A/N – So here we are, friends. The end. I hope you've enjoyed reading this story as much as I've enjoyed writing it. I want to thank you all again for the kind reviews and follows. If I haven't responded personally to you yet, I will soon.

Disclaimer: I have not nor will I ever own Castle or its characters. If you thought I did, you're just silly.

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When Kate Beckett walked into the loft that Friday evening, she was completely exhausted. They had spent the week trying to nail a serial killer who targeted young boys. They had finally gotten him earlier that afternoon, but it had not been a great week. After she and Castle had gotten the confession, she had sent him home to start cooking dinner. She was starving.

Over the last year that they had been together, they had overcome many obstacles. After they had been dating for a month, he had surprised her by asking her to move in. At that point she had only spent one night in her apartment since the night they had gotten together. So she had said yes. At first she hadn't known how well she would do living with another person, let alone his daughter and mother, but she felt at home here, safe. More so than anywhere she had ever lived outside of her parents' house when she was growing up.

The past year had been amazing. She had never been so happy in her entire life, and she knew that it could all be attributed to one ruggedly handsome mystery writer. Putting her bag on the couch she walked to the kitchen to see said mystery writer only to find the kitchen dark. Where is he?

She walked in the kitchen to see if he had even started to cook dinner, but saw no signs that he had begun any preparations. She scowled. Dammit, I'm hungry. Where is my silly man?

When she turned around to go check his office, she saw an envelope propped up on the island counter. She smiled. She walked forward and picked the envelope up, looking it over. Opening it and pulling out a single sheet of paper, she began to read.

Dear Kate,

I love you. We've said that to each other hundreds of times over the last year, and I will never get tired of hearing you say it or saying it back to you. I love you.

The last year has been the most amazing year of my life, and I know you feel the same way. I am so glad that we've had this time together, and I wouldn't trade it for the world. We are special together, like I always knew we would be. You make me a better man and a better father. I would not be here if it weren't for you.

Together we can get past any hurdle life throws at us. In fact, we already have. Our lives aren't easy, and in many ways we're completely different. You're a strong passionate cop who takes no bull from anyone. I'm a simple writer who has found a great opportunity for research, but I am no cop (as you so rightfully point out). But despite our differences, we work. It's like we were meant to be together, and you know how I abhor clichés. But it's true. You are the love of my life and I cannot imagine a single day where you are not in it. Such a day would not be worth living.

All of this leads to a point. I'm sure you're wondering where I am, and where your dinner is. After all you sent me away today to fix you food, and as I'm sure you're now aware, there is no food to be had. Unfortunately the kitchen at Casa de Castle is not available tonight. But fear not, my lovely detective, I have a solution. You will get your meal.

But first, I have a question. There is no easy way to do this, and really there is no right way to do this. I've thought of a million different ways, seeking out the perfect way to ask this simple question, but in the end, I chose this. We almost lost this relationship a year ago because of a letter. I'm hoping we can start the next leg of what we've created with another. So…

Will you marry me?

Kate looked up, her hands shaking, tears running down her cheeks. Castle was standing on the other side of the island, holding a ring. "So?" He asked, with a smirk on his face.

"Hell yes!" She said as she flew into his arms. "Yes, yes, yes, yes!"

He picked her up and twirled her around before sitting her down and pressing his lips to hers. They had enjoyed many kisses since that first tentative kiss a year ago, but this was by far the best one yet. He stepped back from her, and put the ring on her left finger, while looking her in the eyes.

"We're getting married!" she said, with glee. "I can't believe we finally got here!"

"I can. I knew we would eventually. Once we got together there was no other conclusion. We make each other better, Kate. I love you more than anything else, and I know now that you feel the same. Together we can do anything, and I think that the future is ours. This is our next step."

She looked up at him, a huge smile on her face. "I love you, Rick."

"I love you too, Kate," he responded as he bent down to kiss her again. "Always."

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Thoughts? R&R