This Epilogue pure fluff. Balancing the heartbreak earlier in the story Despite it being relatively new, the song in this chapter may be one of the most Castle-Beckett appropriate songs I've heard. I had to use it here!

The ballroom at the Wingate Hotel is grand, and it is decorated to the max for the façade wedding reception-turned-real wedding reception. They were planning to play the part, so everything was in place, a DJ waiting to introduce the happy couple, friends and family waiting eagerly inside to greet them. There was delicious food, a cake to cut, dancing to do and celebrations to have, and it was all real now.

Kate smiled to herself and squeezed her husband's hand a little tighter. Since leaving the ceremony he hadn't been able to separate herself from him. Her hand remained in his, as if loosing the connection would break the spell. That she would find that none of it had happened and she was alone once again if she let go.

Sensing her insecurity, he squeezed her hand lovingly, "Kate, we made it. We did it, and there's no going back for either one of us. You can rest assured that I'm not going anywhere and nothing is going to change who we are to one another again. You're my wife now and I'm your husband." He caressed her face, brushing his nose against hers and giving Eskimo kisses of sorts.

She sighed and allowed him to pull her against him, her white dress falling softly around her and her veil still adorning her face.

"If I haven't told you already, you must know that you're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen, Kate. You glow. You're simply radiant and when I saw you come down that aisle it took my breath away. He cupped her cheek, causing her to move her lips to his hand and plant kisses there.

"Kate Beckett, I'm the luckiest man on earth. Thank you for fighting for me, for us." He planted a soft kiss to her lips, lingering just long enough to inhale her familiar scent .

She smiled at his words, bringing a finger against his lips before he could speak again, she replied, "It's not Kate Beckett anymore, Rick." With a smile on her face, she allowed him to pull her against him, lift her and spin her around. Their joy was contagious and everyone in the vicinity couldn't help but smile as they beheld the newlywed couple.

Ryan and Esposito joined them, followed by Lanie and Alexis, as well as Jim and Martha. The group stood outside of the main ball room. As the guests were getting situated, they waited for the DJ to formally announce the bridal party. Martha is the first to approach Kate,

"Thank you, Katherine. Thank you for taking the risks and for showing us-showing him- all how committed you are, how right you two are. There was never a doubt in my mind and I'm so happy that you've been able to reach this place." She held the detective close to her and whispered in her ear "Can you join me in the ladies room for a moment?"

Kate took a step back, a bit confused by the request. The ladies room? Clearly Martha wanted privacy, but it seemed like an odd request at a time like this.

"Um, sure Martha." She responded before allowing the older woman to escort her away. Once inside, Martha came to stand next to Kate, She stood slightly behind her and turned the detective to face the mirror.

"Katherine." There are certain things that should be when we get married, and because of the unique circumstances here, those things didn't happen. Kate arched her brow in confusion,

"I'm sorry, I'm not following, Martha." She waited for some sort of clue that would help her understand Martha's meaning.

"Kate, today just became your wedding day. I want you to look at yourself in the mirror. Really look, and tell me what you see."

"Um… I see a veil and a dress." Kate started. "I see that I am exactly the bride I want to be, and I've married the groom I want for the rest of my life. I see my own joy, I suppose." It was her best shot at what she thought might satisfy whatever Martha was trying to do.

"Katherine, let me tell you what I see. I see beauty, grace and joy. I see a sense of inner peace and strength and a great deal of determination. I see loyalty and compassion, and I see everything that a mother would be proud of in her daughter."

Her words struck Kate deeply and suddenly she understood what Martha was doing, what she was trying to give her. Tears filled her eyes and she had to swallow back a sob that threatened. Indeed, this was Kate's wedding day, a moment for mothers and daughters.

"Kate, I know that your mother would give anything to be here today. I know that she is exceedingly proud of you. How could she not be? I certainly am."

Tears were now freely flowing down Kate's smiling cheeks, prompting Martha to cup the younger woman's face in her palms, using her thumbs to wipe her tears away.

"Kate, I know I can never give you what you want, but I need you to know that I have so much love and respect for you, so much pride in who you are and who you have become. If you ever need a mother, please know that I'm here to…"

She wasn't able to finish her thought because in the next instant Kate was embracing her, feeling a mother's love for the first time in a long time. It was exactly what she needed and her new mother-in-law had given her a priceless gift. It was one that neither woman would forget.

Soon the joined the wedding party again, Kate coming to kiss her new husband just before the attendant came to usher the group into the grand ball room. As the DJ announced them one by one, Kate and Rick took in the beautiful décor that had transformed the room into a glowing, whimsical and classically romantic setting. The dim lighting completed with candles cast an ambience around the room that was perfect for celebrating their union.

Soon after introducing them, the DJ cleared room on the dance floor. He then announced that the time for their first dance had approached. He thought back on their conversation about music, about his brushing her off and telling her to just pick something.

"Did you ever choose something, or are we about to be subject to the whims of Dj-Spinz?" Castle asked somewhat jokingly. Kate simply smiled at him and kissed his cheek, "I took care of it."

No sooner than the words were out of her mouth, the soft piano music cued them to move slowly to the center of the dance floor. The lights dimmed and soon all that could be seen was the bride and groom, coming together. He recognized the sweet tune right away, a soft smile crossing his features as he looked at her questioningly.

"I couldn't think of a better song for us, Castle." He smiled and nodded, taking her hand. Soon violins joined the piano and he took her in his arms, he brushed a swift kiss to her lips as the words began to sound and they moved in time to the gentle rhythm of their first song.

I've waited a hundred years. But I'd wait a million more for you.

Nothing prepared me for what the privilege of being yours would do.

Their eyes remained locked as they listened to the words.

Words that held such significance for them, for the journey that they'd taken to get to this place. She lightly caressed the back of his neck with her fingers, entwining them within his hair as she gazed upon her husband.

If I had only felt the warmth within your touch.

If I had only seen how you smile when you blush.

Or how you curl your lip when you concentrate enough,

I would have known what I was living for all along.

What I've been living for.

Castle held her against him softly but securely, inhaling her scent with a soft smile on his face. Indeed, he'd waited years for her. He'd waited without knowledge of her caress or her warmth, as he slowly gained access to the secret parts of Kate, to the parts that would be reserved for him only in her heart. Yet, it was all worth it and if he had to do it all over again, he wasn't sure that he'd change a thing. As long as it meant that she would remain in his arms now.

Your love is my turning page. Only the sweetest words remain.

Every kiss is a cursive line

Every touch is a re-defining phrase.

I surrender who I've been for who you are.

For nothing makes stronger than your fragile heart

If I had only felt how it feels to be yours,

I would have known what I've been living for all along.

What I've been living for.

Kate sighed against him, holding onto him while her lips grazed his neck. She thought about the past weeks and months, even the past years. She thought about the person she was before Castle, and the person she became when she'd fallen in love with him. Finally, she contemplated the person that she would become now that she'd surrendered her heart and allowed love in.

With a change in rhythm and tempo he twirled her across the dance floor, which was a stunning show when the lights reflected on the lace covered train of Kate's dress. Bringing her back into his arm, they both listened for the final verse of the song they knew so well.

Though we're tethered to the story we must tell.

When I saw you, well I knew we'd tell it well.

He couldn't help but mouth the words to her. Afterall, it was their story and writing their story was what brought them to this place in the end. She sighed and laid her head against his shoulders, aware that whatever came next, they'd get through it together.

With a whisper, we will tame the viscous seas.

Like a feather, bringing kingdoms to their knees.

They stood on the dance floor together after the music faded away, staring into one another's eyes. She wore a sweet smile as she took her husband in yet another time. He leaned in to kiss her, keeping his lips against hers as they both smiled.

"So, where does Ms. Castle want to go for her Honeymoon?" He asked happily.

"Castle, as long as we're together, I'm up for anything."

He smiled broadly at her, teasing her a bit. "You promise?"

Her response was anything but teasing, as she softly replied, "Always, Castle. Always."

The End.