A/N: This is a continuation from chapters 32 and 33.

The Heart of the Woman

Not long after Booth and Brennan began their impromptu reunion, a cooing began emanating from the floor behind them and Booth turned excitedly. "Hey there, baby girl!" He leaned down to rescue Christine from her travel crib, a knot releasing from his chest at her excited reaction to him. He pulled her close, kissing her sweet-smelling hair. "I missed you so much."

Brennan watched with tear-filled eyes as father and daughter got reacquainted, her own anxiety easing much as Booth's had done. While she had tried to show her daughter pictures of her father while they were on the run, Brennan could only do so much to ensure that Christine didn't forget Booth entirely. The fact that it seemed the baby had not only retained her memories, but her feelings of adoration as well, forced a sob from her throat when Booth laughed as Christine grabbed his nose and squeezed in delight.

Booth noticed Brennan's expression and smiled softly. "Bones, it's okay. Really."

She nodded tightly as the sound of Sully coming back down the steps reached her ears. When her former lover came up behind her and laid a hand on her shoulder, she flinched lightly, causing Booth to grin and Sully to laugh.

"Relax, Tempe. I was only coming to let you guys know that someone is here to take Booth's ride back to the marina."

"Oh!" Brennan fought a blush as realization struck her. She turned back to Booth. "I never even thought about how you caught up to us. You rented a boat?"

Booth shook his head and handed a babbling Christine back to her mother. "No, I didn't have to. A guy was there at the dock waiting for me. He gave me the boat and the coordinates, and said someone would be along to get the boat back when I reached my destination."

"My dad set it up?"

"Yeah, I figured Max had everything planned out before he even came to the house." Booth stood and held his hand out to Sully. "And thanks, man." He nodded towards his girls. "Thanks for taking care of my family."

Sully ducked his head slightly in embarrassment. "Booth, you would have done the same for me. I know that." Booth's nod made him smile. "And I had seen those asinine news reports, I knew Tempe wouldn't kill anyone and I sure as hell knew she wouldn't become a fugitive without a damn good reason, so I was happy to help when Max contacted me."

"Max?" Booth shook his head, laughing. "That old con knows how to get his hands on anyone."

"It was my idea, Booth."

He turned to his partner, surprised to see her looking almost nervous. "Yeah? Well, it was a smart move, Bones. No one would have known you were out here." He leaned over and kissed her forehead. "I'm glad you're a genius."

Relief flooded Brennan's features, making Sully chuckle. "Tempe. Booth knows you, you shouldn't have been so worried."

"But we were lovers, and with how I left…." Brennan pressed her lips together forcefully, willing herself not to say another word.

The men exchanged a look that had Sully reaching for the baby. "Hey, Tempe. Why don't you let me take this gorgeous kid up on deck and show her the water?" At her hesitation, he paused. "Temperance, I have nieces and nephews. I'll be fine." He leaned down and smiled at Christine, who returned his grin and reached for him. "See? She likes me."

"Bones, they'll be fine." Booth took his daughter from her mother's arms and kissed her nose before handing her to his old friend. "We need to talk before we hear from Angela, okay?"

Sully turned and headed for the steps. "Say bye to Mommy and Daddy, tell Mommy not to worry."

Christine waved one chubby little fist, managing to look enough like a tiny, vengeful dictator that even Brennan huffed a laugh. "Thanks, Sully." She nodded, waving back at Christine as she disappeared up the stairs.

Turning back to Booth, a wave of love and longing so strong swept over Brennan and she launched herself back into his arms, relieved when he wrapped them around her tightly. "I know we have to talk, Booth…but can we just…"

"Bones, we can stand here for however long you need." He inhaled the scent of her hair and another band released itself from around his heart at the familiarity and comfort it brought. "Forever. I'm never letting you go again."

"Thank you, Booth…thank you." Brennan breathed, standing closer to let Booth sway them back and forth in a rhythm that had both partners lost in the feeling of finally being reunited.

They would have stood there forever, were they not interrupted by the ringing of Booth's phone.