A/N: Since you all thought I was harsh, I thought you deserved another chapter, so… here it is. Hope you like it =)) THE ENDING…

Esposito and Ryan looked uncomfortable as they approached Castle. "We um…" Ryan started, elbowing his partner for back-up. Esposito said nothing, leaving the overdue apology to Ryan. "We gave you a hard time about the whole ring slash proposal thing… we shouldn't have. So, you know, sorry."

Castle laughed. "Yeah, well… as lame as that apology was, you're forgiven. I was serious about this, you know… I think."

"Well, you have our blessing, if you want it," Esposito said. "I think you've stuck around long enough to prove you're the real deal."

"Thanks, guys," Castle smiled. "That really means a lot coming from you."

"Doesn't mean we won't kick your ass if you do anything to hurt her," Ryan added. "She's like our sister. You break her heart and we'll break your face."

Castle stifled a laugh. "Yeah, okay."

"We're serious."

"I know. So am I. I'd never intentionally hurt her, you know that, right?"

The two boys nodded. Castle always had her best interests at heart.

"Listen, I want to the propose to Beckett… at dinner tonight, with my mother and Alexis. I would really like it if you guys were there, too."

"Cool."

"Yeah, sure. We'll be there."

"Great. Be prepared. It's gonna be ripper. Best proposal ever," he said confidently.

"Um, excuse me," Ryan frowned. "Mine was pretty damn good. She said yes, didn't she?"

"Yeah, she felt sorry for you," Castle teased.

"Nice," he replied. "Real nice."

"Come on in," Castle offered, widening the door for the boys. Beckett wasn't there yet. As they stepped into the apartment, dressed formally in suits, they noticed the table was laid out with silver plates and cutlery, looking as rich and luxurious as Castle's bank account. He had gone all out, and it looked incredible.

Candle-lit and romantic.

"Wow… this is fit for a king," Ryan exclaimed.

"Only the best for my girls."

"Your girls?" Esposito said raising an eyebrow. "She hasn't said yes yet. She might come to her senses before it's too late."

Castle put his hand over his heart and pulled a face, a look of pretend hurt etched across his face. "Oh, you wound me."

The boys laughed.

Martha stepped out into the open lounge room. "Good evening, boys. How nice that you could join us."

Everyone exchanged hugs, kisses and greetings and then someone tapped on the door again. Castle feeling surprisingly nervous, went to answer it. Beckett, dressed in a sexy red number, stood on the other side. "Hi," she smiled.

He couldn't take his eyes off her. This was definitely the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. She knew how to handle a gun, catch a perp and dress like a Goddess, what else could he possibly want?

"You look… wow… I mean, you're beaut-" he cleared his throat. "Hey. Come in."

Beckett smiled as she brushed passed him, touching his shoulder and sending a thrill through his body. This woman was magic. Beckett was impressed with the kitchen setting and as they all sat down, chatting animatedly about the food and making mundane dinner conversation, Castle stood and tapped his knife on the crystal glass to capture everyone's attention.

"Hi," he smiled, feeling the nerves over every muscle in his body. Why hadn't he been this nervous when he proposed to his last two ex-wives?

Everyone looked up at him.

"Everyone knows why I brought you all together," he started. "So I'm not going to make you wait a long time, besides, I'm too impatient as you all know and I can't wait any longer." He looked directly at Beckett, who was seated beside him. She looked up to meet his eyes. "I realize that my jokes mean that sometimes you don't take me seriously, but I can assure you I have never been more serious about anything in my life. I wanted to ask you in front of all these people, because it felt right. Sometimes you feel like you're alone in the world, and I guess I wanted to show you that you're not, you have all these people that love you, and you're family to them. And that if you say yes to what I'm about to ask you, you will never be alone again.

"From the minute I saw you, I knew you'd change my life, I just didn't realize how much. I am so incredible glad that some crazy person read my book and mirror those murders. Don't get me wrong, I feel sad for their families, but it brought you into my life… and I am grateful for that, no matter what happens here tonight." Ever since Esposito made the joke about Beckett saying no, he realized it was a possibility. "But before I run out of courage, I am just going to ask you… I'm not like everyone else, as you've come to know. I don't play by the rules and I don't follow someone else's steps when it comes to traditional proposals. We are yet to go on an official date, we are yet to share our second kiss…" he smiled.

"Second?" everyone exclaimed.

Castle and Beckett exchanged smiles. It was a hard one to forget, even if it had been a ruse to catch the perp. "But I want to marry you. I love you, Kate Beckett, from the bottom of my heart and every bit in between. I promise to change your life the way you've changed mine. I promise to be there for you whenever you need me, and even when you don't. I promise I'll never give up on us… ever, so marry me and let me give you a family, let me give you the life you deserve?"

There was a long pause as she contemplated the question.

"No," she whispered.

It took a moment for Castle to understand what she'd said.

"No?" he repeated, he felt all the strength leave his body. Had she really said no?

Beckett met his eyes and smiled innocently. "Yes. Of course I will," she said. "Yes, I'll marry you, Rick. I will. Yes."

Castle sighed with relief and laughed, the nervousness suddenly diminishing. He slipped his arms around her waist and drew her forward. "I'm going to kiss you now," he told her. "In front of everyone. Are you ready?"

"Make it quick," she said, a deep blush in her cheeks.

Castle pressed his lips to hers, and took his time.

"It's about bloody time," Martha announced with a loud clap.

Amen.

I hope it was what you all wanted. =)) Have a great new year everyone!