Chapter 28 – Babymoon

Thursday, March 10th, 2022

Beth and I giggled together as we were sitting outside by the fire as it were still cold up in Wyoming. Troy was putting the kids to bed and Colt was out doing work still around the land. It was good time for Beth and I to chat. We landed earlier this afternoon and spent that time distracting the toddlers who were cranky from the day of travel. Once they had dinner Troy and I agreed that it was time for bed, and we would deal with it in the morning. "How are you feeling?" I asked her as she only had about six weeks left. She rubbed her stomach as I was really happy, we were both having boys.

"Good! I am just making it day by day. I am swollen and tired but overall, happy. I know he is cooking in there." I gave her a half smile as she reached over for my hand as he was kicking her. I laughed because my little man was kicking too. We both felt each other's bellies as she shot me a look. "Zoey would have loved both of us having kids six weeks apart." I gave a half smile, "She really, really would have." I let my tongue run over my teeth and I blinked a few tears away. "God, she would have been in heaven. She would have made the two of us move in together so she could just be there with us."

Beth laughed, "You aren't wrong there. She completely would have." We both laughed together as I took a drink of my water as I glanced up at the stars above us. "Mom and dad said they are going to spend six weeks here and then go back to you to spend six weeks with you. Mostly to help with the twins." I smiled with a nod, "That's what they say, and I will love that. I want to make sure I bond with the baby, but I will also need time with my babies, y'know?" Beth nodded as lights shined on the back as Troy and Colt both hopped out.

Colt was holding a beer as he handed one to Troy as I smiled watching them both approach. Troy had a baby monitor in his hands as he came up to me. "The baby monitor works this far," he said to me first and I smiled with a shake of my head. "It's okay, as long as they are safe in there." Troy nodded as he dipped to give me a kiss. "How are the names coming along?" Colt asked and I laughed while Troy groaned. "Not well, I take it." We both shook our heads. Beth smiled letting her hand run over her belly, "I think we officially decided on our name the other day."

"Oh yea? What is it if you are sharing," I told her and she gave me a wicked grin, "To the family. Probably will keep to ourselves besides that but I am pretty sure his name is going to be Sawyer Colt," I gushed, "Sawyer? That is so damn cute." Colt was grinning over at Beth, "Colt found it and I instantly fell in love with it." I gave Troy a look as he let his hand rest on my belly. "Gabi said no "s" names." Beth laughed, "That's fair. Because what if you have a fourth? What are the odds that you find four cute S names," Troy nodded in agreement with that as Troy was talking to Colt about the end of the basketball season while I talked baby with Beth.

"What do you want to do tomorrow?" Beth asked and I shrugged, "I know we needed to set up tomorrow evening but besides that…" I smiled because Blaine was flying up with Lucy. James couldn't get away from work this weekend, so he was staying behind, but Troy was going to pick them up tomorrow from the airport. "Maybe we can go get our nails done together," I agreed with her as Troy just shot me a wink. I gave a smile while Beth yawned, "Go get some sleep," I told her with a shove of my foot. "Growing a baby is hard work,"

Colt laughed, "That isn't wrong,"

Troy and Colt stole a glance, "Before we head to bed – we want to tell you both something." Colt started and I shot a look over towards Troy. He just gave a reassuring smile, "In July we rented a beach house in 30A for an entire month. From the first until the 30th. Colt and I will be in and out. Our friends are going to take turns coming in to spend the week with us. Our families. It's going to be a month of the two of you together with the babies." Beth blinked several times at Colt as I saw the tears well in her eyes, "Really?" her voice was just above a whisper and Colt nodded his head.

My eyes looked over at Troy and he smiled with a tiny shrug, "How are we affording this?" Beth asked and Colt chuckled, "Troy and I took half and split it. Then everybody who is coming down to be there will split the other half. It wasn't bad for the month, and I get you with your sister for a month. Something neither of you have had for a little bit." Colt tucked hair behind her ear, and she hugged him tightly. I got up as I sat with Troy, "Thank you," I murmured to him and he nodded, "It'll be good. I won't have to be in Statesboro that much in July and I will use my paternity leave some for that."

A kiss was shared between us before Beth was knocking us over, "We are going to be together for a month!" I laughed as I hugged her right back, "I am so excited."

"Hopefully, this will become a yearly tradition." Troy mentioned. "No matter where we go you two can have a month together."

Colt tugged on Beth as they waved heading to bed as Troy tucked me back into his lap as he kissed behind my ear. "Thank you," I murmured to him as I curled up into him. "Anything, baby. I am glad we were able to do it and I think it would be a lot of fun to do. It wasn't that expensive after we all split it apart plus your parents helped out a bit. My parents helped out a bit. We want this for the both of you. July every single year. We can always switch around the locations but…I think it will be a lot of fun until something tells us we need to stay."

I agreed with him as I smiled, "Do you remember the other middle name we proposed for Sutton?" I asked him and he nodded, "Yea, it was Brady's middle name. Owen." I nodded, "I think we should use that for this baby. Have his middle name be Owen." Troy chuckled, "You sure? We can use your Dad's middle name." I shrugged, "My dad's middle name is Allen. I'm not obsessed, and I like Owen better. I think if we have another baby, we can take a name from my side of the family. Hopefully it would be a girl and we could use my mom's middle name."

Troy chuckled as he brushed his fingers through my hair, "Owen huh? It would have been a cute first name if it wasn't a family name." I laughed with a nodded, "It would have been. We'll figure out something. Should we do what we did last time?" Troy groaned, "We are nowhere close to the same this year." I just shook my head with a smile. "How about on our trip with just the two of us we go through our top three names this time." Troy agreed as we looked up at the stars cuddled underneath of the blanket with the fire roaring.

I breathed in the fresh air, and I was so happy to be here right now. To be with Beth. To get away. I was happy.


Saturday, March 12th, 2022

28 Weeks Pregnant

Troy's POV

Gabi and Beth were taking pictures of their bumps as they were both dressed up for the baby shower. Lucy and Blaine surprised Beth yesterday and she was so happy to see the both of them. Lucy was loving running around the farm and riding horses yesterday. I think at heart she was a little country girl who would thrive out here. I know they were both joining us for two weeks at the beach house. If all went well and my salary went well – I would consider just buying one that we could all share and split and pay for. That way we had a home, a homebase for that family.

Sutton pulled on my jeans, and I picked him up as he buried his head into my neck. It was approaching their nap time and I was going to let them nap while they celebrated. Colt was going to come hang out with me and Blaine was going to join us. I found a basketball and we were going to play out there for a bit as Colt found an old basketball goal and hung it up. Blaine had a good first season. Played a lot more towards the back half and just missed the NCAA tournament. It worked out so he could join us here today, but I know next year he would be there.

"Family picture!" Gina called and Gabi smiled at her mom as I gathered Saylor and we all lined up. I stood next to Gabi as she took Saylor from me as she whined because she wanted to keep playing. "Sutton, buddy, look," Colt's mom called to him, and he whined and pressed his face further into my neck. I chuckled, "Buddy," I twisted him around to face the front. His back pressed to my chest as he cried reaching for Gabi. "Here, switch,"

"He's just tired. He was happy in my neck." Gabi smiled switching kids as she talked to Sutton, and he laid his head on her shoulder but his face towards the camera. We tried to get him to smile but all efforts were fruitless. "Sorry, ma," Gabi said, and she smiled, "I just love having the pictures. That's all that matters." Gabi gave her a smile as I took both babies into my arms. "Okay, have fun, I am going to go out with Blaine, Colt, and put these two down for a nap. Call me if you need anything, okay?" she nodded as I reached for a kiss as she kissed on both babies.

Colt, Blaine, and I headed for the ATV as we all got on and I secured the kids to my lap. "Give me fifteen minutes to get them down and then we will have plenty of time." They nodded as we pulled up to our cottage as I took them inside. Saylor threw a fit because she wanted to play. I ignored her while I changed Sutton's diaper and then laid him down with his blanket. I picked up Saylor while she screamed and cried pushing on me. "Saylor, baby, it's time for a nap." I told her softly. I changed her diaper as her face got red and the tears fell down her face.

Her curly hair was pulled into pig tails, and she was so fucking cute tantrum and all. Once I changed her diaper I sat down on the bed as I just held her. I rocked her back and forth until she calmed down. I kissed on her temple as I laid her down in bed and tucked her blanket around her. I gave her a stuffy, but she cried, "Bink!" I sighed as we were really trying to stop the binky activity, but desperate times called for desperate measures. I grabbed her binky and handed it to her as she happily took it. I watched her for a few more moments and she fell asleep and nearly promptly spit it back out.

I grabbed it before I headed outside with the baby monitor. "Sounded like Saylor wasn't having it," Colt checked the ball to me, and I laughed with a nod, "Yup, she was pissed. She probably could have hung for a while longer, but I prefer they stay on the same schedule." I hit the shot as Blaine grabbed the ball. He dribbled a few times before taking his own shot, "Feel good after the first year?" Blaine nodded, "I do. It was everything and more. I loved that Lucy and dad weren't too far away and came to most of the home games."

"Beth and I watched your games a lot. Hoping for more minutes next year?" Blaine nodded, "They asked me when I was getting close to going over what I could do for redshirt if I wanted too, and I told them no. I wanted the experience plus who knows what will happen in the future." I nodded in agreement, "That was a good choice, plus, your coaches probably liked it." Blaine chuckled with a nod, "Coming from a coach," I shrugged, "I haven't had to deal with that too much. I am just trying to make sure I have a decent recruiting class."

"We watched a lot of your games too; I think I watch more basketball now than I ever have in my life." Blaine and I both laughed but I loved how much this family supported each other. The love. I shook my head as we played one-on-one while Colt manned the baby monitor. We were both sweating by the end when Sutton cried. I stopped as I wiped my face, "Okay, okay, you win," I told him as he was up one. Blaine cheered with a laugh as I jogged inside to see Sutton reaching up for me. "Hi baby, c'mere," I held him as he was still tired. I sat in the chair near the pack-n-plays as I was hopeful, he would go back to sleep.

"Mama," he whined, and I sighed, "Mama is hanging out with Auntie Beth," I told him as he cried, "Mama," he cried again, and I sighed as I picked up my phone as I facetimed her hoping that she would answer. I let him have it as he sat in my lap as Gabi picked up, she smiled but then frowned, "Sutty, what's wrong sweet boy?" tears welled in his eyes, "Mama!" Gabi made eye contact with me, and I shrugged my shoulders. "He woke up asking for you. Do you want me to bring him to you?" she glanced around the baby shower and shook her head. "I will be right there. I will just steal the cart." I nodded as Sutton wailed, "Mama, mama," Gabi hung up and I knew she was going to be here fairly quickly.

I held him and comforted him as best I could until Gabi came through the door, "Baby boy, come here," he clung onto her so tightly I began to wonder if he had a bad dream. I rubbed his back as Gabi sat next to me and rocked him back and forth. "I wonder if he had a bad dream," I asked and Gabi sighed, "Poor guy, he's shaking." I looked down at him as he was clinging to Gabi, and I knew he wasn't going anywhere anytime soon. Saylor stirred with all the action, and I reached for her. She was content to lay in my arms while she woke up.

I changed her diaper and let her play with some toys on the floor as I sat down with her. "I think he fell back asleep." I peered over at him, and I nodded, "I think so, do you want me to take him? I know you are celebrating your sister." I shook my head, "No, I think I want to hold him a bit longer." I nodded my head with a smile, "I'm glad you came to see him. I don't think he was going to calm down until he saw you." She gave me a half smile as tears filled her eyes at the same moment. "The way he cried my name reminded me of Lucy screaming for her mom."

Gabi blinked several times as I got up to sit next to her. "I'm sorry, baby," I kissed the top of her head, and I tugged her into my body. She leaned against me while Sutton rested peacefully in her arms. Her eyes focused on him, and I knew she would have moved heaven and hell to be here for this moment. It hurt knowing that Lucy had those moments where she wanted her mom, and she couldn't have her. Fuck, the things Gabi lived through. Neither of us moved for some time and finally Gabi shifted to put Sutton in the pack n' play. She kissed Saylor's forehead as she grinned up at Gabi. Gabi swallowed hard as she stared at her, and I stood up as I wrapped her up in my arms.

A choked sob came from her mouth, and I let my hand hold the back of her head as I wrapped her up tight. "I'm sorry, baby, I am." I whispered to her, and she just shook her head. "I love them so much. I would do anything for them. I just…I just wish Zoey was able to be able to look at her kids and do that still." I brushed away the tears as I cradled her face. "She knew her sister was going to take good care of her kids. She knew that you were going to step up and be that person for them. She wasn't scared because she had you. She had Beth. She had the best parents. God forbid something happened to you – I know Beth and your family would never let out babies think twice about the love they receive."

Gabi took a deep breath, and I wiped away the final tears, "Go celebrate your sister. I can hold this fort down for a bit longer." Gabi nodded as she looked at Saylor, "Take her with you. She'll be good." She nodded as she swept her up and rested her on the little bump in the front. Saylor babbled and hugged on Gabi, and I knew she needed that. I walked them out as Blaine and Colt were waiting for us to remerge. "I'll give you a ride back," Colt said, and Gabi nodded as she slipped into the cart. I scrunched my eyebrows, "Wait, how did you get here?"

"She ran," Blaine spoke, and I blinked once, and then twice before I looked at the retreating figure of them heading back to the main house. "She ran?" Blaine nodded.

"Yea, she ran. She just came out of nowhere and was in the house faster than we could ask what was wrong. Everything okay?" I nodded my head as I continued to stare at their retreating figures. "Yea, Sutton just had a nightmare and was screaming for Gabi." I exhaled a breath of air as I turned to face him. "I think there is some PTSD there from Lucy, honestly." Blaine's face fell a little bit and he just nodded, "Yea, I still have those moments where I feel like I hear Lucy screaming for mom. It's…haunting." I nodded as I squeezed his shoulder as I picked up the basketball. "C'mon,"


Thursday, March 17th, 2022

Gabi's POV

I shifted nervously in the chair as we had another ultrasound of our baby boy who was absolutely still nameless. We were waiting on Dr. Johnson to come into the room to go over the ultrasound. Troy waved his thumb over my skin as he had taken the rest of the afternoon off so that we could pack up for our babymoon. We were doing our babymoon now and then we were taking one last family trip down to Clearwater, Florida around 32 weeks as long as there was no sign of trouble. Dr. Johnson came in the room, and she smiled, "Good, good news," I felt hopeful as I glanced up at her.

"The dilation is completely gone, and everything looks normal!" I felt the biggest exhale of my life exit my body. "Seriously?" she nodded with a smile. "Seriously. I don't think we need to follow up on this anymore with ultrasounds. He is measuring right on track – if not a little on the bigger size. The dilation has resolved, and things are looking really, really good. How are you feeling?" I felt myself relax fully for the first time since we found there was a minor problem. "Honestly? A lot better now." I gave a tiny laugh and she smiled, "Good. You should. You've hit the third trimester and hopefully that little babe continues to cook."

"Hopefully. I would like him to come when he is allowed." Dr. Johnson laughed, "Speaking of – I know you want to do a repeat c-section. Do you want to schedule it?" I blinked and I then glanced over to Troy. "We can?" she nodded, "Sure? Why not. Obviously, if this little man wants to make his debut before the scheduled date, he can but at least you have the date you want. Secured and ready to go." I gave a tiny grin, "I would actually love that. Troy and I are hoping to go down to Florida for a vacation when I'm around 32 weeks pregnant. Can we check to make sure everything is okay before we leave? I know that I can be perfectly fine leaving, and things can change quickly but just to know there isn't any cervical changes would be reassuring."

Dr. Johnson nodded, "If that helps your anxiety around it, then yes. You said it yourself – things can change quickly but I really think your pre-term labor was due to the twins. We can do a NST and a cervical check at your 32-week appointment before you leave if that works." I nodded my head, "Please, that would just reassure me some. Luckily, we aren't going very far from here." She smiled and nodded as she pulled up the computer, "Okay, I feel comfortable taking this baby any time after 38 weeks. Do you have a preference?"

"What about May 30th?" Troy asked and I looked over at him and he shrugged, "The twins are December 30th. We can keep a trend." I swallowed as I couldn't stop my smile. "Does that work?" I asked looking over at Dr. Johnson who gave a smile, "Yea, it does. It would be a Monday which is great. We would hope you get you out of here by Wednesday morning." I nodded as I couldn't help but feel excited as we weren't that far away from getting to meet him. "That would put you at 39 weeks and two days which is perfect. Hopefully, he agrees with the 30th trend because that is cute." We all laughed as I took a breath, "I do have some request if I can with our c-section. I…I know I don't get to have the fun typical stuff but if possible and everybody is healthy…I would love to do skin-to-skin before he's taken to the warmer. I'd really like if he could go from me to my chest. My first babies were taken to a completely different hospital, and I didn't hold them for days. I don't want that again." I swallowed down on the nerves that were collecting. "Is that possible?" I asked looking up and Troy squeezed my knee.

"Yes, if everybody is doing well, we can just go from womb to your chest. It is something I like to do and try to do. You should also get that experience. Would you like a clear drape? That way you can see him be delivered?" I nodded, "Please, I would really like that. I want the safest thing for the both of us, but I want this to feel like a birth. It was so scary last time and I just…I just want to feel like I'm having a baby." Dr. Johnson squeezed my knee softly, "You deserve that. We are going to redeem this whole experience, okay? Do you want to put together a play list? We can play it in the OR. Whatever you want." I nodded and Troy smiled as he threaded our fingers together.

"I will note this in your chart and when you come in the next morning, we can discuss it all again. Does that sound okay?" I nodded my head and she agreed, "I think this is going to be so good for you."

"And I want to be clear – we do whatever we need for the both of us. Those are just the ideal things."

Dr. Johnson smiled, "I like that. The ideal things because you of all people know this world is sometimes a little less than ideal." I nodded with a laugh as we discussed some final things before, she walked out reminding us to do every two weeks from here on out. I exhaled a heavy breath that I didn't know I was holding of anticipation.

Once she was out of the room Troy gave me a grin, "I think we get all of our children on the 30th," I laughed with a shake of my head, "Okay, how many are we talking? I keep wondering if three is the right amount." Troy arched an eyebrow, "Yea? We'll have to see how we feel after this one. Your call." I nudged him with my elbow. "Damn straight," Troy chuckled as he laced our fingers together as we walked out. "I have a few name suggestions, do you?" he asked me, and I nodded, "I have a few. Want to get a coffee before we go get our kids?" Troy nodded with a smile as we got back to the car.

I rubbed my stomach where he was kicking me as I really hoped he came on his scheduled date. I wanted him to be fully cooked. At least a lot more fully cooked than his siblings. Troy pulled into our favorite coffee shop by the hospital and we both went into order, and I took a seat in the sun. It felt good against my skin, and I couldn't wait to spend the next week with Troy in the sundown in the Bahamas. It was a pretty quick and inexpensive trip from here in Georgia which was nice. An all-inclusive resort where we could just soak up the sun together every single day.

"Okay, here are two cups of coffee," Troy sat my iced vanilla latte down in front of me as I took a sip, "Mmm thank you," I told him, and he nodded as he sat across from me. "Okay, since it's a boy I go first," I laughed and I gave a tiny look, "Whatever, go first," he chuckled as he looked at me, "Miller Owen," I scrunched my eyes as I didn't hate the name, but I wasn't sure it went with Owen. "What's the face? I liked that one!" I laughed, "I love Miller, it's actually really cute but I am not sure I love it with Owen." Troy sighed as he took a drink, "Fine, fair," I giggled before I thought about which one, I wanted to say first. "Preston Owen,"

Troy groaned, "Preston? That sounds like a snobby frat boy." I couldn't stop my laugh, "Plus, no good nickname potential there." I shook my head with a laugh as we were so much harder on each other this time around with names. "Okay, what's your next one?" those blue eyes took me in before he smiled, "Ledger Owen," I paused on that one as I actually did like it. "Ledger? I like it." Troy grinned, "Seriously? Should we just stop." I giggled and shook my head, "No! We have to get through all of them because I still have a name, I like way more."

Troy rolled his eyes but had that teasing look on his face, "Collin, I know, it's kind of boring and lame but…I like it." Troy let the corners of his mouth tug, "I always liked it for a girl." Troy admitted, "Collins. Could you imagine Saylor, Sutton, and Collins? The sweet little southern bunch." I could picture it but sadly this wasn't a girl.

"Is that our theme? Southern names?" Troy chuckled, "I think so. I don't think we meant to; we just did." I smiled because I liked them. "Summit, and that is probably my most out their name you are getting from me." I snorted a laugh with a shake of my head, "I think the only name you have on this table currently is Ledger." Troy rolled his eyes playfully as I went with my next one, "Dax or Daxon." Troy automatically shook his head. "That is way too close to Jax and Jaxon." I frowned, "I thought of that, but the names are different."

"Too close."

I huffed a sigh as Troy gave me his next one "Theo,"

"Not Theodore?" he shook his head, "I am going to call him Theo. So just Theo."

"I like it," I told him. "You have two. Ledger and Theo." Troy chuckled as he thought about mine. "Collin is the only one so far but that is thin ice, Brie." I just gave a laugh as I gave him my next one. The last two were my favorites. One had more of a meaning than the other, but I liked them both a lot. "Callum," Troy paused for a moment as he thought about it. "Callum Owen Bolton." Troy said it again and he turned his head, "It means Dove." I told him with a tiny shrug, "Which translates to peace, and I think if anything this baby, this year, this journey as led to a peace in my life I haven't felt in a long time." Troy glanced at me, and those blue eyes stared at my eyes. Reading everything he could in there. "Favorite." I smiled, "Really?" he nodded his head, "I like it better than my last name which is Jonah." I smiled as I gave him my last one, "Briggs,"

"Briggs?" Troy hesitated, "I actually really like it. Briggs Bolton sounds bad ass, but I think I have one I like more."

"Wait…" I paused as I looked at him, "Are you saying? Should that be his name?" Troy nodded his head slowly and tears filled my eyes. "Callum?" I asked him and he nodded his head as I got up and I went over to hug Troy. "Callum Owen Bolton, he is going to bring this family peace or hell." Troy said as his hand ran over my belly as if he was trying to find that little foot. Tears fell down my cheeks thinking about it, "Cal," I whispered to him, and he nodded, "Good nickname, good strong name. Southern-ish. It flows well. Saylor, Sutton, Callum…" Troy gave me a smile before he kissed me softly.

"I think this is the only way we can name babies," I laughed as I kissed him again. I hugged him and when I let go his mouth found my belly, "Hi Callum," Troy whispered, and I closed my eyes because I loved it. I really did.


Saturday, March 19th, 2022

Troy's POV

29 Weeks Pregnant

Gabi was curled into me as this was our first full day of vacation in the Bahamas after traveling most of yesterday. Luckily, it wasn't a long day, but Gabi was tired by the end. My parents came down and were staying with the kids all week as they were happy to spend the week with them. We were going home on Thursday as this would be our longest trip from the babies since our honeymoon. Today the only plan was to lay by the beach and enjoy the nice weather. I only had minimal plans for us this weekend as I wanted her to relax. She deserved it after the past few crazy months.

Luckily, my assistant coaches were amazing and holding down the fort at work. They were recruiting and working on all of those things now that we had shifted to the off-season. Gabi shifted in my arms, and I kissed the back of her neck. She gave a sleepy smile, "Did you order breakfast by chance? Your son is hungry." I laughed into her neck as the corners of my mouth pulled up. "I haven't but I can. Do you want breakfast?" she nodded her head but wouldn't open her eyes. "Pancakes? Eggs? Sandwich? What do you want?" I asked her.

"Mmm…French toast sounds really good."

"French toast it is." I let go of her and I grabbed my phone as I ordered it from the app for the resort. Once it was ordered I curled back up with her, but she shifted onto her back. "Good morning,"

"Good morning," I brushed hair away from her face and she stretched out and squeaked in the stretch. I chuckled watching her, "Feel good?" she nodded as she burrowed back into my body. "I'm not sure I want to leave this bed. When is the last time those babies haven't been screaming for us by now?"

"Fair. It has been a while since we have been able to just enjoy the morning. Coffee and breakfast in bed?" I suggested and she nodded her head up and down. "Then we can reevaluate if I want to leave this bed." I couldn't stop the growing smile as I kissed the back of her head. "Fine but I do want to see the ocean water at some point today." Gabi laughed as she rolled and let her brown eyes focus on me. I reached over and I brushed hair behind her ear and tugged on it gently. "Are we ready for another one?" I asked her and she just let out a laugh. "Too late buddy, we're literally sixty days out practically."

I smirked, "Not what I meant. I meant…are we ready for this? Do we need to purchase anything? Do we need another car seat? Do we need clothes? What do you need for him? I know I am just coming up for air with all of the family stuff, but I just need to tackle whatever we need once we get back." Gabi reached over and brushed her fingers over my face, "Lucky for us, we had twins first and we have absolutely everything we need…in double." A laugh bellowed out of my mouth because she wasn't wrong in the slightest.

"I'll probably buy him a few new outfits for him to have and a blanket but besides that…I don't need anything. He doesn't need anything. I think if anything I learned from the first time around is they don't need that many outfits because they spend half the time naked or they just wear onesies. After that, they eat and go through a lot of diapers." A groan slipped between my lips, "I can't wait to never buy diapers again. Have you been stocking up or do I need to start buying some at every grocery trip?" Gabi let her finger draw across my skin, "I've been buying a size for the baby every single time I buy a box for the kids."

"You really are on it." She gave me a smile with a nod, "I knew I had to be because I wanted to spend all the time with you as possible before we have three turkeys."

"I know you will be doing a lot of baby time, but I want to make sure you get time with Sutton and Saylor. I don't know if we need to schedule some time every day or every other day for you to just spend with them without worrying about Cal." I huffed a breath, and I looked down at Gabi who had a growing grin on her face. "What?" I asked and she smiled, "You called him Cal."

"Well," I smiled, "That is his name."

"Should we tell people?"

"Only if you want."

"Maybe we wait it out. If somebody ask, we can tell them but if they don't ask…" Gabi nodded, "I like that. I also like that we just know. It's our little secret." We chatted for the next several minutes and when the knock came at the door, I rolled out of bed, and I grabbed our breakfast. Gabi sat up in bed and I handed her the coffee before setting the tray on the bed. I sat down with my coffee as I took a sip, "Mmm…and it won't get cold." We both laughed together as we dug into our breakfast as we enjoyed it hot and without somebody whining.

"How do you think Luna is going to like a third one stealing from her attention?" I sighed, "I hate that. She was my first girl." Gabi shook her head with a smile, "She really was. That girl did everything with you back in the day." I nodded, "She really did. Luna was my sidekick and my only girl. Now she is really having to share that spotlight." Gabi gave a half smile as she finished her breakfast and leaned back. Her belly exposed as her shirt was pushed up. I reached over and let my hand wander over her belly trying to find a little kick anywhere.

"I think he's sleeping; he moves very sparingly." I smiled as I kissed her belly before getting up to move the trays out of bed and I finished off my coffee. Gabi finished hers as I took the cup before going to sit next to her again. "What are we thinking?" I asked tucking her against me again. Gabi hummed as she tilted her head back, our eyes clashed and there weren't many things to be said after that. It was one look between the two of us that I had her in my lap. Our lips connecting and we were pushing and pulling. Our mouth locked together in a desperation we haven't had in a while.

Getting these moments alone were getting harder.

But I didn't mean that we didn't try.

I pulled off her shirt and tossed it across the room as she pulled off mine. "Is this what you wanted all along?" I asked her and she nodded her head, "I was sad when I got out of the shower last night and you were asleep." She kissed me again and harder as I let her control the pace. My hands roaming her back and I pulled back as I cradled her face. "I would have woken back up." Gabi shook her head as she went to move her underwear off. "No, you needed rest, and we have a full week ahead of us." I groaned because she wasn't wrong. She pushed her underwear off and I lifted my hips to get mine off.

"Brie, let me," she shook her head, "I don't need anything else. I've been dripping since we woke up." I closed my eyes tightly because I didn't need to know that. She slipped right on without hesitation, and I bit down hard on my lip to focus. My hands guided her movements as her head tossed back. Her hair falling down her back, her breasts pushed up, and her belly on display – it was a sight. A sight that I had to shut off in my mind or else this wasn't going to last as long as I wanted it to last.


Sunday, March 20th, 2022

Gabi's POV

The waves rolled onto the beach as Troy was off getting drinks, I was reading my book, and the sun felt absolutely amazing. I took a picture on my phone and sent it to Jenna. She was jealous that we stowed away. My picture sent and then three little bubbles popped up before I got a picture in return. I gasped as I immediately was calling Jenna. "Shut up!" I squealed once she answered and she laughed, "We're pregnant with baby number two!" she squealed and I couldn't stop my laugh, "Jenna! That is amazing! Were you trying? Surprise? How long?"

Jenna giggled, "Gabs, I literally just found out. It's like you knew I just flipped the test over. Ethan doesn't even know yet." I squealed again, "Oh my god! Go tell him! Willa is going to be a big sister." We both squealed and laughed together over the phone. Then we were both crying together, "I hate that we are so far apart, but I will be down there the day that baby pops out!" I giggled, "Callum," I told her, and she paused and didn't say anything for a moment. "Callum?" she whispered, and I nodded, "Yea, Troy called him Cal today and it was the cutest damn thing."

"Callum Owen," I finished for her, "Gabi, stop, that is so freaking cute. I am so glad that you both agreed on a name." I smiled as I looked up at the ocean. "Yea, it was a bit more work, but we did the same thing we did last time. His name was almost Briggs. It was the close second."

"I think I like Callum just a little more."

I gave a smile as Troy came back with some drinks, "I gotta go, Jens. I love you and miss you so much." She bid her own good-bye back as I took my virgin drink from Troy. "I watched them like a hawk to make sure it was a virgin." I smiled up at him, "Jenna is pregnant." Tory paused and blinked before a grin spread over that beautiful face. "Really? That's awesome. Willa is going to be a big sister." I nodded with a smile, "I sent her a picture of the beach and she sent me back a picture of her pregnancy test." Troy chuckled, "And then I called her freaking out but apparently, she had just taken it. Ethan doesn't know yet."

"You two," he said with a chuckle, and I nodded, "We are a bit of a handful." Troy smiled as his hand palmed over my leg and he rubbed it gently. "Did she know first with this one?" I shook my head, "You did. I think I just caught Jenna in the right moment, but I would never want to tell anybody, but you are first." Troy squeezed my thigh with his strong hand. "Are we team last one or are we going to wait, and see?" Troy asked. I shrugged, "I think wait and see. I wouldn't mind going for a fourth if everything goes well with this one, but I am also okay waiting to see."

"You don't need to know it's the last?" I shook my head, "No, I don't. If it is – it is. If it isn't – it isn't. I think my hard stop is four though." Troy nodded in agreement, "I would agree to that. I want to be present in their lives as much as I can be. I don't want to be stretched too thin and I want them to do their activities. I want to support their activities and it will already be hard enough with three." I nodded in agreement with him. "I do want our kids to know they always have us in their corner." Troy glanced away and I nodded my head.

"Yea, I don't ever want my kids to think they can't come to us." I knew he was thinking about Kaden, and I smiled, "Is Jacy and Kaden doing, okay? I know they are in baby watch mode." Troy smiled, "Yea, I checked in this morning. They had a doctor's appointment, and they said no signs of labor, and everything is looking really good. If they don't have a baby in the next ten days, she has an induction date for April 1st."

"Good. Jacy, Lennon, and Beth are all going to have their babies so close together."

"And then we aren't that far off."

"He needs to cook. All the way." I said sternly down to my belly to hopefully convince him of it. Troy laughed, "Yea, he does. I don't ever want to see you separated from your baby again. That is something I never will be able to handle again. It was…" Troy paused as he thought about it. He swallowed heavily as I reached over to grab his hand. "Knowing that you couldn't be with them immediately is something that will forever haunt me. You should never be away from your baby." I got up from the chair and I crawled into his lap. "I hate how traumatic that day was for all of us, but I am glad I did it with you." I squeezed his hand, and he pressed his lips into the curve of my neck. "I talked about it in therapy a few months afterwards and I kind of laughed and told her…if I had to endure that with Brad? It would have been so much more traumatic."

I gave a tiny smile as I peered up at him, "I trusted you. I knew those babies were safe with you. I knew that you would do anything for them, and you would be my voice. I would have never felt that way with Brad. I felt safe doing it with you. I knew that they were safe." He kissed the side of my head and he exhaled, "That is a good point. I really hope we get to just have the normal hospital stay this time around. Bond with our baby and then go home and figure out life with three of them." I nodded as he started moving and kicking. I grabbed Troy's hand to let him feel and he smiled.

"Hi Cal,"

"Cal might be the cutest nickname."

"I think Sutty is honestly,"

"Say-Say doesn't do it for you?" I asked him and he chuckled, "I love my little firecracker." I smiled and exhaled softly, "I think we're going to get it this time. We deserve it and we have too much to do between now and then. I have to go meet my nephew, Sawyer,"

"Did you know that was on my name list and then you said no S's."

A giggled escaped, "So sorry,"

"You are not."

"It is cute, but I am so glad that we didn't go with it. Could you imagine?" we both laughed together. This felt good. This was needed.


Monday, March 21st, 2022

Troy's POV

Gabi and I strolled on the beach during sunset before stopping at an ice cream place, "What are you both in town for?" The cashier asked and Gabi smiled, "A little babymoon before this sweet boy arrives." Her hand covered her stomach, and I smiled watching her. "Oh yea? First one?" Gabi shook her head, "No, we have boy/girl twins at home. They are almost two and half." I winced, "No they aren't. They have like three more months until they are two and half." Gabi rolled her eyes with a smile, "They are closer to that than two." I sighed as I hated that they were already getting so big.

"And you said this one is a boy?" the girl asked as she handed us the ice cream. "Yea, a second boy. So, we are doing a bit of parent vacation and celebrating before we have a third." The girl smiled at Gabi as she handed me my ice cream. We thanked her before we walked back out to the beach. "Is there anything you would want to change that we can change about this past basketball season?" Gabi thought about it as we walked, "I honestly think it went well for the most part. We did our best and with three there might be less road trips for us and us having to find time again but…I think we can figure it out. The longer we are together the easier that part is getting."

I nodded my head, "I agree. I am hoping that now we have the experience of recruiting, watching film, clipping, etc. that I can be home more. That I can be present more. I also will be more than happy to take the bigs to practice every now and then. Just as much as I want you to have time with the bigs, I also want you to have time with him. To bond. To have that connection." Gabi gave a smile with a nod, "I think we'll figure it out. I trust us. I have faith in us. Our relationship is hard sometimes but it's so worth it, Troy."

We both shared a smile as neither of us talked for the most part. We just walked side by side as the waves rolled over our feet. We tossed our trash in the trash can and headed back up towards the hotel. There was something relaxed about this whole trip and I knew even with three next year I wanted to figure out how to do this again. I wanted her to get away from life.

"How is Zoey's? I haven't heard you talk much about it." Gabi shrugged with a smile, "It's good, actually, making great money. We gave all the dance teacher raises. I gave myself a raise. It's been good. I have a weekend planned in a couple of weeks to drive up to take care of a handful of things before this baby appears. I plan on taking 12-weeks off unless absolutely needed. Brea, Mia, and Dana are all prepared to take over my rolls for a bit. I have trained them in the big stuff, and I think it will be fine. I told them I am always there to talk and chat if needed."

"Good, you deserve that time off." I squeezed her hand as we made it back to our room and she let out a breathy sigh. She laid back on the bed as I kicked off my shoes. I crawled up into the bed next to her, "What do you want to do for Cal's nursery? Have any ideas?" I asked her, "That is my big project over the next several weeks to get finished." Gabi rolled on her side to face me as she thought about it. "I do and honestly, it's kind of boring but I just want soft and plain. Nothing crazy. I want somewhere that is comfy and calm."

"Okay – what does that look like for you?"

"White curtains, maybe a sage green wall? Dark wood crib with a white rocking chair. We can even take the one from the twin's room if you want. We don't rock them as much anymore. We can find a new chair for them because that one works well for rocking babies." I smiled at her vision because it was simple. "A floor lamp to give it a soft glow and a little fake tree maybe? I don't know. I just want it to be calm. I plan on keeping him in our room for at least 2 months, maybe 3. After that – I think it is good for everybody to start sleeping in different rooms. We'll all sleep better."

I agreed with her as when we have the babies in our room – nobody slept well. Once we moved Saylor and Sutton out of our room everybody started to sleep. "I think we can make this happen." Gabi smiled as she rubbed her belly just thinking about him. I smiled thinking about it myself. "I love you," I told her with a nudge, and she gave me a sleepy smile, "I love you, too. Thank you for giving me everything and more." I felt my chest warm and tighten. "Always, Brie, always."


Happy Sunday! I hope you enjoyed!

Please REVIEW!

Next Update: 9/15 – check out my profile for more information!