Chapter 28 – Loyal
Monday, August 28th, 2023
Troy's POV
I sat in the school pick-up line as I was finally getting a day to pick up my girl. I was done with football early and it was the perfect timing for me to grab Claire before heading home. With the final weeks of training camp plus some scheduled meetings and promo stuff I hadn't been able to do this yet. Tomorrow we were all taking Claire to school as Ronan had his two-month follow-up. At his check-up two weeks ago, he was back to where he needed to be, but Dr. Allen and Gabi agreed two more weeks of formula in his breastmilk would probably work best. Just to make sure he makes it over the hump. He was getting heavier by the day, and I can't believe it's already been two months since he arrived.
I surveyed the kids starting to trickle out as we moved up the line and once my car got to the front, I spotted my girl. A big smile on her face as she found my car. The teacher opened the door, and she hopped right in, "Daddy!" I chuckled as I pulled forward and into an area, they had to let us get our kids buckled in if they still needed help. I mostly just wanted a hug. I got out and I went over to Claire's side as I opened the door and she quickly latched onto my neck. "Hi Claire Bear," I murmured as I kissed her temple.
"Hi daddy! I had so much fun at school today," I chuckled as I put her in her booster seat as we were teaching her how to buckle her own seatbelt safely. I let her and she latched it with some effort. "Good job," I tapped her nose which only made her laugh. I smiled as I was going to take her to get ice cream because I just wanted to be self-ish for a moment and get time with her. Claire had been loving school and I loved that she loved it. It eased every part of anxiety in my body knowing that school was something she liked doing every day. She didn't complain nearly as much getting up in the morning.
I did hate that my Tuesdays in the season were going to be a little bit more boring without my day with Claire. Luckily, I had Ronan to keep me occupied. "Is Gabi and Ronan at home?" she asked, and I nodded, "They are. Gabi and Ronan were taking a nap when I tried to call earlier." Or so I assumed. Gabi didn't answer nor did she text me back. Ronan was up quite a bit last night so I could only assume they were both getting much needed rest. Claire and Gabi came to our pre-season game over the weekend, but Ronan was still staying back with Alexis or a family member. Gabi wasn't ready but she felt like by the time our first actual game came around it would be better.
Getting off towards our house I found our favorite little ice cream shop and Claire grinned, "Ice cream?" she asked, and I nodded, "To celebrate Monday," Claire just gave another laugh as I got out and I went over to help her out. She latched her hand onto mine and we headed inside. She was quick to order cookies and cream ice cream while I just got chocolate. We thanked them before heading to sit outside since it wasn't too warm today. "What did you learn today?" I asked her and she thought about it before going into everything about her day.
From their morning work all the way until the last activity of the day. How they got to play outside a little longer today since it was nice and how when she went to their music class, they all sang songs really loud. I just smiled watching her as Claire was overly animated today. "What did you do today, daddy?"
"I went to work, practiced this morning, and did some other stuff. Played catch with Uncle Reni and came here." Claire sighed, "You didn't get it hang out with Ronan today?" I laughed, "No, I didn't. I wish though. Tomorrow, I get to hang out with him." Claire nodded her head, "Good. Ronan is so cute. Do you think he'll play with Jackson?" I shrugged, "Maybe eventually. Ronan won't start playing for a while but maybe one day they will play with each other." Claire and I talked more about her school day and things she was looking forward, too.
"Dad, what are we doing for your birthday?" she asked as I put her back in her booster seat. "I don't know. I have practice that day but maybe we can do dinner or something. I have you that night." Claire let out a sigh as she looked at me, "You need a party," I chuckled kissing her forehead, "I'm too old for a party." I got into the driver's seat as Claire scrunched her eyebrows together from my statement. "How old are you going to be?"
"I'll be 28," I told her, and she gasped, "Dad, that's old." I flinched and laughed, "Thanks Claire," I deadpanned back to her, and she just giggled. It wasn't a far drive to the house and when I pulled in, I couldn't help but grin at Claire's excitement to go see Ronan and Gabi. I followed Claire inside as Ember was there to greet us and I glanced around as I didn't see Gabi nor Ronan. "Do you think they are in your room?" I shrugged as I followed Claire through the house. When we got to our room, I saw Gabi still sleeping a smile tugged to my face as I knew how tired she was.
"I'll get Ronan if you go to the living room," I whispered, and she nodded her head before sprinting off. I quietly walked into the room as I picked up Ronan who was in his sleep sack and all snuggled up. He had the littlest amount of hair coming in and it was really cute. Gabi stirred and I reached over to put a blanket over her. Her eyes popped open, and I kissed her head, "I'm taking Ro, sleep," I whispered to her, and she shook her head, "No, I need to get up and do things,"
"No, you don't. Lay for a while longer. When does he need to eat again?" she shrugged and I just chuckled, "I'll bring him to you if he's getting fussy. Claire wants to hold him anyways," Gabi just nodded her head, and I knew she was fighting off sleep. I walked out of the room and shut the door before joining Claire in the living room. I grabbed a diaper and wipes for whenever he woke up as Claire was sitting on the couch. "I'm ready!" I just chuckled as I sat down with her, and I got her comfortable with Ronan. He opened his eyes and looked up at Claire. He was smiling more, and it was the cutest damn thing.
"I was telling my friends all about my brothers." I smiled, "Yea?"
"Yea and we talk about how I have a baby at each house." I smiled as I loved watching my two kids together. I loved that Claire was smitten with Ronan. I snapped a picture as I put it on my social media because they were both so freaking cute. I turned on a show for Claire as I picked up around the house. Gabi apologized not that long ago because the house was messy. I wrapped her up in a hug and I told her I didn't care. She was enjoying her time with Ronan and that's truly all that mattered to me. I started a load of dishes when Ronan let out a squeak and a cry. "Daddy!"
I dried my hands off as I went into the living room as Ronan kicked and scrunched his legs, "C'mon, Ro," I picked him up as Claire watched as I laid him down on the couch to change his diaper. He wasn't hating it nearly as much as he used to be he still wasn't a huge fan. Claire gave him his binky while I finished changing his diaper. "Okay, I am going to take him to Gabi to eat. Do you want to do something together? Go play outside? Go swimming?" I asked and her face light up. I grinned as I let her go change her into her swimsuit as I took Ronan to Gabi.
She was sitting up and she smiled, "I heard him. I figured it was time." I just chuckled, "Yea, Claire held him for a while. He was enjoying her time with him." Gabi took Ronan, "He has a fresh diaper. He should be ready. Can I get you anything? I am going to take Claire outside to go swimming." Gabi shook her head, "Nope. We should be good. We'll join you when we're done." I nodded before giving her a quick kiss, but her hand reached out to pull me back. "I love you," I smirked before giving her another kiss. "Love you, too, El."
Tuesday, August 29th, 2023
Gabi's POV
The anxiety around taking Ronan to the doctor had not disappeared and with today being his vaccines. It made me even more nervous. Troy thankfully had the full day off and I couldn't wait to spend it with him. Our fingers were locked together as we rode in the car together as he dropped Claire off at school this morning and came home with coffee and breakfast. Ronan thankfully slept better last night, and Troy got up with him at one point to take the burden off of me for the night. "I have an appointment this afternoon, but I should be able to get Claire after." Troy explained and I looked over at him and he just smiled. "It's a surprise."
I scrunched my eyebrows, "A surprise?" Troy smirked with a tiny nod as I huffed. "I should be surprising you with something. Your birthday is tomorrow, and I would like to greatly make up for last year." Troy shot me a look and he rolled his eyes. "Gabi, last year my birthday was great. It led us to Ro and look at us now?" I couldn't stop the tug of my lips as I looked in the camera to see him sleeping soundly. "We don't need to do anything for my birthday. A night with you, Ronan, and Claire? Sounds like a fucking dream to me."
My fingers squeezed his hand, "Promise. I don't need anything crazy. Just my family." Troy pulled into the pediatrician office as he got out to grab Ronan's car seat and I grabbed his diaper bag. If his weight as well today I was hoping to ditch the extra formula bottles, but we'll see. The waiting room was fairly full and once they caught sight of us, they just nodded and brought us to the back. Troy thanked them as we weren't ever seen faster but we just sat in privacy at least. Without the staring and the comments – not that any of them were bad but it was just a lot sometimes. I didn't want to put Ronan around all of that.
Ronan was sleeping so Troy left him alone in his car seat and sat on the stool before tugging me between his legs. His chin tilting back to look up at me, "Do you want to hold Ro during his vaccines, or do you want me too?" I blinked as I knew it would be hard, but I could do it. I already planned on breastfeeding him once we were done to sooth him. "I can do it." I told him and Troy nodded squeezing my hips. "He'll be okay," Troy reminded me, and I knew that. I was a nurse and I have given vaccines before, but it didn't hurt any less when it's your baby screaming.
I filled out the paperwork and after about twenty minutes a nurse came back in, and we did all of his stuff. Intake, weight, length, head circumference, etc. "He's nearly 10lbs 6oz," relief washed through me as he had gained more good weight. "Good job, RoRo," I murmured into his ear as he was mad because he was naked. The nurse said they would be back with the doctor and with all the vaccines. I just had a tank-top on as I tucked Ro on my chest. Troy put a blanket over him, and I thanked him. "You're doing good, El," Troy reminded me constantly that I was doing my best.
And I was.
I was pumping, feeding, and still being present. I couldn't wait to get back to all of my other things, but I was soaking up every single minute with Ronan knowing we would never get these moments back. Dr. Allen came in and she smiled, "Somebody is looking so good!" we all cheered and celebrated as she listened and did his assessment all from my chest. "He looks really good and really happy," I smiled as gave a smile. "After today we don't need to check in until four months or unless you have any concerns. We'll do his vaccines today and I don't think either of you will be surprised that he could be fussy, have a small fever, etc. due to them."
Troy and I nodded as Troy signed consent as I pressed my lips to Ronan's head. "I'm sorry baby," I murmured to him as I settled him into my lap and made sure he had his binky. Troy moved out of the way as two nurses came in to do his vaccines at the same time. I kept his arms and body tucked against mine but let his legs free. I kissed his head and kept his binky in – I couldn't watch. "Alright, 1...2…3…" Ronan screamed, and I just clutched him a bit tight. "I'm sorry, baby, I'm sorry," I whispered in his ear as he cried. A few tears fell from my eyes, "All done, you did so good, Ronan," the nurses put the last band-aid on, and I pulled him to my chest.
His face was bright red as he tried to catch his breath but also scream. I just rocked him as he calmed down after a few minutes, but I didn't realize my own tears was mixing with his tears at some point. "Here, let me put him back in his clothes." Troy took him from me, and I nodded as I wiped at my face. I didn't realize that we were alone as Troy soothed Ronan. Ronan was calmer but still sad. "Sit, they said you could feed him in here before we left." I just nodded as I took him back and it didn't take him longer to latch. I think he was mostly soothing himself. I brushed my fingers over his head as Troy kissed my head.
"I know, it's the worst," I just gave a half smile as tears pooled again. "I've given vaccines so often but I just…hearing him scream,"
"I know," Troy murmured, and I felt my heart pang.
Having to listen to Claire? To watch her fight? My stomach rolled as I had a whole new appreciation for their whole journey. I watched Ronan eat as he calmed down and relaxed into my grasp. He slowly fell asleep and once he pulled off, I burped him before handing him to Troy to put back in his car seat. I put our stuff back in the bag and Troy paused as he turned to pull me into his arms. I fell into his hug, and I took a deep breath of his cologne. "Let's go home and lay in bed together, yea?" I smiled, "Yea,"
Troy collapsed down into bed as he groaned, "What a fucking long day," I just let out a laugh as it had been a long day. The moment Claire and Troy were home it had been cooking dinner, eating, playing, and bath time. "Claire finally asleep?" I asked him and he nodded as he reached up to rub his eyes. "Ro asleep?" I nodded, "He is. Just finished eating and just put him in his bassinet." Troy tilted his head back with a smile, "Good, I can finally have some attention." I laughed and he reached over for my legs and dragged me across the bed.
"Troy," I squealed, and he laughed before pressing his mouth to my ankle. "I want to show you about my appointment today," he said, and I raised an eyebrow, "Show me?" he nodded as he tugged his lip into his mouth but releasing it. "Yea, show you." He pulled me into a sitting position, and he stood up before peeling his shirt off. I narrowed my eyebrows and then I spotted it. I gasped as my fingers immediately went to the swollen area on his ribs. Just north of Claire's footprints was Ronan's footprints. I didn't press too hard on it as it had to be sensitive still.
My eyes traced his tiny feet and then the little bees surrounding his footprints. I glanced up at Troy "You got Ronan's tattoo," I whispered breathless as I blinked away the tears. I traced the little feet with my finger, and I watched goosebumps rise on his skin. I looked up at Troy and he just gave me a smile, "I needed to do it before regular season started and today was the day. Like it?" I nodded my head as I swallowed on my emotions. To know that in twenty years we could show him that his feet were that tiny at some point. "It's amazing. The bees, the tiny feet," I shook my head as I reached up and wrapped my arm around his neck. I kissed him. "I love it so much," Troy smiled as I went back for another kiss, and I deepened it. My body wrapping around his as his fingers slid into my hair.
He broke our connection before kissing my jaw and then my neck. "We better stop," he murmured against my skin, and I felt so good. He felt so good. I forget how good I feel in his arms with him loving on my body. "No," I said back as he sucked my skin and I gasped with the tiny bite. "No, it's okay. We don't have to, El." He pulled back and cupped my face and I shook my head. "No, I want too." His eyes diverted to Ronan in his bassinet, "Care if I put him in his crib?" he murmured against my skin, and I shook my head. "No, not at all." He kissed me before scooping up Ronan.
He was only gone for a beat and came back with the baby monitor as he eased me into his grasp and kissed me, hard. "All focus on me," he whispered against my skin. "You can also tell me to stop, and we stop." Those blue eyes found me, and I nodded, "I know, I trust you," I told him, and he gave me a smile before his mouth really found mine. He made sure my attention was fully present on him. He slipped off the t-shirt of his off my shoulders and then the shorts tugged down my body. "Can we avoid my breasts I just," Troy silenced me with a kiss, "No explanation, Gabriella." He whispered.
I gasped as he pressed my legs apart and pressed his thumb right where I wanted him. "Troy," I tilted my hips up and I cried out as Troy didn't give me mercy until I was coming. As if he had been waiting to play my body like a fiddle this entire time. I was gasping air when Troy pushed off the bed, "Whoa, wait, where are you going?" I asked pushing off on my elbows. Those blue eyes avoided mine for just a moment before landing on me, agony on what to do was behind them and I knew that man never wanted to hurt me. "We don't have to do more. We can ease in," my eyebrows raised as I turned my head, "Troy, we have like endless amounts of time at the moment, I want too…where is the disconnect?"
"I just don't want you to think that I need to do it. Eve took like months before she ever felt comfortable again and I figured that was most women – I mean, you literally just had a baby and I couldn't imagine so I am more than willing to give you as many orgasms as you want but I just don't want you to think I need sex," Troy continued to ramble, and I couldn't stop the smile on my face. I hooked my feet around his thighs to pull him back to the bed. He stopped talking as he watched me. "You might not need sex, but I want sex with my husband who is so freaking hot and is even hotter with our kids' footprints on his ribs,"
Those blue eyes connected with mine and I gave him an encouraging smile. "I want you so don't you dare disappointment me," the challenge landed exactly where I needed it too as I pulled him back into our bed. I pushed him onto his back as I pulled off his shorts as those eyes followed every single movement. My lips ghosted over Ronan's feet and the tiny little bees to remember what we called him while we didn't know who he was. I made my way back to his mouth as he tugged me down into a deep kiss. "I love you; I want you, and you won't hurt me. I promise. Unless you don't want too," Troy grumbled as he flipped us over and he pressed his palm to the side of my head to press himself off my body.
"I just never want to rush you."
"You aren't rushing me. You never did during fertility treatments or any other time. I trust you." Troy swallowed before kissing me again and this time he kissed me deeply, hard, needy. I responded to him, and I pulled back with a teasing smirk, "Ya with me, Bolton?" he rolled his eyes, but a smile tugged onto those lips. "I'm with ya, El."
Wednesday, August 30th, 2023
Troy's 28th Birthday
Gabi's POV
Claire and I got up early as we had decided last night because we wanted to wake up Troy and spend the morning together. After I finally got him to understand being with him last night was something I wanted – he couldn't get enough. It was a night of short sleep for me, but I wouldn't change it. I felt good this morning and I knew once these two both left for school and practice – Ro and I could take a nap. We had blown up balloons, I had stuff for his favorite light breakfast as were going to have yogurt bowls. I had his presents sitting on the counter and Claire was giddy to get him up.
"I hope daddy has a really good birthday," Claire said as she was already dressed and ready to go. "He's going to because we're going to make it a good day. He's going to love all of it." I tapped her nose and she just grinned up at me. "Can we wake him up?" she asked impatiently as I started a pot of coffee for the two of us and I nodded, "I think so. Be quiet going in, we don't want to wake up Ronan yet." I reminded her as she nodded before flying to our bedroom. I was hot on her heels as she flew into bed and Troy groaned.
"Morning Claire," he whispered, "Happy birthday, daddy!" he chuckled into his pillow before those blue eyes popped open as he grabbed her and tucked her into his body. She squealed with laughter as he looked up at me, "Happy birthday," I murmured as I bent forward to kiss him. He smiled, "Thanks girls, couldn't ask for a better wakeup call here." His eyes went to Ronan's bassinet on my side of the bed. "He's still sleeping but you will get your snuggles," I reminded him, and he just smiled at me. "Claire how about we finish getting ready for school while dad gets ready? Then we can have breakfast together."
Claire's eyes light up and nodded her head, "Okay!" she took off to her room and I smiled watching her. "How long have you two been up? You both look ready." Troy's eyebrows bent in, and I laughed, "A little bit. I wanted to make sure we got time together this morning." He grabbed me and I squealed with laughter as I straddled his lap before his mouth was on mine. "I love celebrating birthdays with you," he whispered as his hands snuck underneath my shirt. His hands were warm against my skin. "We could have just spent time during dinner," I shook my head, "Nope. Wasn't possible tonight."
He scrunched his eyebrows, "What do you mean?" I just backed off his lap and scooped up Ronan to go find Claire. "El!" I giggled as I went to find Claire who was brushing her teeth. I put Ronan down on her bed as he was slowly waking up. I tugged her hair into a ponytail at her request and she sprayed her favorite perfume. "Mmm, you smell so good," I kissed her cheek, and she smiled before running downstairs. I followed her as Troy was coming out of the hallway off our room dressed in a pair of khaki shorts and a Loyalist polo. He wouldn't shower until after practicing this morning. "Daddy! Look!" Troy laughed as the 2 and 8 balloons were bobbing on the island along with a bunch of navy and red balloons all around. Claire picked them all out and she was so proud of it.
"I picked out all the balloons," Troy picked up Claire and she wrapped around him. "You did? Is that why you asked how old I was going to be?" Troy asked her with a grin, and she giggled, "No, I couldn't remember so Gabi helped me. I also told Gabi we should have yogurt bowls for breakfast!" Troy gave the biggest smile towards her, "Those are my favorite. Thank you so much, Claire." He murmured to her as he hugged her tight. He kissed her cheek as he helped her prepare her own yogurt bowl along with his own.
Ronan cried out and I knew he was probably hungry, so I slid into my spot at the table as I let him nurse. Troy glanced over, "Do you want one? I can make it for you?" I shook my head, "Nope. Just come enjoy with me." Claire and Troy both came over to the table. Troy came back with two coffees, and I thanked him as I sipped on mine while I watched those two interact. Tears threatened as I could just picture him next year with a toddler on his lap and Claire right there with him. If all went well maybe another on the way? I couldn't imagine not having another one because I loved every single minute with Ronan. Every sleepless minute. Every moment he was crying. I loved him. I wanted probably as many as the amount of eggs we have left has in it.
"Daddy Ronan and I got you something!" Claire hopped down to run over to the table where the gifts were sitting. "Gabi helped but I told her what I wanted," Troy looked over and I shrugged with a smile as Claire handed him the present. He lifted her onto his lap as she helped him take off the wrapping paper. Troy sat the box on the table and pulled it up and moved the tissue paper around before pulling out four small photos.
They were all from our newborn session with Ronan except for one.
"They are for your locker! Remember when we were in there and you had a really old picture of me you need a new one," Troy chuckled underneath of his breath and he stared at the four photos that Claire had chosen. The first one was of Troy, Ronan, and Claire all sitting together. Claire and Troy grinning at the camera while Ronan was sleeping. The next was of all four of us. Troy was smiling down at Ronan, Claire was tickling his feet, and I was laughing. Claire had also chosen a picture of her holding Ronan with her smiling down at him. The last one was from our maternity shoot where I must have been the one getting my picture taken because it was off to the side as Troy was holding Claire. Her face was pressed to his neck, and he was rubbing her back. Their heads laying on each other.
"Claire, I love every single one of them. Thank you," she hugged him, and he rocked her in his arms. "Go get your shoes on and your backpack, okay?" she nodded before hopping down to grab them. "I put your lunch box in your backpack," I told her, and she gave me a thumbs up. Troy glanced at me with a smile, "Thank you," I just shrugged, "A lot of it was Claire's idea. I just was her money and legs." Troy chuckled before coming over and kissing my head. "I need one of my girl though," I looked up at him and he smiled. "Of us."
"Yea? I can find you one." Troy tugged on my bottom lip with his thumb, "Just the two of us," he then dropped a kiss to my mouth. "I love you, thank you for this."
"Of course, text me when you are done?" he nodded as Ronan pulled off and Troy smiled, "Morning Ro," Troy kissed his head as he stretched his arms out. "Here, take him for a minute," Troy happily took him and kissed on his face as he cradled him. He loved to coo and reach with his hands. "I love you so much, Ro, yea, you and mommy have the best day." I smiled watching him and then he was handing him back to me as he had to get Claire to school. "Love you Gabi! Love you Ro!" Claire waved and I waved back.
"Happy Birthday, Troy!" I threw out and he laughed, "Thanks, El. Love you with everything,"
Troy's POV
I was suspicious from the moment she said we couldn't spend time together tonight.
More suspicious when she told me to meet her at my favorite restaurant after practice.
Luckily, I packed jeans and a nice button up shirt as I yanked the restaurant doors open. My last big clue? I knew all the cars in the parking lot.
The restaurant was dead up front, and I followed the sound as I quickly stumbled into my birthday party.
But to my biggest surprise? It was mostly just family. Hanson and Reni were here but that was it besides my family and Gabi's family.
"Happy Birthday!" they all shouted, and I laughed, "Guys, thank you," I rubbed my chest as Claire ran over to greet me. "Hi Daddy!" I kissed her head, "How was school?" she grinned, "So good. Ronan and Gabi picked me up. We had to feed Ronan before we left because he was grumpy." I chuckled as I looked up to see my mom holding Ronan and Gabi laughing with Amber. I hugged my mom from behind as I took a peek at Ronan who was happily sleeping with his binky. I hugged my dad and sister too before I went and snaked my arms around Gabi.
"Hi baby, thank you," I whispered, and she smiled, "Had to celebrate the birthday boy,"
"We sang him happy birthday at practice, don't worry," Reni said, and I rolled my eyes, "And then smashed a cake in my face. Why do you think it took me so long to show up?" Hanson chuckled as his lips twitched, "We had to buy us time to get here. Reggie wanted to come but had other commitments." I just nodded in understanding as I went around to greet everybody. My favorite drink was waiting for me next to Gabi and when I slid into my chair, she let her hand rub my leg. "Have a good day?"
I nodded, "I did. This made it better. Thank you," I stole a kiss from her, and she smiled, "Thank you. It's been a wild year from this time last year to right now and I am so thankful we did it together." My lips turned up as I squeezed her leg, "It has been a wild year but a year I am so thankful for. Hopefully 28 is going to be one of the best ones yet." Gabi just gave me a smile as we all ordered our food, ordered drinks, and I spent time with Claire as she was perched on my lap telling me all about school. Ronan was being passed around as Gabi was able to eat her dinner.
It was a good night.
Once dinner was cleared a big cake was brought in as I laughed, "You didn't have to do this," I told Gabi and she shrugged with a smile. "I did. You deserve to be celebrated, Troy Bolton." I just gave her a grin as everybody sang me happy birthday. The whole group as Claire helped me blow out each candle. "Thank you, Claire," I told her, and she threw her arms around my neck. "Happy birthday, daddy!"
"Thank you, Claire," I kissed her when Ronan was dropped in my arms, I laughed, "He also wants to say happy birthday, dad," Gabi whispered in my ear and I grinned up at her as my mom laughed, "Troy, Gabi, look here," my mom was at the ready with her camera, but I was already smiling. Ronan was resting in the crook of my arm, Claire perched on my lap, and my wife sneaking her arm around my neck. "Love you, Bolton, with everything," I kissed me and smiled, "I love you, too, El." It was a good day.
Saturday, September 9th, 2023
Gabi's POV
"I don't wanna leave," Troy kissed on Ronan as he was getting ready to head to the team hotel for check-in as their first game was tomorrow. Ronan's first game was tomorrow. I couldn't wait to get him dressed up and have him in the booth with us. I had been debating about taking him down onto the field. I might just put him in a baby wrap to keep him close to me and without everybody getting to see him but enough for Troy to be able to see him. Ronan grabbed Troy's face and he laughed as I smiled watching the two of them.
"Hi buddy, I know, this is the worst part of football. Daddy can't be here when you get up at 2 in the morning for a snack." I laughed as I tucked my legs up. "It's probably why they ask you to kindly go to a hotel." Troy's lips tugged up with a laugh. "Probably. I just like keeping your company." Those blue eyes glanced up at me and I shrugged, "I know. You have to go win a football game tomorrow. I want to take him to the Super Bowl." Troy chuckled as he blew raspberries on his belly which made Ronan wiggle and coo.
He was becoming more of a baby and less of a newborn. He was awake more and he was learning his hands. He was so cute and is getting very good at tummy time. Troy snapped a picture of him, and he then kissed on Ronan again as he cooed. Troy grinned at him, "Are you sure you'll be fine?" I laughed, "Troy, yes, we'll be fine. We're just going to sleep, hopefully, tonight. Tomorrow we'll be getting ready, picking up Claire, and then heading to the stadium. You are going to barely miss us." He shot me a look over his shoulder, "I will miss you, Ro. Don't listen to mommy," I laughed as Troy pushed off the bed and put Ronan in his lap.
"I can take him," I shot Troy a look and he just sighed, "Fine, fine," I stole Ronan and I kissed on his head before putting him in the bassinet next to the bed as I pushed Troy backwards on the bed and straddled his lap. "We're fine. We'll see you tomorrow before the game." I reminded him and he wrapped me up in his arms as his hands rubbed my back. "I'm going to die next week – a road trip?" I just laughed as I kissed him. "We've gotten the last two plus months with you and now it's time to focus on football. I got my wish."
Those blue eyes flickered over my face and smiled before he pulled my head down for a kiss, "Good. I want more time but you're right. It's time."
"We'll facetime you before bed,"
"Perfect, I'll add it to right after Claire."
"All of your people," Troy nodded with a smile, "All my people," he kissed me once more before he got up. He finished packing his bag and had his game suit for tomorrow. I grabbed Ronan as Troy took his stuff to the garage and I followed behind. I rocked Ronan as I knew Troy would want one more kiss before leaving. Ember went out with him, and she came running back happily. Troy came back in and lifted Ronan from my arms, and he smiled, "You be good for mommy, yea? Tomorrow night we'll snuggle. Promise, little man." Ronan was getting tired and probably hungry. He wiggled and Troy smiled.
"Love you, Ro." I smiled as Troy gave him back to me and he got his own kiss from me. "Love you, too." I squeezed his wrist, "I love you, too. Be good. We'll see you tomorrow," Troy nodded, kissed both of our heads, and he walked away. I shook my head as I went over to the couch as I nursed Ronan before he fell asleep. "We're gonna have such a good night, aren't we?" I asked Ronan as I brushed his tiny little hair away. "We better get used to having some alone time. Shouldn't we? But we are lucky to have your daddy."
Ronan was just eating away, and the tears filled my eyes watching him. I never knew how much I would enjoy motherhood. I figured the first two months would be rough, but Ronan made it so easy. He was such a chill baby and was so easy to love on. I knew we had months to go, and things could get so much harder, but I knew that it was going to be fun. His brown eyes had lightened some over the last two months but were very much brown. His face was resembling more Troy as a baby but with my nose. It was fun to look at pictures and see both of us in him.
Once he finished eating, I let him rest on my chest and I propped my feet up, turned on my favorite TV show, and spent all night cuddling with him.
Sunday, September 10th, 2023
Gabi's POV
"Ronan and I are matching!" Claire spun around to show off her jersey with our name on the back to Lucas. Lucas picked up Claire with a grin as Ronan was pressed against my chest in a similar jersey, but he was fast asleep. "Yea? Is it fun matching your little brother?" Claire nodded her head with a big smile. "Yea, I love it. I love Ronan so much Uncle Lucas. You should give Bethy a little brother," I snorted, and Lucas shook his head with a smile, "Sorry, no can do. Maybe from her mom." Claire let out a sigh as Lucas chuckled. "Sorry, kiddo."
Lucas carried her out onto the field as the sun was shining so bright and it felt so good. Claire was babbling away as I spotted Amber, Camilla, Lulu, and Sully was in her arms. Hanson was picking up Lulu as I smiled at them before I glanced at Ronan who was moving around due to the increase noise. My eyes glanced around to find Troy throwing with Kellen as they were both laughing. He looked so damn good. The navy jersey with the white pants and the navy helmet to match. His number bold on his back. Fuck, he was so hot in this environment.
He pulled his helmet off and tossed it to his quarterback coach before running his fingers through his short hair. His eyes swung to the sideline and the grin that came over his lips? It could kill me. My knees weakened as he jogged over which caused Claire to be extra excited. "Daddy!" she squealed, and Troy chuckled before reaching for her. "Hi baby," he kissed on her face, and she latched her arms around his neck. I eased Ronan out of the wrap he was in as Troy was talking to Claire not paying attention as Ronan squeaked.
Troy snapped his attention over to us and his blue eyes melted in front of me. "Here, hold them both," Troy shuffled Claire to one side while he cradled Ronan in his other arm. I snapped a picture of the three of them as Troy was beaming. "Gabi, sneak in," the team photographer said, and I grinned as I posed with the three of them. "Beautiful family, Bolton," somebody called, and Troy could only smile more. He put Claire down as he held up Ronan. "He's wearing my jersey," he whispered, and I nodded with a smile watching him.
"He sure is. He's going to always want to wear his daddy's jersey." Troy just gave me a smile as I reached for Ronan. Troy gave him back before cupping my chin and giving me a kiss. "I love you," I smiled as I kissed him back. "I love you, too. Kick ass out there." He squeezed my arm before heading back. "Bye daddy!" Troy waved at Claire before disappearing in the tunnel. "C'mon," Lucas helped me get Claire to the suite as I put Ronan back in his wrap. Ronan cried and I knew he wanted to eat but I wanted to get settled first. I gave him his binky as Claire raced inside and quickly found Bethany.
"Thanks, Lucas," he nodded with a smile. "You got it." I settled into the suite as I spotted Troy's parents and Gigi. I took off the wrap as I got Ronan comfortable enough to nurse as we were getting so good at this part. I loved that I mostly exclusively nursed any more. It was just so much easier, but I still pumped once or twice a day plus collected extra milk to have a supply if I needed to leave him. "No, I wanted to hold him." Gigi pouted and I laughed, "He should be done soon. I promise. He'll be ready for snuggles." Gigi sat next to me as we chatted about life and how the studio was doing. She loved it. She loved that Claire also loved it.
"I always wanted my nieces and or nephews to come dance. It's freeing," I smiled at her, "I'm glad Claire enjoys it. How is the dating life?" she huffed and glanced around, "Nobody ever catches my attention but to be fair to them – my attention span is short." I laughed and she tossed me the famous Bolton smile. "I don't know, I tell myself over and over again it'll happen when it's time."
"Troy has you and Lucas covered for a while. He got married twice." Gigi threw her head back laughing, "Oh my god, I love you for saying that. I know. Two weddings and she still have two unmarried children. Not that I am sure Lucas is ever going to settle down enough outside of his work. Thank God for Bethany," My eyes scanned to find Lucas who was sitting with Bethany. Claire was playing with her as Lucas was distracted but he was a good dad. He loved his daughter, and he made it work with her mom. "How is Bethany's mom?" I asked and Gigi looked over at Lucas. "I actually really like her, but I also know those two would never make it together. They were co-workers and too much of the same breed to be together. She's so sweet and so good with Bethany. They never fought. They never were mean to each other they just realized it was what it was – an office fling that led to Bethany. They make it work."
"I know, I just never knew if she scared him in a way that can't be unscared you know?" Gigi pondered on it for a minute, "I don't think so. They are good friends now and would do anything for Bethany. Now…I think Sophie left a bit of a scar on his heart. I think he really liked her, and I told her as much. She just didn't think they would ever actually fit together."
"Poor Lucas," Gigi laughed, "He's fine. He's swimming in money." I shook my head with a smile as I finished nursing Ronan. Gigi happily took him as I glanced at Lucas again, "I know that, but money doesn't buy happiness. I'm pretty sure Troy would throw it all away to keep his three people." Gigi hummed with a smile, "You're right, we'll figure it out." I squeezed her arm as she looked at Ronan with the biggest smile. "Hi buddy, I know how are you so big?" I laughed before getting up to check in on Claire before peeking outside. I found a seat as they were starting introductions and it wasn't long before the game was beginning.
My eyes zeroed in on my quarterback – a loyal man to a fault. Loyal to his team. His family. His kids. Never letting a moment waver between the three. He was the strongest human bean and I loved watching him do what he loves the most. He threw a football to Reggie who caught it and went running down the line. They secured the first down and I smiled – I had such a good feeling about this year, and I couldn't wait to watch it all unfold.
Troy's POV
It always feels good to get win number one out of the way with game number one. It took a load of pressure off my shoulders, and I knew the season was going to be good. I changed my clothes back into a pair of jeans with a t-shirt as I showed up in a suit. I couldn't wait to hug Claire, hold Ro, kiss Gabi – maybe in a different order but I needed all three to make my world go round. "Good game, Bolton," Hanson patted my back and I grinned, "It felt good out there. I wanna go back to the Super Bowl." I told him and Hanson shot me a grin, "We're going to make it happen,"
I headed towards press as I wanted it over with. They had me stand at the podium as the sea of cameras flashed, "Troy, how did it feel to be back out there?"
"So good, I love being on that football field. With all of our fans. And to get the win was extra special."
"Was today the first time your son has been in attendance?" I grinned with a nod, "Yea, Ronan came today. I bet he slept the entire time." The group laughed as I smiled. The questions were passed around as they were mostly easy, and everybody was in a light go hearted mood since we won. "Troy, what does it mean to be entering your fifth year in the league with the Loyalist?" I scratched my jaw as I thought about it for a moment, "Honestly? I can't believe it's been five years already. Time is flying but every single year is fun. Doing all of this with the Loyalist? It's amazing. I think the name is fitting for me. My loyalty to the team. My family. My kids. My wife? I'm loyal to a fault and I think being a loyalist makes you loyal. Our fans? Our ownership? Our GM – they all have the quality and I love it." I smiled thinking about it.
"I love my job, I love what I do, and my biggest reason why is to keep winning Super Bowls. To lead players. To make memories happen. I want my kids to be present and there for each of them. I want fans to remember these years forever. I love this team and I cannot wait for the rest of this year." The cameras clicked and they let me off the stage as I thanked them before going to find my family. It wasn't long before a pair of arms were wrapped around me, "Claire!" I kissed on her neck, and she grinned as she squeezed me tight.
"Good game, daddy!" I grinned, "Thanks, Claire," I sat her down as I found Gabi talking to my mom as Ronan was sleeping in her arms. She looked so natural with him, and I loved it. I went up behind her and I snuck a kiss to the cheek and stole a baby out of her arms. "Hey," she protested, and I let Ronan rest on my chest. "My turn," I said as I kissed on his little head. My mom laughed as I reached over for a hug, "You played good, sweetie," I smiled as my eyes focused on Gabi as she was glowing. "Thanks ma, it was a good day out there."
"Ronan is going to be your biggest cheerleader,"
"I don't know, Claire might give him a run for his money," I said as Gabi giggled, "Claire loves to yell go dad," I chuckled as I pulled Gabi into my side, and I kissed her head. "Hi,"
"Hi, you played well."
I tipped her head back to get the kiss I wanted, "Wanna go home? Cuddle in bed?" Gabi smiled and nodded, "Yea, I do."
Claire went to bed easily tonight and since then. Gabi and I hadn't moved from our bed. We were side by side with Ronan laying on one of our laps as we stared at him. We played with him, cuddled with him, and let him sleep on one of us as we just stared. "It's hard to believe a year ago this felt like a wishful dream," Gabi brushed her fingers over his tiny face. "Right? Our first game last year we were prepping for everything. It felt like the idea of him was so far away but here he is." Gabi gave a smile as she picked him up and kissed on his neck.
"I love him," she whispered, "So much."
"I love the both of you more than either of you could understand." Gabi just sent me a smile as I pulled her into my lap. All three of us glued together as I hummed being so content. "This is the life I always dreamed of. Cuddling my kids in bed. Being with my wife. Feeling…content…happy…everything in between." Gabi gave me a sly smile over her shoulder. "I know. I love that we got it. That we get these moments. I do miss Claire," I laughed, "I can go wake her up," Gabi laughed, "No way. She has school tomorrow."
Ronan fussed and Gabi gave all her attention to him, "I should probably feed him so we can all go to sleep." I half agreed as she slid out of my lap and nursed him. "I think I could watch you be a mom all day. I love watching you with him. The patience, the love, the compassion…you just are made to be one." Her cheeks flushed as she glanced down at Ronan before moving her eyes up to me. "You are made to be a dad. Something I never realized when we were younger." I gave her a grin, "Right? Who would have thought we would get here today? Fucking incredibly lucky."
Gabi just laughed, "That we are, Troy Bolton. Loyal, too." I grinned, "That, too."
The. End.
Loyal has end! It was such a fun story to write and the love between these two grew SO much! I hope you all enjoyed!
With Everything will debut on June 1st!
With Everything:
Troy Bolton feels on top of the world: he has his girl, two beautiful kids, and is playing some of the best football of his life. Gabi and Troy feel as if they can conquer everything but yet…everything is suddenly challenged. Their worlds are flipped upside down…again. It will take the two of us them together – with everything – to survive.
Just a quick snippet! I don't want to give too much away!
PLEASE REVIEW!