AN: I am horribly sorry about how long this took. I had the outline done the day after I posted the last chapter but I never had the time to actually write it out. So, I am forgoing my nap and sitting down with a pint of Mint Chip to get out the last chapter.

I'm kind of sad that this is ending. I really enjoyed writing it and I'm honored that you all stuck with me through it. Thanks for all the amazing reviews and the pm's of help and encouragement. I really hope you enjoy it.

Lassie led Patricia up to through the building and straight to the cop car with Richard.

Chief, Shawn, and Juliet lingered to fill Dr. Merrygrove in on their undercover operation. Merrygrove took in his favorite couple and sighed. His face portrayed only a resigned disappointment at the events and the fact that it was all staged.

They all spoke in hushed tones until the dance was over and curfew went into effect. Chief then explained that Merrygrove was needed in the station for questioning and to give his statement. She ushered him and her two detectives out.

oOoOoOoO

Juliet didn't get a chance to talk to Shawn. He was on the phone the entirety of Merrygrove and Patricia's questionings. She glanced up at him every few minutes as she wrote her statement. She saw him pacing in the hallway that was annoyingly out of earshot as he spoke on the phone.

He was still on the phone when the mayor came to question everyone about Richard's abusive behavior.

His phone call didn't end until he was forced to go in and give his statements. He headed to the room with his head down. Juliet willed him to look up, to look at her, but his eyes remained glued to the floor.

Shawn remained in the room after his questioning, after Richard and Patricia were transported to the prison, and after he thought everyone else left.

Juliet looked around and, with a huff, decided to confront him. She didn't want to push him, but they had been running around in circles for too long. She was tired of skirting around their feelings. They had already told each other they loved one another and even though it was for their undercover op, they both knew it was real. They had already kissed – a lot. They were already best friends and confidants. They were basically already together besides the label and the privilege of the fun stuff- and man, she wanted the privilege of the fun stuff. Just the though made her heart speed up.

"Hey," she quietly greeted him as she cracked open the door and peaked in. She hesitated at the door, nonverbally asking permission to enter.

When he looked up and returned her greeting, a small smile crept on her face and she entered, closing the door behind her. She sat down next to him and just spit out, "Shawn, we should talk."

His head snapped up to look at her and his mouth opened, but nothing came out.

Juliet was beginning to lose her nerve but added, "Look, I know this is happening fast and you may need time to process but-"

"I broke up with Abigail."

Juliet was surprised by this and before she could allow herself too much hope, she questioned, "W-why?"

Shawn gave her a look of disbelief before replying, "Jules, you know why."

A smile spread across her face, causing his to break out in a smile. Shawn leaned his forehead against hers and booped her nose with hers, causing her to smile bigger.

"What are you doing?" she laughed.

Shawn leaned in closer, "Something I like to call very close talking."

Juliet laughed again as her eyes flickered from his, to his lips, and back up, "Ah. I see. Do you have anything else to say?"

Shawn laughed back, "Uhhh- yeah, actually."

He leaned in and kissed her. She pulled away and smiled at him before she leaning in and kissing him back.

They only stopped when they were interrupted by a knock on the door a few minutes later.

"Dr. Merrygrove, my man," Shawn greeted him. "Don't you have a bunch of couples to get back to?"

"Don't I have a couple right here to take care of?"

Shawn and Juliet exchanged glances before Merrygrove continued, "I understand that this whole thing was faked. That it was staged to catch the killer, but I can't help but doubt that all of it was staged. Those feelings, this chemistry, it's not fake. Is it?"

"No, it's not, doctor," Shawn's voice wavered a bit.

"But we're still trying to figure it out. It all happened very fast and we haven't had time to talk about it at all."

"Well, you know, you are still my favorite couple and the police department already paid for this nonrefundable retreat, so if you two happen to be there tomorrow, I don't see why I wouldn't be able to help you."

Shawn and Juliet smiled at him.

"Well, you do need a ride back there anyway, right?" Juliet laughed.

oOoOoOoO

Shawn and Juliet sat across from Merrygrove in their normal places the next morning. Merrygrove pulled out his notes and gave the couple an amused look, making note that they were a better real couple than fake couple.

"Alright, let's start from the beginning, but for real this time."

"Wait, Jules," Shawn interrupted her before she began.

He hesitated nervously, but took a deep breath and continued determinedly, "I don't want to start this relationship out on a foundation of lies. I've learned a lot of stuff from the counseling and this is it for me. You are it for me, so I can't let something stupid ruin it. Jules, the truth is- the truth is, I'm not really a psy-"

Juliet's eyes went wide and she cut him off with a kiss.

oOoOoOoO

Two weeks later, Shawn gently massaged sunblock onto Juliet's back from the pool deck of their cruise. He trailed his fingers over her shoulders, down her arms, and through her fingers, before bending down to kiss her fingertips.

"You know, I actually miss seeing that ring on your finger."

-Fin

AN: I really hope you like it. Thanks again for reading. Now that I am down to two stories, I'm willing to take on another if anyone has any requests. And for the last time- please review and tell me what you think!