Disclaimer: I do not own the characters featured on the show Castle, they belong to the creator of the show, ABC and the others who do own them.

A/N #1: I was really pleased to get the feedback I did for the last chapter so I'll go ahead and get started on my thank yous for that! TORONTOSUN (It was great to see you thought the chapter was very good writing!) and

Mb (I was very pleased reading you thought the first half of the chapter was a sweet update! And I wasn't surprised you thought it was so good to see them all together celebrating the gender reveal and showing the new pool room with everything it has. I was really glad that you thought it was great seeing how excited Peter and Clive were about their new sister, along with them happy to be a family, since I did want to convey all that! I had to laugh at you being jealous that you were jealous about them having mini concerts from Skye and Mary but I do understand how you feel! You're right, there is someone in every family that can usually guess what gender a pregnancy will be at a certain point, there's two in my family actually which is why I put it as being Martha, lol, it just seemed like it would be her. Great to read you thought the first half was nicely done! And you're welcome for sharing! I was pleased to see you thought the second half of the chapter was really nice and interesting. You're right about gender reveals either being really good to disastrous but I wanted it to go well in this case with Isaac and Genevieve's previous marriages. I'm glad you didn't mind the discussion the three had in Julia's room, I figured it would be something that would happen at that age. And I'm glad you think already that the trip and ball are going to be exciting, hopefully they will! You're welcome for sharing the second half of the chapter!).

Thanks for the reviews, I loved reading them as always and appreciate the time taken to write them out and send them my way!

A/N #2: The title of this chapter is a lyric from the song Party written by Jessie Mae Robinson, the version I've taken from is sung by Paul McCartney, from his album Run Devil Run.

Satisfy My Soul

"Rick."

"Yes love?" Castle asked her.

Smiling at how quick he'd been to snap to attention, Beckett told him, "I know what you're thinking." When he opened his mouth to speak she then told him, "And no, I'm not wearing my hair down."

"I wish you would," Castle said with a sigh.

"We're still trying for next week," Beckett said in amusement. "Though again, you're the one who asked for us to not even pleasure each other another way."

"And I'm regretting that," Castle replied. "But I'll stick to it." He leaned over and kissed her shoulder that was exposed by the straps of her dress. "You look stunning love."

"Thank you," Beckett said, smiling at his reflection where she'd put on her makeup at the vanity. She turned around to him and stood saying, "Hurry."

"You…" Castle started to say before he saw she was motioning to her sapphire set. He reached for the necklace and put it around her neck once she'd turned back to the mirror. "Kate," he said hesitantly.

"Do you want me to take this with us?" Beckett asked. When her husband nodded she said as she faced him again, "I was going to wear my blue lace dress."

"If you don't mind taking this one, I'd love for you to wear it," Castle said. "Wait… I did want to go out to dinner each night to nicer restaurants," he then said hurriedly.

"I'm not surprised," Beckett said with a smile as she was putting on her earrings.

"Do you need to replan your outfits?" Castle asked.

"No," Beckett told him firmly as she reached for him and wrapped her arms around his neck. She wasn't surprised when he was leaning down to her immediately and their lips met. Though she knew their friends were waiting for them, she took the time to kiss him before they were slowly parting a while later. "We… Rick wait," she said with a slight gasp when her husband was kissing her neck. She smiled when he pulled away and gently brushed her lips to his before he murmured against hers.

"I love you," Castle said intently.

"I love you too Rick," Beckett replied. She moved her arms then and gently fixed his bow tie and said, "And you look amazing yourself."

Taking her hands gently, Castle kissed at her fingertips before he said, "I hate asking this, but do I have to let you go?"

"Yes," Beckett replied, a smile on her face. "But believe me," she told her husband firmly as he let her go. "I don't like having to tell you."

"Only nine more days," Castle said as he watched her putting on lipstick.

"I'm saying that to myself," Beckett said, smiling at him before he took her hand and kissed the back of it lovingly.

Though she was tempted to run her fingers through her husband's hair, Beckett gently ran her other hand over it before he straightened up. "Come on, we'll have some dancing at least."

"Good thing," Castle commented as he was following her out into the bedroom and through to the living room.

"They're ready," Skye said. She smiled when Castle shot her a look and then said, "You both look great."

"So do you two," Beckett replied, the investigator in a tux though she wasn't wearing a cummerbund and her bow tie was loose and a green that matched her eye. She then looked at Mary and asked, "Stella?"

"It is, amazingly I love this though I'm not a fan of halter tops," the doctor said, her dress black with contrast inserts at the skirt that were a cerulean blue. "Interesting color choice," she said.

"I'm thinking of Mari when I see that," Skye commented, glancing at the mayor and his wife before the former was laughing and replying.

"I'm not surprised," David told her. "But it's a nice color."

"We better go," Castle said as he was helping his wife into her wrap. "The limo should be-" he started to say before his phone rang. He went to it and answered it, speaking with the lobby before he hung up and said, "It's here." He grabbed his coat as the others were leaving first and once he was ready he held his arm out to his wife before she was taking his hand to his surprise.

"Since I'm not doing this once we leave the limo," Beckett said with a smile at his expression. She turned her attention ahead of them to the others at the elevator and said, "We're all dancing together, right?"

"Are you guys staying only as long as they are?" Brad asked, nodding to Skye and Mary.

"We weren't planning on that," Beckett replied. "What about you guys?"

"I was telling David we should leave by at least ten thirty," Rebecca said.

"Would your kids be asleep?" Skye asked.

"They're all at our house," Beckett told her.

"Forgot," the investigator said quickly. "But you all said you wanted to surprise your kids."

"Breakfast," the others said at the same time, making Skye and Mary start to laugh.

"If we can manage it we'll be in the kitchen making the meal," Brad said.

"I hope so," Rebecca said.

"I'm not cooking," Lily said.

"You guys-" Rebecca started to say. She stopped herself as they were reaching the lobby and heading outside into the limo. "You don't need to always cook," she finally said once they were settled and were driving down the street.

"We might need help though," Beckett reminded her friend.

"Yes," Castle said immediately. "Since there a lot of us there."

"But we can worry about that tomorrow," David said. "I'm surprised you guys are coming to this by the way."

"We were invited by some mayor…" Mary said intentionally vaguely before she was laughing with the others.

"We don't mind the chance for a party," Skye said. "Though it'll be short of course."

"And you'll be back with your girls," Beckett couldn't help commenting before the investigator was smiling slightly at her and replying.

"I've been thinking of that," Skye replied. "But trying not to." She looked outside and said, "At least we're here."

"Are the others from the Twelfth going to be here?" Lily asked Beckett while they waited for the limo to stop at the building to let them out.

"Yeah, Lanie and Dylan too," Beckett said. "Miles is with Tommy and Danny at Ryan and Jenny's."

"Sleepover?" Darnley asked in surprise.

"I think she said they were going to pick him up," Castle said, looking at his wife who nodded. The limo was stopping and someone outside opened the door before they started getting out and he and Beckett were following David and Rebecca. Once they were walking down the red carpet, he wasn't surprised his wife was holding on tightly to his arm. He looked down at her a few times, not surprised there seemed to be more pictures taken from the media then before they were inside.

"I still can't get used to that," Beckett said with a sigh while she was letting him help her with her wrap.

"Luckily someone distracted them for us," Castle commented, taking their things to the coat check.

Beckett had expected Skye to comment about that but when she didn't hear anything she turned to see the investigator was on her phone. "You don't have an investigation do you?" she asked.

"No," Skye said, sounding annoyed. "Our flight got pushed back to eleven forty-five; it's late coming in from Berlin."

"So you're staying longer?" Rebecca asked.

"I think we are, but just until ten," Skye replied. "Good thing we left our luggage at the loft."

"Are you still going to take a cab?" Castle asked, returning with the others, having heard the conversation.

"Why?" Mary asked.

"We'd be happy to take you," Beckett said, smiling at her husband when he looked at her in surprise before she turned to the couple while the doctor spoke to her wife.

"It would be nice to go in a car with friends," Mary said.

"I know," Skye said with a nod. She turned to Castle and Beckett and said, "We'll take you up on your offer. But you know that's going to delay you going back home."

"We don't care," Castle and Beckett said at the same time while they were walking into the ballroom. They shared a look while the others were laughing and the former said, "We don't, we're going home and going to bed once we check on the girls."

"Great then we're happy you'll give us that ride," Skye said.

"There's our table," David said, spotting their names.

"Looks like the others are here with us," Lily said, noticing the other names.

"Are we going to wait for them?" Mary asked.

"To sit? We don't have to," Castle said. He nodded to David and said, "And since the mayor's sitting already…"

With some laughter the others were sitting, switching name tags before they were set. They began talking, Beckett speaking with Darnley on her left before he touched her arm gently after looking towards the door.

"They're here," the carpenter told her when she looked at him in confusion.

"Rick," Beckett said, getting his attention as her husband was talking to Brad.

Turning to her, Castle glanced at the doorway and smiled seeing their friends from the precinct were there. "We'll be back," he told their Hamptons friends while he helped her with her chair. Once she was ready, he reached out to her and took her hand before they made their way to the five as they were walking faster up to the two of them, Lanie reaching Beckett first before they hugged tightly. He shook Dylan's hand since the two next to them were talking when they let go of each other.

"You look incredible," Lanie was saying first.

"So do you," Beckett replied.

"But girl, why is your hair up?" Lanie asked.

Beckett couldn't help glancing at her husband and when her friend was about to speak she stopped her by saying, "That was my choice; he wanted my hair down too."

"Then how's Josie?" Lanie said.

"Thriving, Miles?" Beckett replied.

"The same," Lanie said. "Dylan has his phone with him, and we can show you pictures."

"I'm sure Rick will too," Beckett said with a smile before she turned her attention to Jenny since she was walking up to her. She shared a hug with the woman, asking about her sons before she was responding to the woman's questioning about hers and Castle's daughters. She finally made it to Esposito last and hugged him tightly saying, "Let's get this over with now so we can enjoy the rest of the night; anything?"

"Yes, a follower that killed two college aged men," the detective said in a low tone of voice as Castle had walked over to his wife. "She confessed to the crime but didn't discuss the strangulation technique she used; same as 3XK. She just told me to tell you two they're still here."

"He almost got suspended by our captain," Ryan said, having slowed down to walk with them. "The killer taunted him while LT was leading him to holding and he ran after her. If Arkwright hadn't yelled at him…"

"You're lucky," Castle told the detective, not surprised when Esposito nodded. "Did you try to talk to her after that?"

"She called a lawyer and that's all we've gotten," Ryan said.

"It was Thursday," Esposito said. "So if she says anything I'll e-mail you."

Nodding Beckett turned her attention to their table while their precinct friends were greeting their Hamptons ones. She turned to her husband when he placed his hand on her back and was about to tell him she was okay when he was speaking rapidly first.

"I really want to go back home now," Castle said.

"I know," Beckett said. "But they'll be fine, Alexis and Louis are there too. And we'll go back soon." After her husband nodded in agreement with her, they turned their attention to the table, sitting down with everyone as the ball was beginning.

Listening to the speech by the mayor, Castle couldn't help tunning her out after a while since she was talking about her re-election the November before. He wasn't surprised when his wife reached over to him, taking his hand until they were applauding since the mayor had finished. "Is Gates here?" he asked across the table.

"Sure, Mayor's table," Esposito replied.

"Why am I not surprised," Castle muttered under his breath while their plates of food were being brought out.

"Are you guys staying for the auction this time?" Lanie said with a smile as they began to eat.

"We need to give Skye and Mary a ride to the airport," Beckett replied.

"The rest of us are heading back to the Hamptons," David said. "We want to go back to the kids."

Watching his friend, Castle was surprised when Rebecca squeezed at his arm and reminded himself to ask what the two were thinking of. Turning his attention back to the meal, he was satisfied when the meal was over, and he could hear the band starting to play. "Dance with me?" he asked his wife.

"Of course," Beckett said with a smile, standing up with him. She let him take her hand before they walked together to the dance floor. She didn't bother to attempt a more traditional hold, wrapping her arms around his neck and unaware Lanie was commenting on that back at the table while their other friends were preparing to join them.

"I was going to ask how she and Castle were doing," Lanie said.

"They're good," Skye said with a smile, reaching for her wife. "They've plans to go to Las Vegas next week."

"Oh good," Lanie said, looking at Darnley.

"When I first moved in, I was keeping an eye on them relationship wise," the carpenter said since they'd talked together about their concerns for their friend. "And I stopped when we were in Spain; they're fine. Also, their girls keep an eye on them."

"He's right, they do," Mary said with a smile. "So enjoy your first dance."

"We will," Lanie said before she went with her husband past the couple.

Glancing to the side of them as they danced, Beckett smiled and pressed her cheek to her husband's and told him, "They're all dancing."

"Even Javier?" Castle asked in surprise.

"He found someone," Beckett said.

"His type?" Castle replied immediately.

"We'll see," Beckett said before she closed her eyes and let her husband lead them while she was enjoying being in his arms. When the song stopped, she clapped with the others before she was hurriedly taking Castle's hand and pulling him to Darnley and Nkosi who'd been dancing.

"Let me guess," Darnley said, smiling at his friend. "Us next?"

"Yes," Beckett replied before she turned to her husband.

"We did last year," Nkosi said with a smile when Castle looked at him. "But I leave that to you."

Shrugging Castle said, "If they're not shocked by you and Patrick dancing then why not?" He watched his wife and her friend go to the dance floor and said with a smile, "I'm glad you guys are here," though they weren't moving to start dancing.

"We're just standing, aren't we?" Nkosi asked.

"I think so," Castle replied with a nod. He then said, "But why that expression?"

"Because Patrick and I were talking, we're not sure about coming back," Nkosi said.

"You know what's funny? Kate and I were doing the same," Castle said. "It can be fun, but we were talking about just having all our friends back at the Hamptons go to a restaurant with us one night. Likely the Narrows since we could rent a private room and dance there."

"Sounds like it'd be fun," Darnley was saying on the dance floor since Beckett had just explained to him what she and Castle had discussed for the next year.

"But we'd have to talk about it with the others," Beckett said, glancing at her husband and his, still standing together. She couldn't help smiling to herself at them not dancing in the end before Darnley was getting her attention and asking about their LA friends.

"Would you invite Skye and Mary?" Darnley said.

"I would, but I don't think they'd want to leave their girls for that," Beckett replied. "Though we'd still have the dinner."

"Of course," Darnley said, smiling at her. He hugged her briefly as the song ended and when she pulled away to look at him questioningly, he explained, "Just happy thinking that tomorrow I'll be right next door to you."

Hugging him herself, Beckett said, "I'm glad too, but right now I want to dance with my husband." She wasn't surprised when Darnley led her over to their husbands and she took Castle's hand before they went back out to dance.

"What did you two talk about?" he asked.

Smiling, aware he wanted to know what the hug had been about, Beckett told him about their conversation and why he'd hugged her at the end. "But don't worry, it was totally platonic," she said at the end. She was smiling again at the look he gave her and then said, "But I pulled him back to you and Trevor."

"I would have run over to you two if you hadn't come over," Castle told her with a smile. He held her a little closer while she laughed and then saw a familiar face out of the corner of his eye. He was going to tell his wife when she was wrapping her arms fully around him and murmured into his ear.

"I see, but just ignore her," Beckett said.

"Not hard to," Castle replied, kissing the side of her head before they continued to dance. After they'd stopped with the song, he led her over to Esposito as he'd seen the detective motion to him. He danced with Jenny, talking with her about the city and not surprised he was telling her about the Hamptons in response. After they stopped dessert was served and he went back to his wife so they could sit together before he squeezed her hand tightly.

"Are you okay?" Beckett said.

"It was weird," Castle said softly to her. "Jenny and I were talking about the city and I kept commenting about the Hamptons. When did that happen?"

"Probably a few years ago," Beckett said, squeezing his hand back. She smiled while he pretended to think that over and brought his hand up to her lips to kiss the back of it.

"Hey," Esposito called across the table jokingly. "We're trying to eat."

"Then stick to your dessert," Castle called to him in the same tone before he was laughing while Esposito waved his hand nonchalantly. He went back to his, talking with Beckett until they had finished, and they went to Brad and Lily to dance with them.

"Having fun?" the chief asked Beckett.

"I am," she replied with a smile. "I can tell you are," Beckett then said, startled when he frowned a little before he spoke hesitantly.

"We do enjoy this," Brad said. "But Lils and I are wondering about maybe taking a break next year." He was surprised when the writer was smiling at him and said, "It's funny?"

"Not that," Becket told him quickly before she related the idea she and her husband had already thought of.

"I like that," Brad said once she'd finished. "But I feel bad for Skye and Mary."

"If we're leaving all together in the limo Rick and I will bring this up," Beckett said, not surprised when he nodded. By then the dance had ended and she let him walk her to her husband though David and Rebecca were already there. She went to the mayor while her husband went with the lawyer to dance.

"Rick said you had something to talk to me about?" David asked once they'd started.

"Yes," Beckett said in amusement, not surprised her husband had said that. She explained again their idea and told him, "We were hoping you might want to skip one year."

"I'd love to," David replied swiftly. When he saw her surprise he said, "Becca and I want a break, we kind of thought you guys wanted to do this."

"It's fun, but a break is going to be nice," Beckett said.

"Then we'll go along with it," David replied. "But Skye and Mary?"

"We'll talk to them," Beckett said before they were going to the side of the dance floor to get new dance partners again. She danced with Dylan and Skye before she needed a break and sat at the table, her husband bringing over some drinks. "Thank you," she said with a smile.

"Are you done?" Castle asked.

"No," Beckett said, sipping her drink. "Margarita?"

"No alcohol," Castle said with a nod. "And mango."

"It's good," Beckett said before setting down her glass. She watched her husband taking her hand before their fingers entwined and said, "We should have skipped this year."

"And gone to the B&B?" Castle asked. He smiled when his wife nodded and brought her hand up to his lips to kiss before saying, "Should we change our plans? Go to a restaurant in Shirley?"

"Let's wait to talk in the limo for sure this time," Beckett replied. "I'm tired of repeating our plans."

"Me too," Castle said with a nod. They finished their drinks while they watched the others eating and he said, "Dance?"

"Yes," Beckett replied before she stood up with him and they walked together before wrapping their arms around each other. She spotted Gates again but quickly turned her attention to her husband before they brushed their lips to each other's. "Sin riosca," she said with a smile, telling her husband the words, 'that's a risk.'

Shaking his head Castle said, "Ní dóigh liom go bhfuil cúram ar cheachtar againn," which meant 'I don't think either of us care.' He felt a thrill go through him as she was laughing softly and embraced her instead of dancing. He had to shake himself as some people were telling them to move and he led her off the dance floor. "Sorry," he said.

"Don't worry," Beckett replied as she hugged his arm. "I didn't mind that."

"We'll go back to dance," Castle told her.

"Definitely," Beckett said with a nod before they were watching the others dancing in front of them.


"Beckett," a voice said behind her.

Turning, she tried not to curse in her mind as she said, "Sir."

"I think it's Victoria now, I haven't been your captain for over six years," Gates replied.

"Of course," Beckett replied, wondering how she'd get out of the conversation as soon as she could.

"I see you're still married," Gates replied. "I was surprised to be honest."

"Sir-" Beckett started to say in irritation.

"You were aware of his reputation when-" Gates began.

"I'm going to stop you before you say anything else and make me snap," Beckett said, holding up her hand. "My husband has never cheated on anyone; he was made to look like he had in the Tyson case when he was a suspect. We'll be celebrating eight years, so I think he's proven he's a good husband. And I'm looking forward to that. Excuse me."

Watching his wife walking back to him, Castle breathed out a little hard because he had a feeling as to why she appeared so annoyed. He then walked over to her and stopped her asking, "Gates?"

"Yes," Beckett said, doing her best to control herself. She then told him what had happened and said when she finished, "At least it was quick."

"I'm not surprised," Castle said with a nod. "And thank you."

"Dance with me," Beckett said firmly.

"Right away," Castle replied, leading her over to the dance floor where they could begin. He felt her tense as they started and he said, "Tell me love."

"I hate the memories that come up when I see her," Beckett said after hesitating for a moment. "How she was always trying to get you to leave. When you went to Atlantic City…"

"It didn't work though," Castle replied. "So you don't need to worry."

"I know," Beckett replied before they were parting when the song had ended. While they were going to their seats she asked, "What time is it?"

"After nine thirty," Castle said, not surprised when she was breathing out in relief. "I know, I think they're ready too," he told her since their Hamptons friends were all at the table.

"Probably," Beckett said in amusement. They sat down together but she turned to Darnley who was speaking to her in a rush as she couldn't help laughing.

"We all know what time it is," the carpenter said. Darnley waited for her to calm down before he told her, "Are you feeling guilty?"

"Partially," Beckett said, glancing to the dance floor where her precinct friends were dancing again. "But they're aware we leave before that auction."

"Did they know about the date he got set up on?" Nkosi asked.

"The boys did since they were outside," Castle commented. "And she told Lanie."

"Of course she did," the doctor herself said. "She was wildly jealous, but I couldn't tell her that."

Castle glanced at his wife and wasn't surprised when she rolled her eyes before he squeezed her back gently. The others were coming back to the table, and he said, "We're going to head out soon."

"We figured," Esposito said. "So, one more dance?"

"Yes," Beckett replied, squeezing her husband's arm while she was getting up. "But the last one belongs to Rick," she said to her former partner with a smile.

"I figured," Esposito said before they began dancing. "You know the girl I've been dancing with?"

"Yes," Beckett replied, wondering where they were going to go.

"She heard you talking with Gates," Esposito said.

Breathing out roughly, Beckett said, "Yeah, I thought she might get used the fact I'm very happily married but she can't shake the fact he shook up her control… slightly." She shook her head and said, "It doesn't matter. I want to enjoy the rest of the night and not worry about what my former boss thinks of my husband."

"She was impressed," Esposito commented. When his friend looked at him questioningly, he explained, "The way you handled it," watching her nod before she spoke quickly.

"Thank her for me," Beckett said. She debated on asking him about the woman but decided to leave it alone and said when they finished, "Thank you by the way."

"I have to help keep my sobrinas safe," Esposito replied easily before he let Ryan take her to dance.

After she had danced with Ryan and Dylan, Beckett was back with her husband for their last dance before they left. She kissed his cheek before pressing hers to his and told him, "This was a nice night."

"It was," Castle said. "But I didn't dance with you enough."

Smiling, since she'd been expecting him to say that, Beckett brushed her lips to his again and told him, "Why do you think I saved this last one for you?"

Nodding his head rapidly, Castle wanted to kiss her deeply but didn't want to do that in so public a place. He held her a little closer and said, "Thank you for that, but I want to do this at the villa in Vegas."

"Oh good," Beckett told him teasingly. "I thought I'd have to force you." She couldn't help laughing softly as her husband was giving her a look and they kissed lightly before focusing on their dancing until the song was over. Though she hated doing it she started to say goodbye to their precinct friends before she said, "You guys need to come see us again."

"We'll try," Ryan said. "The boys want to see their cousins again."

"Come out for a weekend," Castle then said. "The pool room is open."

"Don't tell them that," Jenny told her husband quickly. "They won't leave us alone about going."

"I won't," Ryan said. "Get back safe."

"And have a safe flight," Lanie said to Skye and Mary.

"Thank you, grand seeing you all again," the investigator said. After they'd said goodbye and goodnight they walked to the entry and got their outer layers before Skye said, "You two have something planned," to Beckett as she was standing with her and Rebecca. She wasn't surprised when the writer smiled and then replied though she was speaking to everyone since they were the only guests in the lobby.

"Not planned, but we'll talk about it in the limo," Beckett replied. She turned to her husband as he was walking over to her, and she slipped her arms into her wrap before holding it closed over her while they walked out to where their limo was waiting.

Once they were settled and driving back to the loft Castle said, "I heard you guys, should we suggest it to them?"

"I think so," Beckett said with a smile.

"You know we were thinking of doing something else instead of this ball," Castle said. At the nods from the others he then continued telling them, "We had originally thought of renting the Narrows, but we remembered that the B&B we always go to allows you to rent the building for parties."

"The entire building?" Mary asked in surprise.

"It's not that expensive," Beckett said. "But we were thinking of us all going; including the others from the city."

"Would they?" Lily asked. "Kevin and Jenny's boys?"

"And Miles," Mary added.

"They would get babysitters," Castle said. "But we'll ask them. That is if you guys don't mind the idea."

Beckett couldn't help laughing at how the couples were all saying they loved it before she said, "We'll see when we can reserve it."

"Are you going to have anyone else over?" Skye asked. "Also, we're pitching in with the fee."

Castle was about to tell them they didn't need to when the others were saying the same and he turned to his wife. When she shrugged, he said, "If you're sure then we'll let you know once we have a price. But I wonder if we should have the kids there too?" not surprised when David was speaking quickly before Beckett could.

"It would be easier for us to," the mayor said. "And there would be enough rooms right?"

"We'd have to ask our parents if they would mind having them in the rooms with them," Nkosi said. "The younger ones," he added quickly.

"They should," Skye said. "Though should I say that when our girls are fine… are you going to let them sleepover?"

"We'll have to," Castle commented in amusement. "They'll ask us once they find out about it." He glanced at his wife and seeing she appeared thoughtful reached over to her and touched her arm asking, "Okay love?"

"Yeah, I was thinking of asking Brennan and Clara to come too," Beckett said. "Maybe they could stay at the house for a week too but with Erin and school…"

"Give him a call," Castle said, knowing she wanted to see her cousin again. He squeezed her hand and looked outside to find they were pulling up to the loft. "Are you guys going to change?" he asked.

"Yeah, we're going straight to bed once we're back home," Darnley said. "But it was a fun night," he said.

"We're changing too," Beckett said wryly. "We'll say goodbye in the garage." As she and her husband were leading the way inside, she took his hand, leaning into him while he wrapped his arm securely around her to hold her close while they entered the elevator.


"You know I could get you two up to the gate," Skye commented.

"And get you into trouble?" Beckett immediately replied.

Laughing Skye shook her head and said, "I wouldn't be," not surprised when her friend gave her a look before she spoke.

"I have a hard time believing that," Beckett said. "You're not working remember?"

"I know," Skye said in mock annoyance. She smiled and then said, "Though I would have tried." She studied her friend and asked, "Would you and Rick have gone?"

"I don't think so," Beckett said. "We want to go home."

"So do we," Skye said before she looked at their spouses who were walking up to them. "Thank you grá," she said, taking her cup of hot chocolate. She tested it before she said, "Too hot."

"Will you text me tomorrow morning?" Beckett asked, waiting for her coffee to cool down.

"Of course," Skye said. "I would text you once we land but…"

"Yeah, that's okay," Castle said exaggeratedly. "Are you guys going to head up?"

"You can tell?" Mary asked in amusement.

"A little," Castle replied.

"I think we should," Skye said, sharing a look with her wife. She then turned back to their friends and said, "Plus I'm sure you want to head home."

"We kind of do," Beckett said. "But we're sad to see you go."

"We'll see you for Memorial Day weekend," Skye reminded them. "And call you once in a while to keep up." She hugged Beckett tightly for a moment and said once they'd parted, "Thank you again."

"It wasn't a problem," Beckett replied with a smile. "And thank you for joining us at the ball again."

"It was fun," Skye said, turning her attention to Castle.

After the couple had said goodbye to them, Beckett stood with Castle waving before they were out of sight and she turned to her husband. "Are you good to drive?" she asked him.

"Yeah, you'll be sleeping right?" Castle replied. He was surprised when she shook her head firmly and was about to tell her she didn't need to stay up before she was speaking quickly.

"I thought you'd want me to make sure you stay awake," Beckett told him.

"Sure," Castle said in a rush. He wasn't surprised when his wife laughed and he finished his coffee before he said, "Ready?"

"Yes," Beckett said firmly. They went back to their car and once she was settled in the driver's seat, she watched her husband get them out to the freeway. She turned on the music and said, "Cold?"

"I was about to ask you the same question," Castle said with a smile.

"I'm fine," Beckett replied. She looked out the window, watching them leaving the city and told him, "Hopefully they won't mind we're back."

Castle couldn't help laughing and told his wife, "It's strange to think they would be." He wasn't surprised when she was nodding in agreement with him and said, "I can imagine how happy their girls will be."

Smiling, Beckett said, "I know, I almost wish I could see it."

Castle glanced at her at her wording, and he brought her hand to his lips to kiss the back of it telling her, "Not this time," thinking of their girls before he focused on getting them home while they began to talk about their spring break plans.


Seeing Marie fast asleep on her bed, Skye squeezed Mary's hand before they left as quietly as they could before getting into their room. "I'm so glad we're back," she said with a sigh after closing the door behind them.

"Me too," the doctor said with a yawn. "But I'm exhausted."

"Should we even change?" Skye asked.

"Yes," Mary told her wife firmly though she was soon smiling. They moved to change into their pajamas before crawling into bed.

Not surprised they could barely murmur goodnight to one another, Skye was fast asleep as soon as she settled after speaking to her wife. It felt like she'd barely closed her eyes when she opened them to find daylight was trying to slip through the thin cracks of their blinds. She sighed and turned onto her back, stretching her legs out before she turned to her wife while Mary was pressing against her side. "Morning grá," she said with a smile.

"Morning," the doctor replied. She raised her head and gently kissed Skye's jaw before saying, "I love you."

"I love you too," the investigator replied. "What do you want?"

Laughing, Mary pushed herself up further and brushed her lips to her wife's before saying, "I wanted to make breakfast for them."

"Oh good, I did too," Skye said. But before they could get up, she wrapped her arms around her wife and held her tightly to her as they began to kiss deeply. When they had finally stopped, she said, "But if we're going to surprise them we need to go now."

"How do you know I want to do that?" Mary asked. When her wife gave her a look she smiled and kissed her deeply before they parted, watching as Skye got off the bed and removed her pajama shirt. "Now you're just being mean," she teased her wife since the investigator was bare underneath it.

"You know if you're not too tired tonight we can celebrate being back," Skye replied, turning back and nudging the bed with her knee.

"I probably won't be," Mary said immediately, getting up on her knees. She pulled off her shirt and moved to her wife before she paused and said with a sigh, "We should get dressed."

"We should," Skye replied with a nod, the same disappointment in her voice. She shook herself and said, "I won't take that long."

Smiling, Mary didn't say anything as she was following her wife before they were getting dressed quickly. They washed up in their bathroom and once they'd finished, she took her wife by her shoulders and told her, "Don't forget me grá."

"I won't," Skye replied with a smile since she knew her wife was telling her to kiss her occasionally during the day. She shared a gentle kiss with her before taking her by the hand and leading her to the stairs nearest their room. They were soon in the kitchen, and she looked through the fridge with her wife looking around her as well.

"Omelets?" Mary asked.

"Sounds good," Skye replied.

"I'll see if we have oatmeal," Mary told her.

Nodding, since she was busy seeing if they had the additions their family liked, Skye was soon setting items out on the counter before she paused as she could hear footsteps above them. "Already," she told her wife when Mary came out of the pantry, her eyes wide in surprise. They looked together at the staircase, and she soon smiled as her dad and stepfather appeared.

"You scared us Rose," Liam said in a mock scolding tone. "I'd thought you were robbers."

"We were stealing food," Mary said, watching her wife hug the pilot tightly before she went to her father-in-law.

"Was your flight okay?" Pablo asked.

"It was," Skye replied. "Though we were asleep the entire time."

"How do you have any energy?" Liam said.

Shrugging Skye said, "It was enough time." She turned her attention back to the meal and asked, "You didn't wake up the girls, did you?"

"Of course not; they'll be down here soon," Liam replied.

"Do you need any help?" Pablo said to the women while they were walking around the kitchen.

"No, you've been taking care of the meals since we've been gone," Mary said firmly. "So we're fine with this."

"The girls have helped," Liam commented.

"Marie and Kath?" Skye asked from where she was whisking eggs.

"Of course, though we let the younger trio peel potatoes or carrots; something simple," Liam answered.

"Good," Skye said with a smile before she was pouring the eggs for her omelet into the pan. She made it quickly, setting ham and tomatoes in it before finishing it and setting it on its plate into the oven. "How's the oatmeal coming along?" she asked her wife while she walked over to her.

"Good, but I wonder if I should help you," Mary said, leaning against the counter next to her. "It's a lot of omelets."

"I don't mind," Skye assured her. She saw her wife frowning and was about to say if she wanted to she could help her get the additions ready before she paused. She smiled with Mary and they turned to look at the stairs where their oldest was soon coming down before stopping and crying out in joy at the sight of them.

"MUM! MOM!" Marie was yelling before her sisters were running down where they'd waited at the top of the stairs.

"Easy, easy," Skye said, laughing as she held her arms out to the girls. She managed to get Marie and Ivy before Fleur was holding onto her right arm. She quickly brought the girl into her arms and said, "We missed you lot too."

"Why didn't you say when you were coming back?" Kathleen asked.

"Because we wanted to surprise you of course," Mary said, hugging her and Iris. She shared a kiss with them before she went to her wife and embraced their other three daughters. After they'd greeted each other, she said, "We need some help to make breakfast; would you get dressed and help us out?"

"Of course," Marie said, speaking for her sisters while they were nodding.

"Then go on and we'll have a good breakfast and head down to the beach," Skye told them.

"To walk?" Ivy asked in excitement.

Shaking her head Mary told them, "Ride our bikes," before the five girls were exclaiming in joy and hurrying to the stairs, promising to be back soon.

"I wonder what you two will do," Skye said to her dad and stepfather.

"We might walk to the pier," Liam said, sharing a look with his husband who nodded. He looked back at his daughter and asked, "You were going to take them there, right? After Venice."

"Yes, but not a word," Skye said, glancing at him out of the corner of her eye. She was smiling as she began working on the next omelet since they could hear the girls upstairs. They were yelling between their rooms to each other, making sure they weren't going to wear the same colored shirts before they were racing to come back. And as Kathleen hurried to her to see if she could help she was overjoyed suddenly at being home, gathering her second oldest in her arms to her squeak of surprise. She then had Kathleen get ready to help with the toppings while they were rushing to finish the meal to head out to the beach.