"Clean up in aisle five! Clean up in aisle five!"
Kate was shaken from her thoughts by the announcement – she was standing with a pregnancy test in her hands while considering the different product options in front of her. Nerves fluttered in her stomach as the realization set in that she was actually going to take a pregnancy test. She Kate (Beckett) Castle was possibly pregnant... with Richard Castle's baby. She was a week late and had strange bouts of nausea, finally concluding that their recent - and frequent - efforts to enlarge the Castle-clan must have yielded a result. A smile pulled her lips upward as sudden excitement took hold of her. Obviously, Rick didn't know that she suspected that a little Castle was forming inside of her. He would only be informed if she was certain – hence the three different pregnancy tests already in the basket hung around the bend of her arm. The only person that knew about this was Lanie, who unsurprisingly completely freaked out due to an overdose of happiness. She was already referring to herself as Aunt Lanie and speaking to Kate's stomach despite being informed that nothing was confirmed… yet.
Taking a deep breath, Kate placed the box in the basket - bringing the total to four - and made her way to the to the paypoint. She caught herself smiling every few seconds and thinking about possible colour schemes for the nursery, baby names, but most of all, the new role she would assume. At this thought, a broad smile spread across her features as her eyes lit up with anticipation.
"Hellllooo! Rick?... I'm home," she yelled, attempting to transcend the booming music. When no reply came, she placed the bags and keys in her hand on the kitchen counter and walked over to the office where the noise was coming from.
Sure enough, Rick was doing his upmost best to mimic Jimmy Hendrix while head-banging furiously to the rock tune. He was so engrossed in pretending to be a rock star that it took him a whole two minutes to realize that his smirking wife was watching on in amusement. When he noticed her, he smiled sheepishly and turned the music down.
"Oh don't stop at my account... rock star," Kate said, smirking at him.
"So if I'm a rock star, that means that you're my groupie, right?" Rick replied walking over to her, on the way discarding the guitar hero instrument on the couch.
"That depends," Kate retorted as Rick wrapped his arms around her waist, clasping his hands together at the back. She in turn, leisurely wrapped her arms around his neck.
"On what?" His brow furrowed as he looked down on her. He noticed the playfulness in her green eyes and the teasing way she was licking her lips.
"Well, on if you're any good," Kate replied, slightly biting her lower lip. The flirtatious swordplay and friendly banter that had become the defining features of their relationship, only grew stronger as the years went by.
"What? Do you doubt my rock star status? Didn't you just see my amazing performance? I was awesome," he continued the joke, frowning at her in mock displeasure. Kate only rolled her eyes and shook her head.
"Shut up and kiss me." He complied immediately, enclosing his lips in and around her mouth in a deep, sensual kiss. He started to fiddle with the buttons at the bottom of her shirt, but was stopped when Kate took a hold of his hands and broke from the kiss. She glanced down at her watch (her father's watch) and looked back up to him.
"Sorry sweetie, it's 16h30 and Lex will be here at 17h00. So unless you want to put your daughter in years of therapy, I suggest we postpone our little game for later tonight."
"Oh, but it's not a game KC. We're making a baby. Remember? And as far as I can recall you said that we should, and I quote, 'use every opportunity we can' to do that. I'm only complying with your request," Rick replied unfazed, trying to take hold of her again. Kate laughed as he wrapped his arms around her waist once more.
"Nice try Mr. Castle, but... no."
"Eh, was worth a try." He gave her a peck on the lips before releasing her. "Tonight, though, you and me are getting naked," he continued waggling his eyebrows at her while gesturing between himself and Kate. They proceeded to walk out of the office and move into the kitchen.
"Damn, Castle, is that all you ever think about?" Kate asked teasingly with a slight chuckle. He took a few seconds to think before replying.
"Uhmmmm... yeah pretty much," Rick said casually with a shrug earning a second eye-roll from Kate.
"Have you heard anything from Lex yet?" Kate asked as she took a seat at the counter; Rick was taking out two cups from the cupboard.
"Uhh, she called about an hour ago. Said that she was just going to drop off one of her girlfriends and come straight here... Espresso or filter?"
"Uh, I-I... Can I get some tea instead please?" She answered a little flustered, the bag with pregnancy tests on the counter catching her eye. Rick frowned slightly at the request; Kate very rarely drank tea and was basically a caffeine-junkie.
"Okay," he answered with a slight shrug, not taking too much notice of her seemingly simple request. Kate watched her husband intently, her elbow propped up on the kitchen counter and her head resting in her hand. She noticed an extra spring in his step and glint in his eyes and she knew why: his little girl was coming home. Kate had partly fallen in love with Richard Castle because of the wonderful father he was to Alexis. She found the paternal side of Rick adorable, sweet and very appealing. Before she could help herself, Kate's mind drifted to fantasies of Rick softly reading stories to their baby, running around in the park with a mini-version of her and playing lazer tag with a mini-version of him. He noticed that she was watching him curiously and his mouth twitched upward.
"Thinking of me naked again, Detective?" He asked, his voice laced with humor. Kate only returned a lazy smile.
"You wish, Castle," she replied as he placed the cup in front of her.
"Uh-huh, sure. I know you have a dirty mind, KC. Not that I have a problem with that... To the contrary."
"Ok Rick, watch me closely because I'm gonna roll my eyes now." They shared a laugh before slipping into comfortable silence for a few minutes while drinking the hot beverages.
"You've really missed her, haven't you? Lex I mean," Kate stated, breaking the silence. Rick looked up at her and a warm smile spread across his features as he thought about his daughter. Rick Castle had certain smiles for the women in his life - for his mother usually a longsuffering, gentle grin; for his wife usually a sultry, teasing smirk; and for his daughter usually a warm, beaming smile that reached his eyes.
"Yes, I have," he answered quietly resting his eyes on the mug in his hands, his voice filled with fatherly affection.
"Me too," Kate said softly. She had come to love Alexis as a daughter, even though she never thought of herself as Alexis' mother. They had formed a special bond over the years and had, in fact, become close confidants.
Rick watched her closely and saw the affection manifested in her expression. Kate had been a wonderful role-model for his daughter and Alexis had the upmost respect for her stepmother. He was never worried about whether they would get along, because, unlike Gina, Kate had come to love Alexis as a daughter. He was also certain that Kate would make a fantastic mother and couldn't wait to get and see her pregnant. Noticing her husband's lingering gaze, Kate frowned in confusion.
"What?" She asked puzzled. Rick tilted his head slightly while his mouth revealed a remnant of a smile before taking her hand in his, stroking his thumb over the back of her hand.
"Nothing... just that you are going to make a wonderful mother, Katherine," he answered sincerely, his expression tender. He rarely called her Katherine and when he did it was usually reserved for moments where he revealed his heart to her. Kate suddenly felt emotional, fully aware that she might well be pregnant already.
"Thank you," she replied quietly, her eyes moist with tears. Rick tugged a strand of hair behind her ear and leaned in to give her a soft kiss. A knock on the door interrupted the intimate moment as they turned their attention to the door. Rick's eyes lit up and excitement spread across his features as he quickly made his way towards the door.
"Ah my girl is home!" he greeted as he opened the door and saw Alexis standing on the other side. He immediately gathered her up in a tight hug while kissing her head.
"Hey dad," Alexis greeted with a bright smile.
"Oh I've missed you Pumpkin," Rick said with shut eyes while he held his daughter tight; he did not let go for several moments. The two women only exchanged looks and smiled.
"Dad-"
"Mmmmhh?"
"Can I say hello to Kate as well now?"
"Oh sorry, yeah of course," he replied releasing her from the tight hug.
"Hey sweetie," Kate greeted, smiling broadly.
"Hey," Alexis greeted stepping into a firm hug.
"So, what's new with you guys?"
"Wow Dad, you seem to be getting a little old for that," Alexis commented with a smirk.
"I'm not old, thank you very much. I could give you a run for your money missy," Rick replied in mock seriousness, pointing a finger at his daughter. "Besides, I thought you were on my side."
"Oh but I am Dad. Always."
"Gmmff, yeah sure. You two always conspire against me."
"Aww, poor baby," Kate commented sarcastically while running a hand through his hair.
"By the way, just to make it clear, that fence was high and the suspect was armed which is kinda dangerous, okay? Furthermore, I don't have any police training-"
"No, no Mr. Castle, you couldn't get over that fence because you're unfit and a litte out of shape," Kate interrupted, gently slapping Rick's arm with a chuckle.
"That is not true! I, I do a lot of stuff... I have taut muscles," Rick was flexing his biceps. "Feel here."
"I know how your muscles feel, Castle," Kate retorted with a smile.
"And you seem very satisfied with them, Detective," Rick quipped while slightly arching his eyebrows, once again causing Kate to roll her eyes at him.
"Anyway, jumping over a fence has nothing to do with muscles, Castle."
"Yeah it does!"
"Doesn't."
"Does."
"Doesn't."
"Oh come on-"
"Do I look like a body-builder to you?" Kate interrupted arching her eyebrows.
"Nooo... but you have a very nice bo- very nice muscles, Detective." He flashed her a teasing smirk before leaning in to peck her cheek.
"Shut up," Kate mumbled with a self-conscious smile while blushing slightly.
Alexis only watched the flirtatious swordplay between her father and Kate in amusement and smiled at the scene. Her father had never been happier with anyone else and she knew that Kate was the best thing to ever happen to their family. She loved her stepmother and considered her to be a close friend.
"Does anyone want some hot chocolate? I kinda feel like some," Alexis said, getting off from the stool where she was sitting.
"Only if you make it with the little marshmellows," Rick answered almost immediately.
"Sure Dad. Kate?"
"Uh... no thanks sweetie, I think I'm gonna take a shower." Kate wanted to give Rick and Alexis a few minutes on their own to catch up and was sensitive enough to realise that they both needed it.
"So, if I don't see you again, Lex, goodnight," she said, getting off her seat and moving closely behind Rick with her hands placed on his shoulders.
"Ok, sleep tight Kate," Alexis answered with a smile.
"Hey, you're not going to bed yet are you?" Rick asked, his brow furrowing in confusion. He took hold of her hand and pulled her closer to him. "I mean we kinda have a date," he continued in a whisper which only Kate could hear.
"Don't worry, I'll wait up," Kate replied quietly with a sly smile and a wink before giving him a quick kiss.
Kate smiled as she heard father and daughter laughing while making her way up the stairs. 'I cannot wait to add to this family.' She thought placing a hand on her stomach.
Kate was sitting on the edge of the bath tub after taking a long shower. She was holding one of the pregnancy tests in her hand and was busy reading the instructions; she hid the bag with pregnancy tests in the bathroom earlier the evening. She decided that while Rick and Alexis were busy bonding downstairs, that she would take the opportunity to find out whether she was indeed expecting. Nervous excitement churned her stomach while a broad smile threatened to engulf her features.
"Kate?" She fumbled with the box upon hearing Rick calling her name.
"Uh, I- I'm in here," she replied flustered as she scurried to hide the pregnancy tests.
"What are you doing in there? Putting on sexy lingerie? I wouldn't mind... hint-hint!" She could here the teasing smirk in his muffled voice on the other side of the door and he could basically see her eye roll. "Don't keep me waiting too long though"
"I'm coming," Kate replied before opening the door.
"Oh there are so many-" Rick commented with a sly smile before being cut off as his wife swiftly put a hand over his mouth.
"Richard Castle, you are like an impossible teenager!" Kate hissed with an exasperated laugh before removing her hand from his mouth.
"More like a really horny teenager," he quipped while feeling her up. Kate wrapped her arms around his neck and stood on her toes in order to lock her mouth with his.
"You smell like cherries," Rick mumbled while placing soft kisses in her neck and along her jaw line.
"Mmm-hmm," Kate commented with closed eyes before breaking from the embrace. Taking his hand, she dragged him towards the bed.
"C'mon Mr. Castle, there's work to done."
"Ay ay Detective!"
But for the time being she wasn't able to share the good news with anyone. It was just past 9am on Saturday and Kate was alone in the loft; Rick and Alexis went out to take a stroll in the park, leaving her to sleep in. She would have to wait a while longer before she could break the news to her husband because she and Alexis had planned a shopping trip - a.k.a girls' bonding time - when they got back from the park. With this in mind, Kate carefully disposed of the pregnancy tests and started to get dressed, all the while struggling to keep a smile from her lips.
She was applying the last touches of her makeup when she heard Rick and Alexis entering the loft.
"Greatest movie of all time?" Rick asked as he and his daughter walked through the door; bear claws and lattes in hand.
Alexis took a few contemplative moments before answering.
"Gone with the Wind."
"Oh come on! Gone with the- oh please. That is such a girly answer," Rick exclaimed in disdain.
"Dad, I am a girl." Alexis pointed out with a chuckle.
"What are we talking about?" Kate asked as she walked down the stairs.
"Oh Dad and I are just having a friendly discussion about what the best movie of all time is," Alexis answered.
"Hey," Kate greeted her husband with a peck on the lips. "So what is it?"
"Gone with the Wind."
"Star Wars 1977." Father and daughter answered simulteanously.
"I'm with Lex on this one... Geekboy," Kate commented with a smile.
"Oh please. Star Wars is the greatest film franchise of all time, nothing beats it," Rick replied earnestly.
"Yeah well, nothing beats Rhett Butler and Scarlett O'Hara's epic love story."
"Thanks Kate, my point exactly," Alexis added. Rick flashed his wife and daughter a disapproving look.
"Again, ganging up on me," he mumbled while taking out the bear claws and handing a latte to Kate.
"Uh, I- you have it. I don't want something now," Kate answered as Rick handed her the cup. He looked at her in confusion, not quite comprehending why she was rejecting coffee in the morning. Usually she couldn't function without her daily dosage of caffeine.
"You sure?"
"Yeah... So Lex are you ready?" Kate turned towards her stepdaughter, largely in an effort to change the topic.
"Yip, I'm ready if you are."
"Where are you two going?" Rick asked before taking a sip of the latte.
"Shopping," Kate answered with a broad smile.
"You're leaving me alone?" he asked with a slight pout.
"Don't worry, we won't be the whole day," Kate answered while taking her purse.
"Just a few hours" Alexis added with a smile. "Bye Dad"
"Bye... and behave yourself." Kate leaned in to give Ric.k a kiss on the cheek before heading to the front door.
"Always. Have fun," Rick replied with a grin. "Bring me something!" he called before they were out of the door. A smile slowly formed on his lips as he thought about two of the most important women in his life, but it quickly disappeared.
"Gone with the Wind. Please."
"Yes please," Alexis answered looking at Kate.
"Oh you go ahead sweetie, I'll wait here."
Alexis and Kate were making their rounds in the boutiques and shops after catching up over lunch. Alexis told her about Harvard, her favourite subjects, her plans for the future and student life while Kate listened on with keen interest. Kate, on the other hand, informed her about everyone at the precint, placing specific focus on Javier and Lanie's budding romance and her father's book tour. She didn't mention anything about her and Rick's plans to 'enlarge' the Castle family or the small matter of her pregnancy - a fact she only discovered a few hours before.
Walking through the shop, Kate spotted the baby section and moved towards it. She was unconsciously rubbing her stomach as she looked at the miniature clothing. She stopped at the shoes section and removed a pair of small, white slipper-like shoes. 'So adorable' She was smiling, not aware that Alexis was standing a few feet away and watching her.
"Uh Kate?" Alexis ventured closer, a tentative smile pulling her lips upward. Kate's head snapped up at the interruption and she smiled at her stepdaughter.
"So what are you doing in the baby section?" Alexis asked, already fully aware that her father and Kate were trying for a baby; Rick had told her and she was over the moon upon hearing the news.
"Uhmm," Kate started with a smile while focusing on the small, white shoes in her hand. "I, well-"
"You're pregnant?" Kate took a few moments before answering, not taking her eyes off the item in her hands.
"Yes, Lex, I'm pregnant" she answered softly, looking up while a beaming smile spread across her face. Alexis' eyes grew wide as a bright smile engulfed her features.
"Oh my gosh! This is sooo amazing!" She wrapped her arms around a laughing Kate, practically bouncing off the ground. "I'm going to be a big sister! I can't believe it. Congratulations!"
"Thanks sweetie" Kate replied. "It feels so unreal, but, wow, just amazing"
"When did you find out?" Alexis asked, her blue eyes glistening with excitement.
"This morning actually. While you guys were out."
"And you're sure?"
"Yep. I took four pregnancy tests and they were all positive."
"And Dad? He doesn't know yet?"
"No, I'm planning on telling him later today."
"You know he is gonna be totally out-of-his-mind happy, right?"
"Mmm-hmm," Kate replied with a broad smile while imagining how excited Rick will be upon hearing the good tidings. As she glanced at the small shoes in her hands, an idea as to how to tell him popped into her head.
"Well my shoes were starting to kill me," Kate replied. She noticed the remote-controlled miniature Ferrari next to the couch and smiled to herself. 'Boys wll be boys.'
"Where's Alexis?" he asked, sitting up.
"Uh, she's meeting some of her friends for coffee."
"Oh, okay... so we have the afternoon for ourselves?" he waggled his eyebrows at her suggestively while she only flashed him her longsuffering look.
"Before we get to that... I have something for you." Kate pulled out a gift bag and held it out towards him. He quickly got up with the enthusiasm of a 12-year-old.
"Really? Is it Halo? Oh, oh! Or is Unchartered: Drake's Fortune? 'Cause that will be so totally awesome!" He rambled on in anticipation like a kid on Christmas morning.
"No, but I think this is going to be even better," Kate replied with a smile as he took the bag from her.
"Well, very little is greater than that," he commented absent-mindedly while searching the gift bag and pulling out two white, baby shoes. "Baby shoes," he commented flatly, as his brow furrowed in confusion. "Kate, what am I suppose to do with baby..." He looked up at her in confusion and saw a serene smile spread across her features. His eyes grew wide as the realization set in. "-Shoes?"
"Uh." A smile tugged his lips upward as he watched her. "Katie, are- are you...?" He moved closer, failing to stop a broad smile from forming on his lips.
She only nodded in confirmation, matching his broad smile. He lifted her up in a tight embrace, swinging her around both laughing happily.
"Oh wow! Really? This is... ah - you were right much better than anything else," Rick said with a chuckle, taking her face in between his hands as delirious happiness descended on them. "I... love... you... so... much," he said in between kissing her.
"I love you too," Kate replied smiling.
"You're pregnant. We're pregnant... Woo-hoooo!" He threw his arms up in the air.
"I take it you're excited," Kate commented with a laugh, watching her thrilled husband in amusement.
"Are you kidding me? I'm freaking ecstatic! This is the best Christmas present ever. Thank you." He gave her a soft, lingering kiss before bending down to stand on his knees.
"Hey baby, it's Daddy... I just want to say that I love you already and can't wait to meet you," he whispered to Kate's stomach while she tenderly ran a hand through his hair.
"What about me?" Kate asked in mock indignation.
"Oh and Mommy also says hi."
Kate was shaken from her thoughts by the announcement – she was standing with a pregnancy test in her hands while considering the different product options in front of her. Nerves fluttered in her stomach as the realization set in that she was actually going to take a pregnancy test. She Kate (Beckett) Castle was possibly pregnant... with Richard Castle's baby. She was a week late and had strange bouts of nausea, finally concluding that their recent - and frequent - efforts to enlarge the Castle-clan must have yielded a result. A smile pulled her lips upward as sudden excitement took hold of her. Obviously, Rick didn't know that she suspected that a little Castle was forming inside of her. He would only be informed if she was certain – hence the three different pregnancy tests already in the basket hung around the bend of her arm. The only person that knew about this was Lanie, who unsurprisingly completely freaked out due to an overdose of happiness. She was already referring to herself as Aunt Lanie and speaking to Kate's stomach despite being informed that nothing was confirmed… yet.
Taking a deep breath, Kate placed the box in the basket - bringing the total to four - and made her way to the to the paypoint. She caught herself smiling every few seconds and thinking about possible colour schemes for the nursery, baby names, but most of all, the new role she would assume. At this thought, a broad smile spread across her features as her eyes lit up with anticipation.
________
Kate was met by loud music – more specifically AC/DC's Thunderstruck – as she walked through the door of the loft, keys in hand. She frowned slightly, knowing that her husband was probably bored and probably playing guitar hero in his office. He was taking time off from writing the Nikki Heat series since the book tour finished about two weeks ago. Usually when he was alone and bored, Rick would let the 12-year old boy inside of him loose - he had a whole closet full of remote cars and planes, Xbox-games, cool gadgets (including laser tag equipment), comic books and of course legendary action figures. Obviously, his wife - the ignorant female adult that she was - just didn't seem to get the sheer awesomeness of this sacred and treasured collection of items."Hellllooo! Rick?... I'm home," she yelled, attempting to transcend the booming music. When no reply came, she placed the bags and keys in her hand on the kitchen counter and walked over to the office where the noise was coming from.
Sure enough, Rick was doing his upmost best to mimic Jimmy Hendrix while head-banging furiously to the rock tune. He was so engrossed in pretending to be a rock star that it took him a whole two minutes to realize that his smirking wife was watching on in amusement. When he noticed her, he smiled sheepishly and turned the music down.
"Oh don't stop at my account... rock star," Kate said, smirking at him.
"So if I'm a rock star, that means that you're my groupie, right?" Rick replied walking over to her, on the way discarding the guitar hero instrument on the couch.
"That depends," Kate retorted as Rick wrapped his arms around her waist, clasping his hands together at the back. She in turn, leisurely wrapped her arms around his neck.
"On what?" His brow furrowed as he looked down on her. He noticed the playfulness in her green eyes and the teasing way she was licking her lips.
"Well, on if you're any good," Kate replied, slightly biting her lower lip. The flirtatious swordplay and friendly banter that had become the defining features of their relationship, only grew stronger as the years went by.
"What? Do you doubt my rock star status? Didn't you just see my amazing performance? I was awesome," he continued the joke, frowning at her in mock displeasure. Kate only rolled her eyes and shook her head.
"Shut up and kiss me." He complied immediately, enclosing his lips in and around her mouth in a deep, sensual kiss. He started to fiddle with the buttons at the bottom of her shirt, but was stopped when Kate took a hold of his hands and broke from the kiss. She glanced down at her watch (her father's watch) and looked back up to him.
"Sorry sweetie, it's 16h30 and Lex will be here at 17h00. So unless you want to put your daughter in years of therapy, I suggest we postpone our little game for later tonight."
"Oh, but it's not a game KC. We're making a baby. Remember? And as far as I can recall you said that we should, and I quote, 'use every opportunity we can' to do that. I'm only complying with your request," Rick replied unfazed, trying to take hold of her again. Kate laughed as he wrapped his arms around her waist once more.
"Nice try Mr. Castle, but... no."
"Eh, was worth a try." He gave her a peck on the lips before releasing her. "Tonight, though, you and me are getting naked," he continued waggling his eyebrows at her while gesturing between himself and Kate. They proceeded to walk out of the office and move into the kitchen.
"Damn, Castle, is that all you ever think about?" Kate asked teasingly with a slight chuckle. He took a few seconds to think before replying.
"Uhmmmm... yeah pretty much," Rick said casually with a shrug earning a second eye-roll from Kate.
"Have you heard anything from Lex yet?" Kate asked as she took a seat at the counter; Rick was taking out two cups from the cupboard.
"Uhh, she called about an hour ago. Said that she was just going to drop off one of her girlfriends and come straight here... Espresso or filter?"
"Uh, I-I... Can I get some tea instead please?" She answered a little flustered, the bag with pregnancy tests on the counter catching her eye. Rick frowned slightly at the request; Kate very rarely drank tea and was basically a caffeine-junkie.
"Okay," he answered with a slight shrug, not taking too much notice of her seemingly simple request. Kate watched her husband intently, her elbow propped up on the kitchen counter and her head resting in her hand. She noticed an extra spring in his step and glint in his eyes and she knew why: his little girl was coming home. Kate had partly fallen in love with Richard Castle because of the wonderful father he was to Alexis. She found the paternal side of Rick adorable, sweet and very appealing. Before she could help herself, Kate's mind drifted to fantasies of Rick softly reading stories to their baby, running around in the park with a mini-version of her and playing lazer tag with a mini-version of him. He noticed that she was watching him curiously and his mouth twitched upward.
"Thinking of me naked again, Detective?" He asked, his voice laced with humor. Kate only returned a lazy smile.
"You wish, Castle," she replied as he placed the cup in front of her.
"Uh-huh, sure. I know you have a dirty mind, KC. Not that I have a problem with that... To the contrary."
"Ok Rick, watch me closely because I'm gonna roll my eyes now." They shared a laugh before slipping into comfortable silence for a few minutes while drinking the hot beverages.
"You've really missed her, haven't you? Lex I mean," Kate stated, breaking the silence. Rick looked up at her and a warm smile spread across his features as he thought about his daughter. Rick Castle had certain smiles for the women in his life - for his mother usually a longsuffering, gentle grin; for his wife usually a sultry, teasing smirk; and for his daughter usually a warm, beaming smile that reached his eyes.
"Yes, I have," he answered quietly resting his eyes on the mug in his hands, his voice filled with fatherly affection.
"Me too," Kate said softly. She had come to love Alexis as a daughter, even though she never thought of herself as Alexis' mother. They had formed a special bond over the years and had, in fact, become close confidants.
Rick watched her closely and saw the affection manifested in her expression. Kate had been a wonderful role-model for his daughter and Alexis had the upmost respect for her stepmother. He was never worried about whether they would get along, because, unlike Gina, Kate had come to love Alexis as a daughter. He was also certain that Kate would make a fantastic mother and couldn't wait to get and see her pregnant. Noticing her husband's lingering gaze, Kate frowned in confusion.
"What?" She asked puzzled. Rick tilted his head slightly while his mouth revealed a remnant of a smile before taking her hand in his, stroking his thumb over the back of her hand.
"Nothing... just that you are going to make a wonderful mother, Katherine," he answered sincerely, his expression tender. He rarely called her Katherine and when he did it was usually reserved for moments where he revealed his heart to her. Kate suddenly felt emotional, fully aware that she might well be pregnant already.
"Thank you," she replied quietly, her eyes moist with tears. Rick tugged a strand of hair behind her ear and leaned in to give her a soft kiss. A knock on the door interrupted the intimate moment as they turned their attention to the door. Rick's eyes lit up and excitement spread across his features as he quickly made his way towards the door.
"Ah my girl is home!" he greeted as he opened the door and saw Alexis standing on the other side. He immediately gathered her up in a tight hug while kissing her head.
"Hey dad," Alexis greeted with a bright smile.
"Oh I've missed you Pumpkin," Rick said with shut eyes while he held his daughter tight; he did not let go for several moments. The two women only exchanged looks and smiled.
"Dad-"
"Mmmmhh?"
"Can I say hello to Kate as well now?"
"Oh sorry, yeah of course," he replied releasing her from the tight hug.
"Hey sweetie," Kate greeted, smiling broadly.
"Hey," Alexis greeted stepping into a firm hug.
"So, what's new with you guys?"
________
"...We had to jump over the fence to chase after the guy, because well Esposito and Ryan weren't close enough." The three Castles were hoarded in the kitchen with empty pizza boxes strewn over the counter while Kate was busy relaying a precint-related story. "So I go over first and your dad... well let's say he left a little Armani souvenir on the fence." The two women burst out laughing while Rick only shook his head, smiling scornfully."Wow Dad, you seem to be getting a little old for that," Alexis commented with a smirk.
"I'm not old, thank you very much. I could give you a run for your money missy," Rick replied in mock seriousness, pointing a finger at his daughter. "Besides, I thought you were on my side."
"Oh but I am Dad. Always."
"Gmmff, yeah sure. You two always conspire against me."
"Aww, poor baby," Kate commented sarcastically while running a hand through his hair.
"By the way, just to make it clear, that fence was high and the suspect was armed which is kinda dangerous, okay? Furthermore, I don't have any police training-"
"No, no Mr. Castle, you couldn't get over that fence because you're unfit and a litte out of shape," Kate interrupted, gently slapping Rick's arm with a chuckle.
"That is not true! I, I do a lot of stuff... I have taut muscles," Rick was flexing his biceps. "Feel here."
"I know how your muscles feel, Castle," Kate retorted with a smile.
"And you seem very satisfied with them, Detective," Rick quipped while slightly arching his eyebrows, once again causing Kate to roll her eyes at him.
"Anyway, jumping over a fence has nothing to do with muscles, Castle."
"Yeah it does!"
"Doesn't."
"Does."
"Doesn't."
"Oh come on-"
"Do I look like a body-builder to you?" Kate interrupted arching her eyebrows.
"Nooo... but you have a very nice bo- very nice muscles, Detective." He flashed her a teasing smirk before leaning in to peck her cheek.
"Shut up," Kate mumbled with a self-conscious smile while blushing slightly.
Alexis only watched the flirtatious swordplay between her father and Kate in amusement and smiled at the scene. Her father had never been happier with anyone else and she knew that Kate was the best thing to ever happen to their family. She loved her stepmother and considered her to be a close friend.
"Does anyone want some hot chocolate? I kinda feel like some," Alexis said, getting off from the stool where she was sitting.
"Only if you make it with the little marshmellows," Rick answered almost immediately.
"Sure Dad. Kate?"
"Uh... no thanks sweetie, I think I'm gonna take a shower." Kate wanted to give Rick and Alexis a few minutes on their own to catch up and was sensitive enough to realise that they both needed it.
"So, if I don't see you again, Lex, goodnight," she said, getting off her seat and moving closely behind Rick with her hands placed on his shoulders.
"Ok, sleep tight Kate," Alexis answered with a smile.
"Hey, you're not going to bed yet are you?" Rick asked, his brow furrowing in confusion. He took hold of her hand and pulled her closer to him. "I mean we kinda have a date," he continued in a whisper which only Kate could hear.
"Don't worry, I'll wait up," Kate replied quietly with a sly smile and a wink before giving him a quick kiss.
Kate smiled as she heard father and daughter laughing while making her way up the stairs. 'I cannot wait to add to this family.' She thought placing a hand on her stomach.
________
Twenty minutes later...Kate was sitting on the edge of the bath tub after taking a long shower. She was holding one of the pregnancy tests in her hand and was busy reading the instructions; she hid the bag with pregnancy tests in the bathroom earlier the evening. She decided that while Rick and Alexis were busy bonding downstairs, that she would take the opportunity to find out whether she was indeed expecting. Nervous excitement churned her stomach while a broad smile threatened to engulf her features.
"Kate?" She fumbled with the box upon hearing Rick calling her name.
"Uh, I- I'm in here," she replied flustered as she scurried to hide the pregnancy tests.
"What are you doing in there? Putting on sexy lingerie? I wouldn't mind... hint-hint!" She could here the teasing smirk in his muffled voice on the other side of the door and he could basically see her eye roll. "Don't keep me waiting too long though"
"I'm coming," Kate replied before opening the door.
"Oh there are so many-" Rick commented with a sly smile before being cut off as his wife swiftly put a hand over his mouth.
"Richard Castle, you are like an impossible teenager!" Kate hissed with an exasperated laugh before removing her hand from his mouth.
"More like a really horny teenager," he quipped while feeling her up. Kate wrapped her arms around his neck and stood on her toes in order to lock her mouth with his.
"You smell like cherries," Rick mumbled while placing soft kisses in her neck and along her jaw line.
"Mmm-hmm," Kate commented with closed eyes before breaking from the embrace. Taking his hand, she dragged him towards the bed.
"C'mon Mr. Castle, there's work to done."
"Ay ay Detective!"
________
Positive. Positive. Positive. Positive. All four tests confirmed it. Kate Caslte was pregnant. And she was ecstatically happy about it.But for the time being she wasn't able to share the good news with anyone. It was just past 9am on Saturday and Kate was alone in the loft; Rick and Alexis went out to take a stroll in the park, leaving her to sleep in. She would have to wait a while longer before she could break the news to her husband because she and Alexis had planned a shopping trip - a.k.a girls' bonding time - when they got back from the park. With this in mind, Kate carefully disposed of the pregnancy tests and started to get dressed, all the while struggling to keep a smile from her lips.
She was applying the last touches of her makeup when she heard Rick and Alexis entering the loft.
"Greatest movie of all time?" Rick asked as he and his daughter walked through the door; bear claws and lattes in hand.
Alexis took a few contemplative moments before answering.
"Gone with the Wind."
"Oh come on! Gone with the- oh please. That is such a girly answer," Rick exclaimed in disdain.
"Dad, I am a girl." Alexis pointed out with a chuckle.
"What are we talking about?" Kate asked as she walked down the stairs.
"Oh Dad and I are just having a friendly discussion about what the best movie of all time is," Alexis answered.
"Hey," Kate greeted her husband with a peck on the lips. "So what is it?"
"Gone with the Wind."
"Star Wars 1977." Father and daughter answered simulteanously.
"I'm with Lex on this one... Geekboy," Kate commented with a smile.
"Oh please. Star Wars is the greatest film franchise of all time, nothing beats it," Rick replied earnestly.
"Yeah well, nothing beats Rhett Butler and Scarlett O'Hara's epic love story."
"Thanks Kate, my point exactly," Alexis added. Rick flashed his wife and daughter a disapproving look.
"Again, ganging up on me," he mumbled while taking out the bear claws and handing a latte to Kate.
"Uh, I- you have it. I don't want something now," Kate answered as Rick handed her the cup. He looked at her in confusion, not quite comprehending why she was rejecting coffee in the morning. Usually she couldn't function without her daily dosage of caffeine.
"You sure?"
"Yeah... So Lex are you ready?" Kate turned towards her stepdaughter, largely in an effort to change the topic.
"Yip, I'm ready if you are."
"Where are you two going?" Rick asked before taking a sip of the latte.
"Shopping," Kate answered with a broad smile.
"You're leaving me alone?" he asked with a slight pout.
"Don't worry, we won't be the whole day," Kate answered while taking her purse.
"Just a few hours" Alexis added with a smile. "Bye Dad"
"Bye... and behave yourself." Kate leaned in to give Ric.k a kiss on the cheek before heading to the front door.
"Always. Have fun," Rick replied with a grin. "Bring me something!" he called before they were out of the door. A smile slowly formed on his lips as he thought about two of the most important women in his life, but it quickly disappeared.
"Gone with the Wind. Please."
________
"We may have something in that size Miss Castle. Would you like me to show it to you?" A friendly boutique assitant asked, knowing full well who the Castle women were."Yes please," Alexis answered looking at Kate.
"Oh you go ahead sweetie, I'll wait here."
Alexis and Kate were making their rounds in the boutiques and shops after catching up over lunch. Alexis told her about Harvard, her favourite subjects, her plans for the future and student life while Kate listened on with keen interest. Kate, on the other hand, informed her about everyone at the precint, placing specific focus on Javier and Lanie's budding romance and her father's book tour. She didn't mention anything about her and Rick's plans to 'enlarge' the Castle family or the small matter of her pregnancy - a fact she only discovered a few hours before.
Walking through the shop, Kate spotted the baby section and moved towards it. She was unconsciously rubbing her stomach as she looked at the miniature clothing. She stopped at the shoes section and removed a pair of small, white slipper-like shoes. 'So adorable' She was smiling, not aware that Alexis was standing a few feet away and watching her.
"Uh Kate?" Alexis ventured closer, a tentative smile pulling her lips upward. Kate's head snapped up at the interruption and she smiled at her stepdaughter.
"So what are you doing in the baby section?" Alexis asked, already fully aware that her father and Kate were trying for a baby; Rick had told her and she was over the moon upon hearing the news.
"Uhmm," Kate started with a smile while focusing on the small, white shoes in her hand. "I, well-"
"You're pregnant?" Kate took a few moments before answering, not taking her eyes off the item in her hands.
"Yes, Lex, I'm pregnant" she answered softly, looking up while a beaming smile spread across her face. Alexis' eyes grew wide as a bright smile engulfed her features.
"Oh my gosh! This is sooo amazing!" She wrapped her arms around a laughing Kate, practically bouncing off the ground. "I'm going to be a big sister! I can't believe it. Congratulations!"
"Thanks sweetie" Kate replied. "It feels so unreal, but, wow, just amazing"
"When did you find out?" Alexis asked, her blue eyes glistening with excitement.
"This morning actually. While you guys were out."
"And you're sure?"
"Yep. I took four pregnancy tests and they were all positive."
"And Dad? He doesn't know yet?"
"No, I'm planning on telling him later today."
"You know he is gonna be totally out-of-his-mind happy, right?"
"Mmm-hmm," Kate replied with a broad smile while imagining how excited Rick will be upon hearing the good tidings. As she glanced at the small shoes in her hands, an idea as to how to tell him popped into her head.
________
"Hey you're back earlier than I expected," Rick greeted as Kate walked through the door. He was lounging on the couch, watching Star Wars (1977) partly out of boredom and partly to prove his point that it was the greatest movie of all time."Well my shoes were starting to kill me," Kate replied. She noticed the remote-controlled miniature Ferrari next to the couch and smiled to herself. 'Boys wll be boys.'
"Where's Alexis?" he asked, sitting up.
"Uh, she's meeting some of her friends for coffee."
"Oh, okay... so we have the afternoon for ourselves?" he waggled his eyebrows at her suggestively while she only flashed him her longsuffering look.
"Before we get to that... I have something for you." Kate pulled out a gift bag and held it out towards him. He quickly got up with the enthusiasm of a 12-year-old.
"Really? Is it Halo? Oh, oh! Or is Unchartered: Drake's Fortune? 'Cause that will be so totally awesome!" He rambled on in anticipation like a kid on Christmas morning.
"No, but I think this is going to be even better," Kate replied with a smile as he took the bag from her.
"Well, very little is greater than that," he commented absent-mindedly while searching the gift bag and pulling out two white, baby shoes. "Baby shoes," he commented flatly, as his brow furrowed in confusion. "Kate, what am I suppose to do with baby..." He looked up at her in confusion and saw a serene smile spread across her features. His eyes grew wide as the realization set in. "-Shoes?"
"Uh." A smile tugged his lips upward as he watched her. "Katie, are- are you...?" He moved closer, failing to stop a broad smile from forming on his lips.
She only nodded in confirmation, matching his broad smile. He lifted her up in a tight embrace, swinging her around both laughing happily.
"Oh wow! Really? This is... ah - you were right much better than anything else," Rick said with a chuckle, taking her face in between his hands as delirious happiness descended on them. "I... love... you... so... much," he said in between kissing her.
"I love you too," Kate replied smiling.
"You're pregnant. We're pregnant... Woo-hoooo!" He threw his arms up in the air.
"I take it you're excited," Kate commented with a laugh, watching her thrilled husband in amusement.
"Are you kidding me? I'm freaking ecstatic! This is the best Christmas present ever. Thank you." He gave her a soft, lingering kiss before bending down to stand on his knees.
"Hey baby, it's Daddy... I just want to say that I love you already and can't wait to meet you," he whispered to Kate's stomach while she tenderly ran a hand through his hair.
"What about me?" Kate asked in mock indignation.
"Oh and Mommy also says hi."
No comments:
Post a Comment