Thank you for reading and reviewing my story. This is the last chapter.
I don't own Bones or NCIS.
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Stoic, trying not to display his emotions for everyone to see, Jackson Gibbs sat on the pew, staring at his brother's coffin. The rich color of the oak coffin gleamed in the lights as it was wheeled towards the side door where the hearse awaited in the driveway.
"Come on Dad, we're supposed to ride with Seeley and his family." Leaning over his father, Jethro Gibbs placed his hand on the older man's arm and pulled gently. "Dad, did you hear me?"
Tearing his eyes from the retreating coffin, Jackson turned to stare at his son. "Yes, I'm not deaf." With the help of a cane, he stood and followed his son down the aisle and out of the church. The sun bright and fierce, Jackson raised his hand and shielded his eyes. "Jethro, I've said my good-bye. I'd like to go home now."
Torn, Gibbs glanced at his cousin as he stood near the limousine, talking to his wife. Patting his father's shoulder, he finally said, "Sure Dad, just let me tell Seeley that we're leaving."
Grabbing his son's arm, Jackson shook his head. "Don't . . . I've changed my mind. That boy doesn't have much family left and I forgot that for a moment. He and Jared deserve my respect so we'll go to the cemetery with them. We're family."
Relieved, Gibbs walked slowly beside his father as they approached Booth and his small family. "Booth, you sure you want me and Dad to ride with you? We can go in my car."
His eyes red and burning, Booth made himself turn to face his cousin and his great uncle. Feeling a stabbing pain in his chest, Booth stared at the face of his now deceased grandfather and forced himself to smile. "Yeah, you're family. Jared wants to drive over instead of coming with us. He has his reasons and I understand them. I'd be honored if . . . I'd be honored if you'd come with us."
Jackson, aware that his grand-nephew was struggling, reached out and clasped a hand on the younger man's arm. "You're not alone, Seeley. You got family and we're here for you."
Fighting to control his emotions, Booth swallowed and patted Jackson's hand. "Thanks." Holding Christine while Brennan entered the car, he then handed the child to her and helped his granduncle enter the car next. Once the older man was settled, Booth slid in to the car followed by Gibbs. Starring straight ahead, Booth swallowed convulsively and waited for the car to follow the hearse to his grandfather's final destination.
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Unable to move from where he was, Booth sat in the living room, staring at Brennan's display of ancient artifacts. He felt alone and isolated. He knew that Brennan was across the room near his daughter who was sitting on the floor playing with some Leggos, but over the last few hours he'd slowly withdrawn from everyone around him. Not responding to anyone, he simply sat and stared at the artifacts, his mind on autopilot, remembering the happy times in his grandfather's care.
Worried about Booth, Jackson had watched his grand-nephew withdraw from those around him and he'd finally decided to do something about it. Walking slowly over to where Booth was sitting, he sat down on the couch next to him.
Clearing his throat, Jackson placed his hand on Booth's knee. "Seeley, I know you're hurting right now and I wish I could help you but son, I want you to know that me and my son are part of your family now and if you need someone to talk to you can always call me or Jethro, you know that right?"
A tear coursing down his cheek, Booth turned to stare at his grand-uncle. The familiar face a shock, Booth turned back to look at the artifacts. "Thanks."
Rubbing his finger under his eye, Jackson frowned at his wet finger. "I wasted a lot of years on that stupid feud. Me and Hank should never have let it go on as long as it did. That stubborn Booth pride got in the way, I guess. Dad always said that the Booths were too stubborn for our own good. Of course when he said that he was usually fussing at me and Hank and he didn't include himself. My old man worried about his temper and he was always fussing at me and Hank about our muleheadedness and our tempers. He said we took after his father too much. I guess Dad's father was too strict and a humorless man. Dad on the other hand was a real joker. Sometimes I didn't think the man had a serious bone in his body. At least not around me and Hank."
Booth knew Jackson was hurting too. Turning, he forced himself to look at the all too familiar face. "Pops really didn't have much of a temper."
Shrugging his shoulder, Jackson smiled. "Oh he had a temper, he just knew how to control it most of the time. He adored our father and he tried to emulate him as much as possible. I think that's why Hank hated me for so many years. He blamed me for Dad's death because he thought I took away his hero. He forgot that Dad was my hero too . . . Still that's all done and we made up. He and I had a really nice time this last year and it was all because of you and Jethro. You and my son gave Hank and me another chance and I want to thank you for that."
His hand moving over to the older man's arm, Booth clasped it gently. "Pops really did love you, Uncle Jackson. He was really happy that you two were friends again. I was glad to help make that happen."
Leaning closer, Jackson spoke quietly. "Anytime you need me, you call me. I'm here for you Seeley." His gaze now on Brennan as she spoke to his son, Jackson smiled. "I love your wife, Seeley. She's real. She says what she means and I like that. You found a real keeper when you found her."
Booth smiled as she turned his gaze towards Brennan. "God, I know. I ask myself all the time, how'd I get so lucky. I'm pretty sure she's made me a better man."
Turning back toward his grand-nephew, Jackson nodded his head. "You remember that, Seeley. When you think you're alone, you remember that fine woman you have in your life. She'll help you through the rough times and you'll help her through hers. You two were made for each other. I knew that the first time I saw you two together."
"Your right, Uncle Jackson." Standing, he looked down at his uncle. "Thanks."
The fog lifted from his mind, Booth walked over to where Brennan was standing, slipped his arm around her waist and kissed her cheek. "Hi, Bones."
Happy to see him out of his fog, Brennan turned towards him and kissed him. "Hi, Booth."
Staring into her crystal blue eyes, Booth smiled at her. "I love you Bones."
His sad eyes not matching his smile, Brennan reminded him. "I love you, Booth."
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Tired, Booth had had a long week. He and Brennan had finished up a case and he was looking forward to spending the weekend with just her and their child. He planned on setting up a small pool in the backyard for Christine to play in and later he thought he'd grill some steaks and corn and whatever Brennan decided she wanted. She'd suggested that he invite Jethro over for Sunday dinner and his cousin had agreed to come. With any luck, the weekend would be quiet and uneventful and they would all get the rest that they all needed and deserved.
Finishing up his last report, Booth had prepared to leave his office when his phone rang. "Booth."
"Booth, this is Jethro, I thought you'd like to know, Dad died."
Stunned, Booth stared at his desktop in disbelief. "Oh my God, Jethro, I'm so sorry."
"Yeah, thanks. I'll call you when I get the funeral arrangements made."
Pulling himself together, Booth spoke firmly to his cousin. "Jethro . . . Jethro if you need me you call me. You're not alone, Jethro. You have family and we're here for you. You're not alone."
"I know, Seeley. Thanks."
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