In the kitchen, Castle made sure the leftovers the others were taking back home were ready before his wife was squeezing his arm. "Are we going now?" he asked her.
"Yeah, we'll be right back," Beckett told everyone else. "We'll meet you in the foyer." She walked with her husband up to their room and once they were there she said, "Hold on."
Castle watched his wife in surprise when she was walking over to the closet and he said, "Kate, your stuff is… here," before she was coming right back out with a hat box in hand. "I'm really confused."
"I'm not surprised," Beckett said, giving him the box. "Open it," she urged him as he was watching her.
"I am, I'm just wondering if I should," Castle said.
"That was just that first Halloween, open it or I'm taking it back," Beckett told him teasingly.
Nodding, Castle turned his attention to the box and got the lid off before he was saying, "Wow, really?"
"Really," Beckett said with a smile, taking the box so her husband could pull out the fedora out. "It fits?" she asked him with a smile.
"Yes," Castle said immediately, putting on the hat. He went over to the mirror above the dresser before saying, "It's perfect, I had one just like this."
"I looked for it specifically," Beckett told him. She was surprised when he was taking the dark brown fedora off before he turned to her.
Leaning down, Castle kissed his wife deeply, lingering for a while before he slowly pulled back. "Thank you, Kate, it's… amazing."
"You're welcome, but it was bought a little selfishly," Beckett replied.
"You wanted to see me in it?" Castle asked in slight surprise.
"I did," Beckett said simply, not surprised when her husband suddenly pulled her tightly to him. She took his kiss eagerly, responding to it as fervently as she could before she was pulling away to breathe. "Rick," she said quickly, stopping him. "We need to go."
"Are you sure?" Castle asked though it was more rhetorical.
"Very," Beckett said firmly. When he let her go, she went over to the bed and looked at him in confusion since her husband had followed her.
"Sorry, I was just wondering about your cape," Castle explained.
"You don't mind?" Beckett asked, picking up his jacket to hand to him.
"Not at all," Castle said with a nod. Once they had put their blazers on, he grabbed her cape, watching her putting on her hat. "What do you think?" he asked her once she had checked in the mirror that it was set.
"The brim sticks out a lot," Beckett said. "I'm still not used to it," she said, smiling at him.
"You do look great in it," Castle said seriously.
Nodding, Beckett said, "Okay, I'm ready."
With a nod, Castle went to her and wrapped it around her shoulders, watching her adjusting it in the mirror before saying, "Got it?"
"I do," Beckett said once she had the clasp set. "Now you," she told him.
With a quick nod, Castle threw on his coat and put his hat on last before going to where his wife was waiting for him. "Good?" he asked her.
"Yes," Beckett said, fixing his lapels though he didn't need it. They were kissing again before they were leaving the room and walking down the hall. She felt a little strange in the cape, but there was also a sense of déjà vu she couldn't shake before they were heading down the stairs. She was interrupted from that when she heard Darley calling to them and looked down to her friend.
"I wasn't expecting you to go all out," Darnley said with a smile.
"Too much?" Beckett asked, walking to him first.
"No, you look great," Darnley replied, hugging her tightly. After they parted, he told her softly, "I remember this outfit."
Smiling, Beckett hugged her friend tightly again and told him, "Thank you."
"And that outfit too," Danley told Castle. "Especially that hat. How did you find it?"
"By luck," Beckett said before she then turned to the others. "Is everyone ready?" As they were saying they were she went to Josie in her stroller and saw the baby was looking at her seriously. "Do you remember what to say sweetie?" she asked her, gently pulling the hood of her costume up onto her head.
"Tee," Josie said.
"You can say it," Castle said with a smile as he'd gone over to his wife. "Trick or treat."
"Trip… or," Josie began slowly, her big sisters having taught her that phrase. "Treat!" she finished with a wide smile on her face.
"Exactly," Castle said.
"But she said-" Eliza said with a slight frown.
Shaking her head and stopping the little girl from continuing, Beckett said, "It's the best she can do."
"People won't get mad?" Eliza asked them.
"No," Beckett said, smiling. "Okay, let's get going," she told the others. As they were leaving the house she went to Martha and said, "Hopefully you guys will be okay."
"We will," Castle's mother said. "And we'll hand out a bar each."
"Thank you," Beckett said with a nod before she hurried to catch up with the others.
"All set?" Castle asked his wife as she reached him.
"They are, I just hope they'll be warm enough," Beckett answered. She slipped her arm through her husband's as they were going to the house on the other side of the Foster home, letting him get Josie from the stroller.
"You have her pumpkin?" Castle asked her, making sure she had the bucket they'd gotten for their daughter's first Halloween actually trick or treating.
"It's here," Beckett replied. "Take her," she told him as he was about to hand Josie to her.
Though he thought his wife should, Castle nodded and went up to the front door before he watched as the other kids were getting their candies from the owner. "Hello," he said as he was last with Josie. "Go ahead sweetheart," he told her. "You know what to say."
"Trip treat," Josie said shyly.
"Here you go," the woman said with a laugh. "Your daughter is adorable," she told Castle after slipping a candy bar into her pumpkin bucket.
"Thank you," Beckett said, her husband echoing her. When they were leaving, she said, "Hopefully she knew we meant that for the candy too."
"Good point," Castle said, looking at the baby. "Think you can say thank you? Or even thanks."
"Tha," Josie said immediately.
Smiling, Beckett said, "Thank you sweetie."
"Than… k," Josie started to say. "You," she finished with, dragging the u at a little bit.
"That might work, we'll have to practice it tonight," Castle said, continuing to carry her while Beckett was pushing the stroller. "You should take her now love," he told her, not surprised she was smiling at him while she responded quickly.
"After the next house," Beckett assured him. She watched him going up with the kids and hung back with the other adults before saying, "How's everyone doing walking in their costumes?"
"Not bad," Lily said with a smile as her friend was looking at her. "I'm wearing clothes under this."
"I had a feeling," Beckett said. She looked at the kids as they were coming back to them and asked, "How was it?"
"Great, we got full candy bars again," Eliza said happily.
"She's right, I got a full Payday," Julia said. "When can we older kids go out further?" she asked her mother while they waited to watch for her father and Josie.
"Soon, don't worry," Beckett reassured her. She smiled at her husband when he was walking up to them and asked, "How'd she do?"
"Amazingly," Castle said, smiling when the baby squealed. He kissed the side of her head and handed her to Beckett saying, "She managed to say thank you. Still having trouble with trick though."
"She's saying trip?" Julia asked.
"She still is," Castle said with a nod. "But maybe hearing you guys saying trick she'll get it."
"What about letting her walk up to the door?" Julia asked. "I can take her."
"You might have trouble getting candy," Castle pointed out.
Shaking her head Julia said firmly, "I'll manage. She should walk, shouldn't she?"
"The next house," Beckett said before they were walking after the others. She called to them so they'd stop before the kids went to the door and explained what Julia wanted to do.
"I could take Sophie, Dad," Jacob said quickly.
"Alright," Brad said after glancing at his wife and making sure it was okay. At her nod he kissed Sophie's cheek before setting her down and letting her brother take her hand. "Be careful," he said.
"We will," Eve assured her father before they were going to the front door without any adults.
"We're going close to listen at least, right?" Lily asked.
"Yes," Beckett said before they were hurrying down the path to the house, seeing the door was opening.
"Trick or treat!" the kids were crying out at the same time though the two babies were a little behind and off in their pronunciation of the words.
"Well," the older man said, he and his wife together in the doorway. "How many are there of you?"
"Fourteen," Eve said, having had to answer that at the house before.
"You all look great," the man commented.
"And the babies look adorable," the woman said, smiling at Josie and Sophie who were in the front of the group. "Are you the writers' children?"
"The three of us are," Julia said, looking for Eliza as she stepped up to them.
"Here you go," the man said, starting to hand out lollipops. "My wife has seen some of you riding your bikes around."
"And I've seen some of you on TV," the woman said.
"Thank you," Julia said quickly though she was a little embarrassed at the recognition. She was about to tell Josie to say the same when the baby was speaking without her prompting.
"Thank you," Josie said slowly.
"You're welcome," the male homeowner said with a smile.
"Thank," Sophie said shyly.
"You're very welcome, all of you," the woman said, still smiling at them. "Happy Halloween."
After they'd said the same to the couple, Julia handed Mari her pillowcase before she picked up her sister. Carrying her over to their parents she said, "She's saying thank you perfectly."
"We heard," Castle said, taking the baby. He kissed her cheek and said, "Want to keep going?"
"No Dada," Josie said, shaking her head as she was speaking seriously. She smiled when her family all started laughing and then did so too as she hugged her father around his neck.
"I'm glad she doesn't have to go yet," Julia said since she was walking with her parents still. "Even though she doesn't really know about all this yet."
"We wouldn't be that mean," Castle said.
"And she gets some candy," Beckett said.
"Oh, you're awful, that's my line," Castle told her jokingly.
Smiling at her mother cupping her father's cheek, Julia turned her attention to the next house, taking her sister again with her before they were waiting for the owners to open the door to see what candy they could get next.
"I hate Halloween on a Sunday," Jacob said while they were crossing the street.
"I know, but we have to go back home soon," Eve told her brother.
"Well… we got a good haul you know," Jacob said.
"I do know," Eve said, giving him a look before they were laughing together. They headed together up to the house they'd gone to, saying trick or treat and thank you once they had their candy at the same time. Once they'd walked to the sidewalk, she asked the others, "Did you see what you got?"
"I got a Milky Way bar," Jacob said first.
"I got a Crunch bar," Peter said.
"I got Reese's Cups, awesome," Clive said.
"I got that too," Mari said. She looked at Julia and asked, "What about you?"
"Sky Bar," she replied.
"You don't want to trade?" Eve asked her.
"What did you get?" Julia said in surprise.
"Three Musketeers," Eve answered.
"I thought you liked those?" Jacob asked his sister.
"Yeah but I love Skye Bars too," Eve protested.
"Do you want to trade?" Julia asked hesitantly.
"Nah, I know you like those a lot," Eve said. They were walking to the next house and she asked, "Do you remember those from your past life?"
Nodding her head Julia said, "They were around a lot after I turned sixteen. I loved getting these at the market."
"You're lucky you got it," Mari said with a smile to her friend.
"I know, I'm going to save it for as long as I can," Julia said, smiling back at her. She turned her attention to the door, and they said trick or treat before they were getting their candy before going back to the sidewalk. "Did you see?" she asked.
Going into his pillowcase, Clive said, "Yes, they're bags! Cool!"
"They might be mini candies," Eve told him.
"I don't care," Clive said, laughing with the others. When they'd calmed down, he said, "We can't look and see what's in here can we?"
"I don't think so," Jacob said. "It's probably almost time to go home."
"Ten more minutes," Julia said as she had a pocket and had taken her phone in it. "Let's keep going, maybe someone might be giving away another bag," she added. When they got to the next house, she wasn't surprised when the owner asked what she and Mari were supposed to be. When the owners nodded at their answer she said once they were walking to the next home, "They've never heard of the movie."
"Probably not," Mari said. "They should though, Judy Garland is in it!"
"Maybe I should have worn a wig," Julia said hesitantly, startled when Mari grabbed her arm and made her stop before all their friends did too.
"No way, your hair looks better the way it is," the girl said firmly. "And even if you did put a wig, they still wouldn't know who we're dressed as."
"She's right, you'd look weird," Peter said. "What?" he asked as Eve gave him a look.
"Not the best thing to say," the young woman said, shaking her head. "It doesn't matter Julia, if you'd worn a wig you wouldn't have been able to do that dance you did before."
"True," Julia replied with a nod as she smiled. "Don't worry," she told her partner while they walked again. "I know you weren't insulting me, just telling the truth." She laughed as Peter looked relieved while he was nodding, and she turned her attention to the house they were walking up to. She was relieved when they were able to visit the rest of the houses on that block before they needed to start making their way home. As they were doing that, she got a message from her mother, telling Jacob, Eve and Mari to head home directly while Peter and Clive would return to the house with her.
"I hate Halloween on a Sunday," Jacob pretended to grumble as they walked to his and Eve's house first.
"Still, good haul," Eve said. She and her brother laughed with their friends before saying goodbye to them all and heading up to their home.
"You guys can go inside," Julia said as they went back to their street. "I'll take Mari back to her place."
"I don't think we should," Peter said slowly as he looked at Clive.
"I'm only going to be next door," Julia said in slight frustration.
"So it won't take that long," Peter said, Clive nodding in agreement with him. They went together after the girls and waited as the two walked down to the front door.
"I'll see you tomorrow morning?" Mari asked her friend.
"Of course," Julia replied. "Let me know what you got in that bag."
"You too," Mari said before her mother was opening the front door. She hugged Julia quickly before saying, "Night."
"Night," Julia replied quickly before she waved to her friend's parents and went back to the sidewalk. "Okay," she said. "We can go back now."
As they were heading back Peter said, "So, next year."
Laughing Julia said, "My dad was asking about that, I don't know. Should we do some matching costumes like Mari and I did?"
"I was thinking about Swing Time," Peter told her.
"The black dress?" Julia asked with a smile.
"Yeah, I'll so wear a tuxedo," Peter replied.
Laughing, Julia said, "Let's wait and see how we feel next year," before she put the code into the door in the wall.
"Good idea," Peter said.
When they had gone inside, Julia smiled to see Genevieve and Isaac were with her parents, waiting to go back home. She said goodbye to the others, waving when their car left before her mother put her arm around her shoulder.
"How was it?" Beckett asked her daughter as they walked inside ahead of Castle.
"Good, we got some great bars," Julia said. "Is Lizzy asleep?"
"She is, your grandparents headed up," Castle said.
"What about 'lexis and Louis?" Julia asked.
"They went up too, I forgot to mention that," Castle told her with a smile. "So we're looking at her loot, right?"
"Yes, but just looking," Beckett said. She then looked at their daughter and asked, "Did you want to write in your diary?"
"Yeah, I'd like to," Julia replied. "But I really did want to look at my candy too."
"Then go up, change and write in your diary," Castle said.
"Brush your teeth," Beckett said firmly. "It's too late for you to have anything."
"I figured. But we can look at the candy after, right?" Julia asked. When her mother nodded, she said, "I'm going." Heading upstairs, she tried not to thud her feet on the stairs and went down to her room since she'd gone up the foyer stairs. Changing in her room after Macca and JoJo were inside with her, she brushed her teeth and opened the door for her parents before getting her diary, pen and ink. She filled the pen and turned to the book writing quickly while she tried to go as fast as she could so she could look at her candy.
October 31st, 2021
Happy Halloween Evangeline!
I luckily have time to write but it's not a ton of time because I really want to check out my candy that I got.
This morning everything was normal. Get up, dressed, breakfast and today helping Mom and Dad with getting everything set up for the party and then cooking before a really fast lunch. It was just peanut butter and raspberry jelly, but it was tasty and let us last until the party started. Before that I put on my costume in my room with Mari and we both felt like Esther and Rose in the movie. I even danced around the room a little in my dress, like Judy Garland does when she sings The Boy Next Door and the dress moved just like it did in the movie!
So once we were all dressed up the guests started coming and they were all dressed up too. We played games, I actually won one of them… my prize was a box of candies and then a gift card to the bookstore downtown. After that, Mari and I got to dance Skip to My Lou from the movie with Peter and Clive. They didn't really want to, but they still danced it, so it was fun! We did our indoor bowling together after the dance and I just realized I forgot to say that Skye sang the song for us. We were playing after the dance until dinner and it was so good, but the thing I was looking forward to the most was trick or treating.
First it was the whole group of us walking together so the babies could trick or treat too. It was Josa's first time doing that and she was so cute, she kept saying trip instead of trick, but she could say treat and thank you fine. So she has her first Halloween candy now! She's not going to be able to eat that much but that's okay, at least she'll be able to do it from now on if it's not too cold! Then I went with the other older kids, Mari, Eve, Jacob, Peter and Clive, and we went around further than we had with the rest of our families. We got some great candy. I got one of my favorites, a Sky Bar and a bag with candies in it.
I know I didn't go into a super amount of detail, but there isn't a lot with the trick or treating. Plus, I want to check out my candies in the light and open that bag to see what little candies I got!
So goodnight Evangeline and Happy Halloween again!
Finishing her entry, Julia studied it for a moment before her parents were walking into her room and Castle was asking her if she was alright.
"Something's wrong?" he said.
"No," Julia said. "I didn't write as much as I probably could."
"You don't have that much time," Beckett commented while she watched the girl putting away her things.
"And there's the candy," Castle said. He smiled when his wife gave him a look before Julia was grabbing her pillowcase and going to the bed with them.
"You changed?" Julia asked them once they were sitting on her bed.
"Yeah," Castle said. "The party's over and we're going to bed soon."
"Soon?" Julia said in confusion as she dumped the candy on her bed.
"Not that soon," Beckett said, smiling at her husband. She looked at what Julia had gotten, and she smiled saying, "Oh a Sky Bar."
"I know, I was so happy," Julia replied, picking it up.
"When're you going to eat it?" Castle said.
"I don't know," Julia said. "I don't want to eat it tomorrow… or for a while 'cause I'll want another. But I know I need to eat it."
"You can think about it," Beckett told her.
Nodding, Julia said, "I will, maybe tomorrow after dinner."
"What about the bag?" Castle asked, seeing the small Halloween paper bag.
"Oh, we were so excited getting those," Julia said, reaching for it. She ripped it open and then reached in, showing her parents what she'd gotten. "Snickers Peanut Butter, Milky Way Dark and an Airhead. Cool."
"Oh good," Beckett said with a smile. When Julia looked at her, she explained saying, "I was hoping you wouldn't mind there were only three."
"After all the big candy bars I got?" Julia asked.
"Good point," Castle said, smiling when Beckett playfully pushed his shoulder. He then turned back to their daughter and said, "You got a great haul this year."
"I know, even with it being a Sunday," Julia replied. "I was so, so happy getting to go out."
"In your costume?" Beckett asked.
Nodding rapidly Julia said, "I loved it, even though it's weird to play tennis in that in the summer."
"Well, it was a movie," Castle said.
"I know, but in the south?" Julia asked.
"It was 1903," Beckett said in amusement. "Women had to be covered even if the skirt was a little shorter."
"That's true," Julia said thoughtfully. She then shook her head and told her parents, "Go ahead and pick."
"Pick?" Castle asked.
Rolling her eyes Julia said, "I know you're going to take some candy from us all Dad. Pick it now."
"Well, since you seem to be okay with it…" Castle said, looking around.
"I'll take this sweetie," Beckett said, taking the full-sized package of Tropical Skittles. "Since you have three of those."
Nodding, Julia said, "That's fine."
"And I will take this," Castle said, grabbing the Twix bar she had.
"That's it?" Julia said.
"That's it," Beckett said before she watched her husband taking one of the packages of peanut butter M&Ms.
"That's fine," Julia said quickly with a smile because her mother was looking at her father.
"Thank you," Castle said. "And thank you for letting me regress to my childhood with the candy."
Laughing Julia said, "You're welcome." She started to put her candies away and said, "Can I take that Snickers with me for after lunch?"
"Alright," Beckett said since the Sky Bar was small and the Snickers only a square.
"Thanks," Julia said eagerly. "What are you guys going to do next year?"
"About our costumes?" Castle asked. When the girl nodded, he said, "We might just wear the thirties costumes we have for your birthday."
"My thirteenth birthday," Julia commented.
"Hey, that's mean," Castle said, pouting playfully. He laughed when his wife was trying to squeeze his lips and said, "But yeah, the ones for your thirteenth birthday."
"That's not for a while," Julia reminded him. "And I can't wait for that, sorry."
"It's understandable," Beckett said. "I looked forward to turning thirteen."
"Me too," Castle said. "My chance to head to the library on my own."
"Really?" Beckett asked.
"Really," Castle replied though he was looking at Julia. "What's wrong?"
"No, I forgot that it was back in the city," the girl replied, shaking her head. She smiled and said, "It seems weird hearing that 'cause I was able to go to our library so much sooner."
"It's a benefit living in the suburbs," Castle told her.
"Then when can I go around and not have to text you?" Julia asked jokingly.
"Smart aleck," Beckett said, squeezing her cheek playfully before the girl was getting off the bed and putting her pillowcase on her desk.
"Yeah, I know," Julia said. "But what happens when I go to college?"
"You mean Julliard?" Castle asked her.
Blushing Julia said, "When I go there."
Since their daughter had walked back to them, Beckett wrapped her arms around her daughter and said, "You will I'm sure sweetie. But once you're in the city you only need to text us once in a while. You'll be an adult and we can't really keep you from doing everything."
"I'm kinda glad that's a while still," Julia told her parents.
"We are too," Castle said. He then said, "But let's change the subject."
Julia laughed at her mother rolling her eyes before she climbed back onto the bed and said, "What about next month?"
"What about it?" Castle asked.
"Are you ready for Thanksgiving?" Julia replied.
"Oh yeah, we have the menu set," Castle started with.
"You'll help," Beckett said as her husband was looking at her. She was surprised when he frowned slightly and asked, "What?"
"At least let her know," Castle said.
"That's more you Rick," Beckett said. She smiled when he opened his mouth to speak; still frowning; and she gently cupped his cheek to stop him. "But you'll be working on the sweet potatoes at least," she then said to their daughter.
"Okay, but what else?" Julia asked, knowing there had to be more.
"Would you like to try the rolls?" Castle asked. He smiled when she nodded rapidly and then said, "And dessert?"
"Can we make the apple pie?" Julia asked her mother.
"Of course," Beckett said.
"Great, thanks," Julia replied. "Are you still inviting Patrick and his family for the dinner?"
"And Skye and her family," Castle answered before his wife could. "Remember they'll stay until the Sunday after Thanksgiving."
Nodding Julia said, "Cool, it'll be great to play with everyone."
"Okay," Beckett said. "Did you brush your teeth?"
"I did," Julia replied. "But it's not my bedtime yet."
"No, but I need to make sure," Beckett replied. She then smiled and said, "What would you like to do now?"
"Play cards?" Julia asked.
"For your candy?" Castle replied with his own question while he was exaggerating his eagerness.
"No," Julia said in mock annoyance. She then laughed with her parents and said, "I just want to play."
"War? Go Fish?" Castle asked as Julia allowed him to get the stack of cards she had in her room.
"Could we start War?" Julia asked.
"I was going to suggest it," Beckett commented. "Since it's the easiest to play."
"Though the longest game," Castle said, glancing at Julia.
Making a playful face, the girl said, "I didn't pick it to try and stay up longer."
"I know you didn't," Beckett said as Castle was dealing the cards. "Your father is just mean."
Glancing at his wife, though they were soon smiling at each other, Castle focused on dealing the cards until he said, "How're you feeling now?"
"Okay," Julia said, since her father had been talking to her and she knew he meant the fact that the concert was coming up.
"Are you sure?" Beckett asked, watching her.
"Yeah," Julia replied seriously. "I mean, still nervous but Ms. Grey did say we'll start practicing just our dances once we have two weeks left."
"Good idea," Castle said before they were silent for a while. They were focusing on the game for a while before he was about to ask his wife about their plans for Christmas when Beckett was bringing that up before he could say a word to his surprise.
"Are you ready for Christmas yet?" she asked their daughter.
"Yeah, I just need to get Josa's gift," Julia replied. "And Santa got my list, right?"
"Yes," Beckett said, looking at her husband in amusement.
"Of course he did," Castle said with a smile. He then said, "But yeah, he got Eliza and Josie's lists too."
"Are we going to take all the gifts?" Julia asked.
"We shipped them," Beckett said.
"All of them?" Julia said.
"Not all of them but most of them," Castle said. "Since we are going to be there for a while you have to play with something."
"And we can go to the city," Julia said quickly.
"We'll try," Beckett reminded her.
"I hope we can go," Julia said with a sigh. "We're not going to be over there that many times."
"I get the feeling we will go," Castle said. "Since your mom would love to show more of it to Patrick."
"But if we want to stay at home?" Beckett told him.
"We have a lot of days for opportunities for that," Castle replied.
"But I don't want to plan everything because of that," Beckett said. "Not until we're there and get everyone's opinion."
"Are you tired of being in charge of everything?" Julia asked.
"No," Beckett said, cupping her cheek gently for a moment. "I'm thinking more of it being fair to let Skye and Mary give their own opinion about things."
"Not Patrick and Trevor?" Castle asked, unable to keep the amusement from his voice.
"Yes, but I know already they'll leave everything to us and Skye and Mary," Beckett replied.
"Still," Castle said, laughing when she lightly socked his shoulder. "Okay," he started to say before Julia was stopping him.
"I'll have to wait," she told him. "But Thanksgiving they'll stay right?"
"Overnight?" Beckett asked.
"Yeah, they could," Julia said. "Keo and Maddy can spend the night with Lizzy."
"We'll mention it to them," Beckett said after sharing a look with her husband. "But the adults will likely go back home, remember Skye and Mary have one room and Skye's dad and stepfather in the other."
Sighing Julia said, "Alright." She was about to set down her next card before she looked on in surprise when her mother's phone was making its text alert sound. "What is it?" she asked since her mother looked surprised.
"It's from Rebecca," Beckett replied. "She said to call," she told them before calling her friend's cell.
"Hey, sorry about calling you so late," Rebecca said.
"It's okay, Julia's not in bed yet," Beckett said. "What happened?"
"Our parents are staying in Florida for Thanksgiving," Rebecca said. "The weather's been really nice, and my dad's rheumatism has been acting up. They want to stay there to be safe. David's parents have been invited by his dad's old Navy shipmate, so they want to have the dinner with them. But we'll be with all of them for Christmas of course."
"Are you going to Florida?" Julia asked.
"We are," Rebecca said, obviously smiling. "We just decided tonight so we'll tell Mari and Ruby at breakfast. So… might we host you guys?"
"We're having the Darnleys and McDouglases over," Beckett reminded her.
"But come over," Castle said. "We haven't bought food yet for the dinner, so it won't be a problem to add you."
"And the Davises are hosting their Albany friends, right?" Rebecca asked.
"This year yeah," Castle said. "So our four families."
"Okay," Rebecca said. "We'll head over. Let us know if you need us to supply anything."
"We will," Beckett said.
"Thank you," Rebecca said.
"Wait, Rebecca," Beckett told her friend.
"Oh right, yes Mari can spend the night over there," the lawyer said, amusement again in her tone. "And Ruby if they start asking and if it's okay for her to stay too."
"Julia was talking about Keo and Maddy staying the night, so that's fine," Beckett said.
"Okay, then we have Thanksgiving set," Rebecca said. "Thank you again, night."
"You're welcome, see you," Beckett said first. After Castle and Julia had said goodnight to the lawyer she said, "Are you happy?"
"Very," Julia replied. "And I hope Mari can do something fun in Orlando."
"I find it amusing her grandparents all live in that city," Castle said. "But it helps," he added since they knew Rebecca and David's parents kept in touch with each other.
"It does," Beckett said before she turned to their daughter who was speaking shortly after.
"It isn't time yet is it?" Julia asked.
"It almost is," Beckett replied. "Are you going to ask Mari if she'll go to Disney World?"
Smiling, Julia said, "I was thinking of it. But I know Disney World is closed for Christmas."
"There's always after," Castle commented.
Glaring at her husband, before he was leaning over and kissing her a moment later, Beckett sighed before saying, "You can ask, but I'm sure once she finds out she's going she'll ask her parents herself."
"That's what I thought," Julia replied. "Maybe they'll just go to one park?"
"We'll go back," Castle reassured her. "I don't know when but I'm sure it'll be soon."
"What about a cruise?" Julia asked.
"We talked about that," Beckett said. "And we will go on a Disney cruise one day. But we need to let Josie get a little older."
Nodding Julia said, "Cool, have you been on a cruise before?" talking to both her parents.
"No," Beckett said. "I never had a chance and never really wanted to. Though your aunt did want me to go on a singles cruise with her a long time ago; before you were born."
"Singles?" Julia asked.
"People who didn't have a significant other," Castle explained. "In the hopes of finding someone on the boat."
Frowning as she thought that over Julia said, "That sounds weird."
"I thought the same, so I told her no," Beckett replied. "Though to be honest Lanie meant it as a joke," she said with a smile. "And you?" she directed to her husband.
"No, I never really thought about it to be honest," Castle said. "I was too used to flying to the place and going from there. So it'll be a first for me too. Where should we go?"
Beckett couldn't help laughing and shook her head saying, "When we can take Josie we'll discuss that. And now it is time for her to go to bed."
Smiling when Julia groaned heavily, Castle said, "You knew it was coming."
"Yeah, yeah," Julia mumbled. She then smiled as she went to Macca and JoJo and said, "But it was a great day."
"Good Halloween?" Castle asked her. At her nod he watched with Beckett as Julia was hugging the two dogs before she went back to the head of the bed. He sat on the edge next to her and said, "I'm glad, now hopefully next year will be too, whatever you end up wearing."
"Peter and I were talking about dressing like Fred and Ginger from Swing Time," Julia said.
"That black dress?" Castle asked. When Julia nodded, he said, "Nice. But you've got time."
"We'll see when we get to next year," Julia replied with a nod. She then hugged her father tightly and said, "I love you Dad."
"I love you too sweetheart," Castle said. "And I'm so glad we're walking you to school tomorrow."
"Me too," Julia said before they shared a quick kiss. After they'd parted, she hugged him again before she moved to slide her legs underneath her covers as her mother sat where her father had been. "I'm glad you're back too," she said.
"I knew," Beckett said, embracing her daughter tightly. She then pulled back and said, "And we'll have a great Christmas."
"Perfect," Julia said with a smile. "I can't wait for the tree!"
"I'm not surprised," Beckett said. "You're just like your dad." She laughed when Julia nodded rapidly before they shared a kiss, standing to start tucking her in. "Sweet dreams Julia, we'll get you to help with breakfast in the morning."
"Thanks Mom," Julia said. "Night, you too Dad."
"Goodnight sweetheart," Castle told her before he went with Beckett to the doorway.
After her parents had turned off the light, Julia waved to her parents and was about to close her eyes before she heard someone calling to her.
Julia
Looking over to the side Julia said, "I don't know if I can talk."
Mentally darling, mentally
'Oh, good point,' Julia said. 'How come you're here Freddie?'
I know you've been worrying about your dancing, the man said, sitting on the edge of Julia's armchair. But I don't think you really need to worry. I've seen your dancing again tonight and it was very good.
'Thanks,' Julia said shyly. 'Will you be able to go to the concert?'
I believe I will, Freddie replied. He smiled as the girl looked thoughtful before he said, I won't appear, I'd drain you all and doesn't Skye need to sing?
'Definitely,' Julia replied. She then smiled and said, 'You could go to the rehearsal.'
And you'll be there? Freddie asked.
Nodding her head Julia said, 'And so will Brian and Roger.'
You're that comfortable? Freddie said with a smile.
'They were really nice,' Julia said. 'I just wish Mr. Deacon was going to be there too.' She was smiling then as Freddie started to laugh and she asked when he'd calmed down, 'What's so funny?'
Oh, darling that's you, the singer replied. Mr. Deacon… oh, he'd be quite tickled at that.
'I don't know him personally, it's proper,' Julia said as she was smiling.
Of course, of course, Freddie said. But I must leave you to sleep. Now I'll be there, and I'll do my best not to join in. And don't be nervous, you'll dazzle them all.
'Thank you, Freddie,' Julia told him before his image was fading. She smiled to herself and then turned onto her back before she closed her eyes tightly and let herself fall asleep though she couldn't help looking forward to the rehearsal at least.
"What are you going to do?" Castle asked his wife when they walked into their room.
Turning to him, Beckett waited until he'd closed the door to ask him, "Do?"
"About Julia," Castle replied. "She's still nervous."
"There's not much I can do," Beckett said simply. "She's going to be nervous either way. I just hope with Paul and Derek there she'll calm down."
"She should," Castle commented. "And you'll be there, on stage and everything."
"Okay Rick," Beckett said as she took off her robe while she walked to the bed. "Just ask."
"How're you doing?" Castle asked when he went around to his side of the bed so they could pull the covers down.
"Good, I'm only taking pictures," Beckett said.
"Though we still don't know who's going to be there," Castle commented while he took off his robe.
"No, but I don't need to worry about it," Beckett said simply. "I just need to make sure I get good pictures of them."
With a quick nod Castle said, "Alright."
"Now I need to ask you something," Beckett told him. When he looked at her questioningly, she smiled and reached for him, pulling him to her so they could share a quick kiss. Once they'd parted, she said, "Will you be my assistant?"
"Assistant?" Castle asked in both surprise and confusion.
"Yes," Beckett replied with a smile. "I shot it by Skye about using different cameras and she spoke with Brian and Roger, she said they were all for it."
"What will these pictures be for?" Castle asked.
"They're going to print them the night before, in a book for the VIP tickets and then the next level from them," Beckett answered. "And I'd like to have different results."
"Will we be getting one of those books?" Castle asked.
"There'll be one for us, Skye and Peter," Beckett replied. "Derek too," she added.
"Nice, I'm assuming it's going to Julia's room?" Castle asked.
"Of course," Beckett replied. "But I asked them to let me have the negatives of the pictures of the kids."
"Christmas gift for Genevieve and Isaac?" Castle said immediately.
"And our parents and Julia herself too," Beckett said with a smile. "And for us to have as well," she added, not surprised her husband was asking about the cameras.
"How many are you taking?" Castle said.
"My Pentax, and the Kodaks along with the Nikon," Beckett told him. "So if you don't mind…"
"I don't," Castle said in a rush. He smiled when his wife cupped his face with her hands, and he leaned into her to kiss her lovingly. When they'd parted, he said, "What about tomorrow?"
"What about it?" Beckett asked in amusement.
"I think we should wait to write again," Castle said.
"You're lucky we're ahead," Beckett said with a smile. She kissed his cheek and then said, "And I agree, though she is going to take a nap."
"She is, but we can just… spend some time together," Castle said.
"Or I can develop my last roll of film I used with Dad," Beckett said gently.
"Or that, good idea," Castle replied,
Beckett smiled and kissed his cheek before she said, "You'll have to figure out what you'll do now."
"I'll read most likely," Castle replied. "But you won't be bothered by the construction."
"No," Beckett replied, shaking her head. She then said, "But that reminds me, have you heard from the workers in Mill Valley?"
"Not since last week," Castle said. "I'm assuming they'll e-mail next week. Hopefully things are still going as scheduled," he added.
"I think so, the company is good," Beckett replied. She was about to speak when there was a knock on the door, and she turned to it as her husband was getting up in a rush to open it.
"Eliza," Castle said in concern when he saw her. He picked her up and asked, "Did you have a nightmare?"
Shaking her head, Eliza smiled at her mother and said, "I'm thirsty."
"Oh," Beckett said, turning to her nightstand. "Take my water, I didn't drink it."
"Not that fast ceann beag," Castle said hurriedly since she was doing that with the water. When she had stopped, he asked, "Good?"
"Yeah," Eliza said, nodding her head. "Can I sleep here?"
"Not tonight sweetie," Beckett said with a smile. "Come on," she told her. She let Castle carry their second youngest to Eliza's room and watched him setting the little girl on her bed. Once he'd kissed her forehead she stepped up and covered Eliza saying, "Sweet dreams."
"Thank you, Mommy, Daddy," the little girl replied with a smile.
Watching Eliza turning onto her side, Beckett went back to her husband and took his hand as they watched their daughter falling asleep. Once she was sure Eliza was fine, she gently tugged on Castle's hand before they walked together to the hall. Back in their room she said while he was closing the door behind him, "We forgot to get her water."
"I know," Castle said. "We'll have to remember tomorrow. But watch she won't need it."
"She usually doesn't," Beckett said in amusement as she and her husband were getting on the bed. Once they were covered, she said, "But we will. Speaking of the girls, we have to look at their gifts."
"We have time for that before Tahiti and the concert and Thanksgiving," Castle said.
"Look at the list," Beckett said. "I don't think we have that much left."
"True," Castle said. "But you were going to work with your dad."
"I didn't mean tomorrow," Beckett said with soft laughter.
"Oh, but you're not going to be developing the pictures for that long," Castle said.
"If we can fit it in," Beckett said with a quick nod. She then said, "We better get to sleep."
"Yeah," Castle said with a sigh as he looked at the nearest clock. "Well, at least it's not that long until Tahiti." He saw the expression on his wife's face at that and he said, "I meant going, not our intimacy."
Studying him, Beckett decided he was telling the truth before he leaned down to her and kissed her. She took a second to reply but was doing so soon after, their tongues meeting before they were parting. "Rick," she said simply before she threw her arms around him and they were kissing again. After they'd been doing that for some time they were stopping and she murmured against his lips, "I love you."
"I love you too Kate," Castle said seriously, unable to stop himself and kissing her again.
Though the two would need to stop to sleep, Castle and Beckett couldn't stop themselves for some time. They wanted to indulge in what they could, and while they held one another tightly they were trying not to think of their eagerness for Tahiti since they were getting closer to November.