Dawsey: Starting a Family Part 2

March 28th, 2020

Casey Residence - Day of Boden's Funeral
Matt's POV: As I walk into the master bathroom of my Chicago home, I sigh considering this was not what I was expecting to do today. As you all remember, last week Boden was crushed by an ambulance and I have been acting Chief since that day. Now, is the day I have been dreading. Boden recently died and now, it was time to go to his funeral. Oh and there was something else on my mind. Since I was acting Chief right now, they have asked me to take over. The due date for my decision? Today of all days. I have two letters written. A letter of acceptance and reject.

Going to put some cologne on, I think about this. I spoke to Boden just a few days before and he always said that he wanted me to take over as Battalion Chief if the day ever came to it. My dream of being Chief with our children working for me was something I was really dreaming about. And now, it was in reach. All I had to do was say yes and the process would begin. I have already been vetted and I have already had an interview with the CFD. I have been approved and now, it's in my hands. This power is huge and very frightening at times. In my hands. Wow.

That's when I felt Gabby walk up behind me in the washroom. Rubbing my back, she went to kiss it before turning me around. She decided to make sure I looked right in my suit (and not my dress uniform) once I turned around. I was wearing a suit because Boden specifically requested that he didn't want a firefighter funeral when he died because it wasn't proper under the circumstances. COVID was not a time for pomp and circumstance. He wants a normal funeral. The CFD decided to follow his wishes so that is exactly what he's getting.

Stepping closer to Gabby as she adjusted my suit, I sighed. "Hey, sorry I have been so distant recently." Gabby stepped close to me. "It's been a crazy week. You go back to the CFD and right away...you're chief again." I nodded and teared up a bit as I went to kiss her softly. "God, this is so hard. I want to grieve but...I also have to make one of the biggest decisions of my life. Gabby, they want my decision today." Gabby then stepped close to me. "Wow."

I nodded when she said that before going to kiss her forehead softly. "Gabby, I need to know if you would be okay with me being Chief. I know this is years ahead of time. But, I would be safer. I would work from the outside...I wouldn't be in fires anymore and stuff. But I have to talk to Severide first. I need to know he'd be okay with it." That's when I heard Severide come up into our room. "Hope you don't mind if Antonio let us up." I then went to walk out and saw him wearing his blues. "You look fancy there Lieutenant." Severide smiled and went to hug me.

Hugging him, I sighed and just went to rub his back when I let my envelope fall. Going to grab it for me, Severide looked at it. "What's this?" I tried to stop him from Looking. "Severide, no..." Severide then opened the letter and started to read from it. "Commissioner, I am writing you today to accept the position of Battalion Chief at Firehouse 51...." Severide then stared at me when he read that. "Oh my god, they asked you to be chief!" I then sighed and nodded. "Yeah, I was still debating it. I am on the fence. I mean..." Severide then looked at me. "What?"

I nodded. "Yeah, it would be more hours..." Severide just shook his head. "Dude, this is your dream! I don't care if you got it before me...you are the heir apparent to this job. You are the captain at the firehouse and it's just right that you take your rightful place as the Chief of Firehouse 51." That's when I heard Antonio come upstairs in his Police Blues. "What's this about my brother-in-law Battalion Chief?" I then sighed and looked at him. "I haven't said yes or no yet." Sylvie then came in too and looked at me. "Matt, you are going to say yes!"

I then sighed. "You don't think it's too fast...I mean, he's only been dead for 72 hours. They asked me the same day he died to take over. I know it seems fast but...apparently it was the last thing he said to Donna. He said, Casey's Chief. I mean, this is crazy. By the way, I am going to change stuff up if I am chief permanently...don't expect it to stay the same." Gabby then came out and looked at me. "I wouldn't expect it to. Now, I need to have breakfast still. Antonio, did mom make breakfast?" Antonio nodded and smiled. "And she's going to stay here with Louie today."

I nodded and agreed with him. "Good, because we need to go to the firehouse after the funeral. Maybe Matt can make the announcement himself." Severide smiled and agreed with Gabby when she said that. "I think that is a great idea. Now listen, I have some other great ideas that we can implement at 51 with your help." I laughed when he said that. "Calm down Lieutenant, remember that I am going to be your boss. And by the way, I might ask for them to delay until after you give birth." Gabby then shook her head. "Not happening, you are chief now."

I nodded when she said that and then walked over to her. "Fine, but I am still taking a paternity leave when these little ones are born. And I expect you to be at the firehouse every shift for the rest of your life." Gabby smiled when I said that and nodded before going to kiss me softly. "I wouldn't expect it to be any other way." She then brought me close and whispered to me. "Chief Casey, I love the sound of that. That makes me Mrs. Chief Casey." I smiled when she said that and then kissed her softly. "Listen, let's get going before we are late. I need to eat breakfast."

Gabby nodded and agreed with me as we walked away downstairs together. "Wait, I think my mom made breakfast. Remember, she is watching Louie today because we have the reception at the firehouse after the funeral." I nodded when she said that. "By the way, I have been asked to make a speech at the funeral. I am going to accept the position before though so...do you mind if I call the commissioner before we eat?" Gabby smiled and agreed with me. "Of course. Go ahead." I then went to let go of her hand and went to walk away to my office to call Grissom.