Wow chapter 10 already? I hope you guys enjoy, It's the wedding :)

Kate let out a soft sigh. The morning sun coming through the cream colored see-through drapes felt pleasant on her neck and shoulders and lit up the normally very clinical white hospital room. She looked down at her left hand. The heavy rock around her lean finger entranced her while she swayed her hand, the reflected sun light dancing onto her fingers.

For a long time that same ring felt more like a heavy brick than the beautiful diamond around her finger. It was his disappearance and the desperate search for her fiancé that made such a symbol of love a dark reminder that he wasn't there. That they didn't have their wedding day and that she had no idea if he'd even return to her.

On very dark days where there were no leads and she was curled up in her own bed wearing an old worn shirt of his she even contemplated taking it off. But she knew it didn't matter as it was as painful taking it off as it was to keeping it on. So she decided not to and instead used it as a token to find him. It would have made it too final anyway.

"You ready?" Castle asked, peeking his head around the door. There was a glint in his blue eye and a boyish grin on his face.

"More than ready" she answered a big smile forming on her face, knowing he was there to finally pick her up. She had been sitting on the hospital bed waiting for her very soon-to-be husband to return and get her out of there.

"I need some help though" she grunted and reached out her hand for him to grab. Her very pregnant belly preventing her from doing the most ordinary tasks

"Yes of course, of course" Castle said and quickly made his way to her, taking her engagement ring clad hand in his and swiftly pulling her onto her feet. Their bodies were now flush together and Kate took in his comforting and familiar scent. He towered above her now that her heels weren't an option anymore, and he thought it was adorable. Her rounded belly was pressed against his, Kate let go of his grip and pressed the palms of her hands against his chest and looked up into his eyes. Castle dropped his head, his face close to hers but not yet kissing her. She could feel his warm breath tickle her skin. Her slightly dry lips hovered just below his

"Any plans for today?" Castle asked. His voice soft.

Kate smiled as she felt him wrap his arms around her, resting his hands on her lower back.

'God, that smile' Castle thought, his heart fluttering in his chest.

She hummed "hmm… not really, why?"

Castle shrugged "oh I was going to this wedding and I don't have a date yet"

Kate moved even closer "hmm, really? That's a shame"

Castle didn't even felt like answering anymore as he softly kissed her. Her lips against his so familiar yet oh so exhilarating.

"Grams, relax!" Alexis called out seeing her grandmother check her watch every five seconds

"Relax? They should have already been here there is a schedule you know!" Martha exclaimed.

Both of them were waiting in the car for them to arrive. Their 'mission' to throw an amazing wedding in only three days had been set in motion. Kate still thought that they were going to city hall. The truth was far from it.

Alexis grinned and shook her head "it's going to be fine. You did amazing".

"Thank you kiddo, if everything just goes around schedule we'll be fine" Martha said out loud trying to calm herself.

Alexis shrugged "except if Kate goes into labor"

Martha turned pale "don't say that! You know I love this new grandchild but if he is gonna screw up my plans…" she exclaimed and dramatically threw her hands in the air before smirking at her granddaughter.

Kate dreamily looked out of the car window. She was dressed nicer than normal but it wasn't exactly what you would call a wedding dress. Her heart still ached a bit for her mother's dress but today was good. It was right. A wedding wasn't about the dress anyway it was about the one she was actually going to wed.

Kate looked to her left where he was sitting, her hand in his as he randomly would squeeze her hand and she would squeeze it back.

Kate suddenly frowned "is the road blocked?" she asked.

Castle tried to keep his smile hidden "no why?" he answered innocently

"Because this is not the way to the -"

suddenly three smirking faces stared at her

"what's going on?"

"I was already wondering how long it would take you," Alexis said "impressively quick"

Kate frowned at her fiancé "Rick?"

"You really think I'd settle for a city hall wedding? What would we tell our kids? our grandkids? No today needs to be special. I don't want you to wake up one day and regret that we didn't put more effort into this"

Kate's jaw dropped, needing a few seconds to take the new information in "but how? Three days is -"

"not impossible when I plan it, with a little help of course" Martha finished her sentence. Kate was still stunned "but where are we going?"

"you'll see!"

"Castle!" she exclaimed, now a smile on her face

"The Hamptons" Castle answered her, knowing she needed to know at least something.

Kate was still becoming from the surprise but now with a smile plastered on her face as she slowly leaned against her fiancé's shoulder. Her fingers playing with the fabric of his simple dress shirt "thank you" she whispered. Only realizing now how much she wanted this to be more. Kate held her hand in front of her mouth.

Salty tears ran down her face as she looked at herself in the reflection of the floor length mirror.

"Lanie, I –" she was able to choke out. It was her dress. Her mother's dress and even though her reflection was different for obvious reasons than the first time she wore it, it was all she wanted. She tried wiping her tears away with the back of her hand but it was no use as she silently cursed her pregnancy hormones.

"Katherine, you look absolutely stunning!" Martha exclaimed as she had just walked into the room.

Alexis followed and gasped seeing her soon to be stepmother in the renewed wedding dress "I think you look even more beautiful"

"Thank you, all of you" Kate said grateful and nodded at the three ladies in the room.

There was a comfortable silence as Kate needed some time to adjust to her own image in the mirror.

Martha put her hand on Kate's lower back "dry your tears dear, we need to fix your makeup"

Kate smiled as a sudden shiver crept up her back.

"Are you ok, Katie?" her father asked who squeezed his daughter's hand that was lying comfortably in his. Their arms already hooked.

"Yeah I'm just –" and shook her head

"- happy? Scared? Hopeful?" Jim tried to finish her sentence.

Kate smiled "all of that yeah"

"Don't worry, you have a good man waiting for you at the end of the isle. I know that now… I'm sorry for not trusting your judgment before"

Kate swallowed "thank you, dad" Jim responded by a nod.

Suddenly the music swelled which was her cue to go. Her heart started beating like crazy as she couldn't help but gasp being led into the living room that for its purpose was remade into a ceremony hall. Martha didn't disappoint. It was surprisingly subtle yet elegant. The theme was white but with specks of gold which gave everything a warm glow and was a beautiful contrast to the cold snow that was outside and also complimented her dress.

Smiling faces were turned to her as she took step by step closer to the person that made it all worth it. Castle beamed with love and pride as he saw her approach him. Her dress draped perfectly around her figure, her hair held up by a pin but soft curled strands framed her face. Her make-up was subtle but he loved that.

"Hi" she whispered a bit shy as she had finally reached him.

"You look –" he breathed out as he placed his hand on his chest and mouthed "gorgeous" as the priest who performed the ceremony interrupted them.

Castle had no idea what the man was talking about as he was entranced by his fiancée with the most gorgeous smile in front of him. They said their vows and were finally able to slip the ring around each other's finger. They vaguely heard the sentence 'you may now kiss the bride' before they dived into each other. Kate cradling his face in her hands as a small chuckle left her lips. Their kiss passionate yet appropriate as they reluctantly let go and faced their cheering families. Castle squeezed her wedding band clad hand in his as he couldn't believe that he now could call Kate Beckett his wife. His wife.

Thank you for reading x