The day started much like any other; the alarm buzzed, eyes opened, birds sang. Castle groaned and reached blindly for his phone, determined to stop the incessant noise that had woken him. He managed to silence the device and rolled over to greet his fiancée with a good morning kiss, but as he took in the empty space next to him his heart began hammering in his chest. Suddenly he was wide awake, and he sprang out of bed with a goofy grin.

He pulled on shorts and an old t-shirt before shuffling his way to the kitchen. It was already occupied, he noted, and he greeted his companions with a smile.

"Good morning, gentlemen," he hitched one hip over the stool in front of the bar and accepted the mug of coffee Esposito handed him.

"Not so loud," he said with a knowing grin at his partner. Ryan was leaning back against the kitchen counter looking like he'd gone three rounds with Mike Tyson - and lost. "Some of us are fighting a hangover."

"I thought your Irish superpowers made you immune to hangovers," Castle teased the younger man, and Ryan leveled his best glare at the writer. It was muted somewhat by the dark bags and pale skin that was the only outward evidence of the huge party they'd thrown the night before. Castle looked around his loft with an appraising glance and sipped his coffee. "You know, I could have sworn this place was trashed last night. You boys really know how to throw a bachelor party."

"Hey, I didn't get to plan the last one," Esposito said with another glance at his partner. "So we put our heads together for this one."

"Well, consider this one a success," Castle agreed. "Who cleaned?"

"I don't know," Esposito shook his head. "We crashed upstairs last night because it was such a mess down here, and when we got up this morning it was spotless."

"Huh," Castle took one last long drink of coffee and set the empty mug on the bar. "I'm gonna hop in the shower. Help yourselves to the television."

"Don't take too long," Ryan was looking a little better, and as he spoke he pushed off of the counter. "We have to be on the road by ten."

"Right," he waved over his shoulder as he left his friends in the living room. As he closed the door to his bedroom, his eyes fell on the framed seashells on the wall across the room. He paused for a moment to take them in, to revel in what they represented. They were the first steps in a story he and Kate were writing together, and today they were starting a new chapter.

Today, they were getting married.

After finally settling on September, Castle realized they had almost no time to pick a venue. It was Ryan who had jokingly suggested using Castle's estate in the Hamptons, and one look at Kate had told Castle that it was perfect. He hired a planner to coordinate decorating and catering, leaving Kate with the task of finding her dress. After several non-stop shopping weekends with Lanie, Martha, and Alexis, they'd found it. It had all come together so quickly, and by the time August rolled around all they had to do was wait.

Castle spent an extra ten minutes in the shower as his mind wandered to the events that would unfold today. Castle, Esposito, and Ryan would swing by and pick up Kate's dad on the way to the Hamptons, where the girls were probably already well into their wedding day routine. Once there, they would have only a few hours to make sure everything was ready for their sunset wedding. Then he would finally be able to call Kate Beckett his wife.

Once he was shaved and showered, he grabbed everything he would need for the day and met the boys back in the living room. Esposito was checking the list Lanie had made for him to make sure the boys didn't forget anything.

"Who knew she was such a task-master?" Ryan joked as he looked over Espo's shoulder. "Is she like this all the time?" His meaning was clear, and Ryan had to duck as Esposito lashed out with his free arm.

"Man, get back. You're hovering."

"Sorry," he said insincerely. He glanced up as Castle entered with his garment bag and overnight bag. "You got everything?"

"I think so," Castle looked down at everything in his arms. Ryan took the bags from him while he tied his shoes and double checked that he had his wallet and phone.

Esposito stowed his phone away and grabbed the keys from the counter. "Your suitcase is in the trunk, and our stuff is already in the backseat," he said. "And Beckett's dad is getting the boutonnieres from the florist right now. I think we're ready to go."

"Alright," Castle took a deep breath and took one last look around the loft.

"Nervous?" Ryan asked quietly.

"Oh yeah," he returned in a breath.

Esposito scoffed good-naturedly and shook his head. "Isn't this, like, the third time you've done this?"

"Yeah," Castle answered with an easy smile. "But this one's different. I had to talk Meredith into marrying me after she got pregnant with Alexis. And Gina...I really think we just got married because we spent so much time together anyway that it felt like the natural thing to do. But this...this is so much more." He carded his fingers through his still-drying hair, causing it to stand up a bit. He flattened it back down and patted his pockets to make sure he'd grabbed everything. "This is it, boys. You ready?"

Castle called shotgun on their way out of the building, but Ryan slipped by him the moment he opened the car door.

"But I called it!" he complained, but one look from the detectives had him slinking to the backseat. He stowed his garment bag next to the other two in the back and buckled into the bucket seat behind Ryan.

Thirty minutes later, they pulled up to an old, two-story home tucked into the suburbs. Jim Beckett opened the front door and waved, then disappeared back into the house. Moments later he reappeared with his suit hung over one arm and a box in both hands. Castle jumped out and took the box from him, settling it into the space between the two bucket seats as Jim laid his bag with the rest.

Finally they were all settled in their seats, and Esposito maneuvered the SUV out into traffic. It was a two hour drive out to the Hamptons, and with a stop for lunch they arrived at the spacious home just after one. Ryan had called ahead to Jenny to let them know they were coming, and Lanie met them at the front door.

"Kate's getting ready in the master suite. Nuh uh," she held up a hand when Castle took a step forward. "Don't even look at those stairs, Castle. Go." She turned him around and pushed him toward the rear of the house. Jim clapped his soon-to-be son-in-law on the shoulder and guided him toward the spacious sitting room that looked out over the back lawn.

Through the picture window they watched as the team of decorators set up the lawn for the reception. Center pieces were being deposited on tables as fast as they were being covered, plates and silverware were being arranged with precision and, in the middle of the chaos, Castle could just make out the 5'3" wedding planner that was in charge of the entire army.

Vanessa Chambers was listed as one of the best coordinators in the country, and Castle was glad to pay her the extra she wanted for the "rushed" wedding. Usually, she required 18 months' notice before she would agree to plan a wedding, but after hearing their story she was very nearly begging Castle to let her plan their special day. She handled everything from the catering to the decorating to the arrival and seating of guests. She had even planned for a limo to pick them up the next morning and take them to the airport for their two week honeymoon in The Maldives.

"Nervous, Rick?" Jim's voice made him turn around, and he accepted the soda the other man offered with a smile. Jim had protested rather vehemently when Castle had offered to keep the entire wedding alcohol free, but the writer made sure to stock the fridge with a large amount of alternatives for his fiancée's father. He had also told Vanessa to only get champagne for the toasts and nothing else.

"I was this morning," he answered honestly. "But as it gets closer, I think I'm more anxious than nervous. Your daughter is," he paused to find the right words, "remarkable and extraordinary and I can't wait to be able to finally call her my wife."

"You're both lucky to have found each other," Jim returned Castle's smile with one of his own. "What you two have, it's incredible." They lapsed into an easy silence as they watched the team of decorators turn the lawn into a magical landscape. Christmas lights had been draped carefully in the trees, and paper lanterns hung on ropes above it all. Castle had been worried about a night time reception outdoors, but Vanessa had assured them that it wouldn't be a problem.

"Come on," Jim beckoned for Castle to follow. "Let's go make sure everything is ready beachside."

"How come I get the feeling you're just trying to keep me busy," Castle said with a grin.

"Because I am. Let's go." They weaved their way through the tables and continued across the lawn to the series of worn stone steps that led to the small beach area. A lattice frame was already set up, as well as enough folding chairs for the small group of family and friends they'd invited. Vanessa had wrapped the lattice with a woven vine. Roses and lilies had been scattered through the vine, and a matching bouquet would be held by Kate. The sun was already on its descent, and Castle guessed they had only four hours or so before they needed to get things started.

"Johanna would have loved this," Jim said quietly. "She loved the ocean."

Castle glanced at the man from the corner of his eye. Over the years, Castle had learned about Johanna in bits and pieces from Beckett, but hearing the love in Jim's voice made his breath catch in his throat. "Kate told me the three of you would take summer trips out to Montauk when she was little."

Jim smiled at the reminder of days long past. "Katie and Johanna would spend hours walking up and down the beach looking for the perfect seashells. They brought a few back each trip, and Katie would add them to the bucket she kept in her room." The corners of his eyes crinkled as he smiled at a long-forgotten memory. "During the school year, Katie would pull those shells out and look at each one of them, like she could tell its story just by touching them."

"I wish she was here today," Castle said finally.

"She is," Jim answered with a smile. "She is." Silence engulfed them again, and Castle watched the older man look out over the ocean with a heartbroken expression in his eyes. He tried to imagine losing Kate – having to live his life without her constant presence – and he suppressed a shudder.

"I'm gonna go check in with the officiator," he said finally. "See you later, Jim." He left Jim Beckett standing on the beach, lost in the crashing waves of his memories.

Between checking and double checking every moment of the upcoming event, four hours passed in the blink of an eye. Castle was mid-conversation with the photographer and his crew when Esposito tapped him on the shoulder.

"Come on, bro. Time to get dressed."

Castle checked his watch and gasped. "Oh my God. Okay, Chris," he turned back to the man with the camera, "we good?"

"You bet, Rick. See you on the other side." He shook Castle's hand quickly before Esposito wrapped an arm around his friend's shoulder and steered him toward the downstairs guest suite. Ryan was already dressed; they had decided to forgo formal tuxes and opted instead for khakis, white dress shirts, and matching ties and vests. Kate and Lanie couldn't pick a color scheme for the beach wedding, so the girls had decided to get dresses to match the boys. The Ryans had been put in royal blue, and Lanie and Javier had opted for a forest green. Kate's dress was ivory, so Castle would be in a tan vest to match his pants and a bronze tie. Since they were on the beach, the entire wedding party was going barefoot.

It didn't take them long to get dressed, and as Castle was adjusting his tie the door opened. Lanie was looking stunning with her off-the-shoulder dress, and all the guys stopped what they were doing as she walked in.

"Just checking in," she waved them off as she stepped up in front of Castle. She reached up and fixed the knot on his tie with expert fingers. "You ready?"

"Lanie, I've been ready for a long time."

"Just remember, you make her cry, I make you cry. Got it?" Her stern glare made him take a step back, but just as quickly it was gone and she reached forward to gather him in a hug. "I'm so happy for you two," she whispered in his ear. He returned the embrace easily, and when she stepped back he kissed her cheek.

"Let's get this party started."

"You just get out to the beach, writer boy. I've got this all under control." She sashayed out the door, and Castle didn't miss how Esposito's eyes followed her.

"Task master," Ryan whispered from across the room, and Esposito threw a comb at him.

"Shut up."

"Make me," Ryan tossed it back with an answering smile.

"Boys," Castle stepped between them with a teasing smirk. "Please don't fight on my wedding day." He ducked as two combs came flying at him.

Vanessa found him and told him all of the guests were seated and ready. Castle passed Jenny on the lawn situating Sarah Grace in her dress. Alexis was going to carry her down the aisle, along with their wedding rings.

"Dad!" Alexis' voice floated across the lawn, and Castle turned to wrap his arms around his daughter. She had recently turned 21, and he still couldn't believe what a remarkable young woman she had become.

"Hey baby girl," he kissed her cheek and brushed a strand of hair away from her face.

"You ready?"

"You bet," he smiled, and she returned it with one of her own. She surged forward and hugged him again.

"I love you, Dad."

"Love you, too, Pumpkin." She released him and went to take over for Jenny, and his mother took her place.

"How you holding up, kiddo?" She hugged him tightly, and his mind went back to a time when she had to reach down for him. Now he was the one bending ever so slightly.

"Ready to get going," he admitted. "Is everything set?"

"I believe the quartet is playing the entr'acte now," she returned. "So you'd better get out there." He grinned widely and stepped away from her, but she grabbed his hand to stop him. "Richard, I know things haven't always been easy for you and Katherine. I just wanted to say how happy I am for you two, and I love you both."

"We love you, too, Mother." He hugged her one last time and left her on the lawn. He walked down the beach a few hundred feet, then turned so he would be entering from the west. With the sun setting behind him, he imagined it looked pretty awesome. He just hoped Chris got some good shots before he stopped beside the lattice arch. As he came to a stop in front of the minister, he saw Chris give him a thumbs up gesture. He returned it quickly, then turned as the quartet switched to a slow orchestral rendition of "Sweet Child of Mine."

The soft melody played as Alexis and Sarah Grace came walking slowly down the aisle. There were obligatory ooh's and aah's as Sarah gurgled happily from her place in Alexis' arms. When they reached the front of the area, Castle kissed Alexis on the cheek, then Sarah Grace. Both girls smiled big before walking to the small section of seats that was reserved for the immediate family.

Martha was next, walking to the soft strains of the violin carrying a bouquet of lilies, Johanna's favorite flower. Castle saw some of Kate's family wiping tears from their eyes as they realized what the flowers represented, and when Martha reached her son she hugged him and kissed his cheek as well before joining Alexis and Sarah Grace.

The music shifted seamlessly into a waltz, and Kevin and Jenny Ryan emerged from the lawn. Castle's smiled widened as he shifted eagerly from one foot to the other. Vanessa had made them practice this a few times the day before, and she'd warned them not to walk too quickly to avoid kicking up sand. All of the men's cuffs had been rolled to avoid dragging, and the girls had picked out dresses that wouldn't have to be lifted. Still, their slow pace was almost murderous as they walked from the lawn to the beach.

As Kevin and Jenny split to either side, Javier and Lanie came around the corner. They, too, took their time and Castle wondered if time had slowed in order to prolong his torture. Lanie gave him a pointed look as she neared, and Castle couldn't help the chuckle that escaped his lips. Javier took his place next to Kevin as Lanie joined Jenny. The quartet quieted for a moment then, softly, the violin began to play.

Kate had found it nearly impossible to find a suitable song to accompany her walk down the aisle. She wanted to steer away from the more common songs, but she still wanted it to be elegant and memorable and - most of all - them. After searching a hundred different sites for suggestions, she'd finally found one that was perfect. When she'd told Castle, they'd both shared a laugh at its double meaning.

As Heatwave's "Always and Forever" came to a crescendo, Kate glided around the corner on her father's arm. Jim had chosen to wear a brown suit, though he, too, had opted to go barefoot. Kate was wearing a sheer ivory dress that looked like it had been painted on. Her shoulders were bare, and her hair had been pinned up in an elegant braid with silver pins. The result made her glow in the light of the sunset, and Castle felt his heart leap into his throat as she grinned at him from the end of the aisle.

Her eyes never left his as Jim led her to the front. Every trial, every heartache, every moment had led them to this moment, and now that they were finally here Castle could barely believe it. Her grin only widened as the distance between them diminished, and as the quartet slowed to a stop so did she.

A hush fell over the guests as the minister cleared his throat. He smiled at each of them in turn and then looked out past them.

"Love is a miraculous gift. Anyone who knows the story of Rick and Kate understands how precious and extraordinary this gift is. They've invited us all here to share in their joyful celebration of that love, to witness the joining of these two people in the bonds of marriage." He nodded once to Jim, who gripped Kate's hand just a little bit tighter and stepped forward.

"Rick," he began, "fifteen years ago I lost a woman whom I loved more than I can possibly put into words. We spent twenty glorious years together, and in that time she gave me my greatest joy - Kate. For the last six years, you have followed her, pestered her, and pushed her." This drew a chuckle from the crowd, and Rick smiled. "You have stood by her, protected her, and loved her. All I ask of you is that you continue to do so for the rest of your life." He kissed his daughter on her cheek and accepted the hug she gave him before reaching forward to shake Rick's hand. Castle gripped it, then pulled the older man in for a hug of his own. Jim clapped him on the back a few times, then retreated to the empty seat next to Martha.

After passing the bouquet to Lanie, Kate took Rick's outstretched hand and stepped up next to him, returning his easy smile as her toes sank into the soft sand. The minister paused for a moment, then continued the ceremony.

"Richard Bach wrote 'A soul mate is someone who has locks that fit our keys, and keys to fit our locks. When we feel safe enough to open the locks, our truest selves step out and we can be completely and honestly who we are; we can be loved for who we are and not for who we're pretending to be. Each unveils the best part of the other. No matter what else goes wrong around us, with that one person we're safe in our own paradise. Our soul mate is someone who shares our deepest longings, our sense of direction. Our soul mate is the one who makes life come to life.'"

Rick saw Lanie discreetly wipe her eyes behind Kate, and he gripped his bride's hands just a little tighter.

"Rick and Kate, marriage is more than a simple ceremony; it is the union of two hearts. It lives on the love you give each other and never grows old, but thrives on the joy of each new day. Let your love and friendship guide you as you learn and grow with each other. Through your partnership, triumph over the challenges in your path. No other human ties are more tender and no vows more important than the ones you are about to make to each other." He lifted his eyes to the congregation. "Rick and Kate have written their own vows to share their expression of love and intent. Kate?"

"I wanted to go first for two reasons," she said as she stared in her love's eyes. "One, we all know how long-winded you can be," everyone laughed, even Rick, and she took a deep breath before continuing. "And secondly, I have a feeling you've used all of your writer superpowers and I didn't want to be crying through my vows." Rick expected her to take out a piece of paper or notecard, but she just interlocked their fingers and held on tight as she spoke.

"We've been through so much these last six years, some good times and some not so good. But through it all, no matter what, you've been my constant. In the beginning, whether I asked you to or not, you were always there to lend an ear or a crazy theory. As time wore on you became a friend, and then something more. You became my partner, at first only at work, then in every sense of the word.

"You have been my greatest support, my biggest comfort, my strongest motivation, my best friend, and my deepest love. And for the rest of our lives, I promise to stand by your side, to love you unconditionally, to support you in your successes and your failures, to share with you everything that I am. Always."

There was a moment of silence that seemed to stretch on, and behind her Kate heard Lanie sniffling. Rick stared at her for a moment, his eyes shining with tears, and he swallowed thickly before beginning.

"Sixteen months ago, I proposed to you by our swings at the park. I told you the reason I was proposing was because I couldn't imagine my life without you. In all honesty, that feeling started six years ago. From the moment I met you, I knew you were extraordinary. I knew that I had found someone who was going to turn my world upside down, but I didn't know then that I had found someone who would teach me what it really meant to live for someone else. When you hurt, I ache inside. When you're upset, I feel the burden. When you're happy, I can't stop smiling. When you triumph, I celebrate.

"In my life, I will never know a greater love than this. You are my touchstone, my angel, and I promise to spend every moment of the rest of our lives showing you absolute devotion and unconditional love. Always." It was Kate's turn to tear up, and Rick panicked. "Please don't cry. Lanie will kill me." Laughter broke the silence, and Kate took the opportunity to dab the tears from the corners of her eyes.

"You get a pass today," Lanie stage-whispered as she wiped away tears of her own. The minister smiled at them both and looked at Alexis. The red-head stood and made her way to the front, presenting the wedding bands to him. He folded them into his palm as Alexis took her seat.

"These rings are an outward symbol of the love you have promised each other. Like the circle, your vows are never-ending. Kate, take this ring and place it on the third finger of Rick's left hand." She took the small gold band from him and slid it over Rick's finger as she repeated the minister's words of promise. When she was finished, Rick took her ring and did the same, never letting go of her hand as he slid the ring home.

"By the power vested in me by the state of New York, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride."

Rick surged forward eagerly, and she laughed against his lips as his arms came around her. Applause erupted around them, and she kissed him thoroughly before pulling away. His thumbs brushed across her cheeks to wipe away stray tears, and she kissed him again.

"Alright, alright," Kevin interrupted them and they separated with matching grins. As they turned back toward their gathered friends and family, the minister laid a hand on each of their shoulders.

"May I present Richard and Katherine Castle." Everyone rose to their feet as the applause rose, and their families moved forward to embrace them. Martha hugged her son first, then wrapped her arms around Kate as soon as her father released her. After giving Sarah Grace back to her mother, Alexis wrapped her arms around both of them.

"Love you guys." She was smiling broadly when she pulled away. She turned and took Sarah Grace back, following Martha and Jim back up the aisle. As the wedding guests were dismissed to the reception area, Chris corralled everyone before the sun set.

With pictures done, the wedding party left, leaving Rick and Kate alone on the small private beach. He leaned down and kissed her properly, reveling in the giddy feeling that bubbled in him. When he pulled back she was smiling, and he'd never seen her so happy.

"Kate," he whispered. "I just...we...I..."

"Hard to believe you're an award-winning author," she teased.

He laughed and grabbed both of her hands, marveling at the way her face glowed in the fading light. "I love you so much, Kate. Thank you for...everything."

"Always." She kissed him again, then released one of his hands to lead him down the beach. They spent a few moments enjoying the solitude, and Kate made Rick laugh as she stooped to pick up some seashells.

"I hope you don't want me to frame those. That's been done."

"Nope," she laughed and handed the few shells to him. "Those are going in my bucket."

"Come on," he tugged on her hand as he fought back more tears. "Let's go celebrate."


I wanted to include their first dance, because I think I've found the perfect song. However, this seemed a very good stopping point, so I did. If you're interested, search for Frank Sinatra's "Always" and give it a listen. And, as always, reviews are appreciated.

E FLAT MAJOR: "The key of love, of devotion, of intimate conversation with God."