A Growing Family

Chapter 16

A Growing Family Chapter 16

Two weeks later, it was Christmas Eve, and Rick and Kate were preparing for all the festivities coming their way. Tonight they were having all their closest friends and family over. They would be here in 25...no 24 minutes, and Kate was a little frazzled. She wasn't even dressed!

At 24 weeks pregnant, she was the size of a full-term singleton pregnancy and then some. She found one of Castle's old Christmas shirts and was happy to see that it somewhat fit over her belly. She put on her nicest maternity pants and did her hair and makeup. Once she was satisfied with her look, she returned to help her husband put the finishing touches on their evening.

When she walked out of their bedroom, she found her husband putting the last touches of their evening in place. She walked over and kissed him, earning a smile from the both of them. "Thanks for finishing things up," Kate said. "No problem," replied Castle just as the doorbell rang. Kate walked over and opened the door.

"Hey!" was the chorus of the six people who walked in the loft all at once. Shocked that they all were arriving at the same time, Kate laughed and cleared the doorway, before shutting it behind the last person. Everyone greeted Rick as well before the men went to put everyone's coats, purses, and whatnot in Rick's office. Alexis, Jenny, Lanie, Kate, and Martha all sat down on the couch.

"How are you feeling?" asked Martha, who had gotten busy along with Kate and hadn't seen the woman in a few weeks. "Big. Excited. Nervous. So many things," Kate said with a laugh. "At least after the pregnancy you won't feel as big. The other two never go away," Martha replied wisely as she walked away to help her son.

The other women stood up too, Kate requesting the help of Lanie after struggling for a minute. They all made their ways to the table for Christmas Eve dinner.

=======

Everyone was done eating, so they made their ways to the couch. "You know Beckett, Javier is a great name for one of the boys," Esposito started. Kate laughed and started to say something when Ryan chimed in. "I think Kevin would be better. Or even Ryan."

"I think we'll pick their names, but thank you guys," Rick said laughing. The whole group joined in the laughter.

A few minutes later a unanimous decision was made that it was time for dessert. Ryan and Esposito almost ran to the kitchen to be first. They were quickly followed by an almost running Rick as well. Everyone just laughed and followed at a normal pace.

=======

Later that evening, things were winding down. Kate had given up and ended up putting on a pair of sweatpants that were much, much more comfortable. Now they were all sitting in the living room of the loft, listening to Christmas music and enjoying each other's company. They were chatting amongst themselves about almost anything.

A familiar song, that for some reason came on the Christmas Pandora station despite not being a Christmas song, began playing. All of the cops and Castle grew a smile.

"It's nine o'clock on a Saturday..." Castle remembered with a smile. "The regular crowd shuffles in," he sang. "There's an old man sitting next to me," Ryan sang as well. "...making love to his tonic and gin." Esposito continued. Beckett grinned as Castle playfully nudged her. "He said 'Son can you play me a memory? I'm not really sure how it goes.' But it's sad and it's sweet and I knew it complete when I wore a younger man's clothes," Beckett belted out. All together they chorused, "Oh! Sing us a song, you're the piano man! Sing us a song tonight! Yeah we're all in the mood for a memory, and baby we're feeling all right!"

Falling into a fit of laughter, the three cops and writer enjoyed the memories while Martha, Alexis, Jim, Lanie, and Jenny all laughed at the groups song. Soon enough, someone had said something that had the entire group laughing hysterically until someone else said something else funny, which is how all of their interactions usually ended up going.

A/N: I honestly have no excuse for how long this took me other than that I am extremely lazy. I am on spring break this week so I'm going to do my best to get y'all another chapter this week. I'm thinking that the next chapter they will name the babies, so if you have name suggestions this is your last chance to send them in. Thank you so much for sticking with me through this story! I appreciate all of y'all who still read this!