Tuesdays with Johanna

by evitascarlett

A Redemption Universe Story: Rick Castle is determined that despite a multitude of misunderstandings and wounded feelings, Johanna Beckett is going to be his "third time is a charm" type of mother-in-law…whether she wants to be or not; because he wants his family to be completely healed and happy before Johanna uncovers the underlying reasons for his mission. CastleFicathon2018

21. Chapter 21

A/N: Thanks for your reviews!

Chapter 21

After parking his car in the garage, Castle got out and waited for Johanna to exit her own car. He couldn't help but wonder if she was stalling as he watched her fiddle with things in the car and then check her purse. Was she really that uncomfortable visiting their home? He thought that knowing that his mother and Alexis weren't there would take the pressure off of her…but maybe not…after all, he was still there and that seemed to be a different type of pressure, one he hadn't found a cure for. He wished it wasn't that way and despite his bravado, he wasn't exactly sure how to make her feel more comfortable about the idea of visiting. They couldn't force her to come over…they couldn't guarantee there wouldn't be any faux pas or incidents. It was something that would need thought and concentrated effort. He was good at those things; at least he thought so. The problem was, Johanna Beckett didn't always cooperate.

Castle breathed deeply as her car door opened; he was surprised he had gotten her to come by today. That felt like slight progress…and he had to be careful not to blow it. Johanna got out of her car, closing the door and locking it before dropping her keys into her purse. Castle watched her as she glanced around the parking garage before walking toward him.

"Does the garage make you nervous?" he asked.

"A little…too many shadows for people to hide in," Johanna answered.

"Is that a feeling you've always had or does it stem from…," he trailed off, unsure of what to call it. The Bracken debacle? The incident? The Wyoming era? The past? Nothing seemed quite right; especially when it was a painful period of time to refer to in the first place.

"It's something I've always felt," she remarked. "My mother never liked them either. I've probably watched too many cop shows over the course of my life…and as a woman, my mother and grandmother always warned me about places to be wary of as they might pose the risk of danger."

"Your father didn't warn you about places like parking garages?"

"No; he only warned me about backseats."

"Backseats?" Castle repeated.

"Yeah; he told me to stay out of them."

He smirked a little in amusement. "Did you listen?" he couldn't help but ask.

She glanced at him. "For a good while."

"And then?"

"None of your business."

Castle laughed. "That pretty much points to guilt. Does Jim know about this?" he teased.

"I certainly hope so; he's the one who finally talked me into it," she stated as she started walking across the garage in the direction of the elevator.

"Somehow I knew I shouldn't have gone down that road," he remarked lightly as he caught up to her.

"You never learn, Rick."

"Apparently not," he replied, figuring he better find another topic and keep her talking, thinking that it might keep her relaxed about stopping by. Returning to their lunch topic seemed like a safe avenue. "So, do you talk about me to Maggie?"

"Yes," his mother-in-law replied.

He smiled. "Do you brag about me really well?"

"Who said I brag?" she asked. "I don't recall saying that at all."

He eyed her warily. "What do you tell her?"

Johanna smiled. "Wouldn't you like to know?"

"Yes," he said as they reached the elevator. "Are you telling her bad things about me?"

"I tell her things I feel a need to share."

"Why?" Castle asked as he pushed the button.

"Well, for one thing, she's my best friend. Second, Maggie doesn't get to know her son-in-law so I have to make her feel better by letting her know that they're not as much fun as they sound like in books and on TV."

He smirked in amusement. "And how do you accomplish making her feel better about that?"

"I tell her to look on the bright side; at least she doesn't have to go to 'be a better mother-in-law' lunches."

The elevator doors slid open and they stepped inside. "What does Maggie say about that?"

"She says she wouldn't go and that I must be mellowing with age…because if this was the 70s, I would've done smacked the stupid out of you."

Castle laughed as he pushed the button for his floor. "I see why you and Maggie are such good friends…and you're not all that mellow."

"That's what I told her."

"What does she say to that?"

Johanna gripped her purse strap tightly. "She always asks why I go and I tell her the truth…I only have one child and I'm desperate to stay in her life in any way I'm allowed. Chrissy might hate Maggie but Maggie also still has two other children who don't hate her…so, she's not totally abandoned in the children scheme of things."

Castle allowed that sentiment to settle as the elevator began to rise. "Kate always wants you, even when things are difficult."

"I would like for the difficult times to be few and far between…that's why I try to find a comfortable balance."

"I think maybe you do a little better with that than you think."

She glanced at him. "If that was true, I wouldn't be attending 'be a better mother-in-law lunches."

He smiled. "You really like calling them that; don't you?"

"I call it as I see it," she replied; "And I've only bailed once so you can't say I haven't cooperated with it."

"Is that a loose definition of cooperate that you're using?"

"Don't start," Johanna warned.

Castle nodded. "Right. We're going to have a nice visit."

She hoped so, Johanna thought to herself; but she wouldn't let her guard down too much just in case.

---

While Castle had been gone, Kate had managed a small nap but the emptiness of her stomach had kept her from sleeping as long as she would've liked. She sighed a little as she stood in the kitchen, contemplating what her stomach could handle. She was getting sick of saltines that was for sure. She glanced toward the refrigerator; she'd probably be able to find something easier if she opened the door and looked inside to take stock of what they had but she knew the cartons of leftover Chinese food were in there…and just the sight of them would probably make her sick.

Kate grimaced at the thought of being sick again; her muscles ached from being so sick the night before and she couldn't help worrying if that would impact the baby…although she was sure the baby was accustomed to her throwing up. Another sigh crossed her lips as her stomach grumbled; really she knew what she wanted to eat…she had been craving it on and off all morning but wasn't sure she could stand to cook it herself.

The scrape of a key in the lock pulled her from her thoughts as the door opened. "Castle?" she called out.

"It's me," her husband answered. "I brought you something."

"If it's takeout, go throw it away," she replied; "I think I'm off takeout for awhile."

"Nope, not takeout," Castle said as he stepped into her view, Johanna trailing behind him. "I caused your mother concern for your wellbeing and persuaded her to come check on you."

Kate smiled as her eyes met her mother's, her feet carrying her forward to embrace her. "Hi, Mom."

"Hi, sweetheart," Johanna said as she hugged her tightly. "How are you feeling?" she asked, pulling back just enough to lay her hand against her daughter's forehead and cheek, checking for signs of fever.

"Better than last night," Kate answered.

"You're pale," her mother remarked. "We need to get some color back into your cheeks."

"I know; I look like hell. I was sick a lot."

"I know, Rick told me. No more Chinese food," Johanna stated.

"Yeah; that's what the doctor said too."

"You called the doctor?" Castle asked.

"Yeah," his wife answered; "I just wanted to see if she thought it was the food too…she agreed and said no more Chinese food…and believe me, I don't think I ever want to eat Chinese food again."

"Yeah, might've put me off of it too," Castle remarked with a grimace.

"I really am sorry about your shoes," Kate said.

"Not your fault," he told her. "I'm the one who took them off outside the bathroom door and left them there."

"I know; but I feel bad for getting sick on them before I made it to the sink."

"It's fine," he said with a smile. "Don't worry about it. I've got other shoes."

"Yeah; but you had to clean up the mess."

"You're my wife, cleaning up when your sick isn't a big deal. Besides, you're not the first person I've had to clean up after."

"I know…but I got cranky too…"

"It's okay; I'm getting used to your mood swings," he said and then seeing Johanna grimace slightly, he smiled sheepishly; "I probably should've worded that better."

"It's fine," Kate said; "I know, I'm a bitch."

"You're not!" he said, his eyes widening. "I never thought that."

"It's okay if you do…I know I am; I hear myself."

Castle glanced to Johanna. "Help me," he whispered.

She smiled a little, her hand rubbing against her daughter's back. "You're not a bitch, sweetheart; you're just pregnant…and remember, I told you, husbands understand mood swings and they forgive them in this circumstance…right, Rick?"

"Yes, absolutely; I don't take it personally at all…besides, it's partially my fault…you didn't get this way alone."

"That's true," Kate stated.

"Yes…and sometimes I don't heed your warnings when you're feeling a little moody and I just keep going…"

"He does have that habit," Johanna agreed.

"See," Castle said with a smile; "Even your mother can agree me with me on this topic so we must be right."

A small smile tugged at Kate's lips. "I just feel like a mess today."

"Well it's no wonder," Johanna consoled. "You shouldn't have sent Rick to lunch; he should've been here with you."

"I was having a moment," her daughter replied. "I needed him to go."

Castle smiled at his mother-in-law. "See, I told you…she yelled at me to come home, Kate."

"Well of course she did," his wife stated. "Did she hit you with her purse? Because she's been known to do that on occasion."

"No, but thanks for the warning," he answered. "Speaking of which, Johanna, why don't you let me put your purse and jacket in the closet so you can stay awhile."

"I just wanted to check on Katie," she said; "I don't want to intrude when Katie's home from work today."

"You're not intruding; I told you that."

"I know; but I figure you probably don't get a lot of time alone here, especially on a week day and I know I value my time alone with my husband and I assume Katie values her time as well," Johanna remarked.

"We have a lot of time together," Kate remarked.

"She's right," Castle stated; "So, again, you're not intruding…you'd be doing me a favor if you stay actually."

"How's that?" his mother-in-law asked.

"If you stay, you can keep her company while I do some writing; I have a deadline for one of the Nikki Heat novellas and I need to get some work done…so really you'd be doing me a favor and keeping me from feeling like a neglectful husband."

Johanna glanced to Kate who had slipped her hand into hers. "Yeah, why don't you stay for awhile? We can watch Temptation Lane together like we always did on sick days."

Her mother smiled and squeezed her hand. "Okay, I'll stay," she told her, although she still wasn't sure it was the best thing to do.

"You didn't have anything else to do, did you?" Kate asked.

"No; I didn't have any other plans for today. I already ran my errands and I did my grading last night. I'm free to keep you company."

"Good," she said with a smile. "I'm glad you came."

"Me too," Johanna replied as she handed her purse to Castle and then her jacket as well.

"Did you get a new jacket?" Kate asked.

"Yeah; it's a little heavier than the blue one you got me. That one was on sale over the weekend while your father and I were out, he got it for me."

"I like it; it looks nice on you too."

"Thank you. Have you ate anything today?"

"Just some crackers."

"Were you sick while I was out," Castle asked as he returned to the kitchen.

"No; I've been fine," she answered.

"You should try to eat something a little more substantial if it's been awhile since the last time you were sick," Johanna said. "I know you probably don't feel like it, but you need to for the baby this time."

"Actually, I am starting to feel a little hungry," Kate replied; a small smile on her lips. "I know what I want but I don't know if I can cook it without turning my stomach."

"What do you want?" her mother asked.

"Scrambled eggs," she answered; "Will you make me scrambled eggs?"

"Of course I will," Johanna remarked; but then glimpsing her son-in-law, she thought that maybe she shouldn't be so quick to volunteer; she didn't want to step on his toes. He was her husband; he'd want to take care of her. "Unless Rick wants to do that."

Castle shook his head, knowing that she was being cautious, trying not to overstep. "No; it's fine, you can do it."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah; I make her breakfast all the time lately; you're free to take a shift," he replied lightly. "You're on the breakfast for lunch shift."

A smile crossed her lips. "Alright; I'll gladly take that shift. Do you want some toast with it, Katie?"

"Yeah…and I want strawberry jelly on it."

Johanna regarded her with a raised brow. "I thought you preferred grape? I know I had to start buying you grape once you got attached to it at your grandmother's house when you were little."

"I know, but I just have this craving for strawberry jelly on toast and scrambled eggs," Kate replied. "Is it too early to be getting cravings?"

"No; you're right on schedule," Johanna replied. "Rick; you want to help me get the things I need together? I don't want to go poking through your fridge and the cupboards."

"We have nothing to hide in the fridge or the cupboards," he remarked as he moved further into the kitchen and got her a skillet and the utensils she needed, along with the required dishes.

"We don't have any strawberry jelly," Kate said as she looked through the cupboard; a small hint of disappointment in her voice.

"I can run to the store up the street and get you strawberry jelly," Castle remarked; "It's not a problem."

"But you have work to do on your book; I should've checked and called before you got home."

"Kate; it's not a problem to run to the store; it won't take long. Do we need anything else?"

"How about some orange juice, Katie? It might help you feel better and it'll get some more vitamins into you."

She nodded. "Get us more orange juice; the bottle in the fridge is almost empty."

Castle took his notebook from his pocket and started jotting the items down. "Anything else we need or want?"

Kate thought for a moment. "Mom, what were those crackers Grandma Liz always gave everyone when they had an upset stomach? I've been trying to remember and meant to ask you; I haven't had them in a long time."

"Graham crackers," Johanna answered. "Get her a box of those, Rick; that way she can have an alternative to saltines so she doesn't get tired of them."

"Got it," he said as he wrote it down.

"Get some more Sprite too," Kate added; "And that should do it for now…except there is one thing I want you to do for me."

"Name it," her husband replied.

"Those leftovers from last night…please take them out of the fridge…and out of the loft and throw them away. I can't bring myself to open the fridge because I know they're in there and looking at them is going to make me sick," she stated.

"No problem," Castle said as he got a trash bag. "Johanna, hold the bag open; Kate turn your back and maybe walk a few feet away just in case."

"Count on it," she said as she walked to the other end of the loft, keeping her back to the kitchen as Castle hoped the fridge and took out the containers, tossing them into the bag Johanna held open for him. When he finished, she tied the bag shut and handed it to him.

"Okay; it's in the bag and I'm leaving to get rid of it and then run to the store; I'll be right back," he stated.

"We'll be here," Kate told him, keeping her back to him as he headed to the door.

"Rick; let us know when you're on your way back and I'll start the eggs then," Johanna stated.

"No problem," he said before opening the door and slipping outside.

"Alright, Katie; it's safe," Johanna said.

Kate turned around and made her way back to the kitchen, slipping onto one of the bar stools at the counter. "So, how was lunch?"

"It was fine."

"Just fine?"

"Yes."

Kate eyed her mother. "Are you sure about that?"

Johanna met her gaze. "I'm here aren't I? Would I be here in your home if things hadn't been fine?"

"You might be if you were worried enough," she replied.

"I was worried but I could've called. It was fine."

"Okay," Kate replied. "What was today's topic?"

"Nothing really," Johanna said. "He talked about you being sick and I told him no more Chinese food. I also told him I'd find you the tea your grandmother gave me; it should help with the sickness."

"That would be nice…last night I felt really stupid for being upset about not being sick a few days ago."

"I told you it would be back."

"I know…and I'm sure it makes you happy to say I told you so."

"It doesn't make me happy that you're sick but some things I know."

"Yeah; I know…you've been telling me that all my life."

Johanna smiled. "And one day you're child will hate it when you do the same thing…God I hope it's a girl."

"I've gotten that memo too," Kate replied, a smile tugging at her lips. "I don't know what you're going to do if it's a boy."

"I'll cry a little but I'll love it just the same and hope for a girl for the next time."

"Whatever the case may be; I don't think my child is going to like Chinese food so apparently it's already taking after you."

Johanna narrowed her eyes at her slightly, a gleam of amusement shining in them. "You say that like it's a bad thing."

"Oh I'd never do that," Kate said dramatically.

"Uh huh; but if I was you, I'd avoid all Asian food until after the baby is born."

"Believe me, I don't even want to see a menu for a Chinese place," she replied with a grimace.

"I know the feeling; you put me off hot dogs for years…and really, I still don't eat them all that often. It's a shame too; I always liked having a hot dog at a baseball game or at a picnic."

"That explains why you declined them so often," Kate remarked. "I just always figured you were a little bit of a picky eater."

"No; pregnancy ruined them for me but it's alright; they're not all that good for you anyway. At least that's what they claim, who really knows?"

Kate smiled a little. "So what else did you discuss at lunch today?"

Johanna rolled her eyes. "When I blocked him on Facebook. Can I have a drink?"

"The fridge is four steps away from you, Mom; help yourself."

Johanna went to the fridge and took out a bottle of water. She opened it and took a long drink as her daughter eyed her.

"I think your topic was probably more about when you blocked us on Facebook," Kate remarked. "I still can't believe you blocked me!"

"Oh please; you didn't even notice. You would've never known if you hadn't ran into Alicia," her mother replied. "You had already been blocked for three months."

"I can't believe you blocked me for three months!"

Johanna shrugged. "It's not like I disowned you."

"I think Facebook blocking is the first step in the process," Kate stated; "And after I was unblocked; I did see that cute little quote you shared about ungrateful daughters."

"I was having a moment," her mother replied. "It struck a chord when I saw it."

"Mhmm…I suppose you can say the same for the quote about children who don't come around unless they want something."

She nodded. "Yeah; I was still having a moment…I had some very long moments during those months."

"Yeah; I really liked the picture of you and Dad dressed up for the wedding and the remark that 'the nightmare is almost over'."

"I heard about that one at lunch; you can ask your husband for a recap on that one," Johanna replied. "Sorry if it offended you."

"Oh no, it didn't offend me…why be offended three months later?" she asked. "After all, I think I pretty much knew your feelings about the situation at the time."

"It was good that your father had to go to London for that research project," Johanna replied. "I got to go with him, get away from everything…you were away…we didn't associate for six weeks. It was a little reset button and you're unblocked on Facebook; all is well."

"Sounds like you don't want to discuss this topic," Kate said lightly.

"Nothing to discuss; it's my page, it's private, only people I trust are on my friends list and I can post what I want."

Kate laughed. "Yeah; that's avoidance along with a defense argument for the jury."

"Call it what you want," Johanna replied. "It's still the truth."

"Mhmm. I was shocked though that you blocked me."

"Well if it makes you feel any better; I was surprised that you hadn't blocked me before I blocked you."

"I wouldn't block you."

Johanna eyed her knowingly. "You didn't block me because you didn't think of it."

Kate smirked at her. "I did have other things on my mind at the time."

"I know…just like I know it was petty to block you but it was just one of those things, you know? I just needed to know I did something even if it was stupid."

"The yelling and threats of boycott weren't enough?"

"No; they barely scratched the surface," Johanna replied. "Really I wanted to smack the hell out of you but I was afraid I'd bruise you and that wouldn't look good on your wedding pictures."

Kate laughed. "So Facebook blocking was your way of showing restraint?"

"Something like that. It was a difficult time."

"Yeah, I know…I was there."

Johanna took a seat on the stool beside her. "It's over now though; things are better now."

Her daughter nodded. "Yeah…but I wasn't sure they ever would be at the time."

"Yeah, me neither…but we don't need to talk about that today."

A change of topic did seem like a good idea, Kate thought to herself. They didn't need to review the melee of the early portion of the year. "How's work?"

"It's good," she answered; "How about yours?"

"Slow the last few weeks but I shouldn't complain about that…not only for myself but for the human race."

"True," Johanna remarked. "I know I'm always glad when you're having a slow week."

"I know, Mom…but it hasn't been six months since your last 'find a safer job' comment."

"Yes; but now you're pregnant so I can move that up if I so chose."

"Choose not to move it up."

"It's been wiped from my mind," Johanna replied, waving her with a graceful flourish. I should have you come to my class when we run through our mock cases; you could play the cop they have to have on the stand."

"That would be fun…but I unfortunately don't have the time for that with my real job as a cop."

"That's why I wish you could be there; you're a real cop…instead of having to have one of the students take that role. Any chance you could finagle it? Your Captain wouldn't mind you participating in educating the next set of legal minds would she?"

"I think she'd want me to do my job…but you can take Rick; he's been to court before and he likes to play cop."

"It's not the same," she sighed.

"Why not?"

"Because; I thought it would be nice if it was you…we'd get to work together for a very brief period."

"I know…but I don't think Gates would give me time to do it."

"It would only be two hours a morning for a few days."

"She definitely won't go for days….take Rick; he'll do it."

Johanna frowned. "I'll think about it."

"Who do you bring in to be the judge; Dad?"

"No; I get to be the judge!"

Kate laughed. "I should've known."

"That's right; my class, I get to be the judge," Johanna quipped. "I should bring him in to be the defense attorney…then I wouldn't have to be the defense attorney."

"Wait a minute, you're the judge and defense attorney? That doesn't sound very fair."

"It's my classroom; I'll be the defense attorney if I want to."

"I thought the kids were supposed to be the defense attorneys?"

"On this set of cases, they're in the role of prosecutor. They have to prepare the case and present it. On the next set, after we finish up these; they'll take the defense attorney role."

"I see; give them a taste of each side."

"Right…and if you should become available to play my cop; I'd be happy to have you come in."

"Martha might have some acting students who could play a cop for you."

"That's alright; I'll have one of the kids do it."

Kate smiled a little. "So you don't want me to ask Martha when she gets back."

"No; if I really need someone, I'll just ask my son-in-law to make himself useful."

"He'll be so happy to know that I got him on the list by bringing up his mother."

"He doesn't need to know everything; keep a little mystery in the marriage, Katie; it'll last that way."

Kate smirked at her. "I'm sure there aren't any mysteries left between you and Dad."

"Oh, I don't know…I still don't know how he can hit something and make it work and I can't."

"And that's part of the glue that holds you together?"

"That and the fact that he doesn't understand how I can eat ketchup but not tomatoes."

She laughed. "I'm not sure those things are holding you two together."

"Probably not; love holds us together."

"That's it?" she asked lightly.

"Love and the fact that he likes my cooking and wants to eat on a regular basis."

Kate chuckled. "Love and cooking are the glue that holds a marriage together?"

She nodded. "That and sex."

"Can't really argue with that," Kate admitted; "But I'm not going to go there."

"Please don't; I can't drink since I'm driving home and you can't drink because some of that marriage glue led to you being pregnant."

Her daughter laughed. "Is that going to be our new word for it; marriage glue?"

"I would be happy to hear that replace laundry service."

"Oh yeah, I'm sure you would," she replied; "But I'm never letting you live that one down."

"That's because you're a horrible little girl," Johanna remarked.

"But you love me anyway."

"Yes, I do; never doubt that."

"I don't," Kate said softly as her phone buzzed on the counter. She grabbed it and read the message on the screen. "Castle's on his way back."

Johanna nodded. "I'll start the eggs then…you might want to go in the other room while I make them, sweetheart. We don't want to chance upsetting your stomach again."

"You won't mind if I put some distance between me and kitchen while you do that?"

"No; not at all. I've been through this stage of wanting eggs but not being able to be near them during cooking," her mother replied. "It's fine; go watch TV; I'll let you know when it's done."

"Thanks, Mom."

"It's no problem…I like taking care of you when I get the chance."

"I know," Kate said as she leaned across the counter to kiss her mother's cheek. "Sometimes I like letting you do it."

Johanna smiled as she watched her go; she was just glad that she was allowed to do it once in awhile…and that her daughter liked it when she did. There had been too many times in the past few years when she had felt cut off and unwanted by her child and she hoped that maybe they were going to stay out of that dark area for a good long time.

---

"I'm back," Castle announced as he opened the door.

"And we're still here," Johanna announced from the kitchen.

He made his way to the kitchen with the bags, his eyes scanning the area for his wife. "Where's Kate? She didn't get sick again, did she?"

"No; we took precaution and she's watching TV while I cook," she answered as she dropped two slices of toast into the toaster. "Did you get the jelly?"

"I did," he said as he sat the bags on the counter and fished out the jar. He opened it for her and sat it near the plate she was putting the eggs on.

"Thank you," she told him.

"No problem," Castle replied, returning to the bags to put away the rest of his purchases. "How has she been?"

"She's fine…I'm just hoping that when she eats it'll stay down."

"I'm hoping that too."

"Either way; make sure you get her to eat some more later," Johanna replied. "Maybe some soup for dinner; she should be able to handle that."

"Any specific soup I should give her?" he asked; wanting to show her that he could listen to her advice.

"Maybe just stick with the cliché, Rick."

He smiled. "Chicken noodle?"

"Yeah; can't really go wrong with that one," she agreed, a smile of her own on her lips. "If she's up to it, give her a sandwich with it; if not, maybe more toast."

"Got it," he said before lowering his voice; "Any idea when the mood swings dwindle?"

"No real timeframe for that," she murmured; "Just hang in there."

He nodded. "I can do that."

"I'm sure you can," Johanna replied as she took the toast from the toaster and grabbed a knife to put the jelly on it; "Go get her and tell her that her food is ready."

"Yes, ma'am."

"Don't ma'am me," she told him, wrinkling her nose. "You know I hate being called that."

Castle grinned. "When I come back I can ask for ID to make sure you're of age to be out without a chaperone if that will make you feel better."

"That's more like it," she quipped.

He chuckled a little as he went off to get his wife while Johanna carried her plate and silverware to the table before going back to the kitchen to pour her a glass of juice.

"Still feeling okay, Katie?" she asked as she caught sight of her daughter.

"Yeah; just hungry," Kate replied as she sat down at the table. "I hope that means the baby is hungry and will allow the food to stay in there."

"We're hoping for the best," Johanna said, lacing her glass of juice by her plate before she took a seat at the table.

"You girls all settled?" Castle asked. "Does anyone need anything else?"

"I think we're fine," Kate told him; "Thanks for running to the store."

"I told you it wasn't a problem; it's part of my job," he said, kissing her forehead.

"I appreciate it anyway."

"I know; Johanna, do you need anything?"

"No, I'm fine."

"She needs someone to play a cop for her students mock cases," Kate announced around a bite of her eggs.

Castle's eyes lit up. "Me! Pick me!"

Johanna shot her daughter an amused smirk. "You had to do it, didn't you?"

"Well, you said you'd like to have someone and I know Gates won't give me the time to do it…but she's always happy to see my husband occupied for a few hours."

"Hey; she's warming up to me," he remarked; "She doesn't give me the death glare nearly as much as she used to."

"That's true," Kate said with a nod; "But your availability is still more open than mine."

"I'm game," he said; "Should I rent a cop costume?"

"No," Johanna replied; "No need for that."

"But I want to be authentic to the role."

"I didn't give you the role yet."

"But if you did, I could get a costume."

"No costume, Rick; this is a learning exercise, not Broadway."

"But all TV courts have a cop in uniform."

"I'm not looking for a bailiff, Rick; my kids need to question a 'cop' on the stand for their cases…you know, the arresting officer."

"Even better, am I one of those hard nosed cops that give smart ass answers?"

"Only when you're with your mother-in-law," Johanna quipped.

He grinned as he glanced at his wife. "See, we had a nice lunch so she's teasing me like a fun mother-in-law."

"You probably shouldn't say it that way," Kate replied; "You might not get to play the cop."

"I haven't assigned the role yet," Johanna stated.

"Yeah; but you should pick me," he stated; "I have experience…I can totally ad lib a testimony."

"Actually; you'll be given an outline of what should be in your responses," Johanna replied.

He thought it over for a moment. "I can work with that."

"See," Kate said as she glanced at her mother. "I told you he'd do it."

"I'll do it," Castle echoed. "Come on, you say we never have fun together."

Johanna rubbed her fingers across her forehead. "I feel like I'm going to regret bringing up this discussion earlier."

"I won't make you regret it," he told her. "I came to your class before, I followed the rules…I bought you chicken nuggets afterwards!"

She sighed a little. "Alright, Rick; you can be the cop. I'll let you know when I need you there."

"Great," he said, clapping his hands in response. "I won't let you down."

"I know…now don't you have a book to write so my grandchild will have a college fund?"

He smiled. "I assure you that your grandchild will be able to attend any university that it wants."

"Good; we'll aim for Columbia," Johanna remarked.

"I went to Stanford and NYU," Kate stated; "Maybe it'll want to go to one of those."

"Stanford's too far away," her mother retorted; "I didn't like letting you go there…I wanted you to go to Columbia like I did, but no, you had to be different."

"I heard the Stanford guilt trip enough when I was eighteen, Mom."

"The memory lingers."

"I think we'll change the subject."

"I'm going to go write that book," Castle stated; "You ladies change your subject and enjoy yourselves. Yell if you need me."

"We will but I'm sure we'll be fine," Kate replied. "Go write; I know you didn't get anything done last night."

"He probably could have if he had stayed off my Facebook page," Johanna stated.

"Wouldn't have been as much fun though," he said lightly as he headed toward his office.

Silence fell for a few moments as Kate nibbled at her food, praying all the while that it would stay down. "So was there any other topic for lunch today?" she finally asked.

Johanna shrugged. "Maggie in some ways which I'm not sure how she became a topic."

"How did Maggie come up?"

"Rick asked me if I told my friends about the baby; which I haven't…and he said he'd thought I'd at least tell Maggie."

"But you haven't?"

"No…I didn't know if I was allowed."

Kate shifted a little. "Maybe hold off for awhile; I don't want word getting around when I haven't told them at work yet."

"When will you be doing that?"

"I don't know yet."

"Then you might want to tell your husband that he shouldn't be telling people they can tell their most trusted friends," Johanna replied; "Because he said I could tell Maggie."

"Wait a little longer. I haven't even told my own friends," she remarked. "Has Dad told anyone?"

"Not that I know of," Johanna said, although she knew that Jim had mentioned their promotion to grandparents to his friend Craig…but they had also sworn Craig to secrecy so she wasn't worried.

"Well maybe tell him that he should keep it to himself for awhile longer just in case."

"I'll do that," she told her daughter.

"What was said about Maggie?"

"Well he asked why I hadn't told her and I said that when I do tell her, I want to do it in the right way. I don't rub it in her face that I'm getting a grandchild when I know it hurts her that she doesn't get to see her grandson."

"That's not on you," Kate replied. "Maggie doesn't get to see her grandson because of what she did."

"She cheated on Jeff…she didn't murder someone," Johanna stated. "If Jeff can get over it then Christina should find a way to get over it. She's ridiculous the way she acts. Maggie couldn't even go to that picnic celebrating Jeff's mother's birthday because Chrissy was going to be there and she threw holy fits about Maggie being invited and threatened not to come if her mother was in attendance. Jeff's mother wanted to see the baby, so of course Maggie had to be the one to stay home and it isn't the first time. It's not fair; she's paid for her mistakes and she shouldn't have to continue to be punished."

"Just because Jeff is crazy enough to forgive her doesn't mean Chrissy has to," Kate replied. "I really can't believe Jeff remarried her after what she did to him…that just blew my mind."

"Yeah, well, there are people who think your father is crazy for taking me back into his life too…but you know what, it's no one's business. Your father loves me and forgave me; I love him and we belong together. Jeff loves Maggie and forgave her; Maggie loves Jeff and they belong together. That's all that matters."

"There's a difference between you and Maggie…you didn't have an affair and leave Dad for another man."

"No; but I get judged as if I had left him on some whim like that. Take your Uncle Michael for instance…your father was in the hospital having surgery and he's there telling the nurses that he didn't believe that I was legally his brother's wife and that they shouldn't allow me to make any medical decisions…do you know what that was like? I had to call Agent Jenkins from the waiting room and have him fax proof that my identity was reestablished and that my marriage was valid and legal."

"I know…but still…Maggie destroyed her family and she has to take the consequences. I know she's your best friend and you love her…but come on, Mom; you can't expect people to overlook what she did."

"Oh believe me; I don't expect anyone to overlook what she did…how can I when no one can overlook anything I had to do? I just believe that people deserve second chances. I got mine and I wish Maggie could have hers with her daughter and be allowed to enjoy her grandson. It's not like she's a danger to Noah. I could see keeping her away if she was violent, a drug addict, abusive…but she's not those things. She had an affair; no it wasn't right but she's been trying to make amends."

"She may as well give up with Chrissy; she's never going to forgive her and she's never going to change her mind about blacklisting Maggie from every part of her life…and really, why would Jeff's mother want Maggie at her birthday party anyway? Maggie cheated on her son and left him."

"Brenda Campbell is a forgiving woman," Johanna remarked. "She always liked Maggie and she was happy when she and Jeff got back together. She's forgiven her; all that matters to her is that Jeff is happy."

"Some people might think that's a little too forgiving," Kate replied.

"I know you don't care much for Maggie because of what she did in the past," her mother replied; "But you haven't known her for as long as I have. I can't throw away our whole history just because she made a mistake. I know it's easy for some people to do that but not me…I believe in second chances."

"I don't have anything against you being friends with Maggie," she remarked. "I just don't think she should expect Chrissy to just forgive and forget."

"She didn't ask her to forgive and forget. She asked her to listen; she asked her to accept her apology and she asked her for a second chance."

"I don't think she's going to get one."

"Maybe you could talk to Chrissy," Johanna suggested; "Tell her it wasn't easy for you to give me a second chance either."

"Chrissy already thinks I'm crazy for forgiving you," she replied. "She says she wouldn't have done it."

"She really is being a little bitch," Johanna muttered. "Maggie and Jeff didn't raise her to be so uppity."

"You just called your Goddaughter a little bitch."

"So? It's not like she's my biological daughter."

Kate eyed her. "I'm sure you've probably used the word in relation to me."

"No, I don't think so…you, on the other hand, have called me a bitch to my face…more than once."

"The first time I got slapped; the other time I apologized."

"Mhmm; I can't wait until you have a daughter…you've got comeuppance coming for you in spades, my dear."

"I know; you've told me…I'll try not to take your glee personally."

"That's nice of you. I'm just glad you haven't followed Chrissy's example of a non forgiving life."

"I'm not Chrissy and you're not Maggie."

"I know…but there were times when…"

"We said we weren't going to discuss that," Kate remarked.

"I wasn't going to," Johanna replied. "Do you mind if I get my phone out of my purse?"

"No; why would I mind?"

"My purse is in your closet over there; I don't just take it upon myself to go opening other people's closets."

"It's not a big deal, Mom; go get it. What do you think we're hiding?"

"Nothing…I just respect your home."

"Well pretend it's your home and go get your phone. You don't need an engraved invitation and a pass code."

"Rick's right; you are cranky," Johanna said as she went to the closet to retrieve her phone. "Are you sure you want me to stay?"

Kate nodded, a small measure of remorse filling her. "Yeah; I'm sure. I'm sorry."

"It's okay," she replied as she returned to the table with her phone. "Is anything bothering you besides not feeling well?"

She shrugged a little. "I worried that being sick so much last night might take a toll on the baby."

"The baby's fine, Katie. Just make sure you stay hydrated and that you get some food into you when the bouts of sickness end. How is your stomach feeling now that you're getting some food back into it?"

"Better," she admitted. "I'm not sure scrambled eggs ever tasted so good."

Johanna laughed softly. "And the toast?"

"Good too; I think I'll stick with jelly for awhile instead of butter. The jelly doesn't seem to be bothering me."

"Good choice; butter will be easier for you to handle in the second trimester."

"I'm glad to hear that; I do like butter."

"Yeah; that's a family thing," Johanna quipped. "Anything else on your mind?"

Kate took a sip of her juice and then breathed deeply. "Gates is probably getting suspicious. I've called off sick three times in the last eight weeks."

"What did she say?"

"Nothing really…which is what makes me feel like she's suspicious. I passed today's illness off as food poisoning…and prayed she wouldn't say I needed a doctor's note."

"You're going to have to tell her sooner or later."

"Later sounds good to me," she replied. "I just hope I don't have to call off anymore for awhile."

"I can't say you won't have to; but the morning sickness phase will be over soon…and if you stay away from take out for a few weeks, that might help too."

"Trust me; I'm staying away from it. Thanks for making me eggs," Kate said, a smile on her lips.

"It wasn't a problem; I'll make anything for you that you want; all you have to do is let me know."

"I will," Kate replied; "Let's go watch Temptation Lane."

Johanna smiled. "Perfect way to round off your sick day."

"My thoughts exactly."

---

They settled in together to watch their favorite soap opera, small talk and commentary springing up between them as they watched but toward the end of the show, Kate decided to broach a more important question she had been thinking about. "When do you think I'll start to show?" she asked.

"It's typically between the third and fourth month," Johanna answered. "I was about four months when you started to be noticeable; and then I could really only see it when I was changing clothes."

"Meaning it was hard to notice through the clothes for awhile?"

"Yes, for awhile it was still hard to tell; even though I knew it was there."

"Good," Kate murmured.

"Don't get used to it," her mother remarked. "It doesn't seem to last long."

"But it is possible to conceal it for awhile when it first starts to show?"

"When it first starts to show, depending on what you wear, it won't be all that noticeable; but like I said, it doesn't last long. Then the only option is to wear looser clothing if you're determined to keep it under wraps."

"How long can you get away with that?"

"I don't know," Johanna replied; "I would think not long…but I never tried to hide my pregnancy so I can't really say."

"You didn't try to hide it at work at all?"

"No…why would I?"

"Because," Kate said; "Didn't you worry about what people might say?"

"No…I was married and everyone knew I was madly in love with my husband so there was no question about the paternity of my child."

"That's not what I meant…I meant; didn't you worry the boss or clients might think a pregnant woman didn't belong in the courtroom? It might have been the late 70s but that kind of discrimination still existed back then."

Johanna shook her head. "I didn't worry about telling Roche that I was pregnant; it wasn't like I was the first woman in the building to get pregnant. Roche had a very good reputation for how he dealt with pregnant employees…you could even make the argument that he was a bit ahead of his time in that area and that was thanks to his wife's influence. He offered an eight week maternity leave opposed to the standard six. He allowed me to work up until two days before you were due; which was when my last open case wrapped up. I had a lot of personal days that I hadn't used so the work days I was off leading up to your birth, he marked as personal days. You were born on Saturday morning so he started my maternity leave that following Monday. I still had vacation time I hadn't used that was supposed to expire at the end of the year but he tacked that onto my maternity leave which gave me ten weeks home with you. When I told him I was pregnant and my due date; he started gradually lightening my case load so I wouldn't be under too much stress. He stopped assigning me new clients in late August so I could concentrate on wrapping up the cases that were on my schedule leading up to your due date. He couldn't have treated me any better."

"Are you sure he did that for everyone or did he just accommodate you because he liked you?"

"Roche did his best to accommodate every expectant mother that he employed. Sharon was given an eight week leave and given the option to tack her vacation time onto it as well but she declined that; she wanted to keep her vacation separate. Maggie had eight week leaves and I know at least once she tacked her vacation on to it. Like I said; he had a good reputation for handling pregnant employees. I didn't worry about telling him…and after you were born, he was accommodating again when I said no more out of town cases and asked to close my office at four instead of five. He worked with mothers and usually agreed to any reasonable request."

"So no one said anything?"

"I had a few clients who didn't think a pregnant woman was capable of taking their case to court. They were informed that they were free to find another lawyer. One of them did; the other two shut up and let me do my job. If you're thinking someone is going to say a pregnant woman doesn't belong at the precinct, you're right, they will; but you'll have to overlook it like you overlook other remarks I'm sure you've heard over the course of your career."

"I'm not really worried so much about what people will say…I just don't want to be chained to my desk yet so I'm hoping to hide it for as long as possible."

"Katie," Johanna said cautiously; "What about your Captain? You said earlier you think she might be getting suspicious because you've called in sick several times."

"I can hold her off," she said confidently.

"But maybe if you talked to her, she could explain the protocol about pregnant officers and then you'll know what's coming and when."

"I don't need to talk to her."

"You're going to have to tell her eventually, Katie."

"I know that," she snapped, her voice sharper than intended. "I'm just not ready. I don't want to be on desk duty yet; I told you that before."

"I know," Johanna said slowly; "And I understand that it's hard for you to think about that day coming so soon…but I don't think she's going to pull you out of the game the same day you tell her, now is she? I'm sure there's paperwork and stuff that would have to be done. That's why you need to talk to her; she needs to know when you're due so it's already in the books in what month you're going to be going on maternity leave; she can explain things to you and ease your mind about work."

"I don't need anything explained to me; I already know the protocol."

"Well then what is it?"

"Protocol says that pregnant officers are put on desk duty either at the second trimester or when the pregnancy becomes visible."

"Which is pretty much the same thing as second trimester," Johanna remarked; "So…you're just going to have to face it, sweetheart; the day is coming and it's coming soon. I know it'll be hard for you but it'll be okay, you'll get used to it."

Kate huffed a little. "But if I'm able to hide it; maybe I can hold off until the fifth month."

"Maybe…but should you?" her mother asked.

"Why not? If I can get away with it, why not do it?"

"Because the longer you're in the field, the more chances you're taking, Katie."

"I'm careful," her daughter retorted.

"I'm sure you are," Johanna said cautiously; "But you're underestimating how long you can conceal your pregnancy; it's going to be noticeable at five months…and you're not going to be able to be out in the field. You're not going to be able to do everything you do right now, Katie; and you shouldn't. It's dangerous."

"It's a dangerous job even when I'm not pregnant," Kate retorted.

"Yes, I know…it's why I'm sure I'll have an ulcer before long," her mother replied. "But it's different now, Katie. You have to think of the baby…your life isn't just about you anymore; you have to make decisions about what's best for both of you…not just based on your desires. There has to be the moment when you ask yourself if prolonging your stay in the field is worth the risk."

"So let me get this straight, when I told you I wasn't ready for desk duty before you said I wasn't selfish…but now suddenly I am a selfish bitch who is unconcerned for her child?" Kate stated.

"No; that's not what I said at all," Johanna replied. "I don't think you're selfish for being nervous about temporarily giving up a part of your job…"

"I'm not nervous!"

"It's okay if you are; things are changing and it's effecting your job and your job has been a big part of you for a long time so of course it's scary for you to think about being out of the field for so long…"

"I'm not scared!"

Johanna breathed deeply. "Sweetheart; I think you are a little…worried…about being taken out of the field but you're still going to be working, just in a slightly limited capacity for awhile."

"Slightly limited?" she repeated. "I'm going to be sitting at a desk every day, all day long."

"A lot of people sit at desks all day long," her mother replied; "When I wasn't in court I was at a desk for the most part."

"That's you, not me! If I can shorten my time at a desk, I will."

"At the risk of the baby's safety?" Johanna asked; "Because that's what you're doing…you're putting your needs before your baby's needs."

"Like you never put yourself before me? Because you weren't thinking about me when you took the case of a mobster….you know, the case that deprived me of a mother for thirteen years?"

She closed her eyes, there it was…it was always there waiting to come back and slap her in the face. "Katherine, you were nineteen years old; in the eyes of the law, I had raised you to adulthood so don't act like you were nine years old and I wasn't there for you growing up, because I was. I got you through everything from ear infections, loose teeth, tonsil removal, training bras, first period, sex talk and paid for the birth control pills you took to college with you without your father knowing about it…so don't act like I didn't do my job, I did. I'm not saying you didn't need me just because you were nineteen when I had to leave…but you were grown, and I did everything in my power to keep you safe."

"And you don't think I'm concerned about my child's safety?"

"No; that's not what I'm saying. I'm saying that there are some things in the field that are out of your control…you may think you're being perfectly careful; but what if some suspect attacks you? What if you fall while chasing after someone? What if someone has a knife or a gun? I know you face those things all the time…it's your job…but it's not the baby's job and while you're carrying her, she has the right to have her mother in a safer environment so both of you can be safe."

"So basically, like I said, you're saying I'm selfish and an unfit mother."

"No, that's not what I said…you're the one who implies that about your mother," Johanna stated; "But I'm not saying that about you at all. I know you love your baby but I know it's also hard for you to step back from certain aspects of your job. It's not selfish to be upset about it…but you can't just keep putting it off because then you're jeopardizing both of you and I don't think you'd be able to live with yourself if something happened to the baby because you were out in the field when you really weren't supposed to be…and if, God forbid, something did happen and the Captain finds out about your pregnancy that way…well, then you might not have a desk to be chained to because you might be unemployed. I doubt the NYPD would take it lightly that you concealed your pregnancy from them and risked your baby's welfare on the job. They don't want to be responsible for that, Katie; that's why there's a set protocol and you need to follow it. I understand waiting out your first trimester; but you need to tell Captain Gates when you reach the fourth month mark…and if that means you're on desk duty from that day forward than so be it; but at least you'll know you did the right thing for you and the baby."

"No; you want me to do what you would do; shout it from the roof tops and sit quietly in the corner until I go into labor."

Johanna scoffed. "Oh please; you've never sat quietly in a corner…if you did, I took your temperature. I didn't set in a corner my whole pregnancy either but my job didn't hold the danger that yours does. When we talked about this before, I told you some of the things you're going to experience as examples of why being at your desk isn't going to be the curse you think it is. Your body is going to have aches and pains, your ankles can swell, you need to pee every ten minutes it seems like; you're just not going to be physically able to go running around chasing people down like you are now. That's not me trying to get you out of your job; it's the truth. I know you hate the thought of desk duty but it's what is best for you and the baby."

"If I can hold off on it, I'm going to hold off on it," Kate said tersely.

"Of course you will," Johanna said; "And you'll have to live with the consequences of that action."

"You're so sure something bad will happen!" her daughter all but yelled; "But it might be that everything would be perfectly fine just like it always is!"

"I know that…it could be fine…you could be Wonder Woman and not feel any of the effects of an advancing pregnancy and take down criminals all day long…but your Captain is still going to be pissed that you didn't tell her when you were supposed to and you're going to find your ass in a very hot fire, Katie. She's not a stupid woman…she has children of her own and if you already think she might be suspicious about your sick days lately; she probably is…she's going to figure it out on her own, either from your sudden illnesses or she's going to see a baby bump…or, God forbid, something is going to happen that will give you no choice but to tell her. You need to start thinking about that. I know you're nervous about all this…but you really need to think about what you're doing before you jeopardize not only your baby, but yourself and your career."

"I know what I'm doing, Mother."

"Alright, sweetheart; you do what you have to do," Johanna replied; figuring it would be best not to continue the battle.

"Don't patronize me!"

"I'm not. I'm just not going to say anything else about it; you're a grown woman, you have a family of your own, your decisions are yours to make. I only gave you my opinion."

"Thanks for coming by," Kate stated, her jaw tight and her voice clipped.

"Am I leaving?" Johanna asked.

"Well, the show's over," her daughter said with a nod at the TV; "And I'm sure you need to be getting home so you can play Suzy Homemaker for Dad and value that time alone you two have together."

Johanna nodded. "Yeah; that does sound like I'm leaving," she said as she reached for her boots and put them back on.

"Have a safe trip home," Kate remarked. "I'm going to take a nap so don't feel like you have to let me know you got there."

"Okay," her mother said, picking up her phone from the coffee table. I'm sorry I didn't tell you what you wanted to hear, Katie."

"Yeah; well, you're good at saying things people don't want to hear and didn't ask for."

The comment stung but Johanna did her best not to let it show. "It wasn't my intent to hurt you."

"If only I had a dollar for every time I've heard you say that," Kate stated.

"Rick," Johanna called out. "I'm leaving."

"Already?" Castle asked as he entered the room, trying to pretend as though he hadn't been eavesdropping.

"I've kind of been asked to go," she replied, heading toward the closet where he had put her jacket and purse.

Castle glanced to his wife who shrugged. "I don't need a babysitter while you write; I can take care of myself."

That felt like a comment best left alone, he thought to himself. "I…uh…I'm going to walk your mother to her car."

"Fine."

He headed toward Johanna, seeing the look on her face that hinted that she wished she hadn't let him talk her into coming. "This is why I don't visit," Johanna told him. "I either get insulted or threw out."

"I'm starting to see that," he admitted. "We'll work on it."

"Oh that's alright," Johanna replied; "Visiting would probably get in the way of me playing Suzy Homemaker at home."

He grimaced and noted that his wife kept her gaze on the television. "The best laid plans of mice and men," he muttered.

Johanna retrieved her jacket and purse and opened the door of the loft. "You don't have to walk me out, Rick. I'll see you later. Bye, Katie; I love you."

Her daughter said nothing and she tried not to let it bother her as she stepped into the hallway; after all, she should be used to it. Katie always withheld affection when she was angry.

"I'll walk you to your car," Castle said once more as he stepped into the hallway with her and closed the door.

He followed his mother-in-law to the elevator and pushed the button as she pulled on her jacket. "Listen," he said quietly; "I don't want it to sound like I was eavesdropping…"

"But you were?"

"Yeah," he admitted. "I was going to get a drink but I heard her bring up the topic of work…and the topic of how pregnancy is going to affect her job isn't one she likes to discuss with me much at the moment…she likes to shut that topic down as soon as it comes up."

"It's your home, Rick; you're allowed to listen in if you want," she said as they boarded the elevator.

"I just wanted to hear what she had to say about it."

"I'm sorry," Johanna stated; "I shouldn't have said anything to her about it. I understand that it's hard to fathom all the changes and it's hard to get used to the idea that you're life isn't your own anymore. I shouldn't have said anything about her desire to keep it concealed as long as possible."

"No," he said with a shake of his head. "I agree with what you said to her."

"You do?" she asked; a hint of surprise in her voice.

"Yeah…and I think that's why she keeps shutting me down when I try to discuss it with her. I don't want her trying to hide her pregnancy so she can stay in the field for as long as possible," Castle admitted. "The thought of her chasing a suspect down the street at four or five months pregnant is terrifying. I'm worried enough now as is it and we've been having slow weeks and thankfully mundane cases when they do come up…part of me wishes she was already on desk duty though."

"Have you told her that?"

"No."

"Why not?"

Castle looked at her. "You just met her mood swings. I'd like to live long enough to see my child."

Johanna nodded. "Understandable. Send me a picture of it…I'm sure I just got kicked off the visitation list."

"That's not true."

"Wouldn't surprise me if it is," she replied. "I just can't keep my mouth shut just like my father always said. It's like some kind of disease. I just never know when to say nothing. I really am stupid."

"You're not stupid," Castle told her. "You just told her the truth…and I love her, honestly I do…"

"I know you do."

"Good, because I do…but Kate isn't always a big fan of hearing the truth when she's set on something that she knows probably isn't the best idea."

"Oh believe me; I know…which is why I should've known to keep my mouth shut."

"No, you did the right thing," he replied.

"Like that ever gets me anywhere," Johanna muttered. "I should've known we were getting along too well."

"It'll be alright; she'll get over it."

"I should've gone home," she remarked. "I'm better at minding my own business at home."

Castle sighed. "I'll never get you to visit again, will I?"

"It'll probably depend on the circumstance."

"I'm sorry," he told her.

"No need to be sorry, Rick; it's not your fault. It's mine."

"Honestly, you didn't do anything wrong," he said as the elevator stopped.

Apparently she had, Johanna thought to herself; her daughter had just told her to leave and had made those parting shots at her. She was sure Kate would never confide in her again…it had been fun while it lasted.

"You're just a concerned mother and grandmother," Castle said as the silence lingered as they began the walk to her car; "And she's just moody today…and nearly every day lately but that's just between us. She'll realize she was being that way later and she'll call you. Trust me, I know; ever since the test came back positive, I've spent half my time accepting mood swing apologies."

"You're her husband; she has to apologize to you. She needs you," Johanna replied. "I'm just her mother…and I've been told before that I'm not needed. Besides, I'm the one who said the wrong thing. I should've kept my opinion to myself…she'll hide it and stay in the field longer just to prove to me that she can and that she's invincible just because she's Detective Kate Beckett. It's a mistake I should've learned from long ago."

"It's my fault," Castle said. "I'm the one who convinced you to stay."

"It's alright; you had good intentions…so did I and yet as usual, I blew it," she replied as she fished her keys out of her purse.

"No; you didn't blow it…Kate blew it," he stated.

She smiled a little. "No, it was me…I should've changed the subject or just agreed with her. Like I said, I should've known better. I'm sure she won't ask me anything else…so you better pick up those books you wanted to buy her; she'll want them now."

"Oh I doubt that; besides; I promised I'd only buy her one book…and I ordered it online so no one would see me buying it in a store…so it won't end up on social media or the actual media which would then out her pregnancy to Gates…and everyone else we know."

"And you just want to shout it from rooftops?" Johanna asked.

"A little bit," he said with a nod; "I'm happy…I like being a father…and I hate keeping things a secret for reasons that don't always set right."

"I understand…and I know the feeling."

"I know," he murmured; knowing that she was referring to her past which Kate had slapped in her face.

"Well, Rick; I guess I better get going, I've cause enough trouble for one day. You better get back up there to Katherine the Mad."

Castle laughed. "I'm not sure I want to."

"You married her, you don't have a choice."

"Yeah; but I didn't realize she was going to get mood swings this bad."

Johanna managed a smile. "There's always something in the fine print, Rick."

"Apparently so."

"She'll probably be mad that you brought me home with you this afternoon," she remarked; "So make it easy on yourself and tell her it was my idea. She's already mad at me anyway so I'll take the blame…I'm used to it."

"No, I'll own up to it being my idea…she'll be over all this by tomorrow…and then we'll move on to remorseful crying…so you know, keep your phone nearby for that call."

Johanna scoffed. "I won't hold my breath."

"Trust me; she'll feel bad about all this tomorrow," he assured. "You'll see."

She conjured up a smile but it was tinged with sadness. "I guess we'll see…but I am sorry."

"I know," he replied; figuring he may as well accept the apology she was desperate to give although she hadn't done anything wrong. "Be careful getting home."

"I will be," she said as she unlocked her car door.

"I know Kate told you not to check in but…let me know you got there safely so I can tell her so if she brings it up later."

"Alright," Johanna replied while sliding into the driver's seat. "See you later."

"See you later," he remarked, closing her car door for her. He stood by, watching as she buckled her seatbelt and started the car; giving her a wave as she pulled out of her parking spot and drove off. He didn't miss the look of remorse on her face and he couldn't help feeling like even when he tried to do something he was sure she'd like, like having time with her daughter, it still blew up in his face.

---

Kate was still on the couch when Castle returned to the loft. He sighed deeply as he approached her, knowing he was about to throw himself on a live grenade in a manner of speaking. "Why did you have to do that, Kate?"

"Do what?" she asked.

"Toss your mother out of here," he replied. "I considered it a sign of progress that I actually got her to come over here…with no begging and minimal assurances…thinking it would be good for her to see that we do want her to visit and that it would be good for you to spend some time with your mom…and then you basically throw her out."

"You didn't hear what she said to me!"

"Actually I did…I was listening."

Anger flickered in her eyes. "Excuse me? You were listening to my conversation?"

"Yeah, I was…I hadn't intended to but I was on my way to get a drink and I heard you talking about work. It's not a topic you like to discuss with me so I was curious to hear what you had to say."

"That's an invasion of my privacy!"

"I know, I shouldn't have eavesdropped…but on the other hand, you are in the living room so you should expect that something might be overheard."

"Well since you had your big ears tuned in, then you heard what she said to me."

"Yes, I did hear what she said to you…and I agree with her."

"What?" she nearly yelled.

"I agree with Johanna," Castle repeated; "There does have to be that moment when you figure out if it's worth the risk…and she's right…it's not just your life anymore, Kate…it's our baby's life too."

"Do you really think I'm not aware of that, Castle!?"

"I know you're aware of it…but when you're talking about prolonging your stay in the field, it doesn't seem like you're as aware of it as you should be…that's how you get when you're so set on what you want instead of thinking about the risk. Or baby's life is worth more than you having a few more weeks in the field."

"There's a risk no matter what," Kate said tartly; "I can get hurt just as easily at home as I can at work."

"I know there's always a risk…just like I know that there's always a risk of you getting hurt at work whether you're pregnant or not…but you are pregnant and it does worry me when you're out there. A minor injury you sustain when you're not pregnant may seem like it's no big deal; but that same minor injury while you're pregnant…that could be a big deal. That could be fatal to our baby and I know you don't want that."

"Of course I don't! But I know how to be careful; I know how to limit myself in the field!" Kate exclaimed. "I don't want to be wrapped in bubble wrap just because I'm pregnant."

"I'm not trying to bubble wrap you and neither is your mother but she's right about some things being out of your control…they're always out of your control. I don't ever want you to be hurt, I don't ever want to lose you…but I also don't want to lose our baby, Kate. Johanna wasn't trying to hurt you with the things she said; she was only telling you the truth…she was just trying to make you realize that it can't just be about what you want anymore. You have to do what's best for the baby and that means following the rules and stepping back when protocol says you're supposed to…and in the long run, that's going to be the best thing for you too; you'll be more comfortable, probably less worried…and your job won't be on the line for lying to your Captain."

Kate scoffed as she shook her head. "I can't believe you're siding with my mother…you don't even like her!"

"I like Johanna just fine…but I can't say you were right to put her out of here because all she did was tell you the truth about your work situation. You see those months at your desk as torture and a bad thing…but for the people who love you and love our baby; those months mean less stress and worry about your wellbeing and the baby's wellbeing. You might even find that it's less stress and worry for you too, Kate. No one is asking you to retire from the force; we're just asking you to follow the rules and step back when you hit the fourth month…not just for the baby's sake but for your sake."

"You think I'm going to be a terrible mother."

"I think you're going to be a wonderful mother; I just think that when it comes to work right now, sugar coating it isn't going to help you make the right decision."

"Well it is my decision to make you know," Kate said tearfully. "It's none of my mother's business what I do at work and if you're so desperate to suck up to her that you start taking her side on everything, then call her up and ask if her guest room is available and go move in with her."

"I don't think she'd like that," Castle replied. "I can't even get her to hug me goodbye let alone let me stay in her guest room. Really, I'm surprised that we're on a first name basis if you want the truth but that's beside the point. No one thinks you're a bad mother; no one thinks you're selfish…you're just nervous about these changes and I get that."

"Yeah; sure you do," she scoffed.

"I do…and maybe you'd feel better if you just talked about it and admitted to what this really is; which is what I thought you were going to do with your mother but as soon as she didn't say what you wanted to hear, you started throwing daggers and then told her to leave."

"She didn't fight it."

"Of course not…she gave up fighting us months ago, Kate. That's what this whole thing has been about, trying to bring her back into the fold for her grandchild…for you… because she's just been dangling off the edges for a long time. She doesn't fight us anymore; she just packs up and goes and waits for the next round. But if you think she wasn't upset when she left here, you're wrong. I got to listen to her apologies the whole way to her car, along with her calling herself stupid and making mention that she probably just got kicked off the visitation list."

"Well I didn't ask for her opinion; I only asked when I'd start to show…that's all I wanted to know, I didn't need her two cents."

"Yeah; well, she probably didn't need you bringing up her taking Pulgotti's case but you did and she sat there and took it, didn't she?"

"I know I shouldn't have gone there but she mad me angry…it's not like she was the perfect mother."

"No one is," Castle remarked; "But we both could've done a lot worse when it came to mothers…maybe Johanna Beckett and Martha Rodgers aren't perfect…maybe there were things they could've done better; but I think we both turned out alright so they must've done the job right despite a few mistakes and slip ups along the way."

"No one's disputing that," his wife retorted. "It just felt like she was acting like she was perfect and I'm some selfish bitch who doesn't care about my baby."

He shook his head. "She wasn't saying that at all; she was just trying to make you see that you have to accept that desk duty is coming and that it's for the best. She was trying to make you realize that hiding the pregnancy so you can stay out there means taking more risks, not just with the baby but your career as well…because let's face it, Kate; Gates is a stickler for by the book; you piss her off too much and she just might boot you out."

"I can handle Gates," she replied; "She knows what it's like, she'd understand."

Castle breathed deeply; she was like talking to a brick wall today. "So we're just supposed to keep hiding your pregnancy from everyone except our parents and Alexis until you're ready to sit at your desk…because that's what we'll have to keep doing so you can stay in the field; we can't tell our friends at the precinct because they might let it slip or when we're found out, they'll be in trouble as well. We can't tell our friends and extended family because, again, they might let something slip somewhere that will be found out at work. I guess we'll also have to stay in more once you start to show because the media might get a picture of us out and someone might notice the baby bump and then we'll be found out that way…my mother can't share the news with people she cares about; your parents can't tell their friends that they're getting a grandchild. We're all supposed to just sit on our hands and act like it's a dirty little secret until you're ready to fess up at work, right?"

"It's not a dirty little secret," she snapped.

"Well it feels like it when we have to hide it from everyone we care about! Christ, Kate; it gets old," he said tartly. "When we first got together, we had to hide our relationship until Gates finally figured it out on her own. We didn't publicly announce our engagement until rumors started that I was getting back together with Gina…now you're pregnant and we're supposed to hide that too. What's next? When the baby's born we'll bring it home under the cover of darkness and hide it in the nursery when people visit?"

"If I'm such a terrible person, why did you marry me!" Kate cried.

"You're not a terrible person and I married you because I love you…I just hate hiding things. This is a joyful moment in our lives and we can't even share it with anyone besides the immediate family."

"The people who need to know have been informed; the rest can wait. I'm not like you, Castle; I don't need my personal business shared everywhere."

"Fine, Kate; do it your way…you always do; you always have to have it your way."

"You're a good one to talk; you want everything your way…that's why you drag my mother to lunch twice a week so you can indoctrinate her into being the type of mother-in-law you want."

"I'm not trying to indoctrinate her; I'm trying to make things better…and today, I thought I had made some progress at that but you pretty much shot a hole right through it so thank you for that. I made a gesture to her today, inviting her into our home, stepping back to let her tend to you a little so I can show her that I respect her place in your life like she respects mine…and then you throw her out and I felt responsible for that. I managed to get through lunch without insulting her, upsetting her, offending her…I bring her here to her daughter, thinking I'm being nice to both of you and you throw her out…and I had to see the look on her face when she got into the car. I know you don't feel well, I know you're moody…I know you don't like seeing desk duty in your future; but today the person that hurt your mother was you. You're the one who is going to have to apologize this time."

"She should apologize to me."

"I'm sure she will…even though she didn't do anything wrong; but if there's one thing I know about your mother, it's that she'll apologize for everything under the sun if you want her to….and sometimes even when you don't want her to she'll still do it."

Kate pushed herself off the sofa, knowing in her heart that she had hurt her mother but she was still angry about the things she said…and angry with her husband for siding with her. "I'm tired; I'm going to go lay down…that is if that's okay with you? If it is, feel free to post on your social media accounts an announcement that your wife has been allowed to nap today."

He smiled. "Maybe the announcement should be that my wife is sarcastic today."

"Whatever floats your boat."

"Go take your nap, Kate; is there anything I can get for you?"

"No; I'm fine…I can take care of myself."

"Yes; we all know that," he stated; "I hope you feel better when you wake up."

"No, you're probably hoping I'll wake up feeling guilty and proclaiming everyone right but me; like I don't know what's best for myself anymore just because I'm pregnant."

"No one has said that."

"Sure do act like it," she retorted.

Castle sighed. "You're starting to make your mother's guest room sound good, Kate."

"Call her up and ask her for it; she also has a nice couch in her recently remolded basement if you don't want to be on the same floor as her."

"Sweet dreams, honey," he told her, giving her a tight lipped smile.

"Yeah; whatever."

Castle sighed as his wife headed for the bedroom; so much for today's brief lull of peace and tranquility.

---

"Oh good, I got home just in time," Jim remarked later that afternoon as he walked into the bedroom.

"In time for what?" Johanna asked.

"To see the strip show," he said with a grin.

Johanna smirked at him as she slipped off her blouse. "Don't go getting excited."

"Too late," he quipped as he took his wallet out of his pocket and laid it on the dresser. "Any time I come home and find you stripping, I get excited."

"Well you better just try to rein in that excitement," she remarked as she stripped off her jeans. "I'm not taking everything off."

"Some welcome home that is," Jim teased. "You let me find you half dressed and then won't give me the rest. Don't you know it's not nice to be a tease?"

"Oh you might have mentioned it once or twice," Johanna replied while pulling on her most comfortable pair of leggings. "But apparently the information didn't sink in."

"I guess I'll have to teach you a lesson later," he said lightly, tossing his suit jacket on the chair and reaching for his tie.

"You do that," she said as she opened a drawer and took out a shirt.

"That's my shirt," Jim remarked, watching as she pulled on the soft grey shirt.

"I know, I'm borrowing it…do you suddenly have a sharing problem?" she asked, amusement in her tone.

"No, I'll share with you, sweetheart; but in return, next time I find you stripping, you have to go through the whole show."

She laughed. "Are you going to throw money?"

"I might have a few dollars in my pocket."

"Dollars!" she exclaimed. "I'm not taking off my shoes let alone anything else for dollars."

Jim laughed. "I might be able to find some tens."

His wife shook her head. "You better find some twenties."

"Only twenties? I thought you'd go for fifties."

"Well if you insist," Johanna remarked as she moved toward him and stole a kiss. "I'm glad you're home."

"Me too," he replied, his arms slipping around her, allowing her to settle against his chest. "I missed you."

"I missed you too. You're home earlier than usual."

"I know; the person we were supposed to talk to suddenly isn't available until tomorrow."

"Sounds convenient," Johanna said; "Did they need the extra time to take care of something that might not make them look good?"

"That's the popular theory," Jim replied. "But it usually comes out anyway so they're probably wasting their time."

"That's true."

"I notice Scarlett isn't up here with you," he remarked as he set about changing out of his work clothes.

"She's still mad at me," she answered while taking off her earrings.

"I don't think she's all that happy with me either; I told her hello downstairs and she turned her back to me."

She smiled a little. "She commits the crime and yet we're the bad ones."

Jim nodded. "Yeah; it's like having another kid…only slightly better because Scarlett can't talk back."

"You got that right," she replied, moving around him to the dresser to put her earrings and bracelet in the jewelry box.

"Now we know what she thinks of you reading."

Johanna laughed. "Yeah; apparently I have to get her permission first. She's on a roll lately; you know she faked injury which resulted in a three hundred dollar vet trip and then she causes my glasses to get broke which is another seventy-five."

"She's definitely like having another kid," he said as he finished changing his clothes. "I didn't have much lunch today…what are we having for dinner?"

She sighed a little. "Would you mind something simple?"

"No, what do you have in mind?"

"TV dinners."

"Do we have any with chicken?"

"Yes, honey; we have the ones with fried chicken in them."

Jim smiled. "Good."

"You know they take almost an hour though; will you be able to hold off starvation that long?"

"Yes," he laughed. "Any chance you might make me some cole slaw to go with it?"

She pressed a kiss to his lips. "Yes, I'll make you some cole slaw. We also have that jar gravy you like when I'm not making the real thing; I'll heat it up for your potatoes."

"Sounds good," he said as he followed her out of the room. "How was your visit to Katie?"

"It started off alright."

"But it didn't end alright?"

"You could say that."

"What happened? Did you and Martha have words?"

"No; Martha wasn't there. She's out of town for a few days."

"You and Rick had words?" Jim asked as they reached the bottom of the stairs.

"No; we were able to remain on good terms today," she said as she headed for the kitchen.

"That only leaves Katie."

"We have a winner," his wife announced.

Jim sighed, pausing as he noticed Scarlett slinking into the hallway. "Come on," he told her. "You need to make up with your mommy; your sister must've veered off course again."

He headed toward the kitchen, Scarlett following along side him. "Look who decided to join us," he stated as he entered the room.

Johanna glanced away from the open freezer to see her cat sitting by her husband's feet. "Of course; she knows I'm making dinner; she wants to be fed."

"At least we know she isn't on a hunger strike."

"That's true," Johanna said as she took the dinners from the freezer and laid them on the counter so she could turn the oven on.

"So, it ended badly with Katie?" Jim asked.

"She asked me to leave," his wife replied while getting out a cookie sheet to put the dinners on when they were ready to go into the oven.

"Why?"

"Because I didn't say what she wanted to hear."

"About what?"

Johanna explained the conversation to him, telling him about Kate's determination to stay in the field as long as possible. She told him what she had said in response and the digs their daughter had taken at her before telling her to go.

He breathed deeply, studying his wife's face as she slit the plastic on the dinners as the directions said and then checked the oven to see if the pre-heat cycle was finished yet. "You okay?" he asked.

"Yeah; I'm fine…why wouldn't I be?"

"For obvious reasons."

Johanna shrugged a little as she returned to the fridge to get out the cole slaw mix. "In the past two years I'm sure she's been more mad at me than happy with me so you know, I should be pretty used to it."

"Jo."

"What?" she asked, moving back to the counter just as the oven beeped.

"I know you're not fine."

She slid their dinners into the oven and set the timer. "I'm as fine as I can be; like I said, I'm used to Katie being mad at me. It's my fault; I should've changed the subject or kept my mouth shut. You know I've always struggled with that…I wish they had a pill for it."

"Not me; I like hearing what's on your mind," her husband replied. "You didn't do anything wrong, Jo; all you did was give her some hard truths. She needs to think about what she's doing…and staying out there longer than she should be is reckless and not worth it just so she can stave off some boredom. What does Rick think of her wanting to hide it so she can stay in the field longer?"

"According to what he told me; he doesn't like it. He wants her to go on desk duty when she's supposed to…he said he wishes she was already on it because he worries."

"Has he told her that? Is that why she got mad? Because she's already heard it from her husband and then you backed it up?"

"No; he said he hadn't said any of that to her…he says she shuts him down when he tries to bring it up. I wasn't trying to imply that she was selfish or any of the things that she thinks; I was just trying to get her to see that she's taking a lot of risks; that it's not good for her or the baby…and in the long run, it's not good for her career either because when they find out she's been hiding a pregnancy, I think she's going to be in hot water."

"You can count on it," Jim replied; "Captain Gates doesn't seem to be a woman who would take that lightly. Katie needs to slow down and think about what she's doing. She's putting her baby at risk; she's putting herself more at risk and she's putting her career on the line just because she wants to be stubborn."

"Yeah; well me telling her not to do pretty much guarantees that she will so I really screwed up today. You know how she is; if I say don't do it; she does it just to prove that she can."

"Maybe Rick will talk some sense into her about that topic," Jim remarked.

"I hope so…but she won't be happy knowing he feels the same way. I'm sure she'll take his head off when he does broach that topic."

"No doubt."

"I'm sure I won't hear from her anytime soon. I'm probably kicked off the visitation list."

Jim rose from his chair and moved to the counter where she was mixing up the cole slaw in a bowl. "I'm sure it's not as bad as all that."

"I was reminded that I lost my status as a good mother," Johanna stated. "I was asked to leave…it's not looking good."

"It'll be alright, sweetheart. You know how Katie is; she flies off the handle sometimes…and now she's pregnant so there's hormones making her crazy. They made you crazy sometimes. I remember one time I didn't come home when I was supposed to and you thought I was out having an affair."

"I didn't say you were having an affair…I just asked if certain bimbos were present where you were that night."

"Okay, basically that's true…and there were no bimbos; but things got out of control that night; which was partially my fault but I don't think it would've gotten as bad as it did if it hadn't been for those hormones."

"I know…it wasn't a good night for us…and neither were the following few days when we didn't speak to each other."

"We got through it though…and Katie will come around; she always does."

"Maybe…but she probably won't confide in me anymore about anything pregnancy related; not that she has to…but she was and I liked it…it felt like I got to be a part of things and I don't often feel that way when it comes to her. I wanted to have this one…but I won't if I don't learn to keep my mouth shut."

"You won't be doing her or the baby any good if you don't tell her the truth, Jo."

"Maybe not but at least they'll be in my life," she replied as she gathered what she needed to make the dressing for the cole slaw.

Jim moved into place behind her, slipping his arms around her waist as he kissed the back of her head. "Don't twist yourself into knots, sweetheart; it's most likely not going to be as bad as you think. She'll come around, she always does."

"I guess we'll see," Johanna murmured. "Her birthday is in a few days."

"I know."

"I guess it'll be yet another one I don't see her on. I'll have to order her some flowers."

"Why don't you just buy her a gift?"

"You know how Katie feels about me giving her gifts on birthdays and holidays. I already learned that lesson…that's why I just send her flowers on her birthday. It seems a bit stupid but it's all I can think of to do."

"I know," he murmured; thinking to himself that she probably wasn't up for a discussion about breaking away from Katie's rules that had been set a few years ago. "Personally, I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving. You did get the turkey, didn't you?"

"Yes; it's in the freezer in the basement. Have you decided what all you want on the menu?"

"No; not yet, but don't worry; I'll have it figured out by the time you're ready to go to the market to so serious Thanksgiving shopping."

Johanna laughed softly as she gently pulled away from his embrace to put the bowl of cole slaw in the fridge. "You will be joining me on that pilgrimage as usual, right?"

"Absolutely; that's my favorite market trip; I wouldn't miss that," he said lightly. "Are we inviting anyone this year or is it going to just be us?"

"I don't know…what are Andrew and Gabby doing?"

"They're going to Maine; Gabby's grandparents invited them to dinner there. What about Samantha?"

"When we talked the other day, she said she and Dylan were going to Virginia for the week of Thanksgiving to be with Lindsey, John and baby Emma."

"Anyone else need a place to go for Thanksgiving?"

Johanna shook her head. "I think it might just be you and I this year, honey."

He smiled. "Don't get me wrong; I like when we have family over…but I'm okay with it just being us this year. It might be the last time…we'll have a grandchild next year, maybe Katie and the baby will be here."

"I doubt that…we've never had Thanksgiving together since I came home and I really don't see that changing when she has a baby."

"What are we going to do about Christmas when we have a grandchild? We might have to tweak our traditions."

"We'll worry about it when the time comes, Jim; for now we'll just do things as we always do."

Jim decided it was best not to pursue that topic further at the moment; after all, they had plenty of time to figure out how to work holidays with a grandchild in the mix…that was depending on what role they were allowed to have in the child's life.

"I didn't mean for it to sound like I was putting you off," Johanna said softly; "I just don't really want to think about it today when I'm not sure how much I screwed up today."

"I understand," he replied. "Besides; we've got a lot of time before we have to think about holidays with a baby."

Johanna breathed deeply. "I have two degrees from Columbia and yet I'm so damn stupid."

"You're not stupid, sweetheart."

"I feel stupid," she muttered. "I thought I was doing so good with her…which probably should've been my first clue that I was going to screw it up."

"It's going to be fine," he assured. "It's not your fault that Katie doesn't like hearing the truth about certain things. She'll get over it and everything will settle back down, I promise."

She nodded; knowing it was expected of her. "I'll just have to choose my words more carefully."

"And smack her every time she makes that Suzy Homemaker crack," Jim remarked.

Johanna smiled. "I'd like to…but you know; she'd probably arrest me."

"I'll have you bailed out in five minutes or less…and then I'll smack her and you can bail me out."

She laughed as she opened a cupboard and took out the soft pouch of cat treats. "I'm sure we could find better things to do with our time besides taking turns being arrested and bailed out."

"Most likely; what are you doing? Taking Scarlett off probation?"

"Well I can't have her and Katie both mad at me," she said as she opened the pouch. "Do you want a treat, Scarlett?"

Scarlett meowed as she hurried toward her owner, sitting down at her feet and looking up at her longingly. "Here, sweetie; punishment is over," she told her as she gave her a treat.

Jim chuckled as he watched Scarlett devour her treat and then rub against Johanna's legs affectionately. "It looks like you're forgiven, Jo."

"Yeah," she said as she stooped down to pet her cat. "If only it was that easy with Katie."

"Don't worry, sweetheart; it'll blow over in a day or two."

"I hope so…we haven't had any fights since we got back from London; I thought maybe the tide had turned and those days of snipping at each other were in the past…especially with the baby coming. I feel so stupid, Jim."

"Honey, relax," he told her. "One little tiff isn't going to spoil everything."

"But you know how she can be."

"I know; but it's going to work out, trust me. She'll be mad for a few days and then she'll get over it and most likely realize you were right."

"She really hates that."

"Only because she hates to be wrong."

"I know," Johanna replied; "I'll wait a day or two for her to cool off and then I'll send her an apology text…she can't hang up on me that way."

"Maybe she'll surprise you and call you before that."

That would be nice, Johanna thought to herself but she wouldn't get her hopes up. Too many of these little tiffs with Katie had left her well versed on her daughter's tactics and with pregnancy hormones factored in, she'd probably be lucky to hear from her by New Year's.

A/N: I have the next chapter's idea in mind so I'm probably going to run with it and go right into the next chapter.