Title: Plan C
Chapter 14 – Playing for Keeps

Erin's eyes widen as she re-reads the sign and then looks at the serious expression on Kelly Severide's face; her eyes starting to mist over.

"I'm serious about making this work. Erin…will you marry me? Marry us?" He asks in a husky tone as he produces a small black box; her eyes instantly sparkling with happy tears. "I know you're just as worried as I am but I want this…I want you. We are both nervous but everyone is when they get married for the first time right? Just means we'll work extra hard to make it work," Severide's voice nervously stammers as she finds herself nodding in agreement. "We can do this. Do you…want to?"

"We can…I want this too," she whispers with a growing smile as his eyes can't help but widen. "Yeah I'm nervous but…but I believe in this. I believe in us."

"Really? This isn't exactly what I had planned but…well I had something a bit more romantic planned. The sign was…will you?"

"Yes. Yes I will marry you," she replies as she leans in closer, kissing him firmly on the lips and then looking at Aurora with a happy smile. "I will marry your daddy."

"Yay!" Aurora exclaims happily, as she looks up at her father who hugs her tightly.

"This…was perfect."

"I love you so much," Severide whispers as he holds her close in his grasp, Aurora now being held in Erin's grasp as the three of them stand inches apart. "When you left…I know why…but I realized how serious things were for both of us and…and I never wanted to see you leave like that again."

"Each time I left it got harder and harder to come back and then just…leave again. And…Matt?"

"Matt wants you there…maybe not as much as me," Severide tosses back with a small retort. "We'll make this work."

"But…"

"When Shay was here we um….we talked about all finding a place together…like a side by side so each of us could have our space with each of our partners but sharing a yard and deck where Aurora could see us both. Shay would want Matt to be a big part of her life and…so…well that's part of the plan."

"It's a great plan. Is Matt okay with it?"

"He is…in fact he's thinking of asking Aurora's teacher out."

"Ah! She asked about him."

"Really?" Severide replies with a smile as she nods. "He'll be happy about that. What about you? What do you think of all this?"

"I'm tired of being alone," she confesses as she leans into his body, his uninjured arm holding her a bit more tightly. "Don't want to let her down either."

"She would have been mad if you didn't come back for good."

She looks up at his adoring expression and feels her heart swell with nervous love and affection. "Can I come live with you guys from now on?"

"Sure," Aurora shrugs as she continues to play with the chain around Erin's neck.

"Free next weekend?" She retorts with a small smile. "I'm not big on tradition."

"Actually…we are. Yeah…if you're okay with it…yeah," he stammers eagerly. "In fact…I'll ask Boden of we can do it at the House."

"Really?"

"Too cheesy?"

"I like cheesy," she replies warmly as she lets them into her apartment. "I'd offer to make dinner but…" she lightly laments as she pulls open the door to reveal a barely empty fridge. She watches Kelly put Aurora down and then looks at him with a small frown. "Did you talk to her about it?"

"I did," he answers in truth as he slowly approaches.

'Aurora sweetie, I want to know if you think it'll be okay if Erin comes and lives with us. On a permanent basis.'

'Why daddy?'

'Because I want her to and because she wants to and because I love her and she loves me and she loves you. Is that okay?'

'Sure.'

'Because that will mean some changes,' Severide had paused as he stopped her from playing, making her look up in wonder. 'I love you so much sweetie and I love Erin and I want her here with us so we can be a family. Uh remember when mommy was with us and she…well had a friend over for that sleepover that one time and had to lock the door? Well that'll be the same with me and Erin.'

'A sleepover?'

'Yes…so that means she'll be sleeping in here with me now and…and when that door is locked it means you have to knock and if there's no answer you can just go and play okay?'

'Why daddy?'

'Well…because it means Erin and I will be…having some private time. But it doesn't mean we're mad okay? Just means that the two of us want to be together.'

'What about Uncle Matt?'

'He's not invited,' Severide had retorted a snicker; the lame joke lost on his daughter. 'You know how Uncle Matt sometimes locks his door and doesn't answer when you knock? It'll be the same way. You can just go into the living room and play or watch some Dora.'

'Okay daddy.'

He had talked to Matt about it also, and of course getting his full cooperation, both then made a plan to help Aurora come to terms with the new changes they'd all soon have to embrace.

"It'll take some time and gentle and regular reminders for her to fully understand but I think she's on board."

"Thought for sure after the whole gun…look Kelly I'm sorry…normally I'd have it locked away and…it won't be left around for her to get. I promise you that."

"I believe you. I know you'd never do anything to harm her."

"Never," Erin whispers. "Okay so…dinner."

"Well we did have dinner planned," Severide reminds her with a tender smile as she leans in closer.

XXXXXXXX

"So…" Casey asks in a quiet tone as he listens to Erin chattering to Aurora.

"She said yes," Severide replies with a wide grin. "We're getting married."

"That's great!"

"Next…weekend."

"That's…great," Casey replies slowly as both chuckle.

"You sure? Because if it's…"

"I've been pushing for this also right? Would seem kinda hypocritical on my part to say she can't move in here now."

"We both figured that…don't want to wait any longer…"

"Hey…this is between you two. If you're ready….why wait? The sooner Aurora gets used to it the better right?" Casey retorts as Severide nods in agreement.

"I really want this to work."

"It will."

"Speaking of making things work," Severide starts as he pulls away and goes to see Erin and Aurora. "Call Andrea. I think she'll say yes."

"How do….wait how do you know!" Casey calls out; Severide's voice offering a soft chuckle as he disappears. "Did she say something to him," Casey mutters as he looks at the name of Aurora's teacher on her take home schedule. "Wonder if she'd come to the wedding? Too much for a first date? Damn…we both need Shay here."

"That arm better be healed by next weekend," Erin whispers, her lips brushing his sensitive lobe, making his skin shiver all the way to the floor.

"Oh trust me…it'll work and if not…the rest is in tip top shape," he reminds her in a husky tone. He feels a small twinge under the scar on his thigh but knows that by next weekend, most of his frame will be strong enough to support her frame on his. He thinks about the arrangement he and Matt had talked about and he can't thank his friend enough for being this supportive and encouraging. And best part is Matt and Erin get along; that was one of the things that would have been a deal breaker for them both – each person has to accept the other's partner. No matter what.

"I really need to learn to cook," Erin huffs as she watches Casey pull out the small pot roast. "Really…you made…roast?"

"I'll give you the recipe. It's really easy."

"Or…I can take a class…a basics," she shrugs as Severide looks up in interest.

"I…might join you. This way Matt won't he needs to start charging extra for his chef services."

"That's not a bad idea," Casey retorts as Severide tosses a balled up tea towel at him. Casey easily sidesteps the weakened throw as Aurora is called to the table and the four of them sit down to enjoy a casual meal. Tonight the conversation is upbeat and focuses on the big event in a week's time – the wedding.

"Can I be in it too?"

"Of course you can," Erin replies with a big smile as she tucks a dirty blond strand behind Aurora's petite ear. After that they all linger in the living room until the excitement of the day starts to take its toll and it's time to call it a night.

"I'll stay a few more nights here and then I need to get home to get stuff packed up and…"

"There's room in my storage locker. Rented one right after the uh…the funeral so why not put your stuff in with mine and when we find a new place we'll decide then what we want and what we want to get rid of."

"My stuff is mostly garage sale bargains," she replies with a friendly smile as the two of them sit on the couch later that same night, Aurora already sleeping and Casey having retired to his room about half hour later. "I'd like to invite Shawna and Nick."

"Sure. I'm glad you found a friend in her. Nick's a good guy."

"She's been very helpful. She said to hell with tradition."

"Like that," Severide gently wags his brows as his uninjured arm pulls her close, his lips planting a soft kiss on top of her head. "Think Matt wants to invite Andrea."

"Really?" Erin says with a grin as her heads sags further onto his shoulder. She looks at a picture of Aurora on the mantle and smiles; the mischievous twinkle in her eyes the same as her father's. "Pulling up at the daycare with the police cruiser…got quite the looks."

"From the mothers or fathers?" He snickers.

"Mother's," she groans as she playfully pokes his side; his lips offering a small chuckle. "I gotta remove that booster seat tomorrow before Voight catches it."

"Surprised he hasn't yet."

"He's preoccupied with a few other things right now. Can't believe we're getting married next weekend," she whispers as she holds up her left hand; both of them looking at the beautiful solitaire diamond modestly set in crisp gold. "And we're going to Nick and Shawna's engagement party on Saturday…engaged. What do you think Nick will say?"

"Why wait?"

With those two very truthful words, Erin snuggles in closer to Severide's warm frame, the two of them remaining seated close together on the couch and talking about their modest wedding preparations in a week's time. Erin told Kelly that she would find a dress and wanted to pick out something for Aurora to wear. Kelly had told her about how Boden and Donna did their wedding – modest but with so much family pride and love, it was envied by all. Then dinner at Molly's and anyone from 51 or 21 who wanted to join in the festivities could do just that. And later in the year they would plan a family holiday when they could afford do perhaps drive south and plan it a bit longer than a week and a bit in advance.

Tomorrow…would be the start of a brand new day for them all.

XXXXXXXX

Severide wakes up early the next morning and slowly stumbles into the kitchen, looking at the living room and seeing it empty. He spies a small note on the counter and quickly picks it up.

'Early stake out. Duty calls. Love you. Talk later. The soon to be Mrs. Severide.'

"My wife…Erin…Severide. Really like the sound of that," he mutters as Casey joins him in the kitchen. "Is Aurora up yet?"

"She's…sleeping in."

"Sure," Severide huffs as he pulls away from Casey and heads toward his daughter's bedroom. Since Pauline and Don were back from their small holiday, it was back to their usual routine – with one exception.

"She said yes?" Pauline asks Casey as they wait in the kitchen while Severide talks to his daughter.

"Wedding is next weekend."

"That…is soon, but if they're ready. I know he never wanted something casual for Aurora. Lesley was the same. If she was still here I know her and Chloe would already be settled…somewhere," she confesses softly as she looks up at Casey with a strained smile. "I'm happy for them both."

"Me too," Casey agrees as they hear Aurora start to whimper.

"I don't want to go daddy!"

"I know but…" Severide huffs as he feels her forehead. "Okay you're not sick, so what's the issue?" His voice slightly rises and then falls.

"Tooth hurts," she looks up with sad, round eyes.

"Oh," he replies as he tells her to open up. Sure enough the little tooth is wiggly and the area around it is enflamed. "Oh sweetheart I'm sorry. You've lost teeth before right? It's going to be okay. Do you want me to pull it out?"

"No daddy! Nooooo," Aurora whimpers as she snuggles into her father's frame.

"It'll feel better after it's out and maybe if you put it under your pillow you'll get a surprise," he whispers as she looks up at him with a small frown. "Come on sweetheart…we've done this before okay? You don't want it to come out at school where you might swallow it and get blood on your clothes."

"Everything okay in here?"

"Loose tooth. Wanna help us?"

"Of course," Pauline replies with a smile.

Casey calls out that he'll be back later and heads for work, calling his sister on the way with the good news and then making it his goal to talk to Boden on Severide's behalf and then waiting for Severide to arrive at 51 and telling the rest of the teams – all of them anxious to see how his recovery is progressing.

XXXXXXXX

"Erin wait!"

"No we have…Jay start the damn car!" Erin hisses as Halstead looks at her in amusement; Voight hurrying after them. But she doesn't quite make it and when Voight leans into the car, the first thing he spies is – the booster seat.

"I know we all think Johnson is a child but I don't think his ass will fit into that seat."

"I didn't have time to switch it out," Erin replies with a small groan. "I will trust me," she adds as the car starts up and is about to pull away. "Need a favor."

"Anything," Voight replies as Halstead urges her that they have to go.

"Walk me down the aisle next Saturday at my wedding?"

At that second Halstead had started to step on the gas, the car lurches forward a few meters before coming to an instant stop.

"Wait…what?" Halstead questions as Voight's face appears in the car once more; Erin pulling the ring from her pocket and placing it on her left hand.

"I said yes. Kelly and I are getting married next weekend," she informs them, looking up at Voight with a sheepish glance.

"Next…weekend?" Halstead asks in shock.

"Yeah, can you make it?" She tosses back at her partner as she remains looking up at Voight. "We don't want to wait."

"Well…first off congratulations and secondly…yes I'll walk you down the aisle. Now get your asses over to Johnson's home and bring me back my snitch!"

The dark police cruises finally pulls away again at top speed, Halstead looking over at his partner in wonder as Erin's gaze remains fixed outside the window.

"Say it…I'm nuts right?"

"No…think it's kinda great," Halstead replies with a small shrug.

"Really," she states flatly.

"I think you're both nuts," Halstead retorts dryly. "Is that what you wanted to hear? Besides…when have you ever done anything by the book?" He adds with an amused grin, receiving a small curse from her in reply.

XXXXXXXX

"Happy for you Kelly," Benny tells his son as Severide stands in his father's office; a small stop before he heads to 51 with the update.

"Yeah me too. Excited and nervous but…we're ready so why wait?"

"You know my feelings. I'm behind you both all the way. I'm happy that Aurora will have a good woman who loves her and you and wants to be with you both and on a regular basis. She does right?"

"Funny," Severide dead pans as Benny smiles at his son. "So…what can I do to help?"

"Well…"

After he finishes talking with his father, Severide heads back outside and into another waiting cab. He looks down at the cast on his arm and is happy that it no longer has to be supported in a sling; and he's hoping in a week's time the doctor would tell him it could be removed – just in time. However, even if it was tender, it wasn't going to stop him from walking down the aisle and that night making love to his wife. My wife…damn I like the sound of that.

As soon as he steps into the large bay doors of Firehouse 51, his stomach tightens and he can only offer a somewhat strained smile as he's instantly swarmed by all teams; squad, truck, engine and the medic teams. They all ply him with questions on how his recovery is going; Clarke and Newhouse confirming that they were holding down the fort in his absence.

After that he heads toward Boden's office to talk to him a bit more on the subject that Casey had already broached – him wanting to use the Firehouse for his wedding ceremony on the following weekend.

"Congratulations," Boden extends his hand; Severide taking it with his uninjured one and giving it a firm pump. "I'm happy for you both. Now sit down and tell me how the past week has been."

XXXXXXXX

'Stakeout has been extended. Sorry. Be there when I can. Love Erin.'

He can only offer a frown to the text but knows that it's only because he's sidelined right now that he's feeling anxious and testy. But the day had been a success in every other way; Boden had given his blessing and the right to use 51 for the ceremony; Mills and Dawson said they'd come up with a special menu for Molly's the night of the wedding; Casey was on board as the best man, Aurora was going to walk down the aisle and Voight would walk Erin. He had picked up the license and called city hall, booking whatever City of Chicago JP (Justice of the Peace) was available.

Severide heads down the hallway to the spare bedroom and knows that whatever won't fit in the storage locker can be temporarily stored in the room that none of them use. Casey's support through this all was something he almost didn't know how to verbalize but in the end he knows…not having Shay there at his side on his big day would be tough. Damn I can't believe she's not here to see this.

'You know…we can have a double wedding.'

'Really? Chloe would wait that long,' he had tossed back at her.

'Course. I'm worth it,' she tossed right back; him having no words to offer in a defense.

His free hand slides down his recovering thigh, giving the itchy stiches a small scratch and his mind thankful that he's going to see the doctor tomorrow to see if they can finally come out. Then it would be over to Erin's to pick her up; she insisting that he pick her up for their date after she had a chance to dress up and surprise him a little, something of course he didn't mind.

"We're home!"

"Daddy!"

"Hey goober!" Severide greets his daughter with a warm one armed hug, holding her close and giving Pauline a warm smile as she enters. "How was today?"

"A bit of a tough spell at recess but I'll let you and your daughter talk about that."

Severide watches Pauline leaves and then looks at his daughter with a serious expression. "Okay so…just you and me tonight."

"Where's Uncle Matt?"

"He's at work and so is Erin. Is it okay if it's just you and me?"

"Yah," she agrees as her head slumps down onto her father's shoulder; his one good arm holding her close.

"But first…let's talk about school."

Severide gets his daughter to admit that she had another issue with sharing and had to get a small talking to by her teacher but then quickly apologized to her friend and wasn't sent home with any kind of reprimand. After their modest supper, the two of them head into the living room where he places his daughter on his lap and continues with their daily reading routine.

After that he puts her to bed, reading her a princess story of her choosing and then telling her how much he loves her and turning off the light.

He heads to his bedroom and suddenly feels – lonely. He misses Casey's chatter and Erin's laughter…misses having them around but misses Erin's presence the most. She needs to be here…permanently.

About two hours later he hears Casey enter, his footsteps softly padding down the hallway and then an hour after that Erin enters and his grin widens; his mind telling him that he can now get some solid rest. And for the first time in nearly two weeks – he does.

XXXXXXXX

"So what did the doctor say…"

"Uh…what? The um…right the doctor," Severide's voice stammers as he looks at Erin as she stands before him wearing a body hugging dark blue dress. "Wow…you look…you sure we have to go tonight?"

"Yes…as a newly engaged couple to our friend's engagement," she replies as she leans in closer, pushing herself up on her heels to meet his lips, brushing them lightly and then pulling back with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "You look equally handsome," she whispers, nodding approvingly at his dark dress pants and dark blue checked shirt. "You know…we won't have time for our own engagement party."

"Ah to hell with tradition," Severide retorts as he helps her with her jacket and they both head into the hallway.

"Where have I heard that before?" She counters as his hand settles on the small of her back. "Oh yeah…me."

"Come on…tonight should be…"

"Interesting," she completes with a hint of nervousness in her tone. Tonight would be another first. What…would await them?

A/N: who could ever say no to Kelly Severide? *grin* and well I'm not a fan of long drawn out – anything so our little family is going to very soon learn how to really live together and be a family. How will they fare? How will the wedding turn out? And what interesting things await our engaged couple as they go to an engagement party? Please do review before you go and thanks so much!