Genre: 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 have to say that I was really pleased to get the feedback I got for the last chapter, especially since I know people are busy. So I'd like to get to my thank yous straight away for that! TORONTOSUN (Nice to see that you like the way Castle and Beckett act with their daughters; I'd wondered what readers would think of this chapter being about just them four together so it was nice to see your comment right at the start. And I'm glad you noticed that the girls are enjoying the way Castle is with them, lol, hard to imagine him as a more serious dad all the time. Of course, I was very, very pleased that you like how close the four are as a family, definitely was trying to convey that with this chapter, also they love each other very much), vetgirlmx (Happy to read first off that you thought both halves of the chapter were really nice chapters. And I was pleased that you mentioned the fact that they were alone with the girls, it'd been a while since I last wrote them just with their daughters. So happy to see that you thought they needed but I'm not surprised you mentioned you do like it when the family is all together. I was also really happy to read that you enjoyed it when Beckett and Julia were alone; you're right in that I didn't have that for a while so I thought there was a good place to put it in. Oh and glad you thought the moment was good as well! And you got the difference in them sharing where they went on the honeymoon with the girls. I wanted them to do that because Julia did hear about it when she talked to them while they were on it; so wanted them to share the experience with her and Eliza. And yeah, had to have Eliza enjoying it too, couldn't see it happening any other way. I thought it was so nice when you said the vacation was more fun than you were expecting, I was pleased I could write it that way since that was my goal of course. And I'm happy to see you need to see what they do and where they go next, now you can you don't need to wait anymore for that!) and Guest (It was great to see you thought the last chapter was great. And it was nice to read that you too enjoyed the time that Beckett and Julia had alone together. It had been a while so I'm glad that I put that in! I also had to laugh a bit at your comment about the family life talk but you make a point, Julia's nearly to sixth grade now). Thanks so much to you all for the reviews, loved reading them and I appreciate the time taken to send them to me, I always am grateful for them!

A/N #2: The title of this chapter is a lyric from the song Summer in Dublin from the band Bagatelle.

The Sea On The Rocks

Looking up as he heard footsteps approaching the kitchen Castle smiled at his daughter and said, "Morning."

"A really nice morning," Alexis said in response. "I can't believe the view they have here."

"I know, it's great," Beckett said from the open door out to the backyard. "Morning."

"Hey, how was your run," Castle said as she came to him.

"It was nice," Beckett said, kissing his cheek. "The girls?"

"Still asleep, I was just checking on who was moving around down here. I can go back up and get them ready," Alexis said.

"I can get them… once I take a shower," Beckett began to say.

"It's not a problem," Alexis said with a smile. "We'll be down for breakfast soon Dad." She turned to go through the doorway to the stairs when she stopped, seeing her grandmother and Beckett's dad there. "I guess they beat us to it," she said before leaving.

"Good morning," Martha said, seeing her son and daughter in law together behind the kitchen counter. "Breakfast?"

"Just some scones," Castle told her as he nodded to the plate in front of them. "But there is clotted cream in the fridge and coffee."

"Then what are you making?" Martha asked as Jim went around to get a mug.

"Lunch for the beach," Castle said.

"We might still be at Norah and Duane's, riding," Beckett said with a smile.

"I hope not," Jim said. "Since we'll have the lunch with us."

"We'll get back in time to go to Inchydoney," Castle said simply before he set aside the sandwich he'd made aside.

"I'm going right now," Beckett said with a laugh as her husband had turned to her with a slightly questioning expression on his face. She shared a quick kiss with him before leaving, going upstairs to the second floor of Skye and Mary's home in Ireland. They'd arrived the night before and had only gone on a quick tour of it before heading to bed. That day they were going to visit the farm of Castle's friends to ride with Julia and then head to the beach before returning to the home to use the swimming pool. They'd been so busy visiting places that she was relieved at the chance to have a little break from that though they would still have to drive around to the first two places. "Good morning," she said as she stepped into the doorway of the room the girls were using with Alexis.

"Morning Mommy," Eliza said, waving to her.

"I'd come in and give you a hug but I just went running so I'll come back after my shower okay?" Beckett told her daughters. When they nodded she blew a kiss to them quickly and then went over to the room she and Castle were using; the same they'd slept in during their honeymoon.

"Where did Mommy go running?" Julia was asking Alexis as she was getting dressed.

"I'm not sure but if I were her I'd have gone along the stream," the young woman replied, finishing getting Eliza changed into her clothes then. "But that's just because the view is beautiful."

"The country is beautiful," Julia said in agreement, nodding her head as she finished getting dressed. "But I can't wait to get to see it today."

"Then we should head downstairs for breakfast," Alexis said with a smile. "Will you take Eliza for me?"

Nodding Julia grabbed her sister's hand and told her as they went to the stairs, "I can't wait for the beach but I'm excited to see the horses."

"Me too," Eliza said firmly while they were going down. "I wanna ride."

"Maybe they'll have a pony," Julia said, hoping that the farm did for her sister's sake.

"We'll find out once we get there," Castle said, walking over to them then. He couldn't help laugh when the girls cried out, "Daddy!" and launched themselves at him at the same time. "Morning you two," he said, picking them up to hug them before he kissed them. "Are you hungry?"

"Yeah, wanna wait for Mommy," Eliza said, looking up the stairs. She smiled when her big sister appeared at the top and then turned to her father. "That is 'lexis," she told him seriously.

"Thanks for letting me know," Castle said with a smile. "Scones are being warmed up by Jim," he said as his daughter took her little sisters into the kitchen then. He hesitated for a moment, looking after them before he made up his mind and then went up the stairs.

"Look at you," Beckett told him teasingly as she came to the top just as he reached it. "You took those like a twenty year old."

"Which my body is as fit as… thanks to polo of course," Castle said, leaning over and taking her lips in a brief kiss. "Pretty sure my knee's going to make some kind of protest tomorrow."

"Why were you bounding up?" Beckett asked.

"Just to see if you were ready," Castle said. He wasn't surprised when she kissed him again and then said, "Eliza's asking about ponies."

"Of course she is," Beckett commented as they went down the stairs. "Luckily you checked."

"Luckily your dad won't mind," Castle replied to that. "I asked him," he said when his wife looked at him questioningly.

"Good, so she'll be happy," Beckett said. "Hopefully Alexis and your mother won't mind it there."

"We'll see," Castle replied before they went into the kitchen where they saw their family was heading to the backyard to eat breakfast.

Once they were all gathered there Julia asked about their plans after that day and her parents reminded her that the next day they would be going to Cobh. Everyone asked about where they would go though Castle and Beckett only told them the names of the places they were going to.

"What about Blarney Castle?" Jim asked.

"We'll go there but not until we head to Adare Manor," Castle replied. "But don't worry, we will go."

"I wanna kiss the stone," Julia said.

"You can," Castle said. He then glanced at his wife and said, "Who else will?"

"I will," Alexis said, smiling as Eliza was raising her hand high in the air.

"I'll try," Jim said.

"It's not a matter of trying Dad," Beckett said as she was smiling at his response. "They have someone there who'll help you with it."

"I remember the pictures," Jim said.

"And I want to see the gardens that you saw," Julia told her parents.

"You will," Beckett replied before she helped Eliza drink the last of her milk. Looking at the others she said, "Should we go?"

"I think we're ready," Castle said as they all watched Julia jump up from her chair.

Laughing with her family Julia helped clear up the table with them before they got everything ready to take and they went out to their rental car. She squeezed her little sister's hand in excitement as they were going down the driveway of the house, knowing that Eliza was as excited as she was to finally get to see the horses.

"Richard! Kate, so wonderful to be seeing you again," Norah said as she opened the door to the house. "And your family too," she said with a wider smile as she looked at the group behind them. "Before you introduce us, come inside please."

Inside and going to the kitchen first Beckett said, "I guess we should start first with our daughters. The oldest is Alexis."

"You're the one heading to Oxford?" Norah asked with a smile. When the young woman nodded she said, "You'll be close to visiting here if you've a mind to."

"I've thought about it," Alexis replied. "And I might come over on a ferry to Dublin."

"So you're enjoying yourselves?" Duane said, coming into the room then. "So sorry, checking on a foal that was born last night. We're glad to have you Richard, Kate and of course your family," he said.

"I was just introducing your wife to everyone," Beckett told him as he was shaking hers and Castle's hands. "That's Alexis and this is Julia and Eliza," she then continued.

"We'd heard you had your child, three years back," Duane said, smiling at the girls who were doing so to him. "I hear from your parents you both like horses."

"A lot," Julia said immediately. "Thank you for letting us come to see them."

"It's our pleasure," Duane replied.

"This is my father, Jim Beckett and Rick's mother Martha Rodgers," Beckett finished with.

"Is that all of you?" Norah asked, looking down at Eliza.

"Yeah," the toddler said with a shy giggle.

Sharing a look with his wife at that; since he had expected the toddler to be shy around the couple; Castle wondered if she had lost that for the most part since she was excited to see the horses. "Though we might meet more family members later," he then said.

Looking at him Beckett hurriedly turned to the couple and told them, "I may have some… long lost family from my mother's side."

"Their name is McCollough and they're from Galway and they love horses," Julia said. "That's why we all do."

"Have you heard of any McColloughs here or in England with horses?" Beckett asked, suddenly thankful to her husband for bringing that up as she realized they might know.

"Hmm…" Duane said, looking at his wife. "I'd heard of some Irish in England but they've moved to Luxembourg; I'm not aware of their last name."

"I am, it's Liddy," Norah said apologetically. "The man is half that half Irish. But if you've got someone searching for them I'm sure you'll find them."

"We do," Beckett replied.

"But fantastic that you love horses," Norah then said, turning her attention to the girls. "So you'll be riding today?"

"Will I?" Eliza asked hopefully.

"We have a pony," Duane told her. "You'll be able to ride her through the corral, if you all want to follow me."

"What are you going to do Gram?" Alexis asked her as they walked a little behind the others.

"Spend time with my granddaughters of course," Martha replied. "I'm sure there's more to this property than the horses."

"We'll need to ask them when Dad, Kate and Julia are riding," Alexis murmured as they were coming up to a stable then.

"Alright you can pick any of these you'd like," Duane was saying to Castle and Beckett. "I have a horse for your daughter; a Connemara pony."

"That's an Irish pony right?" Julia asked, her eagerness seeping into her tone.

"That's correct, Mara is a gentle one though just in case," Duane said, watching Castle and Beckett walking down the aisle.

"Can she gallop?" Julia asked.

"Of course, all you need to do is let her know you'd like to go," Duane replied.

"This one," Beckett called to the man then, running her hand over the neck of a very tall, black stallion.

"And I guess I'm choosing his brother?" Castle said as he was at the horse next to her.

"They are, Brian and Raven," Duane said, going to them to get the horses out. "The equipment is on the table by the door since you mentioned your wife would be wanting to get it ready herself."

"Something like that," Castle said, smiling at his wife who just looked at him before taking Brian from the man and going to the saddle and other equipment.

"Could we see the horse that you have for our youngest before we go?" Beckett asked him as she carefully got the bridle onto her horse as the others were watching.

"I'll be right back," Norah said with a smile.

"Hold still Eliza," Jim said though he was smiling at the way the toddler was squirming in his arms. "You can't be excited or you're going to upset your pony."

Biting at her lower lip Eliza tried to stay still but that was more difficult when she spotted the horse that Norah was leading to them. "Is that him?" she asked eagerly.

"Easy sweetie," Beckett said, going over to the horse and letting it smell her hand.

"That's him, we call him Bernard; or Benny for short," Norah said, smiling as Eliza was set down and Beckett was holding her hand to her daughter.

"Slowly," she was reminding the toddler. "You don't need to rush or else he'll be skittish. Hold out your hand now, let him get your smell so he can know that you're a friend."

With bated breath, Eliza felt the whoosh of air from the pony's nose and she tried not to cry out, though she couldn't help the short one that escaped her lips. "I wanna ride," she said.

"We better go love," Castle said.

Though she wanted to stay and see her on the pony Beckett knew it would be better if they took their horses and went. So she turned to Norah and Duane and asked, "Will you help her?"

"I will," Norah answered with a smile. "Go on and have fun but stick to the trail," she added as they were going outside the stable with the three horses.

"Have fun and listen to Norah okay?" Beckett said, kneeling to speak to her youngest.

"Yeah she knows what she's doing," Julia added, standing next to her horse and trying not to show her impatience with wanting to leave.

"What they said," Castle said, chuckling under his breath softly as the toddler looked to him. He waited for Beckett to kiss her before he was doing the same and then watched his mother, daughter and father in law go with Norah, Eliza and the chestnut pony to a corral. "She'll have fun," he said to his wife.

Smiling Beckett said, "Let's go." She then thought of something and turned to Duane saying, "Is there a chance we can see her riding after?"

"Oh sure," the man said, not surprised. "We'll keep him close for that."

"Thank you," Beckett said, watching as Castle helped Julia onto her horse. As soon as she was set she climbed on top of her stallion and after her husband had gotten onto his she gently dug her heels into its sides, waving goodbye to Duane as they left the stables to head down the trail.

"Well, they'll have fun wherever it is they're going," Martha said as she watched the three. "For now I think it's your turn to ride darling."

Trying still to keep as calm as possible Eliza stepped into the corral with her sister, watching as Norah led the pony over to her. "How do I get on?" she asked.

"Pick her up," Jim told his step-granddaughter. "I know Katie wouldn't want us teaching her."

"She would want to do that herself," Martha stated. At his nod she smiled and then turned her attention to Eliza who was being placed on top of the pony at that moment by Alexis.

"Hold onto your reins like this," Norah was then telling the toddler. "But loosely, he'll be following us around."

"But I don't take?" Eliza asked softly.

"Not yet, when you've more experience I think you'll make a grand horsewoman," Norah said with a smile. "For now you start to learn."

"If they see her when they come back they'll sign her up for lessons," Martha murmured to Jim.

"I think they're already starting to look into it," he replied with a smile as Norah began to walk and the pony followed at the clicking of her tongue.

Feeling the motion of the horse Eliza cried out once and shortly before she cut herself off, holding onto the reins as firmly as she could though she tried not to move them. She smiled over at her grandparents, not wanting to wave, and then looked forward hoping that her parents and sister were having as much fun as her as they made one full turn around the corral.

Once they had left the farm and went further down the trail Castle moved up with his wife and daughter since it had widened enough for them to share. "Having fun?" he called to them.

"We're still riding Daddy!" Julia cried though she started laughing as soon as she had said that.

"I think that's a yes love," Beckett called back, smiling at them. She let them gallop down for a while before she whistled to them and they began to slow down to a trot. "You've gotten better at that," she said to the little girl.

"That's one of the first things we learned," Julia replied. "Didn't you?"

"Oh of course," Beckett said before looking over to her husband.

Castle didn't reply to that glance until they were down to a walk and he said, "I learned less strictly than you two. So I'm a little jealous of that."

"You shouldn't be Daddy," Julia said quickly. "You can ride really well, just like Mommy."

"That's a great compliment," Castle said, reaching out to take her hand and squeezing it. "So thank you."

"Rick," Beckett said teasingly.

"It's the truth," Castle replied easily. "Faster?"

"Alright," Beckett said easily before they sped up their horses at the same time. She watched Julia as they went, seeing the little girl was paying close attention to her horse and she had to thank Duane and Norah in her mind for the mare as it was very well tempered she could tell.

After they'd ridden by a stream Julia slowed her horse down at the same time as her parents and then eventually stopped it before they dismounted. "That's so fun," she said with a beaming smile at them and then giggling.

"It is," Beckett replied. "So we'll need to look into you riding more with us."

"Oh please," Julia said. She then looked thoughtful and said, "But still ride together okay?"

"We will," Castle assured her as they walked down the trail. "Too bad you two don't have your cameras."

"I know," Beckett said, looking at the flowers on either side of the trail.

"Can I pick some?" Julia asked.

"Why don't we wait until we get to that field?" Castle asked.

"What field?" Julia asked.

"Oh… sorry, never mind," Castle said before he looked away from them and started to whistle.

"Castle," Beckett said.

"Oh no, I'm in trouble," Castle said jokingly to their oldest.

"No, you let the surprise slip," Julia said in a matter of fact tone.

Sighing, since he knew she was right, Castle said, "Wait until we get there okay?"

Studying him for a moment Beckett finally said, "Alright but it better be worth it."

"It will," Castle replied with a smile.

After a little more time on the path the three came to a field where there was one lone tree in it near the trail.

"Is that where we're going to tie them up?" Julia asked.

"We are," Beckett said. "But let us tie up your horse," she said, taking the reins from her before she led both horses to the tree. Tying them up she suddenly could hear the sound of someone squealing and she looked over at her husband before they all looked to the trail where Alexis was hurrying with Eliza in her arms.

"Great, you made it," Castle said. "But what about your gram and Jim?"

"They're going to have some tea with Norah," Alexis replied. "And then pick some fruits we can take with us to the beach."

"I should ask if we can take some for dinner," Castle replied. "Hopefully there's enough."

Beckett grabbed his hand as Julia took Eliza's and the girls ran though the flowers together. When he looked at her she told him, "It was worth it."

"I thought it might be," Castle said, smiling at her before he brought her hand up to his lips, kissing the back of it. "Should we chase them?"

"I don't think we need to," Beckett said as they looked ahead to their daughters and saw that Alexis had rushed after them.

"Still," Castle said simply before he started to run, pulling her with him.

Though she wanted to protest at that Beckett followed him as she started to laugh while they ran after their girls until Eliza fell among the flowers. She went to her and sat next to her asking, "Did you trip?"

"No I wanna sit," Eliza replied, giggling heavily. "Mommy, I rode a horsie!"

"I think you mean a pony," Castle replied as they gathered together.

"That," Eliza replied, nodding. "I had fun," she said firmly.

"How did she do?" Beckett asked her stepdaughter.

"Great," Alexis said. "She held the reins tightly even though she didn't need to and she stayed straight like you always tell her."

"I can't wait to see you," Castle said as they looked at the toddler then.

Eliza giggled at that and then moved to start picking the pale yellow flowers that were around them saying, "I want flowers."

"For what?" Julia asked as she started to help her taking them.

"My hair," Eliza said, patting her sister's locks. "And you and Mommy… 'lexis too."

"What about me?" Castle asked as Alexis went to help the girls.

"No," Eliza said simply and again in a firm tone.

"So you mind if I pick some for your mom?" Castle asked.

"Go dad," Alexis said quickly.

"Go… I can just…" Castle said, trailing off when his wife grabbed his hand and pulled him up.

"Just a short walk," Beckett said, wrapping her arm around his waist as he put his over her shoulders. "I think this is one of those separating moments."

"One of them," Castle replied as they walked up to the top of the small hill they were at the bottom of. He had to let her go to hold her hand but looking over the other side he said, "Nice."

"It is," Beckett said, seeing in the distance were horses that she guessed likely belonged to Norah and Duane. She looked at her husband and told him, "I'm glad we managed to work this in."

"So am I," Castle said, nodding in agreement as they looked back at their daughters. While she was watching them he bent down and picked up a flower before handing it to her. "I have to give at least one," he told her seriously. "They would be on me in a second if they didn't see that in your hand… or your hair."

"My hand," Beckett said simply. "I'm going swimming twice later today. And of course I don't want to lose this," she said, holding up the flower to him with a smile. She wasn't surprised when he leaned down to her and she closed her eyes when their lips met immediately. She reached up with her free arm and wrapped it around his neck tightly as their tongues met in her mouth for a few seconds before slowly parting. "Are they watching?" she asked as he could see behind them.

"Yeah," Castle replied. "Come on, we should head back," he said, squeezing her hand before they started to go down the hill together.

Glancing at him at his tone Beckett made him stop before she whispered into his ear. "It's been a while," she told him when he pulled back to look at her.

Shuddering in pleasure at that Castle nodded and said, "You're correct, very…" trailing off as he looked at her. He then leaned down and kissed her again, groaning slightly as she grabbed him hard at that. He tried not to get too out of control as he couldn't forget their daughters nearby but it wasn't until Julia and Eliza were laughing that he forced himself away from his wife. Breathing out roughly he said, "I think I've just given my consent."

"So did I," Beckett said as she had been responding to him as eagerly as she could. She shared a brief kiss then with him before they started to walk again.

"Mommy look!" Eliza cried when they were close enough for them to hear her. She showed the little crown that Alexis had made for her and she smiled as Castle pretended to run to her. "Why Daddy?" she asked.

"Because as your daddy," Castle began before he placed the circlet on top of her head. "I have the right to crown you, so does your mom but I'm taking the chance now."

Julia smiled as her mother rolled her eyes; though she could see a slight smile turning up the corners of her lips. "Did Daddy pick you a flower?" she then asked.

"He did," Beckett replied, holding up the white bloom. "You all look very nice," she said as Julia had a circlet of the same yellow flowers as her little sister and Alexis had a little posy of them tucked behind her right ear. "But we should head back," she said, thinking she'd get some kind of protest from Eliza for that.

"Oh!" the toddler exclaimed before jumping up off the ground. "I can show you Mommy, Daddy!" She then turned to her sister and said, "And you Jules."

"I just want to ride back but what about you?" Julia asked Alexis.

"We're going to walk," the young woman said.

Beckett; leading the way back to the horses; turned to them and said, "We can let you ride. You'll need to walk of course but you can ride."

"With us," Castle added. When everyone looked at him he said, "She can go pillion with me and Eliza can go in front of you. Again, walking."

Thinking about that for a moment Beckett then nodded and they went the rest of the way to the tree where she got her horse as Castle helped Julia with hers. When they were all back on the trail she got onto her horse first before Castle was handing her Eliza. "Okay?" she asked the toddler.

"Yeah I get to ride a big horsie!" Eliza exclaimed eagerly though she tried to keep herself under control again.

"You know," Castle said as he helped Julia onto her horse. "We could gallop."

"Wait and see if I'll be okay behind you dad," Alexis said in mock annoyance. She waited for him to get a large rock and she said, "Old school."

"Almost," Beckett said. "My mom loved using those instead of fences or steps. It made her feel closer to nature."

"Your mom was an interesting woman," Alexis said.

Smiling at her stepdaughter Beckett replied, "She would have loved you since you're the same." When her husband was settled she asked, "You okay there?"

"I can hold on with my legs, just don't dig in with my heels," Alexis said. When her father and stepmother nodded she said, "Let's get going!"

Working their horses up to a gallop Castle made sure that he could feel his daughter's arms around him, knowing she would make sure he knew if she wasn't comfortable. He then looked over at Beckett and saw her using one hand to hold Eliza while the other held the reins. He smiled at them before concentrating on riding until he noticed his wife slowing down her horse.

"More!" Eliza protested when she felt the horse under them slowing down.

"That was enough sweetie," Beckett said.

"Why don't we ride into the stables?" Castle suggested. He nearly jumped when Alexis poked his shoulder and he said, "What?"

"You just want to scare Gram," she told him.

"And likely my dad too," Beckett said, shaking her head and smiling.

"Too bad I want to do that again," Julia said. She looked over at Alexis and asked, "Are you having fun?"

"I am, I can see why you like this," Alexis replied. She went riding but only with her little sister on a very placid horse with their parents.

"I can teach you to ride like this," Beckett said to her.

Alexis started to open her mouth to reply to that before she realized that her stepmother wouldn't have the chance until the holidays. She hugged her father then before she said, "Sure."

Beckett; having thought the same; nodded before they continued on back to the stables.

"Oh, here they come," Martha said as she stepped out of the house with Jim and Norah. "And riding fast, I wonder what happened to Alexis and Eliza."

Spotting the three horses first Jim opened his mouth to speak when Castle's mother suddenly cried out briefly as she saw the three horses; with Alexis and Eliza on them; coming towards them. "Eliza's fine."

"So are your other granddaughters," Norah told them. "Richard knows how to ride well."

"Hello Mother," Castle said as he came to a stop in front of them. "Jim, do you think you could…" he started to say before trailing off when his father in law came up to the horse to help Alexis down.

Beckett; handing Eliza to Martha; said, "I'm sorry, your son thought-"

"Oh of course he thought," she cut her off. She sighed as she looked at Eliza who was beaming at her and said, "But I suppose you all had fun."

"Lots," Eliza replied with a giggle. "Can I ride my pony?"

"Yes come with me," Norah said as she motioned for two stable hands to come over to them to take the three horses. She then led the way to the corral where the pony still was and she went to it before leading it over to Castle, Beckett and Eliza who were grouped together inside it.

"Teach me how to get on it Mommy," Eliza asked, tugging her hand.

"Okay," Beckett said, studying the pony before putting her hand on the toddler's back. She took the reins that Norah handed her and said, "First put this foot, your right, into the stirrup here and when you get it in all the way push yourself up to put your leg over the other side and put your foot there."

Eliza, a little nervous at the instructions, put her foot into the stirrup and then pushed up, feeling her father's hands helping her as she couldn't get herself to stand as she'd seen her parents do before. And her mother then helped her swing her leg over the saddle before getting her foot into the other one. "Thank you," she said to them both with a smile.

"You're welcome," Castle said, Beckett echoing him as she handed their youngest the reins. "Now it's time to show us how you ride sweetheart."

Beckett began to walk next to the horse and it moved to follow her as she kept a close eye on it. She wasn't surprised to see that Alexis had been right, the little girl was holding onto the reins tightly but not moving her hands. Her back was straight and she couldn't help say to Castle, "She'll be a great rider."

"Like her sister," he replied as Eliza giggled at them.

Going once around the corral Beckett stopped so the pony would and then helped Eliza off as she knew she was having a hard time maintaining her posture for that long. "When you get just a little bit older," she said as the toddler opened her mouth and she knew she was going to ask about riding. "And you can sit like that on a horse longer then we'll sign you up for lessons."

"Can I pet the pony?" Eliza asked. When she was set back down on the ground she went over to it and rubbed its nose before it started to nibble at her shirt, making her laugh.

"Here," Norah said, coming over from the rail where her husband had handed her something. "I think he deserves a treat for his hard work."

Nodding Eliza took the carrot from her and fed it to the pony, holding her hand flat as she'd been taught. "He's hungry," she told her parents.

"I can tell," Castle said, letting her kiss the horse's head before he picked her up. "Speaking of which, Norah could we pick some more fruits?"

"Oh sure, you'll be eating that many at home?" the woman asked.

"For after dinner," Beckett replied.

"Right then, let me take you to wash up and then you can head out," Norah said.

After they'd cleaned up and had a few baskets among them the family went to the orchard where Norah had told them what was ready to pick. They started with some cherries, Castle putting Eliza on his shoulders before they began picking.

"Don't eat them all Julia," Beckett said with a smile to her daughter as she stood next to the ladder that she was on. "These are for after dinner."

"But they're so good Mommy," the little girl said. "Did you try?"

"She is now," Jim said, handing some to her.

Beckett smiled at her father and popped the fruit into her mouth before eating it. Once she had discarded the pit she said, "Okay, it is good but you need to finish so we can go."

Looking over at her grandmother and big sister Julia then turned to her mother and asked, "Why isn't everyone picking?"

"We would strip the orchard bare," Jim answered for his daughter. "Let's see how much you have honey."

Showing them her basket Julia wasn't surprised when they told her to get down and once she had she asked, "Now what?"

"We have a wide selection," Martha said, walking over to them with Castle and Eliza. "There's berries, peaches-"

"Peaches!" Eliza exclaimed.

"I guess that's what we're going to get next," Castle replied as they laughed at her eagerness. He handed Eliza over to her grandfather who walked with her and then turned to his wife who was walking with his mother.

Smiling as her son grabbed his wife's hand Martha said, "I'll catch up with Julia, I wanted to ask her about her ride and I haven't had the chance to yet."

Entwining her fingers with his Beckett smiled at her husband as they followed their family and then looked ahead at the others as their youngest pointed out the peaches on the trees ahead of them. She felt his hand squeeze her own and she repeated the action to him as they turned their attention back to their daughters while Julia ran to get them to help start picking.

"Stop moving Eliza," Castle said, pretending to be irritated as his daughter was giggling heavily. "Come on, the longer it takes me to put this on the longer it takes for you to get to swim," he pointed out to her.

"No Daddy," Eliza said though she soon stopped moving so he could finish putting the suntan lotion onto her face. When he had finished she asked, "Now?"

"Hold on," Beckett said, finishing placing her sunscreen on her arms. She stood up and took Eliza's hand as Castle joined them, walking down to the water together.

"Inch…y…doney," Eliza pronounced carefully as she looked over at the rocks to their left. She giggled and said, "Inchy."

"That's right," Castle replied. "It's a nice beach isn't it?"

"How's the water?" Beckett asked with a smile as Alexis ran up to them, Julia hot on her trail. "Are you playing tag?"

"Yes she's it!" Alexis said in mock fear before grabbing her father. "Safe! I'm safe!"

"Not fair," Julia protested though she was laughing heavily. "You've got longer legs than I do."

"I wanna play," Eliza said, letting go of their parents' hands.

"Why don't you go swimming first?" Beckett suggested. "That way you can get used to the water."

"She can play with us right Mommy?" Julia asked.

"Of course but we need to wait until after we swim a little," Beckett said absently as Eliza grabbed her hand tightly when they were nearing the waves.

"So we're all playing?" Castle asked. He then hissed at the water washing over their feet and said, "Definitely cold."

"You get used to it," Alexis told him. "But that's going to be a little unfair," she said. When her dad and stepmother looked to her she said, "Your legs are way longer than mine."

"Then we'll referee things," Castle replied simply.

"Better," Alexis replied before she and Julia went in further.

"It does feel nice," Beckett said, watching as Eliza bent down to pat the top of the water with her hand. "Especially after the ride."

"I'll agree, I just don't appreciate the shock," Castle said. "Not because of that," he said when his wife glanced down his body.

"Mommy, wanna go in the pool," Eliza said then.

"We will," Castle said before his wife could. "For right now we're going to just enjoy the beach okay?"

Beckett smiled and laughed softly as the toddler turned around back to the green fields that surrounded the beach and said, "You don't want to go swimming."

"Yeah," Eliza said before she turned around to them, holding her hand out to her father.

With their youngest in between them Castle and Beckett ventured further into the water though it took a little time to get used to it. Finally they were at the point where Eliza was treading it in her vest.

"Mind if I follow them?" he asked his wife as he nodded to Julia and Alexis who were further out, ducking under the waves.

"Go ahead," Beckett said with a smile at him. She watched him go and then said, "I'm going to get my hair wet sweetie."

"Kay," Eliza replied, turning from her father to her. She smiled as her mother held her hand before she slipped under the water. When she came back up she reached over and patted her cheek saying, "Cold Mommy."

"It is," Beckett said, kissing her palm. "Do you want to try that now?" She wasn't too surprised at the eager nod of her daughter and she held her tight saying, "Ready? One, two, three."

Underneath the water Eliza opened her eyes, seeing someone coming up to them. When they popped back up she cried out, "Daddy!"

"Hey, so how do you like that Irish water?" Castle asked as Beckett helped the toddler swim over to him.

"Cold, I like it," Eliza said before she wrapped her arms around his neck and blew on his cheek. She giggled and said, "Can I go there?"

"I don't think so sweetie," Beckett answered before Castle could. "For now we should practice your swimming."

"Then let the waves take us back before we can make a sandcastle," Julia said, coming over to them and throwing her arms around her father's neck from behind.

"Sounds like a good idea to me," Beckett said as her husband and Eliza looked to her. "Go ahead and start," she said to the toddler.

With her father supporting her Eliza began trying to swim, kicking her legs hurriedly while Julia swam with her. When they'd made it to their mother she said, "Can I swim Mommy?" sounding hopeful.

"You're getting the hang of it," Beckett told her before kissing her temple. "Why don't you swim to your sister now?"

"To a moving body? Not fair Kate," Alexis said in amusement as she was going by.

"'lexis!" Eliza cried before she started to hurried move her arms and legs in her direction.

Turning back to join them quickly Alexis was able to grab her sister before she said, "Great job, so is she just swimming to all of us."

"Mind taking her between you two now?" Castle asked.

"Go ahead and swim Dad," Alexis replied. "I'll watch them."

"We'll be back," Beckett said before she ducked under the water with her husband.

"Want to swim Lizzy?" Julia asked the toddler, going to her and treading the water.

"I wanna go," Eliza said.

"Oh, I don't know," Alexis replied, thinking quickly as she could recognize the stubborn lilt to her sister's voice. "There isn't much to do that way; they're just going to go over there and then back… And kiss too apparently," she added as they could see the two were doing that at the moment.

Laughing softly Julia said, "They always do that when we're at home."

"I remember," Alexis said, thinking of the times she'd seen her father and stepmother doing that when they'd gone swimming by themselves. "So for us I say we go and get to the hamper first before Dad." When the girls both chorused out a, "Yeah!" she led the way back, helping Eliza swim on the way.

"They're leaving," Beckett told her husband as he leaned in to kiss her again. "We took too long," she said laughingly.

"We just barely got here," Castle said in mock protest before he turned to see that she was right. "It looks like we have two options love," he said as he turned back to his wife. "One, play Marco Polo or two…"

"Actually that's three options," Beckett said, grabbing his hand as he was starting to slip it under the bottoms of her bikini.

Groaning Castle said, "Was hoping you wouldn't figure out that one," though he was joking. "So we're going to play."

"Yes," Beckett replied. Before he could move though she was wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him deeply on the lips.

"They can't swim!" Eliza cried on the beach.

"No it's okay," Julia told her quickly, pulling her hand to bring her attention back to the toys they were getting from the bag they'd brought. "They're still kicking their legs. Help me get the stuff for the sandcastle out," she urged her sister.

When they had parted, Beckett smiled and said to her husband in a low voice, "I'm eager for tonight."

"So am I," Castle said without a trace of hesitation in his voice.

A little startled that she hadn't managed to fluster him in some way Beckett took his kiss without any protest. She was relieved though when he pulled away from her shortly after starting and she bit her lower lip for a moment before she ducked under the water to follow him back to where their family was waiting. "Eliza?" she asked with a smile as the toddler was carrying the hamper with their lunch.

"Time to eat! Lunchtime!" Eliza cried proudly.

"Let me see…" Castle said, going to her and taking the hamper. "Thank you, I hope you all enjoy…" he started to say as he turned away before the girls were crying out in protest and running after him.

"That's for everyone Daddy," Julia said seriously.

"Are you sure? Because I'm starving," Castle said.

"Rick," Beckett said simply.

"Okay we all share," Castle said, looking at her before turning his attention to their daughters.

"Like we were supposed to," Julia said insistently.

Sitting under the shade of the two umbrellas and on the blankets set on the sand the family gathered and began eating the sandwiches and chips packed away in the basket.

"I'm starving," Julia said when she realized she was the first one to finish one half of her sandwich.

"I don't blame you," Castle said, ruffling her slightly wet hair. "We had a busy day up until now."

"And I imagine it'll continue to be busy," Martha said with a smile. She was surprised when Eliza suddenly stood and walked over to her, sitting on her lap. "Well hello kiddo," she said in amusement, looking at the others. "What can I help you with?"

"Go with me Gram," Eliza replied.

"And where is that?" Martha asked.

"The water," the toddler said, nodding her head firmly.

"Alright, I can get my feet wet," Martha said before she leaned down and kissed at her temple. "But first we need to eat."

"And make the sand," Eliza said, nodding in the same way again.

With that the family started to laugh good-naturedly at the toddler who soon joined in and they finished their sandwiches before Beckett brought out some of the fruit they'd picked at the farm.

"So much fruit," Castle said, looking at the different bags of it. "Well we could just eat this for dinner and I wouldn't have to cook anything."

Smiling as the girls protested that Beckett said, "I'm sure he's teasing the two of you. We'll have something to eat."

"Funny you're thinking of that now," Jim commented as he took an apricot from his daughter. "You aren't full."

"I think that's a no," Castle said, watching as Eliza bit into the peach that she had taken from her mother. "You don't want us to cut that?" he asked the toddler.

"At the very least clean the juice off," Martha said, taking the napkin Beckett handed her.

"What are you gonna eat Mommy?" Julia asked, watching her mother.

"This," Beckett replied, taking a plum and biting it.

"Is that what Grandpapa got?" Julia said as she looked between the two golden colored fruits.

"Mine's a plum," Beckett assured her with a smile. "Want a bite?"

"No, I'll have this," Julia replied, taking another peach.