An AU post-ep to 2x18 "Boom." "He cares about you, Kate. You may not see it; you may not be ready to. But he does." She saw it. She just didn't know what to do about it.

What would have happened if Lisbon had bailed Jane out after getting arrested in Vegas and not Lorelei? Here's my take on what might have occurred in 4x24 in place of what actually did. Multichapter. Reviews, as ever, are much appreciated. Finally complete!

tumblr prompt: They slept together after Ryan's wedding but never talked about it. Kate finds out she is pregnant but doesn't know how to tell him, especially after the events of 47 seconds (and Limey).

Beckett is forced to take two weeks of paid leave, and Castle invites her to the Hamptons with him. She reluctantly agrees, and starts to discover that her feelings for him are stronger than she was willing to admit.

It was a new ritual, one started after. Before and after. The same two people defined by one event that had changed everything. Sequel to The Life Before You. Recommend reading that one first.

"Kate tilts her cup slowly, savoring the way the flavor rolls richly through her mouth. They've been in Albania for less than seven hours and she's in love with the coffee." Castle and Beckett finally get around to going on their honeymoon. 2nd Place Winner in the Castle Summer Hiatus Contest.