Happy new year everyone!

Shout out to my latest guest review – thank you for your long review, you made my day. I am so glad you are liking my story and enjoying the weekly installments of baby Casey. You may be in for a surprise for the Casey parents and their growing family. And to all the other people who have reviewed - THANK YOU! To each of you who review or favourite my story, the writer in me thanks you and sends a hug. Every fanfic writer likes the support of the content they write, whether that be a review, a DM, a favourite or a follow. So to everyone who has done those things for my little story, I appreciate it.

Bec – thanks! And Jewel – there's something special in here, inspired by our conversations, for you. Hope you enjoy it and it does justice to friendships.

Enjoy the growing family…

Week Thirty Six

~ Candidate is now the size of a canary melon ~

Stella juggled the box on the front porch leading into the Casey's house. Knowing that she couldn't ring the doorbell, she didn't want to let Gabby know she had arrived. Juggling the box into her left hand, she fished out her phone from her back pocket to ring her lieutenant.

"Casey… coast clear? ...I'm at the front door… if you could… thanks, Casey." A few agonizing moments later Matt opened the door to catch the ever slipping box from Stella's grasp.

"Geeze Kidd what is even in here?" he questioned ushering her in quietly and towards the lower level of the house. "Have you been borrowing equipment from the house again?"

"One time," she defended to him. "And it was for Molly's. Just a few things for the baby shower," she explained. "Sev's got the rest in the car. Didn't know if I was going to be able to get in without Gabs noticing. She still thinking that we're going out for a girls' afternoon?"

"Last I saw her she was running around and she thought you were going out to Molly's. And still trying to get her shoes on… Ring Severide and tell him to come around the back."

Stella had thought long and hard about this, after the scare last week she knew that she needed to do something different for Gabby. Weeks ago, when she had first thought about hosting Gabby's baby shower there wasn't anything worrying about the situation. Adriana had offered to host the party at her place but they knew that Gabby didn't want a big deal being made over her. And she would be on guard for something like this, Stella knew this, she even thought about having the party in the loft, but Kelly's place just wasn't set up for entertaining. Plus, Gabby would have questioned and questioned about why they would be even going to the loft.

And she knew that the only way for this to even to happen was to ask Gabby to have an afternoon out at Molly's with her and Brett which she had organised weeks ago. Now, she reasoned, it wasn't such a great idea. It would be better to have it at the Casey's, easier for Gabby. Even though Molly's was another home to them, easy to cater at and would fit everyone in. But Gabby needed the comforts of home.

Over the years that she had known Gabby, Stella had come to realise that Gabby would make a great mother. She had seen Gabby develop her maternal qualities even to the point where she really was the mother figure of Firehouse 51 - always concerned about the younger company boys, running Molly's and ensuring that both the Lieutenants were kept in line.

"Thanks again for letting us do this here Casey. After last week, I thought she would be much more comfortable here at home."

Matt nodded in reply as he started to unpack the box that Stella had brought in. There wasn't anything that she hadn't thought of. "She's so close to 37 weeks, just a day or so off, that even leaving the house can become a big thing. I think last week, having to go into Med, it affected her and she's tired. But you know Gabby she'll never admit it." A buzzing of his phone alerted him to the fact that Severide was at the back door with the rest of Stella's supplies.

Shoes in hand laces dangling by her hands Gabby slowly made her way towards the stairs down to the lowest level of their house. As frustrating as it was going to be to have to be walking back up the stairs later, Gabby was fast running out of options. Honestly, it would have been faster to just ask Matt to help her out; but after the backing down she had to do about Molly's last week she was desperately trying to save face.

So far she had tried the armchair in their bedroom, the low bed in the spare room. Over the past few weeks that rocking chair had worked quite well for her, but the growth spurt that Smudge had gone through over the last few days meant that everything was getting very very hard. How she had managed the socks this morning she wasn't too sure. Even in the cold weather her feet had swollen slightly making it even more challenging to get those damn shoes on. Matt had laughed and shivered slightly when he caught her plunging her aching, puffy feet into some ice cold water in the bathtub last night.

But today even the rocking chair wasn't helping, her ever growing girth - it just couldn't be manoeuvred around, neither trying to lean left or right, Gabby just wasn't able to lean around it.

The high kitchen stool had been promptly walked passed. Her short stature really meant that Smudge was fast running out of space - only the other week had she mentioned to Stella that all of that long torso would come in handy when she and Severide decided to add to their apartment. Stella had laughed long and hard about that one comment. Truth be told, Gabby couldn't quite imagine Kelly Severide with a baby. But then again, who would have ever thought that he would be in a stable long term relationship either. But here they were coming up to nearly a year, without killing each other.

"Hey," Matt's voice caught her out. "Where are you going with those things, don't they belong on your feet?"

Gabby chuckled softly, "I was going to try those low couches downstairs to get these shoes on. Might be a little kinder to my back. But those stairs…"

"Those stairs won't be good for you," interjected Matt knowing full well what might be stopping her.

She nodded along, "Energy is about the same level as my first trimester," she groaned. "And the stairs going up and down is painful on my knees… Don't know if I'd have enough breath to get back up them either."

"Offer still stands to move the bedroom down here."

"And I keep telling you that if you manage to finally get it down here, you'd either break the stairs or yourself," she laughed.

Matt scoffed slightly before placing his hand on the small of her back and steering her towards the first armchair in their sightline. Even on the short walk from the kitchen, he could feel the tension in her back muscles through her clothing. It had been a long week for Gabby after the scare that had landed them at Med. It didn't matter to either of them that Smudge was completely safe it had shaken both of them; Gabby more than she was willing to admit. There had been a few nights that Gabby come bolt upright, breathing raggedy and heavy.

Matt knew this was exactly what she needed, not to have to go out to Molly's but to be surrounded by people who loved them. These people who were going to be Smudge's family. And to have their baby shower in their own home was exactly what he wanted for her right now. Plus there was the added bonus of being able to head out to Severide's for a couple of beers and to watch the game. Let himself check out for a few hours. Allow himself to stop worrying about the future for even just a little while. A family was everything he wanted, but that wasn't to say he was not a little worried.

Just because he hadn't ever put a voice to those concerns, it didn't mean that he still didn't worry about what had happened. It didn't seem to matter how many people had told him that everything that had happened was actually very normal. Will Halstead had told him over a beer that it was actually very surprising that the Braxton Hicks hadn't started earlier in her pregnancy, she was lucky in some sense.

"I don't know how anyone can still wear heels at this point," grumbled Gabby as Matt finished up with the laces on her shoes.

"Hmm?"

"When I was looking for a new dress for that last dinner we went to, I saw all these heavily pregnant women with their fancy dresses and high heels. I wouldn't be able to walk to the door," scoffed Gabby. "There were a few posts about baby showers and all the mothers are glamorous women with three inch heels and tight dresses… Can you imagine? I'm so glad that we decided not to do that."

"What's that?"

"The baby shower. Just a grab for presents," Gabby rolled her eyes.

"About that hija," a new voice interrupted. Gabby twisted to find her mother standing behind them, beautifully wrapped presents in hand, a warm and inviting smile on her face.

Gabby couldn't believe her eyes as her mother helped her down the stairs. In front of her sat Stella and an amazing spread. The first thing that caught her eye was this gorgeous cupcake stand with a little teddy bear sitting atop the stand. As Gabby got closer she noticed green and yellow button decorations adorning the cupcakes that were circled around a delicate cake stand. It sat proudly in the middle of the table adorned with a beautifully laid out spread of food

"Mama?" she breathed, her eyes wide with questions.

"This was all Stella," her mother replied.

Stella ducked her head slightly, "Well, Kelly helped with heavy lifting," she confessed as Kelly tried to sneak out and up the stairs. He knew that Matt would be upstairs waiting for him, but he hadn't been able to get out of the basement without Gabby seeing him. Slowly he stopped in his tracks and turned his head to look back at the women, sheepish look on his face.

Gabby took a few steps towards him and held her arms out. Kelly raised his eyebrows slightly before giving in and allowing himself to be pulled in for a hug. Kelly Severide, a softie at heart, just as long as no one knew it, but there wasn't anything that he wouldn't do for his friends.

"Thanks, Kel," she whispered as she held on for a second longer, the best she could. That bump was really starting to seriously get in the way.

"Gabby," her mother spoke up as Kelly headed for the stairs for a second time. "I think Stella has most of the food but-"

"I ordered most of it, or Brett and Cindy made the baked goods," assured Stella at the questioning look from Gabby

"Stella has most of the food down here already," continued Adriana. "But I've brought some food for Matthew and the others. I want to catch him before he goes."

"Well, he'll never starve with my mother around," Gabby grumbled good naturedly. "They going to the loft?"

"Along with the rest of the house," confirmed Stella. "Watching the Blackhawks with a few beers, I think the plan was."

"So…" drew out Gabby as she moved to join Stella on the couch. "You planned all of this?"

"Gabby, I know you said you didn't want anything. But you know you are surrounded by friends who already love Smudge. Adriana offered to host it, but I knew that you would see right through it. And then after everything that happened last week… It was just better to have it here."

"You didn't have to do anything Stella…"

"But we wanted to. God Gabby, last week gave us all a scare. Didn't know what was going on and so I wanted to make sure that you knew how much both you and Smudge are loved. This kid just getting an awesome set of parents… And an awesome firehouse family who will do anything to protect them."

Gabby gave her a watery smile as she leaned over to hug her friend.

"It's not just Smudge…" Stella continued as she pulled back slightly, still holding onto Gabby's hand. "You, Gabby, you are amazing. Firefighter and paramedic-"

"Look who's talking!"

"I mean it. I know it's not easy. This life that we chose, and I know that it hasn't been an easy road. It's nice to have another female in the house who knows what it's like, to be a firefighter in a male dominated career."

"Stella-" she tried to interrupt.

However, Stella was on a roll, "You are so much more than you think. And whilst I don't think Kelly and I will be starting a family anytime soon-" Gabby had to chuckle at that statement. "I'm volunteering Uncle Kelly and Aunty Stella to babysit whenever you need. 'Cause girl, you know that I'm going to be the coolest Aunty that this kid is going to have… Seriously though… Look around, Gabby. Welcome to another chapter in your life… And we're all here, right by your side."

The afternoon progressed nicely with each of the guests bring their favourite picture book or children's book with a story as to why it was special to them. Gabby enjoyed that. Rather than Smudge ending up with a lot of presents, clothing and toys; more than they would ever need, they had a good stack of books.

So when Cindy stood up, Gabby was expecting a good bedtime story book that she knew would be tried and tested with all of the Herrmann children.

"We wanted to do something slightly different for you," Cindy confessed as she pulled up a rather large present from behind the sofa. "Donna and I wanted to give you something that you could hang in the nursery…"

Donna nodded along. "When Wallace and Christopher told us that they were making that ladder we found something would go along with it. Now I know you probably don't want to turn your nursery into Firehouse 51-" she laughed.

"But we knew that we couldn't pass this up. It holds a special place in all of our lives," finished up Cindy.

Gabby shot them both a questioning look. "I wouldn't worry about that. Have you seen the huge sticker that is on the wall in that nursery upstairs?!" she questioned.

Upon the shaking of heads, Brett fished out her phone from her handbag to show them a photo. "It's the cutest thing ever," she gushed.

Laughter rippled through the group gathered as Gabby watched the phone being passed around before tearing into the present. Inside she revealed a canvas… She gasped inaudibly as she took in the words.

"Each of our children have had this hanging in their rooms," Cindy told her. "And we found one for Terrance too."

MY DADDY IS A FIREMAN

he works hard all day.

In a very special firehouse,

not too far away. He crawls

down halls, and knocks

Down walls, in buildings old

and new. To help save many

people's lives, and their

belongings too. He doesn't

mind the summer sun, or

winter's bitter cold, because

it's a fireman's job, to be

so very bold. I hope dear God,

you're watching. Be it twelve

or six or three, or whenever

my dad is working Lord,

Please bring him home to me.

"And we knew that it wasn't fair to just have that," Donna mentioned as she passed over a slightly bigger parcel.

Gabby laughed as she saw the next canvas that was bought for them

In this Firefighter & EMT home

We always

Put Family first

Give Hugs and Kisses

Say I Love You

Listen for Tones

Work Hard & Play Harder

Kiss Goodbye

Help Others

Say Please and Thank You

Check In After Every Call

Pray

Love Our Hero

"You guys-" Gabby wiped a tear that was starting it's decent. "You know, they say that family is one of the most important things in life. And the Chicago Fire Department talk about becoming a second family, that your company, that your house will become a family. And…" she looked around at the faces around her, "I know it doesn't happen at every firehouse. And not at every house will you make friends… But it's not just friends. My firehouse family has grown over the years. And Matt and I couldn't be more thankful…"

"Here hija," Adriana spoke up softly as she made her way over to sit next to Gabby on the couch. Placing a soft present in her lap, Adriana gave her a warm smile. Pulling on the paper carefully Gabby slowly revealed a delicate white lace dress. A memory pricked at the back of her mind, a distant memory that was straining to get through. There was something very familiar about this piece of fabric. As she carefully picked up the item it came flooding back to her. In her hands she held up a beautiful small dress, white with a lace overlay for all to see.

"Mama?" Her teary eyes rose to meet her own mother's teary eyes.

"It's the christening gown that has been in our family for generations," she confirmed. Angeling her body back towards Gabby's friends she started her story, "This is the same christening gown that Gabriela's grandmother was christened, and then myself back in the Dominican Republic. We brought it here to America and both Antonio and Gabriela wore it. And now it's time to pass it onto my daughter for her children."

Gabby sniffed slightly as she smoothed the delicate fabric out over her knees. No one had worn it since herself when Eva had been christened Laura had a dress for her that she herself had worn. You couldn't argue with that. But Gabby still remembered the photos for herself and even Antonio in this same gown. It was again that part of her family, her culture and the tradition that existed, one that she loved.

And now Smudge would be clothed and christened in the same clothes that three generations of her family had been in for the same reason. Nothing could ever replicate that or the feeling that was inside her now.

"And this is from Antonio," Adriana interrupted her little daydream.

Gabby had reached out to Laura. They had been very close over the years that she had been married to Antonio. And she was still the mother of Gabby's niece and nephew; the least Gabby could do was try and rebuild some form of friendship with her. Alas it wasn't through lack of trying that it hadn't happened, but Laura just wasn't ready to come. And inviting Antonio to her baby shower just didn't seem quite right, even if he might have enjoyed being the only male surrounded by all the ladies.

Gabby knew at once that the package from Antonio was a book. When both of his children had been born, she had given them books too. Inside she found Sweet Dreams/ Dulces Sueños, Mango, Abuela and Me and Calling the Doves/ El canto de las palomas. All of the books were in both Spanish and English, Antonio always told her that it was something special raising a bilingual child. Calling the Doves was a story that she could remember reading to Eva when she was very young. She held them up for everyone to see as she saw Brett scribbling down the present list for her. Stella made grabby hands so she could get a look at it too, reaching for the Abuela book.

"This is something special," Stella commented as she flipped quickly through the book.

"His kids and I used to love reading this together," Gabby told the group. A wry smile played over her face as her hands came to rest on top of her belly. "And I'm sure he'll have just as much fun reading this with Smudge."

Adriana laughed softly as she gathered up the books and gown and nodded to Stella as she placed the gifts on the table with the growing pile.

"Christie is sorry she can't be here; there were a few things that she just couldn't reschedule," Stella apologised as she handed a thin parcel over.

As Gabby carefully picked at the tape holding on the wrapping paper on, she smiled as a photo of the young Casey siblings fell out along with a hardcover version of The Hungry Caterpillar. Matt looked about eight or nine with his arms firmly around Christie, pulled close to him. It hadn't seemed to matter that he was the younger of the pair, they were nearly the same height. The image tugged at her heartstrings, there weren't many photos around of Matt as a young boy; he adamantly refused to talk about it. In truth, it was only in the last few years that he had truly reconnected with his sister.

Matt had been quite devastated when Christie had told them over dinner two weeks ago that they would be moving out to East Michigan at the end of the academic year. A small school out there had offered her a position, one that was too good to pass on. Violet was understandably upset that she would be moving away from her family and friends to an unknown place, but Matt had promised that she would still be very much a part of Smudge's life. After all, as Matt had reasoned, it was only an hour and a half or so for them to drive out to Michigan. Christie had even promised that she might be able to take the train on the odd occasion… maybe. It was only two and a half hours by train into the city. Matt still wasn't too sure about this move, but as the little brother, he wanted to support her in any way that he could.

Christie had found a house that was a short walk away from the beach and even the Zoo. Everything that she needed was close by and it would be hard to leave Chicago, she needed to do this for herself. Chicago still held many bad memories for her; both with her parents and with Jim.

As Gabby opened the book after noticing a white piece of paper sticking out slightly a small smile appeared on her face. Curiously she withdrew what seemed to be a letter address to Baby Casey. Locking eyes with her mother and Stella she opened the envelope and started reading slowly, her eyes running over the handwritten text.

My dearest little niece or nephew,

You know Daddy and Mommy could make this a little on Auntie C if they would just tell us all whether you're a boy or girl, but by the time you get to read this we will have known for years. But right now I'm writing this for your baby shower. You know the only thing that your father will tell me if that your name is either going to start with I or M… Do you know how many different names there are that start with those two letters? As a teacher there are so many names that I could think of Ivy, Isabella, Iris, Imogen, Isadora even. What about Ian, Imrahim and this are just the I names… As long as it's not Isla, Auntie C has had a few naughty students with that name. I think that your name is going to start with an M though, especially with the lack of boy names, so maybe - Malcolm, Manu, Marco, Marshall. What about Maria, Madalyn, Maggie, Makayla, Miriam… Sweetheart girl names are much easier to pick.

Let's go back to talking about my younger brother. Your father. You will know him as some variation of Dad while I know him as that little boy who was always around pesting me, annoying me, always wanting to be with me. We spent a majority of our childhood outside climbing trees or playing whatever current sport was in season. Ask him one day about the hockey game on the pond that landed me in the ER…

But back to you Dad... I know there are going to be times when you think you hate him, but I promise you that he is doing everything for a reason. You should see the way his face lights up when he talks about you. You have become the best part of his life and you haven't even made your grand entrance. Your father is a special man, one of the best I know and is one of the hardest working men that I know. Don't be too hard on him. When he chases boys off, it's because he knows that boys suck. Or when he questions you about the girl that you want to date, it's because he was a teenage boy once too. But you will find a keeper one day. Just like your dad found your mom. They have this amazing relationship. They don't come along every day.

And here are the things that I need you to know…

You are interesting. Believe that. You are amazing and your thoughts are brilliant and just like your mom and dad, your mind is unique and special. Don't ever feel like you have to prove yourself to anyone. If they can't see how special you are then move on, let them go. Who cares if they aren't interested, they don't see what is special inside of you, the real you.

Do you know how powerful you are? You are like a mini super-hero just waiting to reveal your true identity to the world. Keep doing this every day.

People are going to tell you a lot about romantic love. It will be in movies and television shows and in the books you read. You'll see quotes like "someday someone will hug you so hard all your broken pieces will stick back together." Remember this is not true - it isn't about someone putting you back together. Your journey is about you and you alone first and foremost. You will put yourself back together any way you can.

Someday you may find love, and someday you may not. Your worthiness as a human being does not depend on this. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. You are not measured by how lovable or attractive someone else finds you. That is about them and their wants and desires - it doesn't define you and you don't depend on it.

Live a life with your mind and arms open. You will encounter people in life who need your help. Your character will be what you do for those that can afford nothing in return.

It doesn't matter what happens after school. It doesn't matter how many loans you take out, or what job you may or may not get.

Go to college. It will open your mind to things you would have never dreamed of considering. It will be stressful, impossible and life-altering.

Fall in love with the idea of being alive. Once you do this, nothing is impossible. Nothing is too hard.

The only day that will ever be wasted is a day you spend in your comfort zone. If you don't believe you can do something, go out and do it. Don't be afraid to prove yourself wrong. Make sure you're scared of something you do every single day.

Imagine a perfect world and who you would be in that world. Now be that person every single day. No excuses.

You are allowed to fail. You are not allowed to stop. Wake up, get up, and show up to life. As long as you do this, I promise you will be loved.

Step into your fears but don't be reckless about it. Life is too short not to respect both of those, and that's how you will truly find yourself.

Learn to hear your intuition and trust yourself. You know better than you think you do.

This is your life and you owe it to yourself to live it for you and not for anyone else. Don't ever think that makes you selfish.

Passion, purpose and values are just as important as loyalty, hard work and commitment.

Always be excited about something no matter what it is. Don't let anyone tell you your passions are ridiculous or funny. They are yours. Dream big.

Sadness, anger and frustration are just as valid as feelings of joy, happiness and gratitude. You can let your emotions show and still be powerful.

Your family loves you, no matter what. Life may not always be flawless but you are loved and you are safe.

You don't ever need to fake perfection because you are perfection. You are perfect and whole and complete.

You have everything you need to live an incredible life. So get out there, give it all you've got, grab a hold and don't ever let go.

You are powerful. You are gifted. You are a leader. Share it with the world

The last thing I want to say in this letter is that your voice, your story, and your heart is uniquely your own. Do not ever doubt the impact on the world you will bring with just that alone. If there's something you want from life, you don't stop. You work until your life revolves around this desire, it all comes from hard work...

People will try to tell you who you are your entire life, so let me be the first. You are the beginning of the world.

And I promise to keep you safe.

I love you more than anything. I'll always be just a phone call away.

Love Auntie Christie.

Smudge was going to be so well loved, Gabby couldn't stop the tears from dripping down her face. There was nothing that she wanted more for her child.

Two days later Casey found himself back on shift, a usually quiet one. Ambo had been called out on a few runs and Squad had been out once. And everyone had jumped on Capp at dinner time when he dared mention the 'Q' word.

From his usual spot on the head of the table, he could see Otis and Herrmann planning something for Molly's and Cruz attempting to clean up after dinner. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Kidd and Severide at the smaller round table, Severide desperately trying to dunk a cookie in her coffee. Kidd was laughing quietly whilst trying to jerk her coffee cup out of the way and not spill any in the process.

As the bells rang announcing the need for the entire company, Severide finally managed to get his cookie into the cup before shoving the entire thing into his mouth. Casey just gave him a look as the two lieutenants passed each other.

It was a full raging inferno that Truck 81 pulled up to with the rest of the company. One that both squad and truck found themselves searching and venting through quickly.

"Herrmann you take that room on the left and I'll get that last room at the end of the hall," Casey spoke in a loud voice. "Chief," he pressed down on his radio, "Herrmann and I have the last rooms. Otis and Kidd should be coming out now."

"Casey... don't take... long," came the crackled reply from Boden.

"Got it Chief… Turning hot in here!"

"Squad Three is coming out," Severide advised. "Need backup?"

"Negative, we've got it Severide," the finger was released from the button as Casey got into the last room. He could see the fire starting to lick the wall and climb towards the roof. Time was limited and he was aware of it. Smoke engulfed him and visibility was at a minimum, Casey would be lucky to even see past his own fingers.

Casey tried to take a deep breath as he surveyed the burning room, it seemed to be empty. "Fire department… Call out!" But silence meet him.

A series of beeps caught his attention from behind him, causing him to turn around. That couldn't have been the pass alarm, there was not a single soul around him. It suddenly dawned on him that it was the warning alarm on his oxygen tank. Squinting at the gauge by his shoulder Casey struggled to read the numbers, there was no way that his canister could be that low on air. Sweat started to trickle down his face, as panic started to rise.

That beeping was a warning that he only had a few minutes of air left before he would be breathing in fumes. And the heat had started to rise again within the room. "Herrmann?" he called out, trying to find his way out of the room. "Herrmann?" he voice rose. Casey knew that it was time to start towards the exit and out of the burning building.

But with dark thick smoke, it was much harder than before to figure out his way. Carefully he dropped to his knees in an attempt to get below the smoke and hopefully find a clearer path out.

Meanwhile, Herrmann had quickly cleared the room and made his own way out before the smoke had become too thick.

"Chief all clear… Where's Casey?" he questioned looking around. "He should have been right behind me."

"Severide!" Boden's voice rang out across the scene towards where the Squad lieutenant stood.

"Chief?" Severide jogged toward the men standing with concerned looks at the building.

"Casey's not out yet… I don't like the look of it. The wind is changing."

"Getting hot in there too."

"Cruz, mask up and follow me," Severide shouted over yanking his own mask pointing toward the front of the building.

Boden stretched out an arm, effectively stopping Severide by his upper arm. "In and out Severide. You find Casey and haul him out of there." A nod in agreement propelled the two squad members towards the door.

Casey was inching forward on his knees feeling around blindly for the door frame. Once out into the hallway, he stopped for a moment trying to regulate his breathing. Slow and steady - he knew that the oxygen would be running low at this point, he could sense it. In and out, in and out.

With each forward shuffle, he could feel the temperature rising. Casey forced himself forward, knowing that there was a goal in sight. Clean air and his life. There would be nothing to be gained by passing out here, an empty tank with red and orange flames eating the walls. Flames he could see as he turned his head to look behind. But he had too much to live for.

Gabby flashed into his mind as he tried to take another deep breath. Gabby, his wife. Images of their lives together flashed through his mind; the first time he met her; the little black dress and their first night together; the tears in her eyes and the crumbling face as she sat in her hospital bed; Gabby slowly walking towards him on her father's arm with that pure white dress; the look on her face when she first told him about Smudge; her laughter during their ultrasounds; and each of the ultrasounds all assaulted his mind. He owed it to her to come home alive and safe after each shift, just as he had promised her.

It was evident that Gabby didn't sleep well when he was on shift; it was uncomfortable feeling being at home knowing that he was putting his life on the line. The thing that Gabby had that other wives didn't was that she had lived this life, the experience of crawling through a smoke filled building. She knew better than anyone else the real dangers of their jobs, and it was always a real possibility that he might not come home one day. Together there had a period of time when she had gone into burning buildings with him, but there had always been a sense of protection on his part. As long as they were running into the same building he could always protect her and make sure that she got out before him. As any good lieutenant should, Casey led from the front. First in, last out. And he made sure that Gabby was well looked after - Herrmann had trained her well and was trusted with her life.

Even when she put her life on the line going out on Ambo runs - there had been so much truth to his statement about worrying about her every time those bells had rung for Ambo.

Every shift that Casey walk out of the house he silently promised her that he would do everything in his power to make sure that he came home. In four weeks, scarily, it was only in a month, they would be welcoming a new life into their family.

So that meant it wasn't going to be today that Casey broke his promise; he kept repeating that to himself. He was going to see the birth of his first child… and the next. He knew that he had to get out to this building, holding onto the memory of their latest appointment with Doctor Peterson watching Smudge bounce around on the screen. There his little child was punching and kicking around; he was sure that it wasn't at all amusing to Gabby, but he was enjoying being able to watch it happen. He knew he had to keep his senses about him, the building was dark and smoky and it was a struggle for every breath he took. Spurred on how thoughts of his family, Casey put one knee after the other and struggled towards that he hoped was the exit to the building.

But the next breath Casey took, he gulped at nothing. His canister had finally run out of oxygen. How long could he last without any fresh air? He knew couldn't take off his mask for the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. The was fuzziness and a darkness starting to invade his consciousness. Blackness now pricking at the edges of his vision.

~ Her wrinkly suit of skin is filling out as she gets plumper ~