Chapter 41 – My life would suck without you

"Beckett," Kate answered curtly, too busy to care if she sounded rude.

It has been a rough few days. She got called out for a double homicide at some ungodly hour four days ago. And they're still struggling with it. She and Ryan on their own because Esposito is only coming back after the weekend. They were close to closing it, but that last piece of the puzzle was still evading them.

Where are the crazy theories when they need them?

To top it off, she's feeling a little off colour today because she only slept for about five hours... and because she and Rick had an argument about how little she is sleeping. They went to bed angry and she got up before they could talk. A carnal sin for a marriage. And to make it worse, she's feeling guilty. It's her baby's birthday in two days' time and she cannot give it her undivided attention.

So, in short, the last two weeks have been... an adjustment for everyone. To put it mildly.

"Uh, hey, Kate," Rick greeted hesitantly. "Is this a bad time?"

Great.

He probably thought she was still pissed at him. She sighed tiredly, feeling affection seeping into her being for her husband who was, at the very least, an incredibly sweet man.

"Hey, no, it's fine. I can talk, Honey," she responded, her voice flowing in gentler tones. Rick let out the breath he didn't know he was holding, a smile cracking open over his face as excitement crashed over him in waves.

"Okay, good. So, I'm here at Party Land, which by the way is huge and freakin' awesome!-"

Ah, there was the Castle she knew. A big kid in a grown man's body. Kate bit her lip to stop from laughing. He was just so damn adorable when he got excited.

"-And they've got these cute lady bug outfits. Don't you think we should get Lizzy one?"

"And embarrass her on her big day? I don't know, Castle. She might never forgive us," Kate said teasingly, grinning as she twirled a piece of her hair. She was flirting with her husband over party plans for their daughter, the previous evening's argument forgotten. He always did that - fight off the shadows lurking in her mind. He always made it light.

"Oh come on, Babe! She would look so adorable! Can you just imagine?"

Actually, she could. And yes, he was right, her daughter would be completely adorable in such a silly outfit.

Awwww.

She felt a little painful tug at her heart strings because she wasn't there with him, picking out an adorable outfit for their adorable daughter. She was standing outside the morgue waiting to look at the mangled bodies of the victims again. She was surprised about how much that affected her, how much it stung.

"Alright, go ahead. After all, you're in charge of this shindig, Daddy." He was of course because she wasn't there. She wasn't there when Lizzy gave her first independent steps last week. She wasn't there when she fell and hit her head the other day. Hell, she wasn't even there to help plan her baby's-

No. No, no, no. She didn't want to go down this rabbit hole again. Her daughter was fine, she didn't lack in anything. She was healthy and happy and loved. She was fine.

But was her mother?

Rick could hear the guilt in her voice, the apology in the roll of her tongue. She didn't need to feel guilty or to apologize. But this was Kate. And she wasn't Kate if she wasn't stubborn.

He sighed. "Kate..."

There was a moment of silence on the other end. "I know, I know," she said softly, almost meekly.

It broke his heart.

"Honey, we've talked about this. You have been helping me. We have been doing this together."

"Yeah, but you're the one who's-"

"-Who's shopping for a cute outfit for our daughter while her mother is out there risking her life to try and create a better one for her little girl."

Oh. Oh, wow.

"Please Kate, stop beating yourself up about this," he said, his voice low and soothing. Comforting. "It's not helping anyone, okay?"

"Okay," she breathed quietly, feeling the weight on her chest ease slightly.

"Good. Let Daddy handle this."

She laughed, her eyes sparkling, the sound sprinkled with loveliness. It wrapped around his heart, the ringing of her delight. He was proud of that because the joy was because of him, because of what he did to, for her.

He made her happy.

"I love you," Kate said suddenly, the words bubbling out, her heart in her voice and words.

He smiled with his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Love you too."

There were a few beats of silence.

"So, did you get the balloons?"

He grinned. "Yeah and party hats."

Oh, Castle.

She smiled and shook her head. "I bet you did."

"Oh, and I also got her another big teddy bear. A white, smiling one with a cute bow tie. Who, thank God, doesn't sing."

He always did this. He always gave more than was asked, than was needed. He always gave more of himself.

She loved him for it.

"Ri-ick," she admonished on a laugh. "She's already got like hundreds of teddy bears. And we got her birthday presents. Remember?"

They had bought her a pink rocking pony - who could sing songs, unfortunately - because their daughter was completely obsessed and in love with ponies. Rick made a promise to buy her a real one once she was old enough to ride on it.

He still had to convince his wife of that particular idea.

In addition to the rocking pony, Lizzy also got a whole stack of books (mostly Dr. Seuss) and classic children's movies that her daddy was going to enjoy with her.

"Yeah, yeah. I just... I want to spoil her. It's her birthday after all."

"I know, Honey, but she's only turning one. She's still going to have many more. We don't want to spoil her too much."

He sighed despondently. "Yeah, I know. But I already compromised on this."

Kate bit back her laugh; she could practically hear the pout in his voice. "Compromised? How so, Mr. Castle?"

"Well, I didn't buy her a puppy."

[][][]

He was handsome, even more so in person. Especially when he smiled. She was almost tempted to walk up to him where he was standing in the aisle, picking out what seemed like some sort of outfit. He was talking on the phone with someone and laughing. She wondered who-

Kate. She heard him say Kate. Her stomach twisted. God, she hated that woman. Kate Beckett was all wrong for him. Couldn't he see it? He was left to play Mr. Mom while she was out gallivanting. Why didn't he see her? She was right here, with him. She was helping him, making sure that he was safe, that he had everything that he needed.

She loved him.

Not like that stupid bitch who left him alone with her brat all day while she was out playing cops and robbers. Kate Beckett didn't deserve him.

She did.

She was going to prove to him that she was worthy of him, that he had made a mistake. She was his soul mate, she knew because he told her that. He was always writing her secret messages in his books. Even in the dedications. Those weren't meant for Kate, they were meant for her.

Because he loved her.

[][][]

"Honey, I'm home!" She was in a good mood. They finally closed the double homicide by that afternoon and got the paperwork done before six. She got to be home with her family, she got to see her little girl, spend some quality time with her husband.

"Hey, we're in here," he called out.

Kate frowned and shrugged off her coat and walked towards the office from where she heard his voice.

"Hey, what are you-"

She stopped abruptly when Alexis appeared from behind her father with Lizzy in her arms.

"Alexis!" Kate exclaimed, her beautiful features transforming into a wide smile, lighting up her whole face. She greeted the young woman with a fierce hug, Lizzy in between them.

"What are you doing here? I thought you were only coming tomorrow."

Alexis beamed at her. "Well, I couldn't wait any longer. I wanted to see you guys and come party with my little sis," she said, tickling Lizzy's side causing the little girl to succumb to shrieking giggles.

Kate laughed and wrapped her two girls in another tight hug. "I'm so glad you're here," she whispered. "We've missed you."

Rick cleared his throat, making his presence known. "May I also join the family group hug? Or does this one only include the female members of our clan?"

Kate turned her head towards to her smiling husband who was leaning against the desk, watching them with soft, affectionate eyes. She grinned at him and opened an arm to him. He practically jogged over to them, pressing all of his girls to his chest.

"Grroouuuppp huuggg!"

Kate huffed out a laugh. "Castle, you're crushing me."

He kissed the side of her head, nuzzling her hair. "Shhh, no talking during group hugging."

"Uh, Dad, you're kinda crushing me too," Alexis said. "And also remember I'm holding the tiny human here."

He sighed. "Fiiiiine." He loosened his hold on Kate and dropped his arm from his daughter's shoulders who was still holding a babbling Lizzy.

"Hey baby girl," Kate said, brushing a hand over her daughter's head and kissing each of her cheeks. "I missed you today," she continued, stroking Lizzy's soft, curly hair while the little girl gave her mother a large, adorable smile.

"Is she the only one you missed today?" Rick asked with a quirked eyebrow.

She shared an eye roll with Alexis before glancing back at her daughter and quickly sticking her tongue out, making a face at the little girl. Lizzy cackled loudly in delight. She loved it when her mother made silly faces.

Mommy was the best.

"No, Castle. I didn't just miss her," Kate said turning around, a playful glint in her eyes. He grinned, cocky and confident, while pulling her closer. "I also missed Reggie the doorman terribly."

His smile fell while Kate and Alexis shared a high five, laughing at the expense of the only male in the family. To add insult to injury, his youngest was giggling as well.

"Oh, ha ha. It's good to know where your loyalties lie, dear daughters," he grumbled, pointing a finger at his offspring. One amused, the other one blissfully ignorant and much more interested in sucking on her big sister's necklace. He turned his attention to Kate. "And you. You've turned them against me."

She slapped his hand away. "Please, there was no need. I've always had them on my side."

He looked at his daughters in mock horror, again pointing an accusatory finger at them. "Traitors!"

Alexis rolled her eyes and shook her head. "Come on Lizzy Bug, let's go put on your pajamas." She stopped at the door. "Hey, should I order us some pizza or something?"

"Yeah, thanks, Lex, that would be great. I'm starving," Kate answered.

"Okay, cool. So, I'm going to order pizza and then go and change Lizzy." She glanced between them, her expression turning serious and stern. "Now please behave yourselves while we're gone."

"Yes Ma'am," Rick quipped with a mock salute.

Kate laughed. "I'll try my best, but can't make any promises for him," she said, jerking a thumb in her husband's direction. Alexis left with Lizzy, her laughter ringing out throughout the loft.

When Kate turned back to her husband, he was still sulking. She sighed. "What is it, Castle?"

He pouted. "You haven't kissed me yet."

She rolled her eyes again. "You're such a child." She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him hello - she was thorough in her exploration of his mouth, reacquainting herself with the movements of his tongue, languid in her appraisal of his soft lips.

She loved kissing him hello.

"Well, hello there, Mrs. Castle," he murmured against her mouth. "Miss me?"

"You have no idea," she breathed, her mouth sizzling against his, her words molten in his mouth. Her lithe body like liquid heat burning against his. He cupped the back of her skull and kissed her with abandon, his other hand darting downwards to pull her flush against him. They made out like a couple of teenagers for a few minutes.

A couple of frisky teenagers.

Kate choked on a wave of desire when he left her mouth and moved to her jaw and neck; nipping and sucking at her skin.

Marking her.

She wanted to do dirty things to him. She wanted to rip his clothes off, clear his desk and proceed to-

But then she heard Alexis' voice and Lizzy's babbling getting closer.

Shit.

"Castle." It was meant to be a warning. It sounded like a breathless, pleading whimper that sent a jolt of arousal straight to his groin. He grunted his approval, his hips insistently and instinctively rocking against hers, picking up speed. She had to resist the moan of pleasure that wanted to escape.

He was just so, so good at this. At loving her. At making love to her.

"Castle... T-the kids." He wanted laugh at her choice of her words and point out that Alexis was not a kid anymore. But he was much rather interested in getting rid of her shirt.

"Rick," she said firmly, finally pulling away from his grasp. Panting, heart pounding, mouth swollen, eyes wide and dark and feral as she worked to close the few buttons he had managed to open. He could see her pink, lacy bra.

Holy hotness.

"Later," she promised, her voice dark and husky. Her bedroom voice, the voice he heard gasping wordlessly in is ear while her nails dug into his back, while her body arched against his and just before she-

"Hey guys, are you done making out in there?" Alexis called from the living room.

Kate let out a startled laugh and dropped her head to his collarbone. Rick just groaned.

"We're coming, Lex," Kate called out after a moment.

"In more ways than one," Rick muttered, his hands itching to grope something, his eyes dark and dilated.

It's been a lean two weeks.

She bit her lip and watched him from beneath her lashes, leaning up to whisper promises into his ear. Hot and heavy. "Later, Stud. I'm not on call this weekend. So, I'm yours... All. Night. Long," she purred before sucking on his earlobe causing every last drop of blood in his quivering, needy body to rush south.

Holy shit.

He dropped his head and closed his eyes, trying to control his breathing, his erratic heartbeat, every throbbing pulse of desire. The primal urge to rip her clothes off and take her on the desk or any other surface for that matter. He would never, ever win this game. Not that he minded. But, damn, she always got him to unravel so easily.

He loved her for it.

When Rick looked up again, she was standing at the door and watching him with a smirk.

"I'll just... give you a few minutes," Kate said, pointedly glancing at his pants.

He narrowed his eyes at her, stopping himself from chasing after her. "Katherine Castle, I'm gonna make you pay." She resisted the shiver that ran down her spine at the dangerous, gruff tones flooding his voice. At the way he wanted her so completely, the way his body burned for her, the way his eyes slowly perused her - hungry and commanding and all-consuming.

Like a predator. A sexy predator.

Oh, she wanted him. Badly. But Rick Castle didn't need to know how much he affected her.

So she resorted to her age-old weapon of choice: teasing. And it worked.

Every. Delicious. Time.

Her grin grew wicked. "I'm looking forward to it, Mr. Castle. So very, very much."

He growled - literally growled - and stepped towards her. She laughed and darted out the door, infinitely pleased by her womanly guile to turn her husband into horny teenager who was unable to control himself.

Ah, victory was sweet.

[][][]

I'm gonna start a fire

You're gonna feel the heat

I'm gonna burn for you

You're gonna melt for me

Come on, Come on in to my arms

Come on, Come on

Give in to me

The title at the beginning is the Kelly Clarkson song of the same title and the lyrics at the end is from a lovely Faith Hill song, "Give in to Me".

Chapter 40 – Come and find me

"Morning Perlmutter," Kate greeted the grumpy ME who glanced up in surprise. Lanie and Esposito were still on their honeymoon, so for next couple of weeks the homicide division of the 12th precinct would have the privilege of working with the delightful Dr. Perlmutter.

It was going to be bliss.

He huffed. "Well, well, well. Look who finally decided to grace us with her presence. Welcome back, Beckett. Had enough of playing house with Castle?" He said with a smile, an actual smile. Or maybe rather a smirk.

Perlmutter rarely smiled.

He was always a bit of a douche, but, at least he was an excellent Medical Examiner.

Kate only rolled her eyes and gave him a tight-lipped smile. "No. Why? You miss me?" She shot back.

"Didn't even know you were gone," he replied, his eyes laughing. Even the grumpy ME couldn't deny it – they all had missed her, the 12th precinct's finest (and most attractive) homicide detective.

Most even missed her shadow, her partner. Perlmutter was not one of them.

"I'm glad to see you so excited about having me back, thanks," she shot back sarcastically. He only shook his head and tried not to smile. He went back to examining the body and Kate's attention became fixed on the victim, a young girl in her twenties. She couldn't help but think about Alexis and about calling her the moment she got the opportunity.

Detective Kate Beckett steeled herself and took a breath, putting her armor in place.

She was ready to do this again.

"Alright. What do you have for me?"

[][][]

"Are you having fun, baby girl?" Lizzy shrieked and giggled in response, her small feet kicking into Rick's chest. He was crouched in front of her, gently and slowly pushing her on a swing. She was completely obsessed with swings and even though Mommy didn't like it too much, Daddy occasionally indulged his baby girl. Today, Rick decided that taking her out for some fresh air and playing in the park would be good… and distracting. It was kinda depressing at home without Kate.

But they were going to surprise Mommy with lunch later on.

He was snapped out of his thoughts when a small blur of human limbs launched into the adjacent swing next to them, startling Lizzy.

"Momma!" A young boy of about four with way too much energy and dark spiky hair yelled as he pushed off the ground and started to propel himself forward. "Watch how high I can goes!" He was all vigorous concentration, complete with his tongue peeking out of his mouth and a cutely furrowed brow as he moved back and forth, trying to go higher. Lizzy leaned forward to watch, her little mouth open, totally in awe of the heights the boy was able to achieve.

He was a friggin' rock star.

"Joshua! Get back here!" The boy's mother yelled, jogging towards the swings and looking completely haggard. Rick watched in amusement as the short, petite Soccer Mom-type quietly scolded her son for running off like that. She grabbed his arm and pulled the whining and protesting youngster off the swing.

"But I wanna swing, Mommy!" He all but sobbed, trying to get out of her grasp and getting very close to throwing a tantrum.

"I said no. We're going home now," she hissed, red in the face from exertion and anger. She became aware of Rick and Lizzy and shot the writer an apologetic and sheepish smile. He returned a lopsided one and gave her a slight nod. With that, Joshua and his mother walked off, more like he was dragged away by her.

Rick just shook his head in amusement, suddenly very thankful that he had a daughter and not a mini Rick Castle running around. Now, that kid would be the personification of a sugar rush. Well, Kate had on occasion said that she wouldn't mind having a little Rick running around. He could just imagine it. A boy to wrestle with, to play video games with, to do manly stuff with. He loves his girls – they're the best – but he's kinda outnumbered and having a boy-

Whoa. Hold up. The baby factory is closed for production. For now. Well, at least for the next few years. Hopefully not too long, because he would like Lizzy to have someone to play with and just to see Kate pregnant again because she's never been more beautiful-

O-kay. Time to go. Damn, his wife hasn't been back at work for more than four hours and he's already daydreaming about another baby.

Sheesh. He's such a girl.

Lizzy clapped her small hands and grinned at him, complete with about four baby teeth. She was too cute for her own good and had Daddy wrapped around her little finger.

Not that he minded. On the contrary.

He smiled at his adorable daughter, the spitting image of her mother, except for her eyes.

That was all him.

He adjusted her pink cap and tapped her lightly on the nose, making the little girl giggle even more. Rick lifted her out of the swing, cursing the way his knees popped when he stood up. He was getting old. It was depressing.

"C'mon, Sweet Pea." He hugged and kissed her before glancing at his watch. "Time to go and surprise Mommy."

Rick was so enamored by the babbling little human being in his arms that he didn't notice the woman in the shadows watching him like a hawk, snapping pictures of them, of his daughter.

She had been doing this for more than three weeks already because-

she and Richard Castle belonged together.

He was the love of her life. She just knew it. Knew it when they locked eyes, the way he talked with her about the book, the way he smiled at her when he signed his name.

There was only one problem, one obstacle.

Kate Beckett.

[][][]

"Oh come on, Tate! You knew where she would be, you knew her routine." Despite being out of the game for a long time, Kate took to interrogation like a fish to water; she was back on the proverbial bicycle and loving it.

Especially when the suspect was about to break.

The thirty-something man who was confident and cocky and all talk when they started about fifteen minutes ago had been reduced to a sweating, nervous wreck.

He was about to confess. She could feel-

"I- I want a lawyer. I'm not saying anything further. I- I'm done talking with you, Detective."

Shit.

"Fine. You do that, Tate, because believe me, you're gonna need a lawyer, a very good one." With that, she turned and left, shutting the door with a little more force than needed.

Damn.

"So?" Montgomery inquired when she emerged.

"He lawyered up. But I think we got him on DNA." Kate sighed and pulled a hand through her hair, feeling the beginnings of a headache at the base of her skull.

Great.

"Alright, good. Keep me posted, Beckett," the captain said, walking off. He came to a stop and turned back to her. "And Detective?"

Kate's brow furrowed. "Yes Sir?"

He smiled. "I'm glad to have you back."

She returned a small one herself. "It's good to be back." Even though she missed her baby terribly. She glanced at her watch, deciding whether to go for lunch or just to-

"Hey, Castle! Long time no see."

Kate whipped around, surprised and delighted to see her handsome and grinning husband greet all the familiar faces. Their daughter – her baby girl – was glancing around curiously at everyone who was cooing over her like a bunch of aunts and uncles. Kate smiled, beaming and bright, her heart breaking open with affection and softness and tenderness. All the things that she had to put away when she put on that badge and holstered her gun.

Apparently all it took for her to become a puddle of mush was a pudgy, smiling little baby. Apparently that was all it took for a whole precinct full of tough cops to go all mushy and soft.

It was adorable seeing tough, manly cops making funny faces to entertain an almost one-year old.

When Rick spotted her, his grin widened, eyes twinkling. She loved that, loved him for being such a sweetheart. He walked towards his wife, Lizzy in her pram holding out her arms for Mommy, her little hands opening and closing with impatience, with need.

She wanted her mom.

Kate laughed, her chest feeling lighter at the sight of her daughter. "Hey baby," she said softly, lifting her baby out of the pram. Lizzy surprised her by wrapping her small arms around Kate's neck and burrowing into her mother.

Well, at least Kate wasn't the only one who was experiencing a little bit of separation anxiety.

She glanced at Rick, unable to shake off her smile. "What are you doing here?"

He stepped forward and kissed her in greeting, a soft hello. She loved those kisses. "We wanted to surprise you for lunch," he said with a shrug. "It's kinda lonely without you."

Oh, he was looking at her with those adorable puppy-dog eyes.

"I miss you too," she said softly, squeezing his hand before releasing it. She turned and walked off to the break room, carrying her daughter with her husband following, greeting people as he went.

She felt all warm and fuzzy; the frustration of not getting a confession a thing of the past. "So what did you get? Please tell me it's Chinese. I'm starving!"

He grinned and pulled out the bag from her favourite Chinese take-away. "Why do you ever doubt me, Detective?"

"Oh, Richard Castle, I love you," she breathed, adjusting her hold on Lizzy.

He chuckled and started to take out their food as well as Lizzy's lunch. "Right back at you, Mrs. Castle." They sat down as they have done so many times before in the years gone by.

"So, tell me, how's the case going?"

Always partners.

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It was past seven when she walked through the door, tired but satisfied. They got their man. He had slipped up with disposing his bloody clothes and the murder weapon.

The savvy lawyer couldn't save him.

Kate removed her jacket and kicked off her shoes, her brow furrowing at the absence of her husband and daughter.

"Rick?"

She made her way upstairs and heard the low rumblings of his rich voice. She stopped at the nursery, the door slightly ajar. She quietly peeked inside, seeing the outline of his figure, his broad shoulders in the dim light. Her chest felt tight as she watched, listened to soothing voice of her husband. She loved listening to him, listening to him being a father to their daughter. She loves it when he's being a smart-ass, all twinkly eyes and amused smiles and dirty innuendo. Everything about him. Every role he fulfills. When he's being a nine-year-old on a sugar-rush or her favourite author or a man who would recreate the world in order to protect her, their family.

But she loves him the most when he's being a father, when he gently brushes a large hand over their baby's small skull like he's doing right now, when his face softens in affection whenever he sees his girls, the way he wants to carry their burdens.

They way he gives them the world.

She wanted to be part of that, wanted to bask in the warmth of his love. Everyday, always.

"Hey," Kate said softly, stepping inside, her toes curling against the soft fabric of the carpet.

Rick turned at the sound of her voice and smiled. "Hey," he greeted, his face decorated with gentleness, tender and beautiful.

Her heart pounded as she watched him; his blue eyes warm embers, his mouth her fire, his arms her resting place, his body her home. It suddenly hit her - how much she loved him. How much she was hopelessly in love with him, this man.

The father of her child.

She swallowed and stepped towards where he was sitting in the rocking chair, a children's book open in his lap. A Dr. Suess book. Kate wasn't sure whether it was one he bought especially for Lizzy or whether it was one of his own. She wouldn't be surprised if it was the latter. He was essentially a little boy trapped in a grown man's body.

Well, not always...

"She asleep?" Kate asked, peering into the crib where Lizzy was lying. Long, dark lashes were feathered against her soft, pale skin; her curly hair fell over her forehead and around her cheeks; her pretty, pink mouth was slightly open as she breathed.

She was beautiful.

Rick wrapped an arm around his wife's waist and pulled her down into his lap, holding her close and resting his chin on her shoulder. For a few minutes they sat in silence, just watching their daughter sleep.

"You tired?" He asked after a while, planting a kiss against her hair.

"Mm, not too much." Kate relaxed further into him and sighed. Another few moments passed. "I missed you guys today," she murmured.

He laughed quietly, kissing her cheek. "Same here, Mrs. Castle."

She turned to face him, quirking an eyebrow. "What? Not Detective now?"

He smiled and shook his head, cupping the back of her head. "No. Not here. Here you are Lizzy's mom." He pulled her towards him, kissing her softly, briefly, delicately. Like waiting for a flower to open up. "And my wife." He kissed her again, a little longer, a little more insistent. When he pulled back, Kate saw that unmistakable Castle glint in his eyes. "And my really, really hot sex-kitten."

She slapped a hand against his chest, fighting the smile tugging at her lips. "You're not getting lucky tonight, Castle."

Of course he was.

She got up and kissed her daughter goodnight. Rick followed her, murmuring a sweet goodnight to his baby girl and switched off the light as they went.

"Oh come on, Babe." He wrapped his arms around her from behind once they were out of the nursery, walking them (rather awkwardly) towards their bedroom. "I haven't seen you all day."

She grinned. "Liar. You brought me lunch."

He flipped them around, crowding her against the door. "Yeah, but I wanted to do so, so much more," he said against her skin, placing hot, wet open-mouthed kisses in her neck.

She slowly dragged a long leg up, wrapping it around his one and pressing her hips against him insistently. He growled in response and attacked the buttons of her shirt with gusto.

She loved it when he got impatient.

"Well, I'm here now, Mr. Castle. And I'm all yours."

[][][]

If I could trace the lines that ran

Between your smile and your sleight of hand

I would guess that you put something up my sleeve

Now every time I see your face the bells ring in a far-off place

We can find each other this way I believe

Title and lyrics at the end is from the beautiful Josh Ritter song, "Come and find me".

Hey I'm Back!...For Now

So I have finally had time to start posting again and I'm so excited! I hope all of you had a great winter break and have a Happy New Year. So CASTLE has gone on hiatus so that really sucks :( I hope they come back soon. For those who may also watch Rizzoli&Isles, how was that season finale! When Jane shot Maura's Dad I completely had the :O face. Now THAT was a game changer (I hope he's okay I liked him).  Anyway they won't be back until next summer so from now on Rizzoli&Isles has become irrelevant. In the meantime I will try to post more often; also I will most likely end up throwing in a few one-shots in between the Mr&Mrs series. I have midterms coming up soon so I may not be able to post as frequently. But I promise my alter-ego will force me to.  So until next time much love. *Internet hugs and kisses*  

Chapter 39 – Mama Bear

"Babe."

She groaned and turned over, pulling a pillow over her head. "Just five minutes more," Kate mumbled sleepily.

Rick laughed lightly before removing the pillow over her head. "That's what you said five minutes ago." He kissed her. "Now I would love it if you could stay in bed-" he planted a kiss on her jaw while pinning her arms above her head. "-and continue this line of investigation-" She barked out a laugh, a little throaty and breathless. He had the ability to turn her into a horny teenager with a flick of his tongue and a touch of his lips.

A very horny one.

"-because, believe me, there is nothing more rewarding in the morning than you, naked…and moaning…and all kinds of sexy," he said, punctuating every phrase with a lingering kiss. "-underneath or on top of me-" he wiggled his eyebrows. He kissed her again and then was suddenly gone. "But… today is your first day back and you need to get up now so that I have time to feed you before you go chasing down criminals in those ridiculous shoes of-"

Before he could finish, Kate sat up and roughly pulled him towards her, their mouths clashing, her hands traveling. He gasped when she moved a hand down to the waistband of his boxers, easily slipping inside. But before he could enjoy it, she was up and away, leaving her husband breathless and panting and wanting more, so much more.

"That was firstly, for being a tease and secondly, for disrespecting my shoes," Kate said with a satisfied smirk, feeling victorious at the dumbfounded and highly aroused expression on her sexy hubby's face. She stood at the bathroom door and pulled off her shirt, just to torture him some more. He deserved it. "And nobody disrespects my shoes, Castle." She threw her shirt right into his slack-jawed face. "You of all people should know that." With that, she disappeared into the bathroom, locking the door. Her grin widened when she heard his loud groan on the other side. Yeah, she would have enjoyed conserving water with him. So, so much.

But, unfortunately, there was no time for early-morning hanky-panky now.

She was going back to work today.

And leaving her baby girl behind.

[][][]

"Barney is a dinosaur from our imagination..."

Little Lizzy, still sleepy and in her jammies, was sitting on the carpet while watching the purple dinosaur dance around, clutching Snuggles close to her chest and sucking on her pacifier. Usually at 6h30, she was still asleep, but when she heard the commotion downstairs she was wide awake. Small little ears and the things they hear.

Something was definitely going on - she just knew it.

"Hey, Rick, have you seen my keys?"

At the sound of her mother's voice, Lizzy squealed and kicked her little legs before turning around crawling over to Kate on all fours, leaving Snuggles behind.

Mommy trumped Snuggles every time.

"Uh, no. Sorry, Babe."

The little girl made it to her mother and immediately grabbed onto one of Kate's grey dress pant-clad legs, dragging herself into a standing position. Over the last couple of weeks or so, she had started standing on her own and giving small steps, getting closer and closer to actually walking.

Her parents were beyond proud.

"Oh, hi baby girl," Kate said with a beaming smile, bending down and scooping her daughter up. "What are you doing up, Cupcake?" Lizzy answered by tiredly rubbing her eyes and then dropping her head against her mother's collarbone, snuggling closer, a small baby hand instinctively starting to fiddle with a strand of Kate's hair. She always did that when she was sleepy.

Oh, sweet baby girl.

Her heart kinda melted as she watched her daughter, dark hair and delicate face, struggling to keep her eyes open as she clung to her mother. When she looked up, her husband was watching them with a soft, goofy smile, his hair flopping over his forehead, a dry towel draped over his shoulder. One damn fine daddy.

Mmmm. He was simply scrumptious in only his boxers and navy blue NYPD t-shirt.

Yum.

"Was she awake when you came down?" Kate asked, settling onto a chair with her baby girl still clinging to her.

"I think so. I heard her whine on the baby monitor," Rick answered, sliding a cup of coffee in front of her, leaning across the counter to peck her on the cheek. She smiled at him while adjusting Lizzy in her arms, still cradling the little girl against her chest.

"She must still be tired," Kate murmured, tracing a finger over her baby's cheek and cupping her skull tenderly.

"You want me to take her back to bed while you eat?"

Kate continued to watch her daughter, taking in every detail. "Uh, no. I just want... to hold her for few more minutes. Before I have to go," she answered softly, her focus still on her baby girl.

He nodded, understanding all too well. "Sure." He paused for a moment, drinking in the sight of his wife being a mother to his child. His chest always felt tight when he saw her like this; tender and soft and motherly. He loves bad-ass Beckett, being all hot in her high heels and with a gun, but he loves her the most when she loves his kids, his daughters.

When she's being a mother.

And she's a good one. A beautiful one. A complete natural.

[][][]

A week ago...

"Hey Lex," Kate answered with a grin, holding on to a squirming and shrieking Lizzy. She and Mommy were playing on the ground when her big sister called.

There was a moment of silence and then sniffling. The smile immediately dropped from Kate's face. "Lex?"

"Hi," the younger woman answered quietly, morosely.

Uh-oh. That sounded a hellavu lot like heartbreak.

Kate sighed and put her busy-body almost-one-year-old on the ground, immediately letting the little rascal scamper off to the study where her father was busy writing.

She wanted someone to play with. And Daddy was the best to climb on top of.

"Honey, what's wrong?" Kate asked, sitting down and getting comfortable. This was going to be one of those conversations, she feared.

Alexis sniffled again. "Just... everything," she said, tears in her voice. There was a beat. "Craig said that we had to take a break. But of course it means that it's over, right?"

Oh.

"Oh, Alexis," Kate breathed, feeling her chest constricting painfully. Alexis and Craig have been dating for the last ten months and he seemed to be the perfect guy for her. Kate liked him, even though Rick had his doubts. Alexis was his little girl, so no guy would ever really be good enough. But Craig was a good guy - smart, handsome, sweet. And it seemed that they worked.

Guess not.

The tears were flowing freely now. "But, I don't know, Kate. I think there may be someone else."

What now?

Kate immediately sat up, feeling anger swiftly rising because anyone who harmed Alexis Castle would endure the wrath of Detective Kate Beckett-Castle.

Or Mama Bear as she was affectionately dubbed by her husband.

"Why do you say that, Lex?" Calm down, look at the evidence, maybe there has been a mistake-

"There's this girl who's also doing a Masters in Sociology who he has been hanging out with a lot lately," the young woman answered. "They've gone for coffee a few times. And they talk constantly. Messaging each other or e-mailing or calling each other. We actually fought about it a few times."

Oh, hell no.

Kate sighed and pulled her legs up onto the couch, getting comfortable and feeling the urge to eat a whole carton of Ben and Jerry's. "Honey, I'm so sorry."

Alexis was crying again. "I... was really in love with him, you know? I... I thought that maybe he could be, you know, the one." Oh man. "I feel so stupid, Kate," Alexis sobbed.

Sonofabitch.

"Alexis," Kate said, her voice tender, but firm. "Honey, listen to me. You're young... and beautiful... and crazy smart. And if Craig doesn't know that or doesn't appreciate that... then, well, it's his loss, believe me. I know it hurts, Sweetie, but it will get better, okay? I promise you that at least. Not right away. But it will."

"It just doesn't feel like it will. This is even worse than Ashley."

"I know, I know." There was a moment of silence. "You want me and your dad and Lizzy to come over, do something fun? Like laugh at your dad on ice skates. I swear there is nothing more ridiculous than that man trying to walk on ice. He has the grace of an elephant."

That got a watery laugh out of Alexis, making Kate smile. "Uh, no. Thanks for the offer, though. I feel better now after I've talked with you. I always do... Thanks Kate," she said. "I love you."

Kate's breath hitched, her throat burning and her eyes feeling suspiciously moist. "Love you too, Lex. So, so much," she replied softly, not caring that her voice cracked. "And hey, if you need me to come over there with my gun and scare-"

Alexis laughed again and the painful pressure on Kate's heart lifted even more. "No thanks. Dad is bad enough... and he's not even the one with the gun."

"Well, I could always let Ryan and Esposito drive out there and take Craig in for questioning."

Asshole.

"I'll keep that in mind," Alexis answered softly, her voice lighter and little brighter.

Kate swallowed again. "I'm always here, you know that right?"

"Yeah, I know... Look, I have to go meet some people-"

"-For post-break-up-therapy?" Kate questioned knowingly, her lips quirking.

Alexis grinned, her tears dried up. "Yeah, something like that. Good thing I'm over twenty-one."

Kate laughed lightly. Ah, varsity. Good times. "Be careful, okay? And Lex?

"Yeah?"

"We love you."

"I know. Love you too, Mom... Bye."

"Bye," Kate greeted, slightly startled.

Holy-

Mom? Oh wow.

She was still staring at the phone when a small head of curly dark hair popped up just above the couch, a little smiling face looking up at her with twinkling blue eyes.

So much like Daddy.

Kate smiled and lifted her daughter into her arms. "Hey there, Cupcake." She spotted her husband leaning, arms folded, against the door frame. He was wearing that tender expression whenever he was watching her being motherly.

Her brow furrowed. "What?"

He pushed off the door frame and walked towards them. "Nothing." He sat down beside her, immediately pulling his wife against him with Lizzy in between them. He rubbed a hand down her arm, his eyes on their daughter who was snuggled against her mother's chest. "Just... that with Alexis. What you did... was just...," he trailed off, his throat constricting as he combed his hand through her hair.

Her frown deepened. "What?"

He looked at her, eyes brilliant and blue and adoring. "You are an amazing mother, Kate, and my daughters are the luckiest girls to have you." He kissed her, thankful and sweet and just because he couldn't stop himself any longer. He pulled back, his hand still at her cheek, rubbing a thumb over her cheekbone. After a few moments, he leaned forward again, his grinning mouth now against her ear.

"And I'm the luckiest bastard on the planet to have you to make babies with."

[][][]

"Okay, I really need to go," Kate said, checking her watch. A few moments went by with her still rooted at her spot on the stool, watching Rick feed their daughter. Both daughter and daddy had food stains all over them already.

Go figure.

Kate's shoulders sagged as she thought about all the things she was going to miss out on. She was completely torn - one the one hand, each time her baby girl smiled or giggled or just looked at her, she wanted to call Montgomery and just quit on the spot. On the other hand, however, she was excited about going back to work, to feel the rush of the chase, the thrill of putting the pieces together, the satisfaction of giving loved-ones closure and putting murderers behind bars.

It was gonna take some juggling to find a balance.

Rick glanced at her, puzzled. "I thought you were leaving," he said, his lips quirking as he lifted Lizzy out of her booster seat.

Kate sighed. "Yeah, I am. I just..."

"The first day is the hardest. It will get better, Babe."

She just nodded, keeping her eyes on the car keys in her hands.

He stepped closer and lifted her chin so that she could meet his eyes. "We'll still be here when you get back, Detective. I promise." Kate laughed, her eyes a little wetter than usual.

Finally she stood up and took a breath. She kissed her baby girl, who was still blissfully ignorant about what was going on. "Bye baby, Mommy loves you so much. I'll see you later," Kate said brushing a hand over her daughter's head and over her soft cheek. She then turned to her husband and leaned in for a goodbye kiss, tongue and heat; she would have to get used to those kisses again. Not her favourite by a long shot.

"Bye. I love you."

He smiled at her. "Love you too. Now go catch some bad guys, Detective."

[][][]

If we never found this love

If we never took that road

If we hadn't had the heart

We wouldn't have this home

Love, love will take you

Love, love will take you there

The lyrics at the end is from Angus and Julia Stone's lovely song, "Love will take you".

Chapter 38 - Your Love is My Turning Page

"Well, we will probably be there in thirty or forty minutes…" Rick grinned upon hearing his mother's animated gushing about how adorable her granddaughter was. "Is she asleep?" He laughed lightly at his mother relieved answer. The flamboyant Martha Rodgers trying to get a baby to sleep? That should be interesting to witness. She probably sang show tunes. "Yes, well, that ought to put her out…" Show tunes it was then. He paused to listen to her question, leaning against the bar and spotting his wife on the dance floor with an awkward-looking teenage boy.

Ah, another fan. Go figure.

"No, she's dancing with a young admirer right now who's completely in awe of course," Rick answered with a soft smile, watching his wife dance with one of Esposito's nephews. A fourteen year-old boy who's been in love with Kate ever since she first smiled at him when he was about six years old and visiting Uncle Javi at the precinct. Judging by the dreamy expression on the boy's face and the fact that Kate had to make sure that his hands did not stray from her waist, the teenager was clearly still smitten.

Who could blame him?

Especially when she was smiling at him like that. Like he was the only person in the world. Yeah, it was official: Ruben Esposito was ruined for all other women.

His mother's inquiry about the wedding dragged him out of his thoughts. "Beautiful, it was really beautiful… Esposito teared up a bit during his speech. And there was nearly a cat-fight about the bouquet which was quite entertaining." He caught sight of Kate again who was still busy charming the lovesick teenager.

Rick paused to listen to his mother and laughed, shaking his head. "No, Mother, there was no repeat performance. That was a once in a lifetime event."

Elvis was definitely not in this building...

[][][]

He had been planning this for a long time and of course Ryan and Esposito were obligated to assist him on this mission. They lost a bet, after all. His bride would either be amused and charmed or annoyed and embarrassed.

He was going with amused and charmed. He was her amusing, charming and ruggedly handsome husband after all.

And it was their wedding day.

"Okay guys, Pete has everything set up. You ready?" He could barely contain his excitement, bouncing on his toes.

The other two looked completely miserable. And a little pissed off. But whatever, he didn't care. It was his wedding day and they lost a bet.

That would teach them not to challenge the king of Madden.

"Castle, do we really have to do this?" Ryan whined, frowning furiously.

Esposito nodded, his face grim. "Yeah, Bro. C'mon, can't we settle this bet any other-"

Rick grinned. "No. A win is a win, Espo. Ryan, turn that frown upside down. And smile gentlemen, we're almost up."

Ryan glared at him, wishing he had his gun with him. "I hate you, man. You're gonna pay for this."

The frown on Esposito's face got deeper, cursing in Spanish as he led Ryan away.

Like lambs to the slaughter.

Rick grinned and went back to the wedding table. Back to his wife. He stood there and (creepily) watched her for a moment. Kate Castle was beautiful in the soft, romantic glow of the fairy lights, completely unaware of how captivating she really was. And tomorrow he would be waking up next to her for the rest of his life, this ethereal creature, his mortal muse.

A mystery he had a lifetime to solve.

He wanted to kiss the soft skin of her exposed back, the ridges of her spine, the hard edges of her shoulder blades. He wanted to so badly. Only a little while before he could undress her with whispered words, caress her with gently spoken pledges and make her come undone with breathless sighs. But for now he'd settle on telling her the truth. And the truth was that-

"You're beautiful," Rick whispered into her ear before kissing her cheek.

Kate laughed lightly, sounding like a ray of light, tilting her head back to look at him. Her husband. "You're not so bad yourself," she replied softly, leaning in to kiss him. "So, Mr. Castle, when are we going to get out of here?" She murmured close to his lips, her dark eyes full of carnal promises.

Rick smiled. "Why, Mrs. Castle? So you can have your wicked way with me?"

Her lips curled into a sly, sexy grin. "Something like that, yeah."

A mouth like that had to be kissed over and over and over again. To infinity and beyond.

He wrapped a large hand around the back of her neck and crashed his mouth onto hers, stealing her breath. He grinned against her mouth before breaking away completely to look at her dazed expression. "We'll be getting out of here soon enough. I just have a surprise for you before we go."

Kate sobered and eyed him skeptically. "A surprise? Rick, you know I don't like surprises."

He shrugged and grinned like a little boy. "Yeah, but you're gonna like this one. I promise, Babe."

She sighed and rolled her eyes. "Stop calling me that... Castle, this better be a good surprise. Or I swear I'm gonna-"

Rick silenced her with another quick kiss before getting up. "You'll love it. I promise."

Everybody loved Elvis.

[][][]

"May I cut in?"

Ruben Esposito glanced at Kate and then back at Rick. He shrugged, his shoulders sagging slightly. "Sure." The fourteen year-old let go of her hand rather reluctantly. "Thank you, Detective-"

"-Kate. We've been over this now. It's Kate." She smiled brightly at him before leaning in to kiss his cheek. The boy froze, his knees feeling suspiciously weak. "Thank you for dancing with me, Mr. Esposito." The brunette beauty winked at him before taking her husband's hand. Ruben only nodded dumbly, feeling a little dazed as he placed a hand to his kissed cheek. Slowly a wide smile spread across his face.

Someday he was gonna marry a girl like that.

Rick grinned as he pulled his wife closer. "You just made his year."

Kate laughed softly, wrapping her arms around his neck. "He's a good kid. I like him."

"Yeah well, he more than likes you. Look at him." He nodded towards the teenager still staring dreamily at Kate. "Poor kid. He's completely in love with you and I don't blame him. I mean look at you. How could he not be?"

Ah, a writer and his words.

She rolled her eyes and shook her head, flushing slightly. "Did you call your mother?"

His lips quirked. She always changed the subject when the focus was on her. "Yeah, everything is under control. Lizzy is asleep even though it was a bit of a struggle according to my mother."

Kate's brow furrowed briefly. "Well, she's always a little restless when we're not there." They swayed quietly for a few a moments, her head nestled in the hollow of his neck. "Should we get going?"

He kissed the side of her head. "Almost. Just... another few minutes, okay?" He murmured into her dark hair, not willing to break the gentle swaying just yet.

"Don't tell me you have to participate in a surprise for Lanie," she said, her lips twitching.

Rick chuckled lightly. "No, thank the gods for that. I wasn't stupid enough to make any bets with the groom."

She allowed the grin to blossom fully. "I still can't believe you did that."

"What?"

"That surprise. At our wedding."

"Oh right, how could I forget?" He chuckled. "I still can't believe I got Ryan and Esposito to participate... You liked it, though. I could tell from the huge grin on you face that you loved it."

She shrugged, her head on his shoulder. "Mmm, it was... sweet. In a completely embarrassing way."

"Lucky for me that you love Elvis."

"And you," she muttered without missing a beat.

He grinned. "And me."

[][][]

What the-

Kate burst out laughing, immediately clamping a hand over her mouth. She was completely taken aback and utterly amused. Along with the rest of the crowd of friends and family.

In the center of the dance floor stood three very different and comical-looking Elvises. Rick being the main one of course, smiling like the idiot that he was. The other two just looked utterly miserable and uncomfortable in their Elvis outfits, complete with the wigs and sunglasses. The crowd of friends and family were whistling and clapping their hands like crazy. Kate could hear Lanie laugh somewhere in the cacophony of sounds. She saw Alexis grinning and shaking her head in amusement. Her father clapped and laughed while Martha just shook her head, trying, but failing, to suppress the upward quirk of her lips.

Kate just stared at them in disbelief, thoroughly amused.

"Well, thank you... thank you very much," Rick said to the cheering audience in his best Elvis impersonation. He turned to look at Kate, grinning widely. "I would like to dedicate this to my beautiful wife. I love you, Honey."

She flushed bright red, but failed to keep the huge smile off her face. It was embarrassing, but sweet... in a Castle sort of way.

Life with this man was never going to be boring, was it?

"Well bless my soul. What's wrong with me?" He was singing it. He was singing this song to her. And dancing for her. Mmm, he was a pretty good dancer. All kinds of hot when thrusting like that...

What a ridiculous, adorable, infuriating, sexy man.

The other two nuts were dancing in the background and also provided back-up vocals. Who would have thought? Detective Javier Esposito and Detective Kevin Ryan singing and dancing in the background dressed in ridiculous Elvis-outfits.

Yeah, somebody definitely lost a bet.

"My hands are shaky and my knees are weak. I can't seem to stand on my own two feet." The audience was going absolutely wild. Yep, Rick Castle sure knew how to work a crowd. "Who do you thank when you have such luck?" He approached the wedding table, eyes on Kate. Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dumb were flanking him. "I'm in love... I'm all shook up. Mm mmm, ooh huh, yeah, yeah." He held out his hand to her, but Kate refused to take it, staring him down with mirth-filled eyes.

Martha was nudging her and laughing, her father was only smiling in amusement and nodded in encouragement.

"Come on, Kate!" Alexis yelled over the noise.

"When I'm near that girl I love best. My heart beats so it scares me to death!"

"Yeah, come on! Don't leave him hangin' girl!" Lanie piped up.

"My tongue gets tied when I try to speak. My insides shake like a leaf on a tree."

Someone let out a piercing whistle when Rick imitated shaking 'like a leaf on a tree'. His wife only shook her head and bit her lower lip to try and suppress the wide smile that was fighting to escape.

"There's only one cure for this body of mine. That's to have the girl I love so fine." Not waiting a moment longer, Rick snagged her hand and pulled her up.

He led her to the dance floor and let her stand right in the middle. "She touched my hand, what a chill I got." He mimicked shivering. Right up against her. Ridiculous man.

Ridiculously sexy man.

"Her lips are like a volcano that's hot." He traced her jaw as he sang the lyrics, his thumb touching her lower lip for a moment. "I'm proud to say you're my buttercup." He beamed at her, eyes sparkling. "I'm in love... I'm all shook up."

Before he could finish his performance, Kate had her arms wrapped around him and kissing him amid loud cheering, cat-calls and clapping.

She was smiling when they broke apart. "You are ridiculous, Rick Castle," she said on a laugh, toying with his wig.

He grinned and removed his sunglasses. "And you are absolutely gorgeous, Kate Castle." Rick kissed her again, once, twice. "Come on, let's get out of here."

Her lips quirked. "Elvis... is leaving the building."

[][][]

"Ugh, my feet are killing me," Kate whined, kicking off her shoes.

Rick grinned, hanging up their coats. "Well you always say that beauty is pain, Babe." He stepped in behind her, wrapping his arms around her. They stood in silence for a while. "Hey, how about a glass of wine," he murmured, sweeping the hair away from her shoulders and exposing her neck. "And a nice, warm bubble bath? With me joining you of course." He placed a few kisses on her exposed skin, opening his mouth to taste her.

"Mmm, sounds nice," Kate hummed, her eyes fluttering closed. She quickly sobered and stepped away from his embrace. "But first I want to say goodnight to our baby girl." She took his hand and started leading him towards the stairs. "Come on, Daddy."

They stood silently side-by-side watching their daughter's sleeping form. Watching how her small chest rose and fell with every quiet breath, how the soft, dark curly hair flopped over her forehead, how her small, open mouth rounded to form an O, how her fat little cheeks were coloured pink.

Kate brushed a hand over her daughter's skull and leaned down to kiss her head, making Lizzy stir for a moment. Her mother whispered a soft goodnight and kissed her again on each cheek. Rick stepped closer, trailing a finger over his little girl's face, not willing to accept the fact that was she was already turning one year closer to 18. He sighed and bent down to place a kiss in her hair, her temple and finally her forehead.

"Goodnight, Sweet Pea."

Kate led him out the room and as soon as she closed the door, he was crowding her against it, his arms on either side of her head and trapping her with his body.

"So..."

She grinned, her hands on his hips. "So?"

"You still up for that bubble bath?" He hummed, his mouth next to her ear, his stubbly cheek against hers.

"Yeah, definitely," she said softly, her voice dark and rich. "You up for it, Mr. Castle?"

A slow, sly smile curved his lips. "Oh, you have no idea, Mrs. Castle."

[][][]

Sunlight painted the room in day, bright and warm. Rick woke slowly, his eyes opening and closing as he became aware of his surroundings. He heard water running, coming to the conclusion that she was in there. He turned to lie on his back, throwing an arm over his face. He felt tired and sated and happy, getting used to feeling the wedding band on his left-hand ring finger. He drifted off again before feeling the bed dip with his lover. His partner. His wife.

Suddenly Kate was straddling him, only wearing a robe and a smile. Rick removed his arm to look at her, smiling at him like that. Like he was the only being in existence, the only person in her world, the keeper of heart.

"Kiss me, Kate," Rick said with a grin, his hands gripping her waist and tugging her down towards him.

She laughed, going willingly towards him. "Morning, husband," she greeted before kissing him sweetly, softly like dew on a flower.

"Morning, wife."

She rolled her eyes, still grinning. "We are disgustingly cute, aren't we?"

He shrugged, rubbing his hands up and down her sides. "So? We've been married for like twelve hours-" He grinned at her, suddenly feeling drunk with happiness. "-Mrs. Castle."

She returned a wide, beaming smile. "Mmm, Mrs. Castle. I like that. A lot."

"Me too."

"Mr. and Mrs. Castle. Wow. For the rest of our lives, huh?"

A writer and his muse. Friends, lovers, partners.

Husband and wife.

He slowly undid the tie of her robe. "Until eternity began and forever ended."

[][][]

Your love is my turning page

Where only the sweetest words remain

Every kiss a cursive line

Every touch is a redefining phrase

Title of this chapter and lyrics at the end is from Sleep at last's breathtaking song "Turning page". 
Do yourself a favour and listen to it; it's gorgeous.

Hey Just a Fanvid to Hold You Over

I hope these were some of your favorite moments as well!

Chapter 37 – I've got you

"Oh man, look at him go!" Kevin Ryan exclaimed, laughing as he watched his partner dance it out with his wife. "Gmmf... he's not too bad."

"Yeah, it doesn't look like he's stepping on her toes. Unlike other people I know," Jenny commented with a wry smile, poking her husband in the ribs.

"Hey, I wasn't that bad!" Ryan responded in indignation.

"Oh come on, Ryan, you almost fell flat on your face at your wedding. We were there, remember?" Kate said, grinning before taking a sip of her drink.

"Well, in his defense, by the time he lost his river dancin' shoes, he was kinda out of it. And by out of it, I do mean plastered," Rick commented, draping his arm around the back of his wife's chair.

"Thank you," Ryan responded with a nod of his head and a smile. "But I do also recall that it was you and Javier's fault that I got plastered."

"What?" Jenny asked surprised, looking between her husband and Rick, who was wearing a sheepish smile. Kate only shook her head and folded her arms, wearing a 'Why I am not surprised'-expression. Her husband was such a little boy sometimes.

Well, only sometimes…

"It's true, Sweetie. They spiked my drinks. That's why I was a little out of it."

"And also passed out before we could enjoy our wedding night," Jenny hit back dryly, Kevin's eyes growing wide and his face flushing.

"Whoa. Sorry man. It wasn't our intention to spoil the party," Rick said, struggling to stop from laughing. "And my apologies to you too, Mrs. Ryan."

Jenny smiled and linked her arm with her husband's. "Apology accepted."

Kate turned to her husband, lifting an eyebrow, her lips quirking in amusement. "Are you guys ever going to grow up?"

Both men said in unison: "No."

The two women just rolled their eyes and shared a smile. A squealing laugh on the dance floor grabbed the small group's attention. Mr. Esposito was currently spinning Mrs. Esposito around, both laughing. He finally put her down, still grinning even as she playfully slapped his arm. The small audience watched as Javier said something to his wife before thoroughly kissing her; Lanie winding her arms around her husband's neck. Both of them completely engrossed and happily unaware of the setting of their impromptu make-out session.

Of course, their friends would not let them live it down.

Rick cupped both hands around his mouth and yelled: "Hey, get a room!" while Ryan let out a piercing whistle. The two newlyweds broke away, startled, eyes darting around to search out the culprits. When Esposito spotted them he shook his head with a grin while Lanie glared at them playfully and a little amused. The two Espositos went back to making out on the dance floor like two horny teenagers.

Not long before they rush off to their hotel room...

"Well, not much has changed, has it?" Ryan said with a grin, wrapping an arm around his wife's shoulders.

Jenny frowned at him. "What do you mean?"

"Remember how they were all over each other at our wedding?"

The petite blonde returned a grin. "Oh yeah. How could I forget?" She sent a teasing gaze towards the other couple. "But they weren't the only interesting event of the night as I recall."

Rick sat back and grinned while Kate ducked her head and smiled, her hand falling to her husband's leg.

That was a very good night.

Rick covered her hand, weaving his fingers with hers. "Ah, yes, good times."

[][][]

"Well, I guess that means that Esplanie is back on."

Kate chuckled and shook her head. She wasn't surprised. "Yeah, I guess so." She glanced at her partner. Currently her dancing partner. "Castle?"

"Mmm?" He was still staring at Lanie and Esposito who were busy making out a few feet away from them on the dance floor.

Truth be told, he was a little jealous.

"Can we get back to dancing?" She grinned at him, an eyebrow raised.

His eyes snapped back to hers. "Uh, yeah." He gave her a crooked smile and started moving again.

They danced quietly for a few moments before he spoke again.

"So, Detective Beckett, does this count as a date?" His tone was teasing, but he was kinda praying that it did count as one. They made a deal after Rome - five dates before sleeping together again. Of course, during their week in Rome they resembled a couple on honeymoon.

He happily agreed to it, thinking that five proper dates could be done in two weeks. Tops.

Alas, murder and the real world got in the way. The deal had dragged on for a month and a week already. It was killing him. Well, them both actually, but Kate was better at hiding it.

Kate smirked. "Yes." He smiled widely. "But not as an official one." His smile fell.

Damn.

"What? Oh come on," Rick whined, his shoulders sagging in disappointment. Kate wanted to burst out laughing.

He was just so easy.

"You know our deal, Castle. Five dates. Proper ones, with dinner and a show. Only after the fifth one do-"

They were on four now.

"-I get to see you naked again," he mumbled morosely, staring daggers into Esposito's back while he practically ravished Lanie right in front of them.

Lucky bastard.

A feral, predatory smile bloomed over her features. She leaned up and breathed into his ear: "Oh, but Writer Boy, when that time comes, it will be worth it. Believe me."

He closed his eyes and clenched his jaw; memories - naked memories - of Rome swirling around in his mind. Not fantasies or dreams, but memories. And he was holding that woman who made that memories with him right now. He remembered how soft her skin had felt to his mouth, the suppleness of her breasts, how she tasted and smelled, how the sharp bones of her hips felt under his hands, the arch of her body, the sexy, throaty moans she emitted when she-

Lord have mercy.

When he eventually opened his eyes again, he caught sight of Ryan and Jenny dancing closely and being all lovely dovey. It was their wedding night, so obviously Ryan was going to get-

Lucky bastard.

Oh, it was tragic. He felt like the only kid who didn't get a present on Christmas.

"Oh cheer up, Writer Boy-"

"Writer Man," he corrected automatically, still a little deflated.

"-we're here now. Together. And happy," Kate said with a small smile, looking up at him. Her eyes revealed everything; all of her secrets, all of the things unsaid. He saw it - clear as day.

She loved him. Kate Beckett loved him.

His heart twisted at the knowledge. "I love you," he breathed, not able to stop the words, the truth from tumbling out of his mouth. He tenderly cupped her cheek and she placed her smaller hand on his larger one. She smiled again, full and blooming - the sun rising in the East.

(I carry your heart)

"I love you too, Rick."

(I carry it in my heart)

He cracked the largest, most adorable smile and kissed her. Softly, delicately, beautifully. When they broke apart, she grinned and let her forehead fall to his collarbone, placing an open-mouthed kiss against the skin of his neck. He smiled and planted one, two kisses in her hair; content and relaxed. But when she started to lightly suck and nip at his skin, blood started to rush south.

"Kate," he said tightly.

"Yeah?" She breathed, deviously darting her tongue out against his skin. He groaned and gripped her waist.

"Uh- uh... you, you gotta stop t-that." She was kissing and nipping at his jaw, one of her hands spread out against his chest, feeling the pounding of his heart.

"Why, Castle?" Kate purred into his ear, her bedroom voice the personification of sex.

She was killing him.

His hips jerked involuntarily when she started to suck on his earlobe. "Because, Detective, I'm going to lose it right here on this dance floor with Father O'Brien and Nanna O'Malley watching on," he all but hissed, gritting his teeth against the sudden, pulsing arousal.

She laughed, low and throaty. "Well then, Writer-" She glanced down pointedly. "-Man, let's take this party somewhere more private."

He gaped at her. "But w-what about f-five dates?"

She grinned again and started to back away from him. "Oh Castle, you are just too easy." He was watching her, dumb-founded. She took his hand and started to lead him off the dance floor, teasing him with the swing of her hips.

He wanted to do an air punch and shout score! but didn't. He was too busy watching her ass and grinning like an idiot.

Lucky bastard.

[][][]

"I will never, ever forget that linen closet," Rick said with a large smile, twirling his wife around and drawing her back into him.

She laughed and wound her arm around his shoulders, her slender hand splayed across his neck. "Yeah, because it was sooo romantic."

He grinned. "Babe, I didn't need romance with all your teasing." He paused for a moment, his crooked smile growing. "And apparently neither did you. As I remember, you practically jumped me when we got in that closet."

She smiled, slowly and widely, recalling the linen closet-incident.

So hot.

"Yeah, well I just couldn't help myself." She leaned up and brushed a kiss against his still-smiling mouth. Before she could retreat, he pulled her back and captured her mouth in a hungry, consuming kiss.

Kate was breathless, a little weak in the knees after that kiss and even more so when her husband started to nip at the soft skin of her neck.

If there was a linen closet nearby...

"Honey, they're playing our song," he said suddenly, his mouth against her ear.

She smiled, pressing her forehead against his cheek; the velvety, crooning voice of Frank Sinatra wrapping around them like a spell. She looked up at him, lifting an eyebrow. "May I have this dance, Mr. Castle?"

They technically never stopped dancing, but she was asking with those eyes, that mouth, that voice, that heart. He smiled at her, his wife, and traced a thumb along her jaw and over her soft,soft lips.

"I thought you'd never ask, Mrs. Castle."

Rick drew her closer, his arm tight and possessive around her waist while Kate wrapped an arm around his neck and pressed her cheek against his cheek, secure in his warmth.

Happy and in love.

For richer or poorer, in sickness or in health, 'till death do us part.

They moved to the music, familiar to the steps and the rhythm and the lyrics. It was home, they were home.

Kate pressed a kiss against her husband's cheek. "Do you remember our first dance as a married couple?"

[][][]

"Ladies and gentlemen, the happy couple will now have their first dance as Mr. and Mrs. Richard Castle."

Rick smiled and stood up, holding out his hand. "Mrs. Castle, may I have this dance?"

Kate returned a smile and took her husband's hand. "You may, Mr. Castle."

He led his wife to the dance floor, reveling in the feel of the cool wedding band on her ring finger. Rick and Kate Castle - friends, partners, lovers.

Husband and wife.

Wow.

They were friggin' married. Married!

Her head spun a little, a smile permanently stuck on her mouth. Kate was struggling to absorb it all - Rick Castle was her husband, her one and done. She felt giddy and giggly and girly. And completely, stupidly, head-over-heels in love with the man-child currently drawing her closer for their first dance.

He was beautiful. Especially when he was looking at her like that, his blue eyes gentle and adoring.

"No one says it as well as Ol' Blue Eyes," Rick said softly, slowly guiding his wife along to the music.

Kate smiled, wrapping her arm around his shoulders. "Weelllll... I know this writer who's also pretty good with words," she said quietly, like sharing a secret.

He grinned, pressing a kiss against her temple. "Like I love you, Mrs. Castle?"

"Yeah, exactly like that." She smiled and kissed him tenderly, her hand cradling his jaw. "I love you too."

They swayed to the music, lost in their little bubble, their little world. That place where it was only them, candlelight and Frankie Sinatra's voice.

Kate leaned up and whispered the lyrics into her husband's ear. "I tried so not to give in. I said to myself this affair ain't gonna go so well-"

He grinned and took over, pressing a kiss against her temple still swaying to the music, her small hand warm in his, her lean body molded perfectly into his larger frame.

"-But why should I try to resist when, baby, I know so well... I've got you under my skin."

Always.

[][][]

"Because I've got you under my skin." He cupped her cheek. "And I love you under my skin," Rick whispered, nudging his nose with hers and placing a feathery kiss against her mouth. The song ended, but they were still swaying.

It was their song, creating a world, a place with only them in it.

(I am never without it)

Kate covered his large hand on her cheek with her smaller one. "I love you." She rested her mouth against his jaw and brushed her lips over his skin, delicate and tender.

(Anywhere I go my dear and whatever is done by only me is your doing, my darling)

He kissed her again and again and again. "I love you to infinity and beyond."

[][][]

I've got you under my skin

I've got you deep in the heart of me

So deep in my heart that you're really a part of me

I've got you under my skin

Chapter 36 – Love & Marriage

"I now pronounce you husband and wife… You may kiss the bride." A grinning Javier Esposito pulled his wife closer and kissed her soundly amid loud cheering and clapping. The two newlyweds wore matching, beaming smiles when they eventually broke apart.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Esposito," the preacher announced; Lanie leaned in to brush a kiss against her husband's cheek. He took her hand and placed a kiss on her wedding band, smiling widely.

"That was beautiful," a teary-eyed Kate commented as she watched her two friends making their way back down the aisle. She caught Lanie's eye, sharing a knowing smile with the glowing bride.

"Yeah, it was," Rick replied, turning his attention from watching the newlyweds to his wife; taking her in, absorbing every detail. The hair curling softly around her face, the sharpness of her cheekbones, her mysterious, sparkling eyes, the strong lines of her jaw, the elegant profile of her nose, the graceful slope of her neck and her soft, soft (now smiling) mouth. He wanted to kiss her, brush his lips over that smile. To drink in her joy, consume her beauty, make love to her with a whispered caress of his lips.

So he did.

He leaned down and pressed a gentle, intimate kiss on the corner of her open and smiling mouth. He pressed another one, two kisses to the same spot before kissing her cheek delicately.

You may kiss the bride.

"What was that for?" Kate asked softly, her eyes light and affectionate.

Rick shrugged and grinned. "Just because I can. You are my wife after all. And that means I can kiss you whenever I feel like it."

Kate rolled her eyes and smiled. "Because I just witnessed two of my best friends getting married and feeling really happy as a result, I'm letting your sappiness slide, Mr. Castle. Just this once."

"Oh, you love it when I'm sappy, Mrs. Castle. I know you do." He smiled at his wife, lacing his fingers with hers and absently rubbing his thumb over her wedding ring; memories rushing back, every detail of that day engraved in his mind.

I now pronounce you husband and wife.

Every detail of their wedding day.

[][][]

His mouth was open, jaw somewhere on the floor most probably. Yeah, well, he didn't really care. She was here. On her father's arm. Walking towards him. In a wedding dress. A long, flowing, elegant white, beaded gown. Her tall, lean body moving gracefully, almost gliding in the white dress; her dark hair pulled up, soft strands curling around at the base of her neck, around her face. Her eyes were locked on his, emerald and shining and captivating; windows to her soul. Her smile - his heart stuttered at the sight - was wide and untamed, her whole being radiant with it. Her joy and affection were revealed without hesitation. He would later declare it to have been a glimpse into her 'transcendent soul' while she playfully rolled her eyes at him.

Rick could feel himself smiling, a little baffled, a little in awe. A stupid, grinning fool in love. And by the way she was beaming at him, two stupid, grinning fools in love. He had to stop himself from running to meet her. He clasped his hands together, bounced on the balls of his feet; excited and a little nervous, feeling butterflies dancing around in his chest. Finally, finally, they reached him.

Jim turned to his daughter, her hand grasped tightly in his, and smiled at her; reminded of his own wedding day. He pressed a kiss against her cheek and whispered "I love you, Katie" into her ear. Kate smiled at her father, her throat constricting, her vision a little blurry. He squeezed her hand before letting her go, sensing the impatience of the younger man in front of him. Jim glanced at his beaming soon-to-be son in law and handed his daughter, his Katie, over to him. Rick smiled at the older man, the 'I'll take care of her' left unsaid, before his eyes migrated back to her, his soon-to-be wife. Kate smiled at him - that Mona Lisa smile - and slid her small, slender hand into his while turning her attention to the preacher.

"Dearly beloved..."

He was still staring at her, slowly dragging his eyes over her; a Greek goddess, a mortal muse, his bride. His exquisite, exquisite bride. The profile of her beautifully sculptured face, her long, elegant neck, her sinuous shoulders, the hard lines of her collarbone, the smooth path to her chest and into the valley between her-

The preacher cleared his throat and Rick snapped his head up to meet the older man's mirth-filled eyes while the audience laughed quietly. He mumbled an apology and gave Kate an adorable, goofy smile. She rolled her eyes fondly and felt her lips twitch, her hand squeezing his bicep and her shoulder brushing his arm.

The rest of it was a blur, a little hazy. He barely heard the sermon, she barely registered the vows; both nervous, excited, stupidly grinning wrecks by the time the rings were exchanged. They just wanted to hear-

"By the power vested in me by the state of New York... I now pronounce you husband and wife," the preacher finally (finally!) announced to the impatient couple. "You may kiss the bride."

Rick wasted no time in doing so, tugging his wife (wife!) closer and kissing her. Thoroughly. Slowly. Deliciously. Kate broke away, smiling, amid the loud cheering from their friends and family and buried her slightly flushed face in her husband's (husband's!) neck. He chuckled and rubbed a hand down her smooth, sun-kissed back.

She pulled back, unable to stop smiling. "Hi there, Mr. Castle," Kate said quietly, a hand trailing up and down his chest.

He grinned at her before brushing a sweet kiss against her lips. "Hi there, Mrs. Castle."

[][][]

Love and marriage, love and marriage

Go together like a horse and carriage

This I tell ya, brother, you can't have one without the other