As Tempe packed for the trip, she thought about how much had changed in the two years since the Christmas quarantine. She and Booth were no longer at constant odds. In fact, they rarely fought. But that was normal for newlyweds. She had adopted Alex (A/N: It's what I'm calling Booth's kid.), and they would have a child of their own in a few months. This Christmas promised to hold major changes in her life as well. After weeks of searching, she and Seeley had found her brother. They'd decided to surprise David (her brother) and his family on Christmas day. They lived in a small town in Kansas, where everyone knew everyone else. It made her smile that he hadn't been able to get away from the small-town atmosphere that he had strived to leave when the were young. When she'd called the city hall, she'd had to beg them not to tell everyone that David had an out-of-town visitor coming. She was nervous. Tempe had no idea how he would receive her. It had been so long since they'd seen or heard from each other. Hopefully all would go well.
Seeley came in to finish his own packing; he'd been helping Alex.
"Hey babe, what are thinking about?"
"Just about how much things have changed. And if David will even want to see me after all these years."
"Don't worry, he'll be ecstatic to see his little sis."
"I don't know, we haven't even written in all these years."
"Trust me, don't worry."
"Alright."
"Mommy! Look! I dwessed myself!"
"You left him to get dressed on his own?" Tempe said to Booth. Then turning to Alex, "Honey you did great! I love how you put the green and yellow shorts with the orange sweater! And those flippers, they match great! But I think you need to dress a little warmer, it's cold outside."
"Duh! Dat's why I wore da sweatah!"
"I still think you'll be cold, why don't you let me help."
"Ohtay Mommy."
Tempe took him into his room to get him changed. Booth was left to marvel at how much she had changed since he'd first met her. She had opened up so much. Not only that, but she had let herself love, and become a fabulous mother. It amazed him. She could deal with people so much better. And now she was taking the first steps toward resolving the issues of her childhood. Christmas had her not wanting to go anywhere at first, but this trip was important. But she still insisted on bringing Alex so that he wasn't left alone, like she and her brother had. He had no problem with it, it meant that he could still spend Christmas with his son. He was so excited that he would soon be a daddy again. He loved being a father. He hadn't believed it when Tempe had told him that she was pregnant, it had been so wonderful. He could hardly wait. But the trip still worried him a bit. He didn't want anyone hurt. David had left Tempe and hadn't contacted her once in the years that followed. He prayed that David would receive her well.
A few hours later, they were on their way to the airport. Their flight went smoothly, and before they knew it they had rented a car and were on the way to Bedford Falls, Kansas. They were sure this would be a Christmas to remember.
A/N: Hey everyone! Couldn't help myself, I had to write a Christmas story. I'm in a holiday mood and wanted to pass it on. This should only be 2 chapters, so I'll update soon.
Lots of love and Happy Holidays,
Ssidle