Flowers On Her Grave

by Lady Allana Solo

Inspired by 06 x 05. What if Beckett and Castle met under different circumstances much earlier in life? Takes place over all seasons with a few changes of course. Starts when Meredith and Castle were not on good terms with each other. Also note: grief comes in waves, so if you think some of this is cold hearted, you'll see more emotion later on. CONSTRUCTIVE criticism is welcome.

7. Meeting the Parents

A.N. Thank you for all the POSITIVE reviews. Scenes like these are difficult to write, but ones after this case are easier. I just wrote one of the later ones, and I had tears in my eyes just writing it.

Disclaimer: As always, this is the writer's and tv channel's swing set.

"We know a few people, but I don't know what their motives would be. What would make the best story?"

"I don't know, how about the truth? And stop being so happy; you're starting to sound suspicious. Think. Do you have any recent phone bills?"

"Yes," he said, pulling a sheet out. "There's nothing that I saw was suspicious. Wait," he looked at the list again, "there's several coming from Malibu, but I don't know the name."

"I'll have them run the number first thing in the morning. We'd better get you and Alexis home before your mother worries too much, although I think my parents were expecting you to stay for dinner. "

Kate scooted her chair back, got up and walked into the living room. "How's everything going in here?" The site was absolutely adorable. Alexis lay on Kate's grandmother's chest, both were asleep.

"Castle," she whispered, "take a look at this!"

"I wish I had my camera." He responded.

"Wait here." Kate walked over to the side board in the kitchen, took out the Polaroid camera, and snapped a picture.

"How were they able to bring the baby stuff out so fast?" He asked.

"My brother and sister have kids, although we rarely see my brother."

"Why?"

"He works at the embassy in France."

"Hello!" They heard the kitchen door open again.

"Katie, I'm home!" Johanna carried in a bag of groceries.

"Hi, Mom." Kate responded. Johanna put the bag down on the counter and walked over to Rick.

"You must be Mr. Castle." She offered her hand; he shook it. "I hope you're hungry; we're making a family favorite tonight." She walked into the living room. "Is this?"

"Yes. " He replied. Before they could converse any more, they heard a knock on the front door. Johanna opened it.

"Richard, there you are!" Martha swept in. "Someone called Lanie gave the cab the address."

"Is that?" Johanna asked Kate.

"I think so; wasn't she on a couple of Temptation Lane episodes?"