I got my flaws and I've got regrets

And I know there's more on the road ahead

When I wonder if I'll ever measure up

Oh, I thank God for a father's love

"And now ladies and gentleman," the DJ said as the lights started to dim and conversations quieted down. "To open up the dance floor, the father and daughter dance."

The soft strumming of a guitar filled the air as Jim and Kate moved to the center hand in hand.

"I never thought I'd see this day."

"My wedding day? Or the day I stopped being so stubborn?"

Jim chuckled, "To be honest both."

"Well, if it weren't for those two knuckle heads I don't think either would've happened."His eyes followed his, landing on Rick and Mark drinking from the mustache straws.

He noticed her glare at them didn't hold it's usual bite, bliss shining through. "He's a good man Katie."

"What's that saying? A daughter marries her father?"

His head shake almost unperceivable, "He's a better man than me."

"Everyone makes mistakes, you aren't defined by them. However, you are defined by how you handle them." He smiled proudly at her as she repeated his words back to him. "We both made mistakes and it might have taken us longer than we would have liked but in the end we owned up to them and move on. It's been almost a year since we've put everything behind us, no reason to bring it up today. But thank you, for never giving up on me."

Jim pulled his daughter in, "I would never. You are strong, and brave. Not to mention stubborn but that's what makes you fearless; always able to accomplish the impossible."

"You've always been able to see the best in me, I want be that girl."

Rick and Alexis joined the other father daughter duo on the dance floor. While usually the father daughter dance was reserved for the bride and her father, Kate and Rick wanted to acknowledge the joining of two families.

They started on the side of the dance floor, unlike Kate and Jim who were content to just sway around the dance floor; Alexis and Rick opted for a more elaborate performance, going as far as to hire a choreographer.

They took a deep breath, "You ready pumpkin?"

"What if I forget?"

He winked, "Just follow my lead."

Moving around the dance floor, they fell in sync with the beat, breezing through the steps. Applause filled the room when Castle dipped Alexis; no one noticed they stayed there a few beats too long.

"Dad!" Alexis hissed so no one else could hear, "Help me up."

"I forgot what comes next." He gritted through the smile plastered on his face.

"We have to get to the other corner soon, so we'll just spin over there."

They fell into repeating the same basic steps, "Should we do a turn?" Alexis offered, aware of the eyes on them.

Rick nodded, "Oh that would look nice!"

Fumbling through the rest of the dance just making it to the big finish in the center next to Kate and Jim.

"We are never choreographing a dance again."

"Agreed."

The couple ran through the sparkler archway created by their family and friends. Settling into the backseat of the white antique car that was waiting for them, they took in the moment of silence. They're eyes locked, hands intertwined; they're married. Eyes closed, as did the distance between their lips, moving them against each other until they pulled apart, panting for air.

His forehead rested against hers, "Hello, my wife."

Happiness radiated from her, "Hey there, husband."

Kate rested her head on his shoulder, gathering her thoughts they hadn't had a moment alone until now, she wanted to say much but didn't know where to begin.

"Thank you."

He kissed the top of head, "Always."

She smiled; of course he wouldn't question it. He's always been there for her without hesitation, ready to accept her at her worst and bring out her best.

"You accepted me into your family and not only did you accept my completely dysfunctional one, you repaired it."

"That was all you, Kate. I had nothing to do with it."

She shook her head, "You took Mark in no questions asked, helped me forgive my dad. I don't think I would've forgiven my father if weren't for you. Honestly, I know I'm not always the easiest person to get along with all the time, once I make up my mind it's impossible to change but you kept pushing and seeing your relationship with Alexis helped me realized how broken mine was with my father. It's because of you and your family that I was able to fix mine."

"You don't give yourself nearly enough credit. Yes, you can be challenging and frustrating but that's what makes you remarkable and extraordinary."

She captured his lips in hers, "I love you Mr. Castle."

"I love you Mrs. Castle."

A/N: This story is officially complete! Sorry this took so long, you can blame my wonderful beta for not getting it back to me sooner, in my defense I did finish it about a week ago. But while you are blaming her don't forget to give her a shout out for all the work she's done! Without her this story wouldn't have become what it was! Thanks escape-reader.13 for everything you've done! Also, a big thank you to everyone who stuck with this story and/or reviewed even during my period of drought. Oh, the lyrics inspired this chapter is The Girl You Think I Am by Carrie Underwood if you want to listen.