Thanks to all who've stayed tuned. And for all the reviews! I'm glad you enjoyed the story.
Epilogue
A healed Kate Beckett stretched in the fading sunshine filtering through the sunroom windows of Castle's Hampton home. The life sized cardboard cutout of her that Lockwood had seen on the patio was resting against the wall. Castle was threatening to frame it and hang it in his study.
Looking out to sea, she watched as a small but vicious storm moved across the bay, heading their way. Turning away, she saw Castle, sitting next to the living room fire, typing away on his laptop.
Picking up her glass of wine, she walked through the open door and settled down on the floor next to him, laying her head on his knee.
He looked at her, still surprised at the easy affection she now seemed to share, and smiled. "How's it going, Kate Beckett?" he asked.
"It's good, " she said, smiling up at him. "How about joining me down here?"
He put the laptop aside and slid down to the floor with her, putting his arm around her shoulders. Outside the storm raged, but inside, two people surrounded themselves with the calm serenity of requited love.