A/N: Here is the first installment of my A/U to A Date will live In Infamy story. If you havent read that story, I suggest you read that one first before starting this one to gain a understanding of it. As for those that were anxiously waiting for this story. I apologize. Real life and work kept getting in the way. I hope you all enjoy this one as much as you enjoy the others. So please read and leave reviews. Thank you.
Disclaimer: I do not own the Castle series or the characters. This story is based solely on the entertainment of the readers.
A Long Hard Road to Victory
Prologue
December 21st, 1991
St. Andrews Cathedral
Honolulu, Hawaii
The church parking lot was slowly filling up with cars as the time for the service was drawing closer. Inside sitting in a pew was a silver haired woman who stared at the pair of coffins sitting at the front of the church. She knew this day would come eventually yet the hurt and the sadness of losing two people she loved was still there. She sighed. "Well Dad, Kate. You are now dancing away the eons away with Benny Goodman and Louie Armstrong, with our friends and family watching you two."
"Mrs. Stevenson?" A male voice called out from behind her.
Alexis Castle-Stevenson rose to her feet. "It's Mrs. Castle-Stevenson actually."
"My apologies ma'am." The Naval officer in Dress Whites said with a soft smile. He approached and shook her hand. "Commander Aaron Jackson ma'am. Aide to Admiral Robert Kelly. He sent me to express his and the entire staff and fleet condolences."
"Thank you, and please pass along my thanks to the Admiral." Alexis said to the man. She saw the man nod his head. "Is the admiral attending?"
"No ma'am, he has a meeting in Washington DC, but asked me to attend in his place." Commander Jackson answered. He looked at the flag draped coffins behind her. "If that is alright with you and your family? I only met your father the adm…."
"It's quite alright Commander. We would be more than honored to have you in attendance." Alexis replied. She motioned somebody over. "Daniel, can you please make sure the Commander has a seat in with the VIP's please."
"Sure thing mom." Daniel Stevenson answered with a smile as the Commander nodded his thanks, leading the man away from his mother.
Alexis sighed and felt the reassuring hand of her husband. "Hey."
"Everyone is outside gathering, and the father said we are about ready to start." Her husband Senator John Stevenson answered. He looked around and saw his grandson Richard Castle Stevenson, who was looking splendid in his Marine Corps dress blues decked out with his new corporal chevrons and medals, taking his place near the front of the church to escort the VIP's into their seats, while her brother Rear Admiral Richard Castle Jr, was talking over the last minute procedures with the commander of the honor guard.
She wiped the tears that were starting to form again. "I knew this day would come, it just still hurts you know. They survived the war, and the life of a military family, separations from each other. They showed us what its meant to be truly in love."
Her husband nodded his understanding and kissed her temple. "I know that. Take a few more minutes and then I'll come and get you."
"Thank you babe." Alexis answered with a slight brush of a kiss against his mouth. She started towards the flag drape coffins as her husband went towards the front of the church again. She placed her hands on the coffins as her thoughts went back to that day back in December of 1941.
Additional note: Next update will take you right before the attack. To refresh your memories, I suggest reading A Date which live in Infamy Chapters 1-8. I will post chapter 8 from that story with a slightly different ending to that particular chapter probably tomorrow. And that update you will find out who will take the duty on that fateful day. Stay tuned.