He was nervous about dinner. He was used to dinner with just Kate, and now not only would he be with others, but it was Thanksgiving; the holiday when he missed Johanna the most. It was her favorite time of the year. She cooked and busied herself for the better part of the day so she could enjoy the time when her family, small but hers, sat over her meal and chatted about life, dreams and what they were all thankful for that year. It would be hard to share that holiday now with virtual strangers. Kate says they are all very nice and that he will really enjoy their company, but frankly, Ted would just as soon be at home with my daughter, just the two of them. "What do I have in common with a famous novelist or for that matter his elderly mother? Maybe I can think of a way to beg off early after dinner", he said to himself. In the middle of his thoughts he hears the door open.
"Dad? Hey Dad, are you ready yet?" Kate yells to the upstairs room. "I'm coming, but I'm not ready, Kate. Tell me again why we're going to their place for Thanksgiving dinner?"
"They extended a very kind offer and I thought it might be better for us to change how we celebrate Thanksgiving, try something new." "It isn't good for us to think of our loss always Dad. I think we need a change. It's been 10 years, maybe now is a good time to bring back what Mom always loved about it, laughing and talking again."
"I don't know Katie, it's still so hard for me."
"Me too Dad, but you know, that is the last thing Mom would want, us moping around and forgetting about the fun we had. You know, I bet after dinner we can talk them into a game of poker?"
He smiles now." Well, you know, now that you mention it, it has been awhile for me and a rousing game of poker. Are they any good?"
"Well, Martha, that's Rick's mom, she is mostly the strip poker variety, she folds pretty much on every hand," Kate laughs out loud, "But Rick, that's another story. He is very good, but don't ever tell him I said that. We usually end up in a showdown at the end and so far we've split. He won once and I won once."
Her father looks surprised now, "Well, he must pretty good if he can match my Katie."
He grabs her arm as they close the door of the house behind them.
"Well, I guess if the night ends in a poker game it can't be all bad, Katie. I'm ready, I guess."
They leave for Castle's with Kate silently hoping the night works out well for her father. He could use a night out and an evening in good company, she thinks.
Castle is busy in the kitchen preparing the turkey and all the trimmings. He wants this dinner to be perfect. He has been trying to show Kate Beckett that while he may be a famous "best selling author" he really just wants the normalcy of everyday life; toss in a shot or two of a good juicy murder story to fuel his creative bent.
He almost forgot he better warn Martha to be on her extra best behavior as Kate is bringing her father.
"Listen Mother, I forgot to mention it before, but I want you to be on your best behavior if you have such a thing." Alexis laughs as Martha shoots Rick a very shocked and surprised look.
"Richard Castle, I will not be something I am not around Kate, she has been here before and she seems to feel quite comfortable I might add."
"I know Mother, but Kate is bringing her father today, and I am not sure Ted Beckett is ready to experience the full Martha Rodgers just yet."
"Ooooh her father is coming to dinner. How old is he? Is he good looking? Should I put on something eye catching?"
"Mother, now see that is exactly what I am talking about. I do not want you harpooning the man as soon as he arrives like he is the catch of the day all right? He is our guest, and I want you to be civil. You are not the USO and he is not on a weekend pass."
"Richard, since when have you become such a drag? Just then the doorbell rings and Richard gives his mother one last menacing look. "Mother, promise me, you'll try to be normal and not scare the man, OK?"
"Oh alright, but I can't turn down Martha too much you know, or our guests may fall asleep at the table."
Castle reaches for the door and opens it wide to see Kate with her father. "Hi, Kate, Mr. Beckett, welcome to my home."
Kate introduces her father, "Dad, this is Richard Castle. Richard this my father, Ted Beckett."
Rick says first, "Ted it's very nice to meet you. I imagine you are very proud of your daughter. She is a remarkable detective."
"I am Rick, very proud of her. Her mother would be very proud too." Then he quickly adds, "I am a big fan of your work, my favorite was Storm Warning."
"That book was very good to me, Ted. It made the best seller list for 5 weeks in a row."
"Let me introduce you to my family. This is my mother, Martha Rodgers. Mom, this is Kate's father, Ted Beckett." The look on Ted's face was one of an awestruck fan.
"Martha Rodgers. I saw you in Mousetrap many years ago. You were fabulous. Although, I have to tell you, I have no clue still what that damn play was about."
Martha is now charmed. She reaches for Ted's arm as she guides him into the living room. "You know Ted, I was in that every night for months, and I have no clue what is was about either!" The two of them laughed and continued their conversation while Kate and Rick watched them walk away.
Rick look at Kate and says, "OK, I am just going to apologize right now for whatever my mother will do the entire night. It is probably just safer that way."
"Are you serious? Look at my father? I haven't seen him look like that since my mom's death. Don't you dare apologize. Martha may be just what Dad needs tonight. She makes me laugh every time I am here. Come on, don't look so worried, relax!"
"I bet that is exactly what everyone on the Titanic was told. "Relax, don't look so worried." Kate laughs as they both join Martha and Ted in the living room.
Alexis walks in from the kitchen to meet their guests. Kate moves quickly to introduce her.
"Dad, this is Rick's daughter Alexis." Ted stands up and shakes Alexis' hand. "You are beautiful. Why you remind me of Katie here, when she was a teenager." Kate smiles and shakes her head. Alexis adds, "Well it is very nice to meet you sir. Can I get something to drink?"
Martha jumps up and announces she will taking drink orders and Alexis may help her carry them. Castle whispers to Beckett, "Do you have a camera, my Mother has never lifted a finger around here before, and I'm going to need pictures."
(to be continued)