Collection of Memories by Castlefan6

Authors Note: This is a continuation of Down for the Count, my AU version of events immediately following the end scene of Countdown where Kate is in the arms of Josh watching Castle walk away after several near-death experiences. Please read that before continuing with this. I had severe anxiety when Beckett just watched as Castle walked away watching her in the arms of Dr. Motorcycle Boy, and once things were back to Caskett, how could we get Rick back to the precinct? NO Doctor MB, but some old characters, owned by both Marlowe and me will pay a visit in this story.

I don't own Castle, I use the characters for amusement purposes only

Chapter 10

Previously

Kate is holding Rick's hand tighter, as memories of her as a 19 year old making the arrangements for her Mother, "That sounds fine Chaplain, please make the arrangements" Rick says softly as Kate turns and lays her head on his shoulders weeping softly.

"I know this is a difficult time, so just a few more details and I can make the arrangements. I took the liberty of a rough outline of the service, as he pulls out a printed sheet of paper for both Kate and Rick, we can delete or add anything you like Detective.

Hamptons Beach House

6:00 PM Same Day (Monday)

Rick had called and arranged for the house to be opened, aired, and stocked with supplies the moment they left the 12th precinct. Since Mike's services would not start until 7:00 PM visitation on Thursday, it was a great time for Kate to see the Hampton's for the first time.

"Rick the trip up here is beautiful, I had forgotten just how much nature was at our finger tips, living in the city I tend to get all caught up in the day to day." Rick turns into a driveway with a statuesque home, located behind a very elegant gated entry system, Rick punches in # 9, to Kate's amazement, the gates swung open and they proceeded up the almost on half mile driveway.

"Rick, the gate code"
"Yeah, it's your badge number, so you shouldn't ever get locked out he smiled."

"But why, my badge number, when we were constantly hurting each other?"

"Because no matter how much I hurt, I never stopped loving you, and this was my little part of you that no one could make me give up"

As soon as the car was in park, Kate was in his lap, kissing him with all the love she could show.

"Even when I treated you horribly, you still loved me, Rick, I'm so "

"Kate, NO MORE I'm sorry, OK? Clean slate we are here to discuss our wedding until we have to return to the city early Thursday, Deal? As he kisses he long and deep.

"Deal" as she returns his kiss.

"Come on Babe, I want to show you the house, and get your take on how we can use it, if at all for the wedding?"

After the grand tour, and oh so many ooohs and ahhhs from Kate, they sit in the living room, glass of wine, of course the kind that makes her fuzzy, with her head on his chest, his arm wrapped around her, just enjoying the moment.

"Rick, I think this would be perfect for the Wedding, the only question would be if we had enough sleeping arrangements to accommodate all our guests, other than that this is perfect."

"Are you sure Babe? I mean no other concerns, like what if it rains where would we hold the ceremony, where would the band setup, or disc jockey, or any of that?"

"Nope, I would marry you barefoot on the beach in a hurricane Rick Castle, and if we have music fine, if not fine, I just want to be your wife, there'll be plenty of time for the party afterwards."

"How about I arrange to have a giant tent setup, including air conditioning, and seating, and as for the sleeping, I can rent out the Hampton Inn, there is over 50 rooms to choose from.

We can have it catered, and you can pick the foods that any special diets from your side would require, I think the only requirement from mine will to keep Mother sober," as he laughs.

"That sounds perfect, now the big question, When?"

"When would you like to get married Kate? I have nothing that I can't change for our wedding day."

"Would September 19th be too soon Rick? I checked and it's a Saturday almost 8 weeks from now."

"Any special reason for that date Babe? And you don't have to tell me if you don't want to."

"It's my Mom and Dad's Anniversary, it would have been 50 years this year had she lived" she replied as a single tear came to her eye

"Then it's settled, September 19th is our wedding day, so we need to hire a planner to make sure it all goes smooth, do you agree?"

"I was kind of hoping to take some time off from work and do that myself with you, would that be OK Babe?"

"Kate, this is our Wedding, you can do anything you want to do, spend any amount of money, invite anyone, well no ex boyfriends," he smiles

"I love you Richard Castle, just in case I haven't said it today, but I love you more than I ever thought possible"

"Katherine Beckett, soon to be Katherine Castle, I love you more than life itself, and I would move heaven and earth to make you happy" as he kisses her deeply and sweetly.

The next two days seem to fly by with trips into the village, Kate beginning to layout her master plan, invitations ordered, and of course Rick making sure the good Mayor would be there to marry them, even if it was in ceremony only, the minister from the local Presbyterian Church would be doing the official ceremony.

They woke in each other's arms, made love, then had a mid-day nap, again made love, and the last thing they did each night was to lay in each other's arms and express their love, both verbally and physically.

All too soon it was time to head back to the city and one daunting and sad task left, say goodbye to a friend and fellow officer. Times like these where never easy, but as close as she had been to Mike, made it hurt all the more. She took comfort in the fact he would be reunited with his wife, who was his world.

Fortune Funeral Home

Friday 8:45 AM

Rick and Kate stood to greet a host of officers and some strangers that neither know who had come to pay their respects. The service proceeded according to the Chaplain's program, even including an appearance by Mayor Bob Wheldon who spoke briefly. Kyle Seeger had flown all the way from Los Angeles and presented Mike the Medal of Valor, posthumously, as he read the requirements for the award.

Awarded to any active member of the division who distinguishes him or herself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of great danger, conspicuous among his/her comrades clearly distinguishing his/her bravery above and beyond the call of duty. This is the Police Division's highest honor and may be awarded posthumously Clearly above and beyond the call of duty – Presented today to honorary officer Michael Royce LAPD

"Good Morning,

My name is Detective Kyle Seeger, LAPD, I never knew Mike Royce, but I do know his associates, Detectives Beckett, and Mr. Castle. I know from listening to stories that Mike treated everyone with respect and dignity. The city and the people of Los Angeles owe him a great debt. This award will never compensate for his service, drive, and willingness to help others, but we do hope it shows that his life was not given in vain, and many people will read the story on our Hero's wall in Los Angeles. We thank the NYPD for their cooperation, for without it this case, and perhaps many more would have gone unsolved. To Michael Royce, we salute you, and now go code 10-10 till we meet again. Michael Royce, End of Watch, August 4th, Thank You,"

There is complete silence in the small Chapel in the Funeral Home, no one moving for a few minutes, as they reflected upon Detective Seeger's short, but poignant message.

Finally, it was time for the Eulogy, and as the Chaplain introduced Rick, he nervously strode the podium.

"Good Morning, I'm Rick Castle, a friend of Mike's and the recipient of one of his greatest joys. Mike was the Training Officer for my fiancé Kate Beckett, who has said many times, that without the training that Mike had provided, it was doubtful she would be with us today. I owe the world to Mike for his unselfishness, his giving and his love for those he worked with.

Law enforcement is a unique endeavor, some would say it is a profession, while most involved would say it is a calling. I would argue that there are few undertakings so noble as the protection of your community. It is defined by service and attracts those who truly believe they can make a difference. There are those who question why anyone would ever go into the field of law enforcement. For those involved, they could not imagine ever doing anything else. There are many who enter into this profession and serve with distinction, there are a select few who soar above the rest. This is the realm in which Office Michael Royce operated each and every day, even in retirement. A Police Officer's job is an inherently dangerous business. They face the unknown out on the street every moment. It is their job to question the suspicious, to run towards danger, to guard the weak and remove the treacherous. Mike was fully aware of those dangers and took every precaution to ensure the safety of all citizens.

The turnout today is not only a tribute to his service in our community, but also in the community he retired to, and owed no obligation or oath, yet he never stopped being a Cop. Mike defined all that is good within our community. He strived to keep not only our city safe, but they also his adopted city of Los Angeles.

Being a police officer defined Mike Royce, having spent his entire career here at the 12th precinct. He influenced many, including Lead Detective Kate Beckett, Captain, Roy Montgomery and many more. In all Mike dedicated 26 years to our city, and is responsible for the recent takedown, and end to a treacherous gang that stole millions of dollars, and threatened the lives of hundreds of more in his new home of LA. When approached to help, Mike did what he always did, run towards the problem, and take it head on.

To his Police family, there are no words capable of providing sufficient comfort. All we can do is pledge our undying support and promise to be by your side from this moment forward. For those of us who knew Mike our pain is still raw and at times seemingly unbearable. We say to ourselves, if we could just have one more minute to say goodbye, to let him know how much he impacted our lives. But alas that is not possible. All we can do is honor him by carrying on his legacy and by leading our lives as an example for others to follow. Today we say goodbye to Officer Michael Royce, but it is not the last day we will remember his service and sacrifice. His name is now etched upon the police memorial in both New York and Los Angeles, along with other Police Officers who died in the line of duty serving our communities. They are gone from us today, yet their lives and service will never be forgotten. God bless you Mike, may you rest in peace till we see you on the other side."

The Chaplain announced that interment in the cemetery would follow immediately and then a light lunch would be served back at the funeral home for those wishing to come back.

Lanie had slipped beside Kate as Rick was delivering the Eulogy and had held her hand as she briefly dabbed her eyes during the speech. As Rick returned to his seat, Kate stood and just embraced him her face to his neck whispering "Thank You Rick, that was beautiful, Mike would have loved it, and I love you"

Once the short trip to the cemetery was completed, it was a brief repeat of the Chaplain's prayers, and thanksgiving for a life of service, and then it was over. Mike Royce was at his final resting place, his death avenged, and time to move on to the next chapter of their lives, their wedding.

A/N going to leave this here for now, thinking about ending the sequel with the completion of the wedding then perhaps adding another as they carry forward in married life. Let me know your thoughts and if there is any interests, Thanks as always for your Reads, Comments, Favorites and Review, Much Appreciated, Tim