Hi there!

Prompt: A one shot based on the song "Don't Miss Your Life"

Thank you all so much for all the love these little stories have been receiving! Can't wait to write more.

Enjoy!

Castle sat on a plane to Portland, the earliest one he could book for the day. He had had a conference in LA for the second Nikki Heat novel gone movie, an impromptu signing in Washington the same night, and had to be in Oregon that day for two more book signings. On top of that, he was in the midst of writing the eighth Nikki Heat and okaying the plans for the third Derrick Storm graphic novel. In other words, he was busy. Now, he sat, before take off, sprawled out across an entire row in first class, working on everything at once.

Not only that, but Kate had called him every hour to check up on him and make sure things were going as planned. She was at home with the kids and a week away from her due date. Life as a husband, father, writer, and business man was hectic at the moment to say the least.

"Hello?" Rick spit out the greeting before the phone was to his ear.

"Hey, babe."

"Hi, Kate." He smiled.

"How's the west coast?"

He grumbled. "It's not east, that's for sure."

"Well the east coast misses you. So do two little ones."

Castle heard rustling on the other side of the phone. He smiled when he heard the chipper, little voices of his kids. "Hi, daddy!"

"Hi, kiddo! Are you being good for mommy?" He sat forward in his seat, letting his elbows rest on his knees.

"I'm always good!" Caleb boasted, proudly. "I'm helping a lot with Anna so mommy can get some rest before the new baby is here."

"Good to hear my man. Take care of mommy and Anna."

He heard his daughter's sweet, little voice through the receiver. "Daddy?"

"Hi, honey!" Castle exclaimed.

"Coming home soon? I miss you!"

"I'll be home really soon! I love you!"

"I love you too, daddy!"

"Now give mommy the phone back." He was always patient on the phone with them, but when he was talking with Kate again, the business side came out. "Hey, Kate?"

"Yeah?" She sighed, knowing what he would say next.

He pinched the bridge of his nose, exhausted. "I really have to go."

"Okay." She sounded dejected.

He tried to reconcile. "I'm sorry."

"I love you." Was her only reply. He could practically see her, sitting curled up on the couch, biting her nails in frustration.

He closed his eyes. "Love you too." Then he ended the call and got back to his work.

Not half an hour into the flight, an older gentlemen with lean, broad shoulders and snow white hair leaned towards him. He looked of higher status, probably having made a name for himself throughout the years. "Excuse me, son."

Castle looked up from his iPad, visibly huffing out a breath in annoyance.

The man continued. "I see that your busy and I hate to intrude, but I couldn't help but see myself in you. You're focused, driven by fame and money. I was the same when I was your age."

He paused and then spoke again. "I let a lot of important moments slip through my fingers. Don't forget what's important to you." He nodded and sat back in his seat.

Castle leaned back in his seat as well, staring out the window.

He had missed Caleb's kindergarten graduation last spring because he was at a convention in Chicago.

He had missed Anna's first night in her big girl bed while away on a book tour.

Kate had gone to too many doctors appointments by herself during this pregnancy because he was here, there, and anywhere the books and movies and graphic novels took him.

And he could potentially miss the birth of his third child. He could miss one of the most important days of his life because of books. Nothing more than paper and ink. His children were worth so much more than that.

Slowly, he started to pack up his things, shoving them all neatly into his briefcase. He set it beside him and leaned back again, this time making eye contact with the older gentleman.

"I'm glad one of us is making the right decision. I missed my life, son, no reason you should too."

"Thank you." Rick smiled. "I didn't catch your name?" He reached out to shake the man's hand.

"It's John." The man said, and returned Castle's gesture.

"I'm glad I met you, John. My name's Rick."

The man chuckled. "I know." He held up a paperback book, Nikki Heat laid out seductively on the cover. "I love your work."

Rick bowed his head and laughed. "Thank you. I appreciate it."

With on last nod, John returned to himself and left Castle alone.

Upon landing, Rick bought a ticket back to New York and canceled his remaining tour dates. His life was a little more important than that.

The sun was set by the time he returned to the concrete jungle. People were still out on the streets, but he knew exactly where to find the three, soon to be four, people he loved most.

"Kate?" He sat on the edge of the bed next to her. Sweeping the bangs off of her forehead.

She breathed out and stirred, and when she opened her eyes, she sat up immediately. "Rick? I thought you wouldn't be back for another day?"

"I heard some great advice on the plane." He took her hands in his and continued. "I realized that I've been so wrong to leave you guys while I go away for work. I need to be here more to help you with the kids and be here for them. Yeah, I'll have to leave sometimes, but recently I've lost touch with what's really important. And what's important is my family. I don't want to miss another minute of our lives. If I'm needed, then I'm here in New York. Gina can handle things for a while. But right now, it's all about you. Caleb, Anna, Alexis, and this one." He placed his hand on her stomach, leaned down and kissed it. "I'm not missing another second."

Kate wiped at her eyes, the hormones kicking in. "You're an amazing man, Rick."

He smiled at her. "Well I couldn't do it without you." He leaned towards her, kissing her softly on the lips. And then in one, swift motion, they both fell into each other's arms, content for the night.

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xoxo