Chapter 11

"Fuck" Gabby mumbled as she tripped over her handback and fell on the floor. As soon as her backside hit the carpet in the bedroom she could hear footsteps from the living room. "Gabby?" Matt kneeled down beside her. "What happened? Is everything okay?" "Yes, I just tripped over my stupid handbag." "You sure everything is okay?" Matt held out his hand to help her. She took it and got up. "I'm fine. It's a good thing we have carpet in the bedroom or otherwise I might have ended up with a bruise." She turned around and saw Kelly standing in the doorframe. "Why did you put your handbag in the middle of the room? Don't you know. that it's dangerous? Didn't you learn anything in academy? You could've been seriously hurt!" He was visibly concerned. Gabby couldn't help it, she started laughing. "Look at you two mother hens, I'm not made out of glass. Nothing happened, I was just being clumsy." Kelly shook his head and looked at Matt, who still was not entirely convinced that she really was fine. "You'll have to make this place not only baby safe but Dawson save." "I'll have to wrap her in bubble pack or my nerves won't make it through the pregnancy." "Are you two done?" Gabby shook her head. "I'm fine, baby is fine, nothing happened and no one will be wrapped in bubble pack. I assure you I'm capable of taking care of myself. Let's get to the more important topic: What do you want for dinner?" She looked at the guys, awaiting an answer. Matt shrugged. "The fridge is empty so we'll have to order in or go out." Kelly reached into his pocket and got his phone out. "Stella just answered the question, she texted me to bring you over for dinner. She made steak and salad." He looked at Gabby. "You fine with that?"

"Yep. I'll be ready to go in ten minutes. I have to get freshen up a little bit. You can go back into the living room." She pointed at her husband. "You too." Matt looked at her and, in his eyes, she could see that he knew she had heard them. She leaned a little bit forward and whispered into his ear: "We'll talk later." "Okay" He gave her a peck on the lips and followed Kelly into the living room.

Gabby closed the bedroom door and leaned against it. She took a deep breath. This was not how she had imagined her first evening back in Chicago. She never expected the pain to follow her to her happy place. Seeing the look in Matt's eyes had given her the confirmation she needed. The pain was still there but maybe they would be able to make it through this tough situation. Nothing could drag her away this time. Gabby walked into the adjoining bathroom and turned the shower on. The warm water soothed her sore back. Though she would never admit it, hitting the floor hurt her rear pretty bad. Hopefully there would not be any bruises or she might not be able to stop her husband from packing her into bubble wrath. A smile appeared on her face. This guy was the best thing that ever happened to her or maybe she was the best thing that ever happened to him. Either way they were meant to be together and she was willing to face their problems but not tonight. The sound of her rumbling stomach broke the silence in the bathroom. Gabby got out of the shower and grabbed a towel. It was hard and scratchy, Matt obviously let the laundry air dry instead of using the dryer. Since when did he become a greenie?! After drying herself off she applied some lotion and when she touched her backside she felt a bruise coming up. Great. Bubble wrath would be a done deal if Matt saw this. She got dressed in a bra and panties and left the bathroom to find something comfortable to wear. She remembered leaving some clothes in the walk-in wardrobe before going to Puerto Rico. Gabby opened the door and faced chaos. It looked like a bomb exploded in there and she couldn't believe it. Matt was not a slob. Never had been. So, what was this? She tried to find some of her clothes and stumbled over a pair of black jeans. They would do fine she decided but she still needed a top. "How am I supposed to find anything in this?" She mumbled to herself. The clothes in her suitcase were mostly dirty and she needed something to wear. Finally, she saw a sweater at the top shelf but it was impossible to climb over the mountain of clothes on the ground. Gabby had never liked clutter and this was not helping to lighten her mood. "MATTHEW CASEY, GET IN HERE! NOW!" she yelled. It did only take him 5 seconds to come running into the room. "WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS? DID A FUCKING BOMB EXPLODE IN OUR FUCKING WARDROBE?" Gabby pointed at the messy chamber. "Care to explain?"

"I was in a hurry when I left for Puerto Rico. I wanted to clean it up tomorrow and hoped you wouldn't open it before." He looked at her with the expression of a beaten puppy dog and Gabby couldn't stay mad at him. "Yeah, no such luck, I need something to wear. Can you grab the sweater form the top shelf please?" "Yep." Matt reached out to grasp said sweater and thanks to him being taller than his wife he was successful. "Here."

"Thank you" Gabby gave him a kiss on the cheek. "You still have to clean it up tomorrow though."

"I will." Matt raised one eyebrow. "You know how much I hate clutter." "I know that's why I couldn't believe it when I opened the door." Gabby laughed. "It was like entering the twilight zone. I'll get dressed and be ready in 2 minutes." She tried not to turn around before he left the bedroom so he would not see the red marks on her back. When she pulled up the jeans and tried to close them, reality hit her. They were too tight but Gabby decided not to dive back into the pile of clothes. She left the button open. No one would notice with the big grey sweater. Her handbag was still on the bed, where Kelly had put it after yelling at her for not following basic safety rules. She took it and joined the guys in the living room.

"I'm good to go."

"Great, I'll text Stella, we're on our way." Kelly said while Matt took his keys from the small table next to the door. Once again, they were sitting in Matt's truck with Gabby in the middle. "Is the temperature okay for you?" Kelly asked. "Not too cold or maybe too warm? I can give you my jacket too."

"No, I'm fine." Gabby chuckled. "Please guys, don't make this a contest of who is more protective, daddy or uncle Kelly."

"We won't!" They answered in unison.

"We're here." Matt added and parked the truck in a free space in front of the apartment building. They went inside and when Kelly unlocked the door, Gabby heard a shriek and before she knew what hit her she was in Stella's arms. "Welcome back. I missed my girl so much!" "I missed you too" Gabby was visibly touched by the warm welcome. "I'm sorry I left without saying goodbye."

"Nah, don't mention it, it's okay." Stella leaned forward and whispered into her ear. "Trust me, I know how frustrating and annoying my boss can be. He was a total nightmare without you. Completely lost."

Gabby gave her a sympathetic nod. She turned around and saw Matt and Kelly in the kitchen drinking beers. "Drills and cleaning?"

"I felt like a cleaning lady with firefighting skills." Stella joked. "Let's join the guys in the kitchen. Everything is ready. Steaks are in the oven."

"We already took them out." Kelly said and everyone sat down at the dining table. It was a nice evening and no one said something about the reason Gabby had left Chicago. They did mostly small talk and some catching up on firehouse business.

"Will you be back next shift?" Stella looked at Gabby. "Or haven't you talked to Boden yet?"

"I will be back but not next shift." Gabby looked at her hands. "I have a meeting scheduled with the Chief on Thursday and we'll talk about everything. He already told Matt I could have my old job back but we need to talk about the details."

"Sounds like a lot of paperwork." Stella shrugged. "Anyway, I'm happy you're back. I missed working with you. Molly's needs you back too."

"Yeah I missed 51 too." Gabby took a deep breath and took Matt's hand under the table. She needed some courage. "But I don't think I'll be working at Molly's anymore. I already talked about it with Matt. I'll keep my share but will be more like a silent partner." Before Stella could say anything, she continued. "I really loved the work I did in Puerto Rico and I met some great people there. One of them was John Carter and…"

"Carter?" Stella interrupted. "Like the Carter family?"

Gabby nodded. "Yep. He and I planned a hospital together and he offered me a job at his Clinic here in Chicago."

"The Joshua Carte Center?" Kelly asked and Gabby nodded again. "That sounds great, I understand why you took that offer. They do great work there. Important work." Kelly was visibly happy for her and she was relieved that neither he nor Stella seemed mad at her.

"Being an almost silent partner means you'll always be on my side when it comes to a vote about Molly's, right?" Stella winked at her and Gabby laughed. "Yeah I'm not so sure I want to get involved in your fights with Herrmann."

"Fair point. But I'll make sure you get free drinks."

"Sounds good." Gabby still didn't want to tell any more people about her pregnancy.

"Dinner was delicious, Stella." Matt pitched in. "And I have to say I'm sorry for making you guys clean the entire firehouse but…."

"It's okay." Stella interrupted him. "I know you were hurt and needed to vent. Don't worry, I won't tell the guys that you're a softie deep inside."

"Thanks." Matt laughed. "But I'm sure they already figured that out."

Gabby yawned and looked at her watch. "I'm sorry, but it was a long day."

"Do you want to go home?" Matt asked her.

"Yeah I think so." Gabby leaned against him. "I don't think I'm able to stay awake much longer." They got up and Stella and Kelly showed them to the door. "Thank you for the nice evening."

"You're welcome. We should do this more often." Kelly helped Gabby into her jacket while Matt talked to Stella about next shift. "See you on Thursday?"

"Yes" They said their goodbyes and twenty minutes later Matt unlocked the door to their apartment. "Do you want a tea before bed?" He asked Gabby while closing the door behind them. "That would be nice. But can you make it a tea in bed?"

"Of course." He smiled at her. "I'm so happy you're back." "Me too." Gabby closed the gap between them and snuggled into his chest. His arms were her happy place. The only place in the world she felt entirely safe in. "I'll make the tea and you go get ready for bed." Matt kissed her hair. "Deal" Gabby reluctantly let him go. Twenty minutes later they were both in lying in bed with a hot cup of tea in Gabby's hands. "You heard me talking to Sev earlier, didn't you?" Matt made the first step. "Yeah I did." She admitted.

"Look, I didn't mean it was only your fault. Because it wasn't and I know we already talked about that but not about the fact that I'm afraid what might happen if we start fighting again. I won't survive losing you for a second time. It nearly killed me last time and if you hadn't called me, I would've taken the next plane to Puerto Rico anyway."

"Matt, you don't have to be afraid of me leaving again. I didn't leave you, I never intended to stay that long. I just wanted to get away from the whole mess. We hurt each other really bad and I felt like I needed a break. I promise I won't run away again. Especially not now." Gabby placed her cup on the nightstand, took his hand and put it on her slightly swollen belly. "Peanut and I need you. I would never take that away from you. Leaving you was a mistake. The whole time in Puerto Rico I felt like a part of me was missing. Ask Carol. I was miserable." She put her hand over his. "Carol told me to call you, she even threatened she would do it, because I was a sobbing mess."

"I'm so sorry I caused you all that pain." Matt moved his hand from her belly to touch her face. He turned it a little bit so she was looking at him. "I should've never let you go. I was so happy when you called." A single tear escaped Gabby's eye and rolled down her cheek. Matt kissed it away. "Please don't cry, baby." "I'm not sad." Gabby smiled at him. "I'm happy. No matter what happened before, we're here now. Together. That's all that matters. I'm aware of the fact that we were both hurt and stubborn but now we have to do better than that. It's not just us anymore." "No, it isn't and that is the second-best thing that ever happened to me. Best thing was you." He kissed her. "I still don't know how I got so lucky." Gabby snuggled into him. "You deserve it. Everything. I am the lucky one." Matt chuckled. "Maybe we're both blessed." "Yeah maybe." Gabby closed her eyes and took he deep breath. She inhaled his scent, a mixture of his shower gel and just him. "I have to admit I feel a little bit nervous about the meeting with the chief."

"You don't have to. He will be happy you're back. Everyone will be. There's no bad blood."

"You sure?" Gabby still had some doubts especially about Sylvie not being angry with her anymore. "Even Brett?"

"Yeah I think so. To be honest I don't care what Brett thinks, but I know she's your friend. She tends to make everything about her and you leaving had nothing to do with her."

"That's true." Gabby yawned. "Maybe everything will turn out okay. I need to get some sleep now. Baby and I are tired."

Matt reached for the light switch and the room went dark. "It was a long day but we're finally back in Chicago and back together." He looked down at his wife and thought that maybe he was indeed the luckiest man in the world.

Two days later Gabby and Matt got ready to leave for the firehouse. "Babe, where did you put my firehouse clothes?" Gabby's voice came out of the now tidied up wardrobe.

"Second shelf from the top, left side." Matt came out of the bathroom, closing his belt. "You aren't dressed yet?"

"Yes, I am" His wife came out of the wardrobe. "But I can't find my jacket."

"Oh, the jacket. I put it in the closet in the hallway." He took his watch from the dresser and attached it to his wrist.

"Great, I'll go get it and then I'm ready to leave." Gabby walked past him.

"Um, babe?" Matt chose his words carefully. "Your fly button is …um…not closed."

"I know" Gabby shrugged. "I need new pants. I'll go shopping after the meeting with the chief. Until then this will do." She reached for a safety pin in her drawer. "No one will notice with the sweater on top."

"If you say so." Matt was not entirely convinced. "Be careful or our little secret will become the number one gossip topic in the firehouse."

"I will" Gabby reached for her purse. "And now let's go you don't want to be late on your first day back, do you?"

"Nope" Matt followed his wife out of the bedroom and about ten minutes later they were ready to go. "You sure you want to have breakfast at the firehouse?"

"Positive. Stella said it's her turn to make breakfast."

The drive to the firehouse was uneventful. Since it was still early there wasn't much traffic. Matt parked his truck in front of the house. He looked at Gabby. "Ready to go?"

"Yes." She opened her door. "Let's go." It took her more courage than she wanted to admit. She had left her firehouse family without saying goodbye and she hadn't really talked to anyone about the reason. Part of her hoped it wouldn't come up. She followed her husband through the side door into the firehouse. "Look what the cat dragged in!" Herrmann patted Matt on the back. "Welcome back, Captain."

"Thanks Herrmann." Matt turned around and pointed at Gabby. "I brought a surprise."

Before she could even say a word, Gabby was trapped in a bear hug. "Gabby! This is the best surprise ever. We missed you so much."

"Yeah I can feel that." Gabby joked. "Please let me breathe."

"Sorry, I got carried away." Herrmann beamed. "You back for good?"

"Yep" She looked at Matt. "We finally came to our senses."

"Glad to hear that. Now let's go inside. Everyone is having breakfast. Kidd made pancakes." When Herrmann opened the doors to the common room he yelled: "Hey guys, look who's back!" Everyone turned around and seconds later there was no doubt. Everyone had missed Gabby. Suddenly she was in the center of a group hug. Brett was right next to her and whispered into her ear. "I'm so happy you're back and I'm sorry." "I'm sorry too. It wasn't about you. Let's talk later, okay?" Brett nodded.

Someone cleared his throat loudly. "Looks like you already met our new paramedic." Chief Boden was standing in the door next to the kitchen counter. He opened his arms and Gabby walked into them. "Hi Chief, I'm glad to be back." "We're happy to have you back. Chicago needs its badass paramedic number one back."

"Not so sure Chief Hatcher would agree with you." Gabby joked.

"Trust me, he does." Boden laughed. "He told me all about your adventures in Puerto Rico. He's proud of you and so am I."

"Thanks Chief." Gabby was visibly touched.

"Now let's get some breakfast. We'll talk afterwards." Boden walked over to the counter and put some pancakes on a plate. "Casey, you got the paperwork for the new fire extinguishers done?"

"Yes, Chief" It'll be on your desk today." Matt sat down next to Gabby at the table. "Babe, you might want to put your hoodie back on." He whispered into her ear. Gabby looked down and saw that her shirt did nothing to hide her little baby bump. Discreetly she took her hoodie from the back of the chair and put it back on. "You're cold, Dawson?" Cruz had been watching her. "Yes, I need to readjust to the Chicago climate." She finished eating her pancakes and got up. "Excuse me, I have to go put all my stuff back into my locker." "Come to my office once you're done" Boden said while finishing his breakfast.

"Will do, Chief." She took the bag and left. Fifteen minutes later she was done and closed the door to Boden's office behind her. He gestured to the chairs in front of his desk. "Have a seat, Dawson. You want me to call Casey?" "No, I'm fine." Gabby sat down. "I'll talk to him later." "Fine" Boden sat down too. "Is there anything you want to tell me, before we talk about you coming back to work fulltime?"

"To be honest, yes. There are two things. I want to work for the Carter foundation as a side job, I hope that's okay?" "Of course, it is. It's important work, just make sure it doesn't interfere with your shifts here. "Will do." Gabby decided it was best to tell him straight away. "The second thing is the more important one."

"Yes?" Boden was curious. "What is it?"

"I'm pregnant." Gabby knew Matt never talked about the aneurysm to him so there was no need for explanations.

"Gabriela Dawson, that's great news" He cheered. "I'm so happy for you and Casey. That's why he went to Puerto Rico?"

"Yes and no. I didn't come back because of the baby. I never should've left in the first place. We were both being stubborn."

Chief laughed. "Yeah tell me about it. Casey was miserable and Chief Hatcher told me you weren't much better. I'm glad fate knew a way to bring you two stubborn mules back together. But you being pregnant means you can't work on the Ambo with Brett. Not with all the heavy lifting and dangerous situations. I know it's not forbidden but I don't want you to do that." Gabby wanted to protest but he signaled her to listen to him. "You and Casey went through hell and back after you lost your first baby and then the whole story with Louie didn't make it any better. I just want you to have a healthy baby and a happy family. So, this is my offer: You'll work half your shifts here in the fire house in the bullpen and the other half at the academy teaching paramedics. What do you think?"

"I would love to teach at the academy but the bullpen doesn't sound fun." Gabby admitted. "I had a hunch you would say that." Boden smiled. "I don't want you to do paperwork only. I want you to work on a concept to make working on Ambos safer. There have been too many incidents lately. Headquarters wants every firehouse in the city to hand in ideas to increase safety."

"Okay, that actually sounds interesting. I can imagine working on that." Gabby admitted.

"So, you're in?" Boden looked at her.

"I'm in." She smiled at him. "We haven't told anyone besides you and Severide about the baby yet. I won't be able to hide it any longer but we agreed on doing it at Molly's after shift. So, it would be great if you don't say anything."

"My lips are sealed."

"Thank you, Chief." Gabby got up and left the office. She finally was entirely happy. It surely looked like her life was finally back on track. Maybe she would get her happily ever after.