Chapter 23 Cookie Jar
I don't own Castle
Its been a few days since Thanksgiving and the country went into Christmas and holiday mode since its now early December. Almost immediately after Thanksgiving the weather changed drastically with heavy snow fall following the dramatic feast. The trees had their leaves long gone and covered with snow. The streets, yards, houses, and buildings were blanketed with thick layer of snow, especially in Buffalo, NY. The air, day and night, is cold and frosty, but its December so the holiday spirit makes everything cheerful in anticipation for the coming holidays. Although some days are gloomy and harsh, the holiday spirit for the most part makes everything less depressing.
For the Castles, they obviously took the holiday spirit to heart. Their house has been decorated with many strings of lights on the roof, gutters, and trees, and lighted Christmas reefs were on the front doors and windows. Inside the house the Castles already picked up and decorated a tall Christmas tree in the large living room. Castle and mostly Kate took it upon herself to redecorate most of the house to fit the theme with reefs inside the house, poinsettia flowers, and other miscellaneous holiday décor… and she quite enjoyed doing it. Inside and outside of the house is beautifully decorated. Their whole neighborhood decorated their houses as well to fit this holiday theme, and at night you can see all the houses with their wonderful Christmas lights on display.
The Castles even have a tree, and everyone participated in decorating it, even Angel, Kevin Esposito, and the twins. This December is perfect and a big month for the family because it's the Castles first Christmas in the house, twins first Christmas in general, and Kevin Esposito being the usual adorable Kevin Esposito everyone knows and loves is a big enough reason. Kevin Esposito even helped his mom and dad put the ornaments on the tree, helped his dad put the train around the tree (Kevin Esposito loves the train), and helped bake a big batch of chocolate chip cookies with his mom. How did the twins help? They helped by being cute and adorable while enjoying the Christmas music while everyone decorated the tree. It was quite an adorable sight, especially when Angel maintained a constant vigilance of the twins while running around excitedly during the decorating. Alexis and Martha also helped decorate the house and tree, and took pictures of the family moment. The Castles will need a whole new scrap book for this December alone. True family moment.
Professionally everyone has been busy. Kate has been busy at the 12th Precinct along with her trusted detectives, Ryan and Esposito. Her other main job and major joy in life is being a mother for her three children and being a loving wife to her wonderful husband. Although not saving the city like Kate, Castle has been naturally busy with his PI job, writing his books, occasionally helping the 12th, and being the best father and husband he can be. Alexis is busy with her last final leg of school, work with the Castle PI business, and enjoying friends and family. She has been an especially great big sister for her little brother. Martha on the other hand has landed a major part on a new prestigious Broadway play. The play she is a part of won't be on stage till late December.
Detective Kevin Ryan has been busy with work as a detective, being a father, a good husband, and being excited for another baby. Both Ryan and Jenny have been enjoying life and waiting with much anticipation for their new rival to come. Strangely enough, it has been weeks since Jenny told Ryan, but Ryan nor Jenny has told anyone yet. They will surprise their friends and family no doubt. On another note, Ryan has been cleared from accidentally shooting his partner in the butt. Both Castle and even Esposito told Kate that due to the heavy cross fire from the suspect and the police, it is unclear whether or not Esposito getting shot was actually from Ryan. Their statement helped Kate assure Ryan won't lose his job from the higher ups in 1PP. Kate obviously knew the truth from Alexis, but she needed to maintain possible deniability of the whole situation. A loop hole she learned from her old boss. Major Gates. So everything is going well for the Ryans, no doubt.
Javier Esposito and Lanie Perish Esposito have been doing extremely well as they continue their first year of being married. There has been no problems in the Esposito paradise and everything is absolutely perfect. Nothing but good things between them now. Esposito's gunshot buttocks wound has healed fully and he has been placed back to work. He has forgiven Ryan for the accident with no hard feelings, but there has been a lot of trash talk and jokes on a daily basis directed to Ryan. Lanie, on the other hand has taken a while to forgive Ryan for shooting her husband in the butt. But other than the gunshot, everything has been perfect. Especially Thanksgiving for everyone.
Richard & Katherine Castle Residence, Bronxville, NY
Its late in the evening and the December evening sun has already set past the horizon. The Castle house is warm and toasty with the heater on through out the house and the fire place burning in the family room and living room. The house was all calm and festive in all its holiday décor glory. In the family room Castle was fast asleep on his side on the floor in front of the burning fire place, dressed in a long sleeve button up purple collared shirt, black dress pants, and black socks. He was cuddled up with his two baby twin girls who were snuggled up to his stomach. Serena Johanna is in her sky blue baby onesie and Iris Lanie in her bright pink one, both of them tucked comfortably next to their father. The trio were resting comfortably in front of the warm fire while cartoons played on the TV. Kevin Esposito wore his light blue sail boat pajamas, while he sat on the couch enjoying his cartoons. He is joined on the couch by the adorable Angel the Golden Retriever. She sat curled up in a loose ball next to the little boy on the same couch cushion.
Everything is calm and relatively quiet, with cartoons playing on the big screen with a low roar and the crackling of the fire in the fire place. Nice and cozy end of the day. Kevin Esposito kicked his feet against the couch as he laughed at the cartoons. He looked over to his dad laying on the floor with his baby sisters, "Daddy?" He called. Castle didn't respond or stir, but instead let out a light snore. The baby twins didn't move or make a sound either. Kevin Esposito saw a window to make his move.
He quietly hopped off the couch which caused Angel to get up quickly and jump off the couch with a relatively loud racket. Kevin Esposito turned around and quietly put his finger to his lips, "We have to stay quiet Angel." Angel cocked her head to one side in confusion. He looked at the kitchen and at a particular cabinet. It was a cupboard to the right of the stove but above the counter top. He smiled then turned to his four legged canine companion, "Want to help me get a cookie? I can give you a treat." Angel wagged her tail. Kevin Esposito frowned, "though I can't give you a cookie, mommy says it will make you sick. So I can give you a treat from the pantry." Angel continued to wag her tail excitedly.
Kevin Esposito smiled and figured what he had to do. He and Angel quickly and quietly ran into the kitchen and stopped at the counter under the target cupboard. Kevin Esposito directed Angel to stand still in front of the counter, "Stay Angel." He said politely. With that statement he quickly crawled onto Angel's back, the dog simply panted and continued wagging her tail. Kevin Esposito then skillfully and carefully crawled onto the black granite counter top in order for him to be in reach of the cabinet. He was now half way to his objective. He stood up then opened up the cupboard above him and saw the cookie jar on the second highest shelf. He got onto his tippy toes and stretched for the cookie jar but he was still out of reach. He returned back onto his heels then quickly tried thinking a way to reach the cookies. He noticed Angel still standing below him with a happy grin while she wagged her tail. Kevin Esposito smiled and waved before he reached up to try and grab the cookie jar again. He still couldn't reach. But he noticed the coffee machine his parents love so much. If he stood on that he could easily get the cookies, but his mom told him to never touch the coffee machine. He decided to keep trying to reach the cookie jar, and strained himself to reach it.
After just returning home, Kate stepped out of the family traverse in the closed garage, dressed in a winter dark blue trench coat over a business suit consisting of, black women's dress pants, women's white business blouse, black women's suit jacket, and black high heels. The snow storm picked up significantly the last couple of hours and it was a pain for her to drive home from the city let alone park the car in the garage. The road was icy and covered with a thick blanket of snow, the drive way didn't fare any better. Too much snow, and it needed to get shoveled. She opened the driver side rear passenger door and grabbed a brown paper bag full of groceries she bought earlier. She closed the car door then made her way into the house.
Inside the house, Kate immediately put her grocery bag down next to the door then removed her coat. She smiled and draped the coat over her arm as she relished the fantastic warmth of her house. She walked to the closet under the stairs and hung up the coat. Once she closed the closet door she sighed as she ran a hand through her long soft brown hair. It has been a long busy day at work, and the weather didn't help the day go by either. She couldn't wait to be with her kids and husband for the end of the day. The time she comes home to them is the best part of the day. She grabbed the grocery bag in her arms then walked toward the family room and adjoining kitchen. She paused and admired the handy work her and her family did with the Christmas tree and the decorations around the house. The tall green tree is beautifully decorated with tons of beautifully made ornaments and lights. Décor sprawled around the house giving off quite a festive atmosphere. She smiled warmly then continued her way to the family room and kitchen.
Kevin Esposito tried again and again to reach the cookie jar and each time resulted in failure. After multiple attempts on standing on his toes on the counter, he resulted to climbing the shelves like a ladder to get to the cookies. He got onto his toes and was about to make his climb…
"Honey! Oh my god!"
He turned around at the sound of his mom's voice, "Hi mommy." He said innocently. Angel quickly bolted away into the dining room.
Kate dropped her grocery bag on the floor then rushed into the kitchen, with concern and fear across her face. "Kevin, are you okay?" She picked up her son under the armpits and gently placed him back down on the floor.
Kevin Esposito looked down ashamed, fully knowing he's in trouble, "I'm okay mommy."
Kate bent at the hip and gently cupped her son's face, "Honey, what were you doing?" She said in a strict tone.
"I was trying to get a cookie…" Kevin Esposito did his best not to look into his mom's eyes. He knew he was in trouble. He felt tears begin to form in his eyes because he did something wrong.
Kate bent down so she could be in eye level with her son. She ran a gentle hand across his cheek, "Kevin, please look at me." Kevin Esposito looked up and met his eyes with his mom's. Kate spoke in a soft parenting tone, "Don't do this ever again, okay? You could've easily fallen and hit your head. If you wanted a cookie you should've asked daddy to get it for you." Kevin Esposito began to cry. He wiped his tears and quietly sobbed, he didn't want to be in trouble with his mom and he didn't want to make her upset.
"Ok mommy. I'm sorry." Kevin Esposito said in between sobs.
"I'm not mad honey. I was just scared." Kate said in a gentle tone. She kissed him on the forehead then hugged him tightly as her son quietly cried. "Shhhh. Its okay, I'm not mad." She said quietly. After a moment, Kevin Esposito calmed down but he was still crying a little. She let go then smiled, "How did you get up there, honey?" She wiped a few tears away from his cheeks.
Kevin Esposito nodded, "I climbed on Angel."
Kate smiled then turned around to look into the dark dining room and saw Angel attempting to hide behind one of her poinsettias. She chuckled then looked back at her son, "Oh honey, you shouldn't climb on the dog. You're little but that still will hurt her." She looked sadly at her son, "Do you want Angel to be hurt for Christmas?"
Kevin Esposito shook his head, "No."
"Do you want to be hurt for Christmas?" Kate said.
He shook his head, "No."
Kate kissed Kevin Esposito's cheek, "Don't do this again okay? You promise?"
Kevin Esposito nodded, "I promise mommy."
Kate smiled, "Good. You want a cookie?"
Kevin Esposito nodded, "Yes, please!"
"Alright I'll get the cookie and you get the doggy treat for Angel." Kate smiled then stood up.
Kevin Esposito ran around his mom to the pantry, "Angel, treat!" He called. Angel quickly ran around her hiding spot and slid to a halt next to the little boy.
Once Kate got the cookie she turned around and saw a heart warming sight. She smiled lovingly at her husband who was cuddled up with the twins in front of the fire place. She chuckled, her husband was such in a deep sleep that he didn't even hear her talk with their son. Honestly, Kate loved what she was looking at, but she had to give Castle some crap for what happened. Kevin Esposito trotted over to her with Angel hot on his heels. He smiled up at his mom, "Gave Angel the treat."
Kate bent down again and gave her son the cookie, "here you go."
"Thank you. I love you, mommy." He said as he took the cookie.
"I love you too, honey." Kate kissed his cheek again then stood up. While looking at her son, Kate nodded to Castle, "Can you wake up daddy without bothering your sisters?"
Kevin Esposito swallowed the last bite of his delicious cookie, "Okay mommy." He started to run to his dad. Angel decided to stay by Kate and wagged her tail.
Kevin Esposito walked around his dad so he would be a safe distance from his sisters. He got on his knees then gently shook his dad to wake him up, "Daddy, wake up. Mommy is home." He continued to shake him.
Slowly Castle woke up but he was still in his dream. He mumbled, "No, I want to ride the pony…" Kevin Esposito giggled then shook him again. Kate laughed at her husband's words as she walked toward the family room.
Kevin Esposito shook him a bit harder, "Daddy, wake up!"
Castle slowly opened his eyes. He blinked a couple times as Kevin Esposito came into focus, "Hey buddy." He looked down at his side to check on the two twin baby girls who were still resting quietly and comfortably. He looked back at his son, "What did I miss?"
Kevin Esposito laughed, "You fell asleep again, daddy."
Castle laughed then slowly and carefully stood up, making sure not to disturb his peaceful twin daughters. He turned then almost jumped ten feet in the air in surprise when he saw Kate. Clearly he didn't know she was home. Kate smiled and leaned on one hip, "Well, I caught Kevin Esposito climbing on the counters to get cookies."
Castle looked down at his son, "Well, Kevin you shouldn't climb on…" He paused and looked into the kitchen then back at his son, "How did you get up there in the first place?" He asked astonished.
Kate nodded, "he climbed on Angel's back then climbed onto the counter."
Castle chuckled, "Nice! You know I did something…" He stopped and noticed Kate with her arms crossed and giving him the look. Kevin Esposito couldn't hold back a smile and a laugh at his parents. Castle turned serious and said in a plane tone, "You know you shouldn't use Angel as a stool and climb on things. If you want cookies, just ask me or mommy okay?" He eyed Kate who simply nodded with a victorious grin.
Kevin Esposito nodded, "Yes daddy. I learned."
Kate looked at the clock, "Kevin its past your bedtime, honey."
Kevin Esposito shook his head, "But I'm not tired mommy."
Kate walked over and bent at the hip and placed her hands on her knees, "You'll be tired all day tomorrow if you don't go to bed right now. Its really late."
Kevin Esposito nodded. He couldn't say no to his mom, "Okay."
Kate smiled, "Do you know your list?"
Kevin Esposito nodded with a smile, "bath, pajamas, brush, and floss."
"That's my boy." Kate smiled then picked up her son rendering a squeal of joy coming from him. Castle simply smiled warmly at his family.
Kate turned to her husband while she held onto her son, "Babe, its coming down hard outside right now. Its going to be impossible to get out of the garage with that amount of snow on the driveway."
Castle pointed to his chest with his thumb, "So you want me to go shovel it?" Kate nodded with a loving smile. He sighed, "This is because I fell asleep on the job isn't it."
Kate giggled, "Kind of." She quickly kissed Castle on the lips, "I love you."
Castle nodded, "I love you too." He said in a sad tone.
"But first, put the twins in their crib. I'll take care of our little one here." Kate chuckled as she walked out of the family room with Kevin Esposito.
Castle sighed and shook his head, "Yes honey."
Castle is outside in the cold unforgiving weather of the New York winter. The snow is extremely heavy and fat with a dark thick cloud looming over the area. He wore a dark blue snow jacket, black snow pants, black snow gloves, a blue beanie, and black snow boots. He has been shoveling snow from the driveway and sidewalk in front of the house for what seemed like forever. Castle grunted loudly as he hefted another shovel full of snow. The snow has been especially bad today, and Castle has gotten a little more than three quarters of the driveway clear of snow.
Castle could've been done a while ago if he had some help…and if the town snow plow didn't come by and dump large amounts of snow on his handy work. He sighed, he loves his wife no doubt but he sure screwed up big time to get stuck doing this job alone. He groaned and saw great puffs of warm air spout from his mouth as he continued to shovel snow onto the where their front lawn used to be. He was already physically drained and was feeling the effects of being in this harsh cold weather. He looked up and smiled at their wonderfully Christmas decorated house, the lights were brightly illuminated the front of the house. He then scanned his neighborhood and admired all the wonderfully decorated houses around him. The street didn't lack in light that's for sure, every house was decorated with lights. Its beautiful. As Castle started to get back to work he heard the familiar dreaded sound he heard before.
The town snow plow came by the Castles house sending a tidal wave of thick snow and slush onto the driveway again. Castle groaned and threw his shovel onto the street, "The next time you come down here I'm getting my wife to shoot your tires out!" He sighed then went to go grab his shovel. The faster he gets done, the faster he gets to get hot chocolate and sleep in his warm and cozy bed. He didn't even want to think of Kate right now…
Suddenly his phone rang. He stopped what he was doing and answered the phone with a groan, "Yeah…"
Kate stood on the second floor and watched Castle shovel snow from a small window. She smiled as she spoke on the phone, "Hey lover."
Castle looked at the new pile of snow, "Kate…the town snow plow dropped another pile of snow on the drive way. Its going to be a while. I need to get to work, what do you need?"
Kate gently bit the bottom of her lip, "The kids are asleep and the twins are uncharacteristically quiet, and Alexis isn't due to be home till tomorrow. We have the house to ourselves right now."
Castle continued to glare at the new snow pile like he thought staring at it would make it magically disappear. He sighed, "How does this help me do this?"
Kate giggled, "Well. Hurry up and finish because I'll have nice hot cups of chocolate waiting. We can enjoy the rest of the night while we sit on the couch, enjoy the hot chocolate, and enjoy the nice fire." She said with hidden meaning.
Castle smiled, "You had me at hot chocolate." He hung up quickly, and with a new spur of motivation he set off to quickly finish shoveling.
After a long time of shoveling and scooping up snow, Castle is done. He shoveled the sidewalk directly in front of the house and the driveway. Even the snow pile the snow plow kicked up is gone. The driveway is clear of snow…at least for now. Castle walked into the house and stripped down as he relished the wonderful sensation of the warm house. He kicked off his boots then hung up his snow jacket and snow pants in the closet under the stairs, so he was now in black sweats and a white t-shirt. Once he was done putting everything away he turned to walk to the family room and kitchen. He smelled the wonderful aroma of fresh hot chocolate just waiting for him in the kitchen.
He walked into the kitchen and saw no hot chocolate but instead saw a burning incense stick on the table that let out a hot chocolate smell. He looked at it confused and defeated then looked into the family room to see Kate laying on her side on the couch wearing only her silver robe. She ran a hand up her exposed leg and said in a seductive tone, "I have a better way of staying warm."
Castle chuckled and shook his head with a big grin. He played along, "What's your better way?"
Kate slowly stood up and slowly walked to Castle while she accented the sway of her hips. As she closed the distance she slowly undid her robe and let it smoothly slide off her body onto the floor. She now walked naked to her husband with a loving smile. She stopped in front of him and her arms found their place around his neck. She kissed his lips briefly but passionately, "This way is better." She said after she let go of the kiss.
Castle smiled a big grin. She is the most beautiful person on the planet and he couldn't help but admire her beauty. He chuckled and thought to himself, God I love this woman. He was staring at her gorgeous face and equally beautiful body. Kate giggled, "Babe, you're staring."
Castle rose a brow, "Can you blame me?"
"I guess not." Kate said with a smile.
Castle smiled, "What now?" He asked playfully.
Kate reached down and yanked his shirt up over his head exposing his defined torso, "This." She discarded his shirt on the floor then started to press her body to his and kissed him passionately. She pushed Castle to the wall and continued her attack on his lips and mouth. She smiled as she maneuvered her leg in between his legs and applied some pressure as she smiled in the lip lock.
Castle hummed in content as they continued their advanced on one another. He pushed himself off the wall then grabbed Kate by the back of her thighs and hoisted her up in the air without breaking their kissing. Kate automatically wrapped her legs around his body and tightened her grip around his neck. Castle started to walk around the family room while holding Kate as their tongues battled for dominance. Kate spoke in between kissing, "where we going?"
Castle smiled, "To the bedroom." He said also in between kisses. Kate moaned in pleasure. Castle was about to walk out of the family room…
Kevin Esposito's voice broke through the hot moment, "Daddy?"
Castle quickly dipped behind the corner of the family room in shock and almost dropped Kate on the floor. Kate only managed not to fall because she tightened her legs around his body and her arms around his neck. Castle slowly leaned back to look around the wall, only revealing his head, he slowly looked up to the balcony where Kevin Esposito stood holding onto his Mickey Mouse. Castle quickly regained his composure and spoke in a gentle tone, "Hey buddy. Why are you awake? You're supposed to be asleep. Have nightmares?"
Kevin Esposito shook his head, "No, I just wanted to say sorry for climbing on Angel and the counters." He said innocently.
Kate tightened her grip on Castle's body as she laughed quietly. Castle smiled up at his son, "Its okay buddy. Don't do it again though. I just want you to be safe." He chuckled, "Now go back to bed."
Kevin Esposito smiled, "Goodnight daddy!" He waved then went back into his room.
Castle turned his head to meet Kate's gaze, then they both burst out laughing. Castle repositioned Kate so he had a better grip while he carried her, "Wow…that was deadly close…and funny."
Kate continued to laugh then kissed his cheek, "That was way too close. Luckily my handsome husband is quick on his feet."
Castle peeked around the corner to make sure the coast is clear. Once he thought it was safe he carried Kate to the stairs quickly. Kate kissing him on the lips as he walked. Castle chuckled, "Well, I figured this was a bad idea." Kate rose an eyebrow in confusion. He laughed, "Having sex down stairs is probably not a good idea." Kate laughed then continued kissing him as he did his best to quickly get up the stairs to the bedroom.
Idea from
Not exactly December yet, but already feeling the holiday rush. Don't get me started on Black Friday…
Snow is falling, holiday commercials, Christmas songs
Hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving!