Castle and Beckett arrived at the old haunt. The place was already packed with NYPD finest. They spotted Espo and Ryan. Espo waved them over, and they joined them at their table.

"Man you know how to throw a party" Espo said as he drained the contents from his glass.

"What is your poison?" he asked the team.

Ryan shook his head and took a small sip from his own glass.

Castle said "This calls for something special. I think I've got just the thing in my office. I'll be right back" he stopped turned around and grabbed Kate and planted a kiss on her lips. The kiss took on a life of its own. Each of them engrossed in the other.

"Yo! Dude you want to unlock your lips from Beckett there and get us the drink you've been yapping about". Espo said

"I think it sweet that Mom and Dad are making out." said Ryan "You think we will have the wedding before we hear the pitter patter of little Castles."

Espo shuddered and slapped Ryan on the shoulder." Now I really need that drink to get that image out of my head."

Castle and Beckett broke free and Castle headed for his office." You could come, with me? Kate? "

"Oh no you don't "Espo grabbed Kate's arm and said "Honey milk go and help Dad with that Bottle"

Ryan sighed and got up from the booth and followed Castle down into his office.

Once Castle and Ryan were out of sight. Espo let go of Kate's arm and motioned for her to slip into the booth.

"I'm glad your back. The twelfth wasn't the same without you guys. We are the four musketeers. Seeking justice fighting ternary protecting the masses. Man I've been hanging around Writer boy to much". Espo reached for his glass and realized it was empty mid way up for a drink. He shrugged and set the glass back on the table.

Kate smiled and said "It's good to be back. I missed you guys".

"He is good for you Kate. I'm glad you guys worked your shit out. I don't know how much longer he could have kept going."

She nodded and was just about to say something when Castle and Ryan returned Ryan was carrying four crystal glasses, Castle carrying a bottle of Scotch.

Ryan placed the glasses on the table and Castle opened the bottle and poured two fingers into each glass.

Each raised their glasses. A toast

Ryan: To Partnerships may they be long lasting and fruitful.

Espo: Partners

Kate: All for one and one for all. She winked at Espo

Castle: To having all my dreams come true.

They clinked their glasses together and drank.

Lanie walked into the bar and Espo stood up and yelled "Hey, Chica over here." She spotted them and came over to join in.

"Guys I hate to break this up but Jenny and I have to be up early for a birthing class. And so I bid you ado." Ryan stood and kissed Kate's and Lanie's hand, he bowed to Castle and Espo and headed home.

"What did I miss" asked Lanie" I was wrapping up in the morgue."

"Let me sum up" Espo said "Mom and Dad were making out we toasted and now its time to get shit faced." He picked up his glass and emptied it with one swallow.

"So when is the wedding?" Lanie asked Castle

"I'm... ugh. I... I'm ready now.. Kate?" Stumbled Castle

"Lanie" stated Kate "We just got engaged."

"Oh girl please! you and writer boy have had five years to get to know each other. Let's get this show on the road." Lanie continued "and don't think for one minute I'm wearing some tacky maid of honor dress. I want to look Hot. What does a girl have to do to get a drink around here?" She gave Castle the get me a drink now look and continued. "Oh girl the bachelorette party will be epic! I'm thinking Vegas Baby."

Castles mouth fell open at the word Vegas." What would you like to drink Lanie?" He croaked out

"Cosmo" she said.

"Kate would you like something?" Castle asked

"I'm good thanks" she said.

Castle excused himself and headed to the bar.

"Mr. Castle "he turned and ran into Captain Gates.

"Captain I'm so glad you could make it. We are right over there he pointed to the corner."

"I can't stay I just came to say welcome back. It's great to have the team back together. Again congratulations to you and Detective Beckett on your engagement. She leaned in and spoke in a softer voice. "I won the pool you know."

"Excuse me" Castle said "The Pool?"

"On when you and detective Beckett would um seal the deal if you know what I mean."

"Oh, Oh! Right. Well Congratulations to you as well". He said.

The bartender handed Lanie's drink to Rick. "Captain what would you like to drink?"

"That looks good "she said

"Cosmo for the Lady" Castle said. "Please join us when you have your drink. Excuse me." He headed back to the table.

"Captain Gates is here!" He told the group as he handed Lanie her drink." She won the pool". He Said

"Yea, I know she beat me out by a week. Lost out on a thousand bucks." Sighed Espo.

"Hell I had you two doing the deed two years ago" Lanie shrugged and sipped her Cosmo. "Mm that's good." She said." Who knew you two were too stubborn to see what was right in front of your faces. Totally worth the wait or so I've been told."

"Lanie!" Kate exclaimed

"Oh girl! Look at writer boy over there being all proud of his manly self."

"A thousand bucks, who all was in on the Pool?" Castle asked.

"Everybody" Espo and Lanie said at once.

"Hey girl! We just did that Castle and Beckett thing!" Fist bump

"The entire twelfth Precinct. Other Precinct's wanted in but we kept it in house". Espo said.

"Good evening". Gates said walking up to the table." Here's to having the team back together again". She raised her glass in a salute.

"Wait! Espo its bad luck to toast with an empty glass let me pour you another." Castle poured another round they all lifted and clinked glasses to the toast.

"Kate let me see that ring." Gates said as she placed her glass on the table. Kate held up her hand. "Very nice and tasteful" Gates added with a little surprise to her voice." I have a dinner reservation I must get going. Carry on she said turning and walking toward the exit."

"Does this mean she likes me now?" Castle asked no one in particular.

"Like me or not. We get to work together and we don't have to hide our relationship. I think it's a win." Castle said.

Espo slapped Castles chest and said "True 'dat bro."

Castle winced and said "Gun shot."

"Sorry Bro!" Espo said.

"Guys were going to get out of here." Kate said." We will see you back at the Precinct tomorrow.

"Good night."

"Night." Espo and Lanie said together, they looked at one another and burst out laughing.