This was originally a season 8 prompt, but I never watched season 8 so I couldn't write it the way it was intended. After talking it over with the prompter, we agreed to make it an end of season 7 fic instead. Picks up at the awards ceremony in Hollander's Woods.
#21: Prompt at the end to avoid spoilers.
His wife is positively glowing.
She's smiling up at him from her spot at the table and the happiness in her eyes is making it difficult for him to focus on his speech.
He'd like to take credit for it; after all, married life is suiting them very well. But he knows he can't claim full responsibility. There's something more tonight. Her eyes are shimmering as brightly as the diamonds on her finger and her smile is radiant, but behind it all he can detect hints of something else, too.
Nerves, maybe? Hesitance?
She's such a contradiction. It's one of the things he loves about her. But he can unravel the mystery later. Right now, he needs to finish his speech.
Castle picks up his award and meets his wife's eyes as he recites the last of his prepared remarks. "This is because of you. Because of us. Always."
"Hi," he murmurs, stepping up behind her as she removes her earrings and places them on top of the bureau. She's already slipped out of her shoes, and his bow tie and jacket sit discarded in his office. He wraps his arms around her stomach, nuzzles into the side of her neck.
Kate catches his eyes in the mirror, smiles broadly. "Hey."
"What's got you so happy tonight?"
"Do I need a reason?" she asks softly, covering his hands with her own.
She does have a reason, though. She's just been holding out for the right moment. And here, now, with his hands on her stomach and his chin on her shoulder – this is what she's been waiting for.
"I took a test recently," she begins.
Castle furrows his brow.
"Not the captain's exam," she explains hastily. "Another test."
"What, uh… what for?" he stammers. "Did you… pass?"
"It's not really the kind of test you pass."
He's still gazing at her in confusion. "A test you don't pass?"
She nods, eyes holding his in the mirror, waiting for recognition to dawn. But it seems she's thoroughly stumped him tonight.
"There's only one question," she continues, squeezing his hands with her own. "And one answer. It's either 'yes' or 'no.'"
She pauses again, and in the silence she thinks she sees him beginning to assemble the pieces.
"Mine was a yes." Kate allows her eyes to fall to her stomach as she speaks, a brief glance before they return to find his once more.
She can see the moment it dawns on him, the surprise painting his features. He opens his mouth to speak but no words come out; except for the constant flick of his eyes back and forth between her face and her stomach, he's utterly frozen in place.
"Babe, I'm pregnant," she whispers.
"We're having a baby?" his eyes are fixed solely on her stomach now, his hands spreading wide over the fabric of her dress.
"I took the test this afternoon," she confirms.
"We're having a baby," he repeats in awe.
Kate turns then and promptly finds herself engulfed in a bear hug. He's lifting her off the ground and his face is buried in her neck and she thinks he might be crying. She might be too.
"I know we said we weren't quite ready to start trying yet but…"
Her feet hit the ground rather suddenly and she looks up to find the joy on Castle's face replaced with uncertainty.
"Are you… okay with this?" he asks.
"I am," she promises, unable to contain her grin. There were a few minutes of sheer panic when she first saw that little plus sign staring up at her. But after tonight, after watching Castle reach this incredible milestone in his career and with her career prospects opening up ahead of her as well… She's ready. They're ready.
"We're having a baby," Castle murmurs again.
Kate feels him fumbling for the zipper on the back of her dress, feels the cool air of the room hit her skin as the teeth separate and the fabric falls open. He's tugging the sleeves from her arms before she can even begin to help him, and then the dress falls to the ground and Castle is kneeling in front of her and pressing his lips to her bare stomach.
"Hey baby," he murmurs against her skin. The muscles of her stomach flutter beneath his touch. "I can't wait to meet you. You're going to be as remarkable as your mama. I just know it."
Now she's definitely crying.
"Rick," she chokes out, dropping her hands to cradle his head, fingers carding through his hair.
"I love you, baby," he whispers, presses a final kiss to Kate's stomach.
Castle rises then and cups her jaw with both hands. He swipes away a few tears with the pads of his thumbs, leans in and kisses her deeply. "And I love you."
She smiles against his lips, lifts a hand to wipe away another tear. "I love you too."
What if… Kate found out she was pregnant at the end of season 7?
Prompt by Chantal
Thoughts?
