Chapter 6
Previously: Finally, after tonight, I know what I am, I know what I want to be.
"Kate, I know you are an independent woman, an extraordinary officer of the law, and simply the most incredible person I have ever met. Plus you are very tall." Rick grins at that last bit, and continues past Kate's, blush and lowering of her eyes. "Tonight I passed several specially designed tests, from federal and state law enforcement, and from some ex seals who I have had various friendships and working relationships over the years."
"I can defend myself, as they put it better, than 99 percent of the people on the planet in hand to hand and bladed weapons training. You already know I can handle a gun. I know the proper procedures and protocols for federal and state building clears. Yes including turning off my ringer on the cell. And I have in my pocket a Federally approved badge to act as my shield."
"Dad," Alexis speaks up, "is that how you hurt your face, was it the tests?"
"No Pumpkin, that was something else. I'll tell you about it in a minute." He replies.
"Kate, I am your partner if you will have me, for better and for worse, because I am still me."
"Castle," Kate answers quietly, "What about Martha and Alexis? What if you get hurt, I don't think I can survive that."
"I have given it a lot of thought, and it is really quite simple, if I get hurt, if I get killed, life will go on." "I love everyone in this room, but it is my life, and I finally have a purpose past self-aggrandizement, past raising Alexis, and past writing books. I want to help you catch killers. I want to see justice served, and I want to do it with you." Rick, stands close to Kate as he finishes up, then quickly at the last second before Beckett can say anything in reply.
"As for my getting hurt, well you see my face? I fought a navy seal to a stand still, I couldn't take him, but he could also not take me. He didn't lay a good lick on me but sadly, I got all this after it was all over, I forgot to tie my shoes and tripped right into a lamp post."
He waited politely for the laughter to stop.