The car ride was a blur of sharp breaths and Castle's nervous chatter. By the time they reached the hospital, Beckett was gripping his arm like a vice, her jaw clenched against the pain.
The nurses moved quickly, guiding her into a room and helping her change into a hospital gown. Castle stayed by her side, his usual bravado replaced with quiet determination.
Hours passed, each contraction more intense than the last. Beckett stood beside the bed, her hair damp with sweat, fingers clenching the metal railing as another wave of pain tore through her.
"You're doing great, Kate," Castle said, standing next to her, his voice steady but betraying a thread of panic.
"Stop talking," she hissed through gritted teeth. Castle raised his hands in surrender, but his other hand stayed firmly in hers, even as she squeezed it hard enough to turn his knuckles white.
The doctor entered, checking her progress. "Wow, a lot has happened! We're almost there," she said with a reassuring smile. The nurses helped Beckett onto the bed for the final stage of labor. "If you start feeling the need to push with the contractions, go ahead," the doctor encouraged warmly.
Beckett's breath came in short, sharp gasps. "I can't," she whispered, doubt creeping into her voice.
"Yes, you can," Castle said, leaning closer. His voice softened, the fear in his eyes replaced with quiet determination. "Kate, you've got this." She let out a shaky breath, nodding slightly, and when the next contraction hit, she bore down with everything she had.
Half an hour later, the room filled with the sharp, beautiful cry of their baby. Beckett's chest heaved as she collapsed back against the pillows, her whole body trembling with exhaustion and relief.
The doctor placed the tiny, wriggling bundle on her chest, tucking him beneath her gown for skin-to-skin contact.
A choked sound escaped Beckett as she looked down at their son, her fingers shaking as they brushed over his impossibly small hand.
"He's perfect," Castle whispered, his voice thick with emotion. Beckett tore her gaze away from the baby just long enough to meet Castle's eyes. "Yeah," she murmured, her voice raw and full of wonder.
Castle nodded, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead, his fingers brushing against hers as they both held on to the miracle between them.