For Candigirl510 who not only listened to my rambling, but responded as well. Thanks. 7,699 words :)


Ch. 29

"I told you last week that I was quitting Dad! It's not my problem if you never listen to anything that comes out of my mouth." Rachel Cullen said heated to her father.

"Rachel, you didn't even give me a week's notice. Hell you didn't give Darlene any notice, who am I supposed to get to replace you last minute?" said the Deputy Director, who was nothing more than a frustrated father to his employee at the moment.

"I don't know Dad, but I have to get to work." Rachel said annoyed.

Her father sighed closing his eyes momentarily looking away from his daughter and then back at her inhaling and exhaling deeply. Cullen and his wife were going through a rough spot at the moment and Rachel had taken notice; coping by distancing herself. Cullen wasn't exactly in the mood to punish the unruly twenty one year old child who still lived at home. Not when he felt bad about Rachel having to deal with her mother's and his problems. So, he let her go, a guilt tripped workaholic father.

Rachel passed Booth as she left the bullpens. As she waited on the elevator and the bell ding button turning green and doors opened and people exited. Though, instead of getting into the elevator she quickly jogged back to find agent Booth.

"Hey Agent Booth." Rachel said a smile on her face, even though she was in a rush and needed to be out of there.

"Hey, that Shania girl and her sister the ones that are your partner's kids, cousins whoever they are. Does either of them need a job? I quit and someone needs to take my place at the front desk at night. Just answer calls and stuff from seven pm to twelve pm, it's Monday through Friday. Go talk to my dad I have to go. If so, tell him that they were my back up and he shouldn't have yelled at me. He will believe you. Thanks, bye." Rachel said and ran down the corridor pushing the elevator button over and over, cursing under her breath for it to hurry up.

Booth was left dumbfounded. He in no way was going to tell Cullen that he shouldn't have done anything. He went back into his office and called Bones.

"Brennan." She said and Booth smiled at her voice. The professional manner she always answered, it was Bones.

"Hey quick question, does Lacey need a job? Rachel Cullen quit today and they are looking for someone to replace her desk job. It's from seven pm to twelve pm." Booth said

"Yes, she has shown interest in a job, did she tell you this Booth?" Brennan wondered.

"No, call it a gut feeling Bones." Booth said.

"Your guts have no feelings, Booth." Said Brennan

"Metaphor, you know how people call your intestines your second brain, because second to the brain it rules what happens to your body." Booth said.

"No, although I do know that the intestines and villas in your intestines are the next major organ that rules bodily function although most people believe the heart to be the second controlling organ over the body. The intestines are highly underestimated at the power they hold."

Booth shook his head and made a face, "Yeah, see that gut feelings are underrated."

"That's not what-"

"So, she is looking for a job?" Booth asked.

"Yes." Brennan said.

"Okay, I'm going to talk to Cullen about her working here." Booth said.

Brennan smiled and her hand absentmindedly rest on her flat abdomen, fingers lightly brushing back and forth she smiled when she realized where her hand was. "Booth?"

"Yeah Bones?"

"Thank you Booth, that was very kind of you to think of her. Lacey will appreciate this very much and, and I do as well." She smiled because she could not and didn't want to suppress the feelings of…she didn't really know what she felt. Booth wasn't just Booth to her anymore; he was going to be her child's father. So much had changed in six years, yet at the same time everything was exactly the same.

I heard his voice today I didn't know a single word he said not one resemblance to the man I met…

One could classify it as warmth, maybe? It was stronger when she heard his voice. She had, had this feeling before and deep down she knew what it was she was feeling. Was she scared of it? Of course she was petrified. Though, his voice, the same one that made this whole love and feelings thing so scary, calmed her like no other. If she failed in loving Booth, in being a good mother…that is what scared her the most.

"So petrified, I'm so scared to step into this ride, what if I lose my heart and fail declined? I won't forgive me if I give up trying…"

"I'm glad Bones, just glad I could help." Booth said.

"Booth?" she said his name rushed as if he had already hung up, a plea not to go yet. She wasn't listening to what he said as much as she was to his voice.

"What is it? Everything okay?" he asked concerned momentarily.

"Yeah, I mean yes. Yes all is fine, I'm fine."

"You sure Bones?" he asked.

"Of course, Booth." She said automatically.

"Okay, see you later." He said.

"Booth?" another rushed plea fell from her lips.

Booth smiled this time, knowingly. "Hhmm?"

"Are you coming over tonight for dinner?" she asked trying to sound nonchalant.

"But I won't go I can't do it on my own, if this ain't love, then what is? I'm willing to take the risk…"

"I'll bring Thai if you would like." He said and she smiled taking her bottom lip in her mouth as she smiled, it had become a recent habit. Whenever she smiled, she took her bottom lip in her mouth…she wasn't used to smiling so much.

"I would like that very much." Her words were soft and girlish as she spoke.

"It's a date." Booth said off handedly as in it's a plan, a date, a time.

Brennan's eyes grew a bit wide at his suggestion, it sounded…nice. "Angela said a date classifies as two people going out somewhere special. What-"Though, she was cut off by Cheyenne and Angela herself walking into her office.

"Tempe!" Cheyenne said excited "Look who I have, it's your Godson." Chey said smiling and holding Michael. Angela walked in the office a few steps behind the teenager.

"I will see you later tonight Booth. Chey and Michael just walked into my office." With that she hung up and Booth was left to wonder, did she want to go out on a date? What was she insinuating? They had never even been on a date and they were having a child together. It was then Booth realized that while he said to Brennan and Parker, as well as the girls that they were together. They never really talked about their new relationship. Never had a real conversation about it, and they had a lot to talk about.

"I won't go I can't do it all alone If this ain't love, then what is? I'm willing to take the risk…"

In essence, nothing had changed, yet everything had. Yes they had slept together and yes they were having a child together. Though, he came to realize he had taken Hannah on many more dates then the soon to be mother of his child, date or no dates he found himself much more emotionally connected to Bones.

"There will be times we'll try and give it up bursting at the seams, no doubt we'll almost fall apart then burn the pieces to watch them turn to dust But nothing will ever taint us…"

Looking back now, he could admit to himself that when he was with Hannah he had wandering eyes, but knew he would never cheat because if he ever was to get together with the person his eyes were wandering too. It would not be for just a night, it bothered him greatly that he lied to Bones and Hannah the night Bones confessed her feelings to him.

"Will he... will he still remember me? Will he still love me even when he's free? Or will he go back to the place where he would choose the poison over me?"

Though, he knew that Hannah knew he was lying deep down. Bones had always been more than a partner to him. Hell, Hannah was the catalyst that made Bones say what she had; sadly Vincent's death had been the final log, if you will. Once that final log was placed atop the dam, the whole thing came crashing, creaking, and tumbling down. The lake poured out and the river was finally clear, the current racing at a healthy pace.

Both snapped out of his thoughts, his hand had absentmindedly found a stress ball on his desk and he was squeezing and releasing. He quickly set the ball down; he needed to go speak with Cullen.

"Chey, Angela I wasn't expecting you." Brennan said.

"I know, I thought I would stop by for lunch." Angela admitted. "Hodgins had to see Michael and I wanted to bring him by to see you as well." Angela said and Brennan smiled.

"That was very kind of you Angela. You didn't have to do that." Brennan said

"She is your best friend Tempe, and you are his Godmother. I think she wanted too." Cheyenne said passing Michael to Brennan.

Angela chuckled, "I couldn't have said it better sweetie."

Brennan smiled and looked at little Michael, she swayed back and forth with him and spoke to him softly even though he couldn't understand her. Angela and Cheyenne shared a glance with one another, smiling at the moment between Godson and Godmother.

"So, Tempe?" Cheyenne started and Brennan tore her gaze from Michael and looked to Chey.

"Yes?" Brennan said.

"Have any names for baby B?" Cheyenne asked.

"No, we don't even know the gender yet. I'm only six weeks along." Brennan responded. "Why did you call it baby B?"

"First off, sweetie don't call your child an it while you are holding mine." Angela said and saw the sudden hurt in Brennan's eyes.

Brennan realized she was right, she wasn't carrying a baby, and it was only a fetus. Though, suddenly Angela's words made sense and she felt bad. She never would want to do anything wrong with Michael or upset her best friend. It was strange, this open show of feelings, damn hormones. She was nervous of being a good mom anyway. Was she screwing up already?

Brennan quickly started to speak, "Ange I…"

Angela quickly rushed to reassure her friend, "Sweetie no…" they ended up speaking over one another and Brennan looked like a deer caught in head lights. She held Michael out to Cheyenne, the closest person to her, Cheyenne didn't take him. Instead she put her hand gently on Tempe's arm.

"Baby B, because his or her mommy and daddy both have names that begin with that letter. I don't know what he or she is yet, so for now." Chey bent down eyes level with Tempe's abdomen, "You are officially baby B." She said a hand on either side of Brennan's abdomen.

Cheyenne continued to speak, "Well B, just so you know I'm your older sister well that's a stretch. I'm literally your fourth cousin, but I'm going to live with you and hopefully be around for your first word. You see, little B by the time you are born I will be seventeen and legally we will have to share the house until I'm eighteen. Parker, which is your older half brother will come over and visit too. I'm really excited for you to hurry up and get here, everyone is…you have a very large family. Well B, peace out kid and I'll talk at you later." Cheyenne looked up to see Tempe looking down at her; her big blue eyes were a bit glossy.

"You do know the baby didn't hear anything you said Cheyenne." Tempe said

Cheyenne just smiled, "Nope, and neither do you. Remember anything is possible Tempe. Especially when you have a Cheshire cat, a white Queen Alice and…" Chey raised her hands in the air, "Alice herself in the same room. Hhhmm? Now who is Michael?"

"He is a human baby Cheyenne, we all are. Actually we are not all babies, you are an adolescent and Angela-"

"Tempe, you wished on a freaking damn star, told Booth you received a signal from the universe and one night you walked into his room and finally lost irrationality. God only knows why it's taken you so long to do all of this, but you did it. So, if you can wish on a star, and receive signals from outer space like E.T I will be damned if we can't all be children, if only for a few moments. That's cool Spielberg can direct your life's movie, but Ange and I get the author who was high as a kite." Cheyenne said and Angela closed her open mouth, her wide eyes were now going back to normal. She had wanted to say everything Chey just had forever, but never did. She was always too afraid to spook her friend.

Brennan's emotions went from anger to sadness to an epiphany of sorts in a matter of seconds. She chose her words carefully as she spoke, "Booth says that a heart can love, which I realize it can't. A Heart is responsible for pumping blood through the circulatory system. Though, I feel odd new warmth inside my chest when I talk to him. I believe that feeling classifies as love and not lust, because it is not an ephemeral or fleeting feeling. And it only happens when I hear him or sometimes when I think of him." Brennan said and Angela and Chey shared a knowing glance.

"There will be times we'll try and give it up bursting at the seams, no doubt we'll almost fall apart then burn the pieces to watch them turn to dust But nothing will ever taint us…"

"For example, after he got Broadsky I needed to see him, so I went to his office. I know I really didn't need to see him, which I realize it was an irrational need, but I did need to see him. Because he is the only person that I knew would make me feel okay. I felt better then, with him. I don't know why…I just…I don't know why." Angela looked at Chey in a way that said, well I do.

"Though, I think…I think that the strange warmth I feel in my chest is love, because I have never felt it before with other men. I admit I have felt this warm sensation in my chest even before we started a sexual relationship. Though, the sensation is only stronger and warmer, if you will since we have started our sexual relationship." Brennan said and Angela and Chey shared another glance. "So, the only conclusion I can come to is if this is not love, what is?" Brennan said.

"Sweetie, you're in love, true transcendent eternal love." Angela said.

"I don't believe in that." Brennan said.

"I don't know why I'm scared 'cause I've been here before every feeling every word, I've imagined it all…"

"Sweetie, I was starting to believe Booth was in the closet and Hannah was a cover up. I mean really, six years of ogling you with his eyes and casual flirting and you two had never slept together. I mean really." Angela said and Cheyenne laughed.

"I don't know what that means, in the closet. That made no sense Angela." Brennan said.

"She meant she was beginning to think Booth was gay and just using Hannah to put on an act for the rest of the world to believe he was straight when he wasn't." Cheyenne translated.

"But Booth isn't gay. I have direct knowledge of this fact." Bren said and Angela and Chey smiled.

"We know sweetie." Angela said and Michael started to cry. "Somebody is hungry." Angela said as Bren handed Michael to his Mother.

She took him and sat on Bren's couch opening her blouse to feed Michael. He squirmed his little fists flailing them around. "All right, all right little guy hold your horses. You're worse than your father." Angela said and Chey chuckled.

"What I meant to say and never did was we are all children at heart. I believe that is the saying, it implies one is impish and carefree as a child. That an adult still have innocence to them much like a child or baby. So, if my heart loves, then I suppose it can be a child like one. I literally have a child's heart beating within me anyway. Therefore I see no reason we cannot all be children at heart." Brennan said and Angela only smiled at her friend whispering in a gentle voice.

"No, there is no reason we can't Bren, you are correct. We are all children at heart, and we love you sweetie." Angela said and Cheyenne agreed embracing Tempe who had her bottom lip in her mouth, eyes watering.

"Tempe, you are going to be an excellent mother. I have direct knowledge of that fact." Chey said and Brennan chuckle a bit mumbling a thank you through glossy eyes. They pulled apart and Chey smiled, "You know when E.T received the signal from the universe his heart light up. I think yours did too. Wow, that sounded corny, but it was just a mere fact."

"I don't know who E.T is. I do know that it's a children's movie." Brennan said.

"Oh we're watching that tonight, and The Grinch That Stole Christmas." Cheyenne continued, "Angela said she wanted to be there for E.T.

Cheyenne looked at Angela, "Of course Ange, we will make it a girl's night."

"It's a date." Angela said little Michael fading fast on her chest.

"I'm going to check to see if Lacey is done signing up for her courses yet. She was using your computer Angela." Cheyenne said.

"That's fine." Angela said.

Brennan's mind wandered back to her and Booth's previous conversation. "Angela, I think Booth wants to take me on a date. I know what a date is I've been on many. Though, can't a date entail just a special event between two people that was planned? It doesn't have to be a dinner, correct." Brennan said thinking of Booth and this whole date idea. Were they going on one? She found herself a bit apprehensive for a date made things more official, exclusive. Brennan liked freedom.

You never know if you never tried to forgive your past and simply be mine…"

"My favorite date I went on with Hodgin's was when he took me to the park late at night and pushed me on the swing. He remembered I said how carefree swings were and how –"

"It made you feel like a child at heart?" Brennan finished.

"Exactly." Angela said.

"Booth is quite childish at heart." Bren said

"That's a good thing sweetie. A man that is responsible yet childish is the best kind." Angela said.

"Children have pure hearts, untainted." Brennan said as if it was a realization.

"A child's heart is the best kind to have." Angela said.

"If it's proportional to one's body ratio, otherwise the person would most likely have heart problems and their body would not be able to function as an adult." Brennan said continuing with, "Although, I understand what you mean."

"So, what is up with this date? Is it tonight?" Angela asked.

"I don't know." Brennan said.

"What do you mean, you don't know?" Angela pried.

"I mean he is supposed to come over tonight for Thai, that is a planned event. Though, not quite worthy date material I presume."

"No. Only because you eat Thai with Booth all the time at your place, you need a change of scenery." Angela said.

"Like the diner?" Brennan suggested.

"No. You eat their more than you do at your own house." Angela said, "Don't worry you will go on your date tonight. Though, right now I have to go home." Angela said. "He is only five weeks, by the way our kids are going to be almost exactly a year apart. Oh, sweetie, this will be great."

"Actually they will be-"Brennan started but was cut off.

"Honey, they will be raised together regardless." Angela said.

Brennan smiled at the idea of her child already having a friend. She really couldn't ask for anything more. I mean technically yes she could, but why tempt Booth's fate when she felt as if she already had it all. Her fingers absentmindedly drew lazy circles on her flat stomach. Angela now out of her office she sat down at her desk, Cheyenne had left the Pandora on as Adele played.

"I dare you to let me be your, your one and only I promise I'm worthy to hold in your arms…"

Angela was talking to Hodgins and Lacey was showing her sister the courses she had just signed up for in Angela's office. "That's awesome Lace." Cheyenne said as she showed her four basic classes English I, an introductory Math class, History, and Biology I.

"They are introductory courses, but mandatory because I have never taken anything else." Lacey explained.

"Who cares? My sister is a college girl all fancy smanshy and stuff. Heck, besides Tempe and the team and Michelle. I don't know anyone who went to college." Cheyenne said.

Lacey smiled, "Well you do now. Classes are Monday, Wednesday and Friday. My first class is Monday and it starts at eight fifteen am. Not too late, the metro should be able to get me there. My last class is at five forty five pm." Lacey said happily. Cheyenne smiled "Oh, I forgot to tell you we are watching E.T and The Grinch That Stole Christmas and preferably, sooner rather than later. I figured if Harry and Sally opened Tempe's eyes, maybe a little boy and a glowing heart could too." Cheyenne said.

"I wonder if Tempe is going to have a boy or girl." Lacey wondered aloud and Max who was on his way to see his daughter stopped short ease dropping.

"I don't know she is only five weeks along, too early to tell. Though, I have nicknamed the baby already." Cheyenne said smiling.

"What would that be?" Lacey asked.

"Baby B. After all, either his or her parent's names begin with the letter B. You know he calls her Bones she calls him Booth." Said Cheyenne and Max stepped into Angela's office, surprising both girls.

"What is this talk of my daughter being pregnant?" Both girls glanced at each other, but said nothing. Max knew he would get nothing too. Deep down the girls were Keenan's after all and street wise-their loyalty lay with Booth and Temperance. Damn, Max left Angela's office. One has to do everything their self.

Booth walked up to Cullen, "Sir, I need to ask you something."

"Not now Booth." The deputy director said.

"Rachel told me to ask you something." Booth said and Cullen finally acknowledged Booth.

"What did she say?"

"She told me she quit and was wondering if Lacey, my partner's child's older sister could work the front desk? Lacey will be able to start tonight, if she is able."

"How old is she? I didn't know the doctor had a kid." There was so many ways he could answer that right now.

"Almost twenty." Booth said; Rachel Cullen was twenty one.

"Thank God, yes have her come in as soon as possible and speak with Darlene." Cullen said.

When Booth opened the door to his office he found Angela waiting for him in his chair, Michael sleeping soundly in her arms. "Ange, what are you doing here?"

"You, sweetie, are taking my best friend on a date tonight." She said.

"Am I?" Booth asked.

"Start thinking studly." Angela said patting him on his shoulder as she left his office.

Booth sat down and not fifteen minutes later as he was buried nose deep in a case file. He had called Bones and told her Lacey needed to come and speak with the day time secretary as soon as possible. The door to his office opened again, he expected Lacey. It wasn't Lacey. The man in the door shut it behind him as he stepped into Booth's office.

"So, you knocked up my daughter?" Booth's face went blank. "Calm down kid, it's about damn time you two started to get it together. She is a Keenan after all; we just have that charm about us." Max said and Booth while good at reading people, was having a hard time with Max.

"Um, Bones and I are having a child together. How did you find out?" Booth said, and Max only smiled at him.

"Well I figured that much kid. I could tell something was up with the two of you when I met you for lunch before you went undercover at the bowling alley. Oh, I overheard the girls; I'm planning on feigning shock when Tempe tells me. She just doesn't get the whole fake reactions. Santa, forget it- she claimed there was no way a single man could make it around the whole world in one night. Though, she is naive and feigning shock is easy with her. She was always easy to surprise as a kid, she loved them. Though, I don't think she will ever admit to it as an adult." Max said.

"So, what was it? What was the catalyst, the blonde chick? Tempe isn't a jealous person, but she was hurt when you came back with Blondie." Max said and Booth sighed always uncomfortable talking to a man who spoke so freely of his daughters sexual relations.

"No, no it wasn't. Do you remember the intern Vincent?" Booth said

"Yeah, the British kid." Max said

"He was murdered by a sniper who was after me." Booth said.

"I'm sorry, but wow how typical." Max said. "That was the kid killed at the Jeffersonian, damn."

"Wow, what?"

"What a typical way to get pregnant. So, she fell apart in your arms, guard down, you consoled her in more than one way. I just expected maybe something a bit more, not the old poor baby I got you routine." Max said.

"Max, it-"

"Booth, listen I'm happy if she is happy. She is happy, right?" Max asked.

Booth smiled thinking of her, "Yeah, yes she is very happy. I'm happy, we're both happy."

"Alright, then take care of her and don't break her heart. But if you do, prison and I are old buds by now." Max said.

"Is that a threat Max?" Booth said.

"Of course it is boy, how the hell do you work for the bureau when you have to ask what a threat is?" Max said shaking his head back and forth. He went to walk out of the office, but stopped and turned in the doorway.

"You've loved her from day one kid, nice job. Except for the chick from overseas, that wasn't the wisest choice." Max said and Booth sighed. As he walked out he yelled, "You're welcome for getting your chairs out of the damned elevator during the blackout. You realize that took four of us." With that he was gone. Booth sat back in his chair smiling.

"Hey Tempe." Lacey said walking into her office, Cheyenne trailing behind.

"OH, Lacey. Booth found a job for you, you start tonight." Brennan said as she shuffled through some files on her desk.

"What time? For who? Where is it located?" Lacey asked and Brennan looked up realizing she needed to address Lacey and take her attention from the paper work if only momentarily, it was respectful.

"It's Monday through Friday, starting at seven and ending at twelve. Your boss's name is Deputy Director Cullen although I'm unsure who you will answer too and it's in the Federal building. Booth found out that Rachel Cullen quit on short notice and irresponsibly did not give a weeks' notice. Therefore, they needed someone tonight and Booth thought of you." Tempe said.

Lacey was smiling Cheyenne spoke first, "I had a feeling about her."

Lacey rolled her eyes and Tempe asked, "What kind of feeling?"

"I'm unsure what exactly to call it, only that it wasn't a warm fuzzy one." Cheyenne said.

"Like love feels? Are you a lesbian Cheyenne?" Tempe asked seriously and Cheyenne started laughing, Tempe didn't get it then again neither did Lacey.

"No, I'm not. I just meant I did not have good feelings about her." Cheyenne explained.

"Well I should get going to the Hoover." Lacey said and Tempe looked up at Lacey. Her eyes were, different. Wistful and Tempe wasn't a wistful or whimsical person. "I'll tell him you said hey Tempe."

"Thanks Lacey." Brennan said with a look on her face that a dog usually has after his master tells him to stay. That he is not allowed to come along, the animal usually looks on longingly taking a few steps in their master's direction and then sits or lays down in defeat, because he or she can't go.

When we spoke yesterday, you said to hold my breath... to sit and wait "I'll be home so soon, I won't be late"

She wondered if she should call Booth back. Pandora played Adele barely audible in the background.

Before she left Brennan called Lacey over to her. "Here if you want I have an extra blouse jeans and a pair of heels you are welcome to wear. I leave them here just in case I need them if something happens to my clothes in the field. I'm unsure if the jeans will fit, but I know that they will not sooner rather than later. I leave them here on days I need something to wear under my jump suit. I cannot wear a skirt with the jump suit." Brennan said matter- of-factly.

Lacey nodded thank you and tried the clothes on, the jeans were too big, but the heels and dark green blouse fit. "Should I put my hair up in a tight pony tail?" Lacey asked Tempe.

Cheyenne walked up eating an apple, "No let it down and get it cut soon Lace. I say about Tempe's length would look good, but layered like Angela's. You are starting to look like a brunette journalist. Your hair is long girl." Lacey smiled and hugged her sister and Tempe then left the building. In the cab she smiled to herself, a real job, school and a family. She smiled again she and Cheyenne had gone from the bottom to the top in not even a complete year. It felt good.

Lacey soon found herself in the elevator riding up to the third floor of the F.B.I. She inhaled and stepped out of the elevator walking toward the bull pen's, head held high, hair in a tight pony tail – Chey didn't always know what she was speaking about, she took long confident strides. She wore the jeans she had; dark jeans they fit nice, the dark green blouse and Tempe's heels.

She approached the front desk. "Hello, my name is Lacey Martin. I'm here to speak to Darlene about the secretary job available at the front desk."

"Oh, yes of course Cullen told me you would be stopping by. Though, he said you were nineteen, he gets a little flustered sometimes." Darlene smiled and asked Lacey to join her behind the desk. "I am nineteen."

"Oh, you look the same age as the girl that used to work here and she was twenty one." Darlene said and Lacey remembered Rachel; legs up on the desk as she texted her boyfriend at work. She wore jeans and a F.B.I sweat shirt. Darlene finished showing her what was expected of her and Lacey caught on quickly, with ease. It wasn't brain science, she was just a secretary.

Darlene smiled when Cullen walked up, "How are you doing? It's Lacey, right?"

"Yes sir." She said and Cullen smiled. "Lacey Martin." She said and Cullen nodded his head and said something to Darlene.

"Lacey, come here I want to show you around a bit so you know the place." Cullen said and Lacey looked at Darlene making sure she had the phones. They walked through the bull pens and Lacey was shown Cullen's office and the Assistant Director's office.

"Assistant Director?" Cullen said and Hacker stood.

"Yes sir?" Hacker said.

"This is Lacey Martin, Temperance Brennan's of the Jeffersonians' daughter, right?" Cullen said looking at Lacey for confirmation, but didn't give her a chance to answer. Lacey decided it wasn't important. Hacker opened his mouth to say something and then closed it allowing Cullen to talk. "She is our new secretary, if there is anything you need she will now be taking over Rachel's job." Cullen said and Lacey wondered why the Assistant Director looked so confused.

"Um, yeah, yes of course, it's nice to meet you Lacey Martin." Hacker said, extending his hand, Lacey had a strong handshake for a woman. Hacker looked as if he wanted to say something, but changed his mind.

Lacey walked back to the front desk and through the bull pens. There were a few agents about having a meeting. Booth was talking and they were going over something on a board, pins held up pictures and profiles as well as geographical locations. Lacey noticed Sweets was sitting waiting on the meeting to start as well.

One bored agent tapped his buddy on the shoulder and motioned to Lacey, both men turned their heads to look at her and one whistled. "Agent Keith!" Booth said sternly making the younger agent suddenly not so cocky anymore. Booth took a step forward and thunked him on the head with a rolled up file. "I know it's hard for you, but try to keep what little focus you have on the board and off of the secretary." Booth said calling him out and Lacey smiled a small smirk as she settled herself behind the desk.

"Federal Bureau of Investigation, this is Lacey speaking how may I direct your call?"

"I need to speak with Assistant Director Hacker. Tell him his ex-wife, Heather Reynolds called." Heather said and Lacey noticed she sounded peeved.

"He is unavailable at the moment Miss Reynolds would you like me to take a message or prefer his extension?" Lacey asked.

"His extension please." Heather said.

"One moment and I will transfer you." Lacey did that and a few other things. Then downsized a screen on the computer and opened her college courses checking to see what she was going to need mentally in her mind for each class.

"Federal Bureau of Investigation, this is Lacey speaking. How may I direct your call?" Lacey said.

"Hi is this is Miranda Jenson. Can I have you give Agent Kyle Keith a message please?" Miranda said politely.

"Yes, would you like his extension or would you like me to take the message?" Lacey asked and Miranda contemplated it.

"Can you tell him something for me?" Miranda asked.

"Yes."

"Tell him to go screw himself and never to call me again." Miranda said.

"I will give him the message." Lacey said.

"Thank you." Miranda said and hung up. Lacey leaned back in her chair, and as she was scrolling over her classes once more the phone rang again.

"Federal Bureau of Investigation, Lacey Martin speaking. How may I direct your call?"

"Hi, my name is Margaret Whitselle I need to reach Special Agent Seeley Booth. Although, I don't know what makes him so special. Anyway, I lost his cell number; I have a feeling you can't give that to me so just tell him I called." Margaret said and Lacey knew it had to be her Aunt, her mother's sister that she was speaking to. She wondered what she looked like. Did she look like Tempe, Chey and she?

"What is it in regard to?" Lacey asked curiously.

"It's a bit personal, family junk you know how it is…relatives pop up and then it's all oh, look at that you have a sister and long lost nieces kind of stuff."

Should she say anything to her? No. "I will tell him you called can you give me your number please?"

"I suppose. Are you ready for this number? Do you have a pen and piece of paper?" Margaret said and Lacey wondered if the crazy gene just ran in her family.

Soon the meeting was wrapping up and Booth was in his office getting his things. He walked out to see Kyle Keith talking to Lacey. He wasn't too happy about it, he found himself overly protective of the girls. It was hard to let up, they were Brennan's after all and could hold their own. Hell, Lacey had probably seen a hell of a lot more than half the agents in the room.

"Hello my name is Agent Keith, but you can just call me Kyle if you want." Keith said and Lacey remembered something.

"Oh, I'm so glad to meet you Kyle." Lacey said and Kyle smiled largely. "I have a message to give you."

"Do you?" Keith asked noticing he had a small audience watching him.

"I do, it's from a Ms. Miranda Jameson. She told me to tell you to go screw yourself and to never call her again." Lacey said deadpan and then swiveled her chair back toward the computer typing up something and ignoring him and the other agents laughing at him. Booth smiled and winked at Lacey as she glanced at him for a second. Yes, she would do just fine here, she could tow her own.

In Booth's office he pulled out his cell and checked his voice mail. Rebecca left a message about Parker's parent teacher work day and Bones had called but never left a message. He could hear Angela's words in his head. He then heard oddly enough, Max Keenan's voice. "She was always easy to surprise as a kid, she loved them. Though, I don't think she will ever admit to it as an adult."

Booth smiled, he had a date to get too. He walked over to Lacey. "Hey Lace, I'm taking Bones on a date tonight. What time do you get off?" It was almost eight thirty now.

"Twelve." Booth nodded. "Hey Booth, she isn't going to turn into a pumpkin. Go have fun and make her smile; she's really happy about this baby. You guys deserve to celebrate." Lacey said and Booth nodded.

"Alright, well I have to call her and let your sister know." Booth said.

"I will and Booth my Aunt called looking for you. Margaret Whitselle, she wanted your number. I have her number for you. Her voice sounds a tiny bit like Tempe's. She is a bit odd, but I guess we all are." Lacey said.

Booth smiled, "Agree, now hold down the fort kiddo and don't let those assholes-"Booth started and Lacey cut him off.

"Go, hurry up and call Tempe. I got it Booth I can take care of myself." Lacey said and Booth smiled heading toward his office to call Bones.

The Assistant Director walked up to Lacey before heading home. "Oh Assistant Director I have a message for you." Lacey said.

"Hey Lacey, how is the first night?" Hacker asked.

"Wonderful." Lacey replied.

"I never knew Tempe had any kids. She never spoke of you on our date; you look just like your mother." Hacker said and it suddenly clicked with Lacey why the man had looked so confused.

"Oh, she is not my mother. Cullen made a mistake, she adopted my sister Cheyenne. She is younger than I am; I'm out of the system. Though, I am Tempe's third cousin." Lacey said about to tell him that his ex-wife called but he spoke first.

"Oh, I often wondered if Tempe would ever adopt or have a child of her own." Lacey thought that was kind of odd seeing as how he and Tempe had split up, why did he still wonder of such things? Oh well, his wondering wouldn't last much longer. Five months flew by for Lacey's pregnancy.

"Yeah, she is really great." Lacey said casually adding, "Your ex-wife Heather Reynolds called. She said to please give her a call." Lacey said and Hacker shut his mouth turning that same ashen color as before. Lacey thought, this is kind of neat I get the dish on everyone in this place.

"Brennan." Tempe answered her phone, it was Booth. She smiled.

"So come on and give me the chance…"

"Hey Bones, I'm going to stop by your place and pick you up in about a half hour." Booth said.

"Okay, why? Where are we going?" she asked.

"To prove that I'm the one who can walk that mile until the end starts….."

"Is Cheyenne near you?" Booth asked.

"Yes, she and Michelle are right here Michelle came over to pick her up and go to the movies." Brennan said.

"Give your phone to Cheyenne." Booth said and Brennan handed the phone to Cheyenne.

"Hello?" Cheyenne asked.

"Hey Chey, its Booth I'm picking Bones up in about a half hour and taking her out. So, your sister is working late and –"he was cut off.

"I think I know what you are getting at but I'm staying the night at Michelle's tonight anyway so no one will be here. Guess what? I will even let you keep her out past midnight." Cheyenne said and handed the phone back to Tempe.

"Bye Tempe, have fun." Cheyenne said and left with Michelle.

"Booth, is this a date?" her voice was almost a whisper, ebbed with childish curiosity.

He won't go… He can't do it on his own, if this ain't love, then what is? He's willing to take the risk…
So I won't go… I can't do it on my own, if this ain't love, then what is? I'm willing to take the risk...
Cause he won't go… He can't do it on his own, if this ain't love, then what is? We're willing to take the risk…
I won't go… I can't do it on my own, if this ain't love, then what is? I'm willing to take the risk…


Both songs by Adele- He Won't Go, One and Only, He Won't Go