Chapter 19 – Let's Get to Work

Tuesday, August 3rd, 2021

Troy's POV

My eyes glanced around my office as yesterday I had put up pictures of my family and hung up a few other things from our championship run that I had kept but besides that it was bare. Today we had our first meeting with the players followed by a work-out. The butterflies fluttered in my stomach with anticipation as I was just excited. I was excited to get this opportunity and I didn't want to waste it. Jax whistled as he popped into my office, "Alright big dog," I laughed as I leaned back in my chair, "Are we ready?" I asked and he smirked, "Born ready. After our meeting with the last coach, I think it's going to be a smooth transition."

Cameron popped his head in behind Jax, "Should we get to the film room first?" he asked, and I laughed, "Yea, probably. Is Jesse and Dylan here?" Cameron nodded as I stood up and looked down at my shorts and SGU t-shirt. We were keeping it more relaxed around here – I didn't want to be uptight in the off-season, yet. There was no reason to wear anything but something to appear that we wanted to be a competitive basketball team. We knew we were coming in unexperienced, but we just had to lean on everything we knew – which was basketball.

I grabbed my SGU quarter zip as my phone buzzed in my pocket as I pulled it out and glanced to see a picture from Gabi. It was a picture of Saylor and Sutton in her lap with thumbs up and the biggest smiles. My heart fluttered smiling at them as her message said sending us luck for our first meeting with the team. I showed Cameron and he smirked, "Those two are so fucking cute," I laughed, "All three," I corrected, and Cameron smirked, "If I said that about your wife you would beat me up." I smirked, "Probably." I shot her a text back before we all made it to the film room as we pulled up bar stools and slowly players began to roll into the room.

Once we had all fourteen players and our two graduate assistants that were already hired prior to our start took seats around the room. My eyes surveyed each of them as they were all chatting, texting, and laughing about the summer memories they had already made. Mitchell walked into the room with Coach Hamilton. "Boys," they greeted, and they all got excited when Coach Hamilton appeared. We all took seats as Mitchell stood up first, "Boys, welcome back for another year. I know some of you have concerns with Coach Hamilton retiring and new staff coming in, but Coach Hamilton will be around this year and help mentor your new coaches."

Mitchell moved to the side, "I want to introduce you to your new coaches, after I do an introduction, we will leave you guys for a bit before meeting in the gym." The group nodded and shifted as Mitchell turned towards me as I nodded in appreciation. "Welcome back to campus, guys, my name is Troy Bolton, and I am going to be your head coach. I played minimally at South Carolina before coming a student assistant through my last few years. I quickly worked my ranks up in the high school basketball world and became the head coach. I won state with my team two years ago in one of the most competitive high school ranks. We made another run this past season and I love the game of basketball. I always have and I understand it well. I may not know the college world well, but I do know basketball really well. I know it's a scary change, but I hope we can all do it well together."

I paused as I had most of their attention before I began to introduce the rest of the guys. "I have been coaching with these four for a very long time and we all work really well together. We played basketball together and coach together. Everybody has a title, but we all work pretty much in tandem with each other and you can approach any of us for any of your needs. Trust me, we all talk enough to get what you need from any of us." I nodded as I patted Jax's shoulder.

"Jax Patterson, he is the first assistant coach," I moved next to Dylan. "Dylan Suthers is going to be assistant coach and in charge of strength and conditioning. Dylan is thoroughly trained in exercise science and nutrition. He knows his stuff and I let him coordinate my own work-out plan and meal plan." The group laughed and I felt my shoulders ease with that. "Cameron Harrington, Cameron is going to be in charge of recruiting and development. Lastly, Jesse Lewis, the big brains of the group is going to be our director of operations."

The players went around to introduce themselves, but we had done our own homework to make sure we knew each of them pretty well. "Okay, Coach Bolton wants to take some time to get to know you and them to know you. We'll meet you all in the gym." The group nodded as I popped up a PowerPoint slide as stood in the front. "I want you all to get to know us and trust us. We are here to win games but also to be a support system that you need. I want to be a competitive basketball team and I plan to make sure you all work hard, but we are doing the work we need to do but it doesn't work if you don't trust us. I know that is going to be harder since we are just meeting but I want for all of us to get to know each other."

I flipped the PowerPoint as the first picture was a family picture for me and I couldn't stop my smile, "This is my family, my wife Gabi and our two children, Sutton and Saylor, who are just a little over 18 months now. Gabi and I got married almost a year ago in October and she are just about my entire world besides basketball. You will definitely see all of them around the gym or in and out of the office. Gabi was a former dancer at Duke University and just recently opened up her own dance studio. We have a dog, a Siberian husky, and her name is Luna." I flipped to a picture of her, "If none of you are scared of dogs, she likes to run...a lot." The group laughed as I let the rest of my team introduce them and their families to the group.

"Do you have any questions for us?" I asked as I rocked on my heel once the introductions were over. Kaden raised his hand as he shifted in the seat, "How are you going to make us better? You've never coached in this level before. Yea, you won state in high school, but you are inexperienced." Kaden was a senior and this was his last year. Harder for him to transfer out if he wanted, too. "We are going to work hard, we're pros at watching film and finding weaknesses. We'll there be a learning curve? Yes, but Coach Hamilton is nice enough to hang around and make sure the transition is smooth. He didn't get fired, he just retired from the job. We want to be successful this year, so with that, we are going to work hard, and we need an open trust among this group. If you have concerns? Come to me. Talk to me. Talk to any of the assistant coaches. We want to do you all right and that starts with open communication."

The group nodded around the room, "Questions don't have to stop now, and we want to know you as much as you get to know us. We are here for basketball, school, and just life in general. We will go over more of the rules and policies to keep you on the team, but I don't believe much are changing from what Coach Hamilton had last year. Today, we are just looking to get a good work-out in and then maybe we can scrimmage on the basketball court. Coaches' vs players," I suggested and that truly got the room riled up. We released them to the locker room, and I turned to face my friends and we all pretty much exhaled together.

"That went well…right?" I questioned and they grinned, "I think it went really well." I nodded as I looked at Dylan who was heading this work-out. I was going to watch for a little bit before doing my own work-out because I couldn't wait to get home to Gabi and the kids. We all headed to the weight room as the boys were piling in and Dylan grabbed his stuff as this was his bread and butter. I was more than happy to let him charge all of this as I pulled out my phone to see another text from Gabi asking how it was going.

I stepped back and I answered, "Hey! Is it all going well?" Gabi asked and I nodded, "Yea, it's going really well. It's been a lot of fun getting to meet them and get started. We're about to start in the gym but…how is everything going on at home?" the past month of getting to be together every day was amazing. Saylor and Sutton were talking in the background, and I smiled listening to them. "Great, Noah and Sage came over for a while. The kids took a nap and now I am getting a grocery list together for my husband." I chuckled as the guys started to filter in. "I have to go but send me the list and I will stop on my way home."

"I love you, I'm proud of you."

"I love you, too. Give those babies a kiss for me."

"I will," I hung up as I stood in the back as I watched Dylan get all of them into a new work-out routine. I surveyed all of them find weight racks and get started as Mitchell came over to stand next to me. "It's going well. I know there will always be a lot of questions since you came from high school, but you have this." I nodded over at Mitchell, "I am ready to get started. I think this is going to be good." I said and Mitchell grinned, "Just be yourself here. Everybody will get on board with how great it is." I nodded as Mitchell clapped me on the back before heading out.

Once I talked with a handful of players I went to my own rack in the back, "Wait, Coach, you're going to work out with us?" I smirked as I flexed for them, "Why not? I need to get my own work-out in and I have limited time. You all keep me motivated and push me." The group laughed as Cameron joined me on the bench after a while as Dylan pretty much ran the work-out and we did our own workout. The gym was thumping with music, and I just shot Jax a grin from across the room and he grinned right back.

We were doing it.


Gabi's POV

Troy came in the house with grocery bags as Saylor caught wind of him first and then Luna. "Dada!" she went running across the hardwood and slipped. She fell and started crying as Troy couldn't stop his chuckle as he dropped the groceries and easily swooped her up. The big alligator tears ran down her face as he wiped them away, "Say, did you slip?" he asked and she nodded her head, "Yea," she whispered and wiped at her eyes and Troy kissed her cheek. "I'm sorry, baby," he kissed her cheek again as Troy glanced up at me. "Where is Sutty?"

"He went to play with Noah again."

"Say, baby, are you by yourself?" she nodded her head into his neck and Troy kissed the side of her head. "She didn't want to leave here. She cried when I tried to drop her off with them. I was going to do some stuff for Zoey's." I looked up at him and he frowned, "Go, work, I'll make dinner. I'll entertain Saylor. Go do what you need to do." I shook my head, "No, I want to hear about your day."

"We can. After you get some work done and we eat dinner. We'll go out back and have a drink together." Troy proposed. I hesitated and he shook his head, "They don't start day care for ten more days. Go." I finally just nodded my head as I went over and wrapped my arms around his waist. "I love you, thank you," he nodded as he kissed the top of my head. "Go, get work done." I nodded my head as I left as Saylor was on Troy's hip while Troy petted Luna and started in on dinner. I went to my office as I popped on my computer, and I called Jenna.

It rang three times before she answered.

"I. Miss. You."

I giggled, "I miss you, too. How is home?"

"Good. Just boring without your face every single day."

"You never saw me every single day."

We both laughed as we caught up a little bit as I did some financial stuff for Zoey's on the back end. Jenna caught me up on Willa's day to day life. "How are Sutton and Saylor? Adjusting?" I smiled, "Acting as if nothing has changed. Saylor is a little bit more clingy than normal. I think she is also getting some more teeth as well in the process." I ran my hands over my face as I sighed, "I think I am coming into town next weekend. We have a dance open house." Jenna giggled, "Dinner?"

"Yes, I am staying with my parents because they are finishing up packing their house. I am going to help while also do some stuff. I'll have the kids though so minimal will be able to get done." Jenna laughed, "Yea, you're right. I can take them for a few hours if you need."

"Maybe, only if, you are sure." Jenna laughed, "Yes, I am sure. Plus, I need to see if I can handle more than one kid." I giggled as we wrapped up our conversation. I hung up as I worked through more of the work and then I sent a message to Brea. She immediately called me. "How is it going?" I asked her as I rolled around on my chair. "Good, it's been going well. Are you still coming next weekend?"

"Yes, I sent you a list of people who are late on their fees."

"Thank you!"

"I also sent emails, is there anything else I can do today? I am going to work on calendar planning for September tomorrow. I am hopeful the twins will let me work more. Troy is home all morning."

"I think everything is okay! Do you want to teach the online dance class tomorrow?" I grinned, "Yes! I have a whole fun dance planned out."

"Perfect, thank you! I'll text you once we are done and locked up."

"Thanks!" I hung up the phone as I finished a few things before I headed upstairs. Troy was still holding Saylor as he was on the phone and cooking dinner. I laughed as I walked over, and I stole Saylor from his arms. She cried and tried to kick to get back to him and I wrapped her up in my arms. "Saylor," I murmured in her ear as I rocked her back and forth. "Do you want to go get your brother?" I murmured in her ear as she whimpered. I looked over at Troy and he nodded his head as his eyes were narrowed on Saylor. I just shrugged and I gave a tiny smile as I walked out the front door as I let Saylor hold my hand as we walked down the street.

We got to Jesse and Sage's house, and I let Saylor press the doorbell as Jesse laughed opening up the door. "Saylor! You're back!" she just buried her face into my neck. "I was downstairs for like forty-five minutes and I came back, and she was still wrapped up in Troy's arms. I think somebody liked having her daddy home all day." Sage laughed, "I bet she did." Sutton came running over and I smiled as Noah wasn't far behind. Jesse snagged him up and I couldn't stop my laugh. "Was today good?" I asked and Jesse grinned, "It was great. I think it's going to go well." I picked up Sutton as he hugged me. I put him down as he grabbed onto Saylor, and I waved good-bye to them as we walked back to the house. Troy was finishing up dinner when Sutton ran over with Saylor. "Hi sweet babies!" he scooped them both up and swung them around.

I grabbed the plates and made sure their food was cut up as Troy put them both in their highchairs. Saylor cried as he sat her down and screamed reaching for him. "Saylor, baby, I'm right here," he smoothed her hair away from her face as he clipped her in the highchair. "I think somebody missed you today." Troy shot me a look, "She's never done this before."

"She's older and spent the last six weeks with you. She loves you. She doesn't understand what's going on around her." Troy blinked as he kissed the top of her head, and she cried reaching for him again. Sutton watched his sister, and I shook my head with a laugh as I went over and grabbed their dinner as I gave each of them their plates and Troy sat next to Saylor as she had tears dripping down her face. "Saylor, baby," he brushed them off her face as she hiccupped and shook her head as she reached for him again. "Apparently, somebody is going to eat in my lap tonight."

I just gave a soft laugh as Saylor sat on Troy's lap and happily ate her dinner. Any time Troy thought about moving her off his lap she lost her mind. Those blue eyes flared up to me and I went over to kiss his head. "It's fine. She just wants you. Don't stress about it." Troy just stared at Saylor as if she had lost her mind while she was home all day with me today. "Is she going to be, okay? Will I be able to put her down tonight?" Troy asked and I couldn't stop my giggle, "Yes, she just wants to spend time with you. Give her time." I told him.

Once we wrapped up dinner, Troy took them to their bathroom for bath time and Saylor barely let her be put down. I set out PJs and grabbed their water as I picked out a story for the two of them. We got them clean, changed, and snuggled up with Troy as he read them a book and I walked out to let him put them to bed. I grabbed two beers and took Luna out to the back deck. It only took Troy fifteen minutes to join me, but he looked tired. "Hey," I handed him his beer and he smiled, "Thanks, Say was in a mood. I put her in her crib, and she just cried. I had to sit and rub her back for a few extra minutes."

"I think somebody got too used to you being home." Troy grunted as I reached over for his hand. "How was today? The guys?" I asked him and he smiled as he thought back on his day. "We all sat down and introduced ourselves and our families. We then went to the gym and did a work-out together. They really liked that I joined in on the lift session. Follow by a little scrimmage on the court. We played with them for thirty minutes before we watched them play together. It's a fun group and learning each of them is going to be a lot of fun. A challenge but a fun one." My fingers brushed through his hair, "It's going to be a good one. I know it is." His head rested against my shoulder, and he exhaled, "I am nervous that it's going to go absolutely terrible."

"You need to have faith within yourself Troy," I told him. "You are a good basketball coach. If you weren't then you wouldn't have gotten your team to state. If the coach isn't good, you can have the best players on the planet and you still can't get there. You can do these things and I know you can. You are going to show Saylor and Sutton that you are one of the best and that you are willing to try and do the big things." Those blue eyes turned towards me, and I let my thumb brush over his jaw. "I just don't want those kids at SGU to hate me."

"Troy, you are there to make them better. You can't make them all happy, and I know you didn't recruit these kids but be the coach you know how to be. Don't be somebody you aren't. Those kids will see right through it. Yea?" Troy exhaled as he took a drink of his beer. "You're right, I married a really smart wife." I couldn't stop my laugh as I kissed him softly and he let his large hand fall on my back. "That you did. Thanks for letting me get work done today."

"Remember? Both of us are doing this. We're both showing our kids what chasing dreams looks like." We shared a smile as I gave him a kiss. "Do you want to watch our show or other things?" I asked him as I rolled my body into his lap. He just gave me a grin, "Yea, I want to do other things."


Monday, August 16th, 2021

Troy's POV

Saylor and Sutton both had their little backpacks on as we were walking them into their first day of daycare. Gabi had spent the weekend in Charleston while I kept the kids. She did dance all weekend and she came back looking relaxed which only caused discomfort within myself that maybe this wasn't the right decision. She came home last night happy and spent the night with the kids before putting them to bed while I watched film over the players that I did have. "Look, Sutton, Noah is here." Gabi pointed Jesse out who was carrying Noah to the door as we walked into the door.

Today was their first day of daycare which gave Gabi an opportunity to work all day while I was at the school and the kids were at daycare. I felt like this was going to be such a nice balance for us as once I brought the twins home from school around 3:30 we could spend the rest of the day together. "Hi!" Sutton yelled towards them as I chuckled as we all walked through the door together. They were luckily in the same class as we navigated towards the toddler classroom for the one-year-olds. Saylor clung to my hand as I swiftly picked her up and she pressed her face in my neck.

She had been clingy since that day but not nearly as bad as it had been that one day. Gabi helped Sutton take his backpack off and she helped him into the room as she looked back at Saylor with a shake of her head. "Somebody is going to miss her daddy," I couldn't stop my laugh as she took her backpack off and Saylor clung to me tighter. "Say," I rubbed her back as Gabi took Sutton to the table. I tried to pry her away from my body and she cried and only clung on tighter. I shook my head as I sat down on the ground next to Sutton and Noah.

"Saylor, daddy has to go to work." I told her as I rocked her in my arms. She gripped onto my polo and my eyes connected with Gabi. "You'll probably just have to sit her down and we'll leave." I groaned as I hated doing it to her because she was going to cry and hearing her cry? I hated it. "A few more minutes." I said and Gabi just nodded as she spoke to the teacher as Gabi laughed as we had met them last week when we came for orientation to drop off everything they would need. They had an extra change of clothes here with their diapers and wipes.

"Hey, Troy, we gotta get going." Jesse said as we had an early morning meeting. I just nodded as I kissed Saylor's temple. "Alright, Saylor, girl, I will see you this afternoon." I pried her off my neck and she started sobbing before I even had her off my neck. "Dada," she reached for me, and I grimaced as Gabi pressed her hand on my back. "C'mon, she'll be okay. I'll check on her later." I just nodded as Saylor screamed bloody murder. I went to go back, and Gabi gripped my hand, "Gabi, she's never done this before."

"It's been a lot of change. She's okay," Gabi said as we walked out, and I peered back to see her teacher comforting her as she had the big alligator tears running down her face. I ran my hand over my face and through my hair. "It's easier said than done when she isn't screaming for you." Gabi paused as she let her hand rest on my chest. "It's not like she hasn't, Troy. This is because we moved, and you went back to work, and I was away this weekend. It's been a lot for her, but she is probably already done crying. We just have to leave,"

"C'mon, Bolton," Jesse clapped my back and I just nodded as my eyes tried to peer back into the room, but it was out of my line of sight. "I promise, I will call and just check on her in a little bit. I will send you a text." I just nodded as she pushed off her toes. "It sucks, I know, I love seeing you like this over her though." I scowled at her, and she just laughed as she kissed me before heading off to her car and I went to mine. Once I got to the gym and down into my office, I ran my fingers through my hair and exhaled heavily. She was okay. She was in a safe place.

Jesse leaned into my doorway, "You good?" I nodded, "Yea, I just hated it. I could have brought her." Jesse just laughed, "You would have got nothing done. She's good. She's with Noah and Sutton. It's new and different." I just nodded as Cameron, Dylan, and Jax all came rolling through. We sat down with Coach Hamilton as he gave a brief over each player and their style of playing. I asked him questions about each of them and he answered all of them. We talked about different procedures and how things were done at the college level.

It wasn't until almost 11 that we were done with our meeting, and I grabbed my phone to see a text message from Gabi.

Gabi: She's having a great day! They said she stopped crying after a few minutes and quickly started playing. She's bossing around Sutton.

She attached a picture of her playing and a smile on her face as I felt my entire body exhale. I shot back a heart to Gabi as I went to work on some practice plans. We had limited amount of time with them until September. We were doing two lifts a week with two open gyms a week that were about an hour long. I went over our schedule as Jesse had to dive in getting hotels, buses, and etc. into motion for the entire team. I walked to his office as he was on the phone as he had the contact information from the last director, and he was helping guide him through the process as he took an assistant position somewhere else.

He held up a finger and I nodded as I turned to look over towards Cameron as he was laughing while Jax sat on his desk. "Anything from me? Did you talk to the recruits?" I asked Cameron and he nodded his head, "I did. They are all still doing okay and moved into their dorm. I told them we had a meeting tomorrow morning before their classes and then another one next week to make sure they have everything they need." I nodded my head as Dylan walked in with a smoothie. "You ready for our lift session?" Dylan nodded his head, "Yes, and I have the ones planned out for the next month and conditioning."

"Good,"

My eyes glanced around our office, and I smiled, I couldn't believe we were doing this.


Gabi's POV

I walked into daycare as I knew picking up the kids early and going to see Troy at the gym would give him a lift today and hopefully get Saylor girl knowing that everything was going to be okay. The door propped open, and I walked through as I heard Sutton from here as he was giggling about something. The fact that they were 19 months old was amazing to me. I peered over the edge as Sutton spotted me first and squealed. "Mama!"

That caught Saylor's attention as she dropped her toy and came running over. "Hi babies," I picked them both up as I hugged them tightly. "Did they have a good day?" I asked and their teacher, Marley, smiled, "Yes, they did. Saylor was fine after you guys left. It might be like that for a little bit." I smiled, "I know. I have to remind my husband of that, though." Marley laughed, "It's hard to listen to them cry for you." I nodded in agreement as I packed up their bags and lunches before walking them out to the car. I buckled them in as the gym was on the other side of the campus.

It was a quick drive and I parked right next to him as I held their hands into the gym and down to the offices. It was awful quiet for the five of them and I knew they weren't here. Their assistant, Jackie, was sitting there typing and I smiled, "Hi Jackie, are the boys around?" she nodded, "They are in the gym, I believe. Do you want me to walk you?" I nodded as I wasn't sure my way around here quiet yet as she took us down a few tunnels before I heard their voice. Music was pumping through the gym as we came out to see them messing around on the court.

"Dada!" Saylor called out as she dropped her binky and Troy looked up at her tiny voice and the biggest smile grew across his face. "Say baby!" she giggled as he easily picked her up and tossed her into the air. "Oh, I hope you had the best day at school." Sutton went running over to Jax and he laughed picking him up as he handed him basketball and lifted him up high. Troy glanced up at me and I winked, "I figured you needed to see her for a moment. I wasn't sure when you were coming home. Looks like you are having more fun than anything." My eyes lingered on his chest as it was a grey shirt that was soaked with sweat.

"We were running through some plays we want to work on with them in the future." Troy admitted and I laughed as I went over, and he kissed the top of my head. He put Saylor down as she went over to play and walk around. "She had a good day?" I nodded, "She did. They said she was fine the rest of the day and took a great nap." Troy exhaled and nodded, "It was so hard, Brie," I nodded, "I know. Trust me, I would give anything to keep her home with me, but she needs to play with other kids, and I was able to get so much work done."

"You seemed really happy coming home yesterday." My eyes peered over at him, "Yea? I was happy to come home to you three."

"Was your weekend good?" I turned to face him, "Yea, I had a lot of fun this weekend but by the end middle of Sunday I was ready to come home. To here. I missed it. I missed you." Troy swallowed on his thoughts, and I wrapped my arms around his waist. He was gross and sweaty, but I could read his mind, "Troy, I am happy here. I know you are really worried, but I haven't missed it that much because I am doing stuff with it every single day. It's going well. This is going well." He exhaled and I kissed his chin. "I promise. Stop worrying."

He nodded his head and went over to talk to Sutton as Jax found me not too long after. "I am trying to get him to relax. I think he is terrified you are just going to bolt." I shook my head and rolled my eyes. "He is ridiculous. My first weekend at home in Charleston should not do that to him. I came back, right?" Jax laughed as he hugged me, "How is that little girl?"

"So good,"

"Good, I am so happy for all of us." Jax smirked and nodded, "Me, too,"


Saturday, August 21st, 2021

Gabi's POV

My parents only brought their essentials as the rest was going in a storage unit as today was move-in day for them. My parents made their room nice and comfy as they were staying until the early part of October. It was going to be nice to have an extra set of hands around here for a little bit. I rolled my lips together and I walked up behind my dad as he was playing Sutton. "All moved in?" I asked him and he nodded his head. "Yea, thank you for letting us get comfortable here before we moved into our condo." I nodded, "Of course. I am so excited to have you guys here for a little bit. The kids are going to love it."

"We promise, we are flying out to see Beth in a week and half before going to see Blaine and Lucy. We won't be in your hair too much." I shook my head, "Dad, stop fretting."

"I just love seeing your little family and I don't want to impose on it, at all."

"And you aren't. Saylor and Sutton are going to love having Nana and Papa here in the house all the time." I squeezed my dad's hand and he smiled. "Plus, we are getting a date night tonight out of the deal." My dad chuckled as we were meeting up with his friends for our date night. We were going to get a dinner together before going out to a local bar. My dad squeezed my shoulder, "I love seeing you so happy, Gabi." I looked over at him and he gave a tiny smile, "You went through a lot of hard stuff to get here today but I am happy to see that smile again. That big smile."

"I like being happy," I told him, and he just smiled as Sutton ran into my legs and I happily picked him up as he snuggled into my neck. "Hi buddy," I murmured into his ear, and he just wrapped his little arms around my neck and tugged. "I love you," I whispered as my dad smiled. "Seeing you as a mom is one of my favorite things. You're a natural." I just gave him a smile as Troy came down the stairs with his best buddy on his hip. "Saylor, how about you go see Grandpa? Daddy needs to take a shower." She whined and cried but my dad just chuckled as he took Saylor.

Troy was getting really good at the hand off and dash.

She cried for one minute after he was gone and then happily played with Sutton. My dad just chuckled, "A little dramatic that one." I rolled my eyes and my mom swept into the room and a smile on her face. "Gabi, dear, are you ready to go? I saw that husband of yours racing for the shower." I nodded as I glanced down at my tennis skirt with a cute tank top. I had a jean jacket upstairs just in case it was cold inside. "I am pretty much ready. I knew Troy was playing with Saylor so I got ready so he could quickly get ready after me."

"You guys have so much fun tonight," I gave my mom a smile as I kissed the twin's good-bye, and I thanked my parents as I went upstairs. I grabbed my things that I was going to need for tonight as Troy came down the hairs with his hair wet but with a pair of jeans and a t-shirt that framed his biceps. My eyes glanced up at him and he smirked looking over at me, "Checking me out, Mrs. Bolton?" I just nodded my head with a smile. "Damn right," Troy gave a laugh as he came over and dropped a kiss onto my mouth. "We gotta go, Jax is already texting me because we haven't left."

I just gave a laugh, "Sometimes being neighbors with all of them has a few too many draw-backs." Troy nodded in agreement as we shifted into my car and Troy started it. "Who is watching Noah?" I asked and Troy navigated down the street. "Her mom. She came down for the week. She already missed Noah."

"Is Stella coming?" Troy nodded his head as I slipped my fingers into his as it wasn't a far drive to a little dinner place. We walked inside as they already had a table and Dylan rolled his eyes, "Are you two going to be late forever?" Troy rolled his own eyes in response, "I think we get a 15-minute extension per kid." Troy demanded as we both took our seats. Jesse chuckled, "Fair. We do barely make it out of the door with one." I nodded, "It's challenging when a certain little girl won't let go of her dad." Troy grunted, "I love Saylor to the fucking moon and back, but I need her to love you that way, too."

The group laughed as we all ordered drinks and appetizers as we all caught up on everything. Josie and Dylan gave an update on their wedding planning and Lennon gave a sly look my direction as I gave her one back as she was nearly busting at the seams. "Len, everything okay?" I asked and Cameron cursed underneath of his breath. "Lennon, seriously?" she couldn't help herself. "We're pregnant!" the group busted out in cheers as Cameron couldn't stop his smile as he looked over at his wife. "Lennon, we literally found out yesterday."

"Whoa, you found out yesterday and didn't tell us?" Jax fake hurt and Cameron just shot him a look as he chuckled underneath of his breath. "We haven't even had it confirmed yet. She literally peed on the stick yesterday." We all laughed as Lennon shook her head with the most beautiful smile on her face. "It is really early, and things could still happen, I might be like four-ish weeks." Lennon said as she looked over at Cameron. "I am planning on call Gabi's doctor down here," the group swung to look at us and Troy just chuckled under his breath as he took a drink of his beer.

"You already have a doctor down here?" Sage asked and I felt my cheeks flush, "Somebody had to remove my IUD," I mumbled as I took my own drink as the group gasped, "You guys are trying for number three?" Dylan sputtered and the group laughed as I nodded, "Yes, but I promise, not pregnant yet." Troy let his hand slid down my thigh and he squeezed my knee. Troy looked at Cameron as he appeared to be thinking hard as he smirked, "An April baby, huh?" Cameron nodded with a smile, "Perfect fucking timing." We all laughed as we enjoyed dinner, and we passed Stella around the group. Stella curled up on Troy's chest at one point and I smirked, "The girls have something for you." Troy chuckled as he peered down at her.

"My niece is just comfy."

"When is the first game again?" Sage asked and Troy pulled out his phone, "November 9th,"

"How about we invite all of the families down here the weekend prior and have everybody here for the first game and a big celebration for the first college basketball coaches." Sage suggested, "A block party," we all laughed as the guys all nodded with smiles. "Yea let's do it. That would be fun to have all the families down here that could make it down here."

The chatter continued as our dinner arrived with another round of drinks in the mix. Stella ended up in her car seat and once we were all finished, we paid for our food before heading to the bar that was right across the street from here. We entered as it was a small pub, but it was definitely a fun atmosphere. We bid good-bye to Sara and Jax who wanted to take Stella home. The guys all sat at a bar stool together on the end as they were all talking as I found myself with the girls as we had ordered another round of drinks, minus Lennon, and talked about all things the house and stuff we wanted to do coming up.

"Gabi, how did Lennon know you were trying for baby number three?" Sage asked with a raised eyebrow, and I laughed, "She only knew because she asked me if I had found a doctor down here. That they were trying for a baby, and I told her that my doctor had recommended one." I said with a shrug of my shoulders and the group shook their heads, "I can't believe you are going for three," I smiled as I peeled at my beer label, "I want my kids closer in age with each other and if we get pregnant right now the kids would be two when the next one came. If it doesn't happen within a window, we'll wait till next year and try again."

"Don't want Troy missing any games?" I shook my head, "I don't need him stressed out. It's already going to be stressful with the chance of pre-term labor again, but I want him to focus on his first year of coaching and then have time to spend with baby in the off-season. Plus, three of them we are going to need many hands." The group laughed as we asked Lennon how she was feeling before moving to Sage and Josie with any life updates. Lennon had found a job that she adored down here while Josie was still searching at the moment but had a few interviews coming up.

"How is Zoey's?" Josie asked, "Good, really, really good. It's been way more successful than I thought it was going to be."

"Well, I think the passion and the need for one was helpful, but you are amazing at what you do. I know leaving it was probably hard, but I hope you still feel like it's yours," Sage said, and I gave a smile with a nod, "I wish I was there every single day but working on all the different things from here is what I would have done there. I will go up at least once a month to do stuff or any big nights that we have so I will still be involved in all the things. We start competitions this year and all of our teams are full, and I am so thrilled."

"Were last weekend try-outs?" I nodded my head, "We had a better turn out than expected, too." We all continued on as we got another round of drinks before an arm was slipping around my neck. I leaned back into my husband's chest, and I couldn't help but smile as I tilted my head back to see those blue eyes. "Hi," he murmured as he dropped a kiss to my temple. "Hi," I whispered to him, and he smiled. "What are you ladies chatting about?"

"Everything and anything." I told him as the girls nodded in agreement, "Just catching up on life. I think we all decided we need to get together one day a week at each other's houses for playdates while you boys are busy,"

"Or more often," I spoke up and the group laughed as Troy squeezed my sides. "The pool process is beginning soon." Troy spoke to the group, "It will be ready by next summer, and you all can be there every day." The group grew excited as Troy kissed my neck again. "I feel like you are trying to tell me you are ready to leave," Troy chuckled against my neck causing the vibrations to allow goosebumps to travel along my arms. "Maybe," he murmured against my skin. "Us girls are chatting; we don't get to spend as much time together as you fools do."

Troy just laughed, "We are going golfing tomorrow." I turned my head to look at him, "Find a golf course?" I asked as they hadn't been golfing since moving down here. Troy nodded his head, "Yea, we did. We found a couple, so we are going to take the next few weeks to find our favorite before buying a membership to one of them." I squeezed his hand, "Good. I'm glad you found one." He grinned before kissing my cheek and going back to the guys. "We need to find a Sunday thing." Lennon said with a pout, and I couldn't stop my laugh, "How about we do breakfast and playdates? Especially in the summer when the pool will be done."

Lennon grinned, "That sounds amazing."

"How about you all just come over tomorrow for pancakes? Since its last minute. Then they can play outside together." The group agreed as the said they had stuff they could bring over. It wasn't long before Troy was back, and the guys were pestering their own wives and fiancées. "Alright, alright," I said to Troy, and he just grinned as he pulled me by the hand. "I'll see you guys tomorrow, 7am." They all agreed, and I yelled over my shoulder, "My door will be unlocked at 8!"

Troy frowned, "What are you guys doing?"

I shrugged with a smirk, "Our own thing."

Troy gripped my hips, and he kissed my neck, "Your own thing?" I nodded my head as he made our way back to my car before he pressed me back against it. My eyes peered up at him with a smirk, "Yea, you all go golfing and we are going to have our own fun. Probably get naked together," Troy only growled before kissing me squarely. "We'll forever stop golfing," I laughed as I shook my head, "We're making breakfast together and then letting the kids play. Next year it'll just be a pool day." Troy smiled as he looked at me and I knew there was an underlying happiness that all of us got along so well with each other. That his friends could have married people who didn't get along with the other girls, but we all did get along. The appreciation on his face wasn't hard to see.

He opened my car door, and I climbed in before he got in on his side. He drove to a dark area of town, and I glanced over at him as he just smiled over at me before turning the car off and I glanced at him, "C'mon," he pushed his seat all the way back and I just rolled my eyes with a laugh. "Troy, we can go home and do this." He shook his head, "No, we can't because I can't wait any longer."

"We're five minutes from home," I said laughing and he just smiled as he waited for me patiently and I sighed as there was a thrill with doing it out not at home. The way those blue eyes were hooded with desire because he had me all to himself. I couldn't deny him as I climbed into his lap, and it wasn't long before our mouths were fused together. His large hands gripping my hips and my body pressed against him with the steering wheel behind my back. My hips rolled over his hips several times as I felt his arousal pressed into my center. "Thank you for wearing this," he said as he just pushed my underwear to the side and his fingers slid into me. "T, baby," I whimpered out as it felt so good. I closed my eyes and rode his fingers to my liking and when he pulled them out, I whined my dissatisfaction. "Troy," and he kissed me to distract me as I unzipped his jeans and worked him out of his briefs. I stroked him once, twice, and then a third time as he threw his head back against the seat. I lined us up together before I sank onto him and he cursed, "Gabi, baby, you feel so fucking good."

I squeezed him and he gripped my ass to move me, and I let him as I found his mouth, "I love you," I whispered to him as the windows started to fog over. "I love you," he groaned back as he we worked each other to the point of no return. "Troy," my voice echoed around the car as I gripped onto him tightly and he released right after. My head dropping to his shoulder as he was breathing heavy with me. "That was so fucking sexy," he said, and I couldn't stop my laugh as I peered up at him. "Can I get a repeat at home?"

Troy chuckled as he framed my face and kissed me softly, gently, and everything in between. "Yes," he whispered back to me. "Twist my arm about it."


Wednesday, August 25th, 2021

Gabi's POV

I laughed with my parents at the dinner table as we had put Saylor and Sutton down already. Troy had a few meetings tonight which was causing him too not be home yet. It was nice having my parents here this week and I was enjoying having them near me. Saylor was easing off Troy a bit this week, too. My phone buzzed on the table as I looked to see Beth trying to Facetime me. I grinned, "Look who's calling." My parents smiled as I moved to have all of us in the picture.

I slid it over as Beth's face appeared and when she saw my parents in the background, she just grinned, "Hi! It's all of my favorite people!" Colt grunted from somewhere behind her. "Seriously? I am right here." Beth just sent him a look and we all laughed as I greeted her. "Hey, Beth, good timing!"

"What are you all doing?" she asked, "Having a drink together. We just put the babies to bed." I told her and she smiled, "I miss you all. I am glad I got you all on the same phone call though," I scrunched my eyes, "Yea? Did you find some stuff for the wedding?" I asked her and she shook her head as Colt took a seat next to her. "I mean, kind of, I'll show you." It took a minute for the camera to flip and when it did, I gasped. "Beth!" I screamed as did my mom from next to me. My dad just chuckled, and I couldn't stop my wide smile.

"Bethy! You're pregnant!" the tears flooded my eyes and Beth flipped the camera back to her and Colt as she had her own tears in her eyes. "Yea, we're pregnant." I couldn't stop my tears as I stared at her, "I am so, so happy for you!" I wiped my tears away and she gave a half smile, "I wish I was there right now to hug all of you, but I couldn't not share the news. We are about 6 weeks along," she shared, and Colt was smiling at her in the background. "I am so freaking excited for you guys. There is so much to plan and get excited for!"

"Yes! I plan on coming down soon to visit all of you." She said wiping at her eyes, "That way we can celebrate properly." I nodded, "Yes, we will. Maybe I can make a long weekend up to you as well." A smile stretched over her face, and I knew that it was something that I needed to do. My mom asked her how she was feeling, and my dad told her that he was excited for them and couldn't wait to have another grandchild. Troy walked in the door as we were still talking to her, and I smiled up at him, but he frowned catching a glimpse of my face. "You, okay?" he asked, and I nodded my head.

"Yea, these were big happy tears." I said as Troy came over and saw Beth on facetime, "Hey Beth, Colt!" he greeted with a wave, and he kissed my cheek. "Why the happy tears?" he asked, and Beth smiled before pulling the positive pregnancy test towards the camera for Troy to see. "Holy shit! Congrats guys!"

Beth smiled, "Thank you, it was kind of a surprise but kind of not." Troy chuckled, "I know how that goes," I hit his shoulder and he just laughed before giving me a quick kiss. "We're due the middle of April." Troy smiled, "Right around the same time as Lennon and Cameron."

"All the babies," I said, and my eyes looked over at Troy and he just smiled knowing that we could be joining them at any time. With all the baby news I wanted to pay attention so that this baby could have friends around the same age, too. I told myself I wasn't going to stress, and I am not going, too. I had my period just last week and knowing that it was my first since we started trying nagged at me a little. We got pregnant without trying last time. I shook my head to get rid of the thoughts because it wasn't that important right now. It was just a want.

Troy squeezed my shoulders, "I am going to peek in on the kids. Beth, Colt, congrats. They are the best." Beth smiled and thanked him as he walked upstairs, and my parents bid her good night as we faced each other. Colt had to get up to tend to something and I saw a little bit of sadness on her face. "What's wrong?" I asked her. "I just wish that we all lived closer together. I hate that my baby might only see you guys 2-3 times a year." She wiped her face and took a big breath, "It's been a fight recently between Colt and I because I feel like you will miss everything. I love his parents and they are going to be amazing grandparents but there is just this nagging…feeling that they won't be you guys."

"Beth, you have such an amazing life up there." I told her and she nodded with a half-smile. "I do love it, I just think, I think I want to spend more time with you guys than random weeks here and there."

"What does Colt say?" I asked her and she sighed, "That there is never a good time to take a month to not be here." Her face was glum, and I thought about it for a few moments, "What if we rented a beach house for a month in the summer? Down in Florida or something and that way Colt can come and go as he needs but we can all be together. Troy won't probably be able to stay that long either."

Beth perked up, "That would be so much fun. We would have to do it now."

"We would, think about it, yea?" she nodded as we ended our conversation and Troy came down. "You, okay? I heard her say she wishes she was here more."

"I feel bad. I couldn't have done it without my parents."

Troy tucked a piece of hair behind my ear, "I know. We'll figure something out. I do like the idea about the beach house for the summer though. That would be fun." I looked over at him, "Even though we have the pool here?" I questioned and Troy rolled his eyes, "We're talking a couple of weeks, Gabs. Time for the kids to all play together and maybe it can be big enough for all the friends to come out. A reunion of sorts every year. My family, your family, our friends, Jenna," he said, and I smiled, "I like it and then it would greatly split the cost up."

"I'll look into it," he kissed my temple as I squeezed his hand. "Wanna watch TV?" I nodded my head, "Yea, I do."


Honestly, I'm proud I got this out. Ha! I hope you all enjoying it!

Can't wait for the next one! Hopefully we can get it out in a timley manner but I am not going to put a date. I will update my profile to when the chapter is coming when I have a better idea. My family is moving into a new house in the next couple of weeks so any free time I have is boxing things up and preparing for the move. I am hopefully that I will be able to find some free time to get the next chapter out at the normal time but no promises! Thanks for the patience!

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