Hello there everyone! I'm back with the next chapter for you all. There's a scene in this one I think you're really going to like, and I can't wait for you to read it. I don't have much else to say, so we'll just go ahead and get into it. But I hope you guys like this one, and I'm so excited to hear your thoughts on everything.

Happy reading!

UPDATE 10/14: Hi guys, I just wanted to let you all know that I won't be able to get a chapter for this story posted today. I had planned on updating, but yesterday I decided to re-work the chapter because I wasn't liking how it turned out. And then I ended up getting really sick yesterday as well, and I wasn't able to get it finished. So I'm just gonna go ahead and wait until next week so I have some more time to get the chapter how I want it. I hope you all understand, and I'm so sorry for the late notice. But I'll see you all next time.

NINETY EIGHT

Casey let out a heavy, settling breath as he stood out on the slick sidewalk, the man facing the home he knew by heart as snow was falling down around him. Even in mid-March, winter was just as brutal as it had been all year, Matt able to see every breath he took mixing in with the cold air in front of him while he worked up the courage to head inside. He hadn't called to let them know he was coming. And, unless they'd looked out their window during the past five minutes, they still had no idea he was here.

The parents of his girlfriend had no idea he was standing out here, waiting for the perfect moment to go inside their home and ask to marry their daughter, Matt having given them no hint whatsoever that something like this was coming. Which is exactly what had kept him out here this long, his nerves getting the better of him as another shiver coursed through his spine when the cold air rushed passed.

Deep down, there was a big part of him that knew he had no reason to be nervous. He knew how much Ramon and Camila loved him, and trusted him with Gabby. That, like Severide had told him, they'd most certainly be thrilled with his desire to propose, and that they'd welcome him into their family with open arms. Just as they'd done from the moment they met. But despite that, it was hard for the rational part of his brain to function properly right now, as the idea of going in there and asking them for permission to marry their daughter had to have been one of the most nerve wracking things he'd ever experienced before.

But when those unsteady feelings started to creep back in, he did all he could to push them aside, Matt shaking his head slightly as he tried to remind himself that he had no reason to be nervous. Though in moments where his head couldn't calm him down, the small blue box in his pocket seemed to do the trick as Casey reached in and gently grasped onto the box, his nerves beginning to melt away by the second while he held onto that engagement ring.

Gabby's engagement ring. The same beautiful ring that he'd found for her just last week.

He had only gotten it back the day before yesterday, after all the necessary adjustments had been made, but it was absolutely perfect. Even better than he remembered the first time, as the second he'd picked it up from the jewelers, he was even more sure that he was making the right decision. And it had filled him with a feeling he almost couldn't explain, as he knew he had never felt this sure of anything before in his life, that security giving him the extra push he needed to come here today.

Because now that he had this ring in his possession, he couldn't wait to put it on her finger. To propose to her, and show to her and the rest of the world that he was ready to spend the rest of his life with her.

But before he could do that, there was one last very important conversation that needed to be had.

One that couldn't happen until he went into that house, Casey drawing in another breath to push the last of his nerves aside before he began to walk up the snow-covered path.

He stepped carefully, Casey not wanting to risk falling as he made his way to the front door, Matt climbing the stairs before he stepped onto the security of their covered front porch. When his feet were firmly on the ground, he started brushing some of the excess snow off his shoulders before removing the beanie covering his head, Matt using his reflection in one of their windows to try and make himself a little more presentable before he took those last few steps towards their door.

It seemed almost daunting to him, to lift his hand up and knock, the door seeming bigger than it ever had before. But after a few seconds, he did it anyway, Casey tapping his knuckles against the cold wood before taking a few steps back.

He couldn't be sure how long he waited, time seeming to move slower to him than it ever had before, but eventually he heard movement coming from inside their home, Casey taking one last steadying breath before the door was pulled open.

When Ramon saw who was standing on his front porch, it was hard for him to hide the surprise etched into his features, confusion mixing with elation as a soft smile formed across his lips.

"Matthew, hi son." He greeted brightly, his eyes flashing behind him, like he was checking to see if anyone was with him, before he looked back to Casey. "We weren't expecting you today."

"Yeah, I know this was kind of unannounced, and I'm sorry for just dropping by. I hope it's not a bad time." He spoke, resting his hand over his stomach while Ramon immediately began to shake his head.

"No, no of course not. You're always welcome. Come in, it's cold out there." He replied, Ramon stepping out of the way to give him room to walk in, Matt accepting the invitation before moving into the warm home. "Camila's just in the living room." He added on with a smile, Casey making sure to get as much snow off of his boots as he could before nodding.

"Ramon?" Camila's voice filtered into the entryway as if on cue, the older Dawson closing the door behind them to keep the heat in before they began walking further into the house. "Who was it?"

"It's Matthew, dear." He answered just before they turned the corner, Matt walking in first before a wide grin appeared over Camila's face the second she saw him.

He could tell she was a bit confused as well, but she was happy to see him nonetheless, the older woman immediately pushing herself up from the couch as he and Ramon entered the room.

"Oh, well isn't this a surprise." She spoke happily, Camila coming over to give him a quick hug. "It's so nice to see you, sweetheart."

"You too." He replied when they pulled apart, Camila's eyes moving between the two men before glancing behind them.

"Is Gabriela not with you?" She questioned, Matt shaking his head as he took a slight step back.

"No, she's not." Casey answered, the look covering her face telling him she was still a little unsure of why he was here without their daughter. But still she nodded, Matt giving her another small smile before he continued. "Her and Shay are having a girls day out, so she couldn't make it." He added on, watching as both her parents nodded.

Though it was by no coincidence that Shay had asked Gabby to go out with her today, as Matt had been secretly planning with their friend for days for her to get Gabby out of the apartment this afternoon. It wasn't so much that he needed her away from their home, but more than he would have needed an excuse to go out. So they'd quickly devised a plan for the two friends to hang out today, to give time for Matt to get away and come here, and not risk Gabby finding out.

"I was telling Ramon, I'm sorry I didn't call, or ask to stop by." He started, but Camila immediately waved him off.

"Oh, don't apologize for that, dear. You never have to ask before stopping by." She echoed Ramon's earlier words, Matt smiling softly as she reached out to squeeze his arm gently. "Are you hungry or anything? Would you like something to eat?" She asked him, Matt soon shaking his head. "We just finished up lunch, but I don't mind making you something."

"No, no I'm fine. Thank you though." He replied, Camila pausing for a moment before she nodded, the room going silent as the parents shared an uncertain look.

Casey knew they were curious as to why he was here. That even though, from their own words, he was always welcome, stopping by unannounced, without Gabby no less, wasn't something he'd typically do. And the longer they stood here, he could only imagine what was running through their heads, it taking a few more seconds before Ramon finally spoke up.

"So, what brings you by, Matthew?" He questioned with raised brows, Ramon's hands resting gently on his hips as Camila's head tilted to the side slightly, both of them eagerly awaiting his answer.

"Well, uh… I was stopping by, because there's something I want to talk to you about." He told them after clearing his throat, Camila and Ramon sharing another look before they nodded.

Before anything more was said, the parents sat back down in their seats on the couch while Matt sat in the chair beside them, his demeanor not going unnoticed by either of them as they started to wonder more and more what this was about.

"Is everything okay?" Camila asked before he got the chance to speak, Matt glancing up to find an almost worried look on her face. "Nothing's wrong with Gabriela? Or you?" She pushed, Casey quickly shaking his head in an effort to ease their concerns.

"No, she's fine, we're fine." He responded softly, his words helping Camila's body to relax slightly before she nodded, Matt sure her added concern came from the fact that they hadn't seen their daughter in a few days. "We're great, and Gabby, she's- She's doing well, everything's fine."

"Good, I'm glad to hear that." She replied, Camila looking him over once more before clasping her hands together in her lap. "So what is it you wanted to talk to us about?"

Her words hung heavy in the air for a moment, Casey drawing in a deep breath as he did his best to gather his emotions. He expected for this to be the most nervous he had ever been, for what he was feeling outside to be nothing compared to what was happening now. But instead, it was the exact opposite. He felt calm all of the sudden, like all of his nerves had disappeared while he sat here.

And Matt could only imagine that came from knowing, without a doubt, that he was doing the right thing for him and Gabby.

"Matthew?" Ramon asked when he had yet to say anything, the smile on Casey's face growing as he looked back and forth between them.

"...I'm here because I want to ask for your permission to propose to Gabby."

The second those words left his lips, it was like you could hear a pin drop in the room, Camila and Ramon both stunned by his statement. But within moments, that surprise morphed into pure joy, a huge smile appearing over Camila's face as tears formed in her eyes. And Ramon's reaction was just as much, the man releasing a surprised, yet happy breath while Camila lifted her hands up to cover her face.

"Oh, Matthew…" She spoke happily, tears continuing to build in her eyes as she shook her head. "My sweet Matthew, you're planning to propose?" She asked, like it was more for herself than for him as Matt nodded.

"I am… Or I want to." He responded, tears gathering in his own eyes as the emotions around him were starting to become overwhelming. "But I wanted to ask you both first." He added, Ramon's grin widening as Camila started to wipe away some of her tears. "I know Gabby's a grown woman, but I also know how much she respects you all… And how much I know she'd want you two to be a part of this. So that's why I'm here, to ask for your blessing to propose to her."

Camila was up off the couch before he could even finish his words, the woman wrapping him up in a tight, warm hug. Matt got up with her soon after she got to him, adjusting his arms around her before hugging her back just as securely.

He could only make out some of what she was saying, as her words were muffled against him, and mostly in Spanish, but from her reaction alone he could tell she was excited. And even though Ramon had yet to get up from his seat on the couch, the huge smile across his face gave Matt all the answer he needed, too.

"I can't believe this, I just- I can't believe this, you're going to propose." Camila continued on as she pulled away from him, her hands coming up to cradle his cheeks before Matt nodded.

"As long as you're okay with it… Which I think you are." He added with a laugh, Camila matching his look as Ramon finally got up off the couch and moved the few steps towards them.

"Oh sweetheart, of course we are. We're thrilled for you two, this is the best news." She breathed out, rubbing her hand along his cheek lovingly before dropping her arms just as Ramon clasped him on the shoulder.

"It is, son." He said, before bringing him in for a hug of his own. "And quite honestly, I was sort of waiting for this day to happen." He spoke lightly, Matt chuckling as the two men pulled back.

"You were?" Casey asked, wiping away some of the tears that had fallen onto his skin as Camila rubbed his arm.

"We both were." The older man replied, Camila nodding with a knowing look in her eye. "I mean… We weren't sure when it would happen, because of everything Gabriela had going on. But we had a feeling this would be coming someday." He said with a soft grin, Matt looking between them before he nodded. "And it means a lot to us that you wanted to include us. So thank you for that, Matthew… We couldn't be happier, for the both of you."

"Thank you, Ramon." Matt said sincerely, before bringing the man in for another hug, Ramon reciprocating the action while Camila wiped away more of her tears. "I hoped you all would be happy, but I was still a little nervous." He added, all of them laughing softly before Matt reached down towards his pocket. "And I, uh… I've bought the ring, if you want to see it?"

The second he spoke, Camila immediately nodded before reaching out towards him once more, the mother holding onto his arm and leading him back to the couch. "We certainly do, I want to hear about all of it." She said happily, Matt giving her a smile before the three of them settled down onto the furniture, Casey now sitting in between them as he pulled the jewelry box from his pocket.

"It's… It's nothing too flashy. But I wanted it to be something she'd like. Something that I thought best fit her." He prefaced before slowly opening the box.

A sharp gasp left Camila's lips the second she saw the ring, the woman shaking her head in wonder while her and Ramon both looked at the piece of jewelry.

"Oh honey, it's beautiful." She breathed out, before gently reaching out to grab ahold of the box. "It's absolutely perfect, Gabby is gonna love it."

"Yeah?" He asked, Camila nodding before she reached across him to hand Ramon the jewelry box.

"Yeah, she will." She replied confidently, Casey's smile widening as Ramon looked the ring over. "You were right, it looks exactly like something she'd love." Camila added on, Matt nodding with a happy gleam in his eye before turning back towards the ring.

"Do you know when you're gonna propose?" Ramon asked just after Casey took the box back, the firefighter drawing in a slow breath before he shook his head.

"I'm not sure yet, honestly… I don't know when, or even where I'm gonna do it. All I know is I want to do it soon. And I want it to be perfect." He rushed out, Camila biting back her smile as she reached over to gently hold onto his forearm. "Gabby, she… She deserves the best, and I want this to go perfectly."

The two parents looked at each other for a moment, Camila reaching up to wipe away a few more of her tears before she spoke. "It will be, Matthew. No matter how you do it." She assured him.

"Does Gabriela know anything about this?" Ramon piped up, the sound of his voice causing Matt to look back in his direction.

"She doesn't… Not that I know of." He replied, both of them nodding understandingly. "The only people that know so far are Severide and Shay, but I've tried really hard to keep it a secret. I want it to be a surprise for her." Matt explained to them with a small smile on his face. "It hasn't been easy, that's for sure… Shay especially, she makes me nervous that she'll accidentally tell her, but so far Gabby has no idea. And I'd like it to stay that way." He told them, Ramon nodding strongly beside him. "I just… I really want this to be special. So hopefully she won't suspect anything before I do it. And then, you know, hopefully she says yes."

Those last words left his lips with a soft laugh, Camila mimicking his action as Ramon immediately began to shake his head.

"She will." Ramon replied without an ounce of hesitation, the sure look in his eyes matching the sturdiness in his voice, Matt taking another deep breath as the two men watched one another. "I know my daughter, and I know without a doubt that she'll say yes." He finished, Matt nodding slowly once more while he tried to keep his tears at bay.

"Ramon is right, dear." Camila echoed, Matt glancing to find similar emotions playing out over her face as she gave his arm another assuring squeeze. "Believe us when we tell you that her saying yes, that's not something you need to worry about. She's gonna be so excited for this… She loves you so much, more than she's ever loved anyone else." She told him, Casey's eyes falling closed as he took in the magnitude of her words. "I can see it every time she's with you."

"I love her just as much." He cut in, his lips moving before he could stop them as the smile on Camila's face grew.

"We know you do." She told him, Ramon reaching back to pat him on the shoulder before she continued. "We know just how much you love her, and that's exactly why we're so, so happy about this." She continued on, her genuine words going straight to his heart. "Because we know that with you, she is loved. And respected… And with you, she's the happiest we've ever seen her."

Casey took a shaky breath as he nodded, Ramon speaking up before he got the chance. "Camila's right." He replied with a watery grin. "We know how you feel about her, Matthew. And since she's been with you, we-" He stopped himself, the man needing a second to gather his thoughts before he cleared his throat.

"With Gabriela, we always had to worry about her." Ramon started once more, Casey nodding slowly in response. "Especially knowing now what all she went through. But even before we really knew what was going on, we've always worried… Worried if she was being taken care of, and being loved in the way she deserved." He did his best to explain, while Matt hung on his every word. "Worried about whether or not she had a good man in her life. Someone who was putting her first… Especially because, as you know, a lot of the time she doesn't do that for herself." He spoke, Casey nodding softly as a sad look flashed in his eyes.

"And, looking back on it now, we know we had every right to worry about that. But we don't anymore, because now she has you and… She has always deserved someone good, and kind in her life. Someone who will always be there for her. And we know you can give her that. You have given her that… And that's exactly why we know we don't have to worry about her with you, son."

Ramon's speech sprung more tears to Casey's eyes, Camila unable to stop herself from crying as the heavy emotions were all getting the best of them. "You're a great man, Matthew… A man worthy of someone like my daughter." He continued on, Casey's jaw trembling slightly as a lone tear slid down his cheek. "You've been a great man for her, and I can never thank you enough for that."

"Ramon…"

"You saved her, Matt." He spoke seriously, Casey forcing himself to take a breath as Camila leaned closer to him. "I truly believe that, with everything in me. And I know Camila does, too… You are the best thing that's ever happened to her." He reiterated, Casey swallowing back his tears as Ramon patted his shoulder once more, with nothing but love and respect between the two of them.

"She's the best thing that's ever happened to me, too." Matt managed to get out despite the emotion in his throat, Ramon nodding surely before the two men connected in a hug once more. "And meeting her, she… You're saying I saved her, but if anything she's the one who saved me." He added on, Casey unable to keep his tears at bay any longer as they separated.

"She really did. And I don't know where I'd be right now if not for her. But what I do know is I love her more than anything else in this world, and I want to spend the rest of my life with her… Which is exactly why I'm doing this. Because no matter what's going on in our lives, the one thing I'm sure of is her… her, and us."

Camila nodded with fresh tears filling her eyes, Matt clearing his throat once more as he did his best to keep himself together while he looked back down towards the box in his hands, the man opening it up to stare at her ring once more.

"Gabby, she's… She's everything to me. She always will be, and I want to make sure she always knows that."

"She does." Camila murmured, rubbing along his arm once more before Matt nodded slowly. "She already does know that… But this ring is also a good way to tell her." She added with a soft grin, Casey chuckling lightly before nodding once more. "But everything you just said, and everything Ramon said… We're glad so Gabriela has you, Matthew. And we're so grateful to have you in our lives, as well. We've thought of you as family for a long time now, you always will be a part of our family. And we really could not be happier about this, sweetheart." She reminded him, Matt matching her smile as she reached out to hug him once more.

And that was where they stayed for a few more moments, Casey taking all of this in as the conversation with her parents had gone better than he ever could've imagined, their support and love meaning everything to him.

He had gotten their blessing. Their enthusiastic, loving blessing. And now all that was left was that one last step, all he had left was to propose.

And Matt couldn't wait for that moment to finally come.

"Are you almost done in there? What's taking so long?" Shay called from her seat on the couch in the fitting rooms, the blonde flipping through her magazine while Gabby was behind the curtain trying on a few things.

The best friends had been shopping for a little over an hour now, the two having decided to go and pick up a few different things after their lunch together. And while Gabby was on board for whatever Shay wanted to do, she didn't exactly plan for this to turn into her being the one to try on all these new clothes, while her friend sat out there with her one shirt she planned on purchasing.

"Yeah, I'm not sure about this one, Shay." Gabby said back as she smoothed out the dress covering her body, the material resting delicately against her skin. The creme colored, low-cut dress was beautiful, there was no denying that. She just wasn't sure if she'd ever get any use out of it, especially not with the nearly freezing temperatures still outside most days. "...I think it might be a bit much."

"Come out here, I'll be the judge of that." She countered, Shay putting the magazine down while Gabby stayed in her spot inside the changing room, a heavy sigh leaving her lips before she turned around to walk out.

After pulling back the curtain, she stepped out into the small room just as Shay came into view, the blonde watching her with a bright smile over her face while Gabby moved towards the mirrors.

"You look gorgeous, what are you talking about?" Shay told her, doing her usual hyping up while Dawson scrutinized her appearance in the reflection. "You should get it."

"Where would I even wear it?" Dawson asked back, watching Shay shrug through the mirror before adjusting her positioning on the couch.

"I don't know, out on one of yours and Casey's fancy date nights or something." She answered smoothly, Gabby drawing in a deep breath before looking back at her figure currently covered by the skin tight dress. "But you look hot in it, so you should at least think about it… And we both know Casey would love it." She added with a teasing grin, Gabby ducking her head slightly. "Though he'd probably like it better off of you, but that's another conversation."

"Shay…" Gabby warned her, shaking her head slightly before turning around to face her friend.

"I'm just saying, babe. You know I'm right." She responded, Dawson rolling her eyes before looking down at herself once more, Shay watching her closely for a few moments before she spoke up. "...How's all that going, anyway?" The older woman questioned, Gabby glancing back up at her with a curious look in her eye. "You and Matt, everything still good?"

The soft smile that instantly formed over Dawson's face was hard to ignore, like just the thought of him was enough to spark that kind of reaction. "Yeah, everything's great." She responded, Gabby resting her hands on her hips before her smile morphed into a more questioning look. "...You know you ask me that almost every time you see me?" She pushed, Shay raising her eyebrows challengingly before she responded.

"Well, I've gotta make sure my girl is still being taken care of." Shay replied, Gabby huffing out a breath as a slight smirk tugged on the blonde's lips. "Though based on how cheerful you both have been lately, I think it's safe to say he's taking care of you just fine." She added on, Dawson unable to stop herself from rolling her eyes.

"Trust me, he's more than just fine." She countered, her tongue running along the inside of her cheek as Shay shot her a knowing look.

"From the way you've been glowing lately, I don't doubt it… But I guess that brings me to my next point, and that's how I can't believe he hasn't managed to knock you up yet." She spoke bluntly, Gabby immediately starting to shake her head before her hand came up towards her face. "...Unless he has?" Shay pressed with a smug grin, Gabby lifting her head solely to shoot her a tight glare. "Are you sure there's still no baby Casey on the way?"

"What is your obsession with me getting pregnant?" Gabby asked, Shay merely shrugging as that smile never left her face.

"Because I want to be an Aunt, and you're my only hope." She replied easily, Dawson huffing out a tired breath before Shay continued. "Well, my only hope in Chicago anyway. But still." She finished, not missing the unimpressed look that began to cover Gabby's face.

"Okay, well trust me… I'm not pregnant, and there are no plans for any sort of a baby Casey anytime soon." She told her, Shay holding her hands up in defense.

"Alright, alright, I hear you loud and clear… But someday?" She asked, her words causing Gabby's head to snap back towards her, a slight frown forming over her lips as she tried to grasp this conversation that was seemingly out of nowhere.

"I… I don't know, Shay." She breathed out, the blonde hesitating for a moment before she nodded.

"But there's no way you haven't thought about it." She pressed, Gabby lifting her hand up to run over the side of her face once more in exasperation before she glanced around, it becoming painfully obvious that they weren't exactly in the right place for this kind of conversation.

"Of course I have, but- why are we talking about this right now?" The words rushed out of her mouth quickly, Shay noticing the way her friend's demeanor was beginning to shift. And not in a good way, Shay frowning slightly before shaking her head.

"Right, sorry, it just- It just came to my mind, but you're right. I'm sorry for bringing it up." She told her, Gabby waving her off before she turned back around to face the mirror, the air around them heavy as it was hard to just forget the conversation they'd had. But Shay didn't want the weirdness to continue, the woman looking over her friend once more before speaking up. "...But I really do think you should get that dress." She added with a smile, Gabby running her hands over her sides as she looked herself over in the mirror. "You look beautiful."

The two friends locked gazes through the mirror as a small smile formed over Dawson's face, Shay giving her a nod before Gabby mimicked the action, her eyes moving back to look at herself one last time.

"Thank you… I think I will get it." She told her, Shay clapping her hands together excitedly as all of the uncertainty from their previous conversation was slowly being forgotten, the best friends just wanting to continue on with their nice day together.

And that's exactly what they had done, the women spending the next hour or so doing a little bit more shopping, getting a few essentials as well as some things they just liked. And by the time it was all said and done, it was well into the afternoon by the time they finished, both of them carrying more bags than they intended as they walked back to Shay's car.

Moving quietly, they got all their stuff into the trunk before going to their seats, Shay getting in on the driver's side while Gabby took up residence in the passenger seat, the heat that started pumping through the vents helping to combat the cold temperatures outside as they sat there for a minute, just trying to get warm.

But while they waited, it was hard for Shay not to look at her friend, their abruptly ended talk from earlier still running laps in her head, as there was a part of this the older woman couldn't let go. And she needed Gabby to know it.

"I'm, um… I'm sorry about that in there, by the way." She spoke suddenly, Dawson looking up towards her as she halted the movement of her rubbing her hands together, both of them knowing exactly what Shay was talking about. "The whole pregnancy thing, I'm sorry. It was stupid, and I shouldn't have said anything."

"It's fine, Shay." Gabby said with a slight shrug, but Shay wasn't giving in so easily.

"No, it's not." She replied with a sigh. "I know I tease you and Casey about it, but I shouldn't." She continued on, her tone almost like she was mad at herself. "Not after everything that happened, I know this can't be easy for you and I shouldn't keep bringing it up."

Those words left Shay's lips before she could truly process what she'd said, but it didn't take Gabby any time at all to understand her, Dawson's eyebrows furrowing as her lips parted slightly, the back of her throat starting to go dry while the true meaning of Shay's words sunk in.

"...Everything that happened?" She repeated softly, Shay glancing at her almost instantly, with a look that told Gabby she hadn't really realized what had come from her mouth. But the second she did, Dawson could see the color start to drain from Shay's face, like she realized she said something she shouldn't have. And it was then Gabby knew for sure exactly what this was, Dawson pursing her lips together before her eyes moved forward, the silence in the car nearly deafening.

"You know, don't you?" Dawson asked her after a long moment, Shay biting down on the inside of her cheek as a bit of guilt flashed in her eyes. But Gabby still didn't look at her, her entire body on edge as her hands were clasped together in her lap. "About the miscarriage, you know." She stated, Gabby forcing herself to look back towards her friend just before Shay nodded.

"I do." She answered, though she wasn't sure how she'd managed to get her words out that quickly as her voice was mostly caught in her throat.

Dawson nodded slowly, her eyes trained on Shay for another lingering moment before facing forward once more, Gabby taking a few steadying breaths as she tried to work through the hundreds of thoughts running through her head.

"...Does everyone?" She questioned, Shay instantly shaking her head in response.

"No." The blonde replied, seeing Gabby's entire body start to relax. "Not that I know, no. It's just me." She added on, watching as Dawson began to gnaw on her bottom lip. "But I- I'm so sorry that happened, Gabby. That you went through that. And that you had to go through it on your own."

"It's okay." She whispered.

"No, it's not." Shay countered softly, Gabby closing her eyes for a moment while taking another breath, things going quiet once more as neither one of them was sure what to say. Shay didn't want to push her, and Gabby didn't necessarily want to talk about this. But she knew she had to.

"How, uh… How did you find out?" Gabby asked, catching her gaze. "Did Matt tell you?"

"He didn't- Or not really, but kind of, I guess. Only after I asked." She rambled out, a slight wince tugging on her features as an unsure look appeared over Dawson's face, Shay blowing out a harsh sigh before she continued. "He didn't tell me, because I knew before I went to him, but I did ask him about it after..."

"After what?" Dawson pressed when Shay went quiet, the blonde shaking her head slightly. "What, Shay?"

"I… I don't want to bring up any bad memories for you." She replied, Gabby grimacing slightly before she pushed on.

"I mean, none of this is exactly good memories anyway. So what is it?" She asked once more, Shay clenching her hands together before finally replying.

"...I found out from Walker." She hurried out, Gabby's face remaining unreadable. "I heard him mention it, one of the times he… When he cornered you at Molly's, a long time ago." She said, Gabby's jaw tightening as she thought over what all was being said to her. "It was right before Casey's accident, but he said some things, he-"

"He said he was glad I lost the baby." Dawson stated, Shay swallowing thickly before she nodded.

"Yeah." She murmured, Gabby pausing for a moment before she nodded. "And after I heard that, I didn't want to ask you because of what all you were dealing with, so I went to Casey… He sort of told me, without telling me." She continued on, Shay's grimace only deepening when she tried to get a read on her friend, but couldn't. "But I… I'm really sorry, Gabby. For all of it. And I know you didn't want anyone knowing, but-"

"It's fine, Shay." Gabby said again, Shay's eyes moving over her quickly like she was trying to gauge if she was telling the truth. "I… Honestly, I don't mind that you know. Really, I don't." She told her, the look on Shay's face softening before she nodded. "I just wasn't able to talk about it at the time, that's why I never told anyone about it… Not to say it's easy for me now, but I'm fine, really."

"Okay, I'm glad." She replied, Dawson offering her a weak smile. "But I am still sorry, that it happened… And that I can't keep my big mouth shut, and I keep bringing up the whole pregnancy thing." She added on lightly, in an effort to test the waters and see how Gabby truly was.

But when the small grin appeared over Gabby's face, she got her answer.

"Yeah, you do seem to be pretty stuck on that." She responded with a laugh. "But it's fine… Hopefully one day, Matt and I can actually make all your Aunt Shay dreams come true." She added on, Shay's own smile growing as she turned more towards her friend.

"Don't get my hopes up if you're not gonna follow through." She joked, Dawson shaking her head in amusement before Shay continued. "But seriously, all of this- if you don't mind talking about it… Having a kid and everything, have you and Casey talked about it?" Shay asked her, the woman feeling more comfortable bringing up this conversation now that she knew her friend was alright.

Shrugging slightly, Dawson thought over her words for a second before she eventually responded. "Not really, no… Not an actual conversation or anything, not since the pregnancy scare." She spoke openly, Shay giving her a supportive nod. "That whole thing really just… blew everything up, and we haven't really talked about it since."

"That's understandable." Shay replied sympathetically.

"Yeah, all of that was hard… For a lot of reasons. The miscarriage made it hard for me, and then Matt and I, we weren't-"

"You two were in a much different place then." She finished for her, Gabby drawing in a deep breath before she nodded. "And I know now that the whole thing brought up a lot for you, more than just trying to figure things out with Casey. But you two are so solid now… When that happened, you two weren't even together, but now this would be having a kid with the love of your life. The same guy who's-"

Shay quickly stopped herself when she realized she was about to say too much, Gabby's eyebrows furrowing slightly at the shift in her friend's demeanor. "Who's what?" She pushed, Shay smiling softly as she said the first words that came to her mind.

"Who's madly in love with you." She covered, Gabby unable to stop the small smile that formed over her face. "But yeah, I just… Obviously this is between you and Casey, and I know it would be difficult, given everything you went through in the past. But I for one would love a little mini-Dawson and Casey running around." She added on with a grin, Gabby ducking her head slightly at the thought.

"Yeah, I'd love that too… Someday." She responded, Shay giving her an encouraging nod before she returned her attention to the road ahead of them, the woman putting the car in gear before glancing around the street to check for traffic.

"Well I'm glad to hear that, because I have a strong feeling that lover boy feels the same way… Which, speaking of, we should probably get you home. Because I'm sure after seeing you in that dress, Casey might want to get a little 'someday' practice in." She teased, Gabby scoffing lightly as she pulled out of her parking spot, the two continuing on with their conversations while Shay began to drive them to Gabby's place.

Casey sat comfortably on the couch in their living room while the Blackhawks game played in the background, this position one he'd been in for the last hour or so while he waited for his girl to get home. Though he wasn't left waiting that much longer, as mere minutes later he heard the door open and her come inside, a soft smile forming over his face before he paused the game and got up.

"Babe?" He called when he walked around the couch, his steps slowing as she came into view.

"Hey baby." She replied with a soft smile, Gabby carrying a rather large amount of shopping bags in her arms.

"Looks like you and Shay had a successful trip." He spoke with a laugh before coming to grab the bags from her, Gabby initially protesting but he took them anyway, the two then walking over towards their dining table so he could set them down.

"We did, yeah." She replied, Gabby leaning in to give him a quick kiss once her bags were on the table. "We had a nice time… And I bought a few things." She added with a sly grin, Matt chuckling softly before kissing her once more.

"Yeah, I kind of noticed. But I'm glad you had a nice time." He spoke against her lips, the two connecting for a few more short, chaste kisses before pulling apart.

"What about you? How was your day?" She questioned while beginning to sort through the bags, Casey staying by her side as he watched her pull out some different types of clothing.

"It was fine… I didn't do much." He answered casually, Gabby looking up towards him just as he shrugged.

"Ahh, well I'm sorry you were stuck at home all day by yourself." She replied, Casey pausing for a moment before he gave her a soft smile.

"It was fine, I was able to get some stuff done." He responded, Gabby thinking nothing of it as she gave him another nod, before returning her attention back to the table. "So what all did you get?" He asked her, wanting the attention off himself as Gabby gave him a shy smile.

"Just some clothes, mostly." She responded, Matt nodding as his hand came out to rest over her hip. "And, I uh… I got a dress that I can't wait to show you." She added, her words causing his eyebrows to raise as he noticed that unmistakable tone in her voice.

"Oh yeah?" He asked, Gabby looking up at him with a dark look in her eyes, one that caused his throat to tighten before she nodded.

"Yeah… I think you'll like it. And I also think you'll like some of the things I got to wear under it."

Casey took a deep breath before he nodded, his hold on her hip tightening as their eyes stayed locked on each other. "I like the sound of that." He said softly, Gabby grinning for a moment before she reached up to give him another kiss.

"Give me 15 minutes, and I can show you." She murmured, rubbing her hand over his chest before she began to pull away. "...Unless you're still in the middle of your hockey game."

"Nope, I'm good." He answered before she could even finish getting the words out, Gabby laughing softly as his hand ran along her back. "I wasn't paying attention to it anyway, I'd rather see your dress."

"Mhmm." She hummed, Gabby unable to stop herself from kissing him once more, each of their movements gradually starting to become more and more passionate.

"You know, I could always help you put it on." He suggested in between kisses, his hands roaming over her body just before she pulled back, the almost challenging look in her eye causing his spine to straighten.

"You could… But something tells me I wouldn't actually get the chance to wear it if you did." She countered, Casey clicking his tongue against the roof of his mouth as he knew she had a point. "So you just go sit over there, and I'll put this on then I'll be back… And show you everything I got." She spoke slowly, Matt taking another deep breath before he nodded.

After one more kiss, the couple actually separated this time, Gabby grabbing the few things she'd need while Matt made his way back to the couch, his eyes on her the entire time as she started heading back towards their bedroom. But just before she went out of his sight, he spoke up, his voice stopping her movements.

"Hey baby?" He called, Gabby turning around with a soft smile already resting on her face, while she waited to hear what he had to say. "...You know how much I love you, yeah?"

His words caused the smile on her face to widen, before she slowly nodded, Matt matching her grin while her eyes focused on him. "I know… And I love you, too." She replied, the two sharing one last content look before going their separate ways, Gabby heading for the bedroom while Matt made himself comfortable on the couch, both of them looking forward to how they planned on spending the rest of their afternoon.