A/N I'm really sorry for the delay…Please forgive me. Thank you for the emails and asking me to continue this story. It meant a lot.

Remember: this story takes place after the finale of season one, so there is no Cam and no Sully.

XxXxX

Not In This Life

Chapter eleven: Mr. Smith & Miss. Jones

Booth's house

1:00pm

Tempe and her brother were on the porch of Booth's house when Russ told her that he was leaving town to go back home.

"What?" She said to Russ, surprised that she hadn't seen it coming. "So soon?"

"I've been here for almost a week now Tempe. I HAVE to go back, I have to return to my job, my girlfriend." It pained him to see he was causing her distress, but at the same time he was happy she finally cared. He had his sister back in his life and it was an amazing feeling after so many years apart. "I'm just a phone call away." He told her as he saw tears brimming in her eyes. Please don't cry Tempe…

"I know…" I'll miss you.

"If you need me, or want to come visit me back home…"

"I know." I will. She said to him as she wiped a tear off her cheek as he stepped closer and took her in his arms for a long brotherly hug. "I'll miss you." She said to her big brother, her voice full of emotion. After a few seconds, she opened her eyes as she heard a car's door being shut just a few feet away, and looked at Booth who was walking towards them.

"Am I interrupting something?" Booth asked as he saw that both of them were very emotional. "I could come back later…"

"Don't worry man, she's all yours." Russ said to him with a smirk, knowing the ring he had seen on his sister's finger was only for undercover job. Yeah...right. "I was just saying my goodbyes." Russ shook the guy's hand and then walked to his car. Before he opened the door he turned back and looked as his sister, who was trying hard to keep the tears from falling down. "Marco." He said to her as a smile spread on her face.

"Polo." She answered back. He smiled at Tempe, turned and stepped in his car. Russ buckled his seat belt and then rolled down the window to speak to Booth.

"Take good care of my sister." He told him with a stern look on his face.

"I promise." Booth sincerely said.

"I mean it. Anything happens to her, I'll bring my ass right back here to kick yours." He said to the FBI Agent, knowing perfectly well that Booth could have him face down on the ground in a nanosecond. I bet he's thinking the exact same thing and that's why he's smiling.

"I swear to you I'll protect her with my own life." Booth told the young man as he realized that he meant every word. My God…Would I really die for her?

"Good. That's what I wanted to hear." Russ said to him before looking back at his little sister. "Tempe, don't be a stranger."

"I won't." She promised with a weak smile before Russ waved her goodbye and drove away.

Booth heard her take a deep breath in and then he turned to face her. "You okay?"

"I'm fine Booth." She said, a light smile on her face. "I've lived without him for fifteen years, I'll be just fine."

"Sometimes Bones," Booth started to tell her, unsure if it was a territory he wanted to step in, "it's just, you know, okay to feel like crying."

"I just liked having my big brother looking out for me. I didn't know how much I missed having someone caring for me." She said to Booth as they walked into his house.

"I do…" He seriously told her as she turned around to face him.

"I know." She said giving him a genuine smile. "I know that Booth."

"Just checking." I wanted to be sure you knew.

"Now, give me five minutes." She said to Booth as she looked at her watch. "I'll go change and then I'll be ready."

"Sure, we have time. There's still half an hour before the meeting with the travel agent."

XxXxX

Within fifteen minutes they were in the SUV, all dressed up and looking much like a couple as they drove to the Pacific Cruise Line Agency.

"We're going first to the Pacific Agency and then we have an appointment with the Tropical one." Booth said to Brennan as he gave her a quick look. She was wearing a white dress that went just below the knees, it had no straps and it was modeling her body like a second skin. She had put her hair up in some sort of loose bun and many locks of hair were flowing around. Her make-up was light but she had put a special accent on her eyes, which looked more bright then usual. It's weird to think that this sweet and angelic looking woman is a freakingly smart and ass-kicking one! Booth thought as he kept his eyes on the road.

"Why a white dress?" Booth asked all of a sudden, pulling her out of her reverie. "I think I saw you wear something white only two or three times this past year."

"Because they were all wearing white when they died." Brennan replied. So, why not push his fantasy a bit further?

"Great." Booth sarcastically said, looking annoyed. "This is really reassuring me. Thanks."

"Relax, I'm not dying today." She said, full of confidence.

"No? Really! Since when do you own a crystal ball?"

"I 'm serious Booth." She said as she faced him. "Remember, the women were kidnapped BOARDING the ship, not when they bought the tickets from the travel agency."

"True…" I don't like this...

"What's wrong Booth?" Something's bothering him.

"Nothing." He said, refusing himself to look at her. It was easier before. She saw the muscle of his jaw tighten and could almost see his right temple vein pop out.

"There IS something. Spill it out." She ordered, staring at her partner without blinking.

"It's SPIT it out Bones. And don't worry about it, it's nothing." It really was easier when I didn't care so much.

"One of the things that I've learned while working with you Booth, is that if YOU worry about it, then I should worry about it too."

He took a deep breath in and let it out slowly. I have a bad feeling about this. He passed a hand through his hair. "Just...be careful."

"Gut feeling?" She anxiously asked, not daring to make fun of his gut feeling.

"Yeah…" He finally said after a few seconds of silence. "You're beautiful, young and smart. You're exactly what he wants and I have no doubt that this psycho will make you his next...prey." Not to say 'victim'.

"I can defend myself." I am a black belt in karate. Hmmm...he thinks I'm beautiful?

"It's easier said than done Bones."

"I'll be fine." She seemed so sure of herself that it pissed him off.

"Dammit Bones!" Booth angrily cried out, taking Temperance by surprise, as he parked his car in front of the travel agency. "Don't you get it?" He asked as he unbuckled his seat belt and turned his body to face her.

"Get what?" She innocently asked. "I'm not afraid of him."

"You SHOULD be Temperance!" Booth exclaimed out loud. " This guy is smart! He will act when you least expect it! He already killed four women that we know of! What do I have to say to you that WILL make you understand YOU SIMPLY CANNOT UNDERESTIMATE THE GUY?"

"Okay." She said, but he didn't seem to hear her and continued, which made her smile. Did he just call me Temperance? Why couldn't I see before how much he really cares about me?

"He's dangerous! He's fucked up in his head! And what I've learned throughout the years I've worked as an FBI Agent is that there's nothing scarier than a real wacko." Booth stopped talking as he saw that she was smiling. "You think it's funny?" He was annoyed that she seemed to take all of this lightly. "It's NOT funny Bones! You could DIE! And I don't want you to die! I don't think-" He couldn't finish up his sentence as her hand covered his mouth.

"Will you shut up?" She asked him with a light laugh. "I said OKAY. I understand what you're saying. I'll be careful."

"You will?" A skeptic Booth asked as soon as she freed her hand of his mouth. Are you saying this just to please me?

"I swear I won't underestimate the killer." She said to her partner, with her right hand in mid air as if she was testifying in court with as much honesty and sincerity as possible. He looked at her for a long moment and then sighed.

"Alright, I believe you."

"I wouldn't lie to you." She told him as they got out of the car. "When I say something, it's because I really mean it."

"I know." He said as he paced his steps to get by her side. "Now Miss. Jones," Booth started to say as he presented his right hand to her with a wide grin, "give me your hand." She stared at him strangely.

What? Take your hand? Please don't make me touch you..."I won't take your hand Booth. I'm not a hand-in-hand kind of person."

"No, you're not, but Rachel Jones is, so give me your left hand and smile." As he said this she grimaced at him and took his hand in hers. His hand was warm and soft and she felt as if it was burning her skin. Damn you Seeley Booth!

"We look stupid." She whispered as they both pushed the front door of the Pacific Line Travel Agency and stepped inside.

"No Sweetheart, we look in love." He tightened his grip on her hand as he said this, remembering the feeling of her skin the night before and enjoying every moment of it. Is she thinking what I'm thinking?

XxXxX

"Hello! How may I help you?" Asked a tall red haired woman at the reception desk who spoke with a British accent.

"Hello!" Booth answered to her. "We have an appointment with Mr. Daniel Russo."

"Yes, your name please?" She asked as she stared at her computer screen.

"James Smith." Booth casually answered as she typed his alias name on her keyboard.

"Of course Mr. Smith, if you want to sit down please." She told them as she indicated the couch behind them with a gesture of her hand. "I'll call Mr. Russo and let him know you have arrived."

About one minute later, Daniel Russo appeared in front of them. He was about forty years old and shorter than most men. They both stood up from the couch as he walked closer to them. "Mr. Smith and...???" He said as he looked at Temperance.

"Rachel Jones." Brennan answered as she shook his hand. "Nice to meet you."

"Follow me in my office please, we'll be more comfortable."

As they entered the office, Booth saw a picture on the wall with two girls on it. "Your daughters?" He doesn't look like a serial killer.

"Yes." Mr. Russo proudly said, a smile on his face as he looked at them. "Twins. They just turned fourteen last month."

"Twins, huh?" Booth said, half smiling. "It must have been hard for you and your wife." This seemed to not make the travel agent at ease.

"Excuse my fiancé." Brennan said to the man shooting a glaring look at Booth. "He's unable to mind his own business."

"It's okay. It's just...My wife died when the twins turned five."

"I'm sorry." Booth said as he bit his tongue not to ask: Did you kill her?

"Don't worry about it." He said as he sat down behind his desk. "Now lets talk about where you'd like to travel." Mr. Russo said inviting the couple to sit down.

"We talked about the Bahamas, Guatemala, Hawaii..." Brennan answered completely playing the role.

"Okay...How many days?"

"Two weeks." Booth said. "It will be our Honeymoon..." As he said this he looked at his partner and gave her a huge smile, which she reciprocated trying hard not to roll her eyes.

"Congratulations! Then I guess it will be the Honeymoon Suite?" Mr. Russo said as he looked at his computer and typed the information they were giving him.

"Yes!" Joyfully answered Booth. "We want it all, the big room with the big bath, the champagne and strawberries, the King Size bed...you know, 'cause we'll spend a LOT of time in there..starting our new family..." As he said this he winked at Temperance. Oh! She'll kill me for this.

"James!" She told Booth, acting embarrassed. "I'm sure he doesn't need THAT much information!"She looked at him incredulously.

"I'm sorry Love, I'm just so happy you agreed to have THAT many kids." Hehehe. There was mischief in Booth's voice, and you could see the corner of his mouth curl in the half smile he tried so hard to hide.

"How many are you planning on having?" Mr. Russo asked. "If it's not too much to ask?"

"Five." Booth proudly said as he heard Brennan cough beside him. "You'll be such an amazing mother Sweetheart, loving and caring, I just can't wait." He took her hand and kissed it, enjoying that she had fire in her eyes.

"Five?!" The travel agent said, surprised. "Wow!" He looked at Temperance. "I bet you're wishing you'll have a set of twins, huh?" He added with a laugh.

"Why not?" She answered, smiling, trying desperately not to grit her teeth. "I've grown up an only child, and I wouldn't wish it on anyone. I probably will welcome the house being full of children." Five kids? What a nightmare! Is he nuts! I'm gonna kill'm!

"I only have two girls and I find it exhausting." He told her, half smiling. "Well, you better get some good night sleep while you still can!"

"With James snoring almost every night, I'm already experiencing sleep deprivation." She said, happy to get a bit of revenge.

"I don't snore!" Booth exclaimed, looking hurt.

"Of course you don't Honey." She emphasized the word 'honey' and playfully winked at Mr. Russo as she said it. "You just breathe noisily."

"I do not!" He repeated again.

"Honey, I LOVE you just as you are." She said as she stared directly into his eyes without blinking, which seemed to shut him up for a moment. Oh! This is priceless...

"You bet your ass you do." He said with a wide smile and a twinkle in his eyes.

XxXxX

After half an hour, Booth and Brennan were on their way out of the office of Daniel Russo.

"Thank you Mr. Russo, we'll think about it, and if you're the best price, we'll certainly come back." Booth said, shaking the man's hand.

"You'll come back." The little man confidently said as he watched them leave his office.

They were about to walk out of the Pacific Cruise Line Travel Agency when Brennan spotted the coffee machine.

"If I don't drink coffee right now, I think I may faint." She told Booth, looking in her purse for a few quarters.

"I'll go get the car." He told her. "Can you get one for me too 'sweety'?" He said with a wink.

"Sure 'honey'." She said, the sarcasm dripping from her voice as she walked toward it and saw that the man standing in front of the coffee machine wasn't a client but a handy man. Oh! No! "Excuse me, is the coffee machine broken?"

"No ma'am, I'm just cleaning it and refilling it. I'll be done in a minute."

"Good." She stood behind him and waited for him to finish. She filled the two cups with hot coffee, and walked to the black SUV, giving Booth his cup as he opened the door for her to step in.

"This is very much welcomed." Booth said as he took a sip.

"I know. How much longer can we survive on two or three hours of sleep every night?"

"I have no idea, but one way or another, we'll need a long good night sleep."

"I vote for that." She said as she took another sip of her coffee.

"Am I hallucinating, or are we complaining about work?" Booth confusingly asked.

"We're not complaining about work, we're complaining about lack of sleep." Brennan answered him. "I don't mind that my work is demanding. What I ask for is for a good night of sleep once a week. Like eight hours of sleep uninterrupted." That would be nice.

"I don't remember when I had that much sleep." Booth said. I must have been twelve years old.

"Me neither." The best sleep I had in a very long time was two nights ago, in your arms...

"Are you up for the Tropical Cruise Line Agency?" Booth asked as he put his cup in the coffee holder.

"Sure. When I'll be done with my cup of coffee, I'll be as good as new."

"Alright!" He affirmatively nodded his head and they took the fifteen minutes drive to the Tropical Agency. "I say we go in, we do our thing, stay alert with the people we meet and then we go out, go buy some food, and then go home."

"Sounds good to me." Home...

The Tropical Agency didn't have anyone out of the ordinary. The appointment went as good as the previous one and they were out of the office about an hour later, thanking Mrs. Fisher for her travel suggestions.

On their way to Booth's house, they stopped at the grocery store and bought a pre-roasted chicken, some salad fixings and potatoes, and then they went home where they silently prepared the dinner as they each drank a bottle of beer, engrossed in their own thoughts.

"Do you think she's dead?" Brennan's question came out as a surprise for Booth, and he stood there, numb, as he registered the question and understood it's meaning.

She's speaking of Kelly Anne Foster. "Yeah, I think she might be." His answer made her thoughtful and she stared down at her plate. "But you know Bones, I don't own a crystal ball either." As he said this he saw her lips curl up in a smile, which he reciprocated.

XxXxX

Brennan woke up in a start and sat in her bed, her senses in full alert. There was someone outside my window. She stood still for a moment and she heard what sounded like someone playing with the handle of the front door. Oh! My god! She jumped out of bed and slowly opened her bedroom door, wincing with a grimace when she heard it squeak. She walked out of her bedroom and saw that Booth's bedroom door wasn't fully closed. She took a peek inside and saw that he was sleeping peacefully. Do I have the time to wake him up? I don't think so...

She walked on tiptoes down the corridor to the living room and grabbed one of the fire irons that were beside the fireplace, and held it over her right shoulder as if it was a baseball bat when she was taken by surprise as strong arms grabbed her from behind, disarming her and covering her mouth with one hand so she couldn't scream.

(TBC)