Thanks go out to Robert for being my Beta
Thank you for reading.
Rick lay awake, listing to Kate's rhythmic breathing. She was asleep. He was afraid to fall under, he didn't want to wake up in the morning and discover this was all an elaborate dream, some cruel hoax perpetrated by an evil master of the universe set out to destroy his happiness. Oh…that was good he needed to remember that, in case he ever wrote another 'Storm ' book. Well technically he did kill off Derrick Storm, so that might be a challenge, but according to Miracle Max in the Princess Bride, there was "dead and mostly dead." So who knows-? Right now Rick wanted to savor the moment awhile longer. No more hiding, or reining in his emotions, he could finally show Kate how much she meant to him. Kate was here, lying naked in his bed, having just consummated the love of the century, well who could blame a guy for wanting to enjoy the moment a little while longer.
Kate murmured in her sleep, she turned as her hand flopped over onto his chest, "mmm 'k," then she stilled once again, her breathing evened out once more.
Rick covered his large hand over her slender one, Kate's touch calmed him, soon sleep overtook him. She comforts me even while she is asleep….That was the last conscience thought the writer held before succumbing to the much needed healing power of a good nights rest.
Kate woke up, feeling refreshed, she'd slept great. Castle's sinfully comfortable bed spoiled her. The sheets caressed your skin, and the comforter felt like a cloud. She was lying on her back and lover/fiancé was on his side with his arm draped around her. Kate let her eyes adjust to the slivers of light peeking from the blinds. In their haste getting to bed, they didn't close the blind completely. Rick used room darkening shades. He kept odd hours being a writer, sometimes when the words flowed he'd go to bed as the sun was coming up.
Kate slid across the bed, carefully. She didn't want to wake-up Rick, she knew they would be out late. They were the guest of honor at tonight's celebration at the Old Haunt. Rick closed the bar for tonight's celebration, attendance was by invitation only.
Kate sent an invitation to Paula, with the stipulation that tonight's event was off the record. She didn't have permission to disclose the nature of the event to the public. The couple wasn't ready to announce their engagement to the world, yet. Kate felt confident after talking to Paula, she would abide by the rules.
One foot touched the floor as Kate made her way out of bed, so far so good. When her other foot joined the other on the hardwood floor. Kate heard rick mumble "mostly dead." Kate turned, he was still asleep. Mostly dead? Kate shrugged, he must be going over plot points for a book. Wait, he wouldn't kill off Nikki would he? She took a deep breath, no way. Kate headed to the bathroom, and then to the kitchen. She needed coffee.
Kate was thankful standing in front of the beast, Rick patiently explained how to use the fancy coffee machine he kept at home. He had to have the best of everything. Kate had to admit, she liked being pampered and spoiled with the finer things. She knew her sheets would feel like burlap after sleeping on his, and she still used an old fashioned drip method to make coffee in the morning. She'd always loved his coffee, and she knew now it was the way he showed her his love, it was the motive behind every cup he brought her. Kate scrounged around in the fridge, looking for beans already ground. She didn't want to wake up the entire house. The grinder was loud.
Kate stood in front of the picture window sipping her coffee and watching the city being reborn in the early morning light. The darkened sky gave way to the breaking of the dawn. It's light sneaking its way through the darkness, casting a red and orange glow across the sky. The warm light of day insisting its presence be known. Kate smiled and thought of Rick, he was like the sun, prying and inching his way into her eyes, until she opened them and admitted the view was spectacular.
Kate heard him, his bare feet shuffling along the floor, a misstep every now and then as he struggled to fully come awake.
Rick wrapped his arms around her; he buried his face in her hair. "Good morning love," It wasn't a dream she was here, and she was wearing the black leggings that were old and baggy at the knees the one's he loved seeing her in, and she'd grabbed his shirt the one he worn last night. He delight discovered she'd only buttoned a couple of buttons. His hand reached thru the gapping shirt and cupped her breast. He loved the weighted curve and, the way it fit in his large hand. He sighed.
Kate leaned back against him, she felt his love in the way that he touched her. One of her favorite things he did, was when he placed his hand in the small of her back, as he stepped back and waited for enter a room first. Letting her know by his touch, he was there and he had her back literally. "Good Morning."
Kate handed him her cup over her shoulder. Rick's hand never left her breast, he accepted the mug, and took a drink. "Umm, that's good." His thumb gently grazed her now peeked nipple, he handed the cup back to Kate. He wanted to use both hands. He loved to touch her. Watching and feeling the way she responded to him was like a drug. He was addicted.
Kate turned and tiptoed to reach his lips. Without heels she was five inches shorter than him. Rick met her lips halfway. The taste of coffee was in their kiss. For three years he'd wanted to kiss her, which was thought ran thru his head every morning he'd brought her a cup of coffee. It was fitting that she shared her cup with him, and she kissed him. Rick held her, rocking her in his arms. He didn't know if he'd ever be able to convey the depth of his love for her. He knew he would spend the rest of his life trying.
"Good Morning," Alexis came down the stairs, she wasn't embarrassed seeing her dad and Kate locked in an embrace. It was their normal. She'd noticed they were always touching, she didn't know if they were aware of it. "Any one up for an omelet?"
"That sounds great Pumpkin, I'll grate the cheese." Rick stepped back from Kate, as she turned he grabbed her hand. They walked into the kitchen together. Rick refilled Kate's mug and poured a cup for his daughter and himself.
Kate took out the bacon and used the microwave gadget that Rick had, she had to admit it cooked the bacon nice and crisp and the dripping drained into a container for easy clean up. "I saw some fresh blueberries, would you like muffins?"
"Oh-Kate, will you show me your recipe? Yours are so light and fluffy." Alexis enjoyed cooking with Kate the other night, when they'd made lasagna.. "Dad, omelet," Alexis pointed to the bar, "and do not add anything but the items you see here. We are not eating a s'morelett for breakfast."
Rick laid his little finger beside his lip. His 'mini-me' impersonation Alexis smirked, at least today they wouldn't be eating chocolate and eggs. Her dad was a good cook, but sometimes his creative side got a little carried away. When she was little he'd made green eggs and ham to honor Dr. Seuss's on his birthday. She had to eat with her eyes closed. The green didn't change the flavor, she couldn't make herself eat green eggs. It was gross. She was so proud the day he came to her school and read the Seuss book " Fox in Socks" to her class. He never missed a beat, when the teacher tried she tripped up on the very first page. It was a hard book, full of tongue twisters.
Her dad was unconventional and awesome. She was really proud of him, he didn't embarrass her most of the time. She couldn't imagine growing up without him. She watched the pair, and wondered when she would have a little sister or brother. She couldn't wait. Kate carefully sifted the flour and then spooned it in the measuring cup. She couldn't help think that her future sibling was a very lucky to have Kate for a mother and her dad. The two balanced each other.
Kate let Alexis mix the ingredients, after showing her the motion to gently blend the muffins, so they turned out light and fluffy, just as her mother showed her and her mother before her. Alexis placed the muffins in the oven and set the timer. She turned to check on her dad and the omelet.
The oven timer dinged as Rick slid the boring plain omelet from the pan. (He did manage to add extra cheese.) The trio sat at the bar, Kate refilled everyone's cup and poured the juice. Rick snagged a piece of bacon and shoved it in his mouth. He licked his fingers as her daughter and fiancée shot him disapproving looks.
He chewed happily, he wondered if Kate was jealous, wanting to lick his fingers? No that would be him wanting to lick the- never-mind. He did use manners when he was out in public, but right now he was relaxed at home.
Alexis went over the plans for tonight. She wanted the couple to arrive at eight 'o clock sharp, after confirming the plan. She ate quickly, she had things to finish before tonight's celebration. She was behind this marriage whole-heartily. It wasn't that she disliked Gina, she knew she wasn't the one for her dad. She was too young to witness the relationship with her own mother. Kate was the only other person who could make his eyes light up. That only happened when he was truly happy.
She'd seen the 'happy' look he portrayed in public, while at book signing, launch parties or late night talk shows. Time to shower, she bounded up the stairs.
Rick finished before Kate, he sat back and watched her and sipped his coffee.
"You're staring," Kate commented between bites.
"Yes, I am," Rick replied happily.
Kate rolled her eyes. She bit into a muffin and then stuck her finger in her mouth to remove the blueberry tidbits and grains of sugar, she froze when she realized she done what she scolded him for earlier. The blush crept up her face as she removed her finger.
Rick couldn't resist, he lifted her hand and sucked her fingers one by one, watching as her look changed from embarrassed to aroused.
They cleaned up the kitchen in record time.
"How about a soak in the tub?" Rick waggled his eyebrows.
Rick held his hand out and assisted Kate into the oversized tub. She settled against him, and then he turned on the jets. The combination of his hands and the water jets were heavenly. Kate felt his hand glide across her belly. She mindlessly spread her legs wider for him. His lips and his hands and the water were caressing her all at once. The sensations were overwhelming. Kate cried out his name, begging him for release. He complied.
Rick shut off the jets, he wanted to give his love time to come down slowly. He held her until her heart rate and breathing returned to normal.
"That was," Kate paused to catch her breath "amazing." She'd shared her fantasy of him and a bathtub before, and he remembered, every detail, and added some she didn't even think were possible. She planned on reenacting one of his that involved his bed and her with silk scarfs. She planned on adding to that one too, with ice-cubes.
They stepped out of the bath, and took a shower, Rick washed her hair and insisted on not only washing her back but her entire body. He was very thorough. Turn about was fair play. Kate used her sponge to wash him, he squirmed when she soaped certain body parts, and when she grabbed the sprayer and rinsed the soap off his man-parts. Rick stepped back as the water hit certain areas. Kate dropped the sponge and bent down to retrieve it. The next thing he knew he was moaning and calling her name as he resisted the urge to rock his hips. Kate he cried over and over then –Kaaaaattttteeeee spilled from his lips, just as he reached his peak. It was his turn to pant. Kate grabbed the sprayer and rinsed off, and then stepped out of the shower. She winked at Boba and pranced out of the bathroom.
Rick propped himself up with one hand on the shower wall, as he recovered. When his breathing returned to normal he rinsed off and turned off the shower. He dried off and wrapped the towel low around his hips. He noticed Kate was sitting on the edge of the bed combing out her hair. Rick slipped on a shirt and a pair of soft jeans. He walked over and finished untangling her hair. He'd become an expert having a tender headed daughter with long hair. He could braid hair too.
Kate and Rick decided to spend the day relaxing, Kate watched temptation lane while Rick typed on his laptop. He needed to pound out a couple of chapters. He had a feeling Paula would relay a message from Gina requesting a chapter; He swore the women was in love with her red pen. He secretly wished just once she would write something that he could use red ink on. Thankfully it was easier to write about Nikki and Rook, now that he was actually living it. The words flowed from him. He wrote until Kate asked him if he was hungry. They ate a sandwich. Kate insisted he rest, before the party. She agreed to lay down with him. They lowered the blinds and stripped and got into bed. Rick was asleep soon after getting into bed. Kate wasn't going to sleep, so she was surprised when she woke up and looked at the time.
Rick called for the Limo, tonight was a celebration. Kate wore a stunning off the shoulder red dress, her beauty radiated, Rick caught his driver staring, and he was the master of discretion. Kate wore her hair up, so he couldn't resist giving her the earrings he'd bought. The cut of the diamond matched her ring.
"I like you in red" Kate grinned at him. He'd worn his red shirt and tie to match her dress. His suit was tailored to fit his large frame. It fit him very well.
"Thank you, Rick kissed her forehead. Are you ready?" Rick paused outside the door to the bar.
Kate nodded, she was nervous.
"It's just our friends inside, you've got this." Rick squeezed her hand.
Kate blew out a breath. "Okay, I'm ready."
Rick opened the door and placed his hand on Kate's lower back escorting her inside.
Alexis knew Kate was going to be nervous, so she had the guest's form a receiving line so the couple could enter and not get mobbed. Rick mouthed a thank you to his daughter who stood at the head of the line along side his mother. Alexis dipped her head in acknowledgement. She witnessed her share of book signings and launch parties. Things always went smoother if there was some sort of order. The couple made their way through the line and to the designated spot for them to stand and greet each guest personally.
Kate relaxed as she received congratulations from her co-workers. Her family was at the end of the line. The boys, Lanie, Jenny, and her Dad were the last ones to come through.
Flutes of champagne and sparking cider were brought out on trays. when the guests held a flute of their choice. The toasting began.
Alexis spoke to Espo, and he took the lead toast.
"Lil' Castle, and Mama Castle wanted me to welcome you to the it's about damn time engagement party. Cheers erupted from the room full of cops, and family. "Kate, I've never seen you look so happy. Castle, you're okay…take care of our girl." Espo lifted his glass in salute. He walked over and stood by Lanie.
Ryan's turn: "Guys you're a great looking couple, your kids are going to awesome," The group cheered again. "Seriously Jenny and I are so happy for you both, blessings to you and your family. Congratulations." Ryan turned to rejoin Jenny.
Lanie stepped up, "When Castle came in to the precinct, I thought this was going to be interesting. Kate's favorite author following her around; She is going to love it… Then he showed up...She threatened to shoot him daily for the first couple of weeks." Everyone nodded as Kate hung her head. Rick tucked his finger under her chin and raised her head, and then he kissed her. It was an I love you and all is forgiven kiss. The entire group roared with approval. Lanie waited for the outburst to die down and continued. "The interesting thing was, it wasn't long after that Kate accepted him as her partner. We all know she's loved him for a long time. All I can say is it's about time, I've been telling you for years you needed a little fun in your life, and honey you have found that and so much more. Congratulations." Lanie raised her glass and winked at Kate. Both of the girls eyes were tear filled.
Rick leaned over and kissed Kate's head. He was so grateful that he could.
It was Martha's turn, "Richard was intrigued with Katherine from the first moment he laid eyes on her. I realized after six months when he was still following her around, there was something more going on. It wasn't about the books any longer. When I read his dedication to her in the first book I knew, my son was in love. Kiddo I'm proud of you, for not giving up when things were not going according to your plan. True Love is worth fighting for, and the proof is the couple we are celebrating today. Katherine, you are the light in my son's life, he was right you are an extraordinary woman, and I welcome you to our family. Martha raised her glass and rejoined Alexis. The pair hugged.
Papa Beckett: "I too have watched the transformation over the years. It seems Rick captured both my daughter and my Johanna's heart. It was Kate's mother Johanna who first loved his books. Katie found them among her things. In fact I copied the dedication you wrote to Johanna, I believe it was written in your "In Hail of bullets" book. Jim took out a note and his reading glasses from his jacket pocket. He read the note". *Johanna, Keep up the fight for what you believe in, the truth will prevail.* Jo dragged a rebellious teenager with her to your book signing, " Jim chuckled nervously, "who knew that years later we would be standing here today. That teenager is now the beautiful woman by your side today, and I know her mother would be as proud of you as am I." Jim cleared his throat and wiped away the tears. He came over and embraced his daughter.
The entire room wiped their eyes, as Father and daughter embraced and whispered in each other's ear.
Rick hugged Jim. He took Kate's hand and they went to address the group.
Kate was nervous, but she felt stronger with her partner by her side. "Rick and I would like to thank you for coming. After discussing how we wanted to reveal our engagement, we knew you guys deserved to know first. You witnessed our entire journey to get to today. Thank you for your support and thank you for coming. "
Rick stepped up, "What she said" he pointed to Kate and the crowd erupted in laughter. Their laughter turned into Awwwwe, when he took Rick took Kate into his arms and kissed her in front of everyone. It was something he'd waited three years to do.
Rick and Kate clinked their glasses and the party began.