Rick Castle knew he should be mingling but he figured he was due the break. Every time he went to a book launch party his memories always went back to that famous (or infamous, depending on your point of view) night when he met Kate.
To this day, he could remember that tap on his shoulder, and turning around to see one of the most beautiful women in the room holding out her shield. Little did either of them know where that would lead – an amazing partnership in all ways, three kids and a whole new family.
And that made him start to compare that book launch party with this one. At that first one, he acted like a bit of a jackass; okay, like a total jackass. Champagne was flowing, the food was fancy, and he signed plenty of chests.
Now, he hoped he was just a wiseass, because he was here with his family. Here with his beautiful wife, his four kids, his mother, his father-in-law, his friends and their families, and his granddaughter. (It was still a bit amazing to think he had a granddaughter.) Now there was as much kid friendly food as fancy food. He hadn't signed a chest in many years.
He saw Espo with his infant son snoozing in his arms, while his wife talked with a very pregnant Lanie and her husband Alan. And then he saw Sarah Grace Ryan and his daughter Lily giggling together while Sarah's little brother Nick was trying to impress everyone with his moves on the dance floor. He watched Sarah and Nick's parents sharing a moment on the dance floor themselves. Not too far away from them, Alexis was holding the hands of her two little brothers as they all walked to the dance floor. Reece and Jake adored their big sister and loved getting her attention. They all waved at Alexis' husband who was dancing with their daughter. Rick smiled as he saw his mother and Jim Beckett sharing a dance too. They may have had a rocky beginning, but the two of them were friends now. He was so grateful that the two of them were here tonight.
Rick was so busy watching his family having fun, he didn't notice that Kate was now standing beside him. She had gone off to get them a drink and she handed it to him. "What's up, babe? You look like you're a million miles away," she said with a soft smile.
"I was. I was thinking of the last Derrick Storm launch party. Remember it?" he teased. She kissed his cheek with a grin.
"Yeah, I kinda do. Nice memories," she said.
"It's weird to think all of this came out of someone copycatting my books. And my lesser known ones too. Good thing the hot detective assigned to the case was a Richard Castle groupie!" Kate glared at him, but ruined it with a smile.
"I still owe you a spanking!" But when she saw the look in his eyes, she quickly said, "Come on, Castle. Let's join our family on the dance floor!" With that, she took their untouched drinks, placed them on a passing waiter's tray, and took his hand. Before too long, they were swaying to the music. When their children saw them, they went to dance with them. So Kate and Rick had a new memory – dancing at a book launch party with their three kids while their other child danced with her husband and little girl. And knowing that the other members of their family were nearby made it even sweeter.
Rick Castle thought to himself - best book launch party ever!