A/N: Hey guys, hope you are all feeling great. Here is another part of my story. I really hope you like it. And happy Easter everyone.

Chapter 26

"Argh.", Kate said, throwing the book she just finished reading at the end of the sofa, where Rick was sitting.

"Ow, that did hurt, Kate. What's the matter with you?", Rick asked, touching the place where the book hit him.

"There is only so much a person can read and I don't want to read anymore. Everything is so boring, I just want a change of scenery.", Kate said frustrated. She was on her third week of bed rest and it was starting to take its toll on her.

"I know that you are frustrated, it's not your thing just sitting around doing nothing. But please remember it's everything for our child.", Rick said, leaning over to kiss first Kate's mouth and then her belly.

"I know, and I won't do anything that is going to hurt the baby. I really want to keep it save. All I want is some change."

"Should I call Alexis? She can come over and keep you company."

"Don't get me wrong, I really love Alexis. But she was over nearly every day so far and it's the first time she got a whole day with Aaron. And Alexis isn't what I need at the moment."

"So, how about inviting Lanie and the boys over? You haven't seen them in quite some time and I think it would be good for you."

"Actually that's a very good idea. I really need a normal night with my friends and some greasy fast food. I really love your cooking, but I could kill for a good burger.", Kate said laughing.

"So, how about a poker night? You start calling your friends and I'm going to get the food when everything is set.", Rick said, giving Kate her cell.

"Hey Lanie, you got a minute?", she asked, when Lanie answered the call.

"Hey stranger, I always got a minute for you. Actually it's the first quite minute I have since two weeks. How are you feeling, Sweetie. Everything okay with you and the baby?", Lanie asked.

"Everything is fine but I'm really bored. In the last three weeks I read more books than in the last three years. And I really miss my friends. Are you and Javi free tonight? Rick is planning a poker night so we can see our friends again and I really need something else to do. Oh, and there will be burgers and fries."

"Javi just got off shift, just like I. We don't have any plans for tonight, so we are happy to come over. There is so much to talk about."

"That you can say. So, see you later Lanie.", Kate said and closed the phone. Then she called Ryan.

"Beckett, what can I do for you?", Ryan asked answering the phone.

"I just wanted to invite you over for a game of poker tonight. Lanie and Javi already agreed and you can bring Jenny if you want."

"That sounds like a great idea. Jenny wanted to go to the cinema, but I think we can postpone this. Should we bring anything?"

"You can bring good mood and lots of topic to talk about. Rick is going to get some burgers. See you later, Ryan.", Kate said and closed the phone.

"They will come over, so you can go for the burgers.", Kate said grinning.

"Your wish is my command. Do you want anything special?"

"No, just the usual and some extra fries and a blueberry muffin, a bear claw and some ice-cream would be nice."

"So, nothing special at all. See, your cravings are starting."

"Those are not cravings, just a short return to my usual food. A nice burger and some sweets won't hurt anyone. And I promise to eat only healthy food for the next weeks."

"There is nothing wrong with a burger from time to time and I'm really proud of you because you stopped drinking coffee and skipped your usual unhealthy food in favor of our child. I really love you for everything you do for me."

"But I really don't do anything. I just lay around doing nothing the whole day. It's you, who does the most. You are cooking for me and cleaning the whole loft and you try to cheer me up when I feel down. I don't know what I would do without you.", Kate said.

"Well, without me, you wouldn't be in this situation. And what I do is the least I can do for you. I really want to help as much as I can. I can't thank you enough for what you are doing for me."

"Well, you are not the only one who wants to have this baby. And you don't need to thank me. Actually I need to thank you for staying with me even with all my baggage I carry around with me. I know, that I'm not an easy person to be with and having this baby is more than I could ever imagine."

"And I know that I'm not an easy person to be with. After all I do have a history as playboy and with my two failed marriages and a daughter to top everything, it's just a wonder you are staying with me."

"Like everyone else said, we are just meant to be and your daughter is no baggage and you know this. And now out with you to get me food."

"Yes boss. And you try to relax a bit more, so you are fit for your friends. I'm sure today is going to be a late night."

"Relaxing? You've got to be kidding. I'm relaxing since three weeks. I'm going to throw together a salad and perhaps I'm going to make some cookies, and don't worry I'm going to sit down while in the kitchen."

"I wasn't going to say anything, since I really trust you and I know that you would do everything to keep our baby safe."

"That's something you can be sure about and now let me cook something.", Kate said, standing up from the sofa and going over to the kitchen. Rick went on his way to get the food for their friends.

Half an hour later the door bell was ringing. Kate just put the cookies into the oven and went over to answer the door.

"Hey Lanie, Javier. Come on in."

"What are you doing? Aren't you supposed to be on bed rest?", Lanie asked.

"Yes, I'm on bed rest and all I did for the last three weeks was resting. And I'm going to sit down in just a few minutes. But first I want to hug my friends. I really missed you.", Kate said, hugging Lanie and Javier.

"We missed you, too. It's so good to see you and you just look great.", Javi said.

"And I'm feeling great. Bored out of my mind, but otherwise I'm really fine. But I'm really happy when I'm finished with bed rest and I can return to the precinct."

"Yeah, it's just not the same without you. It's no fun working for Karpowski.", Javi said.

"I'm sure you are managing. Speaking of work, got any good cases?", Kate asked.

"Actually no, just the normal murder. Looks like the strange ones know that you are not working at the moment."

"Very funny. It's not like I'm waiting for the strange ones. They are just the most fun solving.", Kate said, while getting the cookies out of the oven.

"How about you two put the poker table up. You will find everything in the storage room down the hall, last door on the left.", Kate said, sitting down on the sofa again. Just when the two of them got back to the living room, the front door opened and Rick entered.

"Look, who I found outside.", he said and showed Kevin and Jenny inside.

"Hey you two. Nice to meet you again, Jenny. Kevin, good to see you.", Kate said, hugging both of them.

"Hey, Beckett, you look great. You seem to enjoy your time at home.", Ryan said.

"Well, there is not much you can do while on bed rest and I'm really happy that you are all here. I just needed something else to do than reading. So, how about some dinner? I can smell those delicious burgers and I'm starving."

"We can't let this happen. Mommy-to-be needs to be feed.", Lanie said, taking Kate's arm pulling her to the table.

They all sat down on the table and Rick served the food.

"Oh, that's so great.", Kate moaned when she took the first bit.

"That's no noble cuisine, so why are you this happy about the food?", Javi asked.

"I want to see you after three weeks of healthy food. I'm not complaining, since I know what I do this for and I can't imagine something better than having this baby, but a burger once in a while is like heaven on earth."

"Okay, I see your problem and Lanie don't even get any funny ideas.",

"I wouldn't even dream about cooking anything healthy for you, Javi. But how are you feeling otherwise."

"I'm perfectly fine. I feel nauseous sometimes, but not this much and I don't have any mood changes or any other problems. But what about you? How is work?", Kate asked.

"It's not the same without you. At the moment we work for Karpowski, but the Captain promised that one of us is going to replace you for the time being."

"That's a good decision. Even I'm going to be back in a few weeks, I'm just allowed to work on the desk and you are both great cops. Hey Ryan, did you already set a date for the wedding?"

"Yeah, we finally got a date. The wedding is going to be on the last Saturday of September. Why do you ask? Need any ideas for a wedding?", Ryan asked grinning.

"Oh no, we don't need any ideas, since we are not even engaged and I'm sure Alexis and Martha will have the most fun planning our wedding in the future."

"Speaking about Martha and Alexis, how are they?", Lanie asked.

"Martha is still in L.A. with her play and she is rather successful. She is having fun and not much time. We didn't have a chance to talk to her much in the last few weeks."

"So, she doesn't know about you?", Javi asked.

"Martha knows that we are a couple and that I moved in, since that was the condition that I move in in the first place. But she doesn't know about the mini Castle on the way and she doesn't know about some other things going on in this family."

"What other things?", Lanie asked.

"Alexis and Aaron being one of them and don't even ask, we are not going to tell you anything else.", Kate said smiling.

They spent a relaxing night with much fun and laughter together. Kate was happy to reconnect with her friends and it was just the thing she needed. More than happy she went to bed.

"Thanks for inviting them over. I didn't even think about seeing them."

"Well, I know that you missed your friends and I must admit that I missed them too. It was nice seeing them and they are truly happy for the both of us. And look at the bright side, only three more weeks and you can return to the precinct."

"Yeah, it's going to be nice to have something else to do then sitting around. I really would love to do something, but I know that I can't or I would endanger our baby and this is something I try not to do."

"And I really love you for what you are doing for this baby. Not even born and the baby is well loved by its parents and its extended family."

"I really love this little one and I love its father.", Kate said, kissing Castle good night.

On the next morning Kate went back to the living room and rested on the sofa, while Castle prepared the breakfast. Just when he was about to carry the tray over, the house line was ringing.

"I got it.", Kate said, answering the phone. "Castle's castle.", she said and was greeted by a female voice.

"Who are you?", the woman asked.

"Oh sorry. Kate Beckett speaking. What can I do for you and I never got your name."

"Oh, Detective Beckett. Your apartment is still not better?"

"My apartment? What do you mean and who are you?", Kate asked, getting annoyed.

"Well, Richard told me, that your apartment caught fire and he was nice enough to let you stay with him. Can I talk to him, please?"

"That was nearly two years ago and my apartment is perfectly fine. And you still didn't give me your name."

"Oh, my pity. This is Meredith calling for Richard. So, can you please put him on the line."

"Rick, it's for you. One of your ex-wives.", Kate said grinning, knowing that he wouldn't like to take the call.

"Why is Gina calling the house line? Did you hear my cell ringing?", Rick asked taking the phone.

"It's not Gina.", Kate said.

"Hello Meredith, what do I own the displeasure of your call?"

"What is Detective Beckett doing at the loft?", Meredith asked.

"That's none of your business, Meredith. So, why are you calling and keep it short, I got plans for today."

"Actually I was going to call Alexis and wish her good luck for her last day of school as a junior."

"Oh Meredith, you got to be kidding me. Alexis is out of school for the last several weeks. She graduated as one of the best students of the year. And you didn't even call to wish her good luck for the finals."

"How should I know any of this? Can I please talk to her? Perhaps she can visit me, now that she is out of school. I'm sure we can find something for her to do here. There are great acting schools in L.A. she can attend."

"You really don't know your daughter, do you? Alexis isn't in acting so she is not going to attend any acting school and I don't think she will visit you anytime soon and I can't put her on the phone since she isn't here at the loft."

"And where is my daughter supposed to be if she is not at school. It's just past eight in the morning, so where is she.", Meredith asked.

"Please, don't act like you are interested in Alexis. I know that you are not otherwise you would have known that your daughter graduated and is staying with her boyfriend most of the time. I will tell her to call you, when I see her next time. But don't be surprised if the call never comes. You may be her birth mother, but you never showed any interest in her. She got it way better with her future step-mother, who was there for her graduation, even she was death on her feet."

"You are going to marry again? Someone I know and why didn't I know about Alexis having a boyfriend? She is my daughter, too and I think I should know something like this."

"Oh please, Meredith. He's not the first boyfriend Alexis got, but this one is going to last and that's I'm going to tell you. And, yes, I'm going to marry again and you met her once. Actually you spoke to her today. And now I really need to go. I got plans and they are not involving you. See you not too soon.", Rick said and ended the call.

"I don't know what got into me, when I agreed to marry this woman. She is so annoying. Can you believe it, she called to wish Alexis good luck for her last day of junior year."

"At least she remembered that Alexis went to school or that Alexis exist for the matter."

"Yeah, that's more than I can hope for. I'm really sorry, but I need to run some errands. Can I leave you alone for a while?", Rick asked.

"I think I can manage being alone for a few hours. I think I will try to sleep for a bit."

"Trying to sleep? Are you not feeling okay, Katie?", Rick asked worried.

"I'm feeling perfectly fine, just tired. It was a late night yesterday. You don't need to worry about me."

"It's my job to worry about you and our baby. Is there anything I can get you while I'm out?", Rick asked putting his jacket on.

"No, I'm fine. But I could kill for a muffin and some milk-shake.", Kate said grinning.

"Okay, so I'll get you this. I got my cell on my, so feel free to call me if you need anything else.", Rick went over to the sofa and kissed Kate good-bye.

When Rick was on the street, he got his cell out and made a call.

"Hey Dad, what can I do for you?", Alexis asked.

"Hey Sweetie. How are you?"

"Thanks, I'm fine but that's not the reason you are calling, since you just saw me yesterday."

"Yeah, that wasn't the reason why I called. Actually I need to ask you a favor."

"What do you need?"

"Well, I need the number of your doc, you know the one you went with Kate. She is a friend of Kate."

"Oh, you mean Lauren? Is there something wrong with Kate or why do you need her number?", Alexis asked worried.

"No, Kate is just fine. But she is bored out of her mind and I thought about taking her to the Hamptons. She can be on bed rest on the beach and her father could come over to keep her company. But I want to make sure that's okay to take her up there and perhaps have some short walks."

"That's a really good idea. Perhaps we can come up on the weekend, too and can have a barbecue with Aaron's family. I'm sure, Kate would like this."

"That's a great idea. I'll call you when we are up in the Hamptons."

"Okay, and I will talk to Aaron. I'll send you Lauren's number in a few minutes.", Alexis said and ended the call. A few minutes later Rick's cell announced a new message. He opened the text and called the number Alexis send.

"This is Dr. Granger. How can I help you?", a woman asked.

"Excuse me, is there any possibility to speak to Lauren? I'm a friend of Kate Beckett."

"I'm Lauren. What's wrong with Kate?"

"Oh, there is nothing wrong with her. I just have some question considering her health. By the way my name is Richard Castle."

"You are the boyfriend and Alexis' father. So, what do you want to know?"

"Well, you know Kate. She was on bed rest for the last three weeks and so far she stayed in bed or on the sofa, but she is bored out of her mind. I want to take her up to my house in the Hamptons, where her father is just a few minutes away. But I don't know if it's safe to take her up there. She really does everything to keep the baby safe."

"I don't think this should be a problem, as long she stays off her feet. But I'm impressed that she kept quite this long. I thought Kate would call me after one week of bed rest and argue her way out of it."

"Oh, you really know Kate. But she is really eager to keep the baby. We didn't have the best start and losing the first baby was quite a shock."

"Yeah, she told me that she really wanted to have this baby and she was really surprised when I told her she was already pregnant when she saw me last. I never thought Kate would want to have any children, but I'm happy for her. So, how about you bring her over tomorrow at noon, so I can have another look at her. Then I can tell you, if it's save to take her up and perhaps I'll allow her to walk around for a short time each day."

"That would be great. See you tomorrow. Is there anything I can get you, Lauren?"

"Since I will see you in my lunch break, how about some sandwiches or something like this. But this is really not necessary."

"That's the least I can do. Until tomorrow, doc.", Rick said and ended the call. Then he went on his way to get Kate's muffin.

"Hello honey, I'm back.", Rick said, when he entered the loft with Kate's food. But he didn't get an answer, because Kate was out like a light on the sofa. Smiling Rick went over to the sofa and gave her a gentle kiss.

"Good morning, sleepyhead. Feeling better?", Rick asked when Kate opened her eyes.

"Hey, you are already back? Your errands didn't take long and yes, I'm feeling better. A little bit more sleep was all I needed. Oh, I smell my muffin.", Kate said, sitting up.

Rick gave her the bag with the muffins and her milkshake. "Thanks Rick, you are a real sweetheart. I really love you for doing this."

"Then you are going to love me even more when I tell you about my surprise for you.", Rick said smiling.

"Surprise? What did you plan now?", Kate asked curious, taking a sip of her shake.

"Well, at the moment there are just plans and you are the one going to make it happen. I know that you are bored out of your mind and that you really want to leave the loft. So we are going for a short walk tomorrow, to see Lauren. And if she is going to give you a green light, I will take you up to the Hamptons. You can be on bed rest on the beach and your father can come to visit us. And Aaron and Alexis want to come up there too, so we can have a family dinner with his family."

"That's a lovely idea, Rick but I don't know.", Kate said, tears starting to build in her eyes.

"Hey, what's the matter Kate? I thought you want a change of scenery and you really liked it up there. And your father and your friends will be there."

"I know and I really like the idea. But remember what happened the first time we were up there. I don't want to repeat any of this."

"Honey, nothing of this was your fault. Yeah, we lost the baby there, but this doesn't mean that you are going to lose this one, too. So far you did everything possible to keep this one save and that's the reason we are going to see Lauren first. If she tells us, it's not save to go up there I will bring you back to the loft and make personally sure that you stay of your lovely feet. I would even carry you around for the time being. I love you Kate and a really want to have this little one and I'll do everything I can to keep the both of you save. So, how about we first see what Lauren is going to tell us and we decide later if we are really going up to the Hamptons."

"Thank you Rick. I really like the idea of seeing Dad and the Coopers, but I don't want to endanger our child. I don't think I could get over losing this one."

"That's not going to happen. We are going to have many little Beckett's and Castle babies running around.", Rick said smiling.

"Beckett babies? You don't want to marry me any longer?", Kate asked hurt.

"Of course do I want to marry you. If possible I would take you to Las Vegas and get married today. But I assumed that you want to keep your name."

"When we are going to marry I'm going to be Mrs. Katherine Castle, but I think I'm going to keep my name at the Precinct. I worked hard and long enough to get a name in the force."

"I totally understand this and I'm not hurt that you keep your name at work and I'm really happy that you are going to be Mrs. Castle. Does that mean we are engaged?"

"No, we are not engaged since you never asked. But I think I wouldn't say no, if you are going to asked me in the future."

"Well, that's something a guy can live with."

A/N: How did you like this part? Please leave a review. Thanks.