Disclaimer: I do not own Castle, nor do I have any ties to the actors that portray those characters even though I've shared the same air space as Stana Katic, Andrew W. Marlowe, and Kate Sargean. Alas, I have no rights to them either. I hope you enjoy my musings and that you forgive me my untimely updates. Always, ElizaCat (aka LiseCate, aka Eliza)

Chapter 4: Dearest Katherine

Jim watched his daughter carefully as the elevator carried them to her apartment. He'd yet to tell her what the Castles had done, was remiss to upset her as she visibly struggled with the demands of her therapy sessions and the news of Rick's engagement. Though she put on a brave face, her detective persona, he knew his daughter. He knew there were nights she still cried herself to sleep. Nights she wished she'd never awakened from the coma. He knew because he'd been there…after Johanna. He couldn't forget…because Johanna was his one and done. Instead, he drank his sorrows away. He didn't want that for Katie. She deserved happiness. She'd been without it for too damn long. He watched her as she unlocked her door, entering her home. Luckily, he'd kept a few paces behind as she stopped suddenly in her foyer.

The smell was what she noticed as soon as the door swung open. Her apartment had been recently cleaned and not with her usual supplies. Not to mention the smell of fresh flowers. Lots of different floral fragrances assailed her senses. And what was that?! Martha's perfume! Turning, she leveled a stare at her father. "Dad...?"

"Katie, can we please step inside before the inquisition begins?" She smirked and walked into her apartment, headed for the kitchen to grab a glass of water. Another large bouquet adorned the countertop. She plucked two glasses from the cabinet and turned back to her father. "Well?" She was waiting for him to respond when she saw it. Right there on the countertop next to the flowers. A closer look revealed a letter addressed to, 'Katherine'. She touched the letter hesitantly, her fingers tracing the large, looping script she recognized. Martha. She let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. For a moment, she'd thought it might be from him. Picking up the glass and the letter she made her way to the sofa.

Jim afforded her the privacy she needed. He carried her overnight bag to her room and returned to the kitchen to prepare lunch.

Kate settled on the sofa, stretching out her legs. She still tired far too easily for her liking. It frustrated her immensely. She wanted her life back. She wanted to be at the precinct. At least, there she could focus on something other than herself. Turning the letter over in her hands, she closed her eyes summoning the strength to open it. A letter from the woman she'd come to adore.

"Dearest Katherine,

You're frowning! And…now, you're purposefully focusing on smoothing your brow. Trust me, dear, I know you! A little housekeeping and groceries to make your homecoming a little more pleasant is no cause for a frown!

Yes, Richard and I spoke with your father about our plans. We and Alexis wanted to do something for you. I hope the flowers will remind you of the beauty that is your life! You, darling, are truly blessed. I can't begin to tell you, again, how thankful I am to have you back. WE all are thankful.

You've blessed my life in so many ways. You will always be a daughter to me, Katherine Beckett. I'll be by to visit you soon.

Rest, relax, and be kind to your father. All of this, all of this was done for you with love.

With love and blessings,

Martha, Richard, and Alexis"

Kate folded Martha's letter, carefully tucking it into her pocket. "Dad, there's something I need to do. I won't be too long. Save lunch for me?" She slid her coat on and tossed him a smile as she fixed her collar. "Don't worry. I've got my phone," she teased as she wiggled it at him.

Jim Beckett gave her a small smile in return. Of course, he'd worry until she was back safe at home. "I'll save your lunch. Mind letting me in on where you're going?" The door closed on his question. That was her reply. Louder than any spoken words.

Castle was busy packing. He'd procrastinated for far too long. Now he was stuck doing a task he loathed. His flight was scheduled to depart the following morning at 8:00am and so he could no longer delay the inevitable. Gina and Black Pawn Publications had given him as much time as possible. He'd been overwhelmed by Gina's kindness regarding Beckett's medical condition. He'd been unable to write without his Muse. Thus, her alter ego, Nikki Heat, had gone undercover and the stories had stopped. His latest novel had taken nearly two years to write and the publishing company was determined that he do a book tour. He'd stalled for as long as possible, fearing the questions the fans would have about him and Kate. The incessant questions they'd have about her health. The disdain they'd express over his latest relationship. Of course, Fate had an odd sense of humor. Kate was now awake, back among the living. Yet, without him. He'd neither seen nor spoken with her since the day she told him good-bye. He knew she'd healed remarkably, his extraordinary Kate Beckett.

He was closing his luggage when the buzzer sounded. Having ordered Chinese as his consolation prize, he grabbed some cash for the delivery guy. His mind elsewhere as he opened the door, Castle was completely unprepared for the onslaught. Surprise mixed with an ounce of fear ghosted across his face as he felt the whoosh of air coming toward him, the sudden impact nearly toppling him. Instinctively, his arms embraced the body that flung itself into his own. Her laughter danced its way through the loft, skipping a pattern across his heart.