Forbidden Angel

by Castlefan6

Authors Note: Pre series Castle, Rick has graduated and served time in the USMC, fulfilling his ROTC commitment, Beckett has gone on to become a lawyer, Johanna is alive, BOTH are in relationships when they meet, what will happen, For sake of this story the age difference has been adjusted, GO with it, and also I'm sure many military protocols will be broken again IT'S FICTION. NOTE: AU not canon

I don't own Castle, I use the characters for amusement purposes only

Chapter 8

Previously

"She lives near Soho, is an Attorney, your Dad's name is James, yours is Katherine Houghton, and you are an only child, and I wrote, now that I can show my face I hope to see you at a book signing soon, Love, Luck and Happiness, Always Rick"

Kate stands still, mouth open, and totally caught off guard.

"I know I bet you thought I had assistants writing out messages from a master crib sheet, but like I told you, I like to get to know my readers as much as I can. Your Mom has purchased every book I have written, that's why her payment was returned to her bank, so when she is off in her checking account, it will be because of that"

Beckett's House

6:58 PM Same Day

Rick stands outside the Beckett home at precisely 6:58 PM with two bouquets of flowers, one for each of the Beckett ladies, and an expensive bottle of wine. His nerves hit him like he was still in High School as he rings the bell.

"Hi, you must be Rick, I'm Jim Beckett, I'd shake your hand, but they look kind of full at the moment. Come on in, Katie, Rick is here" he calls over his shoulder.

Johanna appears from the kitchen at the same time Kate comes bounding down the stairs,

"Hi Rick, glad you could make it, but I told you not to bring anything."

"Well these are for your Mom, as he presented Johanna her bouquet, and these are for you", both flowers were each ladies favorites. Kate didn't normally act so bold, but she leaned in and kissed him sweetly on the cheek, "this is so thoughtful, thank you Rick."

Johanna repeats her daughter's motion, still a bit star struck that her favorite author is actually in her house and has brought her flowers.

"Yes Rick, it is such an honor to have you with us for dinner, thanks for coming."

"Sir you saluted me as I was hoping out of a truck not too long ago, that was my first positive welcome home since I began my journey 4 days before, so Thank You sir, this is for you" as he presented Jim with the bottle of wine.

"Thank You Son, and Thank You for your service, welcome to our home."

"Mrs. Beckett, it is I who am honored to be in your home, thank you for your hospitality, it means a great deal to me. I hope you liked the book and picture I sent."

"Mom, I hate to admit it, but I challenged Rick about what he wrote in your book, not only did he know, but he knew where we lived, Dad's name and my middle name, you mind telling me where you posted that name please?"

Rick blushed a bit, then replied,

"I have a kind of photographic memory and I have practiced speed reading so put the two together and I constantly review those who have supported me from my first book, I hope I didn't embarrass you Kate by knowing your middle name"

"Of course, not Rick, it's just for a lawyer Mom sometimes overshares information on the Web, and well, I am a skeptic for security and privacy."

Dinner was an absolute delight for Rick, treated like one of the family, no ego needed, and he really enjoyed and perhaps missed the family atmosphere that Kate had enjoyed her entire life. It wouldn't be a Parent's joy without spilling a few embarrassing stories about little Katie, which Rick found hilarious. All too soon the evening had progressed from dinner to desert, to after meal coffee, and it was pushing 10:00 PM.

"Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry I wasn't watching the time, I'm sorry to have intruded on your company for so long, please excuse me,"

"Son you were a welcome addition, you leveled the playing field a little bit, and kept these two from taking me to school" Jim laughed a sincere laugh.

Johanna stepped forward and hugged Rick for a long hug, "Oh when we saw you jump down off of that truck, you looked so tired, so sad I hope you have gotten some rest and please don't ever forget, you're welcome here anytime."

"That's very kind Mrs. Beckett, *"

"Please call me Johanna Rick, I do hope you come back soon, and thank you for your lovely gestures tonight."

"I'll show Rick out Mom", as she winked at her and her parents disappeared quickly

"Thank you, Rick, this was fun, more fun than I've had in a long time, I hope it wasn't too boring for you"

"Kate, this is the most relaxed I have felt in a long time, it was perfect, so thank you for your invitation, I would like to see you again, and soon I mean if you wa*"

"Rick, pick me up at 7:00 tomorrow if you're free"

A big smile that Kate knew he didn't show that often split his face,

"7:00 It is, Thanks again, as he leaned in to kiss her on the cheek, but Kate turned and captured his lips, with the slightest bit of tongue, she was in her parents home, as the kiss broke, she surprised him again by drawing him in for another kiss, "See you tomorrow Rick, Good Night and Thank You"

"Till tomorrow Kate, Goodnight"

Beckett Home

6:55 PM Tuesday 6 Days before Christmas

Rick was once again outside the Beckett house the next evening, but this time he was there to escort Kate to his Car Service for a nice dinner in one of the more private Italian Restaurants in New York. They had been friends of Rick before and after the Kyra era or eve of destruction as Mama Cerino called the time spent with her, very obvious she didn't like Kyra Blane, and hated her mother even more.

This evening as well as the next 5 were spent in each other's company, even if it were only to grab a cheeseburger and Kate steal his fries at Remy's. The next day was Christmas Eve, and Rick had thought long and hard and still not found the perfect present for Kate, one that said I like you, I really Like you but not one that was too strong and chase her away.

Rick had purchased presents for Johanna, a complete CD set complete with autographs for all the Storm books, and all were narrated by Rick. Jim's gift was a state-of-the-art fishing tackle set, at least that's what the salesman had told Rick, he had no clue. Finally, he decided on a beautiful bracelet with Kate's birthstone, and two diamond offset to the side, quite striking and one of a kind from his personal jeweler.

Johanna had insisted on seeing Rick for their traditional meal on Christmas Eve, afternoon, which worked out perfect, Kate would accompany him back to the loft to host his Mother for their traditional meal early evening. Rick had also picked out two separate cards to give to Kate, depending on how the gift went over. If she were pleased and still at ease with him, he would give her the one with the song lyrics popularized by Rod Stewart, explaining in some lyrical form how he wanted the relationship to progress.

The First Cut Is the Deepest

Rod Stewart

I would have given you all of my heart
But there's someone who's torn it apart
And she's taking just all that I had
But if you wanna try to love again
Baby, I'll try to love again, but I know

The first cut is the deepest, baby, I know
The first cut is the deepest
But when it comes to being lucky, she's cursed
When it comes to lovin' me, she's worse

I still want you by my side
Just to help me dry the tears that I've cried
But I'm sure gonna give you a try
If you wanna try to love again
Try,
Baby, I'll try to love again, but I know

The first cut is the deepest, baby, I know
The first cut is the deepest
But when it comes to being lucky, she's cursed
When it comes to lovin' me, she's worse

I still want you by my side
Just to help me dry the tears that I've cried
But I'm sure gonna give you a try
'Cause if you wanna try to love again
(Try to love again, try to love again)
Baby, I'll try to love again, but I know

The first cut is the deepest, baby, I know
The first cut is the deepest
But when it comes to being lucky, she's cursed
When it comes to lovin' me, she's worse

The first cut is the deepest, baby, I know
The first cut is the deepest
(Try to love again)

Songwriters: Cat Stevens

If her response was less than excited, he would use the Hallmark Card, about Good Friends or some trivial verse, it was really up to the reaction he got from Kate, to proceed to the next step or pull back and wait.

Christmas Eve

Beckett House

1:00 PM

Rick arrived to hear the sounds of Merry Christmas being sung and yelled by Jim and Johanna both, loud enough to be heard through the door. He was just about to ring the bell when the door opened and there stood Kate, looking like a Christmas Angel, so beautiful with just enough makeup to highlight her natural beauty.

"Hey, Merry Christmas Rick," no waiting this time she leaned in and took a sweet kiss from his lips as he mumbled Merry Christmas to you Kate. She smiled, and it seemed like the more he got to know her the deeper her smile went.

As they sat and opened presents after a fantastic meal, Rick was surprised when a stack of packages with his name appeared in front of him.

"Merry Christmas Rick, we're honored to have you spend your first Christmas Eve afternoon with us" Johanna said as she kissed him on the cheek,

Rick blushed a bit but recovered and replied, "Thank You Johanna, I can't think of one place on this earth I would rather be than with this family, thanks for including me in your special day."

Each one of the Beckett's had purchased a gift that was as thoughtful as it was beautiful. Jim had purchased a display case for the Purple Heart and other medals Rick had been awarded, Johanna had purchased a very special pen, with engraving to RC from #1 Fan JB, and Rick's eyes pooled when he read it, and finally Kate had purchased a watch to remind him to stand, sit, check his Blood Pressure, since she worried now that he was home he would exist on Remy's cheeseburgers which would not be good for his heart. He smiled her special smile when she said,

"Trying to keep you healthy, you've already cheated death, no sense trying it again with cheeseburgers," and although a joke, there was a serious tone to her words.

Christmas Eve had been perfect, now Kate was to accompany him home as he held his own tradition with Martha. He just had found out that morning, that there would be more than the three of them and was furious with Martha for withholding the information. He had to break the news to Kate and give her the option before she was stuck in a room with Gina, Paula and Martha.

"Kate, I have to tell you something and if you decide you don't want to come with me, I'll totally understand. Mother invited both Gina and Paula to Christmas Eve at our house, and just told me before I came, I'm so very sorry."

"Rick, no problem, I called Martha to invite her to dinner as well and she told me she had invited them, I think she felt obligated since they spent so much time with her BB."

"I'm sorry, what is BB?"

""Before Beckett, silly, and if you think I am going to let you go over to that house where I KNOW not one but two hot broads are just waiting to jump you, you have had too much eggnog mister," she laughs as she see's the relief come over his face.

"Rick, I know we haven't talked about this but if I got the message from your card to me, we need to come to some agreement, and lay out what this relationship is going to be. And yes, I understand just how fragile your heart is, and all I can ask you to do is Try to Love Again, maybe even try to love me this time.

Hey, we better get going, promise me we will talk about exactly we both want from this relationship when we leave your Loft, please?"

"Kate, I promise, and again I'm so sorry. You picked up on the card, I see, and I have to tell you, I'm not a prize by any means, but I want to try, really try to build something with you, and I hope you do as well."

Her answer to him came in the form of a deep, long, passionate kiss,

"Let me take care of you Rick, you don't have to be the warrior here anymore, we'll talk when we get done with your family" and she kisses him again to assure him.

Castles Loft

Christmas Eve

7:00 PM

Martha had been hitting the punch most of the day, and Rick quietly replaced the hard stuff with more of the non-alcoholic type, to keep her standing till after dinner. To their credit, both Gina and Paula were respectful with their looks, comments and limited touching of Rick, almost like obeying the girl code of respect.

There was a moment when Martha, who else, pointed out that Rick was under the mistletoe, and Gina had to kiss him, since she was the only one close to him at the time. The kiss, although on the lips at Martha's insistence, was brief, and sweet, almost like a neighborly display of affection.

Everything had gone so well, the meal was delicious, of course it was it was catered by one of the best chefs in New York and the talk was of mostly Rick when he was younger, and the trouble he used to get into. Martha had the line of the night when she said,

"People think I drink so much to cope with the pressure of my industry, in reality, it's to deal with the fear I have of losing my son," as her tears fell. It was Gina who was able to coax her to her room and get her to lie down. The fear of the last two Christmases and the memories of how she had spent them, just became too much for her.

Rick was just about to ask Kate if she were ready to leave, they had a very important conversation to have as soon as they could find a private location, when his phone rang.

Rick looked down, it was from a number he didn't recognize but fearful it may be one of Kate's parents he answered

"Rick Castle here"

There was complete silence on the line for a few minutes, so Rick repeated,

"Castle here"

Again, more silence, growing agitated Rick responded once again, he flipped the speaker to on,

"Look I don't know who this is or what game you are playing but I'm not interested, either speak up or I'm hanging up."

Just as he was about to end the call, a tiny voice, barely audible came across the phone,

"Rick, don't hang up please, It's Kyra Blane"

A/N This one is for Cece, she loves the twists in the story and I have to work hard to keep her from figuring them out.