Genre: Crime, Drama, Romance, Family, Humor
Rating: M for sexual situations and language
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters featured on the show Castle, they belong to the creator of the show, ABC and the others who do own them.
A/N #1: The lyrics in this chapter are from the song Who Cares by Paul McCartney, from his album Egypt Station.
A/N #2: I was happy getting feedback for both the last chapter and the one before it, so I'll go into my thank yous for that for the last chapter! TORONTOSUN (It was great to read that you liked how I'm writing this story. And of course, I was pleased to see you always like the way I write Julia and Eliza since I love writing them!),
Mb (It was so great to see you thought the way I had the case finish was a nice way to wrap up the case. And not surprised you commented about the motive being one used time and time again since I've heard that myself, pretty comment. And I had to laugh at you commenting on them saying they know who the attacker is instead of killer, lol, since it felt strange to do that with them, lol. And I'm so happy to read you thought the first half was nicely done! I wasn't surprised to see your feelings about Brenton were the same or that you think he's going to do something else. But I was pleased to see your response to what Beckett said in response to Brenton and that you thought it was a perfect response along with her saying either Castle or her would kiss his ass. And no surprise that you were impressed with Castle's restraint hearing the conversation in the library. I wasn't surprised either that you feel after their abstinence they'll be more intense and explosive. And I'm glad you liked the ending with the families arriving. You're welcome for the second half too!) and
Mb (I was pleased to see that you thought it was good seeing their families arriving. And I'm glad too that you love seeing them all together still! I was happy to see you were glad about Paul and Brennan defending Beckett after they heard what Brenton told her in the library. I wasn't surprised that you were surprised about Brenton leaving but I'll tell you now since it's not a spoiler that he won't be back, I just had him there for a little tension besides the case and that was about all I wanted to write him for, lol. I was really happy that you were glad about Isaac and Genevieve becoming a couple. And I had to laugh at you laughing at the fact that the women suspected with Skye saying finally, lol. It was great you loved that everyone was surprised and of course happy about Arthur and Ella, especially in their cousins' cases! I definitely agree, I would love to have a mini concert like I wrote too, lol. You're welcome for the first half! I was glad you thought it was a nice return to Julia writing diary entries and thought that it was so good seeing things going on through Julia's eyes. I was very happy to see you loved the flashback of Rick's birthday with their family and then later their; as you put it; private, mature and hot celebration! And I was glad reading that you thought Castle and Beckett's pleasuring each other was still hot, though wasn't surprised you mentioned them finding a way to pleasure each other though they're waiting to make love of course, lol. You're welcome for the second half too!).
Thank you for the reviews, loved reading them all as usual and I am grateful for the time taken to write them out and send them my way!
A/N #3: The title of this chapter is a lyric from the song I Don't Believe You by Andy Sturmer and Roger Manning, from Ringo Starr's album Time Takes Time.
All Your Fancy Clothes
Turning over, Beckett could feel her husband's hand on her side and she opened her eyes before seeing he was still asleep. She couldn't help smiling as she watched him and then sat up carefully so she wouldn't wake him up. Moving to take the covers off her she nearly jumped when she felt an arm wrapping around her waist. "Good morning," she said, looking back at her husband and seeing his eyes were open.
"Morning," Castle said, his voice a little thick with sleep. "Is it snowing?"
"It may be," Beckett replied as she glanced over at the windows though they were covered by the curtains. "It does seem… dark," she started to say as her husband had leaned over and was kissing at her shoulder.
"Sorry but I was dreaming about you all night," Castle explained to her. He then smiled and said, "I hope you were about me." He realized what he'd just said and then said, "I don't mean it to compliment me but I really am hoping you were."
Placing the tips of her fingers on his lips Beckett told him, "I was, I think it was that night."
"I didn't really tell you much about it," Castle said.
Smiling and tossing her hair back over her right shoulder Beckett said, "You didn't really need to."
"Great," Castle said before he was moving her hand and then kissing her. He kept it gentle before they parted and he said, "I need a shower, badly."
"By yourself?" Beckett asked, glancing down at his groin but unable to see anything as he was well covered by the sheets and blankets.
"That's more up to you," Castle told her hoping she wouldn't call him a pervert.
Beckett's response was to lean into her husband and she brushed her lips to his before she pulled away slowly. "We never really did things just manually last night like I'd mentioned," she told him.
"Goddess," Castle breathed before he was kissing her. He couldn't help becoming a little more insistent and their tongues were gently rubbing together until they needed to breathe. When they were fully apart he helped her in getting the covers off them and they were climbing off the bed nearly in sync. They kissed gently before he placed his hand on the small of her back before they walked swiftly into the bathroom.
Inside the shower stall Beckett barely allowed her husband to turn on the water before she wrapped her arms around his neck. With it raining down on them they kissed yet again and were doing so roughly while they began touching each other. She was literally on fire, feeling her husband's hand cupping her ass before he was squeezing her firmly. She gasped and then pressed against him before she whispered, "Hurry."
Knowing it was meant to remind him about their day, Castle moved away and was about to reach for her when her hand was suddenly wrapping around his erection. "Kate?" he asked in a gasp.
"You were first last night," Beckett said. "My turn," she told him with a smirk.
"This is why I need you repeatedly," Castle said before they were kissing. Though he'd known it would happen he was breaking off the kiss as his wife was running her hand up and down on him. He had no idea how long that went on before she was murmuring into his ear.
"At the same time," Beckett said. She hadn't been entirely sure of his reaction, but he was soon wrapping one arm around her while his right hand was very gently passing over her breasts. She was breathing heavily at the sensation that was giving her and while he gently rubbed her left nipple between his fingers she let out a moan.
"You've stopped love," Castle told her though he wasn't serious.
"I'm waiting for you," Beckett said. She wasn't surprised when her husband leaned down slightly so they could kiss or when his right hand moved again. He was holding her by her hip, soon sliding around to the small of her back and she waited with bated breath before he was gently grasping her ass again. "Rick," she whispered to him. "Please."
Kissing around under her ear lobe, Rick moved until he was at her lips but didn't kiss her until after he'd slapped her ass firmly. He loved her cry of pleasure while she was arching her back against him and he kissed her deeply on the lips. When they parted he was quick to reach up and cup her left breast before they were kissing again. He gently fondled at her breasts while their tongues were tangling until finally she ended the kiss to his surprise.
Smiling at his expression, Beckett gently brushed her lips to his before saying, "I thought I said we needed to hurry."
Trying to recall that, Castle shook that off before he said, "Right," and brushed his lips against hers, letting his hand slide down her front until he was at the junction of her legs. There he cupped her mound gently before he moved his index finger and proceeded to rub at her clit. He had to hold her up but didn't mind until she was moving her hand back and forth as he was still touching her.
Allowing her husband to stagger a bit, Beckett soon felt his rhythm picking up on her and she was pausing when his fingers slid from her swollen nub. She nearly held her breath as they were slipping through her folds. She leaned against him a little harder and as they were moving they soon worked out a rhythm together before they broke a bit later. She was first and she could feel her sex gripping at his fingers before she focused on him and he came onto her hand. She took his kiss he gave her and their tongues were fighting together for some time before she stopped them.
Sighing as they were going over to the water, Castle said, "Would you call me a pervert if I said I'm eager for our anniversary?"
"Of course," Beckett said, smiling at him before they kissed gently. They washed one another, kissing every so often, and she was disappointed when they'd finished and he turned off the water. But she knew they needed to join their family and friends so she let her husband dry her off before she did the same to him. Once they were in their closet and getting dressed she said, "We do need to go swimming at some point."
Smiling Castle said, "It's funny they didn't remind us about the pool eventually."
"I know," Beckett replied, turning to him as she had finished dressing. "But they will today since we don't have much more time left here."
"I wish we'd had them come sooner," Castle said.
"I know, but they need their education," Beckett told him.
"Believe me, that was for purely selfish purposes," Castle said. When his wife laughed he said, "But at least we have the time now."
Nodding, Beckett shared a quick kiss with him and they went back to the bathroom before they finished getting ready. Leaving their room she led the way over to the nursery where they met a few of the other parents. "Are we waiting to wake them up?" she asked them.
"It's eight," Genevieve said, looking at her watch. "And we did want to explore the manor a little more."
"Unfortunately," Clara said. "It's snowing again so Brennan wanted me to tell you that he's not letting anyone ride today."
"We have a lot to do," Castle commented. "I think we'll be fine with staying indoors."
"We should get the children up," Clara then told the others. "Breakfast is ready and we have more guests."
Smiling, as she knew the woman was referring to the photoshoot, Beckett walked inside first in time to find Julia climbing down from her bed above her sister's. "Good morning girls," she said when the two turned to them and started to hurry over to her.
"Morning," Julia replied, letting go of her mother first. "Where are we getting dressed?"
"You're ready to get going?" Castle asked with a smile. "You don't even know what we're doing."
"Yeah huh," Eliza said after she and her sister let go of their father. "The modeling!"
"She means the photoshoot," Julia said, watching their mother going to get their clothes from the dresser near their beds.
"I know," Beckett replied. "And we were going to go out for a ride but Brennan wants to keep the horses safe."
"Are we playing in the snow?" Mari asked.
"Now you don't want to go swimming?" David asked his daughter jokingly.
"We will," Rebecca said quickly as their oldest started to open her mouth. "But we'll have to wait and see when. Let's go."
"Mom-" Julia started to say as the Fosters were leaving, followed by the others.
"In our room, come on," Beckett replied, taking Eliza's hand before they walked over to the other side of the house. She ushered the girls inside the closet while Castle remained out and helped the little girl change while Julia was changing by them.
"I keep forgetting this closet is so big Mom," the girl said as she looked around when she'd gotten her sweater on.
"I know, it's great to have," Beckett said. "Even though we're not here for very long each time."
"Is the one at home bigger?" Eliza asked.
"Go ask your daddy, he knows," Beckett replied, having finished helping her. She walked after the girls, smiling when she saw that Castle was sitting on the couch, holding Josie. She waited for the two to say good morning to their little sister before she said, "Martha?"
"She brought her clothes and I got her ready for the day," Castle replied. He knew what his wife was going to say next and he swiftly told her, "She changed her first."
"Did you thank her?" Beckett asked.
"Of course," Castle said with a nod. He kissed Josie's cheek and then said to his wife, "Are we going?"
"They need to brush their hair," Beckett said, going over to the bathroom. "Girls," she called to them.
"Why… oh," Julia started to say when her mother handed them towels. She and her sister washed their faces and once they were done they went back out to the room where their father was standing at one of the windows with Josie.
"How much did it snow?" Eliza asked, hurrying over to them.
"It still is," Castle replied with a smile down at her.
"Ooh," Eliza breathed as she looked out at the snow that was falling. She then smiled up at her parents and said, "I think we can go swimming now."
"I think we need to wait until after breakfast," Castle told her, handing Josie to his wife as she was giving him Eliza's brush.
"And once we know for sure when Stella will get here," Beckett said, watching Julia brush her hair while Castle was taking care of Eliza.
"I hope it's soon," Julia commented.
"Daddy!" Eliza exclaimed and laughed when he pretended to jump. "Sorry."
"No, it's okay," Castle assured her, hugging her and kissing her cheek. "What did you want?"
"Is your closet bigger at home?" Eliza asked.
"It is," Castle replied. "Remember we have the divan and the middle island for our shoes; both of ours."
"Could it be another room?" Julia asked.
"With a bed?" Castle asked in response. "And another closet?"
"Yeah," Julia said. "It could, couldn't it?"
"It might even be an apartment in the city," Castle said to his wife.
"Maybe," Beckett said, taking the girls' brushes back to the bathroom and making sure Josie didn't try to get them. When she was out in the room she saw both girls were looking out the window while her husband was sitting on the end of their bed watching them.
"Come on," Castle said, seeing his wife. He stood from the bed and then said, "I'm sure you two are hungry; I know I am."
"That's selfish Daddy," Eliza said to him teasingly as she took his hand and then tugged on it.
"Come here," Castle said with a smile before he picked her up and set her on his hip.
"What if Stella's not that far away?" Julia asked her mother, walking with her as they left the room.
"Then we'll play with Josie," Beckett replied. "But wait to see how it goes." They had reached the dining room by then so they walked with the others inside and got their seats before they went to get their food. She smiled as they were talking together during the meal and once they were finished, she was going around the table with Josie holding onto some of her hair.
"Good morning," Paul said with a smile at the baby. "What can I help you with today?"
"We're wondering where Stella is," Beckett replied, allowing him to take Josie.
"I had a message from her, she'll be in at about nine-thirty," Paul replied, letting the baby play with his fingers.
"Do Skye and Mary know?" Beckett asked him.
"They do, I was going to find you," Paul said. He glanced over at Castle; who was talking to the two women; and said, "Or they were."
"Thank you," Beckett said with a soft laugh before she took Josie back. She walked over to her husband and once they had reached them she said, "Is there anything we need to do?"
"Odd you're the one asking that," Skye told her teasingly. When her friend gave her a look she smiled and said, "Sorry. But she just said if we've gone riding or swimming make sure we shower." She saw the confusion on both Castle and Beckett's faces and explained, "I mentioned the indoor pool."
"Then we're ready," Castle told his wife.
"We are," Beckett said with a nod. She looked down at Josie who was looking at her and said, "Then it's time to play."
"It is," Castle said, tickling the baby's neck to her laughter. They walked after the others out of the room before they split up to do their own activities until the four of them would need to work.
"This is perfection Stella," the doctor was saying with a smile at the designer.
"It is, I'm so glad you told me about this greenhouse Skye," Stella said.
"Well, to be honest it was more to get you to come to the ball after Brennan and Clara extended the invitation to you too," the investigator replied, talking behind the screen that was set up on some tiles towards the back of the greenhouse.
"How are they all coming along?" Stella asked.
"Good," Mary said. "You went to retro again?"
"I try not to stray that far from it," Stella replied with a smile.
Beckett watched Mary leaving them, hearing the designer's reaction to her lilac floral sundress before Skye was going. She had been surprised at the investigator's outfit since it nearly resembled a baseball uniform from the early years of the sport though there were only solid colors and a more modern fit. But she knew Skye enjoyed it greatly so she was glad for her friend. She looked down at herself then and walked around the screen saying, "I'm wondering what's the inspiration-"
"I couldn't really help it for the two of you," Stella said. "I know you're both very much into equestrianism and so was Mum… well, the horse riding part of course. And I thought that her as an American and you always think we Brits are a bit stuffed up."
"Not that," Castle said quickly, walking to them from the other screen that had been set up for him to change behind. "It's almost a polo outfit though."
"Almost," Beckett agreed. "But the fit is good."
"Colors too," Skye said with a smile.
"Thank you, you wear them well and Rick? Glasses on," Stella said to him.
Beckett smiled at her husband as he raced to put them on and as the designer was directing the two women where to stand she fixed the lapels of his shirt and said, "Polo and cricket."
"You like it?" Castle asked since he never really wore polo shirts.
"It fits," Beckett said, unbuttoning the first two under his neck. She smiled when he looked at her with wide eyes and they made their way over to the grass where wickets had been set up and she took one of the black mallets that were leaning against a table.
Castle, as the photographer was instructing them on how to stand, waited for Stella to say something about his dark blue shirt being open. But the pictures were soon being taken and she was nodding to them.
"Wonderful, let me have some of each couple alright?" Stella told the photographer.
After they'd taken those pictures Skye asked, "Would you really use them?"
"I might," Stella said with a smile. "Just in case."
"Is that enough?" the woman asked.
"It is, you can change into the next outfits," Stella told them.
"Is the dress you're wearing for the ball from her?" Castle asked his wife.
Shaking her head Beckett smiled and said, "No, it's from home," before she ducked behind the screen. She got her garment bag and then said, "What this time?"
"That'll be the only sports set," Skye said with a smile. "Stella told me about my top," she said, still smiling as Beckett was glancing at her pointedly. "She was going for tunic but kind of sporty and looked back to old baseball uniforms."
"I noticed the resemblance," Beckett said as they all changed. "No dresses for you?"
"I told her if she put me in one I'd use it to decorate the trees in here," Skye said.
Mary rolled her eyes playfully and then said, "She means she'd throw it over one of the citrus trees."
"That's surprising," Beckett commented. She smiled when both women turned to her and said, "Isn't that what your state is known for?"
"Oh, give over," Skye said playfully. "Though you are right. And luckily Stella knows what I can wear."
"It's nice," Beckett said with a smile. "Retro again," she couldn't help saying as they were walking out together from behind the screen.
"It's perfect," Stella said with a smile. "I envisioned a fifties cut for you Kate," she told her as she was studying the hem of her sundress to make sure it fell correctly.
"Wow," Castle said as he was walking over to them. "Sorry," he said quickly. He smiled at his wife while the others went to fix their hair and get their makeup checked before taking her hand. "You do look beautiful."
"I didn't have a dress like this back then," Beckett told him firmly.
"No but that doesn't mean it doesn't suit you," Castle said with a nod though it still had modern touches. "And the color is great too." Though he knew he might get in trouble he hugged his wife before he was about to kiss her. She stopped him and he was surprised; since she'd taken off the lip gloss from the pictures before; when he heard what she had as well and then turned as their middle daughters were calling out to them.
After they had reached their parents, Eliza hugged her mother before she froze and jumped away from her with a gasp.
"What's wrong?" Beckett asked in concern, putting her hands on her daughter's shoulders.
"Did I break the dress?" Eliza asked anxiously.
"It's fine," Stella answered before anyone else could. "Your dad was just hugging her after all."
"Oh," Eliza said before she was blushing.
"You look really pretty Mom," Julia said then.
"Jules is right," Alexis said, having followed her two sisters with Josie in her arms. "The color is beautiful."
"Thank you," Stella said, checking on Mary's outfit. "I had heard she enjoys the color blue."
"I could have worn other colors," Beckett said, running her hands over the bodice of the dress.
"Of course, but I want something that shows you all to your advantage," Stella said, taking a lint roller from her assistant and handing it to Beckett.
"This is nice," Castle said as his wife was rolling the tool over his arms. He had a suit of a lighter grey color, no tie and Beckett was soon unbuttoning his shirt. "You know you're going to horrify people doing that," he said jokingly.
"Eh, I wouldn't be that concerned," Skye told him, fixing her navy blue and white striped blouse. "For your age it's not that bad." When the writer looked at her she commented, "The pool? Beaches too. Actually I'm surprised you haven't used the gymnasium room here yet."
Breathing out Castle glanced at his wife and said, "I did this morning; with Brad."
"I knew," Beckett said, unable to help smiling as the investigator and her wife were looking at her. "Thank you," she said to the assistant who took the lint roller from her. "Are we starting?"
"Yes," the photographer said. "I'd like you to stand here by the windows, I'd like the sky to show up; I'm so glad it cleared up once we got here."
Not surprised, Beckett looked over at Mary who was wearing a blouse that was the same color as denim. She had on white capri pants that had a stripe of the fabric on the sides of each leg and boating shoes with no socks. "That's not uncomfortable?" she asked her as the photographer was indicating to Skye how to pose.
"It's not bad but I can't wear these for that long," the doctor replied before she moved to stand with her wife.
Castle, since Mary was standing with her arm on her wife's shoulder, wondered what he and Beckett would be doing. The photographer snapped some shots of them together before she was indicating him to sit on the director's chair they'd brought. He moved quickly and then waved at the girls before Beckett was being instructed to stand next to him.
"What if you had her place her hand on his knee Perry?" Stella asked the photographer.
"Try that," the woman said to Beckett. "Ah," Perry said with a smile. "Perfect."
After the pictures had been taken, both he and Beckett getting pictures on their own in a different pose, Castle said after they could move, "Do you mind if I ask something?"
"Go ahead," Perry replied.
"Your name is Perry?" Castle asked.
"It's her last name," Paul said, having come in during the photography.
"He's right," Perry replied with a smile at the singer. "My name is Janetta Peregrine, I prefer Perry."
"It's an interesting name," Castle said with a nod before they were leaving to go to the screens.
"Girls," Beckett said as Julia and Eliza were coming with her.
"We can't come see?" the latter asked her.
Beckett hesitated, at her daughter's earnest look, and then looked over at the couple with her in their 'changing area' before Skye was speaking first.
"It's fine, but I hope our girls don't come in," the investigator said.
"Some can fit," Eliza said, as the five girls had been sitting quietly.
"Can I?" a voice said shyly.
"Come inside Ivy," Mary said to the little girl with a smile.
"Your sisters?" Skye asked as she, Mary and Beckett were changing out of their outfits.
"They're still sitting outside," Ivy said, smiling at Julia and Eliza. "Paul is talking to them and Ringo just came inside."
"It sounds like everyone will be coming in," Beckett said in amusement.
"I don't know," Skye said with a smile. "I don't think we could really fit."
"And some of the others are at the pool already," Mary said, since the Fosters, Davises and McColloughs had gone there after breakfast.
"I can't wait until we go," Eliza said slyly.
"I know sweetie," Beckett said with a smile. "And we will. After lunch."
"That top is pretty Mom," Julia said, studying her mother's outfit since she'd finished putting on her leggings. "Didn't Stella have that before?"
"For fall," Beckett said. "And the tunic wasn't this thin."
"It's pretty," Eliza said, nodding her head as she touched the embroidery on the hem. Her face suddenly lit up with a smile and she left from behind the screen, Beckett calling out to her.
"I guess Rick finished changing," Skye said with a smile as they could hear him greeting the little girl outside in the greenhouse.
"Are you wondering what he's wearing?" Julia asked her mother.
"I am, but we'll see right now," Beckett said before reaching for her hand. They walked out together to see her husband playfully throwing Eliza a little above him and she said, "You better not drop her."
"I won't," Castle said, smiling at her. "You look great," he told her as he looked at her outfit.
"You too," Beckett said, going to him and fixing the unbuttoned vest he had on. She was very tempted to kiss him but Skye and Mary were coming out from around the screen with Ivy and they had to focus on taking pictures again.
The rest of the photoshoot seemed to go quickly though the four had had three other outfits to change into. But when it was finished Stella thanked them before she was going with her father to the front door of the manor to say goodbye to him.
"Does that mean she isn't coming to the ball?" Mary asked.
"She can't," Skye replied. "She needs to work on Monday, so she's headed back to her family."
"And her husband," Beckett commented.
"That too," Skye said with a smile. "For some reason I'm forgetting that it'll be Valentine's Day," she said in amusement. "But it should be fun."
"What will we do now?" Ivy asked her mothers, holding their hands.
"Eat lunch," Brennan said, as he'd come at the end of the session to make sure all the equipment was taken away carefully. "They'll be some interesting pictures," he said as they were leaving the room.
"I think so," Castle said, picking up Eliza before they were walking to the dining room where they were the first to arrive.
"I hope it's alright," Brennan said before he hurried over to his wife who was coming in with their kids.
"What's alright?" Julia couldn't help asking.
"We'll find out," Beckett told her reassuringly, squeezing her shoulder. She then told the others, "Let's get our seats."
After the others had come inside and were seated Brennan stood up and said, "I hope it's alright that our meals will be simple. Both lunch and dinner. Things will be very, very busy in the kitchen and we'll have extra guests on Monday for breakfast of course." He smiled when the adults quickly said it was fine and said, "Then enjoy your lunch," before he sat down again and started to eat as the others were doing.
"Are you guys going into town at all?" Lily asked her friend.
"I don't know," Beckett replied. "To be honest I didn't really want to," looking to her husband.
"I agree with her. We've been going into town a lot over the past few days," Castle added, putting down his sandwich. "But don't let that stop you."
"Do you guys want to go?" Beckett said to Julia and Eliza.
Turning from Mari and Jacob; who she was talking to; Julia frowned and said, "Are there any good books at the store?"
"We got that for you already," Castle said.
Smiling Julia said, "I don't mind staying."
"Me too," Eliza said quickly. She then grew serious and asked, "We can go swimming, right?"
"We will," Beckett said, laughing.
"Can I stay too?" Mari asked, looking at her parents.
"That's fine, but you need to ask Rick and Kate," David told her.
"It is," Castle said swiftly before the girl could voice her question. "And it'll be nice to have more around."
"Then I think we'll head over once we finish eating," David said.
"Us too," Brad added. He scratched at his cheek and said, "What plans do you guys have with your kids tonight?"
"I was going to suggest a movie," Brennan said first. "But there are a bit too many of us here to be able to fit safely."
"Maybe we should split up?" Lily suggested.
"We could, but should we just let the kids decide?" Clara said.
"I think we already know what they'd pick," Paul commented.
"Could we still swim?" Eve asked.
"I'm sure we could really," Brennan said as the others looked to him and his wife. "So that would be fine until the kids need to go to bed."
"Even though you said lunch was simple," Ringo said as they were finishing their food and getting up from the table. "It was delicious."
"Is it Elise cooking?" Mary asked.
Shaking her head Clara said, "We have her and Duckworth resting still."
"Are they working tomorrow?" Beckett asked while they were walking out of the dining room.
"Duckworth wants to help feed and check on the horses," Brennan answered.
"Elise said she'll help as much as she can," Clara then said. "But we were very firm in telling them both to be careful."
"And they assured us they would, but they don't seem to really want to rest," Brennan said. "Stubborn."
"Isn't Worths the same?" Castle couldn't help pointing out.
"I suppose," Brennan said after he'd thought that over. "But Duckworth… well, it's why he's here," he said with a smile before he took Arthur from Louis and was about to go up the stairs.
"What are you guys going to do?" Beckett asked him before he could get too far up.
"We're going to head into town with the kids," Brennan replied.
"Walking?" Beckett asked in surprise.
Shaking her head Clara said, "In the car but we'll walk them around the stores."
"Do you mind?" Brennan asked.
"Not really, as long as you don't mind us staying in your house," Castle said jokingly.
"That's fine," Brennan said laughingly.
"Mommy," Eliza said once the family had gone upstairs. "Do you have your bathing suit?"
"Not yet," Beckett replied with a smile. "We were going to head upstairs to change right now."
"What do we do?" Eliza asked.
"Come with us; there's no way we're letting you guys stay down here on your own," Castle said in a mock stern tone of voice. He smiled when the little girl giggled and he picked her up before they headed up the stairs.
"Where are you going to change Mom?" Julia asked once they were in their room.
"In the bathroom, your dad will be in the closet and you two will stay out here with Josie," Beckett told them.
"Doesn't she need to have a nap?" Julia asked her as she took her baby sister.
"She does, I really hope that you can get her to sleep," Beckett replied.
"Where will she sleep?" Eliza asked.
"Down in the family room," Castle said. "Your gram will stay with her."
"Grandpapa?" Julia asked her mother.
"I'm not sure," Beckett replied. "We'll see once we're ready to go downstairs," she said. "We'll be back out quickly."
"What will we do?" Eliza asked her big sister once they were along with Josie.
"I don't know," Julia said. "Maybe we should walk so Josa can fall sleep."
"Okay," Eliza said. They started to walk around the room together and she watched her big sister trying to bounce Josie a little to get her to sleep.
When they'd made a second turn around the room Julia felt the baby slump slightly and she whispered, "She's asleep."
"Let me take her," Castle said, walking out in time to hear that. He reached for the baby once he'd reached them and cradled her before Beckett was joining them.
"Oh good," she said, spotting Josie. Beckett went over to the girls and took Eliza's hand before they were leaving to go down to the pool room. When she saw everyone who was dressed to go out into the cold she smiled at her father and said, "I was going to ask what you were planning on doing."
"I feel like walking out," Jim said, holding up his camera slightly.
"Stay warm," Beckett told him. She said goodbye with the others, finding the McDouglases were the only ones that had stayed and she frowned. "Your dad?"
"He went along, I think he wanted to walk around town with yours," Skye replied. "So… is Josie coming along?"
"No, I'm taking her," Martha said, walking over to her son and then getting the baby. She cradled her as well before she followed them towards the pool room though she was diverting to the family room on the way. "We'll come to join you once she's awake," she said to her son and daughter in law.
"How long will she sleep?" Julia asked her parents when they reached the pool.
"A couple hours, maybe less if she wants to wake up," Castle answered.
While they were all taking off their coverups Julia said, "I really wish we could have an inside pool."
"You've been talking to her haven't you?" Beckett asked her husband teasingly.
"No, she's heard us," Castle said quickly.
Knowing he was right, Beckett nodded and then said to their second oldest, "We'll try once we have the chance back at home." She wasn't surprised when the two girls gasped and told them, "We're not promising anything."
"She's right," Castle said quickly when his wife looked at him. "We're not sure yet if we could, we're just seeing if we can."
"But if you can?" Julia questioned as they walked over to the steps to go down into the water.
"I think we'll do it," Beckett said. "As long as it's not too expensive. You three will need to go to college and we need money for a rainy day."
"And vacations too," Castle added. "Now please can when go swimming?"
"Daddy!" Eliza cried, pretending to be mad. She went over to him and started slapping lightly at his stomach before he picked her up and they fell back into the water to her squeal. She was going to ask him to do that again when they resurfaced before he was kissing her cheek and talking first.
"We're forgetting our guest," Castle told her, kissing her temple. He set her on the steps they were near and then turned to Mari as Julia was turning around.
"What's wrong?" the girl asked. "You don't want to go with your family now do you?"
"No, but… I sorta feel weird," Mari replied. She wasn't surprised that her friend looked confused and told her honestly, "You're all families here so…"
"Yeah but it's not our house," Julia said, reaching for her hand and pulling her over to the water. When she had entered she smiled as Mari was soon sliding through the water and she was quick to follow her before they were swimming together to the deep end where the McDouglas girls were.
"What do you think that was about?" Castle asked his wife in Irish.
"I have no idea," Beckett said, shaking her head before she turned her attention to Eliza.
Swimming with her parents to the middle of the pool, the little girl was soon wrapping her arms around her father's neck. Eliza giggled when he started to swim towards the deep end and she slipped off before holding onto the edge. "When can we go on the slide?" she asked.
"Now," Beckett replied as she saw the other girls were moving to climb out on the ladder.
"Mum!" Marie said when they got out and found their mothers were already at the bottom of the slide.
"What?" Skye said with a smile. "We were staying around the stairs."
"And I don't think you need to worry," Mary said. "We're not going first."
"Who will?" Beckett said, looking at the girls.
"We have to go in order of age don't we?" Julia asked.
"That would be nice," Mary said.
Sighing Julia said to Eliza, "You're first."
Looking happy, the little girl hugged her big sister and said, "Thank-" before she stopped herself.
"What's wrong?" Julia said, staggering back slightly when Eliza threw herself at her again.
"You have to go on the slide last!" Eliza cried out.
"It's okay, eventually I'll go on it and then we'll get the chance to again," Julia said. "But you better go now or else we won't be able to go at all." She smiled when her sister gasped and then turned to hurry over to the ladder before she went up. Glancing at the water she smiled when she saw their dad was there and watched Eliza slide down with a loud squeal before she felt a hand taking hers. "Are you sure you're okay?" she asked.
"Yeah, I'm sorta on my own," Mari replied before Julia was wrapping her arms around her shoulders.
"No way, you're my best friend so you belong here too," she said to her firmly. "Now I hope you're excited for tomorrow."
"Super excited," Mari said eagerly while the McDouglas sisters were beginning to take their turns. "What about your dress?"
"I'll show you tomorrow," Julia said with a smile, laughing when her friend playfully punched her shoulder. She watched her going up the ladder after Marie and then said, "I can't wait to see yours," sensing someone coming up behind her to stand next to her.
"And who on earth said I was about to wear a dress?" Skye asked her.
"Your outfit," Julia said.
"Smart aleck," Skye commented, glancing at the girl's mother as she was walking up to them.
"Exactly," Beckett said, stopping next to her daughter.
"But you are?" Skye then asked.
"Yeah, it's cool to see what you can find to wear," Julia said.
"You have to be creative if you don't wear dresses or gowns," Skye said before they watched the girl climb up the ladder then.
"Do you think she wants to dress like you?" Beckett asked in Irish.
"No," Skye said with a smile. "But she'd like to have that option I suppose. And why not? Plus you wear suits sometimes going out with your husband."
Smiling, Beckett nodded and then said, "True," before she watched her friend going up the ladder. She felt a hand on her back and glanced behind her to see it was her husband.
"Are you taking a turn?" Castle asked her.
"Do you want me not to so you can go?" Beckett responded with a question of her own.
"No, I'm just wondering," Castle said. He was startled when she suddenly brushed her lips against his and watched her going up the ladder. He went after Mary before he was in the water and he was swimming with their daughters and friends before they were soon playing volleyball. When they stopped he checked the time and asked, "Should we get them a snack?"
"That would be a good idea," Mary said, seeing that Iris was yawning.
"I'll go and get it," Castle said quickly, getting out of the water and going to his towel.
"Mom," Julia said, swimming over to her mother.
"Yes?" Beckett said, turning her attention to her.
"Sorry," Julia said with a small smile. "I was wondering if you'd look away from Dad at all."
"Interesting, I would have thought you wouldn't want me to do that," Beckett teased her. She smiled and wrapped her arm around her daughter telling her, "We should get out anyways, that way we're dry for the snack."
"Just veggies if they have them?" Castle asked his wife and the McDouglas women.
"That would be perfect," Mary commented. When he'd left she wrapped her towel around her waist and said to Beckett, "And until he's back? It might take them a while to cut enough for us all."
"Oh! Mom," Julia said suddenly before her mother could reply to that. "Can I say a memory?"
"You have one?" Beckett asked in surprise.
"Yeah, from when I was older," Julia answered. "During the war."
"Why don't you wait until your dad gets back?" Beckett suggested. "You know he'll want to hear about it; especially since you remember it."
Though she was slightly impatient, Julia nodded and said, "How come especially?"
"Because we've wondered if you guys would," Beckett replied.
"Oh, I do sometimes, but this one I remembered all of a sudden," Julia said.
"He'll be really glad to hear it," Beckett replied with a smile. She then turned to her other daughter and was about to speak when she heard two voices. "I guess they were ready to give us something," she said to the others with a smile. Looking back to the doorway she saw in surprise that Martha was with her husband and she quickly went over to her after putting on her sundress she had as a coverup. "How'd she sleep?"
"Beautifully," Castle's mother replied with a smile. She handed Josie to her daughter in law and said, "She was tired so she didn't move very much until she woke up."
"I have some crudité," Castle said. "They seemed to be expecting me."
"I get the feeling Brennan told them you might want something for the kids," Skye said. "Well, us."
"There's also some ranch here so no double dipping," Castle said as the girls had gathered around the plate on the table.
"Dad," Julia said after they'd eaten the vegetables for a bit. "While you were gone I told Mom that I remembered something."
"From our past life?" Castle asked interestedly.
"Yeah," Julia said. When her father was just smiling at her she said, "What?"
"Tell us," Beckett said for her husband.
"Oh," Julia said. "Well, it's more than one day really but it starts on March 13 in 1944. I was still with the WASPs and by then I was nearly twenty-two."
"How old was I?" Eliza asked eagerly.
"You were still sixteen but you were gonna turn seventeen in September. 'lexis was fifteen but going to turn sixteen a month later and then Josa already had her birthday. She was fourteen and helping with the war like you and 'lexis were too," Julia explained to her. "I was flying near a base in Long Beach…"
"There was one there," Skye said with a nod.
"I was towing a target and the pilot that was supposed to shoot at it shot at my plane instead," Julia said, seeing her mother shifting where she was sitting.
"Long Beach I'm going down," Julia was saying into her radio. She was unable to continue, fighting with her plane to get it away from the ocean. She just managed to turn towards the beach and was crashing into the sand before her fuel seemed to explode. She was pushing on the canopy to get out but it wasn't budging. She swore bitterly and then hit at the glass with her gloved fist, cracking it before she could finally push it and she was running before one of her fuel tanks that hadn't exploded did. She was coughing heavily into the sand, groaning as she felt her left wrist throbbing in pain.
Julia looked at her plane before she heard sirens approaching her and tried to get up. But her legs were in agony so she could only sit and wait for help to reach her.
Looking at Mari since she had grabbed her hand, Julia smiled and said, "I was okay," as her friend looked nearly tearful. She was surprised when her friend was suddenly hugging her and she was responding before the girl was speaking.
"You must have been so scared," Mari told her.
"Of course I was," Julia said with a nod. "But I was rescued and taken to the hospital in Long Beach." She then smiled at her friend and said, "And you were there." She couldn't help laughing softly at Mari's widened eyes and continued saying, "You were in the program too and had been flying back from Palm Beach."
"Julia!" Mari said once she'd reached the room where her friend was being kept. "How are you? I asked Sergeant Guildmate but he wouldn't say."
"He might not know," Julia replied with a smile. "But I'm alright."
"Your legs…" Mari said since both were in plaster casts.
"I know, I've broken both… I can't tell you how I was able to get out of the plane," Julia replied. "And my wrist as well," she added since Mari was looking at her left wrist. "Cochran came in before you and said I'm to be sent home. It'll take too long to recover."
"Discharged?" Mari asked.
"I suppose, I don't know what the Air Force will do," Julia replied before laying back. "I've been begging them to let me call my ma and da but they won't bring in a phone."
"Would you like me to do that?" Mari asked.
"Would you?" Julia asked, sitting up a little.
Reaching down and pushing her back gently Mari said, "Of course, all I need is the number."
"Oh, you're a swell friend," Julia breathed. She waited for her friend to get a paper and told her the number at the home in Mill Valley before saying, "Tell them I'm going to come home as soon as I can get a flight on a military carrier; it's the only way I'll be able to come."
"I'll let them know and come back to tell you," Mari said with a nod.
"Thank you," Julia said meaningfully. "I just hope you make it before they get a telegram."
"I'll go now and I'll be back," Mari said, squeezing her hand.
Squeezing it back, Julia looked up at the ceiling before she closed her eyes and slept as she couldn't fight the painkillers she'd been given.
"We got the telegram first," Castle said. He smiled when the girls looked at him and explained, "I was just leaving the base in San Francisco and received it so I called Kate and then Mari called her after we hung up." He looked at Julia and asked, "Do you remember what I did?"
"Sort of," the girl replied. "Did you come down in the car?"
Nodding Rick said, "It was going to take nearly a month for you to get a spot on a plane that could fly you up. So I took our Studebaker we still had from three years before and drove."
"How could you?" Jim asked. "Gas rations?"
"I think I was a courier on the way down for some documents," Castle said. "Several, I went to a number of bases on the way and that's how I could get to you," he told the others. "But I finally reached you and went to where you were in the hospital."