Chapter 21 – Happy
Monday, October 4th, 2021
Troy's POV
"Go," I yelled as the team ran down the court as we were in the final stretch before our first home game. Scouting was starting, film was being watched, and we were coming up with our first game plan. We had a fan day coming up where we were going to scrimmage against each other and work out all of the kinks among out team. It was going well for our first year and I felt like I had respect for the most part. There were times they questioned things but for the most part everything worked out like it was supposed, too.
They finished their lap, and I blew my whistle again, "Go," I yelled as I wanted to make sure their conditioning was in top shape. You don't win basketball games with a gassed team who didn't condition. Dylan saddled next to me as we watched them run as he nodded, "I'll run them after they do their weights, too." He added and I nodded, "Good. I want to run two more drills before practice is over." I glanced at the clock as we only had about thirty minutes left of practice. "Get a drink and everybody grabbed a ball." I looked at the practice schedule and Cam hit my shoulder, "How was the first anniversary last night?" he asked, I gave a smile, "Good. We had dinner together, I bought a cake since we didn't have ours from our wedding, and we watched a movie after the kids went to bed. We had our celebration in Florida."
"I'm just glad you joined us yesterday morning for football. Noah needed to play with Saylor and Sutton." Jesse said and I chuckled, "They both took a hard nap once we got home."
"Same," Dylan spoke, and I couldn't stop my laugh as Cameron and Jax showed the next drill as I observed. I was pretty confident in who my starting five were going to be but there was still plenty of time for that to change. Practice players were sitting to the side with Jesse as I nodded as I watched as we had our weaknesses, and I knew that I had to grow with them. Once we got through that drill, I walked them through their last one before practice was ending. I nodded to each of them, "You have weights and conditioning with Dylan. Your day off is tomorrow, use it wisely." I reminded each of them as I looked at all of my players. A few of them with smirks on their faces, "Jaden, I was 20 once, too, I know exactly what you are thinking." I reminded him and he just laughed. I smiled as I wanted to in a sense be their friend, but I also had to be the adult.
"Be safe, have fun, if you come in and work hard on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday we might see about skipping Saturday to enjoy the football game." The group got rowdy, and I let my hands fall, "But you have to work hard and put in the work in the weight room and on the court, so, will be determined on Friday. Mess around too much and that won't happen." They all nodded, and I released them to the locker room as they had to go to the weight room. I looked over at Dylan, "You want me to stay?" I asked and he shook his head. "Cameron is staying to get a workout in. If you want to get your kids and go home, do it." I nodded with a smile, "Thanks, I'll work out on Wednesday and Thursday." He nodded as I wrapped up in the gym and cleaned everything up before heading to my office and sitting in the chair to see a missed call from Gabi.
I called her back as I put her on speaker and eased my door shut. "Hey, are you done with practice?" she asked in the phone, and I nodded, "I am. Why? Are you okay?" I asked her as I sat in the chair and fired up my laptop to do a few things before I left. "Yea, I just have a meeting with a parent for Zoey's and it went longer than I anticipated. I have another one in like ten minutes. I can't get the kids from daycare." She stressed and I nodded, "Yea, I am just wrapping up here. I can get them." I told her and she yawned from the other end of the phone. "Thank you, I just have been buried in work today. I never thought I would be this busy from home." I chuckled as I worked on Wednesday practice plan. "I'm glad you are busy. I am going to finish the practice plan for Wednesday and then I will go get them. Do you need me to do anything else?"
She hesitated for a second and sighed, "Can we go out to eat tonight? I don't feel like cooking and whatnot tonight." She said, "Yea, I can either pick something up for us or we can go out. I don't know how much energy we are saving by going out to eat with two toddlers or cooking at home." Gabi laughed and sighed, "You're right. I'll think about it." I nodded as we finished up our conversation as I finished our practice plan. I sent the outline to all the coaches and our advisor before shutting my laptop. Jesse leaned in and he smiled, "You off?" I nodded, "Gabs couldn't pick up the kids. Call me if any disasters strike. Do you need anything from me?" I asked as I stuffed my stuff into a backpack. "No, I have all the hotels, and everything planned out through the end of the year. Those reservations are made. The bus for the entire year is booked unless we are flying." I nodded, "Thank you, just let me know if you need anything." He nodded as he went back to his office. Cameron, Jax, and Dylan must all be at weights as I walked out.
I walked across to my car and shut the door before I drove across campus to the daycare. I jogged across the street as they closed in fifteen minutes, and I pulled the door open as I heard Sutton squeal from here. I chuckled while I peeked over to see Sutton, Saylor, and another little kid playing together. "Good evening," I smiled, "Good evening," my voice caught both of their attention, "Dada! Dada!" Saylor cried reaching for me and I couldn't stop my laugh as I opened the door and pulled both of them into a hug. "Hi babies," I kissed both of their temples and each of them clung to me.
"Did they have a good day?" I asked and she nodded, "They both did. Ate well, took a good nap, and played with their friends." I smiled, "A good day in my book. Thank you." I grabbed their lunch boxes and their little backpacks as I took them to the car. I looked over my shoulder and gave a smile. The kids waved good-bye, and I got them situated in the car. "Do you guys want to grab momma some food?" I questioned as I could run through our favorite little dinner spot. They both kicked their legs as I kissed each of them again and shut the door.
I called in a dinner for the two of us as the kids had left over stuff from lunch all week. We waited a few minutes for that to be done and then I navigated us towards home. I checked in with the boys that conditioning went well as I pulled into the garage. I unbuckled both of them as I put them on the ground, and we headed for the door. I held dinner in my hand and guided them up the stairs. I opened the door as I listened for Gabi, but I didn't hear her. "Mama?" Sutton asked looking back at me and I gave a tiny smile, "Mommy is busy. How about we get ready for dinner?" I questioned. Sutton pouted and I put the food on the counter as I swept him up in my arms and tickled him. "I know, but momma is working." I kissed his cheek and sat him in his highchair before putting Saylor in her highchair.
Luna found us as I rubbed her head and got the kids dinner out as I prepped that. I gave them a snack to tide them over. Once they were fed, I went in pursuit of my wife. I peeked in our room to see it empty before I quickly jogged down the stairs to see her office door shut. I pushed open the door quietly as Gabi lifted her head, I gave a smile, "Just wanted you to know we were home," I said quietly, and she nodded as a woman was speaking on the other end. "I have dinner," relief filled her face, and I winked before I headed back upstairs. Luna was cleaning up the floor as Saylor was giggling throwing her turkey.
"Saylor," I warned, and she just gave me a gummy smile and kicked her legs. I unboxed my dinner and it wasn't long before Gabi was joining us. "Mama!" Sutton squealed and she smiled as she went over to both of them. "Hi sweet babes," she kissed on each of them as they both tried to give her food. She laughed and I smiled watching her as I took a bite of my food. "Did they have a good day at day care?" Gabi turned to face me, and I smiled, "Yea, they did. A typical toddler day." Her eyes leveled with me, and she smiled before walking over and wrapping her arms around my waist. "Did you have a good day?" I smiled and nodded, "I did. Did you have a good day?" I asked with a smirk, and she laughed as she let her head rest on my chest.
"Yea, I am just tired today. I think Sutton waking up at three for the fun of it wrecked me." I groaned, "I forgot about that. Felt like forever ago." Gabi laughed as she pulled away, "Thank you for just picking something up." I nodded as I helped the twins finish up dinner and washed their hands before letting them go play with their toys before bath and bed. "How did your meetings go?" I asked her and she nodded, "Fine, one was a mad mom about the price increase and the other was just trying to figure out the best course of action for the future." I leaned forward as I rocked on my heels, "Do you want bath or bedtime?" I asked her and she gave a smile, "Bedtime. You can wrangle them into the bath."
"I figured you would say that. In return, want to watch a show tonight?" Gabi raised an eyebrow, "I get a reward for picking bedtime?" she questioned with a raised eyebrow, and I chuckled, "I get to choose." Gabi threw her head back as I went over and kissed on her neck. "Or we can skip the show and just…go to bed." Gabi laughed and shook her head, "You wish."
"You're right. I do wish." I deadpanned and Gabi giggled, "How about we star the new show that just dropped on Netflix that Lennon was talking about?" Gabi asked and I nodded, "We can start it." I told her and she smiled as I wrangled the two kids to the bathroom to give them a bath. I stuck them in the tub as they continued playing in their as they chatted. Gabi came in and slid back on the bathroom counter, "You want to take over?" she shook her head, "No, just want to be near you," I turned to look over at her. "We spent all day together yesterday. I mean, I'm flattered but typically you don't miss me that much."
She shot me a look, "I missed you today, plus, watching you be a dad is a turn on." She wiggled her eyebrows and I just laughed as I turned and started washing hair and bodies even though they were both happy and playing. Gabi scrolled on her fine behind me and I talked to the twins as Saylor screamed as I washed her hair and Sutton pushed at my hands. I laughed, "Buddy, we have to wash your sister's hair. Do you want to help?" Sutton helped scrub her head and I could feel her eyes on me as Saylor stopped screaming and Sutton was being helpful.
"Huh, maybe we can just stick them in here together from now on and let them bathe each other." I couldn't stop my laugh as I rinsed Saylor's hair and then we washed bodies before I let them play for a few more minutes. I sat back on my knees and smiled watching the two of them when a pair of arms slipped around my neck. Her lips pressed into my neck, and I let my hand cover her hand. Her wedding ring pushing against my palm, and I smiled with the additions next to it – I got her a ring that had two December birthstones on it to represent Saylor and Sutton. "Do you like it?" I asked letting my fingers brush over it and she gave a smile, "Yea, I do."
We gave Saylor and Sutton five more minutes before lifting them out. We each took one and dried them off, got them into a diaper, into PJs, and Gabi had them in the chair rocking them back and forth as I handed each of them milk. I kissed both of their foreheads and then I tipped Gabi's chin backwards with a smile on my face, "I love you," I murmured, and she smiled, "I love you both," I rubbed their heads before I went to clean up the bathroom and picked up dinner downstairs. I grabbed a beer for me and a glass of wine for Gabs as I turned the TV on. I checked my phone to see if there were any messages but the only one was just telling me weights went well.
My phone rang and my mom's face popped up at me, "Hey," I echoed, and she laughed, "Hi baby, I was just checking in. Feels like it's been a bit since we talked." I smiled, "It's just been a busy time." I told her as I sat on the couch. "I bet. How is the job?" she asked, "Really good. I am loving it. I am hoping that I have all of their full attention, but it could be a little rocky during game time. I don't know if they trust me yet."
"They will." My mom encouraged, "I hope so. Their old coach has been helping so I think that helps."
"How are the kids? Gabi?"
My mom and I finished catching up and Gabi came down and planted herself in my lap. She spotted her wine and took a sip as I secured her to my lap. "Ma, I am going to spend some time with Gabi before bed. I'll try and call you again later this week. Maybe a facetime with the kids."
"Oh yes please!" I smiled as I hung up and I kissed on Gabi's neck as she started the show. "Did they both go down easily?" I asked and she nodded her head. "They did. They were both tired. Just like their momma," Gabi curled into me, and I laughed as I held her close to me. I drank my beer as we watched, and I realized not too long into the show that Gabi was passed out. I smiled shaking my head as I kissed the top of her head and turned off the show for something else. ESPN popped on as it was highlights from football this past weekend. I looked at my schedule the rest of the week and looked at Gabi's schedule tomorrow. She was busy in the morning but maybe in the afternoon we could have our own day date.
I scooped her up and I carried her upstairs, I laid her in bed, and I stroked her face as she turned to face me. "Hey, you, do you want to change? Wash your face?" I asked and she shook her head before rolling over and going back to bed. I just chuckled before kissing her temple and wiggling her leggings off. I tucked her in before I went to let Luna outside one more time and locked up the house. Dylan was outside when I stepped out and I waved, "Hey neighbor," I called and he chuckled, "Hi, surprised you aren't with your wife."
"She knocked out on me." I said and Dylan smirked, "Not shocked. You are boring." I rolled my eyes with a laugh as I let Luna in, "See you tomorrow," I called, and he nodded as I went to take Luna upstairs. I changed and slipped into bed next to her as she automatically wrapped up into me. My fingers threaded through her hair, and I kissed the top of her head.
Gabi's POV
Tuesday, October 5th, 2021
Troy held my hand as we walked through the park with coffees as we were having a little afternoon date day together. Troy let me sleep in this morning and took the twins to daycare before coming back to let me know that he planned something for us this afternoon. I was appreciative of his planning as I didn't have anything this afternoon and the team had an off day. "I think we are hosting Sunday," Troy said, and I nodded, "I was thinking we could do spaghetti?" I questioned and he nodded, "Yea, that sounds good and easy."
"You know that's my everyday mission," Troy cracked a smile as I squeezed his hand gently as he found a bench and we sat down together. I sipped my coffee as it was a really nice day today. "First game is coming up, are you ready?" I asked him and he nodded his head, "I am. I just want to get this first one out of the way and I want to see them gel on the court together. You know? I want to see if they are going to listen to me during the game or not. Practices are going okay but sometimes they like to drift and start doing their own thing. I don't know if they trust me yet."
"They will," I rubbed his arm, and he gave me a smile, "I bought tickets for the entire family for Tampa. It's our first road game. I bought flights for Thursday evening. We leave that afternoon on the bus, and we'll meet you there. Our game is Saturday, but we aren't driving back until Sunday." I smiled, "Presuming that we wanted to go on that trip?" I asked him and he shot me a look, "I need you to go on that trip for me. Our first road game? I have no idea how it's going to go." I smiled as I kissed his cheek. "I love you; I was just messing with you. Florida sounds fun."
"You girls can go to the beach and what not with the kids. It'll be a fun one." I smiled as I kissed him softly. "I was between a day date at home or out and about," I giggled at his words, and I shook my head. "It hasn't been that long since we have had sex. You seem needy," I poked his gut and he laughed, "I just don't want to not take advantage of free time for the two of us. You were too tired last night." I pouted with a laugh, "I was, the wine did me in."
"You barely drank it," he tossed back at me with a laugh. I laughed and hugged him tightly and kissed him, "Fine, you need a day date at home?" I asked him and he just laughed and shook his head. "No, I have some other plans. I was between the two. Your parents are picking the kids up from day care." I told her and she raised an eyebrow, "What is this plan?" I questioned and he smirked. "For me to know and for you to find out."
He guided me to the car and we both got in as we headed out of town, I gave him a side eye and Troy just squeezed my knee. "Relax and enjoy the ride. I have dinner reservations for the two of us with a date tonight. Your parents have the kids, and we will be home tonight." I just nodded as I relaxed back as we volleyed into a conversation about the team and caught up with everything going on at Zoey's. It wasn't long before I realized we were following all the signs towards Savannah.
"Savannah?" I questioned with a smile on my face, and he nodded with a tiny smile, "Yea, I figured a dinner on the water and then a ghost tour would be fun. We need some time together and getting out of Statesboro felt right. Plus, we have some fond memories here." I laughed with a nod of my head, "Yea, we brought back more than we should have." Troy busted out laughing and nodded, "Yea, sorry, but those two are the best thing ever." Gabi smiled and nodded, "Yea, they are. I don't know where I would be without them right now." Troy picked up my hand and kissed it, "With me but our life would be different." I nodded in agreement as I was glad, I dressed in jeans with a cute t-shirt. Once we got to Savannah Troy pulled into a restaurant and we walked in.
We were seated quickly as it was a little after five and we both ordered. "Are you getting anything to drink?" Troy asked and I shook my head, "Not feeling it. I feel dehydrated." Troy nodded as he only got water as well as we looked through the menu together. I decided on my dinner as I looked out at the water and Troy stroked my palm, "Thank you," I told him and he smiled, "I just knew we needed this. We have so much going on and coming up that we need to make time for each other."
"You aren't wrong. You have the exhibition game and then your first real game,"
"The exhibition game is going to be big. I just…I just need to see them on the court and see if they listen." I squeezed his hand, "If not then you have work to do. Don't expect to just go stomping through your opponents. It's going to take work and it's going to take time. You came from high school. These kids are worried. Wouldn't you be?" Troy hesitated but nodded, "Yea, probably."
"Give them the benefit of the doubt here and just give them reasons to trust you."
"I want to do a team dinner after the exhibition. Have them all over and have dinner in a relaxed environment. Would you care?" I shook my head, "No, of course not. Can we cater?" Troy chuckled, "Or we can do something like spaghetti. I don't know how often these kids get a homecooked meal." Gabi nodded, "You will be doing it." We both laughed as this was something that we did truly need. We ordered our dinner, and those blue eyes were never off of me for very long. His hand touching me at some point of my body and when our dinner came, he just hooked his ankle around me.
We sat at dinner for a while longer and then Troy glanced at his phone before we headed to join the walking ghost tour of Savannah. I clung to his side, and we listened, but his body was revving my own body up. It was going to be a long hour drive home. I was barely paying attention to any of the ghost stories. "Hi," he whispered down to me at one point, and I laughed, "Hi, we haven't left each other."
"I know, I am just thinking…maybe we bail from this party?" he whispered into my ear, and I laughed, "Yea, let's get out of here."
Monday, October 11th, 2021
I chewed on my lip as truly nothing had set me off but one thing.
Well.
I guess two things.
I was tired all the damn time and my period was late.
It dawned on me this morning when I was having the hardest time getting out of bed to get ready for the day. I was so fucking tired and all I wanted to do was stay in bed, but I had to get the kids off to daycare and I needed to do stuff for Zoey's since I took half the day off on Friday because I needed to take a nap before the kids came home. I ran my fingers over my face as I waited for the results to pop back up on the pregnancy test. Once it popped back up, I had to figure out how to tell Troy asap because I wanted to change how I told him last time. I wanted to do something fun and cute. I wanted to be happy when I told him.
There was no panic and there was no worry this time. We wanted this and we tried for a baby. I peeked back at the test, and I held my breath as I couldn't stop the tears. I pressed my hands to my eyes as I couldn't believe it.
Pregnant
My urge was to text Troy and tell him to come home right now because I needed to tell him. I couldn't not tell him right now, but I did want to make it cute. He deserved that much from me. I owed him that much. I looked at the other two pregnancy test and both said the same thing with those little lines. I was pregnant. I shook my head with a laugh as I let my hand fall to my flat belly and smiled.
My only hope was that Troy really didn't have overachiever swimmers and there wasn't two again. Besides that, I felt good. I was shocked it wasn't the nausea that got me, but I had none. I was honestly just tired. I walked downstairs as I had to think of it, but I shook my head because I did have an idea. I needed to go to the campus. I grabbed my keys, texted Mia and Brea that I wasn't going to be working today and would work all day tomorrow instead of my half-day. I grabbed my car keys and I nibbled on my lip as I wanted to tell Troy without the kids around. This was for us. The two of us.
I shot a text to my mom as they officially moved into their condo recently and asked if she could keep the kids for a little bit this afternoon at the condo and that I would come pick them up before dinner. I drove to the campus as I would just pick them up now and take them over there if she agreed. I quickly found myself there and I went through the giftshop, and I found a onesie of Georgia Southern. I then picked up two shirts for Saylor and Sutton.
My phone buzzed and I grabbed my phone to see that my mom agreed. I told her I would drop them off in about an hour. I took my bag and prayed that Troy was at the stadium which wasn't far from here as I stashed the bag in the car before going to the daycare. It was just after nap time so hopefully they were both awake. I opened the door quietly and was greeted with the lights on. I waved to their teacher as I signed them out and collected their stuff. "Sutton is still sleeping but Saylor is playing outside." I nodded, "Thank you," she nodded as I went to see Sutton who was curled up on his cot.
I picked him up and let him rest on my shoulder as I couldn't stop the emotion of thinking about having another one of these sweet babies. I kissed his head as I went outside and Saylor spotted me immediately, "Mama! Sutty!" her teacher laughed, and I reached for her hand, "C'mon baby, mommy is going to take you to nana for a little bit." She grinned up at me and I smiled looking at her. I held her hand to the car and got them both inside and buckled in. Sutton barely woke up and she chatted in the back about whatever she felt was necessary. I grabbed them a snack from their favorite little drive through and I got a drink before going to my parent's condo.
"Hi sweetie, what did you have planned this afternoon?" I gave a half smile, "I just have some errands to run, and Troy won't be able to pick them up before the end of practice. So, I figured I would just pick them up and then drop them off here before going. I promise, we will get them before dinner so don't worry about feeding them." She nodded her head and I kissed both of them as Sutton was a little bit more awake but not much. "Bye babies, mommy will see you soon." I waved good-bye and thanked my mom as I walked out and back to the car.
I went to the outlet mall and found little basketball shoes for Saylor, Sutton, and the baby. I smiled and walked out as I drove home and prepared it before I sent Troy a text.
Gabi: Hey, what are you doing?
I chewed on my lip nervously as I wanted him to come home right now. I would have to go to his office before I could sit here. My phone buzzed on the table, and I picked it up quickly.
Troy: Getting ready to do weights with the team. Everything okay?
I felt my gut drop and I exhaled as I thought about what I could say and before I knew it – he was calling me. I answered and tried to keep my voice even. "Hi," I answered, and he exhaled, "You, okay? Do you need me to come home? I was just working out to get my work-out in." I nibbled on my lip nervously, "I would love if you could come home right now but if you need, too."
"Are you okay?" his voice was on edge, "Yes, I promise, I am perfectly fine I just have something for you, and I am half tempted to drive it up to the gym to give it to you right now." I was praying I wasn't clueing him in. "It's a late anniversary present," I fibbed. "I have been so excited to give it to you. My mom has the kids and I just…" I let it drag off and he went quiet for a minute, "I'll just take Luna for a run instead. I'll be home in thirty, okay?" I nodded, "Hey, if you can't leave them don't leave. I am just…excited." I told him.
He chuckled, "I got that. I don't need to stay. Jesse and Dylan were both already supposed to stay. I just wanted to get my work-out in." I nodded and thanked him as I couldn't relax after we got off the phone. I tracked his location and once he was close, I hid my phone as it recorded, and I paced the kitchen. Luna was watching me with curiosity, and I was so nervous but so excited. I ran my hands through my hair when Troy opened the door. Luna hopped up and she tackled him as Troy laughed, "Hi Luna girl," he rubbed her head and I grinned at him. Those blue eyes stared at me with curiosity in his face. "You are really excited," I just laughed as I went over to hug him, and I reached up to give him a kiss. I was so excited when I saw it finally came."
Troy put his backpack down and I slid the package to him, and he eyed me and unwrapped the present as I put it all in two boxes. The first box was for the twins and that would be the first one that he would open. The second box was all the baby stuff with the positive pregnancy test. He picked up the first box and unwrapped that as those eyes looked at me and then back to the box as he unwrapped it and popped it up. He grabbed the two toddler jerseys and he grinned, "These are adorable. I can't wait to see them in them." He looked at the basketball shoes and laughed, "God, these are cute."
I just nodded because I would probably cry if I spoke as he reached for the second box. "You okay over there?" he asked, and I nodded with a nervous laugh, "Yea, I am just glad you like those." I squeaked and he nearly put the present down and I shook my head, "Open it, please," he stared at me for a good few second but finally nodded his head and unwrapped it. It felt like it had taken ten years before he was pulling it open and the first thing, he grabbed was the onesie. It unfolded and those blue eyes snapped up to mine, "Brie," his voice was rough, and I swallowed, "Keep going," I encouraged as I tried to keep my tears away. He picked up the tiny baby basketball shoes and then at the bottom was the pregnancy test and he looked at me again with his own tears in his eyes. "You're pregnant?" I nodded my head, and he laughed as he got up and came over to pick me up in the worlds tightest hug.
I tangled my fingers into his hair as I held onto him, and we were both crying. He pulled back just enough to find my mouth and I held onto him in the tightest hold, "We're having another baby?" I nodded my head as I wiped away the tears and he kissed my neck and squeezed me a little tighter. "We're going to have another baby," I whispered to him, and he laughed as he pulled back to look at me. "I can't believe this. I am…I mean, I know we were trying but I just…when you called me this isn't what I was expecting."
I laughed as I wiped my face and Troy wiped a few of my tears away with me, "You should have seen my face this morning. I couldn't get myself to get out of bed again this morning and I have been so tired and sometimes I feel like I can get like that around my period, so I looked at my app and I'm like two weeks late. Which then made sense that I have been so tired recently." Troy chuckled and nodded, "Yea, that does make a lot more sense, but you also have been busy. I didn't even think about it twice. No nausea or anything?" I shook my head, "No, none at all."
Troy framed my face with his two hands, and he kissed me – hard and deep. I felt it in my toes, and I held onto him so tightly. "I'm the happiest man alive," he whispered, and I couldn't stop my laugh as I just hugged him afterwards. My head resting on his shoulder, and he pulled my hair away gently as he laughed, "My god, hopefully it's not twins." We both just laughed together this time and I shook my head, "I really fucking hope not. If so, this is it." Troy chuckled as he let his hand fall to my belly and he shook his head, "I can't believe it."
"Hopefully this isn't too much if a distraction for your season. I know you worry about me pregnant." He smiled, "I do but I think we can handle just about anything. Just that open communication," I nodded as I let my head rest on his shoulder. "I can't believe this," Troy said a little stunned and I couldn't help but laugh. "I think I want to wait a little bit to tell people." I told him. Troy blinked but nodded, "I want to at least go to the doctor and confirm everything. I know you want to tell your friends, but I just need a minute." Troy easily picked me up and put me on the counter and nodded his head, "I understand. I didn't leave them in a panic this time. I just told them I had to leave and do some stuff." I wrapped my arms around his waist, "We don't have to wait until the whole 12 weeks but let's get it confirmed and everything this time around."
Troy tucked a piece of hair behind my ear, "Are you nervous about it?" he asked, and I shook my head back and forth. "No, I am not nervous per say. I just partially think I want to keep this between us for a little bit. Our little secret and everybody is going to ask if it's twins, and I just think I want to announce it and confirm it's only one baby. I have zero reasons to be nervous and I would want them in my corner if we did have a miscarriage or anything." He kissed my forehead and I smiled, "How do you want to celebrate tonight?" I asked letting my chin rest on his chest and he grinned, "How about we go out to dinner with the babes and then we come home, put them to bed, and…I don't know. I want to be with you." We just gave a smile to each other, and he kissed me again.
"I love you and I am so fucking excited to do this with you again."
Troy's POV
Tuesday, October 12th, 2021
I was on my side facing her and I don't think the smile has wiped off my face since I pulled the onesie out of the box. I was confused at first but then I saw the shoes and it hit me immediately. She was pregnant – with a baby. Our baby. I can't stop smiling just thinking about it and she tucked up on her side. I wanted to pushed her onto her back and have my way with her like I did last night but she had been tired. I figured I could get up with the babes and take them to daycare. She told me she was going to call her OB and make an appointment so that way we had something set and stone. She was figuring that she was probably around six-ish weeks.
That put us back towards our anniversary vacation.
I chuckled under my breath because I seemed to only be able to get her pregnant on vacation. I snapped a picture of her mostly just for documentation purpose of the past twenty-four hours. It was going to be fun because she wasn't that far behind Lennon and her sister. Maybe a handful of weeks behind them. All the kids would get to grow up together and that was so much fun to me. I rolled onto my back, and I sat up as I quietly got out of bed. I went into the bathroom as I flipped the shower on and brushed my teeth before stripping and getting in.
It wasn't long before a pair of arms snaked around my waist, "I was leaving you to sleep," I told her as I squeezed her forearm. "I have to get out of bed, or I will never get out of bed. I need to work all day today to make up for the past two days that I haven't gotten much work at all done." She told me with sleepiness laced into her voice. I forgot how tired she was with the twins, but I was so thankful she wasn't experiencing morning sickness…yet. I was getting ready to tell her to take it easy when she pulled back and ran her hands down my back. "And don't get all macho husband on me now and tell me that I need to take it easy because I have a baby growing inside of me."
My laughed echoed out before I could even stop it, "But I do need you to take care of you – regardless. If you need rest, rest." I told her and I turned around to cup her face and I dropped a kiss to her mouth. She let her hand press against my chest, and I lifted her up in my arms and pressed her back against the shower wall. "This is one way to wake me up," she said as her lips drifted down my neck and I pressed into her, "We don't have much time," I told her as the kids were going to wake up soon and that would kill all the moods in the room.
"Are you prepared that three of them might just ruin this time together?" I chuckled as I kissed her into silence because I wasn't thinking about that right now. It was right about then that the baby monitor screeched with one of them crying. Gabi sighed and threw her head back as I counted to five before I gently put her down. "You finish showering. I will go and get whichever one that is." I told her as I kissed her cheek. I was mostly done with my shower anyways as Gabi was trying to catch her breath. "Don't scare the kids," she said nudging her head. I just shot her a look as I toweled off and tied it around my waist before heading to their room.
Sutton was standing up as Saylor was the one crying. Sutton rubbed his eyes as I went to Saylor first as she had the big crocodile tears. "Baby girl, what happened?" I murmured as she pressed her face into my neck. I rocked her gently as she felt warm, and I frowned as she clung to me. "C'mon baby," I took her to the bathroom as Sutton protested from the crib. "Hang on, Sutty." I sat Saylor on the counter, but she only cried and tried to climb back up my body. "Say, hang on baby," I brushed her hair away from her face as she was snotty and coughed into my shoulder.
I took her temperature, and it popped back over 102. I groaned as I picked her up and she buried her face against me again. "Let's go see, mama," I told her as I took her into the bedroom where Gabi was getting out of the shower. "Oh no, baby girl what's wrong?" Gabi asked as she clung to me tighter, "Somebody isn't feeling well. Her temp is 102." Gabi groaned but reached to brush her hair away. "I'm sorry, baby,"
Sutton began to whine in the monitor, and I tried to put Saylor down, but she only cried. "Okay, okay, but daddy needs to get dressed." I told her and she shook her head and Gabi laughed. "Let me get him, I'll get dressed, and then we will figure out today because I need to get work done." I nodded as today was our off day again so I could probably mostly work from home today and take care of Saylor. I put Saylor down for a moment as she screamed but I quickly got dressed in a pair of joggers with a t-shirt as I picked her back up. "Okay, okay," I bounced her gently and she clamped down on my shirt. I grabbed my phone, and I made my first phone call to Jax.
"Hey, oh shit. It sounds like you are having fun. What's wrong?" I juggled her in my arms, "She's sick. I am going to work from home today. If anybody needs me that just need to call me here. I'll have Jackie forward any phone calls to my phone. If the players come, looking for me just tell them to call me. I will work on film and practice plans with Saylor in my lap apparently." Jax laughed, "Yea, you got it. I was going to help Jesse today. Dylan was going to work on workouts for each of them. Cameron was going to man the office for the most part."
"Sounds good, just text me or call. My phone will be on all day. Gabi and I will both be working from home. I am assuming as long as Sutton is feeling fine, he is going to daycare. Saylor has dug her claws in and that is enough for me." Jax just laughed a little bit, "You got it, take care of our little girl." I thanked him as I shot off a similar text message. I then laid back in bed as Gabi joined me with Sutton. She went to change and then sat in the bed, "What are we going to do?" she asked, and I gave a half smile, "I told the guys I was working from home. You need to get your work done. I can hold her until she wants to be let go. I just need to get on my laptop at some point. I have to take phone calls."
"You said you would work from here?" I nodded my head, "I did. I can work one day from here and the world won't end. It's our off day anyways." I told her and she gave a tiny smile, "You always say you are busier on your off days." I chuckled, "Yea, but I can work from here today. Unless something crazy pops up we will figure it out." I kissed the side of her head, "Is Sutton good to go to daycare?" I asked her and she nodded, "No fever. No signs of illness. I will take him since it doesn't appear she is unclinging from you any time soon." We both laughed as I shook my head with a tiny laugh.
"Are we sure we can do three?" I asked her and she tossed her head back in a laugh, "I told you sex is going to be hard to come by," she taunted, and I shook my head with a laugh as she got up. Yea, she probably wasn't wrong.
Monday, October 25th, 2021
8 weeks pregnant
Gabi's POV
I waited anxiously in the doctor's office and Troy let his hand run down my leg, "Brie, relax," Troy whispered, and I sighed heavily and looked over at him, "I am nervous. What if it is twins again?" I asked him and I bit down on my lip, and he chuckled, "Then we will handle it just like we did last time. You don't seem to have any of the same symptoms as last time." I nodded because it was true. It had been a lot of fun that Troy and I were the only ones that knew about the baby. It was nice to just…have a little secret between the two of us.
Troy's first game was right around the corner. They had an exhibition game on Friday and then the first true game was November 9th. I couldn't wait to watch him work with his team. "Gabi Bolton?" my name was called, and I gripped Troy's hand as he held it tightly back as they took me back for blood work. "We are going to do your ultrasound first and then we will have you pee in a cup," I nodded as I stripped out of my clothes after the bloodwork and waited for the ultrasound tech. The nerves swirled in my belly and Troy must have seen it on my face because he rubbed my forehead with his thumb.
"Relax, baby," he whispered, and I just stared at him. "What did you tell the guys?" I asked him to try and get my mind off of this. Troy chuckled, "I told them that I just had to do some stuff at home and would be in later." I twisted my head to face them, "Do you want to tell them together?" I asked him and he smiled, "Yea, I do. I didn't get to tell them with you last time. I want to tell them together. Soon?" I nodded, "Yea, maybe at our next friend dinner? We can call and tell your mom and dad."
"They will all be here for our first game." Troy mentioned and I hesitated, "Do we want to wait to tell your family that long? I would feel guilty telling my family way before we told your family." Troy shrugged his shoulders, "I think I would rather just tell them in person. As long as we don't share it on social media and make it explicitly told to not put it on social media – I would like to tell my mom and dad in person." I nodded my head as I ran my fingers through his hair. "We can wait until then to tell anybody if you want. I am okay with that. It's been nice to just have this little thing between the two of us."
He pressed his lips together as he pulled out his cell phone and he looked at the calendar. "They are coming in on Saturday. We could tell everybody that night together." Troy said and I nodded my head, "Sounds like a plan to me. I would be about 10 weeks pregnant, and it would be a good time. As long as you are good not telling your friends."
"I made it this long. I can wait a little bit longer." I gave a smile as the door popped open and the sonographer walked in. "Gabi?" I nodded as she explained what she was going to do, and I agreed as Troy let our fingers clasp together. "We really have just one big question," Troy started, and the sonographer laughed, "It's one of two things. The gender or multiples." I laughed, "We have twins. I just think we would like to have one this time." She laughed as she got situated and it wasn't long before the picture popped up on the screen. "Good news," she said with a smile, "Just one sac and one baby." She winked over at us, and I felt Troy visibly exhale behind me. I couldn't stop my laugh as she pointed out our baby and I couldn't stop the tears in my eyes. It was such a different experience this time and I loved it so much.
"And here is the heartbeat," she said as it flickered in the room. The tears overflowed at that point and Troy squeezed my hand tightly as he kissed my temple. "Everything is measuring really well. I will have the doctor come in and she will go over everything." Troy thanked her as he recorded the heartbeat on his phone, and she printed pictures for us before letting me use the restroom and getting dressed before Dr. Johnson walked through. "I can't believe there is a baby in there," Troy said, and I couldn't stop a laugh as the door opened.
"Gabi, you are pregnant!" she cheered, and I laughed as I wiped away the last of the tears, "You are measuring right at eight weeks which tracks with your period. Congrats! We are going to pin your due date around June 10th." I nodded with a big smile on my face, "Dr. Johnson, this is my husband Troy who is probably the most relieved that there is only one child in there." She laughed, "The dads always are but you are probably going to have a way easier pregnancy than last time. Or at least you will overall feel better." I nodded, "I already do. I have no morning sickness; I am just really tired and have some headaches every now and then."
"Amazing. I am so happy for you, and we will keep such a close eye on any signs of early labor, but I am highly suspicious of your last early labor was because there was two of them, but we will monitor closely, okay?" I nodded as we went over some other instructions and what not and she congratulated us again before telling us to make our next set of appointments. I thanked her before she headed out and I stood up but the moment my feet hit the floor I was scooped up into his arms. I squeaked with a laugh, and he kissed me hard and deep. "I love you so damn much," I smiled as I squeezed him.
"I love you; I can't wait to do this journey with you again."
I'm back! I am so happy to be back! It was a long while before I was able to type but I am hoping we are going to be on a consistent basis but no promises! I am going back to school + working full time but I do love writing these stories still so I am going to try and keep up! I promise! Enjoy this chapter! Can't wait to share more!
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Next Update: November 5th
