A/N - So if I am going to be leaving you all for a while I thought that I should finish 'Hunter' for you, it was the least I could do. I hope the ending it to everybody's standard. Enjoy and reveiw...

Epilogue – Anchor Me

"I don't think that this is a good idea."

"Why?"

"What if they stuff it up?"

"Have a little faith in them Booth. And anyway, Angela is helping them."

Booth rolled his eyes.

"And now I'm even more worried. We could have just organised it ourselves."

Temperance shook her head as she continued to paint her toenails.

"They asked and I wanted them to be part of it."

"Organising the whole wedding? That's a bit much."

"Booth, we are hardly have a huge one now are we? We are having it in the backyard and between us we may just have fifty guests. And Angela is helping them. Relax. It will be great."

Booth sipped at his coffee as he stared out into the night sky, wondering how in the world he had gotten himself into this. How in the world had Temperance managed to convince him that this was a good plan?

"What about music? The clothes? The food?"

Temperance sighed and put the lid back onto the polish.

"Nothing too sappy. The clothes are easily sorted. Angela knows what I want for the dresses and I told her to pick the tuxes out herself for you and Russ. As for the food, I left that up to them. BBQ maybe? The weather's right for it."

"I can't believe we are leaving the wedding up to a fourteen-year old, a five-year old and a woman of undetermined age."

Temperance abandoned the act of talking Booth around and snuggled into him instead.

"Does it really matter what our day is like? As long as we are together, that's all that really matters."

Booth sighed as he rested his chin on the top of Temperance's head.

"I know. I just really do not need to get lost in a pink wedding."

"With your daughter? I would be more worried about the black!"

Booth chuckled and finished off the last of his coffee. He hoped that Temperance was right and that her faith in the kids and Angela was not misplaced.

The day of the wedding dawned, bright and clear and Temperance felt a little flutter of nerves in her stomach. She chose to ignore the carefully laid out breakfast tray that Angela had brought up to the room.

"I could get my own breakfast you know."

Angela shook her head and began to lay out a large amount of makeup.

"No because you'll go and see Booth."

"So what if I did? We spent the night apart, surely that's enough?"

Angela shook her head again.

"No. You are only allowed to see him at the end of the aisle. It's bad luck otherwise."

Temperance rolled her eyes and headed into the bathroom for a long hot shower. When she re-emerged twenty minutes later, Hunter had joined Angela in the room and was now wearing what Temperance presumed was one of the bridesmaid dresses. It was a beautiful deep blue with a small bow on the hip and smooth sleeves that stooped just below the shoulder. It bellowed out at the bottom, which gave the impression of elegance as it rested at the tops of her blue high heels.

"Wow, that's beautiful."

Angela nodded, her face filled with pride as she continued to fuss over the way it sat on Hunter.

"Told you I could get them made in time."

Temperance sat on the edge of the bed and watched as Angela put a little bit of make up on Hunter before pulling back her smooth dark hair into a clip that was the same exact shade as the dress. Considering the simplicity of what Angela had done, when Hunter turned to get Temperance's approval, she was shocked to see that her soon to be stepdaughter looked a good three years older then she actually was.

"You look stunning Hunter."

Hunter grinned and gave her a quick hug before Angela pulled Temperance herself into the chair in front of the mirror.

"Right, let's get your face and hair done before we get you dressed. How long now Hunter?"

Hunter glanced at the alarm clock.

"Just over two hours."

"Good, plenty of time. Do you want to go and check the boys for me?"

Hunter nodded before disappearing out the door in a soft rustle of fabric. Temperance closed her eyes as Angela began to comb and blow-dry her hair, trying to sooth the butterflies in her stomach.

"So are you nervous sweetie?"

Angela switched the drier off and began to separate her hair into sections.

"A little. What colour is my dress?"

"The dresses are all different shades of blue. Yours is a little darker then sky blue. What till you see it, it's gorgeous. Sit still."

Temperance didn't realise that she was fidgeting until Angela had to just about push her back into the seat. She watched in the mirror as Angela twisted the different sections of her hair before pinning them back with a vast supply of bobby pins. She then carefully positioned daisies all over her hair, in what seemed to Temperance at complete random, before turning to the make up. She made a quick layer and Temperance was once again let wondering at the amazement what magic a little make up could do. Far from looking tired and nervous, she looked rather elegant.

"Ok, let's get you into the dress."

Angela pulled it from the closet and Temperance did indeed fall in love with it. It was a shade of blue that she had hardly ever seen before.

"I guess this could be my something blue huh?"

Angela just smiled as she helped Temperance slip into the dress. It was sleeveless and surprisingly simple with a tight bodice and a flowing skirt. And as Temperance looked into the mirror, she could hardly believe that the person staring back was herself. The dress was the almost exact same colour then her eyes, which were now even more blue thanks to the dress. Hunter had chosen that precise moment to slip back into the room, a small velvet box in her hands.

"Wow Tempe, you look great."

"Thanks Hunter. How are the boys?"

"Good. All the ties are on the right way."

Angela laughed as she fussed over the dress a little.

"I guess that's all we can ask for."

"Can I ask you guys some questions?"

"Ask away."

"What music is going to be playing?"

"We've got it covered. Andrew's band is playing."

Temperance raised her eyebrows.

"He's in a band?"

Hunter smiled proudly.

"Yup. They're called Paper or Plastic."

"Interesting name. Are they any good?"

Temperance looked to Angela for the answer to that question, knowing that aside from art, music was the one thing that she knew more then most about. Angela nodded hard.

"Very good. I would not have asked them to play if they weren't. We made them audition and everything."

Hunter frowned slightly in the mirror.

"Angela is very hard to please."

"What about the cake?"

"Ah see that's where having a big family comes in handy. I had one of my uncles make it for you, free of charge even. He likes weddings."

"What about the food?"

Angela put her hands on Temperance's shoulders, pressing her mouth close to her ear.

"We have it covered. You just relax and enjoy your big day. Ok?"

Temperance nodded and Angela went to get changed into her dress. Hunter came to sit closer to Temperance, the box still in her hands.

"I have your something borrowed."

Hunter popped open the box to revel a single string of pearls.

"Mom left these for me when she died. She wants me to wear them on my wedding day. And I want you to wear them on yours."

She moved around and clasped them around Temperance's neck, watching as they came to rest at the base of her throat.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

Temperance nodded as she gently fingered the pearls. She felt in a strange way honoured and finally accepted fully by Hunter. She knew that Hunter had never resented her in anyway for being part of her father's life but Temperance had always felt there was still a slight barrier there. But now it was gone. Hunter was lending her something that belonged to her mother and that meant more to Temperance then words ever could.

"Thank you."

Hunter smiled at her before turning to Angela.

"Dad says that the surprise is ready when we are."

Angela smiled back as she pulled on her dress, one which was a shade or two lighter then Hunter's, with a low back and a small bow at the back. She looked exotic in the blue fabric.

"Excellent."

"What surprise?"

Angela moved Temperance out of the way slightly to gain access to the mirror to do her own hair and make up.

"Booth and Russ organised a nice little present for you. Hunter do you want to go and get it and I'll finish up in here."

Angela ignored Temperance's torrent of questions as she helped her strap on her shoes before doing her own. By the time Hunter came back into the room, both woman were ready.

"Hello Temperance."

Angela's hands on her back were the only thing keeping her from tumbling to the ground as she took in Booth's surprise in shock. It was her father. He was dressed in a black suit, a flower the same shade of blue as her dress was on his lapel and a wide smile on his creased face.

"Dad? What are you doing here?"

He didn't bother with the question, just moved forward and pulled her into a tight hug. Temperance relaxed into his firm grip and breathed deeply, shocked to find he smelt exactly the same as he did all those years ago, the scent of peppermint and wood making her flash for a moment back to her childhood. He was still taller then her and for a wonderful carefree moment, she felt so safe back in her father's arms, where nothing would ever hurt her. The past didn't matter anymore, it was forgotten in his strong and gently grip. He pulled back first, tears twinkling in his eyes.

"You look stunning."

Angela stepped forward and gave the older man a quick hug before pushing Hunter forward.

"This is Hunter."

He gazed at her, a small smile on his face.

"I never thought I would ever get grandchildren, let alone such a smart and beautiful grand daughter. Your father has told me all about you."

"Really?"

"Yes he has. I heard all about the movie for film camp and your scholarship. And you know who it reminded me of?"

Hunter shrugged and he pointed to Temperance.

"Your step mom. You're more like her then you would ever know."

Hunter smiled widely and allowed him to give her a quick hug before he righted himself, wiping his eyes with the cuff of his jacket.

"Right, we had better get going. I am here to walk you down the aisle, my dear daughter."

Temperance managed to swallow the rest of the questions that were tempted to spill from her, choosing instead to enjoy the time with her father. She let them guide her from the house and into the backyard, where she stopped a moment to take in the scene before her. She had always known that the backyard was big but she had never know that it was big enough to house the large marque that was sitting in the middle of it, decorated with flowers and balloons of every shape and colour. There was a strip of deep red carpet that led from the top of the back steps into the marque where she could see legs and shadows moving restlessly.

"You ready?"

Her father's voice was soft and low in her ear as Hunter and Angela took their places in front of her, thrusting a small bunch of daises in her hand as they went past. Temperance took a deep breath and nodded, watching as Hunter let out a large cough and the music started and Temperance began the slow walk to the top of the red carpet. Temperance was aware of nothing except the hammering of her heart in her chest and the happiness that made her feel like she was soon going to float up and join the balloons that were fighting the strings that kept them attached to the marque. Soon they were nearing the end of the carpet and Temperance caught Booth's eye and grinned at him, her heart suddenly stilling in her chest and an eerie calm fill her. She wanted this more then anything in the world. Her father placed her hand from his into Booth's and soon the service had begun. It was short and simple and within half and hour, they were married.

"May I present, Mr and Mrs Seeley Booth!"

The marque erupted into cheers and wild applause and the crowd followed them out of the marque and disburse to help Hunter extend it and make it bigger, leaving the newly married couple to have a moment to themselves.

"How does it feel to be Mrs Booth?"

"Great. Thank you for the surprise by the way."

Booth shrugged as he pulled her into his arms.

"It was nothing. You needed someone to give you away."

"I love you."

"I love you too. I should also say that I was wrong."

"About what?"

"About letting the kids plan this. They did a great job."

Temperance punched him gently in the stomach.

"Told you so. Let's go back in."

Booth held her hand as they moved back into the marque and onto the make do dance floor for their first dance. When the beginning strands of music began to get played by Paper or Plastic, Temperance recognised the music instantly, it was one of her favourite songs.

And I'd give up forever to touch you

Cause I know that you feel me somehow

You're the closest to heaven that I'll ever be

And I don't want to go home right now

And all I can taste is this moment

And all I can breathe is your life

And sooner or later it's over

I just don't want to miss you tonight

And I don't want the world to see me

Cause I don't think that they'd understand

When everything's made to be broken

I just want you to know who I am

"It's not too cheesy is it?"

Booth's voice was soft in her ear as he led her around the dance floor in smooth motions.

"No it's not. I actually know this song. And like it."

Booth laughed slightly.

"Angela will be pleased."

And you can't fight the tears that ain't coming

Or the moment of the truth in your lies

When everything feels like the movies,

Yeah you bleed just to know you're alive

And I don't want the world to see me

Cause I don't think that they'd understand

When everything's made to be broken

I just want you to know who I am

It was then that Temperance beckoned everyone else onto the dance floor with a wave of her hand, watching as her friends and co-workers sought out dance partners. Hunter was dancing with Russ, Angela with Temperance's dad and Parker with one of the elderly next-door neighbours that had been invited. Soon the song was over and had moved onto a much more upbeat tune and Temperance sat down for a moment to catch her breath. It had been a big day. Her father allowed Hodges to break in with himself and Angela before coming to sit beside his daughter.

"I have to go honey."

All the happiness that she had felt from the last hour was gone. She didn't want him to leave, she wanted him to stay. Would do anything to make sure he stayed.

"No please don't. Have something to eat. Talk to Seeley. Just stay."

"I can't. It is safer if I go before I am tempted to stay."

Temperance rested her head on his shoulder.

"You still building boats?"

"Yup. Been working on the same one for the last couple of years. Do you know what I've called it?"

She shook her head, trying to stop the tears from falling.

"The Temperance Russ. Sounds rather poetic, don't you think?"

She laughed despite herself and took another deep breath of his familiar smell.

"I have so many questions for you dad."

"And one day I can answer them. But for now I have to go. It's not safe form me to stay here."

"I love you dad."

"I love you too. I promise to write ok?"

Temperance nodded before releasing him, watching as he slipped away just as quietly as he had arrived. Seeley came to sit beside her a few moments later.

"You ok?"

She shook her head and Seeley pulled her closer to him. She rested her head on his chest and tried to remember that she was meant to be happy. She had finally married Seeley and her father had given her away. He wanted her to be happy.

"I wanted him to stay"

"I know you did. But he didn't want to put us in any danger. He's still being chased."

"I don't care. I wanted my father here to celebrate this day with me."

Seeley said nothing, just held her tighter.

"He said he'd write."

"Then I'm sure he will. At least he came, even if it only was for a little while."

She nodded she kept her head resting on her new husband, watching as their friends continued to spin around the dance floor, quite unaware just how badly Temperance felt off kilter. The day now held more of a bitterness to it. But she was still glad her father had been there to give her away. She had expected it to be Russ.

"I have another surprise for you."

Booth pulled her from her thoughts with a gentle kiss before he made his way to the stage, coming to stand beside Andrew, who bent his head and nodded in agreement as Booth spoke in his ear. He stood back and allowed Andrew to finish the song that they were on before stepping up to the microphone, waiting until everybody was back in their seats before speaking.

"Thank you everyone for coming. I am up here because I have a surprise for my new wife, something that I have been working on for weeks with Andrew here. So please excuse any mistakes I make and don't laugh to hard at me."

The crowd let out a small round of applause as Booth waited for Andrew to settle himself at his side, guitar around his neck, his long fingers pulling at the strings gently. Temperance forgot to breathe as Booth, her Booth, began to sing. His voice was soft and deep and while he would hardly be beating back record deals, it was incredibly sexy to see him up there, his eyes on her, every word ringing true.

I'm gonna be here for you baby

I'll be a man of my word

Speak the language in a voice you have never heard

I wanna sleep with you forever

And I wanna die in your arms

In a cabin by a meadow where the wild bees swarm

And I'm gonna love you like nobody loves you

And I'll earn your trust making memories of us.

I wanna honour your Ma

And I wanna learn from your Pa

I wanna steal your attention like a bad outlaw

I wanna stand out in a crowd for you

A man among men

I wanna make your world better then it's ever been

And I'm going to love you like nobody loves you

And I'll earn your trust making memories of us.

We'll follow the rainbow

Wherever the four winds blow

And they'll be a new day

Coming your way

Booth stepped off the makeshift stage at that point and moved towards Temperance, his hand out, which she took allowing him to pull her into a standing position. He pulled her close to him, still singing into the microphone.

I'm gonna be here for you from now on

This you know somehow

You've been stretched to the limit but it's alright now

And I'm gonna make you this promise

If there is life after this

I'm going to be there to meet you with a warm, wet kiss

And I'm going to love you like nobody loves you

And I'll earn your trust making memories of us

And with the final words, he rested his forehead against hers, the microphone bumping against his thigh as he dropped his hand. Temperance was deaf to the applause that the crowd gave her husband, was blind to anything except him.

"You sang for me?"

Booth nodded slightly as they continued to stand, head to head, their bodies pressed together.

"Andrew's been teaching me for weeks. I was so terrible when I started. I thought I was quite good. Did you like it?"

Temperance shifted their position to wrap her arms around his neck, pulling him closer still.

"I loved it. Isn't that the song Keith Urban wrote for Nicole Kidman?"

Booth pulled back, his face one of surprise.

"You know that?"

Temperance shrugged.

"I couldn't sleep last night and Angela would not let me see you, so I read some gossip magazines that she had brought over. They had the lyrics and everything in there."

"You don't mind me using that song?"

"No, I loved it. Thank you."

She pulled him close again, her face in his neck, his skin soft and warm against her face. She matched her breathing to his and watched as her friends gathered around them again, swaying to the now slow music. She moved her face to give Angela a smile, mouthing thank you to her, Angela's smile wide and happy.

"Did I tell you how much I love you?"

Booth's voice was hot in her ear, his hand making a small circle on the bare skin above the bodice of her wedding dress.

"Yes. But you can tell me again if you want to."

"I love you."

"I love you too."

The rest of the day passed without a hitch and by the time everybody had left, it was close to three in the morning and Temperance wanted nothing more then to crawl into bed with her husband. Unfortunately, they had to put Parker to bed first and try to untangle Hunter and Andrew, who had somehow discovered how to kiss without the need for air. When it was all done, Booth and Temperance headed upstairs, where Booth helped her undo the zip the held her dress in place, laying kisses along her shoulders and onto the soft skin removing the dress had exposed.

"God, you're beautiful."

Temperance giggled as he kissed her ribs before moving back to her lips in a heart stopping kiss. He paused, his face drawn into a frown.

"Why are we here? Remind me again why we decided against a honeymoon for the moment?"

"Because we have the kids to consider. We just have to settle for sex in our own bed."

Booth kissed her stomach, his face pulled into a wicked grin.

"So would it be wrong for me to wish that they were not here?"

Temperance arched her back as he kissed the sensitive skin on the edge of her hip.

"No. But no more talking now. I believe we have a marriage to consummate."

So they did.