Spoilers/Timeline: None/Set in future (B&B are in an established relationship)

Disclaimer: Do you really think I'd still be subbing if I owned Bones? Title found in Tim McGraw's Watch the Wind Blow By.

She settled on the edge of the dock, listening as the waves licked the shore. It had barely been a full minute and she could already feel the tension starting to dissipate.

This was silly. His parents weren't even present yet she was completely overwhelmed. His extended family was simply too large, too close knit; she didn't know how to function in that environment. Too many years spent on her own, she supposed.

Tree branches rustled in the warm breeze and she leaned back, propping herself on her elbows to look up at the night sky. It had taken Booth three years to convince her to attend the semi-annual family barbeque. She only gave in when he'd returned the previous year complaining that, despite years as partners, no one believed she actually existed. Now she was seriously doubting the wisdom in her decision to come; his family would never accept her. She knew it from the moment Aunt Pat – no, maybe it was Aunt Denise – asked where her ring was.

"Hey," He settled next to her, kicking off his shoes, letting his feet slice through the water. "are you all right? I know they can be…"

"Overanxious gossips?" She turned to look at him, eyebrow rising in question.

"I was going to say 'nosy', but yes."

"I'm fine, Booth." She glanced to the sky again. "I just needed some air."

"Just some air? I can practically feel the tension rolling off you…"

"Tension doesn't manifest itself physically. At least, not in that way."

"I know, Bones, it's just an expression." He moved her shoes so he could scoot closer. "What's wrong?"

She sighed, knowing he'd just keep prodding until he was satisfied with her answer. Might as well get it over with. "I'm never going to be a part of the family. They can't even accept that I'm committed to you now, let alone the idea that I will be in the future. "

"They're not used to someone challenging their definition of a relationship; they'll come around." His arm fell across her shoulders, pulling her close. "And if they don't, screw 'em."

She laughed. "Oh?"

"Yeah." His voice dropped, murmuring in her ear. "You're my family. You and Parker."

Despite the temperate June air, she got a chill as his words washed over her. Suddenly, his feet began splashing hers and, as they dissolved into laughter, she grinned, content in his steadiness beside her.