3 days went by so fast. Kate could not believe it was the morning of her wedding. All the girls have taken over the upper part of the Hamptons house leaving Rick and the rest of men sitting in the living room. The fire was crackling. The house exuded warmth and security. The small courtyard was fenced and a canopy was place to remove the drizzle which had just started. It also screened them from the Buzz of choppers trying to get a glimpse of the Hero of flight 1505. Kate is now being called in the news since Senator Bracken broke the news of Kate winning a Presidential Commendation which is only one grade lower than the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Rick looked at the horizon Grey clouds settling in. Why did he consent to use the Hampton House for the Wedding in November? Rick shook his head. There was only one reason. Kate like the outdoors the Hampton house provided. She had been going on long walks in the Parks around the Loft for awhile now. While she was in the wilderness something changed in her. Her appreciation of Nature was very evident when she dragged him out to these adventures even when she was still on crutches. Rick could only smile. She was his Mountain Woman wild and free.
The weather started to spit snow. Rick was glad the pavilions were water proof and heated. He looked at his watch. They had been up there over 4 hours. The only one allowed upstairs was Jim. Rick looked wistfully up the stairs.
Alexis came down resplendent in her maid of honor dress.
"Hey Dad, how are you holding up?" Alexis softly asked.
"Well I am still nervous Kate will bolt on me." Rick confessed.
"She will do not such thing Richard!" Martha said coming down the stairs to be greeted by Espo.
"Yeah Man up. Becks is not going to bolt! She loves you too Much Man!" Espo said.
"Yeah what he said" Ryan said dressed better than his own wedding a few years ago.
"Thanks Guys I guess it is time to get into positions?" Rick asked the official time keeper.
Robert Weldon just smirked.
"Yeah Ricky we need to get into position." Bob his friend the mayor said.
"Oh in that case I need to be at the altar." Judge Markaway was heard to say as he rushed out setting his glass of champagne on the tray.
The judge was standing at the podium when the Groom took his position.
"You better have that ring safe Espo!" Rick warned.
"Ring? I thought you had it Ryan!" Espo said.
"Me? That was your responsibility Espo!" Ryan retorted.
Jim Beckett came up to them both.
"What is this about the ring missing?" Jim asked.
"I don't now ask Frick and Frack over there" Rick said with a smile.
"Relax the ring bearer has them." Bob said.
Jenny's cousin was the Ring bear his name was Timmy. He was 7 years old and looked very much like her. The Flower girl was Amanda another cousin who was 5. Rick looked on with growing intrepidation.
"I knew I gave them to someone!" Ryan joked.
"Guys cut the comic routine. I'm getting married." Rick said.
"Yeah we're so sorry to leave you up here all alone it is time for the processional." Ryan said as the music began to swell.
"I can handle it guys get into position." Rick said.
"Right o see you soon!" Ryan quipped while Espo cuffed him.
Rick stood alone next to the altar and Judge Markaway.
The music started and the Ring bearer and the flower girls appeared. All the guest gave an Ah on how cute a couple they were. Next came Martha escorted by Espo. Followed by Ryan and Jenny, Then came Maddie and Greg, followed by Lanie and Fred her cousin, Then came Alexis and Max. The bridal parties were all at the ready when the music swelled again. Then Rick bouncing on his toes spied Kate dressed in white satin gown which just showed all her curves in the right places accompanied by Jim.
Jim brought Kate to Rick's side and said
"She is all yours Rick cherish her like I do." Jim said.
Rick just nodded and looked deeply into her eyes. The ceremony started neither one was paying attention to the Judge. The look of love was beaming out both of their eyes.
Lanie mentioned to Alexis.
"There goes that crazy eye sexing again." Lanie staged whispered.
Alexis just smirked knowing what Lanie said was true.
Finally the Judge asked for each vows. Rick was first.
"Kate I have loved you ever since I first saw you across a table from me at a book signing. I had no idea you would be my future at that time. Then I saw you at my lowest point. You inspired me to greatness. It is just in your nature for Greatness to bestow upon you. I love you and will cherish you always." Rick said with tears in his eyes.
"Kate would like to give her vows now." The Judge announced.
"Rick I have loved you from afar when your words transported me to another place where Justice was rewarded and bad guys were punished. It was a world which kept me sane during a very hard time in my life. Then I met you but I really did not meet the real you. That took time and over the years I learned you were Brave, Childish, Loyal, Honest, and most of all a loving Father and Son. I love you Richard Castle with all my heart and will cherish this union always." Kate said.
The judge now asked for the rings.
"Repeat after me. I Richard do thee wed Katherine and take her for my lawful wife?" The judge said.
Rick looking at Kate got nudged by Espo.
"Oh I do." Rick said while the crowd laughed.
"…And You Katherine take thee Richard for your lawful Husband?" the judge said.
"I certainly do!" Kate said needing no prompting.
"You may place the rings. These rings are a symbol of commitment and love. Now as the power vested in me by the State of New York I now pronounce you man and wife. You can now kiss your partner!" The judge said.
Rick lifted the veil and placed the most exciting kiss. The crowd went wild.
The rest of the reception was gone in a blur. Rick and Kate escaped to a private chopper which had been prepped with more fuel then they took off followed by all sorts of choppers. Soon those choppers had to land then the pilot dropped them next the town where a car was waiting. They got off the chopper then got in the car. Kate had to drive of course.
The ended up at Jim's cabin which had been renovated. Rick picked up Kate bridal style and marched her into the cabin. Placing her on the new bed they had a night of passion.