Chapter 15 – Friday's Off

Friday, April 9th, 2021

Troy's POV

Gabi chose to have the first Friday be my day with the kids as she had a full day today but her next two Fridays were better to rearrange. That didn't mean I wasn't going to give my girl a good morning. I woke up with the twins after turning off the baby monitor and let Gabi sleep until her alarm went off. I took them downstairs to play in the living room as I started breakfast for everybody. Sutton and Saylor played independently as Luna waited for me to drop bacon on the floor. I made the babies oatmeal and fruit as I put them each in a highchair and let them go to town.

I tossed some eggs on the tray as Luna took place underneath of them. "Uhm…what is all of this?" Gabi was wearing my t-shirt with a pair of my boxers as her hair was messy and flying everywhere. I smiled, "Just wanted you to have a good day. The kids and I will miss you all day, but we can definitely have breakfast together first." Gabi smiled as she came over to kiss each of the kids as they showed her their food and how the oatmeal splattered everywhere causing Gabi to laugh. She went to the bar after greeting them and tucking her legs underneath of her and I slid her a cup of coffee.

"Best husband ever," she murmured while taking a hot sip. I smirked as I slid her eggs, bacon, and toast with some fruit. I went up behind her and gave her a quick kiss before settling in next to her. Our eyes focused on the babies as they both ate, well, tried to eat as it was mostly just a mess, but they needed to explore food. "What time will you be home today? Do you know?" I asked and she shook her head. "No. I teach a class at five but if I am not done with my other stuff then I am going to stay a while longer. Why? Something else up your sleeve?" I laughed, "No. I just want to make dinner. I want us to eat it as a family."

Gabi squeezed my hand, "Then I will let you know before my five if I am going to be home by six-thirty or not." I just nodded my head with a look over towards her. "What are you doing with the kids today? Anything fun or just hanging around the house?" I took a drink of my coffee, "I think we are going to hang out here this morning and maybe after their morning nap we will go to the park and play for a while."

"Take lots of pictures for me. I am jealous." My fingers gripped her thigh with a squeeze, "We aren't doing anything too fun. I am thinking for our day together with the babies we can go to the kid's museum and find something else fun to do as a family together." Gabi looked over at them, "I can't say I will hate being home with them more once we move but we do need to find them a daycare."

"They have one at the university school. They already offered me a spot for them. I took it but it was part-time, and I figured we could make it work." Gabi grinned, "Really? Part-time is perfect. I just need a few days a week to make sure everything at Zoey's is running smoothly from home. We even thought about teaching online dance classes for anyone to attend for like a work-out and I would run them." My smile took over my face, "Brie, that is going to be amazing. You would kill it." Her face flushed and she gave a smile. "I am excited with all the different ideas that we could take it."

She quickly finished her breakfast as she went upstairs to get ready as I cleaned up the kids. I wiped their faces and hands as we made it a game so they would happily do it. I let them loose again as they went running off together as I cleaned up the kitchen and started the dishwasher as Gabi came down in leggings and a t-shirt with Zoey's across the front. She had tennis shoes on, and I could easily take her back upstairs. Gabi shook her head at my eyes on her, "Bolton, mind your own business." She said picking up her backpack and stuffing books inside as the twins cried running to her.

"Oh, I know, sweet babes, but mommy has to go to work. Daddy is going to spend all day with you doing fun things." Sutton stuffed his face into her neck, and she brushed her fingers through his short hair. "Maybe daddy will bring you to see mommy at the studio before or after the park," I smiled with a nod as she kissed each of them and gave them both a big hug before picking up her bag. "Wait, what about me? Where is my kiss and hug?" I asked and she smiled shaking her head before coming over and wrapping her arms around me. "Better?" she asked with a smirk on her lips, and I shook my head.

"We're missing the most important part." I teased as I let my lips get closer to hers. "Oh?" I nodded my head as I finally finished off the distance and her fingers slipped into my shirt as I kissed her a little harder before pulling back, "Have the best day, text me if your day gets too busy and you don't want us to come up." She shook her head, "I would never." I gave her one more kiss before she walked out and the twins crying and running after her. I scooped both of them up in my arms, "What? Am I chopped liver?" they wiggled, and I tickled them as I took them to their bedroom and changed their clothes for the day.

We went outside and got the bubbles and chalk out as they ran around chasing bubbles with Luna trailing behind them. It was a beautiful day as I sat out back with my coffee. Jesse also took today off, and he was going to join us. He wanted to spend time with us today and Noah. "Dada!" Saylor brought me some grass and I laughed, "Thank you, baby." She smiled and walked back to her spot that she was playing in as Luna was still chasing Sutton. The backdoor slid open as Jesse walked through and he sat Noah down as he took off towards Sutton.

"Hey, I brought coffee." I grinned as I happily switched out my coffee for the one, he brought me. Saylor caught sight of Jesse and she screeched running over to him. He chuckled, "Hi, Say," he held her, and she laughed as he tossed her up in the air. I smiled watching her as he put her back down to let her go play with the boys. "Thanks for the invite, I can't believe you took the next three Friday's off." I laughed, "It was easy to do. I had so much PTO to take and they weren't going to pay it out to me so I figured I would take the days. Plus, spending a full day with my kiddos doesn't sound too bad."

"Amen to that, I felt like I didn't see him for weeks at the end of it." I nodded in agreement, "I know. From the time we got the job offer to right now I felt like I was barely home." Jesse nodded as he rubbed his jaw as Noah laughed about something and he turned to show Jesse as he beamed at him. "Sage is already ready to have another one." I arched an eyebrow, "Really?" he nodded, "I don't know if I am but her and her sister were really close in age and she loved it. She wants that for him." I nodded, "I mean, Brady and I were close in age, and it was a lot of fun growing up together." A smile etched on Jesse's face as Noah chased after Luna.

"I just think we're insane trying for another baby as we are starting a whole new job and moving to a different city."

"Gabi and I talked about it this summer." I admitted as I leaned forward, "Either this summer or next summer."

Saylor went to play on her own as she picked up the chalk and tried to eat it, "Say," I called her name and she pouted but dropped her piece of chalk. "Is it fun having two of them?" I nodded my head as I took a drink of coffee, "As much as twins scared the shit out of me initially – they are so much fun together. They get to do everything together and play together. They are happy to see each other, and I know as they grow up, they will take care of each other." Jesse nodded as he smiled, "They are fun to watch," I smiled with a nod as we talked about basketball for a bit and when the babies' showed signs of being tired, we put all three down for a nap and then we played video games together.


Gabi's POV

I walked in and smelled the aroma in the air as I smiled as I kicked off my shoes and greeted Luna, "Hi baby," I greeted as I rubbed her head. I walked into the kitchen as Troy was making two plates with two glasses of wine already sitting out. "Did they already go to bed?" I asked pouting and Troy nodded as he gave me a soft smile, "I wore them out today. They barely made it through dinner. They were very grumpy. I'm sorry, I tried my hardest, but they played hard with Noah all day today. They ran and played and did just about everything in between."

He slid over a wine glass towards me, and I blinked away a few of the tears in my eyes as I wanted to see them. "Hey, go give them a kiss. I bet they will be up bright and early tomorrow for you." He said with a wink, and I shook my head, "It was just a long day. I just wanted to snuggle those cute little faces for a few minutes." Troy frowned and he reached over to press his thumb into my chin and lift it gently, "Did something happen today?" I shook my head, "No, it was just long, and I felt bad that I only had five minutes to see them. I heard them both crying as you walked them out. I felt bad. My mom guilt set in."

Troy came over and he wrapped his arms around me as he kissed the top of my head. "They were fine five seconds after I put them in the car. Do not feel guilty for doing your job. They will one day look at you as a successful business owner and they are going to be proud of you." I rested my head on his chest and I closed my eyes to his heartbeat. "Yea?" he kissed the top of my head, "Yes, I know they are going to be proud of you because I am proud of you. It's not easy to start a business and to be successful at it and you are." I looked up at him as he cupped my face and gave me a sweet kiss.

"Go see your babies and I will finish plating our dinner that we are going to eat together." I just nodded as I went upstairs to see the babies. They were both snuggled up in their cribs as I peered down at Saylor as she was in some pink soft zip-up jammies with her curly hair going wild. I peered over at Sutton as he blinked open his eyes, "Mama," he whispered and I smiled softly, "Hi baby," he reached up for me with his blanket. I picked him up and he nuzzled his face into my neck. "Hi sweetie," I rubbed his back and kissed on his head. I sat down in the rocking chair as he pretty much went back to sleep, but I held him for five more minutes.

At least, I thought it was only five minutes, until I saw my husband leaning up in the doorway. He smiled, "I was just checking on you to make sure that you didn't fall asleep." I gave him a nod as I stood up and gently put Sutton back in his crib. He didn't even move as I put his blanket back on him. I walked downstairs with Troy, and he pulled out my chair as there was music playing in the background and I flushed, "It seems you all had a good day." I said and Troy grinned, "We did. They played all morning with Noah, they all three took a nap while Jesse and I played video games, and then we took them to the park and to get ice cream before coming to see momma for a little bit. They took a quick afternoon nap and then played outside until dinner. They were both so grumpy. I couldn't even do their bath."

I laughed, "I can't wait for next week." Troy smiled, "I can't either. A day for all of us will be the best day. Especially on a weekday. I know we get each other all day tomorrow." I grimaced and I exhaled, "I do have to be at the studio from about noon to four tomorrow." Troy nodded his head as I knew he was probably a little disappointed, "But I am home all day on Sunday."

"We have a tee time on Sunday morning, but I think we are going to do a cook-out at Cameron's house." I nodded as I peered up at him, "Are you mad about tomorrow? I know you thought we were going to have all day together but…" Troy shook his head, "No, I am not mad. I am a little sad, but we will get to spend the morning together. They will nap during most of that anyways." I reached over to squeeze his thigh under the table, "I do not have anything at all next weekend." I told him. "I am handing it off for the weekend as it is a slower weekend at the studio. Our week is a bit crazy, but Friday and Saturday are all yours."

"Do you want to take the kids somewhere or do you want your day date?" he asked me. I thought about it for a moment, "How about we have our day date this weekend? Or a weekend date?" I shot back towards him, and he raised an eyebrow, "The whole weekend?" I shrugged, "Take them to daycare on Friday and have one of our parents pick them up and keep them Friday night. Come back Saturday afternoon." Troy just gave a grin, "You know I will never say no. Do you want to stay here, or do you actually want to go somewhere?"

"Can we just stay here? Spend a day in our bed together? Order in food? Maybe go out to breakfast together or something on Saturday. Go for a run with Luna, shit like that." Troy gave a shit eating grin as he thought about it. "Friday, we can have that but Saturday. I am planning a true date." I just gave a smile back, "Okay," I told him, and he smiled, "Okay,"


Troy's POV

Friday, April 16th, 2021

I pulled off Sutton's coat and then Saylor's as they opened the door for them to waddle into daycare. It was a late start for them but none of us were in a rush this morning. I let them lay in bed with Gabi for a while before cooking breakfast for all of us and we ate as a family. I gave a smile as I kissed each of their heads. "Okay, Grandpa Tommy is going to get you today." I kissed each of them one more time as they went off to play. "Ms. Penny, my dad is going to pick them up today. If there are any problems call my cell phone. Gabi and I took the day off."

Ms. Penny smiled, "Sounds good, Troy. We will take good care of those two today." I thanked her as I walked out as I left Gabi to clean up the kitchen earlier today. I swung through the grocery store as I grabbed stuff for snacks and dinner tonight as we weren't leaving today. We agreed that we would catch up on household things this morning and then this afternoon we were going to veg on the couch and do nothing. I can't tell you the last time we did that. Tomorrow, I replanned our first date. I figured it was time to do it over again and I couldn't wait to surprise her and do it all over again.

I fell in love with her on that day and then we were going to pick up the kids and have dinner with our parents. Once I left the grocery store, I grabbed coffee at our favorite coffee shop and headed home. Gabi was cleaning up the kitchen and I smiled as I handed her a coffee and I tipped her head back with a kiss. "Happy weekend to ourselves," she laughed as she gave me a smile before looking over at Luna for a brief second and coming back to me. "What do you want to tackle first? Chores? Running Luna?" she asked.

"Are you running with me?" she nodded, "Yea, I miss going on runs together." I nodded my head, "Let's do some chores first. Are you going to mow?" I nodded and we split ways. I went to mow while she caught up on laundry and cleaned up the house. Luna sat outside and watched me as she would much rather be going for a run right now but once we were done with all of these things then we could do that. I quickly mowed the lawn, blew off the patio from all the grass, and peeled off my shirt as I was sweating through it. I rubbed my face when I heard a whistle, "My husband is fucking hot," I cracked a grin over towards her and she just laughed herself as she came over.

"I am pretty much done. The last load of laundry is in, and the dishes are all done which feels like a feat within itself. The kids' room is picked up, our room is picked up, and I even cleaned the two bathrooms. It's amazing how much you can get done without two toddlers underneath of your legs." I couldn't stop my laugh as I pulled her hips towards me and she grinned, "You are so sweaty."

"You like it that way," I said kissing below her ear. Goosebumps spread over her skin, and she rolled her hips forward. "Uh no, not yet." I told her as I put distance between the two of us. "I am finished out here. Just need to put it all away. Ready for our run?" Gabi nodded as I dropped her hand and walked towards the garage to put everything away. She followed carrying some other stuff that was out in the yard as Luna trotted behind us. "Did you really get all of that done while I was out here? I planned on helping." I told her. "Yea, truly, I like flew through it because I knew once it was done, I could lay on the couch with you and do absolutely nothing."

A chuckle escaped as I put it all away and I walked in the house. "I can fold this load of laundry and I'll put the dishes away." Gabi nodded as we both went to put on our running shoes, and I simply was going to forgo a t-shirt at this point. I grabbed Luna's leash, and she started hopping around the house and barking. "Okay, okay, we are going sweet girl." I rubbed her head as she took a backseat to the kids these days and I felt truly awful about it most days. Luna was my first baby and I wanted her to still feel the love. Gabi stretched out her legs and I gave her a smile, "Ready?" she nodded, and we both took off in a slow jog, but Luna didn't want anything to do with that.

I tugged her back gently and she whined, "Luna, we have to warm up." Gabi said with a laugh, and I nodded, "I know, it's like she forgot how this goes." We both shared a laugh as Gabi just gave me a big smile, "I did miss this." Gabi and I followed our usual path as we made our way to the park, and we picked up to a speed Luna was happier with. Gabi was inching ahead of me, and I grunted as I took a longer stride, and she only upped me as she turned over her shoulder to give me a wicked smile before navigating through the park as she pushed off those legs.

My eyes traced down her body as she was only in a sports bra and a pair of leggings with Adidas tennis shoes. Her ponytail was bobbing back and forth as she was keeping pace with Luna and a smile on her face as she did it. We turned around as we headed back to the house, and I prayed this was going to be enough for Luna today. It was a longer run than she was used too lately, and I was thoroughly enjoying it with the backside view of Gabi. "When did you get so slow, old man?" she tossed over her shoulder as we neared the house. "Old man?" I yelled forward and she just tossed her head back laughing as she picked up pace and I picked up pace behind her.

Luna hit the driveway and I let her go as I chased after Gabi. She squealed when I almost grabbed onto her, but she slipped through my fingers and ran around the side of the house. I stopped as I let Luna back into the house and went around to the other side as I was listening for her to figure out which way she went. I heard her footsteps, and I held still as I quieted my breathing as she peeked around the corner missing me against the wall. She crept forward and I waited for her back to fully be towards me as I pounced.

She screamed and I couldn't stop my laugh as I circled her in my arms and lifted her off the ground. "Old man my fucking ass," I murmured into her ear. She laughed and I tossed her over my shoulder and carried her up the stairs of our house. Luna was laying on the floor by her water bowl and I smirked because we thoroughly exhausted her for now. Once we got to the bathroom, I dropped her back to her feet as I turned on the water and I let my eyes devour her entire body. The sweat stains on her shirt and her breathing were heavy as I couldn't stop staring. I gripped her shirt and pulled it up and over her head.

"I am about to show you that I am no old fucking man. You'll be begging for mercy." Those brown eyes connected with mine as I pulled her leggings off her body. She kicked them away as I let my hands run over her legs and back over her bottom. I squeezed it and I pulled her closer to me. My knees hit the floor and her brown eyes were hooded as she watched my body with every single move. I lifted one leg up as she trembled in my hands. Her fingers gripping the countertop as I let one finger slid through her to find her fucking soaked.

"All for me?" I murmured and she closed her eyes for a moment as if she didn't want to answer me. I gave her a chuckle as I teased her with my tongue, and she whimpered while her fingers tried to find my hair, but she had to push off my hat. "You are trying to push me off the ledge, aren't you?" I asked her as I kissed her lower belly right over her c-section scar that I found fucking beautiful. She shuddered and I went back again to teasing her. Avoiding the one spot that she really wanted me to hit. I used my fingers to really work her as she gripped my shoulders.

"Troy,"

"Hmm?" I asked as I peered up at her. "Please," she whimpered, and I couldn't stop the smirk. "Please…what?" I asked her with a smirk on my face and she nearly fell apart. "Please fuck me with your tongue," she couldn't finish her sentence before I sucked her right into my mouth causing her to buck against me and the barrel of her orgasm quickly hit her as her fingers nearly pulled my hair out. I didn't stop working her with my tongue or fingers until she laxed for just a moment. I pulled up as I stood up and trapped her body against mine as I devoured her mouth this time.

She pulled off my shorts and underwear with one fluid motion and I easily picked her up before taking her to the shower where I pressed her back against the wall under the showerhead before sliding right into her. "Fuck, you feel so fucking good." I murmured as I started to pace the two of us and she gripped onto my skin. "Shut up and fuck me," she kissed me hard and she didn't have to ask me twice.


Gabi's POV

Today had been so good.

I was glad Troy realized when we needed these days because it had been a day I had been dreaming of for a long time. After doing all of our chores, exercising Luna, and then having some of the best sex in a long time in the shower? I couldn't get enough. Troy and I took a nap together before finishing up a few things and then Troy cooked dinner before we curled up on the couch together. His hand was pressed against my stomach and his lips pressed into the back of my head. "Today has been so much fun," I whispered as we were watching our current show together.

"Weird how all we had to do was normal adult things to have fun," I couldn't stop my laugh as Tommy and Laura had already picked up the twins who were having a blast over there. They had sent a few videos as I squeezed Troy's hand and I rolled onto my back to face him. "Are you ready to be done at the high school? Ready to close that chapter?" he exhaled, and he thought about it for a moment. "I don't know. I will miss it. Getting to have a variety of kids that I interacted with and just being able to do something other than basketball, but I won't miss the extra stuff. Worrying about having sub plans or making sure I can get all my work done in the heat of basketball."

"I think you are going to be such a good college coach." I ran my fingers over his chest, and he gave a soft smile. "It is going to be a lot of fun to experience it all. We have so many more opportunities and the kids will get to experience so many different things. It's going to be fun." I nodded my head as my fingers ran through his hair as he pulled the blankets up and over my shoulders. My chin rested on his chest, and he gave me a smile, "Are you ready to go upstairs because I can promise you something – we aren't sleeping when we get up there."

A laugh busted out of me, and I shook my head, "Can we go get ice cream?" Troy nodded, "Of course, c'mon," I stood up as I was only in his t-shirt and I headed for the stairs, "Where are you going? We're going like this. We'll hit a drive through. No pants." I shook my head, "No, you will get a funny idea that you can do something naughty in the car." He just wiggled his eyebrows causing me to a laugh as I slipped on some shorts before sliding on Birkenstocks and getting into his Jeep. I curled my legs up underneath of me and held his hand as he went to our favorite little ice cream place, and we rolled through the drive through before we made our way down to the beach.

He stopped the car and we both slid out as he lifted me onto the hood of his Jeep before joining me. The stars were shining in the sky, and you could hear the waves crashing onto the beach. "This is something that I will miss." I told him as I felt the sea water hit my face. It felt so fucking good. "I know. We'll make regular trips to the beach."

"How is Zoey's?" Troy asked and I smiled, "So good. I didn't think it would be this successful, but I think having coaches come in and they brought in people which was helpful plus all of the little fundraisers and wine nights and shit like that we do to help promote our business. I am going to really miss being there every single day." I felt the hint of sadness in my voice and Troy grimaced, I reached up to wipe a stray tear away. "Brie," his voice was a tiny whisper, and I shook my head. "No, I am still firm in the decision. It just hits me every now and then that I won't be there every day and I will be doing Zoom calls to be a part of everything. I don't know. It just…makes me sad sometimes."

Troy tossed his ice cream in a nearby trash can before he stood between my legs, and he framed my face with his large hands to force me to look at him. "You are Zoey's. There is no Zoey's without you, and I hate that I am taking you away from something that makes you so happy. I hate how unfair this all unfolded and that it was too hard to pass up. If I could do both I would." I nodded, "I know, Troy, I know how this all unfolded and we made the right decision but until I am constantly not here working there and finding my new pace? I am going to be a little sad. I will be sad when I have to come up here for a weekend or two a month without you or without the kids. I will be sad when they do great things, and I wasn't there."

He kissed my forehead as I sat my ice cream down to wrap my arms around his neck. My face pressed into his throat, and he stroked my hair with his big hand. "I need you to tell me once that you are unhappy, and you want to come back? We come back. Do you understand? You have spent too much of your life unhappy recently to do something and stick it out for me. I need you to be happy. I understand that it won't always be easy, and you will have sad moments, but I need you to universally be happy. It's not fair to you to be unhappy." His voice was so quiet, and I kissed his neck before I looked up at him.

"Same to you, Troy. If this isn't everything you dreamed of? It's one word. I think we have to give it time though like we keep saying. Give it one to two years and then we can reassess." Troy nodded as he stroked his thumbs over my cheeks. "I love you; I cannot wait for this journey with you." I smiled and he smiled back as our lips met in the middle. The chocolate on his lips traced mine and I just held him closer to me. "I am so spoiled by you."

"Just wait until tomorrow." He teased.

"Tomorrow?" I asked him and he just gave a wide grin.


Troy's POV

Saturday, April 17th, 2021

I stirred Gabi awake and she groaned, "Why the hell are you waking me up? We have no kids, you made me come 5 times last night before you let me go to sleep, I'm tired." She whined and I couldn't stop the low chuckle from my throat. "C'mon, we have a date." I told her as I was already dressed and ready to go. I grabbed her coffee already and I was just patiently waiting for her. She moaned and buried her head into the pillows, "Troy," she whined, and I just laughed, "Gabi, please, c'mon." she peeled her eyes open to look at me.

The glare in her eyes was deep and I couldn't stop my chuckle, "Baby, get ready. I have a surprise." She just huffed as she sat up and rubbed her face. I kissed her head and I let her get up as she grumbled. I smiled as I got up and went downstairs to let Luna run around outside and got everything together for the rest of the day. Once Gabi trudged downstairs in a pair of leggings and a t-shirt. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail and her face had a little bit of make-up. I reached out a cup of coffee for her and she sighed, "Troy, what is this about? I figured I was going to get to sleep in."

I tugged on her head as I vowed to let her wake up before explaining anything. She got into the car, and I got in the other side as I let my fingers lace with hers as we drove for a little bit towards the ocean. She finished off her first coffee as I swung through a drive-through for a second one. "Troy," I just chuckled as I ordered us both our usual from here and I handed her the cup, "Why are you buttering me up? What did you do? More news about moving?" I shook my head as I pulled into the same empty beach where we started our first date. We really hadn't been back since our first date.

She blinked a few times, and I smiled as I got out of the car and grabbed two chairs. "C'mon, welcome to our first date part two," I started to walk away but when I didn't feel her following me. I peeked over my shoulder as a smile was on her face and her eyes watered. "C'mon, Brie," I set up the two chairs as the sunrise was just starting to peek over the edges of the water. "Troy," her voice was a whisper and I set up both of the chairs and turned around to pull her into my arms. "I figured we had the morning at least and why not watch the sunrise and go cook breakfast again? I am pretty sure I fell in love with you that day."

"Fuck, I hate how romantic you are sometimes," Gabi wiped at her face as I chuckled while we both sat down. I let my hands slid into hers as we both quietly sipped on our coffees together. "I know we had some of the most fun on the water last time, but I think this time a nap sounds better unless you disagree." Gabi laughed shaking her head, "No. I need a nap before those two little hellions come home. I hope they were good for your parents." I nodded, "My mom sent me a text last night that they both went to bed without any problems. Those two are growing up too fast now." Gabi nodded in agreement as the sun rose overhead. "Once they are older, I want to take them to see the sunrise."

"We are going to do a lot of fun things together as a family. Hopefully we can find somewhere just as beautiful to watch it in Georgia." Gabi rolled her lips together and she let a tiny smile work over her lips as I watched her. "I just remember thinking on that morning that we were here together for the very first time that it all felt so…different. That it was a good different and I needed that in my life. I figured I would have one date with you, and you wouldn't want anything to do with me but yet the day kept going and we both were addicted from the start." She rolled those two perfect lips together. "Now look at us…married with two kids." those brown eyes took mine and I squeezed her hand gently.

"I remember thinking that I never wanted that night to end. I would have done anything to just let us keep going and going because I was scared if you left there wouldn't be another date and I could see everything with you. I literally did text the guys that I found my future wife." Gabi laughed, "I could only imagine the responses to that." I chuckled myself as a few other people joined us out here but we both held hands, finished our coffee and watched the sun come up and over the ocean. The beauty of it always made me stop and think about everything.

"Are we really going back to cook breakfast?" I chuckled with a nod, "Omelets today," Gabi grinned and laughed, "That was so much fun. We should do that more often. Cooking classes. Maybe involve the kids in the future. We'll have to find something in Statesboro,"

"We have to find a lot in Statesboro, but I plan on doing as many dates and family thing as possible before basketball get heavy and underway."

"Don't push yourself too much, Troy. It's going to be a hard transition for all of us. You are starting a really important job; you are going to have a lot to learn. We will make whatever happen, happen, we will work on our schedules together. I know you feel this immense pressure to make sure the transition goes well because you feel like this is all on you – but it isn't. This is going to be hard and challenging and I don't want you to feel like this is your fault if there are days where it's hard." I squeezed her hand tightly and I nodded as the waves rolled onto the beach. "Thank you, I just…this move is because of me, and I want to keep you right in this place you are in."

She shifted and our eyes connected together. "Troy," her voice was soft, and she got up and I sat back to let her slip into my lap as she wrapped her arms around my neck. "I am this happy because I have you. I have our family and I want you to know that there might be hard times and days I may not seem as happy but every single night before I go to bed, I look over to see you and I am so happy that I get to do this. That I get to be with you. That I am doing life with you. I am reminded daily of how fucking lucky I am to have you."

I cupped the back of her head, and I kissed her softly, "This is definitely something I wanted to do that morning." I murmured against her lips, "Promise me, that you know, I am so damn happy everyday with you and the kids. I will tell you the moment that I am not happy in the way that I want to live my life."

My fingers gripped her a little tighter, "Promise?" I murmured and she nodded her head as she kissed me softly. "Promise."


Gabi's POV

I couldn't stop my laugh as Troy, and I had grown in the cooking world since we were both last here. The leader recognized us, and we told her our whole story of our first date, having twins, and getting married since the last time we were here. She ended up letting us have a free session since our love story started right here. We made breakfast potatoes, omelets, and even little pancakes to add a bit of sweetness. Troy and I couldn't keep our hands off each other and we were having such a good damn day. I was so annoyed this morning when he woke me up but when I figured it out. I fell even deeper in love with him.

Troy let his hand rest on my back as we finished our dish, and we took our plates outside just like last time. "That nap sounds fantastic after this big breakfast," I dove into the dish, and I moaned as it was so freaking good. "If you keep doing that there will be no nap," he tossed back at me with a wiggle of his eyebrows. I couldn't stop my laugh as I shook my head. His legs locked with mine. "You are awful touchy today," I told him, and he just gave me a smile, "Do you want me to stop?" he asked, and I shook my head. "No. It does take me back to dating. I think sometimes I am so touched out from the kids but…I miss these touches. The soft and the ones out of love. I swear Sutton just hits me half the time."

Troy chuckled with a nod, "I think that's why I don't do it all the time. I would be touched out if I was you. They hang on your twice as much as they do me." I gave a faint smile and I nodded, "I love them so much. Thank you for noticing that but also, I need you to do it more. I need you." Troy blinked for a moment and nodded, "Yea?" I nodded, "Yea, I think it brings me back to the dating and what not. I want to know you remind that baby touch is different." A laugh echoed from his mouth, and he smirked, "Daddy touch," he wiggled his eyebrows and I gagged, "My husband touch," I shot back to him.

He gave a laugh with his head tossed back, my true favorite, as I watched him shake his head. We both ate our breakfast as we chatted about the next week and what our plans were. Troy had his last Friday off this Friday, and we had a day packed full of stuff for the kids. I couldn't wait to do all the different things as a family together. Once we were finished, we did our dishes and cleaned them up before we thanked the leader, and we headed out. "Do you want another coffee? Or just go home and take a nap?" Troy asked as he dug his keys out.

"I think just a nap and then we can pick up coffees when we go pick up our babies. I miss them. I've liked our days together recently, but I also miss them." Troy chuckled, "I know what you mean. It's weird when they aren't around." Troy started the car and his fingers looped through mine as we were both enjoying the music on the way home. "Can our next date night be a concert? I miss live music. I feel like it's been forever." Troy nodded, "Let me see who's coming to town or around Statesboro. I'll find a good concert."

"Dan and Shay were one of my favorite dates,"

"You had the cutest little belly."

"I remember you literally didn't want to leave for that concert." Troy wiggled his eyebrows, "No, I didn't. You looked so damn good."

"Sorry, I didn't dress to impress you today." Troy chuckled, "Baby, I don't care what you wear. You are fucking beautiful in whatever. I would do naughty things in every different thing you wear." My cheeks flushed, "I think I might need you to help with some other problems before we take a nap," I wiggled in my seat and Troy's blue eyes shot over to me, "Don't promise me a good time," I couldn't stop my laugh and I shook my head. "I promise, no teasing, I need you." He grunted and he sped up the final few miles to the house.

Once we were home, he barely let me out of the car before I was up and over his shoulder. My giggles were bouncing off the wall as he took me upstairs bypassing Luna's kennel. She whined watching us as Troy tossed me down onto the bed. Those blue eyes were hungry as he easily peeled my leggings off my body and found no underwear. "Fuck, me," he muttered under his breath as I let my legs fall open to show him how much I needed him. Those blue eyes devoured every inch as he leaned down and stroked his tongue up once and I nearly bucked off the bed.

"You weren't wrong. You did need help." He murmured as he blew softly as I cried out from the sensation. He crawled up my body and he pulled off my shirt and his lips found mine. The kiss was deep and hard as he used his fingers to work me up to the point that I couldn't focus on kissing him anymore. My body trying to wiggle up to brush against him. "Please, fuck, Troy, I need you inside of me."

He didn't hesitate before he was slipping right into me, and I arched up into him. "You are so fucking beautiful," he whispered into my ear as he watched me come undone underneath of him. My legs circled around his waist as I pulled him in deeper. "Would you hate me if I said I wanted to do this on our first date, too?" Troy asked and I couldn't stop my laugh as I kissed him to shut him up.


Troy's POV

Friday, April 23rd, 2021

Sutton and Saylor were in a highchair at the table as they were each eating the pancakes, we had cut up for them. We decided that we were going to go to breakfast, go to a kid museum, and then put them in the stroller to take them to the zoo but they would probably nap the first half. It gave Gabi and I chance to walk around and not be at home during nap time. If they didn't take a long nap today, we figured they could just go to bed early. That gave Gabi and I the time to curl up on the couch together and watch our TV shows.

"Dada," Saylor handed me a pancake and I smiled, "Thank you, Say." She grinned at me as I took the bite to eat as Sutton shoved another piece to me. I laughed, "You guys eat it." I directed and Gabi smiled as she watched them. It had been another busy week but a really good one too. I was wrapping things up at school as we only had a month left. The house was coming along and would be ready for us to move into right after the 4th of July. I took a few bites of my own eggs and bacon with my toast. Gabi cut up some more pancakes for Sutton as he clapped when she put them on his plate.

"Do you like those?" he nodded his head with a big grin on his face. His bottom teeth were all in and he was starting to lose the baby look and more of the toddler look. His hair was hidden with a backwards hat that he was obsessed wearing when I was wearing mine. He had on a white t-shirt with a pair of black joggers and Vans. Saylor was wearing a pair of little black leggings and a crewneck sweatshirt that read sissy. Gabi had her hair in two little pigtails, and they melted my heart every time. Gabi finished off her own pancakes and eggs as she started wiping hands.

"I can take them to the bathroom." I told her and she glanced up at me, "I have wipes," I shook my head, "We can just go wash them. Finish eating in peace." Gabi nodded with a smile as I picked each of them up as they both quickly let their sticky hands touch my face as I laughed. "Alright you, two, are you going to gang up on me forever?" Saylor wiggled her arms around my neck as Sutton cried and tried to push her off. I laughed as an older man stepped out of the bathroom and smiled. "You have some cute kids, enjoy these times, they are some of the best." I gave a smile and a nod, "I try to enjoy it every single day. They are so much fun."

He nodded with a smile as I went into the bathroom and helped each of them wash their hands in the family restroom. Saylor delicately wiped her hands off with the towel while Sutton just wiped them on my jeans. "Alright, alright, thank you buddy." He had a sweatshirt just like Saylor's but read Bubs along the front. I grabbed it and put it back on him as I let them both walk back while holding my hands. Gabi was paying the bill as Saylor climbed into the booth with her and she grinned, "Hi baby," Saylor wiggled into her lap and Gabi held her against her as I let Sutton sit in mine.

He played with my hat as I loved the feeling of this. Being with my family and getting to do fun things together. Once we got the bill back and I grabbed both of them, but Saylor cried reaching for Gabi. "Oh, you want your mom?" Saylor had tears roll down her face as Gabi laughed taking her from me. "I know, I'm the best." Gabi murmured to her, and I couldn't stop the roll of my own eyes. Gabi giggled behind me as we put the kids into the car. The children's museum was just down the road, and we let them walk inside while holding hands as we paid, and we let the kids run free. I let my hand slip into Gabi's as they pretty much just followed each other.

They played in all different rooms as Gabi let go at one point to take pictures as I bent down to play with Sutton. He pretended to cook, and I pretended to eat it as he giggles as I chewed and chomped on the fake food. His brown eyes were jumping in amusement. We took them to the water room where we put on little gowns as they splashed and played. I helped them set up different toys as they tried to figure out how each of them worked. "It's so amazing to watch them learn." Gabi said as she sat next to me as they were highly entertained in this room.

I nodded, "It is. I like watching their little brains work and figure out how to make the thing spin." Sutton tried and when he did it, he dropped his toy and clapped his hands while looking at us with a big smile on his face. We both clapped for him and he only grinned wider. Gabi gripped my thigh, and I looked over at her as she had tears in the corner of her eyes. "You, okay?" I asked her and she nodded as she wiped them away, "I just…I love them so much. I know we didn't do anything in the right order but thank you for making me a mom. I love being a mom to these two and I love getting to do it with you." Her head rested on my shoulder, and I gave her thigh a squeeze. "I couldn't have dreamed this up any different." I kissed the top of her head and she smiled. "You are pretty great dad, I know you weren't sure, but…you are so good with them." Saylor looked over as she poured a cup of water and laughed when it sprayed her.

"It's been so much fun," our fingers tangled together as we let them play in here for thirty more minutes before we took them to a few other rooms, but they were growing tired, and we had been here for nearly two and half hours. "Are you ready for the next one?" Gabi nodded her head as we gathered up the kids and took them out to the car. We did a quick diaper change and fed them a snack as we suspected they would both fall asleep in the car. "Thank you for taking all of these Friday's off," Gabi said. "I know you had the time, but it was nice to spend time with you last week and for this today. I fear our lives are only going to get busier from here." I chuckled, "I fear you are right. Between the final weeks of school, a wedding, another baby in the group…then moving?"

"Also going to Wyoming,"

I shot her a smile, "You're right. We aren't going to have any more time." We both laughed together.


Happy Monday! I am so glad I was able to get this out today (with one hour to spare! Ha!) but oof the work schedule has been crazy and just life in general but I am trying my hardest! Thank you for the patience and I hope you enjoyed it! Let me know all of your thoughts!

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Next Update: May 28th (HOPEFULLY HA!)