Alright, so initially, there was gonna be a time jump.

That was until so many of you wanted to hear about the fair date.

So here ya go.

The night was finally here.

Her and Rick's six month anniversary.

Oh God, she was nervous. She didn't admit it to him, but she wanted tonight to be perfect, too. She had bought a brand new dress to wear and got him a present. She dropped it into a gift bag, stuffed the bag with paper and threw some rolled up socks in for weight. He'd never guess what it was, but he loved surprises and she knew he'd love her gift.

She quickly got dressed and did her making. After, she put half her hair up and ran downstairs. As she looked at herself in the full length mirror, little butterflies formed in her stomach. She played with the necklace he'd given her while wondering if he would like her outfit.

"He'll love it" Johanna said.

Kate smiled as her mom came and wrapped her arms around her. Besides Rick, Johanna was the only one who could read her daughter like a book.

"Do you think so?"

"I know so. He won't be able to keep his hands off you." She placed a kiss on her daughter's cheek.

"He will if he knows what's good for him." Her dad came and joined in the family hug.

"Jim, play nice. Rick's not that kind of boy."

"I know. I'm just teasing and Katie, Rick adores you. He'd love you in a trash bag."

For some reason, that makes her blush. "Thanks, dad."

She kisses them both and there's a knock on the door. Suddenly all the butterflies are back. She takes a deep breath, crosses the room and another before opening the door. Her eyes are facing the floor and she slowly glances up to see Rick's face. She has to giggle at the expression on his face.

"Y-you lo- and… just wow…. the wow… and that dress? Ju- wow."

She laughs. "Thanks. I'll be right back. Got to grab your present." She gives him a wink and then heads to the hall, followed by your mother.

Rick stares after her with a wide smile, only to have it wiped off when her father steps into view.

"Oh. Hello sir." He's terrified now. He's never actually been alone with Jim before and he never wanted to be.

"I'm gonna skip the small talk son. I'm not a very strict father, but I do have some ground rules.

Rick listens intently, not wanting to end up on this man's bad side.

"I'm driving you there and picking you up."

"No problem, sir."

"You never leave my Katie's side while you're there."

"Couldn't make me if you tried."

"And last, but certainly not least,"

Rick paused in fear of what was coming.

"Take care of her." What? That's it. No guns, no handcuffs, not even one plague upon his family?

"Uh…. Yes sir, definitely." Wow, & was shocked.

"Rick, I like you, and so does Katie. I don't want to see her get hurt."

Rick thought for a second. Of all the times he'd been terrified of Jim Beckett, now wasn't one. He was just a concerned father. He wished he had a dad like that.

"I like her too. I actually love her. I think it's awesome she has a dad like you. I wish my dad was like that, or even that he was around. And I will do everything in my power to make sure that she never gets hurt."

"Good man. And if you ever need some fatherly advice, I'm here for you."

"Thank you, sir."

At that point, Kate and Johanna walked back into the living room. Neither Rick or Jim were aware that they'd been eavesdropping and not only heard Jim's little talk with the boy, but also Rick's confession of love.

Kate stared at them both, but mostly at Rick. She couldn't believe it. He loved her? When had that happened? She was so in shock she, she didn't notice him guiding her to the car. When they got in, he grabbed her hand. She was silent for the entire ride. Jim dropped them off, waved and left. She was silent while Rick bought their ticket's. She finally found her voice when they entered and he asked her what she wanted to do first.

"Oh, I don't know. I'm good just walking."

So they did. They walked and talked and laughed. Once in a while, he would hint at her surprise for him in the bag she was carrying. She didn't reveal anything and he'd just move on.

Finally, they walked past a carnival game. It was a dart game and he noticed her eyes land on a purple stuffed elephant at the prize shelf. She looked away quickly, but he turned her back.

"Hey, you want it? I've got enough money to play."

"Rick, you don't have to-"

"No, I want to. Hey, can I get a few darts?"

The carny turned around with a huge smile. "Yes, sir you may! Dollar a dart."

Rick bought ten darts and landed the first five with great precision. He looked back at Kate.

"Wanna learn?"

"Uh…. Sure. Why not?"

She stepped up to his spot and took one of the darts. She was just about to throw when he place his arms on hers and crowded her back.

"Here, if you bring your arms down a bit, you'll have a better chance of getting it."

She threw the dart and made it perfectly. He let go of her and immediately, she missed him.

"Now, see if you can throw on your own."

She smiled. Oh, this would be good. She stepped back and threw all the rest of the darts all at the same time. She hit her target with all of them and a little buzzer went off.

"Wow! Let's hear it for the little lady with the great aim!" the carny yelled.

Kate laughed at her boyfriend's shocked expression and did a mock bow for the crowd around them. Rick shook himself awake and grabbed the purple elephant form the carny.

"For you m'lady."

"Why, thank you." She giggled and they walked a bit further. They stopped now and then to ride a rollercoaster or buy some food. After a bit, Kate pulled him along and took him to the Ferris wheel.

'This is perfect,' he thought. 'Now, I can give her her present.'

They climbed into the last little booth just as the ride started to take off. When they reached the top, the ride stopped for a little (which Rick had paid for) and he couldn't have been happier. It was around nine now and the sun had set already. He watched as all the lights from the fair bounce off her eyes. God, she was gorgeous. After a few more seconds and a few glances later, Kate finally spoke.

"Oh, here's your present."

She handed him the bag. It felt heavy and the bag was huge. He dug into the bag and pulled out…. socks? They weren't for him because they were pink. She made a gesture for him to keep going and as he pulled out all the socks and tissue paper, his curiosity grew more and more. Once he finally got to the bottom of the bag, he reached in and pulled out two leather bond journals, tied together with a ribbon.

"You said you wanted to be a writer so I figured you'd need a place to keep it all."

He hugged her tightly. "Thanks, I love it. Oh, and I got you something."

He dug around in his pocket until his hand landed on the small box. He pulled it out and handed it to her. As she opened it, he registered the panic on her face.

"Rick-"

"Don't worry. I'm not proposing. It's just a promise ring, so you know, someday."

The panicked look quickly left her face and was replaced by a truly happy one. She grabbed his face and kissed, hard. After a few seconds, she let go and snuggled into his arms. They sat there for the rest of the ride just enjoying each other, one thinking about their future and the other planning it out.

Sorry again for taking so long. Wanted to make it perfect.

Review!

Love always Xo