A/N Sorry this has taken so long to update, real life keeps getting in the way. I am so psyched for the finale on monday. Personally I am really looking forward to how they leave off since I think its going to be a great jumping off point for a lot of wonderful fanfics for the long summer months of hiatus.

See after the story for A/N pt 2.

Chapter 6

Kate and Rick arrived back at the loft, after stopping at Kate's apartment for a change of clothes. Both were still committed to taking it slow, but Rick had sensed a desire in Kate to remain in physical contact as much as she could, a way to make up for all the time that both had wanted to touch and comfort the other but couldn't.

In the car on the way to the loft, Kate had hesitantly brought up Alexis and Martha again. She was still not sure that his family approved of her, and dragging Castle into her world of danger and trauma.

'Kate, believe me, my mother and Alexis both know that you love me, and that you would do anything to protect me. I like to think that they are also both proud of me for growing up a little bit, doing something meaningful with my life that helps others."

"I am sure they are Rick, but it still hurts, knowing the pain I caused you, and how your family had to suffer with that as well."

"I'll admit last summer was tough on them as well as me, but I think we are at a point where we all realize the pain we can cause each other and we all love one another to not want to do that anymore."

"I just don't want to screw this up."

"You won't, I am there every step of the way, and I am counting on you to not let me screw this up either." Castle leaned in for a quick kiss, trying to reaffirm to Kate that they were in this together.

As they walked into the loft, they saw Martha sitting on the couch, her customary glass of wine next to her, reading a large spiral bound book. "Good evening, Richard dear you didn't tell me we were entertaining. A pleasure as always Detective."

"Please Martha, it's just Kate."

"Alright Kate, well what are you two crazy kids up to." Both could tell from the look on her face that the older woman had sensed some shift in their relationship.

"Well I thought we would order in dinner, and have a nice family meal, all together." Castle replied.

"Together, Richard, that sounds lovely, it's nice to see that everyone is together here." Martha winked at Kate, stood up and embraced her in a hug.

"Hopefully we are all together for a long, long time."

"I hope so to Martha" Kate replied, awed at how Castle had welcomed her into his family, and how his family had opened their home and their hearts to her.

"Is Alexis home yet, Mother"

"She got back about 15 minutes before you did, ran upstairs to take a shower."

As soon as she had finished her sentence, Alexis came wandering down the stairs, and took in her father and grandmother huddled around Kate. Wasting no time she went to the small group and embraced them all in a giant hug.

"What's for dinner, I'm starving" she asked.

"What are you in the mood for Pumpkin?"

"Chinese sounds good, what are you in the mood for Kate?"

"Chinese sounds good to me as well."

Rick walked into the kitchen to grab the menu, his phone in hand pulling up the number. Martha motioned to Kate to sit down, while Alexis said she was going to finish up a few things before dinner.

"So I see you and Richard have made some progress in your relationship. May I ask what brought this change about?"

"I was honest with him, I told him that I heard him say he loves me when I was shot. He also confessed to me that he has been working on my mother's case, and my shooting."

"I must say when you two decide to make progress, it happens pretty fast. Kate I know that Richard said he loved you, and believe me, he was devastated when you said you couldn't remember. I don't begrudge you your reasons for not divulging it, but please know that he loves you and that he would do anything for you."

"Believe me Martha I know, and I want to be there for him, as well as you and Alexis. It's been so long since I had any real family outside of my dad, I want you to know how much I appreciate it and I am going to do my best not to take it for granted."

"Excellent, well, hopefully you too will move a little faster with the rest of your relationship, I wouldn't mind another grandchild or two while I am still young enough to enjoy them"

Kate's eyes widened, and she could feel blush covering her cheeks, but Martha simply patted her hands and stood.

"If you'll excuse me I think I am going to put this monstrosity of a script back up in my room, yell when dinner is here."

As Martha retired to her room, Rick came back into the living room, and noted Kate's still somewhat shocked expression.

"Everything ok?"

"Yeah, but I think I just got the "When are you going to have kids" talk from your mother."

Rick's face mimicked Kate's reaction; however he recovered much more quickly. "Well…ahh…I guess…geez." He rubbed his face quickly. "Look, lets just say that conversation is a ways down the road, we still have a lot of progress to make before even thinking about thinking about that, but let me just say Kate, when its time, my answer is yes, only with you, and as many as you want.

Kate looked at him, her eyes widening again, but she could see the sincerity in his gaze, and it gave her the strength to momentarily let her mind wander, thinking about a little boy running around the house, brown hair and green eyes, chasing a small girl with curly hair and brilliant blue eyes.

"Rick, when its time, much later down the road, I can think of nothing that would make me happier."

They both leaned in for a kiss that quickly started to gather in heat and intensity. Before it could lead any further the doorbell jarred them both back to reality and separating with a grin, Rick stood to grab the food, and Kate went into the kitchen to get the plates and silverware.

Calling everyone down, they all enjoyed a wonderful meal together. Kate quizzed Alexis on how her internship with Lanie was going, and what she was learning. She asked Martha how the acting school was going, and how her students were. Martha asked about her father, and she replied that he was doing well and would hopefully be visiting with them soon.

Dinner wound down and after all the leftovers were put away Martha returned to her room lamenting that her brain was starting to hurt from having to read such a massive script. Alexis asked if they wanted to watch a movie before bed, and they all settled on watching Old School. Alexis and Kate took turns comparing Rick to characters in the movie, and both Rick and Kate regaled Alexis with slightly toned done exploits of their times in college.

By the time the movie was over all three were starting to fall asleep. Alexis roused herself from the couch first, stood and wished both her dad and Kate a good night.

Kate was nestled in Castle's arms. "So did I do a good job?"

"A good job on what?"

"Distracting you from having your mind run in circles over this case."

"What case.." he leaned down to kiss her lips, mouths parting slightly and tongues caressing.

Both of their hands were wandering and their kisses started to deepen. After parting in order to catch their breathes, Rick cradled her face with his hands.

"Kate, I know we are taking it slow, so let me know if I am going too fast."

Her only response was to kiss him deeper, and run her hands over his thighs.

"I think 4 years is slow enough, if your crazy enough to love me, then I'm in love with you enough to dive in."

Castle's face practically glowed, and he stood up, pulling Kate up with him and wrapped her in a hug. He whispered into her ear

"You have no idea….how much I love you."

"Why don't you stop talking about it, and show me."

At that Castle scooped her up into his arms and proceeded to his bedroom.

A/N 2

My plan is for next chapter to start the morning after and delve back into the case. It may take me a little bit since I am still plotting out the case. I did want to ask- Anyone interested in a M rated chapter 6.5, uploaded separately? I have not really tried writing smut but I like to think that I have some decent ideas. Let me know and if the interest is there I will put one up. As always your reviews are welcome and comments and suggestions, especially as related to a M rated chap. 6.5 are always appreciated.