Chapter 23 – On the Road
Saturday, November 13th, 2021
11 Weeks Pregnant
Tampa Bay, FL
Gabi's POV
"Sutton, smile at mommy!" the beach was quiet as we were in Tampa Bay with the basketball team but us girls got up early this morning to take the kids to the beach for a little bit. The game was at 4pm and that gave enough time for everything before we were driving home. He grinned at me as I couldn't believe he was going to turn two just next month. Lennon smiled as her own hand landed on her belly that was truly still non-existent, but I knew that feeling of just wanting to feel close. Beth was coming down next week to hang out with us as Troy was going on a weekend trip and I needed to go to Charleston to do some stuff, so we were heading back there for the weekend together.
Noah ran around with Saylor as they chased each other, and I wish Troy could have joined us this morning and I knew he felt the same way, but they had a big basketball game today. The season was truly in full swing, and I already barely saw him. He was breathing this basketball team and I think he was mostly because he wanted this year to just be successful. He wanted to win games and prove that he could be a college basketball coach. A lot of the town was talking about how maybe he wasn't the right choice, and I knew he wanted to prove all of them wrong.
Josie was holding Stella while Sara kept staring at her baby with wonder in her eyes, "Gabi, what time should we head back?" Sage asked and I shrugged, "I don't care. They just need to take a nap before we leave or else, we will all be paying for it." She nodded in agreement with Noah as I intercepted Saylor as she loved running on the beach. "Hi baby girl," she pushed on me, and I just laughed as she wanted down. "Mama!" she screeched and cried pushing away from me as I laughed and let her down. She took off running again and Sutton joined her this time.
"Any inklings on a boy or girl?" Sara asked and I shook my head, "No. I haven't honestly thought about it too much. Those two and the dance studio keep me so busy." I said with a half laugh. "Most days I am forgetting I am pregnant besides being overly tired." Lennon grumbled, "Lucky," I laughed, "I was sicker than a dog with these two babies. I am getting my redemption pregnancy." I told her and she laughed, "You were so sick. I am glad you are getting one and I am praying that mine is going to subside soon." I squeezed her arm as we all chatted and carried along.
We stayed for another hour before we started to pack up and head back to the hotel. We got a late check-out, and I was thankful. I held their hands as we walked into the hotel as they only ever wanted to walk by themselves these days. "Who is that?" Troy's voice carried over the lobby and both of the kids squealed as they took off after him. Troy crouched down to greet both of them and hugged them to his chest. He picked both of them up as he tipped them upside down to cause giggles to erupt from their mouth. "Daddy!" Saylor said with a giggle, and he smiled kissing both of their heads.
"I figured you would be leaving soon." I told him and he smiled, "We are. It was by chance we crossed paths here." The team was filtering out of the hotel and towards the bus as he kissed on both the kids one more time before putting them down. He grinned at me with a smile as he pulled me into his body. His mouth found mine without hesitation and I think this might be his new favorite part about coaching college – he didn't have to keep PDA to a minimum. "Good luck," I told him tugging on his quarter-zip they were wearing with slacks. He smirked against my mouth, "Do I get a prize for winning?" I just laughed, "Yea, a third baby." I pushed him and he just chuckled, "Love you, Brie."
"Love you, Troy. I'll see you after the game." He nodded with a smile as he followed the last of his players out the door as Saylor tried to follow him. She ran with her little legs, "Dada! Dada!" she screeched as I bent over to pick her up and she cried reaching for him. He thankfully, never turned around, but I saw the flinch as he wanted too. It would only make it worse if he did. I carried her upstairs as she cried. "I want dada," she whimpered, and I laughed, "Is mommy, okay? We will see dada after his game." She sniffled and nodded her head for only a moment. I changed both of their diapers and laid them down on the bed as I turned on the sound machine and laid between the two of them.
Sutton let his head rest on my shoulder while Saylor curled into my side as they both easily drifted off to sleep. I laid with them for a little bit longer before I got up and got ready for the game. I put on a t-shirt and a crewneck shirt that I had bought at the gift shop with a pair of jeans. I slipped on some cute sneakers before doing my hair and make-up. I grabbed the twins' outfits and wanted to put them in the shower before we went to the game because they were going straight in the car after the game. We were changing into PJs, and they were going to their cribs when we got home.
I wasn't sure how I was getting home because I was already exhausted but per normal – I would figure it out. I ran the bath water and double checked on our leaving time as the girls agreed. I quietly undressed both kids and in the process both of them woke up but groggy. "I know babies, do you want to take a bath?" I carried each of them in there before stripping off their diapers and putting each of them in water. They napped for roughly an hour and half. It was a decent nap and hopefully they would just sleep the entire drive home.
They both played in the water as I couldn't stop watching and smiling at them. I took a video of them and then let my own hand wonder over my stomach before resting it there. I saved the video and then sent it to Troy because there was just something about knowing that we were blessed enough to know we will have three of them. That all my babies were in one room. Troy shot back a heart to the message with his own message.
Troy: My entire world.
I just smiled as I blinked away the tears and wiped the few that dripped away because he wasn't wrong. Him and the kids were my entire world and thinking back to four years ago – I never would have thought that. That one person or tiny people could become my entire world. I sighed as I washed both of the kids and got through there crying of washing their hair before pulling them out. It wasn't long before I had them dressed and all of the stuff in the car and them in their car seats. The girls were all checking out as I had them helping as I watched Noah and the twins.
I waved to Noah, and he grinned holding his toy in his hand. The girls all came back as we got into our cars and headed out. Lennon rode with Sara as she was helping with Stella. Sage and I didn't have cars big enough to hold all of us so Josie rode with me down and was going to ride with Sage back. I was already yawning as we got in, got our tickets from the will call and then made our way to our seats. Troy was watching his team warm-up and as if he sensed us, he looked up with a smile on his face. I waved and I pointed him out to Sutton as he waved towards Troy. Troy only grinned as he blew him a kiss as Sutton squealed. Troy chuckled before paying attention to whatever Dylan was telling him. The kids balanced on my legs as I entertained both of them as the introductions started.
My stomach somersaulted and I wondered if that feeling was ever going to go away when I was getting ready to watch Troy coach. "Sage, how was he in college?" I asked and Sage smiled with a look, "Playing?" I nodded my head, "Good, probably not the best especially at South Carolina but he was good. They showed me clips of them playing in high school and Troy was probably the most talented of the bunch." I smiled looking at him as they were doing their final huddle. "I wish I could just watch him one time in an actual game."
The girls around agreed, and I looked at him sit on his chair and laugh at something one of his players said. "Dada!" Saylor pointed and I smiled, "Yup, that's dada. He's coaching basketball." Saylor peered at me, "Baskeball?" she asked, and I smiled with a nod, "Basketball," I repeated back to her. She giggled and clapped. I kissed their heads and watched my husband work.
Troy's POV
I smiled because we won two games in a row. I won at least two games this year. It lifted a tiny weight from my shoulder. The guys were showering and getting ready to board the bus back home as I walked out to find my family. I heard Saylor and Sutton before I saw them and when I turned the corner, I stopped dead in my tracks. Gabi looked utterly exhausted. Saylor and Sutton were running in circles, and she was mostly just watching them with her eyes half closed. I knew she didn't sleep well last night but I figured it was just the bad bed. I snuck up behind her and wrapped my arms around her neck to pull her back against my chest. Her hand grabbed my wrist, and she turned in my hold before resting her head against my chest.
"Good win," she told me, and I smiled kissing the top of her head as she snuggled into my sweatshirt that I changed into. "Thank you, are you feeling, okay?" I asked and she didn't say anything which only alarmed all of my bells inside of my head. "Brie?" I asked against as Saylor turned around and caught sight of me. "Dada! Baskeball!" she screeched, and I smiled watching her. I didn't want to let go of Gabi, but I had to as Saylor barreled into my legs. "Did you watch baskeball?" I repeated her words back to her and she just giggled and nodded as rubbed her face into my shirt. Sutton wasn't far behind as I hugged both of them before sending them towards Dylan. I stood back up and I framed Gabi's face with my hands, and she just gave a faint smile, "I am already tired and driving home sounds miserable."
"If you are tired there is no reason for you to be driving home," I told her and she shrugged, "Somebody has to drive home. I'll be okay. I'll go get a coffee before we hit the road." I frowned and shook my head, "Gabi," she just laughed, "Troy, we don't have a lot of options. We'll figure it out." She pushed onto her tiptoes and kissed my chin before going to wrangle our kids. I turned around and found Cameron and Jesse. "Do you guys' care if I drive Gabi home? She looks like she is about to fall over, and I don't want her falling asleep for a lot of reasons." I ran my hands through my hair as Jesse nodded, "Of course, we'll just communicate stops and everything. You'll be right behind us." I agreed as I went to address the team. Might as well fess up now.
Pushing the door open I poked my head inside, "Boys," I called as the music stopped and we already did our big speech. "Bus leaves in 15 minutes but I am going to drive my wife and kids home. I'll be right behind the bus, and we'll all stop for dinner together. My wife is almost 12 weeks pregnant, and those two little babies out there exhaust her. I just need to make sure she is getting home safely – is everyone okay with that?" the group laughed and smiled congratulating me and my eyes swung over towards Kaden as he swallowed as our eyes connected. We hadn't talked much since his confession, but I also didn't want to push him. He tipped his head down as I left the locker room as the girls were loading up the cars.
I jogged to help Gabi as I ran by and picked up Sutton as he squealed with laughter. "Dada!" I kissed on his neck and Gabi smiled watching us as she still had Saylor's hand. "You scared me," she told me with a look, and I just laughed, "I'm sorry, it was a good opportunity. Also, give me the keys," I said wiggling my fingers and she just glared at me, 'Troy, what are you going to do have a tow truck get us home?" I laughed, "No, I am going to drive. I talked to the guys and then the team. I need you getting home safely. I need all three of my babies making it home safely." I told her softly and her own face softened as I buckled in Sutton.
Gabi fastened in Saylor before meeting me at the back of the car to load up all of their stuff, "You don't have too, Troy." I looked over at her, "Remember my text message earlier? You are my world. Those kids are my world, and I don't want to lose any of them. I can see how tired you are, and I know you didn't sleep well last night," her cheeks flushed, and I smiled, "Plus, chasing them around all day isn't easy on me and you are pregnant," I reminded her as if she needed the reminder. I kissed the top of her head as the guys all started to board the bus. "I just need to grab the last of my stuff and then we are heading out. We're going to drive about two hours before grabbing some dinner to help break up the drive."
"Thank you, Troy." I just kissed her again as I communicated the plan with everybody, grabbed my bags, and headed for our car. I got on the bus to do a count and make sure nobody needed anything. "We're good, Troy. We'll call if we need anything." I nodded as I got off and into our car as Gabi was in the passenger seat scrolling on her phone as the twins had snacks in the back with their PJs on. "Ready?" I asked and she nodded her head, "Yea, I am. I'm sorry if I fall asleep," I hooked our fingers together, "You can fall asleep." I told her. "We are going to stop for dinner in a bit,"
She nodded, "Just wake me up, I don't know if the twins are going to make it." Troy chuckled, "Probably not. I don't think you are going to make it either." I shot her a smile, and she looked over at me, "This reminds me of the time that we drove to Hilton Head together, but we have a few extra people in the car." We both just smiled at each other, "Yea, this is better." We got on the road, and I traveled behind the bus. Gabi and the kids both fell asleep, and I called Jax. "Hey, how is the bus?" I asked him and he chuckled, "Most of them are passed out." I looked over at Gabi, "Do we want too just pulled into a stop with a couple of fast-food places? Gabi and the kids are asleep. If half of the bus is asleep, they can wake up or not."
Jax communicated back to the guys, and we all agreed to stop at a strip of a few fast-food places. Next time – we were ordering pizza for the bus. I got out of the car as I didn't want to wake any of them as Jesse was passing out money to each of the players who were heading in a few different directions. The girls all followed into the parking lot as it appeared Noah was sleeping as well. Sara got Stella out to eat and this was well timed. I grabbed some food for myself, and I peeked back in at Gabi who was knocked out. "If she wakes up then I will text you if she wants food. You guys can go ahead, and I'll catch up."
Jax laughed, "You would be able to catch up. I swear time moves so slow in that thing." I couldn't stop my laugh, "I know. Following it might be torture." Cameron chuckled as we ate our food as the kids got back on the bus. I nodded as I followed and waved to the girls. I got back into the car and looked over at Gabi who was curled up. My eyes peered in the back to see both kids asleep and I smiled, the rest of the drive went by painful slow but once we pulled up to the university I got out as Gabi stirred. I cursed as she sat up rubbing her eyes. "Are we back already?" she asked stretching and I nodded, "Yea, we are. I am going to make sure the guys get everything off the bus." She nodded as she rubbed her face. "Did the kids sleep the entire way, too?" I nodded my head. "Yea, they did. You both did. We stopped to grab food at some fast-food place."
Gabi let her eyes look back towards the car seats and smiled, "I am a little hungry." I smiled, "Let me go check in with them and then I will be back."
"Wait, isn't your car here?" she asked me, and I hesitated and nodded, "It is,"
"Drive home. I can get us home from there." I glanced at her, and she just smiled, "I slept for like four hours. I promise. I am good. I can get us home from here. Go finish with your team and get your car home." I finally nodded my head, "Okay, are you sure?" Gabi nodded once more. "I am going to grab food for myself and pray that I can transfer the kids to their beds without waking them, but I highly doubt that. Tomorrow might be a mess of a day for them." I just chuckled as I leaned over to get a kiss. "Text me when you get home." She nodded in agreement as I shut the door and headed inside with my backpack.
The guys were unloading the bus with the managers as I pitched in to help. "Gabi head back?" I nodded, "She woke up as we pulled in. Thanks for letting me drive her home," I told them, and Cameron laughed, "Clearly she needed it." I only nodded in agreement because she did need it. It didn't take long to get everything unloaded and made sure all the guys made it back to their cars and dorms. I waved to my best friends as tomorrow we had to start preparing for the next game. Dylan clipped film but we needed to have our game plan set in place before practice tomorrow.
I drove home as I was tired myself, but I couldn't wait to see Luna and snuggle up with Gabi. I pulled into the garage next to Gabi's car as she appeared to just have gotten home herself. I shut my door and looked in the back to see Saylor still in her seat sleeping. "Did Sutton stay asleep?" I asked and she nodded her head. I put my backpack down and reached in to unbuckle her seatbelt. It came unclipped and I gently pulled her out of it. She opened her eyes for a brief moment, but I rubbed her back and she really didn't stir. Gabi opened the door for me as Luna must still be locked up as I easily navigated to the nursery for them as I laid her down. She tried to clutch onto me, but I untangled her fingers before giving her a blanket and kissing her forehead.
Sutton was all curled up too and I couldn't stop my smile.
I went and found Gabi eating at the counter as I kissed her cheek, "Thanks for coming this weekend, I know it was a long one." Gabi just gave a tiny smile, "I wouldn't have missed it for the world."
Friday, November 19th, 2021
Gabi's POV
Charleston, SC
12 Weeks Pregnant
Saylor and Sutton were running around Zoey's as we had just gotten here this afternoon and I had jumped right into work. I was teaching a few classes this weekend before heading home on Sunday as Troy was on the road all weekend with the basketball team. I opted to come home this time mostly because I needed to make a trip back here. I told Mia, Dana, and Brea that I was pregnant and that my teaching capabilities would be ending soon – at least good teaching capabilities. They were all so excited for us and I hugged each of them but threw myself back into work.
Laura and Tommy were thrilled to have the kids for a few days while I caught up on life here. We planned to stream Troy's game tomorrow with his family. I was even going to sneak in baby Maverick snuggles. I lead my class through the routine that they were going to take to a competition that I had been working on at home. Brea and I had been working on it for the last few weeks together and we finally had it down to teach them. It was an all-evening activity and then we would hit it again tomorrow. I stopped as I was sweating profusely as we were nearing the end.
"Good job ladies!" I said as we ran through it one more time and I smiled watching them. I helped with a few different things before I let them go. I collapsed into a chair as I was tired. "Mama!" Saylor climbed up on my lap and I kissed on her cheek. "Are you ready to go see Grandma Laura and Grandpa Tommy?" I asked her as I tucked hair behind her ear. She nodded her head, "Dada?" I smiled, "He's with the basketball team. Do you want to see if he can be on mama's phone?" she nodded her head quickly as I picked up my phone as Brea and Dana were wrapping up the plans for next week with the girls.
I saw they were at the team hotel, and I gave it a chance as everybody began to pack their bags. It rang a few times before those handsome blue eyes came across my screen. "Dada!" It didn't take long for Sutton to climb my lap as well and Troy grinned, "Hi babies!" Troy waved and blew kisses to them as they both giggled. "Hi Gabs," I smiled, "Hi, how was the road trip?" he nodded, "Good. How was your drive? Were they good?" I nodded, "They were great. Slept most of the way and then ran around here while I taught." Troy smiled, "You look sweaty, work hard?" he wiggled his eyebrows, and I just shot him a look. He laughed in return.
"Dada, wook!" Sutton showed him the page he was coloring. "Good job, Sutton," Troy said. "It looks so good!" I smiled watching him interact with them. "Mine!" Saylor tried to grab something from Sutton, and I gently pried it from her hands. "No, baby, Sutton had it first." I told her and she cried and got angry. Troy made eye contact with me, and I just rolled my own eyes as I let Sutton down. "I am going to get them ready to go. I think they are both ready for bed." I saw that flicker of guilt cross his face as Saylor pushed on me and cries, "I wann-it," she cried with big angry alligator tears rolling down her face. "I know baby, but your brother had it first. Do you want this?" I offered her a crayon and she shook her head. Troy sighed, "I'm sorry, Brie." I shook my head, "I'll call you in a bit," he just nodded as I hung up. I sat her down as she cried while I gathered their things up.
"Sorry," I said to Mia as she was trying to do some stuff and she shook her head, "Don't apologize. Can I help?" I looked around and shook my head, "I am just going to head out. Do you need me to do anything else tonight? I will be back and open tomorrow morning." Mia smiled with a shake of her head. "No, you're good. I'll make sure to lock up." I thanked her as I scooped up both kids and I headed for my car. I tucked both of them in the back of the car and buckled each of them in. Saylor was still whining and crying, and Sutton was just staring at her.
I kissed her forehead as I wiped away her tears, "I'm sorry you wanted your brother's toy, but you can't have it. We are going to go home and take a bath and go to bed, okay?" she hiccupped as I kissed her cheek and then went over to Sutton as I kissed on him before shutting the door. It was a short drive to Troy's parents place before pulling up. I parked as I was exhausted but I had to get them to bed, and I knew Laura was going to make me eat. Macken came skipping out of the house and I raised a single eyebrow when my phone buzzed.
I picked it up to see a text from Troy.
Troy: Let them help. Please.
I sighed as I knew he felt bad and I unlocked the door as Macken went to Saylor's side, "Your brother called?" I asked getting out and she just laughed, "Yea, said Saylor was having a moment." I just nodded as she was still teary-eyed but was happy to be with Macken. "My mom has some dinner for them if they are hungry." I nodded, "They probably are." I grabbed Sutton who wanted to walk, and he chased after Macken as Luna was already here. Luna licked Sutton's face clean which caused him to laugh as Saylor wouldn't let go of Macken.
Laura grabbed me into a tight hug, "You doing, okay?" she asked me, and I nodded my head, "Yea, I am just tired. These babies are exhausting, and this baby is taking all of my energy." I said letting my hand fall to my belly and she just smiled at the thought of it. "I bet. Do you want to go get ready for bed? Macken and I can tackle these two and get them in bed. I know you are getting up early tomorrow." I smiled, "Thank you, but I will help. Only because I am leaving them here all day tomorrow." I told her and she shook her head, "Gabi, sweetie, I love spending all of my time with my grandbabies. I wish I could be with them every single day, but I will take the days I get." I just gave her a smile as I hesitated again, "Go at least take a shower and if you are hungry, we will make you a plate." I finally agreed and I kissed both of their heads before I headed upstairs.
I turned on the shower, grabbed my clothes, and relaxed underneath. I was thankful that Troy's family was amazing. My eyes glanced down at my belly that wasn't even a hint rounded. You wouldn't know unless I told you, but I knew it was ending soon. It was going to be round and full again. My fingers brushed against it, and I smiled, "Hi baby," I whispered into the shower. "Mommy can't wait to feel you move around and meet you in June." It felt so long from now, but I knew time was going to fly especially as we were getting ready to enter the holiday season.
I finished up my shower and pulled on my PJs before I went downstairs to see the babes were finishing their dinner. "Gabi, do you want anything?" Macken asked as she was finishing her own food. "No, I'm okay. I had a protein shake before I taught my class. I'm not overly hungry but thank you." I told her as Saylor seemed to be back in her normal mood and Sutton was rubbing his eyes. "Humor me," Laura said, and I looked up as she sat half a sandwich down in front of me. "Humor you or my husband?" I asked her and she just gave a soft laugh. "Both of us," I smiled, thankful for all of them.
Saturday, November 20th, 2021
Troy's POV
"Run Zing," I called as I crossed my arms over my chest as we were running through our walk-through for our game this afternoon. I watched them roll through the play and I blew my whistle when they messed it up. "Down and back," I yelled frustrated as they groaned frustrated and went running down the court. Jax shook his head as he stood next to me, "They look sloppy," I agreed with a nod as I rolled my lips together once they were back. "Let's clean it up or we are running two," I called towards them. Kaden exhaled heavily as he was the one playing the sloppiest. My eyes leveled with him, and he just looked down at his hands for a moment. "Josh, take over for Kaden." I called and Kaden balked but I shook my head and waved him over.
"What's wrong?" I asked as he approached me. He shook his head, "Nothing. I am just…" he paused as he watched the team unroll Zing for the first time without complications. "Kaden, you are my leader out there. You have been doing so well but I can see it again. I can see the block and the resistance showing." I turned to let my back turn towards the court. Kaden was blocked from the view of the team, and I raised an eyebrow, "Do you want to go talk in the office?" I asked him and he shook his head no. "Are you okay?" I asked him this time and he just nodded as he lifted his eyes to meet mine.
"Then what is the problem?" I questioned and he ran his fingers through his hair, and I blinked as I waited for fifteen seconds and when he didn't offer an answer I shook my head, "Go sit, if you figure it out let me know." A frustrated groan erupted through his throat. I ignored him as he grabbed his water bottle and sat on the bench while letting his head hang. I didn't look back at him as I focused on the team as I knew he would break eventually. He wanted to be on the court, but something was bothering him and until he was able to let it go and tell me? Then this was how it was going to be.
Cameron stood next to me, "Are we really going to start Josh?" I shook my head, "I hope not. I am hoping he breaks and just tells me what is wrong so that we can move past it." I shrugged, "Look, we aren't winning any championships this year and I want to let my underclassman know that they can't get away without talking to me when they are playing like shit." Cameron nodded in understanding as we were just trying to do well this year. No other expectations. We wrapped up our walk-through and I turned to look at Kaden again as I raised an eyebrow. He just scrawled before getting up and walking out of the gym with the team.
I shook my head as Dylan laughed, "This is why you get the big bucks. I couldn't deal with that. They ran through everything flawlessly after you took him out." I just nodded in understanding as we grabbed all of our stuff and headed back for the bus. We were going to go back and rest before going to get a pre-game dinner and then one more rest before heading to the court. We all boarded the bus as I checked my phone to see if Gabi had texted me. She was busy all weekend and I was thankful she let my mom and sister help her last night. I knew she was tired and the fit that Saylor was throwing could exhaust absolutely anybody.
"Look at Stella," Jax turned the phone around to show us a picture of her. I smiled, "God, she's so damn cute." I said and Jax agreed with a smug smile on his face. "Noah is passed out in this one," Jesse showed his phone, and I laughed as I asked Gabi what the twins were up too but when I didn't get a response, I text my mom instead. "Look at Lenny's belly," Cameron showed his phone, and I couldn't stop my laugh as I looked over at Dylan. "Where is your picture?" I asked him and he grinned, "I have a picture of Josie but for my eyes only." I couldn't stop my laugh as the entire front of the bus laughed.
Jax shook his head as he couldn't stop laughing, "Thank you for not sharing." I told him as my phone buzzed with a picture of Gabi, Saylor, and Sutton all curled up on the couch together. They were all three asleep and I rubbed my chest with my hand as I turned my phone to the group. "Always the best when you find them sleeping together." Jesse said with a smile, and I nodded my head, "It's my favorite. She's been so tired from the pregnancy," I said chewing on my lip and Cameron smiled, "Len is finally coming out of that I feel like."
"I think the kids are making it worse." I said with a laugh, "She's just so damn tired and I know she's pushing herself this weekend at Zoey's." the group laughed, "She is doing her damn best, balancing everything." Dylan said. "I know Josie wants to be as bad ass as she is." I smiled, "She does a lot, and I can't thank her enough for everything she does." The bus pulled up to the hotel and we all started to get off and I waited right outside to wait for Kaden. "Kaden," I called his name again and he had his headphones in, so I grabbed his shirt. He turned around to look at me as I let go.
"Do you want to talk now or are you going to sit the game out because you won't talk?" I asked him and he rolled his eyes, "I'm having a shitty day," he responded, "And I am your coach, and I am here to win. What I saw during that walk-through is you aren't here for basketball, and you are distracted with something else. If you want to unload on me – fine. Unload on me because I can promise that will be better than moping around and constantly thinking about whatever you are thinking about. Or you can go talk to another coach, but you have got to stop bottling everything up inside and playing like shit." I paused and exhaled and thought about everything that I had said, "I want to rephrase this a little bit – I care about you more than just what you can put on the basketball court, but I also am a coach. I want to be there for you as a person and as your coach."
"I am here to help you." I reminded him and he just nodded but turned and walked away. I just sighed as I ran my hand through my hair. I needed to talk to Gabi. I text my mom back asking if she was awake yet and when I got to my room she had responded yes. I sat on my bed as Jax, and I were sharing a room, but he went to grab a coffee. I put my phone to my ear, and I laid back on the bed, "Hey baby," Gabi answered, and I smiled at her voice. "I miss you," I told her honestly and she laughed from the other end. "We saw each other yesterday," she kindly reminded me. I rolled my eyes, "I know but not seeing you until tomorrow night?" I nearly whined and Gabi just laughed. "You are going to have to come to terms with this traveling part of your life now." Gabi said and I rolled my eyes this time.
"Plus, after having a third it's going to become more challenging. All of us are having kids and we are going to be greatly outnumbered as us wives." I laughed just thinking about it, "You aren't wrong there." Gabi laughed and we talked for a few more minutes about just catching up on everything going on. "Are you feeling, okay?" I asked her and she smiled, "Yea, I am. Truly, if I didn't know I was pregnant I would be doubting it." I chuckled, "Good. You deserve this one." I sat up as I looked around the room. "How are the kids?" I asked her.
"Good. They are having so much fun with Silas and Macken. They went to the park for hours today and took the longest nap. Which meant, mama got a nap."
"As you should. I have to go get ready for the game tonight, but I love you and if you are still awake, I'll facetime all three of you after the game, okay?" she sighed softly, "Of course, I can't make any promises that we will be awake though." I smiled and nodded, "I know. I love you," I said again, and she smiled, "I love you, too." I hung up the phone and she sent me a picture of the kids sleeping on her lap. Saylor and Sutton had their head on Gabi's belly. Jax walked into the room, and he stopped, "What the fuck is that goofy ass smile all about? Gabi send you a nude?" I couldn't stop my laugh and I shook my head. "No, better." I flipped the phone around to show him and Jax did smile. "You're right, that probably is better than a nude." I shook my head. "It is the best. All my people in one picture."
"What do you think Gabi is having? Girl? Boy?" I shrugged, "No clue. I am trying to figure out which one I would want but having one of each is nice because I know the great things about each of them and I think it also takes the pressure off. I don't want to desperately have one or the other." Jax nodded as he looked down at his phone, "I feel that. I love Stella and I cannot wait for her to get bigger and do all the fun things, but I do know if we have another kid, I want a boy." I smirked, "You should just do the one and done have two deal." He cackled, "No thank you,"
We both finished our scouting, and we cleaned up the hotel as we were traveling back after the game. I took my stuff downstairs after I stashed my dress clothes on the bus. The boys were slowly adding their things to the bottom of the bus, and I nodded my head because I felt good about tonight. My eyes searched for Kaden, and he came out and he was searching around. I stepped up as he looked at me and I made my way to him. "I was looking for you, Jax said you already came down here." I nodded, "Do you want to go sit inside?" I asked him hopeful that he was willing to talk.
He just nodded and I followed him back inside. We both sat at a little table, and he sighed, "My parents want me to come back home and help out." He finally admitted looking at me. "I haven't told them about Jacy being pregnant and I feel like once I do that, they are going to lose their shit." He spoke so fast I barely heard anything he said as he was nearly labored from speaking. I blinked and nodded, "Kaden, you need to be honest with your parents. They might be mad, but you can't hide it forever and the longer you do hide it the more upset they will be." I told him quietly as he exhaled as he tilted his head back to look at the ceiling. "How are you and Jacy?" I asked and he nodded as he swallowed hard as I watched his adam's apple roll in his throat. "Better. I apologized and we sat down and talked about everything. I want to be a good dad. I want to be there for her and our baby but somedays it feels like mission impossible to do everything."
He squeezed the back of his neck, and he looked up, "Basketball is the one spot where life is somewhat normal, but I get so in my head," I nodded, "I bet. I would get in my head, too. I think the first thing you need to do once we get back is just call your parents and tell them. They will probably stop pressuring you to come home and you can finish this year. Just…be ready to find a job. Do you have money?" I asked him and he nodded, "Some but not enough for a baby, I am already searching for jobs once we graduate in May. My degree is in exercise science and I just…" he blew out a breath and I nodded, "We'll figure it out. Part-time job? If you need out of a practice once a week," I told him and he glanced at me, "I could?" I shrugged, "Or we could work with your schedule for one day a week." I told him honestly.
I saw the emotion for a moment, and he nodded, "Thank you," I nodded, "Only if you keep coming to me when you need help," I reminded him. He just nodded, "I really appreciate you caring enough," I smiled, "My basketball team is only good if you are able to focus on basketball. You are my point guard. I want to be that person for all of you that you can come, too. You can call me when you are drunk, but I can't promise that your ass won't be running for fucking days." Kaden just laughed and I nodded, "It will all be figured out." I told him and he nodded, "Thanks, Coach B."
Monday, November 22nd, 2021
Gabi's POV
Troy and I were curled together as it was dark outside, the twins were sleeping, and Troy and I spent time together that we were missing. His fingers were running through my hair, and I knew he was in his head about something. "Hey, what's wrong?" I asked him after a bit, and he shook his head. "Just thinking about work." He said as they barely won their game on Saturday, but they did get the victory. "Have I told you about my point guard, Kaden?" he asked, and I shook my head, "No," I sat up to face him and those blue eyes were thinking hard.
"What about him?" Troy sighed and sat up a bit, "He is my senior point guard, and he has been the hardest to get through about everything and finally I asked him what was wrong. What we could do. Finally, he broke down and told me that his life has just been changing so much that coach leaving was just that final straw. His dad lost his job, and his family is struggling for money, he got his girlfriend of a year pregnant, and then his parents were wanting him to come home and help. I don't know. He's been distraught about everything. He told me that he told his parents together and his mom hung up the phone."
Troy blinked a couple of times, "We wouldn't do that, right? We wouldn't hang up on Sutton or Saylor if they told us that?" I sat crisscross and I shook my head, "No, Troy, we wouldn't. I think you would be in the car to wherever they were before we could hang up the phone. I think we both would be. They are our children, and do I think either of us would be particularly thrilled about the whole thing? No, but I think we would be there for our child. He's probably scared, and I know his parents are probably just as scared for him…" I paused as I thought about it. "If something were to ever happen to me you have to be there for them in those moments." I told him and those blue eyes shot to mine, "Gabi," I shook my head. "It's an honest thought and I think everything with Zoey teaches me when to tell you things. To make sure that I know you know what I would want."
Troy blinked a few times as he inhaled and rubbed his face, "I think some days it is so damn hard to know what I am doing but there is something about Kaden that wants me to make him great and give him confidence. I would want to give our children confidence and I think when they are older, I want to give them that open line of communication. I don't want to hide sex from them – I want to discourage it, but I also want them to be safe. The more we tell them no…" I nodded as I grabbed his hand. "I agree," I told him softly. "There is nothing more than I want than to make sure our children understand life but with that we have to be prepared to hear things we never want to hear."
Troy laughed and his shoulders relaxed a little bit, "I know. Thinking about Saylor or Sutton doing anything they shouldn't be doing…gross." We both laughed as I let my legs fall on both sides of his waist and I let my fingers brush through his hair. "How about you invite Kaden and his girlfriend over. Let them have dinner and feel supported. Let us be their support if his parents aren't going to be." Those blue eyes instantly filled with tears, and I kissed his cheek and let my head rest on his shoulder as he held me. "Yea?" he asked, and I nodded, "Let's practice," I whispered to him, and he just laughed as he hugged me. "Practice…?" Troy asked and I laughed pushing his shoulder. "You already got me pregnant so no practice there, but we can practice being parents to young adults – not that we are parenting them but to give them that safe place."
"I love you, Gabriella." He whispered into my ear. I pulled back to look at his face and he cupped my cheeks, "I want nothing but the best for our children and showing them is the best thing we can do."
Troy kissed me – hard after I said that, and I just held onto him. "I'll find a date they can both come over. I don't think he is going home for Thanksgiving so I will ask him if he wants to come over for our Thanksgiving." I smiled with a nod, "That would be fun. You should tell any of your players who aren't going home to come to our Thanksgiving. They also deserve a good meal." Troy wrapped his hand around my neck and pulled my mouth to his. "I fucking love you," he whispered, and I smiled as I kissed him back just as hard. "You don't care?" Troy asked again and I laughed, "No, not at all. They are your work family."
A smile spread over his face, and he nodded, "Our both of our parents coming down?"
"I think everybody is coming down. When do you leave for your next trip?" I asked him and he sighed, "Not until the end of November. We play December 1st in Kentucky. Do you want to go?" I giggled, "No, not really. I do want to go to New York with you though. Maybe we can leave the kids at home, and it can be a trip for the two of us." A grin stretched over his face and those blue eyes light up. "Well, one kid will have to join us," he said as his fingers spread across my abdomen. I smiled pulling him in for another kiss, "That one is good to go," we both laughed together, and he spooned me into his body. His lips pressing into my neck.
"I am so damn lucky to have you," I smiled as I squeezed his hand, "You saved me in ways that I can't put into words, Troy. This is the least I can do." Troy shook his head, "No, Troy, sometimes I really wonder what I would have turned into if you wouldn't have come into my life. Sometimes I wonder if I would even be here, but you gave me a reason to breathe again. You gave me hope again. Then you gave me the two best things in this entire world that are part you and I couldn't imagine my life without any of you anymore. You gave me a reason to live."
He was quiet as he pressed his lips into the back of my head, and he didn't say anything. I gave him a moment before I started to speak again but he beat me to it, "Just thinking about you not being here? Thinking that you were that low? It tears me apart on the inside." I heard the emotion in the back of his voice, and I blinked my eyes a couple of times. I knew if I turned over, I would find him with tears in his eyes. "You are my world and my god; I would have never been the same and I wouldn't have ever met you." I kissed his palm and rolled over to face him. Our eyes connected, "But we did meet. I think Zoey knew that I needed something, and she gave me everything."
Happy Sunday! Thank's for being patient and waiting! I hope you enjoyed!
I'm not going to promise promise that there will be a chapter next week. I am back in school and have finals approaching. I am hoping that I can get the chapter finished and out in two weeks but no promises!
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Next Update: December 10th (hopefully!)
