Welcome dear readers,
this story is all about romance and the thrill of traveling internationally with people you love...Enjoy
To my wonderful betas...as promised...all love, banter, no angst..thanks for the feedback..
XXOO,
Melody
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Chapter 1
Kate had just finished her physical therapy workout, Roger had been working her harder each day, but today he had stopped her, telling her she was overdoing it. She had pushed herself until she almost collapsed, determined to be in good shape for their planned trip, but that wasn't for two weeks. Roger reminded her she had progressed a great deal already, Rick had arranged for a private trainer on the trip and Kate realised she needed to put everything in perspective.
After Roger left, she fell onto the couch with a bottle of vitamin water, muscles trembling and her ribs screaming from the activity. She decided to sit and re-group before heading to clean up. About the time she decided it was time to move, the loft door opened with Castle announcing his arrival.
"Kate, where are you? Are you ready for dinner?" Kate smiled, he worked so diligently to make her foods that she both liked, and were good for her. Secretly, she longed for a bearclaw and gallons of coffee, but remained quiet. If not for his and Alexis' efforts she would still be weak and unable to exercise.
"In here." She answered.
He entered the living room, reached over the back of the couch and planted a kiss on the top of her head.
"How'd it go today?" He asked as he came around to join her on the couch.
"Great. Just sitting here deciding if I wanted a shower or a bath." Rick looked concerned, and Kate's eyes narrowed, "Roger called you didn't he?" She snorted. "What a tattletale, good God." She rolled her eyes in disgust and got off the couch, heading to the bathroom, but Rick stopped her progress.
"Kate, get used to the scrutiny my love. Let's review the last year...First, you got shot in the heart and nearly died...then after you finally recovered from that...you overworked, got a severe infection and again almost died. Then the most recent incident, Maddox beat the shit out of you, breaking bones, lacerating your spleen...and you could have died. Soooo, I will continue to check on you...take care of you...worry about you...Because I love you, everything about you, even your rotten disposition."
With that he pulled her into his arms and kissed her hard on her mouth, working his way into her protesting mouth, and ultimately gaining access. Rick pulled back then, smiled at her and kissed the tip of her nose.
"How about a joint shower, I'll wash your hair, dry you off and then give you a Castle massage, guaranteed to relax every muscle in your body." He suggested.
"Every muscle?" She teased.
"Kate, try and behave." He chided.
With that Kate, reached down and grabbed his balls. "How's your muscle tone doing, big guy, hum?"
"Okay, you're on, hot rod." Rick lifted her over his shoulder, smacked her bottom and proceeded to the bathroom.
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A very satisfying hour later, they reappeared, walking arm in arm, Kate's head on his shoulder. Alexis was in the kitchen, chopping up the salad into pieces which still needed to be small in order for Kate to be able to chew them. Salad was a course that Kate always craved so they had just reintroduced it into their diet. Most things had to remain soft, and any meat dish was still off the list.
Her weight was stable, she had probably gained back half of what she'd lost, but still had more to go before getting back to her weight after she was sick the first time. Rick still thought she was too thin, but treaded on thin ice, bringing up the subject. Kate loved being thin and they often argued about what her ideal weight should be. He finally gave in and merely insisted she remain healthy.
Dinner was fabulous, the chicken was fork tender as were the vegetables. Kate was able to eat some of her salad before her jaw wore out, leaving her frustrated. They ended the meal and retired to the living room with Kate and Alexis busy cajoling Rick for trip details.
Planning this trip had rejuvenated Kate after her long painful recovery. She had travelled extensively in Europe, but Asia had been a long term dream of hers. The diverse culture, magic of the countries they would be visiting had provided a wonderful incentive for her. Rick was in his element taking charge of booking the flights, hotels and side trips. He continued to keep his plans to himself, he really wanted to surprise both of his lovely ladies.
Kate had asked Alexis to accompany them, stressing how important it was to both Kate and Rick for her to join them and Alexis had ultimately agreed. They knew she would be leaving for Columbia shortly after they returned from the trip and Kate wanted to show Alexis that her health was progressing, hopefully allowing her the freedom to leave without regret or trepidation.
Martha had declined their invitation, choosing instead to stay in New York. She said she needed to work on her studio, but Rick was suspicious of her motives as Martha had proven to be unreliable in the past. Kate just laughed at him and told him to relax. He commented that Alexis was already raised, but his mother was proving to be a difficult case. Kate reminded him that she was impossible to control and he needed to enjoy the ride.
As departure got closer, everyone was getting excited with the thrill of the unknown. Rick had told them what type of clothes to bring, but he included that they would all have new clothes made on the trip as well.
The night before their departure, Rick and Kate lay in bed discussing the trip. He remained steadfast in keeping many of the details to himself, and Kate acquiesced knowing how much he enjoyed the element of surprise. Kate drifted off to sleep first, her head in his chest, the feel of his heartbeat soothing her, giving her strength.
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The limo service picked them up around 7:00 pm, Rick had said they would be flying all night. The limo arrived at their destination, Newark airport, which surprised Kate as she didn't consider this a major hub for anything. Kate gasped as she entered the terminal, staring up at Singapore airlines logo.
"Rick, we're flying on Singapore airlines?" Her voice quivered with excitement. Singapore airlines had consistently been rated as one of the top airlines in the world. Rick directed them towards the business class checking area.
"Hum, business class, you do know how to turn a girls head, sir." Kate leaned in and kissed his jaw.
Rick was thrilled she had noticed his efforts. Alexis was smiling from ear to ear. The two women stepped to one side as he proceeded to get them checked in. After all of the documents were prepared, the three travellers were directed to the business class lounge.
They were flying to Singapore on the world's longest nonstop flight, a duration of 22 hours. They settled down in a secluded area and Alexis texted her grandmother about their destination. Her fingers flying on her cell phone, she could text almost as fast as she talked.
Rick disappeared, returning in a few minutes with a tray of goodies, full of a multitude of treats plus drinks for each of them. He handed Alexis a coke zero, then presented Kate with a perfectly prepared cappuccino.
"Why thank you, love." After tasting the drink, she deemed it fabulous and directed an appreciative smile towards Rick. They sat and enjoyed their food and drinks, everyone very relaxed and eager to board the plane.
"Don't get full on this stuff, we'll be eating the really, really good stuff on the flight."
"I'm sure we'll be able to eat again, Dad." Alexis laughed at her father and rolled her eyes, a habit she had acquired from Kate. Both Kate and Rick smiled silently and looked in each other's direction, thrilled Alexis had joined them on the trip.
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The boarding process for business class went smoothly and soon they were settling in to their seats. Kate couldn't help but be impressed by the seats, each person had their own little haven.
"Hey, this is like having my nest again" she said excitedly, as she played with the various seat controls. She slipped off her shoes and put on slippers that had been provided. In front of her was a 15 inch monitor, her seat was over two feet wide and Rick leaned over to demonstrate the various connections for her Apple products.
Kate leaned into Rick ran her fingertips over his face, resting in his hair. "Rick, words fail me…so I'll just say thank you."
"I would give you the world, you know that right?" He raised her hand to his lips and gently kissed her knuckles, never letting his gaze leave her face.
"Come on you two, give it a break." Alexis' voice interrupted their romantic interlude. Kate's head fell back, laughing as she smacked his cheek.
"She's right, Castle. Enough lovey-dovey stuff." She leaned forward and winked a Alexis. "Relax, Mom, we'll behave." That comment, brought laughter from all three.
"Mr Castle, Ms Beckett, may I offer you a beverage before we take off?" The question came from an exquisitely dressed and beautiful flight attendant. Rick immediately grinned from ear to ear, Kate knew that look in his eye, he was checking her out and found her delightful. Kate shook her head, then cocked her head to one side and half closed one eye. Rick noted her look and broke off eye contact with the flight attendant.
"I'm just looking at the menu, I'm not ordering." Rick pleaded his case.
"Of course you're not." She broke off her gaze at Rick, and looking up at the attendant, announced "I'll have a mimosa please."
"Make that two."
"I'll take orange juice." Alexis interjected.
The next hour found everyone getting settled in. Alexis chose to start watching a number of first run movies, Rick opened his laptop and began writing and Kate was reading on her iPad.
Kate let out a soft groan as she moved, turning had pulled her left side. Damn, she thought. Rick heard her and was up on his knees peering down at her.
"What's wrong, Kate?" He inquired.
"Back up, I'm fine." Kate growled.
"Do you need something? More blankets? Something for pain?" His face pinched with concern.
"Are you deaf? I just turned funny, calm down." Her voice low and tight.
"But,..."
"That's it, mister. You and me in the back now." Kate gestured her thumb to the back bar area.
"I'd rather not." Rick was not interested in fighting with Kate at 35,000 feet before they were out of US air space.
"That was not a request, am I clear?" She leaned over towards Rick's seat.
"Crystal." Smiling, Rick tried to lighten the mood with the famous movie line.
Kate ignored his comment and continued to give him the famous Beckett death stare. Rick knew his time for negotiation was over, slowly stood up, turned and tapped Alexis on the shoulder. "You want to join us in the back, pumpkin?"
"Dad you screwed up, you're on your own." Alexis could tell by the look on Kate's face that she didn't want to get involved.
Rick hung his head as he made it to the back of the plane, busy trying to figure out how to make amends. As he joined Kate, he smiled sheepishly.
"Hey." He started, looking like a wounded puppy.
Why did he have to look so cute, Kate understood he just wanted to make sure everything was perfect and she was comfortable. God, I love this man, she thought.
She pulled his ear, bringing him down to where she could easily whisper in his ear.
"Listen up, I will tell you if and when I don't feel well, I promised you, remember? Meanwhile you, my friend, need to chill out. Steve said I was okay to travel...so I'm okay. Questions?" Rick shook his head no, still hesitant to look at her.
Kate tilted his head so he was forced to look at her, she leaned in and touched their foreheads.
"Hey, writer boy. I love you more than my heels." Giving him her best smile, she reached in and tenderly kissed him.
"Message received. Now while we're back here, do you want to join the mile high club?" He asked her, waggling his eyebrows.
"Pushing Castle, pushing. You are such a boy."
"Is that a yes or a no?" He continued smugly.
"My God, you never give up, do you?" She stood with her hands on her hips
"Nope, with you never."
Kate began to chuckle, opened her arms and he walked into her hug. They stood holding each other, Rick nuzzling her neck, murmuring, "I hate fighting with you."
"Yet you seem to bring it on so easily." She responded back, tongue in cheek.
"I'm hungry, let's eat." Rick decided to ignore Kate's sarcastic comment.
"I don't know which is more insatiable, your appetite or your libido."
"It's close, but since I can't get you in the restroom. I'll settle for food."
With one last hug, Rick smacked her butt, raised an eyebrow and they headed back to their seats. Alexis could tell everything had been settled and returned to watching the movie.
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Dinner was a true culinary experience. The tray table was set with a linen placemat, the dishes were china, crystal for glassware and silverware made of pewter. The meal started with fork tender smoked trout, followed by lobster bisque that was topped with sherry. Kate chose the Chilean sea bass, while Rick chose the lamb chops. The food was perfectly seasoned. They each had selected one of the French wines which suited their food.
Kate was thoroughly enjoying her fish and out of the corner of her eye, spied Rick leaning into her space with his mouth open.
"Pretty please." He inquired.
"Do you think you deserve some?"
"Absolutely not, but I still want some."
"Here you go." She handed him a small plate of food.
"Wow, this is really good. Want a bite of lamb?"
"Funny boy, you know I can't chew meat." Her words clearly communicated how fed up she was.
"No, no, it's really tender, I'll just give you a little. It will practically melt in your mouth, I promise."
Kate put the meat in her mouth, the taste was fantastic and very chewable, she practically purred with satisfaction.
"God, I love lamb. You were right, it was tender, but I won't push it." Smirking at him, she continued. "See, I can be reasonable."
The finale of the meal was a fruit, cheese and port course. All three of them were pleasantly full and very pleased with the food. Once the meal was finished, the lights in the cabin were dimmed, Rick leaned over and kissed Kate goodnight, her eyes were growing heavy. Her seat had been flattened, the duvet cover placed and multiple pillows laid out.
As much as she wanted to stay awake, she realized she would feel better if she slept. Kate was exhausted; she hadn't been sleeping well with the excitement of the trip keeping her keyed up for weeks.
Rick and Alexis stayed up for hours, watching movies, playing games and enjoying each other's company. Rick finally decided it was time to get some sleep, but couldn't resist visiting Kate first. He got up and padded around until he was right next to her. He knelt down and rubbed his nose in her neck, softly kissing her, breathing in her scent and then rested his head on her chest.
She unconsciously reached up and ran her hands through his hair, it was her turn to kiss him. She opened her mouth and her tongue entered, gently stroking his tongue.
"Love you." Her voice raspy with sleep.
"More than anything." Rick responded as he kissed her cheek, returning to his seat he fell quickly asleep, dreaming of the trip yet to come.
So, do you love this new story...please let me know