Hi Readers: And welcome to a new story I hope to write for you guys. While I have already tried this recently (amongst many other stories I've tried to write), I feel like I need to just write something easy which I've already done. And when I say that I've already done this story, I've written a lot of it. And that's why I'm going to try and write it again…just differently this time.

Chapter 1: Gabby Needs You

August 30, 2020 – Firehouse 51, Chicago
He knew that this was the last thing his sister wanted him to do. She didn't want him to tell her husband that she was here, in town, about to give birth to their child; a child which he didn't know anything about because she refused to tell him. Though, for the life of him, he didn't understand why that was the case; that was, until he spoke to her this morning before he dropped her off at the hospital so that she could be induced and give birth. And boy was he dumfounded when he heard the reason: Matt didn't want her to get pregnant, due to the fact that she has an aneurysm which could kill her. And that was why she refused to tell him, as it was the last thing he wanted. He didn't want her pregnant, so she decided not to tell him about their child until after he was born. And while he tried to respect her wishes, he just couldn't do that…not when her life is on the line. Not when his nephew needed his father to be there when he was born…just in case something happened to her. And that's why he needed to break his promise to his sister.

The promise he made to her that he wouldn't tell Matt that she was at the hospital giving birth, regardless of the fact that it was the right thing to do; after all, he didn't just need to think of his sister right now. Rather, he needs to think about his unborn nephew. The baby he'd much rather let Matt meet the moment he's born, rather than have him meet him after he brings him to him at the firehouse (if it comes down to that). However, that was the last thing Antonio wanted to think about, as it was the worst possible outcome. He needed to think positively, rather than think negatively as he walked into the firehouse and looked around to try and find Casey. And luckily for him, there was somebody here who could help, his best friend, Kelly Severide. "Antonio. What are you doing here?" Taking a breath when he heard Kelly ask him that question, he bit his lip. "You see Casey? I was hoping to talk to him." Kelly agreed. "Yeah, he's inside. Wait, is Gabby okay? I saw you bit your lip through the mask." Antonio sighed and agreed.

After all, he had the type of mask which had a window pane in it so that deaf and hard of hearing people could understand what he was saying; something he needs when he's in his line of work, as an FBI agent at the Chicago Field Office. "I need to talk to Casey. This is about him, and I would rather not have anybody hear this before him." Kelly then got nervous as he got up. "Antonio, just tell me whether she's okay." And just then, Matt came out running as he saw him from the tower. "Yeah, I need to know that too Antonio. But first. Kelly, why didn't you come get me ASAP when Antonio got here? God, my wife could be hurt." And that was when Matt realized that may be why Antonio's here. "Oh god. Is she okay? Does she have COVID? Is it the aneurysm?" Antonio sighed as he looked at Matt, clearly able to tell that he was worried at the moment. So, he made his way over to him. "Listen, I need to talk to you about something, but you need to promise me that you aren't going to freak out." Matt laughed. "Oh, now I'm really freaking out."

Antonio sighed as he turned his head and looked at Kelly. "Hey, Severide. Do me a favor and give me and Matt a moment alone?" Kelly agreed, as he could see that Matt needed to talk to Antonio alone for a moment. "C'mon Squad. Let's go in for some lunch." The squad crew agreed with Kelly when he said that, prior to getting up from their table and making their way inside the firehouse. Meanwhile, Matt just took a breath as he placed his hands on his hips. "Ok. Now that we're alone, what's going on? Does Gabby have COVID? Is it her aneurysm?" Antonio sighed. "Well, it is the aneurysm…but not in the way you think." Matt was confused when he heard Antonio say that, as he had no idea what he was talking about. "Ok. You got me lost, and I have no time for riddles right now Antonio. This is my wife we're talking about…her life." Antonio agreed. "Well, I'm not going to pry too much but…did you and her hook up while she was here last time?" Matt laughed. "Yeah, we did. Wh…" That's when Matt realized something: Gabby was pregnant.

She had to be, as that was the only reason Antonio would've mentioned the aneurysm. "Antonio…I need to ask you a question and you need to answer it with either yes or no. And I am deadly serious about this. Is she pregnant?" Antonio sighed and nodded. "Yes." Casey then got really scared and just put his hands on his face. "Oh god. Wait, is she okay? She alive? What's going on? Is she safe? What about the baby?" Seeing that Matt was worried, Antonio was about to say something when Matt grabbed his phone. "Matt…" Looking up at his brother-in-law, Matt snapped. "WHAT!" Antonio then looked at him. "Ok, breathe. Gabby doesn't know that I'm here. She didn't want you to…" And that just made Matt mad. She didn't want him to know that she was at the hospital giving birth, when she has a life-threatening condition. "She didn't want me to know when she could die. Listen, do me a favor and go talk to Chief Boden for me. I need to call her." Antonio just looked at Matt. "Matt, don't yell at her. I beg of you. She's already scared as it is." Matt sighed.

After all, that makes sense. Of course, she'd be scared of possibly dying because of her aneurysm. Yet, he still can't understand why she didn't at least tell him. "I know, I need to keep her calm. I promise, I will. Now, can you just do me a favor and go talk to Boden for me? If you can tell him, then we can get out of here right after I talk to Gabby." Antonio agreed, as that was something he could do. "By the way, have you been safe? Staying…" Matt just looked at Antonio. "We can do small talk on the way to the hospital." Matt then went to give Antonio his keys. "Here are the keys to my locker. I'll get changed at the hospital." Antonio agreed with Matt. "Ask Kelly to show you which one it is. Go now. Sorry for the orders but…" Antonio shook his head. "Just come see me. I'll talk to Chief Boden. You won't be long anyways." Matt sighed. "Is she alone right now?" Antonio bit his lip. "I think the nurses are there, but you can be there as her husband." Matt agreed, as he has plans to be there. "Ok. I'll be there soon. Just, can you go?" Antonio agreed.

Walking away, he proceeded to make his way into the firehouse so that he could talk to Chief Boden for Matt; meanwhile, Matt made his way over to the squad table and sat down in one of the comfortable chairs they had out here so that he could talk to Gabby. Though, first, he took a moment to breathe and just relax as the last thing he wanted to do was yell at her. He didn't want to yell at her because he loves her and wants to make sure she's okay. At the end of the day, that's all that matters: that she and their child were okay. And that was what he was going to tell her when he was at the hospital with her. But first, he had to call and tell her that he was on his way with her brother, which is precisely what he went to do as he opened the phone and proceeded to call his wife. The woman he may very well lose due to the fact that she's giving birth to their child. However, he can only hope and pray that doesn't happen because of how much he loves and wants to be with this woman for the rest of his life. And that's something he's going to get.

With each and every ring Matt's patience was getting shorter, until he finally heard the voice he's been waiting to hear since he first made the call. "Hey Matt. You have some down time on shift today?" Matt sighed as he bit his lip. "Yeah. I do. Uhm…and on this down time, your brother came to visit." And just then, things got really quiet on the other end of the line; probably due to the fact that Gabby knew that the secret she's been hiding from him for months was finally out. "Gabby, why didn't you tell me that you were pregnant?" Gabby then teared up a bit. "Matt, it's because of what you said. And…I don't know. I just thought that if I told you, then I would have to give up the baby I've always wanted…that we've always wanted. I was scared. I know, it was the wrong thing to do but….baby, I need you to support me now." Matt agreed with his wife, clearly able to hear the panic and fear in her voice. "Gabby, of course, I love you and I'm going to support you. I'm sorry I didn't feel that way a couple years ago…" Matt then sighed.

After which, he continued. "I was just scared Gabby, scared to lose you. And I did lose you. I'm just glad that you're okay right now and that you're here in Chicago to give birth." Gabby then bit her lip. "Yeah, I've been here for 18 weeks." Hearing that, Matt counted back…only to learn that she's been here since April. "You've been here since APRIL! How the hell have I not seen you. I'm sorry, but that's a bit much Gabby. We're married! You're carrying my child! Why did you come tell me ASAP!" Gabby sighed. "I just told you Matt, because I was scared that you would make me get an abortion. Then, the pandemic hit, and it wasn't even safe to be around you at the time so…" Matt sighed. "And you don't think I would've taken time off? Time to be with you during the pregnancy? Gabby, at the end of the day, you're my wife and I love you. That's all that matters. I would've taken time off to be with you, I promise." Gabby agreed with her husband. "Maybe you can take some time off now, for our son?" Matt agreed with his wife, as he will.

He's going to take time to be with her and their son. "Gabby, I'm going to be there for you and our son." Gabby then teared up. "Matt, we both know that I may not…" Matt then went to stop her. "I refuse to believe that. I love you Gabby, and I refuse to believe that you're not going to fight to stay with us. I'm sorry I didn't see it that way before, but that's what I believe now. And I think that's all that matters at the end of the day." Gabby agreed with her husband, as that most certainly is all that matters at the end of the day. "So, are you going to come be with me?" Matt agreed. "I'm leaving the minute I have my things ready to go and I'm off the phone with you. Gabby, I love you and I want you to know that I'm going to be there to support you. I love you more than anything, and you truly are so brave. I'm proud to be your husband and I hope you know that." Gabby agreed with her husband. "I love you Matt, and I can't wait to see you. Can you just promise me that you're not going to yell at me?" Matt agreed. "I promise babe. See you soon."

Gabby agreed, as she hung up; while Matt did the same and just took a breath. After all, he was nervous now. He was nervous due to the fact that his wife is about to give birth. So, as he got up, he went to make his way inside; only to see Antonio walking out with his bag. "Here, I got you your bag and I asked Chief Boden to join us. I have a feeling you may need to talk to him." Matt sighed. "Yeah. I just spoke to Gabby. She's expecting me. Just keep my keys, okay? I may ask you to go get me some stuff after you drop me off. Maybe even some stuff for the baby. You know, the essentials." Antonio then realized that…that he didn't have any of those things. "God, that's right…you don't have anything for a baby." Matt then took a breath. "I could've been ready, had you told me in April." Antonio just looked at Matt. "it wasn't my place. She's your wife, she should've told you. I'm here doing you a favor, which could get me in trouble with my hormonal sister. Are you really going to complain that you're going see her give birth, when that wasn't her plan?"

Snickering, Matt shook his head as he wasn't complaining whatsoever. "No, no I'm not. Now, I just need to get Boden to let me leave." And just then, Boden came out. "And why might you need to leave?" Turning his head, Matt smiled. "Hi again Antonio, being safe?" Antonio agreed. "Yes. You want me to wait in the car Matt? I can drive you there since you're going to be a pack of nerves." Matt agreed. "Here, take my bags would you?" Antonio agreed as he grabbed his laptop bag and shift bag, only to carry them to the car. Meanwhile, Casey took a breath as he looked at Chief Boden. "I'm just going to come right out and say it. Gabby's at the hospital about to give birth." Taken aback, Boden thought he was hearing things. "What? Since when is Gabby pregnant? And, congratulations." Matt sighed. "Not yet. Boden, you already know what she has…" Yes, Boden knows as Matt had a duty to tell him in case she needed to get emergency surgery. He wanted to make sure that he had the right insurance to cover her in case it happened.

And that's precisely what he has: the right insurance to cover Gabby in case the aneurysm burst. "Right, the aneurysm. That means that it could easily…" Matt then took a breath, as he didn't want to think about that. Rather, he wanted to think positively. "Boden, I can't even think that way. I'm scared out of my mind that's going to happen. And now, that may happen due to the fact that she's in the hospital so that she can give birth. I just hope that things turn out the way we want." Boden agreed, as he knew that was the case. "However, I need to ask you to get me some time off. And I'm not just talking about paternity leave Boden…" Boden just looked at Matt. "The pandemic? I can't work when I have a new baby…and maybe no wife to take care of him." Boden then realized that as he rubbed his back. "Matt, I hate that you and Gabby even need to worry about this. But, you need to have faith. Everything will go okay. Gabby's a fighter…you both are." Matt agreed with Boden, as he knew that was the case. "Can you do that for me, though?"

Boden agreed, as he most certainly can do that for him. "Matt, of course, I can do that for you. You shouldn't have to worry about me not doing that for you. In fact, take all the time you need. I can see that you're worried for Gabby, and you need time with her and your child." Matt smiled. "We're having a boy." Boden smiled when Matt said that. "Well, I hope that you guys get to meet him this time around. I know that you guys want to have a baby more than anything, and this may very well be your chance to have a baby." Matt agreed, as he felt the same way. "I'm happy and scared at the same time, is that normal?" Matt asked, as he heard Antonio honk. "It is normal Matt. Want me to tell everybody?" Matt sighed. "Just Kelly and Stella. I want to keep the firehouse out of it until I know more…and whether I need to share bad news at the same time." Boden sighed, as he knew that was a possibility. "Matt, have faith in your wife." Matt agreed as he went to hug Boden. "I'm praying for you both already." Matt agreed, glad that was the case.

After which, he turned around and ran away so that he could go out to his car and head to the hospital. All the while, Boden took a breath as he could see that Matt was worried for his wife. More worried than he's ever seen him in his entire life.

Breathing as he watched the city go by on their way to the hospital, Matt played with his wedding band as he let Antonio drive him to the hospital. All the while, he couldn't help but think about those words he told her before she left the first time. "Gabby, you can't have a baby." And he just knew in his heart that was the reason why she didn't tell him. He just didn't know whether Antonio knew about what he said to her before she left. So, he decided to ask him. "Did Gabby tell you what I said to her before she left?" Antonio sighed, as she did. "Yeah, she did." Matt just looked at Antonio. "Antonio, you have to know that I didn't mean it." Antonio sighed. "At least, not the way it came out. What I meant was that she can't get pregnant. It was too dangerous, and I can't take the risk. Antonio, I don't want to have to remind you but…Gabby isn't the first woman I've ever loved." Antonio agreed, well aware that was the case. After all, he did have a previous fiancé. "I know Matt, I'm well aware that you used to be engaged to Hallie." Matt agreed.

After which, he took another breath. "Antonio, that's why I said those things. I said that she can't have a baby, because I couldn't kill her." Turning his head, Antonio was shocked. "How would you kill her if she had a baby?" Matt sighed. "I'm the one that gets her pregnant, creating what puts pressure on the aneurysm. If it burst, then I would've killed her." Antonio sighed. "At least, that's how I feel about it. Maybe I'm crazy in thinking that way." Antonio shook his head, as he wasn't crazy thinking about it that way. "I understand why you think that way Matt, I get it and it does make sense." Matt agreed. "That's why I was so scared of this happening. And I know, I should've used protection but…" Antonio shook his head. "Matt, I can tell you this. Gabby thought she was on the pill. She doesn't blame you whatsoever for getting her pregnant." Matt snickered. "She's probably happy that I got her pregnant, as I was dead set on not doing it because I didn't want to kill my wife." Antonio agreed, understanding what he means.

Though, Matt decided to apologize. "Sorry, I'm just trying to find a way to cope with this Antonio…especially if something goes wrong. God, I hope your dad isn't in town if something goes wrong. If I lose Gabby then, I can't deal with that…." Which is when Matt decided to ask Antonio a question. "Antonio, I need to ask you something serious." Antonio agreed. "What is it?" Matt sighed. "Antonio, I'm already beating myself up inside." Antonio nodded as he went to rub his back, as he could hear it in his voice. "I can hear it in your voice." Matt agreed. "Antonio, this is just me beating myself up because it MIGHT happen. Gabby MAY die because of this. It hasn't happened yet, and I'm already beating myself up. Think about how bad I may feel should something happen to her." Antonio gulped, as he hated the thought…especially since he could already see how Matt was dealing with even the possibility of it happening. "Antonio. I get it. You're her brother and I wouldn't blame you if you held me responsible for her dying because of the aneurysm."

Antonio sighed, as that was the last thing he wanted to hear. "But, I can't have you or your dad yelling at me heaven forbid something happens to Gabby. So, if you want to yell at me…you do it now before we get to the hospital. If you want to vent about how you may lose Gabby, then you do it now. Once we're at the hospital, I don't give a fuck what happens. If you decide to stay…then you're on my team. You're part of the support team, and not just Gabby's. You're part of my support team in case something happens, as I'm going to need help. Either with the baby, or for both and…I just can't have you or your dad be mad at me during the hardest time of my life. I never thought I'd even have to contemplate burying my fiancé, my wife, and maybe even our child in my thirties. But, that's the situation I find myself in right now. I don't want it to happen, but if it does…then I need you to back the hell off and just let me get things done. Can you promise me that Antonio? That you won't beat me up if the worst happens today." Antonio agreed.

After all, that was something he can do. "Matt, I'll do you one better. I'll promise you that we'll be a team if something happens. I can hear it in your voice that this is the last thing you wanted. That you didn't want to have to risk this. And for that, I don't think you should be punished even more than you're already punishing yourself. So, I wouldn't do that to you…since I can put myself in your shoes. Had this been Laura when she had our kids, then I would want the same thing. I would want my in-laws' help, rather than have them yell at me. So Matt, you don't need to worry about that. And you don't need to worry about Gabby dying, because Dawsons are fighters. In fact,… and I just learned this…my mom was battling breast cancer while she was pregnant with Gabby." Turning his head, Matt was shocked. "Damn. Sorry, but…damn." Antonio agreed. "Now you see where your wife gets it." Matt laughed. "And your mom's still here, so that's a good thing." Antonio agreed with Matt, as that probably gives him hope that they'll be a good outcome today.

And honestly, he feels the same way. "Matt, we're a team today and forever. We're family. I'm not going to go against you when you need me the most. So, you got it. Plus, I highly doubt that she's going to die. Your wife is a fighter. You both are. Remind how many times you've each escaped death since you got married?" Matt laughed, as that was the truth. The two of them have escaped death a couple times now. "God, you're so right when it comes to that. We've escaped death a couple times since we got married." Antonio agreed. "And Matt, this time is going to be no different than the last time you escaped death. You guys are going to be fine, and you're going to raise that son of yours together." Matt smiled, as he likes the sound of that. The sound of him and Gabby raising their son together. "So, we're in agreement. You aren't going to yell at me if something happens?" Antonio agreed. "Yes, because nothing is going to happen. You and Gabby are going to survive this bump in the road and raise your son together. I promise." Matt smiled. After all, he loves the idea of him and Gabby raising a child together. He wants to be a dad more than anything…and now may be his chance. "Now, how about some stuff to calm me down. How's your sobriety?" Antonio smiled as he and Matt made small talk the rest of the way to the hospital where Matt was going to see his wife for the first time in nine months.