Kate had known that Samantha and Noah would be excited about their upcoming trip to Disney World. However, she smiled when Noah had asked what was so special about the place. Alexis had gone many times and she told her friend all about everything there was to do there. By the end of the night all three kids were extremely excited about their upcoming trip.

Rick had arranged for Kate's parents to come along with them. She had looked at him and asked, "Isn't that going to be crazy expensive?"

Rick shrugged, "It's worth it. Plus, I know a guy."

Kate laughed at the expression. It was the same one that Rick had said so many times before. Whenever he was trying to convince he of something that she thought was impossible. He had finally laughed and kissed her softly. Leaving her silent and quite stunned.

When they pulled apart she touched her lips with her fingers and whispered, "Why did you do that Rick?"

"I've been dying to kiss you for awhile now, but with Noah being so sick... Well, it didn't seem right."

Kate was rendered speechless and all she could do was look at him. She had been wanting that also, but she had thought that he only wanted to be in Noah's life. She hadn't thought of what the future held for them. She had convinced herself that they would simply be two people raising a son together. Separate but equal. However, for the first time she could see herself doing this with Rick. Loving him. Loving their children. She framed his face in her hands and whispered, "I love you Rick. Do you think there's a future for us?"

He leaned forward and kissed her again. Then he told her softly, "I know there is Kate. There always was a future for us. We were just too blind and too stupid to chase after it. Let me ask you a question."

"Anything."

"Do you want this? Do you want a life with me and Alexis? Can you see yourself growing old with me. Loving me forever and raising our children together."

Kate didn't hesitate for even a moment when she smiled at him and said, "Yes Rick. I can see all of that and more."

Rick smiled at her and asked, "More?"

"So much more. I can see us watching our children play from the porch in the Hamptons."

"Children? How many are we talking about?"

Kate laughed and shook her head, "Seriously? I'd love to have one or two more children with you. I want you to be there with me through everything. I had a relatively easy pregnancy with Noah, but..."

"But?"

"But I missed you being there for all of the little things. Hearing his heartbeat for the first time. The first sonogram. The first time that I felt him move. When I found out we were having a son... I.."

Rick let his hand caress hers and he asked, "What?"

"I almost called you Rick. Almost told you about him. About our son."

"What stopped you?"

Kate sighed, "I remembered that stupid magazine article. Meredith was beautiful Rick. She's a Hollywood actress and she's so beautiful. She's everything you deserve. I'm just a dumb cop and..."

Rick shook his head, "No. You are so much more than that Kate. Meredith was all bling and no substance. She didn't love me or Alexis. She loved the idea of being in love, but nothing that went along with it. What we had together was real. It was the best six months of my life Kate. I was married to Meredith for years and it wasn't as good as what we had together."

"How could you love me Rick?"

"I guess it's because the heart wants what it wants. It doesn't make sense Kate. I shouldn't love you. Hell, I shouldn't trust you, but I do. To both. I want you in my life and in my bed. I want to raise our children together. All of our children. Alexis, Sam, Noah and whatever kids we might have in the future. You are it for me Kate. Forever and always."

She looked into his eyes and she knew that it was true. He still loved her and despite wanting to deny it, she still loved him. So, she whispered, "I want to also Rick. I was just afraid to want it with you."

Rick laughed, "We sure made a mess of everything didn't we?"

Laughing, Kate nodded and whispered, "We did, but I think that we can still make things right."

Kissing her again softly, Rick pulled away and whispered, "I think we can. I will always love you Katherine Beckett."

"I don't deserve it, but thank you."

Rick smiled and summed up their relationship in one simple words, "Always..."

Kate looked at him and smiled and he smiled back at her. She laughed and kissed him one final time. Then she told him, "I'll see you tomorrow Rick."

"Until tomorrow."

Rick turned and headed up the stairs of her house and returned a few minutes with a very sleepy Alexis on his shoulder. He smiled at her one last time and then headed out the door.

Kate's stomach felt like it had a million butterflies in it the following morning. Her mother had called her to make sure that she and the kids were going to be ready. Kate assured her mother that she was, in fact, packed and ready for their trip. With the way that her mother was treating her, Kate felt like she was twelve again and living at home.

She was just getting ready to get into her SUV when a town car pulled up in front of her house and Alexis and Rick hurried out. He walked over to them and told them, "Where are you going?"

Kate laughed, "Uh, we are driving to the airport. Where did you think we are going?"

It was then that Kate noticed the driver walking to the back of the SUV and removing all of the luggage she had carefully packed. He was talking it to the back of the town car and opening the trunk to place it inside. Kate shook her head, "This isn't necessary Rick, I.."

"This isn't up for negotiation Kate..."

"I have to pick up my parents and.."

Rick smiled and shook his head, "No you don't. I have another car picking them up. Along with my mom. We will meet them at the airport."

Kate simply stood and stared at him. He really had thought of everything. She smiled and whispered, "Thank you Rick."

"Don't mention it. Now, we had better get going before we miss our flight. Although since it's a private plane there really isn't any danger of that happening."

Wait, did he say private plane? She turned and asked, "Did you say private plane?"

"Yeah. It was actually cheaper than buying tickets for everyone and more convenient."

Shaking her head, she laughed and wondered what other surprises he had in store for this trip. What she didn't know,what she couldn't know were the surprises that were in store for them once they arrived in Orlando. The private plane was only the first of the surprises that awaited the small family.

Rick had arranged for them to be shown to a private waiting area in the airport. Then, they were hurried to the airplane and each picked their seats for the flight to Florida. Alexis and Samantha picked seats near the back of the plane. Jim and Johanna Beckett sat near them. While Martha sat near the front. So, Kate and Rick sat near the middle of the plane.

Rick took a chance to glance at Kate and was glad to see the small smile on her face. He hoped that today was the first of many that he could see that smile on her face. He had a feeling that she was going to love the wonderful surprise that was in store for them all upon landing at the Orlando airport...