She got him out of the baby bath, wrapping him up in multiple towels. She snuggled him close, walking into the nursery. She placed him on the changing table, her hand supporting his back. He was so pleasant in the bath, but this part was a nightmare. He hated getting dresses. When she went to remove the towels, he reached up, as if saying "Like mom, please don't."
He started crying the minute she she lifted his arms to put his shirt on. "I know, baby. I know. You gotta wear clothes though. No streaking and stealing a police horse like your father." She snorted trying to keep from laughing at her own joke. When she had finished dressing him, she lifted him up to her shoulder.
Castle met her at the. "Here, can you take him please? I need to put my shoes on." She gently shifted Hudson to his dad, and slipped on some shoes, grabbing the baby bag, also.
"Hey, buddy." Castle rocked him back and forth, waiting for Kate to finish getting ready.
Not three minutes later, makeup, hair, and sensible shoes in place, she peaked from behind the door. "Ready?"
The elevator door opened with a ping, this time revealing three Castles instead of two. It only too seconds before someone glanced over and recognized the two. They were announced, and the entire homicide floor stopped what they were doing to rush over to mom and dad.
Ryan and Espo were the first to make it to them. They hugged eachother, taking turns to congratulate and thank.
Beckett teased Espo. 'Feeling better there, champ? Last time we were all together, you weren't doing to good." She gave him a look, one eyebrow raised.
"You know, I'm going to let that go because you just had a kid. So." He rustled his collar, looking over his shoulder smugly.
"Hey, Castle, can I hold him?" Ryan asked from his squatting position in front of the baby carrier.
"Of course!" Castle walked over to the sea of desks, placing Hudson's carrier on Ryan's. He removed him gently, placing him in Ryan's waiting arms.
"Hey there, little man. Welcome to the family." He looked down at the baby, and then up to Castle and Beckett. "Guys, he's beautiful."
Castle grabbed Kate around the waist, pride emanating off them both. "Thanks."
Esposito was next, him a little more timid than Ryan. But, low and behold, he was turned into a baby person the moment Hudson was in his arms. "You let me know if anyone messes with you. I got it." Espo smiled at him and looked back at his parents. "If you tell him about how I was when I was born, there's gonna be trouble."
Castle an Beckett shared a look, rolling their eyes.
Espo whispered to Hudson, "Don't listen to a word they say when they talk about me. Unless it's about how awesome I am."
They were interrupted when Gates finally came out of her office, arms folded, glasses in hand. She melted the instant she saw what the commotion was about. "Detective Beckett, Mr. Castle, he is just beautiful."
"Thank you, sir." They said in unison, their parental pride shining through.
Gates had taken Hudson from Espo, plopping down in a chair, and started talking to him in her baby voice. She set her glasses down, indication that she was not getting up any time soon. She continued talking and making cute little noises.
Kate watched, and then caught site of Castle. He saw her looking. "That is just strange. Iron Gates." He paused, shaking his head. "I don't think we're ever going to get him back."
She leaned into his side, smiling. It was so good to finally be showing him off, and to her favorite people. Hudson had to be the most loved, most protected baby in the state. She couldn't help the tears that welled in her eyes. Her life had turned out better than she ever imagined. She got the perfect man, her little boy, her dream job, amazing friends, and the joy of knowing it wasn't going anywhere. Dreams really do come true.
