Beckett is forced to take two weeks of paid leave, and Castle invites her to the Hamptons with him. She reluctantly agrees, and starts to discover that her feelings for him are stronger than she was willing to admit.

A thoughtless remark from Beckett makes Castle give up on them ever becoming more than partners, and he leaves. Without being able to talk to him, Beckett must convince him that he's wrong about her feelings.

As Christmas approaches, Beckett gets a little help in realising that by keeping Castle waiting for her, she's also been putting off her own life. A tribute to Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol".

Beckett is distraught when Castle seems to have finally given up hope on them ever being more than just partners, and he begins to pull away from her, prompting her to face up to her own feelings.

Jack finds it increasingly difficult to hide his feelings from Sam, leading to a change in their relationship.