Hi Readers: My apologies for starting once more. I just didn't know where to go form where I was in the story, due to the fact that I seem to be getting a bunch of writer's blocks. Let's just hope this new idea that I have can get me out of it. However, I am at least glad that I have a guide as to where I can take this story due to the fact that this is a re-write of another one of my stories.
NOTE: This story has never been posted on . So, this is new for you readers. Hope you like it.

Chapter One
One More Year, and a Baby (Somehow)

Chicago – December 4, 2018
She was summoned here by her husband, just two months after her last visit to the city; the visit that she thought was going to be her last, after she took a permanent position in Puerto Rico (where she was until yesterday). However, she agreed to come back for one reason; or, at least, the reason which he originally stated on the phone. And that reason was so that she and Matt could do it the right way, so that they could finalize and talk about the divorce papers that she sent him in the mail in person. And while she was apprehensive at first, she ended up doing it due to the fact that he told her that she had no plans on signing the papers unless she came back; so, she agreed to do it. She agreed to come home from Puerto Rico, on the condition that Matt picked her up at the airport and take her "home". And that's precisely where they now were, they were at home; or, at least, what was their home. Because even though this was their home address (911 Spencer Rd), this was no longer their home; especially not since what happened last week.

So much so, that Gabby didn't even recognize the place, which is why she was not the happiest at the moment, especially after she told her husband that she was tired. "Matt, I told you that I'm tired. I told you that I wanted to go home." Matt agreed with Gabby as she reminded him that she was tired, and that she wanted to go home. "I know, and we are home." Turning her head after looking at the house they just pulled up in front of, Gabby just laughed. "Nice one Matt, but I know what our home looks like. And I need you to start thinking straight. I need you to stop playing around. You specifically asked me so that we can do it face-to-face." The 'it' in that sentence, being signing the divorce papers that would end their marriage; something that Matt and Gabby weren't doing yet, nor would they for a couple days. "We aren't doing that yet. In fact, we aren't signing the divorce papers for a few days." Turning her head, Gabby was surprised; especially since she has planned. "Excuse me? Matt, I have a meeting in a few days!" Matt agreed with Gabby.

After all, he knew that she had a busy life in Puerto Rico, which is why they were divorcing, as he knew that this couldn't last. He just needed her right now, he needed her to get through this hard time in his life; a time where he has no home, and nobody to really depend on. He just hoped that Gabby would understand. "Matt, didn't you hear me? I booked a flight for Friday morning, which means that I need this done within 48 hours!" Hearing Gabby say that just broke his heart, especially the date that she wants their divorce papers to be signed. The reason? Their anniversary is in 48 hours. God, did Gabby really forget what day their anniversary is? C'mon, the day of their anniversary! That's when she wants this done? Well, they most certainly are not going to be signing them that day. "Gabby, can you please just bear with me? You trust me, right?" Looking at her husband, Gabby agreed as she always trusted Matt. "Matt, I always trust you. You know that." Matt nodded, smiling at the woman he loves. "Then Gabby, you need to breathe."

Gabby agreed with her husband. "I hope you don't think that you can take me home and try and change my mind with a big romantic gesture, because I already know what happened there!" Turning his head, Matt was confused. "You don't think I already know? Damn, you really think that I don't talk to Stella sometimes? I know all about the blonde reporter that you brought home!" Matt sighed, well aware of what she was talking about; especially since that was a mistake. "Yeah, that was a mistake. I was drunk, missing you, and I know it was wrong. But, I promise you that I stopped it." Gabby just looked at Matt as he told her that. "You did?" Matt nodded as he reached out, grabbing her hand once more before intertwining their fingers. "She just stayed the night because she was drunk and in no state to drive, that's it. She slept in the guest room, while I tried to sleep in our bed. The bed that I feel so guilty even thinking about taking another woman into." Gabby looked at Matt, clearly able to see the sincerity in his eyes. How he was being honest.

And that was all she needed to see to know that he was telling the truth, the sparkle in his eye. "So, you mean…" Matt nodded, smiling at his wife. "You're still the only woman that I've ever made love to in our home." Gabby agreed with her husband when he told her that, smiling as that actually felt really nice, which is why she reached out and grabbed his hand, only to see that he was still wearing his wedding band. After which, she bit her lip. "You still wear your wedding band?" Looking down at his hand, Matt agreed with his beautiful wife. "Yes, until I'm divorced…because I do not plan on taking it off until then at the earliest, as that ring is one that my wife gave to me. The wife I love and have always loved, and who I feel so guilty over even thinking about sleeping with another woman. Then again, maybe it's the reason why I almost died in a fire recently." Gabby nodded, until she realized what Matt said. "What fir…" That's when it clicked in her mind, just why this place doesn't look like their home anymore, because there was a fire in it.

And now that she was taking a look at it once more, while turning her head to look at it, Gabby could clearly see that this truly was their home; because she recognizes the trees that are planted in the front yard. "So, this is…" Matt nodded as he looked at Gabby, as this is their old home; the home that they once shared. The home which they always thought they'd raise their kids in someday, the home they thought they'd grow old in together. But now, it was gone. It was no longer the home it was once, due to the fact that it burned; and even worse, it almost caused her husband to die. "God, I am just…" Rubbing Gabby's hand, Matt knew that she had a lot on her mind based on what he just told her. "I know, this is a lot. But, just take a breath and let's go inside." Gabby was confused as she heard Matt say that, while also watching as he got out of the truck and ran around to her side. After all, how can they go inside? And why would they go inside? Well, it was due to the fact that Matt wanted to talk to her about how he felt that night.

The night that he (and his friend Naomi) almost lost their lives. The thoughts that were going through his head, the thoughts of the memories they made here; things that he wants to do with the woman he loves. And even worse, about all the regrets that he still has from when they were together. And now that he and Gabby are together, he has a chance to really share what's been on his mind lately; just as soon as they walk inside together, for the last time as husband and wife. But, not because they're getting a divorce (if he has it his way); rather, it'll be due to the fact that this is just the start of a new life that they can have with each other. Something which he plans on telling Gabby inside, as he opened her door and looked at her. After which, she got out and just looked at the house in shock; after all, it doesn't even look like their home. "Matt…" Getting close to Gabby, Matt grabbed her hand and intertwined their fingers. After which, he brought her hand up to his lips. "What do you say me, and you go inside one last time together?"

Gabby was shocked as she heard Matt say that, as she didn't even know they could. "What?" Matt nodded. "I spoke to Chief, and I asked him to talk to the crews that were taking care of it, I asked if they could wait to tear it down until after you had a chance to go in one last time." Gabby agreed with Matt as he said that, while stepping close to him; meanwhile, he wrapped his arms around her as he closed the door to his truck and pressed his lips to her forehead. At the same time, Gabby laid her head down on his chest; that was, until she realized that she hasn't asked Matt how he is. "I forgot to ask, how are you? Are you okay?" Matt nodded as he wrapped his arms around Gabby and smiled. "I'm okay, I promise. I already got cleared by the doctor, but I am taking some time off. I need time to get my life in order." Gabby agreed with Matt as he said that. "Listen, how about you breathe and just relax? Remember, we're friends first." Gabby agreed with her husband, smiling as he told her that. "Let's do it." Matt agreed with his wife this morning.

After which, he unwrapped his arms around her and grabbed her hand, intertwining their fingers afterwards, Matt thought about walking towards the house. That was, until he decided that he needed to do something first; he needed to ask her if she really forgot their anniversary, based on what she said in the truck. "Actually, we're husband and wife first." Turning her head, Gabby agreed with Matt as they are still married. "And that's why I'm telling you right now. You are not getting me to sign divorce papers by 48 hours." Gabby looked at Matt as he told her that. "Matt, I…" Matt then proceeded to tell her why. "At least, I'm not doing it on that timeline. Are you really flying back on the seventh?" Gabby sighed. "The truth is, I'm debating staying for Christmas." Matt agreed. "Oh, shit. I just remembered. How are your lungs? Did they get affected? I know you had problems before." Matt agreed with Gabby as he stepped close to her, smiling as he leaned in and kissed her softly. "I'm ok. Clean bill of health, remember?" Gabby agreed.

After which, she put her hands on his chest, while Matt put his hands on her arms. "Gabby, this is why I called you. I called you because I almost died in the fire, 18 months after I almost lost you the last time. This is my third chance escaping death. And it was only 3 years ago that you almost died." Gabby took a breath, agreeing with Matt as that was the truth; she almost died during her last pregnancy, the pregnancy that created the aneurysm. And just thinking back to that made her feel sad, which is why she got close to her husband hugged him; a feeling that Matt loved as he wrapped his arms around her, while also rubbing her back and pressing his lips to her forehead. "Gabby, I need to tell you something about the 48 hours thing." Gabby agreed. "I need you to think about what today is. Today is December 4th." Looking up at Matt, Gabby just knew exactly what that meant; she knew exactly what she really just told her husband, who she loves: she just told him that she wants their divorce papers signed by their third wedding anniversary.

And god did Gabby just feel horrible as she thought about how she just told Matt that she wanted their divorce papers signed by their third wedding anniversary, as she knew that must've hurt Matt. And that was why she just held him close right now. "Gabby, listen. Let's go in the house and we can talk as we look at something okay?" Gabby just put her hands on Matt's face and shook her head. "Not until after I ask for forgiveness. Matt, I am so sorry that I forgot. Please, you need to forgive me." Matt agreed with his wife when she said that, smiling as he bent down and kissed her softly. "Gabby, listen. Let's just go into the house and we can talk as we look at something okay? I want to talk in the house quickly. Just leave your things here in the truck, as you can't bring them inside obviously." Gabby agreed with her husband, smiling. "Obviously." Matt nodded as he smiled at Gabby once more, while also grabbing her hand so that he can lead her into their old, burnt-out home. And they were going to do it together, as husband and wife; just as they should.

Gabby's POV: As I walked into me and Matt's home this afternoon, I took a breath as I looked around our home; or, what was left of it at least. You could just see that the fire was horrible. I could clearly tell that it was a bad fire, based on the experience I have from my time at OFI when I was first pregnant with the ectopic pregnancy. And that was why I knew that I needed to keep my boots and jacket on, which is precisely what I did as I walked into our home; well, our former home. "Wow, this is…" Matt agreed with me as he heard me start speaking to him. "See, this is why I asked you to make sure you got here in the morning. I wanted you to be able to see it in this light." I agreed with Matt as he said that, while also getting worried. "God." Matt nodded as he walked over to me, before wrapping his arms around me as he could clearly tell that I was beginning to get emotional. After all, this was scary; and at the same time, it was a bit weird being here…where we said all of those horrible things to each other. And that's why I was happy I had Matt.

I had him to hold me in his arms, which is precisely what he's in the midst of doing after noticing that I was getting emotional; not that it was hard to guess that I was getting emotional, as he was getting emotional as well. We both were. And that was why I decided to turn around and face the man I love, as I wanted to hold him; I wanted to hold him so that I could make him feel better, especially as I was shocked that he had to go through this. Hell, I didn't even care that Matt was here with another woman. He's safe, and that's all that matters at the end of the day. That he's safe and here with me, as we hold each other close, which is precisely what we both want and need to do with each other right now. We need to hold each other as we think about all of the memories that we made here, which were all replaced by an empty shell; as the home we made with each other was gone. Everything we once had was gone. And even worse, I almost lost Matt; not to divorce, but to death. And while we may be divorcing, that would've been much worse.

It would've been worse due to the fact that I would've have gotten a chance to say goodbye, not that I want to do that right now; especially not when he's the man I love, the man I want to kiss right now. Which is why I tugged on his shirt as I stared into his eyes, bringing his lips down to mine; while he placed his hands on the side of my face as he started to kiss me slowly, which is precisely what we both wanted and needed right now. We need to hold each other, while sharing a kiss. "Gabby, you want to know the first thing that went through my mind when the fire started?" I nodded as I looked up into his eyes, as I did want to know. "I didn't think of that woman. I didn't even remember he name when I was in here. You want to know what I said?" Staring into Matt's eyes as I felt him put his hand on my neck, I nodded once more. "I said, Gabby…let's go. We need to get out. Babe, I said YOUR name. She was lost, but I still felt that you were here with me in our home. And I hated that. I'm sorry I didn't tell you over the phone, as I was scared."

I agreed with Matt, while also continuing to listen to my husband. "But this is why I needed you to come Gabby, I needed you here in our home with me one last time before they tore it down." Stroking my cheek with his thumb, Matt then got close to me and pressed his lips to my forehead; while I wrapped my arms around his back, holding the man I love close to me. "Gabby, I need to ask you something." I agreed with Matt as he told me that he needs to ask me something, before looking up into his eyes. "What is it baby?" Biting his lip, Matt bent down and kissed me softly. "Gabby, I hate to ask you this but…I know you want to leave in 48 hours. And I know I said I'd let you leave after our anniversary. I know I said that, but I can't help but wonder; Gabby, I said your name when I thought I was going to die. And that's got me thinking about how I don't want to be with anybody else when I die. I don't want to be with another woman, when I already have the woman I love as my wife." I agreed with Matt, as I love him too; more than anything.

Leaning up, I kissed my husband softly. "Gabby, I love you more than anything and I want to die in your arms. I know that we have a lot to talk about, and I know that we have a lot to work on. But, I think that we can make it through those tough conversations. We can do it, because I believe in us. I will always believe in us due to the fact that I love you." Gabby agreed with Matt, as she felt the same way. "I want you to be my wife for the rest of my life, especially since I almost died without one last kiss from the woman I love more than anything; without one last I love you. I need you Gabby, especially since I would've regretted that had it turned out to be what happened. And for what I said here at our door, it's no excuse but…I said it in the heat of the moment. I never meant it; I was just scared." I thought of saying something after he said that but didn't get a chance as Matt just continued to speak, which made me realize that this is what Matt needs right now. He needs to hold me in his arms as he lets out what he needs to tell me right now.

The things that he probably thought about telling me when he thought he was going to die, here in the fire. "Gabby, I love you with my whole heart; you have to know that. I swear, the moment those horrible worlds came out of my mouth…when I told you that you can't have a baby…I regretted them instantly. I didn't mean to say it that way, I was just scared. And I own that, I own that I made a mistake, because it was wrong. But Gabby, you need to understand that I was just trying to do my job; to look out for the woman I love. I can't live without you Gabby. And I don't know what this means for us, but I hope that we can take some time to figure things out, because I want to be with you. And I know you love Puerto Rico…but I need you right now Gabby. I need my wife with me in Chicago. Gabby, this was my safe zone. The place where I still felt like you were with me, as it was the home that we bought together." I agreed with Matt, as that made a lot of sense. He could probably feel my presence here, even though I was miles away in Puerto Rico.

And the truth was, that actually made me smile. "But now, I'm lost again. Ever since this happened, I've felt like how I felt when Hallie died. I know, bad comparison considering I was with another woman when this happened but…" I shook my head, as it wasn't a bad comparison at all. "No, that's a great way to look at it. I like that, and it makes a lot of sense; even better, it's a great way to say it." Matt agreed with me, taking a breath as he grabbed my hand and intertwined our fingers. "Gabby, I need to rebuild my life here; and there's nobody I would rather do it with than the woman I love. I need to rebuild my life from the ground up. And I'm hoping that…we can at least delay the divorce, so that I can at least have my wife with me as we do it. I need something Gabby. You don't need to say, just being married will be…" Stepping close to Matt, I shook my head as that wasn't going to happen. I'm going to be here for him to be his anchor. "Hey, I am not just going to be a wife in name only when you need me. You need an anchor." Matt agreed with me.

After all, that's precisely what he needs. "I mean, I have the house; but I like the idea of having my wife, especially since I feel like this was all supposed to happen." I was confused as I heard Matt say that. "What?" Matt smiled at me. "This happened before I signed the divorce papers. This place burned down, along with all the bad memories we have here. Ever since the fire, I can only remember the good members that we have here; with the exception of a few lines of our last fight, all the bad memories are gone. I know this sounds stupid, but I feel like this was supposed to happen right before we signed the divorce papers. I feel like this was our sign Gabby, our sign that we aren't over yet. Ignore the other woman Gabby. Somehow, I was spared again, and somehow…it happened right before I mailed the papers back to you. I signed them and had them ready to go, but I didn't send them; they're still at the firehouse. That is, if you still want to get divorced, then I'll go get them; then, we can file them at the courthouse together." I looked at Matt.

After all, I was shocked as I heard him say this. "We can go to the courthouse together and end our marriage like we started it. But if you feel the same way Gabby, then I think this is a sign for us. A sign that we can start fresh. And I hope it's here in Chicago since we're going to need our friends and a job to help us get through this. I mean, maybe two jobs." I took a breath when Matt said that, before biting my lip. "Matt, I want that more than anything. But…they have an orphanage there. That's why I like Puerto Rico so much, because I volunteer there a lot. And it made me feel like…" Matt sighed as he realized what I was telling him. "It made you feel like you were raising a child." I nodded while getting close to the man I love, while also wrapping my arms around him prior to looking up into his eyes. "Matt, I love you more than anything in the entire world. And you know me. You know that I always wanted to do this. Matt, we always beat the odds. Baby, you survived being shot twice, and two fires." Matt agreed with me as I told him that.

Placing his hand on my neck, he held me close as he stroked my cheek. "I survived a major surgery, and we survived Puerto Rico. Matt, this can't be a coincidence babe. Matt, I want to talk about this. I want us to sit down and have a real conversation, even though I know we already had that conversation with the doctor, which then led to that fight, but I want to do it the right way this time if I agree to come back. I want to figure out a way to make your dream of being a dad come true. Can you promise me that we do that? In a civilized way?" Matt looked at me as I asked him that question, nodding as he bent down and kissed me. "Gabby, I want this to be our second chance. I love you too much to not think that this is a sign. A sign that we belong together, and that we can beat the odds. I am so sorry about what happened here all those months ago Gabby…I really am. But I can't go back, nor can I say anything to that yet. I need you to first promise me that you'll at least move home for a while." I agreed with Matt as he told me that.

"Gabby, one year. Let's try again for a year. Same city, time together. More time together, more talking, just give me another year…and then I'll sign divorce papers if you want to stop. My life was spared Gabby, and I think we both know there's always a reason for something." I agreed with Matt as he told me that, smiling. "Ok. Then I want something in return." Matt nodded as I said that. "And what might that be?" I took a breath, as I knew that this would be a hard ask. "I'll come back for a year, and I'll ask Antonio to get my things in Puerto Rico. But, if we try…we don't just try at our marriage again. I want to keep trying to have a baby with me being pregnant. I know you didn't like the idea, but this has to change things. Matt, our lives are always spared. I know the risks, but you have to admit that our odds are always high. We'll survive this, I'll survive this." I agreed with Gabby. "Matt, I love you and I'll come home to be with you. But I need you to do this for me, because I need you to believe in me…" I was confused as Gabby said that.

After which, I just got close to her and hugged her. "Hey, what do you mean by that?" Wrapping my arms around his back, I looked up at the man I love. "Matt, the real reason I left is due to the fact that I felt like you lost faith in me. That you didn't think that I would do whatever I could, to survive a pregnancy while giving you your dream. Yes, it's a 10% chance that I die; but, it's also a 90% chance that I live, and we have a baby to raise together." Matt agreed with me as he kissed my forehead softly. "And, we look at other options as well. Gabby, I know you hate adoption; but we have other options to have a baby. In fact, you remember those pamphlets?" I nodded, as how could I forget them. "They started the fight." Matt nodded. "Well, you missed one of them. One of them was for surrogacy, an option that isn't adoption; the baby would be ours in every way. They would be our biological child. Gabby, I believe in us and I believe in all the options. I believe that we've come too far and been spared too many times for us to not be together." I agreed with Matt.

After all, that was a fact. "Gabby, I booked us a nice vacation, okay? I took some time off, and I want to take time away with you. Can you agree to that? Me and you, a nice romantic place that I booked for us. We can talk there. We can finally have the honeymoon that I've owed you for 2 years. Boden told me to take all the time we need after I almost died again, and I say we take him up on it. Hell, I might even take as long as it takes for us to have a baby. Or, at least for us to figure things out. All I know, is that I need my wife by my side as we do this. I can't do this alone Gabby." I agreed with Matt as he told me that. "I promise Matt, I'll stay." Smiling as he got closer to me, Matt leaned in and kissed me softly. "Stay as long as you want. Maybe a year and a half instead. That way, you're here next Christmas." I smiled, agreeing with Matt as he told me that as that actually sounded nice. Us getting a bunch of time together. "Let's get out of there okay? I want to be alone with me husband for a bit. Wait, do our friends know that I'm home?"

Matt shook his head, as he didn't tell anybody that I was home. "Well, with the exception of Kelly, Stella, and Brett. I asked Kelly and Stella for advice. Meanwhile, I told Brett because I thought you might want to stay; and she's the PIC right now." I agreed with Matt as he grabbed my hand and led me out of our (old) home so that he can take me somewhere romantic. "Well, that won't be for long because I'm coming back." Matt smiled as I told him that. "Good, because I've missed you a lot." I agreed with Matt, smirking as I kissed him ahead of him leading me away. "So, where we headed?" Matt smirked as he kissed me again. "That's for me to know, and for you to find out." I agreed with Matt, smiling as I grabbed his hand and intertwined our fingers. "Can't wait." Matt nodded as he walked me out of our old home so that he could take me where we were headed.