Hey there everyone. I'm here with the next chapter for you all. I don't have much to say ahead of this one, so we'll just get into it and let you all see what happens.

I hope you all enjoy it, and happy reading!

Chapter One Hundred and Eighty Seven

"Grandma! Look at what I can do!"

Standing in the kitchen Matt bit back a smile when he heard Caitlyn's excited voice, the father glancing over towards the living room just in time to see Caity show Nancy a cartwheel. Or what was her version of a cartwheel rather, her legs barely making it up into the air while she toppled over to her other side and landed on both feet. But Nancy acted impressed nonetheless, his mom clapping and encouraging her while holding Sofia in her lap, both girls completely enthralled by the attention they were getting from their grandmother. Which, in turn, had given Matt and Gabby the chance to get ready for their shift ahead of this snowy Christmas Eve.

"Wanna see another one?" Caitlyn asked brightly, her small hands smoothing down her nightgown as Nancy responded with a wide grin.

"I'd love that, honey." She answered, the six year old beaming before she hurried back to what she'd made her starting spot across the room.

With his daughters occupied, Matt went back to cleaning up the rest of their dishes from breakfast while occasionally keeping an eye on the tea he was brewing for Gabby. He was having to focus on a few different things at once, but that wasn't anything out of the ordinary for him or his wife. Not when they had two little girls to take care of, especially on those mornings where they worked. But right now with his mother's help it made things a bit more manageable, which is something he was thankful for.

Casey finished placing the last clean child's plate on the drying rack before he stepped back to the other counter to finish up Gabby's tea, his attention being pulled away from the travel mug in front of him when he noticed movement out of the corner of his eye, Matt turning to see his wife walking towards him after coming from their bedroom.

She was all dressed for work, her long sleeve shirt tucked into her usual blue pants while her hair was pulled back into a ponytail, Matt giving her a loving smile when she got closer to him. But it was one that slowly began to fade once he got a better look at her, Casey letting out a soft sigh when he saw that heavy exhaustion lingering in her features.

The exhaustion that came from their long night of Gabby not getting any sleep.

Though yesterday had been a better day for her, when they got home from her parents house that wave of sickness seemed to hit her all over again. And it continued through the night, Gabby spending almost as much time on the floor of their bathroom as she did in bed.

Matt was by her side as much as he could be, despite her protests. He got up with her each time she felt like she was going to be sick, and stayed there with her until she was ready to try and go back to bed. He'd get her water, and cold washcloths when she needed them. He got a shower ready for her around three in the morning when she felt so sweaty and gross that she needed to rinse off. He even offered to bring in some blankets and pillows from their bedroom to let them sleep on the bathroom floor, so she wouldn't have to walk as far if she felt sick again.

He'd done everything he could possibly think of to try and help her get better, but none of it seemed to be working given how Gabby was as nauseous as she'd been days prior. They just couldn't figure out the cause of it.

She didn't have much of a fever, and she wasn't having pain anywhere. Except maybe some soreness he'd heard her complain about here and there, but they both chalked that up to how sick she'd been. And other than that, there was nothing to tell them what actually was wrong with her, just that whatever this was was clearly more than some overnight cold.

But, as his wife so often did, she was powering through for the holidays. She had an appointment scheduled with their doctor a few days after Christmas, but for now she was alright to keep going about their lives. She hated being sick, and wished she hadn't picked up whatever bug this was, but there was nothing to be done about that now. All she could do was wait, and continue on with their holiday plans. Which, unfortunately, included heading over to the firehouse for the next twenty four hours.

If there was any silver lining to this at all, it was that she did appear to be feeling at least a little better this morning. And even if it wouldn't stay that way, he was grateful she had a few hours of peace.

"Hey beautiful." Matt greeted after placing the lid on her cup, his words earning a soft smile from her before she pushed herself up to press an easy kiss to his cheek.

"Hi handsome… How are things out here?"

"Pretty good." He answered, resting his hip against the countertop after turning to face her. "The girls finished eating and then Caity decided to show mom how many cartwheels she can do… Which is kind of none, but the efforts there." He explained, Gabby letting out a soft laugh in response. "And she looks so damn cute, so we'll call them cartwheels. Then I got all the dishes and everything cleaned up, got your tea ready. And I heard from your mom, they should be here any minute." He finished going over all she'd missed since she left breakfast early to go and get ready for work.

"Well, sounds like you have a handle on everything… Maybe I should just go back to bed." She teased, Matt smiling back at her before he shrugged.

"You can if you want." He reminded her, though he knew she was only joking. "I mean, as the Chief and everything I can easily get a floater to cover for you."

Her face softened as he spoke, Gabby then starting to shake her head before he could even finish.

"It wouldn't be a big deal. Just say the word, and you can stay here with our girls all day." He offered one last time.

"As enticing as that sounds, I'm fine to go to work babe." She replied, Matt pursing his lips together before he drew in a steady breath. "I know last night was rough, but I'm not feeling that bad anymore… The head rub you gave me while I was in the shower worked wonders." Gabby added on lightheartedly, Casey unable to stop the easy chuckle that left his throat as he was just glad to see her in better spirits. Even if it was hard to forget how sick she was the night before.

"Well, my head rubs have been known for their healing powers… And I managed to successfully dodge most of the water, too." He joked, Gabby laughing back at him while she took a step closer.

"Mhmm, you did. It was impressive." She replied, reaching out to wrap her arms around his waist. "But really, I don't want you to worry about me-" She stopped when she saw the unimpressed look that crossed his face, Gabby rubbing her hand over his back before correcting herself. "I mean, I know you're going to worry. You always do.. But I don't want you to overly worry. I'm gonna be fine."

"I know you will… I just hate seeing you sick." He reminded her, Dawson frowning a bit before she nodded. "But if you say you're good to go, I believe you… Just- if you need a break at all today, please let me know."

"I will." She promised while he brought his hands up to rub over her arms, the movement bringing a knowing gleam to her eyes. "Though I'm pretty sure it's frowned upon for a Chief to play favorites with his paramedics."

Those words caused another deep laugh to come from him, Matt feeling her tighten her hold around his back until their bodies were flush together. "Well, I have a good feeling no one at the house will mind." He responded lightly. "And even if they do, me being your husband takes precedence over me being a Chief anyway." Matt told her, those simple words causing the smile on her face to widen even further. "So if you need to rest…"

"You'll be the first to know." Gabby promised, her response seeming to appease him as he gave her arm another squeeze.

"Good." He replied before leaning forward to kiss her quickly.

"You better hope that whatever I have isn't contagious." She told him as he was pulling back, not only because of the kiss, but seeing as how Matt hadn't shied away from her ever since she started to get sick.

"Eh, I'm willing to take the risk." He said without missing a beat before moving to kiss her once more, the two staying together until they heard the sound of their doorbell from across the room.

"Oh, that must be Ramon and Camila." Nancy spoke while pushing herself up from the couch with Sofia still in her grasp, the two year old facing forward as Caity let out a loud, excited squeal.

"Abuelo and Abuela!" She cheered, Gabby and Matt both smiling as they started to separate from one another. "Sof! Abuelo and Abuela are here!" Caitlyn added on, prompting the two year old to repeat her words. Though they sounded more like 'abba' than anything else, but the excitement was still there, Nancy placing Sofia down onto the ground before letting her and Caitlyn hurry over to the front door.

"Caitlyn, don't open it yet sweetheart.. Let me check to make sure it's them first, alright?" Nancy warned softly, earning a nod from the older granddaughter while she reached out for her sister's hand.

"Okay Grandma." She agreed easily.

"Man, we really aren't needed around here, are we?" Matt joked, Gabby laughing softly as they watched Nancy walk over to the door.

"Not with the grandparents around, no… But it's sweet how the girls are with them."

"It definitely is." Casey agreed while bringing his arm up to rest around her shoulders. "Which is why I'm glad your parents were able to come over today… Give Caity and Sof some time to spend with all their grandparents." He added on, Gabby nodding before she leaned her head down against his shoulder.

With today being Christmas Eve, and Matt and Gabby having to be gone the entire day, the parents were more than grateful when Ramon and Camila offered to come over today and help Nancy out with their granddaughters. Not only because it would make things easier on Matt's mom, but it was also good for their girls to have quality time with their grandparents. And with it being so close to their favorite time of year, they wanted Caitlyn and Sofia to be around as much family as possible.

So after some conversations, Ramon and Camila decided they'd come over this morning and stay through the day and night with them, allowing them to spend this entire Christmas with their granddaughters. And they all were more than thrilled about it.

"Is it them?" Caitlyn asked impatiently while she stood in front of their door, watching Nancy look out through the peephole.

"It is, honey. They're here." She replied, seeing the child start to bounce up and down happily before Nancy reached out to unlock the door and pull it open.

"Abuelo!" Caity shrieked, Ramon being the first one she saw as a deep laugh came from the older man while she ran towards him. With it being below freezing outside, and Caitlyn still dressed in just her nightgown, he reacted quickly in moving to pick her up before her feet could touch the cold ground, Camila making an effort to get inside before Sofia could follow her sister's lead.

And it was a good thing she had, as it took no time at all for Sofia to mimic Caitlyn and run towards them, Camila now in a position to stop her before she got outside and risked hurting herself.

"Hello mi amor." Ramon greeted his granddaughter while Camila scooped a giggling Sofia up into her arms, the sight of their children so happy flooding Matt and Gabby's chests with warmth.

"I missed you." Caitlyn told him, wrapping her arms around his neck extra tight before pulling back.

"I missed you too sweetheart, even though we just saw you last night." He reminded her, earning nothing more than a giggle from the little girl before she wiggled to be put down, Ramon getting her down to her feet just long enough for her to run to Camila for a similar greeting. "Hi again Nancy." Ramon told her, just as Sofia waddled her way over to him, the grandfather picking her up with ease before walking further into his daughter's home.

"Hi Ramon, Camila… You two ready for a day of chasing these two around?" She asked lightly, earning laughs from both of them before Ramon nodded.

"Yeah, I think with all of us we can manage." Camila played along, the adults sharing a few more smiles as Matt and Gabby began to walk over to them from the kitchen. "Hi mija, Matthew." She greeted them after pulling away from Caitlyn's embrace, Gabby offering her a small smile before moving to give her a hug.

"Hi Mama.. Hi Papa." She spoke while welcoming them both, Matt standing back by his mother as Caity scurried over to him, his daughter reaching out to hold onto his leg while they stood around their family. "Thanks again for doing this."

Camila immediately waved her off, the older woman shaking her head as Gabby stepped back from her dad. "Nonsense. You never need to thank us for spending time with our grandbabies, we're glad to be here."

"What your mother said, Gabriela." Ramon echoed, Gabby letting out a soft laugh before she nodded. "We're happy to help out however we can."

The youngest Dawson gave them a thankful smile, but as she did it was impossible to miss her mother's lingering stares over her appearance, Gabby well aware of how her parents would be able to notice how run down she was feeling. One look in the mirror this morning had told her that.

But, to her mother's credit, she didn't comment on it right now, Camila merely offering her a small smile before she reached out to rub over her daughter's back.

"I'm so excited, everyone's here!" Caitlyn's voice bellowed through the living room, prompting more of them to laugh a bit in response while she stayed next to her father.

"Yeah, they are… But remember, your Momma and I have to go to work here soon." He reiterated, though they'd had this conversation a handful a times over the past few days. How this Christmas would look a little different with him and Gabby at work on Christmas Eve, but they would be back home in the morning to celebrate with them.

"I remember, Daddy." She replied softly, Matt feeling her lean into him a little more as he brought his hand up to rest on top of her head.

"But your Abuelo and Abuela, and your grandma will be here with you all day, to take care of you and Sof… And I think they mentioned something about helping you and sissy make cookies for Santa." He added on, Caity's eyes widening before she started to bounce up and down in excitement.

"Really? We can still make cookies for Santa?"

"Of course, baby." He replied, Caitlyn's smile growing even further while lifting her head up to look at him.

"Santa's gonna be so happy." She beamed, Matt chuckling softly while the grandparents smiled down at their oldest granddaughter. "We'll save some cookies for you and Mommy, too."

Casey let out another laugh, his hand rubbing over the back of her head before he leaned down to press a kiss to her forehead. "Thank you, sweetheart."

While Caitlyn was preoccupied with her father, and Sofia was still in the comfort of her Abuelo's grasp, Gabby took a slight step away from the group. No one noticed the movement at first except for Camila, Gabby meeting her mom's gaze before she nodded back towards her and Matt's bedroom. Understanding her silent words immediately, Camila quickly excused her and Gabby before they walked across the living room.

"Sorry to pull you away from everything out there," Gabby started after they stepped inside the master bedroom, leaving the door open against the frame a few inches. "But while we had a second I wanted to show you where the girls' presents were." She explained, prompting a knowing laugh to leave Camila's lips. "If you and Papa don't mind to set them out once they go to bed."

"Of course not, Gabriela." She responded after the two of them walked over to the closet, Camila's eyes widening in amusement when Gabby opened the door and she saw just how many presents they'd gotten for their girls. "My, those babies are spoiled rotten." She teased as she took in the piles of wrapped presents, Gabby chuckling a bit before she gave her a shrug.

Even though she knew her mother was joking, Camila was right to an extent as her and Matt certainly had gone a bit overboard this year. There were two separate piles of gifts, some that were all wrapped the same and labeled 'from Santa', while the others were all covered in various Christmas prints, from their mom and dad.

"Well, we wanted to make sure they had a good Christmas." Gabby ultimately responded, Camila nodding knowingly as she patted her daughter's shoulder. "And we wanted to replace some of the presents Caitlyn gave away… We know she's not expecting anything, that she was completely fine giving her presents away, but that's exactly why we wanted to get them more. Because those sweet girls deserve it."

"They do." Camila agreed, giving her arm a squeeze while taking a step closer. "And I don't know if this even needs to be said, but you're a great mother, Gabriela." She spoke genuinely, Gabby drawing in a deep breath before looking towards her. "You truly are, you and Matthew both are incredible parents. Caitlyn and Sofia are so lucky to have you."

She pursed her lips together, Gabby trying to hold back the rush of emotions she felt coursing through her from her mom's words, the simple statement hitting her more than she thought it would. But that hadn't been unusual for her here lately, Gabby giving her a grateful nod while catching her gaze.

"Well, I learned from the best." She replied, earning another smile from her mother. "But thank you Mama, really. That means a lot to me." She added on, the two sharing one last understanding glance before Gabby cleared her throat. "So, uh.. The presents are there. Caitlyn and Sof aren't expecting to go anywhere today, but you can take them out if you'd like. Matt and I will be in his truck, so you'll have their carseats.. Just let us know if you go out, so we know where they are." She began to run through everything for the day, Camila biting back her grin while she let her talk.

"You all pretty much know the girl's schedule already, but if you need anything else just let me or Matt know. Though Papa pretty much knows where everything is. And Caitlyn is at that age where she loves to help out as much as she can, so she'd probably know too." She continued on, Gabby well aware of how Camila and Nancy both hadn't spent that much time here in their home, and they wouldn't be as familiar with everything as Ramon is. "Sorry, I don't mean to ramble, I know you all will be fine."

"It's okay, dear. And that all sounds good… We'll make sure the girls are okay. And, if you don't mind, I think I might do some cleaning around here for you two." She offered with no judgment, Gabby raising her eyebrows slightly.

"Are you sure? Cause you don't have to." Dawson tried.

"I'm sure, mija.. I'd like to help you out, even if it's just washing some sheets and cleaning up the kitchen. Something like that, I'm not sure." She spoke, Gabby smiling softly before she nodded.

"That'd be great, thank you." She told her. "Matt already stripped our bed this morning for you and Papa, but in the other rooms that would help us out a lot."

"Alright, then I'll work on that today. And maybe work on the bathrooms, too." She added lightly, Gabby matching the content look on her face before she reached out to give her a hug.

"Thank you, Mama."

"You're welcome, sweetheart." She replied, rubbing over her back before they separated, the two then starting to head for the door as they knew Gabby and Matt would need to leave here soon. But as they did, Camila couldn't help but notice the heavy yawn that left her daughter's lips, that combined with the everpresent exhaustion she'd seen in her eyes bringing back all the worry Camila had felt ever since they arrived.

"Were you able to get much sleep last night?" She questioned, figuring that was the best place to start as Gabby winced a bit, before bringing her hand up to run along the back of her neck.

"Eh, not much." She replied while shaking her head. "I wasn't feeling the best, so that kept me and Matt up most of the night."

Camila thought over her words for a few lingering seconds, a dozen thoughts racing through her mind before she ultimately spoke up.

"...And you can't think of anything that might be causing this? You getting sick?"

There was something in her tone that caught Gabby's attention, that combined with a look in Camila's eyes that made her wonder if there was something her mother was trying to get at. Gabby just wasn't sure what to make of it.

"No, nothing." The daughter eventually answered, Camila running her teeth over the inside of her cheek. "It's been a bit weird, how up and down I've felt, but I must've gotten it from work… Everyone's sick this time of year." She repeated what she'd said at least a dozen times since first getting sick, Gabby then waiting for her mom to say something else or push her further.

But she never did, Camila offering nothing but a soft smile before she rubbed her hand over Gabby's back.

"Alright honey." She told her, Gabby waiting one more moment to see if she had anything else to say before nodding in response, the two then heading back out into the living room to be with the rest of their family.

Casey walked through the firehouse with a purpose while holding a bottle of ginger ale in his hands, no one bothering to approach him as they knew he only had one thought in his mind, and that was getting back to Gabby in his office.

She had been hidden away in there for most of their shift, all through the night especially, as this nausea she was feeling hit her all over again yesterday afternoon. It came suddenly, just like it usually did, and debilitated her to the point where Matt had to defer a few ambo calls due to the fact that she spent large portions of time bent over the bathroom toilet. Though he wasn't even sure if she ever actually got sick, the nausea itself just refusing to let up all through the evening and into their night.

As always he'd done what he could to help, and stayed by her side as much as possible while she slept on the couch in his office, Matt not wanting to be too far away in case she needed anything. But it was proving to be a little more difficult with them on shift, seeing how not only were they not in the comfort and privacy of their own home anymore while she was sick, but he still also had to work.

Casey had put off as much as he could, the man meaning what he said in how his wife came first before anything else, especially this job. But with him being the only acting Chief on shift, there were some things he couldn't avoid or ignore. Some work had to be done, no matter how much he wished it could wait.

But that's exactly why he was glad Gabby had decided to stay with him in his office, as it allowed him to not only keep an eye on her, but also gave her the space to try and feel better. Even if she hadn't really turned that corner yet.

Blowing out a soft sigh, Matt slowed his steps when he got closer to his office, all the blinds still drawn for Gabby's sake as he got to the door and pushed it open, Casey finding his wife exactly where he left her as she was sitting up on the couch.

"Hey baby." He spoke softly, letting the door fall closed behind him as Gabby looked up at the sound of his voice. "I found some ginger ale."

A weak smile formed over her lips, Gabby nodding while he began to walk over towards her. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." He answered, opening the bottle for her before holding it out within her reach, Gabby soon grabbing it and taking a slow sip. "You think that'll help at all?"

"It can't hurt." She said between sips, Matt nodding as he moved to sit down on the coffee table in front of her, his hands instinctively moving to rest over her thighs while she drank.

"How's your stomach?" Matt questioned once she finished, at least for the moment, Gabby mulling over his words while he took the bottle from her.

"Not as bad as yesterday, but I still feel weird." She settled on, his brows furrowing slightly before he nodded. "I don't know how to describe it, I just feel so off.. Like I'm sick, but I'm not. I'll be completely fine one minute, then sick the next, I don't know... All I do know is I haven't felt this way in a long time." She rambled out, his heart clenching in his chest as he hated to hear her feeling like this. Especially when neither of them could figure out what was going on with her, Matt wishing more than anything he could've endured this sickness for her.

"I'm sorry, babe." He murmured, rubbing his hands comfortingly over her legs.

"It's alright… I just hate being sick on Christmas. This wasn't at all how I wanted today to go." She continued on, reaching out to take another sip of her ginger ale.

"I know, but it's okay. It's not your fault you got sick." He reminded her, keeping a hand on her at all times as she shrugged. "And everyone will understand if you're not feeling up for today… We can always wait to celebrate Christmas."

By the look that soon crossed her face she wasn't impressed by the idea, though Matt expected that.

"No, we can't baby." She pushed back, Casey pursing his lips together before breathing in deeply.

"Gabby, if you're not up for it, we-"

"It's Christmas, Matt. I have to be up for it." She challenged, Matt giving her the chance to take another sip before he answered her. "All our parents are here, and we've already made plans at home with the girls. I don't want to screw it up."

"You wouldn't be screwing anything up, we can always open presents later." He tried to compromise. "I know todays important, but right now everyone just wants you to be okay… Caitlyn, Sofia- they will understand if we have to wait."

"I know they will, but I don't want them to have to." Gabby spoke back, Casey staying quiet while he took in what she was saying. "Caity and Sof are so excited for today, I don't want to mess that up for them… I don't feel the best right now, but I'm fine enough to go spend Christmas with our family. And I'll make sure to get some meds from the rig before we leave, that'll help." She assured him, Matt forcing in another breath while he kept rubbing his hands over her legs.

"Okay." He gave in, not missing the small smile that started to appear over her features. "But if you're still feeling sick after the girls open their presents, I want you to lay down and get some sleep."

"I can do that." She agreed, Matt giving her a soft smile until he pushed himself up off the table and pressed a kiss to her temple.

"Thank you." He murmured against her skin before kissing her once more. "I've gotta finish up a few things, but then we can get out of here and home to our girls."

"Sounds good, babe. I'm just gonna rest here for a bit." She told him, Matt nodding and moving back to his desk while Gabby stayed put, occasionally sipping on her drink as right now, her stomach was pretty settled. And she could only hope it would stay that way.

It took about an hour or so for Matt to finish everything he needed to do, but eventually the couple got out of the firehouse and were able to make their way home, Casey pulling up to the curb outside their house a little after eight thirty.

"You ready?" He asked, Gabby nodding with a soft smile before they got out of his truck, Matt quickly grabbing their things and heading over to the front door with his wife in an effort to escape the snow as soon as possible.

He was fiddling with his keys for a moment or two, but Matt managed to get the front door open before he and Gabby walked inside to an empty living room. They were both somewhat confused, having expected their children to be downstairs eagerly waiting for them to get home, but they weren't. In fact the only one down here was Nancy, Matt's mom currently in the kitchen as she prepared what they could only assume to be their Christmas breakfast.

"Hey mom." Matt called across the room, Nancy looking up and offering them a smile while they sat their bags down by the door.

"Hey honey, how was work?" She asked, Matt shrugging as they walked further into their home, neither of them missing the large stack of presents that had been put out underneath the tree.

"Pretty long." He settled on, knowing better than to mention anything about how Gabby had been feeling as she didn't want to make a big deal out of this. "Where are the girls?" Matt shifted the subject, Nancy letting out a soft laugh before she nodded over towards the stairs.

"Ramon and Camila have them wrangled upstairs. They didn't want them to see the presents until you got here." She explained, both Gabby and Matt smiling before the former started to head that way.

"Ah, well we appreciate that.. Thanks for all your help mom."

"You're welcome, sweetheart." She answered, Casey offering her another grin before he followed his wife up the stairs, both of them more than ready to be with their girls.

They were able to hear them before they saw them, the sound of their laughter coming from Sofia's room when the parents got to the top of the steps, Gabby heading through the gate in that direction while Matt walked in step behind her. When they got into the doorway they saw all four of them inside Sof's bedroom, Camila sitting in the chair in the corner while Ramon was on their daughter's bed, the two year old currently climbing all over her grandfather while Caitlyn sat beside him.

"Mommy! Daddy!" Caity shrieked seconds later when she noticed their presence, the girl hurrying over to them as quickly as she could.

"Hi princess!" Matt greeted with just as much enthusiasm before she launched herself into his arms, Casey catching her with a laugh while Sofia climbed down off Ramon onto the floor and waddled over to her mother.

"Mama! Mama!" Sofia squealed over and over, Gabby smiling brightly at her youngest daughter before reaching down to pick her up. "Hi Mama!"

"Hi sweetheart."

"Merry Christmas Mommy and Daddy!" Caitlyn continued on, her arms wrapping tightly around Matt's neck as the family of four stood together.

"Merry Christmas, baby." Gabby told her, reaching out to give her a quick kiss while trying to settle Sofia's weight in her arms into a position that was comfortable for her. "Did you all have a nice time with your grandparents?"

"We did, it was so much fun." She immediately responded, Gabby nodding before she shot a thankful smile to her parents. "We made cookies, and played in the snow. And watched movies and had hot cocoa, it was so fun. But I missed you."

"We missed you, too. But that sounds like lots of fun." Matt assured her, rubbing over her back while his eyes between his daughters. "We're sorry we had to work and miss it, but now your Momma and I are here and we're ready to spend Christmas with you all." He said simply, Caitlyn's eyes nearly bulging out of her head in excitement.

"Is it time for presents?" She asked giddily, Gabby letting out a soft laugh before nodding.

"I think so, honey."

"Yay!" She replied while clapping her hands together, Sofia soon copying the movement happily. "Let's go open presents!"

It took some navigating to get everyone downstairs, but soon enough the Casey's and Dawson's managed to get back to the main floor, Caitlyn and Sofia holding hands as they walked down the hallway before seeing all the presents.

"Oh my gosh!" Caitlyn almost screamed, her excitement taking over while she looked at all the gifts, Sofia equally as happy as she started to jump up and down. "This is the best Christmas ever!" She cheered, all the adults laughing as Caity kept a tight hold on her sister's hand and led her over to the Christmas tree.

And the rest of the family soon joined them, the grandparents sitting around on the couch while Caity and Sofia took in all the boxes. From their spot at the end of the hallway, Matt wrapped his arm around his wife, prompting her to look up at him and give a soft smile before they headed for the living room, the parents ready to watch their daughters open up all their gifts.

And maybe exchange a few presents themselves.

Casey quietly pulled Caitlyn's door shut before letting out a slow, soft breath, their house completely blanketed in quiet as he brought his hand up to rub over the side of his face, the pace of their Christmas day finally starting to catch up with him.

They'd had an incredible day together as a family, one he knew he'd be remembering for a long time. But it had also been one of the longest days he'd had as they'd been going nonstop since they came home this morning.

Their morning was spent opening all their gifts, Caitlyn and Sofia so happy and grateful for everything they were given, from both their parents and grandparents. As well as Santa. They got new toys, clothes, and games, Matt and Gabby also buying Caitlyn and Sof new bikes as they were outgrowing theirs. And Ramon, Camila, and Nancy were no better, the grandparents certainly spoiling their grandbabies as much as they could, before the adults also opened a few things when the children were done.

Once they'd finished with all the presents, there wasn't much downtime for anyone as they soon moved on to eating their breakfast, before Ramon and Camila headed out to start preparing their Christmas dinner later that night. And a few short hours later, that had been spent with Caitlyn and Sofia playing with all their new toys, the Casey's headed over to Ramon's so they could enjoy their last meal of the holidays together.

They'd gotten all dressed up in some of their nicest clothes, the effort Camila and Ramon put into their meal more than they ever could've thought as the family had a perfect time together finishing out their Christmas. To the point where by the time they were done and ready to head out, everyone was beyond exhausted. And their near silent ride home all but proved it.

Sofia had fallen asleep during the car ride back to their house, Matt doing well enough to just get her upstairs, out of her dress and tights and into a nightgown before putting her to bed, the two year old not waking up once while he got her ready to sleep. And Caitlyn was much the same, the older Casey daughter not ever fully falling asleep in the car- though she'd come close a few times. But she was barely awake by the time they got home, and while Matt had managed to get her into a quick shower to wash off, when she was done she was practically falling over due to how tired she was, Casey having to help her more than he typically would while he got her into her pajamas and tucked her into bed.

And now, with it barely even ten o'clock, both of his girls were fast asleep, and they probably would be for a while. But that was just a testament to the wonderful day they'd had together as a family, one that he was so glad to be able to experience with all his girls as they spent one amazing Christmas together.

Blowing out another sigh, Matt started making his way towards the stairs, sparing a quick glance over towards the guest room as he passed it, figuring his mom was likely asleep as well. She'd helped him bring in some things once they got home, and put away their leftovers from dinner, but after that she'd made herself scarce, Casey knowing his mom was just as exhausted as the rest of them. Which is why they all deserved a good night's rest.

And as he walked down the steps, that's exactly what he was looking forward to, Matt stretching out his back a bit as he got down to their main floor. While he walked to the room he spared a quick glance around their house, the quiet almost peaceful after the insanity from earlier in the day, Casey not bothering to stop the small smile that graced his lips before he turned into their bedroom.

It was just as quiet as the rest of the house, the few lights illuminated in the room, along with Gabby nowhere to be found, telling him that his wife hadn't made it to bed quite yet. Which surprised him a little, given how as soon as they'd gotten home earlier in the evening he'd told her that he'd take care of the girls and to just go ahead and get ready for bed. But clearly she hadn't made it that far, Matt starting to unbutton his shirt while moving further into their room.

He only made it a few steps when he heard movement from the bathroom, that alerting Matt to where Gabby was as he looked over towards the open door. He couldn't see her from where he was standing, but he decided to let it be, Casey wanting to give her her privacy for whatever she was doing while he continued his way to the closet, Matt's mind unable to move far from thoughts of his wife as he started to undress.

Though Gabby was not feeling her best, she'd done a lot better today. Better than he would've expected after the last few nights, as she'd managed to hang in there all day. She was still exhausted. He could tell there were moments where she didn't feel great, and she hadn't eaten all that much at dinner, but overall she did well. She stuck it out and was able to be there for all the special moments they'd experienced today, which made Matt silently hope that maybe they'd finally gotten past the worst of whatever was making her sick.

For her sake, he prayed they had.

Releasing a content breath, Matt put his clothes into the hamper before padding his way out to their dresser, Casey grabbing a pair of pajama pants to slide over his bare legs while he stretched out his limbs a bit. But while he changed, it wasn't lost on him how he hadn't heard much from the bathroom since he got down here, Matt letting the elastic of the waistband snap against his skin while he looked back over towards the bathroom door.

"...Babe?" He finally called out, taking a step in that direction. "You okay?" Matt asked after getting no response, trying to push down the little bit of worry he felt as he hoped she hadn't gotten sick again. "Gabby?" He questioned once more while walking the rest of the way to their bathroom, Matt needing to see for himself that she was okay.

Just before he got there Gabby came through the doorway, Matt's face softening as he offered her a smile. She was wearing one of his t-shirts, and not much else, Casey reaching out to rest his hand over her arm which prompted her to finally look up at him.

But once she did, all his worry came rushing back when he saw her glassy eyes.

"Hey, what's wrong?" He asked before she could say anything, a rush of uncertainty showing over her face as her mouth opened before quickly closing, Gabby unsure of what to say. "What is it?"

It's like her voice wasn't working, Gabby's eyes blinking quickly before she suddenly moved her hand out from behind her back, Matt's eyebrows furrowing in confusion at the abrupt movement as he had no idea what she was doing. Not until he saw what she was holding in her palm.

His breath caught in his throat instantly, his eyes widening in disbelief as he looked between her and the item in her grip, Matt feeling an unexpected numbness wash over him while he tried to make sense of what he was looking at.

But it felt like he couldn't, not until he reached out to gently take it from her, Matt needing to have it in his hand for it to feel real as his eyes fixed down on the two distinct pink lines staring back at him. Ones he couldn't believe he was seeing. Casey coughed out a heavy breath as tears continued to fill his eyes, his head shaking back and forth before he finally looked up to his wife, finding a hesitant, yet excited smile waiting for him as she started to slowly nod.

"You're…"

"...I'm pregnant."

And there we have it. From your reviews, I know a lot of you expected this. And some of you were very excited, which I was glad to see. But I also know not all of you wanted this and I understand that. I really do, and if not for me always having planned for them to have three kids, I might've changed things up a bit. But for me, this has always been in the works for Dawsey in this story. I've always pictured them having three children and I want to honor that. I just hope that for those who aren't happy about this, you'll still stick around with me and this story to see what happens. And for those who were looking forward to this, I hope it didn't disappoint.

Thank you all so much for your support. I'm eager to hear all your thoughts, and I'll see you next time!