Author's Note:I know lots of people have very definite opinions on what happened in the season 5 finale and what will happen in the season 6 premiere. This is just my personal opinion. I appreciate constructive criticism and make it a point to respond to such comments, but I will ignore (and possibly delete) rude or disrespectful comments or comments that have little or nothing to do with the story. If you don't like how this story is setting up, then my advice is not to read subsequent chapters. If you do, and still feel the need to post negative comments, then it's on you. Lastly, this will be a multiple chapter story, so give it a chance.

"Katherine Houghton Beckett, will you marry me?"

The words rang in her ears and her brain seemed unable to process their meaning as a result of the shock and surprise. She had expected him to walk away, give her an easy exit, wish her well at her new job, promise to visit when he could…

The last thing she'd expected was a marriage proposal.

"Castle -"

Once her brain finally processed his question, her eyes focused on the ring he held in front of her. If she had been under oath, she'd have admitted to having fantasized about this moment with him dozens of times, but always written it off as just that – a fantasy.

And one that wasn't likely to come true any time in the near future. Is that why she'd kept the job interview from him, because deep down she didn't think – or want – them to work out? She'd once told him that she always kept her foot in the door when it came to relationships so she could get out quickly before her heart got broken, like when Sorenson left and her mom died. Does that mean her Dad was right? She was just interested in this job because it was a way out from a relationship she was scared might actually work?

"Kate?" His pleading question brought her back to the present and got all the thoughts tumbling through her mind to organize themselves.

"Are you serious?" The words fell out of her mouth before she could think to stop them.

"That's all you can say? I'm kneeling in front of you in a park holding up an engagement ring and all you can ask me is 'Are you serious?'"

"That's not how I meant it."

"It's a yes or no question, Kate. Though, given your immediate reaction, I have a feeling I know what the answer will be." His face and voice hardened and she thought she saw his eyes begin to swim.

"Just stop for a moment, Castle, and let me finish." His shoulders slumped and his face fell, but he nodded gently. "I'm not ready. WE'RE not ready. One of the reasons I took that interview is because you gave me no indication as to where you wanted this relationship to go. I want to move forward Castle. Like you said, we both deserve more. And every time I tried to bring it up, you'd deflect the question just like you do when your past comes up. You said that I didn't let you in? Neither do you. You know everything there is to know about me, including all my deepest, darkest fears, my motivations, what makes me tick. I feel like in five years, I've barely scratched the surface with you. So when I ask you if you're serious, I need to know if you want me or if you just want me to stay."

Castle swallowed hard and fought back the overwhelming urge to rail at Kate then walk away. He'd made up his mind after talking to his mother that he was done holding himself back when it came to her. She was the best thing that had ever happened to him since Alexis and he knew that to keep her he had to do things differently, had to change directions before the current carried him away from her permanently. He would let her in and tell her everything she wanted to know, even if it took the rest of their lives. He just wanted that chance.

"I know I've held back with you. And I'm sorry. I'm not used to someone wanting to get to know me on that level. The last person outside my family who did was Kyra and we all know how that turned out. And with my history of appearing in the tabloids, I guess I always assumed that if I opened up to someone all my dirty laundry would appear on Page Six the next day. So we don't trust each other. And where there's no trust, there can be no relationship."

"Castle, please-"

"I'm not running, Kate. This is not me running. I want to fix this, fix myself, and fix us. If you stay, I promise to be better. But if you decide to go, I won't stand in your way. You deserve the best of everything and if you decide that everything doesn't include me, I'll respect that. But I'm all in. I just hope that you will be too."

"I got the job in DC, Castle. And I need to let them know by the end of the day tomorrow."

"What do you think you're gonna tell them?"

Beckett struggled for an answer. Fifteen minutes ago she'd have told him she planned to accept it. It would have broken her heart and his, but she'd have done it. It was an opportunity that she just couldn't pass up.

Until he'd given her another.

She searched his eyes, so clear and full of truth and strength, but the words wouldn't come. She didn't know the answer to give him.

Then her cell phone vibrated with a call. The precinct. Assuming it was Ryan or Esposito or Gates wanting to know what was going on with her, she answered, despite Castle's glare.

"Beckett. What?! Yeah, I'll be right there."

"What happened?" Castle asked. And there they were. Partners again. But for how much longer?

"My killer got in an accident on his way to Central Booking. He's dead."

Thanks so much for reading!