Disclaimer: I don't own Chicago Fire or any affiliated shows, or the characters thereof. This is just for fun.

I hope that you like the latest chapter of An Occupational Hazard.

Thank you to everyone who has reviewed this story so far!

I'm sorry for the long wait, I've had a lot of personal things happening :(

Chapter Ten

Kelly was released from from the hospital the following morning under the provision that he take two new medications in addition to his already substantial regimen in order to prevent further seizures. Still, he was advised that he would no longer be allowed to drive.

So, Stella loaded Kelly - who had remained very somber throughout this incident - and his meagre selection of items gathered during his hospitalisation into the Jeep, and they made their journey back to Chicago.

For awhile things seemed to improve for the expectant couple. The new medications that he'd been given seemed to give him a much needed boost. And Kelly took every possible opportunity to enjoy that boost, from finishing their baby's nursery, to stopping by the firehouse with Stella, he did it all.

Kelly even proposed to, and married Stella.

Six weeks earlier

Kelly gently rubbed the delicately designed engagement ring between his fingers as he sat on the couch. Although Kelly had been expecting it, a knock at the front door startled him more than he'd ever admit.

Kelly put the ring its box and then into his pocket, before he went to answer the door.

"Hey, mate," Casey said reservedly.

Kelly grabbed two cigars from the bench, and motioned for Matt to join him on the balcony.

Casey took the cigar reluctantly, "Should you be smoking when you're… You know?"

"What's it going to do, kill me faster? Please, I just want to sit out here with you, like old times."

Casey rolled his eyes slightly, but accepted the lighter from Kelly, who was already smoking his own cigar. "So, what's on your mind?"

"Does there have to be a reason for us to hang out?" The weight of the ring box felt too heavy in Kelly's pocket.

"Usually, yes."

"I bought a ring," Kelly finally blurted out. "I want to propose to Stella. You know, while I can… It'll be better for her and the baby, she'll get my pension, death benefits, my life insurance policy."

"Whoa, hold up, Severide," Casey said in surprise, then after he processed the information, Matt continued, "Firstly, don't even think about saying that when you propose, it's meant to be all romantic and shit, not practical and depressing."

"Yeah, I'll have to figure it out…" Kelly paused, "You know that it's only a matter of time until this get really bad. I know it's bad now, but from what the doctor is saying, it's going to get much worse. So, if Stella will marry me, then we probably should go for a small service as soon as possible."

"Does it really need to be rushed?"

"I'm slipping, Casey. I've been noticing more problems for over a month now," Kelly admitted sadly. "As much as I don't want to make her a widow, it will be better for her and the baby."

Kelly didn't sleep much that night, as he thought about how to propose properly. A lot of possibilities came to mind, but somehow they just didn't seem good enough for Stella, and then it came to him.

Kelly slipped out of the bed, and walked quietly out to the living room. It was late, but not too late to make a few calls.

As dawn broke the following morning, Kelly had a steaming cup of coffee waiting for Stella when she emerged from the bedroom.

"Couldn't sleep?" Stella asked in concern.

"No, I just needed some time to think," Kelly lied easily, though he felt guilty doing so. "Anyway, I spoke to Boden, he's offered to let us take his boat out on the lake. Might be nice just to get some fresh air…"

Stella smiled, if it was going to make Kelly happy, even briefly, she would do just about anything. "Just promise me that we aren't going to end up being rescued by the water patrol this time," Stella said teasingly.

"No, I checked and the boat is in perfect working order this time."

"Okay, well when are we going?"

Kelly reached behind the bench where he'd hidden a large cooler, and shows it to Stella. "How about now?"

"Okay, just give me a few minutes to get dressed."

The water was a little choppy, but Kelly easily steered the boat out onto the vast lake. Stella soaking in the sun, when Kelly brought out a bottle of champagne and two glass flutes.

"Champagne, Kelly? What are you up to?"

"I just think that we should make a toast to commemorate this moment."

"And what moment would that be?" Stella was genuinely perplexed.

"Well, hopefully it'll be the moment when you agree to marry me." Kelly set his oxygen concentrator on the deck, and knelt in front of Stella. Taking the ring box from his pocket, Kelly continued, "You are the best thing that has ever happened to me, Stella Kidd. You've always known how to bring out the best in me, and how to keep me out of trouble. You laugh at my dumb jokes, and I swear that any room you walk into brightens up just because you are there. I wish we had all the time in the world to live out our lives together and I'm sorry that we can't, but soon we're going to be parents to this little one, and ultimately what I'm trying to say is that I love you, Stella, and I would very much like it if you would agree to marry me."

Stella nodded her head happily. A feeling of elation washing over her. She gently took the engagement ring from its box, and slid it onto her finger. It was a perfect fit.

"So, is that a yes?" Kelly asked teasingly, as he stood up.

"Of course it bloody well is!" Stella paused, and her expression saddened. "I just wish we had more time."

"Yeah, me too." Kelly hesitated, before continuing, "This is probably too much to ask, but I spoke to the new chaplain, Lyn Donaldson, and I explained our situation. She offered for us to get married at the fire department church next week. It can be as big or small as you want. I just don't want to waste another minute."

"You organised all that?"

"Yeah, I guess. We still need to invite people, get a cake, buy flowers… Actually, we pretty much need to do everything, but we've got a church and the rings. That's a start, right?"

"Kelly, I don't need a whole lot of overpriced stuff to have an amazing day, how could I when I'm marrying the most amazing man I've ever known?"

To Be Continued…

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