So sorry this took so long for me to finish. Many thanks to everyone who ever put it on story alert or reviewed it kept me inspired. :)

Title: Price of Fame

Author: Cindy Ryan
Notes and summary: see part one

Epilog

Six weeks to the day that Alexis was released from the hospital Rick Castle stood in the dining room of his home. He'd never been one for small parties unless they were family related. However Rick felt that a small intimate dinner party was appropriate.
He and his family and his adoptive family at the twelfth had a lot to celebrate.
Alexis was well on the road to a full recovery. Javier was back at work if restricted to light duty. Kevin had been reinstated with only a smudge on his record. Jenny had recovered faster than anyone had expected and had moved in with Kevin.

Surveying the dining room table once more to make sure the caters hadn't forgotten anything Rick nodded in approval and walked back to the living room. Alexis was curled up on the sofa earbuds in her ears and Storm curled up on her lap.
Striding over to the sofa Rick lightly touched his daughter's shoulder.

"You ready?"Castle asked with a grin.

Alexis returned his smile and nodded removing the ear buds. "I'm starved."

"All your favorites."Rick promised just as his mother descended the stairs.

"Something smells heavenly."Martha complimented as she reached the living room. "Your caters outdid themselves this time, darling."

Rick grinned. "I would hope so for the price they charge."

The doorbell rang indicating the first guests. Storm jumped off Alexis's lap and raced for the door barking happily the whole way.

"Just a guess but I think Kevin's here."Martha commented with a smile as Rick opened the door.

Alexis laughed as Kevin was nearly tackled by the Labrador puppy. Jenny standing next to Kevin joined in the laughter.

"You'd think he hadn't seen you in twenty-four hours."Castle quipped as he closed the door and walked with his guests into the living room.

Kevin knelt down and scratched Storm behind the ears. "That's a long time to a puppy. Hey boy, how you doin'? You being good for Alexis?"

"Normal."Alexis replied as she knelt next to Kevin smiling at Storm. "Hasn't eaten anything inedible in awhile."

"Really?"Ryan asked with a wide grin. "I think that's a record."

"Help yourself guys.'Castle instructed as he gestured towards the dining room. "Wine fridge is full and plenty of appetizers on the table."

Kevin stood and wrapped an arm around Jenny's waist as they headed towards the dining room.

"Thanks, Rick."Kevin stated as he clasped the writer on the shoulder.

"My pleasure."Castle replied with a grin as he walked over and drew his daughter into a hug.

"What was that for?"Alexis asked as they parted.

"Do I need a reason?"Rick asked with a smile.

The teen shook her head. "No. Love you too, Dad."

The rest of the guests arrived in a ten minute span.
Soon the apartment was full of laughter and music and the night had just begun.

Hours later the main course of burgers and fries had been demolished. However no one had moved from the dining room.

"Castle man, I am stuffed."Javier proclaimed as he leaned back in the chair. "I haven't eaten that well in weeks."

"Thought you'd enjoy it."Rick replied as he took a sip of beer.

"It's really nice to see everyone having a good time."Roy commented as he took a bite from a slice of watermelon. "Just sorry my wife couldn't come."

"Next time at my place."Kate interjected as she sat next to Castle.

"I'll hold you to that."Kevin replied with a grin as he raised his beer bottle.

Beckett returned the gesture by raising her own. Roy was right it was really nice to be together in one room. After everything that happened with White there could be several empty chairs at this table.
Kate knew it was something everyone was thinking about. She knew they weren't taking this night for granted.
Moments like these were precious.

"I think we need a toast."Kate stated as she cleared her throat raising her beer bottle causing others to raise their drinks. "To the twelfth and its family in uniform or not."

"Here, here."Echoed around the table as glasses and bottles clanked.

Rick stood. "It's a beautiful night shall we take dessert up to the rooftop deck?"

Esposito stood placing an arm around Lanie's waist. "Sounds like a plan."

"Works for me."Parish replied with a smile as she leaned back against Javier

Kate hung back as everybody else filed out of the room. All except Castle. She turned and linked hands with him.

"Did you have fun tonight?"Rick asked as he rested his forehead against hers.

Beckett smiled. "I did. It was a wonderful party."

"Not over yet."Rick replied as he kissed her.

Kate lost herself in the kiss telling herself not to over think things. She and Rick were taking things one step at a time. It was nice just to be part of a couple. To have the pressure gone….to just enjoy each other.

"Shall we join the others?"Castle asked as they broke apart.

Beckett nodded as she interlaced their hands. "As long as I get a dance."

"I think that can be arranged."

end