It was two more days until Kate talked about her experiences this time it was to Alexis. Kate had just hobbled into the kitchen and was surprised to see the red head seated there.
"Alexis I thought you went back to college." Kate said scolding her almost step child.
"I did but they offered me telecommuting classes so I took that option." Alexis said.
"I hope you did not choose that option because of me?" Kate said getting out her nuts and berries.
Alexis shook her head no.
Today Kate had chosen loganberries to go with her nuts. Sitting the bowl on the table she finally sat down placing the crutches next to her.
"You know what I miss about the wilderness?" Kate said.
Alexis looked up and waited for Kate to continue.
"It was the air. It was different all the time. I think we city dwellers are missing out on so many things." Kate said.
"So you enjoyed your time away from civilization? Kate?" Alexis asked.
"Hmmm Enjoyed maybe that is too strong of a word but appreciate nature yeah I did do that. It was all I could experience at the time." Kate said. "Living to survive does not give you much time to contemplate. Other than fishing…When I was fishing I was imagining what everyone was doing or trying not to think how my father was going to react."
"I am sure that was a terrible time missing everyone. Here it was pretty much research then get the plan together organize the trips then monitor the results. We really did not have time to think about how much we missed you. Dad was always optimistic until he wasn't. It was the string of failures of your near misses which was weighing on him the most." Alexis said.
"I am so sorry Alexis It was not that I planned this separation." Kate said.
"No of course not but I figured you want to know what was going on at the home front." Alexis said. "Dad missed you so much."
I missed him too Alexis there was not a night that I did not wish he was next to me. Kate said. "One of the other effects of being out in the wilderness was such vivid dreams. I have had nightmares before but these were dreams of comfort. I think I told your father that I dreamt of a big furry animal lying next to me which I would snuggle against?"
"No I do not think Dad mentioned that to me." Alexis said shaking her head. "However, that kind of makes sense since the guides told me they found mountain lion tracks in some of the sites."
"So they thought it was real?" Kate asked.
"Yeah the trackers were convinced you were being helped." Alexis said.
"I guess so" Kate said wistfully.
\\\\\
Rick found Kate later that day looking at the newest Nikki Heat book.
"Hey I see the proof came today." Rick said.
"Yeah I could not wait especially where you left them off at the end of Frozen Heat I had to know!" Kate blushed.
So…? Rick asked anticipating the worst.
"I loved the resolution Rick one of your best!" Kate said as she kissed him.
"You know the launch is on Friday?" Rick said.
"Oh that is nice…No wait you are not serious you want me to hobble along with you?" Kate asked.
"It is only one night Kate and I really want to show you off." Rick said.
"But Rick hobbling around the loft is one thing being at your launch party is something else. Take me to a gala after my cast is removed perhaps around Christmas?" Kate bargained.
"Ok almost Mrs. Castle it is a date!" Rick said kissing her.
\\\\\
The night of the launch but Rick was overshadowed but everyone wanting to know how Kate survived for 4 months in the wilderness. Rick fielded all those questions to Paula.
After the launch party was over Rick came home tired. Kate was already in the bed still reading his novel.
"So how was the party?" Kate asked as she set down the book.
"It was good but you were the topic of discussion." Rick said getting undressed.
"Yeah I have been thinking about that will you write the experiences with me?" Kate asked.
"You do not need to ask I am totally at your disposal." Rick said slipping beneath the covers and getting a kiss from Kate.
She laid her head on his broad chest while he absentmindedly stoked her hair. Soon they were both asleep.
\\\\\
Four more weeks has past when Kate's appointment for her cast was to take place. They x-rayed first to make sure the bones knitted back correctly.
Rick held her hand as the Doctors gave her the news.
"Kate the bone scans reveal the bones are totally knitted together. We are going to take off the cast. Now comes the hard part. You are going to have to rehabilitate your left leg. I think 6 weeks of physical therapy will be needed." The Doctor said.
"So that means I can take a bath?" Kate asked.
"Yes you can take a bath but you will need someone to lift you in and out" the Doctor said.
Rick smiled since he was about to volunteer.
"Doctor what about our sex life?" Rick asked.
"Well if you keep the bending to a minimum there is no reason you could not have that part of your lives restored." The Doctor said.
"Do you hear that honey we can have sex again!" Rick said brightly.
"No we can not!" Kate adamantly said.
"What? Why?" Rick started to pout while the doctors got Kate ready for the cast to be removed.
"Because Rick darling we do not have mere sex! We make love and I would love to do that with you." Kate smirked.
Rick began to smile again.
"As I would with you… Always!" Rick said.
The doctors returned then carefully removed the cast. Kate's skin was all mottled and looked like a fungus was growing on it.
"Doctor is it supposed to look and smell likes that?" Rick asked.
"Yes it is perfectly normal a quick soak in a tub and the skin will look much healthier." The doctor assured.
Kate and Rick said good bye to the doctor as Kate kept the crutches.
Getting home the first thing on Kate's mind was bathing. Rick set up the tub and then carefully lowered her in. For the first time in 6 months Kate could totally relax in a tub.