A/N- Part 2 of the wedding.
Martha was the first one to stand up. She smiled at her son and new daughter in law, "I had hoped for years that Richard would find a woman to share his life with. A woman that would love him and Alexis. Then he fell in love with you. I couldn't ask for a better daughter in law. And that little girl you are carrying is going to be so loved. Thank you for loving my son. I know that isn't an easy thing to do." Martha watched as the others laughed, then turned back to the happy couple, "And thank you for loving Alexis. You are a remarkable woman and we are lucky to have you in our my son and new daughter! "
Kate choked up when Martha called her her daughter. She had been without a mother for so long. If she had to have an adoptive mother, she was glad that it was Martha Rodgers.
With that, Martha raised her glass and said, "Cheers!"
Everyone else raised their glasses and toasted to the happy couple.
Jim Beckett stood up and spoke next, "I had never thought that Katie would find a man that deserved her. A man that could compliment her. She found that man in Richard Castle. I had always hoped that she would find love again. The first time I had met him, I sensed that he would play an important role in my daughter's life. Any man that is willing to raise another man's child as his own is a standup guy in my book. I want to welcome you to our family. Thank you for making my Katie a very happy woman."
When her dad was done talking, Kate had tears in her eyes. She looked at her father and mouthed, "I love you daddy."
Esposito stood up and started his toast, "Well, these two finally got their act together. I can't tell you how hard it has been to watch these two dance around their feelings for each other. Everyone could see how they felt about each other. From the moment they met, they had a special connection. They make the perfect partners. Both in life and at the precinct. We are lucky to count him as family. Even if he's not related to us by blood. I hope you have a long and happy life with each other. And have lots more children. To the happy coupled! May they live a long and happy life!"
Lanie smiled and stood up, "I'll go next. What do you say about these two? They make the perfect couple. They finish each others sentences. Which, I've only seen my mother and father do. And they've been married for nearly thirty-five years. Kate, you are my best friend. I am glad that you've finally found your one true love. I hope the two of you have a long and happy life. Filled with lots of love and happiness. And lots of babies. I expect to have a lot more nieces and nephews."
Castle leaned over and whispered, "How many more?"
Kate whispered, "Shhh..."
"I have seen them at their worst. And now I am seeing them at their best. May you have many more years together. To Kate and Rick!"
That was when Ryan stood up, "I was the first one to realize that these two were in love with each other. Even before they did. They are remarkable together. As Kate's co-worker we have seen them at their best and at their worst. We have seen them when they are barely talking to each other. I know this for a fact. They both do their best work together. We call them mom and dad, because they are the foundation of our little family at the twelfth. Work was, in a word, boring before Castle joined us. Although joined might not be the right word, it's more like barged in and made a life for him in our department. We know that at first it was because of his friendship with the Mayor, but soon, everyone could tell that it was so much more. Kate was happier when he was around. She smiled more. She wasn't as closed off when he was around. We could all tell that she enjoyed her job more when he was around. Thank you Castle. From the bottom of my heart. To the happy couple!"
Kate looked over at her now husband and smiled. She saw his face turn a dark shade of red. Which surprised her. He was used to the spotlight. She reasoned that it was because he was surrounded by the people that he considered their family and dearest friends.
It was then that Kate got choked up. Six year old Alexis walked over to them. She hugged Kate and told her, "Thank you for marrying my daddy. I've always wanted a mommy like all my friends have. And now I do..."
She hugged her again and Kate started crying. She gathered Alexis in her arms and hugged her tightly. She wasn't sure how long she held her, until Alexis said, "You're squeezing me too tight mommy..."
Kate wiped her eyes and whispered, "Sorry sweetpea."
Alexis kissed her and went to sit back down. The rest of the toasts went by fairly quickly. Then, it was time for the Kate to throw the bridal bouquet. All the single ladies lined up and Kate turned around. Then she smiled and counted to three. When she threw the bouquet, everyone stepped aside. Everyone that is except for Lanie. The bouquet landed in her waiting hands. She gave the others a sideways look and said, "Seriously?"
Kate laughed and hugged her, "You're next Lanie."
She had never seen her best friend speechless before. Kate chuckled as she walked away. Especially when she heard Lanie say, "I'm going to get you for this. Some best friend you are."
Kate shook her head and smiled to herself. She loved her best friend and wanted her to be just as happy as she and Castle were. It might be a bit superstitious, but she would do whatever it took. Even if it meant stacking the deck a little bit in her friends favor.
Castle threw the garter and as with Lanie, everyone stepped aside and Esposito managed to end up with it. He looked at Castle and asked, "Seriously bro? Did you and the rest of the guys plan this?"
Castle laughed, "Didn't have to. None of the other guys wanted to catch it. So, when I suggested them stepping aside..."
"You're just mean. I will get you back for this. I know people."
Castle simply slapped his friend on the back and laughed.
Esposito searched out Lanie and asked, "Can you believe them?"
She shrugged and smiled, "I think it's sweet."
Esposito smiled, "Yeah. Yeah it is."
Lanie walked away. Leaving Esposito rethinking his stand on so many things. Mostly, he was thinking about how, maybe, just maybe he wanted what Castle and Beckett had found with each other. He wanted it with only one person, but he wondered if maybe, just maybe he had waited to long to realize it.
Finally, after a long day of celebrating, they were ready to leave for their honeymoon. Alexis wanted to go with them. The little girl couldn't understand why her mother and father wanted to go off without her. There had only been a handful of times that She hadn't went with her father on a trip. Castle finally promised her a very special trip when they returned.
Kate had laughed, "She has you wrapped around her little finger. You do realize that right?"
"Yeah. Since the day she was born. I'm going to be in bigger trouble when peanut is born. Three beautiful ladies in the same household. It can only be bad news for me. As well as every other man in the world."
"You need to learn to say no. To me and eventually the girls."
He shook his head, "No. See, I can do it..."
Kate laughed and rolled her eyes. The man was definitely in for a world of trouble when her daughter was born. Three women in the same household. She took his hand a squeezed softly. Then she whispered, "I love you. Even if you are completely whipped."
"Hey! I take offense to that."
"Well, if the shoe fits."
"When did you get so mean? You weren't like this before we got married."
"Oh I was. I just hid it better so that you would marry me."
"Ahhh, so your true colors come out at last."
Kate nodded and leaned over in her seat and kissed him softly on the cheek. She loved this man. And one of the things that made her love him was his big heart. He was a wonderful father and she realized that her daughter was a very lucky little girl. She also found herself hoping that their next baby was a boy. A little boy that looked just like his daddy.
Kate fell asleep with a smile on her face. She hadn't been this happy in ages and now she had a new family to call her own and nothing could make her happier...