Hello there everyone! I'm here with the next chapter for you all, and it's full of some Casey family sweetness. I really hope you all enjoy it, and I can't wait to hear what you think!
I'll see you all next time!
Chapter One Hundred and Seventy Seven
"So Mrs. Casey, how long are you staying?"
Severide's voice filtered through the garage as he followed Matt and his mother towards the double doors, Nancy glancing over towards him with a soft smile on her face before she responded.
"Until the beginning of next week, as of now." She answered, Casey glancing towards her as she kept her attention on Severide. "I was able to get some time off, and after being away for so long I wanted to spend as much time here as I could. To see Matthew, and the girls and everything."
"That sounds great." Kelly replied, while Matt nodded in agreement just before they got to the entrance of the firehouse.
"Yeah, it does." Casey echoed, offering his mom an easy smile before they walked inside the station, the three of them immediately met by the sight of the other firefighters sitting inside the common room, going about their evening as usual while waiting around for their next call. "Hey guys." Matt spoke up after clearing his throat, earning the attention of the room while he and his mom came to a stop in the entryway, with Severide beside them.
"Do my eyes deceive me, or is that Mrs. Casey?" Joe was the first to speak up with a bright smile, his words causing a similar look to appear over Nancy's face as Matt began to nod.
"Yeah, you all remember my mom, Nancy." Casey spoke, his firefighters nodding a bit as Herrmann was the first to get up and come greet her. "I know it's been awhile since you all have seen her. But she came into town for Thanksgiving, so she'll be around a bit for the next week or so."
"It's so great to see you again." Christopher said, Nancy nodding in agreement before the rest of the house came up to say their hellos.
Casey could tell his mom was a little surprised by all the warm welcomes, but she appreciated it nonetheless, Nancy making sure to speak to everyone who came up to her even though she couldn't remember all of their names.
"It's nice that you're in town, I'm sure the girls are excited." Mouch continued on, Casey being the one to nod this time before he spoke up.
"They are." He answered, not missing the way his mom's face lit up before she went back to speaking with a few of the first responders around her, Casey giving her time to reacclimate with everyone while he stood off to the side with Severide and Kidd.
Though they were only there for a few minutes before the doors to the garage opened once more, the Chief glancing off to the side just in time to see his wife and her partner walk into the hallway, the smile on his face widening while he angled himself towards her.
"Hey baby." Dawson spoke up first, the grin on her face just as noticeable as she looked between Matt and the crowd beside him, clearly seeing Nancy's presence.
"Hey there. I didn't hear you guys get back." He commented, as the paramedics came up beside him, Jemma stopping beside Kidd while Gabby stayed by his side. "How was the call?"
"It was fine, nothing too bad." Dawson replied with a shrug.
"Yeah, it was easy… And no drinks were thrown, so that's a plus." Jemma added on teasingly, the group laughing at Gabby's expense while the PIC shook her head.
"You're so funny." Dawson responded dryly, while Matt reached up to rub his hand over the back of her neck and shoulders.
"I know." Norris said without missing a beat, her nose scrunching up a bit while Severide let out another laugh, Gabby scoffing as she shook her head, before she returned her attention to her husband.
"Anyway, I see your mom got here." She said, her voice light as Matt continued rubbing his palm over her shoulders.
"Yeah, she did.. Just a few minutes ago." He told her, Gabby nodding a bit before looking back towards Nancy, who was currently in the middle of a conversation with Cruz and Otis. "I'm glad you're back though, cause she's really excited to see you."
"Yeah?" Dawson asked with raised brows.
"Mhmm.. You were one of the first things she asked about." He continued, seeing a few different emotions play out on Gabby's face before she nodded, with a soft smile resting over her lips. "Hey mom." Casey called out easily, gaining her attention as she looked towards him, just as he nodded down towards Gabby.
The smile on Nancy's face widened, Dawson matching her look before she turned back towards the firefighters, effectively excusing herself from them before making her way towards her son and daughter-in-law.
"Gabby, dear." She greeted brightly, while pulling her in for a hug.
"Hi Nancy." Gabby responded with just as much enthusiasm, while Matt smiled down at the two of them.
"It's so good to finally see you, sweetheart."
"You too." Dawson agreed, feeling Nancy rub her hand over her back before they finally separated. Though the older woman never went too far, as she stood in front of her family.
"I'm glad you're back, I wasn't sure how long you were going to be gone… Matt mentioned you've been running all over the city today." Nancy continued on lightly, Gabby smiling as Matt nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, it's been pretty busy around here." Gabby spoke as she leaned into Matt's side. "Definitely a crazy day, Jemma and I are just trying to keep up."
Nancy gave her a sympathetic look before glancing over towards the other paramedic, offering her a welcoming smile just before Gabby spoke up again.
"But it's all part of the job, I'm just glad we got here to see you." She continued on, while Matt's grin grew across his face. "Are you able to stick around for a bit? Maybe stay for dinner." Dawson suggested, Nancy raising her eyebrows as she glanced at her son.
"You should." Matt added on with a small nod. "I'm not sure what we're doing yet, probably just ordering in. But you should stay."
"I hadn't really thought about it, but that sounds nice. I think I will stay." She told them, earning smiles from both Matt and Gabby before the former spoke up.
"Perfect… Hey Herrmann?" He called across the room, where his firefighter had returned to his usual spot on the couch. "Can you and the guys decide on a place to eat, and start getting orders?"
"On it, Chief." He answered easily, Nancy unable to stop herself from smiling at the way her son was addressed before Matt continued on.
"Hopefully that won't take too long to get together, but in the meantime Gabby and I can show you around a bit, if you want. Since it's been awhile." He offered with a genuine smile. "Give you a chance to see my new office." He added, as Gabby nodded in agreement.
"That would be great." Nancy agreed, just as the bells went off above them.
Everyone in the room listened on as Squad 3 and Ambulance 61 were called out to assist at a car accident, Gabby biting back a groan as Casey offered her a sympathetic look.
"And so it continues." Norris breathed out, before hurrying to the garage.
"It really is one of those days." Dawson huffed, Matt rubbing over her back once more before leaning down to press a kiss to the top of her head. "Looks like dinner will have to wait for a bit. Sorry I can't stick around, Nancy."
"It's alright, dear. People out there need help." She responded, Gabby nodding softly before glancing back up to her husband.
"We'll figure out food when you all get back, just be safe out there."
"I will." She said, feeling him rub over her back one last time before she followed the other first responders out to the garage, Casey watching her go until she was out of sight.
"Well, I guess that changes the plans a little bit.. But I can still show you around." He offered, while Nancy nodded.
"That sounds fine, honey." She replied, Matt smiling back at her before he led her down the hallway towards his office, the easy feeling in the air helping them both as Nancy took in her surroundings as they moved. "...A lot of this place looks the same." She commented as they got to the bullpen.
"Yeah, it really does.. Not much has changed around here."
"Aside from one thing, seeing as how my son is now a Chief." She replied lightly, Matt ducking his head a bit as he fought off his smile. "That's definitely a big change."
"Yeah, it was- it is." He corrected himself, their steps slowing as they got closer to his office. "It was certainly an adjustment, and was hard on the girls for a while, but we've all kind of settled into it… Though it did take me a while to get used to."
"I'm sure it did, sweetheart. But if anyone deserves the promotion, it's you." She told him, her honest words bringing that smile back to his face before he nodded. "You're amazing at what you do, and I'm glad to see you get rewarded for that."
Her statement hit him harder than he expected, but he gave her a strong look regardless, those grins never leaving their faces as he reached down for the door handle. "Thanks Mom." He told her, Nancy patting his arm lovingly before he pushed the door to his office open. "Well, this is it." He said, stepping aside to give her room to come in.
"Wow." She breathed out, as she took in her son's newer, and bigger, office. "This is great, honey."
"Thank you… You can look around a bit, if you want." He told her, while stepping by her to get to his desk, Nancy nodding back at him before she started to glance at everything around her.
There were plaques and certificates lining the walls- all of her son's accomplishments and achievements as a firefighter shown on display. As well as a few of Gabby's, Nancy noticed. Some of her certifications and a few articles written about her, on various calls here and there- there was as much about Gabby's success as a first responder as there was about him, and Nancy couldn't even say she was shocked by that, knowing how her son had always been Gabby's biggest supporter.
And another thing that wasn't surprising were the amount of family photos covering this room. Whether they were framed on his shelves, or hung up on the walls. Or pinned to his bulletin board in the corner, wherever it was, there were endless amounts of photos of his family. Pictures of Sofia, of Caitlyn, of Gabby. All three of them together, then in any combinations one could imagine, along with many of the four of them as well. They were everywhere, his family proudly on display for anyone and everyone to see. And to Nancy, it was one of the sweetest things in the world.
Because not only did he have his girls plastered all over these walls, but they were arranged in a way to where it was obvious that they were more important to him than any of his medals or certificates. That Gabby, Caitlyn, and Sofia were what he was most proud of. They were the most important thing to him, and while Nancy always knew that, she was glad to see it hadn't changed.
While she continued to look around, she couldn't help but admire some of the other pictures as well; the ones with their friends, as well as people Nancy recognized to be Ramon and Camila. Then some with Gabby's brother, the common factor in every single photo being that at least one of the Casey girls was in it, Nancy wearing a soft smile on her face before she began to admire one picture in particular.
It was of the four of them, Matt and Gabby somewhere with their girls Nancy couldn't recognize. But they looked happy, with Caitlyn sitting up on her dad's shoulders, and Sofia in her mom's arms, the grandmother figuring this to be a rather recent image as she continued to look at it.
"...The girls have gotten so big." She mused, partially to herself. But Casey heard her anyhow as he looked up from the stack of paperwork on his desk, to see his mother standing over by one of his shelves. His eyes followed her line of sight before an immediate smile began to form across his lips, Matt knowing exactly which picture she was looking at as he leaned back in his chair.
"They have." He answered lightly, Nancy turning his way. "It's crazy, really. How fast they're growing up… It's been amazing to raise them, but I also wish time would slow down a little bit."
"Ah, I know that feeling well." She said with a soft grin. "That's how I felt with you and your sister.. It all happened so fast. In the blink of an eye, you two weren't babies anymore."
"Yeah, that's what I'm scared of." He replied with a chuckle. "The day they're both grown up and don't need me anymore… I'm not ready for that." He continued to joke, even though there was a lot of truth to his words.
"Well, I wouldn't worry too much about that. They'll always need you." She told him, catching his gaze. "Even when they're adults and out on their own, they'll never stop needing their parents… As long as they know they have you to fall back on. But with you and Gabby, I know they will." She continued on, the air around them slowly starting to turn a bit more serious as there were some unspoken words hanging between them, Nancy hovering around the one thing neither one of them really wanted to say.
How his girls were given something he wasn't. And that was stability.
Even at his parent's best, growing up Matt never had what his daughters did. He never had that sense of peace, or comfort that his parents would always be there. To help him when he needed it, and catch him when he stumbled. Neither he nor Christie had that growing up, because their father had robbed them of it. That man's actions, and his mother's that followed, had taken away any stability they could've had in their lives. And because of that, Matt now lived every day to make sure that never happened to his own girls.
And Nancy knew it.
"Those girls have the best parents they could've ever asked for." She continued on when he had yet to say anything, Matt swallowing thickly as his gaze moved down to one of the framed photos sitting on his desk. One of Caity and Sofia, the two hugging and holding onto each other as tightly as their small arms around allow. "And I'm just… I'm really proud of you, Matthew."
He drew in a deep breath as she spoke, before finally looking back to her.
"Seeing all these photos, and hearing about your family… I know I've missed out on a lot recently, I haven't been around to see much of you and your family, but I'm very proud of the life you have, sweetheart. The one you've created for yourself, and everything you've built here." She continued on with a gentle smile, while her sincere words washed over him. "Everything you and Gabby have, it's all I've ever wanted for you… And I know it's what you've always wanted." She said, Matt giving her a soft smile before he nodded. "And I'm just so glad you have that."
Casey cleared his throat as she finished, their unexpectedly deep conversation catching him a bit off guard. But he nodded once more regardless, their eyes locked on one another before he eventually spoke up.
"Thanks mom." He half whispered, seeing her give him a similar smile back. "I am, too."
She matched his nod, Nancy offering him one last proud glance before she continued to look around his office, the surprisingly calm feeling between them more than welcome as Matt settled back into his work.
"Alright, this should be good." Casey spoke as he pulled up to the curb, the man putting their car in park before glancing over towards Ramon who was in the passenger seat.
"Looks fine to me, son." He replied, earning a nod from the younger man before Casey looked back towards his wife and daughters in the backseat. "I think the restaurant is only about a block away, it's not too far."
"Yeah, this is fine babe." Gabby repeated, Matt offering her an easy smile through the mirror before undoing his seatbelt and killing the engine.
"Okay, well then let's go get something to eat." He spoke, Ramon nodding in agreement before both men got out of the car.
Since she was wedged in the back between a car seat and a booster seat, Gabby decidedly stayed put, the woman waiting for her husband and father to open the back doors and help with the girls before she'd even think about getting out.
"You girls ready for lunch?" Gabby asked while Matt got Caitlyn's door opened, Ramon repeating the similar process with Sofia as the six year old nodded happily.
"Yeah!" Caitlyn said, while Sofia continued to hold onto her mom's hand, Gabby giving both her girls a bright smile before the childrens' focus shifted to the men standing in front of them. "Hi Daddy." The six year old greeted, just as young Sofia let out a high-pitched squeal once she noticed her Abuelo.
"Well hello to you too, Sofi." Ramon spoke, his voice soft and easy as he rubbed over her stomach before beginning to undo her harness. "I missed you on the way over here." He continued on, the two of them focused on each other as Sofia was completely captivated by her grandfather.
And it was a sight Gabby would never get tired of, as she knew her youngest had always had a special connection with Ramon. That never more apparent than when Sofia almost immediately tried to lunge into his arms, even though her car seat held her back.
"I swear, there's not many people on the planet she loves more than you, Papa." Gabby commented as Ramon began to put Sofia's coat on, though he couldn't hide the prideful smile growing over his face.
"The feeling is mutual, with both of your babies." He agreed, just as he finished zipping up her thick jacket. "Come here, my angel." He murmured before pulling Sofia up into his arms, the toddler instantly tucking herself into his neck while holding onto him with all her strength, Gabby letting out a soft laugh while Ramon stepped up onto the sidewalk with his granddaughter and shut the door.
"Caity, keep your hand on the car baby." Matt's voice filtered into Dawson's head from the other side of the vehicle, Gabby glancing over just as the six year old had gotten down from the car, already bundled up in her warm coat.
"I will, Daddy." She complied, keeping her favorite stuffed animal tucked to her chest before placing her small hand up on to the car in an effort to keep her safe.
"Thank you, honey." He said before looking back into their vehicle, Matt giving his wife another grin before reaching his hand in for her to take.
"Thanks babe." She told him, Gabby grabbing ahold of his palm before getting up and climbing down from their SUV, Matt waiting until her feet were firmly on the ground before letting go of her palm.
"You're welcome." He said just as simply, Matt pressing a quick kiss to her lips before he shut the door and locked up their car. "Alright, we have the girls. Your dad has the diaper bag, I think we're ready to go." Casey spoke as he hoisted Caitlyn up into his arms, before he and Gabby joined Ramon and Sofia on the sidewalk. "Now that we have all our stuff, are you girls ready to see your Grandma?" He asked towards Caity and Sofia, the youngest smiling wide from the comfort of Ramon's embrace before Caitlyn began to nod wildly, as everyone in their small group, aside from Sofia, knew exactly what the purpose of this lunch was today.
And that was to meet up with Nancy.
Since Matt's mom hadn't gotten the chance to see the girls yet after arriving last night, they'd decided to come out today for lunch and give Nancy the chance to see her granddaughters again for the first time in almost a year, as his mom was more than eager to get some time with the youngest members of the Casey family. And the girls were excited too- mostly Caitlyn, as Sofia didn't really have any idea as to what was going on. But after some explanations and reminders of who Nancy was, Caitlyn was looking forward to spending some time with her.
And Ramon had decided to just tag along as well, to help his daughter and son-in-law with their babies while they ate.
"Yeah!" Caitlyn eventually replied, as she held onto the teddy bear a little tighter. "And I'm ready to eat." She added on, earning a few laughs from the adults before Matt bounced her in his arms.
"We can definitely do that." He told her, Caity nodding happily before the family began to make their way down the sidewalk, towards the restaurant.
With both children securely being held, it only took them a few minutes to get there, Gabby leading them inside while Matt and Ramon followed behind her
"Hello there." The woman behind the counter greeted with an easy smile. "How many for you guys today?"
"We're actually meeting someone, I think she may already be here.." Dawson started, while Matt adjusted Caitlyn's weight on his hip. "The table should be under Casey."
"Ah, yes." The younger woman responded after a moment of looking through their list. "We've got you all set up right back here."
"Thank you." Gabby replied, before following the hostess towards the back of the restaurant with her husband and father in tow, Nancy coming into view just moments later as she was sitting down at the circular table by herself.
"Here you are, your menus and everything are already on the table… Can I get you anything else?"
"Could we get a highchair?" Matt asked, nodding towards the toddler currently content in her grandfather's arms.
"Of course, I'll get that right for you." She responded before stepping away, leaving the Casey and Dawson clan alone for the time being.
"Hey mom." Matt greeted first as Nancy stood up
"Hi honey." She replied, giving him a side hug before moving towards Gabby and greeting her similarly.
"Sorry we're late, we were having a bit of trouble getting the girls out the door." Gabby told her as they separated, though Nancy soon waved her off.
"It's no trouble, Gabby. I'm just glad you all could make it." She responded genuinely, before turning to greet the older man standing beside her. "Hi Ramon, it's nice to see you again."
"You too, Nancy." He responded, the grandparents smiling at one another until Nancy returned her attention to Dawson.
"Is your mother in town, Gabby?" She asked, noticing that there was a parent missing from their family get together.
"Oh, she's not, no. She's coming to visit in December, and spend some time here then." Gabby explained, earning a nod from her mother-in-law before Nancy started to glance at Caitlyn and Sofia.
"Girls, you remember your Grandma Nancy?" Matt prompted, while rubbing Caitlyn's back. "She came to see us last year, and you all would talk on the phone sometimes." He reminded the six year old.
"Hi." Caity eventually greeted.
"Hello sweetheart." Nancy replied with a bright smile, the look on her face instantly putting Caitlyn at ease.
"Sof, can you say hi." Ramon encouraged a second later, tapping his hand against her back before the two year old smiled brightly.
"Hi." She repeated with a little wave, Nancy matching her smile while looking between them.
"Hi… My, you girls really do look so much different since the last time I saw you." The grandmother breathed out, just as the hostess brought the highchair back over towards the table and silently placed it in between Gabby and Ramon, before walking away once more.
"Yeah, they've definitely grown up a lot, huh?" Matt asked lightly while rubbing over Caitlyn's stomach, the movement earning a soft giggle from his daughter as her hand gripped onto his jacket.
"Yeah, I'm big and strong." Caity echoed happily. "Like Daddy always says."
"I can see that, you are big and strong honey." Nancy told her, the sound of her voice gaining the little girl's attention once more before she looked her over.
"...You're Daddy's Mommy, right?" Caitlyn asked somewhat suddenly, Nancy merely nodding her head while she looked between Matt and his oldest daughter.
"I am." She replied, everyone seeing the way Caity's face lit up in excitement, her reaction alone sending a rush of warmth through both Matt and Gabby.
Not only was it nice to see her at ease around her grandmother, but it impressed both the parents with how comfortable Caitlyn seemed with her, especially given how the young girl was still shy around people she didn't really know. She was an affectionate kid, but that was only if she knew you. Otherwise, she was usually pretty weary at first around new people, or those she couldn't remember. She'd been like that ever since they met her.
But that didn't seem to be the case with Nancy, and Matt and Gabby were both more than grateful for that.
"That's so cool." Caity eventually responded. "Mommy's are awesome."
The group laughed softly at her words, Matt glancing over towards Gabby for a moment before winking easily in her direction.
"They are." Nancy agreed, Caitlyn's smile only growing before she too looked towards Gabby.
"I have the best Mommy." She continued on, Gabby smiling proudly at her oldest daughter while Matt and Ramon both nodded.
"You absolutely do." Casey responded first, while Gabby stepped over and gave Caity a quick kiss. One the six year old reciprocated before Ramon stepped around towards his seat.
"Well, why don't we sit?" He prompted, the adults around him nodding before Nancy went back to her own chair, Matt and Gabby both watching while Ramon grabbed ahold of the highchair and placed it next to his seat.
"Oh, Papa- You don't have to watch her." Gabby spoke, but her father waved her off rather quickly before he started to get Sofia settled, the little girl more than happy to let her grandfather help her.
"I don't mind, mija." He assured her, securing the strap around Sofia's waist before sitting down in his chair. "I've got her, you all just enjoy your lunch." He told her, Gabby giving him a thankful smile before she stepped towards him and placed a quick kiss on his cheek.
"Thank you, Papa." She told him, Ramon smiling up at her before she went back around to what had become her place.
It took them a few more moments to get situated, but eventually they had all finally found their seats, Ramon keeping Sofia next to him as Caitlyn sat on the other side of her sister, Gabby next to their oldest while Matt sat on her other side, with Nancy beside him around the large circular table.
And that seemed to work for all of them, the excess space giving them all room to spread out while Caity and Sof began to color away wildly on their kid's menus, Ramon supervising the two year old as Caitlyn worked on her own.
"They sure do have tons of energy, don't they?" Nancy commented as she watched her granddaughters, Matt letting out a soft, yet agreeing chuckle as his eyes focused on them as well.
"They definitely do."
"Caity, do you know what you want to eat?" Gabby's voice broke through their conversation, as she spoke with the six year old.
"Hmm…" Caitlyn pondered, the look on her face earning a laugh or two from her parents while Gabby glanced over her options. "Chicken nuggets!" She finally settled on, Matt shaking his head a bit in amusement before she spoke up once more. "And mac and cheese, please." She requested, her wide brown eyes moving back and forth between her parents.
"I think we can do that." Matt told her, Caitlyn smiling brightly before she nodded. "But if we get some fruit too, you think you can eat some of that for me?"
"I will." She agreed easily, Casey nodding before he reached out across Gabby to give his daughter a high-five.
"Okay, sounds like a plan." He spoke, Caity's beaming grin widening before she smacked her father's hand with hers, Gabby looking between the both of them with a soft smile before finally settling on her husband.
"What are you thinking for Sof?" She asked him, Matt mulling over her words while he casually moved his hand to rest over his wife's back.
"I'm not sure, maybe a grilled cheese?" He suggested, rubbing absentminded patterns along her shoulders while she stared down at the menu. "We'll just cut it up for her, and she should be fine… And probably some applesauce."
"Sounds good, babe." She told him, Matt giving her a gentle smile before he returned his attention to his own menu and continued to look over his options, his hand never leaving her back the entire time. And it was something Nancy had noticed, the older woman smiling softly at the way her son was with his family, before she continued to glance around the table until the waitress arrived.
It took a few minutes to get through everyone, but soon enough she'd gotten their orders and headed off to the back, leaving the family alone once more to continue on with their time together.
"So, Nancy," Ramon started, his eyes bouncing back and forth between Sofia and Matt's mother, in an attempt to make sure the toddler didn't keep trying to eat the crayon in her hands. "What's it like being back in town?"
Casey took a sip of his water as his mom smiled, Gabby and Matt looking back and forth between their parents while Nancy responded. "Well, I haven't been here long, but it's nice to be back." She started, Ramon giving her an understanding nod. "And it's good to see everyone."
"Yeah, it's great to have you here." He replied, Gabby then helping Caitlyn with her drink when she noticed her daughter reaching for it. "I was thrilled when Matthew here told me you were coming for the holiday."
"Yeah?" Nancy asked with a small smile.
"Of course, it's always great to get the grandparents together." He said with a hearty chuckle. "Especially for the girls." He added, glancing down towards Sofia and Caitlyn, who were still off in their own little world.
"Yeah, I'm with you on that one." She spoke, smiling over towards her granddaughters before Ramon continued on.
"So, how have things been since you've last visited?" He prompted, Nancy raising her eyebrows a bit before she gradually began to answer his question.
And over the course of the lunch, they all continued to catch up with one another, Nancy, Ramon, Matt, and Gabby all filling each other in on more of the things they'd missed in each other's lives over the past year. They were so caught up in their conversation that they'd barely noticed when their food arrived, but that didn't slow them down, the adults continuing on with their talk while they ate and fed the kids.
Overall, they'd had a great afternoon together, all of them enjoying each other's company more than they could say. And for as nice as this time was, it just made Matt all the more thankful that he'd followed Gabby's advice and taken that leap to reach out to his mom, while the man silently hoped in the back of his mind that they'd have many more moments like this in the future.
"That feel okay, sweetheart?" Gabby asked her oldest daughter as she secured the girl's bathing suit into place, Caitlyn nodding with a bright smile before she spoke up.
"Yeah! I'm ready to swim." She responded happily, the eager look on her face causing Dawson to grin as she continued to help her daughter get dressed, while Matt was with Sofia behind her.
The family of four was currently standing in the bathroom in Nancy's hotel room, Gabby and Matt getting their daughters ready for some time at the indoor pool here. With as cold and icy as it was outside, they knew there wasn't much for the girls to do elsewhere, so after lunch they'd decided to come over here to let the girls play, as well as spend some more time with Matt's mom.
They'd made a quick stop by at their house, to drop Ramon off and say their goodbyes to him, as well as grab everything they'd need for an afternoon of swimming, before they made their way back over here, Gabby and Matt now focusing on getting the girls dressed so they could go have some fun.
"Yeah, not quite baby." Dawson replied with a smile, Caitlyn scrunching her nose up a bit before Gabby grabbed the cover-up to put over her daughter's one piece floral swimsuit. "Arms up." The mother instructed, before Caity lifted her arms above her head. "Thank you." Gabby added, letting the purple material fall into place over the girl's body.
"Now I can swim." Caity tried again, Gabby letting out a laugh as she nodded.
"Once Sof is ready, you can swim." She reminded her oldest before glancing back towards her husband, who was currently finishing up getting Sofia ready.
He had already gotten her swimsuit on, the clothing the same as Caitlyn's except it was a different color, and he was just now placing a similar cover-up over Sofia, so their girls would be able to walk through the hotel safely.
"Is she good, babe?" Gabby asked him, her husband wearing his own swim trunks and a t-shirt as he looked up to her before nodding.
"Yeah, we're good to go." He told her while they were both watching Sofia jump up and down in one spot, the two year old clearly just as excited to go swimming as her older sister.
"Alright, well let's head down there then." Gabby spoke as she pushed herself up off the ground, Caity's wide smile never leaving her face as Casey grabbed their towels.
"Are you gonna swim, Mommy?" The six year old asked, while Gabby opened the door.
"I don't think so baby, but your Daddy is gonna swim with you." She promised, Caitlyn seemingly content with her answer before the four of them stepped back out into the hotel room.
"Everyone ready?" Nancy asked, Caitlyn being the first to nod eagerly.
"Yeah! Let's swim!" She cheered, the group around her laughing before they gathered up everything they'd need and headed off downstairs.
The walk was a rather short one, given the size of the hotel, and soon enough they'd managed to make their way to the hotel pool, Nancy using her keycard to get them inside before they all walked in.
The room was warm and inviting, and surprisingly empty as there was only one other family here in the large, heated pool, and they appeared to be getting ready to leave. Though neither of the Casey daughters were focused on them, as Sofia nearly shrieked in excitement when she saw the water.
"I know, I know, you wanna swim." Gabby spoke as she held onto her hand, the Casey's making their way over to some of the long chairs placed by the wall. "You can get in in a minute, but come here honey." She continued to instruct her daughter while she sat down on one of the chairs, Sofia standing beside her before Gabby pulled off her cover-up and grabbed her vest to help her float.
While Gabby was helping Sofia, Caitlyn took off the cover she was wearing as well, her wide eyes staying focused on the pool while Nancy made herself comfortable on the chair beside Gabby.
"Matt, babe, can you check the water?" Dawson requested, earning a nod from her husband as he pulled his shirt over his head.
"Yeah, no problem." He spoke, before he quickly made his way over to the deep end and did a cannonball.
The action was unexpected, to say the least, Gabby letting out a soft chuckle while the water moved in waves around where he'd jumped in, Sofia and Caitlyn both giggling loudly as they watched him come up underneath the water.
"Daddy is so funny." Caitlyn spoke through her laughter, while glancing back to her mom.
"He definitely is." Gabby responded with a grin before she looked back over towards her husband, who was wearing a proud look on his face. "...So?" She asked him, speaking loud enough to make sure her voice could carry across the pool.
"The water's good, it's warm." He assured her with a bright grin, while running his hand through his wet hair. "The girls will be fine."
"Alright." She spoke lightly, shaking her head a bit in amusement before she clasped the last buckle on Sofia's vest.
"Mommy, can I have my goggles?" Caitlyn asked, standing patiently beside her while Gabby helped her youngest sister. "I wanna go swim with Daddy."
"Yeah, you can honey. Here, let me help you." She said, before beginning to methodically place the goggles over her daughter's head. "Just be careful over there. The water's deep where your dad's at."
"Okay Mommy." She replied brightly, giving Gabby a quick kiss before she scurried over to where her dad was, Gabby and Nancy both watching on as she came to a stop by the edge of the pool. "Daddy!"
"Hi Caity." He replied, while swimming over to the ledge she was standing on.
"I wanna jump in." She declared, Matt letting out a soft laugh before he began to swim back a bit, just enough to give her room. Though before she moved, he couldn't help but notice the flash of hesitance on her face. "...Can you catch me?" She requested, Casey giving her a warm smile as he nodded.
"Of course baby, I've got you." He promised, his words putting the six year old at ease before she looked back over to Gabby.
"Mommy, watch! I'm gonna jump in." Caity called, Gabby's smile growing before she gave her daughter a nod.
"I am, honey." She promised, Caity nodding back at her before she plugged her nose and jumped into the water towards her dad.
Just like he said he would, Matt caught her, the two going underwater for a moment before he lifted them back up.
"Wow, Caity! That was so good!" Gabby praised, the little girl beaming as she brushed some of her wet blonde hair from her face.
"I wanna do it again!"
Casey chuckled, the father giving her a nod before leading her back over to the edge of the pool. "Okay, you can do it one more time… But then we need to go to the shallow end with your sister, alright?"
"Okay, Daddy." Caity replied as he lifted her out of the pool, Matt making sure she was securely on the ledge before he backed away, only for her to jump right back in seconds later.
After he caught her and then swam underwater for a few seconds, Casey let Caity hold onto his back before he swam with her over to the shallow end, where Sofia was itching to get into the water. But she hadn't been able to without her dad.
"Alright Sof, come on. You can swim." Gabby said as she got up and walked with her to the stairs, the toddler's little hand clasped in hers as Dawson stepped down into the water on the first step, Sofia then doing the same.
The stairs were a little big for her to manage, but with her mom's help she was able to get down the first one, Sofia squealing in excitement as her dad and Caity came over to her.
Once they were in the three foot section of the pool, Matt helped Caitlyn down off his back, the little girl able to stand on her own while he continued towards Sofia.
"Hi baby." He greeted his youngest while reaching out for her, Sofia wasting no time as she dropped Gabby's hand and lunged for her dad.
He was still a little far away, but the vest she had on kept her safely above water until he got to her, Matt smiling wide as he brought Sofia into his arms in the pool.
"Yeah, you're ready to swim, aren't you?" He spoke, tapping his hand against her leg while Sofia continued to shriek in excitement, Matt pressing a soft kiss to her head before he turned back towards Caitlyn. "Caity, remember you need to stay in the shallow end when you're on your own, okay? You can't go into the deep end by yourself."
"Okay Daddy." She said while she swam around. "Can I have my toys?" She added on, Gabby nodding before she walked back to their bag and grabbed a few of the different pool toys they'd brought for the girls, including a few of the rings Caity loved to dive for.
"Yeah, Momma's getting them for you." Casey told her, those words enough for Caity as she gave him a nod before continuing to swim around.
"You good with them, babe?" Gabby asked her husband as she got back over to the pool, tossing the girls' toys down into the water.
"Yeah, we're good." He promised with a bright smile, Gabby mimicking his look and giving him a soft wink before heading back over to her seat beside Nancy, while the girls played in the pool with their father.
Dawson sat comfortably back in the long pool chair, her hand moving methodically up and down Sofia's back as the little girl sat in her lap fast asleep. Her soft snores filled the air as her head was nestled up against Gabby's chest, the two year old wrapped up tightly in her towel while she continued to sleep on top of her mom.
She had been here for about half an hour or so, Sofia only spending a little bit of time in the pool before she got tired and wanted to get out. But while she rested, Matt and Caitlyn continued to play, the father and daughter going back and forth between the deep and shallow ends of the water while they swam together, the sound of Caity's laughter occasionally making its way over to Gabby and Nancy while they both watched them.
"...He's so good with her." Nancy commented after a moment, pulling Dawson from her thoughts as she looked over to her husband's mother. "With both of them."
A small smile began to tug on Gabby's lips as she looked back out at Matt and Caitlyn, her hand still rubbing soothing patterns over Sofia's back while she slept. "Yeah, he really is." She breathed out, watching Matt as he would toss Caity up out of the pool into the air before catching her. "He's the best father, the girls are lucky to have him."
Nancy nodded in agreement. "Yeah, they are… It's nice to see him like this, being a dad." She told her, Gabby glancing back towards her while she spoke. "It's not something I've gotten to see all that much of in person."
"Yeah, I know." Gabby mused softly. "But you're here to see it now, and that's what matters." She spoke with an encouraging smile when Nancy met her gaze. "We're all really glad you were able to get here."
"I am, too." She murmured.
"Matt's missed you, and the girls… We're happy you came. It's been too long." Dawson continued on, while Nancy nodded in agreement.
"You're right, it has… But hopefully that won't happen again." She told her softly. "I don't want to go that long without visiting again, I'd definitely like to make this a more frequent thing. For Matt and for Christie." She confided, Gabby watching her with nothing but understanding in her eyes.
"I think that'd be great, Nancy." She replied easily, while the two women watched one another.
"Yeah, I do too." She added, glancing over Gabby for a moment before she spoke up once more. "But, uh… Seeing Matt, and spending time with the girls- that wasn't the only reason I wanted to come.. I also wanted to talk to you." She prefaced, Dawson's eyebrows raising in surprise while she kept her secure grip on Sofia. "Or actually, I want to apologize to you."
It didn't take long for Gabby to understand what Nancy was talking about, her lips pursing together for a moment as her eyes moved back out towards Casey.
"The things Henry said about you, and Sofia… That wasn't right."
"Nancy…"
"It wasn't right, and it wasn't fair to you." She continued on, regret filling in her words as she shook her head. "I missed a lot of the signs that Henry wasn't a good person, but those comments he made should've been a wake up call for me and it wasn't. But even leaving me out of it, I never should've brought him into your home. Or made you spend time with him. And I'm just sorry for not apologizing sooner." She spoke firmly, Gabby drawing in a deep breath before she replied.
"It's okay, Nancy… Really." She tried, but the older woman continued to shake her head.
"It's not okay." Nancy pushed back. "You didn't deserve that, at all. And after the first comment he made, I never should've brought him back here. You shouldn't have had to put up with that, or be around him. You shouldn't have had to be the bigger person, just because of me… As your mother-in-law, you deserved better from me, and I'm sorry for putting you in that position." She said sincerely. "...I truly am sorry, Gabby."
Taking another deep breath, Gabby then gave her a slow nod before offering her a small smile.
"Thank you." She told her, as Nancy gave her a hesitant nod back. "Really, I appreciate that a lot. Thank you for saying that."
Nancy gave her one last smile, the two sharing a knowing look before they turned back out towards Caitlyn and Matt, the feeling between Gabby and her mother-in-law a lot lighter now that they had cleared the air between them, the pair just now content to look ahead as they were ready to enjoy the rest of their time together as a family before Nancy had to leave.