A/N: Well, we have come to the final chapter. This was a fun story to write. Thank you to everyone for reading and/or commenting – it certainly kept me motivated throughout the process. Fingers crossed for everyone for the finale they hope to see!

Chapter Twenty-Eight:

The next morning Queen Amara joined the group at the outer grounds of the castle to see off those that were leaving. For now, Benny and Sam had decided to stay in the Queen's service, and also keep Rowena and Charlie company.

But Kevin was given the driver and carriage he was promised. Castiel and Dean took only Baby for their departure, though the Queen had also found Castiel's ship in the Royal Harbor. It had been secretly docked there by Chuck since Cas's capture.

"But I have no need of it," Castiel had told Amara, and later, he said the same to Sam. "And I'd like you to have it, Samuel, son of Mary. In case the sea ever calls you."

Sam and Benny smiled at the angel and at Dean who was beside him. Benny placed a hand on the hunter's shoulder. "This isn't goodbye forever, brother. I'm sure we'll see each other again, one way or another."

"Hope so," said Dean, and he had to fight to keep emotion from clogging his voice. Rowena, Charlie, and Kevin had been talking with Amara, but now the three joined them.

Tearful goodbyes were shared. Thanks were given. Dean gave Sam a hug, slightly surprising the giant.

"Thanks for everything. You died for me, and you brought Cas back. Means the world to me, Sammy."

Sam beamed at the nickname. It sounded nice, coming from Dean. "Technically, I died because I'm a stubborn, vengeful bastard...but, you're welcome, Dean."

Kevin was the first to set off. He was teary-eyed, as were they all, but there was a smile on his face. He gave his last thanks to the Queen and waved at the little group through the carriage window.

Rowena sighed. "He's a good lad," she said.

"I'll miss him," said Charlie.

And then at last they turned to Castiel and Dean, who were now getting Baby's saddle ready.

"Best of luck, you two!" said Charlie, and the group chorused the sentiment.

Queen Amara looked at Dean and Castiel, fondness written across her face. "Please remember that you will always be welcome at the castle and may call upon me if you ever have need. May your freedom, love, and happiness be eternal."

Dean swallowed hard, nearly overcome. He was grateful when Cas responded for both of them.

"Thank you, Your Highness. Thank you, everyone," Cas said, once again looking to the faces of his friends.

Benny chuckled. "Alright, off with you," he said. "Any more goodbyes and we'll be standing here all day."

Cas and Dean nodded their agreement. Benny was right. It was time to go.

So they mounted Baby, with Dean at the reins and Cas settled behind him. They gave the group parting waves, then rode off on the long road, towards the horizon.

For the past few chapters of the book, Jack Kline had been entirely enthralled. The only breaks he needed were quick runs to the bathroom and to get a glass of water. His father, seeing Jack's excitement, couldn't bring himself to stop reading, even as his voice grew more and more hoarse.

His father turned another page and smiled. Then he looked up at his son.

"Just one more chapter, Jack, and it's a short one. Are you ready?"

"Yeah!" said the boy eagerly.

The man took a long drink from his own water glass, then began to read once more.

That first day that Castiel and Dean traveled together was beautiful and sunny. It was pleasant riding Baby through grassy countryside, over hills, and next to pretty little streams. Cas was very content to sit behind Dean as Baby carried them both onward.

Just after noon, the two stopped for a lovely picnic. They spread out a blanket under a fine old oak tree and ate a good serving of the delicious food that Queen Amara had sent with them.

When they finished eating, they laid together and stared up toward the sky, watching the way the oak tree leaves rustled in the wind.

"Hey," said Dean suddenly. "I just remembered. I'm, um, legally married to Chuck now. Do you think having him imprisoned means instant annulment?"

Cas laughed slightly and ran his fingers through Dean's hair. "Why in the world should that matter now? What's legally binding and what's real are very different things. What made you think of it?"

Dean blushed. "Just, you know, everything should be in order in case we ever want to...officially, I mean."

Cas loved him for it, loved him beyond words. Then he smiled at Dean again. "Did you say 'I do,' Dean?" he asked.

Dean thought back. It seemed so long ago, though it had only been a week. "Wait a minute! I didn't!" he said excitedly. "The minister said we were wed, but I never agreed to it!"

Cas turned towards him, beaming. "Then you aren't married, Dean, and we are quite free to...if we ever wanted. Officially."

They smiled almost shyly, and then the pull of gravity was simply too strong to resist. As they reached for each other –"

Jack's father paused, then said, "And well, you know, that's about it."

"Wait, what?"

"It's kissing again. I'm sure you don't want to hear about that."

Jack fiddled with his sheets. "It's okay. I - I don't mind so much."

His father could hardly contain his knowing smile. "Okay, I'll continue then."

As they reached for each other, their hearts felt impossibly light and free. It is said that since the invention of the kiss, there have been five kisses that were rated the most passionate, the most pure.

This one left them all behind.

Jack's father took a deep breath and closed the book. He set it down on the boy's lap. Jack smiled, touching the cover of his present gently, almost reverently.

His father checked the time on his watch. Though he hated to leave his son, it was almost dinner time, and he didn't want to impose on Kelly again any more than he had.

He stood up from his seat and ruffled Jack's hair. "I have to head out, Jack, but I hope you feel better. When you do, we can play catch if you want."

The man pulled his long trench coat from off the back of his chair and shrugged into it.

Jack grinned. "That'd be good, Dad. And maybe - maybe sometime you can read me the book again?" he asked, somewhat awkwardly.

Jack's father looked at him with a tender smile and fond, twinkling blue eyes.

"As you wish."