Chapter Three

Kate was lounging on Lanie's couch, feet tucked underneath her. She was absent-mindedly rubbing her stomach as she talked with Lanie about what was happening with her friend and Esposito. Kate didn't notice her actions, but Lanie sure did.

"Okay, girl, spill. You and Castle. There's more to it isn't there?"

Kate sighed, and stilled her hand as she realised. "Well..."

"Kate, are you pregnant?"

"Well..."

"Oh, my God! You are!" Lanie almost leapt off the couch in her excitement. "Kate Beckett! You are pregnant!"

"Yes, okay, Lanie, yes. I am."

"Oh, my God!" Lanie said again. "I can't believe it! You and writer boy getting it on and making babies! This is fantastic!"

"No, Lanie..." Kate was trying to regain control of the situation, but Lanie was too far gone.

"So you're obviously not that far along, which begs the question, when exactly did you and Castle decide to procreate?"

Kate sighed, and pursed her lips. "It wasn't a conscious decision, Lanie. We got carried away one night, and ended up in bed. We're only together right now because of this baby."

"That's not true, and you know it," Lanie replied. "Yes, this may have given you a shove, but you and Castle have always been destined to be together. You've been in a sexless relationship for years, you can't deny that."

"Maybe so, but this is a huge step. It's like we've skipped the dating part and gone straight to family."

"Are you scared?"

"Yes, Lanie. I'm terrified."

"Why? Because Castle will be a lousy father?"

"What? No. He's a fantastic father."

"So why? Because he's going to leave you?" Lanie was poking holes in Kate's argument.

"Well, no, I don't think he will," Kate answered. "But this is such a big life decision."

"It's alright to be scared, girl. That's normal. But you and Castle. You guys are solid."

Kate looked up at Lanie. "You think so?"

"I know so. You guys can only go forward from here. You'll be fine. He loves you."

"I know."

"And you love him. Right?"

"Well..."

"Kate."

"Okay, yes. Yes, I do."

Lanie grinned at Kate. "I knew it! So are you going to tell him that?"

Kate sat silently for a while, before nodding slowly. "Yeah, I will. I will."

"Good," Lanie replied. "So, I'm guessing you don't want a glass of wine then?"

Kate smiled at her friend. "No. but I'll take a water."

"Anything for you, mom," Lanie said with a grin.

Kate rolled her eyes.

It was later that night and Rick was sitting behind his desk, typing quickly on his laptop. He was in the zone, and didn't immediately hear the doorbell.

"Richard! The door!" yelled Martha from somewhere in the loft.

He looked up, startled, and then heard the doorbell ring again. He saved his document and got up to answer the door. He was surprised to find Kate standing there when he swung the door open.

"Kate."

"I love you," was the reply.

Rick raised his eyebrows, unsure of what he'd heard. "I'm sorry?"

"I love you, Rick. I should have told you weeks ago. I love you."

Rick reached out a hand, and pulled Kate into the loft, shutting the door behind her. He said nothing as he led her through the loft to his bedroom. He sat her down on his bed, and stared down at her. "I've waited so long to hear you say that."

Kate smiled shyly up at Rick, and reached up a hand. She grabbed Rick's shirt, and pulled him down so she could kiss him. He pushed her backwards onto his bed, and followed her down, propping himself up with both arms on either side of Kate's head. He leant down and kissed her again, fully intending to take it slow this time, to show Kate just how much she meant to him.

The first time they did this, it was a spur of the moment decision. It was fast and hard, and had been over all too soon. This time, they took it slow, exploring each other's body and learning what they liked. It was sweet, and everything that Rick had wanted their first time to be. They truly made love this time, Kate's admission made it all the more special.

Wrapped in each other's arms later that night, they whispered nonsense things to each other, and laughed at silly thoughts. They were happy. They were in love. For the moment, all was right with the world.

A/N: I feel like I could end this story here. I might come back to it in the future, but for now this is it.

Reviews are always welcome. :)