DISCLAIMERS: I wish.
SUMMARY: A new addition to the family completes a year that has had its ups and downs.
A/N #1: This is the epilogue that will complete the story. I started this story in November and it's now May. It's never taken me this long to complete a story. Like the story, I've suffered my ups and downs while writing it. While this story is now done, I won't be down for long. My next 'Castle' adventure will be up shortly and it's going to be much fluffier than this one was. My beta Kelly loves the first chapter and is demanding more.
A/N #2: There will be a significant time jump for this epilogue.
A HOLE IN THE HEART
EPILOGUE: A New Branch to the Family Tree
November
Castle and Kate were pacing outside of the room at New York Presbyterian, waiting for Brian to emerge from the room where Alexis was currently giving birth to their first child. Sitting nearby, Martha smiled at how nervous her son was. And how excited. She remembered the excitement of seeing Alexis for the very first time as a new grandmother. Richard was now experiencing that excitement, as was Kate.
It had been a long, hot summer for Alexis. It seemed that the bigger she got, the crankier she got. Kate had commiserated with her as much as possible, remembering those days of late pregnancy all too well. She had been in that same position just over a year ago.
Brian had called them late the afternoon before to let them know that Alexis' contractions had started and they were on their way to the hospital. Alexis had allowed all of them to visit during her labor, but had only wanted Brian in with her for the actual delivery. She had been steadily pushing for over two hours now and there was still no baby.
"How are you doing, grandpa?" Kate took Castle's hand.
"I'm excited and scared and angry, all at the same time."
"Angry? At who? Alexis? Rick, it was her right to just have Brian in there with her."
"No, I understand that," he turned to her. "I'm pissed at her mother, Kate. How can Meredith not want to be here to welcome her first grandchild into the world?"
"Rick, we've had this discussion so many times over the years. We're talking about Meredith. She doesn't have a motherly bone in her body. Please don't be angry with her. It's just who she is. This day is about Alexis, Brian and our grandson," she smiled as he bent down and kiss her.
Suddenly, the door opened and Brian burst out of it, a huge smile almost splitting his face in two. "He's here and he's perfect!" He shouted as he found himself immediately embraced by his parents and in-laws.
"How's Alexis?" Castle asked.
"Alexis is just great. She's tired, but she's just great. They're getting them cleaned up and then I'll let you in."
"So give us details, darling," Martha said. "Weight, height, does he have red hair?"
"Eight pounds, three ounces, 22 inches long. His head is kind of wet right now, so what hair he has is pretty dark."
"What's his name, Brian?" Kate asked.
"I'll let Alexis tell you that. Let me get back in there."
After he re-entered the room, all of the adults hugged, each of them practically jumping up and down with nervous, excited energy. Moments later, the nurse stepped out and motioned for them to come in, putting a finger to her lips to stay quiet.
Alexis was sitting up against the raised back of the bed, her hair tied back in a messy ponytail, but her blue eyes radiant. In her arms, rested a bundle wrapped in a blue and white striped blanket. "Hi, daddy," she smiled. "Or, I should say 'grandpa.' He's finally here. He also has a very long name, but this was something that Brian and I agreed on months ago. I'd like to introduce everybody to Brian Richard Castle Abernathy."
"You gave him my name?" Castle was in tears.
"You were my mom and dad rolled up in one. Of course I was going to name at least one of my kids for you. I wouldn't be where I am now without you. Without you, Grams, and Kate. Would you like to hold your grandson?" She offered the bundle up to him.
Castle took the baby and lowered his arms so that everybody could admire the new addition to the Castle and Abernathy families. "Sorry, mother. No red hair. He's going to have dark hair like his father and grandpa," Castle smiled down at the baby. "Welcome to the world, Brian Richard."
Kate walked over and hugged Alexis, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Welcome to the club, Alexis. Now you get to spend the next 18 years worrying and not sleeping."
"It's all right. Being a mom is totally worth it, isn't it?"
"Totally worth it," Kate echoed the sentiment, watching her husband, mother-in-law and Brian's parents with the new baby. "I couldn't agree with you more."
A/N #3: And there you have it.
A/N #4: As we all know, 'Castle' has come to the end of a terrific eight-year run. I'm sorry that the fans have been at war over this for the last several days now. While I'm sad that the journey will come to a conclusion on May 16, my journey as a writer will continue. I will keep writing for this fandom as long as I have fans who want to read what I write. I have a story in the works right now that I hope to have published very soon.
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