Last chapter! Thank you all for reading this story! I'm thinking about doing another one; an AU in which Beckett and Booth are related (like cousins). Let me know what you think!

Epilogue

Six months later…

"Kate, c'mon!" Castle shouted as he fixed his bowtie in the mirror. "We're gonna miss the ceremony at this rate."

"One minute!" she called back, then groaned loudly, appearing in the doorway leading to the bathroom. "It won't zip," she informed him, pouting. She's wearing a simple black dress, with a halter top, that goes down to her knees, and black pumps to match. Her hair is up in a messy, stylish bun with two wavy strands hanging down from it. Castle, alternatively, is in a gray suit, with a white shirt and a black tie to match her dress. The suit fits him perfectly, much to her chagrin.

Castle frowned. "That's strange," he said, "we only got it a couple of weeks ago and I know there's no way in hell you gained any weight in that amount of time; you look just beautiful, my dear." He leaned forward and kissed her. Kate rolled her eyes when he pulled back.

"Quit the sweet-talking and help me zip up this dress, already," she ordered and her nodded, turning her and grabbing the zipper.

"Hold your breath," he said and she did, allowing him to easily zip it closed. "Okay," he said, and she let it out. "Maybe it's because you're not as flexible as you used to be," he commented.

Kate turned and frowned at him. "That's not what you said last night," she retorted. Castle's eyebrows lifted in surprise, before waggling a bit, making her giggle. He laughed and kissed her sweetly, before pulling back and offering her his arm.

"You ready to go?" he asked. Kate nodded and grabbed his arm as they made their way out.

X_X

She can't believe this; any of it.

She's standing there, right in front of this large, floor-length mirror, and the woman staring back is not somebody she ever expected to see; not since she was a little girl.

She's wearing an off-white gown, with lace sleeves and an empire waist. Her hair is up in a fancy updo that Angela practically had to force her to get ("Your hair needs to look just as gorgeous as your dress, Sweetie.") and there's a tiara atop her head, because she refused to wear a veil. A tiara suited her much better anyway.

She looked at the woman in the mirror and thought about the little girl who once dreamed of her wedding day and all that it would contain. She had chosen a princess dress when she was five—a bright purple one with lots of ruffles. And then a puffy white one when she learned that white was the traditional wedding color, when she was eight. She planned to have a long train that would be held by two flower girls and a veil that went down her back. She planned out her perfect wedding day, down to the daffodils in her wedding bouquet.

Everything except for who her groom might be. She'd had an idea when she was younger. At first, she wanted it to be Mason Ryden, a boy in her kindergarten class, but she'd dismissed him after he called her a freak and pushed her off a swing in the playground. Then it was Tyler Oaken, in her third grade class, whose dimples and glasses made him the cutest and most desirable boy in the class. But he'd barely even noticed her and had called her Nancy, which wasn't her name. The last serious contender—before Booth—was Eugene Marcin, who was her first boyfriend. Eugene was just as nerdy as she was and at fourteen years old, had been her first lab partner and her first kiss. They'd barely dated two weeks, but Brennan had imagined a wedding in a space shuttle, where they would say their 'I do's amongst some of the world's most affluent scientists. Now, she knows that all of those desires were foolish and even blushes at the thought, but that's in the past.

Now, she stood, looking at the woman who seemed to have been gone from her imagination since she was fifteen, when all daydreams seem to leave with her parents. But now she's here and there is a man not fifty feet away from her, dressed in a tux and just as nervous and excited as she. And she can't wait to walk down that aisle.

"Oh, Sweetie," Angela's voice floated through the dressing room, causing Brennan to look over at her shoulder at her best friend, and Maid of Honor, who'd just stepped in, "you look gorgeous."

Brennan smiled and turned around. "As do you, Angela," she replied, "yellow really suits you."

Brennan had heard about brides who tried to make their bridesmaids look ugly on their wedding days by choosing unflattering dresses, but she decided not to follow that particular tradition. Instead, she had chosen a long, yellow, maxi-type dress for all of her bridesmaids, to match the color of her own bouquet. They were daffodil yellow.

Angela had tears in her eyes as she walked towards her best friend, enveloping her in a tight hug. "Booth is not going to be able to breathe when he sees you," she commented, laughing.

"I hope that's not the case; I'd very much like him breathing so he won't pass out while we're kissing." Angela snorted and shook her head, hugging her friend again.

When they pulled back, both women were grinning with tears in their eyes. "Oh, Sweetie," Angela said, "don't cry! You'll mess up your makeup."

"I find I cannot help but cry," Brennan said, "but don't worry; they're happy tears, I'm sure of it."

Angela laughed. "So am I," she said, squeezing Brennan's hand.

There was a knock at the door and then Cam, Michelle, and Amy stepped in, all oohing and ahhing over her dress.

"Wow, Dr. Brennan," Cam gasped, "you look stunning."

Brennan smiled. "Thank you, Cam," she said, "you look quite beautiful as well. As do you, Michelle and Amy. Thank you for being a part of my wedding party."

"It's no problem, Temperance," Amy assured her. "Haley and Emma were just ecstatic when they heard they were getting a new uncle. And I'm sure Kyle would be too, if he were just a bit older."

Brennan chuckled. Kyle was her nephew, Russ's son, named, in a way, after himself. Amy had given birth just two months ago and still looked stunning in her dress. Michelle looked just as gorgeous—she really was growing up so fast; it wouldn't be long before Christine was that old. The thought caused Brennan's chest to ache.

"Are you ready?" Michelle asked, her eyes bright and excited. Brennan nodded and went to retrieve her bouquet and her mother's earrings, putting them on and checking them in the mirror, before turning to her bridesmaids.

"Something old," she whispered, stroking the earring in her right ear and thinking of her mother.

Amy presented her with a silver bracelet. "Something new," she said, smiling through her tears. Brennan thanked her and slipped the band on her wrist.

Angela gave her a handkerchief with A.H. stitched onto it, wrapping it around the bouquet. "Something borrowed," she said, grinning.

Cam pulled out a blue ribbon and tied it around the bouquet, making a neat bow. "Something blue," she said, smiling softly at her friend and coworker.

Brennan smiled and hugged all of them, before Michelle pulled back and pulled out a small clip with a butterfly on it. "I know you already got all your somethings," she said, "but I didn't want to be the only one empty-handed, so here." He handed Brennan the clip and Brennan thanked her, placing it in her bun, where it will be noticed, and giving Michelle a hug all her own. When they pulled back, they were both smiling.

"Thank you," Brennan said. And then there was a knock at the door.

"Mommy!" Christine ran towards her, going straight for her legs. Brennan bent down to meet her and caught her in her arms, pulling her up to settle on her hip and giving her a big, smacking kiss. Christine giggled.

"You look pretty," she said, her blue eyes sparkling.

"Thank you, Christine," Brennan said, placing her on the floor. "You look very pretty as well." Christine beamed and spun around, making her white flower girl dress dance around her. Her hair was up in pigtails and her shoes matched the dress. She looked like a miniature version of her mother.

"You look gorgeous, Tempe," Brennan heard from the doorway. Her father smiled over at her and walked towards her, hugging her and kissing her cheek, before pulling back. "You ready?" he asked. "Booth's already down the aisle." Brennan nodded.

"I'm ready," she said, and those were the truest words she'd ever spoken.

"Wonderful!" Max said, clapping his hands. "Let's get out there, then. Shall we?" He held out his arm and Brennan took it, allowing her bridesmaids to precede them out onto the lawn.

The Jeffersonian Rose Garden sat in front of them and just behind a large group of shrubs sat hundreds of people, her fiancé standing down a long alter, his good friend next to him, ready to marry them. Brennan's heart fluttered.

"Wow, Aunt Temperance," Michael said, his eyes wide, "you look so pretty!" Brennan smiled down at him—her little ring bearer—and thanked him.

"You really look lovely, Dr. B," Hodgins said, smiling at them, before taking Cam's arm. Booth had chosen Parker as his Best Man instead of Hodgins and so it was Parker, now a teenager, who held Angela's arm. He'd already told her how amazing she looked and how much he was looking forward to having her as a stepmom.

"Thank you, Jack," she said, softly, smiling at him. Jared and Wendell shared similar compliments as they took Amy and Michelle's arms, respectively. Angela called Michael and Christine over and handed Christine a basket full of flower petals, before gesturing to the organist and sending them down the aisle. Brennan watched as all of their guests stood up and listened at The Wedding March began.

Taking a deep breath, she began to walk, keeping step behind her wedding party, straight towards her future.

X_X

Lanie, Esposito, and the Ryans are already there when Castle and Beckett arrived, with Martha and Alexis in tow.

"Hey, girl," Lanie said, kissing Beckett on either cheek. Kate smiled, kissing back.

"Hey Lanie. Hey Ryan, Jenny, Connor," she cooed, kissing the boy's cheek. He giggled and her heart melted. She turned to Esposito and greeted, blandly, "Espo."

"Too sound too excited to see me, Chica," Espo deadpanned. Kate chuckled and gave him a hug.

When they all sat down (Martha on the aisle seat, then Alexis, Rick next to her, Kate next to him, Lanie next to her, Espo next to her, Ryan next to him, and Jenny with Connor in her lap), the baby crawled over to his 'Aunt Kate' who welcomed him with open arms. Her and Lanie each kissed one of his chubby cheeks and remarked how cute he looked in his little sweater vest ("Just like his Daddy," Kate commented.)

They talked amongst themselves for awhile. Lanie showed off her ring, which Espo had given her not three months before; Jenny and Ryan announced that they were trying for another baby, wanting to have as many as possible at once; and Beckett bit her tongue to keep from mentioning her own news—they would find out in due time.

Before they knew it, the Wedding March had begun and they all turned to watch as the flower girl and ring bearer walked down the aisle. Kate and Lanie cooed at their cute, chubby cheeks, and waved at Christine, taking multiple pictures of the little girl as she threw petals all around her tiny body. She smiled at them and threw a handful of rose petals their way. They practically swooned, causing the little boy in Kate's arm to beg for their attention, which they gave him as soon as the two toddlers passed.

Then Angela passed by, arm linked with who Kate assumed was Booth's son, Parker, and they took even more photos as each pair passed by. Then they saw Temperance and Kate's eyes immediately filled with tears.

She looks breathtaking. There was no other word for it; breathtaking, itself, was not even adequate. She looked so perfect and beautiful and Kate envied her so much at that moment because the second her eyes flitted to the man at the end of the aisle, she knew that Booth thought the same thing. He must have had tunnel-vision right now.

X_X

The second he saw her, Booth's mind went blank. All he could see was Temperance Brennan, the love of his life, holding tightly to her father's arm, smiling that smile he knew was meant for him and him alone. God, she looked gorgeous, and when their eyes met, it was like everyone else disappeared.

Before he knew it, she was standing across from him, giving him that smile, and looking at him like he was the world—her world.

And he was looking at her the same way.

X_X

The ceremony was beautiful, filled with tears and sentiment and applause as they happy couple sealed their vows with a kiss.

And then everybody threw confetti at them as they ran back down the aisle, towards the exit, to meet up at their reception, which would be held in the Jeffersonian Banquet Hall.

Kate relinquished hold of Connor to his parents and Jenny carried him off to change his diaper, promising to meet them all at the reception, and each couple, and Ryan, made their way towards the building, talking amongst themselves.

Temperance had, thankfully, made sure that they were all seated together and that Connor had his own high chair. Kate and Castle held hands under the table, sharing secret smiles and trading sweet kisses, catching the immediate attention of a certain ME.

"Okay, you two," she said, "fess up; what's going on?"

Kate smiled, sharing a look with Castle before turning to her friend. "Wait until Jenny gets back," she said.

"I'm back," Jenny said, coming up behind them and placing Connor in the high chair next to his father. "What's up?"

"Castle and Beckett were just about to share some news with us," Lanie informed her. She turned to Beckett. "Now, spill."

Kate tightened her grasp on Castle's hand and they smiled at their friends. "Castle and I," she said, "are expecting a baby."

Lanie's eyes widened and she practically squealed, throwing her arms around Kate and hugging her tightly. "I'm so happy for you!" She pulled back, eying her friend up and down. "How far along are you?"

"About three months," Kate said, "we wanted to wait until I was safely out of my first trimester before we told anyone and now I am and…we're going to have a baby." Lanie squealed again and gave her an even tighter hug, landing a big kiss on her cheek.

"I can't believe this!" she gushed. Esposito, Ryan, and Jenny joined in the celebration, trading kisses and hugs and expressing their excitement. Alexis and Martha

"Thank you, everybody," Castle said, smiling around the table at their family, "but there's still one more thing that I think would make this day even more perfect." Without warning, he's on his knee next to Kate's chair and looking up at her as if she's the most beautiful thing he's ever seen. "Katherine Houghton Beckett, I love you more than I have ever loved another woman," Alexis and Martha both cough pointedly, "one that's not related to me by blood," he added and Kate laughed, tears already streaming down her cheeks, "will you do me the honor of allowing me to be your one and done?"

Kate had no words—not that she could speak even if she wanted to—so she just nodded and cupped his cheeks, pulling his lips to hers while their entire table clapped. When they pulled back, both were grinning like loons and Castle placed the ring on her finger ("so small") and kissed her again, before settling back in his seat. And just in time, too.

"Ladies and gentlemen," the DJ said, "please stand and give a hand to our newlyweds, Mr. and Dr. Seeley Joseph Booth!"

Everybody stood, all cheering and applauding for the couple as they entered, hand in hand, big, bright smiles on their faces, walking around the dance floor and waving to their guests.

"And now, the couple will share their first dance to the tune of Adele's 'To Make You Feel My Love'."

The DJ placed the mike back on its stand and moved to his booth, pressing a few buttons before the soft music began playing. Booth bowed to his wife, making Brennan chuckle, and offered his hand, pulling her in close as they began to sway and move around the dance floor.

Halfway into the song, the DJ invited more couples to join and everybody aww'ed as Christine dragged Michael onto the floor, the two hugging each other as they copied Booth and Brennan's movements. Brennan smiled at her daughter over her husband's shoulder and then caught Kate's eye as she and Castle made their way to the floor as well. She smiled at them and gave a little wave, receiving one back as Castle pulled Kate into his embrace, giving her a small peck on the lips.

As the next song began, Brennan pulled away from Booth and dragged him to where Castle and Kate were, asking to step in. Kate allowed Castle to go with another kiss on his cheek and he pulled Temperance into a bone-crushing hug.

"I can't believe how far you've come," he whispered in her ear.

Brennan chuckled. "I could say the same about you," she replied. "I saw that ring on her finger; you better be good to her, Richard. Remember, if anybody could get away with murder…"

"It would be you," Castle finished, "I know and, trust me, I'll always do right by her; I love her so much. Just like Booth loves you."

"And I love him, too," Brennan replied, "so much more than I thought was ever possible."

Castle smiled. "Like I said, you've come so far." Brennan smiled and held him tighter.

After a few moments, Brennan whispered in his ear again. "Is Kate pregnant?" she asked.

Castle pulled back, his eyes wide. "How'd you know?" Brennan gave him a look. "Oh, right," he laughed. "And yes, she's pregnant. Three months along, now." Brennan beamed.

"Congratulations," she said, "she'll make a wonderful mother." She turned to watch as Kate, who'd stepped away from dancing with Booth, twirled both Christine and Michael on the dance floor, making the children giggle.

Castle smiled as well. "Yeah," he said, "she will."

"I'm very proud of you," Brennan said, as they twirled around a little more. Castle didn't have to ask why.

"As I am of you," Castle replied, smiling down at her.

Soon, Booth was back, reclaiming his wife and Castle went off to find Kate dancing with Michael holding onto her hands.

"Excuse me," he said, politely, "mind if I cut in?"

Michael frowned up at him and Kate chuckled, running her fingers through his hair. "Don't worry, big guy," she said, "I'll save a dance for you later, okay?" Michael brightened immediately and nodded. Kate chuckled again and leaned down to kiss his cheek. He blushed bright red and ran off to find his best friend.

Castle laughed and pulled Beckett into his arms. "Do I have a little competition?" he asked her, as they began swaying together.

"Perhaps," Kate said, grinning. "You jealous, Castle?"

"Nah," Castle said, "I think I could take him." Kate giggled and pulled him in closer, the two falling into a slow and easy rhythm, allowing the music to be their guide as they danced.

The end!

Thank you all again for following along on this story and let me know if you'd like another AU Caskett/B&B story in which Beckett and Booth know each other (because they are cousins or something). Let me know!