Many thanks to those who continue to support this fic :)

Title: Food,friends, 4th
author: Cindy Ryan

Alexis Castle sat on the wall that bordered the roof of her father's apartment building. The Castle's annual fourth of July party was a success. The roof top deck was packed with people. Friends were smiling, laughing and enjoying good food and music. The weather had cooperated being a wonderful seventy-three degrees and a cloudless sky at the time of the fireworks. The last colorful burst had just exploded over the river sending up cheers from the party goers on the roof and at the many gatherings around New York city.

"One thing your Dad knows how to do is throw a party."Kevin Ryan commented as he sat down next to Alexis.

Alexis grinned at her friend. "I helped with this one."

Kevin nodded as he took a sip of beer. "As I said you Castles know how to throw a party."

"You having fun?"Alexis asked as she turned sideways and drew her knees to her chest.

"Yeah, just wish Jenny could've been here."Ryan commented wistfully. "The morning sickness thing has been rough the last few weeks."

"She'll be okay."Alexis said patting Kevin's left arm lightly.

"I know."Kevin replied. "Just hate that there's nothing I can do to help her."

A flash from a camera went off blinding Alexis for a second. After she blinked several times she found Javier Esposito standing in front of her grinning madly holding a smartphone.

"Javi?"Kevin asked gesturing to the phone.

"Your Dad came up with a new party game. Person who gets the most photobombs wins."The young detective replied with a smile as he scrolled through the gallery on his phone. "I just got you guys so that puts me at ten."

"I don't think it counts as a photobomb if you take the picture."Alexis commented with a grin.

Javier waved off her protest. "Rules are meant to be broken."

Kevin laughed. "What do you win?"

"Free drinks at the Old Haunt."Javier replied as he walked away. "I got this nailed."

"I think he's won it too."Alexis commented with a giggle.

"Nice to hear you laugh."Kevin stated with a smile as he raised his beer bottle in a toast. "Happy fourth of July, Alexis."

"Happy fourth."Alexis acknowledged as she raised her own cup to return the toast salute.

The party continued well into the early hours of the fifth. A much needed night of celebration for everyone.

end