A/N: Here it is folks...the final chapter. I appreciate everyone's patience as I worked this one to perfection. grc_73 I hope this wish was what you were looking for.
PS: NSFW
Booth woke up first to the ray of sunshine just as his alarm went off. Looking over, he saw Brennan soundly asleep, helped by the Tramadol she was prescribed for her shoulder. Letting her sleep, he got up and jumped in the shower.
A short time later, he was dressed and getting breakfast going for Christine, himself, and Hank when Brennan came out with her arm in the sling.
"Mommy, we're having pancakes for breakfast."
"I can see that, Sweetheart." Brennan said as she moved her right arm across to smooth her daughter's head.
"I was going to wake you up but you looked like you needed the rest. Angela is coming over to take Christine to school and Hank to the daycare center."
Brennan sat on the center island and noted Booth's attire. "You're not dressed for work."
Booth flipped the cakes on the griddle. "Because I'm not going in until this afternoon. Aubrey is covering for me this morning. When I get there, he's leaving because Jessica should be getting discharged this afternoon."
"Booth…I don't need a babysitter…"
The agent poured his wife a cup of coffee. "I know you don't, Bones, but I feel more comfortable being home with you this morning and tomorrow. Aubrey is doing the same with Jessica if she lets him."
"All right." Brennan said.
"Good." Booth said before calling out. "Okay, breakfast for monkeys!"
Christine came running and sat on the other stool by Hank's high chair, where Booth gave her a pancake that resembled what looked like a heart. "Daddy made special pancakes for Valentine's Day."
Brennan received a plate as well with fruit and another set of heart shaped pancakes. "Yes he did, Christine. Although not anatomically correct, it does match the heart that honors this day."
Booth put a mini one on a plate and cut it up for Hank. "Okay, Buddy, here's one for you."
"Did Aubrey make up his mind?"
"Tentatively it's a go. He has to make the final arrangements today and he'll let us know about Jessica."
"Good. I just couldn't let it go, Booth, but this solution works for me."
Booth took her hand. "Me too, Bones."
The family ate together, enjoying the time until Booth told Christine to brush her teeth. As she was doing that, the agent got his son cleaned up and around. As soon as Christine finished, the doorbell rang. Brennan walked over and saw Angela.
"Hey hey, are the Booths ready to go?"
"They are, Angela." Brennan said while holding the door open. "Thank you for taking them to school today."
"No problem, Bren. This way you two have your Valentine's Day morning and Hodgins and I will have one tonight when Michael Vincent comes over here tonight." Angela said before turning to Booth. "So you're okay with getting our son to school tomorrow?"
"All set, Angela. Thanks again." Booth said as he walked Hank over.
"No problem." The artist replied as she took Hank's hand. "See you guys later."
The couple watched as their daughter followed Angela and Hank out the door before Christine shut it. Turning to each other, they smiled.
"So we're celebrating Valentine's Day this morning?" Brennan said.
Booth came around and put his arm around Brennan's waist on her right side. "We are."
Brennan smirked. "You know, I have a Valentine's Day present for you."
Booth smiled. "I have a Valentine's Day present for you, too, Bones."
"I'll get mine and you get yours and then we can observe the holiday before you go into work." Brennan said. Seeing her husband ready to protest, she put her hand up. "Doctor Elias told me yesterday that if I was careful and fully rested while at home, I could do anything I felt comfortable doing."
"All right, Bones. Be right back. I have mine out in the truck."
"I have yours in my office."
The couple separated and headed to their respective hiding places. Brennan moved her anthropological journals in her office and pulled out a package. Smiling, she walked back out to the living room.
Outside, Booth unlocked his SUV and fished under his driver side seat until he pulled out a small wrapped box. Whistling to himself, he walked back into the house before they open each other's gifts. While Brennan carefully opened the small package, Booth ripped his open with glee. When the presents were revealed, both were pleased.
"Booth, this is so beautiful." Brennan said before holding up a small silver necklace with a dolphin pendant.
"Bones…you never cease to amaze me." Booth said as he pulled a pair of boxers out with toy soldiers on them.
There's more, Booth." Brennan said with a coy smile.
"Really?" Booth asked.
"Yes, really." Brennan said.
Untying her robe tie with one hand, she awkwardly pulled the clothing off and dropped it to the floor. Lifting Booth's FBI t-shirt, she revealed a matching pair of panties.
"Should our armies pool their resources, Booth?" Brennan said. "My army has to be on top, though, if you don't mind."
"Anytime, Bones…anytime." Her husband replied before quickly pulling down his sweatpants and putting on the new boxers.
Taking each other's hand, they walked into the bedroom. Booth sat down on the bed and walked his wife to him. Knowing to take the shirt off he would have to move her sling, he compromised by putting his head under the shirt where he explored her with kisses. When he felt her breathing hitch, he traded his lips for his tongue, tracing patterns into her abdominal area.
Smiling to himself, Booth slowly pulled down Brennan's underwear and trailed his lips down to her personal treasure. When he felt her step out of her panties and spread her legs, he went for her. He left not part untouched as he loved her to her moans of pleasure. When he felt her orgasm, he kissed her softly before lifting his head up.
Pushing her back a couple of steps, Booth pulled down his boxers and laid down on the bed. Brennan walked over and climbed on his gently, being careful not to aggravate her shoulder. Setting the pace, the anthropologist moved slowly at first, enjoying the feel of her husband inside her along with his grip on her hips. When Booth bent his knees, she leaned back, enabling her to move a little harder. She saw stars as the pleasant friction was encompassing her. Looking down, she saw her husband's eyes become all black with passion.
Booth wanted more than anything to push up into his wife, but he couldn't because of her shoulder. However, he could do what he wanted with his hands, so he cupped her very ample breasts. She was beautiful before she had their children, but her post-pregnancy body was even more beautiful. Her curves were riper and her breasts grew larger.
It was her, though. The woman who told him after the Cleo Eller case that she wanted to help him in his quest to balance his cosmic balance sheet. The one he confided in about Josip Radik all those years ago. The woman who was his best friend.
He felt her pumps onto him grow harder. Looking up, her head was back and she groaned his name more than once. Holding himself back, he watched her as she orgasmed and it was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. When he saw she was satisfied, he let himself go.
When they recovered their faculties, Brennan gingerly laid down on her right side with her head on her husband's chest. Booth grabbed his phone and set an alarm. When settled, the two slept peacefully.
At 2:30 PM, Aubrey was whistling a tune as she arrived at the hospital to pick up Jessica, who was cleared by the physiotherapist to be discharged. After meeting with his landlady, he grabbed the Itty Bitty Rey stuffed doll he got his squintern for Valentine's Day. The agent knew his girl well and while she would have appreciated flowers, she would love this better.
He hoped she had reached a decision about what he talked to her about last night. He would support her in whatever she decided to do because he knew she valued her independence. However, she also needed help for a while.
Getting off on her floor, he said hello to the nurses and headed to Jessica's room. Knocking, he came in and stood in shock as he saw who was visiting his girlfriend.
"This is something I didn't expect to see."
Karen turned to Aubrey. "Hi Aubrey. I'm just visiting with Jessica."
"Yes, Superman. She was telling me about last night when she was out and about." The redhead said before turning back to the profiler. "So…any other plans?"
Karen nodded. "We are going to have dinner tonight."
"Maybe you'll have more than dinner tonight."
"Whoa girl…it's just dinner. Nothing fancy because it's a weekday and he likes to be home for his daughter at night during the week." The profiler said before getting up and taking her purse. "Well, I think your boyfriend wants to spend time with you, so I'm heading out. See you at work, Aubrey."
Aubrey watched Karen leave, trying to reconcile what he just heard from the woman he knew. Turning to his girlfriend, he had to ask. "Karen has a date?"
"Yeah, with Agent Charlie Burns from International Operations. They had coffee while going over a profile she did for one of his cases and it turned into drinks at Founding Fathers last night."
"His wife died a couple years ago." Aubrey said. "Well, good for the both of them. It will keep her out of our hair for a while."
Jessica thought about her words. "She also apologized to me for being a nuisance with you."
Aubrey was dumbfounded for a second. "Come on…she must have been shining you on—"
"No, I don't think so, Aubrey. She seemed really genuine. I'm not quite sure what changed her tune but whatever it was it was profound enough for her to quit chasing you."
"Works for me." The agent said. "Now, I have something for you."
Seeing what her boyfriend was holding, Jessica shrieked. "An Itty Bitty Rey doll! Oh, you know me so well, Superman."
"I do. So when do I get to take you home?"
"Doctor Elias should be here shortly." Jessica said while admiring her gift. "I have your Valentine's day gift at my apartment."
"Cool." Aubrey said before sitting carefully on the bed next to his girlfriend. "I talked to Mrs. Hall. She wasn't happy that I was leaving, but she wished me good luck and thanked me for getting someone to sublet the place. I won't lie…it's a bit scary but I think it will be good."
"I'm glad they trust you with it, Superman."
"It's in a great location and with everything it will be same or even cheaper."
"That is really cool." Jessica said.
Doctor Elias then walked into the room. "So, is someone ready to go home and celebrate Valentine's Day with her cutie boyfriend?"
"Most definitely, Doctor Elias." Jessica said.
Booth was getting dressed when he saw the black package on his side of the bureau. Picking it up again, he pulled out a pair of boxers that were white with colored polka dots. Next was a set Bones called 'Modern Camo' with bright red, blue, and other colors and the last pair were of pandas.
Looking nearby, he saw pairs of women's underwear with matching styles to his new boxers. He laughed, thinking once again how well his wife knew him.
"So…do you like your Valentine's Day gift, Booth?"
Turning around, he saw Brennan standing in the doorway. "Yeah Bones…these are great."
The anthropologist walked into the bedroom. "They're called 'Me Undies'. They have matching sets for couples and we get a new pair in the mail each month. Plus in June, $1.00 from every pair sold will go towards the Los Angeles LBGT Center."
"In the mail?" Booth said. "Bones, I don't want the mailman knowing what my skivvies are."
"They won't Booth. It's shipped in non-descript packaging."
The agent came to his wife and took her gingerly in his arms before placing a kiss on her head. "Thank you for loving me, Bones."
Brennan took her left arm around her husband. "I should be saying the same of you, Booth."
Jessica and Aubrey turned into a pleasant looking neighborhood. After turning down a couple of side streets, they arrived at a large home with a gated driveway. The front porch had two columns on the side surrounding the front door.
"So, you've been here before, right Jess?" Aubrey said.
"A couple of times before things…happened." Jessica said. "I'm glad you're moving into Doctor B and Booth's old house."
"Thanks." Aubrey said as he turned off the ignition. "It means a lot that they trust me with this house."
Aubrey got out and rushed to the passenger side door. After helping Jessica down, he got her stuff while she adjusted herself on her crutches. Moving slowly, the couple headed to the front door, where Aubrey unlocked it. When the door opened, the redhead led the way.
"Wow…this place looks so nice."
Aubrey shut the door. "Yeah, I lucked out, didn't I? The house has all new modern appliances, including the washer and dryer. I still have to buy beds and other things for the upstairs bedrooms, but Booth is letting me keep the dining room table and living room furniture. What I don't keep of my stuff I'm selling to Oliver."
"Are you going to be able to be moved out in two weeks, Superman?" Jessica asked as she sat down on the couch. "I'm not going to be able to help you."
"It's all good." Aubrey said as he joined her. "Wendell is helping me bring my bed over tomorrow night so I don't have to sleep on the couch. Booth, Doctor B and the others will help me this weekend with whatever I don't bring this week."
Jessica took his hand. "Superman, I want to talk now, all right?"
"Yeah, I'd like that, Jess."
Jessica bit her lip as she considered her words. "Aubrey…I want to get married….not now…but later down the road and have some little Aubreys with you. I want to work with you someday like Doctor B work with Booth. I've been so afraid of commitment because of my parents and I don't want to be anymore. I want to grow old with you, watch cool science fiction with you, eat weird food with you…but not roadkill. I want to go to Star Wars conventions with you…make hot, passionate love with you as much as possible even when we're like in our eighties. I don't want you to keep things from me anymore or protect me from stuff. I'm not going to leave you, ever. Nothing can happen that would scare me away from you. I love you so much but I want to love all of you even though it scares the crap out of me, but in a good way. Please let me do that."
Aubrey took a deep breath, overwhelmed by Jessica's stream of consciousness. As he pondered what he wanted to say, Jessica hedged.
"Oh crap…you don't want to get married…I'm pushing you…I'm sorry. I just wanted you to—"
"Jessica!" Aubrey said as he squeezed her hand. "I want all that too, someday. I just said I didn't want to get married because I thought you didn't. You looked panic stricken when I said I was serious about us and I didn't want to scare you off. I know you love me, but I guess a small part of me…was scared that maybe you would find something…or someone better one day and leave. I'm no prize you know."
"Shut the fuck up, James Aubrey!" Jessica yelled. "Just because your father was a criminal doesn't mean you're not right for me. I'm the one with the bipolar mother, remember? There is like only a 5% chance I could develop it, but it still scares me sometimes. That and the fact my parents loved each other but that love…turned bad. I didn't want that to happen to us and when you said you didn't want to get married, I was sad, but at the time, I thought it was best."
"What changed your mind?" Aubrey asked.
Jessica didn't want to embarrass Aubrey, so she gave an edited version. "After I left you Sunday, I had no destination in mind, but I ended up at my dad's nursing home in Maryland. We talked about him and Mom for a while, about how much he liked you, and how much you love me. He also lovingly and bluntly lectured me about how you and I weren't them or your parents. We were our own people and had our own lives to lead and that I needed to stop being afraid."
"Your dad is pretty cool." Aubrey said.
Jessica wiped a tear from her eye. "Then, I grabbed lunch for myself and Doctor B because she asked me to help her with the Kovacs case when I said I was heading over there. We didn't talk much outside of the case as we worked, but…after the bomb, we talked about her and Booth before you and me. I…could have died, James and I would have never seen you again. The last things I would have said to you were in anger."
"But you didn't die in there, thank God." Aubrey said, not missing the use of his first name, something Jessica only called him when they were intimate or moments like this one.
"What did you do Sunday?" Jessica asked.
"I-I was pissed off...and sad after you left. Gordon came home and listened to me whine. When I was done, he spoke some truths I didn't like, but had to acknowledge. When I asked him what to do, he told me that I knew what to do and to just do it." The agent caressed her injured leg softly. "Jessica, I built my father up into this…force and it was holding me back from life…from you. So…I went to my father's detention center and said things I should have said years ago, even when he was arrested. I do think he loves me,but he loves himself and money more than me…than my mother…than anything else in this world. Once I said my peace, things just looked so clear that I knew what I wanted."
"What's that, Superman?" Jessica asked.
"That I wanted a commitment from you, a true one." Aubrey said. "I'm not ready to get married, or even for us to live together permanently. However…I would like to try what we discussed last night…if you are okay with it. If not, I will stay with you as many nights as I can. I just don't want to spook you."
"I know Superman, but let's do it."
"Really?" Aubrey said.
"Yes." Jessica said. "I do need a place where I don't have to worry about stairs until I've progressed enough in my physical therapy. You will be gone during the day so I can have some independence but you will be there at night if I need you. I will have a quiet place to work on my dissertation but an awesome 60 inch TV to watch your DVDs on when I need a break."
"You mean that—"
The redhead leaned forward. "James Aubrey, let's live together for the next several weeks."
"Only if I can be your love slave." Aubrey retorted.
The redhead cracked up. "Superman, with this bum leg, you're not going to be my love slave for a while."
Aubrey cracked the side grin Jessica always found so sexy. "Oh, I think we can think of ways of getting around that bum leg, Ms. Warren."
"How?"
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
"YES…YES…Don't stop!"
The downstairs bedroom became a cacophony of moans and exclamations as Aubrey and Jessica were in the throes of making love in the guest bedroom downstairs. The agent was pumping her from behind, making sure not to jostle her leg too much that was propped up on pillows. He was careful not to squeeze her but his simultaneous manipulation between her legs finally caused his girlfriend to explode.
"JJJJAAAMMMMEEEESSS!"
Feeling his girlfriend shatter caused Aubrey to do the same. They sat for about a minute, each trying to catch their breath. When the agent began to recuperate, he kissed her gently on her neck as he began caressing her abdomen. "Told you we…could get around…that bum leg." Aubrey said.
Jessica's right arm went around Aubrey's. Finding his hand, she interlocked her fingers with his. "I am always in awe of your talents, Special Agent Aubrey."
"What can I say?" Aubrey said while continuing to nuzzle her neck. "Google can be a man's best friend sometimes."
The couple burst out laughing while they continued to hold each other close. Aubrey pulled her closer to him before coming around to kiss his lover on the lips. "Happy Valentine's Day Jessica."
"Happy Valentine's Day, Aubrey."
They laid together, arm and legs entwined in the quiet against each other's warmth before falling asleep together.
On Thursday afternoon, everyone including a recuperating Brennan and Jessica attended Sammy's funeral. When the anthropologist found out she had no family, she paid for all the funeral expenses. It was a simple ceremony attended by only the Jeffersonian group and a few others from St. George's that knew the young woman.
As the group was leaving the cemetery, Booth linked his arm with his wife's. "It was a nice thing you did paying for all this."
"I didn't realize she had no family of her own." Brennan said. "I know how that feels…knowing that no one would be around to mourn when you were gone…"
"But you did, Bones. You just didn't see it back then…and Sammy will have people to mourn her…you…myself…Aubrey, Jessica, Hodgins, Angela, Cam, Arastoo and the other squints. She was misled and made some bad decisions, but in the end, she tried to do the right thing. No one should be shunned for doing the right thing."
"Maybe if I had paid more attention to her…"
"Bones." Booth said firmly. "If it wasn't her, Kovacs and his sister would have found someone else to manipulate."
"You're right, Booth. This train of thought is not logical."
"No, it's not Bones." Booth said as he opened the door to his SUV for his wife. "But it's human."
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
Jessica led the way as she deftly maneuvered her crutches. "I still can't believe it, Superman. Sammy was such a nice person. Why would she…"
Aubrey still had his issues with the young woman, but he wouldn't kick a dead woman who couldn't defend herself. "I don't know Jess, but she tried to do the right thing. We have to remember that, all right?"
The two arrived at Aubrey's vehicle. "Okay, Superman."
"Good." The agent said as he stood by to help Jessica if needed. When she got in the car, he took her crutches and put them in his back seat.
Jessica waited for Aubrey to get in the driver's side, momentarily frustrated she couldn't drive for several weeks. However, she was just grateful to be alive at this point because she could have been like Sammy was right now. When he sat down, he plugged his phone into his new Darth Vader car charger.
"I'm glad you like my Valentine's Day gift to you, Superman."
"It's the best one I've ever got." Aubrey said before realizing his faux pas. "I mean, besides…Tuesday afternoon."
Jessica caressed his face. "I know."
Friday night came and Booth and Brennan arrived at Hodgins and Angela's house for dinner. As the couple were getting out of the car, Aubrey pulled up in his SUV and the driver's side door opened. "Hey, great timing. Can't wait for dinner."
Booth shook his head. "Do you need help getting Jessica out of the SUV?"
Aubrey walked around to the passenger side. "Nope, all good. Thanks, though."
Booth and Brennan watched the younger man assist Jessica out before giving her the crutches. "She seems to be doing well, Bones."
"Yes. I talked to her this morning. If all goes well, she will hopefully be cleared to return to work for half shifts maybe in two weeks."
"Aubrey said she's not one to sit around."
The older couple waited for the other one to join them. "I concur. I took her over some exams to grade and I've let her consult via Skype on a set of remains found in Quebec."
"That's nice of you, Bones."
"Ms. Warren is one that needs to be mentally stimulated at all times. I understand that frustration as I've been confined home and I hated it."
"I'm sure she appreciated it." Booth said.
As the four walked up to the door, Aubrey speculated. "I wonder what's on the menu."
"Seriously, Aubrey? That's what on your mind?"
"Aubrey needs to keep his strength up." Jessica said. "He's been taking very good care of me when he's not at work…especially a couple of hours ago."
Aubrey turned beet red at his girlfriend's hints of their earlier coupling. "Thank you, Jess."
"I don't want to know." Booth said as he hit the doorbell.
They didn't wait long as Michael Vincent answered the door. "Hi Uncle Booth, Aunt Bren. Hi Aubrey. Hi Jessica."
"Hi there Little Man." Jessica said.
"Mommy said to come into the den."
"All right." Booth said.
The four walked slowly due to Jessica's crutches. When the eight year old opened the door, they were greeted with several people yelling SURPRISE!
"What's all this?" Brennan asked Angela.
"This is yours and Jessica's welcome home party." Angela said before hugging Brennan. "We're just go glad you two are all right."
"Girl, you scare us like that again, I'm so kicking your ass." Andie admonished as she and Daisy came up to the redhead.
Jessica hugged her two friends. "I promise to be more careful."
"You better." Daisy said.
Gordon walked up to the two agents. "Gentlemen, it seems your ladies are on the mend."
"Yeah, thank God." Booth said, watching as his wife and Aubrey's girlfriend got flanked by people.
"Aubrey, I hear congratulations are in order for your new dwelling."
"Thanks. Tomorrow everyone is helping me move the last of my stuff out of my old apartment."
"Except Cam and Arastoo." Booth said.
"Yes, Doctors Saroyan and Vaziri told me before they flew out to Mississippi today about their plans to adopt three foster children. That is such a wonderful thing."
"Yeah. They're staying down there for a couple of weeks before bringing the boys home." Booth said. "Michelle is stoked to get three new brothers."
Gordon smiled. "She also told me that Doctor Hodgins is taking over in her absence."
"Yep." Aubrey said.
"Bug Boy gets to be King of the Lab for six months…for real this time." Booth said.
"So, how are you doing at Jessica's apartment?" Aubrey said. "You're doing us a huge favor by staying there while you're in town so she doesn't have to pay rent."
"Very well in fact. Nothing against your apartment but staying with you was cramping my style a bit. A man does need a bit of privacy."
"So, what's this surprise you mentioned yesterday, Gordon?" Booth said before turning to his other friend. "Okay, quit with that shit eating grin, Aubrey. What do you know?"
Aubrey looked for the important part of the night. "Hey, check out the spread. I should get a plate for Jessica. Be right back."
"Chicken shit." Booth muttered good naturedly as they walked the lanky man walk away. "Okay Gordon Gordon. What gives?"
The chef crossed his arms. "I have a guest coming here shortly."
Booth smiled. "Is it a lady guest? Do I know her?"
"Yes…and yes."
Booth slapped Gordon's arm. "You sly dog. Who is it?"
"All in due time, Booth. Now, let's enjoy the festivities, shall we?"
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
Jessica was nursing a Coke due to her pain meds as she gossiped with Andie and Daisy on the den's couch.
"So…do you enjoy living in sin with Aubrey?" Daisy asked.
Jessica finished munching on her cheese. "Let's just say that no visiting nurse can care for me like my Superman can."
The women were laughing when someone unexpected came up to them. Andie and Jessica looked surprised while Daisy merely ate a carrot.
"Jessica, I'm glad you're okay."
"T-thanks, Oliver." Jessica said. "I appreciate that."
"While we have our differences, mainly our intelligence levels and skill set-."
"Oliver, all you have to do is pay the $40.00 to take the Mensa test and if you pass you will be invited to join." Jessica said.
"My previous test scores speak for themselves, Ms. Warren, so it's their loss. Nonetheless, looking forward to working with you again." The polymath said before walking away.
"Okay…who was that and where's the real Oliver Wells?" Jessica said before sipping her pop.
"I told him that it would behoove him to start being polite to his colleagues." Daisy said. "I thought I would get a fight from him, but he just agreed with me. I wonder why."
"Really?" Andie said, incredulous at her friend's ignorance.
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
Angela came around and sat on her husband's lap in his wheelchair. "So, how's my King of the Lab?"
"King of the Lab is doing awesome." Hodgins said. "Nothing…and I mean…nothing could top taking over the lab."
"Really?" Angela said. "Nothing at all?"
"Nope." Hodgins said.
Angela laughed before bending down to whisper in Hodgins' ear. His eyes got large and the smirk turned into an excited smile.
"Seriously?" Hodgins asked. "Really?"
"Yes. There's going to be another Prince or Princess of the Lab in about seven months."
"We're having a baby! Woo hoo!" Hodgins hollered before twirling his wife around in his wheelchair.
"Hodgins!"
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
Gordon felt a buzz on his phone. Taking it out, he smiled. "It seems my guest is here. I will go get her and be right back."
When the profiler was out of earshot, Booth pointed his finger at Aubrey. "You know who it is, don't you?"
Aubrey, who was on the couch with Jessica's leg propped up on his lap, smiled. "Perhaps."
"So Gordon's got a girlfriend, huh?" Hodgins said. "I wonder who the lucky gal is."
Suddenly, the chef walked in with a petite older woman. Everyone but Aubrey and Jessica had reactions from shock to amazement.
"Doctor Mayer?" Booth said. "You're Gordon's girlfriend?"
"Significant other…and lover." Beth Mayer said. "Girlfriend reminds me of high school…and that train has run."
"Go Gordon!" Angela hooted.
"Where's the bar, folks?" Beth said. "I could use a whiskey."
Hodgins wheeled himself to the bar. "What kind, Beth?"
"Jameson, please if you have it."
On the cough, Jessica smacked Aubrey's arm. "I told you she was a Jameson girl, Aubrey. No one like that Old Fogelsong shit but you."
"Hey it's smooth, Jess," The agent said before whispering, "Just like the under your navel."
The couple smiled at each other.
Aubrey and Jessica came home early when she became tired. The agent suspected she was more tired than she let on, but knew his girl hated to leave a good party.
After the redhead got settled in around 10:30, Aubrey brushed his teeth. Coming out of the downstairs bathroom, Aubrey admired his new home for a minute. There were a few boxes that still needed to be unpacked, not counting what was coming over tomorrow. A couple of the bedrooms needed to be painted still. The four bedrooms, bathroom, closet, and attic upstairs still needed door knobs but it was home. He could easily picture having a family in this house…with Jessica.
He still wasn't ready to go there, but a guy could dream.
Walking into the kitchen, he put a little food in Skinner's dish so he wouldn't be woke up at 6:00 in the morning. When done, he turned to the fridge and grabbed a bottle of water. Opening the cap, he took a drink as he mentally calculated his plans for the weekend.
Tomorrow, the gang was meeting him at his apartment to move his stuff out so Oliver could move in Sunday while Jessica with Andie and Daisy's assistance would pack up what she would need for the next eight plus weeks. His girlfriend insisted on making vegetarian lasagna for everyone as a thank you for all the work. He relented when she promised her that her two assistants would help her with the parts that involved moving around the kitchen.
Sunday, he and Jessica had plans for staying in their PJs and watching old Science fiction movies. After the crazy week they had, both felt they earned a lazy day together with Skinner.
Capping his water, Aubrey headed back towards the downstairs bedroom, figuring he could read for a bit before bed. Walking in, he saw his girlfriend sleeping soundly on the left side with her leg propped up with pillows. She was wearing his fraternity t-shirt and panties underneath. That combo usually turned him on, but she needed her rest. Her pain medication assisted with that. Next to her, Skinner was on his side stretched contently as he snugged up to his girlfriend.
Realizing he didn't want to read anymore, he climbed into bed. Putting his water on the nightstand, Aubrey shut off the light. Turning onto his side, he gingerly put his arm around Jessica's waist and went to sleep.
Maybe this living together thing would work out better than planned.
Around 12 midnight, Booth and Brennan got home from the party. Their kids were in Hodgins and Angela's guest house with Billy, who was hosting a slumber party with Michael Vincent. They got themselves situated and into bed.
"Were you surprised, Bones?" Booth asked when he came into the doorway.
Brennan was attempting to put on a nightshirt. "Yes, Booth I was. I enjoyed my party very much and so did Ms. Warren."
Booth saw his wife struggling. He knew how independent she was, so he waited until she stopped struggling.
"Booth…"
"Coming Bones."
He helped his wife get into her pajama shirt before assisting with the sling. Booth knew Bones was frustrated but he preferred her in a shoulder sling to six feet under. When she was situated, they got into bed. Hearing his wife's silence, Booth immediately knew why.
"There's nothing you could have done to prevent Sammy from doing all this, you know."
Brennan exhaled in frustration. "I still don't understand why she didn't place the bomb by the window like she was instructed to, Booth. What if-"
"I'm not going to play 'what if', Bones. I'm going to just say my prayers that we're all still standing…that you and Jessica survived because there's a reason for all that happened that day."
Brennan knew what her husband was hinting at. "Booth neither your God or any spiritual being was looking out—"
"Think what you want Bones, but there was…at least to me." Booth said before wiping a tear. "You and Jessica could have been in another part of the lab. You could have been alone. They could have manipulated another intern…one of those things taken away and we wouldn't be talking."
"I love you, Booth." Brennan said.
"I love you, too Bones." Booth said before giving his wife a small kiss. "Now, let's get some sleep. You know how much sleeping in is a luxury around here."
"True." Brennan said.
The couple got under the fluffy comforter of their bed. Booth held her to ensure her shoulder had no weight on it and they closed their eyes to peaceful dreams for the first time in a long time.
A/N: Me Undies is a real website. I can't post the address but it comes up under Google.