Chapter 5 – Dance and Hugs
Friday, August 19th, 2022
Troy's POV
My lips pressed to her tattoo that I quickly found when we were in the Hamptons. The moment we got back to our hotel room I yanked that dress off of her and I fell to my knees to press my lips to it. It was curved underneath of her breast, and it was beautiful. They were both on the left side and it was caging in her heart from With Everything and her new one. Gabi shifted as it had been a long hard week. She got her period Tuesday night and was crippled in bed ever since. Today she had to go in for blood work and I had to go to meetings. I wanted to go with her, but she told me I didn't need to go.
She was curled up on her side as her hands ran through my hair. "I'm going with you," I murmured, and she shook her head. "I'll be okay." She whispered back to me. "It's just blood work." I shook my head as I peered up at her. "It's not just blood work. We could start all of this today." Gabi nodded with a shrug, "It's just the start. We won't do anything until tonight. You'll be home tonight, right? I told them we were choosing the later injection time because you would be home for most of them by 9pm. I can give myself injections, but I want you there."
I cupped her face with my big hands as I turned her onto her back. I could see in her eyes that she didn't feel good, but she was better than yesterday. "Yes, I will be there for every single one I can be there for." I told her as I pressed my mouth to her mouth. She sighed into the kiss as she was supposed to get all of her medications in the mail today. She had to be home by noon to receive the package. "They said some of them can sting really badly," she whispered, and I looked up at her. "I'm sorry," I whispered back to her. She just gave me a half smile, "We're doing this together. I'm sorry if in the next couple of weeks, I become a psycho human."
"Do not apologize for what you are about to go through." I told her. "I don't want to hear any apologizes from you." Gabi just nuzzled into my body, and I wrapped her up tight. She was in tears most of yesterday from how bad her cramps were. "I am pretty sure you are going to breeze through labor." I told her and she just laughed at it. "I can get good drugs for that." I smiled, "C'mon, I am going with you."
"Troy, I can do these appointments alone. There are going to be a lot of appointments coming up. Bloodwork, ultrasounds, all of that jazz. Adjusting meds and all of those fun things. You have practice, you are busy." She told me as she sat up. "I don't care. I am going with you." I said grinding my teeth together. "You aren't doing any of this alone. Dumb appointments included. This is us. Together." Gabi just stared at me for a moment. "I will work with the team. It's not regular season yet. I can stay later in the afternoons. Almost all of your appointments are in the morning at like eight. We will make it work."
She just nodded her head, and I kissed her again, "Also, happy anniversary." Gabi lifted an eyebrow and I chuckled, "Nine years ago today I walked into homeroom and found the prettiest fucking girl alive." Gabi shook her head with a laugh as her fingers threaded through my hair. "Nine years? How is that possible?" I smiled as I kissed her again. "C'mon. Let's go check on that uterus." Gabi laughed as we both walked into the bathroom together. She went to the shower to turn it on. I grabbed two towels, and she went to the toilet.
I brushed my teeth before I hopping the shower. Gabi wasn't far behind me as I smiled over at her as she stayed on her side. "You aren't going to come over here?" I asked her. She laughed, "We will never make it on time if I come over there. You bought this house for the big shower. We can both be adults in here." I let out a raspy chuckle, "Adults would mean doing adult things." Gabi shook her head in a laugh as she washed her body. Her hair was tied away and away from the water as she was teasing me the entire time she was in here. I finally had to turn away from her and wash my hair and body.
She got out before me as she put on a pair of shorts and a t-shirt while putting a bit of make-up on. "How are you feeling?" I asked as I wrapped a towel around my waist. "Better, today, I'm sorr-" she started, and I shot her a look that made her stop talking. "Do not apologize." I reminded her. "Not about this. Not about your period. None of it." She swallowed on the words she wanted to say but turned to look in the mirror. I came up behind her as I kissed the back of her head. "You are the strongest woman I know. I don't know how I was so lucky to be surrounded by the two strongest ladies." Gabi blinked her eyes as she inhaled. "Troy, you are being too much for me this morning and I'm on my period. Please don't make me cry."
I chuckled as I kissed her cheek and disappeared into the closet as I pulled on a pair of joggers and a t-shirt with a pair of TBs. My official shoe line launched this summer with the first pair being white with navy and red running through them. I ran my hands through my hair as I put on a hat backwards and went back out to see Gabi had put on a pair of sandals and was on the phone. "Soph, I will be home most of the day. You can come over and hang out if you want." She listened as she started to walk out of the room and grab her bag as I followed her.
Ember followed us downstairs as I let her out one more time and Gabi grabbed her keys as I grabbed mine. "Yea, I will. I know you need to study but if you want to talk, I will be here." She turned to look at me and I nodded as I grabbed a banana as Gabi was chugging water for her ultrasound. She got into her car as I locked up Ember and grabbed my backpack and water bottle. I would stop for coffee in a bit. I walked to our cars as Gabi was already in her car. I slipped into my seat as I nodded at Gabi as she backed out and I followed behind her.
My phone rang as Eve's name came across the screen, "Good morning," I greeted as I answered through my Bluetooth. "Hey, Claire is a bit stuffy today. Not feeling the best. I was going to take her to the pediatrician's office to make sure it's not anything serious." I cursed under my breath, "She's fine, Troy. I just wanted to let you know." I rubbed my jaw as I tried to find time in my schedule today to go over and see her. "I can pop over after practice." I told her. "Troy, you don't have to come over. I am just telling you because I don't want you to be surprised."
"I know, I appreciate that. If I don't have time, I won't press it, but I am hoping that I can sneak in for fifteen minutes to check on my girl. I don't like that both of my girls are having a day." Eve chuckled, "Are you starting to think our marriage was easier? You only worried about Claire." I grunted, "Eve," I threw back at her and she just laughed quietly and didn't press the issue. "I will text you once I am done at the facility."
"Is everything okay with Gabi? I've been watching her updates." I swallowed as I sighed, "I don't know. Today we might start all of the injections and what not. She's nervous and quiet. I think she just wants to do this part and get started." I explained and Eve sighed, "I'm sorry you two are going through this. She did find a good person to do this with." I hummed a laugh, "You don't mean that." Eve just laughed, "Yea, okay, but I see you with her. She's lucky to have you."
"Thanks, Eve. I'll text you later today. Let me know if the doctor says anything."
"I will. If you can't stop by, she'll want to talk to you." I nodded as I hung up the phone as we pulled into the fertility office parking lot. I parked right next to Gabi as she slipped out and I followed her. I grabbed her hand as I threaded our fingers together. She checked in and they handed her paperwork. She filled it out, "Claire isn't feeling well. I am going to stop by Eve's apartment after practice." I told her and Gabi looked up at me, "Is she okay?" I nodded, "Eve said she just had a stuffy nose and what not. She was just going to get her checked out to be sure."
Gabi nodded as it wasn't long before we were called back as they did her blood work first and then she got ready for her ultrasound. I held her hand as she laid back as the sonographer came in. "See? You didn't have to come. We aren't even seeing the doctor today." She whispered to me, and I just shot her a look. "Gabriella, I am not letting you do any of this alone. I need you to get that through your thick head." Gabi just exhaled as she stared at the ceiling as it wasn't long before the sonographer was done. Gabi sat up and I let go of Gabi as the sonographer smiled, "All set. The nurse and doctor will review the results and give you a call this afternoon to start medications." Gabi nodded as the sonographer left and Gabi exhaled looking over at me. "Now we wait," she whispered, and I got up as I pulled her mouth to my mouth. "Now we wait,"
Gabi's POV
I stared at the box that arrived just moments ago. I swallowed as it was a bigger box than I was expecting. Two days ago, Troy and I received training in giving all of the medications. I was still waiting for the phone call from the nurse. I looked down at my tank-top and leggings as I hooked my phone into the camera ring. I started filming as I inhaled and exhaled again as I ripped the box tape off as Ember settled underneath my feet. "Hi Ember," she looked up with her tongue hanging out and a look on her face. I patted her as I opened the box as I pulled out each and every single box of medications that were somehow create a baby for us in the future.
I sorted them by med, and I pulled out the needles and every single thing that was sent in the box. I opened the container that was temperature stable and pulled all of those medications out as well. We had an extra medication since I was at a high risk for developing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and to make sure we did it correctly. Troy nearly panicked when he heard there could be complications. I organized all of them and stared at each of them as I was nervous to start all of these. I was nervous, scared, and anxious for all of it to begin. I rested my head on my hands as I took a look at all of them.
The overwhelming feeling of hating that this was how we had to do it nearly toppled me over. I pressed my hands into my eyes as I inhaled as I exhaled out the breath while I wiped away my tears. I started to organize all the meds and put them away in a little organizer that Sara had bought me as she had done research. Bless her. I finished up as I stopped the recording and looked to see where Troy was, and he was most likely still in practice. I started to edit the video from earlier and I paused as I watched myself take that moment to let the feelings – feel. I wiped away my tears as I felt the fear stir in my gut that I didn't let creep in too often.
My phone rang and I jumped as I answered it.
"Hello?"
"Gabi, this is Indy. How are you?" I blinked my eyes, and I rubbed them, "I'm okay, just finishing putting all my medications away." I told her and she laughed, "I am glad you got them. You are clear to start your medications tonight. I have emailed all of your dosage starts tonight and you will come in on Monday for your first ultrasound and blood work. After that one we will decide how many days you'll go before the next one. Since you have PCOS I wouldn't be surprised if Dr. Monty wanted you to come in closer to every other day."
"Sounds good, we're good to do a later injection time?"
"Yup, if that works best for you. You just want them to be as close to the same time as possible every single night." I nodded, "Okay, thank you," she went over a few other instructions before I hung up and I knew that I needed to take a minute to myself. I went to our bedroom, and I climbed into bed as I let the tears fall freely as I finished editing the video and I posted it. I shut my phone off and I curled up because I knew this is what I wanted but it didn't take away the fear and the anguish of what could happen still.
Ember crawled up next to me and I rubbed her fur back and forth, "Thanks, Ember," I whispered, and she nudged me with her black paws and curled up next to me. "We can't tell, Daddy, yea? He's going to flip shit." Ember just panted and I laughed as I rubbed her fur and wiped away my tears. I was strong, I could do this, but I knew it was going to be a battle for the next couple of weeks. I had so much planned, too. This couldn't stop me though. My phone rang and my mom was on the other end, "Hi sweetie, your sister just sent me your video. I wanted to check in." I blinked as I loved my family.
"Yea, I am okay. It was just really emotional opening that box. There are so many medications, syringes, and all the instructions and appointments. It's so overwhelming." I told her as I wiped away a few tears. "Do you want your dad and I to come up for a few weeks? We could be with you. I know Troy is probably so busy right now with the beginning of football season." That started a whole different level of water works, "You'd come up here?" I asked her and she sighed, "Oh Gabriella, yes, we would come up there. We would help with whatever you need help with. This has to be so lonely."
I swallowed and wiped away my tears, "It's not that lonely. The online community is really nice to have, and Troy has been nothing but a saint. I have been trying to keep myself really busy with other things. The Sunshine Pact and the gala coming up has keeping me busy, but I am not sure how I am going to feel once all of this starts – like physically and emotionally. I don't know how much Troy will be around. I know he wants to be around more, but I also can't be asking more of him than he can give."
"Honey, we'll come up. If you need help with injections, or just with Gala stuff, we'll come up for a couple of weeks." I closed my eyes because it felt so good to have parents like them. "Plus, Sophie has been missing us. We'll stay in Boston so you still have space, but we can come over during the day when Troy isn't able to be there."
"Are you sure?"
"Of course! You inspire me every day, Gabriella."
"You can stay here."
"I don't want to impose, Gabi."
I shook my head, "You won't. It will be nice to have you here. I miss you." My mom laughed on the other end, "We'll fly up on Sunday, does that work?" I nodded my head, "Yea, Troy has an away game tomorrow but just to New York. I'm not going, and they are just leaving on an early flight tomorrow."
"Perfect. I'll let you know our flight details when I have them. I love you, Gabi." I smiled, "I love you, too."
I hung up the phone and somehow fell asleep with Ember cuddled up next to me.
Troy's POV
I knocked on Eve's door as she said the doctor wasn't that concerned and she sounded and looked good besides her feeling under the weather. My anxiety wouldn't rest until I laid eyes on her. Eve swung the door open as she had Jackson on her hip and the TV was blaring in the background. "She's fine, Troy." I shook my head. "I have to see her, or I won't be able to rest. You know this, Eve." She just sighed as she let me in the door. I walked into the living area and Claire was laying on the couch. "Daddy!" she called my name, and I gave her a half smile.
"Hi baby, momma said you didn't feel good." She shook her head, and I sat down on the couch as she crawled into my lap. "I have a headache and my nose is stuffy and sometimes I cough." I chuckled as I buried my lips into her hair as I pressed a kiss to her head. "I'm sorry, baby. I wish I could make you all better. I just had to come check on you before I go home. Daddy is flying to New York in the morning to play football." A sigh rippled from her throat, and she looked at me, "I love when you play football, but I wish you were home more." I gave her a half smile, "I'm home all the time." I teased and she smiled.
My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I pulled it out to see Gabi facetiming me. "Oh, looks like somebody else wants to check on you." Claire grinned as she slid her finger over on the bar and Gabi's face popped up. I balked at her puffy eyes and red around the center, but I swallowed on everything I wanted to say as she grinned at Claire. "Hi, Claire! I just wanted to check in on you. How are you feeling?" I frowned from behind and Gabi made eye contact with me. She gave me a subtle nod that she was fine but now I needed to get out of here and to her.
The pull to be with both of them was too much.
I knew she was anxious to start stims today or to find out if she could. She never texted me if she got a phone call so that could be part of the problem. I itched to leave as Claire and Gabi had a conversation that I wasn't listening to in the slightest. "Daddy, Gabi asked you a question." I blinked as I pulled my focus back to Gabi. "Yea?"
Gabi gave a look towards me, "Just wanted to ask how was practice today, Claire asked you, too." She redirected and I nodded, "Good. It was a walk-through for tomorrow. Everybody is ready to get out on the field." Claire crossed her arms in a pout, "I want to go!" Gabi giggled on the other end, "I'm not even going, Claire. Daddy is only playing a few series." Gabi said and Claire exhaled and rolled her eyes. "Fine, but I can go to the next one, right?" Gabi laughed with me, and I shook my head. "Yes, as long as you feel good."
"I already feel better after daddy came to see me." I smiled as I kissed her hair, and we finished our conversation with Gabi as I kissed Claire's head a few more times. "I will see you Sunday, okay?" she nodded, and I kissed her cheek as I put her back on the couch. I walked to the door after telling her I loved her, and I looked over at Eve. "Let me know if anything changes. I can send Gabi to look her over." Eve only nodded as I didn't waste time and I bolted out the door. I jogged down the stairs as I called Gabi back, but it went to voicemail.
Damnnit, Gabi.
Once I was on the road, I called her again.
Voicemail.
I sent her a text message to call me but at this point I knew she wasn't going to call me back. I groaned in frustration. It was 15 more minutes before I was pulling into the driveway. I didn't even park my car in the garage as I hopped out and went running inside. Gabi was curled up on the couch with Wren and Val on both sides of her as she was laughing. Ember was laying at their feet, and she bounced up to greet me. My heart rate eased as her eyes lifted up to meet mine. "Hi, you left Claire quickly." I stalked over towards her as I tipped her chin backwards. "You knew I was going to call you."
Gabi shifted away from my hold, and she shrugged, "I did. You didn't have to leave your daughter that fast. I am fine. I told you as much." I just looked at her and she nodded. "We're starting stims tonight," she told me, and I could see the anxiety behind her eyes, and I nodded, "Why are you upset then?" I asked her point blank. Just like she preferred it. Her eyes bounced between Wren, Val, and me. "C'mon Ember, let's go outside." Wren stood up and took Ember as Val followed to the backyard. I took Val's spot and I reached for her hand, and I linked our fingers together.
"Together, Gabs. We're doing this together."
She blinked as she leaned into my shoulder, "I'm just scared and nervous. I don't know how I am going to feel. I don't know if this is even going to work. It's just all scary and I hate all of the emotions it's pulling out of me." I pulled her into my lap as she continued to speak. "Just unpacking all of those medications nearly broke me. It takes all of that to make our baby. It's so unfair." I cupped her head, and I pressed my lips into her hair. "I know," I replied because I did know. This wasn't fair. I kissed her again as she just settled into my embrace. "Is Claire, okay?" I smiled, "Yes, she is."
"I'm sorry I worried you."
"Gabi," I growled, "Do not apologize."
"I can't help it."
I kissed her head as she stood up and I let her go as she ran her hand through her hair. "I am going to go talk with Val and Wren by the pool. Do you want to order in dinner?" I nodded, "Do you girls want anything?" she smiled, "They are heading home soon. Wren just came over to let us know she is having a girl." I smiled, "Go enjoy your time with them." She walked out back, and I threw myself back into the couch when she paused and turned to look at me. "My parents are going to come up for a week or so to keep me company while you are busy." She said and I nodded, "Okay," I told her. She gave me a smile before going back outside.
Gabi's POV
I mixed my medications together as my hands were shaking – violently almost. Troy was watching next to me as I was filming this. Troy reached over and covered my hand as he took the med. "Just remind me," he said. His voice was soft as I took a deep breath and told him how to mix the medications through each step. "You could have been a nurse," I teased him, and he shot me a smile. "I learned from the best." We drew up the doses for each medication that I was emailed today. Once all of the medications were drawn up, I removed the ice packs from my stomach.
Many people told me that it would help with some of the pain, and I was willing to take their advice. He put down the last needle and he cupped my face and drew me in for a hug. "Together," he murmured, and I closed my eyes as I rested against him. "You ready?" he asked after a beat, and I nodded. I just wanted to get this over with. I pulled up my shirt and I pinched skin on my left side to show Troy where to go as Troy stared at the needle in his hand. I wiped my skin clean with an alcohol swab and Troy exhaled. "I don't want to hurt you."
I shook my head, "I'll be okay." I whispered to him, and he just shot me a half-pained look as he uncapped it, and he took a deep breath himself as I pinched my skin again. Troy guided the needle in, and I flinched. Troy paused as his eyes looked up at me and I nodded, "I'm good," I told him as he did the first one and I exhaled with that. "That wasn't so bad." I told him as he took the needle back out. Troy relaxed a little bit with that, and he grabbed the next one. We repeated the same routine with this one and once that one was done, he grabbed the last one.
He hesitated for a second before pushing the needle in and then pressed on the plunger as I hissed with an intense burn as the medication went in. "Shit, baby, I'm sorry," he whispered as he looked up at me and I shook my head as I couldn't stop the tears that filled my eyes. "No, they said it would sting. I just underestimated it." Troy's face was full of pain as he finished it off and we wiped away a little blood that spilled and added a band-aid before he stood up and pulled me into a bone crushing hug. His fingers wrapping in my hair. I wrapped my arms around him as he kissed my head.
"I love you," he whispered, and I couldn't stop the sob and he just held me tighter. He moved for a moment and then one of our favorite songs came on as he danced with me in the kitchen. "Just think – we're one day closer to meeting our baby." I tilted my head back and he kissed me softly. "Together," he whispered, and I smiled, "Together," we finished the song as we broke apart to clean up the kitchen counter. I stopped the recording of our injections and went over to the couch as Troy was sitting and I curled up next to him.
His arm wrapped around me, and he played with my hair, "Keeping my hands off you for a while might be the hardest part of this whole thing." Troy said and I couldn't stop a laugh as I looked at him. "That's the hardest part?" his face flushed, and he shrugged, "It's one way I know how to make you feel better." I leaned my head into his shoulder and smiled. "You just being here and doing this with me makes me feel better. It honestly wasn't that bad. I think I just am anxious to figure out if this is going to work or not."
"Is your first appointment Monday?" I nodded. "Our first monitoring appointment." Troy nodded as he went back to watching the game on TV and I started to edit the video. Troy had to get up early to leave for the facility, so I wasn't surprised it wasn't long before he was ready to head up to bed. He let Ember out and I headed upstairs as I got ready for bed first. Once I changed into his t-shirt I crawled into bed and continued to edit the video. I couldn't stop staring at him looking up at me. The love and want to help me was big in his eyes. He was so gentle with me.
Troy crawled into bed, and he exhaled, "Fuck, I love bedtime." I couldn't stop my laugh as I would finish the video tomorrow. Tonight, I just wanted to lay with my husband.
Monday, August 22nd, 2022
Troy's POV
Claire was sitting on my shoulders as I carried her up the steps and into Lucas's apartment. She was going to play with Beth for a bit while Gabi and I went to her ultrasound and blood work appointment this morning. It was early and I knew Lucas was bitching me out, but we weren't telling Claire anything. We waited for her to go to bed to do any injections last night. "Daddy, why did we get out of bed so early?" Claire asked as I lifted her off my shoulders and set her down as I knocked once on Lucas's front door. "Because Gabi and I have a meeting." I told her as I kissed the top of her head.
It swung open as he was already on the phone and he nodded as he took Claire, "Gabi will be back in a bit to get her." Lucas just nodded and directed her into the kitchen as I turned and bounced down the stairs. Gabi was tired as the drugs were kicking her ass. She has had a headache since yesterday and was just exhausted. She already felt bloated and physically just didn't feel well. We were only on day 3. I jogged back to the car, and I slipped into the driver seat. Gabi was hiding behind sunglasses and scrolling on her phone.
"How long is practice today?" Gabi asked as after the appointment she was dropping me off and then picking up her parents from the airport. They were delayed a day and it worked out as we hung out all day yesterday. She was going to get lunch with Sophie and her parents and Claire. "It will be probably till 2. Is that okay? It might be longer." I shrugged, "I don't know. I will check once I get to the facility." Gabi nodded as she nibbled on her finger for a moment. "You, okay?" I asked as I was trying to make sure I wasn't overly baring on her because I knew her emotions were everywhere.
She was doing the videos each night and posting them a day later. They were a big hit and I think it brought her some sense of community. She nodded her head as she gave a half smile, "Just nervous. I don't know what to expect today." She spoke. I let my fingers fold with hers as it wasn't far from Eve's place. I pulled into the parking lot as Gabi and I both slipped out. She started to walk towards the doors, but I stopped her and pulled her backwards into my grasp. "Troy," she said trying to push me away and I shook my head.
"Nope, just like we dance every night together after your injections? We're going to hug before we walk in there. Regardless." She had no fight to those words, and she rested against my body. I kissed her hair and nodded, "Regardless of what happens in there – together." Gabi nodded as we linked hands and headed inside together. She checked in and it wasn't but ten minutes before we were called back. She did all of the labs and then got undressed to do her ultrasound. I sat by her head as I stroked her hair. "Are you excited for your mom and dad to come to town?" Gabi nodded her head, "Yea, it will be good to see them. Thanks for not caring about them staying at the house."
"Gabs," I told her as the door open and Dr. Monty walked in, "Hi, Gabi, Troy," we both nodded hello as she wanted to do the sonogram herself today to see how she was doing. She asked Gabi a handful of questions and started the ultrasound as Gabi gripped my hand with the nerves. I kissed the top of her hand and she stared at the monitor as Dr. Monty gave a smile. "It looks like everything is going as planned and expected. You do have quite a few follicles already. All exactly where I would expect them to be." Gabi exhaled and nodded, "Good, this is good, right?" Dr. Monty smiled with a nod.
"It does look good. Once we get your lab results, we'll send you a message on the portal to let you know if we are changing any of your medications. We are probably going to wait until your next monitoring appointment to see if we want to start you on another med to help with OHSS. Right now, you don't have too many symptoms, but we'll check you again on Wednesday and we can start it that day if I see something I don't like. Unless your labs come back, and I don't like those." Gabi nodded as Dr. Monty measured all of the follicles and I let my fingers trace on her palm.
"Troy, you played great on Saturday." I laughed with a nod, "Thanks, I can't wait for the actual season to start."
"Think you guys can do it again?" I nodded, "For sure. We have a great team this year." It wasn't long before they were finished, and Gabi was sitting back up. Dr. Monty gave final instructions and to come back on Wednesday. She left as Gabi pulled on her shorts, and I could see the exhaustion on her face. "I can ask Eve to keep Claire. Hanson can take me home." I offered to her, and she looked up at me. "No, Troy, I can do all the things. I'm fine. I just had a late-night last night finishing stuff up for the Gala." I rolled my lips together because I wasn't going to push it.
"Will you tell me if you want, too? If you change your mind. Just know that you can." I offered as we double checked our appointment for Wednesday, and we walked out to the car. I had to be at the facility in thirty minutes. "Troy, I can handle it." I chose this moment to stop talking as I went to get into the car. She slid into the other side, and she closed her eyes for a moment, "I'm sorry, that was, I didn't mean to be mean." She said looking over at me and I nodded, "I know. You are pumping your body full of hormones. You are uncomfortable. I would be snappy, too." She nodded as she brushed her tears away. I reached over to squeeze the back of her neck and I kissed her softly, "You are fine. I just don't want you to think I need you to go get Claire or wait for me. If you want to go home? Go home. I will get Claire. I will get home." Gabi brushed her tears away and nodded, "I promise. We'll figure it out."
I kissed her again as I let her get back in her seat and I started the drive to the facility. She was quiet but I let my hand rest on her thigh the entire drive. When I pulled up, she gave me a smile. "I love you, thank you for being patient with me." I gave her a grin as I kissed her cheek and then her mouth. "I love you so damn much, it hurts baby." Gabi gave me a smile as I slid out of the car. "Just text me what you end up doing." Gabi nodded and I got out of the car. This was hard. Walking away knowing that she was feeling all of her emotions were hard.
I turned around as she got in the driver's seat, "Gabs," she looked up and I smiled, "Have a good, day, okay?" she nodded with a smile as I went back into the facility as I nodded towards a few people. "How is Gabs?" Reni came up behind me and I nodded, "Good. We had our first appointment this morning since starting the meds. She's just a wee bit emotional." I said with a half grin. Reni grimaced, "God, I just see the look on her face some nights in the video and my heart breaks for her. Having to do all of this." I nodded as I adjusted my backpack. "Every night she breaks my heart. I just wish I could fix both of our problems with a magic wand."
Reni patted my back and I had to shake it off and focus on football.
Gabi's POV
Claire wiggled next to me as we waited on our food. I picked up my mom and dad from the airport, picked up Claire, and now we were at a restaurant nearby for lunch. My mom pulled me into the biggest hug when I met them outside the airport, and I broke down in tears. The emotions of the day were almost just too much, or the hormones were too much. My mom just hugged me tighter to her and I felt better with them here. "Claire, I hear that you are loving your pre-school." Claire nodded her head with a smile.
"I do. It's so much fun for my teacher to come to me and I get to go to play groups." I smiled at her as she grinned at me. Troy was trying to give me all the outs today because he knew that I was tired and emotional but since we had a baby-sitter, I was going to pick him up and we were going to grab dinner together. We weren't going to lose ourselves throughout this process. My parents agreed to hang out with Claire for two hours while I picked up Troy and we grabbed a fast dinner. "Claire how is your little brother, Jackson?" my dad asked and Claire grinned. "Good! He chases me around when I am at mommy's," my mom laughed as my dad entertained her, my mom looked at me.
"Sophie, Scar, and Layla are coming up on Labor Day weekend," my mom stated, and I balked as she shook her head. "We are going to spend time together as family. I don't care if we do it at the hotel or at your house with Troy. Troy will be getting ready to start the season, you sister has the weekend off from classes, both of them, and Scar misses you." I gave a smile as my mom squeezed my hand. "How are you feeling?" I shrugged, "I am tired, honestly and I feel uncomfortable already. They said it will only get worse." My mom nodded as she brushed my hair away from my face.
"I'm sorry, sweetie. You and Troy…I know how hard this is for you but when your sister sends me your videos – I just watch that husband of yours. The way he looks at you. I know he wishes he could fix it all. I think he would give up his NFL career to give you this. He wants to make all of this better for you and it gives me comfort that you are doing this journey with him." I nodded as I looked over at Claire who was doing tik-tack-toe with my dad. "He's such an amazing man, father, and I couldn't imagine doing this without him."
"He's a good man. I know it was a road to get here but you got here with him." I gave her a smile as our food showed up and we all ate together. Sophie was going to come to our place tonight as she had to finish studying for a test. Claire dove into her food, and I had flashbacks to the moments that she wouldn't eat anything. The happiness that stirred inside of me knowing how far she's come since those days. The same familiar pang hit me because in five years I could be staring at my son or daughter. This journey would be worth it. It will be worth it.
Just like those chemo treatments for Claire.
If she could do that?
I could do this without complaint.
I blinked and I felt the tears, but I pushed them away. I ate my lunch and laughed at Claire's stories. My dad sneakily ordered dessert which caused Claire to just giggle away thinking they got away with something. It's like my mom knew my thoughts and she smiled, "Soon enough there will be another one." I just smiled as I leaned against her, and she squeezed me closer. Once we left and got into the cars, I drove us back to the house as Claire let Ember out as I helped my parents get the luggage in the house and into their rooms.
"Gabi," I turned to look at my dad and he smiled as he opened his arms. He pulled me into his chest, and I rested my head there as if I was 10 again. "Hi Elle," I smiled at the nickname. "Hi, dad. Thank you for coming." He gave me a smile, "You know we would come. We just decided that we would stay till the Gala. It's only a few weeks away. We can spend time with you and Sophie. Your sister is going to come up and we are going to have fun as a family. We don't get to do that very often anymore." I just nodded because they were all coming for the Gala which was so nice, and Troy wanted to invite everybody over on Sunday to have a pool day and hang out before the season started the next week.
"I am scared because we are looking at a retrieval right before the gala and I just hope I'll feel okay to go," My dad patted my back, "You need to take care of yourself. I know The Sunshine Pact is your baby, but you have to take care of you." I just gave a tiny nod as my dad kissed my head and Claire changed to her swimsuit as I went out to sit with her. "Gabi, I had fun with Bethany this morning. She should come over soon!" I smiled, "Maybe. We'll have to ask Uncle Lucas." She just gave me a smile as she started to play in the pool.
"Gabi, do you need help with anything?" my mom came out and I nodded, "Yea, I need to call our head event planner and do a few things. Claire is a great swimmer, but I just need somebody to keep an eye on her." My mom smiled, "Always. Go do that. If you want me to do dishes or laundry or anything just let me know." I gave a smile as I went inside, checked my TikTok account as I responded to a handful of comments, and then I called Preston to talk over anything else that needed to happen for the gala in a few weeks. I shot off a text message to our board about it as they were all excited and I was, too.
So much to do.
Such little time.
I waited for Troy as I scrolled on my phone, answered a handful of emails, and when I looked up, he was walking out with Hanson as they were both laughing. I smiled watching him as he spotted the car. I got out and Hanson waved, "Hi Gabs, how are you feeling?" he gave me a hug and I nodded, "I'm better this afternoon." Troy gave me a smile as I walked over to give him a hug. He kissed the top of my head. "Good. Amber and I invited Troy over this weekend. The kids are going to play in the pool, we'll BBQ, and what not. If you want to join." I nodded, "Yea, we'll see. It is somebody's birthday weekend." Troy smiled as he looked over at me, "What? Me?" I couldn't stop my laugh as he gave me an extra squeeze.
Hanson laughed, "Even more fun to be had then, what isn't is like a week from today?" Hanson asked and Troy nodded, "A week from tomorrow. Shit, we could be retrieving some eggs by then," Troy said with a smile. I shook my head with a smile as Hanson shook his head. "Hopefully. Gabi, let Amber know if you need help with anything. She told me to pass it along." I gave him a smile, "Thank you, I will." Hanson nodded as he bid good-bye to Troy, and I turned to Troy. "C'mon, we're going to grab some food together." He arched an eyebrow as he grabbed me in a hug.
"I'm sorry about this morning," I murmured into his shoulder, and he palmed the back of my head and tilted it back. "You're fine. You do not have to apologize. We talked about it this morning." I shook my head though, "I was watching Claire and I realized that I am being a whiny baby about all of this. Claire went through fucking chemo, and I am whining about some medications that will be over in just a handful of days. I can survive this with a smile on my face just like Claire did." Softness filled Troy's face as he brushed his thumb over my cheek.
"Gabi, you are the bravest, strongest, woman I know going through all of this while being busy. That doesn't mean it is easy or will be easy. Your feelings are valid. This is hard and terrifying that it might not work." Troy paused as those blue eyes took in every inch of my face as he smiled. "One day, Claire will look up to what you did to bring her a sibling. I know I will forever be in awh. It's the same thing to me. Watching you do this, encouraging other woman, and trying your hardest to not let the emotions take over – I am so damn proud of you."
I let my forehead press into his chest and he rubbed my back, "You can be whiney, baby, Claire was, too. Your body feels different and it's okay. I promise, I will still love you once it's all said and done." I just laughed as I looked up at him, a smile on his face as he pressed his lips to mine softly. "You promise?" he chuckled, "With, everything, baby."
We both got in the car as Troy grabbed my hand, "Where to for dinner?" he asked as he navigated the car out of the practice facility. "To our favorite little diner." Troy just grinned and nodded as we headed in that direction. He pulled into the parking lot, and we got out to connect hands. He kissed my head as I explained him my lab results which had a few people nervous as my hormones were already swinging in a direction they didn't like. Troy just gave me a tiny frown and I shrugged, "They want me to come back Wednesday and get them drawn again and we will probably start a new medication."
"I have to be at the field at nine." I nodded, "The appointment is at eight. We can take separate cars if it takes too long." Troy shook his head, "I will be late. I'll take the fine."
"Troy," I argued, and he shook his head, "Nope. Also, if they don't understand then maybe I should rethink that contract." I laughed as I kicked him, and he gave me a smile. "But in all seriousness, El. I talked to coach, and he knows what's going on. I can be a little late. I will also happily pay the fine for being late if they think it is necessary." We both ordered our favorite foods, and we drifted the topic into other areas. I updated him on the gala as most of the team was going and he was passing along information. Troy talked about the football team and the hope to go back to the Super Bowl again this year.
Once we both finished our foods, we paid our bill, and I knew he was ready to get home to Claire. He stopped outside of the car, and he pressed me gently back against the car door as he dipped down to press his lips to mine. He advanced the kiss, and I whimpered as he groaned from the noise himself. "I love you, El," he murmured as he kissed me one more time and I looked up at him. "I thought I couldn't love you more and then we are doing this all together and my love for you grew so much more and deeper. I love you, Troy." He smiled as we kissed once more before he opened my car door and let me in. I sighed as I waited for him, and he got in as I twisted my palm up and he easily slipped his palm in mine.
Troy's POV
I mixed Gabi's meds with the new doses, and we got all of them pulled up as she finished setting up her phone. Claire was fast asleep upstairs, and her parents just went off to bed as this was now my time with her. "You ready?" I asked her and she nodded her head as she lifted the ice packs off and I gasped, "El," I dropped to my knees in front of her and she looked at me in confusion and my eyes connected with hers as I let my hands span over her belly that was literally bruised in every corner. I closed my eyes and let my head rest on her belly for a moment. My lips pressed to each of the bruises, and I couldn't stop the tears in my eyes.
"It's fine, Troy," she whispered, and I shook my head as I looked up at her. My chin resting gently on her, "It's not fine. This isn't fine." I told her back and she looked into my eyes, and we were suddenly both crying. Her belly was so bloated, and the bruises caused it to be black and blue with purple swirled in. "I'm so sorry, baby," I kissed them one more time as she threaded her fingers into my hair. She brushed the tears away and I exhaled as I grabbed the first injection, and she wiped her belly with the alcohol wipe as we were quiet through as we went through the motions.
Once I got to the last one, she closed her eyes as she took a deep breath, and I did it as fast I could, but it still caused her to wince. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry," I whispered over and over again and once I was done; I was on my feet and my arms were wrapped around her and I easily picked her up as her legs went around my waist. My fingers tangling in her hair and the other supporting her as I just held her. "I am so sorry, baby, I love you so much," I whispered into her ear, and she just gripped onto my neck. "I love you so much, Troy. I could never have done this journey without you."
She got down as she threw some trash away but stopped and wiped at her eyes. "I just think if we would have never reconnected, and I had to do this with somebody else it would have never been the same." I swallowed on her words as I turned on a song and I pulled her into my arms as her head rested on my shoulder as I danced with her in the kitchen. "Our lives were meant to be together, El. We were always meant to be right here." I whispered into her ear. She gave me a smile as we finished our dance, and we cleaned up the kitchen before we both found our way to the couch. She curled up in my lap as I kissed on her head.
I scratched Ember's head as Gabi let her fingers fan over my stomach and she sighed, "I just hope that this results in good things because this is so much harder than I thought it was going to be." She said with a gasp, and I felt the sob in her shoulders as I gently dragged her up and into my arms. I let her head rest on my shoulder as I stroked her hair and back. I had nothing to add because she wasn't wrong. It was harder on her than I thought it was going to be so in retrospect it was hard on me just as much because I was watching her struggle and I was busy.
"I love you," I murmured, "And watching you go through this I am even more in love with you."
Neither of us moved for a long time until Claire's door cracked up, "Daddy!" Claire called out my name and sighed, "Yes, Claire?" I called back and she let out a cry, "I had a bad dream," Claire sniffled, and I couldn't stop my smother, "Come down here, baby." Claire walked down the stairs with her blanket and her eyes were red. Gabi started to get up but I shook my head as I just shifted her to the back side of the couch as Claire rubbed her eyes and I smiled softly, "Come here, baby girl," I whispered as I scooped her up with my other arm and Claire curled up on the other side of me as Gabi reached over and brushed her hair away.
"Mmm…this is nice. I love having both of my girls in my arms." Gabi let out a tiny laugh as Claire looked at her, "Gabi, did you have a bad dream, too? You look like you were crying." Claire reached out to touch her cheeks and Gabi flushed. "Yea, I had a bad dream, too. Luckily, your daddy chases away all the bad dreams." Claire smiled and nodded, "Yea, daddy is the best." Claire agreed. Gabi smiled, "We're lucky girls, huh?" Claire nodded and I laughed, "I am feeling spoiled by the two of you." I said which caused Claire to just giggle.
"Do you remember your dream?" I asked her and shook her head. "I just woke up scared,"
"I'm sorry, Claire, do you want to come snuggle in bed with Gabs and I?" she nodded, and I glanced over at Gabi who just nodded her head. She got up and I followed as I scooped up Claire into my arms. We walked to our bedroom with Ember on our heels as we all climbed into bed together. Gabi and I quickly changed as Claire laid in the middle as we let her sleep in our bed every so often, but she knew it was a special treat. Gabi crawled into bed, and I knew she was exhausted so I turned off all the lights and I crawled in as I pulled Claire closer to me. "I love you both," I murmured, "I couldn't live my life without you."
Gabi smiled as she squeezed our hands. "I love you all," she whispered back.
Happy Sunday! I hope you enjoyed this chapter! This couple (insert eye watering emoji) they are just the best.
Please REVIEW!
Next Update: July 16th
