Genre: Drama, Crime, Romance, Family, Humor

Rating: M for sexual situations and language

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters featured on the show Castle, they belong to the creator of the show, ABC, and the others who do own them.

A/N #1: I had a great time reading the feedback that I got for the last chapter so will hurry to my thank yous for them! MsNYC (I'm not surprised you're wondering about the voice, but to be honest it's a bit anti-climactic, it's just Castle's subconscious taking on Beckett's voice since I'm trying to show how connected they are. And I wasn't surprised to see your comments on the will and Junior saying Rick would need to be Kate's partner for the club, lol, because I wasn't surprised you started asking about what type of partner that meant. Also, I'm not surprised that you're hoping it work and life partners like they are in the present day, or that you have your fingers crossed for that, lol),

TORONTOSUN (Great to see that you thought it was good writing for the chapter! And I'm pleased you thought it was an interesting character call for the voice as you put it!),

Mb (I was really happy to see that you thought it was a fantastic update! I'm glad that you love how I have 1926 Rick and Kate working together as well as slowly and steadily getting to where they want to be together since I wasn't sure if readers would get impatient about that, lol. And it was also nice to see you think it's so good that 1926 Rick accept and looks forward to the visions too, I couldn't really have him hate them or be wary since they're there for a reason, lol. Your mention of his hope of the future Julia and calling him daddy was interesting, but it didn't really surprise me that much that you did. Glad you thought the first half was a great chapter showing the growth of both past and modern Castle and Beckett, I did get it so don't worry about that. Of course, I'm pleased to see you thought it was fantastic! You're very welcome for sharing! Really nice to see that you thought the second half was fantastic and amazing too. I'm glad to that you could see Beckett during her first pregnancy not wanting to buy things for herself and the baby until the third trimester. And I've heard that the first baby might make you superstitious though it was more I was showing Beckett wanted to wait until she would need it, lol. But yeah, I've heard too that no matter what you'd still do it. I wasn't surprised that you were glad May helped Rick and Kate out, or that Junior gave Rick his blessing to be with Kate since I know people want them to be together, lol. And with that I wasn't surprised either that you think they need to tell each other their feelings, or that you could tell Kate was feeling the same way, lol, or that they are in love with one another. I'm so glad you think that 1926 Rick and Kate are just like modern day Castle and Beckett since that's what I was aiming for, lol, before they got together so you picked up on that exactly, lol. Not surprised you're feeling for 1926 Rick seeing himself with modern Beckett which is what he wants with Kate. Or that you felt for him seeing Martha in modern day when he barely remembers his mother in 1926, that would definitely be tough. It wasn't a surprised to see too that you think Castle is getting closer to finding out why he's seeing the past since he could hear Beckett and his family too at the hospital while he's unconscious. And I did like that phrase you had 'drifting up from the darkness' it also explained it very well too. And you pointed out how that voice is telling him he'll go back to his family and everyone but also go back to 1926 too, kind of a being torn moment. Great you're thinking it's an amazing story. And you're welcome for giving you and the other readers this series, definitely had to write Castle and Beckett and their family the way it was always meant to be, glad you said they're one of hope, passion and love too. And I agree of course, Caskett and family always!) and

vetgirlmx (I wasn't surprised you pointed out how Castle's more conscious of the situation since he can hear them when they're talking to him in the hospital. And I didn't really want to make him go crazy, kind of convey that where he is is safe so he's a bit calm. I was glad to have surprised you with May, but yeah, I figured since they're in SF she should be there too, lol. Happy to see that you thought it was nice to see her. And the same with you saying it was nice that they know where the will was and what it says, though not surprised you didn't think that part was a surprise, lol. And I wasn't surprised too that you thought it was hard for 1926 Rick to see Martha in the flashbacks, I didn't mention it a bunch, so I'm not surprised it slipped your mind eventually. But you did make a good point and it was what I was thinking of having the flashbacks with Martha doing, letting him see a representation of his mother as you said, though also as you said he doesn't have good memories of her. Seeing what you thought, about it shouldn't be too hard for Rick to get Kate in '26, I wasn't surprised to see you figure that. And that's true, they think of him as family, but with Johanna not going to get him back into their lives that I figured it was more they would think he was focusing more on work because he would tell them that and they'd take him at his word. Lol, which I should have just explained, but that's what I saw in my head while writing that part. But I'm not surprised you thought she should have gone to get him. And you make a point that dating your best friend's sister might be a problem though Junior's been killed of course. And the second point was right on too, with them being a family where the youngest daughter married her brother's boyfriend, so the brother and boyfriend could see each other and so the daughter and her girlfriend could see each other too. So you're right that Rick and Kate dating wouldn't be a problem. I had to laugh at your saying that she's in love with him too because I wasn't surprised to see you said that, I was expecting it actually, lol. And interesting you think she's subtle about it though I can see why you would say that. I'm not surprised you think he needs to go ahead with it and think it'll be simple. And I did laugh at what you said about you can't wait to see what's next so you can find out how wrong you are about having solved all that in your mind. But really happy you can't wait to read more and now you don't need to anymore!).

Thanks so much for the reviews, I loved reading them and am grateful for the time taken to write them out and send them to me!

A/N #2: The title of this chapter is part of the title of the song Let Me Linger Longer in Your Arms, I'm not sure who wrote it but there is a version performed by The Melody Sheiks.

Linger Longer In Your Arms

December 11th, 1926
Daly City, California

"Rick?" the panicked voice made him jump and he looked up to find someone peering into the car on his side. He reached for his gun when the figure ran off and though it was slightly painful to do he stepped out of the car before he saw the car that had run them off the road driving off towards the city. "Are you okay?" he asked Kate after getting the gun put away.

"Yes, you're bleeding," she said in concern, reaching for his right hand after she'd put away her gun.

"A scratch," Rick replied, feeling it on his arm. He went into the back of the car to grab his flashlight before he checked his jacket and said, "Whoever that palooka was didn't get into the car, did he?"

"No, you saw him as soon as he got to the window," Kate told him. She went with him as he got to the front of the car and held the flashlight for him.

"I don't think we can drive home tonight," Rick said grimly as he studied the engine. "We'd need a mechanic and we're too far to get…"

"What?" Kate asked as he trailed off.

"The California Inn," Rick said, motioning north. "They have a mechanic who works on fixing anything in the rooms too. He might be there and we're near. Can you help me push the car?"

"I can," Kate said with a firm nod.

"But first you need to steer us towards the road while I push," Rick said. "After we get off of this tree." Together they managed to get it back enough that he could see she would be able to turn to the road and he helped her into the driver's seat before going to the back.

Kate wanted to tell him to be careful, but she knew by the expression on his face that he was too focused on getting them both to safety. He called to her to get ready for his push, so she hurried to place her hands on the steering before she felt the car rolling. She turned to the road and pressed the brake when Rick called to her to stop. "You don't want to try and start her?" she asked as she stepped out.

Looking down at the engine again Rick lifted the hood and shook his head saying, "There's some stuff here hanging, almost falling." He picked up what he could to move it to a safer spot and once it was set he said, "The road is right there so we just need to get it to the top of the driveway and I can let it coast to the garage they have."

"How do you know about this place?" Kate asked as they were walking around to the back of the car.

"We had to pick up someone here," Rick replied. "The mechanic; Whetherbee; told us where to find him." They put their hands against the back of his car and he told her, "One, two, three. Push."

It took a little time to finally get the car up to the road off the highway but once they were there Kate was back inside and turning while Rick pushed once more.

"Okay, here's where I try not crash into the garage up ahead," he told her once he was standing next to the driver's seat. Once Rick was sure that Kate was settled in the passenger seat he pushed on the car from where he was standing and flew into the seat and slammed the door shut before they were rolling down the slight incline and to the garage at the end of the path. He thanked the brakes for working as he managed to get them to a stop just in front of it. "Kate," he said, looking at her. "They don't have a phone here."

"Julia…" she began to breathe.

"I know, at least you warned your sister in case anything happened," Rick said, squeezing her hand tightly. "But there's more; do you want to stay here?"

"Would it be safe?' Kate asked, thinking she knew what he was thinking.

"He drove back north and that road in the dark we just came down you have to know to look for. And if we get a room we can barricade the door and I keep watch with my gun then you'll be alright," Rick explained to her.

"And you," Kate replied. She was startled when he suddenly grew serious and she asked, "What?"

"We need one room," Rick said. He hesitated slightly before he finally said, "We need to pretend we're husband and wife."

"Alright," Kate said. When he looked startled she told him, "We need to."

Trying not to get his hopes up in any way Rick nodded and said, "Let's go." They got out together and he went around to the other side of the car to make sure she got out alright. "You have some cuts," he said in concern, a light at the top of the garage letting him see her face.

"I'll be alright, it's why we need that room," Kate replied, using his handkerchief he'd given her earlier to wipe away the blood on her forehead and pulling the brim of her cloche down a little more.

Rick nodded, since she was right, and he said, "Hold onto my arm, we have to keep the blood from whoever is inside." When she nodded he watched her wrap the other handkerchief he'd held to her around the blood that had appeared on his hand and he let her hold his arm before they walked over to the lobby, coming inside to find a different concierge than when he'd last been there which was a relief. "Hello," he said as Kate pressed close to him.

"Good evening, you and your wife would like a room?" the man asked with a smile.

"Are there any available?" Rick asked.

"Just one more, we're full tonight," the concierge replied. "I think Christmas and travelers of course."

"Of course," Kate murmured.

"Alright your room is up on the second floor, number 210," the concierge told them after handing over the key to Rick. "A corner room so you should enjoy the view. Just one night?"

Nodding Rick handed over the money for their night's stay and asked, though he knew the answer already, "Do you have a phone?"

"Unfortunately it's down for the night," the concierge replied. "But it should come back in the morning; will you be able to use it then?"

"That's alright, we're going to move on early," Rick said.

"Of course, just let the person here know," the concierge said before he signed for the room. "Thank you," the man said.

"How did you do that?" Kate asked once they were out of earshot of the man and were on the stairs.

"I learned to, just in case I couldn't work with my right hand," Rick replied, since he'd signed his name with his left hand. "Brad can do the same thing."

"Good thing," Kate murmured as they were walking down the hall by then and past the other rooms. She could hear the sounds of faint partying in some of them and once they were at their room she breathed out as he handed her the key. She let go of him then and opened the door, handing him the picnic basket they had with them. "Oh…" she said in surprise when she entered to find an outer room.

"This must be kept for married couples," Rick commented. "Though if I was alone I bet I'd be using this on my own."

"Yet you're not," Kate said simply as she took the basket. She went over to the bedroom, pausing at the large bed there, before she went into the bathroom. "They have some things to clean us up Rick," she called out to him.

"Good, take care of yourself first," Rick told her.

Giving him a brief look Kate took what she had found out to the outer room, making him sit down at the table before she helped him with his coat and blazer before she took off her cloche and cape, deciding to get her blazer out of the way as well. When he had his shirt sleeve rolled up she carefully cleaned the cut on his upper arm telling him, "It's not deep, you should be swell if you keep it clean."

Watching her set something onto it Rick hissed and said, "This reminds me of when you took care of me after the war."

"That wasn't too long ago," Kate said softly.

"No," Rick said. "I think that's it-" he started to say after she'd wrapped some bandaging around his arm.

"Hold on," Kate said before beginning to clean the cut on his forehead. Once she had finished she said, "Now you're done." She was startled when Rick made her sit but didn't say anything while he proceeded to take care of her injuries though she didn't have anything serious.

"I shouldn't have brought you," Rick said grimly when he'd finished.

"I think I got far less than you," Kate told him as they went to wash their hands in the bathroom, her tone of voice firm.

"And if you'd gotten worse?" Rick asked. "What would your family have gone through?"

"But I didn't Rick," Kate said firmly again. She cupped his face with her hands once they were dry and told him, "I'm here and I'm not going to stop."

"Then I'll have to keep you safe," Rick replied, forcing the words out as he wasn't unaffected by her touch. When she nodded and let him go he hurried over to the door, taking two chairs on the way. "I know you remember this," he told her after he'd leaned two chairs against the door and then grabbed a glass to balance it on one.

"I do, we never tested it though," Kate said, smiling as she watched him. "Luckily there are two more still."

"You want to eat?" Rick asked, watching her open the basket

"Not much more we can do," Kate replied. "And you?"

"I'm swell," Rick said quickly with a nod. He helped her though there wasn't much left and sat next to her at the table. They were quiet as they ate the bread, covered with butter Johanna had packed, pickles and cheese. But when he saw that Kate's mother had packed some dessert he said, "She knows how to feed you still."

"It's you," Kate replied, taking the strawberry puff he handed her. "She knows you love these." She smiled as he couldn't reply since he was already eating, and she said, "You also look thinner."

Swallowing the last of his puff Rick then said, "Been working," mumbling as he wiped his mouth.

"You seem to do that a lot," Kate said, studying him.

"Yeah," Rick said slowly, looking at what was left of their dinner. "Now we wait," looking at his pocket watch. He then took off his vest and rolled down his sleeves before he sat with just his holster on, watching her finish her dessert. "We'll be partners soon," he told her, having moved his chair so he could sit directly looking at her.

Looking at him in surprise Beckett said, "You'll work at the club." At his nod she exclaimed, "Oh Rick!" throwing her arms around his neck tightly.

"I won't be working so much then unless it's with you," Castle tried not to wheeze out.

"Can you?" Kate asked.

He knew what she meant, and Rick said, "You asked me how I do this… it's not easy but it was a living."

"It's easier to work at the club," Kate stated simply.

"No, it's what your brother would have wanted," Rick replied. "He would want me to make sure you're safe."

"And the club," Kate said softly.

"You," Rick said before she smiled at him and squeezed his hand before they got up to clear the table and he made sure the gun was against his side as they went.

"What should we do now?" Kate asked.

"What do you have in… applesauce," Rick swore. He ran to where he'd stored Junior's will in the credenza near the table. "I forgot to tell you, one perfect thing about this hotel; they have a safe in the room."

Kate followed him into the bedroom and the closet there before he set her brother's will inside the safe and closed it. "The combination?" she asked.

"Just me," Rick told her. "If anyone asks you, you won't know."

Following him back out to the outer room Kate said, "You want to sleep?"

"Early still," Rick replied. "Anything in your purse for us to do?"

"I still carry a deck," Kate replied, going over to it and grabbing it. She tossed it to him and said, "Although is it legal to play Detective?"

"It is," Rick replied, smiling at her as she was shuffling. They were still sitting next to each other though it wasn't really good for playing poker. He dealt the cards and asked, "Tell me about the club."

Kate glanced at him and then began to explain what her brother had done to run it during the day and then when they would have parties.

"Would that be what I do?" Rick asked her when she finished.

"Mostly," Kate replied. "But I'm not sure about us walking through the room together. Junior and I did that because we were brother and sister, you and I are friends."

"Better we go around the room separate I suppose," Rick replied.

Kate didn't respond and shuffled the cards herself before she dealt once more.

Watching her Rick felt a sudden pressure on his forehead and he tried not to breathe out. Being so close to Kate he hoped he would have the chance to see them alone together in his vision that time.

"Hey love," Castle said as he came to where his wife was.

"Hey," Beckett said, turning around to look at him with a smile. "I just felt like walking."

"Not tired?" Castle asked, reaching for her and placing his hand on the curve of her stomach.

"Not at the moment," Beckett replied, covering his hand with her own.

"What're you thinking," Castle said, kissing her temple gently as he pulled her back against him.

"Just that I wish Dad could be here," Beckett said. "It scares me a little; him up there alone."

"He has exigency plans," Castle told her.

Turning around Beckett went over to the couch and said, "I'm not saying he's feeble, I just don't like him in the cabin alone."

"No, I didn't think you thought that but it's what he wants," Castle said.

Glancing up at him Beckett sighed and said, "I know, and I've known since the Christmas after Mom was killed."

"How are you doing by the way?" Castle asked.

"I've celebrated Christmas already remember," Beckett replied simply.

With a smile Castle wrapped his arm around her saying, "True but I just wanted to make sure since I know you still think of her."

"Julia helps," Beckett replied. She leaned her head on his shoulder and then said, "I did try to talk to him about coming to celebrate this year."
"More than just your normal question of if he's up to it?" Castle asked, looking down at her. When she nodded he said, "How did he respond?"

"He understood why I was asking," Beckett replied. "But he's still not ready for that yet."

"I'm sorry Kate," Castle replied.

"It's not your fault," Beckett said simply. "I just feel like having all the family here. If that's because of the pregnancy, then there's your explanation."

"I'd thought that but it's more so Julia has him here right?" Castle asked.

"Mmm-hmm," Beckett replied with a smile. She looked up at her husband and saw he was doing the same to her. When he leaned over she raised her head a little bit more to meet him and they kissed deeply, passionately before they heard a sneeze behind them.

"I thought someone was watching us," Castle commented, sharing a smile with his wife before he stood. When he got near their daughter he said, "I thought you were asleep sweetheart."

"I was Daddy," Julia said, looking up at him before he picked her up. "But then I woke up and I was thirsty. You and Mommy weren't in bed."

"That's my fault," Beckett said with a smile as Castle walked around the couch with their daughter in his arms. "You didn't have a nightmare?" she asked as she took the little girl onto her lap.

"No," Julia replied. "Did you?"

"I haven't gone to bed yet," Beckett said.

"Do you want me to get her some water?" Castle asked her.

"Yes," Beckett said simply. "And I could use some cocoa."

"I'll be right back," Castle said, going to the kitchen to hurry and get what she'd asked for. Once he had he returned to find Julia was at their Christmas tree, looking closely at their ornaments. "Are you still thirsty?" he asked her.

"Yes Daddy," Julia said before rushing over to him to take the small glass he held out. She sipped at the water before she yawned and then went over to her parents so she could go back on her mother's lap. "Is the baby excited for Christmas?" she asked, watching them drinking their cocoa.

"Not yet," Castle said first.

"He's right, the baby needs to be born so it knows what Christmas is first," Beckett added when Julia looked at her. She wasn't surprised when the little girl soon after fell asleep and she and Castle finished their drinks before they stood up. "I'm alright," she said quickly as her husband started to reach for the little girl.

"Are you sure?" Castle asked. When his wife glared at him he held up his hands and said, "Let me kiss her at least before you take her up." When his wife didn't move he leaned over and gently pressed his lips to the back of their daughter's head and then went with her to the bottom of the stairs before she went up. He tried to do the best he could to go as fast as he could but since he couldn't really leave the cups as they were he washed them and then went upstairs.

"Was she still asleep?" Beckett asked her husband when he walked inside their bedroom.

"Yeah, she's doing very well," Castle replied.

Looking at him for how he'd said that Beckett saw he was looking at his phone and she said, "Rick."

"What? Oh, sorry yeah she's still asleep," Castle said as he looked up at her.

"Good," Beckett said simply before she got onto the bed.

"Kate," Castle said, moving to stand next to her side of the bed. When she looked up at him he said, "Do you want me to close the door."

"You should lock it too," Beckett told him simply. She watched as his eyes widened for a moment before he hurried to do so. She was smiling when he turned back to her and told him, "But don't expect too much."

"Whatever you want I'll take," Castle replied. He then realized what his wife had said and paused as he sat next to her asking her, "Are you sure you want to do anything at all? If you're tired I don't-"

Beckett kissed him to interrupt him and she wrapped her arms tightly around him to make sure he didn't try to speak again. When they were apart she smiled and said, "I could change my mind. We would just need to start."

"Why don't we do this for a little longer?" Castle suggested. He couldn't help smiling as she appeared thoughtful and he gently brushed his lips against hers before she spoke.

"I don't mind but I really have to wonder if you want to," Beckett finally told him.

Castle kissed her again before he moved to climb onto the bed fully and once he was there he took his wife into his arms and pulled her firmly onto his lap. He kissed her deeply on the lips but kept that short before nuzzling her lips with his own. "I'm eager for this Christmas," he told her, wanting not just their kissing to be a prelude to any lovemaking they might do after.

"Of course you are," Beckett replied. "Our first one married."

"It's not just that," Castle said. "And it's a little more than the baby too."

"Oh?" Beckett asked with a smile.

"Yeah," Castle replied. "I've been thinking that maybe it's because I'm Julia's father now. I mean also," he added hurriedly at the end. "Don't get me wrong I'm really glad we're married and-"

"And for the baby, I know," Beckett interrupted him. "But I know how much you've wanted to be her father. I'm sure it's that and the fact that she's so happy with that; because she loves you." When her husband nodded she cupped his face with her hands and murmured, "And I love you even more for that."

Castle knew he easily could have said something like he knew already or of course but instead he just leaned over, pressing his forehead firmly against hers before he said, "I adore you Kate."

"Thank you and I feel the same about you," Beckett replied. She then leaned against him and told him, "This time it's the baby."

"It is," Castle said, smiling widely as he'd placed his hand on her stomach. "Oh… nice," he said as the baby had chosen that moment to kick underneath his hand.

"It must hear us talking about it," Beckett said with a soft laugh. As he began to rub against her abdomen she said, "I love that you're so eager."

"Why wouldn't I be?" Castle asked.

"Not just for this," Beckett replied with a smile. "Just fatherhood in general."

"You knew I enjoyed being a father before we married," Castle said, wondering why she was thinking that.

Kissing him very gently on the lips Beckett said, "I didn't know you would make so much of an effort."

"It's not an effort," Castle said firmly. "I'm just doing what I can." He paused for a moment and then said, "I really had to when Julia came to us. Or you I suppose."

"It was an effort," Beckett replied.

"No," Castle said with a smile as he knew she was teasing him. "I just let Julia guide me in what I needed to do."

"Is that a hint to me for the baby?" Beckett asked.

"We read that in one of the pregnancy books remember?" Castle replied.

Beckett shook her head and smiled before she said, "You don't think I did the same with Julia?"

"No, I thought so," Castle answered quickly. "You're the one who brought this up."

Leaning down slightly Beckett kissed him gently on the lips before she murmured against his, "I know, and I did that to make sure." When her husband just looked at her she bit her lower lip before she told him, "And because I love you for the father you are Rick."

"That means a lot to me," Castle said seriously. He smiled when Beckett leaned over and pressed her lips to his forehead before he told her, "I never was sure."

"I know love but you've proven yourself, twice," Beckett said as she knew they were talking about his absent father. "And you will a third time I know."

Nodding his head rapidly Castle reached for the bottom of his wife's shirt before he pulled on it saying, "I love you Kate."

"I love you too Rick," Beckett replied with a smile before they began to kiss.

After they'd finally parted Castle helped his wife with his shirt before he moved to lay her on the bed and he leaned down to her, kissing her as he pressed his body down to her so they could begin their night together.

"I don't know if I can keep this up much longer," Kate said.

"Well… what should we do? I don't have any hooch so we couldn't do what they're doing down the hall," Rick replied, taking the cards that they'd been playing poker with for some time by then. When he heard a slight sigh, he looked over at his friend and saw she had her face in her hands. "She'll be fine Kate," he said, knowing she was thinking about her daughter. "I told Patrick while we waited for you to do what he did last night; whether we were here or not."

"Oh?" Kate said. "You knew something would happen?"

"In case something happened," Rick replied, stressing the first two words. "No, I told him it was likely going to be because you were back home. I'm glad I told him to do so even more even if we weren't there. So Julia will be safe."

"I know, her aunt will protect her I'm sure," Kate said with a smile. She watched as Rick was moving the cards around in his hands and looking at the bottoms of each half that he was holding. "Moriarty's on the loose," she commented.

"You remember?" Rick asked with a smile.

"Of course, I remember a lot about our time as kids," Kate replied. She grew serious and said, "I was so scared after the earthquake, but you helped make me forget."

"Your brother and sister could have," Rick said though he was surprised.

"Yes, but playing with you helped me far better," Kate replied. "I remember you fascinated me." She grew a little flushed when he looked at her questioningly and she explained, "You were all alone, but you were so… strong, very big six."

Rick was slightly embarrassed himself, but he finally was able to speak saying, "You all fascinated me, you had a father."

"Did your mother never tell you anything about him?" Kate asked.

"No, I get the feeling she didn't want to say," Rick replied. "And I don't want to know, if he knew about me and my mother then he would have come after the earthquake."

"What if he was killed himself?" Kate said.

"Then he never wanted to know me," Rick said simply. "You want to play?" When she nodded he put two cards in each corner and then placed five in a row in the middle of the square the pairs of cards made. It was a game they'd made up when they had been in Golden Gate Park, waiting to leave, and it had helped keep them occupied. "Moriarty's on the loose," he said, turning over a random card from the five in the middle.

"Sherlock's on the case," Kate said with a smile as she picked up one card from one of the corners and turned them over before showing it beat his card.

"Those were simple times," Rick murmured as he waited for her to turn over another card in the middle. They played the game until all four corners were revealed and he said, "You should get some sleep."

"What about you?" Kate asked in surprise.

"I'll have to keep watch," Rick said. "There's a door so you can close it."

Kate opened her mouth to speak when she finally nodded and stood up before going to the bedroom. She was about to turn and close the door when she was startled by Rick being there and she said, "What is it?"

"I could use some water," Rick replied, going to the bathroom and getting a glass from the sink before he then turned to her. "Goodnight Kate," he told her gently.

"Goodnight Rick," she replied with a slight smile before he left her.

Looking at the door Rick held in a sigh before he turned and walked to the table. He grabbed one of the chairs, the one he'd used, and turned it to face towards the door and the booby trap that he'd set up. He settled down for a long night, hoping he wouldn't fall asleep even with that trap. He leaned back, just listening to the muted sounds of voices from down the hall, only moving every so often before he stood just as the bedroom door opened. "What's wrong?" he asked as she stepped out.

"I can't sleep," Kate replied, walking up to him. "There's something bothering me." When he raised his eyebrow questioningly she said, "You left us for months Rick, you used to come see us once a week before you scrammed. What happened?"

Breathing out heavily Rick said, "I told-"

"I don't believe you," Kate said. "The truth."

Rick tried to think of something; anything; he could tell her besides that, but nothing came to mind. He sighed and said, "Junior came to me just after the last time I saw you and told me he wanted to give the club to me."

"He did?" Kate said, startled.

"He never said he was going to give it to you too, so I only thought it was me he was giving it to," Rick replied, feeling he could use that information to distract her. "But I told him I didn't want it."

"He asked you what it was you did want didn't he?" Kate said.

Rick saw his opportunity slipping away and he said, "I told him what I wanted he couldn't give me."

"And then you stopped seeing us," Kate stated. "What is it that you want and Junior couldn't give to you?"

Stepping away Rick looked at the chairs and finally felt something inside him snap, all the visions he had been seeing of him and Kate happy together and how Julia was their daughter with a second on the way, and he couldn't hold back.