What Kate Wants
Chapter 5 A Family Affair
Disclaimer: These characters are not mine. They belong to ABC. If they were mine, they'd be having a hellava lot more fun!
Meanwhile, back at Rick's place…
After a very long, very cold, cold shower and some very naughty thoughts about a certain detective and himself in said shower, Rick emerged cleansed, refreshed, but still incredibly horny. So much for the cold shower….
He glanced at the clock and immediately started moving faster. There were a million things to do today and only about six more hours in which to do them. He wasn't panicking though, because he was a man with a mission, a fully charged cell phone, and he had some pretty resourceful contacts that he already knew could help him get the job done.
He rattled around in his closet for a couple minutes, taking inventory for tonight's attire, dressed quickly in blue jeans and a favorite, old, faded T-shirt then padded out barefoot to the living room. He threw some music in the CD player and cranked the volume up so high it would make a teenage boy proud. He proceeded to the kitchen to make a quick, late breakfast, refuel and plan strategy.
While he cooked, he went through a mental check list of what needed to be done. He was afraid he'd forget something so he decided a written list was in order. He kept adding to the list while he cooked; groceries he would need for the dinner he was making, clean the house, order wine, flowers, china, linens, candles, pick music, hire a driver to pick Kate up, make reservations at a hot club for after dinner.
His best suit was laid out and all ready to go. This night was going to be perfect! He made a quick call to his contact and he'd arranged most of it before he even finished cooking. That was the easy part.
The most important thing he had to do was have a heart to heart with his dear daughter when she got home from staying over her friend's house. She told him yesterday that she would be home around noon, so he expected her any minute. He prayed she wouldn't have any issues with him and Kate being a couple.
Alexis didn't know it, but she had the power to kill the whole thing. He tried not to let that damper his spirits too much though because he was fairly sure she was crazy about Kate and would be rooting for them. If Alexis did have concerns, then he'd just do his best to convince her that he and Kate were destined to be together. Ok, so now he was worried about that too.
He was singing along into his spatula microphone, at the top of his lungs, to Percy Sledge's, "When a Man Loves a Woman", when he looked up to find Alexis staring at him with a tilted head and bemused expression. This stopped him mid-song.
"Hey Honey! You're home!" he smiled widely and yelled over the music. "I didn't hear you come in!" he added, quickly putting his omelet on a plate, turning off the stove, then moving to the living room to turn down the music to a normal level.
He came right back over to her and they gave each other a big warm hug.
"How's my best girl?" he said squeezing her tight and kissing the top of her head.
"Hi Dad, I'm good." she said with a giggle, his good mood infectious. "I thought you weren't coming home till tomorrow! How was your trip? I missed you!" she said still hugging him.
"I missed you too! The trip went well, but I got homesick." he told her. "I'm so glad to see you!" he added with one last hug.
"You're in an awfully good mood this morning Dad! What's going on?" she asks still laughing at his antics from earlier and becoming slightly suspicious. Something was up with him. He looked one part nervous, one part giddy.
"Why does anything have to be going on?" he said, sidetracking a straight answer because he was indeed, nervous about starting this conversation with her. "I'm just in a great mood this morning! And you want to know why? Because it's going to be a great day, that's why!" he exclaimed, offering to share his breakfast with her, which she politely declined. They sit down at the counter together and he inhales his food while they chat.
They catch up for a few minutes on their week apart but she can tell his mind is elsewhere. He's happy, but distracted. He looks as though he's about to burst – almost like he has a secret.
She asks him again, "Dad, are you going to tell me what's on your mind? And don't tell me that it's just that you missed me so much. I mean, really Dad, you were only away for a week." she tells him rolling her eyes.
"I always miss you when I'm away sweetheart, you know that." he tells her honestly, before deciding to segue into a more serious topic. It's now or never, he thinks to himself, taking a deep breath before gathering his courage. He can see she's waiting for an answer by the raised eyebrow look she's giving him.
"Ok, you're right." He said relenting. "Now that you mention it, there is something kind of important I want to talk to you about" he says, however still hesitating by moving to clear his dishes to the sink while he tries to find the words.
"Quit stalling already Dad and tell me what it is! You're starting to scare me."
"What do you think about Kate?" he blurts out.
"Detective Beckett?" she asks, bewildered, "What do you mean? I like her. I think she's cool. Why do you ask?"
Cool. Cool, he repeats to himself. That's pretty good from a teenager's perspective, right? That's a good sign.
"Yes, Kate is pretty cool. Very cool actually, but that's not what I meant..." He trails off, not knowing how to continue, running his fingers through his hair as he tries to find the right words.
He looks up to find her staring, waiting for him to continue.
"What I meant was… I want your opinion of… I mean I want to know how you'd feel about… the idea of me and Kate possibly, maybe, sort of …."
"Dad, spit it out" she says frustrated and worried.
"What do you think about me and Kate dating, moving in together, getting married, giving you a little sister or brother, then living happily ever after?" he spat out quickly in one full breath.
"Oh, my God Dad! Kate's pregnant!" she screeches, jumping to conclusions and also out of her chair. He tries to determine if it's a happy screech, horrified screech, or just plain shocked screech, but it's too close to tell, what with his ability to read women apparently weakening over the years.
"No, no, no! Kate's not pregnant!" he insists frantically waiving his hands in the air trying to convince her, before he starts to second guess himself. "At least I think she's not pregnant. I mean, I hope she's not pregnant." He says panic rising in his voice. "God, you don't think she's pregnant do you?" he asks her half whispering, his stomach now becoming queasy.
"I really wouldn't know Dad." Alexis answers, staring at him like he's crazy.
He suddenly feels the need to sit back down in the chair, so he does, as he tries to remember if he's missed any signs. No. He's witnessed no morning symptoms. She's not showing. She hasn't been running off to the bathroom to throw up. No mysterious Doctor appointments that he knows of, anyway. She has seemed distracted lately, but he wouldn't call it mood swings.
But what if she is pregnant? What if that's the important thing Kate wanted to talk about tonight. Oh, my God, could Kate be pregnant? His mind's running rampant as he tries to absorb the possibility.
"Wait a minute!" Alexis yells before shooting questions at him. "When did she break up with that Doctor Motorcycle guy you told me about? How long have you and Kate been dating? And you're getting married already? How come you didn't tell me before now?" she asks, realizing from the look on his face that he's not listening to her and that something is off, none of this is making sense.
He comes to the conclusion quickly, that even if Kate's pregnant, they'll work through it together. He's not giving up on his plan for them! He and Kate will raise the baby without what's his face. He'll love the child like it was his own and they'll live happily ever after, damnit. They're meant to be together- he and Kate that is, not her and the other guy. He'll just have to convince her. His plan still holds strong. As long as Alexis is ok with it, that is.
He suddenly snaps out of it, remembering Alexis is still there and has just asked him a bunch of questions he should probably start addressing.
"Um, let me back-up honey." he calmly tells her. "We're not actually dating. She's still with what's his face. And I haven't asked her to marry me -yet." He tells her.
"But, Dad, you just said you were getting married and making babies! What do you mean she's still seeing someone else and you're not even dating her yet? I'm so confused!" she exclaims frustrated.
"I may have overstated. Let me start by saying that you play an important role in what happens. You are now and will always be my number one priority. You have to believe that. I need your blessing before I pursue anything further with Kate." He says sincerely. He can see he has her attention so he continues.
"I've got a plan, and I need your help- if you approve." He gives her a moment to let that sink in.
"So, what do you think about Kate?" he asks her nervously.
"Well…. I love Kate." She says seriously. "Not as much as you do, obviously..." She says with a smirk before continuing, "I think she's great Dad. She's smart, funny, she's always nice to me and she doesn't treat me like a child. We have a lot in common. Plus, I think she's good for you. She makes you happy and it's also pretty obvious that she's always had some feelings for you." She tells him.
"That's great!" he responds gleefully.
"However, that being said…" She cuts him off, putting her pointer finger up, signaling to him that she's not quite done.
"I hate that you put yourself in danger all the time following her around. You're a writer Dad, not a policeman and it's too dangerous. You've almost gotten yourself killed a dozen times already. I worry about you all the time. Can you honestly tell me that if it wasn't for Kate, you wouldn't have stopped doing it by now? I mean, haven't you collected enough "research" for your writing by now? I think the real draw for you is Kate and that worries me."
"I understand what you're saying honey" he tells her. "I really do. But I love trailing the detectives around. Yes, Kate makes it awesome, but she's not the only reason that I do it. I've never had so much fun before and look what it's done for my book sales. That's your future we're talking about. I know it can be dangerous and maybe that really isn't fair to you, but I'm having the time of my life! This is who I am kid. I'm not sure how much longer I'll be doing it for, but I can tell you I don't really want to give it up." he says honestly.
"I know Dad. I know you don't. But I don't have to like it. Sometimes I just wish my Dad was boring like all the other kid's dads though." She sighs. "Can you understand that?" she asks.
"Yes, but instead you're stuck with me – I'm Cool Dad." he proclaims trying to make her smile. "Who wants a boring Dad anyway?" he asks her. "When you can have all this?" he says pointing to himself. He's overjoyed to see her finally smiling at him again.
She seems to have calmed down a bit so he decides it's time to get serious. He needs to know where he stands. "Alexis, I know you had a hard time when your mom and I split. I did the best I knew how to. I also know what you went through when Gina and I got married and then later divorced. I had hesitations when I married both of them, but at the time I thought it was the responsible thing to do." he tells her knowing he has her full attention.
"As far as your mother goes, I would do it all over again, because it got me, you. I did love her, but she just wasn't "The One". I don't know if you can understand that and I'm sorry if that hurts you, but it's the truth." He says watching her for signs that he's upset her but she appears unfazed so he continues…
As for Gina, I thought she would be a good stepmother for you and we got along alright but we were never madly in love with each other. It was a mistake to get married when we weren't. But I can honestly say I never felt this way about either of them. What I feel for Kate is completely different. I'm not sure I can even describe it to you, it's so overwhelming to me."
She's listening, so he goes on…
"You told me a long time ago after Gina and I divorced that I shouldn't settle. You said I should be happy. That you didn't need another stepmother and that you'd rather it be just you and me, unless I knew I'd found "The One". And you were right. Well, I have Alexis. I found her. Kate's "The One". I know it in my heart. I'm in love with her and this is the real thing."
She looked into his eyes as he spoke and knew it to be true. He'd found his one true love and nobody, not even her, would deny him that. Kate made her father happy. That's all she really wanted. So, what's a girl to do, she relented.
"Ok Dad" she says smiling. "You've convinced me. Kate's your lobster. You have my blessing."
"Yes!" he yells jumping up and pulling her to him for a hug. "I knew you'd be happy about this!" he tells her before thinking back on what she said. "What did you mean when you said Kate's my lobster?"
"It's from the show Friends Dad. Phoebe tells Ross that Rachael is his lobster. Lobsters fall in love and find their match then mate for life. Kate's your lobster!" she explains.
"You- are- the best- daughter ever!" he tells her happily. "What turned you around, by the way?" he asks her curiously.
"Your very romantic declaration, for starters, but I've always known you and Kate would end up together Dad. It was just a matter of time. You, for one, are not exactly subtle- you practically light up like a Christmas tree when she's around. And, she might try to deny it and make it like you just drive her crazy, which I'm sure you do, but I've seen the way she looks at you too." "You guys are pretty transparent." She tells him.
"We are?" he asks surprised as she gives him a "duh" look. He thought he'd been pretty good at hiding his feelings for the beautiful detective. Apparently, not as good as he thought. He could only wish she was right about Kate's feelings towards him.
"It's not like I was shocked you would want to date her." Alexis continues. "Believe me when I say, I expected it. You just threw me into a tailspin before with all the marriage and baby stuff. I meant it, what I said before about the danger you put yourself in. I still wish you'd quit. Maybe if you were dating, she could just tell you stories about her day instead of you actually being there?" she hedges, knowing it's futile.
He's not answering her question and he's avoiding her eyes. Her father is obviously not ready to give it up right now. She knows she's lost this battle, for now, so she decides to put it on the backburner and just pray that Kate can keep him out of trouble.
"I also know she's a kick-ass cop, she continues, who could save your life when it needs saving. I'm not so sure I would trust someone else to do that. I've always thought you were perfect for each other."
"So, you were just torturing me before, and you'll help me with the plan, then?" he asks hopefully, batting his eyelashes at her. "I'm still sort of working out the kinks." he admits.
"You do realize you're asking for romantic advice from a teenage girl, right?" she says.
"These are desperate times." He replies.
"Ok then. Yes. Of course I'll help you. You didn't think I'd actually let you do this unsupervised did you? No offense Dad, but your plans sometimes… suck." she says ignoring his pout. "Ok. So let's review the obstacles on your path to true love."
"We need a list!" she says, taking charge and grabbing the pad and pen on the counter. "What objections might she have against you being together?"
"Well…" he starts, "There is the pesky little problem of her current boyfriend to deal with."
"Got it! Current boyfriend must go. We can work on that…." She tells him as she starts to write. "Eliminate Hot Doctor." She says aloud, reading it back.
"Hey!" he yells.
"What? I hear he's pretty cute." she says smirking at him.
"You're supposed to be on my side!" he accuses.
"I am Dad. I'm just messing with you!"
"Funny girl." He says sarcastically.
"Don't worry Dad. I'm sure you're much more handsome than he is." She reassures him, patting his arm.
"I forgive you. Now back to my list. What if she's really pregnant? Not that it matters to me in the least. It doesn't change anything. I love her and I would love that child like it was my own too, just like I love you." He says.
"Good to know!" she says still taking notes.
"I'll have to handle that delicate topic in a very sensitive manner. She may think she has to stay with him." He says.
"That's what she thinks. You'll convince her otherwise." She tells him.
"We work together. That could make things difficult, maybe even awkward on the job."
"Don't get me started. There's a solution for that, as previously discussed." She replies as she writes.
"We're best friends and we don't want to risk ruining our friendship." he says ignoring her last statement.
"Some of the greatest marriages ever, began with friendship." she adds cheerfully.
"Some would say…" he adds sheepishly, "I have a lousy reputation as a bit of a playboy." This is his daughter he's talking to so it's slightly mortifying.
"But we know that's all in the past. You've grown up."
"Thank you, honey. You really think I've grown up?" he asks hopefully.
"Well, starting now, anyway." She adds quickly.
"Also, she has no clue how I feel about her and I have no clue what her feelings towards me are."
"Yes, I can see where you are going with this. That could pose a problem."
Did I mention she'll be here tonight for dinner at six so I need to have it all figured out by then?
"You're so screwed Dad." She tells him woefully.
"Thanks for your support. Here's a list of what I think needs to get done by six. I put it together myself." He tells her proudly as he hands it to her for approval. "What do you think?" he asks.
"Not bad. Not bad at all Dad." she says scanning the list quickly. "It's a good list." she says looking it over more carefully now. "Very romantic" she comments. "It seems you've taken care of everything except for one thing..."
"What's that, honey?" he asks looking over her shoulder, down at the list trying not to panic.
"…the part where you use your words to convince her to drop the young, hot surgeon and be with you instead." She says.
"Thank you. You've been very helpful." he says, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "And I'm not old!" he adds indignantly.
"I see from the list you made earlier that you've already called some guy you know to set up some of those things. That's the one you call "Wonder Boy", right? She asks and he nods in agreement.
"You've mentioned him before. How about you give me his phone number? I'll call him to make sure everything's going as planned." she tells him.
"What about making dinner? I still have to do that. I'll need about 2 hours to cook everything." He says, glancing at his watch.
"Are you sure you don't want to have it all catered Dad?" she asks. "It would be much easier."
"No. I promised her a fabulous home-cooked meal, and a fabulous home-cooked meal she shall have!" he declares.
"Ok. I'll take care of getting the groceries you listed and you can start cooking at around 3:30. How does that sound? Does that work?" she asks.
"Yes, that's perfect!" he says.
"Oh, and I'll need your credit card." she adds.
"Here's his business card and my credit card. Spare no expense." he says handing them both over to her.
"Got it!" she says.
"Only you can do this next part Dad..." she says, as she pushes him towards his office. She hands him the list they just made together. "You need to take this, go into your office, and think about what you're going to say to Kate tonight. You need to prepare a counter-argument for each of these issues if they come up. Lock yourself in your office and find the words to tell her how you feel about her - from your heart. Women need words Dad! Do that and I bet you'll be pleasantly surprised." she tells him.
"That's your job this afternoon. Leave the rest to me." she says, having successfully moved him into his office.
"Alexis" he calls out to her as she turns to leave. "Thanks for your help…and your blessing. It means everything to me." He says sincerely.
"Sure Dad. Now, no more procrastinating, go get your thoughts together. You're a writer- Write!" she says pointing at the pad on his desk.
"One last thing honey..." he says stopping her.
"Yes?" she answers.
"A first date is probably too soon to propose, right?" he asks her seriously.
"Maybe just a tad." she replies amused, before closing the door, leaving him to his own devices.
He sat at his desk and reviewed the list Alexis had made. He had an answer in his head for each of the obstacles listed. Therein, lies the problem, he thought grimly. They were all in his head.
If only he could convince his brain and mouth to engage at the same time around Kate without sounding like an idiot. She constantly rattled him and unedited things seemed to pop out of his mouth whenever she was near. She makes him nuts...part of her charm, he figures, glancing over at his really cool murder board, which was currently blank.
He started writing his feelings down on paper when he noticed the murder board again. That's when the idea hit him full force. Visuals! That's what he needs. Visuals! And facts- lots of facts! She's a detective. She'll need undeniable proof. He knew exactly how he'd convince her now. He'll prove to Kate without a shadow of a doubt that she has to break up with what's his face and be with him.
Then just like when he writes his books, the ideas started popping into his head a mile a minute. He was pumped, completely in the zone, his confidence renewed as he got down to business.
Two hours later…
He looked up at the clock surprised to see it was already past three o'clock. He'd been locked in his office for hours, but it had been worth it. He was done! He could prepare no more!
He straightened up the mess he'd made, which was substantial by the way, and gave things a final once over. He looked around, smiling, pretty impressed with himself. He couldn't wait till she got there! He was going to knock her socks off!
"I'm a genius," he announced happily, exiting his office and closing the door.
It was time to start dinner and check in with Alexis to see how she was fairing with the rest of the plans. He moved to the kitchen where he found not only a ton of groceries laid out, but both his daughter and his mother chatting at the kitchen counter.
"Hello Mother!" he greets her cheerfully, stopping to give her a kiss on the cheek. "Not, that it's not absolutely wonderful to see you, but what are you doing here? I thought you had plans tonight!" he tells her beaming.
"Why Hello Richard," she says looking him over oddly. "Alexis called me. And I just had to see for myself if it was true."
"If what's true Mother?" he asks, playing dumb, but knowing exactly what she's talking about. He gives his daughter the evil eye.
"A little birdie told me, his mother continues, that you finally decided to make a move on a certain beautiful detective we all know and love. I had to come see for myself. So is it true kiddo? Did you finally get your head out of your ass and …"
"Mother!" he yelps. "Not in front of the kid!" he says pointing to Alexis.
"Oh, please Richard..." she says cutting him off. "I just lost fifty dollars to this kid of yours betting on your love life!"
"Alexis! You bet on me and Kate!" he yelps again, looking at his daughter who had the decency, unlike his mother, to look guilty. It didn't stop her from holding out her hand towards her grandmother who disgustedly put a fifty dollar bill in it, nor did it stop her from breaking out into a grin examining the bill.
Alexis thinks he's going to start lecturing her but instead watches as he breaks out into a matching grin. "Well done, my young Padawan. Thank you for having faith in me." he tells her.
"No problem Dad!" Alexis tells him.
"Seriously Richard, I'm very happy for you." His mother tells him. "She's a great girl. You're a good match! Yin and Yang! " his Mother says standing and moving to leave before she kisses Alexis goodbye.
"Sure, you say that now Mother, but earlier you bet against me!" he accuses her as he walks her out.
"Richard, Richard, Richard…." She says dramatically, gathering her purse and jacket. "Don't be silly. We didn't bet on "if" you and Kate would get together…we bet on "when"! She says patting his cheek.
She kisses him good-bye, wishes him good luck then leans in and whispers in his ear "I like her Richard. You finally found the right girl for yourself." Then she turns, winks at her granddaughter and exits with a flourish.
"Thanks Mother" he says and he's smiling as he closes the door.
"So how are we doing with the "To Do List"? He asks Alexis as he walks back to the kitchen.
"Everything's all taken care of. Groceries were delivered. I think I got everything right. Grams helped me set the table. Wine's on the counter. Flowers were delivered. Fine China, silverware, serving dishes and candles are on the table. A driver will be ready to pick up Kate at five, but he knows not to get her here till six to give you time. You have reservations at a club for later. All the details are on the pad. Music is in the CD player and Grams helped me clean and straighten up. I will be heading off to Paige's house at 5:45. Your credit card is on the counter." She informs him.
"You're amazing. You did a great job Alexis! Thank you for everything! I couldn't have done it without you!" he tells her sincerely.
"You're welcome Dad!"
Alexis asks him how it went behind closed doors the last couple of hours and he tells her everything is under control and that he's ready. "She won't know what hit her!" he exclaims as Alexis retreats to her room.
"Alexis?" he says stopping her in her tracks. "You know you'll still always be my Number One Girl, right?" he says sincerely.
"Yeah, Dad. I do." she replies smiling, before heading upstairs.
He's smiling and happy as he pops the CD from earlier in the stereo, cranks it up and heads to the kitchen to start preparing dinner.
"When a Man Loves a Woman" – Percy Sledge
When a man loves a woman
Can't keep his mind on nothing else
He'll trade the world
For the good thing he's found
If she's bad he can't see it
She can do no wrong
Turn his back on his best friend
If he put her down
When a man loves a woman
Spend his very last dime
Tryin' to hold on to what he needs
He'd give up all his comfort
Sleep out in the rain
If she said that's the way it ought to be
Well, this man loves a woman
I gave you everything I had
Tryin' to hold on to your precious love
Baby, please don't treat me bad
When a man loves a woman
Down deep in his soul
She can bring him such misery
If she plays him for a fool
He's the last one to know
Lovin' eyes can't ever see
When a man loves a woman
He can do no wrong
He can never own some other girl
Yes when a man loves a woman
I know exactly how he feels
'Cause baby, baby, baby, you're my world
When a man loves a woman...
Authors Notes: Is it only me, or can you guys totally imagine him singing this song? The next chapter is nearly complete and will be ready to post shortly. It will be the final chapter. I'm still traveling a lot to see my mother, who has been in the hospital for months, hence the delays. Writing this has kept me sane. Thanks for hanging in there between updates! If you like what you've read so far, please let me know. Reviews make me write faster! BTW: Final Chapter: Rick makes a really good meal for them! Don't read hungry!