"You're up early."
She snorts as she rounds the island. "It's not even that early, Castle."
He turns from his spot at the stove, waves the spatula in her direction. "It's 7:30," he points out, a brow raised.
"Oh." She looks at the clock, only just now realizing that maybe it is a bit earlier than she thought. "Guess it is. Seemed later," she shrugs.
"Sleep okay?"
A soft smile forms on her lips. "I did," she confirms, snaking an arm around him to steal a piece of bacon from his pile.
His hand swats lazily at her. "Hey!"
"A girl's gotta eat," she throws back, a smirk on her face. "Where's Alexis?"
"Should be upstairs getting ready. She has to leave in approximately twenty minutes if she wants to get to her last day of school on time," he says. "And we both know she'll have it no other way."
She just nods and grabs another piece of bacon before making two cups of coffee, one for him too even though she's sure he's already had one this morning. Placing them both onto the island, she takes a seat at one of the stools, rests her elbows on the counter with her chin in her palms.
Castle continues his work at the stove, making even more bacon—he shoves some towards her, which she takes with an appreciative smile and a shake of her head—and grabbing a few more things from the cabinets. Ingredients for something, she knows. He won't tell her what, which leads her to the conclusion that this could either be a good surprise or... well, not.
"So, what do you have planned for today?" she asks around the rim of the mug.
He pauses for a second, but then looks towards her. "I did have something in mind," he starts slowly, "but only if you'd be on board." She eyes him, but the sound of footsteps on the stairs silences whatever it is and he just mouths after to her.
"Morning, dad, Kate," Alexis beams as crosses the room, dressed and her bag already over her shoulder.
"Morning, Pumpkin."
"Good morning, Alexis."
The girl sits next to Kate and gives her a smile before turning to her father, expectant eyes on him. "Dad."
"Steal some of Kate's bacon," he says without looking up, earning him a laugh from Kate and a disgusted scoff from Alexis.
"Dad!" She crosses her arms in front of her. "I'm not stealing Kate's bacon!"
Kate grins, sliding her plate towards Alexis anyway. "Here, take some," she insists, nudging the girl's shoulder with her own. "Grandpa over here can't whip up breakfast fast enough."
Alexis eventually takes a piece and chews on it, throws Kate a smile in thanks.
"Hey, now," he defends, wide eyes on the two of them. "There is a pile of bacon right here." He points to his right with the spatula, where a large plate covered in paper towels and bacon sits.
Kate just shrugs. "My mistake," she laughs. "I'm done anyway."
He looks like he's about to say something but stops when he glances at the clock. "Alright, kid, you're gonna be late if we don't get you moving," he announces, turning off the stove and moving around to throw the dish towel on the counter. "You have everything?"
She looks in her bag once more, double and triple checking that she has all of her homework, books, and everything else she'll need for the rest of the day, and then gives a definitive nod. "Got everything," she affirms.
"Perfect," he grins, pulling her into his chest once she bounces off the stool. "Kaya's mom should be outside."
Getting to school is never an issue, but the mode of transport changes ever so often. Sometimes he takes her himself, other times one of the other mother's will stop on her way to school to pick Alexis up. It's not that frequent, most recently he's been walking her to school every morning, but today's just one of the days that Kaya's mother offered.
Alexis nods. "She said quarter to eight."
"Which it is now," he repeats, kissing the top of her head. "Have a good day, pumpkin."
"I will." She moves out of his grip and goes back to Kate, wrapping her arms around the woman's middle. "Bye, Kate."
Kate relaxes into the hug, squeezing the girl's back. "See you after school," she smiles down at her, her eyes coming up to Castle's once Alexis is turned and heading out.
She shifts positions on the stool, crossing one leg over the other as she angles herself towards him. "So, what was it you needed to see if I'd be on board for?"
He takes a breath. "Well, two things actually. But one at a time."
"Okay," she says slowly, with a nod of her head.
She swivels again as he stands on the other side of the island, leaning against it. "I thought maybe we could invite your father over for dinner. Mother's going to be here too, most likely."
Her eyes widen slightly and she looks away for a second, bites her bottom lip between her teeth. Inviting her father over is a terrifying thought, but not at all unfounded. It's been over a month since their first reunion at Remy's and they've been talking since, meeting for small lunches to get caught up and just see each other. He's been doing better, sober for over two years now and she doesn't doubt him.
His face is clear every time she sees him, eyes no longer foggy or clouded like they once were.
Bringing him over to the loft is a big step, though, one that means he'd be meeting both Alexis and Martha, and there's still the tiny voice in the back of her head telling her that this could all go away. She's no stranger to things going wrong, in one way or another, and she just doesn't want this to be another one of them.
She's sure she could handle it, but if they bring Alexis in? Her father will love her, no doubt about it. So if things go bad... she can't let the girl get hurt. She won't.
But she's been shown a real transformation, a complete turn around from the days before she left. He's a new man—or, really, the old man he was before her mother was murdered. He's her dad, and she honestly wasn't sure she'd ever see him again.
He's back, and this is just another step in solidifying that.
A smile blooms across her face once she's made her decision. "Okay."
"Okay?" he asks, surprise on his face. "Are you sure? It's just an idea, so if you don't want—"
"Castle," she interrupts, putting a hand over his. "I'm sure. I think it's a good idea." She nods, gives him a reassuring upturn of her lips. "It's been a while, so it only makes sense that this is the next step."
He beams. "It's a plan, then."
"Sounds like it is," she agrees, lifting the mug to take another sip. "And what's the second thing?"
"Hmm?"
"You said there were two things you had to see if I'd be on board with?"
Castle opens his mouth. "Oh, right, right. Yeah. I'll get to that one later." She arches a brow. "It's nothing bad, I promise," he laughs.
She puts her hands up. "Alright," she acquiesces after a few seconds, though she does her best to stare him down into submission. "I'll wait. For now."
"Good choice."
"What time did he say he'd be here?"
"Around six." She moves around to unload the dishwasher, craning her neck to glance back at Castle. "Everything okay?"
He blinks, nods. "Yeah, everything's good," he smiles. "Just want to make sure we're all done before he gets here."
"Well, it seems to be pretty much finished," she says, turning back to look at the food lined up on the counter, ready to go. "I think the only thing left will be to heat up the vegetables when we're ready. When's Martha getting here?"
His eyes trail down to his watch. "Any minute, probably. Always fashionably early when there'll be wine." She laughs but he freezes. "Wait, should we have alcohol at all? I'm so sorry, I didn't even realize—we can just have—"
"Castle," she interrupts, taking a few steps towards him and placing her hand on his shoulder. "It's fine. He told me that being around people who are drinking, at this point in his recovery, is okay. It's not like this is a bar with drinks everywhere. Your mother having a glass of wine won't upturn anything."
A long breath leaves his lips. "Are you sure?"
"Positive," she assures him. "He was never much of a wine person anyway, so it won't be tempting."
Castle chuckles. "Okay, but if anything changes during the night—"
"I will say something," she finishes. "It'll be fine."
There's a key jingling in the lock and they both look over, watch as the door swings open and Martha bounds into the loft, vibrant as ever in one of her signature colorful, pattered dress.
"Evening, kiddos," she greets happily, tugging her jacket off and hanging it on the hook. A few seconds later she's in front of them, eyes on Kate first as she pulls her into a hug. "Katherine, you look well, dear."
Kate smiles into the hug. "Thank you, Martha. I feel it, too."
The older woman glances at her once they've pulled apart, a look of genuine pride on her face. She doesn't say anything, but the hand still resting on Kate's forearm squeezes warmly, a gesture that's not lost on her.
"Hello, Mother."
"Richard." She wraps an arm around his shoulder as well. "It smells glorious in here," she comments, peering around his body and into the kitchen.
He grins. "Thank you, thank you," he bows, and she rolls her eyes. "We wanted everything to go well tonight with her father."
"I see I'm not enough for you to make a special meal," his mother says seriously, but Kate catches her eyes and notices the twinkle in them, the wink she shoots her way, and tries to stifle her laughter at Castle's spluttering.
To his credit, he recovers fairly quickly. "You're always here, Mother. When you go away for a while and then come back, we'll make you a huge feast."
She slaps his arm. "Please, kiddo." It looks like he's about to say something, but his mother continues. "Now, where's that lovely grandchild of mine?"
"That lovely grandchild is upstairs starting on her summer packets."
Martha purses her lips. "Already? Excellent work ethic. She must have gotten that from me."
He doesn't say anything, just laughs and lets his mother have this moment.
"Grams!" Alexis jumps off the last step and makes a beeline for her grandmother, throwing her arms around the woman.
"Hey, kiddo," Martha grins over the top of Alexis's head. "How're you doing?"
Alexis spends the next fifteen minutes telling Martha about her last week at school and what she plans on doing with her summer. Castle stands in the kitchen and puts the peas into the microwave, so all he'll have to do is press the button once they're actually ready for them.
"You'd think they haven't seen each other in a month," he quips, tossing a grin towards Kate. "It's barely been a week."
She just huffs a laugh. "It's sweet."
A knock on the door brings their attention to the front of the loft and he gives her a small, comforting smile before putting his hand on her back and leading her towards the entryway. She takes a deep breath and turns the knob, lets the door swing open to reveal her father, his hands wrapped around a container.
He smiles. "Hi, Katie."
"Hi, dad," she says with a matching smile, stepping aside to give him room. "Come in."
"Rick," Jim greets with a nod. "It's good to see you again."
Castle shakes his hand. "It's really good to see you too, sir."
"Please, just Jim," he insists, then looks down to his hands. "I brought macaroni salad. I know you used to like it, and I wasn't sure if anyone else did, but..."
Kate just grins, her expressions soft. "Thanks, dad, that's really sweet," she says as she takes the container from him. "I'll put it on the counter?"
Castle nods. "Put it with the other food, and it can go on the table with everything else." He turns to Jim. "I'm sure it's delicious."
"It's been a while since I've made it, but I thought it'd be something Katie might want to have again."
"I have no doubt about that," he agrees. She looks so happy with this small gesture and it makes his heart swell. His eyes catch sight of his mother, who's making a not-so-subtle stride over towards them. "Jim, this is my mother, Martha."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Martha." Jim smiles, and Martha looks just as genuinely happy to meet him.
She waves a hand. "The pleasure's all mine," she says, tossing a glance back to Kate. "You have a lovely daughter. We're very fond of her here."
Kate joins them just in time to hear the tail end of Martha's statement, and her cheeks blush a bright pink. Martha just grins at her, slides an arm around the girl's shoulders.
"The feeling's mutual," she manages, shaking her head. When she turns, she notices Alexis shyly standing a few feet away and smiles at her, gestures for her to come closer. "And dad, this is Alexis, Castle's daughter."
Alexis attaches herself to Kate's side, but offers her hand to Jim. "It's nice to meet you."
Jim kneels down to her level, accepting the handshake. "It's very nice to meet you, Alexis. I've heard great things about you from this one," he mentions, nodding towards Kate.
The girl's head swivels around as she looks up. "Really?"
She laughs. "Of course." Her hand comes to rest on Alexis's shoulder. "All good things."
Alexis beams, and Kate notices Castle watching the interaction, a soft smile on his face and his eyes glimmering. She tries not to pay attention to it, can't really think about what that look means or the emotions he's showcasing through it right now, so she just turns her attention back to her father.
"So, how about we all go into the dining room?" she suggests, watching her father stand back up and nod.
"I'm starving," Alexis comments, nodding her head in agreement. "And it smells really good."
Castle's chest puffs out. "Thank you, pumpkin."
She turns. "I'm sure Kate did most of it."
Kate can't hold back the laughter this time, but she covers her mouth quickly. "It was a joint effort," she adds, looking at the offended, kicked puppy look on his face. "Ego still in tact?" she quips.
He twists his face up. "You've stolen my kid."
"Oh please, Castle. When you expose her to s'morelettes and atrocious ice cream concoctions, what do you expect?"
"I can cook! We all know I can cook," he argues, waggling his eyebrows. "Kate, you know I can cook."
She snorts. "Yes, I know," she soothes, patting him on the back as she guides him towards the kitchen. "We all know you're an excellent cook. I promise." Her fingers beckon Alexis over. "Alexis, tell your father he's a good cook."
"You're a good cook, dad."
He laughs, tugging her against his chest. "Thank you. I'm glad this is all settled."
She rolls her eyes. Such a child.
"Mother."
Castle cuts her off just as she's about to delve into yet another embarrassing story about his childhood; this is the third one so far, and while he's not ashamed of these moments, he'd much rather these particular childhood blunders not be told as dinner entertainment. They're embarrassing.
"What, Richard?" she asks, playing oblivious. "These are wonderful tales."
He sighs. "Yes, wonderful," he mocks. "How about we talk about something other than my apparent affinity for dressing up as obscure cartoon characters?"
"I don't know, Castle, these are all pretty hilarious," Kate grins.
He narrows his eyes in her direction, but his mother just waves a hand. "Fine, fine, I'm done."
"Thank you." He nods. "Now, stories about you as a child, however," he says, looking pointedly at Kate, "would be perfect."
Her eyes widen. "Oh, no. Not happening."
Jim grins. "I do have a few good ones—"
"Dad, no," she says, whipping her head towards him. "I know exactly what ones you're thinking of, and don't."
He lifts his hands in surrender, but continues to laugh. "Okay, Katie," he agrees. "But he's good, he'll find out sooner or later."
Castle's brows are in his hairline, intrigue written all over his face. "Yeah, Kate," he chirps. "I'm good. I'll find out sooner or later, so you might as well let your father tell me now."
"Nope." She shakes her head. "Sooner or later? Okay. Later."
"Spoilsport," he mutters under his breath, but she just laughs.
"So, Alexis," Jim starts, putting some more of the spaghetti onto his fork. "What's your favorite subject in school?"
The girl's head lifts, her eyes lit up. "History!" Castle groans. "Sorry, dad."
"But English is second, right?"
She gives a curt nod. "Of course."
"What do you like about History?" Jim asks, earning another smile from the girl as she stops to think.
"Everything," she decides on. "Learning about all of the different cultures and people that lived so long ago. Especially Ancient Egypt, that's my favorite!"
Jim gives an appraising nod. "That's a good choice. There was a time when Katie used to be obsessed with Cleopatra."
Alexis's eyes widen. "Really?"
All eyes turn to Kate and she opens her mouth, closes it. "I—yeah, I was. I forgot about that," she laughs. "I think I was Cleopatra for two Halloweens in a row, actually."
Her father laughs, nods. "You were," he confirms. "We almost couldn't find a wig to your liking, so you were five minutes away from using a mop head."
Castle bursts into laughter. "Please tell me there are pictures of this."
"I didn't actually use the mop," she shuts him down, but smiles at the memory. "I'm glad you found a good one, dad."
"Well I couldn't let my six year old go outside with a mop on her head, could I?"
Martha laughs. "Richard has gone out with much worse on his head, I assure you."
Kate quirks a brow but he shakes his head. "I'm not proud of it, but I will say that most of those were excellent style pieces."
"I think they jumped from 'style pieces' to 'trash' when you wore the lid of a garbage can as a hat, kiddo."
Everyone laughs at that, and Kate grabs the container of her father's macaroni salad. It's been so long since she's had it—probably the July before her mother died—and the smell alone is enough to bring her back, to make her lips curl upwards and her eyes flutter closed.
She puts some onto her plate and nudges Alexis's shoulder. "Macaroni salad?"
The girl looks from the container and then to Kate. "Yes, please."
After giving Alexis some, she passes it down to Castle and Martha, before it makes its way back to Jim to grab his own. They all eat with comfortable conversation, and she waits a few minutes before actually eating hers. She's not sure why; something about psyching herself up for this little piece of her childhood, she thinks.
But when she does, she's overwhelmed with both sensations and memories.
"This is incredible, dad," she murmurs around a bite.
He gives her a soft smile. "I'm not too rusty then?"
She laughs with a shake of her head. "No, not rusty. Tastes just like it used to."
They share a look that warms her insides and makes her feel like she's at home.
"That was really nice," Castle comments later that night, after both parents have left and Alexis is upstairs.
Kate continues to dry the dishes that he washes. "It was," she agrees. "It went really well, I think."
"It was really sweet how he engaged Alexis like that. She was beaming."
She smiles, thinking about the girl's face while she was talking to her father. It's something so simple but so incredible.
"Yeah, he's always been good with kids," she nods. "And I knew he'd love Alexis."
"I may be a little biased, but it's kind of impossible not to."
Kate laughs. "No, it's definitely impossible," she concurs, stacking the last dry plate into the cabinet. "So, it's time. What's the other thing you needed to ask me about?"
Castle stills, takes the time to dry his hands off on the dish towel in front of him. "Well, it's Friday," he begins, turning more towards her.
"Yes, it's Friday."
"Which means we have the whole weekend ahead of us..."
She rolls her eyes. "Castle."
"I was just thinking," he says pointedly, "maybe we could take a little trip. A weekend trip."
A brow arches, but she has to admit that she's intrigued. "A trip where? With who?"
"You, me, Alexis," he answers her second question, and then pauses. "Michigan."
She blinks. "Michigan?"
Castle nods, giving her a small smile. "Yeah, I thought we could go back for the weekend, visit Tony maybe."
Michigan.
He wants to go back to Michigan.
All of your kind words mean more than you guys know, thank you.