A/N: Back again after a (way too) long hiatus. My New Year's resolution for 2022 is to focus on writing. I couldn't think of a better way to start than with the (favorite) characters that made me want to write in the first place:) This is my first post series story featuring Caskett as parents! I would really love to hear your feedback/reviews and I hope I do not disappoint. Thank you!

It's still dark outside when an exhausted Caskett arrive at work. It's the earliest they've been called to a murder scene, since Lily was born. Walking over to join their team, Beckett is clinging to the coffee Castle made her as he quietly rubs her upper back.

A few years ago, work calls at this time were a normal and expected part of Beckett's routine. Now a days, there's no way she would be awake at this hour unless she's having some fun with her husband or taking care of their toddler.

She takes one, last generous sip of her coffee before reaching an equally tired Ryan and annoyingly awake Esposito.

Ryan yawns out a, "hey Castle's."

They both raise their hands for a half wave.

Esposito scoffs.

"Aww cmon, not you guys too?! Parenthood has made the three of you SOFT."

They all give Esposito a dirty look.

"I at least expected better from you, Castle."

"I was up late writing! I only got two hours of sleep."

Ryan chimes in, "just wait Espo, you and Lanie will find out how it feels soon enough."

A voice behind Esposito calls out, "Not unless your boy starts helping out more with wedding planning!"

Castle and Ryan laugh at Esposito as his eyes go wide.

Beckett joins Lanie as she finishes writing up her preliminary exam on the victim.

"Hey Lanie."

"Hey, you ok?"

"Cmon, you've seen me tired before!"

"Just had to check."

"I hope Ryan is right about you and Javi."

"Yeah, we'll see about that one. Tell me, how did you convince Castle to help you with wedding planning?"

"I didn't give him a choice."

"Ahh."

"You know I'm here if you need help with anything."

"Of course, I just want him to be more involved besides choosing a DJ for the reception."

They both look over at the boys, huddled in their own conversation circle. Beckett turns back to Lanie.

"Don't worry, the closer and more real it gets, the more he'll step up."

"You think so?"

"And just between us, he's been asking for advice."

Lanie smiles.

"Thanks Kate."

"Do I have permission to be tired now?"

"Go right ahead."

Beckett sips more of her coffee.

"So, what do we have on our victim?"

Beckett looks over the body as Lanie starts giving her the information. Just as they wrap up, Castle walks over with his phone in hand.

"Beckett, don't panic."

"What?"

"Lily jus-"

"WHAT?!"

Beckett is wide-awake now; she practically rips the phone right out of his hand.

"Lily?"

A small voice on the other end of the phone answers, "hi mommy. G'morning."

Beckett relaxes instantly and smiles as she steps off to the side.

"Hi baby."

By the way Lanie is giving him side eye, Castle realizes he could have explained the reason for Lily's call a little better. Honestly, he wasn't expecting Beckett to have a big reaction but he finds it pretty adorable. He walks over, leans up close to Beckett, and puts his ear up to the other side of the phone.

"Lexis said you and daddy had to go bye-bye early."

"Yeah, we did. I'm sorry we couldn't see you before we left."

"I miss you."

"We miss you too. Tell you what, we're going to try really hard to see you at lunch a little later."

"Okay mommy, g'luck saving the world."

Beckett smirks; Lily is becoming a mini Castle more and more each day. Speaking of Castle, he's currently poking at her arm.

"Hey Lily, hold on, your dad wants to say bye."

Beckett puts her arm around Castle and turns the phone so they can share.

"Bye sweetie, see you later."

"Bye-bye daddy! Help mommy and no messing 'round."

Castle smirks; Lily is becoming a mini Beckett more and more each day. Speaking of Beckett, she's currently laughing at him.

Caskett bid their daughter one last goodbye before hanging up. With her arm still around Castle, Beckett goes for her classic move; she grabs his ear.

"OWW! Totally should have seen this coming!"

Castle twists, trying to get out of Beckett's grasp. After a few more seconds, she let's go. He immediately rubs his ear and straightens up.

"Okay NEXT time, you have to put it on speaker phone."

Beckett crosses her arms and Castle can't help but smirk. In a life-risking move, he peppers her face with a series of small kisses.

"I'm sorry Beckett, I didn't mean to scare you."

"I know Castle."

"What can I do?"

"You owe me another coffee."

"Done."

Beckett takes a step towards him.

"And tonight…"

Castle lights up.

"Yeah?"

Beckett pauses. She looks into his eyes, down to his lips, then back to his eyes.

"You're in charge of bath time."

"Aww!"

Beckett smirks and kisses his cheek. Just then, Esposito and Ryan walk over.

"Everything okay?" Esposito asks.

"Yeah, all good," Beckett responds.

"Gotta love when the home calls at work start," Ryan quips.

Caskett would look forward to every single one. Eventually… times three.