This story will be three chapters long. Kate Beckett asks those closest to her to share her special day with her.
The familiar bells jingle over her head as she enters. She's early as she slides into their regular booth at the back of the diner. Remey's is so full of wonderful memories. It's here she first saw a different side of him, the side of him she eventually fell in love with.
Today he's busy writing and it's another Castle she is nervously watching the entrance for. Little Castle can be the total polar opposite of her father in somethings, but her passion for life, her devotion to those she loves and her ability to love are only rivaled by her father.
Alexis had quickly accepted her when she and Castle had first started working together. She had come to her for advice and they made small talk. It wasn't until later when she had gotten shot that things changed. Alexis had watched her father try to jump in front of a bullet for her. A woman who in her mind didn't think her father more than a bumbling fool.
She gave Alexis every reason to hate her after everything she put her dad through that awful summer. It had taken a long time for Alexis to let go of that anger, to trust her again, but thankfully Castle got through to her and made her understand.
They were finally in a good place again. She didn't want the girl to think she was going to try to mother her. She had a mother, and Alexis didn't need another one, but she hoped she needed a friend, a confidant to go to when a friend your age wouldn't do.
Alexis was about to be family, and she wanted the girl to know that she meant that. Lost in thought the bells above the doors startle her from her thoughts, and she watches as Alexis walks towards the booth.
"Hey Kate, you order something yet?" She shakes her head no and hands her the other menu.
"Don't know why either of us look, we both know darn well what we're going to order." They laugh as the waitress walks up.
"The usual for you two?" She asks, as both woman nod and smile.
"So what's up that we're having lunch a day earlier than our regular day!" Alexis questions as she opens her napkin and puts it on her lap.
Kate smiles shyly at the girl and pulls a small, flat white box from under the table and hands it to her.
"What's this? It's not my birthday or a holiday." She brings it up to her ear and shakes it gently.
"Your dad's the one who's great with words. It's easier for me to show it. I want you to have this. It's a symbol of all of us joining to become a family. I'm not trying to be your mom, you know that. But I do want you to be part of my family, and for you to let me into yours." Kate stumbles over her words as her voice fills with emotion.
"If you don't like it, we can get you something else. The rings represent you, your dad, your grams, and me. More rings can be added if needed in the future." She continues shyly.
Alexis pulls out a gold bangle style bracelet, with small interlocking loops on the front. It's very simple, but elegant. She slips it on her wrist and admires it.
"It's beautiful," she says, "but you know you've been part of our family for longer than I ever wanted to admit. You're kind of stuck with us now. Kate, in all honesty this ones going to stick. I've never seen my dad so happy, so grown up, yet so free." Alexis says she she give Kate's hand a quick squeeze. "You didn't have to do this."
"I don't know, but isn't it customary to give the special people in your wedding party a gift when you ask them to be in your wedding?" Kate's smile is radiant. Alexis has still yet to fully process what Kate has said, then suddenly she lets out a shriek and reaches across the table to pull Kate into a hug.
"OMG you really just asked me to be part of your wedding party?" She's practically bouncing in her seat she's so excited. "I've never actually been in a wedding. Gina didn't want messy children messing up her procession."
"Are we going to go dress shopping? Do I get to attend the bachelorette party? Who else have you asked?" She bursts out with so many questions.
"Ok, yes of course we"ll go dress shopping and shoe shopping. You have to come to everything we have, and what happens at these things stay at these things! Finally, you're first on my list to ask. I'm only asking two other people to be part of this day." She replies.
"Lanie to be my maid of honor. You to be my brides maid and your grams to stand in for my mom. I know my mother would approve, and I want someone there to help me through it all. I hope your Martha says yes." Kate's eyes tear up. She thought long and hard on that particular decision. They'll have an empty chair with a white ribboned rose to symbolize her mom, but she'll have Martha to fill her heart with what it's been dearly missing.
"Gram's will be touched and honored. I know I am. Thank you so for everything, Kate."
"Thank you for letting me be part of your family. I never thought I would ever be part of a one again. This is so much more than I ever thought possible."