Disclaimer:The show Castle and its characters are the property of Andrew Marlowe and ABC
Author's note:This is a one shot that got inspired from the the story Love Begins Again by thekingdaddy. In that story Kate asks Castle what would have happened if she had accepted Josh's proposal. This is what I think would have happened. Enjoy.
Standing at the table watching the couples dance, Castle tried to remember the past couple of hours which had passed in a drunken and painful haze. But the only things he could remember was the smug look Josh threw at him, the I Do and the most beautiful bride in the world. As he was thinking these thoughts he saw Ryan and Esposito making their way towards him, each carrying a beer. Their was a painful silence which was broken by Ryan,"Wanna talk about it?" Fearing he might say the wrong thing Castle could only shake his head. Esposito trying to divert the stilted conversation asked "So what now?" Castle sighed,"I dont know, I'm thinking about getting into teaching."
Esposito huffed,"That's an idea, not a particularly good idea, but its an idea." Castle smirked,"I hate you guys." Smirking Ryan replied,"Nah you love us." Castle took a moment and looked at them, The boys as Beckett called them, he was grateful to them that they allowed him to be part of their group. Suddenly overcome by emotion he said,"Thanks guys, for everything."
Before either one could reply Alexis walked up to Castle and said,"Dance with your daughter."
Smiling and taking her hand he replied,"Dont mind if I do." And made his way towards the dance floor. As they danced to a slow song that he vaguely remembered listening while he fiddled with Beckett's cruiser's radio, Alexis said,"I'm proud of you Daddy." Seeing his confused expression she quickly elaborated, "You got through it dad, you didnt hold a grudge, even though I think you should, you got through this hell, even though you love her." Castle couldn't think of what to say, so he simply smiled a sad smile and replied,"I just want her to be happy, and if Josh makes her happy than I'm happy for her." She replied,"You are good man dad, and i hope i find a man half as good as you"."You will pumpkin, you will; but not until you're 35." Receiving the smack to the chest as he expected.
"Mind if I borrow your dad for a dance?" Lanie's question brought the father daughter duo out of their little world."Ofcourse Dr. Parrish." Once Alexis was out of earshot Lanie asked,"How you holding up sweetie?" Not wanting to get in this line of questioning, he simply distracted her,"Don't worry about me, worry about that poor simpleton over there." Pointing towards Esposito who was trying to flirt with a waitress and failing miserably. Grimacing Castle added,"C'mon Lanie, you know you want him back, havent you made him suffer enough?" Before Lanie could say anything he started walking them towards Espo saying"C'mon atleast let one workplace romance be a success." With that they reached the table and Castle gave Lanie's hand to Esposito and said,"Go on and dance already, and be nice to her." Smiling as he saw them walking towards the dance floor.
He spotted her as soon as his eyes left Esplaine. She looked beautiful in the simple white dress, radiant as she danced with her father. His heart ached once again and he knew more alcohol wouldn't do a damn thing. So he decided it was time for a clean break. Walking towards her, he knew the exact moment she sensed him. Not wanting to prolong anything he simply asked Jim,"Mind if I cut in?"Shaking his head and handing his daughter's hand to Castle, Jim made his way towards the precint group who was watching the duo with rapt attention. Winking at the group he turned his attention towards the bride. She looked beautiful in her simple white dress which her and Lanie had found but was already booked until Castle bought it from the people who had booked it by offering twice the price and making it look like the booking got cancelled. He was happy that he was atleast a part of Kate's wedding even though it wasn't the part he wanted.His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts but he simply said,"You look beautiful." She shyly smiled up to him and said,"Thanks Castle, you dont look bad yourself." They danced for a couple of seconds in peaceful silence. Castle was the first one to break it,"Do you remember the first time we danced, at the MADT ball." Smiling at the memory she replied,"Yeah, I hated you back then." Smirking he asked,"Back then?" Getting only a shrug and smirk in reply." I thought you could never look more beautiful then you did that day, but I was mistaken." Causing Kate's cheeks to heat up as a radiant blush took over her face. Without commenting on the blush he asked,"Time is a funny thing isnt it? How fast it goes by. You never seem to realize you have lost it until you come to the end." Squashing the slow dread that was coiling in her stomach she joked,"I dont know castle it seems like years since I brought you in for questioning!" Smiling he replied,"But it only feels like yesterday you came to get a book signed by me." Noticing Kate's eyes get wide he continued,"Shy Kate, your smile lights up the room, smile more, the world needs the light." Quoting what he wrote in her book all those years ago which Kate thought was a general reply which he had forgotten but was far from it. Before she could say anything Josh walked up to them saying," Mind if I dance with my wife." And without waiting for a reply took Kate's right hand, giving Castle a cross look as he kept holding her left hand. Spotting the look Castle left Kate's hand and offered it to Josh, which he took shaking the writers hand as Castle said,"You dont know how lucky you are, she's an extraordinary women." Josh just gave him a smug look, which clearly spoke I win. Castle noticing the look, hardened his grip on Josh's hand till he could she the fear and pain in the surgeon's eyes and said in a cold voice,"And if you ever hurt her, in any way, I will personaaly make sure that even the slightest evidence of your existence won't be found by anyone." Lightening his grip, he finished saying,"This is your chance, don't waste it. Take it from a man who blew his." With that he turned and started walking towards the parking, taking a glass of scotch from the waiter in the way and downing it one gulp. As he was waiting for his car to arrive, Alexis joined her saying nothing, just offering her support silently. As he sat in the car and started driving back towards the loft, his only thoughts were 'It wasn't supposed to end this way'.
THE END