One Hour Later

"I'm here, Spinelli. I'm here…" Arnold stroked her hair while she cried on his shoulder. Arnold caressed her cheek as he hugged her tightly and never wanted to let go.

After a couple of minutes, it was now silent in their bedroom.

"Want anything to relax you, hun? Anything to drink?" Arnold asked. Spinelli only shook her head no. Arnold caressed her cheek and made her look at him.

"Hey." He smiled. "Just know that I love you. I'll always be with you. No matter what." And just like that, Spinelli finally smiled and leaned forward, making their foreheads touch.

"You really have no idea how much that means to me. I love you so freakin' much, Arnold." Spinelli showed off her pearly white smile while she cupped his face.

And just like that, the two leaned over for a kiss on their lips. The two could only smile as they kissed each other several times.

After they separated, "I think it's time we get some sleep. After all, you need it more than I do." Arnold smiled at her.

"But what about you? Aren't you going to go to sleep?" Spinelli asked. "Not yet. I think I'll watch some TV. And while doing so, I'll be watching over you and make sure you're comfortable. Ok?" Arnold gave a long kiss on her forehead.

"Thanks." Spinelli smiled.

"Now let's get ready for bed and check on our precious little daughter?" Arnold gave a warm smile. Spinelli would only smile and nod.

Soon, Spinelli crawled out of bed with Arnold following behind her, but he would go and check on his beautiful little girl who was growing up.

"I'll wait for you in the bathroom…" Spinelli teased Arnold by backing up and rubbing her ass against his groin. She then turned around and started kissing his lips.

"You may want to get a head start, I have to check on Andy." Arnold kissed her cheek. Spinelli undid the drawstring on her shorts. "I'll be waiting…" She slowly moved her black panties down.

"Just go." Arnold chuckled and headed to Andy's room.

Arnold found Andy standing in her crib. "Awww, did you want to see Daddy? I miss seeing you, sweetheart." Arnold was about to pick her up, but smelled something rather…. stinky…

"I see why you're standing…" He gave a nervous smile. Andy only gave a curious look.

After five minutes, Arnold had changed Andy's diaper and now had her in his arms.

"There you are, sweetie! Fresh new diaper so you should sleep like an angel tonight." Arnold kissed Andy's cheek. She started reaching for her dog plushie. Arnold soon went over and grabbed it for her and handed it over.

"There you go." Arnold smiled. "I know you're probably thinking where's mommy, but uh… I think Mommy and I will be busy, ok? But don't worry, sweetie, she loves you so much." Arnold kissed her cheek twice. Andy soon yawned.

"I can tell you want to get some sleep." Arnold smiled and soon walked to her crib.

He set Andy down, lying down with her favorite plushie, and tucked her in.

"Goodnight, sweetheart. Sleep well." Arnold leaned in to kiss her forehead. He soon walked out of her room, turning the light off and closing her door. He then went to the bathroom.

He walked in to see Spinelli with no lower clothing. No shorts. No panties. Her smooth ass only. Arnold closed the door behind him.

"I was thinking whether you could do me a favor and cheer me up?" She playfully asked while brushing her teeth.

Arnold got on his knees. "With pleasure…" He slowly started to lick her butt.

"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Arnold smirked at her. She would only smirk back, giving him the answer.

Half Hour Later

Arnold and Spinelli had sex in the shower. Despite the chaotic day Spinelli had, Arnold always found a way to cheer her up. And in this case, some romance between them solved it.

Currently, Spinelli only had on her sports bra while Arnold had his usual black shirt and boxers. Spinelli was lying next to him to get some sleep, while Arnold was sitting up and watching TV.

Spinelli rolled over to face up to him. "Arnold… Would you mind?" Arnold smiled and bent down to kiss her soft lips.

After a few long seconds, "Better?" Arnold warmly smiled while caressing her smooth cheek.

"Mmmm…. One more." She smirked. Arnold would roll his eyes with a smile and press his lips against hers again, initiating a passionate kiss between them.

Soon, in the Battalion Chief's office…

The Chief with her arms crossed at two firefighters. "... What I saw today with your Squad Company was UNACCEPTABLE. Your insubordination and ignorance cost us a life in the field." Stella frowned. "I don't care what you have going on in your personal lives, but it ends now! If I catch you two ignoring orders again, I'll have you two suspended for the month without pay. Do I make myself clear?"

The two firefighters nodded.

"Good. Now get the hell out of my office, you two are taking the next day off." Stella then turned around to continue looking through her files.

"I still can't believe today even happened…" Spinelli rolled over to Arnold, who then looked at her.

"I'm just grateful everything's alright now. And I'm more than happy you're here." Arnold smiled while caressing her cheek. Arnold was about to lean over to kiss her forehead, but Diesel came walking in with a shoe in his mouth.

The two looked over at their dog. "Diesel, put that down! Spit it out!" Arnold exclaimed. Diesel only cocked his head playfully and whined.

Diesel let the shoe drop and barked several times.

"And just when I thought it'd be one of our kids interrupting us, instead, it's our dog…" Spinelli rolled her eyes and slapped the bed. "Whose shoe does he even have?" She asked.

"Where did he even get that shoe? I want to say it looks familiar but…" And soon, Pep came walking in with a frustrated expression.

"You dumb mutt! Arnold, I'm sorry, but how come he had to chew on MY shoe?" She bent over to reach for her shoe.

"Now I see where he got the shoe." Spinelli started to laugh.

"Oh, haha, Spin… Just wait until he starts chewing on your shoe." Pep rolled her eyes.

"I'm sure he's just hungry, and since you're already up, just get him a treat." Arnold suggested. "Though I don't think that'll stop him from chewing your shoes." He chuckled.

"He's your dog, and you're paying for a new pair of shoes." She smirked. Diesel then walked over to their bed and stood on his hind legs.

"Isn't he adorable?" Arnold ruffled Diesel's fur. "Yeah. He can be adorable, just as long as he doesn't eat my stuff…" Pep rolled her eyes.

Pep snapped her fingers. "Come on, Diesel. Come on and let's get your hungry butt a couple of treats." She started walking away.

Diesel barked at them several times before he started walking off to the kitchen.

"Pets…" Arnold chuckled. "I believe you were about to give me something?" Spinelli slowly rubbed his arm, making him both blush and smile.

Arnold soon leaned over and slowly kissed Spinelli's forehead. He decided to kiss her forehead once more.

"Better?" He smiled but saw her smile quickly fade. "Something wrong?" Arnold asked.

"What happened to me?" She asked herself. "What? What do you mean?" Arnold also asked.

"I used to be someone who struck fear in hearts, now I feel like every time someone looks at me when I'm with you… I feel like a whimp… I'm a tomboy in love who probably makes drinks squirt out of people's noses…" Arnold immediately knew what she was saying.

"I assume you were the toughest girl in your school?" He asked. "How'd you know?" She gave a confused look.

Arnold shrugged. "An assumption. Look, that's not the point, somewhat. The point is that we all change. Things change. I mean, look at Gibson. He used to be ambitious, a leader, tough, resilient, etc, now he barely knows how to flirt with a woman." He chuckled. "But we all change, Spinelli, if we're lucky enough to live. I remember when I first met you at the Academy, you were the toughest girl there. You probably don't feel like the same tomboy, but in a way, you are." Spinelli soon sat up, letting Arnold kiss her forehead. "Spinelli, you're obviously not the same girl you once were, but I know for a fact you changed. Heck, I remember I used to be a short kid who had a bully who I'd barely stand up to. But you know what?"

"What" Spinelli asked.

"I changed. And you can tell." Arnold smirked. "I grew taller, my hair is pretty long but not too long, and I can go on and on about this, but you know what? Not only did I change, but I also have a great family. Roommates, a daughter, two pets, and especially a beautiful wife." Arnold started to slowly kiss her soft lips.

"It's funny you mention beautiful, because I remember as a kid I got entered into a beauty contest, and well… Surprise, surprise, I freakin' won that bitch!" Spinelli smiled proudly.

"And I'd have to bet you were more than beautiful…" Arnold warmly smiled. He then leaned over to kiss her forehead. "Alright, you lay down and get some rest, you deserve it." He caressed her cheek.

"'Kay…" Spinelli only nodded and soon started to adjust herself once more. Before drifting off to sleep, Arnold kissed her goodnight.

Fast Forward One Week Later…

A week has passed, and it was time to award a firefighter with a big award… The Medal Of Valor. But not just during this past week, these past couple of weeks, Stella had been more busy than usual… While Arnold didn't notice anything unusual, Stella was working awfully hard on something.

Currently six in the afternoon, a couple of hours before the ball started, Arnold, Spinelli, and Pep were currently in the living room. During the past week, Phoebe was invited to a special event in Boston, Warren and his wife Bailey were also invited to that award event. So, unfortunately, Phoebe and the others can't stay for too long.

"I'm SO NOT ready…" Spinelli covered her face with her hands and laid back on the couch. Arnold put an arm over her.

"Oh, come on, Spinelli, you'll do great!" Arnold gave an encouraging smile. "You don't have to worry about anything, come on." He kissed her cheek.

"I'm partly curious what other companies will show up…" Pep curiously said.

"I don't know about that, to be fair. But I guess we'll find out when we get there." Arnold shrugged. "One thing I do know is that the next Captain of 55 will be announced today so I guess there's that to look forward to."

"Well, if it ends up being either you or Michelle, you're still a great Captain." Pep smiled.

"Thanks." Arnold smiled. Bandit came walking in and soon sat down, giving his puppy eyes, whining, and wagging his tail. "Don't think for a second you'll get treats every second…" He raised an eyebrow while Bandit whined and lied down.

Arnold then looked at Spinelli, who had a worried look.

"Oh, sweetie…" He kissed her forehead slowly. "You'll do great. I'll be right beside you the entire time. Ok? I love you." Arnold kissed both Spinelli's cheek and forehead.

"Thanks." Spinelli finally smiled. "I love you." She kissed his cheek.

"Alright, let's all take an hour to relax before we have to get ready. The place where the Ball is being held is pretty far from here, far from our station." Arnold mentioned while rubbing Spinelli's shoulder.

"I think right now is a good time for some video games." Pep soon got up and walked toward the console under the TV.

Arnold looked at his fiancee. "Up for a game?" He smiled. She shook her head. "Nah. I think I'll take a few minutes right here…" She snuggled up with him. Arnold only smiled while stroking her hair.

While they were busy, certain growling was heard… As they looked at where the growling came from, it was Diesel messing around with a chew toy, flinging it around, and biting down on it.

"Just as long it isn't on my shoe…" Pep merely rolled her eyes with a smile.

Arnold warmly chuckled as he looked back to his fiancee. "You alright?" He asked with a small smile.

"Yeah." Spinelli nodded. Arnold kissed her cheek, making her smile.

One Hour Later…

Arnold soon looked at the clock and saw what time it was.

"Alright, well…" He started.

"Please don't say it…" Spinelli slouched in his arms.

"I hate to do this to you, Spinelli, but tonight's the night we honor you!" Arnold kissed her forehead.

While Spinelli only sighed, it went back to the Battalion Chief's office…

"You're fired. I don't want you back at this station ever. What you did toward your fellow Candidate was too far. Putting dog food on his plate, and calling him A MUTT?!" Stella shouted at the end of her question. "It's firefighters like you who simply disgust me…" Stella gave an infuriated look.

"Connor Hadley, get the hell out of my face. Get out of that station. NOW."

"Like I ever needed this dog water of a station anyhow…" Hadley grumbled as he slammed the office door shut.

Stella merely rolled her eyes as she soon sat back down and went on her phone.

She smiled. "Hey, just checking in on how that project is going!"

CRASH

A loud crash came from the background.

"Mm-hmm… Yeah…. Yeah, yeah. I see. Ok, that is very good for me to know. . . . Alright, within the week it should be done? . . . Ok, thanks! Bye." She hung up and let out a deep exhale while scratching her head.

She started looking through her drawer. "Now, I need to see those files…" She started looking through them.

She then saw a photo of her and her son, Arnold. She gave a warm smile. "Oh, what I'd give to go home to see my precious boy." Stella sighed as she looked around her office.

Minutes Later

"You touch me with that, and I'll strangle you in your sleep and I'm gonna burn your house down…" Spinelli said in a quiet and angry tone.

"Yup. I figured…" Ashley Q put down the red nail polish. She picked up something else. "How about a little mascara? Couldn't hurt." She suggested.

"Fine." Spinelli crossed her arms.

"Ok, cool! I'll do this, and get to you, Clemente, ok?" Ashley Q said.

Pep only nodded while scrolling through her phone. "Take your time."

"Ready?" Ashley Q asked. Spinelli would only nod and take a deep breath.

After only a couple of minutes, Ashley Q soon focused her attention on Pep and her hair.

"Alright, alright… Let's see…" Ashley Q took a few moments to see how she would proceed.

"So, what do you have in mind?" Pep asked.

Ashley Q snapped her fingers. "I know EXACTLY how to style your hair!"

After a few seconds… "Spinelli, be a sweetheart and pick out your dress of choice. I'm pretty sure you have a few choices." Ashley Q asked while styling Pep's hair.

Spinelli just nodded and soon went toward the closet.

Half an Hour Later…

Only thirty minutes away before the Firefighter's Ball started. Arnold was currently downstairs when his doorbell rang….

"That must be them!" He walked over toward the door.

He opened the door to reveal his former in-laws, Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd.

"Ah! Arnold! A pleasant surprise to see you once more!" Buckley shook his hand.

"Arnold! It's always great to see you!" Brooke hugged him with a smile.

"So, Arnold, it's been quite a while since we last talked. How's everything been lately?" Buckley asked.

Arnold shrugged. "Quite a lot. I wish I had the time to tell you guys but unfortunately, I can't. But I'll give you guys a quick summary of why you are here." Arnold said while he closed the door after they walked in. "So tonight, Spinelli and I are headed toward the Firefighters Ball. She's getting honored tonight after an intense rescue after she fell through the roof during ventilation."

"Oh, my…" Brooke said. "You know, as much as we'd love to go with you guys, it's been quite a while since we've last seen our little granddaughter." She smiled.

Arnold smiled. "You'll find her right on the couch." He pointed. Andy was on the couch watching kid shows. Of course, Arnold limited her screen time so she wouldn't grow up to be an ignorant girl. At least, that's what Arnold hopes to achieve.

After Brooke and Buckley walked toward the living room, Arnold felt his shoulder poked twice. He turned around to see who it was. And to his surprise…

He went wide-eyed with a furious blush. It wasn't his fiancee Spinelli, nor Ashley Q, but Pep Clemente.

"Hey." She greeted with a smile. Her hair flowed down with curls, a crimson red dress that reached just above her knees and showed off her curves, a beautiful diamond necklace, and finally, lipgloss to show off her beauty.

Arnold was rather stunned that he couldn't say a word. Pep lightly giggled. "Stop it. You'll burn holes." She patted her hair twice. "Nice cologne." She pointed out.

Soon, Ashley Q came down the stairs.

"She's just about ready." She smiled and looked up the stairs. Spinelli came walking down behind her.

Arnold walked up to her with a smile. "Ashley Spinelli, you're as beautiful as ever." He kissed her.

Spinelli wore a black dress that reached her knees, black high heels, her special necklace, lipgloss, and her hair styled as usual.

"So are we gonna stand here or are we gonna go celebrate?" Spinelli smirked. Arnold smiled. "Definitely." Arnold started to kiss her.

"Alright then, let's get this party started!" Pep cheerfully said.

At The Ball

Outside, several scenes of the beautiful nighttime city. Cars passing by and several busses.

At the Ball, several photos of the entire Firehouse 55 were taken. All of the members in that photo. The

The entire place was packed, music playing in the background, and everyone having a good time.

"And look at this… Goat Yoga. Such nonsense…" Bailey told Ben.

He merely shrugged. "I mean, it does look fun." He warmly smiled.

"Ok, do I have to remind you about our goals tonight?" Bailey looked at him. "We're here to honor your coworker, say your goodbyes, and we're off to Boston." She reminded him. Ben would only nod as they looked around.

Meanwhile…

"Come on, Cathy! You better find a dress soon! We're already late as it is!" Donovan exclaimed while adjusting his bowtie on his white tuxedo.

Catherine soon walked up behind him. "Maybe we'll be a little late than now." She giggled.

"Come here, girl…" Donovan turned around with a charming smile. As Catherine's hands started to unbutton his tuxedo buttons…

"I hate to bust your balls?" Travis started. He was with both Vic and Michelle. They were currently debating about the Captain race. "Bust your nut? No... BURST your bubble!" He finally found the right saying.

Stella finally arrived at the Ball after dealing with something else.

While Michelle decided to walk over to someone else, Scott and Powell walked by them while Travis and Vic drank their champagne.

"...I think my sister and I really vibe but-" Powell interrupted Scott when she saw something for a free spa weekend.

"Have you seen this?" She decided to sign her name on there.

"Isn't this a date?" Scott asked Powell. "Did you even hear what I said?"

"Yeah, about your foster sister. And of course this is a date, Gibby…" Powell smiled. "Do you like hockey?" She asked.

"Yeah, I actually played hockey as a kid." Scott replied. Powell then saw someone she recognized. "Oh my God, Bobby? It's been so long!" She walked away from Scott.

CRASH

One of the employees fell.

"Woah! Hey! You alright?" Scott helped up the young woman.

"I've been telling management about this stupid floor forever…" She replied. She held her stomach, she was pregnant.

"Are you sure it was the floor?" Scott asked. "No, I'm fine. Sorry to bother you…"The woman replied. Scott looked at Powell, who was laughing away with other people. "It's not like I was doing much anyways… Are you sure you should be on your feet?"

The woman held her stomach. "Probably delivering a baby while delivering food. Need the money." She replied while cleaning up her mess.

"Oh, I get it. You got a whole other life to support." Scott replied.

"Yup. Housing this little 'till he breathes oxygen." She finally got up. "I've been looking for families for adoption. Don't judge…"

"No, no. That's actually a really good idea. Doing what's best for both of you." Scott smiled.

"Appreciate that." She smiled. "Not a lot of people understand. And hopefully getting fired isn't part of the plan so I better get back." She said. "Thanks again." She smiled and walked away.

"Yeah." Scott was now alone once more.

A microphone was tapped.

"Attention! Attention, everyone!" It was Jalen Dixon's wife. "Let the Ball begin!" She smiled.

She opened the doors behind her to reveal another room full of tables with station numbers. Everyone soon started walking over to the room next door.

While Michelle was headed over, she saw Stella with a glass of champagne.

"You going in?" Michelle asked.

Stella pulled out a small box from a table. "McShay, a minute?" Michelle walked over to her. "Yeah, Chief?"

Stella set down her glass and opened the box, revealing a rusted badge. "Michelle McShay, despite having little time as Lieutenant at 55, you have proved time and time again you're a relentless worker, a fierce leader, and a courageous firefighter. While this decision between you and Arnold was tough, I'm proud to announce that you are officially the new Captain of Station 55. And this badge was worn by Stephen Hector Thompson. The very first Captain of this house. And it's an honor to have this badge officially passed on to the newest Captain of his house. Congratulations, McShay." Stella smiled and handed over the box with the rusted badge. Stella patted Michelle's shoulder and walked away, leaving Michelle with a confident and joyful smile.

Later

"Who knew firefighters were so damn hot?" A male voice jokingly asked from the podium. "Man, it is so great to see so many old buddies here tonight!" He said.

"Go get 'em. Drew!" A voice encouraged.

Drew pointed, "What's up, Bobby!" He continued. "As many of you know, my name is Captain Drew Ferris. And just like my father, and his father before him, I'll fight for this entire Department because we all put our lives on the line…." As he continued…

While at one table of House 55, there was a bunch of awkwardness…

"Ok, does anyone here not care about their own ball?" Bailey asked. "I'm a freakin' doctor and I care about this ball more than you guys."

Over with Michelle, she was talking with Luiz, who eventually walked away from her after hearing the news she had.

"I… I don't even know how to even feel. I mean, I have so many mixed feelings that…" Arnold heard what his Mom told him.

"Sweetie… Please…" Stella tried to touch his cheek but Arnold walked away. She only gave a saddened look.

Back at the table for House 55.

"Guys! Guess who's our new Captain?" Vic cheerfully asked.

Luiz was with his two friends from 23. "Luiz?"

"No. Michelle! Chief Shortman just told her!" Vic said, but a bunch of silence crowded them.

"Aye, there should be a celebration, right?" Larsson from 23 asked while partially drunk.

"Bravo." Luiz walked away, rather annoyed.

"L- Let's raise a glass to the new Captain of 55." Maddox, from 23, said.

That'll do it for this part of the Firefighter's Ball! This is just the beginning of an amazing event and I thank you for reading this chapter! Stay tuned!