They exchanged vows in the late afternoon sun, all of their loved ones present to witness the moment. The low sun was nearly touching ocean to their backs on what could only be described as a perfect day. A warm breeze swept up the loose strands of Kate's hair, prompting Castle to brush them back as she spoke.
Her vows were simple, from the heart. "Castle, Rick… Babe. It's you. It's always been you."
She squeezed his hands as she spoke, "I'm sorry I didn't see it sooner, but I'm so glad you waited for me. It's been a crazy ride, but I wouldn't trade in one second. I would do it all again, even if it meant just one more moment with you. I love you and I'm so ready for what comes next. I'm ready to jump into life with you by my side." She smiled warmly at him. Her glistening eyes filled with complete love and truth, allowing him to see all of her in that moment.
Castle had to clear his throat, swallowing back the tears of joy that nearly overwhelmed him. They were finally here, and she was speaking words that he'd never dreamed she would. He took in her beauty, her resiliency and her grace with awe. Similar tears began to well in her own eyes as she squeezed both of his hands tightly, It's your turn, she wordlessly communicated, prompting him remember himself. He began to speak, stumbling on his words.
"Oh. Right." He answered, causing the small crowd to laugh.
"It's funny," he began, "because I'm a writer and words are my strong suit. Words are my living, and yet as I stand here…you leave me speechless Kate." She sighed, willing herself not to cry.
"You've always had that effect on me." He continued, prompting an incredulous look from her.
"Speechless, Castle? Since when?" She blurted suddenly, forgetting their place. More laughs sounded. A slight flush came to Kate's cheeks as she smiled, lowering her head in slight embarrassment and allowing him to continue. He brushed his hand along her jaw, lifting her head back to meet his gaze once again.
"I seem to lose words when it counts." He brushed his finger across her cheek, a gentile caress before allowing his arm to drop back down and join their hands again.
"Kate, you came into my life and within a day, within minutes, I was hooked. You make me a better man. I'm simply more when I'm with you and I feel so lucky, so glad that you've given me the chance to show you how much you mean to me. I promise to show you every day for the rest of our lives. You are my heart Kate, and I love you."
The silliness of their fumbled vows was completely forgotten in the next moments, as the couple lost awareness of their surroundings. They were the only two people in the world as they exchanged rings. The moment was quiet. With the gentile sliding of glimmering bands over skin, they both simply whispered "Always."
When Rick kissed Kate for the first time as husband and wife it was complete, an all-encompassing promise of the future they would build together. Her arms wrapped around his neck, fingers caressing his hair as she whispered, "We did it." It was the cheering of their friends that brought them back down to earth.
"We're married." He stated with amazement to her. She simply nodded, laughing with the joy of it.
Later they danced. This time she felt no fear or tension as the music surrounded them. Indeed, Kate was at complete ease in his arms. Finally, she knew what it felt like to be his wife, and he was her husband. Not a living soul could take that from them. The thought chased away all darkness in her world.
Together, the couple swayed to an old song; a song that played for only them. They exchanged tender kisses as they moved in tandem, brushing noses softly and wearing matching smiles, neither seemed to care who saw them.
I can hear your heart beat for a thousand miles
And the heavens open every time you smile
When I come to you that's where I belong
Yet I'm running to you like a river's song
You give me love, love, love, love, crazy love
You give me love, love, love, love, crazy love
Castle held his wife close as they moved across the small wooden floor placed on the beach for this very reason. The sun was setting and sunlight was gradually being replaced by candle light. It set a mood to the atmosphere that reflected the feelings between them, a glowing intimacy that somehow they'd recaptured. Rick was captivated by the way the light hit her hair, felt the need to caress her brow as their bodies swayed in a rhythm that was natural to them.
You've got a fine sense of humor when I'm feeling low down
And when I come to you when the sun goes down
Take away my trouble, take away my grief
Take away my heartache, in the night like a thief
You give me love, love, love, love, crazy love
You give me love, love, love, love, crazy love
Kate sighed as Castle held her close, one arm securely around her waist while she laid her head in the groove of his neck. My favorite spot, she'd informed him previously. She seemed to be captivated by their joined fingers, by how they caressed. She could feel his intake of breath and subsequent sigh as she allowed her lips brush his neck. He could feel the smile there. Soon others joined them on the dance floor. They were glad for the company, for the chance to share this moment with their loved ones.
Yes I need you in the daytime
Yes I need you in the night
Yeah I want to throw my arms around you
Kiss and hug you, kiss and hug you tight
"How do you feel, Mrs. Castle?" He whispered into her ear as their dance continued. Now that the dance floor was full, they moved and spoke more freely. "Wonderful." She spoke softly, ghosting a kiss against his lips as she shifted back so that they could face one another again.
"and you?" She repeated the question.
"Oh, I'm on cloud 9. See, I've got this smokin hot wife." He teased her, earning him a tender swat to the back of his neck. The hand there soon turned tender once again, brushing softly thorough the hair on the back of his head.
And when I'm returning from so far away
You give me some sweet lovin' to brighten up my day
Yes it makes me righteous, yes it makes me feel whole
Yes it makes me mellow down in to my soul
You give me love, love, love, love, crazy love
You give me love, love, love, love, crazy love
Kate moved to rest her head back against his shoulder, allowing the melody to slowly come to an end as they danced in contented silence for a few more moments. She never wanted this moment to end, and yet felt the need for more. Stroking her hand up his neck, she allowed her nails to lightly graze the shell of his ear. Finally, with a rush of butterflies in her abdomen, she whispered.
"I'm ready for tonight."
AN: The song is entitled "Crazy Love" originally by Van Morrison. This version is that of Audra Mae. Which you can find on youtube should you choose!