Chapter 38 – FACE OFF PART 1
Booth was sitting in his office preparing for a meeting when his phone rang. Without looking at the caller I.D. he answered, "Booth."
"You just had to go and get her pregnant? Why Seeley? What about Parker? You take me to court for equal rights and then you go and get her pregnant. Why couldn't Parker and I be enough for you huh Seeley?"
Stunned into silence by his caller and then angry he responded, "Rebecca I don't have time to get into this right now, so you and Parker be at my place tonight at 7. He flipped her phone shut. Inhaling a deep breath he made a decision that was long overdue.
"Max it's Booth be at my place tonight at 7. It's time we all get a few things straight."
"Angela, it's Booth. I need you and Hodgins at my place tonight at 7."
'No I won't get into what its about now just make sure your there."
"Brennan"
"Bones I just called for a meeting at my place tonight at 7 between us, Rebecca, Max, Angela and Hodgins. I'm tired of people thinking we owe them something."
She could hear the aggravation in his voice. Booth what happened? Why is Rebecca going to be there?"
"She just called demanding an explanation on why I got you pregnant as if she is entitled. Bones I swear if o ne more person ask me or demand some sort of explanation I'm going to shoot them." Running his hands through his hair he asked could you be ready by 5? I just want to spend some time with you before all hell breaks loose."
"I don't know what that means but I'll be ready by 5."
"I have a meeting I'm running late for so I'll let you get back to work. Make sure you eat lunch and I'll see you at 5. I love you Bones."
"I can take care of myself Booth. And I love you too."
Trying to get her mind off of what could possible happen later tonight she decided to emerge herself in her work. Sitting at her desk typing up reports on identifications from limbo she didn't hear Max walk into her office until he cleared his throat.
"Tempe how are you feeling sweetheart?"
Still working on her reports she didn't even bother to look at him when she replied, " What do you want Max?"
"Sweetheart, don't be like this. I just came by to see how you were doing. I haven't had a chance to see you since the last time I came over to Booth's apartment."
"I'm fine Max. Now you can leave." She continued to work.
"Well, I guess I'll see you tonight then at Booth's. " Realizing he wasn't going to get a response he turned and went on his way. She managed to continue working with out any further interruptions.
"Seeley you're early. Do we have a case?" Cam asked as she fell into step beside him while he was making his way to Bones office.
"No I'm here for Bones I told her I would pick her up at 5. We are having a meeting at my place tonight at 7 with people who feel we owe them something. I didn't call you but if you would like to come…."
Holding up her hand she cut him off, "No thank you. I'll set this one out." Putting her hand on his arm to halt his movement, "But I do wish you guys luck tonight. If she needs it try to keep her home tomorrow."
"Thanks Cam, I'll call you and let you know." Nodding her approval she made her way to Angela's office.
"Bones are you ready?"
Looking up when she heard his voice, she gave him a slight smile that didn't reach her eyes and said yes. She stood and gathered her belongings and they left the lab.
"Angela you wanted to see me?" Cam asked as she strolled into the office.
"Yeah, Cam do you know what this little meeting at Booth's is about tonight?"
"I was just told there was going to be a meeting but that's all I know I didn't get an invite so I'm sorry but I can't help you with that one."
"If you didn't get an invite then how did you find out?"
"Seeley just came in to get Dr. Brennan. I guess he thought I knew about and extended an invitation which I declined the offer.
Booth and Bones were sitting in his living room eating their take out while he recapped his phone call with Rebecca and his decision to have this meeting. "Booth do you think its wise to have this meeting with Parker here?"
"I don't see any other way Bones. I'm tired of getting slammed at every turn. We should be enjoying this time instead were constantly dodging bombs. Taking her in his arms he leaned in and whispered against her lips. "It's going to be ok Bones. We need to do this once and for all." Very lightly he brushed his lips against hers. She responded just as softly then wanted more so she added more pressure, which Booth was more than happy to go along with. While enjoying their impromptu make out session at 5 minutes till 7, they were interrupted by a quick knock on their door. Booth went to answer the door while Bones went to freshen up for their guests.
"Max, come on in. Bones will be out in a minute have a seat. As he went to shut the door he heard Hodgins call out to him and he pulled the door back open. "Hey man how's it going?" ask Hodgins.
"It's going…just not great. Hopefully after tonight that will change."
"You shouldn't blame other people if you're screwing up!" came Angela's snarky reply. She caught Hodgins disapproving eyes and she gave him a nonchalant shrug of her own as she walked pasted them into the living to join Max and Bones.
Closing the door Booth said, "If you learn to mind your own fucking business for a change we wouldn't be in this mess to begin with now would we Miss. Busybody?"
Before she could respond there was another knock on the door. Opening the door he was surprised when his son threw his arms around his father Booth hugged him back and then looked at Rebecca for answers. She stood back smiling at the two when Parker said, "Mom said you invited us over to hang out with you." Now Booth understood.
"Not exactly Parks. Go into the living room and have a seat."
"What the hell Rebecca?"
Walking up to him she ran her hands up his chest when he grabbed her wrists and removed her hands. He kept a hold on them as he stepped back. "I asked you two here to talk and then you will leave and go back to your own house. Everyone is here so come on in."
Confused she walked into the living room to see he already had guests. Walking around he made his way over to Bones and asked, " Hey where did Parker go?"
"He came in and looked at us then …I think he's upset Booth, he went to his room."
Signing Booth called for Parker come out and join the rest of them so they can get this over with. Parker came out and sat next to his mother.
"Tempe what is this about?" Max inquired with a raise brow.
"Max, I called for this meeting because its time we get some things cleared up. This is an important time for Bones and I and we can't even enjoy it because we are to busy defending ourselves. We shouldn't have to do that. This pregnancy is ours and we don't need anyone approval. And that includes you Parks. So I am going to begin with Parker and Rebecca since it's a school night and Parker has to get home at a decent time. Bones at any time feel free to jump in if there is something you want to say.
Parker and Max you two didn't find out the way he wanted you to find out. Parker, Bones and I had every intention to sit down and talk to you opening about the pregnancy. We had no idea that once a certain busy body blabbed that the news would spread the way it did nor did we know Max was going to come in here like a crazed manic. Parks we weren't trying to keep anything from you. You are my first-born and no matter how many children I have that will never change. But you have to understand and respect that I have a life outside of your mother. Bones and I are in love. In a few short months we are going to have 2 little ones to take care of. But that doesn't take away from my, our love for you. I want you to know that I tried to give you the same life that I am going to provide these babies. Your mother is here, if you don't believe me but when she told me she was pregnant with you I proposed and not only did she turn me down she also broke up with me and told me she wanted to raise you alone. I called every week, wrote letters and got nothing. I asked to be there when you were born only to find out that you were 2 months old by the time she decided to respond. Now I was given another chance to do it right and I'm going to be there for them just like I was trying to be there for you. I will always love you son. You will always have a special place in my life. But I cannot and I will not let you dictate how Bones and I live our life and what decisions we make. You are a part of our family whether you want to be or not. The sooner you come to grasps with that the better and easier it will be on all of us. What you do with your mother is her business but when you are with me you will be respectful. I have not raised you to act the way that you have been and I will not allow it to continue. So I am telling you in front of your mother and I hope that she backs me up because of your behavior you are grounded for two weeks, no TV, no video games, no hanging out with your friends. Do you understand?"
Looking down at his feet he sniffed and said, "Yes sir."
"Is there anything you would like to say or questions you may have for us?"
Thinking about it parker asked if his father could try again to be a family with his mom and he could visit Bones' kids on every other weekend like he use to do with him. He looked at his father then his mother then he snuck a quick look at Bones and saw the hurt look on her face. He didn't want to hurt her but he didn't want to give up his position in his father's life either.
"Excuse me. I have to…I'll." Getting up Bones walked as quickly as she could to Booth's bedroom and closed the door behind her. As she sat on the end of the bed she allowed the tears to fall. "Hey hey baby don't cry. Please don't cry." Sitting down beside her he pulled her into his arms and kissed her temple. "I love you just hang in there ok. He'll come around, I promise. Don't shut me out and don't run from me, I'm begging you."
"I just need a minute to myself Booth. I'll be back in a few minutes."
Taking her chin in his hand he lifted her face up so he could look in her eyes, "I love you. This is where I want to be." He gently kissed her and stood to give her some space.
Returning to the living room, he sat in front of Parker and took his hands in his and said, " Parks, I love you. I'm in love with Bones. I am not in love with your mother. The only relationship your mother and I will ever have will be parenting you. That woman that you hurt just now has not done anything to you to warrant what you just did. You know you hurt her I saw it in your eyes. When you and I wanted to be together more it was that very woman who worked just as hard as I did to make that happen. She helped me fight to become a permanent part of your life and when your mother would leave you with me at the last minute that woman in there would rearrange her schedule so that she could stay with you, took time off of work, took you on tours of the museum, the zoo. Get it together Parker. I don't want to be with your mother and she don't want to be with me."
"But mom said she didn't want anymore kids." Holding his hand up to stop Parker from continuing Booth said, "And that is her right. Just like it is Bones and my choice how many children we have. I don't have anything to do with your mother's choices nor does she have anything to do with mine. Is that clear?"
"Yes sir"
"Now go in there and apologize to Bones and then come back so that you can go home with your mom before it gets to late."
"Hi Parker"
"Hi Bones"
"Do you need something Parker?"
"I'm sorry if what I said hurt you. You know about my mom and dad."
"Parker, your dad and I didn't set out to have children right now. But it's happened and there is nothing we can do to change that. I would hope that you would learn to love the babies the same way they will love you. They are going to need you as they grow up and I just hope that you will be there for them. Its important for the older sibling to help teach and protect the younger ones because they won't know how to do anything on their own at first."
"I have to go my mom is waiting for me. Good night Bones."
"Good night Parker. Come on I'll walk you out." Bones and Parker walked back into the living room together and then Parker left with his Mom.
Walking over to Bones he wrapped his arms around her and held her close to his body. Whispering in her ear he asked if she was ok to continue and she nodded that she was.
"Max and Angela…I don't even know where to begin with the two of you Not only have you made life a little harder for us but you won't even own it."
"I can't speak for Angela here but I am Tempe's father. I should have heard it from her. My daughter is having her own children and she didn't even think I should have been told."
Squeezing Booth's knee she looked at her father and said, "Max you were going to be told when I told everyone else after my first trimester. Just like I'm pretty sure you and mom did just like Angela was privileged to do. Max you left me when I was 15 years old to live a life on the run. I went from home to home; I put myself through college and graduate school on my own so I don't owe you anything. I haven't even decided if you were going to have an active role in their life. If you could walk away from your own daughter what is stopping you from hurting my children. You have no rights to my life any longer Max."
"Tempe I would never hurt you again. I just want to be included, to be apart of your life, their life."
"Well, Max the way I see it is you have to earn that right not demand it." Said Booth " I will support what ever decision that Bones make."
"I understand and you're right. Booth, Tempe I'm going to get out of your hair now. I will try harder. I promise. Sweetheart, I love you and I am so proud of you. I will be honored if you allow me to be apart of your life and theirs. Good night folks."
"Booth take care of her and don't let her work to hard. You know she can be pretty stubborn." Winking at Bones and shaking hands with Booth he left.
Turning towards Angela she said, "Angela I heard your comment to Booth when you first came in. He's not blaming people for what's going on because there is only one person to blame and that's you."
A/N: SO SORRY FOR THE LONG DELAY. HOPEFULLY THIS STORY WILL BE WRAPPED UP THIS MONTH. MY OLDEST SON IS PREPARING TO GO INTO THE NAVY, MY YOUNGEST SON WILL BE 18 THIS MONTH, HIS SENIOR PROM IS NEXT MONTH, 2 DAYS BEFORE MY DAUGHTERS 16TH BIRTHDAY AND HE GRADUATES ON JUNE 1. I AM SO VERY BUSY.