A/N: I see your back for more, that's nice to see… :).

Lanie broached the subject, the next time Kate came into the examine room. Lanie gave her a quick update on the body exam and then turned her head questionably at her friend.

"So what's up with you and Castle?" Lanie was never one to be coy.

"Nothing," she shrugged indifferently. Please God, don't let her see right through me.

"Don't spin me some cock and bull story," she muttered. "I heard 'em all before. Come on, girl, what's up? You avoided calling him at the crime scene, what's with that? He piss ya off?"

Kate hesitated. "Not exactly."

"So what?"

Kate sighed. She knew she could trust Lanie, but she wasn't so sure that talking about it was anyway to bring her closure.

"Go ahead…" Lanie encouraged.

Kate smiled. "He's engaged."

"Who? Castle?"

Kate nodded.

"Freakin' out," she cried. "What the hell is that boy thinkin'?"

"He wants to grow up," she shrugged. "It doesn't matter. I'll be fine."

"Girl, you don't have to pretend nothin' for me. I know you like my neighborhood, and I have no problem rounding up some of my people and goin' down and kickin' his ass for ya. It could even be fun…" she grinned at the thought.

Kate laughed. "No, Lanie. I'm fine."

"You need company tonight?" she asked.

"Nuh, I think I'll just read…" her eyes clouded over. Kate had gotten into the habit of reading Castle's Derek Storm series. It was probably the worst thing she could do now. Kate pressed her lips together in a tight line.

Lanie saw the changed expression. "I'll bring pizza," she offered.

Kate shot her a smile and exited the room.

Alexis was watching her father eat chocolate ice-cream from the tub, Castle could feel her eyes on him. It made him slightly nervous.

"You got something to say, kiddo?"

Alexis dropped her book on the coffee table and sauntered over to the kitchen bench. "Dad, if you're so happy with Gina, then why do you look so miserable?"

Castle frowned. "I'm not miserable," he denied.

"Dad?" she raised her eyebrows.

"I'm happy with Gina."

She rolled her eyes. "Yeah, right… I've seen you with Detective Beckett, dad. It's not the same."

"I'm not-" she considered denying it, but he knew that Alexis knew him too well. "Yeah, okay…"

"So why?" she asked.

"Because sometimes you have to settle for less in order to be happy, honey," he explained. "I can't wait for Beckett to break up with Demming. She's not interested in a relationship with me, kiddo. I have to accept that."

"But marrying, Gina, dad?"

Castle shrugged. "You get that you settle for," he had a mouthful of ice-cream and offered some Alexis. "Need a pick-me-up?"

Alexis reached her arms around and hugged him. "I love you, dad."

Castle's mind was already elsewhere.

:) Okay FF readers, so I am beginning to run out of ideas, so if you can post a review and give me some advice, I'd be GRATEFUL! I like a challenge, but I also have a particular way of writing things. But nevertheless, I need HELP!