CH. 1 - Discovery
Synopsis: Kate leaves Friday and comes back Monday, married. This is how the team deals with it. Minor spoilers for season 5.
A/N: I lost chapters 10-15 of my major Castle fic, The Office, when my harddrive crashed, poor thing, never saw the floor coming, so I'm trying to remember and rewrite that. In the meantime, this plot bunny came to me today at breakfast and never went away. Read it, like it, follow it and of course review it. There are at least three more chapters, although not this long.
"You did what?!"
The surprised and quite frankly, booming loudness of Lanie's voice shook Kate so much that she took a step back from the body on the examiner's table.
Weakly and a bit confused Kate repeated, "Umm... I got married."
"See, that's what I thought you said," the ME said stepping around to close the distance on her friend.
"So where is he?" Narrowing her eyes, then dropping a glance at the small, but elegant wedding band on Kate's left hand. No doubt that this was just the show piece for work.
"At home writing, I told him it would be fine, since the case is slow moving and Gina's been pushing him for new chapters." Kate said, her voice surprisingly calm and even.
"Well the next time I see your hubby, I'm doing my own interrogating."
"Lanie..."
"Oh no, don't you 'Lanie...' me, Ms. or should I say, Mrs. I-got-married-secretly-and-didn't-tell my best-friend, your hubby is in for the interrogation of his life the next time I see him, and unlike you I won't hold back."
Kate couldn't help but roll her eyes, she wondered sometimes if Lanie secretly hung out with Martha and that's where her flare for the dramatic comes from.
"Whatever, just keep me posted on the body," Kate said as she turned and exited.
Walking toward the elevator, she sent Castle a text.
Lanie knows.
It didn't surprise her when he texted back so quickly.
Is she mad?
Kate heaved a sigh as she typed in a reply.
Yes, and says you are in for the interrogation of your life.
Should I be worried? Was his quick reply back.
Not too much, I think she's just excited, but stay on guard. She tapped back as she got in.
Okay sweetie, love you.
Kate rolled her eyes as she typed back.
Sweetie? Who am I, Alexis?
His response was just as quick.
I apologize, Detective Sweetie. ;-)
Castle... Her text was quick.
He read the text with her annoyed tone and smiled.
Sorry, just having a little fun, I'll be by this afternoon.
Her annoyance ebbed. Okay see you then, love you.
Love you more.
As she put her phone away, she looked down at her ring. It was, as she was sure Lanie deduced, a show piece for work, but it still held meaning. It meant she no longer had to hide her feelings for the man she loved so much. Sure, she — they showed it quite often physically, behind closed doors, but this was the public equivalent. And it showed that she was no longer afraid of her life being scrutinized. Considering what she did to get her life and the lives of those closest to her secured from Senator Bracken, a little media prying is nothing.
As she stepped out of the elevator into the bullpen, her mind started to recall the events of the last 48 hours. Of her team, Lanie was the first to notice, right at the crime scene. Ryan and Esposito were too busy taking statements to do so. As she neared the Murder Board, she folded her arms, shielding the ring from her ever-inquisitive detectives.
It happened on a whim, honest and true. Castle decided he needed more research on the Hamptons to complete his latest chapters of Hamptons Heat, so on Friday afternoon, he picked her up saying that after a long week she deserved to be pampered. She was thinking more along the lines of a massage or foot-rub at home or a day spa, but when he passed Queens and got on the 678, she started to question. Calm and gentle, at first.
"Castle, where are we going?"
"The Hamptons," he said bluntly as he merged into the farthest left lane.
So much so that it caught her a bit a off guard, she was used to his roundabout way with words.
'The Hamptons, for what?"
"Research."
Again, bluntness, a part of her hated when he was so straightforward, she couldn't read him when he's like this, because he's almost never like this.
"Research for what?" She prodded on.
"For Hamptons Heat. I can't quite get the environment right so I figured a weekend away would allow me to get better insight."
Kate's eyes bulged slightly, "A... a weekend? Castle I can't, I might get called in."
"You won't I checked with Gates, and before you say that I asked for preferential treatment for you, I didn't, I simply asked if you, Ryan or Esposito would be on-call this weekend. She said no, explaining that Karpowski, Stegner and their teams asked for overtime this weekend so your services wouldn't be required."
"Oh..." was all she could muster, before sinking into the passenger seat, then suddenly jumped causing Castle to look over at her, "I didn't pack."
"No, but I did."
"Oh..." she said again, sinking back once more.
The soft ride of the Mercedes coupled with seemingly endless stretch of straight freeway soon lulled Kate in a pleasant slumber. Castle shook her awake a couple of hours later.
"Kate, wake up, we're here."
In her still half-sleep state she mumbled, "Hmm, where mommy," before fully opening her eyes and was jolted by the sight of a grinning mystery writer. It wasn't until she completely collected herself, that she realized what she had said; clearly embarrassed she quickly cleared her throat and got out of the car as quickly and as dignified as she could. All the while, her boyfriend stood there grinning.
As Castle unloaded Kate looked at the Hamptons house she had only been in once before, and that was cut short by a murder in his backyard. Still marveling over the subtleness of the building considering Castle public persona.
When they entered, Castle dropped the bags to the side, before locking the door and scooping her up.
"Did you know, my house is perfectly insulated and sound-proof, no one can hear you scream. It's the perfect place to commit a murder."
Kate happy to see Castle back to his usual self quipped, "Yeah, well tell that to the guy who fell into your pool the last time."
"Ahh yes, and speaking of last time, I plan on making up for lost time."
Quirking an eyebrow, "Wait, I thought you said, you needed this for research."
Castle laughed, "Research? Are you kidding me I know this place better than I know my loft sometimes. It was all a ruse, Detective."
"Including the part about me me not being on-call?"
"No, that was real, Karpowski and Stegner do need the overtime, so you and I are free to do whatever we feel like," Rick said before plunging his lips down onto her neckline and leading them to the couch.
After a copious amount of tongue wrestling, hair tousling, moaning and giggling from both parties; Kate decided, reluctantly to get away from Castle's grasp. Although that was easier said then done. He chased her throughout the house, and being that this was only her second visit, was at a disadvantage, not knowing where to go, every time she thought she she lost him, he would appear around the next corner, surprising her and causing her to to go back the way she came. Their little game of cat and mouse finally ended when she switched tactics and decided to let him come to her, at which point she planted a passion-searing, all-in kiss on him and while he was dazed, ducked into her guest room and locked the door, with a satisfied sigh and dropped onto the bed.
(***)
A few hours later, she heard a knock on her door, "Kate, I'm going to go pick up some groceries, want to come?"
Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, she checked her watch, 7:30. "Sure, give me a minute."
"I'll be downstairs."
"Okay."
As she headed to the bathroom, which she is sad to say just a little smaller than her master bedroom at home, she wondered what Castle really was planning this weekend.
As she washed her face, gargled some mouthwash and fixed her hair and clothes, theories began to manifest themselves.
He was going to dissolve their partnership and by extension their relationship and this was his way of letting her down easy. She shook her head 'no', he waited four years to be with her and wasn't just going to stop after just six months.
Stepping out and down the stairs another popped into her head.
He was going to tell her something damning about her mother's case and thought that this was the safest place. Again she shook her head 'no', her mother's case while still technically unsolved, was solidified following her meeting with Sen. Bracken.
When she reach the bottom she saw Castle waiting and put on her poker face. "Hey, sorry to keep you, let's go."
"Lead the way, m'lady."
During the drive, another theory came to mind.
He WAS doing research and was just trying to throw her off the trail. This one was plausible, considering how much of a tightwad Gina was about deadlines.
Then another came to mind, as they entered.
He was just as he said, "making up for lost time." This was the most plausible yet, consider how their last weekend ended.
Finally as they were paying she just couldn't take anymore, she had to know, her inner detective and girlfriend instincts got the better of her. Upon exiting the store, she asked, "So Rick, what is the real reason we're here this weekend?"
A slight crooked grin draped his face, "We are here because...," he looked around, causing her to look as well, "Because... I want to," he whispered.
"Castle..." The annoyance in her voice was evident as she crossed her arms.
"What?" Castle asked indignantly, "I can't take my extremely attractive, kick-ass detective girlfriend away for the weekend without a reason other than just for kicks?"
Kate raised an eyebrow, four, going on five years working and being together with Richard Edgar Castle has taught her that he never does anything, "just for kicks" there is always a motive, it may not be clear right way what it is, but it's there.
"Come on Castle, please? Please tell me?" She gave him, her best puppy-dog pout as they reached the car. She couldn't believe what, she, Katherine Houghton Beckett, was now reduced to: begging. Being in a relationship with Castle has really softened her up.
"Ooh, do that again," Castle said with a grin as they got in. The grin fell immediately when she shot him a death glare.
"Do you really want to know? I mean really, truly and cross your heart, really want to know?"
"Yes!"
The smile reappeared. "We're going to a wedding."
Confusion flushed over Kate's face. "A wedding? Whose wedding?"
"Aha, that is for me to know and you to find out. Tomorrow, 3 o'clock."
Kate eased back into the seat, mind somewhat appeased, but still wondering.
(***)
Castle made Chicken Cordon Bleu while Beckett made a quick Cesar Salad. They worked as in sync in the kitchen as they do in the bullpen, each quickly knowing what the other needs or wants, moving as some sort of two-headed, four-armed cooking robot, that occasionally stole a crouton or sip of wine from the vinaigrette they were making. It was as Ryan so eloquently put it, "domestic". And it was, it was just them in their natural habitat; the familiarity of each other.
When they finally sat down to dinner, Kate's curiosity peaked again midway through, wanting to know whose wedding they were going to.
"Castle," she said as she took a bite of the Chicken Cordon Bleu and gave a small throaty moan as the vinaigrette melted her taste buds, "Whose wedding are we going to? Is it someone I know?"
Castle kept his head down, focused on his plate because her little moan caused him to blush slightly.
"Castle? Castle? Rick!"
Castle's head snapped up upon the loud mentioning of his first name and he looked at her. "Huh?"
Kate saw his reddened cheeks and slightly dilated pupils, suppressed a laugh into a tight lipped smile.
"I asked is it the wedding of someone I know?"
One of the drawbacks of dating a detective, is that they aren't satisfied until they solve whatever mystery is before them. But Castle was going to hold strong, tease her until the time is right.
"Yeah, you know her."
"Her?" A ping of jealousy shot through Beckett momentarily.
"Yeah, you know her quite well actually."
"Really?"
"Yes'um, smart, gorgeous, funny and awesome at her job." His voice lighter and the mode cheerier than before.
"Oh..." Another ping of jealousy as she focused on her plate this time.
"Is it Maddie?" Kate finally asked after a while.
"No, but close," Castle said as he finished up his plate. Kate had still a little bit to go.
"I see."
"Kate, you aren't jealous are you?"
"No," she said quickly. Maybe too quick.
"Kate, she's getting married, and trust me I have no interest in anyone but you," He flashed her a reassuring smile. Which she returned, before returning to her food.
"Don't over-think, you're it for me," he placed a soft kiss on her forehead. "I'm heading up, just put the dishes in the dishwasher when your done."
"Okay, good night."
"Pleasant dreams, Kate."
As Castle ascended the stairs Kate, shuffled her food around, appetite suddenly lost. Whoever this mystery woman is, Castle seems really upbeat when talking about her, more himself than he had been all day, minus their arrival and the subsequent make-out on the couch. She knew it was silly, considering that she made a snap judgement without getting all the facts, something she hated to do, even during cases. And this woman is getting married, there is no way Castle would cheat her, especially after all they've been through, would he? She sighed heavily, before getting up and clearing her plate and heading upstairs to her room, as well.
In Castle's room, he stands in his pajamas by the bed, straight and regal with a smile plastered across his face, he didn't want to make Kate feel that bad, but here's hoping that by 3 o'clock tomorrow she'll be crying happy tears instead of looking down in the dumps. He bends down, opens the bedside drawer to retrieve a small blue velvet box. He opens it. Looking at the shiny glimmer reflecting from the lamp through the stone and onto the wall. He then looks at the clock, 10:00, 17 more hours until Operation: Always is hopeful finalized.
In Kate's room, she is just trying to get her mind away from the potentially worst case scenarios it has conjured up. Supported by the headrest and and couple of pillows she is trying to focus on Frozen Heat, however, she is only half paying attention. Finally she gives up, until she realizes that she didn't pack a dress, Castle packed one for her. She went over to the closet sliding the door open and pulls out a white dress, but it wasn't one she owned. A long half-strap number with no frills, save for the silver jewels encrusted on the strap shoulder and sequins around the midriff. It was elegant, not too modest, not too risqué. Definitely the kind one would wear to a wedding. She had to admit for a man Rick definitely knew how to pick out dresses. She supposes that being surrounded by women, his mother, daughter, two exs, a female publicist and now her, he naturally picked up the subtleties of what women like. A smile crosses her face, before she lets out a sigh, puts the dress back in and heads to bed.
(***)
The next morning, Kate was awaken by the smell of bacon, ham and French toast. Heading downstairs she greeted Rick with a quick kiss and says, "Smells good."
"It is, but wait you'll love my s'morelettes."
Having been told of and a witness to Rick's odd culinary creations before, particularly the s'morelette, which Alexis warned her about. She quickly waved him off, "No thanks Castle, what you have right now is just fine."
"You sure?" Somewhat putdown that his girlfriend wouldn't at least humor him.
"Yes, definitely."
"Okay, but you don't know what you're missing."
"Right, so coffee?" Kate walks over to the espresso machine similar to the one he got the precinct.
"Please."
After breakfast, they relaxed together, just being together, no words were said, just the sound of two people enjoying each other's company and the occasional giggle fit when one tickled or tried to tickle the other. The silent calmness was broken when their lips met, then all bets were off, and so were the clothes.
After finishing up what they started on the couch; in his bed, they both rolled over sweaty, breathing hard, hair a mess, sighing and looking up at the ceiling. It was as intense, if not more so than their first time together.
Beckett was the first to speak up. "Wow..."
"Yeah, where did you learn that? Think at one point I felt three hands, none were mine."
She turned and smiled at him, coyly.
"Greatest pre-wedding sex. Ever." Castle announced.
Kate sat up, a sheet covering her, "Wait, ever? You've done this before?" Her tone was incredulous.
"What? No, no... I just meant that if you and I ever have to go another wedding, this ritual, I'm hoping that it becomes one is going to be hard to beat."
The thousand-watt smile can produce beamed as she lowered in for another kiss. Checking the clock after she pulls away, Rick stated that should get ready. Kate looked at the clock, 12 o'clock.
"Yeah we should, I'll see you in an hour." She leans in for a departing smooch as she gets up and walks out.
Sighing contently, Rick waits until he hears her door shut. Reaching for his phone, he dials, "Big Cheese this is Instigator, Operation: Always is underway, T-Minus three hours."
"Copy Instigator, Big Bird is prepping now."
"Roger that, keep me posted."
Rick hung up and headed for the shower. Just a few more hours.
Forty-five minutes later, he was dressed in a black Jos A Bank Signature Gold suit accented with a red rose colored tie and pocket square. He walked toward her room, and knocked.
"Hey, are you decent?"
"Yeah, just about to put on make-up."
Great, so he hadn't missed it.
"Coming in," he announced.
Kate turned to meet him only to have his eyes do a thorough scan of her in her one-off Mac Duggal gown.
"Wow, you look...," he searched for the words for several seconds before settling with, "like something even I can't describe adequately."
She blushed.
"Except it's missing something."
Kate did a check of her dress, it fit her like a glove, she didn't think it needed anything.
"What?"
Rick closed the gap between them. His eyes as sincere as she's ever seen them radiating a sense of warmth and never-ending love that she's never seen before. Kate looked at him, so sharp in his suit. Her green eyes lock with his blue ones, not daring to move.
He produced a velvet box from his pocket, "This."
He got down on one knee, which caused her to cover her mouth in shock, tears threatening to drop at any moment, and take a step back.
"Kate, you once told me that you were a one-and-done kind of girl; we've gone to the brink and back, laughed, cried, fought, and though it took us four years to finally put you and I together, I want us together always. I want to be your one-and-done. So, Katherine Houghton Beckett, will you marry me?"
Rick opened the box. Inside was a 1.5-carat Tiffany Lucida set white diamond engagement ring.
The tears let themselves go, she grabbed a few Kleenex tissues on the make-up table and started to dry her eyes. Kate grabbed a few more, and thanked God that her eyes hadn't gotten puffy or red, yet. Sniffling a few more times, she began to nod, then a small, "Yes," was heard until she finally said it clearly, "Yes, yes I will."
Rick smiled and placed the ring on her extended left hand. He rose up, cupped her face, and they shared a kiss similar in passion as their undercover kiss.
When they finally pulled apart, Castle spoke, "You should get ready, we have guests waiting."
Kate turned and sat down at the make-up table, and began to clean up. Before Castle ducked out, she turned to him and said; regaining some composure, "You think you're quite the operator don't you, popping the question two hours before. What if I had said 'No,' what then smart guy?"
"Ahh, but you didn't so it doesn't matter, what does matter is, I have a fiancée for the next two hours and then a gorgeous, smart, independent, kick-ass wife."
Kate rolled her eyes at him. "Get outta here, it's bad luck to see the bride before the wedding," she chided playfully.
"Says the woman who doesn't believe in fate or magic," Castle quipped before ducking out.
Closing her door, Rick took out his phone and dialed, he wated until he was at the end of the hallway before answering, "Liberty is a go, I repeat Liberty is a go."
"Copy that Instigator, Liberty is a go. Transport in Big Bird in T-Minus 1 hour."
"Roger that Big Cheese, assemble the troops."
"Copy that."
(***)
An hour later Kate and Rick were walking outside toward an Escalade limousine.
Castle greeted the driver, "Jerry, punctual as always."
"Thank you, sir."
As Jerry closed the door and started to drive off, after making a few turns Kate noticed they were headed for the freeway.
"Castle, we are we going?"
"East Hamptons Airport," he said that as if it was the most natural thing to say in this situation.
"Wait, airport? Castle I thought you said we had a wedding at 3?"
"And we do."
"But it's almost 2:30."
"Oh I'm sorry Kate, three is when we board the wedding itself isn't until five. Forgot that little detail." He beamed a charm smile her way.
She returned it with an eye roll followed by a smile of her own. She should have known.
(***)
They boarded a waiting Gulfstream IV, 10 minutes later and touched down 45 minutes later in Niagara Falls, NY to another waiting limo, this time, a traditional Lincoln. Michael their driver, took them to a small chapel just before the Falls. As he opened the door for Kate, she saw the little chapel dwarfed by the awesome Falls behind. As Rick got out, Bob Wheldon met him.
"Ricky finally, huh?"
"That's right Big Cheese, the blushing bride is ready to take the plunge."
"Speak for yourself Castle, and I'm not the one whose blushing." She turned and faced the mayor and greeted him.
"You look beautiful, detective."
"Thank you sir."
"Well, the guests are waiting inside, when you're ready." Bob Wheldon tapped Rick on the shoulder and left to go inside.
Rick took a deep breath, and walked over to Kate, "You ready?"
"Always." She looked at him with glistening eyes, so full of love and affection.
"I'll head in first, when you're ready just talk to that man right there," Rick pointed to a man near the chapel entrance in a black suit with an overcoat and fedora with his back turned to them.
"Okay," Kate breathed as she saw her soon-to-be husband run inside.
She then took a deep breath of her own, looked at her left hand twirling the ring around her finger, then to the gold chain around her neck, grasping it tight as she moved to look at the orange and purple colored sky.
"Mom, I wish you were here right now, I wish you could have met Rick; this wonderful, crazy, incredible man I'm going to marry. I wish you could be here to give me some advice or hug me or kiss me right now. I miss you."
"If she were here, she'd say 'Enjoy it'." A voice from behind her spoke and spooked her.
She turned around to see her dad dressed in an overcoat and fedora.
"Dad." She latched onto him immediately burying her face in his chest.
"Hey Katie Bear," Jim said as he stroke his daughter's hair. "Can you believe? You're getting married, honey."
She wiped away the few tears that rolled down her cheeks, she silently thanked that she was wearing No Run makeup.
"No, I can't," she said with a smile the last few hours have been a blur, two hours ago I was in a relationship now two hours and a plane ride later I'm getting married."
"Yes! Oh, sweetie I'm so happy for you."
"Thanks Dad."
"So, ready to tie the knot?"
"As ready as I'll ever be."
(***)
Jim looped an arm and Kate took it. Together they walked to the entrance and Jim knocked, then a organ version of 'How Sweet the Moonlight' by Andrea Scholl began to play.
Kate took one last deep breath before the double doors opened and she began to walk down the aisle. Looking around she saw only nine people in the room, three were chapel workers, two were Alexis and Martha then it was her, her dad, Rick and the Mayor. She guessed Castle wanted it to be a Family-only affair.
As she neared the end, Kate saw Rick smile beaming at her. She couldn't help but smile back. When Jim handed Kate to Rick, the older man smiled and said, "Take of her, son."
"Always."
As they turned toward the Mayor, began, "Dearly beloved, we are gather her today to witness the union of two extraordinary people, two people who love each other as only they could. A pair, that has endure in pain and thrived in joy and love. We are here to unite Richard Castle and Katherine Beckett." He paused for a moment before continuing, "Ms. Beckett, because of the speed of today's events you may choose to skip the vows or you may continue with your own."
"I'll continue, thank you," Kate spoke softly turning just briefly before fixating back to Castle.
"Mr. Castle if you please." Mayor Wheldon directed.
"Thank you, your Honor," never breaking his gaze.
"Kate, I knew I loved you when it wasn't about the books anymore, I knew we were soul mates. Much more than author and his muse, you became my reason to give love another chance, to invest in someone, your heart hoping that the only return you get back is theirs, but you gave me something much more than that, you gave me your partnership, your never-ending devotion and the love and affection that only comes from picking yourself up. You are one of the strongest women I know, both emotionally and spiritually. You are my everything now and always. I love you."
"Do you Richard Castle, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife in sickness and in health for richer for poorer, 'til death you part?" Mayor Wheldon asks.
"I do."
He placed another ring on her left hand, a wedding band.
"Kate?" Mayor Wheldon directed.
"Rick, I call you Castle because you harbored me, cared for me, protected me and loved me. You are always there even when I push you away. You are always and forever will be my knight in shining armor. I love you."
"Do you Kate Beckett, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband in sickness and in health, for richer for poorer, 'til death you part?" Mayor Wheldon asks.
"I do." She placed a ring on his left hand.
"By the power vested in me by the City of New York in the state of New York, I pronounce you man a wife, you may kiss the bride."
The two smiled as they leaned in for kiss to the sound of applause.
When they pulled apart, they were congratulated by those around them.
After congratulating the new couple, Martha dropped back onto the chapel bench, with raised hands and announced to the Heavens, "Finally!"
E/N: There is an actual Niagara Falls Wedding Chapel that can get you married in a chapel close to the Falls, or next to the Falls themselves but there is no chapel directly under the Falls as I described. Mac Duggal as well as Jos A Bank are real brands, in case you were curious.