Hi Readers: What did you guys just think of the flashback that I just wrote for you guys from their time on the plane? Well, I hope you guys liked it; as it sure was something that I think we can all agree was something pretty sexy, and that may have happened. Now, I think we all know where we are going to head to next. And that would be back home, where the firehouse is coming to help. Enjoy.
Chapter Three Hundred and Thirty-Eight
Welcome to Our New Home
Present Time, Casey Home, Wayne, IL – Walking down the street together as a firehouse, everybody was more than surprised when they saw just what nice of a place that Matt and Gabby recently purchased for their family. Then again, it shouldn't have surprised anybody that they would get such a large home for their family. A home that most certainly had enough rooms for all of their children and more. In fact, it did. There was a room for Matt and Gabby, a room for the boys, a room for the girls, an in-law suite (more like a cottage), and there was even a spare bedroom for their office. An office that will definitely come in handy when they work, due to the fact that they (1) don't have an office here in Chicago yet, and (2) it's the middle of a pandemic. But that was why they were living here now, as they had to. If something happened to them, they needed to have their extended family around them, their team, their support group. Because if Matt and Gabby knew one thing, it was that having Boden and Herrmann with them during their times in the hospital from afar was not sufficient; rather, it was something that they couldn't have again. So, they decided to move home so that they wouldn't have to deal with that ever again. But if they were going to do that, then they most certainly were going to do it in style, at a nice home.
"I still can't believe that they live WAY out here, this is a long drive from Chicago after all. I mean, we're talking an hour."
Hearing his Captain say that as they walked together towards the Casey home, Boden agreed with Herrmann as that most certainly was the truth. "Herrmann, did you forget how wealthy Matt and Gabby are now? Heck, we are making them wealthier." Herrmann agreed with his chief, before snickering as he just thought of something. "I swear, he can leave the firehouse; but I still need to write a report for him." And let's just say that some of the younger firefighters were not too pleased to hear their Captain complain, especially when this vehicle has much better suspension. "Respectfully Captain, this rig has much better suspension. And I am a much bigger fan of it, rather than have to deal with that old rig that we had to deal with." Herrmann snickered as he heard Gallo say that, before turning to face him. "I wouldn't complain, I had to ride on that thing for pretty much my entire career!" Boden then proceeded to add on. "And worse! God, you remember the one that it replaced?" Herrmann groaned. "God, that was horrible. The seats were so bad, especially due to the fact that the people ahead of us were all fat." Mouch then proceeded to add on. "Gallo, shut up right now."
Gallo was a bit confused as he heard Mouch say that. "I didn't even…" However, his friend decided to throw him under the bus. "Oh, shut up Gallo, you know that you were thinking about saying something!" Gallo reluctantly agreed with his best friend as he said that, well aware that was the case. Because at the end of the day, all of these guys all knew him pretty well. "God, I hate that you guys know me so well." Ritter agreed with Gallo as he said that, well aware that was the case. "It also means that I can keep you out of trouble, which is something that you're going to need to do; at least, if you want to keep that shiny new truck of yours. Or at least your spot on it. Chief Boden, I swear. If you ever want to swap Gallo and me…" Boden snickered. "Maybe we should do that, swap the candidates out every once and a while to make sur that they get trained on both of the vehicles." Ritter smirked as he actually liked that idea, but the same couldn't be said for his best friend, who soon slapped him and just gave him a glare. "Nice going Darren!" Ritter shook his head as he heard Gallo say that. "What? So, you get to be the only one that gets the nice truck? Hell no!" Boden then sighed.
Turning his head, he just had enough of the two of them and went to make a pronouncement. "Okay, enough you two." Looking at their chief, Gallo and Ritter were both worried. "Ritter, you're on Truck 81 next shift; and every other shift after that, the same goes for you on Engine 51 Gallo. Do you understand?" Gallo and Ritter both understood what their chief said, before continuing to walk in silence; that was, until they arrived at the door and saw the front door open. "Damn this is a nice place." Mikami agreed with Gallo as he said that. "Tell me about it. Now listen, I have strict orders to tell you all to mask up before you come into the house." Everybody agreed with Violet as she said that, well aware that was exactly what they needed to do if they wanted to get into the house; so, the entire firehouse did just that, while Violet proceeded to close the door behind her. After which, she went ahead and made her way back into the house only to see Matt. "Oh, hey Matt." Walking downstairs, Matt smiled at Mikami. "The house here?" Mikami agreed. "I just saw them coming in the window, told them to put their masks on." Matt smiled, really appreciating that she said that.
"Thanks, Mikami, I really appreciate that. Now, how about you get back to work in the kitchen. I know that you and my niece just moved the boxes around, as I haven't been gone that long."
Violet agreed with her friend as he said that, before going to hug him. "Welcome home by the way." Matt agreed with Violet, before smiling as she walked away to go back to the kitchen. At the same time, Matt took a breath as he walked up to the front door of his home so that he could let everybody in; after which, he would send them all to the living room while he spoke to Boden to deputize him. And that was due to the fact that he knew that his brother-in-law was going to need some help, even though he was already deputized to be in charge. But still, it'd be nice to get someone with pre-existing authority over some of the people that he works with on a regular basis. And that's exactly what Chief Boden is, as he is the Battalion Chief for the 25th Battalion here in Chicago. A position that he could've had in the future, but he chose not to; and that was due to the fact that he would've much rather have this life. A life with his children, and his beautiful wife as they run a really nice business that will change the world…as well as how first responders do their jobs on a daily basis. Heck, they are already having an impact; and that's due to the fact that they already have vehicles out.
With the entire firehouse now settled in the living room, Matt took a breath as he stood by the front door with chief Boden; and boy was he glad that he was here. He was going to be a big help today, which is something that he most certainly needs due to the fact that he would rather get this done as soon as they can. "I hope you know that I really appreciate this Chief." Boden agreed with Matt as he said that, well aware that he appreciates it; and that was why they were here to help, so that he wasn't overwhelmed and so that it didn't take too long. After all, that was what they wanted. They wanted to move them in quickly, so that they could relax during this hectic time. "How much have you guys done when it comes to unpacking?" Matt sighed. "Nothing much. I already have a list of things to do. Now uhm…" That's when Matt heard Gabby come downstairs. "Hey Matt, I just remembered something."
Turning his head, Matt looked at his wife. "What is it?" Gabby smiled. "You and Kelly need to be in our room, as you guys need to do something first." Matt was confused. "Baby, our bed. We're sleeping with the mattress on the ground." Matt sighed as he thought about that. "And where are you going to take care of the girls?" Gabby bit her lip. "I was thinking that I could stay in there, and just help out as much as I can? You and my brother can help out while the house does down here?" Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that. "Yeah, that makes sense." Everybody then smiled as they waved to Gabby. "Hi Gabby." Gabby agreed with her friends, smiling at them. "Okay, there's a powder room in there; and a kitchen over there. I want you all to go wash your hands. There are fresh masks in each of the washrooms. Please put them on top of your other one, they are N-95 masks." Boden was shocked as he heard that.
"How did you guys find N-95 masks? We've been looking for some all over."
Matt agreed. "We bought them in Hawaii, using my construction team. We were able to get them ahead of the pandemic getting really bad, and we kept them for construction jobs; now we use them for health." Gabby agreed with her husband as he said that, while also hearing Donna and Sylvie. "Finally, we find some parking." Turning his head, Boden was surprised as he saw Donna. "Donna, I didn't know that…" Donna laughed. "Are you kidding me? Of course, I'm going to come help out with everything." Boden then got concerned. "Wait, where's Terrence?" Donna smiled. "Herrmann home with the rest of the kids, playing nice with Kenny." That's when Herrmann started to recognize that his wife was here. "Hey, I didn't know you were coming." Cindy agreed with her husband, smiling as she walked up to him before hugging him. "I know, but I wanted to help and try and meet the girls." Matt and Gabby sighed.
"Listen, how about we all clean up and then we can assign people to rooms in the living room? As we aren't going to repeat ourselves too many times."
The Bodens and Herrmanns both agreed with Gabby as she said that, well aware that was the case. "Of course, Gabby, welcome home by the way." Gabby agreed with Boden as he said that, as she was really happy to be home. "I'm happy to be home too. Now, please go get everything settled." The two couples both agreed with Gabby once more, before doing as they were told; while at the same time, Matt closed the door behind them and wrapped his arm around Gabby (who moved closer to Matt). Cuddling up to him, Gabby took a breath as she felt him kiss her forehead softly. "Hey, it'll be okay. Remember, these are our friends whom we can trust." Gabby agreed with her husband as he said that, well aware that was the case. "Listen can you talk to everybody? I'm going to grab Stella, and we're going to go into our room. We can start with doing our closet and clearing the floor a bit so that you can get in there with Kelly." Matt agreed with his wife as she said that, well aware that was something that she needed to do. "I will do just that for you."
Gabby agreed with Matt. "Oh, can you put the Bodens and Herrmanns in the nurseries with my brother?" That's when Gabby heard the door open, only to reveal her brother here. "Somebody say your brother?" Smiling as he opened the door to let Sacha in, Antonio smiled. "Oh god, I am so glad you're here." Sacha smiled, agreeing with her future sister-in-law as she walked up to her; after which, she hugged Gabby and smiled. "How are you Gabby?" Gabby smiled. "I'm really good, and I am so glad that you're here." Sacha agreed. "Are you kidding me? Of course, I'm going to come, I want to see my nieces and nephews." Matt sighed as he heard Sacha say that. "Actually, they are with Ramon and Camila until Sunday." Antonio was shocked. "Hold on a second, you got our parents to watch the kids together?" Gabby sighed as she looked at her brother. "Come with me. I just got a huge shocker last night." Matt looked at Gabby. "You going to tell him in the kitchen?" Gabby agreed with her husband, as that was exactly what she was going to do.
However, Antonio was confused. "What are you talking about?" Gabby sighed. "Just come with me so that we can talk." Antonio agreed with his sister, not wanting to argue to with her; after all, they were employees at her company and can easily be fired.
"What!"
The elder Dawson couldn't believe his ears as he stood in the kitchen with his sister, while also wrapping his arm around his fiancé as they learned the news that Gabby just shared with them. "Ok, where are the cameras? Because there is no way that I just heard what you told me." Gabby laughed as she heard her brother say that, while also leaning against the counter and taking a breath. "Oh, you heard me right. Mom and dad are trying again." Antonio was shocked. "What the fuck!" Gabby agreed with Antonio as he said that. "Honestly, I am just shocked. And I am not going to say anything about it, as I would be a hypocrite as I did the same thing. I got back together with Matt after we broke up with lies and stuff. But yeah, whatever." Antonio agreed with his sister, while also turning to look at Sacha. "What are you thinking about this?" Sacha sighed. "I'm neutral here. Last time I checked, I need to earn their trust." Antonio sighed as he heard Sacha say that, as that most certainly is not the truth; she's already earned their trust, by agreeing to marry him.
"Sacha, that isn't the truth; and you know it. You've already earned their trust, because they trust you with their grandkids."
Gabby agreed with Antonio as he said that. "And you've already won my trust, as your initials aren't S.B." Antonio looked at his sister as she said that, recognizing those initials. "What did she do now?" Gabby sighed. "Oh, you know, just flirt with my husband…and say that he's trapped when it comes to being with me, and that's the only reason together; oh, and that any woman could've given him ma baby." Antonio was shocked as he heard his sister say that. "She said what now!" Sacha then turned her head. "Sylvie, that's the woman…" Antonio agreed. "My ex, her ex-friend who tried to sleep with Matt." Gabby laughed. "Oh, not just sleep with Matt." Antonio was confused. "What are you talking about?" Gabby sighed. "Remember when she came to our vow renewal in Hawaii?" Antonio agreed. "Well apparently, she was there to try and break us up. And to try and get Matt to be with her."
Antonio was shocked as he heard Gabby say that. "What?" Gabby agreed. "She's obviously mentally ill! She's living in alternate reality where all the men in my life want her and will break up with their partners to be with her. Guy who's married with kids? Oh, who cares about the wife and kids; I'm Sylvie, come be with me because I'm me!" Antonio laughed a bit as he heard Gabby say that. "Sorry, I really shouldn't be laughing, but that was just the best way possible for you to say it." Gabby agreed with her brother. "God, I swear. I am ready to kill her. She is such a bitch, and I am not scared. She tries anything, I am done." Antonio agreed with Gabby. "Wait, you have a restraining order against her; why don't you…" Gabby sighed. "We haven't filed it in Chicago yet." Antonio shook his head. "That shouldn't matter, as you can get it set up now that she's confronted you knowing that there's an order from a judge." Gabby agreed with her brother. "Just to let you know, you're on the order too. I put you on there, as I want you to be protected."
Sacha was confused as she heard Gabby say that, before turning to look at Antonio. "Why are you on the order?" Antonio sighed. "She's really mentally deranged." Gabby agreed. "Like, really. Apparently, she's been in love with Matt since she first laid eyes on him. And that was when we were engaged." Antonio then looked at his sister. "Oh, shut up, I met Matt when he and Hallie on one of their regular break ups. He was fair game at that point!" Sacha was confused. "Hallie?" Antonio sighed. "Late fiancé who was murdered in 2013." Sacha was shocked as she heard Antonio say that, while also listening to Gabby. "God, he went into such a depression after that. I brought him out of it, but it was still hard on him." Antonio agreed with Gabby when she said that, before smiling at her. "Listen, you want me to take care of the Sylvie thing? I can call Hank and see whether he can do something for you." Gabby greed. "Talk to Jay first, then he can take care of it for us; I want to just have her out of our lives, while we stay in Chicago." Antonio agreed with Gabby.
After which, he walked up to his sister and proceeded to hug her; that was, until he heard Christie. "Hey Antonio." Turning his head, Antonio smiled as he looked at Christie. "Oh, Sacha. This is Matt's sister Christie." Sacha agreed with Antonio, before going to hug her. "Pleasure to meet you." Christie smiled. "Pleasure to meet you too. And my congratulations on the engagement." Sacha agreed with Christie as she said that, before smiling at her. "Listen, how about you come with me? Take some time away from Antonio so that he can help the boys, and we can talk about how we need to get you on board at Casey." Antonio laughed. "Christie, she's busy. She's an immunologist at the University of Chicago Medical Center now." Christie was surprised. "Wait, working on COVID?" Sacha smiled. "Starting in April." Christie agreed. "Okay then. Well, never mind. But listen, I really need help." Gabby laughed as she heard her sister-in-law say that. "Christie, grab Cruz's fiancé Chloe and go work in the girls room." Gabby then went to yell to Cruz.
"CRUZ!"
Turning his head, Joe looked at Gabby. "Yeah Gabby?" Gabby smirked as she grabbed Christie and made her way over. "Christie, this is Joe Cruz. And that's his fiancé Chloe Allen. How about you and Chloe go up to the girls' room, and you can go unpack in there? Christie has done a girls' room before, and she knows how Matt's going to want things." Christie laughed, agreeing with her sister-in-law. "Wait, what are you doing?" Gabby sighed. "I'm going to work upstairs in my room with Stella, away from everybody else." Christie was confused. "Why?" Gabby just looked at her. "That's where the girls are going to stay, and I want to keep the germs out of there. Also, Antonio." Turning around, Gabby smiled at her brother. "How about you and Sacha go do the boys' room? Keep the bedrooms in the family, to keep everybody safe." Antonio and Sacha agreed with Gabby, while Matt spoke up as that was a great idea. "I think that's a great idea Gabby. But how about we also add Herrmann to the girls team so that he can make the cribs. He's an expert after all."
Gabby laughed, as Herrmann most certainly is an expert on making cribs. "I think that can work. So, Christie, Herrmann, and Cindy; you guys go upstairs, and work in the girls room. Herrmann, there should be tools in the crib box already. Meanwhile, Antonio and Sacha can go to the boysy room. Matt, are you going to do the boys' cribs?" Matt smiled. "Antonio can do it; we didn't go fancy with the cribs." Antonio was surprised. "Really?" Matt agreed with Antonio. "We aren't going to spoil the kids yet." Antonio laughed as he heard Matt say that, before shaking his head. "Yeah, okay." Matt looked at Antonio as he said that. "Hey Antonio, uhm…can you remind me who's paying for your daughter's law school tuition?" Antonio got nervous as she heard Matt say that, well aware that he was the one that was paying for Eva's law school tuition. "Yeah, if you want to keep more of your paycheck and keep the ex-wife happy…then I suggest you shut up when it comes to spoiling my kids, when I'm already for your kids! Or do you not want the trust?"
Antonio was confused as he heard Matt say that. "What are you talking about?" Gabby laughed. "Antonio, we may have started a College Fund for Diego. You know, worth $250K." Antonio was confused. "Wait, from…" Matt shook his head. "From the deal we got from the LAPD, and the downpayment that we just got from the Texas Rangers for the PTSD course." Antonio agreed with his brother-in-law as he said that, well aware of the deals that he was talking about; after all, he was a party to the deals that they got. "Also, didn't we get something from the Joliet Fire Department too?" Matt agreed with Antonio. "Right, I forgot about that. Thanks for reminding me. However, I am not talking business today; but someday, we're going to have to talk as I think we should try and get the course in Spanish." Antonio agreed with Matt, as he thought that was a good idea. "I will try and figure it out for you." Matt smiled. "Okay, now get out of here and go get to work in our boys' room." Antonio agreed, before looking at Sacha and grabbing her hand.
Meanwhile, Gabby followed them upstairs so that she and Stella could go to her and Matt's room. Meanwhile, Matt took a breath and looked at Donna and Boden. "Okay, Bodens. How about you guys and Gallo go tackle the kitchen? Donna, can you wash the dishes as Boden puts the dishes in the cupboards above? Gallo, you can do the lower cabinets." Gallo agreed with Matt, before getting up with the Bodens so that they could make their way to the kitchen, while at the same time Matt looked at the rest of the group. "Pelham, right?" Pelham agreed. "Yes Captain." Matt then looked around for someone else. "Sorry, you; what's your name?" Looking up as he was pointed at, Sam Carver smirked. "Carver, Sam Carver." Matt laughed. "Okay, no need to go all Bond, James Bond on me. But, you and Pelham are going to go do the basement. I have tools down there, and you can unpack them. Please be careful, they're expensive; and they are my first babies, as they were what made my first business a success." Pelham and Carver both agreed and walked away.
After which, Matt looked at Severide. "Severide, you can go do my office as you saw my office in Hawaii. I want it set up the same way that I had it set up there. Understood?" Severide agreed, before getting up. "Also, take Capp with you. There are more tools to make my desk." Severide looked at Matt as he said that. "Do you want to keep your health insurance, which covers any and all PTSD treatments?" Kelly agreed as that was something that he wanted. "Yes." Matt nodded. "Plus, you're the only one that's under an NDA." Kelly thought about it, and agreed with Matt as that was the truth. "Yeah, that makes sense now." Getting up, he and Capp walked away to go do his office; while at the same time, Matt slapped his back. After which, he looked at the rest. "Hawkins, Mikami. Can you guys go do the kids' bathroom? It should be easy." Hawkins and Violet agreed, before getting up to do just that while Matt breathed.
After which, he thought about where he was. "Wait, where are you going?" Matt laughed. "I'm going to my bed." Everybody turned to look at Matt as he said that. "To put it together. Our mattress is on the ground! And I'm the only that can go in there, as my daughters are in there. Also, I am the rotating assemblyman. If anybody needs something drilled, or constructed; you call me, as I want it done properly!" Everybody agreed with Matt as he said that, well aware that was something that he wanted. "Makes sense now." Everybody agreed once more, before going their separate ways so that they could get to work. After all, that was what they needed to do right now. They needed to get to work, so that they could unpack this beautiful home that they now own.