Hello Buffy/Booth fans :D I know it was been a long, long time. It just seemed that with no current Bones my inspiration was lacking and then there is the whole thing about me being involved in The Vampire Diaries so much that my head wasn't in it. But as I mentioned before, I will never leave a story unfinished so even if it takes me a while. Know that I won't leave you. Sorry, sorry, sorry for leaving you this long. I hope it won't happen again. I made this chapter extra long to make up for my lack of updating, so I hope you enjoy.

I hope you're still out there reading and that I haven't lost you. Thank you for reading and please review :)

Chapter 27

Buffy hadn't been too happy with Booth when he'd come home upset that evening after work, to confess to her, that the person responsible for their attack was under arrest. He explained about the call he'd received and how he gone straight away to find out whom it was.

Lilah.

Buffy couldn't wrap her mind around the idea that she had come all the way to this dimension, just to continue to meddle in their lives. She hadn't really known much about her. But she knew enough of her enemies to have a memory of her and what she had done to Angel and his friends in their world. But in between kisses and cute sexy smiles that he kept on throwing her way, she gave up on being mad at him for keeping such information and focused on a more urgent issue at hand.

It had been a couple of months since Rebecca had left for the new job and not once had she tried to contact Parker. Buffy had, whenever possible, written her some letters to address she had left, letting her know on the little things that she may have missed on her son since she left. In truth, she and Booth were all beginning to worry because they both knew that Rebecca wasn't one to just disappear out of her son's life. In fact, after training she was going to be allowed one visit out of wherever the hell she had gone and she had been precise about her coming straight to Washington and spend time with Parker. No word from her, Booth had made a decision to try and get a hold of her and in the mean time. The idea that Buffy would legally adopt him came about; but only if Parker was okay with it and only because they both had a bad feeling that her missing meant bad news.

One problem at a time, Buffy sighed to herself. The sentence for Lilah was pending judge's response after she decided to plead guilty, knowing full well, that a jury would only make matters worth because there would be no way that she would muster up any sympathy. And so they were waiting for that final sentence to come. Buffy couldn't be more grateful that Caroline had been but a tough bull dog when it came to the law, but more so because it was for Booth, and now that they were getting to know each other, for her and Parker.

In no time she hoped that there would be news of Rebecca, and in the mean time, while life went on and she settled back into work like normal. She allowed the nerves about spending time with Temperance today, sink in. That was, assuming that she would still show up to go to this private luncheon as a trial run they were doing before the actual grand opening. At least she was trying, she considered.

A couple of days into this new week and she had finally hired some help that she hoped would work out. She had a receptionist, Lacy, and hopefully one other event planner that she was hoping to hire when she showed up to her meeting just today. As she grinned at that thought, Buffy's phone beeped to be answered.

"Yes, Lacy..." Buffy pushed the button for the intercom.

"Uhm, Mrs. Elizabeth...?" she started quietly, "Melissa Blanch is here to see you."

"Great," Buffy voiced, "Bring her in..." she smiled happily as she stood to greet her possible future co-worker as she smoothed the dress around her continuously growingly belly.

Lacy came by the office knocking lightly to announce her presence even though the door was open, smiling with the other woman behind her.

"Mrs. Booth..." Lacy called and Buffy gestured her to come in, "Ms. Blanch..."

"So great to see you again..." Buffy began when Melissa walked in to shake her hand.

"Not at all..." Melissa started, "I am honored that you called me back."

"Good..." Buffy gestured her to have a seat as she picked up a contract from her desk, thanking Lacy while asking her to close the door. As the door closed shut, Buffy delved into restating her expectations of her getting someone to help her with the growing business in Washington, as also the guidelines of the contract should she decide that she was going to take the offer.

/

Filing the last of their reports with the FBI after the last case, Brennan sat down at her computer to check in on any emails that she may have missed from her agent about the new book that she was writing. The alarm of one of her appointments went off, reminding her that that afternoon she'd made plans to go to lunch with a certain petite blonde whose husband she was trying to get over. She panicked for a second thinking she was already late, but realized she had a good half hour before she should go. Picking up her personal belongings and purse she headed for the bathroom to make sure she looked presentable before walking out and making way to pick up Buffy.

Thinking time wise how long it should take to get to her office and then how long from there to the restaurant she realized that if she didn't take off now, or if they ran into traffic, they were not going to make it. That would not be good because her Chef friend would not be happy with her if that happened. Rushing out of the bathroom in haste to leave, she nearly knocked over Booth as she crashed into him.

"God, Damn!" Booth cursed when he was hit by force maneuvering himself to not fall, and after realizing it was Bones, he grabbed her by the arms to steady her as she nearly pinned him to the wall from her weight.

All happening fairly quickly, she caught herself landing against Booth's chest, the smell of his very familiar cologne dancing around her making her dizzy, the comfort of his arms enveloping her, which only made her almost want to melt into him until she remembered the reason she was in a rush, and she tried to jump away from him like if he'd burned her.

Booth was confused with the sudden leap she gave and held onto her tighter as he whispered, "Are you okay, Bones?" he eyed her worriedly, "Where you off to in such a rush that you feel the need to knock over people?"

Brennan glanced at the slight parting of his lips as he spoke hypnotized and she could feel her body involuntarily lean in to want to taste him. The look in his eyes though, full of concern and lack of the emotion that she was looking for brought her back to reality and she stepped slowly away from him.

"Sorry about that Booth" she smiled genuinely, "I have a lunch date with Buffy and I just don't want to be late..."

Seeley stood there stunned for a moment until he had to ask to make sure he had heard that right, "Okay, I'm sorry." He narrowed his eyes, "but did you just say that you have a lunch date with Buffy?"

"Yes" she agreed quickly.

"My Buffy," he continued, "My wife, Buffy."

"Yes, Booth..." she almost said annoyed, "How many Buffy's do we both know?"

"No, I didn't mean..." he stuttered, "It's just that she didn't mention anything about it and then you had said..."

"I know what I said" she cut him off, "And... well maybe she didn't tell you because she thought I might fake out on her or something."

Booth laughed at her attempt at slang, "FLAKE out, Bones?"

"You know what I meant..." she glanced at her phone her eyes widening, "I'm late, Booth!" she yelled smacking him playfully as made her way out the door, calling "See you later."

The Agent watched her go with a smile on his face. She was trying, and for that he was grateful. Walking in to check on the squints before heading back to his office himself, his phone rang. It was a private number and being that he was FBI, private was never good.

"Booth?" he answered with dread in his bones.

He listened intently and the more he listened the more he felt he might actually lose his balance. Had he heard right, no... It couldn't be, this couldn't be.

"What do you mean shot?" he shouted into the phone.

After hearing the explanation given to him he slammed his phone shut heading in search of Caroline and Oz. They would know what the hell happened. It wasn't like he didn't want the woman responsible for his family's attack dead, but there were rules and guidelines. Her turning up shot dead the moment the sentence had been passed was just ridiculous. Instead of continuing inside the lab, Booth headed right back out and into his SUV.

/

Buffy and Brennan pulled up in front of the newly built restaurant with a smile. The drive there hadn't been terribly awkward, though Buffy had been surprised that she had actually shown. They went for the door side by side when Brennan asked, "How do you feel about Italian Cuisine...?"

"Huge fan of it..." Buffy answered, "Though I have to say that Booth's child doesn't agree with all of my selections."

"I've heard it happens..." Brennan offered politely.

When they reached the door, the host asked if they had a reservation. Temperance soon gave her name and they were being escorted inside. It was a beautiful restaurant. Very modern looking yet it had a rustic feel to it. It was clear that they were trying to offer some of the essence of Italy into it to create ambience.

When they found their table and the host set their menus down, Buffy announced her need to use the ladies room.

Brennan smiled in response, "Of course."

"Sorry..." Buffy picked up her bag, "take into account that I'm pregnant with the nice waterfall we passed and this kid's kicking me to go..." she blushed, "and giving you too much information." She paused, "Be right back."

The anthropologist watched her go taking a seat. Well things were going on fairly well, she considered, this might just be what needed to happen and she was glad. She was just about to pick up her menu when she heard her name be called by a man.

"Temperance Brennan..." she turned to find her friend the Chef.

"Joshua Perroni..." Brennan stood to smile and give him a small hug, "Thank you so much for the invite."

"I'm the one that feels honored, Tempe..." the mature looking man with barely white hair voiced, "I heard you never make time to socialize."

"Sorry..." she apologized, "I am most of the time very busy, but I had made plans with a friend so there was no me not showing up."

"Well I'm delighted..." he announced, "and where is said friend?" he eyed her, "Is it of the male kind because you sure need..."

"No, it's not of the male kind..." she smiled.

"Ahh well..."

"Mr. Perroni..." A cheery blonde woman called approaching," You are lucky, that I am in terrible need of a job or I wouldn't be covering this interview, now we should get back to..."the woman's blonde eyes opened in surprise as the smile stretched over her features."Temperance..."

"Hannah..." Brennan's eyes wanted to bug out. This could totally turn comedic if Buffy so much as made her way out here, she thought. "How... how are you?"

Hannah sighed, "Oh well, you know..." she smirked, "moved away didn't work out, moved back trying to put my life back together. Getting small journalism jobs... Interviewing people like this man that keep avoiding me..." she patted the chest of the Chef playfully.

"Not avoiding you, just greeting my very special guests..." he returned grinning at the woman.

"Right..." Brennan smiled.

"Alright!" Hannah announced, "Well I better get back to work, but I would really like for us to get together..." he expression turned serious, "I would really like to catch up. Find out how people are?"

Temperance was about to respond when the blonde then returned to her happy self biding her a goodbye pulling the Chef off with her. Buffy pulled the chair of the table taking a seat saying, "Okay so what did I miss?"

The doctor stared at the petite blonde not really knowing what to say. Well there really wasn't anything that she could say. It wasn't like they were the best of friends and Hannah's return didn't necessarily mean anything. At least that's what she reasoned.

"Nothing..." Brennan stated after a moment taking her seat again, "My friend the Chef came out to say hello... maybe he'll come back so you could meet him."

"That'd be nice." She returned as they both scanned the menus for something to order.

/

As Booth arrived at the scene of the crime, Caroline began to tell him what happened. They had taken to find out what the judge decided when they were bringing Lilah to court only for her to drop to the ground after being shot from an unknown location from an unknown source. Unfortunately Booth felt the distinct fear that he knew who the killer was.

The shot had been made by a professional sniper. Someone, who he had come up against already, and at some point they had served for the same side. He'd gone rogue and pretty much off the face of their radar to not hear from him again until now.

Starting to look into the case, Booth called to his office to have someone pull out the files and everything they could possibly have on Jacob Broadsky. The squints he knew would be able to help him out with perhaps hints as to where they could find this man. If he was in town, people were in danger and that was unacceptable.

That meant he was going to need to find his partner to get working on this right about now.

/

Buffy smiled at a blonde that called Brennan's name as she seemed to look at the women and rush out in hurry. Like there was a fire or something that she needed to get to. She didn't really give her a second look except for the fact that Temperance had seemed a bit nervous, for what reason, she could not be sure. Shrugging it all off, they continued to enjoy their food as they both talked about how they came to their jobs, still kind of tippy toeing around the Booth topic a bit.

Small steps, Brennan smiled to herself.

"God this was SO good..." Buffy smiled, "Thank you again for the invite."

"It is exquisite, isn't it?" Brennan grinned, "I'm glad you enjoyed it." She paused, "And thank you for taking my invitation."

"Of course." Buffy answered honestly.

"I, uh..." she began, "I know that I haven't acted quite welcoming to you, but..." she looked away and then focused back on the blonde, "I think you know why."

Buffy smiled reassuringly, she knew this wasn't the type of situation where you really said anything but kind of just let her come to terms with what she was trying to say. And so, she listened.

"I really don't want to talk about it, if ever, but I have realized that I have to move on from what could have been and focus on me..." she chuckled, "and Sully. He deserves a fair shot, so..."

"Thank you..." Buffy responded, "for all of this, really. I know, and trust me when I say that I know, it's not easy." She placed a hand on her tummy unconsciously thinking to herself, "But if you ever want a true friend, I'm here. If not, at the very least you know you can count on us, me and Booth."

"I know..." Brennan answered paying for the bill. She knew her friend the Chef would be appalled because he invited her, but she was not going to have any of that. "Maybe one day I can truly find a friend in you..." she continued, "But for now..." she trailed off.

"Baby steps..." Buffy filled in.

"Yes..." she agreed, "Outings, events, hanging out... I can definitely do."

"Good..." Buffy returned, "It'll be nice to have you around."

"Thanks." Brennan said sincerely, "So shall we go, or...?"

"Yeah, sure..."

They both stood up heading for the door when Brenna's phone went off, "I'm sorry..." she excused herself at Buffy to pick up, "Brennan?"

Buffy had waved her hand stating that it would be okay and it was when she noticed a familiar SUV pull in front. Gorgeous looking man, jumping out with a not so honest grin on his face, but still cute enough to make her return it.

Booth knew where he'd find Buffy and Bones and headed straight there. Spotting his woman promptly, he parked like he owned the place, jumped out and strutted towards the pregnant beauty that was his wife. Surrounding her body with his fully, hand digging into her gold locks as he kissed her passionately, somewhat growling into the kiss as she whimpered from the tremble of pleasure that over took her body.

"Got it..." Brennan smiled tightly into the phone gazing at the loving couple. She could do this, she told herself, and she WOULD do this damn it. Booth would not stay in her heart, she fought, it would take time but she would accomplish it.

Pressing his lips lightly on Buffy's once more, he pulled back to look at Brennan, "So they let you know?"

"Yeah, you ready to go?" she asked.

"Yup!" Booth answered turning to Buffy, "See you at home, baby...?"

"Mmhmmm..." she agreed pulling out her phone.

"Oh Buffy..." Brennan glanced at her, "I can take you back before I..."

"You guys came together...?" Booth asked.

"Yes..." Buffy smiled showing him the phone that she was calling the car service, "But I'm already calling, Lucas, so you guys can just..."

"Don't think so..." Booth answered hanging up her phone adoring her playful glare as he laced his fingers through hers leading her to the SUV, "I'll drop her off and then go catch up to you." He announced.

Brennan nodded waving and smiling at the blonde to get on her way. Yes, her heart ached a bit at the display, but at least it wasn't heart wrenching like before. For the first time in a while, she felt hope for her little heart that there just might be a happy future in her horizon.

/

One day later and finding the location of where the sniper stood to shot its victim that had been found guilty did not really help their case. Yes they were able to determine it was indeed Broadsky, evidence found on the site proved it, but they had no clue where the bastard could be hiding and that had Booth a little on edge. Specially knowing that right now, he had to go home, put on a happy face on and go to a cook-out with Buffy and the squints without this issue being resolved. He sighed as he stopped in front of the entrance of the gated community in which they lived in. He would be able to get through it, though, Buffy by his side always made his everyday get better. It was all about balance; before he would deal with it by going home putting on the game and having a couple of beers. Now his remedy involved checking in on Parker, while snuggling into his wife as they talked about the baby or other plans or nothing at all.

Pulling into their parking garage to hear the television on as his beautiful wife seemed to be squealing over something- and not in a good way- made him stop. What the hell could be happening that she'd be crying yet wailing like a little girl, he wondered.

Walking in taking off his coat and dropping his keys, he walked into the living room to stand at the entrance leaning against it, before watching Buffy by a box pulling out items.

"Oh my god!" she cried, tears running down her cheeks. She looked up to find Booth eyeing her with a mixture of worry and love. When she spotted him there she went to him, "Oh baby…" she called enveloping him while then pulling back to give him a kiss.

"Okay, uh…" he kissed her back, "What's going on in here?" he reached his hand to her face wiping some of her tears. Her in tears was the kind of sight that usually broke his heart to pieces, but since lately she would cry over the Snuggle Bear coming on TV, he was starting to get use to her outburst of hormonal tears.

"Willow sent me some baby stuff…" she cheered dragging him to the couch, reaching for the box, and setting it on his legs, "Look…" she said pulling the tiniest jersey you could ever see with the Steelers logo over it in the proud colors of black and yellow.

"Jesus!" Booth said stoked taking the little shirt to place it over his wife's belly, "You have to tell Willow that she is my favorite person ever…" he rubbed and kissed her belly, "Isn't she baby…?"

Buffy laughed rolling her eyes but reaching into the box, "And you have seen nothing yet…" she pulled out a tiny custom made belt buckle with the word 'Cocky' in it.

Booth chuckled wholeheartedly, "Oh God I love her…"

"Hey…" Buffy feigned jealousy.

"But not half as much as I love YOU…" he returned pulling Buffy's form towards him, astride him- quite difficulty with the belly and all- and kissed her like if it was for the first time.

"Yuk!" Parker cried from the entrance.

"Oops!" Buffy eyed him, "Shouldn't you be doing homework young man…?"

"I'm done…" he answered with a cute blush, "that's what I was coming to say before I found you…" he paused, "Well, not that it's anything new."

"Hey!" Booth set Buffy aside to pretend to scold his son before smiling, "Come say hello to your Pops…"

Parker grinned and walked over to hug him while giving his father a kiss on the cheek. Booth was glad that Buffy had encouraged with his being affectionate with him because there was a small time there where Parker had stated that he was getting too old for that but Buffy had told him otherwise.

"How was school…?" Booth asked.

"Same old" he shrugged, "Always boring…"

"But doing good right?" his father asked, "In all subjects?"

"Not like I have choice…" Parker singsonged making them all laugh, reaching for a Kleenex, "Been crying again I see?" he gave it to Buffy.

"No!" Buffy smiled lying.

"We're getting use to it…" Parker shrugged as Buffy tossed a pillow at him.

"Oh really!" she attempted to get up to catch him.

Booth couldn't help but smirk that unique smirk of his as he watched the woman he loved and his son play around. Sometimes he couldn't help but wonder how he got so God darn lucky to be able to have them both back.

The house phone broke through their thoughts and Buffy stopped to answer as she glared playfully at the mini dirty blonde kid grinning like he'd won something.

"Hello?" she picked up.

"Uh, yeah… of course we are ready and on our way…" Buffy lied eyes wide, eyeing Booth to head upstairs and change for their outing; Angela was going to kick their ass for being late, of that she was sure.

"We are walking out the door right now…" she continued, "Be there any minute." She hanged up glowering at Booth that had settled back on the couch with Parker to set it on Sports Central.

When there was uncomfortable silence all too suddenly the Agent looked back to find his wife not amused. He grinned getting up; "Five minutes…" he got up and disappeared up the stairs.

"Make it two, Seeley!" she called sighing. They were HIS friends. What the hell? "Okay Parker, the babysitter should be here any minute, I'm heading up to finish getting ready."

"I can take care of myself…" Parker pouted, "I don't need a babysitter."

"Perhaps not, but since you love us both so much… I know you won't tell us no…" she returned.

"Fine!" mini Booth crossed his hands over his chest calling out, "But I'm not going to be happy about it."

"Wouldn't expect you to be…" Buffy went by to give him a quick kiss on the forehead before going upstairs as well.

Up in the bathroom of their master bedroom Buffy had just finished brushing her teeth when Booth stepped out of the shower tightening a towel around his manly hips to cradle her from behind. Even through the foggy mirror Buffy could see the outline of his very toned chest and the droplets of water running down his skin. She felt her skin feel flushed and it had nothing to do with the steam. She let out a harsh breath as Booth leaned up against her feeling the proof of his arousal for her nudge at her behind.

"Booth…" Buffy let out breathy, "We have to leave…" she added as he moved her hair aside and began kissing her neck, "Angela's going to… ahhhh…"

"Uh huh…" Booth mumbled against her skin as his tongue trailed from her shoulder, leaving a fiery trail up to the shell of her ear. He loved that he could still make her tremble under his touch. This was his favorite way to leave his work problems behind.

Buffy knew they weren't leaving anytime soon, he just knew what buttons to push, but if she was being fair. There was not a time that he or she didn't go into the bathroom while either one of them was showering that didn't end in sex.

"You're incorrigible…" she gasped as his hand cupped her tender breast beginning to knead her nipple to strain in the material. She moaned when his other hand was already reaching around to her more than ready center making her weak at the knees ready for more. She gripped the edge of the sink, closing her eyes at the sensations passing through her body as he ground his erection against her seeking friction.

Booth had always found her attractive now and then, but there was something completely erotic about the fact that she was pregnant with his child that made him want her all the more. This was one of those times, and he was going to make sure they were both satisfied before they walked out of their bedroom door.