I know you've left this as it is, complete, and it's a great piece. But could you please pursue this storyline and write a few more chapters? Perhaps a series of snapshots from their lives after the current fic? It would make one hell of a fanfic.
L.O.A

Wait one second... She just told him she loved him. I know cuz I read it twice (3x).
Oooh, this does the heart good.

Oooh yeah, this is an awesome alternative.

I'm finally able to catch up on my inbox reads. Totally loved this and I'm going to think of it rather than the scene after we actually got.

Thank you for this story!
I loved it. The end was so sweet. 3

Unfortunately, this still seems like the "Kate show" for this reader. She actually had the audacity to ask him why didn't he fight harder for them sooner? Because she was leery of him being more like the portrayal on Page 6 than looking at the man. Because she gave him mixed signals, constantly, and he didn't know which way was up.
He fought for her as a partner, friend, confidant, etc., and she never appreciated him, just wanted to hide behind her walls, not talk about things and have it her way. He constantly tore down the walls which she rebuilt. And how would he know she didn't choose Josh in the hospital? He didn't know until 3 months later that they had broken up so again, it's all about her, her life, "I chose me".
Once again, the relationship is on her terms (Stanford) which still comes off as selfish and self-centered. Where's the balance, compromise? I know many fans stated the same thing with the proposal-Castle can write from anywhere-but that's not the point. There was absolutely no compromise on her part; this is what SHE wants/wanted and HE, as always, acquiesces/acquiesced. Yep, sounded just like that dismal proposal with her conditional "if..then" acceptance. Sorry, he still got the short end of the stick but that's how Castle is being portrayed-as the lovesick puppy who will follow her anywhere. Just so sad.

Oh, the conversations that could have happened. loved it

Awww I love it! I'm glad they talked more :)

I adore this sentence, "Huh?" Castle asked, drawing her closer, like a balloon on a string, with a gentle draw on her hand." And my heart adores the Caskett sweetness. This season has been a tough one for this shipper. Thanks for the momentary time travel back to a place where the beauty and delicate balance of their relationship was forming. I think Caskett needs a few of your words right now...I know I did!

Wow that was a great story

very awesome a great 2nd chapter, I look forward to reading more soon and seeing your next piece of work!

very awesome, great to see some work from you again, I look forward to reading more soon!

I started grinning like a maniac from the moment I read your little acknowledgement in the author's note and it didn't really go away. I love the little girl and the mother's assumption that they were married and that Kate didn't freak out about it. And of course, the talk they had.

I liked their talk, it could have gone so many ways it was probably hard to choose. I liked the veterinarian suggestion, he got a little too creative there. The choice of going to Stanford would be a huge change but bring up a problem right away. Alexis would have just chosen to go to Columbia at this point (and she's on her way to Costa Rica to meet Pi) to remain closer to "home". However, if Rick is suddenly by Stanford, well, I think he'd have an upset daughter. That's something Rick would have to consider.

I really liked the subject of compromise coming up. It's something that would be a given for most people but not necessarily Kate Beckett. Also, agreeing to call out each other if they don't speak plainly will remove a lot of potential couple drama (the writers would have to work harder!). I like where they're going in your story but it won't be that easy. In the long run, I wonder how Kate would do as an attorney. Given her background, I'm not sure she'd be a defense attorney, she'd have to take some guilty clients along the way. She might be a good prosecutor but they have to make compromises sometimes and it might not suit Kate's sense of justice. Of course, they couldn't go that way in the series but it's interesting to think about.

I almost forgot to add my favorite moment: the girl's mother mistaking them for a married couple and their discussion immediately after that.

Oh god.
I sent a review earlier meant for another author
And I'm so so very very sorry

I guess you know which review it is, It's The one where I say I feel cheated cause the fic was rated M but was actually meant to be K

You weren't the one doing false propaganda
I just had both fics open and while yours was loading the review bit, I started reading the other one. So when I got back I got them mixed up.
So sorry for that