Disclaimer: I still don't own Castle unfortunately. I just like to borrow their characters.

I meant to edit and post this last week, but fell under the weather, so I apologize for the delay.

On with the story!

Chapter 2

Kate set the first letter down and picked up the next one in the box. It was dated shortly after they came home from their honeymoon. The day they saw their baby for the first time.

Before she got lost in those memories of that day, she focused on the letter and began to read.

Kate,

It has been a few days since we came back from our honeymoon and only a couple more days until we will have the chance to see our little one. I was over the moon to discover we only had to wait one week after our honeymoon for the ultrasound appointment. My excitement wanted to get the better of me and find a doctor here on our own little private beach haven, but, as always, you reasoned with me and I had to concede that we should enjoy our honeymoon (still think a quick doctor visit here could have worked, but I digress. Cue the eyeroll I am sure you're giving me).

Kate chuckled, and of course, rolled her eyes. He really did know her well.

After they settled into their suite, Kate had made the call to set up an ultrasound appointment. She was informed that there was one available in the morning a week from their return home and set the appointment up for that day. After informing Castle of the appointment, he became excitable. He even suggested, no begged, for them to find a doctor here on their honeymoon. "Come on, Kate! I have a wide variety of resources. I am sure I could find someone to help us out so we can see our baby sooner rather than later." She couldn't lie, his excitement was infectious and in truth, she was looking forward to seeing their baby for the first time. But, logic won over. So, she tampered his excitement down by telling him, "Sorry, babe. I love you, but you will just have to wait. Let's just enjoy our honeymoon instead. Spend every minute together just the two of us." Castle pouted, but conceded and wrapped his arms around her middle. "Okay, fine. And you're right, as always. But, I think you mean the three of us." Kate was slightly confused for a few seconds before it dawned on her on what he meant. She smiled up at him and leaned in to kiss him lightly. "I am sure the little one will make themselves known one of these days."

Kate shook away the memories and went back to the letter.

Anyways, you were right. Our little one definitely caused a little trouble. Some days were better than others. We were able to enjoy some relaxing days at the beach, ventured out to try some local food and even spent a whole day in bed. But, some days, the morning sickness hit hard and your aversion to some food made itself known. I remember how bad you felt, but I reassured you that I wouldn't have it any other way. You're carrying our baby, Kate. A tiny human. Pregnancy can be unpredictable. It can throw you for a loop. But you have a partner to help you through it all, me. I promise to support every crazy food craving you may have, to run out to get whatever you want even if it is the middle of the night, to join you in solidarity and give up drinking alcohol (I may regret that one later) and coffee (yes, coffee. Sorry, my love, but no coffee. Decaf may be okay. I'll take it up with the doctor), and do my best to comfort you during morning sickness. I'll even promise to try my best to not hover too much and give you space when you need it. That will be hard because all I want to do is make everything easier for you, but that one day on our honeymoon made me realize that you deserve some space instead of me hovering all the time. Just promise me that if anything, ANYTHING, is bothering you when it comes to the baby that you'll tell me. I already said it once, but I'll say it again: I just want to make everything easier on you.

We're in this together, always.

Love,

Rick

P.S. I cannot wait to see our little one for the first time.

Kate set the letter down. Their honeymoon truly was unforgettable. She wasn't even upset that she couldn't drink. The mocktails Castle had concocted for her and the ones provided by the resort was enough. And on top of it all, Castle didn't drink one drop of alcohol. She insisted that she didn't have to, that just because she couldn't doesn't mean he shouldn't be able to either. But, he gave her a soft smile, kissed her nose and said, "we're in this together Kate. If you can't drink, then I won't either." Needless to say, she did find it incredibly sweet.

Castle really was her absolute rock during that trip. Granted, he always was, but he took her bouts of sickness in stride. If she had an aversion to a food they had, he'd quickly get rid of it and avoid it for the rest of the trip. When he would catch her throwing up in their bathroom, he'd come hold her hair and rub her back in soothing circles. She wanted to be mad at him for his constant hovering, and even nearly yelled at him once to leave her alone one morning when the morning sickness got really bad. She didn't have to see him to know he was hurt by that, but he did leave, but not before saying, "I just want to help you, Kate. I'll just uh.. Leave you alone." She felt guilty for that one.

When she felt better, she returned to find him pacing by their bed, hair slightly messy due to what she figured was him running his hands through his hair clearly frustrated. When he faced her, she immediately went to him and wrapped his arms around him and quietly apologized. "I'm sorry, Rick. You didn't deserve that. You were only trying to help. I just cannot help but feel bad for ruining our trip." Castle had pulled away after hearing that. He lifted her chin up so she could look at him and said, "Don't apologize for your actions, Kate. You're carrying our baby. Your body is going through so many changes right now. Don't think for one second that those changes are ruining our honeymoon. Just let me help make it easier for you."

Thinking about that moment in the present day, she knew he was right. She didn't yell at him again after that and made sure he knew just how much she appreciated his caring nature that helped make her pregnancy a little easier on that trip.

And him making those promises. God, that man really wanted to go above and beyond for her, for them. She remembers having that conversation a day before the doctor's appointment. She tried telling him that he didn't need to give up drinking alcohol or coffee for her, only one of them should have to suffer through it. That him not drinking at all during their honeymoon was enough. But he insisted, telling her, "Kate, you are doing all the heavy lifting while all I can do is offer you support any way you'll let me give it. I can suffer along with you, it is the least I can do. So, please, let me. I promise I'll be okay." She couldn't fight him on it after that. It was his choice after all. Who was she to argue with this man, this selfless man who really would do anything for her? She hugged him tight after that and whispered, "thank you." He kissed the top of her head and said, "Always."

Before reading the next letter, Kate made her way to the kitchen, setting her phone on the counter. If Castle were here, he'd be cooking up some pancakes, maybe even waffles, with bacon and eggs making sure she was well fed to help get through the day. For now, she settled on another cup of coffee and some toast. Before she could put the bread in the toaster, her phone pinged with a message. Castle.

Have you eaten? If not, there is a Smorelette in the fridge for you because I know how much you love my little delicacy. And no, coffee and toast does not count as breakfast.

She couldn't help but chuckle at that. Oh, that man. Of course he would know she'd have a light breakfast without him around to gently nag her about her eating habits.

She pulled the Smorelette out of the fridge and heated it up in the microwave. Just a few short weeks ago, she accidentally let it slip that his Smorelette wasn't too bad. The absolute grin he gave her was too smug for her liking. So, she threw a piece of her bacon at him. He had just laughed and ate the projectile bacon.

After she finished up the Smorelette and her cup of coffee, she sent a message back to him.

Thank you for the breakfast.

His response was almost immediate.

You're welcome.

As she walked back into the bedroom, her phone pinged again.

Are you doing okay? Need me to come home yet?

There he goes again. Being sweet. She smiled at the messages and typed out a response.

I am okay, no need to come home. You can stay in your secret location for now.

She set the phone back on the nightstand and pulled out the next letter. As she got herself comfortable on the bed, a message lit up her screen with another message from Castle.

Gotta keep the mystery alive, my dear detective. I am a mystery writer after all.

That elicited a soft chuckle from her.

Okay, writer boy. I'm going back to your letters, stay out of trouble wherever you are.

He immediately responds back.

Oh, I am always in trouble when you're involved. But I will try, for your sake. And I think you mean man. Writer man.

She let a grin break onto her face after she read his message. Instead of responding, she set her phone on the nightstand and turned her attention back to the next letter.

Kate,

We had our first ultrasound appointment today.

We saw our baby on screen for the first time.

Our baby, Kate. I won't get tired of saying that.

It truly was magical.

I don't know if enough words can truly convey what I am feeling right now. Elated, over the moon, ecstatic, happy, overjoyed and so many more things, Kate. I know, I know, those are essentially the same words said over and over, but I cannot contain myself. My heart is just filled with love for you and for our growing family. It's amazing what a grainy photo of a tiny human can do to me. I feel misty eyed just thinking about it all over again.

I was a little disappointed when we didn't get the chance to hear our baby's heartbeat quite yet. But that went to the back of my mind the minute the doctor handed us the sonogram photos. Made me happy all over again.

(I am sure we looked like absolute fools to the doctor because we were probably grinning like idiots, but I didn't care, not for one second).

I just couldn't help it. Being in the room with you to see our baby for the first time was unforgettable. I love Alexis with my whole heart, but I unfortunately was left out of all the appointments. Meredith kept me at arm's length. Being a first time father was scary enough, but not even being kept in a constant loop was absolutely devastating. I begged for at least a sonogram photo, anything, and Meredith relented and gave me a sonogram photo. I still cherish it to this day, just like I will with our little one.

So, thank you, Kate. Thank you for allowing me to be present for this part of our journey (I know you'll probably roll your eyes at that).

Kate chuckled, and did in fact roll her eyes. That man. He really did know her well. She really couldn't find it in her heart to find it annoying.

But I cannot help it. Being able to share this with someone who cares is amazing. It makes me love you even more than I already do (which, believe me, is hard considering I love you so much as it is). But that's how I feel writing this hours after the appointment.

The doctor said it may be possible to find out the gender of the baby at the next appointment. So, on the way home, you asked me if I wanted us to have a boy or a girl. And you claimed I gave a cliche answer. Even if you may be right (and well, even I can admit you most likely are), I stand by my answer. Because at the end of the day, whether they are a boy or a girl, they will be our little peanut.

And that, Kate, is what matters the most. Our little peanut.

But if it were up to me, I'd want them to be just like you. Extraordinary.

Love,

Rick

P.S. If it is indeed a boy, may I suggest Cosmo?

Kate once again rolled her eyes, but had a smile on her face. She knew her husband would bring that name back even if she heavily vetoed it shortly after they watched over little Benny for a case they worked on.

Kate read the beginning of the letter back. She knew about Castle's history with Meredith when it came to her pregnancy. He confessed that part of his and Meredith's history shortly after Kate made the appointment. He had admitted he was worried he'd be forced to wait outside for Kate's first appointment. He told her he knew it was irrational, that she would never do that to him, but the hurt he felt all those years ago came to the forefront of his mind when they called to schedule the appointment and he couldn't shake it. It equally saddened and upset her that he didn't get to share in that joy of being a father, a first time father at that.

Kate remembers looking at him, a smile on her face saying, "Rick. There is nothing, NOTHING, that could make me not want you in there with me. You are a big part of this. Partners in everything, remember?"

He looked at her with his adoration written all over his face and softly said, "Partners. Always, Kate," and kissed her lightly reveling in the feeling of being an active part of her pregnancy.

A week after returning from their honeymoon, they had their appointment. 2 days before, Kate was able to go in for the more accurate pregnancy test and was informed they could have her results by her appointment date.

Shortly after they arrived at the office, they were led into a room to wait for the doctor to come with her test results. Despite what looked like her calm demeanor, Kate felt the nerves hit her the minute the nurse left. Seconds later, Kate felt Rick's hand grab hers. When she looked up at him, he smiled at her and assured her, "It'll all be okay Kate. No matter what happens, we will deal with it together." That was all the reassurance she needed. She gave him a small smile to let him know she was okay, that him being there was helping her in more ways than she could say.

About 5 minutes later, the doctor came in. After the formal greetings, the doctor looked at both of them and said, "Your test results came back." Rick felt Kate grip his hand a little harder, both of them feeling anxious to know if their lives truly were about to change. With a small smile on the doctor's face, he said, "Congratulations, Kate. Rick. You're going to have a baby."

Kate will never forget the absolute joy on Castle's face, tears shining in his eyes. He immediately wrapped her in a gentle hug, already being careful when it comes to the baby. She couldn't even find it in her heart to find his protectiveness ridiculous. She was too overjoyed with having a baby with that wonderful man. Before either could say a word, the doctor asked, "would you like to see your baby?" They both nodded their heads, not even needing one minute to think about it.

Minutes later, Kate was lying on the exam table, Rick standing near the table, hand held in hers. The doctor put the gel on her stomach. After about a minute or so of the doctor moving the transducer around her stomach, the doctor pointed them to the screen and they saw it: their baby. They looked at each other, the same misty eyed expression on both their faces with one hand covering their mouth like what they were seeing was an unbelievable miracle.

They didn't know how long they stared at the screen, barely remembering the doctor leaving to give them a minute alone. Castle had spoken up first. He tore his eyes away from the screen to look at his wife, and softly said the only words he could think of saying in that moment, "I love you so much." She in turn grabbed his hand and gave a kiss to his knuckles sharing the same sentiment. "I love you too."

Shortly after, they were headed out of the office hand in hand, copies of the ultrasound picture tucked away in Kate's purse.

While they were walking to their car after the appointment, she couldn't help but ask, "So, what do you think? Boy or girl?" He went quiet for a moment, almost like he was contemplating his answer. After several seconds, he said, "Well. To tell you the truth, I don't have a preference. Boy or girl, I will love them just the same." Kate laughed at his answer, couldn't help it. "Come on, Castle. That's totally cliche. You have to have a preference. Come on, what's your real answer?" He shrugged. "That is my real answer. Cliche or not, gender doesn't really matter to me. Having a boy would be a nice change, make me feel less outnumbered." She chuckled at that. Yeah, a boy would definitely help with that. He continued, "But I also loved raising Alexis and wouldn't be out of my depth with a girl. At the end of the day, boy or girl, I just hope they turn out just like you, extraordinary."

That had stopped her in her tracks. Castle looked over at her, slightly confused on why she stopped. "What? What did I say? Are you okay? Is the baby okay?" Before his worry grew even further she tugged on his arm and pulled him away from the public sidewalk, away from any prying eyes. Before he could question what she was doing, she had captured his mouth with hers, not even caring if they managed to get seen. She pulled away and with her hands on his face, smiling brightly, she told him, "I love you, Richard Castle. I already know they'll be extraordinary because they have you as their father." That had him smiling like a fool, light shining in his eyes. He took hold of her hand and they continued walking down the sidewalk. She knew they looked like giddy fools by anyone who passed them by, but she didn't care. She had the love of the man next to her and absolutely couldn't wait to meet their baby.

A couple days after that appointment, a copy of the ultrasound picture found its way on Castle's desk, staying there even after they went through one of the hardest moments of their lives.

My head-canon is that Kate has tried the Smorelette and loves it. I don't care what anyone says, it sounds lowkey delicious lol

In regards to Meredith. I will not lie, I strongly dislike her character for reasons I won't get into which may play into how I wrote about her keeping Castle out. But, it just feels right for the story to write her that way, so please don't hate me too much? Lol

Unfortunately, I erased the first draft I wrote of chapter 3 because I wasn't happy with it. I only ever have time to write on my 2 days off a week so there may be a delay with getting it posted this week like I originally planned so I apologize for the wait. I have also found myself with a slight case of writer's block. But I promise, no matter the delays, I will not leave this story unfinished.

Thanks to everyone who has read this story, I appreciate every single one of you!