Because you asked ... and thank you for the reviews. I really do write more/faster as a result.
"Would you come with me?" It had taken her too long to realize that it was okay to bring him. No, it was more than okay – it was necessary. Except for her father, no one else had ever accompanied her to her mother's grave. It was – or had been – a private thing, a way to connect with her mother and not to forget. The thought of taking someone else, if she'd even considered it, would have horrified her. But not now, not anymore. She wanted Castle to come – and, in a strange way, to meet her Mom.
Today was a special day – it was Mother's Day – always one of the more painful days of the year for her, but also a day she put aside for just her Mom and her. Now, however, she wanted to share it – and to share the news that she herself was going to be a mother. And Castle had to be with her for that.
"Of course", was all he said, although it was clear he knew how important this was to her, how huge a step it was to have him join her. She appreciated that he didn't say more, not right now. She needed his presence, not, for once, his words, and he seemed to understand that. "Tell me what you want me to do and I'm there for you."
"Thank you. Uh, can we go now? I know it's early, but there are always a lot of people there later and – I like to be alone." She smiled slightly at that – "and with you, of course."
He nodded and slowly walked towards where she was sitting at the kitchen counter. He leant over and kissed her temple. "Just give me a minute to change and I'll be right with you."
She nodded and watched as he headed off to the bedroom. She looked down at her uneaten breakfast and sighed. She was never hungry before going to the cemetery so, without another thought, she stood and scraped her plate and put it in the dishwasher. Deciding that she too should change she moved towards their room.
They both got dressed in silence, each choosing to wear something a little dressier than normal. Today was a special day and they both knew it. Today was the day that Kate let him into her life, totally and completely. The wall was not just down – it was gone completely.
They stopped briefly to pick up some flowers and then Castle turned the car towards the cemetery. The silence that had begun at home continued, although Castle did throw her a few concerned glances. After a bit she reached out and touched his hand and smiled. "I'm okay – don't worry. I just need things to be quiet and – thank you."
He turned his head slightly and smiled. "Always."
She giggled at that. "I'm afraid you can't claim always when it comes to silence", she told him. "I think you'd explode if you had to be quiet too long."
"Probably", he grinned. "I'm afraid I've been like that my whole life."
"I bet your teachers loved you!"
"Hey, why do you think I attended so many schools? After a while I drove them all insane and they kicked me out."
"Well, I like your talking", she told him affectionately. "But I do appreciate – today."
"Of course", he answered, growing serious. "You know I'm always here for you Kate – that's what I meant."
"I know and again – thank you." They drove the rest of the way not speaking, but this time Rick didn't look at her with concern but only with love.
He pulled into a parking spot and stopped the car and faced her, waiting for her to make the first move. She took a deep breath and then smiled and nodded at him. With that they both got out of the car and began to head down the green and shady path.
"It's beautiful", he said softly, looking around at the gently swaying trees.
"Dad and I picked this spot because we knew she would have loved it." Kate took a few more steps and then stopped. "Can I – would you mind waiting a minute? I just need a second alone."
"Of course. I'll wait here until you tell me."
She leaned over and gave him a soft kiss in reply and then headed towards the grave, laying the flowers down in front of the headstone. She hadn't been here since after Bracken had been arrested. This time, however, the visit felt – gentler, better – than any time in the past. She knew it was not only because she'd gotten justice for her mother – but because she was now looking towards the future, not towards the past. What brought her peace was now the past could be viewed without the bitterness and pain of before. She would always miss her mother – but she could remember her with joy and carry that with her into her life with Castle.
"Hi Mom", she squatted down and touched the gravestone. "Happy Mother's Day." She laughed softly at herself. She didn't know whether to believe in an afterlife or not. She'd always been something of a sceptic and her job had only made her more so. But– she felt her mother's presence at this place and had decided, a long time ago, not to try and be logical or skeptical or to question when she was here. Whether or not there was a heaven for people like her mother – or hell for the people who had harmed her – she didn't know. She did know that her mother was with her – always.
"So, I have some news", she told her softly. "I've told you about Rick – well, it looks like we're going to start a family a little sooner than expected. Yup – I'm pregnant. I know, I know – you always taught me to be smart and careful – but, I love him and we're going to make a life together so – I think you'll be okay with it. I just wish you could be here to see the baby. I was kind of scared at first – didn't think I'd make a good mom, but Castle convinced me that I had a great model in you. And you know what – he was right. I can only hope to be half the Mom you were." She sat for another few moments, remembering times with her mother. Tears fell, but this time they weren't tears of frustration or hopelessness, but tears that honored her mother's memory and told of how much Johanna had been loved, was loved.
"I have a surprise for you", she said suddenly. "I brought Rick with me today. I know you're going to love him. He's – sweet and funny – and he understands me Mom. He actually reminds me of you." With that she stood and again touched the headstone. "I'll be right back."
"Okay?" Castle asked when she strode up to him. He reached out gently and wiped the moisture from her face with his thumb.
"Fine", she smiled. "Come on – I want you to meet her." She wondered briefly if he'd think she was crazy for saying that, but after a moment knew she didn't have to worry. The man who believed in ghosts and time-travel, vampires and zombies, would certainly believe in heaven.
Castle arrived at Johanna Beckett's grave and looked at the headstone. Vincit omni veritas – truth conquers all. Yes, that was fitting, he thought silently. He knew that Kate had been close to her mother – that her adult life had been formed trying to bring justice to her mother. But he also knew that who Kate was – her essential being – had been formed long before Johanna's murder. She had given her daughter a strength of character and a goodness, and a belief in truth and justice that was rare. He knew he owed this woman more than he could ever put into words.
"Hello Mrs. Beckett", he said softly, walking up to the gravestone and squatting down, unconsciously mimicking Kate's earlier visit. "I'm honored to meet you." He stayed quiet for a moment, almost as if listening to her reply. He then continued. "By the way – thank you. Thank you for raising such a wonderful daughter. I'm the lucky man who gets to spend my life with her and I can never tell you how much that means. And I promise you, I will spend that life loving her and caring for her. You have my word. And I guess she told you we're going to have a baby. Well, I can't imagine it having a better grandmother than you so again – thank you."
Kate watched as Rick spoke – staying back enough to allow him some privacy. She could see his profile, and could tell that he was totally serious, totally wrapped up in the moment, even though she couldn't hear what he was saying. He wasn't doing this just for her, she realized as she watched him. He meant this. To him, he really was meeting her Mom, and it was incredibly touching. She smiled, wondering what he was saying – although in an instant she realized she knew. He was promising to love her. She hoped, at that moment, that her Mother did know, could know and could rest, knowing her daughter was finally safe and happy.
Castle stood and turned back towards her. She didn't comment on the fact that his eyes were shining with tears that, being a typical man, he didn't let escape. He gave her one of his serious and heart wrenchingly earnest smiles. "Thank you Kate", he said softly. "You couldn't have given me a greater gift."
That did it. With a quiet sob she completely lost it and began to cry. She felt his arms snake around her and hold on to her, giving her support and love and – just a wonderful shoulder to cry on.
She didn't know quite why she was crying. She wasn't exactly sad, and yet she wasn't quite happy. She was mostly just – fully alive. It was almost as if she was finally letting go of the past and venturing forward. It was wonderful and yet frightening. It was freeing and yet confusing. All she really knew, was that she was grateful that this man would be by her side on this new journey.
She eventually stopped crying, gave a couple of sniffs, and found a tissue magically appearing in her hand. She wiped her tears and blew her nose and suddenly felt like laughing.
"You okay?" he asked, concern thick in his voice.
"I'm fine", she hiccuped and grinned. "Sorry about that. I think I got your suit wet."
"Hey, what's a little wet shoulder between friends?"
"We are, aren't we?" she said wonderingly, stepping back and looking at him.
"Uh?" he raised a brow. "What?"
"Friends. We're friends."
"Yes we are", he smiled. "And lovers", he waggled his eyebrows.
She laughed at that and moved forward to give him a kiss – this time one that was much longer and deeper.
"I think we're getting the evil eye", Castle told her when they finished. He jerked his head over towards an older woman who was standing at a grave, giving them a look of total disgust.
"Let's go", Kate told him, sounding her old confident self. "That's why I like to come early." She reached down and took Rick's hand, wanting to stick her tongue out at the old lady. "She must think we'll scandalize the dead."
"Oh, I'm sure they've seen it all", Rick smirked, following her willingly back down the path. "Probably done it too."
She gurgled and suddenly her day turned happy. She felt a lightness she hadn't remembered feeling in – hell, in years. She wanted to skip, although that really would scandalize the old battle-axe. She wanted to run and twirl and kiss the man beside her. Hell, if they had more privacy she'd want to grab him and make love with him under the trees.
"Whatcha thinking?" he asked, noticing her mood.
"Just that I wish we could make love out here", she told him bluntly.
That got an eyebrow raise – and a glance around. "In a cemetery? That does seem a bit – uh -"
"Kinky?" she asked. She laughed then. "No – I didn't mean here here – I meant outside, under the sun and – isn't it wonderful Rick!"
He stopped and grabbed her free hand and pulled her forward until she was facing him. Her eyes were sparkling and her face was alive with joy. He slowly smiled. "You're wonderful." He drew her closer and touched his lips to hers. It wasn't a passionate kiss, or a particularly deep one – but it contained all the tenderness he was feeling towards her at this moment – the tenderness and the gratitude that she was who she was – and that she had agreed to share his life.
"Yes", he told her when he brought his head up. "It's wonderful. You're wonderful."
"So – hungry?" he asked, glancing at her at he pulled the car out of the lot. There were many more cars there now and more and more were arriving. Mother's Day was clearly a busy day at the cemetery.
"Starving", she replied. ''Uh, what do you usually do on Mother's Day?" She thought about Rick's mother, who had arrived home yesterday and of Alexis, who had been back in New York since Thursday, although she'd been staying at a girl friend's after stopping by to say hello. She was moving back into the loft this afternoon and Kate wasn't quite sure if Rick had made any plans or not. She suddenly realized, with a guilty feeling, that she hadn't thought at all about Martha or anyone else. Mother's Day had always been about her own grief and pain. She grimaced silently. That would have to change.
"Well, we usually go out for lunch to some fancy place. You'll notice that my Mother made sure to arrive back in town before Mother's Day? She never misses it. Claims that it's for me, although I suspect she loves being pampered and treated to a special day. I always get her something and she loves that."
Kate glanced at him, wondering if he really knew how much Martha adored him. Oh, it was true she loved to be the center of attention – she was an actress, after all – but Kate had gotten to know her well enough to know the woman would do anything for her son. She was pretty sure that Mother's Day was just as much about Rick as it was about Martha – although neither of them would ever admit it.
"Sounds nice", she said. "You realize, of course, that next year I'll be a mother too", she informed him cheekily.
"And I assume you'll want a fancy dinner and a gift too?", he sighed as if put upon by the women in his life.
"Hmmm? How about breakfast in bed?"
"Oh, I could definitely arrange that!" he told her, the innuendo clear in his voice.
"Richard Castle! Is that all you ever think about?"
"Yes, of course it is."
She laughed and settled back in the seat. "So, what restaurant? I assume you've made a reservation?"
He glanced at her warily. "Uh – yeah – although I wasn't going to say anything in case you weren't up to it."
"Oh, I'm up to it all right. Will Alexis be joining us?"
"Uh huh. I told her to be on standby. Kate?"
"Yes?"
"What if we tell them over lunch? I thought it would be fitting for Mother's Day."
"That would be perfect", she agreed, "although you realize that there will be a commotion when we tell them."
"I'm counting on it!"
"Mother", he called, as soon as they arrived. A moment later Martha came floating down the stairs, dressed in her usual flamboyant but somehow perfect for her clothes.
"Richard!" she floated over to him and gave him an affectionate kiss on the cheek. "Where were the two of you?"
"Oh, we just had to run an errand -" Rick started to say.
"We went to the cemetery to visit my Mom's grave", Kate told her, giving his hand a quick squeeze. She appreciated what he was doing, but suddenly realized that Martha was going to be her family now too. And the woman deserved the truth.
"Really?" Martha turned to her and gave her a hug. "I'm so sorry darling. Today must be hard for you."
"It's okay", Kate answered, surprised and touched at the affection from the older woman. She returned the hug and then, when it was finished, stepped back and looked at the unusually serious sounding actress. "It was better this year – arresting Bracken and having Rick with me – it was nice."
"And I'm sure your mother is desperately proud of you! I know Richard is and so is Alexis and so am I."
"What is Alexis?" the girl herself spoke as she tripped downstairs. "Hi guys. I hope it's okay but I came over a while ago with some of my stuff. I was just putting things away."
"Of course it's okay", Rick answered, giving his daughter a hug. "This is your home Pumpkin."
"So, what am I?" Alexis asked again, giving Kate a quick hug and then looking at the three of them questioningly.
"Oh, I was just telling Kate how proud of her we all are – for what she did to get justice for her Mother."
Alexis turned to her, a solemn look on her face. "Yes, Gram is right – we are proud of you Kate. What you did was – amazing. Your Mom has to be proud too."
These people were quite incredible, she realized, looking at each of them. "Thank you Alexis, Martha, that means a lot coming from you, and I couldn't have done it without Rick. Now – so we don't all get too maudlin, I think a celebration is in order." She regarded Martha with a twinkle. "Happy Mother's Day Martha."
"Why thank you dear", she smiled in return. "Richard? Where are we going?"
"Going Mother? Why would you think we're going anywhere?"
"They think they're so witty, don't they?" Martha asked Kate. "I'll get my purse and then we should get going. The traffic is going to be terrible. Did you call for a car?" she asked her son as she sailed towards the stairs. "Alexis, are you ready?"
"Yup, all ready Gram."
"You see my life", Castle shook his head. "Controlled by women!"
"Of course", his wonderful fiancée smiled at him. "Just the way it should be."
He eyes her askance. "I assume from that that you're going to continue the tradition set by my mother and daughter?"
"Of course", she kissed him. "And don't tell me you'd want it any differently!"
"No", he sighed as he watched the three women in his life chatting, "I don't suppose I would."
"So, where are we going?" Alexis asked. "I heard about this trendy new place that's supposed to have great tapas" she looked at her father out of the corner of her eyes, "and gorgeous waiters!"
"Yes, well, you and your girlfriends can try that out", he told her. "I'm afraid that gorgeous waiters aren't on my 'must see' list."
"Now if it were waitresses, that would be different", his loving soon-to-be wife commented.
"Nope", he said virtuously. "I have sworn off all beautiful women – except mine!" he put his arm around Kate and hugged her. "Now, let's go."
Kate realized, only after they were all in the car, that Richard still hadn't said where they were going. She was surprised, therefore, that instead of pulling up to a fancy and trendy Manhattan restaurant, the car stopped in front of what looked like a small, family run Italian place.
"Oh Richard", Martha cried. "I haven't been here for ages." She turned to Kate. "I usually don't indulge in Italian", she confessed, "except on my birthday and Mother's Day. You are in for such a treat Kate."
Alexis nodded. "They have the best food here. I haven't been to Georgio's forever. I wonder how Adriano is doing?"
"Adriano is the son", Martha whispered. "Very handsome."
Kate grinned and got out of the car after Martha. She was still surprised that this is where they had come, since most of the places Rick had taken her to had been either really upscale, or quick lunch spots such as Remy's. "This looks interesting." she said to him softly.
"Mmm hmm", he told her, guiding her in with his hand on the small of her back. "I discovered this place just after it opened – before I sold my first book. The food was great and plentiful – and cheap, which I needed at the time. Georgio let me eat here a few times when I didn't have enough to really pay – in return I told all my friends about him. As his business grew he never forgot me and we became friends. Now I only bring really special people here. It's kind of -" he shrugged.
"Your secret place?"
"Yeah", he grinned. "No reporters, no women – just good food and friends."
She was somehow thrilled that this is the place he'd chosen to bring them. Every day was a new revelation in their relationship. She liked the fact that he treasured a place that meant something more than a night out on the town. This place was real and showed the real Rick.
"Ricardo!" a small, rather effusive man approached and threw his arms around Castle. "It has been too long my friend. And the lovely Martha!" she got another hug and kisses on each cheek. "And this beautiful woman – who is this?" he was looking at Alexis, a decided sparkle in his eyes. "I do not think I have met such a lovely woman before. Are you sure you are with this man?" he leaned forward and gestured towards Castle.
Alexis giggled. "You are a bad man Mr. Mattera!" She was given another big hug, although immediately afterword Georgio looked at Castle.
"I hope you have your shotgun handy Ricardo. You will need it with this one. She is a beauty!"
"That she is Georgio", he answered with pride. "And by the way – where's that son of yours?"
"Adriano? He is around somewhere! He just graduated you know – top of his class. He has already been hired – by a firm in the village."
"Congratulations! He studied law, right?"
"That is right. He did well and could have gotten a job at a big firm, but instead chose to work in a smaller firm that is committed to providing real justice to everyday people. He is a good boy."
"You must be proud. Tell him we said hi."
"I will", Georgio answered, although by this time he had espied Kate and was regarding her curiously. "And who is this gorgeous woman?" he asked. "You have never brought a beautiful woman here before Richard – except for Martha and Alexis of course. I am curious." He reached out and took Kate's hand and gave it a courtly kiss. "Although whoever you are, you are welcome!"
Richard laughed. "Down Georgio – she is definitely with me. This is my fiancée -"
"Ah", the restaurateur interrupted, "you are the Kate Beckett! I am honored to welcome you to my humble restaurant. You are as beautiful as I have heard – and also very brave – at least you must be to take on this one!"
Kate laughed but looked at Rick curiously. "Uh, you've heard of me?"
"Of course. My wife is a huge reader of mysteries – me, I have less time. But she follows everything Richard writes and does and told me – oh, a long time ago, that he was in love with the real Nikki Heat and would one day marry her. As usual my wife was correct."
"And where is the omniscient Maria?" Castle asked.
"She will be here. She is in the back, making up the world's best pasta for you. Now come, you must be seated." He led them to a little table out back, in a courtyard that reminded Kate of something out of old Italy.
"This is charming!" she said, looking around. This was so much nicer than a big, fancy restaurant.
"Yes, isn't it", Rick said as he pushed in her chair and then did the same for Martha and Alexis. "I've always loved it here."
"Is it true you haven't brought any other women here?" she asked quietly.
"Mmm hmm. It always felt like a family place", he shrugged.
"But Meredith? Gina?"
He shrugged again and looked slightly embarrassed. She couldn't help but catch Martha winking at her and felt absurdly pleased. She, Kate Beckett, was family. That meant everything!
"So, what's good?" She looked around as the others all laughed, wondering what was going on.
"Sorry Katharine", Martha explained. "Everything is good. They simply bring us whatever they're cooking and we eat way too much of it. Just sit back and enjoy. Oh – and we need to have a bottle of wine. You can't have Italian food without wine."
Kate looked over at Rick and nodded. Now would probably be a good time to tell them. "Uh, I think I'll just have water or juice", she told the older woman, who was looking around trying to catch Georgio's eye.
"What?" Martha looked at her in surprise. "Oh no dear, you must have at least one glass. I believe it's a requirement."
"Well, I don't really think I should", she said gently. "I'm not drinking right now."
"Not -? But why ever not? You certainly don't have a problem with it since I know I've seen you have a glass or two. And it better not be because you're trying to lose weight for your wedding, because I've got to tell you Kate – you don't need to!"
"No – it's not that." She suddenly felt incredibly nervous and looked to Castle to help her. "It's just – uh. Castle?" she entreated.
"What Kate's trying to say Mother, Alexis, is that she can't drink – at least not for another eight months or so. It wouldn't be good."
"Wouldn't be good?" Martha looked confused, although Kate could see Alexis' eyes grow big. "Whatever do you – no!" They could both tell the moment she got it.
"Oh my God – you're pregnant?" Alexis squeaked. "Really? Is it true?"
"Yes", Kate nodded, praying that Alexis' reaction was one of excitement, not anger.
"Pregnant?" Martha said, sounding overwhelmed. "Really? But – oh my goodness. That's – that's wonderful." The woman's eyes grew moist and she suddenly stood up and gave her son a huge hug and then immediately went over to Kate and did the same. "Oh my dear, do you know what you're getting yourself into? Richard's baby! You'll never have another moment of peace."
Kate laughed but her eye was still on Alexis, who was also teary eyed, but was now enveloped by her father's hug. He was murmuring something to her but she couldn't tell what. Only when she heard Alexis giggle did she begin to feel like everything might be okay.
The young woman stood up and walked the short distance to Kate. "Gram's right you know – the baby's going to be a handful. Congratulations Kate. I always wanted a sibling you know."
"Thank you", she answered, feeling choked up and giving Alexis a huge hug. "I couldn't wish for a better big sister. You'll have to train it how not to be like its father."
"HUH! I heard that. I'll have you know I was a wonderful son."
"Yes", Martha fanned herself. "He was – although I never knew a moment's peace all the time he was growing up. You were a handful Richard, admit it."
"But cute!" he grinned.
"Yes – you were that."
Suddenly everyone was laughing and talking and asking questions. Kate grew rather quiet as she listened to the Rodgers/Castle clan. Her child was going to grow up in an amazing and loving family. She reached under the table and took Rick's hand. He glanced at her, his brows raised in a question.
"I love you", she mouthed.
He grinned and kissed her hand. "Happy Mother's Day Kate."
