Chapter 18: Partner in Crime and in Life

"You don't think it's short notice," Castle asked his mother when he arrived shortly after Beckett had gone back to work.

"It's very short notice," said Martha, "but that's the thrill of it. So what do you need me to do?"

"I need you to do what you do best mother: take care of the tuxes and dresses. You're a pro when it comes to the clothing. I all ready called about the venue. I'll have to make a generous donation since they rarely do weddings especially on short notice such as this but it will be a wedding Beckett will never forget," Castle said with a smile.

"Oh Richard, please tell me you didn't pay for a wedding in a space shuttle or one of those space planes that all the over-rich celebrities are raving about these days because no woman wants to say 'I do' in space. It's not romantic especially considering your fiancé is four months pregnant."

"As cool as that would be, I do know better. No, Beckett is gonna love this. I've all ready made a call to her father and Jim said he could re-work his schedule for tomorrow."

"So when is this shindig supposed to go down?"

"Tomorrow morning. Noon at the latest."

"In less than twenty four hours, Richard!"

"Hey, we've pulled off book parties in less time. We can do this."

Martha looked at her son, "Okay, yes we can make this happen. You know if you're really that desperate to get hitched, save time, go to city hall."

"Mother, I want romance and…"

"Magic, I know. It was just a suggestion. So tell me about this venue that you've all ready paid for."

Castle smiled at his mother's interest.

"Yo, Beckett," said Espo, "Is this for real?"

"Is what for real," Beckett asked.

"You and Castle," said Ryan, "you two are getting married tomorrow?"

"Where did you hear that?"

Esposito held up his phone, "Castle sent us a text."

Beckett smiled. She loved that Castle was taking charge. He said he had the perfect place in terms of where they should get married.

A part of her was nervous to let him handle the wedding plans. She wanted to help but she all ready had a lot on her plate with work and the one week window Gates had given them to solve Montgomery's murder because it became a cold case.

And then Castle was trying to take off as much stress as possible for her, which she found to be endearing so she trusted him enough and was looking forward to the surprise he had in store.

"We thought you were getting married after the baby was born," said Ryan.

"We were," Beckett said as she leaned back in her chair, "but Montgomery's death put things into perspective for us. We realized we didn't want to wait another five months and then some to be married to each other."

The boys gave her puppy eyes at her answer, "Aw isn't that sweet," said Ryan.

"Good for you guys," said Esposito.

Beckett bit her lip and then looked at the boys, "Castle didn't happen to mention where the wedding will be held did he?"

The boys looked at each other and smirked.

"Oh he does," said Ryan.

"But," added Esposito, "he also says if we tell you he won't get us box seats for a full season of Rangers games."

"It's my wedding," said Beckett, "You're seriously not gonna tell me?"

"Dude," said Esposito, "It's the Rangers."

"Yeah," said Ryan though he wasn't as into hockey as Javi. "You really want to know, you shouldn't have let Castle plan the wedding."

Espo added, "Besides, isn't the whole planning the wedding stuff supposed to be like a chick thing?"

"Normally I guess," Beckett replied, "but in case you haven't been paying attention, Castle and I aren't very traditional."

"True," said Ryan, "After all, you did get knocked up on your first night with him."

Beckett shot Ryan a look, unsure if she wanted to cry or laugh. Damn hormones.

While Espo hit him on the arm and said, "Boy what is wrong with you?"

"No he's right," Beckett said, managing to choke back her tears and deciding to add to things, "Just goes to show how good he is in bed. He only had to do it once to seal the deal and not even my birth control could stop him."

"Oh ugh!" Ryan and Espo said as they covered their ears while Beckett laughed at their expense.

As fun as it was to mess with the boys, they all still had a mountain of paperwork to do.

The paperwork that had taken about a couple of hours was halted as the phone rang. Ryan took the call and then held up a Post It note.

"Got a fresh one," he said to Esposito and Beckett. "At 12th and 5th. The Sheila C. Johnson Design Center."

The team got ready to go and as Beckett was putting on her coat, Gates leaned out of her office. "Not you detective," said Gates.

"Sir?"

"You're getting married in less than twenty four hours," said Gates.

"Castle called you?"

"He did and while we're all still getting to know each other, I appreciate the invite."

Beckett had no idea that Castle would invite her Captain.

Not knowing what else to say, she left it at, "You're welcome, sir."

Gates nodded, "So since you're getting married soon, no crime scenes and no new cases."

"Sir, is that really necessary? I'm more than capable of still working a scene," said Beckett.

"It's absolutely necessary. I will not have you looking tired and run down as you walk down that aisle tomorrow."

Beckett looked at her boys, "Sorry guys, looks like you're on your own with this one."

"That's okay," said Espo, "we can handle it. Besides, looks like you've got a visitor," Espo said ot her.

Beckett turned to see Alexis walking towards her.

"Alexis, hey," said Beckett, "Your dad's not here," Beckett said, thinking that Castle was the reason why she had come.

"I know," the teenager said, "he sent me on some best man errands."

Esposito stopped in his tracks, "Wait, Castle chose you as his best man?"

"You're all ready getting the hockey tickets," Beckett shot at him.

Ryan shoved Espo, "Fresh murder. Let's go."

"Yeah there will be a fresh murder," Esposito mumbled.

Beckett shook her head. Castle may have bribed them to not say anything about the venue but nothing could change his mind about his best man and between the people in his life, Beckett was glad he had chosen Alexis to stand up at the altar beside him. She wouldn't have wanted it any other way.

"Shouldn't you be in school," Beckett asked.

"I should be but dad wanted my help and considering it's your wedding, I couldn't say no. Dad got me a pass."

"Ah so he wouldn't let you go to school even if you wanted to," Beckett said with a smile knowing how much the girl valued her education.

"Not this time."

"So what brings you by?"

Alexis held up the large bag she had been carrying and placed it on the desk.

"Dad figured you probably hadn't eaten yet so I offered to bring something by."

Beckett stood up, needing to stretch her legs. "Alexis, you didn't have to do that," she said.

"I know I didn't but I wanted to."

Beckett looked in the bag, "Are those cronuts?"

"They are," Alexis replied, "I figured since I got you something healthy for lunch, I thought you might need something sweet too."

"You are a lifesaver. I was craving sugar and was just gonna pick something out of the vending machine but this is much better. Thanks Alexis," she said as she took the bag to the office room with the long table where the team often ate; with Alexis following her.

Alexis smiled, "Don't mention it."

In the break room Beckett placed the bag to the side of the table, but pulled out the plate and placed the cronut on it as well as pulled out the bottle of water and then took a seat.

"So how are you holding up," Beckett asked, "I mean I know this all very short notice."

"Don't even worry about it, I'm great."

"Really?"

"Absolutely. You and dad getting married early, it honestly doesn't surprise me."

Beckett motioned towards one of the chairs so Alexis took a seat.

"It doesn't?"

"Not at all. I knew my dad liked you the first time he saw you at the book party when you came to talk to him. He wasn't exactly subtle about it."

Beckett laughed.

She could still remember that day, the first time she had officially met Mr. Richard Castle and talked to him not as a fangirl but as a representative of the NYPD. Castle had been to so many of the book parties that he naturally expected to be talking to one of the many bubbling woman who flocked his way even going as far as to have a Sharpie ready, turn and say to her "Where would you like." Naturally the fangirl in her was screaming out, "Would you sign my chest" but she had arrived on official business and she wasn't about to let the man-child see the fan that she was.

Of course he had all ready pegged that from her at the precinct while she interrogated him and she said that it looked like Castle had a deranged fan and Castle's reply was "Oh you don't seem deranged to me."

Beckett took a piece of the cronut. After swallowing she said, "He wasn't was he?" She shook her head, "Still you're dad and I have only been dating what, four months if you include that five week period when I was trying to figure things out on my own."

"Which you had every reason. I don't know how I would react."

"And let's hope you don't have to any time soon," Beckett warned.

"You don't have to worry Kate, Ashley and I haven't taken that step yet. I'm not really sure I want to with him just yet. And in terms of you and dad dating for four months, you guys have also known each other for three years and that should count for something. When dad had married Gina, they'd only just met and then got married a week later. So three years and four months sounds good. Besides, I think it will be nice for my brother or sister to have both our parents married before she gets here."

It wasn't lost on Beckett that she had just referred to her and Castle as 'our parents'. She let it go for now thinking it must have been a Freudian slip.

"I suppose in that context it makes sense," said Beckett.

"Trust me it does. Not only did everyone wonder when you two would be together, I'm pretty sure everyone started to wonder when you guys would get married." Alexis shrugged and smiled, "It was inevitable."

Beckett smiled. Was it inevitable? Was it fate? There was a part of her that liked to have thought so.

Had she never started reading Rick's books, she never would have stood in line for hours just to get one of his books signed. Had the case that mimicked his books never fallen on her desk she never would have had to go to his book party to ask him questions about the murders. Had she never interrogated him they never would have become partners. Had they never become partners, they never would have gotten to know each other. Had they never gotten to know each other, they never would have slept together in LA. Had they never slept together she never would have gotten pregnant and she never would have been engaged to marry him.

So maybe it was fate. As a detective Beckett was trained to not believe in coincidences and considering all the variables that were in their favor, it seemed too connected to be otherwise.

Beckett was distracted from her thoughts when Alexis' phone went off. The girl checked it.

"It's dad," she said, "He's got another top secret errand for me." Alexis stood and Beckett was about to stand, "No don't get up," said Alexis as she walked over to Beckett instead, "Bye, Kate," she said placing a kiss on Beckett's cheek.

"Oh bye bud," Kate said as she reciprocated.

Outside Beckett heard Alexis said, "See ya, dad."

Castle looked at Beckett, "A goodbye kiss, when did that start?"

"Just now," said Beckett. "No, I'm just surprised as you are."

"I wouldn't say that I'm surprised," Castle said as he took the seat that Alexis had occupied, "You are pretty lovable."

"Mm, speaking of pretty lovable," Beckett said as she reached over, Castle leaned in too, and their lips met, "What are you doing here, babe?"

"Oh there are some things I have to talk to Gates about personally rather than just over the phone."

"Really, anything I should know about?"

"Not that I can think of," Castle said innocently.

"Inviting the Captain to the wedding, that was a pretty bold move."

"Well desperate times call for desperate measures if I want her to like me," Castle said as he stole a piece of the cronut. "And you know what else I was thinking about earlier? Do you remember the first time you handcuffed me? We were at the New York Public Library. Remember how angry you were that I wouldn't stop investigating that case?"

Beckett smiled, "Yeah, I remember."

"What I wouldn't give to be there now," Castle said with a smile. He then turned serious , "But since we can't be, for now while I go handle Gates, you sit here and enjoy your lunch and I will see you later tonight," Castle said as he stood up and placed a kiss on Beckett's forehead. "God I love you."

"I love you too, Rick."

"Can I take this off now?" Beckett asked as she had a black blindfold covering her eyes.

Before leaving the loft this morning Alexis had told Beckett to wear something comfortable as they wouldn't be getting dressed at home. She chose a lose top and a pair of maternity jeans. It still unnerved her that she was into maternity clothing but her side kick was growing so that was the only upside.

Downstairs a limo had been waiting for the girls and it was Alexis who, by orders from Castle, had insisted she wear the blindfold. Beckett could only reluctantly agree.

"Yes," said Alexis, you can take off the blindfold now."

As Beckett's eyes adjusted to the light she began to understand where they were. It was the old presidential library inside the New York Public Library that had been converted into something extravagant. A fire had been lit in the fireplace giving the place a sense of warmth, windows covered in black fabric adding to the magic feel of the room and barriers had been put up along the sides for the girls to get dressed.

Alexis returned with one white bag and unzipped it to reveal Beckett's dress: It was a short sleeved, silk fabric with a lace overlay, and a silk ribbon just above the middle.

"What do you think?" Alexis asked.

"It's perfect," Beckett said unable to convey anymore emotion.

"You really like it darling?" asked Martha.

"Absolutely."

"Well then, let's get you dressed shall we," Martha said as she offered to help.

Beckett let Martha and Alexis get dressed as she did so, the women hearing Lanie show up moments later. When Beckett was almost through she called out to Martha to help zip her up from the back and get the bow tied correctly.

"I present to you," said Martha, "The future Mrs. Castle."

Beckett came out of her dressing room and the women gawked.

"Oh my goodness, Kate," said Lanie, "You look beautiful!"

"Really?" Beckett asked.

"Most definitely and I love the silk ribbon above your belly."

Now Beckett really started to feel self conscious.

She hadn't been too sure about that part of the dress but she supposed that any spot the silk ribbon had been placed, whether above her belly, the middle or just slightly underneath where she often cradled her baby, the belly bump was going to be an ever present add-on accessory.

"Isn't that the best part," Martha said with excitement, "Richard is absolutely gonna love it!"

"Thank you Martha."

"Alexis, Lanie, dears do you mind giving us a minute?"

The two girls left, leaving the future in-laws to be.

"Now for your wedding, something blue," Martha said handing Beckett a box.

Beckett opened them to find a set of sapphire earrings.

"Oh Martha, they're beautiful," Beckett said as she moved to a mirror to place them on.

"These have been passed down through the Rogers' generations by my grandmother. Only women of substance have worn these gems. They've been waiting, Katherine, for you."

Beckett looked at the older woman, "I am so honored, Martha, thank you."

"And thank you, Katherine, for making my son the happiest and the luckiest man in the world."

The two women hugged. After a brief moment they released each other.

"So you ready to get this show on the road?"

Beckett smiled, "Let's do this."

About ten minutes later Jim held his daughter's arm. "You look beautiful Katie," he said to her.

"Thanks dad."

"You know you're mom would be proud of you."

Beckett smiled, "I know she would."

As Jim began to guide his daughter down the grand staircase Beckett finally saw where they were and if she could smile any larger she would have. And instrumental version of "Into You" by Low began to play softly in the background.

They entered the Rose Main Reading Room which faced south where it was filled with family, friends and guests. The tile flooring had been replaced with a velvety red rug. The walk down the aisle seemed like a long one but Beckett held on to every step.

There was that child part of her who wanted to run into Castle's arms, throw her body into his and land him a big kiss on the lips, forgetting all that was around her but she held her composure, making sure that she wouldn't fall, especially with the added weight and shift in her gravitational pull.

Before long she was at Castle's side. Jim gently placed his daughter's hand into Castle's.

"Thank you sir," Castle said to the man.

"Take care of her, Rick," Jim asked.

"Always," Castle said as he looked and smiled at Beckett. "Hi," he officially said to her.

"Hi," said Beckett. As she smiled she couldn't help but take his face in her hands and add, "First time that I cuffed you, what you wouldn't give to be back there now."

"Not a bad wedding venue, hu?"

"Not bad at all."

The justice of the peace intervened, "Excuse me but I think we're ready to get started."

The two of them suddenly had to remember they were in a room full of other people.

"Right of course," said Castle, "We're ready."

The justice of the peace did his greetings to the crowd and his opening ceremony. Castle and Beckett had both opted to write their own vows.

Once he was done, he nodded to Castle.

Castle reached back and Alexis smiled as she handed him the ring. Castle turned to face his glowing bride and placed the ring on her finger, not letting go of their entwined hands.

"Beckett, the moment I met you, my life became magical. In fact it became magical a lot sooner. It became magical the first moment I saw you, back when I watched as you stood in line at one of my book parties as you waited to get one of my books signed. I had often wondered about that mysterious girl and what happened to her. And then when I saw you as you came to question me about a case, I knew it was you. It was fate. It's been you all along. You're the one that I've waited for. And you're the one I want by my side as I go to sleep at night.

I know it hasn't been easy having me around, shadowing you. Whatever mess we've gotten into, often because of me," Castle said making the crowd laugh some, "Whatever disaster or situation that could have easily have killed us, we've done it together. I want to continue doing things together, with you, Kate. I want to be a parent with you. I want to be your partner in crime and in life.

I love you, Katherine Beckett, and I will continue to love you, always."

Beckett smiled at her groom. She then turned to Lanie who handed her the ring and then turned back, placing the ring on Castle's finger. "Castle, the moment I met you, my life became magical. In fact it became magical a lot sooner. It became magical the first moment I saw you, back when I waited hours in line for you to sign my copy of your book. I'm not the first girl to have imagined what it would be like to have been with you but now I no longer have to imagine it. You took me by surprise when I found out my case was connected to you but like you, I believe in fate, I believe in fate when it comes to us. You're the man that my mom sent to me just like she sent us this baby. It's been you all along.

You're right, it hasn't been easy having you around but like I've told you before, I've gotten used to pulling my pigtails. I have a hard job and having you around makes it a little more fun. Whatever situation we've been in, whatever darkness in my life, we've been through it together. I want to continue doing things together, Rick. I want to be a parent with you. I want to be your partner in crime and in life.

I love you, Richard Castle, and I will continue to love you, always."

"By the power vested in me," said the justice of the peace, "by the state of New York-,"

The justice of the peace didn't have any time as Castle and Beckett were quick to cut him off by kissing each other deeply, in a moment that they seemed to have waited their whole lives for.

The crowd around them: Martha, Alexis, Jim, Lanie, Esposito, Ryan, and the many other relatives and friends and bosses and others they had invited, all stood up and cheered but the couple was oblivious to the exuberance around them as they got lost within each other, not wanting to part, wanting to make their first kiss as husband and wife last a life time.

~ :Author's Note: ~

Hi you guys. First let me say how deeply sorry I am for the lack in update. I can site over a dozen excuses, everything from what felt like a permanent writer's block, to writing other fanfics, to reading books, to life in general, but considering how this was one of my favorite Castle stories that I'd written, no excuse feels like validation for letting it go.

Thanks goes out to some of you for helping me get my muse back. Couldn't have done it without your persistence in wanting another chapter. Believe me I did too!

Just a couple things to clarify: 1.) I have never been to the NY Public Library so I don't know the set up. So the old presidential library in the NYPL may have just been fictional on my part. I wanted something special instead of having the women change in a bathroom. Most of the wedding was just my imagination and my ideas of a dream wedding. 2.) I don't know how long it would logically take to plan a wedding. I've never done one. I just wanted their wedding to be magical and what better place for a writer and his muse than in a library and where she first cuffed him at that 3.) I have no idea about pregnancy or what a four month pregnant bride would look like so all of that has been research.

I hope this chapter more than makes up for the time lost (I can only hope!) and here's hoping that another several long months don't go by between here and chapter 19.

As I've stated before, most of the final chapter, which I'm expecting to be chapter 20, is all ready written, so I really can't wait to share the ending with you all!

In the mean time, really hope you liked this chapter. Out of all the chapters in this fic, this was probably in my top 5 in terms of favorite chapters both story wise and writing wise.

So I hope you enjoyed it just as much as I did!