Here is chapter 24, enjoy!

After their picnic on the beach for dinner, the group waited, talking and laughing, while some master in fireworks Rick had hired was getting ready. When the show started, everyone grew quiet and just watched. Some were standing, others sitting on the sand. Katie was on her father's shoulders, clapping with every loud bang, her eyes as wide as saucers. Kate and Rick were sitting on the sand, Kate sitting in the V of his legs, her back to his chest., cuddled under a blanket. Kate buried herself deeper into him when she felt his hands rest on her stomach. She absolutely loved when he did that, his instincts of protection for his child more than explicit. She put her hands on his, wove their fingers together and place her head on his shoulder to appreciate the show.

When it was over, Angela's family left, Katie being already asleep in Mark's arms. Jim and Martha retreated to the house, along with Alexis and Jackson. The group of friends was left alone on the beach, sitting in a circle under the full moon glowing brightly.

"You really have a nice house out here Rick." Jenny said, looking around. "I could definitely get used to living here."

"Well, if you ever want to come for a weekend or a few days, just ask, I can have everything arranged."

"That's nice. Are you staying here for your whole vacation?"

"No. We're leaving in a few days to go to my dad's cabin for about a week." Kate answered. "When we get back, I'll need you girls to come with me to choose my wedding dress before I start showing too much."

"Oh don't worry girl, we'll be here." Lanie said, Jenny nodding enthusiastically.

The conversation continued for a while, until someone asked Kate something and she didn't answer. That's when they noticed that she had fallen asleep on Rick's chest.

"Well, little Caskett seems to pump all her energy." Esposito laughed lightly.

"Yes. Apparently the first few months are the worst in that respect. The other day she slept for three hours on the back porch." Rick said, caressing Kate's hair. "But it really suits her. She's so happy, preparing the wedding and the baby. She actually acts like a girl." He laughed.

"Shut up Rick." Kate grumbled in his chest, still not opening her eyes.

"Well, that's our cue to go to bed." Ryan announced, getting up and padding the sand off his pants.

All the others followed his example and soon Rick and Kate were all alone on the beach.

"This has been a really good weekend." Rick said, kissing the top of Kate's head.

"Yeah. It was really nice. I think we should have the wedding here." she said, cuddling deeper into Rick's arms.

"Really?"

"Yes. I love it here. And it's intimate. Unless you want a big ceremony in the city."

"Oh no, I'd prefer a small one right here. I've already done the big wedding in the city, thanks but no thanks. Here will be perfect, and the photos will be stunning." Rick said, smiling as he imagined the scene.

O-o-O-o-O-o-O-o-O

Three days later, Rick and Kate were in the car heading to Jim's cabin.

"Are you sure it was a good idea to let the house to Alexis and Jackson?" Rick asked for the umpteenth time since they had left the Hamptons.

"Yes Rick, it's a good idea. It's their last week of vacation together before they start working for the summer."

"What is Jackson doing again?"

"He works at a youth community center. He's in charge of the history study club there. I think he told me he's taking some of them to D.C. before school starts again."

"Does he has to be absolutely perfect?" Rick grumbled.

"Stop it Rick, you know you like him. He's good for Alexis. They complete each other. A bit like you and me don't you think? Now, at the next intersection, turn right and then just follow the road, it'll be about five minutes away."

When they reached the end of the road/trail, they arrived in a small village of a few dozen houses which seemed to have just appeared in the middle of the woods.

"What is this place? Are we in the Enchanted Forest?" Rick asked, turning to Kate.

"It's called Little Oak … for obvious reasons." She said, smiling as she looked around. "Go as far as the grocer's and then turn left."

Kate guided him until they arrived at Jim's cabin.

"Ok, I know what I'm getting you for your birthday: a dictionary. Kate Beckett soon-to-be Castle, this is not a cabin, this is a very big house!" Rick exclaimed as he killed the engine and looked at the house.

"It's a building made of wood, located in a remote place in the woods. It is a cabin." Kate replied, getting out of the car and fiddling with her keys. "You want a tour or you're spending the week in the car?" she asked, laughing when he rushed out of the car.

"This place is really nice!" Rick said, looking around the house.

"Yeah, it's really relaxing, and close to nature. It's perfect to cut yourself off from the world. It's been in my father's family for a really long time. He loves to come here because he can fish as much as he wants. There's a lake further down the woods and there are several rivers around the village." Kate explained as she opened the front door and went in.

When Rick entered the house, he was taken aback by what he saw. The interior was both rustic and modern. It felt really warm and familial. He completely understood why she decided to come here after she was shot. Even if he still wished he could have come with her.

"We should take the bags out of the car and unpack. We need to go grocery shopping but before I want you to meet someone." Kate said, going back outside for their bags.

Once they had unpacked in Kate's old bedroom – much to Rick's pleasure – they headed back to the village. Kate took Rick into a small street and led him to a front door. She knocked softly and took his hand, smiling brightly at him. He was just about to ask what was going on, when the door creaked open and a small woman appeared. Given the way she was walking and pulling a bottle of oxygen behind her, Rick decided she must be in her eighties.

"Katie! What are you doing here?" the woman exclaimed as she came and hugged Kate as tight as her frail body permitted.

"I'm great." Kate said, beaming as she returned the hug.

"You must be Richard. It's a real pleasure to meet you, son." the old woman said, hugging him tight. He could not help but wonder how such a small woman could be so strong. "You finally decided to make an honest woman of my Katie here. Took you long enough. You should know, she's stubborn, she needs you to push her. Don't be afraid of her, she barks a lot but she doesn't bite." she continued.

"Nana! stop it!" Kate intervened.

"You didn't call me last week Katie! I was worried about you."

"I'm sorry to ask but … who are you?" Rick asked, afraid of Kate's reaction.

"You didn't tell him about me? Why?" the old woman asked Kate.

"Well, I like to have you to myself and …"

"That is bullshit Katherine Beckett and you know it. Forgive my granddaughter's rudeness dear, I'm Lizzie Beckett, James's mother."

"Well, Nana, will you forgive me if I tell you that in about seven months you will be a great grandmother?"