Everyone knew that Richard Castle throws terrific parties. What they didn't know was all the work needed for the preparations. Kate had been initiated. Today it was her mother's turn. Rick had decided to throw a big party for Emily's first birthday and Johanna had insisted to help. She was now regretting it. Well, Kate's excuse was plausible: "I can't Rick. I have to finish all the paperwork before we leave for the Hamptons for a month. I'm already really lucky to have a whole month off of work." Jim's had been much less credible: "I have to go to the cabin that week, it's the only moment you can fish salmons in the river there, I just can't miss it. But don't worry, I'll be there for the party." Strangely enough, he hadn't got any. After two days of preparations, Johanna thought she might learn how to fish. It is really important in a couple to share some activities after all.

The day of the party, Kate managed to leave the precinct at lunchtime and decided to go home. Half a day of preparations wouldn't kill her, and it was for her daughter after all. When she entered the loft, she could hear voices coming form the kitchen. She went to her bedroom to change from her work clothes and joined Rick and her mother who were preparing sandwiches for lunch, Emily playing with a ball on the floor. She stayed in the doorway for a moment, observing them. They both had their backs turned to her.

She had always thought they would get along just fine but … it was more than that. When they were together they laughed, they talked about books, they shared Kate stories … They didn't really had time to get to know each other before the trial. On one of the weekends the Castles went to the safe house where Jim and Johanna were staying during the time of the trial, Kate and her father went for a walk around the village and Rick stayed with Johanna and Emily. When they came back, father and daughter found them changed. Kate didn't know what happened or what they talked about – both of them always refused to tell her – but they seemed really closer.

She was brought out of her thoughts when she felt something tugging at her ants leg. She looked down and found her daughter smiling at her.

"Hey birthday girl! How does it feel to be one?" Kate asked, picking her up and walking in the kitchen.

O-o-O-o-O-o-O-o-O

The party was going on full swing, Emily being passed from arms to arms, kissed by everyone. She was in her element. Everyone was looking at her and taking care of her and she absolutely loved it, giving everyone her most beautiful two-teeth smile. She was really her father's daughter. However, no matter with whom she was, Emily seemed to find her way back to Johanna's arms. The two of them had grown really close since she had come back. Kate couldn't help but tear up a little when she saw the two of them together. She may have grown up without a mother but her daughter will have her grandmother. She would never leave again. And no one will target her ever again.

The trial had ended a month before – after three months – and the senator had been sentenced to sixty years in prison without parole for different charges. Since he was 67, he would never hurt anyone again.

Kate's family was complete now and everyone was here that night for her daughter: Rick and herself of course, Martha and Alexis, Jim and Johanna, Ryan and Jenny and Esposito and Lanie. Walking in the living room with her daughter's birthday cake, Kate knew that whatever happened to her or Rick, their daughter would be fine no matter what, she had enough good people to take care of her.

THE END