Hello everyone! I'm finally back with another chapter of this story for you all. Sorry it took me some time, but I'm really happy with how it turned out, and I hope you all enjoy it as well.

We ended the last one with Matt getting back to Gabby, so now we're gonna see a bit of how they're settling in, and how things are going for them in Puerto Rico. Which I do think you all are gonna like.

That's pretty much all I got. I know these updates are very sporadic and I'm sorry for that. Life has been a lot lately, and these updates are ones that I'm only able to work on when I have some extra time. And I'm honestly not even sure how many people still read this story, but I love writing it, and I hope you all still enjoy reading it.

Have a great week everyone, and I'll see you next time.


part nineteen


Casey grunted into consciousness as the hot Puerto Rican air filled their tent, the man wincing slightly as he became more and more aware of his surroundings, before a heavy yawn left his lips. He wasn't exactly sure what time it was, though he had a feeling he'd be needing to get up soon as he began to stretch out his tired limbs. But he wasn't able to move his entire body as there was something, or someone rather, resting partially on top of him, a soft smile beginning to form across his lips as he felt her bare body pressed against his.

They were laying in the same position they'd fallen asleep in the night before, the small cot not giving them all that much room to maneuver as they weren't all that much bigger than the bunks at the firehouse. But they were able to make it work each night as given all the time he'd spent in these tents, he and Gabby were accustomed to it by now, the couple much preferring the smaller space instead of having to sleep separately.

Drawing in a deep breath, Matt began to run his hand lazily up and down Gabby's back before he slowly started to open his eyes, it taking a few seconds for him to adjust to the light around him before he was finally able to see his surroundings. And after one quick glance towards the clock, his suspicions had been right in assuming he needed to get up here soon, Casey knowing he only had a little less than an hour before he was needed to work over at the school.

In the weeks that had passed since he and Gabby were back on the site, fixing up the school for the children is where Casey had been spending most of his time. He, and a few of the other men around here, had soon formed a little group together once Matt arrived, all of them spending their days working on restoring the building to the best of their ability. Which, admittedly, was something Casey was grateful for, as this job had helped tremendously in helping him to find his rhythm here in Puerto Rico. It had helped him and Gabby both.

When he first came back here, he didn't know exactly what he'd end up doing while Gabby finished out her contract. Aside from knowing he'd be able to help out on the construction end of things, he didn't necessarily know what that all entailed. Or what jobs they'd be wanting him to do. But thankfully, the second they got back here Travis, the friend he'd made during his first trip, took him under his wing, the man more than thankful to have Casey back on the job. And the two of them had made quite the team ever since, their bond becoming almost inseparable this last month while they worked on fixing up the school, Travis more than appreciative for the extra help as this project had been quite the undertaking.

The building itself was one that had been fixed up pretty early on, but when there were some bad storms that came through right after Casey got back, it left a lot of damage behind. The heavy rain and winds had taken out a few windows, and left behind some structural damage to the school they'd worked so hard to restore, so now Casey and Travis were working on getting it back to what it had been. As well as putting in a bit of extra support, as there was a good chance there would be more storms like that in the future.

But even with the few setbacks they'd had, they'd gotten some great work done. And Matt was enjoying every minute of it.

It was hard work, some of the hardest he's maybe ever done, Casey having a different kind of respect for these people after doing this sort of labor continuously for weeks. And his body was certainly feeling it as well, as muscles he didn't even know he had were feeling sore most days. But none of that really mattered to him, as getting to be here and work with his new friends, and getting all this time with Gabby, had been great. And he couldn't wait to get up and do it all again today.

Releasing another soft breath, Matt began the slow process of getting out of bed without waking Gabby. It wasn't the easiest task in the world, but after all these years together he'd managed to perfect it about as much as he could, Casey moving as carefully as possible as the last thing he wanted was to wake her up.

With today being one of the rare occasions where Gabby didn't have to be up early, he wanted to let her sleep as long as she could. Especially after the long day and late night they'd had yesterday, Matt knowing how exhausted she was as he gently inched his way out from underneath her before guiding her body down towards the cot, Casey checking to make sure she was comfortable before sliding his hand out from underneath her and slowly standing up.

Each move he made caused a part of his body to pull and crack, Casey grimacing as he stood up straight and began to properly stretch out his body. His back was sore, and his legs were a little tight, but overall he felt pretty good, Matt feeling his back pop one last time before he knew he'd stretched out as much as he needed to, the man sighing softly before he turned back around to face Gabby.

Even through all the movement she'd managed to stay asleep, her head resting on top of their pillow now that his chest wasn't underneath her, her hair sprawled out while her arm was resting in front of her, Gabby sleeping as peacefully as she had moments ago as her chest slowly moved up and down. With a gentle smile resting over his face, Matt reached out to grab ahold of the sheet that had fallen off of them when he moved and slowly pulled it up to cover her body, Gabby snuggling further into their bed before he carefully brushed some stray hair from her face.

"I love you." He whispered into the air, despite the fact that he knew she couldn't hear him, his hand cradling the side of her head for a few lingering moments before he began to get ready.

He did his best to stay quiet, though when pulling out his clothes for the day that proved to be a bit difficult. But eventually he'd managed to get his clean clothes out and placed on the desk, his t-shirt, jeans, and boxers just waiting to be put on while he stood only a few feet from their bed.

Casey had only just started to put his boxers on when he heard rustling from behind him, the man slowing his movements in the hope that Gabby was just shifting around in her sleep. But when her voice suddenly hit his ears, he knew his plans for her to get more rest were now gone.

"Well, good morning."

The teasing tone in her words caused him to chuckle softly, Matt knowing she was referring to his lack of dress as he got his boxers into place before turning around to face her. She was still laying on her side, Gabby holding the sheet up over her chest while her head was resting against her other forearm, the small smile on her face only growing as her eyes trailed up and down his body.

"I definitely don't mind waking up to this." She continued on, her voice a bit scratchy as it was clear to him she was still half-asleep, Matt nodding slowly as he began to walk back towards the bed.

"Yeah, I bet you don't." He told her, Gabby's grin widening just before he leaned down to steal a quick kiss, the beard he'd let grow for about a week now tickling her skin before he pulled back.

"You're up early." She commented after a moment, reaching her hand up towards his for him to grab ahold of, which he soon did, their fingers lacing together as he nodded.

"I know, I've gotta get to the school here soon." He reminded her, rubbing his thumb along the back of her hand as they locked eyes with each other. "I'm meeting Travis and the guys, I think we're gonna be working over there most of the day."

"Sounds good, baby." She told him, Matt hearing that exhaustion beginning to creep back into her voice as he flashed her a small smile.

"What about you? Are you gonna try and get some more sleep?" He questioned, Gabby slowly shaking her head before adjusting her body slightly, Matt not missing how the sheet started to fall down her chest a bit when she moved.

"I've got some work to get done at the church, so I'll probably head that way here soon." She told him, watching as he nodded before giving her hand a squeeze.

"Alright, well I hope you have a good day." Casey replied, his words earning a soft smile from her before she nodded back at him.

"You too." She echoed as he moved in for another kiss, Gabby smiling against his lips before he pulled away from her. "Same time for lunch today?" Dawson asked him with a gentle look in her eye, Matt tightening his hold on her hand before nodding.

It was something they tried to do most days, something that was all a part of settling into their routine here at the job sight, and that was eating their meals together whenever they could. Breakfast was usually hard for them, with their schedules that often conflicted in the mornings, but they'd made an effort to eat lunch and dinner together as frequently as possible. Which surprisingly had worked out rather well for them, the both of them hardly ever missing a meal as they'd been able to put their work on pause for an hour to go see each other.

"I'll be there." Casey replied, his girl grinning up at him before gently pulling his hand back towards her, the movement clearly telling him she wanted him to come back for another kiss. And he soon obliged, Casey resting his free hand on the bed beneath her as he hovered over her body, their lips connecting in a deep, loving kiss.

But this time, Matt wasn't able to pull back after a few seconds, Gabby deepening their movements while bringing her free hand up to grasp onto the back of his neck, effectively keeping him in place. And while the intensity of her actions had caught him off guard, they weren't unwelcome, Casey giving her just as much as she was giving as her nails dug into his skin.

Soft moans were escaping between their lips, Gabby slowly rolling onto her back while bringing Matt with her, his knee moving to rest on the cot to try and keep himself balanced as his body pressed into hers, neither of them making any effort to separate from the other. It wasn't until Gabby started moving their conjoined hands up her body that his mind began to clear, Matt pulling back just enough to get some air into his lungs while she kept sliding their hands towards her chest.

"Gabby…" He groaned, her lips attaching to his jaw and his neck; any skin she could find, before dropping the hold she had on his hand. But he didn't even get the chance to question her actions, as in a second she had pulled down the sheet covering her body before grabbing his hand once more and guiding it to her chest. "Baby-" Air caught in his lungs as he gripped onto her breast, Gabby holding onto the back of his hand while her lips continued moving across his skin.

"You've got time, don't you?" She panted out, the feeling of his rough palm against her smooth skin driving her crazy as he leaned closer towards her.

"Babe…" He breathed out as she began kissing her way towards his ear, Gabby effectively keeping his hand on her body as the thin sheets were bunched down at her waist.

"Please." She whispered into his ear, the near begging tone in her voice causing his muscles to tighten, Matt unable to stop the way his body was reacting to her as she pulled him down until he was nearly all the way on top of her. "Please, baby."

That was all he needed to hear as every thought of work began to leave his mind, Casey unable to think of anything past this moment with the love of his life as he adjusted his position on the bed, Matt intent on doing nothing but giving Gabby exactly what she wanted in this moment.

Because all that she wanted was him.


"Damn, today has to be one of the hottest days we've had in a while." Travis spoke as he hopped off the bottom step on the ladder, the man moving out of the way as Casey was climbing down after him, both men having just finished up their work on the roof of the small school. It's where they had been working all morning, Casey and Travis, along with some of the other men, continuing on with their work to fix up as much damage as they could.

"Yeah, it feels like it." Matt huffed out as his boots hit the dirt, the former firefighter taking a few steps away while the rest of the men were coming down, him and Travis moving to stand underneath the awning to try and hide from the treacherous sun that had been beating down on them all day.

"And I'm pretty sure it's only supposed to get hotter this afternoon." He mused, Casey shaking his head with a grimace before he lifted his shirt up to wipe away the thick layer of sweat that had built up across his forehead. "Which means the guys will definitely be complaining all day."

"Well, then it'll feel just like every other day." He joked, Travis laughing softly before he saw Matt look down to check his watch, a knowing gleam shining in the man's eyes before he spoke up.

"It's about that time, yeah?" Travis asked him, the sound of his voice causing Casey to look up. "For your lunch with Gabby." He added on with a smug grin, Matt smiling back at him before he nodded.

"Yeah, it is." He responded, unclipping his work belt from his hips before placing it on the ground, all the muscles in his body screaming at him with each move he made. But it was a good feeling, one that made him proud of all the work they'd accomplished here. "I'm supposed to meet her in a few minutes."

"Then you best get going, can't leave the Misses waiting." He joked, Casey stifling an eye roll before a hearty chuckle left his throat. "I know how much the both of you enjoy your lunches." Travis continued, Matt clicking his tongue against the roof of his mouth before shooting him a knowing look.

"Well, it's the closest we can get to a date around here." He spoke quickly, Travis shaking his head in amusement before leaning back against the side of the building. "But no, it's just nice… to get some time with her during the day. Catch up on things and how we're doing, you know." Casey elaborated, earning an understanding look from his friend. "It's nice to have a chance to see one another, more than just when we're both exhausted at the end of the day."

"I get it, man." Travis responded, the light tone to his voice gaining Matt's attention. "And, giving you a hard time aside, I am glad to see how well things are going for you two here, and how well you've adjusted." He told him, the serious shift in his demeanor hard to miss. "I know this isn't an easy adjustment, for anyone… But I can tell how much you've liked being here, and it's really great to have you back, Casey." He finished genuinely, Matt's face softening before a small smile began to form over his lips.

"It's great to be back… But thanks man, I really appreciate that." He replied, Travis matching his grin before he nodded. "Being here, it's been… It's been a shift, from what I'm used to. There's no denying that. But I've loved it." He breathed out, Travis' smile widening as he listened to his friend talk. "I've loved every minute of it."

"That's great to hear, Matt." He replied softly, before glancing down at the time. "But if you want to keep on enjoying this, I'd say you need to go ahead and get out of here, or you'll really be late meeting Dawson." He added on with a laugh, Matt giving him an immediate nod before beginning to walk away from the building. "Though she might make you take a shower before she lets you anywhere near her." He teased, Casey scoffing lightly as he shook his head.

"You might be right about that." He agreed with a grin. "But yeah, I'm gonna get out of here. I'll be back in a bit."

"See ya, Casey." Travis replied, Matt giving him a nod before the two men parted ways.

The walk to his destination wasn't too long, Matt knowing the route to the church by heart at this point as he made this trek multiple times a day. But it still took him a good ten minutes to get there, Casey saying a few pleasant greetings to some of the people he passed, while also doing his best to get to the building sooner rather than later.

And by the time he was walking up the steps to the church, he'd managed to shave a few minutes off his normal time, Matt drawing in a deep breath before heading straight for the bathrooms. He knew he was a bit late, later than he would've liked, but he also knew Travis had a point; after his morning out in the sun, he was caked in sweat and dirt. And taking a couple seconds to clean himself seemed like the better choice than just going straight to Gabby.

The process took him no time at all, Casey doing one last look over himself to make sure he got as much of the dirt off himself as he could before exiting the bathroom, the man heading straight for the stairs that would take him down to the hall where they ate their meals.

The room was pretty busy when he got down there, Matt hanging back by the wall as he scoured the crowd for Gabby, figuring with his tardiness she would have already come down. But despite looking over the entire room twice, he hadn't been able to find her, Casey's eyebrows furrowing before he glanced down to check the time once more, just to make sure he hadn't misread it earlier.

"Matt?"

Casey looked up when he heard his name, a small smile immediately forming across his lips when he saw a woman he recognized standing in front of him. She was one of the ladies who frequently helped with meals, someone Matt had met during his first trip here. And while they didn't talk often, they knew each other well enough to be on a first name basis. Especially with him and Gabby coming here every day.

"Marcela, hi." He greeted, the woman smiling back at him before her eyes flickered towards the stairs Matt had just come down. "Everything okay?" He asked when she had yet to say anything, his words earning a slow nod from her before she responded.

"Yes, everything's fine. I just saw you standing here, and I figured you were waiting for Gabby." She spoke, Casey soon nodding to tell her she was right. "But I just wanted to let you know that I think your wife was up in the nursery, or at least that's where she's been for a while… In case you wanted to go up there and see her."

Deciding against correcting her, Casey simply returned the grin before nodding once more. "Thanks Marcela, I'll go check and see if she's there." He told her, the two exchanging a few last words before he headed back towards the steps, Casey skillfully avoiding running into the people he passed as he started the walk upstairs to the nursery.

He hadn't been there too often, maybe once or twice, as there was really no need for him to visit that part of the church. But he knew Gabby spent her fair share of time around the kids ever since she'd been here, so he wasn't surprised she was up there, Matt knowing enough of the general direction to head in as he made his way up to the top floor.

Casey was met by a long hallway once he climbed the last step, but as the sound of children playing started to hit his ears, he knew he was in the right place, Matt using his long strides to get down the hallway to the nursery.

As soon as he got to the doorway, he was immediately met by the sight of tons of children, kids of all ages playing with their different toys while the many adults around the large room looked after them. But it was one adult in particular that soon gained his attention, a soft smile covering his face when he saw his girl standing across the room.

And as he walked into the room and began heading her way, that same smile began to widen when he saw the small baby she was cradling her arms, Casey feeling a rush of warmth flood through his body at this image of her.

It was something he'd seen many times before, between Louie, and their friends and family, and kids on the job, but regardless of how often he experienced it, Matt never got tired of the sight of her with children. It just elicited something deep within him, something he really couldn't explain, but it almost felt like he would fall even deeper in love with her. And it was a feeling he longed for.

"Hey baby." Gabby spoke when she saw him, Matt snapping out of his thoughts before repeating a similar greeting, the man leaning forward to give her a quick kiss against the side of her head once he was beside her. "I didn't realize you'd be here already- Oh, is it that late already?" She continued on, more to herself once she saw the time of the wall. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to keep you waiting." She added on, Casey immediately waving her off as their eyes locked on each other.

"It's fine, babe." He assured her, Dawson offering him a small smile before her eyes started tracing over his face. "Did you have a good morning?"

"I did, yeah." She answered, Matt noticing her starting to run her hand along the side of the baby's head, even though Gabby hadn't looked away from him. "What about you? How are things going out there?"

"It's going well, we're getting a lot done… It's pretty brutal out there, though." He answered her, Gabby frowning slightly as a look of understanding flashed in her eyes.

"Yeah, it's pretty hot today." She agreed, Matt unable to miss how she looked over him once more. "...You sure you're feeling okay, though?" She pushed, like she just needed to make sure. "You're not too worn out or anything?"

"I'm good, babe." He answered her quickly before leaning forward to steal a quick kiss. "I'm definitely looking forward to getting a shower tonight, but I'm fine. I've had a good day." Casey promised her, Gabby pausing for a moment until the hesitant smile on her face started to feel a little more secure, as she continued to think about the man in front of her.

From the moment she'd noticed him in the room, she had done her best to get a read on him, just as she so often did ever since he'd come here. And every time, it was always the same thing, Matt having been glad to be here from the moment he arrived. But these past few days, she'd begun to notice something else.

And it was the feeling of absolute joy.

It took her a while to pick up on, but right now there was no mistaking it, that being the pure happiness she saw written across his features. He just looked content, in a way she hadn't seen in a long time. Like he was completely at peace here, like this job was able to bring that out in him. And it made her happier than she'd been in a while, as she was sure there was nothing better than seeing him so glad to be here with her.

"Good." She finally echoed, their eyes lingering on each other for another moment before she looked back down towards the baby in her arms, Casey following gaze.

"...Who's this?" He asked softly, Gabby practically able to hear the smile on his face as he continued cradling the baby.

"This is Alejandra." Gabby answered, Matt's grin widening before he gently reached out to hold the baby's hand. And the second he did, the little girl immediately grabbed onto his finger, like it was instinct, the action causing a gentle breath to leave his lungs before he started to stroke the back of her small hand with his thumb.

"Hi Alejandra." He replied, just as a big yawn escaped the baby's lips, soon followed by what could only be described as a soft whine. But she was adorable regardless, Matt and Gabby both captivated by the child as she slowly opened her eyes once more, before beginning to look between them. "She's so sweet." He added on, his gaze locking on Alejandra's big brown eyes when she smiled up at him.

"She is, she's such a good baby, aren't you sweetheart?" Gabby spoke, her words mostly directed towards the little girl now as she gently bounced her in her arms.

"Have you been with her all morning?" Matt questioned, Dawson glancing his way once more before shaking her head.

"No, just for about half an hour or so… She woke up from her nap when I got up here, and she wouldn't quiet down unless I was holding her." She explained, Casey wearing a small smile as he nodded. "And then we've just been playing, that's how I got sidetracked. But we can get out of here and go eat, I'm sorry again for making you track me down."

"It's fine, babe. I don't mind." He responded, feeling Alejandra grip onto his finger a little tighter. "And plus, I'm not sure if she's gonna let either of us go anywhere." He added with a laugh, Gabby not missing the gleam in his eye before she looked back at the baby, the child's slobbery grin beaming up at them while they stood there.

"Yeah, you might be right about that… But I don't think we can stay here forever." She countered, Casey giving her a slight shrug before refocusing his attention on the child. "Though, I don't think a few more minutes will hurt anything."

Laughing softly, Matt shook his head in agreement just as Gabby leaned back into him slightly, Casey bringing his free hand up to rest around her waist while they both continued to watch the small girl with a relaxed look in their eyes.

"Yeah… It couldn't hurt."


Dawson blew out a sharp sigh as she collapsed down beside him, her breathing ragged and unsteady as she tried to gain some control of her own muscles, Matt in a similar state as he laid on his back, his own body still tensing as they were both coming down from the high they'd experienced together.

It was pretty late in the evening, well past midnight as the couple had only just managed to get done with work and showered less than an hour ago, their busy day going well into the night as it so often did around here. But then once they'd gotten back to their small, yet cozy place of residence, it hadn't taken long for Gabby to strip him of the clothes he'd put on before falling into bed together, the couple spending the next bit of time getting reacquainted with one another.

But it was time well spent, even though it was pretty late, as getting to be together helped them both to relax and decompress after their long day, Matt releasing another long breath before placing a kiss to the top of her head.

A lazy smile formed over her face at the movement, Gabby digging herself deeper into his side before he reached down to grab the sheet down over his legs and pull it up to cover them.

"Thank you." She murmured, before pressing a kiss to his bare chest, Matt grinning out of pure contentment as he felt her lift her leg up to rest over his.

"For the sex or for the blanket?" He asked without shame, Dawson rolling her eyes before she snuggling deeper into his hold, his growing facial hair starting to tickle her forehead slightly as she moved.

"Both." She answered just as quickly, Casey chuckling quietly before he pressed another kiss to her head.

"Well, you're welcome… For both." He responded lightly, his hand starting to gently run up and down her arm while they laid together in the security of their tent. "Though, if anything I think I should be thanking you." He added on smugly, referencing the way Gabby was clearly the one in charge of things tonight. Not that he'd ever complain.

Laughing softly, Gabby turned her head against his chest before sliding her hand up his side, as all she wanted right now was to feel him. "Yeah, well, it was a good day… And I wanted it to be even better." She reasoned, Matt thinking over her words before he nodded.

"You're right, it was a good day." He agreed, tracing his fingers along the outside of her arm. "It was a really good day."

Something in his tone caught her attention, Gabby taking in a slow breath before she slowly started to push up, just enough to angle herself to where she could see him, her bare chest pressed against his side as his hand slid around to her back.

They both stayed quiet for a moment, her eyes tracing over him while her thumb stroked lovingly over his collarbone, Matt watching her with just as much intrigue as his hand slid down underneath the sheet to rest on her lower back. He could tell she was in deep thought, he just wasn't sure why, Casey choosing to let her come to him as he continued rubbing his hand over her skin, Gabby looking at him thoughtfully before she finally spoke up.

"...You seem really happy here."

Her voice was soft, and kind of hard to read, but Matt smiled regardless when he registered her words, the gentle look in his eye causing a grin of her own to form as she continued her movements over his chest.

"That's because I am." He replied, seeing her pause for a moment before she nodded, his head leaning towards hers as the smile on his face widened. "I'm… I am really happy here. Getting to be with you, and the work we're doing… It's been great, I'm having a great time." He continued on, feeling her body slowly relaxing into him as she rested her chin in her palm.

"Better than I ever could've imagined... But now that you bring it up, it is kind of something I've been thinking about a lot, if I'm being honest." Casey spoke suddenly, seeing her eyebrows furrow together like she wasn't sure what he was about to say. "And I know we haven't really talked about it, but being here these last few weeks, and truly getting to be a part of everything you do here… I guess I just get it now."

"Get what?" She asked before she could stop herself, Matt's expression softening before he replied.

"I get why you felt like you needed to do this." He told her, seeing the realization slowly starting to set in as her smile grew. "I know I didn't see it at the time, when I let you go. And then I was able to see bits and pieces of it before, but being here with you… Getting to experience all of this, it feels like I finally understand why you felt like this is where you needed to be."

More and more joy filled her features as he spoke, Matt matching her grin as he continued rubbing along her back.

"And I know you told me before how good this job was for you, but now it's like I'm able to see it even more. And it just… It makes me feel so thankful, that I'm able to be here with you." He told her, seeing the love shining in her eyes as he spoke. "But truthfully, it also makes me wish I'd taken you up on your offer when you first asked…" He said, his honest words hanging over them as the mood in the room started to shift. "That I hadn't been so stubborn, because I could've seen then what all you were doing."

"Matt…"

"And it would've saved us from all the pain and hurt we went through." He cut her off, Gabby taking a steadying breath as he spoke. "The separation, and divorce, none of it ever needed to happen. Had I just said yes, it never would've happened."

The words left his lips quickly, like he was almost afraid to say them. But a part of him was glad he had, as Matt didn't want to keep any of this in. And by the look on Gabby's face, she didn't want him to, either.

"Baby, we talked about this." She spoke softly, as her hand stroked over his chest. "...We were both in a bad place then, one where I don't think either of us were in the right mindset to be together."

"No, I know that, I just… After being here, it still makes me wish we tried." He told her truthfully, Gabby frowning softly before she nodded in understanding. "Because I'll always have regrets about that, and how everything went down… And I guess being here, it's kind of made me think more about it, how all of that could've been avoided had I just thought about what you were asking me, instead of shutting you down." He breathed out, holding onto her a little tighter. "But I also know we can't dwell on it. And I'm trying not to, I just… I'm so glad that I get to be here with you right now. But thinking about it has kind of brought all of that back up again."

A few tears started to spring to her eyes as his words washed over her, the secure hold he had on her flooding her body with a warmth only he could provide as she blinked quickly a few times, before nodding slowly.

"I understand, babe. I do… But I want you to know that I'm so glad you're here, too." She murmured, afraid that if she spoke any higher her voice would betray her, Matt giving her an understanding look before he continued on.

"I also want to make sure you know that I am so damn proud of you." He spoke, the strength in his tone showing just how much he meant what he was saying. "I know I've told you before, but I'm so proud of you for being here, and helping these people… You have no idea how incredible you are, Gabby. And I just want to thank you for letting me be a part of this."

She shook her head slowly once, the smile on her face growing as her hand slid up to cup his neck. "Thank you for wanting to be a part of it." She responded, Matt matching her grin just as she leaned down to capture his lips in a powerful, passion-filled kiss. One that neither of them ever wanted to end.

"I love you." She whispered against him when they reluctantly separated for air, Gabby able to feel his smile against her lips.

"I love you, too." He replied before pulling her back to him, Matt holding onto the back of her head as he gently rolled them over, pinning Gabby underneath him as their movements became more and more intense.

And from then on out, it was like nothing else in the world mattered, soft pants and moans filling the small space as they focused solely on each other, Gabby and Matt wanting to do everything in their power to show each other just how much all of this meant to them.