Enough is Enough

by Castlefan6

Authors Note: This is AU; A different scenario after Rick returns to the Precinct in Episodes 3-1. Based on a few quotes I live by,

"Castle, go home! Go back to your ex-wife, your Hamptons, your book parties, okay? I've got work to do." This is what prompted this story

I don't own Castle; I only use the characters for amusement purposes, except the ones I create.

Also, we take liberties with the timeline from Canon and use events to make this more believable fiction, thanks. Remember This IS AU. Timelines, Events, and Outcomes may vary from the Original Script.

WARNING! THIS MAY NOT END AS A CASKETT FIC. If that disturbs you, please delay reading until I decide which ending, I will choose.

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Chapter 5

Castle's Loft

3 Weeks Later

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Well, this was it, he was doing it, after dreaming about it for so many years. Paula had been a shark in the negotiations, the initial offer was a three-book deal, all with options and clauses for bonuses based on both US and UK sales figures. He had the option to sign an extension at a percentage increase based on the success of the books, but he was blown away by the financial projections after three, four, and five books. He would be close to James Patterson, in net worth with only four books sold.

Martha was elated to have keys to both the loft and her new love nest with Chet, although Rick had alerted Eduardo that absolutely no workmen were to be allowed in his loft without his approval. He knew his mother too well, wait for him to leave then feign ignorance when her loud and tasteless décor had been forced upon his loft. She could get all the quotes in the world, but along with Eduardo, he also had contacted Bob Weldon who placed a hold on any work permits applied for by any contractor for his address. Not that he didn't trust her, but he definitely didn't trust her.

Alexis had left two days earlier for orientation, and to get settled on campus, she acted upset when he broke the news to her, but when he promised to not contact her other than by phone unless she knew he was coming her anxiety turned to happiness, she knew she would be so homesick if she were there alone.

Gina was there to give him a ride to the airport and wish him the best. Heatwave sales were through the roof and had just been named to the N.Y. Times Best Seller list. He hadn't told anyone other than Bob Weldon, and his poker gang what was going on. Roy would find out at the next management meeting with Bob next week, and well, if he told others that would be up to him. Rick was just excited to get a second opportunity to write his favorite character since he was 9 years old.

"Well, Rick, this is it. Any regrets so far?" Gina asked him,

"I have regrets Gina, but not about this, I'm just sorry you couldn't be a part of it. Without you, I wouldn't be the Richard Castle everyone thinks is a genius. You know I may be able to get you in if I do well on the first book, I mean if you would be interested in working with your pain in the ass writer again," He smiled,

"Rick, I won't say no, not as long as I would get to work with you, but we both know, we're better friends than we were as spouses. I love you, and I always will, but, well,"

"I know, you're right, I love you too, but I'm not in love with you, and you deserve someone who will put you first. I understand, but don't be surprised if you get an offer letter" he smiled, kissed her gently as he took her hand, and they left the loft for who knew how long.

Downstairs, he got into his limo, after Gina, and they quietly drove away from his past, looking for a brighter future some 3,000 miles away. As they drove away, a runner in an NYPD hoodie had paused to tie her shoe, a guise to check out what was going on.

Kate Beckett didn't know where they were going or for how long, but she did know that he was with her, Gina, his ex-wife, who was acting like his wife. Why did she get so upset, hell, she had Josh, and things were going great for them, she shrugged it off and doubled her speed home from her run.

Eight Months Later

Book Launch of Final Heat Book

Waldorf Astoria Hotel,

New York

Gina had talked Rick into making an abbreviated appearance at the launch of the last in the Heat Series, Extinguished Heat. His second book had been on the Best Seller list for almost three months now, and it was time to strike while the name and brand were still hot.

As usual, advance passes and personalized books had been sent to the elite club, Kate Beckett included, she was the muse after all, and even though she had never attended any of the previous launches, she was still invited. Gina was shocked when her response arrived in the first batch returned, with I will attend, and I will bring a guest, so it was recorded, Kate Beckett and her plus one.

Rick never asked, so Gina didn't want to rock the boat and didn't mention it to him. Alexis was going to be on break for two months and would be returning to New York with her father, and then flying to visit with her mother before returning to London.

Things had changed dramatically at the 12th Precinct since Rick's departure. In a surprise move, Roy Montgomery retired weeks after Rick left, and Roz Karpowski was named his replacement as Captain. Everyone thought Beckett was a forgone conclusion, but it was the recommendation of Roy, which sealed the promotion for Roz, the first of several personnel moves.

Kevin Ryan requested and received a transfer back to Narcotics Division and had been promoted to Lieutenant of the Elite squad. Javier Esposito left the force and re-enlisted in the U.S. Airforce, Kate Beckett had relinquished her role as lead detective to Anne Hastings and was simply a member of the team now.

The chemistry between Anne and Roz was much stronger than with Beckett, who saw the writing on the wall. She continued to maintain her privacy and had been dating the Doctor for almost 9 months now. Some even guessed that she had secretly married him on one of the many trips she accompanied him on, but nothing official was announced.

Lanie was married to the Chief of Trauma Surgery at Presbyterian Hospital, and although it was the same hospital where Kate's mate worked, they seldom talked since Rick left. Lanie had been the last to stay friends with Kate until a blowout about Javi occurred. Lanie knew of his plans to re-enlist and kept his wishes private as he requested, Kate thought that meant for everyone but her and a huge disagreement ensued, resulting in two friends not speaking anymore.

Rick had been splitting time between the UK and Los Angels, and was now working on the third James Bond book, all huge successes on both continents. Gina had been offered and accepted the role of Chief Executive for Cambridge Books United States Division, and worked even more closely with Rick now that three books were being adapted to the big screen.

No one but Alexis knew that he was dating someone exclusively, and from all accounts, it had erased any feelings or memories of the NYPD Detective from his mind. Anyone who knew Rick knew he was happy, and the success of his works just added to his joy. Martha and Chet were still together, she was still harping on her son to find a nice girl and settle down every time she spoke to him, prompting laughs from Alexis.

Rick flew in early for the launch and spent a week in the Hamptons with Alexis and Gina, just relaxing, the first downtime he had enjoyed since making the move to Cambridge Books. He had an option in his briefcase he needed to review with Gina and his attorney before signing, but the increase in royalties, and bonus clauses made it almost impossible to turn down.

It had been a good move, Alexis still had her Dad in her life when she needed him, face timed with Gina almost every day except for the times Gina was in England for work, then they spent a great deal of time together. Rick was elated that Gina was still a huge part of his little girl's life, although she would be the first to tell you she was a woman, not a little girl.

One night after Alexis excused herself to spend some time with her friends Rick and Gina took their normal stroll down the beach, holding hands, and just enjoying each other's company. Out of the blue Gina asked, "So you going to tell me who she is, or will I need to bribe our daughter to find out who has returned that genuine smile to your face?" she laughed

"I, eh, what are you talking about? I mean you know how busy I am, how could I find time to swipe right for a lot of beautiful women" he asked, as Gina howled

"That's just proof, you didn't know apps like that existed when you left here, now you know what a swipe right means" she laughed,

"OK, OK. Alexis knows, but she's the only one that does, and please Genes, keep this between us, OK?" he pleaded with her,

"Rick, I may have been a lousy wife, but I'm a damn good Mom and I can keep secrets, just ask our daughter"

"First you were never a lousy wife, and what the hell do you mean to ask our daughter about you keeping secrets?" as she splashed him and ran down the beach. "Oooh, you're gonna get it for that, I owe you" as he gave chase. Gina thought, Rick is back the little boy with the big heart that would do almost anything to make you laugh. Whomever she was, she was good for him, he was happy, finally happy.

Book Launch

One Week Later

Gina still hadn't mentioned to Rick that his former muse and detective from NYPD were supposed to be in the audience with a plus one. She finally pulled him aside just about 30 minutes before the guests would be allowed to enter the ballroom.

"Rick, I need to tell you something, and I hope you don't get angry, OK?" Gina whispered to him when she caught him backstage,

She took his hand and led him to a more private office,

"Genes what's going on? You never kept secrets, so what's the big deal now?" he asked

"Rick, I didn't tell you, but Kate Beckett will be here tonight, well she responded she would attend and bring her plus one. I didn't want to ruin our great times at the beach, and I should have told you earlier" She was almost in tears,

"That's it? That's the big secret you're so worried about? Genes, she was invited, if I didn't think I could handle seeing her, I would have removed her name from the invitation list. It's no big deal, and I'm sorry you're worried about it.

"You see, I'm in a place where no matter what she does or says, she can't hurt me." He smiled and kissed her cheek, "By the way thanks for protecting me, again, as you always do.

"I'm glad we're in this together. I don't know where I would be without your guidance all these years, so I know I don't say it, but Thank You, I will always love you in a special way." He kissed her gently, and she almost lost her balance.

"Rick, I know you're with someone, I mean, I know you and your tells, so please just tell me, does she make you happy, as happy as you appear to be?" Gina asked,

"Actually Genes, she makes me even happier than that, and she knows all about you, Paula, and the ladies in my life. She doesn't want to change a thing, like you, she said, as long as I was happy and my girls were making me happy, she would be happy." Rick smiled,

"You're not going to tell me her name yet, are you? That's OK, I got my answer, if you're happy, then I'm happy, and I'm glad she knows all about us and has accepted us.

"Not yet, I want to give it time so that when I wake up, I won't constantly think it's a dream. When I do tell you and the family will be the first to know, I promise you. Now how about you, I heard from a certain party that Chris from Marketing had quite the thing for you, is it reciprocal?" he asked, turning the cards against her.

"It's early Rick, but I haven't felt this way, since, well since you and I were dating." She said,

"Genes, give him a chance, and don't compare him to me, he's far better than I in so many ways, just accept his love, and promise me you will try. I want you to be happy, that would be the icing on the cake for me, for both of us to find our life partners." Rick said,

"I promise Rick, but you have to promise to stop feeling so guilty, you didn't do anything wrong, it just didn't work out between us. I guess sometimes love just isn't enough to allow two people to be around each other as we were." She laughed, then kissed him gently, "I know you love me, and I love you, that's why I protect you, and always will, you big lug."

He held her hand as they walked back, "Thanks Gina, you'll always own a piece of my heart that belongs solely to you, and no I wouldn't change a thing. I treasure the good times we had, and it's made me a better person." He said softly, as he raised the hand he was holding and kissed the back of it, bowing slightly.

"You better get ready, doors open in about 7 minutes, so go drain the tank, and Rick?"

"Yea",

"Wash your hands," she laughed and scooted out of his range where he could swat her. He laughed, "Yes Mam" came his reply.

Receiving Line

15 Minutes Later

Rick had convinced both Alexis and Gina to stand with him as he greeted the guests as they arrived. The first surprise was a very relaxed and smiling Roy and Evelyn Montgomery, entering the ballroom, holding hands like high schoolers,

"Hey Rick, Congratulations. I hear you're killing it on paper and the big screen" Roy said as the hand he offered to shake turned into a bro hug.

"Thanks, Roy, I heard you got wise and told Bob what he could do with his budget cuts, and retired. Good for you, enjoy your life, God knows it's too short no matter how long we get.

"Evelyn, you look more lovely every time I see you, if Roy's not careful I may try to steal you away from him," Rick said as he hugged and kissed the lady with a huge smile, "Did you hear that Roy, see I have options," she laughed as Roy just held his head.

Rick laughed and whispered, "Go to the bar in the rear, I have your Old Grandad put away just for you, I think you could use it," he laughed as Roy smiled and said "You know it, Rick"

The 12th Precinct was well represented, Anne, with her boyfriend, Roz with her gentleman, Kevin, and Jenny Ryan, and then he saw her, Kate Beckett with the same guy she was with in Remy's months ago. Anne didn't care who was present, she kissed Rick like she was going for it, "God, we've missed you, Rick, any chance you might come back, even if for a favor for Roz and me? She asked,

"Anne, you look lovelier than ever, and you don't need me back, you and Roz are two of the best Detectives NYPD has," He hugged her back careful not to get too close to her lips,

"Oh come on Rick, we miss you, we didn't even get a chance to say goodbye thanks to someone we won't mention," she said, obviously feeling the free liquor.

Roz stepped in and saved him, whispering, "She's right, but also a little drunk, we do miss you, Rick. My precinct is always open to you whenever you want to come home." She said, then kissed him gently, and stepped down the line, as Rick called out "Congratulations Captain Karpowski", and smiled,

Next in line stood Kate Beckett, as beautiful as always, holding the hand of the man from Remy's. "Hello Rick, it looks like life's been good for you" this is Dr. Josh Davidson, Josh, this is Richard Castle, he used to work with us at the 12th on cases" Rick stuck his hand out, and said, "Welcome Josh, I hope you enjoy yourself, it's good to see you as well Beckett. Life has been great to me, and I hope for you as well, " he said,

"I can't complain, I guess you heard about Javi and Kevin, things aren't the same but they're still good, different but good. She said, trying to convince herself as much as anyone listening.

"Yes, I heard, actually I think Kevin and Jenny are here tonight, so we both will get a chance to catch up," he said, again, with a slight hug and Kate stepped down the line, hugging Alexis, and shaking Gina's hand.

Rick took the microphone and didn't bother to walk to the stage, "Good evening, folks, thank you all for coming. Tonight is a special night for me, well for my team, this marks the 27 Book Launch Gina Castle Cowell has put together and as you can see, no one does it better than her. I love you Genes, and thanks for all of your hard work, for all the years.

"Also, members of the 12th precinct, both present time and former members are wearing the pin that has 12 in the center of the NYPD, when you see them, thank a cop. The Richard Castle books wouldn't have been possible without the help and cooperation of these fine folks,"

"So, eat drink, and remember if you have more than three, you WILL be sent home via private transportation, we want you to have a good time, but we also want to see you safely home as well, OK, without further ado, the bars are open once again, as dinner will be served. Please wait for your hostess to notify you to join the buffet line. Thanks, and have a great night."

Kate noticed that as soon as he was done speaking both Gina and Alexis rushed to his arms and kissed him. Alexis looked nothing like the teenager she remembered, she had grown into a beautiful young lady, and Rick never looked better or happier. Whoever she was, the smile was back, well she had Josh she thought as she felt him grab her hand.

TBC