Love's Journey 3

by Castlefan6

Authors Note This is the continuation of Love's Journey, originally authored by The Muse of Apollo, chapters 1-7 of the original story, all following are work of Castlefan6' IF you haven't read the original Love's Journey, and Love's Journey 2 please do so before proceeding with this,

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

Chapter 9

Previously

"Richard Castle Enterprises sadly announces the passing of our own, Jessica R. Hawthorne, Executive Vice President, earlier today. Ms. Hawthorne was the heart and soul behind the Martha Rae Rogers Foundation, which to date provide housing for 95 women, 115 men and 12 families at one time, all at no cost to the individual or city. Ms. Hawthorne was beloved and will be missed by all not only at RCE, but all that she came into contact with, Rest in Peace our sweet Jess. No further details will be provided and all of us at RCE request and appreciate time to deal with our loss in private, Thank You,

Paula Haas, Director of Communications, Martha Rae Rogers Foundation.

Castle's Loft

Friday 9:15 AM

Rick, Kate, Alexis and Martha were sitting at the counter, each finishing tea, coffee or the remnants of toast with strawberry jam, all knowing what today was, yet no one willing to speak about it.

"Rick, do you have your notes for the eulogy? Mine are in my purse, and Jess has us on a tight timeline."

"I'm all set Kate, thanks, "Mother are you doing OK, I know you try to avoid these as much as you can."

"Darling when have lived as long as I have, you don't want to give the reaper any added advantage, I'm no where ready to go yet"

Kate smiles, Martha may be theatrical, but she is right, and in some ways, she respected her for living life on her terms.

"Lexi, you look so nice, I'm sure Jess would be so proud of you, our girl"

"Thanks Mom, I really didn't think about this till last night, but Jess was sent to straighten out the mess Dad and you were in. "

"She knew My birth mother had interests that always ranked higher than me, so she loved me enough for her and then made me remember all the things you did for me, because you loved me too, but didn't want to cause a problem so you kept quiet. She was pretty smart, wasn't she?"

"Lexi Jess was one of the smartest people in the world, but you know what made her special to so many people? She was able to love everyone no matter what, and she taught your Dad and I how to forgive each other, so when ever someone does you wrong just think what would Jess do? Bet you will know how to handle almost anything if you do that"

The intercom buzzes and Eduardo has announced that the car is ready for the family.

"Well this is it, remember we have the wake at Obrien's at 12:30 – 3:30 PM and Jess wants this to be happy, OK? Kate says as cheerfully as she can.

No one is in a talking mood as they head to the Chapel, Rick and Kate taking the time to review their notes from their respective speeches.

The Chapel at MRR

Friday 9:50 AM

Rick and Kate are greeting those who have come out to the service, and the crowd was far larger than either expected. The little Chapel was filled to almost capacity when precisely at 10:00 AM the Minister strode to the small pulpit.

"On behalf of Rick Castle Enterprises, Martha Rae Rogers Foundation, Rick, Kate, Alexis and all those who loved Jess thank you for coming today. Jess, even in her departed state is still holding us to timelines just as she did in life."

"I will just say that if you needed to use a word other than her name to describe Jess, it would be Love, because each of us here have been benefactors of her love, I really don't recall anyone who didn't love her, no matter how hard they tried not to. If you learn one thing from Jess's life, learn that she valued Love and Forgiveness more than anything in this world. Once you forgive, you are free to love, so basic, yet Jess is the walking guide who never failed at this. In conclusion if you want to pattern a young adult life, or find a role model, Jess's life and contributions will be the cornerstone for any young person, or person period's success. Thank You, we will now hear from Kate Beckett, who Jess described as her sister and female soul mate."

Kate made the short trip to the small pulpit and placed he guide cards in front of her,

"Thank you Reverend and you are right, Jess is holding us to a tight timeline, so I will be brief. I was one of the few who tried to hate Jess, and the harder I tried the more she poured out her love for me.

You see she was always 3 chapters ahead of the rest of us in this book of life, she knew it wasn't hatred for her I was trying to portray but myself, and the biggest thing she did was teach me the Guide to Forgiveness.

Jess taught me I needed to forgive myself for the baggage I had been carrying with me for years, and to focus on Love. We worked together on projects and I will miss her terribly, most of all I will miss her laugh, for when Jess laughed, you had to do so as well.

I'm sure God is enjoying that laugh as we speak because as I see I am 4 minutes over schedule and Jess would be pointing a finger at her watch and motioning for me to shut up. Please welcome Rick Castle to conclude this portion of the service'

Kate and Rick exchange a loving look and a small kiss on the cheek as Rick steps to the podium.

"Jess was a lot of things to us, but she was the hero that turned a concept into a living, functioning facility that has grown in size exponentially since we first sat down with the architect a few years ago. Our homeless now have options to safe places to stay, and resources to assist them in planning an escape from whatever demon drove them to the point of destitute. "

"We have commissioned a painting of her to hang alongside the artist's drawing of the initial inspiration and it will be placed in the entrance for all to see. To me she was Jess, friend, confidant and someone who kicked my backside if I didn't do what I should. We loved her, Kate loves her, and I will always love the very special Angel that changed our family forever. Before you do something unkind, PLEASE think of this wonderful lady, you will be better for it, and so will the world, Thank You, "

Rick steps down and returns to his seat beside Kate, wiping his eyes, she reaches over and takes his hand in hers and simply lays in her lap, her fingers gently playing with Ricks.

The minister returns to the podium, Jess has asked that we forego prayers, rather asking each to offer theirs silently, so we pause for a moment of silence please,

The minute drags out, and finally the Reverend announces, to close today's service we have asked a friend of Jess's to sing a song. When the song completes so does this service, go in peace and remember the wake toddy at 12:30 at Obrien's Please welcome Mr. Josh Grobin to sing "To Where You Are" selected by Miss Alexis Castle in honor of one of her Mom's

To Where You Are

Who can say for certain
Maybe you're still here
I feel you all around me
Your memories so clear

Deep in the stillness
I can hear you speak
You're still an inspiration
Can it be
That you are mine
Forever love
And you are watching over me from up above

Fly me up to where you are
Beyond the distant star
I wish upon tonight
To see you smile
If only for a while to know you're there
A breath away' s not far
To where you are

Are you gently sleeping
Here inside my dream
And isn't faith believing
All power can't be seen?

As my heart holds you
Just one beat away
I cherish all you gave me everyday
Cause you are mine
Forever love
Watching me from up above

And I believe
That angels breathe
And that love will live on and never leave

Fly me up
To where you are
Beyond the distant star
I wish upon tonight
To see you smile
If only for awhile
To know you're there
A breath away' s not far
To where you are

I know you're there
A breath away' s not far
To where you are

Once the song completes, there is not a dry eye in the chapel. Rick and Kate have held hands throughout the entire service, and now stand to make their way out to chat with those who they missed before the service.

Jess was certainly loved, as just about every walk-in life was in attendance, including some residents from MRR that she always took time to acknowledge and greet. No matter the pain, or worry Jess was in, she always let her smile lead the way, a smile now that so many people were just beginning to realize, was gone for good.

A/N This was a difficult chapter to write as not to offend many different religions, plus any funeral always gets me.

The song choice is To Where you are by Josh Grobin, available on YouTube.

Nearing the finish line, and once again for everyone Thank You I never dreamed a work of mine would garner this much attention, every review is appreciate, and I am searching for my next AU Castle adventure