Morning came and everyone gathered around the dining room table since the breakfast Nook was too small. Alice and Alex had emerged from their room and Alex looks a bit worn out. Alice was radiant. The women chatted among themselves.
"Alexis, would you take care of Holly?"
Alexis looked up from her breakfast and shrugged her shoulders.
"Thanks the rest of us have an appointment with a lawyer today at 10 AM. It is the reading of your late grandfather's will. Afterward, Alex and I have to attend to the Family Estate. I do not know when I will get back. But have a fun time ok Pumpkin and Little one?"
"Ok Daddy" Holly said with such an earnest smile.
Soon everyone had left. Alexis looked at Holly and asked.
"What do you want to do today?"
"I want to play princess!"
Holly ran up to their room and brought down all the princess dvds plus several of her dolls. She ran up to the dvd and placed one in the slot. It was Mulan one of Alexis's favorites.
"So Holly what do you think of the Dragon?"
"He is pretty small but he thinks he can do great things."
"He is small like you. Can you do great things?"
Holly thought about it and said.
"No but I can snort like a pig!"
So Holly demonstrated and Alexis had to show up her sister with her pig imitation.
Soon the video was forgotten as they both laughed at each of their animal imitations.
\\\\\
Rick and Company were ushered into the Lawyer's conference room.
The Lawyer, The latest Mr. Green who had been the family lawyer since the family began.
"Is everyone here?"
Rick nodded the Lawyer switched on a video.
On the screen was the Admiral he was reading the standard disclaimer of him being of sound mind and yada yada yada. Soon it was time of the bequeathing.
"To my Wife Martha I leave the deed to my mountain Estate in Vermont. She always loved the skiing plus 1 million dollars."
"To my cousin Meredith, I leave 1 million dollars and an apology I should have never tried to separate you from my son William. It was one of the worst mistakes in my life. Love is precious and I forgot that was true. I am so sorry."
"To my Son Alexander, I bequeath the shared title to the estate in Manhattan. And 340 Million dollars."
"To my Eldest Son Richard, I bequeath a shared title to the estate in Manhattan and an apology. If I did not say this before I died I will say it now. Hold on to your wife Rick cherish her every day. She is the best thing that ever happened to you. I am so sorry I got in the way. Please forgive a foolish old man. I know you do not need my money so I will not give you any. But be aware I knew you even though you did not see me. I am proud to say you are my son!"
Kate reached over and grasped Rick's hand and gave it a squeeze.
"To my Daughter Eleanor, I bequeath a shared title to the estate in Manhattan, the rest of the account in Switzerland which Alexander will hold in trust until she is found plus a statement. Your father loves you more than life itself. It is a shame that it took my death to say it to you."
There were trust set up for 250 Million for any children his children would have.
The rest of the will were bequeathments to the Navy Charities and widows and orphans. Totaling 500 million dollars. The servants at each location received 100,000 each. Then the video ended.
Everyone around the table blinked back the tears. The admiral was a Hard Man but he was generous in death. After a few moments the Lawyer returned with the checks and the titles which needed to be signed. The business at the lawyer finished. They were standing outside the building.
Kate asked her husband.
"Rick are you ok?"
Rick took a moment and smiled back at his wife and said.
"Yeah I am fine. I was just remembering the words my father gave to me in the video of cherishing you everyday."
He reached down and kissed her on the busy street.
"Darling Alex and I have other details which need to be settled. I will see you back at the loft in time to send off Alex and Alice on their Honey moon. Then it will be our turn to return to the ship to continue our Honeymoon cruise."
Kate smiled at her husband and got into the towncar which would take Alice, Martha, and Meredith back to the loft.
Rick and Alex took a town car to the estate. Rick punched in the security code and the car deposited them at the front door. Rick looked at the building it had not changed much since he first saw it on the day he met his brother. Walking into the building they were met by the old Black man himself Fred!
"Fred How are you? You look well."
Fred was taken back he did not expect such a warm welcome from the man who he was tasked to destroy.
"I am fine Rick and yourself?"
"I am well indeed. Well Brother lets look for that hidden safe ok?"
Alex agreed and also greeted Fred.
Soon they were in the library. One of the shelves was covered with all of Rick's manuscripts and finished books. Rick was impressed that the admiral would bribe Black Pawn to get the originals. That triggered a thought.
"Excuse me Brother I need to make a phone call."
Alex just shrugged as he studied the layout of the library.
Rick pulled out his phone.
"Hey Kate no everything is fine. So since we are leaving tonight did you arrange lunch for our favorite ladies? Great give me the address and I will meet you there 2PM? Great ok Babe I love you. Bye."
Rick closed the door and returned to the library. Alex had uncovered the safe it was behind Rick's manuscripts. The safe now exposed only needed Rick to enter the combination. Rick scrolled through his texts then found the combination. He typed it in and the safe opened.
Inside was currency of many different nationalities Alex estimated about 10 million.
"It must have been his mad money stash!"
Alex looking through the many shelves finds more deeds to yachts and cars all part of the estate. One car in particular got Rick's attention. It was a 1968 Ford GT 40in mint condition.
Alex chided his brother for getting distracted.
Finally in the back the folder they were looking for the thick file folder was labeled Eleanor. Alex stuffed the file into his brief case then closed the safe. The other things in there could keep for a later time. Alex and Rick got into the town car and soon Rick was deposited in front of a restaurant. It was Q3 Madison's place. Entering the room he was whisked to the Table where Meredith, Paula, Gina, Madison and Kate were all seated. Madison was all a twitter knowing Kate finally got what she wished for Little Castle Babies! Rick walked in, kissed his wife and sat down.
"Thank you for you all coming. I am happy we can all get along. Kate and I are pleased with the promptness in helping us with a story that should have never seen the light of day. I thank you both from the bottom of my heart. I am hungry let's eat!"
Everyone laughed at Rick's impromptu speech.
The lunch was a roaring success. Rick even discussed a book deal for Kate to tell her side of the trial of the century. Paula and Gina were very interested. Kate outlined what the book would entail. She would have the first draft sent before the cruise was over. Kate wanted Meredith to share in the royalties too. Meredith was touched that her story would be included. Kate explained that the ship while interesting at first will get boring and Having a world class researcher in her step daughter held captive for a month would allow the book to be brought out that much quicker. Meredith along would be able to give certain details only she was privy. William while being a private person was quite a chatterbox to Meredith. Meredith was smart she recorded almost every conversation. She had digitized them and carried the thumbdrive with her.
Rick was wondering how Kate found out about William's conversations. Meredith had an announcement.
"I am pregnant."
Everyone was stunned at the news.
"It is William's I thought I was late but the tests confirms I will be carrying William's Heir."
Everyone was silence for the moment then Paula said.
"There has to be releases to the press. This will have to be managed carefully."
Kate was wondering was History repeating. Will Rick's and William's children be born on the same day? The same as their fathers were born on the same day. Was this some sort of Rodgers trait? Rick quickly arranged with Hank for a Obygn to accompany them on the cruise. A one Dr. House was available. Rick looked him up. He did not seem to be a baby doctor but a doctor of undetermined diseases specialist. Oh well if Hank recommended him he must be good. This Dr. House was hired and would meet them at the ship.
Soon it was time to say goodbye it was a very productive meeting. Rick has now concluded his wife could do anything. Even make a boring meeting productive she has to accompany him with all his meetings. Speaking of meetings. He had to submit Tony's request before the board. He could do that in the car he thought.
Kate was looking at him as he typed up Tony's request.
"What?"
"What indeed! So what are you doing?"
Rick not breaking concentration finished the request then turned to his wife.
"I was sending something to the Board for their consideration."
"I see could you be a little more specific?"
"No"
"No? are you sure?"
"Yes dear wife, I can not discuss board business without you being a board member. Right now you are not. So this is the best I can do. However, if you want to be on the board I can submit your request. I would push it too. Since, you can do anything. You are Kate Castle!"
Rick gave her a kiss the town car stopped and they got out in front of the loft. It was almost 4 Javi and Lanie both get off at 5 so Kate was quickly dialing both of them to make arrangements to meet at the Old Haunt at 6. Both texted back they would meet us there.
Rick and Kate entered the loft Meredith had beaten them here. Rick wondered did the Town car driver take his time? Alex and Alice flight was at 5 so they were ready to leave as they entered. Rick had the town car waiting when they both came downstairs. The trip to the airport was quick for a Saturday. They were taking the private Jet of the Board. So the Teeterboro airport was pretty quiet except for the Jet warming up. Rick and Kate hugged Alex and Alice as the luggage was placed on the Jet. Soon the jet was leaving and their trip to Zurich was starting.
"Rick, that was nice of you to get the charter fight for them."
"Well you did say non stop. I found this was the only way. The commercial flights did not have non stop today from here."
"You are a good brother and a great husband."
Kate kissed Rick as the town car stopped they were in front of the Old Haunt. Kate and Rick got out then proceeded into the bar.
Javi and Lanie were waiting for them.
"So spill what have you been doing?"
Rick could not hold the news of the book deal so he blurted out.
"Kate has a book deal with Black Pawn to cover the trial of the century."
"Really Kate congrats!"
"Yeah I am going to need your recollections of that time too and where is Kevin?"
"He had to rush home some sort of family emergency."
"That is too bad I wanted to discuss it with him too."
"Well I will tell him. He will Skype with you later."
So Kate related that Meredith was pregnant with William's child. And possibly she and Meredith would give birth on the same day.
"What is up with these multiple births on the same day? Is it some sort of Rodgers trait Rick?"
Rick was dumfounded this was the first he had heard of Kate and Meredith giving birth on the same day. Rick just shrugged his shoulders.
"I don't know. Alex and I and William and Eleanor are all born on the same day. So possibly?"
The get together was ending both couples had other commitments. They hugged each other a promised to Skype each other to keep in touch.
Rick and Kate walked into the Loft after such a busy day they want to relax but no they have to get everyone together for the ride to the ship. They are supposed to meet this Dr. House about 8:30. Rick got all the luggage together. Holly was sad to leave the loft and her bedroom. Alexis tried to cheer her up by getting her excited about all the new places they will see. Finally they were ready to go. The limo was packed and they all got in. The 1 hour 15 minutes later they were walking up the gang plank. Holly was happy to see her friend Jeeves standing at the top of the ramp. She waved at him and yelled.
"Hi Jeeves! Hi Jeeves!"
Jeeves was busy getting the luggage into the area where the other porters would take it to their stateroom.
Rick asked if the good Dr. was aboard.
"Yes sir but good is a relative term sir!"
"Ok Jeeves I trust you. Kate, why don't we join the good doctor in the lounge."
Kate and Rick went to meet the new Doctor.
"Hello I am Rick Castle and this is my wife Kate. She is going to be one of your patients. The other is my cousin who is also pregnant."
"Forgive me but my leg is hurting so I am not going to stand up. Please to meet you both I am Dr. House. I hope we have a pleasant trip. If you need me I will be here at the bar or soaking in the Jacuzzi. I you will excuse me I need a refresher."
Kate was taken back by the rudeness of this Doctor.
"I am not so sure on this Rick."
"Kate he comes highly recommended by Hank himself. But Hank did warn me he did not have a great bedside manner. But he is the best in what he does. So what if he is a bit crude or rude. I want you to have the best of care. Hanks says he is that is good enough for me."
"Great something I always wanted a crotchety doctor How fun!"
"Something tells me we will be grateful having him aboard. So just relax Kate we have had a long day."
"Yeah you are right I will ignore the doctor and go below and get that hot shower started."
"I will be right behind you. I have to discuss the plans with the captain first."
Rick and Kate kissed and Kate went below and Rick went in search of the Captain.
Rick finding the captain told him to set sail everyone was aboard.
"Once out of territorial water really open her up. I want to see how fast is fast!"
"Very good sir!"
Rick was heading toward their cabin but first checked in with Holly. She was going to sleep in her own room this time.
"Hey Holly, how are you doing?"
"Ok Daddy but why can I not sleep with Alexis?"
Rick was stunned Holly pronounced her sister's name correctly.
"Holly what did you just say?"
"I said why can I not sleep with my sister Alexis Daddy?"
"I thought I hear you say that. And the reason is you are a big girl now and you need to sleep in your own bed."
"But I do not want to!"
"Holly you will thank me later. You would not have to put up with Alexis moving around and awaking you or her snoring or any other trait which is annoying."
Holly thought about what her daddy said. Alexis did roll around and she did snore plus she drooled Yuck!
"I guess so Daddy."
"That is my big Girl!"
Rick kissed Holly on the top of her head and exited the room.
Rick entered their bedroom Kate was Skyping with Kevin.
"Hi Kev I need a shower I will chat at you later."
"Ok Kate Rick you take care this book idea is the bomb!"
"I am glad you think so bye Kev."
Rick kissed his wife and they both entered the shower and round 1 had begun.
