Author's Notes: Heya everybody! I have a new chapter for you today...and big hug too for all you wonderful people who wrote me about this story. I'm really excited that so many of you are enjoying it :o) Also, just a note about the next update...it probably won't be until after the Easter Holiday. But I promise to have chapter 4 for you up and running on Monday...Pinky swear it:oP Hope you all have a wonderful Easter celebration...be safe and happy!

Chapter 3

"Ok bub!" Booth addresses Parker as he pushes the door to the apartment open. Pulling the keys out of the lock, he holds the door ajar as Brennan enters behind him being led by Parker.

"Go wash your hands," he tells his son, "Spaghetti time in 10 minutes!"

Letting go of Tempe's hand, Parker rushes past his father as he starts off in the direction of his bedroom.

"Okay Daddy".

Standing at slight attention next to the doorway, Temperance surveys the modest but surprisingly well put together domicile. The surroundings were quite impressive to her given her early assumptions about Booth's style. That wasn't to say that she ever doubted his abilities, but more that she was marveling at how he'd managed to decorate with such modernity and still create an inviting and practical homely environment.

This man IS full of surprises.

Standing fixed in her position near the doorway, Temperance remembers her last visit to this apartment. Although she certainly wasn't as apt to recall the details of that day, she'd never be able to forget the sick feeling that grabbed at her when Tessa strode out of the bedroom wearing little more than Booth's dress shirt. She'd been uncompromisingly jealous that day…

…not that I would have admitted that then

Without a word, Temperance follows Booth inside; shadowing him into the kitchen area she was once again surprised to find the fully functional kitchen prepped for their arrival. Off and to the left of the kitchen something else catches her eye as she passes. A small and semi-formal table was prepared with three place-settings; the settings formed a triangle with two consisting of finer china than the third. At what appears to be Parker's seat sits a considerably smaller plate surrounded by miniature silverware and a cup. Wine glasses are placed at the other two.

Well, well...looks like somebody was pretty confident that he could get me here

Entering deeper into the kitchen, she's immediately engulfed by the wonderfully aromatic scent of fresh garlic cooking; her stomach panged as suddenly she's reminded of just how hungry she is. Approaching the stove carefully, Brennan bends just slightly over the simmering saucepan. She lifts the lid and breathes in the delicious scent. Turning her head to a tilt she could see the pot of water standing beside her was slowly boiling. Becoming easily caught up in the domesticity of the moment she's peripherally unaware of her partners approach until he's standing behind her, a satisfied smile covering his lips.

Replacing the lid she stands straighter and immediately senses his presence behind her.

"Mmmm, it smells delicious Booth," she compliments.

Covering her, two strong hands touch down and encircle her upper arms from behind. She goes willingly as he pulls her gently into his chest.

"Have I finally managed to impress the enigmatic Dr. Brennan?" he whispers into her ear.

Breathing something that feels a mix between a laugh and a sigh, she lifts her arm across her chest to brush his hand with hers.

"What do you mean 'finally'? You're a constant surprise to me Booth," she declares softly before adding, "I just had no idea that you were so domesticated."

"Well you know how it is…a single father has to learn pretty fast. I suppose I'm no different," he answers thoughtfully, "What did you think Parker and I did for food when he was here? Eat out for every meal?"

Suddenly embarrassed she admits meekly, "To be honest…I hadn't really considered it before now," then looking down and away from his penetrating stare Temperance confesses, "It's not as though I ever discounted your ability to cook or anything. I guess I'm just…I'm still getting used to it…seeing you as more than just my FBI partner. There's this whole other side to you that I'm learning to appreciate now."

Her eyes searching his, "It's almost like I'm getting to know you all over again. Does that sound childish?"

"No," he's quick to assure her, "not at all." Caressing her upper arms again he continues somewhat quietly, "You're right. It is different…for me too. But in a good way right?"

Smiling up at him she was starting to get lost in the sensations that his stroking was eliciting, "Yeah."

"So…we'll do this right. Take things slow, and get to know each other for who we are outside of the job." His voice is as promising as it is reassuring, and suddenly Temperance feels as if a weight that was been pressing down on her chest is lifted.

"I'm not in any hurry here Temperance," he starts comfortingly. "I'm more than willing to give you the time that you need to straighten things out. I told you before…I'm not going anywhere."

She smiles up at him in tender relief.

"Besides," he starts again, "there are other things to consider beyond just our feelings."

Knowing instantly that he's speaking of Parker she nods her understanding, his voice resonating in her mind, "I told you that I loved you Temperance and I meant it. I said that we'd work through this together…and I meant that too."

Moving willingly into his arms, she circles around and wraps herself around him. She can feel the warmth of him beneath his shirt as she clings to him; the slight tickle of his breath against her neck as he holds her close is so simple it's comforting.

"Thank you," she whispers her gratitude for not only his understanding but also his dedication to her and all that their partnership symbolizes.

"Tempe!"

Parker rushes into the kitchen and they lean apart slightly, but are still holding one another.

"You rang?" she smiles down at the boy.

"Come play with me Tempe?"

"Well uh I think your Dad said that dinner was going to be ready any minute?"

Looking back over at Booth quizzically, Temperance watches him answer with a smirk, "No you've got a few minutes. Go ahead. I'll finish up in here and call you when dinner's ready."

"But…" she was a little afraid she noticed. She wasn't sure she knew how to play with a four-year-old little boy. Without Booth's help to keep him entertained, it would be entirely up to her.

And looking up at Booth hopefully she knew that he knew that too.

"Go ahead," he prods, "you'll be just fine I promise." Leaning in quickly he touches his lips to hers for only an instant before gently nudging her off in the direction of Parker's bedroom. Without another word, Parker takes her hand and pulls her with him down the short hall to his room.

Letting him pull her through the doorway of his bedroom, Temperance followed dutifully before moving to sit with him on the carpeted floor at the center of the room. Catching sight of the contraption placed directly in front of her, Temperance nearly burst into raucous laughter at the sight before her; and she would have too if she weren't so incredibly puzzled.

"What is that?" she points dumbly at what she could only assume was some sort of primitive miniature torture device. Her face contorted into sheer befuddlement.

Parker's only answer to the conundrum she posed was lapsing into a fit of giggles.

Okay guys I'm fielding guesses for what Parker's set up to play with Tempe...anyone?

Chapter 4 Coming Monday 4-17-06...NOW LEAVE THE FEEDBACK :oP Please?