Hello everyone!
Here is another chapter of my story. I know some of us will be disappointed that Castle doesn't appeared here, but I needed to write this. I hope you understand!
I'm really grateful to all of us who followed or added this to favorites. The biggest thanks belong to Obsessionsaremylife, , MelCR and Oz castle fan. I really appreciate your reviews.
Once again, I'd like to thank mampher for being my Great Beta Reader. Thanks for the chapter's title!
Disclaimer: No, I do not own Castle...
CHAPTER 2
"Part of Your World"
Kate heart jumped when she heard the steps coming closer and closer to the door. She could finally let the excitement of seeing Castle roll over her body. Before, she had always fought this down. But now, after all that had happened in the last few days, her wall had come down completely. She wasn't hiding anymore. Beckett was ready to dive into her new life. And Castle was the biggest part of it.
Her silent contemplation was broken by someone opening the door to the loft. As soon as it opened, the detective was gathered up by Martha. This woman looks fragile, but no one could give breathtaking hugs like her!
"Oh, Kate! I'm so sorry and so happy for you, darling!" The older woman almost sobs into Kate's shoulder.
"Thank you, Martha. But why are you sorry?" Beckett asked trying to loosen the embrace. Martha didn't look good. She was worried and had red eyes. Kate hadn't really seen Martha without a smile on her always bright face. And then it hit her. "Oh no… You feel guilty? Because of…Martha, it isn't your fault. Not a bit of it! You understand me?"
"I know Katie, but, either way, I feel guilty and I can't help it," the redhead said sadly. She seemed so small and vulnerable.
The detective shuddered lightly when she heard diminutive of her name. Only her parents called her that. She didn't know what else to do, so she pulled the older woman into another hug. This time she was the one giving a crushing hug. "I've never even thought that you or Rick… Oh God, that thought never crossed my mind… I'd be a horrible person for thinking this way! You're like family to me, Martha…"
"Oh, kiddo! You too! And I'm so happy for you and my son!" Martha said, finally with her shining smile and constant excitement. She winked at Kate, causing a heavy blush on the younger woman cheeks.
"Thanks Martha… Umm… So maybe you know where I can find him? He stormed out of the 12th without a word to me." She asked, couldn't hide the hurt in her voice.
"Oh, he texted me saying that he's going to The Old Haunt, catching up on paperwork."
"Castle and paperwork? Nice…" Kate smiled and then both woman burst into laughter.
"It's rare, so let him work a little then. Maybe you would like to have some coffee with me?" Martha asked warmly and lightly pushed the detective towards the kitchen counter.
"I'd love to."
"Lovely! My old friend got me some of this wonderful original Brazilian mix while he was there with his spectacle. You'll love it!" The redhead excited clapped her hands and headed toward the coffee machine.
Kate smiled at the eagerness with which the older woman prepared the drinks. She was comfortably sitting on one of the barstools and her thoughts unconsciously drifted toward Castle. It was strange. Knowing him, he'd not let go of her after what had happened. However, Kate decided to give him some time. First she'll drink her coffee and then head to The Old Haunt.
"Here you go, kiddo!" Martha handed her a big black mug. Beckett smirked when she noticed the inscription written in red letters on the outside of it. The actress raised her brows questioningly in her direction. "He said once, that we should have our own signature line… 'She's armed, he's dangerous. A whole new chapter in crime solving.' He had someone make it for him, hadn't he?"
"Yeah, he loves it. It's his favorite." Martha laughed lightly. After that both woman went silent, savoring delicious black liquid. It really was tasty.
"I met him at a banquet organized by his party…" The redhead said with visible pain in her voice. Kate shuddered.
"Martha, you don't have to…"
"No, it's ok. I want to tell you." She said patting the back of the detective's hand. "I had a friend whose husband was in that political party as well and she took me with her. That's how we met. He was funny, easygoing. We dated for a few weeks and then he had to leave for Washington. Two months later I found out that I'm pregnant. He didn't even want to hear about it…" The woman choked on the last words.
"Oh Martha! I'm, I'm so sorry." Beckett didn't know what else to say, so she put her hand on the redhead's shoulder, trying to comfort her somehow.
"No, sweetie. Considering recent circumstances, it's good that I raised Richard on my own. God knows what would have happened if this monster was present in our life." The actress breathed out heavily. "But it's enough of this depressing story. Today should be a happy day! I'm so proud of you! You have no idea how glad Alexis and I are that you two finally got together!"
"Speaking of which, where is Alexis?" Kate asked.
"She should be back any time soon. Her friends took her…" A soft sound of opening door cut in on Martha's words. "Oh! Speak of the Devil! Alexis, darling, is that you?" The older woman sang cheerfully going to the front door. "We have a very nice guest, kiddo."
The detective's heart started to beat faster. She was truly afraid of confronting Alexis. Their relationship had been shattered 'cause of her shooting and lack of contact through the summer. The girl was very distant and Kate didn't blame her. Alexis had every right to be upset.
Beckett jumped out of the barstool and slowly went into a living room. "Hello Alexis." She greeted her cautiously. She didn't know what else to say. Martha said that the girl is fine with her and Castle's relationship, but…
"Hi Kate. Can I call you 'Kate' now?" Alexis asked, with a petite smile on her face. She didn't seem angry, which made Beckett relax a bit.
"Of course you can. I'm..." the detective couldn't finish 'cause she suddenly found herself enveloped in another Castle flavored hug. The writer's daughter clung to her, burying her face in the woman's shoulder.
"You have no idea how happy I am for you two. I'm glad that you finally caught that bastard and got together with dad. I know it was awful for you this past year, but I was so scared. He loves you so much and he's careless and... I'm sorry," Alexis blabbered hugging Kate even more.
"Lex, I'm not angry at you. To be honest I was rather scared that you'll be furious with us getting together. I know I wasn't your favorite person recently but you have to know that I love your father too and I'd never let anybody hurt him. I promise," Kate said firmly, looking into girl's blue eyes.
"I know." The girl whispered and one more time hugged her.
Suddenly both of them heard someone sniffle. They looked up, spotting Martha looking at them with affectionate tears in her eyes. Alexis held her hand out to the older woman, pulling her closer. "Come here, Gram. Group cuddle time!" Three woman burst into laughter, hugging each other closely. They stood like that for quite a while. Martha was the first to stand back.
"Enough my dears. Oh! My makeup is devastating!" the actress exclaimed. "Excuse me for a moment."
Alexis and Kate smiled warmly at each other, both content with what had happened a minute ago. Then Kate remembered about Castle. She should check on him.
"Alexis, I really would like to catch up with you, but I need to go meet with your dad, ok? He acted weird today." Beckett said cautiously. Alexis did know that she solved her mother's murder, but the girl didn't know who the man responsible was.
"Oh, yeah… But you can come back later, you know… It's not like you have to go to your apartment for the night … You can stay with us…" Alexis said blushing.
"Thank you. It's good to know that you're ok with this… Us… I'd never want to drive a wedge between you and Rick." Beckett said, opening the front door. "So… See ya later?"
"Sounds great!" the redhead smiled, watching as Kate headed to the elevator.
So? What do you think? Let me know!
53 days to go!