A/N: Okay so this update is a bit shorter than usual, but I wanted to make sure I got something posted. I'm going to be on the road the next couple of days, and I hope to do more writing then. As much as my computer battery permits anyways. This update has a little bit of everything, angst, emotion, fluff, tearful moments. I mean seriously, this chapter has the whole works. I really hope that you like it. I started off with a flashback because I kind of dumped you all in the middle of things at the beginnings of this story. Then comes the long awaited reunion with Alexis and his mother. I really really hope that this chapter doesn't disappoint.

Title: Ask Me How Much I Love You

Chapter: Time Turned Fragile

Disclaimer: Sadly the amazing show that is Castle does not belong to me, nor does Nathan Fillion (as amazing as he his)!

Spoilers: A play on spoilers from Anatomy of a Murder. Kate tells Castle that she would break him out of prison. Castle sees this as a sign of Love.

Rating: T (just to be on the safe side)

"Dad, which movie do you want to watch?" Alexis called from the other room as he watched the popcorn pop through its final thirty seconds. He opened up several of the cupboards as he searched for the appropriate sized bowl. Normally, he knew exactly where to look, but tonight he had trouble organizing his thoughts. He felt anxious, and though he tried to act calm, his resolve seemed to waver more with each passing minute. Something was wrong, and it got harder to ignore that fact as the bad feeling in the pit of his stomach continued to grow. His anxiety over the past few months had grown past the point where it ate away at him emotionally to the point where it ruined him both physically and emotionally. Sleep evaded him. And in the rare times he was able to lull himself into sleep he found himself in the midst of vivid, frightening nightmares. In all senses of the word, his whole life had become a nightmare and there was no escaping it.

"Your pick, pumpkin," Castle called back. "If I recall correctly, it's your pick tonight." He found the bowl he was looking for and set it on the counter. He looked to the door, which seemed to loom over him as he realized exactly what it symbolized. He wasn't sure if it was a trick of the light but someone seemed to be moving on the other side. He could see shadows play on the semi-opaque windows on either side of the main doorframe. He swallowed, his throat thick with words and fears he could not express aloud. He set the popcorn on the counter, and left it, as a small bang erupted outside.

In a split second, he whirled around and headed for the living room. Alexis looked up from the projector as she started the movie. Castle's expression must have been betraying his current feelings because as Alexis met his eyes only one question fell from her lips.

"Dad, what's wrong?" Alexis straightened up, taking a step forwards. He looked as if he needed comforting.

"Listen, Alexis," Castle tried to keep his voice calm and even. He didn't want her to be frightened. "I need you to go up to your room, and lock the door."

"What's going on?" Alexis' eyes flashed with concern.

"I think someone's here. I think they're coming for me," Castle breathed as his jaw tightened uncomfortably.

"Don't be ridiculous," Alexis replied. "You said that they ruled you out as a suspect."

"I know I did," Castle choked out as he pulled his daughter into a tight hug, keeping a vice grip on her. "Listen, Alexis, no matter what happens. I…I need you to know," Castle's voice broke as he choked up. "I…I've made some mistakes in my life, but I have never laid a hand on anyone. I have never hurt anyone unless it was for Kate's protection…"

"Dad," Alexis tried to pull away, but he wouldn't let her. "I know that."

"I love you, pumpkin," Castle barely breathed.

"I love you too, Dad," Alexis replied as tears seeped from her eyes. "It's…It's bad isn't it?"

"Yes." The terse response couldn't have frightened her anymore. "Now go. Quickly! Call Kate and tell her…tell her to call this man." Castle handed her a card to one of the cities most prominent defense attorneys. This time the bang outside of their apartment and the knock on their door was unmistakable. Alexis took one last look of her father and rushed up the stairs as a loud voice echoed throughout their loft. "Richard Castle, open up! This is the NYPD!" Castle turned, walking back towards the door. Before he could make it halfway through the entryway. The door burst open and a sea of navy rushed inside. He tried not to grunt as two men in heavy Kevlar tackled him to the ground, forcing his face against the grain of the wood as they pulled his arms behind his back. Castle closed his eyes as cold metal met his inner wrists, the cuffs fashioned extra tightly around him. It felt like the metal was cutting into his wrists and he flexed his hands as he tried to make them a little more comfortable. He couldn't hold back the grunt that came from his lips as they wrenched him up from the floor. "Richard Castle, you are under arrest for the murder of Richard Hugherty," A voice spoke in his ear as they walked him towards the door. "You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you can't afford one, one will be appointed for you."

Castle didn't speak a single word as two, not so kind men, dragged him out of his own apartment. Castle's eyes opened wide as they neared the end of the hall and happened on the last person that he ever expected to see at a moment like this. Suddenly, his fears and his curiosity got the better of him and he couldn't help but wonder if she had betrayed him. Kate must have read his expression because she met his eyes and quickly spoke. She held out her arms, blocking their progress and single-handedly stopping the two officers who were shoving Rick Castle down the hallway.

"Miss," one of the men spat at her, "This man has been placed under arrest for murder."

"I'm well aware of that fact by now. After all, I am an NYPD detective," Kate spat back as she pulled her badge, "And I expect you to extend me some courtesy! I want a word with this man."

"Anything he says can still be used against him in a court of law," they threatened.

"I know that," Castle hissed angrily. He couldn't bear the pain in his chest as Kate reached out to touch his cheek, never letting her eyes leave his.

"I know that you're afraid," Kate swallowed, "But I want you to know that I didn't have anything to do with this. Rick, you know I'm on your side. I need you to know that."

"I didn't do it. I…I never hurt anyone," Rick spoke urgently. "Kate, I never hurt anyone."

"I know," she breathed aloud. Castle closed his eyes. Her hand was so warm against his cheek. "I don't know how, but I'm going to fix this. I'm going to get you out of this."

"Okay," one of the men's voices cut in with venom, "Time's up. Come on." Castle grunted as he was yanked forwards and Kate was not so kindly shoved out of the way. Castle turned his head, yelling over his shoulder, "Take care of Alexis for me!"

Castle tried not to scream as another punch landed hard on his side. He'd never expected such a side trip on the way to booking, but the cops had decided to send him a clear-cut and unmistakable message.

"Tell me," one of the boys in blue hissed. "How does it feel? All that time doing 'book' research just so you could learn how to kill someone and get away with it? Well, guess what. Game over. You got caught." Castle didn't bother to reply. He knew that none of them wanted to hear what he wanted to say. They'd made that abundantly clear. Castle sank to his knees as a fist to his stomach sent him down. A hand latched around his shirt, pulling him back to his feet so he could sustain another beating. It was like a cycle that would never end. He gritted his jaw against itself, grinding his teeth in order to keep from crying out as they took turns beating him to the brink of consciousness. Kicks driven hard into his ribcage knocked the air from his lungs. When they were finally done they let him drop to the slick pavement and let him lay there, gasping for breath. Castle could smell the fresh rain in the air, he could feel the cool moisture on his face, keeping him from sleep. It was a play on the senses for someone on the brink of consciousness. It was safe to say that Castle had never seen this side of the boys in blue before, and he was sure that he ever wanted to live through this again. He stared at the pavement that lay against his cheek, studying the grains in it. He lay still, just breathing as he tried to remember one reason not to abandon all hope now. Castle groaned as someone acted like they were going to pick him up off of the ground but only slammed his head against the pavement, once, twice, three times. Now it was time to beg for his life.

"P-Please," he choked out, feeling cold taking over his drenched body as he lay on the concrete. "S-stop. Please. I didn't hurt anyone. D-Don't. Please. I…I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." Kate froze as she stepped just inside the door. She'd been downstairs packing for a small trip. Alexis and Martha were headed for Oregon's capital, and Kate was responsible for getting her and Castle where they needed to be. She'd been about to wake him as Castle had been asleep for a long time now. He rolled back and forth on the mattress, obviously distressed. He kept whimpering, whining, begging for whomever it was to stop. She felt her own heart stop. "O-Officer…Please…Please…" Then she was rushing over, he was covered in sweat, and the sheets were drenched with it. Kate was immediately unsettled. She hadn't left him alone for long, but whatever dream or emotion he was stuck in now was a violent and emotional one that was taking a toll on his body. He wasn't just dreaming it. He was reliving it, and Kate needed to get him to stop.

"Castle," Kate's voice was urgent as she shook him. "Castle, calm down. Wake up! Castle! It's just a dream. It's a bad dream. Castle!" She shook him particularly hard and he shot up, his chest heaving. Kate let out a grunt as his arm shoved her away without any warning connecting with her stomach forcefully. She rolled off the other side of the bed and landed on the balls of her feet, gasping as her lungs strained to suddenly replace the air they'd lost. She reprimanded herself quickly as she realized her mistake. She should have known better than to get close. He'd felt threatened in his dream, and hadn't come out of it completely just yet. His body still reacted on instinct.

Still, it didn't stop the horrified look on Castle's face as he realized what he'd done. He took one look at her and fled, rushing for the master bathroom. Before she could stop him, he slammed the door shut, sealing himself inside, and locked it behind him. Kate sighed as she called his name repeatedly. "Castle. Castle, please. I know that you didn't mean it," Kate said as she let her forehead brush against the cool wood of the door. She could hear him breathing heavily on the other side. "They beat you didn't they? They said that they needed to stop for gas on the way to booking," Kate closed her eyes, trying to stop the tears from spilling out as she imagined the scenario herself. "They pulled you out of the back of the cruiser, dragged you out back where no one would see you, and took turns trying to make you scream. When they finally got you to booking and got raised eyebrows from the warden, they blamed you. Said you fought back… Even though you took every punch of theirs without so much as a struggle or a sound."

"Stop it," Castle snapped back.

"But that's what happened," Kate swallowed. "Isn't it?"

"I said stop it. Just leave me alone," he begged.

"Castle," Kate breathed, her own voice thick with emotion.

"Just go away," Castle's voice was cold and biting.

"Castle, please," Kate apologized from the depths of her heart for something she knew was completely out of her control. "I'm so sorry."

"Kate, you-you don't understand," Castle breathed. "So just stop. Please. You have no idea what it was like. You'll never know what it was like." Kate let out a deep breath. She waited for him to say something more. "I thought they were going to kill me."

"You're right," she breathed, "And I'm sorry. For all the times that the NYPD turned a blind eye to cases like yours, where a prisoner in their custody showed up with unexplained bruising. I'm sorry for every bruise you received that night. It… It kills me to even imagine the sort of things you went through." Tears were falling freely now. "Rick, I'm so sorry." Kate turned so that her back pressed against the grain and slid down to the floor, while cradling her head in her hands. She fell slightly backwards as the door unexpectedly opened. Rick caught her from behind. Lifting her as he slipped his arms under hers and pulled upwards. Slowly she turned around to face him. He sighed, as he reached up to wipe away her tears. He brushed his forehead against hers as he closed his eyes.

"Don't do yourself an injustice and even associate yourself with those men," Castle pleaded. "They were nothing but cowards. Poachers. You, Katherine Beckett, have one of the most beautiful hearts I've ever seen. You would never raise a hand against someone unless they raised one against you or someone you love directly first."

"Speaking of which," Kate breathed heavily, "Do you remember their names?"

"No," Castle replied a little too quickly.

"Castle," Kate spoke firmly, "Tell me their names."

"No," Castle replied as he swallowed and pulled back.

"I'm serious," Kate breathed as her doe-like green eyes held Castle's.

"I know you are," Castle breathed.

"You said that I would never raise a hand against someone who hasn't raised one against me or someone I love directly," she swallowed. "Well they did that. When they so much as touched you, they offended me. So, yeah, I want to know what their names are."

"Haven't you ever heard that when someone strikes you across the face you should turn the other cheek and let them strike you again?" Castle asked.

"Yeah, I've heard of it," Kate replied with a bit of sarcasm, "The fact is, that if everyone practiced those teachings in their own lives, I wouldn't have a job. Unfortunately, people who are wronged feel the need to take revenge on those who they feel wronged them.

"Not me," Castle choked out. "And not you."

"So that's it?" Kate swallowed. "They beat you half to death and they get to continue doing it to others?"

"There is no way you can prove they did anything to me or anyone else," Castle grumbled. "Kate, treating violence with violence only makes the world a brutal, sinful place as you just so kindly pointed out." He looked away. "I will not make it any worse than it is now. Besides, they can't touch me here."

"What happens when you go back?" Kate asked, as she brushed some of his hair from his face.

"Don't be ridiculous," Castle scoffed, "We both know that's never going to happen. You said it yourself, Kate. It's a mess." Kate flinched away as the prominent look of strength and resolve on her composed features was overtaken by something much more raw. She felt suddenly wounded. Castle sighed. "Look, I'm sorry, okay? I guess I just have a hard time being optimistic about any of it."

"And I know that I'm acting naïve," Kate breathed, "Perhaps I even come across as stupid, but I have to hope, Rick. Because otherwise? What's left? Am I really supposed to be able to accept that this is what the rest of our lives are going to be like? Because I don't want us to just accept it. I don't want constantly go back and forth. I don't want something temporary, Rick, I want something permanent. For a long time before this happened, I thought about what it would be like to marry you, to raise a family with you. How are we supposed to do that now? I…I live in New York."

"No one's asking you to do this Kate," Rick choked out finally. She could see the muscles in his jaw tighten, as he purposefully avoided Kate's eyes.

"I know that," Kate sighed not adding anymore to that particular thought or reply.

Rick closed his eyes. It was about time he realized that she wasn't going to offer. She wasn't going to offer to stay with him, and he knew he'd never be able to ask her to do it himself. Sure, he wanted to ask her to stay with him permanently, but knew he could ask no such thing of her. All of Kate's friends were in New York. And her father lived in the states as well.

"So," Kate swallowed, trying to alter the somber mood suddenly lying like a blanket between them, "I planned a small trip for us for the next couple days. I called into work, and it sounded like you had the time off anyways."

"A trip?" Castle's brow furrowed, "Do I get to know where we're going?"

"Nope," Kate replied, a playful look on her features.

"Kate," Castle grumbled, "I'd really rather not travel… "

"Castle," Kate cut in, "The trip has is already happening. Whether you are coming willingly or not, we're leaving in an hour and a half."

"Okay. You know what? I'm going to take a shower," Rick choked out, effectively ending their conversation. "You do whatever the heck you want to do." Kate stared at him dumbly as he retreated back into the bathroom, shutting the door behind him again. Kate stared, her jaw open. She kicked herself for making such a comment. Why did it seem like there was nothing that either of them could say without wounding the other? Most of the time she only saw hurt etched into Castle's features, his eyes spoke volumes. The man was in constant agonizing pain, and she felt like she couldn't do anything to solve it.

A minute or so later, she tried the handle to find it unlocked. Steam wafted through the air as water gushed loudly from the pipes. Kate reached down to the hem of her shift pulling over her head and dropping it to the floor at her feet. She reached around her back, unclasping her bra. It too, was dropped to the floor with the growing pile of clothes. Kate unbuttoned her pants, still hoping to go unnoticed. Finally, her underwear followed. She tip-toed along the floor to the shower and opened the door. As Castle turned around in surprise she pushed him against the wall, and pushed herself under the spray as she kissed him with raw passion. Castle happily reacted, pulling her hips close as he kissed her back. She cried into his mouth as his right hand pulled up on her left thigh as she wrapped her leg around his back. It was hard to get a tight grip as the water made it quite hard to gain traction. Kate moaned into Rick's mouth as his tongue invaded, hungrily attacking hers. How they could go from a minute like the one they'd just had, to this, she had no idea. All she knew is that she loved the man standing in front of her and that they were going to make it work somehow.

"What about…?" Castle asked as he prepared to enter her.

"Don't worry about it," Kate panted heavily. Her body was aching for his already.

"But you know what could happen if…" Castle protested.

"Castle," Kate stated firmly, kissing him hard, "Believe me. I know what this means. I know what can happen. I'm not…that stupid…"

"Who ever implied that you were stupid?" Castle husked in her ear, as he took the lobe into his mouth, stealing most of Kate's coherent thought, "Because I might just have to rearrange their face… The Kate Beckett I know is purely brilliant."

"Mmm," Kate moaned as his lips attached themselves to her neck. "You know you're making it kind of hard to think right now, Castle?"

"Oh that's the point, Katherine Beckett. That's the point," Castle chuckled before taking her in the shower. Yet another moment that no one could ever take from them.

An hour later, Castle rode shotgun as they left the house. Kate stole his keys and refused to give them back.

"You don't even know where we're going," she reminded him kindly as he'd given her his best candid pouting expression.

"And I'm just supposed to believe you know your way around Canada already?" Castle inquired.

"Try not to sound too surprised," Kate replied, "But I actually have some family in Canada. Though not exactly this far out west."

"Where?" Castle asked as he shifted in the front seat.

"They're out in Ontario, near Toronto," Kate replied with a shrug of her shoulders. "You know, you would have made things a lot easier if you had just stayed out East somewhere. At least I don't have to fly a couple thousand miles to see you that way."

"Sorry," Castle replied, looking away. "I always tend to ruin everything, don't I?"

"Hey," Kate's hand reached out to grab his and she gave it a reassuring squeeze. "I didn't mean to upset you. It was more of a joke than anything…" Castle nodded, though he made no reply. They drove in silence for a while until Castle turned on some music. Kate smiled. It was jazzy music that had really strong trumpet, trombone, and alto saxophone runs. It was definitely mellow, and she liked it that way. Every so often she would steal a look at Castle to find him staring out the window.

He made no major attempts to thwart her plans, even when they stopped for gas. He just got back into the passenger side without so much as another sound. It wasn't until they neared a sign, saying they were approaching the Canadian/American border that Castle freaked out.

"Kate," he swallowed, "What the hell are you doing?" He's asked as he reached over to check the GPS. When he figured out that this was all part of the plan he'd turned to her and with his best glare, said, "No way. Absolutely not."

"Castle," Kate choked out, "You're going to have to get over your fear of the border sometime anyways." Castle still looked very uncomfortable.

"Kate I didn't even bring my passport," he breathed, as his hands clenched into fists, "I don't even have an actual passport."

"Yes you do," Kate replied, "I pulled it out from your desk." She held it out for inspection.

"I never asked for this," Castle said. "Kate, I'm serious." Kate let out a sigh as she pulled onto the side of the road, and put the car in park.

"Castle, look at me," Kate pleaded. He had no problem following her instruction. He met her eyes, albeit, he did so rather sheepishly. "Look," she started, trying to keep her voice calm, "This is a perfectly crafted passport. We're only going to be in the country for all of two days. And I promise you, the ordeal will be more than worth it in the end. I promise you."

"I can't afford to take risks like this, Kate," Castle choked out as he ran his hands roughly over his face. "Out of everyone, I thought you would understand that."

"You'll thank me later," Kate promised.

"I don't have to say a word?" Castle inquired anxiously.

"Well," she swallowed, looking at him, "A friendly hello might do you some good. Castle, we're all officers of the law. A smile is all it takes." She shifted the car back into gear. And Castle dug his fingers into the denim of his jeans as they waited. Kate waited anxiously herself, willing the passenger in her car to relax a bit. She never realized just how much of a fear of the border Castle had developed over the last year.

When they finally were stopped at the toll booth and handed over she handed over both of their passports, greeting the attendant.

"Morning officer," she smiled.

"Good morning," he replied, "What brings you to the U.S. today?"

"Purely pleasure," Kate smiled, "We're taking a small vacation. I'm taking my friend to see some sights."

"How long do you plan on staying?" he inquired, leaning down to peer into the car. Castle forced a smile. It looked more like a grimace to Kate, but the custom's agent seemed to accept it.

"Just a couple days," Castle gritted out in his best bubbly tone. "Then it's back to work."

"Alright," he double checked each passport and handed them back, "Well, enjoy your stay in America, Ms. Beckett, and Mr. Halloway!"

"Thank you," Kate offered a sincere smile as she accepted to two small navy blue booklets. Both had a new stamp on them under the day's date. "We will. You have a good day." The man nodded and Kate sped forward. By the time she stole another look at Castle about a couple miles away. He looked green.

"Pull over," he choked out and she did. Before the car even came close to a complete stop, Castle jumped out. He rushed forwards into the grass, and hunched over as he got violently sick. By the time Kate was out and rubbing his back, he was already nearly finished. She let out a sigh, closing her eyes as she hugged him from behind.

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be," he wiped his mouth on a towel Kate handed him. "You're right. It was about time I faced my fears. I just never realized just how many memories I had that I never wanted to relive." He swallowed, "I nearly didn't make it the last time, but that was a year ago and a couple thousand miles away." Kate nodded, and led him back to the car.

"Come on," Kate breathed softly, "You want to drive for a while? It'll take your mind off of things."

"You sure?" Castle grunted.

Kate nodded and hopped in the driver's seat. "No cheating though, just follow the GPS. No peaking at the destination." Castle chuckled, bemused at Kate's determination to surprise him.

"Astoria," Castle swallowed as the GPS told him to get onto highway 101. "Is that where we're going?"

"Unfortunately not," Kate replied. "It was easier for us to meet in Portland."

"Really?" Castle's brow furrowed. "And who are we meeting?"

"You really expect me to spoil the surprise?" Kate beamed. "I think not."

"You're evil," he joked.

"But you still love me anyways," Kate replied knowingly with a smile reserved especially for him.

"Mmm," Castle choked out with a non-committal reply. Kate slugged him gently in the arm and he smiled back. Boy was Kate a feisty one. They continued to drive. Most of the day had already ticked by. Finally, he turned into the airport short term parking as Kate instructed. Hand in hand, they walked inside. Kate checked a departures/arrivals board, smiling when she saw Alexis and Martha's flight had arrived ten minutes ago. They were probably taxiing to the runway as they stood there. Finally, Kate tugged Castle in the direction of the Gate.

"Come on, Castle, time to see your surprise," Kate smiled. They stood off to one side of the gate, watching a large number of people who came through. There was no amount of money in the world that could have overcome the amount of happiness that could be seen on Castle's features as Alexis, Ashley, and Martha came into view. Alexis was the first to see her father.

"Dad!" Alexis dropped her bag and broke out into a run. Castle met her halfway, scooping her up into his arms as he twirled her around.

"Alexis!" Castle was barely able to choke out the name as tears flowed from his cheeks with reckless abandon. There were no words for the moment Kate witnessed. It made her heart race in her chest. It made her feel alive. Just to see a father and daughter reunited made every struggle of the last day worth it. It made the last year worth it. She looked on, feeling as if she was intruding. Quickly, she wished to disappear, not wanting to steal the moment. Before she could disappear, however, Alexis called her name. Kate moved quickly to the pair, exchanging an embrace as they all became like one big happy family.

Castle pulled her into an embrace of his own. He buried her face in her neck as he whispered a few heartfelt words. "I don't know how you did this, but thank you. I'll never be able to thank you enough."

"I meant it when I said I'd do anything for you," Kate breathed back, pulling him into an impassioned kiss. "Come on. We need to check into the hotel. Then we can go out for dinner and catch up. Hmm?" Castle nodded. He took a brief minute with his own mother, hugging her as she wiped away her son's tears. Kate swallowed, truly amazed at just how strong their bond was.

When Kate had rushed off to see Castle she'd wanted to make sure she found him and that he could be reached. Then immediately she thought of reuniting him with his family. It was important that he experience this moment because it gave him something to hold on to. Of course, she wished she could be enough by herself, but that simply just wasn't so. Castle needed his daughter most of all. She knew how heavily it weighed on him that he'd missed out on the last year with her. He'd missed her going off to school.

Time flew by. They went to a nice dinner, and the smile could not be taken from Castle's lips, not even if the world had started to collapse around them. He could not stop smiling because he was with the people he loved most in the world. He took Ashley aside, and thanked him for taking care of his daughter. He asked about the man's intentions with his own daughter, deciding he needed to have the chat sooner than later. After all, Ashley was very grown up for a man his age. Castle wasn't surprised to find out that he and Alexis were still very serious about eachother, though things had been difficult between them when Alexis was forced to sever ties with her father. He gave Ashley his official blessing, knowing that it was the best thing he could do. Castle thought for a long moment as he walked through the streets of Portland. He'd allowed the girls to go off shopping together, while he and Ashley had their heart to heart chat. He wanted Kate to be his, but marriage was not even a question for them. He finally paused outside of a nice looking jewelry store, Bay Street Jewelers. He walked inside, determined to find something for Kate. It had to be humble, since he no longer had the kind of means he'd once had in New York, but he found something perfect. He already had it planned in his mind. Before she left, he would make sure she knew he was hers completely and would ask the same of her. He knew she was too beautiful. She would get plenty of attention in the city. He wanted her to know that he was always waiting for her. He didn't want to lose her to another man, because if that happened, he honestly wasn't sure what he'd do or how he'd get past it. As he slipped out of the store, he slipped the small velvet box into his jacket pocket, and not a moment too soon. For as he and Ashley walked around the corner, they nearly ran smack into Martha, Kate, and Alexis, who all had a bag in their hand.

"Hey," Kate seemed to notice his apprehension because her brows rose. "You two have fun?" Ashley and Castle nodded, neither willing to give away the others intentions.

"Good," she smiled, checking her father's watch. "You want to head back to the hotel? It's getting late."

"Yeah," Castle swallowed, checking his own, "It's getting late."

On the way back to the hotel, the girls chatted about all of the cute shops they'd managed to find downtown. It seemed that his pockets were still emptying at a moderate rate. But he could only smile. He was happy to see that they women in his life were still in such good shape.

Long after the others went to bed, Castle sat on a lounging chair with his daughter curled up against him on the hotel balcony, which looked out over the Williamette River. He couldn't bring himself to move. He tried to savor every moment. He knew in another day she would be ripped away from him again. But in no way did he plan on waiting so long to see his daughter again. Kate slipped into the adjoined room, where Alexis, Ashley, and Martha were staying and tiptoed out to the balcony. She found herself missing her lover as she tried to sleep. Her heart squeezed as she found them both asleep. It was warm out, so she wasn't terribly worried about them getting too cold. Still, she grabbed a blanket and covered them both. She kissed the top of Castle's head, wishing him a peaceful serene sleep. She expected he'd find comfort with Alexis so close by. Finally, she tiptoed back to bed, and slipped under the covers. Sleep came easily. Her soul felt at peace right now.

Please read and review! Please let me know if you like it and if you want more. I hope to go into a little more detail with all of the characters with the next one.