I know she is supposed to eight months but I couldn't think of anything for that month so she will have to be nine months.

Kate sat in the living room of the loft, her legs tucked under, next to Lanie. Both had the day off and decided to catch up after too much time apart. It was silent for a second, before Kate felt something shift, and then she went rigid. "My water just broke."

"What?" Lanie's head snapped up.

Kate turned to Lanie this time. "My water just broke."

"Oh my, girl you're going to have a baby!" She jumped up and went towards Kate."

"Oh my God, Lanie we have to get to the hospital and I have to call Castle."

"Alright, let's go. You can call him on the way!" Lanie reached out to help her up.

"After this contraction." Kate took a deep breath, closing her eyes as she let the contraction run through her.

"Is this the first one?" Lanie stood frozen, hovering over her friend.

"Yeah, and it came fast. I have a feeling this is going to be quick."

"Let's go, we need to get you to the hospital." Lanie pulled Kate up, then, and led her to the door. She was off to have her baby.

Beckett couldn't help the tears that sprang to her eyes as she held Lanie's hand. They had arrived at the hospital and gotten settled, but Castle still hadn't arrived. He answered her call and told her was stuck in traffic and would be there as soon as he could. Now, it was getting closer and closer to time to push, and Castle still wasn't there. She was getting scared that he wasn't going to make it and she would have to do this without him. "Lanie, where is he?"

"He's coming, sweetie."

"I can't do this without him. He has to be here." Kate squeezed her hand harder.

"It's okay, you won't have to. He'll be here."

"It hurts so much." Kate squeezed her eyes shut.

"I know, but you can do this."

Just then, as if on cue, Castle came through the door. Lanie squeezed Kate's hand one more time.

"Where is he?" She said desperately when Lanie let go of her hand.

Castle switched spots with Lanie, taking Kate's hand. "It's okay, Kate. I'm here." He pushed the hair off of her forehead.

Her eyes snapped open, a smile spreading across her face. "You're here."

"Wouldn't miss it for the world." He smiled back at her.

"It hurts."

"You need to stop fighting the contractions." He sensed her tightening up as one began.

She breathed deeply, talking between each intake. "But they hurt so bad."

"You don't want to hurt Gracie. Just relax." He smoothed her hair again and wiped a stray tear off of her cheek.

Kate closed her eyes again. "Okay." A moment passed before she spoke again. "Castle?"

"What do you need, Kate?"

"Put your hand on my stomach. She likes it." Kate took his hand and moved it to her belly. Castle made little circles around and around to help calm Kate down.

The doctor checked Kate as Castle rubbed her stomach, and then told her the news. "Alright, Kate, it's time to push."

Castle placed his lips on her temple, kissing her gently. "You're going to be great. "I'm right here."

"Alright, push!" Her doctor stood, his attention set on bringing Gracie into the world. "Another one."

Kate cried out and Castle held her hand tighter.

"Come on, we can nearly see the head. Then it's almost over."

Kate pushed three more times before she was told to push one last time. She breathed out and pushed, and for a moment, all was silent. And then she heard it; her baby girl crying. Her little girl was finally here.

Her head hit the pillow in exhaustion as she listened to the life screeching in Gracie. "Castle?"

"Yeah?" He leaned in close to her.

"Is she okay?"

"She's perfect." Castle kissed her, holding her head in his hands. She cupped his cheek as he did hers. When they broke apart, she traced his jaw, looking directly into his eyes. "I love you. I love you so much, Rick."

"I love you too, Kate."