Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

July 26, 2017

You'll be happy to know, The saga is complete! You can now enjoy all three parts, four is you count Under The Table.

Bren Williams

Important Notes:

Summer 2010, Andrew Marlowe stated in an interview that "There are things in Beckett's life that she is not ready to share with Castle." Speculation was rife on the ABC forums immediately after, and I threw out a wild idea, immediately followed by a demand that someone write a fanfiction on it. I don't believe anyone ever did, fortunately. Months later, I was hit with the perfect opening to give life to that idea. (Stay tuned for more.)

Kindly remember this is alternate universe. In my alternate universe there is a backstory for these characters that you would not suspect.

This season three story goes alternate universe just before Knockdown.

Enjoy.

Bren Williams

SITTING IN A TREE, BACKWARDS

Crazy Proposal

CHAPTER ONE

January, 2011

Detective Kate Beckett shifted in the seat of her Crown Vic. She glanced over at her partner, who was silent, thoughtful even, as he studied the pedestrians through the early morning gloom of New York City. Neither spoke, but she knew his game by now. He watched people pass, noting clues and speculating on their lives and motivations before they disappeared forever. The two were silent and still. Sighing, she looked away from his profile, and frowned. At last she blew out a breath and closed her eyes. Her brow furrowed as she finally spoke.

"Castle?"

Famous mystery novelist, and NYPD consultant extraordinaire, Richard Castle, glanced over at her, surprised by the softness in her voice. "Yeah?" Smiling slightly, he waited for her to speak.

He watched her stare resolutely through the windshield, noting her white-knuckled grip on the steering wheel.

"Have you," she hesitated again, catching her lower lip between her teeth. "Have you ever thought about getting married again?"

His eyes widened. "It's not out of the question. It would depend on circumstances. On the woman." His voice trailed off as he took in her bent head.

"I need help." Her voice was low, determined.

"Yeah?" His brow furrowed as he waited for her to continue.

"I need to get married. Quickly."

His mouth dropped open. He closed it and licked his lips. "Why, Detective Beckett…."

Her cheeks felt hot, and she hoped he wouldn't notice her blush in the gloom. She faced him, meeting his eyes at last.

"Are you proposing to me?" Behind his astonishment, a smile teased her.

"No," she snapped. "I'm asking you for a favor."

"Are you sure, because it sounded like a favor that involved getting married."

She closed her eyes, feeling completely miserable. "It does."

His widened further and his voice lowered to an awed whisper, "I've never been proposed to before, but shouldn't you be down on one knee?"

Eyes still closed, she drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly. "Castle..." There was a note of warning in her voice.

He schooled his features to a serious expression. "You were saying?"

She stared out the windshield at the brick building they were watching. "I need to get married. Before the 29th or I lose my share of my grandmother's estate." She caught her lip between her teeth again, this time biting down. "Would you marry me? By the 29th?"

"That's less than two weeks away!"

Beckett nodded and he stared at her in awe, blinking several times.

"That's… That's so… What happens to your inheritance if you aren't wed by then?"

Her expression hardened. "My cousin gets it all." She scowled as a hint of bitterness crept into her voice. "He's 37, unmarried, and likely to remain so for the rest of his life. But there's no such restriction on his inheritance!" She risked a glance and was caught by his intent gaze.

"What about Josh?"

She swallowed, her eyes flicking away for a second as she answered, "We broke up." Her flat tone spoke volumes. "Look, if you don't—"

"Hold on. You caught me by surprise." He licked his lips again, leaning forward to prop an elbow on the console between them. "I have some more questions before I can give you an answer."

She nodded and turned back to survey the street.

"Why me?"

Startled, her eyes flew to his. "Castle…."

"Just answer the question."

She sighed and plucked an empty travel mug from the console, turning it in her hands before answering. "Esposito and Ryan are taken." She drained the last of the tepid coffee.

"Esposito and Ryan?" He was clearly affronted.

She shrugged. "Beggars can't be choosers."

"Hunh," he grunted and faced forward again.

She peeked at his profile and offered the empty cup, knowing he would bring it back to her tomorrow, filled with hot, fragrant coffee. "Look," her voice was low. "I trust you. We make a good team… If I have to marry someone, I'd rather it were you."

He stared back at her, as though waiting for something.

She swallowed hard, hoping he was through with questions. He wasn't.

Without taking his eyes off her, he took the cup from her. "And," One side of his mouth curved upward and he leaned toward her. "Does your charming offer include… benefits?" His smile deepened and his dimples appeared.

Something fluttered inside her as his blue eyes held hers. A sheen of sweat broke out all over her body in the stifling stillness. "That depends," she murmured.

"On?"

She arched one graceful eyebrow. "On how good you are."

His smile deepened and his eyes lingered on her lips.

Her heart pounding in her ears. He was going to kiss her. But, when his eyes met hers, the smile was gone and it was his turn for hesitance.

His voice was very quiet. "I don't want a marriage in name only."

She nodded.

"I've had two marriages fall apart." The words hung in the air between them and she sighed, waiting for his refusal. "I don't want that to happen to us." His eyes caught hers and for a moment she held her breath. The words came slowly with great seriousness. "If we do this, I'm in it to have and to hold…."

She could not look away.

"Forever."

The word hung in the air between them, as he waited for her response, a hint of vulnerability hiding behind his certainty. "Do you agree?" There was a catch in his voice and it suddenly occurred to her that her answer mattered to him, very much.

Her lips parted. Her breathing came fast and shallow. She could not tear her eyes from his. She gave a jerky nod. His eyes dropped to her lips again. "It's only fair to warn you, I fully intend to seal our agreement with a kiss." His eyes flicked back to hers and he murmured, "But not just yet."

Kate's struggled to catch her breath. "N-No?" Her hand clenched into a fist, and she wished she could've kept the word back.

A movement on the street drew his gaze. "Ah. Over there. It's Burrola." And he was out of the car, moving across the street while Kate struggled to catch her breath, and master her disappointment.

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