Kate Beckett hasn't been herself lately and she is determined to find out why. The results of her investigation will change her and Rick's lives forever.

Disclaimer: Nope, not mine.

Rick kept a close watch on the clock the following morning. They had to leave by 9:30 am to make it there on time. He made up an excuse of missing "long weekend Hamptons traffic" so that Kate wouldn't be suspicious. Rick had employed the help of several people, and favors, to ensure that his big surprise for Kate went off without a hitch. Everyone was more than happy to help him with his plan. He made one final stop in his office to grab a small box from the bottom drawer, tucked it into his jacket pocket and made his way to the door.

"Kate…we have to go if you want to stop for more coffee," he called out while grabbing their bags.

"Jeez Rick relax! I just want to grab your laptop and I'll be ready to go," she called out as she moved from the bedroom to the office.

"Nope." Rick said and Kate popped her head out of the office with a quizzical look. "This vacation is all about us and relaxing, I won't need it. Besides…I'm actually on schedule with deadlines for once."

Kate shrugged and made her way to him at the front door of the loft. She knew he was up to something, he was never this adamant about being punctual or meeting a deadline. She knew he was up late writing and she suspected that he wrote most of the night so that he wouldn't have to write for the weekend. Oh well, he had his phone if the urge to write struck him.

As they made their way to the elevator, she leaned into him just taking a moment to revel in the fact that they were actually going away together, alone and for more than two days. Rick turned his head and left a lingering kiss at her temple. She seemed so relaxed and he hoped that what he had in store for their morning wouldn't make her tense and grumpy again.

Out on the street Rick began to put their bags into the backseat of the rented SUV. Kate glanced over at him and cocked an eyebrow. "I wanted us to be comfortable for the ride and have room to bring back any shopping purchases," he said with a wink. Kate just shook her head and rolled her eyes as she climbed into the passenger seat. "You can drive after we make a quick stop so quit pouting." Rick said with a smile as he hopped in and leaned over to steal a quick kiss before pulling away from the curb.

"Wait. Quick Stop? Rick…what are you planning? You know I hate surprises." Kate leaned back in the seat and took a deep breath.

"Oh, my dear, dear detective…just trust me a little. Okay? It's nothing bad and I think you will be pleasantly surprised. It won't take long and then we can begin our vacation." He snuck a glance at her as she rolled her eyes right on cue.

Kate heard her phone ping with a text message as they pulled to the back of a familiar looking building. She ignored it and looked at Rick. He just smiled at her and got out of the car. Ever the gentleman, he came around and opened her door. Kate leaned back again and crossed her arms and just stared at him.

"Come on Kaaaate," he whined. "This will just take a few minutes. Just go with it…we're on vacation." He wiggled his eyebrows and held out his hand for her.

"Castle, my gun is in my bag…don't make me use it," she replied as she grabbed his hand and exited the car.

As they entered the building and took a service elevator, she realized that they were at the courthouse. "Castle…"

Rick didn't say a word. He knew he was in trouble because she was calling him "Castle." He hoped she wouldn't shoot him or say no to his surprise. They stepped off the elevator and turned right. Kate stopped instantly and stared at the 3 people in front of her.

"Dad…Martha…Alexis…what," Kate stuttered and realization started to dawn on her. Rick was silent next to her as he tightened his grip on her hand. "Castle," Kate whispered.

"Happy surprise wedding Kate." Rick turned to her and pulled her into a hug. "Kate, I know you don't want a wedding; but I also know that you would never forgive yourself if our families weren't there to see us finally make it official. We don't have to do this if you really don't want to, but I think you do." He twisted a curl around his finger as he spoke softly in her ear.

She should have been angry. He planned this without even asking for her input. But Kate knew that he did it because she wouldn't have been able to tell him that this was exactly what she wanted…small and intimate. She lifted her head and kissed his jaw to say thank you and I love you for doing this.

Rick took a deep steadying breath and led her toward their families. She had accepted the surprise without any resistance. He was on cloud nine and just hoped that she would be okay with everything else he had planned for the next four days.

"Hi dad," Kate said softly as she hugged him tightly.

"Hey there Katie, please don't shoot Rick," Jim replied as Kate chuckled.

"Well darling, we have to get you ready for the big day…follow us." Martha and Alexis each looped their arms through hers and led her to a small office.

Rick and Jim entered the Mayor's office and sat on the plush chairs. "Jim, are you really okay with this? I know you said on the phone that you were, but I just don't want to step on your father of the bride moment," Rick nervously asked.

"Rick, my Katie is happier than I have ever seen her. I'm just happy that you got her to agree to this instead of running off to Vegas." Rick and Jim sat back and chatted while Martha and Alexis helped Kate transform into a bride across the hall.

"I'm not sure if Rick told you why we decided to get married this way, but I need to know if you guys are okay with this…especially you Alexis." Kate was nervous. She and Alexis hadn't exactly been close, but it felt like things had been slowly getting better between them. Kate was looking at the dress that Martha had pulled out of the garment bag and couldn't help but be awed. It was a beautiful one shoulder, white dress that should hit just above her knee. She reached out to confirm that is was made of exquisite silk. It was perfect.

"Kate, I know that we have had our ups and downs, but my dad is happy and that's all I have ever wanted. I am happy you guys are getting married…and I'm honored that you are letting me be a part of it." Tears began to fill Kate's eyes as Alexis walked to her and wrapped her into a warm hug.

"Enough of this sappiness," Martha exclaimed with a clap of her hands. "Kate darling, shimmy into this little number and then you'll be all set. Your hair and makeup are gorgeous as always. If we keep Richard waiting for too long, he'll come looking for us."

The two women turned around as Kate stepped out of her Capri pants and long sleeve shirt and into the dress. It fit her like a glove and she couldn't remember the last time she felt so beautiful. "Okay, done…how do I look," Kate asked while smoothing the dress over her hips.

"Beautiful," Alexis said softly as she handed Kate a pair of nude pumps. As Kate put on the shoes, she noticed Alexis fidgeting with something in her hands. "I brought my favorite bracelet and thought you could use it as your something borrowed," Alexis said nervously.

Kate took the silver bracelet with scattered diamonds from the girls' outstretched hand. "Alexis…it's beautiful and I would love to wear it. Thank you." Kate was beginning to get teary eyed again and for once she just didn't care.

"Well dear; the dress is new, the bracelet is borrowed and your mother's ring is old. Your something blue is from your father." Martha reached into her purse and pulled out a small envelope.

Dear Katie,

This "something blue" is from your mother and me. As you know, the forget-me-not was your mom's favorite flower. She carried a bouquet of them on our wedding day and I was hoping you would do the same. She would love Rick and would be so proud of you.

Now go get married and start working on some grandchildren for your old man.

I love you Katie.

Dad

The tears were flowing freely down Kate's cheeks as Martha handed her a small bouquet of the delicate blue flowers. Kate took a moment and silently thanked her mom for being there on her wedding day.

"Okay. Let's do this before I turn into a complete mess," Kate exclaimed as she gave Martha and Alexis each a quick hug before wiping away her tears and opening the door.