Love You Through It Chapter 2, a castle fanfic

Love You Through It

by Castlefan6

Authors Note: SnowKing1701 PROMPT REQUEST - They get together early in the series and a health scare tests their love, but not separate them. We may take liberties with the events and timeline from Canon and use events to make this a more believable fiction, Warning THIS IS AU, with only brief flashes of Canon. MAJOR CHARACTER ILLNESS, NO DEATH PROCEED WITH CAUTION, SENSITIVE SUBJECT MATTER

Thanks for the Prompt SnowKing1701, I hope I do it justice.

I don't own Castle; I use the characters for amusement purposes only, except the ones I create.

Previously

Out of nowhere she was picked up, turned and gathered into a deep kiss, "I missed you so very much, how was your day" He asked,

"I missed you too Babe, you know I love you don't you Rick?" Kate asked,

"Kate, you're scaring me, what's going on? Please tell me everything"

"I will Babe, right after dinner, I knew you made reservations for 7:00 PM,"

"How, what are you?"

"I have my ways". She smiled, as she kissed him deeply, sadness in her eyes, Rick knew something was really wrong, but she wanted to go out to dinner,

"Kate, eh"

"Rick, let's go have a nice dinner, then come home and get into bed, I want you to hold me, tight, and I promise you, I will tell you what's going on, I need tonight with you love, please?"

"Of course, anything you want"

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

Chapter 2

Rialto's Restaurant

7:00 PM

Rick and Kate took the car service to a neighborhood that was nice, clean and neat, but certainly a far cry from the Le Cirque atmosphere she had expected. She was going to let him try to figure out how she knew about the plans for a while longer before she told him, he left her cell phone number for a call back when he made the reservation. She was clinging to anything that would bring a smile, or keep him from worrying to death about her, God she needed him, she wanted him, but not pity, she never wanted that.

As they were exiting the car, Kate noticed they were at the back door of a house converted into a local restaurant, and then it clicked, he was protecting her privacy.

"Rick, did you do this because you didn't want anyone to know about us because of me, or you?" She asked teasingly,

"Kate, if I had my way, I would have taken out a full-page ad in every newspaper in America, announcing us, but I thought you said you wanted your private business to be private, I was trying to honor that wish." He said, confusion, clearly on his face.

"I'm sorry Babe, I know, I guess I've changed my mind, I want everyone to know, well let's talk about this tonight, when we're home, I love you, Rick, just in case I haven't told you lately." She pulled him in for a sweet kiss, adding to the fear Rick was doing his best to keep hidden.

They had just entered the back door when an attractive young lady, perhaps in her late 20's pulled Rick in for a kiss, "Where the hell have you been, Mama is going to beat the heck out of you", oops I'm sorry,

I'm Angela, daughter of the owner, and I had a crush on this one for my entire teen years, till I finally found out just how old he was when he brought Alexis in," She smiled as Kate offered her hand, but was pulled into a hearty embrace.

"We're huggers Kate, and I don't know what you did to get this one to bring you here, but no one other than Martha, and Alexis have ever been his dinner guest." She hurried off to tend to another guest just as they heard the voice of the boss, Mama

"So, you decide to show up, finally, and who do we have here Rick, you are way over your head with this one Ricky, she's a beauty." Mama laughed, as Rick blushed, and Kate was speechless as she was being embraced by the short Italian woman who seemed to know just how to rattle Rick.

"I'm Kate, Kate Beckett, and what should I call you?" Kate asked when the embrace ended,

"Please call me Mama if you will, everyone does, and this one, well he's a stinker but we all love him to death here. When Rocco passed, I thought I was going t have to sell the restaurant, the kids were still young and I didn't know what I was going to do.

"Then I met him, and all of a sudden, the restaurant was paid off, not only that, all my past due bills were paid and Rocco's service was paid for. The kids went to college, all of them, you met Angela who had the biggest crush on him till she met Alexis and realized she was only 8 years older than his daughter; we still kid her about loving the old man" Mama laughed,

"Mama, I'm right here you know, and if you're trying to embarrass me in front of my girlfriend, you succeeded, you're lucky I love you so much" Rick feigned anger,

Kate smiled, and gave Rick a look of love that he understood, her man, what wouldn't he do to help others, God she was so lucky, and now, she had to, later she told herself, later Kate, enjoy the night,

"So, a heartbreaker for all ages eh Mr. Castle," Kate kidded him as they enjoyed their wine.

"I must be getting old, I mean I only brought Alexis and Mother here, and when I found out about Angela, Alexis told me "DUH Dad, you just now realizing that? Anyone could see that she had a crush on you, and you didn't know?"

Kate laughed, "Rick, why do you do what you do, I mean all the people you help and nobody knows about it, why Babe? I'm sorry, that's a pretty personal question,"

"Kate, you can ask anything you want, anywhere anytime. I've done a lot of things I haven't been proud of, and before you bring it up, yes one was the Police Horse and my lack of clothing, but there are so many people just needing one break so they can make it all by themselves."

"Like Mama's restaurant?" she asked proudly

"Yes, she's turned an old home into a very successful business, she works hard, taught her kids the same and all are successful now, so it just took one break." He smiled,

"You never got that break growing up did you Rick" she could tell the far-away look in his eyes,

"Mother did the best she could, but it wasn't till A Rose for Ever after was published I fully realized what the hell money was. I squandered most of it as most rich young men do, but I got lucky and lightning struck twice. Instead of wasting it, I consider it investing in other's futures. How much is enough, once you reach that level, it's a sin not to share with others." He said quietly,

They enjoyed their dinner, and as always Rick and Mama had a fight about the bill, he wanted to pay, she wouldn't take the money, so he left a $500 Tip on the table as they left. Mama grabbed Kate on the way out, and whispered, "Hang on to him Sweetie, he loves you, you're all he ever talked about before you got together" then let her go with the European kisses.

The ride home was quiet, Kate laid her head on his shoulder as he draped his arm around her and pulled her close. He kissed her forehead with sweet butterfly kisses, and she held his hand, tighter than usual.

"Babe, I know you want to ask, and I appreciate that you haven't, as soon as we get home, I promise I want you, all of you and then we'll talk, OK?" she had tears in her eyes,

"Whatever you want Kate, you know that now and Always" there was that word, the one that melted her heart every time she heard him say it. She couldn't help but wonder how many more Always they had together, regardless of what anyone said, it was still Cancer.

She opened the door when they arrived back at the Loft, and led him by the hand to their bed, almost as she had done their first night together. She kissed him slowly, and as always, he responded worshiping her body, bringing her to one high after another, till they both finally peaked at the same moment, and their bodies crashed together in sheer exhaustion and wet from the pleasure of making love.

Rick, ever the gentleman, slipped out of bed and returned with a pan of hot water and wash clothes he used to apply to her most sensitive area, bringing her to yet another climax, and then the relaxation of the tissues swollen from skin to skin contact. She relaxed and felt so loved, so fulfilled, she had never had anyone love or make love to her in such a fulfilling way. She could only hope she was providing Rick half the pleasure he did her every time they made love.

"OK Babe, I know something is really bothering you, and I am about crazy with worry, please will you tell me what's going on now?"

Kate turned into him, took his face gently, "Babe, I have breast cancer, if you want to break up, I understand, you got stuck with me with these stupid scars and now, I might lose my right tit, why would anyone want to*"

His lips were on hers, kissing her like never before, something was different, he was crying, his tears were falling and mixing with hers.

She pulled back for air, "Babe don't cry, please, I Love you, I really do but I don't want to saddle you with this burden, *"

Once again, she was stopped mid-sentence with his kiss, he finally collected himself and held her as she recounted the visit to Doctor Gupta, she apologized for not telling him first, and she could tell he was truly hurt by this.

"Babe, oh Rick, I'm sorry, see I screwed up again, everything I do brings you pain"

"KATE, stop, what brought me the pain was knowing you were facing this without me, I would have been there Babe, I'm all in with you, forever, you are mine ALWAYS. Can I ask you a question and please think before you answer it, what if it were I who was fighting a disease, how would it make you feel?"

She burst into tears, first at even the thought of him being sick, secondly because she understood now, he was in it for the long haul,

"Babe, no more secrets, none, promise me, please? I can take almost anything, as long as we face it together, hell we beat a nasty bomb, what chance does cancer have against us as a team?" he pulled her to him, her tears slowing but still falling, on his chest. He held her for the longest, just gently rubbing her back in the I love You circles they had developed for their time at the precinct together.

When she opened her eyes, she saw the most beautiful blue eyes, looking directly into hers, whoever had written the look of love surely had witnessed how Rick was looking at her. Kate, this only changes things one way, I was going to ask you this weekend, but now, I don't want to waste a minute, as he pulled a beautiful diamond ring and case from under the sheet, and slowly slipped out of bed to one knee,

"Katherine Houghton Beckett, would you do me the honor of becoming my wife, my life's partner, and complete my life, please?"

Her tears fell again, but this time she shook her head yes as he slipped the ring on her finger, and held her tight,

"Babe, we're going to beat this, and no matter what, you have to know, one important thing," Rick said sweet and low,

"What's that Rick?" Kate whispered still wrapped in his arms, head back on his chest, admiring her ring,

"I never was a boob man anyway, your legs turned me on the minute I saw those getaway sticks, I almost died," as he smiled and she forced a tearful laugh,

"Then why did you sign boobs if you're a leg man?" She asked

"Because they would arrest me if I went south of the border, per my attorney's beside, it's just your legs no one else's. He smiled and kissed her gently,

"You know I don't know if you're lying to make me feel better or not, but you know exactly what to say and when, I do Love You Rick, I Always Will, and you're right we're going to kick cancer's ass. Dr. Gupta said it wouldn't be easy, but we had a great start, and that I would need a caregiver,"

"That would be me, Mrs. Castle to be, I will be with you every step of the way, nothing else is anywhere near as important. Have you told Captain Gates yet?"

"No, I was hoping for good news, but I can't put it off, would you go with me tomorrow Rick, I mean"

"What time do we leave love? Of course, I'll go with you, who else is she going to think proposed to you in two days since we last saw her?"

"Rick, can I ask a big favor love? Don't be afraid to say no, but before Chemo tak*"

"Let's get married, in a small ceremony, but let you get your wedding pictures we can show the kids, and grandkids someday, can we do that?" he sounded like a kid on Christmas morning,

"Is this for me or you Rick, I mean, I don't want you to pity me, I want it because we love each other"

"Babe, there's a lot of feelings I have right now, pity isn't one of them. I'm overwhelmed with anger that even with my money I can't spare you from going through this, I'm angry that there are so many rotten people in the world and the universe sends this to you, I'm hurt that I wasn't there beside you when you got the worst news of your life, I let you down, and I'm angry at the world for the rotten timing, but Babe, I love you, and no matter what they throw at us, we're going to as you say Kick Cancer's Ass."

She pulled him into a kiss, and one led to another, and she thought, I'm going to take advantage of this while I can, and she did, several times.

Kate woke the next morning to find his side of the bed empty and cold, till she heard him humming softly in the kitchen, he was making breakfast to serve to her so she lay still. What was that song he was humming? It sounded so familiar, but she couldn't quite recognize the artist who had recorded it, as she closed her eyes, thinking how lucky she was to have him by her side, it wasn't going to be easy, she knew, but there was no one else in this world she would choose to make her last stand with if that's what it came down to.

The door slid open quietly, and he stood just looking at her for a minute, "What did I tell you about staring Rick? Never mind that now, stare all you want, I do at you, I just don't get caught."

She opened her eyes, Rick had made her a vegetable and fruit plate, all highly recommended for her now. He actually had decaffeinated coffee delivered last night, so she could start her day with her morning java. He was more precious and sweeter to her with each new moment.

"I used the guest shower, so whenever you finish your breakfast you have all access to the bathroom, I wasn't sure what time you wanted to see Gates, or if we needed to talk more before we leave."

"What do you think we need to talk about Rick, I love you, you asked me to marry you, I said yes, we'll have a small ceremony before we get into the chemo and our picture album created. Did I miss anything Babe?" She asked,

"Have I told you yet how much I love you calling me Babe, and yes you did miss something, this is a copy of the press release I want Paula to issue, once you approve it, OK? No turning back now, are you sure you want to spend a lifetime with me? There's no doubt on my part, so don't even think that it's just I want to start things off like we will do when we are married, we make decisions together, OK?"

Tears come to her eyes, as she just said, "I love you, Richard Castle, for so long I was afraid to say it, but now I want to say it all the time, I really love you."

Rick smiled as he watched her read the short press release,

"It is our pleasure to announce the engagement of our children, NYPD Lead Detective, Kathleen Houghton Beckett, and New York's own Writer, Richard Edgar Castle. A private ceremony is planned and no further details will be released. Thank you in advance for sharing the couples need for privacy, and all of your love and best wishes,

Martha Rogers, Mother of the Groom, James Beckett, Esq. Father of the Bride

Kate smiled, and dabbed a tear, "I love it Rick, when will it be in the paper, I can't wait for the world to know, you are off the market for good"

"In case you haven't noticed I've been off the market since I met you, and it will be in tomorrow's paper if we get it there before noon today."

"Great, send it to Paula, I can hardly wait to see it in print, I feel like a fairy princess, waiting for the clock to strike midnight," she pulled him down with her arms around his neck, kissing his sweetly, "I love you, more than I ever believed I could love anyone, and now all of the love songs and poems make perfect sense. Give me 20 minutes and we'll go talk to Gates, OK?"

I'll be right here Babe, all the way, and I love you too" he kissed her and pulled back to take the dishes or they would wind up in another marathon session. He winked, and said, Mother will be gone when we get back, and you will need a nap, and so will I"

"Rick, you were humming a song this morning in the kitchen, it was beautiful but I couldn't place it."

"You mean this one," he took out his iPod and pressed play, out came the beautiful sound of Martina McBride singing the song, "I'm Going to Love You Through It, "It's our song now, I'm going to love you through whatever comes our way, Always

I'm Gonna Love You Through It

Martina McBride

She dropped the phone and burst into tears
The doctor just confirmed her fears
Her husband held it in and held her tight
Cancer don't discriminate or care if you're just 38
With three kids who need you in their lives
He said, "I know that you're afraid and I am, too
But you'll never be alone, I promise you"

When you're weak, I'll be strong
When you let go, I'll hold on
When you need to cry, I swear
That I'll be there to dry your eyes
When you feel lost and scared to death,
Like you can't take one more step
Just take my hand, together we can do it
I'm gonna love you through it.

She made it through the surgery fine
They said they caught it just in time
But they had to take more than they planned
Now it's forced smiles and baggy shirts
To hide what the cancer took from her
But she just wants to feel like a woman again
She said, "I don't think I can do this anymore"
He took her in his arms and said
"That's what my love is for"

And when this road gets too long
I'll be the rock you lean on
Just take my hand, together we can do it
I'm gonna love you through it.
I'm gonna love you through it.

Songwriters: Jimmy Yeary / Sonya Isaacs / Ben Hayslip

She smiled as she backed into the bathroom, blowing him a kiss, as she closed the door,

TBC

A/N The song was written by J Yearry, his wife Sonya Isaacs, and B Hayslip, based on true events that Sonya's mother, a cancer survivor, overcame. It is dedicated to every victim, family member, friend, or associate who has or had someone fight this disease. We mourn those who lost their fight, and we celebrate those who were victorious, praying for a cure in my lifetime for this dreaded disease, Thanks Tim