Chapter 17 – Family Trip

Sunday, June 13th, 2021

Gabi's POV

Saylor and Sutton ran around the airport as we were all getting ready to fly into Wyoming. We had to fly to Atlanta before we flew into Jackson Hole. From there it was just thirty minutes to Colt's farm. Troy was on the phone as they were finishing up our house in the next week while we were in Wyoming and once, we came home next week it was to finishing packing and Troy and I were going down to do our final walk through. Troy's house was pending with a sale as it was all becoming surreal. "Aunt Gabi," I looked up at Blaine as he gave me a smile.

"What's up?" I asked and he gave me a laugh, "What is your husband doing?" I turned to find Troy as he was on Facetime and making faces and I raised an eyebrow. "I have absolutely no idea." I said with a laugh as we watched for another minute before Troy was laughing and he scooped up Saylor as she went running by. Saylor grinned at the camera and tried to take Troy's phone. He held it outside of her reach as she screeched and kicked trying to reach for it. He didn't pay her an ounce of attention before nodding and ending his call and tucking his phone in his back pocket.

She wiggled and kicked him again, but he murmured in her ear about something as she relaxed in his hold. My dad was holding Sutton as they were playing with a toy together as this was their first flight. I was nervous. I was way more nervous than I should be, but I want it to go well. It was their naptime on the second and longest flight, so we just had to survive the short flight to Atlanta this time around. I nibbled on my lip as Troy came back over as Saylor was playing with his shirt and he sat down next to me. "Troy, who were you talking, too?" Blaine asked him and he chuckled, "Jesse but Noah interrupted our call."

I laughed as Saylor reached for me and Troy handed her over as she pressed her face into my neck. "Are you going on a plane?" I asked her and I showed her the big planes as Sutton had been enamored with the planes. "Family picture!" My mom called as I turned around and Troy did as well as we both had one of the kids as we smiled towards the camera. Troy tucked me closer to him and I leaned into him. "Beautiful," my mom said, and the twins wiggled as we let them both down to run around as they were getting ready to start boarding.

"I am so excited for Beth," I whispered, and Troy chuckled, "Remember, you aren't supposed to know." I shook my head, "Once you said that Colt called you, I knew. You can tell him that. You did not tell me." Troy chuckled as he wrapped me up in a hug as I watched our babes run around with Lucy. Everybody was moving once we got back. Troy and I would have about 10 days until we moved, James and the kids were moving about a month after we got back. My parents were going to wait for all of us to get out of there and us to get settled in Georgia before they hold their house and moved in with us for a little bit.

They were planning on buying a small condo nearby and they felt that gave them the biggest freedom to travel to Beth and then James and the kids. Troy and I rounded up the kids as we changed their diapers and got them ready to get on the plane. Once they started boarding families, we made our way down the jetway as Saylor was already crying and upset. "Do you want to switch?" Troy asked as I shook my head. "No, we'll just get settled and see how it goes." We bought three seats and that way the twins could sit in a seat or play in our laps.

My parents were sitting across the aisle from us as Blaine, James and Lucy were in front of us. Saylor sobbed as she tried to push off of me and I sat down in the seat. "Say, baby, what's wrong?" I grabbed her binky and handed it to her, and she took it and tried to calm down her body. Sutton looked over at her with concern and he tried to reach for her binky and Troy chuckled as he shook his head, "Sorry, bud, that is for your sister."

"He can have his," I told him, and he just nodded as he grabbed his and he happily took it while Troy grabbed him a toy as we got all settled in. Troy helped me buckle my seat belt as the rest of our family joined on the flight. "Oh no, Saylor, baby what's wrong?" my mom looked at her and she launched herself towards my mom. "Hang on, Say, let's grandma get settled." I rubbed her back as she cried again. My mom got settled and she reached over for Saylor as I graciously handed her over. Saylor sat in her lap as I watched her for a moment, but she melted into my mom and relaxed.

I exhaled and shook my head, "She's fine," Troy said letting his hand rest on my arm. "I know, I just…I don't know if she is going to like this, and we have to do it twice?" I stressed and Troy squeezed my hand again. "Relax, baby. She is happy with your mom. Sutton is happy. We are going to make this short flight and it will be worth it. Once we get to Wyoming? It's going to be good. A break from life." I nodded as I let my eyes hold his for a moment and he gave me a smile, "I love you," I smiled, "I love you, too."

"I have a date planned for us on Wednesday," I arched an eyebrow, "Yea?" he nodded his head, "Yup. Your mom is taking the kids and I know Beth will be excited. Since she doesn't even know we are coming then this whole week will be fun."

"And he's proposing tonight?" I asked and Troy nodded, "Yes, we will be there when they get back from apparently where they met. He wanted to celebrate with all of you today." I squeezed Troy's hand, and it wasn't long before we were taxing and starting to roll for take-off. I pulled out the new toys I bought, and Sutton took great interest as he was firmly planted on Troy's lap as he was scrolling through something on his phone while my eyes glanced to Saylor as I offered a toy, and she wanted back across the aisle.

I nudged Troy and he nodded as he grabbed Saylor and handed her to me, and she sat in my lap as she went to down with the toys in my hands. I kissed her head as once we were fully in the air, she seemed to relax back against me. It was a really short flight and we got out snacks and played until we were back on the ground. We only had forty-five minutes until our next flight, and I looked over at Troy and he grinned, "One down, one to go,"


Troy's POV

We made it to Wyoming as we were waiting for our two rental cars. The twins both slept the entire way here from Atlanta as well as Gabi. She held Saylor the entire time and Sutton slept in her lap between us before being bounced around his grandparents and Blaine. Blaine was chasing them around right now as James and I were waiting in the line. We were heading back to Colt's house as his family was setting up a little party for the two of them. Gabi came over and circled her arm around my waist, "Feel better? That wasn't so bad." Gabi smiled and shrugged, "I was just anxious. That was a lot for those two."

Both of our eyes drug back to the twins as they were in the best of moods running around and squealing. Lucy chased the opposite one and Gabi smiled. "I love them," she whispered, and I couldn't stop my own smile. "I love them, too."

Once it was my turn I went up and got the SUV that we rented, and it wasn't long before we were loading up the car seats and the kids into the back of the car. James rented the same one, so we had plenty of room for luggage and all people. Gabi slipped into the passenger side as everybody had freshened up in the bathroom. Gabi changed into a pair of jeans with a sweater as it was still a little chilly up here. I was still in a jeans and t-shirt from travel as Gabi freshened up both of the kids. It was about a thirty-minute drive, and I watched Gabi's face take in the entire scene around us.

"This is beautiful, no wonder Beth fell in love." Gabi whispered and I smiled as this was both of our first times in Wyoming. "I think it was the man. Not the scenery." Gabi laughed as we held hands, and we made our way towards their little town. Sutton and Saylor were talking in the back as we pulled up to the address provided and the ranch sign on the front. Jackson Farms was scrawled across the front and the gate was open as we drove to the main house. Andy and Gina were staying in the main house while there were two other houses on the property that we were all staying in.

We got out of the car as we got Sutton and Saylor out. My eyes peered around to see the horses, cows, and dogs running around. "Doggie!" Saylor screeched and I laughed as Andy knocked on the front door. "Hello! Welcome!" Colt's mom swung the door open, and she was hugging everybody immediately. "My name is Mary, and this is my husband, John. My daughter, Sadie and her husband, Carter."

Greetings went around as we each introduced ourselves as Sadie tried to interact with Saylor and she cried and gripped onto Gabi. "A little stranger danger," I spoke, and Sadie smiled, "She is adorable. They both are. Beth talks about them all the time and shows us pictures." We all moved into the house as there was a "She Said Yes" sign hanging up on the wall. Cake was in the middle of the island and champagne was on ice. Gabi gripped my waist as the kids had gone off with her parents as she looked up at me, "I love this for Beth, but I wouldn't have traded our night for anything." I smirked, "That was a good night."

It wasn't long before Gabi's phone was ringing, and we all shared a smile as Beth's name popped up. "Do I answer?" Gabi questioned and the group nodded but they pushed her into a corner with no identifying features and everybody got really, really quiet. Gabi slid the bar over, and it connected as Beth squealed, "GABI! I am ENGAGED!" she squealed, and Gabi laughed as she grinned at the camera. "Beth! Let me see the ring!" she cheered her sister on, and they both squealed together again. Sutton came screaming into the room and Gabi let her eyes drift to him. "Beth, I want to celebrate more but Sutton needs my help. I'll call you back soon, okay?" they made agreements and Gabi hung up as the whole room busted out into cheers. Everybody took turns in the corner, her mom and dad, James, and Lucy as they were in the car heading back.

Somehow – everybody kept quiet, and she suspected nothing.

Once they knew they were almost back everybody gathered in the living room which was out of the way of the front door. We heard a truck pull up and everybody was giddy with anticipation. I rolled my lips together as the front door opened and Beth was laughing about something. "Colt, this has been amazing. The only thing that would make it better was if," her words were stopped as she walked into the living room, and we all yelled congrats together.

Gabi was up front, and Beth gasped as she threw her arms around her sister, "Oh my god! You're here!" Gabi laughed as they were both crying and laughing. Colt was smirking as everybody started shaking his hand and Gabi let go of Beth as she received all of the hugs. "I can't believe you all are here," she squeezed each of them and Gabi laughed as she wiped her face. I wrapped Beth up and she squeezed me back, "She looks good," she whispered, and I nodded, "She is good." I replied and that got a smile out of her. "Where are my favorite nieces and nephews?" Beth hugged Blaine and Lucy before chasing Sutton and Saylor.

Once everybody had hugged and cried, we popped the champagne, and they recounted the whole story. Gabi was swooning and Colt was just smiling at his bride-to-be. I had to have looked the same exact way at Gabi when we got engaged as he is looking at her right now. Dinner was served as they made a cowboy dinner with steaks on the grills and sides from all over. Saylor and Sutton were growing weary as it was getting to their bedtime in South Carolina. Gabi and I shared a glance as we were hopeful that we could make it through dinner.

Saylor and Sutton sat on our laps, but both were refusing to eat, and I could see the stress building on Gabi's shoulders. I gently rested my hand on her forearm, "It's okay, they are sleepy. How about I take them to go get ready for bed while you spend time with your family?" I whispered to her, and she looked at me, "Are you sure?" I nodded as I took another bite. My eyes swung to Colt, and he must have read it on my face, and he nodded. "C'mon babies," I picked up each of them as I turned to face the group. "They are very confused on what time it is, and it is nearly bedtime back home. So, these babes are going nighty night, right Say? Right Sut?" they continued to babble and wave as they all chuckled. Gabi kissed both of them and said good night as Colt nodded towards me, and we went outside, and he jumped in an UTV.

"This can be yours for the week. It's the easiest way to get around the property." I nodded as he showed me how to use it as I wrangled the two in my lap while he drove about half a mile away to a group of little houses. "This one is set up for you guys. I got the grocery list from Gabi for the babies." I smiled, "Thanks," he escorted me inside as it was fresh and clean. There was a room with two pack n' plays set up and I looked over at him, "I figured once Beth got you up here once she was hoping to get everybody up here more. They will be put to good use." I smiled with a nod as I thanked him.

"Enjoy dinner,"

"I'll bring Beth and Gabi back later on the UTV. We can have some beer and wine out back. I'll start a fire." I nodded, "Sounds great, thank you. Tell your dad that dinner was amazing." He nodded as he exited the house and I started to get the babies ready for bed. We did a fast bath and dressed in PJs before I grabbed them milk and binky before laying them down in the spare room. I hooked up the sound machine as somebody dropped our luggage off here. Both of them fell asleep before finishing their milk and I opened the door as there was horses roaming around and people walking about. It was a beautiful property, and I couldn't imagine all the trouble teenage boys could get into out here.

The fresh air was refreshing, and I smiled, it was going to be a good week.


Gabi's POV

I laughed as I was wrapped up in a blanket with Beth as Colt and Troy were both drinking beers together. James was over here for a little bit but retired inside not too long ago. I brought Troy the rest of his dinner and he scarfed it down and I couldn't be more thankful for him and taking the babies back. Letting me enjoy the rest of the engagement party with Beth and then getting to bring her out here. I was showing Beth a video of the twins and she giggled again. "God, how did they get so big already?" Beth asked me and I shrugged, "I don't know. They are almost 18 months and it's blowing my mind."

Beth sighed as Troy and Colt laughed together over something as Troy tipped a beer bottle back and I watched as it slowly rolled down his throat. A smile etched on my face and Beth nudged me, "You are so in love with that man." I laughed with a nod, "I am. I am so lucky to have him." Beth squeezed, "We are both lucky. I had a dream about Zoey last night." I looked over at her as neither of us had dream about her recently. "She was telling me that she was happy that we were happy. She loved seeing us happy." I blinked away the tears in my eyes.

"I think she would love seeing us like this. Happy, in love, and becoming parents." A laugh echoed from Beth as we snuggled together under the blanket. "She would be. She called me not too long before she died, and she was so mad at Brad, and she hated how…blank you were back then. You kept pretending you were happy, and she could see right through it. We were trying to figure out a way to get you away from him." I couldn't help but laugh as I looked over at my husband who was not the same guy from back then.

He ran his fingers through his hair as he tipped his beer bottle back in a laugh of his own. "You look like you could eat him," I smirked as I took a sip of my wine, "I could. I love that man. I am so glad that I am with him." Beth squeezed my leg, and I shook my head, "I am so excited for our next adventure together. I am so excited that you are getting to start your own." Beth smiled with a nod of her head, "It is going to be fun. I am sad we can't do all the things together though." She pouted and I shook my head, "No, none of that. I am going to be here for everything you want me to be there for. Dress shopping? Venue looking? Bridal shower? Bach party? We're going to do it all together. We just need to coordinate better together." Beth smiled as she laid her head on my shoulder.

"What if we did a destination wedding?"

"Can Colt leave the farm? His family?" I asked and she nodded, "They could for a wedding. It's not fair to make all of you travel to my wedding."

"It is up to what you both want. Talk to him. If that is something you both want together? Then we'll make it happen. Just not between September and April." Beth laughed with a smile, "How about May or June?"

"Perfect." I told her and we both laughed as I finished off my wine as I felt those blue eyes on me without even having to look at him. I looked over at him and he smiled, "You two look awful cozy over there." Colt said and Troy chuckled as Beth hugged me tighter around my shoulders. "This is my little sister, the best little sister,"

A laugh echoed out of my mouth, and I closed my eyes with how warm I was in her embrace. "We really should make more effort to go to each other." I told her and she nodded, "I'll come see you and the kids in Statesboro. Maybe we can go to Atlanta to go dress shopping or just pick a fun destination in general."

"That would be fun."

"Girl's trip,"

"Hey, no stealing my wife, too much. I get lonely without her." Troy called out and Beth rolled her eyes with a big smile on her face. "You can share, Bolton." She shot back and Troy chuckled, "That is right, I can share, but I don't like sharing." I shook my head as Troy sent me those blue eyes that were blazing. I knew that he wasn't going to take mercy on me once Beth and Colt were gone. "Good thing you have me 99% of the time." Troy laughed, "And that isn't enough. I won't catch up until I've spent more of my life with you than without you."

Beth grumbled, "Fuck, why is that so cute?" I laughed as I shook my head. "Do not encourage him." We both laughed together as Troy finished off his beer. "Beth, you about ready to go home?" Beth nodded and I hugged her tight, "I'll see you in the morning for breakfast." I told her as we had plans for a big family breakfast. "I love you," she said squeezing me back and I felt her smile against my side. "Enjoy getting fucked by that man tonight," she whispered, and I barked a laugh, "Enjoy that engagement sex," Beth smirked as she popped up and went over to wrap her arms around Colt's neck.

He smiled down at her with happiness shining in his eyes. Troy came over and sat down next to me and I curled into his side. He draped the blanket over the two of us, "Have fun," Troy cheered as we all laughed as they went down to the UTV to take back to their house on the other side of the property. Troy let his finger run down my arm and he kissed the top of my head. "Thank you getting us out here," I said as I tilted my head back and rested my chin on his shoulder. Troy smiled, "I wouldn't have let you miss it. I was also joking earlier, I want you to know, obviously being there for your sister during this time is important."

"I know, I just told her that it will be harder during sometimes of the year, but we can make it work." Troy squeezed my chin, and he dropped his mouth to mine. His kiss was soft at first but quickly turned into something harder, desperate, and needy. I slipped into his lap as I straddled him and rolled my hips against him. "Fuck, Gabi," he groaned as he let his lips trail down my throat. "Beth told me to enjoy getting fucked because of how you were looking at me," Troy's laugh hummed against my throat, and I couldn't stop my own laugh. "I'm glad she knows the look."

"Think you can be quiet enough to go inside or am I going to have to do this out here?" his hands found their way underneath my shirt as they were chilled, but it felt good. "Me? It's you," I pushed, and he chuckled as he kissed below my ear before he found my lips again. My fingers wove in his hair, and he shook his head, "If I am going to fuck you then it's not going to be out here." He teased me and I just laughed at Beth's words coming back. He easily picked me up, "Troy, the fire,"

"I'll come back in a little bit,"

"Troy," I gave him one warning and he sighed before he deposited me back into the chair. He quickly went around to the cooler and dropped the remaining ice and water on the fire as it almost immediately went out. "I'll come check on it in a bit," he scooped me up and tossed me over his shoulder and I couldn't stop my laugh.


Wednesday, June 16th, 2021

Troy's POV

Gabi and Beth were on the floor with Saylor and Sutton as they were all playing together. We had a double date planned for the next twenty-four hours as Andy and Gina were going to keep the kids and spend the days with them on the farm and doing new fun things with Colt's parents. They had both fallen head over heels in love with those kiddos and the kids did it right back. Yesterday, we spent time petting the horses and chasing chickens around. Sutton thought it was the funniest thing and he had the gummiest smile on his face all day.

Colt and I finished packing the coolers and he had already packed his truck as we were taking the girls camping. I wasn't sure if Gabi would go for full camping, but Colt knew of a place that had indoor bathrooms to be used but everything else was of true camping. He knew of some great hiking spots, and we were going to spend time by the fire. We even arranged a horseback riding adventure through the fields. Gabi was going to love it and I couldn't wait to just spend the day with her. "Gabs, Beth, are you girls ready?" Gabi was wearing a pair of leggings with a soft t-shirt.

She had high socks on and nodded as they knew roughly the plan of the day, but they didn't know that we were camping. I rolled my lips together as Gabi stood up. "Mom, are you sure?" Gabi asked her and her mom nodded her head, "We are going to have a blast with these two babies." Mary said with a big smile and Gabi gave her a smile back, "Thank you, we will be back later." Colt chuckled behind me, and I smirked at Andy. He laughed under his own breath as we had packed the girl's stuff on our own and we all headed for the truck.

"Dada!" Saylor yelled my name, and I turned around and I bent down. "Bye baby girl, daddy will see you later. Okay?" she stuffed her head in my neck and I rubbed her back and gave her a kiss before I stood up. Gabi smiled and gave a wave to Saylor before we all walked out of the door. "She loves her daddy," Beth said, and I chuckled, "She does. I love that little girl." We both got into the back of Colt's truck as we were off to ride horses first on the back of Colt's property where they had a horse-riding thing for tourists.

"What is the plan after horse riding?" Gabi asked and Colt shared a look with me in the rearview mirror, "Wanna tell them?" Colt asked, "You can, it's your engagement week." I told him and he chuckled as he went over and held Beth's hand. "We're going hiking and camping," Colt told them, and Beth swung her head around to stare at her sister, "Camping? Like…in the woods?" Gabi wiggled next to me, and I chuckled, "I told you, Colt." Colt just laughed as Beth busted out in laughter, too. "Gabi hates peeing in the woods." Beth said laughing harder.

"Good thing her husband knows her, I got us a spot at Edge Top," Colt said, and Gabi looked at me for clarification. "They have showers and indoor bathrooms," I said squeezing her side and she exhaled, "Thank God, I don't care about sleeping on the ground but peeing in the woods? It makes me un-comfy." Gabi spoke with a shudder causing all of us to laugh again. "I know, that's what I told Colt, and he had a back-up spot." I kissed the side of her head as she leaned into me as Colt took the long way around before coming to the horse ranch.

Colt parked the truck and we all piled out as Gabi slipped her hand into mine, "My parents were sure about the kids?" she asked, and I nodded, "Of course they were, they love spending time with them, and it gives us a date before everything changes at home for a bit." A smile crossed her features, and she nodded her head as I slipped our hands together. We walked as Colt and Beth said hi to several people before coming to four horses out back. "Troy, have you ridden a horse?" Gabi asked me and I laughed, "Yes, Brie, I have. I went to many summer camps over the years."

"Can't wait to see you cowboy," she tugged on my baseball cap, and I shook my head as I chased after her and tossed her over my shoulder. Her laugh echoed in the air as Beth chuckled, "Looks familiar," Beth said nudging Colt and he chuckled under his breath as we all got the horses ready together and we mounted them easily. It had been a long time, but I fell back into it easily. Colt and I were in the back as the girls rode in front of us as they had path, but Beth veered off of it and into the back area of the property.

"I'm going to hate hiking after this," I groaned to Colt and he chuckled, "You got that right. Your thighs are going to be worse than after your honeymoon." I barked a laugh as I shot him a look, "You assume a lot," Colt just shot me a smirk, "I know how my honeymoon is going to go so…" I just chuckled underneath my breath, "You aren't wrong about mine either. Mind your business what you hear tonight." Colt really laughed at that. His head tossed back as he shot me a look, "Same to you, maybe we can time it right," we both busted out into laughter as the girls stopped and turned to face us.

"What are you boys laughing about back there?" Beth asked.

"Men," Colt corrected her with a smirk on his face. Colt just rolled his eyes with a laugh on his tongue. "Nothing you two need to worry about." I shot back and the two girls laughed, "Beth, take it to the stream." Beth nodded as she redirected her horse, and we rode all the way out and towards a little stream. The horses all happily started drinking from it and we all climbed off as Gabi came over and wrapped her arms around my waist. "This is amazing,"

"I'm glad you are enjoying it," I tipped her head back to get a kiss. "I am so glad that we came out here. This feels like a breather."

"Gabi!" Beth called out and Gabi turned to see her sister already in the stream. She had stripped down to a sports bra and underwear as Gabi laughed and was quickly stripping her own clothes. "Eyes on your girl," I nudged Colt and her laughed, "They are carbon copies of each other, but I can promise you I only have eyes on one." Colt said and I swung my eyes to meet his and I smirked, "Same."

"Troy! Colt! Come on!" Beth yelled at us as we both shared a smirk, and I ripped my shirt over my head and took off my jeans before I went running into the water. "Holy shit! It's so cold!" I barked as Gabi let out a laugh. I reached over for her, "Warm me up, baby," we both shared a smile as our mouths fused together and I could hear Colt and Beth talking. It wasn't long before we were being doused with water. "Oh my god!" Gabi squealed and I couldn't stop my laugh as it turned into an all-out water war. We were all shocking wet from top to bottom. I grabbed Gabi around the waist as I circled her around as she squealed with laughter.

"Troy!" she screamed, and I couldn't stop my laugh as Beth flicked water up to her. She wiggled and twisted in my arms, and I couldn't stop my own laugh as we were both doused with water from behind. "Fuck! That doesn't get warmer!" we all laughed as we all continued to play in the water as the horses got a drink. Once we all dragged ourselves out of the water Colt pulled out towels and we all toweled off before going to lay in the sun. It wasn't the warmest day, but it was warm enough that we weren't freezing. The sun felt great as we all chatted and talked throughout drying off.

"This was one of our first dates," Beth said looking over at Colt, "It was just a fuck ton colder outside." Colt laughed with a nod of his head as Beth was leaning against his shoulder. "It was colder. I didn't expect to get in, but Beth had different ideas." Beth had a look come over her face that I recognized instantly.

It was a day that made her feel alive for the first time since her sister had died. That day with Colt. Gabi squeezed my hand as she must have seen the look, too. I gave a look towards the pasture and Gabi curled up next to me, "Camping?" she questioned again, and I just chuckled.


Gabi's POV

The fire roasted around us as we had shown up to the camp site and set up the tents and got everything ready for tonight. Colt and Troy started a fire together and we got out chairs to sit around the fire that was blazing as the sun was setting beyond the view. We roasted hot dogs and passed around sides that the boys had whipped up before they had left. We also had everything for s'mores, and I was already reaching for the sticks to cook my first marshmallow. Today had been a great day. Spending it with my sister and her fiancée and with my husband? It was so much fun.

I don't remember laughing this much in a while and I felt like Troy and I both needed this day. We only had a few more days out here and I was already sad that we were leaving. It was going to have to be more of a yearly trip up here because it was a lot of fun. This would be good for the kids and the older they get they could spend a few weeks out here. The fresh air and the sunshine and the work – it was amazing. A hand reached for the marshmallows in my hand, and I shook my head. "No," I took them, and Troy laughed, "You aren't going to share?" I shook my head as I stabbed the marshmallow on the stick and hovered it over the fire.

"Gabs," I tossed the bag to Beth and Troy balked, I just smirked as I looked over at him. Those blue eyes were alive tonight. The look of being content with where he was with life. "You devil," he whispered, and I shook my head with a tiny laugh as I finished roasting it and made the s'more before I took a bite and looked over at my husband who had a beer propped in his hand. "Here," I offered, and he smiled over towards me. He took a bite and licked his lower lip. "Delicious," I smiled as I took another bite before offering the last of it to Troy.

He took it off my finger but not before letting his tongue pull in my fingers. Those blue eyes held nothing but mischievous look as he let go and chewed the s'more. "Fucking delicious," he murmured, and my cheeks flamed underneath of the fire. A smile brushed on his lips as he wiped something off my lip. My head tilted up to see the stars shining above us. "What do you think of this view?" Troy asked and I smiled, "That we might have something similar in Statesboro, that I am so glad that we did this together."

"This?" a nod worked through my head, "Yea, this has been so much fun. Even if we are camping." Troy laughed as he dipped to capture my mouth with his. "I couldn't wait another minute to do that," I smiled as I got up as I curled up in his lap. His arm snugged me closer to him and I kissed his chin. "Ooh, you are getting comfy," Beth called out and I shook my head as I looked over at her. "He has too many muscles to be comfy," I teased, and Colt barked out a laugh as Troy's chest vibrated underneath of me. "That's not what she is saying at 4am when she is curling on top of me."

I nudged him with my elbow, and he chuckled. "Gabi, I never took you as a snuggle girl," Troy grunted, and I nudged him once again. "Brie," he said with a laugh as he kissed the top of my head. "I wouldn't have it any other way, it prepared me for our kids." The group laughed as Colt wrapped his arm around her. "Are ya'll have fun?" Colt asked and Troy nodded, "We are. This has been an amazing few days and I am already dreading going home to all the packing and what not." I nodded in agreement. "Colt, thank you for inviting us. One, for letting us all be here for your engagement and two, for hosting all of us this week, it has been nothing short of a dream. If only Troy wasn't going to be busy all year we could come back to go snowboarding or skiing."

"If you ever have the chance you will have to come out. It is a lot of fun on the Tetons."

Beth nodded, "He even got me out there. The beach girl." The group laughed as we continued our mindless chatter. The conversation drifted from dreaming of her wedding day that she wanted to keep small but had all of the important people there. She wanted to do it in a warm climate so that it could be during the off-season for the farm in a different way. Colt and Troy both were probably having the same thoughts that they just wanted their girls to be happy and they would make it happen. Troy did make it happen and I only wanted the same wedding day experience for my own sister.

"Can Saylor and Sutton be our flower girl and ring bear?" Beth asked and I laughed, "Of course."

"Are you thinking next winter?" Troy asked and she nodded, "I don't want to rush plan it. I have the ring. I told him once he put a ring on my finger, he could impregnant me." Troy let out a laugh as Colt groaned, "I just told her that I am getting older, as is she, and I wanted a handful of kids. That was what she responded with – six months ago. Clearly, I want to make sure we have a solid foundation." Beth smirked, "But I am totally down to have a baby first, but we better get on that if we want to get married next year in the winter. I need time to get my body back," Colt grunted, "Your body is fine. Before and after pregnancy it will be beautiful,"

Beth kissed his cheek and Troy smiled, "He's got that right."

"Troy and I are thinking about trying for our next one soon." I said and Beth glanced up at me with a grin, "Really? Let's have a baby around the same time," she buzzed, and I laughed as Troy chuckled, "Troy and I are waiting to move and get settled in first but then yea, I think it's time. We want to make sure it happens in his off-season and that would be next spring/summer."

"Are you also trying to avoid having six-year age gaps?" Beth deadpanned and I nodded with a laugh. "If we do have babies around the same time, I will be so sad that they can't grow up down the street from each other." Beth pouted and Colt had a fast look on his face but pulled her into his arms. It must be a hard subject between the two of them. Beth would love to be near family, but I knew she missed us. Especially once she starts having kids. Troy rubbed my thigh gently as if he could read my mind in the process.

"Maybe we can spend summers together, alternate places. Time in Wyoming and Georgia."

"Or we could just get like a beach house and share it among the family." Troy smiled near my lips, "It would be fun."

"Future ideas," we all concluded, and we continued to chat until the moon was high in the sky and the fire was dwindling down. The conversation continued but Beth and Colt wandered off to their tent as Troy and I stayed in our spot. "This has been such a fun week."

"You can always bring the kids up to go hang out here in the winter." He whispered as he brushed my hair away from my neck. His lips pressed gently against my neck, right below my ear, and I sighed with the touch. "I think that is something that I want to do with you. We will figure it out. We will find a hole in your schedule or something." I stressed to him as I patted his cheek softly and he smiled as he brought our lips together in a frenzied kiss. "Troy, my sister and Colt are literally a hop and a skip away," I gasped as he gently sucked on my skin, and he hummed.

"What do you think they are doing? They were getting handsy over there." His hand slipped under the blanket and over my leggings right where he knew I was ready for him. "Mmm…" he whispered, and I kissed him as we spent our time making out in the chair before he easily lifted me up. "Go to the tent and strip for me, I'll be there in a minute." I gave him a hasty look and I paused as I looked up at the stars again.

"Thank you, Zo. Thank you for all of this."


Thursday, July 1st, 2021

Troy's POV

"Your first nephew," Gabi cheered as we both looked at the text message from Brady and Ada that arrived a little after 1am. It was the sweetest little guy, and I was excited to meet him this afternoon, but the stress was on as we were moving on Monday. I was sad we were going to be missing some of these times with my nephew, but I was exhausted to move into our brand-new house. Maverick Lee Bolton was going to be a heartbreaker. He had little tufts of blonde hair and there was one picture with his eyes open and they were the most stunning blue.

He looked a lot like Saylor.

"Brady said we just had to bring food." Gabi smiled and nodded as our house didn't resemble itself anymore as it was mostly boxes. The kids were both in moods because of it and I was a little stressed as I was sad that we were leaving and excited for the future. "My mom and dad said they are more than happy to watch them." Gabi said as she finished packing a box and taped it shut while writing on the sides where it was going. Our house was stunning, and I couldn't wait to walk through it again when we got to Statesboro on Monday. My parents were going to keep Saylor and Sutton for a few days while we got settled in at the house. Get their room together and everything.

My parents were more than happy to watch them as they were no longer going to be just down the street. They were going to drive them down once we were ready and spend a few days with us. Of course, the timing was off with Ada and Brady having their first son. "Mama," Saylor came over to Gabi rubbing her eyes and Gabi smiled, "What's wrong baby?" she bent down and Saylor rested her head on her shoulder. Gabi kissed her temple as she lifted her up. I smiled watching her as it was going to be such a fun house for the kids. The playroom, the outside area, the pool that would be there next summer. I couldn't wait.

They would be two and running around next summer.

We could have another baby by then.

I shook my head at the thought as suddenly life was moving fast.

Sutton came over to check on his sister and he looked over at me with those brown eyes. "I know, I don't know what your sister is doing." He sighed and I reached for him as he settled in on my lap. "There is your cousin," I pointed Maverick to him, and he stole my phone and slid through the apps. "Mommy!" he pointed to a picture of Gabi as my background from our wedding day. She was smiling at the camera and was absolutely stunning. I could see the laugh at the tip of her lips, "Yea, that's mommy," Sutton grinned at me, and I shook my head as I ruffled his hair.

It wasn't long before Gabi's parents were here, and we thanked them as we had sat them down for dinner. "Thanks mom, thanks dad," Gabi kissed her mom's cheek before we both headed out the door. We rolled through to get Ada and Brady some dinner as we made our way to the hospital that Gabi had the twins. "I think I am glad that we will have a baby somewhere else," Gabi said looking at the building. "Yea, that can't be fun memories for either of us when we go back."

"I know I want to do a scheduled c-section. I don't want to stress about it."

"I am just scared that I am going to have more pre-term complications," Gabi spoke, and I reached over to squeeze her hand as we walked in the doors together. "We can ask." Gabi gave me a small smile and a nod of her head. I let it go for now and we walked up to mother/baby. An area I was never truly at with Gabi, but I could see her own reserves walking into the area. I kissed the side of her head as we made it to their room and Gabi knocked. "Come in!" Brady's voice echoed as we made our way into the room as Brady was holding Mav and Ada was sitting on the couch next to him.

"Hi guys," Gabi greeted as she held a gift for them, and I held food. "Ooh, a trade," Brady said as Gabi laughed putting on hand sanitizer. Gabi reached for Mav as she cooed at him. "Hi sweet boy," Gabi held him in her arms as I handed the food to Brady with a high five and then I hugged Ada. "He's very handsome," I told her, and she smiled with tears in her eyes, "He was worth the long labor." Gabi gave her a tiny smile, "I know what you mean. Once you see them everything you went through was worth it." My eyes flickered over to Gabi as I knew what she was saying. The moment she got to be with them, she told me she forgot everything else that had happened.

It took therapy appointments to get through everything that had happened so that she was prepared for it again in the future. Brady clapped my shoulder, "Did you get us any drinks?" I shook my head, "No, want me to go grab some?" I asked and he shook his head. "I'll go with you. Ad, do you want anything besides water?" she shook her head as her and Gabi dipped into a conversation. I followed my younger brother out of the room, and he grinned over at me, "You didn't tell me the adrenaline rush of being a dad," I chuckled with a shake of my head. "I had a rush of fear. Maybe this time will be different but the fun of being a dad will never change. I love those two kiddos."

"You make it look easy." Brady said as we made our way to the cafeteria. I snorted, "It is not easy. There are many hard nights. There are times you just wish it will be just you and Ada for one night but the moment they smile at you. The moment they say dada? All of those not easy nights go away and you just…are so thankful for them. Plus, Mav looks just like Saylor." Brady laughed as we started grabbing drinks. I watched him grab a lemonade for Ada even though she said water knowing that would be something she would want later. "I said the same thing to Ada. The Bolton came out strong."

We both laughed as we checked out and I walked back upstairs with him, "I'm proud of you, Brady." He gave a smile, "Thanks for all the help over the years and I promise, the help will not be ending because you are moving. I will call your ass at 3am to ask you questions about what the fuck to do as a dad." I chuckled, "The only time I won't answer is if I am with my wife," I said with a wink, and he just laughed as we entered the room. Gabi and Ada were both talking and smiling as I knew Gabi was so good with new moms. They lifted their eyes to look at us walking in and Gabi smiled, "Troy, do you want to hold your nephew? I hogged him." I smiled, "I don't mind, Brie. You look damn good with a baby in your arms." She just shook her head with a smile as she made me wash my hands and I took Mav.

He settled right back in, and I smiled looking at him. "It is weird how much he looks like Saylor. I swear I am staring at my own child." They all laughed as Gabi agreed as I swayed with Mav as he was cozy and content. "You both did damn good," I said, and they both smiled. Those sleepy smiles that show the true happiness. I looked over at Gabi as her face flushed with the same look that I was just talking about.


Gabi's POV

Sunday, July 4th, 2021

"Ohhh," Saylor pointed at the firework popping in the sky. She was sitting on my lap as we had one last adventure tonight before we left tomorrow morning. Our families had gathered at the beach to watch the fireworks flying overhead and popping in the sky. Saylor was situated on my lap and Sutton was sitting on Troy's lap as our families were surrounding us on both sides. Blaine and Lucy were running up and down the beach with friends. James was talking with my dad as Troy's parents, Macken, and Silas were all hanging around. Jenna even came with us as she was still coming to terms with us leaving. Our time together hadn't been enough recently, but we were trying our hardest.

Another firework popped in the sky and Sutton jumped up with happiness as he clapped his hands. Troy chuckled as Sutton was so damn cute tonight. Wearing a pair of jean shorts and a white t-shirt and a backwards American flag hat. Troy matched him to a T, and it was the cutest damn thing. Saylor and I matched as well, and our family picture tonight was damn cute in our last night in South Carolina.

"I never thought my kids would like fireworks," Troy said, and I chuckled because I never thought they would like it tonight. We had plans to bail out once the fireworks started. We spent most of the day at the beach as everything was done, and the moving company took the truck today, so we just had our suitcases and our bare minimum of what we needed. It had been a good day and I was excited to move tomorrow with all of the friends. We were all hitting the road tomorrow at nine in the morning. Sara and Jax wanted to make plenty of stops with Stella. We agreed that it would be good to just get out every so often and to let them call the shots.

"Are you all ready?" Troy's dad asked and I nodded, "I am. I know we all are." Jenna pouted next to me, "I am personally, not ready." I laughed as I leaned over to give her a hug. "You and Willa and Ethan are welcome absolutely whenever," I told her. "Plus, you know I'll need a place to crash when I come back up here." I told her with a smile, and she gave me a tight hug. "I am so proud of you," she whispered, and I blinked away the tears. Jenna was the one who has been by my side the longest and it was hard leaving her but we both knew that was right.

Saylor squealed with excitement as more fireworks popped up in the sky as her and Sutton bounced together. Both of them pointing and giggling together. Lucy came over and held their hands as she walked with them as I wiggled closer to Troy. My head resting on his shoulder as he kissed the top of my head.

"Are you ready?" Troy murmured as we watched Lucy dance with her cousins.

"Yea, I wasn't sure if I was yesterday but I am. I am ready for this new adventure."

Troy kissed the top of my head as Sutton turned around and ran towards us with sand all over him. I couldn't stop my laugh as Troy grabbed him and tackled him gently into the blanket. He laughed with the biggest smile on his face as his dark hair flopped on his head. Saylor came running over with her own giggles and Troy took her down with him. They just laughed as Troy tickled them as the grand finale popped in the sky. Yes, I was really excited for this next adventure.


WELCOME BACK! I hope you didn't miss me toooooo much BUT I did exactly what I wanted to do and got back ahead in both stories (not much here but at least an extra chapter is done!) so hopefully I can keep up! Are you all ready for the big move with them? Can't wait to share this next adventure!

Loyal is back next week!

PLEASE REVIEW!

Next Update: July 9th