The day of Sara's funeral had been overcast, the sky mirroring the heavy hearts of those gathered to say their final goodbyes. They had laid her to rest beside Joanna, ensuring she would always be close—a place they could visit, a connection that would never truly be severed. The gravesite was adorned with fresh flowers, a mixture of lilies and sunflowers, reflecting both the sorrow of loss and the warmth of Sara's spirit. As the final words were spoken and the last handfuls of earth were placed over the casket, Kate felt an overwhelming sense of finality settle in her chest.
Family and close friends had gathered, their voices hushed, their grief shared in knowing looks and quiet embraces. Kate stood between Jim and Rick, holding onto Grayson as if anchoring herself. Alexis stood quietly next to her father and grandmother, her eyes filled with sorrow and a quiet resolve. Lanie, Esposito, Ryan, Jenny, and Captain Montgomery had come, offering their unwavering support. They stood near the back, allowing the family their space while ensuring Kate knew she wasn't alone. Twelve attorneys from Sara's old law firm were also in attendance.
Jim spoke of how Joanna would have adored the woman Sara had become, his voice thick with emotion."Sara was a fighter, just like her mother. Joanna would have been so proud of her. And now, they're together. Two incredible women, taken too soon but never forgotten. And now, her spirit lives on in this little boy, in Kate, and in all of us who loved her." He looked toward Kate, then Rick, before settling his gaze on Grayson, who lay curled in Kate's arms, blissfully unaware of the weight of the moment.
Kate handed Grayson over to her father and her and Rick walked to the podium, his hand resting gently on the small of her back, grounding her. She took a breath, grateful for his steady presence, before stepping forward, clearing her throat as she fought to steady her voice. "I only knew Sara for five months," she began, her gaze sweeping over the mourners. "Five months isn't a long time. But in that time, we made memories that will last a lifetime. We laughed, we cried, we learned about each other. And in those short months, I found the sister I never knew I needed."
She paused, exhaling shakily. "Sara was fierce. She fought for what she wanted, and she loved with everything she had. When she became a mother, she showed a level of strength that I could only hope to match. Even when she was at her weakest, she was still thinking of Grayson first, making sure he would be surrounded by love." Kate looked down at Grayson, asleep in her father's arms. "And he will be. Because of her."
Her voice broke, but she pushed through. "Sara gave us the greatest gift. And I promise her, standing here today, that I will love and protect Grayson with everything I have. He will know who his mother was, how much she loved him, and how hard she fought for him." She took a deep breath, forcing a small smile through her tears. "I will make sure he knows."
As she stepped back, tears streaming down her face, Rick turned to her, his voice low but firm. "Your Mom and Sara. They're proud of you, Kate." His hand found hers, squeezing it gently, offering strength where words failed. Jim nodded at her, pride shining through his grief, and her Aunt Teresa dabbed at her eyes, whispering, "Beautiful, my dear. Absolutely beautiful."
Kate had barely been able to hold herself together as she placed a gentle kiss goodbye on Sara's casket, whispering a final promise to take care of Grayson. She lingered for a moment, her fingers brushing the polished wood before stepping back, her body shaking as Rick gently rested a hand on her lower back. Martha had been there, offering soft words of comfort, her usual dramatic flair subdued by the solemnity of the day. Even in her grief, she found small ways to lighten the mood, whispering a fond memory of Sara's wit and dry humor that earned a tearful chuckle from Kate. Jim remained steady beside his daughter, his grief evident but controlled, his focus now shifting toward ensuring Kate and Grayson had all the support they needed. She wrapped an arm around Jim, squeezing his hand as he wiped at his eyes. "She was loved," Martha murmured.
As the casket was lowered and the last handfuls of earth were thrown by the mourners, Kate felt an overwhelming sense of finality settle in her chest. There was no more fighting or hoping for a miracle—only the reality of moving forward without her sister. She took a deep breath, clutching Grayson a little tighter, silently promising Sara that she would give him the life she deserved to see.
The days that followed were a blur of emotions and adjustments. The apartment felt quieter without Sara's presence, though Kate found solace in the familiar sounds of Grayson's laughter and the steady reassurance of Rick and Jim. She knew she couldn't put her life on pause forever, and so, a week after Sara's funeral, Kate returned to work. She hadn't yet had the energy to move back into her own apartment, so she and Grayson remained at Castle's rental for the time being. The transition would be gradual, and they had yet to move Grayson's nursery furniture to Kate's place. It just didn't feel urgent yet.
As Kate finished getting ready for her shift that morning, Rick stood in the kitchen preparing breakfast. Grayson sat in his high chair, his little legs kicking excitedly as he watched Rick move about.
Kate grabbed her coat and bag, then turned toward the table where Rick was feeding Grayson small bites of banana. "Alright, I have to go. Bye baby," she said, her voice reluctant.
As she approached, Grayson suddenly lifted his chubby hand and waved. "Mama!"
Kate froze, her heart flipping in her chest. It wasn't just the word—he had said it before—but he waved. Her son was waving for the first time.
Rick grinned, setting down the spoon. "Well, that's new."
Kate crouched beside the high chair, brushing her fingers over Grayson's soft curls. "Oh, baby, that's so good! You're waving at Mama!" She laughed through her emotion, blinking away tears as Grayson giggled, pleased with himself.
Rick stepped behind her, resting a hand on her shoulder. "He's a fast learner."
Kate let out a soft breath, shaking her head. "I don't want to leave him."
Rick squeezed her shoulder gently. "I'll take care of him. And we'll meet you for lunch at Remy's, so you won't have to go too long without him."
Kate stood, leaning into Rick briefly before kissing Grayson on the forehead. "Be good for Daddy, okay?"
Grayson babbled happily in response, waving again. Kate laughed, brushing a hand over her heart as she finally turned to go. Rick watched her leave, smiling to himself before turning back to Grayson. "Alright, buddy, let's see what other tricks you've got up your sleeve."
By the time Kate arrived at Remy's Diner, she was practically buzzing with excitement to see Grayson. Work had been a distraction, but her mind kept circling back to her son's latest milestone.
Rick was already seated at a booth, Grayson in a high chair beside him. When Kate slid in across from them, her face instantly softened at the sight of Grayson happily munching on a piece of fry, his eyes lighting up as he saw her.
"Hey, baby!" Kate greeted, reaching over to ruffle his hair. "Did you miss me?"
Grayson let out a small squeal of delight, kicking his feet. Rick smirked, sliding a milkshake toward Kate. "You should've seen his reaction when I gave him his first taste of milkshake."
Kate arched a brow. "Oh?"
Rick chuckled. "Watch this." He dipped a fry into the chocolate milkshake and held it up to Grayson, who eagerly took a bite. As soon as the cold sweetness hit his tongue, his face lit up with pure joy, and he flapped his arms excitedly.
Kate laughed. "Oh great, you've created a monster. He's never going to eat anything healthy again."
Rick grinned. "It's a rite of passage, Beckett. Every kid has to have their first fry-and-milkshake combo."
Kate shook her head, her smile lingering as she fed Grayson another bite. Watching Rick interact so effortlessly with their son, seeing the pure love and devotion in his eyes, made her heartache in the best possible way.
Rick cleared his throat, suddenly looking a little nervous. "Kate, I've been thinking."
Kate glanced up, still smiling. "About what?"
Rick reached for her hand across the table. "About you and Grayson moving in. Permanently."
Kate's breath hitched. She had known this conversation was coming, but hearing him say it out loud made her pulse quicken.
"I know you haven't moved back into your apartment yet, and honestly… I don't think you should," Rick continued. "I want us to do this together. To raise him together."
Kate swallowed hard, glancing at Grayson, who was happily gnawing on another fry, oblivious to the life-changing moment happening around him. "And Alexis?" she asked softly.
Rick smiled. "She's completely on board. She adores him. She told me she's ready to be his big sister."
Kate felt her heart swell at the thought. She had spent so long thinking she had to do everything alone. Still, Rick was here, offering his love and support without hesitation.
She squeezed his hand, a tear slipping down her cheek. "Okay," she whispered. "Let's do this."
Rick let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, his face breaking into a wide, relieved smile. "You won't regret it, Beckett."
Kate laughed, wiping her tears. "I already don't."
And as Grayson giggled between them, licking milkshake off his fingers, Kate knew she had made the right choice.