I'm starting work on a novel this year, so, I won't have a lot of time for fan fiction. I'll update when I can.

Upload Date: February 1, 2013

Chapter Rating: K+

Chapter Summary: Jenny brings her and Ryan's daughter ro the precinct for a visit. Ryan and Castle get to talking about kids.


#43

Castle smiled as he watched the bright joyous look on Beckett's face as Jenny handed over her daughter.

"She's not bad with kids," Ryan commented.

"No, not bad at all."

"And you're a pretty good Dad."

"Why, thank you, Kevin. I think you're a good Dad, too."

"Well, I'm trying'.

"That's all you can do."

"Have you thought about having more?"

"Never say never..."

"But?"

"Well, I'm in a relationship with someone who probably doesn't want kids."

"She actually told you that?'

"Well, no, but...her job. I mean, it's so risky."

"In case you haven't noticed, I have the same job."

"Yeah, but with Beckett's history... I don't know."

"Well have you discussed it with her?"

"It's come up in conversation once or twice but... not really," he admitted.

"At her age, it would be normal for Beckett to be thinking about it. If you're serious and you love each other - you do love each other, right?'

'Yeah - yes. Definitely. Well, I can't speak for Beckett, but I'm pretty sure -"

"Trust me, Castle, she loves you."

Castle smiled.

"So, that being said, you should discuss it - not that it's any of my business."


Beckett looked up and smiled as Castle placed a coffee on his desk.

"So," said Castle, sitting down, "How cute is that baby?"

Beckett smiled fondly at the mention of the child.

"She's a sweetheart."

"You ever thought about having one of your own?"

Beckett bit her lip, looking down at her paperwork.
"Sure, I've thought about it. Who hasn't at my age? "

Castle nodded.

Beckett looked up at him and sighed.
"Truth is, I always thought I'd settle down, and have a family once my Mom's killer was either dead or behind bars."

"Well, Bracken is - "

""Yes, I know, Castle," she nodded. "You don't have to remind me."

"So..."

"So... yeah. I've been thinking about it - a lot, actually. But... I'm committed to us. I want to make this work."

"How would a baby get in the way of that?"

Beckett's mouth parted in surprise and her eyes widened slightly.
"It wouldn't," she said slowly, "but... I wasn't sure if it was something you wanted to go through again."

"Go through? Raising Alexis was the best time in my life. It wasn't always easy, but I'd jump at the chance to be able to do that again.

"Really?"

"Of course. And if it's what you want, than I would never want to deprive you of that experience. It's awesome. Literally. And to be the one to give it to you - to share it with you - I would be... honoured.

Becket's smile slowly expanded.
"Well, I would be honoured to have you as the father of my child," she said finally, taking hold of his hand.

Castle beamed.
"Besides, it doesn't hurt that I'm wealthy. And I work from home. Plus, we love each other."

Beckett inhaled sharply and nodded slowly.
"Yeah. Yeah, we do. You love me and I love you."

Castle observed her intently.
"You really do, don't you?"

"Duh."

Castle suppressed the urge to dance, and instead just smirked. "Just checking."

"So it's... on the table?"

"Definitely on the table".

Beckett's lip curled.
"Well...good. I'm glad we had this talk."