mother's day

Kate sat at the kitchen counter, drinking her coffee, reading the paper, ready to go to work and distract herself from the day. Mother's Day had meant only pain to her for over a decade. It had been seventeen years since her mother's death and this day only served to remind her even now. Her mom hadn't even gotten to be at her wedding to Rick.

Alexis came into the kitchen. "Hi Kate."

"Hi, honey. Making breakfast for your Gram?"

She knew Castle and Alexis usually spoiled Martha on Mother's Day, especially since Meredith was seldom around.

"For everyone. Gram said she doesn't want anything this year."

"Really? She usually loves Mother's Day."

"Yeah, it's odd."

"I'll have your dad talk to her. None for me, honey. I've got to go in ten minutes. I can help you start though if you want."

"No, I'm good. Where are you going?"

"Work. Gates had Ryan on the rotation, but Sarah's still too young, of course, so I traded him. Espo and I are partnering today, since I thought your dad would be here with Martha."

"Can I come?"

"You've been really helpful with cases before, but I don't know if we'll have to go in the field or not. I want you to be safe."

"I'll help Lanie."

"If you really want to help, help your dad with Martha. It's not like her not to want a big fuss over today."

"I'll try."

"Thank you, honey." She washed her coffee cup and put it to dry. "I need to go. I'll see you tonight, okay?"

"Okay."

They said their goodbyes and Kate left. Alexis watched her go and then turned to make breakfast.

Castle woke up when he smelled French toast and coffee. He found the bed beside him empty and followed the scent to where Alexis was cooking. "Morning, sweetheart."

"Morning dad."

"Smells good. Gram's going to love them." He poured himself a cup of coffee.

"She doesn't want a big deal."

He almost spit out his coffee. "Who? Gram?"

"Yeah."

"That doesn't sound right."

"Is something going on?"

"I don't know. This is the first I've heard of her not wanting anything. You don't think it's like the year she said she didn't want anything for her birthday and we ended up putting together a party at the last minute, right?"

"I hope not."

"Where's Kate?"

"Work."

He frowned. "That doesn't sound right either. We had the day off. I know we did."

"She said she swapped with Ryan so he could give Jenny a mother's day."

"I'm sorry, honey. I know that it wasn't what you wanted."

"I guess it can wait. She'll be home for dinner."

He took another sip of his coffee. "I never thought about what Mother's Day must be like for her. I know she always worked it, but I never..."

"She needs us."

"I never did like getting left behind."

"Can we go?"

He nodded. "I can always talk to Mom later."

"Thank you."

"No problem. Why don't we make a basket and take it to her? I know she probably forgot to eat."

"She didn't have breakfast."

"Sounds about right. Especially if she's upset. C'mon. We'll pick up coffee on the way. I'll call Esposito, make sure they're not in the field."

"Okay." Alexis put food in containers.

He called Esposito, enlisting his help, and then helped Alexis get things ready.

"Are they in the field?"

"No, working on paperwork."

"Good."

They stopped to get coffee on the way, after leaving a note for Martha where they'd be. Alexis was so glad to be seeing Kate. She wanted to surprise her. They didn't really have anything to do so Kate had nothing to do but think about her mother and worry about Martha. Alexis snuck up behind her. Esposito shook his head at her, knowing it wasn't a good day for Kate. Alexis didn't listen. She threw her arms around Kate, holding on tight and kissing her.

Kate wiped her eyes. "Hey, honey." She tried to sound more cheerful than she felt.

"Happy Mother's Day!" Alexis knew that something was wrong, and she wanted to fix it. "I got you a present."

"You did?" She managed a smile, confused.

"Of course. You married my dad, so now you're my mum."

She managed a smile, hugging her again.

"I love you Kate. Sorry, I mean, mum."

"I love you, honey. Thank you."

"Are you here all day?"

"Beckett, go on with them. I can call you if I need you," Esposito said, hoping time with Castle and their family would help her.

Alexis brightened. "Really? We can take her home?"

"I should really..." Kate started.

"Go. You should go. I've got this. It's what I told Gates when she tried to make Ryan be here to start with."

"Come with us Kate," said Alexis. "Please?"

Kate nodded, finally giving in. Smiling, Alexis hugged Esposito as well.

"Happy Mother's Day, kid," he told her softly with a smile. Alexis felt like his and Ryan's little sister.

"I'm not a mum yet."

"No, but you've got a great one."

"I do, don't I?"

He nodded.

Alexis grinned. "Thanks for helping me with the present by the way."

"Just take care of her. She's having a bad day."

"Is it cause of her mother?" Alexis asked quietly.

He nodded. "Mostly. I think she's worried about Mrs. R too, but mostly her mom."

"Gram is okay. She wanted to let Kate have the day."

"I know she'll feel better about that. But she still misses her mom."

"I don't blame her. I miss my mum too, but at least I get to have a really great one."

Esposito didn't say anything, but he knew it was different, having your mom in Hollywood or having your mom be murdered.

"I'm going to fix this for her. She shouldn't be sad."

"If anyone can, you and your dad can."

"We will."