Castle and The Originals

Chapter 23

Kate watched Rick sleep; had been watching him for the last half hour. His head tilted downward slightly, his cheek buried into the pillow, a tiny bit of drool staining the soft maroon fabric of the pillowcase. He was so rarely this still; only in sleep, so she watched. It still amazed her that she could love someone so different from herself. They had pretty much experienced the exact same day, and while he was totally zonked; exhausted from riding the wave of excitement, here she was again; wide awake re-running every moment of it in her head.

"Who are you and what have you done with my wife?"

Kate shook her face from his hand and jabbed him with her elbow, she had just finished rambling on about Strawberry Shortcake, Hello Kitty, My Little Ponies and Barbie. "You know what I mean; it just kinda fills in the blanks."

Rick pulled her into his side offering a little more protection from the chilly March wind as it blew through Central Park. The weather had finally turned the corner and even though the temperature was a constant reminder that it wasn't yet spring, the daily appearance of the sun overhead was a promise that very soon the world would be renewed once again.

"I'm kind of relieved." Rick said.

Kate was surprised to her him say that, she turned on the park bench; needing to see his face.

"Don't get me wrong, I would've been just as thrilled with boys, but I know what to do with girls." Rick laughed at Kate's eye roll. "Not what I meant and you know it."

"Did you know Alexis was a girl?" Kate laughed at herself. "Before I mean?"

"Yeah, but not until Meredith's Interior Designer started painting the nursery pink. She had known for a while I guess but hadn't bothered to share. Sucked a bit of the thrill out of it; the help knowing I was going to have a daughter before I did."

Kate fought back the hatred that bubbled in her stomach whenever the subject of Meredith came up. "I'm surprised she even cared enough to bother with a nursery."

Changing the subject would have been a better move, but sometimes the subject of Alexis's 'mother' was like a train wreck; just so hard to turn away from.

"Oh, but that was the fun part for her, that part required shopping." He sounded bitter.

"I'm sorry." She leaned in and kissed his cheek.

"It's okay; I got Alexis, that's what counts in the end."

Just remembering that flash of hurt in Rick's eyes had Kate wanting to comfort him all over again. She ran her fingers along his jaw; the stubble was just beginning to poke its way through his soft skin. He twisted slightly but continued to sleep soundly.

They had just sat down for an early lunch at a little country style restaurant they usually reserved for Sunday morning brunch, but thanks to the scolding from Dr. Candace, Kate was sure Rick had picked it in an attempt to start 'fattening' her up. She didn't need to be at work for another couple of hours; having taken a half day to accommodate the morning appointment. They spent a few minutes before the meal texting Lanie and the boys.

Lanie: So, what's the verdict?

Kate: Xx and xx

Lanie: Squeal! Two little shoppers... I'm so excited; congrats girl

Kate showed her phone to her husband, he handed his over to her. She read the most recent text.

Rick: Two thumbs down gentlemen!

"So, they wanted boys huh?"

"Ha, that's funny." Rick said.

He gives a thumbs up sign.