With their return to the city came a return to reality. Any attempt to avoid the truth of what was to come was no longer possible. May was approaching, and with it, their court date. They'd been assigned a time and were asked to submit a list of character references. It was touching for them to know that they had the support of so many.
Gates stepped forward, addressing a letter to the courts that discussed how Kate had altered her working life to accommodate parenting responsibilities. She gave a detailed account of changes Kate had made, not only in her hours, but in her practices. The captain wanted to be sure that the judge acknowledged a change in Kate's habits; one that lowered the danger of harm as much as possible, considering her field of work.
Jenny and Ryan wrote a letter, establishing their dedication to provide extended family support for the couple. They shared their experiences with the Castle family unit, as outsiders, and were sure to express how well everyone worked together. While untraditional, they argued, they were a family in every sense of the word.
Both Lanie and Esposito provided written testimonies that offered personal accounts pertaining to the character of Castle and Beckett as individuals. For her part, Lanie discussed Kate's protective nature, passion, commitment and dependability. Esposito accounted for Castle's character, not only discussing his role as a father, but his endless dedication to his partner turned fiancé over the past 4 years.
Finally, Alexis and Martha were informed that they would undergo further questioning by the judge. While everyone that supplied documentation was required to attend, in the event that the judge, social worker, or guardian ad litem had further questions, Alexis and Martha were going to be called to speak in front of the judge.
Lucy's court appointed guardian visited earlier in April, spending time with the girl and gathering a sense of her needs. Although made familiar with the case, she insisted on meeting Lucy and working to form her own opinion of the best interests of the child.
Neither Rick nor Kate knew what the woman, Shirley, spoke with Lucy about, as they were not permitted to sit in on the interviews. However, they got the feeling from the girl that she was nice, and Lucy enjoyed spending time in her advocate's presence. For the time being, and much like the social worker, they would have to wait to hear Lucy's guardian's testimony and recommendations.
A somber mood came over the family when the week of their court date approached. Despite doing everything they could to make Lucy happy and comfortable, and regardless of how much they loved one another, the reality that the decision was completely out of their hands was harsh.
Kate spent hours worrying that her job was going to weigh heavily on the judge's mind, that the risk associated with it, and her own history of close-calls were going to work against them. As for Castle, he was preoccupied that the bad boy image, the media portrayed womanizer, would bias the judge against him. What if their relationship wasn't taken seriously? What if, despite all of his material wealth, the court appointed him as too much of a loose cannon?
Granted, he hadn't been in the media spotlight recently, and his behaviors had changed quite a bit since Kate, there were still regular, albeit untrue tabloid features on his apparently loose and carefree lifestyle. Would the judge read them? Would he believe those stories, even if they were unfounded? What if the attention within itself was enough to be considered a bad situation for Lucy?
Alexis and Martha did their best to keep spirits up, while the whole family made the most out of their time with Lucy. There was laser tag and movie nights, there were picnics in the park and play dates with her friends. Rick and Kate showered her with all the love they could, hoping that it would be enough to sustain her in the case that the court would decide to tear them apart.
On the night before their court date, the night that they knew might be their last with Lucy, they both tucked her into bed. Sitting on either side of her as she nestled under the covers, making sure that her Cotton Candy bunny was well within reach, and that Mr. Peanut was nearby, they held her close and read her a story.
As Rick's voice lulled her off to sleep, their hands met and their fingers laced. Each took a turn kissing her head before they moved from her sleeping form. Once Rick had Mr. Peanut settled in her bed, they turned her light off.
Watching her peacefully sleep in the glow of the nightlight, Kate looped her arm through his and leaned her head against his arm. With a tremor in her voice, she spoke,
"Do you think that they'll let her keep peanut, if she…if we…" She couldn't finish her sentence, as she choked back a sob.
Rick turned to face her, resting his forehead against hers as he wiped the tears from her eyes, "Shhh. Kate. I know…" he expressed his empathy, knowing exactly what she was going through. Still, he offered her perspective and encouragement.
"We can't think like this Kate, we've got to believe that we'll get through this…all of us." She inhaled sharply and nodded her head. He pulled her into an embrace and they simply held to one another. No matter what was going to happen, she knew that they would come through it.
Still, if the courts took Lucy away, she knew that they would be taking a piece of each of them too.
10 am the following morning found them all seated in a New York City courtroom, waiting for their turn to be seen. They sat together, Rick and Kate with Lucy between them; Martha next to Kate and Alexis on the other side of Castle. Beckett ventured a glance around her and saw several familiar faces. To the left of them and a few rows back sat captain Gates, her hands folded in her lap as she stared forward emotionlessly.
She met Kate's gaze and offered her a determined nod, as if to assure her that somehow everything was going to be ok. Esposito, Lanie, Ryan and Jenny all sat together on the other side of the court room, offering nods of encouragement as well. She was touched by their support, and offered them a smile as Lucy turned to see them and waved.
Jim Beckett entered the courtroom last, moving to take a seat near Gates. She offered him a smile while she wondered to herself, does my dad even know Gates? She honestly wasn't sure, but didn't have long to think on it, as Lucy's social worker and guardian ad litem entered the courtroom then, taking a seat across from them in the front row.
Her attention was pulled back to the judge, as the clerk announced the next case and they knew it was for Lucy. Things moved fast then, faster than Kate was anticipating. She'd been a participant in several criminal proceedings, but had never been involved with the family court system. Castle was equally lost, as he and Meredith had settled things between them and the courts had never become involved.
The social worker was called, as was Lucy's guardian. Both moved to sit at the table behind the bar that divided the court proceedings from the onlookers. Next, they were called to take a seat at the table directly across from the social worker. Upon the judge's request, the social worker stood. He shot questions at her fast, and she answered them.
"I see that the minor, Lucy Evans, has been living with Richard Castle and Katherine Beckett, following the loss of her mother." The judge looked to Lucy kindly, watching his words to not re-traumatize the child any more than necessary.
The social worker responded, "That is correct, your honor. Mr. Castle and Ms. Beckett were granted temporary guardianship, while their home environment and parenting practices were evaluated."
"Yes," the judge replied, "I see they've filed to move for adoption." He flipped through the paperwork, "Father's parental rights have been terminated," he spoke more to himself than to anyone in particular. "Any living relatives?"
"One set of maternal grandparents, your honor. They've signed away rights and she's a ward of the state." Upon hearing this, the judge flipped through the documents, seeking the information the social worker spoke of.
"So, no other claims for custody." The judge stated. He took a breath, "Ok." Looking up from his papers, he began to speak.
"I've read through the character references and they are indeed impressive. I'm happy to know you've got the support of so many of New York's finest." He smiled at Castle and Beckett, then re-directed his attention back to the social worker.
"What are your notes on Lucy's adjustment?"
The social worker looked to her own notes before speaking, "I've been in contact with Lucy's school. Her teacher and school counselor both say that she is adjusting well, her grades are good and she's made great progress." The social worker moved down her notes further,
"Lucy has been involved in several extracurricular activities, and seems to be taking well to those too." The judge nodded,
"What are your opinions of the home environment?"
"The home environment is very warm, healthy and I observed no apparent hazards to Lucy. They've taken to ensure that she'd been exposed to developmentally appropriate materials. The relationships within the home appear to be loving and supportive." She paused briefly to read over her notes once more before continuing,
"Mr. Castle and Ms. Beckett are engaged to be married, and we've discussed appropriate methods of conflict resolution, as well as the importance of keeping Lucy's exposure limited. They appear to be taking that advice into consideration, and all relationships appear healthy and functional, your honor." The judge nodded,
"And what is your recommendation?"
"It is my recommendation that Lucy be placed in the permanent custody of Mr. Castle and Ms. Beckett, your honor. I think they are ready to adopt her, and I think she would do very well in the environment they've provided."
"Thank you." He told the social worker. She nodded and sat.
"Witnesses?" he asked. His clerk spoke up then, "Martha Rodgers."
She was called to the witness stand, but was alarmed to find that the judge didn't appear to have any mean or accusatory concerns, as she feared. Instead, he asked her about her son's relationship with Kate, about their interactions with Lucy, and about her opinion on bringing the girl into the family permanently. She answered honestly, repeating much of what she told the social worker, and ensuring the judge that it was a good home, and Lucy was already very much a member of the family.
Alexis was called next, and asked all sorts of questions about her experiences growing up with her dad. She was also asked about how well she thought he got along with Kate. Alexis had only positive things to say, and added that Lucy had become like a little sister to her. She went out of her way to share that she and Lucy worked on the girl's homework together often. The judge seemed impressed and Alexis was relieved to have it over.
Next, Lucy's guardian was asked to speak on the girl's behalf. "I am to understand that you've met with Lucy and have had extensive conversations with her about her own experiences?" The judge asked.
"That is correct, your honor."
"and what is your recommendation?" He asked the woman.
"It is evident from speaking with Lucy that she wishes to stay in the Castle residence, your honor. Concerning her best interests, I think that given everything the girl has experienced, she should be mandated to attend counseling regularly. I was happy to learn that Mr. Castle and Ms. Beckett have already seen to it that those needs were met. I believe that she is well-loved and well cared for, and I concur with my colleague. Granting permanent custody, in my opinion, would be in Lucy's best interest."
The judge nodded again, allowing the guardian to be seated. He inhaled deeply,
"Does what she said make sense to you Lucy?" The judge directly turned to the little girl.
She nodded. "and do you agree. Is it your wish to stay where you are?" Again, she nodded, adding a "yes sir." He smiled kindly at her.
He then closed the file in front of him and turned his attention to Castle and Beckett. "So I understand that you two will be getting married, is this correct?" They both nodded,
"Yes, your honor." Castle spoke.
"When do you plan to do so?"
"In just under 3 weeks, your honor." Kate answered.
"Well, I offer my congratulations." They nodded and smiled, feeling hopeful that it was almost over and that they were going to walk out of that court room with Lucy. The judge then spoke,
"Mr. Castle, you're a very successful man." He stated, "you seem to frequently be the center of attention, and not all of it positive." Castle swallowed forcefully as he felt a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach.
"Yes, your honor." Castle agreed.
"I get a very different picture here," he said, motioning to a newspaper, "than I do from your support system, and from these counselors. Tell me, which is the most factual?"
"Your honor, I know that I've got a reputation, and I also know that I've done things in the past that weren't necessarily smart."
"I see that you have, you've got an interesting record, Mr. Castle." Kate closed her eyes and inhaled sharply, visions of a younger version of her fiancé, naked with a police horse flooding her head.
"Yes, that was a long time ago." It was decidedly a better answer than the ones he'd given Beckett on the day they'd met, 'boys will be boys, and it was spring.'
"Yes," the judge agreed. "It seems like you've changed your act quite a bit since collaborating with the NYPD. Would you say that it's changed you?"
He looked at Beckett meaningfully for a moment, not averting his gaze from hers, "yes."
The judge cleared his throat, as if to get the attention back on him. "Well, it is good to know. I see you've done remarkable things for the city since." That's right, Beckett thought, we defused a bomb and prevented World War III, the least you can do is let us have our family!
Castle simply nodded at the judge, who spoke again, "So, I am to understand that most of what I see in the paper these days is just gossip and rumor?"
"Absolutely, your honor."
"Tell me, Mr. Castle, how do you think being the target of such hateful innuendo might impact Lucy?" What the hell! Beckett thought, that isn't his fault!
Castle sighed, "Your honor, I know it can be damaging. However, my being the target of the media is not anything new. I've been able to protect Alexis from it, and I plan to do everything in my power to ensure that Lucy be protected from it as well."
"But you can't guarantee that she won't be targeted herself, or caught in the middle." Castle sighed, defeated,
"No, your honor, I can't."
"Detective Beckett." The judge then turned his attention to Kate, "I am to understand that you survived a bullet wound?"
"Yes, your honor."
"and, without going into detail, for Lucy's sake, I am also to understand you've had other close calls over the past several years."
"Yes." She answered again.
"You seem to attract danger, detective." It was a statement more than a question. Kate wasn't sure how to respond, if she were to simply agree it would look bad. If she were to say, it comes with the job, it would look worse.
"Your honor, may I-" Kate turned to find captain Gates standing, attempting to speak to the judge.
"No need." He motioned for her to sit, "I've read your statement." He sighed for a moment,
"Detective, I am impressed by how much you've adjusted your work to accommodate for Lucy. My question is, given your work, do you believe you can adequately keep Lucy out of harm's way?"
Beckett was silent, but then answered boldly, "I think I am as capable as any other parent. Some would argue the fact that I am a trained law enforcement officer may make me more capable. So yes, I do think that we can keep Lucy safe." She was sure to emphasize the word, we.
The judge nodded again. "Very well, I'm going to request that we take a recess for lunch, so that I may take all of the facts into consideration before reaching a decision. Let's reconvene at 1pm."
They walked from the court room, each partner holding one of Lucy's hands. They felt absolutely drained and Kate could feel a stress headache coming on. "So what is gonna happen?" Lucy asked, as they all settled in for lunch at a nearby restaurant.
"The judge has to think about it sweetheart." Lanie offered.
"We will know after lunch." Castle offered her, brushing a strand of the girl's long hair back.
"It was all going so well." Kate spoke. She didn't need to complete the thought, everyone at the table could fill in the silent, but then it wasn't. It didn't make much sense at all, he was so nice and compassionate, and everyone was in their favor.
"I thought the social worker was going to be the largest hurdle, I never thought…" Castle didn't finish his sentence.
"Now you both stop this." Martha chimed in, "We don't know anything and you're both acting like we know the outcome." She wanted to add more. She wanted to tell them that everything was going to be ok, but she didn't know that any better than anyone else in the group. She was just as terrified as everyone else.
They walked back to the courtroom together, friends and family making their way to their seats. Castle and Beckett both stood outside of the room for a moment longer. She leaned down and picked up Lucy, holding her very much like she had on that cold, rainy day when they found her in the alley. It seemed like so long ago now.
"Little one, I want you to listen to me." Kate spoke, trying to sound completely in control, attempting to be reassuring, "no matter what happens in there, I am going to love you, always."
Rick stepped closer and placed an arm around Kate's back, resting his other hand on Lucy as he kissed the back of her head. "Do you know what Always means, Luce'?" Castle asked.
She looked at both of them, fear in her eyes. "it means forever." She spoke in a shaky voice.
"It means forever and ever, for all time. It means that we love you no matter what. Always means that we love you no matter where you are, or what you're doing. Nobody in the whole world has the power to change that." Rick told her. They both took their last moments before court was set to start again and held her between them.
"Lucy, we love you, Always."
They sat behind the table again, waiting for the judge to speak. Their hands reached behind Lucy to lace together, as if their union could keep her there. Finally, the judge spoke.
"First, let me say that I am impressed with how great Lucy's progress has been in these past months. It is clear that she's been thriving in her environment. Further, I am moved to know that she's got the support and dedication of so many around her." He paused for a moment, moving his glasses to sit atop his head.
"However, I'm also aware that there are complications that may well arise if Lucy were to stay in these living circumstances. I believe that Mr. Castle can do what he says, and has done so successfully, when it comes to protecting his loved ones from the media. Yet, I find myself concerned with the dangerous nature of detective Beckett's work." He then looked up from his papers and made eye contact with the couple,
"Still, Kate Beckett is not the first detective to be a mother, and she certainly will not be the last. If I were to penalize her for doing a job that serves this city, it would send the wrong message to our brave men and women in uniform." He glanced back at Gates and the boys, before turning his attention back to the couple at the table.
"So it comes down to this, what is in Lucy's best interest?" He paused briefly, gathering his thoughts before speaking again,
"It is clear that you both care for her very much. It is also obvious that she has formed an attachment here. I believe that to remove her from this situation would cause even more irreparable damage. Given all that she's been through, I am ready to see her settled in a permanent living situation, and I see no good reason why that home shouldn't be with the two of you."
"Therefore," the judge continued, "I am granting the two of you complete legal custody of Lucy." Castle and Beckett's hands never came apart as they took in the decision.
"I will warn, however, that once you sign these papers, that is it. You will be assuming all parenting responsibilities for Lucy, as if you were her biological parents. So, I want you to be sure that you are committed to this. I want you to be sure that you are committed not only to Lucy, but to each other."
The clerk brought over the documents for them to sign, "be aware that once you sign you are binding your lives together, and there is no going back."
They both gave a gentle, reassuring squeeze where their fingers were laced. "Your honor," Castle spoke, "Thank you." He added, "Our lives have been inseparably intertwined for some time now."
As he thought back on it, he couldn't exactly remember when it had occurred, when she'd become as necessary to him as breathing, but he was sure of one thing, wherever they were going, they were going together.
Now their little girl was going to come along with them.