CHAPTER 25
"I will give you my hard copy tomorrow," Tempe quietly said as they lay in each other's arms.
"I don't want to read it. I just wanted to test you. See if you could be "bought," Seeley replied in a teasingly way.
"You little .. !"
"What? What were you going to say?" He smiled his charm smile. I knew even this smile wouldn't get me reading your book so I had to use some of my other talents."
"Just a tad bit cocky, don't you think?"
"Confidence. Temperance. Confidence. Don't confuse it with cockiness," Seeley said assertingly.
Seeley started to stand up and get dressed.
"Where are you going?"
"It's late and we both have to work in the morning. I should head home."
"I hate when we have to say goodnight," Tempe said as she got up and put on her robe.
"Me too. Me too."
She walked him to the door and kissed him goodnight.
Tempe didn't see much of Seeley the rest of the week other than while they were working. She wrote three more chapters of her next book. Hey, I'll meet this deadline after all. I'm relieved Seeley didn't want to read my other book
Friday Morning
Tempe sat at her desk drinking her coffee staring at a set of bones that had arrived earlier in the morning.
"I might not be as interesting but I am definitely am better looking." Seeley's voice broke her deep thought of concentration.
"When you are 1500 years old you will be." Tempe replied.
Seeley tried to laugh at her lame attempt of humour, but it just wasn't funny.
Then they both started giggling, knowing Booth was the one with the GOOD sense of humour.
"So what's up?' Tempe asked as she finished her coffee.
"I would like to invite you over tomorrow to spend some time with Parker and me. Are you free?"
Tempe didn't have to think about this one.
"Yes. I would like that. What time?"
"How about noon? I'll pick up Parker and then pick you up. I should tell you that we are going to "Walk the Plank" for lunch. It is a Pirate themed place for kids and their families."
"OK. Sounds interesting." Tempe said with reluctance but knew this was important to Parker so it was important to her.
"Great, we'll see you around noon tomorrow."
"I have to go now, but first .." He walked closer to her, and only touched her with his lips. She took a breath as only his lips outlined her ear.
WOW!!
Tempe was sure she was going to fall over but she tightened up and kept her composure as best she could
Feeling slightly woozy, Tempe managed to get out these words, "Why do you do that?"
"Because I can Tempe. And because you let me." The naughty tone in his voice was very sexy and made Tempe even more woozy.
"You wait Seeley Booth. You wait. I will get you when you least expect it." And she pulled away from the lips that had her almost buckling at the knees.
"Promises, promises," he said as turned to leave. As he entered the doorway he smiled a half smile and then disappeared out of sight. They could smile at each other and know what was being said without producing any words.
Saturday morning Tempe went for a walk. The air was cool but felt good on her face as she made her way around the almost empty streets. She just enjoyed the slow pace of the morning, as it would not be that way after Seeley and Parker picked her up.
At 11:55am she made her way downstairs to wait for her boys to pick her up. My boys. Remember to never say that out loud Tempe. But I like the sound of it. Still don't say it out loud
"Hi guys," she said as she got in the car.
"Hi Dr. B. We're going to the Pirate place. It will be so much fun! Aren't you going to kiss my daddy? Don't you like him anymore? My daddy likes when you kiss him. He's a guy you know."
"Yes he is a guy, Parker. Thank you for reminding me to kiss him. I can't believe I forgot to do that."
She leaned over and gently moved the tip of her tongue over his bottom lip. He tried to press his mouth onto hers but she pulled back.
He shot her a look of NOT FAIR!
She just gave him a look of "told you I would" and turned to Parker and gave him a wink.
WALK THE PLANK was glowing in multi neon colours and a pirate was flashing on and off above the restaurant. I'm sure it looks better at night, Tempe thought
"Dr. B, isn't my daddy the bestest? He takes me to the bestest places and we have the mostest fun."
"Yes Parker your daddy is the bestest. You are fortunate to him as a daddy."
"Thanks," Seeley mouthed to her as they got out of the car.
Parker stood between them holding out a hand for each of them. Seeley gestured to Tempe to take one of Parker's hands as he took the other and they all took the plunge into the restaurant.
"This is quite the place Parker," Tempe announced as a pirate with an eye patch greeted them at the door. "Seeley, his teeth are black, " Tempe whispered as the pirate smiled at her.
They were seated in front of the Plank as requested by Parker. "If you are bad, you have to walk the plank Dr. B."
Tempe glanced over at the plank that was about six feet off the ground. Below it was a sea of plastic balls.
"It's not real water, it is fun balls you can play with when you jump in. Daddy said I can be bad just today so I can go play in the balls. Will you be bad too Dr. B?"
Oh the innocence Tempe thought She wasn't to keen on going in the pit of balls but hey if Seeley would do it, so would she.
"Uh, Seeley, you planning on being bad as well?" Tempe asked while pointing to the balls.
"Yes ma'am, I do," and then winked at her.
They all order the Pirate's Treasure with Black Beards juice.
Parker and his dad were talking about pirates and the things they did. Tempe just listened with interest.
"Pirate Booty? Were those their little shoes they wore?"
"No Dr. B. Pirate Booty is treasures. You know gold and stuff."
"Rrrrrrrrrrrrr Matey," the waiter said as he approached their table. I hear you have been a bad boy and need to walk the plank."
"Oh yes, I bad," Parker said as he looked at his dad. "See daddy, I was bad and I get to walk the plank!" Seeley relished in his son's make belief.
So young. So innocent. So full of life
"Sir, you will have to come with him," the waiter said as Parker had taken off for the plank.
"Oh, I'll just watch from here."
"Sorry but the rules state any child under five must have an adult in the pit with them. If you don't want to go, your wife can."
My wife? Hmmmm … His thoughts trailed off for a moment
"Sir, you coming?"
"Yeah," and he slowly got up from the table. "Come on
Dr. B., we're ALL going in." Seeley said as his grabbed Tempe's hand and pulled her up.
"Do WE have to jump off the plank?" Tempe asked the pirate.
"Yes ma'am. Unless you plan to scale the six foot plexy glass," the pirate said as he pointed to the clear wall surrounding the ball pit.
Parker went first and climbed the ladder to the top. His face was aglow with adventure.
He didn't even wait for the pirate to say anything; he ran down the plank and jumped in landing on his bum.
"Daddy, Dr. B.! That was so fun. Come on daddy jump in."
"Ladies first," Seeley said letting Tempe go in front of him.
"I've done scarier things," and Tempe climbed the ladder.
She walked to the end of the plank and slipped in. Seeley did the same and they all ended up in difference spots.
"Ok, you have ten minutes then the crew walks," the pirate announced as he made his way to the next table of bad guys.
Parker was trying to make his way through the balls but there were so many he was having trouble. Seeley scooped him up and tossed him back in.
"That was fun daddy, can you do it again?"
"Sure bud."
As Parker jumped around tossing balls, Seeley made his way to Tempe.
"So what do you think?"
"Well, I am in a pit of balls after having jumped off a plank. I think it is great," and she tossed a ball at him.
He smiled a weak smile then turned serious. "I've waited a long time for this. A family for Parker. I mean he has Rebecca and Drew whom he loves and adores. But I have always felt like something was missing when we were together. Sure lots of dads and moms are single with children but for me I've always wanted a family that .." He stopped not sure if he should continue.
"That what?" Tempe asked as she moved closer to him.
He took a deep breath. "That live together," he blurted out.
His statement took Tempe back. Is he asking me to live with him? Nah can't be. Or could it?
Seeley breathed a sigh of relief as Parker bounced in front of them. He needed to finish his thoughts with Tempe but now was not the time or place.
"I want the sanken treasure for dessert daddy. Can we go now?"
"Sure thing," he said as he scooped up his son and took him to the ladder to climb out. He climbed out and then helped Tempe.
"We'll talk later," he said as he gently took her hand and followed Parker back to their table.
They ordered one Sunken Treasure and three spoons. It was the coolest dessert they had ever seen. "I want the treasure," Parker announced as he started to pick his way through the whipped cream.
"Whoa, Parker! You need to eat your way to the treasure with your spoon."
"Sorry daddy, I forgot."
"OK, but no more fingers."
All three of them ate their way to the treasure at the bottom of the dessert.
After the cheque came, they went to check out the pirate ship that stood in a small pond at the back of the restaurant.
"Well buddy it's time to get going."
"Ah daddy, I'm having fun with you and Dr. B. Can we stay please?'
"You are going to Dylan's birthday today. Your mom is taking you, remember?"
"Oh yeah, I forgot again daddy. Dylan is going to be five, Dr. B. He has a pool and we get to swim in it and then play games."
"That sounds like lots of fun," Tempe said looking at Seeley with question in her eyes.
"You let him go to a party with Rebecca while he is with you?"
"It's not about me, Tempe. It's about what is best for Parker. I could take him but Rebecca asked if she could as Dylan's mom asked Rebecca is she could help out with the swimming."
He glanced over at his son who was holding his treasures from the dessert and smiled. Although there was a bit of sadness in his face Tempe knew he would do anything for his son, including giving up some of the rare and precious time he did have with him.
"I know this isn't any of my business, Seeley, but why don't you go after more time with Parker? You are just as much a part of him as Rebecca is. Why do you let her tell you how much of a parent you get to be? You're an awesome dad, any court would have to be blind not to see that."
She hit a sore spot. Rebecca has Drew. Parker has the family he needs. I couldn't give him that. Well, not until now. Could I? Could we
"For now it is best that Parker live with Rebecca and Drew. He has stability there. That is more important than what I want."
"I'm sorry Seeley, I didn't mean to .."
"I know Tempe. I appreciate your concern. And thank you
for saying I am an awesome dad."
They drove to Rebecca's and said their goodbyes to Parker.
"Thanks Seeley," Rebecca said as Parker gave her a hug and proceeded to tell her about his afternoon with his dad and Dr. B.
"Anytime."
"Nice to see you again Tempe," Rebecca said. Parker still talks about the last time you went out. He sleeps with his frog every night."
Seeley went over and gave his son another hug as Rebecca stepped closer to Tempe.
"He's a good man, don't ever doubt it," Rebecca whispered to Tempe.
Tempe nodded in agreement and got back into the car.
Seeley joined her moments later.
OK, one hour. We have one hour. What to do? Nope, that would definitely take more than an hour. What to do so she won't suspect anything?
Tempe could sense Seeley's apprehension and decided to help him out. "You can take me home now so you can do whatever it is that you want to do."
"What makes you think I want to do something?" He asked hoping he could just get through the next hour.
"You look like you just want to go somewhere but not sure what to do with me." Did that make any sense? Don't think so but too late
"The only thing I want to do right now is be with you," Seeley said as he put his car in drive and headed to the park.
"C'mon, let's take a walk."
He waited till she got out and came around to his side and took her hand.
They walked along a pathway that led into a forest and eventually a pond where they saw a family of swans.
"Parker and I come here sometimes. It's nice to get away from everything but still close to it, you know?"
"I think so."
They came to a bench and sat down.
Getting right to the point Tempe spoke first.
"So you want to live together?" Tempe asked.
"Yes. I'm being honest with my feelings Tempe."
"I know you are. This is so surprising for me. When you said we are family, I don't know why but it didn't occur to me that we would live together, NOW. Don't get me wrong I want you and Parker to be my family. I just need a bit of time to process this."
"I understand. You don't have to pack your things up today. Next week would be fine," and he smiled not his charm smile but the one that just made her heart melt.
He looked at his watch and jumped up.
"Gotta go," and he grabbed her hand and led her back to the car.
"Where are we going?" she managed to say while trying to keep up with him
"You'll see, but first I need to go home for minute."
Seeley made chit chat to keep from saying anything that would give it away. Tempe welcomed the non-serious talk between them.
"OK, out we go," he ordered as he got out of the car and went around a helped her out.
They made their way upstairs all the while Tempe was trying to figure out what was going on with him.
As he unlocked his door she heard before her in unison "Welcome Home Temperance."
Tempe was speechless. She looked at Seeley for her words and as he had many a time before, he came to her rescue.
"These are your families Temperance. They are all here to welcome you to their family."
Tempe felt the tears starting to flow and knew she wouldn't be able to stop them no matter now hard she tried.
Angela came up to her and handed her a piece of paper. Temperance Brennan, member of the squint family. Jack, Zack, and Angela.
Her long time friends, Lisa and Dianne from University came forward and handed her a piece of paper. Temperance Brennan, a member of the Friends Forever family."
Rebecca and Drew stood back while Parker stepped forward.
"Dr. B, can I call you Tempe like my daddy does?"
Tempe wiped away what tears she could and sobbed out the words, "You sure can."
"My mommy and Drew said you can be a part of our family," and he handed her a piece of paper that said Temperance Brennan, member of the Rebecca, Parker and Drew Family.
Tempe didn't know how much more of this she could take before she started to drown in her own tears. Well no sooner did she say that and Seeley stepped forward with a piece of paper. "Temperance Brennan, member of the Seeley and Parker Booth Family".
Tempe gave her papers to Angela and turned back to Seeley who was waiting to hold her. She slipped into his arms and he held her there for but minute then pulled her back, smiled and then kissed her with everything he had.
"Would you like to say anything before the party gets started?" Seeley whispered in her ear.
"What could I possibly say that would be adequate?"
"Say what's in your heart," and he nudged her arm.
"Needles to say I am overwhelmed with what you have all done for me today. It is by far the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me. Seeley asked me today if I would live with him. He said next week would be OK." Everyone chuckled. "Next week sounds great."
Seeley put his arm around her and kissed the side of her mouth.
Rebecca knew this was the perfect time. She took an envelope from her purse and handed it to Seeley.
"It's from my lawyer. He drew up the papers and you just need to sign them."
"What the hell? You do this now?" His face clearly showed the blood racing towards it.
"Seeley, just open it, OK?"
He saw something different in her eyes and started to open the envelope. As he unfolded the letter he could barely believe his eyes.
APPLICATION OF JOINT CUSTODY FOR
PARKER C. BOOTH
BY REBECCA ROLLINS AND SEELEY BOOTH
"When you told me what you were going to do for Tempe, I knew this was what I needed to do for you."
"Rebecca, I ….."
"You don't need to say anything. They way you look at Parker and he at you is what really matters. I was too caught up in what MIGHT happen to him when with you, your work and all, that I didn't stop to think of what WOULD happen when he was with you."
"Does he know?" Seeley asked quietly while pointing to Parker.
"No. I thought you could tell him, now if you want."
Seeley's eyes opened wide and a smile like no other appeared on his face.
"Hey buddy, come here. You are going to be living with Tempe and me for one week and then with mommy and drew for a week. How does that sound?"
"Really daddy, I can have two houses?"
"You sure can."
Tempe, I have two families and you have .. um… well you have lots. I hope I get as many as you."
Jack piped up from the back of the room. "Angela is going to take the family pictures now before everyone gets into the punch."
Tempe posed for pictures with her new families and Angela asked for a picture of just her and Seeley. They happily obliged.
The party went on for several hours, with lots of laughing, story telling and four bowls of punch that Zach appeared to be monitoring a little to closely.
Just after midnight the guests started to leave. Booth picked up a sleeping Parker off his bed and handed him over to Drew.
Angela and Jack were the last to leave.
"Goodnight Sweetie," and Angela kissed her friend on the cheek.
As the door closed and Seeley locked it he turned to find Tempe taking off her shirt. "Here let me help you with that, he said as he walked towards her."
"You will have to catch me first." Tempe disappeared down the hall practically running.
Seeley turned out the lights, smiled and then made his way to their bedroom.
Then End.