Miracles, Part 2: Grieving

Chapter 197: The Night Before, Part 1

Good evening readers, and welcome to the next part of the Miracles Series. As you know, I have decided to send this story to Hawaii. Just, not yet. First, we have one last night in Chicago – one where important conversations need to be had between Matt and Gabby.
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CASEY HOME, DECEMBER 3RD – He could see the way Gabby was looking at Sofia this evening: like she had regrets over the decision they made. The one where they agreed that they would go to Hawaii with each other first, only to spend some time with their family over Christmas when Ben and Griffin could come. Though, Matt couldn't help but wonder whether they made the right decision. The last thing Matt wanted was for Gabby to miss Sofia when they were so far away, even if it was just for a couple weeks. "I hope you know that I have a backup plan if you want to bring her along." Turning her head to look at Matt as he leaned against the door frame of Sofia's room, Gabby was surprised; after all, she just assumed that he would want to stick to the plan they have: the one where they would get away with each other first. How they would have a real honeymoon, before their family (including Sofia) would join them in a couple weeks to celebrate Christmas in the sun. That is, when Ben, Griffin, and Violet are able to join them in Hawaii as well.

But, what she didn't know, was that they were going to have other family there. "I thought you didn't book a ticket for Sofia?" Matt shook his head, as there was no need for him to book a ticket. "She's young enough that we don't need to book a ticket for Sofia. We can have her ride on our lap. Well, more like my chest if you want her to come with us." Gabby took a breath as she looked down at their daughter, though she ultimately knew that it was better for them to get away. "It's just going to be weird, I guess. We haven't really left her for this long." Matt agreed with his wife as he walked up to her, only to smile as he wrapped his arms around her. "I know. Two weeks together in Hawaii. Time where we can just relax, take it easy, and concentrate on each other for a while." Gabby agreed with Matt as he told her that, only to turn around and look at him. "Is your brother giving us a ride in the morning?" Matt agreed as he placed his hands on her arms, smiling at Gabby. "I just need to call him to let him know which car to bring."

Gabby was confused as Matt told her that. "What do you mean?" Matt looked at his wife. "Gabby, like I just told you. If you want to bring Sofia, then I need him to drive our van to the airport so that we can bring her things." Matt said, prior to looking at the time. "And we need to get packing if you want to bring Sofia." Gabby shook her head, as that wasn't going to happen. "Yeah, because I'm going to bring Sofia along when our anniversary is in 3 days. I already know you have something nice planned for us." Matt agreed with Gabby, as he did have something nice planned for them. "Two weeks at Waikiki Beach." Gabby agreed with Matt, as she liked the sound of that. "I like the idea of us being right on the beach, spending time with each other. Just the two of us. It's just going to be weird not seeing Sofia every day." Matt agreed with Gabby, though he already knew that wasn't really going to be the case. "Oh, we already know that you're going to be calling your mom to check on her every couple hours." Gabby snickered and agreed with Matt.

She just hoped that he was okay with that. "And are you going to be mad if I do that?" Matt shook his head, as he most certainly was not going to be mad if he called to check on Sofia every once and a while; anyways, he was going to miss Sofia too. "I mean, you aren't the only one who's going to miss Sofia." Gabby agreed with Matt as he told her that, well aware that he was going to miss Sofia. "First time you're going to be away from Chicago for an extended period of time." Matt nodded, as that most certainly was the truth. Though, it was for the right reason: so that they could celebrate their anniversary. "Gabby, I want to make sure that you enjoy our vacation. Sure, we're going there for me – which is something I appreciate – but, I don't want you to be miserable. If you want to bring Sofia, I'll go book her a ticket while you pack a bag." Gabby smiled as Matt told her that, only to step close to him. As she did so, she leaned in and kissed the man of her dreams softly. The man she wants to spend some time with alone in Hawaii.