A shout out to Robert Nielsen my tireless Beta, you're the best!

I do not own anything, if I did they would have gotten together along time ago.

Thank you for reading.

The limo driver removed their bags and carried them inside for the returning couple. Eduardo insisted he would take it from there. The driver nodded and returned to the car. He had another passenger to deliver and then he would be heading home.

Eduardo loaded the bags onto a cart and stepped onto the elevator with Rick and Kate." Mr. Rick I wasn't expecting you for a couple of weeks."

"No-I was scheduled to tour longer, I caught a bug and so I came home," Rick left out his hospital stay on purpose. He knew Eduardo's wife would make a fuss and have to cook for him. Truthfully, he just wanted to see Alexis and his mother and spend time with Kate. When he finished a tour he was spent. He needed down time to unwind have some peace and quiet. He felt like he was always 'on' his schedule was relentless. He played a role, his mother wasn't the only actor in the family. He lifted his right arm the one that held Kate's slender fingers entwined in his and tenderly kissed her hand. He was really glad she was here with him. He needed her.

Eduardo carried the bags inside the writer's front door, and set them down. "I hope you feel better soon," he tipped his hat "Ms. Kate, Mr. Rick."

"Thank you" the couple said together.

"Dad!" Alexis rushed into her dad's arms. They hugged each other tightly.

Kate picked up the bags and headed to the bedroom, she was going to give them a little time to themselves.

"Hey, Pumpkin," Rick kissed the top of his daughter's copper colored hair. It felt so good to be home. When the latch clicked and the front door to the loft closed he knew he could finally relax.

Dad and daughter broke apart when they heard the sing-song cadence of his mother in the background.

"Hello, Mother" Rick smiled as she walked toward him. He remembered watching as a little boy as his Mother preformed. Effortlessly gliding across the stage dazzling the audience with her performance, she was breathtaking, just as she is today.

"Richard darling you're home," Martha descended the stairs in true diva fashion. She was dressed to go out. "You look terrible," she kissed his cheek. "Is Paula trying to kill you? Not very smart, if you ask me, try and kill off one of your bestselling authors." Martha looked around batting her overly made up eyes "Kate?"

"She is unpacking" Rick nodded toward his bedroom.

"Ahh…" she winked at her son, acknowledging her approval. Martha had always been a 'shipper' "darling I hate to run, but the show must go on." The diva was currently reprising her role in Guys and Dolls. It was an off-Broadway production. She kissed his other cheek and headed toward the front door. "Don't wait up," she called as she headed out the door.

"Dad?" Alexis sounded hesitant.

"Yes, pumpkin" Rick knew he daughter wanted to ask him something.

"Paige called, and she has tickets for the symposium, we get extra credit if we attend, but I can cancel, you look really tired." Alexis frowned

"We are going to order in and then go to bed. Kate is here she has been great, so you go with Paige to the symposium." Rick looked at his daughter and smiled, he did at least one thing right in his life, and she was a great kid. He opened his wallet and took out money for cabs. He didn't want her on the subway alone at night. He handed the money to his daughter.

With the money in her hand, Alexis stood shifting from one foot to the other as she debated with herself.

"We can catch up tomorrow, I promise." Rick hugged his daughter again and assured her again. "I'm going to be fine all I need is rest. Go."

"I'll have my phone, you will call me if you need anything?" Alexis looked up at her dad.

He nodded.

"Okay," Alexis smiled her crooked smile and turned toward her dad's bedroom, she tucked the bills into her pants pocket as she walked to his room.

Rick was about to point to the front door, when he realized she wasn't lost, she was going to talk to Kate. He really needed Alexis to be okay with Kate being here, he needed her.

Alexis tapped on the open bedroom door just as Kate emerged from the bathroom, after she'd placed her cosmetics bag on the counter.

"Oh, hi Alexis," Kate nervously tucked a stand of hair behind her ear. She was standing in Alexis's dad's bedroom making herself at home. She was a little embarrassed. She knew Alexis was aware the couple was intimate, but seeing Kate's underwear laid on her dad's bed was an entirely different matter.

"Kate," Alexis came over and hugged her. "Thank you for bringing him home. I am going out with Paige, to give you guy's time to settle in. "Alexis stood back and looked Kate in the eye. "I'm really glad that you are here. I can tell my dad is tired, but he is happier than I've seen him in a long time."

Kate fought to keep the tears from spilling from her eyes. She was elated his daughter accepted the relationship between her and her father. "I love him, Alexis, so much." Kate couldn't stop a tear from escaping, hastily she wiped it away.

Alexis took a deep breath, she didn't want to cry. "I know you do, don't make him wait, he needs you."

Kate didn't think Alexis was talking about just tonight. "I'm all in." she replied with a shaky voice.

"Gram has offered to help me prepare bunch for tomorrow, but don't worry I won't let her actually cook." Alexis grinned at Kate. "I thought we could all eat together, and welcome the both of you home," she paused and then continued. "Dad likes to unwind after a tour, not have a-lot-of fuss when he first returns. Tonight will give the two of you a chance to relax. "

Alexis smiled, "welcome to our family" she kissed Kate's cheek and whispered see you in the morning, 'Mom' she winked and headed out to meet up with Paige.

Kate sat down on the bed, she was stunned. She knew the biggest hurdle in her relationship with Castle was Alexis. She knew she would never fill a mother role, but she wanted to be her friend. Kate knew she would never love anyone the way she did Rick, but she loved him enough to never make him choose between her and his daughter. She understood now she wouldn't have to. They were going to be a family. She blinked back the unshed tears, and went to join Rick.

Kate found him sprawled out on the sofa, he'd kicked off his shoes and looked very relaxed.

"Everything okay," Rick was nervous he could tell Kate's eyes were red, he'd not heard any yelling or accusations flying, but he could tell his daughter and the love-of–his-life discussed something serious.

Kate sat beside him on the sofa, she leaned over and captured his lips between hers. His mouth opened as he deepened the kiss. He'd missed her so much. She missed him too, he felt the need in her kiss. They broke apart, quickly reining in their rising passion, before they past the point of no return. He was definitely willing, but his body wasn't able to satisfy his partner fully, not yet, but he fully intended on showing Kate how much he'd missed her, soon.

Kate leaned back on the sofa, "Everything is more than okay, and Alexis welcomed me to the family." Kate felt her eye's filling with tears. She looked at her partner. His were too.

Rick was smiling as he pulled Kate to his chest. He held her tight as he whispered "welcome home"

Kate's smile was absorbed into her writer's chest. A warming sensation started in her toes and spread quickly to the top of her head. She was right where she belonged, and she knew it with every fiber of her being. She wasn't holding anything back. She knew the last brick had toppled from the wall surrounding her heart. It was about time.

Rick was content, he was home, and his family embraced Kate as he knew they would. He was so proud of his mother and daughter for giving him tonight with her. They knew she might feel overwhelmed by the whole Castle clan at once. They were giving her time to acclimate to her surroundings; she was going to be with them from now on.

At home the Castles were unguarded and sometimes, well most of the time downright nuts. Pillow fights, laser tag, blanket forts, movie marathons the list of things they liked to do was endless. This family was unconventional, but make no mistake they were a family. It was similar to what he'd discovered at the twelfth with Kate Espo and Ryan. They were a family who welcomed him in, and he knew they would protect him like they did Kate. The foursome was a tight group well five really counting Lanie. He'd finally get to mark off item number one on his bucket list.

1. Be with Kate.

His heart was full, but his stomach wasn't.

"I'm thinking Chinese." Rick announced

"That's what I was thinking, I'll order you go slip into something more comfortable. Kate kissed his chest and slid off the sofa. She went into the kitchen and grabbed the menu out of the drawer. She'd seen Rick pull out menus from the drawer in the past.

Rick was enjoyed seeing her relaxed and at home in the loft. He began to unbutton his shirt as he headed into the master suite, happily he discarded the shirt on his bed as he made his way into the bathroom. He noticed Kate's bag and her toothbrush hanging beside his. It hit him then the reality of them being a 'couple.' Seeing her things melted his heart. They were partners at work, and now that partnership extended to every part of their lives.

Rick used the toilet and then washed his hands and his face. He looked in the mirror and his reflection wasn't as bad as before he went in the hospital. His blue eyes were brighter and the dark circles underneath were gone. Overall his skin had a healthier tinge to it. Before He shut off the light he went and knuckle bumped his life sized "Boba Fett" that stood sentry in the bathroom. He chuckled remembering hearing Kate cry out in surprise at their first encounter. Rick thought she was going to shoot him and the Life-sized action figure. Standing at 6' 5" Fett was fierce looking, oddly enough his character only had 20 minutes of screen time in the original trilogy, but he'd became one of the most popular characters. Rick loved the piece he'd picked it up for only 8,000, a bargain in his eyes.

Rick went over to snag a pair of lounge pants from his drawer. He slipped a t-shirt over his head, it was one he'd picked up in Nassau it had Bahamas's written across the front. It reminded him of the souvenirs they'd pick up for the gang. He couldn't wait to see their reaction to finding out about the couple. He walked thru his office and out into the living room.

Kate was getting bottled waters from the fridge. She placed them on the bar and came around and walked into Rick's arms. She'd taken off her heels when she was in the bedroom earlier. Rick liked her at this height she fit into his 6' 2" frame perfectly.

They held each other, wrapped in each other's arms they enjoyed the moment, it had been a long journey getting to this point, disappointment and heartache, were felt by both at different junctions in the budding relationship. Their failure to communicate their feelings to each other caused pain for both of them. That was the past, they promised to talk to each other from now on.

They broke apart when the doorbell rang, Rick handed Kate his wallet, she opened it and discovered a picture of her, it was taken in the Bahamas's she stood frozen as she saw other pictures of her, she expected to see Alexis which of course he had, but she was taken back to see all of the photos of her. As she pulled out the bills a slip of paper fell out. She picked it up and held it as she opened the door to retrieve their dinner. She shoved the paper in her pocket and took the food from the delivery guy.

They decided upon a movie, Kate looked around the living room. "I don't see a TV" Rick pushed a button and a screen lowered. Kate rolled her eyes. The couple ate while the movie played on the giant screen. Kate cleared their plates, when she was coming back into the living room she stuck her hand in her pocket and discovered the paper she'd shoved in earlier. It was a list, the first item was Be with Kate. Curious she asked him "When did you make this list?"

Rick took the list from Kate and crossed off item #1. "I wrote it a year," he paused thinking back" over a year ago." He replied confidently.

Kate handed him back his wallet.

"I think it's time to make out a new one, together." Rick kissed her and slid the slip of paper back into his wallet.

The movie was still playing in the background, neither of them was paying any attention to it. Kate suggested they go to bed. Rick didn't hesitate, he turned off the movie and the screen rolled up out-of-sight. Kate picked up their plates and headed into the kitchen to store the left-overs in the fridge. Rick watched her from his spot on the sofa. He loved seeing her putter around the loft. She used her hip to close the door to the fridge, and did a perfect pirouette as she spun around. She was so graceful and she wasn't even trying to be. Kate finished tiding in the kitchen and walked over to Rick and extended her hand.

Rick placed his hand in Kate's, she tugged and helped him off the sofa. They held hands as they walked thru the office and into the master bedroom. Kate only let go when they reached the sink, they stood side-by-side and brushed their teeth, Rick finished first, and he exited after, to give Kate some private time. When she emerged from the bathroom He was already in bed, he'd decided to keep his boxers on, but discarded the rest of his clothing.

He watched as Kate slid into the bed, he would never tire of watching her. Kate noticed him staring but she decided to give him a break and not call him out on it tonight. She'd slipped on a sleep shirt, she knew he'd been given the all clear for sex, but she knew he was exhausted. They had plenty of time, she wasn't going anywhere.

As soon as she was in bed, Rick reached across and drew her to him. They were lying facing each other on their sides, with minty fresh breath. He felt her shiver, as he ran his large hand down her back. He wanted to feel her skin touching his, he took his hand and started behind her knee drawing up her nightshirt as it folded on top of his rising hand. He continued on, Kate lifted her hip so her shirt continued the assent. His large hand splayed over her bared skin. He continued rucking up her sleep shirt until her breasts were exposed. Rick pulled her closer until they lay together skin on skin. She felt him shudder when their bodies connected.

He needed to touch her, but he didn't want to tease her, not tonight anyway. He ran his hands over her skin in a loving relaxing way. Kate realized his intent and relaxed, the shirt had to go. She pulled away and quickly pulled it over her head, she turned as she lay back down so that her back was flush with his chest.

Rick lifted himself up on one elbow and reached around as Kate turned her head, the angle was awkward but they managed to kiss goodnight. It had been a long day, during the night the couple sought out one another, their bodies staying connecting through out the night.

Rick slept soundly, he was happy to be home in his own bed with Kate.

When the sunlight began to peek through the blinds, the rays settled on the writer with his hand covering Kate's breast, and her hand was on top of his. She smiled.

Kate couldn't believe the morning was here. She felt like she'd just closed her eyes. Castle's bed was sinfully comfortable. The sheets felt incredible on her bare skin. No wonder he liked to sleep nude. The bed cradled your body in comfort.

Kate smelled coffee. The aroma alone was waking her up. She stretched out her long limbs and reached for her phone on the nightstand out of habit. She was off work, who cares what time it is. Oh! Wait brunch, Alexis said they were preparing brunch.

Kate's stirring woke up Rick, He'd dreamed the most fantastic dreams. Waking up with Kate in his bed only fueled his desire. He reached for her. This time his intentions were perfectly clear.