Hi Readers: What did you think of the Halstead chapters that I just wrote for you guys? Well, I hope you guys liked them. But now, I'm headed back to the Casey Family. More specifically, to them shopping at the market and getting some things in the grocery store.
Chapter Three Hundred and Forty-Seven
Stocking Up
Target, Chicago – They decided ahead of time that they were (1) going to stay together the entire time they were in the story, and (2) were going to stock up on whatever they can; that way, they don't need to worry about shopping at the story more often than they need to. And that was something that they both knew was the right thing to do, due to the fact that it would benefit them in the long run by (1) reducing the number of times that they have to leave the house, and (2) limit the number of times that they can be exposed to this. And that most certainly was on Matt's mind, as he was well aware of the risks that they were both taking as they walked into the store together; the risks that came with being exposed, and possibly bringing the virus home to their mothers and children. But they couldn't think about that, due to the fact that it was something that they didn't want to obsess about; even though they are.
I mean, COVID-19 has basically turned their lives upside down; and it's made them rethink how they need to operate, both on a personal and professional level. After all, they did recently move all of their employees to working from home; not that it was hard, as they mostly worked from home anyways. Still, that didn't mean that they don't still worry about the friends and employees that they met in Los Angeles and Hawaii; rather, they think about them all the time as they want them to prioritize their health. And that's something that all of their staff love. The fact that the heads of the company are more interesting in ensuring that they're healthy, rather than the profits that their company can create; but right now, they aren't thinking about work, and are instead thinking about what they need here at the store. And that starts with some diapers, and some baby formula, because they're worried about that.
Worried about whether they would be able to find it in the future, due to the fact that it's been all over the news; the fact that some people are having trouble finding formula and other things related to children, which is why they are going to be stocking up. "So, you okay with us stocking up while we're here?" Turning his attention to his wife, as he held her hand with their fingers intertwined, Matt smiled as he most certainly is ready to stock up while they're here. "Gabby, of course I'm ready to stock up; I already knew that was what you were going to want to do while we were here, so that we don't have to go out more often than we need to. But that doesn't mean that I don't need to get us something that I can make for you." Gabby agreed with her husband as he said that, before taking a breath. "Sorry about how I changed our plans, as I knew that you wanted to cook fo…" Turning to look at his wife, Matt stopped her.
After which, he looked close to her and let go of her hand; that way, he can make sure that his wife breathes. "Hey, look at me." Looking up at her husband, Gabby agreed as she put her hands on his chest; meanwhile, Matt put his hand on her butt and held her close. "Gabby, it's okay. I know that you're still worried, and you want to be able to find everything that we need at one store. Maybe we can make pasta, or just something else. I know I said steak, and I'm sure that we can find something here. But here's something that you need to remember." Gabby agreed with Matt, before listening to matt when it comes to what she needs to remember. "You need to remember that what we eat doesn't matter, what matters is that we get to have a nice supper with each other." Gabby agreed.
After all, that was all that matters at the end of the day; that they have a really nice date night at home and take it easy with each other. "Thanks for helping me breathe baby." Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that, before wrapping his arm around her and holding her close. "I promise, everything is going to be okay Gabby." Gabby agreed with Matt as he said that, while looking up at her amazing husband. "I wish I could kiss you right now." Matt agreed with Gabby, well aware that was something that she wanted. "I know. But we need to stay safe, and that means that you need to keep your mask on." Gabby agreed with her husband, before watching as Andy started to pull a bit; and that was when Matt was brought back to reality, only to see the reason why he was pulling. And that was due to the fact that he recognized someone in the store. "Andy, hey. Stop." Meanwhile, Gabby smiled at her man.
After all, she was happy that this is what they were doing; and that they were going to see their friends, Christopher, and Cindy Herrmann. "Well, seems like we both had the same idea." Agreeing with Herrmann, Matt smiled as that most certainly is the truth. And that was due to the fact that they all needed to get groceries, with them needed more than the two of them; after all, they are just getting a few things (including some things for a date). "So, before we begin; I want to thank you guys again for all the help that you guys gave us yesterday." Cindy agreed with Matt as he said that, more than okay with them having helped. "Hey, anything to make you guys feel home here in Chicago once more." Gabby laughed as she heard Cindy say that, as that most certainly is exactly how she and Matt feel once more. "Well, we most certainly do feel at home once more." Herrmann nodded as he heard Gabby say that.
While at the same time, Cindy decided that she wanted to say something. "By the way Gabby, I've been meaning to say something. I saw some of your designs, they are incredible." Gabby blushed and smiled at Cindy. "Well, I appreciate that Cindy; I am basically just taking whatever clothes I have and making them more comfortable." Cindy agreed with Gabby as she said that, as that made a lot of sense when you actually think about it. "Well, that makes a lot of sense." Gabby smiled as she heard Cindy say that, before turning her head and looking at Matt. "Hey Matt, how about you go find some things? I would love to talk to Cindy for a moment." Turning his head, Matt was confused as he looked at his wife. "Everything okay?" Gabby sighed as she got close to him, before whispering to him. "I just want to see how he's doing when it comes to being a Captain, see if she needs advice." Matt smiled at Gabby.
After all, that was just like her; she wants to help people, and they want to make sure that they help as many people as they can. "Want me to take Herrmann with me? Maybe I can talk to him." Gabby agreed with Matt as he said that, as that most certainly is something that she wants. "Go get us lettuce, and maybe some nice dressing." Matt agreed. "Caesar Salad?" Gabby agreed. "I'll go get the dressing. Now, I will get the diapers and stuff first. You do the food." Matt agreed with his wife as she said that, before smiling at Herrmann. "Herrmann, c'mon. We need to talk. Captain-to-Captain." Herrmann was confused as he heard Matt say that, but just agreed. "Okay?" Matt smiled as he heard Herrmann say that. "Text me what you need Gabby." Gabby agreed with Matt as she kept the cart. "Just get the salad stuff and the sauce. I'll meet you at the cold stuff." Matt agreed with his wife, nodding.
After which, he proceeded to lead Herrmann away so that Gabby could speak to Cindy for a bit; so that she can get some advice, but so that she can also hand out some advice. More specifically, on how to be the wife of a Captain, because that was her former job.
Baby Aisle – Walking down the baby aisle with Cindy, Gabby smiled as she was happy to be with her. "God, I haven't been down this aisle in years." Gabby smiled as she turned her head and looked at Cindy. "You miss it?" Cindy laughed. "Oh please, not for one minute. Sorry, but I am getting older, and I do not want to have a baby when one of my kids are going into college!" Gabby laughed as she heard Cindy say that, before shaking her head. "Oh god, Matt has been saying that. He's still in disbelief that he's going into College soon." Cindy was confused as she heard Gabby say that. "Is there a reason why he's thinking about that? About how my son is going into college?" Gabby laughed. "Cindy, Matt is twenty-four years older than Lee Henry. When he's done college, he's going to be in his late 40s." Cindy then understood. "Plus, he's known him since he was a baby. He watched that kid grow up!" Cindy agreed.
After which, she smiled as she thought about their kids. "And how are things with you and your kids? How are they?" Gabby smiled. "They're angels." Cindy groaned. "Please don't tell me that, that's not something that I want to hear." Gabby nodded, before walking down the aisle and looking at the baby wipes. "Yes please. We need some of these." Going to grab a couple packs, Gabby smiled as she went to put four in the cart. "Woah, slow down Gabby. You don't need that many." Turning her head, Gabby laughed. "Oh Cindy, I do." Cindy was confused as she heard Gabby say that, before watching as Gabby held up the four wipes. "Boys' nursery, boys' baby bag, our room, girls' baby bag." Cindy agreed with Gabby as she said that, starting to realize that. "Oh, that makes sense now." Gabby agreed. "Oh, and they're on sale. Trust me, you need sales." Cindy agreed. "You going to thrift stores for baby clothes?" Gabby just laughed.
However, Cindy wasn't laughing. "Oh, you're serious." Cindy agreed. "Cindy, we just closed on the sale of our Hawaii home. Our new home here was half the price. And we're making money." Cindy then realized that. "Oh." Gabby agreed with Cindy. "Now, that doesn't mean that I'm going full Kim Kardashian. I'm just shopping at the adorable stores, like Old Navy or stuff like that. I mean, no judgment of course." Cindy agreed with Gabby. "I know, it's just different seeing you like this. Not used to being around a millionaire." Gabby sighed. "Cindy, can I ask you a question?" Cindy agreed. "Of course, Gabby." Taking a breath, Gabby sighed. "Do you think that me and Matt have changed since this has happened to us?" Cindy was confused as she heard Gabby say that. "What are you talking about? Of course, you've changed. You have kids now." Gabby sighed as she looked at Cindy, as that wasn't what she meant.
"No Cindy, I'm asking you if we've become like snobs because we have money."
Cindy then understood, before grabbing Gabby's hand. "Oh my god Gabby, don't even think that way. You guys are still down to earth. You just buy nice homes. Heck, I saw some of the furniture. It was simple stuff." Gabby agreed. "Oh, that was something we both agreed on. We're like. Okay, we're literally using these cribs for two, maybe three years tops; we aren't getting $2,000 cribs for three years." Cindy laughed as she heard Gabby say that. "Now, that doesn't mean that I didn't splurge a bit when it came to my gliders." Cindy agreed with Gabby, as that most certainly is something that she should've done. "Plus, I need to make sure that things are easy when it comes to the kids; keep the stress down, because it helps Matt a lot." Cindy sighed, agreeing with the mother. "How's he doing in that? The whole journey with PTSD. Christopher told me all about it." Gabby sighed as Cindy asked her that question.
After all, she doesn't want to share more than she has to as she walked up to the diapers. "Okay, can you help me? I need to get these boxes in right." Cindy agreed with Gabby, while walking up to her and going to help with the boxes. "Thank the lord you're going to have help when you get home." Gabby agreed. "Matt's mom lives with us too." Cindy agreed. "How she doing, being back in Chicago?" Gabby sighed. "I think she's not really realizing that she's back yet. I mean, she hasn't exactly explored the city since she got back. She's basically stuck in our home, due to the fact that we want to keep her safe from this virus." Cindy agreed. "I know, believe me; I literally told Christopher that he needs to clean out the garage, and he needs to clean up the backyard for the kids." Gabby agreed, before thinking about something. "Let me just say this. Make sure that Herrmann spoils you sometimes." Cindy was confused.
After all, she wasn't sure what Gabby was talking about. "What are you talking about Gabby?" Gabby sighed. "Cindy, you're stuck at home with five kids every day, isolating and making sure they're safe. I mean, you must go crazy sometimes." Cindy laughed. "Oh, we already have a system. The minute he gets home from shift, he's in charge of the kids for the morning; and then I go upstairs, and I sleep in bed." Gabby smiled as she heard Cindy say that, before walking towards the end of the aisle where they were going to turn. But at the same time, Gabby saw Matt at the end of the row to get some wine. "Baby!" Turning his head, Matt smiled at Gabby. "We still have that wine from Hawaii that we can drink, don't worry about it." Matt agreed, before putting his thumb up. Meanwhile, Cindy and Gabby both continued to make their way through another aisle. This one being some toys. "Oh god, I need this aisle."
Cindy was confused as she heard Gabby say that. "Why do you need this aisle?" Gabby smiled. "I have two boys, who are turning one in thirty-three days." Cindy agreed with Gabby as she said that, smiling at her. "What are you going to do for their birthday?" Gabby sighed. "At first, I was thinking we could maybe do something with all of you; but then we need to remember the pandemic, and we need to be safe. So, it may just be us and our parents maybe. I mean, if them; other than Matt's mom, as she lives with us. Heck, I haven't even seen my brother much since the pandemic started; not that I really have a choice, as I need to keep the kids safe." Cindy sighed. "Did he go back to being a police officer?" Gabby shook her head, before smiling. "No, he's engaged to an immunologist." Cindy agreed with Gabby, remembering that now. "Yeah, I remember that now." Gabby smiled, agreeing with her fellow mom.
Wine Rack - The wine that he originally picked up for him and Gabby to share tonight was good, but he also knew that it was right that they had a lot of wine at home. And that was why he set it down and smiled at Herrmann. "So, what's it like being back on Truck 81?" Herrmann laughed. "It's like I never left. I mean, I left for only a little bit; and then I'm already back within two years." Matt agreed with Herrmann as he said that, well aware that was the case as they both continued to make their way down the aisles; after which, he made his way over to the fresh area. Looking at the lettuce, Matt smiled as he proceeded to set it down in the basket that he grabbed. "And I hope that it's still in good shape, because I plan on coming back in the future." Herrmann looked at Matt as he said that. "Excuse me?" Matt laughed. "Calm down, for one shift." Herrmann was confused as he heard Matt say that. "Why exactly?" Matt smiled.
After all, there was a reason why he wanted to come do a shift. "What, you guys got one of my prototypes! I want to take a ride on it." Herrmann agreed with Matt as he said that, as that made a lot of sense. "Well, that make sense." Matt agreed, before going to grab another wine. "Oh, now this is nice. I remember trying this in Hawaii, it was delicious." Herrmann looked at his friend as he said that. "That's an expensive one." Matt laughed. "Yeah, that's not something that I need to worry about." Herrmann shook his head as he heard Matt say that. "So, just curious. Where in the world did you come up with the idea for the Ambulance-Truck combo vehicle?" Matt smiled. "I thought about it when I realize that we always bring an ambulance to the scenes of our fires, and we can always use extra pumpers. And that's exactly what I decided to do." Herrmann agreed with Matt as he said that, as that made a lot of sense.
But at the same time, he also had a practical question. "So, I hope you know that this is your last year with that truck we still have as Truck 81." Herrmann agreed. "Oh, Boden already told me all about that; and I am so ready to get that." Matt smiled, agreeing with Herrmann. "So, do you think that you can let me know what you think you want in a new truck maybe?" Herrmann agreed. "Well, I want comfortable seats." Matt snickered. "Oh, trust me, I am doing that first. I want that too, and I want more room for us to sit." Herrmann agreed with Matt, as that most certainly is something that they need. "I'm just glad that you're getting these deals." Matt agreed. "I'm giving the CFD a $100,000 discount because they're prototypes." Herrmann agreed. "Are you worried about it?" Matt sighed. "Well, these vehicles are going to be going to LAX next." Herrmann was surprised as he heard Matt say that.
"Los Angeles?"
Matt agreed with Herrmann, as that was exactly where the vehicles are headed next. "And I hope that they work, as this could be a huge gain for me due to the fact that each airport has a fire department." Herrmann agreed with Matt as he said that, well aware that was the case. "Well, I hope you know that you've really impressed me Matt; and I hope that you know that the firehouse is really proud of you, and everything that you've done. To think. We know a millionaire." Matt snickered as he went to wrap his arm around Herrmann. "Now do you understand why we can't work at Molly's? Herrmann, we are busy." Herrmann agreed with Matt as he said that, well aware that was the case. "Well, I understand now. But listen, do you need anything more?" Matt smiled. "I need to make sure that I have everything for our date." Herrmann looked at Matt as he said that. "Date?" Matt agreed, smiling at him.
After which, he smirked. "Me and Gabby didn't get a Valentine's Day date, so we're getting a do-over." Herrmann agreed with Matt as he said that, as that most certainly is something that he can enjoy. "I think that's going to be a good idea." Matt nodded, smiling at him. "Just maybe do me a favor next shift?" Herrmann was confused. "What is it?" Matt smirked. "Maybe give me a call if things ever calm down, and me and Gabby can come for a visit; see Ambulance 61." Herrmann agreed with Matt as he said that, as that most certainly is something that he can do for him. "Well, I think that I can do that; and maybe you can even stay for a bit?" Matt shook his head. "No, we can't; because it's unsafe for our family, you know that Herrmann." Herrmann agreed with Matt as he said that, well aware that was the case. "Yeah, that makes sense. The kids." Matt agreed with Herrmann once more, as that was a worry for him.
"We also have my mother to worry about."
Herrmann looked at Matt. "Your mother-in-law lives with you?" Matt looked at Herrmann, as Camila doesn't live with him. "No, my MOTHER. Ms. Casey." Herrmann then realized that. "Oh, that makes sense now." Matt laughed, agreeing with Herrmann as she said that; and boy, is he glad that this is his life. "I swear, I am so glad that this is what we're doing right now. I need some time to laugh." Herrmann agreed with Matt as he said that, as that was something that they all need at the moment. "Heck, we should almost talk to you guys every once and a while; and that's due to the fact that if we talk to your kids, then maybe we can brighten up the mood at the firehouse." Matt agreed with Herrmann as he continued to walk through the store, while also making sure that Andy was okay. "By the way, what's it like with a dog?" Matt smiled. "He's great, and I am so glad that me and Gabby have him." Herrmann agreed.
Check-Out Area – Finally finishing up with their shopping, the husband, and wives both smiled as they made their way to the check outs where they would reunite with their wives. "So, I hope you can send me some pictures of the kids when you get a chance." Gabby agreed with Cindy as she said that, as that most certainly is something that she can do. "Of course, we can Cindy, that's something that we can do for you." Cindy agreed with Gabby, smiling as she walked up to the check out area only to see he husband there. "I can see that you're happy right now." Turning her head to look at Matt as she heard his voice, Gabby agreed with him as she was happy; happy about the fact that she got some time with her friend. "It was nice to talk to someone other than my family or you." Matt looked at Gabby as she said that. "Excuse me?" Walking up at Matt, Gabby smiled as she wrapped her arms around him and held him close.
At the same time, he wrapped his arm around her and smirked as he held the woman he loves more than anything in the entire world close to him; kissing the top of her head afterwards, he made sure that Gabby felt loved here in Target. "So, I can see that there's more than just some food in there." Gabby agreed with Matt. "I decided to get some clothes, and some fabric for your mom. I hope that was okay." Matt agreed with Gabby, as that was more than okay. "Hey, that's fine Gabby. I love the idea of you getting my mom some fabric to get to work." Gabby agreed with Matt once more, and just smiled as she was really happy right now. "I swear, I am the luckiest woman in the entire world to have you as my husband." Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that, before smiling as they both looked at Cindy and Herrmann. "Well listen, we're going to check out and then head home. Have a good day and stay safe."
Both the Captain and his wife agreed. "I promise, I will. And I promise to get you a report on how Truck 81 is." Matt agreed with Herrmann as he said that, glad that he was going to get that; after all, he wants to make sure that things are great. But right now, he also wants to do something else; and that would be to get out of here, so that they can head home and take it easy. Meanwhile, Herrmann walked up to Cindy and smiled at her. "How was your chat with Gabby?" Cindy smiled. "It went well, and I had a nice time with her. I'm just glad that they're safe and home." Herrmann agreed with his wife as she said that, while wrapping his arm around her and then kissing her forehead softly. "I'm glad that we're all safe. But I am a bit worried for my job." Cindy looked at her husband as he said that. "Matt's returning to the firehouse?" Herrmann laughed. "I'm kidding, he said for one shift to try out the truck."
Overhearing that, Gabby looked at her husband. "Not until after the pandemic." Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that, as that was a good time for him to go check out the vehicles. "Oh shut up, you want to go see the new ambulance you designed too. The Truck-Ambo combo." Gabby agreed with Matt as he said that, as that most certainly is the truth. "And we will in the future, but not yet as I am going to spend time with my husband right now." Matt smirked. "And we're going to have the place to ourselves. I got a text from my mom saying she just left to go spend the weekend with Christie." Gabby agreed with Matt as she helped him unpack his cart, while looking at the Alfredo sauce that he got; and then she made sure that he got the right shrimp, as he was making Shrimp Alfredo pasta. "Well, I think that this is going to be a nice supper. Shrimp Fettucine Alfredo and a Caesar Salad." Matt agreed, as he thought the same.
"I thought you'd like that for supper."
Gabby agreed with Matt, smiling as she most certainly will enjoy it; but not as much as she's going to enjoy a bit of alone time with her husband. "How about we finish checking out? Then we can head home again? I love being out, but I would like to cuddle again since we have the place to ourselves." Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that, loving that idea. "Want to pick up lunch?" Gabby shook her head. "I'm not hungry right now. We can have a snack sometime." Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that, before going to check out so that they could head home….which is exactly what he wants to do. He wants to head home, and spend some time with the woman he loves.