Hi Readers: I just wanted to let you guys know ahead of time that yes, there was a previous chapter 241 in this story. However, I have decided to change things; because I realized that I did things wrong and did things that are out of Matt's character. Most notably, I didn't have him wake up with Gabby and help her get ready. So, that's what I'm going to do in this chapter. Thanks for reading.

Chapter Two Hundred and Forty-One
Morning Phone Calls and E-mails

Casey Headquarters – 27th Floor: Living Room, Casey Penthouse
It was only seven in the morning, but he was wide awake; wide awake, ahead of his busy day of meetings. The meetings that he needs to have with many people, including some of his senior executives: the Vice-Chairman of the Board and Senior Deputy CEO Rafael Solano at nine, the entire board of directors at ten, Gabby and Stella for ELLA at eleven. But hey, at least he has a break after the meeting; a break that was going to include having a bit of time with Gabby and the boys, ahead of some more meetings this afternoon. And that was actually one of the reasons why Matt wasn't in bed at the moment, because he needs to talk to somebody; more specifically, he needs to talk to his personal assistant Jacob Moore…as he was the man who made his schedule, which needed to be amended. And that was due to the fact that the meeting he was scheduled to have with Gabby and Stella was originally planned for the afternoon, but he's going to change that just as soon as Jacob goes through the entire schedule, which he's doing right now.

"Okay, so at nine you're meeting with Rafael, your Seni…" Interrupting his assistant, Matt didn't need to hear that; and that was due to the fact that he knew just who he was, as he was the one who appointed him to the position. "I already know his position Jacob; you have no need to tell me the positions." Jacob agreed with Matt as he said that, well aware that was the case. "Right, my apologies Mr. Casey." Matt agreed with Jacob as he said that. "It's okay, just take a breath and relax. I know that this is all new, and we are still starting fresh; I mean, we've only been in business for less than a year." Jacob agreed with Matt as he said that. "And I can't believe that this is where we are in the company, because we have made a bunch of progress over the year." Matt agreed with Jacob as he said that, well aware that was the case. "Yes, and that's why I need to have more board meetings; as well as some meetings with my executives." Jacob laughed, agreeing with his boss. "Just great, some more work for me to do." Matt agreed with his personal assistant.

"Jacob, may I remind you that your job is just being my assistant; you don't have kids yet, which is the entire reason why I hired you in the first place…because you can dedicate yourself to this job." Jacob agreed with Matt as he said that, well aware that was the case. "Well, I am warning you right now; that might not be the case in a couple years. I've been meaning to talk to you, but I've decided to propose to Celeste this coming Christmas." Matt was a bit confused as he heard that name because he thought that he recognized that name. "Sorry, why do I recognize that name?" Jacob snickered. "Celeste is the Vice-President and Deputy Chief Marketing Officer for ELLA Creations." Matt then realized that. "God, now I recognize the name; I am so sorry about that, I really do mean that." Jacob laughed, before going to tell his boss that it's okay. "Mr. Casey, it's okay. I promise, it's fine." Matt laughed. "Jacob, she works for my wife; I think I should've remembered that name." Jacob then realized that and understood. "Okay, so back to the topic on hand."

Matt agreed with Jacob as he said that, as that most definitely is something that he has to do. "Yes, to the schedule." Jacob then proceeded to start again. "Okay, at nine you have a meeting with Rafael Solano, and then at ten you have the meeting with the entire board; following which, you are going to be meeting with Jeff Clarke…" Thinking about what Jacob just said, Matt decided that he wanted to change that. "Actually Jacob, I think that I should change that. When are we doing the meeting with ELLA Apparel?" Going to check the schedule that he has on his computer that he had in front of him, Jacob found the meeting that he had scheduled. "That meeting is scheduled for 1:30, after your meeting with Casey Health." Matt took a breath as he heard Jacob say that. "Okay, how long do we have the board meeting scheduled for?" Checking the schedule, Jacob gave an answer to Matt's question. "The board meeting is schedule to be an hour, and then you're meeting with Jeff Clarke at 11." Matt took a breath as he heard Jacob say that.

"Okay, can you update my schedule and change my meeting with Jeff Clarke to 1 PM, and my meeting with Casey Health to 1:30? He has to be in that meeting anyways." Jacob agreed with his boss as he said that. "Well, that makes sense." Matt snickered. "And it also allows my ELLA meeting to be before lunch, because then my pregnant wife can go home and relax for the afternoon." Jacob thought about that, and just agreed with him; because that makes a lot more sense, and he's glad that he thought about that. "Well, I think that will work; and I am sure that it means that you can do your meeting at home." Matt snickered as he heard Jacob say that. "I'm not too sure about that, because I have Stella in the meeting too." Jacob was a bit confused as he heard Matt say that, unsure of who that is. "Sorry, who is that you're speaking of Mr. Casey?" Matt sighed. "Right, you don't use first names. I mean Ms. Kidd-Severide." Jacob then realized that. "Right, your best friend's wife…the one who is the Deputy CEO for Casey Fire." Matt agreed with Jacob.

"Speaking of which, when am I scheduled to meet him?" Going to check his (updated) schedule, Jacob proceeded to answer his question. "I have that meeting scheduled to occur at 2 pm, for an hour; followed by your last meeting at 3 pm with Mr. Halstead, and Mr. Dawson of Casey Police." Matt agreed with Jacob as he said that, remembering that. "Yes, of course. Now, I am going to have Mr. Solano in most of those meetings I believe, as he is going to be taking over while I am on paternity leave." Jacob agreed with his boss. "Just curious, what does that mean for me? Will I be assisting him?" Matt took a breath. "I believe we will have you assisting both myself, as well as Mr. Solano; because I am going to stay involved as I can." Jacob agreed with his boss as he said that, well aware that was the case. "I should've expected that." Matt laughed as he heard Jacob say that, before proceeding to grab his coffee; taking a sip, Matt smiled as he went ahead and looked at his laptop. "Okay, now I want to make sure that we already know Board Meeting topics."

Jacob agreed with his boss as he said that, as he was already working on that. "I'm actually just putting the finishing touches on the presentation that you're going to be using during the meeting, including all of the points you want to make. I believe that you want to just tell the board what's going on, and tell people what you're going to be talking about when you are in your individual meetings?" Matt agreed with Jacob as he said that, as that most definitely is the truth. "I think that's how we're going to be doing board meetings, a general meeting; after which, I do individual meetings to go deeper into topics which I might have questions about." Jacob liked that idea, because that most definitely is something that his boss can and should do. "Well, I think that's a good idea. Now, are you going to be meeting with your law team today?" Matt sighed. "No, I do not believe I have any need to do that. If they bring something up, then I will. Now, have they mentioned which one of my lawyers are going to be joining the meeting?" Jacob agreed with Matt.

"Yes, they said that they are going to be sending Mr. Serhant." Matt was a bit surprised as he heard that, as he didn't expect to be getting the name partner at the board meeting. "Well, I am a bit surprised that we have a name partner coming to the meeting." Jacob agreed with his boss. "Mr. Serhant requested to be the representative for the first couple years of the legal relationship, as he wants to make sure that you're satisfied with his legal representation of you." Matt agreed with Jacob as he said that, well aware that was the case as he grabbed his coffee once more; after which, he took a sip and just smiled due to the fact that this was the perfect way to start the morning. "Now, I do have some news that I need to talk to you about. I have received an e-mail from Dr. Halstead, and they informed me that they aren't going to be joining us today as they can't get out of shift." Matt was confused when he said that. "Jacob, you need to be more specific when it comes to which Dr. Halstead." Jacob then realized that. "Oh, I mean Dr. Natalie Halstead."

Matt agreed with Jacob as he said that, before going to open his e-mail so that he can send one to Natalie. "Do you have a reason why she isn't going to be joining us today?" Jacob agreed. "She just told me that she needs to be at the hospital. She didn't tell me the exact reason, due to confidentiality." Matt agreed with Jacob as he said that, before moving to start writing an e-mail to Natalie.

From: Casey, Matthew
To: Halstead, Natalie
CC: Halstead, William
Subject: Board Meeting

Hi Natalie:
I just got the message from Jacob that you are not going to be joining us at the meeting today, and I want to let you know that I understand that you need to be at the hospital today; I know that you like to be there for your patients if they need your assistance, and I am more than okay with you doing that. I hope that your patient feels better after getting treated by you, because I know that you always make them feel better. Thanks again for reading this if you got a chance to do so, and I hope you have a good day.

Sincerely, Matt.

Matthew Casey
Chairman and CEO, Casey
1 (800) 827-2938 x. 101

Hitting send on the e-mail, Matt was glad that he just sent that e-mail to Natalie; as he wanted to make sure that Natalie was okay, even though he thought that she was on vacation right now. Then again, who knows what's going on with that family, because everything is going to be changing. "Okay, then I am going to ask you to do something for me. Are you at the office?" Jacob agreed with his boss as he asked him whether he was at the office, as he was. "Who do you want to add to the call?" Matt smiled. "Can you please add Dr. Ethan Choi to the call?" Jacob agreed with his boss as he said that. "Give me a moment Mr. Casey." Matt agreed with Jacob as he said that, before hearing him put him on hold; after which, he turned his head and looked at Andy. "Andy, come here boy." Hearing Matt call his name, Andy got up and then proceeded to make his way over to his human owner so that he can get on the couch with him, which is exactly what he wanted anyways, to be on the couch with him. It's very comfortable, and it's his happy place.

And let's just say that Matt was happy that Andy was on the couch with him, because he was very comfortable; especially when he has his head on his leg, which is exactly where Andy just put his head as soon as he was all cuddled up to him. That was, until he saw that he just got an e-mail back from his doctor friend, Dr. Natalie Halstead.

From: Halstead, Natalie
To: Casey, Matthew
Subject: RE: Board Meeting

Hi Matt:
I know that I should've called you to let you know myself, but this was a last-minute thing. I am at the hospital right now, just getting ready for the day; please forgive me for not being there, but I hope that we can have a meeting later. However, I do want to let you know that the division will not be unrepresented at the meeting today. I asked Ethan to represent me at the meeting if that's okay. I know he's not a member of the board, but I also know that he needs to meet with you today at some point anyways for his contract.

Sincerely, Natalie.

Dr. Natalie Halstead, M.D.
VP and COO, Casey Health Clinic
OB/GYN, Kapiolani-Tripler AMC
1 (800) 827-2938 x. 113

Realizing that, Matt agreed that he most definitely does need to meet with Ethan at some point so that he can sign their contracts. Maybe he should do that ahead of the two of them attending the meeting though, as that was something that they needed to do. God, that is so confusing; do they need to do it ahead of them attending the board meeting, where classified information is talked about? And that's when Matt thought about something, related to the fact that he needs to get him on a contract. Which is the entire reason that Matt is going to call Ethan right now, to tell him that he needs to go see his contracts attorney to sign it ahead of the meeting; but that also means that he's not going to be here. But still, it's time for Matt to make sure that they are going to be done. But at least now he's going to be here on the phone with him. "Jacob? You still there?" Jacob agreed. "Yes sir, just merging the calls." Matt agreed with Jacob as he said that. "Okay, can you please add Isaac Rogers to the call as well? I need to talk to him quickly."

Jacob agreed with his boss as he said that, well aware why that was the case. "Let me guess, you need to have Dr. Choi sign his contract ahead of him being at the meeting today?" Matt laughed as he heard Jacob say that, glad that he knew him so well. "Well, I'm glad that you know me so well." Jacob agreed with his boss. "Hey, I learn by job quite well." Matt agreed with Jacob as he said that, glad that was the case. "Well, thank you very much for doing that; because I am so glad that you are going to keep doing a good job for this. Now, I do want to make sure that you take good notes today at the meeting; as I am going to want to send an e-mail to some of the executives that can't make it to the meeting." Jacob agreed with his boss as he said that, smiling as he heard his boss say that. "Trust me Mr. Casey, I am going to be using my laptop the entire meeting. I have the outline of the meeting here with me, and we are going to make sure that we follow it; that way, I can make the proper notes that I need to make for the sake of our records." Matt agreed.

"Well, I'm gad that you're so thorough; and I am ready to have you there with me, because I am sure that things are going to go great." Jacob agreed with his boss, before laughing. "So, now that we have the schedule done; and we also know that we have another member, what are we doing on the phone right now?" Matt sighed. "I think that I need to do something actually, because I think that I want to maybe add somebody else to the board; because I think that I want to have another doctor on the board, Dr. Ethan Choi. He's going to be a big part of the company, and I want him to have a voice. Do you think that you can add him, or couldn't you reach him?" Jacob laughed. "I am just waiting for you to be done speaking to me about the e-mail. I am more than ready to add Dr. Choi to the call, if you're ready sir." Matt agreed, more than ready to have Ethan on the call with him. "Please add him Jacob." Jacob agreed, doing just that for him this morning. "Dr. Choi, you're on the call with me and Mr. Casey." Ethan laughed as he heard Ethan say that.

"Well, I think this is our first interaction since I joined the company." Matt agreed with Ethan as he said that, well aware that was the case. "And I want to apologize for that. However, I hate to say this; but this is a business call." Ethan agreed with Matt as he said that, well aware that was the case. "And I understand that. So, what can I do for you Mr. Casey?" Matt laughed. "Okay, calm down. People that I know from Chicago don't need to call me that." Ethan agreed with Matt as he said that. "Okay, then Matt; what can I do for you?" Matt smiled. "I want to let you know that I want to offer you a seat on the board of directors." Ethan was shocked as he heard Matt say that, as he didn't expect that. "Wow, that's not something that I expected." Matt agreed. "I want you to be there, as I want to have your advice when it comes to the PTSD stuff that I am going to be creating." Ethan agreed with Matt as he said that, liking that idea. "By the way, I have been meaning to say this. I am grateful for what you guys are doing, to create PTSD resources."

Matt agreed with Ethan as he said that. "Well, I think we both know that I am doing it for myself too." Ethan agreed with his boss as he said that, well aware that was the case. "Good, but I still want to thank you. Now listen, it seems like I need to get ready for a meeting. Now, what is the dress code?" Matt snickered a bit. "Business Casual. I'm not all suits yet." Ethan agreed with his boss as he said that, well aware that was the case. "Well, I'm just glad that you're all for this. Now, I'm going to let you go so that we can both get ready." Matt agreed with Ethan as he said that, well aware of the fact that it was something that they both had to do. "I'll let you go then. See you later." Ethan agreed with his boss as he said that, before hanging up the call; after which, Matt spoke to Jacob. "Jacob?"Jacob agreed with his boss, well aware of what he was asking him. "I'm still here Mr. Casey." Matt agreed. "Please prepare the contract."

Jacob agreed with Matt when he said that. "As soon as we're off the phone, I will be calling Mr. (Isaac) Rogers; and I will be letting him know that we need to get the contract out for Dr. Choi, and that I need it for this morning's meeting." Matt agreed with Jacob as he said that, well aware that was the case. "Thank you Jacob, now I am going to make sure that I'm ready so that I can be completely ready for the meeting." Jacob agreed with his boss as he said that, well aware that was the case. "Well, I hope that you at least take it easy and relax for a while. I will see you when you come downstairs." Matt agreed with Jacob as he said that, before going to hang up; after which, he took a breath and looked at his laptop one last time. After which, he decided to send one last e-mail today. But first, he went to adjust something, which would be his mailing list. Opening the mailing list, Matt proceeded to add Ethan to the mailing list so that it's easier for him to just send e-mails to all of them much easier. In fact, it's exactly what they do all the time.

From: Casey, Matthew
To: Members of the Board
Subject: Board Meeting

Hello Members of the Board:
I want to remind you all that there is a meeting of the Board of Directors today at 10. I would please like for you guys to be prompt, and on time for the meeting; and I also want to say that there is going to be a new face in the meeting, and that would be Dr. Ethan Choi. Dr. Choi is the newest member of the Board and will be our new alternative member of the board should either Dr. Halstead be unable to be present at the meeting, which will be the case today, as Dr. Natalie Halstead needs to be at the hospital today.

See you all today at 10.

Sincerely,
Matthew Casey
Chairman and CEO, Casey
1 (800) 827-2938 x. 101

After sending that final e-mail to the board, Matt took a breath as he went ahead and made sur that everything was ready; that was, until he heard somebody join him downstairs. More specifically, his beautiful wife. "I thought I heard you down here." Turning his head, Matt smiled as he looked at Gabby. "Hey, did I wake you up?" Gabby smiled as she heard Matt say that. "Now that I would really mind." Making her way over to her dreamy husband, Gabby smiled as she got ready to sit in his lap and cuddle up to him. After all, that was what she wanted to do with her husband right now. She wanted to sit in his lap and cuddle up to him. So, she walked into the living room to do just that; and luckily, Matt recognized that and moved his laptop next to him on the couch. "Come here beautiful." Gabby agreed with Matt as he said that, smirking as she made her way over to the man she loves so that she could sit in his lap and cuddle up to him. Anyways, that was exactly what they both wanted right now; and they also wanted a kiss, to start their day.

And that was only going to happen once Gabby was in his lap, which she is right now; after which, he wrapped his arms around her and sat up while putting his hands on her back. Meanwhile, Gabby put her hands on his muscular chest as they both held each other close. Wrapping his arms around his neck, Matt smiled as she leaned in and kissed the man she loves more than anything in the entire world. "I love you." Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that, moving his hands to her back; after which, he looked up at the woman he loves. "Well, I am happy that you're down here." Gabby agreed with Matt as he said that, before leaning in and looking at the man she loves. "So, what are you doing down here?" Matt sighed. "I had to do some e-mails and stuff, get some contracts started and everything ahead of the meeting." Gabby agreed with Matt as he said that, before putting her hands on his chest; after which, Gabby wrapped her arms around his head and leaned in to kiss her loving husband softly. "God, I love you so much." Matt agreed.

"So, do you want me to do anything for you right now?" Gabby smirked as she heard Matt say that. "Well, how long do you have until your first meeting?" Matt smiled as Gabby asked him that, before looking at the time; seeing that it was only 7:20 AM, Matt smirked. "My first meeting isn't until nine." Gabby agreed with Matt as he said that. "Well, I checked on the boys and they're still asleep." Matt smirked as he heard Gabby say that, before proceeding to pick the woman he loves up in his arms. Wrapping her legs around his waist, Matt smirked as he leaned in and kissed his beautiful wife softly. "Shower?" Gabby smirked as she heard Matt say that, before wrapping her arms around his neck. "Maybe something sexier first?" Matt smirked, agreeing with his beautiful wife as she said that; because that's something that he most definitely wants first, something much sexier in bed with his wife. "God, I am so ready for that. I want to just take it easy with you so bad." Gabby agreed with Matt as he told her that, well aware that was the case.

"Oh, you don't think I already know that baby?" Matt just smirked due to the fact that this really is everything that they both want to do right now. They want to have fun with each other, ahead of them taking a shower with each other; because it's what they want more than anything. They want each other, especially when they aren't going to get much time with each other today; because instead of spending the day in bed with each other, they're going to be working today. After all, they do have a business to run.