AN: Sorry, this one's only short, but this is the penultimate chapter. Next one is an epilogue :)

IBYL
xo

With her breakdown momentarily quashed by Rick, Kate excused herself to get ready for their date night. She paused at the mirror in the bathroom and couldn't resist the urge to imagine herself pregnant. She ran a hand over her flat stomach and smiled. One day, she thought, as she stepped under the warm spray of the shower.

A leisurely two hours later, Kate was pulling on a pair of sky-high black heels to complete her look for the evening. Rick had hinted not-so-subtly that tonight they would be dining at an exclusive restaurant, so she made sure to dress the part. She'd bought a beautiful dark purple chiffon dress, full-length with a near-indecent slit up the side that she was sure Rick would love. The halter-cut flattered her frame, and she finished off the outfit with a silver necklace and bangle. Packing her phone and a few other essentials in a small clutch, Kate wandered out of the room she'd been using to get ready, and walked straight into their shared bedroom.

"Hey babe, can you help with with my…" He paused as he looked up and saw Kate. "Tie." He murmured, clearly stunned. His jaw had dropped and she laughed.

"Of course I can." She said, walking over to help him adjust the simple black necktie he'd chosen. She played with the knot gently, fixing it easily. "Done." She said with a smile, and he finally gathered his senses again, winding his arms around the beauty in front of him.

"You look incredible, Kate. Absolutely stunning." He said, pecking her lips softly as she smiled.

"Thanks Rick. I've found that I'm actually quite fond of getting all dressed up." She said, twirling gently in his arms, causing him to notice the slit in her dress.

"You looking like that may just be the death of me." He said, and she laughed.

"Are we going to make our reservations?" She asked, and he glanced as his watch.

"Yeah, we'll be fine. Shall we, my lovely lady?" He asked, holding out his arm to her regally. She smiled and linked her elbow through his.

"Let's shall." She teased, as they walked out the door.

XXX

They arrived at a seafood restaurant on the shore, and Rick settled his hand on the small of Kate's back. He couldn't help the possessive glare that he unleashed across the men in the restaurant, and Kate laughed. He thought he was being so secretive, but she noticed, and leaned closer to him to whisper in his ear.

"You're not fooling anyone, Ricky. Breathe. You know I'll be leaving with you." She said softly, and he gulped, his adam's apple visibly bobbing in his throat. She chuckled in his ear before taking her seat at the table they'd been led to, and she picked up her menu while Rick ordered the wine.

XXX

Dinner passed in a flurry of easy conversation and even easier flirting. The food was delicious, and Kate found herself enjoying one of the best dates of her life. Dessert was possibly better than the main course, and Rick's moans of delight had her in fits of giggles for ages. When they finished dinner, Rick pulled her back towards the car. Instead of heading for home, however, they drove in the opposite direction, and Rick pulled up in front of a small but fancy cocktail bar. They walked in together but instead of ordering drinks, Rick turned to her and smiled.

"May I have this dance, Kate?" He asked, holding out his hand. She took it with a gentle smile.

"Of course you may." She said, and they wandered to the centre of the dance-floor. He pulled her into his arms easily as they waltzed. When the song ended, Kate pulled away, surprised. "You've got the moves, Castle." She said teasingly. "What's your excuse?"

"My mother, of course. And you?" He asked, referencing her own hidden talent.

"My mom too." She said with a shrug, and Rick squeezed her hand softly in understanding. He remained silent, giving Kate the opportunity to continue. "She used to dance with my dad in the living room all the time, just because they could. She always said they were re-creating their wedding dance for me." Kate said with a small smile, this particular memory of her mother not striking her with blinding pain like some of the others. Rick noticed the subtle happiness in her eyes and couldn't resist.

"One day, Kate." He murmured softly, and she smiled.

"One day." She affirmed, much more confident than earlier, and he beamed widely in response.

"One day soon?" He asked, cheeky as ever, and Kate just smiled.

"Don't push it, Ricky."

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