Chapter 18 – Play-Offs

Wednesday, January 18th, 2023

Gabi's POV

14 Weeks Pregnant

To say the world lost their minds in our announcement video. That would be an understatement. People were so excited for our family. Troy was continuously asked about it during his media times and he was all grins. I was posting a lot of the back content of everything but also made one big catch-up video. It was nice not hiding any more, but I could have hidden it a lot longer. I still had no signs of a bump. Wren, Viv, and I were all having lunch together today because I wasn't sure what the next month was going to look like in our house.

Troy had been busy all week preparing for the Bills game this weekend as we were playing them again as they won last week in a close game. Claire was staying with Eve until the game when they would be reunited beforehand. It was just easier for Troy to focus and not feel bad that his attention wasn't on her when he was at home. It wasn't on me at home right now either which was hard because I was starting to really feel better. My morning sickness was gone, my headaches disappearing, and I was getting some energy back. I was almost weaned off all of my medications and now I was just taking a pre-natal vitamin.

I truly never thought I would see the day.

"Are you feeling better?" Wren asked as she stabbed at her salad, I nodded, "I really am. It's disappointing that my husband is so busy and can't enjoy this time together." A chuckle left Viv, "Yea, that is sad. Wren, are you ready to be a mom in like six weeks?" Wren gave a nervous giggle, "I have no idea. I am scared but Breck is so reassuring that everything is going to be okay. That we are going to be fine." I nodded, "You will be. It comes to you, and we can ask Troy all the questions." Wren laughed as Viv grinned, "How is Cooper? Still in that newlywed bliss?"

Viv nodded, "Yes, we are talking about when we are wanting to start a family. I think we're going to give it another year or so."

"Don't rush it. I love spending time with Troy and if it wasn't for him really wanting a kid, I might have waited a bit longer. But also, glad I didn't because I couldn't imagine doing that egg retrieval older." We all laughed as we caught up on the floor life. Wren was going to drop her hours once the baby arrived so that she was home more. Viv was looking at another job and I knew all of us were growing up. Doing bigger things. "You can always come work at The Sunshine Pact." I told her with a smile, Viv giggled, "That would be a lot of fun. Are you opening up an office?" I shrugged, "Not yet but we are getting close. We already have volunteer days to make blankets. We produce nearly 300 blankets those days which is so nice. They even started writing notes to the kids with the blanket."

"Stop, your volunteers?" I nodded, "It is so cute. We are branching into another hospital system in Ohio. I am flying out there next week mid-week to hand out the first basket. It is really taking off. Planning for the second gala is underway for the same weekend as last year. That's honestly one of the biggest things I need is I want to host more events in the future. Gala, get togethers for cancer patients, maybe even in the future start a camp in the summer. I just have so many ideas and I need more help to get them all done. Honestly, you could become the main bitch for me."

"Wait, this sounds too good to be true. I think I want in." we all giggled together, "I need to talk to my financial people and figure out what I can realistically offer as a salary. We get donations regularly though. I want this to be a pay raise for you guys and not a decrease in pay, but the hours would be better."

"Would my role be like event coordinator?" I shrugged, "Yea, something along those lines. Help run the volunteer blanket days, help get the Gala up and running, help with planning more events. Essentially, that would be the job. Another job would be something along the lines of just helping with that and overseeing baskets. What goes in them, ordering products, putting them together, etc." They both shared a look, and I gave a tiny smile, "I will send an email this afternoon and see. Okay? You would be automatic hires. I am hoping we have an office at the end of the year."

"But work from home for the rest of it?" I nodded, "Or my house. Or wherever. I need eyes here when I am in North Carolina."

"Can I join you for that?" I smirked, "Always. The house is looking so good, and I am so excited to host people. The addition was much needed because we added two rooms. The house is massive on the beach, and I can house family, friends, and all of our freaking kids."

"Are you going to use all your eggs?" I shrugged, "I don't know. I don't know if Troy has a max cap on kids or not. I would hate leaving any of them behind without giving them a chance. It could be no more kids or eleven more kids. I don't think I want that but…" I swallowed with a tiny smile, "I honestly do want a big, big family. Troy will have the means for us to do that. I will never do another egg retrieval so what we have is what we will get but I wouldn't say no to…" I drug it out because I really wasn't sure what the number would be. "Three? Four? Five?" I shrugged, "I don't know. I haven't experienced an entire pregnancy and the early days. I may quickly be like fuck that." I said with a shrug of my shoulders. "I just love my three sisters. I like that we have four of us."

Wren grinned, "I can see you with an entire minivan." I laughed with a tiny nod, "I could, too. I have to keep Claire in mind as well. She is too important to me and to Troy. There will be a lot of discussions as we get further along and have more kids, I think about what our max number is but neither of us have said anything." A smile reached on Viv's face. "I think you are going to love being a mom and you are going to make really pretty babies." I giggled as my phone buzzed on the table to see a text message from Troy. I checked it as he was just checking in as I responded back to him.

"Are you going to make it to the baby shower next week?" Wren asked and I nodded, "I should! Troy will be at home if they win, and I will make your baby shower work with his schedule. I just have to be at the game," Wren nodded in understanding, "Of course. As you should be. I cannot wait to celebrate this little girl." Wren cradled her belly, and I was a little jealous that I didn't have mine yet to take a picture together. "Hopefully by the end of your pregnancy I have a bump so we can take a bestie picture with our bumps." I told her with a pout.

"How far along will you be at the end of February?"

"Almost twenty weeks," I told her, and she grinned, "You will have something. It might not be large and in charge, but you'll be able to push it out." I laughed as my phone buzzed again on the table to see Troy calling me this time. I shook my head with a smile as I answered it. "Hi, should you not be practicing?" I asked him. He chuckled, "I have a moment to myself. I wanted to hear your voice. Feels like it's been a week since I've talked to you." I rolled my eyes with a smile tugging on my lips, "Stop being dramatic Bolton, you woke up with me in bed this morning."

He whined, "It doesn't feel like it. I just wanted to say hi and that I miss you. I think coach promised we are out of here by 4. I plan on having dinner with you and hanging out before you go to bed and then I will watch film."

"Negative. I will watch film with you and then we can go to bed together. You know, I've been feeling a lot better recently and my husband hasn't been around." Troy groaned, "Okay, rethink this, I will watch film here and then I will bring dinner home and we can watch a movie together." I scoffed, "A movie? I'm not that fixed." Troy chuckled, "That was code."

"Code?" Wren and Viv laughed, "Troy Bolton, go back to practice. I will take care of dinner. Okay?" he laughed, "Okay, I'll be home by six."

"I'm holding you too that."

"You better."

I smirked with a shake of my head, "I love you,"

"I love you, too, El."

I hung up with a shake of my head as the girls both grinned over at me, "That boy loves you so damn much." I nodded, "I know, I'm happy he'll be home tonight. I might go get Claire for the night so that he can see her for a little bit." I grabbed my phone to shoot Eve a text, but Wren put her hand over my phone. "Wait, you deserve time. If Eve has her…" I shook my head, "We will get time. Claire goes to bed at nine. Troy doesn't go to bed until eleven and I'll just have him drop Claire off on his way to the facility in the morning so I can sleep in. Win-win."

Wren gave me a half look, "You need to enjoy this time without Claire before you have a baby and never get this time again." I nodded, "I know. I promise, the moment we get down to the beach house we get a whole week of just us time. He's taking me somewhere for our anniversary. There are going to be plenty of opportunities for the two of us, but Claire also needs to see her dad. He needs to see her. They both get grumpy." Viv laughed and I finished my text to Eve. "Thank you for thinking of that though. Sometimes I think of Claire first and their relationship because you are right. We need this together as well."

Eve text me back almost immediately.

Eve: Of course. She's been asking about seeing him all day today. I am out running errands with both kiddos. Want me to drop her off?

I smiled knowing that she needed it, too.

Gabi: I am currently at lunch by the harbor. Are you in this direction? If not, we can meet somewhere.

"Are you all coming to the game on Sunday?" I asked. "Of course, Breck can't wait."

"Same with Coop, they are both chomping at the bit to get to the game." I smiled with a nod as my entire family was going to be here, Troy's family, and our friends. The suite was going to be packed but it was going to be worth it. I was still convincing Troy to let me sit outside but he was resistant. I knew Luke would be on my ass the entire game if I did which was annoying. "I cannot wait, okay, ladies, I am going to head off to go get Claire. I love you both so much and I will get back with you on those jobs, yea?" I paid for my lunch and gave them a hug. Eve texted me with a meet up spot and it was perfect because it was the grocery store.

Once I was there, I ran in to grab groceries for pasta tonight and garlic bread. Eve timed it almost perfectly as I was walking out. She grinned and Claire screeched, "Gabi!" I smiled, "Hi sweet girl," I gave her a hug and she patted my belly, "Hi baby brother or baby sister!" I couldn't stop my growing smile as Eve smiled, too. "That's precious, Claire." She ran over to hug her mom and say bye to Jackson. "Thanks, Eve. Troy will most likely drop her back off in the morning." She cried, "No, I want to stay with daddy for two nights."

"Daddy has to get ready for his big game on Sunday. Is mommy, Christian, and baby Jackson coming?" Eve nodded, "We are! I told Claire that you would pick her up that morning and get her ready for the game before heading there. We would sit and hang out together while you watch the game." I gave a smile of appreciation. "Hey, is that…" Eve and I shared a look between each other. "Gotta go," I mouthed, and she nodded as I got Claire into my car. She was buckled into her car seat before I was shutting the door. I hopped in and peeled out. "Alright, are you ready to surprise your daddy?"

Claire grinned and nodded, "Perfect. He's going to love it."

Troy's POV

Lucas was going on and on in my car via Bluetooth about the rest of the weeks schedule and things that I had to do after the season was over. Appearances that I needed to make, people I needed to meet, etc. I was too tired to actually listen to him and I knew he would send me all the calendar invites. It was exhausting knowing what was coming especially when all I wanted to do was spend time with my wife and kid – soon to be kids.

"Luke, thank you, for doing all of this but you know my day has been really fucking long. I want to see my wife. That's all I have left in me today." Lucas sighed, "I know. I am sending an email over all of this, too."

"Just remember – I am taking Gabi out of town the first week of May. I am taking Claire and Gabi out of town at the beginning of March. Plus, I am taking off the entire month after the baby is born unless training camp is starting. Then we will readdress from there." Lucas sighed, "So much family demands."

"Maybe find a wife and you'll understand."

"Some of us can't find the first one while others are on their second," he threw back and I just rolled my eyes. I pulled into the garage as I leaned back, "I promise, I will try to do as much as I can but let's chill on the commercial shooting this year. I will do endorsements and I will make the Instagram posts but…I need time with my family."

"Okay, okay, only because you have a really fucking cool wife." I laughed as I turned my car off and grabbed my phone as I carried the conversation inside. It was five forty-five, so I was early. She was going to be proud of me tonight. "I do have a cool fucking wife," I answered as I pushed open the door and I was proven right very quickly about my cool wife when a five-year-old wrapped her little arms around my legs. "Daddy!" she screeched, and I heard Lucas's chuckle from the other side of the phone. "Luke, I gotta go." I hung up as I picked up Claire in the world's biggest hug. My phone hit the floor and she squeezed my neck.

"Hi Daddy!" she squeezed me extra tight.

"Hi baby," I closed my eyes as I rocked her in my arms as I kissed the side of her head. Neither of us spoke for a minute as we both just needed the hug. "I love you, sweet girl. How did you get here?"

"Gabi and mommy worked it out!" I laughed as I brushed her hair behind her ear, "They are both pretty cool, huh?" Claire nodded her head as she squished my cheeks with her hands. "I love you, daddy. I've missed you." I smiled, "I've missed you, more. What's for dinner?" I asked her and those blue eyes light up. Always so proud to tell me things.

"Spaghetti! I helped!" I smiled as I looked over her head to see Gabi leaning against the counter with a smile on her face. Those brown eyes were so soft, and I wanted to kiss her. I wanted to hug her. I loved that she knew that I needed both of them, but I knew with Claire being here she was sacrificing her own one-on-one time with me. "I cannot wait to eat, how about you go wash your hands?" I suggested with an eyebrow raise and she nodded before getting down and running to the bathroom. I took two steps before I had my wife on the kitchen counter and my mouth over hers.

"Thank you," I murmured as I cradled her face and kissed her again. "Troy, you don't have to thank me. It just worked out." I shook my head, "I know you reached out. I know you are sacrificing the little time that we do get together. Do not downplay this." Gabi just smiled before reaching up to kiss on my face. "I love you; you can spend time with her until bedtime and then I will get my time. Don't you worry. Plus, you get to drive her back to Eve's house tomorrow." I chuckled as I kissed her again. "Ew! Daddy! Stop it," I smiled with a shake of my head as I let Gabi down and I helped serve Claire's dinner. I got her situated before Gabi and I made our plates.

"Claire, what do you want for your 6th birthday?" I asked her as we sat down at the table, and she paused on it. I couldn't believe she was turning six in less than a month but here we were. "I don't know, I liked Disney last year, but can we do something different?" I chuckled as Gabi tried to hide her smile as she took a bite of food. "Yea, we can do something different. If you want something like Disney it will have to be after your birthday." Claire nodded in understanding because she knew that. We all knew that. "I know I want a doll house,"

"A doll house?" Gabi asked and Claire nodded her head up and down with zero doubts. "Yea, I want to be able to play with it and hopefully with my sister one day!" Gabi cracked a smile as I shared my own with her before looking over at Claire. "Alright, a doll house. Anything else?" Claire thought about it as she took a couple of bites. "Can we go to the zoo but when it's warm?" I laughed, "Yea, we sure can. Maybe we can travel to a different zoo. I'll talk to mommy and see if we can find a good time." Claire's eyes perked up, "Mommy would go too?" I nodded, "Of course. Mommy will always celebrate your birthday with you."

Claire gave a big grin as she dove back into her spaghetti, "Six is going to be such a big year, Claire." Gabi said with a smile, "You'll be starting kindergarten, you'll get a new baby brother or sister, and you're going to be on two hands." Claire giggled as she counted out to six on her fingers and grinned wide when she got to the sixth finger. I shook my head and rubbed my chest because I hated that she was getting so big, but every single year was more fun. I just the days were coming that she wasn't going to love me any more like she does now and thinks I'm lame. I was dreading those days already. I liked her coming to me. Using me as comfort.

I exhaled as Gabi squeezed my knee as she must have seen me slip into thinking. I smiled over at her as I continued conversation with Claire. I figured we could make a trip somewhere with a zoo later. I knew that I needed to remind her that you don't always get big things when you have a birthday, but she also beat fucking cancer. She fought a battle and I think every single year after that is special. Claire helped with dishes – something Gabi started here, and Eve said she was even helping at her house with Christian.

"Good job, Claire." Gabi encouraged and let her do her own thing. Only giving tips and tricks but Claire was determined. Her little tongue poking out and those blue eyes so focused. I shook my head with a tiny laugh watching her as Gabi shot me a wink. I took a picture. Once they were finished Claire gave Gabi a big hug before I swept her up and took her to her bedroom. I had her shower, brush teeth and hair, and getting into our PJs before letting her head off to bed. I read her a few stories and I shut the lights off before kissing her forehead.

"Claire, I hope you had a good day." She smiled, "I did, daddy. I love being with you and Gabi but I also love being with mommy and Christian." She frowned for a moment, and she took a deep breath to calm herself. "I…I wish I could be with all of you all the time." I tucked a piece of hair behind her ear, "I know, baby. I wish you could spend all day with me, too, but we have to share time. It will eventually be a little easier." Claire sighed heavily, "But I hate missing mommy or you."

"I know, baby, I hate missing you. Once daddy and Gabi build the new house, we'll be a lot closer together. Maybe we can have dinners together more often. Would you like that?" Claire nodded and I smiled, "I love you, Claire. You are so important to me." Claire smiled and she kissed my cheek. "Love you, daddy." I tucked her in and shut the lights off as I walked out the door. I went downstairs and Gabi was already in her PJs with a pint of ice cream in her hand and wrapped up in a blanket. I shook my head with a smile as Gabi smiled back.

"Did she go down okay?" I nodded, "She did. She wishes she could spend every day with mommy and daddy. I don't think together as in we are together but as in – you, Christian, Eve, and I." Gabi nodded as she snuggled into my side. Her body heat automatically mixing with mine. "I know. It's not uncommon especially for her age. She loves both of her parents and hates splitting time. Just like you both hate splitting time." I sighed heavily as I buried my lips into Gabi's hair. "How is our sweet baby?" I asked as I let my fingers span over her flat belly.

"Good, I hate that we don't get to see it weekly."

"Can we come up with a term? I hate it." I complained and she laughed, "Okay? What do you want to call our baby?" I thought about it for a minute as if trying to come up with a nickname for our little baby. "What about honeybee? Or bee?" Gabi contemplated it for a moment and smiled, "I like that. Our little honeybee." I grinned, "How's bee?" I said and I liked it that way too and Gabi grinned. I kissed her stomach and murmured to our baby. "I cannot wait to watch you hold a tiny baby and be a dad to an infant. I hate that I missed it the first time."

I gave her a grin, "You aren't ever missing it again." I whispered to her, and she smiled as I kissed on her. Gabi crawled into my lap as we had a nice make-out session on the couch, but I was physically exhausted. Which I hated that I couldn't please my girl. "If we go to bed now and wake up an hour before Claire…" Gabi laughed as she pulled back and let both of her hands rest on my cheeks. "I know, I know you're tired. That's why I got ready for bed while you were putting her to bed." I leaned forward to kiss her, and she smiled into the kiss. "Love you, Troy."

"Love you, El."

Sunday, January 22nd, 2023

Gabi's POV

"Troy, I think I have a bump," Troy had come home for a minute after staying at the hotel because he forgot something, and Claire was here so he was sneaking in some time before having to report to the field. I faced him as I was only in a bra, and he paused to glance as he twisted his head to look. "I mean…" I sighed frustrated as I was fifteen weeks pregnant, and I still didn't look pregnant. Nothing about me looked pregnant. Troy just chuckled as he came over and cupped my face with his large paws, "There will be a moment that you hate that stomach. Remember this."

"I just want people to finally know! I want to see my belly." I pouted and Troy tried to fight off a smile, but it won out as he kissed me. "You will. I promise. Until then – I know and that's all that matters. Right Bee?" he bent down and kissed my belly as I tried to push it out a little bit which only caused Troy to laugh harder. "Fuck, I love you, so much." I just shook my head in a pout as I kissed him. "You feeling, okay?" he nodded his head, "I am. I think there is a lot of confidence knowing that I did it last year. I am ready."

"Good. Your girl and I will be in the stands."

"Thank god," I shook my head with a smile as I wrapped my arms around his neck. He lifted me and I smiled against his mouth. "I can't believe you'll be fifteen weeks pregnant tomorrow," I gave a grin as I kissed him, "We're getting closer to the half-way point," I said giddy. A smile came over his mouth and I kissed him again. "Do you have like any inklings? Dreams? Anything?" Troy asked me and I shook my head. "Not really. I have no strong gut feeling but maybe as we get further along. You?" I asked him and Troy shook his head. "No, I think part of me wants a boy because…duh. I think it would be fun. But I also love Claire and having a little girl is fun. I'm down for either."

I smiled kissing him again and he squeezed me, "I can't wait to see you kill it tonight. Then you get to come home and be with me."

Troy's face faltered for a moment, and I stared at him, "If we win the guys want to go out tonight. Would you want to go? I can have Claire go back with Lucas or my parents." I frowned a little as Troy brushed his thumb over my lip. "You can say no. You are pregnant." I shrugged, "Let's see what happens after the game. I'll see how I am feeling but I do want you in my bed tonight." Those blue eyes grew, and he smirked, "Oh yea?" I nodded and he kissed me again, "Inside." I groaned, "Troy,"

"No ifs ands or buts, El."

I just rolled my eyes, and he rolled his right back.

"For Bee,"

"Only for Bee."

Troy sniffed a laugh with a shake of his head, "You are something, Montez." I arched an eyebrow, "Bringing out the maiden name?" Troy nodded as he cupped my face and kissed me one more time. "Always. I'll forever see you as Montez sometimes. The girl who took zero shit in high school from me. The girl who still takes zero shit from me." We both laughed and I hugged him. My body nestling into his body. Neither of us moved for several minutes. "Thank you," Troy whispered into my hair, and I smiled, "No, thank you, get out of here though. Get focused. We will see you right before the game."

"Promise?"

"With everything," he gave me a smile as I kissed him one more time before I let him go. He went off to find Claire as I turned to face the mirror again and I sighed, nope, nothing. I dressed in a pair of black pants and a black body suit as I had a custom jacket made for the game. It had Troy's number and name on it, and it was extra warm. I got Claire a matching one as I loved matching with her for the games. I knew I would love to match our baby, too. I did my hair and make-up before I went to find Claire who was finishing the movie she started.

"You ready to get ready?" she nodded as I helped her up, I dressed her similar to me but an extra layer. I slipped on her boots and gave her a high-five. "How do you want your hair?" I asked her and she grinned up at me, "Can I have it like yours?" I nodded as I had a high ponytail that was curled. I pulled her hair up high and then I took my curler to it. She grinned in the mirror once I was done, "We are matching!" I nodded, "We sure are. Once we get to the stadium, we will put the coats on – okay?" she nodded as she went up to give my belly a high five. I giggled because I secretly loved it. Troy told her to stop doing it, but I honestly didn't care, and it had her involved with the pregnancy.

"Gabi, how many more days?" I laughed as I pointed to our little countdown that we made together. We ripped them off together every single morning and when she came back from Eve's we catch up to however many days she missed. "182," Claire let out a really heavy sigh with that and I couldn't stop my laugh. "I know, trust me, I am excited, too. But we need the baby to grow all of those days so when the baby is born it is nice and healthy." Claire nodded, "Yea, I want the baby to be healthy." I gave her a smile as I tapped her nose. I gathered the rest of our stuff as I guided her to the car.

We locked up Ember after we let her outside one more time. The dog sitter would stop by mid-game to let her out and play for a bit before we got back home. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do tonight after the game. I wanted to be with Troy, but I didn't necessarily want to go out. I made sure I had Claire's hat and gloves for the field before getting into the car. The heat was on full blast as Claire, and I jammed the entire way to the stadium. We parked in player parking as they had all families due to the safety. We put our jackets on and I smiled down at her. I held Claire's hand as we took the tunnel underneath to get under the stadium as we ran into Amber.

"Hi!" I greeted as Lulu and Camilla were already playing with Claire. I hugged the two kids and then I hugged Amber whose belly was large and in charge. "How is this sweet boy?" I asked her and she grinned, "So good. I cannot wait to snuggle him in the next month. Look at these photos," she showed me a sonogram picture of those big cheeks. "Oh god! I cannot wait to see that precious face." Amber nodded as she nodded down to my belly. "Aren't you almost fifteen weeks?" I nodded with a tiny pout, "I hate that there isn't a bump yet."

"It will be there soon." I gave a smile as we got the girls to take a picture together as we were all matching. The wives all coordinated for tonight. I had Amber take a picture of Claire and I then I returned the favor. We waited for the time to head to the field as we all went out together. I made Claire put on her ear warmer and gloves, but she pouted the entire time about it. "Your daddy would be so mad at me," I reminded her, and Claire just heaved a sigh. Amber laughed at the dramatics of it. We waited on the sidelines as I quickly spotted Troy as he was running a few drills and then warming up his shoulder.

Claire buzzed in front of me as she spotted her dad and when he took off his helmet and ran in our direction she started bouncing, "Dad! Daddy!" he grinned as he tugged on a beanie and jogged our direction. "Look at my beautiful girls," Troy picked up Claire as he gave her a big kiss and a hug. "Play well daddy!" Troy nodded, "I will, you stay inside and stay warm, okay?" she nodded as he kissed her one more time before putting her down. "You, too," I shook my head as I leaned up to kiss him. "I love you, play hard," he nodded as he kissed me one more time before heading off the field. I took Claire's hand as Amber and the girls were saying good luck to Hanson. I waved to Reggie and Reni as they ran by.

"Hi Claire!" they both called, and Claire giggled. We made our way to the suite as all of our friends and family were already here. I hugged Wren and Viv as I told them in six months, I could make the job possible for both of them to come on at the same time. Maybe sooner but we needed to do a few more things first. Lucas found Claire as he tossed her around and then he hugged me, "You seem more relaxed than last year," I laughed, "I have confidence in him. He's ready." Lucas squeezed my shoulder as I found my mom and dad. I hugged both of them and then my sisters.

I loved having all my favorite people in the same place.

Troy's POV

I high fived and hugged my teammates as it was a long game but we grinded it out to make our way to the AFC championship game next Sunday. It was a cold one, but the game was so intense that I never noticed it. I did my interviews and headed back towards the locker room that was pumping music. Odds are next week we were playing the Texans at home. I pulled off my shoulder pads as I had a gnarly bruise over my ribs already. It already hurt to breath. "Bolton, x-rays," the trainer called out the moment he saw my side. I groaned as I pulled on a pair of joggers before heading to the medical room.

"Jesus, the fact that you kept playing through this." I shrugged, "It's not terrible. I don't think there are any broken ribs. It's not that bad to breathe." Mitch just rolled his eyes as we took the shots. "Mmm…it's not broken but you need to be careful." I just gave a smile as they put ice around my ribs, and I went to pull a shirt on to go do another press conference. I really only wanted to go see my wife and kid, but I knew I needed to do this first.

"Troy, great game. Truly one of your best in the entire year. How do you feel?" I smiled, "Good, it was a hard-fought game. The Bills are a really, really good team. We fought the entire time as a team, and I am glad we made it out on the other side." I nodded as the next question came in. "You took a handful of hard hits today – body feel good?" I nodded, "Yea, my ribs are sore but nothing that I can't be ready for next week."

"Troy, your wife was spotted outside cheering pretty hard on that final touchdown. Are you surprised?" I chuckled and shook my head, "Not at all. My wife is my absolute biggest supporter. I tell her countless times to stay in the suite, but she likes to be outside and be with the fans. I try to remind her that she's pregnant, but I just get a death stare in return." The group laughed as another reporter asked about her pregnancy. "Your wife documented it – was it amazing to be on the other end?" I smiled with a nod, "First, you can say her name. Her name is Gabi, and she is more than just my wife. She's her own person. But yea, it was amazing to find out she was pregnant. We had that failed transfer and it kind of felt like the end of the world for a moment. Gabi had really positive during the whole thing and she wanted to try again. I respect her and how strong she was doing the whole thing."

"Is Claire excited to have another sibling?" I laughed, "Yea, she really is. I think Gabi has a video of it. You'll probably see it eventually. That's all she wanted for Christmas was to have a baby at "daddy's" house and so we told her on Christmas. It was really cute, and she is very excited. She wants a sister, and we aren't finding out until the baby gets here so we'll see." The group laughed as we chatted some more about the game. Once I was done, I thanked them before I went upstairs, and I quickly found Gabi and Claire. Claire spotted me first and I swept her up into the biggest hug.

"Good job, Daddy!" I smiled as I kissed on her face. "Thank you, sweet girl." I kissed on her some more as she giggled. Gabi spotted us and she gave a smile watching the two of us together. She looked tired and I cursed because I really wanted her to come with me. I already had Claire going back with my parents regardless. I carried Claire over towards Gabi as she gave me a grin, "You played amazing," I laughed as I dipped down to kiss her and she hugged me. Claire wiggled down as I pulled Gabi into a big hug. "You aren't coming, are you?" Gabi pulled back, "How did you know?"

"Your face," Gabi sighed, "I'm just tired. That game took a lot out of me," she teased, and I smiled. "Two hours," I bargained with her. "I will go home with you. We don't have to get up early tomorrow besides Ember which I will take care of." Gabi gave a hefty sigh as she looked up at me. Her hand ran over my ribs to find the ice packs. "Troy…" she lifted my shirt and gasped. "Troy," I shook my head, "It's fine. I'm fine. Not broken." I promised her. She just gave me a look, "Where is everybody going?" I tried to fight a smile as I was winning here.

"They rented out a club/bar. Just for the team." Gabi chewed on her lower lip, and I gently pulled her lip out. "Just for a while and you can stay longer! I can't drink and I am tired." I grinned as I kissed her, "Thank you," I murmured to her. She nodded as I went to find Claire to tell her she was going to hang out with Grandpa and Grandpa Marco. She nodded and was excited as I hugged my mom and my dad. "Good game, sweetie." I nodded with a smile as I thanked them for taking Claire. "Of course, enjoy your night with Gabi."

"I will, thank you," I told them again as I kissed Claire goodnight and told her I would see her tomorrow. "Bye baby, I'll see you tomorrow, okay?" she nodded, and I watched them leave as I went to change into my clothes for tonight. Everybody from the team was going and I didn't plan to stay long. We had to play next week, and this wasn't the big celebration. Taking Gabi was probably for the best. I bit my lip as I went in search of Gabi, "I'll drive and take you to practice tomorrow to get your car." I nodded in agreement as I dipped to kiss her again.

"We won't stay long. This isn't the big celebration."

Gabi smiled with a nod as we went to her car. I got into the passenger side, "You looked good out there tonight." I grinned, "I felt good out there. It was a fun game."

"Took a few years off my life," she joked, and I shook my head with a smile. "I'm just glad that we are home again next week." Gabi nodded, "Yea, thank goodness. I am enjoying not traveling for these." I rubbed my forehead as Gabi navigated to the club. "You just say when," Gabi nodded as we went inside together. I held her hand as we were greeted by my teammates, friends, and a lot of other people. People started to approach Gabi as she let go of my hand. My eyes followed her as she found a group of girls to hang out with. Amber being one of them and I knew having somebody else to be sober with is always helpful. I found Reni as he clapped my back.

"You got Gabi to come?" I nodded, "I did. I don't know how long we'll last though. She's tired. I'm tired." Reni rolled his eyes, "Being a dad ruined you," I laughed, "I've always been a dad since knowing you." I pointed out and Reni rolled his eyes but with a smile. I got a drink, pictures were taken, as I was caught up in conversations. Yet, I wasn't surprised when a small hand hit my lower back. I turned as Gabi's brown eyes looked up at me, "C'mon, we should dance." I smiled as I agreed with her as we went to the dance floor.

The music was thumping, and Gabi rolled her body against mine.

I do believe this was a trap.

Because suddenly I was ready to get out of there.

Sunday, January 29th, 2023

Gabi's POV

15 Weeks Pregnant

My stomach hurt.

As in my heart was breaking for Troy.

Nothing was going right in this game. He threw two interceptions.

His O-line had fallen apart.

He had hit the ground more times than I could care to count.

They were down my 14 and there was only four minutes left in the game. I inhaled as I knew this wasn't the year but that didn't make it any less disappointing. He was doing so well before the game, too. Hopeful and felt like the team was ready. I chewed on my lip as Claire was sitting next to me with a similar look on her face. "Daddy is going to be sad," I nodded, "He will be, but we are going to cheer him up. Maybe tomorrow we can cook him breakfast." Claire nodded as we would both do whatever we could to cheer that man up.

"But we don't always win, isn't that, right?" I tell Claire and she nodded, "Right, daddy did his best." I smiled with a nod, "Daddy did his best." I tucked her hair away from her face as the game winded down and as Troy fell back in the pocket a lineman tackled him. I groaned watching him force Troy into the ground. He laid there for a moment longer than I liked as now my stomach authentically hurt. I stood up as the trainer went running out to him and I closed my eyes to send a prayer. They had Troy stand up and he was holding his side.

"He probably broke some ribs," Lucas said as he came up next to me and I nodded, "He's taken a beating the past two games." Lucas nodded in agreement, "He's probably done for the day," I sighed heavily as he was going to be so disappointed. They had him in the blue tent as his back-up came in, but it was a quick interception. The game was just as quickly over.

The season over.

My stomach flipped with anxiety as I knew he wasn't going to be happy. "Gabi, is daddy, okay?" I looked down at Claire who looked worried, "I think so, baby. We will go check on him, soon. He probably broke some ribs." I told her and she frowned. Her blue eyes filled with tears. "Where are your ribs?" she asked, and I showed her on her body. "These are your ribs. Daddy wears something to protect them but it can only do so much. Every single time the big boys were hitting him it got a little worse each time. They will heal but it might take some time."

We made our way downstairs as the mood was somber as we were not going to the Super Bowl. "Gabs," I looked over at the trainer, Mitch, was calling my name. "He's getting treatment. He said to tell you to meet you and Claire at home." I squinted as I twisted my head. "Broken?" I asked him and he nodded. "Do you think I should at least stay to drive him home?" Mitch hesitated for a beat. He came closer to Claire and me as I could tell her didn't want to say whatever it was in front of Claire. "Claire, can you go say good-bye to Lulu and Camilla?" she nodded as she ran over as Mitch sighed.

"Yes, you should probably stay but I don't think Troy wants Claire to see him like this. He's in a lot of pain." I just nodded, "Understood. I will have Lucas take her home. I will drive him and tell him that isn't a damn choice." Mitch smiled with a nod as he went back into the locker room. I found Lucas as I told him the plan and he agreed. "I will just take her home. Let her sleep over for the night." I hesitated, "Can you take her to our house? I told her that we would make him breakfast tomorrow morning and I don't want her to think that I am doing that without her." Lucas just gave a tiny smile and a nod, "I will. I got her, Gabs," I thanked him as I waited for Troy.

They showed his press conference which he gritted through, and I could tell the entire time he didn't want to be there. Once it was over the players started to come through and when Hanson saw me, he nodded as he waved his hand, "Is he okay?" I asked and he shrugged. "Disappointed, in pain, but he's just sitting at his locker. Everybody is changed and mostly out of there. Go get him," I agreed with him as I went back, and I found him at his locker. His head tilted back against the chair as he had iced wrapped all the way around his torso.

I went up behind him and I let my hands fall on his shoulders. My lips pressed into his hair, "You, okay?" I whispered quietly and he shook his head. His shoulders shook and I felt my heart break. "Troy," my voice cracked on the second half of his name as I went around to be on the other side of him. My hand reached out to cup his face and a few tears fell. "Pain?" I asked him and he nodded, "Plus just how that game unfolded." He said as he pulled his head out of my hand. "I thought you went home with Claire," I shook my head. "No, I sent her home with Lucas. Do you really think I was leaving knowing that you had broken ribs and your team just lost?" he swallowed hard as he shook his head.

"I'm in your corner. Always. Plus, you aren't driving home. We'll go home, crawl into bed, and stay there." He gave me a half smile as I stood up as he didn't come home this morning before the game. "This is 100% a distraction and do not think that I am brushing today under the rug, but I wanted to show you this in person and right now feels like the time to show you." I took off my jacket and then pulled off the sweatshirt I was wearing. I untucked the under shirt as Troy's eyebrows were pulled together. I then pulled up my shirt and I grinned down as I looked at him.

"Wait…" Troy laughed but them grimaced as it had to hurt. "Is that what I think it is?" I smiled with a nod as I looked at him. "Bee is finally making their appearance." Troy let his hand cover my tiny, very tiny, baby bump but it was definitely a bump. I woke up this morning and noticed it. I would be 16 weeks pregnant tomorrow and I cried this morning looking at it. "Hi honeybee," Troy whispered as he kissed my belly, and I knew this was a good moment. Regardless of how this day unfolded it felt good. Troy grabbed his phone as he took a picture of his hand on my belly. I smiled watching him as he pulled me into his lap.

"Thank you, for waiting," I nodded with a smile as I kissed him. The ice was cold, but I didn't move because he needed this. "I'm disappointed that I didn't finish that game. I'm also disappointed that we didn't win that game." I let my thumb run over his skin, "I think you now have time to heal this injury. I think you get to recovery your body and prepare for another push next year. You played well, Troy. You can only do so much. The Texans were a really good team." Troy sighed as if he knew that but didn't want to admit it.

"Now I can focus on my family and by the time the next football season rolls around? I'll be a dad of two." I grinned at him, and we both shared another kiss. "See? Could you imagine sending me home before this?" Troy chuckled but again grimaced as we just sat together for a bit longer. The locker room quiet and we both just soaked in this season and knew that better things were in front of us.

Happy Sunday! Enjoy! I will be back in a few weeks!

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