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Thanks for all of your love. Y'all are the best. This chapter is a bit longer, so I hope you like it! Reviews are love.

Disclaimer: Castle is not mine :/

[Spreading the News]

June 28th, 2020 (15 weeks)

He couldn't contain his excitement; it was threatening to burst out of his body at any moment. It fizzled low in his gut, the emotions and overwhelming knowledge that he would see them.

They were almost there. So close, yet so far.

Practically bouncing up and down on the balls of his feet, the large smile that took place on his lips never left and remained there. A large hand on his shoulder stopped his movements, and he glanced up to find his dad smiling down at him.

"Brae, I know you're excited. But you're making the entire elevator shake."

A mischievous grin curled his lips upwards; he gave a final bounce and shrugged his shoulders. "Sorry, Dad. Just excited to see Mom, Uncle Javi, and Uncle Kevin."

"I know you are, but we've got to see them in one piece, so no more bouncing. Okay?"

The boy nodded, completely dejected. "Okay."

Rick gave Braden a squeeze on the shoulder before ruffling his hair. "And remember what we can't tell Uncle Javi and Uncle Kevin?"

With the same dramatic flare as his grandmother, Braden peered up at his dad as a large sigh escaped his lips. "Don't say anything about my little brother or sister...even though I really, really want to. Why do we have to keep it a secret?"

"Because we don't want anyone knowing quite yet," Rick informed his son. "So it has to be kept between us for the time being. Your mom and I are trying to figure out how to tell everyone, and that includes Uncle Javi and Uncle Kevin."

Crinkling his nose, Braden tilted his head to the side. "But 'Lexis, Gram, and Grandpa Jim know."

"They're family, buddy. That's why we told them at lunch last weekend. Remember?"

Trying to put the pieces together, Braden refused to let it go. It just didn't make sense. "Uncle Javi and Uncle Kevin are family," the boy retorted. "So is Aunt Lanie."

Rick was taken aback, trying to come up with a good explanation as to why they haven't told anyone else about the pregnancy. The boys and Lanie were family, they may not be related by blood but they were a family nonetheless. Families consist of being surrounded by people who care for you, who will be there for you no matter what, and who will lift you up.

Saved by the ding of the elevator, Rick knew he needed to speak with Kate about this. They were family and they deserved to know.

As soon as the double doors opened Braden was making a mad dash out for his mother's desk. "Mom!"

Completely occupied with her work, Kate became startled by the sound of her son calling out for her. She whipped around in her chair and smiled when she saw her two boys heading her way.

"Isn't this a lovely surprise," she gushed, enveloping her son in a huge hug as he tried climbing into her lap but failed. "Can't sit on my lap, buddy. Too big. You can sit in that chair though." Kate chuckled when he scampered over to his dad's usual chair with relish, his feet kicking in excitement.

Rick came up behind Kate, hands on her shoulders, as he leaned down and peppered a single kiss to her cheek. "Hi."

"Hi back. I thought you guys were at the museum?" She pondered, still in shock that they were here.

"Oh, we were," her husband began, leaning against the edge of the wood desk and ultimately blocking his son from view. "But wild man over here got bored and wanted to come see you, and who am I to deny him the opportunity to see his beautiful mother?" At that, Rick pulled her in for a sweet kiss, which only caused groans and moans of disgust to be heard behind Rick.

Braden scrunched his nose and stuck his tongue out. "Gross..."

Both parents were blushing, too caught up in their kiss to notice their surroundings, and that included their son. Rick gave Kate one more kiss before he unceremoniously picked his kid up by his armpits and took over the chair.

"You're in my spot, kid."

Before Braden could say a word to convince his dad to give him the chair back, two detectives were making their way toward the family, the boy's attention directed toward them and off his stolen chair.

"Uncle Javi! Uncle Kevin!" He ran full sprint toward the two men, not minding others walking past him and almost running straight into them.

And just like that the boy was whisked away by Ryan and Esposito, leaving Kate and Rick alone for a few moments. Rick glanced over his shoulder as he watched his son share with the detectives about his day at the museum, smiling while he recounted about the dinosaurs, which were his favorite part. Silly boy.

"So," Rick began, scooting closer and lowering his voice so as to not be overheard. "We've gotta talk about something."

Kate looked up, saw how serious he was, and nodded her head. "Okay. Wanna talk over some coffee?"

Once the couple was in the break room, door shut and blinds halfway closed, they were able to talk freely. Kate sat on the couch while her husband prepared her a decaf, many different thoughts buzzing around in her head. She had no idea what he wanted to talk about, but it had to be something important.

A few minutes passed in complete silence, neither speaking but rather waiting until both were ready. Handing her the mug, Rick joined Kate on the couch. He had a pensive look on his face, as if he'd been brewing over things while he prepared her coffee.

To get the ball rolling, Kate set her mug down and clasped her hands with his, gaining his attention. "What's going, Rick?" Her voice was soft and gentle, easing his nerves.

With a deep breath, he told her. "I know you and I have been trying to figure out how to tell everyone about the baby, and I know we want to just keep it between family. But Braden brought up a good point in the elevator."

"What point would that be?"

"I'm getting there," he chuckled, smiling at his wife's impatience. "He asked me why we have to keep it a secret, and that it didn't make sense to hide it from the boys and Lanie because my mother, your father, and Alexis all know. I told him it was because they're family, and he said that Javi, Kevin, and Lanie are family."

Kate had a moment of realization as she listened. Braden was right.

"So, I was thinking... Why don't we just tell everyone? You're going to start showing any time now, and people are going to start asking questions. It will probably be best if we just get this out in the open now rather than later."

Shutting her eyes, she leaned forward and pressed her face into his shoulder and took a slow breath. "Thank you."

Eyebrows raised, he pulled Kate at an arm's length. "What?"

"I have held my tongue from saying this, but I've wanted to tell them every since I found out I was pregnant. And Braden's right, those guys are our family and they deserve to know."

Rick stood, yanking Kate with him, as he bee lined for the door. "Great. Let's go tell them now."

Halting in her tracks, she had wide eyes. "Wait, now? Like right this minute?"

"Yes, now. Why not? You said it yourself, they deserve to know," Rick said, pulling her in for a hug. "It's now or never, Kate."

A bit hesitant, she eventually relented and let him drag her out into the bullpen. That's when they noticed Lanie was over at the boy's desks, Braden perched in her lap. When did she get here? Esposito must've called her.

Talk about perfect timing.

Kate watched as her husband gathered everyone's attention, all eyes on them. "Hey, everyone. Um, Kate and I have some big news to share with you all and it's rather exciting..." Hands entwined together, he glanced over at Kate, who was glowing, and then back to the officers and detectives. "We're having another baby."

Almost immediately the entire bullpen was thundering with applause, cheers, and words of congratulations. They were swarmed with hugs and kisses; many people wondering when the baby will be due and if they know if it will be a boy or girl.

Sharing this joyous news with everyone was a weight off of their shoulders, and they couldn't have been more relieved.

There you go!

Hope you enjoyed this chapter. Reviews are greatly appreciated. Next chapter will be posted within the next two weeks. Until then!

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