Thank you so much for the kind reviews. Again, the story just wouldn't leave me alone. So many thoughts kept running around in my mind. I hope you enjoy this chapter. It is really long.

I don't own anything. I am so broke I can't pay attention.

CHAPTER TWO

'"So, Antonio, when do the kids go back to Puerto Rico?" asked Cruz. They're not," he replied. "They live here now. Gabby moved back to Chicago when I did."

You could have heard a pin drop with his response. Almost everyone was out on the apron visiting with the Dawson twins.

"What's that?" asked Cruz. "Gabby's home for good? Did anyone know? How long have you been back 'Tonio?"

"We've been back for about 8 months now. The Chief ran into Gabby at headquarters about a month ago. That's when I touched base with him about the kids visiting the station. Until then, I don't think anybody knew. I am not sure if she reached out to anyone," Antonio stated.

"Wait, she's back at CFD?" asked Hermann. "She didn't want to come back to 51?" asked Hermann.

"She's working for Chief Hatcher. He wanted her with him when she returned and had her update her Paramedics license. She's a Commander on Ambulance 26. She passed her exam a couple of months ago and just received her assignment. Before that she was PIC on 59," Antonio provided detail to her old house.

"I saw Gabby as she was leaving Chief Hatcher's office last month," said the Chief. "She told me what she had going on and how long she'd been back. It's when she told me about the twins and asked if Antonio could bring them by for a tour."

"Why didn't she bring them by herself? "asked Hermann. "I'd love to see the kid."

"She wasn't sure she'd be welcomed here anymore. So much has changed, you know?" said Antonio. Clearly Gabby was aware of Brett and Casey's relationship even if he wasn't. He looked over at the twins, they were playing with the dog.

Casey looked over to the kids and then to Antonio, silently questioning him. Antonio raises his eyebrows and then nods.

"I didn't know," Matt says quietly. "She never contacted me."

"Really? You sure about that Casey?" Antonio queries, attracting the attention of those immediately around them. "Does, 'I think it would be better if this was the last time we spoke' ring a bell?" he asks. "Or, how about 'we need to move on, without each other?' I am asking because I was the one who peeled her off the floor when I got home from work following that conversation. She cried for three days straight!" he continued. "All you are, at this point, is a freaking sperm donor!"

"Antonio, I…" Matt begins, bristling at his implication. He gets quiet, realizing he has an audience. "Can we talk about this later? Maybe meet at Molly's for a drink?"

"Yeah," Antonio agreed. "I need to take the kids home anyway. 7'o'clock sound good?" Casey nodded as Antonio walked away with the twins.

"Mama, Mama," the twins run to Gabby hugging her legs. She leans down to hug them both.

"We went to the see the fire trucks today!" Teo said enthusiastically.

"We saw where you slept and pictures too," Lizzy contributed. "We had so much fun!"

"I am glad," Gabby said. "Go wash up for dinner," she instructed. "Hey 'Tonio, I see they had fun. Thanks for taking them. How were things at the station? Not to crazy, I assume."

"Yeah, about that, sis," he says. "Casey's in town."

"WHAT? DID HE SEE THE TWINS?" she is freaking out.

"Calm down Gabs," Antonio said. "Yes, he saw them. He pissed me off by saying that you'd never tried to call him. I almost lost my shit. We're meeting at Molly's at 7."

"We? I can't do it. I know he'll be upset; not that I blame him. What would I even say," she starts to ramble.

"I've got this," he tries to assuage her fears. "He's in town to see Sylvie, they're engaged. I assume you know they're together?"

Gabby nods, "I'd heard they were together, but not about the engagement. I guess you can't help who you fall in love with. I am happy for them," she smiles weakly. Antonio is not convinced.

"Is that why you haven't told anyone from 51 you were back? "

"I haven't heard from anyone in years. I assumed I'd be persona non grata," she responded. "Brett being with Casey would have made it weird for me. Hell, probably for everyone."

"Do you object to him meeting the twins?

"No, I want him to meet them. I just have to get my head together for that to happen," Gabby says.

"It will be ok Gabby," Antonio says taking her hand. She nodded taking deep, cleansing breaths. She was worried.

Antonio waved Matt over to a table. "What are you drinking?" he asks shaking Matt's hand. Both opted for a beer. "So, you and Brett? How long has that been going on?"

"Sylvie and I have been together for almost five years now," Matt replied.

"Ah, so roughly the same time you told Gabby to stop calling, nice," Antonio shook his head. "Yet, you claim she didn't try to let you know! What the hell is that about? Trying to save face?"

"I didn't know Antonio. She didn't say anything about it when she called," Matt answered.

"Of course, she didn't man! Once you told her that, she figured you'd found someone and didn't want to stand in your way," Antonio commented. "I was serious when I said I had to peel her off the floor. She was absolutely devastated and heartbroken. Gabby was planning to tell you about the pregnancy and ask how you felt about her coming back to Chicago. She really hoped you'd accept her offer to come visit after she came for the fundraiser. She understood why, after you made that request."

"She should have tried again," Matt responded.

"You told her it needed to be the last call! Wait, you didn't get a call on August 6th almost five years ago?" Antonio inquired. "I know she called when the twins were born. She said there was no answer but didn't leave a message."

Matt thought about it and then flushed guiltily "I did see her number pop up but can't recall the exact date."

"From that point on, Gabby realized she'd be a single parent" Antonio commented. "She hasn't done it alone though . We have lived together since I ended up in Puerto Rico. We are roommates now."

"I figured she was seeing someone. The kids are obviously around Mills enough to recognize him in pictures," Casey commented. The subtlest of green-eyed monsters on display.

Antonio scoffs at Matt's reaction. "Dude you're engaged to someone she used to consider one of her best friends! A woman who attended your wedding and held your son in the courthouse. She might be more forgiving, but I sure as hell don't understand it. You had the entire city and yet you gravitate towards the woman who was your ex-wife's partner. I just don't get it."

"Mills has met my children, Antonio! I still haven't. I saw them today, but wasn't introduced to them. Is she dating him again? Is that why they recognize him? "Matt was full of questions.

Antonio smirked; he wanted Matt to sweat. "No, she's not dating Mills. He and his wife came to Puerto Rico for their honeymoon four years ago. Gabby took them up on their offer to come visit a few months ago. Mills and his wife have a three-year-old son and a one-year-old daughter. Incidentally, Pete has been advocating for you. He has been trying to convince Gabby to reach out one more time. "

Matt sighed in relief. He was so grateful for Antonio's statement. "She should have tried. Now that I have moved to Oregon, I would have answered. Griffin and Ben remember Gabby fondly and would love to talk to her."

"She was scared, especially after she learned you and Brett were together. Apparently, she's known for some time now."

"Is she going to try to keep them from me?" Matt asked. The thought upsetting him.

"No," Antonio stated. "In fact, she sent along a few baby pictures and their current school pictures. I have something for you too," he added as he handed him an envelope with his name on it. "It's a letter Gabby wrote almost five years ago. At the time she said she hoped it would explain some things."

Matt was already looking at the pictures of his children, already in love with them.

"I'm going to head out," Antonio said. "I have to work in the morning." With that, he bid Matt goodnight.

Matt sat on the couch at Brett's apartment. She was still on shift. He'd grabbed a beer and opened the envelope Antonio had handed him. By the time he finished, tears were streaming down his face. He had to see Gabby.

Sorry for such a long chapter. I couldn't find a stopping point. I really appreciate the feedback.