"Daddy, me finished." Three year old Gracie called out to Castle.
"Alright, monkey, let's get you changed." Castle scooted around the island to help his daughter out of her chair.
"Piggy back daddy!"
"Alright, hop on." Castle turned to let her jump onto her back as she squealed with delight. He carried her upstairs, exaggerating every step of the way. Gracie giggled, sounding exactly like Kate. Gracie was the definition of a mini Beckett; the laugh, smile, eyes, everything.
They arrived at Gracie's room, Castle plopping her on her bed. "Arms up!"
She did as she was told as Castle changed her pajamas to a dress, and attempted to put her hair in pigtails. After the third attempt, her finally decided it was good enough. "Go play!"
"Let's go!"
"Yay!" Gracie scooted off the bed, making her way to the stairs.
Castle carried her down the stairs, placing her on the couch. "Alright, you play while I go wash up and clean the kitchen.
"Mommy play." Gracie said, pointing to their bedroom door.
"Mommy will play later, sweetie." Castle told her, turning to finish his chores.
Minutes later, without him knowing, Gracie made her way into their bedroom, drawing in hand. Beckett was laying on her side, one arm draped over the side of the bed, sound asleep. "Mommy, mommy.' Gracie tugged on Kate's hand.
She opened her eyes, an instant smile on her face. "Good morning, angel." She said, rubbing her eyes and yawning.
An identical smile found its way on Gracie's face at the sight of her mother. "Mommy!" She said, trying to climb onto the bed.
Beckett lifted her up onto the bed, snuggling her to her side. "What have you got there?"
"Picture for you!" She shoved it at Kate.
Beckett's eyes grew wide. "For me? Did you draw this?"
"It's a horsey!" She demonstrated, pointing at the four-legged creature.
"Thank you, I love it." She said, putting it on her bedside table.
"Mommy, huggie!" Gracie climbed on top of Beckett, throwing all of her body weight on her. She wrapped her arms around her neck as Beckett cuddled her close.
"I love you."
"I love you too, sweet girl." Beckett kissed the top of her head.
"Love you more."
"No, I love you more!" Beckett said, laying her down in the bed, tickling her belly and blowing raspberries on her tummy. Gracie squirmed and giggled, a huge smile on her face.