He got on her nerves like no man ever had. In fact, he pissed her off most of the time, but here she was stuck with him. He had become her shadow, following her day and night, observing how the detective moved, how her brain worked. His childlike enthusiasm drove her crazy. Would this man-child ever grow up? She thought. She kept telling herself that he would be gone from her life soon enough. He had enough information to write several books, so surely he would leave as quickly as he came. That night, Kate Beckett sat at her desk going over paperwork; her team had already left for the night and she was burning the midnight oil since she really had no other place to be. Kate's eyes started to go out of focus as she stared at the same sheet of paper for nearly ten minutes. She shook her head and rubbed her eyes, trying to wake herself up. She took a hit from her cup of coffee hoping the caffeine jolt would keep her eyes open. Maybe if I just lay my head down for a bit. Kate compromised with herself. She pushed the paperwork to the side, crossed her arms on the desk and laid her head upon them. Her mind drifted in and out of consciousness before she finally succumbed to sleep.

"Katie. Katie, honey." She heard a feminine voice calling her in the distance. "Katie, it's me. Can you open your eyes?"

Kate rustled in her sleep, mumbling incoherently. Her eyes fluttered open, focusing on the face of a woman with brown hair and kind, brown eyes.

"Hi, Katie. Do you recognize me?" the woman asked, smiling so bright she could blind someone.

Kate jumped, pushing the rolling chair back with her in it. "No, no, no, this can't be happening!" She exclaimed. "You are supposed to be dead!"

"And I still am. I'm just here to give you a message."

Tears formed in Kate's eyes. "Mom, how are you even here? I don't understand. Am I dead, too?"

"No, honey, you are fine. As I said, I'm here to relay a message." Johanna stated.

Kate reached out, wanting to touch the woman who had been taken from her so long ago. She wanted to confirm that she was real, feel her warmth that she longed for almost every night. Johanna bent down, bringing Kate's hand to her flushed cheek, so full of life. Johanna covered Kate's hand with her own. The warmth Kate longed for from her mother radiated down her arm, tingling her senses. It made its way to her core making Kate feel like she was glowing with light and happiness. She was certain she could rival the sun in that moment.

"I've missed you so much, Mom. I have been so lost without you."

"You've managed to find your way though, haven't you?" Johanna's eyes shined with love. "Katie, I've been sent to give you a message. A gift of sorts." Kate listened intently. "The powers that be feel you are missing your chance."

"Chance at what?"

"True love. I've been sent to show you the way. Three spirits are going to visit you, the past, present and future."

"Is this a Charles Dickens set up?" Kate asked, her brows furrowing.

"It's the Valentine's Day version." Her mom smiled playfully. "I want you to take this." Johanna took Kate's hand from her cheek and placed a small metal object in her palm. "It's to remember me by."

Kate looked down and saw a small gold heart with a red gemstone in the middle. She squeezed it tight and looked up at her mother. "I'll always remember you, Mom."

"Look, Katie. I need to leave now. Remember there will be three spirits here to show you the way. Don't be scared. I love you so much, my girl. I'm so proud of you." Johanna squeezed Kate's hand and brought it to her lips in a soft kiss.

"Mom, I love you so much." Kate whispered as her mother vanished.

A/N: This will be a four parter. So stay tuned for more. I hope to get this whole thing written and up here by Valentine's Day.