A wave of relief swept over Kate as she meandered into the loft. The day had been taxing and she was thankful to finally be home. The visage of her adorable husband cooking dinner warmed her heart. She couldn't resist the desire to approach him and embrace him from behind, her hands reposing upon his broad chest. A smile tugged at the corners of her mouth when she heard him hum in delight. "Hey, you. How was your day?" Castle crooned spinning to face Kate, hands ensconcing hers to resume their affection.

"Long." Her response escaped in a sigh. "But better now that I'm with my two favorite people." Her smile grew as her soft lips adorned his.

Their kiss soon interrupted by the clamor of eager feet scurrying toward them. "Mommy!"

"Hey, bug!" Kate exclaimed crouching to pull Alexis into her arms. "I was just telling daddy how much I've missed you today." Alexis giggled as Kate brushed her nose against hers with great affection. The day's stress melted off of Kate. The beautiful seven-year-old had an infectious amiability capable of illuminating the worst of days.

Kate didn't care that Alexis wasn't her daughter in the biologic sense, she never regarded her that way. In her eyes, Kate would always be Alexis' mother and Alexis would always be Kate's daughter. She loved Castle and witnessing his tender exchanges with his daughter was one of the many facets of him that drew Kate in. It didn't take long for Kate to fall in love with the girl, she was so young, yet an inexplicable old soul – a trait Kate was akin to. She had her father's kind heart and entrancing blue eyes. Though somehow managing to inherit a deep maturity, which Kate knew wasn't from her man-child husband.

"How was your day today, baby girl?" Kate asked taking a seat and beckoning Alexis to join her at the island.

"Good." Alexis replied in a curt fashion.

Castle shot his wife and amused look. "Alexis, I think mommy would like to know more about your day than that."

"Umm…let's see…I can skip a bar on the monkey bars now!" She boasted.

"Oh wow! I couldn't do that at your age, I wasn't strong enough." Kate exclaimed winking at Castle, their daughter's face beaming with accomplishment.

"And what about you, babe, how was your day?" She inquired, their eyes converging in a warm gaze.

"I think I've finally figured out which direction I want to go with Nikki Heat." His reply more an impish musing.

"Is that so? Well, Mr. Castle, you have my full attention…" She goaded in a sultry purr. They weren't referring to his best-selling novels anymore. "After dinner of course, I still need some time with my favorite girl."

"Oh, Mrs. Castle…" He exhaled feigning weak knees while gripping the fridge for support.

Kate's natural riposte was to wink and blow him a kiss.