A/N: hope everyone has a happy and safe new years!!

This story is coming to a close, but I hope you all enjoyed it!!

Chapter 19

Hank practically drug Ken out of the district by his collar, throwing him into the back of his vehicle and drove off to the location he was given. "What's wrong Sergeant?" Ken kept the concerned hilt to his voice. "Is this about Kat?"

"If it were up to me you would be in a shallow grave somewhere … keep it up that might be where you end up." Hank growled at him. "You don't deserve to be breathing . " He slammed on his brakes causing Ken to go head first into the seat in front of him, and turned around to glare at the man. "She believed you, you know. She trusted you. "

That was the point Ken finally broke his façade. "I believed HER! I trusted HER! All those years ago, I believed she would make me money, that she wanted to be around me. Then she was gone, thanks to you . And then by some small miracle she came back to me, only to disappear again. AFTER she caused me to lose a ton of money and product, not to mention my place in the drug running business . She caused that. And YOU. " He spit out blood that had pooled in his mouth after hitting his face on the seat. "You both deserve to suffer for what she did. And she will definitely suffer… those guys she's with? They didn't appreciate her stealing their product. I imagine they haven't been too kind to her." His tone turned ugly, and Hank got what he was implying. He got out of the car, opened the back door and waited.

Kat woke up when she felt herself moving. She could hear voices , although they were disembodied. "She's breathing, but her pulse could be better . Let's get an IV started. " She opened her eyes and found herself looking into a familiar pair. "Sylvie?' she tried to talk but the paramedic quickly stopped her.

"Antonio! She's back with us." Sylvie gave her a big grin and stepped aside to allow Antonio next to Kat.

"Baby, you're okay…" he grabbed her hand and squeezed tightly , kissing her forehead. "Sylvie and Emily are taking you to Med."

"No… I'm fine." She struggled against the restraints they had her in when they put her on the gurney.

"I'm going to have to disagree." Sylvie stepped up, putting a hand on Kats shoulder . "You need to get checked out. You have the start of hypothermia , not to mention the cut on the back of your head needs stitches." She glanced at Antonio "He will be right behind us."

He nodded "I will I promise, I'll be right there."

Kat closed her eyes, she knew it was useless to fight with them. "Okay… where's Hank?"

The entire team gave each other looks. "He'll meet us at the hospital Kat…" Antonio trailed off.

Kat seemed to accept that answer, or she was just too exhausted to put up a fight any longer . She nodded slightly and closed her eyes, and the paramedics wheeled her out and to their rig. Kat didn't open her eyes but she felt each team member touch her shoulder as she was wheeled by them, including Matt and Kelly who had come to help search the warehouse… She counted three missing… and then she passed out again.

The next time she woke up she was in a familiar place. She recognized the ceiling tiles, she had seen them more times than she cared to remember. She sighed and felt someone next to her stir. When she turned her head her face lit up. Antonio was sitting in the chair next to her bed, his hand gripping hers, his head laying near her thigh. She squeezed his hand causing him to raise his head and blink a few times. When he realized she was awake he jumped up and called for a doctor.

"Kat… thank God you're awake! How are you feeling ? Does anything hurt ?" Antonio wanted to grab her and never let go, but he knew her head had to be hurting. At that moment Connor walked in.

"How's our frequent flyer doing? " He flashed a grin at her.

"I like you Doctor Rhodes, but I'm tired of coming here." Kat groaned.

"Well let's hang out at Molly's from now on then okay?" he started his exam, checking her eyes for reaction to the penlight. "Everything looks good, just need to keep you overnight for observation and to load you up with fluids. You still cold?"

Kat nodded so he asked the nurse to get her a warming blanket. "I know your head has to hurt…" he looked sadly at her, knowing she would refuse the medicine he was going to suggest.

He was right. She shut her eyes tight. "No."

"Baby you need it." Antonio knew she would still refuse but felt like he had to try and convince her. "This isn't years ago, I'm here for you to help you through whatever happens." He kissed her knuckles and brushed the hair back from her face. "Let them take care of you. "

She debated back and forth. Antonio was right, it wasn't years ago. She wasn't alone with this anymore, she had friends and family to lean on. "Fine, something weak please. " she finally gave up. Connor nodded and ordered Dilauded to be administered through her IV. It didn't take long for it to affect her, and she felt that rush from being high again. Even though it was a low dose, since her body hadn't had anything stronger than Ibuprofen for the last 4 years it hit her hard. When she passed out Connor gestured for Antonio to join him in the hall.

"Tell me straight Doc. Is she going to be okay ?" Antonio's face was filled with worry .

Connor clapped him on the shoulder "She's got a long road. I know that her agreeing to take the pain medicine was necessary but it's going to be difficult for her to process. She's been clean for 4 years, and this will be considered a backslide to her. I'll ask Daniel to come talk to her in a little bit when she wakes up."

Antonio nodded and glanced in the room at her sleeping form. "I love her. Whatever I need to do, I'll do it."

Connor patted him on the shoulder "Just be there for her." He walked away, leaving Antonio alone. He leaned against the wall outside her hospital room sliding down until he was sitting on the floor, head in his hands.

That's how Hank found him a few minutes later. Antonio felt his boss's presence before he looked up and saw him standing in front of him. He quickly got to his feet , shaking the older man's hand. "How's she holding up?" Hank peered in to the room and saw Kat fast asleep.

"She consented to pain meds." Antonio knew Kat would want him to know. "A super low dose, but it still knocked her out pretty quick. Dr. Rhodes is going to have Dr. Charles come by later and talk to her. For now she just needs rest and fluids. Where's Bowman?"

Hank just shook his head. "He tried to run." Was all he said, and then went inside Kats room to sit with her. Antonio knew he needed time alone with her, even if she was asleep, so he went to get a cup of coffee and saw the waiting room full of people.

"Antonio! How is she?" Kim saw him and called out , causing him to make the detour into the waiting room.

"She has to stay overnight, but she should be okay." He went over everything with them, and let them know their support was appreciated but that they should all go home. After most of the group left , he cornered Ruzek and Atwater , questioning them on what went down with the exchange. They filled him in on what they saw, Ken had tried to run causing Hank to put him down. The brothers showed, and we're promptly arrested by the two of them. The case was over, finally Kat would have some peace. Antonio silently thanked Hank for being the man and cop that he was, even though they didn't always see eye to eye on the way Hank handled things, but he knew the man did what he had to do to protect his own.

After the team left, Antonio went back to Kats room and found Hank asleep in the chair, and Kat awake smiling. She held a finger up to her mouth, indicating for him to be quiet when he entered. He leaned down and gave her a kiss, then sat down next to her on the bed . "I thought you were resting." He whispered.

She shrugged "I was, he snores." They both laughed quietly to themselves. "Come." She scooted to one side of the bed. "Lay with me. "

Antonio didn't think twice. He kicked off his shoes and got into bed with her, laying on one side and wrapping his arm around her, holding her close. They lay face to face, staring into each others eyes. "I was afraid I wouldn't get to see these again." He said , leaning his forehead against hers.

"I love you Antonio." Kat kissed him gently.

"I love you Kat. " He responded. They closed their eyes and drifted off to sleep together.

Six months later

Kat stood in front of the mirror checking her reflection. She was excited for tonight . It might be just another night at Molly's , but tonight it felt special . She had been seeing Doctor Charles every week for the last few months, going over everything that had happened to her, and he told her today this was her last session . She felt free. Free of the guilt she had over Kens death , of the pain he had caused her, of the anger over everything that had gone on since she was 17. She didn't relapse after having to take the pain medicine at the hospital after she was kidnapped, and Doctor Charles told her that meant she had already started to process everything . He had given her a journal to write things down in, and told her he was always available if she ever needed to talk about anything. She needed to celebrate, so Kat decided to dress for the occasion. The harsh winter weather had turned into a less harsh spring, so Kat chose a maxi dress that hugged every curve, and was a pale blue color that brought out her eyes, along with her favorite leather jacket. She heard a whistle and turned around to see Antonio eyeing her from head to toe in appreciation .

"You know we can just stay home…" he made his way over to her slowly, taking in the sight of her. When he finally made it to her, he wrapped his arms around her and his hands started to roam.

Kat blushed but smacked him playfully on the chest. "I swear Antonio Dawson , you are terrible. You just want to keep me all to yourself!"

"Well, have you seen yourself? Do you blame me?" he winked at her and pulled her close, pressing his lips to hers. When she moaned against them he deepened the kiss, and started to pull her towards the bed when his phone buzzed, causing the moment to end.

"Wow. Remind me to tell whoever that was what horrible timing they have." She laughed and kissed him quickly before padding off to the bathroom to finish getting ready.

It was Ruzek, who wanted to let Antonio know everyone was at Molly's waiting for them, and that he had the ring. Antonio sent a quick message back letting him know they would be there soon, and sat on the bed to think back on everything that had happened . It was March, Kat had walked into his life less than a year ago, but he felt like he had known her for a lifetime . He was ready for this moment . He had wanted to ask her to marry him before the kidnapping, but after she came back to him he needed to make sure she was okay before he moved to the next step. And today was the day. It was her last session with Doctor Charles, so it was a perfect excuse to go to Molly's and celebrate. He had talked to his children, who gave him their blessing. They thought Kat hung the moon, and were really excited that Antonio was planning on doing this. Eva was particularly thrilled, as her mom didn't spend much time with her anymore , and Kat had turned into one of her favorite people to be around . "You ready?" he called to her. "The beer isn't going to drink itself!"

"God forbid we aren't there to drink the beer, Molly's won't be the same!" she laughed. " Yes I'm ready." She walked out of the bathroom and Antonio fell in love with her all over again. Her hair was up in a twist, with a few strands framing her face. "What? You're staring… what is it?"

He got up and crossed the room to her, holding her face with his hands. "You're beautiful, and I love you." He gave her a quick kiss on the lips and they headed out the door.

Molly's

The crowd tonight was big, bigger than their opening night . How they all kept this secret for this long was crazy, but they all did it. All the members of Firehouse 51's second watch, Intelligence , and quite a few doctors from Chicago Med were there. Hank even showed up, and brought a special guest with him. The atmosphere was electric, the crowd was excited for Kat and Antonio to show up. "Hey!" Christopher started yelling from behind the bar. "They'll be here in 5!! Game time folks!"

As Antonio pulled up to the bar he looked at the woman sitting next to him, and was overcome with emotion. He started to get nervous that he had planned something this huge, and he second guessed himself for about 2 seconds before he shook those thoughts from his mind and went around to open the door for her. She took his outstretched hand and they walked up to the front door together. Kat paused for a second at the door when she saw the sign on it. "Closed for a private party?" she turned around and gave Antonio a look. "What did you do…"

He just shrugged and opened the door, allowing her to walk in first. The entire crowd turned and yelled SURPRISE as they walked in , and Kats eyes filled with tears. "Oh my gosh what in the world is this?" she saw Adam walk past her and hand Antonio something behind her, but it didn't register until she heard him say her name. When he did she turned and found him down on one knee, ring box in hand. The crowd was silent (a first for Molly's ) and Kat gasped and put her hand to her mouth.

"Katherin Bend, from the first moment I saw you I knew we were meant to be together. You filled a hole in my heart that had been there so long I didn't think it would ever be complete. These last 9 months have been something for the record books, but I wouldn't take a moment of them back. I love you, and it would make me the happiest man in the world if you would agree… will you marry me?" he opened the box and held up a ring she recognized, it had been Camille's. She realized after a minute she hasn't said anything and everyone was staring.

She took her hand off her mouth "You are the best person I've ever met Antonio Dawson, Yes! Yes I'll marry you!!" he jumped up and wrapped his arms around her, immediately kissing her deeply while everyone cheered. When they heard the shout of "GET A ROOM" they broke apart and he slipped the ring on her finger, as Kat felt her face turn bright red. She didn't know how the night could get any better, or how she could be any happier until she felt a hand on her arm. When she turned around she let out an excited shriek.

"Er???? What are you doing here ?" she pulled the younger woman into a tight hug.

"You think I would miss my big sis getting engaged?" Erin laughed and kissed her cheek, then did the normal fist bump with Antonio.

"You? You did this?" Kat turned to Antonio, and the look of gratitude was all over her face.

He held up his hands "Nope, I can't take credit for this one."

"I can." Hanks gravel voice spoke up from behind Erin. "I called her, you have been through too many bad times over the last 9 months, and I thought she needed to be here for one of the good ones." He leaned in and gave Kat a hug and kiss. "Camille and Justin would have loved this. " His eyes turned sad for just a moment before he smiled again.

"Camille's ring?" Kat looked down at her hand.

"I gave it to Justin when he proposed to Olive. When he died she gave it back under the strict order to make sure if someone else got it that they deserved it. And you do baby girl. You deserve all of this." Hank took hers and Erin's hands and squeezed. "You both do."

Their mini family reunion was cut short when Antonio handed her a glass of champagne. "To family." He raised his glass and everyone else raised theirs and repeated the phrase. Kat didn't drink hers, she sat it down on the bar and grabbed Antonio's hand pulling him towards the back room, so he finished his glass and followed.

"What is it? Is everything okay?" he got the words out barely before Kat pushed him against the counter, kissing him hard on the mouth. Her hands started to unbutton his pants, causing him to moan against her. "Kat… baby…"

She pulled back and stared into his eyes. "I love you so much." She pulled her panties down, shimmied out of them, and handed them to him. "Either I walk around all night like this or you take me right now." Her eyes flamed with desire and Antonio was done for . He growled and turned her around, bending her over the counter. He pulled down his pants and boxers while she lifted her dress. His hands roamed her backside which was on perfect display to him. He pressed into her gently at first but he became overcome with want, especially when he saw the light glint off her ring and she moaned his name. The actual act was quick and they were both thankful for the crowd noise in the actual bar so no one heard Kat yell. When they were finished Kat cleaned up and walked back over to Antonio who had a very satisfied grin on his face. "What?" she giggled and leaned against him.

"I don't know how I got so lucky. " He responded, peppering her with kisses. He started down her neck which made Kat moan and pull away.

"You keep that up and we won't make it back to our own party." She winked at him and started to walk away.

"You forgetting something?" he held out her panties to her, and she just smiled and shook her head, walking out of the room. Antonio laughed and shoved them in his pocket, and joined her.