CH35
Kate was about as loose and content as she had ever been on their trip back up to their room after spending time in the Spa. Kate still had her ticket for the spa in New York still. But she was going to save that one for when she really needed it.
Alexis was talking all about the Spa on the way to their room.
Kate decided that since everyone was nice and relaxed she would talk to them now instead of waiting. She worked up her courage on the elevator. Giving a silent prayer along the way.
Once inside. "I need to talk to you two about something." Kate starts.
"You can use that ticket to the other Spa anytime within the next year." Rick guesses the topic.
"No that's not it. …. You two should probably sit down for this." Kate is beginning to panic.
Rick sits on the sofa and has Alexis sit next to him, but do so slowly watching Kate's every move.
While Kate starts pacing the room trying desperately to get the courage to start.
"I was home for winter break from being in college at Stanford, I was only 19 at the time. ….." As Kate tells them her tale of woe. Kate tries to leave nothing out. Kate is shaking and crying as she goes farther into her story. The fear of rejection by either of these two playing in her mind. Creating scenarios where they dump her, leaving her a broken wreck.
Kate has noticed Rick's posture soften, not sure what that meant. And she could see Alexis crying, wiping her eyes and sniffling at her runny nose.
Kate wasn't quite finished with her tale when Alexis couldn't take it anymore. She jumped up off the sofa and slammed into Kate and wrapped her arms around her.
Kate kneeled down onto her knees and Alexis wrapped her arms around Kate's neck while Kate stopped talking and wrapped her arms around Alexis.
"I'm sorry mom. You lost your mommy." And Alexis goes back to crying and sniffles. "Some bad man took her away. But you've got us now. We love you." Sniffle, sniffle. "I love you."
Kate could feel her heart pounding in her chest and her breathing became more difficult while her tears flowed down her face.
Next she found Castle kneeling on the floor with an arm around each of them. "Kate, I can't begin to imagine the pain you must have gone threw then. And I know there is nothing that will take it all away completely, but if you let us love you, I think you'll find that that pain will lessen over time.
We love you Kate." Rick's tears are flowing down his face. And he takes his hand off Kate and wipes away some of her tears and holds her face in it. "I love you. Maybe more than you'll ever know." And Rick leans in and kisses her.
Kate kisses him back and takes her arm from around Castle and holds his face like he is holding hers. "I love you too Castle. I don't know how you got past all my walls? But I do." Kate tells him smiling.
And while Castle kisses her again. Kate could almost swear she hears someone else crying softly and listens to it fade away.
Breaking from the kiss. "Kate, do you own your apartment?" Rick asks with a plan in mind.
Kate nods. "Yes." Looking at him questioningly.
"Good because we are all going to need someplace to live while ours is being torn apart and remodeled." Rick explains.
Kate chuckles. Then it hits her. "Castle did you just, ..." But is interrupted when Rick puts a finger to her lips.
"Not just yet Love, not just yet." Rick tells her.
Kate starts to hyperventilate with her eyes wide open in amazement. Castle didn't pop the question, but he's going to. Now she was scared and happy and didn't know what all at the same time!
"For now I think we should get washed up, dressed for the occasion and see what this city has to offer. It is a vacation after all." Rick tells them.
WALK IN THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE CITY
After paying an entrance fee, visitors to Pointe-à-Callière, Montreal's museum of history and archaeology, are treated to a fun video introduction of the city's history, from before its founding in 1642 to the present day. After that, you head down to the ruins—because the museum itself sits on the site where the city was founded. You'll see Montreal's first cemetery (above), then wander through parts of buildings constructed on the site in the 1700s and 1800s, including the stone structure of Montreal's oldest sewer, the remains of fortifications built in the 18th century, and the foundations of the Royal Insurance Building, which was demolished in 1951.
Notre-Dame Basilica (Basilique Notre-Dame)
It is said that when architect James O'Donnell designed the Notre-Dame Basilica in 1824, he was so moved by the outcome that he himself converted to Catholicism. Constructed in a Gothic Revival style and adorned with intricate statues and tranquil chapels, this grand church can accommodate 4,000 worshippers, but you should make a secular stop by in the evening for La Lumière Fut("There is Light"), a sound-and-light show that depicts Montreal's history and illuminates the church's artwork.
While Rick and Alexis were wondering around looking everywhere, including straight up and almost falling all over themselves, which had Kate laughing at them. Kate sat down way up front.
"Mom, I found someone who loves me. And he has an amazing daughter who is priceless." Kate starts as new tears start to fall.
"And I love them more than anything. I wish you were here to see them, meet them. I think you would love them too. And you will never believe who it is. You told me you loved his books and that I should read one of them. And I blew you off at the time. I'm sorry for that. Then after you were gone I lost myself in his books. In his words. They were all that kept me going sometimes.
Now he is in my life. I feel like I'm living in his words. I think he's going to ask me to marry him. I hope so. I wish you were here to see all this."
Kate doesn't notice Alexis sit down next to her. "Are you ok?" Alexis asks softly noticing Kate crying again.
Kate looks down at her. "I'm fine sweetie, they're happy tears this time." Kate tells her while stroking her face.
"You think your mommy is in here listening?" Alexis asks softly.
"I'd like to think so sweetie, I'd like to think so." And Kate whips her head around when she thinks she hears someone crying softly again.
Alexis gets up to look. "What is it?"
"I don't know sweetie. I thought sure I heard someone, …." But Kate leaves out the crying part.
"Maybe it's ghosts." Alexis offers.
"Maybe. …. How about we go find your father. I don't know about you but I think it's time for dinner." Getting a nod from Alexis they both get up and go in search of Castle.
Les Deux Gamins
170 Prince Arthur East · Montreal H2X3D7
Castle - Boeuf Bourguignon /Beef Bourguignon
24.50
Kate - Filet de boeuf grillé, sauce au bleu sur haricots
verts et gratin dauphinois /Filet mignon on green
beans, blue cheese sauce and potato gratin
26.50
Alexis - Salade de chèvre chaud au miel et noix /Warm
goat cheese salad
8.50/16.50
It really was a beautiful suite Castle had gotten them. It was nothing like the Best Western or similar that she had grown up with.
Kate and Castle we're going to have to have a talk about money someday. This room had to be expensive. So did flying out here in a private jet.
And that house in Hawaii for Christmas had to have cost a small fortune. Plus the remodel of the apartment in New York.
And he spent $3,000 on that dress. Just how much money did he have? Kate wasn't panicking about it yet, but she was getting there.
Kate woke up first next morning wrapped up in Castle's arms using him as a pillow. Alexis was in the next room but the door was closed and Kate didn't want anything except to please Castle this morning. So her hand started to wonder down lower and lower, till she found what she was searching for.
Rick was now lying in bed quite stated thanks to Kate, while Kate went out to get Alexis up and in the shower with her to get ready for a new day.
La Ronde Amusement Park
22, chemin Macdonald | Montreal, Quebec H3C 6A3
This beloved amusement park on Ile Sainte-Hélène - originally constructed for the 1967 International and Universal Exposition (Expo 67) - is the largest in Quebec and a great way to spend a day if you are traveling as a family. From stomach-churning roller-coasters to the toddler-friendly Le Galopant carousel, La Ronde has something for visitors of all ages. It's also worth a return visit, as new attractions are constantly being built. Plus the park plays host to numerous special events, one of the most popular being l'International des Feux d'Artifice (International Fireworks), a bi-weekly event held throughout the summer during which representatives from different countries compete in a fireworks competition.
This reminded Castle to talk to both of them about going to Walt Disney World between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Kate liked the idea of going when the crowds were small. However she didn't think she could take a week off work and then another week for Christmas in Hawaii. It was just too close together. She told them they would probably need to choose.
Which turned out to not even be a contest. Christmas in Hawaii won out hands down.
They headed back to the airport for the flight home. And stopped for Pizza on the way home.
Kate tucked Alexis into bed, read to her from the same book as last time. Trying to pick up where she left off. Satisfied that Alexis was asleep Kate stopped reading and kissed her. "I love you sweetie. More than I ever dreamed I would love anyone."
Kate went into the living room and sat down next to Castle. Taking one of his hands in hers. "Castle there is something I need to tell you."
"Your pregnant?" Rick jumps to the ultimate conclusion.
"WHAT? No, I'm not pregnant." Kate speaks up quickly. Then seeing his face. "Should I be? I mean do you want me to be?"
Rick strokes her face and leans in to brush his lips over hers. "Only when you want to be."
Kate starts breathing again. "Maybe someday. I need to talk to you about Meredith."
"Must we talk about her?" Rick really wishes she would just go away. But she did give birth to Alexis. So he's kinda stuck with her.
"I think you know I had her arrested. A couple of times actually." Kate tells him softly.
"Yea, and I think I've already thanked you for protecting Alexis." Rick reminds her.
"She got out it would appear." Kate starts.
"Probably, I didn't press charges for her being at the school. I couldn't bring myself to do it." Rick admits.
"Oh! Well the time before that one, Jill noted that she had cocaine on her and in her. So I had her searched when she was booked the first time." Kate tells him, noticing the look of shock on Castle's face.
"I never, …. I never knew. How could she?" Castle was mad now. How could he have missed that? How could he have let his little girl anywhere near that stuff?
"That's not all Castle." Kate needs to finish. Noting the 'What now?' look on his face.
"You weren't back from New Jersey yet when she showed up here again. I kinda went postal on her sorry ass." Kate notices the confused look on his face. "I roughed her up a little and kicked her down the hall and yelled at her to keep her hands off Alexis." Kate tells him. Leaving out some of everything she did. She's already afraid of what he's going to think with just this.
Castle however just grabs her and hugs her in a bone crushing hug. Letting go of her a little Castle kisses her.
After breaking from the kiss. "You're sure you're not mad?" Kate asks and gets kissed again in response.
Castle breaks from the kiss and stands up offering Kate his hands. Kate places hers in his and Castle lifts her up off the sofa and into his arms.
"Where are we going Castle?" Kate is still a little confused. Shouldn't he be mad at her?
"To bed Kate, I want you and I want you now." Castle tells her.
Kate blushes and gives him a quick kiss. "Then take me to bed and make love to me Castle."
Kate woke the next day to find Castle already gone. She got up and went to wake Alexis and get her into the shower while she went back into Castle's bedroom to take a shower. After make-up and getting dressed they found each other and headed for the kitchen. Rick was there waiting for them with breakfast yet again, coffee to go and another deep kiss at the door. Then Rick gave her another bag to take with her.
As had become common for her now, Kate floated down the hallway for the elevators. In the elevator she opened the bag finding yet another bag.
Kauai Coffee 100% Hawaiian Chocolate Macadamia Nut - 10 oz or 24 oz
At least now Kate had a reason for all the Hawaiian coffee he kept giving her.
Rick had to hustle himself. He had to get down to the airport for his charter flight out to Massachusetts. He had an appointment with another Senator.
After landing Rick went into the restroom. "Time for a disguise my friend." And Rick rented a car for the short trip.
At the front door. "I'm Agent Mann of the FBI, I believe the Senator is expecting me." Rick shows his ID.
"She is expecting you, please come this way." And Rick is escorted to a sitting room, where he is left alone. Allowing him to drop his second little toy for Jack to keep track of.
"She'll see you in the breakfast nook. If you will come this way." Allowing Rick to drop another one along the way.
Rick finds her sitting at a small table eating a continental breakfast a little late in the day.
"Forgive me for eating in front of you, however I got up late today. Can I offer you something Agent Mann?"
"Just coffee please." Rick tells her.
"I'll have one too please. … Please have a seat. What can I help you with Agent Mann?"
"As you no doubt know by now one Senator who had a clean bill of health suddenly became ill. I, as well as another agent, are checking all of the Senators who were near him." Rick tells her.
"I heard of his illness. Surely you don't think I had something to do with that." Knowing that she didn't.
"Of course not Senator. I'm here to ask if you have seen anything out of the ordinary lately. Someone who just didn't fit in, or someone who is acting differently lately." Rick asks, accepting his coffee.
The Senator thinks for a moment. "Nothing I can think of, not that I associate with him much."
"You are on one or more of the same Committees he is Senator. How can you not be associated with him?" Rick asks. Why is she lying on purpose when she can easily be exposed?
"I was referring to his personal life. Outside of work I have very little contact with him."
"So he didn't contact you at 3:32 the day before he was diagnosed with renal failure?" Rick searches. Let's see what lie comes out of this.
"If he did, I didn't get to talk with him. I haven't spoken with him outside of work for some time."
"I see, so it wasn't you who called him from here 2 days previously?" Rick asks lying thru his teeth.
"No of course not."
"Is there someone in your residence who does have reason to call him personally Senator?" Rick asks. Maybe he will get lucky.
"I can't think of anyone. If you'll give me a moment." As the Senator gets up.
"Of course." As Rick rises as she leaves.
"Mad do you know where Mark is? …. Thanks." And the Senator disappears thru a door.
Rick takes this moment to drop something in both coffee's, as well as another little toy.
The Senator is soon back. "No one seems to know anything about that call, I'm sorry."
"And you yourself have not received any threats on your life lately." Rick asks.
"I'm a Senator. Ever since the latest Government shut-down I've gotten plenty. None of them have amounted to anything according to the secret service."
"Yes Senator I know about those. I was looking for something more personal?" Rick amends.
The Senator is quiet for a moment. "Nothing I can think of."
"Well I thank you for your time Senator. Should you think of something please give us a call." Rick thanks her and starts to leave.
"I'll be happy to help Agent Mann."
Rick is escorted out the house. He drives straight to the airport and enters a restroom where he drops the disguise and then takes a long walk to the private jet waiting for him.
If his timing is right he should be home just in time to go pick up Alexis at school.