A/N: So this is really the end :(

Unless I can think of ANOTHER epilogue, maybe with little Castle's around the place? Not really sure, but this is the end for now.

Thanks soo much again for all your support. The readers are the reason why we all write, and you guys have been amazing!

I may have just seen the promo for next season, and I may have been shaking for a little bit out of happiness. Is anyone else hoping the next words out of their mouths - after "did you enjoy it?" - is "wanna do it again?"

Can't wait for it! It's gunna be an early birthday present for me!

Thanks for sticking with me, and thanks for all the well wishers. Dad is doing much better, and I can breathe normally again, so yay!

Without any further adieu, here's the last chapter!

Johanna Beckett's Fundraiser - Seven Months Later

Kate watched New York's socialites dance in the massive ballroom they had reserved for the evening. Rick had put all of this together; the guests, the venue – the entire fundraiser, for the Johanna Beckett Scholarship. Kate wanted to help – it was all for her mom after all – but he insisted that she do nothing but turn up, giving him the honour of doing it for her and her mother. How she got this lucky, she'd never know. Kate loved that stupid – sweet – writer.

Absentmindedly playing with her ring on the necklace around her neck, Kate observed the women in gorgeous ball gowns and men in stunning tuxedos, schmoozing with glasses of champagne in their hands or dancing around the ballroom. The detective skills never seemed to cease even though it was her night off; but she was ok with that. Much like Rick, she liked to observe people.

She sipped her champagne, letting the bubbles roll over her tongue as she looked around the room. It was strange to be here with all of these people: most friends or former colleagues of her mother's, and the rest were important people that Castle knew through his various connections. Normally, if Kate were at a party like this, she'd be undercover; but tonight there was no gun strapped to her thigh, and no badge in her purse. She was in a floor length, black designer dress and gorgeous stiletto heels that were actually hers and not borrowed for the evening – Castle had bought them for her, and wasn't taking them back regardless of all the threats she threw him.

Her observant eyes found their way to Alexis being spun around the floor by her father. She was dressed in a pale pink floor length dress, effortless and elegant, just like the young woman she watched giggle - until her father stepped on her foot. Alexis had grown into a beautiful young woman - way too mature to come from Rick; but the redhead was kind and sweet, and that did come from Castle. Kate felt fortunate to have watched her grow up, and it meant so much to her that Rick asked her for help when he felt he couldn't do it on his own; even before they were together – probably more so then.

Kate couldn't contain her laugh as they weaved their way off the dance floor, Alexis favouring her foot slightly, putting space between herself and Rick. His face was painted with apology as the writer followed his daughter.

'Save me, Kate!' Alexis ran behind her, hiding and gently pushing her forward, offering her up as a trade to Rick.

'I didn't mean to, sweetheart.' Rick said apologetically, trying to get to his daughter. Alexis kept ducking behind Kate's back, staying out of his reach. Normally Rick was a great dancer, but tonight he seemed a little off. He had been talking to her father earlier so Kate put it down to nerves, though there was something else nagging at her that she couldn't quite put her finger on. She'd ask him later when they got home.

'Come on,' Rick pleaded. 'One more dance? I promise not to step on your toes again.'

'That's what you said last time and you still managed to get me another three times with those big clown feet of yours.'

Kate laughed as he pouted and Alexis held her hips tightly, still peering anxiously around her body.

Spotting the young man she had noticed staring at Alexis all night – see? Her detective skills came in handy - the moment she had waited for came along. Taking Alexis' hand, Kate pulled her to the young man. He was talking to one of her mother's former associates. He was tall and handsome, and extremely polite as he excused himself from the conversation when he saw the two women heading his way.

'Hello, could you please help us out?' Kate asked, with the biggest smile on her face. Alexis was tugging away a little, with a small blush rising on her face. Kate chose to ignore the tugging and went with her gut: Alexis thought he was cute, but was shy. 'Her father won't let her leave the dance floor, and he's about to break her foot. Would you mind taking her away from him for a song or two?'

The young man beamed, his eyes not leaving Alexis' for a second. He took her hand and kissed the back of it. 'It would be my pleasure. I'm Liam.'

'Alexis.' The young woman returned his smile as he led her to the floor, all timidness gone.

'Now why did you do that?' Rick asked, coming up behind her; wrapping his arms around Kate's waist.

'He had been staring at her all night. He seems like a nice boy, the perfect gentleman. He reminds me a little of you actually.'

'Are you calling me a gentleman?'

'No, he was staring at her. It was creepy.' Kate laughed.

'Have I told you you're an evil woman?' Rick breathed hotly in her ear with a chuckle in his voice too.

'Quite regularly.'

'Good.' He said kissing her neck. He took her hand and spun her around so they faced each other. Rick cupped her cheek and kissed her lips gently. She kept it short and simple. Kate was not going to start making out with her boyfriend at her mother's fundraiser.

She had no idea how long she was standing there for, leaning into his body, arms draped lazily around his neck, their noses touching, his arms around her waist, breathing each other in. Kate was sure they could both stay in each other's arms forever, content to just be with each other.

'I have something for you.' He told her softly.

'So help me, Rick, if you say it's in your pants-'

'It is, but it's not what you think.' Rick cut her off with a smile. Kate frowned at him looking him dead in the eyes. They radiated nothing but love at her. Butterflies as big as elephants were spinning in her stomach. Kate knew what he was going to do. He pulled her away from the bigger crowd, finding a small space that was fairly private.

'Rick-'

'Kate, please.' He begged, silencing her and reaching into his pocket. It was almost slow motion as his hand retreated from his pocket, bringing out a small blue Tiffany's box. 'I love you, and I know it's only been seven months. I can't wait any longer. You look amazing tonight, and it's an intimate setting, but then again, it's quite public; just the way you like it.' He smiled lovingly at her. Kate couldn't help but smile that he remembered the advice she gave to Ryan when he was proposing to Jenny. 'And I couldn't think of a better time than tonight, while we're here honouring your mother; the most important person in your life for so long.'

Kate's heart beat increased to a stampede as she saw the nervous look on his face. She smiled inwardly at his sentimentality. It couldn't have been more perfect, because even though she was gone, it felt like her mother was here with her. She loved that Rick was doing this for her; that he knew exactly what to say.

But he was wrong.

Rick had been the most important person in her life for quite a while now; something that made her life worth living. Rick had healed her, and shown her that grief didn't need to take over her existence. He showed her how to have fun again; to feel something. And while her mom would be Kate's driving force and the reason she wanted justice for everyone; Rick was here, and alive, and he was the reason why she fought as hard as she did these days. He loved her with every fibre of his being, like she did with him. Rick had found a way resurrect the part of her that died with her mother.

Regardless of the place, occasion, dress or setting, she knew her answer. He could have asked her at breakfast in their pj's or on a coffee run – hell, even at a crime scene - Kate knew what she was going to tell him.

'I don't care if you say "not yet",' he continued hesitantly. 'Or even just plain "no". You've told me on many occasions that I'm a nine year old on a sugar rush, and seven months is a long time for a kid to wait.' Rick got down on one knee and took her hand, kissing it gently before looking back up at her.

'You're my always, Kate, and I love you. Marry me, Katherine Beckett.' He pressed the little button on the box and it flicked open to reveal ring she had been waiting seven anxious months to look at. It was gorgeous and simple; one larger diamond in the centre with two smaller sapphires on either side, set in white gold. It was very subdued for Rick, she thought. He had restrained himself when buying it otherwise it would have as big as the Hope Diamond.

Kate knew what her answer that day she had woken up next to him, after nursing him back to health – and that amazing first day spent at the loft. It still hadn't changed. Ever since Rick mentioned the little blue box he had been keeping from her; Kate just had to wait to say that one syllable word would seal her fate.

She bit her lower lip and smiled at him, pretending to weigh her options, waiting a little longer just to see him squirm. As much as she loved him, Kate secretly loved that little ability she had to take the unflappable, confident Richard Castle, and turn him into a scared, nervous school boy.

'Yes.'

'Kate-' Rick did a double take, eyes wide and mouth slack. 'Wait- D-did you-'

Loving that she had him blubbering, she grabbed his tie and pulled him off his knees, pressing a kiss to his lips. 'I said "yes", Castle. Yes, I will marry you. Do you really think I would say no? One and done, Rick. That's you.' She breathed on his mouth.

He was dumbfounded, obviously expecting her to tell him no. The cogs in his brain finally started working and a smile spread across his face and she could see his chest swell with relief – really, he was that nervous – and happiness. His smile was contagious, and she couldn't help the giggle that came out of her mouth. Slowly, a hand came to her cheek, gently stoking her skin as he bent to kiss her. It was slow and effortless and loving; and just so them. Kate's arms wrapped around his neck and pushed into him more, forever trying to get closer. His tongue slipped through her lips, and she could feel the heat rising in her body. So much for not making out at Mom's benefit, she told herself. Though Kate knew that if Johanna was here, she'd probably be cheering in the background at the sight of the lip lock.

They pulled away from each other, just enough so their lips were no longer touching, as laughter -hysterical, excited laughter – erupted from their bodies.

'Are you going to put this ring on my finger, or what?' Kate asked keeping her arms wrapped around his neck. Rick managed to free the ring from the box with his arms around her back. He reached up, finding her ring finger still around him and slipped it on. He held her finger and the ring, rubbing it between his finger and thumb.

That's when she heard Lanie's excited squeal a few foot away. Their family – both home and work families – were not far away from them, talking and laughing with each other, until Lanie exploded. They must have been at it for a while, because Alexis was back from her dance, standing next to her grandmother.

All eyes were on them, though many were not sure why Lanie made a big deal out of the couple making out – they'd seen it enough. Until Martha's eyes focused on the rock on Kate's finger.

'Oh, my god!'

'Still want to marry me?' Rick groaned when he heard his mother's overdramatic exclamation. 'She comes with the deal.'

'Mhmm.' She hummed and kissed him again, very quickly, as not to be sucked in by his delectable lips again. 'I get you, Alexis and Martha; and I wouldn't have it any other way.'

'I love you, Kate. So much.'

'Love you, too, Rick.' She said, pressing a quick kiss to his mouth before facing the group.

Rick and Kate were torn away from each other by their friends. Ryan and Esposito pulled Rick away, getting congratulations and handshakes all around while Martha wrapped her arms around her soon-to-be daughter-in-law. Kate wriggled her arm free from the older red head, waving to Alexis to join them. The young woman wrapped her arms around Kate and Martha, giggling excitedly.

Lanie was next to tackle Kate, hugging her tightly, expressing her congratulations and gushing over her ring. Jenny was much calmer than Lanie, and eventually pulled the M.E. away from Kate, letting Jim embrace his daughter.

'Congratulations! You look so happy, Katie.' Her father was a lot quieter than the women who had attacked her with hugs. She could tell he was close to tears. 'So beautiful.'

'Thanks, dad.' Kate was trying very hard to keep her own tears at bay herself.

'I just wish she was here to share it with us.'

'Me too.'

Her father kissed her forehead, before letting Ryan and Esposito both take turns in hugging her. Then finally she was alone. She looked down at the ring on her finger. It felt like it belonged there already, and she felt excitement bubbling up in her as she realised that she was going to be Mrs Castle. No, she'd keep her name for work.

Kate looked around to see Captain Gates and her husband standing next to the mayor, a few faces among the many that turned at Martha's excited yell. Gates raised her glass Kate's way as her husband put his hand around her boss's waist, pulling her close. It was the first time that Kate saw Gates as a loving wife. Kate smiled back at the pair before turning back to her family.

She found Alexis still clinging to her father as while he was talking to Jim. Hopefully her dad wasn't giving Castle the talk. She was a little too old for her father to be instilling the fear of God into her boyfriend - fiance. Kate looked down at her ring again, happiness radiating from her body. She was going to marry Castle. If you had of told her five years ago she would be marrying Richard Castle, she would have laughed in the person's face, possibly shooting them for even thinking it. Kate looked back up to find Rick looking at her, like she was the only thing in the world. He excused himself, kissing his daughter on the head before walking over to her.

'Hey,' Rick beamed, taking her in his arms. She gladly complied, wrapping her own around his neck. 'Mrs Castle.' he hummed. 'It sounds good on you. Oh, but Detective Castle has a sort of ring to it, doesn't it?'

'I'm keeping my name, Rick.'

'I figured you would,' Rick chuckled, not at all caring that she wasn't going to take his name. He was really all too happy that he had her, that other trivial things like changing her last name, didn't matter. Kate smiled at him. Marriage was all about compromise, right?

'Only for work, Rick, but I'll be Mrs Castle for everything else.' She kissed his smiling lips. 'But maybe I'll let you call me Detective Castle in bed. Only if you're good.' She added with a smirk, adoring the needy moan escaping his mouth.

'I love you, Kate.'

'I love you, too.'

'Was it how you imagined?' he asked putting their foreheads together, rubbing his nose against hers.

Kate closed her eyes, blocking everything out that wasn't the man in her arms. All the music, talking, clinking of glasses; all of it. All she wanted to focus on right now was Rick and his touch and his breath, quicker than normal. 'Better. With you, it's always better.'

His lips brushed hers again and there was no doubt in either of their minds that this was forever.

A/N: Was it how you guys imagined?

I know this is that last chapter, but reviews are love, and they give me a happy!

Oh! And I'm working on Kate's revenge that she promised earlier on (evil laugh). With Uni and work, and home, I'm not sure when I'll be posting it. It won't be as long as this one, but hopefully the smut will be up to everyone's standards :P

Thanks again guys! You've been great!

JC