Wow, I honestly forgot that this story wasn't yet finished lol. Sorry about that. Here is the second and final chapter. Hope you enjoy and have a merry very early Christmas from me :) x

Soft Christmas music played from the corner of the living room. Everyone was stuffed after dinner and were now lazily hanging around the TV watching some Christmas specials. Alexis didn't feel like relaxing as she was one of those rare people who only got more energy after dinner and she started to clean up the kitchen. Castle told her not to do so but she told him it was fine and that they should relax. Truth was that, even though she meant what she said, she was also a little nervous being close to her stepmother now. Silently cursing at herself for saying such a weird thing. She called Kate 'mom' why did she do that?

After a few more angry thoughts she jumped up in surprise by a sudden hand on her lower back.

"Alexis?" Kate said. A smile forming on her face "sorry didn't mean to scare you"

Alexis awkwardly smiled back and put the plate that she had been furiously drying for over five minutes back onto the kitchen counter. "No, it's fine I was just… never mind" and picked up another plate to dry.

Kate studied her stepdaughter for a few seconds and pulled a clean dishtowel from one of the cabinets and started helping out.

"oh you don't have to help Kate! Go relax, I don't want you to stay on your feet too long!"

Kate huffed "you are your father's daughter. I'm fine"

Alexis slowly nodded and continued putting back a few of the plates she had already dried and started to pile up.

"Alexis?"

"yeah?" she hesitantly answered knowing what question was coming.

"Do you maybe want to talk?"

"Talk about what?" she answered trying to sound oblivious.

Kate let out a deep breath as she gathered some confidence "alright. I know this is a bit awkward and we have never discussed this but I just wanted you to know that… I love you, and you are as much family to me as Matthew and this new baby are and I if you want to call me 'mom' that would be totally fine with me. It would even be an honor"

Alexis halted her movement and took in Kate's words before turning around and facing her.

"Thank you" she breathed out. She never heard Kate utter the words 'I love you' to her before and even though she knew her stepmother loved her, hearing it was another thing. "I love you too"

Kate shook her head "you don't have to feel pressured to say it back I just want to be sure you knew"

Alexis nodded "I did, I do"

"Ok, good" as both women continued their task. The silence between them being filled with loud jingles coming from the TV.

"But Kate…" Alexis finally uttered.

"yes?"

"Calling you mom… I honestly just fumbled over my words. I already have a mom and even though she is not perfect… she is still my mom you know… I hope I am not hurting you?"

Kate nodded understandably "that's alright Alexis. You are not hurting me. I get it. I already thought you said it by mistake but I just wanted to be sure and clear the air"

Alexis felt guilty and even though Kate's word seemed genuine she still felt like she hurt her. She reached out and held her stepmother in a sideway hug "thank you for loving my father so much and giving me siblings. I am honestly so proud to call you family"

Kate breathed out "- and thank you for being so amazing"

"now please do something for me" Alexis said with a grin "please go sit down with the others, I know your feet are hurting"

Kate laughed "you sure?"

"I'm sure! Go! I can handle a few more plates"

Kate answered by nodding and placed her hand on the redhead's shoulder before making her way back into the living room.

Alexis watched her stepmother walk away as a sudden thought crept up. Kate will probably be referred as 'grandma' to her possible future kids… a title she was not sure her actual mother would share or even wanted to have. She thought. And that hurt.

Thanks for reading! This hasn't been beta'd, so I am sorry if there are any mistakes!