Chapter 14 – Tiny Flicker

Friday, November 17th, 2022

5 Weeks Pregnant

Troy's POV

I kissed up her belly and over her sternum as we were celebrating tonight as I was going to be in the hotel on Sunday and then our game Monday night. My mouth found hers as today we found out her levels nearly tripled. They came in at 5,232. She was ecstatic and hung up the phone crying as I just wrapped her in my arms. We had an ultrasound Monday morning that I was meeting her for and neither of us could wait to see our little baby. I let my hand slide into her hair, and I arched her mouth up to meet mine. Her eyes were heavy with sleep, but I couldn't get enough of her.

We waited so long for this, but we knew that other parents waited so much longer for these same emotions.

She responded to my kiss and her eyes were so soft. "I think I deprived you for too long." She murmured and I couldn't stop my laugh. "You didn't deprive me. I just missed you." I kissed her harder this time and she whimpered against my mouth. I pulled back as I let my hand lazily find her center as she arched off the bed with one touch. Her body swollen from my pursuit as she gasped my name as I pinched her. I gently sucked her nipple into my mouth as she was sore there recently and we knew it was a good sign for her to be sore there.

Her fingers threaded through my hair as she rode my hand while I teased her. I pulled away from her and withdrew my hand as she groaned, "Troy, please," I smirked as I sat back on my knees, "Troy please what?" I asked her with a smirk on my face as I knew what she wanted but watching her squirm and her own hands reaching caused me to pin her hands above her head. "Troy please let me orgasm," I laughed as I kissed her neck, "Yea? How? What do you want? Your wish is my command." She closed her eyes for a moment to focus before she pushed me over and I laughed as she climbed on my lap.

My eyes drooped watching her as I couldn't get enough of this sight in front of me. Her breasts were fuller from the hormones and the way she took control as she connected the two of us. Priceless for me. It took all my own control to hold off and I just watched her as she used me to bring her to climax. "So, fucking beautiful," I choked out as I had to focus if I wanted this to continue. She leaned forward over my body, and I kissed her slow and lazy. My hips slowly pushing in and out of her as it wasn't long before I joined her in the post climax bliss.

We laid side by side with each other and I couldn't stop my slow smile as I let my hand rest on her belly. "I cannot wait for there to be a little bump there," I whispered into the quiet of the night. Gabi smiled with a tiny nod of her head, "I cannot wait to see a bump on my body." I chuckled softly as she smiled up at me with a sleepy look on her face "You are really beautiful," I said letting my thumb brush over her bottom lip. Her face flushed and I laughed. "Am I still making you blush after this long?" she shook her head while she curled into my body.

I snuggled her closer to me as I exhaled, "Are you sure you can come to the appointment on Monday?" Gabi asked nervously and I nodded, "Yes, I will be there. Coach can kick my ass off the team – I promise you; I will be there." Gabi shot me a look and I shook my head, "You are not doing this ultrasound on your own. I have not come to every appointment to miss this one. We are going to see our baby. Our baby." Gabi just smiled as she curled into my chest. "Are you going to cry?" we both laughed, "Yea, I am." I whispered to her.

"I am, too." I kissed the top of her head, "She told me on the phone to prepare that we might not see the heartbeat, but we have weekly ultrasounds until Week 9 so if not, this week we will next week, and she moved all of them to Tuesday after this coming Monday." I gave her a tiny smile and a nod, "My schedule takes off after this." I whispered into the void, and she exhaled softly, "Just for like seven weeks. We can do this." Gabi let her chin rest on my chest while she looked up at me. "Then the playoffs,"

"And then the beach house." I gave a laugh, "And then our dream house in Boston,"

"Okay, that is so far in the future," Gabi said with a laugh. I kissed her mouth softly and she shook her head before settling back into her spot against me. "I love you; I cannot wait to see our baby." Gabi giggled, "We're pregnant," I couldn't stop the smile with tears as she had her own tears. "We're having a baby,"

Saturday, November 18th, 2022

Gabi's POV

Wren and I looked over the lunch menu as Val crashed into the seat next to her. "Are you going to the game on Monday night with me?" Val asked Wren and she nodded her head, "Yea, is your hubby coming?" she wiggled her eyebrows and Val nodded, "Is Breck?" Wren nodded her head as I let my head bounce between the two of them. "Hi?" I questioned to Val, and she laughed, "Hi, how is that baby?" she was grinning at me, and I just laughed, "We get to see it Monday." I was practically bouncing in my seat with excitement as I was doing daily pregnancy tests which showed darker and darker lines.

"That is so exciting, how excited are you? How excited is that husband of yours?" I laughed, "He couldn't keep his hands off me yesterday when we got our final numbers." We all laughed together as I smiled, "I was so relieved that it was possible. I am scared that we go in there Monday and something is wrong, but I am just going to just show up and know that we have more chances."

"How many kids do you want if you could pick?" Wren asked and I shrugged my shoulders, "I don't know. I think I really want to take it one at a time, but Troy came from a family of three, I came from four. I could see us going with three or four. We have Claire and we never her to feel left out or that she doesn't belong. That is the last thing we both want because she is just as important." Val took a sip of her wine as she was the only person who was able to drink at this table. "I am just happy my baby will have a built-in bestie." Wren said rubbing her stomach. I gave her a smile as all the future play dates were set up.

"Making me want to start trying for a baby," Val said as she chugged her wine. I could only laugh as I gave her a tiny smile. "How is the Sunshine Pact going?" Wren asked, "I still see the blankets all the time and I think of you every single time." I smiled, "Good. I am glad they are being used. It's going so well. The gala brought in so much money and so many donations have come through. It's been absolutely amazing. I am so glad it took off the ground and that we are helping kids." My phone buzzed as I glanced down to see Eve calling me.

I scrunched my eyebrows as I picked up the phone, "Hey Eve, everything okay?"

"How concerned should I be if Claire is running a fever?" I sat up, "Any other symptoms?" I asked her and she sighed, "Fever, tired, hasn't wanted to do anything today. No congestion or respiratory symptoms. Doesn't complain of her throat or ears hurting." I sighed, "I'll come over and grab some blood to take to the hospital to have them run. Have you called Troy?" I asked and Eve sighed, "No. I know he has a busy week with preparations." I could hear the nerves in the back of her voice because Troy and anything Claire being sick was a quick trigger for him.

"Let me run the blood work and then I'll call him. He'll want to come see her." I warned and she agreed as I hung up the phone with a sigh. "Is she okay?"

"Just a fever and lethargic but we can never be too sure especially since her last scan had a question mark attached. Troy is going to lose his shit." I rubbed my face before standing up as I reached for my wallet, "On us," Val said and I shook my head, "I'm leaving early. It's on me." I dropped down the money and grabbed my bag. "I'll see you both Monday?" they nodded and agreed as I went to my car. I sent a text to Dr. Rich who gladly put in the lab orders for me, and I called Lucas. "Hey, what is on Troy's agenda today? Is he still at the facility?"

"Yes, and after he is done there, we have a meeting." I rubbed my face, "Do you know what time he'll be done?" I asked him and Lucas was quiet for a moment, "What's wrong? Are you and the baby, okay?" I smiled listening to that.

"I am fine and TBD on the baby, that's Monday. Claire has a fever though; I am running over to grab some blood. I have a lot of the supplies still from when I took care of her, so I am going to run it to the hospital for them to run her labs. I need to know when I can call Troy. He is going to lose his shit." Lucas cursed, "Yea, he probably is. Our meeting should be over by five." I nodded, "Do you want me to come up to your office? I might have results by then and I can tell him her blood work looks fine."

"Do you think he'll be mad if we don't just tell him now?" I pondered on it, and I thought the same thing. "I just don't want him leaving practice." I stressed, "Just talk him down. You can do it the best. Tell him you'll facetime him after you get blood from her." I agreed with the plan as I called him as I wasn't sure if he would even be able to answer right now. It rang a few times before he picked up, "Hey, you, okay? I am about to walk into a meeting." I sighed, "Gabi," his voice was quick, and I just spit it out. "Claire is running a fever. I am heading there now to go get some labs from her to take to the hospital."

"What else is wrong with her?" I could hear him trying to already regulate his breathing. "Eve just said she has been lethargic. No other complaints. Honestly, it's probably just a virus but I am going to run her labs to just make sure. I will lay eyes on her, do an assessment and see what she looks like. If I have any concerns, I will call you immediately." Troy didn't say anything for a moment, "Troy, I need you to go to practice and do your thing. I got her. You can go see her after your meeting with Lucas. Hopefully I'll have all the results while you travel between destinations."

"Fuck my meeting with Lucas,"

"Troy," he groaned as somebody called his name in the background. "Troy, baby, go to your meeting. If I have no other concerns, I'll send you a text telling you just that and then you can call her after you are done at the facility. Go to your meeting with Lucas and then go see her at Eve's place." He exhaled, "Gabi, you promise,"

"With everything, Troy. I promise with everything that I will call you if I have an inkling of anything other than a virus." He took a deep breath and exhaled again, "Okay,"

"Are you okay?"

"Yes, I promise. I just…"

"I know, she's your baby. I will take care of her, but you have to focus for your game on Monday. Okay?" Troy took another deep breath as I knew he was trying to calm himself down. Trying to not let the panic roll over him.

"I love you, El," his voice was barely above a whisper, and I closed my eyes.

"I love you, too. Go practice. I'll see you tonight." I encouraged him and we both hung up as I made it to Eve's house they just moved into not too long ago. Christian and her got engaged not too long ago and I knew they were happy. I knocked on the door as Eve swung the door open. "Hey, c'mon, she'll be happy to see you." I gave a smile as I walked up the stairs and Claire was tucked in on the couch with her eyes barely open but trying to stay open to look at her iPad. "Claire," she looked up and gave me a tiny smile. "Gabi," her voice was hoarse as I went over to brush her hair away from her face.

"How are you feeling?" she shook her head, "Bad,"

"Yea?" she nodded as I smiled, "I'm sorry, does anything hurt?" I asked her as I sat crisscross next to her head. She shook her head, "Your throat or ears?" I questioned and she shook her head again. "Do you mind if I draw some blood to let the doctors run to make sure you aren't too sick?" tears welled in her eyes and she shook her head no. "Claire, why not?" Eve butted in behind me and I knew she was worried. "Claire," I whispered quietly. Her blue eyes connected with mine and I stroked her forehead. "Why don't you want your blood drawn?"

"It hurts," I smiled, "I know, I get my blood drawn all the time, too. Remember when I was sick, and we told you we were trying to give you a baby brother or sister?" she nodded her head, and I smiled as I showed her my bruises on my arms. "See? I get poked too but luckily you have me, and I have princess band-aids," I gave her a tiny smile and she poked my bruises, "Did you hurt?" I nodded my head, "Yea, it did but do you know what your daddy does for me after I get poked?" she shook her head, "No, what does he do?" she asked and I smiled, "He gives me the world's biggest hug. I know your daddy wishes he was here right now, but I can give you the world's biggest hug until he gets here after we're all done."

Claire looked at me and then finally gave me a tiny head nod. "Only if you're sure," I told her and she nodded again, "Okay, but I want a hug from you and from mommy." I laughed as did Eve, "Okay, I promise," I did the numbing cream for her and while we waited, I did a respiratory swab while I grabbed my tubes I needed. My phone buzzed on the ground, and I looked to see Troy calling but on Facetime. I smiled, "Claire, I think somebody is calling for you." I handed her the phone and she giggled while sliding the button over. "Hi Claire Bear," I could hear the relief in his voice laying eyes on her.

"Hi daddy,"

I gently took her arm as Troy talked to her, "Daddy, do you really hug Gabi after she gets pokes?" Troy chuckled, "Yea, I do. I know it makes her feel better. Do I need to come give you a big hug?" I poked her skin gently and she didn't even notice as I was able to get all the blood I needed before she realized what I was doing. "Whoa, Gabi! I didn't feel that!" I laughed as I labeled the blood and put them in the bag. "Yea? Good, that was the point." I stuck my tongue out and she giggled as I put on the princess band-aid, "Daddy! I didn't even feel it when Gabi poked me!"

Troy laughed, "That's because she's the best." Troy said and I caught a glimpse of him. He was wearing a gray t-shirt and was driving in the car, but his phone must have been propped up. "Are you being safe?" I questioned and he laughed, "Yes, El. I have both of my hands free plus it's propped up. I am trying to multitask." I laughed as I let them talk for a few more minutes as I kissed Claire's forehead. "Okay Claire, say bye to daddy. I have to run your tests to the hospital, okay?" she nodded as she said good-bye to Troy and then started coughing. I watched her as I rubbed her back and I saw Troy's eyes fly to my face.

"Eve, how long has she been coughing?" I asked her and she shrugged, "Not that long. Maybe since this morning? Not long." I nodded as I kissed her head, "Okay, I'll be back. I am going to run these, grab some breathing treatments for her, and then come back, okay?" Eve nodded and I got Troy to hang up as he got to Lucas's place before I looked up at Eve. "Gabi, do you want to take her tonight? It's just a day early and that way you can keep an eye on her. I'm pretty sure that Troy is going to camp out here anyways if you don't take her." I laughed with a tiny nod, "Probably. Okay, I'll be back." She nodded as I stood up and headed out.

It wasn't but two seconds later that I was getting a phone call from Troy.

"Baby, I got her." I said and he sighed, "Should I stay there? I just…"

"She's going to come home with me once I am done at the hospital. Eve and I already worked it out. She asked me." I heard his audible exhale, "I think she just wants me to keep an eye on her. I don't have too many concerns, but I think it might be a respiratory infection."

"Are you sure?" I heard the waver in his voice, "Yes, I am sure. I will run all of her stuff though and grab breathing treatments. Go to your meeting. I have her. I love you,"

"I love you, too. Thank you, El." I smiled at his voice, and we hung up the phone. I dropped off the labs before swinging up to Dr. Rich's office who agreed with beathing treatments. "How is she doing? Any concerns from your end?" he asked leaning back on his desk, and I shook my head. "No, none. I think she's just sick. I'll keep her home Monday and away from germs. Do you have any actual concerns over her last scan?" Dr. Rich shook his head, "None. I just hope it is gone on this next one or your husband might actually lose it." I laughed softly, "Yea, it makes his anxiety skyrocket."

I lingered until her lab work came back and it was all clear except for RSV. I grimaced, "Just watch her. If she needs oxygen, we can send some to the house." I just nodded in agreement before I grabbed all the supplies I would need before heading out. I shot Troy a text that Claire's labs were fine but to call me once he was done but that she was fine. I called Eve, "Hey, I am on my way back. She has RSV. We'll have to keep a close eye on her. She will probably get worse before she gets better." Eve groaned from that. "I know, Monday could be her worst day. It might just,"

"Send Troy right over the edge?" Eve stated and I couldn't help but laugh. "Yea, probably." She said she would get Claire ready to go as my phone rang, "She's, okay?" his voice was hot and quick. "Aren't you supposed to be in a meeting?"

"Your text came up on my watch. I told Lucas I needed to pee. She's fine?"

"She has RSV – it's a respiratory viral illness. She's going to be pretty sick for the next few days probably. All we can do is breathing treatments and watch her closely. Dr. Rich said if she needs oxygen, we can get it but hopefully she just kicks it."

"Are you sure?"

I nodded, "Yes, baby, I promise. She's okay. She would get this with or without the cancer background. It's very common this time of year and this age group. I am almost back to her now and you'll find us snuggled up in bed together when you get home after your meeting. The one will finish." Troy grunted, "I promise, I have her. I am probably going to stay with her on Monday though while you play. She needs to stay home. This can get worse over the next 3-5 days,"

"WORSE?" his voice was quick, and I closed my eyes. "Troy, baby, what are you going to do when there is two of them?" I asked and he sucked up a laugh, "I might need to be put on medication at that point." I can hear him pushing his hand through his hair. I laughed with a shake of my head, "I love you, we will both see you tonight."

"All three," he corrected, and I just smiled, "All three," I whispered back.

Troy's POV

"Troy," my eyes blinked as Lucas stared at me, "Hmm?" he cursed underneath of his breath, "Get the fuck out of my office. You are annoying the shit out of me." I didn't have to be told fucking twice. Knowing that Claire wasn't feeling well just put me over the edge and then stressing about Gabi's ultrasound on Monday? My anxiety was high at the moment, and I needed to reduce it – immediately. "Seriously, you don't even like apologize you just get up and leave?" I shook my head. "No. I need to go home. It's been a long ass fucking day. I want to see my wife and I want to see my sick daughter." I kept gathering my things and shrugged on my jacket.

Lucas sighed, "I know, go. I'll type up everything and send it to you." I thanked him before I picked up my stuff and headed out. I looked at my phone and there were no new messages. Gabi reported they were at home, and I knew exactly where I would find my two girls. It felt like a forever drive home as I rolled into the driveway. I parked my car and shut the garage door as I pushed open the door. It was dark in the kitchen and living room as I walked down to our bedroom. The TV was glowing, and a soft light was on as I peeked my head in as Gabi was sitting up working on her iPad while Claire slept in her lap.

Gabi looked up and she had a soft smile on her face, "Hi baby," I walked over as I cupped her face and kissed her. My eyes peered down at Claire as she was so pale, and her eyes looked tired. "I'm sorry, baby. You shouldn't have to be the one to be with her." Gabi shot me a look, "You know I don't mind, and I think it made both you and Eve comfortable that I had eyes on her." I swallowed on the lump of emotion as we both only ever wanted the best for Claire. I shook my head trying to ward off the emotion, Claire stirred in her lap, and she blinked up to see Troy, "Daddy!" I smiled as I picked her up. I tucked her in close to me and she snuggled right up to me. "Hi sweet girl, I missed you so much."

I rocked her in my arms, "I don't feel good," she whispered. "I know, baby." I kissed her forehead as I crawled into the bed with Gabi as she put her iPad down. Claire didn't take much to go back to sleep. "Gigi is going to come watch her Monday morning so we can do our ultrasound. We will watch your game from here." I sighed, "I want you there," Gabi hesitated, "I don't know, Troy. What if this was our baby? We can't take it to Eve." I blinked as I thought about it for a moment, and I opened my mouth and then shut it. "A nanny?"

Gabi blinked and gave a little laugh, "I mean, I am not going to disagree that we will probably need help but if my baby is sick? I don't know. I can't promise that I would leave my baby behind with a nanny. I have a hard time with Claire, and I could take her back to her mom." Gabi inhaled as she shook her head as I stared down at Claire. I knew I had to leave when she was sick because it was my job. "Luckily, it's a home game. I'll be there but only if she is better." I agreed with her as I thought about it all. My mind racing that we were altering our lives. I couldn't just take our baby to Eve and get Gabi time.

We were going to have to make our own time together with a child here. Something Eve and I failed miserably with. "Hmm…what's wrong? Besides Claire being sick." She asked me and I shook my head. "Nothing." I brushed off and Gabi just laughed, "Okay, let's pretend I don't know you. You are a terrible liar." I just gave a half smile and Gabi frowned, "No seriously, what's wrong?" I glanced down at Claire and I shook my head. "Nothing, I swear. I just…fuck." I closed my eyes as Claire rolled her head to the other side and I kissed the top of it.

"Okay, c'mon," Gabi maneuvered Claire from my arms and yanked me up. "Okay, you are like one-hundred and fifty pounds. How the hell are you yanking me around?" I grumbled and she just laughed as she took me out to the living room before pushing me onto the couch. Her knees dropped onto either side of my thighs and her face pressed into my neck. The compression of her entire body against mine allowed me to take a deep breath as I held her. My arms pulling her into me, and I closed my eyes. The few tears that I let escape didn't go unnoticed by her. Her fingers brushed through my hair, "Are you done lying to me yet?" she whispered, and I just laughed.

"I sometimes hate you," we both laughed as she pulled away and her fingers brushed over my face. "I'm just worried about Claire and worried about the game and I am worried about the ultrasound because just seeing anything but what we're supposed to be might just…" I exhaled and Gabi gave me a tiny smile, "Claire is going to be okay; a few breathing treatments and she looked a lot better. Why are you worried about the game? Is it because the ultrasound is before it? I can move the ultrasound. I don't want to distract you. I know the ultrasound is anxiety provoking because I'm anxious about it. It's normal."

I shook my head, "No, don't move it. It will just distract me during the game. I just…I think I need you there and I know when we have kids' things will be different, but I need this one for now." Those brown eyes nodded as she circled her arms around my neck again and I hugged her again. Neither of us moved this time as she grounded me. She brought me right back to where I needed to be. "Claire did look better?" Gabi nodded as she pulled back, "She did. I think she just needed a few breathing treatments. We'll do more tomorrow."

"Thank you," I whispered to her, and she shook her head, "Just don't lie to me next time and I won't have to take these measures." I chuckled, "I don't think this is a hardship here, I might do it more often." I teased her and she just gave a laugh. I found her mouth with a hot kiss, and she submitted to me. Her body melting into mine as I let my fingers tangling in those dark locks of hair. "I love you so fucking much," I whispered, and she kissed me again. "I love you, Troy Bolton. You can handle all of this, and we will get through that ultrasound together – remember? We have chances."

Sunday, November 19th, 2022

Troy's POV

Claire was sleeping on my chest as she was up half the night coughing last night. Gabi did a few other breathing treatments and I held her upright as she would whine any time, I put her down. Gabi was sleeping next to me as her hair was tied up and she was…I didn't know how much I needed her back in my life until she was right there in it. She knew immediately that something was wrong last night. Granted, she knew that Claire being sick would always trigger me, but she knew it was beyond that. I stroked Gabi's hair as she twisted her head to face me.

"Did you get any sleep? You do have a game tomorrow."

"Yes, I got some. Not a ton, but some." Gabi rubbed her face before she palmed for her phone and glanced at the time. "Do you want me to take her for a little bit so you can get some more rest?" I shook my head as I wiggled my way down in bed and I tucked the blankets around Claire and me. "No, I want to stay right here." I turned to face her, and Gabi smiled with a nod, I shifted Claire to my other shoulder while Gabi wiggled her way onto my other shoulder. Gabi was warm against my chest as I kissed the top of her head softly.

"Last night, talking about our baby…" I gave a tiny smile on my face, "I know there will be so much to work out and our world will change but…" I exhaled with a smile as I reached over to her belly as I let my hand fold over it. Those brown eyes filled with mine and I blinked away the emotion building. "I am so fucking excited," Gabi laughed as she closed her eyes. "Daddy," Claire's voice interrupted us, and I gave a smile as I let my hand brush through her hair. "Hi sweet girl, how are you feeling?" she shrugged as Gabi looked over at her.

"You sound a little better this morning," Claire smiled as she snuggled into my chest. "Do you want to eat breakfast?" I asked her and she nodded, "Can we go out to breakfast?" she asked, my eyes peered at Gabi, and she nodded her head. "Only if we can do another breathing treatment," Gabi bargained. Claire agreed as Gabi rolled out of bed, and I couldn't stop my smile watching her as she got everything together to do it. Claire laid next to me as she did it. Gabi listened to her before and after the treatment which was kind of hot.

"I think we should play nurse one night," I told her with a wiggle in her eyebrows. Gabi snorted, "No," we both laughed together as Claire got up as Ember bounced upstairs. "Go take a shower. I'll get her ready." I told her and she nodded her head as she pressed a kiss to my mouth before getting up and heading to the shower. I rolled out of bed as I went in search for Claire as she was playing with Ember. "C'mon, let's go change so we can go get breakfast with Gabi." She gave a tiny smile as I helped her up. I let Ember into the backyard before taking Claire upstairs to her room.

She chose jeans and I found a warm long sleeve shirt with a sweatshirt. She pulled on her favorite boots as I gripped her into the tightest hug. "I think you are going to go hang out with mommy tomorrow night then we are both going to hang out with you on Tuesday, how does that sound?" Claire popped her head up, "You and mommy?" I nodded my head as I took her to the bathroom as I started to do her hair. "Yea, we are going to hang out in the morning. I think Christian and Gabi might come, too." Claire smiled, "Where are we going?" she asked as I pulled her hair into a ponytail.

"I think we are going to do a few Christmas things. To be decided based on how you feel," I told her. "Can it just be you and mommy?" Claire asked and I paused as I let my eyes fall to hers in the mirror. Claire avoided eye contact for a moment in the mirror, but she finally looked up at me, "Of course. I'll talk to mommy. Do you just need mommy and daddy time or is something wrong? With Gabi or Christian?" Claire shook her head. "No, I just miss you and mommy." Her voice was quiet, and I could see her own tears in her eyes. I finished the ponytail as I picked her up and sat her on the counter. "Claire, baby, you can tell each of us those things. If you want a mommy and daddy day – you get a mommy and daddy day no questions asked."

Claire wiped away her tears and I felt my heart break just a tiny bit. "But I need to know if Gabi or Christian ever make you uncomfortable or scared, okay? I will never be mad if you tell me anything." Claire reached up and wrapped her arms around my neck. I kissed the side of her head, and I just held her tight to me. "I love Gabi and Christian." I closed my eyes thankful it had nothing to do with that. I have zero idea what I would do if something came up with Gabi. Gabi will always be the love of my life, but Claire was a part of me – not that I would ever think that Gabi would do anything to harm Claire.

"Okay, I need to go get ready so we can eat practice before daddy has to be at the stadium. Gabi and you are going to come have dinner with me." Claire nodded as I held her hand as we walked downstairs. I let her watch a show as I went to our bedroom as Gabi had pulled on leggings with a baggy t-shirt and I watched her pull on one of my Adidas crewnecks. I smiled as I went over to kiss her neck as she pulled it over her head. "I was going to wear that." Gabi just laughed, "No, you were not." We both laughed and Gabi turned to wrap her arms around my neck.

"Claire has requested just Eve and I for Tuesday." Gabi blinked and she nodded, "Okay," I stroked her face, "I'm sorry," Gabi shook her head, "She needs the both of you. If she needs one-on-one time with both of you present – she needs that. She doesn't get that all that often." I tugged on joggers with a Loyalist t-shirt and then an Adidas hoodie. "You know you're a saint, right?" Gabi laughed, "No I am not. I just know that Claire needs both of you. Just like our baby is going to need both of us and their big sister." I smiled as I went over to kiss her. "I love you, thank you for being understanding."

"Always, she was a package deal. I understand."

I paused as I sat on the edge of the bed and pulled her between my legs. Her belly right by my mouth as I pressed my lips to it and relished in the fact that we had our baby in there. "Shine on, sweet baby," I whispered, and Gabi let her fingers brush through my hair as she had tears in her eyes looking at me. "I love you so much," she spoke, and I pulled her mouth to mine when Claire busted in the room. "Daddy! I'm hungry!" Gabi laughed as I stood up and I picked up Claire and threw her over my shoulder. "Then let's go get breakfast!"

Gabi's POV

The Sunshine Pact had an emergency that really could have been handled tomorrow but tomorrow – tomorrow was going to be good. I didn't want the stress of finances to ruin tomorrow so after breakfast with Claire and Troy - I went to work with our accountant and Hannah. We figured it all out and I was finally free after making sure I looked over my calendar for this week. Tomorrow was marked off for good things. After that – it was busy with meetings and events. I was taking Tuesday as an office day after Claire requested a day with just her parents.

It was good for her to have one-on-one time with her parents. I pulled into the team hotel as Troy kept Claire all day. He said it wasn't a problem and I would just come have dinner with them and take Claire home. I had butterflies in my stomach thinking about tomorrow. I couldn't wait but I was also scared. I shut my car and locked it as I could hear the team as I entered the hotel lobby that they stayed in for the home games every year. "Hi Gabi!" Claire wrapped her arms around me, and she was already looking better than yesterday. I sent Troy with an inhaler to give her a couple times today and we would do another treatment tonight.

"Hi sweet girl, where is your daddy?" she turned and pointed where he was talking to Reni and Hanson. He was in a pair of jeans with a sweater. Fuck, he looked good. I held Claire's hand as I went over to my husband and his friends as they all greeted me. "Hi baby," Troy greeted me with a kiss, and I hugged him, "Did you get everything worked out?" I nodded into his neck. "Yea, I am going to spend the day at the office on Tuesday to get ahead of everything. Plan out the next few weeks." Troy smiled as he bid good-bye to his friends as they headed for the elevator, and we went to the restaurant attached to the hotel.

"Claire, did you have fun with dad?" she nodded, "I ran and chased after the footballs but sometimes it would get hard to breath, and I would cough a lot." I smiled, "Yea? I'm sorry. Hopefully you feel better tomorrow." Troy smiled at his daughter, "She took a nap during my meetings today. She still isn't quite herself." I nodded in agreement but thankfully she wasn't worse. We all sat down for dinner and Claire ended up leaning her head against Troy and he let her lay down in his lap. It didn't take long for her to fall asleep.

"I hate that you aren't coming home tonight," I grumbled over my pasta and Troy arched an eyebrow, "Yea? Why is that?" I shot him a look and he just laughed, "Oh…well…might be able to sneak one in the bathroom before you go." I just laughed and Troy chuckled as he held my hand. "Very unfortunate that I not going home. But I am very glad that I get to be with you tomorrow morning." We shared a smile as I squeezed his hand. "Tomorrow, I need you to be able to let go of whatever happens in the morning. If it's great – fine ride the high but Troy…if something is wrong? Hold onto the chances. Tomorrow, we're going to make it through, and we can feel what we need to feel come Tuesday."

Troy gave me a look, "Do you have any worries?" I shook my head. "No, I just don't want to be caught off guard either and I need you to play tomorrow. I peed on a stick this morning and it was darker than yesterday – so safe to say I am pregnant, but I just hope it's all well in there." Troy gave a tiny smile as he went deep into his thoughts which I allowed him. "Are you going to be there tomorrow?" I nodded, "Yes, if Claire is feeling okay, I'll bring her, but she'll stay inside." Troy lifted a single eyebrow with a smile on his face. "What about you?"

I smiled with a shake of my head, "Sorry, can't do it. It's not the same from inside. I'll warm up on defense though," Troy shook his head with a smile as he ate his food, "What are your plans for Claire on Tuesday?" I asked as he hadn't told me much. "Going to see a show with Eve that night – one that Gigi recommended. Dinner, show, etc. You'll have the house to yourself most of the night. Don't get too crazy on me." I laughed with a shake of my head, "I think Wren and Viv are coming over Tuesday since our last visit was short."

"Good, I think we should try to have everybody over soon. I miss those nights. A dinner or something."

"We could do another chef," Troy nodded as we both finished our dinners together. Once we were done Troy carried Claire to the car for me as he tucked her into the seat. She woke up while Troy was buckling her into her seat and she cried, "No, daddy," she reached for him, and Troy closed his eyes. "I know baby, I will see you tomorrow at some point – okay? I love you so much." He kissed her hair, and she wrapped her arms around him as she cried. "Daddy has to stay at the hotel with all of his teammates tonight. You and Gabi will get to be together all night and I am the loser of this group."

"But you should come with us," she cried again, and Troy just smoothed her hair and brushed away her tears. "I love you, Claire. I will see you tomorrow." Troy kissed her forehead one more time before he backed away from my car door and shut it. Claire cried and tried to open the door as he quickly popped down to give me a kiss. "I love you and I am so fucking sorry. I was hoping she would just stay asleep." I shook my head, "No, she's fine. I'll turn her night around. We love you." His face was pained, and I squeezed his hand. "Go,"

Troy jogged back inside the hotel, and I got into the car. "I want daddy!" she wiggled and thrashed in her seat. "Claire, we are going to get Ember and then I have a surprise for you." She sniffled, "A surprise?" I nodded my head as I started driving. "Yea, a surprise. I know you want to stay with daddy, but he has to get ready for the game tomorrow. Just like every single Sunday. Yea? I know you don't feel good, and daddy makes it all better, doesn't he?" she nodded her head as she wiped her tears away. "How about ice cream?" I asked as I pulled into a little ice cream shop. She grinned and we went inside as we grabbed ice cream to go. "This is part of the surprise." I told her with a wink as we finished our drive home.

I had her take a quick shower and do her breathing treatment. I braided her hair and then I took her down to the theater where I had sat up a fort with our ice cream and face masks for both of us to do. Claire grinned up at me and I smiled as I helped her with the face mask while we both ate ice cream. Before we started a movie, I Facetimed Troy. He answered quickly as Claire grinned at the camera as her dad popped up. The smile that overtook his face was something that I would hold forever. "Oh, my goodness, do you have snot on your face?" Claire went into hysterics of giggles as I smiled with a shake of my head.

Troy smiled watching her, "No daddy!" we both laughed as she explained what it was to him, and Troy listened. Those blue eyes shifted to me, and he mouthed thank you and I just nodded back. "Of course," I whispered back to him. Once she said good night to Troy, we started our movie, and I sent him a picture of her sleeping in my lap. Football season was a grind, and I couldn't imagine doing it with two next year. My fingers flattened on my stomach, and I gave a tiny smile because I really wanted too though.

Monday, November 20th, 2022

Gabi's POV

Troy's nerves were palpable but honestly so were mine.

We waited for Dr. Monty as I swung my legs around. Troy ran his fingers through his hair, "How was Claire this morning?" I nodded, "Good. She was eating breakfast when I left but she was in a good mood. We had a good night last night, but we both agree that daddy makes everything better." Troy barked a laugh as he leaned forward and kissed my temple. His fingers intertwined with mine and he kissed the top of my knuckles. "I love you," I gave him a tiny smile as the door popped open. Dr. Monty walked through, and she gave a smile, "I always love doing the first ultrasound,"

I gave a nervous laugh, "I am nervous," I told her, and she gave a soft smile, "Understandable. Let's see if we can spot that little baby," she got me set up and I wiggled down on the table as she set up. "Relax as best as you can." She said softly and I did the best I could as the screen flickered in front of us, and she wiggled the probe around for a moment before smiling. My eyes stared at the screen before pointing, "Here is your tiny little baby," she pointed, and it wasn't much of anything, but I could see what she was pointing to. Troy squeezed my hand as tears filled my eyes and she gave a smile as she pointed.

"And do you see that? That tiny little flicker?" I squinted and I gave a little gasp, "That's the heartbeat," I felt the tears drip down my face as I looked over at Troy who was in awh of the screen before turning to look at me. His own tears in his eyes as I don't think either of us felt like this was real until right now. "Congrats, you are pregnant with a heartbeat." She gave a little wink, and I couldn't stop the tears as she did a few measurements. Troy just stared at our little baby that we made as I knew this was a moment that he nor I would ever forget. All the trials and all the hard moments were worth it for this one.

"That's our baby," he whispered as he peered over at me, and I just gave a nod while wiping my tears away. "It's our baby," I said back, and he just gave me that megawatt smile which made my heart clutch. I think with that right there made it all worth it for me. I wanted kids so badly, but I know how much he wanted another kid The happiness that it would bring him? That it was going to bring us? Something we both knew we always wanted was to have a family. Dr. Monty finished, "Everything looks amazing, let me go get the pictures and Gabi you can get redressed." I nodded as she left the room.

I sat up on the table as Troy inhaled deeply and then exhaled as his eyes shimmered. The glossy blue and I lost it. "El," his voice was soft as he brought me into his arms in the world's biggest hug. His tears dropped on my neck as he pressed his lips into my neck. "Our baby," I whispered as he laughed softly, "I know, I can't believe we saw the heartbeat." We both wiped our tears away and I quickly wiggled back into my jeans just in time for Dr. Monty to come back. She had a sleeve of ultrasounds as the tears filled again. We had pictures of our baby.

"Congrats, I will see you next week and we will see a bit bigger of a baby." I thanked her as she squeezed my arm with giving me a few instructions for the next week. Once she was gone, I was lifted up again and I was crushed to his chest. "I love you," he murmured into my ear. "So damn, much," I laughed as I looked up at him as I pulled the pictures closer for the two of us. His thumb traced over the little blob of our baby. "Why do we have to wait so long to meet our baby?" Troy asked which caused me to laugh. I hugged him again as we took a selfie with the sonograms before walking out.

Troy was going to get Claire as we were going to have breakfast together before we all had to go different ways before the game tonight. I walked over to Troy's car as he couldn't wipe the smile off his face as he turned to face me. He showed me his phone and it was a video. I reached for it and the video rolled as his phone must have been set up behind me before it barely showed our face. Troy was glancing at me and squeezing my hand as suddenly the screen filled. You could see the nerves on our faces as we both stared at the screen. Troy put his mouth on my hand as he held it, and I don't even really remember that.

Then Dr. Monty spoke, and we both broke out in huge grins. Troy immediately looked over at me once the screen turned on with the softest and sweetest smile on his face. Once the heartbeat rang out in the room, we both melted in the video and together again. "You got it on video," Troy nodded as I couldn't stop the sob as Troy just held me. "We are doing this. We are going to get this." Troy whispered into my ear, and I pulled back to kiss him. I kissed him as he circled his arms around my waist to pull me to him. "I cannot wait for you to get home tonight," Troy just chuckled and kiss me again.

"Neither can I now, but first – we have a football game to win."

Long time, very little writing time!

So, so, sorry for how long it took to get this to you. My life has just been a BIT chaotic. The chaos level isn't slowing down anytime soon, either. School, work, life – all takes a toll when it comes to my writing time. If you missed it – Coach's Wife has an update on my bio. Please go read it! Also please be reassured that the story WILL be finished.

I hope I am back MUCH sooner than this time!

Much love

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