554Laura, topaz270 (that's true but I think Booth was still afraid that he couldn't be there), ZinaR, GalaxieGurl (yeah I remember that feeling, you're right he did deserve that little peace), MstgSzy (yes Booth with a baby puts a smile on my face), LoveShipper, RobinAngelena, Vmf447 (yes I wish we got to see more of it), mphs95, kareneb (yes I love fluff too and yes there'll be more), Crash22244, mendenbar (lol!), Phyllis, jsboneslover, gatewatcher, Becksbones (thanks), regbride12 (you're welcome, I'm doing the same as you, re-watching), Lauwy (ha!), FaithinBones (that they are).

This can be considered sort of a follow up to an earlier chapter in this series, Promise.

Cop's wife

Brennan stood behind the yellow crime scene tape, waiting anxiously for any word. She checked her cellphone. Nothing. Her heart pounded, her mind anxious with worry. She wasn't used to being the one behind the yellow tape. Usually, she was the one on the other side.

She glared at the police officer gently pushing her back. "It's not safe to be this close Ma'am."

"My husband's in there."

"I understand. But our orders are to keep all civilians away. There could be a bomb."

Brennan knew the police officer was simply doing his job. She thought of the irony of how she could normally come and go from the Bureau without giving it much thought. Today was the first time she had been barred entry into her husband's workplace.

She had heard it on the news. There had been a bomb threat at the Hoover Building. Information had been sketchy and all she knew was that the entire building and the streets surrounding it was on lockdown. Nobody entered or left the building. She had rushed to the scene of course, but was disappointed to find that she could go no nearer. Along with curious onlookers and several news crews she waited for any news on the wellbeing of the people inside the building.

"Dr Brennan?" she turned at the sound of her name.

"Ms Warren, what are you doing here?"

"I heard on the news." Jessica gestured towards the FBI Building. "Anything?"

"Nothing we don't already know. There's an alleged bomber somewhere in there, threatening to set it off if anyone leaves the building."

"Is there anything we can do?"

Brennan nodded to the many uniformed police officers who had cordoned off the area. "Apparently nothing except wait."

The young intern looked like she was about to cry.

"I'm sure they have it under control. There are hundreds of field agents in that building. I'm sure they can handle one man with a bomb."

"And yet you're here."

"Yes. Despite knowing that, I find that I'm still concerned for Booth's wellbeing."

"I'm worried about Aubrey."

"I wasn't aware the both of you were back together."

"Oh we're not. I just heard the news and the first thing I thought was how I had to be here."

Brennan nodded. "I understand."

"How long has it been?"

"I've been standing here for almost an hour now."

"Like you said, I'm sure Agent Booth and Aubrey are fine."

"I'm sure they are."

…

"I'm about to be bored out of my mind." Booth groaned as he sat ducked behind his desk in his office.

"I'm about to starve to death." Aubrey complained.

"You just ate."

"That was a couple of hours ago. This is ridiculous. I mean we're all field agents, why can't they just let us do our jobs? Assign a couple of us to each floor, we'll find this guy in no time." He nodded at the gun in Booth's hand. "The two of us could take whoever it is threatening to blow this place up."

"You think I don't know that?"

"So why aren't we?"

"You heard the orders, HRT are going floor by floor. Not everyone in here is a field agent like us Aubrey. There're civilians in here too. Not to mention Agent Willis with the broken leg." Booth nodded towards the bullpen. "We don't wanna put them in danger. But you're right. The both of us could take down whoever it is."

"At least we know if the guy comes to this floor, we'd take him."

"Yeah we would."

Booth reached into his pocket. "Bones must be worried. I'd better tell her I'm okay."

…

Outside, the wait was becoming unbearable, more for Jessica than for Brennan.

"Perhaps we should move to a place less crowded Ms Warren." Brennan gestured for her young intern to follow her to a shaded area under a large tree. It was a distance from the FBI but the building was still in clear view. Brennan took a seat on a bench and Jessica sat next to her.

"I'm crazy with worry. How do you do it?"

"How do I do what?"

"Stay married to Agent Booth, knowing that at any time he could lose his life. Knowing that every day he puts his life on the line for his job."

"I see. You're asking as to my coping mechanism due to Booth's chosen occupation as an FBI Agent."

"Yeah."

"I used to worry all the time. Even while we were still partners. My worry for his safety got worse each time he got shot or wounded. That worry intensified after we had Christine. I certainly did not want to raise a child alone."

"And now you have two."

"Yes." Brennan stared at the Hoover Building, her thoughts with the father of her children. "After so many years, I've come to accept the man I fell in love with. He puts his life on the line every day. He does so because he's a selfless man. To ask him to change for me, would be unfair. I love him the way he is."

"Aubrey always puts others before himself."

"It's very likely that people with this specific trait are drawn to occupations like this. Policemen, firemen, people in the military. Aubrey is a good friend, and he certainly puts others first. You would remember when Booth and I quit our jobs just before I gave birth to Hank."

Jessica nodded. "Booth risked his life for his brother Jared. I'm sorry he lost his brother despite that."

"It wasn't only because of Jared. The lives of undercover agents were at stake. Booth and I discussed this. He expressed his appreciation of me accepting the dangers of his job and how it is his nature to help others. He expressed his understanding of how hard it was for me to be married to him. He offered to quit his job for me."

"You haven't exactly answered my question Dr Brennan."

"I have learnt over the years to trust Booth. To trust that he can take care of himself while he's in the field. He had also agreed he wouldn't intentionally put himself in harm's way and he would be as careful as his job allows him to be. He also promised me that he would keep me informed if anything untoward should happen."

Brennan paused to gather her thoughts, as Jessica looked on at her mentor.

"My answer to your question Ms Warren is that I've come to accept Booth for who he is. His love for his job is part of him. While I'm sure he'll keep his promise to protect himself, I also know that it is impossible for him to control every outcome. I've learnt to live in the moment, to savor every minute I have with Booth, knowing that every moment could be out last. This is the price I pay for deciding to love him."

Loving Booth and the children they had was worth it. Booth had taught her that. She smiled to herself before continuing.

"The most important thing for you is to decide if this is the kind of life you want for yourself. It's not easy, being a cop's wife, or to be in love with someone in law enforcement. That was what Booth acknowledged during our discussion. You should talk to Aubrey about this too, of course."

"But you're a strong independent woman. I've always admired you for that. You didn't need the love of a man. Like you, I believe that everything is temporary. Things change. It's the very law of entropy. You don't believe in marriage, yet you married Agent Booth."

"Didn't believe. But I do now." Brennan smiled to herself. "Agent Booth once told me, there's someone for everyone. I found my someone that made me change my beliefs. I changed, just like entropy dictates. Enjoying Booth's affection, his touch, his companionship, his partnership with me in raising our children… it doesn't make me any less independent or any weaker. In fact, it has made me stronger. It was scary at first, to have my happiness so contingent on one human being, but it's a risk worth taking."

As if on cue, Brennan's phone beeped.

Hey Bones you must have heard on the news. I'm okay, so is Aubrey. We're just stuck in my office, waiting for HRT to do their job. No sign of the guy with the bomb yet. I promise you I'll be home later. Love you.

She read the text message, a smile of relief on her face. She typed in a quick text reply.

Good to know. Waiting outside. Love you too.

"It's Booth. He's unharmed. Agent Aubrey and him are currently waiting in his office. There's no sign of the alleged bomber."

"That's a relief."

"Yes it is. Ms Warren I may be the last person to give you advice on a romantic relationship but I have to conclude that you still harbour feelings for Agent Aubrey. It's evidenced in your being here today."

"I guess."

"Well, again, something for the both of you to talk about, especially if you think Aubrey is the one for you. It would be a shame if you'd have to live your life with regrets."

…

Booth stared at Brennan's text message to him. "I really wanna get out of here."

"You and me both."

There was a commotion coming from the elevator lobby. Both agents stood up, each holding their gun, ready for trouble. Their colleagues in HRT gear entered.

"The building's clear. We have a suspect in custody. Bomb squad wants to do another sweep of the place. You guys can go."

"Great. Thanks guys." Booth voiced his appreciation.

"Awesome. Royal Diner here I come." Aubrey grinned.

"Bones is waiting for me outside." Booth replied as his partner and him took the stairs to the ground floor, along with the other agents who had been holed up in the bullpen, all glad to be allowed to leave their workplace.

"I'd be glad for some company." Aubrey said as they reached the ground floor.

Booth checked his watch. "Yeah I guess we could join you. Christine doesn't get out of school for another hour, and Hank's still at daycare."

Booth and Aubrey exited the building, grateful for the fresh air and sunshine. Booth saw Brennan hurry towards him, a smile of relief on her face. He grinned back, welcoming her into his arms. He felt her tighten her arms round him.

"I'm okay." He whispered into her hair.

"Jessica, what are you doing here?" Aubrey stood awkwardly, Jessica infront of him.

"I was worried."

It was only then did Booth realize his partner's ex was also there.

"You know what Aubrey? I don't think we'd join you at the diner. Looks like you two have some catching up to do. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Yeah see you tomorrow." Aubrey replied but not really looking at Booth. His eyes were locked on Jessica.

Booth took Brennan's hand as they walked towards Brennan's car parked a couple of streets down.

"So Jessica was there with you the whole time?"

"Yes. She enquired about my coping mechanism being married to you, someone with a highly dangerous occuaption."

"Yeah?"

"I told her I've come to accept you for who you are. It's something she and Aubrey would have to talk about if they decide to get back together."

"That's pretty good advice."

"You taught me most of what I know about relationships."

"I guess I did, didn't I?" Booth squeezed her hand.

"Even I didn't think it was possible when we got together, but you changed many of my beliefs without changing what made me, me."

"Yeah and you married me in the end didn't ya, Miss I-Would-Never-Get-Married."

Brennan laughed. "I did."

"You know I kept my promise right?"

"Yes. You kept me appraised of your situation." She cast him an appreciative smile.

They couple approached Brennan's car. As they got in Booth remarked, "I guess there's hope for Aubrey yet."

"Yes, I believe there is."