Hello there everyone! I'm here and back with the next update for you all.

Let me just start off by saying I'm sorry there was no new chapter last week. If you saw my note on the last chapter, I mentioned how I was working on re-doing this one, and then I got pretty sick and wasn't able to finish. That definitely wasn't a part of the plan, and I'm sorry for the late notice last week, and not getting a chapter out to you all, but I hope (and think) this one will make up for it.

In fact, I really do think you all are going to like this one. And I had a great time writing it… We'll just leave it at that.

But thank you so much for reading! I'll see you next time!

NINETY NINE

A soft quiet filled the room as Casey sat at the kitchen island, the man working on his first cup of coffee for the day while skimming through the newspaper, his focus mostly on the sports section while he gave himself some time to fully wake up. It was still pretty early, Matt having gotten up and out of bed well before their alarm, but he always enjoyed the peace that came with mornings like this, the silence around him almost comforting as he flipped the page.

Though that peace he was so thoroughly enjoying was soon interrupted when his phone buzzed once on the counter, Matt glancing down to see he'd gotten a text message. And upon further inspection he saw it was from Shay, Casey placing his warm mug back down on the counter before picking up his phone to read the text.

'How much longer till you claim your woman?'

Matt couldn't stop himself from rolling his eyes at her crass message, her less than decent way of asking about the proposal eliciting that type of reaction from him as there had been a lot of this the past few days. Ever since he went and spoke with Ramon and Camila, Shay had been on him about his plans, as this was certainly not the first text he'd gotten like this from her.

'If you wait too much longer, I'll do it myself'

The second message came in mere moments later, Casey huffing out a heavy breath before he typed out a quick response.

'Good morning to you too, Shay.'

He saw her immediately begin to text back, the little bubbles popping up telling him she was typing out a rather long response. But given he had a pretty good idea what it was about, it wasn't something he was particularly interested in dealing with right now, the man blowing out a heavy sigh before he silenced his phone and placed it back down onto the counter, Casey just trying to get back into his morning like he'd been before he was interrupted.

But as the minutes ticked by, it was becoming more and more obvious that he wouldn't be able to, as Shay's words from this morning, as well as the last few days, were circling around in his mind. Her words about this proposal, and when it would be happening, and how he was overthinking this and just needed to do it. Everything she'd said to him to reassure him that Gabby was going to love it; all of those assurances were circling around in his head, and the more he thought about it, the more he started to accept she had a point. Especially because it had been weeks since he first brought up the idea to Severide, and he still couldn't decide how he was going to do this.

Which is exactly how he knew Shay was right, because he was overthinking this.

But a part of him couldn't help it. He couldn't help but want everything to be perfect, and go according to plan, even if that plan didn't entirely exist yet. He just wanted to do it right, and not let anything get in the way of him giving her the type of proposal she deserved.

The problem was, he just didn't know how to do it.

There had been a lot of ideas going through his head, of different ways he could propose to the love of his life, but he ended up deciding against some of them. They were either too cheesy, or too much, or they just didn't feel like them. They didn't feel like Gabby, and it wasn't what he wanted.

He wanted to do something memorable, something that signified them and their relationship. And even though there were some things he knew wouldn't work, he had also managed to come up with a few that were worth considering. Ideas that he honestly loved, and thought would be great, there being one in particular that stood out to him a bit. But every time he started to think he'd made his choice, he'd second guess himself, and it had honestly caused him to become a little disheartened. Though, deep down, he knew he shouldn't be.

He had no doubts about his decision, or Gabby and their relationship. Or even her saying yes. Of course he was nervous to ask her, there's no way he wouldn't be, but despite that, in the back of his mind he knew what her answer would be. And everyone else knew what her answer would be. But that didn't change the fact that actually figuring out how to ask her was proving to be the biggest challenge here, one that was admittedly making him a little frustrated.

But he was trying not to dwell on it, the voice in the back of his head telling him that when the right time came, he'd know. He just had to wait for it.

All he could hope was that it would come to him sooner rather than later.

Drawing in a deep breath, Casey shook his head slowly in an attempt to truly clear his mind before his eyes went back to the newspaper in front of him, Matt picking up where he left off before he was interrupted as he caught up on a few of the scores from last night.

Though he was only able to read for a few minutes before he was disrupted once more. But this interruption was a much more welcome one as he felt a pair of hands slide over his side before coming around to his stomach, a warm body soon pressing into his as a slight smile tugged on his lips.

"Good morning." Gabby murmured into the air, her chest pressed into his bare back while she hugged herself to him, Matt leaning back into her warmth slightly as his hand came down to rest over hers.

"Morning baby." He greeted, feeling her place a gentle kiss over the middle of his back before resting her cheek against him, clearly content to stay in this position while he sat there. "How'd you sleep?"

"Good… Missed you when I woke up, though." She commented, Matt smiling softly as he felt her rub her thumb over his stomach.

"Yeah, I've been up for a little while. I didn't want to wake you, so I came out here." He told her, Gabby nodding before releasing a content sigh. "But you haven't missed much, I've just been having some coffee and reading the paper… Want me to make you a cup?" He offered, patting the back of her hand softly. "Or do you want some breakfast? I don't mind making you something."

She smiled against him before she slowly started to shake her head, Gabby adjusting the position of her head before she spoke up. "I'm okay right now, thank you." She replied, earning a nod back from him. "I think I'm gonna shower first."

The second those words left her lips, a coy grin appeared over his face, despite the fact she couldn't see him, Casey clearing his throat before he finally spoke up. "Yeah, a shower sounds much better than breakfast." He responded, Gabby laughing softly before she gave his body a squeeze. "...Are you open to some company?"

"Depends on who's offering." She replied without missing a beat, Gabby pressing another kiss to his back before slowly starting to pull away from him, the movement prompting Matt to turn his body back so he could see her.

"Your tall, handsome, and charming boyfriend." He answered just as quickly, seeing her unable to hide her smile before his eyes started roaming the rest of her, it not taking him long to realize she'd put on one of his t-shirts before coming out here.

Though if her words held any truth at all, he also knew it wouldn't be on her for much longer.

"Well, how could I pass that up?" She said, before leaning in to give him a quick kiss. "I'll go get the water started, you join me when you're ready." Gabby informed him, Matt nodding in response before she pressed another kiss to his lips, the man enjoying every second of it until she pulled away and headed back towards their bedroom without another word.

He had every intention of following after her, but before he got up he took a second to watch her as she walked away, her hips swinging a bit more than usual, not leaving much to the imagination as Casey knew she was doing it on purpose. That she was fully aware he was watching her walk away. But he'd never complain about it, Matt keeping his eyes on her form until she had disappeared down the hallway from his sight.

Huffing out a steadying breath, he took a minute to collect himself before he got down from his seat, Matt leaving all his things behind as he followed in the same path his girlfriend had just taken. But before he went to his destination, his steps slowed when he got to the guest room, Matt looking into the unoccupied room for a moment.

They didn't use this room often, and so far only Gabby's parents had stayed in there. But there was currently one very important thing in that guest room, it's lack of use the entire reason Matt had decided to stow away the most significant purchase of his life in there. Because he knew Gabby wouldn't find it.

As he stood in the middle of the hallway, Matt glanced back towards the bedroom door in an effort to make sure Gabby wasn't coming, before he turned and walked into the guest room. Unsure of how much time he had, Casey took the familiar and short path to the dresser that was just inside the door, before stopping and slowly pulling open the second drawer, Matt glancing out into the hallway once more before reaching in to pull out the small box he had hidden away in the back.

He tried not to do this too often, if ever, if Gabby was here, as the last thing he wanted was to risk her seeing this ring before it was time. But right now he couldn't help himself. With all those thoughts running laps in his head this morning, he just needed a moment to ground himself. And looking at this ring always seemed to do the trick.

Because whenever he looked at it, it was like everything just felt right. Like all his worries about proposing the right way just melted away, Matt smiling softly as he stared down at the gorgeous, yet modest diamond ring.

That same ring he couldn't wait to give her.

"Babe?"

Matt's head snapped up when he heard Gabby's voice through the distant sound of the shower running, the man quickly closing the box and tucking the ring back in it's temporary home as he had no idea if she was coming to look for him. But by the sound of her voice, she hadn't been all that far away, Matt barely getting the drawer closed before she came into view through the doorway, Gabby stopping abruptly when she noticed him in the guest room.

By the look on her face alone, he could tell she wasn't expecting to find him in here, her eyebrows furrowing slightly before she changed her path and began to walk into the room.

"What are you doing?" She asked curiously, her head tilting to the side slightly as Matt rested his hand on top of the dresser, in an attempt to look as normal as possible. Though even if he could play it off with his demeanor, he still had no answer to her question, as they both were aware that they didn't typically go into the guest room, Casey knowing he had to think quickly before he said the first words that came to his mind.

"Oh, I was just looking at all the new decorations and stuff you put in here." He responded simply, as he knew this room was one she'd changed around a bit, Gabby not giving him much to go on as he continued. "I never got the chance to see it, but it looks great."

Her eyes moved over him for a moment, Matt internally starting to panic despite the soft smile resting on his face, as he was worried she wouldn't believe him. And truthfully, she had no reason to, given he'd just lied to her. But it was for the best reason, Casey taking a slight step forward towards her as she ultimately nodded.

"You did a great job, I'm sorry I didn't get to look at it sooner." He added, Gabby's face softening as a small smile appeared over her lips, those words absolutely true as the room did look great.

"Thank you." She responded, Matt coming to stand in front of her before reaching out towards her hip.

"But I'm sorry I kept you waiting." He told her, watching as her bottom lip tucked itself between her teeth before she looked up at him through her eyelashes. "Though, if I remember correctly, you did say to join you whenever I was ready." He said with a sly grin, Gabby scoffing lightly before she shook her head.

"Yeah, well, what can I say… I missed you, I guess." She admitted, Matt's smile widening before he used his hold on her hip to pull her closer, the man only stopping when their faces were mere centimeters from one another.

"I'm glad you missed me." He whispered, before pressing his lips into hers, Gabby relaxing into him almost instantly as her arm slid up around his waist, the two enjoying each other's company for a moment before Casey reluctantly pulled back. "...We should probably get in there before the water gets cold." He said, nodding back towards the direction of their bedroom.

With a soft smile on her face, Gabby mimicked his action while slowly stepping out of his hold, her hand reaching out for his the second she could before she started leading him back towards their room, Matt not hesitating for one moment in following after her as they were both eager to spend this early morning together.

"Alright, that's about all I have for you this morning… Let's have a good shift, everybody." Boden spoke as he stood in the front of the conference room with his hands on his hips, the first responders around him nodding before they all began to disperse from their seats, Matt and Severide hanging back against the wall while their coworkers started heading out of the room.

"Are you sure we have to do it right now, Dawson?" Shay all but whined as the two paramedics got up, Matt looking their way with a soft smile on his face as Gabby pushed her chair in.

"Yes Shay, we do." She answered with a knowing look. "I told you last shift we were gonna have to do some inventory, I'm not sure why you're surprised." She countered, Shay waving her off as they began to walk back towards the door to the common room.

"I was hoping you were joking." Shay replied bluntly, Gabby rolling her eyes playfully just as they got to Casey and Severide.

"Hello boys." Dawson greeted, Matt flashing her a bright grin as he pushed himself up off the wall.

"Hey Dawson… Shay trying to get out of inventory?" He questioned with a smirk, Gabby scoffing heavily before glancing back towards her friend.

"Isn't she always?" She replied, Shay narrowing her eyes at the both of them while Dawson moved to stand closer to Casey. "Oh, don't give me that. It's always a fight to get you to do this."

"Which is why you shouldn't make me do it." She replied without missing a beat, Gabby shaking her head before she gestured out towards the garage.

"Come on Shay." She spoke, her tone a bit firmer though still light. "If we're lucky, we might be able to get through a lot of it before we get too busy. Now come on." Dawson instructed, Shay weighing over her options before she nodded.

"Fine… But what do I get out of it?"

"A paycheck for doing your job." Dawson responded immediately, Casey and Severide both unable to mask their laughter as Shay began to glare at all of them. "Now come on."

"I'm coming, I'm coming... I just have to run to my locker real quick, then I'll be out there." She replied, Gabby hesitating for a second before she reluctantly nodded.

"Alright, I'll meet you out there." She told her, Gabby pushing herself up to press a quick kiss to Matt's cheek before she started walking towards the door going out into the common room. "But you better not be gone for half an hour."

"I won't, I promise." Shay assured her, Dawson giving her one last nod before she exited the room, the three first responders watching as the door closed behind her, leaving them alone in the conference room. Though Matt kept looking longer than Severide and Shay did, his body turned to where he could see her as he watched her move through the common room before ultimately heading out to the garage.

But the moment was interrupted when he felt a swift smack against his chest, Casey turning back around quickly as the force of Shay's movements caught him off guard, only to find the woman glaring at him as his hand immediately came up to rub over the spot that was already sore.

"Ow- Shay, what the hell?!" He asked, his hand pressing into his chest as he tried to dull the sting of her blow, the paramedic putting a surprising amount of strength behind that smack as he narrowed his eyes at her.

"Is this for laughing at Gabby's joke? Because Kelly did, too." He defended, Severide immediately putting his hands up as Shay continued to glare at him. Though by the look in her eyes, he could tell she wasn't truly upset with him.

"No, it's not because of that, God you two are so dumb." She breathed out, shaking her head slightly before she continued. "That was for ignoring my texts this morning." She explained, both Shay and Severide seeing the sheepish look that soon appeared over his face.

"Oh, right… that."

"Yeah, that." She responded, Severide chuckling once more as he watched the scene in front of him, the man always amused by the bickering that happened between these two. "It was rude. But that aside, you can ignore my texts, but you can't ignore me here… Now come on, out with it. What's going on in that little head of yours, Casey?" She prompted, Matt shooting her an unsure look as he dropped his hand down from his chest.

"Yeah, have you gotten anywhere with the… thing you want to do," Severide spoke softly, like he was trying to keep from their coworkers out in the common room hearing them, "that involves a r-i-n-g." Severide added, Casey and Shay shooting unimpressed glares his way before the paramedic reached up to smack his arm. "Ow! Jesus, what is with you and hitting people?"

"You realize everyone in this firehouse can spell, don't you?" She challenged him, Kelly glaring back at her as she shook her head.

"Anyway," Severide started, with an almost exasperated tone in his voice. "Have you figured out what you're doing yet? Or when you're gonna pop the big question." He asked him, the two friends watching Matt eagerly as he looked between them. "Because I think you should do it soon." He finished, Casey cocking his head to the side as his arms crossed over his chest.

"Why exactly?"

"Because I'm going insane!" Shay cut in before she could stop herself, barely letting Matt get the words out as his eyes widened slightly.

"That's why." Severide answered, pointing with his thumb towards the paramedic. "This is what I've been dealing with constantly."

"Oh, so you're wanting me to propose to make your life easier." Matt responded lightheartedly, Kelly immediately nodding.

"Exactly." He answered, Casey shaking his head lightly as a heavy breath escaped his lips. "But no, it's not that, it's just… I know Shay's been on you about it for a few days, but we haven't really talked since before you went and saw the parents… And I wasn't sure where you're at with everything right now."

"He means when are you going to propose." Shay spoke up once more, Kelly raising his eyebrows slightly before he glanced back towards Casey.

"...Can I just say, after dealing with her ever since we went ring shopping, I understand why you didn't want to tell her at first." Severide teased, Matt rolling his eyes once more as Kelly earned another smack from Shay.

"And we all agreed that was a terrible decision on his part, because he's gonna need my help with this." She countered, before glancing back towards Casey. "But really, lover boy, what's the hold up here? Why isn't that ring on her finger yet." She breathed out, Matt shaking his head slightly before he responded.

"I think the better question is why are you- the both of you- trying to get me to rush this?" He questioned back, Shay's mouth opening quickly like she had something to say, before she slowly closed it. "Gabby deserves more than some half-assed, rushed proposal, don't you think?"

"Of course I do." Shay responded, the joking tone in the air slowly starting to disappear as their words were becoming more serious. "She deserves the best, especially considering she already had a proposal that didn't mean anything." She continued on bitterly, Matt wincing slightly in response. "Or, one that didn't mean anything to the guy proposing… So yeah, I agree with you there. But nothing about you doing this could be half-assed, Casey. Not when we all know how much she means to you." Shay assured him, Matt forcing himself to take a deep breath. "So if that's what you're worried about, you don't need to be."

"I'm not worried about that… Not the Walker part of it, at least. But he is kind of why I'm… why I just want to make sure I get this right." He breathed out, Shay's eyebrows furrowing slightly as she waited for him to continue. "It's exactly like you said, she's already had a proposal that didn't really mean anything… I mean, I know it did to her, but we know what that engagement meant to Walker. He did it to control her, not because he loved her. She was nothing but a possession to him." He nearly spat, like he was angry at just the thought of what all Bryan had put Gabby through.

"I wasn't even here, but I know that he never had any true intentions of marrying her. And Gabby knows it now, too. But at the time, it was real for her." He continued on, a look of pure sympathy shining in Shay's eyes. "The proposal, their engagement, all the promises he made… it was all real. But to him, it never meant anything. And she deserves so much better than that… She deserves everything, after all she's been through. Which is exactly why I think I'm getting stuck on doing this right. Because I've been fixating so much on wanting it to be perfect, that I kind of lose track of everything else."

After his admission the air around them went quiet for a moment, Shay pursing her lips together as she thought over his words, the blonde then sharing an understanding look with Severide before she finally spoke up.

"Listen Matt… it's admirable, how you're wanting to make sure this is done right. And how you're taking Gabby into consideration, how you take her past into consideration. It's what you've always done, and it just shows how much she means to you… But I need you to believe me when I tell you that all of this, it's not something you need to be worrying about." She assured him, Shay speaking as strongly as she could.

"You don't need to worry about it being perfect, because I can promise you that all Gabby is going to care about is that you're proposing to her." The paramedic continued on, her words causing Casey's face to soften before he nodded. "It doesn't matter where, or how… Hell, you could go out there and do it right now, and it would mean everything to her. This doesn't need to be some big, flashy thing if that's not what you want. No matter how you do it, it'll be special to her because it's you she'll be engaged to… Knowing Gabby, and knowing how much she loves you, that's all that'll matter." She finished, Casey feeling a sudden rush of warmth flood through his body after she spoke, that same one that always came whenever he thought of Gabby.

"Shay's right, man." Severide added on, Matt glancing back and forth between them. "Everyone here knows how much Dawson loves you, and how much you love her… So I think you need to listen to Shay and just forget the rest of it, and go propose to your girl." He spoke, Matt chuckling softly as a proud gleam shined in the paramedic's eyes. "...When you feel like it's right, anyway." He clarified, Casey shaking his head lightly before patting him on the shoulder.

"No, I know you're right… You both are."

"Of course I am, lover boy." Shay interjected, Matt scoffing lightly before he continued on.

"Anyway, I know I've been kind of in my own head about this, when I don't need to be… And I do want to do it soon. I'm tired of not being engaged to her, but even with all you said, I still do want to make sure it is special for her."

"I know you do." Shay told him, Casey drawing in a deep breath as he nodded. "But it can be special without you overthinking it."

"I know… And I guess there have been a few different ideas I've thought of, that could maybe work. But I keep going back and forth… About where to propose, or how to do it, I guess."

"Do you have one you're leaning towards?" Severide asked him, the shy smile forming on Casey's face giving them their answer before he spoke up.

"I think so, maybe… But I'm not sure if it's a good idea." He prefaced, Kelly and Shay both sharing a confused look.

"I'm sure it's great, man."

"Yeah, let's hear it-"

Shay's words were cut off by the sound of the door to the hallway opening, all three of their heads whipping in that direction at the sudden noise, Casey's eyes widening slightly when they saw Dawson now standing in the doorway, with what could be only be described as as unimpressed look covering her face.

And even though Matt couldn't be sure what the three of them looked like standing here, he had a feeling they weren't being very subtle, the Lieutenant silently praying she hadn't heard any of what they were talking about as Gabby's narrowed eyes moved between them.

"...Everything okay?" She questioned carefully, her tight gaze soon focused on the somewhat guilty look forming over Casey's before he started to nod.

"Everything's great." He answered a little too quickly, as Dawson's eyes narrowed even more. "We were just talking about maybe going to Molly's tomorrow night." He covered after clearing his throat, Shay soon nodding in agreement.

"Mhmm." Dawson hummed in response, it clear to everyone in the room that she didn't necessarily believe him. But she also chose not to press it, Matt continuing to wear that bright, somewhat alarming, grin on his face while Gabby looked towards Shay. "But whenever you're done with… whatever this is, can you please come help me, Shay?" The PIC tried once more, her partner immediately nodding before she started walking in her direction.

"Yup, I'm coming… Sorry it took me so long." She tried, but Gabby didn't give much of a response as she still wasn't entirely sure of what she'd walked in on. All she knew was it likely had nothing to do with Molly's at all.

"Uh huh." She finally replied, Shay shooting her a sheepish grin before walking out into the hallway, while Gabby stayed back for a moment, her intense gaze now focused solely on her boyfriend.

Unsure of what to say, Matt merely smiled back at her, the man doing all he could to mask his nervousness at the idea of getting caught. "You need us to help with anything?" He finally questioned, Gabby pursing her lips together before shaking her head slightly, her hand still resting on the door she was holding open.

"No, I'm good." She told him, Casey's grin never faltering. "I'm gonna head back out there."

"Alright… Love you." He replied, Gabby shooting him a knowing look before taking a slight step back out of the room.

"Mhmm, I'm sure you do." She responded before the door closed behind her, Casey keeping his eyes on her through the windows as she headed back for the garage. And it wasn't until she was out of sight that he finally let go of the breath he'd been holding, Severide chuckling softly at the action as he reached out to pat him on the back.

"Yeah, that right there… That's why you need to do this soon." He teased, Casey glaring towards him before his hand came up to rub over the side of his face.

"I know, I know… And I'm going to." He replied, Kelly's eyebrows raising slightly before he nodded, waiting for Matt to say whatever words were still sitting on the tip of his tongue. "...But I'm gonna need your help."

Hot air blew through the vents in Casey's beloved truck as he and Gabby drove down the streets of Chicago, the dark winter night leaving the roads pretty empty while they made their way to their destination. The both of them had been pretty quiet since they left the apartment, few words being said between them as their hands sat conjoined on the middle seat, Matt occasionally rubbing his thumb over her skin while his other hand was securely on the wheel, his eyes focused on nothing but the road in front of him in an effort to get them to dinner safely.

"Where'd you say we were going again?" Gabby asked after a moment, peeling her eyes from the window to glance towards her boyfriend, only to be met by a sly grin forming over his face.

"I didn't." He spoke coyly, knowing full well that this was her attempt at getting him to share their plans. Plans that she had no idea about.

"Oh, yeah that's right." She mused, Casey chuckling softly before coming to stop at the red light in front of them. "Must be why I couldn't remember." She added on, Matt glancing towards her for a moment just as she scrunched up her nose.

"Yeah, must be." He responded, her head tilting to the side slightly while his gaze began to move over her form, Casey taking the opportunity to appreciate the view in front of him while being stopped at the light. "...Can I just say again, I'm very glad Shay talked you into buying that dress." He breathed out, Gabby rolling her eyes as she gave his hand a firm squeeze.

"I knew you'd like it… And if I had any doubts, you trying to take it off me before we even left was a dead giveaway." She joked, Matt catching her eye before a proud grin formed over his face, the man completely unashamed of his actions prior to their night out.

"Well, you can't blame me." He defended, Gabby shaking her head slightly in amusement.

"Mhmm, well I'm glad you're appreciative of the dress… Though you're sure it's not too much?" She asked him just as the light changed, Casey sparing one last glance at her before he started moving down the street. "Since you wouldn't tell me where we're going, I don't know if this is too fancy for the restaurant." She continued on, Matt immediately shaking his head in response.

"It's not, it's perfect… and you look beautiful, baby." He assured her, a small smile forming over her face before he brought her hand up to his lips to press a soft kiss over her knuckles.

"Thank you." She murmured, Casey giving her hand one last kiss while he continued driving towards their unknown destination. Or at least unknown to Gabby.

But while they were driving, she suddenly started to recognize some of their surroundings, even though it had been well over a year since she was last here. But given what all happened that night, it was a hard place to forget, Gabby's eyebrows furrowing as Matt pulled up and parked in front of a bar.

The same bar where they'd met for the first time.

She just wasn't sure why they were here. And based on the look on her face, Matt likely recognized that, as he gave her a supportive smile before speaking up.

"Sorry, these aren't our plans, I just need to make a quick stop." He told her, Gabby's face softening slightly before she nodded, even though she was still a bit confused. "I've been doing some work around here, for Cal… You remember him?" He asked, Dawson pausing for a moment before she nodded.

"Yeah, the bartender… Your friend." She responded, Matt smiling softly.

"That's him. I've been fixing up a few things around here lately, that's where I was earlier today. But I forgot my phone." He explained, a look of realization covering her face before she nodded. "So I figured we could stop and get it." Casey added on, Gabby nodding once more as he unbuckled his seatbelt. "...Wanna come in with me?"

"Sure." She responded before following his actions, the two getting out of the truck and stepping up onto the sidewalk, Gabby's attention moving towards the bar that seemed pretty quiet. And for this time of night, that was surprising. "...Are they open?" She questioned as he grabbed onto her hand.

"They've been closed for some maintenance, that's part of what I'm helping with." Casey told her, Gabby drawing in a deep breath before giving him a nod, the two starting to head for the front door.

But before they got there, Dawson's steps began to slow, Matt glancing back towards her when he felt she wasn't beside him before taking notice of the curious look covering her face.

"You okay?" He asked, Gabby running her teeth along her button lip as her eyes focused on the bar, before she looked back towards him.

"I was just about to ask you that." She replied, Casey's eyebrows raising slightly as a hint of panic started to course through his system. But he did what he could to not show it. "Is something going on?" She pushed, Matt staying quiet as he moved to stand in front of her. "Because you've just seemed a bit… off, I guess, lately. And maybe a bit secretive, if I'm being honest."

He opened his mouth to respond, but he wasn't sure what to say as his lips slowly closed together once more, Gabby unsure of how to take his reaction. Though it didn't stop her from speaking more of what had been weighing on her mind. "I mean, there's this dinner, or whatever it is we're doing, that you wouldn't tell me about. And then the past couple shifts at 51, you and Severide and Shay have been acting all weird… And I noticed how you and Kelly kept sneaking around. Then this job you've been doing that I didn't know about, it's just…" She stopped herself to take a breath, Gabby wincing slightly before she continued. "I'm not trying to act like you always have to tell me every single thing you're doing. I don't want our relationship to be like that. But it's weird, because it feels like we're a bit more disconnected from each other than normal, and I guess I just want to make sure everything's okay."

Casey watched her closely as she finished speaking, a rush of guilt rushing through his system as he hated that she had been feeling this way. Especially because she was right; he had been a little more distant lately. She just didn't know why, she couldn't know why, at least not yet. But he hated having to lie to her, because the last thing he wanted was for her to feel like this.

"Everything's fine, babe." He spoke, his voice soft yet strong in an effort to ease her concerns. "I promise, everything's good." Matt added on, giving her hand a squeeze as she looked him over. "And I'm sorry I've been a little… hard to reach lately, I'm not meaning to be." He assured her, their eyes locking on one another before a small smile formed over her lips.

"You don't need to apologize, as long as you're alright." She replied, Matt matching her grin before leaning in to give her a quick kiss.

"I'm good." He told her one last time, Gabby stealing another gentle kiss before she nodded.

"Good." She repeated, Matt squeezing her hand once more before they continued towards the bar.

"It should be open." He spoke as he let her climb up the steps first, Gabby giving him a nod before she reached for the door, Casey just doing his best to contain all the nervous energy he was feeling when she pulled the door open.

And the second she did, a surprised gasp escaped her lips at the sight in front of her, Gabby not expecting to be met with the completely empty room that was filled to the brim with lit candles and flowers, it taking her a few seconds to understand what she was seeing before she looked back towards her boyfriend.

"Matt?" She questioned, there being a hint of confusion in her voice. But he merely shook his head, before nodding her inside.

"Just go." He spoke gently, Gabby taking a deep breath before she followed his instructions and continued on into the isolated bar, Matt following closely after her as he closed the door behind them.

They were both quiet for a moment as they took in everything around them, Gabby walking further into the bar while Casey hung back, just content to watch her while she looked around in awe. And truthfully, Matt was a little taken aback as well by how beautiful this was, as even though he knew exactly how he wanted this to look, he didn't get the chance to see it before Severide and Shay finished setting everything up.

But it had been better than he ever could've expected, especially as he sat here watching Gabby's reaction.

"What all is this Matt?" She finally asked, the smile on her face never faltering as she finally turned back around to face him. "Why are we here?"

He didn't say anything for a few seconds, Matt watching over her before his eyes moved towards the bar, focusing in on a few seats in particular, before he spoke up.

"Do you remember the night we met?" He asked, Casey ignoring her question all together while keeping his eyes on the bar, Gabby following his line of vision before she nodded.

"...I do." She murmured, clasping her hands together in front of her as she started taking a few steps forward. "I remember sitting there, wanting to drown myself in alcohol, when this strange man came up beside me." She started, Matt grinning softly as he finally glanced her way. "A man who was a little cocky, but not terrible to look at… One who had terrible game."

"I keep telling you that was an off night." He defended softly, Gabby shaking her head slightly.

"Mhmm… But yes, I remember it well." She continued, the air around them shifting as she came to stand in front of him, Gabby's thoughts racing as her head couldn't help but go back to that night. "How what started out as one of the worst nights of my life, turned into the best thing that ever happened to me." She spoke honestly, as despite all the hurt and pain in her life at that time, she knew that if anything had been different, had they not met when they did, they may have never gotten to this point. And Matt knew it, too.

"Yeah, that's how I remember it, too." He said quietly, his heart tightening in his chest as he reached out to grab her hands in his, Gabby's head tilting to the side slightly. "I know neither of us were in a good place when we met, and that time was really hard on the both of us… But despite all of that, I'll always be thankful for coming here that night. Because it led me to you."

Tears slowly began to form in her eyes as he ran his thumbs along the back of her hands, Gabby forcing herself to take a deep, steadying breath as his loving gaze focused on her. "Matt… what is this?"

Her voice was barely audible as she repeated her earlier words, the gentle smile on his face growing as he tightened his grip on her hands, Matt needing to take a breath of his own before he responded.

"...I've been thinking a lot lately." He started, Gabby's watery eyes locked on his shining blue ones. "About you and me, and us… about how far we've come. Not just from the night we met, but everything afterwards. The way our relationship started, and how we got to where we are now… And, I mean, I know we definitely didn't go about things the conventional way," He told her, Gabby chuckling softly before she shook her head. "But whenever I think about us, I always end up at the same place… That I wouldn't change a thing about how we got here, or anything that happened between us. Everything happened in the way it was supposed to, because all of it got us to right here. That first night together, us meeting here at this bar, it led us to where we are now… And looking back on it now, it's like the second I met you, everything changed."

Casey paused to take a breath, tears continuing to fill Gabby's eyes before one slowly escaped down her cheek, Matt giving her another nod before speaking up once more. "My entire world, it changed the moment I met you… It changed for the better, because that was when I met the love of my life." He said with as much conviction as she had ever heard from him before, a few fresh tears that she was unable to stop starting to slide down her skin.

"I met the woman I love more than anything else in this world. The woman who has taught me so much, who has shown me so much… So much compassion, and grace, and love. Love I wasn't sure I deserved, or that I even knew existed." He said softly, Gabby beginning to bite down roughly on the inside of her cheek in an effort to keep her jaw from trembling. "Before I met you, it was like I was just going through the motions. Trying to survive each day as it came, and hope that one day it would get better… Then I met you, and it was like everything was starting to make sense again. Like I was finally seeing what I had been hoping for for so long, because you are my hope, Gabby."

A soft sob escaped her lips that she couldn't hold back, Matt giving her a watery smile as he continued rubbing her hands. "And even though it hasn't always been easy on us, it has always been worth it. Every single second, of every single day since we met has been worth it. Because I get to love the strongest, and smartest, and most amazing woman that I have ever known. The same woman who loves me back, and there is not a day that goes by where I don't feel so incredibly lucky that you chose me, baby. And that you've let me choose you." He told her, tears streaming down both their cheeks as a proud gleam formed in his gaze, Gabby's eyes closing for a moment as she fought to keep any semblance of control over her emotions. But it was a battle she was losing.

"And I will spend the rest of my life choosing you, just like I will spend the rest of my life loving you. And protecting you, and making sure you never forget how important you are to me… because I want to spend the rest of my life with you. And I hope you want that, too."

He slowly began to pull back from her, their hands dropping from one another just before Matt slowly reached into his pocket, a sharp gasp escaping Gabby's lips when she saw what he was holding. Because even though she had never seen it before, she knew exactly what it was, as he held the small jewelry box between his fingers.

Another choked sob escaped her lips as he slowly got down on one knee, heavy tears streaming down her face as he carefully opened the box and held it towards her, her breath getting caught in her throat when she caught a glimpse of the diamond ring through her teary eyes.

He had yet to say anything, time almost standing still between them before Gabby slowly broke her eyes away from the beautiful ring, only to find his gaze waiting for her, his bright and hopeful smile bringing a similar one to her face as her emotions were finally getting the best of her. But they were for Matt too, the man having to clear his throat before finding the courage to speak.

"Gabriela Dawson… will you marry me?"

He barely got the words out before she was nodding profusely, tears still rolling down her cheeks as a happy sob left her lips, her reaction almost making him feel like he was dreaming as he was sure he had never seen her this happy.

"Yes, yes of course, yes." She rushed out through her tears, Matt's watery gaze moving down to the ring before he carefully pulled it from the box, Casey not wanting to go another second without that ring on her finger.

His hands were shaking slightly from all the adrenaline coursing through his system, but he was able to get the ring securely placed on her finger, another sob leaving her lips as she watched him, before she desperately reached down to help him off the ground. And the second he was up, her lips were on his, the two connected in an intense, passion-filled kiss, Gabby's hands cradling the side of his head as his arms wrapped around her body, the tears mixing together against their skin as neither of them wanted to let go of the other.

So they didn't, the two staying close even after she pulled back as they wrapped each other up in a tight, secure hug, Gabby tucking her head into his neck while their tears flowed freely, the couple just trying to soak in as much of this moment as they could. This moment that she hadn't seen coming, but she'd been waiting for all the same.

Because now, they were engaged. They were finally engaged.

And they couldn't have been more excited.