Authors Notes;
Sorry that this is taking so long to update. And that this part is rather short. I originally intended this story to be about 5 chapters long and it seems to be topping out at 14 chapters. I just have the last two chapters to work on. I am working in depth on Chapter 13 and I have a strong outline for chapter 14 already. I have a tiny epilogue also but not sure if I should make it a seperate chapter or not, it's really short.

Chapter 8

Rick's thoughts on Kate's declaration.

Kate dozed off holding tightly to me. I have to admit I was holding her just as tight. I was afraid that this was just a dream and that I would wake up and none of this was real. I was shocked to hear Kate tell me she loved me. I was thrilled, just surprised. I didn't think that she would admit that for a while at least. I had wondered why this last time seemed different. I guess that she must have finally realized that when she was thinking earlier. I lightly caressed her cheek before I too fell asleep.

I woke up about an hour later and was happy to still find her in my arms. She was awake and smiling at me.

"Were you watching me?" I asked.

"Yes."

"Was I having a vivid dream or did you actually say something rather special?" I said rubbing my eyes.

"You probably were having a dream but, yes, I did tell you that I love you."

I couldn't help the smile that crossed my face. "I thought I heard that but I don't think I will ever get tired if hearing it. Or saying it. I love you, Kate."

"I like hearing that from you."

"I like saying it," I said.

"I need to get a shower," she said after a short time of silence. "Wanna join me?"

"Yes!"

We both got dressed after our shower and Kate went to pick up her phone when she noticed a message. She hit speed dial and was soon talking to her dad.

"Of course, I didn't forget," she said into the phone but she whispered 'oops' to me. "What time again? Okay. I'll meet you there, I wanted to tell you about something anyway."

"What's up?" I asked after she hung up the phone.

"Dad and I had made plans to get together today. I haven't seen him in a while."

"What time will you be home?"

"I don't know. It will depend on what Dad wants to do. We usually meet at the diner and then just play it by ear from there."

"Are you going to tell him about us?" She nodded at me. "Do you want me to come too?"

"I don't think so. Can we see about getting together for dinner sometime this week though?"

"Sounds great," I said.

I walked down stairs with her and gave her a kiss before she left. Once she left I was left to my thoughts and some laundry. I took everything upstairs, leaving Alexis's laundry on the foot of her bed. I hung my shirts and stood there and thought for a moment. I decided to weed through some of my older clothes and get rid of some. That way Kate could have some space if she wanted to hang up anything on the nights that she spent over here.

Once I was finished with the closet, I started in on the dresser. Then I realized that once Kate saw it she might think that I was trying to push her to move in and I had promised to not do that. Asking her to move in was pushing things but offering her a key wasn't too bad. She might need it if she was planning on coming over here but no one was home. I didn't think she would feel as pushed now anyway, not since she told me she loves me. I knew that she did but hearing her say it, and so soon, was wonderful. Maybe she wouldn't be too concerned if I did ask her to move in after all. I grabbed my jacket and keys. I had some shopping to do.

"Hi Dad, Kate. I'm home," Alexis announced loudly as she walked in later that afternoon.

"In here, pumpkin," I called from my office. I smiled when I realized that Alexis called out to both Kate and myself.

"Where's Kate? I wanted to show her something," she held up a bag.

"Her dad called and reminded her that they had plans for this afternoon."

"Kate went to see her dad alone?"

"Yes, they had plans to do something and she thought it would be better that I not being there when she told her dad."

"Are you okay with that, Dad?" Alexis asked as she sat on the edge of my desk.

"Sure, why wouldn't I be?"

"I would think you would want to meet him."

"I do, but I told her that I wouldn't push too fast or anything so I wasn't going to insist on meeting him today. Besides, I don't know if I want to be there when she tells her dad about us," I said.

"Why not?" she asked curiously.

"Trust me, when you ever come up to me, hopefully not for a long time yet, and tell me that you and some guy I've not met yet are in love and are very serious about each other, I don't think I want him there right then."

"So, you're in love with her," she said more as a statement than a question. "Have you told her that?"

"Yes," I nodded.

"You've been dating for like 2 days and you don't think telling her you love her is pushing too fast?"

"I'll have you know, Kate told me first." Alexis looked surprised. "I know, it surprised me too. I wanted to talk to you about Kate and I. I know you talked to her but I wanted to hear it from you myself."

"Daddy, you and Kate are great together. I have no problem with you dating her."

"And if it's not just dating?" I could tell that she was surprised that I was alluding to something more permanent.

"Gee, talk about keeping things slow," she shook her head at me.

"We actually have talked about more but only in the terms of eventually. I wanted to make sure you were really okay with it."

"I am, Dad. As I told Kate, you two balance each other well. Just one thing."

"What's that?" I asked concerned, Kate hadn't said anything about any issues that Alexis had with us.

"Things that are supposed to be behind closed doors, need to stay behind closed doors."

"Of course," I smiled at her. "Just give us a call if you plan on coming home earlier than expected though."

"Oh, Dad, Ew!"

Please remember to review. I love having my mailbox for of them, it just makes my day, then makes me want to write even more!