Chapter 30 – Family Time

Sunday, May 1st, 2022

35 Weeks Pregnant

Gabi's POV

I tapped on my phone as Troy was driving as we were making our way down to Clearwater for a week-long vacation. Our last one as a family of four. I had been feeling so much better since we had hit thirty-five weeks. I felt like even if he did come now that things would be okay. I was sitting between Sutton and Saylor who were both actually sleeping at the moment. I was chatting with Beth who was sending me pictures of Sawyer. He was truly so freaking cute, and I was glad that Cal was going to have a cousin so close in age. Lennon and Cameron were also both rocking the whole parent thing for the first time. Kayden and Jacy were also doing so well, and I couldn't be prouder of them.

"Don't make me take that thing away from you." I glanced up to see Troy staring at me and I just smiled, "I am just communicating with all the friends who had babies. Checking on each of them. No work, promise." I told him with a smile. Those blue eyes just stared at me for a moment with a smile on his face. "Fair, how are all the cute babies?" I nodded, "Good. Jacy said they went to the park and got lunch today with Cameron and Lennon. Eden was all dressed up and they joked it was a date with Hunter."

"How is Beth hanging in there?"

"Good, she is feeling good, and she can't wait to spend a month together soon." Troy nodded in agreement as we had nothing planned but beach days. We were going to the aquarium on day, too. We just were going to soak up time as a family and that was something I knew was important. Troy had a trip once we got back and then it was all things preparing for Callum. Hopefully, he decides to stay put for Josie and Dylan's wedding. I peeked in on the two sleeping toddlers as I reached forward to rub Troy's shoulder. Luna was curled up in the back as we had rented a house just to make our lives easier.

"How much longer?" I asked him. "About thirty minutes. Hopefully they stay asleep." I agreed as this was a good nap for them. I tucked my phone away as Troy and I chatted the rest of the way. "Sometimes, I try to imagine being that heartbroken girl who was riding in the front of your Jeep to Hilton Head. How much we laughed on that entire trip." I gave a faint smile and Troy shot me one in the rearview mirror. "I think all I tried to do back then was make you smile. You deserved to smile." I felt my cheeks tint pink with his words, "I've come a long way. We've come a long way."

Troy just laughed, "Yea, we really have. My beautiful wife," he murmured, and I just smile at him. We both knew quickly we were it for each other, but nobody could have predicted this road. It wasn't long before Troy was pulling up to the Airbnb as he grabbed his phone to get the check-in instructions, "I'll be right back," he said, and I nodded as he got Luna out who happily went to the bathroom. I sat with the twins as they were getting so big. Neither of them looked like a baby anymore. They looked like toddlers. Big kids.

"Alright, it's unlocked," he popped open Sutton's door as he started to unbuckle him. Once Troy lifted him out, I crawled out of the back seat with my big belly knocking a few times. "Sorry, Cal." I murmured to him. I went over as I unbuckled Saylor as I pulled her out and put her on my shoulder. "Mama," I smiled, "Hi baby," I kissed on her as we had a pool in the backyard and the beach was down the street. It was a cute little area, and I knew it was going to be a good week. Sutton was sitting up on the couch rubbing his eyes as I put Saylor right next to him. I grabbed their backpack, and I found their waters and snacks. Once they were both content, I went to help Troy.

"No," he said as I stepped out as he had three bags in his hand, "Yes, I am perfectly able to help." Troy shook his head, "No, I got it. Go sit with them. I did make sure the back door was locked. The pool with no alarm makes me nervous." I just gave a tiny smile with a nod as I went back in to sit with them. I turned on their favorite show to give them time to wake-up as they ate their snacks. I brushed Saylor's hair with my fingers, and she pressed on my belly. "Soon you'll have two brothers," she scrunched her face and Sutton got jealous, so he pushed her and climbed into my lap. I laughed, "Babies, there is enough for both of you," I tugged both of them on as I kissed on them.

Troy shut the front door before he joined us in the living room with a hoard of swimsuits in his hand. "Let's go swimming," I smiled with a nod as we were having groceries delivered later this afternoon. Troy and I changed the kids and then we changed ourselves before going out to the pool in the backyard. We put life jackets on both kids before letting them swim. They were in swim lessons, but they were going slowly to say the least. Troy threw Saylor up in the air and her giggles rained around us. "Are you having so much fun?" I asked Sutton as he climbed on the stairs, and he just gave me that grin.

The same grin I hope his brother had.

Because it was one of my favorites from their dad.

I sent pictures of the kids to the family group chats before I submerged which caused Sutton to latch onto me. Troy put them both on a raft and I just smiled watching, "Should we get mommy up there?" Troy asked them which caused them both to squeal with happiness. I just laughed as I went to climb up, but Troy just lifted me. "Troy," he shook his head as he kissed on me again, "Shush," he placed me in the center as the kids laid on top of me. "Beautiful," he murmured softly, and I just gave him a smile.

Troy's POV

I finished washing the dishes as Gabi had just gone outside after putting the kids to bed. They were tired from their short nap and then an afternoon of swimming in the pool. I made their drinks for the morning and made pancake batter for the morning as well. One less thing we had to worry about tomorrow. I grabbed my beer, and I went outside in search of Gabi as she was laying on a lounger glancing up at the stars in the sky. You could faintly hear the waves crashing on the beach and I couldn't wait to take the kids tomorrow.

I slid down into the chair next to her as she was in a tank-top and a pair of shorts as her belly was exposed. "Kids go down easy?" I asked her and she nodded her head, "They were both so tired. I barely got them out of the bath before they were falling asleep." Gabi gave a tiny smile as I kissed the top of her head.

"How is my little man?" Gabi rolled her head to look over at me with a nod, "Cooking," I chuckled as I leaned over to try to feel him move. "Good, he should be cooking. We have what – twenty-nine days?" Gabi let a smile roll over her mouth. "Yea, we will have our tiny little baby and just snuggle."

"Jesse asked if they wanted them to keep Sutton and Saylor our first night home. To give us a night with just Callum." Gabi hesitated and I knew where her mind went. "They can still be around during the day but to let them have dinner, go to bed, and we can get them when you get some rest before having to be with them? It might be nice. They will just be next door. Your parents come in town the next day."

Troy and I had made it pretty clear we wanted next to zero visitors while in the hospital. The kids won't come until the 31st as we just wanted a day to get to know Callum. It was nice to have a set date and a time. "Maybe. I will think about it. It's not a bad idea to allow us to get comfortable at home." I agreed with her as Gabi stood up. I reached for her, and I pulled her down into my lap. My lips pressed onto her neck.

"I want you to have everything you want with this birth. You deserve that. You deserve to never let go of that baby. You deserve to walk out of that hospital with your baby. You deserve to just bond with him. That is what you deserve." Gabi smiled and nodded, "You deserve to not be pulled in twenty different directions." I just gave a tiny laugh, "Fair, but the worst part of that day was walking away from you." I kissed her cheek and she sighed softly. "Yea, it might have been my least favorite, too. You did everything I needed though." I didn't speak as both of us just stared at the sky together.

My hand ran over her belly as we both basked in this together for a few moments. "How are we doing?" Gabi asked and I glanced at her, "What do you mean?" she shrugged, "Just making sure we are doing okay. Any grievances?" I chuckled, "No grievances. I love you, what is there to be mad about?" she shrugged, "Our marriage is important, and I am just making sure we have the room to communicate anything. I have nothing but it was the time. It is the time before our lives get thrown into another whirlwind of time." I clasped our fingers together and I kissed on her cheek. "Our marriage is important and luckily, I think we have a pretty damn strong one. Do you have any?" she shook her head. "No, you're an amazing husband."

"No, I am a husband. I am doing my best."

"Well then same," her smile made me smile as I ran my hands over her belly as Callum kicked against my hand. "Do you think he is going to look like Saylor or Sutton?" Gabi laughed, "So me or you? Because Saylor is your mini-me and Sutton looks like me." Gabi laughed as she said it which made me smile. "Yes, that's what I am saying." Gabi sighed with happiness as her fingers played with mine. "I think I want him to look like you. I think you need a little boy mini me." I smiled thinking about it and shrugged, "Honestly, I love Sutton's brown eyes and his dark hair like you. The more that look like you the better in my opinion."

Gabi just gave a smile, "I just want him healthy," her voice drifted into the night, and I kissed the side of her head. "He will be. I don't think anybody wants to put you through that again." Gabi just gave a content smile as either of us spoke for a while. The baby monitor squeaked with noise and Gabi glanced at it, but it was just Sutton moving around. Gabi took a drink before she shifted in my lap and turned to face me. I raised an eyebrow towards her, and she just gave a smile before dipping her head to kiss me. I had been letting her initiating anything recently.

"We haven't done this in a while," she murmured, and I let my hand snake up into her hair as I palmed the back of her head. "I've been letting you tell me what you want." I told her and her head pulled back to stare at me. "You've been waiting on me?" I laughed with a nod, "Yea, Brie. I have been. You are nine months pregnant, chasing two toddlers, and running a business. You're tired and I am not going to be extra on top of that. You typically have zero hesitation telling me when you want to have sex." I still had my hand in her hair, and I gripped it a little tighter as she inhaled sharply.

"Thought I was depriving you," I let out a chuckle and shook my head as I pulled her closer to me. Her belly brushing against my abdomen. "Never think that" I told her and then I kissed her. She whimpered and rolled her hips against mine as I groaned. I tucked her around my body as I stood up with her. Her lips were on my neck and jaw as I scooped up the baby monitor before carrying her to our bedroom we were staying in on the main floor. I eased her onto the bedroom and then I pulled off my shirt, kicked off my shorts, before helping her take off tank top.

"So, damn beautiful," I murmured to her as I kissed her squarely as her cheeks flushed with the compliment. Those eyes glancing up at me with so much happiness as I let my thumb brush her chin. "I love you," she gave a smile, "I love you, more, Bolton."

Tuesday, May 3rd, 2022

Gabi's POV

Sutton curled up in my lap in the shade as the waves were hitting the beach. Saylor and Troy were down in the ocean as she loved to be in the water. Sutton was having a hard day and really only wanted to be right here. "You don't want to play in the ocean?" I asked him and he shook his head, "No," I kissed the top of his head as he curled up into my body further. His hair was spike and sunscreen was smudged on his cheeks as the beach wasn't all that busy as we were coming down before the summer rush really started. My eyes spotted Saylor being pulled over the waves as Troy pulled her up each time.

I sent a picture of Sutton to our family as Beth quickly called me afterwards.

"Hey," I answered, and she laughed, "Somebody is being clingy to mom." I just laughed, "That he is. He doesn't want to go to the water. Don't know if he doesn't like it or just wants to be with me." Beth laughed, "Or he knows he's going to have a baby to compete with soon." I rolled my eyes, "That baby has a month of cooking left. Sutton has his time." She just laughed, "How is Sawyer?" I asked. She gushed, "So freaking good. I love being a mom. I love watching Colt be a dad. I never…I never thanked you for letting me go after everything. For telling me to chase Colt." I smiled, "You don't have to thank me, Beth. You deserved it. You deserved to be loved."

She smiled, "Yea, but you deserved your sister. After everything you deserved your sister." I swallowed on the emotion, and I looked out at the ocean. "Yea, but I want a happy sister and Colt is giving you that. I know you would do anything to live near us but that isn't realistic right now. We are both happy and I think we both deserve the life we are living. Zoey would want us living these lives." Beth laughed, "She would. That girl…man, what I wish I could tell her every single day. The things I want to text her. Tell her." I swallowed, "I know, it was harder after having the twins. There was just so much more I wanted to ask and tell her."

Sutton rubbed his face on my chest, and I looked down to see him falling asleep. I kissed the top of his head as I let him wrap around me to take a nap. "Yea, have you heard from Blaine recently?"

"Just a little bit. He is excited to spend two weeks with us in the beach house. With Lucy."

"It's going to be fun,"

"That it is," I agreed. Beth and I talked for a few more moments before I hung up. Troy and Saylor started their way back up to the chairs as she was on his hip as he looked…so good. Working out with the team was proving to be really god as he looked amazing. His abs were shining in the sun, his shoulders broad, fuck, I might have to initiate sex again tonight. His hair was brushed back with a hat on backwards with his sunglasses on. He was talking to Saylor as she was in a cute little one piece as I smiled watching her. Her little hands holding onto her dad.

"Mama!" she pointed at us, and I smiled at her, "Hi baby girl," she wiggled out of Troy's embrace and ran across the sand towards me. "I see you lost a man," I laughed with a nod as Sutton was passed out against me. "I was talking to Beth, and I glanced down to see him asleep." Troy smiled as Saylor wiggled her way up to me. The water trickled off her swimsuit and I smiled as she scootched into the other side of me. "Hi baby," I kissed on her hair and Troy smiled. He grabbed his phone, and he took a picture. "Soon you'll have a third one," he said wiggling his eyebrows.

"I can't wait, there is nothing better than a full lap." It wasn't long before Saylor joined her brother in a nap as Troy helped me move both of them to the other chair as they laid together under the umbrella. I sat cross-legged on the bench as Troy sat on the end as he checked a few things on his phone. "It seemed that you both were having fun down there," Troy smiled up at me with a nod, "She was having a blast. Saylor was all giggles, and it was so cute." I pressed my face into his shoulder as he rubbed my knee. "I wanted Sutton to go join you, but he wasn't having it."

"He wants you momma," I gave a smile and I nodded, "I know. I love spending time with him." I rolled my lips together and I let my eyes close, "No, no, do we need to go back to the house?" I just laughed as I pried my eyes open as I sat up and rubbed my eyes. "No, I am okay. Just sleepy. If we move those two gremlins to the car, they will be running around by the time we get home." Troy laughed, "True, c'mere," I got up and he scooted back on the lounger before I sat in his lap. His finger ran over my c-section scar, and I watched him do it. "How are you feeling about another c-section?" he asked me.

"Nervous, but I am not risking anything to have a VBAC. I can't risk it. It's just…" I shook my head and Troy kissed the back of my head. "Yea, I understand what you are saying. Just making sure you are ready for that again." I nodded, "I am. Only because I think it's going to be better than last time. No urgency. No rushing. No…thinking of losing them. You'll be right there with me." Troy kissed my temple, "That I will be. You'll have to arrest me before that happens." I gave a smile, "It wasn't terrible last time. It was just nerve-wracking not knowing what was happening with our babies. If I was going to lose them. I don't have those feelings this time. I feel settled that if I were to go into labor tomorrow – this baby will be okay. Early, but okay."

Troy kissed my cheek and hummed softly, "I'm glad you are feeling some peace. That's all I want for you." I sighed softly and leaned further back into him. The sun feeling good, the waves crashing on the beach, my two babies sleeping, and the person I loved the most behind me. I felt good and I honestly felt good for the first time in a really long time. That…that was worth everything.

Saturday, May 14th, 2022

37 weeks pregnant

Troy's POV

My eyes peeked in on all three of my people taking a nap. I think Gabi and I were both breathing a hell of a lot easier since last week and hitting 36 weeks. At her doctor's appointment this week everything still looked good, and we were still set for our May 30th c-section. We were hosting a family dinner tonight with all of our best friends including Jacy and Kayden. We wanted to do another dinner with everybody before Dylan and Josie's wedding and then before we know it will be time for Callum to come. I was cooking dinner as I went downstairs to check on it.

Our family vacation was uneventful in the best of ways. We spent days by the pool, by the beach, and one day doing inside activities. It was so nice, and the twins did so good with it. Gabi was in such a good headspace that I just wanted to live in this bliss that we were thriving in. I was trying to get a lot of work done, off-season workouts before summer were in full swing, and I was coordinating with our five new recruits that we got which felt like the last big lesson we had to learn. I stirred the spaghetti sauce and started prepping salads. We were having spaghetti and raviolis.

"Dada," I glanced up as Saylor was holding her blanket and rubbing her eye. "Hi sweet girl," I went over, and I picked up her up as she pressed her face into my neck. "Did you have a good nap?" she nodded, and I smiled as I finished what I was doing with her in my arm. Once I was done, I took her back to the living room and we sat on the couch together. I turned on her favorite show as I kissed on her head. I did love the quiet moments that I got with just one kid. Gabi and I were trying to spend more time one-on-one with each kid because they deserved to be their own person.

"Noah is going to come over and play," I told her as her hair was in a tiny ponytail and I fucking loved it. I loved that I was getting another boy, but I was a little sad I wasn't getting another little girl. Saylor had me wrapped around her damn finger and I loved when she came to me. That she trusted me. "Stella, Eden, and Hunter are all coming, too." She stared at her show, and I just laughed as it wasn't long before Sutton was toddling towards me. "Hi big guy," I scooped him into my lap as they both melted into my chest as both of them were engrossed in their show.

I kissed on his head as he glanced up at me, "Did you have a good nap?" he nodded, "Yup," I laughed as that was his new favorite word. They were both almost 18 months old and every single day was a new adventure that I loved with them. Once Saylor was more awake, she climbed out of my lap to go play and Sutton wasn't too far behind. I locked them in the living room as I went to our bedroom to check on Gabi. She was scrolling on her phone with a hand on her belly. "Your lost all of your nap partners," Gabi laughed as she dropped her phone. Luna was still laying on the floor next to her, though.

"I got my Luna girl; she didn't trade me in." I smirked as I went over to kiss her forehead. "I was just checking on you. They are both playing in the living room. I am almost finished with dinner. The group should be here in about forty-five minutes." Gabi smiled, "Thank you for making dinner." I scoffed, "Did you really believe I was letting you cook dinner? You had a busy week with dance and then those little ones out there while I worked. You needed a rest period." She shrugged, "We're a team. We make it work."

Bending down I pressed a kiss to her forehead, "I am going to check on the kids. Join us whenever," she nodded as Luna stayed with Gabi as I went out. The kids were still playing as it wasn't long before our friends started showing up. Sage and Jesse were the first with Noah as he was more than happy to join the kids to play. Sara and Jax weren't far behind with Stella who was almost one year old. Josie and Dylan were coming in with Kayden and Jacy. Hunter was fast asleep in his car seat as Gabi was holding babies and helping serve drinks.

It wasn't shocking that Lennon and Cameron were the last ones here with Eden. They both looked absolutely exhausted but also had those delirious smiles on their faces. Full of bliss and happiness that this was their life. Gabi went to hand Sage a glass of wine, but she just shook her head. Gabi turned her head to the side before a beam of a smile was sent to Sage. "Seriously?" Sage just nodded with a smile on her face. My eyes spun to Jesse who was just grinning like a fool at his wife. "Wait…" I paused thinking about the math in my head.

"Troy, stop it, congratulate them!" Gabi said and I just laughed hugging my best friend and his wife. "I am happy for you but mid-season?" I accused wounded with fake hurt. Jesse just laughed, "Honestly? Wasn't completely planned. We were talking about it and a week late it had already happened." I laughed as I hugged both of them. "It will be over Christmas break though most likely. Our due date is December 23rd," The group was excited and buzzing with the news of more little ones running around here. I didn't doubt that Dylan and Josie would be adding to the clan sooner than later.

We started serving up dinner and I sat next to Kayden as the kids were all situated, "How are you doing?" I asked him and he nodded with a smile, "Really good, I think we are getting the hang of all of it and just getting into our groove. I'm working again and money is no longer as tight." I nodded, "Good, please let me know if you need anything. Money included. I am more than happy to help you out of a bind, and I know you will never want, too. You need to think of Hunter and Jacy first though. A roof over their head. Food on the table. Lights and water on. Yea?" Kayden nodded, "I'll keep you in mind, it's tight right now but once Jacy goes back to week in a handful of weeks it will be better. Her boss is letting her work from home, and we don't have to pay daycare for now which is nice."

"You know the girls will jump at the chance to help you." Kayden agreed and he gave me a smile, "Thank you for everything this past year. I didn't really welcome you with open arms, but you welcomed me with open arms and then my family." Kayden was staring at his plate as he sucked in a big breath before looking at me. "I was so scared, lonely, and I really wasn't sure I could do any of it. So, thank you, for sticking it out and being there for me." I squeezed his shoulder with a nod, "Always, Kayden. Thank you for giving me a chance." Kayden snorted, "You didn't really give me a chance. Basketball was one area I felt…safe and you were starting to threaten that." I laughed and he smiled with a shake of his head. He took Hunter from Jacy so she could eat while I felt a big relief come off my shoulders.

It was always so nice to know that I was doing something important.

Sometimes I focus too hard on the basketball portion when in reality – it's their lives. It's their everyday need for a stable human. I wasn't going to always be their friend, but I would always be in their corner. I would have challenges. I would have hard kids. I wouldn't always find the easy road but knowing that some of these kids will get that? It was going to make the difference in my mind. The table was full of laughing, smiles, and kids. The babies were being passed out, kids were throwing food, Luna was eating it all up. The scene was honestly a giant mess, but I loved it.

I loved having my friends with me doing this journey, the people we've met, the woman we've loved, the kids we've created. All to make this scene. I looked over at Gabi who was watching me but with a smile on her face. As if she was thinking the same thing that I was thinking. That we were so fucking lucky.

Sunday, May 15th, 2022

Gabi's POV

I popped open the box of baby clothes that had Sutton's name written across the top. I smiled looking at all the cute boy clothes that I had stashed away for this occasion. Troy was out golfing with his friends and the kids were currently napping. I sat on the floor as I began to pick through the newborn sized outfits since most likely this sweet boy wouldn't need preemie clothes. I pulled one up though and I felt the tears collect in my eyes. Those two babies fought so damn hard to be here today and I was so thankful they did. I can't even believe they were that small at one point that they could fit into them.

My fingers brushed over the soft material as I held it in my hand. I wiped a few tears away as I smiled because I was so proud. I also took myself back to those days of feeling so broken, so hopeless, and that putting an outfit on my baby was the biggest achievements. I let my hand run over my belly, "Thank you for cooking, Cal." I whispered. I kept the one onesie out and I dug out all the other outfits I wanted to wash for Callum. I found a blue sleeper for him to come home in that Sutton wore and was one of my favorites.

I grabbed the handful from that bucket before I grabbed the 0–3-month bucket and pulled out my favorites from there. Once I had a good stash, I put them all in a laundry basket. I grabbed the one tiny onesie as I put it on the kitchen counter as I went to do all the laundry as well as a few new outfits that we had grabbed, or people had bought for us. We were almost at the two-week countdown, and it felt surreal. Once the laundry was started, I did laundry, and then finished dishes. I checked in on kids who were still sleeping.

I poked in next to their room to see Callum's nursery. I leaned in the doorway as Troy finished it earlier last week and I loved it. The evergreen wall with wainscoting to give it some texture. The soft cream walls and cream curtains. An evergreen chair in the corner, a soft oak crib sitting on the wall with his name on the back. The closet was mostly empty but was stocked with diapers, wipes, and all the other things. I sat down in the chair, and I rested my head back against the chair and smiled. Troy was going to put together a fake tree for the corner of the room. The rug softened the middle of the room.

"You look good there, but you'll look even better with a baby in your arms," I looked over at Troy who was sweaty, a backwards baseball cap, his Nike polo untucked from his golf shorts. I smiled over at him, and he walked into the room with his socks sinking into the rug. He bent over and dropped a kiss to my temple. "What have you been up too?" he asked, I smiled, "Nothing crazy. Went through Sutton's clothes and pulled out what I want for Callum. I put all of that in the washer and then did some dishes, chased the kids this morning, and they are currently still napping."

"Busy morning," I nodded, and he grabbed the tiny onesie from his back pocket, "That explains this," I looked at it and I nodded as I let my fingers rub the fabric again. "I saw that, and it brought back a lot of emotions for me." I gave a tiny shrug and the tears developed again. "The fact that I had a baby that small that fit into that? The fact that he's so big now and doing so well?" I swallowed as Troy dropped to his knees in front of me as he let his fingers run over my thigh. "I am so proud of him. I am so proud of both of them." I wiped at my face and Troy cupped my face after. "I also got thrown back into the emotions of just…that time. The hopelessness, the broken feeling, and just…" I shook my head, and he gave me a soft smile.

"They have come so far, haven't they?" I nodded as my lip trembled as he tilted our foreheads together. "We've come so far," he whispered to me, and I smiled as he brushed away the tears and gathered me up in the tightest hug. His lips pressed into my neck, "You are such an amazing mother – from day one it was always about them. You did everything and I am so proud of you, I cannot wait to watch you with Cal." I squeezed him back as I kissed him. My eyes full and I shook my head, "I am so glad we made it through that. I felt like I went through such a turmoil of time between Zoey and then having twins, and NICU, and…these last eighteen months finally feel like I can breathe again."

"Good,"

"Except, I'm scared Callum is going to throw me for a loop. I don't want to do that again." Those blue eyes gave me the softest look, "He won't. He'll secretly be the favorite because he didn't give you a heart attack from day one." I couldn't stop my laugh as I just hugged him again. "You are so strong, and you have been through too much. This is our happy time. Our happy life. You get your redemption. I would promise but you know I won't do that." I gave a smile to him, and he smiled right back. "I think I am also scared about how everything is going to change – again. Our relationship quickly turned into a pregnancy and then it turned into NICU time and then it turned into a move and then we are pregnant again and now we're throwing another baby into the mix." I inhaled and he kissed my cheek, "Brie, baby,"

"This can hopefully be our last big change for a little bit. We don't have to have any more kids, we don't have to move, we don't have to do any of that. I will give you what you need." I just laughed, "I know, and I love you so much for that. I know there will be more changes and a lot of those changes were good. I am just…I love Sutton and Saylor. I hope this doesn't change it all too much. I won't cross off more kids, but I also don't know how much I can expand my heart. What if it isn't the same?"

"You already love those, two. I think you can make room for another one." I didn't respond because I don't think I would know until I did it. I wrapped my arms around Troy's neck, and I just held onto him. He held onto me. "I love you, thank you for listening to me." Troy chuckled while brushing his fingers through my hair. "I'll always listen baby. You have a right to all of those emotions. It's all bring brought back up the closer and closer we get to meeting Callum." I gave a smile as Sutton cried out next door. Troy glanced over as I smiled, "Go get him. He'll be happy to see you. I am going to go switch the laundry."

Those blue eyes searched mine for a few seconds before he slowly nodded his head, "Okay, I love you," I nodded as he stood up and then helped me stand. Sutton cried out again, but Troy just wrapped me into a true hug. I held onto him, and I breathed in his scent deeply. He put all worries to ease without as much of trying. I loved that about him. The way he made me feel safe and seen. I kissed his shoulder and then pressed up to kiss his lips. "Go get'em," Troy nodded with a smile as I followed him out to switch the laundry.

Luna was laying by the backdoor and I let her outside while Troy came into the kitchen with Sutton. "Mama!" I smiled as Troy handed him to me as I kissed on his little face. "Did you have a good nap?" he nodded his head with a smile, "Dada got me!" I nodded as their vocabulary was slowly blooming which I loved so much. "Do you want a snack?" he nodded as I put him down in the kitchen chair while I got him a snack. "I am going to put that tree together and then I am going to hang up those tree frames that you got in the nursery. When I hear Saylor get up, I will bring her out."

"Thank you," he nodded as I sat and ate a snack with Sutton. I just watched him as he was happy and munching on his snacks. I think it was the end of the pregnancy hormones surging but I couldn't help but feel the love and happiness watching Sutton. Just letting him do the little things. He seemed so big now and it was just…everything. It was everything to see him flourishing. "Hi momma," I smiled, "Hi Sutton," he just gave me the gummy smile and I shook my head. I think I knew deep down that these kids were going to do so well with a new sibling. They are too young to know any different, but I am soaking up every single minute with these two.

Saturday, May 21st, 2022

Troy's POV

38 Weeks Pregnant

"Last one," Cameron said with the biggest grin on his face as we were all getting ready for our final wedding. Dylan just smirked, "Last one, we all knew I was going to be last." We all laughed because it wasn't a wrong statement. "I'm just glad Gabs held that baby in so you could be here," I smiled, "She actually hasn't even dilated. She'll most likely make it to her c-section date."

"How dad life?" Jax asked Cameron. Cameron just gave the world's biggest smile. "I am obsessed with her. She is perfect and I already miss her." Dylan groaned, "You guys, can we give it a rest on the kid talk? I am getting married." I laughed, "You will have a kid before you know it." I reminded him, "And you'll be the tie breaker. Technically, I had a boy first. Jesse had a boy first. Jax and Cameron had girls first. You are the tie breaker." Dylan just rolled his eyes as we took one more shot together as Gabi wasn't sleeping much recently as she had been uncomfortable. I promised we didn't have to stay too late tonight, or I could at least take them home before coming back to help clean up.

"Can you believe Stella is almost a year?" Jax flinched and shook his head, "No, I honestly cannot. Can you believe you are about to have three kids?" I shook my head with a laugh. "Nope, sure can't but I know we can do it. We've done it all thus far." Dylan wiggled, "I am nervous, am I making a mistake?" I groaned, "Dylan, no, for the 100th time you are not making a mistake. You see all of us, right? We're happy. Josie makes you happy. The only girl to get all the weigh in with you. Let her." Dylan sighed and just gave a tiny sigh.

"She is the best woman, you are a lucky lad," Jesse said patting his chest. Dylan just smirked, "Yea, she is. I think I did the best," I just threw him a glance and Cameron laughed, "We all knew Bolton wasn't going to love that." I shook my head, "Gabs is a saint. She's been through too much and I cannot wait for her to get a redemption birth in the next ten days." Dylan rolled his eyes, "You are so soft for her." I laughed, "Alright, buddy," I nudged his shoulder as we were all dressed and ready to walk down the aisle. Saylor and Sutton were ring bears and flower girls along with Noah. Gabi was not in the wedding, which was a damn shame, but I knew she would be sitting there looking fucking beautiful.

"Alright, boys, we are ready for you." The wedding coordinator came to get us as they didn't do a first look which means he hasn't set his eyes on her yet. We all walked out as we got in line as the bridesmaids had also gathered around. "Troy," I turned around as Gabi was holding Saylor and Sutton's hand as they were both dressed up, but Sutton's face told me he wasn't happy about it. My eyes went back to Gabi who was in a black dress that hugged her bump. It hugged her entire body honestly and she looked so freaking good. My eyes dragged over her, and she sighed, "Troy," I laughed, "Sorry, I couldn't help it." I reached for Sutton as I lifted him up and he just laid his head on my shoulder.

"He's in a bad mood. Shockingly, Saylor is in a really good mood. I highly doubt they willingly walk down the aisle." She sighed and I reached over to let my hand rest on her face. "Hey, it's okay if they don't. I'm sorry I wasn't there to help you. I promise, we don't have to stay long tonight." She closed her eyes for a moment, and I glanced around before I saw Jax, "Hey, take Sutton." I handed him off and Sutton cried for a moment, but Jax distracted him as I let both of my hands frame Gabi's face and I tilted my forehead forward to meet hers. "Brie, what's wrong?" I whispered.

"Nothing, it's just been a long day." I searched her eyes to see if I could spot anything and I stroked her face with my thumb. "Do you want to go home? I can handle them. My parents are here and can hold them during the ceremony." She shook her head, "No, I'm okay. I'm just tired and I feel huge and don't feel like myself today. This belly is a lot." I smiled as I kissed her forehead, "You look amazing, but I know that doesn't change how you feel. I love you, you're beautiful, and this belly has our son inside so it's even more beautiful."

She gave me a smile finally and I kissed her again before they were calling my name. The wedding coordinator had all the kids as they did okay last night walking down the aisle. "Go sit, we got them," Gabi nodded as I kissed her hair that was down in waves as she walked in. Sage was walking in, and they caught up together as Jesse and I were going to be the last two to walk so the kids would be more willing to walk towards us. We got in line as I looped my arm through Josie's college best friend as we walked down the aisle together. Letting go of Penny I went and gave Dylan a hug before standing as Jesse joined us. My eyes found Gabi sitting with the girls as she was smiling and laughing about something as she was turning to try and get a look at the kids turning over her shoulder. They were both in the front row to snag them afterwards as she was sitting right by my parents.

The doors opened as the music shifted as Saylor, Sutton, and Noah came down the aisle. All three of them paused as all heads turned their direction as Jesse squatted down, "C'mon buddy," I waved to Saylor and Sutton. Sutton booked it down the aisle as the guests all laughed and Saylor wasn't far behind the petals just falling out of the basket. Noah came right with them, and I caught my two in a hug as I took them to give Dylan a fist bump. Saylor reached for Dylan and to give him a hug and he smiled, "Thanks, Say," I smiled as I turned to take them to my dad. "Thanks," I said to him, and he nodded his head as he took both kids back to sit. Gabi was grinning but I saw the watery eyes looking at them. So proud of them.

I shot her a wink as I stood by my best friend as we listened to their vows. I couldn't believe Gabi and I would be heading towards two years soon of our own marriage. I swear, we had just met in that musty gym. I let my eyes linger on her, but she was watching Josie and Dylan. Sutton in her lap as he was playing with a toy car, and I couldn't wait to get some time with her soon. Granted, we would both be so tired and trying to keep a tiny human alive, but it was our time. My parents were renting a small house down here for two weeks to be around. Her parents were parking their camper not too far away. We would have plenty of help and I knew our kids would be taken care of. My job was Callum and Gabi.

Then it wouldn't be too long before we were heading to 30A to spend a month with her sister and whoever else was joining – which was almost everybody. I had a feeling it was going to be a really good time. Gabi didn't know that I was taking the entire month of July off. I was only taking a week off at home after Callum was born but with the amount of people who were going to be here. I felt better about it. I wasn't going to be there too long at work, but I wanted to have uninterrupted time in 30A with my family.

Gabi finally looked up and she smiled with a shake of her head as our eyes connected. I just gave her a smile while I turned my attention back to my friend. Once they sealed the deal with a kiss, the room erupted into cheers, and I let out a sigh of relief – time to party.

Gabi's POV

Sutton and Saylor were dancing on the dance floor with Macken as they were shaking their diaper butts. I smiled watching them as my hand rested on my belly as Troy had been having fun with his best friends. They were all married now, and we got a big group photo of all of us. Sadly, we had one for almost everybody's wedding except for Sage and Jesse's. "God, they are cute," I looked up at Troy who was holding a beer and I smiled at him, "That they are. The little diaper butts are absolutely killing me." We both laughed as Sutton reached up for Macken.

"I love them both so much," I said, and Troy nodded, "Same, I would do anything for them." I just gave him a look as he put his hand on my shoulder. He rubbed it soothingly as Saylor did a little twirl, "I think we need to find her a dance class." I told Troy with a tilt of my head, and he laughed, "I think I know the perfect person to teach her." I shook my head, "I don't want to teach my daughter. I want her to have somewhere else. Can I help her? Give her tips? Sure but…I think she needs a dance studio here. She needs…she needs me to be her mom. Not her coach."

"Would you say the same thing about me and Sutton about basketball?" I shrug, "It depends on how you feel about that. I just get nervous for the whole favoritism or thinking I am giving her special treatment. I don't want to worry about that and If I step out of that. It'll never be a problem for her." Troy gave me a smile and nodded, "I do think that is fair. I don't know, you might be right. I want us to have a good relationship and I don't want basketball to put any sort of pressure on it." I threaded my fingers through his, "How much longer do you want to stay? I know you are tired. I'll take the kids home and get them into bed for you."

"You should stay with your friends. This is hopefully the very last wedding." I gave a tiny smile towards him, "Hopefully. But you are 37 weeks pregnant. I am more than happy to ditch this place. My friends will still have fun." He tucked a piece of hair behind my hair, and I shook my head. "Your mom is coming back with me. I promise, please have fun with your friends." Troy sat in the chair in front of me and he surveyed my face as he stared at me. His hand cradled my face gently and he stroked my cheek. "Are you sure? I will get up with them in the morning. You rest tomorrow."

I smiled as I couldn't stop my laugh, "You are crazy, Bolton. I promise, I am fine. It was just a long morning." He cupped my face and stole a kiss as Sutton and Saylor came running over. "Picture!" Macken said as Troy pulled both kids into his lap and we all grinned at the camera. "Oh god, they are cute. Can't believe you are having another." I just snorted as Troy rubbed my belly which had all the kids rubbing my belly. "Baby," I said pointing to my belly and they both screeched back baby. Troy just grinned kissing both of their heads.

A slow song came on and Troy let his eyebrows wiggle, "Mac, take my babies," Troy dumped off his kid and he reached his hand out. "C'mon, before you leave, I want one dance with my wife." I smiled with a shake of my head as Troy tugged me out to the dance floor and he wrapped me up in his arms. I curled into him, and he kissed the top of my head as we danced together. Neither of us speaking for some amount of time as we just enjoyed the dance. "I have a surprise; I wasn't going to tell you yet but I kind of need you to prepare." I squinted as I looked up at him, "I am only taking two weeks off after Cal is born."

I blinked.

"Only two weeks? I thought you got six." Troy just gave a smile, "I do. I am using four of those weeks in Florida. I want to be there every single day. All day." I melted and he shrugged, "I figured we would have enough help that we can make it work for a few weeks. I want to spend all my time with you guys at the beach. With our friends and family." I gave him a smile and a nod, "Okay, I can't be mad about that." We both laughed together, and I kissed on him. "I cannot wait,"

"I cannot wait for him to be here."

We both just shared a grin.

"Any more after this?" Troy asked and I shrugged, "Let's see how three goes,"

Happy Sunday! I really hope you all enjoyed! I know all are sad about this ending and I understand! I am, too! These characters were so much fun to write and so much has happened but truly I can't think of anything else I want these characters to have to endure. They have endured too much already.

Somebody asked if I have something else planned – the answer is yes! Might be a bit before it comes out as I want to focus on Loyal for a little bit while working on the other story! Hint: It's a hockey series :) starts in their late college years and I have it spanned for a couple different stories!

Please Review!

Next Update: October 13th (Hopefully – no big promises here. Just in a busy season of life but will work hard to make it happen!)