Well, hello there everyone. First off, let me say that I'm so sorry for the delay with any updates. These past few weeks have been pretty rough for me, just to be honest. There's been a few things I've been dealing with family-wise, then between that and work, I've hardly had any free time. But regardless, I am sorry for not being able to get any updates out to you all. I feel so bad about that, I'm truly sorry.

And with all that said, that's also why this chapter is a bit shorter than normal. This was about all I had time to write, but I hope you all still enjoy it. This one gets into a storyline I've been wanting to write for a while, so I'm eager for you guys to read it.

Thank you for all the support, and kind words you've left me these past few weeks. And thank you so much for reading. I hope you enjoy it, and I'll see you next time.

***2/6/23: Hey just wanted to let you know that there will be an update posted this week, it just likely won't be today. I'm hoping to get it done for you guys by tomorrow (Tuesday), but it may be Wednesday at the latest. But I'm getting it done as soon as possible, and I just wanted to let you all know! There is an update coming.

Chapter Two Hundred and Four

"Alright Gabby, we're right at your 31 week mark… How have you been feeling?"

Dr. Tanner's soothing voice filled the intimate doctor's office as Dawson and Casey sat in their usual seats across from the desk, Matt's hand reached out to rest over his wife's thigh while Gabby gave their doctor a soft grin, her own palms placed against her rounding stomach.

"I've been feeling pretty good, I think." She replied with an easy grin, one Matt was copying. "I'm exhausted a lot of the time, and my feet and back are killing me, but aside from that, I think I'm doing okay." She continued on lightly, Dr. Tanner chuckling in response while looking between her patient and her husband.

"I take it you've been trying to help with that, Matt?" Dr. Tanner questioned, prompting Casey's grin to widen.

"Every night." He answered without hesitation, giving Gabby's leg a squeeze as the two women laughed. "Except for when I'm at work, but when I can I'm giving her whatever type of massage she wants."

"Yeah, Matt has sort of become an expert at the whole pregnancy massage thing." Gabby added on with a shameless smile.

"I'm glad to hear it." Dr. Tanner replied softly. "Not just because it's a nice thing to do, but because it also helps you, Gabby." She said with a nod. "As we get later and later into this pregnancy, the more relaxed your body is, the better. And it can also help with your recovery." She reminded them, prompting the couple to share a look.

"Well, I'll have to make sure we keep doing it then." Matt told her, Gabby letting out a soft laugh before she nodded.

"I won't complain about that." Dawson replied, earning a knowing grin from her husband before he gave her a wink.

"So, aside from the soreness, everything else is going alright?" Dr. Tanner checked once more, her eyes moving between Gabby and her chart.

"Mhmm, it is. I'm feeling good… I'm not pushing myself too hard, and the job I'm doing at the firehouse has been great for me. I'm able to work and be around all our friends, without exerting myself or putting myself in danger. Then at home with all the help Matt and I are getting from my parents, I'm able to rest a lot. Really whenever I need to. So yeah, I'd say things are going pretty smoothly so far." Gabby rambled out, Matt watching her with an easy look while Dr. Tanner nodded.

"That's great, Gabby. Perfect really.. Exactly what I like to hear, especially in your case." She responded gently while placing her tablet down onto the desk. "This pregnancy has gone rather smoothly for you, which I know is a shift from what you were used to. But everything has gone exactly according to plan, and as we get to the finish line here I'm hopeful that'll continue… But with that, with you being past the 30 week mark we are nearing the point in time where we're gonna be watching you and the baby a little more closely." She explained to them, seeing the somewhat unsure reaction she got from both Matt and Gabby. "Which is standard procedure here." She was quick to add on, knowing she needed to be cautious of her wording here.

"As I said, this has been a much more typical pregnancy than your first with Sofia. Which is great. But with that, I know you all don't really know what a routine pregnancy looks like. Or what to expect with that, so let me assure you that moving forward, any extra visits or exams, unless told otherwise is all completely normal. With all our expectant mothers once we get closer to that due date, we begin watching them more. More frequent appointments, things like that. Then, given your history, I think it'll also help give you two some peace of mind. Knowing that everything is still going well." She finished with a soft smile.

"Yeah, it will." Matt replied first, while Gabby nodded.

"Yeah, all that sounds good… I'm sure the closer we get to having our baby, the more anxious things will get. So seeing you a bit more, getting to check on our daughter… I think that'll be good." Gabby added on, as Dr. Tanner nodded understandingly.

"It will be, for everyone." Dr. Tanner told them while Matt spared a quick look towards Gabby. "But speaking of your little girl, from your scan and exam today, everything with her is still looking perfect." She added on, seeing the immediate smile that reappeared over Gabby's face. "She's measuring well, and developing as she should. Her heart was great, her lungs and the rest of her organs, everything is where it should be. She's still a little on the smaller side, but she's almost exactly the size Sofia was at this point so it's nothing I'm concerned about." The doctor continued to explain.

"Yeah, she looked pretty strong during the ultrasound." Casey boasted, Gabby letting out a soft chuckle while shaking her head. "What? She did." He defended, after lifting his hand up to rest against his wife's rounded stomach.

"She absolutely did." Dr. Tanner agreed while Matt rubbed his palm along Gabby's belly. "Little baby Casey is doing incredibly well. You both are." She assured them, seeing them both nod before a sly grin formed across the doctor's lips. "Although I guess we won't be calling her little baby Casey for much longer."

Matt let out a dry laugh, Gabby now shaking her head from side to side as Dr. Tanner looked between them.

"Yeah, we won't be.. Or hopefully not." Casey finally responded, seeing the gleam of amusement that appeared in the doctor's eyes as Dawson let out a soft sigh.

"...Still haven't decided on a name, huh?" Dr. Tanner picked up on his wording, seeing the couple exchange another look before Gabby shook her head.

"No, not yet." Matt voiced. "Even though our parents keep pestering us about it." He joked.

"Ahh…"

"Yeah, our moms especially." He continued on with a grin. "Camila mentions it almost every time we see her, which is a lot. And when I talk to my mom, it comes up pretty often too…"

"And Matt's mom is gonna be visiting here soon, later next week. So I'm sure it'll come up then, too." Gabby added on, while Matt nodded in agreement.

"It definitely will. They really just want to know what her name is gonna be… And so do we, honestly." He lightly joked, earning laughs from both women. "We have some ideas, but nothing's felt right." Matt said, rubbing his hand one last time over his wife's stomach before he pulled back. But he never went too far as he rested his palm over her arm. "So I think now we're just kind of waiting to see if something hits us."

"Yeah, and since we don't know if we'd ever have any more kids, we want to- I don't know, just get it right." Gabby chimed in.

"That's understandable."

"Though, you know we said the same thing with Sofia." Matt spoke up with a smile, causing Gabby to let out a laugh while Dr. Tanner smiled.

"Fair point.. But yeah, that's kind of where we're at with that, I guess. Just trying not to stress over it." Gabby finished with a shrug.

"That's good, and for the best. You'll find a name when the time is right." She assured them, giving them both a smile before returning her gaze down to Gabby's chart. "Now, unless you all have anything, I'd say that's about all I need from you two… I know this was a bit of a shorter appointment than you're used to, but today was mostly just to get a look at your baby and everything's great there. Your next appointment will be a bit more involved, but for now just keep doing what you're doing.. Taking it easy when you can, getting enough rest and staying hydrated. All the things you've been doing this entire pregnancy. And Matt, just keep doing what you're doing, too." She told him with a soft smile.

"I can do that." He spoke firmly, earning a grin from his wife as her hand came up to rest over his.

"Alright, well I think you two can go ahead and get out of here." She told them, crossing her hands together on top of her desk. "We'll get you on the schedule for about three weeks from now, just to check in and see how you and the baby are doing." Dr. Tanner explained, before noticing the way Gabby spared a quick glance towards Matt.

"Will you still be here?" She asked him quietly, Dr. Tanner's eyebrows furrowing as she looked between them expectantly.

"I should be." He told her, giving her arm a squeeze before looking back at their doctor, him and Gabby both picking up on her uncertain stare.

"He has this conference thing for work." Gabby soon explained, a look of realization settling in over Dr. Tanner's features. "He's going in August, and he'll be gone for about a week. Four days or so."

"Ahh, okay. Well we can for sure schedule around it, I know you'd both want him to be here."

"Yeah, I wouldn't miss it. But it shouldn't be a problem, I'm not going until the end of August so three weeks from now will be fine." He told her, Dr. Tanner nodding back at him before looking down towards her calendar. "And honestly, I'd feel better with Gabby having another appointment before I leave." He added on, not missing the way his wife and her doctor shared a quick glance.

"He worries." Gabby commented, earning a small, yet gentle smile from Dr. Tanner.

"I know he does. Though I agree with him, with him going out of town for a bit you having a check up right before will be good… You're not going to be alone though while he's gone, are you?"

"No, she's not." Matt answered quickly, seeing the approving gleam that formed in Dr. Tanner's gaze. "Her parents are gonna stay with her and the girls."

"Good, that's good… Not that I doubt your abilities, Gabby. But you'll be well into your third trimester by the end of August, and having to not only take care of yourself but two little girls, that's a lot for your body to handle. So I'm glad to know you'll have some help."

"Me too." She agreed, before Dr. Tanner continued on.

"Alright, well all of that sounds great. We'll get you scheduled and ready for that next visit. Next time when I see you, you'll be around 34 weeks, so during that appointment we'll probably go ahead and get your birth plan finalized." She explained to them, Gabby drawing in a deep breath before she nodded. "Yeah, I know this is all going by pretty fast." Dr. Tanner spoke after noticing the look on her patient's face. "But we're getting to that point, and it's better to be prepared. Especially because the closer we get to your due date, the more likely it is that your little girl could come at any time. So it's best we get everything set soon." She explained to them, as she knew this was still a bit of uncharted waters for them.

"Okay, whatever you think… It's just crazy to think about, how she'll be here so soon." Gabby spoke softly, her free hand moving to ghost over her stomach. "Like I knew that, but hearing it put that way, I don't know… Makes it feel more real."

"I know what you mean, Gabby. It's certainly a surreal feeling, but your daughter will be here sooner rather than later. So we'll prepare for that as best we can… We didn't really get the chance to do this last time, because of the circumstances surrounding Sofia's birth, but this really is just about doing what you want and what's best for you. With this birth, you're completely in control here. What's comfortable for you, and safe for you, it's in your hands." Dr. Tanner explained to them both, waiting for Gabby's nod to continue. "And we'll get into this more next time, but just to check you're still wanting to deliver naturally, correct? Or has that changed?"

"I am." Gabby answered quickly, while Matt glanced towards her. "As long as it's safe for us, it's what I want… Like I told you before, I'm not willing to risk myself or our daughter for it, but if it's okay, I want to." She elaborated, neither woman seeing the saddened look that flashed over Casey's face for just a moment.

"That's fine, Gabby. And it is safe for you, as safe as a delivery can be… I would tell you if it wasn't. I just wanted to see if what you wanted had changed. Because that'll help us next time when we're figuring everything out." She told her with a soft smile. "But we can get into all of this when I see you in three weeks. So unless you all have any more questions, I'd say you're good to get out of here." She spoke softly, Gabby nodding back at her before she began to shift around in her seat, preparing to get up. But before she could, Matt's voice broke through the silence.

"I, uh… I have a question." He said after clearing his throat, gaining the attention of both Gabby and Dr. Tanner. "And we've talked about this a little bit, I guess. I know Gabby decided a while ago that she wanted to deliver naturally, and we talked about how it was okay for her. And I'm completely on board with that. Whatever she wants to do, it's up to her. But there is a part of me that's curious to know if one way of delivering is safer for her than another… Between her having a vaginal birth, or a c-section. I can't remember if we talked about it."

Dr. Tanner pursed her lips together, glancing quickly towards Gabby before she answered him. "I'm not sure if we've talked about that specifically, I know there's been a lot of conversations about this, but to answer your question, in Gabby's case I wouldn't necessarily say one option is better, or safer, than the other. Both have their own set of risks associated with them, but that would be the case regardless." She told him, Matt pausing momentarily as his thumb rubbed lightly over the side of Gabby's arm.

"...So there are still risks with her delivering this baby?" He asked her, Dr. Tanner letting out a soft sigh as Casey shook his head. "I mean, I know there's risks. But I guess I'm wanting to know what we're talking about here… Just with everything Gabby has gone through, I don't want us to be blindsided by anything."

"I understand that, and I don't want you to be either." Dr. Tanner replied, Matt and Gabby both nodding before she continued. "And while I was going to wait and have this conversation next time, you all have a… unique experience with labor, so we can go ahead and discuss some things. But yes, like with anything, there are always risks. Pregnancy isn't an easy thing, and labor is even harder. Even when everything has gone well, and everyone's completely healthy delivery is just a different thing altogether. And- I'm not saying any of this to worry you, but there are problems that can arise. It's just the nature of it."

"For Gabby and the baby, right?" Matt interjected, the man sitting there stoically as he took this all in. Not that this was a conversation he wanted to be having, but they had to.

"Yes, for both of them. And typically, I wouldn't really be discussing this with expectant parents. Not yet. But with everything you two have been through, it is important for you to know. Since Gabby has only gone through a c-section, we don't know yet how her body will react during a natural labor. But with her, a lot of the things we look at are her heart, and her blood pressure. We keep her monitored the entire time so we know immediately if there are any issues there. Then, of course, there's the physical trauma endured during labor as well… There's no way for me to sugarcoat it, it's hard. There's the possibility of tearing, and bleeding is something we keep a close eye on. Your body will go through a lot, even if things go perfectly. But we do everything we can to make all of this as easy as possible for you." She told them, doing her best to speak vaguely enough to where she didn't worry them unnecessarily, while also giving them the information they needed.

"And those are things that would be risks regardless?" Matt kept on, catching Dr. Tanner's gaze. "Gabby's not more prone to any of those things happening because of what happened when she had Sofia?"

Her face softened, Dr. Tanner drawing in a deep breath before shaking her head. "No, none of those possible complications are from her aneurysm. Or what happened with Sofia." She spoke clearly, seeing her words sink in for both of them. "These are things that can just happen, because of the stress put on the body during labor. I'd say the only thing that might be a bit more concerning in this case is if Gabby were to start bleeding, but even then it's something we're mindful of. And we'd be ready to take care of it if something were to happen." She explained to them, seeing the way Matt looked towards Gabby while continuing to stroke her arm. "But again, that's all still an 'if' right now. There's nothing to say you will have any complications, Gabby… Yes, the risk is always there. But it's just as possible that you'd have a completely normal, and healthy delivery. In fact, given how healthy you are, and from what our scans have shown us, it's more likely for you to have a healthy delivery." She assured them, seeing a small smile begin to form over Gabby's face before she nodded. "So, to answer your question Matt… Yes there are risks, but the risks would be there no matter which way Gabby chose to deliver your alls' baby. One way isn't necessarily better than the other, and I would tell you if it were." Dr. Tanner told them, giving them a moment for her words to sink in before she continued on.

"And I also wouldn't let you do anything to put yourself at risk, Gabby. You or this baby. So even though delivery isn't black and white- I can't lie to you and say it is. That I know for sure everything will go smoothly, I can tell you that you are in the best hands possible. That I have your best interest in mind, and your child's best interest… You two are the only thing that matter here. And I'm sure Matt would agree with me on that." She finished lightly, seeing Matt slowly start to match Gabby's smile before he nodded.

"Absolutely." He voiced without any hesitation, giving Gabby's arm a squeeze.

"Yes, so… I hope that answered some of your questions. Everything with Gabby, and your baby, are looking great. And with us having these more frequent appointments throughout the rest of your pregnancy will ensure it stays that way… So far, I see no reason for any concern. So try not to worry too much, if you can help it." She spoke, speaking more to Matt than anything else. And they both knew it.

"Alright… Thank you." Matt replied softly, as he was still taking in everything that Dr. Tanner had told them.

"Of course… Do either of you have any more questions?" The doctor asked them, seeing Gabby glance towards Matt before shaking her head.

"I don't think so, no. Not right now."

"Okay, well if that changes we can talk about it next time. Or you all can call me, and we'll discuss it. Whatever you need to do… But if that's all right now, I'll let you all go ahead and get out of here." She explained, Gabby nodding once more before she began to move, Matt taking that as a sign to get up as well. "Take this, and you can get your appointment scheduled up front. And I'll see you both soon." She added on while handing Gabby a slip of paper.

"See you soon." She replied, Matt holding onto his wife's bag while letting her walk past him, before they both headed for the door.

Gabby walked out first, nearly waddling her way down the hallway while Matt paused in the doorway, his eyes focused on her while she continued moving, oblivious to how he was no longer behind her.

"...Everything okay, Matt?" Dr. Tanner asked once she saw him stop in the doorway, Casey taking in a heavy breath while continuing to look at his wife, before he ultimately glanced back towards their doctor, who was watching him expectantly. "What is it?" She pushed on when he had yet to say anything, before he took a slight step back into the office.

"I, um… I'm not sure if I even need to say this, but I want to make sure we're all on the same page here." He started, Dr. Tanner's eyebrows furrowing before she nodded, encouraging him to continue. "And Gabby and I, we've agreed on this too. But talking about all these risks, things that could happen… I just want to make it clear that if something does happen, Gabby has to be the priority." He spoke firmly, seeing the doctor's eyes close before she let out a sigh.

"Matt…"

"You save her, whatever it takes. You save her." He continued on strongly, though Dr. Tanner could hear the pain hiding in his voice. "I know you'll have a team of people with you, people there for Gabby and for our daughter. So hopefully it won't ever come to this, and I know you're not anticipating any problems. That we're talking about the worst case scenario here… But if I've learned anything, it's that the worst can happen. It has happened." He spoke, swallowing thickly as he forced himself to keep his composure. "I've sat there and watched my wife die right in front of me, our daughters' have seen her die… She almost died having Sofia. And- I've almost lost her more than once, that's not something I'm willing to risk. Not again. I can't go through that again. And neither can Gabby." He told her, Dr. Tanner pausing for a second before she cautiously spoke up.

"Matt, I know this is hard… There's a lot that's happened to Gabby, to the both of you. But she's okay." She promised him, as his head fell towards the ground. "She's fine, and so is your baby. So while I understand the worry, I-"

"I know she's okay." He cut her off softly, Dr. Tanner pursing her lips together before she nodded. "She's alright, and I know that. And you're telling us everything's fine, with her and the baby, and I believe you… But that doesn't change the fact that I've seen her be fine one minute, and then the next she's gone. It happened right in front of my eyes." He said, his voice wavering slightly before he took a breath. "And I'm telling you, I'm not willing to let that happen again. Gabby and I both aren't. So if there's a choice to be made, you choose her."

His words hung heavy in the air, the two of them watching the other as Matt took a few steadying breaths, before Dr. Tanner slowly nodded.

"And I'm… I love my daughter. So much, I love her more than myself." He said, Dr. Tanner nodding understandingly. "And if it was between me and her, I'd choose her in a heartbeat.. But it's not. This is Gabby, and her life. And she has two little girls who are here who need their mom. Girls who cannot lose their mom… So I just want to know we're all on the same page, and if something does go wrong. If any of those risks happen, you save Gabby first." He said one last time as he and Dr. Tanner never broke their eye contact before she slowly nodded once more.

"I understand." She voiced, seeing him almost visibly relax before he gradually began to nod as well.

"Okay… Thank you." He told her, earning a sad look from her until he began to leave the room. But before he could get very far, she spoke up once more.

"But Matt?" She stopped him, Casey turning back around to find her watching him closely. "...I'm gonna do everything in my power to make sure it doesn't come to that."

His breath caught in his throat for a moment, Matt having to force himself to breathe before he slowly nodded back at her, the silent understanding between them only growing as they shared one last look before Casey headed back out into the hallway, ready to get to his wife.

When he came around the corner he found her exactly where he expected her to be, Gabby standing up at the front desk while she worked on scheduling her next appointment.

"Hey, there you are… Thought you got lost for a minute." She spoke lightly, Matt giving her a smile as he came up to her side, letting his hand wrap gently around her back.

"Yeah, I got a little turned around." He played along, Gabby scrunching her nose up in amusement before she shook her head.

"...But everything's okay?" She asked him, her gaze flashing behind him for a second before he nodded.

"Everything's fine, baby." Matt replied, knowing now wasn't the time to get into what all he and Dr. Tanner had talked about.

He hadn't lied to their doctor, he and Gabby had spoken about this and felt the same way, even if it was a hard thing to stomach. But just because they agreed on what should happen given the worst case scenario, that didn't mean it was something they needed to discuss in a waiting room full of people.

"Okay." She responded easily, Matt offering her a gentle smile before he leaned down to kiss the side of her head. "Ready to get out of here?" She asked him after taking the card with her next appointment on it, Casey nodding easily while they began to step away from the counter.

"Yeah, I am." He answered her, giving her one last kiss before the couple headed for the exit, both of them ready to get out of here and back home where they could spend the rest of their day with their girls, together as a family.