Hi Readers: Before we begin, I want to apologize for doing this to you again. I know I changed a lot, and I truly thought I had it. But I realized that I didn't do it right, and I wanted to change things up. I just wanted to slow things down. And I am not ready to write Matt's birthday yet, so I am going to do something else. Hope you guys like it. Also, for a quick note. Wayne, IL is about an hour away from Chicago; and that's where the family is going to live, I just hope that I remember that in the future. Thanks for reading.
Chapter Three Hundred and Thirty-Four
Welcome Back to Chicago
Wayne, IL - March 18th – It felt odd, yet nice being back; being back in Chicago, their hometown where they fell in love. Where they found each other, and where they started a family with each other. And while their sons may not have been born here, that doesn't mean that their journey to have their four beautiful children didn't start here. And that was due to the fact that Matt and Gabby got pregnant here, because this is where they conceived the boys; where they made love to each other, and where their journey began. And it was a nice journey, a journey that they were already enjoying with each other; but there was something else that was nice, and that was that the parents were currently alone for the first time in a while this Wednesday morning. And that was really nice, having it just be the two of them; rather than having to deal with the kids, as well as each other to start COVID-19 here in Illinois.
But there was a reason for that, which is that they have a busy weekend ahead of them, which is going to start today; even though it was Thursday, that didn't mean that the couple didn't have a lot to do. In fact, it was the main reason why they send their kids off to be with her parents. And that was due to the fact that Matt and Gabby had a lot to do so that they could get their home ready for their children to live in, starting with their own bedroom; after all, they literally slept on the ground the night before as there was nothing but their mattress there. And that was something that Gabby was currently writing down, the things that she and Matt need to complete TODAY. The first order of business? She wants her bed done up. And that was why it was at the top of the list, so that Matt knew that he had to start there. Well, just after he does something else, which would be to get his wife's attention as he came down.
Came down from their bedroom, to see her sitting in the kitchen ready to go; ready to go out for a nice breakfast, as that was their first order of business. Well, after Matt walks up behind his wife and figures out just what she was doing; and maybe takes a look at her list, the list of things that she was currently jotting down in her notebook. And that was when he read the list that she was writing.
Primary Suite: Clear floor as there are a lot of things to do. See below.
Remove mattress, assemble bed, side table, dressers
Unpack clothes and bathroom, make sure medicine is put away
Boys' Room: Set up cribs, dressers, change table, put clothes away, make rocking chair and assemble shelves.
Kitchen: Unpack essentials. Plates, silverware, clean fridge, make it cold.
GROCERY DELIVERY AT 4: Ensure that kitchen is ready for then, make sure that we can put things away.
Chinese Delivery at 6: Sorry, not cooking today Matt. :( I need to reserve my energy for tomorrow.
Things for Tomorrow: Girls' Room, MIL Suite, Office
After writing that down, Gabby took a breath as she already knew that list was just the beginning of everything; and that there was probably a lot more that was going to have to be done, but she also knew that they could figure that out later. Something that her husband was going to tell her as well, as he put his hand on her back and kissed the side of her head this morning. "Stressed?"
Turning to look at her husband as he asked her that, Gabby was surprised as she didn't hear him come downstairs. "Hey, I didn't hear you come downstairs." Matt agreed with his wife as she said that, clearly able to see that was the case. "I know, busy." Making his way over to the cabinets, Matt smiled as he went to grab some of the cups that they have here; that way, Gabby could take a sip of water and just take it easy right now. After all, she's clearly stressed, and she needs to make a moment right now. "You okay?" Gabby sighed as she looked at her husband as he asked her that. "Oh, just know that we only have until Sunday to get this all done." Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that, well aware that was the case; after all, the kids were at Ramon's home in Chicago until Sunday. "I have to admit though, I'm glad that your parents agreed to stay together for the kids today; so that we could have time to relax."
Gabby snickered as she heard Matt say that. "Oh, shut up, you're just mad that you didn't get sex last night." Matt smirked as he heard Gabby say that. "And this morning in the shower!" Gabby laughed. "Shut up, I let you sleep in for a reason mister." Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that, well aware that was the case. "I know you did, and I really appreciate that baby. And I'm also glad that we decided to come home Monday, and just take it easy with the kids with a day in bed yesterday; before we shipped them off to your parents, so that we could get our shit in order." Gabby snickered as she heard her husband say that, before shaking her head. "By the way, your mom here still? Or did she sleep at your sister's place?" Matt smiled. "She's going to stay with my sister until we're settled with the essentials." Gabby agreed with Matt. "I already set up the mother-in-law suite for tomorrow. And your office."
Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that, well aware that was something else that they were going to have to do. "And those are going to be on the third floor." Yes, you heard that right. The new Casey Home here in Wayne, IL is quite large. And it is just the perfect home for their family to live in. And it's also the perfect mix of what they each like in homes, especially when it comes to the design; which most certainly includes a bunch of wood. "So, how are you going to bring that big desk up there? You know, the one that you need to put in your office?" Matt shook his head. "I decided to leave that in Hawaii, not bringing it here. I got myself a simpler desk here, but that can wait. I can work in bed for now, and I'm using my cell phone." Gabby snickered. "Not anytime soon." Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that, well aware that was the case; after all, he did appoint Rafael as acting CEO for the time being.
That way, they could just get set up before he returns to work in April. "I wasn't planning on going back until April at the earliest, as I need to get the house set up and everything." Gabby agreed with her husband as he said that, while also putting her pen down; she then put her head in her hands as she knew this is going to be a lot of work. "Hey, come here you." Looking up at Matt, Gabby agreed with her husband as she got up out of her chair; after which, she proceeded to make her way over to her husband so that she could hold him close. After all, she's quite stressed due to the fact that this is a lot of work. And Matt knew that, that this would be a lot of work, which is why they are just going to take it easy and do it slowly. They have time and are in no hurry to do this. And that was why he was now holding Gabby close to him, and wrapping his arms around his wife as he kissed her softly this morning.
Meanwhile, Gabby wrapped her arms around his back as she leaned up and kissed him softly. "I love you." Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that. "I love you too, and I promise that we got this. We're going to be okay, and we're going to do this right." Gabby agreed with Matt as he said that, well aware that was the case. "Is it wrong that I don't want to cook today?" Matt shook his head as he proceeded to kiss her forehead softly. "Not at all, as I am not really that interested in cooking either. If you want to do something else, then we most certainly can do something else." Looking up at Matt, Gabby smiled as she had an idea as to what she wanted to do; and Matt already knew just what that was, which would be that she wants to go see some of their friends. "Molly's for breakfast?" Gabby smiled and agreed with Matt, but that was not the only reason. "I may have another reason why I want to go there."
Matt was a bit perplexed as he heard Gabby say that, unsure of what that reason might be. "Which is?" Gabby smirked. "I was thinking. If the firehouse is there, maybe we buy them all breakfast and…" Matt laughed as he heard Gabby say that, well aware of just what she was thinking. They could buy their friends some breakfast there, and then entice them to come help them unpack. "I like what you're thinking Ms. Casey." Gabby smirked and agreed with Matt as he said that, before leaning up and kissing him softly; and boy did Matt love that, as he started to take things nice and slow with the woman he loves. But at the same time, he heard Andy bark, which prompted him to turn his head and look down at him. "Seriously Andy?" Barking again, Andy just walked up to Matt; meanwhile, Matt bent down and proceeded to scratch the top of his head. "Seriously, you reward him for disturbing us?"
Matt smirked as he looked at his beautiful wife. "If I scratch his head, he'll shut up so that I can do more of this." Bending down as he put his hand on her butt, Matt smirked as he proceeded to kiss Gabby again. "I am so glad we got this place, it's only 10 minutes from Molly's." Gabby smirked. "And about the same to a church that has a Catholic Mass in Spanish." Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that. "Okay, slow down there. Remember what I told you, not sure about religion yet." Gabby agreed with her husband. "Okay, you at least have to give me the holidays. Easter and Christmas at least." Matt thought about it and agreed with Gabby. "And the kids are already baptized." Yes, Matt and Gabby already got the kids baptized; they did it while they were in the hospital, as a way to ensure that God was with them during their time in the NICU. "I'm happy you let me do that." Matt shook his head as he smiled.
"It was something that we both wanted to do, as I wanted to make sure that God was watching over them while they were in the hospital."
Gabby smiled as she heard Matt say that, while also looking into his eyes. "How long have you been practicing that line?" Matt just looked at Gabby as she said that. "What like?" Gabby laughed and shook her head as she heard Matt say that, before grabbing his hand. "I love that we're back in Chicago." Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that, while wrapping his arm around her again; after which, he pressed his lips to her forehead as they both held each other close at the moment. "So, we're going to Molly's for breakfast?" Gabby took a breath as she looked up at her husband. "What if Sylvie's there?" Matt sighed. "Then we just ignore her. Gabby, we live in the same city as her; just be lucky that your brother is engaged, and she can't get her claws into him again." Gabby smiled as she heard Matt say that, really happy that her brother found love again. "I'm actually really happy for them."
Matt agreed with his wife, while smiling at her. "I already told Antonio yes to being his best man, he asked me." Gabby smiled as she agreed with her husband. "Ok. Listen, are we going for breakfast at Molly's? As I don't want to waste our time." Matt agreed with Gabby. "I want to go so that we can get some help. And so that we can tell people that we're home." Gabby agreed with her husband as he said that, well aware that was the case as she kissed him one last time; after which, she grabbed his hand and proceeded to lead him away so that they can make their way to Molly's and get some breakfast. "Don't forget your wallet so you can pay." Matt agreed with his wife as she said that, smiling as they got ready to see their friends for the first time in a while; while also hoping that they don't see Sylvie, as that was the last person that they wanted to see today. They didn't want to see Sylvie whatsoever.
But there was just something that Matt still had to do before they left, and that would be to make sure that Andy was with them. "Andy, here boy. C'mon, we're going out!" Barking, Andy agreed as he watched Matt and Gabby walk over to the door; after which, he proceeded to drink some water to make sure that he was hydrated for when they were at the restaurant as there may not be any water. But right now, all that mattered was that they were going to go get some food there; as well as some help to unpack.
An Hour Later at Molly's Bar & Grill – Firehouse 51 Breakfast
Even though it was only 10 in the morning, that didn't mean that Christopher Herrmann wasn't busy. And that was due to the fact that right after shift, he had to be back at the bar so that he could get the breakfast that they were offering to first responders out and ready to go. After all, they needed it right now during the pandemic; especially since some of them were already starting to work double shifts, not that they really like them. But thankfully, that doesn't include firefighters (yet); due to the fact that they aren't as busy, and it's mostly paramedics. Heck, the Captain thinks that he only went to one fire yesterday during shift; and he does appreciate that, as it gave him a chance to catch up on some paperwork, while also filling Kelly back in on what's been happening with COVID. And the truth was, he was quite surprised to see him back as Lieutenant on Squad 3; but that made sense as Cruz left the firehouse.
And that's due to the fact that he's been offered Severide's former position at Casey Fire, due to the fact that they've been butting heads. "I hope you know that we can't offer beer yet, even though I know that you're still thinking about what happened between you and Matt." Severide sighed, before agreeing with his fellow officer. "That, and how I can convince Chief to let me be the Captain instead of you." Herrmann laughed as he heard Severide say that, as that wasn't going to happen. "Fat chance buddy!" Severide smirked as he heard Herrmann say that. "I'm just glad that Cruz bowed out, as I am not sure whether I could keep working at Casey; I was really starting to hate it there, as it was ruining my friendship with Matt." Herrmann agreed with Severide as he said that. "I'm sure that you and Matt are going to kiss and make up, because you guys always do that at the end of the day." Kelly laughed.
That was, until Herrmann heard the door to the bar open, which is something that can't happen, as it's not allowed based under the new regulations. "Hey, I thought somebody locked that door!" Going to get out of the bar. "Hey, sorry guys. We're going to have to ask you to leave. First responders only." Opening the door to the bar, Gabby walked in ahead of Matt and Andy. "And owners!" Hearing Gabby's voice, Severide took a breath as he looked at Herrmann. "Hey Herrmann, I might take breakfast to go." Herrmann turned his head as he heard Kelly say that, before agreeing with him as he had a feeling why that was the case; however, that was not going to happen due to the fact that Matt wanted all of his friends here. Especially since he has stuff to ask them. But first, he needed to help Gabby with her coat. "Here baby, let me help." Gabby agreed with Matt as she let him help her with her coat. "Thanks baby."
Matt agreed with his wife as she turned around, and smiled as she got close to him and kissed him softly; meanwhile, Matt smiled as he went ahead and watched her walk away. "Baby, can you do something for me quick?" Turning around, Gabby soon realized what it was. "Oh, right." Matt agreed with Gabby as he gave her Andy's leach so that she could hold it, while he took off his jacket. "Thanks babe." Gabby agreed with Matt as he said that, before smiling as she gave him Andy's leach back; after which, she made her way over to Herrmann. "Herrmann, I want my checks today." Herrmann laughed. "Of course, you still want those." Gabby agreed. "Hello, I still own part of the bar. And last time I checked, I am also a co-founder of the bar; that means a lot more than a simple investor." Gabby then turned her head to look at Mouch. "Oh baby, do you mind finding us a place to sit…I want to go talk to Mouch."
Herrmann got nervous as he heard Gabby say that. "You heard about that." Gabby agreed with Herrmann as he said that. "Oh, I did. And if you think that you could see my shares, when we didn't approve; then you're crazy, because this is the second time you do it. Do it again, and I come after your shares; and I have really good corporate lawyers." Looking at his wife as she said that, Matt was perplexed. "You have good corporate…." Turning her head, Gabby looked at her husband. "We have no kids for the weekend, so I'd shut up Matt. Also, no business talk with Boden. Just talk to Herrmann about what we're going to be doing for the bar today." Matt agreed with his wife. "How about you talk to Boden? See if he can help us out." That's when Boden walked up to Matt. "First, I want to thank you for that truck. It's incredible!" Matt smiled as he heard Boden say that, glad that was the case. "I'm glad."
Boden agreed with Matt as he said that, before going to shake his hand. "Listen, we can talk about that another time; but…" Matt then thought about it. "Gabby, I'll take care of the conversation. Just get me whoever's in charge of Engine 51." Gabby agreed with her husband as he said that, well aware that was the case; but first, Matt looked at Boden. "Who would that be?" Boden smiled. "Jason Pelham." Turning around, Matt smirked as he went ahead and yelled out for the following people: "Boden, Herrmann, Pelham, and Hawkins. Can I speak to you all for a moment?" The four gentlemen all agreed with Matt, before walking away. Meanwhile, Gabby looked at Matt. "Matt, I am going to go talk to Mikami. I want to hear all about how The Shay." Matt smiled as he heard his wife say that, well aware that was the case. "I had a feeling you were going to say that." Gabby agreed and walked away to talk to Mikami.
Meanwhile, Matt went to sit on a bar stool as he waited for everybody to come join him at the bar so that he could talk to them about something that he hoped to help with. But first, he got his wallet out so that he could pay for breakfast; because that was how he was going to get them all to work for them today, he was going to bribe them with free breakfast. That way, they could all get some help.
Making their individual ways over to the bar, Boden, Herrmann, Pelham, and Hawkins all walked up to Matt a bit confused; while at the same time, Matt smiled as this was the first time he was meeting Pelham. "Pleasure to meet you Pelham." Pelham agreed with Casey as he said that, as he felt the same way. "The feeling is mutual Captain. Your name is very famous at the firehouse and held in very high regard." Matt agreed with Pelham as he said that, while smiling at him, at the same time, he knew that he couldn't wait too long to talk to them about this. And that was due to the fact that he wanted them to talk to their subordinates as soon as possible, since he wanted as much help as possible. "So listen, I want to talk to you all about something. First, I have some news." Everybody agreed. "First of all, I am proud to say that we aren't just visiting Chicago." Boden was surprised. "Wait, are you…" Matt agreed.
While at the same time, he started to feel Andy move, which then prompted him to wrap his leach around his leg, and get him to lay down. "Andy, down. Down boy." Andy agreed with his patient as he said that, before laying down. "Nice dog, but I thought that they weren't allowed in bars?" Herrmann smiled. "He's a service dog, Matt has PTSD." Pelham agreed with Herrmann as he said that, before smiling. "I'm sorry about that Captain, I hope that it gets somewhat better." Matt sighed. "That's actually why we're home. I thought Hawaii would make things better, but things have just gotten worse." Boden sighed as he heard Matt say that, while also keeping a bit of a distance. "So, we decided to move home so that we could be around you guys. You can help us when it comes to my PTSD more." Boden agreed with Matt as he said that. "We'd be honored to do just that Matt." Matt agreed once more and smiled.
After which, he proceeded to turn his head and looked at Herrmann. "Now, quick thing Herrmann. I want to say this before I ask you this. You are going to be given my address, and it's literally like a 10-minute walk from Molly's." Herrmann was shocked. "Perfect, more…." Matt just looked at Herrmann as he said that. "Four kids, PTSD, a dog, and a business with over 100 employees in three cities." Herrmann then realized that. "Right." Matt just agreed with his friend, before smiling as he came to realize that there is no way that they can help out at the bar on a regular basis. "Doesn't mean we can't help when it's really busy, but just not yet. And not during COVID. Heck, we are just here at the start as we think it's okay based on the numbers; and it's why we actually moved back." Boden agreed with Matt as he said that. "As you wanted to be around more family." Matt smirked and agreed with Boden. "Exactly."
He then went ahead and started talking to him. "More help that can help us today." Boden was a bit confused as he heard Matt say that, unsure as to where this was going; that was, until Matt filled them in. "Okay, as you all know; we do have four kids, and a lot of things to unpack…" Boden laughed as he heard Matt say that, well aware of where this is going now. He's coming here so that he can get help. "Pelham, Boden, Herrmann, Severide, and Hawkins; can you guys talk to your companies, and see whether they can help us?" All three of the officers agree with Matt, as they knew that was something that they can do; but at the same time, Matt wanted to talk to Severide. "Severide, before you go; can we talk?" Severide agreed with his friend as he asked him that, while Matt turned to look at Gabby. "Gabby?" Turning her head, Gabby smiled at her husband. "Yeah Matt?" Matt smiled. "Me and Kelly outside?"
Gabby agreed with her husband, well aware that he wants to talk to his best friend. "I think that's a good idea. Go clear the air, before he comes over and help us today." Matt agreed with his wife as she said that, before smiling. "Can you do the same with Stella maybe?" Gabby sighed as she turned to look at Stella as she sat far away. "Matt, I'm not ready yet." Matt realized that and agreed with his wife; before turning to look at Kelly. "Another time." Kelly agreed with his wife, knowing that was right; after which, Matt proceeded to make his way over to Gabby as that was where he needed to be at the moment. He needed to sit with his wife, so that he could be with her as they try and get through this together. She needs him to be her husband first, rather than be a friend. And that was more than okay with Matt, as that's what he wants to be; he wants to be her husband first, as they start this new life here.