Dear Readers,

Our story continues, hope you enjoy the ride.

My thanks to the marvelous trio-Bree, Marjo, and Stella who help my stories gain life.

Love your thoughts

Kate was surprised at how quickly Rick scooped her up and carried her back in the house.

"Hey, I can walk you know, put me down." she half-heartedly barked, though she rather enjoyed his efforts.

"Kate, indulge me, all too soon you will be motoring on your own and my chance at chivalry will end."

She chuckled; she was getting used to his attention and was positive if she made a big a deal of it, his ego would soar. Kate thought of the first time he had picked her up, at the hanger the night Captain Montgomery had been killed. She had fought him with everything in her, but had not been able to break his hold as he had carried her effortlessly. She smiled as she remembered how she had under-estimated his strength. He deftly deposited her on a bar stool and moved to the kitchen.

"So what sounds good? We're stocked with lots of our favorite foods as well as some great munchies."

Kate was mesmerized by his ease in the kitchen. His face was so cute as he pensively surveyed their choices.

"Earth to Kate. Work with me here, what sounds good?"

"Is spaghetti carbonara an option?"

"Absolutely, I'll get started"

"I'll make a salad and set the table."

While Castle was busy making the carbonara, Kate began opening each of the cabinets and drawers in search of items to set the table. She discovered treasures in each spot - Limoges dishes from France, Derutta ceramic Italian plates and bowls, Baccarat stem ware and Jacquard table linens. Kate and her Mom had spent hours browsing through stores looking at numerous gourmet tableware items. Her Mom had always said that setting a beautiful table could hide a miserable meal, but more importantly make any meal an occasion. Kate carefully chose various pieces to set the table. When she finished, she stepped back and admired the result. Rick came up behind her, wine and glasses in hand.

"Thought a little celebration was in..." Catching sight of the table silenced him, Kate had laid out the pieces beautifully, the colors, textures, and patterns brought life to the inanimate objects.

"Kate, I knew you had excellent taste, but everything looks so beautiful together. My compliments", he handed a glass of wine to Kate and raised his. Salute." he toasted. His gaze penetrated Kate's eyes with such intensity, she momentarily blushed.

"Thank you, I love setting tables. It's something I learned from my mom. Hum, is it okay to mix the medications with wine?"

"Why, Detective, do you think I would try to get you drunk? I'm shocked, insulted even." Rick pretended to be hurt with little success. Kate saw right through him and playfully poked his side.

"It wouldn't be above you," raising an eyebrow at him, following up with a smile.

"Seriously, shouldn't we check with Steve first about the wine?"

"Done, he said a glass or two would be fine, so just a little with dinner."

Kate was thrilled and stuck her nose into the bowl of the wine glass. Breathing in the aroma, she sighed, "an Amarone I think."

"Very good, yes one Nick recommended." Castle realized too late that the mere mention of Nick's name brought back poignant memories and Kate bowed her head.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to open wounds," rubbing her arm he tried to look into her eyes. Her head raised, tears glistened in her eyes. "No, Nick will always be with us, I just miss him."

"Yeah, me too. When does Deb return?"

"Not for several weeks."

"Good. We'll invite her out to spend some time with us."

"That would be great." Kate's cheerful mood returned.

Castle pulled out Kate's chair, directed her to sit and dinner commenced. Their conversation remained light, lots of laughter and small talk. The time flew by, Kate so content her eyes were soon at half- mast. Rick smiled and leaned across the table to take her hand.

"Time for bed, my love."

"No…I don't want this evening to end." Her eyes smiled at him.

"We have time for many more nights, just like these, but you're tired now."

"Damn it, Rick, I'm fine," she stated, clearly annoyed at his suggestion.

Castle rose from the table and went to Kate's side. He turned her chair so he could face her straight on.

"Hey, remember you need to be honest."

God she hated when he was right. "Ok I'm tired", biting her lip and looking so childlike, "I just don't want to miss anything."

"OK, let's compromise. You get ready for bed while I clean the kitchen, and then you can curl up on the couch while I do some work, how's that?"

"I can live with that."

As she rose from her seat, the full scope of her exhaustion hit. She offered to help with the dishes, yet was hopeful he wouldn't accept. Rick read her thoughts and sent her off to change.

Minutes later, she returned, dressed in one of Castle's oversized t-shirts and yoga pants, her hair freshly brushed and makeup removed. Rick sighed as he saw Kate looking like a teenager, and knowing she was anything but.

She stopped in front of him and rubbed her hands down his chest stopping at his waist and leaned into him. He gently turned her around and they went into the living room.

"Need anything for pain."

"No, I feel pretty mellow right now."

Within minutes of curling on the couch Kate had drifted asleep. Rick tried to concentrate on finalizing his outline, but her sleeping form distracted him. His thoughts wandered back to Nick and Deb, and their lives together being cruelly cut short. Kate and he were fortunate, and Rick was determined they would not to waste another moment.

Around midnight, Rick decided he had written enough and was ready for bed. He stood and moved to where Kate had settled in, looking so peaceful. He bent over and gently picked her up, and she snuggled into his arms. Rick continued to be amazed by how this tough Detective could be so delicate, and it warmed his soul. When he reached the bed he laid her down gently before he got ready for bed, then crawled in next to Kate. As her body molded into his, her warmth seduced him.

"You're feet are cold, come closer." she mumbled in her sleep. Her breathing became regular, slow and peaceful, and soon Castle's breathing matched hers.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

Awwh!

Her scream woke him, causing him to leap out of bed. What had happened? Where was she? His eyes searched the dim light for Kate. He finally found her on the floor beside the bed. She was curled in a ball with her head on the floor, her left arm tucked to her side, her right arm stretched in front of her on the floor and her hand in a tight fist.

"Kate," Rick implored her as she raised her right hand in the stop position.

"Give...me..." unable to finish her sentence, she pounded the floor and expletives sprang from her throat. Rick rarely heard Kate speak these words, but when she did, he knew she was pissed. He waited until she summoned him with a wave of her hand before he made his way to her and helped her to her feet. Trembling and swaying, Kate tried to take some deep breaths, but they wouldn't come. Continuing to gasp and moan, it took her several minutes to recover. He never spoke, but just hung on. Once she recovered, she looked at him, her face stricken. The episode had taken her by surprise and she gave him a wan smile.

"I just wanted to go to the bathroom. I must've gotten up too fast." Her head was moving back and forth rapidly in bewilderment.

"Well, how about I help you to the bathroom and back to bed?" He asked gently and she merely nodded. As they returned to the bedroom, Kate pulled a face.

"Rick, pills please," disgust invading her voice.

"They're right here."

After she swallowed the pills, he helped her back into bed and joined her. He could tell she did not want to talk, so kissed her cheek, whispering "Night."

The following morning, he heard her pad into the kitchen.

"Morning, want your coffee on the porch? It's beautiful out there in the morning."

"I guess." Kate shrugged apathetically, worn out from the nights' activities.

As he handed her a cup of coffee, his fingers lovingly brushed her cheek. He figured she would tell him about last night when she was ready. Rick had learned if she was pushed before she was ready, she would just dig her heels in and shut him out.

Kate realized he was right, it was gorgeous outside and the sound of the ocean was calming. This morning, her breathing was easier, with less discomfort. Thank goodness, she thought with some relief. Kate peered over in Rick's direction, he was strangely quiet, so un-Castle like. Interesting.

After savoring her coffee, she was ready to talk to him about last night.

"I really thought I had this thing under control. I thought Steve had over dramatized my recovery time. I've always healed well previously. I thought I would be back in four weeks tops, what a mistake!" Her face clearly disappointed as she gazed into his eyes, tears fell onto her cheeks. "What if I never recover? What if... " She couldn't vocalize her fear that she would not be able to return to work as a homicide cop.

Kate was leaning forward, her arms on her knees as she stared into her cup, struggling to come to grips with the possible ramifications.

"Kate, Steve was being honest with you. He never said you wouldn't recover. You're unrealistic if you think you'd heal faster. We will do this together. I can't promise you will fully recover, but we will do everything to make it happen, that I can promise."

Castle could tell how afraid she was of failing and not being able to return. His words of encouragement fell on deaf ears and he needed to shake her out of her funk.

"Kate, come with me, I was going to save this for later, but I think you need a pick me up."

"I'm not in the mood, Rick."

He wasn't taking no for an answer and pulled her to her feet. They went up a short flight of stairs to a room she hadn't yet explored. He pushed in the door and guided her through.

Inside the room stood the latest Cybex workout equipment, weight machines, rowing machine, treadmills, bicycles, mats and free weights. A total gymnasium. Rick walked over to a row of bands hanging on a rack.

"See, the finest set of resistance bands that Roger recommended."

"Roger? " Kate looked at Castle inquisitively.

"Yes I went to see him and asked him to design a gym that would provide you the best workout."

Kate walked around each piece of equipment. Wow, this was incredible.

"Why?"

"Once Steve clears you to begin your rehab, you'll need all of this to build your strength. Roger assured me we have everything you need."

"Rick," a smile spread across her face, "this may be the best gift you've ever given me."

Kate realized in that moment that Rick wanted to give her every chance to become whole and strong again.

"Believe me I need the workout too. Since we're trying to put meat on your bones, if I'm not careful, I'll go from writer boy to fat boy", he smiled sheepishly.

Kate let out a burst of laughter. She stepped into him, reached up and kissed him full on the mouth.

"You're right I feel better."

After breakfast, Kate helped Rick clean the kitchen. She took her time, limited the amount she carried and avoided stretching her side or reaching up. She felt she was finally being useful. Rick watched, making sure her efforts were successful and made a mental note not to treat her as an invalid.

"Let's go for a walk on the beach."

They had been walking for a little while when Castle broke the silence, "Penny for your thoughts?"

"My thoughts, hum, let me see", she decided to tease him a bit.

"I was thinking you're stalling, shouldn't you be writing instead of strolling on the beach with your girlfriend? Maybe I should call Gina" and she pulled out her phone.

"No, please I can't deal with her right now. Please". She had turned her head to avoid seeing his face and giggled as he frowned, she's pulling my leg.

He grabbed her arm and spun her towards him. "You're pulling my chain, aren't you?"

"Oh, come on you're so easy."

"Good thing you're still on the injured reserve list, because otherwise, my little smart ass, you would be spitting out salt water right now."

"So, you think once I'm one hundred percent you'll be able to take me. We'll see, and in fact I think we'll need to put some serious money on this."

They both stood nose to nose, taunting each other, both tempted to take it to the next level, but realizing someone could get hurt.

They continued down the beach, just talking and enjoying being together. While they had been partners for over three years, much of their private lives had never been discussed. Rick ran his hand through his hair, thinking he might as well start now, knowing she'd learn all about him anyway.

My mother did a marvelous job, as a single parent, though I suspect she reveled in complaining and being dramatic. You know how flamboyant she is and loves being the center of attention. Growing up I felt like I was her prop, someone she could prance about and put back out of sight as she tired of the mother role.

He really didn't sound bitter, more resigned to the reality. Kate believed he had been the adult in their earlier relationship and they had formed an unbreakable bond. He brought up his father once to Martha, one of the few times she showed sadness and he never mentioned it again. Frankly, he didn't mind and he made up scenarios in his head. It had always worked for him so why change? Kate was amazed at how content he was with not knowing who his father was.

As Rick finished he stared out to the sea, Kate beside him

"Let's sit" she suggested

They sat down in the sand with Kate's hand gently squeezing his and he continued the story.

Meredith had been his first wife and Alexis' mother. She professed to love him and pushed to get married, but he was reluctant. She purposefully got pregnant and Castle knew then that the decision had been made for him. Kate was intrigued by the fact that Rick was not angry about the deception. After Alexis was born, Meredith immediately returned to acting, telling Castle since he didn't have a real job, he should be Mr. Mom. The one thing in their marriage that was worthwhile was Alexis. He had adored her from day one, while Meredith barely held her. All she wanted to do was to be an actor and she left for Hollywood for a small part in a movie and never returned. He found out through a mutual friend she had hooked up with an associate producer who promised to make her a star. Their divorce was amicable and he provided her with a generous settlement in return for full custody of Alexis. She even admitted that having a child was a career killer, so no one in Hollywood knew about Alexis. As he talked about this, his voice was bitter and hollow, not for himself but for Alexis. Alexis had been cheated by not having a mother. Alexis did not know her mother, did not want her, though he thought Alexis knew where her mother stood. Kate was quiet, encouraging Rick throughout his story, asking pertinent questions, rubbing his arm and feeling his distress.

His second marriage to Gina was a sham. She had fallen for Richard Castle, the famous writer, but had no interest in the normal, stay at home guy, Rick Castle. She was bored with his daily life, made fun of his writing, though his character Derrick Storm made them both wealthy. His only current contact with her was as his publisher, a job at which she excelled.

They sat on the beach as he finished his story Kate's hand squeezed his during his confession, looking into his face while he switched his gaze from the ocean to Kate's face. He was embarrassed that he had been played badly by two women. After Gina and he divorced he buried himself in caring for Alexis and writing Derrick Storm novels. His mother came to live with them and had been invaluable in helping raise Alexis. She provided them with a woman's viewpoint. Rick was as much of a child as Alexis sometimes, and Martha furnished an adult perspective to their lives. Kate buried her smile in her hands. I bet that wasn't easy she thought. As Alexis grew up, he dated some, to the world he was a playboy, women were instantly attracted to him, but weren't interested in the whole package so broke it off. Rick hated that persona, but it worked for his professional facade so he tolerated it.

His confession had been difficult, he had never shared his feelings about his childhood and marriages to anyone, however if Kate was going to be part of his life, he believed she needed to know his story. Rick appreciated Kate's questions, and she never pried or judged him. He reminded her she wasn't the only one with baggage.

He mentioned he had pretty much decided he would remain a single parent, content with his life. Until the day he met her. She was different from any woman he had ever met. She was everything he thought he would never find, but dreamed of every day. He fell in love with her the first day they met and spent every waking moment after trying to be part of her life. Kate stopped him by leaning into him, her lips open, and touching his first gently then with more power. They sunk onto the sand, lost in each other for many moments. Kate throbbed with desire and Rick was ready for them to continue, when he suddenly ceased.

"What?" Kate whispered.

"First, we continue and the police will arrest us for public nudity among other charges. Besides remember our pact, kissing only."

Kate groaned, disappointed, but understandably resigned to the current situation.

They lay holding each other and Kate started shaking. He noticed that the sun had begun to set, they had lost track of time.

"God, Kate, we have to get back. You're freezing. This was a bad idea."

"No it was perfect. I want to know everything about you"

Castle wrapped his arms around her in an effort to warm her up. He was worried, Kate was becoming weaker and more unsteady. She was silent, gritting her teeth, focused on reaching the house under her own power. Rick stopped and started to pick her up.

"Backup, buddy," she growled at her partner. "Keep moving"

After a slow but steady walk, they made it to the deck. They cleaned sand from their feet and entered the house. Kate was shivering continuously and plopped on the edge of the couch. Her eyes were fixed on the floor as she attempted to hide her displeasure and misery. Rick knelt in front of her looking up trying to catch her eyes. She averted her eyes, too ashamed to look at him.

Rick tilted her head, "Hey, I'm over here."

Her eyes found his, and she shook her head, upset with herself.

Castle proceeded without further discussion.

"You're ice cold, how about a hot bath? Interested in bubbles?" His attempt at humor was met with a raised eyebrow but no other expression.

"Whatever." Come on Kate, give the guy a break he's trying to help.

Before Rick departed, she grabbed his collar and patted his cheek giving him a grateful smile.

Kate set back, tucked her feet under her legs and kept her arms wrapped around her torso. Why is the simplest task such a monumental undertaking?

Castle reappeared and offered her a hand, "Your bath is waiting."

As they entered the bathroom, Kate spied the tub and a smile appeared. Not only were there bubbles in the tub, but candles were lit and soft spa music played. Kate removed her clothes and slowly lowered herself into the tub. Castle stood by and was smart enough not to insist, instead waiting to see if she asked for assistance. Kate hurt all over, but was determined to do this without assistance. As she settled down into the warmth, a small sigh escaped. She was acting like a brat. Come on, Kate.

She opened her eyes, and he was still standing there, ensuring she was OK. She raised her right arm out of the water, curled her forefinger in his direction beckoning to him to come closer. He knelt by the edge of the tub and leaned towards her. Kate leant into him, gave him her biggest smile, and said, "Give me a kiss, writer boy."

Castle wasted no time and gladly obeyed her request. Her open lips invited his tongue in and they enjoyed a gentle yet passionate kiss. As their mouths separated, Rick rubbed his nose to hers, "Better?"

"Oh, yes, I've been such a bitch about this. You have been so patient and understanding, putting up with my mood swings. I can never repay you, but I do have promise for you, are you ready?"

"Of course", he answered, grinning from ear to ear.

"You are stuck with me, I will never, ever run and hide. If I ever give the slightest indication, you have permission to smack me." The smile on her mouth matched the gleam in her eyes.

Tears glistened in Rick's eyes as his heart exploded with his love for this woman.

"I will hold you to that, and you know I have a wonderful memory."

Well, yet another chapter in our couples lives, hope you enjoy, there is more to come. Love reviews and opinions XXOO, Melody