Richard Castle had been in that room for almost 18 hours. He was running low on energy and needed a break. He grabbed his jacket and walked down the hallway. A few more feet and he'd be outside in the fresh air. Pulling his jacket a little tighter against his body he pushed his way out to the street. The sun immediately assaulted his senses making the writer cower back as he shielded his eyes. Looking around he regained his bearings and headed towards the coffee shop on the corner.

Entering the shop he sighed at his misfortune of a busy store. The line was a few people deep already. With any hope he had left, he prayed the wait wouldn't be too long. In the mean time Rick let his thoughts wander, never settling on a single subject. He was next. He took a step forward and opened his mouth to place his order when a cup was placed in front of him.

"Five sixty two," the girl behind the counter smiled. She was young. Probably a junior in college. "It's just the one today right?"

Rick forced a smile as he handed her the money. "Yes, just the one. Thank you." He took the cup and laughed to himself. Had he really become that predictable that even the girl at Starbucks knew his order before he even spoke it?

Returning outside, he remembered to shield his eyes before the sun assaulted him again. He knew he had a few minutes before he had to go back again. Maybe just enough time to walk around the block.

As he walked he took a large sip of his coffee. The caffeine instantly made him feel a little more human. Taking a deep breath, he looked around and just listened to the city that surrounded him. Cars were honking, people chattering, and in the distance he could hear the familiar wail of sirens approaching.

Finishing his coffee, he aimed the empty cup at the garbage can on the corner he was approaching. It didn't surprise him when he missed his target. Bending down to retrieve his cup he was amazed to see a small flower pushing it's way through a crack in the sidewalk. The honking horns seemed to fade away as he studied the simple beauty of the small flower growing where it will be hard to survive. A breeze broke Rick from his trance. Reminded him why he was walking, to get some fresh air and stretch his sore muscles.

Walking down the block he stuffed his hands into his jacket pockets. It wasn't particularly cold but it felt good to put his hands somewhere. As a couple approached him going in the opposite direction, Rick gave them a small smile. They were holding hands and his writer mind began immediately writing their story. Married for about a year. They were happy. She was practically glowing. He cast a quick glance over them once more before they passed him completely. That's when he noticed she was just starting to show. Yes they were very happy.

Rick laughed to himself as he rounded the third corner. He wondered how much his observation skills have improved since he began his shadowing. Shaking his head at the thoughts that were entering his mind now, he looked upward. A gasp escaped his lips as he took in the sunset sky. Streaks of amber mixed with red. It couldn't be that late already, could it? Pulling up his sleeve, Rick was amazed that it was already past five.

He should really hurry back. Rounding the last corner he smiled when he saw the doors he had left earlier. Making his way inside, he followed the same hallway back to room he had been in earlier. He could see the door to the room just a few feet away. Slowing down he enjoyed the remaining moments of silence.

From the corner of his eye he saw something moving to his right. Glancing over he moved closer to the glass and just watched what was happening on the other side. The movement had stopped but Rick just couldn't tear his eyes away.

"Which one is yours?" A voice asked from behind him.

Rick lifted a finger and pointed. "That one in the pink."

The stranger smiled kindly. "She's beautiful."

"Thank you," Rick replied with a smile of his own. "She's a miracle." He pushed off of the bar that ran underneath the glass window and returning to the room his wife was in. She lay in the bed sleeping but he didn't wake her. A few minutes later a nurse walked into the room to check the charts.

"Could we bring the baby in here?" Rick whispered.

"Sure," the nurse left and came back a minute later wheeling the baby in. "She's asleep though."

"I know. I just want both of my girls here with me," Rick smiled as he pulled the baby closer.

"Ok," the nurse smiled. "Just page us if you need anything."

"I will." Rick looked from his sleeping wife to his sleeping daughter. Nothing could make this moment more complete.

"Hey Dad."

"Alexis? What are you doing here?" Rick beamed pulling his oldest daughter into a hug. "I thought you couldn't get home until tomorrow."

"Well I know a guy," Alexis teased. "I took a different flight with a ton of stops so I could get here. I wanted to see my new little sister."

Rick peered into the basket and saw a pair of green eyes staring back at him. "Looks like you are in luck, she's awake."

Gently he lifted the baby out and placed her into Alexis's arms. "Did you guys ever decide on a name?"

"Not yet, I'm waiting for Kate to wake up before we begin making any decisions."

"I'm up," came a groggy voice from behind them. "And don't listen to your Dad. We have a name picked out. He just hasn't accepted it yet."

Rick turned, pride beaming out of him. All of his girls were in one room together. Now he knew this moment was complete.