Well, hello there everyone and welcome back. It's been a long time since I've been here with an update for you all, and I'm really very sorry for that. It was never my intention to take such a long break from writing and updating, but with life being so busy and the show going in the direction it did, it wasn't always easy to get into the headspace of writing. But with that said, I am back with the next chapter for you all.
I'm still planning on continuing and finishing out this story, as well as Whatever Comes Next. I can't promise any sort of timeline for how quickly the updates will come out, but I will be updating as quickly as I can.
Thank you all for your continued support, even after all this time. Everyone who's been checking in, and asking for updates, just know it means the world to me that you all still care about this story and these characters, and you want to see me continue to tell Dawsey's story. I can only hope to do them, and you all, justice. Thank you again, truly, for how supportive you guys have been. I appreciate you all so much.
That's pretty much all for now, I hope you guys enjoy this update and I'll see you next time.
Chapter Two Hundred and Nine
"Okay Gabby, can you take a deep breath for me." Dr. Tanner spoke softly while holding up the stethoscope to her patient's chest, Dawson complying easily as she took in a slow, long breath, before letting it back out. "Okay, good. And again."
Gabby repeated the process as her and husband sat in the familiar exam room, Matt in his typical spot right by her side while her doctor went through their usual process. Something they'd become quite accustomed to, not only from this pregnancy but with their first.
"So, how have you two been lately?" Dr. Tanner began some small-talk while checking over her patient, Casey giving her a soft smile before glancing towards his wife.
"Good." Matt replied. "We've been pretty great, even. Just trying to prepare for our girl here." He added on with a shameless smile. "Nothing too crazy has been happening lately though, things have been pretty normal for us. Work has been keeping me busy- where I'm getting ready for my paternity leave. And Gabby's been doing a lot with the girls, helping me with some things at home. But still taking it easy. Overall we've been great."
"That's good to hear. How are your girls doing?" She asked back, wanting to continue on with the light conversation while also monitoring Gabby.
"They're perfect." Dawson jumped in as Casey grinned in agreement. "Absolutely perfect… They've been so helpful with everything we've been doing for the baby. And they're so excited, too. They can't wait to meet their baby sister." She added on, Dr. Tanner wearing a genuine smile on her face.
"Yeah, they've also been giving us a run for our money lately." Matt spoke, pulling laughs from both women in the room. "They've got so much energy, especially now that summer break is almost over. They've been bouncing off the walls. But still, they're perfect. Wouldn't change any of it."
"Ah yeah, school is just around the corner."
"Mhmm. This week, yeah." Matt continued on after blowing out a small sigh. "Caity and Sof both start school tomorrow, which is absolutely crazy to think about." He said with a shake of his head. "We've got a seven year old about to be in second grade, and a three year old about to start preschool."
"Wow." Dr. Tanner breathed out, taking a quick break from her work to look at the parents. "It's hard to believe how fast all this time has gone by. That Sofia's even old enough to be in preschool."
"I know, I can't believe it either." Matt agreed, letting out a breath. "It's making me feel old."
"Well, you are old." Gabby chimed in teasingly, Casey giving her a playful, yet knowing glare before he leaned down to press a kiss against her forehead.
"Very funny." He deadpanned once pulling away, not missing the subtle smirk playing over Dr. Tanner's lips before she continued to check Gabby's breathing. "But I'd say we're all getting older, babe."
"Fair enough." Gabby conceded, Dr. Tanner shaking her head in amusement as both Dawson and Casey looked back at her.
"Well, I'm glad to hear that all of you are doing so well." She started while moving her stethoscope. "Take another breath for me, Gabby."
Dawson did as she was told, the room falling silent for a few lingering moments before Dr. Tanner eventually pulled back.
"Alright, that's good." The doctor spoke, more to herself than either of them before she stepped back to annotate a few things in Gabby's chart. "Very good, actually. Vitals are good, your weight is good. And, unless there was something we missed at check-in, there's been no other symptoms you've been experiencing? Nothing that causes any concern?" She checked once more, glancing up from the tablet in her hands towards the expectant mother of three.
"No, nothing out of the ordinary." Gabby complied, her hand subconsciously moving to rest on her rounded stomach. "I'm exhausted most of the time, my feet and back are killing me. And I feel like a whale- but all of that is pretty normal." She added on with a small grin, Matt chuckling softly while Dr. Tanner gave her a smile.
"Well yes, all of that does sound normal, unfortunately." The doctor replied lightly. "I know one of the last times I saw you, we figured out your birth plan for little baby Casey here. How we're continuing on with the plan of a natural birth for you and your daughter. And we're still on track for that." She explained to them, earning a bright smile from both of the parents. "I haven't seen any red flags throughout your pregnancy, and I still don't now. As I mentioned, everything with both you and the baby are looking great. You're exactly where we want you to be nearing that 40-week mark. Since your little girl could be arriving any day now."
That last sentence caused them both to perk up, prompting Dr. Tanner to chuckle softly at the excitement she saw radiating off of the patient and her husband.
"I take it you two are ready for her to get here?" She questioned, already knowing the answer.
"Definitely." Matt replied first, reaching out to rub his hand along Gabby's back while she continued cradling her bump.
"We're beyond ready to meet her. For our girls to meet her." Dawson supplemented, before sparing a quick, yet shy look up towards her husband. "The house, on the other hand…"
"Not so ready?" Dr. Tanner finished for her when Gabby had yet to continue, the warm smile never leaving her face.
"Maybe not." Gabby replied with a smirk while Casey shifted his weight between his feet.
"We're working on it." Matt defended lightly, earning soft laughs from both women. "We've got everything she'll need for the first few months set up in our room already. Her crib, clothes, diapers, our rocking chair- We got all that put into place last week. It's that we haven't really figured out what we want to do with the room situation going forward."
"Ahh." Dr. Tanner let out understandingly. "With Sofia and Caitlyn?"
"Mhmm." Gabby hummed in response. "We're not sure what our best options are. Sof and Caity both have their own rooms right now, and while I don't think either of them would mind sharing, we don't want to take their own spaces away from them if we don't have to. Especially as they get older."
"Yeah, we were wanting to let them keep their own space if possible." Matt added on. "But the only other room we have is our guest room, which we would like to keep. For our parents, for Becca. And Jemma- anyone who might be there to help us out." He explained, catching Gabby's small smile out of the corner of his eye. "So we haven't quite decided what the solution is here."
"That's understandable. A lot to consider." Dr. Tanner replied. "But, like you said, you've still got some time."
"Yeah, Miss Lily is gonna be with us for a while." Casey reiterated proudly, earning another smile and nod from the doctor. "And right now, we're more just excited for her to get here."
"I know you are… Though by the looks of it, it could be any day now." Dr. Tanner replied, seeing the immediate joy radiating off the husband and wife. Joy she was more than happy to witness, knowing that this pregnancy had been so much different from Gabby's first. And how she- and Matt, had actually been able to enjoy it this time, instead of worrying over the what-ifs.
"So we're at that point, huh?" Casey redirected the conversation. "Any day Lily could be here."
"I think so." The older woman responded. "We're nearing full-term for this pregnancy, and since the plan is to deliver naturally that process can begin at any time. Whenever your body- and Lily, are ready." She explained to them, knowing that this aspect of pregnancy was a little foreign to the both of them. They hadn't fully experienced this with Sofia, a natural delivery was never on the table, so Dr. Tanner knew they were both out of their element right now. But that's exactly what she was here for. "So really now it's just about listening to your body, and not overdoing it. Make sure you continue taking it easy, don't over-exert yourself. Get as much rest as you can. And just know that here any day now, you'll be welcoming your third little girl into the world."
Gabby couldn't help the way her eyes were tearing up by the time Dr. Tanner finished speaking, the thought of their baby girl being here enough to work up her emotions as she couldn't wait until that day. Until they were officially a family of five, and their Lily would be here with their girls. It was something she couldn't wait for.
"And Matt- I have a feeling you already know this," Dr. Tanner started after a moment, regaining the firefighter's attention. "But I don't advise you taking any more trips out of the state before Lily's born. Not with how close we are."
"Not a chance." He responded quickly, pulling a small laugh from his wife. "It was hard enough last time, I'm not going anywhere. Hell, I won't even be letting her out of my sight."
"Babe." Gabby said while their doctor laughed, both of them knowing just how serious Matt was.
"Sorry baby, but it's true. You heard her, any day now our girl could be here, I'm gonna stay as close to you as I possibly can." He told her with a bright, proud smile, Gabby shaking her head a bit before glancing back towards her doctor.
"Thanks for that." She said jokingly, the women sharing another laugh before Dr. Tanner replied.
"Sorry Gabby… But, you know, as your doctor- and as your friend, I kind of encourage it."
Matt's smirk only widened, Gabby rolling her eyes playfully before she reached out to gently push against his stomach. Though the movement didn't discourage him.
"But enough of that, how about we get you moved back Gabby and then we can take a look at your baby girl. How does that sound?" Dr. Tanner shifted the lighthearted subject, Gabby and Matt both nodding before the woman began to move back on the table. With the help of her husband she'd managed to get situated, their teasing conversation long forgotten as they were now solely focused on getting to see their baby on that grainy screen. Though it wasn't lost on either of them how soon, there would be no more ultrasounds, no more black and white pictures of their little baby. But instead, she would be here with them.
And they couldn't have been more excited.
"Alright, we have backpacks and Caity's lunch. Sof's snack is in her bag, I think we've got everything." Matt spoke, mostly to himself while standing on the sidewalk beside their vehicle, the father rounding up his childrens' belongings as the two young girls stood in the back of the car. "Are you girls ready to get inside?" He then asked after shouldering Sofia's backpack, handing Caitlyn hers so she could put it on her back.
"Yeah!" Caitlyn replied first, her bright words prompting Sofia to follow suit.
"Yeah!" Sofia copied, the parents chuckling at their children before Casey gave them a nod.
"Okay that's good to hear, let's go then." He said, those last few words Gabby's cue to then get out of the passenger seat. She'd tried to get out a few moments prior, but from Matt's own insistence she stayed put, her husband telling her she didn't need to get up any sooner than necessary. And while the stubborn part of her wanted to disagree, the heavily pregnant side of Dawson was grateful for the extra few minutes of rest, as any time spent on her feet nowadays took a lot out of her. But even still, any exhaustion or tiredness she'd feel from this trip would be well worth it, as her childrens' first day of school was something she'd never miss.
Luckily for the parents, it had been a relatively smooth morning in the Casey household. Especially now that their usual routine would now be changing. Though the girls were handling it well, at least so far as Sofia was still a little unaware of what was actually happening. But with Caitlyn's evident excitement for the day ahead, it wasn't hard for Sofia to follow along with her big sister, their bright and eager attitudes only helping make the morning go that much smoother.
Matt had been in charge of getting the girls up and dressed, as well as getting them fed and putting together everything they'd need while they were at school, while Gabby's main focus was solely just to get herself up and together, which she had managed to do rather efficiently. Enough so that she'd had plenty of time to take a ton of first day pictures of their girls before they'd needed to get loaded up in the car and head off to school.
And now that they were here, that excitement from their daughters had yet to fade, both of them still as cheery and elated as they'd been all morning. Even with the unknowns of what was facing them once they got inside the building, any first day jitters not deterring them at all. With Caitlyn starting her third year of school here, both Matt and Gabby knew the familiarity of this place was helping their oldest daughter to not be very nervous. And thankfully, since they'd been able to get Sofia into the preschool class offered here, it made this transition that much smoother. To know their girls would be in the same place wasn't just a load off their minds in terms of Sofia, and how she'd handle this change, but it was also a relief for them personally. Especially with a baby on the way.
"Let's go!" Caitlyn cheered after hopping down out of the vehicle, her backpack bouncing with her body as her feet planted directly down onto the concrete sidewalk. "I'm so excited to see my friends! And my teacher!"
"I know you are, baby." Matt replied warmly while Sofia moved to the edge of the car, the few extra feet she was off the ground giving Casey a better view of their toddler. "You ready, Sof?"
The three year old simply smiled before reaching her arms up towards him, signaling she wanted to be picked up. It was a request the father complied to easily, Matt's smile widening before he lifted his youngest up into his arms. He adjusted Sofia and her backpack, wanting to make the both of them as comfortable as possible for the walk into the building, while Caitlyn focused more of her energy on Gabby, the protective seven year old holding onto her mother's hand while the family stood together.
"You guys ready?" Casey asked once more while locking up their car, Gabby and Caitlyn both nodding before the family of four began their trek over towards the elementary school.
They made their way down the sidewalk, Matt walking a step ahead of his wife and eldest daughter with Sofia still on his hip, keeping his eyes peeled at the world around them as they headed to the crosswalk. As expected it was a busy morning outside the elementary school, children of all ages running around with their parents while getting ready to formally wind down their summer break, the larger crowds making Matt keep somewhat of a closer eye on his family as they eventually got to the edge of the sidewalk.
The Caseys' were moving a bit slower than they typically would be, as Gabby didn't have that much energy these days, but that didn't hinder all the excitement bubbling around them, Caitlyn especially as the seven year old now stood between her parents.
"Are we dropping off Sofi first?" Caitlyn's voice broke through the noise just after their group began to cross the street, the few volunteers directing traffic to let the kids and their parents get into the school safely. "I wanna see her classroom, and make sure she's okay."
Gabby and Matt both couldn't help but smile at the sweet nature of their oldest daughter, the parents sharing a look before Casey nodded. Though Caitlyn and Sofia's classes both started around the same time, Sofia's ending just a bit earlier in the day, Matt and Gabby had sort of prematurely decided that it might be a little easier on everyone if they were to drop off their youngest first. Neither parent was quite sure on what to expect from Sofia, or how she would react to being dropped off at school for the first time. If she would have any trouble saying goodbye to them or not, but just in case, they figured it best if they all went together for this monumental moment. "Yeah sweetheart, we were gonna go drop off Sofia first."
"Yay!" Caitlyn cheered just as they got across the street, the daughter still keeping a tight hold on her mother's hand while she looked up at her sister. "You hear that, Sofi? I get to help take you to class." Sofia simply smiled at her words, Matt rubbing his hand along his youngest daughter's back before they continued on towards the school.
The path was familiar enough, the few years of doing this with Caity making them pros at this point as the Casey family made their way into the elementary school. Caitlyn's class was closer to the front, but the four of them continued past her classroom and headed to the back of the school where the younger grades were taught, Caitlyn staying close to her mother while Sofia held on tightly around her father's neck.
The three year old was an outgoing little girl, and always had been, but the parents knew she was still sometimes a little unsure in unfamiliar situations. And they were sure this would be no different, Matt rubbing a loving hand over her back while they continued towards her classroom.
"This is so fun." Caity babbled as they approached the room, Matt and Gabby recognizing it from the parent's meeting they'd had here a week prior, a day meant for them to get to know Sofia's teachers, and get a feel for the classroom their daughter would be spending her mornings in. "You're gonna have lots and lots of fun, Sof." Caitlyn continued on before they came to a stop, the Casey's giving some space to another family who was dropping off their son, the little boy not necessarily handling the drop off very well. But even though Sofia seemed intrigued by his meltdown, she was quick to return her focus towards Caitlyn once the older sister reached up to grab ahold of her hand. "And you're gonna make so many new friends! Just like I did."
Sofia gave her a smile, the toddler's eyes then moving around more of her surroundings as she took everything in.
"And I'll be here too! Not in the same room, I'm sorry I can't stay with you all day but I'll be here at school. So if you get scared, or start missing me, or Daddy or Momma, just know I'm here! And then before you know it, Daddy will be back to pick you up." Caitlyn's voice was soothing as she spoke, her gentle nature springing a few tears to Gabby's eyes, both parents still sometimes in awe of how sweet their oldest daughter was. Especially when it came to her younger sister. "It's gonna be the best first day ever! And once I'm done with my school, you can tell me all about how awesome it was." She finished, bringing a smile to Sofia's face as even though the three year old didn't understand all of what was being said to her, Caitlyn's voice was enough to keep the mood calm, Matt then pressing a loving kiss to Sofia's head before turning the girl towards her mom.
"Caity's right, baby." Gabby echoed, reaching out to squeeze her arm lovingly before leaning forward to give her a quick kiss. "You're gonna have such a great first day, I know you're gonna love it here. And like Caity said, your dad is gonna be back here later to get you." She assured her, Gabby wishing she could promise that she'd be here as well. But with how those intense waves of exhaustion were hitting her these days, she didn't want to make a deal she couldn't keep. "I love you, baby."
"Love you, Mama." She repeated, kissing her once more before turning back to give her dad the same goodbye. "Love you, Daddy."
"I love you, princess." He replied with a bright smile, the father and daughter sharing one last hug before he slowly bent to place her feet on the ground.
The second she was out of her dad's grasp, Gabby and Matt both could sense some apprehension swell within her, Sofia's little eyes darting all around at the different children moving through the hallway. But before she began to get upset, or anymore anxious, Caitlyn swooped in, the seven year old quickly grabbing ahold of her baby sister's hand and guiding her close to her side.
"I'll walk you inside, Sof." Caitlyn spoke up, the contact helping to ease at least a few of Sofia's worries as the younger Casey daughter looked up at her sister. "Everything's gonna be okay, I promise." She further assured her, both parents watching on in amazement at how Caitlyn was able to keep her younger sister at ease. "Can you say bye to Mommy and Daddy?" She said, those words prompting a deep look of uncertainty to come from their youngest daughter.
It was almost if everything had finally settled in for Sofia, that she was realizing she was about to be without her parents for the next few hours. And the three year old wasn't entirely sure how to deal with it, an almost watery look covering her eyes as she glanced back and forth between Caitlyn and their parents, that then telling them that it was now make or break time.
"Can you say bye, Sof?" Caitlyn spoke gently one more time with a secure squeeze of her hand, the warm smile on the older sister's face helping to keep Sofia calm. "It's okay, I'm right here. And it's just bye for now."
Sofia waited for a moment, Matt and Gabby both a little unsure of what to expect from her as they knew this could go either way. But thankfully, she soon just smiled before reaching her free hand out to wave at them. "Bye Mommy, bye Daddy." She spoke, her three year old words a little broken. "Love you."
"We love you too, baby." Gabby replied first, unable to stop the few tears escaping down her cheeks as she felt a tremendous amount of pride for her daughter. For both her daughters.
"So much, Sof. We love you so much." Matt echoed brightly, Sofia responding with a toothy grin before taking a step away from them, one that Caitlyn led.
"And say bye to sissy, in Mommy's tummy." Caity continued on happily, both girls smiling at the mention of their little sister. "Say bye to Lily."
"Bye sissy!" She echoed, waving a few more times before Caitlyn was able to coax her away from their parents and towards the door.
The Casey sisters kept a tight grasp on one another as they came up towards the young woman standing in front of the classroom, Matt recognizing her to be one of Sofia's teachers, Miss Daniels.
"Hi!" Caitlyn greeted the woman, clearly holding onto none of the shyness Sofia might have been feeling. "This is Sofia Casey, she's in your class. I'm her big sister Caitlyn." She introduced for the both of them, Gabby catching Miss Daniels' warm smile in her and Matt's direction before she returned her focus towards the girls. "I'm not in your class, I'm in second grade. Over there." She pointed off down the hall, even though her classroom wasn't close enough to gesture to. "I'm just gonna help Sofi inside so she's not scared."
Miss Daniels gave them both a genuine smile before nodding. "Well, it's nice to meet you, Caitlyn and Sofia. And I'd say that sounds great, I'm glad to have Sofia a part of our class and to know she has such a wonderful big sister." She boasted, earning a wide smile from Caitlyn. "Go ahead and help her in, her name is on her desk."
"Okay!" Caitlyn replied happily before returning her attention towards Sofia. "Let's go Sof, we're gonna find your desk." The enthusiasm in Caity's words made Sofia smile before the Casey sisters walked into the classroom.
Matt and Gabby hung back for a moment, not wanting to distract Sofia or undo any of Caitlyn's progress in getting her inside, but after a moment they both moved a little closer towards the door. It didn't take either of them long to locate their daughters, Caitlyn guiding Sofia around the room with ease as the younger Casey clung onto her side, clearly a little uncertain. But the longer they walked around in search of her desk, and the more Sofia became acclimated to all the noise and people around her, the less tense she became, little Sofia untucking herself a bit from the protection of her older sister while they moved around the room, until ultimately finding the correct desk.
"There you go, Sof! We found it." Caitlyn's excited voice broke through most of the other noise coming from the preschool classroom, giving her sister a smile as she helped remove the toddler's backpack, before guiding Sofia up into her chair, her careful movements not going unnoticed by either parent.
"Man…" Matt breathed out from his step behind Gabby, the sound of his voice gaining her attention while her eyes stayed focused on their daughters. "With an older sister like Caitlyn, I'd say we don't have anything to worry about."
Dawson couldn't stop her smile from widening as she felt Matt's hand come up to rest along her back, his words ringing true while they continued to watch Caitlyn help Sofia settle in, their youngest feeling more and more calm in the unfamiliar environment with every second that passed by.
"...We've got some pretty incredible girls, don't we?" He spoke again, a rush of warmth spreading through Gabby's chest while her free hand subconsciously came to rest up over her growing stomach, little baby Lily almost instinctively giving a swift kick the moment she felt her mother's hand.
"Yeah." Gabby agreed softly, one more lone tear running down her cheek as nothing but complete and utter gratitude rushed through her. "We sure do."
"God, it's burning up out here." Gabby huffed out while leaning back in her chair, Jemma glancing towards her with an amused gleam in her eye as she, Dawson, and Anderson all sat out in the firehouse driveway.
"It's like 70 degrees outside." Jemma countered, earning a quick, playful glare from her friend.
"Yeah, exactly. It's too hot." Dawson continued to complain lightheartedly, Norris chuckling in response.
"Well, I'd say that might have something to do with the bowling ball you're carrying on your stomach." She replied without missing a beat, prompting Gabby to scoff. "The cute bowling ball you're carrying." Jemma then corrected herself, the two friends sharing another laugh.
"Uh huh, I'm sure that's what you meant." Gabby rebutted, shaking her head lightly as Jemma reached out to rub a light hand over her arm.
"You know I'm only kidding, you look great Gabby." She reassured her, before sparing a quick glance back towards the open garage doors of the firehouse. "But we can go back inside if you'd be more comfortable, it is a little warm out here." Jemma added, the hint of seriousness in her tone causing Gabby to shake her head.
"No, it's okay, I'm fine. I like the fresh air." She assured her, not wanting her friend to take her complaining too seriously. "And besides, we all saw how much work it took to get me down into this chair." She added on jokingly, pulling laughs from both women. "You'd have to get Matt, or maybe even squad, to get me back out of this thing."
"Oh please, it's not that bad." Anderson promised, Gabby laughing once more.
"But even if it was, odds are Casey'll be out here any minute anyway." Jemma quipped with a knowing gleam in her eye. "He barely lets you out of his sight." She spoke teasingly, Gabby shooting her a look as her bottom lip fell between her teeth, her hand slowly moving up to rest over her stomach. "What? You know I'm right. He's been on red alert here lately. Though considering your daughter is coming any day now, can't say I blame the man."
Gabby smiled softly, shaking her head a bit in amusement while rubbing slow, soothing patterns over her stomach. Movements that were met by a few quick kicks from Lily. "Yeah, he's been a little… overprotective." She eventually replied. "But you know Matt, that's just how he is."
"I know." Jemma agreed, her words much softer than moments prior. "And for as much as I joke, it is very sweet. You found yourself a good one, Dawson."
"Yeah, I really did." She agreed without any hesitation, the two best friends sharing knowing smiles just as the sound of the bells ringing broke through the warm afternoon air.
All three medics, current and former, looked back towards the house as they heard Squad 3 being called out to an accident, it taking only seconds before the men were out of their seats at the table and heading for their rig. They were quick to get on their gear and climb into the truck, Gabby, Jemma, and Anderson all watching on as within a minute Squad 3 began pulling from the garage out into the driveway, sirens blaring while they moved past them.
They gave the girls a few waves as they departed, all three of them reciprocating the gesture before settling back into the quiet. There wasn't too much else going on around the firehouse, the neighborhood rather quiet as Gabby drew in a deep breath before she began to adjust her body in the lawnchair. Or adjust as much as she was able to, a slight wince pulling on her features when she felt a bit of pressure begin to form in her lower abdomen.
It wasn't anything too intense, or really out of the ordinary for her here lately this far along in her pregnancy, but the feeling was beginning to linger a bit. To the point of making her uncomfortable, Gabby releasing a soft huff of air while she continued her miniscule shifts, hoping she could eventually settle into a position that would ease any of her growing discomfort.
"So, it's been a week," Anderson's voice broke through the easy quiet, Gabby and Jemma both glancing towards her while her eyes focused on Dawson. "How are your girls liking school?"
A soft smile appeared over Gabby's face before she responded. "They absolutely love it." She replied, Norris nodding in agreement while letting out a soft laugh.
"Oh yeah?"
"Mhmm."
"Especially Sof." Jemma chimed in with a smirk, causing Gabby to shake her head in amusement knowing her best friend's words weren't wrong. "From what I've heard, anyway. Caitlyn tells me all about how much Sofia loves it."
"Cause she does, they both do." Dawson added on, her hand carefully beginning to rub a bit over her stomach while those lingering pains persisted through her abdomen. Something felt off about it, Gabby not able to place what felt so strange about the twinging in her belly. But she was doing her best to ignore it. "Caitlyn's the same she's always been, she just loves school. She has since we first enrolled her a few years ago. Loves being around her friends, and her teachers. She really seems to be enjoying her class this year. And then Sofia, God bless her, she was pretty hesitant that first day. Having to say goodbye and being away from all of us in an environment like that, she's not really used to anything like it. But Caity was there to help kind of settle her in, and Matt and I stayed close by until we knew she'd be alright, all of it went well. And she had so much fun. She loves it." Gabby explained, Norris nodding in agreement before speaking it.
"It's the cutest thing, too." Jemma said to Anderson. "Seeing the photos of Sof with all her little friends, carrying around that backpack that's too big for her. It's so sweet." She gushed, Gabby smiling at her words while continuing to put a bit of pressure against her stomach.
"She is pretty adorable, but we're just glad she's taking to it so well." Dawson continued on. "I mean, I know it's only preschool. She's only away from us for a few hours, and if anything the class is just to try and help her get used to some structure. But it's still a big adjustment. Something none of us were really ready for, if I'm being honest, but she's handling it so well." She paused to take a breath. "And it's been great to see how much she loves it. Seeing her make all these new friends and get to do all these fun things. Now every time we drop her off, she's practically running into the place." She finished with a laugh, Jemma and Anderson sharing a knowing look.
"And I'm sure Casey's handling that well." The younger paramedic joked, pulling a smirk from Gabby.
"He's taking it like a champ, surprisingly enough." She defended lightly. "Though I know part of it's killing him, with how fast those girls are growing up. Can't believe how quickly it's all gone, you know?" Gabby spoke with a soft shrug, one that caused the tense muscles in her back to pull. But still, she continued on. "But we're also just so proud of them. It's hard to be too sad when we've got these two amazing little girls, you know?" She finished, Jemma and Anderson both nodding understandingly.
"You've got a good point, those are two incredible daughters you guys have." Jemma agreed, eyeing Gabby's stomach. "Soon to be three."
Dawson gave her a look before she nodded. "Very soon." She replied, unable to stop the grimace that once again appeared across her face due to the tightening in her abdomen. And it was something Jemma picked up on instantly, the paramedic's uncertainty growing as she'd also noticed Gabby's constant shifting around.
"You okay?" Norris was quick to ask, regaining Gabby's gaze.
"Yeah, I'm alright." She was soon to reply with a gentle wave of her hand. "Just sore, and pregnant. Very, very pregnant." She played it off, Jemma pausing momentarily before nodding back at her. "But I'm good."
"Alright." She told her, though her voice didn't sound all that convinced. "We can head back inside, if you'd be more comfortable."
"That's okay." Gabby told her with a small smile. "Honestly, I don't think I'll be comfortable again until she's born." She added on jokingly, causing Jemma to let out a soft laugh.
"Hey, on the bright side that should be any day now." She told her, Gabby blowing out a heavy breath before she nodded.
"Thankfully… I'm ready to get this girl out of me." Dawson was quick to respond. "Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful to have made it to 40 weeks this time around. That our little girl is healthy and everything with this pregnancy has gone so well. But man, I just feel so… pregnant." She huffed out, pulling a few more chuckles from the women.
"Well, that's because you are." Anderson replied sympathetically, Gabby offering her another nod before continuing on.
"Yeah, I don't know. I've enjoyed every minute of this, but me, Matt, the girls- we're all just so ready to meet her. To have her here with us." She spoke with a small smile. "Everyone's so excited, we just…" Gabby's voice trailed off when she felt her abdomen tense once more, that continuous feeling getting harder and harder for her to ignore. And Norris noticed.
"...You sure everything's alright?" Jemma questioned her, Gabby swallowing thickly before she pushed through the feeling.
"Yeah, yeah I'm good. Sorry." She responded quickly, Norris shaking her head to tell her it was fine. "But yeah, like I was saying all of us are so ready. We can't wait until she's here with us, and we-"
She was forced to stop again, grimacing as the heavy feeling returned to her stomach. And this time it was too much for Jemma to let it go, Norris shifting to the edge of her seat while Gabby pressed tightly against her belly.
She wasn't sure what was going on, or why this felt so different. She'd been experiencing pains for nearly all of this pregnancy, something that had only worsened the further along she got. But nothing had been quite like this, Gabby unable to understand what she was feeling as it was like her entire body ceased for a moment. Until suddenly, everything was happening at once.
It felt like what she could only describe as a pop within her, a quick rush of relief then swimming through her tense muscles before she then registered the feeling of damp clothing against her skin. Her mind was running, unable to wrap her head around what was going on. Not until Jemma's worried voice broke through her haze.
"...Gabby?"
Dawson's eyes were wide, lips parted in disbelief as a million separate emotions rushed through her. All leading back to one place.
"I… I think my water just broke."