Temperance –
If you're reading this, it means that something or someone has taken me away from you. You must know that I would never willingly leave you, and that I would do anything to stay by your side.
You are my whole world, and I love you with my entire being.
I know you do not believe in God, but you believe in me. Know that even though I have been taken from this world. I will still be with you always. In the whisper of the wind, in the quietness of nightfall, I will be with you as long as you have a place for me in your heart.
So as you lay me down into the ground, know I am still with you, protecting you and loving you.
You are my soul mate, and I love you.
Now and Always,
Seeley
She read the note over and over again, amazed at how articulate his words were. She knew she shouldn't be reading it; after all, the doctors said he would recover quickly. But she couldn't help it; His words touched her heart and soul.
Tempe left the hospital only a few minutes before, and headed towards his house. When he awoke, she wanted him to feel at home and comfortable. As she opened the dresser in his bedroom, she pulled out a few articles of clothing she thought he might want. After all, he has never been a fan of the hospital night gowns. In the back under his clothes was an envelope with her name written on it.
Now, holding it in her hands, she did not know what to do. Putting it back would only ignore his declaration. Obviously, she was only meant to see the letter if he died. If she took it, he would obviously find out sooner or later.
She put the letter back inside the envelope, and tucked it into her purse. She would take her chances, and somehow talk to Booth about what it all meant. Twenty minutes later, she arrived back at the hospital.
Walking into his room, she found her sleeping partner. He looked so innocent. She couldn't help but wonder why he kept these feelings hidden from her. She sat and quietly watched him sleep.
He awoke a short time later, seeing her at his bedside. He smiled; she had stayed by his side.
Tempe reached out, holding the envelope in her hand. He immediately recognized the handwriting. "Where did you find that?"
She retold the events of the past hour, and then in a quiet voice asked if he meant all he had written.
"Yes damn it. But you weren't supposed to see it unless…"
She cut him off. "Unless you died. I know."
They sat in silence for what seemed like hours before she spoke. "You may be mad at me Booth. It was private, and I read it anyway. But I'm not sorry."
He looked into her eyes, wondering what she meant. "Why is that?"
She smiled and reached for his hand. Taking it in hers, she brought it to her lips, and kissed it gently. "Because I love you too, Seeley."