his mom told him to go too. He just nodded before heading back but not as Saylor spotted him and cried out.

"Oh, I know, he was teasing you." Tommy said. I laughed as I looked back at Saylor who had the big alligator tears in her eyes as she watched Troy disappear. "Say, baby, daddy has to work." She turned to face Tommy and he chuckled as he rubbed her back. The girls all made plans for tonight and tomorrow night as the plan was already for all of them to come to our house tomorrow regardless. Tomorrow was going to be so busy, and I wasn't looking forward to it. I miss the days of snuggling up with Troy and doing nothing all day.

The game resumed quickly thereafter, and James Island never lost control setting up the final rematch between Blaine and Troy.

The teams shook hands as we were the last game tonight and everybody lingered talking as Troy talked to the other coach for a few minutes as we all stood up and began to filter onto the court. Tommy approached Troy first and Saylor went straight to him as he held her against them. His eyes looked around for me and I walked towards him. "Is he still sleeping?" he asked with his eyebrows scrunched and I nodded, "I am going to head him and put him to bed. He must just not feel good." Troy sat Saylor down and she whined but he reached for Sutton. Sutton barely woke up with the exchange and I felt my body relax after being in the same position for so long.

Troy kissed his forehead and held him as Cameron was waving him into the locker room to talk to his players, "Give me five minutes. I am going to put the kids in the car." Cameron nodded as I scooped up Saylor as she cried reaching for Troy. "I know sis, I know. Tomorrow we will snuggle in the morning." I smiled as we got them loaded up and those blue eyes were worried. "Are you good? Do you need me to come home?" I shook my head. "Nope. Go watch film and get ready for tomorrow, okay?" Troy nodded as he kissed my forehead and then my lips. "I love you, thank you for coming." I nodded as I squeezed him. "Always, I love you, too."


Troy's POV

Saturday, March 6th, 2021

I stared at the locker room of players in front of me as we were about to head out for warm-ups to prepare for our match against West Ashley. "This feels like the finals, and I wish it was – this would have been the best final. I know you all want to achieve what we achieved last year but put that in the back of your minds. It's been a long season and a very special season at that. You have worked so hard for this night and win or lose – you have nothing but to be proud of yourselves. I want you to go out and play hard, work hard, and have fun."

My eyes looked around at each of them as my four best friends stood at the back. "That's the most important." I said glancing at each of them in the eyes, "Go out there and have fun. It's going to be an intense game, it's going to be hard fought, it's going to be a game for the ages, and I want you all to realize that this is supposed to be fun. Have heart and passion and the want to win but at the same time if you aren't having fun this isn't worth it. Yea?" the group murmured, and I nodded, "I am proud of all of you. Regardless of what happens over the next forty minutes – I am proud. Each and every one of you and will forever be grateful to call you, my team. Now…let's go see if we can play tomorrow, yea?"

The group got rowdy as they started clapping and they busted out the doors at the buzzer and I exhaled as I ran my fingers through my hair. I wasn't hopeful for a win. West Ashley got a great player back and we lost one of ours to an ankle injury. I was worried but knew that we would give it our best effort. My eyes connected with Jax, Cameron, Dylan, and Jesse as they nodded. "You're worried," Jesse proclaimed, and I grimaced, "I would be an idiot to not be. Their seniors want it – we know that. It's just going to be a long game and hard fought. I am worried, mostly because I'm not sure if I am ready for it to be over."

The group nodded in understanding as I escaped the locker room as they trailed behind me, and I let my eyes scan over the crowd as Gabi was laughing at something with Sutton in her lap. He still wasn't feeling well but it was nothing more than a fever that he didn't have all day today but still was clingy to either of us and didn't want to play despite Saylor's dismay. Saylor was eating a snack in her dad's lap as Gabi must have felt my eyes as she looked over towards me. She looked fucking exhausted as we were both running in twenty directions right now.

Summer sounded so nice.

We were moving and we were going to get time together.

Fuck, that just sounded nice.

She gave me a big smile and a nod of her head as if to say – we got this. All of our friends were coming over tonight regardless of the results. If we had too – we would watch film. If we didn't? We were going to celebrate our high school coaching career. I stuck my hands in my suit pockets as I walked to the middle where Mark Sam's was standing. I headed in his direction, and he gave me a smirk, "I heard you are going to finally give me mercy and leave the conference." I couldn't help but chuckle as I shook his hand. "I am."

"Congrats, you are going to be a fantastic college coach." I thanked him, "I was shocked, and I was even more shocked when they said they wanted all of us," I said nudging over my shoulder to my best friends. Sam's rose an eyebrow, "Wait…you are all leaving?" he asked as if he struggled to maintain a smirk. I laughed, "Yes, we are all leaving. You don't have to worry about any of us anymore."

"This conference is mine next year," we both laughed as I shook his hand again when Blaine came over and wrapped me in a hug. I laughed hugging him back, "Play hard, Blaine. I'm rooting for you." Blaine grinned as he shoved me back before going back to do his warm-ups and Coach's Sam's gave me a smile. "You changed his life." I shook my head, "His family changed mine. I am just glad I was there for him when he needed somebody." He nodded as we went separate ways, and I encouraged my players. I talked to each and every one of them as we looked at each other. "Be great because you are great. Leave everything out there, yea?" they all agreed.

They took the court and my stomach somersaulted with nerves as I sat on the edge of the chair while I looked at my best friends as we all did our pre-game fist bump before the whistles blew.


There was only one minute left of the game.

I yelled out a play as we were down by five.

We had all of our time-outs left and I called one as soon as we had possession of the ball again.

My team came around and I sat them down as I looked at each of the five sweaty boys sitting on the chairs. "Look at me," I said and all of them stared at me. "Take a deep breath. You are still in this game, do you understand me? You are still in this game and you are still in control of your emotions and how this ends tonight. You are getting sloppy out there. Take a deep breath and have fun. Just go play basketball. Let your muscle memory kick in. You have played so many minutes of basketball and you can do this. I know you all can. You are getting frustrated and sloppy. Just play basketball, do you understand me?" I asked as I made eye contact with each of them. Four of them seniors. One junior.

They nodded in understanding, "Then go out there and play basketball." I clapped as the buzzer went off and I stood up as I was sweating myself as this game was intense. Blaine was out of his mind tonight and I was proud of my team for keeping pace with him alone. He wasn't missing and I was so fucking proud of him.

My eyes went across the gym and Gabi gave a nod of her head with a smile on her face. Fuck, I loved her.

We broke out of the time-out as we passed the ball around and made a quick three. Blaine took the ball down court, and he barely made a move and sank a three. I threw my head back as I ran my fingers through my hair as the boys ran down the court as there was thirty seconds left. I swallowed because I knew how this game was ending. We could foul but five was almost too much. Especially with how Blaine is shooting tonight. My eyes glossed over as I called a time out. It was a short one as I gathered them all around me.

Cam hit my shoulder with his hand, and I nodded to him as I looked at the boys on the court, "Daxon, check in." I called over my shoulder and I nodded toward the lone junior on the court. All of their faces knew the fate we were facing but I gave them a smile, Daxon joined the circling after checking in and I nodded at each of them. "You five made me so proud this year. This is your senior year. Fight like hell. Finish the game, okay? Hold your heads high and finish the game." They all nodded as I couldn't hide the emotion in my voice as I sent them back out there. I let my hands fall to my hips as I watched them take the court. Blaine looked over at me and I gave him a smile and a nod as he just gave a smile right back. I inhaled as I ran my hands through my hair one more time as I swallowed on the ball of emotion in my throat.

Closing out this chapter in my life was surreal.

The ball was inbounded, and I watched as I let my team play basketball. Some of them were going to play in college. A few of them were not. I blinked away the tears that were building as it was surreal. This whole feeling was surreal as I watched them shoot another three and I cheered for them as they went running back down the court. They looked over at me, "You choose." I hollered to them, and they just nodded as they made a quick foul. I just nodded as I encouraged them in the moment. They made both free throws and I saw their heads drop just a little bit and I knew I was going to take my last time out as we took the ball back with ten seconds left.

I called it and they came back over, and I shook my head.

"Heads up. Each and every one of you. Nobody expected us to have this great of a season. We killed it this season and I am so damn proud of all of you. Go out there and kill it. Okay? Hold your head up high and do not think anything but that you were great basketball players tonight. That you had a hell of a basketball career. Is that understood?" they nodded, and I smiled, "Go, finish this strong. I'm proud of you." They just gave a smile and I let them go as Jax patted my back, "You good?" I nodded, "Yea, this is just…surreal that this is going to end in fifteen seconds."

A smile etched on his face, "You are a damn good coach, Bolton." I just nodded, "I couldn't have done it without all of you." Jax just laughed as he sat back down, and I watched my team work hard in the final seconds trying to get another shot off. The buzzer sounded as it left Daxon's fingertips and it rolled into the hoop to make our loss only by two.

The West Ashley crowd went insane, and I peeked over at my wife who was beaming over at Blaine, but her eyes quickly swung to me. I just gave her a smile as I greeted all of my players off the court in a hug and words of encouragement as we lined up to shake hands. Blaine was towards the back, and I felt my eyes gloss over as he stepped in front of me, and I shook my head as I looked at him. "You were absolutely amazing today; I can't wait to watch you tomorrow." I told him as I pulled him into a hug. Blaine laughed, "GSU got one of the best, thank you for loving Aunt Gabi so much." I swallowed as I shook my head as I looked at him. "Tennessee is the one who got the lucky one." Blaine just grinned as he gave each of the guys a hug behind me as Coach Sam's shook my hand, "I'll miss these games. I always love them the most." I laughed and nodded as I told him we could catch a beer after the final coach's meeting.

I nudged my head towards the locker room towards the guys as they all looked dejected at the moment. "Troy," I turned around to see Blaine coming back over and I held up. "Thank you for the best three years of my life on the basketball court. These were some of the hardest years, but you made basketball fun again. The pick-up games in the front yard, how competitive and fun these games were, and just…being there when I needed somebody." He swallowed and I really couldn't stop my emotion. "I'll miss having you down the street. You and Aunt Gabi. It's going to be weird."

"Fuck, Blaine," I laughed as I wiped my eyes, and I hugged him again. "I am so lucky that I got to be a part of your story. I am so thankful for your entire family. We'll figure out a way to see each other in college – yea? Maybe I can hook up a pre-season game one of those years." Blaine just smiled and we hugged again. "I love you, Blaine. I'm always a phone call away."

"I love you, Uncle Troy," he elbowed me while he said it and I just laughed. "Go celebrate and Blaine?" he looked at me, "Go win the whole damn thing,"

I went over to the door as I spotted my family standing there.

My family.

If you would have asked five years ago if I would have a wife and two kids? I'd probably laugh.

But there they were.

Gabi gave a smile as she was holding both of the kids' hands as they were wearing my daddy is the best coach shirt. She dropped their hands, and I pulled her into a deep hug. "I am so proud of you; I know how much you loved this job and those boys." I just nodded as I kissed her cheek and gave her a watery smile. "I love you, thank you for being here. Go celebrate with your nephew." I told her as I gave her a quick kiss. I dropped down as I hugged Saylor and Sutton who were both grabbing and trying to get into my arms. "I love you babies," I kissed their cheeks as I got up and went into the locker room.

The room was quiet, and I sighed as I sat on the bench next to them.

"There are no words to express how proud of all of you I am. This year we walked into a hard year coming off of last year. We had a lot of expectations, and we met every single one of them. All of you were amazing. You stepped up, you worked hard, and you made me the proudest coach around. You fought till the very end, and you wanted to fight till the very end. I respected it. I respect you. I know my seniors are going to go to college and do great things and you all know you can reach out to me if you need anything in the future. I am always going to be your coach and I always want to be in touch with you. To my underclassman," I swallowed on the knot in my throat, "I am so sorry that I am not coming back to help you finish this. I am proud of all of you, and I know you are going to do great things when we all leave. You are fantastic basketball players, and I am so excited to come back to watch a game and watch you work hard."

My eyes were full of emotions as I looked at them as they all had similar faces, "Do I wish we could have won the whole thing again? Yes, but we lost to a really, really good team that we beat once this year. You fought and played hard. I am so excited to see your futures and I was honored to be your coach for the past several years. One of the best jobs in the world," I finished as I wiped at my eyes, and I let each of my assistant coaches speak as the room was just overall emotional. Once we were done and did one last chant that we always did, I went to the office as I stripped off my jacket and rubbed my face.

"End of an era," Jax spoke up and I nodded as I looked up at them.

"I can't believe it's over honestly, I just…the fact that we just have a few more months as high school teachers? It baffles me."

"You called a great game," Jesse added, and I smiled, "Blaine was on fucking fire," I said with a laugh and the group nodded in agreement as we all relaxed, and I hugged each of my best friends. "Thank you, guys, for trusting me at the beginning of this journey when I asked you all to join me. Thank you for trusting me again to go do this damn thing." We grinned, "While this was a fun era – I am damn excited for the next one."


Happy Sunday! I missed ALL of you who have been reading and putting out stories but we are back and I am so happy to be back! I hope you all enjoyed this chapter!

I AM SO EXCITED to debut Loyal next week and I hope you all give it some love. The story already has my heart captured and the love between those two. oof. It's amazing. Both of these stories are some of my favorite.

Let me know all of your thoughts! Thank you so much for waiting it out with me!

J

Please Review

Next Update: April 30th