Author's notes: Firstly, I have to apologise for being away for so long; but writers block is a bitch, particularly when you lose your inspiration, and have to try to get it back again. Binge watching a few early seasons of Castle over a weekend helped.

This chapter picks up a week after chapter 20; I thought about doing a 'time shift forward', but that would have cheated the characters in my universe, and readers out of so much.

Thank you so much for the reviews for my last chapter, and for the gentle prods I've had in the last couple of weeks to get back to writing. I promised myself when I started this fic, that I wouldn't just leave it hanging, because I know how heartbreaking it is, to get the last chapter of a story, and realise it hasn't been finished.

Having said that however, I do see the natural conclusion to this story in sight; but not for a few chapters yet.

Once again, I have to thank my long suffering beta 41319always413419, for prodding me every now and then, and for continuing to be my beta after such a long hiatus.

So, onwards and upwards.

Chapter 21: Best Birthday Ever

Alexis pulled the cell from her pocket when she felt it vibrate again and rolled her eyes at the latest message from her father, wanting to know how much longer she was going to be. Slumping down on the uncomfortable bench she was sitting on, Alexis leaned back against the wall and checked her watch before tossing her phone into her bag on the seat next to her.

Smiling every now and then when someone walked by, Alexis waited patiently for Deputy Commissioner Gates to exit the Internal Affairs office. While her interview regarding the circumstances leading up to her 'citizen's arrest' the week before had gone smoothly, the young woman hoped she would learn her fate sooner rather than later.

Looking at her watch again, Alexis hoped Gates would be making an appearance sometime soon because she had a family court appointment with her parents in half an hour. Today she would officially become Kate Beckett's daughter, but her excitement was tinged by a mixture of anger and regret over her conversation with Meredith the previous night.

'I just don't understand this obsession you have with Katherine,' Meredith had all but accused.

'It's not an obsession,' Alexis argued.

'Then why the need to replace me, Alexis,' Meredith countered. 'I'm your mother. I gave birth to you.Am I not good enough for you now?' Meredith sobbed.

But Alexis had come to know her mother well enough to know that, while Meredith was upset,she also knew her mother was using her theatrical dramatics to get her own way. 'Mom, we've had this conversation already,' Alexis struggled to contain her sigh of frustration. Her patience for the woman was quickly wearing thin.

'Then explain it to me again,' Meredith demanded.

'Mom,' Alexis, realising she no longer wanted to pander to her mother's emotional blackmail, decided to take the honest route and tell her mother a few home truths. 'The fact that you refuse to understand why I've made my decision is reason enough,' Alexis stated. 'Yes you're my mother, yes you gave birth to me; but there's a distinct difference between being someone's mother, and being someone's mom.'

'Now you're just being ridiculous,' Meredith exclaimed.

'Mom, I love you,' Alexis assured.

'But?'

'But I need a mom,' Alexis explained. 'I know you love me, but I'm tired of you flitting in and out of my life when the mood strikes you, or when you want something from dad,' Alexis said, foregoing any attempt to sugar coat her response.

'Alexis, you're an adult. Aren't you a little too old to be wanting a mommy?' Meredith accused, her tone bordering on being derogatory. 'For heaven's sake, when I was your age, I was pregnant with you.'

Alexis took a deep breath to calm her anger. 'So what if I'm an adult? You think just because I'm twenty two I'm supposed to just stop needing the love and support of my parents?' Alexis barked. 'And Kate's shown me that. Shown me what it's like to have a mother's unconditional love without judgement or strings attached,' she stated. 'I know I've had dad my whole life,' Alexis continued, before Meredith could interrupt. 'And I will always be grateful for everything he's sacrificed for me,' she added, ensuring she got her point across. 'But Kate's filled a void I'vespent most of my life wondering why I wasn't good enough for you to fill,' Alexis admitted, and heard Meredith gasp on the other end of the phone.

'You've never spoken to me this way,' Meredith said.

'I've done a lot of growing up over the past few months, mom, and I won't insult you by lying to you, but Kate's had a major influence over the woman I've matured into,' Alexis said. 'So when she asked me if she could adopt me, I said yes without hesitation, because this is what I want.'

'And what about what I want?' Meredith questioned. 'Do I get no say in being removed from your birth certificate, from being erased from your life?'

'Mom, please stop being so dramatic,' Alexis warned with an exasperated sigh, and was sure Meredith could see her eye-roll from the other side of the country. 'I've made it perfectly clear to you the type of relationship I want from you,' she reminded. 'And you gave up any right to have a say in my life the day you walked out on me,' Alexis reminded, letting the last sentence hang because it was the first time in her life she'd been completely honest with her mother.

'Well, I just hope you're happy with your new life because I refuse to support it,' Meredith advised angrily.

'Mom, I've survived this long without your support, and I don't need your blessing or your permission; but if you want to remain a part of my life, then you will have to accept my decision,' Alexis warned.

'What makes you think things won't change once Kate gives birth?' Meredith asked in a last ditch attempt to sway Alexis. 'She'll have a little girl of her own. What happens when you're pushed aside and forgotten about?'

Alexis felt the familiar feelings of anxiety and insecurity, but refused to allow Meredith to manipulate her. 'Seriously, that's what you're going with?' Alexis said, her voice exuding confidence; her imitation of Captain Beckett flawless. 'As I said, if you want to remain a part of my life, it's going to be on my terms from now on, is that clear?' Alexis cautioned. 'I'm happy. I have parents who love me unconditionally, and not because I can be used as a bartering tool. I have a baby sister due in the next few weeks, I have a great boyfriend, and I know what I want to do with my life,' she continued listing proudly. 'So, you can be both happy for me and remain a part of my life, or you can continue to disrespect my wishes, and I'll want nothing more to do with you. The choice is yours.'

The young woman could literally hear Meredith thinking on the other end of the line and sat patiently, waiting for her mother to make to a decision.

'Maybe we go to Europe for a few weeks, I've always loved Paris in September,' Meredith suggested, and Alexis could feel the sting of tears at the woman's selfishness.

'Mom, you know Kate's due next month. I'm not going anywhere with you, especially Europe,' Alexis exclaimed.

'Alexis, your sister will be here when you get back, and I'm sure Katherine won't even notice you're gone.'

Swallowing her anger and disappointment, Alexis struggled to keep her composure. 'Look, mom, I've gotta go. Kate wants to go over my testimony one more time before tomorrow.'

'Of course,' Meredith said. 'But just think about Europe.'

'I don't need to, mom. The answer's no,' Alexis clipped.

'Alexis…'

'Goodbye, mom.'

Pressing end on her cell, Alexis was surprised at how calm she felt and realised the conversation she'd just had with her mother had been long overdue.

'Miss Castle?'

Alexis was brought out of her thoughts, looked up when she heard her name, and watched as the Deputy Commissioner approached her.

'Sir,' Alexis tried to keep the nervousness from her voice as she moved to stand, only for Gates to motion for her to remain sitting; Victoria taking seat a on the bench next to her. 'I wasn't expecting a decision this soon,' Alexis said, not even hiding the surprise from her voice.

Victoria took a moment to study the young woman sitting next to her. Even waiting nervously for the final outcome of the investigation, Alexis still exuded an air of confidence. 'Miss Castle. Alexis,' Gates said. 'Firstly, I'd like to thank you for the way in which you've conducted yourself since this incident last week. Your professionalism and maturity have definitely been commented upon by a great many people.'

'Thank you,' Alexis said, her heart sinking. 'And a decision's been made on continuing my recruitment to the academy?' she asked, not even hiding the hope in her voice.

'That will be decided in the coming week,' Victoria affirmed. 'We need to finish interviewing the final few witnesses as well as go through the character references, of which there are quite a few, young lady,' Gates smiled conspiratorially.

Alexis appreciated the older woman's encouragement, but struggled to hide her disappointment. 'Thank you, Sir, for being honest with me, and for your support,' she smiled because even in the face of possible defeat, Alexis Castle was dignified, if nothing else.

'Alexis, I will admit, I was very surprised when Captain Beckett approached me for assistance in allowing you to sit the entrance exam. I had no idea you wanted to be an officer,' Gates confessed. 'But from the moment you passed your initial exam, I've been following your progress very closely; and your commitment to the recruitment, is nothing short of exemplary.'

Feeling a flush of pride, the young woman straightened up, and looked at the woman who could soon be one of her superior officers. 'Thank you, Sir,' Alexis said genuinely. 'Although I can't take all the credit,' Alexis admitted. 'I've had a very strong support and training network, particularly with Detective's Esposito and Demming; and of course Captain Beckett.'

Deputy Commissioner Gates looked at the remarkable young woman in front of her, and while she hadn't known Alexis for as long as the members of the Twelfth, Victoria had had the privilege of watching the young woman grow and develop over the past five years.

'Miss Castle, you can thank me by graduating dux of your class, regardless of whether it's the police academy or medicine, do we have a deal?' Victoria winked traitorously.

Alexis' eyes widened in surprise at the older woman's comments because the only person she'd spoken to about med school was Doctor Perlmutter. 'Yes, sir, will do,' Alexis smiled.

'Now, if I'm not mistaken, you have an appointment to get to.'

'How'd….'

'Because Mr Castle has not stopped texting me for the past ten minutes,' Gates stated irritably.

Alexis couldn't help rolling her eyes and shaking her head before looking at her watch. 'I still have time, and the court house is only around the corner.'

'Then I suggest you be on your way before I have to face the wrath of Captain Beckett as well.' Victoria smiled as she stood and waited for Alexis to collect her belongings.

'Thank you, again, Sir. It's not every day you get adopted,' the young woman smiled proudly.

'I'm happy for you Alexis. For you and Kate both,' Victoria smiled. 'Katherine's needed the stability of a loving family in her life just as much as you've been looking for someone to fill the void in yours.' Gates reached and discreetly squeezed the young woman's hand when she noticed Alexis trying to hide her embarrassment. 'And I know your father can be…..challenging, but he's the best thing that's ever happened to Katherine.'

Alexis blushed and looked down before looking back to Gates. 'Dad and I would argue that Kate's the best thing that's happened to us,' Alexis corrected.

'How's Kate looking forward to starting maternity leave at the end of the week?' Victoria asked and laughed at the look on the young woman's face. 'That much?'

'All I'll say is, I'm glad I'm working full time at the morgue rather than being stuck in the loft with those two,' Alexis groused. 'Because honestly, mom and dad are as bad as each other.'

'You'll see it differently when your sister gets here,' Gates assured. 'Now, you'd better get moving before your father calls me again. I may not be as accommodating this time.'

'Yes, Sir,' Alexis agreed. 'And thank you again, for all your help and guidance.'

'Just remember our deal,' Victoria said before taking her leave.

Alexis looked at her watch, and her eyes widened when she realised she only had ten minutes to get to the family court house. Thankful an elevator car had just arrived on her floor, Alexis entered the lift, repeatedly pressed the ground floor button, and smiled to herself; remembering a conversation with her mom about the futility of continually pressing a lift button.

A lot had happened over the past nine months since last Christmas. Alexis felt the butterflies in her stomach at the prospect of officially becoming Kate Beckett's daughter today.

Racing out of the 1PP lobby, Alexis walked briskly towards the family court building, feeling relief as the grand, old building came into view. Thanking a young man who held the door open for her, Alexis pulled a piece of paper from her pocket to confirm the floor and office she needed to go to.

Realising it was going to be quicker to take the stairs to the third floor, Alexis jogged up the stairs, mentally poking her tongue out at Detective Demming who'd challenged her fitness level the day before.

**90 steps in 45 seconds :-P** Alexis giggled when she pressed send just before exiting the stairwell to the third floor.

**And? You want a medal as well? Meet me at the range tomorrow 9 sharp** Alexis couldn't help but laugh at Demming's response, but felt a thrill of excitement at spending time on the shooting range with the detective tomorrow.

While Esposito had offered to train her in firearm safety, Alexis got the distinct feeling Javier felt uncomfortable teaching his 'Little Castle' how to actually fire a weapon. So she stopped pushing the issue with him. Detective Demming, on the other hand, jumped at the chance.

Scanning the office numbers as she walked down the corridor, Alexis frowned when she spotted her mom sitting on a bench at the far end of the hallway.

'Hey,' Alexis smiled, as she walked up to where Kate was sitting. 'Don't get up,' she admonished, when Kate went to stand.

'Don't tell me what to do,' Beckett whined as she struggled to stand before thinking better of it and sitting back down again. 'Not a word,' Kate warned.

Alexis gave her mom a 'Who, me?' look before taking a seat next to Kate. Considering the time of day, the young woman was surprised at how quiet the family court was for a Tuesday afternoon. 'What are you doing out here?'

'I'm sick of being couped up in offices,' Kate said before looking down at her watch. 'So, how'd it go?'

Alexis shrugged. 'Captain Gates says I'll know within the next week if I can continue recruitment,' she informed, not even hiding her irritation, and slumped back against the wall.

'Hey,' Kate grabbed her daughter's hand, encouraging the young woman to look at her. 'I meant, how'd the interview go?'

'It actually went surprisingly well,' Alexis said.

'Really?' Beckett questioned in disbelief.

Rolling her eyes, Alexis allowed her head to fall back against the wall with a soft thud. 'Considering I've never been interrogated before, and you don't count,' Alexis teased. 'I wouldn't know any different. Maybe you've trained me too well,' the young woman said smugly as Kate raised a brow. 'Where's dad?' she asked as she leaned over to kiss her mom's cheek.

Beckett looked up the long marble hallway of the court building when she heard a commotion. 'Doing what he does best,' Kate grumbled and rolled her eyes.

Alexis looked in the same direction as her mom, groaning as she watched her dad sign autographs for the obviously smitten women surrounding him. 'I get the whole fangirl thing, but not when it's your father,' Alexis admitted with a shudder of disgust.

'And you think I like it any better?' her mom asked. 'It's only going to get worse on the release of High Heat next month.'

'At least Paula's only scheduled a couple of local book signings. I don't like the thought of dad being away so soon after you giving birth to Mouse.'

'Alexis…'

'Mom, save your breath,' the young woman warned, turning towards Kate. 'Don't tell me not to worry,'

'Baby, I know you worry, but you have so much else going on at the moment. Your dad hovers enough for the both of you.' Kate knew she'd said the wrong thing when her daughter quickly looked away.

'I appreciate your concern, mom, but I'm fine,' Alexis assured softly, but Beckett could hear the distance in her daughter's voice.

'Hey,' Kate said, reaching out to grab Alexis' hand. 'Sweetheart, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you,'

Alexis shrugged and slumped back in her seat. She could hear her father's voice as he tried to disengage himself from his adoring fans. 'You didn't upset me,' Alexis conceded, threading her fingers through her mom's where the older woman was grasping her hand. 'I'm sorry if I've been distant lately. I figured it beat the alternative of smothering you.'

Beckett bit her tongue to suppress her sigh. She knew her daughter so well now. The past week had been particularly stressful on both of them thanks to the Internal Affairs investigation into Alexis' citizen's arrest along with Kate's health scare. Beckett knew Alexis was initially coping the only way she knew how, by clinging to her parents and hovering over her mom.

But for the past few days, her daughter had been distancing herself; spending more time with her boyfriend, and not coming home at night.

'I don't mind a little smothering, but I was beginning to feel abandoned,' Kate informed, rolling her eyes as Alexis gave her the brow. 'I know you worry about being overly protective of me,' Beckett agreed. 'And I appreciate it, particularly after my scare last week, but Colleen assured us that your sister and I are fine. So can you please start coming home?'

Alexis nodded and held her mom's hand tighter. The young woman had successfully hidden how much witnessing her mom's panic attack and subsequent health scare had affected her. Well, at least she thought she had, but as usual, her mom had caught her out.

'I'm glad you start your maternity leave on Friday,' Alexis admitted.

'Wow, even your dad hasn't had the balls to say that to me,' Beckett joked, trying to lighten the mood.

Before Alexis could respond, Rick appeared in front of his wife and daughter, having been able to finally escape his overzealous fans.

Alexis smiled a closed mouth smile when her dad greeted her, placing a loving kiss on her forehead. If Rick was concerned at his daughter's silence, he didn't mention it.

'Captain,' he murmured, giving his wife a kiss that left her breathless. 'Henry wants to speak with me in private before we see the judge,' Rick said quietly, looking towards his daughter to ensure she hadn't heard him.

Beckett looked at her husband in confusion.

'Lawyer Henry, not boyfriend Henry,' Rick clarified.

Kate nodded. 'Is everything alright?' she whispered in concern.

'I'm sure everything's fine. He's already in with Judge Berkowitz. I'll be back shortly,' Rick placed a kiss on his wife's forehead before standing up straight again and walking off in the direction of Berkowitz's office.

'Where's dad going?' Alexis asked in confusion.

'He's making sure his lawyer's arrived,' Beckett lied. 'I overhead part of your conversation with Meredith last night,' Kate continued, by way of deflection. 'I was in the nursery. I didn't mean to eavesdrop,' Beckett apologised.

'No need to apologise,' Alexis assured. 'I finally took your advice,' she shrugged and laid her head on her mom's shoulder. 'It felt good to finally stand up to her. I've made so many allowances for Meredith my whole life because I didn't want to lose the only mom I had. Do you know she had the gall to ask me to go to Europe with her next month?' Alexis fumed.

Kate sat in silence for a moment, processing what her daughter had just told her. 'You've never asked me why I wanted to adopt you,' Kate informed.

'I don't need to,' Alexis said, sitting up to look at her mom. 'The fact that you came to me, wanting to adopt me was enough….Why? Do you want to take it back?' she asked cheekily.

'What? No!' Beckett exclaimed. 'God, Alexis you are so frustrating at times.'

Alexis giggled and squeezed her mom's hand. 'I have to admit, I've been more curious about what you told dad to make him say yes,' Alexis queried.

Beckett looked at her daughter. At times, Kate still struggled to reconcile with the fact that she'd become a mother to a twenty two year old woman. 'I've watched you struggle over the years with your relationship with your mom, and personally, I still can't understand how a person walks away from their child,' Kate admitted.

'Apparently, it's not that hard,' Alexis mumbled quietly.

Kate looked down to their joined hands. 'I have, however, noticed a shift in your relationship with Meredith,' Beckett continued, choosing to ignore her daughter's barb towards her mother. 'You try to hide your sadness or disappointment when I know you've talked to her. I also know that you're only just making peace with her walking out on you.'

Alexis clenched her teeth, cursing the tears she could feel stinging her eyes. As much as she loved and adored Kate, Alexis was still trapped by the last of the emotional baggage of Meredith leaving her. Closing her eyes and taking a cleansing breath, Alexis looked back at Kate, encouraging her mom to continue.

'I started investigating adoption back in May, after we visited my mom,' Beckett admitted and smiled at the surprised look on her daughter's face. 'It was the conversation we had on the morning of your entrance exam that prompted me.'

'Really? Why?' Alexis asked in confusion. 'It wasn't any different to any other conversation we've had.'

'Yes, it was,' Kate argued. 'We've built up this wonderful relationship where we're open and honest with each other, but the morning of your entrance exam, I meant what I said when I told you I would always be here for you.' Kate winced when she felt her youngest kick her in the ribs, and moved Alexis' hand so she could feel her sister moving. 'But more than that, I never wanted you to worry about me abandoning you like Meredith did. So this is me, officially becoming your mom.'

Alexis bowed her head for a moment, concentrating on the movements of her sister where her hand rested against her mom. 'Meredith accused me of replacing her with you,' Alexis murmured and looked back to Kate. 'But she's wrong because I can't replace something I never had in the first place. So this is me, a twenty two year old woman, finally letting go of the hurt and insecurities I've clung to since a little girl. Finally getting the mom I not only wanted, but the mom I deserved.'

'Come here,' Kate smiled, pulling the young woman into her arms. 'I'm so proud of you,' she whispered into her daughter's hair as she clung to the young woman, blushing when she saw her husband staring at her, not even trying to hide his look of arousal.

Clearing his throat, Castle made his way over to where his wife and daughter were sitting. 'Weren't you two supposed to save your vows for the ceremony?' he joked before finding himself wrapped around his daughter. 'You okay, sweetheart?' Rick asked and felt Alexis nod against his shoulder before she moved back. 'Judge Berkowitz is ready for us,' Castle informed, looking down at his wife.

'I'll go wait in his office,' Alexis suggested, giving her parents a moment of privacy.

Rick helped his wife stand, pulled her expertly into his arms, and clung to her. Beckett could feel the tension flowing through her husband's body, and leaned back to look up at him.

'Babe? What did Henry want?' she asked.

Castle swallowed, and Kate could see he was trying to contain his anger. 'Meredith instructed her lawyer to challenge the adoption,' he ground out.

'What? No, she can't,' Beckett said. 'It would destroy Alexis, and I'm not letting that woman hurt her ever again,' she said angrily while soothing a hand over her belly in an attempt to settle her youngest.

'Beckett?' Rick asked with concern, leading his wife towards Berkowitz's office. 'Kate?' he asked again when she failed to answer him.

'Give me a minute,' Beckett answered with a sharp intake of breath. 'I'm pretty sure Mouse's inherited your size fourteen feet,' Kate groaned, letting out the breath she was holding, and realised she was now standing in the reception area for Judge Berkowitz's chambers.

'Kind of a pity she's a girl then,' Castle joked.

'Seriously?' Beckett warned. 'Now tell me, what the hell Meredith is playing at?' she demanded.

'Don't worry, it's been taken care of,' Rick assured and sighed in relief as Jim appeared in the doorway.

'You know Rick, you'd think for a Park Avenue lawyer, Henry could hire staff to do his running around for him,' Jim quipped and walked into the reception area, placing his briefcase on the floor.

'Dad?' Kate asked in confusion, allowing her father to pull her in for a hug.

'Don't worry Katie-bug, nothing's going to stop you from becoming a mom today,' he whispered, holding his daughter tightly.

Beckett moved back from her father and looked between the two most important men in her life. 'Castle? What have you done?' she asked in concern.

'Jim, Henry's inside with Berkowitz….'

Taking the hint, Jim picked up his briefcase and headed towards the judges office. 'Do you want me to send Alexis out?'

'In a moment,' Rick confirmed, not taking his eyes off his wife.

'Rick?' Beckett asked again.

'I told you once, that I would do anything for the people I love.'

'Castle,' Beckett warned. 'What have you done?' she asked again.

'Beckett, I promise I'll tell you what arrangements I had Henry make for us,' Rick assured, reaching up to cup his wife's cheeks, resting his forehead against Kate's. 'All I ask is that we discuss it when Alexis isn't in earshot,' he pleaded. 'I promise you, it's nothing bad, but it would all but destroy what little love Alexis has left for her mother.'

'Okay,' Beckett conceded.

'Thank you,' he said, placing a loving kiss on her forehead before stepping back at the same time his daughter entered the reception area. 'Hey,' Castle motioned his daughter over, noticing the concerned look on her face.

'Dad?'

'Daughter?'

'Is there something I should know?' Alexis asked, looking from her dad to her mom.

'No,' her dad said, feigning innocence. 'There were just some additional documents we needed to file in relation to changes to our wills and power of attorney; that sort of thing.'

'So, why is Jim here?' Alexis asked suspiciously, looking directly at her mom.

'Because he helped me start this process,' Kate said, covering for her husband. 'So I thought it was fitting that he be here when he officially becomes a grandfather for the first time.'

Castle leaned over to his wife. 'You're good,' he whispered into her ear.

'You owe me,' she hissed.

'With pleasure.'

Alexis looked between her mom and dad, trying to pinpoint what was going on. Before she could ask any further questions, Jim appeared in the doorway to Judge Berkowitz's chambers.

'We're ready,' Jim smiled. 'Katie, it's time for you to become a mom.'

Kate felt her heart clench when she heard the quiver in her dad's voice.

'We'll meet you inside,' Rick said, kissing his wife lovingly before pulling his daughter in for a quick hug.

Both women watched as two fathers enter the judge's chambers.

'You ready?' Alexis asked.

'Born ready,' Beckett quipped.

'There's still time to back out,' Alexis joked, but Kate could hear the underlying fear in her daughter's voice.

Kate moved to stand in front of her daughter. Alexis struggled not to laugh as her mom had to reach around her baby belly to grasp her daughter's hands. 'Sorry kid, but you're stuck with me.'

'For ever and ever?' Alexis smiled.

'For ever and ever,' Kate replied.

'For graduations, and wedding dresses, and grandbabies?'

'Geeze, kid, can I have this one first, before you make me a grandmother?' Kate laughed.

'Fine,' Alexis whined cheekily.

'And I promise to keep your dad calm, when Henry asks for you hand, the shoulder to cry on when you've witnessed the worst of humanity.'

'I can't do this without you anymore,' Alexis whispered.

'Yes, you can. Remember, you took down an armed suspect in a room full of seasoned cops,' Kate reminded, cupping her daughter's cheeks, and knew Alexis could feel the movement of her sister where Kate's belly rested against her daughter's. 'But you'll never have to face anything alone because I will always be here for you.'

'Promise?' Alexis whispered, and Kate once again caught a glimpse of Alexis as a little girl, and not for the first time, wondered if her youngest would sound the same.

'Always.'

Moving back from Kate, Alexis grasped her mom's hand and led the older woman towards the door leading to Judge Berkowitz's chambers.

'So, I guess the thirtieth of August, is officially your other birthday,' Kate said, squeezing her daughter's hand.

'Best birthday ever,' Alexis agreed because today she would officially become Kate Beckett's daughter.