Title: His Chance, Her Choice
Disclaimer: I do not own Castle, Andrew W. Marlowe and ABC do.
Author's Note: Chapter 2 due to popular demand.
Genre: Romance
Rating: K
Beta'd by: Beckett NYPD
Chapter 2: A Few Years Later
It had been eight years since Kate ended her engagement and subsequent almost wedding to Mike Royce. There had been no hard feelings from Mike, he was even one of the groomsmen at Kate and Rick's wedding eighteen months later.
She was now married to the real love of her life, Richard Castle and now they were parents to an adorable little girl, almost six year-old, Michaela Johanna Castle. Everyone adored Michaela, her parents, big sister Alexis, Grandma Martha, Grandpa Jim, co-godmothers Lanie and Honey-Milk, co-godfathers Esposito and Ryan and Uncle Mike was no exception.
-x-
Today was Michaela's princess themed sixth birthday party. Kate and Rick have planning for for a few months, they wanted it to be perfect (what parent wouldn't?). What neither realized was a particular guest would be bringing a surprise present.
A couple of hours later, during the thick of the party whilst Michaela had been running everywhere screaming with joy Kate announced, "Okay sweetie it is time for presents."
Within an instant Michaela dashed to the living room where the presents lay and sat down on the couch.
One by one the presents were opened and the wrapping paper was strewn everywhere. Rick and Kate watched nearby as their little girl got everything from toys and books to clothing from her classmates, from her family at the12th precinct and grandparents.
Kate noticed how Mike was briefly nowhere to be seen. Just as suddenly she saw him reappear with a box.
"Here for the little princess from Uncle Mike," said Mike putting the box in the birthday girl's lap.
Michaela promptly took the lid off and was surprised with a lick on the face.
"PUPPY!" exclaimed a jubilant Michaela, remembering her manners and said, "Thank you Uncle Mike."
"You're welcome sweetie," said Mike giving his niece a hug.
No sooner had Mike stood up he came face to face with both Kate and Rick.
"Mike," said the two at the same time who were both equally exasperated.
All Mike could do was shrug as he said, "It is one way to teach her responsibility. And I have all the costs taken care of and supplies are my place I will bring it by tomorrow."
-x-
A few hours later following a very successful birthday party, Michaela was still playing with her Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppy she had named Bubbles.
Kate bent down to her daughter's level and said, "Come sweetie, you have had a big day time for bed."
"But mommy I'm-" said Michaela halfway before letting out a big yawn and added, "not tired."
"Well look at it this way, you are going to need energy to play with Bubbles."
Michaela let out another monster yawn and said, "Okay mommy."
"Hey munchkin why don't I take you and Bubbles up to get ready bed?"
"Okay Lexy," said Michaela taking Alexis' hand.
After tucking in their daughter and saying goodnight to Alexis, and Kate and Rick themselves got ready for bed.
"I still can't believe Mike got our daughter a puppy," said Kate as she crawled into bed and into Rick's warm embrace.
"Believe it Kate; he would do anything for his niece."
A/N 2: Thanks for reading Chapter 2 of "His Chance, Her Choice". Reviews are appreciated!