Disclaimer- Seriously I yawn every time I see this word now.
A/N- To give you all some perspective, a week has gone by since the squints met Molly, well almost a week.
Monday flew by, introducing Molly to the same people she had met the previous night, didn't go much better the second time round, but by Friday, Angela was starting to make progress with the little girl though and Brennan allowed her friend the space to connect with her daughter. Angela had bought some art supplies for Molly and was teaching her how to make butterfly prints, by folding paper in half. Molly giggled as a tube of paint exploded in Angela's hands, making a big orange mess on the plastic sheet they'd laid down covering Brennan's office carpet.
"Oh you think that's funny huh?"
Molly nodded looking over to her mom who was trying not to laugh at Angela's misfortune.
"Hey, what's going on in here?"
Booth appeared at the office door a little after four, he had heard Molly's giggles as he entered the lab and went straight to the source. Molly jumped up with wide eyes and an excited smile.
"Daddy"
She squealed, running toward him. Brennan cringed at the thought of Molly's purple painted hands and Booth's gray Armani suit coming in contact with each other, she stood in a hurry.
"MOLLY NO!"
Booth saw the purple hands coming toward him and bent to grab a wrist in each hand, he spun her around, her back pressed to his legs holding her hands out in front of her torso and bent kissing her cheek loudly.
"Mmwah...Hey you."
Brennan watched on and smiled as Booth scooped her up in one arm, keeping her arms away from his body.
"You nearly got me."
Booth smiled at Bones who was once again sitting at her desk, she returned the grin shyly.
"Look Daddy, I is painting."
Booth chuckled.
"I can see that Princess."
Booth looked to Angela who was on the floor smiling.
"Heya Ange, how's it goin?"
She grinned.
"Actually I could use a hand getting up, Studly."
Booth walked over and placed Molly back on the floor.
"Stay there for a second Bub."
Molly stood watching as Booth helped the painting lady up and onto the couch. She had a big tummy and looked like she might fall over.
"You right there Ange?"
She smiled.
"Thanks Booth, the floor is just a lot further away than it used to be."
Booth chuckled and turned back to Molly who was waiting very patiently. He flared his eyes at her playfully and watched her smile increase, as he got closer to her.
"And you, you little monster, come ere, show me these hands."
She held them up for him to see as he squatted down in front of her.
"Does your Mommy know your skin is turning purple?"
The room was filled with giggles.
"Dat's paint Daddy, see."
She raised her hands quickly and flattened her little palms against his cheeks, transferring purple paint to the FBI agent. Molly squealed with laughter at the look of mock horror on his face. Brennan dropped her head to her desk, trying desperately to hide her amusement.
"Purple is a good color for you Studly."
Angela smiled as the agent rolled his eyes in good humor.
"Alright that's it, let's go Miss."
"Where is we going Daddy?"
"We are going to get washed up and then we are going to take Mommy to dinner."
He looked back at Bones, as she playfully saluted and began packing away her things. Booth held his hand out to Molly, momentarily forgetting about her current state, until he felt the slimy palm against his dry one; he looked down as Molly looked up smiling.
"I hope you're enjoying yourself."
She nodded. Booth chuckled at her cute smile and big innocent eyes.
"Good."
Brennan watched him lead her out of the office and smiled.
"Oh Sweetie, they're so cute..."
Temperance looked over to the couch waiting for her friend to finish.
"He's so good with her, how long ago did they meet?"
"Booth met Molly on the Tuesday after we closed the Tabitha Moore case, and then once I picked her up he saw her again on the Sunday, she was speaking to him within half an hour, he really has been amazing with her."
Angela stared after them.
"I think he's gained a daughter, I fear for any boy who tries to date her as she gets older."
Brennan smiled, she had already had that thought and between Parker and his father, the boy wouldn't stand a chance.
Brennan had just finished cleaning up the mess that Angela and Molly had made on her floor, when Booth and Molly strolled back in her office. Molly was smiling sweetly and swaying as she held the corners of her new dress.
"Mol... Booth you brought her a dress."
He smiled.
"Yep and..."
He pulled a dress bag from behind his back and held it out to her.
"Here's yours, so get dressed, we have reservations at six."
Brennan blushed walking closer to him. Molly's dress was a pale pink and to the knee, it had an organza overlay with a silver flower pattern and a pink satin ribbon around the waist, her shoes were pale pink ballet flats and Brennan thought she looked adorable.
"Look at you Baby."
Molly grinned, she loved to dress up.
"Daddy got me a dress Mommy, does you like it?"
Brennan smiled; she was used to her daughter calling Booth Daddy now and was actually glad, she had taken to him as her father figure.
"I do Angel, it's beautiful, did you say thank you?"
Both Booth and Molly nodded.
"Ah huh and look Mommy new shoes too, they look like ballerina shoes."
Brennan giggled as Molly attempted a pirouette without letting go of Booth's hand.
"Wow, aren't you a lucky girl."
Brennan looked up to her best friend with a shy smile.
"What's all this about Booth?"
He smiled and shook his head.
"You'll see, go get changed, Molly and I will wait here for you."
Temperance Brennan was never one to be told what to do, but there was something in her best friend's tone that told her, if she didn't comply, she would miss something momentous, so, she nodded and walked off toward the ladies rest room.
Angela, who had been quiet up until now, stood and eyed the agent suspiciously.
"So, what are you up to Studly?"
He simply smiled.
"I'm sure you'll find out soon enough Ange."
The artist smiled before turning on her heel and leaving the office, but not before throwing one last comment over her shoulder.
"It's about time Booth."
He chuckled and shook his head.
"What's about time?"
Booth looked up seeing Bones before him in the dark silver dress he'd picked out earlier for her. It had knotted shoulder straps and a form fit bodice that flowed from her hips down to her knees; she wore matching silver shoes and clutch.
"Wow..."
She smiled shyly.
"You look fantastic Bones."
"Thank you, the dress is quite beautiful Booth, but you shouldn't have spent so much on me."
Booth leaned in and dropped a light kiss to her cheek.
"You're worth, every penny Temperance."
Her eyes widened at the use of her first name and she gave him a nervous smile.
"Are you ready to go?"
She looked around her office and nodded.
"Just let me grab my work bag and switch off my computer."
He nodded, looking down at Molly with a smile, she raised her arms and he lifted her without hesitation, the little girl snuggling into his neck instantly.
"Ok, ready."
Booth switched off the light and the three of them left. Angela watched from the galley, she smiled watching as Booth stepped up beside his partner and took her hand, the Anthropologist looked up and instead pulling away or running like would have been expected, she simply laced her fingers between the agent's larger ones and leaned into his torso.
Booth drove to a little restaurant down town that Brennan had never noticed before, it looked very busy inside. Molly gasped happily at all the fairy lights outside the building leading up the front door, there were people standing in small groups on the manicured lawn, they were laughing and in good spirits. Brennan could see the candlelight from inside as she peered through the windows.
"Booth... is it ok that we..."
She flashed her eyes to the back seat where Molly was looking out the window; some restaurants didn't like children permitted and therefore didn't cater for them.
"Yep, I checked ahead when I booked, besides, we know she's not going to be running amuck."
Bone's nodded her head in agreement. They got out of the car and once again Booth carried Molly up the lit path, his other hand held securely in its rightful place at the small of Brennan's back. They walked into the restaurant, the bell over the door announcing their arrival.
"Good evening Sir, Madame, have you got a reservation?"
Booth nodded.
"Yeah, Booth for six PM, we're a little early."
The girl ran her finger over the reservation list and smiled.
"That's fine Sir, we have your table all ready for you, this way."
She gestured for them to follow her through the room to their waiting table. Brennan smiled seeing a familiar figure sitting at a table by a garden window.
"Parker."
He grinned and got up to hug her.
"Parka!"
The little girl cried out. Temperance looked to Booth and furrowed her brow.
"Booth what's going on? This feels... different."
He brushed a few stray strands of hair back from her face and smiled.
"Let's sit."
They took places around the table, the waitress bringing Molly a booster seat, so she could reach the table top a little easier.
"Will you be ordering any wine tonight?"
Booth held his hand, silently telling the girl he would be passing, but looked to Bones with a raised brow.
"Umm could I just a have glass of your house red please."
The girl smiled and looked to the kids.
"And any sodas or juices for the kids?"
Parker smiled and spoke clearly.
"Two orange juices please."
Booth nodded at his son for the use of his manners and turned back to the waitress to give his accent for the drink choices.
"And I'll just grab a root beer thanks."
"Ok so, one root beer, two OJ's and a glass of house red?"
Three heads nodded in affirmation as the list was read back to them.
"Ok, won't be long."
She trotted off, leaving them three menus and a list of specials.
"Mommy is dat lady coming back?"
Brennan smiled as Molly leaned toward her and whispered very loudly.
"She'll be back soon Baby, why."
"I didn't get a book."
Molly looked indignantly at the other menus held in everyone's hands.
"Is I not special nuff Mommy?"
Brennan stood instantly, kneeling down in front of her daughter and caressing her face. It always hurt a little when Molly doubted her own self worth, Brennan had been through that as a teenager and she had desperately wanted someone, anyone to tell her she was special and important, but it never happened. She saw having Molly as a chance to make right what was done to her and she vowed never to allow the little girl to grow up thinking she was anything but special.
"Oh Baby, of course you're special..."
"Then why Mommy?"
Brennan brushed back the hair on her daughter's forehead. Parker cut in.
"Molly you're super special..."
She looked at him with sad eyes.
"Then why didn't..."
"Molly you're so special that you get someone to read to you."
She gave an inquiring expression.
"Who?"
Parker grinned and kissed her cheek.
"Me silly."
Her face brightened as the drinks arrived at their table.
"Shall I give you some more time to decide or are you ready to order now?"
"Few more minutes please."
Booth answered instantly, knowing they hadn't even contemplated their meals. Bones took her place again, seeing her daughter was happy and began reading through the list.
They ordered and Parker offered to take Molly into the garden, where some other small children were playing. Once alone Brennan turned to Booth again.
"So are you going to tell me why so much secrecy?"
Booth lowered his head to gather his thoughts. Taking her hand, he smiled as she stayed relaxed under his touch.
"There's something I want to ask you tonight."
Brennan frowned.
"Ask me what?"
Booth watched her for any sign of fear or panic; nothing.
"We've had a tough last few months and if it was anyone else, I don't think they would have made it through, but we're us and I think we're stronger because of all the hurdles..."
She nodded silently, watching his eyes intently.
"I know I've hurt you and I know I've said and done things to make you believe I'd moved on, but truth is, I was a fool Temperance, I was a fool to think I could give my heart to someone else, when it wasn't mine to give..."
The confusion in her face made him qualify.
"Metaphorically..."
Understanding dawned.
"Look, I fell in love with you a long time ago now, you know that...and despite everything, I'm still, very much in love with you, I'm not asking you to change, I fell in love with who you are, not someone you think you have to be, I just want you..."
Tears filled her blue eyes as she continued to listen to his words.
"I know I'm flawed Bones and you could have any man you want, but if you'll agree, I would really like to give us a shot, you just tell me what I need to do and I'll do it, you tell me what you need and I'll do everything I can, to provide it."
Temperance wiped the tears from her eyes as she watched the man in front of her. He hadn't let go of her hand throughout his speech and was clinging tightly to it, almost as if he believed, if he was to let go she would disappear. Her mind was blank, she didn't know how to respond, she was for once in her life unable to form an actual sentence, so she did the only thing she could, she leaned forward and pressed her lips gently to his.
Booth was a little stunned when he felt her lips brush against his, they were soft and sweet, he could taste the wine she'd been drinking and something else he knew was distinctly Temperance, his lips answered hers in an instant, a gentle kiss, befitting of a tender moment between best friends who were finally crossing a line.
He was first to pull back, just enough to look into her eyes, she smiled fondly resting their foreheads together.
"So... is that a yes?"
Her smile broadened until she was giving him that 'just-for-Seeley-Booth- grin' that made his stomach flip.
"Yes."
He kissed her briefly before pulling her back against his chest as they watched Parker and Molly run around outside.
Parker had tried to encourage Molly to interact with the other younger children, but she had flat out refused, telling him, she wanted to play with him. She gave him a little grin and he knew he'd lost.
Brennan had been quiet for some time, her fingers idly playing with his as they drew circles, on her satin covered stomach.
"Hey, what are thinking?"
She looked up to him, her eyes adoring his face and drinking him in.
"Nothing."
He chuckled.
"Temperance Brennan thinking about nothing; highly unlikely."
She smiled, picking up his hand as it rest against her abdomen.
"I was thinking this it... I have everything I've always wanted, I feel... I feel complete Booth, for the first time since I was fifteen, I feel whole."
Booth rested his chin on top of her shoulder, his cheek against hers.
"That's a good thing Bones."
She smiled.
"I spent fifteen years doing everything in my power, to avoid being in this exact situation Booth. My entire adult life I've run from everything and everyone that threatened to tie me down, I was so scared of being abandoned, I literally left the country to escape forming attachments to people."
Booth nodded and dropped a feather light kiss to her neck
"Only now to find out that the same thing that made me run, is the one thing that I've always wanted."
Booth looked at her curiously.
"And what's that Bones?"
She lifted his hand and laced her fingers with his.
"A home, a family, a place to belong Booth."
Booth nodded and pulled back into him a little more.
"And do you think you've found that now?"
Temperance turned in her partner's arms and smiled. She searched his eyes and saw the love staring back at her.
"Yes."
Booth stared into her blue pools and nodded very slightly, almost as if he was afraid to make too much movement.
"Me too."
They kissed each other softly and broke apart sensing that they were being watched. Looking up, both adults smiled seeing Parker with wide happy eyes, one hand around his sister's shoulders the other fist pumping the air.
The kids approached and Parker helped Molly back into her seat, but before Parker sat himself down, he wrapped his arms around Brennan's neck and hugged her tight. She smiled as he whispered in her ear.
"This is just what I've always wanted Bones, you and Dad together, I love you."
She felt the tears run down her cheeks and whispered back.
"Me too Parks, and you know the best bit?"
He stepped back slightly and shook his head.
"I get you too."
Parker smiled brightly as he hugged her again, receiving a kiss on his cheek and a whispered.
"I love you too Parker."
The food arrived and as the family ate, Temperance Brennan contemplated how a three year old had been the catalyst, to filling a fifteen year old void and completing her aching heart; metaphorically of course.
Ok so that's the end of another one. I was going to leave it there but the muse monkey attacked me in one of the very few occasions I was actually sleeping and told me to get typing again so... more to come, if you guys want more that is.
Please review.
