Disclaimer: I own nothing except my imagination.
A/N: So I know that no amount of apologies will make up for being so MIA where this story is concerned but mainly it's because my Dawsey inspiration has been fleeting but this weeks episode put some spark back enough for me to write this extra long chapter for you guys and mapping the rest of the story. Enjoy this massive one.
Matt was growing impatient as the week went by but he used the time when Gabby was at work to get the basement rooms moved along even though he knew for a fact that she would protest about him doing all the work while not being able to return at firehouse yet. Mouch had come as promised for the electricity and Matt was just now finishing the mounting of the inner walls. His buddy Jeff was coming later to do the plaster job and Matt was getting excited about being able to kick start everything, the kids already starting to be restless about getting each their new rooms. He was getting all the space cleaned up when a voice came from the top of the basement stairs.
"You down there Case?" Matt smiled as he recognized Jeff's voice.
"Yeah." He called out as he continued to put his things away. He and Jeff were old work acquaintances from work and he was his go to guy when he needed some plaster job done.
"Damn man, this is one big project." The two shook hands as Jeff took in what needed to be done.
"Family's becoming bigger, what's a guy gonna do then keep all these people happy?" He chuckled.
"I'm glad you found happiness."
"Never felt better in my life. Now all I need is the all clear to get back in the firehouse and I'm golden."
"I've never seen you handle that well over the years." He gave a throaty laugh, knowing how Matt became when he was on the sidelines. "How much longer?"
"Seeing the doc in two days times."
"Keeping my fingers crossed for you buddy." Jeff settled his things on the ground and got to work.
"Hey Casey, you down there?" Matt turned to see Shay coming down the stairs.
"Doesn't anyone call anymore?" Matt called out as he pulled her in for a hug.
"Would help if the person I was calling actually picked up." She grumbled. Matt pulled his phone out of his pocket and noticed a few missed calls from Jeff too.
"Why didn't you tell me I wasn't picking up?"
"Because it's no use telling you something we've argued about time and time again." Jeff came out of one of the rooms.
"Glad someone agrees with me. Leslie Shay." She smiled at Jeff and extended her hand to him.
"Jeff Parker, nice to meet you."
"Likewise. So Matt's putting you to work down here? It's coming along nicely."
"I should be able to get the painting done as soon as I get cleared for duty."
"But don't overdo it or Gabby will have your head."
"I've learned from my mistakes." He assured them both. "So, something you need Shay? I'm pretty sure Chili isn't going to be very patient having to wait for you."
"Oh Yeah." She shook her head, remembering why she was here in the first place. "Laura, Christie and I were thinking of planning a surprise Baby Shower for Gabby."
"I think that's a great idea. Where are you guys planning on doing it?"
"Well we figured that here or Laura's house would be too obvious but your sister Christie offered her house for the occasion and I think it'S genius."
"She'll never suspect anything and when the time comes, I can use a lunch with my sister as an excuse."
"Perfect." She grinned, happy that she could now get the ball rolling on their surprise. "I'll keep you posted with the day and time."
"And don't tell me anything else."
"Promise there will be beer for you men though." Her radio crackling to life cut their conversation short. "61 responding." She called through the radio. "Catch you later Casey, it was nice meeting you Jeff." He only gave her a nod and a smile before she left.
"So it's getting closer if they're planning the baby shower." Matt followed Jeff as he started working again.
"It can't get here soon enough." Matt smiled. Jeff continued his work for another hour before he called it a day, telling Matt that he would be back the following day for touch ups. He knew Gabby would be home soon with the kids so he decided to get a start on dinner. It didn't take long before a chorus of voices were heard from the front of the house, Gabby laughing at an argument the girls were having about the cutest boy in their class. Matt couldn't believe that they were actually there in his path into fatherhood but figured it was innocent.
"Hey, how was school?"
"The girls are fighting over Oliver." Felipe rolled his eyes as he hopped on stool in front of the counter.
"Are they now?" He chuckled as Gabby wrapped her around around his waist, pecking him on the cheek.
"Apparently he's the boy that every girl is talking about." She plucked one of the vegetables Matt was cutting into her mouth.
"Doesn't seem like a good party to me." Gabby slapped him on the arm playfully. "Come on kids, go wash up, dinner will be ready soon." The kids clambered out of the kitchen, leaving Matt and Gabby alone.
"How's it going in the basement?"
"Moving along. How'd your day go?" He ran a hand over her belly.
"Quiet day as far as kids go."
"ER?"
"Yeah but Shay kept her eye on me every time she brought in a victim." She assured him.
"Good. We wouldn't want this precious cargo or their mom to get hurt." He leaned down to kiss her.
"I promise we're fine, aren't we baby?" She tapped her protruding belly gently.
"Alright mom, you go wash up and the dinner will be ready in fifteen minutes"
"Okay." The kids returned to the kitchen a few minutes before Gabby and they spent the rest of their evening with the kids talking about school and their friends.
Matt found himself alone in the doctor's office two days later, a nervous energy he hadn't felt in a long time. He was hoping the news would be good because any other outcome, he didn't know if he'd be able to live with it. It didn't take long before the doctor walked in with his chart.
"Mr Casey, how're you feeling?" He leaned against his desk.
"I'm feeling good, ready to get back out there."
"Than I won't keep you in suspense." He chuckled. "I reviewed the x-rays of your ribs you took yesterday and you are going to be good to return to active duty for next shift."
"Thank you doc." Matt stood and shook the man's hand.
"It's my pleasure. I know how hard it is on first responders to be side lined like that. Just ease into it for the few shifts but I will give your chief the all clear."
"I'll do my best." Matt was excited to get back so he drove towards the firehouse, just wanting to see the rest of his family, wanting to give them the good news and touch base with Shay about Gabby's baby shower. His usual spot was empty so he parked and walked inside, all the rigs in and Squad 3 not in their usual spot. He walked farther into the house and found everyone in the common room enjoying lunch.
"Look who the cat dragged in." Mouch stood from his spot on the couch.
"I come baring good news." They shook hands.
"You're back?" Severide grinned, glad to have his best friend back.
"Starting next shift." He smiled at everyone. "The doc gave me the all clear."
"That's very good to hear." Matt turned at the sound of the Chief's voice. "Your spot is waiting for you Captain."
"Thanks Chief."
"Are you staying for lunch?" Shay asked.
"I was just making a quick stop here before going home. Can I have a word with the two of you?" He pointed to Shay and Severide as the rest of the house returned to their meal.
"Sure, let's go in my office." Kelly stood and Leslie followed behind. "So, what's up Case?" Kelly took a seat on his chair and leaned back into it.
"I just wanted to make sure with you that it's okay to do the shower at Christie's place? I really wouldn't want to impose."
"You're not imposing Matt and it was Christie's idea in the first place."
"And Kelly has offered to keep you boys entertained if it got too boring for you men." She patted his chest playfully.
"Did you decide on a date?"
"Yeah, three weeks from now, it's our week end off."
"That's perfect timing. The kids and I will have the present for the baby's room done by then.
"Good, good. Everything is on track." They were interrupted by the bells going off.
"Go, I'll catch you guys later."
Matt returned to shift 48 hours later and he and Gabby returned to their usual routine in the following weeks and he managed to finish the basement and move all three kids down there, leaving the nursery to be done. They had narrowed down the colours they wanted with the help of the kids but ended up going with a light blue with a neutral bear theme for the nursery. The night before the shower, Christie had pulled Gabby out for a girl's night out, grabbing dinner and getting mani-pedi done while Matt finished his special project with the kids. He wanted it to be his final surprise for Gabby before she went into labour. He had already done a new mobile with wooden bears and mountains to go with the white crib he had built himself and the older kids were doing a canvas that said Love you to the moon and back with foot prints for the v in love and hands for the two o's in moon while Matt helped Valentina to make big wool letters to put on the door after the baby was born, not knowing the gender.
"How was your night?" He asked, putting his book aside as Gabby walked into the living room.
"I had a lot of fun."
"I love the colour." He kissed the top of her head as she snuggled against him on the couch.
"It goes with the new dress I got for lunch tomorrow." She whispered into the quiet of the house, knowing the kids were all asleep. "Who's babysitting the kids by the way?"
"Christie and Kelly said they'd come pick them up in the morning to give us a little time alone we meet them for lunch at her place."
"Time alone, I like that idea." Matt knew what was really happening but he promised himself that he would whisk his girl away for a week end just the two of them before the baby was born, wanting to pamper her a bit before their lives would change once again.
"Come on, let's get you and this baby in bed. It's been a long day."
"Yeah." She hummed as Matt helped her up and they slowly made their way to their room. HE helped her in bed and took her legs in his lap, applying lotion on them. He started the previous week after Gabby had complained about no longer being able to reach down properly. "This is heaven." She moaned as she set her head on her pillow.
"I aim to please." He teased, making her giggle uncontrollably.
"I love you."
"I love you too." He finished applying the lotion before slipping under the covers and pulling her into his side, his finders finding the skin of her stomach, feeling a kick from their baby. "Yeah, I love you too baby."
"You're a great dad." Gabby said before succumbing to the darkness. Matt wrapped his arms around her as best as he could before he fell asleep.
They woke up the following morning to voices in the kitchen and Matt looked at the clock to see that it was already almost nine. He was surprised that they had managed to sleep so late with all five kids awake but when Matt made his way to the kitchen, he found Chistie making more French toast while the kids were polishing their plates off.
"Morning little brother." She smirked at him, happy to have seen her plan to allow them a few extra hours of sleep work.
"Morning Chris." He kissed his cheek.
"We'll be out of your hair in fifteen minutes, I made those for you and Gabby." She pointed to growing pile on the plate.
"It smells amazing, thanks Chris." Gabby padded into the kitchen, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes.
"Welcome." She smiled at her. "How's my niece or nephew going?"
"Already kicking up a storm but I think it's just hungry, just like me." She rubbed her belly.
"There's more than enough." Christie assured her.
"Now come on kids, everybody wash up and say to mom and dad so we can leave them alone for a bit." They all did and Valentina hugged Gabby last, placing a kiss to her tummy.
"See you later Aiden." She whispered, loud enough for only Gabby to hear. She figured that her daughter had over heard them talking one night after they had decided on names for the baby and thought it was sweet that she thought it was a boy although they still had no idea.
"I'll see you later baby." She picked her up under Matt's protest and kissed her cheek before releasing her.
"We will see the two of you for lunch." Christie kissed Matt on the cheek and pulled Gabby into a hug. "And you be good for mommy and daddy." She brushed her fingers against Gabby's round belly.
"I doubt that." All four laughed before the kids were ushered outside the door, leaving them alone.
"Come on, let's get you fed before that food gets cold." They took their time eating and Gabby took her time to get ready, slipping into her new dress and wedge heels. "I have no idea how you can even walk in those while 27 weeks pregnant." He wrapped his arms around her waist and settled his chin on her shoulder.
"It's just a question of balance." She smiled as she turned around in his arms, wrapping her arms around his neck.
"Are you ready to go?" He kissed her.
"Just a little bit longer." She pushed herself up and placed her lips on Matt's, slipping her tongue between them and deepening the kiss, leaving the two breathless. "Now I'm ready." She murmured against his lips. He pulled himself from her wth a lot of effort and they made their way to Christie's house. He really hoped that nothing would look suspicious because he truly wanted this to be a surprise. She walked up the stairs ahead of him and turned around to face him. "I'm not really craving food right now Matt." She pulled on the lapels of her jacket. "I just want to go back home and spend the afternoon in bed with you, preferably with ought your clothes."
He chuckled at her frazzled state. "I promise you can have all of that tonight after we put the kids to bed." He kissed her. "I'm sure the kids can't wait to see us."
"You are such a buzzkill."
"Come on." He pulled her into his side and he rang the doorbell as she emitted a huff. They waited until Christie opened the door.
"Right on time." She smiled at them and let them inside. Gabby shedded her cardigan and Christie led them out of the mudroom where a chorus of cheers erupted.
"SURPRISE" Gabby's eyes misted over as she saw all of her family gathered in her sister-in-law's living room.
"You don't need to cry sweetheart." Gabby's mom pulled her into her arms, smiling at Matt over her daughter's shoulder. Matt had no idea that her parents would be here conspiring the last he thought they were vacationing back home.
"I can't believe you guys did all of this for me." She brushed the tears away with her fingers as her mother released her hold on her.
"You deserve all of it." Matt's voice whispered in her ear behind her.
"You did all of this?" She turned to face him.
"This is all Shay, I'm just your chauffeur." She smiled tenderly at his wife.
Gabby walked around the room and hugged everyone, keeping some very special guests for the end.
"Congratulations hija." Alberto's mother pulled her into her arms.
"Thank you." She cupped her cheeks and brushed the tears out of her ex daughter in law's eyes.
"You will always be part of our family, always." Gabby couldn't form words and only nodded before his father pulled her into a hug.
"Alberto would be happy to see you loved and happy like this." He whispered into her hair.
"He's in my heart forever." She whispered back in his shoulder.
"Now come on, let's celebrate." He pulled her into his side before releasing her and letting her enjoy being pampered by her family and friends.
Gabby didn't know how Shay had pulled of this huge coup of having both her parents and her ex in-laws under the same roof but she was thankful for her and the size of her heart. They spent the rest of the afternoon celebrating the impending birth of the new Casey baby and Gabby's heart grew ten different sizes as she received gift after gift. Matt stood at her side the whole time and they enjoyed every single minute of it. The afternoon was winding down and friends started to trickle out slowly, finally leaving Matt, Gabby and the kids with her parents and Alberto's, Christie, Severide and Shay.
"Thank you for today Leslie, you're a great friend." The two girls hugged.
"That's what best friends are for." She assured her.
"I'm never letting you go."
"You are stuck with me." Matt watched on as Esmeralda had her arms wrapped around his waist.
"You spoil her." It was a simple truth.
"I do my best. She's the best thing to happen of me." He couldn't keep his eyes off his wife.
"And you to her." He looked down and smiled at Esmeralda.
"I couldn't agree more." He extricated himself from his mother in-law and walked towards Gabby. "Are you ready to head home? You must be exhausted."
"I'm okay but I was thinking we could go home so the kids could spend more time with their grand-parents, have dinner all together."
"Alright with me." He kissed her. "Come on kids, in the car." Matt instructed them as Kelly returned from making one last trip to the truck with presents,
"We'll be right behind you." Eduardo called out to his daughter. "Thank you for having us in your lovely home Christie." He embraced her.
"It was my pleasure. You're welcome back anytime." She smiled, Kelly at her side.
Everyone ushered out of Christie's house and the party moved towards the Casey-Dawson household and the women found themselves in the yard while the kids played in the basement, leaving the men in the kitchen.
"Do you need any help in the kitchen son?" Carlos asked as Eduardo handed him a beer and settled one on the counter in front of Matt.
"I'm good thank you. When are your flights back?"
"We're here for the whole week." The four of them had taken the same flight in.
"Good, the kids will be happy to see you." Matt took a sip of his beer.
"How is the nursery coming along?" Matt looked around to make sure that Gabby was nowhere in sight.
"Come on, I'll show you." The three men moved to the second floor Matt pushed the door open to reveal the room with the new decorations up.
"You did good in here. Did the kids do that?" He pointed to the art on the wall.
"Yeah and I'm keeping this for later tonight." He went into the wardrobe and pulled a box out and opened it, showing them what Valentina had done.
"Twins?" Both men were speechless.
"No." He smiled at them. "But we did decide on names."
"Do you mind?" Carlos asked.
"Aiden Antonio if it's a boy and Sophia Christine if it's a girl." He smiled. "Valentina made them."
"I couldn't ask for a better partner for my daughter." Eduardo smiled.
"Or a father figure for my grandchildren." Carlos echoed.
"Thank you both for putting your faith in me." He returned the box in its hiding place and was pulled into a hug by both men.
"Thank you for proving us right." Eduardo said as he released Matt. "Come on, let's go feed the masses." The three men returned to the kitchen and found the women there, working on cooking dinner.
"Looks like you men gave up on your task." Gabby winked at Matt.
"Not giving up, taking a break." He kissed her cheek. "I wanted to show them the baby's room before they fly out."
"You men are lucky because he won't let me set foot in there until his secret project with the kids is over."
"I'll show you later, promise." The men left the women to do the cooking under that promise and went to see what the kids were up to and showing them the kids new rooms. The kids were more than happy to give the adults the tour. The women called everyone to eat and they enjoyed a nice evening together. Matt and Gabby took care of the dishes while they watched the adults enjoy some quality time with the kids.
"Thank you for today."
"We have great friends."
"That brought all our family together."
"Yeah. Come on, I want to show you something." He took her hand and pulled her through the kitchen and up the stairs. He wanted to show her the nursery before her parents left for the night.
"If it's not done I can wait Matt."
"It's done, I promise." He smiled at her. "Are you ready?"
"Yeah." She had been wanting to go in there for the last week but she wasn't ready for what was waiting for her inside. She had watched him paint it but beyond that, he had hid away in the garage to build the furniture and the room had been off limits since. He turned on the lights and she saw the full scope of what he had done. The crib was over on the left wall and the changing table slash dresser was on the opposite one and there was a bookshelf next to it filled with books and toys. She walked into the room and traced the mobile with her fingers. "Did you do this?"
"I did."
"And the kids?" She looked at him expectantly.
"Both twins did the paint with their feet and hands and Valentina did this." He took the box out of the wardrobe again. "With a little bit of help."
"Matt." Tears were clouding her eyes again. "It's beautiful."
"I wanted to make this room extra special."
"You're too good for me."
"Let's just agree that we're good for each other." He watched her take a seat on the rocking chair and open the box.
"Sweet talker." She whispered out as she removed the lid off the box to reveal both letters. "I love all of it." She took the A in her hand, running her other fingers against the S. "I'm happy that my parents are there, that Alberto's parents are there. Is that okay?"
"For fear of getting my head chopped off." He trailed, waiting for a reaction out of her but she only chuckled. "I'm glad they are there too. I'm happy that you get to spend some time with your parents and it's good for the kids too. I would never, ever get in the way of that. Family is the most important thing." He crouched in front of her, placing a hand on her knee.
"I'd have to agree with you." They turned to find Isabel leaning against the door frame with Valentina in her arms, asleep. "The room is beautiful Matt."
"Thank you." He smiled as he stood. "Let me take her." They transferred Valentina in his arms and he left the three women alone.
"I've never seen someone love as much as Matt loves you and the kids."
"He's the best."
"And also very handsome." Esmeralda gushed, making Gabby cringe.
"Momm."
"Your mother is right." The two older women laughed together at Gabby's mortified face.
"Okay, enough oggling at my husband." Gabby used the arm of the rocking chair to get up. "I think it's time to get the kids into bed." She deflected.
"That is already taken care of." Esmeralda wrapped her arm around Gabby's shoulder. "Did the two of you decide on a name for the baby?"
"We did actually." She smiled at the both of them. "A is for Aiden Antonio and S is for Sophia Christine."
"Those are two beautiful names sweetie."
"Thanks mom."
"This baby will be lucky to be in such a loving family, Alberto would be thrilled." Isabelle cupped her cheeks.
"Thank you Isabel. You have no idea how much your support means to me." Tears were invading her eyes yet again.
"You will always have a place in this family, always." Gabby could only nod with a teary smile.
"I think it's time we take our leave, leave these kids to get some rest." Esmeralda gave Gabby's shoulder a squeeze.
"I think it's a good idea." The three women walked back downstairs to find the men talking over a cup of coffee.
"Everything okay?" Matt stood at the sight of Gabby's misty eyes.
"Yeah, everything is okay." She smiled back at him.
"It's time to leave these two alone." Isabel announced as she placed a hand on Carlos' shoulder.
"I'd have to agree." He patted her hand. "Thank you for the wonderful evening Matt." He stood.
"You're welcome here anytime."
"Thank you." Gabby hugged them both and they left, leaving them with her parents.
"Take good care of our daughter and our new grand-child." Esmeralda pulled Matt in for a hug.
"I will. Good night." He kissed her cheek and shook Eduardo's hand.
"Good night Ella."
"Night daddy." He kissed her forehead before releasing her to Matt's embrace.
"You okay?" He looked down at Gabby when they were finally alone.
"Yeah." She smiled at him. "But I am ready for bed."
"Alright." He stood front of her, placing his hands on her shoulders. "You go on up and I'll go check on the kids one last time.
"Don't take too long." She leaned up and kissed him.
"I won't." He watched her before making his way downstairs to make sure the kids were settled before poking his head back upstairs to make sure the last two were asleep as well before joining Gabby in their room.
"You look exhausted." He slipped in next to her.
"It's been a really long day." She smiled at him.
"How about we just sleep and get our strength up for the coming weeks?"
"That sounds like a plan. Night."
"Night baby." They kissed and it only took seconds before Gabby was asleep. He propped himself on his elbow and watched her as she slept. "Thank you for giving me a new life." He pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. "For making me believe in love again and giving me a chance to be a dad again and getting me my forever." He whispered to her before he pressed his lips to hers gently as to not wake her. He lied back down and wrapped her arm around Gabby's waist before falling asleep, looking forwards to the next weeks until the arrival of their child.
A/N: FINALLY! It literally took me all day to write this crazy ass of a chapter but I hope you guys like it and please take a second to review before you go, your words mean the world to me - Sarra
