Castle lets his wife into the shower first. They plan to relax a little while then go down to the dining room for supper.

Kate has closed the bathroom door and locked it this time. She normally does not lock the door. She really doesn't mind her husband walking in on her while she is naked but today she wants to do something without his snooping into her actions

She has finished her shower and dried off. Looking at her reflection in the mirror her mind begins to wander 'Am I ready for a giant change in my life? Our lives?'

So far, being with Rick has been an adventure. They had previously been thru so much together then to fall in love. Real, honest, deep love was far more than her heart believed was even possible.

But it had happened and now she is holding a test strip in her hand, given to her by their host, to verify what the woman said about Kate is true

When she came out of the bathroom, she told her husband to hurry up and shower and she would be waiting for him in the bed. After he left the room, she dropped her towel and went to the suitcase and took out a new night gown that she had bought just for this trip. She had not had a chance to wear it for him since they had mostly jumped over any romantic seduction during this trip

When Castle exited the bathroom and returned to the bedroom he sees his wife sitting up at the head of the bed. She has the pillows behind her, propping her to an upright sitting position.

But all his brain can do is focus on the barely there outfit she is wearing that is almost covering her but leaving very little to the imagination

She puts on her most precious smile, pats the bed beside her, and with her most seductive voice tells him to come lay down beside her

What she was not expecting was his reaction as he begins to lower himself on the bed. "Kate we need to talk"

She suddenly feels like there is a problem. Did he change his mind about the baby? Is he having second thoughts?"

She reaches out to touch his face "Babe. What's wrong?"

"Kate…I need to know something"

"OK"

"Are you still satisfied with our marriage…with me?"

"What kind of a question is that?"

"Please Kate. If I am falling short, you would tell me?"

She slides her hand across his face "Rick…what is on your mind?"

He shifts in the bed to more directly face her "Ever since we have been here you have seemed…I don't know how to put this"

"Just say it Rick. I've seemed what?"

"Like you are not getting everything you need"

She shifts to face him "What do you mean? Everything I need?"

"You seem to need intimacy. More intimacy than before. If I am not doing something, you would tell me? Right?"

"Castle! What are you saying?"

"Kate. Are your needs not being taken care of by me?"

She actually lets out a giggle "My needs? Where is this coming from?"

"Ever since we arrived, you have been all over me like you are being left hungry. Like you are not being satisfied. Kate am I not taking care of you?"

"You silly, silly man" she grabs his hand and pulls him to her chest

"What?"

"Do you think that I have ever faked an orgasm with you?"

"Maybe to protect my ego?"

Another laugh "I will tell you that between you and me that I have never had to fake anything. Our sex life is more than I ever thought possible"

"So these last few days…you have been…satisfied?"

"Oh yes, Mr. Castle. Very satisfied"

"So why the quick urge for more?"

"Castle. You and I both love Chinese food. Right?"

"Yeah?"

"And how many times after a very filling and satisfying meal are you hungry again an hour later?"

"A lot of times"

Kate begins to move over Rick placing herself in his lap "Maybe this has become the Peking Duck. I am very filled and satisfied and I get hungry for more an hour later"

"Sounds delicious. I wouldn't mind if this lasts a little while longer"

She places her arms around the back of his neck "I figure at least another 9 months"

"You think this is…" he stops in his thought "9 months?"

"UM HUM"

"You are?"

"Yup. I am"


Another trip into the underbelly of murders wrapped up. And the beginning of a new chapter in their lives
Thank you for reading and reviewing