Title: Plan C
Chapter 15 – Today I marry…my best friend

"You seem nervous," Kelly whispers as he feels her hand tighten atop his folded uninjured arm.

"Think I'd rather be at a stakeout," she tosses back with a small smirk as the door opens and they are greeted with warm smiles and inviting hugs first by Shawna and then Nick.

"Okay…let me see the ring," Shawna tells Erin as Kelly slowly pulls away to talk to Nick. "Oh love it! And the date?"

"Well…" Erin slightly stammers as she looks at her future husband and then back at her new friend. "Next weekend."

"You two certainly don't wait do you," she responds as she gives her a hug. "Congrats! That's so great!"

"Thanks so…are you busy next weekend?"

"We'd love to come," Shawna replies confidently as Nick looks at her in amusement. "We're not going to miss their wedding."

Nick looks back at Kelly as his grin widens.

"Surprise," Kelly confirms with a small snicker before his expression somewhat clouds. "Nick…"

"You never have to justify your life or love or family to anyone but yourself and your daughter. And Aurora? Is she excited?"

"As far as I can tell she is. Erin loves her and they get along great so that's what counts right?"

"It certainly is an important part in maintaining family unity. I told you about my kids but now…they've both come around fully and are ready to have Shawna with us on a daily basis and it's great. So…you beat us by a few months huh…maybe it's better, no time for a bachelor party."

"Don't need one," Severide tosses back.

"So…how'd you hurt the arm?"

"Can we talk in private for a few minutes?"

Erin watches Kelly and Nick head for the back room, telling herself that he probably wants to tell him what really happened to his arm and the aftermath of his run-in with Randy. Feeling the need for something to drink, Erin leaves their engagement gift on the table with the rest and heads into the kitchen to get a glass of wine.

She offers a small smile to two women as she approaches, picking something off one of the nearest food trays and then turning around to search for Shawna; wishing that there was another friendly face in the mix. But before she decides to leave the kitchen, a very interesting conversation keeps her in place, her brain telling her to eat slowly and pretend to be interested in the food.

"Are all the men taken here?"

"I don't think so. The one Fred…he's an accountant."

"Boring."

"Nick said his friend the firefighter was coming."

"Ohhh was that the guy that went into the study with him? He can hose me down any day."

"Down girl."

Erin's eyes narrow and she's glad that her back is to them so they can't see the jealous daggers that she'd be shooting in their direction. At the same time she can't really blame them as she knows…he is hot and his confidant swagger and killer smile is something that always makes her melt into emotional goo. Sorry ladies…he's coming home with me!

She slightly turns and looks up to see Kelly and Nick exit the back room, his handsome face a bit perplexed but then looking at her and smiling and setting both their worlds right.

"I think he's smiling at us," one of the single women whispers to the other, Erin holding back a laugh at their glaring error.

"Too bad about his arm."

"Maybe I could nurse it better for him."

But then something changes that makes her laughter turn into that of sour anger.

"Hey Kelly…his is for Aurora," Nick hands him a small dolly for his daughter. "From one daughter to another."

"What? He has…a kid? I don't see a ring…"

"Doubt he'd come alone. That's disappointing. Hot guy…think I could just ship the kid off to Alaska or something?" One starts to snicker.

"Yes then call me and we'll have a hot threesome."

Easy…Erin's mind warns as she feels her finger tighten around the base of the wine flute that it threatens to break; her heart knowing that it's Kelly's tender love for and interactions with his daughter that helps endear him to her. This is Nick and Shawna's night…

"Oh yes please. Mmm maybe he can wear his firefighter gear."

"Suddenly it's hot in here."

"Oh look, he's coming this way. How do I look?"

"Killer."

Erin finally pulls out from behind them as Kelly approaches, nearing the two women as she closes the gap between them and her husband to be. "Hey…" she greets as both women turn to her and give her a look of utter disdain. "I think Aurora will love it," she whispers as she leans in closer and plants a brief but searing kiss on his mouth and then loops her arm in his, turning to the women and leaning in closer, "really not a mystery why you two both are still single."

Both jaws slacken as they watch the feisty brunette turn and lead her handsome fiancé back toward their waiting friends; the two women looking at each other with angry and embarrassed expressions.

"What was that all about?"

"Jealous Erin," she lighlty groans, her lips brushing his ear as he pulls back and looks at her in amusement. "Don't get used to it," she adds with a playful pinch to his side as he just chuckles and gives her side a squeeze as they near Nick and Shawna.

"I see you met the vultures," Shawna huffs.

"I shouldn't have said anything," Erin states in haste. "Are they your friends?"

"Co-workers," she sighs. "I didn't think they'd be this bad, but the insisted on coming. But don't worry, they won't be at the wedding."

"Kinda too bad, I was needing some target practice," Erin retorts as Shawna laughs. "Aurora will love this," she holds up the little 'Sleeping Beauty Aurora' doll.

"Nick's idea. He's such a softie for that kinda stuff," Shawna states with loving affection as she looks over at Nick. "Sometimes I think he's more sentimental than I am. Bad right?"

"It's almost scary how much we have in common," Erin tosses back with a smile as both women laugh; the two in the kitchen still watching them with disdain.

However, it's not only Erin who gets to exercise the jealously muscles as Kelly watches Erin heading for the hallway and then turns away to talk to one of the other men for a few minutes but when he turns back he notices a tall man about his age walking up to Erin and blocking her path.

His eyes slightly narrow as he looks at her flash him a smile and then feels his stomach tighten, politely excusing himself and slowly heading in their direction; his brain also telling him the same thing Erin's told her…this is Nick's party…behave!

"Hey honey," Kelly purposely pronounces as the single man turns and looks at him with a small huff. "They just put out some fresh pizza bites."

"My fave," she replies as she offers a polite smile and brushes past the very disappointed man. "Jealous Kelly?"

"Get used to it," he retorts with a chuckle as they head into the kitchen to enjoy some fresh appetizers and then head back into the living room to mingle with their friends; the evening handing both of them a few fresh experiences but also giving them a chance to really bond and grow as a couple in a new setting for them and cement a few new friendships along the way.

XXXXXXXX

"Feels good to be back here," Kelly tells Matt as they slowly head into Firehouse 51.

"Practice your cooking this week," Matt tosses back with a smile as Boden approaches.

"Kelly."

"Chief…I can't stay home any longer," Severide lightly implores. "Matt's about to report me."

"He's looking for things to clean," Matt playfully groans.

"You're always welcome here…just no heavy lifting," Boden reminds him as Matt breaks away and heads for the locker room area. "How are the plans coming?"

"They're…coming," Kelly replies with a small shrug. "Dad's booked the caterer as you know."

"Yes we had to find a place to set up that won't actually hinder service," Boden tosses back with a slight snicker.

"Yeah he uh…told me about that," Kelly smiles. "Matt and I are going to look at a tux rental place tonight and Erin's…looking for dresses in between stakeouts."

"Sounds about right. And how's Aurora with all this?"

"She's…fine," Kelly answers slowly. "I talked to Nick about what to expect from Aurora and so far…he said she's right on track and it's just dealing with her getting used to having Erin there and all us working together to…make it work."

"You'll make it work. Now…how's the arm?"

After Kelly finishes talking with Boden he heads back into the kitchen area, taking some playful guff about his broken arm and having to endure a lot of one handed jokes at his own expense. But at least it's better than being at home…doing nothing. He pulls his phone and looks down at the picture of Erin and Aurora clowning around for the camera and feels his heart starting to swell. I wonder if she's found her dress yet.

XXXXXXXX

"This…is a first," Erin utters under her breath as she gets out of her can and slowly heads toward the front door of the bridal shop later that same day. I can take down hardened killers…surely I can survive long enough to buy my wedding dress! At first she had thought about just getting a regular dress and almost turned around and left, but as soon as she steps inside, a somewhat magical feeling starts to envelop her and by the time the bridal consultant is at her side she's actually somewhat anxious to try a few things on.

"Well…that doesn't give me a lot to work with but I might have a few already altered and some samples in smaller sizes that you might like. I'll show you over here and…by yourself or…?"

"I'm…"

"We're here! Sorry we're late, blame traffic."

"Erin! Erin!"

"Hey Lady Bug," Erin greets Aurora and then gives Pauline a warm hug. "Thanks for helping me with this…my mom she…"

"I'm happy to help so…what you looked at so far?"

"I just got here," Erin replies as Aurora, already enchanted with all the pretty dresses around her starts to explore the area with eager expectations.

"Aurora, don't touch anything!" Pauline gently scolds; the five year old looking back at her in frustration.

"Do you um…have something in her size?" Erin asks as Pauline looks at her in haste and then smiles warmly.

"Of course. So…let's get started," the consultant tells them. "You," she tells Erin, "come with me and we'll get some measurements and, you…"

"I'm the grandma."

"Perfect! There's a section here for her and you might even find something nice for you."

Erin heads for the dressing room, her eyes resting on a creamy dress that wasn't too frilly or girly or showy but…somehow just right.

"Okay…so let's see how special we can make your special day. What's the venue?"

"Firehouse 51," Erin replies without hesitation as the consultant looks up in wonder. "Firefighter."

"Nice…and interesting venue. Okay so…"

XXXXXXXX

Kelly hangs the tuxedo bag in his closet and then rejoins Matt and Erin in the kitchen, Aurora happily coloring at the table. Erin had to almost bribe her not to tell Kelly anything about their special outing and that she was also getting a dress for the wedding.

'What do you think Aurora?' Erin had asked coming out and stepping onto the platform with the dress she'd end up buying.

'You look like a Princess!' She answered with glee. Pauline of course took lots of pictures with the camera, phone was too easily accessible and Erin wanted to make sure Kelly was surprised. Erin found a pretty dress for Aurora and even Pauline picked out something special for herself.

"That smile…she's hiding something," Kelly gently teases Erin as Matt looks up in amusement.

"Okay fine…my dress is black. I'll be coming as a goth bride."

"You know I could see that," Kelly tosses back as Erin's eyes playfully narrow.

"Watch it mister."

"Trust me you could take him with his gimpy arm," Matt interjects.

"Very funny," Kelly deadpans as Aurora rushes up and shows him her picture. "Is that Erin's dress for Saturday?"

"Yup…"

"And is that my dress?" Kelly teases her as Erin quickly looks at the picture.

Much to her relief there was just her and Kelly and a big Red fire truck; nothing to give away that she had bought his daughter a dress for the big day. Erin watches Aurora climb onto her father's chest and try to tickle him, finding a more tender spot and then smiling warmly as he laughs and then tries to tickle her back; both expressions flooded with loving emotions.

They were planning for early afternoon with a simple ceremony, then a catered lunch before the three of them are whisked away in a limousine, provided by the Shay family, to take some pictures and then off to their hotel for their wedding weekend; Matt meeting them at the Park for pictures and then to take Aurora for the weekend so they can spend their first few official nights as husband and wife away from any kind of distraction or interruption – the location secret to all but Erin…soon to be Severide.

"No you don't get a dress!" Aurora tosses back crossly as Kelly pokes her side and she giggles.

"Work?" Kelly asks in dismay as Erin's phone buzzes and she's quick to read the answer; shaking her head 'no' a few seconds later.

"Peter and Gabby are making the cake."

"Will it be edible?" Matt retorts with a snicker as Kelly's brows arch. "Trust me…it'll be great. Those two can cook."

"Yeah when they're not making out in the kitchen," Kelly adds with his own chuckle.

"What's making out daddy?" Aurora asks in haste; Kelly's face drooping and Erin and Matt laughing.

"It um…so where's pouch?"

"Chicken," Matt banters back as Kelly tries to change the subject.

The rest of the evening is spent talking about the big day ahead and a few more finalizations. Voight was paying for the photographer, the three of them joking that if they didn't get the correct shots, they'd be quietly disappeared. While Benny was paying for the food catering, Jay said he'd pick up the few bottles of wine, mindful of the fact that some of them would be on duty that day – but not all; Boden had made sure to bring in reliefs so that Severide's squad could fully enjoy their leaders big day without any altercation.

XXXXXXXX

The rest of the week seems to fly by with Severide making room in his bedroom for Erin's things and then arranging a storage unit for her furniture items where they'd be stored until they had all found a new home to live in.

Matt had arranged to pick up Aurora early in the week, arriving at the school a bit early and heading inside with a rapidly thumping heart to ask Andrea Green, Aurora's preschool teacher if she wanted to join him at Kelly and Erin's wedding.

'I hope it's not too forward for a first date,' he had nervously asked, offering her a somewhat nervous smile but endearing himself to her even more. 'I know you're on the list so…it wouldn't be too awkward for you, or…'

'I'd love to.'

'Really?'

'Yes really,' she had replied with a confident smile of her own. 'I can meet you there if you'd like.'

'That'd be great and then maybe…dinner afterwards.'

'It's a date.'

"You thought she'd say no?" Kelly asks Matt as they sit in the living room the night before the big day, Friday night; Aurora almost asleep in his grasp.

"Well…it's been a while since I asked anyone out and…I think Hallie would approve."

"She'd definitely approve. Thanks for all the help this week and…for all this. You've really come through Matt."

"We're friends right? Family…it was for Shay and you and Aurora…and me. I didn't want to be alone and now…I like our plan. Even if it doesn't work out with Andrea long term, I want to still stick to the plan."

"That's great to hear. I know Shay would want that," Kelly states as he turns and looks down at Aurora. "You know…if she was here, she'd insist on being the best man."

"That she would," Matt agrees as he takes another swig of his beer. "She'd be so happy for tomorrow…for all of you."

"I know she would," Kelly whispers as Aurora looks up with a sleepy smile. "So Pauline is going to pick up Aurora and head over to Erin's and then….to Firehouse 51. We have the House to ourselves tonight," he slightly snickers. But a few of the guys, his father, Voight and Boden even Nick had dropped by earlier to have pizza, beers and just hang for a few hours – his last night as a free man.

"Hey I offered a bachelor party."

"Can you imagine if I reinjured this before the big day?" Kelly retorts in mock horror as he holds up his arm – the cast finally off. He'd have to wrap it with a black tensor bandage but at least it wouldn't be an eyesore for the pictures.

"And that's why…we're here and…what do you think she's doing at her place?" Casey ponders.

"Girly stuff…" Kelly snickers with a shrug. "Hell if I know. Same as us I think. Eat…drink…I don't know. I think Shawna and Burgess and Platt and Dawson and…Brett and…I don't know but probably just…I should put Aurora to bed."

"Yeah it's…wow it's late."

"We're getting old," Kelly laughs as they both slowly stand up, Kelly aiming for Aurora's bedroom and then his own; Matt putting away the few bottles of beer and then turning off the lights.

Just before he slips into bed, his phone buzzes and he's quick to answer it. His grin widens as he looks at the selfie of Erin in her bed wearing a black silk nightie. "Damn her…" he curses with a wide grin.

'Sweet dreams Mr. Severide.'

He thinks of the cheesiest think he can send and then presses reply.

Erin looks at her phone and then the picture that appears and grins just as wide – a selfie of Kelly in his bed with no shirt on. 'Sweet dreams back to you Mrs. Severide.'

And they would both…have very sweet dreams.

XXXXXXXX

"Okay…no coffee for you," Matt pulls the cup from Severide's grasp. "That was sour cream."

"Damn," Kelly lightly curses and then shakes his head. "Nervous is normal right?"

"Sure," Matt shrugs as they hear a knock on the door. He pulls away with a chuckle and greets Pauline who's come to get Aurora and then head over to Erin's.

"Be a good girl for Erin and Grandma Pauline and I'll see you at the Firehouse."

"Okay daddy," Aurora answers softly as she kisses his cheek.

About half hour later, Benny arrives, Voight going to pick up Erin and Jay already on his way to the Firehouse to help out the teams there to get it all set-up; Herrmann taking over as self-appointed MC. No one really challenging that.

'What about me?' Otis had protested as Herrmann offered him a wry smile.

'Give me that,' Herrmann retorted as he snatched the microphone from his grasp. 'What do you know about weddings?'

'I think that was a dig,' Cruz had piped up.

"Alright…I think we're good to go."

"Proud of you son," Benny tells Kelly just before they leave, shaking his hand and then slipping something into his breast pocket. "I don't mind spoiling you today."

"Thanks dad," Kelly whispers as he gives him a hug and they take their leave. As they near the Firehouse, Kelly's nervous anxiety starts to skyrocket and he can't help but wonder how Erin's faring.

XXXXXXXX

"Erin…wow you look…so beautiful," Pauline praises warmly as Erin emerges in her wedding dress.

"I feel…amazing," she replies with a wide grin, a few curly tendrils framing her face; the rest swept up atop her head into a pile of curls, accentuated with a few fresh white orchids and some paste-on-pearls; a small veil hanging down the back just below her bare shoulders.

"This…is for you," Pauline tells the younger woman as she nears with a small object. "I know you're not big on tradition but neither was my Lesley. I don't have her to give it to but…I know she'd be happy for you to use it."

Erin looks down at the little sparkly blue drawstring purse and then up in surprise.

"Please…something blue right?"

"I love it…thank you," she manages in a soft tone, giving the older woman a hug that is captured by a single photograph. "And thank you for everything."

"And you…look absolutely like a little Princess!" Erin declares looking down at the adorable little girl. They had done Aurora's hair the same as Erin's her dress not as bare but still fancy and very Princess-like. The official photographer sweeps in once again to take some posed and candid pictures before a knock is heard and Voight appears.

"Wow…he's gonna drop dead," Voight states with a wide grin as he enters the busy apartment. Erin quickly gathers her overnight bag, handing it to Voight, Pauline taking Aurora by the hand and Burgess locking everything up. In the limousine ride to Firehouse 51, Erin's heart continues to gain momentum until the black car finally stops and she feels as if she's about to pass out.

"Maybe Kelly should worry about me dropping dead," she huffs to Voight as they get out and head into one of the large open bay doors, the others closed to keep the element of surprise fresh for all in attendance.

"Ready?" Voight asks as he gives her arm a squeeze and then a proud smile. "I'm very proud of you."

XXXXXXXX

"Erin's not one to be late," Casey reminds his nervous friend. "But…"

"But it's her wedding day," Kelly groans as Matt smiles and pats him on the back.

"But…she will be here."

Kelly lingers at the front of the happy and excited crowd, everyone milling about and socializing until Herrmann tells them "it's time to get this show on the road," earning a small eye roll from his wife. But they all take their seats and a hush falls over the crowd, everyone from 51 and those associated from 21 in attendance as well as family, old friends and some new ones.

The city appointed Minister nears the front and then all eyes turn to the back of the row of seats as a little figure in white appears.

"Oh…my," Kelly whispers as Aurora appears, holding a basket of Red rose petals and earning and instant and collective 'AWWWW' from everyone in attendance. Shay…you would so love this! Kelly holds his breath and then watches as his wife to be rounds the corner with Voight at her side, another collective hush and his heart literally skips a few excited beats.

"Wow…" is all he can manage, his grin so wide his face almost hurts. Her eyes lock with his and his once rapidly beating heart starts to calm slightly as she approaches. Voight extends his hand to Kelly and gives it a firm shake before he kisses Erin on the cheek and then sits down in the front row.

"I'm speechless," he whispers as he leans in closer, letting her wrap her arm around his as they both turn and face the Minister who is about to start and then will in turn announce them to the happy crowd as: "Mr. and Mrs. Severide."

'always'

A/N: Okay so I switched to first names with this chapter and going forward b/c it'll just be easier once Erin also becomes a Severide lol and we have a Benny and a Kelly…so now it's first names all around! And hope that's okay well…they did it! so all sunshine and roses now right? (don't worry you'll get a sweet chappy up next) but I'm a sucker for drama and angst and that's a-comin'. A few laughs and some aww's and yay for Matt also please do review before you go and thanks so much!