Best Spring Ever!
Castle Ficathon 2022 Story
Chapter 34
June 2024 ends with Rick and Kate learning that they are having a little _! And they also make a significant decision on their future home.
Now that Rick has Kate's blessing to open the envelope, he sits on the cedar chest at the foot of their bed, staring at the white legal size envelope, knowing he is about to disclose the answer to one of the most critical questions they have faced since Eli's birth.
Kate nudges her husband, encouraging him to open the envelope. Rick leans over, giving Kate a sweet, loving kiss, and promptly tears open the end of the envelope, allowing one of the scans to fall into his open hand. Rick sits silently for several moments as tears form in his eyes and run down his cheeks as he slides closer to Kate, wrapping his arm around her shoulders, drawing her close to his side as he shows her the scan and whispers, "We're having another boy!"
Kate allows her tears to flow as she tucks herself as close as possible to Rick's side. While rubbing her tummy, Kate gently runs her finger over the grainy image, saying, "Hi baby boy, this is your Mommy, and I love you so very much."
Rick lays his hand over Kate's as the two parents lean closely into one another and continue to share tears of joy about the pending birth of their son, who will join their family just before Christmas.
The parents share more loving kisses as they slip into their night clothes and climb into bed, with Rick holding tightly to PJ's scan. Kate snuggles close to Rick laying her head on his sternum so she can also see the picture of their new baby. The two fall asleep in each other's arms, thrilled knowing they will soon have another little boy in their family.
Rick wakes Saturday morning, but the space beside him is empty, and the sheets are ice cold!
Rick jumps out of bed, makes a quick stop in the en suite, grabs his robe, and heads down the carpeted steps of the white staircase. When he is halfway down the steps, delicious aromas descend upon him, causing him to instantly relax as now he knows his wife is in the kitchen preparing breakfast.
Rick quietly enters the breakfast nook area of the kitchen, leaning against the door frame as he watches Kate moving from the stove to the counter to the refrigerator, singing with an incredible smile lighting up her gorgeous face.
Rick then quietly walks to the other side of the center island, startling Kate as he slips his arms around her waist. He begins nuzzling her neck before he commences leaving a trail of kisses from her collarbone to just beneath her ear. As Rick gets closer to Kate's earlobe, he feels a shutter that tells him he has achieved his desired effect on his wife.
Kate smiles, leaning into Rick, as she releases a sigh when he slowly turns her around, giving her a deep passionate good morning kiss. After sharing several butterfly kisses, Rick bends closer to Kate's tummy, saying, "Good morning PJ. How is my little boy doing?
Kate laughs at her silly husband as she runs her fingers through his sleep-mussed hair until he stands and shares several more kisses with her before he asks, "What can I do to help?"
"If you get the juice, fruit, and cream cheese out of the fridge, I will put the finishing touches on the eggs and bacon. The bagels are in the warmer, and the coffee has finished brewing.
As the couple wraps up their breakfast preparations, Kate again thanks Rick for calling and having Edith, their housekeeper, restock the kitchen with all their possible food needs for the weekend.
The two lovers sit side-by-side, as close together as their chairs allow, and spend the next hour enjoying their breakfast, stealing bacon, fruit, and anything else they can reach from each other's plates. Laughing, kissing, and simply enjoying being together, being together alone!
Rick and Kate linger over breakfast, then quickly clean up the kitchen and change clothes before heading down to the beach for an early morning walk.
Rick and Kate stroll along the beach's edge, running into the small waves and giggling like their children as they enjoy each other's company. Rick and Kate realize they have important topics to discuss, but at the current moment, they share how thankful they are, knowing they will be together for a lifetime. They are incredibly grateful for the family they have built and love that they have another little one coming before Christmas.
As the two lovers return to their private beach area. Kate spreads the large beach towel Rick had grabbed from the hall closet onto the sand, sitting down and enjoying the beautiful sounds unique to the ocean.
Kate reaches for Rick's hand, turning his wedding band as she suddenly gets quiet. The twisting of wedding bands is always a signal that Kate has something important that she wants to say, so Rick sits silently, waiting for Kate to share her thoughts.
Finally, Kate begins, "Babe, what are your thoughts about Ellen's offer to sell her Loft?"
Rick had anticipated Kate's question and promptly shared some of his initial feelings.
"Honestly, I was thankful to be sitting down when she made her offer. I had left Cheryl's office about ten minutes earlier and decided I needed a caffeine boost as I tried to figure out how to explain the Riverdale contract changes to you. Then Ellen called and dropped her bomb; it was a pleasant surprise, but still, it was nothing I ever dreamt would happen to us."
"Honestly, I am excited about her offer. And if you agree, I need to call Hadlee and Dylan to discuss the idea. I am confident we can afford the deal, but they get nervous and upset if I make any monetary commitments without their approval. They are funny that way," laughed Rick, trying to lighten the mood.
"Have you tried to work through your initial thoughts about our new housing situations?" Rick asked Kate as he drew her into his side.
Kate thoughtfully replied, "I spent part of my early morning thinking about Ellen's offer before I started fixing breakfast. After getting over the initial shock of her offer, finding out we are having a little boy. My mind started running through all the things I love about our Loft."
"I love our bed. I love our bedroom. I love the new little family room we just added. I love our en suite, don't laugh. We've shared some treasured memories in that room. If the Riverdale purchase had worked out, I know, between all of us, we could have made it into a home. But, Babe, the Loft is already our home."
"We know the kids love it. And I want to raise PJ in our home. So if we can afford the purchase and all the needed remodeling, I would say we go for it. I am willing to talk to Ellen Sunday night with the intent that we are going to accept her offer. Do you think we can get in touch with Hadlee or Dylan today?" asked Kate after sharing her heart with Rick.
"Wow, I was positive you would balk at the idea since it would be more out-of-pocket costs for us. I love the Loft too. It holds so many memories for me, before we got together and now ten years later. I'll call Hadlee and Dylan when we return to the house."
Kate stood, taking Rick's hand and pulling him to his feet, saying, "Let's do this, Babe!"
Changes abound for the Castle family…
Summer was busy for all of the Castles. Rick and Kate fulfilled two additional reveals to their family, the most important being the news that little PJ is a boy. Eli was elated by their announcement, but Emma remained somber after learning the results of Kate's scan.
The next exciting piece of information they shared was that they were purchasing their good neighbor, Ellen's Loft and the family would not be moving. Instead, they will remodel both Lofts and have plenty of space for PJ and other family members when they want to stay with the family.
Rick and Kate spent several hours answering their young children's questions, helping them understand why their housing plans had changed. Once they were confident that Emma and Eli understood that they would not be moving into a different house, Kate immediately began to include Emma in their planning for a nursery. Emma's excitement was building; she even volunteered to draw a unique picture for her new brother. She decided she wanted to design a train mural patterned after her Daddy's beautiful train that he sets up every Christmas under their tree.
The family made a few trips to the Hamptons, including a long 4th of July celebration with their extended family. Following the family's return to the city, Rick and Kate, especially Rick, began spending considerable time overseeing the remodeling of both Lofts.
The Castles were relieved they could secure Eduardo's brother as their lead contractor. Ricardo and his crew had done the remodel for the small family room Rick had added to their existing Loft and other construction needs that Rick needed over the years.
With the two lofts having mirror floor plans, Ricardo's architect worked with Rick and Kate to lay out the remodeling project, with the first three stages scheduled to be completed by the end of November. First, they addressed immediate needs, including the nursery and all entrance changes. Following those primary construction projects was the creation of a new guest room, which Alexis could use when she visits.
Ricardo's team was using the space of the original 1st-floor master bedroom of Ellen's Loft, dividing up the area to create the nursery and the guest bedroom. Lastly, the third round of remodeling included completing minor modifications to Alexis's existing bedroom for PJ. After completing the first three stages of their remodeling plans, the Castles would take a break from the remodeling to concentrate on their family.
All the Castle kids are now in school…
While remodeling the two properties continues through the Summer and Fall of 2024, Rick and Kate face a new experience at home. It is the first time all three Castle children are in school, Eli for the first time. Alexis began her first year of Law School at Columbia, with eight-year-old Emma starting her first days as a third grader at Wetherby-Pembridge School.
Eli is attending his first year of Preschool at Everbrook Academy of Manhattan. Rick and Kate had researched almost every Manhattan preschool and located a preschool centered around a STEAM-centered curriculum (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics), which appears to fit several of Eli's current interests.
In mid-July, Rick and Kate, along with Bryan's parents, had enrolled their children in a four-week art and design class specifically developed to encourage and build the talents of children under the age of 10. At the end of the course, children could share projects with their parents during a unique open house.
Both sets of parents continued to be amazed at the level of talent their young children displayed in their respective areas of art and design. Emma and Bryan were very conscientious about their other schoolwork, and their creative abilities were visually expanding following their summer design class participation.
After learning about Emma and Bryan's custom-designed summer art course, Miss Hindnecker, the kids' art teacher, approached the Castles and Lyons, inquiring if she could encourage Emma and Bryan to take advanced art classes at Wetherby-Pembridge to build on their summer learning.
Eli was enjoying his three mornings a week of Preschool. The challenges presented to him with the STEAM curriculum for 3-4-year-olds seemed to pique his interest, and his advancement was becoming evident in how he was planning his new Lego creations.
A major surprise for the young learner occurred on Eli's first day of Preschool. Rick and Kate were walking a somewhat apprehensive Eli to the main doors of the Academy when they met the Buttons, who were dropping Ben off for his first day.
Both boys were elated to be together at the same big school. They waved goodbye to their parents as they stood tall and walked proudly through the front doors to begin a new phase in their young lives.
The wait is almost over…
Since the contractors had wrapped up the first three stages of the Castle remodel just before Thanksgiving, Rick decided that they would have a straightforward Thanksgiving at home with just their family. He even went against all of his traditions and had their meal catered.
Following a laid-back but enjoyable Thanksgiving, with Alexis and Evan having Friday off, Rick entrusted his daughter and her boyfriend with selecting the Castle family Christmas Tree. Alexis was shocked that her Father was turning over such an important family tradition to her. But Rick told the family he wasn't leaving Kate's side as she had been experiencing some Braxton Hicks contractions. They had made a quick trip to the ER, where doctors assured the couple that these were normal and that Kate needed to rest over the weekend, but the baby wasn't ready to arrive. Rick had tried to talk Kate into beginning her maternity leave early, but since PJ's anticipated delivery date wasn't until December 14, she felt they could continue with their original schedule.
Monday, December 2, was an unseasonably warm winter day for New York, so Rick decided to surprise his wife and pick up her favorite meal from Katz's deli for lunch. The two had just finished their sandwiches, and Rick was planning to head home and do more editing on the last two chapters of his latest Nikki Heat book before picking up Eli at Preschool. Rick threw their sandwich wrappers and napkins into the garbage and leaned over to give Kate a sweet goodbye kiss.
Rick then held out his hand, offering to help his pregnant wife out of her straight-back chair when her face went pale, and she bent over in pain. Rick began to panic, afraid something was happening, especially since PJ wasn't due for another two weeks. But then he caught sight of the small pool of liquid on the floor, and they both immediately realized their baby had decided to make an early appearance.
Kate grabbed Rick's arm and said, "Babe, I think you're going to be making a detour on your trip home."
Rick asked Karpowski to go to the gym, grab Kate's sparing sweats, and then watch the restroom door while he went in and helped Kate get changed before they left for the hospital. While Kate was changing clothes, Rick called Dr. Dean to alert her that PJ was coming early and they were going to the hospital. Since Dr. Dean considered Kate's pregnancy very high risk, she had instructed the Castles to head to the hospital immediately after Kate's water broke. She would have staff on call to assist with whatever Kate needed before PJ's birth.
Thankfully, Rick kept a duplicate of Kate's hospital go bag in the car, so once Kate gave Sergeant Ryan a few last-minute instructions, Rick carefully escorted Kate to the Lobby. Sergeant Button met the couple at the elevator and offered to stay with Kate while Rick raced to get their car from the Precinct's garage.
After ensuring that Kate was as comfortable as possible in the front seat, Rick belted himself in and prepared to pull out of the Precinct loading zone when he saw LT stop alongside him in an NYPD (RMP) patrol car. LT motioned for Rick to roll down his window and then said,
"You stay on my bumper, and I'll have you to the hospital in no time."
Rick was sure the newly promoted Detective could get into trouble for misuse of police equipment. Still, at this moment, Rick sincerely appreciated LT's care and support in helping to get Kate to the hospital as soon as possible as they weaved their way through the crazy New York City lunch-hour traffic.
Two nurses met Rick as he pulled into the Emergency Room's circular drive. They quickly assisted Kate into a wheelchair, and LT took Rick's keys and went to park his car in the visitor's parking lot. Kate was rapidly evaluated, admitted, and taken to one of the private birthing rooms. Then the waiting began for PJ's parents.
PJ's rush to come into the world came to a screeching halt once Kate sat comfortably in her room. She had a few mild contractions but nothing severe or timely. After several hours of waiting, Kate's active delivery began, with many colorful words and feelings shared between PJ's parents.
Finally, Dr. Dean told the expectant parents that it was time. Rick slid in behind Kate so she could lean against him as she followed the doctor's instructions. Twenty minutes later, Dr. Dean said, "He's beautiful," and then PJ announced himself to the delight of Rick and Kate. Dr. Dean allowed Rick to cut the cord, and then one of the nurses carefully wrapped PJ in a warm blanket and gently laid him on Kate's chest.
The two parents were beaming as they watched their new baby boy, counting his little toes and fingers and then looking at one another, when Rick said, "What do you think? Does his name fit him?"
Kate lovingly looked down at their precious new baby, kissing his little cheeks, saying, "Yes, Daddy. I think his name is perfect."
Kate edged toward the middle of the bed, and Rick slid in beside her slipping his arm around her to hug his wife and son, leaning down to kiss their baby, saying, "Welcome to the world, Parker Jamison Castle. Mommy and Daddy are thrilled that you are here, and we love you so much!"
Kate repeated PJ's full name several times, thinking, "My Dad will be surprised. He rarely uses his given name, except when he signs legal documents. Dad always prefers going by Jim or James. He may be a bit frustrated at first that we didn't use James. But I don't care, I love Parker Jamison, and we can still call him PJ, Jamey, or Jay-Jay for nicknames." Rick agreed and settled back as he and Kate enjoyed watching PJ sleep.
After introducing Parker Jamison Castle to his family, both immediate and extended, nurses shooed everyone out of Kate's room, telling them Mommy and baby needed to rest, which probably included Daddy.
The Castles and baby PJ went home the next day to a very warm welcome. Alexis, Martha, Jim, Emma, and Eli had done a beautiful job decorating the Loft for PJ's welcoming. But the biggest surprise was for Rick and Kate. After being forced to leave the hospital, the family rushed home and completed all of the annual Castle Family Christmas decorating. Earlier, Alexis and Evan had found the perfect tree, but with Rick's high level of anxiety for Kate and the baby, they had only done minimal decorating.
PJ had fallen asleep on the way home, but once they set his carrier down on the foyer floor, his eyes opened as his grandparents and siblings began talking to him. Rick carefully lifted the baby out of his baby carrier and went to the living room, telling Grandpa Jim to sit down so he could hold his namesake.
Kate's maternity leave involved many adjustments for the entire family. Once their visitors' revolving door slowed, Rick and Kate had more alone time with their baby and began to incorporate the new routines for PJ into those they did daily with Emma and Eli. Over those three months, both kids enjoyed opportunities to get to know their little brother and blossomed as they learned how to help Mommy and Daddy care for little PJ.
Kate's extended leave included more work-related meetings than she had initially anticipated, but they were going well.
Gates had changed her opinion regarding Kate's replacement and now supported Ryan moving into a Captaincy role once he passed all required testing. Gates worked with Deputy Inspector Asher J. Freeland, from the 17th Precinct, who is also an instructor for the NYPD's Leadership Training Services program.
Deputy Inspector Freeland volunteered to step in as interim Captain at the 12th, with Ryan as his backup since the Inspector would have responsibilities for both the 12th and 17th Precincts. Gates and Freeland agree this will be a good training opportunity and provide Ryan with real-time experiences for what would be ahead for him as a Captain.
Kate and ASAC Jaxson Houston's work went remarkably well on their development plans for the new Interrogation Techniques course. The timing for their first class worked out perfectly, and Kate was able to team teach the first course with Houston.
With the successful development of the Interrogation Techniques class, Kate and Rick also had time to get a small taste of what their joint work could look like once Kate retires from the Force. The two need to continue learning how best to coordinate their children's daily needs with the demands of Rick's job. Both realize they will have a few hurdles since they are very strong-willed individuals. But they are confident that this new change will work well for them and their family, especially for Rick and his writing career.
December 22, 2025, Captain Katherine Beckett's Retirement ceremony…
Rick was standing in the area designated for the family in the large 1PP conference room, holding his recently turned one-year-old son, Parker Jamison, or, as the family calls him, Jay-Jay, or PJ. Jay-Jay spotted his Mommy and madly waved his little hand to get her attention.
Emma leaned in closer to her Grams while Eli had asked if he could stand beside his best friend Ben and his parents, Jon and Mari Button.
Several of Kate's friends were also in attendance, supporting Kate during her ceremony, including Maddie, Jenny Ryan, Lanie, and even Perlmutter.
Jim proudly stood on the other side of Rick, not once taking his eyes off his Katie Bug. He was experiencing a monumental set of emotions as he watched his only daughter, knowing she was soon to be recognized by leaders of the NYPD and officials from the FBI.
Alexis's cab had gotten caught in traffic, so she rushed into the room a few minutes before the ceremony began scoping out the room and searching for her family and boyfriend. She saw Evan, in his dress blues, standing near the entrance to the spacious room. Evan walks over to join Alexis, and the two make their way through the crowd to stand with the family.
Now that Alexis had arrived, Rick relaxed a little as he focused on his wife, sending silent thoughts of encouragement as she waited for her retirement ceremony to begin.
Guests attending Kate's retirement ceremony included members of the Leadership from 1PP and representatives from the FBI. Several NYPD colleagues, including ESU Sergeant Evers and Sergeant Javier Esposito, joined with numerous members of the 12th Precinct.
First Deputy Commissioner Lamberto Valente stepped up to the podium. All NYPD personnel instantly came to attention and saluted the second in command of the NYPD. The First Deputy Commissioner returned the group salute and asked everyone to take their seats. Then the First Deputy Commissioner looked to the area reserved for Kate's family, friends, and other colleagues, personally thanking them for attending the official retirement ceremony for Captain Katherine Houghton Beckett.
First Deputy Commissioner Lamberto Valente then asked Captain Beckett to join him at the podium and began his part of the afternoon's ceremony, saying,
"Captain Beckett, Deputy Commissioner Gates often reminds me you are the youngest woman to make Detective in the NYPD. You beat her by, what was it, Victoria, six weeks?"
The First Deputy Commissioner earned a glare from Gates that didn't quite reach her eyes. And a few chuckles from the crowd who were aware of the inside joke. But Kate smartly remained unresponsive to the 1PP leader's comment.
First Deputy Commissioner continues, "Captain Beckett, you continued to excel as a Detective, quickly reaching the rank of Detective in First Grade, which allowed you to lead your own team. You and your team promptly surpassed expectations and soon achieved the NYPD's highest closure rate of any homicide team in the NYPD."
"I would like to ask those team members to join us. Lieutenant Kevin Ryan and Sergeant Javier Esposito, please come to the front. You and your team's closure rates continued to improve, even after adding a civilian investigator, who is now your husband. Richard Castle, would you also please join us? I won't take time to share a lot of background on this unique partnership since I am sure almost everyone here has heard the stories." Laughter rose from the audience.
First Deputy Commissioner continued, now speaking directly to Captain Beckett. "But the salient point is that you have excelled in numerous ways since you joined the NYPD Police Academy, where the records you achieved have yet to be broken by any other recruit officer."
"Captain Beckett, you have received many awards and different forms of recognition during the last twenty years. Not only from the NYPD but also a privately presented National award for heroism to you and Mr. Castle for saving our city from a major terrorist attack." First Deputy Commissioner continued,
"Instead of mentioning each of your awards individually,"
First Deputy Commissioner Levante began as he turned and accepted a large box from his aide.
"It is my honor to present you with this memento that contains the recognition awards and medals you have received during your tenure with the NYPD."
Still standing by Kate's side, Rick helped her unwrap the gift before holding the handcrafted oak shadow box up, so the audience could view the medals, ribbons, and certificates Kate had received since she joined the Force.
At the same time, Kate responded to the recognition of her work, saying, "First Deputy Commissioner Valente, this is an incredible surprise and honor, and please know I will proudly display this in my home. Thank you!"
"You are very welcome, Captain Beckett. And I might suggest you save a bit of space for one more award."
"At this time, I would like to introduce NYPD Police Commissioner Warren Rees and newly promoted FBI Assistant Director in charge of the New York Field Office, Jordan Shaw."
As First Deputy Commissioner Valente steps away from the podium, he calls all NYPD personnel to attention. Rick takes his seat, soon to be rejoined by Ryan and Esposito.
NYPD Police Commissioner Warren Rees and FBI Assistant Director Jordan walk up to the podium.
"Please, everyone stand at ease," states Commissioner Rees.
Rees then spoke directly to Kate, standing to the podium's left.
"Captain Beckett, please let me join everyone else in this room in expressing my congratulations on your retirement and the many achievements you have completed in your twenty years of service to the NYPD. Your accomplishments have been an example of what we hope every member of the NYPD can strive for and attain."
Commissioner Rees continues, "Captain Beckett, FBI Assistant Director Shaw, and I are honored to bestow you with one final award before you leave the NYPD."
"Captain Katherine Houghton Beckett, please come to attention."
Kate immediately came to attention with her eyes fixed on Commissioner Rees.
"It is our joint privilege and honor to present you with the NYPD's highest award, the New York Police Department's Medal of Honor. FBI Assistant Director Shaw, will you please do the honors?"
Jordan Shaw carefully removes the gold, eight-star Medal of Honor that is connected to a matching green neck ribbon from the confines of its heavily padded display box.
As Kate removed her cover, sliding it under her left arm, Jordan Shaw stepped behind Kate and placed the beautiful award around her neck while the audience stood and broke out with cheers and applause.
Shaw then returned to the podium and read the Medal of Honor recognition certificate to Kate and all guests.
"Captain Katherine Houghton Beckett is hereby presented with the NYPD's Medal of Honor. The highest recognition award of the New York City Police Department. You are receiving this award in recognition of an individual act of extraordinary bravery performed in the line of duty at imminent personal danger to your life and safety. An act of such gallantry and valor above and beyond the call of duty. An act deserving of the highest Honor the New York City Police Department can bestow on behalf of the citizens of City of New York."
Jordan Shaw continued, "Captain Beckett, much more goes with this honor than what's written on this certificate. One of the most challenging assignments you took on while you were a Detective was your work in taking down the most significant drug ring in NYPD history and also bringing a rogue politician to justice. Out of respect for the young ones in attendance today, I will not read the second situation out loud. Still, Captain Beckett, you need to realize that your willingness to walk into an unknown situation that ended up collapsing entirely out of control not only brought those I have mentioned to justice. But that operation's tentacles extended well beyond New York City's borders and involved the arrest of other individuals across different parts of our country."
"So, Captain Katherine Beckett, I am very proud to add the gratitude and thanks from the FBI to what Commissioner Rees has expressed in the presence of your family, friends, and colleagues."
Shaw continued, "Captain Beckett, on a personal note, I hate like h**l that you are retiring from the NYPD. But still, on behalf of the FBI, I extend congratulations and well wishes to you and your family as you begin this new season of your life."
Shaw then extended her hand to Kate and initiated a salute to the Captain.
Shaw concluded, "Now, I would like to ask Deputy Commissioner Gates to step forward and conclude this ceremony."
Deputy Commissioner Gates stepped to the podium, waving off the First Deputy Commissioner's aide.
"Commissioner Rees, First Deputy Commission Valente, and Assistant Director Shaw, please accept my apologies for deviating from our original script. But I feel there is an area of recognition for Captain Beckett that we have overlooked," stated Gates
The three leaders glanced at one another with puzzled looks before Commissioner Rees answered for the group, "By all means, please continue, Deputy Commissioner Gates."
Gates looked at Kate, standing at attention on her left side, and said, "At ease, Captain. I will only take a few minutes, but I cannot accept your request for retirement without bringing the following information to everyone's attention."
While Kate showed no outward emotions, her heart rate had sped up, and she prayed; sweat wasn't beginning to form on her brow. Kate's only acknowledgment of Gates's statement was a simple nod.
Gates looked over the crowd, smiled, and said, "Please relax; I'm not going to decline Captain Beckett's retirement request. But I want to add a few additional comments to this ceremony that a medal or certificate cannot represent."
Gates turned to Kate, shutting out the crowd for the moment, and spoke from her heart.
"Kate, I know we had some rough spots when we first began working together. Shortly after taking over command of the 12th, I found a file that Captain Montgomery had in one of his lower desk drawers regarding your performance and work record."
"Roy had recorded several supportive comments regarding you and your team, but one statement that stood out the most was when he wrote the word COMPASSION in all caps. I will share an abbreviated version of the statement that followed,"
"Captain Montgomery summed up his feelings by saying,"
"You will never find another officer in the entire NYPD who has more compassion for the victims and their families than Detective Kate Beckett. It has to be a gift. I know all of the pain she has experienced personally, and maybe that is what helps her connect with our victims and their loved ones. But I have never worked with a member of the NYPD who cared as deeply as Beckett. She relates to the victim's families, who in turn relate well with her. This ability is part of Beckett's DNA. So whoever is reading this file, please do not judge Beckett's involvement with the families of our victims. She knows what she is doing, and we can all learn if we take the time to observe and listen."
"Kate, at first, I admit, I thought this file was an exaggeration, but it took very little time observing you to quickly learn that Captain Montgomery's summary was right on target. Kate, you have been blessed with a unique gift, and I hope those who have served alongside you will be able to carry on that legacy, even in small ways."
Gates again looked toward the audience and simply stated, "Thank you for allowing time for my indulgence."
Not allowing comment from Kate or others in attendance, Gates motioned for the First Deputy Commissioner's aide to call the room to attention. Gates then began to wrap up Kate's retirement ceremony.
"Captain Katherine Beckett, I, too, wish to include my sincere congratulations on your retirement. I also regret losing one of the best from our ranks."
Gates stands at attention, stating, "Captain Katherine Houghton Beckett, thank you for your service and dedication to the badge and the NYPD. On behalf of Police Commissioner Rees and the NYPD, I officially accept your request for retirement from the New York Police Department. Congratulations and Godspeed in all that is ahead for you and your family."
Gates then handed Kate a slim black case and continued, "By order of the Police Commissioner, you can retain your retired Captain's shield, which we have included in your new NYPD ID wallet. This wallet also provides you with your retired NYPD credentials, which you must always keep on your person."
"Captain Beckett, congratulations on your well-deserved retirement." Then Deputy Commissioner Gates offered her salute to Kate as the room erupted into cheers and applause, including a special cheer from the newest Castle family member. "Ya, Ya, MaaaMaaaa!"
A/N - #1 - The idea for the shadow box for all of Kate's medals and ribbons came from my husband's gift when he retired from the Air National Guard. That shadow box is one of his most treasured possessions.
A/N - #2 - For my Emma and Eli Universe and this story, Best Spring Ever, I have deviated from Canon regarding Roy Montgomery. Captain Montgomery retired from the NYPD.
A/N - #3 - After what I had planned to be fifteen to eighteen chapters, this story is finally coming to an end. From time to time, we will check into the Best Spring Ever universe and highlight what's happening in the Castle family. I am still working on how to best format those stories. I may attempt some stepping back in time approaches and expand on some of the arcs included in these final chapters. Or create one to three-shot short stories where we check in with characters and see what's currently happening in their lives. Those stories may be a part of an overarching story entitled Best Times Ever. Significant story arcs may be standalone stories in the Emma and Eli universe. Regardless of the format, rest assured we'll keep an eye on this treasured family.
A/N - #4 - Finally, I want to share my sincere thanks and gratitude to all who read, liked, followed, and sent reviews for this saga. Your support means so much. Take care, dkcfan