Kate spent the next few days getting ready for the weekend. She asked the Captain for Monday off, but didn't tell Castle. She couldn't stop smiling when she thought about what this weekend away meant for their relationship. Now that they were officially a couple, it was time for them to come together as one. She blushed a little when she thought about how the rest of him would feel, not just his lips. She took a deep breath and focused on the task at hand. She called her father to get the phone number of the neighbor that kept an eye on the cabin for them. She arranged for her to open the windows, change the sheets, and make sure the firewood was stocked. The kitchen had everything they needed, but the food. They would do their own grocery shopping on Friday afternoon.

Just across town, Castle was busy as well. He called the Captain to see if Beckett could take Monday off. Then, he called Kate's father to get the address of the cabin. He located a local florist to deliver fresh flowers on Friday morning then called the neighbor to see if she would meet the florist at the cabin. After a few minutes of small talk, his charm, and the promise of an autographed book, she agreed. He took down her address before hanging up the phone. He found himself smiling and thinking of what this weekend meant for them. He went over his mental to-do list and realized he had missed something. He grabbed his jacket and keys, and headed out the door.

Stephanie's gallery opening was on Thursday night. As promised, Rick showed up with his three favorite ladies. The drawings were amazing and everyone loved her work. Rick had called in a few of his friends that worked in the media so there was more press coverage that she had anticipated. She was surprised at first, but very thankful as well. This wonderful gesture showed her that she was forgiven. They were finally able to put the past behind them.

Kate was taking her time looking at the pieces. While she had seen them already, it was never on this scale, or in this beautiful space. Looking at the drawings, she could almost feel Alex. Her heart broke for Rick, knowing he would never meet his son. As she looked at them, she found herself playing with her necklace. Just as she was moving to the last drawing, she felt Rick's arms around her waist and his head on her shoulder. She reached up to him and kissed his cheek.

"Do you like it?" he asked.

"I love it. I'm in awe of all of these drawings, Castle. She really brought out the best in Alex, don't you think?"

"Yes, I think she did, but that's not was I was talking about." He said slyly, looking at the necklace in her fingers.

She looked down at the necklace that was wrapped around her fingers. It was slightly longer than a choker, with 2 hearts intertwined. Inside each gold heart was a small diamond. Rick had surprised her with it when he picked her up earlier in the evening.

"I don't like it; I love it; almost as much as I love you." Kate said, looking into his eyes. She kissed him softly before he politely excused himself.

Stephanie was sitting at a small table in the corner, just enjoying the fact that people loved her work. She had received offers from a few small galleries along with some private requests from people wanting her to draw for them. She was deep in thought when she heard him approach, and then he sat a glass of wine in front of her.

"Mind if I join you?" Castle asked.

"Please, sit down." She replied, smiling.

"You had a great turnout. I'm happy for you." He said, taking a sip of his wine.

"Thanks. I couldn't have done it without you."

"Yes, you could have, but I was happy to help get the word out. That's what friends do." He said

"Are we friends, Rick?" She said, almost pleading.

"Yes Steph, we are. If I ever decide to write a book that requires illustrations, you're my top choice."

He leaned over and kissed her cheek before getting up to leave. She stood up, and pulled him into a hug.

"Thanks." She said. "Good luck with Kate."

He stepped out of her embrace, and went back to the love of his life. Kate, Rick, Martha and Alexis spent a few more minutes there before Kate excused herself. She stepped into the ladies room and found just who she was looking for.

"Hey, Stephanie, Great show." She said, as she applied new lipstick.

"Thanks, and thanks for coming. This couldn't have been easy for you."

"No, it wasn't, but I love Rick and I wanted to be there for him. I'm glad everything worked out." Kate said as she turned to look at Stephanie.

"Me too. When I came back to New York after all these years, I had no idea what to expect. He really is a good man, isn't he?"

"Yes, he is." Kate replied with a huge smile on her face. She started to close her purse when Stephanie stopped her.

"Wait!" She said. "I have that information you wanted", reaching into her own small bag and handing Kate an envelope.

Kate folded it in half, before placing it in her purse and snapping it shut. "Thanks and good luck. Let us know if you need anything." With that comment, Kate was out the door and back to Rick within minutes. They visited for a few more minutes before heading out the door to the waiting limo. Castle dropped his mother and Alexis off at the loft, and then settled back in next to Kate to take her home.

He sat close to her, reaching for her hand and lacing his fingers with hers. She leaned into him and put her head on his shoulder. She closed her eyes and just enjoyed the quiet for a change. The past few weeks had been stressful for her. Between work and Stephanie, they had barely had any time to be alone together.

"What's on your mind, Kate?" He asked her quietly.

"I was just thinking about everything that has been going on these last few weeks. With work and Stephanie, we've barely had any time to relax."

"I've missed you, ya know?" He said, looking into her eyes.

"I've missed you too, Castle. I can't wait until tomorrow." She said, looking back at him and smiling.

He reached out to her, and held her cheek. Their lips touched and they kissed softly. He pulled away just a bit before meeting her lips once again with more feeling and passion. They both knew that this weekend away would mean their bodies coming together as one.

Kate let out a soft moan and reached out to him. Her hands went behind his head as she pulled him closer and deepened the kiss. Her heart was racing and her body was on fire. At this time tomorrow night, they would finally be together and the anticipation was almost too much to bear. They pulled away, breathless and smiling.

"Till tomorrow, Detective." He said, as she got out of the car.

"Sweet Dreams, Castle." Kate replied, giving his a whisper soft kiss. He closed the door, and watched her walk into her building.