Disclaimer: I do not own the characters featured on the show Castle, they belong to the creator of the show, ABC and the others who do own them.
A/N #1: I was pleased to get the feedback I did for the last chapter so I'll go ahead and get started on my thank yous for that! Smallhill (I was glad to see you thought the last chapter was great!) and
Mb (I was really happy to see you thought the last chapter was an interesting update! And I had to laugh at your saying good thing Mrs. Corwin was either a bad shot or her husband was laying flat but you're right about that. And I wasn't surprised you mentioned the motive, I know you were wondering about it. I also thought you would be glad that Skye was able to help Beckett with the Vernons since she can help them and also move on. And I wasn't surprised you mentioned her being able to help them with finding the engine and jewels too. Nice to see you thought it was a good update! And you're welcome for sharing the first half of the chapter! Great you thought the second half was a nice update. I wasn't surprised you thought it'll be good about them getting more history about the families from David and Rebecca. But I had to laugh at you saying the kids'll be happy they're going to spend time together after school. Though it makes sense they would be and especially about winter vacation getting closer too with all their plans. I'm not surprised you loved seeing more of Martha and Jim, along with Martha helping them regarding the jewels. And you'll see who'll help them with that. Great you thought it was a nice update again! You're welcome for sharing the second half of the chapter!).
Thanks for the reviews, loved reading them and I'm grateful for the time taken to write them out and send them my way!
A/N #2: The title of this chapter is a lyric from the song One More Kiss written by Paul McCartney, from the Paul McCartney and Wings album Red Rose Speedway.
Make It One To Remember
"Are you okay?" Mari asked Julia.
"Yeah," the teen replied. When she saw the way her friend was looking at her, Julia sighed and said, "Okay, I feel like something happened to my mom."
"Bad?" Mari said.
"Not really, just something," Julia said. "I've said that before," she then said, turning fully to her friend.
"Yes but something did happen then to her," Mari reminded her.
"You want me to ask and tell you when I find out don't you?" Julia asked wryly.
"That would be nice," Mari said before they were laughing together. Once they'd calmed down she said, "But does it bother you a lot?"
"I'll swim," Julia told her reassuringly before they were moving to enter the pool.
"Hey, you guys took a while," Clive said to the two girls when they'd reached where he and his brother were standing. He wasn't surprised when they both shrugged and he smiled at his brother before they were heading to the deep end.
"What was Eve talking to you about at lunch? You were really serious," Julia said once they'd reached the seating on the side of the deep end.
"Her parents are going to start buying the house," Peter replied.
"I'm not surprised," Julia told him with a smile. "But again, why were you serious?"
"They probably made her promise not to sneak out to kiss him," Clive teased. He was startled when his brother just glanced at him and said, "Really? I was just kidding."
"She said they were kind of joking too but they wanted to make sure we wouldn't do that," Peter replied. "But she reminded them he was the chief of police and there is a curfew," he added before Mari was speaking with a slight frown.
"Did they… accept that?" she asked, hesitating for a moment since she was trying to find the right word.
"They did, but they said the new house has an alarm system," Peter said. "Eve said she got a little annoyed but said she remembered seeing it. And I told her to tell them our house is going to have one too so we can't really do that." He made a face and said, "I didn't really want to. Why sneak out when we go on dates?"
"Kissing?" Julia and Mary said at the same time.
Laughing with the other three, Peter said when they'd calmed down, "We can do that when we visit each other's homes."
"You have," Julia told him.
"Yeah, but don't tell my parents that," Peter said before they went back into the water and began swimming to the grotto.
"Do I want to tell them that their parents are aware already? Eve's too?" Castle said to his wife when they went to the seating where the four had just been.
"I don't think so," Beckett replied, smiling at him. She reached over and squeezed his arm before saying, "We're talking to them now."
Castle was a little startled but then turned towards the shallow end of the pool to find the Fosters were swimming their way. "Are we?" he asked them.
"Are we what?" David asked before they were joining the couple.
"Talking to us I think," Rebecca informed her husband.
David was about to speak before he hesitated and then nodded saying, "True, I'm sure the kids will want to play in your game room so… we might as well get this over with," looking at Castle when the writer began to laugh.
"Sorry, you're acting like it's going to be torture," he said after he'd calmed himself down. "We just want to know about the two tiers of families," Castle then added.
"Oh… that's a long story," Rebecca said, shaking her head.
"She's right, with all of those families it'd be hard to tell you their history-" David started to say.
"Not their history," Beckett interrupted him. "The current members of the families."
"Actually do you know anything about them?" Castle said. "Anything that might make you think they could kill."
"A couple, Jason Drees and Ian Holst," David said after thinking that over for a moment. He looked at his wife and when she nodded he said, "The former was on the City Council but he and Councilwoman Bartlett nearly came to blows seven years ago."
"I remember that," Castle said. "Well, hearing about it. But nothing happened with that did it?"
"Drees threatened the Council," Rebecca said. "Though everyone that was on that council isn't anymore."
"But the son of Lynne is now," David commented. "Robert Link."
"Think that's anything?" Rebecca asked.
"We can look into it," Castle said. "There was that connection at first to the council but we cleared it."
"Corwin?" David asked. When the writers nodded he then said, "And in Holst's case he was trying to buy up some historical houses. That was seven years ago too," looking at Castle before he spoke hesitatingly.
"I didn't hear about that," the writer said. "At the time but I heard he was blocked by the local courts. That and he was involved in a DUI."
"He injured the former mayor's son in that crash, four years ago," David said.
"That I remember," Castle said.
"So do I, it was a big case," Beckett said. "Though the injuries were minor." It then hit her and she said, "Because he was hated."
"The homes were old," Castle told his wife. "And he was talking about demolishing them to build himself a mansion."
"His family doesn't have one already?" Beckett asked in surprise.
"It's old, over one-hundred years," Rebecca answered. "But it's not a more modern style of architecture of course."
"Does that mean you're going to need to talk to Genevieve?" David asked.
"No," Beckett replied. "But there hasn't been anything recently with those two?"
"Not that I can think of," David said, looking at his wife who was nodding in agreement immediately.
"What about the Jewels of Lek?" Castle said after they were quiet for a moment.
"That story?" Rebecca scoffed, her husband snorting in laughter. She grew serious when their friends were solemn and she said, "It is a story."
"I don't think so," Castle said first.
"We don't," Beckett said, not surprised when he was nodding. She then turned back to the Fosters and explained what had happened with concern to the bracelet, not surprised at the mayor's immediate reaction once she'd stopped speaking.
"There's no way, we always treated that as nothing but stories," David said. "I mean who doesn't like the idea of lost jewelry worth a ton of money? But…"
"We have a picture of the bracelet and the gems," Beckett told him when he trailed off.
"Can we see it?" Rebecca asked.
"Of course, Mother saw it," Castle said.
Watching her husband pursing his lips, Beckett told them, "We were supposed to have her have a friend look at the picture and forgot for a while."
"That's why you were stepping out," Rebecca told Castle.
"Don't tell Brad, he'd be livid since we needed to confirm the age of the piece," the writer told the two.
"I won't… wait, from your wording did the friend say whether or not the bracelet was from that era?" David asked them.
"He did," Castle said. "And he said the clasp was identifiable as a piece made by a Dutch master."
"From the 1600s," David said. When both writers nodded he breathed out roughly and said, "Okay, so… there's a treasure but just one piece… right?"
"No," Beckett answered, looking at her husband letting him explain what they knew about the other pieces.
"And you didn't look at the house?" Rebecca asked in surprise.
"Brad went to look… at least he said he was going to try," Castle said. "The house is under guard though, he put a couple officers outside it and there'll be shifts."
"The names took priority," David said before Beckett was explaining.
"They did, and he wanted to be with us," she began. "Since they have such good lawyers."
"Really good lawyers, we've met them before," Rebecca commented. "So Brad's being cautious."
"Which is a good idea," David said with a nod. He then sighed and said, "Man I hope you can find those other two pieces."
"But why was the other one in the engine and the other two are still here?" Rebecca asked.
"That we don't know," Beckett said before her husband was taking her hand and she glanced at him.
"What is it?" David said, surprised at how serious the two were.
When Beckett had explained what had happened with her and the spirits of the two victims, Rebecca placed her hand on her shoulder before she said once she'd finished, "You're okay?"
"I am, Skye called me not too long ago to see how I was," Beckett then said. "And I told her that I hadn't really felt any affects. She thinks that because I couldn't really talk to them or see them I came out of it as well as I did."
"She is," Castle said, not surprised when Rebecca immediately looked at him before she was talking swiftly.
"At least you're alright. But I hope you're not going to have a problem with this," Rebecca said.
"She said I probably won't," Beckett said. "Though it depends if I know the vics in the future."
"She's going to teach her what to do when they're here," Castle said.
"That's all there is," Beckett said with a smile when the Fosters were looking at her.
"I think we should continue to swim," David told his wife.
"I think so," Rebecca replied with a nod before they were slipping back into the water.
Watching the two swimming away, Beckett turned to her husband and said, "Don't ask."
"Oh don't worry, seeing you swimming without any problems definitely let me know you were good," Castle said. He leaned into her and brushed his lips to hers before he asked her, "Slide?"
"That would be nice," Beckett said a second before she went into the water and saw her husband shortly after following her.
"I feel like we should pay you back," Beckett was saying to Rebecca while they were eating dinner.
"Like I said, we'll all have leftovers," the lawyer replied with a smile.
"And how many times have you gotten dinner for us?" David added.
"True," Castle said, sharing a look with his wife. He then smiled and added, "I think they're serious."
"Very," Beckett replied, smiling herself before Eliza was getting hers and Castle's attention.
"What're we going to do after dinner?" the little girl asked.
"The game room, if our guests want to," Castle commented.
"I think you know the answer to that already," David said.
"He's right," Isaac said in immediate agreement.
"Which game do you want to play?" Genevieve asked her husband.
With a slight frown Isaac said, "Any game, why?"
"It sounded like you wanted to play a specific game," Jim couldn't help saying, smiling when Genevieve was laughing.
"That's what I thought," the architect told him. "But you guys are like little kids."
"We can't help it," Castle said. He looked at his wife and wasn't surprised to see the way she was looking at him. "You know that already," he told her.
"Oh I do," Beckett replied with a smirk at him before she was squeezing his hand firmly.
"I hope there are enough games for you all," Martha said.
"If Alexis and Louis had stayed for dinner we would have had to bunch up at the games," Castle said, since his daughter and son in law had decided to go back to their home for dinner.
"Are you regretting asking us over?" David asked them.
"No, they haven't had dinner with us every night," Beckett said first.
"She's right, they've both said they have a house and they do want to live in it," Castle added. "Though Louis confessed to me he's talked to Alexis about having their own game room."
"Where would they put it?" Rebecca asked.
"The office," Beckett said simply. She smiled when the other adults looked startled and told them, "We had the same reaction since Alexis does need one. But she explained she wants to take the bedroom next to theirs upstairs since they don't need all of them."
"That and they'll have plenty of rooms for any guests," Castle commented, wiping his hands on his napkin since he'd just finished eating.
"Does that mean some are going to need to after Christmas?" Genevieve asked.
"No, but in the future it's an option," Castle said before he looked at his wife when she was placing her hand on his arm.
"What he's trying to say is if you guys are fed up being in the basement Alexis and Louis will be happy to host you for the little time left," Beckett said. "Though we all agreed you would say you were fine here."
"I am," Clive said immediately. He smiled when all the others were laughing briefly and told them, "I do like it here."
"Because of all the stuff to do?" Mari asked her dance partner. When he nodded she said, "Me too."
"We'll be able to swim in our pool once we move in," Genevieve told her middle child. She then said as they stood, "And we'll have that game room ready."
"We're all getting game rooms, aren't we?" David asked before the Lennox kids could respond.
"I think so," Isaac responded with a laugh. "Brad said he and Lily were thinking of doing the same. Why not have a pool and game room?"
"At least the pool is good for exercise," Rebecca commented while they were starting to stand up so they could clear the table.
"But we don't have that Mommy," Dani told her mother.
"We looked into it," David said. "But because of the layout of the house it would be a little more than we'd want to pay for to fit a pool in, outdoor or indoor."
"You are free to come over here," Castle said.
"What, whenever we want?" David asked.
"We are usually swimming," Castle said.
"Let's worry about that later," Rebecca said.
"He's right though, I don't think you guys would abuse the offer," Beckett told her friend.
"No, but it's just awkward," Rebecca replied.
"And Mari is here often," Castle commented.
"Let's finish with this love," Beckett said, smiling at his immediate nod. They were walking to the kitchen with the others before she realized the kids were standing back towards the hall. "You guys can go and play if you'd like," she said to them. "But if you're going to you need to keep an eye on the younger kids."
"We will," Julia said, her friends nodding before she went to Josie and Peter took Emily.
"You're trusting them with Emily?" Martha asked the Lennoxes.
"They're careful," Genevieve said first with a smile.
"Extremely," Isaac said. "It's interesting they're not arguing about who gets to take care of her, but I like to think they know if they do we wouldn't let either one do it."
"So," David said to Castle since he had walked over to the writer who was starting to rinse things off.
"Are we discussing the pool now?" Castle asked with a smile.
"Yes, to be honest you don't need to offer it to us," David said. "We'll just come when you invite us."
"Which we can do often," Beckett said, getting pizza for Julia and Eliza's lunches while Genevieve was getting some for her sons.
"And we likely will," Castle said. "Again, Mari is over here a lot."
"It's not a complaint," Beckett said, having been looking at Rebecca and seeing she was about to speak.
"We have to check," the lawyer replied. Rebecca was about to say more when they heard the kids were laughing in the other room and she said, "At least we can be sure they're not fighting."
"I'm so glad we didn't have to play all together," Mari was telling Julia.
"I thought for a second we should have," the teen replied. "But I realized it was probably better to spread out."
"And let the little kids go off on their own?" Mari asked, looking at her sister who was playing with Dani at the whack-a-mole game.
"They can take care of themselves," Julia said before her baby sister was tugging on her hand. Looking down at her she was about to ask if she wanted to play another game when Josie was speaking first and a little sternly.
"I want to play," the toddler said.
"Okay, what do you want to play?" Julia asked, trying not to laugh at her sister's tone but just managing not to. When Josie was pulling her over to the skeeball she let herself laugh that time before she told her, "Are you going to cheat?"
"Eh," Josie replied, beaming up at her sister and Mari since the girl had followed them.
"Okay, then you're up first," Julia said before she waited for Josie to shake off her slippers. Once she was finished she took her sister's hand and help her step onto the ramp before Mari was giving her the first ball. Walking Josie up to the end of the game she laughed when her sister was putting the ball into the 100 hole and said, "Next time you need to play normal."
"I know," Josie said though she was speaking carefully.
"Right," Julia told her with a nod since she was aware her sister was making sure she'd said that correctly.
"Hey, you're cheating Josie," Clive told the toddler, going over to them since he'd finished playing the coin drop game.
"Yeah," Josie replied.
"I'm surprised you let her do that," Clive couldn't help saying to Julia.
Shrugging the teen said, "My parents just let her do that once. I mean could you really stop her?"
"No way… oh great I'm not going to be able to stop Emily," Clive said jokingly before he went to where his siblings were.
"Great job Josie," Mari told the toddler after she'd handed her the last ball.
"Thank you," the toddler said seriously, smiling widely while her sister was helping her off the game. "You now?" she asked.
"Yes," Julia said firmly before her friend could respond.
Mari glanced at her before she sighed and then said, "Fine, but I'm not going on the ramp."
"I hope not," Julia said, unable to help laughing before her friend was starting her turn. She had begun when the adults were walking into the room and she glanced at her mother when she moved to pick up Josie. "You're taking her?" she asked.
"I wanted to check on her," Beckett explained.
"Mama I want down," Josie told her.
"Why?" Beckett responded immediately.
"I want Dada," Josie explained, tangling her fingers through her mother's hair.
"Okay, but go straight to him sweetie," Beckett said, not surprised when she nodded. Setting the toddler down, she watched her going to where Castle was at the propellor game before she turned to her daughter.
"Would you want to play with me?" Julia asked.
"Alright," Beckett said. "But you should ask first," she then told her as Julia was about to press the button to start the next game.
Pausing, the teen looked up at her mother and said, "What happened?" When she saw her mother wincing slightly Julia reminded her mother, "You told me I could ask."
"You did, but I was hoping it would just be to see if I was okay," Beckett explained. "Your question is going to take a little too long to answer."
"Then later," Julia said firmly. When her mother nodded she squeezed her hand briefly and then turned her attention to the game. As she was playing she realized someone was standing next to her but waited until she finished saying, "Josa was supposed to go with you," her father responding swiftly.
"She decided to go with your grandmother," Castle explained. He then smiled at his wife and said, "I said she could play with me but Mother used her whiles."
"Whiles?" Beckett and Julia said at the same time before they were laughing together.
"Okay, she managed to convince her," Castle said. "So I decided to join you."
"Do you want to play this?" Julia asked them.
"You don't?" Beckett said in surprise.
"Not anymore, bye," Julia said, hurrying away from them.
Watching their daughter heading over to Mari at the coin drop game, Beckett turned to her husband and said, "I know what you want to do."
"Are you sure?" Castle asked her. When she just looked at him he said, "Alright, I do want to play pool."
"I'd like to play air hockey," Beckett said firmly.
"Roshambo?" Castle asked. He was startled when she leaned into him though he was responding to her brief kiss. Watching her walk away he was speechless before he hurried after her to the table until she was turning and speaking teasingly to him.
"I know what you want to do, but I think we should leave that for another night," Beckett told him.
"Sure," Castle said immediately. When his wife frowned at him he said, "I'm serious, we'll discuss it later."
Though she wanted to comment on that, Beckett finally nodded before they were moving to the game and starting it. Playing through the game, she wasn't surprised when she won and she told her husband, "I see why you agreed," unable to help smiling when he frowned at her before he spoke.
"Not really, I was going to try and win myself," Castle told her. He walked around the table to her and asked, "Are we playing again?"
"No," Beckett told him firmly. "Want to switch to pool?"
"Actually," Castle said slowly while he looked around the room. "Why don't we play with Josie."
Turning to see what he was, Beckett smiled spotting their youngest was arriving at the baseball game. "We're going to have to," she said jokingly before she was picking the toddler up since they'd been walking to her. "What're you doing sweetie?" she asked, settling her on her hip.
"Playing," Josie said firmly.
"Are you sure, it looks like you want to play with some people," Castle told her. "At least I hope you do."
"Do you want?" Josie asked.
"To play?" Castle couldn't help finishing for her. When the toddler nodded he smiled at his wife before he was saying, "We'd like to with you if you'll let us."
"Yeah," Josie said swiftly, beaming at her parents. When they were embracing her at the same time she laughed before she was set down again. "I go now?" she asked, looking up at them both.
"Of course," Beckett said, having her turn to the game since Castle was starting it up. She helped her again on her turn before her husband was urging her to take her own turn. When she had finished and was going to tell Josie she would go again, she was a little taken aback discovering the toddler was gone.
"That was Eliza," Castle said with a smile. "She called Josie to play with her and Dani."
Turning to see the two were at the foosball table, Beckett told her husband, "I'm not surprised. But it is your turn."
"Great," Castle replied, having her move slightly so he could start.
"Nice job Dad," Julia said after she had reached the game with Mari.
"You're not playing with Peter and Clive?" Castle asked, turning to the two girls since they were on their own.
"They were playing with their family," Julia explained. "But we wanted to play this one."
"Go ahead," Castle said, having finished his turn.
"Really? You only played once?" Mari asked in surprise.
"Yeah, we'll be back," Beckett said with a smile before they were leaving the room together.
"No one else noticed," Castle commented, smiling himself then at that fact.
"I don't think so," Beckett replied. When they had reached the kitchen she told her husband, "I've been thinking of your mother's friend."
"Jinko? He's legitimate if you're wondering," Castle said. "But he does actually get migraines. So we might not hear from him until… well I hope he's alright in the morning." An idea suddenly hit him and he glanced at his wife before he was walking a little faster to the coffee machine.
"What is it Rick?" Beckett asked in amusement.
About to say nothing, Castle glanced at his wife and seeing the way she was looking at him he said, "It's something I need to tell you about later."
"But you will tell me," Beckett said firmly.
"Yes," Castle assured her. He had turned back to the machine, so he was a little taken aback when his wife was wrapping her arms around him and he leaned down to her. They were kissing tenderly, lingering just a little longer than they had before, and he quickly pressed his forehead to hers once they'd parted. "Thank you for that."
"Hopefully that'll keep you happy," Beckett teased him.
"I think so," Castle replied before they were parting from each other and moving to get the dessert ready for everyone.
"Where are my mommy and daddy?" Eliza was asking Dani.
"I think they went to get some drinks," Jim said, near the two since Josie had gone to him.
Gasping in joy Eliza told her friend, "That means we're getting dessert."
"Or just some hot chocolate," Martha said since she wasn't sure what her son and daughter in law had planned.
"That's okay too," Eliza said, smiling when Dani next to her was nodding rapidly. "But I hope we get something too," she added eagerly before they were looking back to the foosball table.
"Are you going to the kitchen?" Mari asked when she and Julia had finished playing a game at the air hockey table.
"No way, what if my parents are kissing? I really don't want to interrupt that," the teen answered before she saw Peter and Clive were talking in what looked like heated whispers next to them. "What's wrong with you guys?" she asked them before Clive was gesturing to his brother.
"He wants to play pool," Peter explained. "Well, he wants all four of us to play pool," he said when his little brother was giving him a look.
"That's fine," Julia replied.
"Really?" Clive asked. When the two nodded he smiled and said, "I really want to practice as much as possible since we're going to have a pool table too."
"I don't blame you," Julia said.
"And it is fun," Mari said while they were heading to the table. "What're you going to do first as soon as you move in. Swimming?"
"Dad promised us," Peter said with a grin.
"We begged him to let us do that," Clive added while they were grabbing their cues. "And he said it would be ready for us."
"After that the game room," Peter said firmly.
"Are you going to have time though?" Julia asked. She smiled when the others were looking at her in obvious confusion and told them, "Remember Eve is moving, you'll have to help her."
"I don't even know when they're going to do that," Peter protested. "They have to buy the house, then sell their house and move at the exact same time."
"Exact same time?" Julia asked with a slight frown.
Shrugging, Peter said, "She said that, not me. But I think they're going to try and do them at the same time. Eve said her mom really wants to move now they're probably going to get the house."
"It'll be fun to have them so close," Mari said.
"Are you teasing me?" Peter asked while they were getting the triangle set.
"We have to," Julia said jokingly, pleased when her dance partner laughed. "Wait, the pool rooms you both are going to have," she told him suddenly.
"What about them?" Peter said in confusion.
"You could have dates there," Mari said, smiling when her friend was nodding at her understanding what she'd meant.
Opening his mouth to speak, Peter paused and then realized they were right saying, "You know, we could, you can see the pool from the kitchen and kitchen table."
"Ask Mom and Dad about it," Clive told his brother.
"I will," Peter said firmly before he was reaching for the triangle and pulling it away before he looked up when Beckett and then Castle were entering the room.
"Dessert!" Eliza cried in joy, rushing over to them.
"Hold on," Castle said in amusement. "We have enough for everyone okay?"
"Okay, I just wanted to see what it is," Eliza explained eagerly before she looked at the plate they'd brought, her mother talking to her jokingly.
"Your daddy wanted it to be a surprise," Beckett said.
"But I can see it," Eliza said. She paused and couldn't help giggling saying, "You're kidding."
"I am," Beckett replied, hugging her. "Let our guests get their cookies first."
"Did someone make these?" Rebecca asked as she was leading Dani over to the table.
"Julia and Eliza did," Martha answered. "On Friday," she added.
"We were saving it," Julia said. "For lunches and stuff but we would have had to wait until Wednesday for them."
"So you're glad we're eating them now?" Mari asked her friend with a smile.
"Definitely," Julia replied, biting into her chocolate peppermint cookie.
"Who was playing pool?" Castle asked, noticing the table. When the four oldest raised their hands he said, "Good luck with that."
"I think Peter and Clive are practicing for our table we're getting," Isaac said.
"I don't blame them," Castle commented. "Though you know you don't have to be perfect on it right away."
"I think my husband and sons are all teasing, they just want to play since they have the chance," Genevieve said wryly after she had allowed Emily to have a little of her cookie. "So thank you for giving them the chance," she added before Julia and Eliza were responding to that before their parents.
"We're happy to," the girls said before they were looking at each other in surprise. They began to laugh when everyone else did before they were finishing their dessert.
"I'm surprised you guys didn't want to go bowling," Mari couldn't help telling Peter and Clive.
"We did that yesterday," the latter commented. Clive then smiled and said, "Maybe we will tomorrow."
"We'll see," Peter said, looking pointedly at his brother.
"It's okay," Mari said with a smile. "I know I'm not going to be here again."
"But you will be for Christmas," Julia said firmly to her friend.
"That's still a little longer," Mari replied before they turned to the pool table since Clive was taking his first turn.
"Why do I always have to go first?" the boy said when he'd only managed to break the triangle slightly.
"You are the youngest," Peter said.
"For now," Julia said with a smile when the boy was frowning.
"Oh yeah, Emily," Clive said. He then made a face and said, "But that's going to be a long time."
"Then just ask not to go first," Peter said, watching Mari step away from the table after taking her turn. "Though I thought you liked being the first to go since you're the youngest."
"For now," Clive said, smiling when the two girls were laughing.
"You don't want to go play something?" Beckett asked her husband since they were still standing at the bar together while the others had left.
"I think I'm okay for now," Castle said.
Smiling Beckett said, "You wanted to play pool."
"Not right now," Castle said firmly.
"Then what should we do?" Beckett asked him, taking his hand and squeezing at it gently.
Looking at her, Castle felt his heart beat a little faster for a moment before he told her, "I'll leave that up to you."
Smiling, Beckett entwined their fingers tightly before she said, "The coin drop game?"
"That would be nice," Castle said, letting her take him to the game. He looked back around the room and he said, "I wonder about Josie though."
"She's fine," Beckett said, since Martha was holding the toddler while her father was playing the pinball machine.
"True," Castle said. He turned back to his wife and since they'd let go of each other he couldn't help himself, reaching over to her and gently brushing her hair over her shoulder.
"Rick," Beckett said, smiling at her husband's touch.
"That's it," Castle said in a rush. He wasn't surprised when she was looking at him out of the corner of her eye and said, "Seriously."
"I'll hold you to that," Beckett teased him before she turned her attention back to the game. "I think we're going to need to refill this soon."
"You still want to put something else in don't you?" Castle asked her while they were switching places.
"That would be nice," Beckett replied with a smile since that wasn't the first time they'd discussed the prizes in that game.
"Can you think of anything else?" Castle replied.
"No," Beckett said, not surprised when her husband was laughing. "Careful," she teased him since he'd nearly dropped his token into the game.
"I am," Castle said before he felt his wife leaning against him. Since she was laughing he couldn't help looking at her, resisting the insistent urge to kiss her at the sight of her joy. Turning back to the game he tried not to think of what they could do all alone later, knowing they had a little more time with their family and friends and wanting to enjoy that.
December 12th, 2022
Hello Evangeline!
This entry… well, I always say how long the entry might be but who knows? So just let me start this up.
First off school was normal, that's why I thought this entry would be short but I have a lot for after. Though I do have to say that's one day down and only four more left until Friday and the start of Winter Break! I can't wait, even though I know I have tests in all my classes except of course for Dance, I'm ready for those at least!
So what I want to talk about now is after school. Mom and Dad were there at dance practice luckily, they have a case though I have no clue what it's about. But as soon as I saw Mom I felt like something was off about her. Not wrong but like something was wrong? Okay, writing that it makes no sense so let me try and just say what I mean. I think Mom got visited by spirits. Why more than one? I don't know but that's just the feeling I get. But definitely spirits because Grandmama and Mamó were with me almost all day today. I wanted to ask her but didn't have the chance… plus she didn't let me ask her either.
That brings me to the other thing, I know about the case because the Fosters came over for the night and when we were still in the pool room I saw Mom and Dad talking really seriously to David and Rebecca. I know they get like that with cases, so there's something going on.
Besides the case and whatever it is, it was so much fun tonight since Mari was of course here. We went swimming like I talked about above, but just until we had dinner which was awesome since it was pizza. We had a lot of them, so all of us kids are going to get that for lunch tomorrow too. I can't wait! After dinner we went to the game room and started to play, I think I ended up playing everything with Mari and a few other things with others. It'll take way too long to mention what we did do and in what order (I do have to go to bed soon) but we did have dessert, those cookies we made. I guess it would have been way better not to wait for Sunday.
That's all there is to write really, once the youngest went to bed (Emily and then Josa) the Fosters left since Dani's bedtime was next. We said goodnight to the Lennoxes and I came here to change and write in you. Mom and Dad aren't here yet so I really want to finish up here with you. But I'll write to you tomorrow for sure! Night Evangeline!
Julia was putting away all her things before she looked over at her parents walking into the room. "I'm finished," she said, hearing what sounded like her door closing. Looking at it she saw it had been and she said, "It's serious?"
"Not serious, but I don't want your sister getting up and hearing us," Beckett said, nodding her thanks to her husband before they were joining their daughter on the bed.
"So, what happened?" Julia asked earnestly when her parents weren't starting.
Not surprised when her husband was looking at her, Beckett did her best not to sigh before she was explaining what had happened though she didn't go into detail about how the two victims had been murdered.
"I was right," Julia said in surprise.
"Right?" Castle asked in confusion.
"Oh," Julia replied, shaking herself. "I just realized earlier that you were visited by two people… spirits." She then studied her mother and said, "Skye's really good."
"You can't sense anything right now?" Castle asked her.
Shaking her head Julia reassured him saying, "There were, but not anymore."
"Good to know," Castle said, smiling at his wife.
"So… that's it for the case?" Julia said slowly.
"I'll tell her," Castle said, holding his hand out to his wife.
"Thank you, it's time you had a turn," Beckett told him teasingly before she and Julia were listening to him while he talked about what they'd found out that day.
"Wow, jewelry hidden away like that? That's a good thing for a book," Julia said in awe after hearing about the deconstructed bracelet in the engine. "I mean… if I wrote it I wouldn't have the murders or anything. But why were the gems pulled out? And since it was in the engine doesn't that mean the vics did it? Or one of them?"
"We thought of that too," Castle said.
"And we can't figure it out," Beckett said firmly.
"Did you have a theory?" Julia asked, turning from her mother to her father since she knew what that look was.
"I said they were in the black market," Castle said.
"And?" Julia said.
Frowning at her, though it didn't last long, Castle said "You know me too well," stopping to laugh when his wife and their second oldest were laughing since Julia had immediately nodded at his words. When they'd calmed down he continued telling her, "And that they were trying to get money to make a death car."
"I don't know Dad," Julia said, making a face.
"I had to try," Castle replied before his wife was putting her hand on his arm.
"And you did," Beckett said. "But we need to focus on the fact that all the gemstones were still there."
"And the other two pieces," Julia said. "You have to look for those. They could really be important."
"Brad texted me not too long ago," Castle told her. "And he said they couldn't find anything on the two tiers of old families. Except you know, tickets and DUIs."
"So you don't have anything," Julia said.
"Except for the other two pieces of jewelry," Beckett reminded her.
"Hopefully there'll be something there," Julia said. "I wish they could have written a note or something."
"They didn't know," Castle said.
"They didn't have a box at a bank or anything?" Julia asked.
"They did, and Officer Emerson went to look, there was nothing there," Castle replied.
Nodding Julia said, "You'll tell me tomorrow if you get anything, right?"
"We will," Beckett assured her. She then smiled and said, "I'm just glad they didn't go to you."
"Well… I would have been able to handle them," Julia said firmly.
"Are you sure? Remember what happened last time?" Castle asked her.
Sighing Julia said, "Okay, okay, but I got a little worried when I saw you."
"So was I," Castle assured her. "But I did keep an eye on her."
"A close eye," Beckett told her husband pointedly.
"Good," Julia said, smiling when her parents were suddenly turning to her. She couldn't help laughing and she told them, "I really am. You know Mary does that for Skye, Mom."
"Yes… okay," Beckett said. "How was school? We didn't hear from you and your sister about your days."
"We asked her while she was taking a bath," Castle said, since the teen looked confused and as if she were about to speak. "And she told us then."
"Oh, well it was normal," Julia began. She shrugged and then said, "The teachers did talk to us about the tests this Friday and in Dance we helped the other kids learning."
"So your diary entry was short?" Castle asked her.
Julia couldn't help smiling before she said, "Not really, I was talking about after today." She paused for a moment before she told her parents, "I know you had to ask them to talk to them but I'm glad the Fosters were here."
"I'm not surprised," Castle commented with a smile. "But that's not going to happen again until Christmas."
"So Mari can still stay?" Julia asked.
"We said. As long as Mari's parents don't change their minds then she can," Beckett said.
"You're excited?" Castle asked when the teen shifted, a wide smile on her face.
"Yeah, only thirteen more days and the day's almost over," Julia replied. "And then after Paul and everyone are coming over. I can't wait to show Reiley and her siblings the house." She then looked at the two and said, "They can't wait either."
"Did you get an e-mail from her?" Beckett asked.
"Yeah, they're super excited, even Miller," Julia said. "She said he wants to see our pool." She paused and then asked, "What about Skye's house?"
"Remember we're going next Christmas," Castle said.
"Are they going too?" Julia asked in surprise.
"No, after, remember Paul said he wants to go to the parade," Beckett replied. "And of course Stella and Alasdhair want to let their kids go."
"Disneyland," Julia said eagerly, not surprised when her parents were laughing before her father was responding to that first.
"I'm not surprised you said that, but we'll see what Skye and Mary say," Castle commented.
"They're going to decide?" Julia asked.
"I think we should let them," Castle said, looking at his wife.
Nodding briefly, Beckett said, "He's right, it's where they live." She wasn't surprised when Julia looked a little dismayed and couldn't help smiling as she told her, "I know, but they probably will suggest going to Disneyland."
"True," Julia said slowly before she then smiled. "I guess I'm just excited about all of that."
"And not after this Christmas?" Castle asked her.
"Not really," Julia replied jokingly. She smiled at her parents both looking at her and said, "I'm kidding. I can't wait to go around with them but… there isn't that much stuff here like in LA."
"No, but they wanted to see our home," Castle said.
"And they have been here to the Hamptons before," Beckett reminded her.
"I know, they had that house," Julia commented. "Then why were Paul and Nancy so interested seeing here last time?"
"Their house is near Montauk," Castle said. "I mean was," he hurriedly corrected himself. He looked at his wife and said, "I keep forgetting they sold it."
"I'm not surprised," Beckett responded.
"Do you know where you want to take them?" Julia asked.
"We've talked about a few things," Beckett said first.
"But since they've been here already, many times, we're just going to tell them what we thought of and see what they'd like to do," Castle added.
"I don't think Reiley and her siblings know that much about here," Julia said. "They've been here but she said they didn't really go to that many tourist places."
"And you want us to take them to some," Beckett said.
"The aquarium?" Julia asked, only slightly surprised when her parents were sharing a smile.
"We thought of that already," Castle said.
"But they might have gone already and would want to go somewhere else," Beckett warned the teen.
"Sure, but I just thought of it since we haven't been for a while," Julia explained.
"I don't blame you," Castle said. "But we'll see."