Faded Memory

by Castlefan6

Authors Note: Thisis my AU version of what could have happened following Rick's discussion with Alexis about the night he danced, fell in love, and lost contact with a girl in college, sometimes memories come back at the worse time. COMPLETELY AU except for the conversation that prompted this and use of some characters names. THIS IS A CASKETT ENDING, EVENTUALLY

I don't own Castle, I use the characters for amusement purposes only

Chapter 10

Previously

"What if I told you I'm ready now, I've been ready since you knocked Will off the fire escape," she gets out through her tears,

"Are you serious Kate, really," he doesn't need a verbal answer as she kisses him like there won't be another moment in time. While she is lost in his kiss, he managed to get the diamond ring, 5 carat, White Gold ring from his desk. Kate had mentioned she liked the style in a brief moment long ago when they walked past a jewelry store. As he slipped it on her finger,

"Kate Will you*"
"Yes, Yes Babe I will."

*****************************************************************************/

Castle's Loft

Next Day 7:35 PM

Family Meeting Part 2

Kate did not want their news to disrupt the meeting's original intent, BUT she wasn't about to take her ring off, so she turned the ring so the Diamond faced her palm, showing Rick before they left the bedroom, he kissed her hand, then her cheek,

"Always so thoughtful, Thanks Babe"

"Let's get through the original topic then we'll spring it on them, OK?"

"Yes Dear, just practicing" he smiles but Kate could tell the weight of the world was off his shoulders as he interlaced his hand with hers, helping to further disguise the huge diamond.

"OK where were we, I think we mentioned that Allison Grant Maxwell is the daughter that I fathered some twenty plus years ago, Alexis, she was told that her father was dead, so she was cheated out of having a Dad, and her little sister who I know will love her. She doesn't want any money, in fact her money builds banks, our money is deposited in them, so the attorneys are drawing the papers, so no one is suing the other. Her one request is to know our family medical history, and perhaps meet you, Pumpkin.

"I think that would be nice Dad, I really feel bad that she was lied to all these years, no matter how much money she has it will never replace the memories you and I made together, those are priceless. I'm so sorry you both missed out on that chance." Kate has tears in her eyes as she gives Alexis a Thank You smile,

"Thanks Pumpkin, I'm sorry too, but hey we know now so let's see where this goes. I'm not sure if she will want to keep in touch, or just find out to satisfy the longing to know where she comes from." Rick stares wistfully out the window as Kate grabs his hand thinking he must be having flashbacks of his childhood when people asked about his Father.

"Rick, what would you like, if it were your choice, would you like to start to build a relationship with her now, after all she is talking of marriage and kids, making you a Grandfather by law" she pokes him gently trying to ease a difficult topic.

"Hey, watch your tongue", he jabs back playfully, "To be honest, I would like to be as much a part of her life as she is comfortable with, I mean I can't go back twenty years and make up for not being there, BUT I can offer her the opportunity to have a Dad she can talk to if she needed."

"Dad, I noticed you are being really careful with the words Father and Dad, is there a meaning behind those, or aren't they the same?" Alexis lays her head on her Dad's opposite shoulder from Kate.

Rick smiles, "Should have known you would pick up on that Pumpkin, well, to me a Father is the person responsible for planting the seed, even if I didn't know it that would have been me under normal circumstances.

In our case, given the fact she has just discovered who I am, and is fully aware of WHY I wasn't in her life, I guess I want to be the Dad, the man who helps cultivate the crop, the one she goes to with problems, the one who will be there for her when she thinks no one else will." Rick says softly, tears pooling in his eyes,

"Like you are for me, Right Dad?"

"Right Alexis, I'm not sure how much Allison will want me to be present, I won't force myself into her life, but I want her to know that I love her, and that I will be there for her, just like I am for you. That doesn't mean I love you less, it just means*"

"Your heart gets to let go of all that love for kids you always had, even if she is a big kid now" Alexis laughs

"Mother you've been quiet, do you have anything to say, or how do you feel?"

"Darling, you're a very smart man, you know that I would welcome Allison here as my Granddaughter just as Alexis is, I'm so very sorry for before I know that hurt you deeply."

"I'm OK now Mother, Kate and I talked, and actually that leads up to the next topic we wanted to discuss. Kate would you do the honors,"

Kate stood, silently turning her ring finger to display the beautiful diamond that Rick had just slipped on her finger.

Alexis squealed, jumped first into her Dad's arms then grabbed Kate in a bear hug,

"When, I mean Kate, I would have saw that when we talked, when did Dad ask?"

Kate looked down at her watch, "17 minutes, 14 seconds ago, and I still can't believe it. I love him with all of my heart, but I never thought this day would come. Alexis thank you for defending me, I know you were in my corner a lot in the early days when it seemed like all we did was fight. Through those fights, I found out what a warm, loving and forgiving man your Dad is."

Martha is sitting with tears in her eyes, "I lived long enough to see my boy meet his soul mate, one who will protect, honor, love, and share all of life with, some days I had my doubts.

Katherine, thank you for your talk with me, you said exactly what I needed to hear, and how you remained so polite, is a credit to you. I know without a doubt you would take on any challenge that put my family in danger, thank you Darling and Welcome OFFICIALLY to the family."

"Thank You Martha, I'm sorry*"

"Darling you had every right to say what you did and more, you're right, Richard always makes sure everyone else has their needs met, never thinking of himself, I love that you're as protective of him as you are, that makes a Mom rest easy."

Kate smiles as Rick slips next to her wrapping his arm around her waist, "Mother, I'm the luckiest man in the world, I just hope Allison is as good in person as she has been through this on paper and through the attorneys. Paula did say she was a very polite and kind young lady."

"Speaking of Babe, you need to go call Paula right now and get this scheduled, I mean Allison needs to know sooner than later and who she will be meeting."

"Take care of that right now" as he pulls his phone out and calls Paula advising her to setup meetings with Allison for him, Kate, Alexis and Martha, as soon as possible, hopefully in a safe neutral place, let her choose since she might be overwhelmed with the number of new family members in her life."

"I got it Rick, anything else going on that I need to know about?"

Rick covers the phone, looked at Kate, who just simply nodded, but mouthed Hold till Tomorrow.

"Well funny you should ask Paula, yes, there is something but it's not for release or forwarding to anyone till after 1:00 PM tomorrow, Kate and I are engaged to be married."

"Congratulations to you both! What took you so long, Ricky, you've been in love with her since you met her"

"Thanks Paula, It wasn't him, it was me and some stupid walls that I had built but thankfully he stuck with me. Can you introduce me to Allison as his fiancé not some chick coming along. I know she is going to be overwhelmed, the Castles can do that sometimes, all well-meant, but scares the hell out of those not used to it."

"I'll call Allison and see what we can arrange, and Kate, I'm sincere, you're the best thing that has ever happened to Rick, take care of him will you"

"Of course, Paula, I know you love him too, that's OK, just no fringe benefits so you know" as she laughs and gets the trademark cackle out of Paula on the other line.

"If you haven't noticed yet Kate, the world stops when you walk into a room, I mean he truly only has eyes for you. I've never seen him happier, and at peace with himself, so Thank You, call you when I set something up, later" and the line went dead.

Rick takes her in his arms, "Well Mrs. Castle to be, I've never heard Paula react to any other woman like she did with you, wonder what's up?"

"You really don't know Babe? For Real? Paula's been in love with you forever, not just lust as she tried to pass it off at first, but she loves you, and I guess she's happy that you're happy. Rick, please don't say I said anything it would embarrass her, and promise me love, you'll be careful till she gets used to the idea of me and you Always."

"Of course, WOW I just heard the most beautiful words you have ever said to me, you and me Always, "

Kate wraps her arms around his neck, pulling him into a kiss, pouring all of her love, gratitude, and appreciation for this wonderful man, who loves her just as she is, imperfect and all.

"I told you the family would come around, it's quite a shock to everyone Babe, so I would expect a few more hiccups to occur before we know the whole new family tree structure.

I know you want to run to her, pick her up and chase twenty years of hurt away, but you can't. She'll have to tell you, us what she needs and wants in her life and as your wife we'll take care of our kids and family, all of them."

"Kate, did you say All of them? You're not?"

"No, not yet, that comes after the Wedding Ceremony but if you're asking would I like children, yes, as long as you do. I know you had your oppor*"

She doesn't get a chance to finish her statement, "One thing Maddie was right about, you do want little Castle Babies, and I am thrilled to death, God is there another word for Love because I feel we passed that ages ago"

"I love you Rick, I promise you that I'll never run again, where you are, I am. I don't care about a job, a case, screw it all, now I know what Dad meant when he said Mom would want me to seek life, seek happiness. You are my life, my happiness, and I hope I am yours."

"Oh, Kate so much more than you know, so very much more."

They sit on the couch barely aware that Martha has checked out for her friends, and Alexis is heading off to a slumber party, that is, till she comes and kisses her Dad, then Kate on the cheek goodbye,

"Love you Both, see you tomorrow," Good Night

As Kate stood and led her fiancé into their bedroom, it was a Good Night indeed,