I'll Still be Loving You

by Castlefan6

Authors Note: Thisis my AU version SEQUEL to Dinner Date, Please read that before starting this. This story picks up without any time lapse and continues with Kate and Rick as they forge ahead as a Couple and concludes the story arc started when Rick left suddenly.

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

Chapter 12

Previously

"It never was as easy as others who told her to suck it up, or get over it, nor would it ever be. Kate suffered the loss of her best friend, her Mom, and for all practicality her Dad as well.

She was nineteen years old, and if anyone deserved a "Bitch" period it was her. I don't know if I could have been anywhere near as strong as she was and is. I loved her at her worst, I love her even more now that I understand what hurt her so badly that she employed the tough exterior defense mechanism."

When he finished speaking Kate had buried her face in his chest, her tears flowing without stop. Rick gently comforted her, whispering sweet and low and gently rubbing her back for the longest time.

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JFK Airport

90 Minutes Later

"RICK" Kate hears her before she see's the blur go whizzing by her to embrace Rick in a hug like she hadn't seen him in years. She's crying, laughing, trying to speak, then realizing that Rick is with someone, tries to smooth her clothes out as she reluctantly let Rick go, turning to face Kate with a face beet red.

"Begging your apologies, you must be Kate, I'm Cricket, and this isn't how we normally greet each other, I mean there's nothing, eh,"

"It's OK Cricket, Rick told me all about you, young attractive and so very smart and dedicated. He didn't tell me how beautiful you are though, even after a long flight" as Kate pulled her into a hug. (She was far more than attractive, she was built, and beautiful and if Rick turned down her advances, he really had to love me Kate thought )

"Thank you Kate, I was so worried about meeting you, and that you wouldn't like me, I mean I want you to, Rick is just about the sweetest man I have ever worked with or for. He is always so generous, you are one lucky woman, I know that's not news to you,"

Kate smiled, "One thing I had to get used to was the public knowing our lives, and yes you are so right Cricket, he is so generous, and I finally got my head out of my as you would say ARSE to realize it" as they all laugh, and some comfort spreads them all.

"Gosh, I'm so happy, How's my little sis Alexis doing, I was hoping to see her this morning," Cricket smiled,

"Well she wanted to come; she even went in early to take some exams, but I don't think it quite worked out*"

"Yes, it Did Dad, CRICKET, You're Finally Here!" Alexis screamed as she embraced the young lady.

Another 5 minutes of two young ladies acting more like junior high school, jumping, hugging, screaming, and finally settling down to just standing with their arms around each other's waist.

"God Rick, she's grown, "Can we go shopping again Lexi, my friends were just green with envy with the last batch of clothes we bought together, you have such an eye"

"Of course Cricket, in fact you're staying with me at the original Beach House, Dad and Kate are renovating a home three doors down, so all sorts of workers coming and going, hope that's OK."

"Of course it is, I just hope we get to do things the four of us, I know your Dad hasn't been keeping track but the donations are really adding up and the agencies are planning some great projects, thanks to his generosity." Cricket bubbles

"That would be great Cricket, we planned on spending family time, but also allowing you two time to enjoy your vacation, or Holiday as you say in your country. Rick told me how hard you worked, the hours you put in to keep up with him had to be phenomenal" Kate smiled trying to ease the worry of the young lady.

"Dad, I'm sorry I wasn't sure I could get here in time, but do you mind if Cricket and I head on out to the Beach House, I have the Car Service waiting?" Alexis asked pleadingly

"No, you kids go right ahead, we weren't planning on coming out till tomorrow so enjoy, not too much to make me get a phone call, but have a good evening" he smiled,

Alexis and to Kate's surprise, brought her then Rick into a firm hug, then were off on their way.

"I didn't expect that Rick?" Kate said smiling.

"Yeah, I know when did Alexis get all hugs and kisses, had to be Cricket rubbing off on her" he replied,

"Yeah that too, but I wasn't expecting to see her looking so much like a Victoria Secret Model, but with Boobs, my God Rick, she's Gorgeous, not attractive, but a Knockout. Here I sit with my lit*"

"Enough of that Babe, I told you all that happened, even before there was an us, or even in my mind a hope of us, I held back. NO ONE compares to you, and I would appreciate it if you didn't try to tear my fiancé down. IF she doesn't have it, I don't want it" he laughed

Kate pulled him down into a long passionate kiss, she had certainly gotten over her fear of being seen in public and shows of PDA, "Why is it you know exactly what to say, every time. Thanks Rick, I love you so very much and I'm glad that as beautiful as Cricket is, there's no history, other than work between you."

The Hamptons

Next Day

Grove Shore Restaurant

Rick and Kate had taken advantage of the last night alone in the loft, they would return to it one week before departing for England, but it would be a full house. Cricket, Alexis and the two of them, to prepare for the next several months. Rick chose a restaurant to allow Cricket to talk to all at one time, without the stigma of whose house she was in.

Rick and Kate arrived a few minutes early for their reservation, and found Alexis and Cricket laughing up a storm. Something funny had occurred when they were shopping but neither could get the story out with out bursting into laughter.

Kate looked up at Rick, just smiled, "let them laugh it out Babe, it's great to hear laughter again".

After a few moments Cricket composed herself, then realized that Kate and Rick were already seated and both she and Alexis had missed it,

"Oh my Gosh, My Manners, I beg your pardon, I was so rude, I'm terribly sorry Kate, Rick" Cricket said with her face and neck turning a bright red

"No problem Cricket, it's just great to hear laughter" Kate smiled. "Not sure you want to share that story in front of Rick, but we girls can talk later"

"You heard us? Oh My God Kate, I'm sorry you must thing I'm a terrible influence on Alexis, but how did you hear through the laughter?" Cricket asked,

"Not a woman alive hasn't sat with a girlfriend, or relative who went through a bad break up, and the tear talk that came later, it sounded a lot like that, so I got the gist of the story" she smiled a reassuring smile at the young English woman, looking more like a high school student than the hot model she did the previous day.

She turned to Rick and put a finger on his lips just as he was about to ask, "Shhh Babe, it's girl talk, nothing you would be interested in", as she kissed him on the cheek.

That set the tone for a relaxed meal, Cricket bringing everyone up to speed just how pleased Lord Barrow was with the book, well both books, both remained on the best seller list. She also provided a breakdown of the funds raised for the human trafficking victims for rehabilitation, and education. The young lady teared up as she relayed a message of thanks from one of the victims to Rick and LB.

"Rick, I am going to try to read this, Lord knows I have yet to make it through without crying, so begging your forgiveness" as she pulled out an envelope, and began to read,

Dear Writer,

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you, Lord Barrow and the entire staff for changing our lives. You all have made such a huge impact on my life, without ever knowing it. I would not be the person I am today without you all and I know that through your love, I will be forever inspired to become an even better version of myself.

You have taught me as well as other victims that you don't always have to be strong, that it's acceptable to be broken. You showed through your compassion that for every evil force there is in this world, there are people like yourself, waiting to help.

You have taught us all that we have a story to tell, and that all stories, from each person truly matters. More so, you have taught us all that other people need to hear those stories. Through honesty and vulnerability, we can open doors that would otherwise stay closed, and keep this ugliness in life hidden from mainstream public.

You have taught us that despite flaws and hurts, we as people are still valid and that we have some degree of strength to support, encourage and share in successes of other people.

Because your generosity and compassion taught use to see the world differently, We learned to treat the world differently.

We marvel at your passion to make a difference in the world, to many it would be unbelievable, but from what we have learned about you from your Assistant, it's just you. You put your heart and soul into your endeavors and surpass any personal goal you could have set. We as survivors, not victims, we aren't that anymore, thanks to you, we are survivors who have felt the love you sent through your generosity. With each survivor back to a "normal" life and thriving, we celebrate your efforts to make a difference in the lives of others. This truly is an incredible experience and we all hope that one day we can share the intense passion you have, and share.

In our support groups we speak of the love you must have for your family. Considering the great love, you have shown the victims of this atrocity, we can only imagine how much love you show each of them, how lucky indeed they are to have you. Each time we speak of this, regardless of how tough a day or week, it brings smiles to us all. Our prayer is that you are blessed in abundance, we are alive to see our daily blessings because of you, Lord Barrow, and the entire publishing company.

We watched a press conference and when your assistant was asked WHY, WHY do you give so much for people you will never meet. Your assistant, Katherine Spencer had a tear in her eye when she replied, "If you knew this person as I know them, then it would be clear, using their words, Why, because it was needed. No other explanation would be given, other than there was a need and we had the resources to assist in a small way, so we did"

You have shown the world that Good does triumph over evil, and we want to thank you. Thank you for the inspiration, the desire to do more, the willingness to reach out to people you know you will never meet. You are truly an inspiration, I am now a Licensed Advocate for this program, and am working with at least 45 more survivors as they pursue certifications and education to pay it forward.

Although we may never have the opportunity to say these things to you in person, we pray you see this letter someday. If we never have the opportunity to meet you, we want you to know you were and are our Hero. You gave us all a reason to keep living, for some it was the only reason at that time, so Thank You from the bottom of our hearts.

With Sincerest Gratitude,

Lenore D. Lazzarato, Senior Human Rights Advocate, London England.

Cricket has only made it to the third paragraph before she handed the letter to Alexis who read it strong and loudly. Rick is choking back tears and Kate is dabbing her eyes, and holding Rick's hand just a bit firmer, letting him know just how proud she was of him and his generous gifts to others.

"I didn't mean to make everyone cry Rick, but I swear, even LB, tough old geezer that he is, in the most lovable ways, teared as he read this aloud for the board meeting. I think he and they are working on a surprise for you when you return, but for now, just know you have made a tremendous difference in the lives of people all over the world." She walked over and kissed his cheek, almost like Alexis would do, and said lowly, "I've never been more proud of my work as I have been with you, so thank you Rick, thanks for taking the chance on me"

Cricket looked up to see Kate, not glaring but smiling so she leaned over and gave her a quick hug as well.

"Thanks Cricket, and thank you Alexis, I know I wouldn't have been able to read that aloud, Babe, we are all so very proud of you, now can we order and lighten the room up a bit. We only have a short time left to enjoy vacation before we have to, well you and Cricket have to go back to work. Alexis and I are free to shop ALL day, Right Alexis."

"You want me to go back with you Kate, I mean I thought you and Dad would want some more privacy, and it's OK if you do I understand." Alexis seemed shocked.

"Actually I would love to have you come with us, especially now since you won't be entering College early, I didn't want to say anything but I'm glad you decided to wait till regular admission. You're less of a target for the upper classman with a larger number of new classmates

"Thanks Kate, I heard that from some of my friends as well, and thanks for treating me as an adult, capable of making my own decisions, not like some at this table, Dad", as she turns and smiles at him.

Everyone but Rick laughs as he sputtered, "What, I don't know what you mean daughter" but winked.

Cricket thought how fortunate she was to be accepted, it seemed like no matter the dynamic or members, if you were with the Castles, you were family, God she had missed him, she only hoped she was making the right decision, and had to find the time to tell him, hoping he would understand. Alexis coming back with them would make the time go easier, but, oh hell she would deal with it later, she still had vacation to enjoy.