A/N: Sorry this took so long. I have some pretty nasty writer's block! This is the last chapter before we get to the letters, I promise! And, as always, I sadly do not own Bones.

By noon, Booth was so engrossed in the piles of backed up paperwork he never seemed to be able to finish that he didn't hear anyone enter his office. Angela stood in front of the desk a full minute before her patience wore out and she loudly cleared her throat to gain attention. Booth practically jumped out of his chair, but quickly tried to cover his reaction, he had a reputation to uphold after all.

"Angela. I didn't hear you come in. Is something wrong?"

"Not really. I got stuck grabbing lunch for everyone and I thought I'd stop in to see how you were doing on your letter."

He decided to feign innocence to try to get her to drop it. "Letter?"

"Don't play dumb with me, I'm better at it than you. You know full well what letter I'm talking about. The one Sweets is making you guys write."

"Right. I don't see how it's any concern of yours."

"Don't start with me. I have a vested interest in what you write in that letter. My best friend's heart is on the line here and I want to make damn sure it doesn't get broken."

"It's just a stupid assignment from Sweets. It doesn't mean anything. And I resent that you'd think I'd purposely break her heart."

"I didn't say you'd do it on purpose. And what you say in that letter means everything. I know you guys never listen to me when I try to point out what we all see between you, but hear me out this one time. This is your chance. You need to make her understand how you really feel about her. And don't give me the just partners bs. This whole thing has her freaked. You know how she is about people leaving her. She's really struggling and what she really needs right now is assurance from you that you aren't going to leave her. Please don't let this go. She needs this. You need this, I know you do. I really think she's ready now. If you tell her now, she's not going to run. You mean too much to her. This whole 'assignment' is really getting through to her. She's starting to open her eyes to what could be. You need to show her that it's worth it. Don't screw this up. I think that you'll lose her if you do." Without waiting for a response, she turned on her heel and exited the office. Leaving a very conflicted FBI agent behind.

Booth sat there staring into space for a long time, digesting what Angela had said to him. Had she really meant it? Could Bones really want something more? He had long ago realized his feeling for his partner and friend. He knew what he wanted with her, he wanted it all, with her. But could it really become a reality? He slowly got back to his work, not really focusing. He composed his letter to her a million times in his head while he mechanically filled out forms. As soon as he finished, he was out of there, flying home to put his ideas to paper, and his heart out on the line.

A/N: As always, love to my readers/reviewers! Your guys' feedback means so very much!

Hugs and love to reviewers!! --SSidle--