Author's note: This is my first Castle Fanfiction story. Please read and review.

Disclaimer: Characters are not mine.

Chapter 1

She smiled hearing the familiar outbursts of laughter coming from the other end of the bullpen. As she placed pictures and evidence from the murder board she couldn't help overhear Detective Ryan talking about his upcoming romantic night with Jenny, Esposito's smack talking about kicking ass and taking names, and Castle's wild theories and epic conclusion to the case that was just solved, fit for his next Nikki Heat book.

As the boys said their goodnights and turned off their desk lamps, Detective Beckett began to blush. She could feel Castle's gaze on her as he strode slowly to her. The last photograph and file were neatly placed in the case evidence box, and her heart pounded at the waft of his cologne and the warmth of his presence.

"Another case solved by the extraordinary Detective Beckett," he grinned, placing his hand over hers on the box.

"With the help of her partner," she replied, her thumb caressing the back of his hand. The forceful magnetic pull of their chemistry began to take its hold as the space between them closed. The sound of pounding heels broke them apart as Captain Gates walked to her office, closing the door behind her.

"Ready to go?" Castle asked, clearing his throat. He took the coat off the back of her chair and held it up.

"I just need to put these in the back," she said fluffing her hair outside the jacket placed on her.

"I'll pick you up in an hour?" he whispered in a low seductive tone.

"Yeah," she exhaled.

She watched as the metallic elevator doors closed, smiling at the sight of Castle winking in her direction. Still gives me butterflies, she thought. The very thought of her relationship with Castle made her feel a sense of home and family that she hadn't felt since that fateful night in January that turned her world upside down.

Punctuality was definitely a Castle asset. Exactly one hour later, Beckett heard a soft rhythmic pounding at her apartment door. In her bedroom mirror, she tucked the final hairs into place and pursed red lipstick between her lips. Taking an anxious breath, she opened the door to reveal Richard Castle, dressed in his most fashionable suit and dashing smile that revealed subtle dimples on his cheeks.

"Hey," she smiled.

He was breathless at the sight of his love dressed in a long sapphire dress that flattered her every curve, looking classy and mysterious as she often did. A warm light graced her auburn hair that was gracefully swept into curls in the back of her head.

"You look incredible," he uttered slowly, lips turned up into a grin.

"Thanks. You clean up nicely. As always," she blushed.

"Ready?" Castle spoke charmingly holding out his arm.

"Yeah." She grabbed her shimmering handbag resting on the table, and held her boyfriend's arm.

Spooning the last bit of Tiramisu into her mouth, Kate moaned quietly in delight. The sound made the hairs on the back of Castle's neck stand on end.

"So I take it your meal was satisfactory?" Castle prompted, swallowing hard.

"Everything was perfect. Thank you." Kate dabbed her cloth napkin delicately on the corners of her mouth. The warmth of his gaze sent a tingly sensation through every inch of her skin. He dashingly waved for the check as she put on her long black button up coat. It was then that they briefly stared at each other from across the private table, taking in the moment that felt so surreal, yet so right—so natural.

"What would you like to do next?" Castle wondered. "Your wish is my command." Kate's response was brief and to the point.

"My place or yours?" she spoke seductively.

Raising one eyebrow, he pursed his lips together and naughtily winked. "My place is closer."

"Let's go." Castle shot up out of his chair with is childlike grin overcoming his features. A sense of urgency led to his rapid pulling out of bills and securing them in the black folder placed on the table moments ago by the waiter. He put on his coat, eagerly linking her arm with his.

Right on cue, the valet pulled up to the front of the restaurant, and Castle opened the Ferrari door, "My lady," he acquiesced.

The drive to Castle's apartment was quiet, their intertwined hands and significant glances doing all the talking. In mere minutes Castle parked his car in his usual spot outside his building. With a spring in his step he opened Kate's door, offering a chivalrous hand. "Thank you," she smiled.

"Only the best for my Kate," he said confidently. Nervously she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, looking briefly at her feet, giving her a moment to deliberate her reply.

"Oh, so I'm your Kate huh? When did this shift of ownership take place?" It was conversations like these that made Castle's heart and mind race.

Sliding an arm around her waist and pulling her close he responded, "I don't know…around the time that you captured my heart. You've had my heart for longer than you realize."

She reached her arms around his neck. "Oh is that so? You're all mine?"

He nodded. "Always." Kate felt his lips gently caress hers. "I love you, Kate," he said once again.

She never tired of hearing it, yet she hadn't spoken the same words to him. It never before felt like the right time, but suddenly she found herself unable to contain the words any longer, "I love you too." They blurted out suddenly, taking Castle by pleasant surprise.

He pulled his arms around his waist and urged, "Say it again."

Looking directly into his blue eyes with only the stars and street lamps as witnesses, she repeated, "I love you," sealing the words with a kiss.

Nearly gasping for air while leaning his forehead against hers, he said, "It's getting chilly. We should take this party inside." Nodding, Kate let her hand be taken into is as they turned the street corner and headed toward the lobby door.

Without warning, a loud yet familiar POP echoed off the brick walls around them causing Kate to immediately tense. She reached behind her back in the inside of her jacket out of habit, only to feel the smoothness of her form-fitting gown.

"Kate?!" That was a tone of panic that she had not heard come from Richard Castle's mouth—not ever. She turned her head, seeing only the side of the building. Instantly her heart fell deep into her chest. Castle was on his knees, hand covering his upper left chest.

"CASTLE!" She knelt down in front of him frantically. His eyes were wide. She had never seen this unique blend of fear and sadness within them. Blood was trailing between his fingers, down the backside of his hand. She pulled his hand away, only to reveal a bullet wound. "Lay down. Everything is going to be ok. Just hold on." She was determined to keep her wits about her. He needed her now more than ever. She whipped out her phone and dialed 911. Rick squeezed his eyelids tightly, refusing to scream out in pain. He had stay calm—steady is breath—for her. He reached out for her hand for comfort.

"This is Detective Kate Beckett, badge number 41319, I need an ambulance to..."

Gradually the sound of her voice became quiet, as if she were being muted in Castle's mind. He could see her lips moving, her eyes darting everywhere looking for the shooter, being the amazing cop he had come to know, love, and admire. His lungs were working sluggishly take in air and it was getting harder for him to stay awake. "Kate," he strained.

Putting the phone in her lap, she comforted, "Shhh. Don't talk. An ambulance is on its way."

"Remember your promise. Alexis. Take care of—"

"No you remember your promise," she argued. "You said you'd never leave me. You promised me always." Tears were nearing the brim of her eye, but she was refusing to let them fall.

Rick could feel in eyelids weighing heavy and his will to keep them open tiring. With all the strength he had left he said sternly, "Kate." He let his serious stare say the rest.

"I promise," she said shakily, a tear emerging against her will down her cheek. The sound of ambulance sirens was nearing as Castle's skin was paling. "Help is almost here, Rick. Stay with me." She leaned close to his ear and whispered, "I love you…so much." When she looked at his face again his eyes were closed, face relaxed. His hand was limp in hers. "No! Castle! Wake up. Wake up!"

It was then that the ambulance pulled up and three paramedics leapt out of the vehicle. "Ma'am, back up." She heard the words, but could not find the will to move—until a paramedic pulled her away while the other two began CPR, added an oxygen mask and checked for vitals.

"Castle," she spoke again, letting her tears flow freely.