CHAPTER 24

Gabby stirred in her sleep, a few seconds later she opened her eyes slowly, her head hurt was pounding and her eyes were sensitive to light. Suddenly a wave of nausea hit her from all drinking of last night, shortly she was in the bathroom throwing up. When she thought she was done, she sat on the bathroom floor next to the toilet, though another wave of nausea hit her violently, nothing was left in her stomach this time.

Stupid, she called herself it a couple of times in her head, before getting up from the floor. Gabby hissed when looked at herself in the mirror, she looked horrible. Throwing some water might help she guessed, then she brushed her teeth... after wiping her face she checked herself one more time, that's when she recalled Matt came to her apartment last night, but she didn't remember what time he left...

Back to her bedroom, she heard a little noise coming from the kitchen. Matt was still around? she asked herself. Gabby took a few minutes to make her bed and wear her hair in a loose bun.

Walking down the hallway, she heard someone cursing.. she chuckled lightly.

"Hey, morning!" she said quietly to not disturb him... He turned to her and smiled sweetly at her...

"Morning! Did I wake you?" he asked as making the last pancake.

"No, you did not, I am up for while now. Do you need some help? I heard... you know...", muffing a laugh.

"Thank you, but I have everything under control...", he flipped the pancake in the pan.

However Gabby didn't miss his eyes looking over his hand for a couple of seconds. She walked up to him.

"Let me take a look," Gabby eyed him first, then looked down.

"It's nothing, I'm okay, I swear, Gabby..." he turned off the stove.

Gabby grabbed his arm and examined the irritated skin, a small red area.

"Later, baby. Let's eat first. I bet you are hungry," he said looking at her.

Looking up, "Matthew Casey, I'm the PIC here and your girlfriend so, I'm gonna take care of you first, and then we eat, alright?" Matt knew he wouldn't win the battle, not with a Dawson.

"Okay...," he kissed her forehead and let Gabby check his hand.

They had a nice breakfast... Gabby tried to dismiss Matt from cleaning the kitchen since he was the one who had prepared their breakfast, but he won't have it, he would be happy to clean after his mess. Gabby accepted his offer and enjoy her bath.

They agreed to go to Matt's place, their friends had done enough looking after Anna for one night, moreover, both missed her dearly, they couldn't wait to see her.

Gabby locked the front door, turning to him, he cradled her face in his hands, watching for a second: "I just want you to know that what I said last night I meant it... No matter what happens, we're in this together forever," he said smiling.

"Forever?" she replied returning his smile.

"Yes, forever" he now said a little serious.

"I like that," she stood on tiptoes and gave a little kiss on the tip of his nose.

Matt smiled, leaning over he kissed her neck. "You smell incredible", not stopping his kisses on her skin. Gabby would never complain, she loved to let him have his way with her. He had that power of making her feel desired and loved. Didn't take long for Matt to pin her against the wall and kiss her full lips for long minutes... His phone rang while his hands were going down on her backside, sighing he picked up the call right away...

"Hey, sweet, morning!" Matt went silent, "Yes, in a few minutes we are home... Gabby will spend the day with us... That's right... I love you," he hung up.

"There's a little girl who can't wait to see you...".

"Me too... we'd better go then, because otherwise...", she gave him a mischievous look.

"Yes, I know," he laughed and gave her one more kiss.

...

Gabby, Matt, Severide, and Shay chatted for half an hour before the happy couple got some time alone with Anna. Gabby and Anna played for a couple of hours, by noon they were having lunch... at 5 p.m. they went to the park closer to Matt's house and had some snacks...

Before going to the bed they watched a Disney movie... later... "Come on, princess... it's bedtime...," Matt said turning off the TV.

"No, please. Let's watch another one...", Anna pleaded with her father.

"Tomorrow, we had enough TV for today...," he extended his hand to her.

Anna didn't like his answer, but she listened to him anyway and took his hand to get up from the couch.

"Gabby, could you read to me before bed?"

"Of course, honey... brush your teeth and I will be there."

Matt sat back down and pulled Gabby to sit on his lap, she rested her head on his shoulder.

"Sleep with me today?" he asked softly.

"Matt..." she just said.

"It doesn't hurt to try," he said with a half-smile. She kissed his chin and stood up to go upstairs.

"So ready for our story?" Gabby questioned entering her room.

"Yes," Anna answered. Gabby started to read the book Anna had chosen, she was half of page three when...

"Gabby?"

"Yeah?"

"Why don't you live with us?" Anna asked quietly.

"Oh... I... Matt-I-", Anna cut her off.

"If you live with us, you can always read to me, it wouldn't be cool?"

"Yes, you're right..." Gabby smiled.

"My father wouldn't be sad when you leave..." Gabby got quiet as thinking... "I promise I'll clean my bedroom every day."

"My love, don't worry about it, okay...," Gabby kissed her forehead. "How about you sleep now, we had a busy day, hmm...", Gabby smoothed Anna's hair from her face.

Anna wasn't sleepy, yet she didn't want to get Gabby upset as she seemed after the questions she had made. "Good night, Gabby."

"Good night, honey... "

...

"She is asleep?" Matt asked, still sitting on the couch.

"Yeah..."

"It's everything alright?" Matt realized that Gabby seemed thoughtful.

"Yes, it is. I was just wondering if you have some clothes for me... I don't want to sleep with that" she looked down.

Matt couldn't believe his ears, "Are you serious?"

"I am, so...," her smile widened.

"Of course, I have," he pulled her close to him. "What did I do to deserve this?"

"Sorry, but I can't tell you. It's a secret between Anna and me" she said smiling.

"Hmm, I see. Okay, but I also have my secrets."

"Really? But I bet I can take them from you," she spoke getting up.

"How are you so sure?"

"Let's go to the bedroom, and I'll tell you," she joked with him. Matt was quickly turning off the lights in the house and following her.