Epilogue - Just You and I

Kate Beckett and Rick Castle did not get married that day.

The momentum dissipated a bit with the fact that they had so much to accomplish, mixed with the lowering adrenaline of the intense life and death moments they had endured. In a blink, in just a moment, when least expected, their lives nearly changed irreparably. But afterwards, what had been left behind had been forever changed, although not irreparably, instead was was altered for the better. The doubts over the apartment, second thoughts, worries over history…none of that mattered in the light of what had just occurred.

Pushing the flood of emotions, past the magnetic pull to one another after Rick sought her out at once from being released from the hellish situation in which he lost his friend, he saw her as his lifeline. There would be time to morn his friend properly, but at that moment, he needed to re-affirm life with the presence of Kate Beckett, the woman whom he already knew would hold his heart for the rest of his life.

But despite the intensity of emotions, the comforting balm of being in Kate's arms once again, and the heartfelt promise of immediate matrimony, Kate and Rick did not get married that day.

They got married the next day.

Judge Markoway met them in his chambers an hour early, before his caseload began. He was surprised, to say the least, but he had known them from the start, and it all seemed fitting. Martha, Jim, Alexis, Lanie, Espo, Ryan and Jennie were all there to witness the couple that had fought long and hard to deny their feelings, finally give into them, and make a lifelong commitment to one another.

Kate wore a simple eggshell tea length dress, her small bouquet of pale pink roses, her bracelet a heavy rope of gold and platinum; a reminder each day of how fragile life is, and how strong love can be, as well. Rick wore a basic black suit, eggshell silk shirt and a silk black necktie. They pledged their love, exchanged rings of platinum and diamonds, engraved with "Always" inside each of the bands, and promised to simply be there for each other, always.

They returned to the Hamptons again, this time though as man and wife. Before leaving the city, they had a nice wedding lunch with their family and friends, and would look at doing a real reception, and possibly a symbolic service later, if they decided to, but for now they were married, and that was enough. Like Kate explained to Rick the day before, they were bound together, their lives legally joined and no one, nothing could come between them now that they had accomplished their union. They both came to a wonderful realization that they didn't have to wait to be together until their lives were fixed and ready; they could be with one another and work as one to fix their lives, together.

There would be time for more communication, more tears and talk about the more unpleasant aspects of their lives, but for now, they were newlyweds, and their honeymoon was about to commence, and in some aspect, never really end. Rick had carried Kate over the threshold, and in that moment, all pain, all negativity was dropped off outside, because right now in this moment, they were ready to love, to make love, to explore their feelings more deeply and to just move closer together in their lives. The present lit the way to the future as they consummated their union, grew stronger together from it, and they could face any challenge and win, as long as they did so together…always.

~Finis~

And so that brings us to the end of the story. I hope you enjoyed the journey on my take of an episode of one of the most remarkable, maddening, challenging, frustrating shows of all time, the fantastic show, Castle. Till next time, folks! :)