I started this fic in early November and have been working on it since then. This is one of my first fics that kind of has a plot, but that doesn't mean it isn't fluffy like my usual stuff. I have finished this fic, so I'll do frequent updates until it is all posted.

Wrapping her arm around his, the pair strode down the ivory-color carpeted aisle. Kate's heels, several inches tall, almost allowed her to meet him eye-to-eye. Castle subtly tugged her to a pew on the right side of the church and she willingly followed. They took their seats, thigh-to-thigh, barely a whisper between them. Kate smiled shyly, a warmth flowing throughout her as she looked over the program she was handed. Being in such a close proximity to the man who filled her dreams almost every night made it difficult to focus on the words written on the heavy lavender card stock. His natural earthy scent wafted around her and her heart rate picked up speed. What was it about weddings that made her usually controlled thoughts float off to the "what-ifs" and "why-nots" about her partner, the man she was undeniably in love with?

Ryan was ready and waiting for the wedding party to stroll down the aisle, nervously fidgeting in anticipation. As everyone settled in their seats, Pachelbel's Canon in D Major flowed through the church and the bridesmaids and groomsmen made their way to the altar. When Jenny and her father appeared at the entrance, all of the guests stood to watch her walk toward her future.

Sitting back in the pew, Kate and Castle returned to their initial seating arrangement. Castle placed his hand on his knee, barely brushing his pinkie finger against Kate's exposed thigh. The feather-like touch, almost imperceptible, sent electricity throughout Kate's core. Feeling unusually brave, she placed her hand on her leg and quietly, not even looking away from the ceremony, hooked her little finger around his. Kate caught the subtle gasp Castle made, but continued to pretend like she wasn't slowly encompassing the rest of his hand with hers. Seconds later, they laced their fingers together, feeling the heat from the other's palm. Neither of them took their eyes off Ryan and Jenny, but serene smiles graced both of their lips.

Fifteen minutes later Kate and Castle followed the bride and groom out of the chapel with the other guests, still holding hands. Castle pulled Kate toward the back of the crowd, trying to draw less attention to the two of them. Kate, expecting to follow everyone to the nearby reception hall, was taken by surprise when Castle suddenly yanked her into a small, private alcove off the hallway.

"Castle, what…"

Castle drew her to him quickly, grasping the back of her neck with the large, firm hand that wasn't currently entwined with her hand. Kate's eyes were wide with shock, but the gold flecks around the pupil seemed to sparkle like Midas himself had touched them. Castle leaned in and covered her rose-colored lips with his. Kate didn't respond until he slipped his tongue out and circled her lips, only then allowing him access to her mouth. Kate dropped Castle's hand and brought both arms around his neck trying to get impossibly closer. Together their tongues danced in unison, tasting remnants of that morning's coffee on her and his peppermint toothpaste. She cupped the back of his head, her arousal enhancing the feel of his short, silky hair between her fingers. She was tingly and warm; she couldn't get enough of this man. Distancing themselves to catch their breath, their chests heaving against each other, Kate and Castle gazed at one another, their pupils blown with lust.

"What just happened?" Kate asked.

"I think we just made out in a church." Castle responded with a smug smirk.

"Why?"

"Well if the bride and groom can do it, why can't we?"

Suddenly feeling self-conscious, Kate looked around nervously, disengaging herself from Castle's grip. "We should catch up with everyone else at the reception."

"Or we could go make out some more under the bleachers." Castle brought his hand to her face and stroked her cheek with his thumb.

"Castle, people are expecting us." She let out an unexpected sigh as her eyes instinctively closed. She was enjoying this too much. "Rick! We can't do this here." She jumped back, removing herself from his enticing hold then bolted in the direction of the other guests.

Castle sighed. They were toeing the line between friendship and something more. He was afraid to step over the boundary because of her self-erected walls around her heart keeping her from giving herself fully to someone. Gloomily, Castle followed after Kate, trying to figure out how to get through the reception knowing he just screwed up one of the best things that ever came into his life.

Stepping into the reception hall, everyone had already situated themselves at their respective tables. Castle scanned the open room hoping to find Kate, finally homing in on her as if she were a solar eclipse he knew he shouldn't be looking at but the temptation was too great. Kate sat at what Castle figured was the "singles table." He knew she was purposely distancing herself from him because she willingly gave up the seats beside her so he couldn't be near her. Weaving his way through the groupings of tables, he kept his eyes fixed on her. As far as he was concerned, Kate Beckett was the only woman in the universe, the only one who unknowingly had his heart. Kate had her elbows atop the white tablecloth with her hands steepled, the tips of her index fingers resting on her lips, as she scrutinized her surroundings.

Coming up behind her, Castle put one hand on the back of her chair and leaned in to whisper in her ear. "Kate, can I talk to you?"

Kate startled at the sound of his voice and turned her head to the side staring blearily at the floor as she said, "I don't think that would be a good idea. You need to get seated anyway."

As if on cue, loud music boomed over the speakers announcing the arrival of the wedding party. Castle huffed in frustration and pulled out a chair a couple of seats away from Kate. She had turned toward the front of the room to watch Jenny and Ryan in their joy of finally being married. She smiled vacantly, happy for her friends, but feeling torn apart because of her complicated feelings for her partner.

While the catering staff began to serve everyone's dinner, the man next to Kate decided to engage her in conversation.

"How do you know the couple?"

"I work with Kevin. We are both detectives. What about you?"

"I went to high school with Kevin. We were both on the basketball team." The man held out his hand to Kate, "I'm Huck, by the way."

"Nice to meet you, I'm Kate." Kate shook his hand. "Huck is an interesting name. Is it short for anything?"

"My given name is Richard after my dad, but my mom liked calling me Huck as a kid so it stuck."

Kate's polite smile faltered slightly, but Huck didn't pick up the change in her eyes at the mention of another Richard. "I know I just met you, but I think Huck suits you."

Castle watched from across the table, his eyes flickering with jealousy. He tried to appear like it wasn't affecting him, but Kate knew, she could feel the longing looks he cast her way.

While Kate and Huck engaged in conversation throughout the meal, she would gingerly glance across the table at Castle. Their eyes met once and Kate saw the pain and heartache etched into his irises. She couldn't face to see him like that again, so she fought herself from looking once more.

As the caterers cleared the dishes the DJ started to play "That's Amore" by Dean Martin and Huck asked Kate if she would like to dance with him.

Kate stuttered a bit, unable t resist looking over at Castle again whose eyes were big, almost terrified looking. "Uh, I'd love to." Kate offered her hand to him as he led her to dance floor.

"What is a beautiful woman like you sitting at the single's table?" Huck asked when he took her in his arms as they swayed.

"Just waiting for the right one, I guess." Kate said, chuckling nervously while quickly darting her eyes to their table where Castle still sat.

"What is your relationship with the guy who sits at our table? I couldn't help but noticing he couldn't keep his eyes off of you, not that I can blame him."

Kate looked away from Huck's eyes, unsure how to describe her relationship with Castle. "He's my partner."

"So there's nothing going on between you two?"

"Uh, no. Not…"

"Not what?"

"Not yet." Kate bit her lip at her admission.

"Oh so you want something between the two of you?"

Kate's eyes widened at what she had revealed. "Um…"

"May I cut in?" Castle's voice sounded next to Huck and Kate.

Huck knew he didn't have a chance, so he graciously gave up his dance with Kate. Kate couldn't meet Castle's eyes when he enveloped her in his arms.

"Rick, I can't do this." Kate pushed herself from him, gave him one last tear-filled look and bolted from the reception hall.

Castle scrubbed his hand over his face wondering if that had really just happened … again. Realizing he couldn't let Kate get away that easily, he raced after her.

"Kate!" he called, catching her before she left the hall completely. He pulled her aside against her will before she attempted to escape again. "Kate!" he shouted to get her to focus on him.

She stopped, trying to hide the tears rimming her eyes. "What Castle?" her voice caught in her throat.

"What happened earlier was not a mistake. I refuse to accept that as a mistake. That kiss was … everything, Kate. I know you may not be ready to hear this but I want more. I want more with you. Kate, I am crazy about you."

Kate paused, wiping away a stray tear before finally meeting his eyes. "Rick, I'm scared. I don't want to lose you. I don't want to push you away. You mean too much to me."

"You will never lose me. Trust me."

"You don't know that."

"But I do know that, Kate. Meeting you has been one of the greatest things that has ever happened to me and I refuse to give that up. If you aren't sure you can risk losing our relationship, know that I will always come back; I will always fight for you." Castle rambled frantically.

"Rick, you could do so much better than me. I don't deserve you."

Castle palmed her cheek and wiped away a falling tear. "Kate, you are the most extraordinary person I have ever met. The truth is I don't deserve you." Castle cupped both of her cheeks in his large hands and rested his forehead against hers as she wrapped her hands around his forearms.

Kate hesitantly met his eyes and began, "Rick…"

"Marry me." Castle whispered hastily.

Kate jerked away from his grasp and asked, "What?"

Castle's eyes grew in shock, realizing what he had blurted out. "I'm sorry; I'm a little worked up. I take it back. I'm sorry."

Kate paused, taking in a deep breath, "Did you mean it?"

"The proposal?" Kate nodded. "I want everything with you, Kate. You are my third time's a charm. I am certain of this. Why not dive right in and prove to ourselves that we aren't going to walk away from each other?"

Kate brought her fingers to her lips, meeting Castle's eyes in contemplation. "Rick…"

Castle started to pace quickly in front of her. "Forget I said anything. I'm sorry for putting all of this on you. I don't want to scare you away. I…"

"Yes." Kate broke through his nervous blather.

Castle stopped, his eyes wide, "What?"

"Yes. Let's get married. Let's do it right now."

"Beckett, please don't tease me. I know I am acting irrationally right now, but…"

Trying to assure him of her serious answer, Kate pulled him into a searing kiss, wrapping herself around him. Their hearts beat in sync, quick and fluttery. Breaking apart, she looked into his crystalline blue eyes and said, "Do you feel that? Because I feel it just like you. That is everything. You are everything."

"Are you serious, Kate?"

As another tear fell, Kate nodded confidently. "Let's do it. Let's really do this. Right now."

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