Rick Castle stared at the royal blue invitation on his dresser as Alexis straightened his bow tie.
"Alright Dad. You're ready to go!"
He smiled down at her, and took one last look in the mirror to check his image. Everything had to be perfect to impress his date. Castle walked down the stairs, catching a first glimpse of Detective Beckett standing in his living room. She hadn't noticed him yet.
His whistling in appreciation earned him an eye roll from Kate.
"Very offensive. Thanks Castle." He was happy to report, however, that she couldn't manage to say it without a smile. And despite his somewhat offensive gesture, he would admit to anyone that she looked absolutely stunning. It made him think of that ball, when they had been trying to catch the jewel thief, and when she had worn that red dress he'd given her. Hell, that thing still inspired his fantasies. In this black number she was wearing, her hair piled up on top of her head, she took his breath away.
"You ready to go?" He asked. Kate nodded and Castle guided her towards the door, his hand on her lower back.
"Wait! Wait! I must take your picture first!" Martha had just popped into the room from…somewhere, brandishing a camera.
"Mother. I am not going to the prom. There is no need to take pictures of me with my date."
"Nonsense. Just a few, and then you two can be on your way!"