Chapter Twenty One

The girls returned and immediately ushered Kate upstairs, so she wouldn't be seen by anyone before it was time. Alexis handed a dress each to Lanie and Jenny and they went into their rooms to change. Alexis then took the four tuxes and gave them to Martha, who had followed them upstairs and took them into her room, ready for the boys when they finished their task for the day. Shutting the door Alexis turned to Kate and took a deep breath, this was the moment of truth. First off she handed Kate the small box, knowing it was the one item that had been saved from the trail of destruction left by Jez. Kate opened the box and found the veil nestled inside. The comb had been expertly woven into it and the diamonds shone in the afternoon sun. She smiled at the young girl, glad that this one piece had been lucky enough to survive.

Alexis pulled Kate off the bed and walked her to the closet. She took out the garment bag and hung it on the hook on the door. She then left it to Kate to open the bag and see what was inside.

Kate slowly drew the zipper down to reveal the golden dress. She gasped in shock at the beautiful sight before her. It was better than she had ever imagined. She reached out to feel the material and watched how it flowed like water past her fingers. She loved the deep red sash in the middle, it was a bold statement. A flash of light caught her eye and she looked closer at the sleeves to see small diamonds embedded near the edges.

It was exquisite, and she turned to Alexis, speechless. "Thank you." She whispered. "How did you find this?"

"It was a gift from Mathilda King." Kate sucked in a breath as she recognised the name. "She made this dress with you in mind, and when I asked if I could buy it for you she said yes."

Kate turned back to the dress and looked at it again in a new light. To have Mathilda King give her a gorgeous wedding dress to wear, let alone her crowning jewel made her head spin. It was the last thing she expected, but it was the best surprise in the world. She hugged Alexis, unable to express her gratitude and tried to keep from crying and ruining her make up.

"Thank you Alexis, for everything." She whispered before letting her go.

"There's no need to thank me. I just wanted to make sure you got married this weekend." She told the detective. "It's been a long time coming, and we weren't going to let anything stop it from happening."

It warmed her heart to hear the conviction in the young woman's tone. She smiled again, over the moon that she was finally becoming a member of their family, and that they had welcomed her with open arms.

The time had come to put it on. First off she needed her lingerie, but she had to admit she was a little embarrassed to tell her future daughter in law what she needed.

Alexis saw the blush and discomfort on Kate's face and knew that what was coming would be uncomfortable for both of them.

"I need something from my suitcase." She told the red head quietly.

"Let me see where the guys are first, okay?" When she saw Kate's nod, she slipped out of the room and headed for the master bedroom. Thankfully it was empty. She stopped Martha, who was already dressed and ready to go, and asked her to keep the men downstairs until she gave the all clear. Once she was sure the message had been passed on she grabbed Kate, the dress and the veil and pulled them into the bedroom. She hung the dress up and placed the veil on the dresser, then turned to Kate and told her she would get dressed and be back in ten minutes to help with the finishing touches.

Kate was relieved that she wouldn't scar the poor girl any more than she obviously was. She rushed to her suitcase and pulled out the Victoria Secret bag she had bought especially for this occasion. In it was a matching set she had caught him eyeing up on one of the rare occasions he was able to join her for a day out in the city. She stripped off and drew on the silky underwear. Next she drew on the stockings, which she attached to the garter belt, then she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. She looked like a seductress, so she smiled, knowing the effect it would have on Castle when he undressed her later.

A knock on the door startled her out of her lascivious thoughts and she knew who it was even before she spoke. "Kate, can I come in?" Alexis asked politely.

"Just a minute." She called back, then walked over to the dress. She carefully pulled it from the hangar and unzipped it. After stepping into it and pulling it up to cover the racy underwear she called Alexis is to help.

Alexis opened the door slowly, hoping she was covered up. She relaxed when she saw her in the dress, just waiting to be zipped back up. The young woman closed the door and moved to zip her up. Then she grabbed the sash from where it had fallen and fastened it around the detective's waist.

Kate smoothed the dress into place and found it was a perfect fit, it hugged her body like a second skin and fell down to her feet like a waterfall. With her three inch white heels it would be the perfect length. Alexis picked up the veil and instructed her to sit at the vanity. She carefully threaded the veil into the knot on the top of Kate's head and arranged the veil around her body.

The final look was breathtaking, she looked indescribable. The whole ensemble created an ethereal effect, and it was sure to affect everyone who was attending.

A second knock on the door was followed by Lanie and Jenny, who all stood speechless when Kate stood up to greet them. Alexis hurried past them to shut the door, closing them in.

Kate looked from one face to the next, seeing the pride and awe imprinted on each one. "Do you like it?" She asked, shyly.

They all nodded silently, unable to form actual words to describe the transcendent sight of Kate on her wedding day. The dress was exquisite, but she was glowing from within, adding an extra level to the complete look. There was no way anyone would be able to look anywhere but at her tonight.

The guys found their suits right where Martha told them they were. They each took their own suit back to their empty rooms and got dressed. They were the perfect fit for each of them and were perfect for an intimate wedding.

Martha showed the guests out into the garden, and led them to their seats, arranging them with regards to whether they were bride or groom. Over the next half an hour all the guests arrived, meaning the wedding would be able to start on time. The last person to arrive was Captain Gates, who was dressed in a crisp white suit, and was ready to marry the writer and his muse.

Jim knocked on the door to the master bedroom and waited for Alexis to answer it before entering. He was met by a wall of women standing between him and his daughter. Alexis led him around them and saw the reason for their stupor. Kate stood there looking resplendent in a golden gown, studded with diamonds and finished with a deep red sash around her waist.

Tears sprang into his eyes at the sight in front of him. His daughter looked like an angel. "Your mother would be so proud of you, Katie." He said, unknowingly repeating the words Alexis had spoken just hours before. He kissed her cheek. "You look beautiful."

"Thanks dad." She whispered back to him, smiling shakily. "I miss mom."

"Me too, but I know she's watching over us and she's smiling upon you today." Jim told his teary eyed daughter.

Kate nodded quickly, taking a deep breath to steady her nerves. This was supposed to be the happiest day of her life, she couldn't cry now, it would ruin the perfectly applied make up and leave her with red eyes.

Martha started knocking on doors, calling out that it was time to take their places. The guys answered the doors immediately and headed downstairs, taking their places at the top of the aisle. Castle caught sight of Captain Gates and did a double take. He turned to Ryan and Esposito and asked them what was going on.

"She's an ordained minister." Ryan told him.

"Yeah, she's marrying you today." Esposito added.

Castle was shocked to hear that. He was marrying the love of his life today and Gates was the one overseeing the ceremony. He took his place and waited for Kate to walk down the aisle.

A knock on the door, followed by Martha entering woke everybody up. "It's time people." She pushed Lanie and Jenny out the door, who were followed by Alexis. "Flowers are in the kitchen!" She called after them. Then she turned to get a good look at the bride. She was stunned, the transformation from hard boiled detective to beautiful bride was amazing. She kissed Kate on the cheek and told her she looked absolutely stunning. "Whenever you're ready darling." Then she left her and her dad alone in the room. This was it, her wedding was actually happening, she was going to marry her best friend in a matter of moments. She slipped on her shoes, took her father's arm and made her way downstairs to the kitchen.

Gathered in the kitchen were her three bridesmaids, waiting for her. Alexis handed her a bouquet of roses and she noticed that no two flowers were the same colour. It was a beautiful arrangement. She caught the scent of the flowers and brought them to her face to take a deep breath. It grounded her and suddenly she was ready. She nodded to the others, telling them she was ready. Alexis poked her head around the door to let Martha know to start the music. They picked up their bouquets and got into position.

It's time! She's ready, he's ready, let's do this!