It would all come down to this response.
Rick had asked the question before, but never had it felt like every moment of his life's future happiness depended on the answer.
Oh, and the nerves? Here he was, decades – plural – older than the first time. Neither previous occasion had felt so intimidating. In fact, he had been the epitome of confidence. Oozing self-assurance, composure, and charm as if the possibility of denial had never existed. He swallowed and winced, wedging two fingers between his neck and fully-buttoned shirt. He might have to ditch the tie.
He had grown up a lot since consulting with the NYPD. The incorrigible playboy... Rick cringed. That couldn't be held against him anymore, right? He had shed that persona, proven himself completely committed to a lifetime relationship with Kate, right? Page 6 had sported nothing of interest for years as far as he was concerned.
Two divorces were two strikes, however.
On his honor, though, he would protect Kate, provide for her, as long as she allowed – because, let's face it, she could handle both just fine on her own and without him. He just wanted to be her partner. In life, in love, on the job. If she took another job, that wouldn't be a deal-breaker. They would figure it out. Together.
Kate's secrets about DC had wounded him, but she would tell him if she got the position, wouldn't she? If not the interview, the outcome; she loved him that much, right?
As for love... He had never come close to the feelings he had for Kate. Not with any other woman. So all-consuming; no longer could he imagine his life without her.
A familiar figure was approaching.
Everything hinged on this conversation.
Rick took a deep breath.
"Mr. Beckett, thank you for agreeing to meet with me, sir."
The End
A/N: Did I get ya? Let's just say that Jim suggested the diner for this meeting requested by Rick. Now, dear readers, you know the real reason why he was already there when his Katie arrived in canon "Watershed."
Like the content, the title (albeit, far from original) also denotes duality. What Rick's heart wants is for Kate to marry him...but in Jackson's absence, the blessing of a father figure is equally craved.