CASTLE NEEDS A FAVOR

CHAPTER FOUR

Previously: She looked up at Castle, stunned nearly speechless. She had to shallow twice to be able to finally speak.

"Rick?"

Kate held out her shaking hand. "What is this?"

Rick bends over and takes a long look at the object in her hand. "Looks like a ring."

Kate's eyes flame. "Of course it's a ring! It's a freakin' diamond ring! A diamond engagement ring!"

Castle nods his head slowly. "I'd say you are right. Who knew they came in Cracker Jacks."

Kate growled and punched Castle in the arm. "Why do you do that? You know that I'm not ready for this. I may not ever be ready for this."

She was shaking in anger and fear. She didn't know which emotion was dominant. She had come to realize that she did love Rick, that she had been hiding those feelings out of fear of the hurt that she'd have to live with when he realized that she was nothing special.

But things were all screwed up. She was stuck in a nightmare. On one hand she was in a situation that most women can only dream of. A wonderful, handsome, wealthy man claimed to love her, but there was a critical catch. He was dying, and any happiness that they could have was doomed.

But there was another catch. He needed her help. She wanted to help him. She needed to help him, but the price her heart must pay was enormously high.

Castle stroked her cheek with his hand. "Look Kate, don't think of this as an engagement ring. At least not yet. For now it's a piece of costume jewelry for the benefit of everyone else. Everyone we know will see this weekend for what it turned out to be. A romantic weekend." He sighed. "At least it was for me."

"Me too."

Rick smiled. "So, let's take advantage of that. No matter what you decide in the end, our friends and family will think that this is a natural progression of our relationship. Well, they may think it's a bit early for this step, but we are on a clock of some sort." Castle ran his hand through his hair. "It doesn't mean that we are going to run right to a justice of peace as soon as we get home. Our engagement can be as long as we want it, given the time we eventually will have."

She chews her bottom lip. "Which we have no idea how long that is."

"No we don't." He shook his head. "But we will have indicators. The symptoms will make themselves known within a week or two of the end."

"Don't say that!"

He pulled her into a hug. "It's not going to go away, Kate. We can only ignore it so long." He gave her a quick kiss, but when he tried to pull away she pulled him back and kissed him back until they ran out of breath.

Castle found that he kind of liked needy Kate. "Look, I don't think we are going to be left guessing when this condition will strike. Once my doctor has been able to have the lab do those final tests he wanted he'll let me know what the score is well before the symptoms become severe."

He led a pouting Kate over to the bed and they both sat down. He had his arm around her shoulders. "Kate, that ring can mean anything you want it to mean right up until you decide to marry me or not. I'm not asking you to make the actual commitment right now, just that you are still willing to help me until we have to make that final decision."

"You know?" She swiped a phantom tear from her cheek. "I told you last night that I loved you. And I meant it. But I've also come to the revelation that I don't really know what I'm talking about. It's obvious that I've never really been in love before."

She shook her head, her hair swirled as she did. "Not Will, definitely not Tom, and certainly not Josh. I may be incapable of loving anyone but my father."

Castle gave her a squeeze. "What about that boy in college? The one who cheated on you with Maddie?"

Kate frowned. "Post adolescent hormones."

Rick laughed and gave her another hug. Kate held up the ring which she had been tightly holding all this time. She held it out in front of her. It really was beautiful. The band was platinum with several strands of gold spiraling around it. The center diamond was a single large oval with a ring of small diamonds, rubies, and sapphires. She had never seen one like it. It was just for her.

She held it up and turned toward him. "How in the world did you get this in a Cracker Jack box? And when did you have this ring made, and for who, originally?"

Castle grinned. He always enjoyed his tricks more than those tricked. "I know a guy who owns this little company over in the Bronx called 'Surprise!'. His business is to secret items the customer provides into various unusual containers, like candy boxes, potato chip bags, inside the pockets of shirts still sealed in plastic. I really liked the one where he had put a gold necklace into a helium filled balloon. Unfortunately, the recipient allowed it to slip out of her hand. I guess the customer ran nearly a half mile before he caught up with it."

Kate chuckled. "When did you have this done?"

"On one of my coffee runs during the week. I was a little concerned because being able to come out here was only going to happen if we solved that case."

"Which we did." She grinned. "So, when did you have a chance to have the ring made and how did you know the size." She had briefly tried it on, then took it off again.

"I had that ring made a couple of months ago."

Kate's eyes locked on his. "What!" She shook her head. "None of this had begun happening yet. How is it that you had a ring already? Did the Richard Castle ego think that I wouldn't be able to resist him? That I'd fall at his feet if he showed me the littlest bit of his attention?'

Castle shook his head. "No, I told you when I first asked you to help me that I had been and was attracted to you. I told you I was willing to play the long game and wait until you were through with your window shopping, and realize that the one who could love you most was right under your eyes."

She squinted her eyes. "And the size?"

Castle just smiled conspiratorially. "I have my ways."

Kate sat there rolling the beautiful ring around in her hand. After a few silent minutes she gave the ring to Rick and held out her left hand. He reverently slide it on the third finger of her left hand. They moved in for a sweet kiss, then just leaned their heads together.

Kate sighed. "I'm hungry."

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

They had a casual lunch because Castle was planning on grilling steaks for their dinner before they had to leave for the city. Kate had cut up bite sized pieces of fruit and vegetables while Rick cut up some chunks of ham, chicken, and turkey for the kababs.

It filled their bellies and with a couple of smoothies they were more than content until the big cook out that evening.

After lunch they had decided to relax by the pool. The heat of the day was beginning to get uncomfortable so Rick put up the big patio umbrella. It was too hot to sit in the double lounger. Sweaty bodies touching wasn't desirable, so they opted for the single loungers pushed close together. They laid under the shade of the big umbrella holding hands.

Kate suddenly woke up having fallen asleep in the comfy chair. She immediately missed Castle's hand holding hers. She peeled back one eye lid and was able to see Castle standing a few feet away fussing over the grill. She grinned and decided to keep her eyes closed for a while yet.

Castle had to shake Kate back awake. She must've been more wiped out by their sandcastle competition than he thought. "Hey Kate, time to get up. Food will be ready pretty soon. You'd better get up and change. It will be cooling off soon."

Kate grumbled and tried to roll away from the annoying voice trying to disturb her sleep. After a few more shakes she grudgingly opened her eyes.

"What?" It took a couple of moments for her mind to lock in on who was standing over her and where she was. A smile came over her face. "Hi."

"Hi yourself." Castle chuckled. "It's time to get up. Dinner will be ready soon. You'll probably want to change clothes. It will start getting cooler soon, and a few bugs are bound to get past my bug bombs."

As he helped her up she accidently stumbled into his arms. When he grabbed her she threw her arms around his neck. "Nice save. My hero." She planted a long wet kiss against his lips.

She glanced at the apron he had added to his attire. It was covered with cartoon cows, pigs, and chickens dancing around a kettle grill.

"What, no 'kiss the chef'?"

Castle shrugged. "I always assume that's a given." So she kissed him again.

Kate was rummaging through the stuff she brought to wear. She had figured correctly that she would be spending a lot of time in her swim suit or shorts so she hadn't packed but one nice sundress which she used when they went into town.

She figured that it would be warm enough to wear shorts, so she pulled on a pair of black denim shorts and picked out a sparkly silver short sleeved top that had been a last minute addition when she had packed.

She then went into the bathroom to check her hair and make-up. She put a bit of eyeliner on along with a touch up on her lashes. She left her face bare.

Then she looked at the wind tangled mass that was her hair. She normally would just drag it back into a ponytail when confronted with the kind of day that they had planned. She smirked at her reflection. She knew that Castle wasn't real fond of the ponytails and messy buns that she often used when she was in a hurry, or just lazy. He'd never said anything directly to her about it, but she'd over heard him mention it to Ryan when Kevin made the same comment about Jenny's long hair. Both had said that if the girls wanted long hair, then wear it long. If not, short hair looked good too.

Kate wasn't sure what she thought about that. She had remembered him telling her that when she wore her hair short he thought she looked adorable. Suddenly Kate was depressed again.

She liked her hair long, she liked looking like a girl. The only reason she'd had short hair when they first met was because she had just recently made detective one and she felt she needed to convey a more serious image since she'd be working mostly with men. After she'd been established for a couple years she grew it out again.

She grabbed her brush and attacked the snarls that she had let have their way during the day. She wondered, if she would have had a chance to have a real life together with him would she cut her hair if he wanted her too?

She thought how a woman wore her hair was her choice, but she guessed it wouldn't hurt to take a husband or life partner's opinion into account. She finished her brushing and then tucked her hair behind her ears. She left the bathroom and headed back downstairs.

She could smell the steaks cooking as she approached the patio off the kitchen. She smiled as Castle looked up with a smile. "Hey, can you grab plates and silverware. We'll set up on the table over there." He pointed at the metal table with an umbrella sticking up through the middle.

"Sure, babe."

Castle's head snapped over toward her. "Babe?"

Kate was suddenly self-conscious. It had just came out of her mouth.

"Yeah, it just seemed… right. I hate it when grown adults use terms like baby, or sweetie. It sounds like they are talking to children. Do you mind that I call you Babe?"

He came over and gave her a quick kiss. "Nope, I love it… babe." He had to try it out.

She stuck the tip of her tongue out between her lips and she headed back into the kitchen for the place settings. The food was almost ready so no more dawdling.

She quickly found the plates and only had to check two drawers to find the silverware.

The meal had been delicious, but the company had been better. Somehow Rick had been able to keep the conversation light and positive. They talked about 'the boys' and how Kevin seemed to be getting very serious about his girlfriend Jenny.

The mention of Jenny and Ryan triggered another bout of melancholy in Kate. She could see a marriage in the near future for those two. Unlike her, everyone was going to think that she and Castle were heading that way but theirs would end very sadly. Right then and there Kate swore to herself that she would not let Kevin be killed on the job. He deserved his happy ever after. Even if she couldn't have it.

She immediately knew how ridiculous her silent vow was. They were cops, their tomorrows were never guaranteed. But, as long as that happiness was still possible it was okay. For her, happiness was not possible.

Castle was able to sense that Kate had fallen into a dark mood again so he began to tell her stories about the latest antics he'd shared with his family. How he'd nearly forgotten that he and Alexis had a museum date last week. Or that Martha's latest class was performing their graduation play another night. He chuckled as he said he needed a secretary to keep track of times and places he was expected to be.

"How come you didn't ask me if I would like to accompany you to those events?" She stared at him. No indication on her face on how she felt.

Castle smiled. "Because I like you?"

Kate shrugged. "Aren't those events that your girlfriend, now your bride to be, would accompany you to?"

He reached out and grabbed her hand. "What's wrong Kate, besides the obvious?"

A bit of anger came through. "Isn't the obvious enough? God Rick, my emotions are bouncing back and forth between my feelings for you and my depression that the happy couple we are playing will not be allowed to last."

Castle leaned back in his chair. He had an angry look on his face. "I truly am sorry for what I'm putting you through by asking you to do this for me. But if you don't remember, I'm not exactly in a happy place either. I've tried to stay as upbeat as I can for you, and Alexis and everyone else but as you know it's not easy. I'm the one who is going to die after all."

That started Kate crying again. "You don't think I wouldn't trade places with you if I could? You have a family, you bring happiness to thousands with your talent. It's not fair that this should be happening to you!"

He grabbed both her flailing hands and pulled them down onto the table. "Kate, you know more than anyone that life's not fair. But we have to play the cards we are dealt." He stopped and a gasped in mock horror. "Oh god did I really use such an old tired clique?"

Kate was trying hard not to giggle. In the midst of the whole horrible situation he still managed to think of ways to ease her pain. How can she not love this man?

Kate made quick work of the dishes and trashing anything that needed it. Castle went out and cleaned up the grill and began putting away the chairs and umbrellas into the storage shed. He put his hand out to shield his eyes from the sun. It was probably two hours, or a little less until sunset. They had long drive back to New York.

Castle drove toward the setting sun for the first half of the trip. Both had their visors down and their sunglasses on as the miles sped by. Kate glanced over at Rick in the driver's seat. He looked kind of sexy with those aviator glasses on. Actually, Castle looked kind of sexy all the time.

She bit down on her lip. "So, now that we're engaged, what's the plan?"

Rick glanced at her. "I assume we just keep following what we've started. There will be more questions and more excitement from our friends, but we just tell them that we've decided that we want to let everyone know that we decided to make it official. Even if we have no timetable."

"You think that will work on 'our'friends? Ryan and Espo will be grilling me relentlessly. Lanie will absolutely freak when she sees this rock." Kate wiggled her ring finger. "And Montgomery is going to assume you already got me pregnant."

Castle smirked. "Is that something that you'd want?"

Kate glared at him. "Not if you aren't going to be there to raise the little one."

"But do you want to have kids someday?"

Kate shrugged. "I don't know, maybe. But not right away. I have trouble seeing myself as a mother. It would have to be the perfect situation."

Castle laughed. "There are no perfect situations, but the rewards of raising a child are beyond anything you will ever experience. Even if you are by yourself."

Kate shook her head violently. "No way am I ever going to take on a responsibility like that without a partner. You had the advantage of a near perfect daughter. My mother had me. Can you imagine the temperament of a child from my loins? Besides, you had the advantage of a stay at home job, and later plenty of money to help with anything that could happen."

"You would have the money. And I know that you would be a great mother. All you'd have to do is remember what your mother did when confronted with a similar situation and follow her lead."

Kate frowned. "First off, I don't want your money. Next, I would be a complete basket case every time a baby cried. I'm not really the baby type."

Castle chuckled. "No one is at the start. But with your compassion and heart, any baby would be blessed to have you as their mother."

Kate furrowed her brow. "Tell you what. If you stick around after our wedding of convenience I will have some kids with you. But you have to be there."

Castle's look was one of desire. "If motivation was all I needed, what you just told me would cure me. Do you know how much I love you?"

She hid her face for a moment. "I'm beginning to and it just makes all this harder."

"I will do whatever I can to help you with this Kate, but there is only so much I am able to control. Tell me what you need."

Kate mumble into her chest. "I didn't hear that." Rick turned toward her.

"I said, I need you to live."

"I'll see what I can do about that."

"Don't be flip."

"Sorry."

She shook her head. "No, I'm sorry. I'm supposed to be helping you provide the best for your family given these terrible circumstances and all I do is feel sorry for myself. I promise that I will do what I can to make these next however many weeks left, not only the best we can make it for Alexis and Martha. But I will stop being a whiny slug, and I will suck it up and remember I'm doing this for a man I've come to love."

Before Castle could respond Kate's phone rang. Confused, Kate dug it out of her pocket. She glanced at the screen. She frowned.

"Who is it?" Castle asked.

Kate looked at him as if she was trying to remember something. "Oh shit, I forgot I was supposed to drop by Lanie's tonight to do some catch up. We haven't been able to do a girl's night since we started dating. She's going to kill me."

Castle hid his smile.

Kate thumbed Lanie's icon. "Hey girl, what's up?"

Kate held her phone out so both her and Castle would be able to hear. "What's up? I've been sitting here for over an hour waiting for you to show up but you ain't here."

Kate bit her tongue. "Yeah, I'm sorry about that. I kind of forgot."

"You forgot!" There was a muffled harrumphed. "Girl, we haven't had a chance for a girl's night to talk about you and a certain hunk you've been hanging around quite a bit these past few weeks."

"Hello, Lanie." Castle spoke up.

"What, is that Castle? Did you ghost me to hang with your new man?"

Kate tried to sound apologetic. "It's not like that Lanie. We've been out at Rick's Hampton's house over the weekend, and we are now on the way back to the city. We're about…" She looked at Rick. He held up a single finger. "About an hour out yet."

"Rick's Hampton's house now is it? Girl you and me have some catching up to do."

Kate stared down at her left hand and rolled her eyes. "Yeah, I suppose we do. I'm sorry we weren't able to get away as fast as we thought we would. I should have called you, but I had other things on my mind."

"I'll just bet you did girl. I suppose I can forgive you this time. Hell, if I had spent the weekend shacked up with a hottie like Castle I would forget your number too."

Castle couldn't help interjecting. "Thank you Lanie. I think you're a hottie too."

"Damn, I keep forgetting that he's right there with you. I suppose I can let you get back to your 'better things to do' and you can tell me all about it soon. And I'm going to want details, you hear me, details. And if you won't tell me, I'll call Castle and get the lowdown from him."

"Lanie!" Laughter rang through her phone for a few seconds before the connection dropped.

Kate shook her head. "I'll have to stop by the morgue on my way in tomorrow."

Castle pointed at Kate's left hand. "How do you think she'll take that?"

Kate looked at her hand and dropped her head. "She's going to think I have been keeping something from her."

"You were." Castle grinned.

"Shut up. She's going to rake me over the coals."

"It will be good practice when you start running into your friends and they ask. You'd better get the story you are going to use straight in your head. You don't want to give different people different stories."

Kate grinned back at him, but there didn't seem to be any humor behind her smile.

"I'm going to tell them the truth. My boyfriend gave me a ring from a Cracker Jacks box."

Rick laughed. "That will sound really classy."

Kate shrugged. "Well my betrothed is a pretty classy guy."

They both laughed as the miles sped by and the lights of the city came into view.

AN: I've seen comments that wonder if Kate is going to feel that Rick has been misrepresenting the situation just to get her to marry him. Please realize that Rick honestly believes he has a terminal condition and his actions have always been based on that belief.

Also I had a little problem when I was copying chapter five to get it ready for being posted. I accidentally deleted it. So I've had to rewrite to whole think over again. It should be ready for posting the next day I just fear it won't be quite as good as the first draft was.

Readers are always Appreciated, Review if you wish