A/N: This was a prompt I received from someone on here. I also posted a new one shot that came to me last night, be sure to check it out on my profile, it's called Gloomy Sunday.
Rick was going to a meeting across town, but with Kate being 38 weeks pregnant, he didn't want to leave her alone, so Alexis offered to stay with her while he was away. He was only expected to be gone for a few hours, so the girls decided to sit back and watch a movie. Kate knew if she told Rick that she had been having small contractions every 30 minutes or so that he never would have gone to the meeting. She was certain that it wouldn't be a problem having him gone for a bit.
Kate and Alexis plopped down into the couch and started watching the movie Pillow Talk with Doris Day. It was one of Alexis' favorites and Kate had to admit she enjoyed it too. Every once in awhile, Kate would grip the edge of the couch, as she silently fought through a contraction. Not wanting to draw attention to it, Kate didn't tell Alexis about the contractions either.
"Are you okay, Kate?" Alexis asked about half way through the movie, noticing the pained facial expressions Kate would make every 20 minutes or so.
"I'm just having contractions; they aren't far enough apart to be concerned though." Kate said calmly.
"Kate! We should get you to the hospital or at least call Dad!" Alexis exclaimed.
"I'm fine, it'll be better if I'm at home as long as possible until we really need to go to the hospital. I already told you, they are only 20 minutes apart, so it's not time to get worked up."
"Are you sure, Kate? We should call Dad though."
"No, he needs to go to this meeting. He'll be back soon enough." Kate assured her as she went back to watching the movie.
Alexis was hesitant and continued to watch Kate every few minutes. The movie ended and Alexis asked Kate how she was doing.
"I'd say they are about 15 minutes apart now. If my water breaks, then we'll call your father, but until then, let's put in another movie." As if on cue, Kate felt what she thought was urine soaking her panties. "Okay, my water just broke, let's call your dad now." Kate finally gave in.
Alexis jumped from her spot on the couch and grabbed her phone, calling her dad immediately. "Dad! Kate's water broke!"
"What?!" Castle shouted as he started to panic. "I'll be there as soon as I can."
"Meet us at the hospital, Dad. I'll take her myself."
Kate and Alexis were soon in the Mercedes on their way to the hospital. Alexis was trying her best not to get worked up, but she found it hard. She'd never been in charge of a pregnant woman in labor before.
When Kate was settled in a room, she had her vitals taken and the nurse determined how far along she was. "You're at 7 centimeters now." The nurse said.
Alexis stood by Kate's head, holding her hand, hoping her dad would make it in time. Kate gripped her hand tightly as she breathed through a tough contraction.
"I'm sorry, Alexis, if I hurt your hand." Kate said, as the contraction passed. "I should be giving your dad a beating, not you."
"It's okay, I'm happy to be here for you."
"Kate! Alexis!" Castle called as he busted through the door. "I didn't miss anything did I?"
"Rick!" Kate called with a big grin on her face, happy to see her husband. "You made it just in time."
Rick rushed to her side, placing a kiss on her lips. "I'm so sorry, I wasn't here faster, there was an accident on the way here."
"You're here now, that is all that matters." Kate said, grabbing his hand as she felt another contraction coming.
"I should give you guys some privacy." Alexis said, getting up from her chair.
"No, Alexis, you can stay if you want. You helped me so much today and I would love to experience this with you, too." Kate said with a genuine smile.
Alexis was taken aback, but a shy smile graced her lips. "Okay, I'll stay. Thanks, Kate."
"Kate, just one more push!" The doctor commanded.
Kate took in a deep breath and pushed with all her might, feeling the baby leave her body.
"It's a girl!" The doctor exclaimed, placing the slimy little girl on Kate's chest.
"Oh, Rick, she's so beautiful!" Kate cried, tears sliding down her cheeks.
Castle kissed his wife, so happy to have another little girl to spoil. "Kate, I'm so proud of you."
"Thank you so much, Castle, for giving me everything." Kate cried, reaching her hand up to caress his cheek.
"Are we still going to call her Anna Katherine?" Rick asked.
"I think it's perfect." Kate said, cuddling the baby to her chest, her heart full of love.
