A/N: Thank you to everyone who has given this story a chance. These first several chapters a heavy case work until the fun in the sun actually begins. As with any story the build up will be worth it in the end. Enjoy this next piece in what I think will be a very fun journey for these two characters.

Rides in Beckett's cruiser used to be torture for Castle. The time spent navigating the always-busy streets of New York was his own personal hell. At least until he got the pleasure of having her love him. Twenty minute stretches smelling nothing but her scent cherries and that natural smell that was just her. He was faced with her hand that was there for the grabbing but always just slightly out of reach. Yet he had nothing to distract himself from the sweet torture that was her. All of this led him to spend more and more time advancing his Angry Birds high scores.

Since they have been together Angry Birds has taken a back seat to pleasant conversations and the occasional touch or brush of fingers. Very rarely does he have to fall back into the pattern of using his phone as a weapon against her. This ride however is different. This ride back to the precinct, after a very fulfilling stop home, his phone has returned. He would love nothing more than to spend this time stuck behind yet another accident talking to his wife but there are plans to be put into action, favors to be called in. Their interlude at home has only made his desire to get his wife rushed off on their honeymoon more prominent.

She must have caught on to his technique because the huffs and not so subtle glares she sends across the car are increasing by the block. Finally when the last of his contacts responds with a positive in his direction he returns his full attention to the car. What awaits him is not what he expected.

After the pure unadulterated passion they just shared at the loft he never expected to look into the eyes of his wife and see pure fire staring back at him. His wife wants him and she wants him right now.

They haven't spoken since they left the deli and if his memory is correct the last thing that was said before the little device in his pocket distracted him was memories of their time away from each other when she tired her hand on the national stage. Oh yes, their days of video chats and showers together despite the hundreds of miles between them. That explains the look.

Reaching across the console he tests the limits of this version of Kate Castle, one he didn't think he would get to see this early in their marriage, and see what he can get away with. He did get her to agree to a quickie in the middle of a case after all. His hand lightly rests on her thigh just above her knee when he finally risks touching. The cars in front of them are stalled and don't look to be moving anytime so he risks moving his hand higher.

When he receives no words, slaps, movements away or any other negative indicators he pushes his hand and his luck higher. That is all the encouragement he needs. The rest of this slight delay will be spent in silence but both of them will find some enjoyment of being trapped in the flow of traffic together.

They are finishing their lunch by the time the sketch comes through. Beckett and Castle sit side by side on her desk when Epsosito brings it over to the board. She looks over the sketch before she asks, "Any idea who we're looking at?"

Ryan rushes to the group before Espo can ever respond. "I think I might know. CSU report just came in and they were able to pull a print from the desk. Matches to one Simon Lark. Look familiar?" Ryan slaps the DMV photo next to the sketch Espo had hung. The mirror images stare back at the group. Finally it looks like they might be making the progress they need to find out what happened to Melissa Carson. Castle barely registers Beckett's question in his rush to get to the next part and out the door. "What do we know about Mr. Lark?"

"Simon Lark, age 30, has a been a long time customer of the NYPD. Started with petty thefts at age 8 which graduated to B&E's at 18. His latest arrest was six months ago for aggravated assault, resisting arrest and attempted robbery. Seems the homeowner walked in on him during his attempt to flee the scene. Things got a little messy after that."

This guy sparks Castle's interests. "Six months and he's already out?" he asks.

Esposito is reading over the file Ryan brought on Simon so he answers, "Says here he got released on a technicality. Someone messed up the processing of some key evidence and they had to drop all of the charges."

Beckett's up out of her seat and pulling on her coat as she says, "Sounds like we have a winner. Got an address?" Castle can see the spark that only having a lead can bring to her eyes as she waits for Ryan to write down an address on a post it note. They might be getting off to their honeymoon after all. All that stands between them and the beach is one low life and a confession.

The ride to Simon Lark's apartment is full of comfortable silence. The partners know how this goes after so many cases worked together. There is no need to strategies what comes next. Their communication in these situations has never been stronger. It also helps that Castle does as he's told now. There have been too many close calls to risk either one of their lives.

They gear up outside the building together at the trunk. What once was a solo task now has become a team effort. Both securing Velcro holds and fit of vests before a quick kiss and an I love you is exchanged. That small change in ritual brings a comfort and reminder that they are here for each other, watching the others backs in whatever situation they face ahead of them.

The group finds the apartment with little issue and are flanked at the door ready for action. As has always been the case Beckett is at the lead and Castle at the rear. Guns drawn and ready Beckett gives Epso the signal and he knocks forcefully on the thin door. "Simon Lark. NYPD. Open Up." The wait in between the announcement and the next knock stretches for what feels like minutes but is only mere seconds. Finally after several attempts Beckett gives the ok and the door is kicked in. Controlled chaos follows as rooms are cleared and the scene is secured.

Only when the final clear has been given does Castle enter the apartment. The relief at having a lead slowly dissipates as the realization that their suspect is not here. Castle's disappointment must show on his face more than he would like when he looks at his wife's face and sees it reflected back to him in a small smile. This case needs to be over with and fast.

Castle explores the small apartment while the rest of the team works around him.

"No signs of him."

"Let's get CSU down here. Maybe we'll get lucky and he kept a souvenir."

Castle feels his wife walk up next to him in front of the small desk he just found. When he turns to look at her he bumps the desk causing several things to fall. In the process the laptop that was open is brought back to life. Both of them look at the screen seeing not pictures of Simon but of Melissa Carson. "Either Simon Lark has added stalking to his repertoire or this is Melissa's missing laptop."

Beckett nods her agreement while turning to back the room. "Looks like we have our guy."

Ryan stands from the bed on the opposite side. "Found this under the mattress. Looks to be a .357. Recently fired. This could be our murder weapon."

And just like that the spark and hope is back. Beckett snaps into command. "Let's put out an APB on Simon and I want surveillance on this place as soon as CSU finishes. Maybe he'll come back." Her phone interrupts her instructions. Without looking up she starts out the room saying, "Lanie's got something for us. You coming Castle?" Who is he not to follow that amazing woman?

Beckett can't help but glance at Castle again. He's been on his phone all day. When was the last time this has happened? It's not that she's suspicious but it's odd that he is ignoring her so much.

Ok so he's not really ignoring her. The traffic jam they had to endure on the way back with lunch did end in a pleasurable experience but that was after he spent over twenty minutes texting.

Who is he talking to?

It can't be Alexis because she knows she has class all day. Martha can't figure out how to send anything other than those annoying little picture emojii's. What is he up to?

Her detective instincts come out and the need to get answers overpowers her will to let him be. She doesn't want to start this marriage as a nagging wife but who says there is anything wrong with getting some answers.

"You do realize we might have to delay our vacation."

As opening lines go that might be one of her most effective. She might as well have told him she's pregnant. He drops the phone so fast that it bounces off the seat and lands somewhere near his feet on the floorboards. He turns to her and from the quick glance she allows he has the full-blown kicked puppy look aimed at her.

Good thing she has grown immune to its witchy powers. Kind of.

"No Kate. We have plans. Sexy plans."

"Rick, I would love nothing more than to follow through with those plans, especially the sexy ones, but this is still my case. I can't just jet off in the middle of it. You know that."

"Yes you can."

"Castle." Her voice his only warning but of course he choices to ignore her like always.

"You can and you will. You need a break Kate. We need a break. With everything that has been going on we really need several vacations. I'll settle for just this one. You need to step away from being Detective Beckett for a little while and embrace being Mrs. Castle."

"I do love being Mrs. Castle. But if I remember correctly you just got to see Mrs. Castle twice now today despite working this case."

He gets a starry look to his eyes as he remembers both instances when her control slipped and she allowed herself to be the newlywed that she is. Not her most professional work but she doesn't regret it. She rolls her eyes and lands a smack to his chest when he doesn't return to reality.

"Kate, you have just gotten a preview of what fun it is to be a Castle. Let me say you are taking to the role nicely but let's finish up this case so I can help you realize your full potential."

Why did she fall in love with a man child?

TBC...