Hi Readers: And welcome to another day of chapters. Chapters which will include more characters in this universe that I am creating, as well as some that we already know and love. Like in this one, where we're going to speak to none other than the next one to get hitched (in our book). Let me know what you think. And for my Wattpad Readers, what do you think of the new cover? It was created by bookcoversbymw. She is incredible, and it was awesome. Now, what do you say we get to work writing another set of chapters? Well, if that's what you want; then it's what you shall receive. Hope you guys like today's chapters. Now, let's go to it.
Chapter Three Hundred and Seventy-Four
Happy Birthday Casey, Part Fourteen
Re: The Wedding of Joe Cruz & Chloe Allen
"Personal or work-related?"
That was how Matt started the conversation with Mr. Joe Cruz, his new President, and Deputy CEO of Casey Fire; a position that was previously held by Severide, until he decided to return to the Chicago Fire Department. More specifically, to Firehouse 51 and Squad 3, where he is once more the Lieutenant. But unfortunately, there was already a Lieutenant there on his shift when he was returning; so, Matt decided to do something for him. And that would be offer his old job (at the company) to the Lieutenant who was on Squad 3, so that he could get the position; meanwhile, the Lieutenant would take his position at the company. And luckily, that's exactly what happened. Lieutenant Cruz resigned his post at the CFD and joined Casey as the new President, and Deputy CEO of Casey Fire; while Kelly Severide returned to his previous post in the CFD as Lieutenant on Rescue Squad 3, one which uses a vehicle he created.
And that was why Matt started the conversation the way he did, as he never knew what type of conversation that he was going to have with his friends; the friends that were formerly his co-workers at Firehouse 51, who used to report to him. And for a while, Cruz most certainly did not report to him; and that was due to the fact that from October 2018 until present day, Matt has not been at the CFD. Rather, he first took time away to go on a trip with Gabby; before eventually moving to Hawaii and starting this crazy journey which, you have born witness to ever since it began. But now, he was back home in Chicago and (at times) having to deal with both. Sometimes, he had to deal with the CFD for business; as well as just giving them advice, should they ever come to him for it. And that also included when he dealt with his friends, some of which are also his employees; but you already knew that as I just said it.
However, Matt didn't know which he was dealing with at the moment. Was he dealing with his friend Joe Cruz, who is in the midst of planning his wedding to his fiancé Chloe Allen? Or is he speaking to his employee Mr. Cruz, who should know (due to the fact that he is also his friend at the same time) that he probably shouldn't really be speaking business with him on his birthday; after all, he knows just how mad that may make Gabby as she doesn't want her husband to work anymore. But luckily for Matt, that isn't something that he needs to work about; due to the fact that this most certainly was not a business call. But rather, it was a personal call related to something that Joe was doing; while at the same time being the President, and Deputy CEO of Casey Fire. Something much more personal and closer to his heart, as it was related to his wedding to Chloe Allen; his blushing bride that he met while on duty.
"Believe me, I wish it was work related. Do you know how much planning goes into a wedding?"
Gabby was confused as she heard Cruz say that, as she thought that was already done by now as their wedding is literally eighteen days away. "Ok. Last time I checked, your wedding is in eighteen days! How are you not done planning yet Cruz?!" Cruz groaned as he heard Gabby ask him that. "A little thing called COVID my dear Gabriela. We are literally cutting down our guest list as we speak by three quarters. We can only have 50 people in the church, including us, the priest, and our wedding party. We already have 12 with the wedding party, 13 with the priest, maybe 20-25 with the firehouse. That only leaves 12 people for each of us, and one that we choose together." Gabby then realized that, while hearing the stress that was in the groom's voice. "Oh." Cruz agreed with his Latina friend. "And now you now why I am not working at the moment, as I have a wedding to plan!" Gabby snickered, agreeing with Cruz.
After all, she very much knows that the groom has a wedding to plan. "I understand that now Cruz, and I'm sorry about that." Taking a breath, Cruz sighed as he knew that he shouldn't be complaining. "Matt, I just want to say this. I am so sorry for complaining, as I shouldn't be. You have way more to deal with as the CEO of the company, as well as being a father and husband, while also having PTSD and everything. I just want to make sure that you know that I am not discounting that, and that I am not complaining when it comes to what I need to do for the safety of our friends and family." Matt agreed with Cruz as he said that, well aware that was the case. "Cruz, I understand. Believe me, I know exactly what you're going through." Turning her head, Gabby looked at her husband. "What do you…" Matt just looked at his wife. "Surprise vow renewal, by myself. And I had to hide the firehouse!" Gabby agreed.
After all, that was something that had to be hard to do. "Yeah, that makes sense now." Matt laughed as he heard Gabby say that, while also turning his head and kissing her forehead softly; meanwhile, Cruz brought the conversation back to him. After all, he was the one that called him. "OK. Can we go back to the reason I called you guys?" Matt agreed with Cruz. "Of course, what is it?" Cruz sighed. "So, listen, I know that you have a lot on your plate; and you need to think about your kids and family. Also, I heard from Natalie that Diego has COVID. How is he Gabby?" Gabby was confused as she heard Joe say that. "How do you know he has COVID?" Joe sighed, as he should've expected this conversation. "I've been consulting with Will and Natalie on what the right things to do are, including what they think when it comes to the number of people. They told me that Antonio can't be invited for certain." Gabby then understood.
"And you asked them why that would be the case?"
Joe agreed with Gabby. "I was going to invite him, as he is my boss' brother-in-law and my equivalent at Casey Police. But getting sidetracked now. OK. So, I am just going to ask you this. What are you thinking when it comes to the wedding, are you guys going to want to come? Or are you going to want to stay away for the sake of your kids?" Gabby took a breath as Cruz asked them that question, as that most certainly is something that they need to talk about, which then led her to turn to look at Matt as she wanted to see where he was. I mean, he has every right to say what's on his mind at the moment; due to the fact that it's risky. "I mean, do you think that we got exposed to Diego? And then are you willing to take the chance of exposing our kids?" Gabby took a breath as she thought about that, as that most certainly was something that they really had to think about, their beautiful children.
As well as their moms. "And we also need to think about our moms, who live with us." Matt agreed with Gabby, as that most certainly is the truth; they need to think about their mothers. "Do you need time to think about it? Or are you ready to give him an answer?" Taking a breath, Gabby tried to think about what she wanted to say as she laid down on Matt's chest and stroked it with her thumb. After which, she kissed it due to the fact that she needed to think about it. "Can we take a bit to think about it?" Matt agreed with Gabby as she asked him whether they can take a bit to think about it. "Cruz, do you mind if we call you after we thought about it?" Cruz agreed with Matt, as that most certainly is something that he can do. "Of course. I will talk to you guys when you've come to a decision. Have a good day." Matt agreed with Cruz, as he took a breath and hung up with him; that way, he can talk to Gabby.
He decided to get him and Gabby some water ahead of the two of them talking, due to the fact that he could see that Gabby was already a bit stressed out about this idea that they have to talk about; the fact that they are considering going to Cruz's wedding and being in the wedding party. So much so, that she was no longer in bed. But rather, she was standing at the window of their room as she looked outside and just breathed so that she could make sure that she was as relaxed as possible. But Matt also knew something else. And that would be that she would really only be relaxed if he had his arms around her, which is why he was going to go stand with her; just as soon as he set her water bottle down on her side table (and doing the same with his own). So, that's exactly what he went ahead and did. He walked over to Gabby's side table and set her water bottle down, before walking around their bed.
Walking around their bed to his side, Matt then went ahead and did the same with his water bottle; that way, he wasn't carrying it while he was standing behind Gabby. But now that he was done setting their water bottles down, he made his way over to his wife so that he could hold her in his arms; because that's exactly what she needs him to do right now. She needs him to hold her in his arms, as they relax and just cuddle with each other. And even more, she needs to breathe and talk to him; that way they can get through this together, which is something that they promised each other in the first place when the pandemic started. And this whole worrying on her own, well it was the opposite of what they promised to do with each other; rather, it was something that neither of them should be doing right now when they need to be a team. And that's something that Matt is going to remind Gabby, as he stood behind her.
As he stood behind her and placed his hands on her hips, while also tugging her body back against his chest and bending down to kiss her shoulder softly; an action that Gabby appreciated, just as much as she appreciated the feeling of Matt wrapping his strong arms around her body (which is precisely what he did the moment she was back against his chest). Meanwhile, Gabby put her hand on his arm and stroked it with her thumb. "Thanks." Kissing the side of her head, Matt shook his head as he didn't need to be thanked for taking care of his wife; rather, he just needed to do it so that she was okay. And right now, it was clear to her that she wasn't okay for the simple fact that she was at the window instead of being in bed. The bed where she's the most comfortable, as the bed always smells like him; something that always calms her down, even when he's not in bed with her. So, he decided to ask her if she wanted to.
If she wanted to go lay down, so that they could hold each other close as they talked; because he would rather talk to each other as they cuddled up to one another in bed, than do so here at the window where they weren't as comfortable. Something that Gabby had to know. She had to know that this isn't as comfortable, which is why she decided to turn around and face her husband; wrapping her arms around him afterwards, Gabby laid her head down on his chest while continuing to look outside. And boy was that nice, as it made Matt smile while he put his hand on the back of her head; before pressing his lips to her forehead as they held each other close here in their room. But now, it was time for them to do something; and that would be to go get in bed with each other, as Matt knew that was really where his beautiful wife wanted to be at the moment. So much so, he didn't even ask her if she wanted to.
Rather, he decided to do something quite sexy, which would be to pick his bride up in his arms with his arm under her legs, as well as around her back. And let's just say that really surprised Gabby, as she wrapped her arms around her loving husband's neck and turned her head to stare into his beautiful eyes. "Now, that was a pleasant surprise." Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that it was a pleasant surprise, due to the fact that he was happy that she enjoyed the fact that she was currently in his arms. So much so, that he leaned in and proceeded to kiss the woman he loves as he continued to stand at the window with her for a moment as this is where he wanted to take things slow with her right now. He wanted to take things slow with her, as he kissed her at the window. "I love you." Gabby agreed with Matt as he told her that he loves her, something that she already knew for a long time as she loves him too.
"I love you too, forever."
Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that, before leaning in and kissing his beautiful wife once more. After all, that was his favorite thing to do. He loves to kiss his wife, whenever he gets a chance to do so. But right now, he also needs to do something else; and that would be to carry her to bed, so that they can keep talking to each other. "You want to get in bed, so that we can keep talking?" Gabby agreed with Matt, as that's exactly what she wants to do. She wants to get back in bed, so that they can continue to talk about what's on her mind at the moment. And that would be just what they're going to do when it comes to Cruz's wedding in a couple weeks.
Looking at his beautiful wife as he set her down in bed, Matt smiled due to the fact that she looked very beautiful at the moment. So beautiful, that he really didn't want to set her down; yet at the same time, he knew that he had to so that they could get comfortable in bed with each other. That way, they could hold each other and talk about everything that they both had on their minds. And that was crucial for Gabby to do especially, as Matt could clearly see that her wheels were spinning at the moment, which is the last thing that he wants to happen when she's this stressed, and that's why he decided to lean over her. He leaned over her, so that he could give something to his beautiful wife; and that would be a sweet kiss, which she most certainly did enjoy. And he knew that was the case, based on the fact that she just placed her hand on his face as she took things nice and slow with him. "Now, this I like." Matt agreed.
"I had a feeling that you would like how I take things nice and slow with you, when you need me to do it the most."
Gabby agreed with Matt, as she knew that was a fact; that it was at these times where she really needs Matt to take things slow with her, as it allows her to relax and take it easy with the man she loves. But now, it was time for Matt to do something else; and that would be to join her in bed, just like she wants him to do. "Can you get in bed with me now, though? I would really appreciate it if you did." Matt agreed with his wife, well aware that she would appreciate it if he got in bed with her, because she always loves it when they're in bed with each other. "Is there a certain reason why you want me in bed?" Gabby smiled as she looked at her beautiful husband, wanting him to climb on top of her and give her something. "I want a nice kiss with you before we keep talking." Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that, before climbing into bed with her so that he can hold her close as they take it easy with each other.
Because they aren't having sex yet, not when they already have so much on their minds; and due to the fact that he only wants to be thinking of Gabby when he makes love to her. But Matt has to say, her just wearing this lingerie that she's wearing really does help him concentrate on his wife; because she looks really sexy in it…hell, she always looks sexy in whatever lingerie she wears for him. That's a truth that Matt will never deny, especially not when her wearing lingerie makes him go crazy; and it makes him want to get in bed with her, as he takes things nice and slow with her. And right now, that's exactly what Matt plans on doing; he plans on getting in bed with his beautiful wife, so that he can take things nice and slow with her. Something that Gabby most certainly knew, as she watched him climb on top of her; while at the same time, he also tugged the covers up on top of her…just like she wanted him to do today.
"God, you really do know exactly what I want whenever you get in bed with me; don't you?"
Matt smirked, as he most certainly does; and he was going to show that to her, as he laid down on top of her and put his hand on her neck. Doing the same, Gabby smiled as she leaned up and took things nice and slow with Matt on his birthday; because after all, this is exactly what her husband wants to do right now. And if he wants to take things slow with her, then who is she to stop him from taking things slow with her. Plus, it's kind of hot when they take things nice and slow with each other. And that's exactly what they did right now. They took things nice and slow with each other, as they held each other close in bed; that was, until Matt laid down on top of her…which started to hurt. "Ow…" Leaning back, Matt got concerned as he heard Gabby say that. "Hey, you okay?" Gabby nodded. "Yeah, I think you just kneed me somewhere." Matt agreed with Gabby. "Want me to sit up instead?" Gabby nodded.
After all, that might be the better way to do it after she just felt something. "Yeah, I think that would be better." Matt nodded as he heard Gabby say that, while also continuing to be a bit concerned for his wife; but not concerned enough to stop what he was doing, which is moving so that he's sitting up and waiting for his beautiful wife to come cuddle up to him in bed the way she should've in the first place if she was hurting. So, he was going to sit up in bed; while she sat in his lap and cuddled up to him. And the truth is, this is going to be much sexier. So much so, that he was more than ready for his wife to sit in his lap now that he was ready to welcome her. Not that it took long for Gabby to come join him, as she wants to sit with Matt like this too; she wants to sit in his lap, as she cuddles up to him with her hand on his face and her legs in between his. And that's exactly what Gabby did as she got comfortable.
She sat up in between his legs, before slipping them in between his; after which, she leaned against his chest and put her hand on his face just how she wanted to. Meanwhile, Matt wrapped his arm around her back; putting his hand on the top of it, he then stroked it with his thumb in the place where his gorgeous wife's nightie wasn't covering her body. "Sorry that I am not topless at the moment." Matt smirked. "Well, you are wearing underwear under this nightie; that means that you can always take it off for me." Gabby smirked as she heard Matt say that, before deciding to do just that for her husband; sitting up, she went ahead and took off her nightie for her man before putting it to the side. That way, they could get a little sexy with each other as they continued to speak with each other. After all, that's exactly what they both want (and need) to do with each other right now; they need to talk to each other.
But that doesn't mean that they can't do it while they are being a little sexy with each other, which is exactly what Matt and Gabby are doing at the moment; they're being sexy with each other, as they cuddle up to one another in bed…where they're going to talk to each other. "I am so glad that this is what we're doing." Matt agreed with Gabby as he wrapped his arm around her back, putting his hand on it before stroking it with his thumb; while at the same time, he kissed her and put his hand on her hip while taking things nice and slow with the woman he loves oh so dearly. His beautiful (topless) wife, Gabriela Marie Casey. "I have to say, this is a very sexy way to celebrate my birthday." Gabby agreed with Matt as he said that, well aware that was the case as she ran her hand down his muscular chest. "And are you enjoying it so far?" Matt smiled as he ran his hand up and down her side, as he loves his birthday so far.
"So far, I love my birthday; including this sweet time that we're getting to spend with each other."
Gabby agreed with Matt as he said that, well aware that was the case as she cuddled up to him as she knew that this most certainly is something that her husband wants to do with her at the moment. He wants to hold her in his arms, as they just take it easy with each other. "And let me guess, you want to just take it easy like this for the rest of the day?" Stroking her lower back with his thumb once more, Matt agreed with Gabby as that most certainly is the truth. He wants to do this for the rest of the day, even if they have the kids. "I most certainly do, as I want to just hold you like this; and that includes if we have the kids." Gabby agreed with Matt as he told her that, while also kissing him softly as she stroked his cheek with her thumb. And that's exactly what they both wanted to do at the moment, take things slow with each other just like they are at the moment as they held each other close in bed today.
But they also know that they do need to talk to each other some more, just like they agreed to do. And that's exactly what they decided to start doing right now. "So, where were we in the conversation that we were having with each other?" Gabby smiled as Matt asked her that question, while also staring into his eyes and stroking his cheek once more. "I think that we were still on the wedding, as we decided what we were going to do when it comes to that." Matt agreed with Gabby, as that was exactly what they were in the midst of talking to each other about right now. They were talking to each other about the wedding, which they are debating whether they should even go or not. And that's when Gabby decided to tell Matt to go first, as she wanted him to answer a very specific question for her. "I want you to go first, as I want to ask you a question." Matt agreed with Gabby as he smiled at her.
After all, if she had a question to ask him; then he is more than ready to answer it for her. "Then I am more than ready to answer the question for you, whatever it may be." Gabby agreed with her husband as he said that, while also taking a breath. "I think that we should go, as I want to be there for Cruz; I want to be there as he gets married due to the fact that he was at our wedding." Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that, as that was something that he could understand; he could understand why she wanted to be there, as he felt the same way. "Also, he's our closest friend. And that's why I feel like we should go. We should go, as he's a longtime friend of ours, which we need to support on his important day; plus, I like the idea of us taking a night away from the kids after we go to the wedding. We can stay in a hotel near to the church, maybe even the night before." Matt smirked, nodding.
After all, that most certainly was an idea that was quite appealing to him; the idea of them spending a night with each other, the day before they go to Cruz's wedding. "Maybe we can even spend the next night in case the party runs late. No need to drive home right after the wedding when we should instead be safe, means we can drink." Gabby agreed with Matt as he said that, as that most certainly is the truth. It means that they can drink and just have a bunch of fun with their friends, whom they haven't partied with in a while. "Honestly, I don't remember the last time we really partied with our friends." Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that, well aware that was the case. "It would have to be our wedding." Gabby agreed with Matt, before snicking. "Yeah, the one that was ruined by her." Matt agreed with Gabby, before running his hand up and down her back as he kissed her once more.
At the same time, Gabby laid down on his chest as she cuddled up to him, while Matt ran his hand up and down her back. Turning his head, he then proceeded to kiss the side of her head as they both held each other close. I mean, this is what they want to do with each other right now. They want to hold each other close, as they cuddle up to each other in the comfort of their bed. And what better way to do it, while she's braless; other than being in the bath of course, which most certainly is something that they may do later. "What do you think of us taking a bath later to end the night?" Turning his head as Gabby asked him that question, Matt smiled as he kissed the side of her head; after all, that sounds absolutely perfect…and like something that the two of them most certainly will do later. They're going to take a bath with each other to end the night. But right now, Matt can see that Gabby needs something else.
And that would be a nap. "I have a feeling that you need to do something else right now though." Turning her head, Gabby took a breath as she most certainly did believe that was something that she needed; she needs to take a nap as a way to take it easy and just relax with the man she loves. "Are you okay with that?" Matt agreed with Gabby, as that was something that he most certainly was more than okay with. If she needs to take a nap, then she should take a nap. "Baby, if you need to take a nap…then you're going to take a nap." Gabby agreed with Matt as he said that, well aware that was going to be the case as she leaned in and kissed the man she loves more than anything in the entire world. "Best husband ever." Matt smiled as he heard Gabby say that, before kissing her once more as they took things nice and slow with each other; ahead of the two of them falling asleep in each other's arms today.