Author Note: The extravagances in the chapter are based on discussion from the ABC fan board estimating Castle earned about 10 million dollars this year. (thanks MigalouchUD)
Chapter 10 When Words Fall Short
"Keep pulling her pigtails" was Rick's message. They both knew it was Johanna's way of telling her daughter to let go of the pain and move forward. Castle wasn't giddy with the implied approval of their relationship because the price was so very high for the mother/daughter reunion. They never spoke of it again, but Castle was determined to take the admonishment seriously and be in Kate's life for as long as heaven allowed.
Detective Beckett was released from the hospital and her father stayed with her. Castle was supportive but didn't crowd her. He came by everyday to visit with both father and daughter. Sometimes he brought a few items from the market or a movie that Alexis picked out. A new routine did hold over from the hospital. Castle and Beckett would talk every night just before bed. Kate needed the last voice she heard before drifting off to sleep to be Rick's.
After a few weeks things started to return to normal. Detective Beckett would be returning to work on Monday, albeit desk duty. Esposito was officially cleared. The ongoing investigation over at IA turned towards a highly decorated cop who was close to the commissioner. The officer in question decided to resign and take a better paying job with a defense contractor. Alexis had been through some counseling, and was doing fine.
It was time to celebrate and show gratitude. How does a father thank those who returned his daughter unharmed to his arms? Castle would have given everything he owned to get her back, but he knew quantifying appreciation was impossible. He wanted to jet the team off to an exotic location for fun and relaxation, but he knew certain people would decline. He was reduced to throwing a party. Before the official start of the big bash with the high profile invitees, he held a catered dinner for those most responsible for Alexis's safe return. It was time to let his gratitude be shown.
The evening promised to be an extravaganza. The honored guests and their dates were chauffeured to dinner. The transformation of Castle's loft was significant. All the usual furniture was removed and shrouds covered some large objects. The center of the room was set with a lavish dinner table. A staff stood ready with drinks and hors d'oeuvres, and a magician entertained them until everyone arrived.
Dinner was a formal affair despite the casual dress of the attendees. Castle was seated at the head of the table with Kate Beckett at his side. Next were Captain Montgomery and his wife, Detective Esposito and Dr. Parish, Ryan and Jenny, Alexis and Ashley, and finally Kate's father and Castle's mother.
The dinner was superb, the wine magnificent, and a jazz trio played in the background. As soon as the desserts were offered, Castle rose and went to stand behind Alexis's chair. "Thank you all for coming to this celebration. I am trying to focus on the 'recovery' of body and spirit, and not what almost was. I know there is little I can do change what happened, but as a father I will try. My first reaction was to hire body guards and insist on home schooling…"
Alexis laughed as she interrupted. "We really did have this discussion. Fortunately somebody with influence had already talked some sense into him." Alexis nodded to Beckett who blushed at the not so subtle revelation of her role in the Castle family.
Castle kissed his daughter's head and continued, "Wiser people than I said it was a loss of peace and tranquility that was the lasting effect, and I searched for a way to restore it. This gift is only a symbolic answer, but relaxation, peace, and pampering seemed to bring associations of massages, facials, and pedicures in a spa with unlimited use for the next year." Castle produced an 'all inclusive spa card' and gave it to his girl who squealed with delight.
Martha explained the package. "She gets unlimited use of anything the spa offers. In addition to the facilities and services, it includes classes (life coaches, exercise, yoga, relaxation, etc.) and complimentary food and drinks at the restaurant and health bar. They even send gifts throughout the year like robes, Turkish sheets, and a great little organic lotion set that I have hinted with envy about." The women were enthusiastic in agreeing it was perfect.
Castle resumed talking. "This moment of celebration would not be possible without each and every one of you sitting around this table. Since I am a man of many words (quiet laughter), allow me to express my gratitude." He beckoned and the first server came over holding gift bags. "When I said everyone played a part in Alexis's recovery, it is because I quickly realized 'recovery' includes those that help us deal with the emotional trauma. It seems only fitting that this includes Ashley." Castle took a blue bag and put it in front of the young man who said a surprised thanks.
"There is also a burden borne by law enforcement that goes home with them, and their recovery is aided by those closest to them." Castle took some pink bags and put them in front of Jenny and Mrs. Montgomery. Lanie got an extra large bag. "Thank you, ladies. You need to know how important a roll you play with the love you give." Expressions of delight were heard all around as they explored the bag of gifts.
Castle took the last big pink bag, but moved away from Kate Beckett. He set it down in front of his mother. "Thank you for your calm response on the home front. Ryan told me you swallowed your tears and went to work calling Alexis's friends and getting photos of her ready." Martha couldn't hold back now as a single tear rolled down her cheek. Castle kissed her hand and moved on.
The emotions were building. Another servant handed Castle a small frame, and he placed it in front of Jim Beckett. "I told you not long ago that I will forever be in your debt. Here is a token of that sentiment."
Jim looked at the encapsulated coin in the frame and read the inscription aloud. "Alexander the Great gold coin. Featured is the obverse showing Nike, the goddess of victory with wings to remind us all how fleeting it can be."
"Thank you for sharing your daughter with us." Castle managed to respond with only a hint of emotion.
Jim responded, "I never would have guessed one little story about Kate was worth so much. I've got a bunch more. How about the time she…"
"Dad!" Detective Beckett yelled and everyone laughed.
The tension was perfectly diffused by the elder Beckett. Castle appreciated the moment before the really tough part.
"I have learned that you can say 'thank you' to a cop, but the standard response is 'I was just doing my job.' Although I strove to learn all I could about law enforcement culture, I refused to honor this oversight. His voice grew serious. "I can never adequately thank those most directly involved, but I will express my gratitude with symbolism. Captain Montgomery, you let the best folks handle the crisis and took flack from above. Thank you for your leadership." He set a small square box in front of him. "Ryan, I don't know how you managed to keep me under control, but thank you." Another box was produced. "Esposito," Castle's voice broke. All he could manage was "Thanks for, you know, for everything." Castle set a box down for him and nodded for the men to open them. Inside the boxes were Rolex watches, each one a different style. Stunned reactions and exclamations were heard. Murmurs of refusal were whispered, so Castle said, "They are engraved, so I can't take them back."
The men turned them over and everyone leaned in to see the inscriptions. "I chose 'Every second matters' not just because of how close a call it was, but as a reminder that everyday moments are special." Now everyone was brimming with emotion, and primed with tension because only one person had not been mentioned.
Castle went to stand behind Kate Beckett's chair. He was determined to begin in classic Castle style. "How can I possibly thank Kate Beckett? A Ferrari? Too dangerous! A mink coat? Too flashy. Perfume? Too ordinary. Then it came to me. Kate Beckett is true blue and so are sapphires. Perhaps a necklace full of sapphires in a waterfall design…"
Beckett interrupted with a single word, "Castle…" She said his name quietly, almost pleading with him not to go there.
Right on cue, Castle thought to himself. "But Detective Beckett has never been one to be ostentatious, so such a gift would not be welcomed. Now, if I cannot buy her something to thank her, I must be allowed to verbalize my gratitude. He put his hand on her shoulder, and the emotional connection was an almost visible arc between them.
"I made a dedication to her once or twice, but I didn't fully grasp the meaning of the word dedication. I owe this woman so much." He swallowed. "What can I say that you good people do not already know? Were it not for Kate Beckett…" Pause. "She saw the threat…" Longer pause. "She figured it out. She got there first and…" Castle stopped. Before the pause got awkward, he swallowed hard and blinked rapidly. He tried to continue, "The problem is she renders me speechless." A few nervous chuckles were heard, then silence.
Kate kept her eyes locked on her father, needing the encouragement he was sending her. She unexpectedly filled the void. "What Rick is trying to say is that he loves me now more than ever. You all know my reluctance to acknowledge my feelings for him, but that stops now." She pulled his hand from her shoulder and kissed it. In response he leaned down to give a quick kiss on her cheek. She whispered "I love you" loud enough for everyone to hear. A collective "awwww" was emitted by the ladies, the guys nodded in approval, and Jim Beckett felt joy for the first time in years.
Castle found his voice again. "Detective Kate Beckett stole my heart from the beginning. All that I have is hers. I pledge to her my undying love and everlasting fidelity. I also hope she might endure some peace and relaxation at the spa with Alexis". With those words he laid another all inclusive spa card in front of her."
Kate smiled and nodded. It was perfect. The ladies were giddy with happiness at the turn of events. Richard Castle was a little overwhelmed himself. He tore his eyes away from Kate and motioned to the staff. They removed covers to reveal a casino: slot machines, roulette, craps, and of course, poker. "My friends, I am truly a lucky man. I wish the same for all of you. Let the games begin."
What could be more fitting entertainment than an evening of chance for those who risk their lives and call it just doing their job?
The End.
Authors Note: Yes casino parties are legal as long as it is for fun and not money. I hope you enjoyed the story. Another thanks to BeckettNYPD for all her help and to those who took time to review.