Hi Readers: And welcome to another day of chapters. I hope that you guys enjoyed yesterdays chapters, and are ready for more today; well, as many as I can write. But before we start with normal chapters, what do you say we start with a dream chapter? Enjoy.

Chapter One Hundred and Eighty-Nine
DREAM: The Caseys Celebrate Five Years (with Jackson)

Monday, December 6, 2021 – Casey Penthouse
Jackson David Casey. That was the name of their beautiful week-old son, whom Matt was currently in the midst of holding on his chest (which he does whenever he gets a chance to do so). And let's just say that Matt loves it, as it gives him a chance to bond with his fifth (and final) child. Something that he wasn't able to do (as much) for the past nine months, as they were not together each and every day; after all, Gabby was not the one who was pregnant with Jackson. Rather, Jackson was carried by a surrogate; a surrogate who just gave birth to him, in their presence a week earlier. Yes, you heard that right; Jackson Casey was not born by his biological mother (even though they used Gabby's egg) rather, he was born via a surrogate (whom they trusted with their precious son, as Gabby didn't want to get pregnant again). And the truth was, they are so grateful (and glad) that this is the choice that they ended up making when it came to them expanding their family for the final time; even though they were open to adoption. And while they would've been more than okay with bringing another child into their home, something just didn't feel right about the idea of them adopting the child.

The idea of them bringing another non-biological child into their home, just didn't sit right with them; and rather, they wanted to do something else. And that was welcome another biological child of theirs into their home, on the condition that Gabby wasn't the one who got pregnant, which was something that Gabby refused to do, after what they had to experience while they were pregnant with their daughters Bella Grace and Emily Marie. And that was actually the reason why this decision that they made was so shocking, the decision they made to have another biological child; as they both thought that they were done having biological children, and that they would adopt a baby this time around. Yet, at the time, they didn't rule out the possibility of them having another biological child, as you know. There were just conditions that came with it, one that you already know; meanwhile, the other was that they use somebody that they trust. A sentiment that was even more important, based on the situation that they now find themselves in; as they are currently in a health panic known as COVID-19, something that they've been dealing with since the girls were born.

But luckily for them, this situation that they find themselves in didn't dissuade their friend (and surrogate) from doing this for them; a friend named Stella. Yes, you heard that right; Gabby's best friend, Matt's best friend's wife was their surrogate. And let's just say that it was awkward between the four of them for a while, especially when it came to their relationship; nothing like a bit of stress on your pregnancy, like the fact that you're carrying your best friends' child (who just so happens to also be your bosses); making the baby that you're carrying also the fifth and final Casey heir. But still, Stella was more than happy to be their surrogate; as she wanted to be pregnancy again, but she didn't want to have to raise the baby. So, it was a win-win for everybody; they got a surrogate that they trusted, and who knows them personal. Meanwhile, Stella got to be pregnant one last time (but not raise the baby); and, of course, Matt and Gabby got to have a fifth child. And now, they have everything they need in life. Each other, and their children: Matteo, Noah, Bella, Emily, and Jackson. And Matt had to Say, god is he adorable; especially as he was currently quite comfortable on his chest.

Tapping his back (through the baby carrier that he was wearing), Matt smiled as he bent down and kissed the top of his beautiful son's head; the son who was fast asleep just like his beautiful mother, or so he thought. And no, he's not talking about Jackson waking up; rather, he's talking about the love of his life waking up this morning (and making her way down to the main floor of their penthouse) to join him and Jackson. And let's just say that Gabby loves the sight in front of her, as it was the sight of her dreamy husband (and the love of her life) holding their newborn son on his shirtless chest, while he's just wearing some (tight) boxers. And that was the best sight in the entire world, and it was also the best way for the both of them to start their anniversary celebration. It was incredible, and Gabby is over the moon that this is what they're currently in the midst of doing right now. They're celebrating their fifth wedding anniversary, with their beautiful baby boy Jackson, who was currently fast asleep on his father's (muscular) chest, as he cuddled up to him in the baby carrier. The baby carrier that they originally bought for the twins to use and are both glad that they kept it.

Especially Gabby, as it gives her a chance to see this; the sight of her husband dancing a bit (in his boxers) while trying to keep Jackson sleeping on his chest, which is something that Gabby knows Matt's doing because he thinks that she's still asleep. And she also knows that she should stop him from dancing like that (by telling him that she's awake)…she just couldn't find it in herself to do so, because it's adorable; rather, she decided to just make her way over to the island and grabbed one of the stools so that she could sit down. That way, she could relax and take it easy; all the while, she would also get a chance to continue doing exactly what she was in the midst of doing right now. Admiring the sight in front of her, of her dreamy husband spending some quality time with Jackson; especially after she noticed the bottle of milk that was in the sink, which meant that Jackson has already been fed. That meant that she wasn't needed at the moment, and that she could just as easily go back to bed (rather than sitting out here); but that wasn't what she wanted to do right now, as she wanted to relax and take it easy (while admiring the sight of her boys spending time together).

But unfortunately, that wasn't (entirely) meant to be as the chair that she ended up choosing, well it turned out to be the squeaky chair (which promptly prompted Matt to turn around to look at his beautiful wife, flashing her a smile in the process). "Hey." Smiling as she looked at the man she loves more than anything in the entire world, Gabby just took a moment to admire the sight in front of her; especially now that he was facing her, and she could admire the sight in all of it's glory, because it looked so much better while Matt was facing her. "I have to say, I really like the sight of you holding Jackson on your shirtless chest." Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that, while also turning his attention back to the pancakes that he was making for the both of them. "And I love the fact that it's our fifth anniversary." Gabby smiled as she heard Matt say that, glad that was the case as well. "Now, I would come give you a kiss but…" Gabby then realized what Matt was asking her to do, as he can't walk away from the stove right now; which is why Gabby decided to get up once more, and make her way over to the man she loves on their anniversary (and give him a kiss to start their day alone).

Plus, maybe she could also steal Jackson away from him and go cuddle up to him while watching some Christmas movies; but first, she had to walk up to her man (while also smiling at him). "You already feed him? I saw the bottles in the sink." Matt agreed with Gabby as she walked up to him, before wrapping his arm around her, smiling at his beautiful wife as they held each other close; meanwhile, Gabby leaned up and kissed him slowly. And god, now if that wasn't nice; the feeling of their lips moving against once another's nice and slowly, as they held each other on their anniversary. "How long have you been awake?" Gabby smiled, before grabbing his hand. "Maybe fifteen minutes." Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that, while also feeling a bit bad over the fact that he was here; rather than being in bed with her, on the morning of their anniversary. "Sorry I left you alone, in bed on our anniversary." That's when Matt realized something that he didn't say when he kissed her, which was why he soon brough Gabby against his chest once more. "Happy anniversary baby." Bending down after wishing her a happy anniversary, Matt smiled as he kissed her softly.

At the same time, Gabby put her hand on his chest and took things nice and slow with her loving husband. "I love you so much." Matt agreed with Gabby as she stated that she loves him so much, as he feels the same way; words cannot describe just how much he truly loves his wife, but he plans on showing her today as they relax in bed with Jackson. "So, you decided to leave bed with Jackson today?" Matt agreed with Gabby as she asked him that, before thinking about what she may want right now. "Do you want to hold him?" Gabby agreed with Matt as he asked her whether she wanted to hold him in her arms, as she most definitely does. "I'll go sit in the living room with him, that way we can be together all day." Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that, as he absolutely loves that idea; but not as much as them spending the day in bed. "Actually, how about you just sit at the island? That way, we can eat quickly before heading up to bed; because that's where we both want to be today, in bed with each other…and Jackson." Gabby agreed with Matt.

Making his way upstairs shortly after doing the dishes this morning, even though Gabby offered to do them; Matt smirked as he got ready to join his beautiful wife, as well as their newborn son in bed. But little did Matt know that he would also be joining Stella in bed; as Gabby was currently in the midst of talking to her, as she said down in bed. "So, are you sure that you're doing okay? I mean it Stella, if you need anything; then you just tell us, and we will take care of it." Laughing a bit, Stella smiled at her best friend. "Honey, you already gave me everything I need with the expenses and everything. You paid me way too much to carry the baby, because now me and Kelly actually have the money to have another baby. So, I want to thank you for that; because now, I have to break my husband's heart!" Gabby was confused as she heard her best friend say that. "What are you talking about?" Stella sighed. "I thought we were done after the twins, and that we were okay with this being my last pregnancy….but now he wants to go for another one."

Gabby then got concerned. "What did you do?" Stella sighed. "I got my tubes tied, so that means I need to tell him that I can't get pregnant; and that we can't have another baby, unless you want to be the surrogate?" Gabby sighed. "Stella, you already know why I didn't want to get pregnant with Jackson in the first place." Stella agreed. "I know. Just know that I am your designated babysitter for Jackson from now on, that way I can make my husband happy. Just promise me that you don't tell him what I told you?" Gabby agreed with Stella. "Of course, Stella, my lips are sealed…" That's when Gabby saw that Matt was there. "Can't say the same for my husband." Matt gulped as he heard that, before hearing Stella say something. "Matt, if you say anything to my husband; then I'm going on strike with designs, and your wife is going to have to cut her maternity leave short!" Gabby was shocked that she just heard Stella say that. "Honey, what maternity leave? Girl, I got five kids!" Stella agreed with Gabby as she said that. "Good point." Gabby then added on.

"Oh, and another 200 employees that I deal with; because you know me, I'm hands on with ELLA. So, if you threaten me again; then I will take maternity leave, and you're going to have to do both of our jobs alone! Now, if you don't mind me…I'm going to spend my anniversary with my husband if you don't mind." Stella agreed with Gabby as she said that, well aware of the fact that today is her anniversary. "Don't forget to talk to Matt about New Year's Eve!" Hanging up, Gabby took a breath as she didn't expect her to say anything about that. At the same time, Matt walked further into their room. "What's this about New Year's Eve?" Gabby sighed as she looked at Matt. "Stella and Kelly want to go out, and they want us to watch…" Matt was shocked. "Seven kids?" Gabby bit her lip. "Yeah, maybe not the best idea." Matt took a breath as he heard Gabby say that. "Listen, can we not talk about this today? I would rather not concentrate on anything other than the two of us." Gabby agreed with Matt, smiling at her dreamy husband. "I agree."

Matt then looked at the beautiful baby boy that was currently in Gabby's arms. "What do you say I move that little guy into his crib? That way, we can get a bit of intimate time with each other?" Gabby smiled as she heard Matt say that, as that was something that she most definitely was in fact interested in; she wanted to spend time in bed with the man of her dreams, and she wanted to cuddle up to him with Jackson in his crib. "I absolutely love that idea." Matt smiled as he heard Gabby say that, before walking over to the woman he loves more than anything in the entire world; after which, he looked down at his beautiful wife and their newborn son. Just looking at the both of them, Matt smiled as he bent down and then proceeded to kiss his beautiful wife softly; after which, he moved his hand to her neck and smirked. "God, I love you so much; and I am so glad that we made it to five years." Gabby agreed with Matt as he said that, before smiling as she looked up at him; after which, she turned her head and looked at Jackson (kissing his forehead as well).

"Listen, you're going to go take a nap in your crib, okay Jackson? That way mommy and daddy can get some time alone and celebrate their anniversary." Matt smiled as he heard Gabby say that, before bending down so that he could pick their beautiful son up out of his arms; cradling him into his chest shortly afterwards, Matt smirked due to the fact that this really is everything that the couple want right now. They want to be alone, with Jackson, as they celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary. "I'll be right back, and I want a nice kiss when I get back in bed with you." Gabby laughed a bit as she heard Matt say that, as that was exactly what she wanted as well. She wanted to take things nice and slow with the man of her dreams, as they held each other close on their anniversary, which was actually why she had to do something for him, and that also involved getting up out of bed to reveal something. And that was something she was able to do, as Matt was currently facing away from her; as he set Jackson down in his crib, ahead of sexy time.

To say that Matt liked the sight that was in front of him truly was an understatement, as he loved the sight that was in front of him; the sight of his gorgeous wife, wearing the sexiest of lingerie for him on their anniversary. And that was the exact reason why the couple were not currently in bed with each other but were rather just holding each other close next to their bed; that way, Matt could give Gabby a bit of what she wanted from him right now. And that would be a couple sexy kisses, that they were both enjoying with each other. After all, what's better than the feeling of the man you love kissing you all over the place; including on your neck, which was where Matt was currently in the midst of keeping his lips. And god, it was perfect; and exactly what Gabby wanted to feel today. She wanted to feel his soft lips on her neck, and his gorgeous hands all over her body; but she also wanted him to take things nice and slow with her in bed, which was something else that Matt already promised his wife. That they would take things slow in bed together.

Then again, that was also something that was obviously going to happen; because what husband doesn't want to take things nice and slow with the woman they love more than anything in the entire world? If Matt didn't want to do that, then she would've thought that he was crazy, but he most certainly is not crazy; well, at least not in that way. Rather, he was crazy; crazy for the woman he was currently pleasing, by holding her against his chest (with his soft lips on her neck). And god, was that a nice feeling. The feeling of the man she loves, sucking on her neck as a way to tease her. God, now this truly is perfect; and exactly what she wants him to do right now, because there's nothing better than the feeling of them two of them just holding each other close this way. Turning his head shortly after kissing her neck for a bit, Matt smirked as he leaned in and kissed Gabby softly. "God, I love you so much; and I am so happy that this is what we're in the midst of doing right now, while Jackson takes a nap. As I want to hold you like this."

Stepping close to the man she loves as he said that, Gabby agreed with him; after all, she wanted the same thing as him. She wanted to feel him run his hands all over her body, as he kisses her the way he was currently in the midst of kissing her. It's the sexiest feeling in the entire world, and Gabby is more than okay with Matt taking his time right now, which is exactly what he's doing when it comes to getting them in bed, because he wants to enjoy this time that he and Gabby are spending with each other. Moving her hand to the side of his face, Gabby just smirked as she took things nice and slow with her husband; the man she loves more than anything in the entire world, and who knows that's the case. "God, you are so damn sexy; and I am so glad that this is what we're in the midst of doing Matt." Matt agreed with his beautiful wife as she said that, well aware that was the case. "Oh, I am more aware of that than you may think Gabby. I know what you want right now, and it most certainly is this." Gabby agreed with Matt, smirking as she kissed him.

And god is he sexy, as she took things nice and slow with the man of her dreams; the man she wants to feel pick her up in his arms and lay her down in bed. Which is exactly what Matt promptly did, the moment Gabby even thought about it. "How did you know that was what I wanted you to do?" Wrapping Gabby's legs around his waist, Matt smirked as he then moved his hands to her sides; all the while, Gabby moved her hands to the top of Matt's chest as she looked down into his gorgeous eyes and started to kiss him once again (while also wrapping her arms around his neck). "Because I know my husband, and I know what he wants better than anybody." Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that, well aware that was the case as he started to take things nice and slow with her; after which, he carried her to their bed so that he could lay Gabby down. Doing just that (as the covers were already open), Matt smirked as he pulled away from the kiss and then moved his hand to her neck; bending down shortly afterwards, Matt smirked as he went to attack her neck.

Moaning as Matt did that, Gabby as shocked because that really turned her on. "Oh, fuck Matt!" Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that, well aware that she was enjoying the feeling that came with him doing just that. "You like that, don't you baby?" Gabby agreed with Matt, smirking as that most definitely was the case. After which, she felt Matt push her further into their bed (so that he could get in bed with her); and that was most definitely something that she was more than okay with, because she wanted him in bed with her. She wanted him to take things nice and slow with her, and she wanted to feel his life for her; not that she didn't get a chance to do just that every single day of the year, but she gets to do it much more today as it's their anniversary. They get to be alone with each other, and just spend the day showing each other just how much they truly mean to each other; and just how much they love each other, which might even include them making love to each other…they just don't know when. "When do you want me?"

Gabby was a bit confused as she heard Matt say that, pulling away so that she could look up at her husband. "What do you mean?" Matt smirked as he heard Gabby ask him said question, before going to point out to her just what he means. "When do you want me to make love to you?" Gabby smiled as she heard Matt ask her that question, as that was something that she most certainly was interested in doing right now. "When do you want to do it?" Matt smirked as he looked at his beautiful wife, before bending down and kissing her once again. "I want to do it right now, I want to take you in my arms and give you exactly what you want; I want to show you just how much I love you Gabby." Gabby agreed with Matt as he said that, smiling at the man she loves. "Then do it baby. Show me just how much you love me." Matt smirked as he heard Gabby say that, before going to grab the covers; after which, he tugged them up on top of the both of them so that they can shield Jackson from what he's about to do to his mother today.

The feeling that came with being under her husband as he made love to her was pure pleasure, especially as he ran his hand up and down her leg and kissed her; because that was really where she always wanted her lips as made love to her, on hers. And she wanted his hands all over her body, no matter what time of the day it was; but luckily for them, they had a real chance to make love to each other all day…and that was due to the fact that Jackson was currently fast asleep in his crib, which meant that they had time to be alone with each other. And that was exactly what the couple both wanted right now, to take some time alone with each other and just enjoy each other's company (and the pleasure that they can give each other). Because let's just say that was exactly what Matt was currently in the midst of giving Gabby, he was giving her a bunch of pleasure; pleasure that she was enjoying more than anything in the entire world, and that was great due to the fact that they rarely get a chance to do this now that they have five children.

But that didn't mean that she would go back and change anything, as they are both so happy that they have five children; children that they love. They love Matteo because he was their first born, and the baby boy that made them parents; they love Noah, because of his freckles and his contagious laugh; they love Bella, because she made Matt a 'girl dad'; they love Emily for her goofy smile, and the fact that she's a daddy's girl; and they love Jackson, because he completes them. They never knew that they needed this many kids, but Jackson make them whole. They made him what they always wanted to have, a large family. And while they never expected to have five kids (like Herrmann), they love it; and they are so proud that this is the family that they have and will always love the life that they are creating for their children. A life that is based on the life that Matt and Gabby have for each other, which they are showing each other right now; as they make love to each other in bed, and just take things nice and slow with each other…until Matt rolled over.

Laying down on his back, Matt smiled as he turned to look at his beautiful wife; while also extending his hand, with the hopes of Gabby grabbing it. Doing just that as Matt (quietly) asked her to, Gabby smiled as she went ahead and intertwined their fingers so that they could continue to hold each other in bed; even though Matt was no longer on top of her, not that he needed to be there to hold his beautiful wife close to him. Rather, he just needed to be next to her to make her happy; as that's what she was right now, happy with the man she loves…as they relax in their bed today. "How are you feeling after that?" Laughing a bit as she heard Matt ask her how she was after that, Gabby just looked at the man she loves as she was filled with pure joy over what they just did; simply because of how great it felt to be with the man she loves, alone as he made love to her in bed. "That was incredible, and just the best way to celebrate five years." Matt smiled as he heard Gabby say that. "Five years, and five kids." Gabby agreed with Matt, smiling at him.

"I was actually just thinking about that, and just…I never knew how much I really felt like I needed Jackson." Rolling over onto his side, Matt looked at his beautiful wife. "What do you mean?" Gabby smiled. "I'm not sure if this makes sense but…" Right when Gabby said that, Matt stopped her. "Hey, what you say…it always makes sense, because it's how you feel." Gabby agreed with Matt as he said that, before bringing his hand to her lips; after which, she kissed the back of his hand. "There's just something about having Jackson that makes me really happy, and glad that we decided to go ahead with asking Stella to do it for us." Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that, before rolling over onto his side and moving his hand to her neck; after which, he leaned over his beautiful wife and started to take things nice and slow with the woman of his dreams. "I feel the same way." Smiling as she heard Matt say that, Gabby agreed with her dreamy husband before moving to kiss his hand; after which, she turned her head and looked into his eyes.

At the same time, Matt leaned over so that he could kiss the woman he loves once again; as he knew that was what she wanted right now. "I love you Gabby." Gabby agreed with Matt as he said that, smiling as she felt the same way. "I love you too Matt." Moving his hand to her neck, Matt started to take things nice and slow with his gorgeous wife; after all, he was extremely happy to be celebrating five years with her. "And I promise, Jackson is our last baby." Gabby laughed as she heard Matt say that, well aware that was the case as they both just relaxed here, in bed on their fifth wedding anniversary; continuing to hold each other close, for the rest of the day.