Chapter Ten: Eagle's Mate

For the first time in nearly two years, Kate Beckett was truly happy. Deeply in love and amazed by it. Not only that it had happened, but happened so rapidly. She knew that Rick wasn't as deep in it as she was, but before he left for Korea, he would be. In so deep that he'd ever get out, nor want to.

Kates relationship with Will Sorenson had always been somewhat edgy. She was a highly intelligent and independent woman.

Sorenson, for all the glitter of an FBI agent, was at bottom, a cop, with the aggressive, dominant nature common to street cops. He covered it somewhat with a certain suavity, but basically didn't give much credence to any opinion that differed from his own. Looking back, Kate was appalled how much she'd given up keeping the relationship going. It hurt that he'd not valued her above ambition. That hurt had now faded, replaced by a joy in the freedom of a blooming relationship with a man who respected her mind as well as her body.

Will had been a strong man true, but an inflexible, by the book one. Rick was equally strong, perhaps more so, but with agile mind and the strength of spring steel rather than cast iron. Kate smiled and thought that while their relationship was going to be beautiful, and lasting it was also going to be tempestuous at times. With two strong willed people, it couldn't be otherwise.

For the first time, in a long time, Kate, wasn't worried about the future. Just strolling along at Rick's side, enjoying playing tourist. The part of Tokyo they had wandered into. had escaped the incendiary bombs of world war II and there was an air of serenity about it. More people wore traditional dress than western attire. But there seemed to be no hostility towards them, as Kate had expected there to be. In fact, several times Kate saw people smiling at them, the very picture of a couple in love.

They talked as they walked, learning even more about each other, Rick letting Kate see, freely, much that he'd kept back during the interview, things that neither Meredith nor Gina ever saw. She thrilled when he talked more about Alexis. Kate asked Rick to tell her everything about Alexis, her likes and dislikes, what made her happy or sad. She nearly cried when Rick told her about the love and care she never got from her self-centered, avaricious mother and how much he wanted those things for her.

That awakened something Kate had never felt before. A fierce maternal instinct. She thought: I can be, no I will be the woman who gives those things to Alexis. I may not be her mother, but I will be her mom. I will have Rick for my own and I will have Alexis too. I believe what Rick tells me about Alexis and if I know mom she's going to pounce on the chance of a ready- made granddaughter Dad may be a little more reluctant but he'll come around.

Kate lay her head on Rick's shoulder, his arm around hers, her arm around his waist. As he told her, she told him. What she wanted but also about her past, even admitting how betrayed she felt when Sorenson left, yet within a few days she began to feel freer without him. "Kate, how are your Parents going to feel about us.? I mean you go off on assignment and come home and tell them about us. It has been hard enough for me to believe in it, although I do now, it has been rather sudden, to say the least."

Kate didn't try to sugar coat it.

"They will be skeptical at first, how could they not? But I will convince them. Mom will come around first, she already loves your books. Dad will be harder, but he's a fair man and once you're home he won't be able to doubt the evidence. I have a similar worry. What about your mother and Alexis?"

"All you have to do, is be yourself, Kate. Even for a child, Alexis is extremely empathic. She'll take to you right away. My mother is more like your dad, but she is generally a very good judge of character. Except of course when her libido gets involved."

Kate laughed. "I don't think that she'd appreciate hearing that."

"Probably not, but get enough wine into her and she'd admit it."

Rick asked Kate about her childhood and young adult life. She explained, that as the child of two successful lawyers, she'd had a privileged and protected childhood, teen and college years and was expected to become a lawyer. Experiencing law school, she decided that she didn't want to be a lawyer and opted for journalism. She'd started as a cub reporter for The Times and worked her way up from there. She admitted that she'd been lucky in a couple of key assignments that enhanced her reputation.

"I'm not selling myself short, Rick, I am a good reporter but luck has played a part."

They had eaten breakfast late, so they skipped lunch but did stop at a small shop for tea and sweet rice cakes. As in the restaurant, the proprietor was charmed by Rick's use of Japanese in ordering.

They passed a clothing store and Kate stopped to admire a purple and gray kimono. Rick thought that Kate would look fantastic in a kimono, that kimono. He said;

"Let's go in." Kate looked up at him, surprised. She agreed and they entered. A middle-aged woman came to help them. Rick told her that they would like to see the kimono that was on display. The woman demurred, saying that it was far too small for Kate, but if they came back tomorrow, she could have one in Kate's size. t would be a lightly different pattern but in the same colors.

Rick agreed, took out his wallet and gave the woman a substantial deposit. Kate was shocked. Happy, but shocked. None of her previous boyfriends, not even Will had ever spontaneously bought her such an expensive present. She didn't even think about refusing it. They returned to the hotel, ate in the hotel's dining room and had drinks in the bar.

Upon entering their room, Rick decided. He was going to take risk and commit to her as she had already committed to him. Was he scared? Hell yes, but he was a man used to taking risks. He took Kate's hand and led her to the couch.

"Kate, all that you said to me last night, I am saying back to you. My head is telling me that it's insane, that it can't possibly happen this quickly but my heart says otherwise. Everyone else is going to tell us both that we're making a huge mistake, but I don't give a damn."

Kate's smile was serene, rather than triumphant. She smiled, then kissed him.

"It may be insane, but isn't love supposed to be? I don't give a damn, either what everyone else says. Make love to me again, my Darling."

Last night's love making had been intense, even though the second and third times had been more leisurely than the first. Rick intended tonight to be even more so, although very slow building. He led Kate to the bedroom and began undressing her, caressing and kissing her as he removed each garment until she was standing, nude and trembling before him.

He gently sat her on the bed, then divested himself of his own clothes and sat next to her. He started with soft kisses. First her mouth, then along her jaw and the sensitive spot under her ear, caressing the ear with his finger- tips. Then back to her mouth, where she eagerly opened to him, their tongues entwining.

While kissing her he continued soft caresses of her face, tracing her nose and the soft skin under her eyes. Nothing was ignored. Throat, clavicle, breasts, teasing her nipples until they peaked then suckling each one. Kate was panting and making soft moans of pleasure. It had never been like this, careful attention paid to every inch of her body. Her hips bucked clear off the bed when she felt his warm breath on her core. She climaxed twice before he even entered her. Her third orgasm was the most powerful she'd ever experienced and she felt like she was soaring on a cloud of energy.

It took her several minutes to come down off her high, then she snuggled in, holding him in her as long as she could. A few minutes later, she whispered;

"Let's go to sleep, for some reason, I'm exhausted."

Morning found Kate awake early, but she had no desire to move from where she lay sprawled on Rick's chest, her legs entwined with his, his arms around her. Before Rick, she'd never slept in her lover's arms or wanted to. She'd always wanted her space. Now, the thought of waking up in his arms, hopefully for the rest of her life, thrilled her. They were both nude, having fallen asleep that way and Kate decided to take advantage of the situation.

She began kissing him, nipping at him and running her hands u and down his torso. Rick wasn't awake yet, but part of him was coming awake rather quickly. Kate giggled as she stroked him. That brought him awake.

"Kate, what are you doing?"

"I think that's rather obvious, don't you? I need you, now."

Kate was surprised at herself, even as she made the statement. She'd never been so easily aroused or so needy in her life. Her man was going back to war and she didn't know how much time they had. Were these few days all they would ever have? She didn't want to acknowledge that possibility, but it was there at the back of her mind.

He hadn't even touched her and her body was ready. She straddled his hips and lowered herself onto him, gasping as they were joined. This time she reached her climax in only a couple of minutes but it sent her soaring. She collapsed on his chest and laughed softly.

"God, Rick if I keep this up, you're going to have to carry me around, I'll be too weak to walk."

They showered together, though this time just to get clean, then had a leisurely breakfast. They returned to the shop in the early afternoon, to get her kimono. It was an exquisite thing. The rich silk patterned in dove gray blending into pale lavender, then a deep purple, with a subtle suggestion of wispy clouds. Rick happily paid the balance and the woman showed Kate how to wear it properly. The obi (sash) was of a purple so dark it almost appeared black.

When Kate modeled it for him, Rick was in awe of her beauty. The shop owner smiled and said, in Japanese:

"She is lovely, a fit bride for a Samurai." Rick stared at the woman. She laughed.

"You are surprised? Only a Samurai carries himself as you do."

Looking at some of the illustrations in the shop, Rick decided that he wanted Kate to have the whole look so he bought her a parasol and a fan, stopping short of the split-toe socks.

The woman carefully packaged the purchases and bowed deeply as Kate and Rick left the shop. She thought; Well, the stories are obviously wrong. Not all the Ga-jin are barbarians.

That night, they made love again. In the morning, right after breakfast, Kate said;

"Rick, I love you as I have never loved before. I am so deeply in love with you that I can scarce believe it. If you are truly in love with me, then please give me the best gift possible. Give me your name. Marry me. Now, before you go back to Korea."

"Are you serious Kate? Don't you understand the risks?"

"I am totally serious. I do know the risks and I don't care. I don't think that I am, but as much as we've made love, there is always the possibility that I could get pregnant. If that were to happen, I would want our child to have your name. And if I'm not, when you get home we're going to work on it."

It is said that the eyes are the mirror of the soul. Rick stared into Kate's, reading there the truth of her love and commitment.

She continued. "Remember, my love, one and done. I will never divorce you or give you cause to divorce me. And there is one thing that you need not worry about. I don't care about your money. I am the only child of an only child. My grandfather left me a substantial trust fund that matured when I was twenty-five. I don't have to work if I don't want to, but I enjoy working."

Rick was initially stunned and was quiet, long enough for Kate to begin to worry. Finally, he said;

"Yes, Kate I will marry you. But you deserve a church wedding with all friends and family there, with your father to give you away, a gorgeous wedding gown and an engagement ring worthy of you. Your parents will resent me, if not outright hate me."

"No, they won't, my Darling, they know how stubborn I can be when there's something I want. I will explain to them that this is what I want and why. All they will really care about, in the end, is that I am happy. If we must have a big blow out, then let it be a reception when you get home.

"As for the engagement ring, if I must have one, get it for me when you get home. All we need, my Darling are two simple gold bands. The base exchange has several nice white dresses. It will be enough for me."

Rick shook his head and laughed.

"You've got it all figured out already, don't you?"

She smiled. "Yes, I do. I did before I asked you."

"I will call the base chaplain and set it up for tomorrow afternoon. As a field grade officer, I don't need anyone's permission."

"Call him now, please."

Rick made the call, which lasted about half an hour and got a little heated before it was over.

"Damned stubborn Irishman, he wants to meet with us, right after lunch and I know that he's going to try and dissuade you."

Kate laughed again.

"He won't be able to. I was raised Catholic and I know exactly how to counter his arguments."

Rick said; "Well, we'd better get back to the base so I can change into uniform. A little intimidation might help. If he's like most chaplains I've encountered he's first, a staff officer."

While Rick was changing, Kate went into the base exchange and bought the demurest, yet stylish dress she could find. They ate a quick lunch in the club, then entered the chaplain's office precisely at 13:00

Chaplain, Captain McCrory was young for a chaplain. With pale freckled skin, auburn hair and green eyes he looked as Irish as he possibly could. He stood and said;

"Good afternoon Major Rodgers and Miss Beckett, I presume. I am pleased to make your acquaintance. Please be seated." After they were seated, the chaplain said;

"Miss Beckett, I've already had a rather sharp discussion with the major, So I must ask you if you have thought this through. After all, you haven't known each other very long."

Kate said; "Father McCrory, I have known Rick as long as I need to, to know who he is and that he is right for me and me for him. I was raised Catholic and although I haven't attended mass much, lately, I still consider myself Catholic. And I know that you must do your best to protect my immortal soul. Therefore, your only real choice is to hear my confession, grant me absolution and give me the sanctity of marriage. If you refuse, I will still be with Rick, even if I must live in sin.

Furthermore, I give you my solemn promise to attend mass every week, try to convert this barbarian of mine to the true church and raise our children in the church."

The chaplain got an impish grin and said;

"If you promise to drag your husband in on Sunday and you've got a deal. I know how to pull a few strings so we'll be ready to go at 15:00 tomorrow."

Kate smiled softly.

"I won't have to drag him in, father. He'll go simply because I ask him to. Pushing my Rick will never work."

"Very well, Miss Beckett I will see you at 10:00 tomorrow, to hear your confession."

They left the chaplain's office and went to the base exchange, where Kate found a simple but elegant white silk dress and matching pumps. The exchange had a small jewelry section where they were able to buy matching wedding rings in platinum.

Chaplain McCrory said that he could pull some strings and he did, but did far more than that. He thought that Kate should have something a little nicer than just the two of them standing in front of him. He made some calls, indulging in a combination of charm and good old Irish blarney. He arranged for Colonel Townsend to stand as Rick's best man, Lieutenant Oliver as Kate's maid of honor and Colonel Preston to walk Kate down the aisle. The final touch was a small reception at the officer's club, with the two colonels, their wives, lieutenants Oliver and Shively and, of course, the chaplain as guests.

They returned to the hotel for supper and as they lay in the afterglow of lovemaking, Rick said;

"Kate, you're not going to get the honeymoon you deserve, either."

"That's not something to worry about, Rick. We can have that, too, when you get home."

Kate awoke early, too excited to sleep late. She woke Rick then showered and dressed, ordering breakfast while Rick showered. She had expected to be too nervous to eat breakfast, but that wasn't the case. She enjoyed the food, thinking of the many breakfasts that Rick and she would enjoy together.

The morning seemed to rush by for her. Returning to the base, she met with the chaplain, confessed, and received absolution, went to the exchange beauty shop, ate a light lunch and prepared for the wedding. Surprisingly, for something thrown together so quickly everything went smoothly everybody showing at the proper time and place. The ceremony itself, timelessly simple. The food and drink at the club was excellent. The toasts to the happy couple brief. Just before they left, Colonel Preston said;

"Major Rodgers, please report to base headquarters at 0900 tomorrow, both you and your lady. I think that you will find it a rewarding experience."

"We'd better stop in the exchange, Sweetheart. If we have to appear at headquarters, you will need a hat and gloves.

That night, a Kate lay with her head on Rick's chest, she said;

"My Darling that was amazing. Making love for the first time as your wife."

Since it wasn't a wedding gown, per se, Kate wore her white dress and heels with a pill-box hat and white gloves. After reporting to Colonel Preston, Rick looked up in surprise as General Schmidt entered the room, accompanied by his aide and a press officer. The General gave the at ease command, He said;

"First, let me congratulate you and your lovely bride. Secondly you are promoted Lieutenant Colonel, effective this date. As soon as you return to Kimpo you will relieve Lieutenant Colonel Eddington as squadron commanding officer. He's getting his eagles and group command". He then read the formal promotion order.

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