"Always" is a perfect ending to this journey. Thank you for sharing this with us.

Great closure chapter. I loved how it ended in a snowball fight. Kudos.

Okay, this story? intense and romantic, beautiful and heartbreaking all at the same time. The words just flew, and you had us right where you wanted us to be, was it either the Hamptons house, Emily's office, the cabin in Canada or even the crowded airport. Every time the POV shifted, it was like you shifted personality, and so did we. It was beautiful to see how things looked from Rick's side, then switch to Kate's and realize that maybe, maybe it could have been a lot worse.

There was just enough dialogue, the words seemed made to go together like this, exactly as you picked them, careful not to overdo it, but you were never shy do describe a character simply staring into space.

I only say it was beautiful, and I'm glad I found it when it's basically over, because I wouldn't have been able to wait for updates. I basically read it all in one sitting, and believe me, all the hours of could-have-been sleep were absolutely worth every single word.

I can't wait to read the epilogue now! Thank you, thank you so much for writing this story and all the emotions it made me surge inside. Thank you.

Aw man...i dont believe its over...A beautiful story from the beginning til the end...take this as a compliment but your M-rated stories r also gold...really thoughtful not just mindless smut...
But thanx for this one...truly loved it..

You and your "team" lit up my nights with this story...reading when I should have slept...waiting and waiting so I could read so fast I would have to reread it...Thank You

Before I write a review of this last AAO chapter (*sniff* and *sob*)...thank you for writing this story. I've loved every chapter.

I really like how you structured this chapter with something serious (finding the recordings - the last unknown), then something fun (the snowball fight*) that seems to finally shift the balance back and release the passion of the pre-kidnapping Castle and Beckett. And the end scene flashes back to "Always" - where she comes to him needing the space and freedom from her demons to choose him without reservation - and he needs to know that she is real and in it for him (for them), that it's not some fleeting thing or reaction to her latest crises. Great tie back to the show, wonderfully structured, beautifully written.

"With our luck I'm sure one of us would end up with a broken leg. And it'd probably be you." Nice "Lives" touch!

"At night she comes home to me," he finishes - such an honest, lovely sentiment; he really is such a tender character.

"He's going to worship her, of course; he's going to adore every inch of her and make her chest burn with unshed tears." - Jeez...I had tears reading that.

* She narrows her eyes at him. "You're a dead man, Rick Castle." - this line made me laugh.

I hope the epilogue will include some of her reunion with her father and her NY friends...

yay thanks for sharing!

The epilogue has what he does with the tapes, RIGHT?

Though others have written it, too. No one has done it better than you when you have Castle describe Beckett. And after all, isn't that just what we want from our spouses: that they make us better, more complete persons. What a beautiful ending!

Awe, I'll miss this story! But can't wait for the M stuff lol. Thanks for sharing, this has become one of my favorite stories.

Samantha

Last chapter? I'm glad there will be an epilogue and companion, though. Great work with this story. Complex, painful and hopeful. A great showcase of two great characters.

Oh my god I love it so much. Can't wait for the epilogue.

OMFG WHAT YOU DO TO ME WITH YOUR AMAZING WORDS! HOLY MOTHER OF WOW WOW THIS STORY WILL ALWAYS BE THE BEST OF THE BESTS! ::HAPPY DANCE:: There is something so special & strong about their LOVE & I always end up with tears of joy & pride that they can over come almost anything together! WoW just WoW! I'll stand up proudly & applaude you my friend,for creating such magic & staying true to the characters & giving a meaning to words beyond what can be found in dictionaries! It felt like you were directing an incredible movie/script & as a reader I was one of the crew members witnessing every chapter/scene come to life! So once again thank you! :)
P.S. now the traditionional way: OH MY FREAKING FLIPPING GOD OF FLIPPING FREAKING HOLY MOTHER OF STORIES,I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE PLEEEEEASE SOON UPDATES CAUSE I WILL PROBABLY END UP CHEWING SOMEONE OR MY OWN HEADOFF & INDEED NEED TO GO...OVER THERE & DIE! SO MUCH JOY! YOU ROCK YES YOU BRILLIANT AMAZING IMCREDIBLE FANTASTIC YOU! :D

what a wonderful journey. One of the most heartfelt and poignant stories I've ever read.

A great story from start to finish.