So another chapter before I go watch the double ep for the first time. Alibi is showing them both on the same night so I don't have a week to wait between cliffhangers. Excited!

Enjoy!

Back at the loft Rick is talking to his mother while Kate has her shower, it's a rare conversation, deep with emotions but with each word the pair feel lighter.

"Richard, I must say, I am so happy for you."

"Mother?"

"You're properly in love, I think you've found your One. And I must say, you couldn't have chosen better."

"I didn't choose, I had no choice but to fall in love with her, it was fate. I know you don't really believe in it, but you've got to admit it does seem true."

"I told Kate last night that I now have no choice but to believe, those videos proved it. You two have proved it. And I am glad to welcome her to the family, her and Jim."

"Alexis adores Jim, doesn't she? I can see them being great friends."

"I think she sees him as a grandfather and he obviously dotes on her as if that were the case, he's a good man, I can see you getting along with him rather well too. I think combined with Kate, he makes this family whole, for now at least, I predict a few more members appearing along the line."

"A few more members?"

"Yes, rather small ones."

"Mother!"

"It's inevitable, and come on, they'll be cuter than baby Ryan, personally I'm excited to call that young man family. Just think he'll one day be your cousin."

"Brother, and he practically already is."

"I know, I just wanted to make you say it. Now I must explain the tears earlier, we both know how your past marriages have affected Alexis and she knows that with Kate it's different but part of her still worries about the chance of you two splitting. We all know it'll be a cold day in hell when you let go of that woman, but as mature as Alexis is, she's still young."

Rick opens his mouth to speak but his mother stops him and continues her speech.

"I don't think she has those worries anymore, you know she's came to love Kate, as I do too, and Kate confirmed that even if the unmentionable were to happen and you two split, she'll always love Alexis. I was so happy that my granddaughter now has a stable female role model who will always look out for her, we both know I'm not exactly suitable"

She stares him out of a response and once again continues speaking.

"We had just finished the moment when you came in and that's when I realised the extent of the connection they've developed. Richard, the way you hugged Alexis was the exact same way Kate had just moments before, exactly the same, from the moment the hug started until the moment I burst out crying. If that doesn't speak volumes nothing does."

Rick stares at his mother, her words ringing in both his head and his heart. In his eyes Martha can see the love he holds for all his family, she simply pats his leg and leaves him to his thoughts, her own eyes shining with love.

In a daze Rick stands and walks to his room, he stops in the doorway to watch Kate as she sits on the bed, wearing his shirt, and drying her hair. She looks up at him, her expression concerned when she cannot read his mood.

He moves to her side and as soon as she puts the hair dryer down, he pulls her close for a hug. She responds in kind until she eventually pulls away and pins him with a questioning look. He answers immediately and completely.

"Mother explained this morning, everything, including her second burst of tears. She was overwhelmed by how much we all love one another, and I'm going to say this right now. I am Never letting go of you, ever. You and Jim are family now, none of us want to let go of either of you."

"That's good because I don't ever want to let go of you or Alexis or Martha and to be honest I don't think it's possible to keep Alexis and my dad apart. He adores her."

"She adores him."

"I think you will still need to talk to her. Things are moving quite fast and a lot has happened in the past few days, I'll be there for her if she wants to talk but she will always go to her daddy first, unless it's to do with boys."

"Ok, and the boy thing I can handle, Most of the advice I give on them comes from you in the first place, she's probably going to realise that soon isn't she?"

"Yeah, but I think she'll be ok with that."

"Good now I was thinking, we should pick up some treats for the guys, can't visit without gifts and the way to man's heart is his food."

"Yeah, I think that's a great idea, now finish getting ready and we'll go pick up Alexis."

With a kiss Rick stands to do as he girlfriend says but as he goes to enter the bathroom she calls him.

"Rick."

"Yeah?"

"I love you."

"I love you too, always"

With one last look the duo return to getting ready and are soon exiting the loft for the first time in days.

Ok so I'll update soon, possible really soon, I've already written so many chapters ahead that I want you all to catch up, I quite like posting a chapter and reading it's reviews while I write the one immediately afterwards.