Hello there everyone! Sorry I wasn't able to get an update out to you all last week, everything was just super crazy and I didn't have a lot of time to write. But I'm back now with the next chapter and we've got a little bit of a time jump in this one. I hope you guys like it!

Thank you so much for reading, and I can't wait to hear your thoughts! Have a great week everyone.


Chapter One Hundred and Ninety Four


"Good morning, my little angel."

Gabby's eyebrows furrowed as she slowly came into consciousness, the sound of her husband's voice helping to pull her from her slumber. Though even in her hazed state, it didn't take long for her to realize he wasn't speaking to her, but instead to their child, Gabby slowly opening her eyes to find Matt further down the bed by her stomach.

He was lying on his side facing her, his arm bent at the elbow keeping his head supported while his other palm rested over what she now recognized as her bare stomach, Matt seemingly having pushed her shirt up just below her breasts at some point this morning so he could be closer to their child. But she didn't mind it, in fact she welcomed it, as mornings like this were one of her favorite ways to wake up.

"How'd you sleep? I hope you slept well." He continued talking to her stomach, his hand rubbing gently over the small bump that had begun to form over the last few weeks.

Although she was only just now entering her fourteenth week of pregnancy, she was already starting to adjust to the new life growing inside her. Since she'd gone through this before, it was like her body knew what to do, Gabby sure she was showing more now than she had at this point last time. But she loved it. She loved seeing her expanding stomach as it was just one sign of how their perfect, healthy child was growing just as they should.

And she knew Matt loved it just as much.

He always had. Back when she was pregnant with Sofia, even through the hard times he was amazed by the way her body had changed to accommodate their child. And he felt that exact same way now, Gabby having picked up on not only his appreciation for her and everything she was doing for their baby, but also the protectiveness that pregnancy elicited in him. More so than how he was normally, there's just a different side to him when she's pregnant, and it was an incredible thing to witness.

"I have a feeling you slept all night, because your Momma didn't move once." He continued on, his thumb stroking her skin while a soft smile began to form over Gabby's face. "So thank you for that, baby." He said, his endearing words towards their unborn child flooding her chest with warmth as he pressed a gentle kiss to her stomach. "We're gonna need you to keep on doing that for us, especially once you're here."

Gabby bit back a laugh as Matt continued to converse with their child, her husband going through the routine he did most mornings as, from experience, she knew these one-sided conversations could go on for a while. Especially when he didn't realize she was awake, Dawson content to stay right here as Matt talked to their baby. Going through any and everything he could with them, from reminding them how excited they were to meet them, and telling them about their sisters, before moving onto the conversation of Gabby, Matt telling their child all about how wonderful their mother was. He covered all the bases, Gabby knowing she could lay here for hours listening to him talk to their baby.

It wasn't until an involuntary chill went through her spine that he realized she was awake, Matt's hand continuing to move lovingly over her stomach as he looked up towards her, the bright smile never leaving his face while they locked eyes with one another.

"Good morning, gorgeous." He spoke, like it was the easiest thing in the world as the grin on Gabby's face widened.

"Good morning, yourself." She replied, the warmth of Matt's palm against her skin continuing to spread through her system. "How long have you been up?"

"A while." He said with a slight shrug, or as much of one as he could do given the position he was in. "What about you?" Matt asked back, the shy look on her face deepening before she took in a breath.

"Long enough to hear you tell our child how 'amazing' I am." She repeated his earlier words, not missing the shameless smirk that formed over his lips. "And you telling them about how much Caity and Sof love them already."

"Well, all those things are true." Matt responded, Gabby letting out a laugh as he slowly pushed himself to sit up after placing one last kiss against her stomach, before he made his way back up to her. Casey not stopping until his face was just inches from hers. "Good morning, baby." He repeated himself, seeing her smile grow a bit before he pressed a light kiss to her lips.

"Good morning." She said between kisses, until they eventually pulled back. Though Matt never went too far, his palm moving up and down her growing side while he adjusted himself to lay beside her.

"I didn't think you'd be awake yet, it's still pretty early." He commented, nodding back towards their clock as Gabby ran her teeth over her bottom lip.

"I didn't either, but some guy kept talking to my stomach and it woke me up." She told him, not missing the sheepish look that covered his face before he let out a soft laugh.

"Sorry." He said, Gabby shaking her head while her hand came up to stroke the side of his neck.

"It's okay, it's the perfect way to wake up… And besides, I never want you to apologize for loving us." Gabby replied, his features softening before he leaned down to give her another slow, easy kiss, both of them relishing in the contact as they took these few quiet moments for themselves, knowing here shortly their day would have to start and they would have two little girls that needed to be taken care of.

Though that time came quicker than they were expecting, as not even a minute later they got an alert on their baby monitor that there was movement coming from one of their girls' bedrooms, Casey sighing softly before the two separated, while Gabby's lip fell between her teeth.

"I guess that answers my next question." She replied after catching her breath, Matt giving her a smile before he carefully leaned over her and grabbed the monitor off their nightstand. "Are the girls awake?" She asked him while he moved back to his previous position, his eyes focused on the device in his hands.

"They are." He responded easily, as he glanced back towards her. "Well, Caity has been up for a while. But she's just been playing with a few toys in her bed, so I let her be. Sof was the one who'd still been sleeping." He explained to her, before placing the monitor back in its rightful spot on their nightstand. "But it looks like she's up now, and she's already on the move."

Gabby let out a soft laugh as she turned to look at the screen, where she saw their two year old sliding down out of her bed with a handful of stuffed animals shoved under one of her arms.

"I better go get them before Sof finds a way to get herself into trouble." He replied lightheartedly, prompting Dawson to let out another laugh before he moved to kiss her one last time.

"Want me to get them?" She offered after they pulled back, Matt climbing out of bed before he shook his head, Gabby already expecting that answer before he gave it.

"That's alright baby, I got them. You just stay here and rest." He told her, the sweet tone of his words bringing that smile back to her face while he moved to the dresser to grab himself a t-shirt. "I'll bring them down here to see you, we've got some time before we need to start getting ready."

"Alright." She responded, Casey flashing her a bright grin before pulling the shirt over his head.

"And there's already some water by the bed, and your prenatals if you wanna go ahead and take those." He added on while walking towards the door, hearing nothing but his wife's soft laughter before he got out into the hallway and headed for the stairs.

Though they were all awake, their home was relatively quiet on this early morning as Casey climbed the steps two at a time, eager to get to his girls. He got up to the landing in seconds, Matt making the quick decision to get Sofia first considering how he wasn't sure what all she'd be getting into as he moved the short distance to her bedroom.

The door was closed just as they'd left it after putting her to bed, Matt slowly pushing it open before he stepped into the room, where Sofia was currently sitting in the middle of her bedroom floor. Those stuffed animals were being strangled in her grasp, while she'd also added a blanket into the mix as she was holding onto her beloved baby blanket, the little girl having started to play rather early this morning before she looked up when she heard the door open.

Sofia smiled wide when she saw her dad, the toddler beginning to bounce up and down excitedly before she started to make her way to her feet. "Dada! Dada get me." She giggled out, Matt's own grin growing even bigger as he wasted no time walking further into her room.

"Good morning, angel." He said brightly, happy giggles continuing to leave her lips while he scooped her up into his arms, Matt being mindful of the toys she refused to relinquish from her grip, knowing that here soon they'd all be down in his and Gabby's bedroom. But he didn't mind in the slightest.

"Mor-nin Dada." Sofia replied, her words somewhat broken as the toddler hadn't fully mastered her speech.

"Did you sleep well? You woke up early." He continued on, pressing a few kisses to her curly haired head before he started back towards the door, keeping his hand underneath her to support her weight. "Let's go see what your sister's doing, yeah?"

"Sissy." She beamed, Matt letting out a soft laugh while he wiped away some of the drool sitting on her chin, knowing it had likely been there ever since she'd woken up.

"Yeah, let's go see your sissy. I'm sure she missed you." He told her, rubbing his hand along her stomach while they made their way down the hallway to Caitlyn's room.

As expected, when they walked inside Matt found Caity sitting up in her bed surrounded by a few of her dolls, the six year old pausing her playing when she noticed her dad and baby sister in the doorway.

"Hi baby." Matt greeted first, while Sofia let out a few excited sounds once she saw her sister.

"Hi Daddy." She replied with a beaming grin, her blonde hair sticking out wildly all around her face as it was clear she'd slept well. "Hi Sofi."

"Kay-Kay!" Sofia spoke back, clutching her blanket tighter as Matt walked over towards Caitlyn's bed, before sitting down on the edge of the mattress.

As soon as she could, Sofia let go of her dad and crawled onto the bed towards her sister, dropping everything in her arms just so she could give her big sister a hug, the force of her movements sending them both tumbling backwards into the pillows.

"Miss you." Sofia got out, Caitlyn laughing loudly out of pure joy while holding onto her sister.

"I missed you too, sissy." She responded as Sofia gave her sister a few slobbery kisses, the two girls greeting one another for a couple more seconds before Matt carefully began to help them sit back up.

"You've been up for a while, huh?" He asked his oldest, not missing the sly smile that began to form on her face as he brushed some of her untamed hair back out of her eyes, while Sofia crawled over to his lap.

"A little." She responded with a quiet giggle, Matt unable to stop himself from grinning as he ran his thumb along the side of her face. "But I didn't get up yet, cause the light didn't change." She added on, as Casey glanced back towards the small colored lamp sitting on top of her dresser. The same one that changes colors depending on what time of day, telling Caitlyn when it was okay for her to get up.

"Well, thank you for that, sweetheart. Mommy and I appreciate it." He responded, seeing the effect his proud words had on her before he leaned down to kiss the top of her head. "But I think it's alright if you get out of bed a little early today, so what do you say? Wanna come downstairs with me and Sof and see your Momma?"

Her eyes lit up instantly, Caitlyn nodding profusely before she pushed her toys out of the way and moved the covers off her legs, showing her dressed in one of her favorite nightgowns. "Yeah! I wanna see Mommy and baby." She replied.

"Baby." Sofia repeated, Matt laughing in response to his girls before he secured the two year old in his arms and started to get up from Caity's bed.

"Alright, we can go see Mommy and baby." He agreed, Caitlyn following his lead and getting out of bed. "But first, we need to go brush our teeth and go potty. Think you can do that for me?" He asked her, seeing his oldest daughter nod once more before she raced towards the hallway, Matt letting out a soft chuckle as he and Sofia followed after her.

It took them a few minutes to finish their tasks, as not only did Matt have to change Sofia out of her nighttime pull-up and give them time to go to the bathroom, but he also had to help them both brush their teeth. Sofia more than Caitlyn. But a good ten minutes later they were finally done, Casey holding both his girls as he walked down the stairs back to his and Gabby's bedroom.

"Mommy!" Caitlyn spoke brightly as soon as they stepped inside, Gabby looking up from her phone while she laid in the same place Matt had left her.

"Mama!" Sofia echoed, the woman's smile widening as she looked at her husband carrying her two girls.

"Hi babies." She greeted, putting her phone down to give them her complete attention before pushing herself up to sit a little straighter. Matt got to the edge of their bed, Gabby's eyes moving over the three of them before she landed back on Casey. "...You know that here soon, you won't be able to do that." She told him, referring to how he was holding their daughters in each arm before he left out a heavy scoff.

"I'll find a way." He replied lightly, Gabby letting out a soft laugh as he sat Caity and Sof down onto their bed, the girls then hurrying towards their mom.

Sofia went in first to attack her with kisses, while Caitlyn opted to patiently wait her turn, the older Casey girl choosing to stay down by Gabby's waist and gently caress her rounded stomach.

"Good morning, my girls." She told them, letting Sofia cling to her while she reached down to grab ahold of Caitlyn's free hand.

"Morning Mommy." Caity replied brightly, squeezing her palm before she rested her head down against Gabby's stomach. "Good morning, baby." She added on, after giving her little baby brother or sister a kiss. "I missed you while we were sleeping."

Gabby and Matt couldn't help but smile at Caitlyn's gentle nature with her youngest sibling, the six year old mirroring a lot of how Casey was with Gabby and their child. And it was something that could've brought tears to their eyes, Matt especially loving to soak up these moments as he watched both Caity and Sof love on their Momma.

"They missed you, too." Gabby replied, as Sofia curled her head up against Gabby's chest, her words then causing Caitlyn's smile to widen. Though the look on her face soon changed when she heard Gabby's stomach growl, Caity beginning to laugh in amusement while rubbing her hand over the bump.

"Mommy, I think the baby is hungry." She told them, Matt chuckling softly while Gabby smiled back at her.

"Yeah, I think they are honey… Guess that means we should have some breakfast." Gabby spoke, while Casey was already taking a step back towards the door, knowing that if his wife was hungry that meant it was time to make her something to eat.

"What is baby feeling today?" He asked, Gabby biting down on her lip while their daughter's continued to lay close to her.

"Hmm… how about french toast?" She asked with a gleam in her eye, Casey laughing quietly once more before he nodded.

"French toast coming up… You girls wanna help, or stay with Momma?" He asked, Sofia not even listening to him as she was more focused on cuddling with her mom, while Caitlyn mulled over his words for a few moments.

"I wanna stay with Momma." She replied, Casey smiling as he'd already known the answer he would be getting before he took another backwards step towards the door.

"Alright, well you all stay here and I'll let you know when breakfast is ready." He instructed, Gabby nodding as she gave him a grateful smile.

"Thanks babe."

"Thank you Daddy!" Caitlyn called after him, earning a few more laughs from her parents before Casey headed out to the kitchen while Gabby stayed in bed with their daughters, eager to soak in these few moments with her babies while she had them.


"You good over there, Dawson?"

Jemma's voice carried through the rig while she drove down the street to the firehouse, the paramedics currently returning back from their third call of the morning as they'd just left the hospital. But during the ride, it was impossible for Norris to miss how her partner seemed to be a little uncomfortable, as Gabby kept shifting around in her seat every few minutes or so. And this wasn't a new occurrence either, Jemma having noticed it on and off throughout their day- on calls especially, that her friend just didn't appear to be feeling great. Or at least not as good as she could be.

"Yeah, I'm alright." Gabby replied moments later while stretching out her back. "Just a little sore."

Jemma frowned understandingly, as she could only imagine the discomfort her best friend was in some days while growing another human. "Want me to pull over? Let you walk around a bit?" She offered, Jemma slowing down at the intersection before she went around the corner.

"Nah, it's okay, it'll pass here in a second." Gabby assured her, Jemma glancing her way for a moment before returning her eyes to the road, the younger paramedic then nodding while she continued in the direction of the firehouse while Dawson pressed her hand as deep into the muscles in her lower back as she could. The combination of the seatbelt restricting her movement and the angle made it a little difficult, but she was able to soothe some of the ache she felt in her muscles, the relief enough until she could get back to the firehouse and hopefully pull Matt aside to give her an impromptu massage. Which was something he'd been doing often since they found out about this baby.

At this point in her pregnancy, she felt pretty good overall. Now that she was into her second trimester, her stamina had improved a lot and she had a decent amount of energy. Well more than she did in the beginning. But along with that came the everpresent soreness she'd feel in her muscles. Everywhere from her calves, to her back, to her feet, everything was just sore most of the time, Gabby knowing well that that was all just part of pregnancy. Though that didn't necessarily help in easing any discomfort.

And it certainly wasn't any consolation to her when this morning she'd noticed the first signs of that round ligament pain she dealt with frequently throughout her pregnancy with Sofia. It first started when she was in the shower getting ready for shift, Gabby recognizing that deep ache in her stomach almost instantly as it had caught her a little off guard at first.

But even with all that, she still didn't mind it. Because a little soreness was well worth bringing their child into this world. Especially when Matt was always there to help her.

"Alright, well if you need me to stop, or you need a break just let me know." Jemma spoke up a few moments later, Gabby offering her a small smile before she nodded. "But for being fourteen weeks pregnant, I'd say you're still hanging in there like a champ on some of these calls." She encouraged, earning a soft laugh from her partner before Gabby adjusted herself in the passenger seat.

"Yeah, it hasn't been too bad, the baby isn't slowing me down yet… Though with how Matt acts some days, you wouldn't think so. He won't let me do anything." She added on with another chuckle.

"Good man." Jemma was quick to reply, getting a knowing look from Dawson as the younger paramedic merely grinned. "But in all seriousness, I am glad to see you're feeling well… Soreness aside."

"Me too." Gabby agreed as Norris came up to a stoplight. "Although give it a few more weeks and I might not be." She added on lightheartedly.

"Well, you're growing another human. I'd say it's warranted." Jemma told her, before reaching over to gently pat her on the leg. "Which, speaking of, do you know what you're doing with all that?" Norris shifted the subject somewhat suddenly, Gabby's eyebrows raising as she met her friend's gaze. "Work and everything… How much longer you'll stay on ambo."

A look of realization spread across Dawson's face, her lips pursing together before she gave her a slight shrug. One Jemma just barely saw before the light changed and she was able to continue down the street.

"I'm not sure yet." Gabby told her honestly, waiting for Norris to give her a nod before she kept on. "In a perfect world I'd love to work as long as I can, but I don't see that happening. I think I might bow out a little earlier than I did last time." She began to explain, Jemma listening to her every word. "Cause it's not just me I need to take into consideration. It's me and this baby, and my girls… Matt. And I still need to talk with Dr. Tanner, see what she thinks is best, but right now I don't know if it'll be much longer before I take a step back from 61."

Jemma nodded once more, letting Gabby's words sink in before she responded. "You need to do whatever is best for you, and the baby… So if that's leaving earlier than last time, I completely understand." She assured her, her words of encouragement bringing a smile to Dawson's face while she watched her.

"I appreciate that Jemma, thank you." She responded warmly. "It's hard, because part of me wishes I could stay on forever, but I know that's not practical. Or safe, given what all happened last time…" She trailed off, Norris grimacing almost instantly. "I don't want to do anything that might risk me or this baby, and Matt and I have talked about it- We both think the sooner the better. To be safe."

Her words hung heavy in the air, as both women knew just how dangerous this job could be. How dangerous it had been in Gabby's case, on more than one occasion. Too much to where she didn't feel like she could keep working much longer. Not even just what she'd gone through during her pregnancy with Sofia, but accidents on call in general. Days that should've been normal had ended in catastrophe, as they'd both seen first hand how horrible things could go in only seconds.

And those feelings weren't ever more present than they were now, as just a couple weeks ago marked the one year anniversary of that ambulance accident. The one that took Foster from them, the one that altered Brett's life forever. The one that nearly killed Gabby. It was something that was always present in her mind, even if she never fully regained her memory of that day, but that experience alone was enough of a reminder of how dangerous this job was. How in an instant, she could be taken from her husband, and her girls. How something could happen to her and she'd not only leave her family behind, but now endanger the helpless life inside of her. And that wasn't something she wanted to risk, not as she got further along into this pregnancy.

So no matter how much she loved this job, and being out on the rig, she didn't feel comfortable staying on for much longer. Not when she had more than just herself to take into consideration.

"That's smart." Jemma replied after a moment, prompting Gabby to let out a breath she hadn't even realized she'd been holding. "Your health and safety, that's what is important here. You and the baby. So I think you're making the right decision."

"Thank you." Gabby murmured, appreciation laced in her words as Jemma looked away from the road for just a moment to give her a smile.

"Though I am gonna miss you like crazy." She added on, Gabby thankful for the quick shift in conversation as her accidents on the job were never something she liked reliving. "It won't be the same without you on this rig, I'm not sure what I'm gonna do without my insane PIC bossing me around every day." She finished teasingly.

Dawson let out a deep laugh, the women grinning wide before Gabby huffed out a breath. "Oh, you just have it so rough, don't you?" She played along, earning another chuckle from her friend while shaking her head. "But don't you worry, I'll make sure to be a terror my last few weeks here. And besides, even when I step back from 61 I should still be around the house."

Norris' eyebrows raised a bit, the smile never leaving her face as she glanced towards her. "Yeah?"

"Mhmm. Matt's been working something out with headquarters, trying to get me a job set up at the station until the baby comes." She explained, Jemma's easy look morphing into an understanding smirk. "I'm not entirely sure what I'll be doing yet, but I'll be working out of the bullpen. So I'll get to be on shift with everyone, and see you guys… I just won't be going out on calls." She told her, Norris smacking her lips together as that bright look never left her eyes. "And that way I'll be able to work pretty much up until I have the baby."

"That sounds great, Dawson." She replied enthusiastically, clearly excited about the idea of her friend still being around. "Though I'd love to know how the Chief is pulling this off with the powers to be." She said with a sly look, Gabby's smile growing before she gave a playful shrug.

"He can be very persuasive when he wants to be." Gabby joked, Jemma grinning in amusement before she nodded.

"Mhmm, I'm sure… I take it this whole headquarters job was Casey's idea?" She pressed further, clearly enjoying this as Gabby shifted in her seat.

"Maybe." She replied, Jemma laughing once more before she reached out to grab her leg again, while keeping her other hand securely on the rig. "No, he suggested it to me a couple weeks ago. Said he'd been thinking about things I could do once it's time for me to get off ambo, and I guess he and some of his bosses came up with this idea. It sounds like mostly administrative stuff, but I'd be able to work out of 51 and be around the house."

"That would be good for you. And I'm not surprised Matt wanted to do that for you, he's a thoughtful guy, that Casey." Jemma added on lightly, earning another laugh from her partner.

"He really is." Gabby responded, as Norris gave her leg another squeeze. "And selfishly, I'm excited to still be around the guys. To not have to give that up, and still be able to take a leave from 61 when I feel like it's time."

"I totally get that. Selfishly for me too, I'm also glad you're still gonna be here." Jemma told her, the smile on Dawson's face growing before she nodded. "Working on the rig or not, this house is never the same when you're not here… So I think we'll all be glad to see you around."

"I sure hope so." She joked, the two women sharing another smile just as Norris turned onto the road to the firehouse, their station just as ahead.

But Gabby wasn't focusing much on that as she looked back at her partner, an overwhelming feeling of emotion rushing through her as it started to hit her just how much she'd miss being out on this rig with Norris. Even though they saw each other all the time, on and off shift, and Jemma was such an important part of her life, it still wasn't the same as being on 61 together.

And the more she thought about it, the more she realized how sad it would be for her to put that part of her life on pause, even if it was necessary, Gabby drawing in another breath before she reached out to place her hand on top of Norris'.

"How about we go out for lunch?"

Jemma glanced towards her, her brows raised as she was already slowing the rig down to pull into the driveway. But Gabby merely nodded, before patting the top of her hand.

"Just you and me." She added on, Norris smiling instantly before she began to match her nod.

"Let's go." She replied, the two best friends sharing one last look before they continued on down the street, leaving behind the firehouse for just a little longer.


"Casey, when are the little squirts getting here?" Severide asked from behind the counter, Matt glancing up from the newspaper in his grasp as he sat in the chair at the head of the table, before Kelly started to walk over to him.

"Uh, maybe ten minutes or so." He replied after checking his watch. "Caity just got out of school, but they should be over here soon."

Severide nodded, the man pulling out the chair beside him before sitting down. "Alright, good… That gives me enough time to eat my food before Caity or Sof try to steal it." He told him, Casey shooting him an unimpressed look while Herrmann came up to stand on the other side of Kelly.

"Oh don't pretend Severide, we all know you'd give it to them." Herrmann joked around, Matt biting back a laugh while Kelly glared up at him, even though his words were entirely true. "So the little Casey's are coming by today, Chief?" He continued on, not phased by Severide's sharp look as he leaned his weight into the table.

"They are, they wanted to come see everyone. Well, Gabby mostly." He corrected himself, causing Christopher to grin. "They always wanna be with their mom."

"Can't say I'm too surprised, especially with the baby… Caity and Sof seem pretty attached to them already." Herrmann told him, Matt's own smile widening as a rush of warmth spread through his chest.

"They definitely are, but it's so sweet." Casey replied brightly, while leaning back in his chair.

"Ah that's great, Chief. I know that little baby of yours is already so loved." Herrmann responded, Matt nodding agreement. "Can't believe it's already been a few weeks since you told us, time seems to just be flying by… But Dawson's feeling pretty good, it looks like."

"She is, yeah. She's been doing well considering." Casey continued on with their conversation. "Just taking things day by day."

"Yeah, that's the way to do it. It's the only way Cindy and I made it through." He spoke with a laugh, Matt smiling back at him. "But you and Dawson are handling it great, though I gotta admit it's a little crazy to see Dawson pregnant again." Severide laughed softly as Herrmann spoke, while Matt merely shook his head in Kelly's direction.

"Oh yeah?"

"A little, yeah… Guess I just didn't expect you to have another one, after Caitlyn and Sofia." Herrmann said, Casey pausing for a moment before nodding. "Though like I said, it's great to see Gabby doing so well. And even better that you two don't have to worry this time around." He finished, Matt's jaw involuntary clenching at Herrmann's statement, before he swallowed the thick lump that had formed in his throat, the Chief hoping to quickly hide his gut reaction to Christopher's words.

But Severide noticed.

He saw the way Matt's body tensed, the way his breath caught for a moment, Casey unable to stop his reaction from Herrmann's mention of Dawson's first pregnancy. And Severide wasn't sure what to make of it.

Herrmann's words were harmless enough, both men knowing he meant well by what he was saying. But despite that, it was like Matt hadn't wanted to hear them. Like he didn't want to think about Dawson's pregnancy with Sofia, and Severide couldn't entirely pinpoint why.

He knew Matt didn't like thinking of almost losing Gabby, with good reason. That day was terrifying for all of them, and he wasn't the one who almost lost the love of his life. But whatever this was now seemed like more than that. Like it was more than him just being reminded of the hard patches during their pregnancy with Sofia. Severide just didn't know what it was.

All he did know was that he'd seen this type of reaction from Casey before, most times whenever Dawson's first pregnancy was mentioned, his friend would freeze or change the subject. It was happening enough to where Severide noticed a pattern, but he hadn't gotten the chance to ask him about it.

And truthfully, Kelly wasn't sure Casey would tell him if he did.

Almost as if he was feeling his stares, Matt glanced towards Severide a second later, their eyes locking momentarily as Casey was no doubt seeing the questioning look coming from Severide. But before either of them could say anything they heard the double doors open, that sound quickly followed by the tapping of little feet against the tile.

"Daddy!" Caitlyn yelled excitedly, Matt snapping out of whatever headspace he was in as his entire face lit up when he saw his girls, before he began to get up from his seat.

"Dada!" Sofia copied her sister, her small legs following as close behind Caity as she could while the six year old crashed into her dad's waist.

"Hi princess, hi my other princess." He greeted his daughters, all eyes in the room on them as they saw their Chief's tough exterior fall away completely the second his girls entered the room. "I'm so glad you're here."

"Me too!" Caitlyn responded happily as Matt pressed a few kisses to her face, before repeating the process with Sofia, Becca sneaking into the room quietly with all the girls' belongings in her grasp.

"Did you have a good day?" Casey asked, hooking his arms underneath both their small bodies before lifting them up into his arms.

"Yeah! It was so much fun, I learned lots in school." She spoke excitedly, Casey missing all the smiles they were getting from the rest of the room as his complete focus was on his babies. "Then Becca and Sof picked me up from school, and we had snacks!"

"Wow! Snacks, huh?" He replied with just as much enthusiasm.

"Yeah!" She beamed, Matt letting out a laugh before giving her and Sofia another kiss. "And then after we had snacks, we came here to see you and Mommy and baby." Caity finished her thought, while Matt adjusted their weight in his arms.

"Well, that sounds like such a great day baby. But I'm glad you're finally here."

"Me too." She said again, her smile never fading as she glanced around the room, clearly in search of someone. "...Where's Mommy?" She asked seconds later, Casey's face softening while he felt Sofia playing with the buttons on his shirt.

"She's working." He answered her, Caitlyn's eyebrows furrowing together while her hand tapped against his shoulder.

"Is she okay?" She was quick to ask, her compassion towards her mother heartwarming to the entire room as Matt soon nodded.

"She is, she's good."

"Is baby okay?" Caitlyn questioned just as he finished his sentence, Matt nodding once more before he placed a kiss on her cheek.

"Yeah honey, they are. They're doing great… Momma's being careful." He promised, though she didn't seem entirely convinced.

"And you're protecting Mommy?" She checked one last time, Caitlyn not seeing a lot of the smiles she was getting from her parents' friends as there was no denying how fiercely she loved her mother.

"I am." He assured her, Caitlyn's face softening a moment later before she smiled brightly.

"Okay!" She replied, clearly content with his answers as a few of the first responders around the room chuckled, Matt shaking his head a bit before kissing her and Sofia once more, just as the sound of the ambo backing up filtered into the room.

"In fact, I think that's your Momma right there." He told her, Sofia's eyes widening in excitement while Caitlyn looked over to the doors they'd come in through. "Wanna go see her?"

"Yeah!" Caitlyn responded, Matt nodding before he started to walk through the room.

"Alright, let's go." He told her, feeling both girls wrap their arms around his neck while he moved.

"Okay… Bye!" Caity said to the room, earning a few waves from everyone as they headed for the double doors, Matt holding onto Caitlyn and Sofia tightly as he was eager to spend this evening with his three girls. Though while he moved, he hadn't seen the slightly worried expression covering Severide's face, Kelly unable to shake the feeling that there was something going on with Casey. Something that was bothering him.

But unless Matt came to him, Kelly wasn't sure he'd ever figure out what it was.