A/N : Hey sorry about the delay in this chapter coming out. I'm in the middle of changing jobs = stressful times...however no excuse so on with the story.
She makes it to Alexis front door with a few minutes to spare. She was so worried she was going to be late after getting caught up. She had put Rion down for his nap in his room and tucked him in when they got back. However Rion decided he didn't feel like sleeping more than 30 minutes. She had spent the rest of the time entertaining him, getting ready and helping Castle. She raps her knuckles against the wooden door, the sound echoing in the hall. She steps back as the door opens and she is met by the wonderful smell of baking. It invades her senses, her mouth watering. Alexis comes into view and pulls her into a tight hug. She returns it with the same amount of vigor.
"How's my little brother?"
Alexis straight to the point, she thinks it is amazing how well the two kids get on. A large age gap separates them and that used to worry Kate but not anymore. Alexis adores the ground her little brother walks on she would do anything for him. Now for the part she hates, lying to the girl.
"He is better but still under the weather. He really wanted to come but I told him that his sister didn't want the bug too."
Goodness that hurts her right down in to her soul to lie like that. Alexis just smiles back at her.
"Well give him a nice big squishy hug for me later."
Before another word can be said Alexis takes her hand, pulling her into the apartment. Kate stumbles slightly at the sudden movement but soon finds her footing. Alexis gives her the grand tour of her one bed apartment, Kate is fascinated by what she has done with the place. Alexis has found reclaimed furniture and made it look new and fabulous. The dinning/coffee table looks like it is made from driftwood slated together. The finish is breathtaking, and awe inspiring. After the tour, Alexis makes her a cup of coffee, they sit at opposite ends of the sofa. Kate kicks off her shoes and curls her legs under her, Alexis adopts the pose too. She takes a sip of coffee as Alexis mumbles something.
"Sorry Sweetie, what was that? I'm not fluent in mumble."
Alexis chuckles and goes slightly pink in the cheeks.
"I've met a guy and I really like him and he might be the one."
Kate can't contain the grin that floods her face.
"Well tell me more, what's his name? how old is he? what's he like? what's he do?"
Alexis shuffles a bit closer to Kate before continuing.
"He's name is Blaise, he is twenty four and I met him in coffee shop downtown. I say met I accidently walked into him and tipped my latte down him. I was so embarrassed, I tried patting him down to dry him."
This makes Kate think of Castle, coffee being their thing. He used to and still does brings her a coffee every morning. In his words he does it just to see her smile, she loves him for it. Kate chuckles at the memories as well as imagining Alexis chucking coffee on the poor fella.
" Your dad did that to me once at the beginning of our partnership, I wanted to kill him."
Alexis is belly laughing at this point, tears forming in her eyes.
"Dad really chucked coffee on you, and yet you're now married."
" Love is a strange thing. Anyway so you spilt coffee on him then what happened?"
"Well I offered to pay for his dry cleaning, he said do me one better, have a drink with me sometime."
Alexis has a doe eyed look as she explains, their first date. Kate is so happy that she has found someone after Pi. However Kate also realizes she is growing up into a amazing young woman in front of her own eyes. Kate bridges the gap, taking Alexis by surprise by engulfing her in a bone crushing hug. One that Alexis readily returns. She places a kiss into Alexis hair.
"I love you Kid more than you know."
"I love you too Kate."
As they pull apart Kate's phone starts to vibrate, she pulls it out. Castle is calling it must be that time already, time to put the plan in action. She swipes at the screen and puts in on loud speaker.
"Hey Castle, your on loud speaker , you okay?"
"Hey Kate, hey Pumpkin. I have a problem...Rion is really grumpy and keeps asking for his big sister. I've tried calming him down to no avail, do you think you could pop over? I know you probably don't want the bug Pumpkin but he is really upset."
Kate feels bad that they're lying to their oldest but it's the only way the could think of getting her there. She would do anything for her brother. Alexis has a look of concern as she answers..
" Hey sure dad of course I'll come over. Mom and myself will be there as soon as we can."
Kate is taken aback, although she is sure it was a slip of the tongue but Alexis called her mom. She is so shocked she forgets to hang up and Alexis does it for her. She can feel herself tearing up with the emotions swirling around in her heart. She wills herself not to make a big deal out of this. She manages to restrain from crying, making sure to talk to Castle about this later. Alexis mythed by Kate's behaviour pulls her up by the hands, and passes her shoes.
"Come on Kate, don't want to keep lil man waiting."
It takes them fifteen minutes to head back in Kate's car. Alexis still has no idea about what is going to happen. Alexis rushes out of the elevator, puts her key in lock and then pushes open the door. She is met by darkness in the loft as she steps over the threshold. She turns to Kate with a look of confusion, Kate however has to school her expression in order to not give the secret away.
"Kate what is going on? Why are the lights off? "
"Not sure sweetie, go further in. "
She does, and as she does the lights flick back on and everyone jumps up and shouts surprise. Alexis lets out a slightly girly scream before she starts to cry. Castle comes rushing over and pulls her into a hug, hand cupping the back of her head to his shoulder.
" Pumpkin don't cry, I just wanted to throw you a graduation party. I didn't mean to lie to you or upset you."
Alexis pulls back, looks him in the eyes.
"Dad these are happy tears silly. Thank you this is amazing, I even forgive you and Kate for lying to me and using my innocent brother to do it. "
The relief on Castle's face is just comical and the gathered group start laughing. Kate just shrugs as Alexis looks in her direction earning her a Alexis' take on the classic Beckett eye roll. Alexis is soon swept into hugs from Lanie, Jim, Esposito, Ryan, Jenny, Martha and even Gates. However there is someone standing back who Kate doesn't recognize, but it seems Alexis does. She pulls the young man into a hug.
" Blaise what are you doing here?"
Ah this is the boyfriend Alexis was talking about earlier, but even Kate is confused to how he is here. Lanie steps forward...
" He came to the lab looking for you today. Now you know Auntie Lanie is nosy so I asked him who he was and he told me he was your boyfriend. Therefore I insisted he come tonight and yes your welcome."
Chuckles all around at this.
" Thanks Lanie."
Alexis pulls the young man towards Kate, Castle & Rion.
" Guys this is Blaise my boyfriend, Blaise these are my folks, Rick & Kate. Also my little brother Rion."
Rion reaches for her so she sweeps him into her arms, while her folks get to know the new man in her life.
A/N: So what you think ?
