Hello there everyone, here's the next chapter for you all! Thanks for coming back and reading these updates each week. I'm so grateful to each and every one of you who are still reading this story, it truly means the world to me.

We've got kind of a shorter one, but I hope you enjoy it. I can't wait to hear what you think!

Thanks for reading!

Chapter One Hundred and Twenty Two

"Here you go, Jemma." Gabby spoke as she put a fresh drink in front of her friend, the younger woman offering her a warm smile before reaching for the glass, Dawson moving to get herself a new drink as well before leaving her post behind the bar.

"Thanks Dawson… You know, for someone who wasn't supposed to be back there tonight, you sure are working a lot." Norris replied jokingly, Gabby shaking her head slightly in amusement as she carried her drink around the bar before moving towards her seat, Jemma keeping her eyes on her the entire time.

"Yeah, well Herrmann saw me here and took advantage of that." She joked, Norris suppressing a laugh as the older woman settled onto her bar stool. "But no, I don't mind helping… They got busy, and with only Herrmann and Kidd here, I know that's stressful." She replied lightly before taking a sip of her drink, Jemma nodding in response as the chatter from the patrons around them filled the air. "But back to what we were talking about, how are things going at 104?" Dawson questioned with a soft smile, Jemma's face lighting up at the mention of her new house.

She'd gotten her placement about a week ago at the beginning of February, Jemma finding a permanent home at firehouse 104 on the other side of town, or at least a semi-permanent home. They weren't sure of the full story, as Jemma wasn't told much, but the paramedic she was taking over for was taking a leave of absence, and no one was entirely sure how long he'd be gone. But for as long as he was, the spot was Jemma's. And, knowing how these things went, Gabby wouldn't be surprised if Jemma ended up staying there longer than expected.

But aside from the excitement of Jemma getting her new placement, one of the best parts of her new job was the fact that she was working the same shift as Gabby, meaning they had more chances to see one another than they would if she'd got placed on another shift.

"It's great." She answered happily, Dawson not missing the way her face lit up before she continued. "I've only worked two shifts, but the house is incredible. Everyone is so nice… The firefighters there are a bit older, most of them Herrmann's age, but they've been so welcoming. It's a nice house. And my partner is really sweet."

"That's great, Jemma." Gabby responded happily, the woman just glad to see her friend so content after weeks of stressing and worrying over what her next career move would be. So for her to be here now, so happy in her decision, Gabby was beyond glad for her.

"Yeah, I mean, it's no 51, at least not yet, but I've loved being there so far. And it's so much better than the SAS." She continued on, Gabby nodding in agreement as she completely understood the feeling.

Though it was a bit different for her, as she started in the fire department, with her work in the SAS, she still knew just how different the two environments were. And she'd take the CFD any day.

"And, you know I work again tomorrow, and I'm just genuinely excited to get there. Like I can't wait for shift, I'm not sure the last time I felt like that." She breathed out, Gabby watching her friend with a bright smile as Jemma matched her look. "It feels like I'm finally where I'm supposed to be, you know?" She continued on, her statement causing Dawson to duck her head slightly as she thought over what she was saying, those words resonating with her more than she anticipated as the warm grin never left her face.

"Yeah… Yeah, I know exactly what you mean." She responded after a beat of silence as her mind was focused on her family, Jemma nodding knowingly before taking a sip of her drink.

"So, what about you? How are things in the Casey household?" Jemma asked as she placed her glass back down on the bar, Gabby raising her eyebrows once she met her gaze. "Is Casey with the girls tonight?"

"He is." She responded softly, her eyes moving down towards her drink. "He said he didn't mind watching them by himself tonight so we could see each other. I was there long enough to help with dinner, but he's in charge of everything else." She added, Jemma chuckling softly in response. "So, we'll see how that went once I get home."

"Well, if it were anyone else I might be worried, but Casey is like a super dad." Jemma told her, Gabby smiling softly before she nodded. "I don't think I've ever seen someone as dedicated to their kids as him… Aside from you."

"Nice save." Dawson replied with a knowing gleam in her eye, Jemma waving her off as the two shared a laugh. "But no, I know what you mean, and you're right. He's the best dad in the world." She told her, Gabby pausing for a moment as she thought of her husband, before she continued. "The girls can be a handful… They've just got so much energy, and love to constantly be doing something, but Matt can handle it fine. Not to mention, Caitlyn's been really big on helping lately. She loves helping us out, especially with Sofia, so I don't think his night will be too hard… In fact, bath time will probably be the hardest part." She finished with another laugh, Jemma nodding with a soft grin across her lips. "Not only is it impossible to get them out, but they can make such a mess… So we'll see how that goes."

"I'm sure he'll be fine." Jemma spoke once more, Gabby nodding slightly. "As long as everyone's still alive by the end of the night, I'd call that a success." She joked, Dawson releasing a soft scoff.

"Yeah, it definitely feels that way with two little girls sometimes." She added without missing a beat, Jemma taking a quick sip of her drink before speaking up once more.

"But other than things with the girls, you all are good?"

"We are, we're great." Gabby responded as she brought her elbow up to rest on the bar. "There's not been much going on, aside from the usual craziness around our house. Just working, and trying to keep up with the girls. Although Matt has decided to take it upon himself to start planning for Caitlyn's birthday already." She told her, Jemma's eyebrows furrowing in confusion for a moment, the woman opening her mouth before she closed it once more. "Yeah, you heard me right." Dawson added with a chuckle when she sensed her friend's uncertainty.

"Isn't Caitlyn's birthday in April?"

"It sure is." Gabby answered quickly, Jemma shaking her head in amusement. "It's not until the 11th. We have over two months before her birthday, but it's already on Matt's radar."

"Like I said, super dad." Jemma replied with a grin, Gabby unable to stop her own smile from growing as well as she gave a small nod in response.

"Yeah, he's incredible." She mused. "And, I'll admit, I thought it was a little early to be actively thinking about it, too… or at least starting to plan for it, but Matt has all these ideas of things he wants to do for her, it's honestly really sweet." She explained with a content look on her face, Jemma listening intently while her best friend spoke. "He wants to have her party at the firehouse, on a day we're not working, and invite all her friends from school. We want to have everyone from the firehouse there, too, and of course you and Marcus, and my family."

"Wow."

"Yeah, he's excited." Dawson responded with a chuckle, shaking her head lightly before grabbing her drink. "But he just wants it to be special, we both do. This is our first birthday with her, and we want to make it memorable."

"I don't blame you."

Gabby nodded softly, the woman taking a slow drink before she continued. "Yeah… And plus last year she spent her birthday in a foster home. Which, I'm sure it was fine, and they did what they could to make it a fun day for her, but we also don't really know. And we don't know if she even remembers anything from it… So we just want to make sure she has a nice day, she deserves it."

"I'm sure she'll love it." Jemma assured her, Gabby nodding in agreement. "Knowing her, she'd love anything you do… Even if it were just the four of you and a cake." She added, her words causing Dawson to chuckle as she knew how true Jemma's statement was. Caitlyn was grateful for any and everything done for her, and her birthday would be no different, regardless of how big or small they made it. "But yeah, a big party with all her friends and the people she loves at the firehouse? It might be the best day of her life."

Gabby's smile widened in response, her head turning towards the ground slightly. "Yeah, I hope so… But that's kind of what we've been doing lately, is planning parties that are still months away, and taking care of the girls."

"Sounds about right for you all, if I'm being honest." Jemma told her lightly, Gabby scoffing in amusement as her friend reached out to pat her arm. "You two being over-the-top parents is cute though, don't worry. Your girls are lucky."

"I think Matt and I are the lucky ones." Gabby replied without a thought, Jemma's smile widening before she gave her arm another squeeze.

"And that's why Caitlyn and Sofia are so lucky." She added, Gabby biting down on her bottom lip while shrugging slightly, Jemma watching her closely as Herrmann's voice hit their ears.

"Aye Dawson, you still good down there?"

Gabby looked up towards him, the older man a few yards away as he and Kidd had mostly been helping the larger group of patrons further down the bar, Dawson giving him a nod in response before lifting up her hand. "We're fine, Herrmann… You need any help?"

"I think we're good, kid. But stay close, that might change." He responded with a lopsided grin, Gabby nodding with a smile of her own before the older man went back, leaving Gabby and Jemma alone once more.

A comfortable silence filled the air between them, the chatter of other bar-goers around them keeping it from being completely quiet as they sat and nursed their drinks, a few easy moments passing before Jemma finally spoke up once more.

"So… Talking about the girls is fun and all, but back to you and Matt" She started suddenly, Gabby's eyebrows raising slightly as Jemma gave her a look. "Valentine's Day is coming up here soon," She elaborated, realization covering Gabby's face before she nodded. "I wasn't sure if you two had planned anything."

"We don't have anything too elaborate going on, I don't think." Gabby responded, Jemma giving her a soft nod. "My dad is gonna take the girls for the night, and I think Antonio is supposed to go over there after work to help out."

"Ramon can't handle them by himself?" She questioned teasingly, Gabby shaking her head in amusement.

"Oh, he definitely can… He had to handle me for years." She responded, her words earning a laugh from Jemma. "Sof and Caitlyn are nothing compared to that. But Antonio wants to spend some time with his nieces, and it's hard for him to find time with work and everything. So he's gonna go spend the night at my dad's, and help with the girls." She explained, Jemma's eyebrows furrowing slightly as a thought crossed her mind.

"Wait- are him and Brett not doing anything?" She questioned, Gabby's face falling slightly before she released a heavy sigh. "I thought they were back together."

"No, they're not… Or not really, I guess. I don't know, really." Gabby breathed out, Jemma wincing slightly before she nodded. "Things have kind of cooled off there, I guess. I don't know all the details, and I try not to ask… I love my brother, but I've always tried to stay out of this thing with Brett with him. And with Sylvie… I don't know, I don't really feel like it's my place to get involved anymore. We're not as close as we used to be before I left Chicago, so I try to just let them handle it themselves. But last I heard, they were taking a break." She finished, Norris digesting her words for a moment before she nodded.

"That seems to happen a lot between them." Jemma replied softly, her tone more inquisitive than anything else as Gabby blew out a heavy sigh, Norris having heard of a few times since befriending Gabby where Brett and Antonio's relationship had been up and down.

"Yeah, it does… They try, but it just- they can't seem to figure things out, or what they want."

"That's a shame." She added sincerely, Gabby nodding slightly.

"It is. Because I do think they're good together, but there's always something getting in the way there. It seems like every time they figure things out, something comes up and messes it up. Or they don't want the same things… I don't know, I try to stay out of it." She repeated, Jemma giving her an understanding nod. "So yeah, to answer your question, they're taking a break. And Antonio will be spending his Valentine's Day with his nieces."

"Well, if not for Marcus, I'd love to be spending Valentine's Day with Caity and Sof." She replied lightly, Gabby chuckling softly as she tapped her finger against the edge of her glass.

"Can't say I blame you, I'm definitely gonna miss them while they're gone… But it'll be nice for Matt and I to get some time alone, though we'll be away from the girls a little longer than we'd like, with us having shift the next day. But we've already talked to Becca, and she's gonna go over to my dad's that morning, and get the girls and make sure Caitlyn gets to school."

"I'm not surprised you all already have this planned out." Jemma replied softly, Gabby nodding with a small smile on her own. "But how do you think that'll go? Being away from them for that long?"

"Well, for Matt it will be torture." Dawson answered easily, Jemma chuckling in response before Gabby continued. "But no, I don't think they'll be any problems. I'm sure the girls will miss us, but they love being with my dad, and they love their Uncle Tonio, so it'll just feel like a fun sleepover. In fact, I don't even think Sofia will care." She spoke with a laugh. "She has these stages of either being super independent and wanting to do everything on her own, or being very clingy, and refusing to leave our side… Right now, she's in the independent stage. So I don't think she'll care very much, but Caitlyn might be a little harder. She still doesn't like to be away from us for very long, but all of that has gotten a lot better, and she loves her abuelo so I still think she'll be okay."

"I'm sure she will be. And really it's just one night."

"Yeah, it should be alright, honestly I doubt they'll even miss us much. It might just be bedtime that's a little hard on them, but my dad can handle it. And plus we're having Becca bring them by the firehouse once Caitlyn gets out of school, so we won't have to go an entire extra day without seeing them."

"That's smart… I know how much the girls love being at the firehouse."

"They absolutely do. And Matt and I will want to see them too, so it seemed like a good idea." She added, Jemma nodding once more as she adjusted herself in her seat. "I mean, don't get me wrong, alone time is great… And desperately needed." She spoke, a knowing look immediately covering Jemma's face as she bit back a smirk. "And it's very, very wanted."

"Oh, I'm sure." She replied lightly as a laugh escaped her lips. "Obviously I don't have kids, so I can't attest to what that's like trying to find time for just the two of you, but from what I do know, it's not the easiest thing in the world. And I'm sure Casey is looking forward to getting some time alone with you." She spoke teasingly, Jemma tapping her arm as Gabby herself let out a soft chuckle.

"Yeah, he's looking forward to it. We both are." She responded with a pointed look as Jemma gave her another nod. "But, it's weird… For as much as we want time alone, and look forward to it, we still miss the girls. Neither of us like being away from our babies for too long." She told her, Jemma's face softening before she spoke up.

"It's not weird, you all just love being parents." She replied as Gabby met her gaze. "But I do think you all deserve a night for just yourselves."

"We do, which is why we are looking forward to this. And it'll be nice to be able to get some time together without having to worry about… interruptions."

"Or staying quiet." Jemma added quickly, the knowing gleam in her eye only growing when Dawson ducked her head.

"No comment." She responded after clearing her throat, Jemma laughing in amusement as Gabby continued. "But yes, the alone time is nice, and it'll be good for us."

"I'm sure it will be. I mean, Casey would be an idiot to not be looking forward to getting some time with his gorgeous wife." She replied, gently nudging her friend's side as Gabby shook her head once more.

"Why is Casey an idiot?"

Dawson looked up when she heard the familiar voice, her eyebrows raising slightly as she saw Severide now standing just beside them, his presence a bit of a surprise to both of them as they hadn't noticed him in the bar all night. And by his words, he hadn't heard much of this conversation; and Dawson would rather it stay that way.

"Hey Severide, where'd you come from?" She questioned, the man nodding back towards the door as he stood between the two friends.

"Just got here, I came to stay with Stella since she's closing tonight… Hey Jemma."

"Hi Kelly."

"So what were you two talking about? Why is Casey an idiot?" He questioned, Jemma biting down on her bottom lip as she glanced towards Gabby.

"It's nothing, Sev." She responded, her response piquing his interest as his head tilted to the side.

"Did he fuck up or something? Because honestly it was only a matter of time." He continued on, Gabby shaking her head lightly as Jemma scoffed.

"Yeah, it's nothing like that… We were just talking about their Valentine's Day plans." Jemma explained, Severide grimacing slightly before he shook his head.

"Alright, well I don't think I need to hear anymore about that." He replied, Gabby narrowing her eyes in slight amusement before Severide glanced back towards her. "Actually when I heard you talking about him, I thought you were talking about this whole Blackhawks game idea he's had."

Dawson's entertained look morphed into one of confusion, her head falling to the side as Severide raised his brows. "What?"

"The Blackhawks game that he's wanting to take the girls to, I figured that was it… Though by the look on your face, I'm guessing you don't know what I'm talking about." He backtracked, Jemma suppressing a laugh as Gabby crossed her arms over her chest.

"Yeah, I have no idea what you're talking about… What Blackhawks game?" She pressed, Severide shifting his weight on his feet before responding.

"Casey was talking about wanting to take the girls to a hockey game." He told her, Gabby's face remaining blank as he spoke. "He said Caitlyn seems pretty interested when he watches them, and he wanted to take her and Sof to one, and you too, I'm assuming."

"Well, I'd hope so." Gabby interjected dryly, Jemma chuckling softly as Kelly continued.

"Hey, don't shoot the messenger, I guess Casey actually did fuck up here… But no, it was just something he mentioned offhand, I'm not sure if he's actually planned anything. He just told me he was looking at tickets." Severide explained, Dawson taking in his words before she nodded. "Said it was something he wanted to do with the girls, and then he asked if Stella and I would want to go, but I didn't get any more details than that."

"He wants to take Sofia to a hockey game?" Jemma asked, Severide giving her a shrug in response.

"That's what he said, but I'm sure she'd do fine… Just get her some ear muffs so it's not too loud, and she'd probably pass out within an hour." He replied, Gabby trying to hide her smile as she knew Severide's words were likely pretty accurate. "But personally I think it would be fun, especially if Caitlyn's as interested in hockey as Matt made it sound… She's had a great time."

"She does love watching it with him." Gabby responded, gaining nods from both of her friends. "And it's not a bad idea, I'm just surprised he hadn't mentioned it yet."

"He only brought it up to me a couple days ago, so I'm sure he will soon… Unless it was meant to be a surprise. But let's hope not." Severide spoke quickly, Gabby shaking her head lightly as Jemma cocked hers to the side. "But yeah, it only seemed like something he was thinking about, so I'd just ask him, Dawson." He finished, Gabby giving him a nod in response just as Kidd came over to them.

And from then on, their topics of conversation for the night had shifted, Gabby happy to spend this rare time she got with her friends as it wasn't something that happened often, the paramedic enjoying these few peaceful hours while she got them. Though as the night wore on, Dawson was certainly looking forward to getting home, as there was nothing quite like being with her family.

Casey laid in his and Gabby's bed as cartoons were playing softly on the TV in front of him, a soft smile permanently etched across his face as his girls were curled up in bed beside him. It was a little late for them, well past their bedtime, but he hadn't been able to bring himself to put them to bed, not quite yet.

It had been a relatively peaceful evening in the Casey household, Matt enjoying this one on one time with his girls that he didn't always get, while they did their best to adjust to being Gabby-less for the night. When Gabby left after the girls' dinner, it had been a little rough at first, Sofia not exactly liking her mother's sudden disappearance, as the baby was content to be with Gabby while she ate. So her sudden outburst was a little hard when his wife first left, but Caitlyn did all she could to help the baby settle down, and soon enough she had, Matt and Caity able to distract her long enough for her to forget about her mom leaving and move onto something else.

And from that point on, the night had gone well. Matt was able to get dinner cleaned up while the girls' played, then soon after he got them both in the bath, the sisters' content to play together just as they always did. And that had helped the father out a lot, as he didn't have to worry about where they were and what they were doing, and he could easily keep an eye on both of them. Though getting them ready for bed was a different story, Matt spending a solid ten minutes running around and chasing the girls as neither of them were exactly helpful when it came time to get their pajamas on and go through their routine before bed, at least not this night. Especially Sofia, as the baby would've been fine running around naked for the rest of the evening if he let her, and there was the added challenge of her often thinking the entire process of getting ready for bed was some sort of game between her and her parents.

But eventually, both girls had been bathed, clothed, and were ready for bed, Matt bringing them both back downstairs to wind down for the rest of the night before taking them back to their rooms. But they hadn't yet made it upstairs, as after they played with their toys for a little while longer, Caitlyn had convinced him for them all to go in his and Gabby's room and lay down for a bit before bed.

And that's where they'd been for the better part of an hour, neither Caitlyn nor Sofia having fallen asleep yet as they were curled up next to him. Though they'd both gotten close, and Matt was sure Sofia had actually slept for a few minutes, right now they were both awake as they all watched the girls' favorite show

There was plenty of room for them all in his and Gabby's large king-sized bed, but it wasn't surprising to Matt that both his daughters' had chosen to cuddle with him instead, as that was certainly one of their favorite things. With her most loved teddy bear clutched to her chest and her favorite pacifier in her mouth, Sofia was curled up against his side, his arm wrapped around her little body as her head rested back near his shoulder. As they laid together, she had her tiny fist gripped onto his index finger, Sofia wanting to keep him close as she dozed in and out from the security of her father's hold. And while Sofia was happily tucked into his right side, Caitlyn was just as comfortable on his other side as her head was currently resting on his torso, her little body laying sideways so she could see the TV better, while Matt was continuously scratching her back.

They'd all been in this position for a while, and if Casey had to guess, it wouldn't surprise him if both girls' soon fell asleep right here, their thick pajamas keeping them warm while Matt kept them comfortable as best he could.

As the minutes continued to tick by, Matt slowed his movements of rubbing Caitlyn's back, before he came to a complete stop, his hand resting lightly over her back as he felt her steady breathing. But he was only allowed to stop for a few seconds before Caitlyn soon reached her hand back and grabbed for his own arm, silently urging him to continue. And it was a request he understood instantly, Matt chuckling softly before he began to scratch her back again, Caitlyn snuggling further into him as she was completely content in this moment.

Though just as he continued scratching Caitlyn's back, movement from the door caught his eye, Matt turning to see his wife slowly walk into the room as she took in the scene in front of her. "Hey Momma." He greeted softly as she continued towards them, Gabby smiling warmly as she looked between him and their girls.

"Hi."

"You're home early, have you been here long? I didn't hear you come in." He told her as she came to a stop beside their bed, her smile widening when she looked back to Sofia and Caitlyn, neither child having acknowledged her presence quite yet as they were too either too focused on the show, or near falling asleep.

"Long enough to know Caity loves back rubs as much as I do." She murmured softly, Matt chuckling before he nodded, his hand still moving easily over their daughter's back.

"You're right, she does… So how'd your night with Jemma go?"

"She was good, we had a nice time. We got to catch up a bit, and then we hung out with Severide and Kidd, it was fun… What about you? How were the girls?" She questioned as she sat down on the edge of the bed, Matt's smile widening as Caitlyn began to move around, the oldest daughter suddenly realizing her mom was home.

"We did great… They were angels. We missed you around here, though." He replied, neither parent able to get another word in as Caitlyn spoke up.

"Mommy!" She said happily, the five year old crawling across the bed towards her mom before nearly tackling her in a big hug, Matt grinning in amusement as Gabby fell back into the pillows with Caitlyn in her arms.

"Hi sweet girl." Gabby greeted before peppering her face and head with kisses, Caitlyn giggling brightly as she wrapped her arms around her mom. "Did you have fun with Daddy?"

"Yeah! I missed you." She replied, Gabby pressing another kiss to her head before making herself more comfortable, Caitlyn quickly snuggling herself down against her mom's side as Sofia was slowly realizing her mother was home.

"I missed you too, baby… All of you." She told her, Sofia's wide blue eyes moving around until she saw her mom, soft whines starting to leave her lips before the pacifier fell from her mouth down onto Matt, the baby eager to get to her mom as she started pushing against her dad for leverage to get up. But she wasn't able to move nearly as fast as she wanted, frustrated huffs and whines escaping from the back of her throat before Matt hoisted her up over his body and onto the other side of the bed where she could get to her mom. And the second she was within reach, that wide, precious smile returned to the little girl's face as she made her way to her mother.

"Mama." She said, Gabby's smile widening as she pulled Sofia into her arms. "Mama… Mama."

"Hi my Sof." She replied to her with just as much enthusiasm as she had Caitlyn, Sofia giving her mom multiple open-mouthed kisses all over her face before she cuddled into her, the baby clearly more tired than her older sister as she'd used almost all of her energy just getting to her mom.

"They really did miss you." Matt commented after a moment, his eyes happily on his girls as he saw both of them starting to fade, the man turning to lie on his side while holding onto Sofia's stuffed animal that she'd dropped.

"I missed them, too… And you, I guess." She added with a proud look in her eye, Matt scoffing lightly as he reached out to grab her thigh, the husband giving her leg a gentle squeeze in response.

"Well, I missed you, too. It was a little weird without you here, but I'm glad you had a good night with everyone. You deserved it." He told her, Gabby's smile never faltering as she ran her hand along Sofia's back.

"Yeah, it was nice to get out, but next time you'll have to come with me… We'll have to try and get Becca to watch the girls, or my dad." She replied, Matt nodding in agreement as he continued to pay attention to both his wife and his girls, the latter getting closer and closer to drifting off as Gabby's sudden appearance had seemed to relax them both.

"We'll have to do that sometime. Although you and I both do a pretty bad job of being away from the girls." He spoke with a soft laugh, Gabby biting back a smirk as she thought back to some of her conversations earlier in the night.

"That's basically what I told Jemma." She responded without hesitation, Matt's knowing smile widening. "That these days, you and I handle it worse than they do…"

"That didn't always used to be the case." He defended, Gabby shaking her head in agreement. "Sof used to hate anyone but us, and Caitlyn used to not want to be without us, either." He breathed out, Gabby pondering over his words for a moment before responding.

"Well, don't lose hope on Sof just yet. She's still young, you know she goes through phases with this stuff… It won't surprise me if she's clingy again, soon. And Caity… Well, I like to think her being able to be away from us just means we're doing a good job." She murmured, Casey's face softening before a small smile tugged on his lips, both parents looking down at the five year old that was nearly asleep, and completely oblivious to what her parents were saying. "She used to not be able to be away from us at all, and now she does alright… Not all the time, but most of the time. And I'd like to think that's because she knows we're not going anywhere. That we made her believe, without a doubt, that we'll always be here for her, and that's helped her adjust to the times we're not here… I don't know, maybe it's silly-"

"It's not." Matt interjected, Gabby meeting his loving gaze before she nodded. "Trust me, it's not… And I think you're right." He spoke sincerely, a soft smile forming over her face before she looked down towards her girls, both mostly asleep by now as they clung to their mom. "Caitlyn's able to be more independent now, and do things without us, because she knows she has us to come back to… She knows we'll always be there. And Sof will grow up knowing the exact same thing. So yeah, I might be a little sad that my babies are growing up, but seeing how much more comfortable Caitlyn is now, and how much she's grown… It just makes me proud. Of all of us." He breathed out as he finished his thought, Gabby pausing for a moment as his words washed over her, the grin across her lips only faltering long enough for her to place a kiss to the top of Sofia's head, while her head moved methodically across Caitlyn's back.

"Yeah, I guess you're right… I was right." She responded teasingly, Matt scoffing in response before shaking his head, the two sharing knowing smiles as he rested his head in his palm.

"God, I love you." He muttered under his breath, almost like he didn't even realize he'd said it, the ease of his words nearly causing her heart to flutter in her chest as they locked eyes. "But yes, you were right. Which isn't unusual… Though, I didn't even mean to get that deep this late at night." He continued on with a chuckle, Gabby biting back a scoff of her own as Matt used his free hand to give her leg another squeeze. "But you are right, and I know we don't really have much time to sit back and reflect these days, but thinking about how far Caitlyn's come… especially in the last few months, it's- it's incredible." He added softly, Gabby immediately nodding in agreement, neither parent able to get another word in as the sound of Caitlyn's soft snores soon hit their ears.

Glancing back towards their oldest, Matt was met by the sight of Caitlyn still securely curled into her mother's side, her small hand holding onto Gabby's shirt tightly as her head was resting comfortably against her chest. And Sofia looked just as comfortable, the baby taking up the rest of the space on top of Gabby.

"Well, I guess our incredible little girl needs to go to bed… Both our incredible girls." He spoke lightly, Gabby rubbing soothing patterns along Caitlyn's back as she nodded.

"Yeah, it's pretty late for them." She agreed, Gabby drawing in a deep breath before she began patting Caitlyn's back gently. "Caity, sweetheart." She murmured, it taking a few moments for the girl to begin to wake up from her quick nap. And the second she did, they could tell she wasn't happy about it as she dug herself deeper into her mom's side. "Baby, it's time for bed… Daddy's gonna take you upstairs, alright?" She told her as Matt got up off the bed, the father walking around towards the other side of the bed with both Sofia's and Caitlyn's comfort items in his hands.

"Come here, princess." He spoke softly as he handed Gabby Sofia's things, before reaching over her and Sof to help Caitlyn. "I know you're tired, let's get you upstairs."

With some careful maneuvering, Casey managed to get Caitlyn up over Gabby and Sofia and into his arms, the five year old curling up into him as she did every night he carried her upstairs to bed. Which, admittedly, was most nights he was home. But he absolutely loved it, and they were moments he didn't want to take for granted, as he never knew when his last time carrying her to bed would be. So he was going to enjoy this time while he could, Matt cradling her securely in his arms as Gabby slowly began to get up while holding their little Sofia.

"You got her?" He asked quietly, Gabby offering him a small smile once she got to her feet.

"I got her." She repeated, the mother rubbing her hand gently up and down her daughter's back while she glanced towards Caitlyn, the parents always finding it rather amusing just how quickly their girls could fall asleep as both Caitlyn and Sofia were already resting again. "Let's get them to bed… And then once we're done, you can tell me why Severide knew about this hockey game you want to take the girls to, and I didn't." She spoke as her head cocked to the side, Matt biting down on the inside of his cheek to keep himself from smiling as he ducked his head slightly.

"...He mentioned that?"

"Mhmm. He sure did." She responded as soon as he finished speaking, that sheepish look she knew well soon forming over his face before he nodded towards the door.

"Well babe, I was actually gonna talk to you about that. But how would you feel about taking the girls to a hockey game?" He questioned, Gabby unable to stop the soft scoff that left her lips as he tried to backtrack on his obvious plans, the wife shaking her head slightly before she extended her free arm out to push against his shoulder gently.

"Just take your daughter upstairs." She chastised, Matt suppressing the laugh threatening to leave his lips before he nodded, the man well aware this conversation wasn't over. But it could wait for now, as their main priority was getting the girls in bed so they could sleep soundly.

"You got it." He agreed with a wink, Gabby fighting the urge to roll her eyes before she began following her husband out of their room and towards the stairs, their entire world in their arms as they were all ready for the peaceful quiet that came during nighttime in the Casey household.

And there's another one. I know this chapter was a lot shorter than normal, but I'm in this weird place where I'm trying to get us into the next part of the storyline, and was struggling with how to get us there. I know this is mostly just a filler chapter, and I'm sorry about that, but things are gonna pick up here in the next one. I hope you all still enjoyed this one regardless.

Thanks again for reading, I hope you all have a great week!