Hello, I am so sorry for the delay with this chapter. I had computer problems that delayed me a bit. I have also struggled to write this one. I know Brett and Casey are together and just hearing about the wedding made it so hard to continue this story.
I really had a hard time writing Brett. When she was first introduced, I liked her, even though she replaced Shay, who was one of the best characters on the show. As her character progressed, I liked the way she was written less. I really didn't like her hooking up with Matt. I always thought she and Gabby were too close for that. I really love Monica's response when asked what she thought about it. She said she felt like it violated some kind of code, but that was "just Monica talking and maybe Gabby was more enlightened." Somehow, I'm not so sure. With all that said, here is chapter seven, warts and all.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Matt let himself into Sylvie's apartment all of the lights are off. He sees a pillow and blanket on the couch. He shakes his head and sighs. He had a wonderful day with the twins and is not in the mood for this crap. He looks at his watch. It's only 9:30. He grabs his keys and heads back out He is not in the mood for a confrontation. He texts Sevaride, confirming he and Stella are at Molly's. He met his kids, a celebratory drink is in order.
The sun was coming up as Matt entered the apartment. Sylvie was waiting for him, her expression tense. "You didn't come home last night. Did you spend the night with them?" she asked, afraid of the answer she might get. She had woken up in the middle of the night to find that he wasn't there, worrying the remainder of the night.
"Sylvie, I got home at 9:30 to a dark house and that," Matt remarks pointing at the blanket and pillow. "I spent time with the twins, and yes, Gabby, but did absolutely nothing to warrant being banished to the couch. I was not in the mood to deal with it so I went to Molly's to hang out with Kelly. I spent the night in the spare room." Matt huffed out in irritation. "I am not sure what you expected to happen, but nothing did. Unless you count playing Wiffle Ball, reading storIes and eating with Antonio, Gabby, my niece, nephew and the twins. Oh, and I got to help with bath and bedtime, where I watched them say their prayers. Pretty heavy stuff, definitely a reason for your insecurity," he commented sarcastically.
Sylvie ducked her head embarrassed by her overreaction and Matt's obvious frustration. "I'm sorry Matt, I really am, it's just you have so much history with Gabby and the whole situation just makes me uneasy. I mean, I don't have anything against the kids, but now you are tied to her for life, or at least the next 14 years or so." She knew she sounded petty and jealous, but she just couldn't help it. Gabby had been Matt's love for years; he'd even called her his "miracle" when he was trapped in the warehouse fire and thought he was going to die in there.
"Sylvie," Matt sighed, "The kids, along with Julia and any others we may have, will be in my life forever. To that end, Gabby will also be in my life. She could have lost her life bringing the twins into the world and for that, I owe her a debt of gratitude."
"What do you mean, she could have lost her life, Matt?" Sylvie queried.
"It's something I never told anyone. It's the main reason she left," taking a deep breath, before he continued, "A couple of weeks before she left, we went to the doctor to see about her ability to get pregnant. During the visit we found out she had an aneurysm in her Iliac artery and that while she could get pregnant, it wasn't necessarily wise to do so. She had a nine percent chance of dying if her aneurysm ruptured. Gabby still wanted to try, but I didn't want to. I went and researched adoption, which, after losing Louie, she was thoroughly against. I did it without telling her and she was furious. The week before she left, we had a huge fight. I even told her she couldn't have a baby, that it was one decision she couldn't leave me out of," he shook his head regretfully, he'd made a huge mistake back then. Sylvie gasped in shock after hearing everything that occurred over six years ago.
"Oh my God Matt, how could you have kept this from me? No wonder she was so upset the week before she left! That disagreement we had on that call, I threw a jump bag at her! She tried to talk with me afterwards and I didn't want to hear it. I told her I didn't want her to be my partner anymore," tears stood in her eyes as she replayed the incident in her head, the guilt overwhelming.
Matt gaped at her incredulously. He knew his wife, ex-wife; when she was stressed and felt like the walls were closing in on her, she either shut down, or ran. In this case, she'd done both.
"She wrote a letter that Antonio gave me, in case she died during childbirth. God Sylvie, it was so guilt ridden. She apologized for literally everything. Hell, she apologized for being alive!" Sylvie looked at him quizzically before he explained, "Gabby and Shay switched places right before the explosion at the warehouse fire where Shay died. They switched so Shay could take the lead since it was Gabby's last shift before moving to 105 and becoming their candidate on truck. Moments after they switched, the explosion happened, and Shay died. She has held onto that for years," Matt blew out a breath before continuing. "I was only supposed to see the letter if she died bringing the babies into the world. Antonio was supposed to get with me then. He gave me the letter when I met him at Molly's. He wanted me to understand where Gabby's head was at that time."
Sylvie nodded trying to wrap her head around all that she was hearing. "She must hate me. Hell, after all you've told me, I am not fond of myself right now. I mean, if I had at least accepted her apology, or listened to what she was trying to tell me, she may have never left. She was right to be angry with me. I never apologized, or even asked her why she was going. I was a horrible friend and I made it worse by dating you. I suck."
Matt pulled her in for a hug and kissed the side of her head. "You don't suck Sylvie. We both were attracted to each other. Your support after Gabby left meant the world to me," he said.
"You were there for me when I met my biological mother., Your being there for me meant everything," she responded. "I know it's selfish, but I am in love with you Matt. I don't want to lose you," she murmured, trying to keep her tears at bay.
Matt pulled her closer, kissing her again, "Sylvie, you have nothing to worry about. Gabby knows we're together and even told the kids about you. She told them you were going to be an extra mommy when they were with me. She has totally accepted where we are. She is the mother of my children, nothing more." Sylvie nodded, leaning into his embrace. "Speaking of which, are you up for a T-ball game this morning? The twins have a game this morning and asked if "d come watch. Do you want to join me? We could take one car and then go to the barbecue from there," he suggested.
"Ah, I can't. I'm not ready for that yet. Besides, I still have to pick up things for the barbecue," Sylvie replied. "We can ride together after their game, if you want."
"About that, Gabby and the twins will be at the barbecue. Cruz invited her. She's bringing Teo and Lizzy too. Will you be ok?" he asked. She gave a weak smile then nodded. They heard Julia fussing on the baby monitor, Sylvie jumping up to get her.
"I'm going to go take a shower and then I'll start breakfast. I am going to head out shortly after though. I don't want to be late," he stated. "I'll meet you back here afterwards."
"Daddy!" Lizzy squealed upon seeing him as he arrived at the field. The twins running over from the bathroom. "We had to change into our uniforms from our other clothes. We went to church first. Look mama, Daddy's here," the little girl dancing around, clapping her hands gleefully.
"I see that," Gabby responded. "Hey Matt. We were just changing. Can you watch them for a minute? I am going to put their clothes in the car and grab the cooler. It was our turn for drinks and snacks."
"You bet Coach," he says with a grin, referencing her shirt.
Gabby rolled her eyes playfully," Yeah, Antonio, Eva, Diego and I coach this team along with two other parents," she said. "We alternate, depending on our schedules. I am not sure if Diego or Eva will be here today." Gabby turned her back, heading to her SUV to get the cooler and goodie bags. When she came back, her hands were empty, both Eva and Diego behind her bringing the cooler and goodie bags. "Look who I found," she said pointing back to the older Dawson's kids.
"Uncle Matt, your underdressed," Diego said, throwing him a shirt with "Angels" emblazoned on the front. Matt took the shirt, pulling it over the Portland Fire Department t-shirt he was wearing. The proud dad excited to support his babies. He was grinning ear to ear.
Gabby pulled her other cooler, two containers of her famous Dulce de Leche Brownies and another of chocolate chunk cookies from the back of her SUV. She reached back in to grab chairs for she and the kids The twins helped her, by carrying their chairs.
"Hey Commander, can I give you a hand?" asks a voice from behind her. Jason Pelham had just arrived as well; she nodded, grateful for the help. He waited for her to pick up the trays of brownies before taking the cooler handle from her and, along with his, pulling them to the pavilion that had been reserved. Gabby and the kids walking beside him.
Matt had arrived a few minutes before and was sitting with Sylvie, holding Julia. He saw them approaching from the pavilion, his eyes narrowing as he took in the sight. Seeing Gabby with Pelham rubbed him the wrong way. He knew that was crazy and he shouldn't care who she was with, they were no longer married, but /he didn't like it at all.
"Hey, Dawson, Pelham," Cruz greeted. "Did you all come together?" Matt tensing hearing Cruz's question, Brett looks up, puzzled by his reaction. He was her fiancé, regardless of his adamant denial, did he still have feelings for Gabby?
"No, I ran into the Commander in the parking lot. I offered to bring her cooler up. She has her hands full." Jason responded, pointing to the containers she was carrying, along with the twins. Cruz nods, understanding; Matt released a breath he didn't realize he was holding.
"Daddy!" Teo shouts, running up to him, Lizzy right behind him. "You're still wearing your shirt! We all match, you, me, Lizzy and mommy!" Lizzy danced around excitedly. Matt smiled, the little girl with his big blue eyes and her namesake's spunk, had already stolen his heart. She and her brother were everything he'd ever hoped for. He glanced up at Gabby, not for the first time, appreciative of her willingness to carry the twins knowing it could have cost her everything.
"Hi buddy. I see your mama got you guys cleaned up and changed into shorts. You brought your Wiffle Ball set, are you ready to play?" Matt asked them both. "There's someone I want you to meet first," he continues. Reaching for Sylvie's hand, he says," this is Miss Sylvie, she's, my fiancée. She works on the ambulance at the firehouse you visited." Lizzy and Teo looking up at her, Matt looking between the three of them, smiling.
"How do you do ma'am," Teo says extending his hand to shake, "I'm Matteo, mama named me after my Daddy," he looks back at Gabby. Sylvie looking at the little boy, who other than other eye color, is a smaller version of Matt.
"Hi, I'm Lizzy. Mama named me after Auntie Shay," she smiles, also extending her hand to shake Brett's. "Is that your baby? Daddy is she my baby sister?" Sylvie looking at Dawson's mini-me who's staring back at her with Matt's big blue eyes.
"This is Julia," Matt says, shaking Brett out of her reverie. "She is Miss Sylvie's baby and your baby sister," he confirms.
"Hi baby Julia," Lizzy says approaching and taking the baby's hand. Lizzy is fixated on the baby. "Mama, I have a baby sister. You don't need to give me one anymore," she says, the people around them laughing.
"Yeah Dawson, it looks like you're off the hook," Cruz says as he reaches out to take the containers from Gabby. "Your Brownies and Chocolate Chunk Cookies too? Man Pelham, you're in for a treat. Dawson's cooking was the best at 51. Brett's cooking and Casey's Corned Beef place a distant second and third. No offense," he says looking at the engaged pair.
"No offense taken Cruz," Matt replies. "The twins invited me to eat lunch and dinner with them yesterday. Gabby made her Albondigas for lunch and her lasagna for dinner. The kids were her assistants. Lizzy made the salad for lunch and they both put the cheese on the lasagna," he continued.
"Mama told us about Mr. Matt being our daddy," Teo volunteered. "We invited him to eat with us. He brought us a Wiffle Ball set and we played outside. He read us stories, gave us piggyback rides and we said our prayers with him and mommy last night."
"It was so much fun. I am so glad mommy gave us daddy. We never saw him before," Lizzy adds, clapping her hands excitedly. Her little lisp showing. "Oh, and Daddy, mommy, Teo and I worked on a present for you. We forgot it at home." Matt smiles at the little girl, thrilled at the ease with which she and Teo accepted him. The crowd around the group growing to include Cruz's family, along with the Hermann's and Boden's.
"I brought Helotes too," Gabby tells Cruz. "It's in the cooler. I par boiled the ears, put sticks in them, rubbed butter on them and wrapped them in foil. They'll cook more quickly." Cruz nods appreciatively. "I brought all of the toppings too."
"Hey Dawson, I want you to meet my wife, and boys. This is Chloe, Javi and the baby is Otis. His real name is Brian Leon, but you know," he stops getting choked up for a moment thinking of their fallen comrade and his best friend. Gabby knows the feeling better than anyone, except Kelly. She gives him a supportive smile and squeezes his hand.
"Hi Chloe, I'm Gabby and these two munchkins belong to me. This is my son Matteo, Teo for short and my daughter Lizzy," she says shaking her hand.
"Leslie Elizabeth and mama, don't forget, daddy," Teo interjects, Lizzy nodding her head.
"Right, sorry about that" she says, as the rest of 51 looks on. "Matt is their dad," she confirms everyone's suspicion.
"Not like we couldn't have figured it out Dawson," Hermann laughs. "Teo looks like Casey with your eyes and Lizzy looks like a mini-Dawson, but with his eyes. The question of the day is, are they as stubborn as their parents?"
"And then some Hermann," she laughs, "Lizzy here, has her namesake's spunk. Teo has Matt's demeanor, slow to anger, but on the rare occasion he does…" Gabby starts, Matt narrowing his eyes in a playful glare.
"Me?" he queries, "Surely you jest." The crowd laughing loudly.
"Mama, they're playing my song!" Lizzy exclaims, everyone looking on as she begins to dance and sing "Como La Flor" which is playing on someone's iPad.
"Does she know what it means?" Cruz asks Gabby.
"Not a clue. She speaks and understands Spanish, but as far as the meaning of the song, absolutely not. One of my coworkers in Puerto Rico was from Texas and a huge Selena fan. Lizzy followed suit and just loves the happy beat," she explained. The little girl had no idea that the song was a sad one and hit closer to home than her mom would admit.
Everyone seemed to be enjoying the barbecue. The kids were all playing together, and Gabby had been greeted warmly by everyone. By unspoken agreement, she and Brett had limited contact with one another. Boden and Hermann manned the grills while Matt and Cruz took turns entertaining the kids. The former looked up towards the pavilion, noticing Gabby and Pelham sitting across from each other with Lizzy. She had gone up to get something to drink. The little girl laughing as Pelham pretended to steal her nose. The scene rankled Matt, even though he knew it was silly to feel this way. Lizzy came running towards him, ready to play with water balloons.
"Your kids are really cute," Pelham said. "I didn't realize Casey had kids. No one mentioned them while I was at 51," he continued.
"He didn't know about them until a few days ago," Gabby admitted. "It's a long story; I'll fill you in on it some time," she smiled.
Pelham nodded, "I look forward to it." He reached for her hand, "Are you seeing anyone? I don't mean to come on so strong, but I would really like to get to know you better."
Gabby gave a self-deprecating smile, shaking her head, "I uh, I don't date and haven't in a long time. My kids and work keep me busy. Besides, I really think dating someone I work with is a bad idea. I've done it twice and it ended up in disaster. Friendship is all I can offer at this point."
"Then friendship it is," Jason responded. "For now" he added silently.
Shortly after, Matt and Cruz decided to pause playing for a bit. They wanted a second plate and another beer. Matt made his way up to Gabby.
"Can we talk?" he asked. Gabby nodded, getting up from her seat. They walked in companionable silence.
"What's up?"
"Well, I um, I don't know how to put this exactly, so I'll just dive right in," Matt states, "Do you really think it's wise to introduce our kids to strange men?" he inquired, glancing in Pelham's direction. "Do you do this often?"
Gabby looked at him astonished by his statement. Her eyes narrowed; the fury building with each passing second. She is speechless, Casey looking down at her, about to retract his question, but she waved her hand, not wanting to hear it.
"Who in the hell do you think you're talking to?" she questions, her voice dangerously low. She is livid. "The only people MY children have ever been introduced to are coworkers, which Jason is going to be, starting tomorrow. He was invited to the barbecue by the same person who invited me! I guess I'm not the idiot or is it whore, that you think I am!"
"Gabby, I.,." Matt begins.
"Save it Casey. Go back to your fiancée. You know, my former best friend and partner? The woman who literally had a bird's eye view to much of our relationship and offered me a place to stay when we broke up, remember? SHE DATED MY BROTHER FOR GOD'S SAKE!!"
She took a deep, cleansing breath before turning on her heel. She refused to continue this conversation.
"Everything ok Gabby?" Hermann questions.
"Just peachy, thanks," she replies, looking anything but. She has started cleaning up the trash and combining the brownies and cookies onto one platter.
Hermann looks in the direction she came from, noticing Casey still standing there. He nods, he's not touching this with a ten-foot pole. Someone's phone rings, everyone looking to see whose it is. It's Gabby's, she answers her phone, stepping away to take the call.
"Crap, I have to go," she tells Hermann. My PIC for this shift got sick and I need to go fill in. Come on kids, go tell your daddy bye. I need to get you home. Miss Amy is sick. Thank God Eva is there to watch them."
The kids begin to whine in disappointment, but one look from their mom stops them and they dutifully ran off to do as they were told. Matt comes back with them.
"If you want, I can bring them home," he offers. "Sylvie's car has room. I'm sure she won't mind." Gabby eyes him skeptically but nods, accepting his offer. This will definitely save time. She is still upset with him, but won't deny him, or the kids, of time together. "You'll need their car seats and their backpacks. They have a change of clothes, just in case," she says. "Cruz, do you have room to take my cooler?"
"I can take it to the station tomorrow, Gabby," Pelham cuts in. She smiles, silently thanking him.
Matt follows Gabby down to her SUV. She unhooks both car seats and hands him the backpacks. "I'm sorry for earlier," he tells her. "I never meant to imply what you thought I did. I would never, not in a million years, think that." He couldn't even bring himself to say the words.
"I really can't do this right now, Matt. I need to get my head in the game. Thank God I have a change of clothes in my office," she rambles, "I'll text you Eva's number and let her know you will be bringing them home. I've got to go." He nods as he grabs the twin's stuff, watching her drive away.
Everyone was hanging around at the park, relaxing, the barbecue winding down. Matt was watching the twins play with the other kids, while Julia napped on a blanket at his feet. His phone starts to ring.
"Hey Antonio, what's up? Wait, what? Slow down, ok, I'll meet you there."
The group looks at him, waiting to find out what was going on. "Uh, that was Antonio. I have to get the kids to Med. Gabby's been shot." Everyone scrambled to get the kids in the car, while Matt made sure they had everything. His worry written all over his face.
"Tio," Lizzy waves to Antonio, as they enter the hospital waiting room.
"Hey baby girl," he bends down for a hug. "Let's go sit over here for a second," he takes her hand, Matt, Teo, Sylvie and Julia, following behind. "Um, your mama has been hurt. The doctors are going to fix her up, good as new, but she wants to see you guys, ok?" Both kids nod, getting up to follow their uncle. Casey starts to follow. "Matt, I've got them from here."
"What do you mean? I'm going too."
Antonio shakes his head, "No man, you're not."
"She's my wife Antonio!" Matt states emphatically, raising his voice.
"EX-WIFE and my baby sister," the older Dawson corrects. "I need to take the kids to her Matt. She wants to tell them she loves them, just in case…" his voice cracks, he can't continue the thought. "The bullet is still in her. She is conscious and had her partner call me to meet her here. She asked me to get the twins. She sounded really scared Matt."
"All the more reason for me to go with you. I can help you with the twins, ok?" Antonio nods in agreement and they head to her trauma bay.
Sylvie leaned against the wall of the waiting area holding Julia. She heard Matt refer to Gabby as his wife. It worried her.
Members of 51's second shift began to filter into the waiting room. Gabby was family.
"Any news?" Boden asked. "Sylvie shook her head.
"Antonio said the bullet is still in there. That's all I was able to overhear," Brett replied.
"Hey Gabs," Antonio says softly. "Matt brought the twins." The kids standing just behind him, beside their father.
"Hi mama," Teo says He and Lizzy walk to her bedside.
"Hi, my babies," Gabby whispers, smiling down at them. "Mama had a little accident today at work. The doctors are going to make me all better. But I wanted you to know how much I love you and to listen to your uncle, Eva and Diego and your dad. while I'm in here, ok? Promise me you'll be good" The twins bob their heads, silently answering their mom. She hugs and kisses them both. Eva, having just arrived, takes them to the waiting room, waiting for her dad before heading home.
"Matt, I'm sorry for everything," Gabby directs her attention towards he and Antonio.
"Gabby," he starts, before she reaches for his hand, effectively silencing him.
"Please, let me finish," she asks. He closes his eyes and acquiesces to her request. "I am sorry I failed. I am sorry I took the permanent job. I should have come home to you. I'm sorry I wasn't enough." Matt's eyes snap back open. What was she talking about?
"I took the permanent job, to set you free. So, you could find someone who could give you the family you always wanted. Someone who could make you a dad. When I saw you and Brett with that little fair-haired, blue-eyed baby, I knew I made the right choice. You look like you could have stepped out of a magazine. I always imagined a little boy who looked exactly like you. I didn't even get that right. Teo looks like you, but has my eyes, I'm sorry," she rambled the pain meds taking effect. "You were the love of my life Matt and are still the best man I have ever known. I am glad you found the love you deserve."
"Gabby, it's time," Maggie says as enters the room. "Antonio, Casey, I need you to head to the waiting room."
"'Tonio, I'm scared. Please take care of my babies," she whispers.
"You'll be fine sis I am positive," he kisses her on the cheek.
"Goodbye Matt," Gabby whispers softly, locking eyes with his, as they wheeled her out of the trauma bay. Matt grabbed Antonio by the arm before he could follow her out.
"What is she talking about man? What does she mean, she wasn't enough?"
"Let it go Casey," the older Dawson says as they head towards the waiting room.
"No man, I want to know what she meant by that."
Antonio takes a seat apart from where the group from 51 was waiting. Matt taking a seat across from him. Sylvie and the baby join him.
"When you told Gabby not to call anymore, she told me she had expected you to say something like that sooner. She said she wasn't enough for you. That while you loved her, she wasn't really your type and she was surprised that, after your initial hookup years ago, you'd wanted to pursue a relationship. She thought your fascination would be short lived. She'd been attracted to, or in love with you, for a long time, but assumed she'd ultimately be relegated to the friend zone. Don't get me wrong man, she was thrilled to be proven wrong," Antonio took a deep breath before continuing, "She said every break you've ever taken, the women you hooked up with were her opposite."
Matt's eyebrows raised in question.
"My sister is the only Latina you have ever been with. Everyone else is, um, to put it tactfully, lighter complected," Antonio said, "your fiancée, both of them actually, included."
"That's crazy Antonio, I love…loved her." Matt argued, quickly correcting himself. Antonio's raised his eyebrow at the needed correction. "She was my best friend, a miracle and a lifeline for me after Hallie's death. She helped me with the Darden boys. I would never have made it through either situation without her."
Sylvie shifted uncomfortably in her seat. This was the second time in less than an hour that Matt had needed to correct himself when referring to Gabby. She was nervous..
Well, that's chapter seven. I really hope you liked it and it was worth the wait. I am not sure how long it will take me to update. Is it worth continuing? Dawsey? Please let me know. Thanks again for reading!