Chapter Nine: Rings and Red Carpets

Author's Note: Warning, definite M chapter.

The food arrived just a couple of minutes after their kiss and Kate paid for it already having laid the money out. Kate had set the table while Rick was bathing so all she had to do was serve the food. Kate rearranged the chairs so that she was sitting beside Rick rather than across from him with Lisa in her high chair between.. He just agreed to marry her but she's not passing up any chance to cement the feeling of domesticity in his mind. She's watching him and her heart thrills at the interaction between Lisa and him. He's so natural and easy with her he could be her real father. In fact she's seen some of her friend's that husbands aren't this easy with their own children.

And it's obvious that Lisa's already attached to him. That both elates her and scares her a little. Lisa is a sweet child but she normally is shy around people other than her family. That shyness never occurred with Rick. It was as if some higher power had meant Rick to be her father all along and had arranged a psychic connection between the two. She saw Lisa having a little trouble with her chicken chow mien and before she could act, Rick picked up his fork and fed the child. Kate's smile spread over her face and she laughed softly. Rick looked at her questioningly.

"You are so doomed Richard Rodgers. You are never going to get away from us now. You're caught in the Beckett trap. We will never release you." She turned to Lisa. "Lisa, do you know what married means?" The little girl thought about it for a minute then smiled at her mother. " Married is like mommies and daddy's, like Nana and Papa."

Kate put her hand on Lisa's cheek. "Yes baby, that's right. Like mommies and daddies and babies. Mommy and Rick are going to get married would you like that?" Lisa thought about it, scrunching up her face and then asked; "Would Rick be my daddy, can I call him daddy?"

Kate's look was so sweet when she said; "Yes baby Rick will be your daddy and you can call him daddy if you want to." Lisa also thought about that for a minute and then began to squirm in her high chair. Kate immediately became concerned. "Lisa what's wrong?"

Lisa looked at her mother I as if to say what a silly question. "I want out of the chair. Kiss daddy!" Rick's blue eyes were twinkling and his smile soft as he released the high chair tray. He lifted Lisa out of the seat. She grabbed his face with her tiny hands and kissed his cheek. Rick chuckled and kissed Lisa's cheek. He shook his head. He was well and truly hooked.

Rick placed Lisa back in the high chair. "You have to finish your supper Lisa." He helped Lisa with the noodles while she was able to handle the pieces of chicken on her own. After supper Kate bathed Lisa and dressed her in pajamas. She brought Lisa back into the living room, placing her on the couch. Lisa immediately crawled into Rick's lap, clutching Emily. She looked up at Rick. "Story Daddy?" Lisa's use of the term for a second time in less than an hour, told Kate just how much the child had wanted a daddy.

With Lisa in bed, Kate snuggled up to Rick. "Babe, I want to ask you a favor. Tomorrow, after we get our rings, will you please gather up your clothes and things and bring them here? I don't want to sleep alone ever again." Then she indulged in what was rapidly becoming her favorite hobby, making out with Rick.

Leaning away from Rick, some minutes later she looked at her watch. "I'm going to call my parents and tell them and my friend Lanie. If the first she hears about is tomorrow, I will never hear the end of it." She waited a couple of minutes to get her breathing under control then called her parents. Johanna answered the phone. "What's up Katie is anything wrong?"

"No Mom, just the opposite. Everything is finally right. Get dad and Nat will you please? And put it on speakerphone." "Nat's out with her boyfriend but I'll get your father. There was a short pause. Okay Katie what is this all about?" Johanna asked.

Kate's face wore an expression of pure bliss as she said; "Mom, Dad, Rick and I are engaged. I know I should have told you in person but I'm too excited to wait. Maybe I should have talked to you first but I am an adult and this is too important to me to let Dad try to talk me out of it. It wouldn't work anyway and I can do without the aggravation. Don't worry the wedding is still a few months away."

Johanna laughed. "Oh Kate, I knew that this wasn't very far off the minute you walked back into Giovani's from the garden. I do wish Rick had talked to Jim though." It was Kate's turn to laugh. "Mom, Rick didn't ask me to marry him, I asked him to marry me! And I never talked to Martha."

Jim spoke up. "I know how stubborn you can be Katie so I won't bother arguing with you. All I can do is give you two my blessing." "Kate sighed in relief. "Thank you Daddy." Kate's next call was to Lanie. "At least you're calling me at a decent hour Girlfriend what's up?"

""Rick and I are engaged! Can you believe it?" There was silence for a moment than Lanie's shriek was piercing. "Finally the right guy I never liked Demming or Davidson and I cheerfully would have killed Sorenson. Did you do the deed yet?"

Kate blushed. "I'm not going to dignify that question with an answer." Kate huffed.

Lanie squealed happily. "You did, you so did. I want details! Does his package match his hands? They're SO BIG"

"Lanie shut up. That is such an outrageous question!"

Lanie giggled. "If you won't answer me it must be true. Well, I'll just observe. If you have trouble walking I'll know."

Kate was blushing furiously even if Lanie couldn't see her. "I'm hanging up now!" She ended the call to the sound of Lanie's raucous laughter.

Kate couldn't believe herself. Just Lanie's comments about Rick's "Package" had triggered the start of arousal. She turned her phone off, stood up and went to Rick. Grabbing his hands she pulled him to his feet and kissed him, nipping his lip to demand entrance to his mouth. Thrusting her tongue into his mouth, she explored the warmth she found there and felt the delicious heat already building in her belly. She began pulling him to her (Their) bedroom. Rick was a little nonplussed by the sudden onslaught. Not that he minded, just the opposite but it did catch him by surprise. "Kate what?" her reply was almost breathless.

"Hush babe, deeds not words."

Lanie's comments had triggered the arousal earlier than Kate had planned but she'd been anticipating this since Rick's acceptance of her proposal. She'd released his hands as soon as she got him moving and locked her hands behind his neck and her legs around his waist. They tumbled onto the bed, mouths fused and hands wandering.

Rick's kisses and busy tongue had Kate moaning in moments until she pulled away and arched the lovely column of her neck to grant him better access. He placed soft open mouth kisses along her neck until he reached her pulse point, shopping there to suck gently on it. Her breath rate increased and he began unbuttoning her shirt, doing it torturously slowly, teasing her a little.

She nuzzled his neck and suddenly bit his ear. "Stop teasing!" she growled. He quickly finished the job and slid the shirt off her, exposing her lace covered breasts. Caressing her breasts he could her nipples stiffen through the thin material. She moaned again then fastened her mouth on his neck and sucked hard, not caring if she gave him a hickey.

He reached around and unclasped her bra , slipping it off her, exposing two pale rose tipped mounds to his ministrations. He kissed each breast then took one nipple into his mouth applying gentle fingers to the other then reversed the process. Still kissing and caressing her breasts, Rick slides his right hand down Kate's body, pushing her skirt aside he presses his fingers to the silky skin of her inner thigh. Kate is becoming very aroused, she wants a more intimate touch than she's getting. The impatient woman suddenly grabs the hem of his t-shirt and jerks it up, nearly ripping it off him. With one hand she's fumbling with his belt while she unzips her skirt with the other. With that same hand she pushes the skirt down past her hips and kicks free of it. She's almost frantic now, unfastening his jeans and pushing them off then she's seeking his mouth again while guiding his hand under her already wet panties.

She's on fire now, hips bucking involuntarily as he caresses the most intimate parts of her. She wants him burning too so she pushes her hand inside his boxers grasping and stroking until he stills her hand. "Too close Kate." She's almost crying with need as she sheds her panties.

"In me, now Babe, please." He enters her slowly and gently, giving her time to adjust letting their individual rhythms meld and they move as one, moving his mouth to her breasts again kissing and suckling them. Kate is floating in some timeless place her mind lost in her body's sensations. The heat is spreading throughout her and she reaches several peaks until a shattering climax that takes him with her. Kate can be very vocal so she bites down on his trapezes to keep from waking Lisa. He barely feels it through his own haze.

Later, as he holds her in their post coital snuggle he feels the pain and can barely see the edge of the already forming bruise and a bite mark.

"Damn, I'm marrying a cannibal." He chuckles. She pretends to be incensed and playfully slaps him. "It's your own fault. You got me worked up."

"Do you think I'll need a tetanus shot?" He quips. With that the tickle fight is on. She's much more ticklish than he is and he has her helpless with laughter in a few minutes. She's writhing on the bed and finally manages to gasp out; "Stop, please stop or I'll pee the bed.

He waggles his eyebrows. "What will you give me if I do?" She meets his waggle with one of her own. "This." Her arms go around his neck and she kisses him. Round two is on.

They shower and Kate gets out a fresh pair of panties out and puts them on then she gets ready for bed but doesn't bother with anything more than her panties as she gets into bed. She stops Rick from putting on his t-shirt, she doesn't want anything between her skin and his.

As she lays beside him, one leg thrown over his and her head on his chest. She smiles to herself. The love-making was wonderful, passionate but something she'd never had before. It was playful. Actually, she had to admit, just like that first time with him it had never been love making before it had only been sex. Not even with Will had she ever felt anything even approaching this level.

She drifted off to sleep, happier than she had ever been in her life. She awoke the next morning and stretched luxuriously. She looked at the bedside clock. Five past eight! She should have been up an hour ago. Lisa usually awoke at seven-thirty and got cranky if she wasn't fed right away.

Kate threw a robe on, pushed her feet into slippers, opened the door and stood stock still. The odor of fresh coffee, pancakes and bacon wafted across the room and started her mouthwatering but that wasn't what stopped her. Rick was cleaning the remnants of Lisa's breakfast off her face. The little girl was giggling as he did so. Kate stood mesmerized at the sight.

Without even looking around Rick said; "Didn't anyone ever tell you that staring is creepy?" That broke Kate out of her trance and she saucily walked over and put her arms around his neck. "If I'm going to be creepy I might as well do it at close range." And promptly stuck her tongue into his ear. He squirmed in surprise and Kate let out a laugh.

"Oh you're going to pay for that!" He said.

She just laughed. "Promises, promises."

Lisa didn't know why her mother was laughing but the happy sound caused her to laugh too.

Kate smiled at her daughter. "Good morning Baby are you happy?" Lisa smiled back. "Daddy fed me, Mommy, I love Daddy."

"I love Daddy too Baby." Kate was almost in shock, although it was a happy shock. She was seeing every dream she'd ever had coming true, almost too fast to comprehend. Her plate and Rick's were in the oven being kept warm. She got the plates out of the oven and placed them on the table then poured coffee for both of them.

They were still eating when the doorbell rang. Since Kate was still in her robe, rick went to the door. Sarah was standing there a surprised look on her face. It only lasted a couple of seconds before she smiled and said; "Good morning Rick. What a nice surprise it's early you know."

Rick just smiled back. "Kate asked me to join her for breakfast." Sarah walked past Rick and smirked when she caught sight of Kate still in her robe and slippers. It was apparent that she wasn't wearing pajamas underneath. Kate started to blush then thought. Sarah works for me. I don't have to defend or justify my actions to her. She returned Sarah's smirk with one of her own. "Good morning Sarah. Rick and I have a busy day ahead of us so I need to shower. Please dress Lisa for the day."

Kate came out of the bedroom dressed in a simple but elegant light blue dress with white jacket.

Rick's eyes lit up when he saw her, smiling at how beautiful she looked in such a simple ensemble. She saw how he was smiling and returned it, twirling around once for his benefit.

"You look amazing Kate especially as we're basically going shopping." She rolled her eyes. "Yes we're going shopping for the rings we're going to wear for the rest of our lives. That's an important occasion as far as I'm concerned. I want to dress up for it."

Rick nodded. "You're right Kate it is. We'll stop by my place and I'll change into the slacks you bought me and one of my white uniform shirts, one without the insignia. I'll pick up sport coat on the way to the jewelers. I should have more than one around anyway."

They drove to the loft and Rick quickly changed into his slacks, a white shirt and cowboy boots. Kate smirked and raised an eyebrow at the boots, as if to say really?

Rick caught the look. "Hey don't make fun of my boots. They're hand made to my own lasts. More comfortable than anything coming from a shoe store. They're not just for jeans." The next stop was Jackson Kelly's again and he bought an off the rack gray sport coat and a navy tie. Rick would take her to a small very exclusive jewelers Martha had been dealing with for years. Martha was not only a very valued customer, she was an old friend.

Kate initially protested that she didn't need exclusive., it wasn't about the status of the ring it was about her status as an engaged woman. Rick countered, saying that an extraordinary woman deserved an extraordinary ring. Last night while Kate was making her calls. Rick had called the owner of the shop at home. He knew that Kate loved purple and he asked if there was any type of purple stone that would work with a flawless blue-white diamond.

The man had replied that while ordinary amethysts were not a rare stone there was one type called a Russian purple that was quite rare. But that he knew a gem merchant that had some. of them. Rick asked him if he could acquire them and set four of them around a flawless 2 carat diamond. The cut didn't matter as long as it matched the amethysts. Her wedding band would have four small diamonds and four amethysts set around it. His band would be, like the promise ring Celtic warrior style. All metal to be platinum. Rick knew that he was taking a chance that Kate wouldn't like them. Rick asked if he could do it overnight. It would cost Rick twenty –five thousand dollars. Rick didn't flinch at the price.

The man said he could have it ready by one o'clock. Rick was honest with Kate. He told her that they could look at Tiffany's and Jared's but he wanted to take her to a small shop. If she didn't like what she saw there they'd go back to Tiffany's

Kate agreed but modified the plan. They would go to Tiffany's but skip Jared's and pick up her gown from Liz Ravenscroft, have a light lunch then go to the small shop. The minute they walked into Tiffany's a sales person spotted them and watched them closely as they approached the display cases. The woman had spent years at her trade and had no trouble discerning what the couple was here for.

They were a striking couple. Both tall, she slender, lithe and stunning. He massive yet moving with the sure grace of an athlete and an air of command. But the things that struck her the most were the pure adoration on her face and the tender look on his, a face that in other circumstances could be intimidating.

The saleswoman smiled as they reached the case and said; "I'm Astrid, may I be of assistance?" Rick said; "Yes, we are looking for our engagement and wedding set."

Kate said; "I want something simple and elegant, not too flashy but will make a statement."

They spent an hour looking at rings and Kate picked three that she liked, then told the woman that they would discuss it over lunch. From there they went to Liz Ravenscroft's studio. Liz welcomed them in person. She had Rick wait while she took Kate into the dressing area.

When they came out Rick stood and stared at the beauty displayed by both women standing in front of him. Kate's gown was floor length of shimmering silk of a purple color so deep it almost looked black. The bodice was form fitting with just enough of a vee-neck to display just enough cleavage to be sexy but not enough to be vulgar. There was a narrow spray of golden crystals that started under her left breast and swirled up and over her right shoulder.

The skirt flared slightly from her waist with a side slit that reached to mid- thigh. Liz wore her own gown that was identical to Kate's except that it was golden in color and the crystals were black and ran from right to left. Both women wore Jimmy Choo heels in colors that matched their gowns.

Rick was speechless for a moment but Kate could see the admiration in his eyes as she watched him scan her from head to toe. She raised one eyebrow as if to say "Well?"

Rick broke out of his stupor. "Oh my God, Kate You're stunning. You've got to be the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. Or ever will see, for that matter."

Kate blushed at the praise. "Babe you know that you're exaggerating but as long as that's true for you, I love it. She paused. And if you ever look at another woman like you looked at me just now you'll be joining the Vienna boys' choir."

Liz laughed raucously. "I guess you really did tame Wild Ricky. The way he looked at you, you're prime rib and I'm chopped liver. And I know which one he's going to eat."

Kate's blush went from pink to red. "Liz that was outrageous!" she said. Liz smirked. "I thought it was pretty good. True though isn't it?" Kate sputtered, then shrugged and grinned.

Kate smiled and said; "Thank you Liz. This gown is amazing. Now I'll let you in on a secret. It will be obvious tonight but you're a little ahead of the game. I'd like you to make my wedding gown."

Liz grinned and her eyes lit up with anticipation, imagining the sensation that wedding would cause. She could see the articles now. Famous author and war hero wed. Liz Ravenscroft designs the gown. Publicity like that combined with publicity from tonight's event could well put her on top of the designer's world. Her business woman's mind went into high gear.

"Kate, I'll be glad to do it and I won't even charge you for it and here's why. Vera Wang has a line of wedding dresses. I don't. I could start my own line! Fine quality but not outrageous. You could model your gown for me. If I get a lot of calls on it and can make a few different ones and you could model them. After the first one, I'll pay you a regular model's fee. The second requirement is that I get an invitation to the wedding."

Kate didn't hesitate. "You have a deal, Liz. Now let me change back. Rick and I have a lot to do this afternoon." Kate and Rick went back to her apartment to put the gown away. She wasn't about to leave it in the car. From there they had a light lunch and went straight to the jeweler.

The shop was small and exquisitely decorated but there were no display cases or catalogs. Clients visited the shop by appointment only. They were met by a slim rather intense man that reminded Kate of the hotel manager from the movie Pretty Woman.

He shook hands with Rick. "It's been a long time Rick. Good to see you. And who is this lovely lady?"

"She's my fiancée Katherine Beckett. Kate, I'd like you to meet Jason Cervantes. An old friend."

Jason shook Kate's hand. "Will you please be seated? I hope that you will like what I have to show you." He took three boxes out of his pocket and opened the first . Kate gasped at the sight of the ring. She had never seen, never imagined anything like it. A round cut flawless blue-white diamond was surrounded by four of the deepest purple stones she'd ever seen. She didn't need to go back to Tiffany's. This ring was it. She spoke barely above a whisper.

"Oh Rick, this is it. This is my ring. May I have it, Please?" Rick took the ring from the box and slid it on her finger. She looked at her wedding band and Rick's. She enthusiastically approved them. Jason stood and put the three boxes into a black velvet bag. Rick handed him a small black plastic card. Jason smiled and said;

"Thank you Rick. Make sure that you bring Katherine back here for any future jewelry needs. Ms. Beckett, it has been a pleasure and an honor to meet you."

All the way back to her apartment Kate kept holding up her hand to admire her ring. He parked the car and walked her to the apartment. She kissed him at the door and said;

"I wish we weren't so rushed. I have to meet mom and Nat at the salon and you need to get ready too. So I'll see you tonight. I love you Rick, more than I ever thought possible."

" I love you too Kate. The movie company is sending a limo for us Kate. I'll pick you up at seven." Rick decided to indulge himself with a haircut and a professional shave. Then he went to his loft, locked the rings in his safe and proceeded to get his uniform ready.

Johanna and Natalie had come over to Kate's apartment so that they could all get ready together. Johanna and Natalie had both bought new dresses for the event which had caused Jim a slight annoyance at Rick. After all if he hadn't invited them to the premier, Jim wouldn't be out nearly a thousand dollars for dresses and shoes. Of course he was smart to stop grumbling after Johanna had chastised him. "What's the matter Jim, don't you want your wife and daughter to look beautiful?"

Kate had just finished with her make- up and Johanna had zipped her dress when the doorbell rang. Johanna raised an eyebrow.

"It's only six-thirty, she said. Isn't Rick a little impatient? I'd expect a military man to be more controlled." She walked to the door and opened it, expecting to find Rick standing there. It wasn't Rick, it was a delivery man. "I have a package for Ms. Katherine Beckett. Is she here?"

Kate came to the door. "I'm Katherine Beckett."

"May I see some ID please?" The man said. Kate turned. "Nat will you bring my purse please?"

After showing her ID the man handed Kate a clip board. She signed and he handed her a package. She closed the door and turned around to open the package. Inside was a note from Rick and a box from Tiffany's. She opened the note and read; The queen of my heart should look like one. She opened the box and nearly dropped it in surprise. Nestled on a bed of royal blue velvet was an oval diamond pendent on a platinum chain. The pendent had to be at least two carats. Accompanying the pendent was a pair of diamond earrings.

Tears of joy welled up in Kate's eyes and she had to blink them back to keep from damaging her make-up.

"Mom, can you put these on me please? My hands are shaking to badly to do it." Kate said.

Johanna fastened the catch on the pendent and put the earrings in place. Johanna smiled. " Katie, the jewelry is absolutely gorgeous, even if the card is cheesy as hell."

Precisely at seven, the doorbell rang. Johanna opened it. Rick stood there, resplendent in the service blue uniform. The left breast was ablaze with medal ribbons, parachute wings and the Combat Infantry Badge. On his left pocket were two more sets of jump wings. Canadian and German.

"Please enter my daughter's humble abode oh mighty warrior." Johanna said, gently teasing.

"I have only come to carry her away." He replied in the same vein. Johanna laughed delightedly, happy to have the relationship with Rick back nearly the way it was years ago when she was almost a second mother to him and in a few months she would be his mother-in-law.

Kate came into the room carrying her wrap and came to a stop, striking a pose for Rick. The look on his face was the same as it had been at the studio, only more intense if that were possible. Rick was only speechless for a moment.

"Kate, you take my breath away. I am going to be so proud to let the world know, tonight, just who you are and what you mean to me." Actually the world already knew, they just didn't know they knew. There had been an announcement in the morning papers. Mr. and Mrs. James and Johanna Beckett are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Katherine Houghton Beckett to Captain Richard Alexander Rodgers, United States Army. Katherine is a graduate of Stanford university and the Columbia school of Law. She is currently an Assistant District Attorney. Richard is a graduate of Columbia University and currently is on active duty.

Kate advanced to Rick, threw her arms around his neck and kissed him passionately. Natalie, looking on was a little shocked. "Kate…" was all she got out. Kate smirked.

"Don't worry Nat I'll fix my lip stick in the car."

The limo pulled up in front of Lincoln Center. Kate and Rick stepped onto the red carpet amid a dazzle of lights and camera flashes. Although most films premiered in Hollywood New York had been chosen for this one. As they moved up the carpet several cameras focused on them A little before they arrived, people watching on television saw; "Ladies and gentlemen this is Sam Crawford for Entertainment New York at the premier of the much anticipated premier of the movie Hawk's Nest based on the thrilling novel of the same name, first in the Hawk series of military fiction by acclaimed author Rick Castle whom we are told is a serving officer of the United States Army. The latest novel of the series, Hawk's Strike has been on the New York Times' best seller list for fifty-eight consecutive weeks. Halvorson Studios and Black Pawn publishing have both stated that in addition to the stars of the movie we will have a chance to interview Rick Castle. Rick not only authored the books, he wrote the screenplay and was military advisor on the movie."

A young woman came on camera. " Good evening ladies and gentlemen I am Carla Livingston fashion and social reporter for Entertainment New York. Rick Castle has appeared at all the launch parties for his books but always in civilian clothes with a different beautiful woman on his arm. It will be interesting to see who is with him tonight and what he actually looks like in uniform."

Sam Crawford came back on camera. " The limos are starting to arrive, right on time. There is Brock Cameron, who plays Captain Robert Hawkins and Leila Grant." who plays his love interest Military intelligence officer Kristin Boyle

After the main stars and co-stars arrived Kate and Rick's limo arrived Rick stepped out of the car, adjusted his beret then reached in to help Kate out of the car, one toned, sexy leg peeking out of the slit in her skirt. Brock Cameron and all the other stars were wearing tuxedo's or dresses so the contrast of Rick in uniform was stunning. The camera panned in on his face.

"Folks, that really is Rick Castle so the stories are true. He really is a serving officer. Sam said; "I was never in the service but I studied up for this particular interview." The camera focused in on his decorations. "Now I know where those stories come from. I can see three medals for valor, the Purple Heart, three sets of jump wings and the Combat Infantry Badge. If the Hawk stories are exaggerated, it's not by much. They may even be understated."

Carla cut in. "Look at the lady with him. She's got to be the most beautiful one yet. I wonder if she's a model or an actress. And if I'm not mistaken, that's a Liz Ravenscroft dress. That spray of crystals is her trademark. Wait a minute, I just saw a flash of light off her left hand. Could it be? Could our dashing Ricky be off the market?"

Another limo pulled up and Liz Ravenscroft stepped out accompanied by her escort. Carla commented. "Well my suspicions are confirmed there's Liz Ravenscroft and her dress is almost identical to the mystery lady's. Liz is accompanied by her long- time boyfriend, race car driver Bobby Townsend. Oh, this just gets better and better. Liz is embracing Rick and now the woman. Bobby is shaking hands with Rick.

The two couples moved on and the focus of the reporters returned to the stars. Sam went over to Brock Cameron.

"Hi Brock. Tell us what you think about starring in one of the most anticipated movies of the year. I know that action movies have been huge this year but this is a military action movie. They haven't always done well."

Brock, instead of the usual smile for the camera got a serious look on his face and facing the camera said; "Sam if you label this as just another action flick you are doing the movie and the movie going public a huge disservice. I prefer to see it as a tribute to our armed services and a character study of a dedicated and courageous group of men and women. I am deeply honored to have this role."

Sam smirked and said; "Don't you find the inclusion of a sexy spy in the story somewhat frivolous and contrived, especially as Hawk's love interest?"

Brock frowned. "No I don't. first of all, Kristin is not a spy, she's a field officer of military intelligence, an army officer not CIA. Secondly she's counter intelligence. Third she represents the tremendous contributions of the female members of the armed forces. And final why not a single love interest for Hawk? After all our elite soldiers are men, not mindless automatons."

Sam was embarrassed. He wasn't used to having his ears pinned back by an actor. Obviously Brock Cameron wasn't the typical airheaded ego centric that many action stars were.

Kate and Rick were talking quietly while the actors were being interviewed. Rick looked at Kate.

"What do you want to do Sweetheart, Shall we simply introduce you as my fiancée keeping your name out of the spotlight or do you want your name out there?" Kate turned her eyes up to Rick.

"Babe there have been enough secrets in our lives. Enough diversions, too many lies. I want the whole world to know who I am and who you are. I want the world to know the reality of Richard Rodgers. The real man behind the stories. Not the author, the soldier. I want the world to know that I am Richard Rodgers' partner, his woman, his wife. I want the world to know that you are Kate Beckett's partner, her man, her husband. I will take your last name for my own and use it but I am still Kate Beckett."

Rick laughed. "I never thought otherwise."

They had reached the spot where the interviews were being conducted. Sam Crawford approached the couple. "Rick Castle! I'm Sam Crawford from Entertainment New York I'd like to ask you a few questions if you don't mind. We all know that you wrote the Hawk series are there any more coming out. We hear that you both wrote the screen play for the movie and were military advisor on the movie is that true? Since you are in uniform tonight I would guess that the story that you are a serving officer is true also."

"Slow it down a little Sam. Yes it is true about the movie in all respects and yes I am a serving officer. I am part of First Group United States Army Special Forces. I can reveal that now as I will soon be leaving Special Forces. And yes, there is a new Hawk book coming out in a couple of months. I would like my readers to know that I will continue to write under the pen name Richard Castle.

I have an announcement to make. I am proud to tell the whole world that this beautiful lady at my side is Katherine Houghton Beckett my fiancée." At that Kate held her hand up tp show off her ring.

"I would also like to announce that she will be marrying me in my real world persona, Richard Alexander Rodgers. That's all I have to say tonight, we are here to support the movie. Thank you."

Author's Note. For all my readers who have been asking for updates of my other stories, a new chapter of Hypocritical oath will be up in a few days. Please remember that I'm not a professional and I write as inspiration strikes me. Swordwriter. Please review