Hello there everyone! I'm back with the next chapter for you all, and I hope you guys like it.

But before we get into it, I wanted to let you all know that my uploading schedule might be a little sporadic over the next couple of weeks. I'm leaving next Monday and going out of town for two weeks, and I'm not sure how much writing I'll be able to get done while I'm gone, if any. I'm gonna try my best to get some stuff done, but I can't promise anything, so I just wanted to go ahead and let you all know now.

I am planning on getting an update of this story posted for you all next Monday, on the 30th. But after that, I'm not sure what it'll be like. I'll probably be able to give you more of an update then in the next chapter, but right now I'm just not sure. But I just wanted to give you all a heads up, like I mentioned.

So yes, plan on there being an update for this story next Monday, but after that, for all my stories, I'm not sure. But I'll do my best to keep you all updated!

That's pretty much all I've got for right now. Thank you all so much for reading, I'll see you next time! Hope you have a great week, everyone.

Chapter One Hundred and Forty Six

Gabby drew in a deep breath before she took a long, slow sip out of the glass of wine in her hands while she sat at the kitchen table, her eyes trained down on the paperwork in front of her as the tranquil quiet filling her home helped to keep her focused. It was getting a little late, at least for everyone in the Casey household, as it neared ten pm, the complete silence surrounding her giving her the peace of mind that her girls were fast asleep in their rooms. Or at least one of them was, as from the baby monitor beside her Gabby knew her oldest daughter was sleeping soundly in her room, and had been ever since they put her to bed hours prior.

But Sofia had been a completely different story, as maybe half an hour ago she'd woken up crying for her parents, Matt offering to go and get her before Gabby could even move from her spot, the father hurrying upstairs to comfort their baby before she could wake up Caitlyn. And thankfully, he had been able to get to her in time, Gabby hearing through the monitor that Sof quieted down shortly after her dad came and got her, the little girl seemingly much more content once she had one of her parents there with her.

Though what Dawson wasn't sure of was if Matt's presence had been able to help her fall back asleep, as her husband had yet to reappear downstairs. But whether she was still awake or not, Gabby knew she was in the best hands possible as Matt wouldn't go anywhere until he was sure Sofia was okay and back asleep, that assurance helping Gabby be able to not worry so much about her daughter, and instead focus on completing these papers she'd started working on once Matt went upstairs.

The same papers she'd been waiting on for the last few weeks, ever since Caitlyn's adoption two weeks ago. The ones that filled her entire body with a sense of warmth and contentment every time she thought about it, as she was finally able to do the thing she'd wanted for longer than she could remember.

And that was to officially change her last name.

If you were to ask her, it was a long time coming. But now with these documents in front of her, it felt all the more real, as she knew that here soon, she'd have the same name as her husband, and her girls. And that alone was one of the best feelings in the world.

And she knew Matt felt the exact same way.

He'd never pressured her about it; not when they were married the first time, and certainly not since they married again, as he wanted this to be something she chose to do. But once she had, Gabby knew it made him so indescribably happy, to the point where he couldn't contain his excitement every time the topic came up. And she knew once he found out she was filling out these forms, that feeling of happiness would only grow, as they were just one step closer to her finally and legally becoming a Casey.

Just like the rest of her family.

Gabby was slowly pulled from her content thoughts when she heard footsteps coming down the stairs, her head turning in that direction before she took another sip of wine, just as Matt came into view. And the moment he saw her, a soft smile formed across his face, even though he was a bit surprised to see she'd moved from the couch to the table while he was gone. But that didn't stop him from heading in her direction, his eyes focused on her as she took another drink, before setting her glass down.

Without a word, she moved her attention back towards whatever was on the table in front of her, Matt not stopping his movements until he was standing directly behind his wife, his hands going towards her shoulders as he leaned towards her slightly.

"Hey baby." He greeted after a moment, Casey almost able to feel her smile before she glanced up at him.

"Hey." She replied, Matt leaning down to give her a quick kiss before he straightened himself back up, Gabby turning back towards the table before continuing on with her task. Though her body was slowly relaxing back into him, as Matt began to gently massage her shoulders. "Sof asleep?"

"She is." He answered softly, Dawson's eyes instinctively closing as the pressure he was using increased, Matt hitting a particularly sore spot just as a low moan left her lips. And the sound made him smirk, as he knew how appreciative she was for him at this moment. "I'm not sure why she woke up, but I got her back to bed… And sat with her for a little while after she fell asleep, so hopefully she'll get some rest. She needs it."

"Yeah, she does." Gabby answered as her head lulled forward, giving him better access to continue his massage. "These past few nights have been rough on her." She breathed out, both parents well aware of how little sleep their youngest had been getting the last couple days. They just weren't sure why. "So hopefully she'll stay asleep tonight, I feel so bad for her."

"Me too, but she's fine baby." He replied quietly, as he began to move his hands a little further down her back. Even through the t-shirt covering her body, that happened to be his, he could still feel how tight her muscles were underneath his fingertips, Matt making a mental note that maybe it wouldn't be a bad idea for them to take another spa trip soon as he continued rubbing his hands over her body. "And I checked on Caity too when I was up there, she's knocked out." He added lightly, a soft smile forming over Gabby's lips before she nodded.

"She seemed pretty exhausted before bed." The mother commented.

"Yeah, well after a day out riding her bike, and running around with Sof I can't say I'm surprised… Even though that kid has so much energy." He added with a laugh, the sound making her smile grow. "We can't keep up with her most days."

"That's cause you're getting old, babe." She teased him, Matt biting back a chuckle as he continued his methods of releasing the tension she was holding onto.

"Mhmm… Well, last I checked, you love this old man back here." He responded without missing a beat, Matt feeling her laugh beneath his touch.

"I do… More than anything." Gabby told him, the lighthearted tone in her voice replaced with a much more sincere one as her words brought a small smile to his face. "I love you, and I love our girls."

"I know." He said before leaning down to press another kiss to the top of her head. "We love you, too."

The air around them went quiet once more, Matt continuing on with his massage of her shoulders and her back, though he lightened the pressure so Gabby could continue on with whatever she was working on. But the longer they stood here, the more interested he became, as Matt started taking a few quick peeks at the papers she was diligently filling out.

And it didn't take him long to realize what she was doing, the heading at the top of a paper a dead giveaway as a wide smile broke out across his face, Matt leaning forward slightly as he continued watching her fill out the forms.

"...Are those what I think they are?" He asked softly, his question causing her to pause for a moment before she tilted her head back, Gabby leaning backwards until the top of her head rested against his chest, his face hovering over hers while his gaze kept moving between her and the table.

"Depends on what you think they are." She replied with a knowing gleam in her eye, Gabby able to see his grin widen just before she leaned her head back down.

"It looks to me like you're filling out the papers to change your last name." He answered her.

"Well, you'd be right then." She responded, feeling his hands start to slide over her shoulders and down along the top of her chest, the action one he did often when he felt the need to be closer to her. "I've almost got everything filled out, I figured we could drop it off before heading to the station tomorrow." She explained, Gabby feeling him nod as his palm rested over her heart.

"And you're sure about this?" He asked her, just as he had a few times since this all came up, as Gabby knew that despite how badly he wanted this, he also wanted to make sure that she wasn't just doing this for him. "Because same last name or not, you still are and will always be my wife…"

"I know, babe. But I'm positive… This is what I want."

Though she couldn't see him, she knew there had to have been the biggest smile on his face before he leaned down to hug her, his arms circling the front of her body while he rested his chin on her shoulder, Gabby reaching up to hold onto his forearm while she left herself relax back into him.

"Thank you." He murmured, Matt pressing a few soft kisses against her neck as her eyes fell closed. "This means so much to me, Gabby."

"I know, and it does to me, too." She reminded him, feeling him press another kiss to her skin. "I wanted this for a long time… Even back when we were first married, I wanted to have your name, but then everything with Louie kind of…" She trailed off, Gabby taking a steadying breath as Matt tightened his grip, the memories of losing their foster son still hard for them to relive. "It just never happened. But now, it feels like the right time for me to do this, with Caitlyn being adopted and everything… And how could I not want to have the same last name as my beautiful daughters, and my sexy husband."

Her last few words elicited a soft laugh from him, Matt shaking his head lightly in amusement as his hand moved gently over the top of her chest. "Well, speaking for me and the girls, I know we're all so excited for you to have our last name, too." He replied before continuing to kiss her.

But this time he didn't pull away, Matt focusing his attention on that sensitive spot on her neck that he knew so well after all these years, Gabby leaning back slightly while tilting her head to the side, the movement giving him more access to her exposed skin while his hand began to slowly move lower down her chest.

It was all innocent enough, Gabby's mind slowly clearing as all she wanted to focus on was the feeling on Matt's hands and lips on her. But she was brought back into reality when he eventually pulled away, Casey not going very far as his mouth trailed up towards her ear.

"How much longer do you think you'll be, Mrs. Casey?" He asked, his voice breathy as it was very clear to her what he was truly asking, the sound of her name leaving his lips making her knees weak.

Forcing herself to take a steadying breath, she opened her eyes before glancing back down towards the papers, Gabby looking over everything before writing out one last signature down at the bottom of the page.

"I'm done." She answered, a soft grin tugging on her lips before she turned back in her seat, only to find Matt had now stood up straight, the distance between them far too much for her liking as she soon got up. And before he could say a word, her arms were wrapped around his neck, her lips on his in a second as she pressed her body into his.

The movement was a bit unexpected, but Casey recovered quickly as he was able to steady them, his hands falling to her hips as they moved together. And despite the intensity of it, there was a gentleness to their movements, the feeling in the air around them nearly suffocating as they stayed connected until one of them needed to breathe.

But even when they pulled back they didn't go too far, Matt resting his forehead down against hers as he caught his breath, their chest both heaving while their eyes stayed closed, the couple basking in this intimate moment as it wasn't all that often they got time like this anymore.

"Matt…" She all but whispered, the sound of her voice bringing a small smile to his face before he slowly leaned back, Casey finding her eyes still closed as she stood in front of him.

She looked peaceful, the happy grin resting over her face enough to show him how at ease she was in the moment, as he couldn't help but bring his hand up to push some stray hairs behind her ear, the action causing her smile to widen before she leaned into his palm.

And it was then he could swear he felt his heart flutter in his chest, his features softening as he stroked his thumb along the side of her cheek, his touch being the thing that finally got her to open her eyes.

"...God, do you have any idea how much I love you?" He asked her, though they both already knew the answer to his question, as Gabby turned her head more into his hand, her body taking a slight step forward while his arm slid around her back.

"Show me."

Her words were simple, but said all they needed to as a soft smile appeared over his face, Matt leaning in to steal another quick kiss before he carefully guided her back towards their bedroom, the husband being sure to shut the door behind them as he intended to do exactly what she wanted and show her how much he loved her.

Which is what he did all night long, Matt and Gabby spending the rest of their evening wrapped up in the other, nothing but soft moans and silenced cries filling their room while they made the most out of the time they had together.

Dawson and Norris made their way through the double doors and into the common room, the paramedics having just returned from their first call of the day while everyone else at the house, aside from engine, had been around all morning. They were all pretty much where they left them earlier, except Casey had left his office at some point while they were gone, as he was now sitting down at the table with Severide and Kidd, both medics heading in that direction before Dawson noticed her husband was on the phone.

"Yeah, of course that's fine." He spoke to whoever was on the other end of the line as Gabby took up residence in the seat beside him, Jemma walking around the head of the table to go and sit on the other side of Stella. "No, Ramon it's not a big deal, really."

Gabby's eyebrows raised slightly when she realized who he was talking to, Matt glancing her way for a moment with a soft smile before continuing on his conversation with her father.

"I don't mind at all- Yeah, they're way overcharging you for something like that, and there's no need to pay them when I can just stop by and do it." He offered, Gabby unable to stop the small grin slowly appearing over her lips, as even though she couldn't hear what all her dad was saying, she felt grateful that her husband was the type of man who would go out of his way to help him. "No, you don't need to give me anything- I'm serious, it's fine… Just maybe feed the girls, cause I'm sure I'll have them with me… Yeah, all three of them." He spoke with a slight smirk, Gabby's eyes narrowing playfully in his direction while Jemma and Kidd both fought off their laughs.

"What if we stop by tomorrow afternoon?" Casey continued on while he leaned further back in the chair. "Once Caity gets out of school, we'll head on over there. And that way Camila can see the kids before she has to head back home… Alright yeah, that sounds good- Yeah, okay … See you then, Ramon."

Dawson's head tilted the side as she watched her husband hang up the phone and slide it back into his pocket, a sheepish grin still resting over his face as he caught her gaze, Gabby's eyes narrowing slightly once more as he spoke up.

"Your dad says hi." He told her, Jemma laughing softly once more as all three of the couple's friends were watching them.

"Mhmm… So I take it we're going over to his place tomorrow?" She asked, Gabby having been able to put enough of the story together as Casey gave her a firm nod.

"We are, yeah. Us and the girls… He has a few things around his apartment he wants fixed. It's nothing too bad, just sounds like a few light fixtures he needs help with, and one of his doors is messed up. Really simple stuff." He explained to her, Dawson nodding as she leaned against the table, resting her chin in her palm. "But all the people he had come to look at it were way too expensive. I'm not even sure why, maybe they were just trying to take advantage of him because he's older, I don't know…" He continued on, Gabby feeling a rush of gratitude flow through her at the way Matt was looking out for her dad.

"But anyway, I told him I'd just come over and do it, cause I'm pretty sure I have everything I'd need to help him. And that I'd just bring you and the girls when we came."

"That's fine, babe." She replied before leaning over to kiss the side of his head gently. "Thank you, for helping him out." She added on, Matt merely shrugging as this wasn't something he thought he needed thanks for.

"Yeah, what a nice little son-in-law you are." Severide teased, Gabby biting down on her lip as she and Casey both looked his way. "What, are you still trying to get in good with the parents? Cause I feel like it's a little late for that, man."

"You're hilarious." Casey responded dryly, Gabby shaking her head as she reached out to run his hand along the back of her husband's neck, Matt instinctively leaning into her touch as he glanced towards her.

"Trust me, Matt doesn't need to worry about that." Gabby interjected, even though everyone at the table already knew how loved Casey was by her entire family. "But really, I do appreciate what you're doing for him, babe." She continued on, her words now clearly for Matt alone as he gave her a soft smile. "And I know he does, too."

"Of course, baby." He murmured, Gabby continuing to stroke the skin on the back of his neck while their eyes locked on each other, their small smiles matching each other as they nearly forgot where they were.

That was until Severide decided to speak up again.

"God, you two are gross." He breathed out, leaning himself back into his chair as Matt was the first to break their eye contact. "Though I'm honestly surprised you still act the same as you used to, before marriage and kids and all that… I thought married people were supposed to start hating each other after a while."

"Yeah, I don't see that happening with Casey and Dawson." Herrmann piped up from the couch, the older firefighter evidently listening in on their conversation as a smug smile pulled on Matt's lips.

"You're probably right, Herrmann." He called back, Gabby sighing softly as she shook her head once more. "They're gonna be acting like this forever."

"I sure hope so." Casey spoke up with a proud look in his eye, his words earning a few laughs as Dawson gently tapped the back of his neck in response. Though the action only made the smile on his face widen, Matt turning to look towards her for a moment just as Jemma spoke up once the noise died down.

"So Captain, not to change the subject or anything-"

"Oh, please do." Gabby interjected, Kidd chuckling softly while Severide shook his head, Jemma biting back her amused look before she continued.

"Alright, well, as I was saying, Dawson here was telling me about what you two were doing last night." She started, Matt pausing for a moment as he thought back over the intense night they'd shared just hours ago, Gabby almost able to see him starting to blush before his neck clenched, the PIC sure he was thinking about something else entirely than what Jemma had in mind.

But seeing him squirm was a little amusing, if she were to be honest.

"Oh yeah?" He asked, unsure of what he was getting himself into, especially in a room full of their friends.

"Mhmm… She was telling me about how she filled out the paperwork to change her name. That you all were finally doing that." She spoke with a soft smile, Gabby having to stifle her own laughter when she saw that realization begin to set in over her husband's face, the color in his skin beginning to return to normal as he was grateful they weren't about to be discussing everything he and Gabby did last night. "And she said you all dropped off the stuff this morning."

"We did, yeah." He replied with a bright grin, the embarrassment now long gone as he was able to focus solely on the exciting news. "She got everything filled out, and sent in, so now we're just waiting."

"So the days of you being Dawson are almost over." Kidd spoke up, Gabby tilting her head to the side before she shrugged softly. "I know you all were talking about all of this at the adoption, but I didn't realize you all were doing it already."

"Yeah, we are. And I mean, I'm still Dawson. That's not changing." She replied, Matt nodding in agreement before he reached over to rub her arm.

"So we can still call you Dawson?" Herrmann chimed in once more, clearly having never stopped listening to them as Gabby glanced his way. "Though saying Captain Casey and PIC Casey could be kind of fun." He snickered, Matt chuckling softly as Gabby answered.

"Yes, you can still call me Dawson, Herrmann. I'm still me, I'm always gonna be Dawson… Just now I'll also be a Casey, officially anyway." She explained to them, Herrmann nodding with a soft smile.

"I don't know, I think PIC Casey has a nice ring to it." Severide added on, Gabby scoffing lightly just as the bells rang out above their heads, everyone listening as squad and ambo was called out to an accident.

From that moment on, the priorities in the room shifted, all the necessary personnel starting to head out into the garage as they knew there were people who needed their help. But Gabby stalled for a moment as she got up, Matt watching her closely as she leaned down towards him with her hand resting on the back of his chair.

"Be safe out there." He told her, just as he always did.

Though she didn't respond, Gabby instead leaning down to capture his lips in a quick, yet surprisingly heated kiss, before she pulled back within seconds, Matt having no idea what to make of it as she usually wasn't this forward in front of their friends. And certainly not at work.

But he didn't have a chance to question her on it, as she merely gave him a wink before walking away without another word, Matt watching her hurry off towards the garage while leaving him there still slightly stunned, the firefighter still not sure where any of that came from.

But he sure as hell wasn't complaining.

Casey sat in the quiet of his office while he tried to get some of his seemingly never ending paperwork done, all the blinds drawn aside from the one on the door as he was doing his best to stay concentrated on his task. But it was a little hard for him, as there were about a thousand other things he'd rather be doing right now.

Releasing a soft sigh, he forced himself to continue on with his paperwork, the Captain hunched over his desk while he worked as he knew the best way to get through all this was just to stop procrastinating and do it.

Which is exactly what he did, over the next half hour or so. But he was so caught up in his work that he didn't hear when his door opened, or hear the soft footsteps that followed as someone now joined him in his office, Casey unaware to them not only closing and locking the door behind them, but pulling those last blinds shut as well.

It wasn't until he felt a pair of soft hands over his shoulders that he snapped out of his haze, Matt tensing before he began to relax immediately once he recognized the feeling of who was standing behind him, a small smile forming across his face as Gabby began to rub his shoulders.

"Sorry." She whispered into the air, Matt shaking his head slightly while she worked on the knots in his muscles, Casey not blind to the fact that they were back in a similar position to the one they'd been in just last night. Except now the roles were reversed.

"It's okay, I just didn't hear you." He replied just as softly, Gabby giving him a smile while she continued on with her methodical movements. "Did you just get back? How'd the call go?"

"We did, yeah. And it was fine." She replied after releasing a soft breath. "How were things here?"

"Fine… Slow. I've just been working on paperwork, and trying to get through all this." He explained, his eyes staying closed while he continued to relax.

"So what you're saying is I should go before I keep distracting you." She responded with a light tone in her voice, Casey immediately shaking his head before he could even get any words out.

"No, I like you right where you are." He told her, Gabby starting to gnaw on her bottom lip before she continued on with her massage.

But that only lasted for a minute or two before she pulled away from him, Matt groaning in displeasure from the lack of contact as he waited for her to continue. But she never did, his eyebrows furrowing as he heard her shuffling around behind him before he slowly turned around.

And when he did, he saw the last thing he was expecting as Gabby was standing there in the middle of his office, her belt undone and her shirt untucked, before she slowly pulled the material from her body. His eyes widened out of instinct, Matt's attention snapping towards the door as he knew he'd left the blinds up, but to his surprise they were now closed, his eyebrows furrowing before a thought dawned on him.

She had planned this.

The realization brought a smile to his face as his attention moved back to her, their complete seclusion giving him the opportunity to really take in the sight of his beautiful wife while she tossed her shirt to the floor, the blood in his body starting to rush south as he couldn't help but be enamored by her.

Because she was absolutely beautiful.

To him, she was the most gorgeous woman in the world. And she always would be. Because he loved every part of her, especially the parts he knew she sometimes wasn't very fond of. Like the scars she still had on her body, from both the accident and Sofia, as well as the permanent changes that she'd gone through since having their baby, both of them aware of how her appearance was a little different than it had been since before she got pregnant. But none of that mattered to Matt, because to him, she was just Gabby. She was his incredible, and sexy, and wonderful wife, who still had just as much of an effect on him now, as she did all those years ago.

It didn't matter how often he saw her like this, or how many times they'd been together, he still found himself completely mesmerized by her each and every time.

And he knew he always would be.

But despite the way his throat had gone dry, and the tightness he felt starting to form below his belt, he was trying to keep a clear head, as he was very aware of where they were.

Though as he watched her pull her own belt off from her waist and start to work on the button of her pants, he found himself caring less and less, as Matt slowly pushed himself up from his chair.

"Gabby…" He spoke, but she just slowly shook her head, her hands reaching out towards him as he walked her way. But the second he was within reach, she pushed him down onto the bed, Matt letting out a surprised huff as his back made contact with the bunk, Gabby wasting no time in climbing on top of him as her knees rested on either side of his hips. "Baby…"

"I've missed you." She said to him, just before she placed her lips over his.

And that was all he needed to hear, all rational thought going out the window as his hands gripped onto her bare sides, holding her down to him as she continued on with what she started when first coming in here, the couple quietly getting lost in each other just like they did last night.

Except this time, Gabby took the lead. And Matt didn't mind one bit.

Casey laid quietly in his bunk with his wife in his arms, her slow, deep breaths causing her bare chest to brush against him as she laid tucked into his side, the couple covered by nothing but a thin bed sheet in the secure confines of his office.

They both knew they should probably get up, that they could get called out at any moment, or someone might come looking for one or both of them, and find them in a less than professional position. That it was dangerous for them to do this at all, and it had been years since they'd sought each other out at work- not since before his promotion to Captain, as they knew it wasn't the most professional thing to sleep together at work. So they had done their best to keep it all separate.

But right now, Matt couldn't find it in himself to care about any of that. Not when he had the love of his life wrapped up his arms, with her head pressed tightly to his neck and her body clinging to his, as he craved this feeling of being close to her. And, given the way she felt compelled to seek him out today, he knew she wasn't in any hurry to move either, Matt just continuing to run his hand up and down along her back before pressing a kiss to the top of her head.

"Well, I think that was fun."

Her soft voice was unexpected, but her words caused him to laugh regardless as he tightened his grip on her, her leg sliding up over his as they made the most they could out of the limited space they had.

"It definitely was… It was a very nice surprise." He agreed as she ran her hand along his side, before bringing her palm up to rest over his chest. "I wasn't expecting it at all, but I'm not complaining." He added on, Gabby smiling softly as her head rose and fell slightly with each breath he took.

"I know I probably should've waited until we got home… With you being a distinguished officer and all, but I couldn't help myself." She replied, almost like she could hear the thoughts in his head, Matt nodding slightly as he glanced down towards her as much as he could.

"Yeah, well officer aside, I'm glad you didn't… Though I guess I am a little curious about that, and what's gotten into you lately." He pressed, her eyebrows furrowing slightly before she lifted her head up, her chin resting against his chest before he reached over to brush her hair from her face.

"What do you mean?" She asked him, Matt drawing in a slow, deep breath before he responded.

"I don't know, just you coming in here the way you did today… And then everything last night… That's twice in twenty four hours, you'd think it was my birthday or something." He spoke lightheartedly, Gabby shaking her head in amusement as he kept rubbing her back.

"Please, you know that twice in a day is nowhere near our record." She joked back, Matt feeling himself blush for the second time today before he pursed his lips together, Gabby certainly enjoying the effect her words had on him. "And, if we're gonna get technical, I think last night alone would count as more than twice…"

He opened his mouth to respond, but soon closed it as he knew she made a good point, Gabby laughing softly before she rested her head down against him, her cheek pressed into his chest as their eyes focused on each other.

"But, to answer your question, I… I don't know. I guess I'm just happy." She told him truthfully, her words causing the smile on his face to widen as he cupped the side of her head with his hand. "I'm so incredibly happy, with everything… With work, and our girls, and you. Our lives are just going really well right now." Gabby spoke, warmth spreading through his entire chest at her genuine words. "Ever since the adoption, it feels like this weight has been lifted. Because we've got our perfect little family, and nothing can ever change that. We can just be us… And it's made me so damn happy."

"Me too, baby. I know exactly what you mean." He agreed softly, watching as the grin on her face began to get bigger, Matt sure there was no better sight in this world than that of his wife looking this content. "And I am also grateful to be on the receiving end of your happiness." He added on with a proud smirk, Gabby scoffing lightly before she let her eyes fall closed, Matt stroking his thumb over her temple as she continued lying on his chest.

"You're such a dork." She muttered, her words barely audible as they stayed curled together in his bunk, the couple hoping to enjoy a few more moments together before having to get up and face reality, that goofy grin never leaving his face while he kept his love-filled eyes focused on her.

"...I love you, too."

"My goodness, she is just so precious, isn't she?" Camila spoke as her eyes were focused across the room on Caitlyn, both the grandmother and the mother watching the young girl as she stood right beside her dad, hoping to help however she could as he and Ramon fixed those few things around his home.

It had been this way ever since they got here over an hour ago, Caitlyn attached to Matt's hip as they moved around the apartment, the six year old refusing to be anywhere else while Casey also let her help where she could. With the nature of the job, there wasn't much she could do, but there were a few tasks here and there she could help with, as Matt made sure to not only show her how to do those things, but make sure to let her participate when she could. And while it definitely made everything take a little longer, neither man minded as Caitlyn was beyond thrilled to get to assist her father, while Gabby and Camila sat over on the couch with a sleeping Sofia, Dawson just grateful to get as much time with her mom as she could before she'd be leaving Chicago.

"I swear, I'm not sure I've ever seen a child be so attached to their father… Not since you were little." Camila added on with a knowing smile, Gabby matching her look before she glanced back towards Caitlyn.

"Yeah, she loves him so much." She breathed out, the happy gleam in her eye not going unnoticed by Camila. "And she always has, but ever since the adoption, it's… I don't know, she's been so much more attached to him. To the both of us, really."

"Well, she's just excited to have her parents finally be her parents." Camila told her, Gabby looking back towards her mom before she nodded. "Which, it seems like everything's been going well, for all of you."

"It has been, yeah… Things are great." Gabby told her, Camila nodding with a soft smile. "I mean, nothing's changed that much for us, but we've all been doing really well since the adoption. Minus Sofia having a few rough nights, but Caitlyn, she's… she's just so happy." Gabby breathed out. "And she's always been a happy kid, but I think now it's kind of settled in for her, that she's never going anywhere, and it's helped her feel more at ease… I mean, she's known this is her home. But I think in the back of her mind, there was always this fear that she'd be taken away from us again." Gabby confided to her mother, missing the flash of sadness flicking in Camila's eyes as her attention was on Caitlyn.

"One that didn't go away even after we told her we'd be adopting her. But now that it's official, and she understands what it means, I think she feels more… secure? I guess, I don't know how to explain it. But it's like we're seeing a whole different side to her, and I love it so much… And so does Matt." She continued on with a gentle grin, Gabby rubbing her hand along Sofia's back as the little girl slept in her lap. "So everything's just been really good, and it all feels right… with Matt and I. That we have our girls, and each other. And it feels... complete. Like our family is finally the way it's supposed to be."

Camila's eyebrows raised at the admission, but Gabby wasn't looking at her as she was splitting her focus between her two daughters, the older Dawson watching her closely as she couldn't help but be a little surprised by her words. And it didn't take her long to press her on it, either.

"So you think you and Matt are done having kids?" She asked her, her voice holding no judgement as Gabby met her line of sight, a soft breath escaping her lips as she thought over what she was asking.

She was somewhat stunned by the question, if she were to be honest. Though on some level, given her choice of words, she guessed she should've expected it, as her mother was always someone Gabby went to about things like this. But sitting here now, she wasn't sure if she had an actual answer for her, Gabby soon just saying exactly what was on her mind.

"We… we haven't really talked about it, at least not recently. But I think we're both on the same page. We're happy with how our family is." She told her, Camila nodding slowly with a soft smile before Gabby continued. "And if we were to want another child, I'm honestly not sure how we'd do it. I know Caitlyn's adoption went great, and after we got her back everything was fine, but the thought of going into another adoption still kind of scares me, after everything with Louie." She confided, Camila nodding once more as she knew how painful that had been on her daughter. "And then with me, I'm not sure if having another baby is something I should even do, or if it's too much of a risk."

"I thought you said everything was fine." Camila interjected, her worry beginning to take over before Gabby nodding in response.

"It is fine, and I'm okay. But since I had that aneurysm, that means I'm prone to them. And it's entirely possible that if I were to get pregnant again, I'd develop another one… I mean, I could develop another one even without a pregnancy. There's just always that risk, but me being pregnant elevates it… And now with Matt and the girls, I'm not sure that's a chance I'm willing to take." She explained to her, seeing a sad, yet understanding look in her mom's eyes.

"Of course, Gabriela… You have your family to think about." She replied, earning a nod in response.

"Yeah, it's just… it was different before, when I was pregnant with Sofia. I didn't care what happened to me, as long as she was okay. But that's because I was already pregnant… She already existed, and she deserved a chance to live, regardless of what happened to me. But this, now, would be me choosing to take on that risk again, and I'm not sure I'm comfortable with that… Not when Matt, and Caity and Sof all need me." She rambled out, Camila getting the feeling that this was something her daughter needed to get out. So she let her talk.

"And I know it's not completely off the table, because things happen… So if I were to get pregnant again, then of course we'd love that baby, and be so incredibly happy. And we'd just hope for the best, that everything would be okay with me, and our child, and we'd have another amazing kid… But I don't think it's something we'd plan on. If that makes sense at all." She told her, Gabby taking a few deep breaths as she continued rubbing over Sofia's back, the little girl still fast asleep in her mother's arms.

"It does… I completely understand what you're saying." She replied, Camila reaching up to rub her daughter's arm lovingly. "And if I were in your position, I'd likely do the same thing… Kids are an absolute blessing, and if you and Matthew ultimately decide to find ways to add to your family, I know you'll be incredible parents to that child, just like you are now…" Camila spoke, Gabby nodding with a softened look in her eye as she waited for her to continue.

"But I also know that you have two amazing little angels already, mija." She continued on, her words causing Gabby's eyes to tear up as not only was this an incredibly emotional topic for her, but she also knew just how true her mother's words were. "And, as far as I'm concerned, your family is perfect just the way it is."

Gabby was unable to stop her smile from widening, her glassy eyes focusing on her mom before she nodded a few times in agreement, her head instinctively leaning down towards Sofia as she felt compelled to be as close to her girls as possible. But given only one of them was with her, she would have to wait for Caitlyn, Gabby pressing multiple kisses to the top of Sof's head before she looked back at her mom, finding Camila watching her with a loving, yet proud gaze in her eye.

One that proved to Gabby that she meant every word of what she just said. And that filled her with a feeling she couldn't even begin to explain, as she had never felt so sure of herself than she did in this moment.

Her family was perfect, and they were complete. She truly believed that.

And as long as she had them, she didn't need anything else.