Chapter 8

Alexis and Castle sat on the couch.

"Did you and Conner enjoy the show?" Castle asked.

"We sure did," Alexis replied. "Thanks, Dad."

Castle looked at his daughter.

"You have become a beautiful young woman," Castle said. "When did you grow up?"

"I don't know," Alexis replied.

"I can't believe you're going back to Santa Barbara tomorrow," Castle said.

"I know," Alexis said.

Castle stood up and picked up two laser guns.

"Laser tag for old time's sake?" Castle asked.

Alexis smiled and grabbed her laser gun.

"You're going down!" Alexis exclaimed.

Meanwhile, Conner and Ryan sat in a café eating dinner.

"I wanted to apologize for yelling at you earlier," Ryan said.

"It's okay," Conner said.

"I know you live in California, but you are my cousin," Ryan said. "I'd like for us to see each other more often."

"I'd like that too," Conner said. "Which is why I'm inviting you, Jenny, and the kids over to Santa Barbara for Thanksgiving."

"I'll talk to Jenny," Ryan said as he smiled at his cousin.

The next night, Alexis and Conner waited for their plane by the gate at the LaGuardia Airport.

"I can't believe our flight was delayed," Alexis said.

"It's times like this when I wish Tyler was here," Conner said.

"Why is that?" Alexis asked.

"So we could fly on his personal plane," Conner replied.

A female flight attendant walked up to them.

"Alexis Castle and Conner Ryan?" the flight attendant asked.

"Yes," Alexis and Conner replied.

"Come with me," the flight attendant said.

Alexis and Conner followed after the flight attendant.

"What did you try to sneak past security?" Alexis asked.

"Nothing," Conner replied. "I swear."

Alexis and Conner followed the flight attendant out of the airport, onto the runway.

"Are we being kidnapped?" Conner asked.

"Yes," the flight attendant said sarcastically. "I'm kidnapping you. That's my whole evil plan."

The flight attendant led Alexis and Conner to a familiar looking private jet. Alexis and Conner smiled at each other.

"Tyler's private jet!" Conner cheered.

"Enjoy your flight," the flight attendant said.

As the plane took off, Alexis and Conner lied down in each other's arms on the airplane sofa.

"I could spend the whole five and a half hours like this," Conner said.

"Fine with me," Alexis said.

"I'm never flying coach again," Conner said.

"It can't always be a private jet," Alexis said.

"I know," Conner said. "I honestly don't care what we fly, just as long as I'm with you."

After a long flight, Alexis and Conner exited the airport to see Tyler waiting for them.

"You're back!" Tyler cheered.

"My best friend!" Conner cheered.

Conner hugged Tyler tightly.

"Oh, thank you for sparing us the horrible time of coach!" Conner cheered.

"Conner," Tyler said. "I can't breathe."

"Sorry," Conner said, letting go of Tyler.

As Tyler drove, Alexis and Conner told them about their time in New York.

"And I missed the whole thing," Tyler said disappointed.

"It's okay," Alexis said. "My dad is coming to visit for Thanksgiving. You'll be able to meet him then."

"Is he as excited to meet me as I am to meet him?" Tyler asked.

"Well," Alexis said. "Let's just say he has strong opinions about you wanting to be the next Richard Castle."

Tyler nervously gulped.

THE END