Author note: So here it is; the final chapter to 'Parting Thoughts'. I really appreciate all the reviews and support from my readers. I hope it's been a fun ride. I'm not sure Castle is completely out my system. Look for more from my drabble thread. If nothing else, there may be a random one shot now and again. Enjoy!

Parting Thoughts

Epilogue

When Kate and Rick appeared in the doorway, Gina knew that was her exit cue. In order to speed her on her way, Rick had given her the keys to his car. He had others in the garage anyway. And, if push had come to shove, he could have gone home with Beckett. The thought made her shudder. She left with little fanfare and pleasant wave from Rick as Beckett stood next to him smiling awkwardly. She cringed again. Good riddance.

Castle turned to Beckett as the dust of Gina's departure settled on the roundabout.

"Glad that's over," he said matter of fact. "Got a question for you Beckett: Just so we're clear, you're done with Demming, right?"

Her eyes popped, suddenly remembering that she had said nothing about Demming; the reason for this whole sordid mess. Now that everything was out in the open, it seemed a trivial detail. NOT.

"Funny you should mention that," she replied, smirking. "It was a big part of what I planned to say earlier, but confron-conversations have a way of taking on a life of their own. But, I think we did ok."

"We did great," he replied with gusto. "I just want to know if the other guy is out of the picture."

She rolled her eyes as if it needed further explanation. "Yes Rick, I'm done with Demming. In fact, that was what I was going to tell you before you and the ex left the station house. It wasn't just a goodbye, Rick. It was me telling you that...that I was ready to give us a chance. A real chance."

He took her hand and met her brown eyes. "I'm sorry for that, Kate. I didn't know what to do with you and Demming. So, I ran with a poor consolation prize. Will you forgive me for that?"

She touched his face and gave him light kiss on the lips. "I think it can be arranged."

His face screwed in pretend fear. "I have to earn it?"

She flashed a seductive sideways smile. "Poor Rick," she said as if talking to a disappointed child. "Worried about a little manual labor?"

Castle's countenance turned devilish. "Detective Beckett this conversation is taking on a life of its own. I will not be held responsible for where it goes."

"Why Mr. Castle, I have no idea what you mean. I was hoping you might give me a piggy back ride along the beach. That would certainly be enough to forgive you."

Castle laughed out loud. "A piggy back ride? For real?"

"Not on your life, Mr.," she said, seriously. "But it's nice to know you'd be game."

He laughed again, chuckling at how gullible he could be. "So what now? Breakfast? A walk on the beach? A celebratory toast with expensive champagne?"

"All…nice ideas," she replied yawning. "But I kind of like the idea of getting some sleep. What about you?"

A frown of disappointment crossed his face momentarily before he realized what she was asking. She wanted to take a nap…with him. The very idea sent warm fuzzies throughout his body. His eyes misted over.

""It's just a nap, Castle," she said, punching him in the arm. "Nothing to get all misty over."

"Have you here with me, after all we've been through, is plenty to get emotional about, Beckett. But the mistiness you just witnessed was more about me finally be able to tell people I slept with you."

Beckett shook her head, resisting the eye roll she reserved just for him. "You really can be a child. Can't you?"

"Sometimes," he said grinning. "About that nap?"

He took her hand and led her into the house, up the stairs, and into guest bedroom. He noticed her puzzled look at the small, relatively nondescript room.

"She who will not be named took the other room," he said with a hunch of his shoulders.

"Ah," she replied.

He layed down and she followed, her head resting in the space between his shoulder and neck.

"What sounds good for dinner?" he asked.

"Let's cross that bridge when we come to it," she replied, her voice trailing off. "I don't want to make another decision right now."

"No problem, Kate," he said, softly. "I've got you. Just sleep now."

She smiled sleepily at his words. "I'm glad I'm here, Rick."

"I'm glad you're here, too. There's no where else I'd rather be."