Hello – Happy Valentine's Day.
-d-d-d-d-
"Okay, you cut like this and then do this," Alexis instructed Sarah Grace.
"Can we do this everyday, Lexis?" Sarah Grace asked while being allowed to play with the craft supplies to her heart's content, "This is fun."
"How about once a week?" Alexis suggested. "We'll look in magazines and find fun projects we can do."
Sarah Grace bobbed her head enthusiastically, "Think Daddy will like this?"
"I think he will love it," Alexis smiled before she shot a look at the clock when she heard the door open. "I bet that's him. You'd better go see."
"Yay," Sarah Grace cheered and hopped off her stool. When the door opened and Kevin entered, the little girl darted towards him, hugging him around the legs. "Hi, Daddy."
"Hey, Sweetie," Kevin scooped her up and hugged her, looking for Alexis over her shoulder. She appeared in his line of sight and smiled at him.
"There's pizza," she told him softly.
"I'm so sorry I'm late," he looked appropriately apologetic, "I had an entire evening planned. Then some junkie had to end up dead in an alley."
"Daddy, what's a junkie?" Sarah Grace asked.
Alexis snorted.
"It's a bad person," Kevin explained.
"Oh," Sarah Grace shrugged and then pointed towards the table where she and Alexis had been busy creating. "Lexis and I made hearts."
"You've been busy," he kissed her cheek.
"Yep," she nodded.
"Now it's time for bed," Alexis said. "C'mon, Little One."
"Awe," Sarah Grace pouted, "Daddy home. I hug him."
"Alright, you can hug him as he puts you to bed," Alexis nodded. "I'll clean up our project."
"Hug, Lexis," Sarah Grace held out her arms.
"Good night, Peanut," Alexis gave her a hug and kiss to the cheek.
"I'll be right back," Kevin promised.
"Take your time. I'll heat up some pizza for you. There's bound to be some cheesy movie on."
"Lady's choice," he nodded.
"Thanks," Alexis smiled.
"Come on, Little Bunny, let's hop to bed," Kevin carried Sarah Grace to her bedroom and helped her into her pajamas. Even knowing Alexis was waiting, he couldn't turn down Sarah Grace's bedtime story request, especially when she batted her little lashes at him.
After Sarah Grace was asleep, Kevin went into his room to change. As he turned to find a t-shirt, he spotted a dark blue dress hanging on the closet door.
He felt guilt immediately. He had so many plans for their first Valentine's Day together, and he blew it, although through no fault of his own. She understood his job and the drawbacks it came with. He hoped she wouldn't hold his tardiness against him this evening.
He pulled his tie off and opened the closet to hang it up. Toeing off his shoes, he spotted a pink and white bag on the floor which made him grin a little. Maybe he still had a chance to get her to showcase whatever the bag contained, but he knew he had to be charming.
"There's nothing on," Alexis announced as she entered, carrying a plate, two glasses, and a bottle of soda. "If you want something harder, it's in the kitchen. I'm not in the mood for wine."
"Soda is fine," he assured her, "Thanks for entertaining Sarah Grace this evening. I know it wasn't the Valentine's Day you envisioned."
"It's fine," Alexis assured him, getting on the bed and snuggling into the pillows. "I get it. I knew what came along with dating a cop."
"I'm sure spending Valentine's Day with a four year old isn't exactly your idea of a romantic date," he frowned, "I'm so sorry."
"Pour," Alexis held out the glasses after handing him the soda. After he'd done so and got onto bed next to her, she leaned her head on his shoulder, "Did you find the guy responsible?"
"Yeah," Kevin nodded, "I sorta scared the guy into a confession. Took Javi a bit by surprised. He gave me grief for it. Said a ruined Valentine's Day made me a badass."
Alexis giggled a little, "You know I'm not mad, right?"
"I know, but I had all these plans," he nodded, "It sucks we didn't get to put them into action."
"Why don't we make tomorrow Valentine's Day?" Alexis suggested, "Sort of a take two on today."
"You'd be okay with that?"
"Yeah," Alexis nodded. "Look at it this way, it'll be a hell of a lot easier to get a table."
"I like the way you think, Castle," he leaned in for a kiss.
"Let's make it a tradition," Alexis suggested, "We spend February fourteenth with Sarah Grace, and then we celebrate Valentine's Day on February fifteenth."
"I think you're a genius," he smiled.
"I know," Alexis smiled. "Tomorrow you'll ask your mom to baby-sit so we're alone when we get home."
"Consider it done," he reached for his phone and fired off a text to his mother to ask for her services.
"I bought something that was supposed to be for tonight, but we'll save it for tomorrow," Alexis hid a smile.
"I saw a certain pink and white bag in the closet," he replied, "I'm very much looking forward to you modeling for me."
"I hope you like what I picked," she smiled.
"I know I will," he touched her chin before biting into his pizza.
"Kev?"
"Hmm?"
"I love you," she said softly.
"I love you, too," he put down his pizza to give her another kiss.
"Tastes better reheated," Alexis licked at her lips when he pulled away.
"You tired?" he studied her eyes.
"A little," she nodded, "Sarah Grace is a bundle of energy. She ran me all around the city today for her craft project."
"Yes, I know how that can go," he smiled. "Why don't you go to sleep?"
"When you're ready to join me," she snuggled in against him.
"I'm gonna finish this, and then I'll be ready," he promised.
"I'm going to slip into my pajamas," Alexis fished her usual pajamas out of her drawer and disappeared into the bathroom.
Kevin finished his pizza and put the plate aside before leaning back against the pillows. He looked towards the bathroom door when it opened and Alexis reappeared.
"You look more exhausted than me," Alexis observed her boyfriend's relaxed posture. "I'll bring the dishes into the kitchen. Why don't you get ready for bed? We'll meet in bed in two minutes."
"Yeah," Kevin nodded with a smile. "Thanks, Lex."
Alexis brought the dishes and soda bottle into the kitchen. When she returned, Kevin was already in bed. He patted the available space next to him in invitation.
Alexis got into bed, sitting so she could face him instead of lying down, "I have a gift for you."
"I thought we were waiting until tomorrow to celebrate," he tangled their fingers together.
"We are," she nodded. "Are you sure you want to wait for everything?"
"Yes," he nodded.
"Are you really sure?" she pressed.
"Yes," he nodded. "Mainly because your gift is at the store where I reserved it. We got so tied up in the case, I wasn't able to take my break to pick it up."
"You don't need to reciprocate tonight," she assured him, "I just want to give you the first part of your gift."
"If you really want to give me something, I won't stop you, especially if it's in the bag I saw earlier," he gave her a Cheshire grin.
"Not exactly," she leaned down and pulled a small box from under the bed. "I think my dad has been feeling a bit guilty about the part he played in our temporary separation. He was able to pull some strings and got you something I think you'll like."
"Rangers tickets," Kevin pulled the tickets from the box.
"Not just Rangers tickets but rink side seats. They're so close, my dad says you can smell the sweat so much it will make your eyes water," she explained, "I figured you and Javi would enjoy a guys night out."
"Lex, this is way-"
"Stop," she smiled. "You and Javi have been working like dogs for months. When was the last time you two had a beer that wasn't directly after work?"
"It's been awhile," he admitted, "Priorities have shifted."
"You two are going to a game, and I'm taking Sarah Grace home with me for the night after Gram and I take her to the American Girl's store for dinner."
"She'll love that," Kevin smiled.
Alexis smiled and put her hands on his shoulders, "I know. You and Javi go have fun. You're way too serious, Detective."
"I am not," he protested.
"Prove it," Alexis challenged him, "Go out with Javi and have a fun guys night."
"If it'll make you happy," he smiled.
"You're so selfless," she smirked.
"Yes, I am," he chuckled, "How about we go to sleep? Tomorrow we celebrate Valentine's Day."
"Sounds good," Alexis snuggled under the blankets with him. She traced light patterns on his chest and stomach for a few moments before laying her hand over his heart.
"I really am sorry about tonight," he felt like he had to apologize one more time.
"Stop," she scolded him, "It wasn't your fault. I completely understand."
"I love you," he said softly as he turned out the light.
"I love you too," her head came to rest against his chest, "Sleep well, my Valentine."
"Sweet dreams, Angel."
-d-d-d-d-
Alexis finished putting in her earrings and admired the way they dangled delicately. Then she studied her hair.
"Lexis, you look pretty," Sarah Grace watched Alexis get ready for the evening out with Kevin.
"Thank you, Sweetie," Alexis smiled.
"Can I wear earrings too?" Sarah Grace eyed the jewelry box Alexis had brought over with intrigue.
"Sorry, Sweetie, you don't have pierced ears, and I don't have any clip on earrings. We'll work on getting permission from your dad to get those ears pierced."
"Yay," Sarah Grace cheered.
"Should I wear my hair up or down?"
"Up," Sarah Grace replied, "I like it that way."
"Okay," Alexis brushed her hair out before she twisted and clipped it, letting a few strands frame her face. "How's that?"
"I like it," Sarah Grace gave Alexis two thumbs up.
"Thank you," Alexis smiled before she sprayed the perfume and walked through it like Martha had taught her.
Sarah Grace followed in her wake to pick up the lingering fragrance.
"Do you know what you and Grandma are going to do tonight?"
"No," Sarah Grace shook her head vigorously from side to side.
"I bet she has something fun planned for you two."
"Like you and Daddy?" Sarah Grace asked.
Alexis fought a laugh before she faced Sarah Grace, "Not exactly. Adult fun is a little different than kid fun."
"When is Daddy coming home?" Sarah Grace looked at the clock. Her grandmother was due to arrive soon, and she wanted to say goodnight to her father.
"If he left work on time, in about five minutes."
"Good," Sarah Grace replied.
"Is your bag all packed?" Alexis asked the little girl.
"Yes," Sarah Grace nodded.
"You've got your toothbrush?"
"Oh, I forgot," Sarah Grace's eyes went wide.
"Go," Alexis nodded. "You know where the travel case for it is, right?"
"Yep," Sarah Grace nodded and darted off.
Alexis smiled and then turned to the door when it opened, "Hello there."
"Hey," Kevin kissed her in greeting just before Sarah Grace attacked his legs.
"Hi, Daddy," she looked up at him with a big smile and eyes.
"Hi, Peanut," Kevin picked her up for a hug.
"Did you catch bad guys today?" Sarah Grace asked.
"I did, and I caught the last one just for you,"
"Yay," Sarah Grace hugged him.
"Are you ready for Grandma?" Kevin asked his daughter, "She should be here soon."
"I am now. I almost forgot my toothbrush, but Lexis reminded me. Grammy and I are going to have lots of fun, just not the same fun you and Lexis will be having because adult fun is different than kid fun. Isn't that right, Lexis?"
"That's right," Alexis nodded.
Ding-Dong
"That's probably her. Let's get your bag while Daddy lets her in."
Sarah Grace darted into her bedroom to grab her bag.
"Hey, Mom," Kevin hugged her in greeting.
Meghan hugged her son, "Hi, Sweetheart. Is my munchkin ready?"
"Almost," Kevin replied, "She's just getting her bag."
"Hi, Grammy," Sarah Grace was in her coat and hat when she returned to the entryway. "I'm all ready to go."
"It sure looks like it," Meghan laughed at the little girl's eagerness.
"Okay, Peanut, hugs," Alexis held her arms out and Sarah Grace gave her a big hug. "Love you."
"Love you too, Lexis," Sarah Grace hugged her tight.
"My turn," Kevin smiled.
Sarah Grace ran over to give him big hug.
"Have fun with Grammy, Peanut," Kevin replied.
"I will. You two have fun, too. Grammy, Daddy and Lexis are going to have adult fun which is different than kid fun."
"Is that so?" Meghan laughed, "We better let them get to it. You two have fun tonight."
"Thanks for babysitting, Mom," Kevin smiled.
"No thanks necessary. Night."
"Night, Mrs. Ryan," Alexis waved.
"I think it's probably time for you to call me Meghan," she smiled.
"Okay...Meghan," Alexis nodded.
"Night, Mom," Kevin replied, "You be good, Peanut."
"I will, Daddy," she took her grandma's hand as they left.
Kevin closed the door behind them and turned to Alexis, "Alone at last."
Alexis backed away from him as he advanced towards her, "Don't even think about it. Go get dressed. I'm starving."
"I'll be right back," Kevin pecked at her lips.
"Make it a Navy shower, Ryan," Alexis called after him.
Kevin turned and saluted her before disappearing into his bedroom to shower and get dressed.
Alexis crossed the room to adjust the neckline of her dress.
Kevin was ready to go quickly.
"Where are we going tonight?" Alexis linked arms with him after he helped her with her coat.
"It's this great place I read about online," Kevin replied.
"Sounds good," Alexis smiled as she turned to face him and adjust his tie, "You look handsome."
"You look beautiful," he kissed her cheek and then led her down to catch a cab. He didn't want to take the risk of driving tonight if they had a bit too much to drink.
"Thank you," Alexis smiled.
"One more thing," Kevin handed her a small box and suppressed a laugh at the look that crossed her face, "It's not a ring."
"Am I that transparent?"
"You just looked nervous all of a sudden, and I wanted to reassure you."
"It's not that I don't want to marry you," she began.
"I know, it's just too soon," Kevin replied, "We just started to get things back on track between you and me."
"Right," Alexis nodded as she opened the box and smiled at the earrings. "Sapphires? How did you know I liked these?"
"A little birdy might have told me," Kevin responded cryptically.
"Did Gram help you pick them out?"
"I'm not giving away my secret," Kevin smiled.
"Well, they're beautiful," she put her arms around his neck after slipping the earrings into her purse. "I love them."
The cab pulled up and Kevin helped her in.
"Where to, Pal?" the cabby asked.
Kevin gave the address and they were off.
"Good evening," the hostess greeted Alexis and Kevin when they entered the establishment Kevin had selected, "Are you here for the Jenkins wedding reception?"
"No, we have a reservation under Ryan for dinner tonight," Kevin told her.
"Reservation?" the hostess frowned in confusion, "There must be some mistake. We're booked for a private function tonight."
"There's no mistake," Kevin shook his head, "I called earlier this afternoon to book a reservation for this evening. I spoke with Christie. She took my name."
"Oh no," the hostess frowned and began looking through her computer system, "Christie must have mistakenly made the reservation for the wrong day…yes, there it is. She booked you for next Saturday at seven."
"So, what you're saying is we can't have a table tonight?" Alexis surmised.
"Exactly. I am so sorry about this," the hostess frowned. "If you'd like to keep your reservations for Saturday, we will be more than happy to comp your drinks and dessert."
"I don't think so," Kevin shook his head.
"I really am sorry," the hostess repeated.
"It's okay," Alexis replied, "Mistakes happen."
She took Kevin's hand and led him outside, "It's okay."
"No, it's not."
"It's an honest mistake," Alexis tried to reassure him.
"Here I'm trying to make this the perfect first Valentine's Day for the both of us, and I muffed it twice," Kevin was getting himself more and more worked up.
"Hey," she made eye contact with him, "All I need for a perfect Valentine's Day is to have you as my Valentine."
"But…" he began.
"No," she shook him off, "Let's just go across the street. There looks to be a place open."
"It's a diner," Kevin frowned.
"And? I like diners."
"It's not very romantic," Kevin pointed out.
"I don't need candlelight and soft music for romance. I'm good with florescent lighting and a jukebox playing music from Gram's youth."
"Yeah, okay," Kevin reluctantly admitted.
"Come on," Alexis tugged on his hand with a bright smile, "It will be great. It looks busy, so the food is probably good."
"You are so easy to please," Kevin smiled.
"Don't spread that around," Alexis smirked.
Alexis and Kevin entered the diner and were immediately greeted by a hostess, "Party of two?"
"Yes, please," Alexis smiled.
"Right this way," the hostess took them to a cozy little booth where they could sit side by side.
"That's a really nice dress," the hostess told Alexis. "You two sure you're in the right place?"
"It's a bit complicated," Alexis snickered as Kevin huffed in response, "There was a bit of a mix up at the place across the street."
"Oh, that must have been Christie's doing," the hostess smiled, "She mixes things up quite often."
"Good to know we're not completely cursed," Kevin commented.
"Cursed?"
"This is take two on our Valentine's Day," Alexis explained.
"Oh, that's horrible," the hostess frowned. "What happened the first time?"
"Work. He's a cop."
"How about first drinks on the house," the hostess offered.
"That's not necessary," Kevin shook off the offer.
"Really, Mabel would insist on it," the hostess stated.
"Mabel?" Kevin raised a brow.
"Yes, Mabel," the hostess pointed at the name on the menu which was the title of the restaurant, "The owner. She was the daughter of a police officer. She always wants us to treat them well when they eat here."
"Right," Alexis smiled. "Thank you. We appreciate it."
"Anna will be your server. She'll be with you shortly," the hostess stated.
"I like this place already," Alexis smiled at Kevin once they were alone.
"Because we're getting free drinks?" Kevin looked up from the menu he was perusing.
"Look around," Alexis encouraged him, glancing at the framed newspaper articles and assorted memorabilia littering the walls, "Look at all the New York history on the walls."
"Yeah, it is pretty cool," Kevin agreed.
"And the food smells incredible," Alexis added.
"It does smell like my Nana's cooking after church on Sunday," Kevin admitted.
"That sounds nice," Alexis said.
"Nothing against my mom, but Nana was the best cook," Kevin replied, "She made all the classics, both Irish and American."
Alexis nodded, "Dad's a good cook too. It was always fun to watch him experiment."
Their server came over to take their orders. "What can I get you?"
"We're new here," Alexis replied, "What's your specialty?"
"Pot roast is our most popular dish," Anna replied, "It homemade just the way Mabel made it for Sunday suppers. It comes with mashed potatoes and gravy and steamed green beans."
"Sounds good to me," Alexis handed over her menu.
"Make it two," Kevin agreed.
"Excellent," Anna took the menus, "What can I get you two to drink? Jenna says first drinks are on the house. We have a full bar."
"I'll take a glass of your house red," Alexis replied.
"And for you?" Anna turned towards Kevin, "You look like a Guinness man."
"Good guess," Kevin nodded.
"I'll put your order in and be right back with your drinks."
"I like this place more each minute we spend here," Alexis took Kevin's hand into hers and kissed it softly.
"Yeah, it's growing on me, too," Kevin smiled at her.
"I think Sarah Grace would like it too," Alexis added.
"We'll bring her by one day," Kevin smiled in agreement. "Speaking of the little peanut, how was your day together? Did you do anything fun together?"
"We had a little marathon of a show with my dad."
"Sounds like fun," Kevin smiled.
"And how was your day?" Alexis's hand drifted to his thigh, stroking it lightly.
"It wasn't as much fun as yours," Kevin smiled, "Or as dinner is shaping up to be."
"Oh?" Alexis played coy, "And why is that?"
"You're playing with fire, Castle," Kevin warned her when she gave his upper thigh a squeeze. He yelped in surprise.
"Am I gonna get burned, Detective?" Alexis smiled.
"No, but if you don't stop, we're not going to make it through dinner."
"Why?" she batted her lashes, "Aren't you feeling well?"
She made a showing of checking his forehead. "You look a bit flushed, Detective."
"Alexis Harper Castle," he scowled at her.
"Okay, I'll be good," Alexis relented and removed her hand. She put it on the table, and Kevin held it with his.
The waitress returned with their drinks and admired the way the pair looked at each other. "You two are so cute together."
"Thank you," Alexis blushed.
"How'd you two meet anyways?" the waitress asked curiously.
"My dad introduced us."
"That's a bit of an oversimplification," Kevin snorted.
"Yeah, but she doesn't have all night," Alexis replied.
The waitress smiled, "Your food will be out in a bit."
Alexis chuckled when the waitress left.
"I like this being out in the open thing we have going for us."
"Me too."
Kevin leaned in and kissed her.
It was a few minutes later and several kisses before they were interrupted by a clearing of the throat. Anna had returned with two plate filled with the yummiest smelling food they'd been served in awhile.
"Oh my God, that looks amazing."
"Make sure you save room for dessert," Anna advised them, "You don't want to miss out on the chocolate crème pie. It is out of this world."
"Deal," Alexis smiled. "Thanks."
Two bites in and they were immediately hooked. "We're coming back here tomorrow for dinner," Kevin announced.
"I'm giving this place a feature in my next around the city column," Alexis agreed.
"Good idea," Kevin smiled.
"I think so," Alexis smiled.
After essentially inhaling their meal and dessert the pair bundled up and wandered the streets for a bit, mostly to walk off the incredible meal they'd just consumed.
"See, it actually worked out for the best," Alexis smiled as they passed the restaurant they were originally supposed to eat at.
"You always see the bright side, don't you?" Kevin asked.
"I try," Alexis smiled. "Tonight was wonderful."
"Yes, it was," Kevin agreed.
"But it's not over yet," Alexis assured him.
"No?" he asked.
"I have a secret I want to share with you," she responded coyly.
"Really?" Kevin asked. "What?"
"We have to go home for that."
Kevin glanced around hoping to spot a cab roaming the streets. Luckily a cab pulled up a few minutes later. Kevin opened the door and let Alexis get in first. She slid over and then Kevin got in. He gave the cabbie the address before settling back into seat with Alexis.
It was all he could do to keep his hands in neutral territory on the short ride home.
"My turn," Alexis paid the cabbie as they pulled up in front of Kevin's building. "Have a nice night."
"You, too," the driver nodded as the two exited the cab.
Kevin held the door to the building open for Alexis and guided her inside. Once alone in the elevator, he pounced on her, backing her against the doors as they rode the car up to his floor. "I've been dreaming about this moment for days."
"A little eager, Detective?" Alexis giggled.
"More than a little," he devoured her lips until the elevator chimed the arrival on their floor. He fumbled with the keys in his eagerness to get her inside.
"Slow down, Detective," Alexis laughed when the keys fell to the hallway carpeting.
"Why?" Kevin whined.
"Because I have a plan, and you are not going to ruin it."
"Ah yes, the secret you're going to share," Kevin finally got the key into the lock and opened the door. "After you, Angel."
"Don't bother with the lights, we're not staying in here," Alexis walked towards the bedroom.
"If you insist," Kevin followed her into the bedroom like a puppy.
"Now, you sit right here," Alexis maneuvered him to the bed before she went to the closet to retrieve her bag, "Make yourself comfortable. I'll be out in a few minutes."
"Okay," he nodded.
A few moments later Alexis called out, "Are you still thinking about tonight?"
"Perhaps a little bit," Kevin sighed, "I still can't believe things got screwed up twice in two days."
"Things didn't turn out that bad," Alexis said.
"It just seems like we get sidetracked whenever we try to do something special," Kevin shook his head.
"Our first weekend at my place was great. I don't think our meal could've been any better at that other restaurant," Alexis said as she opened the door, "As for that junkie? Well, he can't do what you're thinking about right now."
"Works for me," Kevin's jaw dropped when he spotted Alexis in her mauve baby doll slip and panty set.
-d-d-d-d-d-
Leave a message…
