Dart

The Hamptons was the perfect place to go. It allowed them a chance to find their rhythm, and return to a sense of normalcy that wasn't possible in the loft after what had happened. Being shot again had been especially grueling for Kate, but what was worse—far worse—was seeing the love of her life, her big-hearted, kind husband, shot as well. But, together, they made it through the darkest days, and were now back, healthy and happy, and in love.

And expecting.

That had been the most shocking thing of all. Out of all that had happened to them, Kate Beckett never expected to find out she was pregnant. But she welcomed it, reveled in Castle's delight.

And then he returned home from a morning trip into town with a little dog.

"I thought you were just going to get groceries?" she'd asked, stunned at the little creature wagging its tail and bouncing excitedly alongside an equally excited Castle. Always the kid at heart, her husband.

"We're starting a family, Kate," he had stated the obvious. "And all families have—no—need a pet."

After a while, and some coaxing, she managed to get him to admit that he'd always wanted a dog as a kid, but Martha's acting career and their erratic living arrangements had never made it a possibility. And then when Alexis was born, he'd been young and still flush from his recent publishing success, not to mention dealing with an erratic Meredith, that his hands were full.

"It's the perfect time now," he argued.

"Rick, I don't know..." Kate started, leaning back into the white sofa, but he interrupted her, quick to defend his rash adoption.

"Our little bundle of joy," Castle proclaimed, sprawling his large hand over her still flat stomach, "will need a friend and protector. Dart is up to the task."

Kate was still trying to process the fact she was pregnant, so it was also difficult to wrap her head around adding another dependent to the mix, even if he was a cute little guy.

The little dog barked, as if in agreement, and jumped up on the large padded arm of the sofa. Kate craned her neck to glared at it, not approving of him climbing over the furniture. But then Dart nudged his head forward and bumped his little wet nose to hers. Almost immediately a laugh bubbled out of her mouth. She couldn't contain it. Her lips spread wide in a joyful grin. Dart lapped at her chin with his tongue and then sat down, glancing at her hopefully, as if awaiting her approving.

Still smiling, she turned back to Castle, who was grinning.

"So, can we keep him? Please?" he gazed at her expectantly.

She chewed on her bottom lip, knowing she'd probably regret it later, but the dog was so cute, and she couldn't blame Castle for wanting the little guy.

"Fine," she feigned reluctance. "We'll keep Rover."

"Dart," Castle declared. "His name is Dart."

Kate was reaching over to scratch the little dog behind his ear, when she stopped, turning to give her husband a dubious expression.

"Hey," he protested, defensive. "Six-year-old Rick thought it was the perfect name. And so does this one." He gestured with his thumbs towards himself.

"Dart it is," Kate said with a nod, smiling as she turned back to pet the happy pup. "Welcome to the family, Dart."

Dart barked happily. Castle sat down next to her, wrapped an arm around her and stretched out to pat Dart's head. Kate pursed her lips, trying to suppress a smile. Just like her pregnancy, this latest addition was unexpected, but she had to admit, the feeling of family that came with adding a dog to their little unit did feel nice. Dart let out little happy yelp, and bumped his nose against hers again. She laughed and giggled, unable to stop.

Castle, waggling his eyebrows delightedly, wrapped his arms around her and kissed her thoroughly. She grinned into his mouth, cupping his jaw, and kissed him back. Happy.

"We have a dog!"

"Yes," he concurred, grinning at her. "We have a dog."

*A/N: Also posted on my tumblr, with the accompanying photo that inspired the drabble. lordofkavaka tumblr com/post/178325633331/