Growing up together will make you the best of friends. It does sometimes complicate things when they try to date other people but they always seem to choose each other over anyone else.
I was waiting for CJ to drive her to Molly's for Sylvie's wedding. "CJ, you can't be late for your best friend's wedding," I stated.
"Well, she didn't even ask me to be her maid of honor," CJ replied as she walked in from our bedroom. I just stared at her in awe. "Jay, are you even listening?"
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"Yes, but you look gorgeous in red," I replied. She raised a brow. "I mean, you always look gorgeous, but I haven't seen you in a dress in a while."
"Because I really haven't worn one in a while. I'm just lucky I was able to squeeze into this dress. The last time I fitted for this was back in December, and it's a little tight," CJ sighed. "Let's just go." We got into the truck and I drove us to Molly for Sylvie's small, but intimate wedding. After the ceremony, they just had a small reception at Molly's. CJ was the last to give a speech. "So, we all know Sylvie is sorta my older sister, my best friend." I looked at her. "I do want to sing you a song."
"Which is your strong suit," Sylvie smiled.
"Yeah," I nodded as she grabbed the mic. I played the instrumental on my phone. "You got this, babe."
"Pillowcase as our veil. Taking turns throwing that make-believe bouquet. Spent 16 on the phone talking crushes. There's nothing that we didn't know. We told each other everything," CJ sang. "First kiss, first date, first love, heartbreak, too. Remember how you almost gave up on forever? Like you'd never find the one for you? When you saw him, you said you knew." Sylvie smiled. "When I met him, I knew too. And he's just as kind as you. I've seen him love you through the best and the worst. Just like you deserve. With him at your side, I know you'll be all right." CJ held my hand. "I swear the world looks a little sweeter tonight. My best friend found a best friend for life." I hit stop on the music. "I wish you guys the best. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Casey." We went through the reception. Once we got home, CJ changed and got right in bed. I crossed my arms and looked at her. "What?"
"Do you ever want a big wedding?" I asked.
"I always think about it, but I know realistically, we can't," CJ replied.
"We can next year," I replied.
"About that," CJ stated. She looked at me. "I've been meaning to talk to you about this." I looked at her. "I've been preparing myself to became a paramedic at 51. If I talk to Boden, I'm sure he'll give me Sylvie's spot."
"The baby?" I asked.
"Safe," CJ nodded.
"And the pay?" I asked.
"About the same, give or take," CJ nodded.
"Okay," I nodded. " I say go for it."
"Really?" CJ asked.
"If that's what you want to do," I replied.
"Okay," CJ smiled. "I do have to talk to Boden tomorrow so I can put in my two weeks at the bank."
"Whatever you decide, I'll back you up," I smiled. Two and a half weeks passed by. I woke up and CJ was wearing her CFD Paramedic uniform. "I suits you."
"Thanks," CJ smiled.
"24 hour shift," I looked at her. "You going to be okay?"
"Yeah, I'll be fine," CJ nodded as she grabbed her duffel. "I'll see you in the morning."
"Have a good day, babe," I smiled. She gave me a kiss and left. "Okay." I got up and ready for the day. I went to the district and sat at my desk. Hailey looked at me. "Take a picture, it'll last longer."
"That's not why I'm looking at you," Hailey replied as she sat down at her desk. "I tried to go see your wife this morning at the bank, to deposit this check that I have." I looked up at her. "I found she no longer works there. Did you know that?"
"CJ and I talked about it and she felt it was time for her to move forward," I nodded. "So, she quit the bank. Friday was her last day and today is her first shift at her new job."
"What's her new job, Halstead?" Hailey asked.
"I'm sure you will meet her on her new job," I nodded.
"Three car pile up on Ryland," Voight walked out of his office. "51 is already there."
"Why are we involved?" Kevin asked.
"One of the cars has a human trafficking victim," Voight replied.
"Perfect," Kim stated.
"Let's go," I stated. Hailey rode with me to the scene. I saw CJ standing on the sidelines with Violet, waiting for their team to extract the victims from the crash. Hailey and I got out. "It's a mess."
"What's CJ doing here?" Hailey asked. She looked at me as I looked at her. I smiled. "No way."
"Yeah," I nodded.
"What?" Hailey asked. I looked at CJ. "She's with 51?"
"As a paramedic," I replied. I walked over to CJ. "Hey. How's the scene?"
"A mess," CJ stated.
"Let's go," Violet stated.
"Go on," I smiled. I watched as CJ and Violet worked. Hailey crossed her arms. "What? Are you impressed?"
"A little," Hailey nodded. "To be honest, I didn't see this coming."
"Really?" I asked.
"Jay," a guy waved to me.
"Oh no," I sighed.
"What?" Hailey asked.
"It's CJ's ex," I stated. He ran over to us. "Hey, Luke."
"That was CJ, right?" Luke asked. I nodded. "Do you know if she's seeing anyone?"
"She wanted a left hand ring on her finger and a little house with a picket fence," I looked at Luke. "We might not have a house with a picket fence but she's happy. She might have been yours at one point in time, but she's mine now." Luke looked shocked. "Yeah, man. Proposed to her ten years ago. Uhm, see you around."
