I'm ALWAYS here

Chapter 38

All week was revolved around preparations for the wedding. Castle showed me my dress and I was absolutely thrilled because it was exactly what I wanted to have. They were long just below the knees in white color with beautiful lace. It fit me perfectly and as soon as I saw it, I fell in love with it. Alexis had a similar dress as me. But hers was pale pink. He was surprised when Martha accepted the invitation. On Friday afternoon we packed up and we went to Hamptons. That evening I even practiced my vow.
On Saturday morning I woke up early. Rick was still asleep. I didn't want to wake him up, so I went into the kitchen and I made myself a cup of tea. I sat on the couch and turned on the television. I was thinking about our future that awaited us. I felt his lips on my neck. I turned around and smiled at Rick. He sat beside me and took my hand.
"Is something wrong?" he asked softly.
"No. I was just thinking about our future and about everything that awaits us," I said and we kissed. Castle then got up and made breakfast for everyone. We all ate together and then we split into our rooms. Alexis and Martha were in my room and helped me with my hair and dress. My dad was with Rick and asked him to care of me and Johanna, to love us and never hurt us.
When we had all finished and everything was ready, I went downstairs and my dad grabbed my arm.

"You look beautiful, Katie," he said and gave me a kiss on the cheek. I thanked him and we went into the garden, where Rick and registrar were already waiting for us. Alexis and Martha stood aside and had tears in their eyes. I walked over to Rick and I stood across from him.
"Shall we begin?" asked the registrar. We both nodded and smiled at each other. I took the ring from my sleeve and slipped it to Rick's finger.
"The moment that I met you, my life became extraordinary. You taught me to be my best self, to look forward to tomorrow's adventures. And when I was vulnerable, you were strong. You helped me go through hell, but we did it because we were together. I love you, Richard Castle. And I want to live my life in the warmth of your smile and the strength of your embrace. I promise you I will love you. I will be your friend and your partner in crime and in life, Always." Rick took the ring and slipped it on my finger.

"The moment we met, my life became extraordinary. You taught me more about myself than I knew there was to learn. You are the joy in my heart. You're the last person I want to see every night when I close my eyes. I love you, Katherine Beckett. And the mystery of you is the one I want to spend the rest of my life exploring. I promise to love you,
to be your friend, and your partner in crime and life, till death do us part, and for the time of our lives."

"By the power vested in me by the state of New York, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You can kiss," said the registrar. Rick pulled me to him and kissed me. After the toast, he took me aside. He grabbed me around the waist and kissed me.
"Mrs. Castle, may I have this dance?"
"There is no music," I whispered. He took out his cell phone and our song In my veins began play. He held me close to him, and together we danced and swayed to the rhythm of the song.
"It's perfect," I whispered into his ear. He smiled at me and continued to dance. We danced most of the evening, before I began to be tired. When I got with Rick into bed, we held each other in a tight hug and we fell asleep in this position.