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: Unfortunately, the case that Castle mentions is real and I saw it on the show Forensic Files, the eppy Similar Circumstances.
A/N #2: Was very pleased to get the feedback I did for the last chapter so will get right into my thank yous for those! TORONTOSUN (Great to see that you liked how everyone was there to see Castle come home. And so happy that you thought the second half was good writing for everyone. Thank you so much, a very Merry Christmas to you and your family as well!),
MsNYC (I had to admit I laughed a bit at your reaction to everyone from the city going to see them but yeah, I had to have them go because as you said they are family. So happy to see that you thought the second half of the chapter was great. I'm really glad that you enjoyed Beckett's journal entry as well as Julia's in her diary since I have fun writing those. Not surprised you're excited for the gender reveal, but glad that no matter what you want the baby healthy which is what it boils down to in the end of course. I wasn't surprised you thought the chapter felt as if Castle had never been in a coma, I figured they wouldn't dwell on what had happened and go back to normal the best they could of course. And I'm so glad you thought that was really great! And of course, nice to read that you thought it was great writing as usual!),
Mb (So glad that you thought the last chapter was lovely. I'm not surprised that you loved seeing them with the closest friends and them being there to greet Castle when he got home from the hospital. And I am glad that you loved seeing that too! Oh, and the same that you loved seeing everyone from the city are still a part of their lives because you're right, they are always going to be family. And interesting what you said about Tyson though not surprised you did, you'll have to see if he ever comes back. I'm so happy that you can feel, as you said, the true friendships and love they share for each other 'cause I think that would always be there. Oh, and great I figured that out correctly in the other review. I'd been hear the weather was bad back East (and yes, I am out West, lol) so I hope you'll keep warm with that going on. But how funny you got a sweatshirt from SF, I'm not surprised you were thinking of Rick and Kate in 1926 with that, lol. You're very welcome for the chapter! So pleased of course that you thought the second half was a beautifully written chapter! And it was so touching to read that my writing makes your heart fill with contentment and joy as you said with the love that you said you can feel the family shares and feels for each other. Nice to see that the flashback I had fit in with Beckett's tone while she wrote in that journal when he was in the coma or as you said unresponsive in the darkness, that des work. And I'm glad you saw what I was doing, having Beckett and their family being taken from the darkness by Castle; to show that he's as important to her as she is to him. And I wasn't surprised that you mentioned when the baby moved, glad you liked it. And I liked that you said even the baby can feel the true love of its parents; its family too. Great you thought it was beautifully written! You're very welcome again for sharing. And a very Merry Christmas to both you and your family!) and
vetgirlmx (Great reading that you thought it was a very good chapter. And not surprised that you were expecting them to give Castle a warm welcome home as you put it, but great I could surprise you with everyone from the city coming to visit. But yeah, for a little while they had all their close friends there and happy to see him out of the hospital which is what I thought would be the perfect homecoming for Castle. I'm glad that you're sad to see Skye and Patrick go, since of course it means you enjoy reading them in there. And so, so great that you're eager to see Patrick coming back with his family soon for their celebration. With that I'm glad you're getting eager for everyone coming for the holidays. I'm hoping that it'll be different and definitely hope it'll be fun too! Oh, not surprised that you can't wait to see what they do with the baby's room, have to see what you think when I get to that, lol. So happy of course that you can't wait to read the next chapter which of course you can do now! And a Merry Christmas to you as well!).
Thanks so much for the reviews, I loved reading every one of them and appreciate the time taken of course to write them out and send them to me!
A/N #3: The title of this chapter is a lyric from the song Maybe I'm Amazed by Paul McCartney, from his album McCartney.
With Me All The Time
"As soon as they get down here we'll have to hurry them," Beckett was saying as she waited for her husband to make it all the way down the stairs.
"We're not that late," Castle said as she reached the floor. "Even with me still limping my way down."
"You're getting better," Beckett said with a smile. She walked with him into the hallway and once she could see fully into the kitchen she paused. "Alexis?"
"Louis too," Castle told her quickly.
Giving him a look Beckett looked back at her stepdaughter and her boyfriend before she said, "You're making breakfast."
"We thought we should lend a hand," Alexis said.
"More me, I'm a guest after all," Louis replied, looking back at the pot of oatmeal he'd been making. "Irish oatmeal of course," he said as Castle came over to peer inside the pot.
"Then you've been here for a while," Beckett said as she knew from experience how long it took to cook that type of oatmeal.
"He's made it for us before," Alexis reminded them both.
"It's not a problem," Louis said.
"Alright, I guess I could set the table," Beckett said to her husband.
"Why don't you let the girls? That is one of their chores," Castle told her as he took her hand.
"Then will you sit with me?" Beckett asked him. She smiled when he nodded, and she walked with him over to the table where she waited for him to sit down first.
"Is it moving?" Castle asked, watching her smile as her hand went to her abdomen.
"Yeah," Beckett replied. "I have to get used to this again."
Holding up his hands Castle replied, "I didn't say anything. And you were last pregnant five years ago; that is a while."
Beckett nodded, feeling a stronger flutter from the movement of the baby, and she then said, "Hand me your cane."
"Okay," Castle said. He watched her set it in the corner of the room and then went to grab the pitcher of orange juice his daughter had just made. It had only been two days since he'd returned home but things were almost back to normal which he was grateful for. He looked over at the hall as the girls were coming down it then and he smiled said, "You guys look all ready for school."
"We are," Julia said. "Mommy?"
"I'll take it Kate," Alexis was telling her stepmother, trying not to laugh as she'd been trying to get the pitcher from her despite her telling Beckett that she was fine taking it over to the table. "And you're needed with the girls."
Sighing Beckett let go of the glass and went to the table saying, "You didn't want your daddy to brush your hair?" speaking jokingly as she sat next to her husband.
"It's your turn Mommy," Eliza said, coming over to her.
"It already moved a little bit," Beckett replied as her youngest had placed her hand on her abdomen. "But I'm sure it will soon."
"Is today the day Mommy?" Julia asked as her mother began to brush her hair first.
"It is," Beckett said. She glanced at Martha; as her father and mother in law had followed the girls; and added, "Unless your gram wants to tell us."
"Oh no, no," Martha replied, waving her hand. "I wouldn't presume to say for certain."
"But you know already," Castle commented as he watched his mother closely.
"I have an idea," Martha said. She smiled at her daughter in law and then said, "It's alright?"
"It is," Beckett said with a nod. She glanced at her husband; seeing him looking at her abdomen as well; and she wondered what they would be talking about when they were all gathered together again after the girls were home from school. She still wanted to know the baby's gender, but as she finished putting Julia's hair into a ponytail she found it wasn't something that weighed too heavily on her mind just yet.
"I believe this is ready," Louis was saying once the girls had set the table. "Hopefully I got enough sugar for us."
"They're not going to have that much, so it's fine," Castle told him as his wife was dishing out the porridge.
As they were eating a little while later Jim said, "Are you two still going to work on the baby's room?"
"Oh of course," Castle said first.
"You're lucky you have friends to help," Alexis said.
"I'll be able to do some things," Castle said in protest before he smiled at the girls who were watching him. "Don't worry," he assured them. "I'll definitely take it easy."
"And your mother of course will watch to make sure that he does," Martha commented.
"I will," Beckett said as the girls looked at her as well. "But for now, keep eating."
"I'm happy," Eliza told her grandfather who was sitting next to her eventually.
"Oh?" Jim asked in amusement at her tone of voice.
"Yeah 'cause we get to walk to school," Eliza replied.
"You're lucky we almost thought we'd be driving," Beckett said.
"Good thing the snow didn't last too long," Julia said. "But I want to go outside now."
"I agree with you," Castle told her. "The little we went on Saturday wasn't enough."
Beckett stood up as she could see the girls were finished and she helped Alexis and her father in cleaning up though she'd tried to tell her stepdaughter she didn't need to do so. When they had finished she led them over to the entry where Martha and Louis were helping the girls with their coats and outer layers. "Are you guys all ready?" she asked with a smile.
"Yeah, I have all my homework and my book… I'm ready," Julia said after checking her backpack one more time.
"Then we should go," Castle said.
"And your coat?" Beckett asked while she was putting on her coat though he was helping her.
"He wanted to wait for you," Martha said with a smile as her son only had one arm in the coat.
"I can tell," Beckett said with a slight laugh. When she'd buttoned hers closed she helped her husband with his before they stepped outside to make their way to the Foster home.
"Hey," David said, seeing them first.
"You're all here," Castle said as all four Fosters were waiting for them.
"It's a pretty good day," Rebecca replied. "So we're letting Ruby join us."
"How are you?" David asked his friend as he walked with him when they began to do so all together.
"Good, I'm not limping so much," Castle replied. "But I'm not quite there yet where I can get rid of this."
"Too bad," David said. "Think you will by Christmas?"
"I'm sure," Castle replied with a nod. "My doctor told me I should be finished with this in a week so I'm hoping for Saturday."
"When do you leave for your appointment?" Rebecca was asking Beckett.
"Around ten fifteen," she answered with a smile.
"Are you going to start the baby's room?" Rebecca said.
Shaking her head Beckett said, "The furniture is going to be delivered so we'll be more concerned about that."
"Of course," Rebecca replied. "I really wish we could have helped you today."
"I know but you wanted to finish up your paperwork," Beckett assured her. "And it's not like you've never helped us before."
"That's true but I'm going to stick by what I said before," Rebecca told her.
Laughing Beckett shook her head before she saw they were across the street from the school. She watched as the three girls; with her father; held hands before they crossed, and she looked back to see where her husband was.
"Are you heading up with her now?" Castle asked as they crossed after the girls.
"I think we can wait," David said. He checked his watch quickly before Dani could try to grab for it and with a nod said, "Yeah we can do that."
Inside the elementary school the group stopped in front of Eliza's classroom and the little girl began saying goodbye to the Fosters first.
"Now we can play," Eliza told Mari.
"I know, I missed you both," the little girl said, looking back and forth between them. "At least we get to play outside."
Nodding her head Julia said, "I was thinking about that too. But first we gotta get to recess."
"Bye Louis," Eliza was saying then to the young man. "Are you gonna have fun today?"
"I believe so," he replied with a smile. "Hopefully you do too."
"I will," Eliza said before she went to her grandmother and hugged her tightly. "Will I see you for lunch Gram?" she asked before they parted.
"You will," Martha said. "But we're not going to find out about your sibling just yet," she told her.
"I know," Eliza said with a smile. "I just wanna play."
"After your worksheets," Beckett told her.
"Then after that," Martha said, smiling as her youngest granddaughter nodded with a wide smile on her face.
Going to her grandfather next Eliza told him, "I wanna play too with you Grandpapa."
"I'm looking forward to that," Jim replied. "We'll have lunch with you and your parents."
Nodding her head again Eliza embraced him tightly and said, "I can't wait."
"Neither can I," Jim told her firmly before he watched her hurry to her sister.
"I'll see you after lunch too, we're not going anywhere too far from home," Alexis told Eliza as she hugged her.
"Good… I'm gonna have a lot of people to play with," the little girl said in amazement.
"You will," Alexis said with a soft laugh before she let her go.
"We'll play later," Julia said as she and her sister hugged quickly. "Afterwards."
"But recess first," Eliza told her.
Nodding Julia said, "At home we'll play later."
"Kay," Eliza said before she went over to their parents. She hugged her mother and said when she pulled away, "I want Daddy to take me inside too."
"I thought you would," Beckett replied, hugging her again. "And I don't blame you since it's been a while. But have a great day and we'll pick you up when school is over."
"Thanks Mommy," Eliza replied before she went to her father and took his hand. They walked together inside her classroom and as soon as they were next to the cubby holes she threw her arms around him as tightly as she could. "I missed you bringing me to my class Daddy," she told him with a smile.
"I did too but luckily I can now," Castle said. "But promise me something."
"Kay," Eliza said, pulling away to look up at him.
Smiling himself Castle told her, "Let your mom bring you inside tomorrow morning."
"Oh, I will," Eliza said eagerly. "And then you again Daddy?"
"Yeah, we'll take turns," Castle said with a slight laugh. "Well your mom said it already but really have a great day and we'll see you afterwards."
"Tell the baby…" Eliza began to say before she trailed off.
"You can tell it later," Castle assured her. "For now, we better get you ready."
"Kay, but have a nice day Daddy when you find out," Eliza said.
"I will," Castle told her seriously with a nod.
Outside the classroom Alexis eventually said, "Does this seem like it's taking a while?"
"There he is," Beckett replied, seeing her husband was walking out.
"Sorry, her teachers told me they were glad to see her and me back," Castle replied to his wife's unasked question.
"I'm not surprised," Martha said. "You've been getting that a lot lately."
"We're well known," Castle said.
"That's a good thing though," David told his friend as they were making their way up the stairs to the second floor. "Since of course it means they respect you."
"I'm going to remind you we're not cops," Castle said as he was going a little slowly while he held onto the railing.
"No but as mayor I like hearing that," David said.
"Okay," Castle said, smiling at his wife as they got to the top of the stairs. "I'm alright love."
"I know but Mari's about to go into her classroom," Beckett told him.
"Oh, we should go," David said.
After they'd watched Mari and Julia say goodbye to each other and the little girl went into her classroom Rebecca went to Beckett and wrapped her arms around her tightly. "Good luck for the checkup part," she said once they let each other go. "And I can't wait for us to find out."
"Us too," Beckett replied. "Thank you though."
"You're welcome; you said the same thing to me before my checkups," Rebecca reminded her.
Nodding Beckett turned to David before she said to them both, "You're the aunt and uncle too so we want you to be involved."
"How did you know I was going to talk about the room?" David asked, looking startled as they hugged quickly.
"We're psychics," Castle said with a smile.
"Lucky guess," Beckett said, glancing at her husband. "But you'll have more than the room of course."
"Thanks," David said. "But I'm with my wife; I want to know what the baby is too."
"You will, don't worry," Castle said, hugging Rebecca with one arm before shaking David's hand. "We'll see you."
"Daddy," Julia said after she'd waved goodbye to the couple. "Are you gonna go down the stairs?"
"No," Castle said, shaking his head. "Too much of a risk and I don't want to worry your mom."
"Yeah," Julia replied, a smile on her face.
"Better hurry and say goodbye," Beckett said, shaking her head at the two though she was smiling at the same time.
"Have fun Julia," Louis said as he squeezed her shoulder.
"Thanks, I hope you do too even if you don't leave the house," she replied.
"We might walk the dogs if we can," Alexis said.
"That's okay," Julia replied, nodding her head. "And you too 'lexis," she said.
"We'll keep busy," the young woman said, slightly laughingly.
After she'd hugged her big sister Julia turned to her grandmother and embraced her tightly telling her, "See you at my dance class Gram."
"Of course, kiddo," Martha replied. "Have fun today."
"I will," Julia replied, going to her grandfather next. She hugged him and then said, "Will you all say what you do today?"
"We usually do," Jim answered first with a smile. "And I'll tell you of course. Have a great day and remember what you learn."
"So I can tell you, I will Grandpapa," Julia said seriously before smiling widely at him. She went to her father first and said, "I'm so happy we got to do this again."
"I'm in complete agreement," Castle said, nodding his head as they let go of each other after embracing. "But pay attention and let's make sure you're not behind okay?"
"I won't be Daddy," Julia assured him seriously as she knew he was concerned about her missing the past week. "But I'll pay attention." When he nodded she embraced her mother tightly, resisting the urge to place her hand on her stomach as she didn't want anyone else to see her doing that. "I'm excited Mommy."
"Me too," Beckett said. "Both of us are. We'll tell you and everyone else as soon as we're at home."
"Good," Julia said. "See you at my dance class," she told everyone before she waved and then left them to go into the room.
"We'll meet you downstairs," Beckett said with a smile as she and her husband turned to the others.
"We'll wait for you," Jim said first.
Going over to the elevator nearby Castle said to his wife, "I never thought I'd have to use this."
"No but you won't for too much longer," Beckett told him. They stepped into the car and as they started down she felt him taking her hand. She looked at him and said, "Not much longer now."
"No," Castle replied with a smile. "But I still can't wait."
"Me too," Beckett replied before they squeezed each other's hands at the same time and stepped off the elevator to rejoin their family in their walk back home.
"Hello Kate, Rick," Dr. Hargrove said as she stepped into the room the two were inside. "How are we doing today?"
"Are you directing that at me too?" Castle asked in surprise as the woman was looking at him as well.
"Of course, I heard what had happened to you," Hargrove replied.
"Oh well I'm alright, still limping but other than that I'm good," Castle said.
"Good," Hargrove said.
"I'm fine," Beckett said, not surprised when her doctor turned to her next. "The baby started to move on Saturday."
"I'm glad to hear that," Hargrove replied as she set down the file she'd been holding. "Now I know you two are going to find out the gender, but we'll be leaving that for last along with the ultrasound. For now, I'll check you both to see how you're doing."
Beckett nodded and then laid back to allow her doctor to do that, smiling at Castle as he watched her while Hargrove was going through the usual routine. Though she was a little impatient she knew she had to allow the doctor to check her but when that part of the exam was over she couldn't help breathing out in relief as her husband moved around so he could sit next to her directly instead of at the side of the room.
"It'll be the same as all the other times," Hargrove was telling the two as she placed the jelly onto Beckett's stomach. "I'll make sure the baby is alright and then tell you what you're expecting exactly."
Castle resisted the urge to tell the woman to hurry and to keep from doing that he reached for Beckett's hand and watched with her on the screen as the doctor pushed around the probe until on the screen of the machine the baby came into view. He squeezed his wife's hand firmly as their baby had obviously grown and he said, "It's moving."
"It is," Hargrove said absently as she was pressing a few things on the screen next to the image. She studied it closely for a few minutes before she nodded and then said, "It looks like we're good here. Good development from last month which is what we want to see."
Listening as the doctor told the nurse a few things to note about the baby's length Beckett saw her moving the probe again and she shared a look with her husband. She couldn't help it and asked, "Can you tell?"
Holding up her free hand for a moment Hargrove kept moving around the probe before she turned to the two and with a smile said, "Congratulations you're going to have a baby girl."
For a split second Castle felt frozen in shock before he immediately began to smile, and he said, "Love," leaning over and kissing his wife deeply on the lips.
Beckett was startled at first by the kiss, but she soon started to respond to him, cupping his cheek tenderly before they parted. "Sorry," she said to the doctor and nurse, slightly embarrassed since they were there watching them.
"Oh no that's good to see," Hargrove assured them as she stood up and got out of the way of the nurse so she could clean up Beckett's abdomen. "I was a little concerned as to what you'd think," she told them. "I've had a few fathers disappointed; mothers too to be honest."
"I'm happy, insanely," Castle said seriously, trying not to become angry. "Especially since the baby is healthy."
"She is," Hargrove replied. "Now I'll want to see you in another month of course but if anything happens before that give us a call."
"We will," Beckett said as her husband helped her down off the bed.
"Again congratulations," Hargrove said, shaking their hands after she'd taken off her gloves. "Your pictures will be outside at the desk."
"Thank you," Castle and Beckett said at the same time.
Watching her go Castle then said to his wife, "I want to hug you really hard right now," as they were alone.
"Wait until we get home," Beckett said with a smile. "Let me get dressed."
"Yeah," Castle replied. "Do you need any help?" he asked her.
"No, I'm alright," Beckett said quickly. She then began to change back into her clothes and said, "It'll be hard to keep this quiet when we get home."
"Oh, I know," Castle said in agreement. "And can you imagine Eliza's reaction?"
A smile appearing on her face as she recalled their youngest asking for a little sister Beckett then said, "I can but only a little bit. And Julia will be happy too."
"Definitely," Castle said. He then said, "I can't seem to stop smiling."
"I'm glad to see that," Beckett said, reaching over to cup his cheek again. They brushed their lips against each other before she told him, "Let's go home."
With a nod Castle took her hand before they walked out of the room and back to the front desk where they picked up the picture of their baby girl and Beckett made an appointment for January. "I wish I could drive," he told her when they'd managed to reach their car.
"It won't be too long until you'll need to for me," Beckett told him.
"That's true," Castle replied. "Are you telling me to enjoy my break while I have it?" When his wife just smiled as she started the car he laughed before she pulled out of the spot. He watched her as they were heading home, unable to help his gaze go down to her abdomen. He was still stunned they knew they were going to have another little girl but as more time was passing it was beginning to set in. When they reached the house, he got himself out of the car and told her, "See, I'm doing better."
"I know," Beckett said, going around to him. "Rick when we see everyone please remember not to refer to the baby as her."
"I will," Castle said. "I'm remembering how eager the girls are to know; I want them to be there when we tell everyone."
"Thank you," Beckett told him with a smile.
"Will you remember?" Castle asked her in amusement as they went over to walk into the house. "Hello?" he called as there was no sound of the dogs running over to them.
"They might have all gone on a walk," Beckett told him. "I think there's a note over in the kitchen though." They walked together down the hall and she took the paper off the counter of the island, taped over the side. "Took the dogs for a walk, will likely be back once you leave to get Eliza," she read.
"That's my mother," Castle commented. "And that was nice of them."
"You think they did that deliberately?" Beckett asked.
"My mother," Castle said again.
Beckett laughed softly before she kissed his cheek gently and said, "Why don't I make us some tea?"
"Sure," Castle replied. "I'll sit here and keep you company."
"Thank you," Beckett said with a smile before she went to get their kettle. She began to move around before placing it on the stove and when she turned to her husband she saw that he looked troubled. She intended to ask what was wrong when he spoke before she could begin to utter a word and answered her unasked question immediately.
"What's been bothering you?" Castle asked.
Beckett frowned before she said, "What do you mean?"
"Since we left you've been looking over at me every so often," Castle explained.
"Rick…" Beckett started to say before she paused and trailed off. "Having four girls-"
"Don't," Castle interrupted her. "I had a feeling that's what you were thinking about. But-"
Looking over at the kettle that was whistling Beckett hurried over to it and took it off before she placed the tea strainer into the water. She turned back to her husband and said, "A lot of people-"
"Yes," Castle interrupted her again, trying not to sound angry. "People have been assuming I've been focused on only having a son, but you know me Kate."
"That was before we knew we were having a daughter," Beckett pointed out to him.
"Fair enough," Castle said, that and watching her place her hand on her abdomen calming him down. "But let me tell you about something from when before Alexis was born. I was looking at some newspapers to see if I could find some kind of inspiration for a novel, anything dealing with murder investigations. I found a story in… 1993 I think, about a woman who was in jail for murdering her two infant daughters; an interview with her attorney." When his wife clutched at her stomach he sighed and said, "I thought the same."
"Why-" Beckett started to say before she cut herself off to compose herself for a moment. "Why did she?"
"Her husband preferred boys and perhaps her as well, but it was clear on that," Castle said. "If I'm remembering correctly they had an infant girl and he threw her out of their bed until she killed the baby; she managed to get away with it. Then they had a son and after another girl and she killed that one when her husband did the same thing by letting their son stay in their bedroom and she and the baby girl were downstairs on the couch. I've always remembered that case because it was shortly after that Alex was born and I just thought my god if I was as heartless as that man would Meredith have killed her for being a girl? Which she was because of me of course. It made me sick since you know I immediately loved her deeply… it still makes me sick to think of a preference for either gender. If I'd had to have a daughter and she'd been a boy…" he swallowed roughly and shook his head. I told you before Kate I don't care what we have; I want our baby to be safe and healthy, I didn't care what it was going to turn out to be."
Pouring out the tea Beckett felt the baby move and she tried not to let her hand shake too badly as she said, "I know love… and I'm glad you feel that way." She then smiled a little at him and said, "So four daughters-"
"I'm ecstatic," Castle told her firmly. "Actually, we could have had five."
"You want me to be like Mrs. Bennett?" Beckett asked as she knew he was referencing Pride and Prejudice.
"No but these days you don't need to worry about marrying them off," Castle said with a smile. "What I was trying to say was we could have another one and I'd be as happy as I am now." When she set down the mugs on the island in front of them he wrapped his arm around her, embracing her as tightly as he could before he pulled away and said, "And you?"
"You know I feel the same as you love," Beckett said seriously. "Especially after hearing that story." She shuddered and said, "I can't imagine doing anything to hurt any baby so it's a little sickening to hear about that."
"It is," Castle said, nodding his head. "Why don't we change the subject because we're going to have our daughter here next year and we'll love her as much as her sisters."
"Okay," Beckett said with a smile. "We'll need to think of a name."
"Do you want to do that now?" Castle asked her.
"We should," Beckett said.
With a smile Castle pulled her close so they could kiss gently before they began to suggest names to one another. They did that for a while until they heard the back door opening and the dogs running in. They walked over to it and he watched with her as their family came inside after.
"Hey, do you know?" Alexis asked, going quickly to her stepmother. She then realized how that sounded and said, "Sorry, are-"
"It's okay," Beckett interrupted with a smile. "The baby and I are fine, and we know what it is."
"Here," Castle said as his wife looked at him. He handed over the picture from the ultrasound to his father in law and said, "That's your youngest grandchild."
"It's grown," Jim said with a smile as he could recall the picture from the month before.
"I think it looks adorable," Martha said, looking over his shoulder; as was her granddaughter. She then looked at her daughter in law and said, "It's going to be a long wait."
"Julia would never forgive us if we didn't do that," Castle commented with a smile. "And trust us we're itching to tell you."
"We are," Beckett said. "But for now, does anyone want to go walking again and come with us to pick up Eliza?"
"We'll wait," Martha said. "Oh, what are we doing for lunch?"
"We hadn't thought of that," Castle said.
"Do you want to go somewhere?" Beckett asked him.
"Kind of," Castle replied.
"Alright then we'll take her downtown," Beckett said. She saw the doubtful look on her mother in law's face and told her, "He still needs to walk."
"Where will we meet you?" Jim asked.
"We'll call you," Castle said. He glanced at his wife and said, "I'll have her pick."
"Okay," Beckett replied before they went over to the entry. As she and her husband were putting their coats on she said, "Dad can you bring the picture?"
"Of course," Jim replied with a smile.
"We're coming with you," Alexis said. "Since you're going to walk over there."
"Let's go," Castle said as soon as he got his scarf on. He took his wife's hand and they walked together ahead of his daughter and Louis, going quickly to the school so they could make it when the classes were let out which they were just able to do.
Walking down the hall with her classmates Eliza looked ahead at the entry and she very quickly spotted her father. She waited impatiently for her teachers to let her go before she rushed to Castle and hugged him as tightly as she could. "Hi Daddy!" she said eagerly.
"Hey, I'm guessing you had a nice day?" he replied, laughing slightly as he hugged her back with one hand.
"Yeah, did you?" Eliza asked as she looked over at her mother.
"We know what the baby is sweetie," Beckett said, letting Alexis pick up the little girl. She then hugged her the best she could and said, "But once we come home with Julia we'll tell you."
"Kay," Eliza said with a sigh. "Is the baby kay?" she then asked, smiling widely at her mother.
"It is, your grandpapa has the picture," Beckett replied.
"Oh, let's go home I wanna see!" Eliza cried.
"Actually," Louis said. "We're going to head over to downtown."
"For lunch?" Eliza asked eagerly.
"Yeah and it's your choice where we're going to go," Alexis told her.
Eliza looked surprised but she said, as they were leaving the building, "Can we get the Spanish food?"
"Yes, your grandfather will be happy to hear that," Castle said, watching his wife texting her father.
"How long before Jules comes home?" Eliza asked as her sister set her down and she went to her mother.
"A little while," Beckett replied, "But don't think about it, it'll go faster that way."
Though she wanted to protest Eliza finally nodded and then asked, "Can we go to the stores?"
"Just the bookstore," Castle commented as they paused to cross a street.
"Can I get a book?" Eliza asked.
"Not this time sweetie," Beckett said. "It's almost Christmas," she said as the little girl pouted. "You might get some books from Santa you know."
Sighing Eliza nodded as she knew they were right and said, "Why are we gonna go?"
"To pick up that book for Patrick," Beckett reminded her. "But we can look around of course."
Eliza saw that they were in the downtown area then; especially since they were walking by the tall Christmas tree the city put up by the gazebo in the center of the area; and she looked for the restaurant she knew. She saw her grandparents standing in front of it and tugged on her mother's hand before they reached the two. "Mommy and Daddy know what the baby is!" she exclaimed as soon as she had reached them.
"I'm guessing she wants to see the picture," Jim said.
"Let's go inside and get a table first," Beckett said quickly. As they did so she went to her husband and asked, "Okay?"
"Yeah," Castle said easily. "I'm getting stronger," he assured her.
"Good," Beckett said with a slight smile.
Castle had to wonder at her tone of voice, but he couldn't really ask her about it as they were going over to their table inside and he watched with her as Jim handed over the picture of the baby.
Eliza smiled and said, "I looked like that?"
"When you were inside your mother," Castle said with a nod.
Tilting her head to the side then Eliza said, "Is the baby sucking its thumb?"
"I don't know," Beckett said, looking over her daughter's shoulder. "It looks like it, but it might just be holding its hands up by its face."
"Yeah," Eliza said before she handed the picture to her mother while the adults were all ordering. She then turned to her father; who was on the other side of her; and asked, "Are you happy Daddy?"
"I am," Castle said, nodding his head. "But I really want to see your sister's dance class… are you going to dance too?"
"I dunno," Eliza said, shrugging. "Maybe. I didn't get to last week so I wanna do that today."
"Just ask Ms. Grey," Alexis told her.
Eliza nodded and then asked her sister what she had done while she'd been in school and she listened attentively as Alexis, Louis and her grandparents told her about their walk on the beach. They were eating while they talked, and she was going to ask her parents what else they did when they finished and left. "What did you do before you went to see the baby?" she finally asked as they were walking down to the bookstore.
"Oh, we just got some things ready for Christmas," Castle said. "And the furniture for the baby's room was delivered."
Eliza giggled and asked, "Did you wrap the presents?"
"Some," Beckett said. "Because we were almost finished with them anyways."
"Now are you done?" Eliza said.
"Yep, all done well… for our family," Castle began. "After we get this book we can wrap everything for everyone else."
"Which won't take long," Beckett said as they were at the store and Louis had opened the door for them.
"How long now?" Eliza asked her mother as she and her father passed her.
"Still a little longer," Beckett replied. "Let's look at the books sweetie before we worry about the dance class."
"Kay," Eliza said with a smile before they went inside, and she pulled her father over to the kids' books.
Castle followed; as he knew his wife would grab the book for her friend; and he watched the little girl, eager himself for her to find out what the baby was. He tried not to think about it while Eliza was studying the shelves closely, knowing there would be enough to do until they were all finally home together.
"Alright class," Ms. Grey was saying. "One final turn and we'll end for the day."
"She's gotten better at this," Castle murmured to his wife.
"I know," Beckett whispered, squeezing his hand with her own as they were sitting on the chairs next to each other. They then turned their attention to their daughters, watching as Julia and Eliza were practicing spins. Since their youngest wasn't really in the class she was spinning with the teacher and she managed to extend her left foot as the girls had been taught during that lesson.
"Okay, that was fantastic," Grey said with a smile once they'd finished. "You're all doing very well and tomorrow we'll work again on these Foxtrot spins before we move on to the Flamenco."
Watching the kids head to the changing rooms Castle said, "I'm so glad they're here this week."
"According to Mari," Beckett said as she leaned over to him. "Ms. Grey never had them working on the dances that are Julia's favorites."
"By design?" Castle asked in surprise.
"I have no idea," Beckett said, shrugging her shoulders. "But either way she's getting to do the Flamenco now."
Nodding Castle murmured in Irish, "We'll be at home really fast."
"I know," Beckett replied with a smile, not bothering to keep her voice down since no one could understand them.
"Tell them," Castle said simply.
"Are you sure?" Beckett said, watching him closely.
With a quick nod Castle told her, "I figure it's better because… you're carrying her," going down in volume on the last word.
"Alright," Beckett said. "But why can't we try to say it at the same time?"
"Interesting," Castle said, speaking quickly as he could see their daughters coming out to them then. "Let's try."
Beckett nodded; a smile on her face; before they stood up and she said, "Good to be back?"
"Yep," Julia replied with a wide smile as her little sister was nodding next to her. "But I'm glad to see you," she told her parents.
"I'm good," Castle said, knowing she would ask that next. "Walked all the way downtown for lunch from here so I think I'm really good."
The girls laughed and then greeted the rest of their family that was there as well before they walked out of the high school to head back home. They asked their family about what they'd done; mostly Julia since she hadn't heard yet; for the rest of the walk until they were back and inside the entry.
"Okay," Castle said when he saw the girls were standing next to each other behind him and Beckett. "That didn't take very long," he directed to his wife.
"No, it didn't," Beckett said with a smile. "Come over to the kitchen and we'll announce this there."
"Oh, I thought you might make this dramatic," Martha said.
"Not really dramatic Mother, it's less enclosed over there," Castle told her. He led the way with Beckett; though he thought that was weird since he wasn't the fastest in the family at that moment; before they stood together at the island since he could lean against it if he needed it.
"I guess we can't really draw this out," Beckett said to her husband with a smile.
"No, we can't," Castle replied with a smile. "Let's just say it together like you suggested."
Beckett nodded; smiling widely at him as she heard their daughters laughing softly; before they turned to look at them.
Without any look between them Castle and Beckett were able to say at the exact time, "We're having a girl."
There was a short scream from Eliza, a cry of joy from Julia and the exclamation of everyone else before the girls rushed to their mother.
"We're gonna have a little sister?" Eliza asked first, placing her hand on Beckett's abdomen.
"Yes," she said simply, smiling down at her. Beckett looked up at her father as he walked over to her and she hugged him tightly before he was whispering in her ear.
"You're both happy?" Jim asked his daughter. When she nodded, he smiled and went to his son in law to shake his hand firmly before saying, "Congratulations."
"Direct that more to her but thank you," Castle replied with a smile and a nod.
"Oh, darling I'm so happy for you both," Martha was telling Beckett. She embraced her daughter in law as tightly as she could and said, "I knew."
"Of course you did," Beckett replied with a smile. "And thank you for not revealing that before we found out."
"I wouldn't do that," Martha said as she stepped out of the way of her granddaughter.
"So, another sister," Beckett said, studying Alexis.
"I'm ecstatic," the young woman replied. "And glad you both are okay."
"Thank you," Beckett said as they hugged. She smiled at Louis when he came to her to embrace her briefly before she said, "I think we need to text everyone now."
"Yeah, what's Patrick gonna say?" Julia asked as she and her sister; holding onto Castle then; watched him take his phone from his pocket.
"He'll probably be ecstatic," Beckett replied, letting her husband text everyone as their daughters were coming back to her.
"Are you gonna pick a name now?" Eliza asked.
"We tossed some back and forth," Beckett said, smiling at Castle. "But we're not going to make the decision until we see her."
"Are you going to have Dad pick her name?" Alexis asked. When Eliza looked up at her she reminded her, "Remember your mom picked your first name and Dad your middle."
"We'll do the same this time," Castle said.
"Do you have homework?" Beckett asked Julia. When the girl nodded and left to grab her backpack she then said to the others, "I told him he could choose the first name but that didn't really work."
"She can think of a better name than me," Castle commented. "Besides my choice of Alexis."
Rolling her eyes Beckett then said, "He could have the chance."
"She thinks of better names," Castle reiterated.
"Looks like you're getting responses already," Martha said as Julia was going over to the kitchen table and her son's phone was ringing with texts.
"We are," Castle replied, reading the messages they were getting. "They all say the same love. Congrats, we can't wait to see your baby girl…"
"What?" Beckett asked when he trailed off and then smiled. She took his phone that he handed to her before she read what was on it and laughed. "It's from Patrick," she told everyone before she read the message. "Had a feeling it'd be a girl and I'm happy to hear about it I'm counting on her and Keo to be best friends."
"A little bit of pressure," Castle said.
"He's sent more love," Beckett told her husband. "Forgot to say just like me and you."
"That makes more sense," Alexis replied.
"Oh, here's your father," Beckett said to Louis as she looked at the next message she got. "Ecstatic to hear about the baby and we're hoping we can come see her when she's born. Tell Kate that she's invited already to White Mount."
"Of course," Louis said with a smile. "You're family after all."
"Mommy?" Eliza asked then as Castle went over to the kitchen.
"Yes sweetie?" Beckett replied.
"What's the baby going to look like?" Eliza then said.
"We'll have to wait and see," Castle replied. "But I'm going to guess a lot like your mother."
"Maybe," Beckett said as the little girl turned to her. "So now we have that set I realize we forgot something." She took the picture of the baby over to the table and handed it over to Julia who paused in writing to look at it.
"She got bigger," the girl said, smiling widely at the sight of the baby and the fact that she could call it by its gender.
"Of course," Beckett replied. "So now we just need to wait."
"Like for the room?" Julia asked, looking up at her.
"Yeah but like we explained Brad and Lily had an errand to run that took them a while," Castle said. "So we'll have to try another time."
"Any idea when you'll be able to do that?" Alexis asked him.
"Friday we were saying," Beckett replied.
"I should be able to work much better then on the room," Castle commented. "And not need the cane so much."
"And maybe have glasses," Martha said.
"I shouldn't have told them about that Old Man comment," Castle told his wife.
"It won't matter if you do have them love," Beckett said firmly.
"Alright," Castle said. "I'll accept my glasses without any issues, but I'll still hope they're just for reading."
"We'll see," Beckett told him. "Okay so tonight we're going out for dinner to celebrate and-"
"Julia should choose!" Eliza exclaimed.
"I'm fine with that," Castle told his wife.
"Then you can go ahead sweetie," Beckett said to Julia who was watching them.
"You went to the Spanish place?" the girl asked. When she got nods from everyone she smiled and then said, "I think I want to pick… The Narrows?"
"Sure," Beckett said, not surprised when her husband looked at her. "We haven't been there in a while."
"No," Castle said with a nod. "It's a good choice."
"When are we gonna go?" Julia asked.
"As soon as you finish," Beckett told her. "But don't rush okay?" When her daughter nodded she then turned to went to the office, wanting to leave the baby's picture there when her husband walked over to her. "What?" she asked him in surprise.
"Sit, I think we both need to," Castle replied before they went together to the table to join Julia.
"I don't have a lot," she told them, smiling at them.
"Keep going, we'll check your answers," Beckett said. She watched Julia turn her attention back to her homework before she looked at her husband as he held her hand. The simple squeeze to it made her smile, knowing that his way of conveying how happy he was as he took Eliza onto his lap with his other arm. She did the same to him, feeling what he did as well before they began to look together over their messages of congratulations from their friends that continued to come in while they waited for Julia to finish.
The second that she had the girl was going to ask if she could do something with art when the chime for the gate rang. "Do you know who it is?" Julia asked her parents who were sharing a look.
"We do," Castle began. "A guest." He walked with his wife over to the door, letting her open the gate before they stepped outside. "We'll be right back," he told them.
When they were outside Beckett watched as the man in the car that had pulled up opened the back of the SUV. "Is that him?" she asked with a smile.
"It is," the man from the Greyhound rescue said as he helped the dog down to the ground. "Here are his papers and his leash, thank you so much for taking him in early."
"We're happy to do so," Castle said, wondering then if the girls were looking through the windows to see what was going on since they weren't covered. He and Beckett waited for the car to leave; after they'd wished the man Happy Holidays; and he said, "They know."
"I wouldn't be so sure," Beckett told him with a smile. "Let's find out though." She turned with him and together they went to the house and she let him open the door as she was holding the dog's leash.
"Like I said before we have a guest," Castle said, pleasantly surprised to find that everyone was well away from the windows.
"PUPPY!" Eliza cried out before the dogs barked.
Whistling for both dogs Beckett was relieved when Macca and Rita sat down immediately and let the girls rush past them. "Easy you two," she said though she was watching them pet the red furred Greyhound carefully. She smiled when they hugged him around the neck and she said, "We were going to get another dog for all of us but-"
"For the baby," Julia quickly said, interrupting her mother. She smiled at her and said, "What's its name?"
"He was going to be used as a racing dog," Castle began. "He's a year and a half by the way; and his name is Sprint."
"Sprint?" Alexis asked as she was petting the dog as well.
"We figured we should pick another name," Beckett told them.
"I have to?" Julia asked with a giggle as everyone looked at her. When they didn't say anything, she breathed in and then said, "JoJo."
"Nice, I hadn't thought of that name," Castle said. "I almost thought you were going to call him Rocky Raccoon."
"No," Julia said, laughing as she shook her head. "I like JoJo better."
"JoJo," Eliza said firmly to the dog. She squealed when he licked at her cheek and she hugged him around the neck. "Where does he sleep before the baby gets here?" she then asked.
"We'll let him choose," Castle said.
"For now, let's introduce him to the house so he can get used to it," Beckett suggested. She wasn't surprised when the girls agreed to that eagerly and watched as Macca and Rita came over to them. Relieved when there wasn't any issue between the three dogs; the two barked in what she knew was a playful manner before JoJo yipped back at them; she got him off his leash and together they began walking down the hall to show the newest family member his new home.