"Kate!" The sound of Ricks voice, the people, I didn't have time to think about what was happening. I didn't have time to know all the hell that had broken loose around me. I felt nothing, I could see nothing, but I could hear Rick. "Kate,I love you. I love you,Kate." I found a sudden stillness in his voice. Latching to his every word, I regretted never giving him a chance;never giving us a chance. Even on the worst days, he has always been there for me. He's what puts the joy into my world, and more importantly, my heart. I laid there, for what seemed like an hour, hoping to see the sun, and to see Castle again. Before Rick, I could never venture towards the future. Every time I tried,something tripped me from behind, pulling me back further and further toward the shadows, toward the past. It got so bad that I was half expecting for another death, another bullet to my chest, another opportunity to fear the pain and what was to come. But having someone like Rick to take my hand within his and pull me forward toward the light is something that I could never loose. It took a bullet to my chest and a hole in my heart. But that day, laying on the grass, was the day that I had finally realized it.
Waking up to see a sewn up wound in the middle of my chest was a surprise. But the fact that all I could think about was telling Castle how I felt was an even bigger one. How my heart yearned for him, I needed him more than anything. It was unimaginable to not be with him. "Were is Castle?" I asked the nurse who was attending my IV. She looked at me and asked "Oh, is that your husband?" She looked sympathetic, like she has been through this before. "No,just a close friend." I figured I wouldn't begin to argue, knowing what she'd say. "I'm sorry but immediate family only,visiting hour isn't until 4. The doctor still needs to look at your vitals and make sure your stable." I turned my head to see the clock that read 2:45. "But..." the nurse continued in a hushed voice. "He wont be back in here for another half an hour. So if you make it quick I can let you see your friend." I looked back toward the nurse and now I know she's been through this before. "I know how it feels, that's all. Not being able to see the one you love. It should be a crime to hold someone hostage like that." She smiled and left from the monitor and headed toward the door, turning around to say, "I'll go get him now."
"Uh Castle?"I looked up to find a 5 foot tall nurse with brown hair and green eyes staring at the room full of people. Standing up from my chair and fixing my shirt I walked toward the young woman. Wondering why she possibly wanted to speak to me I asked , "Yes. How can I help you?" The nurses face lit up and motioned me to walk with her down the hall. "Um I have a patient who would like to see you. Her name is uh,Kathrine Beckett." I stopped immediately and turned to see the nurse. "I can see her?" My mind raced. Maybe she remembers what I said. What happens now? "Yes, you can. But you have to make it quick and..." She leaned closer into me. "could you keep it on the down low, please." She took me to her room and I walked in, standing awestruck, and smiled. " Of course." She left me and Kate in the small,yet brightly lit hospital room. The minute she laid eyes on me she smiled. "Hey." I said as I walked to her bed frame. "Hey Castle." I could tell she has been up for quite some time judging by the large bags under her eyelids. "There is something I need to tell you, Castle." Finally after a few moments of silence she said looking directly into me. "Sure, anything. How are you feeling?" Grabbing my hand and pulling me closer she talked in a calm voice. "I'm feeling like I need to kiss you right now." I blinked and took a step back. My mind now, was racing at the speed of light. Did she just say what I thought she did? "Castle?" She looked at me with a face that I will never forget. "Did you mean what you said earlier?" Pulling myself back to reality I stepped forward, putting my hands on her cheeks and brushing my lips smoothly onto her mouth. "I did." I said and pulled out of her space. "I always have and I always will Kate. Always." I now rest my hand on top of hers, running my fingers slowly over her knuckles. "I love you too Rick. It took a bullet wound for me to know it and I'm sorry." I was astounded by her. Her strength. Her beauty. Her dedication. "Kate, listen to me. You don't ever have to tell me you are sorry for being who you are. If I went through everything you did, I would have probably done the same thing. So, don't get down on yourself. Okay?" "Ok." She smiled and pulled my hand to her mouth and kissed it. "Were do we go from here?" Kate looked back at me. "Well,"I said with a smart tone. "we can go to my place if you want, but I'm pretty sure your apartment isn't infested with redheads." And just like that, she rolled her eyes and smirked, as usual. "Castle, I mean with this. Our relationship." I knew that she was talking about that to begin with but I couldn't help my self. "Well can I make it easier if I asked you to be my girlfriend?Oh, I think there is a pen and some paper here somewhere..." "Castle" "What?" "How about you save some trees and use your ears." She has now captured my full and undivided attention again. "Yes Rick. I will be honored to be your girlfriend." Before I could kiss her another time, the nurse walked in. "I'm sorry but the doctor will be her in a few minutes, its time for you to leave now." "Thank you for letting me see him. I really owe you." Kate said apologetically and I let go of her hand to exit the room. "Until tomorrow detective?" I said turning around as I walked out the room. Kate smiled. "Always."