LILY
BNR848
Disclaimer: The publicly recognized characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plots are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
Chapter 52
The celebration had extended into the wee hours of the morning. By eight, when they docked in Key Largo they readied for their noon flight. The crew prepared them a wonderful breakfast, and arrangements were made to ship his gear back to L.A.
They thanked the staff and said their farewells, leaving behind a sizable tip. By eleven they were walking into Miami International Airport. With just carry-on bags and preapproved clearance, they zipped through security. They scouted a spot by their gate and took a seat. Lily spotted a nearby coffee shop and hurried to get a cup. The woman could locate coffee with the precision of a drug-sniffing dog.
The flight was uneventful and the first class service impeccable. They arrived in D.C. bone weary tired. Landing five minutes early the short drive to the apartment saw them home by five forty-five. They showered, ordered takeout and headed to bed.
Monday was a slow start. She wanted to stay home but had a mountain of paperwork waiting. Besides, James had a three o'clock flight back to L.A. She let him sleep, brewed some coffee, and left him a note. 'Call me when you get up, Luv ya!'
He'd spotted the note on the refrigerator and smiled. The coffee was still warm so she could not have been gone long. An hour later he picked up his phone and called her.
"Hey gorgeous, why didn't you wake me. I wanted to kiss you goodbye," he stated.
"You may not have been conscious, but you did get a kiss," she replied with laughter in her voice.
"I don't think that counts. Any chance you can sneak out for an early lunch? Say eleven thirty?"
"I think that can be arranged. How about my favorite burger joint?" she gladly replied.
"Meet you there."
At ten-thirty he grabbed his bag, closed the door and headed off to meet her. He was starving. He ordered the bacon cheeseburger and scarfed it down eliciting an admonishment from Lily. They finished their meal, spoke for a few minutes, James again thanking her for the wonderful birthday weekend.
There on a busy sidewalk he brought her close and whispered, "Lily Castle, I am crazy in love with you. You never fail to amaze me." He kissed her once again, smiling as she blushed.
He arrived in L.A. late Monday. Tuesday was hectic, yet Lily was never far from his thoughts. He missed her. It seemed his mind was preoccupied with all things Lily. His thoughts zeroed in on little things that made a big difference. The way she bobbed her head from side-to-side to the rhythm of nonexistent music when she toweled dried her hair. The way she called him 'Junior' when she wanted to make a point or was annoyed with him. How she'd started calling him 'Babe' with an air of concern and endearment one afternoon and now used it regularly. How she worried about his busy schedule and constant traveling. Above all, he loved how happy she was. He loved how she'd lose herself in a bookstore, oblivious to the world; then snap back and frantically rush around looking for him. The first he'd noticed he'd stood back and watched her, thinking to himself how beautiful she looked immersed in whatever world she had found among the pages she read. There was also the uncharacteristic worry and concern he now felt. The furry he'd experience during the Jefferies ordeal, the panic when she'd jokingly called and said she was in jail, the way he worried if he couldn't reach her, and how his heart ached when she was sad. His decisions were now made with her in mind, and having Lily Castle in his life was what he wanted.
Wednesday morning with a new resolve, he poured himself a cup of coffee, looked at the time and headed to the computer. He sent three emails, placed a call to his grandfather, another to his attorney, checked flights, and made reservations.
The next day he was back in D.C. He had two days of meetings and would be back in L.A. early Monday. Saturday they spent at home. Sunday afternoon they'd gone to a D.C. United game with Heather and her husband. The weekend had ended all too soon.
With a sense of purpose and fear, Monday he headed to the airport. It was the last week of September, at best he had a week. He boarded his flight and texted her. "Change of plans. Emergency with client- flying to NYC will call when I can."
He'd arranged for a car to drive him to his appointment. By the time he reached his destination, he was practically hyperventilating. The half-hour drive from LaGuardia to West 57th Street had only intensified his panic. The concierge greeted him at the door and escorted him to a private room. A wide selection was provided, along with explanations and advice. It had taken him over two hours, but once he saw what he wanted the decision was simple. He pulled out his credit card and without hesitation, charged sixty-three thousand dollars.
It was six o'clock when he walked out with his purchase securely tucked in his pocket. The car they provided drove him the half mile to The Plaza. The minute he entered the room he dropped his suitcase and called her.
"Hey beautiful," a weary James state.
"Boy, you sound exhausted. What happened?"
"Typical client fire. All good now, problem solved. The world as we know it will survive another day. But it has been a long day. I'm spending the night, just checked into The Plaza, heading home tomorrow. Right now all I want is a hot shower." He hated to lie to her but he considered this more of an act than a lie.
"Well, I'm glad all is right with the world," she replied with a giggle. "Call me tomorrow from the airport. Get some rest… night James," she tenderly added.
By the time he ended the call his stomach was once again doing flip-flops. He pulled the ring out of the velvet-lined box, double check the inscription, smiled and placed it in the safe. He showered, shaved, put on a clean shirt, took one last look in the mirror, glanced at his watch and headed downstairs. Glad to not have eaten, the short taxi ride felt endless.
He arrived at the Castle's twenty minutes later. Now a regular visitor, the doorman, and lobby staff greeted him, announcing his arrival and providing access to the private elevator immediately. When he exited the penthouse floor he was welcomed by a smiling Richard Castle.
"James? Not that we don't enjoy your visits, but is everything alright?" inquired Castle as he walked inside.
Kate joined them as they continued into the living room.
"Oh, absolutely. I hope my call didn't suggest otherwise. Allow me to apologize for the cloak and dagger routine. Especially the not telling Lily request. I promise it's nothing nefarious," an apologetic James explained.
Castle and Kate took a seat while James remained standing. Kate looked at Castle giving him a knowing stare while masking the urge to smile.
"Have a seat," Castle added.
James nodded, sat, stood once again then sat down. He pulled at his collar, looked at the Castle's and took a deep breath.
"Mr. and Mrs. Castle, I'm here about Lily… I mean, I know we, Lily and I haven't known each other long, but I'm very fond of your daughter… what I mean to say is I love her. I'm sorry, I can't seem to put together a sentence. I must sound like an idiot." He finally admitted.
"I love your daughter very much, can't imagine my life without her, don't want to. I came here tonight to let you know I plan on asking her to marry me. We know Lily would kill me if I asked for her hand – So, I guess I'm asking for your blessing." The last statement elicited a giggle from Kate and a teary nod from Castle.
"All I ask is you love and respect her always," a serious Castle added.
"That I can promise you. I will love and care for her until my last breath." He thought he was going to hyperventilate, but at least he'd gotten the words out.
Kate rose, walked over to James and kissed him on the cheek.
After hearty congratulations from Castle and hugs from Kate, he managed to relax and continue the conversation. He hadn't spoken to Lily and asked they keep it to themselves until then. Kate assured him it would be their secret.
