"Did the captain ask why you took vacation time?" Castle asked as he settled his head back against the first class airline seat. "You never take time off."

"I think he wanted to ask, but he didn't." She reclined her seatback and closed her eyes. "He just said it was about time I took some time for myself."

"Long overdue." Castle reached over and gently placed his hand on her stomach. "You know, they'll figure out soon enough that you're knocked up." He smiled as her hand covered his. "Then you'll have to tell them about us."

"I could just tell them that I went to a sperm bank." She smiled without opening her eyes.

"They'd never believe it when you had such a picture of male virility next to you every day." He closed his own eyes, a smirk clinging to his lips.

"Esposito?" she countered. "Yeah. He's pretty manly."

His eyes snapped open. "What?"

She laughed and leaned over to rest her head on his shoulder. He wrapped an arm around her and kissed her head. Before he knew it, she was asleep, snoring very softly.

Castle smiled and thought about how lucky he was to be married to such an extraordinary woman, especially considering the man he had been before he met her. He could not remember being so happy. He had loved Alexis from the moment she was conceived, but his relationship with Meredith had always been tumultuous. They had been two self-centered hedonists and their daughter had only caused one of them to grow up and take responsibility, for her at least.

His marriage to Gina had been more of the same; two people trying to coexist, each wanting to be the center of attention.

This was different. This was truly a partnership in all things. Kate's happiness and well being were equally important to him. More now that she was carrying his child. Every time he looked at her, he thought about the future they would share and instead of scaring him off, as it would have done in the past, the thought of it made him ridiculously happy.

"Castle?" Kate stirred against his chest.

"Right here, Baby."

Kate sat up in her seat and wiped sleep from her eyes. "How much longer until we land."

Castle looked at his watch. "About half an hour."

"I hope you don't mind going to Hawaii. I know you've been there before."

"I've never been there with you." He kissed her.

"Oh, Castle." She cupped his face with her hand. "Were you always so sappy?" She playfully patted his cheek.

"I know you were fooled by my tough exterior," he kissed her, "but inside I'm a marshmallow." He kissed her neck. "All soft and gooey."

"Castle, not here." she whispered, trying to push him away. He persisted, wearing down her resolve and her hands, which had been pushing against him, started caressing him through his shirt. "People are looking."

"We're on our honeymoon." He said breathlessly against her mouth. "People should stare." He kissed her deeply.

"The captain has turned on the seat belt sign." The flight attendant's voice came over the public address system. "Please return your seat backs to the upright and locked position."

"So much for the mile high club." Castle said as he rested his forehead against hers.

"Are you telling me you're not already a member?" Kate raised an eyebrow. "What kind of wild bachelor life did you lead?"

"One with a lot of things best forgotten." She gave him a quick kiss and they both raised their seat backs to prepare for landing.