Author's notes: I know I sound repetitive, but thank you for your wonderful reviews for Chapter 21, after such a long hiatus. And unlike my unintentional hiatus due to writers block, this time I had inspiration, and no time. So I'm back on the path to writing.

Thank you again to my beta 41319always41319 who even in the midst of finals, still found time to beta for me. I'm so glad my uni days are behind me.

Enjoy.

Chapter 22: Family

'I just need to wrap up a few things here, and I'll be over shortly. The car will be by around five to pick us up.'

'Yes, babe, we've been over this already. And as I reminded you last night, I'm pregnant, not an invalid. I can drive myself home,' Beckett gently reminded her husband, and was sure Castle could literally hear her eyes rolling.

'And need I remind you, Captain, how distracted you can get whilst running your precinct or overseeing a case…..beside, Beckett, I was probably preoccupied last night while you were reminding me you weren't an invalid.'

'Castle,' Becket hissed.

'Dude, too much information,' Javier groaned. 'Besides, Beckett's been chained to her desk the past two weeks,' Espo chimed in.

'Espo, I've been reminded of that fact on a daily basis,' Castle whined. 'But I also know, where there's a dead body, my wife will find a way to investigate. By the way, I was preoccupied by writing…it's not my fault if you three live in the gutter,' Castle huffed in mock indignation.

Ryan, the always responsible one, interceded on his boss's behalf. 'You know, Castle, the longer you keep Beckett on the phone, the longer it'll take her to pack up her office,' he reminded his friend.

'I will see you at five,' Castle said, before hanging up.

Beckett pressed end, silencing the phone's tone, but in the back of her mind, she was wondering why her husband had given up so easily.

'You know Captain, it's not going to be the same without you here,' Ryan sighed and slumped back in his chair.

Beckett looked up from where she'd been staring at her phone and smiled warmly at her Detective, but winced when she felt her youngest kick her in the ribs.

'Bro, she'll only be gone a couple of months,' Espo reminded his partner irritably and turned back to his boss. 'But Ryan's right, boss, we're really gonna miss you.'

Rubbing her back where she was sure Mouse was playing soccer with her mom's kidney; Beckett felt a moment of panic at starting her maternity leave today.

'Captain?' Ryan asked, concerned at his superior's silence.

Beckett looked back at her detective in acknowledgement. 'Sorry,' she apologised. 'Even though I've had seven months to get used to the idea, apart from my shooting, I've never taken an extended time away from the force before.'

The two detectives sat in silence. The memories of Beckett's shooting were still as raw today as the day she was shot at Montgomery's funeral.

'Well, if it's any consolation, you'll have more time to spend with Castle,' Ryan smiled. 'Especially with him stepping back from Castle Investigations.'

Beckett took a deep breath, slowly raised her trademark brow, and watched her detective squirm. 'No, Kevin, it's no consolation,' she informed. 'According to all the literature, I'm supposed to be doing the nesting, not him,' she grumbled. 'So if I'm lucky, I'll even be allowed to look after my daughter,' Beckett complained, soothing a hand over her very extended belly, trying to get her youngest to settle.

Ryan snorted with laughter while Espo looked between the two in confusion. 'What the hell's nesting,' Javier asked, not happy with being left out of the joke.

'Remember when Jenny was pregnant, I'd complain about her randomly rearranging the kitchen and closets, and I could never find anything?' Kevin asked, and Espo nodded. 'Or she'd be incessantly cleaning, and buying new linen and towels, and lets not even talk about the nursery,' Kevin shuddered. 'That's nesting.'

Espo looked back at Beckett. 'You not doing any of that, boss?' he asked.

'I would, if Castle would give me the chance,' she laughed, thinking back to Rick rearranging their closet.

'She'll be in our room for the first couple of months,' Castle justified ashe filled the small chest of drawers he'd placed in their closet with baby clothing.

'How long did Alexis stay with you and Meredith?' Kate queried, but instantly regretted asking the question, taking in the look of sadness on her husband's face. 'Hey,' Kate soothed as she ran a reassuring hand up and down Rick's chest, allowing him to turn her so he could wrap himself around her from behind. 'I'm not Meredith,' Kate reminded him.

'Thank God,' was all Castle murmured, allowing his head to rest on his wife's shoulder while he caressed their unborn daughter.

'So how do you feel about Castle taking time away from his agency?' Kevin asked, bringing Kate out of her thoughts. 'It's going so well now.'

'And there in, lies the problem. Alexis has turned Castle Investigations into a legitimate and very successful PI agency, and of course, that means Castle is now bored.'

'Why doesn't he just sell it?' Javier asked.

Kate smiled fondly to herself, remembering the exact same conversation she had with her husband. 'Because, even though he's bored, he loves his PI firm,' Beckett said. 'And while he hasn't come out and said it, I know he's holding onto the tiny glimmer of hope that Alexis will take over one day.'

'So he's finally found someone to take on the bulk of the work?' Kevin asked and watched his superior nod in affirmation. 'I'm surprised he hasn't invited us around to meet them,' he said. Kate could hear the hint of offence in Ryan's voice, but didn't have the heart to tell him he'd not only met the person stepping into her husband's shoes, but had worked with her as well.

'I think he's bringing her by next week,' Kate lied and made a mental note to remind her husband.

'So, it's a woman, then?' Kevin smiled cheekily, mentally giving himself a high five at Beckett's look, knowing she'd let the cat out of the bag.

'Yes, if you must know,' Beckett said, rolling her eyes. 'Ex three letter organisation,' was all she added.

'And you're fine with her being a woman?' Ryan asked in surprised.

'Perfectly because when she's not working, she goes home to her husband and kid,' Beckett smiled smugly, and watched Kevin nod.

'What about you, Boss? Would you quit the NYPD to work with Castle, you know, like Heart to Heart?' Espo asked, barely keeping the grin from his face.

'The conversations's been had, and let's leave it at that,' was all Beckett said cryptically. 'Right now though, he's behind on his next Nikki Heat book while also trying to decide what he wants to write next. I suspect I'll be trying to keep him on track while looking after an infant.'

'Well, you'll also have more time with Little Castle,' Espo encouraged.

Beckett shifted in her seat, trying to find a more comfortable position. 'Yeah, well if Alexis makes it into the Academy, she'll be moving out in January.'

'So the IAB's cleared her?' Javier asked, unable to hide the excitement in his voice.

'It's….unofficially official. While the whole incident is still under investigation, Alexis will find out either today or Monday. Gates called me earlier this afternoon to give me the heads up,' Kate explained, the relief in her voice evident. 'So…..'

'Keep a lid on it until Little C's been officially informed,' Espo nodded. 'Sure thing, Beckett.'

'I know you've both submitted your incident reports on what happened last week, but still be prepared to be called in by the IAB,' Beckett warned. 'And if you need my help, please call me.'

Both Ryan and Espo nodded, but neither of them intended on bothering their boss once she'd finished up today.

'And if she doesn't make it into the academy?' Kevin asked hesitantly.

'Perlmutter will be forever gloating that he was the reason Alexis chose to become a doctor.'

'You mean he'll be fighting Lanie for that honour,' Javier laughed.

'Either way, Alexis will be moving out in the new year,' Kate informed, not even trying to the hide the hint of melancholy from her voice.

Javier elbowed Kevin and gestured his head toward Beckett. 'That's a good thing though, isn't it?' Kevin asked.

Espo just rolled his eyes and took the lead. 'Hey boss, did you ever think you and Little C would have such a close relationship?' Javier asked. 'I mean, I know at times, things were pretty tense between the two of you.'

'Thanks, Espo, but it's okay. Yes it's a good thing that Alexis is finally ready to make her own way in the world,' Beckett smiled in assurance. 'And you're right, even up to the day I married Castle, I never thought Alexis would accept me in her life. At least not in the capacity she has,' Kate admitted. 'But then again, I never saw myself filling the void left by Meredith either.'

'So how did Deep Fried Twinkie take the whole adoption thing?' Javier asked.

Beckett rolled her eyes and smirked. 'In her usual style. She wanted to drag Alexis off to Europe,' Kate grumbled, deliberately leaving out the woman's attempt to stop the adoption.

Kevin didn't even hide his look of surprise. 'Yeah, but….,'

'I know,' Beckett interrupted, holding up her hands to stall Kevin's protest. 'But where Meredith's concerned, she's only interested in Alexis when it's convenient for her, or in this case, when her daughter's decided she's had enough of pandering to her mother.'

Beckett was still trying to find the right time to talk to her husband about what he'd done to stop Meredith interfering with the adoption. While she was sure money changed hands, Kate wasn't sure how much it cost Castle to pay off his is ex-wife.

'So does it feel any different?' Kevin asked. 'I mean since the adoption was finalised,' he clarified.

'If you mean I get sassed and put in my place more often, then yes, it feels different,' Beckett complained. 'But you know what it's like when Alexis pulls her 'innocent little girl' routine,' Kate said, barely hiding her embarrassment at the way Alexis had managed to wrap Captain Kate Beckett around her little finger.

'Complete with those big blue eyes and dimples?' Javier asked, and Beckett nodded. 'Hell even the most hardened of cops can't say no to her,'Espo admitted, but couldn't help the snort of laugher, and laughed even harder at the look his captain was giving him. 'Wait till you have two mini Becketts on your hands, putting you in your place,' Javier joked.

'Esposito?'

'Captain?'

'Shut up.'

'Yes, ma'am.'

Beckett looked across at her two lead detectives: Javier's cheeky grin after sassing his boss, Kevin sitting deep in contemplative thought. Both men were so different, like chalk and cheese, and yet they somehow worked as one of the most effective teams she'd witnessed within the NYPD.

'I know I've thanked you in the past, but I want to thank you both, again, for all the help you've given Alexis over the past few months,' she said sincerely. 'Especially considering you've done it on your own time.'

'Pleasure, Captain,' Espo said sincerely. 'That kid of yours is gonna make a fine officer.'

'It's been a real eye opener, watching her dedication and development,' Ryan said. 'I just wish I could've done more.'

'Well, I haven't been doing this just for Alexis' benefit. This has been invaluable training and development for the both of you, as well,' Beckett advised. 'If you two are serious about progression within the ranks, you also need exposure to the management and development of people in your command,' Beckett explained and watched her detectives nod in agreement.

'You mean how to handle an anal retentive control freak perfectionist,' Javier corrected. 'Just like her mom,' he quickly added, ducking when a pen came flying in his direction.

'I'd have found a better way to rephrase mine and my daughter's personality traits,' Beckett grumbled, holding her hand out for the object she'd just thrown at Espo. 'And if you'd been observant, you would've noticed I've been targeting people with specific skill sets, depending on what training Alexis needed.'

'So, why haven't I been asked to help her yet?' Kevin asked in confusion, hoping his boss would finally explain why he'd been left out.

'Because, Kevin, you probably have the most crucial role of all,' Beckett stressed seriously and watched her detective sit up straight, almost to attention. 'Your job is to get Alexis through her psych evals.'

'But that's the most important part of the whole recruitment process,' Kevin said, not even hiding his surprise.

'I know,' Beckett replied.

'There's only a thirty percent pass rate on the first sitting.'

'I know that too,' Kate nodded in agreement.

'And only a fifty percent on the second sitting,' Kevin looked at his boss with a mixture of pride and confusion. 'I thought you'd want to coach her through this section yourself.'

'I've been working with Alexis,' Beckett confirmed. 'But I'm too close now. She needs someone to challenge her, make her confront the situations that push her outside her comfort zone.' Kate smiled when the penny dropped with her detective.

'Right. She's going to be asked questions that will make her automatically think back to her kidnapping, Castle's disappearance, your shooting, that sort of thing,' Kevin nodded.

'Exactly, and I need her trained to the point where she can sit in a room full of senior rank and psychiatrists, and be asked to explain how she dealt with a traumatic and stressful incident in her life without it bringing on an anxiety attack.'

'Wow, boss, that's a lot of responsibility,' Kevin said. 'But why'd you pick me? Not that I'm turning the offer down.'

'As I said, Kevin, I've selected people based on their skill set,' Beckett reiterated. 'Espo developed his natural alibility to coach combat and self-defence in the military.' Becket explained. 'You, on the other hand, are the negotiator and peacemaker. Meaning, you know how to get inside someone's head and work out how they think, how to talk them down, and that's what makes you two such an effective team….what?' Beckett asked, taking in the looks her detectives were giving her.

Ryan and Espo looked at each other, head gestures and facial expressions the only indication the two men were having a silent conversation. Beckett hid a smile when Kevin took the lead.

'Nothing. You sound….just like a boss,' he teased and laughed as Beckett rolled her eyes and shook her head.

'Good one bro,' Espo laughed as he fist bumped his partner.

'But seriously, Beckett,' Kevin continued. 'I don't know about Javier, but I kind of figured that's what you were doing. I just couldn't work out why I hadn't been asked to help yet.'

Kate took a deep breath and shifted in her chair, trying to relieve the pressure on her lower back once again, thankful for stretchy trousers. 'Kevin, you have been helping,' Beckett stressed. 'How many times has Alexis come to you for advice? If she's not talking to me or her dad, you're the person she seeks out. Trust me, that's greatest compliment you'll ever get from her.'

'Really?' he asked in surprise.

'Really,' Beckett smiled.

'So why'd you get Demming to help her?' Espo asked, hoping his curiosity would finally be satisfied.

'Because Tom's completely removed from Alexis, he has no emotional investment in her so he treats her like any other annoying recruit pestering him for help,' Beckett explained. 'Which leads me to question, Javier, why didn't you want to help Alexis with her weapons training?' she asked, already knowing the answer.

'Because, I got too close,' he admitted with embarrassment. 'And that's a good thing for me to know for future reference,' he said, and Beckett felt the pride well inside her.

'I'm surprised Castle didn't want to teach her himself, considering what an expert marksman he is,' Kevin said. 'And I know how protective he is of Alexis. How's he been handling other people training his daughter for a career he's terrified of her succeeding at?'

'Castle and I had a really good heart to heart when Alexis first passed her entrance exam. I wanted to head off his overprotective streak before he did something he'd regret,' Kate admitted. 'You know, Richard Castle is probably the most intelligent man I've ever met,' Beckett said, not even hiding the adoration she had for her husband. 'Not only intellectually, but emotionally as well…and no, I'm not talking about him being a nine year old on a sugar rush,' Beckett added, rolling her eyes and cutting off whatever witty remark Javier was going to make. 'And you're right when you say he's overprotective of Alexis, but he's had good cause to be. Although he's gotten better at accepting she's now moving on with her own life, part of our conversation was not only about allowing our daughter to mature into her own person, but to also allow others to mentor her. He knows that while he's quite capable of teaching Alexis to fire a weapon, he's also aware he can't mentally prepare her on how to confront a person effected by drugs or alcohol, or potentially having to shoot and kill someone.'

Kate allowed her monologue to hang while her two detectives sat in contemplative silence before sitting up and moving some items on her desk towards the box sitting to the right of her. 'As much as I've enjoyed our catch up, I really need to finish cleaning up my office.'

Ryan and Espo looked at each other, trying to hide their panicked looks. Espo gestured towards his partner, encouraging Kevin to stretch their conversation out.

'Ah, Captain, how'd you get Gates to fill in for you?' Kevin asked.

Kate looked at her two detectives, and in the back of her mind, knew they were up to something. 'I'll let Gates fill you in on Monday,' Beckett advised.

'Yeah, but it's not every day you get a Deputy Commissioner moving back to work with the rank and file,' Espo said, trying to stretch out the conversation.

'Like I said, Gates will fill you in next week,' Beckett reiterated, her suspicion rising. 'And how do you know I'm not the one having my performance evaluated?' she added cryptically while staring at her detectives. 'Now, if there's nothing else, I really need to finish packing my office.'

'You're right, Captain,' Ryan agreed while looking at his cell. 'Come on, Espo. Perlmutter wants us down town. He's got an update on the Simpson case,' he said.

'Bout time. I swear that man deliberately leaves our cases last,' Javier complained as he made a move to stand.

'Go easy on him, guys,' Beckett admonished absently while scribbling the pen she'd just pulled from her drawer on a piece of paper, determining if it went in the box or the trash.

'You got a bit of a crush going on there, boss?' Ryan teased before standing and readjusting his trousers and weapon.

Looking up from her task, Beckett eyeballed her detective. 'Seriously?' Beckett whined. 'Come on, guys, you saw the support Perlmutter gave Alexis during this investigation into the Hemsworth incident,' she reminded. 'I know he comes across as cantankerous, but he really does have our best interest at heart,' Kate argued, remembering the way Perlmutter looked after her during her panic attack.

Ryan elbowed Espo. 'I hope Castle knows he has some stiff competition.'

'Yeah,' Javier agreed, not even hiding his laughter. 'She could be Beckett-Castle-Perlmutter.'

'Or Beckatter,' Ryan joined in.

'Bro, what's with the giggle?'

'I don't giggle.'

'Dude, it was a girly giggle.'

'Javier, I definitely do not giggle, girly or otherwise.'

'Would you two clowns get out of here,' Beckett exclaimed while pointing towards her office door, desperately trying to hide her smile.

'Gone,' Espo said, walking towards the door, closely followed by Ryan.

'See ya later, boss,' Ryan called as he followed Espo back into the precinct. Beckett thought it odd that neither of them made a bigger fuss about it being her last day.

Distracted by pushing herself out her chair and gently stretching her back, Beckett missed her husband and daughter silently exiting the lift, met by Ryan and Espo, speaking in hushed tones and wild gestures.

After stretching all the kinks from her back and legs, Beckett moved to pick up the small family of elephants from the end of her desk, gently caressing them, before placing them in the empty packing box. She then moved to the pile of documents and started sifting through what needed to be kept and what could be discarded. 'At least my office gets a much needed clean out,' Beckett mumbled to herself.

'How could you?'

Beckett startled and turned, coming face to face with her daughter. Scratch that, her very angry daughter. 'How could I what?' Beckett asked in annoyance. 'You'll have to narrow it down a bit, my mindreading abilities need recalibrating?' she warned before going back to sorting documents.

'This!' the young woman exclaimed as she stalked across the captain's office before thrusting a piece of paper towards her mom.

Beckett stood to her full height and stared down at the furious redhead; and even in her low-heeled Hello Teddy boots, Kate still stood half a head taller than her daughter. Hiding her jealously at the ease in which Alexis wore her four-inch Jimmy Choo's, Beckett narrowed her eyes and raised a brow. 'Is this one of those times we're not going to like each other very much?' the Captain asked, clearly annoyed with her daughter's belligerent behaviour. 'Because if it is, can we reschedule it for another time, I really need to finish packing up before your dad gets here.'

'I thought you trusted me,' Alexis accused. 'You told me you trusted me,' she added, trying her best to hold back her tears. 'And you go and do this!'

'Alexis, what are you talking about?' Beckett demanded, foregoing any attempt to calm her daughter.

The young woman held out the letter she was holding. 'You tell me,' Alexis demanded.

'What the hell is wrong with everyone today,' Beckett mumbled and took the offending object from her daughter.

While Kate was distracted, Alexis took a quick look out the office windows. Spotting Ryan and her father carrying platters of food, she discreetly gestured at them to hurry up before turning back to her mom and schooling her features back to being an angry and upset young woman, thankful to her grandmother, for Martha's last minute acting tips before leaving the loft.

'Baby, this is fantastic news,' Kate exclaimed, struggling to keep up the façade that she already knew the contents of the letter, and the fact that Alexis was up to something.

'Yes, but…'

Beckett tuned her daughter's argument out for a moment because her detective brain was going into overdrive. Everything this afternoon was slightly off, and this was the final piece to the puzzle to confirm her suspicions that the entire precinct was planning something, and Alexis was the diversion.

'…..and I didn't want anyone to know because it would look like favouritism and while it's been great to have Javier and Detective Demming…'

Tuning back into her daughter's rambling, Beckett knew she had to tread carefully when interrogating the young woman. Apart from being a quick study while watching Captain Beckett in action, Alexis also knew all of her mom's 'tells', almost as well as she knew her fathers.

'Alexis, you know Javier and Tom have been more than happy to help you, and trust me, you're not the only applicant utilising police resources to help with their training,' Beckett assured and knew immediately she'd caught her daughter out and handed the piece of paper back Alexis.

'I know, but…'

'And there are many members of the force who work alongside multiple generations of serving family members.'

'I know that too, mom, but….'

'Are you insinuating I had something to do with this?' Beckett questioned, gesturing towards the letter she'd handed back to Alexis. 'Because that goes against everything I and this office stands for. Not to mention, I wouldn't insult you by not trusting in your abilities,' she accused, turning her head to give the appearance of being offended. When, in actuality, Beckett was trying to hide her smile at her daughter's attempt to retreat.

'No, I wouldn't…..'

Beckett turned back to her daughter and saw the cracks in her façade. 'You sat in my cruiser, just two weeks ago, after taking down an armed suspect even a seasoned cop couldn't, telling me I had to trust you. Well honey, that's a two way street.'

'You can't talk to me like that,' Alexis exclaimed indignantly, internally cringing at her overacting.

'Really?' Beckett questioned, rubbing her ribcage where Mouse had just kicked her, not liking the fact that her youngest daughter was already siding with her older sister. 'Well I've got a piece of paper that says otherwise, sunshine,' she teased.

'But…'

'And in the eyes of the law, baby girl, your arse is mine now.'

Alexis threw her head back and sighed dramatically, instantly dropping the charade. 'I told Kevin and Javier this wouldn't work,' the young woman huffed in annoyance. 'And I bet you already knew something was up before I came in here,' Alexis added before stalking across the office and flopping down in her mom's chair, gently placing her letter back in its envelope.

'Alexis, you gave up way too easy,' Beckett chastised, but couldn't help but sympathise with her daughter because it was obvious Alexis had been the patsy for whatever the boys had planned for her final day.

'Yeah, well nobody else stepped up to be the diversion?' Alexis shrugged.

'And don't go getting too comfortable,' Beckett warned, taking her daughter's cheeky grin.

'Why? I've been told it's good to know where you see yourself in five years,' she smirked and ducked as her mom threw a screwed up piece of paper at her.

Alexis leaned back in her mom's chair and took in the woman standing before her as Kate continued sorting through a pile of documents, oblivious to her daughter's scrutiny.

Even at nine months pregnant, her mom was stunning. The stylish black pant suit and simple white pinafore exuded Kate Beckett's natural, sophisticated elegance. It was no wonder her father was besotted with his wife.

'What?' Beckett asked when she felt her daughter's eyes on her.

'You're gorgeous,' Alexis blurted and rolled her eyes as she blushed. 'Sorry, that came out wrong.'

Beckett looked up from her task. 'So I'm not gorgeous?' Beckett asked, deliberately teasing her daughter.

'Of course you're gorgeous. It just came out sounding weird,' Alexis groused.

'Well, how was it supposed to sound?' Beckett questioned. 'Am I gorgeous or not?' Kate asked as she placed the last of the documents in the trash and moved over to the couch. Gently lowering herself, Beckett shifted to find a comfortable position.

'You're gorgeous in a non-weird sounding, mom sort of way….and I'll just shut up now.'

'Good idea, now come over here,' Beckett requested, waving Alexis over.

Alexis watched her mom with concern. 'Wouldn't you be more comfortable over here?' she asked, looking towards the chairs on the other side of Kate's desk before standing and moving over to the couch.

Kate sighed when she finally found a position that took the pressure of her youngest off her lower back, and tugged on her daughter's arm, pulling the young woman down to sit beside her. 'Why, when I have my army of minions to do my bidding,' she said as a matter of fact. 'Now give me another look at your letter,' she requested, holding out her hand.

Alexis blushed, and pulled it out of her pocket. 'I didn't even want to do this,' she sighed. 'Even dad said it was taking subterfuge too far, but I could see how much Kevin and Javier wanted to surprise you,' Alexis said while handing her mom the envelope. 'A courier delivered it to the loft this afternoon.'

'Have you told your dad, yet?'

Alexis nodded. 'Yeah, he wanted to know what I was screaming about,' she laughed, remembering the way her father had rushed into the living room from his office as Alexis stood yelling excitedly in the foyer. 'But he also couldn't wait for me to tell you. Although I get the impression, you already knew,' the young woman challenged her mom.

'I plead the fifth,' was all Kate said.

Rolling her eyes, Alexis moved so she was sitting flush against her mom and watched as Kate read through the official report and recommendations.

Beckett felt her daughter lean against her as Alexis looked over her mom's shoulder, reading over the document exonerating her of any wrongdoing. 'You're very lucky, you know that? Because this could have easily gone the other way for you,' Beckett stressed as she turned to the second page.

'I know, mom, which is why Lanie and Doctor Perlmutter have been helping me put my application to Columbia together. It would be irresponsible of me not to have my contingency plans in place,' Alexis admitted.

'So you've made the final decision to study medicine if you don't make it into the academy?' Kate asked and felt her daughter nod her head. 'And you're happy with Columbia being your backup plan because you've still got time to change your mind if you're not certain,' she assured, feeling Alexis wrap her arms around her.

'I'll be honest, mom, up until last week, there was still a part of me that was undecided which is why I'd started putting my college application together,' Alexis confessed softly.

'Why didn't you say anything?' Kate asked, struggling to turn so she could look at her daughter.

Alexis sat back and looked at the woman who'd become her mother, her mentor, her confidant, and best friend. 'While dad has been very supportive, his occasional comments about pursuing medicine started to play on my mind, and there was a small part of me that was doubting my decision about joining the NYPD,' Alexis confessed. 'But, I needed to make this decision on my own.' Beckett couldn't mistake the air of confidence in her daughter's voice. 'The incident last week….it was like validation that I've chosen the right path,' Alexis smiled. 'I've been training for months in the hope that I make it into the academy and into a career I honestly didn't know if I was going to be any good at,' she confessed with a shrug. 'But last week, I acted on instinct. I didn't second guess myself, or freeze out of fear,' she said proudly. 'And that's because of all the training Javier, Tom, and you have been drilling into me. I get that now, and it's taken the last of the trepidation away. I not only know I want be a cop, but more importantly, I know I can be a cop.'

Kate felt her heart and stomach clench at the utter pride she felt for Alexis. The young woman who'd become her daughter, whom she cherished with the same unconditional love she felt for her youngest. 'This is what I've been waiting to hear,' Kate confessed and held her arms out. She couldn't help but laugh at the way Alexis tried to find a way to hug her back.

'I'll be glad when Mouse finally gets here,' the young woman complained. 'You almost have to be a contortionist to hug you now,' she said as she finally found a way to settle against her mom.

'Trust me, I can't wait to get my body back….ow,' Beckett exclaimed when Mouse kicked her and felt Alexis laugh. 'Stop laughing, it's not funny,' Kate groaned, rubbing her side.

'Yes it is. I can actually see your stomach moving,' Alexis giggled as she looked down at her mom's extended stomach.

'You think that's funny, you should see this thing your dad does with skittles,' Kate teased and braced for the reaction. 'What, nothing? Not even an eww?' Beckett complained, disappointed in her daughter's lack of reaction.

'I'm internalising,' Alexis whined. 'The long term mental damage you've been inflicting on me is now complete,' she sighed dramatically.

'Yeah, well don't tell your dad. It'll upset him to no end that he won't be able to get a rise out of you anymore,' Beckett informed, not even hiding the droll tone in her voice.

'But that's why he has you now,' Alexis replied smugly, but squirmed when Beckett elbowed her in the ribs. 'Have you been back to see your cardiologist yet?' she asked, placing her hand on her mom's stomach and following her sister's movement.

'Monday,' Kate yawned. 'You wanna come?' she almost slurred, the exhaustion of her last day finally catching up with her. She felt Alexis nod her head in reply. 'Good, you can keep your dad entertained.' Kate could swear she felt her daughter roll her eyes.

'Great, thanks,' Alexis grumbled.

'Yeah, well that's why I have you now,' Kate teased and look at her watch. 'So when's this surprise party of mine supposed to start?'

'That would be now, Captain,' Castle said as he walked into his wife's office. 'Sweetheart, can you go stop Gates from busting Ryan and Esposito back to uniforms,' he asked.

'And how am I supposed to do that?' Alexis asked.

Rick shrugged. 'I don't know, you're the one who wants to be chief commissioner, so go practice on the deputy,' Castle justified.

'Sure thing, dad,' Alexis smiled, indulging her father, and gave her mom a final squeeze and a kiss on the cheek. 'Love you,' she whispered before moving away from Kate.

Rick stopped his daughter before she could leave the office and pulled her into his arms. 'Don't go too hard on her,' he whispered.

Alexis leaned back so she could look up at her father. 'I'll try not to, dad,' Alexis said in mock seriousness. 'I'll see you guys soon,' Alexis moved from her dad's arms and quietly slipped out of the office.

'Gates is here?' Beckett asked, annoyed the Deputy Commissioner was able to sneak in without her knowing.

'Yeah, she arrived a few minutes ago,' Castle confirmed. 'But she could see you were talking with Alexis so decided to surprise your team instead,' he informed with a hint of sympathy as he walked over to his wife and sat in the seat vacated by his daughter. 'Captain,' he murmured before kissing his wife senseless. 'Rumour has it, this is your last day,' he said and smiled smugly as Beckett struggled to catch her breath.

'mm-hmm, maternity leave.'

'Really? Who's the lucky guy?' Castle bantered back, reaching out to caress his youngest.

'He's this really, hot, writer-man, you may have heard of him,' Kate giggled seductively as her husband caressed her neck with his lips.

'And who would that be?' Rick asked, pulling his wife against him.

'Michael Connelly.'

'Beckett,' Castle whined petulantly, feeling his wife laugh against him. 'But seriously, how are you doing?' he asked.

'Tired,' Beckett admitted while snuggling further into her husband.

'No I meant….'

'I know what you meant, babe,' Kate assured softly and squeezed her husband's hand where he was gently rubbing circles over her belly button. 'Just knowing I can talk to you about my greatest fears, without judgement or cynicism, is one of the reasons I'm so in love with you.'

'Just one?' Rick asked, pulling his wife closer to him, and buried his nose in her messy bun. 'It's been a long, hard, and at times, frustrating journey to this point,' he murmured.

'Yes it has,' Kate agreed. 'And there are still times I feel like I'm living in some parallel universe, and I'm terrified of waking up to find out I've been living a lie…ow,' Kate hissed while shifting around, trying to find a comfortable position to relieve the pressure from her back.

'Kate?' Rick asked, not even hiding his concern. 'What do you need?' he asked.

'To have this baby,' Kate whined. 'But right now, I'd be happy to…..,' Rick quickly moved out of the way as he watched his wife move so she could wiggle towards the edge of the couch. Realising what Kate was trying to achieve, Castle stood and held his hands out to support his wife's weight while she used his hands to pull herself up from the couch.

Watching Beckett slowly walk the confines of her office, Castle felt helpless, wishing there was more he could do to make his wife comfortable. 'What can I do?' he asked again as he watched her walk in a slow circle.

Beckett walked over to her husband, stretched her arms out, and grasped Rick's shoulders. Understanding what Kate needed, Castle threaded his arms around his wife and held her securely as she dropped her weight.

'Oh, God, that's good,' Beckett groaned when she felt her vertebrae pop and her spine stretch back into place. 'I've been desperate to do that all afternoon,' she sighed and rested her head on her husband's shoulder, allowing him to support her weight.

Rick gently kissed his wife's neck. 'Better?' he asked.

'Mmm…until the next time your daughter decides to use me as punching bag. She's out of room in there,' Kate complained.

'Hey, she's your daughter too,' Rick whined and groaned when Beckett slapped him on the back of his head, but wondered why she was suddenly pulling away from him.

'Sir,' Beckett said, only having just caught sight of her boss standing in the door way. 'Castle,' Kate hissed while trying to untangle herself from Castle, slapping her husband's hand away from where he was helping her straighten her shirt.

'Relax, Captain, you're on your own time now,' Gates laughed. 'Although the department still frowns on….over exuberant displays of affection in the office,' she warned, deliberately eyeballing Castle.

'Sorry, sir,' Castle apologised as he moved away from his wife. 'I'll leave you two to catch up,' Rick said as he bent down to place a final kiss on his wife's forehead.

'I'll see you in the break room,' Kate said, gently caressing her husband's cheek before she moved to sit behind her desk. As much as she loved her couch, her chair was much more practical.

Before Rick exited his wife's office, he stopped in front of the Deputy Commissioner. 'Sir, it's always good to see you,' he said warmly. 'And thank you for the support you've given both my wife and daughter. I really do appreciate it.'

Victoria Gates had always prided herself on never being lost for words. After all, she was a woman who'd risen through the ranks of the NYPD, and now, held the second most senior position within the force. But as Victoria stood looking up at the genuine expression of gratitude on the face of the man who'd been the thorn in her side during her time as captain of the twelfth, Gates realised she'd finally succumbed to Richard Castle's charm. And that annoyed her to no end.

'You're welcome, Mr Castle,' Gates replied, hoping the man didn't see her state of fluster.

Rick turned back to his wife with a cheeky grin. 'Told you she'd warm up to me,' he said. Beckett just rolled her eyes and shook her head.

Gates stood to her full five feet, four inches, placed her hands on her hips, and stared down at Richard Castle, much to the amusement of Beckett. 'No, Mr Castle, I haven't,' Gates informed, thankful the man had done something to annoy her. 'Now, might I suggest you go and help your partners in crime finish setting up your wife's surprise party, and in the future, don't send your daughter to do your dirty work.'

Castled turned to his wife and gave her sly wink before leaving the office.

'Sir, Castle didn't mean…'

'Relax, Captain,' Gates assured as she walked over to one of the chairs in front of the captain's desk and took a seat in front of Beckett. 'I've missed working with your husband, and if you repeat that to anyone, I'll not only deny it, I'll bust you back to traffic,' Victoria teased.

'Noted, sir,' Beckett smiled and tried to shift in her seat with as much dignity as she could.

'No, please stay where you are,' Gates said as she watched Kate struggle. 'I know better than to disturb a heavily pregnant woman once she's comfortable,' Victoria smiled as she sat down and crossed her legs. 'You look good Kate, pregnancy suites you.'

'Thank you, sir,' Kate answered with a scowl at how easily her boss made herself comfortable. 'I don't know about suiting me, but personally, I can't wait for this little one to get here,' she said, caressing her belly.

'Kate, if I can give you any advice at all, cherish these last few weeks. Before you know it, your babies will have grown up and left for college….although, they do tend to come back home a lot more often these day,' Gates said and smiled at Beckett's snort of laughter.

'Yes, I've noticed that,' Kate smiled.

'Trust me, Kate, you have nothing to worry about with Alexis. Your little girl will be starting a new phase of her life soon enough, so enjoy having her at home while you still can,' the older woman advised, but took in the look of doubt on the captain's face. 'And trust me, once this little one gets here, you won't have time to worry about anything other feedings, dirty diapers, and sleep. But there's something else bothering you, isn't there?' Gates asked, taking in Beckett's look of concern.

Beckett looked at her superior. She hadn't even told her husband what she was about to confess to her boss. Looking towards her office door, Kate ensured there was no-one in earshot.

'Kate, I promise whatever you say will stay between us,' Victoria assured.

'I haven't even told Castle this, but part of me is terrified of Alexis successfully becoming a cop,' Beckett confessed softly and continued at her boss' look of surprise. 'I've been doing this job over half my life, its second nature to me. It's one thing to help Alexis..…'

'Kate, you know better than anyone what a capable young woman Alexis is,' Victoria reminded. 'And regardless of how new your relationship is with her, you wouldn't be human if you didn't feel some semblance of trepidation,' Gates advised, looking at Kate with fondness. 'Welcome to motherhood, Captain,' was all the older woman said and smiled at the look of surprise on Kate's face.

Kate let out the breath she didn't realise she was holding and sighed with relief. 'Thank you, sir…..I worry sometimes that I'm changing too much, that I can't view my relationship with Alexis objectively anymore, or with this little one when she arrives,' Beckett admitted, looking down at her belly. 'She already has me wrapped around her little finger, and I haven't even met her yet,' she smiled in wonder.

'There's nothing wrong with change, Kate. Trust me when I say, from what I've witnessed, you're doing an amazing job with that young woman, and you'll do just as good a job with your youngest,' Victoria smiled. 'The only time you need to worry is when you start fighting the changes that are good for you,' she said knowingly. 'And speaking of change, I know we discussed your fears last week, particularly about going on maternity leave, but how are you feeling today?'

Beckett looked around her office and out over the precinct floor suspiciously devoid of people. 'While I still feel some apprehension, I'm more comfortable with going on leave today than I was last week.' Kate looked down to where her hand was subconsciously rubbing her belly. Her life had changed so much in the past two years. 'Thank you for your frank and honest discussion last week, sir,' Beckett said, looking back at her superior. 'I just wish I'd sought your counsel sooner,' she admitted.

'Kate, despite common conjecture to the contrary, just because you're a woman does not mean you automatically know what to do with a baby,' Gates informed. 'I remember when I was pregnant with my eldest daughter, I was absolutely terrified,' Victoria admitted and uncrossed her legs so she could lean forward to rest her elbows on her knees. 'Having an overbearing and opinionated mother-in-law only made my complete lack of self confidence in my abilities as a mother even worse, but eventually, with help from my own mother and listening to my instincts, I got the hang of it.' Gates watched Beckett swallow heavily at the mention of her mother and mentally kicked herself. 'Kate I'm sorry…'

'No, sir, please it's okay,' Beckett tried but failed miserably in her assurance, and cursed when she felt the sting of tears. 'It's the only regret I really have,' she whispered with a shrug, not knowing what else to say.

Victoria sat up and looked at the younger woman. 'Kate, I can't imagine how difficult this must be for you, not having your mother in your life, particularly now,' she began and felt her heart clench as she watched Beckett nod and her chin quiver. 'But as your friend, I want you know that I'm here for you for whatever help you may need, and as your superior, I'm here for whatever support you need when you return to work, or if you chose to follow another direction in your life,' Victoria comforted, smiling at the look of relief on Beckett's face.

'Thank you, sir. I know we touched on the topic last week, but it's comforting to know I'll have a smooth transition when I'm ready to come back,' Kate said, her voice hoarse. 'It's been one thing to watch how women, such as yourself, balance work and family. I honestly don't know how I'm going to do it,' Beckett admitted, giving a voice to one of her greatest fears.

'Kate, you've already been doing it,' Victoria said and smiled at the look of confusion on Kate's face. 'What you've achieved in the past eighteen months is nothing short of extraordinary. You've gotten married, and have somehow adapted to being Mr Castle's wife,' Gates teased. 'Not only have you taken on the responsibility of someone else's child, but you've adopted her and fallen pregnant all while being one of the best damn homicide cops in this city who was then promoted to captain,' Gates listed. 'I'm exhausted just rattling off that list of achievements,' she exclaimed.

'But Alexis is…'

'An adult, I know, and she was probably born that way, but let me tell you Kate, you don't stop being someone's parent just because they turn twenty one, and you never stop worrying about your kids, regardless of how old they are,' Victoria said knowingly. 'And if this little one is anything like her sister, then you have nothing to worry about.'

'And if she's like her dad?' Kate asked with an impish smile.

'Be thankful Mr Castle enjoys being a stay at home dad, and up your insurance premiums.'

Beckett rolled her eyes and shook her head. 'That's…..actually good advice,' Kate laughed. 'And, Sir, I know you've always questioned Castle's involvement with this precinct….'

'Captain,' Gate's said, interrupting Beckett. 'I've always viewed Mr Castle's involvement at the Twelfth as…unconventional at best, exasperating at worst. Your husband and I would never consider ourselves friends, but I know Richard Castle is a good man,' Victoria stressed and continued at Beckett's encouragement. 'I've witnessed him move heaven and earth for the people he loves. You're in the enviable position of having a husband who's not only secure in who he is and his career, but would do everything in his power to ensure you reach your goals, regardless if it's here,' Gates said, looking around the office she would re-occupy next week. 'Or bigger and better things, Kate, the possibilities are endless.'

'And if I choose a different path?' Beckett asked.

Gate's looked at her captain and saw a momentary flash of conflict. 'Only you will know what's right for you,' Victoria said knowingly. 'So listen to your instinct. My door is always open if you need a sounding board.'

Beckett looked at her superior and knew she was witnessing one of the rare moments Gates let her guard down to show the woman behind the Deputy Commissioner. 'Thank you, sir. I will definitely take you up on that offer,' Kate said, genuinely thankful for all the support her boss had given her over the past year.

'Good,' Victoria said and blushed when she heard her stomach rumble. 'Now, I really hope someone's coming to get you for your party soon because I'm starving.'

'Girl, you know about your surprise party?' Lanie exclaimed at the doorway, causing both women to jump. 'It was writer boy, wasn't it?' the ME asked in smug satisfaction. 'Javier wouldn't listen to me when I told him you'd figure out what he and Ryan were up to, or that Castle wouldn't be able to keep his mouth shut,' she sassed as she entered the office and took a seat next to Gates.

'Wrong Castle, and I honestly didn't figure it out until this afternoon,' Beckett admitted.

'Alexis cracked?' Lanie asked with scepticism. 'She obviously takes after her father then. I had such high hopes for her,' Lanie sighed and turned to the woman sitting next to her. 'Sir…'

'Don't blame me,' Gates teased. 'I just came by to wish Captain Beckett the best for her leave,' she justified.

'Kate….'

'Lanie, I promise, I'll act surprised,' Kate assured and cursed the fact that Mouse was now awake again as she shifted in her seat trying to wake up her legs.

'Yo, Beckett, you knew about your party?'

'Who knew about the party?' Kevin asked, following his partner in the Captain's office. 'You know Beckett?'

'Bro, I told you Little C couldn't do it.'

'I couldn't do what?' Alexis asked as she followed Ryan into her mom's office.

'Yeah, well in Alexis' defence, nobody else volunteered,' Kevin said and realised Beckett was right when she said he was the peace maker.

Alexis looked at the detectives in disbelief. 'You're blaming me? I never wanted to be part of this in the first place,' she argued.

'If she can't survive being interrogated by Beckett, how's she going to survive the psych evals,' Javier argued and leaned against the wall next to the door frame and crossed his arms.

Alexis turned to her mom. 'You told them?' she asked. 'You didn't even know if I knew yet.' Alexis turned to the Deputy Commissioner, and even though Gates maintained eye contact, challenging the young woman, Alexis knew Gates must have told her mom, who then told Kevin and Javier.

'Ah, guys, you do know the party's supposed to be in the breakroom, don't you?' Castle asked from the doorway.

'Dude, you knew Beckett knew?'

'And here we were blaming your daughter,' Ryan complained.

'Oh, no, Alexis let the team down? The damage was already done by the time I got here.'

'Seriously, dad?!'

'Castle!'

'Enough! All of you!' Gates exclaimed and stood, staring down her troops. 'Everybody out, now,' she directed, pointing towards the office door.

Rick went to move into the office, but saw the look on Lanie's face. Realising the two women needed a few minutes alone, he encouraged everyone to make their way towards the breakroom. 'I'll see you in a few,' Castle mouthed to his wife.

'Thank you,' she whispered back before using the desk to push herself up out of her chair.

'Oh, Kate….,' Lanie sighed once the office had been cleared. Kate could hear the slight waver in her friend's voice.

'Lanie….'

'Girl…oh, I'm sorry I'm getting so emotional,' the ME apologised, fanning her face with her hand, trying to get her emotions under control. 'Who'd have thought, eight years ago when you arrested an arrogant jackass, albeit, ruggedly handsome and brilliant writer, you'd end up marrying him and having his baby?' Lanie teased walking over to her best friend.

Kate shook her head. 'That definitely makes two of us,' Beckett agreed. 'But now, I couldn't imagine my life any other way.'

'Sweetie, I'm just so glad you got the chance to live the life you deserve to live,' Lanie said. 'Especially considering how pathetic your love life was when you met Castle,' the ME joked.

'Oh, God, when I think back to who I was back then…you're right, my life in general sucked.'

'Yeah, and not in a good way,' Lanie teased, laughing when Beckett screwed up her face.

'Lanie, you've been spending way too much time with Esposito,' Kate sassed, giving her friend a knowing look.

'Oh, no, girlfriend, that ship's sailed,' Lanie stated with finality while waggling her finger. 'Javier and I realised a while ago that we're better off as friends.'

'And you're happy with that?' Beckett asked.

'I'm just realistic, Kate. Javier and I had fun, and I really like the guy, but when we both realised that we never felt for each other what you and Castle, or Kevin and Jenny, feel for each other, we realised we'd be better off as friends…..with the occasional benefit,' Lanie said cheekily.

'Just so long as you don't let that get in the way when someone worthy of Doctor Lanie Parish comes along,' Beckett said.

'Well, listen to you Mrs Pot calling the kettle black,' the ME sassed. 'Never thought I'd see the day you'd be giving me relationship advice.'

'What can I say, I learnt from the best,' Kate said.

'Yeah, I am a pretty good teacher, hu?' Lanie agreed and looked at her friend. 'Damn, girl, you make pregnancy look sexy,' she said. 'How the hell can you still be so drop dead gorgeous while lugging a kid around inside you?' the ME complained.

Beckett rolled her eyes and placed the lid on the box of stuff she was taking home with her. 'Lanie, I feel like I'm the size of a house. The last time I saw my feet was two months ago, I have to pee every five minutes, and I have a basketball with appendages turning my innards into a boxing ring. Believe me, there is nothing sexy or gorgeous about being nine months pregnant….ow!' Kate exclaimed and rubbed her rib cage just below her right breast.

'Hmm, well it would seem Mouse disagrees with her mom,' Lanie laughed and walked to stand in front Kate. 'Can I?' she asked, holding out her hand.

'Of course you can,' Beckett said and placed the ME's hand just under her right breast where her daughter was most active.

'Oh,' Lanie inhaled with wonder. 'Wow, I'd say she takes after writer boy, but I've seen you kick in a door,' she laughed and placed her other hand on the bottom of Kate's stomach and nodded. 'And she feels like she's in the right position…what?' Lanie asked at Kate's raised brow. 'Girl, you think that just because I work with dead people that I don't know anything about living people?' she asked with her brow raised, not even hiding her indignity.

'I didn't say a thing,' Kate shrugged. 'But how do I know you haven't been talking to Colleen?' Beckett challenged.

'Because, Captain Beckett, that would be breaching doctor-patient confidentiality,' the ME answered with a smug smile. 'See, I know some layer things too,' Lanie sassed. 'Now, we'd better get you to your surprise party before the boys send out a search party,' Lanie said while grabbing her best friend's hand and pulling her towards the office door.

'You know, I'm only gone three months. The boys didn't have to go to so much trouble.'

Lanie stopped and looked back at her friend. 'Kate, just last week, you sat on my couch and told me you were worried about losing the respect of the people under you, terrified of losing your identity. Well Captain, there's a room full of people on this floor who have nothing but the utmost respect for you and want to wish you well. So suck it up, girlfriend, and enjoy your party.'

Beckett, taken aback by her friend's chastisement, could only nod her head. 'Yes, Doctor,' she smiled and continued to follow Lanie towards the breakroom, the faint sound of voices becoming louder the closer she got.

'Have you worked your signal out with Castle for when you want to leave?' the ME asked.

'You just told me to enjoy my party,' Beckett exclaimed.

'Girl, could you at least hide the fact you wanna go home and ravish your husband,' Lanie teased.

'Lanie!'

The ME stopped and folded her arms, her facial features daring the Captain to disagree with her.

'Fine,' Kate grumbled, and continued to follow the ME towards the breakroom.

Stopping to take a moment to survey the scene in front of her, Beckett looked on in fondness at the group of people currently congregated in and around the precinct's kitchen. These people were her family. They'd all experienced the best and worst of humanity together.

She watched on in amusement at her daughter who was having a very animated conversation with a couple of young uniforms new to the precinct. No doubt picking their brains for anything that would help her through the final stages of her journey to joining the NYPD.

Ryan, Espo, and Gates were arguing about something. Judging by the cheeky smile on Esposito's face, and the incredulous look on her boss', Beckett could tell it was light-hearted.

Sensing him standing behind her, Kate realised why her husband wasn't in the middle of the conversation. After all, winding up Deputy Commissioner Gates was one of Castle's favourite pass times.

'You ready?' he whispered as he wound his arms around his wife.

Nodding in affirmation, Kate leaned in as Castle placed a gentle kiss just above her right ear.

'What's your 'get me out of here' word? We have the loft to ourselves for the weekend,' he said suggestively and groaned when Beckett elbowed him in the ribs. 'Okay I'll just wait for the Bat signal, or something,' Castle agreed and unwound himself from his wife.

'Not that I'm complaining, but where's Alexis gonna be this weekend?' Beckett asked, feeling a small stab of hurt at her daughter not talking to her about her plans.

'Something about apartment sitting for a friend,' Rick informed and took his wife's hand.

'She's an adult, she can do what she wants,' Kate shrugged, trying to sound casual.

Castle stopped and turned to his wife. 'Alexis only told me this morning, so it's not like she was deliberately holding out on you,' he said knowingly.

'Will Henry be staying with her?' Beckett asked with a teasing smile, feeling a strange sense of relief that Alexis hadn't told her father either.

'Beckett, there are some aspects of our daughters life I just don't want to think about,' he shuddered and led his wife towards the small crowd of people. 'Now let's get this party started, shall we?'

Beckett looked down to where she was subconsciously caressing her youngest. 'Let's go celebrate, Mouse, and we'll have words with your sister later,' she whispered.

Putting on her game face, Beckett made sure she acted appropriately surprised as she was greeted by her precinct and put her feelings of fear and insecurity to the back of her mind for the moment because these people were her family.