Genre: Drama, Crime, 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 happy getting the feedback for the last chapter I did in the end, so let me get straight to my thank yous for that! TORONTOSUN (It was nice to read that you like how everyone's very interested in what Castle saw. I figured that they would be with that story so glad you mentioned it!)
MsNYC (So glad to see that you thought the first half of the chapter was really good. And I agree, I don't think anyone could be happier about Castle doing well than Beckett, lol. You're right, if he hadn't had that previous injury Castle would have been alright. And I'm not surprised that you're happy Castle's knee is the only reason for him staying. And since it's not too, too bad an injury I didn't think everyone would be too concerned about it so you're right. I'm not surprised that you get the feeling that Alexis appreciates Beckett more than she lets on to everyone as you said, and she might, lol. And of course, I was happy to see you thought it was great writing as usual!),
Mb (Nice to see you thought the first half was a great update. I'm glad you thought I was able to really capture how eager, relieved and grateful everyone was about Castle waking up and responding to them. I wasn't surprised to see you pointing out that Beckett was skeptical about what he saw being their past life. But I'm also not surprised that you believe a part of her does believe and can feel the truth of it in her heart as you said. I'm so glad about what you said about Castle and Beckett are destined to find each other in the past, present or future since that's what this was all about. And I was really glad when you said that their hearts and souls are entwined to always find each other as again that's what I was trying to show. And the bit after that where you said, they were made whole as one with each other and with their family was nice too. Not surprised you love seeing them all together! You're very welcome for posting! And of course, I was glad to read that you thought the second half of the chapter was another great update. And I wasn't surprised that you weren't that the others believed Castle when he said he was a past life. Also, not surprised that you believe that Beckett's heard knows it true. But you got what I saw of her when she was on the show, that her mind is logical and she needs to be convinced and overridden as you said. I'm so, so happy that you had a smile at the news of Skye being on DWTS and not surprised you also mentioned the fact that she wants the Castle clan there at the shows as well as being there to help and participate in the dances. I was really, greatly pleased that you loved the talk between Alexis and Beckett about her being Beckett's daughter in the past life. And the same for you saying they're truly mother and daughter and family. But yeah, not by blood as you said they are by choice. I have to admit I wasn't sure what Spence was, but I guess that maybe you meant just as serious. If that's true, then I loved that you said you thought it was just as serious and just as real since that's what I believe too and am glad readers think! I'm also very pleased that you're hoping in future stories to find out and see more of the past life because you just might, lol, *hint hint*. And I'm not surprised you could see that because of the connection Castle and Beckett have they would share the same visions of those past lives, you might be right about that too, lol. So happy to read that you're loving this story as well as series. You're very welcome again. And thank you, I hope that you and all your friends and family have a Merry Christmas as well!) and
vetgirlmx (Nice to read that you thought the day was perfect after everything they'd been through for the past few days. Didn't really see it not being that way. And glad David's reaction made you laugh in the end, and I suppose if something like that happens I thought they'd be very worried. But I am glad that you thought it was nice to see that and you got what I thought with their friends being so worried because they've been so for a while. Great that you loved everybody's reaction to the past life. And not surprised that you weren't that Beckett wasn't really buying that reincarnation angle, par for the course for her I think, lol. And not surprised that you think Alexis' thoughts on it might change her mind but like you said you have to wait and see. I'm so, so glad that while I surprised you with Skye being on DWTS that you're excited about it. And not surprised it's for Julia, lol, since of course it's a really good experience as you said for her. I wasn't surprised that you expected Skye to invite them and I figured since Peter's Julia's partner she'd think he should go too but nice to read you thought it was very nice of her to do that. Not surprised you're hoping he can go too. I'm also not surprised that you're glad it's only Castle's knee keeping him in the hospital. And great to read you're waiting for him to be released to go home and see what's next since of course it means you want to read more and now you don't need to wait anymore!).
Thanks for the review, I loved reading them and appreciated the time taken to write them out and send them to me!
A/N #2: The title of this chapter is part of the title of the song (I Want to) Come Home by Paul McCartney, from the soundtrack for the movie Everybody's Fine.
Want To Come Home
Raising his head from the screen of his phone Castle smiled as his wife entered the room and said, "I was going to go out there and see if you were on your way back yet."
"Good thing you didn't, your cane is way over here," Beckett told him with a smile as she reached the bed and set the bag she had next to him on it. "Hello again," she said.
"Hello love," Castle replied, wrapping his arm around her. Though she'd stayed the night in his room; as she'd done since he'd been admitted to the hospital; he was wrapping his arms around her tightly and kissing her hard. He had to really push himself to let her go eventually but he finally did, and he growled saying, "I wish I could do more."
"When you're completely well love," Beckett told him. "But I don't blame you, I wish we could do more than that, but I want your knee able to handle our nights."
With a smile Castle said, "At least we'll both really, really want it once we can get back to it. Christmas?"
"You suggested it," Beckett replied.
"I did," Castle said. "I would say the night before but I'm sure we'll be too tired from waiting for them to fall asleep."
"Probably," Beckett said, kissing him tenderly on the lips before she hurried over to the window to cover it. "I'll have to help you," she said as he was sliding off the bed.
"I know and I'm looking forward to it," Castle told her with a smile. He stood with his hand on the mattress and said, "Were the girls upset they couldn't come with you?"
"A little but I insisted that we should get back together at home, we've been here enough," Beckett told him as she reached around him for the back of his hospital gown. When it was off him she said, "I'm glad they let you wear those at least."
"I'm surprised I was," Castle said as he was left clad in his boxers. "But at least you were the one who gave me that sponge bath."
"You think I would have let anyone else do that?" Beckett asked him in amusement as he was pulling on his shirt.
"No but I still wanted to say it," Castle replied, smiling at her as he stepped into his pants and she held onto him just in case. He tucked in his t-shirt and after throwing on a blue plaid shirt over his t-shirt he said, "How's my hair?"
"Just run your hand through it," Beckett told him with a smile. As he was doing that she went to grab his cane that was leaning against the closet door before she went back to him. "I'm glad you got this," she told him.
"Me too," Castle replied, studying the cane. He'd bought it while they're been on their honeymoon, a light Alder that had an angled end that was an extension of the cane. There was a Celtic knot carved there and he could feel it as he said, "I'm ready for the wheelchair."
Beckett smiled and leaned over, gently brushing her lips against her husband's before she slowly pulled away. "When we get home-" she started to say.
"I need to take it easy, I know," Castle interrupted her with a smile. "I will, I just want to go home, hold the girls on my lap and see the dogs. Also see the house, our parents, sleep tonight in our bed with you…"
"Got it," Beckett said. There was a knock on the door and she smiled saying, "Now you can go," before she went over to open it for Liam on the other side with the wheelchair for her husband.
"Good morning," the nurse said with a smile at them. "Are you ready to go?"
"Very," Castle replied.
"That is a very cool cane," Liam said as Beckett stood next to her husband as he sat down in the chair he himself was holding.
"Thank you, got it in Ireland," Castle said as after almost six days they'd both gotten to know the young man.
"I thought so with the carving at the top," Liam said while he was pushing the chair out into the hallway. "Since you signed the papers already I'll just take you out to your car."
"I'm glad I had the chance to do that," Castle said as they stopped at the elevator. "I said goodbye to Bell for you," he then told his wife.
"I caught her when I left to get your clothes," Beckett said with a smile. "And I said that and thank you."
"Are you two going to write again?" Liam asked while the car they were in was heading down to the lobby.
"We'll wait until after the New Year," Beckett said first.
"But we planned to do that anyways," Castle commented.
"I'll be eager to read that book once it's released," Liam said as he was wheeling the chair into the lobby.
"We'll send you a signed copy," Castle told the man.
"Thank you," the nurse said with a smile.
"I'll be right back with the car," Beckett said, squeezing her husband's shoulder firmly. She hurried out to the parking lot and brought the car back around to the front before she got out to go to her husband.
Though he didn't really think he needed it Castle allowed Beckett and Liam to help him into the passenger seat. Once he was settled he shook the nurse's hand and thanked him before the door was closed. As soon as his wife was back in the driver's seat next to him he reached over and took her hand. "Let's go home," he told her, squeezing gently.
"Okay," Beckett replied with a smile before she pulled away from the curb. "Before we get home there's something I was going to tell you about but… I wanted to wait until we were back."
"Yeah?" Castle asked, watching her closely.
"Remember your journal you kept earlier this year?" Beckett said as she stopped at a red light.
"I do," Castle said, nodding once.
"I brought it with me to the hospital and I wrote to you," Beckett said. "Not many times but a few."
"Is it back in our room?" Castle asked as he saw she was nearing home.
"We can read it tonight," Beckett said, smiling at him.
"I'd love to do that," Castle said seriously before she was stopping at the gate. "And this cane is reminding me of something else. In our past life I wore spectacles."
"Oh?" Beckett asked slightly absently as she was pulling into their driveway and making her way to the garage.
"Yeah, I wore them in the war," Castle began, as he'd already told her that part of his dream. "And they called me Old Man in the Army."
"Is this because of our appointment next Tuesday?" Beckett asked with a smile.
"Partially, what if I do need glasses?" Castle asked.
"I'll still love you," Beckett said as she closed the door behind them. She opened the door and said rapidly, "And want you."
Castle laughed and waited for her to come around to the passenger door that he opened before. He stood as she watched him and with the help of the cane took a few steps forward. "See? I just needed the practice," he told her as he wasn't limping too badly.
"I know," Beckett replied, smiling at the one on his face. She took his arm and kissed his cheek before they walked together inside the house.
"Hey, you two," Castle said with a smile as Macca and Rita raced to him. "Is Sprint still coming Monday?" he asked his wife.
"Shh," Beckett said with a smile though he'd kept his voice low. On Thursday she'd gotten an e-mail that their new dog needed to come to their home sooner than they had planned. And since she and her husband were so happy that day learning he would be going home Saturday they'd decided to break with their tradition of a dog as a Christmas gift though Castle had said it still was; just early.
"They're not going to hear me, they're probably not expect-" Castle began as they reached the doorway to the family room.
"Welcome home!" the people inside said.
Beckett laughed at her husband's expression and she squeezed his arm she was holding onto and she told him, "Welcome home love."
"Thank you," Castle said, smiling down at her before he then shared a kiss with her. "Oh god, you guys are here," he groaned in mock annoyance as someone whistled and he saw that it was the boys.
"Think we were going to miss your homecoming bro?" Esposito said, walking over to them.
"No but I had to make sure you know I'd heard you," Castle said, clasping hands with him before Esposito squeezed his shoulder. He turned to Ryan, not surprised when he embraced him momentarily.
"Sorry we couldn't come," Jenny said, holding Danny as she hugged him next.
"Don't worry; it was during the week so…" Castle said, embracing Lanie last. "Dylan?" he asked as he'd noticed the man was missing.
"With his sister, I'm joining him tomorrow remember," she said.
"And you stopped by to visit us? I'm touched," Castle said.
"Not just you, I had to check on how Kate is," Lanie said.
"She already did," Beckett said wryly. "And I'm fine." She took her husband's arm and said, "You should sit."
"Yeah," Castle said, walking over to the couch. He shook Brad's hand around the girls who'd climbed up next to him and did the same with Lily, David and Rebecca. "Sorry but… getting used to walking and not heading back to a bed."
"It's alright, at least you're doing well now," Rebecca replied.
Hugging and kissing the girls Castle couldn't react to that as he turned his attention to Alexis. He shared a kiss with her, shook Louis' hand before he did the same with his father in law and then let his mother kiss him on the cheek. "Okay, lastly kids…" he said, smiling at the Ryan, Foster and Davis kids who were standing with their parents. He hugged them all; thanking them for the get-well cards they'd all made him and sent to him as he was recovering.
"Sorry we're late," Skye said, rushing into the room then. "Got a bit busy with our travel plans."
"Are you leaving today?" Castle asked, hoping that wasn't the case.
"We are," Darnley said, having been behind the investigator. "We managed to get to red-eye flights."
"It's almost Christmas," Skye said, not surprised when everyone looked over at her. "There's only so much my connections can do at this time of year."
"Are you guys heading back to the city today?" Castle asked the boys, Lanie and Jenny.
"My half-brother is coming early tomorrow and staying with us until the rest of our families arrive," Jenny said.
"My mom's insisting I'm there Christmas Day, so I need to make sure I'm finished at the station before then," Esposito said.
"Don't worry," Castle told them quickly. "I'm glad you guys are here even with the holiday coming up."
"What do we do now Daddy?" Julia asked as they were all quiet.
"Maybe you should tell your story!" Eliza said eagerly.
Beckett wasn't surprised when her husband glanced at her; since she was sitting next to him by then; and she smiled saying, "You should, they might be interested in hearing it."
"Okay," Castle said, waiting until everyone was settled. He had by then told his family of his dream before that day, so he addressed their friends about it. As he had done before when he was telling everyone besides Beckett he left out anything that dealt with the more intimate part of their relationship there.
"So… I was a…" Lanie started to say before looking around at everyone. "I was evil."
"It wasn't really you," Castle said. "Just a story," saying that as he wasn't sure he wanted to tell them it was a past life.
"We know you're really nice Auntie Lanie," Eliza said, having hurried over to her.
"Thank you honey," Lanie replied with a smile, hugging her as the little girl embraced her tightly. "I guess I should take it as being interesting."
"It was," Castle said with a smile.
"I like how I was basically the same," Brad said in amusement.
"And Kate," Castle said, looking at his wife.
"It sounds like she was like you," Ryan said. When both Castle and Beckett looked at him he said, "Making sure she was there for the investigation…"
"He's right," Beckett said, a wide smile on her face.
"I guess so," Castle had to admit as he'd thought that himself. "But you know there's something else."
"Ah, that's true I'd told you," Skye said with a smile. When she saw that everyone was looking at her she told them; those that didn't know already which was basically just the Castle family, Jim and Louis; "I'm going to be on Dancing With the Stars next fall."
Not surprised at the exclamations Beckett let her husband wrap his arm around her before she leaned her head on his shoulder as Skye explained everything to them. Finally, the investigator was finished and she looked at Julia with the others before the girl hurried to speak at Skye's glance.
"We're gonna go see her practice and then the shows," Julia told them.
"And school?" Ryan asked.
Beckett quickly explained what she and Castle were planning on doing, not surprised when she was asked soon after about the baby by Jenny. "We're still figuring that out, but we might just take all of them with us."
"At least you're lucky the baby will be old enough to travel," Ryan's wife said.
"Are you going to dance at all?" Esposito asked Julia.
Her cheeks a little warm the girl shook her head and said, "I think I'm just going to watch the practices."
"Oh no," Skye said as Julia was looking over her. "I aim to get you to dance somehow."
"Who makes up the 'stories' for the dances?" Brad asked. When the men looked at him; except for Castle and David; he sighed and said, "My wife and kids watch the show which means I do too."
"The pro does but I've been told I can put in a word or two," Skye said.
"Does Mary know about this?" Lily asked her.
"Oh she does, I told her first of course because she might join me in the background too," Skye answered. "Along with Rick and Kate."
"I'd love to see that," Ryan said, smiling at the two.
"Me too," Beckett said first.
"You know what they wear right?" Esposito asked.
"He's right, you do know what they wear," Lanie said, looking over at her friend and then the investigator.
"I stipulated that I would be wearing trousers," Skye said first. "And if you're wondering about the Waltzes or Waltz I might do, long coats will work too."
"And I'm not even sure if I'll even be on stage," Beckett said. "Unless they still let the audience dance."
"I don't know," Skye said. "But it'll be an interesting experience when we get to it."
"It will," Beckett said, smiling at Julia who was nodding her head rapidly. "Does anyone want anything to drink?"
Watching his wife stand up Castle followed her out of the room with his eyes until he stood himself and said, "I'll be back, I feel like walking." He was relieved when no one tried to stop him, and he made his way into the hall, the dogs trailing after him.
"You're tired of sitting already?" Beckett asked, looking up at the sound of the dogs' nails on the floor.
"A little," Castle replied, coming up to where she was at the counter in the kitchen. "What are we going to do?"
"I was going to suggest a walk through the neighborhood," Beckett said thoughtfully. "I'm just not sure what exactly they're going to do since I know the girls will want to play."
"Don't worry," Lanie said, walking up to them. "We don't mind if you let them do that; you should because I think Tommy is getting a little antsy."
"We should take them over to the playground," Castle said to his wife.
"Can you walk that far?" Beckett asked him.
"Of course," Castle replied quickly.
"Then we'll take them out there," Beckett said, sipping at her glass of water.
"We're not staying too long past lunch," Lanie told them then.
"How come?" Castle asked.
"We all have things we have to do," Lanie replied. "But we're not just going to eat and leave so you know."
"Christmas?" Castle asked. When the doctor nodded he said with a smile, "I am glad you guys came out here."
"Like we said we couldn't just let you get back home without seeing you," Esposito said as he was walking up.
Watching as Lanie left them Beckett said to him, "Anything lately?"
"No, things have been very quiet lately," Esposito replied. "And the murders have been…"
"Banal?" Castle suggested.
"No well I guess they are a little," Esposito said. "There's just no sign of anyone who follows Tyson."
"They might be keeping quiet," Beckett said. "To lull us."
"And then suddenly strike?" Esposito asked her.
Nodding Beckett said, "Tyson did the same once he escaped."
"Anything around the country from him?" Castle asked.
"Not that I've seen," Esposito replied. "I even checked out Interpol just on the off chance he was running around somewhere in Europe, but nothing stood out."
"Thank you for letting us know," Beckett replied.
"Better I tell you now," Esposito told them before looking over to the hallway.
"Mommy, Daddy come back," Eliza told them with a smile.
Sharing a glance, the two walked after their youngest until they reached the family room and Beckett said, "Who got our gifts for you?"
"I did," Alexis said with a smile. "I knew where they were already, but I didn't get the ones for the Fosters and Davises."
"We might try closer to Christmas if that's alright with you guys," Rebecca said.
"It is," Castle said. He looked from the gifts underneath the tree to his wife and with a smile said, "Should we start?"
"I think so," Beckett said with a slight laugh before they went to sit down so they could begin opening their gifts under their tree.
"You know what was the best part of seeing our lives after we got married?" Castle asked his wife.
"What?" Beckett said, looking up at him.
"That Christmas after you had Alexis," Castle began, nodding to his daughter ahead of them. "We strolled down the main street in Mill Valley arm in arm and I would tip my hat to the women we passed."
"I'll bet you enjoyed that," Beckett said wryly.
"It was awesome," Castle said.
Beckett laughed and squeezed her husband's arm gently before they watched as Tommy took off into the playground with Ryan racing after him. "You two can go, but don't run too fast," she said to hers and Castle's daughters as they were looking at them.
"Are you going to go after them?" Lanie asked.
"I will," Beckett told her before she turned to her husband. "Sit or stand?"
"I might walk around a while," Castle replied. "Remember Bell said I should walk on it."
"Okay," Beckett said with a smile. "But if you need to go to a bench."
"I will," Castle promised before he kissed her cheek and watched her go.
"So Monday you'll know," Esposito said, coming over to stand with Castle and Lanie.
"Yeah," Castle replied as he could see the curve of Beckett's abdomen as she held her hands up to Eliza who was reaching down to her.
"Are you hoping this-" Esposito began.
"No," Castle interrupted in irritation. He looked at his friend and said, "Sorry, I've gotten people who don't know me that well who ask me that. Whatever the baby is I want it to be. I just want it to be safe… and Kate too."
Lanie shook her head quickly at Esposito before she told Castle, "Does Kate know you feel like that."
"Yeah, we've talked about this," he said, turning to look at them. "A couple times now so we're just ready to know."
"Hey, are you sure you should be walking on the chips?" Brad said as he walked over to his friend.
"I'm good," Castle said as the cane sank a little into the ground. "Don't start," he said teasingly to his wife when she just watched him walking up to her. "I want to walk."
"I know," Beckett told him with a smile. "Listen since it's just going to be us with everyone from the Hamptons tonight-"
"What time are Skye and Patrick leaving?" Castle interrupted her.
"At six," Skye said, having walked to them.
"Like I said everyone from the Hamptons," Beckett said with a smile as her husband turned his head back to her. "Want to head out for dinner?"
"That would be great," Castle replied. "Where do the girls want to go?"
"You pick Daddy," Julia said from above.
"Are you sure?" Castle asked with a smile.
"They're sure Dad," Alexis said, walking on the bridge her sister was on. "They say it's only fair since you've mainly had hospital food."
"Well… the Studebaker sounds really good," Castle said. "They have their holiday stuff on the menu, right?"
"Yes," Beckett said with a smile as Julia was calling to Eliza above them about his choice. "We'll go there."
"Go where?" Lily asked, coming over to them.
"The Studebaker," Castle replied. "For dinner, you'll come right? Don't say we need to have dinner on our own because we will after today of course."
"Sure," David said, having heard them as he watched Mari go over the bridge. "Let us treat you though."
"Oh no," Beckett said. "We can pay our own checks, no treating."
"We'll see," Lily replied before she laughed as her friend sighed.
"Do you need to sit down love?" Beckett asked her husband as she noticed his hand was gripping the handle of his cane tightly. When he nodded she and Skye led him to a bench and she sat with him before wrapping her arm around his.
"Did you get tired too?" Castle asked, smiling down at her.
"No," Beckett said, looking up at him. "I spent six days unable to really do this, I feel like I can indulge."
"I think you can too," Castle told her seriously. He wrapped his arm a little tighter around her and held her close before he said, "I'm glad they came to visit."
"I think you're just saying that because of the gifts," Beckett said, rolling her eyes.
"Partially," Castle said. "No, I was glad to see them to make sure I wasn't in a dream back in the twenties still."
"You are," Beckett said, her voice slightly amused. "Satisfied?"
"Yeah," Castle said.
"Do you have any idea of what happened to us in that dream? After you woke up," Beckett said.
"No," Castle told her. "I've really wanted to know myself since of course but I think it's because I have no idea what the baby is. I think if I knew that I could get what happens to us during the Great Depression." He realized what she was asking, and he looked at her saying, "You don't believe it was a past life, why are you asking?"
"Because," Beckett said simply. She smiled when her husband gave her a look and told him, "I'm curious Rick, I've been wondering if there's anything else because the story feels like it just ended abruptly."
"If I ever figure anything out I'll tell you," Castle said, watching Darnley walk up to them.
"Your mom's okay right?" the man asked.
"Yeah, it's just too cold," Castle replied. "She's never liked the cold. Or the snow."
"Your knee?" Beckett asked in slight concern.
"No, I'm alright," Castle replied. "Just a slight twinge."
Standing up Beckett looked around at the sky as she turned around before she said, "I think we have time but it's almost lunch anyways."
"Is Mother cooking?" Castle asked as he stood then. "Because if she is I'll go back to the hospital and grab a tray."
"She's not," Beckett said, smiling as she looked at Darnley who was laughing. "We ordered in."
"A surprise?" Castle asked.
"It is," Beckett said.
"What?" Darnley asked when she looked at him next.
"Sorry you were just kind of sitting there when we opened the gifts," Beckett said, her eyes on her husband who was walking down the path around the playground as he watched the kids.
"It's fine, we'll all come back and then we'll open gifts then," Darnley replied. "I'm really glad to see him up for your sake Kate."
Looking at him for that Beckett glanced down where he was looking before she said, "I'm fine."
"I know, you just can't help but worry," Darnley said.
Beckett was going to speak when she heard thunder and turned with others to look to the east where there were several clouds there. "That was fast," she said.
"They got to play for a while," Darnley said before they were going to the playground.
It took some of the parents a little time to get their children to walk back to the house, but they managed to get there just as the sun was being blocked out by the clouds.
"Sorry Daddy," Julia said to her father as they were all in the entry and were taking off their coats.
"For what?" Castle asked as he handed her blue coat over to his mother who'd come out to them.
"That you couldn't stay outside longer," Julia explained.
"Yeah, you just got home!" Eliza exclaimed.
"It's alright," Castle told them with a smile as they walked down the hall. "It's winter so I was lucky I could go outside right now."
"Not there Rick," Beckett told him with a smile.
"What?" Castle asked in surprise as he was about to walk into the family room. When she nodded to the dining room he said, "We can't all fit there."
"No but that's where you'll be sitting," Beckett said.
"Let me wait until we have our food before I sit," Castle replied. He then let his wife catch up to him and walked with her to the kitchen. "Nice," he said, seeing where the bags on the counter were from. "I didn't think they delivered."
"They do," Beckett replied. "Luckily a full bowl."
"So… what are we having exactly?" Ryan asked as Skye, Alexis and Martha were emptying what was in the bags.
"Soki soba," Skye answered since Beckett was looking at her. She explained what it was and said, "We had it in Japan when we went there all together and they enjoyed it."
"Did the kids?" Lanie asked.
"They did," Rebecca said. "Remember our daughter went with them too."
"It's really good," Mari commented.
"It is," Castle added.
"Come on Rick, I'll take your bowl," Beckett said.
"I will," Darnley said. When his friend looked at him he quickly explained, "I know Rick's not going to let you do that, so bring your bowl and you two can start eating."
Though she wanted to make a comment about her and Castle being okay Beckett knew they couldn't really protest. So she grabbed her bowl and after making sure the girls were being helped she walked with her friend and husband to the dining room.
"Who's sitting here with us? Just family," Castle asked.
"No, Lanie, Jenny, the boys and Tommy will," Beckett said. "Since the others are staying a little longer."
"Okay, then I'll wait," Castle said as Darnley had left them. He reached over to his wife and took her hand, squeezing it tightly before he said, "Good?"
"Yes," Beckett said slightly laughingly. "I would have told you don't worry."
Castle nodded before he said, "Now I'm better my attention's going to be focused on you."
"I'm not surprised," Beckett said, leaning over and kissing him gently on the lips. She had to pull away as their family and friends were entering the room but didn't mind as conversation quickly began about the baby.
"When you know are you sure we couldn't buy you at least one item of clothing for it?" Jenny asked.
"I'm sure," Beckett replied. "You gave us our gifts already."
"You're no fun Kate," Lanie said with a smile.
Beckett said, "I know but I told you, you don't need to buy Christmas gifts for the baby."
"I have to wonder why," Jenny said.
"I can't really explain it," Beckett replied.
"I think you want the baby here more than the clothes," Castle said. When his wife nodded he said, "But you can all do what you did for Eliza."
"You can," Beckett said, trying not to laugh at the way everyone turned their heads to her. "If you want to bring something for the baby then go ahead and do so when you see it. Tell us what you're going to do with your families though."
"We want to hear what you're going to do with your cousin," Esposito said.
"Do you remember him?" Julia asked.
"I do," Esposito replied as he'd met the man and his family at the wedding that summer. "Was a nice guy," he added. "Your dad."
"I know," Louis said with a smile. "Is there much we can do?"
"The normal stuff," Alexis said. "We'll need to take them to the lights."
Gasping Eliza said, "Let's go today!"
"I'd really like to do that love," Castle said, looking at his wife.
Beckett wanted to say it was too much, but she then recalled that a friend of theirs had a golf cart in that neighborhood. "Alright but you need to promise me we'll ask AC for his cart if it's too much for you."
Sighing Castle said, "Okay but I'll be fine, just a little hot chocolate… gingerbread cookie."
"Alright Rick," Beckett said before he reached for her hand and brought it up to his lips. She shook her head at him; while she was smiling; and then turned her attention to the others saying, "But there are different things we can do because remember that they haven't been here yet; just Louis."
"I've told Erin about the town, especially downtown," Louis replied. "And of course, they want to have a look at your horses. Most especially my da."
"And we'll take them," Beckett said.
"You can't ride though," Lanie said.
"I know but I can show Alex off," Beckett replied.
"You don't mind that name?" Jenny asked Castle.
"Oh no," he said quickly after finishing the last of his broth. "She told me and though there's a message behind that; since my namesake is a little…"
"Stubborn?" Beckett suggested.
"As you said," Castle replied. When she rolled her eyes and smiled he turned to the others and told them, "I figure it's a perfect name for him."
"We should get going," Ryan said, looking past Castle out the windows.
With that everyone at the table got up and after they had cleared together they met up with the others. There was a lot of talking together as they cleaned up there until finally they were gathering in the entry so the others could put on their coats to go out to the two cars they'd brought from the city.
"Text us the second you find out," Lanie was telling Beckett as they embraced once she'd said goodbye to the family and everyone from the Hamptons.
"I will," Beckett said. "We'll send it to everyone at once. Have a safe drive and let me know when you get there okay?"
"I will," Lanie promised before she turned to Castle. "Take care of yourself."
"Trust me when I say I will," he replied, hugging her briefly. "And her too which I know you're going to tell me next."
"Of course," Lanie said. "It's great to see you're alright."
"Have a great Christmas if we don't talk before then," Beckett was saying to Ryan and Jenny as she embraced them both. She took Danny from his mother and kissed his cheek saying, "Be good for your parents on the way back." She smiled when the baby smiled and gurgled a little before handing him back and hugging Tommy to her. "Next time we see you you'll need to tell us what you get from Santa," she told him.
"Thank you for my toys," the little boy said to her shyly and carefully as he nodded his head.
"You're very welcome," Beckett said, letting him go to Castle.
"It was great seeing you two," he said to Ryan and Jenny, embracing the latter and then shaking hands with the former.
"Great to see you're alright," Ryan told him seriously.
"He's right," Jenny said. "We were incredibly worried."
"I'm glad to know that, have a great Christmas and safe drive back," Castle told them. He tickled Danny as the baby laughed and squeezed his hand before he ruffled Tommy's hair. "It was great seeing you guys," he told them with a smile. "See how much you grew. Be good for your parents?" he asked the toddler.
"Yeah," Tommy replied, nodding his head. "Thank you."
"You're welcome, having fun playing with those toys," Castle said.
Beckett was embracing Esposito tightly at that moment and she told him, "Tell your mother thank you for the wine though we're not going to be able to drink that right now."
"Let it age," he replied.
Laughing Beckett said, "We're going to send you that e-mail too; you and Ryan."
"Trust us. We want to know and see what we're going to be uncles to," Esposito replied. He then went to Castle and shook his hand firmly before telling him, "Get some rest for your wife and kids."
"I've been thinking of doing that already," he replied with a smile. "But tell your mom thank you like Kate said and have a good Christmas with your family."
"I will," Esposito replied with a nod. "I'll give her your gift."
Watching with the others as the group left once they'd said goodbye to them all; standing on the porch; Castle felt his wife squeezing his arm and he looked at her, smiling before the group was gone and they stepped inside before he closed the door. "Okay, so the girls asked and Kate and I agreed we want to take them tonight to see the lights," he said to the parents.
"I have no problem with that," David said. "The only thing there is is that it's a Saturday night."
"Also, isn't it supposed to snow?" Lily asked.
"It'll wait," Castle said.
"And there is our advantage," Beckett added.
"You think people will stay away?" Brad asked.
"We know they will," Alexis said.
"She's right, if it's threatening snow then less people go," Rebecca said. "Alright, we'll go too."
"So what time are we meeting at the restaurant?" Brad said.
"I think five is good," Castle replied, looking at his watch. "We can't go any later for Dani."
"Thank you," David said, looking at his youngest daughter as she was waving.
"We'll see you then," Lily said.
After they'd said goodbye to the others Beckett said, "Are you going to come with us?"
"I think I'll try," Martha said as her daughter in law had been talking to her. "I may need a change in wardrobe but that's alright."
"Can we play now with Daddy?" Eliza asked hopefully.
"I think so," Beckett said, looking at her husband.
"Can we do that in a second?" Castle asked.
"Okay," Julia said immediately.
"We'll be in the family room," Jim said, taking Eliza's hand.
"What?" Beckett said to her husband when they were staying in the entry while the rest of their family went to the family room.
"Come on," Castle said, taking her by the hand and pulling her over to the door to the backyard.
Beckett was still confused before they were making their way over to the gazebo and she smiled saying, "I should have realized when you gave me my coat."
"Luckily you thought we were going out into the front," Castle replied before they stood together at the railing.
"So why did you bring me out here?" Beckett asked him after they'd been watching the ocean for a while. "And don't try to tell me it's for fresh air."
Castle smiled before he reached into his inner coat pocket and pulled out a rose, moving it in front of her as she'd looked back down at the beach by then. "To thank you," he said. "And of course, to let you know I love you."
Taking the rose in her hand Beckett let her husband pull her close and they kissed gently before it became deeper. She nearly dropped the flower as she wrapped her arms around him but just managed to hold on it. When they'd finally stopped she pulled away from him and said, "Thank you for this."
"You're very welcome because I made sure I knew what this color meant," Castle replied. He smiled as she came over to him and kissed him gently before he said, "I have to admit-"
"You wanted to walk too," Beckett said with a smile. "I knew but we should get back inside, it's cold."
"I guess," Castle said before she laughed and shook her head. He took her hand and they went together down the porch to the door to the house, pausing at the same time as her. "Should we have known?" he asked his wife as they looked at their daughters who were standing looking out the glass there.
"I think so," Beckett said, letting him open the door for them.
"Did you give her the flower?" Julia asked as she and her sister were looking at them eagerly.
"He did," Beckett said, holding up the dark pink rosebud.
"Is that the right one?" Eliza then said.
"It is," Beckett replied, knowing they meant the color of it. "Go with them to the family room and I'll join you."
"I think we'll stick with you," Castle replied.
Though she was going to tell them they didn't need to Beckett decided she didn't mind so she gave the flower to Eliza as she took off her coat.
"This is so embarrassing," Castle said jokingly to his wife as she had come over to him to help him take off his coat.
"I don't know, it's interesting to do this for you," Beckett said with a smile. "Usually it's the other way around."
"True," Castle said with a smile. He watched her put their coats together on the bench near the door and then followed her and the girls over to the kitchen.
"Are you sure we can go see the lights Daddy?" Julia asked as they were watching Beckett getting a stem vase for the rose.
"I am," Castle replied. "But we need to leave right away after we eat or else we'll lose time."
"Do you have to see all the lights really fast?" Eliza then asked.
"No," Beckett said.
"Oh, now you're so sure," Castle said teasingly to his wife.
"Yes," Beckett said simply, leaving the rose on the island counter. She went to him and said, "We better go, the others are all alone in the room."
"Just one more second," Castle said before he leaned down and took her lips with his own. He kept that very simple and was soon pulling away telling her, "Now we can go."
Letting him take her hand Beckett smiled and let Eliza take her other hand before they soon made their way to the family room. "Sorry we-" she started to say.
"We know about the rose," Alexis interrupted her stepmother with a smile. "Who do you think got it for him?"
"Oh, well thanks for that," Beckett told her with a smile.
"We were tempted to pick the games for you," Martha told the girls teasingly.
"No," Eliza said with a giggle. "We have to pick them."
"Are you going to do that now?" Beckett asked, going with her husband over to the couch where they sat and watched the girls as they went to the cabinet where their games were.
"What game do we have that lets everyone play?" Julia asked. She then paused and said, "Daddy you're supposed to pick."
"You two can," Castle replied. He wasn't surprised when the two protested and he laughed before he said, "Then I'll pick from the games that are for the two of you." He looked over at what he could see of Eliza's games and said, "Do you mind playing Candyland again? Wait, is that the cherry game?"
Eliza nodded, and she smiled when her father told her to grab that game and she quickly did so before she said, "Only four can play."
"Only four but we can take turns," Castle said.
"That way you can rest?" Julia asked with a smile.
"Sort of," Castle said. "We want to give the others a chance."
"We should start," Beckett said.
Leaning over slightly to the game Castle watched Eliza spin first, smiling as the little girl squealed as she got a high number and started the game picking some cherries from her tree. He glanced at Beckett as Julia went next and he squeezed her hand tightly before they turned their attention back to their daughters and family as they began to play with them as well.