Author's Note: Sorry for the extended wait. I kind of hit a writer's block between chapter 3 and the final scene so I needed that part in between. I have now figured it out thankfully so hope to have the next chapters uploaded within the coming week or 3. Hope you haven't lost faith in this story. I promise it will get good.

Chapter 4. Extended Family

Beckett's alarm went off the next morning and she conducted the same routine she did every morning from taking a shower and getting dressed to placing the chain with her mother's ring around her neck and her father's watch on her left wrist.

"Look who's back," Ryan said to Beckett as he and Esposito walked over to her when she arrived into the bullpen and her desk.

"Yeah, what was up with that anyways," asked Esposito. "You never take sick leave."

Before Beckett could answer, Montgomery called her into his office.

"Saved by dear old dad," said Ryan.

"This doesn't get you off the hook," Esposito said to her."

"Didn't think it did," Beckett mocked back.

When Beckett entered the office she closed the door behind her. Montgomery got straight to the point.

"So did you get things sorted out with Castle? If you need more time I'd be happy to give it."

"It's a work in progress. And with all due respect sir, no extra amount of time is gonna fix it any sooner."

"Fair enough at least it's something."

"So does this mean I can get back to work?"

"There's just one more thing. Now I don't know what's going on with you and Castle, I don't know if you plan to co-parent, or date or what but if you do plan on giving your relationship a try, you won't have a problem from me as long as you two act professionally around here. Think you can do that?"

"Yes sir, thank you Captain."

"Good now get out of my office and get back to work."

Beckett smiled, "Yes sir."

Once back at her desk, Beckett stared at the pile of paperwork. It wasn't much but it was enough to keep her busy for a couple of hours. Before she could get started on it though she could feel the boys eyes on her. She knew that she owed them an explanation.

"Do you guys want a cup of coffee or something?" she asked as she headed to the break room not waiting for a response or to check if they were following her.

Once the coffee's were done she handed a cup to Kevin and Javi. She slowly took a sip of hers and played with the stir in her cup as a way of distracting herself.

"Hey," said Esposito, "If this is too hard for you, we can take a hint. We'll back off."

"Thanks Espo," said Beckett, "but considering how Castle's gonna be around as a liaison for the foreseeable future you two deserve to hear what's going on from me rather than anyone else once the rumors get started." Beckett took a deep breath and continued to look into her cup for a moment before looking up at her two favorite guys. "Rick and I met at a party when I was sixteen. I'll spare you the details but that night I got pregnant. You guys heard Madison. I gave the baby up and through that mix up my daughter ended up being raised by her dad. I hadn't seen Castle in eight years."

Esposito smiled, "Okay."

"So are you and Castle like a thing now or-," Ryan asked. Esposito punched Kevin in the arm. "What I want to know."

Beckett blushed a little. "It's complicated but we're working on that, I think."

"Good for you," said Ryan.

Beckett smiled at her partners, guys she considered as her younger brothers.

Her cell then rang and she answered, "Beckett." She gave the boys a serious look, "On our way."