Merry Christmas!

Christmas 2036

Katarina "Katy" Lanie Castle was just about the happiest baby Kate had ever laid eyes on. Her first grandchild was a real gift and had the remarkable Castle charm smile that all her kids seemed to have. She also had Nia's dark skin and curly brown hair, but her eyes were a light blue-grey color like her Daddy's. And she had Rick's dimples. The only way you could tell that the baby was related to Esposito was by the frustrated look she got sometimes, which perfectly mirrored Javi's.

And, even at four-months-old, she was a joy to have around at any time of the day, even when she was upset. Her pout reminded Rick of Kate's and Lanie's pouts when they were trying to coerce their husbands into something (and usually succeeded, at that) and he and Espo just melted whenever she pouted at them, practically squealing like little girls while their wives rolled their eyes.

And Nia still had her motherly glow about her, especially when she held her baby girl in her arms. She went nuts with the baby's first Christmas presents, buying her everything from a new pair of booties to the girl's first Barbie doll, not even caring that most of the toys she'd received were much too advanced for an infant. RJ didn't really care; he just let her buy whatever she wanted and he even helped her.

Collectively, the spent over $500 on their baby's first Christmas and they didn't give a damn what anybody thought.

Meanwhile, Javi and Lanie spoiled that baby rotten, buying nearly every stuffed animal in the toy store to give to her. Kate was a little more mellow in her approach when picking a present for the baby.

She'd gone to every single toy store in New York City to find the perfect stuffed animal that she knew Katy would have and love forever. Finally she found it.

It was just a simple stuffed orange and white cat, but it was so soft and friendly-looking that Kate couldn't imagine not buying it for her. She immediately snatched it up and raced to the front, having the pimply teen at the register ring it up and giftwrap it for her. He tied a little silver bow around its neck and wrapped it in red and green tissue paper, before placing it in a shiny gold bag. Kate paid only $20 for the whole thing, but she was certain it would last a lifetime.

Come Christmas Katy had a mountain of gifts to open (which, of course, her parents opened for her) and she nearly asphyxiated with every new toy or outfit she received. Then came Kate's gift. When she saw the little orange cat with the silver bow, Kate thought she might have broken. Her eyes widened and her jaw dropped and she reached for the kitten with both outstretched arms, grabbing it and curling it towards her body. The entire room cooed and Castle squealed, coughing deeply afterwards, claiming he saw a mouse.

RJ and Nia thanked Kate for the gift, like they did everyone else, and Nia smiled as the little girl drifted off to sleep, the cat, which they dubbed Kitty Castle, stuck in the crook of her arm.

Epilogue:

Richard Castle (No, he is not dead for all those who have been wondering): Rick continued to write until the ripe old age of seventy-two, when he officially retired and moved with Kate into the Hamptons house. They continue to enjoy their large house, family, and each other ( ;-D).

Katherine Beckett Castle: Kate retired from the force at age 60, moving with Castle to the Hamptons house, where they currently reside. They host the occasional family reunion and have friends over constantly. Together the Castles have seventeen grandchildren by the time they enter their eighties.

Javier and Lanie Parish Esposito: After they both retire in their sixties, Lanie and Javi buy a home in Lower Westchester, in Scarsdale, and visit with Kate and Rick, and Jenny and Ryan anytime they possibly can. Together, they have thirteen grandchildren.

Kevin and Jenny O'Malley Ryan: After Ryan's retirement, he and Jenny buy a house on the same street as the Espositos. They have ten grandchildren.

Max and Alexis Castle Foster: Now live in Harrison, New York. Their three children (son, Ricky, born in 2037) are mostly grown, giving them their first grandchild when they reach their fifties.

RJ and Nia Esposito Castle: Currently living in New York City with three children. Their eldest, Katy, is now sixteen. The two youngest, Jamie (boy) and Rochelle (girl), are ages twelve and nine. Nia is a comedienne on SNL and RJ is writing, like his father.

Neo Castle: Married to Olivia Ryan. They have six children, ranging from ages 2-15; Marie, 15; Cindy, 12; Karen, 11; Michael, 9; Jennifer, 6; and Ruth, 2. Live in Eastchester, NY.

Kaylee and Eva Castle: Married right out of college. Kaylee is a librarian at the New York Public Library and Eva is a doctor in the Bronx. The girls live in Manhattan and have two beautiful children; Mia, 8; and Lee, 4.

Holly Castle: English teacher in Newark, NJ. Single mother of twin boys, Eric and Samuel, 7. Calls her mother and father every single day just to talk.

Billie Jean Castle: Became a singer, of course, at the age of nineteen, though she stayed in school to finish up her education. Performs on Broadway in as many plays as she can get a part in and has three hit records. Lives with boyfriend, Chris Esposito, and they have a child together; a baby boy name Matthew.

Caleb Ryan: Works in Narcotics at the 12th Precinct. Has a live-in boyfriend, Paul, and a shared adopted daughter named Janie, 3.

Sarah Ryan: Works with CPS and Fosters her own kids. She has adopted two of her Foster children so far, Lily and Amanda, both age 10, and is attempting to adopt a baby boy, name Craig. Married to a man named Frank, who is a lawyer.

Carlos Ryan: Surgeon in New York City. Married to Lily Foster. They have three children; Kara, 4; Peter, 2; and CJ, six months. Live in Bronxville, NY.

Charlie and Grace Foster Esposito: Live together as a couple. Both are rookies at the 12th. No children yet but are planning to get married soon.

I hope y'all enjoyed this! Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year! REVIEWS!