A/N: I hope everyone enjoys the latest update. We are coming to the epilogue of the story that has Kate's funeral and Rick Castle Junior's story. Please keep the reviews coming and I enjoyed the positive comments everyone has given this story. I have had requests to do another story in this time period in history. I may do one in the European Theater of Operations or stay in the Pacific. I will decide and let everyone know in the future. For now enjoy the update.
Chapter 10
December 8, 1941
Naval Hospital Pearl Harbor
"Yesterday, December 7th, 1941, a date which will live in infamy. The United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by Naval and Air Forces of the Empire of Japan." The radio blared in the Naval Hospital as the staff continued to work on the wounded during the attack. Supplies had been stretched, and weapons had been distributed around the hospital for anti-air defense and there was a rumor that the island would be invaded.
Kate checked in with the guard on duty early that morning as she reported for duty. About 8 pm on the evening of December 7th, Captain Bryan gave her a pass to take her and her family home to their house, and for her to get some sleep. She couldn't sleep in their room, it reminded her too much of him. Martha, Alexis, and Kate all broke down heavily and cried individually or together. Finally all three of them fell asleep in Martha's room. Kate woke up and slowly climbed out and got ready for the day. In the aftermath of the attack, martial law was implemented, so they were on their own for breakfast, and there was a sun up to sun down curfew in effect, but Kate had to be back at the hospital. Now she walked into the normally clean lobby that was filled with the wounded men on cots, or on mattress on the floor. Kate found Captain Bryan covering a body with a chaplain standing over and a couple of corpsman waiting to take the body away. He turned and saw Kate and came over and gave her hug. "Hi. How are you holding up?"
Kate shook her head indicating she was not doing all that great. "I'm still in shock sir."
"I know Kate, and I would love to give you the time, but with everything, I need all hands I got." Captain Bryan stated as he moved her away from the wounded that filled the lobby. "Look, with everything that is going on, and a rumored invasion, I'm getting my family out of here. I secured passage for them plus an extra berthing if you want to go. I have the orders…."
"Sir I'm staying. Rick wouldn't have want…." Kate started to say but she started to cry again remembering what her husband had said about duty. She wiped the tears. "My place is here sir, and I took an oath to protect these men from harm, and I will do so. That is what he would have wanted me to do."
Captain Bryan nodded and took her shoulder. "Come down and say good bye to them. She wants to give you something."
Kate nodded and move to start her duties attending to the wounded. Captain Bryan looked on in pride and sadness. "She didn't deserve to be a widow that soon."
Two hours later they were on the pier in Honolulu as Captain Bryan was saying good bye to his family. He secured passage for them on a freighter-passenger ship for San Diego. Mrs. Bryan came over to her. "Kate I'm sorry about Rick. We made this for you two as a Christmas present."
"Thank you ma'am." Kate took the tiny package wrapped up in a simple green paper with a bow. She gave the Captain's wife a kiss and hug as the Captain moved to get them aboard. Kate looked down at the package when she noticed Ryan walking past her. "Petty officer Ryan?"
"Ma'am good morning." Ryan came to attention and saluted.
Kate returned the salute. "What are you doing here?"
Ryan pointed to the cruise ship that was departing. "I got permission to put Jenny onboard. Ma'am, I want to get her out of her."
Kate nodded her understanding. "Are you ok?"
"No ma'am I want her here, but at the same time I want her safe." Ryan stated as he watched the cruise ship continue to depart the harbor. Ryan turned to Kate. "I just proposed ma'am."
"Congratulations Ryan. I'm sure you two will be very happy together." Kate said coming over and giving Ryan a hug. "Stay safe for her ok."
"I will ma'am thank you." Ryan stated. A horn behind him got their attention. Ryan looked at other sailor who drove him down to the pier. Ryan saluted. "Thank you ma'am. Again I'm sorry."
Kate returned the salute and nodded solemnly. "You did the job he trained you to do but its ok. You take care of yourself Ryan."
Ryan nodded and moved off. For Gunner's mate Kevin Ryan, he would serve aboard different ships of the fleet in the theaters of the Pacific; surviving the Battle of Midway, the Solomon Islands Campaign, and in which during the Gilbert Islands campaign he was wounded during a Japanese air assault on the task force the night of November 20, 1943. Sent back to Pearl he saw Kate, Martha again, before departing on a transport to the states. In early 1944 in San Diego he married his fiancé Jenny and by the summer of 1945 Sarah Grace was born, and by 1946 a little brother Kevin Junior was added to the family which was followed by Richard Castle Ryan, in 1949. Ryan joined the San Diego Police Department and rose to the rank of detective. He never missed an opportunity to go to a survivor's reunion, or visit Kate, Martha, and Alexis when they could. Yet in 1962, two weeks before the USS Arizona memorial dedication, Detective first Grade Kevin Ryan was gun down in a response to an armed robbery call. His death rocked the survivors and the Castle family who had grown close to the Ryan's. His ashes were spread in accordance to his will after the dedication. Jenny remarried four years later, but for the Ryan children, they took different paths. Kevin Jr was declared missing in action in Vietnam in 1969, and Sarah Grace became a lawyer who fought for the rights of veterans while Richard Castle Ryan became a doctor.
Kate turned and watched Captain Bryan return to the car. "Ryan doing ok?"
"He will be sir." Kate stated as they climbed into the navy sedan and pulled away from pier.
December 10th, 1942
Naval Hospital Pearl Harbor
The casualties started to be moved from the lobby to beds in the wards and then onto transports for the states when provided. The cleanup was on going throughout the area, and the fires on the Arizona had finally died out, allowing inspectors and rescue teams to board her. Yet no other survivors were found, nor could they find many of the men from the forward section of the ship. Lanie was also heart broken, knowing Esposito was killed in the explosion. Yet for Castle, Esposito, Captain Valkenburgh, and Admiral Kidd, they were listed by the Navy as missing in action, though most knew what happen to them.
Kate walked down the long row of beds to begin checking on her assigned patients for that day. This was the last day before she would be granted bereavement leave by command. She, Martha, and Alexis were slowly coming of the shock and starting to come to terms with what happen. Samantha had returned to cook breakfast but had to leave by 3 to make it home before curfew, yet at night, it was Alexis and Kate who slept in the fourth room not wanting to be far apart. Kate still wasn't ready to go her and Castle's room yet. Now at the hospital with her patients, she arrived at end with a familiar face. "Ensign Tolliver how are you doing?"
"I am doing better ma'am how are you doing?" Ensign Tolliver asked Kate as she checked his chart.
Kate smiled a weak smile at him. "Hanging in there. Kelly and the baby get to see you?"
"Yes they did ma'am thank you for arranging that. They're home now." Ensign Tolliver replied. Kate came over and checked the bandages and wounds. She walked to the end of the bed again and made notations. "Ma'am I'm sorry about…."
"Sam he wanted you to spend time with Kelly and the baby. That's the man he was." Kate replied with a small smile. She didn't hold any grudges against him as she wrote down in chart. She came over and patted Tolliver on the shoulder. "What did you name the baby?"
"Regina Castle Tolliver." Tolliver told Kate, who teared up a bit and gave Tolliver a kiss on the cheek.
Ensign Samuel Tolliver would recover from his wounds and serve in the Pacific theater throughout the war. He rose to the rank of Lieutenant and continued to serve in the Navy after the war. In 1962, he tired from the Navy after the memorial dedication for the USS Arizona. He would carry the guilt of not dying with his shipmates to his death from cancer in 1980.
Kate continued to walk down the line when she came to Lieutenant Bracken who was lying on his stomach. He turned and saw who was checking on him. "Oh Lieutenant Castle. I'm sorry about your husband."
"Thank you Lieutenant Bracken." Kate replied as warmly as she could. She heard the stories about Bracken from Castle, and knew where he was when he was wounded. Yet she didn't feel sympathy towards the man who tried at every opportunity he could to give her husband grief.
"What are the chances that I'll be sent stateside?" Bracken asked continuing to look back.
"Half and half, but it's up to Captain Bryan." Kate replied honestly. She made the notations in the chart. She walked to the end of the bed. "Why you and not him?"
"He ordered me to check the rear magazines Lieutenant. He made the determination." Bracken replied as softly as he could. "He may have been a fair haired boy of the captain, but he was no true officer."
"He was the best the ship and fleet had, and you should be there instead of him." Kate replied tearing up. She motioned for Gina to relieve her before walking out of the ward.
Lieutenant Bracken just shook his head. He would not return stateside, but instead return to active duty early in 1942. On board the USS Quincy as the gunnery officer, he died when he tried again to cower by running away from his duty as the OOD on the bridge during the early stages of the Battle of Savo Island. A shell hit the ship near where Lieutenant Bracken was running which blew him back towards the bridge in shambles. He was buried at sea the following morning with full honors but no love loss from the survivors of the Quincy.
Kate stepped outside and dried her tears. She took a deep breath and turned towards the wreck of the Arizona in the harbor. "I miss you Rick, why did it have to be you?"
Kate took a deep breath and returned inside to her duties.
December 15, 1941
Pearl City, Territory of Hawaii
Kate pulled the Chevy Roadster into the driveway as she returned from going to the store. She noticed a taxi waiting outside the house as she walked up and heard voices of Martha, Alexis, and an unfamiliar female from inside the living room.
"You are not taking her Meredith. You didn't want custody, and with Richard gone, I and Kate have custody." Martha said with her arms crossed to the women in an elegant emerald green dress from the conversation Kate knew was Meredith. "You didn't even contest the change in custody form Rick submitted to you."
"That's all changed now. I don't want my daughter here where it's not safe." Meredith replied with her arms crossed. She saw Kate come in. "And here, Rick barely knew her for four months before they got married."
"That's not fair mom, they loved each other." Alexis said coming to the defense of Kate.
Meredith turned away. "It doesn't matter. Alexis, you are going to love it in Hollywood. Its safe, there will be parties, you can probably also get a few…"
Alexis shook her head. "Mom I'm not leaving. This is my home, and Kate has been more of a mother to me than you."
"Oh baby please she doesn't…" Meredith started to say but Kate came around to stand next to Martha, and Alexis.
"Alexis was born October 8th, her favorite color is blue, and she plays the violin. She works at Dr. Parrish's clinic on Saturdays. She enjoys movies, spending time on the beach, time with friends. She has….." Kate started to say.
"Fine you know about her, but the fact remains she is my daughter and she is…" Meredith started to defend herself from Kate's attack.
"You didn't even call on my birthday, the only time you contact me is when you want me to go see your movies." Alexis shouted as she stepped forward towards Meredith. She points her finger at her. "You never visited me, dad, or grams once in all the places we have been. You only want me because you want to further your career. I am not coming with you. Come May I am joining the nursing corps to help those brave men who will be fighting to avenge the attack. Get out and don't come back."
"Baby, you will be coming with me after I get custody." Meredith replied grabbing her hat from the chair and walking out of the house.
Meredith never gained custody of Alexis, as the judge ruled that guardianship hearing was fair and Meredith hand ample time to contest the hearing. Meredith's career flourished during the war even appearing in war bond tours. Yet in 1947 she committed suicide when she was accused of being a member of the Communist Party.
Martha look at her granddaughter with a huge smile. "Alexis dear I am so proud of you. But are you sure that you…."
"I'm sure grams. I want to be there to help those brave men who will be fighting this war." Alexis said in reply taking her grandmother into a hug. She motioned Kate over and they it became bigger hug. "I know he is proud of me."
"Yes he is Alexis." Kate replied as the tears came proud that her stepdaughter considered her more of a mother than Meredith.
Alexis Castle joined the United States Navy enlisted women's medical corps in May of 1942. After completing her training she was assigned to the Pacific theater of operations and served on hospital ships that followed the campaign in the Pacific. In September of 1944 she met a young Marine name John Stevenson who was wounded during the Battle of Pelieiu. In 1947 they married and had six children. As the years went by her and Kate grew closer as mother and daughter. She was the leading vocal voice when the calls for memorial for the Arizona took root. Just 10 years after Kate's funeral, Alexis died of cardiac arrest at her home in Honolulu. She and her husband were buried side by side in a cemetery that overlooks the harbor.
December 31st, 1941
Pearl City Honolulu
"Kate dear, come on, the Jefferson's will be waiting for us." Martha called out to her daughter in law. She walked to the bathroom door and knocked on it. In the house despite the effort to decorate for the holiday it was a pretty somber Christmas for them. Now they were going out to try and ring in the New Year with some friends from the neighborhood before curfew. "Are you ok?"
The bathroom door slowly opened and Kate walked out with tears and a small smile on her face. "I'm pregnant."
Martha was wide eyed and in shock before she broke into a smile and hugged her daughter in law. Kate hugged back as the eyes teared up more. "Wish he was here to find out with me."
"I know darling, I know." Martha replied with tears as well. Alexis came out of her room and saw the hugs. Martha motioned her over. "Kate's pregnant."
"Oh Kate that is wonderful news." Alexis replied as tears came. The hug broke and they all just stared at each other for a moment before Alexis broke the ice. "What is the plan? You can't serve on active duty if you are a mother or unmarried."
"I'm calling Captain Bryan and Commander Randall in the morning." Kate replied as she smiled. She walked into the living room and sat down. "I'm hoping I can get an exemption."
"Oh dear. That has to go all the way to the secretary of the Navy." Martha stated sitting down next to Kate. She saw the looks. "Richard asked me one time for a sailor that he knew whose wife tried to do the same thing."
Kate nodded and looked out the window towards the harbor. "This is his way of still being with me, I know it is."
Martha nodded and took Kate's hand with Alexis doing the same. "I think so too my dear, I think so too."
Martha Rodgers Castle stayed in Hawaii through the remainder of the war, and doted on her new grandchild when it was born. She helped to run the USO shows that made stops in the islands, and also volunteered in the clinic and naval hospital caring for those wounded in the Pacific Theater of war. As Alexis became wife and mother, she doted on her great grandchildren as well all the way up to her death in January of 1962 one month after the 20th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack.
"Kate, he will always be with us. Here." Alexis pointed to her heart as the doorbell rang. She got up and walked over answering it. "Lanie, come on in."
"Thank you, I know you have plans, but I wanted to let you all know this." Lanie stated as she came in and sat down across from the ladies. "I'm heading stateside to join the war effort as a doctor."
"What about the clinic dear and your patients?" Martha asked in shock.
"A friend of mine will keep it going, but a majority of my patients already know, now I'm telling you." Lanie told them. She saw the eyes tear up and she teared up as well. "You guys have been my closest friends here and I'm going to miss you guys."
"Well we'll miss you too. All four of us." Kate said with a teary smile on her face.
It took a moment for Lanie to grasp on then she got up and pulled Kate into a hug. "Girl I am so proud of you. Please write and tell me what it is."
"I will, I promise." Kate replied through tears and a smile.
Lanie hugged the remainder of the Castle ladies before she took her leave. Lanie Parrish would serve in the United States Army in a segregated unit but on the Italian and Western fronts throughout the war. Following the war she returned to Hawaii and took back control of her clinic which was renamed the Lieutenant Richard Castle clinic due to the large donation from the Castle family to renovate the building and buy new equipment. Lanie also after the war was one of the few colored officers and enlisted who was selected to remain in the reserves following the war, and she rose to the rank of colonel before retiring in 1968. She served on and off active duty for Korea and Vietnam before her retirement. Then in 1975, the former army doctor and clinic operator died in a plane crash in Vietnam trying to evacuate orphans at the request of a former subordinate who worked with Lanie at the orphanage these children lived at. She was given a state funeral and buried with full military honors and the Hawaiian award for humanitarianism. Lanies nephews and nieces accepted the awards and flags since Lanie never married following Esposito's death on the Arizona.
Following Lanie's departure, Kate dried her eyes and looked at Alexis and Martha. "Now to tell the captain and the commander."
January 2nd, 1942
Naval Hospital Pearl Harbor
Kate Beckett walked towards Captain Bryan's office. She wanted to tell Captain Bryan and Commander Randall about her pregnancy and her desire to stay in the service, and hopefully they can come up with a way for her to do that. As she arrived at the office she noticed Captain Bryan and Commander Randall finishing up a meeting with a couple of other officers within the office. She waited outside the door for the meeting to end.
For Captain Bryan, he would leave Pearl Harbor for a stateside assignment in October of 1942. In January of 1943 he would be promoted to Rear Admiral Lower Half. In January 1944 he would return to the Pacific theater of operations to become Chief Medical officer for the Central Pacific. In September 1944 while enroute to check on medical facilities on Saipan and Guam, his plane carrying him, his staff, and a crew of 8 disappeared in bad weather. A search revealed no signs of the plane or its passengers or crew. Admiral Bryan would be declared missing in action non-combat death.
Commander Randall would also return stateside in October of 1942 to a training command in Southern California. She would be promoted to Captain in 1943 and serve the remainder of the war as commanding officer of the Nursing corps for the Naval Hospital in San Francisco at Treasure Island. She would die in 1965 from lung cancer.
"Kate come on in." Captain Bryan stated as the meeting had broken up and walked past Kate who was in her own little world at the time. Once Kate was in, Commander Randall shut the door as Kat sat down. Captain Bryan smiled at her. "How are you doing?"
"It has been getting better sir, we have our up and down days." Kate stated with the commander and the captain nodding their understanding. She took a deep breath and looked at the both of them. "Commander Randall, Captain Bryan, I'm pregnant. I know its Rick's and mine. I know what the policy is but I want to stay in."
Commander Randall and Captain Bryan looked at each other and looked at Kate before smiling a bit. Captain Bryan leaned back in his chair. "Congratulations first of all, but you know the navy policy Kate."
"You're a widow Kate, and could be ordered to go overseas at any time. The service has to discharge you because you cannot meet operational needs." Commander Randall also informed Kate. She came over and gave Kate a hug though. "But I echo the Captain's sentiments. Congratulations."
"Thank you both, but isn't there anyway I could stay in?" Kate asked tearing up. She sat back down in the chair after the hug from Commander Randall. "Besides my family, this is all I have left to my connection to Rick. Sir, I know there is a way."
Captain Bryan took a deep breath and looked at Commander Randall who gave a shrug. "It's a long shot Kate, but we would have to take it all the way to the Secretary of the Navy. It could take months to get the approval and more often than not it doesn't work out."
"I understand sir, but I want to try." Kate replied to the statement.
Commander Randall worked a small smile on her face. "I'll get the paperwork started Captain, it's worth a shot. She's a damn fine nurse and who knows when we get replacements in."
Captain Bryan also smiled. "Very well commander proceed. Kate, like I said this is a long shot."
"I understand and thank you sir, and ma'am." Kate replied getting up and coming to attention before starting to leave.
"Kate?" Captain Bryan called out. Kate turned around as Captain Bryan stood up from behind his desk. "You deserve this, you really do."
"Thank you sir." Kate replied with a smile before she walked out of the office.
January 7th, 1942
It had been a somber day for the Castle women. The navy finally declared the men who died in the explosion in the USS Arizona presumed dead, and informed the families. Kate, along with Martha and Alexis received the notification Monday, even though they already knew. So with the official notification, they went about to finally have the funeral they planned since the 9th of December. In the cemetery that the navy had chosen for those killed in the Pearl Harbor Attack, a group off about 150 people gathered. An honor guard stretched a flag of an empty casket since there was no body. The Chaplin spoke the words to which the guard started the process of folding the flag. Once the flag was folded, it was handed to the captain who walked over to Kate, Alexis and Martha. He bent down and handed the flag to Kate, Martha and Alexis. "On behalf of the President of the United States, the Secretary of the Navy and a grateful nation, please accept this flag on behalf of you love ones sacrifice to god and country."
The Castle ladies tearing up nodded to which the Captain came to attention and gave a salute to the ladies. In Kate's other hand was Castle's Navy Cross awarded to her for his actions during the Attack on Pearl Harbor. The ladies jumped as the honor guard fired the 21 gun salute, which was followed by bugler playing taps. One the funeral was over, most of those that attended returned to the Castle house for a small reception of finger foods and drinks. Yet in a couple hours the house had emptied leaving the ladies and a small catering crew that was doing clean up. The ladies were sitting sipping on a glass of water when the doorbell rang. Kate groaned getting up. "Don't want any more well-wishers today."
Martha nodded her agreement. "I do agree dear Kate."
Kate arrived at the door and opened it, and to her surprise Marty Daniels was outside. "Marty did you forget something?"
"No, but I didn't want to do this at the office or in front of guest." Marty replied as Kate invited him in. They all moved to the living room where Marty set his briefcase down on the table in front of him. "With the Navy finally issuing everything and you getting me the death certificate, I was able to execute this."
"Oh Marty, we could have…." Martha started to say.
"When he signed it, he expressed that he wanted it done as soon as possible in the event of something like this." Marty stated as he opened up his briefcase and pulled out the will and scanned it. "He wanted the 3 of you to share this house in the event of his death. Chevy Roadster would be sold if neither of you want it."
"I'm not getting rid of that car." Kate stated veritmedilty, with Alexis and Martha nodding their agreement.
Marty smiled at the statement. "Figured as much. Royalties and Insurance money will be divided amongst the three of you, with Alexis's going into a trust until she is 21."
"We heard from his publisher when she heard about the attack. She was pretty upset." Alexis stated tearing up just a little bit. She wiped her eyes. "She is making amendments to all the books."
Marty nodded. "The rest is straight forward with the rest of division of property which I am sure you ladies will handle with elegant and grace."
They nodded so Marty reached into the briefcase and pulled out three envelopes. "He also gave these to me to hand to each of you."
Kate looked at Marty in surprise, but took the envelope and opened it. She gasped when she read it. "My dearest Kate, if you are reading this, I didn't not return home to you like I promised every morning to you as I left the house. I never thought I would know true love again until I met you. Since I have known you, you have made me the happiest person on the island. You have shown me true love again, and I am proud to have been your husband, lover and friend. I want you to be happy in the remainder of your days, and knowing that sometime in the future we will see each other again. Look after Alexis and mother, and be strong like I know you are. Your loving and affectionate husband, Richard Castle.
Kate was crying now as were Martha and Alexis. Kate could guess that their letters pretty much said something along similar lines. Martha's entailed Castle thanking her from the bottom his heart for helping him raise Alexis, supporting him throughout his career, and wish her true happiness. Alexis's letter told her that he was a better man for Alexis coming into his life, being his light, and asking to help look after Kate and Martha, along with looking for true happiness. They got up and hugged each other before hugging Marty. That evening, instead of sleeping in the spare room, Kate crawled into their bed hugged his pillow remembering what was once there.
September 12, 1941
Naval Hospital Pearl Harbor
"Push Kate, Push." Martha told her daughter in law who was in labor in the birthing ward of the Naval Hospital at Pearl Harbor. For the past months, Kate has dealt with the nuances of being pregnant without Castle there to share the join and pains, but Martha had been a steady influence on her. With the help of her friends as well, the house had everything it could possibly need for the arrival of the new Castle. Also during the time frame, the exemption for Kate to remain in the service worked its way up the chain of command, and was on the verge of being denied when Lanie Parrish spoke personally to Frank Knox and the President of the United States while on leave in the capital. In the end the exemption was granted which allowed Kate to remain on active service for the duration of the war.
"Oh Martha I can't." Kate said panting in exhaustion. Since going into labor earlier that morning, it had been an exhausting for her. Kate looked at Captain Bryan, Commander Randall and her friend Gina who were in the room to help with the delivery of the baby. Kate teared up. "I wish he was here, he should be here for this."
Martha nodded and teared up as well. She put her forehead against her daughter in laws. "I know darling, but he would want you to be strong, because he knew you are strong enough to do this."
Kate looked at Martha who smiled at her and then she nodded. "Okay."
"Come on Kate, one more big push and the little one will be here." Captain Bryan told Kate who nodded. Kate took a deep breath and began the final push and a moment later there came a slight cry as Captain Bryan brought out the baby. "It's a boy Kate."
"A boy?" Kate asked as she leaned back exhausted and smiling.
"Yes and he looks perfectly healthy." Commander Randall said as she helped the Captain clean up the newest member of the family. Once that was finished Commander Randall passed the baby to Gina who took the measurements.
Gina finished clamping off the umbilical and took the measurements. She then wrapped up the baby and brought him over to Kate. "He's 7 pounds 8 ounces Kate, and 22 inches in length Kate. He's perfect."
"Oh he is a spitting image of Richard." Martha said as Kate took her and Castle son into her arms. She teared up a bit.
"Richard Alexander Castle Junior." Kate said as she looked at the new born in her arms and rocked him. She looked up with tears in her eyes to Martha who nodded before she looked back at the baby boy staring up with his father's blue eyes. "I think your daddy would love that."
Gina came around and took a picture of mother and son with mother in law for Alexis who was currently stateside undergoing training for the nursing corps. Gina would remain in the Pacific theater of operations for most of the war. After the war she would leave the navy and work at a hospital back in New York. In 1961 she died in automobile accident while driving to the airport to attend the 20th anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor.
"I think Alexis will absolutely love him Kate." Martha stated as she looked on as Kate took the child to her breast like a natural. "Gina get a couple copies of those please."
Gina nodded as she smile at Kate. "What do you think will lay for you in the future Kate?"
Kate Beckett Castle, would never remarry after December 7th. She raised her and Castle child with the help of Martha, Samantha, and Alexis along with friends of the family. Kevin Ryan often told little Castle when his ship was in port the stories about what his father did for the men under his command aboard the Arizona. Ensign Tolliver and Kelly baby sat and as well as Ensign Tolliver playing catch with Richard Jr. Kate would remain in the service at Pearl Harbor Naval Hospital to the end of the war rising to the rank of Lieutenant Commander and becoming head of nursing at the hospital. After the war she left the service and remain in Hawaii taking over the job of head nurse at the Honolulu General Hospital. Like Alexis she became a vocal voice for the building of the monument for the Arizona, as well as visiting every year on his birthday and Christmas. As the years passed she continued the tradition now involving Alexis's and Johns children and grandchildren as well. Then in late in 1990, she was found to have advance colon cancer. Knowing her great step-grandson was overseas in Saudi Arabia, she elected to undergo chemotherapy stating that she would survive long enough for him to return home. When he arrived home in May of 1991, Kate was sad she couldn't attend due to her frail state, but he did see her when he came home on leave which made her happy.
December 7th, 1991
Pearl Harbor Hawaii
"Kate are you sure you're up for this?" Alexis asked Kate from the bedroom door watching her struggle to get dress with a help of a nurse. Kate was down to maybe 70 pounds and doctors stated she wouldn't last much longer.
"I haven't missed one yet Alexis, not going to start now." Kate replied with determination as she finished buttoning up her shirt. With the nurses help she got into the wheel chair. "I'm going to see him soon, but until then."
"Every time I remember why he fell in love with you." Alexis stated coming into the room and giving her a kiss on the cheek. "I'll have John bring the car around."
Kate nodded as the nurse grabbed her hat and sunglasses. "Julie can you grab that picture please?"
"This one ma'am." The nurse asked grabbing the wedding photo of Kate and Castle.
Kate shook her head. "The one of him on the Deck of the Arizona following his promotion."
The nurse nodded, grabbed the photo and handed it to her before pushing Kate out of the room and outside. Once Kate was loaded inside the car, they drove down to the memorial. A couple hours later, they were toss leis of flowers over the railing into the water above the wreckage. Kate had some tears flowing as she looked out to where the bomb exploded. "Well Rick, I will be joining you here shortly. I have missed you terribly."
Alexis, John and some of the family hugged Kate as she looked over the memorial. That evening, as the family rested in the living room, Kate fell asleep in the bed that she and Castle had shared for the short time they were married. In Kate's mind, her thoughts went to her husband as she dreamed. "Baby?"
"Hello my dear Kate." Castle stated.
Kate asked him. "Is this a dream?"
"No my beautiful Kate. It's time. We are all here waiting for you." Castle said to her stepping aside showing the men killed on board the Arizona, friends they lost throughout the years. He reached out with his hand. "You are still my beautiful Kate, as lovely as the day I saw you."
"Rick I don't know…" Kate said. Yet in her dream she was back to her old self like she was the day she married Castle, and even in her wedding dress. She teared up. "Oh Rick, we didn't do the things we planned on doing together."
Castle flashed his smile at her. "I know Kate, but we are together again. What do you say, Mrs. Lieutenant Commander Richard Castle, would you like to dance the eons away to Bennie Goodman, and Glenn Miller."
"Yes I would Lieutenant Commander Richard Castle." Kate replied with a smile as she took his hand as they began the dance again.
The next morning Alexis knocked on the door. "Kate, are you up?"
When there was no answer, Alexis went inside and went to the bed and touched Kate on the shoulder. Alexis teared up when she didn't see Kate's chest moving, so she felt for a pulse. When she didn't find out, she wiped her eyes. "At least you two are rejoined in heaven. Now all we have to do is rejoin you on the Arizona."
Alexis left the room, called the nurse and Kate's doctor, then started the process of calling the family. Somewhere in the hereafter, Kate and Castle continued to dance as the eons away.
Additional note: This was a very tough chapter to write, because of the different closing mini-stories of some of the characters that were included, plus deciding when to officially make Castle KIA. Thank you all again for the positive reviews and comments.