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Ringing in the New Year at Home
Part 3: Chicago is Home

They were both still in awe of the decision which they just made together, which is one of the reasons why Matt needed to take a breather before he answered Gabby's question; after all, they basically just had another 180 (instead deciding that they're staying).

And that meant a couple things. It meant that: (a) they had to tell her brother, so that he could make a decision as to whether he was going back to the Bahamas/Puerto Rico, or whether he was going to stay home with them; (b) he had to tell Chief Boden that his January 2nd shift wasn't going to be his last shift after all, due to the fact that he and Gabby have decided to stay in Chicago; and (c) they need to find a new place here in Chicago, as this place where they currently live (with Kelly and Stella) isn't suitable for a baby.

And that's precisely what Gabby was in the midst of telling Stella as they spent a minute in their room, while he stood in the kitchen while on the phone with Chief Boden. Or, at least, while he tried to reach Chief Boden; and lucky for him, he was able to reach him. "Chief, good evening." Boden agreed with Matt as he said that, well aware that it was still evening. "Sorry for the delay in answering, I'm just leaving the bar and needed to pay my tab." Matt laughed as he heard Boden say that. "Let me guess, you want to go ring in the New Year with Donna?" Boden snickered. "Cindy ended up getting tired and hitting the sack early, so she needs someone to get her out of the Herrmann house." Matt just stood there for a moment, well aware of the reason. "Damn, you really do need to go then. If this is a bad time." Boden laughed. "Never a bad time. Plus, the earlier I can put in the request; the better." Matt then realize just why Boden thought he was calling; it was because he thought he wasn't going to be able to make "his last shift" on January 2nd.

But the truth is, that was no longer going to be his last shift, which is the reason why he's calling. He's calling him to tell him that he wasn't leaving after all. "Boden, about that. I was actually calling to let you know that me and Gabby actually just came to a decision about something." Boden agreed with his Captain as he said that. "Let me guess, you guys are leaving early?" Matt snickered. "Actually, I need you to withdraw the request for a new, permanent officer for Truck 81." Boden was surprised when he heard Matt say that, as that wasn't something that he ever planned on hearing come out of Matt's mouth; especially not when he thought that he was leaving. That he and Gabby were both leaving to go to Puerto Rico. Though, that seemed like it was no longer the case. "Ok. Let me just make sure I'm hearing this right; you guys have decided to STAY in Chicago?" Matt sighed as he leaned back against the kitchen counter (while clad in a t-shirt and boxers), as that was the truth. He and Gabby have decided to stay in Chicago, rather than leave.

And there was a reason for that: The reason being that Gabby wants to have: (a) as easy of a birth as possible, in (b) a hospital which hasn't been damaged (of late) by natural disaster (hurricane/earthquake), with it being done by (c) the doctors that they know and trust the most, who work at Gaffney; rather than in a hospital in Puerto Rico. That was the reason they wanted to stay, why they wanted to be here for the pregnancy (and beyond). Though, it'll be nice for their child to also be raised with their family around.

And not just their (biological) families, but their firehouse family; the people who Matt sees as a family much more so than his biological family, simply due to the fact that he sees them (pretty much) every day. So, that's what they're going to do. They're going to stay here, so that they can have as much family around them as possible as they raise their child. "Yeah, we decided to stay in Chicago. We decided that this is the best place for us to be, especially now that Gabby's pregnant. Adding in that the hospitals in Puerto Rico aren't the best yet…" Boden then started to understand. "Ah, now I get it. You want to have a good hospital after your last time being pregnant." Matt agreed with Boden, because that's precisely what he wants. "This all happened tonight. Hell, I didn't even know until today. Had I known, then maybe we wouldn't have even thought about leaving in the first place. But now that we know, we know that we can't go anywhere. We need to stay here and be with family as we start a family of our own." Boden agreed with Matt.

Especially the part where they're starting a family of their own, which he already knows has always been a big dream of theirs. "Well, I think that I can make sure that we don't get a replacement for you; other than when you take paternity leave, of course." Matt agreed with Boden as he said that, as that was exactly what he wanted to hear. He wanted to get paternity leave after Gabby gives birth, as he wants to get that time with the baby. "Yes, I will be taking time off. And I may take some next month, as me and Gabby are going to be doing something in January." Boden was a bit confused as he heard Matt say that. "And what might that be?" Matt snickered. "Boden, I currently live with Kelly and Stella in their loft. Yes, we have the bedroom in the loft. But, we're going to need space of our own before the baby gets here." Boden agreed with Matt, as that most certainly is the truth. They're going to need to get space of their own, so that they can make a nursery and everything; all the things which he remembers doing for Terrence, his little boy.

The little boy who isn't so little anymore, as he's just growing so fast. "Matt, can I give you some advice?" Matt was confused but will always take advice from Chief Boden. "Always." Boden agreed. "Be in the moment for the next couple years. Yes, plan ahead and think about what you need to do for you, Gabby, and the baby; but also make sure that you take time, just the two of you guys. Me and Donna never had that time, we only know life with Terrence. Make sure that you take advantage of these last few months, and just let me know when the appointments are. They are the best thing, and you really shouldn't miss them. They are real treats. Getting to see your baby grow every couple week, that's something that you need to experience; so, you make sure to let me know when those appointments are, because I want you to have the best experience this time around." Matt agreed with Boden. "Does that mean that Gabby can be at the house during the entirety of her pregnancy? Maybe take over Connie's job?" Boden then sighed.

After all, he knew the reason why he was asking him that question. "Let me guess, you want her at the firehouse?" Matt sighed, as that's precisely what he wants; especially after the last time that she was pregnant. He wants her to be close to him, so that he can help her throughout the pregnancy. "I just want to be the supportive husband that she needed when she was pregnant at OFI. I mean, I'm glad that you were there, don't get me wrong about that; however, I just want to be there as things are different now. Gabby isn't just my girlfriend/fiancé. She's my wife, and we're a team. We're going to do this together, and I want to have her at the firehouse when I'm at work." Boden agreed with Matt, as that's something which he understands; especially since he remembers how hard that day was for the both of them. "Tell Gabby that the job is hers if she wants it, she needs to be kept busy and know that you're safe all the time." Matt agreed with Boden, as that's precisely why he wants her to have the job. "Thanks Boden. Happy new year."

Ending the call with his boss, Mett let out a sigh; that was, until he heard his best friend walk up behind him. "So much for me becoming Captain." Turning his head, Matt snickered as he looked at Kelly. "Sorry man, but this is what we need." Kelly agreed with Matt as he said that, before walking over to him; after which, he hugged him so that he could give him some reassurance. Reassurance that things will go okay this time 'round. "Things will be okay this time, you're going to be a dad." Matt agreed with Kelly as he said that, well aware that was the case as he held his brother close to him. "Yeah, I know. I'm just glad that Boden is going to give Gabby the job." And that was when Matt heard Gabby. "What job?" Looking at his wife, Matt smiled as he made his way over to her as she walked out of the bedroom. "Sorry I took so long; thought I'd be faster." Gabby nodded, agreeing with her husband as she cuddled up to him and wrapped her arms around his back; prior to her leaning in and kissing the man of her dreams softly. "I love you."

Matt agreed with Gabby, as he loves her too. "So, something you need to talk to me about?" Matt agreed with his wife, as there is something that he needs to talk to her about. "Well, I first need to tell you that I have a job again. I'm back at the CFD permanently." Gabby agreed with Matt, smirking as she loved the sound of that. She loves the sound of her husband being back at the CFD permanently, as she knows he loves his job. "We both know that this is where we belong." Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that, smirking as he placed his hand on the side of her face. "And you belong at the firehouse while you're pregnant." Gabby took a breath, well aware of the reason why he just said that: it's due to the fact that he doesn't want her out of his sight during this pregnancy. "I want to be with you the entire time, just in case something happens." Gabby agreed with Matt, well aware that was the case. "You want to talk about that as we just cuddle up to each other in bed again?" Matt agreed, smiling at his wife as he does.

He wants to hold Gabby in his arms, as they cuddle up to each other in bed; just holding her close to him, as they talk about their future here in Chicago. Something which they need to do together, as they can't make decisions alone; that's something they already agreed to while they were away on the romantic vacation they took for a bit. "Yeah, we need to make some decisions." Gabby agreed with her husband as he told her that, before cuddling up to him once more; meanwhile, Matt pressed his lips to her forehead as they both held each other close. "Listen, how about me and you go lay down in bed? We can talk, then we can look at houses that we can tour." Gabby agreed with Matt, as she loves that idea; after all, that's the entire reason that the two of them came home in the first place. So that they can spend time alone with each other, rather than be with their friends. "Sorry Kelly, we want some time." Kelly agreed with Matt. "Hey, that's fine. I know you guys need to get things in order now." Gabby agreed, smiling at Kelly.

After all, he truly understands her (almost) as good as Matt. "I swear, I have such a great brother in you." Kelly laughed as he heard Gabby say that. "Well, this brother doesn't want to get yelled at by your husband by looking at you in your underwear!" Matt laughed, well aware that was the case as he wrapped his arms around Gabby some more; after which, Gabby ran her hand up his back and just smiled as she turned her head to look at her husband. Leaning in, Gabby smirked as she kissed the man she loves more than anything in the entire world. "Let's go get in bed, I want to relax and take it easy with the man I love." Matt agreed with Gabby, as that's what he wants to do as well. He wants to go lay down in bed with her, as they hold each other close and just take it easy with each other. "Lead the way then, my dear." Gabby agreed with Matt as she grabbed his hand, smiling as she led him back to their room so that they can cuddle up to each other in bed, while also talking about what the future holds for them in Chicago. Meanwhile, Kelly just breathed.

Kelly's POV: As I watched my best friend and his wife walk away, I couldn't help but smile. Smile at the fact that he's finally got it all. He's finally got the life that he's always wanted. He's got Gabby, he's married, and they're starting a family. That's always been what he's wanted in life. And I can't help but feel happy for them, I just hate that Shay isn't here to see this. I know that has to hurt Gabby, which is why I'm glad that she has Matt to make sure that she doesn't break down. I'm not sure why, but I just have this feeling that this pregnancy might be harder on her due to the fact that she doesn't have her best friend with her. Yes, she has Stella; and yes, she has Matt. But Shay was her real best friend, the friend that she wanted to spend a lot of time with; god, the laughs I still remember from when she lived here with me. She would just be so happy for the both of them, I already know it. Hell, I'm sure that Gabby even knows it herself (or, Matt's at least told her). Shay would be the first one to volunteer to help, and that just makes me miss her more.

I was there when she died, and I remember how broken Gabby was over her death; how guilt-ridden she was over the fact that they switched places. But now, she's doing much better simply due to the fact that she's pregnant. And that's precisely why I am so happy for them, due to the fact that they finally have it all. However, Stella was just a bit confused as to why I was standing here, in my boxers as I looked at Matt and Gabby's room. "Kelly!" Turning my head as I snapped out of it, I smiled at Stella. "Hey, sorry; what'd you say?" Stella just looked at me. "What's going on? Your head was elsewhere for a bit." I agreed with Stella, smiling. "I'm just happy for my friends. I know you never met Shay, but I haven't seen Gabby this happy since then. I mean, there were comparable times when they got married and stuff. But Shay always brought this other side out of her, and it was always nice; and I don't want to say this because I know it might hurt you, but it was much different than what you and Gabby have. Hell, than what Matt and Gabby have."

Agreeing with me, Stella smiled as she walked up to me and grabbed my hand. "Yeah, I get that. They were ambo partners after all." I agreed with my sexy girlfriend, just noticing the outfit that she was wearing for me right now. "So, am I getting lucky tonight?" Stella laughed. "Maybe after you tell me what's going on? I thought I heard something about Captain Kelly?" I shook my head while getting close to Stella, before wrapping my arms around her and kissing her softly. "Sorry, not yet. Matt was talking to Boden about how next shift isn't going to be his last shift after all." Stella agreed with me as I told her that. "And how do you feel about that?" I smirked, as I was happy that I wasn't loosing my best friend (another one of them). "I'm glad that I'm going to have Matt here to laugh when I make mistakes, especially when it comes to our relationship." And, of course, Matt just had to hear me say that. "GOT THAT RIGHT IDIOT!" I shook my head as Matt said that, while Stella got close to me and smirked as she moved her hands up my biceps to hold me.

Meanwhile, I placed my hands on her butt as I stared down into her eyes. "Well, you're my idiot. And I'd like to have my idiot in bed please." I agreed with Stella as she told me that, smirking as (1) I most certainly am her idiot, and (b) I want to have her in bed too. "Well then, maybe this idiot should take you back to bed." Picking Stella up in my arms, I wrapped her legs around my waist and smirked as I leaned in and kissed her softly; meanwhile, she placed her hands on my chest as we both took things nice and slow with each other while I carried us both back to bed. That way, I can get some of what I want this New Year's Eve: some sexy time with my sexy girlfriend, who I can definitely see myself spending the rest of my life with based on the way I feel about her; how I love her.

Now, this is precisely how Matt wants to be spending his New Year's Eve; sitting in bed with the woman he loves in his lap, as they cuddle up to each other and just take it easy in the comfort of their bed. That's all they both want, and they have it right now. They have each other in bed, as they hold each other close and just look at his iPad. The iPad that he was using to look at homes which they want to find for their new life here in Chicago. A life which will include a couple kids, which is actually something that Matt decided that he needed to ask Gabby about. "So, when it comes to the house; are we thinking of finding a place that's just temporary, or are we thinking to the future?" Turning her head, Gabby was confused; after all, that most certainly is exactly what they're doing. They're looking to the future when it comes to what they need to do for their baby. "Matt, what are you talking about? We're looking for a home where we can raise our baby, so we're of course looking for a home for our future." Matt sighed and agreed.

After all, that wasn't the real question that he was asking. Rather, he was asking whether they were looking for right now; or whether they were looking for what they want in the future. As in, what they want to have when it comes to the number of bedrooms. "That's not what I'm talking about Gabby." Looking up at Matt, Gabby was still confused and didn't understand. "Ok, not following. What are you talking about then babe?" Matt sighed as he ran his hand up and down her back, while also pressing his lips to her forehead. "I'm wondering whether we're looking at homes just so that we can move out and have our own space again, or if we're looking for places for our future." Gabby just glared at her husband, as she's still confused. "God, do I really need to point it out." Glaring at her husband, Gabby was starting to get mad. "Careful with the tone. Now, specifics." Matt agreed with his wife. "I'm asking if we want to have just enough rooms for now. As in, for what we need at the moment." Gabby then realized what Matt was trying to ask her.

He was asking her whether they're looking for a home with two rooms, or three rooms.

The reason that's an important question, as it relates as to whether they want to move again in the future. If they buy a home with two rooms, then they have enough space for them and this baby; but, if they buy a room with three bedrooms…then they have space for when (not if) they decide to go for their second child. And that's precisely why Gabby's glad to have Matt as her husband, because he thinks of things like that. "Yeah, I guess that is something important we need to figure out; whether we want two rooms, or three rooms." Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that. "Personally? I'd rather have a place with three rooms. I know, it's more expensive and we may need to look further away from the firehouse; but I think that it'll be worth it." Gabby agreed with her husband as he said that, as she thought about the same thing. Yet, at the same time, she also thought about how they're going to have a baby; how this still seems so surreal to her. "I swear, this still seems so surreal to me. We're actually having a baby." Matt agreed with his wife, smiling.

After all, that's precisely what they're having. They're having a baby with each other, which is precisely what they've always wanted. "It's a dream come true for the both of us, and there's nobody I'd rather have a baby with. I hope you know that babe." Gabby agreed with Matt, well aware that was the case as she bend down and kissed his chest. She kissed his chest, because she knows just how much he loves the feeling of her lips on his skin. "God, I love that feeling. It's so nice." Gabby agreed with her husband, smiling as she (in return) felt him leave a soft kiss on her forehead. And damn, does that always make her smile. Hell, just them being together makes her smile. He makes her so happy, especially when he's holding her in his arms the way he is at the moment. This truly is a dream come true, and exactly what she wants to be doing with the man she loves right now. She wants to hold him close to her, as they take it nice and easy. And right now, that's exactly what they're doing, while also looking for a new home where they can raise a baby.

She just doesn't know whether she wants to live so close to downtown. "Just curious, are you thinking that we're going to live close to the firehouse?" Looking down at his wife, Matt nodded as he set his iPad down to the side; after all, he had this feeling that she needed to talk to him right now. So, he was going to let her talk. "Yeah, I was thinking of downtown to be close to work. Why?" Gabby just took a breath as she looked up at the man of her dreams. "I guess, it's…" Gabby then stopped. "It's nothing." Matt shook his head, as it's clearly not nothing. "It's clearly not nothing, not when you had such a long pause. What is it baby?" Gabby sighed as she looked up at the man of her dreams. "I hate to say this, but I'm thinking about other things that come into play when it comes to the safety of our child." Matt was confused as he looked down at his wife. "What are you talking about Gabby?" Gabby sighed. "Matt, it's no secret that we're different races." Matt then realized what Gabby was talking about. She wants to be in a safe neighborhood.

But not just any safe neighborhood, a safe neighborhood for Hispanics.

And the truth was, he never thought about that…until she mentioned it. Until she mentioned how they're different races, which may mean that their children could look more like either of them, which is something that they truly do need to think about as they live in Chicago. They need to think about it, as the last place they want to live is a place where their children won't be safe. Then again, do they really want to look that far away from the city, when they work in downtown Chicago? And when he says downtown, he truly means downtown as they work just off the University of Illinois Chicago campus. And that's where they would like to stay closer to, but maybe more on the south side of Chicago. "Are you thinking maybe more on the south side? Or are you thinking of downtown?" Turning her head to look up at Matt, Gabby took a breath as she didn't know where she wanted to look right now; especially not when she has so much on her mind. And that's precisely why she's so grateful that they're just holding each other in bed right it.

It's really what she needs to do, take it easy and just relax as they hold each other close in the comfort of their bed; something which Matt finally realized as he ran his hand up and down her back, while also pressing his lips to her forehead. "What's going on baby? You seem to be lost." Gabby took a breath as Matt asked her that question. "I just feel like this is moving fast. First, we learn that we're pregnant, then we agree to stay here in Chicago, now we're looking at homes. And I know, you're going back to work." Matt agreed with his wife, well aware that was the case. "I can always ask Boden to delay my return to work, I'm sure he'd understand if we tell him that we want to get into a place of our own again before I go back to work." Gabby took a breath, thinking about what Matt said. "Are we really going to be looking for a home? Or are we going to stay in a condo for a while?" Matt bit his lip, before turning his head and pressing his lips to her forehead. "I don't know. I just know that I really liked living in a condo when we had Louie." Gabby agreed.

At the same time, she smiled as she thought about how nice that time was. "To think, we're going to get to go through all of those things again. With our baby this time." Matt agreed with his wife as she said that, smirking as he wrapped his arms around Gabby and pressed his lips to her forehead while they both held each other close, here in the comfort of their bed. After all, this is precisely where they both want to be right now. They want to lay down in each other's arms, as they cuddle up to one another and just take it easy right now. "Be honest with me. Are we rushing this?" Gabby sighed as she looked down, while also bending down and kissing his chest softly. After which, she ran her hand down his body as she tried to relax. However, she couldn't relax. If anything, she was just getting even more tense while she was here in Matt's arms, which is why she decided to get up and make her way over to the window. That way, she could just breathe and take it easy while she thought about what she wanted to say to Matt (while not starting a fight).

Walking up behind Gabby shortly after getting out of bed and making his way over to her, Matt took a breath as he wrapped his arms around her with the hopes of making her feel better. After all, he can clearly see something's going on in her hear right now, which is precisely why he's holding her in his arms with the hopes of making her feel better. He just hopes that he can get her to open up and have her talk to him. Because that's what she needs to do at the end of the day. She needs to open up, so that they can talk and figure things out. And right now, that's precisely why Matt was holding Gabby this way. Why he was holding her in his arms, as they took it easy and just relaxed right now. Well, they tried to relax. Because right now, Gabby doesn't look very relaxed; if anything, she looks anything but relaxed. Rather, she looks quite tense. And that's why he wanted her to stay in bed; so that she could take it easy and breathe rather than get all stressed out like this, which most certainly isn't good for the baby. Right now, she needs to take it easy.

And hopefully, they can do that in bed; as it's much more comfortable there, because it's where he can hold her nice and close to him. So, he decided to ask her whether she wanted to go back to bed. "Gabby, what do you say we go back to bed? We can talk there and just take it easy. I think it'd be much more comfortable for you…for the both of us…if we sat down in bed and just took it easy as we spoke." Turning around to face her husband, Gabby stepped close to him as she grabbed his hand. "Matt, I'm just worried about us fighting about this. I know that we're fought in the past. And now that we have the baby on the way…" Stepping close to Gabby, Matt sighed as he already knew what she was worrying about; she was worrying about them splitting up if they disagree about something, which is the last thing that he wants her to worry about. After all, she is the woman he loves more than anything in the entire world. He wants to be with her for the rest of his life, which means that she's going to be his wife forever; something which he loves.

He loves the idea of them being married forever, and them living a long life with each other. But first, they need to make this decision. A decision which shouldn't be this stressful. "Hey, you know you have nothing to worry about Gabby; we're here together, and we're going to make this decision together. I love you and I want to do what's best for the both of us. For you and the baby." Gabby agreed with Matt, having never doubted that as she cuddled up to the man of her dreams. After which, she just held him close and sighed due to the fact that she has a lot on her mind right now. And the last thing she wants is for her to be all stressed out. "Listen, I can see that you're worried right now. And I know that's the last thing you want to be so, do you want to stop talking about this for now? We don't need to talk about this yet." Gabby sighed as she looked down. "I guess, my world is just spinning right now. I guess, I asked you to move home; and you're already going back to work." Matt stepped close to Gabby once more, placing his hand on her neck.

After which, he pressed his lips to her forehead as they both held each other close. As they held each other close and made sure that they were both very happy with each other, including when he pushed her head up and bent down to kiss her softly. "Talk to me babe. I know you have a lot on your mind." Gabby sighed as she looked at Matt. "I just don't want to repeat my past mistakes." Matt shook his head, as she won't; especially since he won't let her.. Stepping close to her, Matt smiled as he leaned in and kissed the woman he loves softly. "I'll push back if you try and control the situation. I'll stand my ground and make sure that you have someone to keep you going the right way, and right now we need a home. A place to call our own." Gabby agreed with her husband as he said that, well aware that was the case. She then wrapped her arms around his and smiled as they held each other close. "Call Boden and figure things out, then get me some more water." Matt agreed with his wife, before letting her go and watching her walk away to bed.

Meanwhile, he went to go grab his phone so that he could call Boden while getting them both some water.

Walking back into his and Gabby's room after getting the both of them some water (and calling Boden), Matt smiled as he looked at Gabby as she laid down in the comfort of their bed while playing on their iPad; or, more specifically, looked at homes on their iPad. But, that was the last thing that Matt wanted to concentrate on right now. Right now, he wants her to breathe and take it easy. "So, I spoke to Boden." Looking up at her husband, Gabby smiled as she could hear the joy as he spoke to her. "And he said that it was fine for us to get into a new place before I came back, so that's precisely what we're going to do. We're going to find a place, move in and then I'll go back to work to pay for it." Gabby agreed with Matt, as that sounded perfect; and exactly what they were going to do, as they started fresh here in Chicago. "I can't wait to find us a real home. Maybe, we can do it by Valentine's Day so that we can be sexy that day?" Matt agreed with Gabby, smirking as that sounded perfect. "That sounds perfect, especially since you're perfect."

Gabby smiled and agreed with Matt as he told her that, just waiting for him to come get in bed so that she can hold him close to her. "Come here you and come get what you want." Matt agreed with Gabby, as he was more than ready to come get what he wants. And what he wants is her, the woman he loves more than anything in the entire world in his arms. And that's exactly what he plans on getting for the rest of his life, both here and in their new home…a home which they will be living in as soon as this Valentine's Day. A day where Matt and Gabby will be getting very sexy with each other.

Note to Readers: I know that I just skipped to when Matt and Gabby learned that they're pregnant, but I am not content having them live alone when what I need is for them to be living alone to have my dream story. So, I am going to skipping to Valentine's Day 2019 when Matt and Gabby have their own place to write this story for you. Hope you guys continue to enjoy the story, and thanks for reading.