I Need You Now
by Castlefan6
Authors Note: From a song prompt (Lady A) Lyrics of the song tell a good story starting with the fight in KB's Apartment. What happens next? COMPLETELY AU, Forget the proposal, the swings, let's see what happens. WARNING ANGST on top of ANGST, NO GUARANTEED ENDING. IF YOU ONLY SHIP CASKETT, WAIT FOR THE ENDING.
I don't own Castle; I use the characters for amusement purposes only, except the ones I create.
Also, we take MANY liberties with the timeline from Canon and use events from other Canon episodes to make this a more believable fiction, thanks.
Chapter 17
Melissa's Condo, Same Time Frame
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Rick and Melissa had spent the last four days together, all day, every day and it was the happiest any of his friends had seen him in a very long time. The last few months when Kate was staying with him at the loft, the strain on his face could often be seen, but now it was almost like a little kid being set free in a candy store. Melissa loved the little boy in him and encouraged him to be happy no matter what they did.
"Melissa, I was thinking," Rick said as he laid on the couch, his head in her lap, after a leisurely lunch, well after they decided to come out of the bedroom, and grab a sandwich.
"What are you thinking love, and please, I need to soak a little before that, if that's what it is" she laughed as she leaned down and kissed him on his forehead.
"Well, I'm always thinking about that with us, but this time I was thinking that we should look for a new place, a place together. I know you don't want to come to the loft, and I understand why I truly do." He said as he looked up and saw a tear form in her beautiful eyes,
"Rick, I don't want to hurt you, and I promised I wouldn't be the jealous bitch, but love, going back to a place where she lived, hell could still be living if she hadn't been such an idiot, not that I'm complaining, but its"
"It's too hard, too many memories you're worried about, right Melissa? It's OK, it really is, I would never ask you to come into a place she called home, and just accept it. I know it would make me uncomfortable had it been the other way around." He said gently as she massaged his temples, so gently, his eyes half-closed,
"I'm sorry Rick, I mean you know you're the only man that has spent the night here, this condo was my fresh start from Cameron, from the loss of Zane, and all the bad things that happened, so don't you like staying here?"
"It's beautiful Melissa, it really is, but I was thinking about looking at some places, about an hour from the city, I mean there's no need for either of us to have to be in this close proximity to all the congestion and hustle and bustle. Alexis is living her life now, soon to be off-site from the dorm, and Mother, well she's on her tours so what's keeping us in the city?
"Where are you thinking Rick, and this is a big step, I mean are you sure you want me to move in with you? What if it doesn't work out for some unknown reason Rick, what then?" Melissa said, as Rick swung his feet to the floor, picked her up, and sat her in his lap.
"Well to take the pressure off, you keep your condo, just as it is, maybe you'll need some alone time, away from me, away from everything. I'll keep the loft, BUT I'll install new permanent doors to my office and bedroom, so Hurricane Martha can redecorate the entire loft except for those two rooms." Ha laughed, as she was watching his eyes.
"I know you had to give up your horse and riding, well, I have a real estate agent coming to pick us up in about an hour to show us a site in Granite Springs. It has horse barns so you wouldn't need to board your horse, in fact, we could ride together to get away from all of the noise. My Financial Planner has been on me to divest into more real estate to save on taxes, so it helps the bottom line as well, what do you think?" He asked,
"You knew I rode, when, how? I mean I had to give that up when, well when I had to cut back on expenses, how did you know?" she asked,
"I know a guy" he smiled, so you want to take a look? I mean I would love to start fresh, no memories for either of us to remember, and just let this play out. I think I know how it's going, but as you say, let's take it slow for a while." He said as she laughed,
"Moving in together 50 miles from the city is your idea of taking it slow?" Rick began to worry, then she started laughing and kissed him deeply, "You are too much. Always thinking about how I would feel, and yes, I would love to get out of the city, so let me get ready. No, Rick, you shower alone, or we won't have clothes on when the Real Estate person comes," as she smacked his hand and left him with a kiss,
XxX
Two Hours Later,
"Rick, this is like God's country, I can even smell the clean air", as Melissa powered her window in the back of the limo back up.
Rick's VP of Real Estate Development, Debi Jared was with them, and if she wasn't so smart and, on the ball, Melissa may have been jealous of her. She laughed easily, and she and Rick were in step on many items on the agenda, as Melissa remained quiet. Rick stopped at the local bakery to get some coffee and sensing some tension, Debi whispered something into Melissa's ear.
"For Real? No way?" Melissa said,
"Yes, 100%, I guarantee it. That's why I love Rick, he awards us on performance not if we'll sleep with him, or become one of his sex objects. Hell, he doesn't care that my significant other is a woman, he was the first to offer health insurance to same-sex partners, so don't be jealous Melissa, you got him, girl." She winked,
"I'm sorry Debi, it's just new and"
"Hey, if I were straight and he was working with someone who looked as good as you do, hell I would be Freakazoid crazy with jealousy" she laughed, as Rick returned to the car with coffees and pastries from the local bakery.
"Here we go ladies, I don't know how long this is going to take us, I know we left without breakfast this morning Debi."
"That's fine Rick, I don't have another appointment until tonight at 7:00, I learned from the first time you and I decided to check out some properties." She laughed that easy laugh.
After they had finished the coffee and pastries, David the driver collected the waste, provided each with a wet towel hand wipe that was also a hand sanitizer. "We should be pulling into the driveway in about ten minutes Rick, so be prepared" he smiled
The country was absolutely beautiful, and Melissa was in awe, she almost missed the road that turned off to the property, she thought it was a roadway, turned out it was part of the driveway. The home sat back from the street area over two acres, and as the limo pulled up, Melissa was in shock.
"Are you OK, Melissa? Something about this you don't like, I mean we can move along"
"No, No, it's beautiful this isn't a house Rick it's a mansion.
Debi slipped her a slip of paper, with the price obscured, it read;
The SMART, slate-roofed house was designed by top designers in 2014 and is 24,000 sq ft. Wide center hall to parlor and solarium open to the bluestone terrace. The dining room connects to the butler's pantry and vast eat-in chef's kitchen, den. The two-story library features leather floors. There's a 2,200-bottle wine cellar, tasting room, game room, and pub. Eight bedrooms, 8 full baths, 4 half baths, and 9 fireplaces. The elevator services all levels. The private top master floor has commanding views. A wisteria colonnade connects to a 4,000 sq ft pavilion with a 60' heated pool, jacuzzi, fireplace, gym, sauna, kitchen, and changing rooms. Equestrian: turf racetrack, riding trails, 40 stall yearling barn, two 24 stall broodmare barns, round pens, and 4 board fenced paddocks with run-in sheds. There is a guest house and additional housing.
Rick just smiled, "Would you like to look at the house or the barn first Melissa?"
"Ah, eh Ah, I mean" she stammered,
"Well, the smaller horse barn is right here, let's start here Rick" Debi said and winked at him.
They made their way down a neatly trimmed and beautiful path to a barn, well, it was nicer than 50% of the population's homes and entered. Melissa's eyes traveled from one side to the next till she caught movement in the end stall, she walked down to see a horse. Not just any horse, but her horse she had to sell a few years ago with a wreath of flowers around his neck like the Derby winners get.
She stepped back shocked, she knew it was Dakota, no other horse had that star, and then almost a teardrop marking, she turned to see Rick smiling. "Read the message the flowers say, Melissa," Rick smiled,
She began to weep when she got to "Welcome home, Please Move In, Dakota," Rick stepped up, and held her,
"How did you know, where did you find him, I mean I had to sell him," she said through tears,
"I had my investment group purchase him and he's been living the good life since. I wasn't sure if you'd like this so, I bought the house when we got back from Europe, just in case, we decided to try to make a go out of us. I mean with all my damage, and"
She stopped his words and kissed him, deep, long, and sweet, hugging him so tightly. He had given her back the one thing that had kept her sane many days, right after she lost Zane, and the lawyers were all fighting. She went riding, just her and Dakota, but she had to sell him when she settled with Cameron's family.
Out behind the stall walked another small man, he looked like a jockey, "Miss Melissa, I'm Tony, well Antonio but everyone calls me Tony and I've been caring for Dakota, getting his exercise in, the Vet lives in the next house over so he's been well taken care of, except he had a broken heart. Why don't you give him a hug"?
Melissa and Dakota were reunited, and between the tears and hugs, she was boosted into the saddle as Tony led her to the small paddock. Rider and horse had a great reunion, and Rick couldn't stop smiling.
"Well, you did it again Rick, this one's a keeper boss, "Debi said as she walked back to the stables. Tony was leading Dakota with Melissa talking to him in his ear, and petting his neck until she finally dismounted. "I'll be back soon, buddy, I promise. I have to go thank someone" she whispered as she leaped into Rick's arms, as Tony began to groom Dakota.
"Did you say you bought this already? Rick, are you sure you want to share this, I mean"?
"You tell me when you're ready to move, now let's take a look at the house. Debi has furnished it with a combination of my taste from the loft and your condo, so we won't bring anything unless you want to from our other homes." Rick smiled,
It took almost an hour to get through the house, and Melissa was right, it was a mansion. Rick especially loved that the top floor was private, only he and Melissa would have the codes to the elevator to reach it. Privacy even in such a mansion would be required he knew.
As they toured the top floor together, Debi on the phone downstairs, Melissa looked at him, she didn't have to say a word, he led her to what would be their bedroom, completely soundproofed, so the house was calling to them.
The staff from the previous owner had been staying on and Rick was leaving it to Melissa to keep or replace any or all of them. Currently, the home had three maids, and two chefs, as well s Tony and the stable staff. Melissa decided to stay with the current people, at least for now.
"I love this Rick, absolutely love it," she said from the balcony from their top floor,
"Which part do you like the best, and I won't get my feelings hurt if you say Dakota" he laughed,
"Oh, don't get me wrong, I love him, he kept me alive in some dark times, but I know there's someone I love more, Richard Castle, I love you, and I'm sorry if this is too early, but I couldn't hold it in anymore."
He kissed her, dried her tears, then he said, "I waited until you could hear me, Melissa, I love you too, this is for us, a fresh start, no more bad dreams or memories. I do have one more surprise I would like to show you if you're up to it." He smiled as she took his hand, "Lead me to it sweetheart"
They walked out to the garden just outside the main room, sliding doors. There was a beautiful memory bench, it was covered with pictures of Melissa and Zane together permanently sealed so the images could never fade or be damaged. Melissa just wept, as Rick held her.
"I thought that you might get to missing him, and well, you could always sneak out here, and have him right back in your mind again. We can always go visit his grave, but I think this is the way you would like to remember him. I hope I got it right for you," she continued to cry, and held him so tight, he softly caressed her hair, kissing the top of her head, so gently.
She finally composed herself, walked around the memory bench, pictures of the two of them were visible from every angle, how Rick had located them, she would never know.
"I guess it wouldn't do me any good to ask how you were able to get so many pictures of Zane and me, they're all lovely Rick. This is the most special gift anyone has ever given me; I know it took a lot of thought and effort.
"Rick, believe me, it didn't make me sad, it brought back a million good memories. You're right, this is the way I want to remember my son, not at the cemetery, although we can visit there on special days, can't we?" She asked, tear-stained eyes almost ready to burst again,
"Of course, we can, anytime you want, I promise," Rick said, as he hugged her tightly,
"Well, you about ready, we have some arrangements to make for the cars to be brought out, I have to break the news to Mother, and have the doors fortified against the monster she becomes" he laughed
"I'm ready Rick, when do you want to call this home? I was thinking in two weeks max?" She said softly,
"Perfect gives us time to take care of any loose ends in the city, and get anything you need to be transported out here, that is if you're still sur" he didn't finish the statement, Melissa stopped his words by kissing him sweetly, and tenderly to tell him that she was sure.
Debi was in the kitchen when they walked down eating a ham sandwich and waving her arms, till she finally hung up from whomever she was speaking to. "Want a ham sandwich, they're really good?"
"We're heading back now Debi, can we give you a ride, or from your conversation, I take it you are in the middle of something" Rick smiled,
"See Melissa, it's his company but he never asks me what I'm doing, I love him. You're right, Chad is on his way we have that deal he was supposed to have closed, and now I'm finding out he screwed something up in the filing, so we have to re-file. I'm going over it with him to show him how it's done, so I'll call the car service or ride back with him if I don't kill him" she laughed,
"OK, remember if you hurt him you have to do his work" Rick laughed
As they walked out the door, Melissa was holding his hand and tugged on it for a moment, it reminded him of when Alexis was small. "Let's go say goodbye to Dakota, at least just for a couple of days," Rick said,
Melissa turned into him and hugged him, then walked to the barn, there was her boy, her solace for almost a year when she didn't want anyone to see her tears, Dakota and she rode and rode. How Rick found out, God, that man she thought. She patted his head and Rick produced an apple from his pocket for her to give him, she turned and smiled.
As she said goodbye to the horse that was her solace she thought, what all Rick had just done to prove she was important to him, to be in his life. The memory bench in the garden, God, it was almost like having Zane with her anytime she missed him, which was every day. Now all she had to do was visit the garden and let the memories return, she could even take Rick with her.
This time, without crying, but thankful for the time she had the little guy, and all the good things he had brought to all their lives. She cuddled into Rick as they walked to the limo, and the hour or so trip back to the condo. She already felt at home here, now, gosh how had she gotten so lucky, she didn't know and all she cared was that she made Rick happy every day.
"Come on Melissa, we'll get us home where you can unwind, I hope it wasn't too much for just one day," Rick said softly,
"Are you kidding me, sweetheart, this was one of if not the best day in my life. I got Dakota back, I can revisit Zane anytime I wish, and I finally had the courage to tell you how I felt, in case you've forgotten, I love you, more than you'll ever know. Too late now, I'm yours for as long as you want me."
"I love you too Melissa, thanks for being patient, it's almost over, I think I'll go over the letter when we get home, now that I know for sure, how you feel, I mean if"
"Shut up and kiss me, Rick,"
XxX
Kate had just put the leftover Chinese back into the refrigerator when she heard her phone chirp with an incoming text. She took it out of the charging stand to see a text from Dad. Opening it she gasped as she read,
"Katie, coming home tonight, transportation is all arranged. Peggy would like to see you before you get started in your new job. How's 7:00 PM Saturday? Let us know, Love Dad"
Oh my God, it's true, Dad's married, and now, oh shit tomorrow was the party at the Haunt, then Saturday her Dad's new wife wanted to meet her, oh shit, guess she had to get it out of the way sooner or later.
She quickly typed back "See you Saturday at 7:00 Love Kate"
TBC