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 was very, very happy to get the feedback I did for the last chapter so I want to get to my thank yous for them right away! TORONTOSUN (It was nice to see that you like the way they all love the beach; I love writing that so I like knowing you enjoy reading them there. Really great you liked the moment that Alexis and Eliza had too. And it was great seeing you enjoyed that bit with Castle and Beckett walking hand in hand behind their family. And I hope that yours have a great New Year's yourself, thanks for wishing me the same!) and vetgirlmx (As always it was great to see you thought both halves of the last chapter were nice. And great that you can still tell they're enjoying their vacation, definitely what I aimed for through this story of course. And yeah, I figure since they know their parents have been there before would make the girls eager to go and see it themselves. I wasn't surprised you could see Castle using his name so the girls could go to the restaurant; I could too of course, lol. But I was really happy you mentioned the girls being a little overwhelmed though it was still exciting, I that I wanted them to feel too and convey they were feeling. Oh and I can remember feeling that same way too though for me it's been quite a while myself, lol. It wasn't a surprise either that you were interested hearing about their next day, with some of the combos they're having of course. I was pleasantly surprised to see you enjoyed that phrase so much at the end of the chapter. I think I was visualizing the moment mentally and it just came to me to convey their privacy and also a little bit of the intimacy of the moment. So great you thought it was poetic, means a lot to me to hear that! And so great you can't wait for the next chapter which you don't need to do anymore!). Thanks so, so much to you both for the reviews, I loved reading them as always and appreciate them so much especially the time you took out of likely busy schedules to send them to me!
A/N #2: The title of this chapter is a lyric from the song Mull of Kintyre written by Paul McCartney and Denny Laine, from a single by Wings.
Rolling In From The Sea
Squealing as she ran across the deck of the ship Eliza didn't stop until she was against the side and looking out through the railing at the land they were passing at that moment. She looked up at her father as he came up behind her then and said, "Sorry?"
"Yes you do need to apologize," Castle said to her in amusement. "You were supposed to stay with us."
"I wanna see," Eliza replied, pointing to the land that they were passing. When her father picked her up she kissed his cheek and said, "Is it there?"
"Not yet," Castle said, looking behind him as Beckett and Julia were coming over to them. "I got her," he told his wife.
"I can see that," Beckett replied. "Sweetie-"
"I said sorry Mommy," Eliza interrupted. "I will stay."
"I hope so," Beckett replied. "Or else we'll stay in the town."
"I will be good," Eliza said quickly.
"Me too, I want to see the island," Julia quipped. "I wonder what it's gonna look like though."
"You'll find out soon enough," Beckett told her, putting her hand on the back of her head as Julia was standing next to her. They were on the ferry to Inishmore that morning, having left from the city of Galway where they were staying. It was their second day there, the first she and Castle had taken their family around to explore the city. "I just hope our parents will enjoy themselves," she told her husband.
"Your dad will have a great time," Castle replied. "And don't worry about my mom, she'll be happy to join us… looking around."
"How are we doing that by the way?" Alexis said as she, Martha and Jim reached the four at the railing.
"You better tell them," Beckett said, though she meant telling his mother as she looked at him.
"We're going to hire a jaunting car," Castle said, wondering what she would say.
"And what is that?" Jim asked.
"A kind of wagon but love I lied a little," Castle added, not surprised when his wife looked to him with her eyebrow slightly raised. "We're getting horses."
"You two?" Martha asked.
"Three," Castle replied. "The person I talked to said that they're Connemara ponies so they'll be easy to handle," he said rapidly to Beckett. "So she'll be fine."
"And she'll ride with us while we ride next to the wagon," Beckett said simply.
"I will," Julia said breathlessly and eagerly hearing that. "Do you care?" she asked her sister in their father's arms.
Shaking her head Eliza then said, "Can I pet?"
"You can," Castle said with a smile. "So Mother I hope you're okay with our plans for the day, the island will be beautiful."
"I'm sure it will be," Martha said, taking her youngest granddaughter from him. "It's amusing you worry about my enjoyment during this trip; you as well Kate."
"We just want you to… enjoy this trip," Beckett replied, smiled as she took Eliza's hand as she reached out to her.
"And I am," Martha replied easily. "And I'm sure you will too darling."
"I think she already is," Alexis said with a smile as the toddler was staring out into the water.
"Are we there yet?" Julia asked after they were quiet for a while, watching the land slip past them. "I want to ride the pony."
"We'll get there when we get there," Beckett told her firmly as Castle took everyone else to the bow of the ship. "The island isn't going anywhere you know."
Julia couldn't help giggle at that and said, "What if it did? We'd chase it all over the world."
"That would be a long chase," Beckett told her. "Do you want to go with them?" she asked. When Julia shook her head she put her arm around her daughter as they soon drifted further away from the land and then turned slightly to the left.
"Mommy," Julia finally said, having been trying to work up the courage to speak for a while.
"Yes," Beckett said simply, looking down at her.
"Could we go swimming in the pool tonight?" Julia asked hopefully.
Beckett hugged her daughter closer to her telling her, "Since we went out yesterday all day we decided to take the chance today to stay in once we head back to Galway."
"Oh really?" Julia asked.
"It's why we're coming back at three, to give us time to look around the gardens and swim in the pool," Beckett replied.
"Thank you," Julia said appreciatively. "Are we going to swim at all on the island?"
Looking up at the sky then Beckett said, "I think we should stick to the pool, since that is indoors. But we will swim in the end."
"I can't wait," Julia replied. "Can I tell Eliza?"
"Why don't you wait?" Beckett replied. "That way she won't be in a hurry to leave the island."
"I don't think she would want to," Julia said in a matter of fact tone of voice. She giggled and said, "Not with the ponies there. Oh Mommy, I forgot to say thank you to Daddy for that."
"You can do that now," Castle replied, coming up behind them then. "Well in a second," he said before he leaned down and kissed his wife's shoulder.
Julia smiled as Beckett gave a mock suffering sigh and then said, "Now?"
"Sure," Castle said, not surprised when she almost threw herself at him. "Oof, when you get taller you need to watch our centers of gravity. If we're on a ship again you'll knock me straight over the railing."
"I'm not gonna stop hugging you," Julia said firmly. She then said, "I'll be careful."
"Thank you, I don't want you to stop hugging me either," Castle said. When they turned to Beckett he said, "Group hug?"
"Not at this moment," she replied. She nodded past them and said, "We're here."
Turning around Julia saw the island in the distance and then some houses began to appear through the slight haze around the shore. "Oh Mommy, Daddy, thank you," she said to her parents before starting to take pictures.
"You don't have to keep thanking us," Beckett told her. "But you're welcome."
When they were at the dock Castle, Beckett and Julia rejoined their family before they headed onto land. Castle led the way out of the town with Julia holding his hand.
"Daddy don't we need to get the horses?" the little girl asked him as she looked around them while they walked, seeing they were getting closer to the edge of town.
"Don't worry we will," Castle assured her. He turned off the road and down a path to a home with a bright red door. He knocked on it before a man came around the side of the house. "Are you Michael?" he asked.
"That I am," the man replied, his accent thick. "You'll be the Castles?"
"We are," Beckett replied.
Smiling at her Irish, Michael said, "Come along to the back, we'll get you set with the horses and car."
Following the man around the side to a large building Alexis glanced over and saw a young man holding a horse hitched to a cart by the bridle. When he looked to her she slightly rolled her eyes when he looked her over and turned to Eliza who she was walking with. "Hold on Lizzy," she told the toddler. "We'll pet the horses, don't worry."
"This is my son Mike," Michael told them once they'd reached the young man. "My daughter in law is in the barn getting your horses. He speaks English well so he'll be able to point out everything to you."
Slipping the man the money for the cart Castle nodded to him and told him, "Thank you very much."
"Good afternoon to you all," Mike said. "It's Mike O'Shea, call me either if you wish but my wife will be taking you out around the full island. My da's memory slips sometimes. Maureen?"
"Here Mike, help me with them," a young woman with dark red hair said, coming out of the stable. "Oh, thank you ma'am."
"It's not a problem," Beckett said, having taken the horse. "I'll take him if that's alright."
"Horsewoman?" Maureen asked. When Beckett nodded she smiled and said, "That will be Eamon, he needs a steady hand."
Murmuring to the horse as it started to nod its head up and down repeatedly Beckett was able to calm it down before she said, "We'll be fine."
Castle, watching his wife admiringly, had to turn his attention to the horse that O'Shea was bringing out to him. "And this is?"
"Collins," O'Shea replied. "Steady as he goes he'll be good to walk along the cart."
"Great," Castle replied, holding the reins before he watched with the others as the man's wife brought out another pony.
"This is Mairead," Maureen said as she led the horse to Julia.
"She's beautiful," the little girl breathed, beaming at the white pony.
"She's older, so mind you don't take her to run for long," Maureen said as Castle came over to help his daughter onto the horse. "She wouldn't appreciate it."
"We weren't going to go too far ahead of the car," Beckett told her, watching Julia swing her leg over to the other side of the saddle. Seeing her oldest was set she got onto her own horse and gently tugged the reins to go over to Julia. "Good?" she asked as the little girl was testing out the stirrups.
"Oh yes Mommy," Julia said in obvious excitement. "What about…" she said, remembering the cart then.
"They're going," Castle said, on his horse. He looked with Julia and his wife to the rest of their family who were climbing into the back of the car which Maureen was on, holding the reins. "All good?" he asked his mother and daughter.
"Of course," Martha said, holding Eliza on her lap. She smiled as the toddler waved to her father and said, "Are we just riding straight around the island?"
"We'll be making stops," Castle assured her. "Are we ready?"
"We'll be heading out first," Maureen said. "Once we get to the road out of the town you can catch us up and should you have any kind of trouble just let me know."
Waiting for the car to go Beckett said, "We'll ride in a line for now."
"Okay," Julia said before they started to go, walking their horses after the car. "What about pictures?" she asked her mother.
"When we come back here," Castle began. "We'll walk down to where we can reach the coast. You can take pictures there."
"I can't wait," Julia replied.
"How beautiful," Martha was saying in the cart.
"Is Irish spoken here exclusively?" Jim asked, sitting closest to Maureen.
"We speak it more often than English," the woman replied. "There are children who come during the summer to learn it." She then looked back and said, "How are they riding for you?"
"Great," Julia answered first.
"She's right, they're very well behaved," Beckett replied.
"I'm surprised, Eamon is a bit touchy," Maureen replied. "The only reason why I gave him to you is your husband assured me you rode."
"He says that a lot," Beckett replied, smiling at her husband who was on the other side of the car, talking to Eliza. "But he's right, I've worked with horses."
"I had a feeling," Maureen said. "You know if you ever need a job you're welcome to come here."
"I'll have to keep that in mind," Beckett said with a slight laugh before she looked at Julia then to make sure she was okay.
"What's that?" the little girl asked, looking at a building in the distance.
"It looks like a church," Alexis commented.
"It is," Maureen replied. "Teampall Chiaráin," she then said. "A church from the 12th century, you'll see some stones around there with crosses on them. Care to stop or keep going?"
After looking at everyone Castle said, "I think we want to keep going."
With a nod the Irishwoman continued down the road that took them along the coast, talking to the family about the island and some of the things she and her family did day to day after Beckett asked. "Ah, here's Kilmurvey Beach," she said as they came to a stretch of sand. "You'll want to stop here."
"We suggested it to them," Beckett said with a smile as the car came to a stop. "Where are the horses going?"
"They'll be fine here with me," Maureen replied as Castle handed her the reins from his horse to hurry and help his mother and daughter from the car as Jim held Eliza.
"Come here sweetie," Beckett told the toddler once she was on the ground. She kissed Eliza's cheek and murmured to her, "What do you think?"
"Pretty Mommy," Eliza said, looking around the beach. She looked at the water and seeing it was a little choppy said, "No swimming."
"Not here," Beckett replied. She turned to Castle as he walked over to them and set their daughter down before they took her hands and they started to walk to the waves washing over the shore.
Standing on top of a rock they came to Julia took pictures everywhere she could, smiling at the sight of her sister leaning down to touch the moss on another of the rocks. "Are there shells?" she asked as Alexis went down a little further from them.
"There are," the young woman replied. "Come on," she said, holding her hand out to her sister and helping her down.
"Stay still Eliza," Castle said slightly laughingly as the toddler was trying to let go of them at the same time.
"Let her go," Beckett said, releasing her hold of her hand. As they watched the toddler hurry to her sisters she reached to her husband and took his arm, leaning against him as their parents passed them to join the three. "Are you remembering when we came here?" she asked him.
"Yep," Castle said quickly. He could feel his wife looking at him and grinned saying, "You weren't expecting that wave."
"Mainly because you pulled us out into it," Beckett said wryly. She then turned to stand directly in front of him and said, "Want to do that again?"
"Oh… not looking forward to going through the rest of the country with the sniffles," Castle replied, wrapping his arm around her since he figured half holding her would be okay.
"I'd take care of you," Beckett said teasingly.
"You're torturing me," Castle then said. "Either you take care of me while I'm sick or we go through with our daughters."
"Choose the latter," Beckett told him before pressing her lips to his briefly. "I can take care of you at night."
"As a doctor?" Castle said interestedly.
"As your wife," Beckett said easily, leaning over and kissing him again before they turned their attention to their daughters who were hurrying to them to show the shells they'd managed to find.
Going back to the car and horses the family got ready to continue which they soon did with Maureen leading them down the road until she took them on a track to what looked to be a large pile of stones.
"That's Clochán na Carraige, a beehive hut that the early Christians likely built here," Maureen told them as they dismounted the horses or got off the cart.
"Should we take a family picture?" Jim suggested as he watched the girls looking around the rocks that made the hut.
"Sure, Maureen?" Castle asked as he looked over at Beckett.
"Here," she said to Maureen. She got Julia while Castle grabbed Eliza running around and they stood in front of the doorway of the hut as they waited for the picture to be taken. After she took her camera back and checked the shot, nodding with a smile before letting her father take it to look.
Continuing down the road Maureen took them to the Seven Churches next telling them, "It's part of a monastic settlement." She smiled at Julia and said, "For monks, and they believe some of these are domestic dwellings."
"We can walk through?" Julia asked eagerly.
"Go on but be careful of course," Maureen replied, watching the group go to the ruins together before breaking apart.
"Look at the crosses," Alexis told her sisters as she was walking with them and their grandmother. "Those are Celtic knots in them."
"They're so pretty," Julia said. "Don't touch Lizzy."
"Wanna," the toddler said in Martha's arms, reaching out towards it.
"Look at the stones of this building," Castle's mother said, pointing at the ruins beyond the crosses. "See the colors? That's moss."
"I'm surprised they're staying there for so long," Castle said, turning then to his wife who was taking a picture then of some more ruins.
"The Celtic knots," Beckett said, looking over and seeing where they were. "Remember?"
"Okay so maybe I was being crazy wanting to touch those but it is the past," Castle said in defense.
Beckett looked at him and then reached over, taking his hand before they walked down the path away from the others in their family. She glanced back at her husband then and could see he was watching her closely as they walked past some other people who were there as well.
Going around a building Castle watched his wife run her fingertips along the stones saying, "You're an interesting woman Kate."
Smiling as that was the exact same thing her husband had said their first time there Beckett returned to him and said, "Is it because you think I'm trying to reconnect with history?"
"I thought that last time and now too in fact," Castle said, thinking for a moment. "But this time I can see you want our daughters to see their Irish past. Alexis too."
Beckett couldn't help laughing at that and told him, "I may but I'm backed up in that by you." She turned her head as she watched him running his fingers over the stones as she had and she stood up straight before sliding her arms over his shoulders. She was about to kiss him before they heard the giggles of little girls and they turned together to see it was their daughters. "Another time," she told her husband.
"Go swimming with me later," Castle told her. When he got a quick kiss on the lips in response he smiled while they walked to their family who were waiting for them as he knew there he had his answer.
Continuing in the car and on the horses the family soon reached the furthest point west on the island, the girls marveling at the ocean stretched out in front of them while Alexis took pictures of them and the scenery. They headed back to the main road to stop at a 1st century BC fort, going inside it to let the girls run around a little before they continued on.
"And here we have Dún Aonghasa," Maureen told them. "An old, very old fort as you can see."
"We won't take too long," Beckett told the woman before she joined Castle and Julia to walk with their parents, Eliza and Alexis up to the fort.
"Daddy," the toddler said, running to him suddenly.
"Julia," Castle said when he then saw the little girl looking to the edge of the cliff.
"I'm not gonna go over there Daddy," Julia said quickly. "But can we look?"
"After we walk to the fort," Beckett answered for him.
Going up to the large stone structure Julia looked at the stones in the walls and the supports of it that she couldn't help but reach up and touch it. "Wow… they really used this for protection?" she asked her family.
"As far back as it was made," Jim began. "That was the best protection you could get."
"Pretty," Eliza commented, hurrying to her sister after Alexis had set her down. She looked up then and then back down to the grass where she saw a ladybug on a strand of the green grass. She smiled and leaned down, taking the bug on her finger. She held her hand up to the wall, trying to get it to go on the stones before she felt a hand on her shoulder. She started to look up before she felt something moving on her finger and said, "It flew."
"I know," Castle said, reaching down and picking her up. "Want to keep going?"
"Yeah," Eliza replied, looking up at the top of the wall as they walked around it.
Going along the curve Alexis turned around then and took a quick picture of the land in front of the fort before she walked with her family towards the cliff's edge. She spotted some tourists on the edge, lying down and looking and said glancing over at her father, "Want to go?"
"We will, we didn't last time," Beckett said before her husband could say anything. She met his gaze and said to her father and Martha, "Can you watch them?"
"Come here girls," Castle's mother replied. "Let's see if we can't find that ladybug you were holding Eliza."
When they were gone and walking inland Beckett turned to her husband and said, "Okay, let's go."
"I didn't think you were serious," Castle said to his wife as they and Alexis headed to the cliff's edge.
"I'm not afraid of heights," Beckett replied, looking at her stepdaughter. "We just didn't have a chance last time."
"I'm not afraid either," Alexis said quickly. She joined them in lying down on their stomachs and looking down over the cliff to the ocean below she breathed out deeply in amazement. She laughed slightly and said to them, "This is incredible."
"I'm so glad we didn't bring the girls to look," Castle said as he stared straight down as well. He then looked over at his wife who was between him and Alexis and said, "Those'll be amazing shots."
"Which we'll show Julia and Eliza," Beckett said. "Plus your mom and my dad."
"Gram will be glad she didn't join us," Alexis said. When she noticed her stepmother looking at her she said, "She's not afraid of heights either, it's just lying like this would freak her out."
Remaining there for a little longer Castle finally pushed himself up and made sure Beckett and Alexis could do so too before they headed back to the car and horses where the rest of the family was, petting all four horses together. They rode through the middle of the island where they stopped for lunch, Maureen joining them after she, Beckett and Castle had the horses set with feed bags.
"I thought I'd be eating in the cart," the Irishwoman told them, looking a little awkward as she sat on the blanket. "I have my own food."
"Save it for lunch tomorrow, "Castle told her, handing her a sandwich. "We have more than enough food here to share, plus I don't think you'd like me feeding it to the horses."
Maureen smiled slightly at him and then said, "You're all Irish, have you ever thought of writing about that?"
"We did make our characters Irish," Beckett replied to that. "Though half British and half Scottish."
"So you have our books," Castle said.
"I do go into Galway," Maureen said. "And in the winter there's not much to do but read."
"Sounds fun," Julia said before she slightly blushed as the woman looked to her.
"That it is," Maureen replied. "You enjoy books?"
"I love books," Julia told her eagerly. "And I wish I could read them all."
"I was like you at that age," Maureen said, nodding. "You'll have to get some books from Ireland to remind you of your trip."
"She has," Castle said, studying the little girl who was looking down at her sandwich. He let his mother ask the woman a question before he leaned over to Beckett and murmured to her.
Nodding she then put her arm around Julia's shoulders and squeezed her left one saying, "Are you enjoying your sandwich?"
"A lot, I was very hungry," Julia replied.
"We're going to let you two run around in the field here," Beckett told her. "But before that why don't you come with me to find some flowers?"
Looking at the grass Julia said, "Okay but I don't think there are any flowers here."
"Still it'll give us the chance to take pictures," Beckett told her with a smile.
"Sure," Julia said with a nod. After they'd finished eating she stood up with her mother, walking with her over to the other end of the small field. "Not a flower to be found," she said, smiling when her mother glanced at her. She still took a few pictures and then said, "Maureen's nice."
"Oh I know and good with horses," Beckett replied, turning to her as she wanted to study her daughter closely to see her as she spoke.
"Mari is going to be good with horses," Julia blurt out suddenly. "She's going to learn in the fall with me, I told her I would help her so we could be in the same class."
"That'll be great," Beckett replied as they reached the stone wall on the other side.
"I know I hope she won't be scared though," Julia said, looking thoughtful. "It's cool how they make these," she then said, turning her attention to the wall. "But they have to since it's all they have."
"We have been passing farms," Beckett told her, putting her arm around her shoulders again before they turned to go back to their family as they were getting up onto the car while Castle helped them. "You know in the book we've been using it says they use land-making, which means they create soil."
Looking around them Julia glanced up at her mother then to say, "How?"
"They cover rocks with sand and seaweed," Beckett said simply, recalling the short description in the book.
"Wow that… and it works," Julia said.
"It does," Castle said, as they'd gotten close enough to him for him to hear that. "But up you go on your horse sweetheart, we're going to ride to the other side of the island now and stop at another beach."
"Can we wade there at least?" Julia asked her parents once she was back up on her horse, her helmet she'd been using the entire time back on her.
"That depends on the weather," Beckett replied, looking up at the sky which was filling with dark clouds.
Glancing up with her mother Julia didn't think it was likely but as they rode out on the road again she said with a smile, "The pool is still inside."
"Yes Miss Castle, we know," Castle said teasingly. "And we all want to go swimming because that pool is awesome. But first we have a couple more things to see and do."
"Are we still going into the town?" Alexis asked from the cart.
"Of course, I've got my heart set on an Aran sweater," Castle said. He then asked Maureen, "There's a good store for that right?"
"Aye, the Aran Sweater Market," the woman said in amusement. "You'll find what you're looking for there."
"Can I get one?" Julia asked interestedly.
"I think we all might end up getting one," Jim commented.
"You too Dad?" Beckett asked with a smile on her face.
"Oh of course, your grandpa had one himself and it was always very warm," Jim answered. "They're expensive back home so I'd like to see if maybe I can buy one here for a little less."
"We'll have to wait and see," Castle said. "All of us because like I said, we might all end up getting one."
Looking at him at that Beckett glanced at Eliza and saw that she was watching them closely. She couldn't help laugh at that and said, "I think you may be right love."
With a nod to her Castle led his horse down the island before they reached the south east point where there was a small beach. As they were looking out on the water and waves they stayed where they were, the coming storm nearly on them.
Heading back to Kilronan a little faster after that they made it back to the farm where they got the horses to the O'Sheas. And they left soon after thanking the woman, watching the sky as they did so. They reached the sweater store and split up, looking through the numerous sweaters as well as clothing that was for sale.
Meeting up with their parents and Alexis Castle said, "I think we were able to find everything."
"We were," Martha said. "You Kate?"
"It's a poncho," Beckett answered, watching her mother in law run her fingers over the pattern in dark grey. "But it looks warm."
"You'll look quite fashionable at the station," Martha said before she smiled.
"I'll likely wear it walking with them to school but you might be right," Beckett replied, handing over the Aran sweaters she and Castle had picked out with the girls.
"Wonderful," Martha said, looking at the hooded cardigans in the traditional color. "Though I didn't think you liked to match at all."
"Lizzy wanted that too," Julia said, smiling then. "And it's warm. Plus it's pretty so we decided that we want to match but just with that," as she touched the front of her cardigan then.
"And you Richard?" Martha asked her son.
"The O'Donovan sweater," Castle answered as he looked at his wife showing the pattern in charcoal knit to his mother.
"Very nice," Martha murmured. "Well I decided on a shawl myself…" she said as she showed them the blue and green fabric with Celtic knots across it.
"It's pretty," Julia said quickly.
"And I got a sweater too, for the winters here before I come home for Christmas," Alexis said, showing them the white sweater she'd picked out.
"Dad?" Beckett said, looking at him.
"A hat," Jim replied, showing it to them. "It'll be handy in winter when I go around with you two," he said to the girls who he let take the black flat cap.
"Okay then I think we can go pay…" Castle said, taking the stack from his wife and setting two things on it.
"What's that?" Julia asked.
"My sheep!" Eliza cried when she recognized the sheep made from Aran wool and charcoal colored yarn, a green ribbon at its neck.
"Is that the hat I saw?" Julia said with a smile.
"It'll be good for winter," Beckett said. "You're sure you didn't want a sheep too?" She wasn't surprised when Julia shook her head no and took the girls by the hand while Castle went to pay with the others.
"Oh, it's gonna be a big storm," Julia said. She then looked at her mother and said, "Weren't we going to eat outside?"
"We were going to try," Beckett corrected. "We might not be able to but that's alright, we'll still eat."
"Wanna eat out," Eliza said.
"Another day when it's not so stormy," Beckett said, reaching down and picking her up. She kissed her cheek and said, "So what did you think of Inishmore?"
"A lot of fun," Julia said first. "I loved getting to ride the ponies."
"So did I but next time we ride we'll gallop," Beckett said.
"How did you know I was gonna say that?" Julia asked with a slight giggle.
"Because I was thinking the same thing," Beckett assured her. She leaned down and kissed her daughter on the cheek lovingly before she saw Castle making his way to them. "Did you still want to try and walk back out on the road?" she asked him as he kissed her cheek.
"Probably better if we don't," Castle said, looking out to the sky. "It might be a little rough," he said to his wife as they looked at the girls at the same time.
"Julia took the medicine and we have those ginger chews if it comes to that for Eliza," Beckett replied, though she sounded concerned as well.
"You'll have to stay with us sweetheart," Castle said, not surprised to see the girls looking at them in confusion.
"And we'll likely need to stay inside," Beckett replied as Alexis and Martha came to them. When her father joined them shortly after they headed out to the dock where the next ferry out was waiting. Since it began to rain just as they boarded she led the way inside where they sat at a table, watching the waves as they slipped away into the water.
"I had a feeling…" Castle said as he grabbed to edge of the table when the boat dipped suddenly to one side. He looked at Eliza who was crying out and said, "Okay?"
"Don't wanna," the toddler protested.
"Do you feel sick?" Alexis asked as they were all looking at her in concern.
"No, don't wanna move," Eliza replied.
"It'll be okay," Beckett said, rubbing her back since she was holding her. "We'll get back to Galway soon," she said being as assuring as she could, hoping that was the case as the ship dipped again.
For most of the ride back to land Castle and Beckett tried their best to comfort their youngest as the ship kept rocking back and forth. Luckily Eliza never became sick, just disturbed by the motion until she fell asleep in her mother's arms the last few minutes of the trip, her body limp.
"I guess she needed the nap today," Castle said, studying her. "Think I could…?" he started to say, holding up a handkerchief to dry Eliza's tears on her cheeks.
"Better just let her sleep," Beckett replied. "I'll stay with her in their room and-"
"I can stay," Jim interrupted her.
"You'd do that Dad?" Beckett asked, looking to him then.
"Of course," Jim replied. "And a rest would be nice; the ride was a little bumpy in that car and this ferry of course. I'll watch her in their room and bring her down to the pool as soon as I wake her up."
Beckett nodded in relief at that as she had been looking forward to swimming and made sure she wouldn't suddenly wake up the little girl. Eliza remained in her arms until they reached their hotel, the Ardilaun, and had gotten to the room Martha was sharing with the three girls. She carefully changed the toddler into her pajamas, frowning a little when the toddler barely stirred in reaction to that.
"It was too much," Castle said, kissing her temple when Beckett turned to him. He watched her kiss their daughter as well and looked on while she tucked her in gently.
Going to where her father was settling down with a book in an armchair next to the bed and window Beckett told him, "Forty-five minutes Dad."
"She'll be fine," Jim said as she leaned over and hugged him quickly. "We'll meet you there."
"Come swimming Grandpapa," Julia said, running to him quietly once she was in her bathing suit and sundress over that for dinner.
"I will," Jim replied, not having planned on that until that moment. He hugged her and kissed her cheek before watching her go with the others, waving slightly to his daughter as she and Castle turned back to check on Eliza. When they'd gone he glanced down at the toddler, seeing her fast asleep. He couldn't stop himself, leaning down to press a kiss to her cheek as he marveled at how he could almost imagine himself kissing his daughter at three. He was soon able to shake himself from that though as looking at her hair reminded him she was definitely his grandchild. He smiled and gently ran his hand over her hair before sitting back down, starting to read his neglected book.