Thanks for the continued support. I am very intentional about keeping my pen name, as I've had people use internet information to stalk me in the past. It is a hazard of working in my field, as I've been targeted by the abusers of my clients. Therefore, I strongly appreciate any person who knows my actual name to respect my wishes and NOT use it- especially not in a review. I've now set up moderating because of this. To the person who did so, please be respectful of my boundaries in the future.

I'm so glad you are all enjoying my story (even those who seem to have strong disdain for Kate Beckett).


Over the next several days Alexis went about preparing both herself and Mia for life after the surgery. They had 4 days to prepare, as the surgeon insisted they complete the transplant on his next available time, Tuesday. The red-head spent the Friday with Kate and Martha, seeking out loose and comfortable clothing that could be worn by both girls as their stitches healed.

This was an especially daunting task for Mia, as she still had splints immobilizing her arm and leg, as well as protective padding on all furniture to cushion her healing pelvis. "At least she's not in the plaster casts anymore." Alexis pointed out, "that would be hard to work around."

Kate and Martha nodded their agreement as they ventured into the night ware section of Macy's. It seemed lose and comfortable pajamas were going to be best. It wasn't as if either planned on being out and about anytime soon. After finding several pairs of loose fitting pants, shorts and matching shirts of various lengths and designs, the three made their way from the store.

Deciding to grab lunch at the food court, the three women seated themselves and began to consume their choices of food.

"Katherine, if you don't mind my asking…" Martha began with no small amount of hesitation in her voice.

Kate looked to the older woman, unsure as to where the conversation was going and worried that she was going to bring up her and Castle's relationship in front of Alexis. However, Martha's words caught her off guard.

"Darling, you've been through the ringer lately. In just the past 6 weeks, you've found your daughter, taken her in, protected her, nearly lost her and now you're watching a painful recovery and preparing her for a kidney transplant." You forgot learning that Castle was the father- oh wait, never mind. You don't know that yet. Kate thought cynically. She and Castle decided it would be best to wait until after the transplant to work through that particular elephant in the room. One thing at a time, Castle had told her.

"Are you sure, Castle?" She'd stated, leery of all the lies that had been told in their past.

"I am sure." He stated, "I think the best approach would be to have both girls in the best possible health. To drop such a bomb and send them off to surgery would just be too..."

He had been lost for words during their conversation, but she understood. Further, Alexis was settled on donating the kidney, she'd already accepted Mia as a member of her family. Did the girls deserve to know? Of course. Even more so, Castle argued they deserved to be in the best possible place, physically and emotionally, when they'd learned the truth.

Kate's attention was drawn back to her current conversation with Martha, "What is it that you want to know?" She pressed, still unsure of what point the older woman was attempting to make, yet making herself open to talk.

"It's just, I couldn't help but wonder…Have you communicated recently with your father?" Martha asked, "does he know about any of this?" It was a good question, and one that she'd discussed at length with Castle.

"No, Martha. He doesn't know yet." Castle's mother raised her brow in surprise, unsure of how to react.

"It isn't because I'm trying to keep it from him. He's been working out of the European office for about 10 weeks now and it just didn't seem like the type of thing to drop over the phone. Then everything happened with Mia and, well…I'm not sure what to do at this point." Kate confided.

"Castle thinks that I should wait until he comes back, to tell him in person."

Martha nodded, "that makes sense. That would be quite a bombshell to drop, and he would be helpless to do much of anything from Europe." Alexis nodded her agreement as well.

"Maybe you two can catch up, you can break it to him softly and then give him the chance to adjust before meeting Mia." Alexis suggested.

"When is he due back?" Martha questioned.

"He'll be home in about 3 weeks if everything goes as planned with his clients."


At first Mia was pretty bummed that she wasn't able to join the girls day out. She loved shopping with Alexis. At least she did the one other time they'd done so. However, she was still not mobile for any great length of time and the prospect of being wheeled around the mall was not appealing. So instead she remained at home with Rick.

They sat on the couch together with the X Box, beating the pants off of one another in one of the many Harry Potter games. She insisted on being Hermione while Castle played Harry, their time was occupied by whatever quest was at hand for most of the morning.

"Do you know what?" Castle spoke with an underlying hint of excitement.

"I think this calls for a marathon!" He jumped from his seat, "What do you say?"

"Harry Potter?" Mia questioned.

"Of course, Harry Potter. Why not?"

"Because they're about 3 hours long a piece?" Mia stated.

"So? That's never stopped anyone in the Castle household before. Besides, we can pick our favorites. Who says we have to go in order?" His excitement was contagious and soon Mia was on board.

"Actually, I've never seen the last couple of movies." She stated.

"Um. Sorry?" Castle uttered, completely shocked by her confession.

"Well, I've read the books, but I never had the opportunity to watch the movies while in Foster Care. Before my parents died…" She paused for a moment before adding, "my other parents… they only let me watch the first 4."

Castle nodded, once again recalling that Mia's life was anything but easy.

"My folks were so disturbed by the end of the 4th movie, they thought I was too young. I read the books anyway, and went to the library to get my hands on the others as they were released while I moved through foster care." She added.

"It isn't like I don't know what happens."

"But you've never seen the movies! Order of the Phoenix, Half Blood Prince, Deathly Hallows?" His excitement rose again…

"We're going to change that right now young lady!" Mia smiled at his determination.

"I'll make us some smoothies and you…well, you stay right here." Mia rolled her eyes,

"As if I'm going to run a 5K in the time you're gone?"

There's that sarcasm again, Castle thought happily. It hit him all over again that Mia was his daughter too. It made him study her closer, attempting to identify if any of her mannerisms resembled his. She was certainly determined and intelligent, which was a trait in Alexis. She was creative and imaginative and a voracious reader too. However, those were traits of both he and Beckett. Mia then turned to look at him, offering a smile as she pondered what caused him to stop suddenly.

Her smile, he thought, those eyes and her smile- that's me. He was filled with pride and overwhelmed with joy over this young girl, another beautiful creature that had entered his life.

"Is there a problem?" Mia finally asked.

"What? Oh, no. Smoothies…now." He ventured into the kitchen to prepare one of the few snacks that Mia was allowed to enjoy.

By the time they'd set up the movies Kate, Alexis and Martha had arrived. Alexis made a bee line for Mia, showing her the recovery outfits that she'd found. Lots in purple, as she recalled it was Mia's favorite color. The younger girl was in awe of the fabric, soft to touch and smooth under her fingers. She was tempted to rub it against her cheek.

"I've never had anything so nice. Thank you." She spoke.

Martha leaned down to kiss her forehead, "you've earned a lot more than nice clothes young lady." She then smiled as she made her way to the kitchen, pouring a glass of red wine.

"So it looks as if someone's in marathon preparation." Alexis stated, taking in the variety of pillows and blankets that had been lain out. She also noted the blinds and curtains, all pulled to keep out the sunlight. Fresh smoothies were on the table and the smell of chicken soup was wafting from a crock pot in the kitchen.

She looked around for her dad and Kate, but couldn't find them. Martha, catching onto Alexis' curiosity, spoke to her granddaughter.

"Oh, they'll be out in a minute, they had some last minute things to discuss."


Once behind closed doors there was very little discussing. Although clothes remained on, Castle and Beckett took full advantage of the few moments they had to themselves as Alexis and Martha kept Mia company. He probed her mouth with his tongue, eliciting a moan of content from her.

"God, I've missed doing this." He stated, pulling her even more tightly against his body.

Kate showed her agreement with a nod before pulling him back in for more. Before things could get anymore out of control, a light knock sounded at their door.

"I know you're in there discussing important matters, but there are two girls out here waiting." Martha insisted.

Castle groaned and pulled himself back, putting space between them. "We're not finished here." He stated.

"oh, we're certainly not, Mr. Castle." Kate informed him smugly as she straightened herself out, ready to re-join the girls in the next room.

Castle grinned to himself as he reviewed the evening's agenda.

"Harry Potter and Sex. Two of my favorite things." The murmured happily to himself before moving to join his family.

Castle made his way to the couch and nestled himself between Alexis and Kate. Mia smiled from where she was nestled in the recliner and Martha was seated momentarily on the armchair there- conversing with the young teen. He smiled at his family, stroking the back of Kate's hand covertly. He was aware that this would be the last time they would all be together like this before the surgery, and before news that would change everything.

Castle only hoped the change would be for the better.