Change of Heart

by Castlefan6

Authors Note: Thisis my SEQUEL to AU version to a different outcome from the RISE episode in Canon COURSE CORRECTION and UNEXPECTED DETOUR, you will need to read those first to understand this work. This picks up exactly where we left off, no time jumps longer than a few months.

I don't own Castle; I use the characters for amusement purposes only

Chapter 6

Previously

"Javi, I called asking for a favor, not a commentary on parenting skills, and for the record, you really should keep your mouth shut when you don't know what you're talking about. Look if you can't handle this I can*"

"Hey I said I got this, sorry I ruffled your feathers, and you're right I have no idea what's going on with Alexis and her Mom, but know how she is, it can't be good if she's shutting her out of her big day.

I'll have my buddy keep an eye on the flights inbound and if he can flag here as a potential risk, I don't want anything to upset Alexis on her wedding day, she had enough on her."

"Thanks, Javi, I appreciate it, yeah she's taking on a hell of a load, but if anyone can do it, it's her, but if you are a praying man say a few for Shane. You know all too well what he's about to face, so keep him in your thoughts,"

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St. Charles Episcopal Church,

Friday January 8th.

11:00 AM

Flashback to previous evening discussion,

No one could believe the time had gone by so quickly, Rick had shown great strides in showing recognition that his daughter was a woman now, and therefore consulted with her and Shane before making decisions he would have just done so without asking in the past.

The fact was that Shane had six weeks of training, and even with Gary, and Uncle Bob's connections the best they could do was to wrangle weekend passes for the newlywed. During the week, he had to remain on the base, and Alexis would remain in the rental property Rick had procured. He also had an additional suite one building away from hers, for the parents to use.

Kate, Rick and Mandy would accompany them to North Carolina, separate flights and arrangements but would be there for the first three weeks of training. Gina would arrive at start of week four with Lou, and Gary would join when he could. Finally, the last two weeks they all would be in North Carolina to support their kids, as Shane moved from one training to the advanced training in Pendleton, in California.

Alexis was completely free to do what she wished, with other Marine wives, and some of the other activities the Chaplain had suggested to get her accustomed to the life of a Marine. Of course, when Shane had leave, the do not disturb sign didn't need to be displayed, the adult's world seek out their own activities and sightseeing adventures.

A similar process would be followed in California, with Rick already renting the accommodations for all. The last question he needed to know was where did they want to spend the last 5 days of leave before Shane had to report, since it was Camp Pendleton, it was agreed that they would all stay in California, once Shane shipped out, Alexis would return to the Loft with Rick and Kate, or to the Town House of Gina's, wherever she felt comfortable.

"Shane, Alexis, tell me now, if you don't agree with any of these arrangements just say so now. The only reason we want to accompany you Alexis is one, Shane will be stuck in the barracks, and you will need someone to spend time with. Once he is on leave, we are all gone, so you two can get to know each other better."

"Daddy, I know you are going to great lengths to not only give us privacy, but also be within a calling distance if we need you. I appreciate everything you are doing, and I'm fine with it"

"Actually Dad, I feel better knowing that Alexis won't be alone in a strange city, her family will be there with her for the time she wants to spend with them, so Thank You Sir, we're very blessed to have you in our corner"

"OK, you two get out of here tomorrow's the day, I have to make some arrangements, so Good Night to you both" he pretended to be aggravated

Present Time

Gina was all a Brides Mother could be, she fretted over every detail, always touching and patting Alexis, you would think that it was her natural child, but it was wonderful that the bonds were so deep between them.

Kate was in a room, touching up her makeup, when a soft knock sounded,

"Come in, I'm decent"

"I'd say you were fine Kate, and Dad's lucky to have you. I just wanted to tell you how much I love and respect you, I know you really took a lot crap from me, but now that I have Shane, I kinda understand how you can love someone and want to send them to the moon at the same time" as they both laughed.

"Thanks Alexis, you look beautiful, do you have your something borrowed yet?"

"No, not yet maybe I'll have to break tradition" she replied sadly,

"Here baby, wear this," as Kate slipped the blue turquoise and diamond ring from her mother from around her neck,

"Oh Kate, I know what this means to you, I mean, are you sure?"

"Of course, I'm sure, she'd be your Grams times 2 if she were still here, so I know it would make her happy." Kate said as she hugged the young lady

"Kate, Thank You, and Thank You Gram Jo," as she looked toward heaven, "This will take care of both, something borrowed and something blue, Daddy gave me the necklace so that's my something new, so I think I'm almost set" Alexis said

"You are a beautiful bride Alexis and Shane is a very lucky man." Kate finished just as Gina came up,

"Thanks Kate, she fretted about that and I didn't have anything so you saved the day, "turning to Alexis, "It's time baby, we have to go to our spot, and try to hold your Dad up"

Kate kissed her cheek, "see you in a little bit as Mrs. Reynolds, OK?"

"Thanks Kate, I love you all, OK Mom, I'm ready, let's do this."

Xx

On the other side of the church, Gary was acting as the Dad, and Shane was just as if not more nervous than Alexis.

"Son, you remember your first jump from the tower?"

"Yes Sir, I do, I was scared as Hell the entire day before, and all that day. Climbing those stairs, I thought I was going to pass out, then when I jumped, it was such a high"

"Well Shane, you just described marriage, this is the high, the easy part, the hard parts come later. Enjoy this ride son, we're all so happy for you and Alexis."

"Thanks Gary, it'll take time for me to get used to calling you Dad all the time, but please know I respect you so very much Sir."

"Shane you can call me whatever you wish, as long as you call me with your Mom," as they laugh, "you ready?"

"Ready"

They walked out of the small room, to across the hall, knocked on the door, and Mandy joined them as they proceeded down the aisle for Shane to wait for his bride. Once they reached the altar, Gary saluted, and shook his hand, Mandy gave him a tearful hug, and a thumbs up sign was flashed to the organist to start the bridal march as they took their seats.

The double doors opened, and there stood Rick and Gina, with Alexis looking more beautiful than ever, between them. The walk down the aisle was the biggest challenge for Rick to keep his emotions in check, Gina shed a tear, and Alexis patted her hand till they finally reached the end.

The minister asked "who giveth the woman to be wed",

Both Gina and Rick answered, "We do, her Mother and her Father" as Rick escorted her the final four steps, took her hand, and placed it in Shane's, then quickly turned and joined Gina and Kate in their seats.

The minister asked all to rise, and due to the circumstances of Shane's deployment the opening prayer was a version of The Marine Prayer, asking for favor upon Shane.

Almighty Father,
whose command is over all and whose love never fails,
make Shane aware of Thy presence and obedient to Thy will.
Keep him true to his best self,
guarding him against dishonesty in purpose and deed
and helping him to live so that he can face his fellow Marines,
his loved ones and Thee without shame or fear.
Protect his family, especially his new bride Alexis,
Give him the will to do the work of a Marine and
to accept his share of responsibilities with vigor and enthusiasm.
Grant him the courage to be proficient in his daily performance.
Keep him loyal and faithful to his superiors and to the duties
his country and the Marine Corps have entrusted to him.
Make him considerate of those committed to his leadership.
Help him to wear his uniform with dignity, and
let it remind him daily of the traditions which he must uphold.
If he is inclined to doubt, steady his faith;
if he is tempted, make him strong to resist;
if he should miss the mark, give him courage to try again.
Guide him with the light of truth and grant him the wisdom
by which he may understand the answer to my prayer.
— Amen

"Shane, Alexis, I understand that you have each written your own vows, please join hands, turn and face each other, Shane, may we hear your vows first please.

He cleared his throat, Mandy dabbed her eye, and Gary held her hand just a bit tighter as Shane started to speak from memory,

"Alexis, today we stand before God, Family and Friends as we join our lives to form one, not merely as your husband, but as your friend, your lover, and your confidant. I know I have awful big shoes to fill but I ask you today to allow me to be the shoulder you lean on, the rock on which you rest, the companion of your life. With you I will walk my path from this day forward. I know that we will face obstacles, more than most because of my call to duty, but I pledge to you to never stop fighting to come home to you, to always love you when times are good and through the worst of times, when we are young, and yes, even when we grow old. There's never a scenario I can see for you without me,

"In your eyes, I have found my home.
In your heart, I have found my love.
In your soul, I have found my mate.
With you, I am whole, full, alive.
You make me laugh. You let me cry.
You are my breath, my every heartbeat.

And today is the happiest day of my life as I say I promise to do everything in my power to make you happy, without you I am an empty casing, I love you Alexis Castle and today I make you my wife,

The minister stood for a moment, then asked Alexis to repeat her vows,

Shane, as I stand here in front of family and friends, I want you to know that you have made me feel more loved than I ever thought possible. Today I give you my all, what I am, what I will be, it will be with you as we build our lives together. As I give you my hand, I also give you my soul, and my promise that no matter how far apart we are, you will always dwell within me. I share with you not only my life but also my faith, my commitment, and my devotion to you, to the purpose you were called to and serve proudly. Today I choose You, Today I choose Love, and because you are Love, I would choose you all over again and again for all of the tomorrows. You are my reason for living, for laughing, and for being brave when I am so afraid. You have taught me that together there is nothing in this world that we can't achieve. Today I give you my hand, my heart, and my promise that nothing, not even the thousands of miles that will separate us can ever destroy my love for you, I love you Shane Reynolds, and today I make you mine,

The Minister then asked each to repeat the standard vows as they placed rings upon each other's finger, and finally the words everyone has been waiting for, some half in the bag via live Camera feed from New York to Paris, By the power vested in me by the state of New York and through your pledge of love, I now pronounce that you are Husband and Wife, you make kiss your bride.

Shane kept it presentable in front of the guests, but as they walked down the aisle to the reception hall, he was greeted with one more surprise. The New York Honor Guard Division of the Marine Reservists had formed the Arch of Swords for Shane and his bride to walk under, a symbol of respect and comradery for those in the Corp

Kate had turned her phone off, and when she turned it back on, she noticed she had one missed text message, it was Javi with a picture of Meredith being escorted back onto a plane at JFK. She decided she would hold that one for a bit, and show Rick later when they could truly celebrate. Now it was time for the reception, and keeping an eye on her fiancé now that his little girl was truly a woman, she knew that as close as they both were, they would need some alone time, so off to the party and allow the healing to begin.