NEXT CHAPTER! Here we go :) Thanks for reading!

A FEW WEEKS LATER:

It's well into the fourth month of Kate's pregnancy. Alexis and Kate were lying on Alexis's bed, their feet dangling off the end.

"I can't believe that it's going to be my last night in their room."

"Well, it's not forever and ever Lex, just for now. The room will always be here when you get back."

Rick and Kate decided to transform the guest room into the nursery, so that Alexis could still keep her room.

"True…" Alexis drifted off for a moment. Kate thought she had fallen asleep, when she suddenly asked, "Kate?"

"Hmm?"

"How's Dad dealing with all of this? You know, me moving to college and stuff."

It still amazed Kate how Alexis was supposed to be the child, yet she was so mature, and extremely intelligent.

"Don't lie Kate. I know Dad, and he's been hiding his true feelings from me. I know he's trying to stay strong, but he's human after all. Be honest, please."

Kate looked at the young women she had grown to love as a friend and daughter. "Lex, you know your Dad's taking it hard. Of course, he'd try and hide his feelings, but it's tough. He's taking it day by day. He hasn't broken down yet, but I'm sure that day will come."

"What about your dad and mom?"

Kate chuckled, remembering what had happened when she first went to college. "I've always been a Daddy's girl, one way or another. My mom worked long hours because she was a lawyer, so most weeknights were just Dad and me. I moved to college when I was around your age, and when the day came, I think both my parents were trying not to cry, my dad especially. I think it was because he couldn't believe I was all-grown up already."

Kate glanced at Alexis, and the latter was staring at her with wide eyes, gesturing for her to continue.

"When we arrived, I remember being so excited at the prospect of starting at a new place, of meeting all the people. When I got into the dorms, my parents were still there. It started to get a bit embarrassing, because everyone was sort of staring at me, because, you know, the 'oldies' were still with me. I got into my room, and weirdly enough, I found I was sharing with a guy. There was some sort of mix-up."

"Whoa, what happened?"

"I have no clue. After my dad found out, he marched right up to the people in charge of dorms and demanded to know what happened. He was really mad. I honestly have no idea why, but I think it's the prospect of his daughter having to share a room with a boy, which was a bit awkward, obviously, with all the changing and stuff. By the end of it, the guy in charge was blubbering away, apologising for the mix-up saying he would try and get it fixed, and that I would be able to move into a new room in a couple of days' time, after they sort something out. They couldn't do anything else, so my dad walked over to the guy who would be my roomie for a couple of days and whispered something in his ear."

"What was it?"

"No idea. After that, my parents left. Hugged and kissed me goodbye. The boy was so scared and frightened of me afterwards, I had to try and tell him I wasn't some monster. I tried to coax it out of him, what my parents said, but to this day he hasn't told me."

"What happened to the boy?"

"Honestly? After explaining everything to him, that my parents were overprotective, and I was actually okay with everything, we became fast friends. He was my first boyfriend in college, funnily enough. BUT, don't tell your Dad that! He'd go bonkers!"

Alexis threw her head back laughing, "Seriously? Don't worry, I won't… So, he'll be okay?"

"Your dad?"

Alexis affirmed with a nod.

"Don't worry, he'll be fine. I'll keep an eye out for him. I won't let him do anything rash too, Lex."

Alexis smiled at her step-mom.

"Thanks, Kate." She leaned over and gave her a hug, letting out a huge yawn after releasing Kate.

"Bedtime Alexis."

"Mmm, night Kate, love you."

Kate's heart constricted at the words Alexis's sleepily uttered. Not only was Rick going to miss her, she would too. Kate absolutely loved Alexis, and would do anything in the world for her. Kate's eyes shined with unshed tears as she moved to kiss Alexis's forehead.

"I love you too Alexis."

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The next day, bright and early, everything was loaded into the trunk of Kate's car. Rick sat in the passenger seat and Alexis in the back as Kate drove. The drive was quiet, until Kate spoke.

"Geez, why is everyone so quiet? Oh my gosh, it's like we're attending a funeral! Good god, Rick and Alexis, this is probably one of the last times we'll ever spend in this car together with just the three of us as a family. The next time, it'll be four. Just talk guys. Yes, Lex is attending college, but it's not the end of the world. You'll find time to talk to her. Yes, you'll miss her like crazy, but with technology, she's only a phone call away… Don't get me wrong Lex, I love you and I'll absolutely miss you, but this atmosphere is driving me crazy."

The little monologue Kate said broke the ice. The car filled with laughter and soon, they were chatting away about nothing in particular. Rick reached over and grabbed Kate's hands, silently thanking her through his eyes.

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They reached the college in time. Outside, many parents were there, waving at their children and kissing and hugging them goodbye. Alexis, Kate and Rick got out, and they took Alexis's stuff out of the car.

"You sure you'll be okay from here Lex?" Kate asked.

"Yea, I've been here a couple of times, I think I can find my way. Look! There are some of my friends. I'll just walk with them."

Rick was quiet, afraid that if he opened his mouth, he would start sobbing.

"Dad?"

Rick looked up, meeting the eyes of his daughter.

"Dad? I love you, never forget that. I know, it'll be a hard time letting go. It'll be for me too. But we'll talk tonight okay?"

Alexis wrapped her arms around her Dad, and Rick did the same. After a few beats, Kate joined in the hug.

"I love you too pumpkin. Don't forget your old man!" Rick joked, trying to make the atmosphere less tense.

"Never Dad, never. I love you too Kate. Good luck with the baby!" She leaned down and gave her baby bump a stroke. "Good luck little brother or sister, don't make life hard for our parents!"

Alexis took a step back and gave one last smile to her parents.

"Give my love to Lanie, Javi and their baby, and Kev, Jenny and Dell! Bye guys! Love you!"

Alexis took off running to her awaiting friends, luggage, backpack and purse in hand.

Kate and Rick watched their daughter disappeared into a swarm of people before getting back into the car. Kate took his hand.

"Don't worry Rick. She will be okay. Alexis is strong, and she has a good head on her shoulders."

At the mention of his daughter's name, and how quiet the car has become, it finally hit home for Rick Castle. Unshed tears over the past few months came trailing down his cheeks and he hung his head in shame. Kate leaned over and wrapped her husband in a long hug, her own tears trailing down her cheek.

Done! Sorry, it's a bit long. I hope you like it. I wasn't quite sure with the Kate and Alexis relationship so I made it up a bit. Hopefully it's okay.

Thanks for reading!

PLEASE REVIEW!

Genie