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Chapter 21- Dinner Time with the Parents

A whole day she had spent with Castle dropping little pointers of how this evening would go every half an hour or so. At first it drove her mad seeing as she thought she had a pretty good idea of what would likely happen then she realised that this time she was on the parents' side. She had never even been in Alexis' current situation because it just didn't happen. No relationship had ever got that far so this would be one awkward evening. She didn't have much idea as how to be a parent, not enough to convince Ashley's parents that she was actually co-parenting Alexis.

Part of her wanted to ring her mother or father to ask for their advice until she thought of what their reaction would be. They would see it as a confirmation that she was in a serious relationship with Castle which she wasn't even in a relationship with him. Not in the conventional sense that her mother especially would have people believe.

Well, not yet.

She was convinced that they were trying to adopt Alexis as their own granddaughter or something seeing as Kate wasn't getting on with getting together with Castle. Simply, calling her parents would result in the dinner being blown out of all proportions. It was safer to just wing it.

Castle had told her of the evening's itinerary, it was something that they agreed that it was highly unlikely that would be realistic. Even so it helped to plan and structure the evening. He would leave for the loft at just after four, she had to be there before six, and Ashley's parents would arrive about seven and then leave by eight thirty.

At quarter past five Castle had texted her that dinner preparations were going well and it was about time that she should be preparing to leave. Though most days she would stay until six, she had managed to do all her work for the day by five which was a relief in itself. Then when she was able to hail one of the first cabs she saw it made her relax just a little more. Arriving before six at his loft was just great. Then they would be able to prepare, which included the all-important matter of whether they would show to Ashley's parents if they were in a relationship or not. It was the one question that she had been putting off all day due to the sensitive nature that it brought.

A quick knock on the door left her waiting for what seemed an age. She knew that Castle was cooking still he should be answering the door by now. She goes to knock again only for the door to open the second that her hand was going to connect with the door. He looked so adorable as he wore an apron that said 'Number One Dad' printed on it, clearly a present from Alexis and given the stains on it presumably a well-used gift.

"Come in, Beckett. I'd offer to hang your coat up, however, given the state of my hands I believe it would be best for you to do it."

"No worries, I've been here before." She says as she dumps her bag to remove her jacket then goes to hang it up in the closet on one of the many hangers that reside there. He's already returned to the kitchen when she turns around. Now she can smell the food which is good. Very good indeed. "So, how is the cooking going? Is there anything I can help with?"

"The easiest thing you could do is to set the table. Food wise there isn't a huge amount to do apart from prepare the fruit and decorate the icing on the cake."

"Castle, you made cake? As well?" Kate asks as she's amazed at the amount he has managed to do in what seemed like a relatively short time.

"Yeah, sort of. It sounded like a good idea at the time. Why, do you think it is too much?"

"No, no, cake will always be eaten even if not tonight." She smiles at Castle who goes to check on the oven ensuring that the food is all cooking nicely. In the meantime she sets about setting the table, the table cloth was already out as it laid on the table still folded. Her many years of making the table at her parents would come in handy. Having been to the Castle's loft enough, she knew where all the crockery was kept, including the mats. Once the cloth was smoothed out, she got all the mats out then seemed to take added attention to ensure that they were straight. Next came the plates and side plates, followed by the cutlery and napkins, then finally the wine glasses. All of which were perfectly straight. She couldn't even understand why she was so nervous.

Castle had just finished cutting up the strawberries then placed them in the fruit bowl along with the forest fruits that were already there. He had managed to finish decorating the cake which looked absolutely amazing; she would have a piece now if she could.

With an exasperated sigh, Castle removes his apron to place on the counter top then heavily sits down on one of the seats at the breakfast bar clearly tired from all the cooking. If she didn't have to ask him something then she wouldn't. she really needs to though. Getting him a glass of wine now might be a good idea if it was just him and her or his family not so when they've got a stuffy professor coming. Instead she gets him a glass of water and one for herself then joins him at the breakfast bar.

"Castle, don't stress. You've gone to so much effort with all of this, there's no way that they won't be impressed."

"It isn't my cooking that they're here to judge, it is me."

She changes the subject to the question she really needs to ask. Also hoping to get his mind in a positive state. "Who am I tonight?"

"What do you mean?"

"What role in Alexis' life am I or am I just someone who is coming camping with you?"

"You could be anything you want to be. If you want to be my girlfriend then you can." Yes she would like that, she thinks.

"Castle."

"Okay, you're a close family friend, which you are, we work together, so I could be your partner. You are an influence on Alexis' life, and she does work experience at your firm."

"Right, I can deal with that." She could, it was true so long as the definition of partner was clarified. "Let's not make a statement unless they ask." A glass of wine sure did sound idyllic right now.

It would be another half an hour before Ashley's parents would arrive which allowed Kate and Castle to regain their banter and ability to enjoy one another's company that would help them as the night progressed. If they couldn't be comfortable when they were on their own then there was no way that they would be able to convince Ashely's parents that Castle was a responsible father. They did, also, regularly check on the food.

The dreaded knock on the door came at exactly seven o'clock, both of them jumping up and straightening their clothing as if they were about to have their uniform's checked by their form teacher. They both went to answer the door with Kate stood behind Castle ready to take their coats.

"Good evening, Mister and Missus Linden. Please come in." Castle warmly greeted with an authentic smile using his acting talents inherited from his mother. "I'm Rick Castle, Alexis' father and this is Katherine Beckett who will be coming camping as well."

"Katherine Beckett as in the high powered lawyer Katherine Beckett?"

Oh no.

"Yes," Kate started, "I'm Kate. It's a pleasure to meet you, Mister Linden."

"Call me Bob, and the pleasure is all mine."

"It is?" Castle and Beckett both said completely shocked as to what was happening. What made Beckett so special? She wasn't famous, not really, the only people who knew of her were ones that took a specialist interest in cases or legal professionals that ran in the same circles.

"Why, yes of course. My wife, Miriam, she is a professor in law so I've heard your name occasionally from her as well as your cases that have been in the paper. I had no idea about the two of you." Oh dear, this evening was a train wreck before it had begun. "Also, the food, it smells delightful."

Food. Go with that, it can change the subject at least for a little while. Kate shows them to their seats while Castle goes to bring over the main dish with Kate dashing back to get the sides. Serving the food was a simple enough task. As they walk back to the kitchen to deposit the trays the two share a look both of them looking for help and finding none.

As Castle sits down, sorting his napkin at the same time, he announces "tuck in everyone."

"So, Kate, Miriam tells me that you studied your undergraduate at Stanford." How did the woman know so much about her? It was almost creepy that someone knows so much about another person who isn't famous nor were even expected to meet. "That is Ashley's dream school, he wants to go to there to study economics."

"Following in his father's footsteps then?"

"Not forced, I ensure you."

"Has Alexis shown any interest in following in your footsteps, Kate?" Miriam asks, her husband also looking at Kate.

"Wouldn't you rather hear about Rick? His is far more interesting than mine."

"Nonsense, dear. You make a fantastic role model." And her father doesn't? "You deal with big cases so often."

"I'm sorry, do excuse me, but I've written more than twenty five best sellers that have sold millions of copies worldwide."

"It is just a book." Seriously? Both Castle and Beckett want to say, even though she hated him at the beginning, his books are a fantastic read from the first page to the last. The two Lindens sat opposite them are demeaning not only his books but his career and everything he has built.

"Writing books like mine, aren't just books, they take lots of time and thought to write. They aren't as simple as just straight off writing three hundred pages, no, they could be perceived as case studies. My crime thrillers look at what could cause an esteemed person such as yourself decide to commit murder. Or in my new legal series, based here on Kate, the determination of someone to figure out the real truth not the one that has been packaged up in a neat and tidy box."

"I see, I can't say that I have read any of your books because neither of us have time for fiction. How did you two meet?"

Looking to one another to see who could come up with an explanation quickest was awkward, seconds felt like hours. Kate manages to get there first to explain in an altered version of their union. "I was doing a favour for a colleague of mine who Castle was with that day, we got to talking and the rest as they say is history." Phew, offer a smile then saved. For now.

Conversation seems to flow smoother after that, once Castle had defended his career and the focus had gone from all on Kate which they both weren't prepared for. Topics started heavy though, straight into politics, unsurprisingly the economy, and then on to the camping. Why couldn't the people like sports such as baseball? Or maybe any type of sport. Nice topics that could be easily neutralised.

They don't even make it to the fruit or the cake as the Lindens insist they need to leave to get home on time for an early night. Not wanting an explanation or to prolong the evening any longer than necessary, Castle readily accepts it. Even though he says "it is a shame, we had cake that I made earlier."

The Linden's early departure meant that just after eight, the Lindens have gone with the door shut not so gently. Castle dramatically falls back against the door with a large sigh, "oh my gosh. That was awful."

Kate joins him in sliding down the door to the floor, just as relieved that they are alone again. "We made it though." She puts her hand over his to clasp it then pats his knee with their joined hands.

He looks back at her with a smile because she's right. They did it together. "I need a glass of wine."

"Me too. Cake after though." They couldn't forget the cake, it was too nice to not eat tonight. Not to mention the excess buttercream that currently resided in the fridge that was addictive.

"Definitely."

"When is Alexis going to be home?"

"Soon." Groaning, he makes a move to stand up that she follows even though she is quicker up thus beating him so that she can help him the rest of the way.

"C'mon oldie." More groans though this time in response to Kate's old man joke.

Once Castle is fully upright, he leads them to the kitchen where they each have a glass of wine then talk over the horrors that constituted the dinner. Primarily, the problems that the Lindens appeared to have with his career certainly the lack of respect. Then when it came to discussing careers they seemed too interested in Kate. The differing opinions and awkward moments. At least the Lindens had not asked about their relationship status where they had to give an explanation. He also thanked Kate that when she explained their meeting she didn't bring in his criminal misdemeanours because that probably would have sent the Lindens running for the hills if they actually knew.

The night hadn't been that bad, it could have been much worse though they're both pretty sure that the Linden's won't completely disapprove of him or make Ashley end the relationship with Alexis. Only time would tell with that answer.

They finish the clearing up before sitting down to eat the cake that has them both going in for another smallish piece. They're still talking over their supposedly last piece when Alexis walks into the loft, initially taken a back as to why Kate is there.

Kate's the first one to greet Alexis as she sits next to Kate at the breakfast bar who is sat opposite Castle. "Hey, Alexis. How're you?"

"I'm okay, thank you. Do you want some cake?"

"Yes please." Kate sets her fork down on the small side plate that has what is still remaining of her cake to go over to the counter to get Alexis cake as well. "Hey, Dad. How did it go?"

Okay, he really didn't expect Alexis to be that blunt, maybe a softer conversation to start with. "I think it went okay, they like Kate more than me though." It was the only thing he could really tell his daughter. It was the truth, just stretched slightly.

"That's not strictly true." Kate says as she walks back not only with a plate of cake for Alexis but the whole cake. "At first they didn't seemed too interested in your father's career they softened though. Nothing too controversial happened so I think they'll be happy for Ashley to come camping with us."

"Wait, you're coming camping with us?"

Turning to Castle, "you didn't tell her?" A quick shake of the head answers the question. She turns back to Alexis not wanting to spill the whole story as to why she is here. "Your dad told me about this 'meet the parents dinner' and some other stuff then asked me if I wanted to come, he made it sound so intriguing that I asked if I could come as well so he wasn't lonely."

"Oh, so you sure it wasn't because he wanted an ally for the dinner?"

Oh o, busted.

"What in the world would make you think that, Alexis?" Her father asked nervously knowing that his daughter was more perceptive than even he gave her credit for.

"Come on, Dad, your face and reaction when I told you that Ashley's parents wanted to meet you without me there showed how nervous you were. Gram wasn't going to be there and somehow Kate is now coming camping so it hardly takes a genius." It is then when Alexis' phone blares out in the ringtone that he recognises as the one she has for Ashley only. "It's Ash, I'll just take it."

Fortunately Alexis walks over to Castle's office for the aim of some privacy leaving the two adults to have a hushed conversation. "How'd she know? And why didn't you tell her?"

"I...it's Alexis. And...I hoped to avoid that conversation." Kate only gives him one of her overused eye rolls to emphasise her opinion that he should have told Alexis the truth from the outset.

Alexis walks back to join them at the breakfast bar with a despondent look on her face that only reads bad news. On instinct, Castle tries to apologies. "I'm sorry, sweetie, I honestly didn't think that we...I...would fail. They just were-"

"No, no, Dad that isn't it. That was Ash on the phone, he's just been talking to his parents..." oh no, the moment of truth, "they found you fascinating and they want to come camping with us."

Oh...nibbles. Both Kate and Castle nearly choke on the cake that they've returned to eating.

"Yeah, that's fine...that's great." Not. Castle says in a voice that tries to hide his displeasure at the fact.

Alexis rounds the table to press a kiss to her dad's cheek. "Thank you so much, Daddy. I'll go call him back to tell him everything to bring and to get his parents to bring as well. Thank you." Alexis tells him then runs up to her room leaving Castle and Beckett on their own in the kitchen.

"What are we going to do, Castle?" It was one thing keeping up appearances over the course of one hour while they were enjoying the meal, another thing entirely to do it over three days.

"I have no idea, I didn't think for one moment that they would want to come. They don't seem like the camping type."

"Well apparently they do." Trying to find the right words to describe the situation that they will find themselves in at the weekend, she fails though. "It is going to be a disaster."

"We'll just have to plough through. If they ask why we don't share a tent, you can explain that you are a devout Catholic who follows the church's teaching."

"I swear down, Castle, I'm going to kill you one day."

"We'll just walk ahead of them, maybe?"

"You better find some more conversation starters for this weekend."

"Why me? You're there too."

"You got me into this mess."

A growl is returned even though she is partially correct. She reaches for the bottle of wine that is at the end of the breakfast table to pour herself another glass. Thinking for a moment, vodka bottles can be quite sturdy so if they wrap up one...no. No. Not a good example to set to kids. She's having more cake too, she'll walk it off at the weekend so she doesn't care. Cake is more appealing for now. The thought of camping with Castle was great because after spending the time at baseball with him and other occasions it was nice just being in his company. It might have been a weekend to get closer and not have outside pressure. Not now though.

Thank you for reading :)