Breaking the News

Kate Beckett sat at her desk, staring at her phone. The morning rush of the bullpen was beginning to settle into its usual hum, and she knew this was the time. She had to tell Captain Montgomery. Her hand instinctively drifted to her still-flat stomach as if for reassurance, her mind racing about how to start the conversation. Castle wasn't there yet, which was a blessing. He'd inevitably make this harder by inserting himself into the discussion, even unintentionally. Kate sighed and stood, walking toward the captain's office before she could lose her nerve.

Roy Montgomery looked up from his paperwork when she knocked lightly on the doorframe. "Beckett," he greeted, gesturing for her to come in. "What's on your mind?"

Kate stepped inside, closing the door behind her. She crossed her arms over her chest, suddenly feeling exposed under the captain's watchful gaze. "Sir, I need to talk to you about something… personal."

Montgomery set his pen down, leaning back in his chair. "Alright. What's going on?"

Taking a deep breath, she sat down in one of the chairs across from his desk. "I wanted to tell you before it becomes obvious. I'm… I'm pregnant."

For a moment, Montgomery's face lit up in surprise. "Well, congratulations, Beckett!" he said warmly. "I didn't even know you and Castle were—"

"No," Kate interrupted, her cheeks flushing bright red. "No, it's not Castle's."

The captain froze, his expression shifting to confusion. "Oh. I just assumed—"

"It's Tom's," she said quietly, her voice steady despite the awkwardness. "I found out after… after he died."

Montgomery's expression softened, and he let out a long breath. "I'm sorry, Kate. I didn't mean to put you in an uncomfortable spot."

"It's fine," she said quickly, waving it off. "I just thought you should know. I don't plan on letting this interfere with my work, but I understand if you—"

"Stop right there," Montgomery said firmly. "You're one of the best detectives I've ever had. This doesn't change that. And as far as I'm concerned, you'll have my full support."

Kate's shoulders relaxed slightly. "Thank you, sir."

Montgomery leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. "Listen, Beckett. I know this probably isn't how you pictured things going, but there are some practical matters you should think about."

She tilted her head, curious. "What do you mean?"

"Survivor benefits," Montgomery said. "Tom didn't have any family, right?" Kate nodded. "Not that I know of. He was a foster kid."

"That means your child could qualify for survivor benefits through Tom's pension and Social Security," he explained. "It's not a fortune, but it's something. You should also look into any benefits the department might offer for fallen officers. Tom would've wanted to ensure his child was cared for."

Kate blinked, surprised. She hadn't even considered that.

"I didn't know."

Montgomery's expression softened further. "I know this isn't easy, Kate. And I know you're used to doing everything yourself, but this is bigger than you now. It's okay to lean on people when you need to."

Her throat tightened, and she looked away, not wanting him to see the emotion in her eyes. "Thanks, sir."

"And one more thing," Montgomery added, his tone shifting to something almost fatherly. "Castle."

Kate looked back at him, startled. "What about him?"

"He's a good man," Montgomery said simply. "I've seen how he looks at you and is always there when you need him. Don't let your pride or your fear get in the way of something real. Life's too short to lose another chance."

Kate's mouth opened to respond, but no words came. She wasn't sure what to say, and the captain didn't push her. Instead, he stood and walked around the desk, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"You're going to be a great mom, Kate. And whatever happens, you've got a family here at the 12th."

She nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you, sir."

As she left his office, Kate felt a mix of emotions swirling in her chest—relief, gratitude, and something else she couldn't quite name. She glanced at Castle's empty chair across the bullpen and let out a small sigh. Maybe Montgomery was right. Maybe it was time to stop keeping one foot out the door.

She has two more people who need to know her secret. Kate paced in the precinct's break room, the usual hum of activity muffled by the closed door. She'd asked Ryan and Esposito to meet her there before the morning briefing, her stomach tightening with nerves.

When they entered, their usual banter faded as they noticed her serious expression.

"What's up, Beckett?" Esposito asked, leaning against the counter.

Kate took a deep breath, crossing her arms over her chest. "I need to tell you guys something."

Ryan's brow furrowed. "You're not leaving, are you?"

"No," she said quickly, shaking her head. "But this does change things. I'm pregnant."

For a moment, silence hung in the room. Then Esposito broke it with a low whistle. "Wow. Okay. That's... big news."

Ryan's eyes softened. "Congratulations, Beckett."

"Thanks," she said, her lips twitching into a small smile. "It's Tom's. I found out after..."

Her voice faltered, but she steadied herself. "After everything that happened."

"We're here for you," Ryan said, his voice sincere. "Whatever you need."

"Actually, there is something," she admitted, glancing between them. "I've been spending a lot of time with Castle lately. He's been... supportive. I just thought you should know."

Esposito's eyebrows shot up. "Supportive? Is that what they're calling it now?"

Kate rolled her eyes, but her cheeks flushed. "It's not like that. At least, not yet. But he's been... there for me in a way I didn't expect."

Ryan's smile widened. "We're happy for you, Beckett. Both of you."