Hello there everyone! I'm here with the next chapter for you all, and I think you guys are gonna like this one.
I don't really have much to say, so we'll just go ahead and get into it. Thanks so much for reading!
***UPDATE APRIL 25TH: Hey guys, I just wanted to let you all know that I won't be able to get a chapter to you all out today. I hardly had time these past few days to write, and any time I did have, I was working on finishing up the epilogue for If We Never Say Goodbye. I wasn't expecting to not have a chapter for you all this week, or I would've let you know ahead of time so I'm very sorry for that. But I hope you understand, and I should be back next Monday with a new chapter!
Chapter One Hundred and Seventy Two
"Caity, stay close to your Daddy honey." Gabby warned as she stood on the other side of the car, the mother keeping an eye on her oldest daughter while focusing on getting Sofia out of her carseat. Though with her two year old's independent nature, she was wanting to do most of the work by herself.
"I will, Mommy." Caity assured her, keeping close to the car while her and Matt stood on the side of the street.
"Come here baby, let's get your and Sof's stuff from the trunk." Matt spoke, Caitlyn giving him a soft nod as he shut the door before leading her around to the back of their car, both Matt and Gabby already feeling better once their daughter was a little further away from the road.
There wasn't much traffic, if any, on the side street they were parked on. But that didn't stop either parent from worrying about the safety of their girls whenever they were close to the road, their line of work showing them over and over again how quickly things could go wrong. But now that Caitlyn was safely behind their car, with Gabby having Sofia perched securely on her hip, they felt a little more relaxed.
"Caity, do you think you could carry this for me?" Matt asked once he got the trunk open, the father reaching in to grab the girls' overnight bags, as well as the diaper bag they always used when they went out, while the six year old gave him a strong nod.
"Yeah! I can be your helper." She replied cheerfully, Gabby smiling softly at the two of them while Matt handed her one of the bags.
It wasn't very heavy at all, as it only included a pair of pajamas and a set of clothes for tomorrow, as well as a stuffed animal or two. But Caity struggled with it for a moment regardless before she got a better grip, Matt easily holding the other two bags in one hand while he shut their trunk door after making sure Caitlyn was out of the way.
"You got it, sweetheart?" He asked her, while she held onto the bag with both hands.
"Uh huh! I got it." She assured him, Casey chuckling softly while he met Gabby's eyes, the two sharing a knowing look before he placed his free hand on the back of Caitlyn's head and started guiding her towards the sidewalk.
"Alright, well just let your Momma or I know if you need help." He reminded her, the little girl nodding as she started walking forward, her tongue sticking out between her teeth to help with her focus while she followed her mom up the path towards the familiar house in front of them. Matt was walking behind his family, his eyes subconsciously moving around his surroundings just to ensure his girls were safe before he followed Gabby and Caitlyn up the steps to the front door.
Dawson knocked after she had steadied herself up on the porch, the mother feeling comfortable enough to now place Sofia down on the ground while they waited to be let in. And once the two year old was standing in front of her mom, Sofia looked around before she started to clap her hands together excitedly, the toddler clearly recognizing where they were as she was eager to see who she knew to be behind that door.
And Caity felt the same way, the family of four patiently waiting until the front door was pulled open just seconds later, Ramon soon coming into view with a wide smile on his face.
"Abuelo!" Caity yelled first, her happy tone causing him to laugh while Sofia let out an equally as excited screech, before waddling over towards her grandfather.
"Hi Papa." Gabby greeted as he scooped the two year old up into his arms, Sofia cuddling into him almost instantly while Caitlyn handed off her bag to Matt before rushing towards him as well.
"Hi mija." Ramon greeted his daughter, before refocusing his attention on his two grandbabies. "Oh my precious angels, hi Sofia. Hi Caity." He said as the latter hugged his legs, Ramon rubbing a soothing hand over her back while pressing a gentle kiss to Sofia's head. "It's so good to see you, I missed my girls."
"I missed you more!" Caity replied with a giggle, Ramon offering her a bright smile before he took a careful step back, giving Caitlyn room to come inside. "Me and Sof both did."
"I'm sure you did sweetheart."
"We're having a sleepover!" She continued on, her body nearly shaking from excitement as Matt let out an easy laugh, while adjusting the bags in his grip. "That's what Mommy and Daddy said."
"Well, your mom and dad are right, Caity. We are gonna have a sleepover.. You, me, and Sof." He reminded her, the six year old continuing to smile happily before he took another step backwards. "Now why don't you all come inside, it's cold out here." He prompted, his words causing Caitlyn to step up over the door frame before stopping beside him.
"Can I go play?" She asked suddenly, Ramon smiling down at her before he gave her an encouraging nod.
"Of course you can, mi amor." He replied, that being all Caitlyn needed before she kicked her shoes off and scurried into the house, the quick movement gaining Sofia's attention as she then wanted to go inside as well, Ramon removing the toddler's shoes with one hand before setting her down on the ground. And the second she was balanced, she took off in the same direction Caitlyn had gone, the girls likely going straight for the stash of toys Ramon kept here for them in the living room.
"Well, it looks like we should have an easy exit tonight." Casey joked once it was just the adults in the doorway, Ramon letting out a hearty laugh before he welcomed them both inside.
"I sure hope so." Gabby echoed, letting her father shut the door behind them before she spoke up once more. "Thanks again for doing this Papa, I know it was sort of short notice." She told him, but the man was waving her off before she could even finish.
"Oh mija, there's no need to thank me. I always love to get some time with my grandbabies." He reminded her, his hand rubbing thoughtfully over her arm while he glanced between the two of them. "I know tonight's an important night for work with this fundraiser, for you all and Antonio, so I'm happy to watch them. No matter the notice."
"Thanks Papa." She murmured with a grateful smile. "You're really helping us out a lot, so we won't have to worry about them… And they've been bouncing off the walls all morning, they were so excited to come and see you." She said, seeing her father's smile widen before he nodded graciously.
"Well, the feeling is certainly mutual." He replied as he led them further into his house, the three of them coming to a stop at the entrance to his living room, where Caity and Sofia were already playing with a few of their dolls.
"Do you know what you guys are gonna do?" Matt asked casually while handing the three bags in his hands over to Ramon. "The girls' clothes are all in there, and their stuffed animals they like to sleep with. Along with Sof's favorite blanket." He reminded him, Ramon giving him a sturdy nod before grabbing their belongings.
"Thank you, son." He responded first, while glancing between the parents. "And I'm not entirely sure what our plans are, I was waiting until they got here before I decided anything. Just in case they were tired, or something like that, I thought it might be better to stay in." He added on with a small smile as Matt and Gabby shared knowing looks, the two of them beyond grateful that Ramon was so thoughtful of their girls. "But I did consider taking them out to eat, and maybe going to the movies, if that's alright with you all." He told them while looking back and forth between his daughter and her daughters, the grandfather not wanting to set anything in stone until he had an okay from the parents.
While Matt and Gabby trusted the man completely with their babies, Ramon frequently made an effort to get their permission before taking the girls anywhere. It was something he'd always done, not only as a way to help best keep Caitlyn and Sofia safe, but also as a sign of respect towards his daughter and her husband, because at the end of the day these were their children. And despite being their grandfather, Ramon would never want to do anything to overstep his boundaries.
"That sounds fine, Papa." The younger Dawson replied as she glanced towards Matt, who nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, it does. I know the girls will have a great time." He responded, letting his weight lean into the doorframe while he looked back over towards his daughters, seeing them still playing happily together in the middle of the living room. "Do you know what you're gonna take them to see?"
"There's a new Disney movie out, I think. I've seen some things about it, so I figured we'd give that a shot. I'm not sure if they've seen it, though."
"They haven't." Gabby assured him with a soft smile. "But that all sounds great. It's been so long since the girls have gone to the movies. And getting to go with their Abuelo, I know they'll love it." She told him, earning a happy nod from her father before he nodded back at her.
"They definitely will. But, uh, babe?" Matt spoke up once the father and daughter had finished their conversation, Gabby glancing his way to see him holding up his arm, gesturing towards his watch. "We should probably get going." He reminded her, Gabby breathing in deeply before returning her attention to her dad.
"Yeah, I think Matt's right. We need to go home and get ready." She told him, Ramon nodding once more before he placed the girls' bags down and stepped towards his daughter. "Thank you again for doing this, I hope you all have fun."
"We will, mija." He spoke while giving her a hug.
"And if you could just keep me or Matt updated through the night? So we know the girls are alright?" She requested, Ramon offering her a knowing grin before he moved to give Casey a quick hug as well.
"I will, Gabriela. I'll let you know where we are, and how they're doing." He promised, Gabby flashing him a grateful smile before she started to move into the living room to say goodbye to their girls, her hand patting her dad's arm lightly as she passed.
"Hey Caity?" Dawson called while she got closer, the six year old looking up from her doll to see both her parents walking towards her and Sofia. "Your Dad and I have to get going now." She spoke gingerly, while squatting down onto the ground to be at the young girl's level. And Matt soon did the same, as Caity and Sofia had both now dropped their toys and given their attention to their parents.
"Okay." Caitlyn replied, looking between the both of them. "I'll see you tomorrow?" She said, more like a question than anything else as Gabby and Matt heard some uncertainty in her voice. Like she needed the assurance from them that they wouldn't be gone for too long.
And given how this was out of the child's typical routine, they weren't surprised by that.
"We will." Matt promised, Caitlyn nodding while Sofia crawled her way across the floor to her dad, Casey picking her up as soon as she was within reach and giving her a tight hug. "Your Momma and I, we'll be back in the morning to get you and Sof. You're just gonna stay here tonight with your Abuelo, because we have to go to a thing for work." He reminded her once more, as this was a conversation they'd had many times over the last few days. But it could never hurt for the girl to hear it again.
"Okay Daddy." She responded with a small smile, before standing up to go and give him a hug.
It took some shifting around with Sofia still latching onto him, but he made it work as soon enough he was able to hold onto both of his babies, Matt hugging them while alternating between giving them kisses on the tops of their heads.
"I love you girls." He murmured, Gabby watching on with a proud smile as Caitlyn gave him an extra tight squeeze.
"I love you too, Daddy."
They held onto each other for a couple more seconds before Caitlyn let go, the older child then taking the few steps towards her mom before wrapping her up in a tight hug as well.
"I love you too, Mommy." She added, Gabby rubbing over her back while placing some gentle kisses to her forehead.
"I love you, sweet girl. I hope you have a nice night with your grandpa." She spoke, Caitlyn nodding against her. "Daddy and I will try our best to call before bed, alright? But if we can't, just know how much we love you. And we'll be back tomorrow."
"Okay Mommy." She replied, Gabby giving her one last kiss before Caitlyn broke away from them, the older girl taking a step back while Sofia got out of her dad's hold.
"Come here Sof." Dawson prompted with a gentle smile. "Come say bye to Momma."
With an eager squeal leaving her lips, little Sofia hurried towards her mom before tackling her in a tight hug, Gabby laughing softly while she said her goodbyes to her baby.
This went on for a few more minutes, Caitlyn and Sofia both wanting some more time with their parents before they departed, Gabby and Matt making sure to give them extra hugs and kisses until it was finally time for them to leave.
"You girls be good, okay?" Gabby spoke softly while her and Matt made it to their feet, Caitlyn nodding easily as she stood beside her sister. "We'll see you in just one sleep."
"One sleep." Caitlyn repeated, giving her mom one last hug while Casey started making his way back towards the hallway, where Ramon had stayed put in the entryway. And Gabby was close behind him, the mother stepping away once Caitlyn and Sofia were preoccupied with their toys once more.
"Alright, I think we're ready to head out of here." Gabby spoke as she got to her dad, Ramon giving her a small smile in response. "The girls are all set, they have all their stuff. And they're occupied with their dolls, so it might be the best time to leave." She finished lightly, every adult in the room knowing how true her statement was as it was no secret that goodbyes with their daughters were always a little tough. Even when the girls knew they'd be back.
"Yeah, I think you're right about that." Casey agreed, sparing one last glance back at Caitlyn and Sofia before he and Gabby started making their way back to the front door, with Ramon close behind them. "Thanks again for all your help, Ramon."
"Yeah, Papa. You're really saving us here."
"Of course, of course. I just hope you all have a nice time tonight."
"We will. And we'll be back in the morning." She said, earning another nod from her father.
"I know, I'll see you then mija." He spoke while Casey stepped back out onto the porch. But Gabby didn't move quite yet, her eyes staying focused back towards the living room for a couple long seconds before Ramon spoke up. "Gabriela." He said, gaining her attention. "The girls will be fine."
"I know." She murmured with a small smile. "I just don't like leaving them."
"I understand, sweetheart… Your mom and I were the same way with you and Tonio." He told her, seeing her laugh softly before she started to walk out through the front door. "But everything will be fine, I've got them taken care of."
"I know you do." Gabby replied, giving him one last assured smile as she and Matt began making their way to the car, Ramon watching for a few moments before he went back inside to take care of his granddaughters, while Casey and Dawson started off back home.
Casey tugged on his shirt collar as he stood in the living room of their home, the material a bit tighter than he remembered it to be given how it had been a while since he'd worn a tux. While Matt didn't think his appearance had changed all that much in recent months, the way his jacket pulled over his shoulders was enough to tell him that it had, Casey apparently having bulked up a bit in recent months. And seeing as how nothing had changed in his day to day routine, he could only assume the difference came from not only his demanding job, but carrying around his growing girls all day.
Though he wasn't complaining, and it wasn't anything he couldn't work with tonight as everything fit well enough, Matt huffing out a soft breath while he continued to adjust his clothes before glancing back towards their open bedroom door.
"Babe?" He called, clearing his throat after he spoke, his eyes staying focused towards the master room as he waited to hear any sort of response from his wife. "Are you almost ready?" He added on when she hadn't said anything, Matt quickly glancing down towards his watch to see they'd need to get out of here soon or they really would be late. Which was certainly not a part of the plan after dropping their girls off earlier this afternoon.
"Just a second!" She called back, Matt drawing in a breath before he nodded, despite the fact Gabby had no way of seeing him. But before he could give her any type of verbal response, he felt his phone buzz once in his pocket, Casey pulling out the device to see a text from Severide.
'You guys on your way? A lot of people are already here.'
Casey inwardly groaned before he started to type out a quick message, letting his friend know they'd be there shortly, as long as they could get out of the house here soon, Matt sending his response within a few seconds before sliding his phone back into his pocket.
"Alright, I'm ready." Gabby's voice hit his ears, as Matt's back was still to her. "How do I look?"
He turned around while she spoke, his mouth almost immediately going dry when he caught his first glimpse of her, as she looked absolutely stunning. His wife was always beautiful, but with the glimmering, sleeveless black dress that hugged her body in all the right places, and the lower-cut material that showed off just enough of chest, she looked downright breathtaking, Matt feeling his stomach starting to tighten as a somewhat goofy grin began to fill his features.
"Well?" She prompted with a smile on her own face, his reaction alone enough to tell her how he felt about her outfit. But still, she wanted to hear it from him.
"You look… wow." He breathed out, Matt having to swallow the thick lump that had formed in his throat while Gabby began to take a few more steps towards him, her heels clicking against the ground with each move she made.
"So it's alright?" She pressed, a hint of shyness breaking through as he knew they didn't get dressed up like this all too often. But based on this dress alone, he was willing to change that. "The dress isn't too much? Cause I wasn't sure."
Matt shook his head immediately, working to regain some of the moisture that left his throat before he responded. "No, not at all… You're perfect." He told her, his words combined with that sparkle in his eye sending butterflies through her system before she offered him a small, yet genuine smile.
"You're not so bad yourself, either." She replied as she came to a stop in front of him, Gabby reaching up to help adjust his tie. "You clean up well, Mr. Casey."
"And you're absolutely gorgeous, Mrs. Casey." He told her without missing a beat, the smile on her face widening as she patted her hand against his chest, before leaning up to give him a kiss. One that was as slow as it was passionate, Matt moving his hand down to grab ahold of her waist in an effort to keep her close to him.
The couple continued to focus on nothing but each other for a few more moments, neither one of them attempting to pull away as Matt's hands roamed over her body, a few soft moans escaping through her lips every time she felt him grip a part of her, before she finally forced them to separate once air became an issue.
"...You must really like the dress." She told him between breaths, Matt's own chest heaving up and down while a proud smirk appeared over his lips.
"I definitely do." He agreed, sneaking one last kiss before he willed himself to step away from her, Casey keeping his hands on her as long as he could until she headed back towards the counter to grab her bag. "And even though I'd prefer to stay here and show you just how much I like it, we really do need to get going." He added on, Gabby nodding knowingly as she began to check over her makeup, making sure Matt hadn't messed it up too much while he grabbed her coat off the back of the couch, before heading over to her.
"You're right, we do." She agreed, touching up her lipstick before returning a few items to her purse, Gabby staying with her back to him as he came up behind her. "We better get out of here, so we can go and enjoy our night out." She spoke teasingly, hearing a dry scoff come from the back of his throat while his large hand came out to rest over her arm, the simple movement causing goosebumps to form across her skin.
"I'm not sure how much enjoyment we'll have, surrounded by a bunch of old men from the department." He replied lightly, letting his hand slide around towards her stomach before pulling her towards him, until her back was resting up against his chest. "But I have a feeling you and I will be able to make the most out of it." He told her, before pressing a soft kiss against the inside of her neck.
"We always do." She responded, feeling him smile before he continued on with his kisses.
His movements were innocent enough, Gabby basking in the feeling of his lips on her while his firm hand held her in place. But despite the desire to get completely lost in her husband, she knew now wasn't the time for this. Not when they had a fundraiser to get to, where his absence would be more than noticeable.
"Matt…" She breathed out, just as he placed another kiss on her neck. "We really need to go."
"I know." He whispered, giving her another kiss before reluctantly pulling away. "We do, I just can't focus on anything other than how goddamn beautiful you are." He told her, the honesty in his voice going straight to her heart as a gentle smile graced her lips.
"Thank you." She replied, Matt managing to press his lips to her shoulder before he stepped back to help her into her coat, Gabby shrugging into the material before she grabbed her purse and turned to face him, the soft smile on his lips easy to match as he leaned forward to steal one last kiss before he grabbed her hand and took a step back.
"Now let's get out of here."
"Thank you." Gabby spoke softly to the person checking in their coats, while her and Matt stood a few feet away from the entrance to the large room.
"You're welcome, Mrs. Casey." They replied, Gabby offering a soft smile before she moved back towards her husband's side, her hand coming to rest over his arm as he glanced her way, before matching the grin on his face.
"Hi." He told her, Gabby nodding at him before her eyes moved out towards the crowds of people around them, the fundraiser far more packed than she would've expected for it to be officers only. And from what she could tell at first glance, it was a rather swanky affair. More so than either of them realized, as Gabby's previous thoughts about being overdressed were now long gone. But given the reason for this night and its importance, and how both the fire and police departments were hoping to receive quite a bit of donations, she figured she shouldn't be too surprised by any of it. "Are you ready to head in?" Matt spoke up once more, pulling her from her thoughts.
"Mhmm… Ready to find the bar." She joked, Casey chuckling deeply while he started to navigate them through the seas of donors and first responders. A crowd that only got bigger once they stepped into the main room.
There had to have been a couple hundred people here, their tardy arrival proving to have everyone get here before them as Gabby clutched on Matt's arm a little tighter, in an attempt to not get lost while they searched for any familiar faces.
"There's Antonio." Gabby spoke up first, seeing her brother standing over there with a few of his unit members, Matt giving her a nod before he started to head that way.
"Ah, there's my sister." Antonio greeted once he saw them, the older brother, along with Halstead, Upton, and Ruzek turning their way as Gabby offered them all soft smiles. "I was wondering when you'd get here."
"Hey Dawson, Casey." Jay spoke, the married couple giving them welcoming nods as they came to a stop beside the group.
"Hey Halstead… It's quite the turnout here tonight." Matt replied first.
"Yeah, it really is." Jay agreed.
"I'm starting to see why they limited the guest list from the departments." Gabby chimed in while standing beside her brother. "There's so many donors here." She finished, Antonio blowing out a heavy breath before he nodded.
"There are, yeah… This is a big deal for everyone, from what I can tell. I just hope it goes well." He told her, Gabby smiling softly just as she felt Matt run his hand along her back.
"I'm gonna go and get a drink, babe." He told her once she turned to face him, Gabby giving him a nod in response. "You want anything? Your usual?"
"That's fine, thank you." She responded, Matt pressing a kiss to the side of her head before he slipped away into the crowd, leaving Gabby with the detectives.
"How's life at the fire department Dawson?" Ruzek asked, after taking a sip of his drink. "We all heard about Casey getting that promotion, that's awesome."
"Yeah everything's going well. Matt's been Chief for a few months now, and he's been incredible." She spoke with a bright grin, everyone around her able to see how proud she was of her husband. "He's been an incredible Chief, handling the situation he was walking into with taking over for Boden and everything. And the house loves him, it's all gone really well so far."
"That's great, Dawson." Adam replied, the two sharing a nod before Antonio spoke up.
"So, I heard that Pops has my nieces tonight." He commented, Gabby raising her eyebrows a bit before she nodded. "Well- Actually I heard it from Caitlyn, I called to talk to him, and he was on the phone for about thirty seconds before Caity grabbed it and wanted to talk to me." He said with a chuckle, the younger Dawson sibling pursing her lips together in an effort to hold back her own laughter. "She was very eager to tell me all about her day and the sleepover they were having"
"I'm not surprised… And you shouldn't be either, you know how much she loves talking to her Tïo." She spoke pointedly, Antonio now the one to wear a proud grin before he nodded.
"Well, who can blame the kid." He mused, while Gabby shook her head.
"How are your girls doing, Gabby?" Hailey asked, her question gaining the paramedic's attention. "Antonio talks about them all the time."
"They're doing great, thank you." She replied with a smile.
"How old are they now?" Jay cut in.
"Caitlyn's six, and Sofia just turned two." She answered, Halstead shaking his head a bit before sipping on his drink.
"It's crazy Sofia's that old already." He told her, Gabby laughing softly before she nodded.
"Yeah, I know what you mean. Both of them are growing up so fast."
"There you are!"
Gabby turned away from Halstead when she heard the familiar voice, to find Severide and Kidd coming up behind her.
"I was beginning to think you two had ditched." Kelly continued on, Gabby stifling an eye roll before moving to make room for her friends. "But I'm glad you're here."
"Hi Kelly." She greeted him, while Stella came in to give her a quick hug.
"You look great, Dawson." She told her, Dawson smiling back at her in appreciation.
"Yeah, you do look nice." Severide added on. "Though I know I risk Casey socking me in the mouth for saying so." He finished, Antonio and Adam both chuckling while Gabby let out a scoff.
"Thanks Severide." Dawson replied dryly, while Kelly's eyes moved around the group.
"Speaking of the protective husband, where is Casey anyway?"
"I'm right here." Matt spoke as he came up behind Gabby from the other side, Dawson turning just as her husband stopped beside her, holding out a drink for her to take. "Why am I a protective husband?"
"I was giving your wife a compliment, is all." Kelly told him, Matt cocking his head to the side a bit while Kidd chuckled. "But enough about that, let's focus on what's really important. Like why you two showed up half an hour late." He finished, earning a grimace from Casey before he shook his head back and forth.
"Sorry about that, we kind of lost track time…" He explained, Severide smirking knowingly before Matt continued on. "I didn't realize so many people would be here already."
"Yeah, it's been crazy." Stella replied. "I swear, you'd think every person with money in the city of Chicago was here."
"They probably are." Ruzek interjected, earning a few laughs from the small group. "But as long as it helps us get some new gear, I'm all for it."
"Tell me about it." Severide agreed with a nod, before refocusing his attention on Casey and Dawson. "Oh, Casey- before I forget… There's been a few people asking for you." He said somewhat suddenly, Matt raising his brows a bit while he felt the eyes of all their friends on him.
"What do you mean?"
"All our bosses, and our bosses' bosses, they want to talk to you… I guess everyone wants some time with 51's brand new Battalion Chief." He spoke teasingly, Casey huffing out a sigh before he downed what was left of his drink. "Easy there, big guy."
"I'm probably gonna need a few more of those before tonight's over." He replied, Gabby shaking her head lightly while Matt took a slight step back. "Well, I guess we should probably get out there… Gabby?"
"Yeah, I'm ready." She responded, holding her glass securely in one hand while her other found Matt's. "It was great to see all of you."
"You too, Dawson."
"We'll see you around." Hailey added, Gabby giving her an agreeing smile before she and Matt separated from the group, even though they both would have much rather stayed back with them.
But with Casey's newfound position within the CFD, that wasn't really an option for them anymore.
Slowly, the couple made their way around the party, Matt stopping to talk to his fair share of people within the department, as well as some donors he'd been introduced to, all his bosses' wanting him to make a good impression with the people considering giving them money. And, from where Gabby was standing, he was doing just that, his previous days as an Alderman now proving to be useful as he was more than personable with all the donors.
And they were certainly impressed by him. Not just as a Chief, but in hearing some of what all he's accomplished as a firefighter out in the field, Gabby staying proudly by his side all evening while he talked up most of the people there.
"It was great to meet you, too." Matt spoke to one of the donors, the older man shaking his hand and saying a quick goodbye to him and Dawson before the married couple broke away from the group, Casey then letting out a soft sigh while Gabby bit back a grin.
"How are you feeling?" She asked him, Matt eyeing her closely as that small smile began to return to his features.
"Like I never want to talk to another man in a suit again." He deadpanned, Gabby laughing in response as she leaned into his side a bit.
"Well, I don't think that's really an option baby." She murmured, rubbing her hand along his arm. "But you're doing a great job."
"Yeah?"
"Definitely." She told him with a strong smile, Matt matching her look as he leaned in to give her a quick kiss.
"Thank you." He spoke against her, the two kissing once more before they continued through the crowds, it not taking them long before they met up with a few of the other Chiefs in the department.
"Chief Casey." Chief Grissom greeted, the two men shaking hands before he nodded over towards two of the other men beside him. "You remember Chief Greggory, and Chief Pratt."
"I do, it's nice to see you all again." He replied while shaking both of their hands, as Matt had experienced a few run-ins with them over the years. "This is my wife, Gabriela Dawson."
"The PIC on Ambulance 61, correct?" Pratt asked her while shaking her hand.
"Yes sir."
"It's nice to meet you, Mrs. Casey."
"You too." She responded, before Grissom spoke up once more.
"So Casey, how's life at 51 treating you?" He asked, Matt offering him a beaming smile as Gabby came back to his side.
"It's been going really well, I think." He responded, seeing the men around him nod.
"No issues since Boden left?"
"Not at all, no." Matt echoed. "Wallace Boden was a great Chief- the best Firehouse 51 has ever had, so there were some big shoes to fill… But it's all gone rather smoothly. I think the house is handling the change in leadership well."
"That's good to hear." Grissom replied.
"It certainly is." A deeper voice spoke from behind Casey, Matt and Gabby both turning around to see their old Chief standing behind them with a soft smile on his face.
"Boden!" Gabby greeted first, before stepping forward to give him a tight hug.
"Hi Dawson." He replied with a laugh, hugging her back just as much before the two separated and Casey stepped in.
"It's great to see you."
"You too, Chief." Boden replied pointedly, Gabby smiling proudly as the two men separated from one another. "So from what I heard, everything at 51 is going well?"
"It is." Matt told him. "Everything's been great, though we all miss you… But I haven't run the firehouse into the ground yet." He joked, Boden letting out a laugh before shaking his head.
"Well, that wasn't really something I was concerned about, but it's nice to hear." He replied lightly as his eyes moved behind Casey, where there was now an empty spot where the other Chiefs once stood. "...I guess Chief Grissom and them decided not to stay. I'm sorry for interrupting."
"Don't worry about it." Matt replied, waving his hand in the air before glancing back to make sure they weren't in earshot. "I'd much rather talk with you." He told him, Gabby nodding in agreement as Boden flashed them a wide smile.
"The feeling is mutual." He responded, Wallace glancing down towards his watch before looking back up towards his former firefighter and paramedic. "I was actually just heading back to my table before I saw you two, but would you two like to join me? Donna's here, and I know she'd love to see you both. Give us all a chance to catch up."
"Of course, yeah. That sounds great." Casey said, while glancing towards his wife.
"We'd love to." She agreed, Boden giving them both a warm smile before he nodded.
"Great, let's go." He said, before the three of them started to head back towards the middle of the room, Matt and Gabby more than grateful for the opportunity to step away from the chaos and spend some time with their old friend.
Dawson brushed some of her hair behind her ear as she made her way out of the ladies room, the few apologies and pleasantries escaping her lips as she navigated her way around the line of women waiting for their turn before she got to a clear space further down the hallway.
While she had this moment away from the crowd inside the room, Gabby took a second to check her phone, to see if she'd missed anything from her father. But aside from the few pictures he'd sent earlier of the girls out at dinner, she'd heard nothing, the sight of her daughter's bringing a smile to her face before she put her phone back into her purse.
"Hey baby."
Gabby looked up when she heard the unmistakable sound of her husband's voice, a soft smile coming to her face while he walked towards her.
"Hey… I told you I'd be back in a bit, you didn't have to come looking for me." She reminded him, seeing the sheepish look that crossed his face before he shrugged.
"I know, but I missed you." He responded shamelessly. "And besides, without you I'm like a sitting duck in there."
A soft laugh left her lips before she reached up to rub her hand over his freshly shaven cheek. "Fair enough."
"Plus, I heard from your dad while you were gone." He added, Gabby nodding with an expectant look on her face. "We talked for a little bit, he said the girls are doing well. Apparently they're both already asleep. So we missed bedtime." He explained, seeing the knowing look that flashed in her eyes as she wasn't necessarily surprised to hear that. And given how they'd hardly had a moment to breathe all evening, Matt wasn't either. "They went to their movie, and to dinner. But I guess by the time they got back home, they were worn out. Your dad even said Sof kept falling asleep in the bath."
Gabby chuckled a bit once more while her head shook slightly from side to side at the image, as that was something her and Matt had both dealt with on a number of occasions.
"But they're fine. They're sleeping, and if I had to guess they will be until morning… It sounds like everything's alright over there."
"Good, that's good." She responded, Matt smiling softly before he moved in to give her a soft kiss. "I wish we could've talked to them, but I'm glad they had a nice time."
"Me too." He agreed, rubbing his hands along her arms as a slight chill in the air passed by them, Gabby drawing in a deep breath before she nodded back in the general direction of the ballroom.
"I guess we should probably get back in there." She told him, seeing him glance backwards before returning his focus to her. "I'm sure there's more millionaires the department wants you to talk to."
He laughed softly, Matt letting his head fall forward a bit before he gave her arm a squeeze. "Yeah, you're probably right." He started, his words pausing for a moment before he glanced up at her with a wanting look in his eye. "But I had something else in mind." He told her, seeing her slight confusion mixed with curiosity before he grabbed ahold of her hand. "Come on."
Wordlessly, the couple made their way down the hallway, further and further away from everyone else, until they stumbled upon an empty room, Matt then pulling her inside before shutting the door behind her.
"Matt?" She asked him, but then she never got the chance to get another word out before his lips were on hers.
The force of his movements caught her off guard, but they weren't unwelcome as she started kissing him back almost instantly, Gabby gripping onto him while he gently led them backwards until she was pressed up against the wall. Their heavy pants and moans could be heard throughout the otherwise silent room, Matt leaving no part of her body untouched while he finally got his moment alone with her that he'd been desperate for all evening.
"Matt…" She moaned out as his lips moved down towards her neck, Matt careful of his movements across her body as he was wanting to touch all of her, while also being mindful of the dress she was wearing. "Baby, should we be doing this here?" She asked between breaths, hearing him grunt softly while her hands tightened over his arms.
"Probably not." He whispered against her, before removing his jacket and letting it fall to the floor.
"You're supposed to be out there." She continued on. Though her actions weren't matching her words as her hands went towards his tie and pulled it off his neck, before she started to work on the buttons on his shirt.
"I know." He continued on, Gabby getting his shirt open while his hands moved to the zipper on her dress, before slowly pulling it down.
"Anyone could walk in." She panted out while her hands slid over his bare chest, Matt letting out a heavy sigh before all but forcing himself away from her. The distance gave Gabby a chance to catch her breath, her eyes following him as he moved towards the door before clicking the lock in place, assuring no one could interrupt them.
A gentle smirk then covered her lips, Matt matching her look while she slowly began to walk towards him.
"You're crazy, you know that?" She spoke, her voice full of desire as he reached out to touch her once more, his hand moving to the top of her dress.
The same dress he'd been wanting to get her out of from the second he saw her in it.
And now he was going to do just that.
"I know… And you're beautiful." He replied, Gabby unable to stop her smile from growing before he placed his lips over hers once more.
From that moment on, it was like nothing else mattered, Gabby and Matt shutting out the world around them while taking this moment of seclusion for themselves, as more and more of their clothes started to hit the floor before there was nothing left between them.
And as far as they were both concerned, this time together was the perfect way to end their night.