Chapter 24: It's a Wonderful Life

I do not own Castle

The Castles were all set and prepared for the holidays, since this is the Castles favorite season the house has been decorated inside and out with Christmas decorations of a variety of style and color. Kate and Castle already bought and wrapped Christmas presents for each other, the kids, Jim, Martha, and even their family friends. Of course the presents weren't under the big decorated Castle Christmas tree yet, because Santa hasn't come by and visited the Castles yet. This month has been nothing but happy and great things with no complaints from anyone. Its a wonderful life.

As days slowly tick down in December, the excitement builds in the Castle household for the first ever Christmas in the house. Kevin Esposito and even the little baby twins are feeling the excitement of the Christmas rush. Everyone is a kid in the household when it comes to Christmas. Kate, Castle, Martha, and even Alexis are all kids when it involves this holiday. The family moments, good food, holiday music, beautiful colors, lights, the warm fire, and even the snow just adds to the joyful atmosphere in this wonderful winter season life.

Richard & Katherine Castle Residence

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; the stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there; the children were nestled all snug in their beds; while visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads… By the fireplace mantle is a plate of chocolate chip cookies and a glass of milk for the Jolly Old Saint Nick. The house is calm and peaceful with the house interior brightly lit so Santa Claus can see with his big bag of toys. Though the quiet motionless and peaceful atmosphere will soon become disturbed by the real bearer of toys, the one and only jolly couple Kate and Richard Castle.

Castle slowly woke up from a series of gentle nudges and a gentle voice whispering into his ear. Castle didn't quite hear what was being said but he knew it was his wonderful wife. He groaned and slowly opened his eyes as her words finally became clear to him, "Babe, wake up. Babe. Its time."

Castle wore a dark grey long sleeve sleeping shirt and black sweats. He slowly sat up in bed as he still enjoyed the warmth the covers provided him. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes and mumbled, "I'm up, I'm up…"

Kate already had on her silver black flower patterned robe over her matching silver night gown. She sat on top of the bed covers on her side as she waited for Castle to fully wake up. She leaned against him and whispered with a smile, "You awake sleepy head?" She leaned further and kissed his cheek, "Is the world famous ruggedly handsome Richard Castle too tired to deliver gifts for the kids." She giggled.

Castle snapped awake, "You went to far with that one, honey. I'm up." He turned to his wife and kissed her lips tenderly, "Show time." He kicked the covers off and rushed into the bathroom to get into their closet so he could grab the sack full of presents. Ironically Castle and Kate put all the presents for the family into a red sack.

Kate laughed at her husband's antics as she got off the bed. She retied her robe, "Hurry up honey. We have to hurry in case the twins start crying. We can't let Kevin catch us doing this."

Castle huffed out of the bathroom with a big red bag full of presents of various sizes on his back, "We got this." He nodded, "You first. Go ahead and check to see if Kevin Esposito and the twins are still sleeping. I'll be right behind you."

Kate smiled, "You got it." She quietly opened the door and slowly walked out. She made very little noise as she stepped carefully into the hallway. Castle did his best to mimic her silence with a big bag of presents. He was surprisingly quiet with all those gifts on his back. The years of experience are paying off.

Kate approached the baby room and quietly pressed her ear against the door. She heard nothing but the sound of peaceful sleeping babies and a sleeping Golden Retriever. Kate made sure Angel slept in the baby room so they wouldn't have to deal with an excited dog in the middle of the night when they're trying to be sneaky. She then quietly moved to Kevin Esposito's room and did the same thing. She heard nothing so she assumed he was asleep. She smiled and gave a thumbs up to her husband who was slowly trailing behind her. Castle nodded and continued slowly and quietly.

Walking down the stairs was the hardest part for Castle. They creaked under the combined weight of him and the bag full of presents, so he quickly walked down the steps doing his best to keep the creaking to a minimum. Finally, they were on the ground floor and it was time for them to complete their mission… to put the gifts under the tree and load the stockings. Castle quickly got behind the tall and wide Christmas tree, and slowly put the sack of presents on the floor. Castle started to take out the presents and whispered to Kate who stood by him, "Alright, I'll take care of the tree. You take care of the stockings."

Kate nodded, "Got it." She grabbed a small wrapped stocking sized present when she heard Kevin Esposito's door open. She gasped and put the package down then quickly shoved Castle against the wall behind the tree so they were out of sight from Kevin Esposito.

Castle wrapped his arms around his wife instinctively while she rested one of her hands on his chest as the other arm wrapped around his back. They heard Kevin Esposito walk out out of his room slowly. Both Kate and Castle figured that their son was trying to catch Santa Clause delivering presents. Long seconds passed and it seemed like Kevin Esposito wasn't going to leave his spot outside of his room. The good news was that the little boy didn't venture downstairs. More seconds ticked by slowly. Kate dug her head under the crook of Castle's neck and whispered, "How long is he going to stand there."

Castle whispered, "I don't know. But those detective genetics are hard at work."

Kate suppressed a laugh. She looked up at her husband and whispered, "Did I ever tell you that your ruggedly handsome?"

Castle closed his eyes as the tense atmosphere increased. He responded in the same whisper, "You're telling me now?"

Kate suppressed another laugh, "Risk of danger can turn a girl on, you know?" Castle almost lost it.

Suddenly they heard Kevin Esposito sigh sadly then walk back into his room and closed the door. Kate and Castle let out a sigh of relief then released each other. Kate sighed, "That was close."

Castle nodded, "Too close…"

Kate shook her head, "I feel so bad that he couldn't see Santa Claus. I know he isn't real, but our son sounded so heart broken from that sigh he gave."

Castle nodded, "Well. He will believe Santa was here when he wakes up and sees all these presents and the cookies missing."

Kate nodded, "He's so cute. You know that?"

Castle nodded, "Lets do this." He handed Kate a gift.

All through the night they diligently put gifts in the stockings and under the tree, while the ever constant threat of Kevin Esposito and the twins waking up loomed over head. But it will all be worth it to see the look on their kids' face in the morning.

Kate slept in her silver black flower patterned knee length night gown, and she lay sprawled out on her side with her arm tucked under her pillow. She slept peacefully in her warm cozy bed as the cloudy skies thickened with gentle snow falling outside. As she slept she let out a happy sigh from the warmth she felt under the covers of the soft bed. All was calm and all was peaceful.

Suddenly the peaceful morning was disturbed by a little boy and his golden retriever. Kevin Esposito excitedly charged into the room in his blue pajamas and being followed closely by a very energetic Angel. Kevin yelled happily, "Mommy!" as he ran into the room. Before Kate was fully awake, Kevin Esposito jumped on the bed right next to her and hugged her tightly. He smiled, "It Christmas! Its Christmas! Merry Christmas mom!" He yelled excitedly.

Kate was automatically awake with that energetic greeting. She laughed and hugged him back, "Good morning honey!" She kissed the top of his head, "Merry Christmas sweetie." Suddenly Angel hopped onto the bed and rushed over and licked both their faces happily. Kate laughed and Kevin Esposito laughed. She petted the dog on the head, "Ah! Merry Christmas to you too Angel!" She continued to laugh, "Okay, okay I got it. Good morning!"

Kevin Esposito sat up and petted Angel, "She's excited for Christmas too mommy." Suddenly Angel started to focus on Kevin Esposito and she started to lick him excitedly.

Kate sat up and laughed, "Angel, down." The dog continued her happy sloppy kisses on the little boy. Kate chuckled, "Angel…" She said with a little bit more force. Angel stopped then turned and hopped off the end of the bed to sit down on the floor.

Kevin Esposito smiled, "Good girl, Angel!"

Kate smiled and turned to her son, "Come here sweetie." She opened up her arms to hug him, Kevin Esposito smiled and leaned into his mom and hugged her tightly. Kate smiled and kissed the top of his head then ran a hand through his dark brown hair, "I love you, Kevin."

"I love you too mommy."

Kate released the hug and smiled, "Where's your daddy?"

Kevin smiled, "He's down stairs with Grandma, Grandpa, Alexis, and my sisters." He bounced happily, "Santa came too!"

Kate swung her legs off the bed and stood up, "Did he?" She bent down and picked up her discard robe on the floor then put it on.

Kevin Esposito crawled to the edge of the bed then jumped off, "Yeah! He brought all of us loads of gifts!"

Kate tied her robe closed then chuckled at her young son, "So. Shall we see what he brought us for Christmas?"

Kevin jumped excitedly, "Yeah!" He charged out the door, "Come on mommy!" He called as he ran out. Angel quickly turned and followed suite. Kate laughed happily as she followed her happy son out.

Kevin Esposito and Angel excitedly charged into the family room and kitchen where the rest of the family is. In the family room on the couch just in front of the TV sat Martha and Jim sitting next to each other at the end of the couch. Both of them held the baby twin girls in their arms, Martha held Iris Lanie and Jim Beckett held Serena Johanna. Martha wore a very stylish red blouse and dark blue pants, and Jim Beckett wore a blue button up collared shirt, dark blue jeans, and socks. Facing the kitchen and sitting on the floor against the second couch is Alexis wearing a white long sleeve shirt and dark red pajama bottoms. Next to the coffee table is the massive pile of presents for everyone that was moved from the stockings and the tree to where they are now. In the kitchen, Castle stood next to the stove making cups of coffee on the counter. He was still wearing his sleep wear from last night.

Kevin Esposito rushed over to Alexis and sat down next to her while Angel stopped and sat down next to the presents. Alexis smiled, "Get mom?"

Kevin smiled, "Yup!"

Martha chuckled, "Looks like someone is excited to open presents."

Jim laughed, "I wouldn't blame him. Look at that mountain right there." He said referring to the mountain of gifts in front of him. He heard Serena Johanna whimper a little bit. He cuddled with her and start to rock his arms side to side, "Oh, I'm sorry Serena. I'll keep it down for you." He kissed her head gently. Serena responded happily with a little baby giggle.

Martha smiled, "These babies are getting big." She looked down at Iris in her arms, "Its you first Christmas too! You'll have so many, many more." Iris let out a happy baby smile causing Martha to melt on the couch. She gasped, "So cute! These darlings are the most adorable things." Iris gave another very cute baby smile causing Martha to melt even more.

As Castle finished making another cup of coffee he called out to the family room, "Hey Kevin can you sort out the gifts?"

Kevin Esposito jumped, "Yeah!"

Alexis smiled, "I'll help you big guy." She stood up and followed her energetic little brother.

Jim laughed, "I swear he's a lot like Richard than Katie."

Alexis started sorting the gifts, "I don't know, Kevin can be a lot like mom. Believe me."

With that Kate walked in with a big smile, "Merry Christmas." She said to the whole family.

Martha smiled, "Good morning and Merry Christmas darling." She held up Iris and bounced her a little, "Say hi to mommy." She gently put Iris on her lap then controlled the baby's hand to wave at Kate.

Kate smiled then walked over and kissed her daughter on the head, "Merry Christmas sweetie."

Jim nodded, "Merry Christmas sweetie." He laughed, "Good to finally join us. Thought we had to start without you." He angled himself so Serena could see Kate, "Look Serena, mom is here." Serena giggled happily.

Kate then walked over to her second twin daughter and kissed her forehead, "Good morning Serena. Merry Christmas." She said with a smile. Serena touched her cheek gently causing Kate to chuckle.

Alexis smiled at her mom, "Merry Christmas to you, mom." Kate stood up and smiled at Alexis.

Castle turned and smiled at his wife, "Merry Christmas to you, honey." He chuckled, "Got coffee for you."

Kate smiled, "Hot cup of Castle Coffee and Christmas with family. Sign of the beginnings of a perfect day." She said as she walked over to her husband by the counter.

Kate stopped next to Castle and wrapped an arm around him as she observed him do the finishing touches of her cup of coffee. Castle smiled, "here you go, a nice hot cup of coffee." He slid the cup of Kate Castle favorite over to her.

Kate smiled, "Smells good." She kissed Castle on the cheek, "Thanks babe. Merry Christmas."

Castle kissed her on the lips for a moment, then said, "Merry Christmas Kate." He smiled, "Ready to open gifts?" He said as he picked up his own cup of coffee.

Kate let go of her husband then picked up her cup, "Thought you'd never ask." She chuckled. They shared another kiss before they walked into the family room together.

Kate and Castle placed their cups on the coffee table and sat down on the couch next to Jim and Martha. Kate immediately cuddled up with Castle and linked her arm with his as she leaned into him. Alexis and Kevin Esposito finished sorting all the presents and they returned back to their spot on the floor in front of the second couch. Now, its the time that they all have been waiting for. Opening presents time.

Kate smiled, "Alright, we'll take turns opening one present at a time." She nodded, "Naturally, Kevin you're first."

Kevin smiled, "Yay!" He bounced happily as he reached for a medium sized box then happily tore off the wrapping paper, and inside the box he saw a stuffed Stitch from the movie Lilo & Stitch. He quickly got it out of the box and hugged it tightly, "I got a Stitch!" He yelled happily. He smiled, "Its so fluffy!"

Kate chuckled then looked at Castle with loving eyes then saw him looking a little shocked. "What's the matter, babe?" She asked curiously.

Castle nodded, "You saw the movie Despicable Me, right?"

"Of course."

Castle nodded again, "Well…suddenly Kevin Esposito reminds me of Agnes from that movie…"

Kate nudged him with a laugh, "Oh my goodness Castle." She looked over at Alexis, "Go for it Alexis, you're turn."

Alexis smiled and grabbed a wide box then began to tear the wrapping paper off. She gasped, "A new laptop!" She put it down next to her excitedly, "This is great!"

Next in line is Martha. Without disturbing Iris in her arms, she skillfully and carefully grabbed a wrapped thin small rectangular box that was from Kate and Castle. She tore off the wrapping paper with one hand and saw a black jewelry box. She opened it carefully and saw a beautiful black diamond bracelet. She gasped, "Oh my! Katherine, Richard! This is beautiful!"

Kate smiled, "Merry Christmas, Martha."

Castle nodded, "Merry Christmas mother."

Martha smiled and showed Iris the bracelet in the box. The baby tried reaching for it causing Martha to laugh, "Isn't it beautiful, Iris?" She said admiring the beautiful gift.

Jim chuckled, "I need two hands for this." He gently placed Serena down next to him so she was between him and Kate. He then reached down and picked up a small wrapped box then tore off the wrapping paper to see a small red box. He opened the box slowly, and now it was his turn to gasp. He took the contents out of the box and showed his daughter and son-in-law, "Court side Knicks season tickets!"

Castle nodded, "Yup. Merry Christmas."

Jim shook his head, "How did you get this?"

"I'm a world famous author." Kate nudged him playfully. Castle sighed, "That…and because I know the owner and I have to put his family into my next book."

Kate chuckled, "I swear its like currency for you."

Jim laughed, "Keep doing what you're doing Richard." He nodded to his daughter, "Your turn Katie."

Kate unhooked her arm from Castle's then picked up a present that she was eyeing this whole time. She picked up a heavy medium sized square package, "To: My Wonderful Wife Kate. Love, Richard" She read the tag then slowly tore off the wrapping paper to reveal a white box. She opened the box, and inside were large amounts of thin white packaging paper. She removed the paper to reveal six mostly identical polished dark brown elephants. She removed two big ones and four small ones and placed them on the coffee table. Though the sizes were different, they all looked relatively similar except the two big ones had long white tusks. She smiled, "These elephants are beautiful!" She looked at Castle with loving eyes, "Babe… I don't know what to say. I love them." The whole family stopped and admired the elephants.

Kevin Esposito crawled to the coffee table to get a better look, "Woah" he said in an adorable tone.

Castle smiled, "Kate… You know how those elephants on your desk?" Kate nodded. He smiled, "Remember when you once said…that your mother said those elephants represented your family." Kate nodded. He continued, "These brown hand made wood ones are our family." He nodded to the elephants, "The two big ones with tusks are you and me, and the four smaller ones are Alexis, Kevin Esposito, and our baby girls."

Kate smiled then looked back at the elephants and covered her mouth with a single hand. She whispered, "its perfect…" She shook her head with a loving smile on her face, "I love it…its… so perfect." She turned back to her husband, "I don't know what else to say." She leaned back into Castle and kissed his lips tenderly, "Its so perfect." She kissed him again, "I love you."

Martha spoke in awe of the elephants, "Those elephants are so cute."

Jim nodded, "yeah. That's a very creative gift."

Alexis smiled, "I got to get a picture of those things." She took out her phone and crawled to the coffee table next to her little brother to take a picture.

Castle chuckled, "Well we got more presents to go."

Kate smiled, "Then its your turn, honey." She turned to her baby daughter resting on the couch then picked her up in her arms. She kissed the top of her head, "merry Christmas sweetie." She said softly.

Castle picked up a flat medium sized box and unwrapped the gift. He opened the box and saw a black shirt with large white letters. He laughed then took it out to show everyone. The shirt read, "THIS WRITER BELONGS TO A HOT COP. DO NOT TOUCH" Everyone laughed. Castle looked at Kate, "Is this from you?" he chuckled.

Kate shrugged, pretending to be oblivious to the fact, "I have no idea what you're talking about." She chuckled, "What's mine is mine." She leaned to her husband and whispered, "There's more from me later."

Castle laughed, "Ah, this is my new favorite shirt." He noticed Angel laying down as the rest of the family opened presents. He smiled, "Angel, we didn't forget you."

Alexis got up and grabbed two wrapped gifts near the coffee table and placed them next to the dog. Angel sat up and sniffed the packages curiously. Alexis laughed and opened the larger one first to reveal a doggy bed. Angel jumped excitedly onto her feet and wagged her tail happily. Alexis opened the second gift for the dog, and revealed a small golden retriever stuffed animal for dogs. Angel barked happily and took the small stuffed animal in her mouth then jumped into her new bed before Alexis can do anything. Angel let go of the stuffed animal then hugged it with her paws as she lay comfortably on her new bed. Alexis laughed.

Kevin Esposito smiled, "Angel got stuffed animals too!"

Alexis returned by his side, "Yup." She said happily.

Kate smiled, "The twins are next."

Castle opened a small package and took out a light baby blue bunny stuffed animal then handed it to Kate, "This is from Grandma." He said to Serena.

Kate chuckled and held the bunny to Serena. Serena giggled happily which is a sure sign that she loves it. She started to reach for it so she can play with her new stuffed animal. Kate smiled, "here you go honey." She said as she placed the bunny on her baby daughter's chest.

Castle grabbed another similar small gift, this time it belongs to Iris Lanie. He unwrapped it and revealed a small baby pink spotted leopard stuffed animal. He got off the couch and navigated the short path through the maze of presents on the floor to Martha who was still holding Iris Lanie in her arms. He kneeled down in front of them and held the stuff animal over Iris, "Hey little one. Got you a little present." He said softly, "Merry Christmas sweetie." Iris reached for the stuffed animal with a happy squeal of joy. Everyone laughed. Castle leaned forward and kissed the top of her head.

Kate rocked her happy baby daughter side to side, "Kevin, its back to you."

Kevin smiled, "yay!"

It's a little passed noon and the weather outside continued to worsen with snow gently blanketing the neighborhood. Inside the house Kate and Castle cuddled on the couch while Alexis, Kevin Esposito, Jim, and Martha played a new board game on the coffee table with the fire place letting off its wonderful warmth. Angel laid next to the fireplace on her bed and let the baby twin girls play by her side. There were so many gifts for everyone that the family room no longer looked like a family room with all the new presents.

Castle had wrapped an arm around Kate, and held her tight to his body while Kate rested her head on his shoulder and a hand rested on his chest. Kate smiled, "Angel is sure good with the kids. Especially with the girls."

Castle smiled, "She sure is. For a puppy, she's very mature."

Kate laughed, "She's still a puppy?"

Castle chuckled, "Oh yeah."

Kate leaned closer toward him, "Glad we have her." They remained in silence for a moment as they enjoyed the laughter coming from their family playing their board game on the coffee table. Kevin Esposito's laugh and smile melted their hearts.

Castle broke the silence with a whisper, "This is a good day."

Kate smiled, "Great day."

"It's a wonderful life we live in. Isn't it Kate?" Castle said as he gently squeezed her body to him.

Kate looked at Castle, "Yes it is Rick. Yes it is." She kissed his cheek.

Kevin Esposito cheered, "Mommy, Daddy! I won! I won!"

Both Kate and Castle laughed. Castle smiled, "That's my boy."

Jim chuckled, "Rematch?"

Alexis nodded in agreement, "Yeah me too." She laughed, "I can't believe that happened."

Martha chuckled, "Don't sweat it kiddo." Kevin Esposito cheered as he got the game ready again.

Kate and Castle cuddled closer and enjoyed this moment in time, and wished it will never end.

"It's a Wonderful Life" GREAT MOVIE

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. See you in February… JUST KIDDING!