Another long chapter. First part came easy, second part had a couple re-writes. Turned out longer than I planned, but hopefully it comes across well.

Chapter 24 – Flowers

"So, what was up with the varsity jacket?" Kate asked into her phone. After an early trip to the gym, she'd spent most of the day catching up on chores. Honestly, she'd expected Lanie's call earlier.

"Said he wanted to take me to his old stomping ground, to relive all his firsts with me. I tried to convince him it wasn't necessary, that we should just stay in, but…we didn't get back 'til four this morning."

"Well, knowing you're talking about Esposito that's…unexpected—and disgustingly sweet. But, I thought one of his firsts was in his room at his Mama's house on his Yankee's sheets?"

"Katherine Beckett—how in the world would you know that?"

"Came up at one of Castle's poker nights—you were there."

"Ah, well…I don't think we'll be recreating that one for a while, ''least not at his mama's house. His old room is now his nephews' room. Cute kids. Sponge Bob sheets, though. Not quite the same."

"So, where'd you end up then?"

"Took me to his high school for his first homerun. I mean 'homerun' literally. Not a euphemism. Took me to the elementary school near where he grew up for his first kisses. He was seven. Apparently, he lined up a bunch of girls and kissed 'em all in a row, one right after another. Ended up spending two days with the principal."

"So, you're saying he's always been a little playa?"

"Always, 'til now." Kate could hear the smile in Lanie's voice.

"So, what else?"

"Let's see. Then he took me to a basketball court outside his mama's apartment where he had his first real kiss. Turns out it's the same girl his cousin has a kid with, so…he forewarned me they joke about at family get-togethers, which—he invited me to Memorial Day weekend."

"Uhh, I hate the meet the family stuff."

"I've already met his mom and sister and her kids. They all live together. His mama's sweet—nothing like my mother. His sister's loud—"

"We've met. He brought his nephews in to the precinct once."

"Not surprised. Was kinda surprised at some of the places he took me last night. He got kinda serious. Drove me past where he watched his best friend, Marcel, get shot when they were 17. Said that's when and where he grew up. That moment. I don't know…you know about Marcel, right?"

"I know Esposito had to arrest him on drug-related charges when he was still an officer at the 54th."

"Yeah. Javi said his biggest regret was not being able to pull him out of that life. From there, he took me to the recruiting office. Says he walked in there intending to join up and never come back."

"Well, I'm glad he did."

"Me, too, Kate." There was a pause for a moment.

"Kate?"

"Hmm?"

"Thanks for commiserating with me last night, and I'm sorry about Castle, and some of the things I said."

"Thanks, Lanie. But things are good now."

"You're happy?"

Was she happy? Kate wasn't sure how to answer that. She held back from Lanie…from everyone, but she wasn't going to lie, not to Lanie, especially not after all she'd said last night. Funny…she still hadn't mentioned that she and Castle had kissed.

"I'm…happy for you."

"Girl, I know that and you know that's not what I meant."

"It's a good answer to a complex question."

"You're off the hook for now because my man's waking up, but—"

"To be continued. It's you, Lanie. I wouldn't expect anything less. Just leave the torture tools at home. I'll talk to you later, okay?"

"Wait. You okay, for tomorrow?"

"Yeah, Lanie."

"'Cause you can call me, and you know I'll be there."

"I know, but I'm thinking I'll probably just want to be alone."

"Still—"

"I know. Thanks, Lanie. I'll see you Monday, okay?"

"Sure, Girl. Bye."

"Bye, Lanie."

Kate hung up, smiling because things were working out for her friend and she could hear the happiness in her voice. She looked around her apartment, wondering what to do. She felt restless, a bit discontented, but her apartment was clean and she didn't need groceries.

She thought of calling Maddie, but decided she wasn't in overly cheerful or reminiscent mood—and hanging out with Madison required a little more energy than hanging out with any of her other friends. Plus, she knew Maddie would invite her to dinner and then try convincing her to hit a club or two, and really—Kate wasn't in the mood.

She wondered if the fact that she was so often choosing to curl up on the couch with a movie or a book and a glass of wine meant rather than to go out meant she was getting too old for the club scene? But then she reasoned, no, it was just a downer weekend for her.

Plus, she was a little clubbed out as that seemed to be the one thing she and Josh managed fairly regularly—often with Maddie and her beau and sometimes with Josh and his friends. It was growing tiring. At first, she loved going to the clubs—well, anywhere with Josh—it was a bit gluttonous, but having that "Yeah, he's with me, Girls" feeling had made her feel incredible. And Josh seemed to send the same message to other men when they looked at her. And it was nice to have someone to dance with who could actually move.

But, lately, Josh didn't seem to notice when other men or women were encroaching on her space, and it bothered her. It also bothered her that she didn't have the same desire to send warning glances to the women looking his way. She chalked it up too being comfortable in the knowledge that he was going home with her.

Kate decided she'd call Madison to see if she wanted to go out with her and the girls next weekend. Funny how Lanie and Jenny had so quickly and easily become "the girls" in Kate's mind after Kevin finally introduced them to Jenny. Kate had a close knit group: Lanie, the boys—they were her co-workers, she was even the boys' boss—but she counted them among friends and family. Jenny, too, now. Kate had only recently reconnected with Madison, but they were friends. And then there was Castle. He was…not quite family, but, if she were honest, he knew her better than anyone—so friend? partner? It didn't matter; Caste was Castle.

Kate laughed inwardly thinking about the first time they'd all gone out together—Jenny seemed like the sweet girl next door—but she had a mouth like a sailor and the raunchiest sense of humor. She was right at home in the gallows with Esposito, and she teased Ryan red faster than any of them could. When Kev saw the shock on their faces, he leaned forward with a mock whisper and said, "My mama warned me about those quiet, Catholic girls…thank God, she was right!" Then he fist bumped Esposito and Castle.

Kate laughed again recalling Castle's response. "So, Beckett," he'd said wonderingly, "are you a quiet, Catholic girl?" before drawing his beer to his lips.

Kate had leaned in close to his ear, not really caring if anyone else heard, but not trying to prevent it either. She'd waited until he'd taken a sip and whispered warmly, "Oh, Castle…I'm anything but quiet." He gagged on his beer as she allowed her body to graze his when she walked past him to the dance floor. She'd shuddered from the feel of him, but immensely enjoyed knowing he was sputtering his beer. Kate's neck tingled again just thinking about it.

When she was a newbie officer, Kate used to make time to connect with friends from high school and college, even the academy. But at some point, it got to be too much. Work was more important, but misunderstood. Eventually she lost touch with her old friends, which was okay with Kate because, just like Lanie was sometimes greeted with awkward fascination, Kate was regarded with pompous incredulity. Who could imagine her as a detective, let alone a damn good one? And fewer understood her motivation.

Kate was looking forward to the girl's night out that Lanie and Jenny had planned—each had sisters who were a hoot that would be joining them. When the boys found out they were going to be on their own, Castle arranged a poker night. 'Course the last time the boys had had a poker night, they'd ended up playing video games all night. Boys and their toys.

So much for not being in the mood for reminiscing, Kate thought. At least they were good memories and keeping thoughts of her mom at bay. Kate picked up the phone to call Madison before she forgot.

"Kate! How are ya?"

"I'm good, Maddie. You busy?"

"When am I not?"

"I hear ya. Listen, we're doing girl's night next Saturday. I think Jenny said Junie's?" Kate liked Junie's—good music…more room to move than some other place. "Whatchya think?"

"Hey, you know I'm always game. Todd asked if I was going to want to go out though."

"He'll survive without you for one night—or send him with the boys. Castle's got a poker night going. I'm sure he'd be glad to take his money."

"Hang on—let me ask." Kate's intercom sounded. "Delivery for Kate Beckett" while Madison was talking to Todd.

Delivery? Kate walked over and pressed the intercom button. "Come on up." She grabbed her Glock from the counter, moving it to her waistband out of habit.

"Kate?"

"Yeah? I'm here."

"We're in. Todd says poker sounds like fun."

"Great. I'll tell Castle." Oh. My. God. The realization of what Kate had just done fully sank in. I just did the total girlfriend thing and offered up my non-boyfriend as a date stand-in! AND I invited someone—someone I don't even know that well—to Castle's place—AGAIN!

"I gotta go, Maddie—someone's at the door."

"'Kay, talk to you later."

"Bye."

Kate peered through the peephole. Seeing a young man holding a colorful bouquet, she pulled open the door.

The man handed her an electronic signature capture device and then exchanged that for the flowers.

Kate's first suspicion was that the flowers were from Castle, but she pushed it aside. Why would Castle be sending her flowers and why would she be expecting it? Maybe it was the coffee mug that made her think Castle. The bouquet of magentas, purples and reds were arranged in a tall, stainless steel travel mug. Curious, Kate pulled the mini card from its post in the bouquet.

"Because you're my bestie and I love ya, Girl!

Thanks. Sorry. Smile."

Lanie. Kate thought. Kate snapped a picture of the flowers and texted her favorite ME.

Thanks! They are bee-u-tiful! :o)

Lanie's reply was immediate. Just speadin the love!

Kate parked the flowers on her counter where she could admire them from all over. The day was disappearing faster than she thought it might. She decided to head out to get some necessities—even though she wasn't completely out, she'd need laundry soap and TP and a few other things soon enough. It would help her kill off the rest of her restless afternoon.

Kate pocketed her debit card and ID, grabbed her bags and badge, and she was out the door. Even after being leisurely and opting for the market that was further away, but had better selection, Kate was back at her apartment in just over an hour. As she approached she saw a man standing there speaking into the intercom with a brown box propped under his arm and rather large lilac bush balanced on his knee.

"Hello?" he was repeating into the intercom. He tried another apartment as he waited. "Hello? I have a delivery for apartment 5C. Could you buzz me in?" No answer.

He noticed Kate. "Hello. I have a delivery for apartment 5C. Would you mind letting me drop this off?"

"I'm 5C."

"Detective Katherine Beckett?"

"I'm her," Kate said tapping the badge on her hip. She nodded to the bags in her hand. "Think you could help me carry it up?"

"Of course. I promised Rick door-to-door service."

So this was from Rick? What am I supposed to do with a big bush? As they stepped into the elevator, she asked, "You know Rick?"

"Jack Ackerman." The man, looking as old as her dad, nodded her way. "I'm Rick's horticulturalist."

Horticulturalist? Kate's brow curled in confusion and the man chuckled, so she asked. "Why would Rick need a horticulturalist?"

"I suppose the same reason he needs a beautiful detective."

"Are you saying you're his…" God, she hated even saying it! "…inspiration?" she finished with finger quotes.

"No." He laughed outright at Kate's confusion. "Not that I wouldn't love to brag that my friends—but who'd buy it with this mug?"

He could see that Kate clearly didn't like being kept in the dark and was expecting a straightforward answer.

"Research," he said. "We met years ago when he called me out to his Hampton's property to diagnose his willow tree. Had a fungus. But we nursed her back to health. Good thing, too, she's a beauty—and there aren't that many left on the island. Then, he let my wife and I landscape the rest of the property. Gorgeous, it is."

The elevator to Kate's floor dinged. "What's this have to do with research?" Kate asked.

"Oh, I also helped him kill Desiree Stevens."

Kate recalled. "Storm Warning—the white baneberry?" she asked. "Highly toxic—nearly undetectable, unless you're looking."

"You got it."

"Glad you're not consulting with the real criminals. It'd make my life hell." Kate joked and paused, looking at her door, where a flower box was leaning against the frame.

"Birthday?" Jack asked.

"Uh, no." Kate opened her door and led Jack inside. He set the lilac bush down beside her couch and the package on it.

"Enjoy this," he said, heading toward the door. Kate assured him she would as she walked him to the door and retrieved the other flower box. Really, though, she had no earthly idea what she was going to do with a big lilac bush. Could you even put those things in planters? The purple blooms poking out everywhere smelled absolutely divine, though, and had already infiltrated her apartment.

Kate carried the flower box to the kitchen, figuring she should probably put them in water. At the counter, she read the card.

Babe,

I imagine tomorrow's got to be a pretty tough day for you. Just remember, I'm here for you.

—Josh

Kate slipped the silver bow off the long white box with a smile on her face. When she drew the lid off, her motions and emotions seized. Red roses peeked through the white tissue paper. Unbidden, images of red roses draped over her mother's white enamel coffin flashed before her eyes. She let the lid fall to the counter. He couldn't have known. He couldn't have known, she repeated to herself as she dropped the lid to the counter and made her way to her couch, breathing evenly to calm her heart rate.

All day, Kate had been doing a good job keeping awful memories and bitterness from invading her thoughts. Absentmindedly, she picked up the package on the couch. Somehow, she knew this was going to have to do with her mother, but knowing it was from Castle, there was no presentiment of panic. No putting her guard up for fear of what was inside.

With a slightly shaky hand that she was glad no one else could see, she slipped the twine off the plain brown box and opened it up. Inside were gardening gloves, a handheld trowel, rake and hoe as well as a green pad that looked an awful lot like her cutting board, but was squishy. She lifted all this out until she found the envelope at the bottom. Of course, he would hide it. Kate unfolded the paper to reveal stationery with a beautiful Thomas Kincaid lighthouse scene faded behind Richard Castle's distinctive cursive.

Dearest Katherine,

Hopefully, by now, the pleasant aroma of lilacs are invading those beautiful nostrils of yours. Close your eyes and inhale. Kate did, wondering why she was doing as she was "told" in a letter. Does it bring back memories of your grandmother's backyard? Maybe not for you, but I have it on good authority (your dad's) that it did for your mother.

Lilacs, according to your dad, were your mom's "stop and smell the roses" flower. He says she used to drive with the windows down anytime she knew there was a lilac bush in the area. Whenever she smelled lilacs, she'd tilt her head up, close her eyes and breathe deep. (I picture her with a closed-lip smile that always ends with her lips just slightly parted right before she pops her eyes open to catch your dad watching her in awe.) Kate could, too. Rick always has had a way of painting a picture for her.

Honestly, your dad went a little misty-eyed recalling the memory; I was a little embarrassed, but thankfully, he didn't seem to be. I wish you had been there, but I understand why you never asked yourself.

So…lilacs…your mom's favorite smelling flower.

But, as much as she liked those and the way they smell, your dad says her all-around favorites were peonies. More specifically, she didn't like the ones with just a few petals and yellow centers or the ones that were too "spiky." Her favorites were what she called "tissue paper" peonies. She loved the way they smell, the way they last, and how they seem to be a cross between a rose and a carnation. Her favorites were whites, creams and light pinks. Your dad says she carried pink and white peonies down the aisle.

Kate looked up to the photo on her bookshelf knowing what she'd see. Her just married mom and dad leaning against her dad's prized possession: his hunter green '57 Ford Fairlane convertible, with the classic lines and white racing stripe. Her mom stood in front of her dad, with his arms wrapped around her in a classic lover's pose. They were looking at one another, as if they'd just kissed or were about to. And in her mother's hand, resting on her dad's arm, was her pink and white bouquet.

Kate realized that her mother's favorites had been there, right in front of her, all along. She didn't bother doubting her sleuthing skills and why she'd never realized they were her mom's favorites. She just silently thanked Castle—and the fact that she'd at least taken her mother peonies before—mostly because she liked them, too.

Kate looked back to the letter from Castle. So, sorry, Detective, but these lilacs aren't for you, they're for your mom.

Now, as I'm sure you know, the cemetery doesn't normally allow people to plant bushes like these because they spread so much, but this lilac bush is a special hybrid designed to grow not much larger than it is now. (One of Jack's specialties.) I checked with your mom's cemetery, and they're familiar with Jack's work, so they've agreed that you can plant this. And no, I didn't pull any strings or pay anyone off. I just had to register the plant (with a minor fee) and agree to remove it if, for some reason, it does spread.

Hope this brings you a small measure of peace and happiness,

Rick

P.S. Jack recommends watering this once tonight and once tomorrow just after you plant it. He says not to pack the dirt around it too tightly.

Wow. Kate's mind wasn't working much past that thought when her someone knocked on her door again. Feeling a little brainless, Kate went to the door. Pulling it open, she saw another bouquet of flowers, this time yellows, reds and oranges in a glass vase, decorated with a yellow ribbon. What is going on? Three bouquets and one lilac bush? Kate signed, and carried them back to her counter. She saw the envelope labeled "Katie."

Dad, she thought. His message was a simple "Thinking of you. Love, Dad."

She called him. She wanted to tell him about the lilac bush anyway, see how he was enjoying Atlanta, but she got his voicemail, so she just left him a message thanking him instead.

Kate set about reheating one of the dinners Rick had packaged up for her when her intercom buzzed again. "Delivery for Katherine Beckett." Kate buzzed up the delivery man and waited. Katherine, again? Who could that be? Kate pulled open the door.

"Jack? I don't think I have room for another bush. It's beautiful, by the way. Thank you."

"Don't thank me. Thank, Rick."

"Oh, I will."

"He also wanted you to have this." Kate looked, again it was a brown package, wrapped with twine.

"Okay. Thank you. Again."

'Don't mention it. Have a good night."

Kate carried the package in. Opening it along the way. Inside, was a bouquet of peonies, perfectly matching her mother's wedding bouquet. Kate found the card inside.

Wouldn't want your mom to go without her all-time favorites.

p.s. Fine out for a while, but might want to put in the fridge overnight.

Kate went to her kitchen to look for something sturdy to put them in, so they weren't just sitting flat on her counter. She had to smile at Rick's thoughtfulness—doing something for her mom. She wondered if her mom knew?

Kate went to her couch to eat the Castle leftovers. She knew baked pastas were quite often better as leftovers, but the spinach and ricotta stuffed pasta shells she was now enjoying were beyond delicious, and she was betting they started out that way. It was almost seven. Wonder if Castle is busy?

Thanks for dinner.

Kate waited. No reply. She was watching TV a half hour later when her phone chimed.

Dinner?

Was in shower.

Stuffed pasta. Heavenly. You or Alexis?

Ma-wah.

Where'd you learn to cook?

Years of failed experiments.

S'morlette?

Law of averages…

You know your CIA theories are never gonna pull through, right?

Oh, ye of little faith

Kate paused, shaking her head.

How are the Hamptons?

Writing, spring cleaning, prepping…water's not warm yet

Prepping?

4th of July.

It's May

Thank you, Ralph Wiggum

Seriously?

You prefer Captain Obvious?

Over a nose-picking imbecile? Uh, yeah.

Duh.

Won't be here for Memorial Day. Celebrating our Independence instead. Stay tuned for details.

I have a lilac bush in my living room.

Are you just being a redundant, now?

And ponies on my counter.

Ponies, huh?

Peonies, and you know it

I knew you were being redundant, Captain

No words. Thank you, Rick.

Those are words.

You are welcome.

Kate's phone rang while she was typing up her reply. Castle. She normally wasn't much of a phone talker, but forty minutes later, she couldn't believe how much time had passed. She told him about her day. He told her all about his plans for his 40th, Fleet Week, the 4th. They talked about Alexis and Ashley, and Martha kicking him out of his own house for Mother's Day. He was a man in constant motion. If it hadn't been for someone knocking at her door, they may have kept talking. Instead, she bid him goodnight.

Kate opened the door. In front of her was the most beautiful Victorian-looking bouquet of peonies and lilacs she'd ever seen. They spilled over their bronze pedestaled urn, so high and thick she could barely make out the man behind the bouquet.

"Jack," she laughed. "Seems you're wearing a path to my door."

"Not to worry, Detective…I know my way back home."

"These are beautiful. Did you do this?"

"I grow them. The wife does the arrangements."

"She's very talented. Thank her for me. And thank you."

Kate took the arrangement from him.

"I'm not going to see you again tonight, am I?"

"Not so far as I know."

"Goodnight. Again."

"G'night, Miss Beckett."

Kate set the flowers on her coffee table. She actually had to hunt to find the card—taped to the urn, this time. She was betting Jack's wife was offended at the thought of a plastic rod sticking ruining the aesthetics of her arrangement. She opened the mini envelope.

Aw, come now, Katherine, you didn't think I'd leave you with nothing to enjoy yourself, now did you?

Kate smiled. She honestly hadn't considered it. She was simply touched that he took the time to learn what her mother's favorite flowers were and share it with her. He never rubbed it in that she didn't know and wouldn't ask. She couldn't. She couldn't admit she didn't know. That, and she was simply taken aback by the beauty of this bouquet. She texted Castle again.

Make that 4 bouquets, 1 lilac bush and a Renoir come to life in my living room.

You like?

Thought I was Captain Obvious? Kate took a picture and sent it to him.

Lina does good work

She does. Thank you. Again.

Sleep well, Kate.

An hour later, she was still staring at the Victorian bouquet. Castle had given her a plan, something to keep her busy and focused for a while on Mother's Day. She felt oddly settled, and knew she wore a slightly bemused expression. Another knock drew her attention. It was a little late for deliveries—but then so was Castle's last gift. Kate wondered what more he could have planned as she checked the peephole. Seeing who it was, she quickly pulled open the door, utterly perplexed.

"Alexis!"

I know. I know. Long chapter…Review, for me please?

And enjoy the rest of your weekend! I'm off to read some more of what you all have been writing!