I know it's a little short but this is basically the epilogue (its time for the epilogue, the epilogue, the epilogue, its time for the epilogue, the ep-i-logue! …. Don't ask…its an inside- joke) so it really doesn't need to be that long. Never the less, I hope you enjoy it.

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Monk sat quietly on the comfortable couch in Natalie's living room. His mind was still racing over yesterday's events. All in one day…Julie was found, Adrian gained a girl-friend, Ryan Walters was not only caught but also gave a full confession, and Trudy's murder was solved. Adrian rubbed his temples…he was ready for some sleep. He and Natalie had been at the hospital practically all day with Julie, and he was certainly due for a nap. Truth be told, he wouldn't have minded had he fallen asleep right then and there.

Monk looked at his watch, it was going on two in the morning. It had only been five minutes but it seemed like he had been sitting there for forever. Natalie said that she had wanted to tuck Julie in for the night. Normally it wasn't something she did because her daughter was now in her early teens, but Natalie said that she wanted to do it tonight because it was her daughter's first night home again. Monk understood and agreed to wait in the living room until she returned.

He once again rubbed his temples, then his eyes. He sighed before feeling a familiar hand on his shoulder. He smiled at the touch but didn't open his eyes. He moved his hand to his shoulder and took the soft hand in his. Opening his eyes he said, "Hello Trudy."

She chuckled softly, "How did you know it was me?"

"I would know your touch anywhere."

She smiled while she moved to sit in his lap. Adrian welcomed her position happily. "You look sleepy."

He nodded, "I am…I had a long day."

Trudy brought her hand up to play with his hair and nodded for him to continue.

"Trudy…I know who killed you."

"I know." She said simply.

"I don't know what to do. I don't know how to spend the rest of my life."

"What did Natalie suggest?" She asked as she leaned in and kissed his forehead.

"She said that I should live my life the way I've always wanted to…but I don't know how to do that. I don't know how to live a free life."

She smiled, "Something tells me it wont take you long to learn."

He returned her smile.

"Adrian?" she began with a different tone of voice.

"Yes?"

"This is going to be the last time you see me like this."

Monk's expression resembled that of a little boy confused as to why he is being put into timeout. "What? Why?"

"Because, you've solved the case Adrian. This is your closure honey. You don't need me to comfort you like this anymore."

"I can't do this without you, Trudy" he pleaded.

She smiled, " Yes you can. Now you have Natalie." She said as she gently stroked his cheek.

Adrian's expression changed slightly. A small smile formed on his face, "That's true," he said.

"She's good for you Adrian. She'll help you."

He nodded. "But…do you really have to go?"

She smiled softly and leaned in to kiss him one last time. "You'll be fine." She said quietly.

And with that…she was gone. Adrian, once again, was alone in the silent room. He heard a stirring from the doorway and knew it was Natalie. She came and sat next to him on the couch. He turned his head and smiled at her.

"What a day, huh." she said with a sigh.

He didn't say anything; instead he stared at her contently and reached to place a hand on the side of her face. She flinched ever so slightly, she still had to get used to him openly touching her like that. Normally he wouldn't even consider making such contact…but somehow…Natalie had managed to make that change in him. And she was glad that she did.

He brought his face slightly closer and looked at her to see if it was ok. She smiled and nodded in acceptance. He came closer still and placed a small kiss on the corner of her mouth. "Thank you, Natalie." He whispered.

"For what?" she asked, matching his volume.

"For always being there for me." He brought a hand up and brushed a stay strand of hair back into its normal position.

Natalie smiled and shook her head lightly "Adrian," she said, "after all that has happened…I think I should be the one doing all the thanking. You gave me back my daughter. And…no matter how hard you try…you will never know how grateful I am for that…" then stroking his cheek lightly she added, "…for you." She closed the distance between them and kissed him gently, yet firmly all at the same time.

Adrian couldn't help but smile. Who on earth would have suspected him to be so fortunate? As far as he was concerned, he was the luckiest man in the world, living or dead.

Natalie pulled away at the feeling of his lips curl upward. "What?"

Monk smiled as he shook his head, "Nothing," he said, "just you."

Natalie returned his smile and scooted down to where she could comfortably rest her head on his chest. He wrapped his arms around her as he held her to him. He leaned his head backward and rested it on the back of the couch. He lovingly stroked her hair as she cuddled a little closer.

Trudy was right…Natalie was good for him. He had no doubts about that now.

The End

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There you go folks, that's the end of it. I hope you have enjoyed reading this as much as I have writing it. I really don't know what my next move is going to be, nor do I know when it is going to be…but I can assure you that you will be hearing more from me as a writer.

Author: Monker

Editor: Ally

Special Thanks to: ExhibitQ, Sarah, Alex, Rachel, Ally, and all of those who read and reviewed for their great ideas and support.

Thank you guys SO much for reviewing, and I say this honestly, I kept writing this because of all of the great reviews I received. HURRAY, we made it to 100 reviews! That's a record for me! Maybe we could get a few more for this chapter, heh?

God Bless, Monker