AN: Here's chapter two. Please, please bear with me. This isn't a long story but there's gonna be a lot happening in those few chapters. It doesn't look good from here, but it'll be an interesting ride, I promise.

Temperance sat between Booth and his brother Jared, trying to hold conversation with the latter to avoid watching Seeley and his new bride. She was painfully aware of every movement the couple made. She didn't begrudge him happiness, and she knew deep down that Annabelle Chastain was perfect for him. The kindergarten teacher was family oriented, wanted children, and dreamt of the house with the white picket fence. She also shared Booth's religion and beliefs in traditional family values. She was in essence the perfect companion for him.

Because she didn't want to intrude on his new life, she was leaving after the reception to spend a year reconnecting with her father and brother. Booth once told her there was more than one type of family, and though that might be true, she had a chance to get her father and brother back.

"I think you're up for a speech," Jared said to her, drawing her from her thoughts. With a slightly embarrassed smile, she picked up a glass of champagne and stood. She turned to Booth and Annabelle, smiling despite the ache in her chest.

"When I met Seeley, I thought he was the most arrogant and cocky man I'd ever met. But I've come to find that behind the tough guy exterior is a genuinely caring man who fast became one of my best friends. I remember him telling me about Annabelle, and how his eyes lit up when he spoke about her. She has been a wonderful companion for him, and I know that she can give him everything that he wants in life." Temperance closed her eyes for a moment, readying herself for what she was about to say. "Booth, it means a lot that you asked me to be your 'best man', and I wanted to let you know that I love you and I wish you the best in life." With that, she raised her glass and took a sip of champagne. She caught Booth's eye and was startled by the stunned and almost hurt expression on his face.

"That took a lot of guts to say you know," Jared said as she sat back down.

"What took guts?" She was pointedly not facing Booth. Jared shook his head and gave her a sympathetic look.

"Your speech. You should have told him how you felt earlier."

"Jared, I don't begrudge your brother any happiness. I've never seen anything that would suggest he's unhappy."

"Being happy and being in love isn't the same thing," he said in a low tone. "I like Annie as much as anyone, but I can't help but think that it won't last." Jared offered her a small smile before turning his attention to the maid of honor. Temperance sat, lost in thought. Was it possible that Booth had not been joking when they spoke last night? Did he have feelings that extended past those of friendship? At this point in the game, she didn't want to know.

Dinner progressed and soon it was time for the first dance of the bride and groom. Temperance stood by Angela as they watched the pair move across the floor to 'The Way You Look Tonight'.

"Sweetie, are you doing okay," Angela asked. Temperance sighed as she kept her eyes trained on Booth.

"No I'm not. I'm confused."

"You? About what?"

"I'm happy for Booth, I really am, but…I've ruined everything." The song ended and Brennan averted her eyes as the couple kissed. Booth moved off the dance floor as Annabelle and her father took over. Brennan could feel his gaze fall on her, but tried to ignore it. Finally the intensity of his stare compelled her to look up. She kept her expression neutral while she watched emotions play over his face. Her own hear began to pound as he approached her.

"Temperance…" He was interrupted as the song ended. He held out his hand to her, and as she took it, she began to regret agreeing to stand in for his mother. The song, 'You're My Best Friend' began to play and the partners swayed to the music.

"Were you making a joke last night about the best man comment?" Temperance had to ask the question as she caught his eye again.

"No, I wasn't. Would you have said it if you'd known?"

"I don't know." She looked away from him, not wanting to see his expression.

Across the floor, Annabelle stood next to her mother as they watched Seeley dance with Temperance.

"I don't like the way he looks at her."

"Mother, you're just being paranoid. You're still upset that he chose to have a dance with Temperance.

"It isn't normal, their relationship. You know I wouldn't say anything if I weren't concerned for you. I know you heard her say she loves him. How can you ignore that?"

"Because I know the pair of them," Annabelle replied curtly.

"Don't be a fool. You can't ignore the way he looks at her." Annabelle scoffed, but looked at her husband. If there was one thing she knew, it was that Seeley cared deeply for his partner and his emotions were always displayed on his face and in his eyes. Pulling her gaze from her husband she turned and looked at her mother.

"If he didn't want me, he would never have asked me to marry him. I'd appreciate it if you'd let the matter drop. Is that clear?"

"Fine, but don't say I didn't warn you."

Back on the dance floor, Booth brought Brennan's gaze back to him. She met it reluctantly, not wanting to have this conversation.

"Why didn't you ever say anything?"

"You mean like how you did? Oh wait, that's right. I had no idea of knowing how you felt about me."

"Temperance…"

"No Booth. What we feel has no bearing now. You're married. You chose Annabelle, not me. I'm glad you're happy with her, and that you'll get the life you've always wanted."

"Is that what you think is important to me? The house and the wife and kids? Jesus Bones, there are other considerations I'd make in life if…"

"If what? If you'd known how I felt? You mean to tell me that you would give up everything that means the most to you in order to be with me?"

"Yes."

"Well it's too late for that, isn't it?" The song ended and the pair looked at each other for a long moment before Brennan began to move away. "Congratulations on your new life Booth. Now I have to go." As she walked away, he followed her.

"What do you mean you're going?"

"I'm leaving. You have a life with Annabelle now and I'll just get in the way. I'm going away for a while to give you two time together without me around." With that, Temperance left the reception hall with Booth looking after her. Annabelle approached Booth and slipped her hand into his.

"Sweetheart, what's wrong?" He turned to look at her, confusion and hurt etched into his features.

"She's leaving. She's leaving me."

Brennan hurried through the halls and flung the doors open, finding her father waiting just outside the reception hall for her. He looked at her as she marched past him to the rental car he had.

"Baby is everything okay?"

"It's fine, I'm fine." She got to the door and opened it, sliding into the car and closing the door before Max had a chance to respond. He went to the driver's side and climbed in, looking over at his daughter before starting the car.

"Don't you want to change first?"

"I'll do it at the airport. Can we just get going, please?"

"Of course honey, of course we can." Max took one last look at his daughter before driving away from the reception hall for Dulles International and their plane flight to Michigan.

XxXxX

Booth opened the door to the Honeymoon Suite and followed Annabelle in. The evening had gone by swiftly, but it all seemed a blur to him after Brennan's hasty exit. He pulled off his jacket and loosened the bowtie from his neck. He looked up to see Annabelle looking at him with an unreadable expression.

"Seeley, are you okay? You seem distant."

"I'm fine, really." He offered her a smile as if to prove his words, but it never made it to his eyes.

"Sweetheart, I need to ask you something and I want you to be completely honest with me."

"You know I'm always honest with you."

"Okay. Are you in love with Temperance Brennan?"