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Chapter Eight

Despite Kate's protests, Lanie had organised a hen's night for two nights before the wedding. Lanie, along with Martha and some of Kate's other female friends, had set up Lanie's apartment, and now, everyone was standing around, looking expectantly at Kate.
"What?" She asked, looking around at all her friends.
"Well, it's your party." Lanie replied with a grin. "But seeing as you don't seem to be very into it, we'll get the ball rolling."
Martha pulled out some bottles of wine, and it made its way around the room, everyone taking a glass.
Kate sighed, and helped herself to a glass as well.
"So, how does it feel, knowing that you're marrying THE Richard Castle in two days?" Lanie asked.
"I feel no different now to when I first agreed to marry him." Kate replied. "I'm excited." She smiled happily.
Martha put an arm around Kate's shoulders, holding her close. "And you get me as a mother in law." She pointed out.
"Oh yes." Kate grinned at the other woman. "That's really why I'm marrying Castle." She said in a conspiratorial whisper, causing everyone to laugh.
The party kicked off after that, and there was loud music, lots of alcohol, and Kate finally needed a break. She slipped out into the hall and found a secluded corner on the roof. She sat down, and pulled out her mobile. Rick was at his bachelor's party tonight as well, but somehow Kate knew that if she called, he'd pick up. So she did. She only had to wait through three rings before Rick's chirpy voice sounded through the phone.
"Heya, gorgeous." Rick said.
"Hey." Kate replied.
"How's it going?"
"Well..." Kate thought for a bit. "It's a fun party, but I'm wishing I was alone with you instead."
"Sam here." Rick replied. "I have so many guys in the apartment that it's hard to keep track of what's actually going on. Alexis snuck out a few hours ago. Remember how she was all gung ho about staying in her room all night?"
Kate chuckled. "Yeah."
"Yeah. Lasted about an hour before she'd had enough of the rowdy behaviour. She's at a friend's instead."
"Smart girl." Kate commented.
"Yep."
There was a moment of silence on the line, both caught in thoughts.
Eventually Kate sighed.
"Tired?" Rick asked.
"Very." Kate replied. "I don't think they even noticed when I left the party."
It was Rick's turn to chuckle. "With all the alcohol at our place, I would be surprised if they noticed I was gone. You should see Ryan."
Kate raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
"Well, he was trying his hardest not to do anything, you know, stupid, on account of his girlfriend and all."
"But...?" Kate prompted.
"But... Esposito got some vodka in him. He's been dancing around like a ballerina for the last ten minutes or so."
Kate smiled, visualising Ryan twirling around.
"Hey, I have an idea." Rick said.
"Yeah?"
"Yeah. Meet up at the precinct in 15 minutes?"
"Sure." Kate replied.
"Cool. See you then."
"See you soon."
"Love you."
"Love you, too."
Kate hung up the phone, and then contemplated her next challenge: leaving without anyone noticing.

Rick greeted Kate with a brief kiss on the lips.
"Was it hard to get away?" He asked.
"Not really." Kate replied. "I just went in, grabbed my coat, and left. They were karaoke-ing when I left."
Rick laughed. "Typical."
"Easiest time to sneak out, when there's plenty of alcohol, and karaoke."
Rick slung an arm over Kate's shoulders. "Well, now that we're together, I have somewhere I want to take you."
"Oh yeah?"
"Yep."
"Where?"
"It's a surprise." Rick pulled Kate close and kissed the top of her head. "You'll love it."
"Okay." Kate replied. "Lead on."

They ended up in Central Park. Though Kate had been here many times, it was different at night, and it was different with Rick. They walked through the dark, dimly lit park, hand in hand, enjoying the silence.
"It really is beautiful." Kate said quietly.
"Yes it is." Rick said. He had his fingers intertwined with Kate's, and his thumb was caressing hers.
They found a spot in the grass and, after Rick spread out his coat, sat down. Eventually, exhaustion caught up with Kate, and she fell asleep in Rick's arms. Rick lay down gently, supporting Kate the whole way, and shut his eyes. He didn't intend to fall asleep.

They woke they next morning to the sounds of the city waking up. The sun was rising, and birds were emerging. Kate woke first, bolting upright, rubbing her eyes. She turned and looked down at her sleeping companion.
"Rick." She said.
No response.
"Rick!" She was louder this time.
Still nothing.
"Castle!" She snapped.
Rick's eyes flew open. "Huh?"
"Good morning." She said pointedly.
Rick sat up slowly, and looked around. "Ah. Oops."
"Oops? You let me fall asleep in Central Park, and then fell asleep yourself?"
"I wasn't going to fall asleep!" Rick protested. "I was just resting my eyes..."
Kate shook her head and rolled her eyes. "Of course you were." She wasn't really annoyed, but she did enjoy teasing.
"Promise!"
"Geez, there you go, sounding like a kid again. Remind me again why I'm marrying a twelve year old?"
Rick raised an eyebrow. "'Cause you love said twelve year old." He gave her one of his crooked smiles, and Kate had to smile back. She leant forward and gave him a soft kiss.
"Now," she said, "I think we should probably get home. We probably have quite a bit of cleaning to do."
Rick nodded his agreement. He stood, and then held out a hand, and pulled Kate to her feet. He pulled her into a hug.
"For what it's worth, I'm so happy I'm marrying you tomorrow." He whispered.
"So am I." Kate replied. "I can't wait." She pulled back, and slipped her hand into Rick's. "But let's get through today first."
"Mmm hmm." Rick replied, and together the future Mr and Mrs Castle headed home.

A/N:

.com/art/Beckett-s-Dress-156696316

As promised, Kate's wedding dress. :D I did a better copy today (the one in the link), so I think it's a bit better to see what's going on than in the original, which, truthfully, was more of a scribble to get an idea of what she was going to wear.

And as for this chapter, I wanted something not so serious, and something that would make me smile. I hope this made you smile, too. :)

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