So here it is, the final chapter of a story that should have been finished forever ago. But this is exactly where I wanted to finish this story, I didn't consider making an epilogue to this, but maybe if I get enough feedback...a compromise could be made. Please review I seriously appreciate all input even if it's just telling me how awful this story is; I'll take it in stride.

"Castle?" She called cautiously as she entered the apartment later that night.

"In here."

"Listen, Maddy talked some sense into me." She started as she dropped her bag and shoes by the hallway closet before walking through the kitchen to grab a bottle of water.

"And I'm sorry about earlier, I know you were just…" she stopped short when she caught sight of someone sitting across from her intended audience.

"What the hell is going on here?" She accused sending a scared glance towards Castle.

"Your dad has something that he would like to tell you." He explained as he grabbed her hand and pulled her to sit down next to him. Quickly catching on to her tensing up and going into self-defense mode; he wrapped an arm around her shoulder hoping to provide some comfort.

"You mean, you two have been sitting in the same room for how long now, and you're both still alive? I'm impressed." She joked lightly trying to relieve some of the tension in the room that her uneasiness had created.

"Well, we found out that we both have one thing in common."

"Really?" She asked, obviously not buying it.

"We both want the best for you." Jim finally cut in. She had to hold back a laugh at that one.

"I find that hard to believe."

"K.B."

"Come on Red, you cannot actually be standing up for him! When not even two hours ago you were mad at me for being alone in the same room as him! Not to mention the hospital stint." She couldn't help the small amount of sick satisfaction at small gasp that Jim let out.

"Katie please, just hear me out for two minutes, then I'll leave and if it's what you want; you never have to see me again."

"Fine."
"I talked to Mrs. Rosenburg today."

To say Kate was shocked would be an understatement.

"I have an appointment tomorrow to talk about being initiated into the twelve week program."

Kate just nodded as he continued.

"After my initial twelve weeks I will be evaluated to see where I stand on graduating, I guess for all intents and purposes."

"I don't know what to say," she admitted. "You've told me several times before that you would go. How can I be sure that this isn't all an act again?"

"All my stuff is in the car now; I'm on my way there. I just stopped to tell you, and to ask that maybe you would like to come up and visit me in a couple weeks once I'm all settled in?"

"Yeah dad, I'd like that." She responded as she tried to keep her tears at bay.

"Good," he replied as they all stood up and Jim reached across to shake Rick's hand. "Take care of my girl now Rick."
"Of course."

He nodded once then turned to look at Kate.

"Katie."

"Just make it this time dad, please?" She begged, not caring that she sounded so hopeless and broken.

He promises with a nod as he goes to leave, stopping himself from going for a comforting pat on the shoulder once he thinks better about her skittishness and lowers his hand awkwardly in midair. She surprises him by snagging his wrist and pulling him into a tight hug. He tried to pretend that he doesn't notice Rick tense up and place a hand protectively on his daughter's hip as he moves to return the hug wholeheartedly. He decides to test his luck a little as he pulls away from the hug just far enough to place a kiss against her forehead.

"I love you Katie."

"Back at you dad."

He squeezed her shoulder once more before he saw himself out leaving the stunned couple in his wake. Once she heard the front door click, she turned and fell into Castle's steady embrace as she let out all the pent up emotion that she had been holding in since the whole ordeal with her father had started. He gently guided her to the couch and arranged her so that she was curled up in his lap, with one of his arms under her knees and the other around her back; holding her as close as humanly possible. Once the sobs had turned into the occasional sniffle, he pulled just far enough away so that he caught a glance of her tear stained cheeks and red, puffy eyes. Instead of trying to find the words he simply placed a gentle kiss across her forehead and turned them so that they were lying out completely on the couch with her on top of him. After a few more minutes of silence he spoke up.

"You know, you really have a gift for wanting to help people."

"It was only one person Castle."

"Yeah, but still I think you're really good at it."

"You're obligated as my boyfriend to say that."

"So I'm your boyfriend now, am I?"

"Yep, you're stuck with me."

"Good."

"You know," he started again after they had fallen into a comfortable silence. "You should think about going into an occupation like that."

"A doctor?"
"Not physically helping people, more mentally."

"You saying I should be a psychiatrist?"

"Possibly."

"Who knows Castle, maybe I'll end up being a cop."

"Oh, or a detective."

"Hmm," she thought wistfully.

"I think you would make a kick-ass detective."

"Detective it is then."

"That would be so hot too, dating a detective."

"Shut up Castle."

"Yes mam."

"Kate?" He questioned a few minutes later to see if she had fallen asleep.

"Hmm?" She mumbled.

"I love you."

"I love you too Red." She answered giving him a quick kiss on the lips as he pulled the blanket over both of them before they both drifted off with matching smiles gracing their features.

Thanks to those of you who stuck with me through this whole journey, this is my first complete chapter fanfic, and I hope you all enjoyed it at least somewhat.

Much Love,

- Anna Lee