set in the universe where Kate is a recovering drug addict. parts 1-3 can be found in There's Always A Story chapters 32, 33, and 41

(Kate)

They're spending their visit walking around the gardens because he wanted to and she's not in the mood to argue.

She's out of it, though, hasn't really been paying attention to him, and she should feel worse about that, she thinks. He's made time in his schedule to come see her, and she's...ignoring him.

"Kate, did you hear me?"

She looks up at him, and just how long has he been waiting for an answer? "I'm sorry," she says, sighing. "I'm just...not with it today."

His smile is so understanding, and she almost wants to cry. What did she ever do to deserve someone like him?

"I asked if you'd be okay with me bringing Alexis along when I come visit on Christmas Eve," he says. "I want you to meet her, and I thought that would be as good a time as any."

She's already shaking her head no before he stops talking. "I'm not sure I want any visitors at all," she admits. "I'm not very good company around the holidays."

"Kate." He's crying now, and she very deliberately does not look at him, because she'll cave if she does. Agree to anything if it will wipe that look off of his face.

"I can't even remember last Christmas, Rick," she says. "But I can't imagine it was good in any way."

"So, we make this one better," he says, as if it's that simple.

She shakes her head again. "I wish it were that easy," she tells him, and she's not lying. She really does wish she could enjoy Christmas, but it just doesn't seem possible. She shrugs. "I'll probably end up crying over my mom the entire day, anyway. Your daughter doesn't need to see that."

"Then I'll come by myself," he says. He tilts her chin up, makes sure she's looking him in the eyes. "I love you, Kate. There's no way I'm letting you spend Christmas alone."

"We'll talk about it," she says finally. "Maybe a few therapy sessions will help me sort things out, who knows?"

"Okay." He gives her a quick kiss. "Want to head back inside?"

She nods. As they walk, she thinks about how this Christmas is already better than the last. Because of him. Because of his faith in her.

The way his eyes light up when she tells him that is better than any gift.