So, here it is. Last chapter. I'm sorry it's taken a few days to post, I was ill over the weekend (and wow...bizzare dreams much) and I still couldn't decide which ending to use...I eventually settled on this one...so I really hope you all like it.

Not a whole lot to say, other than a MASSIVE thank you to everyone who took the time to read and review... it means a great deal, and I wouldn't have come this far without your incredible support.

Disclaimer: does not own Castle. Yet.

Epilogue

Richard Castle watched from the balcony of his Hampton's beach house as his friends lounged down below, spread out on towels on the white sand, big red umbrella's shading them from the brutal sun. It was Fourth of July weekend, and with a lot of shuffling and planning, Rick was lucky enough to have his closest friends spend the weekend with him, Kate and Alexis.

He could see Esposito by the barbeque, Lanie scolding him for burning the patties, her big engagement ring flashing in the sun. Ryan and Jenny were cuddled under an umbrella, both not keen on the sun burning their fair skin. Alexis was sitting just by the edge of the water, little Emma held tightly in her arms, the baby squealing in joy when the waves lapped at her bouncing chubby feet. Jim Beckett and Rick's mother seemed to be involved in a deep conversation, debating whether beer or wine was better….knowing his mother, she would win.

He couldn't see Kate anywhere, but seconds later felt as she wrapped her arms around his waist, kissing the centre of his back.

"Hey."

He turned, pulling her in for a deep kiss.

"Hey yourself. What are you hiding up here for?" She asked, leaning across to smile at the scene below.

He shrugged, turning them so she was leaning against the balcony, facing him. With one hand holding hers, his other reached into his pants pocket, his fingers closing around the little blue box he'd been hiding from her for weeks. There was no better time, or place, than now.

She watched him curiously, his Adams apple bouncing nervously. Taking a deep breath, he pulled the small box out, Kate's eyes immediately drawn to it, a small sound escaping her throat as she realized exactly what it was.

"Shut the front door."

He laughed lightly, carefully lowering himself to one knee. Before he even had a chance to ask, the patio door behind him swung open, and startled, he quickly stood, spinning to face the intruder, his hand holding the box hiding behind his back. It was his mother, her eyes bright with unshed tears, holding his cell phone out with one hand.

"Mother!"

Of all the times to interrupt, she chose now?

"Richard, dear, you need to take this call."

Kate, sensing the urgency in Martha's voice, closed her hand around Ricks, gently pushing his hand into his pocket, letting the box fall inside. Pulling his hand back out, she entwined her fingers through his, tugging him towards Martha. Using his free hand, Rick took the cell phone.

"Rick Castle speaking." He didn't care that he sounded aggravated, whoever was on the other end had interrupted him about to propose!

"Hello Mr. Castle, this is Deborah MacKinnon from Child Protective Services. We have a young girl by the name of Lilly Liascos currently in our care…."

Feeling his body tense, Kate watched as a myriad of expressions crossed his face, before it settled on one. Devastation.

"What is it, Rick?"

He turned stunned eyes to his almost-fiancée, tears blurring his vision, not even knowing where to start...

So, before you throw objects at my head, I'm sorry it was short...and yes, there will be a sequel...like I could leave you wonderful people hanging... (let me hear you say YAY?)

Once again, thank you for your incredible support throughout the story, and I hope you loved this chapter, and will love the sequel (and prequel) as much as you did A Winter Wonderland.

For now,

Jess