So sorry. I entered this and forgot to put the standard disclaimer up here.
I do not own Castle nor do I play him on TV
That other person, Marlow owns him and her and them and the other players
So ABC, Disney get all the glory.
I just get to waste my time writing this stuff
so you can waste your time reading my stuff
But you've already seen my stuff, so why are you reading more of my stuff?
"Katherine Houghton Beckett. Will you marry me?"
He is on his knee looking up into the face of the woman that he is totally and completely in love with, waiting for her answer
Richard Castle is afraid of what her answer might be. From the look on her face, it looks like he is going to loose the love of his life right here, right now. She is not smiling. Over time he has been able to read some of her expressions and he was planning to learn more of them. But this time she actually has no expression at all
He never thought their relationship was going to crash and burn. But at this very moment, it looks like it is going to burn and fall to the ground.
This woman who came into his life without fanfare. Without wanting anything for herself. She only wanted to find a killer and bring closure to a family became herself wedged into his heart. He was so sure he could control the situation with her. But he learned that he really did not want to control her. He wanted her just as she is. He wants her complete with all her faults. He has his own faults so why would he expect her to be any different?
He considers that the mistakes that he had made with her over the last few months are finally coming to fruition. He is now loosing the best thing he has ever had to her job.
In exactly one more second and he is going to stand up and leave so she can have the future she is wanting. That future without Castle. That new future without him being the distraction to her advancement that he has obviously become. He will not under any circumstance stop her from having what she wants in the job. He was just hoping that he would be more important but it appears that is not going to be the case.
As he moves his fingers to pull the ring back into his palm, she quickly reaches and takes a hold of his hand
"Richard Castle, don't you dare go anywhere" Kate smiles
Castle suddenly has hope. In now sees a sparkle in her eyes
"What are we doing, Rick? Where are you taking me?"
"I was hoping to the altar"
"Seriously?"
"Yes, seriously"
Kate stands up from the swing and Castle sees a light in her face. Hope for them.
"I love you Kate. I have loved you from that moment when you first arrested me"
That comment brings a bigger smile to her face.
"Don't say that Castle"
"Why?"
"Because! I had a crush on you back then and I had to fight it"
"I know you did"
"So, Mr. Castle…" Kate holds out her left hand to Rick "Would you like to restate the question?"
"Katherine Houghton Beckett. Will you marry me?"
As he slips the ring onto her left hand she responds "Yes I will"
Any park visitors are given a very private show of affection as these two embrace for the first time as an engaged couple
Saturday, early afternoon in the loft
Castle is rushing around the kitchen bringing down bowls and cups from the overhead cabinets, taking utensils out of drawers and setting everything on the counter. Then on to the refrigerator for the fresh vegetables and meat
Martha has come down from her room and has placed her usual self on the stool with a glass of wine in her hand. "Richard darling, please slowdown. You are making me a nervous wreck with this rushing around"
"Mother, everyone is coming for dinner tonight and I want us, as a family, to make a good impression on them.
"Richard. These are all your friends and they all know they type host you are, so why are you so panicked? Is this different?"
"Mother. Tonight is special. Very special"
Martha is looking at her son with a knowing glare. "Richard. Have you done something that I need to be made aware of?"
"Mother, I don't know what you mean. I have not sold the loft or kicked you out or anything such as that."
"Richard darling. Is Kate moving in here?"
"Permanently?" Martha finishes her question
"Why are you asking?"
"Son. You went to the jewelry store yesterday and made a very large purchase. A purchase that I might want to know about"
"How do you know about that?" Castle suddenly realizes she knows what is happening
"They called from the credit card company. It seems that a purchase of that size, even for you, was outside the norm, so they called to verify the transaction. I know you love her. But I just did not know how much you cared. That must be a very large ring"
"Yes, mother. Kate is going to be your next and last daughter-in-law"
"How are you so sure? If you are planning on asking her tonight in front of everyone, she might just say no"
"Mother, she already said yes. She will be wearing the ring when she gets here"
"OH MY! You already proposed? And she said yes?"
"Yes, mother. She is at her place getting a few more of her things to bring here"
"It is about time!" Martha goes to the cabinet and pours herself another large glass of wine and heads up to her room. Castle thinks he hears a cheer from her before she closes the door
Just a minute passes when the front door opens and Kate enters pulling a suitcase. Castle rushes over to the entry to help.
"Welcome home" He says as he places his arms around his new fiancé.
"If you give me a minute to get this stuff in our room, I will help you in the kitchen."
"All right" he says as Rick lets her go into the bedroom. He returns to the kitchen to continue his food prep.
By five o'clock, the chicken parmesan is prepared and waiting to be placed in the oven just before serving. The lettuce is cut, the tomatoes, chives, bacon bits, cheese and croutons are all in bowls along with the dressing on the side. The table has been set so it is ready the moment all the guests arrive.
The couple goes to get ready for their guests. It is everything both of them can do to not become distracted with each other before welcoming their company for the evening.
The most puncuintal guests are Lanie and Esposito. These two are at the door a few minutes before the allotted time of six. They are followed closely by Jim. Then less than five minutes later the Ryan's arrive.
Naturally Martha is the last to appear. She insists she wants to be fashionably late. Even when the party is just downstairs from her room.
Beckett has everyone sit at the table and serving salads to the group while Rick is bringing the main course from the oven.
Kate's nervousness was only apparent to Lanie. No one else seemed to notice that she seemed a little on edge this evening.
After the desserts were finished and Castle cleared the dishes, he offered coffee to everyone in respect to Jim. Kate noticed this respect for her father. This seemed to please her
Rick return to the table and speaks to everyone "Thank you for being our friends and family" as he looks to his mother
Then he turns to face his girl "Kate has a little announcement she wants to make"
Beckett stands at the end of the table "I was offered a job in DC. I was offered a job as an agent with the Attorney General's office."
There is an audible gasp heard from Ryan and Esposito.
"Beckett. Are you leaving us for the feds?" Javi asks first
Beckett ducks her head just a little "Guys, I thought about this long and hard. This is a giant move up for me. To even be considered for this job is more than anyone could hope for. I would be working on major cases involving terrorism, national security, even spying. What ever the AG's office decides they want to tackle"
"Wow Beckett that is fantastic. But you know we will miss you" Ryan comments
"I would miss you too"
Kate looks over at Rick "But I am saying No"
Lanie has a confused look on her face "Kate. You made me believe you were going to take this job"
"Lanie, I have thought long and hard and decided that all of you" She points around the room "are more important than any job promotion or advancement. I am doing a great service to victims here catching murders. So I am telling them no on Monday when they call me back to get my answer"
Kate looks at her father who is simply smiling at his daughter. She realizes he knows. He knows what is in her heart and he knows the other reason she is saying no.
While no one notices, Kate slipped the new ring on her finger then she continues "There is more to this story. I am telling the Fed No, but…"
She looks at Castle then she holds her left hand up for everyone to see "I said YES to someone else"