Well hello there everyone. I'll keep this intro short and sweet, because I know a lot of you are looking forward to getting into this chapter as we've got a monumental one for Dawsey. So all I'll say is that I hope you all are having a good week, and that you enjoy this update that I know you've been waiting for.

But also, just to let you know there won't be an update for this story next week. I've got a lot going on in my life right now and I don't think I'll have the chance to get a chapter out to you all, and I wanted you to know now so you weren't left waiting. But I should be back with the next chapter the following week, and hopefully this one will be able to hold you all over until then.

And that's pretty much all I've got. So I hope you enjoy this one, and I'll see you next time.

ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTEEN

"Uh, Camila, can I help you with anything?" Shay asked carefully while the older Dawson continued to pace around the room, the space meant to help Gabby get prepared for her big day currently being used for her mother to get out some of her nervous energy before the ceremony, as Camila was muttering to herself in Spanish while walking back and forth slowly in front of the door.

"She's fine, Shay." Gabby told her from her seat in front of the mirrors, where she'd just finished getting her makeup and hair done. "I know that look on her face, she always does this. She's just making sure she doesn't forget anything." She added on, hearing bits and pieces of what her mom was saying to herself before glancing back towards Shay, her blonde best friend currently seated on the couch already in her burgundy colored dress.

"Okay, well she's stressing me out." Shay commented, Gabby letting out a dry laugh before she nodded.

"It's in her blood to get like this before a wedding, she's okay."

"If you say so… Although aren't you the one who's supposed to be acting like this? The nervous pacing, and talking to yourself." Shay teased lightly, Gabby cocking her head to the side as an unamused look started to form over her features. "Me having to talk you down off the ledge, all that fun stuff." She added on, Dawson huffing out a breath before rolling her eyes.

"Yeah, you don't have to worry about that with me today… If anything, it'll be my impatience that'll annoy you." She responded with a grin, Shay chuckling light after pushing herself up from her seat on the couch, where Nancy was sitting beside her watching on with a smile on her face.

"Oh, I know. You've been bouncing off the walls all morning, I know how ready you are for Matt to officially become Mr. Dawson." Shay joked, Nancy laughing softly while Gabby shook her head. "You would've had this wedding at 8 o'clock this morning if we let you."

"Yeah, you're probably right about that." She murmured as Shay walked towards her, their light conversation briefly interrupted by the sound of a knock on the door before it slowly opened.

"Hey, I hope I'm not interrupting anything." Christie spoke as he stuck her head in through the door, Gabby shaking her head before waving her in. "One of the guys out there told me where I could find you, I thought you might want to see the flower girl before we head out there." She added on lightly, Gabby's smile growing just as Violet walked into the room, the twelve year old smiling proudly while Christie entered after her.

"Wow, Violet. You look so beautiful." Gabby praised the young girl, her beaming smile only growing while she looked down at her dress. Which, by no mistake, looked a lot like their bridesmaids dresses as they'd made sure to get Violet something that would match, soon after her and Casey decided to make his niece their flower girl.

It was all sort of last minute, given how Matt and Christie were still testing the waters with one another. But a few weeks back Matt had brought up the idea of Violet being their flower girl at the wedding, and Gabby immediately agreed to it, before asking to see if Violet wanted to be a part of their wedding. And, to no one's surprise, she jumped at the chance.

"Thank you, Gabby!" She responded while Christie came up behind her, placing her hands on her daughter's shoulders to steady her.

"Really, thank you." The older Casey sibling added on with a genuine smile. "For including her in all of this, she's been so excited."

"Of course, yeah. We were happy to." Gabby replied easily, feeling Shay rest her hand along her back. "We're just glad you all are here, and can be a part of this."

"Me too." Christie replied, the sisters-in-law sharing one last look before Shay patted Dawson's shoulder to get her attention.

"It's getting close to showtime, we should probably get your dress on." She reminded her, Gabby glancing over to check the clock before she nodded.

"Yeah, you're right." She responded, Shay moving back to grab Gabby's dress off the rack along with her shoes while Dawson looked towards her mom.

"Mama." She called, the sound of her voice gaining Camila's attention as she turned her way. "Can you come help Shay with the dress?"

"Oh, of course mija. Of course." She spoke quickly before moving across the room, Gabby giving Nancy and Christie a quick, yet thankful, look before she disappeared into the other room with Shay and her mom, Camila closing the door securely behind them while the blonde started to get her dress out.

This room was a bit smaller than the other, more like a changing room, but it had more than enough space for the three of them to get Gabby ready. Which was all they needed.

"So, how are you feeling honey?" Camila asked her while Shay hung the wedding gown up, Gabby offering her a small smile before she nodded.

"I'm good." She responded easily, her bright grin causing them both to match her look as they could practically feel her enthusiasm. "I've definitely got some of those wedding day jitters, but I'm really excited. I'm good… Like Shay said, I'm just ready to be married to him already." She breathed out, Camila smiling happily while rubbing along the side of her daughter's arm.

"That's great to hear, baby. I'm so glad." She murmured.

"I can only imagine how Casey is right now." Shay piped in, Gabby smirking at the thought before glancing towards her friend.

"Oh, I'm sure he's fine… He's always so stoic, and calm. He's probably just waiting out the clock like I am."

"Yeah, he usually is. But with you, it's different." Shay countered, her words gaining Dawson's attention as the two friends locked gazes. "It just is, he may be steady and all of that most of the time, but with you it's like he's a different guy… That man cannot contain his love for you. The second you're mentioned, he lights up." She continued on, not missing the way Gabby's smile grew as she spoke. "So who knows, maybe Mr. Cool, Calm, and Collected is freaking out over there, because he just can't wait to be married to you."

Gabby's grin only continued to widen before she ducked her head down towards the ground, Camila slowly rubbing over her arm as Dawson cleared her throat.

"Yeah, you might be right." She agreed, suddenly feeling an intense wave of emotion in her gut, as she couldn't help but miss Matt in this moment. But she pushed it aside, knowing that here very shortly, she'd be seeing him again.

"And, uh… While we're speaking of lover boy, I know I joke around a lot." Shay voiced once more, regaining Gabby's attention. "And I give you guys a hard time, mostly because it's funny-" She stopped herself, Dawson laughing softly while shaking her head. "But I really am so happy for you. For the both of you… Matt, he's- He's the one for you, babe." Shay told her, the sudden seriousness of her words causing Dawson's throat to tighten while they watched one another.

"She's right, mija." Camila added on gingerly, as Gabby felt tears starting to gradually well in her eyes. But she was doing her best to keep them at bay.

"I always thought you two would be good together. That you were good for each other, and you truly are… I've seen you go through a lot Dawson, and sell yourself short for the guys you've dated. But never with Matt, cause he's never made you feel like you had to do that." She told her honestly. "He's been the type of man you deserve, maybe the only guy that's ever been worthy of you… From what I've seen, Casey's your soulmate, Gabby, I truly do believe that. And I'm so happy you found him, and that I get to be here to see you two get married."

By the time Shay finished her impromptu speech, Gabby wasn't sure how any tears hadn't slipped from her eyes as the weight of her friend's words nearly knocked her over. But she managed to keep herself together enough to reach out and grab her hand, the two nodding strongly at one another before she reached out to give her a gentle hug.

"Thank you, Shay." She murmured, feeling Shay's grip tighten ever so slightly before they separated. "That means so much to me."

"I know." She responded, rubbing her hand along her arm. "And I meant every word." She added, watching her partner nod before Camila handed her a tissue, to help dab up some of the water underneath her eyes. Which was Shay's cue to shift the subject, as no matter how much she meant what she'd said now wasn't the time for the bride to be crying. "Alright, alright, now that we've got the sappy stuff out of the way, let's get your pretty ass in that dress."

Her light tone seemed to do the trick, Gabby laughing softly as Shay's proud smile only seemed to amuse her further, before the three women then started the slow and careful process of getting Gabby into her wedding dress.

Casey blew out a heavy, yet sturdy breath as he stood in front of the large mirror set up in his room inside the church, his brow furrowed deeply while he tried for what had to have been the tenth time in getting his tie just right. But for whatever reason, he couldn't. And it was starting to frustrate him.

"You alright over there, Casey?" Antonio spoke up from his seat on the couch, Severide sitting beside him while Ramon was over on the chair.

"Yeah, you've been working on that tie for half an hour." Kelly chimed in, before glancing back towards Antonio. "Man he's so nervous, he can't even get his hands to stay still long enough to get a tie on."

"I heard that." Casey spoke up, Antonio chuckling softly while Severide held his hands up in defense, despite the fact that Matt couldn't see him. "And it's not that, it's this stupid bandage, it keeps pulling on my arm." He groaned out, a look of understanding crossing Kelly's face while Ramon stood up.

"Come here son, let me help." He offered, Casey releasing a gentle sigh before he turned and began walking towards the group.

"How is your arm doing, by the way?" Kelly questioned, catching his friend's gaze just as Matt came to a stop behind the sofa.

"Yeah, I heard about your little accident there Casey." Antonio added while shifting his weight to the edge of his seat so he could glance back towards Matt. "You really got hit by a car?" He asked, the firefighter wincing before he nodded. "...And Gabby saw it?"

The grimace on his face deepened, Matt nodding once more as Ramon shook his head a bit in response. "Unfortunately, yeah. But I'm alright. And so is she."

"Good, that's good. I'm glad you're okay… Even though Severide here said you did it on purpose to try and get out of the wedding." Antonio mused, Casey's eyes narrowing in Kelly's direction before he reached down to pick up a pillow and chuck it at Severide's head.

"Hey! Hey, it was just a joke." He defended himself once more, barely blocking the hit as Antonio and Ramon both laughed. "Trying to lighten the mood and all."

"Uh huh."

"But really man, I'm glad you're alright." Antonio continued on, as he and Matt looked at one another. "I'm just sorry you hurt your arm."

"It's alright." Casey shrugged him off. "It doesn't even hurt anymore, I don't feel it. It's just this stupid bandage that keeps pulling on my skin." He explained, adjusting the sleeve of his shirt once more before letting Ramon go back to fixing his tie. "But I'm fine." He assured him, Antonio nodding one last time just as Severide got up and started heading past him towards the door. "...Where are you running off to?"

"I was gonna go check on the girls." He said, Antonio's eyebrows raising a bit before he stood up to follow him. "Make sure they're almost ready, seeing as how we've gotta be out there in a few minutes… And besides, I wanna see what Dawson looks like. Just so I know how much Casey here is gonna cry when he sees her." He teased, Matt letting out a dry laugh before shaking his head.

"Oh yeah, he's definitely gonna cry." Antonio added on.

"I will, but I'm not ashamed of that." Casey said easily, while Ramon clasped him on the shoulder.

"Good man." He voiced, the two sharing a smile as Kelly pulled the door open.

"I'm gonna go see Gabs too, if that's alright." Antonio told them, coming to a stop behind Severide. "I wanna see her and Ma. As long as you don't need me here for the 'don't hurt her' talk, Pops." He joked, Ramon and Casey both laughing before the former waved him out the door.

"I believe we're way past that, Tony." Ramon replied, Matt pursing his lips together to try and hide a smile as Severide and Antonio stepped out into the hallway. "And that's not something I'm worried about anyway, he loves her too much."

"Damn right I do." Casey spoke up, the men laughing once more before Ramon continued.

"Now you two go, I'll finish up here." He prompted, Severide and Antonio both nodding before they began to make their way across the building, leaving Ramon and Casey on their own.

It was quiet for a second or two, Ramon finishing up the last of fixing Casey's tie before he smiled in satisfaction. "Alright, I think that's it… Tell me what you think." He said, Matt moving back over towards the mirror to look himself over as a wide smile appeared across his lips.

"It's perfect, thank you." He responded, Ramon giving him a nod while Matt moved back across the room to grab his jacket, knowing that was the last of what he needed before he'd be ready.

"Do you wanna go and see Gabby, too?" Casey asked after a moment, glancing back towards his almost father-in-law while he straightened out his jacket. "I'm gonna have to be out there in a few minutes, and since I can't see her, maybe you could go tell her hi for me." He added on with a gentle grin, Ramon smiling back at him before he nodded.

"Yes, yes I'll probably go check in. Make sure they're all ready to go." He responded, his steps taking him closer towards Casey as the two men stood in the middle of the room. "As long as you're good here."

"I'm fine, Ramon. Thank you." He replied, clearing his throat while giving himself one last once over in the mirror. "And for all your help today, thanks for everything."

"Of course, son." He told him, the older man taking a thoughtful breath before he slowly brought Casey in for a hug.

The movement caught Matt off guard, but he soon reciprocated the gesture as he hugged Ramon back, both men standing there for a few moments while they embraced.

"I really am so happy for you, Matthew." He eventually spoke, Matt's eyes closing for a moment while Ramon patted his back. "For you and Gabriela both, I know how much this means to you." He continued, the two eventually pulling back from one another. "And it means a lot to us, too. We're so excited for you to officially become a part of our family… I know you've heard this from me more than once, but I truly could not picture any person better for our daughter than you." He spoke honestly, Casey already feeling tears pricking the edges of his eyes as the intense emotions of the day were getting the best of him. "You mean the world to her, and to us. And we're all so glad today is finally here… I just wanted you to know that." He finished, Casey drawing in a deep breath before he brought him in for another hug.

"Thank you, Ramon." He responded, the older Dawson smiling before he tightened his grip on the man he saw as a son, the two of them staying there for just a moment or two longer before they pulled back, and went their separate ways for now.

"Knock knock." Severide spoke as he slowly opened the door, his hand lifted up to cover over his eyes while he moved further into the room. "Is everybody decent?"

"Hello Kelly." Nancy greeted him, her words causing him to drop his hand before a soft grin appeared over his lips, while Antonio came in behind him. "And hi Antonio."

"Hi Mrs. Casey." Severide responded, the older Dawson sibling giving her a similar response before they began looking around. "We don't mean to bother you all, but we were sent here to make sure everyone was close to being ready… Since it's almost go time."

"There are no boys allowed in here, Severide, get out." Shay's voice soon hit his ears, Kelly turning to see his best friend coming from the other room, Severide then waving her off quickly.

"Hey, it's not just me, Antonio's here too."

"Yeah, but he's her brother." She challenged, Severide huffing out a breath before shaking his head.

"I'm allowed to see Dawson… And besides, I'm just here to make sure she's not late to her own wedding." He replied, Shay rolling her eyes in response after crossing her arms over her chest.

"A bride can't be late to her own wedding, it starts when she gets there." She pushed back, Kelly soon realizing he wasn't going to win this argument, which is what happened so often with Shay.

But he never had to think of a response as soon enough he heard Gabby speak up, her voice reaching them before either of them saw her.

"Severide can stay, Shay. He's fine." She said just before she came out into the room.

Though the second she did it was like everything stopped, all eyes on Dawson as they saw her in her wedding dress for the first time.

And she looked absolutely stunning.

A part of Gabby felt embarrassed, to have everyone staring at her so intensely. But she was taking their reactions as a good thing, as she could tell how highly they all thought of her dress.

"Wow Dawson, you look beautiful." Severide was the first to speak up, Gabby smiling softly as she nodded.

"Thanks Kelly."

"Doesn't she?" Camila agreed, while fluffy out the back of her flowing sleeveless white dress. "She's the perfect bride."

"She is." Antonio agreed, Gabby looking his way to find the tears sitting in his eyes.

But they were happy tears, tears of pride as she knew how big of a moment this was for the two of them. After all he'd helped her with, how he'd been there for her through everything, Antonio being here now on her wedding day was one of the greatest gifts she could ever receive.

"Hi big brother." She greeted, Antonio's smile widening before he finally met her gaze, the sight of her only causing more tears to cloud his vision. "Tonio, don't cry… Cause if you cry, I'm gonna cry." She warned him lightly, Antonio laughing softly before he shook his head.

"I'm not, I swear." He responded, sucking back his tears while making his way towards her. "I'm just really happy for you, sis." He told her, Gabby nodding slowly before they met for a gentle hug. "And Kelly's right, you look beautiful."

"Thank you." She murmured before they separated, her eyes moving around everyone in the room before she landed back on Severide and her brother. "...Were you two with Matt?"

"We were." Kelly answered, those few words enough to bring a small smile to her face.

"How is he?"

"He's good- great." Severide corrected himself. "Ready to be married to you." He added, Gabby's chest filling with warmth just as the door opened once more.

"He definitely is." Ramon added on, Gabby looking his way just as he stepped inside, the father almost taken aback by the image of his daughter in her wedding dress. "Oh, Gabriela… You look incredible, sweetheart." He boasted, Gabby blinking quickly a bit before she nodded.

"Thank you, Papa." She answered, clearing her throat to try and help push down some of the pressure in her chest before she looked between her parents. "...Is it time?"

"It's time." Ramon repeated, Gabby breathing in deeply as he nodded. "Matthew's up there waiting for you, and he told me to tell you hello." He added on, those last few words causing her smile to widen while everyone began to move around her, the energy in the room shifting as they were getting closer and closer to the moment she had been waiting for.

So much so that the next few minutes went by in the blur, Gabby waiting back with her parents while they all got set up and made their way out into the entrance to the church. There was a lot to get through, with making sure everyone was seated and ready, before they started the ceremony.

In an effort to keep her from view, Gabby stayed back with Ramon and Camila in the hallway while Violet made her way down the aisle with her flowers, before being followed by Antonio and Nancy, then Shay and Severide. It wasn't until after the best man and maid of honor made their way inside that Gabby finally got into position, the closed doors in front of them keeping her out of sight from the love of her life while they waited for their cue.

Light music was filtering in through the shut doors, emotion welling in Gabby's chest while she stood there with the flowers in her hands, her eyes focused straight ahead as she did her best to picture what was waiting for her just inside that church. But no matter how hard she tried, she knew no image in her mind would be able to do justice to the sight of Casey standing there waiting for her at the altar, the thought alone making her even more excited than she already was.

"Are you alright, honey?" Camila asked when she noticed her daughter hadn't moved for a few moments, but the bright smile on Gabby's face was enough of a giveaway to that answer, before her shining eyes glanced towards her mother.

"I am… I'm great." She responded, earning a knowing grin from both of her parents before Camila leaned forward to press a gentle kiss to her cheek.

"I love you, my Gabriela." She murmured, Gabby blinking quickly before she gave her a quick nod, as if to try and stop the tears she felt prickling the edges of her eyes from her mother's words. "And I'm so proud of you."

"Thank you, Mama." The youngest Dawson soon replied after clearing her throat, Camila offering her an understanding look before she moved to her side, while Ramon stood on her left, his arm coming up to hook through hers.

"You ready?" He asked when they began to hear her cue, Gabby forcing in a slow breath as the magnitude of this moment started to wash over her. How she was just seconds away from walking out into that church and marrying the love of her life, nothing but pure excitement and adrenaline coursing through her veins as she nodded softly.

"Just don't let me fall, Papa." She replied, Ramon chuckling softly as he rubbed his hand along the top of her arm.

"I've got you, mija."

Just as those words left his lips, the doubles were slowly pushed open, Gabby taking one last steadying breath before her parents started to guide her down the aisle.

The moment was almost overwhelming, with everyone standing there watching her while she slowly walked across the flowers by her feet. But she found herself not even being able to focus on the people in the pews, as the second those doors opened and she stepped inside her gaze went to one place, and one place only.

And that was Matt, her fiancé standing at the end of the aisle waiting for her, with Severide by his side, the smile on her face only growing as soon as she laid eyes on him.

Across the room, Casey felt like his heart was about to explode when those doors opened and the love of his life came into view, the sight of her taking his breath away as he almost stumbled backwards a bit. But he forced himself to keep his balance, Matt caring about nothing other than the woman walking towards him as he took in his bride-to-be for the first time, tears already clouding his vision while he continued to watch her.

She looked absolutely gorgeous, though she always did to him, but the wedding dress on her body that he had yet to see was exactly as he'd imagined it. Simple, elegant, and just her, Matt's grin growing as he looked over her once more, trying to commit as much of this moment that he could to memory, the man knowing he'd never want to forget the first time he saw her coming down the aisle.

Which is exactly why he couldn't keep his eyes off of her. There could've been a hundred people in this room, or a hundred thousand and he wouldn't know any different, because all that mattered to him was her, his head full of nothing but Gabby as her and her parents got closer and closer to him.

It was becoming hard for him to see, with the water welling in his eyes. Though he'd managed to keep himself together for the most part.

But that all changed the second their gazes locked, the happy and loving smile on her face combined with the weight of this moment causing multiple tears to slip down his cheeks. But he didn't even care, Matt not bothering to wipe them away as the smile on his face only got bigger and bigger, Gabby matching his look as he saw a few tears sliding down her skin too.

When she got to the end of the aisle, Matt slowly began to try and compose himself, but being so close to his girl while she stood there in her wedding dress made that a little hard for him, Casey finally lifting his hand up to wipe away some of his tears while the three Dawson's came to a stop in front of him.

While the music still played easily in the background, Camila broke away first, the woman stepping towards Matt and wrapping him up in a tight hug, one that he reciprocated before they broke apart. Then it was Ramon's turn, the father pausing to give his little girl one last hug and kiss before looking at Casey, the two sharing an understanding glance before they shook hands.

Then what felt like an eternity later it was only them, Ramon stepping away to give Matt a chance to fully take in Gabby on her own for the first time. And Casey would be lying if he said he didn't almost break down into tears yet again, as he was sure there was nothing better than Gabby standing right here with him, in front of all their friends and family, while they were about to get married. Like the day he'd been waiting for was finally here, and so far it had been even better than he could've ever dreamed.

Shaking his head lightly, Matt slowly reached his hand out towards her, Gabby blinking back a few more tears while she followed his lead, handing her flowers off to Shay before the two of them came to stand together, their hands clasped easily with one another as the music slowly started to die down.

But that didn't stop Casey from letting himself take her in one last time, his eyes trailing over her as the smile on his face only continued to grow.

"You're so beautiful." He breathed out, those words prompting another tear the slide down Dawson's cheek while a gentle laugh left her throat, her hands squeezing his a bit in response, Gabby not getting a chance to say much else as the minister gestured for the room to sit down before he began the ceremony.

"First off, I'd like to begin by welcoming everyone here, and thanking each of you for being here on this most happy of days as we gather to celebrate the union of Matthew Casey and Gabriela Dawson, and witness their unbreakable love and commitment to one another." He started, his words only causing Matt's smile to widen while fresh tears filled Gabby's eyes, the two refusing to look away from one another while he stroked his thumb lightly along the back of her hand. "Unfortunately, I haven't had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Casey and Ms. Dawson for very long, but what I do know is how kind, and caring these two people are. How they live their lives tirelessly to help everyone else around them, and do so purely out of the goodness of their hearts. I've seen that first hand. And people like that, they deserve the best of what life has to offer… So it is my honor to be here today, to join these two wonderful, and amazing people together for the rest of their lives." He spoke honestly, Matt reaching up to wipe away a few more tears than had fallen down Gabby's face before he gave her a soft smile. "But I believe the best people to talk more about our wedded-couple-to-be would be each other… so Mr. Casey, would you like to share your vows?"

Drawing in a deep breath, Matt nodded softly, his mind racing as he tried to remember everything he'd wanted to tell her. Everything he'd written down, and thought out over the past few weeks as he wanted this moment to be perfect. But as he stood here, staring at the woman he loved more than life itself while they were minutes away from being married, he realized there was no perfect thing to say.

All he had to do was tell the truth, which is what he did.

"Gabriela Dawson, I… God, I just love you so much." He breathed out, Gabby laughing softly along with the rest of the room while a few more tears filled her eyes, his hold on her hand tightening. "I truly do. And there's nothing I can say right now that you don't already know, but I love you more than anything. And I have for a long time, even before I realized it… Even when things between us were hard, and complicated, and messy. When we were both scared of what we meant to each other, and didn't know what to do about it, I know that I loved you then. I have always loved you, and always will love you. Because you're my everything, Gabby." He got out, the words catching in his throat as a few new tears escaped her eyes, Matt finding himself becoming more emotional as well as he couldn't help what he was feeling. "You are everything to me. You're my best friend, and the love of my life. You became my family, when I had no one. And there were times you stood by my side when you didn't have to." He continued on, completely unaware of the sad look Christie and Nancy shared in the audience as his focus was solely on Gabby. "You're the person I know I can always turn to, and trust with anything. Someone who has seen the worst parts of me and not run the other way, while also being someone who makes me want to be better. Cause every day I get to see how caring and selfless and strong-willed you are, that makes me want to be a better man. Being by your side every day has made me a better man, because I try to be the best version of myself for you." Matt spoke, his voice getting more and more unsteady as emotion took hold of him. But still, he pushed on. "You're the one person who has always encouraged me, and supported me. You've never given up on me, not once. And I can't even begin to tell you what that means to me, cause you're just… You're my light, Gabby."

Tears continued falling from Dawson's eyes, her bottom lip faltering slightly as the weight of his words washed over her, the rest of the room surely teary as well as they watched the usually strong and reserved Lieutenant bare his soul to the one person who could make him drop his guard completely.

"You truly are, in every possible way. Because I know I'd be completely lost without you- I have been lost without you, and that's not something I ever want to experience again. Because you saved me, baby." He spoke as strongly as he could, with tears flowing freely down his own cheeks at this point while she gave his hand another squeeze. "And there is not one single doubt in my mind that I'm the person I am today because of you. That you came into my life right when I needed you, when we needed each other, and helped me pick up the most broken pieces of myself. You turned one of the worst experiences I've ever gone through into the best thing that's ever happened to me, because that's who you are to me… You are the best thing that's ever happened to me, and there's not a day that goes by where I'm not incredibly grateful for you taking that chance on me." He voiced, his words becoming more and more gentle as his throat tightened, Gabby nodding slowly while she listened to the man she loved more than anything pour his heart out to her.

"You put yourself out there, you opened yourself up to me when you didn't have to, and that's the only reason we're here right now. Cause you believed in me, even after everything you'd been through. And I won't take that for granted, ever. Which is why I'm promising you right now that I will be by your side forever, to take care of you and be there for you through anything. I promise to always support you, and protect you with everything I have. Because I love you, Gabby. More than anything else in this world, I love you." Casey choked out, feeling a couple more tears fall from his eyes while he took in a deep breath. "And I won't ever stop loving you for the rest of our lives."

By the time he finished there wasn't a dry eye in the room, Camila and Nancy both wiping away their tears while Ramon felt himself becoming a little misty eyed as well, the strength in which Casey spoke telling everyone in this room just how much he believed every word that left his lips.

And by the tears still welling in Gabby's eyes, it was clear she believed them too, her wide smile breaking through the water sitting on her skin as Matt used his thumb to brush aside a few of her tears.

"I love you." She mouthed, Matt's own grin widening as he reached down to grab her hands once more, while their friends and family watched every move they made.

"Ms. Dawson, would you like to say a few words?" The minister prompted after a moment, Gabby nodding slowly as she knew it was her time to do what Matt had just done. To try and convey what all he meant to her, even though it already felt like there were not enough words to describe how much she loved the man standing across from her.

"Matthew Casey, I… Everything you just said, is exactly how I feel about you." She started, while a smile already began to return to Casey's face. "How I've felt from the moment we met, when you came into my life and pulled me out of one of the darkest places I've ever been. I have loved you for so long, though there were times I was afraid to admit it. When we both were… And I know nothing about us has been very conventional, but I wouldn't change one single thing because everything that happened led us here. It led me to the man I love more than anything, the man I trust more than anyone… The person who makes me feel so safe, and loved, and protected. And you're the first person who's ever really made me feel like I'm enough." She told him, those words striking something deep inside him as he knew she was telling the truth, fresh tears beginning to spill over in his eyes as he tightened his grip on her hands. "You make me feel worthy of someone like you, like I deserve to be loved in the way you love me. And I truly mean it when I tell you that you saved me, Matt." She got out, her jaw trembling a bit as he stayed a silent support across from her. "I know you said I saved you, but you saved me, too. You literally saved my life, in every possible way." Gabby added, her words going so much deeper than some out in the audience knew.

But Matt knew just how important those words were.

"You have been my anchor for so long. Really from when we first met, even when I pushed you away. And at times when I didn't necessarily deserve it, you were there for me. You have stood by me through everything, through the worst times in my life, and really taught me how to let people in again… You have given me so much love, and patience, and understanding- in ways I didn't even know existed. But you showed me that it does, and that it's possible to love someone as much as I love you. That you can be loved that much. You've shown me what a true relationship is, and what it means to give yourself to another person. To live for someone else, and to love them more than anyone else. Because that's what you've done for me." She told him, Matt swallowing thickly while he watched her. "Time and time again, you have given me everything, selflessly. You have sacrificed yourself for me, you've put me above everything else, and I can never thank you enough for that. For how much you've loved me, and for being there for me when I really couldn't be there for myself. And I promise you, I will spend the rest of my life making sure you know how much that means to me. How much you mean to me, and that you feel just as safe and protected and loved as you've made me feel from the day we met. Because that's what you deserve, Matt. You deserve that and so much more." She spoke, her words strong despite the way her voice faltered, Matt nodding supportively as a couple more tears welled in his eyes.

"And looking back on it, I never thought you and I would've ended up here. Not with how hard things were for us at first. But no matter what all happened, I thank God every day that we're here, right now. Because you're my home, Matthew Casey." She choked out, Casey doing all he could to keep himself together as he nodded swiftly a few times. "You're all I want, you're all I need. And I'm going to spend every single day for the rest of our lives loving you. Giving you the love that you deserve, because you're the most incredible man I have ever known. And I feel so incredibly lucky that you love me back."

Her voice was unsteady as she finished, Gabby nodding as the last few words left her lips to help get them out while Casey wore the biggest grin across his face, his teary eyes focused on hers as he held onto her hands a little tighter.

"I love you so much." He told her, Gabby matching his watery smile before a soft breath left her lips.

"I love you, too." She got out, just before the minister continued on with their ceremony.

"Now that we've heard of Mr. Casey and Ms. Dawson's undying love for one another, it's time for the exchanging of rings. Rings that solidify the love you two share, and the vows you will take together." He prompted, Casey clearing his throat before he nodded and turned back towards Severide, where his friend was already holding out Gabby's silver wedding band.

The sight brought that smile back to Matt's face, a light laugh leaving his lips before he grabbed the ring and faced his soon-to-be bride once more. Reaching down for her hand, the grins over their mouths grew as they couldn't get their eyes off one another, excitement pouring from them both as they were just seconds away from everything they wanted.

"Matthew Casey," The minister started. "Do you take Gabriela Dawson to be your lawfully wedded wife? To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poor, in sickness and in health, and to love and to cherish for as long as you both shall live?"

"I do." He responded without any hesitation, those simple words causing Gabby to cry once more as she glanced down right when Matt slid that ring onto her finger, the two basking in this monumental moment before the older man continued on.

"Gabriela Dawson," He said, Gabby having to force herself to look away from Matt just long enough to reach back and get his ring from Shay, before she faced her groom. "Do you take Matthew Casey to be your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poor, in sickness and in health, and to love and to cherish for as long as you both shall live?"

"I do." She replied quickly, the urgency in her voice cause Matt to chuckle softly through the tears sitting in his eyes before she carefully slid his ring into place, an overwhelming sense of happiness almost instantly washing over them both as they looked at their rings.

"By the power vested in me by the state of Illinois, I now pronounce you husband and wife." He spoke, Gabby taking a steadying breath as the two watched each other. "You may now kiss the bride."

Casey needed no prompting as the second those words came from their minister, he grabbed a hold of Gabby and pulled her towards him, their lips connecting in an intense, passion-filled kiss as they sealed their marriage. The sound of their friends and family cheering drowned out around them, Matt and Gabby both only focused on each other in this moment as he dipped her body backwards, holding her weight in his arms while their lips moved together.

It was only seconds later when they finally began to separate, the cheers coming in louder as Matt carefully pulled her back up while keeping his arm around her waist, Gabby's hand resting against his chest as the couple started to look out towards their friends and family. And it was then when more tears came, at seeing everyone in this room so beyond thrilled for them, Gabby letting out a light, happy laugh while Matt grabbed their conjoined hands and held them above their heads, causing the cheers and yells to get louder.

The music started to come in, Matt and Gabby then beginning their walk back down the aisle together with their hands intertwined, everyone around them clapping and congratulating them when they passed, while the reality of what had happened slowly began to sink in.

That after all this time and all they'd been through, they were married. That they'd made it through all the pain and hurt in their lives, and turned it into something good. And that was each other, the thought causing Gabby's smile to widen as they got to the back of the church.

But once they walked through those doors, they didn't stop there, Matt somewhat surprised to see her leading him towards the hallway. But he didn't hesitate to follow behind her, the smile on his face growing as she moved to a room at the end of the hall before stepping inside.

"Gabby-"

The newlyweds barely got through the door before her lips were on his, effectively cutting off his words as a smirk was trying to find its way across his face. But it never got the chance to as he almost instantly began kissing her back, the two sharing the intimate moment they couldn't out there in front of all their friends as she pressed him back into the wall. Their hands were roaming one another, like they had done so many times before, but something about it felt oddly innocent. And different, maybe, as it was hard to ignore how they weren't just fiancé's anymore, but husband and wife.

And something about that changed everything. Those wedding rings on their fingers, it changed things, and had every move they made feeling a thousand times more purposeful as he grabbed ahold of her, her dress limiting some of their movements. But Matt and Gabby knew they couldn't go too far right now anyway as they had other obligations to fulfill, the first of which being their wedding photos.

Though the little voice in the back of Gabby's mind told her that everyone could wait for a few more minutes, while she and Matt took some time for themselves.

"God, baby." He breathed out once they eventually separated, their foreheads pressed together while his palms came to rest on either side of her neck. "I've never been so happy in my life."

His gentle words brought a smile to her face, Gabby slowly pulling back from him to meet his gaze, which she soon did once he opened his eyes, the sight of him causing her grin to widen as her hands came to rest over his waist.

"You look so beautiful, you know that?" He continued on with his compliments, as there were hundreds of thoughts racing through both their minds given how long it had been since they'd had a moment alone together. "This dress is… God, you're fucking gorgeous." He breathed out before moving in to kiss her once more, his lips wiping the growing smile off of her as he used his leverage to hold her close.

And Gabby had no objections, her body pressed into his as he kissed her in a way that made her head spin, before his lips started moving across her jaw down to her neck. Her eyes fell closed when he found that spot that drove her crazy, her lips parting slightly as she let him move freely for a second or two more before pulling away again.

When she did, that caused Matt to pull back as well, the smile never leaving his face while he held her as close as he physically could, the warmth radiating off of him feeling like it was wrapping around her as she caught his bright blue eyes.

"I love you." She spoke suddenly, her abrupt words causing him to chuckle before he leaned forward to press a soft kiss on her jaw.

"I love you, too." He murmured against her skin, the feeling of his breath on her making her knees weak as he rested back against the wall, Gabby clearing her throat to regain some composure before she continued on.

"And I never got to tell you how handsome you look." She added, his smile growing about ten times bigger as her eyes looked down to trace over what parts of him she could see, to admire how well his suit fit him while his hands ran over her arms.

"Well, thank you Mrs. Casey." He replied, those words catching her attention as her head snapped back up towards him, finding a soft look already waiting for her while his words washed over her. Words that caused her to smile as well, Matt's head tilting to the side slightly as he wasn't sure why she'd had such an immediate reaction to what he'd said. Though her next statement gave him an answer before he could even ask.

"Say it again." She murmured, her eyes twinkling in the soft light filtering in through the windows as a knowing look soon spread across his face, Casey's goofy grin widening while his grip on her tightened.

"Thank you… Mrs. Casey." He repeated, his voice like music to her ears as Gabby was sure she'd never been happier than she was in this moment. And it was a feeling she never wanted to forget.

Without another word she reclaimed his lips with hers, their loving and tender movements conveying every single emotion they felt right now as they knew that while right now they needed to be elsewhere, a few more minutes together celebrating their marriage couldn't hurt.

Soft music filled the air as Matt and Gabby sat at their table in the large gathering hall, the building just beside the church perfect for their wedding reception as the now married couple were at the head of the long table in the front of the room, looking out into the space full of their loved ones while everyone was enjoying the last of their meal.

The casual reception had been going on for a few hours now, but Matt and Gabby just barely arrived maybe half an hour ago, as their guests had spent that time getting some appetizers and drinking, along with some dancing, while waiting on the bride and groom. It hadn't originally been planned for it to take the couple that long to arrive, but to their surprise getting all their wedding photos took longer than they realized, as they wanted to make sure and capture every possible moment they could.

But their tardiness came from more than just the photos, as once they'd finished those Gabby decided she needed some time away to freshen up, which Matt then went to go and help with. And because of that, they'd ended up being gone longer than expected, considering Casey was very eager to get some proper alone time with his girl. Even though, much to his displeasure, they hadn't exactly been able to consummate their marriage quite yet, they'd done enough to get exactly what they needed; and that was some time alone to celebrate their wedding.

Then once they'd gotten that, they were finally able to come and join the rest of their loved ones, Gabby and Matt now sitting at the long table in the front of the room with their parents, while the rest of their friends and family were across from them all seated at smaller tables. And even though there wasn't much going on right now, Gabby absolutely loved it.

The mood was light in the air, chatter being heard from all directions while Gabby took another bite of her chicken, her attention occasionally moving towards the conversation Casey was currently having with her dad as they ate. But she could tell that while Matt was giving his focus to her dad, he was also paying attention to her, as he kept his large hand resting over her thigh.

He would rub her leg absentmindedly, or tap against her hand, just something to let her know he was still right by her side, the gesture enough to flood her chest with warmth. Especially whenever she could catch sight of the wedding band resting on his finger.

It still felt odd to see it there, Gabby not quite used to the silver band he was sporting now as it had only been there for a few hours. She knew her hand looked a little different too, as there was now a new matching silver band resting across her skin. But it was still familiar, after wearing her engagement ring for so long. She had gotten used to having that extra piece of jewelry. But with Matt, it was all new, as this was the first time she'd seen a ring on his finger.

A ring that signified the strength of their relationship, and their bond with one another. One that showed the world just how much they loved one another. And it made her nearly giddy every time she caught a glimpse of it, as it was just yet another reminder of how all of this was real. That it hadn't been a dream, they truly were married. And she would never get tired of that feeling.

"You okay, babe?"

Matt's low voice filtered into her mind, snapping Gabby from her thoughts as she glanced back towards her husband, the title bringing a smile to her face before she even caught his gaze.

Pondering over his words for a moment, Gabby slowly looked up at him before she started to nod, the look on her face earning a smile from him as he gave her leg another squeeze.

"I'm perfect." She told him, Casey grinning a bit before he leaned forward to give her a soft, slow kiss. "...And thank you."

Those words had him pulling back, an almost quizzical expression crossing his features while he gave her a pointed stare. "For what?"

"For everything." She responded without a thought, the strength in her voice only confusing him further while he waited for her to continue. "For today, for our wedding… For loving me, and for asking me to marry you. For what all you've done for me." Gabby told him, his face softening before he nodded back at her. "Just for everything… Thank you." She finished, Matt drawing in a deep breath before he gave her another easy kiss.

"You don't need to thank me for any of that. Ever. It's my job as your husband to be there for you, through everything." He responded once they separated, her smile growing while he squeezed her thigh once more, before a slight gleam started to appear in his eyes. "Although… Maybe later, I'll have something you can thank me for." He teased her shamelessly, her eyebrows raising a bit in response. "I've got another surprise coming."

"Oh yeah?" She played along, seeing the almost proud look forming over his face as he nodded.

"Yup."

"And what might that be, husband?" She teased back, that word sounding even better coming from her lips as he felt a shiver course through his spine, before he regained himself.

"You'll see." He left her with that, Matt pressing a kiss to the side of her head just before they heard their DJ's voice come through the speakers.

"Alright, if I could have everyone's attention… I'm sure everyone is having a great night so far, but I believe it's time for our lovely bride and groom to come to the floor for the happy couple's first dance."

A bright grin formed over Casey's face, Matt placing his napkin down before he stood up and began to button up his suit jacket, before reaching down for Gabby's hand.

While they made their way to the dance floor, a few cheers and calls were heard from their friends, Gabby rolling her eyes in Shay's direction after one rather explicit comment before her and Matt got to the middle of the floor.

But as soon as their music started, it was like everything else faded away, Matt's arm wrapping around her back while his other was clasped tightly in hers, the two swaying slowly together while having their first dance as a married couple. There were tons of eyes on them, but all Gabby was focused on was him, it not taking long at all before she pressed into his body, her head resting against his sturdy chest while he held her as securely as he could, both Gabby and Matt wishing they could stay in the moment forever.

And while they continued to move gracefully on the floor, Gabby couldn't help but realize after a moment that she'd been wrong before, when she thought that right after their wedding was the happiest she'd ever been. Cause it wasn't.

This was.

Right here, with Matt. With her husband, getting to celebrate their marriage with everyone they loved so dearly, she knew now that this was the happiest she'd been. Because this was all she ever wanted, and now she had it.

She had Matt. And that made her feel like the luckiest woman in the world.