Hey guys so this is it! The last chapter! I can honestly say I am extremely excited to finish my first fanfic on fanfiction. I always seem to start them but never finish them. After I finish this story, I'm going to be working on Breakeven and work to rewrite another story that I first published. When I read the first story I ever published, I can't believe how awful it is and I just have to rewrite it. Make it better. I liked way too much drama in the very beginning and it looks like an amateur wrote it. So anyway without further adu, enjoy!

It's been about four months since Troy left for Iraq. It was starting to get old very fast and she was starting to get tired of being home alone with Charlie. Charlie seemed to ask more and more questions every day about where her daddy was. It saddened her that she couldn't give an exact date of when Troy was coming home. She would give anything to tell Charlie that her daddy would be home in about 8 months, but she didn't know if that was true or not. She knew that Troy was due for R and R but she didn't know when that was going to be exactly.

Rolling out of bed, Gabriella raced to the bathroom before throwing up into the toilet. For the past few weeks, Gabriella had been throwing up and feeling nauseous throughout the day. She flushed the toilet and she brushed her teeth. She wasn't very hungry. In fact the mere thought of food was making her feel sick again. She shoved the feeling aside and got ready for the day before checking on Charlie.

"Morning sweetie," Gabriella said walking into Charlie's room.

"Morning mommy! Are we going to hang out with Aunt Pay and Aunt Taylor?" Charlie asked excitedly.

"Well mommy is but you're going to hang out with Nana and PopPop," Gabriella told her getting her dressed for the day.

Gabriella was going to be hanging out with Taylor, Sharpay, Kelsi and Martha. The five were going to get party decorations for Charlie's birthday party that was in two days and they were going to go the drug store and stock up on vitamins and whatever else they needed. Gabriella was pulled out of her thoughts by her daughter.

"But I want to stay with you," Charlie whined.

"Sweetie," Gabriella said braiding Charlie's hair, "I know you want to stay with me. But mommy and her friends are going to go and get stuff for your birthday party. Don't you want to be surprised?"

"Yeah I guess," Charlie said as her mom finished braiding her hair.

"Come on. Let's grab a poptart and some apple juice and we can go to Nana's," Gabriella said. About ten minutes later she was strapping Charlie in her car seat. Gabriella opened the poptart for her daughter and gave her the sippy cup. Gabriella backed down the driveway and headed towards Troy's parents. Gabriella pulled up to his parents' house and she got Charlie out of the car. "Make sure you knock on the door!" Gabriella yelled to her as she grabbed Charlie's bag from the car.

"Nana!" Charlie said hugging Lucille's legs as she opened the door.

"Hey sweetie. Go jump on PopPop he's asleep in the chair in the living room," Lucille said as Charlie ran into the house.

Gabriella walked up the walkway and smiled at Lucille. "Thank you for watching her. It will be a lot easier not having her with me when we go out," Gabriella said handing Lucille the bag.

"Are you okay? You look like you gained a little bit of weight and you look tired," Lucille said concerned.

"I'm just tired from taking care of Charlie and I'm feeling bloated today," Gabriella said, "Don't worry I'm okay."

"Alright well if you need anything; make sure to give me a call. I'll be there in a heartbeat," Lucille said hugging Gabriella.

"Thank you," Gabriella said as she headed back to the car and towards Taylor's house. Gabriella parked the car, just as the nauseous feeling hit again. "Not again..." Gabriella whispered running up the walkway and banging on the door.

A very pregnant Taylor opened the door; "Hey Gab-" Taylor started to say before Gabriella took off running towards the bathroom. "Riella..."

Gabriella threw open the bathroom door and lent over the toilet and she threw up everything in her stomach, which was barely anything. She finished a little bit of the poptart that Charlie didn't finish.

Taylor waddled towards the bathroom and entered the bathroom, holding her friends hair back. She let Gabriella finish before she got a wash cloth so Gabriella could wipe her face. Gabriela flushed the toilet and stood up. "Okay... what was that about?" Taylor asked filling a cup of water for Gabriella so she could rinse out her mouth.

"I ate something bad..." Gabriella said. Taylor just looked at her.

"Right which is why you look like you've gained weight," Taylor said.

"Taylor... I can't be pregnant. I can't do this again without Troy here. I can barely handle Charlie, let alone another baby..." Gabriella said in distress.

The doorbell rang and Taylor went to answer the door. Gabriella followed after her friend. She knew one thing was for sure. She needed to get a test while she was out today and take it to find out if she was pregnant. If she was, she was going to have to find out how far along and when to tell Troy.

"Alright! Who is ready to shop?!" Sharpay exclaimed happily. Gabriella shook her head with a smile. This would be great to keep her mind busy. Gabriella exited the house and followed her friends to the dollar store.

About three hours later, the five girls were in the parking lot of the drug store. Gabriella was nervous. She knew that she had to get the test. It was necessary. "Are you going to get one?" Taylor whispered to Gabriella as they entered the store. Gabriella nodded to her friend and took off towards the family planning section. She grabbed the same pregnancy test she took when she found out she was pregnant with Charlie. Gabriella got some other stuff that she needed and went to check out. Sharpay was behind her. She noticed the pregnancy test on the counter.

"Oh my god!" Sharpay exclaimed.

Gabriella smiled nervously at the lady at the counter. She paid for her stuff and rushed out of the drug store. Shortly after Sharpay and the others came out.

"You're pregnant?!" Sharpay exclaimed.

"I don't know Shar okay? But I've had two people tell me I've gained weight and I've been throwing up so what other explanation could be it?" Gabriella said. "Look can we not talk about this right now and just leave so I can take the test?"

The five girls piled into the car and drove off to Taylor's house. Gabriella entered the house and took off for the bathroom. She took all three tests and she paced the bathroom floor. What if I'm pregnant again? I don't know how I'll be able to handle two babies. I can barely handle Charlie on a good day. How am I going to tell Troy? So many thoughts were racing in her head and she couldn't even fathom how this was all going to go. Gabriella glanced at her watch and she looked down at the tests. She ran a hand through her hair at the results. All three said that she was pregnant.

"So?!" Taylor called from the hallway.

Gabriella sighed softly and opened the door and she looked at them. "I'm pregnant..."

About two days later, Gabriella and the girls were setting up her house for Charlie's party. "Where would you like the piñata boss?" Chad asked coming inside with a Frozen themed piñata.

"Go to the backyard and hang it on the tree," Gabriella said as she finished setting up the food.

"Mommy! Uncle Zeke is chasing me!" Charlie said squealing as she hid behind Gabriella's legs. Zeke came to a stop seeing Gabriella with an amused expression on her face.

"Zeke, stop tormenting the birthday girl," Gabriella said running her hands through Charlie's hair.

"Got it boss," Zeke said leading Charlie outside.

"What's on your mind sweetheart?" Chad asked stepping inside the kitchen, as Gabriella lent against the counter.

"I just can't help but curse Troy for not being here. But I know it's not his fault," Gabriella said softly as Chad hugged her.

"Hey. If he could be here he would. You know that. And plus you have another little one to think about and being like this isn't good for the baby," Chad said softly.

"Thanks Chad. Let's head outside and enjoy this party," Gabriella said smiling.

Gabriella watched as her daughter ran around with Chad. Gabriella knew that this new baby was going to be a challenge but she was excited. She couldn't believe she was pregnant again. She knew Troy would be just as excited, but he would also be upset that he was going to miss the pregnancy.

About two hours later, Gabriella was bringing out the cake, "Alright Charlie! Let's do cake and then we can do the piñata!" Gabriella yelled as Charlie came running over. Gabriella lit the candles and everyone started singing "Happy Birthday" to Charlie. "Alright baby, make a wish."

Charlie closed her eyes and she made a wish. I wish my daddy was here to celebrate my birthday with me. Charlie thought before blowing out the candles. Charlie opened her eyes and looked up. "Daddy!" Charlie squealed before jumping down and running to Troy who picked her up and swung her around.

"Happy birthday princess," Troy whispered.

Gabriella heard what Charlie said and she looked up. She felt tears gather in her eyes as she started to cry. Damn hormones Gabriella thought. Gabriella watched Troy put Charlie down and make eye contact with her. Gabriella walked towards him and he met her halfway. He embraced Gabriella and hugged her tightly. Gabriella cried softly into his chest and Troy kissed her head.

"It's okay baby. I'm home," Troy whispered softly.

Gabriella pulled away and looked up at him, "How long are you home for?" Gabriella asked softly as Troy wiped her tears away.

"I'll be home for two weeks," Troy said softly kissing her forehead.

"I'm so happy you're home," Gabriella whispered hugging him tightly.

About two days later, Gabriella was cooking dinner in the kitchen while Troy was playing with Charlie in the living room. So far, Gabriella had managed to hide her symptoms from Troy. She hadn't felt sick in a few days so she was thankful for that. She wasn't ready to tell Troy just yet. She didn't know how she was going to tell him.

Gabriella turned around when she felt a presence in the room. She smiled when she saw her husband walking towards her.

"So beautiful… our daughter just told me something interesting," Troy said wrapping his arms around her waist.

"Oh yeah? What's that?" Gabriella asked as she turned back around to continue cooking.

"She told me that she's going to be a big sister," Troy said softly. "Are you pregnant?'

Gabriella stilled as she heard what Troy said and then asked. Damnit Charlie… Gabriella thought to herself. Gabriella turned around and looked up at Troy, "I was trying to figure out how to tell you. But yes, I'm pregnant," Gabriella said softly.

"How long have you known?" Troy asked her.

"Only two days. I didn't know how I was going to tell you. I knew you would have been upset if you couldn't be home for me during my pregnancy," Gabriella said softly.

"Baby of course I'm upset that I can't be with you but at least you'll have Chad and Taylor to help you out. Plus my parents and your mom. It makes me less nervous that you have plenty of people to help you if you need it," Troy said softly.

"Are you happy?" Gabriella asked softly.

"Of course I'm happy baby. We're having another baby. It's the best day of my life," Troy said hugging her tightly.

"I thought marrying me was the best day of your life," Gabriella teased.

"You're right. This is the third best thing to happen to me," Troy said. "Charlie is the second."

"Daddy! I want to play dollies!" Charlie called from the living room.

"Okay baby! I'll be right there!" Troy called. Troy bent down and placed a chaste kiss on her lips. "I love you sweetheart."

"I love you too. Now go play with our daughter," Gabriella whispered softly.

"You got is boss," Troy said winking at her.

Gabriella slapped his butt as he walked away, shaking her head.

It seemed like the next two weeks went by really fast. Before Gabriella knew it, Troy was already packing to go back overseas. She was currently lying on the bed, watching Troy pack up what he needed.

"Do you have everything you need?" Gabriella asked softly.

"Yeah I think so. I wish I didn't have to leave," Troy said sitting down next to her on the bed.

"I know but you'll be home soon right? Do you think you'll be able to get home to see the baby born?" Gabriella asked hopeful. She knew that it wasn't likely but she was hoping he'd be able to.

"I'm going to try my best to make it home. But if I can't, then I can't," Troy said kissing her forehead.

"What time is the car coming to pick you up?" Gabriella asked.

"He should be here in about 15 minutes. I better go say goodbye to Charlie," Troy said standing up and making his way towards his daughter's room.

"Daddy!" Charlie said hugging his legs. "Are you sure you have to leave?

"Yes baby. Daddy has to go back to work," Troy said softly, picking up Charlie and siting on her bed with her in his lap.

"I'm going to miss you," Charlie said hugging him around the neck.

"I know baby. But you have to be a good girl for mommy and help her get ready for your baby brother or sister," Troy said smiling. "Can you do that for me?"

"Uh huh," Charlie said nodding her head. "I promise to be a very good girl."

"Thank you sweetheart. That makes me happy," Troy said hugging her. "I love you bug."

"I love you too daddy. Come home soon," Charlie said tears in her eyes.

"Hey don't cry baby. I'll be home before you know it," Troy said kissing her forehead. "I'll call as soon as I can okay?" Charlie nodded her head sniffing.

Gabriella had Troy's bag in her hand and she met Troy at the door of Charlie's room. Troy stood up and took his bag from Gabriella. The family of three made their way downstairs. Troy hugged Charlie and kissed her on the head. He kissed Gabriella's belly which made Gabriella smile. Troy stood up and kissed Gabriella softly. "I love you baby," Troy whispered. "I'll be home soon."

"I love you too. Be safe," Gabriella whispered as Troy left the house.

"I hate that daddy has to leave again," Charlie said softly.

"I know baby, I know," Gabriella said. It killed her that her daughter was going to have to deal with this but it was the life of an army family.

_-_ 9 Months Later _-_

Gabriella was busy getting Charlie and Lily ready to meet Troy at the airport. He was coming home today from being over in Iraq. Gabriella had given birth to a healthy baby girl, Lillian Makayla Bolton, about 4 months ago. When Troy had come home from Iraq for two weeks she had been 3 months pregnant. Lily was 4 months old and Troy was going to meet her for the first time. Troy had been extremely busy over in Iraq so she hadn't been able to Skype with Troy and show him Lily. She couldn't wait to see his face.

"Mommy do you think Daddy will be excited to see Lily?" Charlie asked Gabriella was she braided her hair.

"I think he will be very excited Sweetheart. Now Daddy may cry when he sees Lily for the first time," Gabriella told Charlie.

"But it's a happy cry right?" Charlie asked.

"Yes sweetheart. A very happy cry," Gabriella said fastening the ends of her daughter's braids. "Ready to go pick up nana and pop pop?"

"Yes!" Charlie said bouncing up and down.

Gabriella got Charlie buckled up into her car seat. She put Lily in her rear facing seat next to Charlie. "I want you to watch Lily and make sure she's okay during the car ride," Gabriella said to her daughter.

"Okay mommy!" Charlie said smiling.

About an hour later, the Bolton family, including the grandparents, were on their way to the base to pick up Troy. Gabriella was excited for Troy to meet his daughter for the first time. It was going to be such a wonderful moment.

"What are you thinking about?" Lucille asked Gabriella.

"Just how excited Troy's going to be to see Lily. Also just thinking about what happened the last time we went to pick up Troy from the base. I got engaged," Gabriella said smiling.

"Yes memories seem to happen when picking up my son from the base. I know he's going to be over the moon about seeing Lily," Lucille said smiling at her daughter.

"I can't wait. I just hope he stays home for longer than a few months. I can't do this again," Gabriella said showing the guard at the base her military ID. She drove over to the parking lot and parked the car. She took Lily out of the car seat and Lucille let Jack and Charlie out of the car.

The Bolton family walked over to the hanger where they would wait for the plane to land with Troy and his troop. She bounced Lily in her arms as she started getting fussy.

"Want me to take my granddaughter?" Jack asked Gabriella.

"Sure," She said smiling handing Lily over to her father-in-law.

About 45 minutes later, Charlie came running over to her mother with Lucille following behind her. "Mommy! The plane is landing!" Charlie said taking Gabriella's hand and pulling her towards the front of her hanger.

"Alright Sweetheart. I'm coming," Gabriella followed Charlie. Gabriella saw the plane touchdown and she saw Jack handing her Lily. Gabriella took Lily and held her.

"Mommy! I see Daddy!" Charlie exclaimed jumping up and down as the soldiers got off the plane. She saw Troy in the front and she let Charlie run to him. "Daddy!"

Getting off the plane, Troy immediately looked for his family. He heard a faint 'Daddy' and saw Charlie running towards him. He set his bag down and he knelt down, taking Charlie in his arms and hugging her. "Hey Sweetheart. Daddy missed you," Troy said hugging his daughter.

"Daddy! You have to meet Lily! Mommy, Grandma and Grandpa say that she looks like you," Charlie said, wrapping her little arms around her dads neck.

Troy saw Gabriella walking towards them with a baby in her arms. Troy set Charlie down, tears in his eyes. Troy walked towards Gabriella, "This is Lily?" Troy whispered, as Gabriella handed Troy his daughter.

"Troy, meet your daughter, Lily," Gabriella said smiling at her husband.

"She's beautiful," Troy said wiping his eyes as tears fell from them. He touched his daughter's hand and Lily curled her fingers around Troy's finger.

"Mommy is Daddy okay?" Charlie asked, taking her mom's hand.

"He's fine sweetie, he's just happy to see Lily," Gabriella said to Charlie.

"Welcome home Son," Jack said smiling at Troy.

"Thanks Dad," Troy said hugging him with a one armed hug. "Hey mom."

"Sweetie," Lucille said hugging her son. "I'm so glad you're home."

"It's good to be home," Troy said smiling.

Later that night, Charlie was already in bed. Troy was in Lily's bedroom, sitting in the rocking chair with Lily on his chest. Gabriella stood in the doorway of Lily's room. "She'll still be here in the morning," Gabriella whispered softly.

Troy looked over at her, "I know. I just don't want to miss any moment with her," Troy said softly. "She's so beautiful."

"She was a very easy labor," Gabriella said softly. "In labor for ten hours, only pushed three times and she was born."

"I'm sorry I wasn't there to witness it," Troy said.

"Baby it's okay. I understand," Gabriella said taking Lily from her husband. "Come on." Gabriella placed Lily in her crib and covered her with a small blanket.

Troy hovered over the crib.

"Babe I promise you she will still be alive and breathing when you wake up in the morning," Gabriella said softly, leading him out of the room, after turning on the baby monitor.

Troy chased Gabriella to the bedroom, causing Gabriella to giggle all the way to the bedroom. Troy toppled her on the bed, placing kisses all over her face.

"Troy!" Gabriella giggled, pushing his face away.

Troy rolled off her and pulled her close. "I missed you so much," Troy whispered.

"I missed you too. I'm so glad you're home," Gabriella said softly.

"Me too baby, me too," Troy said, closing his eyes as the two drifted off to sleep.

So there you have it! The end of A Christmas Return! I hope you all enjoyed my story. Thank you to everyone who read my story and reviewed! Thank you to Disney for airing the best movie series on television. Now I'm asking all of you, my readers, for a vote. Please let me know in the comments or in a PM if you would like to see a sequel to this story. I sort of have an idea but I need enough of you to want to see a sequel to write it!