Rick walked out of the guestroom with his measuring tape to find his mother standing in the hall. Her presence made him jump back a little, but he managed to close the door to block her view.

"What have you been doing in there for the past few days?" Martha inquired, setting her hand on the door handle to peek inside. When Rick placed his arm in her way to block her, she receded and attempted to figure out what was going on.

"It's a surprise," he spoke up with a smile.

"For?"

He ran his free hand through his messy hair and itched the back of his head. His slight shrug made his mother's eyes narrow at him.

"Noah," he admitted with his exhale.

Martha nodded her head, comprehending more of what he said than he probably intended. A large smile formed across her lips and she could tell he felt a little uneasy with his secret being known.

"Mother, don't tell Kate," Rick begged with his sparkling blue, puppy eyes.

"You're fixing up the guestroom for her son to sleep in, but she doesn't even know that you're going to ask her to move in. You're asking for trouble."

"But this is how I'm going to ask!" Rick pleaded as he followed her down the stairs.

"How?"

"I'm going to sit her down without the kids here and talk about possibly moving in together. Then, I'm going to bring her upstairs to see the bedroom I'm remodeling for Noah. That way she knows he will have his own room and maybe it will work on her."

"And if she says no?"

"Don't make me think about that," Rick answered while setting the measuring tape on the counter. He faced his mother with a sad expression across his face. He didn't want the thought where Kate rejected his proposal to be in his mind, but it was too late.

"I'm only being realistic, dear boy." Martha placed her hand on his arm and gave him an encouraging smile. "But you love her. It makes me happy seeing you with them and if you want them to move in, take that chance."

"Yeah?"

"She's not like all the other girls that you've been with. She's genuine and I know you would love seeing her when you get up in the morning."

"Yeah, she is," Rick happily responded, liking the idea of waking up every morning to see his beautiful girlfriend next to him.

"So..." Martha patted his arm, getting his eyes to fall directly on her. "When are you going to ask?"

"I'm not sure. I was thinking when I was finished with the guestroom, well, Noah's room."

"Or you could always pop the question and have her, Alexis, and Noah join in on the fun of remodeling. What if you choose something the young boy doesn't like?"

"Oh, that's true. What if I choose colors he doesn't prefer or decorations he hates?" Rick anxiously ran his hands down his face and held them there. "What if she says no and I wasted my time?"

"And now you're overanalyzing. How about you get the room set up to be painted then ask her or is it ready right now?"

Rick drummed his fingers against his lips. His mother's suggestion was a good idea because if Kate did deny his proposal then he wouldn't have much to worry about. He would only have to repaint the walls and put the furniture back. It was a good thing his mother caught him stepping into the hall when she did since he was prepared to start painting tomorrow.

"Well?" Martha interjected his inner thoughts.

"It is ready to be painted and that is a great idea, but how will I ask her to move in? I don't want to scare her off or make her think she has to or make her feel tied down with me. She's still so young," Rick nervously spoke at a tremendous speed, noticing his mother's confusing stare as if she was trying to figure out what was just said.

"You won't be able to ask her if you keep assuming the worst. I highly doubt she will make you feel horrible, even if she does reject the idea."

"So I should ask?"

"Yes, you should. You only live once, Richard. Never sit around waiting for the right things to happen, make them happen when you want them to."

Rick snaked his arm around his mother's back and pulled her in for a big bear hug. She was also so smart and helpful whenever he was in a mini crisis. She always knew what to say to make him feel like he was doing the right thing. He was grateful to be able to call her his mother; even though she had her crazy moments like the other day when she was prancing around in some Shakespeare's costume for a play. She managed to stay in her role for twenty-four hours straight and he was tempted to call the psych ward. Well, not really send her away, but he did use the threat, which was probably why she didn't stay in character for the following day.

"I love you, mother," he joyously announced by her ear. "Your words of wisdom are always right and work."

"Are they ever wrong, dear boy?" Martha asked with a smile as she pulled away from their hug.

"Sometimes." She playfully hit his shoulder, creating a loud, deep chuckle to escape him. "But for the most part, they're right. I just hope when it comes to Kate and Noah that what you said is 100% true."

"You will never know unless you ask. Take a leap, Richard. It has been awhile since you did because you have been revolving yourself around Alexis." Martha lifted her hand to silence him when his mouth opened to speak. "Yes, you should be all about your beautiful daughter, but you need to make yourself happy too. And since both Kate and Noah make you and Alexis happy, I think it's time for you to take a big risk, no matter the costs."

Rick planted a gentle kiss on his mother's forehead. "Thank you. I will ask tomorrow night since Alexis is going to Emma's and I'm almost certain that Noah is going to Ryan's to play with Liam."

"Tomorrow's Saturday, correct?"

"Yes, why?"

"Play practice," Martha answered as she practically skipped off to go find her script.

Rick shook his head with a small laugh. His mother was insane, but he loved her and her wisdom so much.

…..

Kate slowly squatted down in front of Noah and unzipped his jacket. Since it was getting warmer out, she didn't see the need for a hat and gloves, but he did still need his jacket. She let it drape across her thighs as she held his onto his hands.

"You behave for Jenny," she said while keeping his captivating blue eyes locked with hers. "If I get a phone call saying that you were bad, I'm gonna come back and take you home, without eating any kind of ice cream with Alexis later."

Noah's eyes widened at the mention of ice cream. He started to bounce in his spot with a giant, toothy smile.

"Okay, you," Kate softly laughed as she placed her forehead against his. "Behave, Little Batman." She planted a gentle kiss on his nose, creating a few silent giggles before standing back up.

"Since it's nice out, we can go play outside in a little while," Jenny said from behind Noah, making him spin around to face her. "We just need to wait until Liam's done putting his toys away."

Noah turned back toward his mom and tilted his head back to look up at her. He slightly barreled into her legs, wrapping his arms around them for a hug.

"Bye bye, Mommy."

"I'll be back in a few hours," Kate replied with a smile as she ruffled Noah's hair, making his head tilt back to see her. "Behave," she gently poked his nose, watching him run off to find Liam.

"He's in his room, Noah," Jenny yelled over her shoulder, loud enough for him to hear. She shifted her gaze back onto Kate and gave her a warm grin. "Go have a date without the two little rascals."

"It will be different without him and Alexis there, but it's very much needed," Kate laughed as her cheeks became a little hot. She turned toward the door to hide them and opened it. "I'll be back at 5 o'clock. He woke up from his nap a half hour ago, so he shouldn't be bad." She faced Jenny before she was ready to leave. "But if he does misbehave, like he has been for the past few days, call me."

"I will," Jenny nodded as she held the door open for her friend. "See you in a little while."

"Bye," Kate said while walking away and waving.

Jenny closed the door to lock the handle and chain because Liam knew it was nice out and would probably attempt to leave the house with Noah.

She walked down to Liam's room and pushed the door open to find the boys in their usual superhero masks, swinging Nerf swords at each other.

"Ahem," she cleared her throat and had to try not to laugh when they paused with scared looks on their faces.

"Mommy, can we go outside?" Liam practically screamed, throwing his sword to the side to run up to her. He grabbed onto her hand and gently tugged it down. "Please, please, please."

"Put the swords back and we can," Jenny answered as she smoothed down her son's hair. She let her eyes fall on Noah who was hitting the sword into his face. She let out a semi-loud chuckle, which made him stop. "Put yours back too, buddy."

Noah smiled up at her and ran over to Liam's closet. He handed the sword to his friend who set it under his hanging clothes.

"All set!" Liam exclaimed and ran out of his room, Noah not too far behind.

Jenny followed the boys over to the front door and handed Liam his jacket. She squatted down in front of Noah and guided his arms into the sleeves of his before zipping it up. As she turned toward Liam, she saw him struggling with the zipper on his jacket.

"Want help?" she questioned with an encouraging grin.

"Please," Liam answered as he let his hands drop down to his sides, so his mom could zip up his jacket. When it was up to his chest, he plopped down on the floor to pull his shoes on. After getting the left foot in and having a mini war with the right, he watched his mom assist Noah. "How come he can't do it?"

"He's still too little," Jenny answered as she sat on the floor, guiding Noah into her lap. She found this easier when it came to putting shoes on a little kid and she didn't want Noah to fall over. As she guided his feet into his Vans, she heard Liam trying to get outside. "You have to wait for me," she announced, making him come to a halt. "All set." She helped Noah stand back up before getting onto her own feet.

After unlocking the door and opening it, Liam sped out. He ran into the grass and waited for Noah to safely walk down the stairs. When his friend was beside him, he giggled and ran toward the back.

"Let's get the bad guys!" Liam screamed as he ran toward the backyard.

Noah darted forward then stopped. He turned around to see Jenny not too far behind. He held his mask to his face and looked up at her.

"Go ahead, silly," Jenny reassured with a warm grin.

Noah turned toward the backyard and dashed away. Once beside Liam and the yellow slide on the swing set, he stopped.

"Go up," Liam calmly commanded, pointing up the slide.

Noah climbed onto the bottom and attempted to walk up until he felt hands on his sides. He was lifted off, which confused him, but when he turned his head to see Jenny, he smiled.

"Let's not climb up the slide. I don't want you two getting hurt, okay?" Jenny questioned the boys as she set Noah back on the ground. She watched him run the opposite way before observing her son. He was staring at Noah for a few moments before chasing after him.

Catching up to his little friend took quite some time for Liam. They ended up by the back deck and sitting on the ground. He watched his friend touch the grass and pick something up. Just as Noah was about to put a rock in his mouth, he grabbed his arm and took it.

"No!" Liam scolded, throwing the rock to the side.

"Hey," Jenny said when she reached the boys after hearing Liam's outburst. She saw tears forming behind Noah's eyes, so she knelt beside him. "What's wrong buddy?"

"He tried to eat a rock," Liam said with an annoyed sigh.

"How about we go play on the swings?" Jenny asked while pulling Noah onto his feet. She watched her son speed toward the swings as she held onto Noah's small hand.

"I am Liam, hear me roar!" Liam screamed while he stood on the swing, gripping onto the chains to steady himself.

Jenny's eyes widened when she saw what he was doing. What did she get herself into?"

…..

The sound of the stove going off made Rick jump off the couch and run over to it. He opened the oven and grabbed the mittens to take out of the cookies. As he was setting them on the stove to cool off, he heard knocking at the door. Quickly, he used his foot to shut the oven as he took the gloves off, setting them on the counter. After, he was sure the cookies wouldn't go anywhere, he ran to the loft door and peeked through the peephole.

She was here.

He opened the door and greeted Kate with a wide smile, pulling her into his loving arms.

"Hey," he murmured into her ear, noticing the chills his breaths on her neck gave her.

"Hey, yourself," Kate softly replied as she closed her eyes to take in the smell of his cologne. And what was that? Cookies? "You smell like peanut butter," she admitted as they pulled away from each other.

"I made peanut butter cookies. I plan to use them with the ice cream tonight. Wouldn't that taste really good?" he questioned as he helped her out of her coat. He hung it on the coat rack before taking her hand and leading her into the living room.

"What is this about?" she asked, sensing his anxiousness, which was starting to put her on edge.

"I have something to ask you, but first," he bolted away from the living room and went to the kitchen.

He pulled open the fridge and took out the expensive bottle of wine he bought on his way home from dropping Alexis off and Emma's. While he popped the cap off, he felt eyes on him, so he turned around to see Kate suspiciously eyeing his every move. He shifted his head back toward the wine and the two glasses he already set on the counter. He filled each halfway up and returned the bottle of wine back to the fridge.

"What's this?" Kate inquired, watching Rick walk over to her with a glass of wine in each hand.

"Château Ducru-Beaucaillou," he answered, hoping he pronounced the name right.

She hesitantly took the glass from his right hand and lifted it to her lips. The taste that instantly registered against her tongue was delicious.

"Wow," she breathlessly spoke.

"Right?"

"What's this for?"

"Nothing really. Thought we could just relax, have some wine, maybe watch a movie."

Kate eyed the man in front of her. He was hiding something, but she couldn't pinpoint what it was. And when he started backing her up, so she plopped onto the couch, she let it go.

She took one more sip of her wine before letting him take it from her and place it on the coffee table. His kiss when their lips connected was hot and feverish, which made her extremely aroused within a matter of seconds.

After she shifted positions so they were now laying down on the couch, she felt his lips on her neck. She played with the hair at the back of his head until his teeth lightly scraped her skin.

His lips formed into a devious smile against her neck when he heard her gasp. He always nibbled this area directly below her ear and every time, it took her by surprise.

He grasped onto the bottom of her shirt and lifted it over her head. The mischievous smile he received made him want more and soon.

Just as he was about to unbutton her pants, her hand delicately placed itself over his.

"Bedroom, now," she seductively demanded, which made him pick her up into his arms, creating loud, deep laughs.

He had her right where he wanted. He was about to get what he knew they both desired. And when he saw her hand behind her back and her bra straps falling a little past her shoulders, he couldn't contain himself any longer.

His lips eagerly explored her exposed, beautiful skin. Her slight whimpers made him continue until he felt her hands pulling at his shirt.

"Off," she murmured, struggling to pull it over his head.

He let out a playful chuckle before pulling his own shirt off. Her chilly hands on his chest made him smile down at her.

"You're so beautiful," he sincerely announced before their lips connected and they were passionately kissing one another.

…..

Kate let her head lay on Rick's chest, listening to the sound of his heartbeat, loud in her ears. She could honestly say that she was addicted to him, his kisses, and his touch. He knew the right things to do and it was unbelievable.

She lightly kissed his skin before placing her hand on the other side of him. As she lifted herself up, so she could see his handsome face, she smiled. He was all she ever wanted and more.

Rick gently pushed her hair behind her ear. "I love you."

"I love you too," she happily replied as she leaned down to kiss his silk-like lips.

His thumb softly ran over her cheek, making her face nuzzle into his hand. She could stay like this for days, but she had a feeling they were in here for a while.

"What time is it?" she questioned as she grabbed onto his wrist, the one that held his watch. "3:30, not bad. We've been in here for like two hours. Not our record, though."

"Shoot," he abruptly sat up, making her get off from over him. He slid off the bed and searched for his boxers, which ended up being on the side table. He slipped them on and scavenged for his other clothes.

"What are you doing?"

"My mother is picking up Alexis at 3 o'clock and bringing her back here for me. I dropped her off and Emma's at 11 o'clock, which was after her nap. Emma's mom said she couldn't stay too long since they were leaving the city at 4 to visit her dad or something like that." He located his shirt and slid it on and shortly after found his pants. As he was hoisting them up to zip, he heard Kate get off the bed.

"Relax," she said while putting her own clothes back on. "I bet they won't be back for another few minutes."

But she spoke too soon.

The loft door was slammed shut, which was not left unheard. Rick practically dove for the bedroom door and closed it, locking it in the process, so he and Kate could finish getting dressed.

Once he was done, he checked himself over in his mirror, fixing his hair. The thought of messy hair made him look over at Kate to see hers sticking every which way. He loudly chuckled, which made her eyebrow rise at him.

"What are you laughing at?" Kate questioned while smoothing her shirt down.

"Here," he handed her the brush on his dresser. "You have lovely sex hair, Detective."

She quickly grabbed the brush from him and gave him a slight snarl. It took her a few minutes to untangle the back of her hair and when she did, light knocks came from the bedroom door.

"Daddy!" Alexis shouted on the other side, continuously knocking until it was eventually opened. "Kate!" she shouted and ran over to her friend, wrapping her arms around her legs.

"I'm going to check and see if the cookies are cool enough to eat," Rick announced as he gently placed his hand on his daughter's head before walking out the room.

"Let's play a game!" Alexis excitedly cheered as she grasped onto Kate's hand and pulled her to the living room.

"What game are we going to play?"

"Uh…" Alexis looked at the board games that were stacked by her toy box. She pulled the bottom one out, which made the rest fall over, but she didn't care. She held up her Disney matching game. "This one."

"Alright," Kate replied with a smile as she sat down, taking the box from Alexis. She opened it and placed the cards along the floor, eight by ten. "You go first."

Rick stood against the kitchen counter and watched two of his favorite girls play a game. When he felt a presence beside him, he turned his head toward it.

"Did you ask?" Martha inquired while watching for her son's reaction.

"We kind of… got distracted."

Martha slowly shook her head and let out a slight laugh. "Oh, young love."

"And I can't exactly ask right now because Alexis is here and she will want to be with Kate for quite some time."

"Here, I'll distract her while you ask." Martha's arm was grabbed, which made her recede to the spot she was previously at.

"I'm nervous."

"Don't be. You both have keys to each other's home. You both are in love, Richard. If anything, love conquers all."

"Okay," Rick nodded to himself, trying to find enough courage to ask Kate.

He watched his mother place herself beside Alexis, whispering into the girl's ear.

Alexis rushed onto her feet and ran over to her dad. "Grams said we have to go get the ice cream!"

"Did she?" Rick questioned as he bent down in front of his daughter.

"Yeah!"

"What flavors are you going to get?"

"Strawberry, vanilla… chocolate. All the kinds, Daddy," Alexis quikcly nodded her head before speeding toward the loft door where she was being waited for. "I be back, Daddy."

"I'll see you soon," Rick waved as he watched his mother help Alexis into her shoes and jacket.

Once they were out of the loft, he let his eyes fall back on Kate. He walked over to the bottom of the stairs and held his hand out for her.

"What?" Kate inquired as she got onto her feet and gradually made her way to him. She took his hand and became confused when he didn't say another word and just led them up the stairs. And when they came to a halt in front of the guestroom, she became tremendously lost. "Uh, what's going on?"

Rick roughly swallowed the large knot at the back of his throat. He could sense that he was already sweating, so he needed to hurry and let his question roll out.

"I love you so much, Kate."

"I love you too," she replied with a lot of bewilderment apparent in his words.

"I don't see myself with anyone but you and I know this may seem fast. I know you have lines you set up for you and Noah, so neither one of you get hurt. But love is about taking huge risks, right?" He saw her slowly nod her head like she didn't know if she should or not. He placed his hand on the door handle and opened the guestroom, revealing paint cans, brushes, and tarps. "I'm not asking you to tell me an answer today or even tomorrow, but I am asking if you would take another leap with me." He turned toward her to see her wide green eyes. "Will you move in with me?"