Chapter 18 – Home

Wednesday, July 7th, 2021

Statesboro, Georgia

Gabi's POV

I collapsed back into our new couch as I was exhausted. We got here Monday afternoon, checked into our hotel, and then signed the papers that afternoon on the closing. We had closed on the other house right before we had left and on Tuesday morning, we started the process to moving in. We set up the kids' room first which was absolutely gorgeous. It made my dreams come alive as it had white shiplap on the back wall with white cribs set up. The same rug from home was on the floor but the rest of the room was white and airy. It was the theme of the house. Light and airy.

A smile stretched on my lips thinking about all the memories that would be made there. Troy groaned as he lowered himself down as we unpacked the kitchen and our room/closet/bathroom today. We were both exhausted and there were plans for the group to meet at a local Mexican restaurant for some margaritas. I stood up as I went over to sit next to Troy, and he wrapped his arm around my shoulder. "How are you feeling?" he asked kissing me as the living room connected to the kitchen. It was all painted white with white curtains hanging over the oak wood window.

The light oak flooring that ran through the whole place where the kitchen had a big window overlooking the backyard and white cabinets above and below. The island was oak with white tops throughout and pendants hanging up. It was the kitchen of my dreams, and I was so lucky that we were living here. "I'm good. Tired, but good." I told him with a kiss, and he smiled against my lips. "This has been a lot of work, but we will be so happy most of it is done on Friday when Saylor and Sutton join us." Troy said letting his finger trial down my arm. "I love you," he whispered into my ear, and I tilted my head back to look at him. "I love you, too. Thank you for getting us this opportunity."

"Thank you for taking the risk. Your office/dance studio turned out so well." I smiled because it had. We put mirrors on the entire backwall with a bar as the window faced the side way giving the best lighting. I had a place to mount a laptop to do classes and a desk in the corner to do all the admin working that I was keeping for here. I was going up in August to check in for three days and help with one of our big classes. The playroom had boxes waiting for the toys that we didn't get rid of already and I had the guest rooms on the back of the list of things to do.

My body curled into Troy's body, "What time are we meeting?" I asked and Troy moved to pick up his phone as we had all been taking turns taking care of Jax and Sara. Luckily, his parents were able to come down and also help. Sara's mom was helping with Stella mostly, but I knew Jax was being protective. "Seven, Jesse and Sage want to finish unpacking the kitchen." I nodded as I let my eyes flutter shut and Troy laughed, "No, no, how about we go unpack all of Luna's stuff and the rest of our closet." I groaned but nodded as he helped pull me up and we moved into the closet as we finished unpacking all of Luna's stuff, who was coming with Troy's parents, and kept going through our closet.

Troy grabbed one of his suits and he smiled, "This is the one I was wearing when we won state,"

I smiled over my shoulder, "I like that one a lot," Troy let out a laugh as he adjusted his basketball shorts and his James Island t-shirt plastered against his skin. He wiped his brow and picked up his hat from his head before twisting it backwards. "There will be more suits probably but also maybe quarter zips," he scratched his jaw, and I laughed as Troy glanced at our large shower behind us, "No funny business but want to take a shower together? Try it out? Make sure that we can fit both of us in there." He wiggled his eyebrows, and I couldn't stop my laugh.

"Hell, why not, sounds better than unpacking." Troy laughed as he came over and swept me up in his arms and his lips found mine in a hurry. "I thought you said no funny business," I mumbled, and he laughed as he shook his head, "I lied." I couldn't stop my own laugh as he carried me into the bathroom while setting me on the counter. His mouth working mine but also his hands pulling off my tank-top and shimming my shorts off my body. He left as he went to turn on the shower as he slowly started to take off his own clothes. "Do we have towels unpacked?" I asked and he laughed as he looked around, "No, but I think they are in the closet. Let me go grab some. Get in."

I smiled as I hopped off and took my underwear and my bra off before opening the shower door and stepping into the warm water. I nearly groaned from the feel of it as it felt really fucking good. "I found the kids towels before I found ours," Troy slid into the shower behind me as his mouth dropped to my neck. I tilted my head to the side to allow him more access as those hands slid around my waist. "This is an upgrade to our last shower,"

"This is truly our first home together." Troy said as he grabbed my shampoo, maybe he wasn't lying about no funny business. "I loved your house." I told him as I turned to face him and he smiled, "I love this one more, but I will always love that I fell in love with you there. That we brought our kids home there. Those are good memories that'll forever keep but there are going to be so many good memories here." He scrubbed my head, and I did moan this time, "Stop, this feels way too good." I muttered and he laughed softly behind me. "I've gotten good at it washing Saylor and Sutton's hair."

He washed my hair, twice, like I normally did, and he helped me rinse it out. These are the moments where I fell a little bit more in love with him. The warm water felt good, his hands, and just the feeling of him taking care of me. After he added the conditioner, he took his time washing his hair. I grabbed his body wash as I rubbed it on my hands and I diligently worked his body, those blue eyes watched every move that I made. "Gabi, I am trying to remain gentleman like in here." He strained as I wrapped my hand around him. I smirked, "I wouldn't have gotten in if I wanted you to be a gentleman."

He nearly growled as I dropped to my knees in front of him and those blue eyes light on fire as I wrapped my mouth around the tip. "Gabi," his voice was strained as I let my mouth work him until he was hitting the back of my throat. His own moan rattled throughout my body, and I gripped onto the back of his thighs that were still soapy as I worked him. "Fuck, no, I am not coming in your mouth." He yanked me off and easily pulled me up and into his arms as he pressed me back against the shower wall as he slid into me, and I gasped as I threaded my fingers through his hair.

He was rent less and worked me until I came before him, and he was chasing his high right after me. His lips pressed into my neck, and he exhaled, "I love you," he whispered, and I smiled, "I love you, too." I whispered right back to him.


Troy's POV

The margaritas were flowing around the table as absolutely everybody was exhausted from the unpacking and getting everything in order in our houses. Stella was being passed around the circle as she was the only kid here right now as Jesse's parents were bringing Noah down on Saturday. Gabi and I were clamoring to get our hands back on Saylor and Sutton, but they were having a blast with their grandparents. "How is everybody doing?" Dylan asked as Josie was chatting with Sage. "Good, I feel like the main areas of the house got done today." Lennon said as she rubbed her arms.

"I'd agree," Gabi said, "The twin's nursery is ready, our room is unpacked, and the two most important bathrooms are ready. The kitchen is almost done."

"Troy, when are the backyard people coming?"

"Soon. They are putting up a whole playground area for the kids and the backyard area for the adults. The pool is going in this winter." I told the group as we were just planning to have the hangout house of the group. It was in the corner of the Cal-de-seq with the biggest backyard. For now, Gabi and I converted one of the other spare rooms that we didn't need right now to my office at home but if we filled this house with kids then I would get rid of it. I think the underlying hope was that we could do well and move up to a bigger university with bigger money.

If not…then this was going to be the dream.

"Jax, Sara, how are you guys doing? We don't have the kids until Friday. We can come over and help." Gabi offered as Stella found her way to Gabi, "No, no, we're doing okay. My mom has been a huge help as has Jax's mom. We are actually moving along well, and we got Stella's room all set up, our room is good, and the kitchen. The rest will fall into place but all the places we needed it is done." My eyes watched Gabi as she held Stella who was just over a month old now. "Troy, how is Brady, Ada, and Mav?" Jesse asked, "Good. Ada is in heaven with him. He is pretty cute."

"Gabi, congrats with your sister by the way. Those pictures from your week in Wyoming was beautiful." Gabi flushed as it was a good week for all of us. "It was good, and I am so excited to see her get married. They are talking about having a baby first though," Gabi nibbled on her lip with a smile at the corners, "I would love to have more nieces and nephews. A whole group of them would be amazing." Stella cried out and Gabi cooed at her with a smile on her face. "Do you want your mama?" she whispered to her as she stood up to take Stella back over to Sara.

Our dinner arrived not too long after as we all dug in and continued to talk as you could tell this whole group was exhausted. Cameron barely said two words as he plowed through his burrito like he has never eaten a day in his life. Jesse was smiling over at Sage as if those two hadn't been dating for ten plus years. Jax and Sara were just staring at Stella while Dylan and Josie were both laughing about something together. "What is your first report day?" Lennon asked after a few beats and I smiled, "August 2nd. That gives us about a month to get settled and ready."

"When does the season start?"

"November, we go to California for a couple of games." Dylan piped up, we were all excited about the travel this year and that we were lucky that we were getting to do this. "Then Houston before Thanksgiving. Just an FYI, I already decided that we are going to take a few days off around Thanksgiving. I think Tuesday-Thursday. We have a game Saturday that week, but we can come in and do a practice the day before and a walk through the morning of the game. Let the kids go home if they want, too. We can go home if we want, too."

"You already decided this?" Jesse asked with an eyebrow raise and I nodded, "I tried to find breaks around the two holidays to send the kids home if they want, too. We have a big break around Christmas, too."

"Do you play on the twins birthday?" Gabi asked and I shook my head. "No, we will have practice that day but no game." Gabi nodded, "Good. That way we can still have a party." I grimaced, "We will be leaving for our away game that day. We will figure out a time for a party, we are going to South Carolina though. Maybe we can take the twins and meet up with my parents."

The schedules were flying around as we all knew that we were going to have to make life adjustments here. Gabi just gave me a quick look and I gave her a half smile in understanding. Once we were all stuffed with chips, salsa, queso, and margs we paid and started a walk down to our cars. It was going to be fun all living within the same neighborhood. "Do we want to break in the driveways and drink some beer?" Dylan asked and Jax shook his head. "I am going to help Sara get Stella ready for bed and do some other little stuff around the house."

"You can join them, but I am going to get ready for bed. We only have two more nights with no kids and mama is tired." I nodded kissing her temple as the rest of us agreed to join for a few beers. We all made it back to the neighborhood and to our own houses before meeting in Cameron's driveway. None of the girls joined as I grabbed a basketball as each of us had basketball goals put into the house before we even moved in. I took a shot as it went through as Dylan rolled his eyes. "Show off," he muttered.

We ended up playing two v two, but Jax caught wind of it and wanted to sub it.

"How are the wives doing?" Jesse asked.

"Good. I think Gabi is actually really excited about all of this."

"Yea, Lennon is loving it." Cameron added as I blocked his shot, and he grunted as I stole the ball and went back out to take another shot. "Sage is, too. She just wants Noah up here." I nodded in agreement, "I can't wait for the kids to be here."

"Josie is loving it. I think finally having a house together is something she has really wanted to make both of ours instead of my bachelor pad." We all laughed at it and Jax agreed that Sara was doing well, especially with a newborn. We continued to play into the night as we didn't have many neighbors yet but a lot of construction going on. "I think it's going to be fun boys," Dylan said with a smile.


Friday, July 9th, 2021

Gabi's POV

I anxiously waited in the driveway as Macken texted that they were close. Macken came with his parents to add an extra hand in the drive down. "Gabi, baby, they will be here soon." Troy came up behind me as we had pretty much knocked out most of the house yesterday and finished this morning. "I just miss them." I pouted and Troy chuckled as he kissed my temple. It wasn't long before Tommy's car turned onto the street. The giddiness that filled inside of me to hug my babies filled my chest as they pulled into the driveway as we all had smiles on our faces.

Once the car stopped moving, I went over to the driver's side, and I pulled the door open as Saylor was on the other side. "Mama!" she screeched and cried as she couldn't reach me. "Hang on, baby." I unbuckled her and she practically jumped up and out of her car seat as I wrapped her up in my arms. "Hi sweet girl," I kissed on her head as she wrapped her little arms around my neck. "Miss mama," she rubbed her nose against my neck, and I smiled as I couldn't stop the tears at her little words. They were starting to talk more and more, picking up on more words. "I missed you, baby," I kissed her hair that smelled clean and fresh.

"Mama!" I heard Sutton as I looked over as Troy had him in his arms. "Dada!" Saylor reached for Troy, and we switched babies. I kissed Sutton's face and he put his chubby hands on my cheeks. "Hi buddy," he grinned at me as we greeted Tommy, Laura, and Macken as we invited them inside to see the house for the first time. Saylor reached back for me, and Troy handed her to me as I held both of my babies in my arms. "Hi sweet babies, mama missed you so much."

The house was mostly put together and it felt good as Laura looked around with awh on her face. "You guys, this is beautiful." She smiled with a shake of her head as Troy gave all three of them the grand tour as I changed diapers and showed the twins their room which was just down the hall from our room. They found their favorite toys and quickly started to play. I sat with them in their room until Troy came in there with his parents who were staying the night tonight before heading back on Sunday. "Gabi, those two are the best. They are becoming quite the little helpers." I laughed with a nod, "That they are." I agreed as Macken sat down to play with them as Troy squeezed my shoulder.

"The house is beautiful," Tommy said, and I grinned, "Thanks, it's been a lot of work the past couple of days but so worth it to be mostly done for when these two came home." Sutton squealed as he ran over to Tommy who picked him up and hugged on him. I loved the relationship they had with their grandparents and couldn't wait to see them with each other as they grew older. "How is Ada and Brady?" Troy asked and they talked about the newest family member while I just watched my two. The fact that they were 18 months old and didn't look like a baby any more gutted me just a little bit. Saylor was wearing a pair of jean overalls with a white ruffle t-shirt underneath.

Sutton was wearing jean shorts with a white t-shirt as they played separately but side by side with their favorite toys. Sutton needed a haircut, and I knew Troy needed to find one himself down here so he needed to do it soon so Sutton could go. Saylor's was back in pig tails as Sutton stole a toy from her and she screamed. "Sutton," Troy took the toy back and bent down between the two of them. "Sut, you need to ask Saylor for the toy." Troy said, "You do not take the toys away." Sutton pouted and reached for it again, but Saylor twisted and turned away from him. I couldn't stop my smile watching the three of them.

Sutton pouted and cried as Troy rolled his eyes but picked him up, "You don't want that toy. You just want it because your sister has it." He played with him to distract him as it worked as Sutton went back to his own game. Troy glanced over at me, and I gave him a smile, "You look happy," he commented, and I laughed, "I am happy. This all feels right with them right here." Troy squeezed my shoulder gently as Macken smiled over at me, "You did great with the house." I blushed, "Thanks Mac,"

Troy and Tommy disappeared, and Laura sat down to join us with the kiddos. "Do you need help with anything? We're here until Sunday morning and we do not mind helping so you can spend some time with your kids." I smiled, "I'll take you up on it. We just have to finish with the guest rooms. The two for you guys is mostly done we just need to put all the bedding and stuff on the beds."

"Oh, do not worry about it. Is it in there?" Macken asked as she stood up. "Yes, but don't worry about it now. You all just spent several hours in the car." Macken waved her hand as Laura smiled at her 21-year-old daughter. "How are you doing, Gabi? I know the move was a hard choice." I shook my head, "It was a hard choice, but I have zero regrets. Our house is beautiful, our kids are happy, and I am excited to watch Troy succeed in this college basketball world. I didn't lose much of anything besides going to the studio every day." I told her with a shrug, "I am still the founder, the leader, and I will be there as much as I can."

Laura smiled as she watched me, "It was brave of you and noble to let Troy do this. I think I would have had such a hard time as well leaving something I built from the ground up." I shook my head, "I love him, Laura. It's one of his dreams and how can I let him cheer for me if I don't cheer for him in return? There will be another Zoey's and I will work my ass off to make it happen. We are already profiting over at Zoey's in Charleston, and I am proud of that. They are even hiring another dance teacher. I am going back for interviews in a couple of weeks. We're going to do at home classes for the girls to join for the fun of it. This is bringing us more opportunities than I thought existed."

Laura shook her head as Sutton sat down in her lap, "I don't think I've ever thanked you," I cocked my head to look at her and she just gave me a smile with tears glistening in her eyes. "For loving him like you do. I see how much he loves you and you love him just as much back. The sacrifices that you are making for him, the things you do to make him happy, it was always my worry that he would settle one day for somebody who wasn't worth the time for him. He never did but then I also thought I was never getting grandchildren from him."

We both laughed as I wiped a few of my own tears away, "He fell for you hard and fast, and I was scared it was happening, but you fell just as hard and as fast as he did. You knew when you needed to make sure you had a solid foundation underneath of you, and I am so thankful that you did that. For the both of you. I just never thought he would have found somebody too good for him because he is the sweetest kid and only wants to do the best. He was the typical first child." I wiped my tears away as I smiled, "I love that man so much, Laura. Thank you for raising an amazing son. He makes it easy to love him. He takes care of me while also letting me be an independent queen. He supports all of my choices and I just…I love him so much. Watching him become a dad and watching him get this job? I'm proud of him, too."

Laura reached over and hugged me tightly as we both wiped away our tears. "You can come stay with us whenever you want." I told her as I knew it had to be hard to have her child moving away from her. I couldn't imagine in the years ahead Saylor or Sutton leaving us. "What are you two doing?" Troy's voice was almost alarmed as he came in. Sutton scrambled over to him as he picked him up, but his eyes never left the two of us. "Oh nothing, I am just so happy for the both of you." His mom spoke up first and Troy gave a doubtful look between the two of us. "Gabs?"

"We're fine, Troy." I said with a laugh. "She was just…happy for the both of us and happy for you and she's proud of how much we've done together." I simplified all of it and Troy just looked between the two of us. Laura just laughed as she stood up and kissed her son on the cheek while whispering something to him. He just nodded as she left the room and he sat down next to me, "She was honestly just thanking me for loving you the way you deserved to be loved." I told him and I leaned into his shoulder as he exhaled, "My mom,"

"Troy, she just loves you so much and always wanted you to get what you deserved, and I pray that I am always enough for you." Those blue eyes sharply turned to look at me, "Gabriella, you will forever be enough. You are more than enough. You are my everything. Never mistake that." I just gave him a patient smile as I kissed him and sighed, "I love our family," I whispered, and he squeezed my thigh. "I love our family, too."


Thursday, July 15th, 2021

Gabi's POV

The paper sheet was across my waist as I didn't tell Troy but six weeks ago, I scheduled to make an appointment with an OBGYN down here. I called my own and asked for recommendations and she got me in with one of her former residents. Now that we were firmly in Georgia, we were settling into the house, and that the twins were over 18 months old – I was ready to start trying this year for another one. I was truly ready, and I had a through conversation with my therapist about it to make sure I was mentally sound to go down this path again.

The plan today was to do a pelvic exam and remove my IUD.

I wiggled on the paper as Troy knew I was going to the doctors today because I told him I wanted to establish care down here and I even made him find a PCP for himself. The twins had their 18 months follow up with their new pediatrician that we were all using. This is something that was the scariest part to me was finding all new care providers because all the ones I loved the most were back in Charleston. The door propped open as Dr. Samantha Johnson walked through the doors. She was younger, blonde, but had the most patient smile on her face as her nurse walked in behind her.

"Gabi? I heard you are coming from Dr. Willis." I nodded as I shook her hand. "I am. She was my OB back in Charleston and I loved her." I gushed and Dr. Johnson smiled, "She is amazing. She taught me everything I know. She called me last week and told me all about your history. You had twins a little over 18 months ago?" I nodded my head, "I did. A girl and a boy. They came at thirty-three weeks." I told her as I nervously tapped on the paper on the table. "I'm sorry that your pregnancy went that way. Dr. Willis said you did everything right, but she even wanted me to remind you that it is common among twin pregnancies." I gave a patient smile as she gave one back.

"How can I help you today?" she asked, "I want my IUD removed. My husband and I are ready to start for our next kid and he just moved here to be a basketball coach for Georgia Southern. We want to try and have our next baby in the off-season as much as we possibly can. We might stop trying if we don't succeed but I would probably just go back on birth control for that time frame before we started to try again." I said and Dr. Johnson nodded, "We can do that. Dr. Willis said it was time for another pelvic exam?" I nodded my head, "Yes, I also want to make sure we can talk thoroughly about hoping that this next pregnancy doesn't end the way my last one did. How likely am I to conceive twins again? If there is only one how likely is pre-term birth again?"

Dr. Johnson smiled, "The odds are unlikely for you to have twins again. I am not saying it's impossible, but I am saying that it is incredibly rare. As for pre-term labor, there is a greater risk but about a 5-10% increased risk. It's not great and we can do everything in our power to make sure we go as long as we can. Twins often come early, and I think that was probably the biggest factor for you, but your body learned that it was okay then. We will keep an eye on everything with you and follow you extra closely."

"I'd do a repeat c-section," I told her, and she nodded her head, "I'd aim for us to get to 38 weeks," she said to me. "Then we can go from there and see how your body is doing. If you are struggling and baby is looking good – we could go earlier but I wouldn't want anything earlier than 37." I nodded in agreement with her as she had me lay back and it didn't take long before she did my pelvic exam and then removed my IUD. "Has your period been regular on your IUD?" I shook my head, "I rarely have it." I told her honestly, "I don't plan to track anything or do anything special. We aren't hard pressed to have a baby this year but definitely want to try this year and definitely have one next year if this doesn't happen. We didn't plan for the twins; it was a complete surprise. My husband and I weren't even engaged yet and had only been in a relationship for a handful of months. I want to go that route again. No stress."

"Good thoughts, if you don't get pregnant within this window and want to wait until next year then just call the office if you want birth control. Since you haven't had a regular cycle with your IUD, I would give it a couple of months before any panic sets in, yea?" I nodded as she had me change and I got back into my clothes as I thanked her on my way out before heading to my car. I did like her, and I was thankful that Dr. Willis had somebody down here. I blew out a breath of air as I started my car and went to grab Troy and I coffee from a little coffee shop in town.

Once I came back home and he was playing out back with Noah, Saylor, and Sutton. Jesse was on the phone with somebody as Troy tossed a ball and all three of them chased it with Luna on their tails. My mom and dad brought Luna up last week as the car was full of Saylor and Sutton. She was so happy with her backyard, and I could only imagine her with a pool in the future. I went over to Troy and handed him a coffee and he smiled, "How was the doctor?" he asked as he threw a ball again and the kids giggled running off.

"Good, my IUD is out." I admitted. Troy's head whipped around to face me, "Seriously?" I nodded my head, "I met with a new OB. She reassured that getting pregnant with another set of twins is highly unlikely and that I have an increased risk for pre-term labor, but she would watch me closely." Troy grinned, "Yea? So, we're operation try for number three?" I laughed and nodded, "Yea, I guess we are." He laughed as he stood up and engulfed me in his arms. I wrapped my arms around him as he kissed the top of my head. "But I do not want to stress about it. I'm just going to continue on with life. We need to decide if there is a stopping point for us. She said that she will put me back on the pills if I want."

Troy nodded as he thought about it in his head. I could see the mental math flapping around. "I think if we aren't pregnant by the first week of December then we can flip back to birth control. That gives us a baby sometime in August or before." I nodded my head to what he was saying, and I agreed. Troy was going to be traveling way more this time around. If I had a baby in August, then we would have all of September and October with him in town before he was leaving constantly. Would I like more time? Yes, but that at least gave us two months.

"I agree," he grinned as he dropped his mouth to mine, a smile curving on his mouth as he kissed me. "I cannot wait to see you pregnant again one day. To get the whole baby thing again, together," he whispered, and I felt the goosebumps down my arm as I felt the love from him. "I can't wait but I also pray to God my first trimester is nicer this time." Troy chuckled as he kissed my temple.

"Hey! Where is my coffee?" Jesse called out and Troy chuckled, "I am not used to you all being a hop and a skip away and always at my house." I told him and he chuckled underneath of his breath. "Fair enough,"


Friday, July 30th, 2021

Troy's POV

Gabi's 28th Birthday

Gabi was curled up in my arms as I pressed my mouth to the spot below her ear before working my way down her body as she grunted in her sleep as the sun was barely poking through the curtains. It was still early, and we had plenty of time before the twins would be up for the day. I wanted to give my wife the best start to her birthday possible. "Troy," her voice was a whisper but a plea right along with it as I wiggled my fingers underneath her underwear and slipped it off her body. Gabi told me she hadn't had a period yet, so we still weren't sure when the timing was going to be but the fact that every time, we had sex there was just a slim possibility it was creating a baby.

It turned me on even more.

I never told her that because she told me over and over again that she was refusing to stress about the entire thing. I understood where she was coming from, and I wasn't going to cause more stress. It was just…exciting. I swear the sex had been hotter since we had officially been "trying". "Happy birthday, Brie," I whispered against the curve of her waist, and she sighed as her legs spread apart. I teased her thoroughly as she let her hips fly up and I smirked which only drove her nuts as I kissed, licked, and teased until she was nearly screaming my name.

"Troy," her voice was almost a sob as I slid two fingers inside of her and then licked her again as she came unglued. I held her firm as I cleaned her up with my tongue and I worked my way up as I crushed my mouth on her mouth. "Happy fucking birthday," I whispered, and she whimpered as she was still trying to catch her breath. "That might be one of the best ways you have woken me up," I laughed as I kissed her softly and firmly. "I should do that more often. I forget how much you enjoy it." She swatted my shoulder as I easily slipped inside of her. Her legs wrapped around my waist and pulled me in deeper as I had her coming unglued again within minutes of the last on.

I wasn't far behind and once we were both spent, she rolled into my arms, and I held onto her. "Okay, I am not sure how you are going to top that the rest of the day." Gabi said and I laughed as I let my fingers trail down her skin. We both fell into quiet state as she curled up on my chest. My fingers wove through her hair, and I sighed, "What do you want to do this morning?" I asked her. "How about breakfast as a family? Isn't there a little café not too far? The last thing I want to do is clean." I chuckled, "Yea, we can do that. I'll get the twins up and ready if you want to get ready."

Gabi was quiet for a moment, "I want to lay here for a few more minutes." She said quietly and I just held her close because her wish was my command. We both agreed no birthday presents this year as we wanted to save for the house and all the stuff we purchased for the house. I stayed committed to that, but it didn't mean that I wasn't going to give her the best day. We laid there for another fifteen minutes as she finally sat up and I pulled her into my lap. Her black hair fell into her face, and she gave a small, shy smile. Those brown eyes full of life and I knew on her 26th birthday that she was in a hard place, pregnant, first birthday without her sister, but today? One her 28th? She was happy, full of life. I tucked hair behind her ear, and I kissed her softly, "I want you to call the shots today. What's after breakfast?"

She thought about it for a moment and smiled, "How about we see if anybody wants to go to the local pool until nap time." I nodded, "I'll see what I can do, okay?" she nodded her head, and I kissed her again. "Okay, we only have a limited amount of time before those two are awake. I am going to hop in the shower and then you can go so I can get the two minions up." She nodded as she slid off my lap and I got up to go take a fast shower before dressing, brushing my teeth, and heading towards the nursery. Saylor was already awake playing with a toy that was in her crib while Sutton was still knocked out.

"Good morning, baby girl," I kissed her cheek as I laid her down to change her diaper and I found a purple dress that I put on her. She loved wearing dresses, and she happily ran around the room as I coaxed Sutton awake. He was grumpy and I let him be grumpy as I changed his diaper and then found a pair of khaki-colored shorts with a white button down. He wiggled around and out of my arms as I escorted both of them into their bathroom as we brushed teeth and I then brushed Saylor's hair and swept it into two pigtails like Gabi showed me how to do.

"Mama!" I looked over my shoulder as Sutton was lifting his arms up and a smile graced her lips as she picked up Sutton. "Hi buddy," Gabi kissed his cheek as Saylor looked over at her. "Hi baby girl, let daddy finish." She wiggled as I finished her hair, and I handed her over to Gabi as she kissed both of her babies. She looked fantastic in a pair of jeans shorts with a tank top. Her hair was around her shoulder and partially dry. A little bit of make-up on her face and the smile on her face was the best of all. "You look beautiful," I whispered as I kissed her cheek. She smiled at me as we all left the bathroom as we got shoes on the kids, let Luna outside, and then got the car loaded up.

"How is the search for a new car?" Gabi asked as she slid into the passenger seat. "After I start the job." I told her as we had looked at a few cars, but I was still set on the Wagoneer. Gabi smiled as I backed the car out of the driveway, "Everybody agreed to meet up at the local pool. We are doing a cook-out at the house tonight for your birthday."

"Troy," she warned, and I gave a smile, "What? Everybody wants to celebrate your birthday." I told her innocently. What she didn't know was I had texted Beth who flew in to celebrate her birthday and see the house and her parents were in town with James, Lucy, and Blaine who were all joining us this morning. She had no idea and I had made big bets she was going to want to go out for breakfast this morning. Blaine, James, and Lucy were all moved into their Tennessee house as Blaine reported to college in just a couple of weeks. I knew he was excited, and I was excited to watch him.

I held her hand as I drove to the little diner she was talking about and parked around the corner. She grabbed Sutton while I grabbed Saylor and we headed towards the entrance. I pulled the door open, and Gabi stepped through first and I knew she saw her family based on the gasp that left her lips. "What are you guys doing here?" Gabi was engulfed in her mom's arms as Saylor and Sutton were excited to see their Nana and Papa. I picked up Lucy as she wrapped herself around me, "Uncle Troy! I missed you!" she squeezed my neck and I chuckled, "I missed you, too. How is Tennessee?" I asked her.

"Good, I have a girl neighbor who is my age! Her name is Jessica!" I smiled, "Good, be good friends with her." I tapped her nose as I hugged Blaine, "Ready?" he laughed, "Yes, I am. We've already been doing workouts and I am getting my ass kicked." I chuckled as I squeezed his shoulder before greeting Andy and Gina. "Thanks for coming down," I said to both of them, and they grinned, "We wouldn't miss her birthday for anything. Plus, I brought chocolate cake." Gabi grinned, "Really?"

"We aren't stopping pictures because you moved," her mom warned. Gabi just grinned wide, we all took our seats as Beth came over and hugged me, "Thanks for the invite," I smirked and hugged. "Thanks for coming down." She nodded as she sat next to Gabi, and I sat on the other end with Andy, Blaine, and James as we all chatted. Sutton and Saylor worked around the table and playing in different people's laps. Gabi was high on life as her family was surrounding her and she talked to everybody. I know she was happy her parents were moving down here.

They were coming down in a few weeks and it was going to be nice to have them around. Saylor and Sutton shared pancakes and they tore them apart. We all ate breakfast and Andy picked up the tab for the whole family. "Andy, you don't have to do that." I spoke up and he shook his head. "I learned a long time ago to spoil my family. I never know how long I will get to do it." Beth and Gabi shared a look between each other, and Gina squeezed Andy's hand. I couldn't argue with that, and I let him pay. I rolled my lips together and I took the kids to the family bathroom to wash their hands from the syrup.

"Troy, I was going, too." Gabi said as I came back, "You are supposed to relax today." I told her and she gave a tiny smile as she carried Saylor to the car as I held Sutton's hand. Today was going to be a good day.


Gabi's POV

Noah, Saylor, and Sutton were all giggling as they played in the shallow end of the pool. I sat on the ground next to Sage as today had been surprised after surprise. Troy waking me up this morning with his head between my legs, breakfast with my entire family who was here for the weekend, a pool day with all of our favorite people, and then a cook-out tonight that included my mom's chocolate cake. Sutton was stomping his feet in the water as my legs were crossed underneath of me as Sage lounged next to me. "It will be fun when we can do this in your backyard," she teased, and I laughed.

"Next summer," I reminded her. Sage smiled as Noah came over to show her something before heading back to the group. We were only staying a bit longer until nap time so the kids could get a good nap before everybody came over for more playtime. "Sage, can I steal my wife for a moment?" Troy came up behind and his fingers wrapped around my shoulder with a gentle squeeze. "Of course,"

"Do you mind watching those two? Her mom is right there," Sage waved her hand, "I do not care, go," Troy easily pulled me up before he linked our hands together and he took me to the lazy river. "C'mon," he smirked as he pulled me down into the water and I climbed onto his back as he chuckled, "What do you think you are doing?" he asked and I smiled, "Going for a ride," we both laughed as I kissed his cheek. "Today has been amazing," I whispered into his ear. "And it's just getting started. Wait till you see what I have in store for nap time."

I raised an eyebrow, "Nap time?" I questioned. He laughed, "You naked in our bed. That's what I have in mind." I laughed as I kissed his cheek, and his hands gripped my thigh tighter as he ducked behind a cove, and he rested me up on the side of the pool. He wiggled in between my legs and those large hands slid up my body. "I am going to miss having you at the house all day every day. This past month has been a lot of fun." My fingers ran through his wet hair, and he kissed my inner thigh. "Troy, we are in public." I kindly reminded him. He gave me a grin as he tilted his head back, "We won't be spending that much time apart. We have meetings all day on Monday, but we will be home by three. We have our first work out with the team on Tuesday."

"I'm proud of you," I whispered to him, and he gave a smile. "Today isn't about me, Gabs. It's about you. Are you having a good birthday?" I nodded my head, "I am. Thank you for getting my family here. I was a little sad about not spending the day with them. It would have been a first for me." He rubbed my cheek with his thumb, "I know you were a little sad about it. It's why I got them here. I didn't want you sad on your birthday. It's the one day I want to see you nothing but happy." I shook my head with a smile on my lips, "How did I get you in my life?"

"By fucking luck."

"Destiny," I remarked back to him.

There was that underlying tone of Zoey in between the two of us right now. He gave me a smile and then reached up for a kiss. "Public," I warned as he tried to advance it. He just chuckled against my mouth which vibrated all the way through me. "Sounds like I am excited for nap time, but won't my whole family be there?" I asked and Troy shook his head. "They are all going back to the hotel for a little bit. It's everybody's nap time…except our nap time." I laughed as I hugged him tightly to me.


Everybody was mingling and hanging out outside as we were all enjoying the nice evening together. Troy made good on his promise, and I did not get a naptime, but I think I had more fun than any other nap time. By the time everybody came by Troy, and I were just finishing up getting the twins a snack and back to life between the two of us. "Sweetie, your home is beautiful." My mom spoke as she came up behind me. I gave a smile. "Thank you, mom, I love it so much." She gave a grin, "Are you sure you want your dad and I moving in for a little bit?"

"Yes, mom. It will be helpful. Troy is going to be gone a lot more often and you guys around will be fun for the kids and I."

"It will be just for a short time. We found a condo not too far on the ground floor. It is going to be good for your dad and I to downsize." I nodded in agreement, "Our lease would begin in October." I smiled, "Perfect. We will be happy to have you." I hugged her and she squeezed me extra tight. "Thank you for bringing the cake," I told her, and she laughed, "I would never miss a tradition. Time to add 28 to the book," she tapped my nose, and I laughed as she walked away before Sage and Sara came over. "Do you need help with anything?" Sage asked. "It is your birthday, and you should be doing nothing." I laughed with a shake of my head.

"No, I was just talking with my mom."

"Go sit, your children are playing around, and your husband is dominating in a basketball game." I just laughed with a shake of my head. "This is a lot of fun. I am glad we are all getting this time together." Sara squeezed my arm as we all walked outside together as the five of them were playing basketball. The kids were playing with chalk on the driveway, and I sat down in a lawn chair next to Saylor. "Gabi, take a shot," Troy tossed the ball to me, and I shook my head. "Troy, you know I can't shoot," I told him, and he laughed, "Yes, you can."

"C'mon," he asked, and I was egged on as I shook my head, but I got up and I shot the ball which circled in and went in. "Can't shoot my ass," Dylan muttered which caused the group to laugh. "Yea, she just doesn't like to play with me." Troy pointed out and I rolled my eyes. "You are too intense for me, and rightfully so. You get paid to be intense. Play with Blaine," I threw him under the bus. "C'mon Blaine," Jax yelled, and he circled up to join them as I took my seat again. "How is the wedding planning going?" I asked her and she laughed, "None at all. Just enjoying my life with my fiancée,"

"Good, that's exactly what you should do."

"The house is beautiful," Beth said, and I smiled, "Thank you for taking all of my panicked phone calls." Beth just laughed as she rubbed my arm. I loved watching Blaine play with the guys as Lucy played with Noah, Sutton, and Saylor – mostly bossing them around and telling them what to do. The girls were all talking and drinking tonight besides Sara. This felt good.

This felt like…home.


Hi! I hope you all enjoyed the update! The big move finally happened and now it's time to settle in! What's your thoughts?!

Bad News: No update for a couple of weeks. This time because I literally will not be home from July 12th-30th. I'll either be out of town, at work, or preparing to move. It's a crazy time of year right now and I am stressed about a lot and need to take something off my plate, and this is the easiest one to not worry about. But NO FEAR: we'll be back and better than ever! Loyal WILL be updated next weekend but then will go on the same hiatus. Luckily, I just work over that time period but after that I will be in and out of different areas of the country ha! I'm not even taking my laptop to half of them.

Thank you ALL for the patience and love (big heart)

Next Update: August 6th