This is my first attempt at fan fiction.  Hopefully you'll enjoy it.  And, I welcome comments with open arms, so feedback would be wonderful.  This part will be a little short since it's a developing idea, but hopefully not too short.

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A Life Loved and a Life Lost by HeatXWave10

PLOT:

It’s ten years in the future. Alexis is 26, has a degree in forensic science (she took and interest in crime through Castle’s work with Beckett) , is a homicide detective at the 12th precinct, and engaged to her college sweetheart, who is also a homicide detective at the 12th. It is their wedding day, but the best man turns up dead during the reception. Alexis, her new husband, and the rest of the Castle team work together to solve the crime.

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PART 1–The Ceremony

“You look absolutely beautiful,” Kate Castle marveled at her stepdaughter as Alexis stepped from behind the changing wall, now wearing a pearl white dress and a veil.

Alexis blushed and thanked Kate while her bridesmaids cooed over her. They were in a small room at the back of the church where, in less than half an hour, Alexis would be marrying the love of her life–Bradley Andrews.

“Mommy, look at how beautiful I am!” 7-year-old Anna called to Kate, spinning around in her frilly white dress and tossing a few petals from her flower girl basket into the air.

“Yes, sweetie,” Kate replied to the little girl, picking up the petals from the floor and replacing them in the basket, “You are very beautiful. But, let’s try not to waste any of those flower petals before the ceremony, okay?”

Anna skipped off into the hallway to find her father and left the women alone. Kate pulled a small, decorative gift bag from her purse and went over to the mirror, where Alexis was adding the finishing touches to her bridal ensemble. She held out the bag to her.

“What’s this?” Alexis asked, taking the bag.

“Well, your dress is new. The sapphire earrings you’re wearing have been in your family for generations–which makes them old and blue. So, I figured you should have something borrowed.”

Alexis opened the bag and pulled out a string of pearls.

“That was the same necklace I wore when your father and I got married.”

“Oh, thank you,” Alexis pulled her stepmother in for a hug, “And, not just for letting me borrow the necklace. You’ve been so much help in planning this wedding. I don’t know how I could have survived the last few months without you.”

“That’s what families do. And, I did agree to it when you asked me to be your matron of honor.”

Just then, the door clicked open. Alexis and Kate turned around to see who it was.

“Knock, knock,” Rick Castle peeked in, “Is everyone decent?”

“Yes, sweetie,” Kate answered.

Rick wasn’t alone as he entered, his mother Martha Rodgers in tow, and Anna in his arms.

“Hey, kiddo!” Martha hugged her granddaughter, then turned to give her daughter-in-law a hug, “And Kate.”

“You look marvelous, dear!” Martha gushed at Alexis.

“Thanks, Gram.”

Rick just stood back, speechless. This was the first time he had seen Alexis in her wedding dress. It was finally hitting him. His little girl was getting married. He set Anna down and began to drink everything in. He fiddled with the bowtie of his tux

“Are you alright, Dad?” Alexis asked him.

“Yes, I’m absolutely fine,” he answered, holding back tears, “I just can’t get over how lovely you look. I don’t think I’ve seen a bride this stunning since Kate and I got married.”

He put one arm around Kate’s waist and rested the other on Anna’s shoulder.

“Anyway,” Rick continued, composing himself, “The minister arrived a few minutes ago, and he’s ready when you are. You know, Captain Montgomery offered to perform the ceremony. Why didn’t you let him?”

“Bradley and I thought it would be best if we only had family and close friends participate, and if the minister was hired. We didn’t want anyone at work to think we were showing favoritism. He is our guest of honor, though.”

“It’s your wedding.”

After a moment, Kate looked up at the clock on the wall, her wrist feeling bare without her father’s watch, and realized that it was almost time for the ceremony to begin.

“Okay,” she addressed the room at large, “We’ve only got five minutes left. Rick, go round up the guys. Martha, Bradley is going to escort you to your seat, so you should go with him.”

“I always did love that charming young man. He’s such a gentleman,” Martha commented and turned to Alexis, “You picked a good one, darling.”

Rick and Martha left as Kate rounded up the bridal party.

“Is it time for them to get married yet, Mommy?” Anna asked Kate impatiently.

“Yes. Do you have your basket?”

“Right here,” Anna held it up for her mother.

“Great.”

Kate made sure the bridesmaids and Alexis had their bouquets, then grabbed her own. A few minutes later, Rick came back in.

“Are we ready to go?” he asked.

“I think so, Dad,” Alexis answered, pulling her veil over her face, “God, I’m a nervous wreck!”

“You’re going to do fine,” Rick linked arms with his daughter, and the group walked in formation to the church lobby.

The traditional procession began. Kate walked down first, unescorted. The bridesmaids, each accompanied by a groomsman, followed. Anna and the ring bearer, the son of one of Bradley and Alexis’ long time friends, walked down together after that. Anna was so adorable in her dress and the flower wreath over her beautiful brown hair.

Finally, the “Bridal March” began. As Alexis, clinging firmly to her father, entered the church, she took in her surroundings. The church was filled with close friends, family, and other detectives from the 12^th precinct where she worked with her father and stepmother. Martha, Detectives Kevin Ryan and Javier Esposito, and Dr. Lanie Parish sat in the front row with Bradley’s parents. The best man, Bradley’s best friend Derek, was standing to the side of the altar with Captain Montgomery.

Next to them, at the center of it all, was Bradley. Alexis’ heart immediately melted as he beamed at her. Immediately, the last five years of her life flashed before her eyes. She thought of their first meeting, when they were seniors in college getting ready to receive their Bachelor’s degrees in forensic science and the instant connection they had formed that led them to keep in touch after graduation. She thought of their first date six months later and how much fun they had had. She thought of their graduation from the police academy, when Captain Montgomery gave them high honors and asked them to join the 12th. Finally, she thought of the night Bradley proposed and the length he had gone to make it as romantic and special as possible.

While these thoughts went through his daughter’s mind, it took all of Rick’s strength to hold it together. This was it. He was officially letting go of Alexis as an adult. Not that she wasn’t capable of taking care of herself, but she was about to be bonded to someone else forever.

Alexis reached the end of the aisle and took her place beside Bradley. The young man lifted the veil off of her face and took her hands in his. It was the beginning of the rest of their lives. Little did they know, their wedding day would soon be more memorable that anyone had expected…