Chapter 25 – Twinkling Lights
Saturday, December 18th, 2021
16 Weeks Pregnant
Gabi's POV
The Christmas tree was twinkling as the kids were in bed and I was watching Troy's game on my laptop. It was at home, but the kids were both fighting off an illness and I opted to watch it from home tonight. My hand rested on my growing baby belly as I couldn't believe I was getting closer to half-way through my pregnancy. Troy and I were finding out at our next ultrasound right after the new year and we were doing nothing too special. Troy and I just wanted to find out the two of us and then send a picture to our families since they couldn't all be here.
My eyes watched Troy on the screen as he was commanding the court as they had gone on a little bit of a skid recently but there was expected growing pains. They weren't getting blown out, but they were losing which only made Troy throw himself into work more. I rolled my lips together while I battled my own sleep because I was tired. I had spent a lot of today chasing the twins around and they were going stir crazy as a cold weather system had moved in. I nibbled on my lip as Troy ran his fingers through his hair and then he called a time-out.
I put my laptop to the side as I stood up and went to check on Saylor and Sutton who I couldn't believe were going to be two soon. We were going to Arkansas for their second birthday. I refused to let Troy miss their second birthday and that is where the team was going to be. We were going to have a birthday party here the next weekend for all of the family. We were going home for Christmas and staying with his parents. I couldn't wait to check in with the studio and get to spend some time with our families. My parents were going to be with Blaine, James, and Lucy. While my sister was in a moment of pregnancy of feeling like she was missing everything.
I picked up my phone to call her as she answered on the second ring, "I miss you." She blurted and I laughed, "You were just here not that long ago. I mean, you were the one who left for how long?" I questioned jokingly but I should have known better. She was pregnant. "Gabi," her voice choked, and I sat up, "Beth, I'm just joking. I'm sorry. I miss you, too." I told her quietly hoping to diffuse the situation in front of me. "I hate that we aren't getting together for Christmas."
"We are getting together later, a late Christmas," I reminded her as I was going to fly up to her this time with the kids. No Troy but he couldn't with the basketball team. "It's not the same," she sniffled. I sighed, "I know. It sucks living in different parts of the country, but we are lucky that we get to call and facetime. Next year, we'll figure it out." Beth sighed from the other end, "Why did you call?" she asked, and I smiled, "Just missed you. I knew you weren't loving the fact that we weren't going to be together for the holidays. Plus, I am watching my husband coach basketball through a computer screen."
"Oh, that sounds…terrible." I laughed, "It isn't my favorite, but the kids aren't feeling well, and they both crashed early. I am also really tired, but I haven't really seen my husband in the past 10 days or so due to basketball trips and just practice. If he is here – it's doing what he does best." Beth laughed, "Watching film?" I nodded, "Or trying to spend some time with Saylor and Sutton." I sighed as I needed a date night with him soon, but I wasn't sure when his schedule was going to allow it. "Are you regretting this move yet?" she asked, and I laughed, "Not at all. It's actually been amazing. I was so scared that I would lose a part of myself by leaving Zoey's and in some ways, I did but I picked up in a lot of different areas. I'm back to using my marketing degree again and I don't mind the back-office stuff. Plus, teaching the online classes are kind of fun and open us up to a whole level of clientele."
"I'm proud of you, Gabs." I couldn't help but let tears fill my eyes as I watched the final buzzer sound on the computer and my husband exhale with a victory after losing the last four. "Thanks, Beth. I am just trying to do my best to honor Zoey." Beth laughed, "You are doing the best job. I promise." We talked on the phone for another twenty minutes as we needed a sister chat. Once we were done, I went upstairs as I started to get ready for bed. I washed my face, lotioned up my body, mostly my belly, and then turned the lights down and pulled on one of Troy's t-shirts.
I checked my phone and I then checked Troy's location to see he was still at the gym. I pouted as I called him as Luna climbed into bed with me. "Hey baby," he sounded concentrated, and I sighed knowing full well he wasn't coming home any time soon. "Sorry, you're busy." I mumbled, "Whoa, wait," Troy's voice was suddenly alert. "What's wrong?" he asked, and I tried to reel in the emotions. I did. I really did because I knew he was busy. "Nothing," I felt myself hiccup, "Brie, please," his voice was only above a whisper. "I miss you, but I know your busy. I just…" I blew out a breath of air. "I just was hoping you were coming home after the game, but I know you have film to watch."
"Brie, I'm sorry. I figured you were getting ready for bed and going to bed. You've been tired lately and I thought if I could sneak in film tonight then I could come home right after practice tomorrow and spend all evening with the kids and then you." I closed my eyes and nodded, "Okay, yea, that sounds okay." He grunted, "You aren't giving me an overwhelming sense of confidence that you aren't mad or upset."
My fingers toyed with the blanket, "I just miss you. I would rather have you for hours tomorrow. It just stinks tonight." I told him as I let my hand rest on my little baby bump. "I'll be home soon, okay? I love you. I miss you twice as much." I believed that because while I got to spend my days at home with the kids. Troy didn't get to do any of it and missed out on almost everything. Yes, there would be good times where he was always home, but the month of December wasn't it. "I love you, too." I hung up the phone as I turned on the TV before snuggling up and scrolling on my phone for a bit before I was too tired.
I plugged my phone in and rested on my side when Saylor woke up screaming.
I popped up and was quick to their room before she woke up Sutton and to figure out what was wrong. I pushed open the door as she was standing up and wailing as I eased her into my arms and rocked her from side to side while quickly leaving the room and closing the door. "Shh…baby girl what's wrong?" I whispered quietly as very unlike her. She was inconsolable as I just rocked her until she started to calm down. "Dada," she whined, and I closed my eyes, "He's working, baby." I stroked her hair as I sat down on the bed with her as she tugged on her ear and whined. "Does your ear hurt?" I asked her and she nodded her head up and down. I kissed her temple as she didn't feel warm but clearly something was bothering her. I sat down and scooted back on the bed as she whined as I tried to sit her down.
"Okay, okay, hang on," I adjusted the pillow to allow me to recline as she rested against my chest. I grabbed her favorite blanket that was by my bed, and she stuffed it into her hand. "Dada," she whined again, and I kissed her head, "I know, baby. I want dada, too. He'll be home in a little bit. Why don't you sleep?" I murmured as I rubbed her back. She whimpered and whined for a while, but her breathing slowed down and she relaxed against me as I just held her. One hand securely on her blanket and the other threaded through my shirt. It wasn't long before the door was quietly squeaking open, and those blue eyes caught mine immediately and a frown was quickly over his face. "Is she okay?" he whispered, and I shrugged. "She woke up screaming not too long ago."
He was still in his dress pants and collars shirt from the school as he came over to peek at her. She must be awake still as he smiled, "Hi baby girl," she whined and tried to reach for him, but he knew that once he picked her up that she wasn't going to let him go. Instead, he bent over and kissed the top of her head. "Let daddy go change, okay?" he brushed her hair away and she cried. "I know, I know," he kissed her forehead again before he hovered over me and gave me a kiss. "I'm sorry," he whispered, and I shook my head. "I understand. It's a part of being the coach's wife. I get it. I just miss you. It's not easy when it was you, she was crying for you." He flinched at the comment, "I miss you a lot and I'm sorry. I should have stopped and came home."
"I told you it was fine. Just go change so she can go to you." He nodded as he went into the closet before changing into a pair of shorts with an old college shirt. He popped his contacts out and went to the bathroom before crawling into bed. She was watching him the entire time and scrambled over to him. "Traitor." I mumbled and Troy chuckled as he wrapped her up in his arms. Her eyes practically closing as she was snuggled into his embrace. "I'm jealous," I pouted, and Troy laughed again as he moved her to the other side and pulled his arm to pull me closer. "Don't worry, I have two sides." I laughed as he kissed the top of my head.
"My god, this is the best." Troy whispered and I smiled as I kissed his chest. "How is this baby doing?" his fingers wormed their way to my stomach, and I smiled, "Good." He sighed, "I promise, the moment practice is over tomorrow I'm coming home. The win tonight feels good, and I feel like I can breathe again."
"They aren't expecting you to be perfect this year, too."
"I know, I just don't want them have a remote thought that I wasn't doing enough this year and they should have gone with a more experienced coach." I heard the fears in his voice that he wasn't good enough and there was imposter syndrome somewhere deep inside of there. "You are good enough," I whispered to him. It was hard to make out his eyes and he squeezed me, "I am trying to prove it."
"Get some sleep, who knows if she is going to allow us to sleep."
"I think she has an ear infection," Troy groaned, "I feel like she's had 1000."
"I know," I whispered as there was that fear in the back of my brain and Troy must have quickly realized. "Not yet. Don't panic about something we don't know about." He whispered and I just nodded into his chest, and he stroked my back with his free hand. "Go to sleep, I'm on Saylor duty." I just nodded because I wasn't going to argue.
Troy's POV
Sunday, December 19th, 2021
I sipped my coffee as Gabi was thankfully still sleeping, and Saylor was still attached to me. To the point I wasn't sure I was going to be able to go to practice without her. She was up half the night, and I was exhausted but Gabi was more exhausted plus I was probably inching towards an emotional breakdown because I truly haven't been home, and we were going back on the road later this week. I reshuffled Saylor as Sutton was still sleeping as I picked up my phone. Practice was only two hours today and I was going to make it straight home afterwards.
I called Jax as he answered, "Fuck, Troy, I really don't have to be there yet, do I?" I chuckled as we were all struggling with being busier than we all thought we were going to be. "No, I promise. I am just…I am pretty damn close to cancelling practice today. Saylor is sick. My pregnant wife is about one moment from a breakdown because I haven't been home and honestly, I miss her just as much. I might to have a mental breakdown." Jax laughed, "No, our day off is Tuesday this week. You stayed late to watch film last night. Just let's do this thing at nine-thirty and then we'll be home before football starts."
Saylor shifted and I went to put her down as she cried out and I sighed, "Okay, fine. I just might have a kid attached to me.
"Bring her. Unless she is contagious." I laughed, "I don't think so. We both think it's an ear infection. She's been tugging on her ear a lot." I sighed, "Okay, Saylor and I will see you soon." I hung up the phone with Jax as I took her upstairs and got her changed into a pair of sweats and a sweatshirt. Sutton was awake and I picked him up. Saylor protested but I changed his diaper and then went into the bedroom. Gabi was laying on her side and I knew she was upset that I haven't been home. I knew she was battling her inner feelings knowing that she knew I was going to be busy, but it wasn't easy. She looked up and smiled as Sutton crawled towards her.
"I'm going to take Saylor with me. She pretty much won't let me put her down anyways. You spend the morning with Sutton, and I'll be home by the first football game." She shot me a look as we still tried to do our Sunday days with the boys, and I shook my head. "Just us. After the kids go to bed, we'll spend time together tonight. I know it's been hard recently." She kissed on Sutton and nodded her head as I sat Saylor down against her protests. I sat on the edge of the bed as I stroked her face, "I love you and I can't wait to spend tonight with you." She nodded as her eyes glassed over and I reminded myself one hundred times that she was pregnant, tired, and dealing with sick toddlers.
"I love you, too." She whispered with her voice cracking. I swallowed trying to figure out what I could do but I knew that I had to go to practice and the best I could do was make the rest of her day easier. I kissed her quickly and then scooped up the crying Saylor before taking her back downstairs. I grabbed her a breakfast she wasn't going to eat, and I put her in the car along with Luna. I gave her the cereal and her water. I made sure I had everything that I would need as I pulled out of the garage. I pulled into Jax's driveway as he popped into the car before I went to grab Cameron and Jesse.
"Dylan is already there," Jesse said as he was scrolling on his phone as they were sitting back with Saylor. Cameron was trying to entertain her, but she wasn't putting up with much of anything. "Gabs, okay?" Jax asked and I shrugged, "I think she just wants some family time. I don't blame her." The group grumbled with agreement while we got into the gym, and it felt like everything went into overdrive. Saylor literally wouldn't let me put her down and Luna was chasing around the boys. We ran through our practice as we talked about last night's game and the things we needed to work on.
"Troy, can we stay late today to work on some stuff before the girls game?" I nodded, "I won't be here but yes, you can. Just be off by the time they come to get the girls all set up." I told them. "Where are you going?" a few of them asked and I laughed, "My wife is demanding a family day. I have a sick kid as most of you have noticed, and just need to spend some time together before the holidays and travel. Also – how do you all feel about a two-year-old birthday party? It's happening in Arkansas." The group laughed as we wrapped up with some conditioning.
"Get out of here. I'll stick around. Josie went back home for a bit." I looked at Dylan and he gave a nod, "Go. We have to start to focus starting tomorrow." I just nodded and didn't think about it twice. In my head I already had an idea of what we could do this afternoon as a family. The kids loved lights and I knew because of some of the players a really cool drive through Christmas Park. I loaded up Saylor and Luna and smiled because I was going to turn around Gabi's day. I knew she was worried about Saylor. I knew she hated not spending time together. I knew this was going to be hard and so did she, but it didn't make it any easier.
Gabi's POV
I washed dishes as Troy was putting Saylor and Sutton down for a nap. He came home with coffee and time to myself to shower and do my hair. Once I was done, I joined them playing in the living room and it felt good, but he didn't stay long as he went to clean up the kitchen and do a load of laundry but once it was nap time, he took them upstairs. I sighed as I shut off the water and almost thought about taking my own nap. He said he had something planned for tonight and Saylor's mood had turned a little bit, but I was still going to take her to the pediatrician tomorrow.
I knew the conversation about tubes was going to be coming soon but my entire body was suddenly hot just thinking about it. The panic that flowed through my veins. I shook my head as I let the thought go. I took a few deep breaths and went to our bedroom and crawled into bed. I was tired but mostly just wanted to let the panic go over one of my kids maybe needing surgery. Troy was right last night – I shouldn't worry about it yet. The door opened as Troy came in as he rubbed his face and smiled, "Hi," he whispered as he crawled up and onto the bed.
I barely had a moment to respond before his mouth was on mine. A kiss that both of us were truly losing ourselves in. I can't remember the last time he kissed me like this recently. His hand went behind my neck to give it a gentle squeeze before he started to work down my body. "Troy," my voice was a whimper as he smiled against my thigh as he began to pull down my leggings. "Shh…" he whispered as he nudged my legs further apart and his mouth went to work. I groaned as I tilted my hips up and he used his palm to press me back into the mattress.
"Don't wake the kids," he started before he hit the spot and I nearly combusted on the spot. I could feel his chuckle against my thigh, and I wanted to rip his hair out as he teased and licked and did everything but then suddenly stopped as I was right on the edge, "Thought I could just do it that way, but I think I need you just as fucking much," he didn't take but two seconds to slide into me. I gasped and arched as he easily worked my entire body. His mouth found mine again and I wrapped my arms and legs around him as if I was a koala.
He rotated his hips and I fell apart on the spot and I gripped onto him as he rode it out before following behind me. Both of us were sweating as he collapsed next to me. His lips finding my shoulder to give a gentle squeeze. He pulled to move me closer to him as I curled into his body and those arms wrapped around me. "I love you; I miss you, I'm sorry things have been chaotic." He whispered into my ear. "I'm not mad, Troy. I think I'm just a little sad. This is nothing that I wasn't prepared for, and I am saying that honestly. I think my pregnancy emotions are there as well plus a sick toddler. It's just been a week, but I love you just as much and don't be sorry. It's your job."
"Doesn't mean that you aren't needing me more." I kissed his shoulder, and he moved slightly as his finger stroked my cheek. I leaned into his touch, and he smiled, "I don't have to be at the gym tomorrow until the afternoon. I can take Saylor to the doctor if you want me, too."
"We have an OB appointment on Tuesday," I told him, and he cursed, "Fuck, I forgot about it. What time?" he reached for his phone, and I swallowed down on the anxiety creeping up my throat. "I think nine? Lennon was going to watch the kids." He cursed again before pulling up his calendar and groaning, "I have a meeting. I can see if I can get it moved." I closed my eyes, "How is it not in your calendar?" the frustration bubbled up and I didn't realize that an OB appointment was going to be my snapping point today. I started to get up and Troy tugged me back, "Hey, I am going to be there. I know you don't like going to your OB appointments alone. I just need to switch my schedule around. I will be there."
I covered my face with my hands, and he gently pulled them away before dropping kisses to my cheeks and then my temple. "Baby, I'm sorry. I had it for Wednesday." I inhaled and the exhale was a shaky breath, "Fuck, I really hate pregnancy emotions." Troy laughed softly as he kissed on me and then he wiggled down to kiss my belly. "I wasn't going to miss it. I'll be there for the anatomy scan. I am not missing anything, and I will hand your OB schedule to Jackie and then I will have you cross-check it." I nodded and he hugged me to his chest. "Do you get to actually take time off once our baby is born?" I whispered and he kissed my head. "I will. I will let Jax run things for a while. Luckily, a June due date is helpful."
I wiped away the fear tears and Troy was the best as he just held me close. "I have a fun plan tonight and I think you and the kids will love it. Plus, a fun Christmas night. We haven't got to do much celebrating." I swallowed and nodded, "We haven't, and I want that."
"I know, tomorrow afternoon I think we should go see Santa." I laughed, "They will hate it."
"A rite of passage."
I smiled as he kissed me with his thumb brushing my chin. "I love you,"
"I love you, too."
"Saylor, look," I pointed out the glowing lights as she clapped her hands with excitement as Troy drove through the Christmas light park that was synchronized with Christmas music. This was exactly what we both needed as we got the kids out of their car seats and they both sat on my lap as we navigated it. "Dada! Wook!" Sutton pointed out and Troy laughed, "I know, I see it buddy," I kissed Sutton's head and he snuggled into my chest. The kids were both mesmerized by the lights as Troy slipped his hand into my hand locking our fingers together.
"I'm sorry I got upset earlier," I told him, and he glanced over at me, "You had a right. You've told me before you don't like going to your OB appointments alone and I know this. It's my fault that I didn't put it in my schedule. It's fixed though." He paused and I saw him inhale, "I also think we underestimated on how hard this middle of the season grind was going to be. Is there something that we can do differently?" I chewed on my lip as I inhaled, "I don't know if there is an easy fix. I mean, this is your job and it's paying you well. I think the only thing is taking advantage of your off day more. I don't know if working from home or only going into the office for half the day? I don't think there will ever be an easy answer to this."
Troy mulled on it, "I can probably mostly work from home for a half day. Especially as you get later into your pregnancy – I want to be here. I want to be here with you, and it might be an option. Or waiting until the kids go to bed to watch film." Saylor moved on my lap as she squealed at a dancing light sign, and I smiled watching her. The wonder and excitement in her eyes. "Can we alternate nights?" I said with a half laugh. "I do love when we get to spend time with each other after the kids go to bed but I know you need to spend time with the kids, too."
"We might just need to go back to our old ways of discussing each and every single week on Sunday or Monday. What does our week look like and what nights can we make what work. Also, you need to get out a few times without the kids and maybe without me. Go out with the girls."
"We actually talked about hiring a babysitter next week for that purpose and going to the game together without any of the kids. Getting dinner and drinks before and then going to support our men." Troy smiled as he kissed my knuckles as Sutton was falling asleep against me and Saylor was pressing her face against the window. I laughed as we were coming towards the end of the lights. "Mama!" Saylor pointed and I gave her a smile, "Yea, are the lights pretty?" I asked her and she nodded her head with a smile on her face.
The Christmas music played in the car, and it was a chilly night as we navigated to the end and pulled over to get the kids back into their car seats. Troy came around and grabbed sleeping Sutton and I took Saylor to her car seat. "Mama," she pressed her face into my neck, "hi baby girl," I kissed her hair and got her back into her car seat as she whined, "Mama!"
"We're going to go home and get ready for bed, baby." I kissed her before buckling her up and then shutting the door. I shut the door when I was suddenly trapped again the door by my tall husband. He framed my face and dropped a kiss to my mouth, "I love you and I love our family so fucking much." I swallowed on the thick emotions in my throat as I rested my head on his chest. "I love you more," I whispered to him. "I know things haven't been easy, but we are figuring this out." I buried my head into his chest. We stayed like this for a few more moments before Troy let go and we kissed again.
"C'mon, let's go pick up ice cream and eat it in the car before we have to deal with two cranky toddlers." I laughed and agreed as we both got back in the car.
Saturday, December 25th, 2021
17 Weeks Pregnant
Troy's POV
I sipped my beer as I watched Macken, Silas, Brady, Ada and Gabi were all in the living room with the kids. Maverick was in the crook of Gabi's arms, and I honestly couldn't believe that we were going to have another one of those next year. Saylor and Sutton were both doing different things with him. Saylor wanted to hold him, and Sutton kept patting his head. Gabi just smiled patiently with them. She had been a saint recently and last week I tried my hardest to be present since it was the week before Christmas. I helped wrap presents with her one night while we laughed about the kids Santa reaction.
I put the kids to bed twice and I did make it to the OB appointment. Jackie was a saint and completely put all of her appointments in my phone and I knew life wasn't going to be easy being a head coach of a college team, but I failed to realize how busy I was going to be. We were recruiting at the same pace of being a coach. Trying to get kids to come to our program next year. I ran my fingers through my hair as I needed a haircut. Saylor was playing with her toys in Macken's lap while Sutton kept shooting baskets on the mini basketball goal my mom bought him.
My dad sat down next to me and smiled, "I like this," he said nudging and I smiled myself. "I do, too." I told him. "I was never sure what was in the cards for me when it came to a family, but I am so damn thankful that this is the one I got." My dad squeezed my shoulder. "Are you ready for a third?" I nodded, "I am. I am excited for them to be close in age with each other." My dad smiled as Sutton made a basket and everybody cheered for him. He grinned with his toothy face, and I smiled watching him. "Basieball," he pointed at the goal and Gabi nodded, "Basketball," she repeated back to him.
He nodded with a grin and Gabi grabbed him as she tried to run at her. "Sutton, be careful. Mommy has the baby," Sutton blinked at him and patted his head with his chubby hand. Brady laughed and scooped up Sutton, "How is basketball going?" I nodded, "Good. It's been a little stressful, but it's been good. I love it." My dad grinned, "I bet. No teaching and answering to parents." I just gave a half smile. "I am just missing so much of them right now. It's a hard balance. I felt like I had more balance as a teacher. I couldn't be with the players as long. Less at stake. Things like that."
My dad nodded, "You'll make it work. The season is only so long. Just make sure you make time for them when you can." I nodded, "I am. Gabi and I are being more intentional about my time off. I just know they are growing up so damn fast. They are going to be two in five days." My dad gave a smile, "I remember when they were so tiny," I laughed with a nod. "Yea, I can't believe how little they were. I also can't believe we're going to have another one." My dad gave a grin, "It'll be fun to have three of them. It appears they love babies." My eyes swung back to Saylor who was loving on Maverick. I gave a smile as I got up and went to sit next to Gabi on the floor.
Sutton took two seconds before throwing himself at me. I caught him in a big hug as he grinned, "Dada! Wook!" he pointed to Maverick, and I nodded, "Yea, isn't he cool? Do you want one of those?" I asked him and he gave me a questioning look and Gabi laughed. "There little world is going to be rocked when we bring one of these babies' home." Gabi said as she sat Maverick up and he watched the twins in front of him. Saylor wedged herself between Sutton and me and I laughed, "Say, baby, there is room for two of you." I put each of them on my lap as Gabi smiled. "Better make room for a third," Macken said, and I laughed, "I do, right in the middle."
I played basketball with Sutton as he chased the ball while Saylor sat in my lap. Gabi's hand ended up on my knee at some point as the conversations carried around us. "Do you need any help setting up their party?" my mom asked Gabi and she shrugged, "I don't think so but if you want to come down earlier and spend time with them and I can set it up – you can." She gave a grin towards Gabi, "Thanks for reading my mind." Gabi just laughed as Mav started to get grumpy. She handed him back to his mom before laying down. Her head resting in my lap. I let my finger run through her hair. Saylor was running around with Sutton again as Gabi drug my hand to her abdomen. "Are you feeling it move?" I asked her and she shook her head. "No, just reminding you that you have another one coming."
I chuckled, "Couldn't forget. You're beautiful." She rolled her eyes as she yawned as the lights were twinkling above us. "God, you two are so damn adorable." I looked up at Macken who was holding her phone as if she was taking pictures. I shot her a look, but Gabi just laughed and reached for Macken's phone. I looked as Gabi flipped through the pictures as they were cute. Gabi was tilting her head back to look at me as I looked down at her with a smile on my face and my hand on her belly. The Christmas lights reflecting off the both of us. Gabi sent the pictures to both of our phones, and I knew it was going to be on I cherished.
"That is a good photo, mac n cheese," Macken rolled her eyes to the ceiling and Gabi elbowed me, "Be nice."
"I am nice," Brady chuckled as he was holding Maverick now as Gabi got up and headed for the bathroom. I knew that we needed to be getting the kids to bed soon as we had to get up early tomorrow to head back to Statesboro. I almost thought about driving back tonight but it would just be better to do it first thing in the morning. I scooped up the kids as I started to do the goodnights with the family. "Oh no! Not already!" My mom scooped them both into her arms and the twins giggled. "We have to get up early tomorrow to go back to Statesboro." I reminded her.
She pouted, "You will see them in like ten days for their birthday party. You can fly out to Arkansas as well if you want." She shook her head but kissed each of them. Gabi came back, "Oh you read my mind," I laughed, "Enjoy. I'll get them ready for bed." I kissed her temple before I took them upstairs. I changed their diaper and into their PJs before laying them down in the two-pack n plays we brought with us. I gave them their favorite blankets and then their pacifier that were only for nighttime anymore which they hardly used but we were giving them until their second birthday.
"Good night, Saylor. Good night, Sutton." I kissed each of their foreheads as they whined for a moment, but I handed them their waters before shutting off the lights to Brady's old room. I made sure the baby monitor was working and went back downstairs as my mom, Gabi, and Macken were all in a conversation. Ada was putting Maverick in his car seat as I pouted. "Already out?" I asked as I tickled underneath of Maverick's chin. He was tired and grumpy but gave me a brief smile. I rolled my mouth together and Brady nodded. "Yea, Mav needs to get to bed and we're both tired. He was up half the night last night."
I just gave a nod of understanding as I hugged Ada and then Brady before they bid good-bye to the family. I went up behind Gabi as I wrapped her up in my arms as Silas wasn't far behind Macken. I kissed on Gabi's neck, and she smiled while linking our fingers together. "Gabi, I took one of your classes," Macken said and Gabi grinned, "Really? One of the pre-recorded ones?" she nodded with a smile, "Yea, it was amazing. Are those doing well?" Gabi nodded, "It was such a great idea, and it has been helpful to add some income. I didn't realize how many avenues me moving away were going to bring us."
I smiled into her hair as Gabi found new passions within her business while still doing her favorite thing. "Troy, are you still obsessed with your wife?" Silas asked with a smirk, "Still? I'll forever be obsessed with her." Gabi let her head rest back against my shoulder. They were talking about PA school for Macken as she was loving it and was nearing the back end with about a year left till graduation. "Maybe I'll go look in Georgia," Macken said with a grin and my mom protested, "You all cannot leave!" Macken laughed, "Yea, but I love my niece and nephew so much. I hate only seeing them so often anymore."
Gabi smiled, "You can visit whenever you want but maybe if you all move there your mom will come, too." I chuckled as my mom shook her head, "No way, plus, Troy could find a new job or move somewhere else, or who knows what." I nodded, "Good point, I very much could. Mac, we'll be around way more in the summertime."
She didn't believe me as Gabi squeezed her hand. "You about ready to head up to bed?" I asked her and she nodded. We bid all of them good night as we went upstairs together and got ready for bed. She slipped on one of my t-shirts and I smiled, "You are really sexy," she rolled her eyes, "Your parents are downstairs and your sister and future brother-in-law." I acted innocent, "You don't think I have good intentions? I am just trying to say that my wife looks fucking amazing in my t-shirt." She just rolled her eyes with a smile tugging at the corner of her lips.
"This is how we got into this situation." She framed her bump and I just chuckled before going over and wrapping her up in my arms. I kissed on her neck, and she curled into my chest. "C'mon, we have a long day tomorrow."
"No, you have a long day tomorrow. By the time we get home it'll be naptime for all besides you who has to go to practice." I rolled my eyes as we both climbed into my childhood bed. I tugged her back against me and wrapped my legs through hers as I kissed her shoulder. "I love you,"
"I love you, too."
Wednesday, December 29th, 2021
Gabi's POV
We were flying to Arkansas as Troy was making sure all the players were on the flight, but I boarded first with the kids. Lennon was seated in front of me. Josie and Sage were behind us with Sara on the aisle across. It was helpful that we could pass kids around as our husbands all boarded the flight. Troy took the aisle seat as Saylor was asleep against me already as it was their nap time. Troy took Sutton as he went to talk to the players who were in the back. It would have been an eleven-hour drive and they got so many flight options throughout the year.
This was a solid one as he finally took his seat and buckled up, "It's damn nerve racking taking all of these kids somewhere." I laughed, "Only because do you have kids do you understand." I told him as the boys all took seats around us as kids were passed around and the plane was quickly put into the air. It was a quick flight, and I was thankful the twins were both sleeping. "Once we land, we have a shoot around and then dinner before we have lights out." I nodded as Troy listed the schedule. "And then we put our babies to bed as one-year old for the last time," I tried to choke back the emotions that crawled up my throat. Troy noticed, "I know, they are growing so fast."
"Gabi, did you order cake?" Sage asked and I nodded, "Yea, we did from a little bakery. We'll have the cake in the afternoon. After lunch since we have to travel to the next location. Why is the game at 7:30 again?" I asked over at Troy as the twins were going to be so damn cranky. We were renting a few cars to transport all of the kids around. "I know, I know. It sucks because we have to check out of the hotel." Troy ran his hands through his hair. "We might just have to leave at half time to head to the next city." Sage suggested with Noah on her lap.
"Probably. The kids are going to be so cranky if we don't get them to a hotel for bed." Troy squeezed my knee, "Do whatever you need to do to make it work. We have the day off on Friday and we can find something fun to do with the kids to celebrate their birthday."
"In Arkansas?" Sara asked with skeptics causing me to laugh in response. Troy rolled his eyes, "Maybe I'll try California for their birthday next year."
"That's better," Lennon mentioned, and we all laughed. The plane wasn't in the air very long before we were back on the ground. Troy and the boys had to corral all of the basketball team while we were in charge of the kids. We headed towards the rental car location as Sara, and I checked out two large cars between the 9 of us. Troy came around with Jax as they were carrying all of the car seats that we stashed on the bus. Both of them were laughing as they were in sweats with Georgia Southern hoodies. Troy looked so damn good, and it was almost unfair.
We found our cars and Troy and Jax went to town putting in Noah, Saylor, and Sutton's car seat. Stella was already in her carrier while Lennon protected her own belly. Saylor cried as Troy buckled her in and then Jax buckled in Sutton. I helped wrangle Noah as he was giggling up a store as Sage smiled watching him. We got him in the car with Stella as Troy came over and gave me a hug. "I'll see you in a bit. We'll have dinner and everything brought to the hotel." I nodded as I reached up for a kiss. "Might take the kids to the indoor pool or something to burn off some energy."
"Wait…you'll be in a swimsuit?" he paled for a moment, "Better do it while we're gone." I laughed as I shook my head, "I'm pregnant. None of them want nothing to do with me." Troy just shot me a look. I laughed as him and Jax took off for the bus while we all got in. It wasn't a far drive to the hotel as we headed inside as we checked in for the team. Troy asked to get all the keys sorted and rooms paired up. "I can work on this," Josie said taking all the keys. "Sage, do you want to take Noah to the pool? Or at least check it out?" she nodded as we headed to check out the pool after stashing our things in our room.
It wasn't very big, but it did have a little ledge area where the kids could sit and splash for a little bit to burn some energy off as it was too chilly to be outside. We changed the kids and then ourselves before all meeting back at the pool. Sutton, Saylor, and Noah had a blast playing with each other. You wouldn't think they took a plane ride and got up earlier than normal today. "Lennon, are you finding out what you're having?" Sage asked her as she was just over twenty weeks. "Beth is having a boy," I told her with a grin as I was happy for her. Lennon gave a tiny smile, "We don't know but we have the answer. We're just deciding if we want too or not." She said with a tiny shrug.
Sara blinked a couple of times, "You have the envelope with the sex of your baby, but you haven't opened it yet?" I blinked as I stared at her because that was self-restraint that I did not possess. "I am having a hard time just waiting until my anatomy scan!" I told her and she laughed, "We're just trying to figure it out. Trust me, some mornings I want to rip it open and find out what we're having. Some mornings I look at Cam and I wonder if we can just…wait."
"You and Troy are finding out?" I nodded, "Yea, we have our anatomy scan in a few weeks. We're going to find out together and just shoot out a text or something. Nothing crazy." I told them as the group was going to be so big with children before too long. I rolled my lips together as I waded the water with Saylor and then Sutton wanted to join. I carried both of them through the water as I smiled at the both of them. "We're sending this to Troy," I looked up as Sage had turned the phone towards me as I was smiling at Saylor while Sutton rested his head on my chest.
"My babies who are going to be full fledge toddlers tomorrow." I pouted as the group laughed, "They have grown so much in the past year. They really did go from baby to toddler." I kissed each of their heads as I blinked away a few tears as I closed my eyes holding them. "Just knowing when they turn three, they will have a sibling just makes me so emotional." The group laughed as we turned it into a group hug. We only lasted thirty more minutes before we went upstairs. I did bath time and put them into their PJs as Troy was bringing back pizza.
It wasn't long before the door was opening as Troy came through, "Dada! Dada!" the kids both ran towards him as he laughed bending over to pick them up. "Hi babies!" he kissed on each of them. "Oh, you both smell so clean and good! Do you want some pizza?"
"Iza! Iza!" Saylor cried and Sutton clapped his hands as I laughed watching them. Troy's blue eyes were so bright watching both of them. "C'mon, let's go downstairs and eat at a table." Troy helped put some shoes on their feet before we took them both downstairs. Noah was eating already as I sat them down as we cut up some pizza for them. "Cheese!" Sutton picked up a piece making me laughed as I grabbed a few slices for myself. The team was mostly grabbing their pizza and heading to their rooms. "Room checks in an hour." Troy told them as he came over and rubbed my shoulders. He bent down and pressed his lips to my neck. "You looked beautiful in that picture." I shook my head, "It wasn't me you were supposed to be looking at." He scoffed, "As if you aren't the first thing I look at in every single picture."
He paused for a moment and smiled, "Plus, watching you love our kids is one of the most beautiful things there are." I felt my cheeks flush as he kissed my cheek before going to grab his own pizza. The kids were getting cranky, and I nodded towards Troy as he smiled back, "Wait, I want to help put them to bed." I smiled as Troy swung around Sutton as I picked up Saylor. We got onto the elevator together as Saylor pushed the button with promises that Sutton could do it tomorrow. Troy opened the door as we turned down the lights and turned down the TV as we put them in a dark tent like thing to help them sleep better on the road anymore.
They were used to black out curtains at home, so it worked for them. I sat in the bed as Troy grabbed a book as we sat together. We grabbed their blankets and water while I started to read the book to them. We read two different ones as they both settled in. Troy turned on the sound machine and tucked it inside the tent. I hugged on both of my babies as I kissed their heads. "I love you both so, so much," I whispered to them. "My little one-year-olds." I couldn't stop the tears that leaked from the corner of my eye as I kissed them so much before handing them to Troy. He laid them down and then scooped me into a hug.
"They are so much fun to watch get bigger,"
"I know, it just means I know have 16 years until they are 18,"
"Oh, stop it, time isn't moving that fast. It's moving but we still have so much time with them to do all the things. Plus, we have this little nugget." He bent down and kissed my abdomen. "We get to do this all over again. Plus, the toddler years are really fun." I laughed as I wiped away a few tears as he kissed my temple. "I love you,"
"I love you, too, thanks for the best family." He smiled, "Can't wait to see what next year looks like." I laughed, "We might need a bigger hotel room."
Thursday, December 30th, 2021
Saylor and Sutton's 1st Birthday
Gabi's POV
"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday Saylor and Sutton, happy birthday to you," the team sang to the twins as they had an early shoot-around and were finishing lunch, but we had to do the birthday celebration now as we were probably leaving at half-time of the game tonight to get the kids to bed at the next hotel. The group cheered as Saylor ate it up, but Sutton buried his face into my chest. Troy put Saylor down as she went and ran to Kaden. He happily accepted her into his lap as she was taking a liking to Kaden.
He had been spending more time at the house with Jacy. They were feeling more comfortable with us, and it made me happy. I wanted them to have a safe place and people in their corner. Regardless of what they needed. Troy started to pass around cake, and he handed it to Saylor first with Kaden. She grinned up at Troy and Kaden gave her the fork to give her a shot at it. She took a big bite and grinned up at Kaden who grinned down at her. She offered Kaden a bite and he happily accepted. My big girl. I couldn't believe that she was so tiny at one point.
Once Sutton had his cake and was happy eating it, Troy came over and squeezed my hand. "I'm glad you guys came out with us. I would have hated missing their birthday." I laughed, "As if I will ever let you miss their birthday. Regardless of if they are in school or not. We will come with you, and we will spend birthdays as a family." Troy smiled as he kissed the top of my head. "I think I like that tradition." I smiled back at him, and he squeezed my shoulder. "Also, they will always be on Christmas break for their birthday." Troy pointed out and I laughed, "I guess they will be."
Kaden and Saylor finished the cake together as he held onto her while the rest of the team started to head to their rooms for an afternoon nap before the big game tonight. "Saylor, I need to go take a nap." Kaden said and she whined, "I know but I think you also need a nap." Troy chuckled, "That she does." Troy easily picked her up and she cried reaching for her new friend. Kaden smiled before heading upstairs while Troy kissed on the tears from Saylor. "I know baby, but we all need to go take a nap. Or else you are going to be crabby crabby."
"No crab," she muttered, and Troy just chuckled as we cleaned up all the cake supplies before heading back upstairs. The room had balloons as they were having a blast playing with them. We let them play for fifteen minutes as I couldn't help but watch. "We've accomplished two years and I would say let's get a drink but…" Troy drug out and I just gave a laugh. "Next year, we'll really need a drink." Troy just chuckled with a nod of his head. "Yea, we probably will. I'm glad we've gotten to watch these two big kids grow over the last two years. They have both come so far." I smiled with a nod, "They really have, and we have come so far." I told him and he smiled, "Yea, we really have."
Saylor with her curly sandy hair and those blue eyes with such a big smile. Sutton with the dark hair that was recently cut into a little gentleman haircut and those brown eyes. His teeth making their known appearance when he smiles. I couldn't love them anymore.
Happy Sunday! I hope you enjoyed the chapter! Sorry it took so long but life hasn't been friendly lately. Hang with me! I am not going anywhere – it just might take time.
Thank you for all the patience!
J
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