Chapter 43

Kate woke up slowly and stretched. It took a few seconds for her sleep fogged mind to clear, but when it did, she could only think of one thing... the wedding. A slow smile spread across her face before she rolled over to snuggle her husband-to-be, but he was gone. His side of the bed was empty and cold, wiping the grin from her face. She had forgotten that Rick had told her that he'd be up early to get things done. Which reminded her of everything she had to do too.

After a quick shower, she headed out to meet the girls for brunch before they headed to the salon.

The hours spent getting primped and pampered were a blur. The trendy spa-like atmosphere was supposed to create a tranquil environment, but the flurry of girl talk and wedding details, plus the small entourage of beauty professionals tending to their party was anything but relaxing, not to mention the photographer who worked hard to capture every moment of the special day. After their nails were dry and their hair and make up perfect, the group moved to some back rooms to dress. The limo and wedding coordinator would be there soon to take them around to the photography locations.

Just after the women were settled in the sleek black limo, a deep, slow rumble of thunder rolled through the sky, dark gray clouds slowly moved in, blocking out the sun, and rain drop after rain drop began to pepper the windows.

"Oh no, I didn't think it was supposed to rain until late tonight." Lanie signed.

"Maybe it's just a quick little rain storm." Kate replied unconvincingly.

Shay, the wedding coordinator was immediately on her smart phone looking at the weather radar. "This doesn't look like it will last long but there are other storms in the area. I'm going to call my partner Mya to get the tents on site."

Everyone seemed to agree with that decision as the rain continued to fall.

Thankfully by the time they arrived at Central Park, not only had the brief shower ended, but the warm September sun was reemerging. The raindrops that clung to the newly changing fall foliage sparkled like tiny crystals in the sunlight.

The photographer used this to his advantage and posed the women for several shots before another limo pulled up.

"The guys are here," Shay called out. "Lets hide the bride for a little longer, while we get some of the men's shots. I'll go over and distract them. Lanie can you help Kate back into the limo?"

Together the two friends carefully picked their way through the damp grass, until they were back to the car.

After getting back in the car, Lanie kicked off her heels. "I don't know how you can walk around in these things all the time. My feet are already killing me."

"They can't be worse than the shoes you wore at your wedding," Kate replied.

"Those were really bad. It's been a year, and I still have a scar on the side of my toe."

"I told you to get the other pair."

"I know, but they were so cute! If I had to do it all again, I'd probably still wear them."

Kate just shook her head and turned to stare out the window, hoping to catch a glimpse of Rick.

"So Girly, you nervous?" Lanie Esposito asked.

"No." Kate couldn't see anything from where they sat, so she turned back to her friend. "Anxious about the day, but not nervous about getting married."

"Just relax and try to have fun. Don't worry about the details, they'll take care of themselves."

"Easy for you to say, your wedding went off without a hitch!"

"Oh, mine had it's share of stuff too, but it didn't matter. What mattered was Javi and I got married, surrounded by our family and friends, and today you and Castle are going to do the same thing!"

"Do you think Ryan will dress in drag and sing with your husband like at yours?"

"I doubt it, they've never made a bet with us since losing that one."

"That's too bad. I think another bromance serenade would help take the edge off!"

Both women laughed as they remembered Ryan and Esposito singing "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" at the Esposito's reception. The best part was when a very intoxicated Kevin Ryan surprised them by coming out in one of his wife's dresses and a wig for the number. Thankfully they had several copies of the performance that they brought out on special occasions, much to the the pair's annoyance.

Suddenly the limo door opened, and Jenny leaned in. "Lanie, we need you for some bridal party shots, then we'll come back and get Kate in a couple minutes."

The doctor slipped her shoes back on before patting her friend's knee and getting out. As the door was closing Kate noticed that Jenny's purple bridesmaid dress did nothing to hide her baby bump, or swollen cleavage, but she would never tell her. Although everyone knew she was pregnant, almost no one would expect her to be showing so soon, except for the handful of close family and friends who were told a week earlier that they were expecting twins.

Alone for the first time since leaving the loft that morning, Kate laid her head back, careful not to damage her hair. Silent minutes ticked by, allowing herself to get lost in thought.

When the car door opened, it startled her.

Kate expected Shay or one of the girls to come get her, but instead, Rick slid in beside her and shut the door.

At first, neither spoke. This was this first time they'd seen each other dressed for the wedding. Kate's smile grew as she took Rick in. His new suit and freshly cut hair looked wonderful, but even covered in dirt and wearing a bag, he would have looked gorgeous to her.

Slowly, Castle's eyes slid over his bride, absorbing every detail. Tears formed in his eyes, surprising both of them. "My extraordinary KB," he whispered. "What did I ever do to deserve you?"

Kate didn't have the words to tell him how she felt, so instead of using her lips to speak, she pressed them to his, pouring everything she wanted to say into the kiss.

Rick wrapped his arms around her gently and held her like a delicate flower. When they finally parted, she pulled away slightly and whispered into his ear, "I love you too." Then she took his hand and kissed his palm before bringing it to her cheek.

They stayed like that for a long while, before Rick moved his hand back to hers. "C'mon, the quicker we get all this done, the quicker I can marry you."

Hand in hand they left the limo and dashed back to Lanie and Javier, Ryan and Jenny, and Alexis and Rick's long time friend Mark Wells.

As the couple dashed forward, the photographers snapped as many candid photos as possible before going back to all the posed pictures. After more than an hour of taking pictures around the park, the bridesmaids and groomsmen, along with Shay and one photographer piled into the larger limo to head back to the loft, while Kate, Rick and the remaining photographer got into the other, so they could hit a few special locations for more pictures.

When Beckett and Castle had looked into wedding photographers, Exposure Photographers, really impressed them by asking about Kate and Rick's relationship story and then coming up with interesting shoot locations and poses. So after finishing the traditional bridal party pictures in the park, they headed off for some places that were special to them as a couple. The first stop was hotel bar where Kate and Rick first met.

Lynn, the photographer with them, took some cute pictures of them kissing in front of the large windows, then moved them to the bar itself. In one picture Rick posed with his sunglasses low on his nose as he looked into the camera with Kate watching him in the reflection of a mirror that was behind him. Another one had Rick sitting at the bar with Kate in the bartender's place serving him a martini glass with her badge in it. The last group of pictures had Rick sitting at the piano with Kate posed on top of the baby grand, and then next to him as they played together.

After leaving the hotel, they headed to a small bookstore several blocks away. Months after they began dating, Kate confessed that years before the teamed up, she'd waited in line for three hours so that Rick would sign her copy of "Gathering Storm", his first Derrick Storm Book. It happened to be the same bookstore that she came to watch him do a reading at, not long after they met. It was now their favorite bookstore to go to on quiet Saturday mornings.

The first series of picture in the store involved Kate and Rick looking at books from opposite sides of the same bookshelf, getting closer and closer to the camera until they got to a half shelf and were looking lovingly at each other while both holding the same Heatwave book.

The next photo had Rick at a table with a stack of his books and a pen, offering an autograph to Kate, followed by a picture of her pushing the books aside and pulling him by the tie into a kiss.

Another photo was a close up of them kissing behind an open copy of Body Heat. Another one was taken with the couple sitting in back to back chairs reading, while holding hands.

The last pictures they took before leaving, had Kate on one of the tall bookshelf ladders the store had a long the walls, with Rick down on one knee in front of her, then climbing the ladder behind her, and finally pressing her back into the ladder rungs while he kissed her.

They had one more location to visit before going back to the loft. The wedding would start in a few hours on the rooftop and they still had more pictures and last minute details to take care of there.

When they arrived at the 12th, co-workers and acquaintances who were on duty, stopped whatever they were doing to watch the most famous couple in the station. People called out their congratulations and well wishes, someone gave Kate a wolf whistle. Kate also got several hugs and Rick received as many handshakes and pats on the back. Everyone knew Beckett and Castle and were happy to see a little of their day.

Getting pictures in a dark and busy police station wasn't as easy as it was other places, but by the time they left, over a hundred pictures had been taken.

Some of their favorites were a series of pictures taken just as the elevator doors were closing. One with Rick on one knee, one of Kate throwing her arms around him. Another of them in a passionate embrace, another with their wrists handcuffed together, and one with them holding just married signs.

At the suggestion of a fellow detective, they took a series of coffee themed pictures too. Making coffee together, Rick bringing coffee to Kate at her desk, toasting coffee mugs, and one of Kate holding her mug while sitting in Rick's lap on the break room couch.

They also took several pictures from different angles of Kate and Rick in their respective seats at Kate's desk with their heads together.

Another group of pictures were taken in an interrogation room. First with them staring at each other from opposite sides of the table, and then kissing over it. They took some more using the two way glass to stare at each other in the reflection. Lynn even convinced them to do a sexy one where Kate stood with one foot on the chair and her dress hiked up high on her leg revealing her gun tucked in her garter and with Rick watching from behind her, biting his knuckles.

The last place they got a picture at in the station was a recently cleaned out holding cell. Rick stood behind bars, looking at Kate with big puppy dog eyes, while she swung the keys to the cell on her finger.

XXXXXXXXXXX

By the time they returned to the waiting limo, the rain had begun again and was coming down in sheets. Thankfully with the use of several umbrellas, the chauffeur and a couple kind hearted uniforms, Rick and Kate were able to get back into the car without getting wet.

When they got back home, there was barely more than an hour before the ceremony was to begin and the rain was lighter but still falling. Kate was worried, but Rick assured her that they had made plenty of plans in case of rain and that everything would be fine.

Once in the loft, they took a few more photos with parents and other family members before Rick went to greet arriving guests and Kate went to their room for last minute touch ups to her hair and make up.

Alexis was in the bedroom, and was almost finished having her makeup re-done. The beautician didn't need long to freshen the bride, and left soon afterward to see if anyone else needed her help, leaving Kate and Alexis alone.

"Are you nervous?" the younger woman asked.

"No, just excited."

"That's good."

The room became very quiet while both ladies tried to figure out what they wanted to say to each other.

Alexis found her words first.

"You know Kate, I may not call you Mom, but I want you to know that I think of you as both a friend and a mother. In a lot of ways, what we have has been the closest thing I've ever had to a real mother daughter relationship, and I want you to know that I love you, and that I'm thrilled that you're marrying my Dad."

Tears welled up in Kate's eyes before she opened her arms to the young red head. "I love you too Lex. I couldn't ask for a better step daughter. I know I'm coming into the house just as you're starting to leave, but I hope that we can always have a close relationship."

"Me too."

Just then Lanie and Jenny arrived. "Hey guys, sorry to interrupt but the music is playing and the guests are being seated."

"Go on," Kate told the others, "I'll be there in a minute."

The three women smiled and nodded before heading out of the room. Once Kate was alone, she took a long look around the room that she and Rick had shared for more than a year. Their bags for the honeymoon were packed and stacked along the wall. A silver picture frame on her nightstand held the photo taken in St Thomas, of Rick proposing to her. A matching frame on his nightstand held a family picture of Rick, Kate and Alexis wearing matching Santa hats from last Christmas. On her dresser stood a mahogany jewelry box that currently held her mom's ring, her dad's watch, Rick's class ring, and her mother's day ring among it's treasures. On their bed was a teddy bear named Kitten that Kate had given Rick as a gag gift on Valentine's Day that somehow made it's home nestled between their pillows.

After completing her glance around the room, Kate took one last look in the mirror. One last look at Kate Beckett, because although she'd keep her maiden name at work, in all other aspects, she would soon be Kate Castle.

She looked over herself with a critical eye, searching for anything out of place. Despite her earlier tears, her makeup was flawless and her sweptback hair, pristine. The scars from the fire and surgeries were almost undetectable from even short distances now and in Castle's words "did nothing to detract from her hotness, but served only to make great conversation".

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw someone hovering just outside the door.

"It's Ok Daddy, you can come in."

Jim Beckett approached her slowly. It was the first time he'd really taken the time to look at Kate in her gown. "My lord, Katie, you're breathtaking."

Kate blushed, unable to find any words beyond "Thank you."

"You look just like your mother on our wedding day. Did you do that on purpose?"

"You mean the dress?"

"Even in a different dress you'd look like Mom, but yeah the dress too."

Kate spun slowly in front of her father like she did when she was a little girl on Easter morning.

The white wedding gown belled out slightly with her movements, before draping again around her legs. The halter top of the gown hugged Kate's willowy neck and came down to gather under her chest. The drop waist bodice which was covered in delicate silver embroidery and tiny bead work was well fitted through the torso and over her hips where a sating sash was knotted over the place where the skirts began. It wasn't a very full dress and moved with her, leaving only a slight train.

"I was looking for something a little simpler but when they brought out this one and I saw the sash around the hips, I remembered Mom's dress and agreed to try it on. Then when I saw it on, I just knew it was the one. Not only did I love it, but I knew she would too."

"Yes she would. You're very beautiful. Castle is a very luck man."

"I'm the lucky one, Dad."

Jim smiled and offered his arm to his daughter. "I'm very happy for both of you."

XXXXXXXXXXX

When Kate and Jim walked through the door leading out to rooftop garden, Kate was surprised to see the sun. Most of the roof was covered in two giant white tents which were dripping from the previous storm but above them, the clouds were rolling away from the setting sun and out over the Atlantic.

Jim and the women waited quietly out of sight, behind the greenhouse, for the music to change. As Bach's Prelude from Unaccompanied Cello Suite No. 1 began to play, Alexis turned the corner and began the procession. A few moments later it was Jenny's turn, and then at last Lanie's, leaving only Kate and her dad.

Jim took this opportunity to give his little girl a kiss on her cheek, before giving her away to her husband. Kate kissed him back and ended up wrapping her arms around him in an impromptu hug.

After the Prelude ended, the pianist and cellist began playing Bach's Aria, Air on G-String. During the previous night's practice, they'd timed it out that they should let the music play for a full minute before beginning to walk. It meant that there was a slight wait for the bride to make her appearance, but then there was less time waiting at the end of the aisle for the piece to finish.

As Kate waited for her cue from Shay, her palms grew sweaty holding her bouquet of purple and red flowers intermingled with her favorite red and yellow variegated roses. When she thought she'd have to hand them to her dad so that she could wipe her hands, the coordinator gave them the nod signaling them to begin their procession.

Together, they slowly made their way around the side of the greenhouse, pausing only a second for Shay to arrange her train. As soon as they were on the other side of the glass structure, the hundred or so friends and family in attendance turned to look at them and began to stand. Several hushed gasps and awws were heard. When they reached the white lace aisle runner they paused again before continuing.

Jim gave Kate's hand a squeeze before proceeding, but he didn't think she even noticed; her eyes were already locked on Rick's.

She never saw the mayor, or James Patterson, or Sam Brennan. She didn't notice her cousin who flew in from Dallas or her high school friend Madison. Kate missed the look of pride on Roy Montgomery's face that rivaled the one on her own father's face, didn't know that both Ryan and Esposito who were standing up for Castle, had to choke back their own emotions and was completely oblivious to the tear streaked faces of her bridal party, because the moment she saw Rick, everyone else faded away.

The closer to the front they got, the bigger Kate's smile grew, but Rick's matched hers inch for inch. When they arrived at the end of the aisle, Jim gave her one more long teary eyed hug, and then shook Rick's hand before moving to his seat. Rick extended his arm to her and together they took the last few steps to the officiant where they waited for the music to finish.

"Beloved family and friends," the pastor began, "We have gathered this evening to not only witness the marriage of Katherine Elaine Beckett to Richard Edgar Alexander Castle, but to celebrate with them in the love and joy they have found. When I spoke with Rick and Kate several weeks ago, I saw something, that in all my years marrying people, I rarely see. Something I'm sure you've all seen in them before, and it left a deep impression on me. These two are more than just a couple in love, they are friends and partners, two halves to a whole. They move together, and complete each other sentences. They have conversations without ever speaking a word. They sense each others inner thoughts and feelings and make accommodations for the other with a smile. And when one leaves the room, the other actually looks as if a piece of them is missing." The older man looked directly at the couple as he continued to speak. "There will be highs and lows as you move forward in your lives, but remember that when you go through them together, you're never alone. With the exception of parenthood, marriage is probably the greatest and most challenging thing you will ever experience. No ceremony can create your marriage; only you can do that – through love and patience; through dedication and perseverance; through talking and listening, helping and supporting and believing in each other; through tenderness and laughter; through learning to forgive, learning to appreciate your differences, and by learning to make the important things matter, and by letting go of the rest. It is a rare and precious gift that you two have. Hold tight to it and never let go."

The officiant returned his attention back to the crowd. "Now Alexis, will read a poem that is special to Kate and Rick, called 'On Friendship' by Roy Croft."

Alexis moved to the microphone and began to speak,

"I love you, not for what you are, but what I am, when I am with you.

I love you not only for what you have made of yourself, but what you

are making of me. I love you for the part of me that you bring out.

I love you for putting your hand into my heaped up heart and passing

over all the frivolous and weak things that you cannot help seeing

there, and drawing out into the light all the beautiful and radiant

things that no one else has looked quite far enough to find.

I love you for ignoring the possibilities of the fool in me, and for

laying hold of the possibilities of good in me.

I love you for closing your eyes to the discords in me, and adding

to the music in me by worshipful listening...

You have done it without a touch, without a sign. You have done it

by being yourself."

Kate and Rick, started to watch Alexis as she spoke but were drawn in by each other and the words until they were again lost in each other's eyes.

When Alexis finished and returned to her place next to Jenny, Kate pulled her hands out from Rick's, leaving him looking confused. When she stepped away from him, his face even fell momentarily until she glanced back at him with a reassuring smile.

Kate went to the microphone that Alexis had just left and turned to her groom. "Rick, you don't know about this, but I wanted to do something special for you. So after thinking about it a while, I realized that I wanted to sing a song for you, because I know how much you love that. Then I tried to pick a song, which was much harder that I originally thought, because I'm in love, so all the songs make sense."

The couple shared a knowing smile at their inside joke, but even those who weren't in on it, understood.

"So after listening to probably a hundred perfect songs, I accidentally stumbled across this one and knew it was the one. I may not do it as much justice as Ella Fitzgerald, but I hope you like it."

The music ensemble began playing softly behind them, and then Kate began to sing.

"I'll be loving you Always
With a love that's true Always.
When the things you've planned
Need a helping hand,
I will understand Always.

Always.

Days may not be fair Always,
That's when I'll be there Always.
Not for just an hour,
Not for just a day,
Not for just a year,
But Always.

I'll be loving you, oh Always
With a love that's true Always.
When the things you've planned
Need a helping hand,
I will understand Always.

Always.

Days may not be fair Always,
That's when I'll be there Always.
Not for just an hour,
Not for just a day,
Not for just a year,
But Always.

Not for just an hour,
Not for just a day,
Not for just a year,
But Always."

As Kate sang, Rick slowly moved closer to her. He could never stay away from her when she sang. As the last words left her mouth, he pulled her to him and kissed her deeply.

After they came up for air, the officiant joked, "You're not supposed to do that until after I pronounce you husband and wife!"

The crowd laughed.

"Sorry, Reverend, these two never play by the rules." Esposito piped up, causing more laughter to ripple through the audience.

When everyone was back in place, the older man continued. "Let's not keep these two waiting any longer, I think they're eager to be hitched. May I have the rings?"

Lanie and Javier each handed him a shiny platinum band.

"Kate and Rick have decided to write their own vows, and apparently it will be no surprise that they've chosen to declare them in a non traditional manor." He nodded at the bride and groom, signaling them to begin.

Kate: "I, Katherine Elaine Beckett,"

Rick: "And I, Richard Edgar Alexander Castle,"

Together: "Take you, my love,

Kate: "To be my husband,"

Rick: "To be my wife"

Together: "Joined as one, for all eternity until the end of days."

Kate: "I promise,"

Rick: "And I promise,"

Kate: "To love without reservations,"

Rick: "And honor in all things,"

Kate: "To comfort you in times of distress"

Rick: "And encourage you in all your goals and dreams,"

Kate: "To laugh with you and cry with you."

Rick: "To always be open and honest with you"

Kate: "To grow with you, in heart and mind,"

Rick: "For better or worse,"

Kate: "Whether richer or poorer,"

Rick: "Through times of sickness and health,"

Together: "For as long as we both shall live."

The minster handed them each a ring.

Kate positioned Rick's hand in her's before looking back into his eyes. "Rick, I give you this ring as a symbol of of my unending love and devotion."

Sliding the ring over his long finger wasn't as easy as it should have been but after a little adjusting, it was soon in place.

Then Rick took Kate's hand and caressed it with his thumb. "My precious Katie, I give you this ring as a symbol of my unending love and devotion."

Her ring slid on much easier.

"Before I declare this happy couple officially wed, Kate and Rick have chosen to plant a tree together to symbolize their unity. It will grow here in the roof top 'Hope Garden' that they've built."

The couple moved to a potted sapling and each poured three vases of soil over the roots and then together poured a pitcher of water over the dirt.

While they did this, Captain Montgomery ready a short poem.

"Love, by Dick Innes...

Love, like a tree,
sends its roots down deep
so when the storms of life abound
and the winds of adversity blow,
it shakes and bends
and goes with the flow
but doesn't break or fall.

And during times of drought
it drives its roots down deeper
so whatever comes and goes—
summer, winter, spring, or fall,
the good times and the bad—
it stands the test of all."

After everyone returned to their places, the minister spoke again.

"Rick and Kate, my hope for this tree is much like my hope for your new life as a married couple. May you grow and flourish no matter the sun or the clouds that look down on you. May your roots grow deep and strong to anchor you. May the the fruits that come forth be sweet. And may many future generations look back and see the goodness that began today."

The unexpected blessing warmed their hearts.

"And now, without further ado, by the power vested in me by the state of New York, I present to you, dear friends, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Castle! You may now kiss the bride. Again."

The kiss was long and passionate. The crowd was clapping and cheering long before they broke apart.

When the musicians began playing Bach's Cello Suit No. 1 iii Courante, they finally ended the kiss and joined hands to recess back down the aisle, with their bridal party following close behind.

XXXXXXXXXXX

The rain thankfully stayed away for the rest of the night, as the newlyweds celebrated.

The chairs that the guests had been sitting in were quickly cleared away to make room for tables and a dance floor. The musicians played beautifully without pause. Unexpectedly, every member of the bridal party gave short speeches, some funny, some tearful, and two with thinly veiled threats toward Castle, should he ever hurt Kate.

Alma had flown in with the Brennans and oversaw the caterers who made all the food, guaranteeing that each bite was delicious.

The passion fruit and vanilla bean cake was also Alma's handiwork and tasted as beautiful as it looked, with it's five square tiers covered in pristine white fondant and decorated with black and silver scroll work and perfect purple sugar flowers.

When it was time for the dancing to begin, Kate and Rick began with Frank Sinatra's "It Had To Be You". Then Rick and Martha and Kate and Jim danced to "Wonderful World". By the next song, the entire dance floor was filled with people swaying to the music.

After several songs, the dance floor was temporarily cleared for the bouquet and garter toss. Alexis caught the bouquet, much to her father's dismay, but after shooting Ashley a warning look, his focus was soon returned to his new wife.

Kate sat in a chair and the band played a sexy jazz tune while Rick got down on one knee and dove under Kate's long skirts. After being under there for longer than what seemed necessary, Kate began to blush. Several of the men called out to Rick, teasing him about what he was actually doing under there. Finally the writer reappeared with, but instead of coming out with a scrap of satin and lace, he pulled out Kate's gun!

This of course got the crowd going. Kate had forgotten to remove the piece after the photo shoot at the precinct. Good natured jokes flew around the group, causing both newlyweds to turn a bit pink. After turning over the weapon to Ryan, Castle declared a do-over and again disappeared under the white satin. This time Rick let his hands caress his wife's thigh as he slowly removed the garter. The sensual touch ignited a fire in both of their bellies.

This time when Rick came out from under the material, he had a the garter in hand. When he tossed it, it flew directly at his buddy Mark, who promptly announced he was glad that Rick didn't toss the gun too!

After going around and greeting all the guests, Rick and Kate eventually ended up back on the dance floor in each other arms, but it only took one slow dance before they decided it was time to wanted to be alone.

When they made their exit, everyone waved sparklers high in the air, lighting up the entire area!

Before heading to the limo, Kate and Rick went back down to the loft to change and grab their bags. They would be spending their first night as Mr. and Mrs. Castle on their boat, but would be leaving the next evening for three weeks in France.

XXXXXXXXXXX

Just as the sky in the east started to lighten, Kate collapsed again Rick's chest. "Is it just me, or is married sex even better than dating sex?"

"I don't know, but thankfully, Mrs. Castle, we have a life time to find out." Rick rubbed Kate's naked back softly, trying to stay awake for a few more minutes.

"I can't believe I'm your wife."

"So far so good?"

"Definitely. I couldn't pick a better husband."

"I don't know about that. I still say I'm the lucky one. I just hope you can love me for a good fifty o sixty more years."

Kate looked up into her husband's blue eyes. "I'll always love you Rick."

"And I'll love you to Katie. Always."

The End

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A/N So wow, we've reached the end. Not that marriage is in any way the end, but I hope you felt like the story came full circle, and is complete.

I feel like I have a lot to say, but don't even know exactly what it is I want to say. I'll start with Thank you. Thank you for reading Reservations. Thank your for your time, encouragement, support and reviews. I wish I could thank each of you individually. You have made the last three months writing for you a very wonderful experience. I hope that when I write future stories, you'll join me for those adventures too.

Speaking of future stories, I'm throwing around ideas for a couple one shots which would be completely separate from Reservations, but I'm am also seriously considering writing a follow up to Reservations which would be a series of shorts from Rick and Kate's married life. It might include but not be limited to the births and raising of their children, Alexis getting married and having kids, and even finding out who Rick's dad is. If this is something you would like me to write for you, please let me know. I'm still very much on the fence about this, so encouragement to either leave it as is or continue on in the "Reservations" universe would be greatly influential.

As always, I do not own Castle or any of it's characters. I do not own the songs or poems in this chapter and I need to credit some of the minister's speech to an article on by Nina Callaway called How To Write Your Own Wedding Ceremony, which I also do not own.

Before I leave you, I want to thank you one last time! Without you guys this story would not have happened. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

With much love and appreciation, happy reading,

DeBo81