Disclaimer: Don't own them :(
Several days later-
Water dripped down her skin in warm rivulets as she hunted for her towel amidst the steam. Finding the plush cloth, she toweled off and peeked around the door into the room. Clear. As much as she enjoyed the notion, others were waiting. Kate made her way to the dress laid out on the bed, its blue silk glinting in the light from the bathroom. Casting a fast glance at the doorway separating the bedroom from the study, she hastily dropped the towel and threw on her clothes, shivering as the cool silk slipped over her skin. She checked the doorway again. Still clear. A twinge of fear gripped her spine. She listened for the sound of life, and the soft patter of footsteps echoed in. Her breath released in a rush and she pushed herself to finish getting ready.
He stopped dead as he stepped into the room, his eyes finding hers in an instant. Pink enveloped every portion of exposed skin on her frame as he studied her, took her in, worshipped her from in a frozen stupor. Castle finally broke himself free from his daze and started towards her, one hand hidden behind his back. He halted just before her, his gaze never wavering from hers as he pulled his bandaged hand out from hiding. She took the single red rose he offered, the heat turning up a notch in her cheeks. He found her left hand and brought it to his lips, kissing each knuckle softly, lingering a moment longer as he reached the engagement ring on her finger.
"You look…breathtaking," he murmured against the flesh of her fingers. He stepped closer and kissed her cheek, lingering several moments, the touch of his lips searing through her flesh and into her bones. He pulled back and found her gaze, smiling as the warmth burned in her cheeks and down her neck. "Ready?"
She cast a glance at the closed door separating the study from the loft, the quiet sounds of a small gathering wafting in, and turned back to face him. She raised a gentle hand to the small bandage remaining on his forehead; tenderly pushing back several lose strands of hair from the dressing. "If you are." She ran her fingers down along his face, keeping her gaze on his. She drank in the light she thought she might never see again, drank in the playful gentleness of his features.
Castle leaned into her touch and covered her hand with his own. He pulled back and kissed her palm before linking their fingers together. She held tight as they entered the main room, turning brighter shades of pink as conversation died out and all attention turned towards them. They stepped in amongst the small group of family and friends. The activity re-started immediately, the congratulations pouring in with the hugs and well wishes. Through it all, she could feel his attention on her, no matter if they stood side by side or a room apart. He sought her out for a quick dance, despite the limited space.
He held her close as the music started, sweeping her in a tight circle in the center of the room, his bandaged hand cradling hers. She rested her head on his shoulder, the room melting away under the warmth of his frame. He leaned down next to her ear and whispered gentle words of love, his breath tickling the fine hairs at her neck. She shivered and she felt the silent rumble of a chuckle in his chest. She closed her eyes as the weight of his head rested beside hers and she continued to drink in all that was him, her fiancé, her soon to be husband.
A/N: Well this be my final author's note for this tale, so I shall make it as good as I can. I really and truly want to say thank you to everyone who has read, reviewed, followed, or favorited this story. I have read each and every comment and felt humbled by the amount of readers who have enjoyed this story. And, I want to thank Dmarx once more for agreeing to be my beta and looking this little tale over for me.
When I first conceived of this tale, I never expected it to gain this much attention. It started out as simple idea for a one shot entitled "A Bittersweet Proposal," but, as I thought about the story more and more my mind wanted to explore the questions raised by the initial scenario and thus Bittersweet was born.
Again, thank you to all
Until my next tale. Happy Reading :)