CHAPTER 11: Home

Kate awoke around 6 am to the smell of coffee and cinnamon rolls. Mrs. Davis was up early and she brought Kate a large mug of steaming coffee when she saw that she was awake. The power had not come on yet, but the kitchen appliances were gas, so Mrs. Davis was already making breakfast.

Kate looked over at Rick. He was curled into the big chair and she realized he probably fell asleep like this frequently when working on his novels. She thought about their talk and the way it felt to fall asleep in his arms. She hadn't felt that secure for a long time.

Rick stirred and Kate handed him her mug of coffee. He was not a morning person, but the smile on his face was very real and completely directed at her. Kate got up and headed for the kitchen. She soon returned with two plates and a second cup of coffee. They enjoyed the hot cinnamon rolls. Within ten minutes, the other sleepy travelers began to wake and make their way to the small tables scattered throughout the kitchen. Mrs Davis announced that breakfast was ready and each couple took turns filling their plates with eggs, potatoes, bacon, sausage and pancakes.

Kate returned to their room to use the bathroom, but since the heat was not on she did not stay long. Mrs. Davis pulled out some game boards and as the sunlight filtered into the great room, Rick challenged Kate to a game of chess. Four games later, two hours had passed. Rick headed to the frozen bedroom to take a quick shower and repack. Kate was deep into a magazine article when he returned, wet hair and all. About then, the power came on.

"You should go and dry your hair," said Kate and then she added, "so you can turn on the heaters for me."

Rick smiled. This detour had been a great experience for both of them. "Yes ma-am," he drawled. He headed back to the room.

After all they had been through, the drive home was uneventful. The snow was still falling and the highway patrol was running escorts for a thirty mile stretch. Kate was back behind the wheel and Rick had promptly fallen back to sleep. This time, he borrowed Kate's pillow from her luggage along with his heavy wool pea coat.

They had been so close to home and yet so far away last night. The slow escort finally broke off and Kate made good time getting in to the city. Shortly before the tunnel, Kate nudged Rick. She rolled down his window part way allowing a blast of freezing air to hit him in the face.

"Hey," he snorted.

"Wake up sleeping beauty," she replied.

"Where are we?"

"We are about twenty minutes from your loft," replied Kate.

Traffic was light for a Sunday afternoon. Kate was thinking ahead to unpacking and then soaking in her tub. She was looking forward to a long nap which would hopefully stretch until the next day when she had to report to work. Lanie would probably be calling her every ten minutes until she spilled the details of her week. Kate wondered if Lanie had been the one to tell Castle where the FBI conference had been held.

"Are you hungry?" asked Rick.

"I was thinking of getting some soup or something light to eat but I really just want to take a nap."

"You are welcome take a nap on my bed," replied Rick with a grin. "At least stay for lunch. You have had enough hotel food and take out. I am certain I can rustle up some soup and grilled cheese sandwiches and then you can get home in time for your nap. I promise."

When Rick dated, his common rule was to pick up his dates at their own home and return them there. He seldom shared his loft or family with them. Parties were an exception, but most people arrived as couples or groups and left the same way. He had considered Beckett a friend from day three. Of course, the detective had arrested him on day two, but he did not hold a grudge. His home would always be open to her regardless of the status of their relationship.

Kate agreed to lunch, but only lunch. Rick directed her to the subterranean parking garage and gave her his pass-code to the gated entry, which was simply "007". Kate parked and popped the back lift-gate on her SUV so Castle could retrieve his bag. Upstairs, they were both met with hugs from Alexis and Martha.

"The lost have returned," commented Martha.

"We were never lost, Mother, just delayed."

"More like detained," added Kate.

Rick tossed his bag aside and began washing up in the kitchen so he could get lunch started. Kate grabbed a seat at the kitchen counter along with Martha and Alexis. She was telling the ladies about getting stuck at the B and B along with her week at the academy. When Rick excused himself for a moment, Martha leaned over and thanked Kate for being such a great influence on her son.

"I don't know about being a good influence, but we do work well together," Kate replied. "I am also very lucky that he is willing to share his family with me."

"He is the lucky one, dear," Martha said with a smile.