"Flower: Well! What's the matter with them?

Thumper: Why are they acting that way?

Friend Owl: Why, don't you know? They're twitterpated.

Flower, Thumper, Bambi: Twitterpated?"-Bambi (1942)

-Several days later-

Kate felt her heart rate rise as her feet stepped onto the lawn, her heels sinking into the earth with each step forward. From the corner of her eye, she could see the tears forming in her father's eyes as he walked her down the aisle towards the altar. On either side, the small gathering of their friends and family rose to their feet, their faces all smiles as she passed. Before her, the wedding party watched on as she neared, the love of her life front and center, his arm finally out of the sling. His gaze met hers the moment she stepped onto the white cloth, the smile on his face widening tenfold.

Castle took her hands in his as she turned so they were standing face to face. She felt the gentle strokes of his thumbs over her knuckles, sending little jolts of fire through her veins, making it hard to keep from kissing him early. The ceremony began and progressed in a blur, the Mayor's voice becoming background noise as they recited their vows. She felt his hands shaking as he slipped the wedding band on her left ring finger. She found her own hands following suit as she placed the gold ring over his finger, the wry smile on his face trying to pull a gentle laugh from her.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

The words rang clear. He leaned in and kissed her, sealing the moment for eternity. His face radiated joy as he pulled back and she took his arm before turning to face their friends and family as Mr. and Mrs. Castle. She leaned closer to his side as they walked back down the aisle and across the lawn, the sound of their friends following suit as they headed towards the two banquet tables set up near the pool.

"You look radiant," he whispered in her ear as they took a seat at the center of the main table, brushing his lips against her temple. A giggle escaped her lips earning another wry smile and a raised brow.

She wanted to hide her face as she felt her cheeks grow warm. He leaned in a second time, his words low and salacious. Her cheeks grew warmer and she felt his smile widen against her ear, a quiet rumble in his chest. She reached for the pitcher of water and poured a glass, trying cool to her blood and hide her face in one move. She playfully elbowed his side as his tried to draw near again, the devious grin plastered on his features. "Not now Casanova, my dad is just two chairs away," she whispered back.

The grin grew wider. "Casanova. I like that." He kissed her head and nuzzled her hair, earning another soft giggle from her lungs. "I love you. I'll always, love you," he said softly, pulling back to look her in the eyes. "You mean the world to me." His lips met her brow a second time before, he got to his feet and acknowledged their guests, all of whom helped contribute to the small banquet set upon the tables.

She shifted her chair closer as the reception commenced, finding his hand beneath the table and lacing their fingers together. "You mean the world to me, too, Rick," she answered back, meeting his gaze. "I will always be grateful for the night I met you, even if at first you seemed a thorn in my side. You're the man I love and always will be." Her head rested on his shoulder, a gentle smile on her face as he lifted her hand and kissed it softly.

A/N: And, this be the end of this little tale. A big thank you for all the reviews, follows and favorites :) It has meant a lot. A big thank you to Dmarx who helped me a lot along the way. As always you so rock :) Well until the next story, happy readings :)