DISCLAIMER: The characters of the television show, CASTLE does not belong to me. They belong to the ABC network. I'm borrowing them for a little while, for my enjoyment and hopefully yours as well. I am getting no financial gain from this.

Epilogue

Kate had been yelled at by her commanders before, but she hadn't experienced anything like the ring-out that she received from Captain Carter. Kate learned that not only were Ryan and Esposito on probation for what they had done, but that Castle was no longer welcome in the precinct. Kate would have thought that the fact that she had been put on rest and relaxation would have been the icing on the proverbial cake, especially when it was coupled with the fact that Carter was re-evaluating Kate's place in the precinct.

Normally, Kate would have been furious at the prospect of potentially losing her job, but the course of events from her mother's death, Montgomery's death, her near death experience and Castle's had shown her that her job wasn't the be all and end all like she thought it was. There were more important things, like being really and truly happy. Castle made Kate that happy. With him, she could have a life outside of work, she could have a home that actually felt warm and inviting, and she could have a family that she loved and adored.

For Castle, he was immensely thankful to have Kate by his side when he said goodbye to Alexis at her college. Having his little girl leave him was a blow that he hadn't been prepared for. Mentally he knew that it was coming, but he had always assumed that she'd finish grade twelve first. Having her leave before he was ready was something that Castle was having a hard time coming to grips with and it was by having Kate beside him, which helped him through it. But more than that, Castle was glad that both he and Kate had a chance to start fresh. She completed him in a way that no one had in the past and he was determined to make their relationship work.

After seeing Alexis off, they returned to his apartment in New York City alone. Martha had gone out to mingle with her Broadway friends leaving the two love birds alone. Since Castle had been discharged from the hospital, and Kate had been given some time to rest up she had spent almost every night at Castle's apartment. For the first time they both really felt as though they were home, and they were determined to seize every moment from that moment on, together.

END

Author's Note: And there we have it folks, this is the end of my little post season 3 ficlett. I'm so glad that you guys stuck with me this summer even though I didn't update every Monday like I promised to do. You should be glad to know that I did complete the story exactly as I set out to do, and I hope that you all enjoyed it! Thanks again so much for all the wonderful reviews, all the story alerts the favourites and all the rest. You guys have really made my summer. This is your last chance to review, so I'd love it if you guys let me know what you thought whether it be for the first time, or the twelfth. :D

And as for tonights episode... well I liked it but I've got to say it didn't live up to all my expectations. Kate was such a b-tch when she woke up and I know that she was only like that 'cause she had to deal with Castle's confession and the shooting but I don't know, personally I like my story a little better... oh well. We've got another fun filled CASTLE year so here's hoping that they actually get together this season!

Take care dear readers!