Previously in Turning Tables (it's been so long you may need to re-read the whole thing):
Then what do you want?" She asked frustrated. This was not going how she had planned.
"For you to say 'I love you' again."
Kate's mouth fell open. Again? Had she said it before? Yes-in her ramble she let it slip but it just came out so naturally. Kate felt the blush in her cheeks rise.
Richard Castle I love you and I am so sorr—"
No no no," Rick said cutting her off. "I love you should not be tarnished with apologizes. That just distracts from the more important part of the statement."
Kate felt the corners of her mouth turn up as she waited in obvious anticipation for him to return the sentiment. The fire behind Castle's cerulean eyes sent shivers down Kate's spine. He leaned over the table closer and closer. Kate unconsciously felt herself leaning in too. She could feel his breath on her lips but forced her eyes to remain connected with his.
I love you, too."
And he captured her mouth in his own in the most tender and sweetest of kisses. When they parted Kate's head was reeling and Castle couldn't help the sly grin spread across his mouth.
"It felt good to do that as me," he said. Kate giggled. "But I'm still mad. And it's going to take a while before we are normal again." And he was still mad. He was still hurt at Kate's lies but looking back, after everything she'd done, he understood. He would never dream of doing that to her if their roles were reversed, but he understood.
Well in the meantime, can we do this?" Kate asked too sweetly before pressing her lips against Castle.
Yeah, that works," he mumbled in her mouth.
EPILOGUE
Like everything else between them it wasn't easy. As expected, it took Kate a long time to regain Rick's trust. They fought, not very often but when they did it was explosive. But it was never the end. Kate, with much-needed help from Martha and Alexis, learned how to talk about things with Rick, rather than simply harboring them inside. Rick grew to know when to give Kate her space, but also when to push more. There were great days and there were terrible days but Kate, as she walked through the yard of their Hamptons house, her soon-to-be stepdaughter/maid of honor and Martha waiting at the end of the aisle, couldn't help but think that every single second was worth it. Her gaze landed on Rick and the sheer adoration on his face sent shockwaves through her system. She felt blush rising in her cheeks and his smile grew wider.
Kate kissed her father's cheek when they reached the end of the line, and joined Rick. With his shooter dead, her mother's murderer behind bars, their family surrounding them, and the man she loved standing before her, Kate didn't think she could possibly be any happier.
"You ready," Rick whispered with a smile.
"Always."
A/N: I bet you didn't expect to see this again! Am I right? In all seriousness though, I wrote the last chapter and liked where I stopped but I never felt like it was done. I didn't want to draw it out but I wanted there to be some semblance of finality. I hoped this offered that for some people. It's not much but I think it sums the story up.
Now I want to say thank you to every single one of you who has read this story. I have been so thankful for every single follow, every single favorite, every single review. It means the world to me that y'all took the time to read and review. Thank you for joining me on this journey. I'm sorry it took so long! ; )