Thanks to my beta
Castle and Beckett had finally found five minutes for themselves. Between Hudson, now four, and Paige, who just turned two, their schedules were filled with work, carpooling, soccer practice, and still managing to eat dinner together every night.
These moments were few and far between now a days, but that didn't mean they loved each other any less. They kept a busy schedule because they loved their kids and they loved what they did. So they made it work.
"Castle." Kate breathed his name as he kissed her neck, holding her close. "The kids are gonna see." She protested, but still ran her fingers through his hair.
"I don't hear them, it's fine." He pushed her up against the wall in his office, out of view from the half open door. They continued to kiss each other, trying to make up for the past few days.
"I love you." Castle said each word between kissing her cheeks and then her lips.
"I love you too." She tried pulling him closer still. There was no denying how much they cared for one another. After two kids and hundreds of cases, they had only become stronger.
Just when things started getting heated, the two heard a giggle come from the door. They both whipped their heads in the direction it came to see Hudson with his hands over his mouth, Paige standing contently behind him. Those two were two peas in a pod, and traveled silently.
"Ew, mommy that's gross!" Hudson exclaimed waving his hands I'm the air.
Even though he was small, a blush creeped up Kate's face. He was a little Richard Castle, for sure. And Paige, a mini Kate. It was almost too strange that they both looked so much like their respective parents.
"I'm allowed to kiss mommy, Hudson." Castle teased his son, crossing his arms and pouting.
"No, girls have cooties!" Hudson ran up to them, smiling brightly, Paige trying to keep stride.
"Mommies don't have cooties!" Kate acted hurt, but then thought of an idea. "But I can kiss you lots and lots!" Kate threw her arms up, ready to chase them.
Hudson knew the game, turning instantly to get a head start, out of the office and into the living room. Paige squealed and followed as fast as she could.
Kate and Rick took off after them, giving them time to hatch a plan. They chased them though the kitchen, back into the office, and finally out to the living room, all the while laughing and giggling.
Finally, Kate grabbed Paige, and Castle grabbed Hudson, collapsing onto the couch in a pile. They gave them kisses and tickled them, while the kids squirmed and laughed, the whole time.
It was the stereotypical, yet perfect little family, all together, and happy, and all experiencing the journey together. Sure, it got tough sometimes, but it only helped to make the good great.
Hudson and Paige scooted off their parent's laps, ready to play and explore the loft. Castle and Kate watched them. When they knew they were safe in the playroom upstairs, he turned back to his wife, pushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "You really are beautiful, and our kids are beautiful, and you make me so happy."
"You're incredible. I couldn't ask for better. Really, thank you for everything." She smiled at him, leaning in for another kiss before cuddling up to his side.
He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer. "Always."