Chapter 20... wow. Never thought I'd make it this far. I love you all.
Disclaimer: Terri Edda Miller tweeted me last night. Does that count? No? Ugh, okaaaaay.
Previously...
"I love you."
"I love you, too. And so does he or she," she said, patting her stomach.
His face dropped and his eyes widened. "What?"
She smiled and kissed him again. "I'm pregnant!"
By now, the crowd had quieted and were all listening in shock.
"Kate, are you serious?" he asked.
The bad thoughts came back again as she worried that he wouldn't want a baby right now. Her smile quickly faded. "Y... yes I'm serious."
Her bad thoughts faded away as he pulled her in for a bone-crushing hug. When he released her he turned out to the crowd and said, "My wife is pregnant!"
Everyone clapped and cheered again as the party processed back down the aisle.
Rick took Kate's hand as they walked back the aisle together. Everyone was congratulating them on the marriage and the pregnancy.
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Castle.
Kate was blinded by the flashes of the camera. They had hired a professional photographer and had taken a lot of pictures.
They had taken some with the wedding party, their parents, select friends, all girls, and all guys.
Most of the pictures they had taken were just as a couple. They had taken some on the beach, on the grass, by the ocean, the usual. They took a lot of normal pictures but they also took a few funny ones for the hell of it. They also took a lot of pictures kissing and a few where Castle picked Kate up and held her bridal style.
They were about finished when Castle said, "Wait. I had something special done in the front for the pictures. Can we do it?"
The photographer and Kate happily obliged so they made their way to the front yard. Kate was a little confused and quite anxious to find out what Castle had set up for them.
She gasped when they turned the corner to the front yard. There was a huge tree in the front that had a few low branches on it, and on them he had had two swings put on.
"All of our big decision-making moments, good or bad, have happened on the swings. They are symbolic for us. It only makes sense for us to take pictures on the swings on our wedding day, the biggest decision-making day of our lives." Castle said.
A huge smile broke out on Kate's face as she cupped his face and kissed him.
They sat on the wooden swings and smiled for the camera. They held hands between the swings, pushed themselves closer together to touch and hold each other, and lastly, to drape Kate's legs over Castle's so they were linked together and they could kiss.
"That one is a keeper," the photographer smiled.
An hour later, they were ready to start the reception. They had set up a huge tent on the lawn and put up a stage and a dance floor. Castle hired a DJ, a bartender, and a few chefs.
"Can everyone take their seats, please? I would like to welcome you all to Kate and Rick's wedding reception. My name is Jim, I'm Kate's father. The bridal party is waiting on the side of the house, so how about we bring them in here?"
Everyone clapped for Jim so he started to announce the couples.
"The groom's daughter and her boyfriend, Alexis Castle and Eric Pulamen!"
"The bride and groom's best friends, Kevin and Jenny Ryan!"
"The groom's parents, Martha Rodgers and Jackson Hunt!"
"The maid of honor and the best man, Lanie Parish and Javier Esposito!"
"And last but not least, Mr. Richard Castle and Mrs. Katherine Castle!"
The guests erupted in cheers and claps as they made their way to the tent. Kate gasped when she saw the white tent all decorated with the sea foam lanterns and the coral and white party favors.
"C'mon you two love birds, let's see a kiss," Jim yelled.
As in a usual wedding manner, everyone started tapping their glasses with their silver wear. Rick stopped Kate in the middle of the room, cupped her cheeks, and kissed her hard. He heard a soft moan escape her lips as she kissed him back and quickly ran her tongue against his closed lips before pulling apart.
Everyone was happily seated and the food was served. Kate and Rick finally sat down and when he leaned over to fill Kate's champagne glass, she stopped him.
"I can't drink, remember?" she said, placing her hand on her abdomen.
"I know," he said, turning the bottle so she could see the label. Sparkling White Grape Juice.
"You're perfect."
Someone saw them conversing and making love eyeballs at each other, so the tapping of the glasses started again and they both laughed before leaning in to kiss.
As soon as they pulled apart, Lanie stood up and took the microphone. "Hey there everyone! Hope you're enjoying yourselves. My name is Lanie Parish, I'm the maid of honor. I would like to entertain you all for a moment with a short story about our lovely bride and groom."
"Oh God, here we go," Kate whispered to her husband.
"I have known Kate for years. She was training to become a detective the same time I was training to become a medical examiner. Since those days, we have been inseparable. Kate and I have girl's night at least once a week, and we constantly see each other at work. We tell each other everything. Five years ago, Richard Castle walked into our precinct. Kate was furious. But, I saw something in her eyes I had never seen before. It was desire. Girl, I don't care what you say; you wanted him from day one. As the years went by, there were arguments between them, but mostly they would make jokes and innuendos, laugh at each other, finish each other's sentences, and do that crazy eye sex thing. It was so obvious how much he loved her, but being stubborn as she is, she was holding back. Finally, after four long years, she gave in and they got together. Their relationship was stronger than ever. They had this glow about them that lit up the room and was noticeable by everyone. They kept it out of the precinct, thank God... but Kate, don't even try to deny this... I saw you drag him into a supply closet once."
Everyone laughed at that. Kate's face was beet red. Lanie saw that? Kate won't deny that that was the best quickie she had ever had, but to say that in front of her friends and family, and her coworkers? She was going to kill her.
"Basically, what I'm trying to say is that this is one of the most in love couples I've ever known. You guys are amazing together, and you both deserve happiness together for the rest of your lives. I love you both."
Lanie lifted her glass and said, "To the bride and groom!"
"To the bride and groom!" everyone repeated, thrusting their glasses in the air and taking a drink from them.
Kate and Rick kissed passionately. "To us," she whispered.
"Hi, guys. My name is Javier Esposito, I'm the best man. I am really bad at speeches; so basically, I just want to say that you two are the surrogate parents for Kevin and I. Whenever you argue, we say that mom and dad are fighting. Whenever you are happy, we comment on how mom and dad must've had a good day. And when you two kiss... we get grossed out, turn away, and say that our parents are kissing. But really, you guys are two of the best friends I've ever had. You are most loving couple I know. It's obvious how perfect you are for each other. Congratulations. I love you guys. To the bride and groom!"
Again, everyone shouted "To the bride and groom!" and Kate and Rick kissed again.
"See, I'm serious, it's gross," Espo said into the mic before putting it back on the stand.
Everyone had finished eating and the DJ's loud voice roared through the microphone. "Can I get all the ladies in the middle of the floor, please? It's time for the bride to throw the bouquet."
All of the women gathered in the middle and Kate stood by the DJ. She turned around, kissed one of the flowers in the bouquet, and threw it over her left shoulder. The women all held their hands up to catch it.
It landed in Lanie's hands. She laughed and shouted a loud "Yeah!"
"Of course, you of all people would catch it," Kate laughed.
There was a chair in the middle of the dance floor. "Kate, could you come sit down here, please?" the DJ asked.
As soon as Kate sat down, "Sexy and I Know It," started playing. She laughed as she saw Esposito pushing Castle toward her with his hands behind his back. Esposito reached in his pocket and pulled out his police cuffs and cuffed his hands. Kate laughed hysterically as she saw her husband feign sadness as he was being cuffed.
He turned toward her with a predatory look in his eyes and she smirked at him. He walked over to her slowly and stood behind her. He leaned down to bite her earlobe and she jumped.
"You like that, huh?" he asked seductively.
She didn't budge.
"We'll see about that," he said, coming back around to stand in front of her. He got down to his knees and then sat down. He scooted closer so he was right under her, and she lifted her dress over him. She immediately felt his hot breath on her leg and then her breath hitched when she felt his tongue on her left leg. Her garter was on her right leg but of course he was going to make her squirm before he got it off of her. He licked from her calf to her inner thigh and she grabbed the side of the chair, bracing herself for how high he was going to take his tongue. He stopped literally two inches from her thong-covered mound.
He moved to the calf of her right leg and did the same thing he did to her left leg, this time getting even closer to her center before moving away. She felt his teeth graze her skin as he grabbed the garter with his teeth and pulled it down her leg slowly. She lifted her leg for him and he got it off.
She lifted her dress again for him to slide out and Esposito helped him up and uncuffed him. Castle danced around to the music with the garter in his mouth and Kate just sat there, laughing. All of the men gathered into one area and Castle took it and flung it at them.
Of course, Esposito caught it.
Castle went over to Kate and helped her up to bring her into a hug. He kissed her softly and whispered, "I'll continue what I started later."
She blushed big time.
"Can Mr. and Mrs. Castle make their way out to the dance floor, please? It's time for their first dance."
Castle stood up and extended his hand for her to take as she stood. They walked to the floor together, hand in hand. The glow of the lanterns made the light beautiful against the darkness of the October night.
He pulled her to him to snake his arms around his waist and she wrapped her arms around his neck. Their bodies were pressed together and they swayed as the acoustic version of "Never Stop" by Safetysuit played.
They stared into each other's eyes as they listened to the lyrics.
This is my love song to you
Let every woman know I'm yours
So you can fall asleep each night, babe
And know I'm dreaming of you more
You're always hoping that we make it
You always want to keep my gaze
Well you're the only one I see
And that's the one thing that won't change
I'll never stop trying
I'll never stop watching as you leave
I'll never stop losing my breath
Every time I see you looking back at me
I'll never stop holding your hand
I'll never stop opening your door
I'll never stop choosing you babe
I'll never get used to you
Still get my heart racing, you
Still get my heart racing, for you
Still get my heart racing, you
Still get my heart racing, for you
I'll never stop trying
I'll never stop watching as you leave
I'll never stop losing my breath
Every time I see you looking back at me
I'll never stop holding your hand
I'll never stop opening your door
I'll never stop choosing you babe
I'll never get used to you
Still get my heart racing, you
Still get my heart racing, for you
Still get my heart racing, you
Still get my heart racing, for you
As the last few lines repeated and the chorus faded out, Castle leaned in to kiss his wife. She played with the hairs at the nape of his neck as she kissed him, opening her tongue to him and letting his tongue into her mouth. Their tongues danced on the inside just like they were doing on the outside, swaying and twirling.
When they pulled away, they noticed that the music had stopped and everyone was clapping for them.
"I love you," he said.
"I love you, too," she replied.
"Jim and Alexis, get out here for a father-daughter dance!"
Jim kissed Kate's cheek before placing his left hand on her waist and gripping her left hand with his right. Her right hand came to rest on her father's shoulder. Rick and Alexis did the same. The music played and they turned together on the dance floor.
The music continued and all of the couples were invited to the dance floor. Kate and Rick spent most of their time whispering sweet nothings to each other or kissing as they swayed to the music. When they pulled away from a kiss, Kate's eyes widened.
"Castle, look!"
He turned to see his parents dancing and holding each other very close. They smiled at the sight and then the look of pure shock was on their face when Martha cupped Jackson's cheeks and kissed him passionately.
Kate saw a tear slip down Castle's cheek. She wiped it from his face. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing is wrong. It's amazing, actually. This is the first time I've ever seen my parents kiss. I really hope they get into a relationship, Kate."
"Well by the way they look right now, I think they will."
He turned back to her and smiled. Then, he chuckled. "Oh God, I so knew that was going to happen."
This time, Kate turned around to see Lanie and Esposito wrapped around each other, making out.
"They are so cute," Kate said.
"Cute? It kind of grosses me out," Castle responded.
She smacked his chest and gave him a glare.
Everyone was on the dance floor, dancing to the classic party songs among other upbeat songs. Kate was dancing around the crowd and saying hi to people, but when she made her way back to Castle, he grabbed her hips and pulled him backwards to her. Her back was to his chest and she immediately bent down and started grinding on him. He let his hips move with hers, feeling the rhythm of the song. They continued throughout the entirety of the song.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the bride, Kate Castle, up to the stage!" the DJ announced.
Everyone clapped for Kate as she made her way up to the stage. She grabbed the microphone and said, "Thanks. Uhh, well I don't know what you all have heard, but basically, five years ago I was really bottled up. I didn't want to succumb to my feelings and I didn't let people into my life. Well, over the course of those five years, Rick has completely broken down those walls and has more or less forced himself into my life. And for that, I could not be any more grateful. I was drowning, but he has been my savior. Rick, my love, my life, my husband, this is for you."
The music started and she took a deep breath before letting her perfect voice flow into the microphone and through the speakers.
Shed no tears for me
They'll be rain enough today
I'm wishing you godspeed
As I wave you on your way
This won't be the first time
I've stayed behind to face
The bitter consequences
Of an ancient fall from grace
I'm a daughter of the race of Cain
I am not a stranger to the rain
Orphan in the storm
That's a role I've played before
I've learned not to tremble when I hear the thunder roar
I don't curse what I can't change
I just play the hand I'm dealt
When they lighten up the rations
I tighten up my belt
I won't say I've never felt the pain
But I am not a stranger to the rain
And for the boy who's given me the sweetest love I know
I wish for you another love so you won't be alone
Because I am bound to walk among the wounded and the stain
And when the storm comes crashing on the plain
I will dance before the lightning to music sacred and profane
Oh, shed no tears for me
Light no candle for my sake
This journey I'll be making
Is one we all must take
Shoulder to the wind
I'll turn my face into the spray
And when the heavens open
Let the drops fall where they may
If they finally wash away the stain
From a daughter of the race of Cain
I am not a stranger to the rain
Kate didn't even notice she was crying. She looked up to see her husband beaming brightly at her.
"I love you, Katherine Castle!" he yelled.
She chuckled, "I love you too, Richard Castle."
It was three in the morning. The guests had all left, leaving Kate and Rick by themselves, still standing in the tent.
"This is not what I had ever thought of as my dream wedding, but this is so much better. Thank you for giving this to me," Kate said to her husband.
"Anything for you, Kate."
Her stomach growled. "Ugh, I'm hungry. I need to eat something healthy for the baby."
"Speaking of the baby, how far along are you? How long have you known?"
"I just found out a few days ago. And I don't really know how far along I am. I need to make a doctor's appointment. Will you accompany me?"
"Of course I will, Kate. That isn't even a question you should have to ask."
She smiled at her perfect husband.
He picked up his iPhone and ear buds from the table and plugged them in. He put one of the buds in his ear and gently pushed the other one into Kate's ear. He started the music and grabbed her to dance, hold, and kiss her once more.
A writer and his muse.
A husband and wife.
A mother and father.
Always.
This chapter proved to be a difficult one, but I hope you guys like it.
The song Kate sang was called "Stranger to the Rain" from the musical "Children of Eden". Now you see where I got the title for this and the companion fic from?
I would like to thank everyone who has followed, favorited, or posted a review for this story. You all are the reason why I always stay up until four in the morning to write. I can write a damn good research paper or an essay, but I have never considered myself a good story writer. You all have helped me change my perspective. So thank you.
A HUGE thank you to my besties, Sheridan and Morgan. You guys love this story more than anyone and you helped me come up with countless ideas for it. You freak out over the newly posted chapters and you die when I send you spoilers or teasers. I love you two. I am the writer, and you are my muses.(;
My friends, this story is over. I love you all. Thank you once again.
Love, Rachel