He watched her make breakfast for another minute, trying to regain control himself after her little stunt, and answered her when he felt he could have a conversion. "Mother and Alexis are on their way back from the Hamptons and will be home around lunch time."

"Oh…" Kate let out a little gasp.

"We have to tell them eventually Kate"

"I know, it's just that…I"

"Kate tell me" He murmured as he came from behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. She let out a breath and told him her worries.

"Rick, what if they are not okay with us? I don't want Alexis to feel award, I like her a lot and if she didn't accept this, it just wouldn't feel right."

"Can I tell you secret?"

"What is it?" She asked as she lend into him.

"Alexis loves you to death," he whispered in her ear, "If I didn't know any better I would say she loves you more than loves me." She swatted him on the arm and he turned her to face him. "Kate, I don't know if you have noticed, but you have been part of the family for a long time."

She didn't know what to say, she loved all the Castles' and they did make her feel like she was family. Since her mom had died and her father become somewhat absent because of his drinking, she had been riding solo for a long time. She knew she needed to be part of something, if not she would be lost. "Alright Rick, we'll tell them. Tonight, at your place, over dinner, that you will cook."

"Hey, that's not fair" He said trying to keep things light. She raised an eyebrow, "I always have to cook. Why don't you surprise us?"

"Castle, I don't cook in my own place, what make you think I am going to your place to put your apron on?"

"Because you love me." He whined with his best puppy eyes.

"Nice try, and that's not working, but no."

"Fine, as long as you bring the dessert." He wagged his brows.

Not wanting to acknowledge his taunt head on, she went for a more conventional method, asking seriously, "Cherry pie?" His eyes got big as he understood her playful come back and he nodded in agreement, "We'll let Alexis be the judge of that," he pouted, "Come on writer boy lets get some breakfast, Remy's?"

He nodded but felt the need to correct her, "Writer man Kate, writer man." She laughed as she went into the room to change into some decent clothes.

At Remy's Kate noticed that Rick couldn't stop smiling, either the burger was really that good or Rick was just being Castle.

"Why are you all smiley Rick? Did someone promise you could be first in line to break the piñata or what?"

"Clever my dear, but no."

"Would you like to tell me or should I put it out of you?" She asked as she reached over with her burger-free hand to his ear. When he saw where her hand was going he dropped his burger and went into a fetal position on the bench, shocking the hell out of Kate.

"No, apples! Kate, don't do it, I'll tell you, I'll tell you." He yelped, then he looked up to see her frozen I place, hold her hand in midair, "Kate?"

She gave him one last look and then burst of laughing. Castle looked a little frighten by the turn of events and that just made Kate laugh even harder. Pretty soon the whole place was looked at them and what they saw was a man laying on the bench and a woman laughing like she was mad. Kate was calming down by the time she saw the manager give them a look, so she took a deep breath and relaxed before facing Rick again. By this time he was seated again but he was still a little speechless.

"Rick sometimes you can be a real child, you know?"

"That's what got you like that? Wow, you are extraordinary Kate." She blushed, definitely not expecting that. He was so surprised that something so little could get her so loose so quickly. Sure he was terrified at first, her fingers had some real strength in them when she put her mind it, and he knew it hurt when she pull his ears, but he was really happy that she was showing him more of her without her noticing how free she has become. He was so intently lost in his thoughts he didn't see she was getting uncomfortable under his gaze. So he took one of her hands and gave her a reassuring smile and he felt her relax at his touch.

"So," she started, "what has you so happy Rick?"

He was caught off guard by her question but quickly answered, "Do I really need a reason?"

"Well seeing as you looked like a child how just opened his first Christmas present, then yeah, you need a reason." She told him.

"Because of you." Although her earlier blush was starting to fade away, a new wave hit her again, making her an almost crimson pink. She knew what he was talking about but she asked anyways.

"Because of me what?"

"Because you're with me Kate. Because waking up with you by my side this morning is the greatest gift of life. Because I can kiss you, any part of you, and have no restrictions. Because with you there is nothing we can't do. I love you."

Kate felt her heart jolt with joy when he started but as he kept going she started to get all misty eyed. God, how did she ever get this man? All the years they have worked together, all their denied feelings, all the times they could have been together, this moment made up for it. This moment in the middle of Remy's was special. And she thought 'I love you' and in response she heard him say it back. At that point she knew she was going to cry, and she hated crying, especially in the middle of a restaurant.

"Rick lets go." He gave her a worried look. He had just told her he loved her again and here she was misty eyed and wanting to leave. She caught that look and leaned over the table and kissed his worries away. He got the hint and quickly pulled out some bills and left them on the table. He extended his hand and she took it.

Alleys we becoming their thing because yet again they found themselves in one making out, but it wasn't like last times passionate kiss, this time it was full of promise and knowing. Just when this began to pick up the heat Rick's phone beeped again, reminding them of the incoming of a couple redheads.

"We should start heading home." Rick stated breathlessly. Kate raised her brow at the home comment but he either didn't see it or choose to ignore it.

"Okay, let's go Rick." Kate agreed as she looped his arm with his. Back in front of Remy's they hailed a cab and went uptown.