A New Secret

Chapter 11

The day of the wedding dawned bright and sunshiny. Brennan's eyes popped open as a shaft of sunlight pierced the bedroom drapes to fall on her face. Rolling to her back, she stretched and yawned. The fluttering in her belly told her the baby was awake too and she rubbed the area with both hands, a soft smile on her face.

That's how Booth found her when he came in. The look on her face stopped him just inside the door. Her eyes had a faraway look as her hands cradled the slight swell of her abdomen. She had never looked so lovely.

She looked up at him and her smile broadened. "Come here!" she demanded in a whisper as though the soft movements might stop if the baby heard her. He strode to the bed and dropped on the edge of the mattress, placing his large hand on her lower stomach. The fluttering they had felt just weeks ago were now stronger. They shared a sweet smile and Booth leaned down to kiss her softly.

"So, this is the big day," he said, his eyes probing hers, trying to get a read on her mood.

"Yeah," she said, and something in her voice made his heart skip a beat. Please, God, don't let her change her mind.

"What is it, Temperance?" he asked hesitantly. Part of him wanted her to be sure this was right, while another part dreaded that she wouldn't go through with it.

"Nothing," she said. But he knew she was lying. Her eyes had dropped away from his and she was picking at the blanket.

Lifting her chin, he made her look at him. "Uh-uh, I know better. C'mon, you can tell me," he urged even as he hoped it wasn't what he feared.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" she asked uncertainly. "There are so many things we don't agree on and we argue a lot and it's going to affect our working relationship," she said all in a rush.

"I'm absolutely sure," he said steadily. "I love you and I can't wait to call you my wife. Don't worry about all that other stuff. We'll work it all out, together. Just promise me something."

Uh-oh, here it comes, she thought. The part where he gives me his conditions. "What?"

"No matter what, if something's bothering you, talk to me about it, okay? I can't help you with something I don't know about."

She smiled, relieved. "Okay, but you need to give me some time. I'm not used to depending on someone else for anything. It's going to take some adjustment."

He leaned forward and kissed her lingeringly. "Of course. Now, how about I make breakfast while you take your shower? Angela's gonna be here in an hour to help you get ready."

Brennan stopped him when he would have got up. "Remember, I love you, Seeley Booth," she said huskily. "No matter what happens."

He pushed down the alarm that rose in him at that last statement. "I know. I love you too," he said. She smiled for him and he left the room. The smile faded as her fears threatened to overwhelm her again. 'Hurry up, Angela, I need you,' she thought desperately.

BBBBBB

Angela smiled brightly when Booth opened the door to her. "Hey, how's the groom this lovely morning?" she asked cheerily. Her arms were laden with the garment bag holding the wedding and maid of honor dresses, makeup case and tote bag. Taking the garment bag, Booth ushered her in and shut the door.

"I'm great. You're just what Bones needs. I think she's having wedding day jitters," he confided quietly.

"Perfectly normal," she reassured him. "Don't you worry, I'll take care of her."

Booth smiled in relief. "I knew you would. She's eating breakfast. I'm gonna grab my tux and gear and get out of your way." He headed back to the bedroom.

Angela swept into the kitchen. Brennan was picking at a bagel smeared with cream cheese, her expression thoughtful. "Hi, sweetie! How's the bride this morning?" Angela asked with a huge grin.

Brennan mustered a smile for her. "Fine. I'm almost done here. Why don't you put the stuff in the bedroom?" 'Uh-oh,' Angela thought, 'Booth wasn't kidding. Time for a little Angela therapy.'

Booth came into the kitchen as Angela headed back to the bedroom with the stuff. He leaned down to kiss Brennan. "I'll see ya later," he said with a smile.

She smiled too. "Yeah, later. I love you," she said with a catch in her voice.

"I love you too," he said, his eyes searching hers, which had a sheen of tears. "Everything's gonna be fine," he said reassuringly. She firmed her lips and nodded.

When he was gone, she tried to eat another bite of her bagel, but couldn't get it past the lump in her throat. Angela came in as she took a sip of coffee to wash it down.

"What's wrong, Bren?" she asked gently as she sat down at the table.

Brennan looked away, trying to control the panic that was threatening to overwhelm her. Her lips quirked and she looked back at her best friend. "It's probably just a combination of raging hormones and wedding day jitters," she said wryly.

Angela sighed, impatient with her friend's attempt to make light of her feelings. "It's completely understandable, sweetie. You're getting married, a major step for any woman, but a huge one for you. Add to that having a baby, it's bound to cause some jitters."

Brennan's lips trembled. "What am I doing, Ange? I don't even believe in marriage!"

Angela reached over and squeezed her hand. "You're marrying the man you love because he wants to marry you more than anything. Do you think the ceremony and piece of paper are going to change the way you feel about him?" she asked softly.

"No," Brennan croaked.

"Then what's the problem?" Angela asked.

Brennan met her eyes and Angela could see the wheels turning in her brilliant mind. She could tell the moment she decided. Her back straightened and her lips firmed. "You're right, Ange. There is no problem."

Angela smiled with relief. "Great! Now, shall we go get ready? We've only got two hours to make ourselves gorgeous."

Brennan smiled the first genuine smile since Angela had arrived. "Yeah, let's get ready. I don't want to keep him waiting." Angela jumped up, excited now that the crisis seemed to have been averted. Brennan laughed as her friend grabbed her and hugged her. If there was any lingering doubt, she pushed it down firmly. She was going to marry Booth and have his baby. Everything was going to be fine.