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Kate sighed as she looked in the mirror and put the finishing on her makeup. She loved that Castle had set up the scholarship fund in her mother's name. She loved that her mother was being honored in this great way. She kind of hated the fundraising. She didn't have any desire to go tonight. She and Rick had just gotten back into a routine after a long week of public events for Rick's latest novel and she just wanted to stay home.
"Kate?" Rick said as he watched his wife sit on the bed
"I don't want to go tonight" Kate replied softly
"You usually love this benefit"
"I'm tired. I just want to spend the night with you and Alexis and Josie curled up on the couch watching a movie"
"I know it's been a lot lately. Josie and Alexis and Mother are all dressed up. Alexis will bring the hyper three-year-old back home after an hour and we will be home shortly after. I promise that this weekend we spend time as a family, no press, no Gina, no parties or benefits. Just us"
"Swear?"
"I swear"
"Then tell me, husband of mine, what dress should I wear tonight?"
"Well mother didn't tell me what she was wearing, Alexis is in a black number I considered not letting her out of the house in, and Josie, after being talked out of the princess dress-up shoes and gown, is being helped into a cute little blue dress with silver accents. So I say the sizzling little silver number I know you bought last week with Lainie."
"Leave and I will. Go make sure Josie is behaving"
Rick smiled as he kissed his wife one last time before leaving the room. He smiled when he walked into the living room and saw his daughters sitting on the couch playing checkers. He smiled and sat down with them.
"Mom will be ready in a few minutes," Rick said "And miss Johanna Castle you look stunning as well"
"Daddy," Josie said "Lexie pretty too"
"Yes, she is. So you remember the rules right?"
"No tantrum"
"Exactly. You get to stay for one hour and then Lexie and maybe Grams are bringing you home. Me and mommy will be back after you are asleep. Best behavior Jo"
"Ok"
"Dad" Alexis said softly, pointing to the staircase
Rick turned around and smiled at Kate walking down the stairs gracefully. Rick met her at the bottom and kissed her softly before gently twirling her in a circle.