(After the Change in the Game)

Guest wanted a sequel to chapter 4. I hope this is what you wanted.

I don't own Bones.

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Why did his phone always have to ring when he was watching the game? Damn telemarketers. "Yeah what?"

Dad, hey did you talk to Tempe lately . . . like today or yesterday?

His eyes on the game, Max sighed. "Russ, I'm watching the Cincinnati Reds whipping some San Francisco ass. Can you call me back later?"

This is important Dad. Have you talked to Tempe in the last couple of days?

Resigned that Russ wasn't going to hang up, Max sighed once more and muted his television. "I've done better than talk to her Russ. I've seen her. I helped her and Booth solve a case three days ago. If this is your way of breaking the news that they're in a relationship, then forget it. I figured it out all by myself. She called me and told me about it last night, but since I already knew it wasn't much of a surprise . . . I am surprised she told you though. I didn't think she'd tell anyone else yet. Those two think they have a big secret and they really don't."

She said they're only telling family right now . . . Why wouldn't she tell me? I'm her big brother.

"Humph, if you think that gives you an inside track into her life then I hate to break it to you." Max saw the Giants strike out and the Reds were coming up to bat. "Booth is the one she tells her secrets to. Not to you or me. At least not first anyway. We're way down on her list."

Yeah, well at least we're on the list . . . Well, I guess you were right about those two. They're a couple now. It's what you wanted so I hope it works out. Booth's track record with women doesn't give me a lot of hope that this is going to work out though.

"Damn it!" The pitcher had hit Brandon Phillips in the arm and Brandon was jogging over to first base.

Don't get mad at me Dad. I . . .

"Russ, I'm swearing at the TV not you. I told you I'm watching the game." Tearing his gaze from the television screen, Max stood up and walked into the kitchen to get another beer. "Look, those two will work it out because they're best friends and those two value that friendship more than anything they own, well except for Booth's kid of course. Kids gotta come first in this world."

Pulling a beer from the fridge, Max glanced back at the TV and saw Phillips steal second base. "Russ . . . look . . . they have to live their own lives and you and I don't have a say in anything that happens between them. They've been friends for about six years now and it's a solid friendship. Your Mom and I had a relationship like that and it's a great way to start off a marriage believe me. When things get tough that friendship will help them out a lot and believe me things will get tough between those two."

What makes you say that? You know something I don't?

Max opened a cabinet drawer and pulled out a bag of Doritos. "I know those two are very independent and they have very strong opinions, so they're going to have a few fights. It's inevitable, but their friendship will keep it from escalating. They like each other too much to let their relationship fall apart. Those two really belong together. Like you and Amy. It's all I ever wanted . . . that you two find someone that makes you happy like me and your Mom."

I asked her when she was going to get married and Tempe practically tore my head off. She doesn't believe in marriage, so I wouldn't hold my breath on them ever getting married. They're going to shack up I guess until they're old and gray.

Back in the living room, Max sat down. "If they do then they do. I hope they get married someday, but you know our Tempe thinks that it's a left over ritual from the old days. If Booth can live with it then we can too. You know no one can make Tempe do anything she doesn't want to."

Oh believe me I know . . . Dad . . . um . . . I guess I'm glad you told me to back off and leave Tempe alone about Booth and that reporter he was living with. You were right. He messed that up somehow and Tempe got him after all . . . I still don't like Booth, but I guess as long as Tempe is happy with him then that's all that matters.

The Reds scored two runs and now the Giants were coming up to bat. "You know Tempe is pregnant don't you? . . . Russ . . . you still there?"

Pregnant? She didn't say she was pregnant to me . . . she told you she was pregnant?

"Nah, I figured it out a few days ago." Sipping some of his beer, Max opened his bag of Doritos. "They didn't tell me. I just figured it out and that helped me put two and two together. It was while I was working with them on the case . . . They were so busy pretending they were just work partners, but I could see something was wrong . . . or right . . . whatever. The way Booth kept looking at Tempe and she kept looking at him, ha . . . then it dawned me that Tempe has put on some weight lately. Not much mind you, but you know she keeps active and trim and well, I watched her and I realized that she's pregnant. Of course they aren't telling anyone yet and that's their prerogative, but I could tell and anyone with eyes will figure it out soon enough. They can't hide a pregnancy."

Pregnant . . . Our Tempe is pregnant . . . Wow!

Max wanted Russ to end the call, so he could watch the game. "She'll be a good mother. She loves Booth's kid and they get a long really well. Remember I worked at the Jeffersonian for a while and when Parker was there you could see that she went out of the way to check on him and she even ate lunch with him a few times in her office. Parker is a great kid, so I'm glad that Tempe is going to have a baby with Booth . . . A grandbaby, it's more than I hoped for."

Hey, I have two kids you know.

"I know." Max realized that he'd hurt Russ's feelings. "And I love Emma and Hayley, so don't get your panties in a twist. It's just they're step-children and Tempe's baby will be blood of my blood. It's different and you know that. That doesn't mean that I'll love Emma and Hayely less though so don't get all upset . . . okay?"

Yeah . . . okay, I guess . . . I guess Booth's kid is your step-grandson too, so you'll have four grandchildren after Tempe has her baby.

A soft warm feeling moving through him, Max smiled. "Yeah, it's great isn't it? I never thought I'd have a family again after your Mom and I . . ." Max cleared his throat. "If we could have took you two with us, we would have Russ. You know we love you and wanted to protect you and Tempe. We never stopped loving you and your mother . . . she cried when we left and . . . well, we're a family again and our family is growing . . . You and Tempe are the best part of your mother and me."

Thanks Dad. I love you too.

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