Best Spring Ever!
Castle Ficathon 2022 Story
Chapter 33
June 2024 continues with Rick and Kate having the opportunity to learn whether they will have a son or daughter shortly before Christmas.
Kate had purposely scheduled her 15th-week ultrasound on Friday, June 28th, following Rick and her daughters' epic ComicCon event. Under normal conditions, Kate's next ultrasound would have been scheduled sometime between weeks 18-20 of her pregnancy. But Dr. Dean determined that Kate's pregnancy was high-risk and wanted to do the test during her 14-16th week timeframe.
Since Kate's test is on a Friday, Rick thought they should schedule a weekend trip to the Hamptons for just him and Kate. Rick had visited with Alexis and their parents and arranged childcare for the weekend. Alexis offered to stay at the Loft with Emma & Eli, with Jim and Martha volunteering to be back up. These code words indicate they would probably be at the Loft for most of the weekend.
Rick plans to take Kate to the precinct so she can wrap up a few things before coming back at 11:30 to pick her up, and then they will both attend her doctor's appointment. Since Kate's appointment includes an in-depth physical and an ultrasound, the kids will not be joining their parents for this check-up.
Rick and Kate have several sets of clothing at the Hampton's house, so they only needed to pack their bathroom products and a couple of sweatshirts in case it was chilly for their evening walks on the beach. After completing their packing, they headed to the kitchen area, placing their bags by the door before sharing a quick breakfast with their children.
After breakfast, Rick, Kate & Eli walked with Emma down to catch her bus for school. Rick and Kate kissed their daughter goodbye, wishing her a good day and telling her to enjoy her weekend with her sister and grandparents. Rick & Eli walked with Kate to the garage with the plan to drop Kate off at work, and then Rick was going to take Eli over to visit Nicholas Ryan until Kate's Dad could pick him up when he could break away from the office.
Kate kissed her guys goodbye, hugging Eli and telling him to enjoy his weekend with his Lexi and Grandparents. She entered the precinct through the front entrance with a final wave and an air kiss to her guys. After checking the front desk log with Sergeant Button, Kate headed up to the fourth floor and her office. Ryan, Karpowski, and Sully were all working on paperwork and waved as Kate headed toward her office.
Once Kate secured her weapon, she turned on her computer, pulled up her email, and sorted her numerous messages in order of importance, sliding those requiring immediate attention into her urgent folder. As Kate is working through some of her urgent emails, she receives an unexpected call from Deputy Commissioner Gates regarding Kate's initial thoughts about her replacement.
Kate hadn't had much time to consider options, but she shared one consideration that involved Sergeant Ryan. Kate explained to Gates that Ryan has grown and shown natural talent in many areas of his current position, such as those that deal directly with leadership. Kate shared that she plans to have more formal conversations with Ryan once he has completed a few of the Lieutenant exam sessions.
Gates's initial silence tells Kate that her boss isn't happy with her idea. Finally, Gates shares some of her thoughts.
"Kate, I respect your thinking, but are you confident that Ryan would be strong enough to assume such a high command level?" Gates paused, then continued,
"Ryan failed his first attempt at the Sergeant's exam and shot a fellow officer."
Kate was quiet for a few moments, collecting her initial thoughts before responding. "Deputy Commissioner Gates, I understand your concerns, but I have had first-hand opportunities to see Sergeant Ryan in action daily as he works with our homicide teams. Ryan did an excellent job overseeing our three-bank robbery case and the carjacking of the young father from Iowa. He has also begun mentoring one of our new detectives. Sergeant Ryan continues setting daily examples of leadership, showing great attention to detail, and building relationships among our Detective teams. I wouldn't consider Ryan if I wasn't confident he could grow into the position."
Kate waits for another response from Gates, but she only hears, "Okay, Captain, I understand your feelings regarding Sergeant Ryan. We will speak again regarding this topic. Thank you for your time," then disconnects the call.
Kate sat back, thinking, Well, that certainly didn't go as well as I had hoped. I think she may have someone else in mind and isn't happy that I also have ideas for my replacement. Whew, I need to get my notes organized before our follow-up conversation.
Kate decided to put her thoughts regarding her replacement aside until she returned from their weekend at the Hamptons.
After dropping Eli off at the Ryan's, giving him extra hugs and assuring him that he and Mommy will be back home late Sunday afternoon.
Just as Rick entered his car, he received a call from Cheryl, their realtor, asking if he had time to swing by her office. Rick checked his watch and saw he had ninety minutes until he needed to pick up Kate for her doctor's appointment. Rick said he would be there in fifteen minutes. He wondered what was so important that she didn't want to talk over the phone but knew he would get answers to his concerns in a few minutes.
Cheryl greeted Rick at the door, thanking him for stopping by on such short notice.
Rick sat in a highly comfortable chair, taking in the incredible decor of Cheryl's office, silently thinking, "Cheryl has recently redecorated, and this even surpasses Gina's office at Black Pawn!"
Cheryl looked at some notes on her desk and then began explaining the reason for the visit to Rick.
"Rick, there is no easy way to say this, but several points in the deal we are working on for you for the house in Riverdale seem to be changing rapidly."
Rick was surprised and only answered by saying, "Please continue, Cheryl. What has come up?"
Cheryl began, "We received notice this morning that the buyer for your Loft has backed out of the agreement, claiming a change in his employment status prevents him from purchasing such an expensive home. Losing that sale could nullify your purchase of the house in Riverdale."
Rick waited to respond as he could tell Cheryl had more details to share.
"Rick, I also need to ask if you feel you and Kate are serious about purchasing the Riverdale house, as I have another buyer who wants to move now and can make a cash purchase at a moment's notice. I don't want to push you as you have the first rite of purchase."
Rick thought for a few moments, then asked, "Cheryl, can we at least have the weekend to make a final decision? I promise I will call you first thing Monday morning and give you our decision. The buyer backing out on the Loft purchase will play a big part in our final decision."
Cheryl answered, "Sure, Rick. That won't be a problem, and again I am so sorry about your buyer. It seemed like a solid deal when I brought it to you and Kate."
"That's okay, Cheryl. These things happen. I need to talk with Kate and let her know about the changes."
The two shook hands as Rick left, feeling terrible knowing that Kate had spent an incredible amount of time weighing the options on the Riverdale house. None of the other places on his list appealed to her, so he's back to square one in his Great Castle Home search.
Rick got back into the Mercedes and decided he'd get a coffee before picking up Kate. He has been avoiding coffee for the most part as he supported Kate and her pregnancy, but after the meeting with his realtor, Rick decided he needed a strong shot of caffeine.
Rick parked in the parking lot at the 12th and walked a couple of doors down to their favorite coffee shop. He got his usual order and two bear claws, one he would save for Kate, and found an empty booth in the back of the shop where he hoped for a few quiet moments to formulate his thoughts before telling his wife that it looked like their house deal was falling apart.
Rick had just sat down when his cell phone rang again, with the caller ID showing their neighbor Ellen was calling.
Rick immediately answered, "Hi Ellen, is everything okay?" His elderly neighbor usually only called if she was having a problem.
"Oh, no, Rick. I'm doing very well," replied the sweet lady. I want to talk with you about something that has come up with my family.
Ellen began by letting Rick know she realized he and Kate weren't home, so if time is a constraint for Rick, she would gladly wait and talk to him and Kate at a better time. But for now, she wanted to share her idea/plan summary and get Rick's initial reaction.
"I'm sorry, Ellen. But your assumption is correct. I am on my way to pick up Kate for her doctor's appointment, and then we are heading up to our Hampton's home for the rest of the weekend," explained Rick
"I hope Kate's appointment goes well, and you two kids need to enjoy your weekend away. I know you both have been extremely busy. So I will make this quick and give you a broad overview and see if you are interested in further discussions," their precious neighbor began to explain.
"As you know, my oldest son lives in Arizona and has been talking with me about moving. He wants me to be closer if something affects my health. He and his wife have recently remodeled their home and included a beautiful attached apartment. After several discussions with all of my children, I have decided to make a move and sell my Loft. I want to give you the first right of purchase." Before Rick could comment, Ellen continued,
"If you are interested, I am prepared to make you a surprisingly unique offer. I speak with your dear Emma often as she waits for her school bus, and she has shared that you will need to move because you do not have room for your new little one, who is arriving at Christmas. I have known you and your family since you purchased your Loft, and now with your dear wife and a new baby on the way, I have never seen such a happy family. Please don't be upset with Emma; she shared that she knows you need to move, but she will miss her home."
Again, Rick was unable to reply, as Ellen was determined to share all of her thoughts regarding her idea.
"You have cared for and supported me more than I can count. My family feels the same, and all my children agree with my decision." Ellen took a deep breath, wanting to be sure she clearly articulated her offer.
"As you know, the value of our Lofts has increased exponentially over the years. My latest review valued my Loft between 6.5 - 8 million. Rick, I do not need the money." Before Rick could respond, Ellen laughed and continued again, "Rick, I am old and have more than enough money to see me through my remaining years. If you are interested in purchasing my home, I am willing to offer it to you for what I paid for it twenty-five years ago, which was 2.1 million."
Ellen finally pauses, allowing Rick to respond, but he is overwhelmed by his neighbor's offer and is speechless at the moment.
Ellen chuckles, having anticipated Rick's reaction, so she takes pity on her poor neighbor, offering, "Rick, I know my offer has, as the young ones say, these days, blown you away. Why don't you share my offer with your beautiful wife, and we will plan to sit down and visit face-to-face when you return from the Hamptons?"
Rick finally composes himself enough to respond to Ellen's last comment.
"Ellen, you are correct; I am completely overwhelmed by your unbelievable offer. And yes, I need to talk with Kate, and we will plan to visit with you as soon as we return from our trip. Possibly, as early as Sunday evening, if that is workable for you?"
"Rick, that would be perfect; I usually stay up late, so we can plan to chat after you return home and check on your family. I wish you safe travels, and I apologize for dropping such a surprise on you without warning. But I wanted to talk with you before I contact a realtor."
The two neighbors wish each other well and disconnect their call, leaving Rick in a stupor as he tries to pull his emotions and thoughts together before he picks Kate up for her appointment.
Rick walks up to the precinct, seeing that Kate is waiting for him at the front door. He kisses Kate on her temple, and then they walk, hand in hand, to the 12th Precinct garage.
Kate climbs into the front seat, leaning over to give her husband another quick kiss before she says, "Hi, I was beginning to think you had forgotten me." Kate frowns as Rick only nods and says, "Yea, sorry I was late."
Kate gives Rick a concerned look and asks, "Is everything okay, Babe?"
Rick is quiet for a few seconds before he sighs and finally replies, "Oh, sweetheart. I can honestly say I am not sure. I will tell you everything, but first, let's get you to your doctor's appointment."
The duo is quiet for the short ride to Kate's doctor, but she is hugely concerned about Rick's comment.
Kate checked in at the reception desk, and the nurse immediately led her back to the examination room. Rick took a seat in the reception area, knowing they would call him back once the doctor completed her initial assessment of Kate and the baby.
Dr. Dean's nurse began Kate's exam with the traditional blood draw and checked her vitals. After taking Kate's blood pressure, she pauses, asking if Kate is feeling stressed.
Kate sighs and answers, somewhat concerned but knowing she needs to be honest with her doctor, "Kelly, yes, I am a bit stressed. Something just happened with Rick, and we didn't have time to talk about it, so I'm worried about what's happened since he dropped me at work a few hours ago."
Kelly leaves the exam room for a couple of minutes, then returns with Rick and tells the couple, "Guys, Dr. Dean apologizes, but she's running about twenty minutes behind. So Kate, if it will help you, I can give you a few minutes to talk with Rick before I retake your BP reading."
After Nurse Kelly leaves the room, Rick takes Kate's hand, saying, "Sweetheart, I didn't mean to upset you earlier. I didn't think we had enough time to discuss what happened since Eli and I dropped you off at work."
Kate squeezed Rick's hand, trying to calm herself and Rick by responding, "Ok, Babe. We have a few minutes now, so can you give me the highlights?"
Rick leans in, kissing Kate, extremely concerned that his news will upset her even further, but at this point, it doesn't appear that he has any option other than to try and briefly explain his two surprise phone calls.
Rick moved to sit beside Kate on the examination table and began by sharing the highlights of his conversation with Cheryl. He felt terrible watching his wife's head and shoulders droop as he explained that the deal for the Riverdale house might not happen.
Rick immediately recapped the unique call he had received from their neighbor. "Kate, I had just sat in an open booth in our coffee shop when Ellen called. At first, I thought something had happened, but then she told me that she had decided to move to Arizona to be with her oldest son and three grandchildren."
Kate remained quiet as she watched Rick's expressions change as he continued sharing the unexpected call from their neighbor. "Kate, we will have a lot to talk about, but before Kelly returns, you need to know that she wants to sell her Loft to us for the same price she paid twenty years ago, which was 2.1 million."
Rick checked his watch, seeing they only had a few more minutes of private time, but added, "Sweetheart, I know 2.1 million is a lot of money, but we can easily swing the purchase if it's something we want to do. The most difficult part of the conversation was when Ellen shared that she chats with Emma sometimes while our little girl is waiting for the school bus, and Emma told her that she knows we have to move because of PJ, but she will still miss her home."
Kate leaned her head against Rick's shoulder, not sure it was the best of ideas to have this short talk now, but she did feel a bit better knowing what was so concerning for Rick. Kate is taking some deep breaths trying to calm herself and think of the positives that surfaced from Rick's brief overview of his morning calls. One assuring point is that with the possibility of the Riverdale house purchase falling through, they already have another option on the table.
Kate gives Rick a sweet kiss just as Nurse Kelly reenters the room, smiling as she asks, "Do you want to try the BP reading again, or can we wait until the end of your appointment?"
Kate answers immediately, asking, "If it's okay with you, let's wait until the end of my appointment."
The remainder of Kate's exam goes very well, and Dr. Dean is happy about how Kate's body is handling her pregnancy, though she will hold final judgment until after she sees Kate's new blood pressure readings.
Nurse Kelly readjusts the examination table, moving the ultrasound machine closer to the end of the table, and warms the gel before Dr. Dean takes her seat.
"Well, are you ready to find out if you will have a son or daughter?" Fully expecting a positive response to her question, the doctor is surprised when she watches as both parents hesitate before responding to her question.
Rick and Kate look back and forth when Kate finally answers Dr. Dean's question. "Dr. Dean, we are dealing with a few issues with Emma and Eli, as both have strong preferences regarding the sex of their sibling. The situation has dramatically improved, but until we are more confident about their reactions, we think we need to wait a bit longer before we can answer your question."
"That's not a problem. Let me turn the monitor, but keep the audio up, and I'll do the scan and the regular screenshots. Then Nurse Kelly will put the scans in a sealed envelope, and you can open them when you're ready."
Rick immediately answers, saying, "Dr., that would be very helpful. And thank you for understanding."
"That's not a problem. We encounter many of these situations with our parents. So, Kate, you lean back and relax, knowing you will hear the heartbeat of your little one in a few seconds," smiled Dr. Dean as she rubbed the warm gel on Kate's tummy and began the scan.
Nurse Kelly returned to the examination room with a sealed envelope labeled When you are ready. She then took another reading of Kate's blood pressure, and all of her numbers were back in the normal range. Knowing Kate's numbers were okay now, she told the couple that she'll update her appointment file for today and asked Kate to make another appointment for the end of July as she checked out at the reception desk.
Once the couple was back in their car, they both leaned back, releasing huge sighs as they allowed themselves a few minutes to do quick reviews of the events of their morning.
Rick suggested that they make a quick stop back at the Loft so he could pick up his laptop. Initially, they had agreed to a non-electronics weekend. But, after Ellen's call, the couple wanted to take some of their quiet time to consider her offer, and Rick wanted to send a quick summary note regarding the potential purchase to his attorneys.
After the short stop at the Loft, the Castles exited the city's heavy Friday afternoon traffic and settled back in the comfortable seats of the car as they began their ride to the Hampton's. As she watched the passing scenery, Kate was twisting the ends of her curled hair, continuing to process the new decisions ahead of them regarding purchasing a new home.
The Castles had been anxious to get out of the city and had skipped lunch. Thankfully, the bear claw that Rick had picked up earlier helped to tide Kate over for a while, but now her stomach was growling, indicating she and PJ were ready for some food.
Rick chuckled when he heard the sounds from Kate's stomach and suggested, "How about if we stop at Porco's for a late lunch/early dinner?"
"I think PJ and I would like that. One of their juicy cheeseburgers and homemade steak fries sounds wonderful right now. Then maybe we can grab some of their deli meats and a salad or two, along with a couple of pieces of cheesecake?" smiled Kate.
Rick laughed, saying, "PJ is certainly developing a very selective palette."
Kate turned and gave Rick a look, then smiled and cheerfully replied, "Yes, he has very discerning tastes for such a young person."
The two travelers laugh and hold hands for the remainder of their trip, stopping and enjoying their lunch and gathering a few more needed items for their weekend.
Rick and Kate immediately head down to the beach after dropping their bags at the bottom of the stairs and putting the goodies from Proco's in the refrigerator. They exit the rear patio door, kick off their shoes and rush hand-in-hand down to the surf and sand.
For the couple, the adage this is our happy place comes to life when they can feel the sand between their toes and run back and forth, dodging the incoming waves. Their worries and troubles begin to seep out of their hearts and minds with each moment they share. They always enjoy bringing their kids, but this time they are grateful for the alone time that is ahead for them for the entire weekend.
After walking for about an hour, Rick and Kate return to the house. Rick volunteers to make glasses of raspberry ice tea as he suggests that Kate sit by the pool to relax and enjoy the beautiful colors streaking across the sky as the sun sets for the day.
Rick hands Kate her tea as he squeezes beside her in the double lounger to enjoy the warm breeze and beautiful setting sun. After a few quiet moments, the couple begins sharing sweet, gentle kisses that build into a full-blown make-out session.
As their session nears the point of no return, the couple begins laughing and quickly agree that they need to move their activity inside in case their neighbors decide to go for an evening walk. Rick locks all the doors, turns off the lights, and picks up their bags as the two run upstairs like a couple of crazy teenagers. Having the entire house to themselves, they can throw caution to the wind as they stop on the stairs and again in the hallway, sharing passionate kisses and very provocative touches before finally making it into their bedroom.
Once in the bedroom, they slow their pace and start playing with buttons and zippers as they enjoy loving touches as they both now stand naked in the center of the large room. Following quick trips to the en suite, they crawl into bed, gravitating to the center of the bed, and wrap themselves around each other as the intensity of their touching and kissing increases.
The two lovers are rolling and laughing as they change positions, trying to please one another beyond each other's wildest dreams. Finally, being sated and sweaty, they slow things down and begin gently touching and kissing until Kate suggests they take a shower before falling asleep.
The touching and kissing continue as they lovingly wash each other's backs, sharing loving words and promises for the future. This alone time is making them realize how long it's been since it's just been the two of them together. And thinking ahead to PJ's birth helps them know they need to plan more getaways before December rolls around and all of their lives change as they welcome a new baby to the family.
After showering and drying one another off, the two lovers return to their bedroom. Rick pauses, picking up the envelope they received from Kate's doctor. He is holding it in front of Kate, asking the silent question. Kate answers, "Not yet, Babe. I want to talk to you again about Emma and Eli before we decide whether we look at the results or not."
Rick pauses as he continues looking at the envelope and suggests, "You know Kate, we could look at the scans and not tell anyone else until later."
Kate takes Rick's hand and leads him to their bed, patting the space next to her as she takes the envelope from his hand, smiling and adding, "You know, Babe. I've been waiting for you to share that thought with me. You're getting excited, aren't you?"
Now that Rick's thoughts are out, he quickly responds, "Kaaaate, I want to know if we are having a boy or a girl. Remember, I kept our secret about your pregnancy for several months before we did the reveal. I can keep this a secret too. Pleeeeaaaasee, can we look?"
Kate loves her husband so much and feels guilty about waiting to know if they are having a little girl or boy. It's an exciting time. They will work with Emma and Eli if they still have concerns about their new sibling. They deserve to know.
Kate gives Rick an intense and passionate kiss and hands him the sealed envelope!
Rick sits motionless as he looks down at the envelope that holds the answer to their future. He stares at his wife, asking, "Are you sure? I will work through my feelings and wait with you if you want to wait."
With the biggest smile he thinks he has ever seen, Kate grips Rick's arm and says, "Babe, I want to know too. PJ was such a surprise, and we've been waiting all this time. Open it!"
A/N #1 - Sorry for the cliffhanger, but I won't make you wait long to learn the results of Kate's scan. Check back tomorrow for the final chapter of this story that holds our answer.
A/N #2 - My apologies for not clearly stating this story's number of chapters left. There will be one more chapter, and then this saga is a wrap. So sorry for the confusion in the author's note for Chapter 32.