Chapter 24 – Last Hurrah

Monday, June 12th, 2023

35 Weeks Pregnant

Gabi's POV

I rocked in the chair in the nursery looking around as it was finished, and I loved every single piece of this room. It was…it was amazing. It was shocking that in a month or less we would have our baby in here. It felt like forever ago that we were laying on the IVF table implanting this sweet embryo. We had the watercolor embryo framed on the dresser and I loved seeing the beginning. Troy was in Boston doing mini-camp today and tomorrow. He also had Claire, but she was spending the days with her Aunt Gigi or Uncle Lucas while Troy was busy.

They were coming back early Wednesday for the rest of the week before he took her back on Monday. After that…it was a bit of a fear we might have the baby before she comes back to Boston. He would see her during the week of OTAs but him and Eve had arranged for her to just keep her until the baby was here. They weren't telling Claire because they both knew it was going to make her upset. It helped that Troy would see her a lot that first week. Ember laid her head on my lap as I pet her head. "Hi sweet lady."

I finally got up after a bit when my belly cramped and I grimaced from it, I didn't love it. That felt…weird. I shook it off as I went to do some chores and pick up around the house as my sisters were coming over later for dinner tonight with Auggie in tow. I grumbled as I had to pee for the 1000 time today already. I sat down and glanced at my underwear when I became overly alarmed. Blood streaked across my underwear as I felt the tears immediately followed by another cramp in my belly. No, no, no there was no way this was labor. No way. But also, why was there blood?

I wiped and I found more blood as the tears fell. No, we did not come this far to have something happen. Blood was never a good sign of anything. The search for my phone was hard as my eyes were blurry of tears and there was so much panic in my system. I shook my head as I had to calm down. Everything was going to be okay. I was feeling our baby move. Bee was moving and that gave me comfort. I glanced at the time as Troy would be in the middle of OTAs and I didn't want to worry him if I didn't have too. I called my mom instead. "Hi sweetie,"

"Hi, I uh…can you take me to the L Triage?" I asked as I sniffled and I blinked away tears, "Wait…is the baby coming? Where is Troy? Are you okay?" I bit down on my lip as I tried to explain the situation to my mom, and she instructed me to put a pad on to monitor blood output and that she would come get me, but I should call Troy. That caused me to panic a little bit more, but she told me if I was feeling him move and the cramping wasn't consistent – it could be nothing. Which gave me some comfort in the same breath. She was on her way, and I picked up my phone to call Troy.

It rang once, twice, and then a third time. I knew he didn't have his phone, so I just sent him a text to call me ASAP. My belly shifted and I had another long cramp as I closed my eyes. The fear set in, and I just wanted to know our baby was okay. I wanted to know if little bee was going to be fine. My mom arrived and she helped me into the car as I explained again everything. She wrapped me up in a hug and rubbed my back. Moms always made everything a little bit better. "I think it's safe to get checked out. I hope it's nothing, what did Troy say?" I shook my head as I wiped away some of the tears. "He doesn't have his phone. He'll call me soon."

My mom gave me a weary look and my chest cracked just a little bit. "Gabi if…"

"If nothing right now, mom. I can't freak out about Troy not being here right now. I need Bee to be okay. I need…" I took a deep breath to keep the panic from setting in. Oh God, if something was wrong, I was scared it could cause a panic attack for Troy. He was doing so well lately but that doesn't mean much of anything in a stressful scenario. I inhaled again as I knew what Troy would want next, so I called Lucas. "Hey, what's up?" he asked, and I explained the situation to him. "Fuck, are you okay? Do you need me to get Troy to you right now?" his tone was stern, but I could feel the uncle in him come out.

"He doesn't know yet. He's in the middle of OTAs and he probably doesn't have his phone. I need you to make sure he has a safe way home with Claire. He is going to be panicked if something is wrong. I will tell him the moment he calls me. My mom is taking me to the hospital to get checked out." Lucas cursed and agreed he would figure something out to get him back to North Carolina. Gigi had Claire and he would retrieve her and go meet Troy at the facility. I thanked him as my mom pulled into the parking lot as we made our way into L .

"We're so glad you came in," the nurse put my fears at ease about coming in and about getting checked out. She escorted me back to the room and had me put on a gown. I noticed I had a little bit more blood on the panty liner and I couldn't stop the tears. I did something wrong; I must have. That was the same moment my phone buzzed, and I grabbed it. Troy's grin was looking back at me, and I swallowed on the lump building in my throat. "What's wrong?" Troy asked knowing I would never have him call me ASAP if it wasn't important. I couldn't stop the tears that rolled down my face as I tried to form a sentence. "I uh…I've had a lot of cramping and then I had blood in my underwear," I tried to explain to him, but it only caused more tears. "Gabi, baby, what are you talking about?"

I tried again as I explained how it all unfolded and he cursed underneath of his breath. My tears only came faster as my mom squeezed my hand.

"Shh…baby, where are you?" he asked and I took a deep breath, "The hospital. My mom brought me." Troy cursed left and right, "El, baby, there is no way I am missing this. Are you in labor? What's wrong? Is the baby, okay?" his questions were at rapid fire, and I knew that it was the start of him freaking out. The way the words got short, the way his breath picked up just a hitch. "Troy, I don't know anything. I am getting checked out, please listen to me," I was desperate to get him to listen. To stay calm. "Gabs, baby, I am going to get there. I will figure out a way to get to you. Fuck, I am so sorry. You shouldn't be doing this alone."

"I have my mom. I am okay. I don't think this is full blown labor and I will keep you updated. Lucas and Claire are waiting for you. I already called Lucas and told him everything. He is finding you a way home."

Troy sniffled from the other end and his voice cracked as he tried to speak. "Gabi, I don't want to miss this." I closed my eyes painfully because this would destroy him. He vowed to never miss anything and so far, he hasn't.

"You won't." I nearly promised him, but I couldn't promise that to him. I had no idea what was happening. If it was an emergency, then he would be missing it. I wasn't losing this baby over him not being here. "Are you okay?" he said after a beat, "I'm scared and nervous," I admitted to him, and my mom squeezed my shoulder. "I love you and I'm sorry I'm not there to be scared and nervous with you."

"I love you, too. Go get your daughter and get on a plane. We'll see you soon. I will text you every single update. I promise."

"With everything?" I nodded, "With everything,"

Once we got off the phone the nurse ran labs, had me pee in a cup, and looked at the panty liner of blood. "We're going to do a cervical exam with the doctor on today and she will look at everything. Then we can talk, baby looks really good on the monitor though." I exhaled relieved and she smiled, "You are having really inconsistent contractions which is probably the cramping you feel. They are all over the board though, so we don't think you're in labor." I again exhaled as I fired off those two texts to Troy.

Gabi: Baby looks really good on the monitor per the nurse

Gabi: And I am having inconsistent contractions – which they said means I am not in labor.

Gabi: I love you. Be safe x

It wasn't long before the doctor came in to do a cervical exam as my mom held my hand. "Have you had a cervical exam yet to check for labor?" the doctor asked me, and I shook my head. "No, my doctor said she didn't think it was necessary yet." I told her and she agreed but walked me through everything she was doing. Once she was done, she helped me sit up and adjust the monitors on my belly to keep watching our little bee. "I want to start – you made the correct decision to get checked out. I know people hate feeling like they wasted our time, but you did not. With that said – I think all this is the beginning stages of labor." I blinked, "But I'm only 35 weeks pregnant today,"

"And you could still go the full length, but I think the blood was just what we call bloody show. Once your body starts to thin out your cervix and you start dilating it lets a bit of blood pass through. You are 2cm dilated and almost 60% effaced. I would be shocked if you made it the entire time, but I also think you could stay just like this for two or three weeks. Neither would surprise me. We're going to do an ultrasound and a stress test while you are here since you are getting weekly ones anyway to just check on this sweet baby. I have zero other concerns. It's not a ton of blood although I do understand it is alarming. We'd much rather just check you out than not."

I nodded as the tears were falling again but from relief. That this baby was staying. "You aren't having consistent contractions but a handful that would explain some of the cervical changes and baby looks really good on the monitors. All of that is so reassuring to me." I breathed a sigh of relief as I thanked her. "I know we ideally want this baby to cook for a while longer but starting next week you'll be nearly full-term, and things will be good. I promise. Do not stress about this. We wouldn't stop labor if you came in if that makes sense." I nodded as it did, and she patted my leg as she went in to put in orders for ultrasound and a non-stress test.

Once she left the room my mom squeezed my hand, "This was all good news," My lips flipped into a tiny smile, but my heart was racing with the scare. My hand covered my belly as I took a deep breath, "I was so scared," my mom nodded, "I know sweetie, this is the hard part. You are so close." I nodded as I wiped away my tears and I picked up my phone to call Troy back. It rang for half a second before he picked it up, "Is Bee, okay? Are you okay?" his words were rushed, and I really hope Lucas went on that flight with him. I knew he was stressed. "We're both good. The doctor did a cervical exam and she thinks all of this is just the beginning stages of labor. I'm dilated to a two and my cervix is pretty thinned out. I am not in labor though. She thinks it was the bloody show and that it could be soon, or it could be five weeks." Troy exhaled through the phone. I think it might be one of the bigger exhales of his life.

"Oh, thank God," he whispered, and I knew all the energy was just sucked out of him from the worry.

"I'm sorry I scared you,"

"No, do not apologize." His voice was quick, "I am glad you told me, and I am glad you got checked out. Are you going home?"

"She wants to do an ultrasound and a non-stress test since we do them weekly anyways. Just to double check all is okay in there but she thinks everything is fine. She is reassured by little Bee on the monitors."

"They aren't worried it's early?" I shook my head, "Not really. She said they would love for our baby to cook longer but she also said they wouldn't stop labor if I came in."

Troy swallowed, "Good, I am still coming home. I told Coach I wasn't coming back until after the baby was born."

I balked at the statement, "Troy, you have OTAs next week."

He grunted from his end of the phone as if that was the most ridiculous thing I could suggest at the moment. "Forget that. I can't be that far from you and know that you are already starting the labor process. Fuck that, El. I am not missing this. We worked too fucking hard,"

"Daddy! Language!" Claire called him out and I couldn't stop my laugh. "You still have to take Claire home on Monday. Go to OTAs for that day and then come back." Troy grumbled through the phone, and I just laughed. There was a knock at the door, "Somebody is here, I will talk to you later. I love you,"

Troy's POV

I paced the small plane as I think I had a heart attack earlier. The phone call from Gabi with a labor scare? It nearly sent my ass over the edge. Lucas thank God, got on the plane with me as I wasn't in the best of mind states right now for Claire. "Troy, she's fine. You can relax. I understand that had to be nerve-wracking, but she's done. The baby looks great. Her mom is taking her home."

"What if I missed it?" I balked and Lucas rolled his eyes, "You didn't, and you aren't. I talked to the front office. They understand. They know how hard you work. You went to minicamp, you always go to OTAs, they aren't mad, and you aren't obligated." I heaved a sigh as I fell back into the chair. "You can stay with Gabi. Do you want me to fly Claire back home on Monday?" My eyes glanced over at Claire who had her headphones on and was playing on her tablet. I swallowed knowing that it was probably going to be the last time I saw her before the baby came. I opened my mouth and shut it again.

"Can I let you know when we get closer? If Gabi is doing well with zero signs of impending labor, then I will probably take her. She doesn't know but I won't see her again until after the baby is born. Eve and I made a deal for her to just keep her and I figured since I was going to be attending OTAs I could see her at night." Lucas nodded his head, "If you need me to bring her back,"

"It's okay, we'll be okay, I just hate it for her. She doesn't know yet." Lucas let his eyes settle on Claire, "I mean it sounds like Gabi could literally go into labor whenever so it's probably for the best. Are they not concerned she isn't full term yet?" I shrugged, "Apparently not. She's close." I ran my fingers through my hair again as I never wanted that phone call again. Her voice on the other end – I could tell she was scared and that freaked me the fuck out. She wasn't doing that alone. My stomach rolled at the thought of her having to do it alone.

"You look like you are going to vomit. She's at home. Resting." Lucas repeated to me, and I just took a big breath, "I know but what if,"

Lucas rolled his eyes and then shook his head, "We aren't playing the what if game, Troy. Do not let your anxiety take you down that road. You have your answer. She's good. I know how much it would have killed you if it wasn't, but we don't have to play that scenario." His voice was soft, and I looked at him. His eyes matching my own as I swallowed, "I have been here for every single step of this process. I'm not missing the biggest of them all."

"And you won't. I will make sure of it. I got you on that one. You focus on Gabi. Do what you can from home. Do your workouts, etc." I just nodded as the plane was starting to descend. I was that much closer to Gabi. I started to pick up Claire's mess of things that she had gotten out and tucked them back into her backpack. I sat down next to her and buckled my seat belt as I kissed her head. "What daddy?"

"Nothing," I said with a small smile. "Just getting ready to land. Then we are going straight home." She nodded as she played for another minute before looking at me. "Is Gabi, okay? Is that why we left Boston early?" I nodded, "Gabi is okay but yes, Gabi had to go to the doctor unexpectedly this morning and I hated that I missed it. So, we're coming back home." I gave her simple terms and she just nodded and agreed. "Can I give her a hug?" I laughed, "You sure can. I bet she'll love one." Once the plane hit the ground, I packed the rest of Claire's stuff up before we were getting into my car. Lucas climbed into the driver's seat, and he shook his head.

"I'm fine to drive,"

"Shut up and get in." I just rolled my eyes as I got into the passenger side. "You are amped the hell up. Just relax over there and we will be with your wife soon." I tugged at my hair, and I glanced back at Claire who looked worried. "Are you okay, Claire?" I asked her and she nodded her head, "Yea, you seem scared." She admitted and I took a deep breath myself and Lucas glared over at me. "I was scared," I admitted to her. Our eyes meeting in the rearview mirror. "Gabi called me and thought she might have the baby and I wasn't there. So, it scared me."

"But she didn't?" Claire asked.

I shook my head, "No. It wasn't today but probably soon." Claire just nodded, "Why can't the baby come now?" she questioned, "Well, babies are supposed to cook in their mommies' tummies for 40 whole weeks. Gabi is only at 35 weeks. It wouldn't be too bad, but they would like the baby to cook a little bit longer." Claire just nodded again as she processed it all, "She's at home?"

"Gabi is at home," I said with a nod and Claire let out her own sigh. I reached back and held her little hand the rest of the way. Once we made it back home, I got Claire out and we both headed inside. Lucas followed us in, but his phone rang so he stopped to take the phone call. I guided Claire to our bedroom where I spotted Gabi's mom coming out. Claire went shooting past her and I looked at her, "Is she okay?" I asked and she smiled with a nod. "She'll be better that you are back. She was scared today but she handled it well."

My fingers went through my hair again as I could hear Gabi and Claire laughing together, "They told her to rest for the rest of today. She doesn't have any restrictions, but they wouldn't be surprised if she has the baby earlier than 39 weeks." I nodded, "Thank you for being there for her. I hate…" I swallowed on the growing lump in my throat as I didn't want to get upset. "Troy, honey, you have a lot going on in your life. It wasn't planned. It was a scare. You are here. Everything is okay." I just nodded because if I spoke, I do believe I was going to cry. All the emotions were catching back up as Claire came bursting out of the room. "Gabi is in a good mood dad! She asked where you were," I smiled as I kissed her head. "Thanks for making her smile," Claire giggled before taking off. Ruthie squeezed my arm before following Claire.

I went into our room as Gabi was propped up doing stuff on her computer. Her belly showing as her tank-top had ridden up against her skin. Her eyes lifted to meet mine and she gave me a smile, "Hi," I walked over as I sat down next to her, and I let my hand cradle her face. "I am so fucking sorry I wasn't here," I whispered to her. This time the tears really did collect, and she let her fingers run through my hair. "You didn't miss anything,"

"No, I missed…Gabi you shouldn't have ever done that without me. You were scared and I promised from the beginning I wouldn't miss a damn thing." The frustration in my own voice was evident and Gabi let her fingers brush through my hair and then she found my hand. "Troy, you had no idea that was going to happen. I had no idea that was going to happen. It just is. You got here as fast as you could. My mom was here." She reached up to wipe a few tears away. "I love you and I know how much you want to be here for everything but that isn't realistic sometimes with your job. With Claire. With going back and forth to Boston. It just isn't going to be feasible. I'm glad I had my mom."

My hand found her belly as she helped me find Bee. "Bee looked great on every monitor. I even recorded some of the ultrasound for you." She went for her phone, and she found the video. The tech was pointing out all of the features. "She doesn't think Bee has any hair." I laughed as Bee was curled up tight. Their tiny fists clinched tight. "Bee's head down, and they said baby is like -1 or -2. Bee's not far from engaging in my pelvis. They said they would all be shocked if I made it to 39 weeks. They also think Bee is on the bigger side anyways."

I watched the video of Bee kicking and moving around as I kissed her belly. "I'm still sorry. I hate how scared you were."

"I hated that I made you scared or upset. You can go," I shook my head before she could even finish the sentence. "I am not going back. I have no obligation to go, El. My starting job is not in jeopardy. I am the starting quarterback. I just have to show up for training camp. I already talked to coach. He understands. Especially after today." She just nodded and I knew she wasn't going to push on it. Gabi knew when to push and pull me but this one wasn't it. "I will take Claire back because I have to break it to her that I won't see her until the baby gets here and that is going to be…" my nostrils flared, and I took a deep breath. "One of the worst conversations but if something is going on with you and Bee than obviously Lucas will take her back."

"Did Lucas fly with you?"

I nodded, "He said I was "too amped up" to take Claire alone," Gabi giggled, "You are a little amped, but I think I kick started your adrenaline." I just gave her a look and she laughed again. She pulled me closer to her and kissed me. "I love you. Thank you for dropping everything and always being in my corner. You did everything you could. Nothing happened. We're lucky." I nodded my head, and I kissed her right back. "I love you."

Friday, June 16th, 2023

Gabi's POV

The backyard was full of some of our favorite people. We figured we all knew we were getting really close to baby time after our scare on Monday. Thankfully, no more blood and very little contractions. I had some here and there, but nothing rest, and water couldn't help. All of our families had decided to come over and I had invited any friends who wanted to come down. Hanson came down with all of their kids, Wren was here, Viv, along with Reni. Everybody was lounging in and around the pool while the music was playing in the background.

Troy had been tense for most of this week but as each day went by and I didn't go into labor – it helped him relax a little bit. I knew he was going to be nervous on Monday taking Claire back to Boston, but I promised him that I would tell him if one thing felt off that day before they left. Scarlett was rubbing my stomach and she grinned, "I cannot wait to see you as a mom,"

"I can't wait to officially have this baby here,"

"I think girl," Layla said lounging back on the pool raft and Sophie snorted, "I don't know. I've thought boy most of her pregnancy." Scarlett shook her head, "No, she has girl energy. I don't know why but she does." I smirked letting my hand run over my stomach, "We'll all find out soon enough." Wren giggled, "I just want to know the names." They all groaned in unison as I couldn't stop my smile. My eyes glanced around for Troy as he was sitting with Claire on the pool stairs as she was playing with Bethany. Troy was talking to Lucas, Reni, and Hanson while Daxon chased Auggie. The beer bottle in Troy's hand was barely touched.

"Do you think you'll even make it to July?" Layla asked and I shook my head, "My gut says no. The way my body has been acting and little bee has dropped so low into my pelvis. It hurts to walk. I'm glad Troy and I had our little lock-in when we did because I have been so uncomfortable, and sex has been pretty much off the table." Scarlett nodded, "When they drop down like that it is so painful. You feel like they are just going to fall out." I nodded, "For real. I have inconsistent contractions. They will start and then stop. I think it's going to be before the end of June."

They all squealed with excitement, and I couldn't handle my own excitement. We had another appointment this morning before everybody came over and everything looked so good. Baby passed the stress test again, passed the BPP with flying colors, and I hadn't dilated any more, but I was a bit more thinned out according to Dr. Miller. Troy breathed a bit easier after that appointment. The sun beat down against my skin and I soaked up the noise, chaos, and the conversations around me. A hand wrapped around my shoulder as I leaned back to look up at Troy. "Are you doing, okay?" I nodded, "Yea, I am. How is Claire?" Troy smiled looking over at her. "Good. She is having the time of her life with Bethany, Lulu, and Camilla."

"Good. Are you going to start the grill?" he nodded, "With Reni and Han. Call out if you need anything okay?" I just nodded as he kissed my cheek before heading off. "That man worships you," Scarlett said with a smirk, and I felt my cheeks blush with heat. "I know. I love him. He is going to be so amazing with this little baby."

"He's going to be amazing with you." Wren spoke, "Just as he should by the way. Let him take care of you after you have the baby." Wren finished and I hesitated. "No, she's right. You are breastfeeding, wanting to be with your baby, etc. Let him take care of you. Cook for you. Do the things you typically do. Help you shower. Whatever you need – I know he'll do it. Let him. Those are the easier things for him." I just nodded as that was solid advice to take. "And have him get up with you when you breastfeed in the middle of the night." Amber spoke up. "That feels…"

"No, especially in the beginning. He can help get things, reswaddle the baby, burp, put the baby back to sleep and you can just talk while you breastfeed to stay awake. Once you get back to Boston and back to football it'll be easier but those first few weeks – it's nice to have somebody with you."

"Any other big ones?" I asked the moms of the group and they both thought about it for a moment. "Let the dishes, laundry, etc. go. Or have somebody like us come over to do them. Enjoy those little moments. The first moments. Things will become less sleep and feed and trying to not peel over. Slowly you start to feel better and then they have better sleep windows. You aren't always breastfeeding. It's not important. Your baby is." Wren told me and I nodded, "I mean Troy will probably do them if I don't."

"Besides that – just snuggle that baby and enjoy every single minute of it." Scarlett squeezed my hand and I smiled, "I think that will be the easiest part of them all." I slid into the pool and climbed onto a raft as Claire wanted to join me. She sat in between my legs and pushed us around the pool. "Are you having fun?" I asked her and she grinned back at me. "So much fun. I love the beach house," I smirked, "Me, too. Hopefully the new house is just as cool in Boston." Claire shook her head, "No way! There is no beach in the backyard!"

The group laughed as she jumped off to play mermaids while I docked near my friends. We chatted for a while longer until the boys were calling that dinner was done. I groaned as I rolled out of the raft and took a dunk in the pool. Claire and Bethany both laughed, and I smiled before going up to grab my towel. Everybody started to filter towards the grill. I wasn't that hungry, so I let myself dry off first. "Layla, have you seen Gabi?" I heard Troy behind me, and I sat up and turned to face him. "Right here," his eyes swung around to find me. "Hey, you wanna eat?" I shook my head. "No, I'm not that hungry." Troy sat down next to me, and he wrapped his arms around my shoulders tugging me in. "You feeling, okay?" he kissed my head.

"Yea, I just think you put a big baby in me, and that big baby is taking up all the room in my stomach." Troy chuckled as his hands fanned over my belly. "Yea? Think it's going to be a big baby?" I nodded my head and leaned against his shoulder. "I'm also tired. I didn't sleep well last night. I couldn't get comfortable."

"I'm sorry, El. Is there anything I can do for you?" I shook my head, "Just being you," I whispered, and he kissed the top of my head. "That I can keep doing. You sure you don't want something small? Some pasta salad? Salad? Fruit?" I finally nodded, "Let me go see what baby wants." Troy stood up and he helped me up. We walked into the outdoor kitchen as everybody was around the table eating. Troy picked up his plate as I found a few things to eat. I sat down next to Wren, and she nodded, "I ate just like that towards the end. Nothing sounded good and after like four bites of food I was full." I laughed, "Exactly. Troy wants me to eat something,"

"Which you should but I get it," she squeezed my knee under the table as I ate more than I thought I would. Once dinner was done the boys were starting a fire on the beach to do some s'mores and let the kids play down there before having to leave. They were going to be sandy, but they were only kids once. Beers and coolers were trekked down to the ocean. I started to pick up when my mom grabbed my hands. "Go enjoy time with your friends. Let us old people pick up." I looked up at my mom, "Mom, I can clean up my own house."

"No, you should enjoy these final moments with your friends before you have a baby. Go. I already told your husband the same thing." I shook my head and started to help when two strong hands circled my wrist. "C'mon, El. They begged. Let's go sit on the beach with our friends."

"Mom are you sure?"

My mom just laughed, "Yes, Gabi. I am positive. Go," Troy tugged me away as he draped a blanket over my body as I was still in my wet swimsuit. He let his fingers fold with mine, "If you want to go back and go to bed just let me know. We can go on back." I nodded, "I will. I can't believe our parents are cleaning up our house." Troy chuckled as he had put a shirt on at some point. "I can. They want us to enjoy tonight. I need to keep an eye on Claire anyways. Let them help us." I sighed but nodded as we made it down and Claire ran up to Troy. He dropped my hand, "Hi sweet girl, did you make a smore yet?"

"Not yet! I wanted you to help me." Troy smiled, "Perfect. I will help you. Let me get Gabs, comfy, okay?" she nodded as she wiggled down and back to her friends. Troy planted me in a chair, put a sweatshirt on me, "Troy, it's going to get," he shook his head as he stuck his hand up the back of the sweatshirt and tugged on the bikini straps. The suit fell off and I laughed, "Wow, aren't you smart." We both laughed together as he kissed me while tugging the swimsuit out. I curled up in the sweatshirt and blanket as the fire was warm.

"Did he just take your swimsuit top off?" I laughed, "Yea, he didn't want me to get cold." Viv swooned, "Stop it, stop it right now, I want one."

"Hey!" Wren shushed her husband, and I couldn't stop my laugh. I watched Troy and Claire make a smore together as he was crouched down in the sand to be level with his daughter as they were getting the marshmallow just right. The smile on her face was wide, her hair tangled and wet, those tiny feet bare, and her skin was golden already from the sun. She held onto her dad's arm while they did the marshmallow together. His own smile made my chest ache watching him. I grabbed my phone, and I snapped a picture of the two of them.

Once they pulled the marshmallow back Claire squealed because it was on fire. Troy laughed as he helped her blow it out before going to put it on the rest of the smore. "God, if you look at him like that, you're having a hundred kids." Lucas said falling into the chair next to me. I just laughed, "Not that many but how could I not? If I wasn't pregnant, I think I would be demanding it tonight." Lucas chuckled. "He does love that little girl and he will love this next one just as much." I nodded, "I know. It's special to see their bond." Claire offered Troy a bite and he happily took one. The marshmallow stuck to his face which made Claire laugh. Those blue eyes were twinkling underneath of his daughters laugh.

"When you came back into his life – did you expect this side of him?" Val asked me and I shook my head, "No. I mean probably because we were in high school. I never thought about us having children. It was the biggest surprise. To see this side of him but it is my favorite. I love seeing him as a dad and he is so good with her."

Val nodded with a grin, "That he is. It gives me baby fever." I laughed as Troy kissed Claire's cheek before heading my direction with a plate. "For Bee and El," I laughed as he handed me a smore, "Thank you. You and Claire did good work over there." Troy chuckled as he looked over at his daughter as her and Camilla were playing together. "I love her. She was having fun. She wanted to do more but I asked her who was going to eat them." Val laughed, "Have her make me one if she is enjoying it." Troy arched an eyebrow, "You sure?" Val nodded.

"Yea, I'd like one." Troy grinned before bending over and kissing my cheek then my bump. "That's all I get?" I questioned and Troy raised an eyebrow, "Do you want more?" I nodded and he smirked, "How could I deny that?" he kissed me, and I pulled his t-shirt to get him a little bit closer.

Sunday, June 18th, 2023

Troy's POV

Claire poked at her breakfast as we went out to eat this morning as today was the day of Claire. We were doing all fun things for her to celebrate the last day of just her with us before we had the baby. Gabi nearly scared my half to death last night because she had about three hours' worth of contractions, but they never got closer together than ten minutes. Once they stopped, we both fell asleep knowing that this baby was most likely coming sooner than later. Which gave me some comfort that I wasn't going to be without Claire for too long.

"Dad what are we doing today?" she was a little bit grumpy this morning and I think he had a lot to do with tomorrow. I wasn't breaking the news to her until tomorrow while on the plane or else I wasn't sure I could get her on the plane without force. "We are going to do a fun activity before you get to choose dinner later tonight."

"Can we swim?" she asked cocking her head to the side. Gabi smiled across from me, "We sure can. In the pool or on the beach?" I asked her and she thought about, "The pool. Less sand," Gabi nodded, "I agree. The pool is a little better?" Claire nodded her head while taking a bite of her waffle. "Only because there is the beach right outside. It's pretty." I chuckled as I finished my breakfast sandwich and fruit salad. Gabi poked at her food as she wasn't too hungry as of late but there was quite a large baby-sitting against her stomach. I couldn't fault her.

"Do I have to go back to mommy's tomorrow?" Claire asked with sad blue eyes. I kissed the top of her head as she sat next to me, "Yes, you do. Mommy is getting back from her work trip today and then you'll be back with her and Jackson tomorrow. I think mommy has a lot of fun things planned for you and Jackson next week." Claire took another bite before setting her fork down. "Can you come to Boston with me and stay there?" she asked tilting her head back to face me. I squeezed her cheeks with my two fingers. "You know I can't, baby. We only have a little over a month here at the beach house. Then we'll all be back in Boston together."

Claire turned her head away from me and I just sighed as I finished off my coffee. Gabi reached for my hand to give it a squeeze. I met her eyes across the table, and she just gave a patient smile. "What are you and Jackson going to do when you get back to moms?" Gabi asked her. "Jackson and I love to color together and then we will play with play-doh!"

"Oh yea? What do you make with your play-doh?" Claire grinned as she explained everything she creates with the play-doh. My eyes flickered over to Gabi, and she winked over at me. God bless her, she always knew how to bring Claire back out of the shell that she fell into a quiet state. Once we finished our breakfast, I paid our bill before we climbed out. Claire grabbed onto Gabi's hand as we walked to the car together. Gabi was in a bump suit as she called it. It was black and was pretty much spandex and she paired it with a blue button up shirt that I was pretty sure was mine.

Claire grinned up at Gabi as they talked about something before, they get in the car. Gabi made sure she was buckled in. I got in and started the car as Gabi buckled her own seat belt. "God, I am so full." I chuckled as Claire was occupied in the back as we made our way to the Children's museum. "Thank you for back there." I said glancing over at Gabi. "Of course. I was just trying to get her mind somewhere else. She loves you." I chuckled, "She loves you. It used to be my hand she grabbed." Gabi laughed while her hand rested on her stomach. "I think she is a little mad at you." I grumbled underneath of my breath.

"She'll forget about it."

"I just don't want anything to do with tomorrow."

"Troy, she is resilient and once she is with Eve…things will be better. She will be better. I promise, she will not hate you." I glanced over at her, and she nodded, "I promise, baby. She's six. She wants to be with both of you and she is just trying to figure out the best way. She is going to give you every single reason for her to stay with you and I bet she does the same with Eve." I chewed on my lip while I contemplated what she was saying to me. It really only led me to one conclusion.

"I love you," I told her, and she laughed, "I'm sorry that I am separating you from her. I know we all made the same decision, but I am really keeping it like this." I shook my head because I never wanted Gabi to feel like that.

"You aren't. This isn't on you. It's the best though. We need out of Boston for a bit, and she loves it." I tried to reassure Gabi because I never wanted her to think something like this was on her. I was the one who had a kid with a different woman. Gabi wanted to be near her family. I wanted to be near my family. I love the beach house. This was important to us. "Yea, but it's on me that it could be that long between visits. If I would just go back to Boston to have the baby,"

I threw her a look to make her stop that sentence, "Absolutely not. Your OB is here. You are most comfortable with Dr. Miller. You love being here. Your family is here. No, we aren't playing this game. If we go past two weeks, then I may fly up to Boston to see her if you are doing well but if not baby then we're just going to be doing our normal. Ignore me complaining." Gabi squeezed my hand as she sighed softly, "I just feel bad sometimes,"

"Don't." I pulled into the parking lot of the children's museum, and I looked over at her. Our eyes connecting. "Do not feel bad. Before too long we'll have her all the time." Gabi gave a tiny smile, and her hand ran over her belly. "If something happens to us then we are going to just have to live together." Gabi said and I couldn't stop my laugh. "Yea, I still contemplate making Eve move in." We both laughed as we got out. Claire latched on to me this time as I carried her inside. We were meeting Lucas and Bethany here. That way she had somebody to play with.

She spotted Bethany immediately and they ran over as I waved to Lucas who was shockingly on the phone. Gabi circled her arms around my torso and her head rested on my back. "I love you," she whispered, and I smiled, "I love you, too." My eyes watched Claire as they grinned grabbing little grocery carts and running around the play market. I just grinned thinking about having two of them here eventually. Yea, I could do it.

Gabi's POV

"Hannah, I love it," I loved her design for the next batch of t-shirts to sell along with crewnecks. I tapped my pencil down as Hannah grinned, "Same. How are you feeling?" I laughed, "Huge. This baby is pressing into every single part of my body, I swear. It's getting harder to walk." Hannah smiled, "I cannot wait to meet the newest Sunshine Pact member."

"Same. I will send a text message with all the fun. I promise. Thank you to holding the fort down while I'm out for a few months. You can always text me or call or email." Hannah shook her head, "You are enjoying those three months with your baby. Those are so important. Enjoy it. Cherish it. I promise, The Sunshine Pact will still be standing when you get back." I smiled and I thanked her as we hung up the video chat. I did a few more emails and checked some social media stuff before shutting my laptop. After we did the Children's Museum we came back to the house where Bethany and Claire swam together. Troy grilled up some lunch with Lucas and I lounged by the pool watching the kids.

It was a good evening and once we had Claire's favorite pasta for dinner Troy took her for ice cream while I did some Sunshine Pact stuff. They had come back home but Troy took her to do bath time, reading, and bed. I pushed back as backpack was packed for tomorrow as they had an early flight. I rubbed my belly before heading up the stairs to check on those two. I didn't hear anything which made me suspicious. Ember was laying outside the door, and I peeked my head inside Claire's room when my heart melted.

Troy was laying on Claire's bed and Claire was draped over top of him. His arm secured her as they were both sleeping together. I took a picture as I knew he was enjoying these final moments of her being his only little girl. I knew whenever it came to transition from us having one to two babies – I would be the same with this nugget. Not that I didn't feel that with Claire. It was going to change our dynamic, but this was a little deeper for Troy, I think. I walked in as I dropped a kiss to her forehead and then another to Troy's forehead.

He stirred underneath of me, and those blue eyes popped open but almost immediately shut again, "Sorry, I didn't mean to fall asleep." He mumbled and I shook my head. "Enjoy. Cuddle with your daughter. I was just coming up to say good night." Troy shook his head, and I shook my own head. "Goodnight, Troy Bolton. Stay here. Claire is comfortable." Troy reached for my hand and threaded our fingers together. He gave a gentle squeeze, "I love you," I smiled as I bent over to kiss him. "I love you, too. I'll see you in the morning. I might just enjoy that bed all to myself."

Troy let out a throaty chuckle, "I bet you will." I shook my head before pushing off the twin sized bed and heading to our bedroom. I shut the door and then went to my bedroom. I glanced at all the little changes to our room – the bassinet, the diaper changing staples, a postpartum rack and the bags packed. I shook my head as I sat down and let my fingers run over my stomach. "Just a few more days, little Bee. Then you can come whenever you are ready." I whispered.

Monday, June 19th, 2023

36 Weeks Pregnant

Troy's POV

The plane was humming underneath of us as I dragged Claire to my lap. We were almost to Boston, and I needed to get the conversation over with. She complained as she was watching a show, but I gently shut her tablet and I took her headphones off. "Daddy!" she complained, and I shook my head, "Claire, baby. Can we talk for a minute?" I asked as I tucked her hair behind her ear. She nodded her head, I let my thumb brush her cheek and I gave her a tiny smile. "You are going to stay with mommy until Gabi has the baby." I told her and those blue eyes blinked a few times, and she looked up at me. "When will that be?" I shrugged my shoulders, "It could be tomorrow, or it could be in three weeks. It's best if you just stay with mommy though until the baby comes and then somebody will come get you, probably Grandma, and then you will come back to the beach house."

Tears welled in Claire's eyes, and she blinked, "But daddy – I don't want to go three weeks without seeing you." She mumbled and pressed her face into my chest. I circled my arms around her and tugged her into a big hug. "I'm hoping isn't that long. I'm hoping it's just a handful of days until we see each other again." I kissed her head as she cried. "But what if it is?" her voice cracked, and I just closed my eyes as I took a deep breath. "I might come up to Boston to see you if Gabi is doing okay." I told her as I rubbed her back. "But it will just depend. We will Facetime every single night." I reminded her.

"Why can't I come back sooner?" I brushed a tear away, "Because once Gabi has the baby it will be a few days in the hospital, and I would rather you be with mommy. She wants you. She wants to have those days with you when daddy is busy. Once Gabi and I are home with the baby then you will be with us. We want you to be some of the first to meet your sibling." Claire's lip wobbled but she nodded as she took a deep breath. "You promise?" I nodded, "With everything, Claire bear. If it's next week then you will be right back next week. Mommy and I already agreed."

Claire just nodded and let her head rest on my chest. I ran my fingers through her hair as it was down today. She was quiet and I thought she fell asleep until she lifted her head to look at me. "Can I know first if it's a boy or girl? I really want a sister." Claire told me and I laughed, "Yes. I think we can make you the very first phone call once the baby is here." Claire leaned into my body, and she nodded as if she was coming around to the idea. Her tanned legs were crossed over my legs, and she frowned for a moment.

"I'm going to miss you,"

I cupped her face as I made sure our eyes were looking right at each other.

"I'm going to miss you way more, Claire."

"No way," I chuckled, "Yes way."

She smiled shaking her head as she went back to her tablet, but she never left my lap. Once the plane was landing, I slid her into the seat next to me and she laid her head on my shoulder. A car was waiting for us as I was taking her right to Eve. I buckled her in the car seat, and she held onto my fingers for the rest of the drive. I checked in with Gabi to make sure that she was doing okay and when we got to Eve and Christians house, I thanked the driver who was waiting for me to take me right back to the plane. I slid out and I unbuckled her, and she latched her arm around my neck.

"Please don't go daddy," she whispered, and I closed my eyes. My chest tightened and I stopped at the front door as I just hugged her tight. "I have to get back to Gabi, baby. You know I would stay if I could. I love you so much." I whispered to her. "The moment that baby is born we will have a date we will be back together. It won't be as long as you think it will." She let out a little cry and my heart shattered. I was about to take her back with me because I wasn't sure I could let her go. "What's the most important thing to remember?" I whispered to her.

"That you love me."

"And how much do I love you?"

"A whole bunch."

"A whole bunch." I whispered back. I heard the door open as Claire just rested her head on my shoulder. Her fingers clinging into my shirt, and I turned to see Eve. Eve gave a gentle smile, "Claire, I missed you baby." Claire squeezed my neck, and I squeezed her back as I sat her back down on the ground. I cupped her face with both of my hands, "I love you and I will see you so soon. Okay? My brave girl." She nodded and wiped her tears and then she reached to wipe mine. "I love you, daddy. I'll have fun with mommy, Christian, and Jackson."

"You sure will," she gave me a tentative smile before turning to go hug Eve. I stood up and Eve nodded, "Gabi doing, okay?" I nodded, "She is. It could be any day. It could be a few weeks but three max." Eve nodded as Claire went inside but she stopped and turned to wave to me. "Bye daddy! I love you,"

"I love you, too, baby," I took a big breath watching her run up the stairs and Eve smiled, "How did she handle it?"

"Okay, she was upset but I told her if Gabi goes over two weeks, I might fly up to spend the day with her if Gabi is doing okay." Eve nodded, "I can bring her down if needed."

"I can't ask that of you, Eve. I am the one who is living down there."

"And it can be a mini trip for the two of us. Troy, that girl loves you."

"I know, but"

"No buts, just keep us updated, okay? I'll have her Facetime you tonight." I thanked her as I headed back to the car but stopped when a little body slammed into the back of my legs. I turned and Claire had her arms wrapped around me. I crouched down and I hugged her. "I needed one more hug," she whispered, and I smiled kissing her hair as a few tears fell as I squeezed her extra tight. Memorizing her little body to mine. "I needed one more, too." I whispered.

Happy Sunday! I hope you enjoyed!

Claire and Troy literally make my heart so happy hehe

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Next Update: March 9th