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.

12. Just a Little? Bit of Parental Advice

DisclaimerI only own the season 1 DVD set and two of the books.

A.N. Sorry it's taken me this long to update; I had to wait for inspiration to strike.

Kate let herself in the back door of her parents' house that night.

"So, what happened?" Johanna asked her daughter.

"We caught the guy, and he's going on trial. I have to meet Mr. Castle…..Rick… whatever I'm supposed to call him to go over details and prepare for the trial with him."

"You're in love with him," Johanna observed.

"Mom! Think. Even if I did have feelings for him, it's unprofessional to date the spouse of a victim, and if I did, I'm not saying I do, but it'd be too soon."

"You're blushing; you do like him. Besides, if you didn't, why did you bring him home?"

"It was more private here instead of everyone trying to get his attention; I had to get work done."

"I saw how you were with Alexis; she needs a mother. And I know you've secretly been in love with him since you picked up his first book."

"Seriously, this conversation needed to stop a while ago; besides, remember what happened the last time I pursued a guy? Yah, it didn't end well. "

Jim walked in the door.

"Dad, thank goodness you're here."

"What did I miss?"

"Mom's harping on my latest case; she seems to think I belong with the vic's husband."

"She's right, you know. I saw the way you looked at him and bonded with his daughter."

KBRCKBRCKBRC

"No, Mother, no nannies. You do remember what they did while you worked. I can write from home, wherever that is now. That's final!"

"You can't get any writing done during the trial, you know, and seriously, Richard, you need to find a permanent place to live. I will not see my granddaughter raised in a hotel room."

"I almost was, remember?"

"yes, but that was in a different time. You have more options than I did. And the girl needs a mother."

"Mom!"

"I saw the way you looked at her, kiddo. It's definitely love. Now, I'm not saying you didn't love Meredith once," she raised her hands to stop his interjection," just hear me out. Where are you meeting to go over details?"

"She said she'd be in touch. "

"Then give her every opportunity to."