ALL IN
by Castlefan6
Authors Note: SEQUEL TO Coming Out Going In, From a fan prompt (Castle was lent out to Robbery temporarily to work cold cases while Demming is on suspension. YOU WILL NEED TO READ that FIRST, Lead Detective Joy Park, a woman with a big secret causes friction between our couple. COMPLETELY AU, Some Scenes and events are used to enhance the story,
I don't own Castle; I use the characters for amusement, except the ones I create.
Also, we take MANY liberties with the timeline from Canon and use events from other Canon episodes to make this more believable fiction, thanks.
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Chapter 3
The Castle
Wallingford Dr,
Beverly Hills, CA
Rick and Kate enjoyed the new living arrangements, even as big as the house, or palace as Kevin and Jenny called it, there were still plenty of intimate moments. It was almost as if they were back in High School, they weren't clinging to each other, but if one had been out of the other's sight for longer than a half hour the other one would check on them with the ruse, of bringing them a cold drink, or cup of coffee, any excuse to be near each other. They had one more day alone before Alexis and Mike would spend a few days with them, and they took full advantage of the time alone.
They had decided to wait for one week, by mutual agreement, to begin to review the journals, Rick insisted that she knew his back story as well, perhaps it would help her understand his actions. Rick also used a technique he had employed by his therapist when he and Gina went to marriage counseling.
"Kate, please listen to everything I say, then we can talk about how you feel about the idea. I don't know if you knew but Gina and I were forced to go to marriage counseling for six weeks, it was a decree of the court to fast-track the divorce and have it finalized in three months, rather than the 9 it normally takes." He said, shyly,
"OK, I didn't know but do you have something that you think will help us Babe, if so, let's hear it. I told you to challenge me. I'm not worried about your previous wife, or even the women you were intimate with, you made a promise to be mine, and I'm completely comfortable with that. Wasn't it you that said, we both have histories that even as much as we would love to change some parts, we can't? Rick, I love you, so please don't feel like you have to tip-toe around my feelings, God, if any"
"Stop there Kate, don't beat yourself up, we agreed, now you know the rules," he smiled
She walked over and drew him into a deep passionate kiss, then as they broke, "I think the fine was five kisses, or was it ten?" she smiled at him as she went in for a repeat.
"It was three, but you know I can't count so well," after about seven kisses, she mumbled I have to stop, you had something you were telling me, I'm sorry Babe" She kissed him quickly one last time.
"Well, before I was so pleasantly interrupted, I was saying, we had to attend treatment, we both knew it was a box to check, but there was one technique I used with Alexis as she got older." He said,
"When one of us says something that hurts or upsets the other, we have a designated safe space in the house we go to, where only the person is allowed for up to two hours. It worked when she was going through the stage where I went from the Cool Dad to the Controlling Prick trying to ruin her life, and yes that was the words she used to describe me.
"Well, were you the controlling prick, or was it an unjust description?" Kate asked
"Well, I might have been a little controlling and a little overprotective,"
Kate smiled, and interrupted him, "A little? Rick, you wanted me to do a full background check for a sixteen old boy who took her to the Junior Prom, Babe, I get it, but you were. I like the idea of a safe space, I always hated it when you walked away or left the precinct, even when I first showed up here, you would jump on your bike.
"I shut you out mentally, you shut me out physically and mentally Rick, and I agree, that is over, for both of us, so pick the spots, I'm in." she smiled,
"You're not upset about the idea coming from a previous relationship?" he asked,
"Should I be? As I see it, it was a tool to help keep the two of us focused on working on the issue at hand, not running away and turning a small issue into a bigger one because of outside influences. No Babe, I love it, so where is my spot?" she asked.
"Where would you like it to be Kate, even though I don't want to think about you being upset or hurt, we both know working through what we have is going to cause some feelings to get hurt." He asked, quiet, and serious, looking down at the floor,
She took three steps to reach him, threw her arms around his neck, and pulled him into a kiss. "Someone very wise, someone I love, and trust recently told me that when you love someone, you know they are going to hurt you, even if they don't mean to, but hurting each other doesn't mean the love is gone."
"Would you mind if I take the office, from my old room, I know that Joy used the second bedroom as an office, and since it's still setup, would that be OK?" she asked,
"You sure, I mean, eh, I have to ask my partner if she's OK with it," he smiled, and waggled his eyebrows, the look of love in his eyes was melting her, she was still holding him.
"Rick, I love you, I don't know any other words to express it and you may get tired of hearing me, but" her words were stopped with his response, which led to a trip to the bedroom, for a discussion, well their form of discussion.
XxX
Once the rounds of discussions were completed, Kate laid her head on his chest as he held her close to him, rubbing small circles on her back that were relaxing, but truthfully also reignited the fires of desire for him. To get her mind off of attacking him and having her way again, she asked,
"Babe, did Alexis say anything for the reason she and Mike want to come over tomorrow?" Kate asked,
She saw the look on his face and thought, Oh no, he knows something, when it came to his little girl, he made sure she never wanted for anything, BUT that she showed respect to everyone. "Rick, did I ask something wrong, Hun, I mean, I'm sorry,"
He kissed her to stop her talking, "It's nothing you said Kate, I'm pretty sure they are coming over for my, well our blessing on their wedding. Mike did come to me and ask me for her hand, the poor kid was more afraid than I was the first time I thought I had a chance with my fiancé, you might know her, a beautiful lady, with a smooth complexion and legs to die for, and" She stopped his talking this time with another kiss,
"Do you really love my legs, Rick? Do you remember what you called them the first time you saw me in a skirt?" she smiled,
"What a GREAT set of getaway sticks, I could watch her walk all day, Lovely legs," then I realized you heard me, and thought, great she thinks I'm only after her for her body." He said,
She smiled, "Well, were you? I mean I'm just, well I was just a cop. Hell, you dated starlets and A-Listers, what chance did I have?" She said sadly,
"Kate, you have no idea of how hard I fought, I fell in love with you the moment I saw you. Please never compare yourself to anyone other than your own younger self, or your Mom. Those others, well, Babe, they weren't you." He said,
"Rick, I know Alexis has been your life, so how badly are you hurting? I know you wanted her, hell you groomed her to have a great adulthood, and well, she's not your little girl anymore. It doesn't mean that she loves or needs you any less. I loved my parents more as I got older, and maybe that was why I took my Mom's death so hard. We had just gotten to the point where we were more like best friends, I could and did tell her anything
"When she was taken from us, well, I lost my Mom, but I also lost the one person who, until you came into my life, loved me enough to call me on my bullshit behavior, thank you, Babe, I love you so very much for so many reasons." She turned her head, and he captured his lips in a sweet kiss, just as the intercom phone buzzed.
"Yes Marie, can I help you?" Rick asked,
"Sir, it's almost 7:00 PM and you or Miss Kate have not eaten since breakfast. Would you please come and eat dinner, so you don't get sick?" She asked,
"I'm sorry Marie, you're still here, you should have been gone hours ago. I'm sorry we kept you; we'll be down in about ten minutes. Marie, why don't you prepare your family's dinner to go, since you've worked so long here, OK?" Rick asked,
"Thank you, Mr. Castle, that's very kind of you, I'll do that while you and Miss Kate prepare to come to dinner, and thank you, sir," she said,
"Marie, just one more thing, please call us Rick and Kate, PLEASE? Mr. Castle makes me feel old," he laughed,
Kate heard her laugh, "Sure Rick., I'll see you in a few minutes,"
"I love you Richard Castle, you and that heart of yours. You know that the food is tight for her family, so you send it home with a pretense, so as not to embarrass her. God, I was such a fool, I"
"Shhh, let's eat sweetheart, then we can talk on the veranda over a glass of your favorite wine." He said,
"You mean the brand that makes me all, well, uh, Fuzzy?" she finally got out.
"The same, now let's get dinner. I can't believe another day has almost gotten away from us, I love you too Kate, more than I ever knew I could. I'm beginning to let my guard down, and it feels so good, now let's eat."
They dressed quickly and went downstairs to the small dining room where Marie was standing, waiting to serve them. Kate had no idea what she had made, but it sure smelled good, she was really hungry now that her love appetite had been satisfied, well for a little while, she could concentrate on food.
Marie had made a pot roast, mashed potatoes, vegetable medley, and homemade bread, as well as salads, She served them, and then said quietly, "Can I get you anything else Kate, Rick?"
No, Marie, go home to your family, and thank you for staying so late, we're sorry time just got away from us." Kate said softly, "Agreed Marie, when we do that just page me, you don't have to be here longer than you're scheduled, Thanks for looking out for us, and have a good evening" Rick added.
She smiled, took a large bag with her, and said good night as she left the house. "Kate when we go back upstairs, we need to review the salaries of our staff here, I think some adjustments are needed, no one should ever be hungry," Rick said as Kate reached in and gently kissed him, "Agree, again that heart, I love you husband to be." She smiled and took his hand in hers
Rick made a call to his business manager as soon as he heard the car in the back driveway start, it took several tries but finally started. Marie was driving a car that was barely holding together, and from the difficulty getting it started, Rick knew it was only a matter of time before it left her stranded someplace.
"Hey Jerry, it's Rick, how are you," Rick said,
"I'm great Rick, now what do you want to spend money on, let me know so we can get the projected cash flows intact," he laughed,
"Well, Kate and I just listened to our cook and house manager start a car that has to be on its last legs. I don't know what they set her up as pay when she agreed to stay on, but it can't be much, can you check that for me?" Rick asked,
"Sure thing, got it right here, just give me a second to open the file,"
Rick covered the mouthpiece, and looked towards Kate, "Babe, she's going to"
"Rick buy her the car, we both know that's what you want, and I think it's a great idea. She shouldn't have to worry like that, and the food, I don't know what she was being paid, but it isn't enough for what she does." Kate stole a quick kiss, smiling at him, always thinking of others, she was so fortunate he was so forgiving and had a heart.
She knew it was going to be work, but she glanced down at her ring finger, the diamond sparkling back at her. She was truly his partner, and the only thing that could change that would be for her to revert to old habits, she thought she would rather die first.
"WHAT? That's all they are paying her, No Benefits? Oh no, Hell No, that isn't how we work, and you know it, Jerry. Set her, and every employee up with the mid-range SALARIES, they don't have to punch in and get them all enrolled in our health care, including dental plans. Also send them our vacation and retirement plans that we cover them with, as well as sick leave and sick day information to them.
"One more thing, call Wally over at the dealership, and send the two Honda Accord demos he has for sale out to her, one titled in her name, one in her husband's. Prepay the insurance for both for one year and send a year of free gas card to them both, OK? I need that taken care of tonight; can you make that happen?" It was more of a demand rather than an ask from Rick.
Sure Rick, I'll work late, but we'll get it done. I should have caught that when we assumed them into our payroll, I'm sorry boss." He said sadly,
"Jerry, that's why we have policies, next time be sure you follow the templates, and things like this won't happen. I don't have to say how disappointed I am. Oh, and those pay grades are RETROACTIVE, so get them their money, I'll talk to you when you finish it." He hung up the phone, upset,
Kate took his hand, "Rick, you caught it, you're fixing it, Babe, it's not on you. There is NO ONE with a bigger heart than you." She tried to comfort him,
"They were paying her a dollar an hour above minimum wage, no benefits, no vacation, Jerry should have followed the procedure," he said, still upset,
"Rick, you fixed it, I'm sure everyone is going to be ringing your phone off the hook thanking you. If it will help, I promise you, I'll add that to my job description for New Employee Onboarding. I have a template that I worked on for Dad years ago, but it will prevent this from happening again," she said, and when she looked at him, tears in his eyes
"I love you, Kate, that would be great. You know this is what I want from you, this is a partnership, so when you see where I'm messing up, call me, or just jump in like this and take charge. I know it's going to take us time to work out ALL the issues but remember this, NOTHING will stop me from loving you, nothing in this world." She leaned in and kissed him, as he finished,
"Rick, sweetie can I have my wine now, you know the one that makes me all"
He had her in his arms, bridal style, and carried her to the Veranda where the wine and glasses were all set up. Two glasses of wine later and Kate was taking him by the hand leading him to their room. Fuzzy may not have been the correct word, but Rick knew the effect, and there were multiple celebrations of love before Rick's phone chirped with a text.
He rolled over, looked at his phone as he pulled her into him so she could read it at the same time,
"Rick, saying I'm sorry isn't nearly enough, I took care of everything, and I also sent them my contact for free Income Tax and Estate planning, on me, to help get them set up. Again, I'll watch things closer, but it's taken care of," Jerry
Rick typed back a quick "Thx," and sent a thumbs-up emoji. He set his phone down and rejoined Kate for another session of cuddling, and talking about things in the future. The past, well, they would deal with that next week, for now, he had everything he had ever wanted and was living in the moment.
TBC