Chapter 23 – Locked In
Thursday, June 1st, 2023
33 Weeks Pregnant
Troy's POV
Claire and I walked the park track together as she came with me to my work-out this morning along with doing a walk together to give Gabi some alone time. We were closing in on her due date and everything was checking out. She was starting to do more weekly scans and early next week we had an ultrasound and a stress test to make sure our baby was doing well in there. "Daddy, what are you and Gabi going to do without me?" she asked tilting her head back and I shrugged, "I don't know, baby. We don't have any plans. We might finish the nursery for the baby here."
"I wish the baby was here,"
"Soon," I reminded her as at the end of June I had OTAs and minicamp the last two weeks of June. I had flown in earlier this week for some stuff, but I wasn't going back until I flew Claire back. I had one day of minicamp before coming back and I did have an idea for Gabi and me. I wanted to do a lock-in. Get all the food, activities, and stuff we would need to not leave from when I return Monday night till her appointment Friday afternoon. Tell Lucas I am leaving town. Tell everybody that we were taking one last thing for the two of us – but at home.
Our babymoon and anniversary trip were everything and more for the two of us.
But I wanted to finish the nursery.
I wanted to finish our house plans.
I wanted to spend an entire day in bed with her.
Watch movies and TV shows. Be lazy. Order food in and cook some food. Do nothing.
That's what I wanted, and I was going to make it happen.
"Daddy, will I meet the baby as soon as they are born?" I picked up Claire as we were full of questions today. "I don't know, you might be with mommy in Boston, but I promise you will be one of the first." Claire sighed, "And what's the most important thing to remember about daddy and Gabi having a baby?" I asked her and she took a big breath, "That you still love me a lot," I laughed, "I do. I love you a lot. I have to share you with mommy but if I didn't, I would keep you every single day. But mommy also wants every single day."
Claire let out a little sigh, "I guess. I love the beach house, but I really like when I see you both every week." I rubbed her back in understanding, "I know, but we make it work. Right? I will come see you when I have to fly in next week." I reminded her as I tried to see her any time I was back in Boston when she was with Eve. "Oh good! Will Gabi be with you?"
"Probably not. She probably won't go back to Boston until she has the baby."
"Whoa, that's a long time," I chuckled as it was at the latest only six weeks away. They were for sure inducing her at 39 weeks due to her pregnancy being IVF, but the baby could truly come whenever starting in about three. Gabi said once she hit the 30s, she felt way better about anything happening and the baby coming early – which made me relax a little bit. She told me that NICU time would be at play, but the baby would be doing way better than being born between 22-29 weeks. She was a wealth of information that I never knew she had.
I took Claire back to the car as I put her in the booster seat and made sure she was all tucked in. I got back in and shot Gabi a text asking if she wanted a coffee. I waited to hear back and when she sent her order I rolled through the drive-through of our local favorite. I ordered us both a drink and a fun drink for Claire before heading back home. "When we get home how about some quiet time in your room? Then we can go swimming." She nodded in agreement as we didn't have nap time anymore but at the very least some quiet time every day for her. It also gave me a moment with Gabi.
Once we were home and Claire went running inside, I grabbed our drinks and headed in. Ember greeted me at the door, and I grinned, "Hi baby," I rubbed her head as I found Claire in Gabi's lap as her hands were on Gabi's stomach. Claire had the world's biggest smile, and it wasn't far behind Gabi's smile. The way she looked at my daughter enjoying feeling Bee move…it was everything. I snapped a picture quickly before I was caught as Claire let out a giggle. "I love feeling the baby move!" Gabi laughed, "The baby has been moving and grooving in there today." Claire giggled and then kissed Gabi's belly. "I love you baby sister or baby brother!" I saw the tears filling Gabi's eyes as she watched her. "They are going to have the best big sister," Gabi told her and Claire just grinned.
"Claire," I spoke up as Gabi and Claire looked at me. Gabi wiped away her tears, "I'm glad you got to feel the baby," I told her, and she grinned, "But remember what we talked about in the car?" she nodded, "A bit of quiet time." I kissed her hair, "Exactly. Here, take your drink and then I'll come get you when it's time to swim." She hugged Gabi and then took her drink before bouncing off. I watched her round the corner before I turned to face Gabi. It took me zero hesitation to have my mouth on hers. "I love you so much," I murmured, and she laughed. "I am so amazed every single day about Claire. She takes so much of this with stride."
"I think it helps with Jackson. She somewhat knows what to expect." I sat down next to Gabi as I let my hand roam over her belly. Gabi leaned into me, "Thanks for a bit of time this morning. I got a lot of work done for The Sunshine Pact." I nodded, "I know it's harder with Claire here. I was thinking when I get back on Monday…what if we took the rest of this week and told everybody we were leaving town and to leave us alone." Gabi turned her head, "Where are we going?"
"Nowhere. We'd lock ourselves in here. Finish the nursery, finish house plans, sleep in, watch TV shows, cook together – do whatever we wanted. That way Lucas thinks I am unavailable and that way I get one more week with you. After that I have OTAs, minicamp, etc. and that is going to hamper some of our time together." Gabi smiled as she moved my hand to where Bee was kicking. The thump against my palm was my favorite feeling until I was holding them in my arms. "I think I really love that idea. Just the two of us?"
"And Ember."
Gabi grinned before pulling my head back in for a quick kiss, "I love you and yes, let's do it. I will block off my calendar at work and you can tell Lucas. I think a week inside this house with you sounds amazing." I gave her a wide grin as I tugged her into my lap as I kissed her. Thoroughly. Her hips pressed against mine and she whimpered as if she wanted more. Needed more. "Tonight," I nipped at her lip, and she sighed frustrated as I knew she was turned on. I could feel it. "But that's so long from now," I chuckled as I held her against my body. Her bump just fitting between the two of us as I kissed the side of her head. "I know, I know. Better get used to it."
Monday, June 5th, 2023
Gabi's POV
34 Weeks Pregnant
I had planned out a week's worth of meals for our little lock-in this week. Troy had told Lucas who grumbled that he was taking too many vacations when he needed to get things done. I told everybody at The Sunshine Pact, and they all knew we were going to be reachable. Troy said he told Eve that he would check in every night to talk to Claire and if there was an emergency her number was the only one coming through. It was all set up, but we did have to come out of our bubble on Friday. It was going to be the worst part I think already. Four days at home with Troy? Sounds like a dream to me.
Walking the grocery store as I picked up everything we would need, and I even found a few mocktails to make. I wanted to have fun this week. This was going to be the last time probably that Troy and I were going to get just us time. Just the two of us before we have this baby and then it was over. He was flying back currently and the moment he stepped in the house it was starting. The anticipation of this had me so excited. The biggest reason we had to come out of our bubble was due to maternity photos on Friday evening on the beach.
Troy and I had debated if we wanted Claire in them, but we concluded that was pretty simple for all of us. Troy and I wanted ones of just the two of us. This was our baby and our maternity session. Claire was going to join us for a family photo session when we had her back in a few weeks. We were going to do some in a studio as well and those were going to have Claire. That way we got the best of both worlds. Once the baby was here, we would get some of all of us. Some with her sibling. After that – it was time to just prep for this baby. We were getting to the point it could realistically happen whenever.
I grabbed a handful of more groceries before wandering to the board game section. I grabbed a few new ones that could be fun and then a couple of card games. I grabbed Troy a whiskey that he loved and completed it with grabbing a few books. After this weekend we were going to have Claire because Eve had an event, she was helping with that was taking most of her time. We would have her for another week before sending her back for two weeks. Troy was being more cautious with the timing, and he was starting to wonder if until we have the baby if she was better there.
We would need to play it by ear because we could have weeks left of pregnancy or just a few. We had no idea besides that I would be induced by the 39th week. I did tell Troy that I would like a few days of just us. I wanted to get to know our baby and I wanted to spend time with him. I knew the moment Claire was back his attention would be divided – as it should be. I just wanted to soak up those first moments together. Us three. But I made a promise to Claire that she was going to be one of the very first and I was going to hold everybody to that.
After I checked out at the grocery store, I ran a few more errands and then made it back to our house. I punched in the gate code before entering the property and parking in the garage. I was almost giddy with excitement knowing that once Troy was home, we were going to be just the two of us. Who knew telling a few white lies would make this so exciting? I grabbed the first sack of groceries before making my way inside and paused as I saw Troy's bag and shoes by the door. I felt my eyes grow wide with excitement because I didn't think he was going to be back until seven or later. I dropped the groceries on the counter before going in search of him. I went down to our bedroom, and he was in the bathroom. The shower was running as I popped open the door.
"You're back early!" I said and he turned around and grinned with soap all over his hair, "Yea, we finished early. Love the whole private jet life sometimes," I laughed as he poked his head out of the shower. "I'm almost done. Do not carry any more groceries in. I will get them." I rolled my eyes, "Troy, I can carry bags of groceries." He shook his head as those blue eyes were light with life. "No way, baby. You can start putting whatever you bought away. I'll be done in two minutes." I smiled but rolled my eyes as I went back to the kitchen. Troy was good on his promise and was down to get the rest within five minutes. He brought in half of them before going back for the last half. Once he sat the final bags down, we knocked out putting everything away as I explained all the meals I had grabbed.
"Sounds delicious," Troy said as he caged me in from behind and kissed behind my ear. "This outfit? It's fucking adorable." I grinned as I was wearing a white tank top with a pair of blue overalls that really showed off my bump but in a very flattering way. "Thanks, I love dressing this big ol' bump." Troy grinned as he kissed my neck and let his hands fall to my belly. "What are we doing first? The doors are locked. The garage is shut. The gate is locked. It's just us and the dog." I smiled before I turned around to face him. He propped me up on the kitchen counter as I wrapped my arms around his neck. "I don't know. Where should we start?"
"I was thinking the pool." Troy joked and I just laughed as I pulled his head down to mine. "Naked in the pool?" I questioned and his laugh rumbled against my skin. "Or we could take this over to our bedroom and then we can pop a frozen pizza in the oven like the old days back at my parents' house."
"We never had sex and then popped in a pizza," Troy laughed again, and those blue eyes pulled back, "Correct. We never did them together, but I feel like half of what we ate was frozen pizzas or mac n cheese there,"
"You were trying to woo me," that smile crinkled his eyes and he smirked, "I was trying to woo you. I think I won." He tipped my chin backwards and he kissed me. Slow, unhurried, and without a bit of care. The way he was nestled between my legs and the warmth of his skin from the shower. My fingers ran through the back of his wet hair as we were both drunk off each other already. "I know what I want," I finally said pulling away from him. "Yea? What do you want?" he asked, his eyelids heavy with lust and his length so hard pressed against my thigh. "I want you to take me to our bedroom where we take our time. Then I want to have that frozen pizza with just your shirt on out back on the deck where we can just talk and hang out while the sunsets, and then I want you to take me back to bed."
"And?"
"Then we spend the night laughing and doing anything and everything under the sun until we fall asleep."
"I love the sound of it." He whispered as his mouth collided with mine again. Our tongues battling for the upper hand as I scratched at his skin before he easily picked me up even though I was 8 months pregnant. "I can walk," I said pulling away and he grunted, "Are you insulting my strength?" he asked, and I shook my head, "I'm pregnant and like heavily pregnant. I've gained weight."
"And?" he asked as he finished to our bedroom where he sat on the bed and cradled me into his lap again. "And that probably wasn't easy," my eyes tilted down and Troy shook his head as he tilted my head backwards to meet his eyes. "You're beautiful and carry you around? The easiest thing ever. I love you, El. Do not let your body changing and the scale changing ever let you think different about yourself. You are stunning," I swallowed on the thump in my throat, and I just nodded as I kissed him. Hard and he took over from there.
Tuesday, June 6th, 2023
Troy's POV
We were tucked up together eating our breakfast spread outside in the lounge chairs. She curled up in my lap as we shared the same plate of food as last night was a dream. We lived in our bed and only left to get water, pizza, and snacks at some point. The laughing and conversations last night made me high with happiness. This morning we woke up slowly together. Taking our time and moving it to the shower. I washed, soaped, and rinsed every single part of her body. She asked me to help her shave with the brightest red cheeks in history before she couldn't see over her bump.
"I got you," I whispered into her skin and showed her how much I had her. Once we were done, I let her get ready while I started to prep breakfast. We both had our coffees and ate the food as the sea breeze hit our face. "This…this was the best idea you've ever had." Gabi said as she took a bite of her pancakes. I chuckled as I kissed her head, "Good. We aren't leaving until Friday." I reminded her as we had two more full days of this after today. "I know. I know how much you want to finish the nursery and honestly same. I want to take pictures in there with my bump and then once we have our baby."
"Then maybe we work on that today," I said letting my hand ride down her smooth legs. Once we polished off the breakfast plate, we just sipped our coffee and listened to the waves. "I know we haven't talked about this a ton but what are your wishes for the birth?" I asked her and she rolled her lips together and shrugged, "Honestly? I want a healthy baby. I want a healthy me. Besides that, I don't know. I have no strong desires. I'm open to an epidural. I'm open to any intervention. If it brings our baby to us healthy? Do it. If it keeps me here? Do it." I smiled against her head and nodded, "Good. That's what I want to hear."
"I mean…you've been in a delivery room more than me? Is there something I should want?" she asked as she picked at her nails. I knew she was nervous, and I shook my head, "No, I don't think so. Eve tried to do the whole natural thing for an entire labor with Claire. It didn't work and she was distraught because she got an epidural, but she slept for a bit after it and felt better. I want you to feel better. There is no prize for doing it the hardest way. The prize is getting our baby and we can get that several different ways."
She exhaled and nuzzled into my neck. I ran my fingers through her hair, "What do you want afterwards?"
"I want you to announce if it's a boy or girl," she suddenly spoke and I blinked, "Okay, we'll tell everybody. What else?" I rubbed her back and she sighed, "I want a full hour of skin to skin – the golden hour. Obviously if something is wrong with our baby then the baby needs interventions but if the baby is healthy? I want that baby on my chest. I want to try and nurse the baby. I want to soak in every single minute of that hour before they have to do everything. I think that is my most important want of the whole time we are there."
A smile etched onto her skin, "I just want the three of us the entire time. I want a day at home and then we can bring Claire home. Then the rest of the family can meet them. I just want time because there won't be enough time with you before you have to go to training camp," she hiccupped, and I knew that sound from anywhere. She was about to cry, "Shh…El, baby, we are going to get time. I promise. There will never be enough time, but we are going to get it. Coach knows. He knows that we could have a fresh baby. I will do as much as I can. I promise,"
Those brown eyes were welling with more tears, "I know, I just envision us sharing a bed and staring at our baby. Getting to experience all these new things together with a tiny human. I'm just scared you are going to miss so much," I wiped away her tears with the pad of my thumb. "Every morning, every night. Luckily, I get to come home every day after training camp. I could be like the Chiefs and have to stay in dorms." Gabi let out a laugh and I tugged on that bottom lip. "It's going to be an adjustment, but we'll get there." My hand spread over her belly. "Trust me, I'll want every single minute of that myself."
"Oh man, I'm sorry. I really didn't mean to cry. I think the journey was so hard to get right here that I want to enjoy every single minute of the afterwards with you." I kissed her softly and let my forehead rest on her forehead. "Training camp report day is July 25th. The latest you will go is July 10th. We'd have two full weeks together. Maybe we'll get more. I hope we get more." Gabi shared a smile as the baby kicked on her belly again. "Thank you for easing those fears," she whispered. "Always, I am here for you and for all emotions." Gabi giggled, "Good. Because there is a lot of them."
"That's fair."
"Did Eve breastfeed?" Gabi asked after a while, "Not really. She attempted with Claire in the hospital, and it didn't really go anywhere. Claire was fussy and wanted me most of the time as a baby. She struggled to latch and so Eve just kinda gave up on it. We were young and had no idea what the fuck we were doing. The last I heard with Jackson is she planned on formula feeding him from the get-go." Gabi pressed her lips together, "I really want to breastfeed. I want that connection with Bee."
"Then we'll do whatever we can but baby I need you know that as long as our baby is fed – then all is going to be okay. Do not put more stress on yourself if it isn't working. We can get all the resources and we can give it the 100% but at the end of the day they just need a full belly." She nodded, "I know. I want to give it my full effort that way if it doesn't work, I won't feel that guilty."
"You should never feel guilty about it but let's do it."
Gabi and I stayed in this position for quite some time until she had to go to the bathroom. She rolled out of my lap and went inside while I grabbed our plates and did some dishes. I cleaned up the kitchen before I headed to the nursery which was right by our bedroom. Odds are – this baby wasn't staying in here until next year anyways, but Gabi wanted it finished. The coat of paint was on the roll and the rug was rolled out, but we needed to build the crib, hang the pictures, put together the dresser/changing table, and organize the closet from the baby shower.
"We have so much work to do in here," Gabi said sneaking up next to me as she took in the soft cream walls and the soft cream curtains that hung down the wall. "Yea, but we have all day to tackle a lot of this. When is the chair showing up?" I asked her, "Friday morning." I nodded as it was a very neutral nursery. Creams and browns with a little bit of blue just to bring in the ocean theme. "How about you organize the closet, and I will get started on building the crib?" I suggested and Gabi grinned, "Deal,"
Gabi's POV
We were snuggled up on the couch together as a movie we've both wanted to see was playing on the TV. We had done a lot of work in the nursery today and it was already looking vastly improved. Troy had the crib against the wall, and we had started on the dresser but took a break to cook dinner. We got distracted with each other after dinner which led to an intermission before we started the movie. We promised to work on it some tomorrow. The days were slow, and we were in no hurry. I organized all the gender-neutral clothes in sizes, washed a handful of them, and hung them up in the closet. I packed up all the bigger ones that needed to go back to Boston.
His phone buzzed and I knew it was Eve, Troy paused the movie and grabbed his phone before sliding over. Claire's face popped up and Troy smiled. "Hi daddy! Hi Gabi!" we both waved together as Troy kept the conversation short but was able to hear all about her day and for her to feel heard. "I love you, Claire. I'll talk to you tomorrow." Troy blew her a kiss and Claire captured. Claire did it back and grinned tucking it into her pocket. Troy chuckled, "I love you, daddy," they clicked off as Troy let a tumble of a sigh out of his mouth.
"You, okay?" I asked him and he nodded, "Yea, just miss her per normal. Yet, these days are everything so it's kinda best of both worlds." I rubbed my hand over Ember's head as she was lying next to me on the couch. "As you should. Only a natural feeling but thank you for these days." Troy turned to give me a smile, "Always, baby," we resumed the movie as we were more than halfway over when Troy slipped his hand between my legs. I arched an eyebrow but didn't look over at him. I let my legs fall open just a little bit more as he stroked my skin on my inner thigh.
Everything flooded south as his thumb skimmed right underneath of my thong as he brushed against the smooth skin, he shaved for me today. I held my breath as he inched closer to where I really wanted him as I let my legs fall open even wider. My pulse hammered between my thighs when he did one light brush against my clit. I closed my eyes at the sensation as I whimpered for a little bit more. His finger slid down my folds as he cursed, "How are you this wet for me already?" he whispered in my ear, and I lifted my hips a little to let him pass through.
"Because it's you," I murmured as he teased me before letting his finger dip all the way in. I groaned softly as he worked it for a moment before he pulled back and then rubbed right where I wanted him. I couldn't control my gasps and moans, "Troy, please, I need," I panted as I was riding his hand. I wanted more. I needed more. "Troy, I need you," I gasped, and he shook his head, "No, baby, you are coming like this first." I cried out as he pressed down hard, and I nearly launched off the couch from coming so hard. "So, fucking beautiful," he withdrew his hand as he licked his fingers clean. I panted as I came back to earth as I rolled off the couch and onto my knees as he hard length was tenting his shorts. I wiggled his shorts down as he shook his head, "Gabi,"
"Shush," I told him with a smirk on my face as I freed him and I palmed him as he groaned, "It's my turn," I drug my hand against his skin before I licked my lips and wrapped my mouth around his head. He groaned as I slid him all the way to the back of my throat. "Jesus, fuck, El," he groaned as I worked him up and down, twirling my tongue and popping off after a few minutes. Troy took the opportunity to drag me up and I ditched my underwear as I straddled his lap and sank down onto him. I squeezed him and he held my hips tightly, "Stop El, or this is going to end quickly."
I couldn't stop my laugh as I loved how much I affected him. I kissed him as I just sat still on him to distract him. The kiss was hungry and needy as the flashes of the movie played behind us. Once he seemed to relax a little bit I started to move up and down, onto my knees and flat. Troy reached between us to press against my clit again and I went faster to keep with his pace. Our mouths opening and gasps, needy, our hands were everywhere and trying to hold onto each other. It was like we both knew how much the other needed this. This moment between the two of us to feel everything.
I teased and worked him up before he got frustrated and grabbed my hips to control the pace. "Tell me to stop if you are uncomfortable," he said as his head tilted back to give me assess to his throat to press my mouth all against. "This is anything but uncomfortable," Troy laughed as it truly didn't last that much longer as both of us were trying to prevent but we just couldn't. We were both sweaty and breathless as I let my head rest on his shoulder. The baby kicked and moved which caused Troy laugh, "Sorry Bee, didn't mean to disrupt you in there."
I cackled and Troy lost it too as we were both laughing on the couch together. I found his mouth and I gave him a kiss, "A shower and bed?" I questioned as I couldn't stop my yawn and Troy grinned, "A shower and bed,"
Troy's POV
Wednesday, June 7th, 2023
The nursery was nearly complete as I had the crib and the dresser built. Gabi had everything organized in the closet along with the dresser. The changing pad was ready. The chair was arriving on Friday, and we were going to hang the artwork Gabi bought above the baby's crib. We had started this morning the same exact way we started yesterday morning. Slow, on the deck, with breakfast and coffee. We both knew we wanted to finish this project before we took on any other projects. Gabi was sitting on the floor as she was assembling the swing.
"How does this look?" I asked as it was four sea animals I was hanging – a sea turtle, a whale, a star fish, and a dolphin. Gabi glanced up and she nodded with a tiny smile, "Yea, I like that." I put a spot where to hang the nail as we both worked in silence as she made a noise on the floor. I turned my head to look back at her, "You, okay?" I asked. Those brown eyes glanced up again and nodded, "Yea, just Bee moving around in there and smacked my ribs." I grimaced from the description but as someone who's had plenty of broken ribs, I could only imagine a foot in my ribs.
Gabi let out a yawn and I glanced back again, "Why don't you let me finish that and you can go take a nap. I'll join you once I'm done in here," I said with a little nudge towards the door. She shook her head, "No, I'm okay. I want to help." I chuckled as I hammered the nail into the wall. "I know you want to help but I also need you to rest if you need it. We're almost done." She chewed on her lower lip as she looked around the nursery. I hung the picture before climbing down the ladder as one of the four were hung but she needed me. She didn't say it, but I could feel it.
"It feels so real suddenly," she whispered, and I sat on the floor next to her as I tugged her into my lap, "What? The baby?" I asked and she nodded with a sniff, "Yea, I just…we have a nursery. We're going to have a baby," she whispered, and I knew every single day she felt like something was going to snap this dream that she felt like she was living in. "This doesn't make it real?" My hands roamed over her belly, and she shrugged, "It does but something about a finished nursery. A nursery full of baby things. A swing. A crib. A dresser with a changing pad. A closet full of the tiniest clothes I have ever seen."
"Soon another car seat in the car," Gabi laughed but nodded, "I just think in the back of my mind I have been waiting for another shoe to drop. Anything. Something. That this isn't real, and I am so scared I am going to wake up from a dream. The best dream." I pinched her softly and she let out a laugh, "You aren't dreaming baby. This is reality. We're going to have a baby so soon. We'll get to use all of these things. We'll get to plan the gender known nursery at home. We have so much to look forward too, El." My nose pressed into her warm skin as she let out a tiny sigh. "Thank you for all of this,"
"Thank you for giving me another chance," Gabi smiled back at me as I kissed her before I stood up and I helped her up. "Go lay down for a bit. Let me hang these pictures and then I will join you." Gabi hesitated but I tickled her side, "C'mon, we can watch more of our show." She finally nodded and I patted her butt towards our bedroom next door. I got to work quickly hanging the last three pictures. I glanced around the nursery as it really was all coming together. Gabi had the sheet on the bed which had ocean waves across it.
I poke my head towards a package sitting in the corner as I picked it up. I peeked in and I couldn't contain my smile. There were two blankets – one pink and one blue with each name we had picked out. I let my fingers rub against the pink fabric as I held that name so dearly to me. From that moment in high school where we were joking about baby names. I shook my head as I couldn't wait to find out which one, we were using. I tucked them back into the closet and I noticed the car seat. Tomorrow I would install the base in both of our cars. We were getting to the point it really could happen whenever.
My lips rubbed together while I shut the door and then let Ember outside. I shooed her to the grass, and she ran around a few different times before going to the bathroom. "C'mon Em, let's go get a cookie and go cuddle with mom." I hurried her inside when a car honked behind me. I grimaced before I slowly spun around to see Lucas pulling into my driveway. I cursed underneath of my breath as I leaned against the railing. He popped out of his car and the frown was massive. "What the fuck, I thought you and Gabi were out of town?"
"We are," I deadpanned. "In our own house. You are the first person I've spoken to besides her and Claire since Monday."
"Troy," Lucas stressed my name, "I have so much shit for you to do and you limit my time so fucking much."
"I don't need it all Lucas," I reminded him. "I need my wife, my kids, and football. Football is in the off-season, and I am going to OTAs and minicamp."
"You have obligations," I held up my hand, "We'll figure it out, Lucas. I am going to enjoy this until Friday afternoon. This is the last time I probably get with her like this before we have a baby. Sue me," Lucas heaved a sigh and he just stared at me, "I fucking hate you and her sometimes. You make my life a living royal hell." I just laughed as I gripped the railing in front of me. "I'll pass along your love."
Lucas snorted, "You ass, you were so much easier to do all of this with Eve. You never wanted to be home," I rolled my eyes with a tiny laugh as I just nodded, "See ya on Friday, Lucas." Lucas sighed before getting back into his car knowing the fight wasn't worth it. I shut the front door, locked it again, and grabbed Ember her cookies. She followed me to our bedroom where I found my wife passed out. I smiled shaking my head as I crawled into bed with her. A nap sounded great.
Thursday, June 8th, 2023
Gabi's POV
I finished baking cookies as Troy, and I had completed everything we wanted to get done during this lockdown together. The nursery was complete besides the chair. He installed both car seat bases in our cars this morning. We finalized our house plans and sent those off so they could start digging soon. We looked at the season schedule and scheduled all of my flights out for the away games and secured hotel rooms when needed. Plus, we watched our show, had sex to make up for the past couple of months of being too busy, and just spent time together.
It had been amazing, and I wouldn't have traded these days for anything. Little Bee kicked my belly, and I smiled as I pressed my hand against where the baby was kicking. Troy popped down the stairs and groaned, "You know how to bring a man to his knees," he said picking up a cookie and stuffing it in his mouth. I just laughed as I leaned back against the kitchen counter. "Glad I still have the touch," he grumbled a reply as he put another cookie in his mouth. I walked up to him as I circled my arms around his neck.
"Hey, I'm trying to eat cookies." He complained. "I just wanted to say thank you for this idea. These past few days have been everything and more for me. Just you and me in here? Getting shit done but also getting all of this time together? I think I fell in love with you just a little bit more." Troy gave a lop-sided grin as his eyes flirted to the warm cookies before coming back to my face. "It was my best idea, I won't lie. Getting these days with you are something I think we'll both hold onto for a bit." We shared a smile as I kissed him, and he kissed me back. His mouth tasted of chocolate, and I groaned against him.
He lifted me up to sit on the counter, "How do we pull this off every year?" I asked him after I finally pulled my mouth from his. "I think we just…I don't know. Maybe we take a weekend in the off-season, and we pawn off this little one to our family and Eve has Claire. We can have Friday to Monday in our house together." I nodded my head up and down as his large hand framed my face. "Why not a vacation?" Troy asked and I shrugged, "Do I want vacations with just you? Yes, I do. I also want to take our kids anywhere and everywhere. I love that we have the freedom to do it. I want to show our kids the world, show them how other people live, and show them how lucky they can be."
"Me, too," Troy said, "Plus volunteering," Troy chuckled, "Always."
"But I think sometimes we might just need a weekend at home to reset."
"You aren't wrong about that. We'll look at it in the future. Next summer," I agreed with him as I pressed Troy's hand to my belly where Bee was kicking up a storm. "I know a lot of things could change based off the birth and how the first year of this baby's life goes – but, I would really like to have two almost back-to-back." Troy started to interrupt, and I shook my head, "I will wait the recommended amount of time between the two. I promise. I want a year with this baby anyways before even thinking that, but I want them close in age. I want them to be like you and Lucas. I want them to be like my sisters. I want our kids to be close in age and to be fair I am not getting any younger neither are you."
Troy exhaled but nodded, "Let's get through the birth and the first year,"
"I love being pregnant. Like…" I let out a laugh, "I think I am going to miss it. People complain and there are shitty parts but feeling Bee move? Knowing that our baby is growing? Getting to have this little belly full of baby? I love it. I love dressing my bump. I love the feeling of the baby. I don't know. I think I am already missing something that isn't gone." Troy kissed my temple and he hummed, "That is so different than what I am used to hearing about pregnancy." I knew Eve hated every minute, but I guess to be fair mine had been so mild. I didn't have any morning sickness really, I didn't gain a ton of weight, I wasn't swollen – those could all change my perspective.
"We can talk about it once we are about ten months through and see how you still feel about that."
"Even if it's 18 months," I said with a shrug, "That will make me happy, too."
"We are going to have a big family, aren't we?" Troy asked with those blue eyes wide and bright. I just laughed, "I think so," I nibbled on my lip, but Troy pulled my lip away before giving me a kiss. "Good, I've always wanted a big family."
"What's your top number?" I asked him and Troy tilted his head to the side. He blinked as he thought about it. "Like total – Claire included?" I nodded my head, "six or seven." I popped my eyes open at his admission because I wasn't expecting it to be that high. "But that changes the moment you are done with this. The moment you have IVF, the moment you hate being pregnant, the moment you are done that number is firm wherever we are at. This is truly something that I need you to be happy with. I know you never want to do an egg retrieval again and that's fucking fine by me." I laughed as he tilted my head back to meet his eyes. "Having one with you is a fucking blessing,"
"Good, I think I will always play it by ear, but I always thought six."
"Six huh? We are just going to fill that house in Boston."
"You give us the chance with the money. If we were working normal jobs – we'd never be able to have that many kids. We wouldn't be able to afford it. I'm glad we can afford it."
"A lot of two different cars," I just laughed as I hugged on him, "Sounds like a dream to me,"
Troy exhaled as we just held each other with all of our dreams in front of us. Having everything we wanted. Knowing we were in the same line of vision for how we saw our future. I squeezed him because I was so excited. For now. For our future. For everything.
Friday, June 9th, 2023
Troy's POV
I watched as the photographer snapped several photos of Gabi on the beach as she was in a brown dress that hugged that beautiful bump. Her head was tilted back, and I wanted to kiss the column of her throat, but I refrained for now as I stood back. I was in a pair of jeans that were rolled once and a button-down white shirt. Gabi was getting ready to go change into a pair of jeans herself with a black bra. They had her laugh and I smiled watching her as the photographer nodded towards me, "Come join her," I took my cue as I went over, and I slipped my hand with hers. I twirled her around and she just laughed. Music to my damn ears.
I pulled her close to me as if we were dancing to music and she immediately rested her head on my chest. The ease she felt, and I smiled, "Worth breaking our camp in?" I asked her and she giggled but nodded as I spun us, so her face was towards the camera. "Beautiful, Troy, I'm going to have you sit and then we're going to have Gabi between your legs. Your hands on her bump," Gabi and I followed instructions as we already did the inside pictures in the nursery. Gabi didn't want a ton, but she wanted a few. Some with the baby's sonogram. One with her overlooking the crib and a hand on her bump.
We did once of us in the chair that arrived this morning laughing together. "Beautiful, Gabi do you want to go change?" she nodded as she headed back to the house, and I followed. She was stunning as I helped her out of the dress, and she was in the jeans, and I tied the bikini top around her neck. I put a white shirt on her and kissed the side of her head, "C'mon, let's wrap this up. I had to invite my brother over to appease him with our absence this week." Gabi let out a laugh as we carried on back to do thirty more minutes of pictures. Once we were close to done, we made our way into the ocean where it pretty much turned into a water war between the two of us.
We were both laughing so hard as I finally picked her up and carried her as she screeched with laughter. I kissed her and smiled, "I love you,"
"I love us," I smirked as I kissed her again before setting her feet down. We moved together as I kneeled down to kiss on Bee, "I love you little Bee, daddy can't wait to meet you." I murmured and Gabi ran her fingers through my hair as I glanced up at her. "God, you two are so fucking adorable to photograph." Kelsey said and we both laughed as we made our way out of the ocean. Towels were handed to us, and we thanked Kelsey for coming out to help us. We were going to her studio next week with Claire in tow to get some of us as a family.
Once Gabi and I made it back up to the house I dragged her to the shower as I showed her how much she affected me out there. Her fingers grabbed onto my skin, and we were just present. Somehow it felt like we both knew time was running out and we had to get these final moments together. Next week we had Claire. The following week I had OTAs. Then we were getting dangerously close to baby time. We both got out of the shower as she put on a pair of leggings and one of my t-shirts before heading downstairs as I changed and went to let my brother in.
"Glad to see you are both refreshed," he deadpanned, and I just chuckled as Gabi shot me a wink. "We totally are, and we enjoyed every minute of it, Lucas. Thank you caring." He grumbled as I started dinner and Gabi sat with Lucas as they looked over the schedules for everything together. My chest ached in a good way. This felt so good. Too good. Sometimes I felt like I was waiting for another shoe to drop, and I was so scared for whatever that was going to be one day but for now – we enjoyed every moment like this.
Happy Sunday! Sad Super Bowl for me but oh well! I hope you all enjoyed!
Let me know how you liked the chapter!
Next Update: February 23rd