AN: I would like to apologize to you my readers for my reaction to a certain individual after I posted the previous chapter. Also for those concerned about Alexis excluding her father after being attacked, please note: "dad is going to freakout" is not the same as "dad would freakout if I told him". Enough of that, again please accept my apology for my reaction and I hope you will continue to enjoy this story.
"RICHARD CASTLE! If you ever come near me again with that thing hanging between your legs, I'll shoot it off and bury it in Central Park." Kate half screamed, half sobbed. The contractions had started over twenty three hours ago and they were getting stronger and closer together. She noticed the smirk on the face of the nurse who was monitoring her blood pressure. She barely caught her breath before seemly every muscle in her body began to tense again "Aargh! Castle!" she cried out as she squeezed her husband's hand.
Rick suspected that at least three of his fingers were broken, he couldn't believe that his wife's slender delicate looking fingers could exert such crushing force. At this point though, he knew better then to say anything about his discomfort. He was trying his best to appear calm and stay focused and supportive, but truthfully he was completely freaking out. Kate had spent the last two weeks in the hospital on enforced bed rest after being diagnosed with preeclampsia. Keeping Kate entertained and almost happy while she lay in bed on her side had been a full time job. His mother and his father-in-law had taken regular shifts and he had even managed to do a little writing while she slept. The doctor had assured them that it was just a precaution, that Kate's condition was mild to moderate, that her life wasn't in danger, but he had read up on it. He knew that if things went south he could end up a widower and a single father.
With his free hand he wiped the sweat from his wife's brow with a cool damp cloth. "You're doing great sweetheart, breathe through it, you're almost done, it won't be much longer." 'God please let it be almost over, let them both be okay.' He tried not to wince as he felt pain shoot through his hand.
"Your husband is right Kate, you're almost done. Your BP is holding. When the next contraction comes I need you to push. Understand Kate?" said Dr. Bennett, who had been called in by the nurses just moments before.
"Yeeaa push." Kate panted as her muscles went lax.
"Mr Castle you might want to move in behind Kate to help support her. Quick. Quick" the doctor directed him. He stepped into position just as Kate started to tense with start of the contraction. "Alright Kate push!" instructed the doctor.
Castle felt more than heard the scream that left his wife's tortured throat. Her body trembled as every muscle and nerve responded to the pressure, the strength of her upper body forcing him to brace to avoid being knocked backwards. He felt her relax after what seemed like hours.
"I swear to god I'm going to shoot you Castle." Kate panted, sweat and tears pouring down her cheeks.
"That was really good Kate, one more big push and it'll be over." said the doctor. Kate took a deep breath and screwed up her face. "Push Kate!"
After several seconds of screaming the room went silent. This was followed by the high pitched wail that only a new born is capable of. "Well happy birthday little Miss Castle." cooed Dr. Bennett. A nurse quickly wiped the blood and fluids off the little girl's face and then the still wailing baby was placed on Kate's chest.
Kate was beyond exhausted, she ached everywhere but as soon as she saw the tiny creature being placed on her chest she was overwhelmed with joy and love. "Oh Castle, look, she's so beautiful. We made her. Look at that little wisp of red hair."
"Okay Dad, do you think you're up to cutting the cord?" ask Dr Bennett. She watched his eyes go wide. "Don't worry, it doesn't hurt either of them." Castle moved from the head of the birthing bed and took the scissors a nurse offered him. "Alright Rick cut right between these two claps." Castle did as he was instructed with a minor hesitation. "Excellent! Now one of the nurses will get the little one cleaned up, weighed and measured, and you and I will take good care of your beautiful wife. If you will step back behind her again, she'll have to give one more little push and by the time that's done, you should be able to hold your daughter."
Rick was almost in a daze. He didn't know whether to focus on his wife, Kate who had gone through so much in the last eight months, or the wailing little being that he'd only seen for a few seconds who would change his life forever. He kept looking between Kate and the nurse in the corner who was working on his daughter. 'My Daughter! Wow. I'm a dad.' Although lost in thought, he was vaguely aware of feeling Kate tense and hearing her grunt as the placenta was expelled from her womb. He watched as the nurse seemed to move in slow motion, lifting a pink beanie from the table beside her.
Soon the activity in the room started to subside. The nurses had cleaned Kate up and made her more comfortable. Kate and Rick were holding hands watching the nurse wearing bright pink scrubs finish their child's second Apgar Test. After recording the score she lifted the squirming bundle and turned towards the waiting parents. "Do you have a name for her?" she smiled as crossed room.
"Alexis, her name is Alexis Johanna Castle" said Kate with a dreamy smile.
"Well Alexis weighed in at six pounds twelve ounces and is twenty-one inches long. She scored a healthy eight on her Apgars. Ready to hold her Dad?" the nurse smiled as she saw the same look of wonder mixed with fear that all first time fathers seem to have. After handing the baby over she stepped back to give the new little family some privacy.
Rick stood mesmerized, a huge grin on his face, lost in the unfocused bright blue eyes peering up at him. "Hello my little princess." he cooed. His attention was interrupted by the sound of Kate clearing her throat. "Oh I guess Mommy wants to say hi too" he said as he turned towards his wife.
It wasn't too long before little Alexis got tired of her parents being mushy towards her and each other. She scrunched up her face and let out a wail. Kate and Rick's eyes went wide, looking at their daughter, then each other and finally the nurse who was standing nearby chuckling. "She's probably hungry there Mom." she smiled brightly.
"Oh" blushed Kate.
"Oh, oohh." sputtered Castle. "Maybe I'll just go out and let her grandparents know she's arrived."
"Good idea babe." said Kate with a smirk.
AN: I know, I know, her name is Alexis Harper Castle, but if my memory serves me correctly (and maybe it doesn't) Harper is Meredith's maiden name and I couldn't think of a reason they would use it.