A/N: Okay, here is the second to last part. I have had so much fun with this story. Thank you to everyone who reviewed it.
Chapter 13 The Day after Thanksgiving, Kate's POV
I woke up way too early to the sounds of movement in the apartment. I realized that Martha and Alexis were headed out to the big sales that they were talking about. I had thought about joining them but I decided it was nicer just to stay in bed. I did decide to meet up with them later and get some coffee with them when they were taking a break from the shopping. I curled back into Rick's arms and fell back asleep.
I finally woke up again alone in the bed. I didn't hear the shower and the bed was cold, Rick must have been up for a while. I rolled over and went to grab my phone to see what time it was when I saw a long stem red rose on the bedside table. I picked it up and sniffed it. I was just putting it down when the door opened and Rick came in with a tray of food.
"Good morning, Kate."
"Good morning, Rick. You made me breakfast, how sweet."
"Slight correction, I made 'us' breakfast so scoot over," he said with a smile. He sat down next to me and soon we were halfway through the ham and cheese omelet he made.
"So, Kate, what are your plans for the day?"
"Not much. I was going to go shopping but I was more comfortable sleeping. I do want to go out later and meet up with Alexis and Martha though. What are your plans?"
"Decorating, of course."
"Decorating?"
"Yesterday was the start of the Christmas season, so now it's time to decorate. It's a Castle family tradition."
"Maybe I'll go out earlier than I thought," I said rolling my eyes at him.
"Oh really, I bet I can convince you to stay," he said his eyes dropping to my lips and his hand reaching to pull me closer to him.
"But that isn't decorating," I whispered with my lips against his ear as he nibbled my neck.
"That's okay, I can wait to decorate later."
I finally got out of bed and took a shower. Rick was still lounging in bed and it was tempting to climb back with him but I knew I needed to get out to do the shopping I had planned.
"Martha," I walked up to her in the line at the coffee shop. "I'll grab a table, can you grab a coffee for me too?"
"Of course, I can, dear."
I found a table after a few minutes in the crowded shop. I had forgotten how crazy it was the day after Thanksgiving. Martha soon arrived with the coffees and pastries.
"Here you go Kate."
"Thanks, Martha. I'll treat next time."
"No worries. Should you be drinking coffee now?"
"I don't know," I said as my hand paused with my coffee halfway to my mouth. "I hadn't thought of that. I have an appointment on Monday so I'll check with my doctor then."
"And until then, enjoy!" she said with a smile. "How are you feeling? Any symptoms?"
"No, and that surprises me," I said glad that I had a woman to talk to about this. "You always hear about women being sick all the time but so far, nothing. If the tests weren't positive, I don't think I would believe it."
"Well, for some women it just takes a little longer to show up. But then again I never had morning sickness."
"Never?"
"Well, there were a couple of times that I was feeling a little blah but I ate some crackers or drank a ginger ale and felt fine after that."
"That would be good."
"So, have you decided on if you are going to tell them down at the precinct?"
"Eventually, I'm just not sure when. I went to the bookstore earlier and got a book. It says that you shouldn't say anything until the end of the first trimester in case of a miscarriage."
"That is a good point but they are like your family and if something terrible happens, don't you want to be able to turn to your family for support?"
"Yeah. Rick is letting me decide when to tell people but I know he wants to shout it from the rooftops."
"If you weren't so private, he would have already," Martha said with a smile. "You know, dear, it has been a frighteningly long time but if you ever want to talk about anything pregnancy related, you can ask me. I'll try to remember."
"Thank you, Martha. That means a lot to me."
"I enjoyed meeting your dad last night. He seems like a really nice guy. Very protective too."
"I was wondering what he said last night. Rick wouldn't tell me."
"You dad was worried about my son's reputation and Richard assured him that he loves you and only you. He was surprised to hear about your previous signed book though."
"Oh, I guess I never mentioned that to him."
"Your dad said that he barely noticed you since you just wanted a book signed not any other parts."
"Oh, that is true," I laughed at the memory. "What did you have to say?"
"I just was worried about how much publicity he wanted you to deal with. I know you are private and I don't want him to push you into more than you are ready for."
"That is one thing that I am not really looking forward to but if we take it a little at a time, I think it will be okay. I don't mind the small parties, signings and such but the big ones with all the reporters, aren't my favorite. Especially when they all just call me Nikki Heat."
"Well, dear, you just let Richard know and I'm sure he will make a statement or something that you are Kate Beckett not Nikki Heat. Sometimes just a blunt statement like that will actually work pretty well."
"I'll make sure to tell him if it gets too crazy," I promised.
"So what are your plans for the rest of the day?"
"Not much. I'll probably go back to the loft and read."
"Oh dear, you don't want to do that today," she said. "Richard is decorating and you do not want to be there while he is going crazy."
"More than normal?" I asked with a smile.
"Much."
"I think I will call Lanie and she what she's doing then. Maybe we can all meet up somewhere when we join Alexis."
"And then we can all have dinner at the loft," Martha suggested as I pulled out my phone.
A short time later, Martha, Alexis and I meet up with Lanie and Jenny and the boys. I told the boys to go ahead and go to the loft if they were done shopping. They happily took all the bags and left commenting on Madden and Rock Band. As soon as they were out of earshot, Alexis leaned over to me.
"You didn't mention what Dad was up to, did you?"
"Oops. Must have slipped my mind."
We all laughed and I knew that I would need to get a little something extra for my detectives for putting up with Castle decorating today. We had fun shopping before we stopped for a break. I suggested to Alexis and Martha that they run into one store while Lanie, Jenny and I went next door and got some lingerie. I didn't really need my future stepdaughter see what I was buying for her dad.
Finally, it was time to go back to the loft, we were all tired but I had almost finished my Christmas shopping so I was happy about that at least. Alexis assured me that her father probably didn't think of fixing anything for dinner so we stopped in at one of our favorite Italian places that delivered. We picked up more than dinner there and soon we were all back at the loft and dropped our packages in the transformed living room.
"Hey, guys. Look what we picked up," I called out to the guys who were playing video games.
"Hi Kate. You're home," Rick said with a smile not noticing anything else at first. I saw Lanie smile at his choice of words but I didn't say anything about how he called his place my home.
"Captain, how did the women drag you along?" Rick asked as he finally spotted the Captain.
"My wife went with the kids to visit her mother today so I was on my own. I decided to go out to dinner and I ran into the ladies at Anthony's. Kate invited me to join you all for dinner. Hope you don't mind."
"Not at all, here let me take your coat," he offered before hanging it in the closet.
Soon, the women were all settled in the kitchen as I gathered plates and silverware for dinner as the boys were in the living room playing their video games. They had been so immersed that they never even realized that we had gotten there. Lanie, Jenny and I just laughed and knew that the look on their faces was going to be priceless.
"So Kate, you look awfully comfortable here," Lanie said.
"I do stay here occasionally," I said.
"Often enough for Castle to call this your home?"
"Yeah, well, that's just Castle for you," I said trying to deflect the conversation a bit. Luckily the doorbell came to my aid. I answered the door, not even realizing at first that this just confirmed to Lanie how often I was here. I put the lasagna on the table and opened it up, knowing that the smell would soon pull Rick from the game.
"Watch this," I said softly to the ladies with me. Moments later we watched as Rick's head perked up, he sniffed, then hopped up to join us.
"Why are you all laughing at me?"
"No reason, Rick," I smiled.
"Need any help?" he asked.
"Just get everyone to the table," I said as I put the garlic bread on the table.
He moved to the center of the great room and called out, "Dinner from Antonio's! Lasagna and garlic bread!" Suddenly there was a flurry of activity from the other room and upstairs.
"When did you get here?" Esposito asked Lanie when he spotted her.
"Some detective you are," she replied sarcastically.
"I don't think either of them noticed that I was here either and I was sitting on the chair beside them," Captain Montgomery said.
"We knew you were there, sir," Ryan said but it didn't convince anyone.
"By the way, Beckett…. you didn't tell us he was a decorating fiend," Esposito complained.
"Sorry," I smiled at them. "I think you'll like what was purchased in your absence though." I went over and pulled out a wrapped package for them. "You have to wait until later to open it."
We enjoyed our dinner and had fun chatting about what we had done all day. I knew the boys were practically itching to open the package which was video game sized. We decided to take pity on them and let them open it before dessert.
"Cool. Thanks Beckett," Ryan said as Esposito nodded in agreement. They then disappeared to the other room to play followed by the Captain.
"Boys," Lanie and Jenny said simultaneously. They realized if they wanted to spend any time with them they would need to go watch them so they followed. Rick gave me a hug before leading me to the kitchen alone.
"So did you have a good day?" he asked.
"Very good. Before I met up with your mom and Alexis, I went to the bookstore and got some books. Then Martha and I had a nice talk."
"That's good. By the way, have you decided if you are going to tell them or not?"
"No," I said much to his disappointment. "No, I haven't decided yet. I need to talk to Montgomery first though."
"By the way you didn't say anything about the loft. You like?"
"It looks wonderful, Mr. I Need Praise." I kissed him and pulled back before we forgot about our guests.
"I had Mom pick something up for you today," Rick told me.
"What's that?"
"I'll show you later, unless you want me to get it now and let everyone see it."
"Maybe later then," I smiled. "Even though Lanie suspects something. She says that I am far too comfortable here."
"There is nothing wrong with that. It's your home now, too," he said quietly as he caressed my cheek.
"I love you, Rick. Go ahead and get it."
He didn't have to go far, he just reached into a cabinet and handed me a small bag. I opened it up to find a Christmas stocking with 'Kate' embroidered on it.
"This is beautiful, thank you. It matches the ones you have," I said as I looked over to the fireplace.
"Of course it matches. You're family now. There is an extra hanger there when you want to hang it up."
I think I surprised him when I slipped out of his arms and went to hang it right then. I found the hanger and put my stocking in the empty spot beside his. Lanie noticed me but didn't say anything again. I lightly tapped the captain on his shoulder and asked if we could talk real quick.
"Sure, Kate." I led the way to Rick's office.
"Captain, I need to see about pulling desk duty for a while."
"I thought the doctor said you were fine," he said concerned.
"He did, sir."
"Any particular reason then, Detective?"
"I would rather not say, sir. Not right yet."
He just looked at me and I could tell he was thinking about why I suddenly wanted to give up going into the field, which he knew I loved.
"Very well. You need to talk, about anything, Kate, you know where I am."
I nodded at him and walked back to the kitchen where Rick was starting on getting dessert ready.
"I talked to Montgomery about desk duty. I think he knows why though," I said quietly to Rick.
"He's a smart man," Rick said.
"Should we go ahead and tell them?" I asked nervously.
"Sweetheart, you were the one that wanted to wait until later to tell them."
"I know, I just. What if something happens?"
"If something does happen, then they will be supportive just like always."
"You're right," I said as I pulled him into a hug.
"I'm right? You actually said I'm right? This calls for a celebration. Dessert for everyone!"
"What are you yelling about, Castle?" Lanie said as she walked into the kitchen.
"She said I was right!"
"What were you right about?"
"That you all will be supportive of her and us," he said suddenly serious.
"Of course, we will but remember we can hurt you and not leave evidence if you hurt her," Lanie said. Esposito, Ryan and Montgomery all nodded behind her.
"I know, and yet I still asked her to move in," he said as he winked at me.
"You asked her to move in?" Lanie exclaimed. "And you agreed?"
We both nodded starting lots of congratulations and talk.
"I'm going to need your guys help with some boxes and such," I said to Ryan and Esposito. "I'll pack them but I won't be able to carry them."
"Why not, your arms broke?" asked Esposito.
"Well, I got a shot in one and splinters in the other." Kate said.
"Does this have anything to do with you wanting to take desk duty?" Montgomery asked giving a somewhat evil look to Rick.
"You asked for desk duty?" Esposito asked.
"What about our team?" asked Ryan.
"Nothing's going to happen to our team. I'll still do the interviews and all, I just won't be going out in the field."
"Let me get this straight, girlfriend. You are taking desk duty, you can't lift boxes. What are you, pregnant?" Then she looked at Castle and he nodded slightly.
"Yes."
"What?" she exclaimed. I nodded then was pulled into a hug for a quick moment before she pulled away then turned to Castle.
"You going to make an honest woman out of her Castle?" Lanie asked as Esposito crossed his arms and practically glowered at Rick.
"Don't worry, he already asked," I assured them as I pulled my rings off my necklace.
"That's your mother's ring," Lanie commented.
"Yes, and Rick had this one made to fit with it."
"Castle, come over here and lets have a little talk," Esposito said as he Ryan and Montgomery walked over to Rick's office.
"Poor guy," I smirked. "My dad had a little talk with him last night too."
"So, girlfriend, spill. I want details."
"Lanie, you were talking about getting Esposito a tie for your one month anniversary when I realized that I had missed something. I bought a test the other day and lo and behold, it was positive."
"I thought you knew how to prevent that sort of thing."
"I do," I blushed a bit. "We just, um, didn't think about that once."
"How exactly did you two finally get together?" Jenny asked.
"After the 3XK killer hurt Ryan and left Rick I realized how upset I would be if something happened to him. Once the case was wrapped up, I'll just say one thing led to another. I found out about the baby Wednesday."
"So that was the gift you had for him, Kate," Lanie said with a smile.
"Yeah. He proposed later that night. Nice, simple and very romantic."
"So have you set a date yet?" Jenny asked.
"Not yet. But it will be small and private. Just family and close friends."
"Well, if there is anything I can do to help, just let me know," Jenny offered.
"I swear, you guys were worse than her dad," Rick said as he walked back into the kitchen.
"Good, she's like a sister to me," Esposito said.
"To us," Ryan interjected.
"I know. That's why I want her brothers to stand up with me when we get married," Rick said.
"Both of us?" Esposito asked
"Sure, why not?"
"Cool."
"And when will the wedding be?" Lanie asked.
"We haven't decided that yet," Rick said as he wrapped one arm around me.
"Whenever it is, it will be small, only family and close friends," I stated.
"And we are all going to be there, right?" Esposito asked with a smile to Ryan.
"Bro, how long am I going to have to apologize for that?" Ryan pleaded.
"So, Kate. What kind of wedding do you want?" Rick asked later when everyone else had left for the night.
"Something small. I thought we decided on that already."
"We did, but I want our wedding to be perfect for you. What you always wanted. If you want a big fairy tale wedding, I will take care of the publicity."
"I know you would," I squeezed his hand. "When I was a little girl, I had my wedding all planned out. The big poofy dress, arriving in a horse drawn carriage, my dad giving me away."
"We can do all that if you want," he said quietly as I shook my head.
"No, my matron of honor was going to be my mom."
"Oh, Kate," he pulled me into his arms and held me tightly.
"It's okay, Rick. How about we just have the small wedding then sometime after the honeymoon we can have a big party to officially announce it?"
"That sounds great, there's just one thing."
"What's that?"
"I can deal with not seeing your dress until the wedding but do I have to not see you the day of? I like waking up with you," he pouted.
"Rick," I shook my head at him. "I like waking up with you too but just for one day, I think we can live."
"If you insist. You know I was thinking..."
"Oh no!" I joked noticing his big smile.
"I have an idea."
Rick has an idea, be afraid! LOL! Sorry for the cliffhanger but I'll post the next part in the next couple of days. Also, I should be posting a new story in a few days also. I am almost finished with it but I will be waiting until it is all done before I post it. Would anyone be interested in doing a beta check for me first though? Thanks!