11. Group Hugs
Kate's head jerked up at the sound of the key turning in the lock. Glancing at her watch to confirm the time- 11:17 pm- she threw the novel she was reading aside and headed for the entry way, performing a mental inventory on her way. She could hear the steady beat of typing providing a rain-like rhythm through the open door to the study, and Martha had disappeared upstairs half an hour ago. The only other person with a key to the loft was-
"Alexis?" she stopped short, watching as her fiance's daughter maneuvered a small pile of suitcases through the door.
The girl froze at the sound of Kate's voice, looking up at her guiltily. "I'm sorry. I know it's late. I was kind of hoping you'd all be asleep, actually, so I hope you don't mind, but..."
"Hey! Hey, it's ok," Kate soothed, reaching forward to help stack the small pile of luggage that was threatening to topple. Alexis watched, hands clenching and unclenching in a gesture that reminded Kate eerily of the girl's father. "Alexis, this is your home, too. You'll always be welcome here, no matter what. You know that, don't you?"
Alexis offered only a timid nod in reply, and after a moments battle, tears began streaming down her face.
"I broke things off with Pi," she whispered, trying her hardest to sniff back her tears and remain strong.
Kate felt her heart shatter.
She did the only thing she could think of, stepping forward to draw Alexis into a hug, swaying gently as she let the girl cry.
"You did the right thing in coming home," she soothed, running her hand through the girl's soft, red hair.
"What's going on?" Castle's voice boomed across the loft. Kate looked up at him over his daughter's head, but didn't let go. Alexis strangely seemed loath to disengage, and Kate was fine with that.
"She broke up with Pi, so she's come home," Kate informed him, receiving a slight squeeze from Alexis which she correctly interpreted as thanks for giving Castle the news.
In just a few long strides, he crossed the room, enveloping both Kate and Alexis in his arms and planting a kiss on his daughter's head.
"I'm so sorry, Pumpkin," he whispered, squeezing both women tight.
"Thanks, Dad," she mumbled, showing no signs of wanting to move.
The gentle shuffle of slippers on the stairs alerted them to Martha's presence. "What's this? Group hug?" the matriarch asked in her own grand fashion. A moment later, arms clad in shining green and pink silk joined the huddle by the entry way.
Alexis finally lifted her tear stained face to look at her grandmother. "Hi, Gram," she said with a wavering smile.
Martha kissed her forehead tenderly. "Good to see you, kiddo," she whispered affectionately, before stepping back and organizing the troupes.
"Katherine, be a dear and make us all some hot chocolate? Richard, those bags won't make it to Alexis' room by themselves. Come along, dear. Let's sit on the sofa," she commanded, leading her granddaughter to the living room.
Kate exchanged an amused look with her affronted partner, before turning to the kitchen, thankful that she was included as part of this wonderful family.
Thoughts?
