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Epilogue Two

13 Months after the wedding

As Kate Beckett-Castle sat in the parking lot of a drug store in New Jersey, all she could think of was how pathetic she was. She looked at the bag on the seat next to her and gave a short quiet laugh, only she would leave the state of New York to avoid being seen buying a pregnancy test, but she hadn't wanted to run into anyone she knew, and she didn't want to take a chance of being recognized or photographed while she made the purchase. She didn't want her business splashed across Page Six, especially if the test came back negative. So here she was, in a Rite Aid parking lot in New Jersey, contemplating where to go. She didn't want to take the test at home and take a chance of Castle finding it in the trash before she could tell him, and she couldn't go one floor down to Martha's because if the result was positive she wouldn't be able to keep it to herself.

Normally in a situation that warranted privacy and secrecy she'd go to Lanie, but where was her best friend when she needed her? On a weekend getaway with Esposito, that's where. Kate sighed, sitting in a dorm room with Alexis and awaiting the result was out of the question, as was the thought of her father's house. There was only one option left, she thought as she turned the key in the ignition, she'd go to Savannah's. This was all her fault anyway with all of her wishing and praying for a great grandchild.

Her grandmother had been accommodating, smiling widely as she whisked her towards the stairs, and now she was sitting on the edge of her grandmother's bed, with Savannah next to her spouting out baby names as they awaited the timer on her cell phone to go off.

Finally the tone sounded and Savannah paused in her listing of names and looked at her.

"Go take a look, dear," she said softly.

Kate took a breath and then made her way into the bathroom where the stick laid on the counter. She looked at it, and then at the box to be sure she read it right.

"Well?" Savannah asked as she stepped inside the room.

Kate looked at the stick in her hand once more and then looked at her and smiled. "Guess you're getting your wish."

Savannah clapped her hands together happily before grabbing Kate and holding onto her tightly. "I'm so happy for you sweetheart."

Kate laughed and clung to her for a moment as various emotions swept through her. She was terrified but she was also happy and she knew that Castle would be on cloud nine.

"I hope it's a girl," Savannah was saying. "We need to carry on the tradition."

Kate smiled as she pulled away from her. "I better get it verified with a doctor before we go getting our hopes up too high."

"My hopes are already as high as they can get," Savannah answered. "I have no doubt that the results are correct. My great-grandchild is on the way."

She didn't tell Castle that evening, simply hid the pregnancy test away for the moment when she knew for sure. Luck was on her side and the doctor was able to get her in the next day while he was tied up in meetings with his publisher. At the end of the appointment she was beaming and punching in her grandmother's number to tell her to continue on with her baby plans.

That evening when he came home and entered their bedroom and called her name, she was standing in the doorway of their bathroom clad in a black lace nightgown that always drove him crazy.

He grinned at her and she smiled back. "Well you've really done it this time, Mr. Castle," she said quietly and seriously, her eyes sparkling merrily.

"Done what?" he asked as he made his way toward her.

She said nothing, merely held out the pregnancy test stick towards him. He took it from her hands, momentarily confused until he registered what it was. He looked into her eyes with surprise.

"We're having a baby," she whispered.

The smile that spread across his face was blinding. "Are you sure?"

"Positive. I went to the doctor today."

He was kissing her before she could even register the movement and then he had swept her up his arms lifting her feet from the floor. "We're having a baby!" he exclaimed happily.

She laughed, "I take it your happy?"

"If I was any happier you'd have to arrest me, because surely it would be against the law," he stated as he sat her back on her feet.

"I'm happy too," she said softly.

He dropped to his knees and pressed a kiss against her flat stomach, before wrapping his arms around her waist and allowing his cheek to rest against her belly.

"When will baby Castle be making his or her appearance?"

"Mid February," she answered.

"A Valentine baby," he said. "Perfect."

He rose from the floor and kissed her passionately again before telling her how much he loved her as he scooped her up and laid her down on their bed.

6 1/2 months later

"Do I really need a babysitter?" Kate asked as she sat at the foot of the bed and watched Castle get ready to go out to a reading/book signing.

"Yes," he declared. "Just look at it this way, these assignments have been the testing grounds for potential babysitters of our child. If they take good care of you, than we can trust them."

"So I'm the guinea pig," she replied.

He grinned at her. "In a manner of speaking."

Kate laughed, "Lucky me."

"Yes, you are very lucky," he teased. "You did catch me after all."

"Some things never change," she stated. "And your conceitedness is one of them."

"You wouldn't have me any other way," Castle replied as he kissed her.

"Probably not."

"Just probably?" he asked.

"Depends on what day it is," she replied.

"You mean it depends on what mood you're in," he said with a grin.

"No, I think I had it right the first time," Kate said with a laugh. "Who am I stuck with tonight?"

"Esposito and Lanie," he answered. "And of course Mother will be here later."

She smiled, "I think it's sweet that she wants to stay with me during my last month."

"It's not like she's far away," Castle replied. "She's only a floor below us."

"She doesn't want to miss anything."

He laughed, "That's true."

"I'm sure I'd be alright until Martha gets home."

He shook his head, "Not chancing it, and besides you know how much Esposito loves to try and trick you into revealing what the baby is so he can win the baby pool."

She laughed thinking of how they tortured their family and friends by not revealing the sex of their child when they had found out. "If I haven't told anyone by now than I'm not going to."

"But they have to try."

"I'm surprised they haven't tricked you into telling," Kate stated.

"Me too," he replied. "Your intelligence must be rubbing off on me."

"We can only hope," she replied with a mischievous smile.

He smirked, "On the other hand it could just be the threats of bodily harm keeping my mouth shut."

"Shut up," she said with a laugh as he offered a hand to her to help her up from the bed.

The doorbell rang as they made their way through the loft and he left her standing in the kitchen as he went to answer it.

"Where's Lanie?" she heard him exclaim as he and Esposito walked into the room.

"She'll be here later, she got held up at work."

The boys made small talk for a few minutes until Castle gathered up his phone and keys and turned to his wife.

"If you need me..."

"Call," she said interrupting him, she'd been hearing this speech for the last week and a half.

"You feel alright?" he asked as he always did now before he left the house.

She rolled her eyes, "As well as I can being this far along."

He nodded and then kissed her and then stopped down enough to kiss her stomach, a habit he had required as soon as he had found out about their baby growing within her.

"I love you."

"I love you too."

"Hey, enough with the mushiness," Esposito broke in.

"I'm leaving her in your care," Castle stated.

"I know, bro."

"I'm trusting you."

"Don't worry," Esposito said. "We'll be fine, just like last time."

"Okay," Castle stated. "I should be back by 10."

"We'll be here," Kate answered. "Now go before Paula calls here yelling that you're late."

He said his goodbyes and raced out the door. Kate shuffled around the kitchen getting herself a drink and offering one to Esposito.

"So, you ready to tell me if it's a little Beckett or a little Castle?" he asked.

"Nope," she replied. "You'll just have to wait and see."

He followed her as she moved into the living room and settled onto the sofa. The baby kicked hard and she made a soft noise as her hand fell to her stomach.

"You okay?" he asked anxiously, his thinly veiled nervousness around her now on display.

"I'm fine, Javi," she replied. "The baby kicks hard sometimes."

"You sure?"

"Yes."

"Maybe I should call Lanie."

"I'm fine," she said firmly. "Lanie will be here later."

She picked up the remote and clicked on the TV. Castle was overprotective, and the further along in her pregnancy she had gotten the more nervous Esposito had became around her. Ryan wasn't much better, and he and Jenny had a baby of their own eight months ago.

She made conversation with Esposito, tried to put at him at ease as they watched a game on the TV, but every time she moved or made a sound of discomfort she saw the alarm spread across his features and he'd ask repeatedly if she was sure she was fine.

In his eyes she was a ticking time bomb and he didn't want to be around when it went off. She smiled to herself, he did much better when Lanie was there with them and she hoped her friend would hurry so that Esposito could relax.

"Beckett, just do me a favor," Esposito stated pulling her from her thoughts.

"What?" she asked.

"Please, please, don't go into labor on my watch," he pleaded.

Kate gave a short laugh. "I feel like I'm having déjà vu, Ryan asked me for that same favor last night."

Esposito lowered his head for a moment and then lifted his gaze back to hers. "I'm serious, please don't it to me."

"What are you afraid of, Javi?" she asked.

"I just can't take the pressure," he replied as he checked his watch for the hundredth time.

"What are you going to do if Lanie gets pregnant?" she asked him, thinking of the engagement ring that her best friend had been wearing for the last few months.

"She'll have to stay with someone during the last few weeks," he replied.

"Really?" Kate asked her brow raised and a teasing smile on her lips.

He nodded. "She can stay with you. By then you'll be a pro at this and I won't have to worry."

Kate laughed, "I bet Lanie doesn't know about this plan of yours for the future, does she?"

"No, and we're not going to tell her either," Esposito stated.

"She should be here soon," Kate said, hopefulness in her tone. Esposito and Ryan's nervousness around her made her slightly uneasy.

About that time the doorbell rang and Esposito leapt to his feet and ran towards it. Lanie came sweeping into the room a moment later with her fiancée trailing behind her.

"How are you feeling?" Lanie asked as she plopped down next to her on the sofa and placed a hand on Kate's stomach.

"I'm feeling better than Javi is," she replied.

"What's wrong?" Lanie asked him.

He shrugged, "Nothing, she's just teasing."

"He was begging me not to go into labor on his watch," Kate stated.

"Tattle tale," he replied as Lanie glared at him.

"Why would you tell her that?" she asked.

"I don't want to be responsible," Esposito said.

"For what?" both women asked at the same time.

"I don't want to be responsible if I don't get her to the hospital in time."

"You're trained in emergency childbirth," Kate answered. "We all are."

Esposito shook his head. "I do not want to deliver your baby, Beckett. I can't, it would be wrong."

Kate laughed, "How would it be wrong? You're a cop you're supposed to help the public when they are in need."

"It would be wrong because in order to deliver your baby I'd have to look at you somewhere I shouldn't be looking!" he exclaimed. "You're like my sister, if I had to look at you there I'd have to gouge my eyes out afterwards."

Kate and Lanie burst into laughter. "For what it's worth, I don't want you looking at me there either," Kate told him.

"Is that all you're worried about?" Lanie asked.

"No, I worry about getting stuck in traffic and the baby coming," he replied.

"Don't worry," Lanie said. "I'm always here with you for these little Beckett sitting assignments, if she goes into labor and we get stuck in traffic I have it all under control."

"You do?" Kate asked.

Her friend nodded, "I am ready to deliver this baby if the situation calls for it."

"Good," Esposito stated. "I'll stay in the driver's seat and you can get in the back and take care of business, you're the doctor."

"What are we talking about?" Martha asked as she swept into the loft.

"If I went into labor on their watch and the baby had to be delivered in the car while stuck in traffic" Kate answered, some of the humor missing from her voice.

"That's not going to happen, darling," Martha stated as she picked up on Kate's unease as the idea of her child being born in a car engrained itself in her mind.

"I hope not," Kate answered.

"It won't," Martha assured.

"But if it does," Lanie stated; "I can handle it, don't worry."

Kate nodded, "I'm not worried," she said but her mother-in-law could tell that she was.

"Since I'm here now," Martha stated. "You two could go on home if you want, I'll look after Kate until Richard comes home."

Esposito shook his head. "No can do, Castle said to stay until he got here, he didn't say anything about handing her off to someone else."

"Since when do you take orders from Castle?" Kate asked.

"Since he knocked you up and left you in my care," he replied.

"Did he really just say that to me?" She asked Lanie.

She nodded, "He sure did."

"You make it sound so cheap, Javi," Kate told him.

"I don't need to know the details," he stated with a raised hand. "Just don't go into labor while I'm here."

"What do you want her to do if she does?" Martha asked. "Cross her legs and hold it in?"

"If that will work," he replied as they laughed.

"Don't worry, Kate, if it happens, Javi will get you to the hospital," Lanie stated.

"I don't know if I want him driving me to the hospital," Kate replied. "I still remember Jenny telling me about the joy ride he gave her and Ryan when she went into labor with Michael last year."

"Hey, I got her there!" Esposito said in his defense.

"Yeah, a twenty minute drive that you made in eight and a half, complete with squealing wheels and the gum ball going," Kate replied.

"But she got there," he answered. "And besides, I had to drive. Ryan couldn't find his keys and he was panicking."

Lanie nodded, "And then he found the keys in his pocket after the baby had been born."

"Poor Jenny," Kate said. "She told me that if she had known she was going to have to endure a ride like Espo gave her she would've just called 911 instead."

"I told you I can't handle the pressure," he replied. "You all need to have your babies by yourself. I'm all for being the uncle after they get here but until then keep it to yourself," he pleaded.

Martha laughed and patted Lanie on the shoulder. "You're going to be in trouble when it's your turn."

"I'm sensing that," Lanie replied. "I'll probably end up calling a cab because he'll be passed out on the floor."

"Big bad Detective Esposito," Kate stated. "Afraid of a little baby being born."

"That's easy for you to say," he replied.

"Hey I'm the one that has to push it out," Kate stated. "None of you are going to feel the pain."

"I remember the pain, dear," Martha replied.

"I didn't mean you," Kate said with a laugh.

"I know, but let me assure you I have vivid recollection of pushing Richard's big head out."

"I don't want to hear this," Esposito said, his expression belying his queasiness at the topic.

Kate smiled at her mother-in-law and Martha winked at her as she turned the conversation off of Kate and onto herself. Martha was a wonderful mother-in-law and she knew after a brief shadow of a doubt earlier in her pregnancy that she would also be a hands on grandmother to her child just as she had been with Alexis. Her mind drifted back as the conversation went on around her.

She remembered when the baby first started to kick and how excited she had been, and how everyone had wanted to share in those moments, their hands automatically gravitating towards her belly. A few of them held back and awaited permission, others like Savannah, Alexis and Lanie laid their palms against her stomach and spoke to the child within without any hesitation. She had been the one to lay her father's hand against the bump allowing him to connect with his grandchild for the first time and the tears in his eyes had her wacky hormones had them both crying that day.

Martha had held back, something that she had found unusual and slightly unnerving until one day when they were alone together in the kitchen of the loft. The baby had kicked and she had placed her hand over the area and laughed lightly.

"I'm still not used to that," she said to her mother-in-law who was watching her with interest.

"I remember the feeling," she replied with a smile as her eyes fell to Kate's stomach.

Another kick followed and she grinned. "I think it may be hyper like Rick."

Martha laughed, "If it is, you have my sympathies."

As she rubbed her hand across her slightly protruding belly she saw Martha's fingers twitch as if she wanted to reach out but was afraid to for some reason, so she took the initiative and grabbed the woman's hand and laid it where her own had been. Nothing happened.

"Come on", Kate said as she looked down at her belly. "Don't disappoint grandma, she's looking forward to spoiling you."

Martha chuckled lightly and the baby kicked.

"Look at that, it knows how to take a cue," Martha declared in awe as her hand stayed in place. "This one is going to be an actress."

Kate laughed, "What if it's a boy?"

"An actor then," she replied just as another kicked landed beneath her palm. "But with kicks like that I'm inclined to believe that it's a girl, she'll be wonderful in chorus lines."

"Chorus lines!" Kate exclaimed. "Shouldn't she be a star with your talent in her blood?"

Martha beamed, "Well of course she'll be a star; she's going to be a Tony winner, maybe even and Oscar winner!"

"You'll just have the best of both worlds Martha", Kate replied. "A doctor and a Broadway star."

"Everything I always wanted," she declared.

"Unless of course it's a boy and he's uninterested in the theater," Kate said.

"Well then he'll be a soccer player," she stated. "A world renowned soccer player."

Kate nodded, "Sounds good."

Martha patted her stomach once more. "But I'm sure it's a girl, you just mark my words. I know these things."

"Did you know Alexis was a girl?" she asked.

She shook her head. "No, I never even got to feel her kick."

"Why not?"

"Meredith didn't go in for that," Martha replied. "She didn't want me around until she needed someone to babysit."

It made sense to her then why Martha had been holding back. She'd been pushed into the background once before and she had the fear of that happening again.

"But you know that I'm not like that, don't you?" Kate asked as she looked her in the eye.

Martha nodded, "Of course dear, you're nothing like Meredith."

"I want you to be apart of everything, Martha," Kate stated. "It's your grandchild; I want you to be bonded with her or him whatever the case may be."

"I intend to be," she replied as she took hold of Kate's hand. "And I apologize if I made you feel otherwise."

"You just seemed a little distant lately," Kate replied. "I was worried that you weren't looking forward to having another grandchild."

"Nothing could be further from the truth," Martha stated. "I can't wait to meet this little one. I guess I was just afraid of overstepping."

Kate shook her head. "You've never overstepped ,Martha; and I hope I haven't made you feel like you have."

"No, not at all sweetheart," she answered. "It was nothing more than an old insecurity that snuck up on me. You've always been very considerate of my feelings, Kate, more than anyone else ever has. Where Meredith and Gina looked for ways to keep me at bay, you have always gone the extra mile to include me and I appreciate that."

"So we're okay?"

"We're fine," she stated as she embraced her. "I'm sorry."

"Don't apologize," Kate said with a laugh. "I'm just overly sensitive lately."

"All apart of the journey," Martha told her. "And I'm going to be right here for all of it, don't you worry."

The sound of Castle arriving home brought her from her memories and she smiled brightly as he stepped into view. She said goodnight to her friends and allowed him to walk them to the door as she accepted Martha's assistance of helping her off of the sofa.

Martha kissed her cheek and then made her way into the kitchen as Castle came back into the room.

"Richard, can I have a word with you?" Martha asked as she poured herself a glass of wine.

He looked to Kate who was drifting towards their bedroom. "Talk to your mom," she said with a smile. "I'm going to get ready for bed. Goodnight, Martha."

"Goodnight kiddo."

When she disappeared into the bedroom Castle turned back to his mother.

"What?"

"Come here," she said as she gestured with her fingers.

He moved closer to her and wondered what she was up to now.

"What's this about, Mother?"

"It's about your friends," she stated quietly.

"What about them?"

"They're trying to make her feel secure and all they're doing is terrifying her," Martha stated.

"I'm sure it's not as bad as all of that," he replied.

"It is," she answered. "I walked in here while Lanie was telling her that if the baby needed to be delivered in the middle of a traffic jam she'd be able to do it."

"What's wrong with that?" he asked.

Martha sighed, "Richard, Kate is nervous enough. She doesn't need these what if scenarios running through her head this close to her due date."

"I only have to be out a few more nights," he replied. "And she's still got two weeks to go."

"I know, but these babysitting sessions end tonight. For the remaining evenings that you will be out I will be here with Kate."

"What about your classes?"

"I'll reschedule them. I already made it known that it was a possibility," she replied.

He smiled at his mother. "I can't tell you how much it means to me that you're so protective of her."

"You know I love her," she replied.

He grinned, "I know, and if you want to take over 'Kate watching' for the rest of the week than I am grateful to you."

"Then it's settled."

Castle nodded, "She's all yours tomorrow night."

"Then I'll take my wine and go to my room," she replied. "Goodnight, Richard."

"Goodnight, Mother," he replied as he watched her take the stairs up to her old room.

He stepped into his own room just as Kate climbed into bed.

"Everything alright?" she asked.

"Everything's fine," he replied.

"How did it go tonight?"

"It was a big turnout," he answered as he began to get ready for bed. "I kept checking my phone though in case you needed me which pissed Paula off all night."

Kate laughed lightly. "I'm sure I'll be hearing about that," she stated, knowing that Paula never missed a chance to air a grievance with her that she felt was her fault.

"No you won't be," he replied seriously. "If she has a problem she will take it up with me, you are off limits."

"We'll see," she replied.

"How was your night?" he asked. "Mother seems to think that Lanie and Esposito terrified you."

The look on her face confirmed that Martha was right and he could've kicked himself for bringing it up.

"I just never considered the thought of giving birth in the back of a car," she replied.

"That's not going to happen," he told her as he pulled on his pajamas.

"But what if it does?"

"It won't," he said firmly. "Our baby will take it's time coming into the world, it won't be in a hurry."

"What makes you so sure?" she asked.

He smiled at her and then moved to sit on the edge of the bed next to her. He kissed her and then laid his hand on top of her stomach.

"Because we are slow people by nature," he stated. "So I'm sure it's a trait our baby has inherited."

"Do you want to explain that to me?" she asked her brow slightly raised.

He kissed her lips once again. "Well everyone was always saying how slow we were at moving our relationship along, so I figure that slowness is probably swimming around in the gene pool."

She laughed, "In that case I hope your right and that the baby will wait until I'm in a hospital room."

"It will, I promise."

"Javi begged me not to go into labor on his watch."

Castle laughed, "So much for the best man."

"Ryan begged me last night."

"And he's already been through this."

"He hasn't recovered," Kate answered.

"At least Lanie's ready," he replied.

She nodded, "Lanie's in doctor mode."

"Don't worry, everything will be just fine."

Tears brimmed in her eyes and he brushed his knuckles across her cheek.

"I'm afraid," she said quietly.

"Of what?" he asked softly as he pulled her into his arms.

"Of everything. What if something goes wrong?"

"Nothing is going to go wrong," he told her. "You're going to be just fine and so is our baby. The doctor said that you're both healthy and strong, he doesn't see any chance of complications."

"I know," she replied tearfully. "But it gets in my head and then I worry."

He rubbed her back soothingly. "It's going to be just fine. I'll be right there with you, I promise. Nothings going to go wrong."

"I love you," she stated.

"I love you too," he replied as he kissed her again and then wiped away the remnants of her tears before lowering his head and kissing her stomach.

He got up and rounded the bed so he could climb in on his side.

"Who's with me tomorrow night?" she asked as she situated herself on her side.

"Mother will be here tomorrow night."

He heard her sigh of relief and felt even more grateful to his mother.

"Good," she answered. "That's who I was hoping for."

"What is it about my mother that you find so relaxing?" he asked as he turned off the light and put his arm around her.

"She's calm,"

He thought over the statement for a moment and then had to agree. "I'll give you that one, Mother does do well under pressure despite her dramatic tendencies. Anything else about her that relaxes you?"

"Yeah," she said quietly.

"What?"

"She's a mom," Kate answered.

It became clear to him then why Martha's presence was important to her. She mothered her, and that was especially important now that she was expecting their child and obviously missing her own mother at this critical moment in her life.

"She loves you," he told her.

"I know, and she doesn't act differently around me like everyone else is now that the time is getting close."

Castle kissed her cheek. "She'll be here with you tomorrow night, you won't have to feel uncomfortable."

"I'm glad."

"Just a few more days and I'll be finished with these signings and readings," he told her.

"I know," she answered.

"I can always cancel the rest and reschedule," he stated.

She smiled, "Haven't we had this argument?"

"Yes, but I'm still willing to cancel. I don't want you to feel like I'm choosing my job over your feelings."

"Rick, I have never thought that for a moment. I know you would drop everything for me, but I want you to finish this up before the due date, that way you'll be here with those first several days after the baby comes."

"Okay, if you're sure."

"I'm sure, it's just a few more nights."

"Try and relax," he told her.

She grinned. "I'll try. I just hope that if this baby has to come on someone's watch other than yours that I'm with Martha."

"I'd rather you be with Lanie," he answered. "For the simple reason that she's a doctor, but I have faith in my mother."

"It's nothing against Lanie" Kate replied. "I just think Martha will be able to keep me calm."

"Hopefully we won't have to worry about any of that and this one will wait for me."

"I hope so too."

She settled in his arms and forced her mind to forget any worrisome thoughts and she drifted off to sleep.

He laid awake next to her for awhile thinking of their baby and how anxious he was to meet his child. His thoughts strayed to the room upstairs that he and Jim had turned into a nursery three months ago when Martha had taken Kate and Alexis to a spa for a long weekend.

"Now, Jim, when you take the lid off of that paint you're going to know what your grandchild is. Kate is alright with that but she said I had to swear you to secrecy."

He grinned, "I won't tell."

"Alright then, go ahead."

He watched as his father-in-law pried the lid off of the pain can and then he took in the grin that spread across his face as he looked down at the color of the paint.

"It's not the traditional color," Castle remarked. "But it speaks volumes all the same."

"It's perfect," Jim stated, the smile still present on his face.

"You're happy with the news?" Castle asked a grin on his own face.

Jim nodded, "It's just what I was hoping for."

"Really?"

"Yeah."

"Don't forget, it's privileged information. You spill the beans you'll answer to Kate and trust me, you don't want that to happen."

Jim laughed, "The secret is safe with me."

Together they began painting the room, talking while they completed the task. Jim talked of Johanna, and of Kate's birth and Castle listened intently, soaking up the story of his wife's father. When the painting was done, Caste treated him to dinner and they agreed to start on the furniture the next day.

"Rick, what the hell possessed you to let Katie buy furniture that came in fifty million little pieces?" Jim asked as he gave up on the changing table that he was trying to assemble.

"I was trying to humor her," he replied as he threw down his own tools as he tried to make sense of the instructions for the crib. "She was having mood swings like you wouldn't believe that day and she wouldn't even think of going back out another day to look for furniture."

Jim laughed, "Well since she's out of town I say we take this stuff back."

Castle looked at Jim as if he were crazy. "She'll kill me."

"No she won't. She's not going to find out."

"I'm listening," Castle said with interest.

"We take pictures of the photos on the boxes and then we go to a store that sells furniture that doesn't require so much assembly and get the same exact thing, then we come back here and pack this stuff up and take it back and Katie's none the wiser."

"Do you think we're going to find furniture that looks exactly the same?"

"If not the same, than pretty damn close," Jim replied. "Katie will never know the difference as long as we get rid of the evidence."

Castle looked at his father-in-law. "Jim, you are a genius."

He laughed, "No, I just recall what it's like to have a stubborn wife."

"You did this to Johanna?"

"All the time," he replied. "I'd send her to her mother's, telling her I wouldn't be able to get done with her hovering over me and then I'd take the stuff back and go get the same thing in a simpler version somewhere else."

"She never found out?"

"Nope."

"I am so glad you're my father-in-law," Castle stated with a wide grin.

"I come in handy once in awhile," Jim teased.

"Shall we go shopping?" Castle asked.

"We better if we want the baby to have something to sleep in."

Castle snapped pictures of the photos on the boxes and then they set out to furniture stores in search of pieces that matched. They lucked out at the first three but at the fourth store the salesman looked at the photos and smiled.

"We get a lot of these," he stated.

"So you have what we need," Castle asked.

The man nodded. "You'll never be able to tell the difference."

"Just what we wanted," Jim stated.

"How soon can you deliver?" Castle asked. "I need this stuff before my wife gets home Sunday night."

"We can have it there today."

"Perfect."

As they exited the store Jim grinned and slapped him on the back. "See, I told you we'd find the same thing."

Castle laughed, "Now we just have to get rid of the other stuff."

"I have a friend who has a truck, we'll go back and box it up and I'll have him pick it up and take it back for us."

"You think of everything," he replied.

"Somebody has to", Jim stated with a laugh.

That evening after the furniture had been completed and was in place, they put the finishing touches on the nursery.

Stuffed animals were scattered around, small rugs decorated the floor. The baby clothes that Kate had already purchased were folded and placed in the drawers of the dresser. Pictures were hung on the walls, the crib bedding unpackaged and arranged.

Castle then began to unpack a small box that contained picture frames and began arranging them on the shelves and surfaces around the room. Jim watched as each frame found its place.

Two frames bearing the statement 'Mommy loves me' and Daddy loves me' were settled on top of the dresser on either side of the small lamp. 'My Big Sister loves me' followed, finding its place onto a shelf next to a fuzzy stuffed bear wearing a Columbia tee-shirt. Three more frames came out of the box and found their homes on a shelf of their own. One stating 'My Aunt loves me' and two bearing the words 'My Uncle loves me'. Jim had no doubt that those frames would be filled with a photos of Lanie, Ryan, and Esposito each holding their honorary niece or nephew. Finally the last set of frames were lifted from the box, the first one bearing the words 'Great Grandma loves me' and the next being simply 'Grandma loves me'. Grandpa followed and he smiled warmly as it found its way on to the shelf and then another frame went up beside it, a photo already in place.

'Grandma loves me' it said and Johanna's smiling face looked back at him.

He felt tears prick his eyes and he swallowed the lump in his throat, a wave of grief washing over him as he thought of her and of how he wished she were there to share in these moments with him.

"We couldn't leave her out," Castle said quietly as he looked at Jim's face.

Jim smiled, "Thank you."

He smiled back. "We wouldn't have it any other way."

The next evening after Martha had retreated to her own apartment and Alexis was in a car headed back to her dorm room, Castle and Jim led Kate upstairs to the nursery.

She stepped inside and smiled, her finger tips coming up to lay against her lips as she took in the room.

"You two did all of this?"

"Yes," they replied proudly.

"It's so beautiful," she said as she walked around the room.

"You like it, Katie?" Jim asked with a smile as he watched her.

"I love it."

"And he's been sworn to secrecy", Castle added with a nod towards Jim.

She laughed, "You better not tell, it will ruin Ryan and Esposito's baby pool at the precinct."

"I won't."

"Are you happy?" she asked her father.

"I'm thrilled, Katie."

"How did you know about the baby pool?" Castle asked.

She gave him a look, "Please, when have they ever missed a chance at betting on something?"

He grinned, "Don't tell them you know, they think they're getting away with something."

Kate laughed, "I have no plans of ruining their fun."

She brushed her fingers along the top of the crib. "I told you that you'd be able to put this together", she said proudly.

Jim smiled as he caught Castle's eye.

"And as always you were right," Castle told her.

She walked back to them and hugged each of them. "I'm so happy with how it turned out. It's just what I wanted."

"Anything for you and baby Castle," Rick replied.

Jim nodded in agreement. "Anything to make you happy."

"I'm so glad you two did this together," she said as she looked at them.

"Me too," Castle stated as he looked to his father-in-law.

"I wouldn't have had it any other way," Jim stated.

Castle smiled and dropped a kiss onto Kate's hair and allowed his eyes to slide shut. One thing was for sure, their child wouldn't lack for love.

The next evening, Castle gave her the run down of his schedule even though she had already heard it ten times prior that day.

"I know, Rick," she said as she joined Martha in the kitchen. "You should be home before ten. I got it."

"I'm just making sure," he replied as he came closer to kiss her and then to drop his customary kiss onto her stomach. He then kissed his mother's cheek.

"Take care of her," he demanded.

"You know I will," she replied. "Now get out of here before you drive the poor girl crazy."

He laughed and said his goodbyes and was then out the door.

Kate sighed and turned to Martha. "I'm glad you're my babysitter tonight, Martha."

Martha smiled and her hand moved to rest on Kate's stomach. "I'm glad to be here with you. How's my grandchild treating you today?"

"The usual," Kate replied. "Lots of kicking and I'm …" she trailed off.

"Miserable?" Martha provided as she felt a sharp kick against her palm.

"Yeah," she replied softly. "That's one of the reasons I'm glad you're with me tonight."

"Come on, let's go sit down and you can tell me all about what's troubling you," Martha said as she gently took her elbow and guided her into the living room where they sat down on the sofa.

"Thanks," Kate said as Martha held onto her hand as she lowered herself down onto the couch.

"Are you worried?" her mother-in-law asked.

She shook her head slightly. "I'm worried but that's not really it. I'm just uncomfortable and I don't feel all that great, my back is killing me and I didn't tell Rick because I don't want him worrying about being out tonight."

Martha chuckled lightly, "You mean more worried than usual?"

Kate laughed, "Yeah if there is such a thing."

Martha studied her for a moment. "Do you think something's going to happen tonight?"

"I don't know, probably not. I still have about two weeks to go give or take a day, but I just don't feel completely right if that makes any sense. It's probably just my nerves."

"Everything will be alright," Martha assured her. "It's normal to feel the way you do."

Kate smiled grateful for Martha's presence. "You're the only person I don't have to pretend with, besides Rick."

Martha smiled and patted her hand. "That's right, you don't have to hide anything from me."

"I just have to hide it from everyone else," she said with a laugh. "I have Ryan and Esposito begging me not to have the baby on their watch and looking at me as if I'm a ticking time bomb."

Martha chuckled, "So much for the NYPD."

Kate nodded, "And Lanie is ready to deliver it for me, which I appreciate but would rather not think about it."

"At least she didn't ask you to hold it in."

Kate laughed, "That's true, and Alexis has informed me that she's found the quickest routes to the hospital."

Martha grinned, "Alexis does like to be prepared."

"And my Dad" she said with a smile; "He tells me that if I go into labor while I'm with him not to worry, he can handle it. He just doesn't look very convincing when he says it."

"I think that's why he brings Savannah with him when he comes to sit with you," Martha replied.

"I know," she said. "And as happy as Grandma is about all of this, she'd be all for me going into labor with them."

"Well don't you worry," Martha said. "If it happens on my watch everything will be just fine. I'll take care of you. Richard leaves a car and driver on standby when I'm here with you and I'll get you to the hospital and be there holding your hand until Richard comes to take over."

Kate smiled and squeezed her hand. "Thanks, Martha, that means a lot to me."

"I've got it all under control, kiddo."

She relaxed against the back of the sofa as Martha clicked the television on. Her mother-in-law was the only person she really believed could handle the situation.

Two hours later she was shifting awkwardly, the pain in her back becoming more of a nuisance.

She shifted enough that she could stand up without Martha's assistance.

"You alright?" Martha asked as she looked at her intently.

"Yeah, I just need to move around a little. Maybe it will ease my back."

Martha watched her as she walked off toward the bedroom and she wondered if tonight was going to be it.

Kate moved through the bedroom and into the bathroom where she splashed some water on her face. Her back wasn't easing and she tried to stretch in an attempt to find comfort.

A pain ripped through her stomach and she felt something running down her legs. She glanced down at the puddle forming on the floor and a wave of panic swept through her.

"Oh god," she said as she put a hand on her stomach. She tried to move but was stopped by another pain rippling through her body.

"Martha!" she yelled.

She heard Martha's feet hurrying across the floors and suddenly she was standing in the door way, her eyes looking from Kate to the puddle on the floor.

"Showtime, kiddo," she stated.

"It's too early," Kate cried.

Martha shook her head. "Everything will be fine, Kate. Let's get you cleaned up and we'll head for the hospital."

Martha kept talking to her, keeping her clam as they got ready to go to the hospital. Her mother-in-law was great under pressure, Kate mused as the woman gathered up their phones, keys, purses and the bag that Castle had packed for her the month before.

As she was guided onto the elevator a sudden thought struck her. "We forgot to call Rick."

"I'll call him once I have you settled," Martha replied. "We don't want to be on the road when he hears the news."

Kate managed a laugh. "Some cab driver is going to get a really big tip tonight."

Martha chuckled, "And probably a few speeding tickets."

Once they were settled into the back of the car that Castle had on standby, Kate rubbed a hand over her stomach. "Thank you for waiting for your grandmother," she said to her baby.

Martha laid her hand over Kate's "See I told you it could take a cue and follow direction. This one is definitely a Tony winner."

At the hospital while Kate was being examined, Martha tried calling her son only to reach his voice mail. She left messages, she texted and yet he wasn't responding. She called Jim instead, informed him of what was going on and he told her that he would pick up Savannah and they would be on their way. The nurse stepped out of Kate's room and beckoned her forward.

"You can go back in now," she told her.

Martha hurried back inside and retook her place in the chair next to Kate's bed, the sounds of monitors beeping in the background, keeping track of the baby's heartbeat and Kate's.

"How are you?" Martha asked.

"Scared," she replied honestly.

"Is something wrong?" she asked her.

"No, they said everything is fine. I'm just scared that it's actually happening. I was ready to get this over with but now I wouldn't mind waiting a few more days," she said as another contraction hit.

Martha held her hand and waited for the pain to ease. "You're going to be fine, and just think you'll be holding your baby before you know it."

She smiled, "Did you call Rick?"

"I've been trying but all I'm getting is his voicemail, I'm not even getting a response to the text messages."

"Paula probably took his phone. She was bitching about him checking it every few minutes while he was signing books."

"Richard will kill her," Martha stated as she tried to call once again.

She saw the tears brimming in Kate's eyes and she smiled at her in assurance. "Don't worry, he'll be here. I called your father, he's going to pick up your grandmother and then they will be on their way." She checked her watch, "Alexis is in class right now, but she's been leaving her phone on just in case. I'll text her and when she calls back we'll send her after Richard."

"Okay," Kate answered.

Alexis was sitting in an evening lecture at Columbia when her phone vibrated in her pocket. She discretely slid it out of her pocket and checked the message.

'BABY'S COMING. Call ASAP," her grandmother had written.

Alexis grabbed her books off of the table and leapt up from her seat and ran for the door.

"Miss Castle," the professor called after her.

"My step-mother is having a baby!" she exclaimed as she ran from the room.

She hurried down the hallways of the university, her books in one hand, her phone in the other as she punched Martha's speed dial number.

"Gram!" she said when Martha answered on the first ring.

"Alexis, thank god," Martha said.

"What's wrong? Is something wrong with Kate and the baby?"

"No dear, Kate's fine," Martha assured. "We can't get a hold of your father; Kate thinks Paula probably confiscated his phone during the book signing. Can you go get him?"

"I'll get him," Alexis stated as she ran out of the building. "Tell Kate not to worry, I'll get him there."

"I'll tell her. I'll see you when you get here."

Alexis ended the call and shoved the phone in her pocket and figured it must be her lucky day as she saw a cab dropping off a student in front of the building. She hopped into the cab and told him which bookstore to go to, all the while pulling her phone back out of her pocket and trying her father's number herself. No answer. She had a feeling that Kate was right, Paula must've taken his phone….and she'd most likely live to regret that decision once he found out that he missed the call.

The cab pulled up in front of the bookstore and Alexis instructed the driver to wait She raced into the store, weaving between the people milling around and those standing in line.

"Dad!" she began yelling as she pushed her way to the area that had been set up to accommodate him. "Dad!"

His head shot up just as she caught sight of him. "Dad."

"What's wrong?" he asked jumping up from his seat, the book he was signing laying forgotten in front of him.

"Why aren't you answering your phone?"

"Paula took it," he said, panic growing inside of him as he looked towards the woman in question.

"I just checked it a little while ago," she claimed.

"Kate's in labor!" Alexis shouted.

"Now!" he exclaimed. "She still has two weeks!"

"The baby doesn't care," she replied. "Gram took her to the hospital, I have a cab waiting out front now lets go!"

Castle took a moment to turn to Paula and snatch his phone that she had just retrieved from her hand. "I'll deal with you later," he told her as he raced around the table calling his apologies to the crowd of people still waiting for his signature.

"How long has she been there?" he asked as they jumped into the cab.

"A little over an hour by now," she told him. "Gram texted me while I was in class and I ran out of there and called her and she said they hadn't been able to get you on the phone."

Castle leaned forward to speak to the cab driver. "You will get the biggest tip of your life if you get me to the hospital the fastest way possible."

The driver took the challenge and sped off into the night.

Martha was holding her hand through another contraction as Jim and Savannah entered the room.

"How are you doing sweetheart?" Jim asked as he moved to stand on the other side of the bed.

"I've had better days," she said as the pain shot through her.

He smiled at her, "Sorry, that was a stupid question."

She shook her head. "Don't pay any attention to me Dad, I'm not myself."

"I know," he replied. "I went through this with your mother."

She gave a soft laugh, "How did it go for you?"

"I'll tell you what I told Rick. Your mother called me names I didn't even know that she knew."

Kate grinned, "I hope I can live up to her example once my husband gets here."

"Did you get him on the phone yet?" Savannah asked Martha.

"No, but Alexis is on her way to get him."

"Hi, Grandma," Kate said realizing she had forgotten to greet her.

"Hello dear, I can't tell you how excited I am to finally meet our little one."

"It must be excited to meet all of you too," she replied. "Baby Castle is arriving early."

"Don't worry, Katie," Jim said. "You were two weeks early and you were fine."

"Really?" she asked.

He nodded, "You weren't supposed to get here until the end of November, beginning of December but you had other ideas. Everything was fine then and it will be fine now."

"Thanks, Dad" she said, a small measure of her worry eased.

"Did you call your friends?" Jim asked.

"Martha sent them a text, I'm sure they'll be beating down the doors of the hospital any minute now."

The door swung open and Castle came running inside, Alexis following behind him.

"I'm so sorry," he stated as he made his way to her side. "I'm so sorry. I'll kill Paula the first chance I get."

Kate smiled and kissed him. "I'm just glad you're here now."

Alexis squeezed in to give her a hug and then told her about the wad of bills that had been shoved into the cab drivers hand.

"Guess I was right," Kate said to Martha after they listened to the tale. Lanie joined them shortly after and informed them that Ryan and Esposito had caught a case but that she had told them that she would keep them in the loop.

Sometime after midnight the group was ushered into the waiting room while Kate and Rick were taken into delivery.

"We're almost there," Castle said as she fell back against the bed after a push.

"What do you mean we?" she asked. "What is it that you're doing?"

He grinned, "I'm being supportive."

"I'd rather you take a turn pushing," she replied.

"If I could I would," he replied.

She rolled her eyes, "Yeah right."

"If it's any consolation I think you've crushed the bones in my hand," he told her.

"Good, I hope I did. Why should I be the only on to suffer," Kate stated.

Castle was trying not to laugh but he couldn't help himself.

"It's not funny!"

"It will be later."

"No it won't."

"Alright then, think of the fun we had getting to this point," he said with a grin.

"I'm glad you enjoyed yourself because you're never touching me again," Kate said seriously as she pushed again.

"We'll wait a few months and then renegotiate those terms."

"Renegotiate, my ass."

"You know, you weren't being mean to my mother when she was holding your hand."

"I like her better than you right now," Kate answered causing the doctor to chuckle along with Castle.

"I'm glad you're all amused," she stated.

"I see the head, Kate," the doctor stated. "Push again."

Two more pushes and the baby was out, and a shrill cry pierced the air.

"It's a girl," the doctor announced.

Castle cut the cord and then the baby was laid across her stomach for her to see. She laughed and then she cried as her husband's arms came around them, her daughter squalling and waving her tiny fists in the air.

"She's got your temper," Castle declared as he pressed a kiss to her cheek.

"I love you," she told him as she looked up at him with tearful eyes.

"I love you too."

They fawned over their baby girl for a moment more, Castle managing to snap a photo before lifting the baby from her mother and taking her to clean her up.

"Go tell them," Kate instructed as the nurses began to take over her care. "Tell Grandma first."

Castle stepped into the waiting room at 2:26 that morning and faced the tired crew that awaited him. He walked towards Savannah and knelt down in front of her.

"I'm happy to tell you, Savannah Collier, that your great-granddaughter is perfect."

She beamed, "It's a girl?"

Castle nodded, "Just like you asked for."

"I knew it!" Martha declared as she hugged Jim.

Alexis threw her arms around her father in celebration and Lanie smiled and hugged him next.

"How's, Katie?" Jim asked.

"She's tired but she's fine," he answered; "and very happy."

"Does my new granddaughter have a name?" Savannah asked.

"Aubrey Savannah Castle," he stated.

Savannah's eyes welled with tears. "You didn't have to do that."

"Of course we did," he answered as he hugged the woman he considered his own grandmother. "You were wishing for her the longest."

The celebration continued on in the waiting room as Kate was settled into her room.

"Is there anything I can get you?" the nurse asked.

"I want my baby," she replied.

The nurse smiled. "I'll get her for you, Mrs. Castle."

The nurse disappeared for a few minutes and then returned wheeling Aubrey's bed into the room. She then lifted the now clean baby from her resting place and laid her in her mother's arms.

"Thank you," Kate stated as she gazed down at her daughter's small face. A thought occurred to her then. "Can you tell me the date?" she asked. "I don't even know what her birthdate is," she said with a slight laugh.

"It's the 4th," she answered. "February 4th."

The nurse left the room and Kate looked down at her daughter and didn't even bother trying to swallow the lump in her throat.

"So you wanted to share grandma Johanna's birthday, did you?" she said to her little girl. "You'd probably be the best present she could've gotten, I know you're the best gift I've ever received."

She kissed her baby's head and ran her fingers over her soft brown hair and then across her tiny fingers, counting them as she went.

The door opened and Castle stuck his head in. "I've bribed the nurses, are you up to a few visitors?"

She grinned, "Yes."

They all filed in and took their first look at baby Aubrey who slept through the goings on as if it were all utterly unimportant to her. Savannah kissed the baby's head and then kissed Kate's cheek.

"Thank you sweetheart," she whispered in her ear. "I'm honored."

Martha cooed over her little actress to be, and Alexis told her how she couldn't wait to babysit her. Lanie looked at her with the same gooey face as Ashley had accused Kate of wearing years before. Finally Jim stepped forward and kissed her forehead before reaching out a finger and running it along the baby's smooth cheek.

"Do you know the date?" he asked softly.

She nodded, "I know."

It seemed to click in Savannah's mind then and the tears welled her eyes once more. "You had her on your mother's birthday."

Castle smiled as he caught Kate's eye, "Universe strikes again."

"Did anyone call Ryan and Esposito?" she asked as she tried to ease the emotional scene that was building around her.

"I forgot," Lanie declared.

"Allow me," Castle said as he pulled the phone from his pocket. He punched in Esposito's number and then put it on speaker phone.

"What's the news, Castle?" Espo asked as soon as he answered.

"We have a new member of our family," he stated proudly.

"Hey everyone!" Esposito yelled across the precinct. "Baby Castle has arrived!"

A chorus of cheers erupted and those gathered in the hospital room laughed.

"Is it a little Beckett or a little Castle?" Ryan asked as his voice came on the line.

"It's a girl."

"It's a little Beckett!" they announced and another round of cheers erupted.

"Who does she look like?" Espo asked.

He grinned, "She looks like her mommy."

She smiled at him and then returned her attention to their family.

Castle filled them in on the details so they could settle the baby pool. Kate looked down at her daughter and then around the room, her gaze landing on her husband. Their families were now forever linked in the beautiful perfect vessel that was their baby girl. She couldn't be any happier. The day she had married she had wondered how it could ever get any better than that moment, now she knew. Happiness was a baby girl, with the words 'Baby Castle' written across her hospital bracelet.

And then Castle turned to her grandmother and said, "Hey Savannah, call Lauren and Miriam and tell them that the heir to the throne has arrived."

Kate laughed and shook her head. The future was looking brighter every moment and she was sure it was going to be filled with love, happiness, and family dysfunction. She looked forward to every moment of it, because it always felt like the place she belonged. It felt like home. Always.