Note: Wow – over 300 comments! You guys are amazing! To each and every one of you who have taken time out of your day to read my story, and to those who have left reviews, thank you. Your support means the world to me! We are finally here, the wedding! I hope I am able to do it justice and that you all enjoy!
Chapter 29.
Kate blinked her eyes open and saw Wedding Countdown: Today You Are Mrs. Rick Castle! She allowed herself an internal squeal; she was getting married, today! Rick's arm tightened around her stomach. He brushed her hair out of the way and kissed the back of her neck softly.
"We're getting married today," he whispered and Kate could hear the grin in his voice.
She rolled over so she could face the man who would be her husband by the time they went to sleep. "When we wake up tomorrow, we'll be married," she beamed.
Rick kissed the tip of her nose. "You look absolutely radiant," he told her honestly.
Kate blushed. "I guess happiness and pregnancy will do that to you," she smiled shyly and leaned in to kiss him.
"You know, this is our last morning waking up in this loft," Rick said as he looked around the room. "When we come back from our honeymoon, everything will be at the new place."
She rested her cheek on his chest and followed his gaze around the room. "I'll miss this place," Kate paused. "But I'm excited to make new memories in our new home."
Rick looked at her a moment, then placed his hand on her belly. "I think Peanut and Pickle will love our new home."
Kate laughed. "Me too."
"What time are they getting started with your hair and make-up?" Rick asked as he glanced at his watch.
"We are supposed to be there at 10. Why, what time is it?"
"A little after 9…we should probably get up." Rick made a big show of stretching before he sat up and pulled Kate with him.
He went into the bathroom to get ready for the day and when he came back out Kate was dressed in a white tank top that had Bride written across the front in silver sparkles. She had on a pair of black yoga pants that had I Do written across the back fold where Rick was used to seeing Pink.
Kate spun around in a circle. "You like?" She grinned as he crossed the room quickly to kiss her.
"I love."
They reluctantly pulled apart so Kate could brush her teeth and gather the rest of the belongings necessary for the day. The blue butterfly clip was on the top of her pile, along with the necklace with her mother's ring, her purple heels (to match the flowers), and the garment bag that held her dress.
"Don't even think about sneaking a peek, Rick," Kate called from the bathroom.
"Wouldn't dream of it," he answered. And the truth was, he wouldn't. He didn't want to spoil the surprise. He wanted to see Kate wearing the dress – he knew it would take his breath away.
Rick helped Kate carry everything down to the limo that was taking her and Alexis to the salon. Alexis was already waiting inside and beamed up at her dad and soon to be mom. "Are you guys excited?" she asked with a giggle.
"That's a bit of an understatement," Kate said with a grin as she slid in next to her almost stepdaughter.
Rick leaned in and kissed her softly on the cheek. "I'll see you at the library."
"I'll be the one in white," she winked.
He laughed and closed the door before he tapped on the hood of the limo to signal the driver they were good to go. Rick watched them pull away and went back up to the loft. He had a few last minute items to pack for their honeymoon before he too would be leaving the loft for the library. The guys had the first picture time. They would do all of their groomsmen pictures while the women finished up at the salon so that when the women arrived they could keep Rick from seeing Kate before the First Look. Rick was positively giddy; he couldn't wait for these next few hours to pass so he could see Kate in her dress on their wedding day.
Rick busied himself collecting everything he needed and was lost in thought so he didn't hear the door open.
"Hey bro, you ready to go?" Esposito asked as he clapped Rick on the back.
Rick dropped the book he was holding and turned to see the boys standing there staring at him.
"What are you doing here? I thought I was going to meet you at the library!"
"What kind of best men would we be if we didn't escort you in style?" Ryan asked with a grin.
"Yeah, man, we cancelled your towncar and got a limo. No best friend of ours is going to ride to his wedding on his own," Esposito added.
Rick smiled at them. "Thanks guys, I appreciate it. You'll be a welcome distraction. The time is passing painfully slowly today."
"We kinda figured you'd say that. So we brought something to help," Ryan said as he pulled something from behind his back.
"Laser tag?" Rick asked, confused.
"Yeah, bro. We had an idea. Library laser tag while we wait for the girls! It'll be epic," Esposito explained.
"We know the photographer is going to want pictures of us, so we figured we could do some of the traditional photos with some of us goofing around playing laser tag thrown in there too," Ryan added.
"Brilliant! Let me grab my vest and gun," Rick said as he disappeared into his office. He retrieved his laser tag gear and grabbed their honeymoon luggage. Ryan and Esposito each grabbed a bag and helped Rick down to the limo where they loaded everything up and got in to enjoy their ride.
While the men plotted their game route on the drive, the women were busy being pampered. They got their nails painted, and make-up and hair done. Lanie and Alexis opted for their hair down in loose curls, while Kate's was swept up with an intricate side braid that came back into a loose bun. The stylist clipped the blue butterfly carefully on the side, which completed the look.
"You look beautiful," Alexis told Kate as she pulled her in for a hug. "Dad is going to lose it."
Kate blushed. "Thanks Lex." She looked over at Lanie and saw her friend attempting to wave away her tears. "Lanie, don't cry, you'll ruin your make-up!"
"Girl, I'm trying, I'm just so happy for you," Lanie sniffed.
Kate went over and hugged her best friend. "Thanks, I'm so glad you guys are here for me right now. I wish my mom could be here too."
"She's here for you sweetie," Lanie told her. "I know she is."
She nodded and accepted the joint hug from Lanie and Alexis. "I'm okay. I just miss her. Are you guys ready to go?"
"Real quick before we go," Lanie said as she pulled a box out of her purse. "I know you have your something old with your mom's ring, new, and blue with your butterfly, but I figured you could use something borrowed." It was a beautiful bracelet with three small diamonds. "It's something I plan to wear on my wedding day."
"Lanie, it's perfect, thank you," Kate told her friend as she fought back tears again. It was a good thing they had used waterproof mascara.
"Come on guys, we should get going," Alexis told them as she gathered up their belongings.
When the other two were ready, they ventured outside and into the limo. Kate turned down Lanie's offer of champagne with the reasoning that her stomach was too jittery to handle the alcohol. Lanie seemed to accept this explanation, but poured herself a glass anyway.
When they walked into the hall, Kate stopped in her tracks. The room was beautiful. There were white candles with black ribbons scattered on tables throughout the hall. Each was set with a small sparkling stone in the middle. There were dark red dahlias, golden black-eyed susans, yellow and orange calla lilies, purple trachelium and orange roses in vases up near where the bridal party was to stand. They were scattered enough to be similar to the bridal bouquets yet different to the point where they wouldn't detract attention.
The best part though, in Kate's opinion was the small round table just inside the door. There was a large vase with an arrangement that matched Kate's bridal bouquet at the top of the table. On both sides were rows of beautiful candles that met in the middle with a large picture frame. It was a picture of her mom. There was a sign next to it that read, In Loving Memory of Johanna Beckett, who is here celebrating in spirit.
Lanie came up behind Kate and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "He thought of everything," she said quietly.
Kate just nodded; she was at a loss for words.
"Kate, darling, you're here! You look beautiful!" Anton came bustling over to them. "The guests will be arriving shortly. Are you ready for your pictures?"
"Yea, can I just get a minute?" she asked quietly. Anton nodded in understanding and pulled Lanie and Alexis over so he could start with them.
After a few minutes Kate had collected herself enough to join in on the pictures. Lanie and Alexis helped her into her dress, and Anton was able to get some great shots of the whole process.
When they were finished, Kate asked, "Did you finish up with the guys?"
"Yes! They were so much fun to shoot. Wait until you see the finished products. I'm sure you're going to love everything. Ask Rick later what they did," he told her with a twinkle in his eye.
Kate and Lanie looked at each other and exchanged a what did they do now glance with each other.
"Are you ready to see Rick? I've got him on standby for the First Look," Anton questioned.
Kate looked at Lanie and Alexis who smiled encouragingly. She took a deep breath and nodded. As Anton took her arm, Kate's stomach danced with butterflies. She wasn't nervous; it was pure excitement and adrenaline. Even though she had just seen Rick this morning, Kate was going to see him in his tuxedo now. He was going to see her in her wedding dress. This day was finally here. They were getting married.
As Anton led her up to the door, he told her to wait a moment before coming in so he could set the scene up. Kate's heart raced as she awaited his signal. In reality, it was only two minutes, but to her, it seemed to take forever. She just wanted to see Rick.
When Kate heard the tap at the door, she took a deep breath and pushed her way inside. Rick's back was to her. She made her way across the room and laid a hand on his shoulder. When he turned around, Kate's heart caught in her chest. Her ruggedly handsome fiancé was about to become her ruggedly handsome husband and he looked absolutely perfect. Rick caught her in a kiss and the rest of the world fell away.
When he finally pulled away, Rick took in the picture that was his fiancé. She was beautiful. The blue butterfly caught the light and sparkled, and when his gaze moved down to take in her dress, Rick's breath was taken away. It was simple, elegant and so very Kate. The sweetheart neckline hugged her perfectly. There was a slight sparkle to the bodice, enough to add a little something, but not so much as to take away from Kate's beauty.
Kate blushed under his gaze. Rick reached out and grabbed her hand. He lifted her arm and spun her around so he could see the back of her dress. The deep "v" of the dress ended at her lower back, which only accentuated her toned muscles. Rick Castle was at a loss for words, so he pulled his bride in for another kiss.
"Wow, Kate. Just wow. You look absolutely breath taking," Rick told her when they finally broke apart.
"You're not so bad yourself," she winked.
"We've got some wonderful shots here," Anton said as he walked over. The couple shared a look that said they forgot anyone was watching. It was easy to miss the cameras when they only had eyes for each other. "I'm going to go see if they are ready for you out there."
The couple moved together once more, but were interrupted when Rick's father came in the room.
"Are you two ready?" he asked. "I'm going to be in there by the time you walk down the aisle Rick. By that point in time, Martha should be distracted enough by the guests that she won't even think twice about the man standing up there with you. I'll be gone as soon as the ceremony ends, so I wanted to offer my congratulations now. Kate, I'm glad you and Rick have found each other. I want you both to know I will think of you often and will keep my eye out for your best interest. I'll see you again one day, hopefully soon." Hunt pulled Rick and Kate into a hug.
"Thank you for being here," Rick began. "It means a lot." Kate leaned into Rick's side and rested her head on his shoulder as they watched Hunt leave the room.
"I'm glad he's here," Kate told him. This reunion brought back the memory of the picture of her mother Rick had arranged. "Rick, thank you for making Mom a part of today. That really means a lot to me. It was such a nice surprise."
Rick kissed her forehead. "Of course. She is a part of today. She's a part of you, so I thought it was only right that we honor her." He pulled her into a hug and held her tight until Anton came back, this time accompanied by Jim.
Jim walked over and shook Rick's hand. "You're a good man, Rick. Take care of my girl."
"I will Jim, I promise," he answered before he let Anton lead him off to the main room. Rick cast one more glance over his shoulder at his glowing bride and closed the door so the father and daughter could have a moment alone.
"You look beautiful, Katie Bug, just like your mother did on our wedding day," Jim said as he kissed his daughter's cheek. There were tears in his eyes, but they didn't fall.
"Thanks Dad," she blushed. "Did you see the picture of Mom out front?"
Jim nodded. "I meant what I told Rick. He's a good man. I think he'll do whatever it takes to make sure you're happy."
"He will," Kate agreed. "And I'd do anything to make him happy."
"I know you would. What do you think? Are you ready to get married?" Jim asked with a grin.
"Yes," she smiled broadly. "More than ready."
In what was both the shortest and longest time of her life, Kate waited for the bridal party to make their way down the aisle. Then, the music changed to the bridal march, everyone stood, and Jim took his daughter's arm. Kate didn't see anyone else in the seats beside her as she made her way down the aisle. She didn't see Captain Gates, or the Montgomery's. She didn't see Martha dabbing at her tears with tissues. She didn't see Paula snapping pictures of her own. And she didn't see her bridal party (Esposito and Ryan included) dabbing at the tears in their eyes. All she saw was Rick. His eyes were crinkling with his radiant smile. They were already glistening with tears, and she knew hers were too. Kate knew they were grinning like fools and she didn't care. Everything about this moment was absolutely perfect.
Jim passed his daughter's hand to Rick and shook his hand once more. Rick pulled him into a hug, and Jim nodded to his son in law before he turned to find his seat.
Rick took both of Kate's hands in his own and squeezed them. "I can't believe it's finally here," he whispered softly, for her ears only.
"I know," she replied quietly. "I love you."
"I love you too."
Rick's father cleared his throat and began the ceremony. "Rick and Kate have decided that they would like to share their own vows with one another." Hunt looked at Kate. "Kate, whenever you're ready to begin."
Kate looked into Rick's sparkling blue eyes and took a deep breath before she began. "You once told me that if you don't believe in even the possibility of magic, you'll never find it. Before you, I never believed in magic. I never believed in the extraordinary or in true love. To me, love was a fairytale, and I never in a million years expected it to become my reality. I never expected you. Rick, you changed my life. With you I've found magic. I believe in fairytales again. I've found my one true love. I built walls around myself and you pushed your way through and claimed my heart. I am so thankful every day that you never gave up on me. Yes, you may drive me crazy from time to time, but that's what makes life with you fun and more exciting. There is never a dull moment when you're around. I haven't ever shared this story with you, Rick...You saved me. Before I even knew you, you saved me. When my mom died, your books offered me comfort. They gave me an outlet that helped me through her murder. She loved your writing, and in a way, I feel like she led me to you. I know you guessed it before, and I never wanted to admit it to you, but I have always been your number one fan. Your books were a way for me to escape reality. They gave me cases where there was justice, and this gave me hope. Thank you for being there for me then and now. You make me happier than I ever thought was possible. I promise you I will try my best to do the same for you each and every day and I will love you, always."
There were tears running down Rick's cheeks, but the grin that came across his face when she finished was so much wider than any she had ever seen. He leaned forward and kissed Kate's cheek and she reached up to wipe the tears from his eyes. To them, everyone else had disappeared from the room. There was no one but the two of them.
"That was beautiful," Rick said quietly, and Kate blushed.
"Rick, whenever you're ready," Hunt told his son and watched as Rick took a steadying breath.
"I don't know how to follow that," Rick told everyone. "But I'm going to try." He looked into Kate's already teary eyes and smiled. "Kate, when I sat down to write my vows I thought about the fact that I have enough material about how much I love you to fill a library of books. I knew it would be difficult to keep this relatively short. Let's be honest though, it's me and I could go on about you forever. You are the most remarkable, maddening, challenging, frustrating person I have ever met, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I know I was difficult in the beginning, but I am thankful each and every day that you came and arrested me. Thank you for giving me that chance. I am without a doubt the luckiest man in the world. You make me a better man, and I don't know where I would be without you. I'm glad I won't ever have to find out. I can't promise to stop annoying you, but I can promise you that I will love you more each and every day for the rest of my life. Before you, I never understood love. I thought I did, but you taught me just how it could be to really, truly love someone with your whole heart, with your whole being. My love for you continues to grow every day. You are constantly full of surprises and are without a doubt the magic in my life. You're my soulmate, the love of my life and my reason for being. I promise to strive each and every day to be the man you deserve. I love you, always."
Tears were streaming down Kate's face when Rick stopped speaking. He wiped them away with his thumb and kissed her cheek.
"I love you. That was perfect," she told him.
"I love you too," Rick smiled.
The couple exchanged rings and "I Do's" as Rick's father finished the rest of the ceremony.
"You may kiss your bride," Hunt told Rick.
He didn't need telling twice. Rick swept Kate up and into a passionate kiss. When they finally broke apart, Hunt looked at their friends and family and said, "Ladies and gentleman, I'd like to be the first to introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Richard Castle!"
Rick and Kate grinned at each other. They ran down the aisle and through the bubbles that their family and friends were blowing on them, down the stairs outside and into their limo, ready to take their first ride as husband and wife.
I hope the wedding was everything you hoped it would be! The reception will be coming, I promise – it will probably be at least two chapters…I had to break it up somewhere! Thanks for reading, please share your thoughts! xoKristen
