Good morning readers. And welcome to another new update of The Caseys. And while I am now only updating one chapter at a time, I think that this is what I need to do for the sake of this story; that way, people can catch up and I can catch up on my new story. The story that I am going to update later. But now, enough with the note. Let's just get back to the story, and the hospital.

Also, quick note: You may have noticed that my formatting has changed of late. And that's due to the fact that I want to try this out, because that's how I have been writing in my other story. Let me know what you think of this new formatting that I'm trying out.

Chapter Two Hundred and Seventy-One
I Needed to Take a Walk (after Having a Bit of PTSD)

He decided that he needed to take a walk, and just get out of the hospital room for a bit; that way, he could let Gabby rest…while also dealing with some PTSD (about the girls' premature birth) that he just had this afternoon. Not that Gabby would really care whether he had PTSD in her presence, because she'd rather that happen. She wants to help her husband go through his PTSD, and she wants to help him deal with whatever comes his way today; but first and foremost, she wants to be the support that her husband needs at the moment. However, that wasn't the case for Matt; as he felt that it was more important that his wife rests, and just take it easy…than have to worry about his PTSD. And for now, that's what he plans on doing for the sake of his wife's health; anyways, it's not like she's alone right now. And that was based on the conversation that Matt was overhearing Gabby have with one of their friends.

"So, you saw him when he left? He's okay?"

And that's when he heard how Gabby was feeling at the moment, and that was scared; scared over the fact that he was gone, rather than be there with her right now. And he hated that. He hated that Gabby was feeling scared at the moment, as that was the last thing that he wanted for his wife; he didn't mean to scare her, and that was the entire reason for him going out in the first place. So now, he's really going to need to apologize; while also making sure that Gabby knows that he's okay, because he is. He's fine, and she really has nothing to worry about at the moment; because he's here, and he's ready to take care of her, Bella, and Sofia for the rest of the day. Heck, for the rest of their hospital stay; but first, he just needs to let his wife know that he's back and here for her. And one way that he can do that quite easily is already happening, as Andy already ran into the room after hearing the fear in Gabby's voice.

"Jeff, can you make sure that Andy doesn't jump up on her?"

Agreeing with his boss, Jeff made sure to walk over to Andy so that he could grab his leach; that way, he didn't jump onto the hospital bed (which could easily have an adverse effect on Gabby's recovery time, and lead to her having to stay in the hospital longer). And honestly, Matt was extremely grateful for him having done that; as the last thing that he needed, was for him to have more PTSD than he already had. Rather, he wants to take it easy with his family right now; including his beautiful wife, who was still worried (and a bit confused) as to just where her husband went. However, she had a feeling that it was related to Andy needing to go out; but what she's yet to find out, is that it was also due to the fact that he himself had to go out and make sure that he's okay right now. Because that was something that was on his mind for a while, whether he would be okay after having that PTSD event earlier this afternoon.

But now, it wasn't time for him to talk about that yet; rather, it was time for Matt to walk in and come to Gabby's side. That way, he could show her that he was here; and that he was okay, at least physically. He already knows that he's going to have to talk to Gabby about what happened, and why he left; but right now, that didn't matter. What mattered, was that he was back; and that Gabby was currently resting in bed. And damn, did his girl look so beautiful as she just laid there in bed; and waited for him to come back to join her in bed, which he plans on doing as soon as possible. "Hey, where did you go off to?" Smiling as Gabby asked him where he went, Matt then looked at Andy. "Someone had to go to the washroom today." Gabby agreed with her husband as he said that, well aware that was the case; however, she also knew her husband. "And…" Matt snickered a bit, while walking over to her this afternoon.

"Is it really that obvious?"

Gabby laughed as she heard Matt say that, as she now knew for sure why he left; and it was now something that they were going to talk about, due to the fact that she wants to be there to help him every step of the way. But first, she wants something from her man; something that only he can give her, after walking up to her. So, she extended her hand to give him the message that he needed to get; the message that came with her wanting to share a kiss with the man she loves, and to just take it easy with him. And let's just say that Matt got that message loud and clear, as he made his way over to Gabby so that he could give her what she wants from him; and that would be a sweet kiss, which he wants as well. "I think I already know what you want, the moment I walk over to you." Gabby smiled, agreeing with Matt as she reached up for him; at the same time, her man walked up to her and leaned over the love of his life.

After which, he proceeded to press a soft kiss on her lips, which was exactly what Gabby wanted, and will always want from her husband each and every time he comes back from taking Andy out. However, she also wants the truth from her husband, which is exactly what she's about to ask him about. "Baby, did you have PTSD?" Matt sighed as he agreed with his wife, as that was exactly what he was dealing which. After which, he proceeded to kiss her forehead softly. "After, okay?" Gabby agreed with Matt as he said that, while also watching her loving husband get up; after which, Matt walked over to Jeff (who just finished taking off Andy's leach for him). "I hope it was okay that I took off his leach, I didn't know…" Matt smiled as he heard Jeff say that, whilst also putting his hand up. "Jeff, it's okay. And I appreciate what you did, because then it allows me to say this much sooner." Turning his head, Matt smiled.

"Andy, go to you bed boy. Break time."

Nodding his head, Andy agreed as he walked away to go lay down on his bed (which is located in the corner of the bedroom); Andy smiled as he got ready to get comfortable, which is what he always is on his bed. At the same time, Matt smiled as he walked up to Jeff. "Thanks." Jeff agreed with Matt as he said that. "I just really hope you mean it when you say that I wasn't overstepping." Matt shook his head as he grabbed his hand, before going to shake it. "Jeff, take a breath and just relax okay? I promise, you weren't overstepping; and you just made my job, and my life a hell of a lot easier." And let's just say that statement didn't make Gabby all too confident that her husband was really okay, which prompted her to vocalize her worries. "Are you sure that you're okay baby?" Turning his head, Matt agreed. "I was talking about my back, which is still adjusting to the bed." Gabby agreed with Matt, understanding.

"Yet, we were just here less than eight months ago." Matt agreed with his wife as she said that, before moving to walk over to the sink; that way, he could wash his hands and go see his daughters. "Yeah, not really happy about that." Gabby agreed with Matt as he told her that, well aware that was the case. "Sorry for reminding you." Matt shook his head as he heard Gabby say that, before turning his head as he smiled at his beautiful wife. "Baby, you have no need to apologize to me. I promise that everything is okay." Gabby agreed with Matt as he said that, before watching as he made his way back over to her; after which, Matt smiled as he proceeded to bend down and kiss the woman he loves once more. And damn did Gabby love the feeling of those soft lips on hers, especially since she loves her husband more than anything in the entire world. "I love you." Matt agreed with Gabby as she told him so.

"I love you too."

Smiling as she leaned her forehead against Matt's forehead, Gabby just held him close before whispering to him once more. "Can we be alone again? Go check on the girls, and maybe close the door? I want to cuddle up to you. Maybe get changed?" Matt agreed with Gabby as she asked: (a) if they can be alone again, (b) if he can go check on the girls, (c) whether he can close the door, and (d) whether he can get changed; and there is only one answer to all of those questions. "Yes." Gabby smiled as she heard Matt say that, before kissing him once more; after which, she whispered to him. "Boxers please." Matt agreed with his wife as she said that, well aware that was what Gabby was going to want anyways; but now, he's going to go do what he needs to do. And that starts with Matt getting up and turning to look at Jeff; and let's just say that he already knew based on the face. "My cue to leave?" Matt snickered.

"Sorry man." Jeff shook his head as he heard Matt say that, as he had no need to apologize. "You have no need to apologize, because I understand that you want time alone with your wife and daughters. So, I'll get out of here; and you guys can just take it easy." Matt agreed with his friend as he said that. "I got the door Matt, just go relax with Gabby." Matt smiled as he heard Jeff say that, before watching as he walked away; after which, Matt smiled as he turned his head so that he was facing Gabby once more. "Well, that was easy." Gabby agreed with Matt as he said that, well aware that was the case. "I think that's due to the fact that he doesn't really want to go head-to-head with his bosses." Hearing the door to their room close, Matt just smiled as he felt that was the case as well; after which, he walked over to his dressed to get changed. "T-shirt, or no t-shirt?" Gabby smiled at her man. "No t-shirt please."

Snickering, Matt couldn't help but smile as he heard Gabby say that as he should've predicted that would be the case.

Walking over to bed clad in nothing but his boxers for Gabby this afternoon, Matt couldn't help but smile at just how beautiful she looks right now; and just how comfortable she is there in their bed, which is something that he never expected her to be. But right now, he's just glad that she's comfortable this afternoon. "You comfortable there in our bed?" Gabby agreed with Matt as he asked her whether she was comfortable, as she most certainly was comfortable; and will only get even more comfortable, when the man she loves joins her in bed momentarily. "Just waiting for my man to get in bed, then I'll be very comfortable in his arms." Matt smiled, agreeing with Gabby as she said that; after all, he very much knew that Gabby is always extremely comfortable when she's in his arms. "Oh, I am well aware that's the case. But I just need to do some things first." Gabby agreed, as she was well aware that was the case.

Setting his phone down on his side table charger, Matt smiled as he then proceeded to make his way over to their girls; whom Gabby asked him to check on, prior to joining her in bed. So, he went ahead and did just that; as he didn't want to let his wife, and the love of his life down. "We going to keep watching the Hallmark Channel?" Gabby agreed with Matt as he asked her whether they're going to keep watching the Hallmark Channel. "If that's okay with you." Matt smiled as he turned his head, and looked at the woman he loves. "As long as we're comfortable in bed, then I'm happy." Gabby agreed with Matt as he said that. "However, we are going to talk about something prior to us even thinking about watching TV; something that you already know that we have to talk about baby, and that you aren't going to be able to get out of talking about…as much as you don't want to talk about it, you know you need to."

Matt agreed with Gabby, before looking at her this afternoon. "You talking about my PTSD?"

Gabby agreed with Matt as he asked her whether she was talking about his PTSD, as she most certainly was; as she wanted to talk to him about it the moment she leaned that he had PTSD, as they seem to need to have this conversation again. This conversation regarding what role she's going to play when it comes to his PTSD, even when they're in the hospital. "I think we need to have that conversation again." Taking a breath as he heard Gabby tell him that, Matt just agreed as he already knew exactly what conversation she was talking about; she's talking about the conversation about how her role as his main partner in his PTSD hasn't changed, even though she's a patient here in the NICU. She's still his wife, and biggest partner in life first. And that means that he can't keep secrets from her, especially when it's related to his PTSD. "Baby, I'm just worried about you." Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that.

"I know, and I promise we're going to talk about it…I just have a lot on my mind." Looking at Matt, Gabby just got even more worried as she said that. "Then I hope you know what that means." Matt agreed with his wife as she said that, as he was well aware of what that means. And that would be that they're going to talk, and that they are going to talk through what he has on his mind right now; which is what they always do, as a team. Especially since Gabby loves him more than anything in the entire world, and she wants to help him in whatever way she can. "Matt, you're my husband; and I love you. I want to help you through this, so that I can maintain my vows. Remember, through sickness and in health. And the health part most certainly includes mental health, when you've been diagnosed with PTSD." Matt agreed with his wife as she said that, well aware that was the case; and he's been told that too.

"I promise Gabby, I know that…especially since I was just told that."

Gabby was confused as she heard Matt say that, unsure of what he was talking about. "Who just told you that?" Matt sighed as he turned around and looked at Gabby. "I went to my therapist here at the hospital, had a quick session today; I just wanted to try and figure out ways to talk to you, that wouldn't make you too worried. And I know that I shouldn't do that, but…" Extending her hand, Gabby motioned for the love of her life to come join her in bed. "Hey, come here. Come join me in bed Matt." Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that, before making his way over to bed so that he can joint he woman he loves; and so that he can hold her, as they talk about this. But before he gets in, he wants a promise from his wife. "Promise me something first?" Gabby agreed. "What is it?" Matt sighed. "Promise you won't get mad at me, for going to talk to a therapist before I spoke to you about it?"

After hearing Matt ask her not to get mad at him for having spoken to a therapist (before speaking to her about what he's going through), Gabby nodded and agreed with her husband; after all, she needs to let him do what he needs to do so that he can feel better. Heaven knows what's going on in his head, and there are just things that she can't understand as his wife (as much as she'd like to). There's always going to be times where Matt needs to talk to a specialist about things, things that she can't help him with, which is something that she most certainly understands. And now, that's exactly what they're going to talk about; about how she understands that there are times where Matt needs to go talk to people whom understand what he's really going through, people who may not be her. And how she understands why that has to be the truth, and why it will always be the truth, from this day forward.

"Here, come join me in bed; then we can hold each other, as we talk about this."

Agreeing with Gabby as she said that, Matt smiled as he finally made his way over to bed and opened the covers; that way, he could climb into bed with the woman he loves (and hold her in his arms). After all, that's exactly what Gabby wants him to do right now. She wants him to hold her in his arms, as they talk to one another; that way, she can understand and help him through whatever's going on in that brilliant mind of his. And when she says that he has a brilliant mind, she means that from the bottom of her heart; and she's not just saying it so that she can get intimate with her husband, as that's not exactly something that she can do while she's recovering from giving birth (nor can she do it in the hospital in general). Rather, she's just taking it easy and relaxing with her dreamy husband at the moment, which is exactly what she wants, especially now that he's in bed with her…and is quite comfortable.

But still, that doesn't mean that Gabby isn't going to make sure that he's comfortable; ahead of her climbing into his arms and cuddling up to him. "You ready for me to get in your arms now?" Matt laughed as he heard Gabby ask him whether he was ready for her to get in his arms now, as he most certainly was ready to have his beautiful wife in his arms as that's exactly where he wants to have her right now. He wants to have her in his arms, and he wants to hold her close to him right now. "I want you in my arms, so that we can cuddle up to each other and hold each other close as we talk about this." Gabby agreed with Matt as he told her that, well aware that was the case. "I know, but can you please just get comfortable? That way I can actually get in your arms, as I'm not doing that until you're all comfortable in bed. Because I do not want to move too much when I'm in your arms."

Matt agreed with his wife as she said that, before doing as he was told to do; and that would be to get comfortable in bed, so that she can climb into his arms. Not that he would want anything else, as that's exactly what Matt wants anyways; he wants Gabby in his arms, and he wants to cuddle up to her as they both hold each other close. And damn is that going to be perfect, as it means that they can just relax and take it easy with each other, which starts with her getting comfortable in his arms, now that he was ready to hold her (and had his arms wide open for her). "Come here beautiful." Gabby smiled as she heard Matt say that, before moving over to her husband; after which, she leaned over him and proceeded to kiss the man she loves softly. "Damn, you are such a turn on." Matt laughed as he heard Gabby tell him that, before moving his hand to her neck and moving to kiss her softly.

"I can say the same thing about you my dear."

Gabby agreed with Matt as he said that, before smiling as she moved into his lap; after which, she slipped her legs in between his and wrapped her arms around his muscular torso. At the same time, Matt wrapped his arms around Gabby as they cuddled up to each other; turning his head shortly afterwards, Matt smirked as he kissed the top of her head and then whispered to his girl. "I love you, and promise to be honest with you; I want to tell you the truth, and nothing but the truth. Because we truly are, and always will be in this together. I can already promise you that Gabby." Turning her head to look up at Matt, Gabby smiled as she already knew that; and didn't need to hear Matt promise her that, but that didn't mean that she didn't like to hear him promise that to her. "Not that I needed to hear that, because I know that you're always going to be honest with me about your health Matt."

Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that, before bending down and proceeding to kiss the woman he loves softly; the woman he loves more than anything in the entire world, as she's the love of his life (and the mother of his children). "God, I am so lucky to have you as my wife." Gabby smiled as she heard Matt say that, well aware that was the case. "And I am very lucky to have you as my husband. But if you think that you can sweet talk me into giving you a hand-job, then you're crazy." Looking down at Gabby, Matt was shocked. "Would you be open to that?" Smirking as she looked up at her man, Gabby leaned in and kissed him once more. "Maybe on Christmas and New Year's Eve. But not very long." Wrapping his arm around Gabby's back, Matt smirked as he leaned in and kissed the woman he loves. "I'm going to hold you to that Ms. Casey!" Gabby laughed as she heard Matt say that, before shaking her head.

"Last time I checked, I didn't make any promises.

Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that, well aware that was the case. "Well, you technically give me some each and every day." Looking at Matt as he said that, Gabby then felt him grab her hand and intertwine their fingers, which then led to Matt bringing the back of her hand to his lips. "Last time I checked, someone likes to touch their husband down there at times." Gabby agreed with Matt as he said that, well aware that's the case. "Okay, just take it easy and relax before I tell you the get dressed, because we need to talk about something important now baby; and that's about what your PTSD was about Matt."