Sorry this chapter is a bit short but it's been a week and I wanted to give you guys something. Next chapter will be posted when I find time to finish it.

Thanks to everyone who favourited/followed/reviewed! Sorry I haven't replied individually to every review but it would take way too long and I'm sure you'd rather I spent the time writing instead.

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy it! Let me know what you thought :)

Disclaimer: I don't own Castle or the characters.

There was no more work that could be done that day as they were waiting on results from the lab and for Lanie to complete her autopsy on the victim. They were also still waiting on results in their search for My Peterson. They'd found him in the database but he had no known address so they were now looking for people who may know his whereabouts, hopefully they'd have more information in the morning.

Castle and Beckett had headed back to the loft after both pairs had had their talks together. Rick had called the loft and when his mother didn't answer, they deemed it safe to return. Kate and Rick had headed back to the precinct to work on their case but with dead ends so far, they'd have to wait until the morning for more information. Now they were all at the loft, preparing for Kate and Rick's dinner with his mother and her father. Beckett and Castle had cooked dinner together before the other two had gotten back to the loft, Beckett was surprised by how much fun she'd had.

Beckett had managed to convince Kate and the Castles to left her see her father. Kate had known how much it would mean to her, especially at a time like this so they'd eventually all agreed. Beckett was allowed 5 minutes to speak with her father, to see how he was, before she'd have to retreat to the bedroom and switch places with Kate. Since Beckett and Castle now knew about Rick and Kate's relationship, there was no need to hide the fact that they spent most nights together, either at her place or his.

They had a plan for the evening so hopefully everything would run smoothly. Both Castle and Rick were dressed similarly, in case Martha or Jim happened to see both of them, not at the same time of course, but that shouldn't happen anyway since Castle was to stay in Rick's room all evening. However, it was a bit more difficult for Kate and Beckett since they'd both be seen that evening.

The plan was for Beckett to see her father as soon as he arrived then she'd go into Castle's room and switch places with Kate. Kate would then spend the rest of the evening with Martha and Jim while Castle and Beckett stayed in the room. Kate and Beckett would switch clothes so no one would be suspicious but their different hair styles would be a problem. They wouldn't get away with using hats again so Castle came up with the idea that Beckett would wear a towel on her head, acting as if she was running late, but had wanted to say a quick hello to her father. She'd then retreat to the bedroom where she'd switch clothes with Kate and then Kate would exit the room, wet hair now done up nicely and hopefully no one would be the wiser.

XXX

The door bell rang just after 7 signally the arrival of Jim Beckett and meaning it was also show time for Beckett. She was incredibly excited about seeing her father, hoping for a little bit of normalcy at a time like this. Martha and Jim could be heard talking in the other room and Beckett was dressed and ready for action, complete with a towel covering her hair. Rick was going to be out there with her since Castle had no reason to be out there himself.

Beckett left the bedroom, Rick close behind her, watching her carefully. He was worried about how she was dealing with everything that had happened. He knew she was tough but this all must be hard on her and he was glad she got the chance to see her father, that should help.

As soon as Beckett saw her father, a wide grin broke out across her face.

"Dad," was all she said as she rushed over to him and pulled him into a tight hug. She didn't care if she seemed too excited to see her father, she was incredibly glad to see him.

"Hey Kate," Jim replied, laughing into his daughter's hug. It hadn't been that long since they'd last seen each other but he didn't mind her enthusiasm one bit.

When she finally let go, Jim looked at his daughter, wondering what was different about her. There was something but he couldn't quite figure out what.

"Are you okay?" he asked when she just kept looking at him, her hands now resting on the sides of his arms

"I'm fine," said Beckett, clearing her throat, she was not going to cry, especially not in front of Rick and his mother.

"Are you sure?" Jim asked again, not quite believing her. When she replied again that she was fine, he let the question drop, he'd ask Rick about her later.

"Why is there a towel on your head?" Jim asked laughing again, changing the subject since he could tell his daughter didn't want to talk about whatever it was that was bothering her.

"Sorry, I was running late," she answered, doing her best to look sheepish and relieved at the lighter tone of the conversation, "I'll finish getting ready soon, I just wanted to say hi first."

Beckett was so glad she got to see her father, she was feeling better already.

"Where's your ring?" Jim asked after noticing that both her ring finger and her necklace were missing her engagement ring. He wondered if something had happened between her and Rick and that was what was bothering her.

"Where's my ring? It's right here," said Beckett, touching the ring on her necklace.

"No, not your mother's ring, your engagement one," Jim replied, looking at her with confusion.

Castle had heard the conversation that was occurring but it was too late to stop it, Jim had already spilled the news about their engagement. Rick cursed under his breath, annoyed at himself for not thinking about Kate's ring.

Her engagement ring? Why would she have an….Beckett's eyes widen in shock and she gasped, eyes flashing over to where Castle was standing with a panicked look on his face and then back to her father. She didn't know what to do. Of all the events and the surprises of the last day, this piece of information was one thing too many. How on earth could she be engaged to Castle? Dating was one thing but they were going to get married! She remembered what Kate had said about him earlier "I couldn't love him more than I do", but now, seeing how true those words must be, she was well on her way to having a full on panic attack.

Thanks for all the feedback I've gotten so far, I really appreciate it. And more fic is coming soon!