Hello there everyone! I'm back with the next chapter for you all, and in this one we're gonna see a little bit more of Dawsey's pregnancy, some time with their friends, as well as a sweet little scene at the firehouse so I hope you all enjoy it.
Thank you all so much for reading this one, I'm so excited to hear what you guys think!
***UPDATE 10/10/22: Hello everyone, I wanted to let you all know that I won't be able to get an update posted today. These past few days have been pretty crazy for me and I haven't had as much time to write as I would like. And then there were also a few sections of this upcoming chapter that I kept changing/can't get just right. So I won't be able to post an update for you all this week, but I should be back next week. I just wanted to let you know. Thank you all for understanding!
Chapter One Hundred and Ninety Three
"So Gabby, 11 weeks into your pregnancy. Almost through your first trimester… How are you feeling?" Dr. Tanner asked as she moved the wand over Dawson's exposed stomach, her gaze moving between her patient and the screen in front of her. They were going through their usual routine, the doctor opting to skip the formal greetings in her office and meet with the Casey's in here so she could check on Gabby and their child, neither parent minding as they were always eager to get any look at their baby that they could.
"I'm feeling pretty good." She replied with a soft smile, while a slight shiver moved through her spine due to the cold gel against her skin.
"Yeah?"
"Mhmm." She hummed, before Matt nodded in agreement.
"She's been doing great." He echoed while his hand stayed firmly in place on the top of Gabby's head, Dr. Tanner flashing him a knowing look as he stroked gentle patterns against her hair.
"That's nice to hear." The doctor replied, as she continued to examine not only their baby, but Gabby as well. "And I'm sure it's been ever better for you, Gabby. To not feel so run down anymore."
"Absolutely." She replied without much hesitation. "The first few weeks of this pregnancy were rough, but lately things have seemed to mellow out. Especially with the morning sickness." She explained, her eyes focusing as much on the doppler against her stomach as she was her doctor. "It was pretty brutal there for a while, but I'm feeling better."
"That's great." Dr. Tanner spoke with a genuine smile on her face. "I know that's always been something that affects you pretty heavily, so I'm glad to know that's getting better."
"It definitely is… She'll still get sick here and there, but it's nowhere near as bad as it was a few months ago." Casey added on, Gabby nodding in agreement.
"Yeah, it's much more manageable now. And I'm not feeling nearly as exhausted, either." Dawson told her, seeing her doctor nod while giving her complete focus to the mother lying on her table.
"That undoubtedly is another added benefit of making it out of the first trimester." She replied softly. "That first trimester, it's pretty rough. It's a lot of adjustment for a woman's body in a short amount of time, but now that you're moving into your second trimester- if you remember, you'll certainly start to feel better." She reminded them, prompting nods from both Matt and Gabby.
"Yeah, I do." Gabby replied, glancing up towards her husband only to find a small, yet sly smirk resting over his lips.
"Oh, so do I." He murmured, the gleam in his eyes causing heat to rush up through her chest as she had a pretty good idea of what he was talking about.
How, as they both remembered well, the second trimester during her pregnancy with Sofia was when Gabby felt her best. Almost like she was an entirely different person, who was energized, and rejuvenated. A person who also, as Matt could attest, never seemed to be able to get enough of her husband.
Though that wasn't the most memorable part of their first pregnancy, it was certainly a time that they both thought of fondly, as Gabby's near insatiable desire for him was something he'd never forget. Not just because of the sex- although he'd loved it, but it was the connection they shared. Those deep moments of intimacy that they'd never experience with anyone else, it was something that bonded them even closer than they'd been before. And a part of him could only wonder if things would be the same this time around.
Because if they were, you'd never hear him complaining.
"Matt…" Gabby chastised softly, both of them seeing Dr. Tanner doing her best to hide her smile while Casey let out a soft laugh.
"Sorry." He replied back, Gabby shaking her head while the older woman cleared her throat.
"Yes, that's surely a benefit of Gabby starting to feel better." She responded, all of them knowing there was no reason to be coy around their doctor. Not after all she'd gone through with them. "And, as long as you're being careful and mindful of the baby, it's encouraged." She added on, Casey's grin widening while Gabby let out a soft chuckle. "And can actually help Gabby in the long run, as long as you're both up for it.."
"Hear that, babe? Doctor's orders." Matt joked, seeing his wife roll her eyes before she reached a hand up to shove against his chest, all three of them laughing while that easy feeling continued to settle over the room.
"We'll see about that." She played along, Dr. Tanner shaking her head in amusement while she returned her eyes to the ultrasound, Casey continuing to smile down at Gabby before he moved to press a kiss to the top of her head.
"I love you." He told her, the gentleness of his words bringing her soft demeanor back while he rubbed his hand along the top of her head.
"Yeah, I guess I love you, too." She told him, his smile only widening before he placed another kiss on her head.
"In all seriousness, Gabby," Dr. Tanner spoke up, regaining their attention after she captured a few images on the ultrasound. "I am really glad to see you're feeling better. That the more severe morning sickness has passed, and you're feeling more like yourself… Not to say any part of it is easy, but this time can certainly be the more enjoyable time of pregnancy." She said, Gabby nodding with a small smile on her face. "Now, how would you all like to see your baby?" Dr. Tanner asked them, Dawson immediately nodding while Matt smiled at her.
"Please, we've missed them." Gabby told her, causing the woman to let out a soft, yet knowing laugh. "I think last time with Sofia, we got so used to seeing her all the time… Now with these appointments more spread out, it's not the same."
"I understand that… Of course, it's good to not need multiple appointments. But it's an adjustment from what you're used to." She agreed, her validation keeping the smile on Gabby's face before she nodded. "But if it's any consolation, your baby is looking great."
Dr. Tanner turned the screen towards them while she spoke, their faces immediately lighting up once they got their first look at their child in over a month. They were certainly bigger than last time, but at only 11 weeks they weren't massive. They weren't big enough to where Gabby's body had begun adjusting too much, maybe just her lower stomach starting to round out a bit. And there was a firmness to it, where their child was growing, that didn't used to be there. It wasn't too obvious, but the changes were there for both their child and Gabby, and that flooded Casey with a feeling he couldn't even explain. Like he was falling in love with his wife all over again.
"Oh, look at them…" Gabby practically whispered, her voice catching in her throat as emotion overwhelmed her.
"They're so perfect." Matt told her, his own teary eyes focused on the screen in front of them.
"They are, they're looking very good." Dr. Tanner repeated, giving the parents another moment with their child before she continued on. "They're measuring well within the targeted range for 11 weeks, though your baby is on the smaller side… But, given how tiny Sofia was, that is to be expected." She explained to them, speaking slowly as she knew their minds were focusing on a few different things right now. "Everything I'm seeing with your child is great, exactly what we want to see at this point." She said, Matt smiling somewhat hesitantly before he started to nod.
"And how's Gabby?" He asked, Dr. Tanner's face softening while she looked between her patient and her husband.
"Gabby is perfect, too." She assured them, seeing Casey's body physically relax as he nodded once more, before he leaned down to kiss his wife. "She looks great, her and baby both… Your child is growing as they should, where they should. And there's no issues with Gabby, either. I don't see anything that raises concern." She continued on, Dr. Tanner knowing she needed to be as clear and specific as she could given their history. And that, due to what they've gone through in the past, she'd more than likely have to give them this assurance more than once.
But she was more than willing to do that for them.
"Everything with this pregnancy is great so far, and I'll do everything I can to ensure it stays that way." She promised one last time, Gabby giving her a bright smile while Matt nodded thankfully. "Now, how about we get a few more images for you all and I can finish up my exam?" She suggested, Dawson now being the one to give her a nod before they continued on with their appointment.
Over the next fifteen minutes or so, Dr. Tanner went through all her checkpoints of things she needed to do and look over, her thoroughness appreciated by both Matt and Gabby as they went through their checkup. And soon enough, they were done, Dr. Tanner wiping off Dawson's stomach and discarding her gloves into the trash, before Gabby began to readjust her clothing.
"Alright well, as I said everything today looks really good. So I don't think I need to see you for another four weeks or so." She told them while Matt helped his wife sit up straight, Dr. Tanner waiting for them to be situated before she handed them the new images of their child. "Typically we'd have an appointment once you're into the second trimester, but since we're so close I don't think that's needed."
"Okay." Gabby replied, clutching onto the photos of their baby while Matt kept his hand over her back. "Whatever you think." She added on, earning a soft smile from her doctor.
"Yeah, as long as you're feeling well and nothing comes up, I don't see any reason for you to be back before then. There's nothing that would need to be done within those weeks on my end. Anything that could be done can wait until you've hit 15 weeks. And by that point- as long as your little baby cooperates, if you want we might be able to determine the gender." She explained to them, seeing their faces light up at her words before Gabby began to nod.
"We definitely want to." She replied, Matt nodding as well in agreement as Dr. Tanner watched them.
"Then we'll preemptively plan on trying to do that next time." She explained to them, after reaching over to the table to grab Gabby's file. "We'll make sure to get you on the schedule before you leave, but other than that I think that's all I need from you today. Just keep doing what you're doing, watching your limitations… It's still early, so I don't think we need to go into the work conversation yet," She spoke pointedly, as Gabby gave her an understanding look. "But it'll be something to discuss here soon. For now, just keep up with your usual routine and I think everything will be fine."
"Alright Dr. Tanner, thank you." Gabby told her, the woman smiling before she pushed her stool back.
"Any more questions for me before we get you out of here?" She asked them, Matt thinking for a moment before shaking his head, while Gabby ran her teeth along her bottom lip.
"I think I'm good." Casey voiced, his eyes moving towards his wife.
"Yeah, I'm alright." Gabby repeated before Dr. Tanner gave them a nod. "Nothing that can't wait, anyway." Those next words caused the doctor to stop, her eyebrows raising like she was silently telling her to continue. And the look Matt gave her was doing much of the same as well, Gabby drawing in a deep breath before she kept on. "I guess there may be one thing I'm curious about, but it's kind of random and probably too early to talk about it."
"Okay, how about we let me be the judge of that. What is it?" Dr. Tanner asked warmly, her voice without judgment while she rested Gabby's chart down in her lap.
"I've just been thinking lately, and it's crossed my mind a few times… but do we know what type of birth I'll be able to have with this baby?" She asked while her hand ghosted over her stomach, seeing the immediate surprise that crossed Dr. Tanner's face, clearly not expecting the question. But she soon recovered, her features softening into a smile before she slid her chair back closer to her. "I know we have time to talk about it, but I wasn't sure if I had any options there. Or if I'd have to have another c-section."
Dr. Tanner pursed her lips together deep in thought, her eyes tracing over Gabby's features before she carefully spoke up. "Well, truthfully my gut instinct is to say that it will likely just depend." She started, the doctor not wanting to make any promises one way or another until they spoke about this further. "But before we get into this conversation, let me start with this.. What would you like to do?"
Gabby drew in a deep breath before she looked towards her husband, Matt waiting just as Dr. Tanner was, as this wasn't something they had talked about yet. But, as expected, he did nothing but give her a supportive smile while rubbing a loving hand over her back.
"It's whatever you want, babe." He spoke directly to her, his piercing blue eyes staring directly into her as she waited a moment before nodding. "Whatever you want, and what's safest for you and our child."
She nodded once more, her smile soon matching his before she looked back towards Dr. Tanner, who was patiently waiting for an answer. "I think… I think I'd like to have a natural birth, if I can." She replied, the doctor's face giving little in the form of a reaction as she only nodded. "Just from the times I've thought about this, that's what feels right to me. Especially because I didn't get to do that with Sofia." She explained what was going on in her head, both Dr. Tanner and Matt listening to her every word. "But no matter what I want, if it's dangerous for me, or for the baby, I wouldn't want to risk it…"
"I know you wouldn't." Dr. Tanner was quick to respond, while reaching out to place a gentle and supportive hand over her knee. "Believe me, I know you'd never do anything to put your baby in danger. And I wouldn't let you, either." She assured them, meeting both their eyes before continuing on. "There's a lot to take into consideration here, but let me start by telling you that vaginal births after c-sections are possible." Dr. Tanner told them, waiting to get that nod from her patient. "I know there's this myth that if you have one c-section, you can't- or shouldn't, have a natural birth afterwards. But that's not true.. It is possible and it is safe." She said, Gabby still focusing on her while she felt Matt keep his hand over her back.
"Though with that, it's important to note that your situation is of course a little different." Dr. Tanner spoke. "You didn't have what would be classified as a 'normal' c-section. There was more to your first delivery than Sofia being born, you had obvious complications that would need to be factored in, where safety is concerned… Seeing as how a vaginal birth does put a lot of pressure on your body. Neither option is easy, and a c-section comes with its own set of demands on you and your body, but the two are just different. And a vaginal birth wasn't an option the first time around because of your aneurysm, with its unpredictability and the stress it would've put on you." She continued to explain, only pausing to make sure they were hearing what she was saying.
"But with all that being said, this pregnancy isn't like your first pregnancy. There is no aneurysm we're having to deal with. You've healed from your birth with Sofia, and you've healed well… Possibly better than anyone could've expected. And from what all your scans and ultrasounds tell me, in my professional opinion I don't see any reason why you couldn't have a natural birth with this child, if that's what you want."
Matt could feel his wife begin to relax underneath his touch, and truthfully he was feeling a bit of relief as well knowing that the option was at least open to them. Or open to Gabby, and that it would be safe for both her and their baby.
"There are safety concerns with any birth, but I'm not seeing anything that would make me uncomfortable with the idea of you delivering naturally. You're healthy, your baby is healthy, and if this is what you want then I'd say we'd be able to do that… Or at least plan for it."
A small smile tugged on her lips, Gabby glancing back up to her husband to find him matching the look on her face before he nodded strongly.
"Alright." Gabby eventually said, sharing another quiet look with Matt before she returned her focus back towards Dr. Tanner. "I know we have time to figure everything out, but right now I think that's what I want."
"Then that's what we'll do." The doctor echoed firmly. "Obviously, I'm not in a position to make any promises. Especially seeing as how on the day of the delivery, sometimes things come up and plans change. But right now, we'll plan on you having a natural delivery and we'll go from there. Then proceed however is safest for you and your child… But no matter what happens, I'll be there the entire time." Dr. Tanner promised her, Gabby nodding back at her as there was no one else she trusted more with helping to bring their child into this world. "I'll be there, helping do what's best for the both of you… And so will Matt." She added on lightly, her words causing Casey to grin wide while Gabby glanced back at him with an amused gleam in her eye.
"Nothing would stop me from being there." He replied strongly, her own smile growing as he placed a soft kiss to her forehead.
"Yeah, you've gotta be there." She murmured, letting herself lean into his side ever so slightly as his arm slid around to her waist. "Cause I don't know if I could do it without you."
"You could." He was quick to assure her, the two forgetting where they were for just a second as a bit of vulnerability washed over them. "But you'd never have to."
The smile stayed on her lips as he kissed her head once more, Dr. Tanner sitting there quietly while the couple shared this time together, Gabby and Matt simply basking in this moment as they couldn't help but feel more and more excited about this pregnancy after each visit with their doctor.
And that was something they only hoped would continue until they welcomed their child into this world.
"Uncle Kelly! Let me help!" Caity spoke from his side as they stood at the counter in the Casey's kitchen, Severide letting out a soft laugh while he stopped his movements before turning to face the six year old who had been attached to his hip all afternoon.
"You wanna help me with the potatoes?" He checked, Caitlyn's bright smile beaming up at him before she started to nod profusely, her response earning a deep chuckle from Matt while he stood on the other side of his friend.
"Yeah, I do.. I'm a great helper." She reminded him, Kelly pretending to mull over her words before he ultimately smiled her way, his reaction causing her own grin to widen as he nodded.
"Well, you sold me. Come here squirt, I'll let you help." Severide responded before he reached down to put his hands underneath her arms and lift her up, the entire room watching as Kelly placed her up on the counter beside the bowl in front of him. "You can help me mash these while we let your dad handle the hard stuff."
A loud giggle came from the little girl while she nodded at him, Caitlyn angling her body so she could see the food better while Kelly stayed beside her to make sure she didn't get too close to the edge of the counter. "Okay." She agreed happily, Severide giving her a smile before they, along with Matt, carried on with their preparations for dinner.
Across the room, Gabby and Jemma were sitting together on the couch in the living room with Sofia, the toddler lounging comfortably in her godmother's lap while her eyes were focused on the children's show playing on the television. The child hadn't made a noise in minutes, Sofia fully captivated by what she was watching which then gave Gabby and Jemma the chance to talk for a little bit. Especially seeing as how Matt wasn't letting either of them help with dinner.
With his wife nearing the end of her eleventh week of pregnancy, Matt insisted on doing as much around their house as he could. Even with her feeling better, he still wanted to take on more of the duties around their home like he'd been doing for the past few weeks. And that philosophy also extended to their dinner tonight with Severide and Norris, Matt making it clear on more than one occasion that he didn't want Gabby to do anything other than stay on the couch and rest. Though she'd offered a few times throughout the evening, every time he would, gently, turn her down. Which then meant Jemma didn't have to help out either, as he'd rather his wife have someone to talk to while he and Kelly got dinner together.
"Man, that kid is adorable." Jemma mused, Gabby's eyes moving back over towards Caity just as Severide began to help her mash the potatoes, the child's laughs only getting louder as she was clearly amused by what they were doing.
"She is… They both are." Dawson replied, reaching her hand over to rub over Sofia's leg that was hanging off Jemma's lap, the action pulling a smile from Sof as she grinned over at her mother before looking back at the TV.
"Oh, definitely." Norris agreed, rubbing her hand over the two year old's stomach before she instinctively pushed her back into her chest in an effort to make herself more comfortable. "They get it from their Momma." She added on with a smile, Gabby letting out a playful scoff before she took a sip of her water.
"Yeah, I'm not sure about that." Gabby replied, taking another drink while her free hand moved to rest over her stomach.
"Oh, but I am." Jemma said proudly, Dawson shaking her head before she leaned forward to place her near empty glass on the table. "You need some more water?" Norris asked, Gabby seeing in her friend's movement that she was seconds away from getting up herself to refill her glass before the older woman shook her head.
"Nah, I'm alright… I can just get some-"
"I've got it." They heard Matt's voice come from the kitchen, Gabby raising her eyebrows before she glanced over that way, only to find him already moving around the counter with the pitcher in his grasp.
Norris smirked knowingly while he moved, her gaze moving back to Gabby as Dawson was watching her husband's movements. "...He's always listening, isn't he?" Jemma asked, Gabby's smirk growing just as he got to them and began to fill her cup.
"Definitely." She replied, Casey unable to hide his smile before he looked up towards them.
"No, not always." He defended himself, glancing between his wife and her best friend as a sheepish look flashed over his face. "...But Jemma is right, the girls get their cuteness from you." He told them, Norris letting out a loud laugh while Gabby shook her head, before Matt leaned down to give her a kiss.
"Yeah, clearly he's not always listening." Their friend joked, Matt merely smiling as he pulled back and stood up straight.
"Do you need anything else, babe?" He asked, ignoring Jemma's comment while Gabby let out a soft laugh.
"I think I'm fine, baby. Thank you." She told him, Casey rubbing over her shoulder before he nodded.
"Alright, well just let me know… Dinner should be ready in about ten minutes or so. As long as Sev can finish the mashed potatoes with his little helper." He replied, Gabby's smile widening as she spared a quick glance back over to Caity, who was indeed slowing the process down a bit. But none of them minded, especially not Kelly.
"I'm sure he will. And if he doesn't, we can wait." Gabby said as Matt smiled softly, the two sharing one last look before he made his way back to the kitchen.
"You all are sweet." Jemma commented, her words causing Dawson's smile to widen while she looked at her friend. "Disgustingly in love, but sweet." She teased, Gabby releasing another laugh before adjusting herself on the couch.
"Well, how could I not be in love with a man like that?" She asked, her eyes moving across the room to her husband, who was clearly still listening to them as she noticed the sly smirk on his face. One that only widened when she sent him a quick wink.
"Fair enough, but enough about your perfect marriage…" Norris spoke, the two laughing softly while Jemma continued to cradle the youngest Casey daughter. "Where are your parents this evening? When I got here, I was a little surprised to not see the Dawson's around for family dinner." She shifted the subject, Gabby nodding knowingly in response. "In fact I was half expecting this to be at their place."
Dawson let out a soft laugh, before shaking her head side to side. "Well, it probably would've been if they were here. But they're still in the Dominican." Gabby told her, seeing the look of realization that soon covered her face.
"I thought they were supposed to get back a few days ago." Jemma replied, after taking a sip of her own drink.
"They were, but they weren't able to get everything done. So they're extending their trip a bit." She continued to explain, before Jemma nodded.
Ramon and Camila had been out of the country for a few weeks now, her parents leaving pretty soon after they announced Camila's return to Chicago in an attempt to get all of her mother's affairs in order and close that chapter of her life relatively quickly. Just as they'd explained to her when sharing the news that she was moving home, even though Gabby hadn't expected them to be leaving so soon. She thought maybe they'd be heading back to the Dominican in a few weeks, or maybe months, not mere days after deciding to move back.
But either way Dawson was more than grateful for it, as not only was she still beyond thrilled about her mom's decision to move home, but she was so excited for her mother to be around for so much of this pregnancy. Even if it still didn't feel real to her sometimes, she was so happy to have her mom and dad back by her side. And the sooner they went to move Camila's belongings, the more time she'd get with her and the rest of their family.
"But they should be back at the beginning of next week, as long as everything goes to plan." Gabby finished, Jemma nodding understandingly with a soft smile on her face. "Then they'll be able to be here for this pregnancy, and everything else with the girls…" She trailed off, though Norris could see just how excited her friend was at the idea of having both her parents back home. "It's just gonna be really nice to have them here… To have my mom back."
"I know it will." She responded softly, with a gentle smile on her face. "And I'm so happy for you, I know how much this means to you. And your girls." Jemma added on, her genuine words flooding Gabby's chest with warmth.
"Yeah, we're all really excited." She replied, the two sharing another look just as they heard Severide's voice filter in from the kitchen.
"Alright, alright.. I think they're mashed enough." Kelly tried as Caitlyn was giggling wildly, evidently still enjoying her task as she was now sitting up on her shins on the counter to help give her better leverage, even though Severide was doing most of the work.
"But it's funny." Caitlyn replied, Matt shaking his head in amusement as all the adults were watching on at the adorable scene.
"...You need some help over there, Sev?" Jemma called, Severide sending her a playful glare before he returned his attention back towards Caitlyn.
"No, no we're good, aren't we squirt?"
"Yeah!" Caitlyn replied, not even phased by the commonly used nickname as Kelly rubbed his hand over her back.
"See? We're great." He replied smugly, though his look faltered ever so slightly after noticing the pointed stare from Casey. "...Though there is a chance we might be having potato soup with our steak."
Deep laughs were heard from around the room, Gabby and Matt shaking their heads in amusement while Jemma smirked his way, Severide merely holding his hands up in defense before he returned his attention back to Caitlyn, where she continued to help Kelly prepare their food.
Dawson walked through the hallway of 51 with her hands shoved into her pockets, her feet taking her to the one destination she had in mind after her and Jemma just returned from their latest call of the afternoon. It wasn't too late in the day, but it was nearing dinner time, and due to their multiple calls throughout the day Gabby hadn't gotten much of a chance to spend time with her husband. But now she was hoping to change that, Dawson continuing through the bullpen towards his office before walking in through his open door.
Though her steps slowed considerably when she saw he wasn't alone, as Severide was currently sitting in one of the chairs across from him, Gabby offering him a soft smile before she continued into Matt's office while he was finishing up a phone call.
"Yeah, yeah I understand." Casey said into the phone after giving his wife a smile and waving her further in, Gabby moving until she came to a stop around the side of his desk. "That'll be fine… Yeah. Yup, I'll look over them, just send them my way… Okay, thanks." Matt replied, saying a few more pleasantries to whoever he was on the phone with before he hung up.
"Finally." Severide breathed out, feigning annoyance while Matt rolled his eyes, before holding his hand out and gesturing for Gabby to come closer.
"Sorry for actually having to work, Sev." He replied, earning an amused grin from Kelly while Gabby took the last few steps towards him and stood beside his chair, letting her weight lean back into his desk as his hand soon came up to rest over her thigh. "I'll try to work my calls around the times you want to come in here and complain."
"I'd appreciate that, thank you." Severide played along, Gabby biting back a smile while glancing between them.
"What were you complaining about, Kel?" She asked him, her words only causing his grin to widen while he leaned forward in his seat.
"What wasn't he complaining about is the better question." Matt muttered under his breath, Gabby chuckling in amusement while she felt him start to rub his hand over her leg.
"Oh nothing, I was just pestering Casey here about when you guys are gonna tell everyone about child number three." He spoke shamelessly, Gabby scoffing almost immediately before shaking her head, clearly not surprised by his statement.
"Again?" She asked him without missing a beat, Severide only chuckling as Matt did his best to hide his smirk. "You didn't do enough of that the other night?"
Casey was now smiling proudly as Gabby challenged their friend, all of them aware of how during their dinner the night before last, Severide hadn't shied away from teasing them about when they'd be sharing the news of this pregnancy. Though it was all in good fun, and Severide would never seriously try to influence something like this, he was seemingly having a good time berating them about it.
"Definitely not." Kelly answered without much thought, prompting Casey to let out a huff. "But really, it would be better for me if you all did this sooner rather than later."
"Oh, would it?" Gabby played along.
"It would… Do you know how hard it's been for me to keep this from Kidd?" He asked them.
"Uh, no." Casey spoke dryly, Gabby unable to stop the soft laugh that left her lips while Matt kept rubbing over her leg, before absentmindedly moving his hand up until he was resting over their child.
"Well, it's been hell… She won't leave me alone about it, she can tell I'm hiding something."
"Honestly I'm more surprised you haven't just told her." Gabby replied lightly at his expense.
"Believe me, I've wanted to. But I've been trying to 'respect your wishes'." He continued on jokingly, Gabby and Matt both laughing once more as the latter leaned back in his seat. "So if you could at least give me a timeline here…"
"Sev, we have told you over and over again that we're waiting until we're in the second trimester." He remind him, only to be waved off by their friend. "We want to get through this last week and make sure we're still good, then we'll tell people." Casey finished, Severide drawing in an exasperated breath before he nodded.
"...Well," Gabby started, gaining both of their attention as Matt's hand continued cradling her stomach.
"Well what?" Kelly asked.
"I've actually been thinking about this a little bit since our last appointment." She told them, Casey's eyebrows raising while Severide smiled. "And part of me thinks we should go ahead and tell the house."
The shock Matt felt in that moment was hard to miss, while Kelly let out a quiet 'thank God'. "You do?" Casey asked, Gabby able to see the soft smile tugging on his lips.
"I do." She repeated, moving her hand up to rest over his. "Like Dr. Tanner said, everything is looking good. Great even. And we're close enough to my second trimester already." She reasoned, Matt thinking over her words before he nodded. "Besides, I don't like keeping this from them… Not when it's such great news."
"Yeah, I know they're gonna be happy for us." He mused, prompting Gabby to nod in agreement.
"They will be… And, not to mention, I'm pretty sure some of them know something's up. Seeing as how protective you've been of me lately." She began to tease him, Matt only grinning sheepishly before he shrugged.
"Well, I think I have the best reason for that."
"You do, but that's exactly why I want them to know… We're far enough along, they're like family to us. And if anything, it'll just be more people able to look out for me."
"Yeah, I like the sound of that." Casey replied lightly, as Gabby laughed. "But really babe, as long as you're okay with it, I'd love to tell them… I'd be shouting it from the rooftops if I could." He breathed out, the genuine smile on Gabby's face growing as she continued to nod.
"I know you would… And here soon, you can go up there and do that if you want." She joked, Matt letting out a small laugh before he pushed himself up to give her a sweet kiss. The moment was fleeting, both of them knowing they weren't alone as they were only connected for a few seconds before pulling back.
"So we're doing this?" He asked, the bright grin on his face warming her entire chest as she nodded.
"We're doing this." She copied his words, the two sharing another kiss before Matt started to stand up.
"Okay, this is happening… Severide, are you ready to let everyone know you're gonna be an Uncle again?" Matt asked him, as his friend smiled.
"Yeah Sev, you mind wrangling everyone up for us so we can tell them?" Gabby requested, the man shaking his head as he stood up as well, all three of them coming to meet in front of Casey's desk.
"Of course yeah, I'll get them." He responded, his eyes moving over the both of them before speaking up once more. "Just… you're not doing this because of me, are you?" Kelly questioned, his voice now much more serious as Gabby's features softened. "Cause I was only messing around with you, Dawson."
"I know you were, and this isn't cause of you.. It's what I want, what we both want." She promised, Kelly thinking over her words before he smiled. "We would've told them all a long time ago if we could've, but we want this."
"Alright, good… I'll go and get everyone." He told them, stopping only to give Dawson a quick hug and kiss on the cheek before hurrying out of the room, leaving the married couple on their own.
Though they weren't left there for very long, as just moments later they decided to follow in that same direction, both of them equally as excited about sharing such great news with their firehouse family. Even if it was a little earlier than originally planned.
"You know, Caity's gonna be bummed she's missing this." Matt spoke softly as they walked down the hallway, Gabby letting out an easy laugh while giving his hand a squeeze.
"We'll let her tell them next time she comes to visit." Gabby replied, Casey nodding back at her before they continued on in their path towards the common room.
When they got there, most everyone was already gathered around, Severide coming in from the garage mere seconds later with a few members of squad as the Caseys' stopped in the entryway to the room.
"Hey Chief." Herrmann greeted from his spot on the couch, looking between Casey and Dawson before his eyes moved around the room. "Is something going on?"
"Yeah, Severide said you wanted to talk to us." Cruz echoed as he passed them, the smile on Matt's face growing while he stayed close to his wife. "Everything okay?"
"Everything's fine, Cruz." Casey replied, getting a few nods from the group while Gabby glanced around until her eyes met Jemma's, her best friend soon giving her an assuring nod as even though they hadn't talked about it, the younger paramedic had a pretty good idea of what this was about. "Gabby and I just want to talk to you all for a minute."
There were a few uncertain looks from them, but no one said a word while they looked between their Chief and PIC, the smiles on their faces helping to ease some of their worries while they waited for either of them to continue.
"You want to?" Matt prompted, keeping his voice low as Gabby nodded at him before turning back to face the group.
She took the time to look around at all of them, the people that she considered to be a second family to her, and in this moment she knew they were making the right decision to share their news, the wide grin on her face getting even bigger before she blurted out the words she'd been wanting to say for weeks.
"...I'm pregnant."
Surprised gasps and smiles came from all around the room, everyone needing a couple seconds for it to fully sink in as they stared at the couple who looked as happy as they'd ever seen them, the first responders sharing a few joyous grins before Herrmann finally spoke up.
"Oh my God, kid. Are you really?" He asked while pushing himself up and making his way towards the woman he'd always seen as a daughter.
"I am, we're pregnant." She repeated just as he pulled her in for a tight hug, Gabby holding onto him while the rest of the group started to crowd around them, a few of them letting out some happy cheers.
"Hey congratulations, Chief. That's great news!" Otis said, Matt nodding appreciatively as their friends and family took turns congratulating them with hugs and handshakes, everyone in the room beyond excited for the newest addition to their family.
"This is amazing, girl. I'm so happy for you!" Stella spoke brightly, placing a few kisses on Gabby's cheeks before she hugged her.
"Yeah, congrats Mama!" Cruz called out, as Jemma came up to Casey to give him a hug.
"Congratulations again."
"Thanks Jemma." He replied happily before they separated.
"I can't believe you're pregnant, Dawson. This is so great."
"Yeah, we're so happy for you guys!"
"How are the girls? I bet they're excited."
"Oh, beyond it." Gabby replied after pulling away from Mouch's hug.
"They're so happy." Casey added on. "Especially Caity… So if she comes to you and tells you, act like you don't know." He said with a smile, while the group laughed.
"Understood Chief."
"Yeah, we'll play along… But really, this is so great, Casey."
"Thanks you guys." Matt replied with a wide grin, his eyes finding Gabby's through the small crowd around them, seeing a similar look on her face before their family continued to celebrate this news. And while they did, they couldn't help but feel so incredibly grateful for everyone here at the firehouse, as moments like this reminded them of just how blessed they were to have some many people in their corner.
And what made it even better was how in just a few short months, they knew their youngest child would have that exact same support system.