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 9

Previously

Rick looks to Kate, who has already started reaching for the photo,

"Babe, she's got your DNA, it's not going away, I love you, that means I love everyone that is associated with you, including Allison. God, 19 years old, she is one brave young lady" as it dawns on Rick, Kate was the same age when she lost her Mother.

When they view the picture, Rick gasps, and Kate smiles, "there's no DNA even needed, this is my man's child, look at those eyes, up till now I never saw anyone with eyes like yours, now tell me those aren't you?"

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Castle's Loft

Next Day 7:00 PM

Family Meeting

Rick decided that Kate should get her inauguration into the Family Meeting aspect, a rule that any member of the family could call for a meeting at any time, after giving 24 hour notice, to discuss items that were critical to them, and potentially the family. Typically, Rick was the one to call the meeting, but Alexis had done so once, to discuss a summer abroad, finally deciding not to go even when she had family support.

Kate thought to herself, what a wonderful Father, always treating his daughter as an adult in matters that counted but letting her stay a little girl to enjoy, her youth. She gazed upon him, busy at the stove, and if it were even possible fell even more in love with him. She walked over and as he looked up her eyes met his, and she felt like a teenager again, God that man he could make her toes curl she wanted him so much.

"Hey, I haven't told you I love you in the last hour, so just so you know, I love you Richard Castle, more than I ever knew that could exist. I'm so proud of you, and I'll be here for you, in good and bad times. I'm so happy you made us talk, so openly when we first got together, God that did change everything."

"Well, I just hope Alexis and Mother react the same as you did when they hear, I'm just worried about how they might take this"

"Rick, you were 17, thousands of miles from home, with a beautiful girl, who wouldn't do what you did? No one should judge, and Babe, there's no going back, we just have to include one more person on the genealogy tree."

"God, I love you, I don't know how I made it through the day before you came into my life. Thank You, for believing in me, for supporting me, and for accepting my past, no questions asked."

Alexis is at the table, as Kate and Rick gather, still waiting for Martha, who was not in the best moods a few hours earlier. Rick hoped whatever had been bothering her, she had gotten over it. Alexis finally grew tired of waiting and went to get Martha, a few minutes later they both appear and take their seats.

"Richard, I do hope this is something that is truly important, some of us have other things to attend to you know"

"Mother, this is extremely important, so please be patient, and for a change, LISTEN before you start asking questions." Rick replies a little more gruffly than he intended,

He looked at Kate, who smiled and nodded for him to begin,

"Alexis, you know I've told you the story of how I met a young woman in College, danced, spent time with her, fell in love, I thought, then could never find her, remember?"

"Yeah Dad, I think it was Allison, you told me when Grams kept saying she couldn't remember who your father is, all she would say is she loved a lifetime in one night"

"Really, I don't think my sex life*"

"Mother, all due respect, Shut Up or Leave, your choice"

"Well, I never, Richard you've never spoken to me this way before, what's gotten into you?"

"If you would be quiet, think about someone other than YOU for a change, I'm trying to explain, you're making a tough task even harder, so will you please be quiet."

Martha bites down on her lip, starts to make a move then folds her arms in front of her and sits back in the chair, not making a sound.

"As I was saying, that night I met Allison, I thought I was in love and did what any 17-year College Freshman would do. Long story short, we've been contacted by the attorneys for her Daughter, with proof, I am the biological father of a daughter born almost 20 years ago, in fact she turns 20 in a few weeks."

Alexis is looking at her Dad like he has suddenly grown three heads, turning beet red, then breaks into tears and runs from the table to her room,

"Alexis, Pumpkin, please come b*" as the slamming of her bedroom door is heard.

"What did you expect Richard, a welcoming band and how do you know this so-called daughter is even yours? Kate what do you think about all of this?"

"I think your Son is trying to keep his family updated of something that happened a long time ago, something that he was more the victim than the pursuing party, and he's having a very difficult time with the support system he needs so badly right now.

This is a shock to him, me, and everyone concerned, but Martha, Allison is his daughter by blood. I wish you, of all people would afford your son the courtesy he has always afforded you when you spoke of your one night of love with his father.

If anyone could understand I would think it would be you, and as for knowing for sure, please give him credit, and me for that matter to insure it is true before he told you and Alexis." Kate was red in the face when she had finished, Rick was looking out the window so sadly and held her hand so tightly. He was hurting, badly, and she had to make this right for him, just like he always did for her.

Martha looked like someone had thrown cold water on her, she had never been dressed down so eloquently as Kate had just done. She didn't hold one thing back, even though her voice was the same sweet one that was Katherine, her daughter want to be, it was attached to a protective lioness, protecting her man.

Kate whispered in Rick's ear sweetly, "Give me a few minutes with Alexis Rick, please"

He turned to look into her eyes, his so full of tears, Kate wondered how he could hold them in, and gently kissed her as he nodded.

Kate slipped upstairs as Rick retreated to his office, viewing his photo album of Alexis from the day she was born till just two weeks ago, he had all the pictures categorized and converted to digital images so he would never lose a memory.

He was still sitting at his desk going through pictures of his little girl, thoughts drifting to a What If Scenario, he was cheated out of his first daughter's life as she was the presence of a father. Rick had vowed early in his life, if he had kids, they would never wonder who their Dad was, or lack his presence in their lives.

The office was dark, illuminated only by the screen, as images of Alexis flashed on the screen, paused for a moment then moved to the next image. Even in the dark, Kate could see the tears pooled in Rick's eyes, he was hurting, for what? Trying to do the right thing? She was hurt, but she was also Angry, so angry that this wonderful man was feeling like this because of something that happened over twenty years ago.

She slipped into the office, made her way to him, he looked so sad, as she stood next to him, she started to speak, he gently pulled her into his lap. She put her arms around his neck, kissed him gently on the temple,

"Babe, they'll come around, it's a shock to everyone," she whispered between the kisses and gentle rubbing of his back, trying to take the hurt away.

"I know, I sort of expected the hurt from Alexis, but Mother, as much as I have defended her honor, and her right to her memory of that weekend, that's what really hurts."

"I know Richard, I came to apologize, I'm so sorry. I had a horrible day at rehearsals, and I took it out on you, the family and Katherine, I'm sorry, please forgive me. Will you tell me more about my newest granddaughter when we regroup for the meeting, I am sorry, Richard, I think Alexis is waiting to talk to you and Kate, so I'll step out."

Kate is still in his lap, as she tries to make a move, a gentle arm holds her firm. "Please Babe, stay where you are, I need you?"

Kate's reply was to hold him tighter, and kiss him longer and deeper, till they hear a small voice between sniffles,

"Daddy, Kate, can I come in?"

"Sure Pumpkin, come on in"

"Daddy, Kate, I'm sorry for acting like a spoiled brat, I was acting like a real jerk. I thought that you were going to love her more than me, then when I got upstairs and realized, that was stupid, you would never love anyone more than me, well as one of your kids, I know you love Kate with all your heart, and I'm happy for that. Daddy, I kept thinking about the time you came to California and wouldn't leave till Meredith gave up custody since you didn't trust her to take care of me. I know you love me, and I'm really sorry Dad.

Kate, I know when Dad hurts you hurt also, I saw it in your eyes, and I'm sorry to you too, but it's nice to see someone step up to take care of him. I worry about him all the time. Now that you're with us, I don't have to, you really do love him, and that makes me happy."

"Alexis, I promise you, NO ONE, you or anyone will hurt him again, as long as I am alive and have breath, I do love him, more than I even knew was possible, and I accept your apology but I have to tell you, I am DEEPLY disappointed in you, how could you think for one moment that anyone could replace you with us, your Dad or Me?"

"You mean you think of me as a daughter as well Kate?"

"DUHH, for a brilliant young lady, sometimes you miss the most obvious, Of course you are my daughter, even if we aren't married on paper, we are as committed to each other and to you as any couple could be. Your Dad is waiting till the right time, giving me space so I don't panic, but we will be married, Alexis. You already are my daughter, nothing changes that, Understood?"

Alexis starts to cry as she climbs on the other side of Rick's lap, hugging both her Dad and Kate. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, I should be so happy that Dad loves us to include us in these decisions instead of having his lawyers handle it and I would never know that I have a sibling. Dad, can you give us 5 minutes and start the meeting over please?"

"Sure Pumpkin, 5 minutes it is." Alexis hops off his lap and leaves Kate wrapped in his arms,

"God, I love you, I don't know what you said, but Babe, I want you to be with me forever, tell me when you're ready and we'll set a date. I can't imagine my life without you, not anymore."

"What if I told you I'm ready now, I've been ready since you knocked Will of 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 manages to get the diamond ring, 5 carat, White Gold ring. 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."

"I guess we have another topic for the family meeting, we better go before Mother starts on the expensive booze," he laughs, his eyes never leaving his fiancé.