The Eyes Have It

by Castlefan6

Authors Note: This is AU; Builds on Episodes 3-14, 16, and 17. Castle sees what he thinks is the event to seal his departure from Beckett, but do his eyes deceive him? Sometimes things aren't the way we see them.

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.

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Chp 8

Johanna Beckett Scholarship Funding Diner

Waldorf Astoria, Hotel

New York City

Saturday, 7:00 PM

Rick, Paula, and Gina along with the crew had arrived at the hotel two hours earlier to ensure every detail had been taken care of. This was a special night for a special lady, well ladies, if he included her daughter and he wanted everything to go just right.

Paula and Gina had twisted their arms, as well as dug through the vaults to acquire three tables full of autographed books from various authors, including Rick's poker gang. Patterson, Cannell, and Connelly all had complete sets with Cannell's works expected to bring the most revenue, now that he had passed away.

Rick's complete volumes of Desert Storm as well as the first Nikki Heat book along with the approved manuscript was also on the auction block. The clientele invited could easily fund a scholarship by themselves, but with a group of them pitted against each other it raised the odds of high bids.

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Beckett's Apartment

Saturday, 6:18 PM

Kate had been dressed for over an hour, and now sat alongside Lanie, when she wasn't pacing the floor, much to Lanie's displeasure. Rick had arranged a limo to pick up the ladies, and Javi, then stop and pick up Kate's plus one. Rick had no idea that it was her father, Jim Beckett, he just assumed it would be the doctor, and even though he wasn't looking forward to seeing him, swallowed his pride for the sake of the benefit.

The limo arrived and the driver ever the gentlemen assisted the ladies into the back, as Javi took his seat next to Lannie, leaving one open next to Kate. A few minutes later, Kate's mouth flew open, there was her dad in a tuxedo, looking so handsome. It had been quite a while since she had seen him in anything as formal as he was wearing, but damn he cleaned up well, she smiled to herself.

Jim took the seat next to her and tried to calm her down, she hated being nervous, hated even more that her Dad could pick up on it. She really had no reason to be or at least that was what she had repeatedly told herself for the whole last hour. The fact that she was riding in a limo didn't help, dressed in a dress that cost her a month's salary, and on her way to see the man who had managed to disrupt her soul with a single kiss, shouldn't factor into it, not at all.

Castle had insisted on the limo, he pointed out that arriving in a taxi wouldn't help the high roller's image of the woman's family that he was asking for donations to fund a scholarship in her name. He also sprung it on her that she was listed as the co-host of the evening, even though she hadn't been asked to contribute to any effort to make it happen. "Don't worry Beckett, just show up and be charming, you know like you can be sometimes" he had kidded her, or was it really just kidding?

They arrived, to see a long red carpet, the door to her right opened and her date promptly offered his hand to help her get off the limo, as the driver stood by to assist if needed.

"You're beautiful tonight," he said kissing her cheek lightly when she exited the limo and straightened her dress, looking into his eyes.

Kate smiled, and whispered thanks, as she adjusted his bow tie for the umpteenth time since they left his apartment. He was really handsome tonight in his dark tux and his eyes were shining in a way she hadn't seen in a long time.

She had missed him, and she was glad he could make it tonight. They definitely needed to spend more time together, and this was the perfect occasion. He was her Dad, all that she had left in the world, and she needed to remember that time waits for no one, the close calls with Rick had taught her just how fragile life was.

"Katie, Honey, relax. You're as tense as a violin string." Jim smiled reassuringly, offering his right arm to her.

"I'm not tense, Dad." she quietly objected, although she was glad to have somewhere to place her hands upon his arm as he escorted her down the red carpet. The flashbulbs were popping, Rick had forbade reporters from asking questions. Tonight, was a night of respect, and paying homage to a life's work cut short, not for press headlines or selling papers.

"Really? He laughed quietly "You could have fooled me." Jim Beckett patting the hands that were touching his arm sympathetically

They arrived at the entrance without her managing to stumble or fall or make an ass out of herself in some other way. They were greeted at the entrance by a large bald man who checked their names on the guest list, retrieving VIP Passes then he motioned to a young man standing awaiting instructions. Have a great time this evening, Jonathan will show you to the hall," he said, and then quickly moved to the next in line, Lanie and Javi, and repeated the actions

Jonathan was a tall young boy with a gentle smile. "This way please, and do watch your step, Miss Beckett, some ladies have lost heels in some of the spaces between the tiles," They waited for a few moments, when Jonathan realized that there were two more to their party, then began the walk to the festivities.

They walked side by side down a well-lit hallway, with Javi and Lanie directly behind them towards the main hall entrance. It became visible as they turned a slight bend and realized the hallway was ending. Soft music was coming from the entrance doors, and Kate could vaguely remember earlier that morning Castle mentioning something about a live band.

Kate cast a glance at her father under her eyelashes, and the detective in her made a quick investigation. Nothing, from his posture to his facial expression, gave away signs of uneasiness. She couldn't help but notice that if he was nervous, he was doing a better job at hiding it than she had so far. He seemed to be enjoying the event, at least so far.

Jacob stopped at the doorway, reached behind the desk, and produced a single white lily and an orchid both with beautiful ribbons tied around them. "The Lilly is for you Ms. Beckett, and Dr. Parrish, and the orchid is for you, welcome gifts from Mr. Castle.

"Cherries?" Jim asked puzzled as a strong scent of cherries assaulted her nostrils.

Kate raised the flower to her nose and inhaled deeply. Yep, it was the scent of cherries, but it was not the lily. "It's the bow." A large pink bow was tied to the stem.

"Mine smells like, that man, he doesn't miss anything, "Lanie said, then adding, "The ribbon on my flower matches Shalimar, the fragrance I wear. I never knew he paid attention to anything I wore," she said, as Javi frowned

The ladies smiled, something as simple as a single flower, personalized to let them know he was glad they came; it was Rick. That was the way he treated everyone

"Now that's impressive." Her father chuckled, and she wasn't sure if he was referring to the single flower in her hand or the silly smile still plastered on her face. "He knows the fragrance of both ladies and customizes a small, yet meaningful gift. I see what you mean about his thoughtfulness, Katie," Jim said,

They stepped into a beautiful ballroom, soft lights coming from some tables, and the live band playing softly some of the hits of the years gone by. Rick had pictures of Johanna flashing on screens across the entire ballroom, from her high school valedictorian days to college, to her passing the bar exam. He had left much of her personal life out for privacy, but he did show Jim and Kate at the celebration dinner when she opened her firm.

"Beautiful indeed" She murmured, captivated by the thoughtfulness of the man, and the level of detail he had gone to.

"You know, I'm looking forward to meeting your friend, Castle, your mother would have loved this. He caught the meaning of her work without going overboard" Jim said slowly, then cleared his voice and continued,

"The way you talk about him," Jim said "he must be a good man. Besides, the effort he put into organizing all of this, says a lot."

"Says what, exactly Dad, what are you inferring?" She had her eyebrow cocked and her stare in full force when it came.

A high-pitched squeal from somewhere in front of them cut short their exchange, Kate couldn't help but smile when she noticed Martha making her way towards her, arms outstretched already for a hug.

"Oh Kate, darling! You look absolutely stunning this evening, " Martha beamed, embracing her with her usual enthusiasm. She never let go of Kate's hands as she leaned back to give her another once-over. "Oh my, has my son seen you yet, you are going to knock his socks off," she said in a low voice, winking mischievously.

Kate smiled broadly. "Thanks, Martha, you look fabulous too."

Jim Beckett witnessed their exchange with undisguised interest. He knew his daughter had never been a very touchy-feely person, but he saw no awkwardness in the way she had hugged this woman back. Almost like the way she used to hug Johanna. Almost like a mother.

"Martha," Kate said, bringing him back from his musings "this is my father, Jim. Dad, this is Rick's mother, Martha Rodgers."

Jim smiled politely and extended his hand. "Mrs. Rodgers, it's a pleasure to meet you."

"Oh please, call me Martha." she corrected, shaking his hand. "Kate told us that you rearranged your schedule so you could be here tonight, I'm so glad you could make it."

"Yeah, I had to call in a few favors, but I could have never missed this night." Jim shared a smile with Kate. "My flight will leave early in the morning though, so I'm afraid I'll have to do an early exit."

While Martha and Jim were making conversation, Kate looked around expectantly, but Castle was nowhere to be seen.

"Where's Rick?" She asked trying to sound courteous rather than desperate,

"Last time I saw him, he was with Alexis's boyfriend, all I heard was, Don't forget the entire room is going to be full of cops, cops that love our family, especially Alexis, so I don't have to say anything more, now do I?" the older woman answered,

They all burst out laughing, Kate's smile sobered way before the others as she spotted him, even through the crowd. His blue eyes locked on her, as he turned from a window where he was having a conversation with one of his poker buddies

Even from across the room, she could tell he wasn't really paying attention to what they were saying, his focus was on her and probably had been even before she noticed him. When he smiled at her she could do nothing but smile back. His eyes, God those eyes, she knew she would be gone if she kept staring, so she mentally prepared herself not to say anything stupid.

She saw Castle excusing himself and making his way toward them. She followed him with her eyes until he stood right behind Martha.

"If this woman is bothering you, she's not my mother." He quipped to break the silent barrier between them.

"Richard!" Martha almost jumped in surprise.

Jim laughed politely, "On the contrary, son. She's very enjoyable company."

"Well, in that case, I'm her beloved child, actually her only child so she's stuck with me." Castle grinned, circling Martha's shoulders with his left as he pecked her cheek gracefully. "You must be Mr. Beckett." He added, extending his hand for a handshake

Jim nodded. "You're exactly as Katie described you." he smiled as they shook hands.

"Really." His eyes began to sparkle as they did only when he was happy, Castle turned briefly to Beckett then turned back quickly to Jim. "Should I be flattered or worried, sir?" He asked, genuine concern on his face.

Jim smiled recalling the description Martha gave of his talk with his daughter's boyfriend, but decided to be nice, "Oh trust me, son, you have *nothing* to worry about." Rick's smile returned matching Jim's.

"Jim," Martha said, grabbing his arm and steering him to where Alexis was chatting together with Ashley with an old lady. "I'd like for you to meet my granddaughter."

As they walked away, Castle and Beckett watched them with amusement.

"It will be my pleasure, Martha. Kate told me Alexis is a brilliant and loving child." they heard Jim's fading voice say.

"I'm glad he could make it Kate, I'm sure he had to pull a lot of strings to get even one night off," Rick said, as he watched the two parents stroll arm in arm toward his daughter.

Kate smiled, then couldn't stop herself from telling Rick what she had thought from the first time she laid eyes on him minutes before. "You look good in a tuxedo, Castle."

"You look beautiful Kate, but then you always do." He said softly,

"You haven't seen all of me I need to know if my dress lives up to your expectations." she smiled with the tease in her voice.

Well, remember up until a few minutes ago, your Father was standing right here. Even I know better than to check out a daughter in front of her dad," he laughed, then his eyes traveled down her body, not too slow to feel uncomfortable but not as fast as being considered friendly.

She was wearing a black sleeveless gown that hugged her curves in all the right places. Nothing too revealing since the front was cut high above her breasts, but the high slit on the right side more than compensated for it.

"It sure does." He said Kate knew she had very sexy legs, and this gown accented them in just the right way.

She had pulled back her hair into a swirling bun with loose wisps of hair on the sides, so the kissable column of her long neck was totally exposed. From it was hanging a thin golden necklace, long enough for the ring attached to it to rest just above her heart.

She patiently waited as Castle completed his viewing and assessment, she could tell he was more than happy, his eyes couldn't lie. His eyes finally met hers again,

"Thank you for the special welcome gift, I mean it was perfect." She lowered her gaze at last, gently caressing the flower with the pads of her fingers.

"Well, Alexis kept me honest, my first choice would have been far too overboard, but I'm glad you liked it. It suits you just fine. Sophisticated yet simple. Delicate yet strong. It symbolizes a kind and proud spirit, Just as you do."

"It also stands for pureness and chastity." Kate pursed her lips, leaning slightly toward him as if to share a secret. "You know I'm not a virgin, don't you?" And she had accomplished what she wanted, his voice went up a full octave as he called for a waiter serving champagne.

Castle reached for two flutes, offering one to her, silently still trying to compose himself.

"Thanks." She said with a smile,

He raised his glass. "To your Mom and the legacies, she will leave on this earth."

"To Mom, she repeated slowly, her glass clinking against his.

They took a couple of sips sharing a content silence, just enjoying each other's company.

Curiosity was eating him from the inside out, he had witnessed her arrival with her dad and was curious about Dr. MB. He simply had to know.

"Where's Josh?"

Kate seemed unfazed by his question as she answered dismissively after another sip of her champagne. "He's busy". She lied

In all honesty, she hadn't heard from Josh since their fight. Well, that wasn't entirely true. He had tried to call her several times, but she had avoided him by refusing his calls. She needed time to think.

Castle was obviously waiting for her to articulate her answer, which she had no intention of. So, she changed the subject. Rick caught the look in her eye, something was up, even if she wasn't ready for public knowledge, things weren't right between her and her boyfriend, and he knew it.

"Are Lanie and the guys already here?"

"Yep, over there. They were asking for you."

"Lead the way." Kate smiled and hooked her hand on his forearm, feeling his biceps spring under her fingertips as he flexed his arm to anchor her body to his side.

They were moving toward their friends as they reached a bottleneck in the crowd. They split as there was no way they could fit together in the tight passage and Rick, always the gentleman, motioned for her to go ahead. She smiled and moved forward as he was taking another sip of his champagne.

She didn't turn when she heard him behind her spit-take and started coughing convulsively. He must have finally noticed the back of her dress. She had warned him, but now he saw, it wasn't what was there, it was how much of the dress wasn't.

TBC