I would like to Thank Robert Nielsen. What a great Beta you are Sir. I know the ones reading the story appreciate you too.

And to you, as always

Thank you for reading.

The next day:

Rick and Kate walked out of Castle's follow up appointment from his primary care physician. Kate was delighted to hear the pneumonia was gone, his lungs were clear. Rick informed his doctor, his recovery was aided by his wonderful nurse/fiancée.

Stepping out of the doctor's office, Rick stood and let the sun warm his face, he was enjoying the moment. It felt so good to be able to be outdoors again. It was another beautiful day.

"Babe," Kate began as she touched his fore-arm. "I…."

"Good idea." Rick knew she was thinking the same thoughts as he was.

He dismissed the driver. The couple took their time walking back to the loft. They talked and reflected on events both past and present.

The walk back to the loft was surreal, Kate couldn't help but glance down at her left hand. She repeatedly checked needing to assure herself this was real. Her emotions were all over the place, relief they didn't break up. The normally confident detective was reduced to a quivering mess. Richard Castle was the only man-ever to bring her to her knees. She recalled the moment she felt he was breaking up with her. Devastation doesn't even begin to describe the gut-wrenching loss she felt in her soul. She couldn't believe she'd misread the whole proposal yesterday for a break-up.

Rick, walked with his arm around his fiancée, he really liked the sound of that. He would marry her today, but he knew the ceremony was important to her. Now if he could just get her to move in. He didn't want to spend another night without her in his bed. Her lying beside him, it just didn't get any better in his mind.

Rick spotted a Starbuck's across the street. "Come on, I'll buy you a cup of coffee"

Kate took his hand and raced across the street.

"Hey, you're going to get us arrested for jay-walking" Rick pumped his legs harder to catch-up. How she ran in heels was beyond him.

They managed to get across the street without getting creamed by a New York City bus or cab. Rick was relieved not to see a uniform patrolling the streets. He preferred not to get busted at the moment.

Kate placed their order, and joined Rick at the table he'd secured by the window. He stood and waited for her to sit before sitting back down.

Rick held a pen and a leather bound book in his hand, he penned he latest thought and, quickly clicking the pen closed and returned it and the notebook in his jacket pocket...

Kate watched she was curious "Old school?" Kate motioned to the notebook.

"You never know when inspiration will strike." Rick smiled. "I overhead a song on the guy's I-pod, I was making notes for my vows." Rick pulled the notebook out of his pocket. "If lovin' you is a crime, I know that I'm guilty, as a man can be.." Rick watched for her reaction.

Kate burst out laughing, "No way, that's a song."

Rick pulled out his phone and hit the Google search "That guy's," Rick looked around, the guy was no where to be seen. "He was right there, I swear." He held up his hand and then pointed to an empty stool.

The two were interrupted when the barista announced order up for Bogie and Bacall.

Rick's head snapped up from his phone. He looked at Kate his blue eyes sparkling, "Just like Bogie and Bacall" I do believe that was a song too. He made a mental note Kate: closet romantic. He couldn't help it, he hummed a few bars and then blurted out "Key Largo"

"Shut-up" Kate elbowed him, she turned around so he wouldn't see the blush creeping across her smiling face. She headed over to pick up their coffee order. Kate was paying him back for bring her a cup of coffee to the precinct with "Alice" written on it. She'd laughed when she read his "Ralph" (The couple from the TV show The Honeymooners. Her handsome writer didn't think she would know who they were. She did.

Kate returned with their coffee. She handed Rick his cup, and placed hers on the table, as soon as she sat down Rick reached for her hand.

Rick's large fingers were wrapped around Kate's slender ones, their clasped hand rested atop the table in the coffee shop. The couple sat and watched the hustle and bustle of their fellow New Yorkers, while they leisurely sipped their coffees. The normally antsy detective, would usually be tapping her foot waiting to get out the door. Today she calmly sat and watched her fiancé watch the world go by. She was right where she wanted to be.

"Kate, I'm committed to making us work. I know we will encounter rough patches, but together we can overcome anything. I wanted you to know I've given a lot of thought to asking you to marry me. In the past, my reasons for getting married were not the right ones, until I met you I was convinced that I'd spend the rest of my life alone." Rick readjusted on his stool so that he could lean in closer. "I don't regret the past, because I learned from each failed relationship." He watched her face as he revealed his heart to her. "Kate, I love you. I believe we are meant to be together, and I appreciate every minute I spend with you-"Castle stopped talking.

He was interrupted when a man sat down at the table next to them. He was talking on his cell phone, loudly. "Listen, listen Barry. The deal is off. My guys are union, they won't pull a holiday. I don't care-listen, listen….no that's not going to work." The longer the man spoke the louder he became.

Kate nodded toward the door, Rick confirmed with a nod. The couple didn't waste any time getting to the city street, before they got the door closed they heard "listen-listen" one more time. Kate rolled her eyes. On this day, not even a jerk on a cell phone could ruin her day. She was engaged to the love of her life. Kate looked up toward the sky. You were right mom, there was someone special out there just for me.

Kate and her mother used to discuss everything, well not so much during her rebel years of 15-17, but after that her mother understood her- truth be told Kate finally saw her mother as the wise women she'd always been. In a way, her mom had met Rick. She'd read his books, and just like her mother Kate fell in love with his words. She'd glimpsed into his heart before she'd met him. He's a great man, you'd really like him mom.

Rick watched Kate as he always did, this time he noticed the way her face morphed from pensive to wonder, in a few precious seconds. He had a feeling she was thinking of her mom. He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. Getting engaged was a big moment in her life, he knew she would want to share this with her mom.

Rick talked to his dad, it didn't matter that he didn't have a clue who he was. His dad never disappointed him. He was who ever he needed him to be in the moment. He'd taken the attributes he'd admired in men who came in and out of his life thru the years, and meshed them together into his dad. The one he'd imagined him to be. He didn't make him perfect, he had to have flaws, or he wouldn't seem real. The writer pictured an older version of him, for how his dad looked, knowing he didn't resemble his mother or her siblings. His only unanswered question - would he be proud of me?

Rick wasn't the only one who watched, Kate kept a closer eye on her partner, ever since he'd gotten sick. She made it her mission to get him well, and the feisty detective was committed, just like a bull dog with a bone. She would make sure he recovered fully.

Rick slipped his arm around Kate, as they walked back to the loft. It was a beautiful day, the sun was shinning, they didn't even need a jacket. The couple felt on top of the world, even if it was blowing snowing or rain pelted them from all angles. Today was perfect.

Kate ran around the loft making sure everything was perfect, she was not going to lie, she was a little nervous. The couple were revealing to their friends, that they indeed were a couple.

"Babe did you get the-"Kate looked up her eyes were wild

"Four bottles and one decanted ready to pour." Rick replied in his calming deep voice.

Kate nodded "And the-"

"Champagne is chilled and ready for a celebratory toast." Rick spoke clearly and slowly, he was tying to calm Kate's nerves.

Kate sucked in her bottom lip as she nervously looked around, one last time. Everything was ready, but she couldn't help thinking she'd forgotten something.

Rick noticed his fiancée was edgy, so he enveloped her in a hug. Kate released her lip that was held captive in her teeth. He knew how to calm her. Rick slowly rubbed her back, and whispered "we've got this, our friends are going to be happy for us," Rick stepped back so that he could kiss her lips. He could tell how tense she was by her tight lipped peck. Oh no-he knew how to fix this. Rick lifted Kate's chin, and looked into her terror filled eyes. Without a word the couple kissed.

Rick's soft lips captured Kate's, and he parted his to allow his tongue to slowly glide across her bottom lip, Kate instinctively opened her mouth to allow him access. Rick tongue gently stroked Kate's. He could feel her body relax, as she moved towards him, and she began kissing him back. Rick's hands slid down her face and under her shirt, he wanted to feel her skin. Kate moaned and shivered, her desire for him overrode everything, she forgot about their friends coming over-until the doorbell chimed.

The couple broke apart grinning, "I've got plans for you later." Kate winked at Rick and then walked with him to welcome their guests. They opened the door and saw the entire gang standing there.

Rick shook hands with Javi and Kevin, he hugged Lanie and Jenny. He stood aside and ushered the gang in. Javi didn't try to hide the fact that he was checking out the loft, the couple. Ryan was too, but he was a little more discrete about it. It was second nature to them, being detectives.

"Castle, I love your place," Lanie was checking everything out. "How about a tour?" she watched as her friend squirmed.. Castle handed Lanie a glass of wine. "Never mind, we can take the tour later." Lanie waved her free hand as she sipped her wine.

Kate was relieved, she was off the hook for now, she knew Lanie would see her things in Rick's bedroom and know they were a couple before the big announcement.

"Capt'n said he would be late, he had a meeting at city hall. Javi said aloud to no one in particular.

Castle rubbed his hand together and took drink orders. Everyone chose wine, except Javi. He wanted a beer.

The group relaxed and easily moved around the loft. The awkwardness of first arriving fell away, they all knew one another. They began teasing each other as families often did.

Kate moved closer to Rick, he knew she was ready for the announcement.

Rick cleared his throat "As you all know, "Rick circled his glass around in a small circle to show he was referring to the group. "Kate has stayed here at the loft, helping me out while I recovered." The group was unmoved, they knew. "Yes-well I guess you already knew that, however what you may not," he paused "is that Kate & I are a couple."

Javi spoke up first "That's it? That's your big reveal?"

Kevin piped in with "Yea-tell us something we don't know" Jenny elbowed Kevin in the ribs.

Lanie ever the diplomat added. "Oh honey, we knew you two were a couple, before you admitted it to each other." Lanie touched Rick's arm.

Javi and Kevin nodded in agreement.

"Right, here is something you may not," the writer paused for effect. A technique he'd learned from his diva mother. He reached for Kate's left hand. She'd slipped the ring back on seconds before, and she kept her hand hidden in her jeans pocket. Rick kissed her hand and held it up. "We are engaged."

Everyone's mouth flew open at the same time, they didn't expect that. Lanie and Jenny squealed in delight. Lanie grabbed Kate and whispered in her ear "Girl, if I wasn't so damn happy I'd smack you."

Javi and Kevin fist bumped each other and got in line to congratulate the couple. Javi couldn't help it, he blinked back tears, after releasing Kate from his hug. She was glowing. He cleared his throat and drained his beer. "What's a man gotta do to get a drink around here?"

Kevin, saw his partner struggling he added, "Yea-we were promised food." He tried to deflect the attention away from Javi. To give his partner time to compose himself. He didn't like anyone seeing him get emotional.

Kevin stepped in and hugged Rick. "Congratulations, man"

"Thank you Ryan, "the secret was out, Rick was relieved. "Let's eat"

The couple placed the food on the table, tonight it was informal. They gave everyone a plate and told then to help themselves. Alexis ordered assorted finger foods. A buffet of international al cuisine was set up, along with platters of cheese, fruit, and vegetables.

Javi had a mouth full of food when Kevin tapped his shoulder and pointed to the couple. Rick held Kate in his arms. Her head was resting in the crook of his neck. He rubbed her back gently. When the couple broke apart, they kissed. Javi and Kevin knew they shouldn't be watching but it was impossible not to. They along with countless others waited for this day. They made a great looking couple. They belonged together. The love radiated from the couple.

After dinner, the group enjoyed more drinks. It was time to reveal the souvenirs and the fact that she'd spent the week-end with him in the Bahamas's.

Javi held up his Mom & Dad went to the Bahamas's and all I got was this lousy t-shirt. He glared at Castle, until Kate admitted she'd been the one to pick out the shirt. Ryan received one too. Castle handed them a Bahamas's coffee mug. Lanie received a mug and a beautiful necklace.

"I love it," Lanie lowered the necklace, "wait a minute, so writer boy is mister right now?"

Kate was so busted, she blushed as her friend figured out her big secret.

"So you and writer boy- in the Bahamas, I want details." Lanie waved her finger back and forth at Kate to let her know she wasn't getting away with out spilling, she dragged Kate over to the kitchen and whispered... "So-tell me is writer-boy," she paused "… umm talented?"

Kate's blush deepened, as she nodded her head enthusiastly.

"I knew it!" Lanie shouted.

The boy's looked over in their direction, to see what was going on. After receiving the mind your own business look from Lanie, the boys wisely turned back to their discussing last night's game.

"Girl, you and me are so-going to talk." Lanie fanned herself, she met Javi's eyes and sent him the message she had plans for him later.

Javi adjusted his jeans, after receiving the message loud and clear from Lanie. He took another swig of beer. He was feeling manly.

Kevin noticed the macho display, and discreetly glanced at Lanie. Oh yea, he is definably going home with her tonight. They were the only couple left in denial. Good for them. Kevin looked down at Jenny, even she held 'the look' wow, what ever the couple had it was contagious. Kevin Ryan you are a lucky man.

The mood was relaxed, soon every one felt at ease in the loft. Rick and Kate were the ultimate host and hostess. It was getting late, and Kate noticed Rick was tiring. His energy level improved, but she knew it had been a long day.

The team worked well together, they knew it was time to call it a night. They were going to party again tomorrow at the Old Haunt. The rest of the precinct would find out tomorrow.

"Oh, I almost forgot the captain sent a text, his meeting ran longer than he'd planned, he said congratulations, and he would see us tomorrow night at the Old Haunt. Javi read the message from his phone.

Rick looked at his own phone when he felt the buzzing in his pocket. "Ah, the car service is here, they will take you home." Everyone stood staring. "You are our guest, it is our pleasure to see you home safely.

The group said their goodbye's and headed down stairs to the awaiting car. What they weren't expecting was a stretch Limo. They group climbed in, once they were settled the driver announced he would be happy to drive them to points of interest around the city, before taking them home. The girls nodded and the boys shrugged.. They popped the top on the champagne and drank to the happy couple.

Rick insisted he help Kate clean up. It didn't take long, with everything being catered. Alexis knew how to plan and execute the perfect party. Kate had no doubt tomorrow night's bash would be great. Martha was helping. Kate wholeheartly turned the affair over to the pair.

The couple climbed into bed, tired but happy the evening went well.

Kate kissed Rick, she intended on a quick kiss, and then sleep. His kiss showed her, he had a different plan in mind. Kate liked the new plan.

Rick slid his hand under Kate's shirt. His large hand mapped out the claim he held. She arched into his touch. Rick smiled into her neck, he was in the process of nipping and sucking his way over to her breast. When he reached his target, Kate moaned with pleasure. His ministrations continued on her breast, as his fingers slid further down to her center, she was ready, and so was he.

Rick held himself over her and waited until Kate opened her eyes and looked at him. When she smiled he entered her, his eyes locked with hers as they joined together. Rick didn't think it could get any better than the first time he'd made love to Kate, he was wrong.

Rick stilled after joining them completely. He smiled, his lips found hers, he wanted to show her how much this moment meant to him. He felt like the luckiest bastard on the planet.

Kate nipped his lip, she wanted him to move. He could feel her muscles clenching around him, and then he began to slowly rock his hips. The time for talking was over, their desire took over. Making love to Kate was a dance, the couple discovered new steps each time they made love.

Rick felt Kate shudder as she reached her release, he followed Soon after.

"Shower?" Rick asked

"Tomorrow." Kate said she was already drifting off.

"Good night my love" he covered her and cradle her.

"-um-Night, babe" she mumbled.

Castle was amused, he was the one who usually fell asleep first.