castle's birthday present

Kate strolled through the mall, almost sure that she wouldn't find anything here for Castle. She needed something in line with the hoax she'd pulled two years ago, something monumental. After all, this was not only his birthday, but his fortieth.

"Kate? What about this?" She pointed at a window. "He's always wanted a dog."

"It's a good present. I just don't know that it's...enough, you know?"

"Yeah. How are we going to top it?"

"I don't know. I thought about a trip, take a real honeymoon, but I can't get the time off. And where could I take him that he hasn't already been? We're having a work party at the Old Haunt, as well as the family party."

"What if we give him a trip to somewhere he's never been? I could ask Gram for help finding somewhere."

"I can't afford the time off. I used all my time this year last summer."

"You know, you don't need to work. Dad has a lot of money. Taking a week off won't be a problem."

"I know. But I want to. I need to. I can't just stay home everyday and I really do love my job, honey. Even though it is hard sometimes." She knew there was something behind Alexis' statement.

"You don't have to quit, just take the time off. You'll be okay."

"It doesn't work that way. I wish it did."

Kate looked like she could use a vacation as much, if not more, than Castle. She looked tired and she hadn't eaten much at lunch. "I guess we can look at the puppies. If we see something we like, maybe that could be part of the present."

"I'll try and get the time for you."

Kate changed the subject as they watched the puppies playing with each other.

"That one there. It looks like that dog you and dad looked after that time."

"He is cute." Kate said, closing her eyes for a moment, bracing herself.

Alexis watched with concern. "Are you okay?"

"Just a little dizzy."

"Just a little dizzy. I'm fine." She opened her eyes. "So you think he's the one?"

"Yeah... I think we should see a doctor."

"Alexis, I'm just tired. I got a little dizzy. I'm fine."

She shook her head. "No you aren't."

"You know, I think you worry more than your dad does," Kate teased gently. "I'll take a nap before Martha's performance tonight."

"Promise?" She had decided she would ask Lanie for help.

"Promise."

"Okay."

They got the puppy and all the things it would need and Kate made a mental note to come back for Alexis' birthday and get her the tiny puppy she was so interested in. Alexis offered to drive home, letting Kate rest. She was still worried.
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Kate called Lanie herself when they got home. "All I need is to pick up a bug. We've still got Castle's birthday to plan and Martha's opening night is tonight and..."

"I'm coming. I'll be there in half an hour."

"Thanks, Lane."

"No problem."

She hung up and went to check on Alexis and the puppy. "You think maybe Lanie or the boys should take him until your dad's birthday?"

"Yeah, maybe Lanie."

"She's coming over. I'll ask her if she minds."

"Okay. When will she be here? Dad should be here in a couple of hours."

"Half an hour."

Alexis nodded. "You should rest until then."

"For a little while. You're okay?"

"Yes. I'm just going to play with him for a while."

Kate smiled, going to lay down, only for a few moments she told herself. She still was trying to figure out what to do for Castle's birthday. It was his fortieth AND their first as a married couple. It had to be HUGE. Soon, the doorbell rang. Kate had fallen asleep, so Alexis quickly opened the door. She smiled when she saw Lanie.

"Hey, honey." Lanie hugged her. "How are you?"

"Good. You?"

"Good." She paused. "When are you going to come work with me again?"

"As soon as possible. I'm just finishing off some assignments and then I'm coming."

Lanie smiled. "Awesome. I miss you. We all do." She paused again. "Alexis...Kate told me you two were hanging out today?"

"Doing some birthday shopping for dad. We had little luck. We couldn't find anything, except this puppy. But something happened. Kate was dizzy but I think it's something more."

"She called me. I just wanted your take on things. She has a tendency to underplay, especially when she thinks someone will worry."

"Especially this year." She added.

"I think she should have gone to the doctor. What if something's wrong?"

"If I even think she needs to go, I'll drive her myself."

"Promise?"

"Promise. You want to come with me?"

"Yes."

They walked together to Kate's room and Lanie was the one who knocked on the open door.

Kate stirred, her eyes flickering open. "Alexis?" she asked before noticing Lanie. "Oh, hi."

"Hi, honey. Are you feeling better?"

"Yeah, a little. How long have you been here?"

"Just a few minutes. I met Castle's present downstairs."

"Could you take him until the party?"