A/N: I hate to say it, but this is the beginning of the end. I'm thinking there are only going to be a few more chapters. Enjoy the fluff while it lasts. I love all the reviews this story has been getting and I thank you all so much. Happy Reading!

Previously in Turning Tables:

Throughout the production, the eyes of both Kate and Alexis remained glued to the actors while Rick's gazed constantly changed between the two ladies sitting next to him and the action onstage.

Every time Kate laughed, Rick found himself laughing along even though he didn't know what the joke was.

Every time he watched Kate whisper something to Alexis that caused both of them to laugh, Rick felt his heart swell.

Every time Kate cast a quick glance at Rick, he tried to turn his attention back towards the stage but was never quick enough.

On the fourth or fifth time Kate caught him, Rick felt her hand intertwine with his own, both of them resting on the arm rest.

Even after the intermission, her hand found its way back to his and they stayed that way for the rest of the evening.

Kate took them to Remy's after the play. At first, she was a little hesitant given their formal attire but the look on Rick's face at the aroma of cheeseburgers wafting out of the small joint washed away Kate's worries.

Rick's eyes widened as they scanned over the diner's décor and his mouth watered at all the pleasant smells surrounding him. He trailed behind Kate as she led him to their normal booth where their waitress had laid out menus. Kate slid in over the red vinyl that was only a shade or two darker than her dress. Alexis moved to sit next to her. And Rick, at first surprised by his daughter's actions but after thinking a moment was no longer surprised, moved into the seat across from his girls.

His girls, Rick thought. His gazed fluttered between the two in front of him, both lost in the menu they were sharing, Kate offering suggestions to Alexis about what food was good and Alexis with had a soft smile playing across her lips. His girls. Rick found he liked the sound of that.

"You okay Dad?" Alexis asked looking up from her menu.

"What? Oh yeah I'm fine," Rick replied quickly, picking up his own menu. He'd only just glanced at it when a different waitress came over to the table.

"Kate! How are you? It's been months since I've seen you two in here. Ricky! I heard about what happened. How are you doing?" The older woman questioned. Rick shot Kate a questioning glance and Kate immediately spoke up.

"We're good Judy. It's been a crazy couple of months."

Judy nodded understandingly.

"This must be the famous Alexis." Judy said referencing the young girl who had been sitting quietly. "Your father talks about you all the time. All good of course," she added. Alexis smiled.

"Well, I'm glad."

"What can I get you folks?"

"The usual for me, Judy," Kate said. "Thanks."

"Can I have a hamburger and fries please? Oh, and a strawberry milkshake?"

"Of course, Alexis. Ricky?"

"Umm…give me a second," he said, his eyes frantically scrolling over the list of food in front of him. "Oh gosh, I don't know."

"He'll take a cheeseburger with everything on it except pickles, fries and a vanilla milkshake, Judy," Kate ordered.

"Of course," the older woman smiled and scribbled on her notepad. When Rick looked at Kate she merely smiled as she handed the waitress their menus.

"That will be out in just a bit. It's good to see you guys," Judy said, walking off to place the orders.

"How did you know?" Rick asked Kate once Judy had left.

"It's what you always get."

"We come here often?"

"Yeah. "

"I see."

There was a pregnant pause.

"So Alexis," Kate said turning her attention to the girl beside her, "what was your favorite part of the play.

"Ewwww, Kate, don't tell me you do it too," Alexis exclaimed as she watched the woman next to her.

"What?" Kate asked as she picked up another fry, dunking it in her strawberry shake before putting it into her mouth.

"That! The whole fry in milkshake thing. Dad does it too. It's disgusting!"

"No it's not," Rick mumbled across the table before mimicking Kate and coating a fry with his own vanilla shake.

"Blame him," Kate said looking at Rick. "One time we were here and he refused to leave until I tried it. Surprisingly it actually turned out to be good."

"He's made me try it too and I hated it. But if you like that then you should have him make you a smorlet."

"What's a smorlet?" Rick asked with his mouth full.

"It's this omelet you invented with graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallow. You loved it but Grams and I thought it was awful."

"Awful? That sounds fantastic!"

"See?" Alexis said to Kate. "You should really try it."

"I don't know. That seems a little…dangerous."

"Says the police officer."

The three of them laughed in unison and finished off their dinners.

"Do you all need anything else?" Judy asked as she cleared off their plates.

"Nope, I think we're ready for the check," Rick replied.

"Okay then. I'll be right back."

She was back in a flash, setting the check on the table, an equal distance between Kate and Rick. They reached for it at the same time, their hands meeting on top of the paper.

"I got it," they said in unison.

"No, I got it," they said at the same time, again.

"Must you two do this every time?" Judy asked before walking to her other table.

"Rick."

"Kate."

"Alexis!" the young girl chimed in. She laughed at herself but the adults at the table were still glaring at each other neither one of their hands moving off the check.

"I'm trying to be a gentleman here." Rick said.

"But you paid for the Chinese on Monday and said I could get the next one," Kate stated.

"I meant the next time we order Chinese." Rick countered.

"You didn't specify. I'm paying."

"Alexis, help me out here," Rick said turning to his daughter.

"Sorry Dad, you're on your own. If Kate wants to pay you should let her pay. This is the 21st century. Women have rights."

"Thank you, Alexis. See Rick? Even your flesh and blood agrees with me. Hand over the check."

"Traitor," Rick whispered to Alexis as he begrudgingly handed Kate the small piece of paper.

Kate pulled out her wallet while simultaneously pressing her heel onto Rick's shoe.

"Ow!" he yelled.

Kate feigned innocence as she slipped the cash onto the table.

"You can leave the tip, Castle….If you want." She added quickly.

"Sure. Now I don't feel completely useless."

"I'm glad. " Kate smiled at him and followed Alexis out of the booth. Rick trailed behind them.

"Should I call a cab?" Rick asked once they were outside.

"No. It's nice out. Let's walk, if that's alright with you Kate."

"I was thinking the exact same thing. Let's walk. I only live a few blocks that way." She pointed down a nearby street.

"Alright then, let's walk."

Rick offered his one arm to each of his companions. Alexis smiled and gladly took her father's arm. Kate felt herself blush as she slowly slipped her own arm through his. She couldn't help but notice how firm his arms were.

They made idle conversation as they made their way through the busy streets of New York.

They had only been walking for a few minutes when a familiar face approached them.

"Gina?" Rick called out. The tall blonde woman dressed in a tight black dress turned when her name was called.

"Rick? What are you doing here?" she asked as she approached the well-dressed trio. Rick disentangled himself from Kate and Alexis and rushed over to his ex-wife, wrapping his arms around her in a hug she reciprocated.

Kate felt the smoke rise from her ears. She knew she was being ridiculous but Kate couldn't help remember the morning when Rick kissed her neck and then ruined it by calling her "Gina". She shivered at the memory and turned her attention back to the couple who were talking animatedly in front of herself and Alexis.

"That's why Martha wouldn't let me see you? Because you still thought you were married to me? That's ridiculous! I mean, I'm really sorry about the whole thing but do you know how behind you are on Nikki Heat? Sales skyrocketed after you'd been shot but I need that next manuscript before the end of the year."

Rick looked at her like she'd grown three heads. At first, he'd been excited to see her. He had a few questions he didn't want to ask his mother or Alexis, but seeing that Gina had more concern over book sales than his well-being put those questions to rest.

He proceeded to set Gina straight.

Meanwhile, Kate was glaring daggers into the backs of Rick and Gina. She couldn't hear what they were saying but they'd been talking for a few minutes. Memories of Gina walking into the bullpen, taking Rick away for a summer in the Hamptons, Kate's heart breaking flashed through the detective's mind. Alexis noticed her tension and quickly went to resolve the problem.

"Don't worry Kate. They got divorced for a reason. Trust me, Dad's crazy about you." Alexis whispered soft enough so only Kate could hear.

"Alexis…I don't…it's…we…You really think so?" Kate breathed. The redhead laughed.

"Oh believe me Kate. I know. Heck, we all know. You two are the only people who seem to be oblivious to the whole thing." Kate laughed at the girl's openness but was relieved at her words.

"Okay…I hope you're right."

"Right about what?" Gina asked as she and Rick approached Kate and Alexis.

"Nothing," Alexis quickly responded. "Gina, it's nice to see you again."

"It's good to see you too, Alexis. Detective Beckett, it's a pleasure as always."

Kate forced a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

"I'll see you around. Bye ladies. Rick." Gina said, quickly kissing Rick on the cheek before turning around and hailing a cab.

Kate couldn't help but scowl as the woman walked away.

It was a nudge from Alexis that softened her features before Rick could notice her unhappiness.

"Are you guys ready to keep walking?" Rick asked.

"Yeah," Alexis and Kate replied in unison.

When they finally reached Kate's apartment Alexis went to hail a cab while Rick walked Kate to her door. Alexis managed to throw Kate a not-so-subtle wink before she went to call a taxi.

Kate and Rick rode the elevator in silence, their shoulders touching and their fingers brushing ever so slightly.

When they finally reached her door Kate paused before putting her key in the lock. She turned back to Rick and found him incredibly close. She looked into his eyes and was a little surprised at the pure want that was shining through.

"Castle," she breathed. "Castle…there's something I have to tell you—"

His mouth cut her off. Softly but surely his lips prodded hers open. She was startled at first but soon responded to the kiss, deepening it and letting herself get lost in the pressure of his mouth against hers. She felt her knees sway slightly as he gripped her waist tightly. They moved so her back was pressed against the door.

They pulled apart too soon for either of their liking.

"I know," Rick whispered while his mouth was still merely centimeters away from hers.

Kate was sure he didn't know what she was going to tell him and that he was thinking of something else but she didn't prod.

"Oh, and my mother told me to invite you to brunch on Sunday. She made it sound like no wasn't an option," Rick said smiling.

"Well that won't be a problem. I'd love to come. "

"Good," Rick said before gently pressing his lips to Kate's for a quick kiss. Both of them pulled away smiling. "See you Sunday," he called as he walked to the elevator.

Kate managed to stop her hands from shaking long enough to put the key in the lock. Inside her apartment, Kate stepped out of her heels and glanced in the mirror.

She felt herself blush when she realized she was smiling like an idiot but she couldn't seem to stop.

He found himself smiling all the way down the elevator and Rick was still grinning ear to ear when he joined Alexis in the cab. She didn't ask but she felt like she knew what he was smiling at and found herself smiling as well.