Hi Readers: I hope that you guys liked the little glimpse that I gave you into the life of the Halstead Family. Now, I am just going to say this; while I do know that some people are not a big fan of Will and Natale, there are reasons that I need the two of them to be together in this story that were somewhat mentioned on the flight. As well, I did mention how it might come into play later on in the story. But now, I am done with the Halstead Family for now, and I am going back to the our main family for a while as they enjoy the start of their new life as a family of four. Hope you guys enjoy Chapter Nine.

The Caseys: Parenthood Begins - Short Story
Chapter Nine

Matt's family ended up not staying very long as both they and the couple were tired, which meant that it was now just them and the twins once more. And the truth was, Matt was quite happy to be alone with his wife and their sons; the quite that came with this alone time was actually quite nice, and he was happy to see that Gabby was resting right now. After all, he could see that she was truly tired; which is something that's been the truth for a while. Even while she was still pregnant with the boys, she starting to become more and more tired as she got further along into her pregnancy. But now that she's given birth to their sons, he can't imagine just how tired she was; especially after how amazing she was while giving birth to Jacob and Matteo. Watching her give birth to their boys was the best experience of his entire life, and he was so glad that he was there for every minute of it; not that he would've wanted to be anywhere other than in the OR with his wife.

He absolutely loved cutting both of the chords that meant that their sons were born, and it brought such joy to his face each time he did it. But one thing that was not bringing him joy, was the fact that his wife seemed to be pushing herself; pushing herself to stay away, when she should be sleeping. Yet, he couldn't help but have a smile on his face as he walked into the washroom behind her, as she truly did look like she was feeling a bit better. She looked a bit more like herself, and she looked like she'd gotten the rest that she needed right now. But that didn't mean that she wasn't going to need some more rest, which was something that he was going to make sure that she gets. "I can only imagine how tired you are right now." Looking up at her husband in the mirror, Gabby sighed as that was the truth right now; she was quite tired, even though she had a nice night of sleep the night prior. Yet, she still feels just as exhausted as she did after giving birth.

Turning around to face Matt as he walked into the bathroom his morning, Gabby took a breath as she really wasn't ready to admit to her husband that she was tired; however, she already knew that he was aware of the truth. So, there was no point in lying to him about how she really felt at this moment; including how she felt about them having had to send his family away so soon, especially when they flew all the way here so that they could meet the boys. "I'm sorry that we had to send your family away." Matt shook his head as he heard Gabby apologize for them having had to send his family away, while also walking over to her at the sink this morning. "Hey, don't even say that baby. We both know that you're really tired right now, and we do still need to think about your health first Gabby." Gabby sighed as she heard Matt say that, before proceeding to wrap her arms around him once he was standing in front of her this morning; and god does it feel good.

At the same time, Matt decided to put his hands on her arms and just hold her close to him; kissing her forehead shortly after, Matt made sure to hold the woman he loves close to his chest. After all, he can clearly see that she's quite tired right now. "Gabby, I have this feeling that you overdid it a bit when it came to how many guests we let in. I knew that we did the wrong thing in asking both of our families to come, because I can see that…" Before Matt could finish his sentence, Gabby interrupted him. "Hey, you wanted your mom to meet the boys. That's fine with me baby, just take it easy and relax. I understand because I wanted the same when it came to Antonio and my mom. I know they met them yesterday." Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that, smiling as he put his hand on her neck and leaned in to kiss her softly. "Do you want to go lay down in bed and relax?" Gabby took a breath. "I have to do some pumping too. So, I am not sure whether I am…"

Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that, having no need for her to explain; and to show her that, he decided to lean in and just kiss the woman he loves softly. Taking things nice and slow with Gabby, Matt smirked due to the fact that this was exactly what he wanted to do right now; especially as he felt Gabby put her hands on his chest. Putting his hand on top of one of them, he pulled away from their kiss as he held the woman he loves close to her; after which, he moved his lips to her forehead and kissed it. God, Matt loves this woman in front of him so much; and it's why he truly believes that she's the love of his life. "I love you; I hope you know that Gabby." Gabby agreed with Matt as he told her that, smiling as she very well knew that was the case. "Hey, of course I know that Matt; I know that you love me baby, and I always will." Matt agreed with Gabby as she told him that, before putting his hand on her arm and stroking it with his thumb this morning.

"You want to go lay down in bed and relax Gabby? I think it's what you really need to do right now." Gabby agreed with Matt as he asked her whether she wanted to go relax in bed, which is definitely what she wanted to do with him right now. "Yeah, I need to take it easy in bed and just relax. I want to hold you close though." Matt agreed with his beautiful wife as she told him that she wants to hold him close, because he wants to do the same thing. "Believe me, that was never not something that you weren't going to do. You were always going to be holding me close in bed. You're the love of my life, and I just want to hold you in my arms for the rest of my life." Gabby agreed with Matt as he told her that, smiling as she looked up into his eyes. At the same time, Matt bent down and proceeded to kiss the woman he loves softly; just taking things nice and slow with the woman he loves, Matt smirked as he pulled away this morning to calm things down.

After which, he stepped back and extended his hand with the hopes of Gabby grabbing it. Promptly grabbing his hand shortly after he extended it to her, Gabby smiled as she proceeded to intertwine their fingers while they started to make their way out of the washroom today. And let's just say that it was perfect timing, as Gabby was getting quite tired.

With the hospital room not being that big, it didn't take the couple long to make their way back to their bed where they planned to relax with each other; however, there was one thing that Gabby needed Matt to do prior to them climbing into bed with each other. More specifically, there was something that Gabby wanted Matt to take off prior to them climbing into bed with each other; and that would be the shirt that he was currently wearing, as she didn't want him to be wearing a shirt as they cuddle up to each other in bed. Turning to face her man once they were next to their bed, Gabby smiled as she felt Matt step close to her and out his hands on her arms. Leaning in, Gabby smiled as she put her hands on his toned chest and kissed her loving husband softly. "I loved last night, the two of us sleeping in bed without any kids in between us for the first time since we got back together." Matt smiled when he heard Gabby say that, well aware that was the case.

"You want to lay down like that some more, don't you?" Gabby agreed with Matt as he asked her if she wanted to lay down that way some more, which she definitely does; but, with him being shirtless. Grabbing his shirt, Gabby decided to tug on it as a way to give him the message that she wants him to take off his shirt. "Can you take your shirt off for me? Or would you rather keep it on as we cuddle up to each other in bed?" Matt smiled when his beautiful wife asked him if he can take off his shirt, which he most certainly can. "Listen, let's get you in bed; then, I'll take off my shirt and join you." Gabby agreed with Matt as he told her that before turning around so that she can get in their hospital bed. Making sure to help Gabby up into bed, Matt just smiled as she laid down in a way that was very comfortable for her. Laying back, Gabby then rolled over and just snuggled into the mattress; after which, Matt decided to sit down next to her and put his hand on her body.

Looking at Matt as he sat down next to her, Gabby smiled as she put her hand on his. "How are you feeling right now?" Gabby smiled as Matt asked her how she was feeling, which she could only smile as a response; she was feeling incredible, and she was very happy now that she was a mom. "I'm really great. Really happy to be a mom too." Matt agreed with Gabby as she told him that, well aware that was the case. "I can only imagine that being the truth of the matter." Gabby laughed, smiling as she heard Matt tell her that; after which, she watched as Matt put his hand on her neck and stroked her cheek. Seeing him look down at her, Gabby could see a tear come out of his eye. "Hey, why are you crying baby?" Matt smiled as he heard Gabby say that. "Let me just close the door and then I'll be right back." Gabby agreed with Matt as he said that, watching as he got up to go close to the door; yet, she was also confused as to why her husband let out a tear.

Turning around after closing the door to their room, Matt took a breath due to the fact that he was well aware of the fact that he was now going to have to share why he just teared up. And the truth was, there was a good reason, because this was still so surreal for the husband. He never thought that this was going to be the reality that he has. Almost a year ago, he was told that his wife would die if she gave birth; her, along with their children. But now, they were a family; she was still alive, and so were their beautiful baby boys. Taking off his shirt as he prepared to join his wife once again in bed, Matt smiled as he was now just wearing his boxers; and that was definitely something that Gabby enjoyed as she waited patiently for her husband to join her in bed. After all, that was something that he promised her that he'd do; he promised her that he'd come join her in bed, and then they can cuddle up to each other in bed just like she wants to do with him right now.

"I have to say, I do love the sight of you walking around in tight boxers." Matt snickered as he heard Gabby say that, before going ahead with carrying his shirt over to his bag; the bag that contained all of the clothes that he thought that he needs while he's here in the hospital. "Just don't you dare think that you're getting anything." Matt snickered. "Oh baby, I know that." Gabby agreed with Matt as he said that. "I was saying that to myself mostly because it's such a turn on when I watch you take off your shirt; and let's just say that I am very glad that we're going to be spending time together like this, with you shirtless. Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that, setting his shirt down before going to grab some deodorant; after which, he put some on to make sure that he smelt good for his wife. But luckily for him, his bag was close in case he needed to grab his shirt quite quickly. "Listen, before I come join you; I'm going to look at the boys." Gabby agreed with Matt, smiling.

"Go ahead baby." Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that, before smiling as he made his way over to the boys' beds to that he can look at them. "Hey little guys. It's daddy." Gabby just smiled as she watched her husband spend some nice time with their sons, and boy did she like the way she was talking to the both of them; it was the most adorable thing in the entire world, and she's so glad that her husband was finally living his dream life. Matt's always wanted to be a dad, and he's such a great dad already. "Hi Jacob, yeah; you like it when daddy rubs your stomach." Gabby just smiled at the sound of that, as he truly is an incredible father. She's so glad that this is what they're doing right now. However, there was just something about the name that her husband just said. The name Jacob Casey. There's just something about it that bothers her. Just taking a breath, Gabby thought about how she could bring that topic up to the man she loves.

Turning around to look at Gabby, Matt was a bit confused. "You okay baby? You look like something's bothering you." Gabby just decided to lie. "Just a bit tired and waiting for my husband to join me in bed." Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that, deciding to accept that as an answer to his question; but it was just a temporary answer, as Gabby was going to give him the real answer when he joins her in bed. Walking over to his wife in their bed, Matt smiled as he leaned over her and smirked as he put his hand on her neck; kissing her softly, Matt smirked due to the fact that he was quite happy. "I love you." Gabby agreed with Matt as he said that. "I love you too." Matt agreed with Gabby, smiling at her. "Listen, I am going to climb into bed so that we can cuddle up to each other." Gabby agreed with Matt as he told her that, definitely ready to cuddle up to her loving husband; even though she knows that she's hiding something from him right now.

Climbing into bed this morning, Matt made sure that he was quite comfortable in bed; laying back, Matt smiled as he went to adjust the pillow under his head. At the same time, Matt turned to look at Gabby as a way to entice her to crawl into his arms; which she did shortly after he just glanced at her. There's just this way that Matt looks at her, that always makes her want to lay down in husband's arms; and that was exactly what she was doing right now, she was laying down in her husband's arms as they just cuddled up to each other. Wrapping her arms around his torso, Gabby smiled as she also slipped her legs in between his; after which, Gabby felt Matt tug the covers up on top of the both of them (which made her smile). However, the smile was soon gone as she thought about what she wanted to talk to Matt about. Turning his head, Matt kissed Gabby's forehead softly as he could just tell that something was wrong. "You okay baby?" Gabby bit her lip.

She then decided to lie again. "Yeah." Matt then looked down at Gabby. "Want me to turn the TV on or something?" Gabby shook her head. "Baby, talk to me. Are you thinking about the boys right now?" Gabby sighed, agreeing with the man she loves as he asked her whether she was thinking about the boys right now; and that was due to the fact that she was most definitely thinking about Jacob right now. More specifically, she was thinking about the name that they gave to their son. She was trying to find a way to tell her husband nicely, but she just couldn't fine a way; so, she just decided to say it right away.

"I don't know if I like the name Jacob anymore." Looking down at his wife as she said that, Matt was confused. "What?"