Love You Through It
by Castlefan6
Authors Note: SnowKing1701 PROMPT REQUEST - They get together early in the series and a health scare tests their love, but not separate them. We may take liberties with the events and timeline from Canon and use events to make this a more believable fiction, Warning THIS IS AU, with only brief flashes of Canon. MAJOR CHARACTER ILLNESS, NO DEATH PROCEED WITH CAUTION, SENSITIVE SUBJECT MATTER
Thanks for the Prompt SnowKing1701, I hope I do it justice.
I don't own Castle; I use the characters for amusement purposes only, except the ones I create.
Previously
Kate looked at the walls and doors as they wheeled her into one of the Xray lab rooms, and was greeted by a familiar friendly face,
"Hey there, how you doing, did you get your initiation tattoo, if not, sorry we can't let you into our club" it was the friendly face of Amy, and Kate immediately began to relax. It was like a friend was going to be with her.
"I'm great Amy, I know Rick is freaking out so maybe you could calm him a bit once the procedure starts," Kate asked,
"Be glad to, wave to Silkie, you won't recognize her in all her protective gear, but that's the tech assigned to your case and will be conducting the treatment. Dr. Richardson is monitoring from the adjacent office, checking the scans in real-time. "I'll be right here all the time Kate, monitoring your stats, BP, Pulse, and oxygen levels, I promise we got you, we won't let anything go wrong, now relax, I'll be back as soon as I calm Rick down, by then they should be ready to go.
************************************************************************************/
Chapter 9
Hamptons Beach House
Saturday, 5:00 AM
Wedding Day
Kate sat up in her bed, well the guest bed, she wanted to keep one custom, Rick couldn't see her till she walked down the aisle. She had barely slept, the peaceful waves caressing the beach had lulled her into a few hours until she had a dream, that this was all a dream. She startled awake, and sat there in the dark, watching the workers begin to assemble the tents, and lawn chairs, almost silently, and there standing in the middle of everything directing from the clipboard she held was Alexis.
Kate smiled, thinking about how hard the young lady had worked, and how every detail had to be perfect, she was a stickler for the detail, no wonder she was an honor student, nothing was too small, or got past her. She had even sent Rick to sleep at the hotel, so he wouldn't make a midnight run down the hall to Kate's room. He had pouted, but he went, along with Mayor Weldon and the boys, who would return to the home at 10:20 AM, the service was scheduled for 11:00 AM, and Alexis had it all timed out.
Kate slipped on some shorts and a top, and made her way downstairs, stopping to get a to-go cup of coffee for her, and hot chocolate for Alexis, grabbing a light windbreaker and walked out to see the progress. Alexis had the orders and in the short time since she last looked out, she saw most of the seating had been set up, wiped down, and covered, so they would remain clean for the guests. There wasn't a detail she had forgotten, Kate thought.
She walked up behind her, "Alexis, Good Morning Sweetie, I thought you could use this" she smiled,
"Oh Kate, I'm sorry I thought we were being quiet, I guess the noise woke you up, I'm sorry as she took her hot chocolate from her with a smile, "Thanks Mom" as she hugged her.
"The noise didn't wake me, baby, I just can't believe the day is here, I mean God, I'm really becoming a wife and a Mom, to the two people I love more than anything in this world." Tears come to her eyes
"Hey, hey you stop that, you'll have me crying like a baby if you don't. I can't tell you how many nights I prayed that you would come into our lives, well Daddy's since he was being a jerk sometimes, and I knew I wanted you as my Mom since I met you. I know you love Daddy, I told him 4 years ago, and he loved you too." She smiled as she had her arm around Kate's waist as they walked to the beach. Alexis stopped to yell out one more instruction for placement of the altar, then said, "Sorry Mom."
"That's OK Sweetie, how long have you been up, or did you even go to bed? I can't thank you enough, I know this was a ton of work and with my doctor's schedule, I didn't do as much as I wanted to,"
"Mom, I don't want to be a copycat, but should I smack you, she rolled her eyes, just like Kate, and said you have one job, get well. I couldn't be happier that you trusted something as important as this to me, it's been a lot of fun really.
"It's special to see how happy Dad is, every time he looks at you. You get a glow when you look at him when you think no one sees, you have a habit of first touching your ring, then turning it slowly almost like you are taking in every moment, then you touch your heart, and you're back in the real world. I think it's really special for a child to see the love you two have, and show every day. It makes me love you both even more,"
Kate tried but couldn't hold back, she pulled her into a hug and cried, "Baby, you have been a Godsend, not only the wedding, but taking care of everything for us, I know it's seldom said, but please know I love you as my own. Thanks for accepting this, especially after my past royal screwups," tears flowed from them both,
Alexis was the first to recover, "Mom if you make me cry when I get my makeup on, I swear, I'm going to hide Dad's Xbox for a week," she said laughing, "I love you too, and just get well, for us all, now let's get back to be sure everything is going to schedule. By my time, you'll officially be my Mom, in 3 hours and 55 minutes, so we have to get ready."
She turned but left her arm wrapped around Kate's waist, as did Kate to her. It was a beautiful sight, Lanie, and Martha were standing behind a curtain upstairs and smiling at how close the two had become so quickly.
Xx
Fairwinds Hotel
Hamptons New York
6:00 AM
Rick had kept his promise to Kate, no bachelor party last night, he, Bob and the boys had sat in the lounge, had a few drinks then he returned to his room to re-work his vows one more time, they just weren't what he wanted to say. He worked on them till he grew so tired he had to lay down. They had a few hours before the limo was leaving, so they met for a quick breakfast, well they had breakfast, he had coffee, and a dose of nerves.
Bob Weldon who had know him the longest, observed his nerves,
"Rick, what's with you, it's not like you haven't done this before, why are you so nervous?"
Rick's answer came clear and swiftly,
"This one matters Bob, I won't survive if I screw this up, she needs her one and done and I have to be that for her,"
"Hey buddy, ease up on yourself, you'll just make it worse. Why are you so afraid of this not working Rick, something you have doubts about?"
"What? Hell, No, it's just that, well cancer, I want this to be perfect for Kate, we both know she has got a path straight through Hell to walk once the surgery is performed. I mean she only gets a few days away, then has a fucking surgery to look forward to the day after we get home." Rick was almost in tears,
His friend had seen just about all sides of him, except this one, usually reserved for when Alexis or Martha had gotten ill.
"Rick, if you want to make the wedding perfect for Kate, stop thinking about what comes next, enjoy every minute, treasure them, and things will work out, you know they will." Bob chided him,
"You're right Bob, I'm supposed to be the positive one for her, and here I am acting like this, I got to snap out of it, I got a few ideas about the vows, see you guys in a little while and Bob, be sure those two don't frick anything up, Kate will kill us all." He smiled,
"Will do," Bob smiled, God he prayed Kate would be OK, if not he knew that Rick would never get over it,
Xx
Hamptons 10:55 AM
"Dad, your music is up next, then you and Uncle Bob walk out, be sure you have the ring and your vows," Alexis ducked into the tent that the men were staged waiting for the time to walk to the aisle, then hastily retreated,"
A moment later Rick heard the starting of the music and pushed Espo, out of the tent, followed by Ryan, Bob Weldon and finally himself. Right on cue, the music switched to his song for Kate,
Truly Madly Deeply
Savage Garden
I'll be your dream, I'll be your wish, I'll be your fantasy.
I'll be your hope, I'll be your love, be everything that you need.
I love you more with every breath, truly madly deeply do
I will be strong, I will be faithful 'cause I'm counting on a new beginning.
A reason for living. A deeper meaning.
I want to stand with you on a mountain.
I want to bathe with you in the sea.
I want to lay like this forever.
Until the sky falls down on me
And when the stars are shining brightly in the velvet sky,
I'll make a wish send it to heaven then make you want to cry
The tears of joy for all the pleasure and the certainty.
That we're surrounded by the comfort and protection of
The highest power, in lonely hours, the tears devour you
I want to stand with you on a mountain,
I want to bathe with you in the sea.
I want to lay like this forever,
Until the sky falls down on me
Oh can you see it baby?
You don't have to close your eyes
'Cause it's standing right before you.
All that you need will surely come
I'll be your dream, I'll be your wish, I'll be your fantasy.
I'll be your hope, I'll be your love, be everything that you need.
I'll love you more with every breath, truly madly deeply do
I want to stand with you on a mountain
I want to bathe with you in the sea.
I want to lay like this forever.
Until the sky falls down on me
I want to stand with you on a mountain
I want to bathe with you in the sea.
I want to live like this forever.
Until the sky falls down on me
It wasn't a long walk to the altar, but Rick took it slow, walking to the beat of the music, finally reaching his spot next to his best men, Bob Weldon, who had arranged for the Deputy Mayor to perform the ceremony. He wanted to be by Rick's side for this event.
Kate heard the music, and at first, couldn't make out the song, then a tear came to her eye, it was the song from her second radiation session she told Rick about, how she loved the meaning of the words, and how they fit their situation. He had listened, God, she was so lucky, she was marrying this man in, wait, now, it was time for her to walk down the aisle.
Jenny and Mayor Weldon's wife, Jill led the way, followed by Lanie who was beautiful and so attentive to her as her Maid of Honor. She was greeted by her Dad who extended his arm, with a smile,
"Ready Katie?" he whispered,
"Yes, Dad, I just wish Mom were here,"
Jim smiled, and just said, "She is Katie, she's here and seeing her daughter marry her favorite author no way she's missing this"
Kate smiled, and then the music started,
From This Moment On
Shania Twain
I do swear that I'll always be there
I'd give anything and everything and I will always care
Through weakness and strength
Happiness and sorrow
For better, for worse
I will love you with every beat of my heart
From this moment, life has begun
From this moment, you are the one
Right beside you is where I belong
From this moment on
From this moment, I have been blessed
I live only for your happiness
And for your love, I'd give my last breath
From this moment on
I give my hand to you with all my heart
I can't wait to live my life with you, I can't wait to start
You and I will never be apart
My dreams came true because of you
From this moment as long as I live
I will love you, I promise you this
There is nothing I wouldn't give
From this moment on, oh
You're the reason I believe in love
And you're the answer to my prayers from up above
All we need is just the two of us
My dreams came true because of you
From this moment as long as I live
I will love you; I promise you this
There is nothing I wouldn't give
From this moment
I will love you as long as I live
From this moment on
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Robert John Lange / Shania Twain
Jim paced the walk so as not to drag it out eternally, but keeping with the song, Kate arrived at the altar just as the words you're the reason I believe in love were heard. Jim took her hand and gently placed it in Rick's, and turned and joined Martha in the seat of honor, alongside two empty chairs, one for Johanna, and one for Rick's dad.
The Deputy Mayor, Peter Limoncello took his place as the music faded, he smiled, and then greeted the crowd.
"Good Morning All, my name is Peter Limoncello, Deputy Mayor of the city of New York, perhaps you were expecting my boss, Mayor Bob Weldon, but as you can see, he is serving in another capacity as the Best Man of the groom. This wedding is certainly one that is being celebrated throughout the halls of our offices at City Hall, as well as the 12th precinct.
"Words from everyone who knows this couple describe this as truly a match made in heaven, and it is our joy and honor to introduce them as they repeat their vows to each other. Katherine Beckett, Kate is our lovely bride, and Richard Castle, Rick is our groom and best-selling author. He has promised no tell-all books for fear of being shot, good choice Rick, as light laughter filled the crowd.
"Kate, please proceed with your vows when you are ready,"
Kate swallowed hard, and took the ring from Lanie along with a small note card, she turned to Rick, took his left hand and gently began to place the ring on his ring finger as she repeated her vows, stealing a glance into his deep blue eyes, she gained strength just from his smile,
"Rick,
"Of all the people you've met on your journey through life, and of all the places you've been, somehow and some way, you ended up here—with me. It is the most powerful and humbling fact that I can accept.
"I used to think that we met by chance but now I know without a doubt that the universe put you in front of me because we were meant to spend our lives together. Yes, I said the Universe, you've convinced me of that as well,
"Today and every day I choose you. I promise to choose you as my husband every day we wake and I will love you in word and deed. I will laugh with you, cry with you, scream with you, grow with you, and celebrate life's victories with you. I promise to be your partner in all of life's adventures, whether they are good, funny, scary or sad. Loving what I know of you and trusting what I don't yet know, I give you my hand. I give you my love. I give you myself, the good, the bad, and the yet to come.
"You love me in ways that complete me, and in ways, I never knew possible. From this day forth, I promise to listen to you and learn from you, to support you and accept your support. I will celebrate your successes and mourn your losses because they are ours now, no longer your own. I will love you, my husband, and rejoice in your love for me for all of the years of our lives.
"Today, surrounded by all of your loved ones, I choose you to be my husband. I am proud to be your wife and to join my life with yours. I vow to support you, inspire you, and love you always. For as long as we both shall live, I will be by your side–for better or worse, in sickness and health, for richer or poorer. You are my one and only today and every day, now and forever, and for always, I love you, Rick."
She finished her vows, able to hold back her tears and speak with a strong voice. She knew Rick was touched; his face was streaked with single tears that escaped as she was speaking. Lanie, and the bridesmaids, had all destroyed a handful of tissues, but were now smiling,
Deputy Mayor paused for a second to allow the crowd, and perhaps Rick regain their composure, and then said,
"Rick, please proceed with your vows when you are ready."
"Kate,
"You have taught me that two people joined together with respect, trust, and open communication can be far stronger and happier than each could ever be alone. You are the strength I didn't know I needed and the love and joy that I didn't know I lacked. Today, I choose to spend the rest of my life with you. I choose you today, and all the days we will spend together as husband and wife, my heart is yours, and is now bursting with love, knowing you truly are mine.
"You have made me the happiest man in the world today by agreeing to share your life with me. I promise to love, honor, cherish and respect you. I promise to care for you and protect you. I promise to comfort you and encourage you, to be your strength when you are weak, to be your joy when you are sad. I promise to be with you now and forever, our Always.
"I promise to love you for who you are, and for who you are yet to become. I promise to be patient and to remember that our love is great enough to overcome all obstacles, large or small. I promise to encourage you to dream, and to nurture them as your life's partner, sharing each success, or failure, no longer yours or mine, but ours.
"I promise to share my whole heart with you, and to remember to show you how deeply I care for you, and to remind you each day, you are enough, you are far more than enough and exceed my wildest dreams for my partner in life. No matter the challenges that may come our way, I promise to love you with all of my heart and soul putting you above all others, as long as I live.
"You have become my lover, my companion, a mother to our daughter, and my best friend. There's no one else I'd want to build a life with. I will be with you, for better or worse, in sickness and health, for richer or poorer, my love, my life, and my wife, for always.
"I love you with all my heart. You're my love, light, and soulmate. You're the person that keeps me singing, smiling, and laughing. I give you this ring as a sign of my love that's forever, eternal and never-ending, like the circle in this ring, now and forever, our always."
Rick and Kate turned to face the officiant,
"Having come together before God and family, and meeting all legal requirements, it's my pleasure through the powers vested in me by the great state of New York to declare, you are now Husband and Wife, you may kiss your bride,"
It didn't take a second invitation but they did keep it as G rated as possible and walked together to the remainder of the song From This Moment On, to the tents set up for refreshments and a dance floor and a 5-piece band.
TBC
