Precious Memories
by Castlefan6
Authors Note: Thisis my AU version Sequel to Faded Memory, what could have happened following Rick's discussion with Alexis about the night he danced, fell in love, and lost contact with a girl in college, sometimes memories come back at the worse time. Please read that story first. COMPLETELY AU except for the conversation that prompted this and use of some characters names. THIS IS A CASKETT ENDING
I don't own Castle, I use the characters for amusement purposes only
Chapter 1
Previously From Faded Memory
Thirty minutes later the discussion and questions that had been asked, answered and filed away, the family meeting was over. Martha had broken down into a soft cry as Allison announced her plans on becoming a Castle. As she kept talking she simply walked over and placed her arm gently on Marth's shoulder, and squeezed the hand that Martha had grabbed, as she whispered, "It's all right Grams, I swear, we're all good."
Two weeks later, Allison officially became Allison Maxwell Castle, Rick of course had a small party with only a limited number of friends, Martha was elated that she had a Daughter-in-Law living with her, and to say she was trying would put it lightly. She was very respective of the borders she seemed to crash without a second thought previously.
Lexi and Ali had a blast planning the party of the century, especially since money was no object. Allison told Alexis that she was paying for the wedding, and there would be no shortcuts. Their wedding gift to their parents was a month-long European tour to any city Kate chose, it was a gift that brought Mom to tears, to think her girls were so thoughtful of her wants and wishes.
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5 YEARS LATER
The Castle
White Plains, New York
The last five years had brought a great deal of change to the Castle family. When Kate and Rick returned from their Honeymoon, Kate soon discovered that at least one of their romantic evenings had brought life to a new soul. She had her suspicions the last days of the tour, but a doctor visit, which Alexis and Allison both insisted they attend with her, confirmed the fact she was pregnant. A larger surprise lay in store as 6 weeks later, it was revealed, Kate was carrying twins.
Eight months, 3 days later two perfect little boys were born, to an exhausted Kate Castle, and her husband Rick, who could not stop smiling. Kevin and Kyle Castle were completely healthy, and from the looks of things were going to be totally spoiled by their big sisters, Grams and Grandpa Jim. Kate knew she wanted a fenced yard and some room for her babies to grow up, so Rick surprised her when he built The Castle, a new home featuring state of the art electronics and materials in White Plains New York. It's very Eco-friendly extras designed through his sneaking her sketches and some questions the girls had asked. It also featured double adjoining in-law suites, one on each side of the main home, for both Martha and Jim.
Their pleas to get them to move closer had fell on deaf ears, well at least till the day the babies came home. They were moved into their suites within a week and took turns spoiling the little ones daily.
Allison had purchased the entire building the Loft was located in and retained Eduardo and his staff. The entire building was remodeled into both office and home sections for her and Alexis. One area that was left untouched, the Original Loft, not a board was disturbed. It was a place she and Lexi came to, when they wanted to feel close to their parents, it offered almost a religious atmosphere to both young ladies. Allison had her dreams, Alexis her memories which she shared with her big sister.
Allison had graduated from Cornell Law School, passed the bar, and incorporated a Non-Profit search firm for qualified children to find their parents. After about 10 months in business she expanded to include the parents who realized they had made a mistake and were trying to locate their children. The hard and fast rule was, no one was contacted who did not give permission, and under no circumstances was any Adopted Parental information ever released.
Alexis had graduated early from both High School and College and majored in Child Psychology, a great compliment to her big sister's drive to help others find the happiness that had been stolen from her. She joined her Sister's firm and really enjoyed working and spending time with the Sister she had missed out on so long ago.
Rick didn't want anyone having to stay in a hotel or away from the family, so the home included 12 Bedrooms, 8 Bathrooms, and additional private office space for 4 people, not counting his own private office. Each weekend his girls would, without fail make the trip to The Castle, where Mom and Dad had included rooms, well actually suites for each daughter.
The reception they received warmed the hearts of all who saw, Kyle loved both his sisters, but his Awhhee as he tried to say Ali, and Kevin called his big sis Wexi, hearing Allison call her Lexi, they were both spoiled and looked forward to their sisters visits.
Kate had moved her desk into his office, a week after moving into the home, so technically it was Their office, even after this much time together they still couldn't stand to be apart. She had been appointed to a Vacant State Senator Seat by now Governor Bob Weldon, and by the time her term was over, she would have over 21 years on the Police Force, since the time as a Political Appointee was considered special assignment. Her plan was to retire, and stay home with her family, and husband.
She continued to grow closer to her "girls" as she called Alexis and Allison, and often fielded calls from one or the other asking for advice for matters of the heart. It wasn't a secret that each of the young ladies had serious boyfriends, what was the secret was each did not want to leave the other to live alone in the loft.
Kate was concerned that one or both could be sacrificing their happiness and chance for a lifetime partner, because they didn't discuss it. The situation sounded far too familiar to her, and once again she was thankful for a second chance with Rick, and would never let him, or her girls go through the heartbreak of losing someone, simply because of communication issues.
Allison called and was almost in tears, "Mom, things are getting serious between Bob and I, I know he's the one, but I'm worried about Lexi, what's going to happen if Bob asks the question? What do I do Mom, I can't leave my sister out on a limb."
"Sweetie, have you and Alexis talked about your futures? I know Tom was getting serious with Alexis as well, but well I think the three of us need to talk. How about lunch tomorrow, are you free?"
"Yeah Mom, Lex and I both are free, we had a cancellation of a seminar so I know her schedule for this week, Do you want me to tell her we are meeting you for lunch, or would you rather talk to her?"
"Let me call her Ali, if she's like your Dad she'll worry herself sick that something is wrong with one of us unless she hears it directly from me" as both ladies laugh gently. It was true, Alexis took on the worrying trait, Allison inherited the hey Let's Try it attitude from their Dad.
"So, tomorrow Mom? What time and where do you want to meet, if we go to the house neither of us can get away from our munchkins, we'll save that for after if that's OK?"
"How about the Brown Square Tavern, say 11:30, I'll have our room reserved so we can talk in peace, and please don't mention this to your Dad, he will drive me crazy to come" she laughs and Allison replied,
"Got it Mom and totally understand"
"OK Sweetie, let me call your sister and be sure she doesn't fill the calendar up, We love you all and can't wait to see you both."
"Mom, what would we do without you, God, I'm thankful everyday I found Dad and you both are part of my life, it seems now that you've always been there"
"I know Baby, it feels the same for me too, I went from single to married to two wonderful daughters all in a few weeks' time, and I'm the one that was blessed."
Kate hurried and called Alexis who didn't think twice when she accepted, the only question was "Mom is everything OK with you, Dad, Grams, Grandpa Jim, and the munchkins, and don't lie you know I'll know"
Kate laughed, "Sweetie, nothing is wrong, I just want to spend some Mom and Daughter time with my girls, is that OK?"
"Of course, it is Mom, I'm sorry, I just worry about you all, it just seems like everything is going so well, it's almost like I*"
"Waiting for the other shoe to drop Baby? PLEASE don't do that, I lived that life and all it brings is heartache and hurt, not only to you, but to those who love you. Each day of life is a gift, Live it to the fullest, we never know how many we are blessed with"
"You're right Mom, I'm sorry, I guess I'd worry that I have nothing to worry about, stupid I know*"
"Not stupid Sweetie inherited from your Dad. He lies awake worrying about your kids college plans, and you're not even married yet. See you get it honestly. I'll see you and Ali tomorrow, Love you Pumpkin," as she laughed,
"MOM, we've talked about that word, it was cute when I was little, but Daddy still calls me that in front of adult friends, "
"I know, I just wanted to make sure you heard everything, Love you and see you tomorrow"
Brown Square Tavern
11:30 AM Next Day
Kate arrived a few minutes early, know how punctual both girls were, something they didn't get from their Dad, but a trait she admired none the less. She was glad Rick was tied up in meetings all day, and had only replied "See if you can get them to come home so the twins can see them?"
"You mean you need to see your Girls right, go ahead admit it. We miss them too, and the boys are always asking when their Sissy's are coming so you're not alone. I'll see if we can get them out for at least the rest of the day."
Less than 10 minutes passed till Kate spotted the ball of Red Hair and her Sister walking through the door, smiling from ear to ear.
"Hi Mom, good to see you, How's Dad doing" Alexis asked first, then Kate was engulfed in a hug from Allison,
"Hi Mom, Thanks for meeting us, you sure Dad's OK, I kinda expected him here crashing the lunch since we haven't seen him the last two times, we were over."
"Hi Girls, Dad's fine, he wanted me to shame you into coming back to the house so he could see you, he misses you both so much."
"I know Mom, really, I feel bad, but between work and well Bob I hardly get to even talk to Sis that much and we live in the same building."
"Ali, I told you I understand, I have a similar problem, but his name is Tom, God Mom I think he's the one, and I don't know what to do. I don't want to leave my sister alone, but I know he's going to ask soon, I just know. Ali, I'm so sorry I haven't told you sooner, I know it's unfair to you."
"Sis, stop, you mean you and Tom are talking Marriage or Moving In together? Dad will flip if it's not matrimony?" She laughed,
"I think he's going to ask me to marry him Sis, but that would leave you living alone and I ca*"
"LEXI, SHH Please, I'm having the same problem, I saw the ring two days ago in Bob's briefcase, I didn't mean to, but he had to walk out to take a call and it was there, and I called Mom to ask her how I could tell you, since I don't want you living alone either."
"You're serious Ali, for real?"
"Yep, and you are sure too, Lexi, I mean how sure are you?"
"Well he left a jewelry store ad out and asked me if he was going to ask me a very serious question, which style ring should he bring, so yeah Sis, he's serious"
They both jump up and squeal hugging each other, then realize Kate has sat watching them, without saying a word.
"Mom, we're sorry, I mean you set this lunch up to visit with us, and we are so rude"
"Yeah Mom, We're sorry, it's just I've been trying to find a way to tell Sis, for a few weeks." Allison said
Kate stands, "Come here girls, you know we love you both, BUT if you don't want to break your fathers heart, I'm asking two things. First you come home and tell him the possibility exists, and two talk to my new Son's and tell them if they want to get off on the right foot, they will ask your Dad's permission for your hand. I know it's old fashioned, but somethings your Dad is very sensitive about."
Allison and Alexis look at each other, and silently agree, "You know Mom, I think they would anyway, but we'll make sure they do. We wouldn't hurt Dad or you for anything in the world."
"Sis, could I ask you something, feel free to say no, but if we can work out the details, would you consider a double wedding? I mean I missed a lot of ti*
Alexis is up in the air spinning around in the arms of her big sister, "Lexi Of course, that would make the day perfect in every way, plus Dad would only have to cry once."
"Hey, don't kid about that, he will be a mess for sure, not sure I'll be much better, both my girls marrying but, if this makes you happy, that's what we want for you. Now we better get back before your Dad sends out the bloodhounds plus the twins are going to tackle you both, they miss their Sissy's.