Chapter 27 – Firsts

Friday, July 28th, 2023

Ronan 1 month old

Gabi's POV

"Ro Ro," I swung him in my arms gently as he was tired and fighting off sleep. He cried as he arched in my arms. We had moved back to Boston earlier this week and I was so sad to leave the beach house after the most perfect month there with Ronan. We had spent our days lounging by the pool, taking walks, and just celebrating him. Everybody was over the moon for us welcoming a sweet baby boy. He was very popular already, but we couldn't blame anybody. He was such a sweet baby, and we were doing great. Troy had training camp all morning and later this afternoon we had his one-month pediatrician appointment. He had barely gained all of his birth weight back at our two-week appointment, but he had gained just enough to give us two weeks at home.

I kissed on his face, and I finally sat in the rocking chair in his nursery in Boston. Since we knew he was a boy we had tasked our interior designer in Boston to put together that football nursery. The walls were a dark navy to represent the Loyalists with a light wood crib in the center of the main wall. The Loyalist had gifted us a jersey with his name on the back with the year he was born and that was framed in the middle of his crib. We had two different football prints on either side of that. His dresser and changing table had the same style as his crib. A white chair with a light brown rug in the middle. It was beautiful and classic.

I rocked him back and forth and once he finally fell asleep; I gently slipped him into his crib. I tried to get him to nap once in his crib every single day. That way I had time to do some stuff around the house. Troy and I had some nanny interviews later next week to find help for me when I went back to The Sunshine Pact. I shut his door and I took the baby monitor down the hall to the kitchen. Claire was with Eve today as they were doing back to school shopping. She was officially starting Kindergarten in the middle of August. She was so excited, and I knew Troy was happy that she was finally checking off this milestone.

All of our friends had officially met Ronan and I knew that this was right. Everything felt right and I loved having him. I loved getting to snuggle him every single morning and night. I loved when he cried, and he calmed when I picked him up. I loved watching Troy Bolton be a dad to him as he talked to him and did everything with him. I never had to ask about a diaper, I never had to ask if he would take him so I could shower, none of it. He was always there and was always anticipating my next move. The weekend he had to leave town to go shoot some promos my sisters stayed with me. We had a fun little girl's weekend at the house.

I did the dishes, did a load of laundry, and then got ready myself for the appointment this afternoon. I pulled on a pair of jeans that fit way better now than they did a few weeks ago. I tugged on a tank-top and then pulled over a button up shirt to make it pretty nursing friendly. Ronan and I got really good at breastfeeding over the past month and for that I was thankful. It was getting so much easier and every single time he latched without redirection the more I knew this was going to be a thing for us. I had started pumping and letting Troy and Claire feed him. I pumped once or twice a day to build a stash and Troy fed him probably once a day – typically at night when I go to bed and then get up to pump during that feed. I had a little bit of a freezer stash started but knew I was going to need more. With Troy doing more with football I could only imagine those feeds with him would dwindle a little bit.

I threw my hair up into a ponytail and did a bit of make-up as I wanted to go out with my husband tonight. Ronan would tag along but I wanted to have a date night with him. Ronan squeaked through the monitor as he had napped for a little over an hour which I appreciated. I finished what I was doing, washed my hands, and then headed to his nursery. I unswaddled him and he stretched those arms out above his head. I smiled, "Hi Ronan, did you have a good nap?" I picked him up and he smacked his little lips together. "Are you ready to eat?" I nestled in his nursery chair as it was comfortable.

He latched quickly as it took a few weeks for the both of us to get used to it, but we were. I loved taking these moments with him. I typically just watched him because I just loved him. I stroked his tiny face, and he closed his eyes. I smiled, "I could watch you two all day," I lifted my head as Troy was leaning in the doorway. He was in a pair of shorts with a Loyalist t-shirt. His hair wet from his post practice shower and those blue eyes laser focused on the two of us. "We just started. What time do we need to leave?" I questioned and Troy shook his head, "We have time. I just got home. I wanted Ronan snuggles but I see he is getting his favorite thing." I giggled as Troy came in and kissed my head.

"How was training camp?"

"Good. Worked on a handful of stuff today. I feel good about this year. Like really good." I gave him a smile, "Good, I can't wait for Ronan to watch you. I can't wait to watch you." Troy chuckled as he tipped my head back to kiss me. "Can we get dinner together tonight?" I asked him and he lifted his eyebrows, "Like without Ronan?" I shook my head, "No, he would tag along but we haven't gone out to dinner together without anybody else in a while. I just want some of us time with Ronan of course but hopefully he'll just sleep in his car seat." Troy nodded, "Yea, we can make that happen."

"When does Claire come back over?" I asked him. "Sunday, we are going back to our old schedule now that we are home. Sunday-Tuesday with alternate Wednesday night." I nodded, "I didn't know when you were flipping back. Now or when she started school." Troy shook his head, "If we are both in the same city, we are going to do that one. She seemed happy when I told her on Wednesday when I dropped her off. We have her this Wednesday." I nodded as I needed to put there dates in the calendar.
"Sounds good, I'll put all of those dates in the calendar."

"I am going to take Ember outside and make a protein shake. I just ate at the clubhouse." I nodded as he walked off but not without kissing Ronan's head. I smiled as he winked at me before going back to the kitchen. I heard Ember excited to go outside with him and I went back to staring at Ronan. God, he was so cute. Once he finally pulled off and seemed content, I burped him. I started to change him when a pair of hands stopped me, "I got it," he murmured against my neck, and I just laughed. "I can do it. Did you make your protein shake?" he nodded, "I heard you get up. Let me," I just nodded as I took a step back. I took the Hakka that caught all the letdown from the other side to store it.

I added it to today's collection as I was definitely not an over supplier, but I was hopefully just making enough for him. I refilled my water and grabbed his car seat as I sat it down on the counter. It wasn't long before Troy and Ronan rounded the corner. He had put Ronan in a onesie with a pair of pants and socks, "You are the most handsome dude," Troy told him, and I couldn't stop my grin watching those two together. The videos I have posted on social media of Troy and Ronan? Panty droppers in my honest opinion and my comment section typically agreed.

Troy slid him into his carrier and buckled him in as Ronan let out a tiny squeak of a cry. He didn't love his car seat, but he mostly hated it when he wasn't in motion. Troy rocked it gently before grabbing his pacifier that he loved and gave it to him. Ronan accepted it as Troy stared at him with the faintest smile on his face. "You ready?" I asked going over to circle my arms around his waist. "Yea, let's go get our little man checked out." We had switched to Claire's pediatrician up here and Troy grabbed his carrier while I grabbed his backpack.

Once we were all secured in the car I glanced back at Ronan as we had the little video camera to keep an eye on him in the back. He was already falling back asleep as Troy pulled the car out of the driveway and headed into Boston. Troy clasped his hand with mine, "How was your morning? I hate leaving at 5:45." I just laughed as Ronan still ate about two to three times a night. Typically, 11, 230, and somewhere around 530 to six. We both typically went back to bed until his next feed at nine. Troy was gone by the time he woke up this morning. "He woke up like at 6:15. He nursed for thirty minutes and then we both went back to bed until almost 9. He fed and then we did some playtime downstairs together. He took a short nap on me while I watched TV and then we did another feed, a bit of tummy time, and then I put him down for his crib nap. I was able to get ready during it and then you caught us after that."

Troy smiled, "I can't believe it's already been a month," I nodded in agreement. "It went by way faster than I wanted it, too." Troy chuckled with a nod, "You aren't wrong there. It goes by way to fast. How do you think I feel about Claire starting Kindergarten?" I laughed, "I am so excited for her though. She is going to love school." Troy nodded as he looked over at me before going back to the road. "I know she is. I just like that it's a private school and it's right by where our new house will be." I nodded in agreement as our new house was also just ten minutes from Eve.

"Did you swing by the new house?" I asked him as they started digging the foundation and he shook his head, "I figured we might stop by on our way home depending on what he needs," I just nodded as it was going to take almost eighteen months to complete but it was going to be worth it. Troy pulled into the pediatricians' office, and we made it inside, I filled out the paperwork I couldn't fill out online, as Troy entertained Ronan in the waiting area. Luckily, it was pretty dead out here as I asked for a later time when the office would be mostly empty. They agreed as this wasn't a first to have him in here.

Once they had all the paperwork, they called us back as Troy lifted him and we took him to the private room. Troy put his car seat on the bed and took him out. He undressed him down to his diaper and I smiled watching him. I grabbed his blanket to put over him and Troy took it. "Here you go, Ro. It's cold isn't it," Ronan cried as Troy cradled him in the crook of his arm and put his blanket around him. It wasn't long until the nurse was in here to get all the information. "Is his diaper dry?" Troy checked and shook his head as he quickly changed it to only enhance Ronan's screams. My heart broke a little at those cries and once Troy was done, they quickly weighed him so Troy could wrap him back in his blanket.

"Eight pounds even," I blinked, and I let out a nervous laugh, "That's it?" I questioned as I felt my chest tighten and the nurse nodded, Troy looked back at me. Ronan was still crying, and I wanted him. I reached out and Troy didn't blink twice as he handed him to me. I let him rest on my bare chest and I covered him with the blanket. Two weeks ago, he was 7 pounds 9 ounces. He had only gained like seven ounces. The nurse asked a series of questions and I honestly felt like I had completely zoned out worried about his weight.

"Gabs, how many times do you breastfeed him?" Troy's voice brought me out of the haze, and I thought about it for a minute. "Every two to three hours. At night he stretches to four sometimes. Is that why? Is that why he hasn't gained that much weight?" Troy let his hand slide down my leg and give a gentle squeeze. The nurse gave a patient, "I'll let Dr. Allen look at everything and she can decide." I tried to take a deep breath, but it was like my chest wasn't moving. "El, baby, hey," Troy cupped my face with his hand and made me look at him.

"What's wrong?" he asked, "He hasn't gained weight," the tears were already evident, and Troy shook his head, "He has gained weight, it just wasn't a lot. Baby, breathe." I let out a half breathe; half sob and I kissed the top of Ronan's head. "Let's see what Dr. Allen has to say about it, El. It might be nothing. If we have to change something we will talk about it. You are doing your best." He murmured into my ear, but it didn't stop the full-on waterworks. I tried to wipe the tears away as Ronan had pretty much gone back to sleep on my chest.

"We should have done a weight check before we left," I said kicking myself and Troy shook his head, "Dr. James didn't think he needed one, baby. This isn't on you, and you don't even know if anything is wrong yet." Troy squeezed my hand, and I just knew that something was going to have to change though because he wasn't even a full pound heavier from his birth. Dr. Allen walked in the room after five more minutes which left me enough time to at least compose myself. "Troy," she gave him a smile and she reached out, "Gabi, it's a pleasure to meet you. Is this Ronan?" I nodded as she smiled, "What a beautiful name,"

She sat on the stool, and I could feel Troy's worried look over at me. "Since he is comfortable, we'll start easy. Just explain the past month and how everything has been going."

And I did. In so much detail because I didn't want her to think I wasn't feeding him. He had all the wet and dirty diapers. I had an app with everything in it and I referenced it many times. She nodded and took notes as she asked questions here and there but nothing outrageous. "Are you pumping?" she asked me, and I nodded, "Once or twice a day. I typically let Troy feed him a bottle once a day and I pump during that feed. I typically pick another time to pump as I want to have a bit of a stash for him." She nodded, "You are doing great things," She told me with a reassuring smile. "How much are you pumping?"

"About two ounces," I told her as I felt like it suddenly wasn't enough but that's all he was eating. He didn't act hungry afterwards. "You are doing it all right and that is typically the amount most one-month old are taking."

I think I finally breathed when she said that, and Troy gave a gentle squeeze to my hand. "I am a little concerned about his weight," which only caused more tears to fill my eyes as I looked at her. "I know it took the full two weeks to just get a little over birth weight, right?" I nodded as a tear slipped and she caught onto the tears. Her eyes raising in panic. "Gabi, this isn't your fault. Sometimes babies just need a little bit more. He was a little bit earlier and eating can burn some extra calories – especially in the beginning when you are both learning." I just nodded but it didn't stop the emotion. The tightness in my chest that I did something wrong.

"Ronan is still growing. He grew length and head. He did gain weight – it's just slow. He is still on the growth curve which is all good things. He is hitting right above 10%. I don't want him falling below 10% though which brings me to the next conversation – I think a little higher calorie formula for two or three weeks wouldn't hurt." I swallowed hard on that statement and Troy leaned over to kiss my head. He knew how much I wanted to exclusively breastfeed, and things were going so well, or I thought they were going well. "I was trying to just exclusively breastfeed him," I said trying to stop the tears and Dr. Allen bless her gave me the world's most patient smile.

"I know and you are doing it. You are giving him what he needs, and I am just talking a couple of weeks here. Nothing more than that until you feel you are done which may not happen until he is done. I don't want you to switch to formula full time." She paused and looked over at Troy who just held my hand so tightly. To remind me that he was right there. "Troy is feeding him a bottle a day?" I nodded, "Or Claire," I told her, and she laughed, "I bet she loves that. I know she loved feeding Jackson." Troy gave a half smile, "Yea, she really likes this whole big sister thing." We all let out a laugh as some of the tension eased.

"One formula bottles a day with extra calories. We are going to add an extra scoop of formula. That's it. The rest can be you breastfeeding. We will do another weight check in two weeks and if he gained more weight and seems to be doing better, we can do the same breastmilk bottle you are doing now and add a scoop of formula into it to just give it extra calories. If at his two-month appointment he seems great, we can go back to just breastfeeding and see how he does. I honestly think he just needs to catch up a little bit. He was a little guy at birth, and he may just need a bit extra help – which isn't a bad thing."

I just nodded my head, "Okay," I voiced as that wasn't as bad as I was thinking it was going to be. "I just really love breastfeeding him," I hiccupped, and Dr. Allen gave me a reassuring smile. "Good, I bet he loves it just as much. Don't stop and I would try to not go any longer than three hours at night – for now. If he is so sleepy and he won't eat that's okay but if you can even let him eat for ten minutes at night." I just nodded. "We can do that." Dr. Allen smiled and nodded, "You are doing your best, Gabi. Do not let this make you feel any sort of way. You are doing something so incredibly hard. Keep going," I just nodded as I wiped a few tears away.

Dr. Allen did almost his whole exam with him sleeping on my chest. Once she needed to do a few other things I laid him down on the table, but he let out a cry. "I know, baby," I whispered as I let him hold my fingers. I didn't want to let him go as she checked him over head to toe and gave a smile, "He is one healthy boy. He sounds good, looks good, and I think he might be tall like this dad." I let out a laugh as I redressed him once she was done before letting him rest back on my chest. His cries settled and I just rocked him back and forth.

I could feel those blue eyes on me as I looked over at him. Worry was set in every single aspect of that beautiful face and Dr. Allen gave us the clean bill of health, a can of formula with instructions on how to pack in the calories, and an appointment in two weeks. "Want me to put him in his car seat?" Troy asked and I shook my head as I did it myself. I buckled him in and tucked his blanket around him. I rocked it gently a few times as he took his pacifier. The tears blurred my eyes looking at him and Troy tugged me back into his grasp. "I'm failing him,"

"You are not," Troy whispered. "She told you that. He was only thirty-seven weeks, El. He was supposed to cook for a while longer. You didn't do this. This isn't your fault, and I will not let you think it is." I squeezed him tighter as he kissed my head. "You are the best mother to him, El. You love him and want the best for him. You are feeding him. This is not your fault." I just nodded as it was a hard pill to swallow. Troy tilted my head back to make me look at his eyes. "Just think of the few bonuses – you can make a bigger freezer stash for him. We can leave him for three plus hours and he has a bottle. Baby, this isn't terrible news. He is gaining weight just not fast. We are going to get him back on track, I promise."

He wiped away the tears and I looked over at him again. "I love you," he murmured into my ear. "I love you, too. Thank you for being right there."

"Always, baby,"

Troy's POV

I had my hand on Gabi's back as I carried the car seat with my other hand as we navigated our favorite restaurant. After the doctor's appointment I knew she needed a pick-me-up. This was the least I could do. I know how much breastfeeding Ronan means to her, but we also had a discussion prior to her having him that him being fed is the best. Not that Dr. Allen was trying to get rid of anything with breastfeeding. I just hated how much moms in general associated them doing well if they were breastfeeding exclusively.

Once we got home her and Ronan nursed, and they both took a nap together. I watched the both of them hoping that when she woke up, she wasn't a shell of herself like she was leaving that place today. She wanted to do the best for him, and I couldn't blame her there. A handful of people spotted us almost instantly and I wanted to shield them both from everybody. The hostess took us to the private room as I thanked her. I sat Ronan on the empty chair facing Gabi and she peered at him. We both sat down as I ordered a whiskey and Gabi stuck with water.

"You feeling, okay?" I asked her and she nodded as her fingers flexed on the menu and then she looked up. "I just…I want nothing to be wrong with him. For you. For me. For Claire. We've all been through so much as a family and I just want to protect him. I thought I was breastfeeding him." I squeezed her fingers, "You still are, El. One bottle of formula a day won't be too much. Plus, he doesn't like his bottle nearly as much as he wants it from you anyways. One month," I reminded her, and she just nodded as she took a deep breath.

"I hate that I cried there, she probably thinks I am crazy." I chuckled, "You are not crazy, El. A lot of moms probably cry in that office. It isn't what you wanted to hear. It's okay to be disappointed." Gabi gave me a smile as she peered the menu before looking down at Ronan. Her fingers slipping through mine, and she gave my hand a squeeze. "Are you planning on playing your first pre-season game?" she asked me, and I nodded, "I don't think I want to take, Ro. He'll be at your first game, but I think until he starts getting some of his vaccines,"

"Do you want me to fly your mom up here or do you not want to go?" I asked her and she looked up, "You would fly my mom up here?" I nodded, "It's in two weeks and even if we hire a nanny next week, I could only imagine you wouldn't be ready yet to leave him with whomever we choose." Gabi let out the biggest breath of air and she nodded with tears in her eyes again. Christ, I had to stop making her cry. It was harder post baby than it was before she had him. "I would love if my mom would be able to come up here."

"Done, I will arrange for her. Want your sisters?" Gabi nodded her head again, "Good, then we'll make a weekend of it." Gabi just released a breath of air. "Anything, El. I will make it happen." I reminded her and she just nodded. "I know. I just…I never want to take any of this for granted."

"You aren't."

Her brown eyes met with mine and she just gave me a smile. "Thank you," I nodded, "Maybe we can even sneak in a date night in with all of them here. If you feel comfortable," Gabi looked at Ronan and she nodded, "Yea, it's two weeks away. I think that will make me feel better leaving him behind."

"We can do it on Sunday. In the morning. We can do breakfast. That way you can go home and spend the rest of the night with Ro," Gabi gave me a reassured smile as our drinks arrived. I took a sip of mine as we placed our dinner orders. Thankfully, she seemed back to her normal mood. When Ronan woke up and wiggled around Gabi just talked to him. God, I loved her. The way those brown eyes moved watching his face. The smile on her lips. I couldn't get enough of either of them. She gave him his pacifier and he seemed content still in there. Luckily, our dinner came out shortly after. We both enjoyed our meal and he let out that cry right at the end.

"Do you think they'll care if I feed him before we leave?" she asked worried, and I shook my head. "We're in the private room. I have it till 830." Gabi relaxed as she got him out. I loved watching the two of them. I could do it all day long. All those things I always wanted with Eve I was finally getting here. Lying in bed and just staring at him. Laughing over the little things he did. Sharing our favorite moments. The smiles and coos. It was everything. Gabi just stared at him as I finished off my whiskey. I paid the bill and added a generous tip.

"Thanks for tonight," I looked up at Gabi. "I'm glad we got the opportunity." We both shared a smile. Tonight, was good. We were good.

Saturday, August 12th, 2023

Gabi's POV

I fussed with Ronan as my mom was staring at me. I was delaying because I was leaving him for the first time for more than three hours. Yesterday we had his weight check at the two-week mark, and he was nearly a pound heavier. The tears of relief poured out of me as we had been waking up every three hours at night to eat and never going past three during the day either. He had his one formula bottle a day with the extra calories and Dr. Allen was more than happy to let us going back to the breastmilk bottles with a bit of formula in them to still give those extra calories.

She said if at two months he had gained more weight again we could stop the formula all together and we could let him wake up at night as long as he didn't start to slide back again. She said it was unlikely though they he would slide off. I left feeling so much better than the first time we left. Last night was the first night that Troy wasn't with us. I didn't love it as it was just the two of us and I didn't realize how much I loved when he got up with us in the middle of the night. I kissed his head, and my mom cleared her throat, "Gabi, let me hold my grandson and go watch your husband."

My hands were so sweaty as it was just me and the wives today. Claire wasn't joining since he wasn't playing much, and Eve had her. I turned to look at my mom, "Troy won't mind if I don't come, I can," my mom just shook her head, "No, Gabi, sweetie. You need to go to that game. Get out of this house. Have adult conversations. I understand how much you want to be here with him. It's a couple of hours." I wrung my hands together and looked back at him again. "Gabs, I will send you videos and pictures. He is going to be so good for Grandma, aren't you?"

I took a big breath and nodded, I always told myself I wouldn't be one of those people who couldn't leave their kids, but he made it so hard. He was so fucking cute and smiley. "I already prepped his bottle for you. It's in the fridge. I will be home before his next feeding." My mom nodded as she squeezed both of my hands. "Go, cheer on your husband, we'll see you when you get home, okay?" I just nodded and I hugged my mom. "Thank you,"

"Of course,"

I let go as I grabbed my bag that had my pump and all the other things I would need. Somehow it had been six weeks since I had Ronan. I had my appointment early this week with an OB here that Dr. Miller recommended to at least do my six-week check. They were friends and it allowed me to stay in Boston. The doctor gave me a clean bill of health and to keep it up. All activities were back. I wasn't ready to have sex again and luckily Troy and I were too busy right now. I climbed into my car as I text Amber that I was on my way. I sent Troy the same text as I was going to see him before kickoff.

He was only playing a series or two, but I still needed to get out of the house.

Tomorrow, Troy, and I had a breakfast date together while my mom and sisters were in town. We did find a nanny Troy and I both loved – her name was Alexis, and she was going to be such a good fit for our family. She was a college student but mostly remote. Starting in a month or so she was going to come three to four times a week. To give me time with The Sunshine Pact, to be our babysitter when we needed a night out, and to help at football games. She was going to come over the next pre-season game when Troy was on the road. That gave me time to train her and show her the house.

Hopefully once she was done with college her role could expand and we could make her a well-paid nanny for us. I wanted to have somebody I trusted thoroughly and that wanted to be here all the time. We told her summers would mostly be on her own terms. We would be going back to North Carolina in March every single year and not returning until July. Troy and I had to discuss what we were going to do with Claire because they wouldn't survive two months without each other. If that meant Troy had to spend a few weeks up here…I still wasn't sure what was going to happen, but I was going to North Carolina. Once Ronan started school, we could have a different conversation but May to July in North Carolina didn't feel like enough time.

Navigating my car into a parking space I hopped out and I found my pass as I headed inside. Amber was waiting for me, and she threw her arms around my neck. "We missed you," I laughed hugging her back. "I missed all of you. I somehow made it out of my house." Amber laughed, "Leaving your baby for the first time is so, so hard. You did it." I gave her a smile as we both wondered down the hallway to head to the field. We went through security, and I smiled and greeted all of them. "How is Ronan?" she asked me, and I nodded, "So good. He gained enough weight for Dr. Allen to be pleased. We can go back to all breastmilk, and I feel such a relief off my shoulders."

Amber smiled, "I know how that goes. You are doing a good job."

"How is Sully?"

"So big already. He is with our babysitter. I didn't want to bring the kids today. Mostly because Hanson wasn't going to be playing too much." I agreed with her as once we hit the field it was like all was right. I looked around the field as the sun was high and bright in the sky. Troy was throwing with his quarterback coach as he was listening to whatever he was saying. He was in the deep navy jersey with Bolton spelled across the back. Fourteen displayed. His white pants were snug on his trim waist and hugged those thighs.

He must have felt me staring because his head turned, and he pulled off his helmet. He ran his fingers through his hair and our eyes connected. He grinned at seeing me and I smiled right back. He punched Hanson and they both started this direction. "Why do they both look so good?" Amber asked and I laughed, "I don't know. It's not fair." We both just laughed as Troy came over. "How did it go?" he asked framing my face and I nodded, "Good, it went well. My mom had to tell me to leave a couple of times but I'm here."

He kissed me and he stole a little bit extra which had Hanson catcalling him. I laughed pulling away from him as he winked. "Are you going to stay the whole game?" he asked, and I hesitated when Amber piped in, "I'll try to keep her here," Troy laughed and nodded, "Just text me if you leave early. I wouldn't blame you. He's cute," I just laughed before giving him another kiss. "Go play hard, I love you,"

"Love you, too, El," I shook my head as they both took off again. Amber scooped my arm up, "C'mon, we deserve mama's day out."

Troy's POV

Sunday, August 13th, 2023

"Thanks, Ruthie," I told her as she just gave a smile, "Do you think this is hardship? He's perfect." I just smirked, "Yea, he really is. I'm just glad I can get her out of the house." Ruthie nodded, "Enjoy it. I will take good care of him." I thanked her again as Gabi came down the stairs in jeans with a bodysuit under neath. She looked so good, and I reached out for her hand. I played well yesterday for the limited amount of time that I had on the field. It felt good to get back out there and play again. Gabi left at the beginning of the fourth quarter, and I found her snuggling Ronan as I walked through the door.

Luckily, I snagged him because I hadn't seen him in almost twenty-four hours. While I wanted to just spend time here with him today, I had to take advantage of getting a date with my wife. "Did you tell," I shushed her with a kiss. "El, she's got it. She did it all yesterday. I made a bottle in the fridge just in case we aren't back in time." Gabi just nodded as she just finished nursing him and odds are we would be back home. We were just grabbing breakfast and a coffee together before getting Claire from Eve. "You look beautiful," I told her as she had done her hair and make-up already.

Her cheeks flushed and she smiled, "Thank you," I hummed as I tipped her head back to get a quick kiss. "Your mom is holding him. Your sisters are coming over and will be here when we get back. Let's get out of here," she nodded and went to kiss Ronan's head before she found my hand and we headed out together. We got into the car as I went to our favorite breakfast place just down the street. Since we had to go get Claire, I figured we could stop at a little café near there to get coffee. "I am excited for breakfast, I am starving."

"Me, too," I held the door open for her as we found a private booth in the back. Our feet tangled underneath of the table as I didn't need the menu to know what I wanted and neither did Gabi. "Are you going to get in the pool with your sisters?" I asked her and she nodded, "Probably. I am cleared but I just…"

"Let me have Ro duty for a bit. Enjoy your day. I have all of today off and I miss him." Gabi let those brown eyes settle on me and she nodded as she pulled that lower lip in, "I hate that you had to go back to work so quickly," I just laughed, "I know, I'm sorry. We are doing our best though." Gabi nodded her head, "That we are. You can have Ro duty," I squeezed her fingers as we ordered and just talked. We got caught up without a baby interrupting us. I talked about Claire going to school next week and how thankful I was that her last set of scans were clean again.

Gabi told me about stuff The Sunshine Pact was planning, and she honestly couldn't wait to dive back in but knew this time with Ronan was special. We ate our food and didn't feel like we had to rush through the meal to beat Ronan waking up. It was nice and a breath of fresh air. It didn't take long for the conversation to turn towards Ronan though. Our favorite moments, the little things, how we wanted to lay in bed together tonight and just stare at him. It was those things that I loved doing with her. We paid our bill, and I held her hand to the car. Once she was in the passenger seat I leaned forward as I captured her mouth with mine.

The kiss was slow, not urgent, and just a little bit needy. My fingers crept into her hair as I tugged her closer to me and she smiled against my mouth at some point, "I didn't realize how much I missed those kinds of kisses," I chuckled as I kissed her again, "I try to remind myself to give you those daily." Gabi nodded as her lips were just a bit swollen from that kiss. I shut the car door and went to the coffee shop as I drove thru and got our favorites. When I pulled up to Eve's house the door opened, and Eve was watching as Claire ran down the steps.

I chuckled as I got out and I swept her up into a big hug, "Hi daddy! Is Ro in the back?" she peered over, and I laughed, "No, he isn't baby. He's at home with Gabi's mom." Claire pouted as I chuckled kissing on her face. "Sorry, Claire. We are going home though." She just nodded as I kissed her temple before putting her in her booster seat. I buckled her in, and she hugged me again. "I missed you," I kissed her cheek, "I missed you; I know Ro missed you," she grinned as Gabi laughed. "Gabi!" Claire started talking a mile a minute to her as I shut the car door. I jogged up the steps as I grabbed her bags from Eve.

"How is it going?" she asked, and I nodded, "Good. Really good." Eve smiled, "Good. She looks happy," I looked over my shoulder at Gabi who was smiling back at Claire. She was showing her something on her phone and I could only assume it was Ronan. "She is. Thanks for all the help this past month," I told Eve as she had been helpful with juggling Claire and Ronan. "Yea, of course, are you wanting to take her to school on that Monday?" I nodded, "I wouldn't miss it. We'll have her anyways; we'll meet you there?" Eve nodded, "We will. Thanks, Troy," I nodded and headed down to the car. I stashed her backpack with her school stuff since I was going to have her on her first day.

"Ready to go get Ro?" I asked Gabi and Claire and they both nodded, "Please," Claire added causing me to chuckle, "You got it."

Monday, August 21st, 2023

Troy's POV

Claire's First Day of School

Claire grumbled as I woke her up as we had to be at school by 7:45. I had asked to come in later to take Claire to school for football, but I was going straight there. I hated that Gabi was driving separate, but it was needed. Today Alexis was having her first morning here. Gabi spent the past week getting to watch her interact with Ronan and also teaching her about our house and what we were looking for. So far – it was going well. Today was the first test and it was only going to be about an hour and half. "Claire, today's the day," I told her as it was 6:30. Luckily, she wanted to shower last night.

"Daddy, no," she whined and tucked her blanket closer to her face. I just laughed as I pulled the blanket back down, "You were so excited to go to school yesterday."

"Not so early," I just laughed as I kissed her face and then tickled her stomach, "No, daddy," she squealed, and I laughed as she finally sat up. Her blonde hair falling in her face as I tucked it behind her ear. "Gabi is making you pancakes and eggs for breakfast," I told her, and she gasped it was her favorite. "We have to get dressed and ready first though." She just nodded as we had back to school day last week. We met her teacher, Mrs. Hamilton, and we also had a private meeting with her to explain our expectation of her having Claire in her class.

I really liked her teacher as we had to explain that Claire was never able to go to pre-school due to cancer. She was very understanding and would work with us on appointments. I got Claire into the bathroom as we brushed her hair, brushed her teeth, and I got her dressed in a dark red dress with flowers on it that she picked out with Eve. They dubbed it her first day of school dress and who was I to argue? We put on a pair of tight shorts underneath to keep her protected at recess when she sat on the ground. "Daddy, will you braid my hair into two?" I nodded my head as I picked her up and put her on the counter.

It didn't take me too much time to braid her hair as she was still trying to get her length back. I kissed her temple when I was done, and I looked at her in the mirror. "You look beautiful, Claire." She grinned, "Thanks, daddy," she turned to wrap her arms around my neck, and I hugged her so tight. "I can't believe you are going to be a kindergartener," she giggled and wiggled down as she went to find her new white tennis shoes that went with her dress. I helped her tie them as it was a skill we were working on together.

"Good job, sweet girl," as she finished the second one and she just gave me a grin. I kissed her cheek before she went running down the stairs to find Gabi. I grabbed the white sweater that went with her dress to keep her warm in case it was chilly inside. I shut off her lights and I found Claire sitting and talking with Gabi. Ronan was sleeping in the living room while Gabi was eating her own breakfast. "Alexis here yet?" she nodded, "She went to the bathroom." I nodded as I grabbed my own yogurt and eggs out as I quickly made a breakfast. We had to be leaving by 7:20.

Alexis came out and Claire grinned as she was already a fan of her, "Hi Alexis! Look at my pretty dress for school," Claire stood up and swirled her dress around as Alexis ooh'd and aww'd over it. "That is very pretty. You are going to have the best first day," Claire just gave a wide grin as I was happy, she was excited. I was hoping this was going to set her into a path of normalcy for once in her life. Gabi went over last-minute things with Alexis as I packed up her backpack. I wiped her hands off and looked at her. I tipped her chin back and smiled at her, "You ready?" she nodded, "I am! I can't wait to make new friends."

My chest ached knowing how much she needed this. I got Claire into my car as Gabi came out, "You good?" I asked her and she nodded her head, "I am. I think it helps that it's going to be like an hour." I nodded as this was the best way to ease it in. "Are you picking her up today?" I asked Gabi as I wouldn't be home until after five. Which sucked, I wanted to pick her up from her first day of school. To hear everything, she had to say about it. "Yes, I am. I do want to add Alexis to it," I nodded as I knew that was coming from a mile away. "I will get on it,"

Gabi and I followed each other to her new school, and I knew it was the right pick for her. They didn't do uniforms and they wanted them to be kids. They wanted them to excel, and I knew she was going to the right place. I pulled into the parking lot as I spotted Eve's car immediately with her and Christian getting out. I didn't spot Jackson, but she must have had a sitter this morning. "Daddy, why couldn't Ronan come?" she asked while she unbuckled, "Because he is little, and we want this day to be just about you." I told her. She grinned as I helped her out of the car and tucked her backpack around her shoulders.

I squatted down, "Let me snap a picture of just you," I told her, and she nodded and gave me the photoshoot I wanted. I laughed at her faces, "Mommy is over there," I pointed out Eve and she grinned as I picked her up. Eve met us in the middle as Gabi caught up as well. "Hi mommy!" Claire went to her as Gabi slipped her arm around my waist. "You look beautiful, Claire!" Eve spun her around and Claire was so giddy. "Do we want to do pictures out here or inside?" Gabi asked and we all agreed outside. Eve and I took one with Claire. We did another set with each parent before we started to walk inside.

Claire clamped her hand down with mine and she stopped once we were almost inside, "Claire, what's wrong?" I asked and she looked up at me with worry for the first time. "What if nobody wants to be my friend or what if I miss you too much?" I squatted down to be eye level with her as I smiled at her. "You are going to make so many friends. The best part about kindergarten? It's everybody's first day. You will all become friends, Claire Bear," tears welled in her eyes, "You promise?" I just nodded my head, "With everything, baby. And if you miss me too much? That's silly. I'll see you tonight." I hugged her to my chest, and I felt a few of her tears drop. "I miss you all the time," I closed my own eyes as I held her against my chest. I picked her up as her little legs wrapped around me. "I miss you all the time, too. You are going to have so much fun playing and making new friends. You just be yourself, Claire." She nodded her head as I just held onto her for a moment longer.

I put her back down and swiped a few of her tears away, "You ready or do you want another moment?" I asked her and she took a big breath and nodded, "I'm ready," I nipped at her chin, "That's my girl," I whispered to her. She held onto my hand and also grabbed Eve's hand as we walked her to her classroom. We found her classroom as all of the kids were clinging to parents still and I saw Claire visibly relax seeing that. We found her desk as I knew people were whispering about us – me – as we got Claire settled. My chest felt tight all of a sudden as somehow leaving her here. Praying that all the kids were nice to her? I worried. She had been through so much already. I wasn't sure if I could handle kids being mean to her.

Gabi pinched my side, "Smile for her, you are going to worry her," she said softly, and I must have had a face. I exhaled and I knew I needed to get out of here to get to practice. "Daddy has to go; I think mommy is going to stay with you a bit longer, but I have to go to practice." I told her and she gave me a swift nod and I looked at her. Suddenly so fucking big. I swear she was just the size of Ronan and now she was starting school. I swallowed on the lump and the tears welled in my eyes watching her, "I'm proud of you, Claire and I cannot wait to hear about your first day of school." She looked over at me with her own tears and she latched around my neck again. I kissed her head, and I took in her scent of lavender soap from last night. "I love you to Pluto and back," I murmured to her, and she squeezed me.

"I love you to forever and back," she whispered back, and I chuckled. "You are going to have the best day. Gabi and Ronan are going to pick you up but don't tell them everything. I want to hear it all." Claire just grinned at me, "I won't, promise," she stuck her pinky out and I wrangled my pinky around hers. "Have a good day," I kissed her forehead as I knew I just had to walk away, or I would just sit next to her all day. Gabi bent down and loved on her as well. I was half out of the classroom as Gabi caught up to me as my chest was so tight.

"Whoa, whoa, okay, I should have seen this coming," Gabi was right behind me. The panic set in that I was trusting all of these people with my daughter all day. "Troy, stop," she latched onto my hand, and I stopped which caused her to land against my back. I cursed, "I'm sorry," she shook her head, and she hugged me. Always knowing when I needed a hug the most. "She's going to be okay,"

"What if the kids are mean to her? Or what if the teachers don't protect her? What if something happens? Oh god, I think we should homeschool." Gabi nudged me towards my car as I unlocked it. We both got in as Gabi sat in the passenger seat. My head leaning forward against the leather. "Troy, look at me, please," she whispered, and I finally pulled my head up enough to look at her. "She's going to be okay. She's safe. This facility is safe. We checked, remember? Claire is the most outgoing little girl, and she is going to make friends. But you have to let her spread her wings a bit." I grumbled under my breath as I rubbed my face.

"Remind me to tell you this when it's Ronan in six years," Gabi just let out a laugh and she leaned over the center console. "I'll need it. I'll be the same. She's going to be okay, though. I will pick her up at 3pm and I will send you a picture of her. I know she's your baby girl and I know how much you want to protect her. She's a strong one though, she knows how to handle herself." I nodded as it was all true and Gabi kissed me. "Don't let your anxiety make this day something it's not. She's going to be the best and brightest girl in there."

I smiled and nodded as I squeezed her hand, "Thank you," I whispered to her and she smiled, "You're welcome and I'm not joking. You can throw that all back in my face when it's Ronan." I just laughed and Gabi got out and came over to give me another hug. "I love you," I murmured to her, and she nodded, "I love you more,"

A grin spread over my face, "Not fucking possible, El."

"I gotta go check on my own baby," she whispered when I didn't let go and I just nodded, "I demand snuggles when I get home." Gabi just smirked and nodded, "Done. Have the best day on the field." I nodded, "I will. Thank you, El."

"Always,"

Happy Monday! Sorry – I had every single intention of getting this chapter out last night! Thanks for the patience!

Only ONE more chapter left in this story!

Next Update: April 21st (For some reason I work every single Sunday this story is supposed to come out LOL – will just update on Monday!)