In From The Cold
Epilogue
In My Veins
One year later…
Katherine Houghton Beckett stared at her reflection. Her hair, once dyed a bright blonde, had long since returned to its natural caramel brown. Currently, it was tied up on her head in a fancy updo with a delicate crown of white flowers circling it. She stepped back from the mirror, and glanced down at her white dress. It fit perfectly, hugging her curves in all the right ways. She was surprised when her father pulled it out of storage, not so subtly suggesting that there was no reason for her to go shopping. She readily agreed, thinking what better way to honor her mother than to wear her wedding dress. In a way, it was now like Johanna Beckett was there with her.
A soft knocking pulled her out of her thoughts.
"Come in," she called, swirling around to find her father slipping inside the room.
"You look beautiful, Katie," he declared, striding forward to embrace her, careful not to mess up her hair and makeup.
"Thanks, Dad," she said, stepping back to once again scrutinize her appearance in the mirror.
A lot had happened in the last year.
Nicole Brennon was put to rest once and for all when Senator William H. Bracken was sentenced to multiple lifetimes in prison, and Kate Beckett was allowed out of the shadows. Thankfully there was no ridiculous aftermath where Bracken had some silent partner. Cole Maddox appeared to be the last. So, it was over, and Beckett was free.
Initially, she wanted to get her own place, assert her independence, but Castle persuaded her otherwise, easily convincing her into moving in with him. That man had a seriously talented tongue. She was rendered powerless under his ministrations.
Life in the loft wasn't exactly as she'd expected. Martha, who was also enjoying a career resurgence thanks to her one woman play, was overjoyed with the return of her son's muse. His daughter, less so, but she was still welcoming. It made for some awkward family dinners, but it got better. Kate understood. Alexis was just being cautious. She didn't want her father hurt. All she wanted was for him to be happy. On that account, they both agreed. Castle, on the other hand, was just eager for two of the most important women in his life to get along, which eventually they did when the younger woman realized just how committed Kate was to her father.
With Castle by her side, Kate began the monumental task of rebuilding her life. She reacquainted herself with her friends, taking as much time as needed to make up for the deception that had been force upon her by circumstances beyond her control. The boys were overwhelmed and overjoyed by her resurrection, and immediately bombarded her with questions she really wasn't ready to answer, regarding her potential return to the force. Lanie had threatened to smack her, which she did—playfully—before wrapping her up in a fierce and suffocating hug. It took time, but she made things right by her friends. They understood it hadn't been her idea to fake her death, and also understood her drive and desire to solve her mother's murder.
And Kate had to admit, easing back into her life would have been more difficult if she hadn't had Castle by her side. He was her rock, her lifeboat, her solid ground.
After much discussion with Castle and her father, Kate decided to reapply to the NYPD, knowing not to expect anything. So, it came as a surprise to her when she was welcomed back to the Twelfth Precinct, under the command of Captain Victoria "Iron" Gates. Esposito was now squad leader, and though she missed her leadership role, Kate didn't dispute his new position. In her absence, he'd earned it. She was just pleased to have her old job back, which—after calling in a few favors—involved Castle by her side.
It seemed almost unbelievable that after three years of being dead, Kate Beckett was once again alive, and thriving. And she owed a lot of that to the unrelenting love of a certain ruggedly handsome man.
"It's time," her father interrupted her thoughts. "You ready?"
Kate turned and smiled. "Yes," she said, looping her arm through her father's. "I'm ready."
They departed the room and walked the short distance towards the seaside backyard of Castle's Hamptons house, where a small number of guests had gathered. Kate had wanted a small, intimate affair, with only family and friends. She'd been concerned Castle would want to make a big to-do over their nuptials, but he surprised her by agreeing, saying that her idea was perfect.
A white gazebo had been set up at the end of the yard, decorated with colorful wildflowers. Underneath it stood the love of her life. Kate squeezed her father's arm and he smiled back at her, happy and proud.
During the whole ceremony, all she could hear was her heart beating beneath her chest. It was like a dream. Back when she had been Nicole Brennon, all alone in Nebraska, Kate had given up hope on ever getting her happily ever after. But now, here she was, pledging her lifetime love for another in front of her family and friends.
"Kate," Castle said, taking her hands in his. "The moment we met, my life became extraordinary. I thought I knew it all. But I was so wrong. You taught me so much. How to be a better father and son… a better man. I cannot imagine my life without you in it. I love you, Katherine Beckett. And the mystery of you is the one I want to spend the rest of my life exploring. I promise to love you, to be your friend and your partner in crime and life, for the rest of my life and beyond."
She laughed softly in happiness, and beamed brightly as Castle slid the silver wedding band onto her finger. After appreciating the moment for a lingering minute, Kate took a deep breath and recited her vows.
"The moment that I met you, my life became extraordinary," she echoed his words. "You taught me to be my best self. To look forward to tomorrow's adventures. And when I was vulnerable, you were strong. During my darkest days, you were a beacon of light, guiding me back home. I love you, Richard Castle. And I want to live my life in the warmth of your smile and the strength of your embrace. I promise you, I will love you. I will be your friend. And your partner in crime and in life. Always."
Kate took his hand in hers and slid the wedding band onto his finger. They both stared down, marveling in awe at finally arriving here. Then Castle curled his fingers around hers, and squeezed. She squeezed back, lifting her eyes to his.
"By the power vested in me by the state of New York," the officiant declared. "I now pronounce you husband and wife."
Neither waited for further instruction before closing the distance and sealing their union with a kiss.
Later, while they swayed quietly together on the outdoor dance floor, with her head resting on his shoulder, Kate heard the soft strings of a song drift through the air. She recognized it immediately. It perfectly encapsulated their relationship; the struggle, the bad and the good, everything. She smiled softly, and tilted her head back to look at her husband.
Castle smiled, unable to keep the awe off his face as he stared back at his wife. "You approve?" he asked.
She nodded. "It's perfect," Kate declared. "You really are in my veins, Richard Castle, and I cannot get you out."
"Good, because it was either this or 'Get Lucky'," he waggled his eyebrows suggestively, smirking cheekily.
Kate laughed, light and happy. "Oh, we're definitely staying up all night to get lucky, Castle," she replied saucily with a wink.
Castle laughed contentedly, pulling her closer. Kate laid her head back down on his shoulder, and they continued swaying to the music together, alone in their newlywed bliss.
The End
*Author's Note: Thank you all for coming along on this adventure with me and trusting me to give Caskett a happy ending. I've basically lived this story for the last month, and it's both satisfying and bittersweet to complete its journey.
This story was inspired by an anon prompt I found on the castleficpromoter tumblr page: "KNOCKOUT AU: After barely surviving her shooting, FBI put Kate into Witsec as they hunt done those responsible. Castle and the gang are told she died on the operating table. Castle continues to write Nikki Heat, in honor of the woman he loved. 2 years later, during a book signing/launch party, Castle meets a gorgeous blonde. The two hit it off, and end up heading back to a hotel room, where Castle discovers the blonde is really Kate. (his reaction up to author, though happy ending please!)"