Hi everyone! Here's the next chapter for you all, I hope you all like it. Thank you so much for your feedback on the last one, it means so much to me. I can't wait to hear what you all think of this one as well.
Happy reading, everyone!
Chapter One Hundred and Thirteen
"Alright, the girls have finished eating, they're sitting in the living room playing." Matt's voice filtered into the bedroom as Gabby stood in front of the dresser, the man looking up to see his wife just as she slid her longsleeve CFD shirt on over her head. "And Caitlyn managed to eat without getting food on herself, so the whole 'letting her get ready for school before breakfast' thing was a success." He added with a proud smile, Dawson scrunching her nose up as she put her arms through her sleeves before pulling the material the rest of the way down.
"Yeah, this time." She countered, Matt running his teeth over his bottom lip as he fought off a smirk, Gabby catching his gaze through the mirror before tucking in her shirt. "Though it's hard to get anything on her clothes when all she had to eat was a plain waffle." Gabby continued, his head cocking to the side as she raised her eyebrows slightly.
"...You heard that, huh?" He questioned, Dawson scoffing lightly before turning around to face him, her hands preoccupied with securing her belt as she glanced up at him.
"She's pretty loud when telling you she doesn't want syrup." She responded, Matt huffing out a breath before crossing his arms over his chest.
"Well, fair enough… But she didn't spill her milk, so I think I get points for that." He told her, Gabby shaking her head in amusement before she turned back to check her appearance once last time, making sure she was ready for their long day. "So, it still counts. This went well."
"Yes it did, baby." She responded, though her words were a bit patronizing. "I'm proud of you both." She added, her teasing words causing him to glare at her playfully as he began to walk towards her. Her eyes focused on him through the mirror as he moved, Gabby taking a second to admire how great he looked in that white shirt before he came up behind her, his large hands gripping her hips as he pulled her back towards him in one quick motion. Their eyes stayed locked on each other, Gabby feeling comforted by the warmth of his chest pressed into her back as he moved his head forward slightly to hover above her shoulder. "...Can I help you?" She murmured, Gabby drawing in a deep breath as he gave her hips a squeeze, Matt moving his head down to press a gentle kiss over her covered shoulder before breathing out slowly.
"Just wanted to enjoy a minute alone with my beautiful wife." He told her, her eyes falling closed as a soft smile graced her lips, Gabby letting herself relax back into him as he slid his hands around to her stomach. After he'd effectively wrapped her up in his arms, he rested his chin down on her shoulder, Gabby lifting her hand up to rub her fingers through his hair as they relished in this quiet moment for a few seconds.
Though it wasn't completely quiet, as they could still hear the girls playing out in the living room, it was still nice to have this time alone, even if it was fleeting as they knew at least one of them would have to leave here soon to make sure their daughters were still alright. But for now, it was nice to just relax into each other, Matt practically holding them both up as Gabby leaned her head back towards his. He kept gently stroking his thumb over her stomach, Matt smiling softly as he was able to feel just how content she was in this moment, her chest rising and falling slowly as she breathed.
"So the girls ate okay?" She eventually questioned, Matt biting back his smirk as he gave her torso a soft squeeze. He couldn't say he was surprised that even in their rare time alone, Gabby was wanting to check in on their girls; it was just part of what made her such an incredible mom, and why he was so beyond grateful that she was the mother of his children.
"They did… Sofia ate all of her oatmeal- well, all of it that didn't end up on the highchair or on the floor," He spoke with a soft laugh, Gabby matching his grin as they both knew just how messy of an eater Sofia could be. Especially as their little girl was barely breastfeeding anymore, aside from maybe once a day before naps or bedtime if she wanted, and the bulk of her food was coming from meals she could feed herself, meal time had become a rather messy event in their house. But they knew it was all apart of her learning and growing, as she continued moving further and further away from breastfeeding.
After the parents' conversation on the topic a few weeks back, they'd decided the best course of action for them was to just go by what Sofia was wanting, which meant they had significantly cut back on that time together. But while Sofia certainly was weaning herself off of it, Gabby could tell she wasn't ready just yet to give it up entirely. So they'd continued to take this day by day, and let Sofia guide them with what she needed; which, admittedly, consisted mostly of her eating her own meals. But despite the mess, it was often entertaining. "But she got most of it… And Caitlyn ate her waffle. I tried to see if she wanted more, or some eggs or something, but she said she wasn't hungry." He added, Gabby scrunching up her nose slightly.
"Well, that might be in protest considering she thinks we're the ones keeping her from school the rest of the week." She responded lightly, Matt chuckling as he shook his head, knowing just how true his wife's words were.
As it was nearing the end of November, and Thanksgiving was quickly approaching in a couple of days, today was Caitlyn's last day of school this week, which was something she certainly was not thrilled about. Their little girl loved school so much, just as she had from her first day, so the thought of not getting to go these next three days had left her a little bummed out, considering she didn't really understand much of the holiday they were breaking for.
"I think you might be right about that." Matt replied, the man pausing to listen to his girls in the living room as he wanted to make sure they were still okay. And once he got the confirmation they were, Caitlyn's little voice filtering into the bedroom while he could hear Sofia babbling away, he returned his focus to his wife, Gabby still watching him through the mirror. "But I think once we get to your dad's on Thursday, and we get to see everyone, she'll be a little more into the whole idea."
"Yeah, I think so, too… Plus, this is our first holiday as a family," She added, her words causing Matt's smile to grow before he nodded. "Which, that alone is something to be thankful for."
"It absolutely is." He responded without hesitation. "It's gonna be a great day… Especially with your mom deciding to come into town," He continued, it now being Gabby's turn to smile as a happy gleam shone in her eyes. It was definitely a surprise to them, Gabby and Matt finding out late last night that Camila would be coming back to the city for Thanksgiving. But it was one of the best surprises, for Gabby especially, as she hadn't seen her mother since last Christmas. And not only that, but Camila would finally be able to meet Caitlyn in person, and that was something everyone was excited for. "I have a feeling this'll be one of the best Thanksgivings yet."
"I hope you're right about that." She murmured, Gabby dropping her hand down to rest over his arm. "As long as my mom and dad can remain civil for everyone." She replied lightly, though Matt was sure she was only half joking.
"It'll be fine." He replied gently, giving her a reassuring squeeze. "Things went well at Christmas, they both were just so in love with Sofia, neither of them were really focused on what went on between them." Matt reminded her, Gabby breathing in deeply before she nodded. "And now there's another grandbaby in the mix," He spoke happily, the pure joy in his voice causing her to smile. "So I think it'll all be good. And I'm glad you're getting to see your mom."
"Me too." She spoke, Matt grinning softly before he pressed a light kiss against her neck, Gabby feeling him breathe against her skin before he lifted his head back up.
"Though, while we're on the topic of parents… I was texting with my mom this morning, she was telling me how much fun she had at dinner the other night." He started, Gabby nodding as she waited for him to continue. "And, I hadn't really put it together when she told me how long she was gonna be in town for, but she was wondering what we were doing for Thanksgiving, and if she could see us." He told her, a look of realization settling in over her face while he talked.
"Oh, yeah- I guess it didn't occur to me, either." She added, as even though they knew Nancy was coming to town around the holidays, they hadn't really connected the two.
"Yeah… I know Thanksgiving kind of snuck up on us, but she said she meant to mention it before she left." He continued on, Gabby nodding in understanding as she remembered how their night with his mom and Henry ended rather abruptly when it was clear the girls needed to go to bed. "But I wasn't sure what to tell her, I know we're seeing your family, and now with your mom coming, I didn't want to just say yes without talking to you first."
"I don't mind if she comes." Gabby replied, Matt smiling softly before he nodded. "I know my parents will be glad to see her again. And honestly, another person there as a buffer between my mom and dad would be good. So it's fine by me if she comes… But let's just hope Henry leaves his comments at home." She finished, Casey sighing softly before he gave her stomach another squeeze.
They hadn't really spoken about it, the comment Henry had made the night before last about Caitlyn looking like a Casey. And while they couldn't be entirely sure what he meant by it, they both had a pretty good idea; and it didn't sit well with either of them.
"Yeah… I don't know what that was about." Matt huffed out, Gabby shaking her head slightly before she turned around in his arms. He loosened his grip enough for her to move, his hands returning to her waist once she'd settled her weight against the dresser, the two locking eyes as her arms hung down in between them.
"I don't know either, but it sounded to me like he was glad Caitlyn looks like you." She responded, Matt seeing the flicker of uncertainty in her eyes as he drew in a deep breath. "And- just something about the way he said it, and how it was a picture of both girls… It's like he's happy she's white or something." She finished, Matt biting down on the inside of his cheek before he shook his head slightly.
"I'm sorry." He breathed out, a look of confusion covering her face.
"Why are you apologizing, it's not your fault."
"No, it kind of is." He told her, her eyebrows furrowing even more as her head tilted to the side, her body language telling him she was waiting for more of an explanation. "When… Last year, when they were here for a visit, Henry, he- made some comments, I guess." He spoke, Matt not missing the realization that was slowly forming in her eyes, like she at least had some idea of what was coming. And the look on her face that he was seeing right now was exactly why he didn't want to tell her. "When he saw a photo of us, I guess he was expecting-"
"Your wife to be white, too." She finished for him, Matt sighing heavily before he nodded.
"Yeah." He replied, the heavy feeling in his gut only getting worse when he saw her eyes move down in between them.
"What did he say?" She questioned, Matt running his tongue along his bottom lip before he responded.
"Uh… After he saw the picture, he wasn't sure if you spoke English," He started with a wince, hating that they even had to be having this conversation as Gabby scoffed roughly, her head lifting back up to look at him. "Or if you were born here. And he- He would say 'those people', when talking about…" He trailed off, knowing Gabby got enough of the picture that he didn't need to elaborate any further, the look of disgust on her face telling him all he needed to know.
"Well… I guess his comment about Caitlyn, or his backhanded comment about Sofia rather, is making a lot more sense now." She spoke quietly, Matt's neck clenching as he shook his head, his hands giving her hips a light squeeze as he tried to suppress the anger he felt.
"I really am sorry." He spoke sincerely, Gabby meeting his eyeline. "I- God, I'm sorry you have to deal with this bullshit, I should've said something sooner."
"It's not your fault." She repeated once more as she waved her hand in the air between them, Matt breathing in deeply as his hands ran over her sides. "You didn't ask for your mom to be dating a racist prick."
"Yeah, I really wish she wasn't." He said as he released a heavy sigh. "I don't understand why she's still with him. But still, I'm sorry. I wish you didn't have to be around him, I don't even want to be around him." He continued, Gabby giving him a weak smile before she nodded. "...Should I tell her to not have him come?"
Dawson sighed softly as she thought over his question, before ultimately shaking her head. "No, it's okay."
"You sure?" He was quick to ask. "Because… I know I don't understand this, I can't know what this is like for you," He told her honestly, Gabby's gaze softening. "So this is entirely up to you. I can tell her she can only come if he doesn't, if that's what you want. Whatever you wanna do here."
"It's okay, Matt. He can come… I've dealt with way worse than him." She replied, Matt unable to stop himself from wincing slightly at her words. Because while he knew they were true, that didn't mean he had to like it. "And it doesn't make it any better, but from what you've told me, and what he said the other night, I get the feeling he's just ignorant more than anything else." She told him, Matt nodding in agreement. "And I- I won't lie, and say the whole thing doesn't make me uncomfortable," She admitted, her words causing a slight grimace to form over his face, "but I want your mom to be there, and get that time with the kids. And I don't want her to feel like she has to choose, not when she barely gets to see us or the girls. So it's fine, babe. I promise." Gabby assured him, Matt pursing his lips together before he breathed in deeply, the husband nodding gently as he gave her body another squeeze.
"Alright… If that's what you want, that's what we'll do." He replied, knowing it wasn't his place to make this decision for her. "But I'm still gonna call her, and tell her to talk to him."
"Matt, you don't have to do-"
"Yes, I do." He interjected, the woman breathing in deeply as they locked eyes. "He can't keep doing this shit, not if he wants to be around us. This isn't a situation where you need to be the bigger person, you shouldn't have to deal with this. Ever, but especially not when we're just trying to spend time as a family." He told her strongly, their gazes never leaving one another. "This is supposed to be a nice day for us to be together, and I don't want that jackass to ruin it. So he can either come and keep his mouth shut, or not come at all." He continued, the strength of his words telling Gabby she wouldn't be able to change his mind even if she wanted to. Though, admittedly, she didn't. "And I'll make that clear to my mom."
"Thank you." She murmured, Matt shaking his head slightly as he hand slid around closer to her back.
"You don't need to thank me for anything." He responded, Gabby breathing in deeply before she nodded, his eyes tracing over her face before eventually meeting her gaze once more. "And hopefully, there won't be any issues… Though if he does decide to come, and he makes any more comments about you, or about Sof- or about anyone in our family, I'm not afraid to deck him… Thanksgiving, or not." He huffed out, Gabby feeling his body tense slightly before he relaxed.
"Yeah, I know you're not, but you don't have to do that… Though honestly, Antonio might want to help." She replied, doing what she could to lighten a bit of the heaviness that had surrounded them since starting this conversation, Matt scoffing lightly before he leaned in a little closer to her.
"I don't doubt it." He murmured before he captured her lips in a slow, soft kiss, Gabby practically melting into him as she was stuck between him and the dresser.
After a few seconds, they slowly pulled back, Gabby's eyes staying closed for a few extra seconds while Matt watched her, his hand rubbing along her side. "...You sure you're okay?"
His question caused her to open her eyes, Gabby giving him a small smile before she nodded. "I'm fine."
He paused for a moment, his eyes tracing over her face as he searched for any signs of deception, Matt needing to know she was telling the truth. But after a few seconds, he got the assurance he needed, Casey giving her a nod before he leaned in to kiss her again.
"Okay…" He spoke against her lips. "But you know I'm here if you need to talk or anything."
"I know you are."
She didn't give him the chance to say anything in response before she kissed him once more, Matt almost caught off guard by the force of her movements. But he reciprocated nonetheless, Casey giving her just as much as his hands slid over her sides.
But they were soon interrupted by an unexpected sound coming from the living room, the parents quickly pulling apart when they heard Caitlyn yelling for them, a small smile forming over Gabby's face.
"Daddy!" She called, the tone in her voice telling them whatever she needed him for wasn't anything urgent. "Mommy!"
"Coming baby!" Matt responded, the man leaning back in to give his wife another quick kiss before he took a few steps backwards. "You finish getting ready, I'll go see what our girl wants." He told her, Gabby nodding before she turned back around to face the mirror while Casey headed for the door. "And if you change your mind and want me to punch that asshole, just say the word." He added before he stepped out of their bedroom, Gabby drawing in a deep breath as she knew he wasn't joking one bit.
As Matt walked out of the bedroom and into the main part of their home, he saw the girls exactly where he'd left them, the two them playing with their own toys on the rug in the middle of the living room. And while Sofia looked completely unbothered, the baby focused on her toy car, Caitlyn looked a little more perplexed than usual as she watched him.
"What do you need, baby?" He asked as he came to a stop a few feet in front of them, Sofia looking up with a bright grin on her tiny little face when she noticed her dad standing there.
"Daddy, what's that?" Caitlyn asked him, it now being his turn to be confused as his head tilted to the side slightly, Matt not entirely sure what she was asking him. But he had a feeling that whatever she was talking about now wasn't what she called him out here for.
"What?"
"Asshole."
His eyes widened slightly as she repeated the word he'd just said to Gabby seconds prior, Matt not realizing his daughter had heard him as he glanced back towards the bedroom, the man waiting to see if his wife could hear their conversation. But after a few seconds had passed and she hadn't appeared, he released a soft breath before turning back towards his girls, finding Caitlyn still watching him expectantly.
"What does asshole mean, Daddy?" She asked him again, Matt biting down on his tongue before he took another step towards her, the man lowering her voice as he responded.
"It, uh- it means someone who's not very nice." He replied as he squatted down towards the ground, Caitlyn nodding slowly.
"You're gonna hit them?" She questioned, Matt sighing deeply as he was beginning to realize he definitely should've been more careful with what he said.
"No, no baby." He replied, though he could tell his words only confused her more. "I, uh- what you heard me say, I shouldn't have said. I was just talking to your mom about something, but it was bad and I shouldn't have said it. But nothing's going on, everything's fine." He was quick to assure her, knowing Caitlyn's gut instinct was often to worry about things she didn't understand.
"Okay… Cause hitting people is bad." She replied with a stern look on her face, Matt having to stop himself from laughing as he gave her a nod, the father unsure of how to feel about getting scolded by his own daughter.
"I know it is, honey."
"And you're not bad. So you shouldn't hit people, because I don't want you to get in trouble." She continued on, Matt giving her another nod. "You don't wanna be in trouble like the bad people, like the asshole."
His eyes widened slightly as she said the word again, Casey silent cursing in his head as he realized this wasn't a word she was going to forget. But he needed her to, or Gabby would never let him live it down.
"You're right, but, uh- sweetheart, we don't say that word, okay?" He told her, that familiar look of confusion returning to her face as her eyebrows furrowed.
"But you did." She responded simply, Caitlyn clearly not understanding what the issue was.
"I know, but I shouldn't have said that, either." He explained to her, Caitlyn watching him intently. "That word, it's not nice. And we shouldn't say it. I was wrong for saying it." He continued on, his words causing her to nod once she began to understand him.
"Wow Daddy, you were bad this morning." She told him with a wide-eyed look, Matt chucking softly before he nodded.
"Yeah, I guess I was."
"You need to be good, or Mommy might put you in timeout." She chastised, the man smiling at her five year old logic before he gave her another nod.
"You're right, I do need to be good. And I'm gonna try to, I promise." He told her, Caitlyn smiling softly before she nodded. "But I need you to be good, too, so do you promise me that you won't say that word?"
"I promise." She repeated, Caitlyn holding up her hand with her pinky sticking up, Casey's smile never faltering as he knew she was wanting to pinky promise. Lifting his hand up, he latched his pinky onto hers, Caitlyn smiling wide.
"And don't tell your Momma, okay?" He told her, Caitlyn stopping herself from moving forward to kiss her hand, which would seal their promise, as she looked at him, her head leaning to the side.
"You mean lie?" She questioned, her voice a mixture of confusion and disbelief as Matt immediately shook his head. "I can't lie to Mommy."
"No, I don't want you to lie to her either, baby." He replied, Caitlyn nodding in agreement. "But maybe just don't mention that word to her, okay?" He requested, her eyebrows furrowing once more as their pinkies were still locked together.
"How would I tell her? I'm not allowed to say it." She asked him, her genuine confusion causing him to think over his own words, Matt scoffing lightly before he nodded.
"That is… a very good point." He responded, the little girl laughing softly.
"You're funny, Daddy." She told him, Matt matching her grin as her brown eyes shone up at him.
"Well, I'm glad you seem to think so, because your mother doesn't always agree." He replied before he leaned down to kiss his hand, Caitlyn kissing hers as well as they finally sealed their pinky promise, the two dropping hands as he watched her. "Now, what is it you needed from me?" He asked now that this conversation was over, but he could tell Caitlyn didn't entirely understand what he was asking her. "When you called for me, did you need something?" He elaborated, seeing a look of realization settle over her face after a few seconds before she nodded, Matt waiting for her to speak up.
"Do we have time to cuddle before you go to work and I go to school?" She questioned, Matt's eyebrows furrowing before he glanced down towards his watch. They did in fact have time, seeing as they still had about twenty minutes left before they'd need to go to the firehouse, and shortly thereafter Becca would be dropping her off at school. But what had him a little confused was the fact that Caitlyn was usually one to be bouncing off the walls before going to school, that she was always super energetic and wanting to play before it was time to leave. She usually didn't like sitting around in one place, so he was a little caught off guard by her request. But he'd never say no to it as he gave her a nod, Matt figuring she likely just didn't get enough sleep last night, as it had been a little harder to get her out of bed this morning than normal.
"We can for a few minutes before Becca gets here." He replied, knowing both he and Caitlyn were already ready for their day, the little girl smiling softly before she pushed herself up off the ground. Though as she moved, he could help but wonder if there was something more going on with the five year old as she stood up and was now eye-level with him. "Is everything okay?" He asked her, Caitlyn giving him a nod as she reached out for his hand.
"Mhmm. I just miss you when you're gone." She replied gently, Matt's chest flooding with warmth as he was unable to stop the small smile that pulled on his lips, the father giving her hand a gentle squeeze.
"I miss you too, baby." He replied before he stood up straight, Caitlyn never dropping his hand as they walked back towards the couch. Knowing Sofia was more content playing than anything else, he left her in her spot on the floor, the baby having been preoccupied with her toys ever since he got out here as he sat down on the furniture, while simultaneously lifting Caitlyn up beside him. And, just as she wanted, the two sat cuddled together on the couch, the little girl halfway in his lap as they watched the cartoons that were softly playing on the TV in the background, both of them content to sit here for a few extra minutes this morning until it was time to get started on their day.
Dawson stood in front of the open refrigerator with her hand on her hip as she looked over her options, the paramedic grimacing slightly as she didn't see much of anything to choose from for her late morning snack. After one last look through, she decided there was anything she wanted in there, Gabby shutting the door before walking back towards the room, but not before stopping to grab a banana from the fruit bowl in the middle of the counter.
"So, did you all see at that call this morning how ambo 48 had three medics, too?" Severide spoke as Gabby returned to her seat next to her husband, the woman beginning to peel open her banana before looking towards him. "I wonder if that's becoming more common, having more medics on a rig." He continued, his eyes moving towards Dawson as Casey's did as well.
"I'm not sure." She replied, taking a bite of her snack. "Though having one more medic sure does seem to help a lot, so maybe they're starting to realize that." She continued with a shrug, Kelly nodding before he turned back to Stella, as the woman was sitting on the other side of him. But Matt kept his eyes on his wife, Gabby raising her eyebrows before taking another bite.
"...What?" She asked after she'd finished chewing, Matt shrugging softly as she reached out to take a few of the crackers off his plate.
"Nothing. You're just cute." He responded, Gabby scoffing lightly before she continued to eat.
"Yeah, her stealing your food is just so adorable." Severide piped in, the man clearly still listening to them even though he'd focused his attention elsewhere, Gabby shooting him a glare before she threw one of the crackers at him.
"It is, actually." Casey replied, as Kelly picked up the cracker that had hit him and popped it into his mouth, before he glanced towards his friend. "And it also kind of reminds me of Caitlyn."
Gabby scoffed once more as Severide began to laugh, Dawson shooting her husband a rather unimpressed look before he gave her an amused grin.
"What? You do… You know when we're eating, she always wants our food more than hers and she'll try and take some off our plate, it's the same thing you do. It's cute." He defended, Gabby shaking her head slightly as she swallowed the food in her mouth.
"Mhmm." She hummed in response before chucking another cracker at Kelly's head as the man was still laughing. "Anyway Sev, why were you wanting to know about the ambos?"
"Huh?" He asked mid-chew, a look of disgust covering her face before she repeated her question.
"Why were you asking about how many paramedics are on rigs?" She elaborated, seeing a look of realization cover his face before he shrugged.
"Oh, no reason really. I was just wondering if there had been a policy change or something," He told her, Gabby nodding slightly. "Then it made me think of Jemma, and how she's trying to figure out where she wants to work," Severide continued, the man having been filled in on his friend's situation. "I figured if she was wanting to come to the CFD, if they were having more medics on rigs, it would be easier to get her placed somewhere." He finished, Gabby smiling as Matt jokingly placed his hand over his heart, Kelly quickly shooting him a glare.
"Look at you, thinking of others. I'm so proud." He teased him, Severide flipping him off before Gabby lightly hit Matt's arm.
"Be nice… That's really sweet Sev." Gabby replied, Stella laughing softly at all of them.
"I know." He responded proudly, Dawson shaking her head before Matt spoke up again.
"But actually, that you bring it up, Jemma does think she's gonna try and join the CFD." He told them, Severide's eyes widening slightly as both he and Kidd smiled.
"Really?"
"Yeah… She was over at the house yesterday, we talked to her for a bit, and she thinks that's what she wants to do." He continued, Matt glancing at Gabby with a soft smile before he spoke up once more. "And Gabby's gonna start helping her with that, after Thanksgiving. Set up a ride along or two for her with 61, let her get a few shifts in." He told them as Gabby noticed movement out of the corner of her eye, the paramedic seeing Boden walk into the room through the side door.
"Which, speaking of, I should probably go ahead and talk to him." Gabby said, Matt looking towards her before he followed her line of sight back to Boden. "Hey Chief." She called, her louder voice gaining his attention before he changed his path to walk towards the table.
"Dawson." He greeted, before giving a nod to the rest of his first responders. "What can I do for you?"
"You remember Jemma?" She started, Chief giving her an immediate nod before she continued. "Well, I'm not sure if you've heard how she quit the SAS…"
"I've heard some of the house talking about it, yes. I'm sorry things didn't work out for her there."
"Yeah, so am I. She really loved it… But now that she's looking for another job, and she's had some time to think over her options, she's decided that she wants to join the CFD," Gabby explained, Boden's eyebrows raising slightly before he nodded. "So I was wondering- I know there's already technically an extra person on 61 already, but do you think it'd be possible for her to do a few ride alongs with us? Maybe a couple shifts, so she can get a better idea of what she's walking into?" She requested, Gabby unable to get much of a read on him based on his expression.
But soon enough, he nodded, Boden wearing a soft smile as Gabby matched his look. "Yeah, that should be fine… It'll be good, having someone like Jemma in the department." He responded, Dawson's smile widening as a similar grin formed over Casey's face as well.
"I think so, too… Thank you, Chief." She replied, Boden giving her a swift nod.
"Of course. We'll just have to nail down some dates with headquarters, but I don't see it being a problem."
"Thank you." Gabby repeated just as she felt her phone buzzing in her pocket, the woman reaching into her jacket to pull it out.
"Yeah, thanks Chief. I know Jemma appreciates this." Casey added as Gabby saw who was calling her, her eyebrows furrowing before she reached out to grab Matt's arm. Her touch caused him to look towards her, Matt's smile faltering slightly when he saw the unsure look on her face. "What is it?" He questioned, his tone catching the attention of a few of their friends.
"Caitlyn's school is calling." She replied as her back straightened, Casey quickly glancing down to her phone before she answered the call and brought the device up to her ear, both parents not having the best feeling of why their daughter's school was contacting them. Especially when her school day would typically be over here in around an hour. "Hello?"
"Hi, is this Gabby Dawson?"
"Yes, this is she." She responded, her eyes flickering towards Matt before she continued. "Is everything okay? Is Caitlyn alright?" She questioned, Gabby not much in the mood for many pleasantries as she just wanted to know what was going on.
"Well, that's actually why we're calling… Unfortunately, sweet little Caitlyn got sick today in class." The woman told her, the look of worry never leaving Gabby's face as she drew in a deep breath. "Her teacher said it happened pretty much out of nowhere, but she did get sick. And then she threw up again once they took her to our nurses office here, which is where I'm calling from." She explained, Dawson sighing softly before she lifted her hand up to rub over her head.
"What's going on?" Matt asked, Gabby wincing slightly before looking back towards him.
"Caitlyn's sick." She replied, Casey soon matching her grimace before she continued talking to the nurse. "How is she now?"
"She's… upset. She really doesn't feel well." She responded, Dawson's eyes falling closed as she listened to her. "She's been lying down since we got her in here, and she's calmed down a bit, but she's been crying, for you and Mr. Casey. I know her school day is almost over anyhow, but I think it would be for the best if you came and picked her up…"
"Yeah, of course. I'll be there as soon as I can."
"Alright. When you get to the school, just have them direct you to the nurse's office… But I'll call the front desk, and let them know you're coming for Caitlyn."
"Thank you… And can you tell her we're coming? Just so she knows. I'm at work, but I'm heading there now."
"Yes, of course Miss Dawson."
"Alright, thank you." She repeated once more, the two saying a quick goodbye before they hung up, Gabby releasing a heavy breath before she pushed herself up from her seat.
"What happened?" Matt asked again, the man only hearing bits and pieces through the phone.
"I don't know all the details, but Caitlyn got sick twice at school… I need to go get her." She replied, Matt nodding before Gabby looked towards Boden, the Chief immediately giving her a nod.
"Go, we'll be fine."
"Thank you, Chief." She replied, Gabby patting over her pockets before a realization washed over her, the woman releasing a heavy breath. "Oh- wait."
"What?" Matt asked, Gabby shaking her head.
"We don't have my car." She replied, Matt soon understanding her concern as he remembered they'd come in his truck this morning. "We don't have her booster seat, or even a backseat, I don't-"
"Take the ambo." Boden cut in, Gabby looking towards him once more with a near hopeful look in her eye.
"Are you sure, Chief?" Casey asked, Boden giving the parents a strong nod.
"Go, take the ambo and get Caitlyn. I'll put 61 out of service until you're back." He replied, Gabby drawing in a deep breath before she gave him a small smile.
"Thank you." She responded as Brett and Foster got up from their seats across the room, the two already heading for the garage as Matt stood up as well.
"Chief, can I-"
"Herrmann, you're in charge of truck until Casey's back." He interjected once more, Matt giving him a grateful nod before he began walking around the table.
"Got it, Chief." Herrmann called from the couch.
"Thank you." Casey replied before hurrying out to the garage with Gabby, the parents becoming more and more overwhelmed with worry at the thought of their baby girl being sick and them not being there.
When ambo 61 pulled up outside of Caitlyn's school, Gabby and Matt barely waited for the rig to come to a stop before they were opening the back doors, Casey hopping down first before holding out his hand to help Gabby out. And once they were one solid, albeit icy, ground, they hurried up towards the school, both of them desperate to get eyes on their girl and get a better idea of what exactly was going on.
As they got to the door, Matt pulled it open for Gabby to walk inside before he followed behind her, the parents hurrying towards the front desk. And, as promised, that process went rather quickly, them given permission to head further inside after it had been confirmed they were here for the reason they said they were, the parents quickly heading in the direction of the nurses office.
It barely took them any time at all to get there, Gabby walking into the room first before Matt followed behind her, the woman at the desk looking up as soon as she noticed their presence.
"Hi, I'm Gabby Dawson, this is Matt Casey," Dawson introduced, a knowing look soon covering the woman's face as Matt glanced around the small room as he tried to locate his daughter, but he didn't see her anywhere. "We're Caitlyn's parents."
"Yes, of course… Thank you all for getting here so quickly, Caitlyn is just back in here." She spoke as she stood up from her seat, the woman holding out her arm towards a door off to the side of the room. Without needing any more prompting, Matt headed in the direction, Gabby walking behind him as they got to the room, Caitlyn soon coming into view as she was laying down on the bed against the wall, her eyes closed as she was curled up into a ball on top of the mattress.
From just their first look at her, they could tell the nurse hadn't be exaggerating when she said Caitlyn didn't feel well, their little girl laying in the fetal position as tears were falling down her skin, her arm holding onto her stomach as her eyes were closed. They were sure she wasn't asleep, though in this moment they wished she was as at least she wouldn't be aware of how terrible she felt. But as they had more time to take her in, their hearts broke even more, as they both just wished they could take her pain away and be sick for her, Matt and Gabby always hating when their babies were sick.
"Caity." Matt spoke softly as he walked closer to the bed, the little girl's brown eyes snapping open when she heard her father's voice. And the second they locked gazes, more tears filled her eyes before she reached out for him.
"Daddy." She cried, Matt quickly walking the rest of the way towards her and sitting down on the edge of the bed, Caitlyn immediately crawling towards him.
"It's okay." He assured her gently, Caitlyn shaking her head as a few more tears slid down her face.
"I don't feel good."
"I know you don't, baby" He murmured as he ran his hand through her hair, Matt focused on consoling Caitlyn while Gabby stood back with the nurse.
"So what exactly happened?" Gabby questioned, watching her husband continuously press kisses to the top of Caitlyn's head.
"According to her teacher, they were playing a game outside, and Caitlyn said she didn't feel well… Then maybe a minute later, she got sick." She told her, Gabby nodding slightly despite the fact she still didn't really understand what had caused this. "And then once they brought her here, she threw up again… It got on her clothes a little bit, but I got her cleaned up as much as I could. But she was just wanting you all." She told her, Gabby nodding once more before she walked closer to her little girl.
"What hurts, baby?" She heard her husband ask as she got to them and squatted down in front of them, Caitlyn's head currently tucked against Matt's stomach.
"My tummy." She replied, though her voice was muffled by Matt's body, Gabby breathing in deeply as he reached out to run her hand over her daughter's side.
"Do you feel like you're gonna be sick again?" Gabby asked, Caitlyn sniffling as her mom began to lightly rub over her stomach.
"No… I don't know." She answered as more tears welled in her eyes. "My throat hurts." She continued, Casey and Dawson sharing a look before the latter spoke up once more.
"Did it hurt before you got sick, or just after?" She continued, Gabby doing what she could to try and figure out what was wrong with her baby.
Caitlyn had to think over her question for a moment, as she slowly lifted herself up, Matt helping her as she began to crawl into his lap. In this new position, Gabby was able to see her a lot better, though the sight certainly broke her heart as she saw her red and tired eyes. "Just after." She answered, Gabby giving her a compassionate nod as she reached out to rub her leg.
"Okay honey." She responded, lifting her free hand up to brush some of her hair out of her eyes.
"She didn't have a fever when I took her temperature." The nurse cut in, Matt glancing towards her. "It was normal… So she might've just eaten something that didn't agree with her, or picked up something from one of the other kids." She suggested, the parents knowing she was wanting to do what she could to help.
"Yeah, that might be it." Matt replied as he ran his hand over Caitlyn's back, Gabby keeping her attention on their little girl.
"How long have you felt sick for?" Dawson asked, Caitlyn leaning back into her dad's chest as another tear slid down her cheek.
"Since this morning." Caitlyn replied, Matt's eyebrows furrowing as he looked down towards her, Gabby wearing a similar look of confusion. Though they couldn't be sure, as her words settled Matt couldn't help but think that maybe her not feeling well is what caused her odd behavior this morning, and why she had been more clingy than normal.
"Why didn't you say anything, baby?" He questioned gently as Gabby wiped away the tears on her face.
"I only felt a little funny this morning, but I didn't wanna miss the last day of school." She explained, the parents sharing a sad, knowing look. "But then outside, my tummy hurt. And then I got sick. It made me upset, and I wanted you here."
"It's okay, honey, we're here. And it's okay you were upset." Gabby replied softly, Caitlyn sniffling once more before she nodded. "I know you don't feel good, but we're gonna get you out of here. You're gonna be with us, okay?"
"Okay." She murmured, Matt pressing another kiss to the top of her head before he looked towards Gabby, seeing the pensive look on her face.
"Should we take her home, or back to the firehouse?" He asked softly, Gabby pursing her lips together as she thought over his words before sighing softly.
"Let's take her back to the firehouse." She responded, Matt nodding before he adjusted his daughter's small body in his lap. "At least for now… I don't want Becca to have to try and take care of her while she's sick, as well as watching Sof." She continued, Casey in complete agreement with her words.
On the way to the school, Matt had given their nanny a call, letting her know what was going on and that she didn't need to come pick up Caitlyn today. And, understandably so, Becca was worried about the little girl, and told them to just let her know what they needed from her. But right now, Gabby couldn't help but think that the best thing for Caitlyn, and Sofia, was to keep Caitlyn with them for a while.
"Alright, we can call her and tell her when we get back to the rig." Casey replied, Gabby giving him a nod before she returned her focus to Caitlyn. The little girl was curled up in her daddy's lap, her arm wrapped over her stomach as her head was tucked into his chest, Matt's arms wrapped around her securely as occasional tears slid down Caitlyn's cheeks. They knew she didn't feel well, it was clear just by her demeanor alone that their baby was not her usual, happy self. But Gabby couldn't help but think that her tears were more so from her being upset, than being in actual physical pain.
"Caity," Dawson started, the little girl turning her head slightly to look at her mother. "You ready to go? We're gonna take you back to the firehouse with us."
She nodded slowly before reaching out for her dad once more, Caitlyn wrapping her arms around his neck as she adjusted her body to face his. "Can you carry me, Daddy?"
Her words were muffled, but both parents heard her as Matt smiled sadly, the man nodding before pressing a kiss to the side of her head. "Of course, baby. Come on." He murmured, giving her another kiss before he got a secure grip on her weight and stood up. Gabby followed them up as well, the mother reaching down to grab Caitlyn's backpack and thick jacket that had been brought in here with her, before turning towards the nurse.
"Thank you, for taking care of her until we got here." Gabby spoke, the woman giving her a slight nod before stepping through the doorway to get back out into her office.
"I hope she feels better, and you all have a nice Thanksgiving." She told them as the parents walked out of the room, both of them giving her a grateful nod before they headed back out into the hallway.
Before they got very far, Gabby stopped them so she could drape Caitlyn's jacket over her, Matt helping out as much as he could to make sure it was secured to her body without her having to put it on. They didn't want to jostle her too much, as they knew how bad she was feeling right now, but with as cold as it was outside right now, they wanted to protect her little body from that as much as possible.
"Well, at least she doesn't have a fever." Matt murmured as he wrapped an arm around Caitlyn's back once they'd finished their task, Gabby nodding in agreement while she slung the little girl's backpack over her shoulder.
"Yeah, that's good… Makes me think it's not anything too bad. Hopefully it's just a quick bug or something." She replied before they began walking back down the hallway, Caitlyn holding onto him with a death grip.
"Daddy." She whispered as her head was tucked into his neck, Gabby looking over towards her as Matt rubbed her back, his other arm underneath her to support her weight.
"Yeah, honey?"
"I'm tired."
A sad smile covered his face before he nodded, Gabby reaching up to rub the back of her head for any source of comfort she could give her. "I know, sweetheart… We're getting out of here, and once we get back to the firehouse, we'll go into my office and take a nap."
"With you and Mommy?" She asked, Matt breathing in deeply as they got closer to the exit.
"For as long as we can, yeah." He replied, Caitlyn seemingly content with that answer as she nodded before settling herself back against him, Matt carrying her easily as they walked outside. "But we're heading back there now, okay? We'll be at the firehouse soon." He continued as snow was lightly falling down around them, Caitlyn nodding once more as she tightened her grip on him.
"Okay… I love you."
Gabby smiled softly as they walked down the sidewalk towards the parked ambulance, Matt matching her look while also making sure he was walking carefully, as he didn't want to slip with Caitlyn in his arms. And as they continued towards the ambulance, Matt and Gabby both could only hope their little girl would begin to feel better here soon once they got her back to the firehouse, Casey carefully placing a kiss to the side of her head as she snuggled up closer to him.
"We love you too, baby… Always."
Well, and there's another one. I know this chapter is a little shorter than normal, and I'm sorry for that. I had an entire second half of this chapter planned out, but it just would've been way too long so I decided here would be a good stopping point. The beginning of this chapter ended up being longer than I planned on, with Dawsey's conversation about everything, and I hadn't originally accounted for that. But the next chapter will pick up directly after this one.
Thanks reading for everyone, I hope you enjoyed it! I'll see you next week.