Potions of Love 2
Prologue
January 2023
A/N - Welcome to my first extended AU Fanfiction sequel. Since I will bring aspects of the original story into this follow-up saga, I encourage followers to read or browse the first story, Potions of Love, which was loosely based on the movie Love Potion Number 9. As mentioned, I am using several characters from the Castle TV series but setting them up in somewhat different environments. I hope you will enjoy our favorite characters as they appear in this Alternate Universe. Thank you in advance for joining me on this new journey. Comments and reviews are always appreciated. dkcfan
Flashback - New Year's Eve 2022
Beyond enjoying the beauty and pageantry of New York City at Christmas, Kate and Rick shared their first loving encounter during the twilight hours of the New Year. It was positively a night of love, where they shared their deep feelings and showed each other the depth of their passion. Both now realize what it felt to be genuinely in love with their partner, a feeling that words could never describe. And one that Rick and Kate never dreamt was possible, recalling it all began because of a crazy secret love potion.
Recalling New Year's Day 2023…
Knowing his Mother wouldn't return to the Loft until late in the afternoon, Rick was in no hurry to disturb the beautiful woman beside him, resting her head on his chest as she listened to the rhythmic beat of his love-filled heart. He thinks he should pinch himself to assure him that last night was not a dream.
It was like Kate had been listening to his thoughts as she began running her fingers back and forth across his chest, quietly humming as she adjusted her position next to Rick's side. Then she slowly raised her sleep-mused head, smiled at her lover, and said three of the sweetest words Rick had ever heard, "That was incredible!"
Rick pulled Kate back down, and the two passionately kissed until they had to part and catch their breath. Kate's smile seemed to be even more significant as she stared at Rick, then teased, "You're pretty sure of yourself, aren't you, Pharmacy Man,"
Rick laughed, then joined the game, answering, "Well, my dear Harley Chick, you certainly didn't seem to protest."
Rick's comment caused Kate to pull away and say, in a bit higher tone, "Harley Chick! When did you dream up that little moniker?"
"Oh, I don't know, just now, I guess. After all, you seem to take on a new persona when you pour yourself into your leathers. One, I will add, that is extremely hot!"
The two fall back into each other's arms laughing as they enjoy these precious private moments after a mind-blowing night of lovemaking.
A bit later, they regain control following their joint belly-laughing session and adjust their bodies into more comfortable positions. The new lovers fall back into a very peaceful sleep in no time.
A couple of hours later, Rick stirs and glances at his bedside clock, seeing that it's almost 11:00 am. He is confident his Mother won't return home early, but he learned long ago that you never take Martha Rodgers for granted. And he would prefer his mother to get to know his girlfriend when they both have their clothes on.
Rick looks again at Kate as she lightly sleeps, experiencing a few moments of wonder that this beautiful woman has decided that she wants to be a part of his life. In the quiet of his dimmed bedroom, he takes a few more moments to think back to that first weekend they worked together on the campus food box project. He felt then that she was special, but he also thought he would never stand a chance with someone as gorgeous and intelligent as Kate Beckett.
But here they are, lying side by side in his bed after sharing one of the most incredible nights he has ever experienced in his entire life. The two have expressed their love for each other numerous times, but last night seemed to bring those feelings to an entirely new level that, if physically possible, could cause his heart to burst with love for Katherine Houghton Beckett!
Kate begins to wake up again, stretching and feeling a little discomfort she usually doesn't notice, but this morning those places of soreness caused her to smile.
Rick grins as Kate turns her head his way and says, "Hey, beautiful. I would enjoy nothing more than to spend the entire day in bed with you, but unless you would like to get to know my Mother better while lying here in your birthday suit, I suggest we drag ourselves into the shower and prepare for who knows what may happen when she returns."
Kate returns Rick's loving grin as she tries to unwrap herself from the twisted mass of sheets and the heavy comforter that encased the lovers throughout the night.
Rick chuckles and helps Kate release herself from the mound of soft linen as he sits up, unable to take his eyes off Kate's shapely and incredibly sexy body. He shakes his head, making the first move for the shower, knowing he has to get his mind on a different track, fast.
Kate watches as Rick practically runs for the shower, immediately noticing the reason for his quick move, and loudly asks, "Hey, stud. I thought we were going to share a shower."
Kate hears Rick mutter and answers with a throaty response, "Hum, maybe next time," as he quickly shuts the bathroom door.
Kate sits back on the bed, laughing and thinking, "Oh, I love that guy!"
Kate then stands, puts on Rick's button-down, and tries to put the bed back together. She quickly decides it would be better to change the bedding and searches for clean linens in the bedroom's closet.
The timing is such that Rick exits the shower simultaneously, with Kate finishing remaking the bed.
"You didn't have to do that, Kate. I was going to change the bedding while you showered."
Kate walks up to Rick as he stands in the middle of the bedroom in a lightweight robe, wrapping her arms around his neck and stretching up to give him a quick kiss, answering, "No, problem, Babe. I knew you were preoccupied."
Taking pity on her poor guy, not wanting to get him all riled up again, she gives him a quick butterfly kiss on his cheek as she says, "My turn for the shower."
Rick stands, in the middle of his bedroom, shaking his head as he asks himself, "I wonder if I will ever be able to keep up with that woman?"
He then chuckles and begins picking up clothing they had thrown around the room during their fun, love-filled evening.
After dressing, Rick places Kate's suitcase on the bed and heads to the kitchen to turn on the coffeemaker and fix breakfast or lunch, whatever sounds good to Kate. He knows his Mother is having a meal catered later in the afternoon, so he goes through the refrigerator looking for something light.
Kate comes out of the shower to an empty bedroom but Immediately smells freshly brewed coffee, so she knows Rick is in the kitchen. She smiles as she notices that Rick has placed her suitcase on the bed, so she looks through her outfit choices and picks a bright-colored blouse, a pair of skinny black jeans, and a pair of ballet flats. She finishes styling her hair and applying a light touch of makeup, then makes her way to the kitchen to see what Rick is preparing for their brunch.
Kate walks up behind Rick as he is chopping vegetables on the pull-out cutting board and slips her arms around his waist, asking, "What are you up to."
Rick smiles, lays down the knife, turns, pulling Kate close so he can give her a quick kiss, and answers, "Since Mother is catering a full meal later, I thought we could have something light. Does chicken stir fry sound okay to you?"
At that moment, Kate's stomach growls as they both laugh, with Rick adding. "I assume that greeting answers my question,"
Kate swats at Rick's arm, then asks, "How can I help?"
"If you want to finish cutting the veggies, I'll get the chicken in the wok and finish the sauce," suggested Rick.
After cooking together for several months back in Rochester, the two lovers work seamlessly in the Rodgers' kitchen as they complete their food preparations. Once the stir fry and rice are ready, Rick pours glasses of apple juice, and the two pull their barstools close together and begin eating their lunch, instantly realizing that they hadn't eaten since last evening's early dinner.
They share that thought, then enjoy their meal, occasionally stopping to share a few light kisses.
While wrapping up their meal, Kate asks Rick a question that has troubled her for several days.
"Rick, do you think your Mother likes me?"
Rick lays down his fork, turns, pulling Kate's stool closer so her legs rest between his, and with a worried look, asks, "Kate, what makes you ask? Of course, she likes you. She's just been so busy this week with her reenactment of "Mame" that you two haven't had many opportunities to get acquainted. Believe me, if she didn't like you, you would know it. I'm sure that's why she's having dinner catered tonight, so we can finally have some quiet time to visit, and you two can get to know each other better."
"Kate, she's going to love you. Believe me. You have nothing to worry about regarding my Mother's feelings for you. Just be yourself, and know at times my Mother can seem a little overwhelming, but you will quickly learn that she is one of the most loving, caring, and generous people you will ever meet, trust me," assured Rick.
Kate smiles with Rick as he leans in, gently kissing her, as they hear a key in the door lock.
"Speaking of my Mother. I believe she is joining us a little early," Rick shares as he stands to welcome his Mother home.
Rick hugs and kisses his Mother's cheek and says, "Happy New Year, Mother. You made it home sooner than planned."
Martha returns her son's affectionate hug and kiss, then immediately turns to Kate, pulling her into a hug, saying, "Oh, Darling, you look stunning. Happy New Year, Dear."
Kate is a little surprised by Martha's outgoing greeting but happily answers, "Thank you, Ms. Rodgers, Happy…,"
Martha instantly interrupts Kate, insisting, "Oh, Katherine, you must call me Martha. Ms. Rodgers was my Mother. You, my precious Dear, are family. And the family addresses one other by our given names."
"Okay, Martha, thank you, and Happy New Year. And please let me thank you for all your arrangements so Rick and I could have a special location to watch last evening's New Year's Eve festivities."
"Oh, my Dear. That was nothing. My friends were out of town for the week and were thrilled that Richard was home for the holidays and brought his special friend to join him," explained Martha.
After completing their greetings, Martha excused herself, stating she wished to be more comfortable for her wonderful afternoon with her children.
Kate was a little shocked by Martha's comment about spending time with her children. As she sat watching as Martha gracefully climbed the stairs that would take her to the second floor, she looked at Rick, who picked up on her thoughts.
"See, I told you. Mother already loves you. Something you will quickly learn about my Mother is that she will never say anything that she doesn't mean. So my dear sweet Kate, relax; you are already a part of our family."
Rick leaned in and kissed Kate sweetly before cleaning up after their meal. Kate joins him, and between them, the kitchen is back in order, and a fresh pot of coffee is brewing just as Martha descends the stairs.
The trio makes their way to the expansive Castle living room, with Martha sitting in her favorite overstuffed chair while Rick and Kate sit together on the softest leather couch that Kate has ever enjoyed.
Rick asks if he can get a beverage for his Mother, who politely says,
"Nothing for me at this moment, Richard. But what you can do is tell me how you met this fascinating woman. The pictures and letters you've shared fall extremely short of describing her beauty. Because of my schedule, we've only had a few short opportunities to visit, but I can tell that her inner beauty is even grander than what we see on the outside. I trust you are doing all you can so you don't lose this remarkable woman."
Kate feels somewhat awkward as it seems Rick and his Mother are speaking over her while she sits directly in front of the two Rodgers family members.
Rick immediately senses Kate's discomfort and wraps his arm around her shoulders as he leans in, kissing her temple, saying, "I apologize, Kate, that was very rude of us. We didn't mean to speak as if you weren't in the room," he says as he glances at his Mother.
"Oh, my Dear. I, too, apologize for our insensitivity. I am thrilled that Richard has found such a woman of substance, and I want to ensure that he does nothing to blow his chances."
Now it's Rick's turn to react, "Geez, Mother, thanks for the vote of confidence."
Martha senses that she should have used a less direct approach with her son and his girlfriend, so she again apologizes, "You are so right, Richard. I apologize to both of you."
"Let's start over, but first, we could all use a glass of wine. Richard, would you mind? I have a new white chilling in the wine cooler on the top shelf."
After Rick leaves the dining area, Martha stands and moves to sit next to Kate. After gently reaching for Kate's hand, Martha quietly shares, "My Dear, I am truly sorry for how our conversation has begun, but please know it's because I am truly delighted that Richard has a woman in his life, such as you. I've met many people personally and professionally and learned to read an individual early on. Initially, it was a means of self-preservation as a young single mother of a little boy. But as my career grew, it soon became an asset to sift out carpetbaggers, who only wanted to entrench themselves in my life for financial gain, versus those who were sincere."
"Katherine, I sensed early on through Richard's telephone calls and letters that you were special. Richard hasn't been closely involved with many women, which could result from the conservative nature I instilled in him early on. But it's also because he was deeply hurt the few times he put himself out there with someone. If he chooses, I will leave it to him to share those specifics, but that's in the past."
"What is most important to me as his Mother is the present, not the past. And you, my Dear, are genuine. I sensed that the moment we first met, but my feelings were quickly solidified as I watched you with Richard last week as he shared some of our beloved Christmas traditions with you. It may seem trivial to some, but our Christmas Tree decorating and baking are Christmas activities that have become precious to us over the years. You are the first woman that he has ever entrusted with those traditions. Yes, we have had guests here for the holidays, but he never invited anyone to share in the love and joy of the preparations."
Rick had stayed back in the kitchen area as he listened to his Mother as she shared her heart with his girlfriend. He struggled to maintain his emotions as he watched his Mother being so open with someone other than him. He remains quiet as he watches his Mother pull Kate into a tight hug while lovingly kissing her on the head.
Rick finally clears his throat, making his presence known as his Mother stands and moves back to her chair. Rick hands his Mother a glass of wine as he leans in, kissing her cheek, and whispers, "Mother, I love you so much!"
Martha gives her son a smile that she reserves for only him. She nods and says, "Thank you, Richard."
After a few sips of wine, Rick shares some of the adventures he and Kate have shared over the past several months, becoming extremely excited when he tells his Mother about their first motorcycle excursion to Stillwater. When Rick finishes his vivid description of their day, all three laugh and practically roll on the floor as they all become genuinely involved in reliving that incredible day.
Following a fabulous meal from Martha and Rick's favorite Italian Restaurant, the threesome enjoys several hours of fun and conversation. After Rick and Kate share tales of their budding relationship, Martha shares some hilarious tidbits from the thousands of encounters she has experienced over the many decades of her Broadway career, some from the early years and some from her current play, "Mame."
Kate is literally in tears as she listens to Martha as she describes some of her co-stars and their talents. As Martha says, there are those with incredible stage presence and those who "Couldn't find their way out of a cardboard box with a spotlight."
Martha finally glances at her watch, seeing that it's after 1:00 am. "Oh, my goodness. I have not had this much fun in months, but I must call it a night and get my beauty rest. You, children, are welcome to continue as long as you wish, but I will bid you goodnight and plan to see you again in a few hours. Richard, since it's so late, let's plan on preparing a belated holiday brunch for our wonderful guest. Then if you two are up to a bit more sightseeing, I would like to share some of my favorite theater sites with Katherine."
Rick turns to Kate, sharing a loving smile, and asks, "How does that sound to you? I can guarantee Mother will show you some New York City sites you will never see on a tourist map."
Kate leans into Rick as she looks across the room, smiling at Martha and answering, "Martha, I would be honored. And thank you so much for a wonderful evening. Sleep well."
Kate then stands, makes the first move to hug Martha, and kisses her cheek as the three bid one another good night.
Kate's final thoughts as she lets sleep overtake her after a full day of activities are of Rick and how he often shares tales of his Mother's eccentricities, but he also shares the sacrifices she made to love and raise her boy. Martha often experienced scrutiny and ridicule from those who refused to support the single mom, including some of her family members. After meeting Martha Rodgers and listening to her as she spoke of her son, Kate has a newfound love and respect for the man who is fast becoming one of the most influential people in her life.
A/N - #2 - Thank you for joining me on this new journey. Sixteen chapters are complete; the whole story may have twenty to twenty-five chapters. I plan to post new chapters once a week, on Saturday or Sunday, until the story is entirely written. Then I will switch to twice a week posting. Comments and reviews are always appreciated. dkcfan
A/N - #3 - A special thank you to RCKBNFSK and P2P for their continued encouragement to create a sequel to Potions of Love. Thanks, guys, for all of your support. dkcfan