The late summer air is heavy but she doesn't feel the humidity. Lights twinkle from where they're looped in the exposed beams of the boathouse joined by the flashes from cameras. The big band in the corner plays.
She doesn't hear or see any of it.
Her head is cushioned on his shoulder, eyes closed as he leads them in circles along the dance floor.
"Tell me what you're thinking," he murmurs into her ear.
She turns her head, sighing into the warmed skin of his neck. "I'm so happy, Castle." When she lifts her head off his shoulder just enough for him to lean forward, touch his lips to hers, she smiles. "Thank you," she whispers softly.