great chapter - thank you

How long was Jim's lunch? I feel like that was way longer than an hour ;-)
While I was expecting a downer of a chapter this was a unexpected delightful, hopeful chapter. Kate made huge progress with not letting the darkness consume her and letting Castle take care of her.

I love the safari theme! I just love giraffes and elephants! I may want that stuffed animal for my bedroom lol. Castle may be a bit too much at times but I find his enthusiasm, playfulness to be endearing. Kate really hit the jackpot with him and I can't wait till they actually live together and he starts to open up more and more.

This chapter was emotionally soothing. Thank you.

Very good writing. I like that Rick meets Jim.

Feeling the baby move around in the womb is something fantastic. But later in the pregnancy when you actually see the baby push against the mother's stomach trying to stretch out that's even more amazing. I remember it when it happened with just about all my children. I was in awe! I'm glad that Rick was there for Kate and they got along great at lunch. The elephant scene was hard for Kate but she overcame it which was what her father wanted her to do. Moving on can be hard but with the right person, it might come a little bit easier. Excellent chapter once again.

awe…

great

Such a beautiful chapter! Thank you.

Another beautiful chapter filled with love and family. Thank you so much for this wonderful story. I love the theme they picked for the Sprout’s room. It has so much meaning. This story is perfectly written. Thank you!

Very good chapter once again. I am glad they decided to go shopping for things needed for the nursery. I am also happy at the end when she drifted off to sleep she dreamed about the baby.

Very good chapter. I am glad Jim was encouraging Kate to not make it just a day of mourning. I am also glad they have invited Rick for dessert. She does need to let him more. Next year with the baby this day will have to be different.

Excuse me while a take another shot of insulin. Sweetness just oozes out of this chapter. ;)
So it's settled that Kate will move in, that the kid will be raised in the loft, and Castle will be allowed visiting rights as long as he changed the dirty diapers. I think Alexis might feel left out if there are only three in the family of elephants for the baby's wall.
I see that Kate is allowing the idea of (gasp!) marriage to cross her mind. No need to hurry. Maybe they can double up celebrations and have the wedding at the Sprout's sweet 16 party. Why the wait? They seem to be doing it all backwards. Usually you get married, then move in together, then have a child. What's wrong with this picture?

stay safe
Tank

Love the banter between them all at lunch, the easy flow of conversation between Kate Rick and Jim. So happy they picked a theme for the nirsery and Castle finally got to feel the baby move.

That chapter was all marshmallow, gumdrops, and cotton candy. I loved it.

Excellent chapter. Enjoyed Kate's thought of son-in-law. and all the thoughts she's trying to deny snd not able to. Also enjoyed the Jim-Rick connection. It feels like Jim is ready to be a father-in-law or at least thinking of Rick that way. Thank you for the chapter. Made a rough day better.
Swordwriter

Having married a single Dad and had a baby with him, I totally approve of your characterization of Rick in this chapter. He's supportive of Kate and enthusiastic about the baby. Good fathers are both of those, and having a silly man like that is a blessing. Great chapter.