'Katherine Houghton Beckett, will you marry me?'
Silence descended between them. On his knees, Rick searched Kate's eyes for a sign, anything. After what felt like forever, Kate shifted in her seat, unable to bring herself to answer the question that loomed in the crisp spring air. She gazed into his longing eyes, sensing his emotion and determination. Whatever she said would be critical to her future, their future together; and the decision she was facing seemed to engulf her, and make her wonder what the answer would mean for them.
She wanted Rick, for 4 years she had worked side by side with him and she couldn't loose the memories and special moments they had shared. But she wanted the job. She couldn't pass up an opportunity like this, it was her dream since becoming a detective and to pass on it would be foolish.
Kate sensed the longing that Rick was showing her, she knew he meant it. He intended to stay with her and she knew he wouldn't give up that easily. She knew that whatever she said would have a detrimental effect on his life forever.
Slowly but surely, she began to pick up the courage to answer him. Everything had to be right, there would be no going back after a decision had been made.
The light breeze blew against her golden hair, and it swept along her shoulders in a glistening array of colour and wonder, and Castle's heart melted just a little bit more. He knew what he wanted, he always had and always would, and whatever happened, he would be there, waiting, never giving up on the best thing that had come into his life.
Rick had planned it perfectly. The swing set. Where after time apart, she realises how she feels and that her wall will come down for him. He treasured that moment like it was the most important day of his life. The way they smiled knowingly at each other knowing that great things would happen.
Where Kate had finally realised how true her feelings were for castle, and how she needed him always. She just wanted him. And nothing would stop her from getting it, they could finally be together.
Where he now knelt, proposing to the one women who gave his life meaning, who was his North Star, and who he wanted to be there for, always.
His blue eyes stared contently at her, no moment in his life had ever felt as right as this, and she knew it too. This was what she had wanted, since they first met, but something in her mind was pulling her back.
All of a sudden, Kate reached for Ricks hand. She grasped it and felt the warmth of his body near hers, and knew what her decision had to be. She took the ring out of his hand, closed her eyes, and cupped it in hers. Then, she drew out her necklace from beneath her top, and displayed the ring that had been her mothers on the end of the sparkling chain. She asked Rick to unfasten it from around her neck.
Still unsure about her answer, he tentatively did as she asked, brushing his warm hands against her smooth neck, relishing the moment. He took the chain and held it between his two hands, completely unsure about what was going on.
Kate took the ring from her hand and put it on her chain, alongside her mothers, and they looked spectacular. She gestured again for the necklace to go back around her neck and he did so. She turned to face him and as she did, she pulled him in for a long, passionate kiss. She pulled her fingers through his hair, and intently felt the passion and warmth coming from their lips run through her. This was what she wanted.
He kissed her back, passionately, running his hands down the hollow of her back, and pulling her closer towards him so their body's were touching. The moment took over them, they were in love, and that was all that mattered.
At last she drew away from him, and with a promising look in her eye said,
Not yet.