Author's Note- Firstly, thank you for all the encouraging reviews I got from the previous chapter. I had initially planned on writing a sequel to this, but couple of dreadful spoilers took away any inspiration I had for that. So, instead, I present you with the beginning of the rest of Seeley and Tempe's life together.
A Year from Today
He wasn't FBI. She wasn't FBI consultant. They were just a man and woman in love.
...
"I want to get some things straight, Bones, if you're serious about us."
"Don't you think that placing parameters in this relationship would hinder natural progression?"
"Not at all Bones. The sort of things I'm talking about is you know, monogamy, not rushing headlong into anything, respecting each other's view on things. You know, usually people don't have to talk about these things, but I feel that we have to so we be on the same page on somethings"
"I suppose, given that most sexual relationships I've had were purely physical, and that I'm new to anything else, it would make sense that we discuss and clarify these issues."
"Good"
...
That was their first major discussion as a proper couple. Points are made clear, and decisions are made.
...
"Would you be satisfied if we kept us under blankets?"
"Under wraps, not under blankets, Bones."
"You know what I mean. Do you want us to be kept, you know, between us?"
...
There a benefits and costs that need to be considered.
There had been hints of a promotion on his side and the continuing investigations from the Maluku dig on hers.
Could they be the exception to the rule if they were still working together?
Would their work adversely affect their new relationship?
...
"Bones, I have a confession to make."
"I'm not a priest, Booth. What do you have to tell me?"
"Last year, you asked if we could work together again, like nothing changed. And I promised we could."
"You're not quitting the FBI are you? You wouldn't be satisfied with your life if you weren't saving lives and catching criminals."
"No. Hacker talked to me about a promotion before we left. Coordinating organized crime nationally. I told him I'd think about it, but I would probably accept. And I want to."
"You'll still be based in DC?"
"Yes"
...
And although Bones wanted to work with Booth, she wanted him more.
A personal relationship with a working relationship, no matter how hopeful they were, would not be looked on kindly by their bosses. Their professional integrity would be questioned at every trial.
Booth saw the merit of his taking the promotion.
It would allow them to be open about their relationship. Not needing to hide behind the facade of professionalism during the day, as if their love were a dirty secret to be kept hidden.
...
"I think you should take this opportunity, Booth."
"Thank you"
...
They had spent the remainder of their time off together, laughing, talking, making love.
They had visited family together, telling them of their relational development.
And none were surprised.
They then visited their Jeffersonian family.
And there was money exchanged.
Everyone had been happy for them.
There were jokes about marriage and babies.
And both hid the longing in their eyes, from everyone, from each other.
...
She returned to work without him.
He was busy arranging his office new upstairs.
They were content.
...
One Saturday afternoon, they were lying in bed.
They had just made love, but there was something in the air.
It was time for change.
...
"Are you happy, Tempe?"
"Yes. If I weren't, I would tell you, Seeley."
"But there's something you're not telling me."
"I know."
...
She wasn't sure if it was time for the next step.
Angela had counseled truthfulness, which had made sense.
But irrationally, she was still afraid of rejection.
She sat up, and he took her lead.
...
"Seeley, remember when I wanted a baby?"
"How could I forget?"
Then,
"Is that what you want?"
"Yes"
"You know what I'll ask in exchange, right?"
"Yes. I've been thinking about it, and I'm ready."
"I love you Temperance Brennan. You're funny and beautiful and I want to spend the rest of my life with you..."
"Yes"
"Silly girl, I haven't asked you anything yet. You don't see why you're beautiful to me, but I want to spend the rest of my life trying to show you. Marry me, Tempe."
"Yes"
...
This was their secret which they kept to themselves for a while.
No one around them could quite understand why there was a spring in his step, or the silly smile when she thought no one was around.
There was speculation.
But there was no ring.
Or morning sickness, or a bump.
Yet.
...
There was a ring, but she didn't wear it on her finger.
She wore it with the St Christopher medal he had given her.
Next to her heart.
...
She had taken the week off, which was peculiar.
She had told Cam, and she was about to tell her best friend.
"I'm getting married next week, Ange"
She was too shocked for words.
"To Seeley."
Then,
"We've been engaged for the past two months."
She recovered.
"Congratulations, Bren. I'm glad you can see your reality now. I'm so happy for you and Booth."
"Thanks Ange."
"Next week? But dresses and shoes..."
...
The ceremony was intimate.
She had been appropriately radiant.
He had been grinning like a fool.
Later there was dancing.
...
Rather than a luxurious week in a sunny location near the water, they had gone camping for their honeymoon.
Time away from the city, from other people.
They talked about their times in the wilderness, when they had gone looking for themselves.
Days were spent hiking, nights were spent looking at the stars and making love.
Each day they watched the sun rise and set, and on the last day, considered abandoning their lives.
...
But they returned to their life, to expectations, to deadlines.
Bones had decided to relinquish her responsibility as a consultant to the FBI. Although she had already reduced her time on the field, her interest in solving murders had waned with the loss of Booth as her work partner.
However, with Booth's new role in the FBI meant travel, and sometimes for days at a time.
Time apart was difficult, but her smile when he came through the door reminded him that his decision to take the promotion was worth it.
...
Three mornings in a row, he had awoken to the sound of her retching, and he hoped that their suspicions were correct.
Later, an appointment with her doctor had confirmed that Temperance was in fact pregnant.
But for now, it was another one of their secrets.
...
Of course, as soon as she returned to work from her doctor's appointment, Angela barged into her office.
"You are pregnant."
"Yes"
"Finally, baby Booth."
A smile.
"Yes."
"Congratulations."
"Thanks. I'm just so happy right now. And about to be sick."
...
The pregnancy was relatively smooth sailing until approximately week 33, and pre-eclampsia was diagnosed after a routine check-up.
Bed rest was prescribed, much to her chagrin, which meant taking maternity leave a month early.
...
"Tempe, I think you should be taking it easy. Let me assemble the crib."
"Booth, I'm pregnant, not an invalid"
"I know, but we've already talked about this..."
"I know. But being on bed rest is so dull, and I can't seem to concentrate when I try to read..."
"I know, but it's for you and the baby's good that you stay in bed."
"I love you and the baby, you know"
"I love you too"
...
The baby was a girl, much to her parent's delight.
Parker grumbled at the prospect of pink, but was happy to be an older brother, always checking up on his new little sister.
...
Finally, they were a family they had always wanted.
Father and mother, son and daughter.
-Fin
Please leave a review and tell me whether or not you think I ended the story well.