Genre: Drama, Crime, Romance, Family, Humor

Rating: M for sexual situations and language

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters featured on the show Castle, they belong to the creator of the show, ABC, and the others who do own them.

A/N #1: I was really happy to see the feedback for the last chapter so I definitely want to get to my thank yous for them! MichelleBell16 (Great to see that you've loved the last few chapters of this story! And not surprised that you did because of the time that Beckett and Julia spent together after the car accident and everything with that. I was also pleased to see you mentioned; and enjoyed; them spending time with Mari and Dani was well. And very happy that you're looking forward to reading the next chapter (s) and now you don't need to wait anymore for that!),

TORONTOSUN (It was nice to see you thought it was a great chapter the first half with everyone looking out for each other as you said. And I was really happy to see you liked how open Castle was when he was talking about painting Beckett's toenails to Julia, thought that would be a cute discussion, lol),

Guest (Glad to see you thought it was a fantastic update and that you still think it's a fantastic series, will try to keep that going as I keep posting. And hopefully this was what you meant by breaks in my author's note, putting lines between my replies to the reviews I get. Really pleased to see that you thought I use the characters fantastically. And very much so that thought they're different from the circumstances that happened in this series they're still the same ones from the show that, as you said, we fell in love with. There wasn't really another way I could write them to be honest, not without destroying the basis of the show; essentially Castle and Beckett partners and soul mates! And I'm really happy that you thought the love scenes were hot, sexy and loving as that's what I was aiming for! And you're very welcome for posting too!),

Guest (It was nice to see that you thought the last chapter was great! And of course I was very happy that you really enjoyed the mother-daughter moments between Beckett and Julia as I enjoy writing those, and that you enjoyed the nail painting session they had since I could see it very well. But glad you liked Castle coming in to them eventually and you're right, I don't write Castle with Julia alone too much, hard to since I started with Beckett and Julia but I gotta try to put that in more, them doing stuff. It was nice to read that you think the questions Julia was asking shows how she's maturing, I want to start writing her doing that so glad you noticed. And yeah, lol, I wrote in Julia wearing that costume tux a long time ago and I just saw Evan Rachel Wood in that tux so that was pretty awesome. So it was fantastic you mentioned Julia wearing one and that you thought it was cool too!)and

vetgirlmx (Great to see you thought it was a very nice chapter! And actually it's the first time they were with both Foster girls since that one New Years Eve though Dani is older so I could see what you meant. And I'm glad that you could tell they were having a very good time since of course it's what I was aiming for with that. Yep, lol, good thing none of them had to work on homework during that time. Great that you laughed at Castle's comment about Julia ordering them around though yeah, he might be right considering she is a bit like Beckett. And really, really happy you loved the talk that Beckett and Julia had together but not surprised you mentioned them not being able to hide things from Julia. Glad you caught she's in sync with them a lot 'cause I do try to portray that. And yeah, Beckett's anger was going to be noticed by her but glad you saw them talking about that as a way for Julia to see how Beckett feels about the subject, that was definitely my intention. Pleased to see you enjoyed the chapter a lot and that you can't wait to see how the ride Beckett and Julia have goes and now you don't need to wait any longer!).
Thanks so much for the reviews, I loved reading them as usual and was grateful for all the time taken to write them and send them to me too!

A/N #2: The title of this chapter is a lyric from the song Poison Ivy written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, the version I've taken from is sung by Linda McCartney from her album Wide Prairie.

Comes A-Creeping Around

"Rick… please… harder…" Beckett was moaning heavily as her nails raked over her husband's scalp roughly. She was suddenly gasping as he sped up and could feel as she held onto him by his shoulders that he was tense. The way he was moving within her she was soon losing the last of her control and she cried out his name repeatedly as her orgasm was rough. Moving haphazardly though she'd tried her best to keep the rhythm she had with him she soon felt him joining her, groaning her name. She ran the nails of her right hand through his hair to his scalp again as her name on his lips soon became a chant and she kissed him deeply when he looked down at her.

When they had parted from a second kiss Castle went down to her neck, sucking at her pulse on the right as hard as he could before his wife was suddenly shuddering and hitting against his body as her ecstasy was etched on her face. "Oh god, yes love come for me again. You're so fucking beautiful when you come," he nearly hissed.

"Come with me Rick, come I need to feel you…" Beckett commanded him, not sure how exactly she'd managed to affect that tone. But she did and he was following her order; knowing it was her use of Irish and her tone again that had done that. She held him to her tightly with her arms and legs and as she had done a number of times the night before she was nearly beating their pace into his ass. She had no idea how long they took before they were stopping; her first; and when Castle had done the same she held him tighter saying, "Thank you," as he was groaning in joy at the aftermath of their very rough lovemaking she'd instigated.

When he had recovered a little bit more Castle raised his head and said, "I think I just lost all ability to move so if I'm crushing you-"

"Don't worry," Beckett replied with a smile as she caressed his cheek. "You're not, will you be okay though?"

"I think so; again I'll thank Brad for making me work with him in the gym and polo…" Castle said. That made him suddenly think of the ride that his wife was going to need to get up for and he looked over at the clock on her nightstand. "Oh good, we have time," he said eagerly before he was turning back to her and kissing her readily.

Beckett had expected that reaction from him so she was prepared for the kiss he gave her, stroking the back of his head and neck until they needed to breathe. She gasped when he dove for her breasts, showering each mound with kisses before she said, "You can't-"

"When you get back," Castle said simply as he moved back up to her lips, kissing her. When they'd parted he lay next to her and held against his side tightly before their lips met yet again. The fact that she was responding to him so quickly let him know that she had no protest but he was startled when she stopped him from kissing her again. "What?" he asked in surprise as her fingers were pressed to his lips.

"You think we'd have time when we come back?" Beckett asked.

When the alarm began to ring then Castle smiled at his wife and said, "You'll see." He gave her a kiss that was quick and moving out of her way so she could get up he told her, "You'll need to take a shower right?"

"Yes," Beckett said, smiling and kissing him as a way to let him know that she was agreeing to what he was suggesting before she then went over to the closet to get dressed. Before she went in she glanced back and wasn't surprised to see her husband lying on his back, knowing he had to be exhausted since she'd demanded he pleasure her for a long time. But she knew already that he wasn't going to regret doing that for her so she smiled slightly. While she began to pull out her clothes for the ride she thought of how she could in a way thank Castle for that morning and soon had an idea. But she then rapidly turned her attention to finish getting ready and also Julia, letting her mind wander to something that had been bothering her since the night before as she soon finished and went out to the bed to find her husband standing next to it.

"Hey… did I surprise you?" Castle asked, seeing the look on his wife's face. He'd gotten dressed while she'd been in the bathroom but soon realized that wasn't why she looked troubled. "Kate?" he asked as he placed his hand on her shoulder.

"We shouldn't have told them about the case," Beckett said then. "Especially Mari, what if she had a nightmare? Rebecca's going to kill me."

"She won't, she'll be upset you told her but she won't do that," Castle said, wrapping his arms around her. "And Julia was fine," he added as she looked up at him while placing her hands on his chest.

"I hope so," Beckett said with a sigh. When she noticed her husband was looking at her she said, "Alright she is but that doesn't make me worry we should keep this from her; she's only ten."

"She's had all this around her since she was four," Castle pointed out. "And she did want to know. We know our daughter very well and if it was too much for her we wouldn't tell her."

"Which we did," Beckett said. She leaned over and kissed him on the lips briefly saying, "I just had this horrifying thought-"

"She was growing up too fast," Castle said at the same time as her. "I know but she's alright."

"Thanks," Beckett said with a nod. She then said with a smile. "You don't usually have to do that for me."

"Which makes it so momentous," Castle said. He laughed when she pushed him on the shoulder slightly and let her go saying, "I'll get a cup of coffee for you to take."

"And some chamomile for Julia," Beckett told him as he stepped back up to her. When he looked at her in surprise she told him, "I want her to have something warm and I'm aware it's almost summer but still."

"It's still mild," Castle said with a nod. He leaned down slightly and kissed her before he moved away. He didn't stay too far though and was very quickly kissing her again, that time deeper and harder before they slowly parted. "You also want to indulge her wanting to be like you right?"

"Having a to go cup won't hurt," Beckett replied with a smile, not surprised that he'd been able to figure that out.

"I love you Kate," Castle said abruptly to that before he was kissing her again.

Beckett felt a thrill at the slightly husky tone her husband's voice took and kissed him back hungrily. When they parted she pressed her forehead against his and murmured, "I love you too Rick." She was tempted to kiss him again but the alarm on her phone to remind her to wake up Julia was ringing and she said, "Tonight?" When her husband nodded eagerly she couldn't help laugh softly and kiss him gently before she left him to go to their oldest's room where she found Julia standing next to her bed, hugging Macca around his neck. "Good morning sweetie," she said with a smile as her daughter turned to her in surprise.

"Morning Mommy," Julia said, squeezing the dog one more time before hurrying over to her. She embraced her mother tightly before she said, "I was gonna start getting ready."

"We should do that so we can go," Beckett said.

Julia nodded and raced to help her mother as much as she could, dressing herself and brushing her teeth before her mother brushed her hair. She was pleased when Beckett put her hair into a braid without her having to say she wanted that and as soon as her riding boots were on she took her mother's hand and they hurried to the foyer. "Morning Daddy," she said with a smile as she rushed to him while he was walking over to meet them from the hall.

As Julia hugged him tightly Castle did his best to embrace her back though since he had the two cups in his hands it was a little difficult. "Oh thank you," he said to his wife as she took the cup that was hers. He then hugged their oldest to him and kissed the top of her head before he told her, "Morning sweetheart. How'd you sleep?"

"I didn't have nightmares," Julia replied, looking over at her mother with him. She then smiled when Beckett paused in putting on her jacket and said, "I thought you were gonna think that. 'Cause you told me about the case."

"We're glad you didn't," Beckett said simply. "Are you ready?"

"Here's some tea and a little something for breakfast," Castle said, handing Julia her cup of tea and Beckett a croissant he'd warmed up and cut in half.

"Thanks," Julia said, taking a half and beginning to eat.

"We'll be back by a quarter till at the latest," Beckett told her husband after she'd kissed him to thank him.

"What time is it?" Julia asked then, hoping they weren't late.

"Six forty, you're a little early," Castle said. "Go," he told them. "That way you've got more time." He said goodbye to them as they walked out the door to the garage and he held Macca back from following before they looked at each other. "They'll come home. In the meantime keep me company while I change the sheets on the bed," he told the Wolfhound before they then headed up the stairs.

Biting into her croissant once they were on the way to the stables Beckett said, "Your daddy does know how to get these ready."

"Yep," Julia said from the back, her voice muffled.

"Sweetie don't talk with your mouth full," Beckett said though her voice was tinged with amusement.

"Sorry," Julia said. She took a sip of her tea and asked, "How come I got tea?"

"Because it's a good drink to warm you up," Beckett said. She was pulling into the driveway for the stables then and going down the lane to the parking lot. Once she was set with that she asked her daughter, "Did you want something else?"

"No thanks this is good," Julia replied though her tone was absent as she was looking out the window. "Mommy can we see-"

"Yes," Beckett said with another smile. "That's why we're here earlier; I figured you'd want to see Marie."

"So do you," Julia replied as she took off her seatbelt the second her mother parked the car.

"Where's your helmet?" Beckett asked her as she opened the door for her daughter.

"Right here," Julia said, showing it to her. She noticed her mother frowning as she studied it and said, "What's wrong?"

"I need to check that when you put it on, it may be time to get one of your own," Beckett said.

"Oh Mommy no, I love this helmet," Julia said, holding it to her protectively. It was the same one she had been given for Christmas and she always liked to think that it brought her even closer to her mother.

"You can put it in your room now," Beckett said gently, placing her hand on her daughter's back. "As a decoration remember?"

Julia thought about that and sighed before she said, "I have to have a helmet that fits huh?"

"You do," Beckett replied. "But we'll go when we have a chance… this weekend, to see if we can grab a new one."

"Just us?" Julia asked hopefully.

"If you want to," Beckett said with a nod. She then looked at the field ahead of them and said, "There's Marie."

Following her mother's gaze Julia saw the filly; her filly she reminded herself inwardly; and she smiled at the sight of it. "She's so beautiful," she breathed to her mother as she then climbed up on the railing. "Ooh…" she breathed as the mare walked over to them but stopped before she was too close.

Beckett smiled at the expression on her oldest's face, wondering if her own had matched it at the same age. But she already knew the answer to that and she let Julia watch the mare and pony until finally she put her hand on her back to let her know they needed to go.

With a sigh Julia stepped down from the railing and took her mother's hand before she said, "I wish that she was big enough to ride."

"She needs to be trained," Beckett said simply, squeezing the small hand within her own.

"You'll help Charlie right?" Julia said hopefully, peering up at her mother.

"Yes," Beckett replied with a smile. "I promised you I would though I've never done that before."

"I trust you Mommy," Julia told her seriously. She laughed when her mother stopped and pulled her close, kissing her temple. "Hurry so we can have breakfast."

"Come on," Beckett replied with a smile. She took her daughter into Julius' stall and led her through the steps to get the horse ready to go until the stallion was fully equipped. "Can you stay out?" she asked as she let Julia take Julius outside.

"Okay," the girl said slowly as she'd wanted to watch her mother prepare Alex.

"I'll be quick," Beckett said with a smile, knowing what her daughter was thinking. She went into her stallion's stall and then began to get his saddle and bridle ready until finally he was set. "Alright let's go ahead to the end of the path," she told her daughter. They led the horses there and she let Alex's reins go before helping Julia up onto the saddle on Julius' back. "Good?" she asked after checking the stirrups.

"Yep," Julia said. When her mother left her she watched her closely as she mounted, loving the way she did so so effortlessly. "You'll teach me how to do that when I'm taller right?" she asked as they began to walk to the path past the last corrals.

"Of course but it's mostly by practice," Beckett told her. When they were far enough away from the complex she said, "Ready?" At her daughter's quick nod she said, "Then let's go," before they nudged their horses at nearly the same time and they took off.

Julia held tightly to the reins but didn't slow down at all as she held tight with her legs to Julius before they were nearing the creek a while later. She was careful slowing the stallion until it was walking next to Alex. "Was that alright?" she asked her mother.

"It was, you're doing great," Beckett replied.

Julia smiled at the compliment and nodded before they dismounted to take the horses to the water. She patted Julius' neck before she said shyly, "Do you wish you were here with Daddy instead?"

"I'm riding with him tomorrow morning," Beckett answered. She wasn't surprised when her daughter giggled heavily and said, "Did you expect that?"

"A little bit; I was hoping," Julia replied. "Do you miss him?"

"No I just saw him sweetie," Beckett replied, looking at Alex as he raised his head. She also was using the chance to not let her daughter see how she was blushing remembering and still feeling an echo of how things had gone with Castle that morning. She then said, "How are you?"

"I'm good," Julia asked in confusion. She then realized something and asked, "Do you mean the competition?"

"No there's time for that," Beckett replied. She then paused before she said, "Are you sure you want to know about the case?"

"I said before Mommy," Julia said, trying not to sound too exasperated. "I want to know what happened to the lady." She then thought of something and said, "Did she have a wife?"

"No she had been dating someone but they broke up," Beckett said after hesitating for a moment.

"Is she a suspect?" Julia said slowly, not so used to saying the last word yet.

"We tried to find her but she's been in the city for a week," Beckett replied. She then recalled; but didn't tell her daughter; that Brockson had cut her visit short to the city the afternoon before but had been unable to really finish with her work at an art gallery where she was showing her photographs until that night. And when they'd looked into the woman they had discovered that their vic had been on the way to her ex's home from a local public beach; apparently about to go to her friend's home that she'd asked to go to after. But since she had yet to go to the station with her husband she shook her thoughts of the case and said, "We should talk about something else." She was startled when her daughter began to giggle slightly and said, "What's so funny?"

"You Mommy, you were quiet for a while," Julia replied.

"I was thinking about the case," Beckett admitted. "But since I'm not at work I should pay more attention to you."

"And Alex," Julia said, smiling at the stallion as it turned its head to nibble at her mother's shoulder, making her laugh as Beckett took its head gently with her hands.

"Alex," she said a little sternly to her horse. "We can't run with her the whole way," Beckett said, looking him in the eye. When he whickered and shook his head she sighed and said, "Really?"

"What did he say?" Julia asked, a smile on her face as she loved the fact that her mother seemed to be able to communicate with Alex more and more over the time she'd had him.

"It's not what he says," Beckett replied. She was going to speak before she looked at her daughter and then told her, "Look at Julius; his posture; and tell me if you notice anything."

Startled Julia then did as her mother said, turning her attention to her father's horse. She frowned a little before she then said, "He's okay?"

"Exactly, he's relaxed and placid," Beckett said. "Alex," she said gently as he shook his head. "Now consider him," she said, nodding to the stallion.

"He… wants to go?" Julia asked, having a little harder time getting what was wrong with him.

"Partially," Beckett said. "He wants to go jumping."

Julia giggled and then said, "Really?"

"Yes, we jumped into the new field…" Beckett began.

"What?" Julia asked, watching the expression on her mother's face.

Smiling widely at her daughter she said, "Let's go jump."

"Okay," Julia said eagerly, thinking her mother would finally let her jump the regular obstacles in that corral.

"You'll be lower sweetie," Beckett told her firmly.

"Mommy," Julia said in a whine.

"Julia," Beckett replied simply. When her daughter playfully pouted she pulled her close and shared an embrace with her before they then turned to the horses to get back on. She led the way back to the stables, galloping with Julia until they were at the corrals and inside the one to practice jumping. She dismounted and let Alex walk ahead of them before she whistled to him and took his reins.

"You don't want to go first Mommy?" Julia asked, watching as she lowered the pole on the first fence.

"No go on this one first," Beckett said. "I want to see how you do."

Nodding, trying not to let Julius sense her slight nervousness, Julia went back enough before she started to ride; nudging the stallion on the sides. She took the fence easily since by then she was used to the height. She smiled as her mother applauded her and said, "Thanks, now you."

"I can lower more of the rails sweetie," Beckett said.

"Please?" Julia asked hopefully.

"Alright," Beckett said before she turned to Alex and stuck her right foot into the stirrup. She then stood and let the stallion walk over to her daughter saying, "It used to drive your grandmama crazy when I did this."

"Why?" Julia asked with a giggle as her mother sometimes would do that.

"I think because she thought the horse didn't like it," Beckett answered before she then mounted the saddle completely. "But I knew if it did or didn't."

"Oh Mommy," Julia breathed. "I wish I could be as good with horses as you are."

Smiling at the compliment Beckett told her, "You will be just give it some time; it wasn't until we moved here to the Hamptons that I was able to do what I can these days."

With a brief nod Julia told her, "Go Mommy."

Smiling at her eagerness Beckett then tugged on the reins to the right and took Alex down to the next fence that was at its normal height. She went over the next three without another thought before she recalled that they had to watch the time and she pulled her stallion to a stop.

"There's more-" Julia began to say.

"We need to go to breakfast," Beckett said, checking the time. She then smiled and said, "But that was fun wasn't it?" When Julia nodded she then said, "We'll go for another ride this weekend when we get your helmet."

"Okay but Daddy needs to come too," the girl said quickly.

"Okay," Beckett said, unable to help speak laughingly at her daughter's firm tone. She walked with her to the stables where Julius and Alex's stalls were until they were in front of the building. She dismounted and helped Julia down before they went inside to get everything taken care of for the two horses.

When Alex was set Julia handed her mother the carrot she held and went to Julius telling him, "Thanks for the ride…"

"You can talk to him in English," Beckett told her with a smile. "Your daddy does both."

"Thanks," Julia said, rubbing Julius' forehead after he'd eaten the carrot.

Taking her daughter to the sink they washed their hands before stopping off to see Marie for a moment before Beckett commented, "She'll be a good rider."

"Will she be like her daddy?" Julia asked, holding her mother's hand tightly as she swung her helmet in her other hand.

"I don't know," Beckett replied. "I really hope not."

"You can handle him," Julia said before they reached the car. When they were leaving the complex she watched the view as they went to the café her parents would go to. "Can we go eat on the beach?" she asked.

"I think so," Beckett said as she was opening the door for Julia. She wasn't surprised at the look of shock on her daughter's face and told her as she wrapped her arm around her, "It's a nice day and I do have this blanket," as she'd grabbed it from the back seat on the other side of the girl.

"Thanks," Julia said happily before they were stepping inside the building. She let her mother order for them and once they had their food they went together to the beach from the door the restaurant had to it. Once they were settled on the blanket she said, "This is nice but I kinda feel bad for Lizzy." She then became thoughtful and said, "'lexis too."

Beckett, smiling, then said, "It was too early for your little sister and for your big sister…" She checked the time on her watch and then said, "She's at, wait she doesn't have class on Tuesday."

"Louis doesn't either," Julia replied to that. "So they're… kissing."

"Julia," Beckett tried to say though she couldn't help smiling.

"Sorry but it's true," Julia replied. "After they… eat lunch?"

"It's about that time," Beckett replied. "But as for kissing I don't think so. They won't mind that you're doing this with me though okay?" When her daughter nodded she then said with a slight smile, "Sweetie, I remembered you said you wanted to show me and your daddy something yesterday but you never did."

Her cheeks heating up immediately Julia said, "It's nothing."

"Julia," Beckett said tenderly, stopping her from getting another spoonful of oatmeal. "It's nothing bad is it?"

"Oh! Oh no, no it's not," Julia said, shaking her head rapidly at that with her eyes wide.

"Then you wrote something didn't you?" Beckett told her, putting it in a question though she was aware of the answer already.

"How did you know?" Julia asked in wonder.

"You're our daughter and you've inherited our love of writing; besides our love of horses," Beckett answered. "What is it about?"

"A girl and her best friend… they solve a case but I didn't write that yet," Julia whispered.

"When did you write this?" Beckett asked, curious to know whether it was before or after the incident Sunday night.

"Yesterday," Julia replied. "During lunch."

"Where was Mari?" Beckett asked.

"I wrote it while everyone was eating and talking together, she talked to Peter and Dawn so they'd leave me alone," Julia said. She then hurriedly tried to distract her mother from the subject by telling her what she and her best friend had talked to her dance partner and friend about during their walk after eating.

"What did you write about while you had the chance?" Beckett asked, gently bringing the subject back to her writing.

"About the two… ladies," Julia began before ending with that word. "I couldn't make them girls…" She then stopped and tears filled her eyes before she looked down at her bowl of oatmeal.

"Julia," Beckett said softly, cupping her daughter's chin to tilt her head up to her. "Are they married?"

"Like Skye and Mary," Julia said rapidly. "And they have friends who are a boy and girl… guy and lady and they're married and they'll help them."

"That's a good idea," Beckett replied with a smile. "Are the man and woman your daddy and me?"

"Yeah," Julia said, smiling tentatively when her mother didn't seem to be too angry or disgusted. "And the two ladies are in love too."

"Of course, if they're married I hope they'll be," Beckett said. "So you just introduced them?"

"Yeah they go to a diner," Julia said, warming up to the subject as she saw how much of her mother's approval she had. "Like the Studebaker and eat breakfast before they get a phone call. But that's all I got… it's not too good I don't have a lot of… details?"

"You didn't have much time to write," Beckett replied, nodding to her daughter's question. "But you should write at home that way you will."

"I know I want to play at lunch again," Julia said after finishing the last of the oatmeal. "But do you think Daddy will like the idea so far?"

"Of course," Beckett replied. "Is that it?"

"Yeah," Julia said. She took the apple slices her mother had gotten for them and after biting into one she said, "Mommy can I ask something?"

"Yes," Beckett said, smiling at how much she reminded her of Castle with that.

"Do you miss Daddy now?" Julia asked.

Laughing softly Beckett said, "I do but again, not a lot."

"Are you thinking of him now?" Julia then said.

"I… yes," Beckett said, unable to lie about that because she was, in the sense of imagining how delighted he was going to be with Julia's propensity to write as they themselves did. "But for now," she said as she saw her daughter had finished her slices. "We should go." They gathered their trash and then headed back to the car but as they were walking and she soon drove home she couldn't help think of how what she'd told her daughter in response to her question reminded her about when she'd last gone to the city to see Lanie. She recalled that night vividly as she and her city friend had had a discussion that had begun with Lanie's boyfriend but then ended with Castle. She smiled but soon turned her attention to the road ahead, going slightly faster so they would get home to everyone quicker though she was still recalling.


"Why did we suddenly start talking about my husband?" Beckett asked as she took the cup of tea that Lanie was handing her.

"We didn't we haven't said anything for a while so I think it's time for us to turn the conversation to you," the doctor replied simply, sitting on the chair next to her. "Don't groan," she said quickly as Beckett covered her face with her hand. "You never tell me anything."

"I never tell anyone anything about my sex life," Beckett said with a sigh, uncovering her face. "That's between my husband and I."

Studying her Lanie then said, "Do you tell Lily and Rebecca?"

Beckett wanted to say no but she was aware that if she did her friend wouldn't believe her. She sighed and said, "We've talked… vaguely about it. Lily isn't as much of a prude as the look on your face is telling me I am right now."

"I don't think you're a prude, I just worry nothing's happening for you," Lanie replied easily before taking a sip of her tea.

"I told you before I am being satisfied this time around," Beckett said as quickly as she could. When her friend just stared at her she sighed and said, "What more can I say?"

"What have you told them that you haven't said to me?" Lanie asked. When Beckett still looked hesitant she then said, "You're all married."

"Yes we are," she said slowly. "Why?"

"Have you compared your husbands?" Lanie asked. She wasn't surprised when her friend groaned and buried her face into her hands she said, "So you've told them."

"I didn't want to, Lily's… well she had us just write down the number on a piece of paper," Beckett replied.

"Tell me," Lanie said.

"No I don't really want that to get out," Beckett said.

"So you don't trust me?" Lanie said, sounding slightly annoyed. "I'll tell you about Dylan, he's-"

"You measured him?" Beckett asked in surprise.

"We were playing," Lanie said with a nonchalant shrug. "Seven and a half. See? It wasn't that difficult for me to do that." When her friend still didn't answer she said, "Is Castle smaller?"

"No!" Beckett said before she could stop her vehement tone. When Lanie looked at her she felt as if her cheeks were on fire but she said the number quickly hoping he wouldn't be mad she was saying it when she told him back at home.

"I'm sorry my ears must be plugged," Lanie said when she realized what her friend had mumbled. "Did you say just past eight?" she asked. When Beckett nodded, looking away from her she breathed out and said, "At least I know now what Espo meant when he told me about that comment Ryan made." She then looked Beckett over and said, "And you can walk?"

Groaning in slight annoyance though she'd expected that question Beckett said, "I told Rebecca and Lily the same when they saw the number, yes."

Lanie said, "What else do you talk about with them?"

Looking at her friend Beckett said, "You're not going to stop are you?"

"I'm not planning on it," Lanie said. "It's taken me how long to get you to open up to me?"

"To be honest there was never anything before to open up about," Beckett said. "Before Rick."

"Of course, so what?" Lanie said.

Since she did feel guilty talking more to her Hamptons friends about that and not really to Lanie, Beckett then said, "Lily asked us once where was the craziest place we made love at."

"That's a good question, Dylan and I went out on the beach once when he took me to the Canary Islands after Christmas," Lanie told her.

Though she was embarrassed saying it Beckett answered, "We were on a beach in Ireland; on the west coast."

"Interesting," Lanie said. "At night?" When her friend nodded she said, "Another question I asked you but I don't think you were really that truthful; you said you used protection-"

"We don't need to talk about-" Beckett started to say.

"I got the feeling that was an issue for you," Lanie interrupted. "You and Castle?"

Beckett bit at her lower lip before she then said, "We haven't since I was transferring to that birth control you suggested."

"So from the start…?" Lanie said.

Unable to help the smile on her face Beckett said, "Rick asked me if I had ever barebacked before."

"He… well I guess now he knows about how much you like horses he would use that word," Lanie said after thinking that over. "What did you tell him?"

"The same I told you, I didn't want to be with a man without the added protection," Beckett said.

"And yet you risked it with Castle," Lanie said simply.

Letting out a breath softly Beckett said, "I know and I was hoping that that might have been the reason but I realized it was only part of it."

"I'm just glad you don't have to fake it anymore," Lanie said since her friend had told her before about doing that.

"Believe me when I say I am too," Beckett said. They were quiet for a moment before she said, "Are you planning on going with Dylan anywhere-"

"You're thinking about him right now aren't you?" Lanie asked. She wasn't surprised when her friend's slight blush was her answer and she asked, "Go call him, I'm going to make some popcorn and we can watch those movies."

"Finally," Beckett said teasingly as she got up. "Lanie?" she said as she started to walk over to the spare bedroom where she was going to stay that night. "Thanks."

"Go," Lanie replied with a slight laugh. "I'm just glad to see you happy still."

"Me too," Beckett replied, smiling. She went into the room closing the door behind her and dialing her husband quickly before he answered, smiling again as she said gently, "Hey love," and she lay back on the bed as he greeted her, listening to him talk and wishing she was home with him.


"Eliza," Castle said as he was coming out to his youngest with her brush in hand. "What would your mother say if she saw you right now?"

Stopping her jumping up and down on the bed Eliza smiled at her father as he neared her and said, "I love you?"

"First she'd say to stop," Castle replied, having her turn around so he could brush her hair. "And then that, yes."

Eliza giggled before she said, "Can you put a band Daddy?"

"I can," Castle replied, soon finishing since her hair wasn't that long. He went over to where he and Beckett kept the things for Eliza's hair and pulled out a headband that matched the green of her shirt. Once he had it set on her head he picked her up saying quickly, "Down Macca, Rita," as the dogs with them tried to jump up to her. He carried her outside and then heard the sound of talking downstairs before he told the little girl, "Sounds like your grandparents are up."

"Good 'cause it's breakfast," Eliza said. She then thought of something and said, "Did you cook?"

"I did," Castle assured her as he was going down the stairs. He saw that his mother and father in law were there and he called out to them, "Good morning."

"Good morning Richard, Eliza," Martha said first. "How did you sleep?" she asked as she held her arms out for her granddaughter.

"Good, did you?" the little girl asked interestedly.

"Of course," Martha said, kissing her cheek before going over to Jim so he could kiss Eliza in greeting. "So today you need to set the table since your sister isn't here."

"By myself?" Eliza asked, slightly panicked but also a little bit interested.

"I'll help you," Jim said with a smile before Martha set the little girl down. He held his hand out to her and pulled her over to the table where there were utensils and Eliza's glass. "Your father made some pancakes today for us."

"With fruit," Castle added as he finished dishing out the warm pancakes. He handed the dishes to his mother before grabbing his own plate and taking the bowl of mixed fruits he'd managed to make since there had been so much time. As they were eating he glanced at his watch after he'd taken a few bites before he looked at the others and could see that his mother was watching him. "They should be eating themselves about now," he commented.

Sitting next to him Eliza looked up at her father and with a smile asked, "You miss Mommy?"

"Yes but I'm sure she and Julia are having a great time," Castle said quickly, glancing at his father in law. "So any plans for today?" he asked rapidly again.

"I was going to head into downtown," Jim said with a slight smile. "I'd like to see if I can find a gift for you and Katie."

"You don't have to," Castle said, surprised at that. "We weren't asking for gifts for this wedding."

"Are you sure you want to do that?" Martha asked.

"We don't need anything," Castle said. He then became thoughtful and said, "Kate and I were discussing asking for donations for the animal shelter here in the city. Maybe some other charities the guests can pick from."

"That's a good idea," Eliza said.

Smiling Castle ran his hand over the back of the little girl's head and said, "Your sister… sisters will likely think it is too."

"Why the shelter and not the stables?" Jim asked.

"The stables don't need any help," Castle said. "But the shelter always could."

"Gram," Eliza said then. "What are you gonna do?"

"I may work on Kate's costume," Martha said. "I've nearly got the bodice finished but I need to ask her if she wants a snug fit or slight space."

"Just wondering, is my wife's bodice smaller in size?" Castle asked.

"She's not skin and bones Richard," Martha said with a sigh. "And if you're wondering you should have measured her for the costume yourself."

"I probably should have," Castle said, unable to help smiling in amusement as Eliza giggled at her grandmother's tone. Soon after that they were finishing their meal and he cleared the table with Jim's help before his father in law was taking over. "You don't need to-" he started to say.

"Go ahead and wait for Katie," Jim replied. "And Julia as well."

Castle wanted to say something to that; though he wasn't sure what since the man was right; but Eliza was hurrying to him and taking his hand. "Just so you know," he told the little girl. "I do miss your mom and sister but not so much I'm going to run out and get them."

Giggling as she patted Rita's head since the Hound was sitting next to her Eliza then said, "I know but I miss Mommy too and Jules."

"But your mom a little more?" Castle asked, looking at her as he then went to the bench to sit down as they waited. When the little girl nodded and went to him he said, "Don't worry she'll give you your good morning kiss as soon as she gets here." He then looked over at the dogs who were play fighting and said sharply, "Macca, Rita sit."

"Oooh that was a good one Daddy," Eliza said. She was going to say more when her father had stopped laughing but realized that she could hear the sound of a car. "Are they late?" she asked as her father kept her from jumping off his lap.

"Nope, plenty of time for showers," Castle said, looking to his mother as she came to the entry.

Before her son could speak again Martha was asking, "Is that them?"

"Yeah do you think you can wait in Julia's room while she takes a shower?" Castle asked, standing up with Eliza on his hip.

"Of course," Martha said.

For a moment Castle felt he needed to explain why he needed a shower but shook it off as the door to the garage opened and he hurriedly set his and Beckett's youngest down.

"Mommy!" Eliza cried out happily as soon as she had seen Beckett, rushing to her and wrapping her arms around her tightly. She cried out slightly in surprise as she was picked up and then smiled at her mother before wrapping her arms around her neck. "Morning Mommy."

"Good morning sweetie," Beckett said with a smile, kissing her cheek. She wasn't surprised when Eliza turned to her quickly to share a kiss with her and once they had asked, "Did you have a good breakfast?"

"Yep, we had…" Eliza said before she stopped and then looked down at her sister.

"You can say, was it pancakes?" Julia asked with a wide smile. After her little sister nodded she then said, "That's okay, I've had Daddy's pancakes since before you were born."

"Now though we need to take showers," Beckett told the two. "So-"

"I'm taking her Kate," Martha said with a smile as she then took Julia's hand. "She'll be fine."

"Okay," Beckett said. "But Eliza?"

"I'll take her Katie," Jim said as he went over to his daughter. "How was it?"

"A lot of fun," Julia said. "We had breakfast on the beach."

"Let's go," Castle said. "That way you're not late for school." He took Beckett's hand as they followed his mother and their oldest up the stairs. When they were in their room he closed and locked the door saying, "You didn't take a lot of time."

"We had a quick breakfast," Beckett replied simply, unbuttoning the top of her polo shirt she'd worn before pulling it off. "Come on."

"So… it's okay I join you?" Castle asked hopefully. When his wife just looked back at him and smiled he shuddered heavily in desire before he nearly raced to follow her, stopping shortly just after going inside the room. She was undressing then and he said, not sure why his voice slightly broke at the end, "You had a good ride?"

Glancing over at him in minor surprise Beckett paused and said, "You don't really care if I did."

"No I do it's just hard to think about that now," Castle said, his voice literally shaking as he watched her hands run over her breasts, her fingers between the mounds though they were covered by her black bra.

"Undress," Beckett told him firmly. She slightly smirked when her husband immediately did so; not moving from where he was standing until he was naked and she prepared herself for him. She was just able to do so when he wrapped his arms around her tightly and she dug her nails into his back as he literally lifted her up off the ground. It was only because he was in such a hurry but she soon had her feet on the ground again she was glad that he was holding her so tightly as she could have sworn her knees were starting to wobble. "Help me," she said once they'd parted.

Castle didn't say anything to that and helped her with her bra and panties before she was finally bare to him and they went together into the shower where he turned on the water. He watched her put her hair up into a messy bun without taking it down from the ponytail it was in and he went to her bared shoulders, kissing around them as he pressed into her from behind.

Gasping slightly Beckett asked, "You're not tired?"

"Does it honestly feel like I am?" Castle asked her as he pushed gently on her abdomen to bring her back against his erection though it was curved up on his stomach by then.

"Oh god… I just got back," Beckett gasped as his hand slid down to the apex of her legs.

"I know but I was thinking about you still," Castle said before he crushed his lips to hers. He felt her hands cupping his cheeks as he began to rub at her clit at the same time. When he realized how swollen it was already he pulled away and looking at her said, "You too?"

"It was hard not to," Beckett whispered, her hands sliding down his chest. "We don't have much time."

"I know," Castle breathed before he kissed her deeply again. That was a short one though he didn't want to, since she had grasped at his member with both her hands. "Kate," he breathed.

"I feel the same," Beckett said, breathing that out as well. She leaned over to him and nuzzled her nose against him before saying, "We don't have time."

"I remembered," Castle said, knowing she'd repeated that for a reason. He kissed her a little harder and then pulled away so he could lean down and take her breasts with his mouth and his free hand as they continued to pleasure each other at the same time.

For a short amount of time Castle and Beckett pleasured one another until she was breaking first, her husband holding her until she calmed down and then brought him over the edge.

Watching her husband as he apologized for the result of his climax Beckett couldn't help smile slightly and said, "Don't worry, we're in the shower remember."

"Yeah," Castle said, still breathing heavily. When he felt a little bit recovered he then pulled her to him and kissed her deeply before stepping back under the water so they could rinse off. He helped her clean up with their soaps and once they were finished said, "I love you."

"I love you too," Beckett replied with a smile before he turned off the water. She stepped out before he could and as soon as they were dry she said, "Next time you can take care of me after."

"I remembered," Castle said jokingly. He smiled when she rolled her eyes and he kissed her gently before they went out to get dressed.

After they'd finished Beckett led the way to Julia's room where the girl was by herself brushing her hair. "Your Gram?" she asked her.

"I told her she could go downstairs," Julia said with a smile. "She didn't need to help me get dressed."

"Of course," Beckett said.

"Mommy?" Julia then asked. When her mother asked what she said, "Could you put my hair into a braid?"

"Come here," Beckett said, pulling her over to stand in front of her. She easily placed a simple braid in her hair as she'd done that morning and once it was set she said, "You could have asked your gram to do this."

Julia didn't say anything to that, merely turned and hugged her tightly before she said, "Thanks, tell Daddy."