Hello all! :o) Hope you enjoy this!

Recap: Josh is officially gone. Javi wants Kate's help picking out a ring. Kate's worried it's too fast. Kate also finally met Castle's best friend, Karamagi—who's married to his cousin, Stephanie.

Chapter 48 – Good surprise?

Castle hadn't wanted to come into the precinct today, but Kate had insisted. He had wanted to spend the day moping around his apartment. He was forty. He needed a day to take it all in. And when his daughter hadn't come in to surprise him with his birthday breakfast—like she had every year since she'd turned eight, he'd done just that. There'd been no sign of his mother. Even Karamagi, Steph and the kids were out before he'd trudged from his room to the kitchen. Not that they shouldn't have been. He hadn't made an appearance until nearly eleven o'clock. Rick poured himself a bowl of Honeycomb, splashed on some milk and plopped himself in a chair at the table. He groaned when he realized he didn't even have anything handy to read. This day sucked.

So, now here he was, sitting in his chair, watching Kate and Lanie set up plates around the cake she'd set out in the small conference room. She wouldn't let him come in to help even though he could see everything that was going on in there. And damn if she didn't look happy. Really happy. Zippy? No, no. Sprightly.

It made him smile, a little, seeing her so happy, but it also made him hurt. He wondered if he'd always be looking on from afar, watching her be happy with someone else. He wanted to be responsible for the smile on her face. He wanted the right to pull her upturned lips into a kiss. That her degree of amusement and pleasure had only increased over the last few days—coinciding with Dr. Davidson's scheduled return to the States wasn't lost on him.

After living 14,600 days—yes, figuring that out had been part of his mid-morning mope—you'd think he would have progressed beyond the point where he was pining after a girl. An amazing, beautiful, totally smokin', clever, sensual, perceptive, wise and wise-crackin' girl—but a girl nonetheless. Woman, rather. And taken. Can't forget taken. No. As much as he wanted to, Castle could not forget that part. And soon, all the extra time she'd been spending with him, with Alexis—those delightful smiles, the light touches, the closeness they'd been sharing—it would all be buried. Not forgotten, but not revisited, and certainly not relived. Except by him, when he was alone at night. Yeah. This day sucked. Hardcore.

Kate stopped in the other room and looked out at him through the blinds. Their eyes held momentarily, with Kate's smile fixed in place until she realized Castle's vacant, wooden expression wasn't changing. He looked away, and her nerves rushed right back into action. She finished setting the last of the plates on the table. And looked down at the grocer's cake she'd picked up. It was nothing fancy, but she'd wanted to do this here.

Choufani took his guys out for a beer after work. Reynolds settled on gift cards—normally to his favorite steakhouse. The Captain had a long-standing tradition of giving everyone a day off for their birthdays—either the day of one's birthday or the Friday or Monday closest to for the always appreciated three-day weekend. Beckett's tradition was cake after lunch to help break up the day. She always invited the Captain to come sit with them, and Lanie had joined them for the past few years. Jenny had been invited to each of Ryan's last two birthdays, but she'd only made it to the one since they'd been engaged.

They'd sit for a bit, tell stories—eat cake. She usually gave the birthday boy a six-pack of his favorite beer and a pair of movie tickets. Nothing too special; it's just something she did for them, to let them know she appreciated them. When they were through, they'd throw the cake in the break room, get back to work and she'd come back at the end of the day to clear the crumbs away and trash the cake container.

In some ways this—what she had planned for Castle—wasn't any different than what she did for the boys. Castle was part of her team, so she wanted him here and to do this for him. She was still trying to stress with him how true this was. He'd been here to celebrate the boys' birthdays before, but this was the first summer he'd stuck around so that they could celebrate his birthday. She didn't think she'd have to work so hard to convince him to come in. When he hadn't shown up by lunch time, she'd called him a second time to ensure that he was really coming.

She could have done this at his home, she knew, especially seeing as she would be there later as well. But she wanted to do it here. It wasn't about showing off with the "hey, I got you a puppy!" If anything, she knew people would be reading into it. Hell, she thought, they'll probably open up a new betting pool. And she was sure Ryan and Esposito wouldn't be offended. They knew this was different, that Castle wasn't just her partner—and they'd be wise enough not to say anything.

Choosing the precinct was more a matter of reiterating to Castle that he belonged, that she was glad he was here—and more than just a little special to her. There was also no denying that doing this on her turf was a confidence booster for her, and as nervous as she was, she needed it. Because…really, who gives someone a dog for his birthday? And without discussing it first? And without even really knowing if he wanted the responsibility of having a dog? She'd never done anything like this before.

"I swear, if you rotate that cake one more time, I really will smack you."

Kate pulled her hand away from the cake quickly, knocking over an empty cup.

"Why don't you grab the milk? I'll call Alexis and see where she and Martha are."

She'd started grabbing a gallon of milk to go with cake after Castle complained they couldn't have cake without milk on Esposito's birthday—the first birthday he'd joined them for, not too long after he started shadowing her. Castle had gone out and returned with milk, much to everyone's approval. God, he'd irritated her then!

She called Alexis, only to discover they were just outside the building waiting to be sure it was okay to come it. Kate grabbed Karpowski and had her go down to meet the two red heads. Karpowski—a dog lover in her own right—was going to take the pup to the locker room and keep him occupied until they were ready for presents. Not that they really did presents…but the boys and Lanie had a couple of things for him, too. He'd said no gifts allowed when he invited them to the cruise, but they had hounded her for ideas and run ideas past her, insisting on getting him something—especially since he was always doing for them.

Castle's demeanor completely changed when he saw his mother and daughter. As Alexis wished him a happy birthday, he engulfed her in a hug. From where Beckett stood, the teen nearly disappeared behind his arms. He wore his first real smile of the day, and Beckett hoped the puppy and camaraderie with people who cared for him would help keep it there. She knew he wasn't exactly thrilled about turning forty.

Lanie poked her head out of the small conference room. "Captain says get your asses in here and cut the cake already."

They walked into the room to find Lanie, the Captain and Ryan waiting for them. Kate chose a seat closest to the door, opposite Castle and next to the Captain, who always found himself at the head of the table whether planned or not.

"I didn't phrase it that way," Captain Montgomery said, standing to greet Martha with a kiss to the cheek. "And if I had, it certainly wouldn't have been directed at you two."

"We've heard worse," Alexis assured him.

"Besides, someone's got to keep Richard on task."

"So true," Ryan chimed in.

"But that's Beckett's job," Esposito finished.

"And she does a fine job of it!" Castle added.

"So fine, I think I'm overdue for a raise, Captain."

She could joke with him about this because she knew it wasn't in the budget. She knew, in fact, that if Choufani hadn't announced his retirement, the Captain would have had to let someone go. The vacancy wouldn't be filled when he left in a few months.

Montgomery leaned forward, one hand on the table and one hand making a fist with a protruding thumb—a very presidential-like stance. "Well, Beckett, I'm afraid that's above my pay grade."

They all laughed, because he pulled off the impression quite well. The Captain enjoyed imitating Obama, the mayor and other politicians from time to time—which was funny, because most people in his position would be itching to climb the political ladder. He wasn't. He was a good cop, trying to make sure his detectives had the tools and resources they needed to get the job done. And he was good at pushing aside all the B.S. and bureaucracy that often got in the way of getting the job done right and well.

"Come on, Castle. Cut the cake," Beckett directed. That was one thing she didn't do. She'd buy it and bring it, but she didn't cut and serve.

When they were about done enjoying the cake with the too sweet frosting that Beckett had pushed to the side and Castle had devoured—a corner piece, no less, Ryan presented Castle with small wrapped box.

"What's this?" Castle asked.

"Bro, really?" Esposito teased.

"Wrapping paper?" Ryan questioned.

"Bow?"

"On your birthday?"

"I'd say it's a birthday present," Esposito finished. She loved it when they did their back-and-forth thing. They make pick on Castle and her for completing each other's thoughts, but these two were just as in tune with one another.

"It's from the three of us," Lanie said, as the Captain quietly excused himself for his conference call.

"And when you're done with that, there's this one," Esposito said, setting a gift bag on the table in front of him.

"Aww, you guys didn't have to do that."

"We know," Ryan assured. "Just open them already."

Kate had given them ideas—everything from the batman belt buckle she saw to the funky t-shirts he seemed to favor—but she didn't know what they'd settled on so she was just as curious to find out as everyone else. She sent off a text to Karpowski.

Castle opened the first box and laughed when he realized what it was—a seat cushion, suitable for the spring-happy, pad-less passenger seat of Beckett's cruiser.

"Never let it be said that we haven't got your back," Ryan joked.

"It's really more of a pain in the ass," Castle said.

"Sounds like the seat was made for you, Richard."

"Thank you, Mother."

"I like to keep him grounded," she said to the group.

"And we appreciate that, Martha!"

Lanie laughed, but was busy puzzling over whether she could now tease Castle about having an Oedipus Complex, or if that condition didn't extend to desiring women with similar traits? That has to have a name! I mean, there's a name for everything…Trichotillomania and Acrotomophilia and Hybristophilia—they didn't teach her that one in med school…nope, that one came courtesy of the job and Castle after a particularly disturbing necrophilia case.

Lanie was drawn from her mental musings by Castle pulling the next gift out of the gift bag. He held up a black t-shirt with a pistol outlined in white. From the pistol's barrel there was solid white bubble protruding with "The 12th" boldly displayed.

"Thank you," Castle said turning to the boys and Lanie. He hadn't seen this version of the precinct's tees. He thought he had 'em all.

"Turn it around," Lanie ordered.

Castle did, and discovered "CASTLE" emblazoned across the shoulders and a large number "27" centered in the back. His brow furled in confusion.

"Team shirt," Esposito explained. "For the Guns and Hoses softball tournament."

"Twenty-seven for his novels, right?" Alexis asked. The three nodded.

Castle knew about the Big Dreams Day and the carnival that the NYPD and FDNY put on in Riverside Park each year to raise money for different charity organizations. He'd never been, but he'd promised Lanie he'd help out with this one. She was the unlucky one whose name was picked from the literal hat. She was in charge of deciding on and staffing their carnival booth this year. And he knew that there was a softball tournament and that Esposito served as team captain—every year. And he took winning seriously. And Castle was definitely not going to help the team in that regard.

"Oh, ah, guys, I don't…"

Kate caught the hitch in his voice and the quick commiserating look Alexis shared with him.

"I, ah…" Rick stuttered before finding his voice. "I don't play ball." He looked almost ashamed.

"What?" Esposito exclaimed. "That's ridiculous."

"You know every Yankee," Ryan said. "All their stats. Dude, we been to how many games?"

Kate was becoming concerned over Castle's crestfallen face.

"We've never played much ball," Alexis explained. "I wasn't much in to sports. Well, tennis, but…"

"Well, Castle—"

Esposito interrupted Kate. "You've gotta play, bro. You're on the roster."

"I think maybe—" Kate was interrupted again.

"I'm telling you, man. Can't play."

Castle had wanted to play, but his childhood had been rather lonely. He was always around adults at the set, and when he was around other kids, well…he avoided other kids. He was shy and lonely as a kid—a far cry from what he was now. Though he hadn't been fat or slow or incapable of playing, he'd been husky and heard a lot of Fat Albert jokes, and was often tormented over the buck teeth he'd had as a kid. He'd been called "Rodger Rabbit" before anyone ever imagined making a Roger Rabbit movie. He learned to smile with his mouth shut—a habit that, for the most part, still stuck with him today.

When he was forced to play in school, Castle was picked last. When he wasn't, he sat in the bleachers or in the grass and doodled or made up stories. When he was alone, he'd throw the ball up and try swinging, but, eventually, that lost its appeal. It was easier to play basketball or ride his bike—those were things you could do solo. But baseball? Yeah. He sucked at baseball.

"Castle," Kate tapped his foot hard under the table to get his attention. "We'll go to the batting cages. I'll take you. I could use the practice, too."

The boys looked at her. She never practiced before. Just the one practice session Esposito insisted on the morning of for their very informal single-elimination games. There were only a few guys on the eight teams who took it as seriously as Esposito. It was supposed to be fun and if they were going to insist Castle participate, when he obviously didn't feel comfortable, she was going to make sure he had fun. He made the less-than-fantastic, the boring and the downright awful fun for her all the time. She could take the lead this time.

"Oh, ah, yeah. We'll come, too," Ryan said. "Maybe Sunday, or somethin'?"

Beckett nodded, not giving Castle a chance to agree or disagree.

"So, what is this booth you decided on and made me promise to work?" Castle asked Lanie.

"Oh, you're gonna love it!" Lanie said clapping her hands together. "Staffin' it two-at-a-time. Castle, you're with me."

"What is it, Lanie?" Kate asked, sensing her friend was putting off the answer.

"Kissing booth."

"Oh, NO way!" Kate exclaimed.

"WHAT?" Ryan and Esposito near shouted.

Castle just hummed appreciation for Lanie's choice, but all he could picture was a long line of Beckett. Wishful thinking.

"Oh, don't worry, Kev. You are exempt. Unless you want to, but Jenny already told me you're not. Only marrieds, fianced and commiteds are excused."

"Chica, if you think for one minute, I'm gonna be okay with other people stickin' their lips on you, you need to be committed."

"'Fraid I'll win, Javi?" She needed people to staff this booth. There was always a contest to see which booth could raise the most money. They were gonna win that damn contest!

"What? No." Esposito rose to the challenge. "You honestly think you're gonna beat me?"

Kate had to give Lanie credit. She'd baited and hooked him with a tiny phrase, a little, almost imperceptible shimmy of her chest and a sultry look in three seconds flat.

"Oh, yeah. Plus, I have Castle. That line's gonna wrap around the park."

Kate shifted uncomfortably. What the hell was Lanie thinking? Hadn't they talked about their men—in very possessive terms?

"Fine. I get Beckett."

"Ah, I don't think Beckett wants to do this," Castle said.

He'd watched her go from flabbergasted to adamant. He was used to women throwing themselves at him. He was detached. Not altogether un-flattered, but mostly unaffected. But the thought of men throwing themselves at her, trying to woo her, slobbering on her…that didn't leave him unaffected. He was so glad he wasn't going to have to worry about it.

"Beckett's not doing this."

That's my girl.

"Oh, no Kate. You're doing this."

"No, I'm not."

"Yes. You are."

"No. You didn't say anything about this. I thought it was gonna be pick-a-duck or throw-a-dart."

"You have to help," Esposito pleaded. He didn't want to be stuck working the booth with O'Brien, and knowing Lanie, she'd do that to him just to win.

"Then you should have picked pick-a-duck."

"Come on, Kate. You have to help."

"No, I don't."

"Don't make me do this."

"Do what?"

"Miami?"

Kate glared at her friend. They both knew she'd already used that to blackmail her once. Using it twice—especially when she'd promised to burn the photographic evidence—was against all the rules of best friend blackmail etiquette.

It wasn't fair. One trip out of town where no one knew her wasn't supposed to come back to haunt her like this. And she'd lost her camera, so she didn't even have the photos of Lanie, who'd taken second place in a wet t-shirt contest. Somehow, Lanie was the only one who came home with photos of that trip—photos that may have included one newly minted Detective Beckett celebrating at a foam party, in a barely there bikini, with one "officially and permanently" employed M.E.

Lanie had already worked with the coroner for a couple of years, but it became official then. They'd celebrated their new positions and pay bumps in Miami at Lanie's insistence. The cage dancing hadn't even been her idea. Lanie pushed her in with the other women before they raised the platform. And she'd delivered quite a show.

Kate stood up to walk out of the room. "I hate you. Delete them."

"There are photos?" Castle was in awe. He didn't know what it was, but he knew it must be good. Kate didn't even argue. She was just tight-jawed and glaring at Lanie.

"Make me."

"Oh, I will," Kate promised before exiting the room. She glanced around and found Karpowski waiting over by the observation room with the puppy in her arms. She took the puppy from Karpowski and thanked her, promising that she owed her one.

Kate paused outside the small conference room. Lanie was telling them about how they ended up in Miami, but thankfully not delving into the details that Castle and Esposito so obviously wanted. She turned into the room, pulling the puppy tighter to her chest. Rick was standing by the whiteboard, facing Lanie and the group. Kate took a moment to take in his profile. He could have been a professor. Sometimes that's what he reminded her of. Like her mom. Sure and comfortable.

Kate was barely aware of Lanie's voice trailing off as she stepped further into the room and all eyes turned toward her. She was suddenly feeling uncharacteristically shy and nervous, even in front of their family and friends. Castle watched everyone else redirect their attention and his eyes followed theirs. Kate had stopped a few steps into the room, seemingly unable to move any further. Her face was tucked down toward the beautiful puppy in her arms, but she had her eyes on him.

She watched Castle's eyes widen, then joy splash across his face and then questions and confusion crowded his eyes—all as his steps drew him in front of her.

She lifted her head, still fiddling with the bow on the puppy's neck. She raised her head to meet his eyes.

"Happy birthday, Rick."

He couldn't decide whether to look at her or the puppy, but he reached out to pet the puppy behind the ears, his hands meeting hers.

"A puppy? You got me a puppy?"

"Alexis helped me pick him out, and she's been staying with me, helping out with him." She was speaking quietly, just to him.

"Oh."

"He's half Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and half Golden Lab."

Castle didn't speak, and he didn't try to take the puppy. He just kept petting him, letting his fingers brush over Kate's.

"Castle?" Kate asked, noting Rick's shiny eyes. "Is it…?" Okay? Are you?

"He's cute," Castle answered, his voice cracking a little. He cleared his throat and blinked quickly. "Would you excuse me a moment?" He was talking to the room, but looking at the door. He brushed past Kate on his way out.

Kate hurriedly deposited the puppy on the nearest lap, much to Martha's surprise. She hadn't expected Castle's response. An excited outburst? Yeah. Some heel-clicking? Maybe. A bone crushing hug? She wouldn't have minded. She'd pictured a lot of things, but not Castle fleeing.

Kate watched Castle step into the small meeting room and shut the door behind him. That he went straight to the room where she'd so often deliver bad news and asked distraught loved ones if they knew who would have done such a thing, left her apprehensive.

Kate opened the door and stepped in without knocking.

"Castle?" She paused when he didn't respond. "I'm so sorry, Castle. I can take him back or find him a new home or maybe keep—"

"You're taking him away?" Castle cried at her.

Kate stopped short, mouth flapping like a fish out of water. He sounded like the little boy who was mad at his mother when they went to look at the white dog.

"Great." Castle sighed, sinking onto the couch. He was hiding his head in his hands.

"I, um…" Kate sat on the table in front on him, her knees brushing his. "Uhh." She really had no idea what was going on.

"You go me a dog."

Kate made an unintelligible sound that she hoped conveyed her agreement, then she saw Castle discreetly swipe at his eyes and felt she had a better idea of what was happening. She put a hand on his knee.

"Castle?" she asked quietly.

"I mean, you got me a dog." He tapped her knee with his own. This time he looked up at her and she could see the disbelief reflected in his smile and in his still shiny eyes.

"Technically, he's still a puppy."

Castle nodded.

"But, you…Is it okay? I mean…you…" Ran.

"You all already think I'm a girl—"

"Castle—"

"Scream like a girl. Cry like a girl. Throw like a girl."

"Castle! No one thinks you're a girl." She never thought she'd fall in love with someone who needed that kind of assurance. "And there's nothing wrong with throwing like a girl."

"But there is something wrong with screaming and crying like a girl?"

"It's deplorable." Kate smirked at him.

"It's just…Alexis got me a dog once. For father's day. I didn't get to keep it, though." She noticed he didn't mention Gina.

"I heard about how you ended up with Rex."

"But I always wanted a dog, you know?"

Kate nodded. She knew.

"But I couldn't have one when I was little. We moved around too much or we were always at the set. I used to spend some time in the summers with my Aunt Lynn and Uncle Mike, and they had a dog, but when they got divorced, he went with Mike and I never saw him again."

"Castle. I don't understand. If you've always wanted a dog, why didn't you just get one? I mean, you've got the money. You had the time, the space."

"Never seemed like the right time. Alexis was little and she was scared of dogs, so I couldn't get one for her. And I don't know. It's stupid, but it never seemed like something you go out and do for yourself. I always felt like it should be something you did with someone or for someone."

"So, you're not upset?"

"Are you kidding? This is doubly good. You did this with Alexis, for me. I'm...I was just..."

"Being deplorable?"

Castle made a face at her and pulled her up with him.

"I get to keep him, right?"

"Yes, Rick. You get to keep him. Now, maybe you want to meet him? And try not to be rude this time."

They walked back in to the conference room to find everyone still there, playing with the puppy. Ryan was having better luck with him today and had a good game of tug-o-war going with a rope toy Alexis thought to bring along. As soon as Little Creature saw Kate, though, he released the rope and ran to sit on her feet. Rick scooped down to pick him up.

"I'm not sure he's gonna want to come home with us, Dad. Kate's been spoiling him."

"Have not."

"Pff." Lanie sounded. "Feeds him food from right off her plate."

"What? He likes broccoli," Kate defended. "It's not bad for him."

"And chicken," Alexis added.

"And pieces of cookie," Ryan said.

"Poured milk right from her cup into his dish," Esposito added.

"Oh, Darling, really? That's disgusting."

Castle scoffed. "Please, Mother. It's not like they were sharing a cup."

"His belly was not that roly-poly when we brought him home," Alexis assured.

"And you should see all the toys she bought him," Lanie teased. "And a bed."

"Which he doesn't use."

"Ah, you let him sleep on the couch, huh? I don't know if he'll get to sleep on the couch. Hey! Do you think we can get your dad to build him a dog house? Ooh! A castle! Can he do that?"

"Yeah. Probably."

"That's a good idea, Dad. But I think he's might prefer Kate's bed."

Who wouldn't? Castle wondered.

"Alexis!" I'm gonna shoot her. Really.

Castle's eyes went wide. "Wait. He sleeps in your bed? With you?"

"No, Castle. I sleep on the floor." Did he just sniff the dog?

"Lucky dog!" Castle wheezed, causing everyone to laugh. Oops. He actually blushed a bit. He hadn't meant to say that out loud.

"So, Castle, what are you gonna name him? We've been guessing all week, but Kate won't tell us."

Castle looked up at Kate to find a self-satisfying smirk.

"Yeah, and why'd you tell Kate and not me?"

"I think it was more of a hypothetical."

"Sounded more like a declaration to me."

Castle had been adamant that she was his work wife. She'd teased him about proposing. He'd said he was just waiting for her. She'd fluttered, and glossed over it with a clever tongue.

"Did you buy him a hat?" Castle asked stepping closer to her.

"No hat." She reached out to pet Little Creature again. She was going to miss him.

"So, you think you know, huh?"

"I think I know."

They stared at each other for a moment, challenging one another.

"Guys? A name?" Ryan prompted.

"On three?" Castle asked.

Kate nodded.

The group started counting. "One…Two…Three!"

"Sherlock!"

"Rover!"

Kate hit him.

"Ouch!"

"Castle! You are such a liar!"

"What? It was funny!"

"He's lying!" Kate turned to their friends, pointing at him. Oh, my God! He's turned me into a tattletale! "His name's Sherlock."

"Fine," Castle gave an exasperated sigh. "I guess we can call him Sherlock. Sherlock Conan Castle. But Rover is a perfectly fine name, too."

Kate rolled her eyes at him. "Come on, Castle," she said, pushing at his shoulder. "Captain hasn't seen him yet."

They walked out with Castle telling Kate how they had to find him a magnifying glass and talking about a castle doghouse with his name on it and where to put it in the loft.

"Well, that was fun!" Esposito threw out. "Fifty bucks says Beckett wins when they name their kids."

"No way. Dad'll totally win that one."

"I'm with Alexis. Richard can whine like you wouldn't believe. And he was pretty adamant when it came to this one here," Martha said nodding toward her granddaughter.

"I'm taking Kate, too," Lanie said.

"I'm going with Castle," Ryan said.

"Dude!" Esposito looked at his partner like he was a traitorous idiot.

"What? He's a word man."

I loved writing this chapter and it came off (IMHO) even better than I had imagined. Some last minute changes there that I hadn't planned on…mostly with how the name is announced and Lanie and Esposito deciding to compete for kisses…and using Beckett and Castle to up their odds. ;o) jejeje (o: Makes me smile. Hope it does you, too!

Life is good, is it not? Or maybe I've just been hit with the Christmas spirit? All these Christmas fics. Started (and nearly finished) the Christmas shopping yesterday. Got the tree today. Had to rearrange furniture because…guess what? When the branches dropped…yeah, it's A LOT fatter than we thought it would be!

And "Cuffed" in less than 24 hours. Life really IS good!

p.s. Has anyone actually ever seen a kissing booth? I have not…except in movies. But, I am going to have fun with it!