Matt went back to Portland to tie up loose ends and to finish up his few shifts. Sylvie had agreed to come and watch Ben graduate.
After putting the house up for sale and finishing packing, Matt was finally ready to go back to the place where he called home.
He contacted the CFD headquarters to say he was coming back and to see if there was a spot for him.
They said he could take his Captain spot back for now and if he wanted to, he could take the Chief exam and take over for Boden.
He has been back in Chicago for 3 weeks now and next week would be his first week back as Captain so Sylvie suggested that they go see her parents.
It was Friday morning and suddenly Sylvie woke up feeling ill so she got out of bed without waking Matt and ran straight to the bathroom to throw up.
Matt woke up sometime after and felt the spot next to him empty and cold.
"Sylvie?"
Throwing the covers off, he swung his legs to the side as he sat up and stood up to go search for her.
Luckily the bathroom was right next to the bedroom and Matt could hear what sounded like Sylvie throwing up.
He knocked on the door slightly
"Sylvie, you okay?"
He opens the door to find her kneeling down in front of the toilet throwing up. She was holding her hair to the side so she wouldn't get it dirty. He walks the short distance to her and rubs her back and takes over holding her hair until she finishes.
Once done, she stayed for a few more minutes to make sure nothing else would come up and then she stood up to wash her mouth out and brush her teeth.
"I guess I have morning sickness now."
"I'll ask Hermann what we need to help with that. He's been through this 5 times."
To save time packing the car, they did it last night after dinner. After a light breakfast and grabbing their phones, chargers, wallets, and keys; after locking up, they were on the road.
They packed for a weekend trip to Fowlerton. The scenic drive takes them through picturesque countryside, and Sylvie shares stories about her childhood in this small, close-knit town.
They arrive in Fowlerton, a charming town with a classic main street lined with cozy shops and friendly faces. Sylvie's excitement is palpable as she points out familiar landmarks.
Sylvie says while grinning,
"That's where I used to get ice cream every summer, and over there is the park where I spent countless afternoons."
Sylvie and Matt arrive at her family's cozy home, there was a barn a little ways down the road from the house, they were greeted with warm smiles and hugs from Robert and Karen.
Robert says heartfelt,
"We're so glad you could make it, Matt."
Karen hugs Matt
"Welcome to Fowlerton, dear."
Entering the house, Sylvie's childhood photos are displayed proudly on the walls. Some even had who Matt was guessing was her adoptive brother.
They walked into the living room and there was a fireplace and Matt could see more photos on the mental. Matt and Sylvie sat down on the couch.
Sylvie was feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness as she sat in the cozy living room of her family home in Fowlerton. Her adoptive parents, Robert and Karen, are enjoying a cup of tea.
Sylvie looked at her parents then at Matt and back again.
"Mom, Dad, there's something important we need to share with you."
Robert says, concerned
"Sylvie, you look serious. What's on your mind?"
Karen says, supportively
"Whatever it is, sweetheart, you can tell us."
Sylvie takes a deep breath, her hands trembling slightly, as she gathers the courage to reveal her news.
Sylvie says, smiling
"I'm going to be a mom. Matt and I are expecting a baby."
Karen's eyes fill with tears of joy, and Robert's face lights up with a proud and excited smile.
Karen says teary-eyed
"Oh, Sylvie, that's wonderful news!"
Robert says smiling
"Congratulations, sweetheart!"
They rush to embrace Sylvie, and the room fills with hugs and laughter.
Sylvie says,
"I wanted you to be the first to know. You've always been my family, and now we're expanding our family."
Later in the day, it's dinner time.
The three of them sit at the kitchen table, sharing stories and dreams for the new addition to their family. Sylvie's parents offer guidance, love, and support, assuring her that they will be there every step of the way.
Karen says, looking at Sylvie
"You're going to be a wonderful mother, Sylvie."
Robert says proudly,
"And we're going to be the best grandparents."
Sylvie says teary-eyed,
"I couldn't have asked for better parents or role models. Thank you for always being there for me."
After dinner, Sylvie, Matt, and her parents take a stroll through the peaceful streets of Fowlerton, their hearts full of joy and anticipation. The town that witnessed Sylvie's journey now stands as a symbol of love, support, and the beautiful future that awaits.
While the family takes a stroll through the picturesque town park, Sylvie and Matt playfully reminisce about her adventures as a child.
Sylvie spots a tree she used to climb when she was younger.
"I used to climb that tree all the time."
Matt teases her
"And you never fell?"
Sylvie smiles and says,
"Well, maybe once or twice."
It was getting late and Sylvie's parents have turned in for the night since they wake up at the crack of dawn. Matt follows Sylvie up the stairs to where her childhood bedroom was.
"So am I expecting to see any boy band posters on the walls?"
"Oh shush. I told my mom to take them down."
"Damn."
Sylvie stops in front of the door to her room and looks at him.
"You were going to tease me about them aren't you?"
"Maybe, maybe not."
She gives him a look
"Matt Casey."
He looks back trying not to smile but trying to be serious.
"What?"
"Just admit it."
"Fine. I was."
She gasps and playfully slaps him on the shoulder. She then turns to open the door and they walk in. Matt sets the bags on her queen sized bed and looks around.
They take turns getting ready for bed. When Sylvie walks back into the room, she stops right where she is. Matt Casey is in her bed, without a shirt on nevertheless.
She either felt her stomach do a flip or felt butterflies in her stomach. She wasn't sure which. She also felt her heart skip a beat as well.
Matt saw the way she was looking at him.
"What?"
She smiles coyly and says while slowly moving toward the bed,
"Well Captain, it's the fact that you're finally in my bed."
She gets on the bed and on all fours while she slowly crawls up to him.
"Oh I see.."
He smirks, realizing it
"When I was younger, I wasn't allowed to have a boy in my room."
"Syl.. not a boy."
"Yes I know that.."
He kisses her deeply and grabs her hips flipping them so he's on top. She lets out a squeal.
"Ahh!"
The next day, they got up and after doing some catching up and Sylvie helping with some chores and making breakfast with her mom, they decided to go for a walk and then they wind up at the FOWLERTON CAFÉ for lunch.
The group enjoys lunch at a local café, where they share stories and laughter. Matt is genuinely touched by Sylvie's parents' warmth and kindness.
Robert says sincerely,
"Sylvie's always been our little firecracker."
Matt says grinning,
"I can see where she gets it from."
After lunch, they went back to the house and Sylvie helped Robert with something and she was driving a tractor around. Matt was standing there, watching her.
"Well this is new. I didn't know she could drive that."
Robert looks at him
"Oh yeah. She's helped me fix a few things around here. She even knows how to weld."
Sylvie had picked up some hay and drove it into the barn for the horses.
"Listen before she told me she's pregnant, I was actually coming back to Chicago to propose to her."
"Really? Does she know?"
Matt nods slightly
"Yeah I told her when we went to visit Scott and Amelia."
"You have a ring yet?"
"Yeah, I've had it for a year and a half. I just need to figure out where and when."
As the evening approaches, Sylvie and Matt join her family for a cozy dinner at home. They talk about their life in Chicago, their firefighting and paramedic careers.
Karen says smiling,
"Now I can see why Olivia said you two were meant to be.."
A while later, Sylvie and Matt take a peaceful walk through the quiet streets of Fowlerton at dusk. Sylvie's childhood memories and family's hospitality have deepened their connection.
Sylvie looks at him and says,
"Thank you for coming here with me, Matt."
Matt says gently,
"Thank you for sharing your world with me, Sylvie."
They share a tender kiss under the starry Fowlerton sky, knowing that this trip has brought them even closer together.