Chief Casey Season 1: Chicago's Newest Chief (Dawsey)

Chapter 35

Matt's POV: After leaving the house, I smiled as I drove towards Molly's. This was the perfect moment for me and Gabby to talk. Turning the music down (even though she just turned it up), I smiled at Gabby. "Oh, you have a head ache?" I then shook my head. "No, I just thought we'd talk for a bit. I mean...this is the first time that we've been alone. Just me and you as husband and wife since before Christmas. And I hate to say this but...I am sorry if you've felt like you've been second to me. It's just...between the kids, the new job and moving. I can't help but feel like I've put you second for far too long and I want to apologize for that if you felt that way."

Gabby sighed and nodded when I said that. "Yeah, I didn't want to say anything. But, it's been hectic." I went to grab her hand and intertwined our fingers, sighing. "I wish I could say it would slow down but...I can't. I am still doing firehouse stuff. And then tomorrow, I have to go to the fire academy. They want me to introduce myself as the new chief. They want the candidates to know who their chiefs are if they choose or are assigned to our firehouse." Gabby nodded and understood. "I remember that Matt. Remember, I went to the academy just 8 years ago." I laughed and agreed. "God, has it been that long already?" Gabby nodded and smiled.

"I just want to you know...make them feel in good hands if they choose or are assigned to Firehouse 51. Then, I am going to stop by the firehouse to do some paperwork or stuff. Need to meet the other crew, the ones who also work for me but weren't on shift when I was commissioned." Gabby smiled and agreed. "Matt, you can do that while the kids are asleep. I understand you have a new job and you need to do stuff. Just remember, Friday at 10." I sighed and looked at her. "I know Gabby. I have to join by phone if I can. I can't skip it that soon."

Gabby sighed and just looked at me. "You know what it is right? I'm trying not to say it because I want you to remember why I want you there." I shook my head. "His shots aren't until March. I know because I made the appointment. Oh, I rescheduled it to the day before. Forgot to mention. I have a shift on Wally's 2 month birthday. So, I just pushed it back a day. That okay? Still at 10 but the day after." Gabby agreed and went to grab her phone to change it. "I did that so that I could be there. I know that was going to be hard. I also want you to get an appointment."

Gabby was confused when I said that. "Why do you want me to get an appointment?" I sighed and looked at her. "I want to know when you can be cleared for work. I don't want to push you but...It'd be helpful for me to have someone I can call and do an ambo shift on a moment's notice. Sylvie is out so...I either have to get a PIC from the rotation or I can get you to do them. I know, I am thinking more as Chief but...I know you are dying to get back on Ambo. So, I am trying to do both. Be the supportive husband and also a proactive chief. Your choice." Gabby bit her lip. "Put in for a floater. Matt, I am not going to be ready by then."

I then nodded and agreed. "Right, of course. And sorry about going chief on you. It's just...this is hard." Gabby nodded and agreed. "Of course. But listen, let's just relax now. We are not Chief, PIC, Mom or Dad right now. Right now, we are MR. and MRS. Casey." I smiled when she said that and nodded. "So glad you took my last name. I wasn't going to push." Gabby smiled. "I wanted to do it because of our kids. Matt, you do realize that just because it's 2022 doesn't mean that I am not still subject to racial profiling. What if something happens and I am out with Ella?"

I sighed when she said that. "Then you just say you are her mom." Gabby sighed when I said that. "Or you call Antonio. Then he can arrest that jackass for racism. Or just call me. You know that when it comes to family, I will always rush right over." Gabby nodded and smiled when I said that. "I know baby. Now listen, can we just head to the restaurant. I want time with my husband right now. Just no beer." I nodded and agreed. "I can't. Meeting at the academy. I am going to go around 10ish if that's okay?" Gabby agreed. "Can you not go to the firehouse?"

I then looked at her and remembered that I said that. "Of course. Sorry I said that. I will be home, I promise." Gabby smiled and agreed as she rubbed my hand, really happy that we were out together. And so was I. We haven't done this in a while and it's exactly what we need right now.