Four years, four Christmases, four presents that might just alter the course of their entire lives. A story of fluff filled festivities for Castle and Beckett. Christmas 2015: "He listens to the whispered conversation that passes between his wife and their daughter, Kate's words a lullaby of their Christmases past..."

Episode tag for 5x13, taking place after Beckett walks Senator Bracken out and leaves him with the press. One-shot.

"I can be changed by what happens to me, but I refuse to be reduced by it." (Maya Angelou) Episode follow-up to 5x13, 'Recoil.'

Castle smiles, ruffling Ava's hair. She grunts softly but her little hands wrap around his back as if grounding herself to him, staying safe and warm. On the other end of the phone, Kate laughs, but there's something there; longing or regret and his eyes close. "You're not going to be home by midnight, are you?"

Here's to thirteen being their lucky number. "So where are we going?" "Nowhere. Anywhere. Don't really care, now that you're here." A New Year's Eve story that can be read independently or as a companion to "Wishes."

He loves this time of year, the way the whole world seems to soften and slow, wrapped in a haze of twinkling lights and the spirit of the season. *Written for the Christmas fic competition at 12th Precinct. First place winner of public and judges' vote.*

"He holds her. He's absolutely floored and overjoyed she broke her tradition to be with him..."

Just a park, a book, and a ring.

Some of the evening after Kate appeared at Castle's door on Christmas Eve. Post Secret Santa.