When Kate went to bed that night, she had the biggest smile on her face. The evening had been perfect. They had talked, laughed, played with Alexis … she had not felt this carefree for a long time. Rick Castle had once more managed to get her to forget her problems and simply enjoy the present moment. He had also been very respectful when she had told him she did not want to talk about her father. She couldn't help but think about the differences between the public Rick Castle and Rick, the nice guy who didn't care what people think of him as long as his daughter is happy. When she was with him, she didn't see any trace of his public persona. But after he kissed her that night, she couldn't help but think that Richard Castle had kissed her, making her giggle in her pillow. Ok, it was just a peck on the cheek to tell her goodnight before they left the park but still! Richard Castle had kissed her and she felt … she didn't know how she felt. It was still so new and unexpected. How could she, Katherine Beckett, 23, have ever imagined talking to Richard Castle, best-selling author and more than handsome young man of 30? Let alone being kissed by him! Except in her dreams, she had been pretty sure it would never happen. And yet it did … and she fell asleep while replaying the picnic in her head.

O-o-O-o-O-o-O-o-O

Early afternoon the following day, Kate went to the hospital where she had an appointment with her father's doctor. She arrived earlier than necessary but the doctor was available. Before she had time to explain what she had come for, he started talking.

"Miss Beckett. Your father was discharged this morning, all his tests were good enough to let him go home." he said, smiling.

"What? He's gone? Already?"

"Yes. There was nothing more we could do for him here. Except from his problem with alcohol, he is perfectly fine for a man his age. He left a letter to be posted to you at the reception when he left." he said. "If you're lucky, you'll catch it before it goes to the post office." he added, looking at his watch. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have several patients to see." he finished, shaking her hand and leaving the office.

Kate went to the reception, trying not to run there to find out what her father had left for her. It had to be a good sign, right? If he had chosen to go home and drink again, he wouldn't have left her something. Right? When she arrived, Kate realized that it was nurse Parish who was at the desk. She seemed even happier and livelier than the two times they met. It was kind of scary.

"Hello. Dr. Morrison said my father left something for me here?" Kate said.

"Hey! Yes. It's Beckett right?" Lanie said, searching in a stack of letters that would be going to the post. "So, how are you feeling?" she asked, handing Kate an envelop.

"I'm fine, thanks." Kate answered, hesitating before opening it.

"If you want some privacy, you can go in the room over there," Lanie said, pointing at a door behind Kate.

"Thanks." Kate said, truly surprised by the kind gesture.

She walked to the room Lanie had pointed at and opened the door slowly, as if she expected someone to yell at her for being here. When she saw that the room was empty, she went and sat on the bed. She looked at the envelop for a few minutes before actually opening it. Inside this envelop was a decision that would change her life. Either her father did not want to change his habits and she would consider herself as an orphan, or he did want help, and her help, and her life would change anyway. She knew that whatever was written inside, it would be hard.

If he didn't want help, she would be left alone, but it was more than that. She would be alone by her own fault. She had chosen not to stand by him if he didn't quit drinking and that made her feel like a very bad daughter. Who could just abandon their father when they needed them the most? But she knew her father well. He was stubborn, really stubborn. Unfortunately for her, she had inherited this trait of character from him, and she knew that if he refused help, she would never see him again until he changed, even if it would kill her inside.

If he asked for help, it would be hard because she would do anything she could to help him. She was not a person to do things by half. Either she was in all the way or she was not at all. There was no middle ground for Kate Beckett. And she would be so supportive of her father that he would probably hate her by the end of his treatment. It would be a good test for him though: resist the want to drink to forget his tyrannic daughter.

She laughed at her thought and finally decided to open the envelop and face whatever her father had to tell her.

"Katie,

I'm so sorry for what happened the other day when you came to visit. And also for telling the doctors not to let you come and see me after you brought me here. I can't even express how sorry I am, for this and for the whole thing. Ever since your mother died, I wasn't really myself, as I'm sure you've noticed. I'm not trying to make excuses, far from it. The other day, it was like the roles were reversed: you were the parent and I was the petulant child, pretending not to hear you. You have absolutely every right to hate me right now Katie. I haven't been a good father these four past year. Hell, I haven't been a father at all!You deserve so much better than what I have been giving you for four years …

I can't tell you how much your letter touched me. I have to admit, it was horrible to read and I could hear your voice saying it out loud and scolding me, yelling at me. And the saddest thing is that I often thought of what you would think if you found out about my addiction. I'm so sorry that you had to discover it in such circumstances. I know there are no ideal circumstances for such an announcement but I guess, deep down I hoped you would never know and find out what a coward I am.

But everything is going to change now. I promise you I'll do everything I can to be worthy again in your eyes. It may take some time to get really clean, and I'm sure it will be really hard but I will do it, for you and for me. I swear to you I'll never touch a glass of alcohol ever again. I talked with a nurse here and she said she knew a very good rehab center where a friend of her's worked. And she said they could take me as soon as Tuesday morning. I called them this morning and they are waiting for me. I won't be allowed any visitors during the first month but there is no need to worry about me. I'll be in good hands. I'll give you the address as soon as I'm settled there. I would love it if I could get some news from you from time to time but I'd completely understand if you don't want to talk or write to me.

I promise I won't disappoint you anymore and I'll bring your daddy back.

I love you,

Dad."

By the time she had finished reading, Kate was in tears. And judging by the stains on the letter, Jim had also cried while writing it. Kate let a deep breath out, relieved that her father had made the good choice.

She was brought out of her thoughts when the door of the room opened. Lanie came in slowly.

"Are you ok? You've been here for half an hour. I was starting to bet worried." she said, looking at Kate with concern.

"I'm fine. Well, I more than fine actually. This may be one of the best days of my life."

"Wow. And maybe it's going to get better. You know who is at the reception desk paying for his mommy's stay? Your savior Richard Castle." Lanie said, smirking.

Kate jumped off the bed and got out of the room. When she saw him at the desk, she called for him and ran to him. He had just had time to turn around to see who was yelling his name when she jumped into his arms and kissed him. Hard. Right on the lips. Blinded by her happiness to know that her father was going to get better, she did not realize what she was doing. It seemed … normal. However, when she felt his hands on her, she was brought back to reality. She backed away quickly, eyes wide, whispered a "I'm so sorry!" and ran out the door, leaving both Lanie and Rick mouths open, eyes wide and completely dumbfounded.

So, here you have chapter 5! What did you think of it?