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Post by Admin on Dec 21, 2013 0:29:34 GMT
He blushed and tried to cover quickly, but he meant every word he said. She was so strong sometimes that it was such a rarity when she actually needed him; maybe that was what made it so special.
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Post by cal54382 on Dec 21, 2013 1:12:46 GMT
Kate snuggled closer when they were all on the couch, watching Christmas movies. She was starting to remember how much fun Christmas could be.
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Post by Admin on Dec 21, 2013 1:49:55 GMT
Castle couldn't think of anywhere he'd rather be than here, with his family. He still wished his dad could be there for Christmas, that Kate could meet him, but, aside from that, this Christmas eve tradition was perfect to him.
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Post by cal54382 on Dec 21, 2013 3:22:06 GMT
Castle couldn't think of anywhere he'd rather be than here, with his family. He still wished his dad could be there for Christmas, that Kate could meet him, but, aside from that, this Christmas eve tradition was perfect to him. He was downstairs making pancakes. Everyone's stocking was filled, but Kate's was no longer hanging and seemed to be moving.
"What happened to my stocking?" asked Kate curiously.
"I don't know. Maybe Santa ran out of coal. You better look and see," Castle said, exchanging an amused look with Alexis.
Kate grinned but decided to wait until everyone opened their presents. They ate breakfast after Martha came down and everyone settled down with the tree and stockings. Kate's stocking had moved, seemingly walking across the floor.
Stunned, Kate reached for her stocking. "What did you put in here?"
A cold nose touched Kate's hand and a tongue started giving her hand a 'bath'.
"Ahh! What the hell?" Kate opened the stocking and got a shock. "Is that a puppy? You put a puppy in a stocking?"
"Actually, he put himself in there," Alexis defended. "We just didn't make him get out."
Kate was still surprised. She picked up the puppy, cradling it against her chest. "I love him. He's so cute. Thank you."
"He was Dad's idea," Alexis informed her. The bundle of fur was curled against Kate's chest as if her heart beat was his own mother's.
Kate smiled. She was really happy. "Why Castle?"
"I thought you'd like him." Aside from the engagement ring, it was the only time he'd given Kate a present without knowing what her answer would be.
"I love him." She buried her face in his fur for a few minutes. "But, I don't have anything for you. I didn't get a chance to get something."
"You give me something every day, Kate. You." He whispered, just soft enough for her to hear, his arms around her.
Kate relaxed against him, the puppy still in her arms. "We need to go somewhere Castle. Just us."
"Anywhere you want," he promised.
"Somewhere warm."
"We can do that."
"Thank you."
"Any time, babe."
Kate closed her eyes while she leaned into Castle's arms. Martha and Alexis busied with each other's presents, giving them privacy, although they wouldn't have realized anyone else was in the room.
Kate opened her eyes and smiled. "I got presents for you two though. I'll go get them."
"You didn't have to do that," Martha told her gently. Although Rick had kept his fears away from Alexis, he had told his mother how driven Kate had been at work and she too was concerned about her daughter-in-law.
"It's not a problem."
"Oh, Kate, it's beautiful." Alexis found the dress she'd admired of Kate's, in her size, in a emerald that would look beautiful with her hair. "Thank you so much." Alexis hugged her.
"You're welcome. You liked it, so I thought that you should have one of your own."
"It's perfect. I can't wait to wear it." Alexis hugged her again and held it up to model it for Martha.
Kate smiled, happy that her presents were loved. Jim came in time for dinner, noticing that his daughter looked happy, albeit tired. He hugged Kate, kissing her cheek, shook hands with Castle, and greeted Alexis and Martha, having long since put aside his differences with Castle's mother. While they came from two different worlds, they agreed on two things: their love for their children and worry about their children's jobs.
"Dad, come and see my present from Castle. Its so cute!" Kate took her dad through to the living room.
He admired the 'furball' as the family affectionately called it. He hadn't seen her this happy on Christmas since her mother was alive and he was so happy for her.
"Isn't he adorable? It's the best present ever."
"He is." Jim smiled.
"Someone will have to look after him soon. We are going on a vacation."
"I'll do it!" Alexis quickly volunteered.
"If she can't, I'd be happy to keep him for a little while," Jim volunteered.
"Either one, I don't mind." Kate loved this family. She felt like an outsider most of the time, but when Alexis was like this, it made her feel a whole lot better.
Alexis had had her trouble with the engagement at first, mostly reaction from her father's attitude, but she truly loved Kate and was glad she was finally family.
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