Best Spring Ever!
Castle Ficathon 2022 Story
Chapter 28
In this chapter, we'll enjoy the weekend activities of the Castle family.
April ends on a more relaxed and happy note for the Castle family. The Precinct seems to have gotten back into a routine, enabling Kate and her staff to maintain regular work schedules. They've had challenging cases, but the Detective teams have been able to expertly and efficiently bring them to closure, which not only pleases Captain Beckett but allows her to submit very positive closure reports to 1PP.
On the home front, Alexis returns home for another weekend, continuing to keep her new relationship with Sergeant Evan Button a secret from her family. April is also ending on a thrilling note for young Eli, as he has his Saturday morning play date with his Mommy. He and his Daddy had searched out a new park the previous weekend, and now he will have an entire, uninterrupted morning with his Mommy, showing off the fun toys he discovered at his new playground. Eli is unaware that their outing will also allow Kate to scrutinize one of the houses on Rick's Castle New Home search list.
Kate again picked Alexis up after she got off work Friday evening, and the two women enjoyed their one-on-one conversation on the trip back to the Loft. Their chat was light-hearted as they shared antidotes about their week, but Kate noticed that Alexis was trying very hard to keep the conversation flowing. She had been a bit vague when detailing her weeks' activities, with her studying and end-of-semester testing dominating her end of the conversation. Her actions supported Kate and Rick's feelings that their oldest daughter was holding back some type of news. But as Kate continually told Rick, she's an adult, and even if it's difficult, they have to wait until she's ready to talk about what is going on in her life. So Kate set those feelings of concern aside and enjoyed the opportunity to have time to visit with her oldest child.
Kate and Alexis arrive home to the usual ecstatic greetings from Emma and Eli. They both have stories they want to share with their big sister, so they follow her upstairs to her room to help her unpack. The absence of children gives Rick and Kate a few moments for a personal welcome home greeting before Rick hits Kate with his usual question, "Did she tell you anything?"
Kate simply turns and heads toward the study to secure her weapon and badge and then goes into their bedroom to change clothes, with Rick following and repeating his question.
After changing clothes, Kate turns to her husband, gives him a pointed look, and firmly reiterates, "Babe, she did not tell me anything, and I did not ask any questions. As hard as it is for you, you must calm down and wait until she's ready to tell us what's happening."
Kate then heads toward the kitchen, thinking she needs to figure out what they can fix for dinner. Rick growls after Kate makes her statement but follows her to the kitchen and says, "Oh, I forgot to tell you that the kids and I decided pizza sounds good for dinner, and it should be here in about twenty minutes. Would you like a cup of your tea while we wait?"
"Pizza sounds delicious, and tea would be wonderful. Would you like to join me, and we'll both unwind for a few minutes before our minions return?" laughed Kate.
Rick quickly brewed tea and joined Kate as they shared the events of their day. Exactly twenty minutes later, their doorbell rang, and Rick greeted their usual delivery guy at the door accepting the pizza and giving the young man a hefty tip for the quick delivery of their meal.
Kate turned as she heard thundering sounds from the stairs, with all three of their children chanting, "Yay, the pizza is here!" Kate turned away so they couldn't see her laughing at their antics, thinking to herself, you'd think we hadn't fed them in weeks.
Alexis helped her Mom set the table as Rick directed Emma and Eli to wash their hands and return for dinner.
Dinner was an exciting event, with the kids continuing to share stories about their week. Alexis shared a student in her science lab who mistakenly mixed incorrect chemicals and caused a mini explosion, which caused laughing fits for her siblings, especially Eli.
Friday evening at the Castles ended with a rousing game of UNO followed by family story time, with the kids asking if Alexis could read the story. At first, Rick was disappointed, but then Kate pointed out the joy they experience with three kids who get along well.
Saturday morning, Alexis woke up before her parents and treated her family to her version of chocolate chip pancakes and turkey bacon.
As the family finishes their breakfast, Eli looks at Kate and asks, "Mommy, is wez stills having our play date?"
Kate gives her son a loving smile as she answers, "Definitely. When do you want to go, Tiger?" Knowing what his response will be.
Eli looks around the table and asks, "Canz we go now? Itz a weally funz park, and I wantz to show youz how I slides down the fireman pole!"
Alexis looks over to Eli and her Mom, suggesting, "How about if Emma and I clean up and you two get ready for your play date?"
Kate smiled at her oldest daughter, replying, "Thank you, Alexis and Emma. That would be wonderful." She then looks at Eli and continues, "How about if Daddy helps you get ready while I change my clothes, and then we will take off for our big play date?"
Eli kicks his feet to give him momentum as he slides out of his booster seat, taking his Daddy's hand, saying. "Comez on, Daddy. Iz shows youz what I wants to wear for my play date with Mommy?"
Hearing her little brother's statement causes Alexis to turn her head, hiding her smile as her previous thought that they have a young fashionista in the family proves to be true.
Twenty minutes later, Kate returns to the dining area, surprised by the clothes her son had selected for their outing. He is standing in front of her wearing his favorite blue jeans and an NYPD t-shirt Rick and Kate had given him for Christmas.
When Eli sees his Mom, he looks at his Daddy and then back at his Mommy with a huge smile, saying, "Mommy, wez be twins!"
Kate continues to wear her favorite clothes as often as possible before her baby bump causes her to change her wardrobe choices. For her play date with her son, she had selected her favorite skinny jeans with a gray NYPD t-shirt which perfectly matched Eli's clothing choices.
Kate and Eli linked fingers as they bid their family goodbye and headed to the garage for their ride to Eli's new park. Rick had created a map for Kate highlighting the house he wanted her to check out during her outing with their son.
Rick's directions helped Kate quickly locate Eli's park. She was stunned by the size of the home that had caught her husband's interest as a possible choice for their new home, but she turned back, focusing on her son as he patiently waited to get out of the car. After helping Eli release his seatbelt and climb out of his booster seat, Eli took Kate's hand and rushed toward his new park. Eli paused at the entrance gate and gazed around as if assessing the grandeur of his recent find. He then looked up at Kate with awe in his voice and said, "Mommy, isn't dis the neatest park youz' ever seen?"
After two hours of constant movement and extraordinary times of talking and laughing, The duo went to the trunk of the Mercedes and retrieved two bottles of water that Rick had thoughtfully placed in the cooler. Mommy and son then sat on the bright green bench, reliving their shared experiences at Eli's park.
Before leaving his park, Eli looked at Kate, asking, "Didz youz weally likez my new park?"
"Eli, I love this park. I've had a blast playing with you, and thank you so much for bringing me here for our play date. It's great."
Eli wrapped his arms around Kate, saying, "Youz welcomez, Mommy. I hadz a blast playing wit youz too. Maybe we can come back somez time?"
"That's a great idea, Eli. Let's plan on it. Is there something else you'd like to do? After all, this is our play date time."
Kate watched Eli as he was deep in thought before he looked up, gave her one of his beautiful smiles, and said two magic words, "Ice cream!"
Kate laughed as she leaned down, returning her son's hug and kissing him on the head, saying, "Lead the way, little man."
Eli reached out for Kate's hand as they picked up their empty water bottles and walked back to the car. After being belted in, Kate gave Eli two choices for ice cream. After a few more moments of contemplation, Eli looked up at his Mommy and said, "Welsons!"
After indulging in huge scoops of their favorite ice cream, Mommy and son walk hand-in-hand back to their car and head home, with Eli pumped up and excited to tell his sisters about his play date with his Mommy.
Kate and Eli are skipping down the hall toward the front door of the Loft, singing a song they had made up about ice cream, when Rick opens the door, smiling and saying, "Who are these minstrels that are gracing the halls of Castle Manor?"
Eli releases his hold on Kate and races toward his Daddy, saying, "Itz us, Daddy and wez played at myz park and gotz ice cream. Wez had a blast."
Rick picks his son up, giving him wet kisses all over his face as he says, "That is so cool, Eli. Did Mommy like your park?"
Eli did as he always does when he wants to make a point. He placed a hand on each of his Daddy's cheeks, turned his head, and softly said, "Daddy, Mommy sayz it bez the best park she ever playsz in."
Kate was leaning against the wall watching the interactions between her husband and son; when Rick looked over at her, she simply smiled and answered, "What he said."
After lowering Eli down to the floor, Rick greeted his wife with a kiss as they entered their home.
Alexis had texted her Grandparents, letting them know she was coming back home for the weekend. So while Kate and Eli were on their play date, both Grandparents had texted Rick, checking to see if they could stop by later to visit the family.
The remainder of Saturday at the Loft consisted of family game time and enjoying a new delicious meal Rick had created earlier in the day. As the family was enjoying the meal, Alexis asked, "Hey, Dad. Are you watching the Food Channel again?"
Rick glared at his eldest daughter, wanting to reply with a snide remark, before Kate stepped in, saying, "If you are, please give the chef my thanks. You created a phenomenal dish. Thanks, Babe!
Martha added to the comments by saying, "Yes, Richard. It was wonderful. You need to add it to your repeat file."
After enjoying Rick's new creation, the family all pitched in to clean up before playing a new card game that Emma had learned from her friend Bryan. Before they knew it, it was bedtime for Emma and Eli, and the Grandparents asked if they could do the honors.
In the absence of her siblings and Grandparents, Alexis joined her parents in her Dad's study. After several moments of uncomfortable silence, Alexis looked back and forth between her parents and said, "Dad, Mom, I wasn't being sincere with you last weekend. I wanted to wait a while before telling you this, but I can't keep up the ruse. That's not how we operate in this family. So if I can, I want to apologize and tell you what has been going on for the last couple of weeks."
Alexis sat next to Kate on the over-stuffed couch in Rick's study. Kate slid closer and slipped her arm around Alexis's shoulders, pulling her close and saying, "Alexis, of course, we accept your apology, and you know you can tell us anything. You can only hurt us if you feel like you can't talk to us."
Alexis turned her head into her Mom's shoulder like she used to do when she was younger as a few stray tears ran down her cheeks. Seeing his Baby Bird crying brought Rick out of his chair, and he moved to squeeze in beside his girls.
"Oh, Pumpkin, what's going on? Please talk to us?"
Alexis could sense fear building in her Dad, so she reached out to grasp his hand, saying, "It's nothing that serious, Dad. Please don't freak out on me."
Kate stretched her arm over the back of the couch so she could touch Rick's shoulder to help calm his nerves.
When Alexis sensed that her Dad was relaxing, she stood and went to sit in Rick's chair so she could face both of her parents and began telling her story.
Alexis had envisioned how she would share this information, but now her mind seemed blank, and she struggled to put her thoughts into a cohesive pattern. She took a deep breath and dove in, sharing what had been happening over a couple of weeks.
When I went out on Saturday night, I told you I was meeting friends. Truthfully, I was meeting with one friend. Mom, the day we went to lunch, I spoke with Sergeant Button before leaving the Precinct. It was remarkable. We seemed to click right away and talked for several minutes before I felt I needed to go so he could get back to work. Before I left, Sergeant Button asked if we could meet for coffee. I think we surprised each other, but we were both overwhelmed by how easily we could talk with each other. Then, that evening Evan let it slip that it was his birthday. So I invited him to meet me at the little cafe near my dorm late Sunday afternoon so that I could treat him to one of their gourmet cupcakes for his birthday.
Alexis pauses again, and Kate says, "Go ahead, Bud. We're here for you. Tell us what else is on your mind."
Alexis smiled at her parents, then said, "We had another fun time Sunday afternoon. I can't believe how easy it is to talk with him. He listens, enjoys hearing stories about Emma and Eli, and shares about times he gets to spend with his nephew, Ben. He's very interested in my plans for law school and asks very probing questions that I think come from his experiences with the NYPD. We have spoken several times this week, and he took me out on a 'real' date Wednesday night."
Rick and Kate can see that Alexis is now on a roll. They slide closer together, intertwining their fingers as they listen intently to their oldest daughter, as she is relaxing and sharing more details about her new friend.
"Mom and Dad, you will never guess where we went on our first date." Rick and Kate look at one another, grinning as they shrug their shoulders, encouraging Alexis to continue her story. "He told me he was taking me to the best burger place in New York City. Of course, I figured we were going to Remy's, but it wasn't; it was The Flying Elbow! Can you believe that?"
Her parents looked at each other and started laughing with Alexis as they couldn't believe the coincidence that Evan's favorite joint was the same as their kids. The tension dissipates as the three talks about Alexis's encounters with Evan Button.
Now Alexis can't stop sharing her thoughts. She continues, "Dad, he reminds me of you. He holds doors open for me, brings me flowers, and always asks if he can see or call me again. When we were in the Flying Elbow, they had their air conditioning on, and I must have shivered because Evan hopped up and immediately put his jacket around my shoulders. Then when we returned to my dorm, he walked me to the door and stood outside until I closed and locked the door, just like you do. I have never dated a guy who is so thoughtful and caring. We know it's only been a couple of weeks since we met. But we agree that we feel a special connection and want to see where this relationship might go."
Alexis thought her Dad might have something to say, but he remained quiet, so she turned to her Mom.
"Mom, there is one thing. Evan is very concerned if our relationship will cause issues between the two of you at the Precinct. He has already sensed how protective you are of your family and is afraid you will be upset or think we are moving too fast. Or even worse, you wouldn't want your daughter to date a cop."
Now, it's Kate's turn to be quiet for a few moments. She looks at Rick and squeezes his hand as she responds, "Alexis, yes, I am protective of all of you kids. And both your Dad and I are always concerned about everything that relates to all of our children. But we also want to support and honor our kids' decisions as much as possible. Especially yours. Alexis, you are an adult. We are not and will not tell you what to do, but we always want you to know you can come to us, and we want you always to realize that even if we don't tell you what to do, we will ask questions and be concerned about situations that come up in your life. No matter how old you are, you will always be our kid, and for your Dad especially, you will always be his little girl."
Kate continued, "If Evan is concerned about our working relationship, he needs to come to me directly and share his feelings, so he and I can work through concerns that either of us may have regarding our professional relationship. I appreciate you speaking up on his behalf, but this is something he needs to do on his own."
Alexis gulps as she has just experienced a response from not only her Mom but also Captain Beckett.
Alexis takes a deep breath and says, "Okay, Mom. I'll tell him what you've said. Would you prefer to speak to him at the Precinct or here at home?"
Kate paused for a few seconds before saying, "If it would make him more comfortable, we could meet here at the Loft. I don't want to put him in a position that draws him unwelcomed attention from his fellow cops at the Precinct."
"We would like to get together tomorrow morning for breakfast if that's okay with you two, and I could invite him to come over when his schedule allows," suggested Alexis.
Rick joined in the conversation, suggesting, "You are welcome to invite Evan to join us for lunch if you feel it wouldn't be too overwhelming for him. I think your Grandparents will be joining us so he can meet our entire family. If he agrees to come, you might give him some insight into our family quirks, especially your Grams.".
Kate jabbed her husband in the ribs and said, "You be nice. Don't talk about your Mother like that. She is a sweet lady, and I know she will be thrilled to meet a friend of her Granddaughter."
Alexis was hesitant but decided it might be helpful if Evan could meet her family and talk with Kate simultaneously. It would take a weight off of both of them.
Just as Alexis and her parents are wrapping up their conversation, Martha walks into the study with her hand on her hip, saying, "Richard, what exactly did you mean by quirks?"
Kate and Alexis laugh as they see Rick quickly trying to figure out how to get himself out of the bottomless hole he had dug. He looks to Kate and Alexis for help, but they simply shrug, letting him know this one is all on him.
Rick stands and carefully walks up to his Mother, pulling her in for a hug, saying, "I love you, Mother."
Martha leans back, staring at her boy, and says, "Nice save, Son. But you still need to give me more information about that comment."
By now, Kate is laughing as she sees that her husband's ploy failed to fool his Mother. But feeling guilty for her husband, she stands behind Rick and says, "Martha, Alexis may be inviting a new friend to join us for lunch tomorrow, and your Son was being smarty pants."
Rick turned on his wife, saying, "Is that your idea of sticking up for me?"
Kate leaned in and kissed his cheek, saying, "If I were you, I'd quit while I was ahead." Kate then left the office and headed toward the en-suite, leaving Rick to defend himself.
When Kate rejoined her family, everything seemed to have settled down, and Jim and Martha were telling the family about their bedtime experiences with their younger grandchildren. After completing their story, both grandparents bid their children and oldest granddaughter goodbye, promising they would join them for Sunday lunch, specifically telling Alexis they were looking forward to meeting her new friend.
After Jim and Martha left, Alexis excused herself and headed to bed. Rick and Kate smiled as they assumed she would likely be making an exciting call to Evan to alert him that their Sunday could be different than they had initially planned.
Rick and Kate went through their evening routines, saying very little as they both processed the conversation they had just had with their oldest daughter. Once they snuggled together in bed, Rick asked with a rather harsh tone, "Did you have any idea that Alexis was interested in your Sergeant?"
Kate pulled from his hold, saying, "Okay, Babe. Dial your tone back. My Sergeant! He is an officer with the NYPD and assigned to the 12th."
Rick instantly felt terrible and apologized, "I'm sorry, Kate. I didn't mean for my question to sound so bitter. Alexis just threw me for a loop. I had thought she could be seeing someone, but I didn't think it would be a cop."
Kate sat up in bed and gave her husband her look, saying, "Okay, Rick. We need to restart this conversation because you are taking it down a trail that will not have a happy ending. Why is Alexis's friend's career choice an issue with you? Would you be happier if he was a dentist or dog catcher? But he's a cop, and that seems to be bothering you. What is going on here?"
Kate held up her hand, indicating she wasn't through talking, "Before you continue, I want to share a few pertinent points. Sergeant Button has proven to be a capable and valuable asset to the 12th. Being a Desk Sergeant is more than ensuring people log into the visitors' book. One week ago, we had a man enter the Precinct, and Sergeant Button picked up on a bulge in his shirt and hit the alert switch, silently calling for backup. When two other officers rushed into the Lobby and restrained the man, they found he was carrying a 15-inch Bowie knife. Also, we had an officer-down situation with another Precinct where they called the 12th requesting backup. Sergeant Button immediately responded to the request and contacted the Sergeants in Major Crimes and Homicide within two minutes, alerting them to the situation. And backups were being initiated within 5-7 minutes. That type of timing and coordination saves lives."
"And on top of that, his demeanor reflects well on the NYPD. I hope you noticed that when you and Eli visited me earlier this week." Kate slid out of bed and went into the en-suite, giving her and Rick a few minutes to think about their previous comments.
Five minutes later, Kate returned to their bed, finding Rick sitting up, leaning on the padded headboard. Kate crawled back into bed and assumed a similar position but sat a few inches away from her husband.
Rick immediately noticed the open space between him and his wife and made an immediate move so they could be closer as he reached for her hand. Rick quietly held Kate's hand for a couple of minutes before he began, "Kate, I am so, so sorry. I can't justify or explain why my mind went down that trail. I don't know if I panicked, not wanting Alexis to have another 'Pi' relationship, or I was just caught off guard and, unfortunately, let my first ridiculous thoughts dribble out of my mouth. Regardless, I apologize. Sergeant Button seemed like a fine young man when Eli and I met him earlier this week."
Kate released her hand from Rick's grip, so she could intertwine their fingers before she said, "Babe, I probably need to apologize to you too." Kate saw Rick's eyebrows rise, and she quickly continued, "When Alexis stopped by for lunch this week, I had to meet her in the Lobby because her name wasn't on my approved list. When I was in the Lobby, I noticed a flicker of interest between the two, but I didn't pursue it with her since I had nothing to base my thoughts on other than a feeling."
Rick considered Kate's comments before he said, "Sweetheart, how about we pretend the previous fifteen minutes never happened and move forward from here? I'll start."
Rick cleared his throat and said, "Kate were you as surprised as I was that Alexis has a new friend, and he's a Sergeant at the 12th? Isn't that wild?"
Kate laughed as she laid her head on Rick's shoulder, trying to determine how to respond to the turnaround in her husband's attitude. She continued, "We both want Alexis to be happy, and I am impressed by Evan's respect and graciousness that he's showing our daughter early on in their relationship. So let's be happy for our daughter and look forward to greeting Evan tomorrow."
Rick leaned over, kissed his wife, and said, "What should we make for lunch?"
And just like that, her sweet husband was back. The rest of their waking moments revolved around Rick's brainstorming ideas about the special meal he wanted to prepare for Alexis and Evan.
Sunday Morning at the Castles…
Kate woke up before Rick and headed into the kitchen to prepare her raspberry tea. Just as she entered the kitchen, Alexis was coming down the stairs, already dressed in jeans and a beautiful multi-stripped colored blouse that reminded Kate of something her mother-in-law may have selected.
"Morning, Bud. You are up and around early," mentioned Kate.
Before replying to Kate, Alexis moved toward the coffeemaker, asking, "Mom, is it okay if I get this started?"
"Sure, no problem. Food and coffee aromas haven't been causing me any problems," replied a smiling Kate.
Alexis checked to be sure the coffee and water levels were correct in her Dad's prized coffee machine, flipped the brew now switch, then turned and leaned against the edge of the counter as she finally answered her Mom's question. "I want to be sure I am on time to meet Evan."
"Can I ask where you guys are meeting? I don't mean to sound nosey; I'm just curious," stated Kate. Thinking maybe she shouldn't have asked that question.
"No problem, Mom. I debated where we could meet and decided on The Mill."
"Oh, that's great. I love that place. They have the best chocolate chip cookies."
An unusual quietness filled the kitchen after the short exchange between Mother and Daughter.
Finally, Kate approached the elephant in the room. "Alexis, your Dad and I are good about the news you shared with us last night."
"Really. Even Dad?" asked a skeptical Alexis.
Kate shared a very loving smile with her daughter as she explained her husband's feelings about his oldest daughter's surprising news. "I'll be honest with you, Alexis. Your Dad was a bit blown away at first. But after we talked, I think much of his concern is because he loves you and doesn't want you to experience another Pi type of experience." Before Alexis could say that Evan is nothing like Pi, Kate held up her hand, saying, "Let me finish, Bud."
"During our talk, I explained to him in detail that Sergeant Button is nothing like Pi. I shared a couple of incidents that happened over the last couple of weeks at the Precinct. I told him Evan is a credit to the NYPD and a great asset for the 12th. So after hearing some other information about your new friend, your father agreed with me that our only desire is for you to be happy. And if that is with Evan, and as long as he treats you well. We both are extremely happy for you."
Alexis hugged her Mom, saying, "Oh, thanks so much, Mom. That means the world to me, and I know it will be a huge relief for Evan. He is looking forward to meeting the family but still is nervous."
Kate returned Alexis's hug and suggested that she try and assure Evan that everything would go well at lunch, including the talk he'll have later with Kate.
The two enjoyed their morning beverages before Alexis left for her breakfast date.
Rick entered the kitchen, rubbing his sleep-filled eyes as he kissed his wife and headed toward the coffeemaker. After taking a few sips from his hot coffee, Rick asked, "Did I hear Alexis? Is she already gone?"
Kate leaned in for another coffee-flavored kiss from her husband as she answered, "Yep. She came downstairs as I was fixing my tea, and we talked a little before she headed to meet Evan."
Rick was puzzled, thinking Kate would have shared more regarding her chat with his oldest daughter, but he only asked, "Was she okay?"
Kate chuckled as she answered, "Yes, Papa Bear. Your Baby Bird was good, and she's looking forward to Evan meeting our family. Have you settled on a menu for our lunch?"
Rick decided it was best not to rehash any of last evening's discussion, so he answered. "I'm thinking lasagna, garlic toast, and simple salads. Most people like Italian, so I thought that might be a good choice for our first meal with Alexis's new friend."
"That's an excellent idea, Rick. And maybe we can plan on ice cream for dessert."
Having lunch planned, the two laughed and joked around as they prepared breakfast for their two youngest children.
Emma and Eli appeared shortly before Rick and Kate finished preparing breakfast. They gave their parents hugs and kisses and asked where Lexi was. After telling the kids, Alexis left to meet a new friend for breakfast. Kate continued to tell both kids that Alexis's new friend was Sergeant Button from the Precinct. Emma hadn't met Evan yet, but Eli was excited that Ben, his new friend's uncle, was coming to their home.
Following breakfast, Rick and Kate suggested that the kids watch cartoons or play while Daddy and Mommy begin preparing lunch. Eli asked if he could watch cartoons for a while, as his favorite retro channel played old-time cartoons, which he has learned to love. Emma said she would watch cartoons but might also keep reading her new book.
With both kids entertained, Rick put the lasagna together as Kate cut up veggies for salads and laid out the ingredients for the garlic bread. After completing the prep work for their noon meal, Rick and Kate joined their children and laughed along as they all enjoyed some of the cartoons Rick and Kate had watched as kids.
Around 11:30, a light knock at the door brought both kids off the couch as they raced to the foyer. Emma looked in the low peephole before opening the door so she and Eli could greet their Grandparents. Rick and Kate watched the interactions between their parents and grandchildren, again smiling as all four acted like they hadn't seen each other in weeks. After completing their greetings, the foursome made their way to the living room and joined Rick and Kate.
Both kids thanked their Grandparents for the fun bedtime they shared the night before, then Eli said, "Gams and GPa, myz new friends Ben's uncle dis comings to eats with us."
Martha and Jim smiled at their youngest grandson as Martha replied, "Yes, Eli. Your Mommy told us that Alexis's new friend was joining us for lunch, but we didn't know he was Ben's uncle. That is amazing, making meeting him even more special."
Jim looked at his daughter, pretty sure he was reading her facial expressions, and gave her a sly smile before saying, "I look forward to meeting the young man."
The Grandparents then began talking with their grandchildren, who asked if they also wanted to watch cartoons.
Since their parents were entertaining their kids, Rick and Kate entered the kitchen to finish the salad and put the garlic bread in the oven. Rick checked the lasagna and said it should be ready in about ten minutes. At that point, they heard a key in the lock and looked at one another, with Rick saying, "Here we go." Kate smacked his arm and went to greet Alexis and Evan.
Alexis entered the Loft with Evan directly behind her as Kate was the first to welcome Evan to the Castle Loft. Rick had joined Kate, extending his hand, saying, "It's good to see you again, Sergeant."
Evan quickly said, "Mr. Castle, please call me Evan."
Rick smiled and answered, "Only if you call me Rick. Welcome to our home."
While Kate and Rick were greeting Evan, Martha, Jim, Emma and Eli came to join in the welcoming. Alexis then introduced her other family members, specifically mentioning Emma and Eli.
Eli went to stand next to his Mommy, watching Evan as he stated, "Youz bez my new friends Ben's uncle!"
Evan smiled, and the young man kneeled so he could look Eli in the eye and said, "Yes, I am Eli. And Ben told me to tell you hi. He had so much fun playing in the water with you at the park."
Eli looked surprised and said, "Weally! Iz hads so much funz too. Daddy said Ben and mez gonna gets to playz again."
"That sounds so cool," Evan said as he stood and greeted the rest of the Castle family. Then he took a step back, standing close to Alexis.
The bell on the oven sounded as Kate suggested that Alexis show their guest to the table while she and her Dad finished lunch.
The family and their guest enjoyed lively conversation, with both Emma and Eli contributing with some of their own stories. Martha was pleased to have a captive audience and share news about her acting school, while Jim sat back quietly watching the interchange between their guest and his family. Jim was pleased to see that Evan was very attentive toward Alexis, assisting her as she slid her chair to the table, asking if he could pass her a serving dish, and smiling each time he looked her way. Eli continued his chatter about the playtime he had shared with Ben as Rick and Kate had taken the same posture as Jim, politely watching the interchanges among their family. They were delighted that Evan seemed to fit in with their rather eclectic family.
After finishing their meal, Evan stood, intending to help clear the table, as Kate said, "Evan, why don't we let Rick and the family clear the table while you and I go into the study to have our talk."
Alexis was afraid that Kate's question would unnerve Evan, but he replied, "Captain, I would appreciate that opportunity."
Kate didn't correct Evan regarding how he addressed her but led the way to Rick's study. After closing the door, Kate sat in the standalone chair and indicated that Evan should sit on the sofa. Evan remained quiet, waiting for Kate to take the lead.
Kate's first statement was, "Evan, when we are here at home or in other personal settings, please call me Kate. But it remains Captain Beckett whenever we are in a professional setting or at the Precinct."
Evan replied, "Yes, ma'am, I mean Kate."
Kate laughed and said, "Please never call me ma'am. That one makes me feel old."
Kate continued, "Evan, Alexis told me you wished to talk to me about my daughter."
Evan cleared his throat but confidently began sharing his thoughts and heart with his new friend's Mother and boss. "I am confident that you and Mr. Cas, I mean Rick, probably have concerns regarding what I hope is a longtime relationship with your daughter. I can honestly tell you that I have never experienced feelings for any girl as soon and as deeply as I feel for Alexis. From the instant we met, we both felt a connection, and it is uncanny how easy it is to talk to one another. We have many things in common, and so far, we have enjoyed just being together. The most 'exciting' date we've had was when we went to the Flying Elbow, and I learned that it is also Eli's favorite joint. I have a hard time putting my feelings into words, but I can tell you I enjoy being with your daughter, and if it's meant to be, I look forward to seeing where our relationship goes in the future."
"I do not say this lightly, but I intend to always treat your daughter with respect and honor, and as long as she is happy being with me, I will be the happiest man on earth," finished Evan.
Kate was a little taken aback by the depth of the feelings Evan seems to have already developed for her daughter, so her response was a bit delayed which caused Evan to experience a level of angst that made him uncomfortable. But after gathering her thoughts, Kate responded, "Evan, I will be honest that the depth of the feelings you appear to have for our daughter is surprising this early in your relationship. But I pride myself on being able to read people, and I am confident that the feelings you have just shared are genuine. I will tell you that Alexis is my stepdaughter, but I love her as if she were my own. And if you think you have met protective fathers before, let me assure you that you have no idea the lengths Rick will go to protect his family, especially his children. That said, as long as you treat Alexis well and she is happy, you will find two, actually, four of your biggest supporters in this family."
Kate continued, "Evan, I feel you are a fine young man, and I will not allow your relationship with my daughter to interfere with our working relationship, and I trust you will do the same."
Evan quickly responded, "Kate, I couldn't agree more, and thank you for allowing me the opportunity to be with and get to know your daughter."
The two stood with Evan extending his hand to Kate before they left the study. Once the two rejoined the family, everyone seemed to sense that the conversation had gone well. Rick even suggested, "Evan, if you don't have other plans for the afternoon, you are welcome to join us for family game time. But let me warn you, some of us take game time rather serious," he laughingly shared as he did a shoulder bump with this middle child.
Emma looked at her Dad, embarrassed by his comment, saying, "Daddy, that's not nice. Evan is our guest."
That encouraged Rick as he continued, "Well if he's going to date your big sister, he might as well get used to her family. Are you ready for me to take you down with revenge UNO?"
And that is how Sergeant Evan Button and Alexis Castle began their relationship and when Evan began to grow and thrive as a member of the Castle extended family. Evan ended up spending the entire afternoon at the Castle Loft, and before he left for the evening, Rick invited him to join their May the 4th Brunch. Evan was excited and quickly accepted Rick's invitation, sharing that he loved Star Wars.