The Heart Won't Lie
by Castlefan6
Authors Note: This is Totally AU; Beckett has left for D.C and the Feds. This describes the activity of each, during the time away from each other, NO PROPOSAL, before she left, but plenty of ANGST. Can they find their way back to each other, or do they even want to? It blends some Canon dialog, courtesy of Dust Jackets Dot Com, then goes quickly and completely AU. What were each up to during this time, Taking Literary License to fill in the blanks.
A/N: CASKETT ENDING IS NOT GUARANTEED. : CASKETT ENDING IS NOT GUARANTEED.
I don't own Castle; I use the characters for amusement purposes only, except the ones I create.
Also, we take liberties with the timeline from Canon and use events to make this a more believable fiction, thanks.
Thanks to reader pmt0622 for the prompt:
A CASKETT ENDING IS NOT GUARANTEED.
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Chapter 18
Heathcote Rd,
Scarsdale, NY 10583
Castle's New Home
Three Months Later
Rick and Serena still spoke, although the frequency of the calls had diminished greatly since she left, from several times a day to once or twice every few weeks. She had her hands full, even with the help Rick had provided quietly and anonymously for the girls.
Her sister Anna had been leveraged to the hilt, something Rick took care of without Serena finding out, when she went to make the house payment, instead, she was presented with the deed for the upscale home in one of the nicest neighborhoods in the state. Serena had been correct, there wasn't time for anything but the girls and herself, and as much as Rick missed her, the companionship, he was comfortable with her status because she was happy.
He knew she belonged in Wisconsin, and well, now that Alexis had given birth to his first Grandson, he was going to be moving back to New York again. Enough time had passed between the memories of Kate leaving, where he could accept the good times, without all of the hurt crashing down on him.
People thought he was nuts, but Abby was still his therapist, via Zoom calls, and had guided him to a good spot in life. He no longer hated Kate for the hurt, he hated the feeling of hurt but looked upon Kate as the source of many good memories and the love of his life. He at one time in his life said that Kyra had been the one to get away, he was wrong, it was Kate.
Gina had so much as hinted, make that did everything but take out a billboard sign to tell him that his little girl would love to be closer to her Dad, and share the love of her little guy with the man she still adored.
Gina had been with her during childbirth, Rick had been banned from coming to the hospital until Gina cleared it, and rushed to see both his daughter, son-in-law Doctor Todd Bures, a well-respected Oncologist, and Richard Todd Bures, the newest member of the Castle, make that Bures clan. Rick had gifted them the loft when they were married two years earlier, it had sat empty most of the previous time with only a few visits back, things just weren't the same.
Alexis had sealed his office and bedroom suite, choosing to leave his, and her memories just the way they were. She often would slip into his office and sit in his chair, when she was missing him, or Grams. She recalled how she had demanded adulthood since she first turned 18, getting her wish, only to find out that it's a very lonely world for adults. Kids never seemed to feel that loss, mainly because of parents, especially those like her Dad had made sure she had a fairy tale childhood.
Preserving that portion of the loft meant she could always slip back to the days when Pumpkin and Dad fought the world and won, it didn't matter who tried to oppose them. As long as she had her Dad's hand to hold, she was invincible, or so she thought.
She and Gina were closer than ever, and when she made the comment about how much she would love to have her Dad closer, Gina said, I'll ask him for you. Richie was 4 months old when Gina flew to Los Angeles to review the final Heat Movie and to have a heart-to-heart talk with her friend and ex-husband about his little girl's wishes.
Two weeks later, Rick had sold the home in California, and was moving to an estate in Scarsdale, New York. It was only a half-hour by train trip, less than an hour by car, to the city, close but not too close to allow his daughter to live her life. He also had memories of the city, some good, some not so good, and he had worked hard to hold on to only the good ones.
The Scarsdale property would allow him to be close to Alexis, Richie, Todd, and Gina, but not too close where he would run into people from his old life. He had one last movie premier, Final Heat coming up in a few months, then he was putting his pen down, at least for a while. It was time he enjoyed some of his money.
The property he purchased in Scarsdale was one of the most prized homes in the city of those who already were far ahead of the average New York Citizen in wealth. Its description read more like a palace than a home;
Majestic Murray Hill Estate is set on 4.12 private acres of manicured park-like grounds including a tennis court and 50 x 20-foot pool with spa and cabana, this grand Georgian Colonial offers an exclusive, gated, family compound with plenty of room for everyday living for multiple generations.
In addition to formal entertaining rooms, this home boasts several home office spaces, an open concept chef's kitchen/great room featuring marble counters, premium appliances, a dining area, and a large family room opening to a covered patio, outdoor kitchen, and gas firepit.
The second level features a luxurious primary bedroom suite with a sitting room along with four bedrooms with en-suite baths, a family room, and two balconies. The third level includes a bedroom, bath, and rec room. The lower level contains a playroom, bedroom, two baths, steam shower, sauna, and gym. Four car garage completes the description of a distinctive Scarsdale estate.
Rick knew the home was far too large, but after speaking with Thad his VP of Real Estate and Development, he was convinced to purchase it as an investment. Even if he only used 10% of the home, the resale value was estimated to be over 20 million dollars.
The estate had been sold in a confidential divorce settlement less than a year earlier for over 16 million dollars, and it seemed the new owners hadn't considered the ongoing maintenance of the grounds and had to sell. Thad had offered a low-ball price of just under 9 million, which was accepted to his shock and delight.
The first call Rick made to inform his family of the move wasn't Alexis, nor Serena, but Gina, who had really been in his corner even after their divorce. She was over the moon with the news and made him promise to call Alexis next, or she would let the secret out.
His call to Alexis allowed him to have some much-needed fun and payback for being made to wait to see Richie. He couldn't make it that easy on his little girl, so he bought the building one block away, letting her think that was where he was moving back to. When he had decided to enjoy his money, this was just one example. He could afford to buy the building even if he sold it for half the price it was worth the cost to play the joke on Alexis.
Three hours went by, and a frantic call from Gina about how Alexis was breaking out in hives, worried he would be back so close, earned him an ass chewing from Mom Gina. She didn't think it was funny and demanded that he call her daughter and tell the truth.
When he did, the call went about the same once she determined he was at a minimum of a 30 min train ride away, still allowing her to live her life. It was the best of both worlds, close but not too close, able to see Richie or even them spend a weekend away and not intrude on each other's privacy.
"You know Dad, I owe you a big one, you are going to get paid back for this, did Mom call you?" Alexis asked,
"No, of course not, what makes, you, yes she did. She threatened me if I didn't correct my new information, but you see it wasn't a lie, I did buy that building just for investment but I'm moving to an estate on Heathcote Rd, in Scarsdale. So, you see pumpki, eh Alexis the quickest I could get to your home would be by train and IF it were on time, it would be a minimum of thirty minutes, then another 20 by cab, so you're safe.
"AND while we're on the subject of owing someone, what about you blocking me from the hospital when Richie was born until your mom called me to tell me to come? What about that? I'm your go-to guy, or I used to be, I know you have Todd now, but "
"Daddy, you're still my go-to guy, that's why I had Mom block you until I was done cursing and saying all of the hateful things that I never wanted to say to you, I'm sorry I didn't explain that to you," she said, his little girl sounded like she had when she would crawl in his lap before she put herself in timeout or grounded herself for a rule infraction.
"Oh," was all Rick could say,
"Daddy, we've always been so much closer than most kids and parents, I know how deeply you hurt, and I couldn't live with myself if I ever said something, even in childbirth, that would hurt you, not after how you raised me.
"Don't you know that I knew about all of the times you chartered a plane, at least till you bought one, to get home for my recitals, or a pee-wee soccer game? Daddy, no one could ever love me or me love them the way we love each other. I can't tell you how excited we are to have you CLOSE but not that close" she giggled,
Rick cleared his throat, his allergies were beginning to act up, but the call to Alexis went great. Before they hung up, he promised the deal still held from her college days, no surprise visits, by either one. He laughed and was happy that he was actually going home. It had been a long time, and he missed so many things, even though he loved California, and the ocean, NO ONE made pizza the right way, and then there was Nathan's Hot Dogs.
He decided it was time to call Serena and let her know she and the girls were always welcome, he truly had plenty of room, and New York was a hell of a lot closer to Wisconsin. He hit her speed dial number, and waited,
"Hello Rick, how are you doing?" she bubbled into the phone,
"I'm doing great, actually I have some news and I didn't want you to hear about it on the TV or papers," he said,
"You're not getting married, are you?" he could hear the panic in her voice,
"WHAT, Where the hell did you get that idea, I mean"
"Well, I saw you on TMZ the other day with that brunette with assets like I had when we first met, and rumors started to fly about you and her, you know how the press spreads stuff like that," She said, a little shyly,
"Exactly, that was Natalie Rhodes, an actress who will be playing Nikki Heat in the final movie, Final Heat, and no there's nothing between us, hell I haven't even had lunch with her unsupervised," he laughed,
"I'm sorry Rick, it's just that, well, if I had seen you with Kate, I would have been happy but to think someone else, I mean, I have no right but I don't want anyone to hurt or use you," she said,
"I still love you too Princess, but the news is I'm moving back to New York, I'm a Grandpa as you know, don't pretend you and Gina don't talk once a week or more", he laughed,
"Well, I'm not confirming or denying but I'm happy you're moving closer to Richie and Alexis, Gina did tell me your little girl was missing you more than ever now that she was a mom herself, she realized just what a great dad you really are." She said, with a giggle,
"How are you and the girls, do you need anything, is there anything I can help with Serena?" he asked,
"The girls are doing great, we've actually settled into a family and well, just so you know there's a guy from church, I know, I know, but their parents took them and they wanted to go, what could I say Auntie is an ATHEIST? Anyway, there's this fella at church that is a widower and has a boy about the girls' age, and he wants to take the kids out on a family picnic when the weather breaks. It sounds corny,"
"Go, Serena, have a great time, and do yourself a favor, give this fella a chance, OK? He might be the missing link to your puzzle, anyway, you're welcome at the new place. I have to run, so you live your life, and enjoy it, life's too short"
"I will if you will Rick, I mean Kate's less than an hour away, promise me you'll be courteous if she tries to contact you, promise," She said in her stern voice,
"I will Princess, but you know there were a lot of things said that can never be unsaid, we might be friends someday, I don't know," he labored to get out, but he at least promised her.
"Rick, you told Abby right after we met, to chase her heart. You challenged her with a question, do you love him enough to get over being hurt, if you do, nothing else matters. Time for you to listen to some of the best advice you ever gave, I know you're late so I'll just say we love you bunches, and talk to you soon" he heard the little girls saying love you uncle Rwik" as he smiled and hung up.
XxX
One Week Later
Castle Estate
Scarsdale, New York
Rick walked through the spacious home with his interior decorator who had just completed two weeks of renovations in seven days. Her crews had worked 24/7 for the last seven days, and they had successfully completed the changes Rick had requested.
The major one was in his bedroom and attached office, it was too familiar, too close to the Loft, so he and Shelly the designer sat down and gave it a modern look, without going crazy. As Rick had cautioned her, "When it's all said and done. I'm still far past my twenties, and I don't want my daughter to think I'm going through my second or third childhood when she visits." He laughed but was serious,
Alexis and Richie were due to visit him a little later, he had lobbied to get them to be the first overnight guests but she had refused to be away from her husband, a good sign Rick thought. He had even texted her pictures of the nursery for Richie right next to her adjoining room. He had purchased everything, the rocking chair, the mobile, the monitors, any and everything he could think of that would entice his daughter to stay the night.
When he was sure she was adamant in her refusal, he dropped it, with "some other time sweetie, you know I can always babysit when you need one" He would enjoy his grandson, and there would come a time when they would need a break, oh how he remembered those days. The only difference, he wouldn't have dared leave Alexis with her Grams, as much as she loved her, she was in no condition to ever be around kids again. He was lucky he had good role models outside her theater group.
He had just signed off on the work orders for Shelly, approving payment for the invoices when his cell phone rang. He glanced at the huge Grandfather clock standing in the hallway and noticed it was just past 8:00 AM, far too early for anyone in his circle of friends to be calling.
"Rick Castle," he answered,
"Great, you made it, did everything get completed for you, Rick? Shelly called me a few days ago, absolutely out of her mind when the painters got the colors screwed up." Gina laughed,
"Good Morning, Gina, everything is great, Shelly outdid herself on this one." He replied, "Say how are things with you and"
"Rick, why don't we talk about that later, the reason for my call was, I thought Alexis and Richie would be spending the day with you, I was just trying to see if there was room for his Nana to visit also?" Gina laughed,
"You know you never need an invitation, and I hope things aren't like they sounded, but I'll wait to see you to talk if that's what you want," He said,
"Thanks, Rick, Is 11:00 AM too early?" she asked,
"Not at all but you may want to pack a bag, I'm not sure when the last train back leaves, of course, David could drive you if you'd rather not be away from things," he said softly,
"I think I will Rick, thanks, it'll give us time to catch up, but please wait until our girl and little munchkin leave before we talk about anything going on promise?" she asked,
"Sure, I promise. I'll have the guest room ready for you when you get here, see you around 11:00 AM" he said as she softly replied, "See ya then" and hung up.
Something was wrong, he didn't know what but Gina had usually taken Alexis out to shop or for a girls' day when they were married and having problems, God, he hoped it wasn't that.
He went about his checklist, he still couldn't believe that the home, well, the palace was his. He loved California, especially when Abby had brought him back from the depths of despair. He knew it was a physical thing, well that and a young love that they both would never lose. It had been the best days of his life with Serena. It always seemed that the universe was throwing him a curve, altering what he thought was the right path. Where to now? He asked as he glanced up to the sky?
The doorbell rang and he jumped, it was the first time he had heard it, Shelly had set the tone to the theme song of his final movie, Home, the duet version of Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert, who sadly split shortly after recording the song. "Let me go home, I want to come home", sounded from the speakers in every room, as Rick approached the door.
He opened it to see Gina with her bag, he knew her well enough to know when she had been crying, he pulled her into him, just hugged her, as the song played the final lyrics from the doorbell, 'it'll all be all right, I'll be home tonight, I'm coming back home. He motioned for one of the housekeepers to take her suitcase, and he just allowed her to hold on to him and cry. He stood there, holding her, knowing something had once again broken this sweet lady's heart.
A few moments later he managed to get her inside the door, and to the sitting room, he brought her a Mojito, her favorite drink, with a smiley face he had drawn on the bar napkin. She took the drink, then spotted the smiley face, and laughed. "No wonder why I still love you, no one knows me better than you," she said, as he handed her his handkerchief, "and these damn things, you always hand them to me when I have no idea where my purse is," she dabbed her eyes and composed herself.
"I guess you're wondering why I show up at your door over an hour early, crying my eyes out, I mean who runs to their ex-husband when they need"
"The ones who know that he still cares about them, he still loves them in a special way, that's who" Genes, so you tell me what you want me to know when you are comfortable," Rick said as he pulled her into him with his arm around her,
"Well, I'm single again, I have been for almost 8 months now, but I saw them together last week, and I don't know why, but I went to pieces. I was able to hide it from you during the last few trips to LA, but he was cheating, and I couldn't get past that, not the second time." She said, fighting to hold back tears,
"Gina, who knows? I mean I don't want to tell"
"Alexis knows, that's probably why she wouldn't stay the night, she wanted you and me to talk. She told me "Mom, talk to Dad, if anyone knows how it feels it's him, maybe he can help you get over it." She said,
"Gina, you're welcome to stay here as long as you want, and we'll talk about whatever you want. For what It's worth, I'm not sure I'm your best source"
"You are Rick, I've already been through therapy, and she left me with the thought to talk to my friends, it's really just working it one day at a time," She said sadly,
"Boy, that I know how to do, I"
"Oh Rick, I'm sorry, if this brings too many bad memories up"
"Gina, it's fine, I finally have gotten to a spot where I have really forgiven Kate, not for what she did, not the lies, but her as a person, the hate is gone for her. I know she's been working hard to get herself settled, but you know as well as I do, sometimes things are said that can never be unheard or forgotten,"
"Oh Rick, I'm so sorry, I mean"
"Gina, I was talking about me, the way I treated you, not the other way around." He started to laugh,
"What's so funny Rick," Gina asked,
"Do you remember the argument about the hot dog and mustard rather than ketchup?" he smiled,
She burst out laughing, "Of course I do, we went to the therapist because I thought you deliberately put ketchup on my hot dog instead of the brown mustard I loved, what a stupid argument" she laughed,
"Promise you won't hate me?" he flashed that little boy smile and waggled his eyebrows that always made her laugh,
"I won't hate you, Rick, I promise," She said, laughing more, her tears were gone,
"You were right, I did put ketchup on purpose" as he took off running, Gina in hot pursuit, that was how their daughter found them laughing, tickling each other, as the staff let her and little Richie in, it made her happy to see her parents still were able to share a laugh, now if they both could only find lasting happiness.
TBC