Kate stabbed

She realized she hadn't told him and explained. "It's not cool to have a teenaged daughter when she's in her twenties, don't you know?"

"I know that, Dad, but try telling her." She rolled her eyes. "But it's okay. Because that way she can be my friend, the woman who gave birth to me, but Kate's really my mom."

"Dad, who did I go to for advice as a teenager? On Ashley, on you, on anything? Who was waiting with Gram when I came home from France? She's been there every step of the way, just like you and Gram, even when I didn't make things easy. And by the way, when I was acting out because of Pi, because of the engagement, it was never her I was angry at. And she was the one who fixed things for me, made me see reason, even then. Yeah. She's my mom."

"I'm thankful for my, our, family."

"Me too honey, me too." The doctor had finished stitching his arm and he got up. "What do you say we get back to Kate?"

"Maybe she's awake by now." She said hopefully.

"That would be good."

She walked close to her. "Dad, who was that girl?"

"I don't know. I thought maybe she was someone you knew or went to school with."

"No. I didn't recognize her." She paused. "Did she say anything?"

"She was talking, but I didn't hear her. I think she was angry at me."

"Esposito went to get the video tape. Maybe that'll tell something." She was worried that the girl might come after them again.

"Good idea. Are you okay?"

"I'm scared, but mostly for you and Kate."

"Oh honey, I won't let anyone hurt you. And you don't need to worry about us."

"I have for six years."

"I know. But please don't unless we tell you too."

"It doesn't turn off like that, Dad, just like yours doesn't for me."

"True. You really are just like me."

"I like to think of myself as a mixture of my parents and my Gram." She said proudly.

"You certainly are."
************************
"Rick," Kate whispered, trying to open her eyes, battling against how heavy they seemed. "Daddy?"

Martha looked relieved and slipped out of the room to get her son and granddaughter.

"I'm here Katie," said Jim, taking her hand in his and kissing her head.

"Is Rick okay? Alexis?"

"Alexis is worried about you, Rick went to have his arm looked at." There was no point lying to her, she would figure it out eventually.

"Want to see."

"Martha went to get them."

Castle's eyes lit up and he and Alexis practically raced each other to Kate, both wanting to hug her first.

"Kate, please don't fall asleep like that again," said Alexis, tears streaming from her eyes as she hugged the person she loved like a mother. "Please, mum?"

Castle looked at his daughter, surprised to hear her call Kate mum.

(if you don't like it, please tell me)

"I love you," she whispered.