Chapter 16 – Life Changes
Friday, May 21st, 2021
Last Day of School
Gabi's POV
Saylor and Sutton sat in their highchairs giggling as they were both eating cereal in their highchairs as Troy was getting ready for his last day of work at the high school. It was a bittersweet day for sure and I couldn't gage his mood. The guys were having a party here tonight for all of their favorite co-workers to come join and have a good night tonight. He was going to take the kids to school today – it wasn't their last day today as we were keeping them in until we moved so we could focus on packing the house and not change their routine too much yet.
Troy came down the stairs as he was in a pair of jeans and a James Island t-shirt. His hair was styled, and he had his coffee cup in hand as he already went for a run this morning. "Dada!" Sutton screeched and Troy chuckled as he went over and kissed each of their heads. "Hi babies, did you sleep well?" Saylor tried to feed him a cheerio and he laughed as it stuck to his chin. He cleaned it up and licked it up as Saylor giggled watching him. My hip leaned against the counter as he turned over to wink at me. "I love you babies,"
He walked over to me, and I grinned as he trapped me back against the counter. "You are looking really good in this," he dragged his nose down my cheek and I laughed as he dropped a kiss to below my ear. I smiled as I was in leggings with a crop top, "I am finally feeling like I am back in my body again." I told him. Those blue eyes stared down at me and a smile flickered on his face, "Yea? I think you look amazing 24/7," I just shot him a look and he chuckled as he brushed his thumb over my chin. "Troy, the two over there stole my body." He couldn't stop his laugh and he nodded, "I understand what you are saying to me, but I can tell you that you have been beautiful and fucking gorgeous this entire time."
His fingers pressed against my bare skin as he gave me a quick kiss before moving around me. I shook my head as he still made me dizzy, "How long are you going to be at the dance studio?" he asked me as he pulled out oatmeal and fruit. "Till noon. I am going to come back here with the girls to get the house ready. Catering is coming over around 430. Everybody is coming over around 5, right?" he nodded his head as he smiled, "Thanks for wanting to do this tonight." I shook my head, "No, you all need this. Between Cameron and Lennon's wedding, Jax and Sara's baby – it's going to get busy once we start packing and this is probably the last opportunity."
Troy nodded as he made his breakfast and I started to finish getting the kids ready. I pulled up Saylor's hair into a little pony and put shoes on their feet as Troy grabbed his backpack. I carried Saylor to the car and Troy carried Sutton as they both got in and buckled up. Troy held his oatmeal in his hand, and I reached up to give him a kiss and circled my arms around his neck. He easily picked me up and pressed me back against the wall, "Are you good?" I murmured and he smiled with a nod. "I am good. I'm a little sad and walking out won't be as fun but I am so excited for the next adventure and not dealing with parents anymore? Sign me up."
I laughed as I gave him a kiss, "Happy last day of school, Bolton." He chuckled as he put me down on the ground as he gave me one more kiss, "I'll see you after, yea?" I nodded and he went to get into the car as I waved good-bye to the twins as I blew Troy a kiss and went back into the house. I wasn't joking when I told Troy I finally felt like I was back in my body which is ironic because we were thinking about trying for another one soon. I wasn't breastfeeding anymore, and all of my milk was dried up. I felt like my body is back in a place where I left it pre-kids – not that I was ever expecting to ever feel like that again. I just felt like I was in a body I recognized again.
I cleaned up the kitchen, let Luna outside, and I headed to the dance studio. I was only staying till 11 because I was actually going to have one last lunch with Troy at the high school. It has always been one of my favorite dates with him. I also was going to wear the same dress I wore that one day in the classroom that drove him up the fucking wall. I had to dig it out and I tried it on while he was on his run and maybe that's why I felt so good. The dress was hanging in my back seat as I had my make-up bag in the back as well.
I pulled up to the dance studio as Brea was already here as we were preparing for a competition this weekend – it was mostly just within the studio because next year we wanted to enter different competitions. Brea smiled as I walked in the door, "Hey, I know you have some admin stuff to do but can we finish this dance?" I nodded my head as we started the music. We ran through the first part that we had already nailed before we talked about the second part. I ran through a different part and tried a few different moves but none of them felt right.
"What if we did this," I did a few different things and Brea grinned, "Yes! I love it. Show me," we ran through the steps and once we put the whole song together, we ran through it twice. I was a sweaty mess as I was going to have to run home and shower first. My eyes hit the clock as I had less than an hour to get together. "Shit, I gotta run home and shower," I turned off the camera and Brea looked up at the clock. "Oh, you're lunch with Troy?" I nodded, "I am wearing a dress that I wore when I did a lesson in his class about my job, and it literally drove him up a wall. I didn't want him to forget the look." Brea laughed with a shake of her head.
"But I am all sweaty now and need to shower before I go see him."
"Oh my god, no, just wash up in the bathroom and I'll do your hair for you." I gave her a look and she just nodded, "Yes! I promise, I will make you look good." I finally agreed and went into the bathroom as I washed my face and then applied my make-up before I let her do my hair. Once my hair was down in waves from a curling iron from here, I went and slipped on the navy dress with the cream blazer. Brea whistled, "Damn, you look so fucking good. Are you sure twins came out of that body?" I just laughed with a shake of my head. "I was just telling Troy this morning that I feel like I have my body back."
"You look amazing. Not that you never did but you have a glow about you - is this happy on you?" I just shot her a grin, "I am happy. I am scared as well but I am so happy." Brea gave me a quick hug and I gave a smile as I grabbed my bag, and I headed out. "Thank you, I will see you tomorrow." She nodded as I headed out and got into my car. I shot a text to Cameron as he was going to let me in. I pulled up right as the lunch bell was getting ready to ring. I got out as I grabbed the two bags of food I swung through and picked up.
Cameron was waiting at the side door, and he grinned, "Fuck, I love you. Getting him, all riled up in his thirty minutes off." I couldn't stop my laugh as he gave me a side hug. He let me in, and I walked towards Troy's classroom. The final bell rang, and Troy came out of his classroom with his phone in his hand as his badge was around his neck. He looked up at Cameron's door, "Where the hell is he," he muttered, and I couldn't stop my laugh as his head snapped up. Those blue eyes were shocked but quickly moved to heat as those eyes climbed my body.
Cameron smirked as he walked by and squeezed his shoulder, "Have a good lunch, don't do something I wouldn't do," Troy didn't even react as I walked up to him and grinned, "Hi, I figured why not one more lunch with the two of us in that classroom, huh?" Troy blinked as his eyes peered down at me and I couldn't stop my giggle, "Is this the dress you wore the second day of presentations in my classroom?" I nodded my head with a grin on my face. "Sure is," those blue eyes flared towards me, and I just smirked as I walked past him. I walked into his classroom as it was bare with nothing left on the walls. There was a handful of boxes in the corner, but he had donated most of his stuff back to other teachers or new teachers that needed it. He was only keeping so much.
A picture of all four of us sat on his desk as I put the food on his desk, and I leaned back against it as Troy shut the door and locked it as he stalked over towards me. "You are a fucking dream in this dress," his nose dragged along my face as he kissed me as he cupped my face. "You don't look half bad yourself." I told him as I let my hands fall to his waist. Those eyes devoured every inch of my body, "I swore off you ever coming back to this classroom after you wore this in here. I'm pretty sure I had blue balls by the end of that day." A laugh echoed out of my mouth as I wiggled out of his grasp and pulled out lunch.
"You still have a picture of us," Troy smiled with a nod, "Yea, I don't like not being able to see your guys faces." My eyes looked up at him as I shook my head. "I want to get some taken on the beach before we leave," I told him and he grunted, "That way you have them for your office." Troy shook his head with a laugh as we both sat down and ate lunch together. His ankles tied with mine as he gave a tiny smile, "Thank you, this is a good way to end this." I gave him a smile and I squeezed his knee. "You are going to do great things, Troy. I am proud of you, and I am excited for this adventure."
"Oof, I didn't think I would hear you say those words." I shot him a look, "I promise. I am excited. I think this house and going down to Georgia will be good for both of us. We can branch out and really become our own family down there. There are a lot of hard memories here and I think starting over might be great. My whole family is getting to start over practically, Beth in Wyoming. James and the kids are going to Tennessee, we're going to Georgia and my parents get to bounce around. It's going to be good for everybody."
Troy squeezed my knee as he nodded, "I think so, too. I just hoped you saw it that way." I gave him a smile as I finished my food before sitting down in his lap. His lips pressed to my temple, and he gave a soft smile again it. "Should I stay for one more lesson?" I murmured and Troy barked out a laugh as his arms tightened around my waist. "Absolutely not. Those teenage boys might be worse than me." I shot him a look, "No chance." I said as I rolled my hips against his dick. He groaned as it was already hard, and I probably just made the problem worse. "I hate you sometimes," he said laughing as he pinned me back against his desk as he dove in for a kiss. I wrapped my arms around his neck, and I smiled, "You love me,"
Those blue eyes softened, and he nodded, "Yea, I love the fuck outta you,"
Troy's POV
The house was popping with people from the school district as just about everybody who was invited came to the party. Kids were running around out back playing under the supervision of wives and husbands. There was so much food and drinks being passed around and all for five basketball coaches who were going on their next adventure. I had changed into shorts and a t-shirt as I found my friends talking to random people throughout. A couple of years ago – these parties were much, much different. No kids, no spouses (besides Sage), and a lot more drinking.
This year we all were tied down to a significant other and kids were running all over us. I looked around for Gabi as I couldn't find her when my shoulder was shoved, "She's outside with the kids," Jesse said as he passed by me. I chuckled as Sara was in a chair in the kitchen with her big pregnant belly sticking out. She was due any day now and looked like she was ready to be done. Jax was on high alert with any phone call, and I don't blame him. I know with Gabi and I's next kid – I don't know if I will properly be able to rest towards the back half.
Not after last time, anyways.
I ventured outside but was stopped a few times on different topics. I talked to a handful of teachers, and other basketball coaches who had found out about the party. Once I finally made my way outside, I stood at the edge of the deck as I found my girl quickly as she was in a sundress, not the navy one, luckily for me. Her hair was pinned back with a claw clip as she was smiling at Sutton. Her face was soft, and those brown eyes stared at our son with pride as he showed her something. She clapped for him, and he gave her the biggest grin in return.
My fucking heart clutched with the happiness there. I took a quick picture of the two of them as Saylor joined as she was chasing bubbles in the backyard. I walked down the steps as Saylor saw me first and gave me a big cheesy grin. She ran, more like waddled, towards me with the happiest smile. "There is my princess," I picked her up and swung her around as she giggled. I kissed on her neck and blew raspberries causing the giggles to intensify. Gabi looked up with her sunglasses as Sutton reached for me, too. "Oh, now you all want daddy?" I chuckled as I lifted Sutton up.
"Sutty, what were you showing mommy?" I asked and he gave me a big grin as he wiggled down and grabbed the little basketball nearby as he handed it back to Gabi. Gabi smiled as she gently tossed it to him, and he caught it easily. "Sutty! Way to go!" he just gave me the biggest smile as I clapped for him which caused him to clap, too. Gabi laughed as I smiled, "Are you all having fun out here?" Gabi nodded, "We are. I am about to take them in to eat something. They are both getting sleepy," I looked over my shoulder to see that this wasn't winding down anytime soon.
"Do you want my mom to come get them?" I asked her and she hesitated as she also looked at the house behind us. "Yea, probably. I don't want to kick anybody out. Everybody is having a good time, and this might be the last time you see some of these people besides on Facebook." I put Saylor down as she chased her brother, and I wrapped my arm around Gabi's shoulders to pull her back against me. "Thank you, I know you love doing bedtime with them and our Saturday mornings but maybe I can convince you to put that navy dress back on," I nipped at her ear, and she just laughed while tilting her head to look at me.
"Do you want me to call them?" she asked and I shook my head, "I can call my mom really fast. Go enjoy yourself. I'll watch these two for a little bit." Gabi gave a nod as I gave her a kiss as I watched Saylor and Sutton. Jesse came out with Noah on his shoulders as he deposited them in the little group. He squealed with happiness as they played together. I called my mom, "Hey, can you come grab the babes for the night? Or are you busy?"
"Oh no! Of course, we can come grab those sweet babies but what's wrong? Is everything okay?" I chuckled, "Yes, we are just having a bunch of people over to celebrate our last day of school. The twins are getting tired and it's loud here. I don't know when it's going to end." My mom laughed, "Oh yes, of course, I can be there in thirty?"
"Perfect. We will feed them for you and get everything together."
"Don't worry about it. I have everything they would need here."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, honey, of course."
I thanked her as I hung up the phone as Jesse smiled, "I know, Sage wants to get him home soon. She said that I could stay though." I smiled as Noah laughed about something as Sutton sat down to roll the ball around. "It's going to be a busy next week," I said as I ran my fingers through my hair. "I know, Cam and Len's wedding, Sara is going to pop that baby out any freaking day now, and we all have to get our shit together to move in 6 weeks." I chuckled with a nod, "Yea, I have to make a trip to Wyoming, too. Gabi has a lot going on at the studio. I kind of can't wait to move and do nothing."
Jesse smirked, "As if, we are going to be thrown into basketball."
"We have till August."
"And we have to unpack and all that shit. I can't believe Sara and Jax are going to have a baby while doing all of this." I groaned, "I couldn't even imagine. Gabi and I both agreed that we need to be settled into the new house before we even think about trying for the next one." Jesse let his eyebrows hit his hairline, "Shut up, you are already thinking about it?" I nodded as I ran my fingers through my hair, "Yea, Gabi hates the number of years between her siblings, and I love being close in age with Brady and Macken. We agreed that we wanted them closer together."
"Fuck, three kids?" he asked me, and I just laughed, "Let's fucking hope,"
Gabi called out that she had a plate for the kids, and I scooped up both of them as Jesse grabbed Noah. We walked inside as Cameron was sitting with Lennon as they were laughing with a group of teachers as Jax was sitting next to Sara, his hand spread on her belly. All of the groups of people spread out and talking as everybody was happy it was summertime. Gabi helped get the kids settled in the highchairs as Noah sat on Jesse's lap to eat. "My mom will be here, soon. She said to just put them in their car seats and away they will go. She said she has everything."
"Bless her," she whispered as somebody called my name and Gabi nodded to go as I went over to join Dylan. "Troy, tell them about how this all came about," I laughed as somebody gave me a beer, "In a wild way, that's for sure,"
My fingers traced over her tattoo as Gabi surprised the hell out of me as she came out of the bathroom after everybody left back in that damn navy dress. I took my time getting rid of it off her body as I was physically and mentally exhausted after tonight. Everybody stayed longer than I expected as once all the kids went home and went to bed, we moved the party outside and started a bonfire out back. Beers were passed around and Gabi kept her ass in my lap for the night as she was tipsy and having fun with all the girls. Today was a long day between the last day of school, cleaning out my room, and walking out for the last time and then the party all day today? I wasn't denying my girl though.
Gabi murmured and snuggled into my body as I hooked my arm around her waist to secure her to me. "Are you being possessive?" I laughed with a nod, "Yea, I am. Tomorrow morning those little leaches will be back." Gabi nudged her elbow into my gut as I grunted with the impact. "Don't call our children leaches," I couldn't stop my laugh as I kissed the crown of her head. "They are, they suck all of our time up." Gabi laughed as she rolled her head to look back at me. "Wait till there is another one around here," I chuckled. "You were really fucking cute earlier with them," I told her, and she squinted as if she didn't know what I was talking about.
"When I found you three outside, you were cheering on Sutton and you just…the happiness radiating off of you as you watched your son be proud of himself. It made me so happy to be the one to have kids with you. You are such an amazing mom," Gabi shook her head as she turned away from me. "You are going to make me cry," she whispered, and I laughed as I kissed her neck and let her have a moment. "You are though and just the patience and the love you have for both of those babies…I never imagined anything different."
Gabi rolled onto her back to face me as I saw the tears behind her eyes, and I gave her a tiny smile as I wiped away the few that dripped out. "I always wanted to be a good mom," I chuckled, "You are."
"They like you better though," I rolled my eyes, "They do not. You are just with them more. I am more exciting when I show up. Plus, as they get older, they are going to like you a hell of a lot more. I'll be the mean dad," Gabi laughed as she smiled shaking her head, "No you won't. You don't have a mean bone in your body. You just want them to be happy. You are going to make me be the mean one."
"I do want them to be happy but how about we be mean together, that way they just hate us both." I wiggled my eyebrows and Gabi couldn't stop the laugh as she reached up to run her fingers through my hair. "How about we listen to our children and not react in a mean way? Educate them, teach them, and let them learn."
"As long as we are keeping them safe,"
"Well of course, I am not going to let them run around in the street." Gabi's brown eyes were amused, and I gave her a smile right back. "Speaking of, I talked to the house people, and they asked about security. I asked for top notch," Gabi balked, "Troy, we can't afford that." I shook my head, "Yes, we can, and even if we couldn't then I would figure it out because I am going to be gone a lot and I need to make sure that our house is secure. I need my wife and kids to be safe in the one place they are supposed to be safe. Any time a door opens, I will know. Any time there is a beep in the smoke detectors, I will know. Any time a window breaks, people are outside the house, etc., there will be a way to notify me. I also spoke to them about a pool monitor. If nobody is supposed to be in the pool, it will ring off if it detects movement."
"Troy, that has to cost a fortune,"
"And your safety and our kid's safety are worth every fucking penny. You will not change my mind on this. When I am on the road, I don't want to have to constantly be worrying that something might happen. I'll know if something happens. I will still worry but I am praying to God this will ease some of these worries." Gabi exhaled and she stared at me for a moment, and she nodded, "Okay," she finally whispered. "You three are way too damn important to me to be worried about money. This world is not a safe place anymore and people are crazy. I know all of our neighbors will be our friends but that doesn't mean anything when people just pick shit at random. People might hate me as a basketball coach. I just…I just need you and the kids to have extra security blankets and when Saylor and Sutton are teenagers then I will know when they are sneaking out."
Gabi laughed at that as she shook her head, "You think we will still be there when they are teenagers?" I asked and Troy shrugged, "I don't know. If this goes well? Maybe not. If it goes poorly? I don't know. Maybe we like it in Statesboro, and we just find high school job around there."
"Or we move to Wyoming."
I chuckled, "I don't think either of us would honestly make it."
We both laughed and I pulled her back against my chest and kissed her temple, "I love you," I whispered to her, and she exhaled with the admission and her body relaxed, "I love you and how much you love our family. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have freaked out on you there. You are just trying to do what I would have probably done in the same situation." I kissed her temple and exhaled myself, "I know but I understand, the money is a lot, but I will never regret that." She squeezed my hand and I waited until her breathing evened out and I knew she was asleep, I finally relaxed enough for me to fall asleep.
Saturday, May 29th, 2021
Cameron and Lennon's Wedding Day
Gabi's POV
The girls all sat around together in the bridal suite as none of us were in the wedding, but Lennon wanted us here to help her get ready and if we wanted to get ready with them. Noah, Sutton, and Saylor were all in the wedding, so we were here wrangling them even though all of them were napping. The boys went golfing this morning as after today only one would be left that needed to get married. Sara had her hand on her belly as she was three days overdue and struggling along. She was happy that she was able to be here for the wedding (as was Jax) but I knew after today she wanted to pop that baby out.
I tipped my mimosa back as Lennon was in the chair getting her hair done as I couldn't wait to see Saylor all dolled up later and Sutton in his little tux. "Psst," I looked up to see Troy popping his head in the room with a smile on his face. He was the best man today, well, technically Jax couldn't pick but they all voted that he should give the speech. "Troy, get out of here!" Lennon said with a smile on his face, and he put his hand over his chest as if he was wounded. He was still in a polo with golf shorts, they must have just arrived.
"I was told to come and say that we were here and that we were fifteen minutes early," Troy told her with a smug smile on his face. Lennon must have told Cameron several times to not be late making it their joke of the day. Lennon rolled her eyes as she shook her head, "You boys are something special. Just make sure he is at the altar, okay?" Troy chuckled with a nod, "Of course, now, can I steal my wife for a moment? I miss her." Sage cackled, "Troy Bolton, are you obsessed?" he shot her a grin as I stood up with a shake of my head, "Have you seen her? Of course, I am obsessed." The girls laughed as he reached out for my hand, and I went into the hallway with him. He cupped my face and planted a kiss, "Hi,"
"Hi, how was golf?" I asked him as I tugged on his shirt, "Good. I beat their asses,"
"No, you fucking didn't," Jesse said pushing his shoulder, Troy scoffed as his body leaned into mine, "Yes, I did. Just because you are mad you didn't make the last putt to beat me doesn't mean you can call me a liar," Jesse rolled his eyes as he busted into the room to see his own wife. The girls all protested with his arrival, but it wasn't long before Dylan and Jax were going in the room. Troy laughed at his friends as he kissed me softly as he caged me in against the wall. "I cannot wait to see you in a suit," I told him, and he smirked, "just wait until you see our socks," I shot him a look and he smirked back.
"Troy," he chuckled as he kissed me again, "Where are my babies?" he asked, and I looked over his shoulder to the spare room that we put up the portable cribs. "In there taking a nap. Please do not wake them up. It's going to be a long day for them and if we want them to not be grumpy all night then we better let them sleep as long as they want." Troy sighed heavily as if it was the hardest task, I have ever given him. "Will you bring them to me when they are awake? I miss them just as much." I nodded with a laugh, "Yes, plus, you have Sutton's little tux." Troy grinned, "He's going to be a stunner."
"Troy! Jax! Dylan! Jesse!" Cameron yelled out all of their names from the groom's suit and it caused a laugh to echo from my own mouth as Troy smirked as he put his finger to my lip as nobody responded to him. Cameron groaned, "You guys, I am under strict instructions to not leave this room until it's time. You cannot ditch me for all of your wives and fiancés," Troy couldn't stop the laugh that bubbled up his throat as he pressed his lips together. "Fuck all of you," that had all of them laughing now as I shook my head, "You are all being mean to him. Go. He needs all of his best friends. I will bring your children to you when they wake up." Troy nodded as he bent down to grab me in a kiss again before pulling all of his best friends away.
Jax grumped the entire time as he was too worried about Sara to really do anything else. "Jax, I promise, this baby is not leaving my body any time soon. She seems too content up there." Jax just nodded with a warning to tell him if she needed anything. Sara just rolled her eyes at him as Troy dragged him out of the room. "Do you have an induction date?" Lennon asked her as her bridesmaids were all getting ready as well with the make-up artists and the other hair stylist. "Yes, we go in Monday night. We figured if she doesn't want to come by then she is going to have to be evicted anyway."
"I cannot wait for another baby in this group!" Josie said with a grin. "Jesse told me you and Troy were already thinking about the next one." Sage said with an eyebrow raise towards me. I felt my cheeks flush, and I shrugged, "I want them close in age and we would like to time this one a little better. Hopefully only one and after basketball season. So, it's either this year or wait another year. I don't want my kids have a large age gap and if we have any sort of problems – then we can figure it out over the year."
"Jesse asked me if I was ready, and I laughed in his face, and you have two!" Sage exclaimed and I couldn't stop my laugh, "I know. We're insane. Maybe because we went straight to two – three doesn't scare me as much."
"Yea, but three under 2?" I laughed with a shrug, "I don't know. They would be over two by the time there was another one."
"What if it's twins again?" Lennon asked with wide eyes, and I just laughed, "Then we're done having kids."
"Cameron wants to start having kids ASAP," Lennon said with a dreamy sigh, "I got my IUD out last week so maybe a honeymoon baby." She wiggled her eyebrows as we all laughed together as it was going to be fun having kids all around the same age. The conversation drifted as everybody started to get ready. Saylor was the first to wake up and she always pretty much woke up grumpy. I went to go scoop her up to let the boys nap longer as she curled into my chest and played with my hair. I gave her a binky as she gladly accepted it. I sat down with her as rubbed her back until she was more awake. "Oh, Say girl, are you tired still?" Josie asked and she grumped and turned her head into my neck. I just laughed as I rubbed her back.
"Do you want to go see daddy?" I asked her and she didn't move as I rubbed her back and I nodded towards Sage as she gave a smile as I headed towards the groom's suite. I gently knocked on the door as I pushed the door open as they were all dressed and finishing a shot. My eyes locked onto my husband who was in a navy suit with no tie and his shirt half unbuttoned. His throat moved the shot down as Saylor saw him and perked up, "Dadada!" she squealed with a smile on her face. Troy tipped his head forward and the smile that climbed onto his face as he caught sight of her.
"Oh, daddy's little girl," Jax said, and Troy just shot him a look as he took her from my arms, and she curled into his chest. "Just you wait," Troy said to him with a look, "One look at your own daughter and you'll be putty," Troy told him, and he just chuckled as it was probably true. My eyes devoured my husband, and he smirked as he watched me, "Like what you see, Mrs. Bolton?" he asked, and I just rolled my eyes. "I need to go check on your son. Let your daughter wake up and then I need to get her ready." Troy just nodded as she had a death grip on her dad. Sage came through the door as I pasted her with Noah in her arms.
Jesse was all over him as I smiled as I went to find Sutton with Josie. Sutton was rubbing his eyes as he cried out and pushed against Josie. "Oh buddy, mama is right here," Josie turned to face him towards me, and I reached for him as he threw his body at me. "Hi baby, I know, I'm sorry," I whispered as I rocked him, and he rested his head on my shoulder. He was not one that wanted to be woken up without somebody he was expecting. "You need to go see daddy to get ready," I told him, "Dada?" he mumbled, and I smiled as I took him back across as Troy was laughing with Dylan about something as Saylor was still firmly in his arms, but she was looking around.
"Sutty!" Jax called out and I couldn't stop my smile. Troy turned to smile as he looked at him as Sutton reached for him. "Hi buddy," Troy took him, and they both were in each of his arms. "Where do I fit?" I asked him and he grinned over at me. "Right here," he said nudging his head down towards his chest. I laughed as I walked forward, and I let my head rest on his chest while both of the babies played with my hair. "Okay, okay, we need to finish getting ready so we can take pictures." Dylan said to me, and I laughed, "Okay, gimme my daughter,"
Troy handed me Saylor and I kissed Sutton, "See you at the altar," I winked, and Troy chuckled, "I love you girls," I waved with Saylor's hand and threw him a kiss, "I love you, daddy," Jax laughed, "daddy? Is that what she calls you in bed?" Troy rolled his eyes, and I couldn't stop my own laugh. "Absolutely."
"Gabi!" Troy yelled and I couldn't stop my laugh.
Troy's POV
Gabi was in a beautiful black dress as it hugged every single curve, and I couldn't get enough. She was laughing with Josie and Sage as they both had several drinks as our best friends were married and it was a good night. The twins and Noah were a hit, and I couldn't take my eyes off her as I had a few drinks already. Gabi's mom had picked up the twins about an hour ago as they were both exhausted from their long day and we wanted to have a few more drinks. She was taking them back to our house to put them to bed and then would go home when we got home.
I walked over as I slipped my arm around her waist, and she peered back at me with those happy eyes. "Hi," she whispered, and I couldn't stop my own smile, "C'mon, I want to dance with you." I told her as I took her out to the dance floor, and she just gave me a smile as we slow danced to a song that came over the speakers. I tucked her close to my body and I pressed my lips to her ears, "You are stunning," I whispered, and she gave me a smile as her cheeks flushed with heat. "I love you," she whispered back to me. "I love you, too." I told her right back.
"Today was a good day," I whispered, and I couldn't stop my eyes from staring at her as she gave a gentle smile, "Everyday with you is a good day. No matter how much our kids scream or how tired I am or how stressed I am – every single day that I get to see you at the end of it? See those two beautiful babies? That's a good day." I couldn't take my eyes off of her and she gave me a smile. "You are my good day." I shook my head as she nodded her own head, "You are. You shouldn't deny that once you came into my life you made it all better."
"I realized a long time ago that not every single day is going to be the best day of my life but if I can find the little things that make it a good day? Then it was a good day. Every day I always come back to you, Saylor, and Sutton. Your smiles, all of your laughs, and just the quiet moments together. Those are my favorite moments of the day, and it could have been a hard day at the studio or just a hard day in general and at the end of it…it's you three that give me so much happiness." I couldn't take my eyes off of her and I let my fingers brush her cheek as a tear slipped out of the corner of her ear.
"The happiness you bring me every day matches it. Watching you with those babies? Seeing your smile? Seeing their smile? It makes me so happy," she gave me one of those ones I was talking about before her head rested on my chest. The song switched and Gabi giggled as it was our own first dance song. Speechless echoed through the venue as I tugged her closer to me because she would never be close enough. Neither of us spoke during the dance as I glanced up to see all of my friends had joined. Josie was dancing with Dylan. Sage and Jesse were both laughing about something. Sara and Jax were enjoying their last few nights without a child as they danced together. My eyes swung to the newlyweds as they were both grinning and smiling as they danced. It made my own smile appear because I was so happy for all of them, for all of us.
We all grew up and found our people.
We were having kids.
Switching jobs.
We were doing big things together and I couldn't wait to do the adventure with them. "Penny for your thoughts?" Gabi asked after a few beats and I smiled, "Just watching my friends and realizing how lucky we are that we all found amazing woman who became friends and that we are still getting to do this life together. Five years ago, if you would have asked me if this was how it would all play out, I would have probably laughed." A smile graced her lips as she nodded her head with a smile. "I got that feeling from your group, but you are all amazing men who deserve amazing women."
"I felt like there was going to be at least one who wasn't going to be very nice." Gabi just laughed as the song ended and I pulled her into a kiss. "Thank you for loving them like you love me." Gabi smiled as she smirked, "I think I love you a little more," she teased, and I grunted. "Yea, okay, do not love them like you love me. They might be my best friends, but I would murder them." She laughed and I gave her another kiss as she was called off with Josie and Sage. She went over and I couldn't take my eyes off of her until my back was hit.
"C'mon Bolton, one more shot before I leave." Jax pushed me and I smiled as you didn't have to ask me twice.
We each had a shot of Cameron's choice as we stood in a circle, "To Cameron and Lennon," Dylan spoke first.
"To Jax's baby girl coming soon," Jesse added.
"To each of us finding the love of our lives," Cameron said with a grin.
"To quitting our fucking jobs," Jax spoke up
I grinned as I was last and I shook my head, "To becoming fucking college basketball coaches, let's fucking go," we all laughed as we tapped our shots together before downing them at once. "Life changes fast boys, life changes fast." We all nodded in agreement because it really fucking did.
Wednesday, June 2nd, 2021
Gabi's POV
Troy gently knocked on the door before opening it as we were coming to meet Jax and Sara's little girl, Stella. She was a beautiful little girl who gave her mom the easiest induction the other day. Sage was jealous of how well it was, and I was just jealous that she had her baby when she was supposed, too. We left the kids with Macken and Silas as they were both in a mood today. I held a bag of goodies for Sara in my hand while Troy was carrying dinner that we made for them tonight. They had gotten home last night late.
"In here," Jax called out and we moved into their living room that was bare as we were all in the midst of packing. I smiled as Sara was glowing with that new mom happiness and a tiny baby in her arm. Jax was sitting next to her with a smile on his own face. "Hi guys," I greeted, and Troy put down the dinner we brought, and I went over to hug Jax and then hug Sara. I took a peek as I gushed, "Sara, she's beautiful," Sara grinned up at me. "I know, she is so pretty. I can't believe we made that." Jax chuckled as I handed her the bag and I looked around, "Is there anything want me to do?" I asked her and she shook her head, "Sit down and hold my baby," she said, and I couldn't stop my laugh.
"Okay, okay," I washed my hands first to rid of all my toddler germs that I had. Troy was talking to Jax as I sat down next to Sara, and she handed me Stella. She was so tiny and little as she grunted with the movement and I smiled, "Stop it, Sara," she laughed as she looked like a tiny little Sara. The dark hair with green eyes, she was stunning. "How are you feeling, Sara?" Troy asked her and she smiled, "Good. I expected to feel worse after these few days, but I think the walking and moving around is helping a ton. Plus, the snuggles with her take it all away." I nodded with a smile. "You forget how bad labor was after you have them in your arms."
I felt Troy's eyes on me because we knew that all too well. Once everything was behind us, I was willing to do it again and again because I loved them so much. NICU stays be damned. I knew Troy was hopeful that our next one would be uneventful. A scheduled c-section with a baby in the hospital with us the entire time. That was what I wanted and that is what I needed. Luckily, I think we would be in luck. My eyes stared at the sweet girl who had the chubbiest little cheeks, and I shook my head, "She is so adorable, she is going to love her little friends eventually."
"I do love that we are all having kids around the same time. It's going to make it fun in the future."
"It will be fun; it already is fun." Troy said with a smile.
I held Stella for a few more moments and I told Troy to wash his hands as he gladly went. Once he washed his hands, I handed Stella over to him. "Oh, hi sweet girl," Troy greeted her and cooed at her. "Oof, you are giving me baby fever," I told Sara and she laughed, "Good thing you were already thinking about it." Troy shot me a grin and I shook my head, "Not yet. A few more months." I told them as I stared at sweet Stella in my husband's arms. "I am going to go do your dishes," I told her as I stood up and Sara protested. "No, sit there and do nothing. It's the least I can do."
Jax and Sara shared a smile as Troy told them what we brought for dinner. The group had decided to rotate for the next two weeks to bring them meals. Lennon and Cameron were taking care of most of next week as they were gone until the end of this week on their honeymoon. I went into the kitchen and did a load of dishes and cleaned up the area because I remember when they all did that for me and it made the world of difference that I didn't have to worry about that, too. Troy came in after a few minutes and he grinned, "Need anything?" I shook my head. "No, I finished the dishes and cleaned up the counter. What are they doing?"
"She is feeding Stella; I took the opportunity to come check on you. I never know how it feels to hear that other people have a better experience." I shook my head, "I am never jealous of people getting that experience because that's all people should. Especially our friends, I wouldn't wish that on absolutely anybody. It stinks because nothing was normal for us, but I am hopefully that this next baby whenever that happens in our future – we get that, and it heals that journey for me. I am not jealous. I am so happy for them. It just stings a little that I didn't get that, y'know?" Troy nodded as he kissed the top of my head.
"We are going to get that," Troy confirmed, and I smiled at his confidence as I squeezed his arm. We got Sara a fresh water and I grabbed her some snacks as I took them both to her. She was grateful as we sat around and chatted with them for a while as Stella ate. Troy and Jax talked about stuff with basketball, and I talked to Sara about the move. "Sara, just tell me the moment you need help. I know you think we're all going to be slammed but you have a newborn and are getting ready to move different states. We can help. We can pick a day and we can all come help you."
Sara smiled as I saw the tears in her eyes, "I am worried that I am not going to get everything done." Jax noticed the change in her voice and looked over at her and I shook my head, "We are going to make sure you get everything done. Do not think differently. You just have to tell us when you need extra hands. We're all going to do this together."
Jax and Troy shared a look with a nod from Troy, "You are going to have all of us to help. Your job is to take care of that sweet girl," Troy told her as he squeezed her knee and she wiped away the tears, "I'm sorry, the hormones are all out of whack." Troy chuckled, "I know how it goes," I kicked his shin, and he chuckled over at me with a wink. "You know that all of us will be here. We'll ask Jax if you don't." Sara just laughed as she wiped away her tears with a smile on her face. "Okay, okay, I just we're all moving, and you have toddlers. So does Sage,"
"We'll figure it out. A newborn need all of your attention. Once we move it's the same story. We can all help each other get settled in faster." Sara nodded, "I am so thankful for this group. I couldn't imagine doing this with anybody else." I nodded in understanding, "It's one of the reasons I was on board from the get-go – that we were all going. I couldn't imagine doing this by ourselves." Troy nodded, "We were never leaving if it wasn't all of us." I smiled as I squeezed Troy's hand because I loved his loyalty to his friends.
We stayed for another thirty minutes, and I told them to call if they needed anything. We said good-bye to Stella and made our way outside, "Yea, that made me want another one." Troy said as we shut the door and I couldn't stop my laugh, "How about we get to Georgia and get settled, yea? Do you not remember my first trimester? It knocked me out." Troy chuckled, "Fair enough. I told Cameron to be fucking careful on this trip they are on. We don't need a mid-season baby in the first year and he just turned around and warned me." I couldn't stop my laugh as he let his hand grip my knee.
"Let's go get our babies, yea?" I nodded with a smile, "yea,"
Happy Double Update Day! I'm sorry this is a week late but I'm pretty sure I say it every summer – life is chaotic! Between work and being a twenty-something I'm like never home lol BUT I am glad I wasn't TOO late on the update!
To help avoid more delays like this we are going to take a litttttle break. I know, I know, both stories are going to just pause for a moment because since I am writing this one pretty much week to week, I haven't had time to focus on Loyal either which is soon going to fall behind. If I can take two weeks of no updates hopefully, I can get back ahead of both stories!
SO.
No updates for two weeks!
Then we'll resume with this one!
Love all of your patience and love – I couldn't do it without you and I appreciate your patience!
NEXT UPDATE: June 25th
PLEASE REVIEW!
