Hi Readers: My apologies for the delay once more, but I ended up getting a bit distracted; but now, I'm back and ready to get back on track with some stuff that Matt and Gabby need to do in their new home. Thanks again for reading, and I hope you continue to enjoy the story. Now, what do you guys say we get back to it? Maybe with a bit more unpacking to make sure that we're all set up for when the kids get here? And maybe even when Matt has to work again? Sorry for the spoilers. But that is something that will happen at some point in the future, just not yet. But don't fear, as I fully intend on getting back to business…including some of the stuff I put in another chapter regarding building an office nearby. What do you guys think of that idea? Let me know in the comments after reading.
Chapter Three Hundred and Fifty-Six
Unpacking – Day Two, Part One
Casey Home Office – She wasn't going to lie, she wasn't the biggest fan of her husband having to work from home; because to her, their home is a place where they get to spend quality time with their children as family. Time where they a nothing more to their wonderful children Matteo, Noah, Bella, and Sofia. Yet at the same time, Gabby also knew something else; and that would be that she and Matt need to run their company here, for the health and safety of their family…as well as for the benefit of all their staff (and friends). Because no longer were they just working for themselves, but they were also working for over two hundred people; their staff, whom they truly treat as family as they are risking their livelihoods on a company that is basically just a startup. Yet at the same time, it's growing at a rapid pace; and that means that they already have a lot of staff, working on many different projects.
And on first glance, that may seem daunting; but the truth of the matter is that Matt and Gabby are more than ready to do is, as they've dealt with things which are much harder to deal with at work. In a way, she believes that them being former first responders prepared them for this job; as it allowed them to get the discipline that they need to work under pressure, and to make the hard decisions that impact a lot of people. And that's the real reason why she was so supportive of Matt's idea of starting a company after they got the money, as she thought that it was the best way for them to use the money: for them to give back, and make a difference in the world, while still doing things that can make them semi-first responders (in her mind). And that's due to the fact that, even though she's no longer a paramedic; she feels like she's going to be on even run in each other the ambulances that they sell.
Each "The SHAY" ambulance that goes on a run was designed by her, and was her dream come true; and now, they are going to be getting some feedback on the design…which is something that she can't wait to see. Yet at the same time, she just hopes that the firehouse will be honest with them; in fact, she just remembered something. She needs to text Boden about that. So, she went ahead and did just that. She went ahead and texted Boden about how she wants them to be honest with them when it comes to "The SHAY" so that they can make the required changes to the prototype and make it better. And if he doesn't, then she can talk to Mikami.
Text Thread between Gabby (G) and Boden (B)
G: Hi Boden, you have a minute?
B: For you Gabby, always. You guys all good?
G: Yes, we're okay. I just wanted to ask you something.
B: Go ahead, I'm all ears and here to help.
G: It's about the Ambo Prototype, and the feedback you'll give.
B: I promise Gabby, we're going to give you guys feedback.
G: Yes, but I want to make sure that you guys give me the feedback that we want.
B: OK. I'm a bit confused as to what you mean by that. Care to explain?
G: I mean, when it comes to the criticism you may have about the ambo.
B: Ah, now I'm getting what this conversation is about.
G: I just want to make sure that you guys don't sugar coat it. I want to have the reality and need it.
B: So that you guys can improve the product if required? Fix the problems that we might see?
G: Exactly! That's exactly what we want to do, as we want it to be the best it can possibly be.
B: Believe me Gabby, I can do that for you. I promise that we'll make sure that we're honest.
G: Thanks Boden, I appreciate it. How is it so far?
B: We love it here at Firehouse 51 and can't wait for you to do a ride along in the future.
G: Let's just wait and see what happens re: COVID. And right now, we're still unpacking.
B: Good luck and remember to take some breaks at times.
G: Me and Matt just finished taking one, had a nice bath.
B: Well, I hope you enjoyed it. Have a good day to you both.
Exiting the text message thread that she just shared with Boden, Gabby smiled as she locked the screen and then looked at the picture of her children that she has on there; the most beautiful children in the entire world, whose father she needs to help in the office. After all, it wasn't just his office; rather it was an office that they were going to share. At the same time, she also needs to tell him about the text messages that she just shared with Boden with regards to the feedback that they were going to get about The SHAY. "So, I just finished texting Boden." Turning his head to look at his wife as he looked around the room, Matt agreed. "About what?" Gabby smiled as she looked at her husband. "Just wanted to make sure he doesn't sugar coat the feedback we get about The SHAY."
Matt agreed with his beautiful wife as she said that, as he knew that he was going to have to do that at some point; but now that she's done it, he no longer needs to do it. "Thanks, I was going to do it; but I didn't get a chance to do it yet, as we've been a bit busy." Gabby smiled as she heard her husband say that, well aware that the two of them have been a bit busy. "The order should be here within the next half hour, but what are you doing in here?" Turning around, Matt looked at their two desks; the desks that they had on wheels at the moment. "I hope you know that desk is staying here." Laughing, Matt agreed with Gabby as he walked over to her; after which, he wrapped his arm around her waist and cuddled up to her (whilst also kissing her forehead softly). "There's nowhere else that I'd rather have my desk set up other than here in our home." Gabby agreed with Matt and smiled at her husband.
Rubbing his back at the same time, Gabby looked up at him with the hopes of getting something from Matt; more specifically, something that involves him bending down, and pressing a sweet kiss on her lips. And lucky for her, it didn't take him long to realize that; and that meant that she didn't need to wait long to get exactly what she wanted, and that would be a soft kiss on her lips. And boy does she love the feeling of Matt's lips on hers, as she is just so happy that this is what they're in the midst of doing here at the office right now; yet at the same time, she also knew that she needed to take it easy and relax with her husband. She didn't need him to go all out, when they need to take it easy and just relax with each other….like they were doing in bed with each other and will do once more when the food gets here. "Ok. Calm down boy, you can relax. I'm not going anywhere." Matt agreed with his girl.
And that's when he realized something, where is his boy. "That reminds me, where is our other boy." Gabby then thought about the same thing, wondering just where Andy is. "ANDY!" That's when Andy came rushing downstairs, hearing his name having been called by his patient's wife. After which, he barked as he stood at the door to his office. "There you are." Getting up, Matt smiled as he made his way over to her; after which, he rubbed the top of his head and smiled at his service dog. "Where have you been buddy?" Walking over to Matt, Gabby smiled as she cuddled up to him and put her hand on his chest; at the same time, Matt wrapped his arm around her and smiled as he turned his head and looked at the woman he loves. After which, he leaned in and proceeded to take things nice and slow with the woman he loves more than anything in the entire world. "I love you." Gabby agreed with Matt, smiling at him.
"I love you too. Today, tomorrow, and forever."
Matt smiled as he heard Gabby say that, before kissing her forehead softly. "Listen, do you remember if we got some plates out? Or are those still packed?" Gabby bit her lip, as she wasn't sure whether she unpacked the plates. "I think Mikami and Hawkins did it for us." Matt agreed with his wife. "Right, we pretty much have everything simple done. It's just the hard stuff, like the big furniture and stuff. I'm just surprise that we have the TVs ready." Gabby laughed. "I made sure that my brother set that up." And just then, they heard someone at the door. "You invite someone over?" Gabby shook her head. "No way that's the food yet, as I haven't invited anybody over." Matt then proceeded to walk out of his office, before making his way over to the door so that he could see just who was there. After all, who in the world would come here during COVID?
Walking over to the front door, Matt proceeded to look out the window to see that it was somebody with a mask on. He then went to grab the mask that he had at the door, before going to open the door and poking his head out. "Hi, can I help you?" The man agreed. "Hi, I just saw that there was a truck. I saw that this place has been purchased recently, and I thought that you were the new owners." Matt agreed. "Oh, yeah. Name's Matt." The man agreed, while waving at Matt. "Adam, I just wanted to welcome you to the neighborhood; even during the pandemic, we need to stick together." Matt agreed with their new neighbor, as that most certainly is the truth. They need to stick together, for the health and safety of everybody in the neighborhood. "Thank you for what you did, and I am so glad that you came to say hi." Adam agreed with his new neighbor and smiled. "By the way, love the truck." Matt smirked.
"Yeah, I love it too. Thanks. You a truck guy?"
Adam agreed. "I hope to be. I just applied to a Casey Construction Group of Illinois, so I may need a truck." Matt just looked at him. "Hey baby, can you do me a favor? Can you go put Andy in the backyard?" Walking up to Matt, Gabby smiled. "You going to talk to him about who you really are?" Matt agreed with Gabby. "Oh, Adam. This is my wife Gabriela." Adam smiled, waving at her. "Pleasure to meet you." Gabby agreed, before smiling as she walked away. "Do it on the front porch baby." Matt agreed with Gabby. "Here, how about we talk for a minute up front?" Adam was confused, before going to step back; after all, he must need to talk to him about something important if he wants to talk to him here during a pandemic. Little did Adam know that he was going to be meeting someone quite important right now. More specifically, the man who's company he just applied to.
"Hi, let me reintroduce myself. My name is Matthew Casey, Chairman and CEO of The Casey Group, owner of Casey Construction."
Adam was absolutely shocked as he heard his new neighbor say that, as he never expected his neighbor to be the man whose company he just applied to. "Sorry, did I just hear you say that right? You're Matthew Casey? The Chairman and CEO of The Casey Group?" Matt agreed with his neighbor as he asked him whether he just said that he's that Chairman and CEO of the Casey Group, which he most certainly is. "Yes, that would be me." Adam agreed with Matt, before taking a breath as he was quite nervous now. "Now this is awkward, as I thought that I was going to be meeting you at an interview; rather than here, on your doorstep." Matt agreed with Adam as he said that. "Well, I like the fact that you came to say hi. It means a lot to me that I get welcomed back to the state of Illinois personally." Adam agreed with Matt. "Yeah, what are you guys doing back here in the state?" Matt smiled.
After which, he proceeded to tell him the real reason. "It's our home. We're from Chicago, and we are very happy that we're home." Adam agreed with Matt as he said that, as that makes sense; after all, there's nothing like home. "There's nothing like home, after all." Matt agreed with Adam as he said that, due to the fact that he loves being home already. "Well, listen. I am not promising anything, but it's nice to meet you in person. Means that I don't have to do that when I interview people." Adam agreed with Matt as he told him that, as that makes sense. "But I want to let you know that I am going to be instituting a hiring freeze at the moment, due to the fact that we don't really need any other employees; so, I would understand if you pursued other employment opportunities." Adam agreed with Matt, grateful that he was being honest with him; because that most certainly is something that he appreciates.
"I would love the opportunity regardless, and I will be okay. I have another job, but I want a change. I want to get away from working at the University of Illinois. I'm on contract, and I can wait until after you're ready to hire. Just take it easy and get settled."
Matt agreed with Adam as he said that, glad that was something that he was more than okay with him and Gabby doing. "Thanks Adam." Adam agreed with Matt as he said that. "Thanks again and stay safe." Matt agreed, while watching him walk away so that he could go home; at the same time, he took a breath before turning around so that he could make his way inside. But he didn't do it with his all-happy self. Rather, he did it in a bad mood due to the fact that he knows that he has an opportunity to change a lot of people's lives; including those here in Illinois, which is really what's bothering him at the moment…and that means that he's going to talk to Gabby about it for the moment as he made his way over to her in the kitchen; where she was currently getting some plates out, ahead of their Chinese getting here. But still, it isn't here yet…and that means that they have a bit of time to talk to each other.
She was currently in the midst of setting two plates to the side, as they were going to need them when they ate supper tonight; after which, she opened the box and opened the covered with the hopes of putting them away. But that wasn't going to happen, due to the fact that Matt needed her at the moment; he needed her comfort, and a hug from her. And she could tell that was the case, due to the fact that he just wrapped his arms around her from behind and kissed her shoulder softly. Meanwhile, Gabby put her hands on his arms and smiled as she loved the feeling; after which, she rubbed his arm and proceeded to walk to her husband. "You okay baby?" Matt sighed, as he didn't feel okay at the moment; and that was due to the fact that he just had to tell someone who applied to their company that they aren't hiring at the moment, due to the fact that they need to just figure out what's happening.
"I just had to tell an applicant that we're not hiring yet."'
Gabby sighed, as she knew exactly what her husband was talking about. He was talking about the fact that he didn't know when they were going to hire people again, and she couldn't imagine how hard that was. And that's why she just decided to turn around and look at the man she loves, before inviting him to get close to her. And that's exactly what Matt did, he got close to the woman he loves more than anything in the entire world; after which, he wrapped his arms around her and smiled as he was quite happy whenever he has her in his arms. After which, Gabby leaned up and proceeded to kiss her husband softly. "I love you." Matt agreed with his beautiful wife as she said that, loving her more than anything in the entire world. "I love you too. Now, I thought we were going to do the office?" Gabby agreed with Matt. "Yes, we are. Want to go do that?" Matt smiled. "Or we can do the kitchen, work later."
Gabby agreed with her husband once more, as that was exactly what she was thinking; as she doesn't want to work at the moment, other than working on unpacking their home. "I just want to unpack the house at the moment." Matt agreed with Gabby, before kissing her softly; after which, he let her go and made his way over to another one of the boxes that they have here in the kitchen (but more towards the dining room. "Oh, that reminds me. They put our dining room table in the garage, so that's where they can put it." Gabby agreed with Matt, well aware that was the case. She then went back to putting some plates away, until she found something; and that would be the set of Wedding China that they got for their vow renewal, but never ended up using. "Yeah, okay." Hearing his wife sigh in her voice, Matt turned his head and looked at her while grabbing the box of snacks; after which, he looked at Gabby.
"You okay?"
Turning her head to look at her husband, Gabby took a breath as she didn't know how to answer that question; and that was due to the fact that she has mixed feelings when it comes to what she's dealing with at the moment. "Yeah, I'm good." Hearing that she was lying, Matt shook his head as he made his way over to his wife; that way, he could see whether she needed something. "You sure Gabby?" Gabby sighed, as she went to show Matt what she was holding; after which, he saw what she was holding. "Our Wedding China." Gabby agreed with her husband as he said that, while feeling him kiss the side of her head; after which, Matt wrapped his arm around her and rubbed her back as he kissed her forehead once more. "Do you want to put it in storage? Or do you want to put it away here in the kitchen?" Taking a breath, Gabby turned her head and looked at Matt; after which, she looked at China.
"I'm going to bring it to your mom's place, see whether she can store it for us."
Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that, before smiling at her. "How about you invite her to join us for supper? She can help us too." Gabby agreed with Matt, as she loves that idea. "Or how about you do it? That way, you can see if she needs anything before she comes." Matt agreed. "Okay. By the way, the coffee is doing there. And so is the coffee maker is already out, but I didn't get the coffee out. Can you take it out for me?" Gabby agreed with her husband as she gave him the wedding China, while he leaned in and kissed the woman he loves. "I love you." Gabby agreed with Matt, and smiled as he grabbed the box of wedding China so that he can go to his mom's home; that way, he can invite her to supper and ask her for some help. Help that she's ready to give him today.
Nancy Casey's Home, Casey Estate - Walking into his mom's home, Matt smiled as he spoke up. "Mom, you in here?" Nancy agreed with her son as he asked her that, as she was. "In the bedroom sweetheart." Matt agreed. "Sorry for just walking in unannounced." Coming out of the bedroom, Nancy shook her head as that was more than okay. "Matt, it's okay sweetie. What are you doing back here, anyways?" Matt sighed. "Well, me and Gabby just found our wedding China." Nancy agreed. "And you want somewhere to store it?" Matt sighed. "Gabby doesn't want to look at it, as she doesn't want to call it our Wedding China yet." Nancy agreed with her son as he said that, well aware of the reason; and that was due to the fact that their vow renewal was ruined. "I know why. And I promise that you can have one in the future." Matt agreed with his mother, especially since that was one of the reasons why this is home.
Why he bought this home, which has a gorgeous backyard, big enough for an outdoor spring, or summer wedding. "Why do you think I bought this home?" Nancy laughed as she heard Matt say that, before looking at him. "So, you want me to keep this?" Matt agreed. "Do you have a place where I can set them down?" Matt's mom agreed with him, while making her way over to the fridge. "Here, you can put it up there on top of the fridge." Matt agreed with his mom, before going to set the wedding China down. After which, he turned around and saw something in a box. More specifically, the fire extinguisher that he bought for her; after which, he walked over to it. "Where are you going sweetheart?" Smiling as he walked over to the living room, Matt proceeded to grab the fire extinguisher. "I need to get this set up for you." Nancy agreed with her son. "You can retire from the department, but the department stays in you."
Matt agreed with his mother, while walking over to her stove. "Where do you want it? Can I put it here, next to the stove? And you'll remember that it's there?" Nancy agreed with her son as he asked her whether she'll remember that it's in there. "I promise Matt, I'm going to remember where it is." Bending down, Matt proceeded to set it down; after which, he got up and smiled as he turned around and looked at his mom. "So, what do you think of the place? Do you like the fact that I got you a new bed?" Nancy smiled, as she loves the bed. "I tried it out, and it was amazing. I already took a nap." Matt smiled at her, before getting close to her and proceeding to hug her. "Listen, I want to talk to you about something quick." Nancy agreed with her son. "Everything okay?" Matt sighed. "I just want to talk about how this is all going to work, how the whole…" Nancy laughed, well aware what her son wants to ask her.
"Let me guess, you want me to not disturb you too much?"
Matt shook his head. "No, just call ahead of time. Please, I want to spend time with you. I just need to know." Nancy smiled. "So that I don't walk in on you and Gabby in the living room?" Matt shook his head. "No, for Andy as the yard isn't fenced in yet." Nancy agreed with her son as he said that, as that most certainly was something that she noticed. "I was surprised that was the case." Matt agreed with his mom as she said that. "I promise, it's going to get done in the future. But listen, we can talk about this inside when you're in our place." Nancy was confused as she heard Matt say that. "Is there a reason why I would be in your home?" Matt agreed with his mom, smiling at her. "We ordered some Chinese Food, and we would love it if you joined us for supper." Nancy agreed with her son. "When will it be here?" Matt smiled. "How about you just come in, and you can help us?" Nancy agreed with her son.
After which, she proceeded to hug him. "Thank you so much for letting me live here Matt." Matt agreed with his mom as she told him that, more than happy to let her live here. "Mom, I'm more than happy to have you live here with me. I don't want you to live anywhere else, as I want you to be here with me; I want you to be where you can watch the kids for us whenever we need it, and where you can watch them grow up. This is what you deserve, especially since this is the life that you should've always lived had you gotten this money while you were married to dad." Nancy laughed. "Oh, I wouldn't have ever done it. But listen, I'll be there soon; just go be with Gabby for a bit." Matt agreed with his mother, and smiled as that's exactly what he plans on doing right now. Yet at the same time, he also knew that his mother would take some time. "I'll text you when the food's here, okay?" Nancy agreed.'
"Oh, I just need to take a shower; then I'll be right in."
Matt bit his lip as he heard his mom say that. "Yeah, I wasn't going to say anything." Nancy shook her head as she heard her son say that, before smiling at him. "OK. I forgive you for that because I live here with you. Now, just go take care of everything inside." Matt agreed. "It's just across the porch luckily." Nancy agreed, as that most certainly is the truth. "I love that part, as that means that I can always see when Gabby's outside. Or when you're outside. Maybe we can start doing coffee together in the morning." Matt sighed as he looked at his mom as she said that. "Yeah, there are times where the coffee is for another reason." Nancy was confused as she heard Matt say that, until she realized why that would be the case. "PTSD?" Matt agreed with his mom as she said that, as that was exactly what he was talking about. "Yeah, sorry that's the case." Nancy shook her head as she heard Matt say that.
After all, he needs to do whatever he needs to do so that he can feel better. "Matt, you need to do whatever you can to make sure that you feel better when it comes to your mental health. And if that happens by having time alone on the back porch, then that's exactly what you're going to get; I promise sweetheart." Matt agreed with his mom as she told him that, before hugging her. "You coming with me, or do you need a moment?" Nancy snickered. "I'll be in. Give me 10 minutes." Matt agreed. "Just to let you know, I'm going to take wine out, are you okay with that?" Nancy agreed. "I love that idea." Matt smirked. "I want to toast to us being home." Nancy agreed with her son as she said that, as that most certainly is something that she wants to do as well. "The truth is, I think that this is home too." Matt smiled as he heard his mom say that, as that was exactly what he wanted to hear his mother say.
"I'm glad to hear that."
Nancy agreed with her son, before getting close and hugging him. "Thanks again for all this Matt." Matt agreed with his mother, smiling at her. "I already set you up with the Wi-Fi just to let you know, it's the same network and password as in Hawaii; so you should be able to get on right away." Nancy agreed with her son, as she was able to do just that. "I was able to do just that, thanks Matt." Matt agreed with his mother, before smiling at her. "Good. Now listen, I am going to go back to help Gabby before she goes ahead and tries to put something in a cupboard up high." Nancy laughed, agreeing with Matt. "I'll do the same here for you, if that's okay." Matt agreed with his mother, as that was more than okay. "Mom, that's more than okay. And I mean it when I say that. If you ever need anything, just call me and I'll come help you the moment I get a chance." Nancy smiled, as she was so glad she has a great son.
"Did I ever tell you that I'm the luckiest mom in the entire world?"
Matt smiled as he heard his mom say that, before grabbing her hand and stroking it with her thumb. "Thanks mom. I hope you know that I'm extremely proud of you, and everything that you've done to just…rebuild your life." Nancy agreed with her son as he said that. "I wanted to do it from the moment I heard you were having kids, and that's why it took me some time to get in touch with you. I wanted to feel good, and just…" Matt then got close to his mom, before moving to hug her. "Mom, I understand. I just want you to know that you will always be okay in my eyes. Remember, I know what you went through in your past, and I will always be here to help you when you need help." Nancy agreed with her son as he said that, as that most certainly is the truth; and it will always be the truth. "Listen, go take care of things inside. I'll be there soon." Matt agreed with his mom, before turning around to walk away.
Meanwhile, Nancy turned around and made her way into her room so that she can take a shower.