Disclaimer: I own nothing except my imagination and the kids names.

a/n: Thanks you so much to everyone who left a review (or read but didn't) as well as everyone who did via Twitter (you guys know who you are :)). Thanks to everyone who favourited and followed the story after last chapter, it means a lot to me too. I'm really happy that everyone is loving this story because I love writing it too. Last chapter, we saw Gabby and Matt fall asleep on her couch after telling each other the truth, even if it was hard for them but hopefully, it'll help them get in a better place. So enjoy the morning after.


Matt stirred from sleep with the first rays of sun the next morning, slightly confused. He wasn't in his house and he was still in last night's clothes but then, the person next to him mumbled and it all came back to him. He looked down to see Gabby still wrapped securely in his arms. Both her arms were against his chest, the touch instantly setting his insides on fire. Their legs were tangled up together and his right arm was wrapped around her waist, keeping her close to him. He looked at her sleeping form, studying her. Gabby finally told him what had happened in her past and all he could think of is how incredibly strong the woman in his arms was. She had put on a brave front for her family and had done what needed to be done, in the process burying her grief deep under but last night, she had finally let all the emotions take her over and had without a doubt lost an additional weight that she had on her shoulders and in her heart. He noticed her cheeks were slightly still stained from the tears that had fallen there and he hoped that those would be changed for something more happy from now on.

Gabby stirred awake, feeling as disoriented as Matt had been. She could feel extra weight on her waist and her hands were in contact with something hard, someone's torso to be more precise. She let her eyes flutter open and get used to the light before looking up and meeting a pair of blue ones who were looking down on her.

"Morning." She mumbled.

"Morning sleepyhead, how did you sleep?" He smiled, making her smile too. It had been a while since she had felt good sleeping in someone's arms.

"Surprisingly well." He gently removed the strand of hair that just fell in Gabby's eyes and placed it behind her ears, making her insides swell with something she hadn't felt in a long time, peace. She'd be lying to herself though if her body wasn't attracted to Matt. He was tall enough that he towered over her but not to tall for it to look strange. His crystal blue eyes held a sincerity that would make her heart skip a beat and his lips, that were now at eye level, were plump and just made her want to kiss them to know how they would feel like against hers but she tried to shake that feeling. "You?"

"Great, your couch is comfy and the company isn't bad." He grinned, helping her in no way with her want to kiss him.

"Company isn't all that great, she was a mess half of the night." She talked about herself.

"You're not a mess I promise." His hand that was resting on her waist was burning her skin, making heat radiate through her body. Matt Casey was doing things to her and she didn't while her mind was yelling at her that it was too fast, her heart wanted to be happy again. She closed her eyes, trying to make sense of her thoughts but feeling Matt's legs tangled with hers and his arms wrapped around her was doing nothing to help.

Matt didn't want to do anything to pressure her but having her in his arms like that felt real, it felt normal. His logic told him that it wasn't normal to feel like this about someone this quickly and that she had things to work through before things escalated but his heart was longing to let someone in. Her eyes were closed and her breathing even but her heart was pounding in her chest, he was close enough to feel it. He leaned down and pressed his lips to hers. Her body's first reaction was to stiffen up but it only lasted a second before she kissed him back. It was soft and lasted only a few seconds but it was enough for the both of them to feel like teenagers.

"Could I interest you with some breakfast?" Her voice was soft, not wanting to ruin the moment.

"Only if you let me cook." They had stayed tangled like that since waking up, feeling good together.

"I couldn't let you do that." She insisted. "I was a mess last night and you listened and I stopped you from sleeping in your bed. The least I can do is be the one to cook."

"Stop it. go take a relaxing shower and change, I'll have breakfast ready when you come out."

"Ok." She finally agreed. The pantry is next to the fridge." She untangled herself from Matt and stood from the couch, instantly missing his body before heading to her room to shower.

Matt turned on his back and ran his hands over his face. This was crazy, they were moving quickly but at the same time, his mind kept reminding him that they had become friends and that they knew things about each other and that he didn't have to rush into things, he could take things slow. He finally got up from the couch and went to the kitchen to find what he needed to make them some french toast.

Gabby walked into her bathroom and grabbed a new set of close before walking into her shower, letting the warm water run down her body. All she could do was think about the kiss she and Matt had shared. It wasn't anything steamy and urgent, only sweet and his lips were soft and felt great against hers. It had been a long time since a kiss had had this much of an effect on her, it had been five years to be exact. She quickly washed up and changed into boyfriend jeans and a loose fitting sweater and put her hair in a messy bun. She walked out of her room and her nostrils were filled with an aroma of cinnamon.

"That smells amazing, what are we having?"

"French toast. Have a seat, it's ready." Matt placed a plate in front of her as well as a cup of coffee as she sat down and he prepared himself a plate as well.

"Those are amazing. Where did you learn that?"

"My mom, when I was younger." He didn't want to talk about his mom but those were happy memories so he just didn't want to make a big deal out of it.

"I might have to steal that recipe." She giggled, taking a sip of her coffee.

"Only if you agree to go out on a date with me." He smiled at her, seeing if she was as interested as he was to pursue something more.

"I'd love to." She simply said, putting a piece of bread in her mouth. They kept eating, sharing occasional words to each other before Matt looked at the clock on the wall in front of him.

"Is it really almost eleven?" Gabby looked at the stove behind Matt, nodding her head to let him know it was correct. He fished in his pocket to find him phone and a message from Christie. Meet us for lunch at my place? He quickly answered before putting the phone back in his pocket and eating what was left in his plate. Gabby picked the table up and put everything in the dish washer. "Let me help you with the dishes."

"It's all good, the dish washer will take care of that."

"Are you sure? Because I feel like I'm dining and dashing." He chuckled.

"I'm sure." She smiled at him before they made it to her door. "Plus, Antonio will probably be here soon and you do not want THAT interrogation." She laughed this time.

"Probably not." He laughed too. It would not be a comfortable situation for sure. "So are you still up for that date?" He turned around as he put his coat back on.

"Absolutely. I'll text you what my week looks like and we go from there?" She asked hopefully.

"That's good. Say hi to the kids for me."

"The same to the girls." Matt nodded but he wasn't sure if he should kiss her lips again so he placed a hand on her cheek and kissed the opposite one before smiling at her and leaving.

This was a first step for the both of them and an extra opportunity to know more about the other as they decide what comes next.


Gabby accepts to go out with Matt on a date as they both agree to do things slow and right, each having their own fears if things don't go well as much as wanting to let their heart feel again.

I know this chapter is a little bit shorter than my others are but I didn't want to mix anyone else in there, wanting them to have their moment and feeling something for the first time since both losing someone dear to them. I really hope you liked it and please leave a review to tell me what you thought about it. Until next time - Sarra