I'll Still be Loving You
by Castlefan6
Authors Note: Thisis my AU version SEQUEL to Dinner Date, Please read that before starting this. This story picks up without any time lapse and continues with Kate and Rick as they forge ahead as a Couple and concludes the story arc started when Rick left suddenly.
I don't own Castle; I use the characters for amusement purposes only
Chapter 17
Previously
"That's not what frightens me Rick, I'm afraid I won't be a good enough mother" and the tears roll down her cheeks,
"Mom, listen to me, now Listen", Alexis has taken charge, You see how well I turned out, right? EVERYONE knows that half of Dad's parenting skills came from you, especially the last two years, he wouldn't know how to do some of the things he taught me if you weren't in the background helping.
You don't have to worry about being good enough, you're already the Best Mom I could ever ask for, and my little brother or sister is lucky to get you, I mean that" as she hugged her tightly,
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Three Weeks Later,
London UK
There had been a huge break in the case, it turned out the jail house informant who had called Cricket, was a friend of hers when she was growing up. His testimony for a reduced sentence, along with the investigation skills of Private Detective Irvine had broken the case open, resulting in multiple arrests across three UK prisons.
As Rick and Kate sat relaxing on the couch, after returning from Dr. Manning's office and Kate's exam, Kate's cell phone rang with the sound of Pomp and Circumstance, identifying Cricket as the caller,
"Hi Cricket, how are things going there, almost wrapped up so you can join us soon" asked Kate
"Almost Kate, but wanted to ring you with some fantastic news, there was a break in the case, and thanks to you and Rick I now know that Reggie didn't commit suicide, he was murdered, and Detective Irvine has the proof. In fact, it broke open a huge ring of internal corruption and graft, which allowed these sorts of things to happen on a regular basis."
"Oh, Cricket, nothing can bring Reggie back, but now you know he didn't leave you, he was taken from you, I'm sure he would have come around eventually with your love for him" Kate sighed,
"Thank You Kate, no wonder everyone loves you, so understanding, willing to see the good in everyone, I don't know how you do it, but thank you" Cricket whispered, tears in her voice
"Well two words Cricket, Rick Castle, he's the one that loved me when no one should have, I was horrible, even past that to him, but he kept loving me and eventually he wore me down. When I thought I had lost him to Gina, I wanted to die, because I knew it was all on me, I killed it.
So, Rick is the reason many of us do what we do. We're so happy the details are now open and there's a cleanup in place. I hate nothing more than someone who swears to uphold the law, then cheats it for her or his own gain." She smiled into the phone
"Oh before I forget, LB. is scheduling a press conference for tonight, at 9:00 PM EST and he will not allow anyone, not even his closest aides to read or know what is being said. It must be a block buster, so you should tune in, I'm sure it will be carried on the entertainment stations if not the major networks." Cricket spoke, the excitement back into her voice.
"Do you have any idea of what he is about to say, I mean the final edits are all in for Final Chance aren't they?" Kate asked,"
"Oh, heavens yes, we just finalized the Artwork last week, and if I know LB. it will be at the publishing house today or tomorrow. Perhaps he wanted to announce a release date, but still he's being so secretive. This is totally out of character for him."
"Well, 9:00 PM is only hours away here so I guess we will have to be patient, and just watch and listen to what he has to say then" Kate smiled into the phone, then said "Wait a minute, 9:00 PM EST is what 3:00 AM your time the next day isn't it?"
"Precisely my point Kate, he typically calls for press conferences around 5:00 PM London Time to accommodate the press but this time, he's not budging on time, or the secrecy. "Cricket replied,
"Well we will just have to wait, I guess, Have you booked your flight to come home to us?"
Cricket smiled at Kate's choice of words, home, "Yes as a matter of fact I leave Friday and will arrive at JFK at 9:50 PM. I took the liberty of arranging a car service to the Loft, I hope that's acceptable" she said meekly,
"Cricket, you know it is, Rick is right here and is smiling his big smile knowing you are coming back to see us, we can't wait, and I know Alexis has asked us at least three times a day when you're coming, she misses her big sister, so she will be thrilled."
"Great, I will let you go and rest Kate, I know it must be getting almost unbearable, but hold on, you will soon be a Mommy, and it'll all be worth it. I'll ring you this evening if anything earth shattering occurs here after the press conference, if not I will see my family on Friday, Cheers" as the line went dead.
"Rick, Thank you for funding the Private Detective, there's no way that they would have unraveled that mess with the limited resources the officials had and who knows what innocent family would have been hurt next" as she laid her head on his shoulder and kissed him a short sweet kiss.
"Well when Gerald Irvine called and said he would like to engage his entire force of ten investigators I knew he was on to something big, it was a fraction of the cost that poor Cricket paid. She doesn't know it yet, but LB. maintained a life insurance policy on each employee and their significant other, married or not, as beneficiary.
Now that the case has been changed from a suicide to homicide Cricket will receive the two hundred fifty thousand pounds from the policy, allowing her to do what she pleases without fear of money. If any good came out of this whole mess, Reggie did give her the freedom she was looking for, not just in the way she would have wanted." Rick said looking into the distance sadly,
"Hey, you did all you could, this isn't on you Rick, stop taking on the world's problems as yours Babe. Newsflash, there are terrible people in this world, and they aren't all here in New York, but located worldwide. You provided the funding to solve this, so be proud of that, OK?" She took his face in her hands and locked eyes,
"I am, I just wish, well it's beyond my control, and now I wish she finds happiness" he finally relented.
9:00 PM EST
Castle's Loft
Cricket had said the major networks should be carrying the news conference, and as she and Rick flipped channels, ABC Special News Bulletin caught their attention. As they tuned to the station they heard the announcer say, "This is quite unusual, but Lord Barrow, Managing Editor of Fox Run Publishing, the publisher of the James Bond books, including two current novels still on the NY Times Best Sellers List, is requesting a news conference this evening.
Lord Barrow has been very elusive and even normal sources quoted the additional security around his announcement this evening. We will be going to the podium just as soon as the Lord is ready to speak, I see he's there now, so let's go there."
The cameras and sound crew turn to Lord Barrow standing behind a podium ready to begin speaking, but what is strange is Mayor Bob Weldon, Commissioner Boyle, and Governor Pataki stood behind him at Parade Rest formation. Lord Barrow cleared his throat and began to speak,
"Good Evening, Thank You all for this opportunity to address you citizens of the United States in real time, and for my fellow countrymen, I apologize for the late hour there. The time was chosen because it is considered Prime Time here, and the message I bring is important to many who live here.
I would first like to announce that the third book in our latest series of 007 thrillers is in publication as of today, and should be available for those pre-orders as early as the end of the week.
This latest work, titled Final Chances is the conclusion of work from an author who has penned under the name of Ian Fleming, who we all know to be deceased. This author loved the works so much he was willing to forego his own established and prestigious career here in the US, to carry out a lifelong dream of his, and I might add has done Sir Ian proud.
Not only have the works reached the New York Times Best Seller List in record time, but each work released surpasses the previous in sales and revenue. One note here, each book has also had a charity designated to receive a portion of the sales for their work, and again, the monies raised continue to astound the managers of each charity.
The new release is following the identical pattern, as we come on air tonight, pre-sales have it now at two positions below the original, No Time to Mourn, on the list and we expect significant revenues to be donated to Operation Smile, for babies with Cleft Palates, as well as funding health care for those not offered both here in the US and foreign countries as well.
I'm sure my staff and employees have wondered about the cloak and dagger type of security that has been taken, as well as you here in America, especially those here in New York, are wondering about the presence of the three gentlemen behind me, your Mayor, your Governor, and your Police Commissioner. The reason shall be revealed shortly, so I beg your indulgence a bit longer if I may.
Her Royal Majesty has become quite a fan of this author and his works and receives an advance final copy so she can read it at her leisure. It is by her proclamation and this citation, that we name Friday, June 16th as Richard Edgar Castle Day, and present him with the award of the George Cross, the highest civilian honor bestowed upon subjects of her Majesty. Mr. Castle will be invited to the Royal Palace next year when all formal presentations are made by her Majesty but can wear this replica till that day.
Mr. Castle was and is indeed the author of these three works, and through his efforts, generosity, and care for his fellow man, a scandal involving the wrongful death on one man, and the cover up that followed has been rectified.
All of the subjects of the Queen, myself included in the grandest way, are in debt to Mr. Castle, or Rick as he would ask me to call him if he were here. Please join with all subjects of her Royal Majesty as we celebrate the generosity and compassion of this man, who proved, anyone can make a difference, you just have to act. I turn the microphone over to his good friend and your Mayor, Mr. Robert Weldon.
Mayor Weldon steps forward to the microphone as Rick sits speechless next to Kate, totally unaware that Cricket and Alexis are filming the entire event. Cricket flew in yesterday to be on hand when the announcement was made and wanted to surprise Rick, with the actual replica of the cross.
"Wow, I've had to follow some tough acts before in my career, but how do you top that," Mayor Weldon smiled. "Seriously, when I found out that my close friend Rick was about to receive something from Her Royal Majesty, I almost called my friend in the State Department to see what trouble he was in," Laughter rang out on stage, and in the Castle home, as the Mayor continued.
"I am one of Rick's closest friends, and he and the love of his life, Kate Beckett, came to see me a few days before they left. Rick, Kate, I'm sorry I promised to keep it a secret, but this is just too big not to share now. The reason for their visit, they got married. So, if anyone gets the award it should be Mrs. Rick Castle who truly has changed my friend for the better. Rick, Kate, we're proud of you and hope to see you in person soon. You both did us proud, so Thank you"
Alexis couldn't contain herself, "Is that True Dad, Mom did you guys get married before we left?" as she rushed to them both, Cricket still filming it all.
"Yes we did Baby, I'm sorry but for security purposes, only Uncle Bob and LB. knew the truth, we didn't want to put a target on Kate's back, not knowing how far some of these criminals contacts reach from. We planned on doing it again when we got home but your little sibling changed the timing. I'm sorry we didn't tell you pumpkin, but you already were calling her Mom and I just couldn't risk anything happening to you or her."
"Dad, it's OK, I understand, just wish you told me when we got home, I mean it's fine even if you weren't married, but I worried how Kate was taking being pregnant and not married, that's one girl talk we had she was emphatic about with me."
Kate pulled her close to her, Alexis, I'm sorry it's my fault I didn't want your Dad to say anything so that I could talk to you myself, I never figured to have this many bad pregnant days and honey, I didn't forget" she reached into a drawer and pulled out a large envelope, addressed to "My First Daughter" signed Love Mom.
Alexis pulled her closer, and whispered, "It's OK Mom, now you're really my Mom and I'm so very happy." She opened the envelope and there were the ultrasound images of the baby and a card, addressed to her. She opened the card, began to read, then wiped the tears from her eyes, and put the card back away." This is for special time for us Mom, right now it's Dad's time.
Rick finally noticed Cricket, and let out a yelp "Hey what are you doing here I thought you weren't arriving till Friday?"
"Surprise I'm here early, I wanted to be here with you for this press conference," she smiled giving both Kate and Rick big hugs and kisses on the cheeks.
They turned their attention back to the TV, where the Governor had just finished proclaiming Friday June 16th Richard Castle day throughout the state of New York. He had said some other nice things, but the family had been busy, so they would watch the video tape later.
Finally Commissioner Boyle stepped to the microphone, and added his congratulations, as well as his invitation for his Best Detective and her new husband to return to the Police Force whenever they were ready to do so, even part time. He passed on the entire Force's appreciation not only to Rick but to Kate as well and wished the new couple all the best. It was a very heartfelt speech and Kate was thrilled someone recognized her efforts at that level as well.
Finally Lord Barrow returned to the microphone, "Lastly I need to thank one more special person, Katherine Spencer, AKA Cricket who has been a large part of this campaign's success, and we gratefully acknowledge all of her hard work and sacrifice as well. There will be no questions, so please check with your retailer for expected dates for Final Chance and thank you for your time" as he left the podium.
The camera panned to a reporter,
"Well there you have folks, Richard Castle was confirmed to have written all three of the latest 007 books, so I'm sure James Patterson will be happy to hear the news. As you may well know, he was deemed as the author and pursued in all of his daily activities. It might very well be a joke that Rick Castle played on his friend and fellow writer for all of the one ups James has done to him in the past.
No doubt about this body of work, it has truly been sensational, and we send our congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Castle, another surprise that was able to be kept under wraps for months. Back to you at the desk, as the reporter removed his headset as Rick turned the TV off.
"Well Cricket, you want to explain to me what the heck happened after we left" Kate said smiling
"Not much Kate, you know they solved a murder, discovered corruption across three prisons and two high ranking cabinet posts, decided to name the author of the 007 books, and then her Royal Majesty declare a day in his honor after awarding him the highest award a civilian can earn, so you know a typical couple of weeks" she laughed,
"Seriously though Kate, Rick, I owe you so very much, I received the life insurance that LB. carried on his employees and spouses, and I almost passed out. I know this would have remained as some low-level criminal killed himself unless Rick had spent the money to find out the truth. I can never repay you or thank you enough."
"Cricket, you are family, there's nothing more important than that, so no matter what you choose to do, or where your path may lead you, you have a home and family who love you, right here." Rick was seldom so dramatic, but it brought tears to all of the girls eyes.
9 weeks later
St. Joseph Hospital
New York Maternity Ward
Rick had been with Kate for the last 4 hours coaching her as they had done in the classes, and on the receiving end of what he could do with his manhood if she could ever escape this pain, as he blushed, the nurses just patted him on the shoulder. One whispered in his ear when Kate was slightly blocked from his vision, "Don't worry about what she's saying now, she'll be horny as hell before you know it" then laughed and patted his shoulder.
About another 45 minutes of Kate in labor and then he was here, a beautiful 7 lb., 9 0z. baby boy with his Dad's deep blue eyes. As he cuddled to his mother's breast it was as if she had done this chore a million times before. The sight of his son with his wife brought tears to Rick's eyes,
"Hey Babe, I'm sorry for those things I was saying, I don't remember half of them, please forgive me" she held his hand as their son slept peacefully in her other arm.
"Nothing to forgive, Babe, I love you and no mater what you say or do, I'll still be loving you till the day I die. So are we decided for sure now, it's Richard James Beckett Castle as his full name" Rick asked,
"Rick, we don't need the Beckett in there anymore, we're all Castles that's all the last name he needs. I love you and no matter how many kids we have and what I say, remember, I'll still be loving you till the day I die as well" as her eyes close in sleep.
Rick stood there just watching over his wife, son, and thinking, that damn song started it all, but he wouldn't change anything about their journey, it was truly magical.
The End
A/N Watch for a Spin Off, featuring our own Cricket, if there is enough interest. Thanks for reading.