Chapter 2: Take Two

I DO NOT OWN CASTLE. Who ever owns it owns it.

Six Months Earlier

November 2014

Castle went through one of the weirdest cases he has ever encountered. Weird to the point he lived through an alternate universe and experienced life without Kate Beckett as his partner and love of his life. In a typical Richard Castle manner he lost his mind for five seconds when he woke up from his alternate reality though time didn't change in the actual reality it just through him off. This journey in the alternate universe made him see life without Kate by his side, and to be honest, it was very miserable. This just added another weight to his shoulders. He already felt extremely guilty for going missing for two months and causing tremendous pain for Kate, and destroying their much-anticipated wedding day. He hadn't had much sleep recently because all he wanted to do was to take the next step forward for their relationship. For a while he just couldn't figure it out. But he feels he and her waited long enough, so he would figure it out nonetheless because he can't give up on the happy ending. So he sought to make everything right between the love of his life and him. So he dropped a bombshell on Kate the day they completed that weird case.

That same day at the precinct Castle gripped Kate's hand and said in his most serious tone, "Kate. Will you marry me?"

Kate smiled widely and full of love, "Castle, I already said yes."

He smiled back at her lovingly, "I have a plan…you're going to love it." She smiled happily at him.

A few days after the weird alternate reality adventure; Castle started implementing his grand plan to fix his reality. He was back at the Hamptons preparing everything for a wedding with Kate Beckett. A wedding code-named: "Take Two". The last couple of days he has been busting his rear to get the plan rolling, so they could have the picture perfect grand wedding they both yearned for. Since Kate deserves nothing but the best. He couldn't do this plan alone; Lanie, Esposito, Ryan, Alexis, and Martha voluntarily worked extremely hard to make everything perfect for "wedding take two". Everyone put in a whole lot of time to make sure everything would be perfect.

Esposito and Ryan helped Castle organize many of the logistics of the wedding. They got the vendors, photographers, arranged transportation for guests, and many other details the detectives could organize. Lanie on the other hand, was working her magic on getting down the essential guests for the last minute wedding. She was very convincing over the phone…sometimes even scary. Consider the guest list good-to-go. She also helped Alexis and Martha get a magnificent cake, a tall and wide white cake with accurate wedding toppers. The groom topper was in a tux and the bride was in a dress with a gun. But specifically Alexis and Martha organized the appearance of the wedding at the Hamptons, decorating the house and the aisle with flowers, white lace, and everything nice. This was all happening within a week.

Kate on the other hand needed a new wedding dress because the one she wore on "take one" got ruined from water and dirt. So she called an expert to help her. But unfortunately no one could repair or redo the dress in that amount of time, even the person she called for help couldn't fix it. But Matilda King had a better idea; she figured that it would be easier to fit Kate with a new dress than repairing her old one. Plus Matilda King is the best in the business, so there is no doubt she could get Kate a dress before the wedding.

When Castle got the news of the new dress; he and Kate were fully prepared to pay for the whole thing; it was for their special day anyway so they didn't mind. They just needed it ASAP. Kate went with Lanie and Martha to meet up with Matilda King personally at Modern Fashion to try on wedding dresses. Matilda King aided them personally of course. After a long search and debate with Martha and Lanie, Kate finally found the one she was looking for, a stunning strapless wedding gown that was form fitting from her chest down to her thighs, and the dress opened up and flared below the waist. There was shiny white material fabric that was ruffled and draped over the lower body making the bottom of the dress quite stunning in beauty. Lanie and Martha were speechless for the first time, and clearly Matilda King does more than just make designer clothing. Her Modern Fashion also excels in wedding gowns. Kate smiled greatly and was clearly excited after choosing this dress and was ready to pay, but Matilda King refused it. She gave the dress to Kate for free; her reason being that Kate helped her clean up Modern Fashion and her business life, and that she can never repay. Matilda is also confirmed that she was going to the wedding with a reserved seat in the front.

Now Castle had to figure out another problem. Alexis, his "take one" best "man" got asked by Kate to be her bride's maid, and obviously she said yes. So Castle had to choose a new Best Man, but he didn't mind that. He already knew the best two candidates, but the problem was choosing. The choices were Javier Esposito and Kevin Ryan his friends that had his back ever since he got to the Precinct. He told them of his conundrum and they both started debating and giving reasons why one of them was the better candidate. After a three hour-long discussion, Castle finally chose Ryan to be his best man because he was always a big family man just like Castle. It took Esposito time to understand but at least he was a groomsmen. Plus at least Esposito would have a plus one in this wedding, since he and Lanie were getting pretty tight. No more singles table.

D-DAY

The sun was beginning to set on the Hamptons on this special day. The day that Richard Castle and Kate Beckett will finally tie the knot. Castle wearing a black tuxedo and bow tie; stood on his side of his massive Hampton home watching the serenity of the ocean from his window. He hasn't seen Kate for twenty-four hours per marriage tradition that states: a groom cannot see his bride before the wedding. They both stayed in the house, but on the just opposite sides and never crossing paths. He was excited beyond measure and his heart was practically about to blow out of his chest…like Alien. He was more than ready; he has never been more ready in his entire life. Kate once told him that, "the third times the charm". Castle smiled to himself, this just keeps getting better and better. Girl of my dreams is so very close…

Esposito and Ryan; both wearing black tuxedos walked in together and approached Castle, and flanked him on both sides. Ryan spoke up, "people are starting to gather Castle." He nudged his arm, "it's almost time."

Esposito smiled, "you ready bro?" He looked out to the ocean, "ready to tie the knot?"

Castle nodded, "I'm definitely ready." He looked at both of them, "never been so ready."

Esposito nudged him and said jokingly, "at least you made it to this wedding. Huh." Ryan and Castle just looked over at him and both glared at him. Esposito smiled, "too soon?" Ryan nodded. Honestly Ryan and Esposito haven't left Castle's side during the entire week. They organized things via the phone and computers when they could. They were Castle's bodyguards, and they were going to make sure he was going to make this wedding.

There was a knock on the door behind the trio. They both turned around and saw Martha walk in wearing an elegant sleeveless light pink dress, a little neutral to her taste, but Martha figured the attention should be placed on Kate and her son. Castle smiled as she approached, "Mother? What are you doing up here?"

Martha came up to Castle and hugged and kissed him, "I came to see my son." She fixed his collar, "you're so handsome. You're a lucky man and she's a lucky woman." Everyone smiled. She looked into his eyes, "I'm so proud of you." There was another knock causing the group to look over at the door.

It was Alexis. She was wearing a long light pink bridesmaid dress that fit perfectly and flared at the bottom. She smiled and said simply, "It's time."

On Kate's side of the Hamptons she was all dressed and ready to go. Wearing her stunning white strapless wedding dress and the earrings Martha gave her; she was more than ready. She was nervous in a good way. It has been a long time and a long journey leading up to this day. Their magical perfect day finally here. Something she could only dream of in the past is finally coming true. They made it through the ups and downs, and now they are finally getting married. She loved Castle deeply; he has been there for her since the start and remained grounded by her side. He always lifted her up when she fell and carried her on his shoulders when she couldn't stand. She couldn't imagine life without him. She looked out the window to see the guests starting to pour in and getting seated. Kate was actually happier on "take two" than on "take one". Even though this wedding was pretty much jerry rigged with a weeklong effort.

Lanie wearing her maid of honor elegant green dress; walked into the room smiling, "Kate you look so beautiful! Better than before! Stunning!" she ran up to Kate and hugged her tightly, "you ready girl?"

Kate smiled widely, "very".

"It's starting to fill up. Almost go time sister." Lanie could barely contain her excitement, "your dad is going to be so happy for you. It's going to be perfect."

"Yeah it is." Kate hugged Lanie again.

Martha and Alexis walked in smiling happily at Kate. Martha spoke up first, and excitedly rushed to Kate, "Katherine you look absolutely stunning. I know I said that at Modern Fashion, but I have to say it again. You look gorgeous!" Kate smiled and hugged Martha.

Kate let go of Martha and held her hands and said, "I know you all worked hard to get this wedding on track for the second time. I just want to thank you for all the hard work, and everything you did for…"

Martha cut her off, by shaking her head with a smile, "You're already part of the family my dear. As I said before; thank you for making my son so very happy." She squeezed Kate's hand, "if we have to do it again. We will. You are worth it to him and to us." She smiled widely at Kate, "but lets try to make this one be it." She winked. They let go of each other smiling.

Alexis smiled, "you look great." Kate reached out and hugged Alexis. Alexis smiled and returned the hug, "He's more than ready." Kate smiled.

Lanie then clapped her hands, "lets go chop chop girl." She smiled widely, "you're getting married!" She rushed out to grab Kate's dad.

Castle stood to the right of the Officiant facing the magnificent view of the ocean, and waited anxiously for the love of his life. He would wait forever if he needed to, but in a way he did. Lanie was facing the crowd, and already in position to the left of the Officiant. Alexis was standing to the left of Lanie, and like her father; she waited with anticipation with a full smile. Ryan stood to the right of Castle and a step behind facing the crowd with the wedding rings. He also waited with excitement since his best friends were about to get married. Esposito as Castle's groomsmen; was standing far to his right and facing the crowd, with a wide smile. Castle couldn't contain his excitement he couldn't wait. He was looking out to the ocean but wasn't paying attention to it, for he was thinking about all the trials and tribulations he and Kate went through. Finally they are going to get married in a fairy tale setting; facing the majestic ocean in the sunset. Can't get any better than that. To Kate's wish… this will be a magical day.

Kate and her father appeared at the beginning of the aisle linking their arms together. They paused before taking their step off down the aisle. The guests all turned and saw the stunning and legendary Kate Beckett in her beautiful wedding dress, and in unison the crowd stood up. Her father began to slowly walk Kate down the Aisle.

Castle turned around, and saw the most beautiful woman he ever laid eyes upon. An angel if he ever saw one. She was walking down the aisle gracefully toward him. He couldn't help but smile the biggest smile he has ever had. It was surreal.

As Kate walked slowly down the aisle she could see Lanie and Alexis on the left; both smiling brightly at her, and Martha standing on the corner of the first row holding back tears of joy. She looked to the right and saw Ryan and Esposito smiling happily at her waiting with anticipation. The flowers, wedding laces, and all the decorations around the aisle looked perfect to her. Absolutely perfect. She then looked to Castle. The man of her dreams who is waiting for her at the end of the aisle. She thought of the time they first met, he was an annoying and a shameless individual, and at the time she was married to her work. But then over time they became partners in crime and closer friends. Through all that has happened she finally fell for him while he waited for her, for many years. She's glad he did. Her sweet memories they shared ended and she was smiling widely as she neared the end of the aisle with tears of joy in her eyes. She was finally getting married to the one and only Richard Castle. IN a magical manner of course…Disney perfect even.

She and her father reached the front, and her father let go of her arm then turned and sat down next to Martha. Lanie took her bouquet as Kate turned around. Everyone was silently watching the ceremony unfold with excitement and admiration of both the bride and the groom.

The Officiant began to speak, "Who presents this woman and this man to be married to each other?"

Both Jim Beckett and Martha Rodgers stand up and simultaneously said, "We do." Castle and Kate looked at each other lovingly gazing into each other's eyes as the Officiant proceeded.

The Officiant began again, "Family and friends, we gather here this evening to witness and celebrate the union of Katherine Houghton Beckett and Richard Alexander Castle in marriage. Though their time together, they have come to realize that their personal dreams, hope, and goals are more attainable and more meaningful through the combined effort and mutual support provided in love, commitment, and family; and so they have decided to live together as husband and wife." He continued to speak about love and marriage. Then he turned to Kate and nodded at her, " Katherine when you're ready."

Katherine smiled at Castle widely with tears of joy and reached for his hand, "The moment I met you, my life became extraordinary." She looked straight into Castle's eyes smiling, "You taught me to be my best self, to look forward to tomorrow's adventures." She paused briefly trying to maintain her composure, "When I was vulnerable, you were strong. 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 to love you…I will be your friend and your partner in crime… and in life…Always." She dropped the word that meant so much to them. It wasn't just another word. It meant love to them.

The Officiant then nodded at Castle. Castle smiled then started to speak lovingly, "The moment we met…my life became extraordinary." Kate looked deeply into Castle's eyes. Castle paused briefly then continued softly, "You taught me more about myself than I knew there was to learn." He squeezed her hand, "You are the joy in my heart... You're the last person I want to see when I close my eyes… 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 and to be your friend, and your partner in crime and in life. Till death do us part." He leaned toward her smiling, "And for the time of our lives…" Kate giggled and smiled with happiness and love.

The Officiant smiled and looked at Kate and nodded. Kate was given the ring then placed it on Castle's finger. The Officiant then spoke toward Kate, "Do you Katherine Houghton Beckett, take Richard Alexander Castle to be your partner in life, to support and respect him in his success as well his failures, to care for him in sickness and in health, to nurture him, to love him, and to grow with him throughout the seasons of your life."

Katherine smiled, "I do."

The Officiant looked over at Castle and nodded. Ryan stepped forward and gave Castle the ring. Castle smiled and placed the ring on Kate's finger. Kate smiled and looked down at her finger briefly as Castle gently held her hand. The Officiant smiled, "Do you Richard Alexander Castle, take Katherine Houghton Beckett to be your partner in life, promising to love and cherish, through joy and sorrow, sickness and health, and whatever challenges you may face, for as long as you both shall live?"

Castle smiled widely, "I do."

The Officiant stepped back and smiled, "By the power invested in me by the state of your New York I now pronounce you husband and wife."

Kate laughed lovingly as both of them reached for each other and kissed. Castle and Kate's magical wedding finally came true a magical wedding in the sunset facing the majestic ocean. It was perfect in every way. A magical and picture perfect wedding as Kate always dreamed it to be. They held the kiss for a while as the crowd clapped happily at the newlyweds. Kate Castle and Richard Castle finally released each other, and smiled lovingly before they made their way arm in arm down the aisle. As they walked down, they were lost in the eruption of cheers. At the end of the aisle she paused and took a long look at Castle. Castle looked at her and lipped "I love you" to her. She smiled and kissed him.

The reception kicked off at the back of the Hamptons. The grassy backyard of Castle's epic…Castle… was temporarily turned into a dance floor, for the reception. There were plenty of dinner tables dotted around the large secure dance floor, and there were long tables toward the back door of the house for the food.

Castle and Kate danced their first dance on the floor to "In My Veins" by Andrew Belle. The crowd looked upon them with love and admiration while they elegantly danced. After their dance the celebration went on overdrive, as everyone started to enjoy themselves with dancing, eating, and congratulating and taking pictures with the newlyweds. The party continued on with no end in sight, as Mr. and Mrs. Castle spent time with each other and their guests. Esposito and Lanie danced their hearts out lovingly together on the dance floor and got pretty tight. Ryan was with Jenny and his baby girl enjoying every second of life. Life is perfect for them. Alexis and Martha were talking with Jim Beckett; telling each other stories of Castle and Kate. Captain Gates was surprisingly having a tremendous amount of fun. She danced with her husband on the dance floor and had some fun with her sister. She did love to dance after all. The funniest thing was that Captain Gates actually congratulated Castle with a hug AND a smile. Totally out of character for her.

Kate wondered through the crowd happily greeting and conversing with the guests. She lingered a little longer with Matilda King. After talking with Ms. King she went to go find her husband who split off to do the same thing she was doing. He was nowhere to be seen. She weaved through the crowd looking for him. She was smiling in bliss, she took this as a personal challenge of hide and seek. She paused in the middle of the dance floor and spotted someone she thought she'd never see again. Simon Doyle. Her jaw dropped, What the hell is he doing here? How the hell did he get here? There is no way Castle could've found him... Doyle didn't say anything. He smiled a wide goofy smile and waved at her. The guy wasn't even wearing a tux. He was wearing a sweater vest. He nodded at her (she guessed that was his brief congratulations to her) and disappeared in the crowd. She shook her head and continued her hunt.

Castle stood down the slope of his backyard out of sight from the dance floor. He had his hands in his pockets, as he watched the sun slowly set beyond the horizon. A cool breeze rushed over him. He closed his eyes and relished the sensation and serenity of his surroundings. He smiled at the thought of Kate being his wife finally. He shook his head; he couldn't wait for the next chapter of their lives. He heard Kate's voice call him from behind. He turned around immediately with a smile as he saw Kate run down from the top of the hill to him.

Kate jumped up and hugged him. Castle holding on to her and swinging her in a circle. She laughed as he slowly put her down. Castle kissed her on the lips gently. Kate smiled, "I was looking for you."

Castle smiled, "I was thinking about you."

Kate kissed him, "Good things right?"

Castle smiled, "Only the best"

Castle opened his eyes slowly. Breathing heavily as blood pumped from his wounds. He was lying on a cold floor in a pool blood looking up at the sky trying to stay awake. He heard gunfire echoing around him as he lay there helplessly bleeding on the ground. He remembered why he was there in the first place; he needed to save his friends. He needed to save Kate. He slowly turned his head to the right and saw Ryan's cell phone just out of arms reach. He slowly tried to grab for it, but he was unable to reach it. He started to try to crawl the few inches to get to the phone. The pain was excruciating. It was only a few inches, but to him it might as well have been ten yards. He got to the phone and tried his best to dial the precinct but his efforts were in vein. The blood on his fingers got on the touch screen and screwed up his efforts. He laid his head back down on the cold floor and looked up to the sky.

Out of the corner of his vision; four helicopters rapidly approached. They were SWAT helicopters. They flew over the building and then disappeared beyond his sight. Back up was here. He just needed to hang on…

I loved the wedding scene from "Time Of Our Lives" but I just felt the need to make a big one for the sake of. "Cause I Can"

Plus, I recall Kate saying something about their wedding was supposed to be perfect and magical. I did my best to not change much of what was said in the wedding. I just added a few things...Or a lot.

Plus I kinda wish Ryan was Castle's best man. Would of been kinda cool.

plus... CLIFFHANGER!

third Chapter coming soon, should resolve much stress.

UPDATED 20150202