Hello there everyone! I'm back with the next chapter for you all, and I think it's one you're gonna like.

I don't want to keep you all waiting any longer, so that's about all I've got. I hope you all have a great week, and I'll see you next time. Thanks for reading!

Chapter One Hundred and Forty Four

Dawson stretched out her back as she stood at the counter in the common room, the paramedic pouring herself a fresh cup of coffee as she knew she'd need it to help her get through this morning. They were still a few minutes away from the official start of shift, but most of her friends and coworkers had arrived already, the first responders spread throughout the house while first shift waited out those last couple minutes. But despite the number of people in the room, it was still pretty quiet, the almost calm feeling helping her prepare for the day ahead as she moved around the countertop to fix her drink the way she liked it.

And as soon as she was done, she immediately took a long, slow sip, the hot liquid feeling good on her throat as she took the moment to decompress, Gabby bringing her free hand up to rub along the back of her neck while she listened to the soft murmur of the television across the room.

"You look about as bad as Casey."

The comment caused Dawson's eyes to open, her gaze immediately finding Stella as the firefighter was standing by her side, clearly having only been here for a few seconds as Gabby hadn't noticed her in the room beforehand. But regardless of how long she'd been here, she'd been around long enough to see just how tired the paramedic was as Gabby narrowed her eyes slightly. Though that look didn't deter Kidd as she continued on, just as Jemma came up and stood beside her.

"I saw him downing an entire cup of coffee in the locker room… You guys must still be tired from your vacation." She continued on, Dawson stifling an eye roll as she moved her finger against the outside of her mug.

"That was days ago, Stella." Gabby countered, her friend shrugging slightly as Dawson took note of the amused smirk on Norris' face.

"Yeah, but we all know how much fun you two had on your little trip. It's probably still just catching up to you… Don't get me wrong, I'm glad you were able to go. You two deserve some time away for yourselves and it's great that you had a good time, but Casey could barely hide the grin on his face the day you all got back, he was like a kid at Christmas." Stella teased, her words causing Gabby to bite down on her bottom lip as she felt heat slowly starting to rise up her neck to her cheeks. "And it doesn't take a genius to understand why."

"She's right, Gabby." Jemma echoed as she leaned down onto the counter, Kidd raising her eyebrows with an 'I-told-you-so' look on her face, while Dawson merely shook her head. "Casey obviously enjoyed your all's trip. He's been a lot less tense since you all got back."

"Yeah, well going to a spa will do that for people." Gabby replied without missing a beat, Stella cocking her head to the side as Jemma laughed softly.

"Mhmm… I still have a feeling it was the alone time with his wife that's made him all happy-go-lucky." She pushed on, Stella clearly getting a kick out of messing with her friend. And Jemma was no better, as it was obvious she was enjoying it, too.

Though admittedly, Stella had a point. Gabby wasn't blind to how different her husband had been acting since their little weekend getaway a couple days ago. He was doing fine before they left, but it was like a switch flipped in him while they were there, Matt more relaxed and at ease than she'd seen him in a long time. And definitely since before her accident, as Casey was now back to feeling a lot more like himself.

Their trip away, though short, had helped them feel a lot better, both physically and mentally, and Gabby wasn't blind to the fact that getting the intimacy back in their relationship had helped tremendously with that.

It wasn't just because of the sex, though Gabby had absolutely zero complaints about her husband and his capabilities. But it was more what all it represented, as getting that part of their relationship back had helped them feel more secure in knowing that they both were truly alright. It was one of the last steps they'd needed to take in getting back to how things were before everything happened, and in doing so, it allowed them that sense of normalcy that they'd desperately been missing.

Their weekend away was something that had done wonders for them, individually and together, and it was no surprise that their friends were able to pick up on it. But just because Kidd and Jemma were, partially, right about why Matt had been so happy lately, that didn't mean Gabby was wanting to have this discussion. At least not here.

"I have no comment." Dawson spoke up, Kidd looking her up and down before pursing her lips together.

"Mhmm." She hummed once more, though this one was much less impressed as Gabby ran her teeth along the inside of her cheek. "I'm just gonna take that to mean I'm right… Because both of you look like you could fall over at any minute, and last I checked, trips to the spa were supposed to have the opposite effect." She continued to poke fun at her friend, Gabby pursing her lips together in an effort to hide her smile, as she refused to admit Stella was right.

Though thankfully, her long-time friend soon changed the subject. "But hopefully you and Casey can snap out of it, because I heard through the grapevine that you two are back at full capacity here at 51." She added with a soft smirk, Gabby's head falling to the side before she pushed her cup away from her.

"Oh you did, did you?" She asked before crossing her arms over her chest, Stella nodding with a pleased look in her eye before she replied.

"Mhmm… The Captain and Severide were talking about it in the locker room, how you and him were officially back… Though I think Casey's a little worried about reclaiming his position from Herrmann." She spoke with a laugh, Gabby and Jemma both chuckling softly as well. "Said he's afraid the old man won't want to give it up."

"Yeah, that's not entirely surprising… I know Herrmann had a lot of fun covering for Casey, but the two of them talked about it yesterday, I think it'll be fine." Dawson answered her, Kidd nodding in response.

"So everything Matt said was true, the both of you are back?" Kidd asked, Gabby replying with a soft nod. "You're the PIC again, and he's back running 81?"

"We're back, yes." Gabby responded, not missing the slight look of relief that crossed Kidd's face.

"Yup, my PIC is back." Jemma echoed with a smile of her own, the younger paramedic reaching across the counter to give her partner's arm a squeeze.

"Oh, thank God." Kidd breathed out, her response causing Dawson to raise her eyebrows curiously before a sly grin tugged on her lips.

"I guess you're excited to have your Captain back, huh?" Gabby asked her, Kidd blowing out a heavy breath before she nodded.

"You have no idea." She said, the firefighter glancing around the room for a moment before looking back towards her friends, Kidd dropping her voice considerably. "Don't get me wrong, Herrmann's a great Lieutenant, but he wears me out… Always wanting to run drills like we're candidates, it makes me tired." She vented, Gabby doing what she could to stifle her laughter as her eyes moved across the room to glance at Herrmann, the older man completely oblivious as to what was going on around him while he watched tv.

"Oh yeah, I used to train with him… Trust me, I get it." Gabby reminded her, Kidd nodding by her side as she released another breath. "He was very into running drills over and over and over again."

"And thank God Casey isn't… I've missed the Captain around here."

"Yeah, I think we all have." Gabby replied softly. "But we're back, for good… We're both feeling really good, and we're ready… I know we had some great people covering for us for a while," She continued on, glancing towards her friend as Jemma shot her an appreciative smile, "but it's time- Well, probably past time, actually, but we're ready to be back."

"That's so great to hear, Dawson." Kidd told her, Jemma nodding eagerly in complete agreement. "It was one thing getting the both of you back here at the house, but having you back officially… everything can finally start to feel a little more normal around here."

"I think so, too." Dawson told her.

"As long as you and Casey can stay awake long enough to run the calls, that is." Stella teased, their previous conversation clearly not entirely forgotten as Gabby scoffed lightly. "I mean, he still looked just as happy as ever when I saw him, but all I'm saying is you both seem pretty exhausted."

"Well, we are… But whatever you're thinking, it's not that." She cut her friend off as Kidd had opened her mouth to say something, the knowing look covering Gabby's face enough to earn a laugh from Jemma. "We're tired because of the kids, it was kind of a long night."

"Are they okay?" Jemma was the first to ask, Gabby nodding in response as Kidd patted her arm understandingly.

"They're fine, it's nothing bad. Caitlyn's just been so excited lately, she can hardly sleep." Dawson told them, understanding looks soon covering both their faces as the first responders shared a smile.

"Ah yes, the big day is coming up." Stella spoke up, Gabby giving her another nod while looking between her two friends. "You guys are almost there… Which, I guess that could also explain some of Casey's cheeriness lately." She added on as her nose scrunched up in thought, Gabby narrowing her eyes playfully before she began to shake her head.

"You think?" She asked rhetorically, Kidd shrugging her off before Gabby continued on. "But you're right, that's really why he's been so excited lately… We're all excited, and just so happy and ready for her adoption." She confided to them, Kidd and Jemma both watching her with soft looks in their eyes as they knew how long of a road this had been for their friend. "But because we're all so happy and excited, it's been hard for Caitlyn to really focus on anything else. She's been bouncing off the walls lately, and last night was no different. It was pretty difficult to get them down for bed, and then this morning Caity woke up super early, which then woke Sofia up- so there's just not been a lot of sleep happening lately… But it's all for a good reason." She finished, Kidd and Jemma both nodding in agreement.

"Yeah, you're right. It's for a great reason… We're all so happy for you guys, Dawson."

"We really are." Jemma added on. "But it's almost hard to believe this is finally happening."

"Yeah, I know what you mean… It sometimes doesn't even feel real to me. That Caitlyn's about to be our daughter, after all this time." She breathed out, Gabby looking towards the entrance to the common room when she finished speaking, just in time to see her husband enter the room with Severide close behind him, the smile on her face growing while she watched him. And it didn't take him long to catch her gaze, either, his own grin growing before he immediately headed her way. "But we couldn't be more grateful that we're finally here, we're so excited." She repeated, Stella rubbing her hand along her back supportively just as Casey got to them.

"Excited about what?" He questioned, having heard the tail end of their conversation, his eyes moving over the three of them as he was trying to figure out what he was walking into.

"Caity." Gabby answered, her simple word enough to tell him all he needed to know as the large smile over his lips grew even wider, his entire face lighting up before he began to walk around the counter towards his wife, no doubt wanting to be closer to her. "We were talking about her adoption, and how happy we are."

Matt nodded almost immediately, the loving look shining in his eyes enamoring Gabby as she was sure she couldn't be any more in love with this man if she tried, Casey reaching out to rest his hand over her lower back before rubbing his palm in a gentle motion.

"God, we're so excited." He spoke eagerly as Kelly came over to them, Matt absentmindedly leaning down to press a kiss to the top of Gabby's head before he continued. "We've been looking forward to this day for months, and now that it's finally here… I don't even know how to describe it, but it's one of the best feelings in the world."

His enthusiastic words hung in the air, Gabby leaning into his side just before the bells rang off above them, the entire house pausing what they were doing as they heard ambo getting called out for the first time this shift.

"Well, I guess it's time to see if my PIC skills are rusty or not." Dawson joked as she took a slight step backwards, Matt rubbing her back one last time before dropping his hand.

"You're gonna do great, Dawson." Jemma told her, Matt nodding in agreement.

"You will." He added on, Gabby looking up towards her husband to find a soft smile waiting for her. "I love you, and be safe out there."

"I will." She promised, the two sharing a quick silent look before the paramedics began heading for the garage, Matt watching her go until she was out of sight, before he turned his attention back towards Severide and Kidd, the man ready to continue talking all about his daughter's adoption while Gabby was out doing her job.

"You want anymore, babe?" Matt asked as he stood up from the table in the common room, the entirety of 51 having just enjoyed their lunch as, thankfully, they'd all been in the house long enough to eat it.

It had been a pretty slow morning, aside from the one ambo call, giving everyone at the firehouse the opportunity to relax and spend time together up until it was time for them to eat lunch. And, given how nice of a day it had been so far, they decided to order in food, the first responders enjoying a delicious barbecue lunch while they waited around to see when and where they'd be needed. Though, if the pace of the way today started was any indication, they weren't sure they'd be called out any time soon.

"No thanks, I'm fine." She responded after taking one last bite of her food, before gently sliding the plate away from her. "I'm done."

"You sure?" He asked softly, seeing a little bit of her lunch still left. But Gabby nodded regardless, the woman lifting her head up to nod at him before offering him a small smile.

"Yeah, I'm good." She told him, Matt nodding back at her before grabbing her plate up off the table and heading over towards the sink, the Captain leaving their plates and utensils on top of the forming stack of dirty dishes before making his way back over to the table. But before he got there, the sound of Otis' voice gained his attention, the firefighter having come in from the garage as he stopped just short of the common room.

"Dawson?" He asked, Gabby's head snapping towards him before her eyebrows raised up.

"Yeah?"

"There's someone out here asking for you."

A look of confusion covered her face before she slowly nodded, Matt having come to stand behind her as his hand rested on the back of her chair, Gabby glancing up at him to find a similarly uncertain look covering his features.

"For me?" She asked, Otis nodding before taking a slight step forward. "...Did you know who it is?" She pressed, the firefighter merely shrugging as he continued into the common room, everyone watching Dawson before she slowly pushed herself up from her seat and headed out of the firehouse.

Without a word, Matt followed closely behind her, Gabby not minding his presence one bit as she had no idea who might've been visiting her at work. Especially not someone that Otis didn't know. But she continued on regardless, Gabby and Matt navigating their way around the rigs until they got to the open part of the garage, the woman's steps slowing considerably when she saw who was waiting for her.

"Papa?" She asked, heavy confusion in her voice as she saw her dad standing over by the ambulance, the man leaning up against the rig as it became clear to her that he'd been waiting for a while.

She just wasn't sure why, as he hadn't told her he was coming by today. And not only that, but they both knew he could've just come inside to speak with her about whatever he was here for, Gabby continuing towards him as she only became more and more uncertain as to what was going on.

"Hello mija." He greeted with a gentle smile, Gabby glancing back towards Matt once more, seeing him still just as unsure as she felt right now, as Ramon began walking towards them as well.

"What are you doing here?" She asked before he leaned forward to press a soft kiss on her cheek, Gabby returning the gesture easily as despite her surprise at him being here, this was still her father, and she was always happy to see him.

"Well, I just came by to say hello." He replied while shaking Matt's hand, Gabby not entirely buying his words as she crossed her arms over her chest. "I know we're all getting together tomorrow night, but I just wanted to stop by and see you." He continued on, though he could tell with every passing second, she was believing him less and less.

"...Papa." She pushed, Ramon sucking in a deep breath before he shook his head.

"Alright, maybe that's not the entire truth. My, I can never get anything past you, Gabriela, ever since you were a child." He began to ramble softly, his words earning a soft laugh from Matt, the sound enough to gain Gabby's attention as she shot her husband a less than impressed look before returning her eyes to her father. "I was coming by because I have a surprise for you, and I didn't think you'd want to have to wait until tomorrow night." He finally answered her, Gabby still feeling a bit confused as she watched her father, though this time it was for a much different reason.

"You have a surprise for me?" She reiterated, Ramon nodding as he reached out to hold onto her arms gently, her face softening as she stood in front of her dad.

"Yes… Though it's not only from me," He replied, Ramon eyeing Casey as the man stood just slightly behind his daughter. And when Gabby finally looked his way and saw all the confusion he previously held now nowhere to be found, it was then she realized that whatever this was, her husband was in on it. "It's from a few people, but we all know what special day is coming this week, and Matthew and I, and your brother, have all been talking for a while, and we thought there was one thing that I knew you'd want with you when you all adopt Caitlyn." He told her, her eyebrows furrowing once more as he slowly stepped away from her, Ramon now standing by her side as he looked out towards the driveway.

"What is it, dad?" She asked, the older man simply shaking his head as she felt Matt rest his hand over her waist.

"Come on out!" Ramon called, Gabby moving her gaze back towards the direction he was facing, as she waited for whatever, or whoever, he'd brought by to surprise her.

But nothing could prepare her for the person who walked out from behind the ambulance, as Gabby came face to face with her mom, the woman wearing a bright smile as she began walking towards her daughter. And the second Dawson registered who it was, a slight gasp left her lips as tears immediately started to form in her eyes, Gabby breaking away from her dad and Matt to hurry towards Camila, the two meeting in a tight hug as the woman held her baby as securely as she could.

"Oh my God, I… You're here." Gabby breathed out, Camila cupping the back of her head as Matt and Ramon moved closer to the women who hadn't seen each other in months, both wearing wide smiles on their faces as they were just glad to see Gabby so happy. "I- You said you couldn't come, I didn't think you'd be here." She continued, the two separating just far enough to be able to see each other as Camila rested her hands over her daughter's cheeks.

"I know, that's what we all told you… But I wanted it to be a surprise. So did Matthew." She spoke, glancing back towards the man just a step behind her daughter, Gabby soon looking his way as well as he saw the thankful tears in her eyes.

It was no secret between the couple that Gabby had talked to her mom a lot about their upcoming adoption, the two often calling and facetimeing whenever they could, as Gabby missed having her mother around more than she could ever express. But as far as she knew, Camila wasn't able to make it for Caitlyn's adoption. Or at least that's what she'd been told, but clearly that was never the case, which is something Matt had apparently known the entire time. But right now she didn't even care, as she was just so thrilled to have her mom here.

"I never would miss this day, my sweet Gabriela." She continued on, wiping away a few of the tears sliding down Gabby's skin. "I already haven't been around as much as I should've… with me not being able to get here when you had your accident," She spoke, Gabby immediately shaking her head as she knew her mom held onto a lot of guilt for not being here during that time, even though she'd tried. "I wasn't there for you, and I regret that every single day of my life."

"Mama, there was nothing you could've done." She reminded her, just as she had many times over the past few weeks. "I'm okay, and I know you would've been there if you could. But I'm fine, everyone's fine." She assured her, Camila breathing in deeply before she nodded.

"I know you are, and God bless your father for keeping me in the loop that entire time," She added on, Gabby chuckling softly before looking back towards her dad, only to find him watching her, the daughter just glad to see her parents still getting along. "But despite my not being there then, I wouldn't have missed this for the world… Matthew here was just the one who made it all happen." Camila said, her words flooding Gabby's chest with warmth as she knew she needed to have a talk with her husband later, and thank him properly for this surprise. "But I'm here, and I can't wait to see you adopt that beautiful little girl… I'm just so proud of you, mija. You and Matt both."

Camila's final words brought more tears to Gabby's eyes, before the younger Dawson leaned forward to hug her mom once more, the two women connecting tightly as they took a few seconds to soak in this moment. But eventually, they separated, the group of four standing together as Gabby slowly made her way back to Matt's side.

The conversation was light and easy, mostly just Camila filling them in on how she'd been, and how long she was staying. But when there was a break in her words, the older woman beginning to talk to Ramon about something, that was when Gabby took the chance to look at her husband, Dawson wrapping her arm around his waist as the movement caused him to glance her way.

"Thank you." She whispered out before he could say anything, Matt still seeing a few stray tears hiding in her eyes as he knew how appreciative she was of this. And how this incredible week for them had just gotten even better. "I don't even know what to say, except thank you."

"You don't have to say anything." He told her, Matt wrapping his arm around her as well, while his free hand came up to rest over her arm, Gabby drawing in a deep breath before she nodded. This wasn't the first time Matt had ever surprised her with a visit from her mom, but it still meant just as much to her as it had the first time, Gabby rubbing her hand over his back as he pressed a kiss against her forehead. "I'm just glad she's able to be here for this… the girls are gonna be so excited." He added on, Gabby nodding slowly as he pulled back, the two locking eyes for a moment as a thought crossed her mind.

"They will, yeah… But, uh… what about your mom?" She asked, Matt raising his eyebrows slightly. "Do you know if she's able to come?" Gabby pushed, the sad smile that formed on his face already giving her an answer before he shook his head.

"She can't make it." He told her, Gabby pursing her lips together before nodding in response. "She thought maybe she could, but I talked to her a couple weeks ago, and she can't." He added on, Matt lifting his hand up to rub gently along the side of her face. "But she does want to be a part of it, though. She wants to be on Facetime during the adoption, so she can see it. So I asked Kidd if she wouldn't mind doing that."

"That'll be good." Gabby replied, Matt nodding with a soft smile as she leaned into his touch.

"Yeah, it will be. I'm glad she's able to be a part of it… I was gonna tell you then, but I worried it would bring up the topic of your mom coming, and I was afraid I'd give it away." He continued on, his tone turning lighter as a small smile appeared over her lips. "I wanted to make sure it stayed a surprise."

"Well, it did." She responded, Gabby immediately tucking herself back into his side as she tightened her grip around his waist, Matt holding onto her just as tight just as Ramon and Camila looked their way, the former couple watching as Casey pressed another kiss to her head. "Thank you." She repeated, Matt merely smiling against her hair before he began to run his hand along her back.

"Always."

Casey took a sip of his beer as he stood behind the counter in his kitchen, the man looking out at their full living room as all their friends and family were gathered around, the group well into their night meant to celebrate the life-changing day waiting for them tomorrow. The room was loud, a lot louder than normal, as the usual sounds of them helping their girls with dinner had been replaced by the constant chatter of multiple conversations happening at once, Matt's eyes moving from group to group as he couldn't help but feel completely content in this moment.

And from where Gabby stood across the room with her mother, Jemma, and Caitlyn, he could tell she felt the exact same way, as they'd had a close to perfect night with the people who meant the most to them.

"So, how's it feel?"

Matt looked over when he heard the familiar voice to find Severide coming up to him, his friend no longer holding the baby that had been in his arms for almost the entire night, Sofia evidently off with someone else now as Kelly was alone.

"How does what feel?" He asked after a slight pause, his eyebrows knitted together as he wasn't entirely sure what Severide meant.

"You're about to be a dad… again." Kelly replied, his words earning a laugh from Casey before he took another drink, the man glancing back out to the crowd while he thought over what his friend had said. And within seconds, he found where his youngest daughter had run off too, as Sofia was currently nestled up in her grandfather's arms while Ramon chatted away with Boden.

"I don't know if that's exactly how it works." He responded under his breath, but it was loud enough for Severide to hear him as the Lieutenant chuckled softly.

"You know what I mean… How are you feeling about the big day tomorrow?" He pushed, Matt stopping to take a deep breath before a wide smile started to form over his face.

"...I'm so fucking excited." He breathed out, Kelly unable to stop his own grin from growing as Casey glanced his way. "I just- I'm so ready for this, Gabby and I both are. We've been ready for a long time… And not that this changes anything, at least with how we see her… She's been our daughter, Caity is our little girl, we don't need any papers to prove that. But having it finally be official, and legal, it's just… It's been a long time coming." He rambled out, Severide nodding in agreement as he listened to his every word.

"And I know it hasn't even been a year since we met her, let alone knew she even existed, but it feels like she's just always been a part of us… I can't imagine my life without her, and I know Gabby can't either." He continued on, his gaze locking on Kelly as Severide could tell just how deeply he meant everything he was saying. "But now that we're finally able to adopt her, it's just… She's my little girl, Sev. And I can't wait for it to be official."

"I know she is." He replied with a soft smile, his arm reaching out to pat his friend on the shoulder. "And I know I used to tell you this all the time, and I even still do, but that girl… From the moment we met her, everyone knew she was a Casey. That she was yours and Gabby's kid, that you were meant to be her parents." He reminded him, his words bringing a look of pure joy to Casey's face as Kelly could see the pride shining in his eyes. "You're right, I can't picture her not being in your life… It's like you were meant to meet her, and become her parents."

Severide's words hit a lot harder than Casey expected, as he couldn't help but look over towards his oldest daughter while those thoughts rang around in his head, the man knowing just how right Kelly was.

Caitlyn was meant to be their daughter, Matt believed that with everything in him. From the moment they met, and how seamlessly she came into their family, he and Gabby both knew there was something special about her, and he firmly believed it was because she was meant to be with them. And even though it hadn't always been easy, and they'd even lost her for a time, those memories of her leaving their home almost too painful to relive, all of it had been worth it; because it got them here.

And not a day went by where Casey wasn't incredibly grateful for that.

"Yeah, I think we were, too." Matt agreed after a moment, both men pausing to take a drink before Severide continued.

"And I… I've known you forever, Case. Long before you even met Gabby, but even now it's like I can't ever picture you without her… Seeing you two together all those years, I just have never seen two people more right for one another." He started, his words going straight to Matt's heart as he watched his friend. "But then Sofia came along, and it was like I couldn't ever picture you two without her either, and now it's the same thing with Caitlyn… Those are your girls, man. And I'm just so happy for you… That you have the family you've always wanted, with the woman you've always wanted." He told him, that familiar smile slowly reappearing over Casey's face as Kelly gave his shoulder another squeeze.

"Thanks Sev." He responded quietly, his voice low in an effort to not betray him as he felt a rush of emotion welling in his throat. But whatever he was feeling, he knew Kelly understood it, his friend rubbing his shoulder comfortingly before he dropped his hand. "And, uh… I guess while we're doing this, there is something I want to talk to you about." Casey spoke up after a moment, his words causing Kelly's head to fall to the side slightly.

"What is it?"

"Well, Gabby and I have been talking, and… You've always been there, for both of our girls. Without fail… And for me and Gabby, too, if I'm being honest." He started, Kelly laughing softly before he nodded. "But you've been there through it all, and been the best godfather I think any kid could ask for… You were always that way with Sofia, and then when we got Caitlyn, you just- you never treated her any differently." Matt breathed out, his words holding more feeling than he could express as Kelly watched him with a thoughtful gaze.

"From day one, you treated her like she was a part of our family, and you've done it every day since. You've loved her, the same way you do Sofia, and Gabby and I can't even begin to tell you how much that means to us." He kept going, Severide feeling his throat starting to tighten up. "And because of that, Gabby and I were wondering if you'd be one of our witnesses tomorrow when we adopt Caitlyn."

A huge smile broke out across Severide's face as the words left Casey's lips, his reaction alone enough to tell Matt his answer before Kelly began to nod his head.

"We just feel like it should be you… I mean, I know technically everyone is coming tomorrow, but we needed two official witnesses, to sign the papers. We asked Ramon to be our other one, but you've been such a huge part of our lives, and with how much you've been there to help us with Caitlyn, we-"

Casey's words were cut off by the man hugging him, Matt laughing softly before reciprocated the gesture, the two holding onto one another for a moment before starting to pull back. "Of course, man." He answered him, Casey smiling wide as he nodded back. "I'd be honored to."

"Thanks Sev." He replied, neither man able to get another word out before Caitlyn ran up to them.

"Daddy…" She spoke, the tone in her voice telling both Casey and Severide that she was sad about something as she came to a stop in front of her father, Matt crouching down to her level while he grabbed her hands in his before she looked at him.

"What's the matter, princess?" He asked her, Kelly smiling softly as he couldn't help but admire how attentive of a father his best friend was, like the whole world stopped whenever his kids needed anything.

"I got juice on my dress." She replied, Matt frowning softly before glancing down towards her outfit, the pout on her face getting bigger by the second as it was clear she was bothered by the stain on her clothes.

And while, knowing his daughter, this was something that typically would've made her unhappy, she seemed to be a lot more upset by it than he would've expected. But Matt could only imagine it was at least partly because of how tired Caitlyn was, the little girl's energy definitely running out fast, especially given how little she slept the night before.

But she refused to give in, both Gabby and Matt having tried a few times to get her to go to bed early, but she wouldn't budge, as she didn't want to miss any of her party, Caitlyn proving every day to be just as stubborn as both her parents.

"Oh sweetheart, I'm sorry." He responded, rubbing over her hand gently as she took a step closer to him. "How about we go upstairs and put on a new dress, and we can wash this one, would that be okay?" He suggested, Caitlyn thinking over his words for a moment before she slowly nodded, the small smile soon returning to her face.

"Okay Daddy."

"Alright, let's go." He told her, lifting her into his arms as he stood up straight, Caitlyn immediately relaxing into his side as he glanced towards Kelly, the man giving him a quick nod before Matt took off towards the steps, Casey leaving the party behind for a little while as he focused his complete attention on his oldest daughter.

Matt smoothed out his tie as he sat in the hard wooden chairs, his hand resting over his stomach while his other arm was wrapped around the six year old currently sitting in his lap, Caitlyn's legs swinging back and forth as the family of four sat together quietly while waiting their turn. They'd been here for a while already, it being a rather busy day at the courthouse as there were large groups of people gathered all around them, one of which included all their friends and their family as they waited further off down the hall. From the crowd alone, Casey knew there was certainly more than just Caity's adoption happening here today, which was to be expected. But the father didn't care so much about that, as his focus was completely on his little girl.

His little girl that here shortly would officially be his daughter.

Part of it all still felt surreal to him and Gabby both, and even Caitlyn a little bit, as the three of them could hardly believe the day they'd wanted for so long had finally come. The day that had been marked on their calendars, the one they knew since last year would be one of the best days of their lives. The day they had to wait six months for, as here any second, Caitlyn would legally become their daughter.

Even though Matt was overjoyed at the thought, he was sure no one was more excited than the girl currently in his lap. From the moment they first told her they'd be adopting her, to telling her when it was happening, then every day since- Caitlyn had been so happy at the thought of him and Gabby finally becoming her parents.

And that was never more apparent than it had been this morning, their little girl having slept in their room with them last night as she wanted to be with her mom and dad, the first words out of Caitlyn's mouth when she woke up being 'I'm getting adopted today!', as Matt was unable to stop himself from smiling at the memory. It was something that completely warmed his heart, and made him feel so grateful for his oldest daughter, as Casey mindlessly placed a soft kiss to the back of her head, Caity instinctively leaning back against him as the movement pulled him from his thoughts.

"Is it almost our turn?" Caitlyn asked after a moment, Gabby looking towards her while adjusting Sofia in her lap, the baby clearly wanting to be let down and run around. But with all the people here, they didn't feel it to be the safest, so for now she was stuck with her mom, Sofia taking to playing with the necklace around Gabby's neck while the mother caught Caity's gaze. "I want you to be my Mommy and Daddy." She added on with a shy smile, Gabby biting back a grin while Matt let out a soft chuckle.

"We know you do, baby." She responded, Gabby reaching her free hand out to smooth down the little girl's dress.

"And I wanna be a Casey!" She continued on, Matt rubbing his hand gently over her stomach as she looked around the unfamiliar building, before her eyes landed back on her mom. "And we can all be a family."

"I know, sweetheart… But you know we're already a family, yeah?" Gabby asked her softly, lifting her hand up to brush back some of her hair behind her ear, the woman wanting to make sure Caitlyn understood what she was saying. "Your Dad and I, we'll always be your parents, and adoption or not, that won't ever change… You're already a part of our family." She reminded her, Caity nodding with a bright smile.

"I know, Mommy." She said matter-of-factly, Gabby seeing her husband do what he could to fight off his widening smile at their daughter's words. "You and Daddy are my parents, and my family. And you're the best family in the whole world, but now I can be adopted and be like Sofia." She explained in her six year old way, Gabby and Matt both nodding in response. "And we'll be a family forever!" She added on happily, the parents sharing a knowing look before Matt kissed the back of her head once more.

"That's right, baby… We're a family, and we will be forever." He replied, Caitlyn smiling proudly before she placed her hands over her father's arm that was wrapped around her waist, the little girl holding onto him tightly while they continued to sit in the busy hallway.

But they weren't left waiting for very long, as a near moment later, Tina reappeared, their social worker having gone off to speak with the judge when they first got here, as she needed to be present while he went over their file. And while she had begun to talk to them about how it all went, she didn't get much of a chance, as not even a minute later the door to the courtroom opened, and they were called inside.

There was a definite rush of nerves mixed with excitement as the Casey family walked into the room, followed by all their friends and family as they all took their seats throughout the otherwise empty courtroom, while Gabby, Matt, Tina, and Caitlyn were all led to the front. And from then on, it was like everything began to happen in a blur, the judge coming in and swearing them in before they got the process started.

"Well, it looks like you brought quite the crowd today, Caitlyn." The older woman sitting up in front of them spoke, her calm voice bringing a smile to the little child's face as she sat down beside her parents in a chair far too big for her. And while typically Caitlyn would've been nervous in a new setting, with someone she didn't know, it didn't seem to faze her much at all today, as she was too excited to think about anything else other than her adoption.

"They're all my friends." She answered with a beaming grin, the judge nodding with a similar look. "And my Mommy and Daddy, and my sister Sof." She continued to introduce everyone, her words earning a laugh from the woman as an easiness fell over the entire room. "Sof is back there, with Aunt Jemma." She pointed out, the little girl glancing back to her sister who was happy in the arms of her godmother.

"Yes, I've heard a lot about you, and your family." She responded softly, Caitlyn nodding before she looked up towards her mom. "I know when you came in, there was a lot going on, but let me introduce myself... I'm Judge Roberts, and I'm gonna be helping you and your parents today, okay?" She told her in terms she hoped the girl would understand, Caitlyn nodding once more before she continued. "Now, before we get started and I have to talk to your mom and dad, can you tell me, do you understand what's happening today, Caitlyn?"

"Mommy and Daddy are adopting me." She responded happily, Judge Roberts giving her a soft smile.

"That's right, and do you know what that means?"

"They're gonna be my Mommy and Daddy forever, like with Sofia. They're her Mommy and Daddy, and once I'm adopted they'll be my Mommy and Daddy like her." She rambled out. "But we're already a family, like Mommy said." Caitlyn added on, Gabby running her hand along her daughter's back before she leaned down to kiss her head lovingly, the judge watching on at the genuine interaction for a moment before speaking up once more.

"And you're okay with that?" She asked her, the six year old looking her way with a confused glance. "You're okay with them adopting you, and being with them forever?"

The woman could hardly finish getting the words out before Caitlyn started nodding, the girl reaching out to hold on her mom's leg before she answered her. "I want to be with them." She spoke quickly, as Matt reached over to rub her back. "I don't wanna go somewhere else, I love my Mommy and Daddy." She told her, the older woman nodding back at her with a soft smile.

"Alright Caitlyn, that's exactly what I like to hear." Judge Roberts responded, Caitlyn visibly relaxing before she leaned back into her chair, as the woman up on the stand started to continue on with the process.

All in all, the hearing was relatively short, the judge asking Gabby and Matt a few questions, as well as Caitlyn, just to get a feeling for what kind of household the six year old would be legally going into. And, while the woman didn't say much, Gabby and Matt had a feeling she liked what she was hearing, as it was obvious to everyone in that room that Caitlyn was a well-adjusted and loved kid, being adopted into a safe and caring home. Which is all anyone wanted for her, Caitlyn being the one and only priority of every adult in that room at this moment.

And soon enough they began to near the end of the hearing as everything moved rather quickly, the judge going over all the information she needed while looking through their file, while also finishing off by having Ramon and Severide come up to sign off as the witnesses, along with ordering an official name change for Caitlyn, there hardly a dry eye in the room as the parents were mere moments away from Caity legally becoming their daughter.

And with one last signature, it was done, Judge Roberts signing off on the paperwork before she looked up towards the family that was now standing in front of her, seeing them and the entire room all eagerly watching.

"Congratulations." She started, the words eliciting an immediate response from everyone as a few sighs of relief were heard around the room, tears forming in Gabby's eyes as she locked eyes with the judge. "You are now the legal guardians to Caitlyn Casey, congratulations to all three of you."

The second those words left her lips, Gabby couldn't stop the tears from falling down her face, Matt wasting no time in scooping his oldest daughter into his arms as the room broke out into joyous cheers. And within seconds, Dawson joined her family's hug, tears flowing freely from all three of them as Caitlyn had her head tucked into her dad's neck.

"You're really my Mommy and Daddy now?" She asked, her words muffled through her cries and Matt's neck, the man nodding before beginning to press multiple kisses to her head. Both parents could tell how overwhelmed she was, Caitlyn unable to say much of anything else as her little mind was doing all it could to wrap around all of this, Gabby getting as close to her as she could while running a comforting hand over her back.

"We are, we're your Mommy and Daddy, baby… You're our little girl, and we love you so much." He breathed out, as Gabby reached up with her free hand to wipe away her husband's tears, the two locking eyes with each other just as she cradled the side of his face. "...She's our girl." He whispered to her, Gabby nodding as fresh tears made their way down her cheeks, the parents tuning out the movement and noise around them for just a few more moments.

"She's our girl." Gabby agreed, a relieved breath escaping the back of her throat before she leaned up to press a quick, yet loving kiss to his lips, neither of them able to contain their excitement as he gave her a few more kisses before they moved apart. And the second they did, Matt pulled her back into his side, Gabby wrapping one arm around his waist while the other stayed on Caitlyn, the little girl reaching out to hold onto her mom as heavy cries continued to leave her lips.

But they knew they were happy ones, as Caitlyn was just so excited that this day had finally come, that they were finally her parents, Matt and Gabby understanding the feeling entirely as no one could contain their emotions.

They did it, they had finally made it. After months and months of waiting, Caitlyn was now legally their daughter.

And nothing could ever change that.

And, there it is. Caitlyn's finally been adopted, and I'd say it's been a long time coming. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter, I'm really happy with how it turned out. But before you go, there are some things I want to mention. To start, I did my best to be as accurate with all the legalities of this adoption storyline, but my knowledge is strictly limited to what I find on the internet. I try to be thorough, but a lot of times there's conflicting information and it's hard to tell how things truly work. But I did my best, and hopefully it wasn't too far off.

And secondly, I know it's been mentioned a lot throughout this story, but I just want to make sure there's no gray area here; I tried to make it as clear as possible in this chapter that regardless of adoption or not, Gabby and Matt are Caitlyn's parents, and they're a family no matter what. I know Caitlyn was talking about "being a family", and "really my mom and dad", and I just want to make it clear that in that, I'm not at all saying they weren't her parents before. I was just doing my best to put it into words for a six year old to be able to explain it. I think, or hope, I did okay at getting that across, but just in case I wanted to make sure there was no confusion there. Gabby and Matt and Sofia are her family regardless, and Caitlyn knows that.

But that's about all I've got. Thanks again for reading, I'm super eager to hear your alls thoughts on this one. See you next week!