They sit around Dr. Davidson's desk eagerly awaiting the news. Castle is sitting next to Kate with Martha, Alexis, and Jim flanking in around their sides. Kate has her lower lip firmly encased and Castle is certain she is about to draw blood. He takes her hand and starts to rub smoothing circles over her thumb in the hopes of calming her nerves. This seems to do the trick and Kate smiles shyly and whispers a heartfelt thank you.

"So," Dr. Davidson begins. "I have the test results back and it looks like good news."

Castle lets out the breath he didn't know he was holding. "That's fantastic, Dr. What are my next steps?"

"Well, Mr. Castle. I'm afraid there's been a misunderstanding. You're not a match." Dr. Davidson replies in that irritating way he has of speaking to him but looking at Kate.

"But I thought you said there was good news." Kate interjects with a note of panic in her voice.

"Yes, we also tested Ms. Castle and Ms. Rodgers. As I explained to you before, Kate, siblings sometimes have a better chance of being a match than parents do."

"Oh." Alexis chimes in. "Does that mean it's me? I'm the match?" She queries.

"Yes, that's correct. " Dr. Davidson confirms.

"Ok. So what are my next steps?" Alexis asks eagerly sitting on the tip of her chair.

"Well, there will be a complete physical exam first and then if all goes well then we remove the Bone Marrow from your hip bone under general anesthesia. It will require a 24 hours stay in hospital and there may be some pain in the area. Complications are rare." The doctor smiles in assurance at the young woman.

"Ok. Let's do this then."

"Alexis." Kate starts and then stands up and gestures towards the door. "Can I talk with you outside privately?"

"Uhm, sure." The two head out into the corridor and Kate begins to pace the hallway. The clicking of her heels on the linoleum floor a source of comfort to the detective's frayed nervous.

"Alexis, are you sure about this? I don't want you to feel like you're being pressured into doing this."

"Kate." The use of her first name has her stopping. It's the first time Alexis has referred to her other than Detective Beckett. "Tommy is my brother. No matter the past, I want him to be in my future. If there is something I can do to help with that, then I'll do it."

"Oh, Alexis, thank you." Kate exclaims as she wraps the girl in bone crushing embrace. "I don't know how I can repay you for this."

"Kate, I'm doing this for Tommy and for my dad because they deserve a chance at happiness together." What's left unsaid is just as clear as if Alexis had uttered the words out loud. This is not for you. And that hurts more than she would like to admit. She wants, no needs to try and fix some of this mess.

"Alexis, I know now that keeping Tommy from his father, from his family was an awful mistake.
And believe me when I tell you that I'm sorry for that. I know that my words can never make that up to you. I just hope that one day you'll be able to forgive me. Your dad is a wonderful father and you're the best sister Tommy could ever hope to have. I need you to know that I will do anything it takes to give Tommy the family he deserves." Alexis notes the tone of sincerity in Kate's voice and her demeanour towards the detective softens a bit. She has not forgiven her, not by a long shot. It's going to take a while to repair the damage and mistrust. But she can take this first step and give them all a fighting chance at happiness.

"Just promise me that no matter what happens between you and my dad that Tommy will always be in our lives." Kate takes a step back and lifts the younger woman's chin so she is looking directly into her eyes.

"Alexis, I promise you this, as I promised your dad. I'm done running. And if things between your father and I don't work out..." I'd be devastated doesn't get said. She doesn't really want to think of that as an option. "I won't stand in the way of Tommy knowing his family ever again." Alexis nods her acquiescence and once again the pair embraces.

"So now that that's settled, why don't we go back in and get this show on the road. I have a lot of time to make up with my little brother and I can't wait to show him off."

"Let's go then." As the two women make their way back into the room, Kate notices Castle nervously fidgeting in his seat. She takes her place next to him and place a warm hand on his knee.

"All good?" He asks. She nods her head in affirmation.

"So, Dr. Davidson," Alexis begins. "How soon can we get this done?"

"So assuming Tommy continues on his current path and there are no further complications, I would say within the next week or so. I can have my secretary run some dates by you and we can get it scheduled. The good news is that if all goes according to plan you should all be able to spend the holidays at home."

"Really?" Kate chokes out a sob and unconsciously leans into Castles side.

"That's fabulous." Martha chimes in.

"But I must add, It would be in Tommy's best interest to limit the number of people that's he's around during his recovery, especially younger children."

"For how long?" Kate queries- a nervous expression flitting across her face. "The less exposed he is to germs during his recovery, the better for him. I would say six months at the least." Kate nods in understanding. Six months at the least, wow. Ok, then. Daycare is no longer an option. She's pretty much used up all her accumulated vacation time. She'll need to take an extended leave of absence. It would have to be unpaid though; despite Gate's having her back-there is only so much she can ask for. She would have to dip into her trust fund and probably move in with her dad to make ends meet. It wouldn't be ideal, but it could work. Years of in grained self perservance and self reliance win over any thought of Castle or the ability to ask him for help. In fact, it doesn't even cross her mind until she hears him speak.

"Won't be a problem, Doc." Says Castle confidently. Kate looks at him perplexed. He turns to face Kate placing his back to the Dr.

"You guys can move into the loft. You won't have to worry about anyone looking after him while you're at work. I can work while he naps and I'll get to spend some quality time with him in the process. Everyone wins." He whispers. He would rather have this conversation elsewhere away for the good Dr.'s prying ears, but that doesn't appear to be an option now. Not when Beckett looks like she's ready to bolt.

What? No, Wait, "Rick! No. I am not moving in with you." Kate stage whispers. What the heck? Move in with him? Is he mental?

"Kate. It would only be temporary until Tommy's better. It's in everyone's best interest I believe."

"Katie, I think you should seriously consider Rick's offer. " Her father interjects with a glint in his eyes. This is just the kind of push his daughter needs. She shoots her father a death glare. Seriously, dad? Not the time to be playing match maker. You're supposed to be on my side. She hopes she conveys her meaning but her father is just staring stoically back at her.

"Yes, darling, I believe Richard has some valid points." Martha concurs. Now Martha is agreeing too and Kate's world feels like it's shrinking. She needs some air, wants to get up and leave. But she won't. She can't, she promised.

"But Martha, Alexis, this would totally be uprooting your world. I know the loft is spacious, but 5 people is a bit much." She tries appeal to their sense of reason. Her relationship with Alexis is tentative at best and she has no idea how things will work out with her and Castle. Is this truly the best option?

Meanwhile, Castle has been having a silent conversation of his own with his daughter. He knows he just threw this out there without consulting her. He's never done that before. This is a life altering decision that she should have some say in, but he has just taken it out of her hands. He just hopes she can see how much this would mean to him.

"Kate, Grams and I don't mind. As far as space goes, I have an idea." Alexis states and Kate holds her breath certain that Alexis's proposal s will be her first test to try and prove to the girl that she can be better. She desperately wants to build up that trust, but at what cost? She nods for her to continue.

"Well, since you would be living at the loft, and your apartment would be empty, maybe you and Grams could switch." She suggest hesitantly.

"Oh, Alexis, that's a brilliant idea." Martha agrees enthusiastically. Castle has never been more proud of his daughter than he is now. He's beaming. He can see Beckett wavering. She's back to biting her lip.

"Martha are you sure?" What am I doing? Am I really going to do this?

"Of course, dear. I think this is a wonderful plan."

"So, Dr. Davidson, it looks like it's all planned out. No need to worry. " Castle states confidently as he turns back to address the doctor sliding one arm over Kate's shoulder trying to calm her fraying nerves. It'll be ok, he wants to convey.

"Well, that's good then. Alexis, I'll have the receptionist contact you with some possible dates and will be in touch." The Dr. taps the file closed on his desk and pushes back from his desk signally all that the meeting is adjourned. Kate can't help feel that the Dr. is trying to hide some irritation behind his professional demeanour. Then she looks back at Castle and can't help but smile at the shit eating grin plastered across his face. Ya that would do it, she thinks.

As they all make their way out of the doctor's office, Kate grabs Castle's elbow to hold him up as all the rest shuffle past.

"We'll go back to Tommy's room, Kate. I'm sure you and Dad have some things you need to talk through." Alexis says as she walks past.

"Thanks pumpkin." Castles states so grateful to his daughter for her understanding. This could have gone all kinds of bad.

"Castle are you sure about all this? This is really huge step. Living and taking care of a sick child isn't going to be easy. I can't ask that of you."

"Kate, since when has anything between us been easy? I know it's going to be a challenge. But I think that together we have a better chance of rising above it. And you're not asking, I'm offering. "

"Ok then." She agrees still nervous about how all of this is going to work out. How's she going to tell Tommy? How will he react? She knows he likes Alexis and Castle, so he really shouldn't freak out unless she's freaking out. She can do this. She takes a deep breath and tries to calm herself down.

"I can't wait to decorate and go Christmas shopping." Castle rattles off excitedly. And then it hits her. What's she got to worry about? His joy of life is contagious. Tommy deserves the happiness and joy and brightness that Castle is willing to offer them. For once in her life she decides to let it all go and just go for it.

"Yeah, Castle, about that, only one Christmas present." She chides straight faced just to see what kind of reaction she'll inspire from him.

"But Kaaaate." He whines. His reaction doesn't disappoint and now she wonders what she's gotten herself into with not one but two children it would appear.

"I'm joking, Castle. Seriously, though thank you- for everything." For giving her a second chance, for being such a great father, for opening up his home. She owes him so much. She leans towards him then and places a small kiss to the corner of his lips. Castles reaction is instantaneous and as he wraps his arms around her. My dreams really do come true. He thinks. He has a possible cure for his son and the love of his life in his arms.

"It's just the beginning, Kate. The best is yet to come."

The End... for now... maybe

A/n: So I know that I said there were nine chapters, but as I was editing before posting I combined a couple of chapters to make the story flow better. I know that there is a lot more left to explore but at this point this is the end. If there is interest, I could be persuaded to continue this little universe. Let me know your thoughts. Your feedback and constructive criticism is always welcomed and appreciated.