Well. our story is coming to an end. This chapter has Kate talking about her past/ Boy, has she come along way. As always enjoy. One more chapter after this one.

My three friends and confidants-Bree, Marjo, and Stella-thank you-with your help my words make sense.

The time with Alexis and Martha passed quickly, too quickly for Kate. They had a wonderful time walking on the beach being careful not to over-extend the walks with periods of rest. Alexis spent time talking to Kate about boys, college decisions, and general girl stuff. These were topics that she could have discussed with her dad, but he would have been nervous, worried and tried to give her solutions. Kate however; understood her viewpoint, was never judgmental and didn't give her advice, just encouraged her to talk. Through their discussions, Alexis found her own answers and Kate marvelled at how grounded she was, much like Kate had been before her mother's death. No wonder Rick wanted to protect his daughter so did she, but she also recognized that Alexis needed to become strong and resilient, something that Kate had lacked at that age.

They spent hours sketching together, with Kate teaching Alexis some of the basic techniques and observing Alexis as she worked to master those skills. She sought Kate's advice on how to improve her technique, much like Kate's mom had done for her. Kate felt more focused, more alive than she had in years, and Alexis was impressed with Kate's work.

"Kate, I know what I want as my graduation gift from you, I want you to do an ink drawing of dad. Other people have drawn him, but you love him so much, I know you'll capture him as he really is to all of us. Please."

"I would be honoured", Kate had to look away as tears welled in her eyes. No one had ever made such a touching request of her, it was one she would never forget.

"Kate, you okay?"

"Yes, you're just quite a young woman, Alexis."

Kate's time with Martha was equally as pleasurable. Martha was a wild and free spirit, the antithesis of Kate yet they had formed a firm friendship. Though Martha made light of their relationship, she appreciated everything Rick did for her. Kate and Martha spent hours walking the beach and talking as Kate was determined to learn more about each of them. Martha was very open filling in much of Rick's childhood. He was charming from an early age, surrounded by her eccentric theatre friends who adored him. He was very astute, always watching people and learning how to read them. He started writing by the age of 8, initially writing a comic book about heroes. Always the hero saving the beautiful damsel in distress. They had struggled in her early career, living simply and austerely in a city known for glamour. He never complained about not having expensive toys or designer clothes. When times were really tough, he would comfort her and tell her, someday I will be rich and I will give you everything you want. His eyes were so genuine she had believed every word. Kate soaked it all in, learning valuable lessons about this wonderful man, each story only making her love him more.

Kate was curious about the various women from his past and eager for Martha to provide her point of view. Martha described Rick as being so childlike with women, like a puppy dog, he would seek praise and affection and in turn would protect them and always remained loyal. Kate could identify completely with this description, one she found endearing. These traits were frequently his undoing; most women taking advantage of his position and his generosity. Martha was particularly unflattering about his former wives. To her, they were the worst of them all. Meredith deserted her family, especially her child for selfish gains. Yes, she agreed, as an actress, one is filled with their own sense of worth, but she would never have deserted Richard for anything or anyone. Gina hadn't been much better. She wanted Rick for the prestige, the social climbing and of course the money. Kate sat quietly as Martha spoke and formed her own opinion of both women, which was punctuated with contempt. As Martha finished, she looked into Kate's eyes and softened.

"You, my dear are the polar opposite of any woman he has ever chosen. You make him a better man. Yes, your relationship has been filled with turmoil and pain, but I see the way you are with him and him with you. Never have I seen two people more in love, more deserving of an extraordinary life. I'm just glad I have a ring side seat to watch this play out."

Kate's eyes welled up with tears and she was speechless. Martha had described their relationship beautifully. They stopped walking, Kate turning to draw Martha into a warm embrace, and in hushed tones murmured "Thank you."

Martha stepped away, placed her hands on Kate's face and they touched foreheads, "No, thank you."

Rick approached the two women slowly, not wanting to interrupt their time together, but yearned to be included. "Hey my lovely ladies, I'm hungry." Both women laughed, Kate turned her head away, wanting a moment to savour what Martha had told her, but also to compose herself. As she turned back, Rick noted her face was radiant.

"Of course, you are, it's been three whole hours since you stuffed yourself on pancakes and bacon." She poked him in the stomach and put her arm through his. "Let's feed the savage beast, right Martha?"

"Lead on, Darling."

When the day of departure arrived none were ready for this special time to end. Kate was especially quiet and Rick was afraid that their visit had been too much for her.

"Kate you feeling OK? You seem tired, distant."

"Actually, I feel better than I have for a long time. Their visit was good for me, got me away from dwelling on myself and my problems. I just don't want them to go.

"They'll be back, and besides this time is to get you healthy and strong again. We'll have lots of time together in the remodelled Castle dome, remember?"

"Where are they going to stay while the loft is being remodelled?"

"Never worry, Mother has already secured a penthouse on Park Avenue, they won't suffer." He ended, smirking and shaking his head. Kate chuckled, confident that the two would want for nothing.

As the car exited the driveway, Rick and Kate watched them go. He sighed and suggested to Kate.

"How about a nap?" he leered.

"I'm not sleepy, uh wait ... Last one to the bedroom gets her way." She knew she couldn't beat him yet so purposefully turned the tables in her comments.

"Nice trick, Beckett, her way, very transparent." He grabbed her hand, kissed it tenderly and retreated into the house.

They enjoyed a long and pleasurable afternoon in bed. Much of their time was spent, caressing each other and talking. Rick was going to let Kate set the pace, not wanting to cause too much stress for her. Kate had had enough of this quiet time and climbed on top of Rick. She ran her tongue over his neck, nipping at his ear knowing this would get his attention. She knew she had achieved her goal when goose bumps appeared on his chest, and she stopped and gave him her most sensual look, saying, "So now do I have your attention?"

"You are such a tease; I'm trying to think about your health."

"So am I, get busy writer boy", she smacked his chest.

The game turned serious and did not end until both were left breathless, exhausted and drenched in sweat.

"My God, girl you are...are...I'm without words, I'm doomed. Now kiss me and make it better." He cocked his eyebrow and grinned from ear to ear.

"You're a goof, one kiss because I'm exhausted."

"Kate, are you really tired? How do you feel?"

"Tired. Like I just had mind blowing, physically draining down and dirty sex."

"Really? Be honest!"

"OK, maybe I overdid it a bit, but it was sooooo worth it." She cooed, rubbing her fingertips over his jaw.

"Are you in pain?"

"Hum, some." She answered, shrugging her shoulders.

"Let me get some meds, then you will take a nap!"

"Castle, all rough and cop like, I love it!" She was giving him her smug, know it all gleam.

"Beckett!"

"Okay, Okay, I'm just messing with you. Yes, pain medicine please and a nap. I'll behave, cross my heart."

"I'll get it for you."

"You staying in here?" she asked, teasingly aware.

"No I thought I would work out on the couch and let you rest."

"No, the nest for me." She attempted to get up, but was very shaky. "Rick, how about giving me a hand?"

"I'll do you one better, come here." Suddenly she was in his arms and they proceeded to the living room. He deposited her in the nest and before he could escape, her lips met his in a warm, soft kiss. He ended their contact with a kiss on her forehead, "Rest."

Kate's eyes were already closed and her mind quickly joined them.

Slowly her eyes reopened and she rubbed them, trying to focus and looking around for Rick. At first glance, she couldn't locate him and a cold feeling rose in her chest, fear overtaking her. Where was he? Her mind was now fully operational and panic hit her. She began to scramble up and called for him in the same tone she'd last used at the end of the bank robbery.

Rick had been in the library retrieving something, when he heard her effort to get up and her voice. He would never forget that tone and he ran down the stairs.

"Hey, love I'm right here. I haven't gone anywhere."

Kate leaned back, her heart pounding and her body shaking from the relief. The thought of him not being around terrified her. She had never needed or wanted anyone as much as she did Castle. It was time to open herself up to Rick, he deserved to know what her skeletons were.

Rick could tell Kate was having one of her internal battles, and waited patiently until she was ready.

He went to her and kissed her hands, "When you're ready, Detective."

She licked her lips, took a deep breath and began.

"My childhood was pretty normal. My mother was the glue for us. She provided both my father and I with unconditional love and support. She taught me that I could do anything I set my mind to. You know how deeply her death affected me. My dad was the completely opposite to her. Though I figured out at an early age my dad would drink when stressed, which happened more and more as I grew up. He and I were never very close. After my mom died, he drank constantly. I was forced to make a decision, either help him try and recover or let him drown." She ran her hand through her hair, a pained expression spread over her face and her eyes grew cold. "It wasn't easy. I had very little respect for dad. I decided to help him, only because my mom would have wanted me too. Period. I've had to have had him admitted for alcohol toxicity and withdrawal several times over the years. I still don't trust him fully."

"Why did you go to his cabin last summer?"

"I didn't have anywhere else to go. I had to run away from you and my feelings for you. I would have gone to the devil himself at that point." She stared into his eyes, trying to convey the pain, fear and anxiety that she experienced.

"My dad was the best he had been for years. He helped me work through the surgical pain, gave me space as I tried to regain my balance, and never judged my motives. We ended up closer than we have ever been, which is a double-edged sword. I'm still a little leery of him based on his history, but I'm willing to give him some latitude, so we'll see."

This had exhausted her, but she needed to finish while she still had her courage.

Royce had been her first serious relationship. Yes, she had gone through many boys, and some men, but no one who could contain her.

"No, Rick you're not getting my number", she added some levity to the discussion.

"I thought I loved Royce, he taught me how to be a cop, how to investigate cases and he was a great lover, though not up to your standards, writer boy. He broke my heart when he went bad. He misused my trust and played me for a fool. Regardless of what he did to me, he did not deserve to be murdered. You know he wrote me a letter about you. Telling me not to waste my life and warning me that I never wanted to say if only, by ignoring my feelings for you." She paused allowing this revelation to sink in.

"Demming and I had a very physical relationship, but you know me. I was distant, I wouldn't let him in and we ended it, no hard feelings, it just finished. Then there was Josh, my rebound. After you left me that summer to go with Gina I was heartbroken. He happened to be around at the right time. The fact that he left often to be a doctor overseas, made it convenient. I really liked him, but he was very jealous of you and our relationship. He believed that I wouldn't commit to him because of you." She shrugged, "Of course he was right, though at that time I denied it." She reached over, lightly touched his arm, and gave him a wink.

"After our fight at my place, I didn't tell him the specifics but he took that opportunity to remind me how wrong you and I were for each other. He really pissed me off, even more than you had. The final straw was after my shooting, I don't remember everything, you filled many of the holes, but he became very possessive and kept people away from seeing me. Lanie told me the fight you two had at the hospital. He and I had words, he blamed you and acted like he alone had saved my life. He tried to bully me when I was at my weakest. I told him to leave and not come back. He didn't think I was serious and patronized me. I lost it and tried to jump out of bed. What a huge mistake. Fortunately Lanie was there and caught me. Right before I passed out, I demanded that he leave and never contact me again. You know what a witch I can be." Kate laughed as she tried to minimize her feelings.

"So, that's about it, true confession is over. See my history with men is not pretty, Dr Burke and I have worked on my being able to talk about this to you, so how'd I do?"

"Amazing, but don't think because you can be cranky and difficult, I'm letting you out of our agreement. Are you trying to get out if it? Remember you told me I could smack you if you tried to run so are you playing that card?"

It took her a moment to understand he was teasing her and when she did she grabbed his ear and pulled him towards her.

"Apples, apples, let me go." He called out, smirking.

She let him go and he gathered her to him. She now was totally worn out. How could being honest and sharing her inner most feelings about men be so taxing? Her recovery had become more than just physical repair. She had to learn to manage her physical limitations and her emotional health. She finally understood what Dr Burke had told her about becoming whole again. She opened her eyes and gazed into Ricks deep blue eyes. He had given her the strength to heal, she calmly smiled at him. After she kissed him, nipped his lip, she whispered, "You have brought me back to life, I'm a better person with you."

"You over estimate my powers, it's us together, my friend, together we are invincible."

She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye and rolled her eyes.

"Okay, maybe not invincible, but close."

She lay draped over the couch with her eyes closed.

"Kate, time for bed, I'm pooped."

"Thanks, Rick." She knew he'd said that for her sake.

As they lay in bed, their limbs intertwined, Rick whispered in her ear.

"Beckett, I talked to Steve today, he said, you can start exercising Monday, treadmill or bike only, no weights, no heavy cardio. If you behave."

"I'll be good." she voiced, giddy with excitement.

"Yeah, right, you're not very trustworthy."

"No I will, I promise. God, I love you, Rick."

"I love you, too, Kate." as he buried his head into her shoulder.

Well, did you like this? love your comments,

XXOO, Melody