I'm sorry I'm sorry I don't remember how to do thi9s any more CHAPTER TWO
A/N: I originally intended this to be a one shot, but it kind of expanded a bit.
Kate had been home for a couple of hours, had spent some time with Lily, and then put her to bed. She was now sitting on one of the stools at the kitchen island. She stared at her husband as he toiled over some culinary delite in honor of her first day back to work.
"Babe, what are you making? I can't tell from here your broad shoulders keep blocking my view." She smirked at him.
He flexed his shoulders. "It's a surprise to celebrate your return to work." He turned and gave her a grin. "So how did it go?"
She shook her head. "It went fine. You do know that I won't be going in again until a week from tomorrow."
"But you are going to be looking over some tests aren't you?"
She nodded. "Yeah, there was a hand out that I had them fill out that will tell me how well they understood what I was trying to tell them. Or, if they just sat there and let what I had to say just drift in and out of their heads."
He plated the spaghetti and used a large ladle to pour the sauce over it. It smelt good, and having Rick's spaghetti many times before, she knew it would taste good.
She took a sip of her coffee and began eating her supper. Rick stared at her as if he was waiting for her to say something.
"What?" She frowned. "What are you waiting for? You already know I like your spaghetti so don't sit there and beg for compliments."
He took in a forkful. "It is pretty good, but that wasn't what I was wondering. I'm curious to know if you used any of my pressure breaking quips."
Kate leaned back a bit in her chair and acted like she was trying to remember. "I might have used one or two of them." She actually used all of them and wished she'd had more if only to take some of the pressure off of her.
He raised a brow. He knew she used them all, but would never admit that. "So the lecture went well then?"
She smiled. "It went very well. I'm surprised how well it went."
He chuckled. "You hated it didn't you."
"You have no idea. Whose brilliant idea was it to lecture in front of hundreds of bored cadets who couldn't stop checking their watches?"
Rick chuckled. "I think that it was your idea. My idea was for you to retire completely."
She rolled her eyes. "Let's change the topic." She took another slug on her coffee cup. "Where did you and Lily go?"
"How did you know we went out?"
Kate shook her head. "You left her jumper and jacket lying over the chair in her room."
He snapped his fingers. "I knew there was something I was forgetting to do."
"Uh ha." She gave him one of her 'looks'.
"Actually, I went into the office to invite Becks and Charlie to the birthday party."
"What did she think?"
"She was surprised when I suggested that it would be a dual party for the both of you."
Kate raised her brow. "And…"
He shrugged. "Nothing much. She was concerned that people might wonder about birthdays being close together, but I just brushed that off as something that can be dealt with if people actually are curious of how close your birthdates might be."
Kate nodded. "Yeah, I'm not worried. There are only 365, or 366 days in a year and millions of people to split up those few days."
Before Rick could agree with his wife, there was a knock at their door. Both looked at each other as if to ask if the other was expecting someone.
Rick got up and went to the door and peered through the spy hole. He gave Kate a confused look and opened the door. He got out of the way just in time to avoid being knocked over as Becks came storming into the loft.
"I think I might have made a very bad mistake."
Kate was on her feet moving toward her 'cousin'. She took her by the hand and guided her toward the coach.
"Come, sit down. Tell me what's got you so worked up. What mistake?"
Becks sat down and clenched her hands in front of her. Kate sat on her left and Rick sat on her right. She glanced at each of them in turn, then stared straight ahead.
"I'm assuming you know that Rick came to the office and told me about his double birthday party plans." Becks looked at Kate who just nodded.
"Well, I was a bit unsure about the idea, but after he left I went into Charlie's office and told him about the party."
"Oh good, I assume he'd going to come?" Castle cheerfully interjected. Both women glared at him so he mimed zipping his lips.
Kate took Becks hand. "So what happened?"
Becks took another deep breath. "Well, I told him about the party and when I mentioned it was to be a celebration for both of our birthdays." Both Rick and Kate nodded. "Of course the actual birth dates for each of us came up figuring they would need to be close to call it a party for both of us."
Kate raised her brow. "Yeah, I know Rick mentioned something like that but I say don't worry about actual dates. Who cares who was born on what day, the party is just to celebrate the two Beckett women."
Becks turned and glared at Rick. "Why didn't you say something like that?"
He shrugged. "I didn't think of it. I've always celebrated birthdays on a day close to the actual date. It just seems to make more sense."
Becks grimaced. "Yeah, well that conversation kind of led to something else."
Kate shook her head. "What do you mean?"
"I kind of told Charlie who I really am."
Both the Castles looked at her in shock. Kate was chewing on her lip, but Rick recovered his voice first.
"So, what happened? How did you explain everything?"
Becks was shaking her head back and forth. "I don't know what came over me, but I just couldn't help myself and before I knew what I was saying I gave him the whole story." She clasped her hands again. "From the incident at my 12th precinct's elevator, to my wandering around a New York that didn't quite match up to what I was familiar with."
Becks looked at both of them. "I told him that I was from some other dimensional universe where it had been the year 2009 when I left, and found myself here in 2019."
Kate reached over and pulled Becks into a hug. "Oh honey, that had to be really tough. What did Charlie say? Did he think you were pulling some prank on him?"
Becks shook her head violently back and forth. "No, that's what was so weird. He believed me. The whole story lock stock and time travel." A tear slipped down her cheek.
"Really?" Rick was very surprised, he'd always thought that Charlie was a much grounded, logical sort of guy.
Becks nodded. "I know he fooled me too. He took everything I told him as if he heard stuff like that all the time."
Kate shook her head. "He never struck me as one of those kind of guys who saw aliens, and wild conspiracy's everywhere."
Becks shook her head and laughed mildly. "He's not." She smiled. "Do you know why he believed that whole wild story I told him about my life was the truth?"
Rick and Kate shook their heads.
"Because I told him it was. He trusted me. He said if I told him that I'd come from another dimension than he believed it."
Rick just flopped against the back of the couch. Kate turned to Becks and took her hand again.
"I think you need to hang onto this guy."
Becks broke out in nearly hysterical laughter. "Yah think?"
Castle jumped to his feet. "I don't know about your two, but I think this revelation deserves a drink… or two.
So the three of them sat together on the couch, though Rick moved over to be next to Kate, and had a couple drinks in celebration that Becks now had someone else she could confide in.
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The week had went by fairly quickly for Becks and RCI. They had picked up two cases which forced her and Charlie to put in some extra hours, but it had paid off. Both cases had been resolved and the clients had been very happy with the results.
The work had provided Becks with a constant distraction so she didn't spend any time fretting about the double birthday party that was coming up tomorrow evening. She still had to talk to Kate so she could get an idea as to how to dress. She didn't expect it to be lounge casual, but doubted it would be black tie. After all it was just a dinner party at the loft. She didn't even know who all would be able to make it.
She worried just a little about bringing Charlie along to the party as her 'date'. Everyone else was actual family. Well, except for Alexis' roommate, but Kari was practically family because all of the Castle clan treated her as such already.
Becks was putting away her paper work and was getting ready to head home. The office had been officially closed for a couple hours already, but she knew that Charlie won't have left yet either.
Most days they left together. Sometimes they just went their own ways once they hit the street, but often they went out for a bite to eat and wound up at one or the other's place for much of the night.
They hadn't reached the level where they each kept extra clothes at the other's apartment, but the idea had been broached a few times. Neither had been willing to take that extra step yet. Becks liked to think it was practical caution and not fear.
She was just about to pack up her stuff for the day when suddenly there was a man standing in her office doorway.
"I'm sorry, we are currently closed. I don't know why the front door wasn't locked, but you'll have to come back tomorrow."
The lanky, poorly dressed fellow just shook his head. "I tried to be nice before but all it got me was a dismissal and a push out the door. I may not be one of your normal rich snobby clients, but I have a legitimate case and you are going to help me." He pulled a very old revolver out of his pants pocket.
And just then it clicked in Becks mind. She knew who this angry fellow was.
"Mr. Jefferson, I told you last week that we couldn't in good conscious take your case. It was just too sketchy. Your information was sketchy at best. You weren't sure about many of the locations you claimed that you and your friend had visited. And frankly, your whole story smells to high heaven. I'm giving you one more chance to leave my office or I will call the police. They just might find your problem more interesting than I do."
Arlo Jefferson glared at the calm woman standing behind her desk. "Lady, what are you, crazy? I've got a gun here, and that means I call the shots."
Becks stared at him, then a smile gradually spread on her face. "Yes, but I have the advantage here."
"What are you talking about?"
He smile got bigger. "I'm not alone."
Jefferson tried to turn around but he was spun around by his shoulders, then was put to the floor by a well-placed foot tripped him up.
Charlie wrestled around with the squirming man for a few moments, but he had relieved him of the gun and was putting most of his weight on the man's back.
Charlie glared at Becks. "Hey, some cuffs might come in handy about now."
Becks raised a brow. "Where are yours?"
He rolled his eyes. "I didn't expect I'd need handcuffs to come and see you in your office."
She shrugged. "A good operative is always prepared."
He just stared at her as, with a big grin, she reached into her desk and pulled out a pair of hand cuffs and threw them where he was easily able to catch them.
Charlie stood up but left his foot planted squarely on Mr. Jefferson's back. Becks dialed the police to come and pick up their intruder.
The police were prompt and had Arlo Jefferson in custody and out of the RCI office quickly. Becks would have to come down to the precinct the next day later to press the charges, but the excitement for this evening was over. At least that's what she thought.
"Well, I guess the excitement is over and we can both head home now." Becks walked toward the small coat closet in the corner of the room. "Hey, what's this?"
She leaned over and picked a small square box that she saw lying on the carpet.
She frowned. "Did Jefferson lose this?"
Charlie moved quickly and snapped it out of her hands. "Nope. It's mine. It must've fallen out of my pocket while I was wrestling with our uninvited guest."
She nodded. "It looks like a ring box."
Charlie held it up. "I guess it does. Of course there is a reason for that."
Her brow rose. "Oh really, and what would that reason be?"
He pulled it open to reveal a beautiful sparkling diamond ring
Becks' mouth fell open. "Omigod, it's beautiful." She looked up and gave him a hard stare. "Why do you have a diamond ring?"
He avoided her direct gaze. "Well, because it's an engagement ring."
Becks squinted her eyes. Her heart thumped in her chest. "I can see that. The question is… why do you have an engagement ring?"
Charlie walked around in circle, with a confused look on his face. "Why do you think? I can no longer hold back my feelings. I see her every day, yet we hardly ever talk. It was an impulse on my part, but I figure I'll never know unless I step up." He pushed the ring under her nose again. "Do you think she'll like it?"
Becks froze, staring at him in complete confusion. "Do I think who will like it?"
Suddenly he had a goofy smile on his face. "Why Joanne of course. Do you think she'll like it?"
Becks had a smirk on her face but she nodded he head slowly. "I can't say for sure, but whether or not Joanne likes the ring, I seriously doubt that her husband will."
"She has a husband?"
Becks nodded. "Been married for years. Has a couple of kids too. "
A look came over Charlie's face that she couldn't tell it he was confused, or constipated.
"Well, shoot. That idea won't work." He suddenly brightened up like a light bulb just came on over his head. "I guess I'll need to come up with a different plan."
Becks had to bite down on her lip to keep from laughing out loud at his goofy expression.
Charlie walked in a circle for a few trips, then he turned to Becks. "I need to find my perfect companion."
"Oh really? And just what attributes would this goddess need to have to satisfy you?"
He nodded. "Well first, she has to be smart, really smart, like detective smart. And she would need to be gorgeous, the kind of real beauty that no pageant ever has. She also has to care, and have empathy for those who have less than she's been blessed with. And most of all she has to stand for more than just 'doing the right thing'."
Becks smirked at him. "Sounds a lot like Kate." Becks chuckles. "I hate to break this to you, but Kate is taken also."
Charlie walked up and took her face in his hands. "Not all the Kates."
He leans in and kisses her long and deeply.
Both were out of breath when they broke. "I also prefer my Kates to be closer to my age."
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Rick Castle was like a manic maître de running around making sure the table is properly set for all the guests that were going to start coming over in less than an hour. He set the plates and made sure the silverware was out and the linen napkins were probably folded.
"Babe, can you zip me up." Kate came out of the bedroom with the sleeveless bodice of her midnight blue dress hanging half way down to her waist.
Rick quickly provided the aid in zipping the back of her dress. Kate was dressed very nice, but not too formal. It was more like dressing for a date. The make-up was lightly used and her hair was curled, but hung loose over her back. Her favorite dangle earrings were mostly covered by her long dark curls, but before long she will have tucked her hair behind her ears which would show off her bright dangles.
Kate looked over their extended table that occupied most of the dining room. They had places set for all the guests. Rick was happy that everyone they invited sent back an acceptance to the double birthday celebration.
He was also happy that no one felt the need to question the fact the aside from Kate's birthday, they would also be acknowledging Becks birthday too.
Kate got to choose the menu for the dinner so she chose Italian. She smirked because she knew that Becks would like her choice also. Rick had called their favorite Italian restaurant yesterday to order what they wanted. Knowing that not everyone's favorite Italian food would be the same, Rick chose three different main courses and spumoni ice cream for dessert.
Of course there would be wine, and coffee to drink. Rick even had his favorite bottled water for those who didn't want the other choices. He figured he could bring out some harder stuff after the meal.
Not letting the most important part of the celebration be handled by anyone else. Rick baked the triple layer birthday cake himself.
The invitations laid down the law. There were supposed to be no presents brought for either of the birthday girls. But as always happens, everyone will bring some small token present or at least a pretty or clever card.
Kate looked around and smiled. "It looks really nice Rick, I can't believe that everyone responded that they would be able to attend."
He chuckled. "Well it helps if you keep the guest list small like we did. I just hope that Lanie won't feel left out."
Kate patted his shoulder. "I already checked after we started planning this. Lanie and Alan will be out of town visiting her folks all week. It's a trip that she had planned for months." Kate gives Rick a quick kiss on his cheek. "We agreed to get together once she's back."
Rick nodded. "What about the boys? I can't remember the last time we got together with Espo and the Ryan's."
Kate frowned. "Since I left the captaincy I kind of lost track of the guys. They are both lieutenants now and have some pretty significant duties." She shook her head. "I'm going to make an effort to contact both of them and maybe we can arrange for a night at the Old Haunt sometime soon."
Rick smiled. "That sounds like a good idea. I'd bet they'd like that better than a dinner party."
Kate laughed in agreement.
Right then the first knock on the door was heard. Kate went over and opened the door only to be engulfed by a red-headed tornado.
"Oh Katherine it just isn't fair. You get more beautiful as each birthday is counted."
Kate laughed. "I believe someone is going to need to get her eyes checked soon."
They hugged.
It didn't take long for most of the guests to arrive and were mingling around and breaking off into small conversational groups.
Kate grabbed Castle by the sleeve. "Babe, you did say that Becks was planning to come didn't you?"
"Yes dear." He patted her hand. "Don't worry, she said that she'd be here and she'd make sure that Charlie came too."
Kate nodded. "That's good, I like Charlie. He's good for her."
Rick put his arm around her back and led her back to the rest of the guests. "It's lucky the two of you found him. Otherwise I would have worried about her spending too much time at the office or spend most evenings holed up in her apartment."
Kate smirked. "I know. We had to go out and find ourselves some trouble in order to meet Charlie." They both chuckled.
Just then, the final knock on the loft's front door was heard. Alexis was closest to the door so she went over and opened the door.
The commotion at the door drew Kate's attention. She watched as Becks and Charlie came in and exchanged pleasantries with Alexis. Kate watched them with a smile on her face. The two of them looked happy.
Suddenly Kate noticed a glint coming from Becks hand. The overhead light kept causing something to sparkle.
Kate's mouth dropped open. "Oh no she didn't… did she?"
It took all the restraint that she had not to run over to her 'cousin'. Alexis was confused by Kate's abrupt appearance.
She grabbed Becks left hand. She points to her third finger. "What's this?"
Becks raised her brow and smirked. "What's it look like?"
"It looks like," Kate sputtered for a moment. "It looks like a ring."
Becks grinned. "Very good. It is indeed a ring."
Kate stared into her eyes. "It… looks… like… an engagement… ring."
Becks looked up at Charlie. "What do you think? Does this look like an engagement ring to you?"
He grinned down at her. "I certainly hope so. Otherwise someone suckered me big time."
Becks laughed as Kate grabbed her and led her to the middle of the room. Charlie followed a few steps behind.
Kate lifted Becks' left hand high and addressed the whole room.
"If I can have everyone's attention." Kate made sure everyone was paying attention. "It appears that my cousin Becks and her boyfriend Charlie, have gotten themselves engaged."
The whole room erupted with cheers and raised glasses.
Kate leaned down and whispered in Becks ear. "You are in so much trouble."
FIN
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