It was a long day of meetings and signings, and driving along the east coast, but he was home. He was weary but glad to finally be back. But when he got to his door, he was perplexed. Castle wasn't sure if he should be relieved or worried to hear complete silence coming from the inside of his home. It wasn't something he was accustomed to. Usually he returned to hear music from whatever Beth's latest Disney obsession was, while Oliver told wild exaggerated stories about his day, much like his Father. Silence was different, and wasn't always a good sign.
Upon stepping into the loft, he didn't notice anything out of the ordinary. Nothing was broken, the toys were picked up for the most part, and all of their jackets and shoes were there. Liam's stroller and other supplies that Alexis had dropped off with him were next to the stairs. But it was silent. He wasn't sure if he liked it.
He slipped his shoes off and went to the kitchen, deciding he needed a glass of water before he decided to investigate. They could be upstairs, playing with toys in Beth's room. He reached into the cabinet and clutched his hand around… Nothing. The other glasses were there, but his glass, the one Alexis and Oliver had painted for him a few years back, was not in the spot it was in every day.
This night just kept getting stranger. He searched through the cabinet for it. Maybe it got pushed further back. But as he searched he found nothing but plain glasses. He didn't find it in any of the other cabinets either. He didn't even see it in the strainer, or on the counter. How does someone misplace a glass? He settled for one of the plain ones, sucking down his water quickly and returning to his investigation.
As he started up the stairs, he heard the soft cries of a little one coming from their bedroom. He switched courses, turning around and heading straight toward the noise. "Hey Kate, have you seen my…?" He stopped talking at the sight in front of him. Curled up on his wife's chest was his fiery haired Grandson, Liam. Kate had her hand on his back and was gently stroking up and down the infant's spine, whispering soft words that were meant just for him. Oliver, their six year old, was sprawled out on Castle's side of the bed, his arms up above his head and his legs contorted in some shape that looked like they would never come untangled. And their two year old, Beth, was in between her mother and brother, curled up on her side facing Kate, one arm wrapped around her worn stuffed elephant and her other thumb in her mouth. Castle grinned, walking over to Kate's side of the bed and kneeling next to it. She turned her head and met his eyes, a brilliant smile on her face. He reached out and grabbed her other hand, threading his fingers through hers. "Long day?"
She chuckled. "Yeah, we went to the park, they tired themselves out. But they didn't want to leave Liam out, so they came in and talked to him and the next thing I knew, they both fell asleep!" She whispered, the laughter evident in her tone even at it's quietest level. "What were you looking for?"
He shrugged. "My glass, but it really doesn't matter right now."
Her eyebrows knotted together as she looked at him, worry etched into her features. "I'm sorry babe, but it broke today." His heart hitched at her words. It was a custom made glass from his kids, irreplaceable. He knew it was an accident, but it didn't make it any easier to accept. "Elizabeth was helping me put dishes away. She dropped it. She felt so bad afterward, Castle."
"It's okay." He soothed. He remembered breaking one of his mom's picture frames when he was younger. He didn't want Beth or Kate to feel guilty for something so small.
"I got Oliver on the phone with Alexis though, and she assured him they'd make another one as soon as she comes back from her trip." She explained, her hand caressing his cheek.
Castle grinned. "I'll look forward to receiving it." He chuckled. "And I won't mention it. No need to reopen any wounds.
She chuckled and let her hand fall from Liam's back. He let out a content sigh, turning his face toward his Grandpa. Castle ran his fingers lightly over Liam's head, delighting in the small smile that flickered across the tiny boy's face. He looked back to Kate. "So, I guess I get the couch tonight?"
She laughed, making Liam squirm on her chest. "Yeah. I'm going to put him down in the bassinet in a minute, but I don't think you can make room in the bed without waking them."
He nodded. "And if I wake one I wake them all." The quick nod of her head assured him that they were on the same page. He leaned in and pecked Kate on the lips, her fingers running tenderly through his hair. "Well then, my dear, I bid you adieu."
She chuckled at him again, her other hand returning to the baby's back. "Goodnight, Castle. Love you."
"Love you too."