After all of the hustle and bustle of their lives, Aubrey and Jessica deserve a break. What better way to spend a Saturday night than a birthday party for a friend?

Friday was an uneventful day, much to Jessica's relief. Her day consisted of assisting Brennan on her WWI veteran identification project. Aubrey also had a quiet day since Genny had left work early to complete the preparations for Hunter's party as well join him for their overnight trip to St. Michael's, Maryland, for a Valentine's Day celebration.

After Aubrey and Jessica had completed their work days and indulged in their usual Friday ritual of half price appetizers for dinner at Founding Fathers, they returned home for the evening. As they were relaxing on the couch with the intern's head in her boyfriend's lap watching Star Trek reruns on Netflix, the redhead's phone buzzed, disrupting Skinner's nap on the back of the couch. Checking it, Jessica sighed with relief.

"What's up, Jess?"

"It's Daisy. She was just letting me know that she'll be home tomorrow night. She said she'll call me after she talks to Beau."

"Did she give you a hint on what she decided?"

"No...I just hope things get somewhat back to normal now. We've had enough drama in the last six months to last a lifetime and it's time for a break."

"Amen.", Aubrey replied.

*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*

The next day was spent cleaning the house together as well as Jessica making up Hunter's gift bag. By 3:45, they were getting ready upstairs for the birthday party.

Aubrey was pulling on his shirt as he walked out of the closet. "Jess, tell me again...what did we get Hunter for his birthday?"

"I picked up a boxed set of that British show Are You Being Served for him. Genny said he's wanted it for a long time. I guess he's really into those shows."

"They are pretty funny." Aubrey admired Jessica's mint green dress with the cat border print. "I love that dress, Jess. It brings out your eyes...and that print on the hem calls attention to your legs..."

"Thank you. I figure if I could wear it when we went out with Steve and Mitzi after their wedding, it should be okay for tonight.", Jessica replied as she put the black sash around her waist, admiring the blue shirt Aubrey was wearing with his gray slacks and coat. "I have to say that you look pretty handsome yourself there, Aubrey."

"Thank you very much." Aubrey walked up and gently combed his fingers through Jessica's hair. "This should be pretty fun. Genny said yesterday that Hunter has no idea he's getting a birthday party. He thinks they're going to have pizza with Danny and her mom, Jackie, at her apartment complex."

"Hunter is going to be surprised for sure." Jessica smiled as she slipped a bracelet onto her wrist. "I'm sure you're pretty excited about Genny getting the food catered in from Aguilar's Mexican Cantina."

"Hell, yeah. That place is amazing." Aubrey felt his stomach rumble. "Wow, I'm pretty hungry…"

"James Aubrey, when aren't you hungry?" Jessica grabbed her black cardigan sweater. "Come on. Let's feed Skinner and head over there."

*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*

At 5:00, the party was in full swing in the rec room of Jackie's apartment complex in Anacostia. Each table held a bouquet of irises, lilies, roses, and daisies along with napkins reading either 'Good Lordy, Guess Who's Turning 40' or 'Over The Hill'. On the wall was a large banner reading HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HUNTER. There was a DJ playing different types of songs and a few of the couples were on the dance floor. Jordan, Danny, Michael Vincent, and Christine were playing video games nearby. Hank had made friends with Hunter's nephew Tommy and they were playing with toy trucks in one of the corners. Hunter's family and friends from the SEC easily mingled with the FBI and the lab crew.

Wendell was eating from a plate he shared Andie when he pointed to the bouquet of flowers on the table. "Is Hunter really into flowers or something?"

"Hey, he must be to have big bunches of them on each table. Genny doesn't seem the sort to decorate like this unless he'd like them." Booth sipped from his beer as he glanced around the room. "So when is Genny bringing Hunter here again?"

Aubrey sat down next to Booth with a heavily laden plate in one hand and a Coke in the other. "She said that they'd be here between 5:15 and 5:30ish."

Booth took another sip from his beer, holding back his chuckle at Aubrey, who was now happily eating. "How are the munchies, Aubrey?"

"Great." Aubrey nodded as he swallowed a bite. "The frijoles borrachos are wonderful as always, but these southwest egg rolls with chorizo are amazing….just the right amount of spice."

"I guess I'd better try one." Booth moved to steal one from Aubrey's plate, but he wasn't quick enough as the younger man pulled his plate out of the way to the table's snickers. "I just want to try one, Aubrey, for crying out loud. You have a bunch on your plate and I'm sure there's more up there…"

"Superman, share with Booth. Come on...play nice." Jessica took one and handed it to Booth, much to Aubrey's annoyance. "Here you go."

"Thank you, Jessica...yeah, these are pretty good." Booth noticed Jessica taking a roll as well without a complaint from Aubrey. "When I want an eggroll you hoard them, but Jessica can have one without you going all like that weirdo from Lord of the Rings...my eggrolls, my precious..."

Aubrey made a face. "I am not Gollum, Booth. As for Jessica, of course I share with her...she's my girlfriend, we live in the same house…"

"...and we see each other naked on a daily basis.", Jessica retorted before kissing her smiling boyfriend on the cheek to everyone's chuckles.

Arastoo dipped a chip into a bowl of cheese sauce. "The queso dip is amazing, too. Cam, you have to try some of this."

Cam looked at the tempting treat, pondering over all the cholesterol involved before giving in. "Oh, what the hell. It's a party, right?"

Caroline nodded after eating a mini Cajun shrimp taco. "For a Mexican restaurant, they did a better than fair job with the Cajun."

The guests' attention was drawn to the DJ, who was gathering everyone around. "Okay, folks, it looks like the guest of honor is here. We're going to put up these large curtain racks along this wall to hide everyone, as well as dim the lights. Now when they come in, we'll move these and when Genny turns on the light, let's all yell "SURPRISE!".

Everyone got up and hid behind the large curtains hanging on wheeled frames and waited patiently as all the lights were dimmed except for the one over the DJ. The guests heard things being moved around but didn't think much of it, quieting down when they heard Genny, Hunter, Jackie, and Danny walk into the rec room. When the curtain racks were removed and she turned on the light, they yelled, but the crowd was surprised by the slight change in décor.

Near the DJ booth was a white arbor decorated with flowers and streamers of ribbon in sage green, eggplant purple, periwinkle, and blush pink. Beneath the arbor an altar table was being set up by a woman in a clerical collar, who looked to be in her mid-forties. Nearby, a rectangular table was in front of the round tables with a purple tablecloth, champagne glasses, and a bouquet, resembling a head table.

As everyone murmured about what was going on, Genny and Hunter held hands as Danny joined them in front of all the guests. "Thank you all for coming. Today is Hunter's 40th birthday and we plan on having a great party…but we have another special occasion happening tonight."

"Mom and Hunter are getting married!", Danny yelled. "Surprise!"

Jaws dropped and gasps filled the room as the three smiled at their guests, pointing to the birthday banner, which was now joined by two people putting up another banner which read, 'CONGRATULATIONS, GENNY & HUNTER'.

"Yes, folks…", Hunter replied happily. "I'd planned to ask this beautiful woman to marry me last night while we were in St. Michael's, but I couldn't wait until then, so I asked her on Valentine's Day over breakfast with Danny there…and she said yes!"

"That's why you were in such a good mood Tuesday morning.", Aubrey yelled back. "You're a sneaky FBI agent, Genny."

"Thanks, Boss. I learned from the best. I'm just glad that I can wear my engagement ring now.", Genny laughed as she put a beautiful asscher cut diamond ring on her left finger before waving to the woman who was standing under the arbor. ""Alright, everyone…wedding in 30 minutes with Hunter's sister Sarah officiating. Feel free to continue helping yourself to the food and drinks while you wait."

Cheers filled the room as people moved to sit back down at their tables. Jessica had almost reached her seat next to Aubrey when she was tapped on the shoulder. Turning around, she saw Genny's mother.

"Jessica, I'm Genny's mother, Jackie. Could my daughter borrow you for a few minutes?"

"Of course." The redhead turned to Aubrey. "Watch my purse, please, Aubrey. I'll be back."

Following Jackie, they entered a back stairway which led up to the third floor. When they got to Apartment 306, the older woman knocked on the door. "Genny, honey, it's Mom and Jessica."

The door opened, and the two went inside to see Genny getting her hair teased in a updo and her makeup touched up. "Hey, Jessica. I'm so glad you and Aubrey could make it."

Jackie smiled as she patted her daughter's shoulder. "I'll leave you two to chat while I get my hair and makeup done in the other bedroom."

When Jackie and the stylist left the room, Jessica turned to the bride. "Well, of course we'd be here, but I have to ask...why the surprise?"

"After he asked me Tuesday morning, Hunter's idea was to elope while we were in St. Michael's last night with Danny and our families going along for the trip, but…I wanted my friends here with me. I didn't want some fancy ass glamour affair either, so we were kind of at an impasse. Then, Danny had the idea to combine Hunter's birthday and the wedding into one big surprise party."

"Danny must love a good party."

"He does, much like his father did…" Genny exhaled softly, becoming pensive as she explained. "I didn't think Hunter would like that idea, but he said that getting married on his birthday would be the best gift I could give him. Before I knew it, I was calling my mother on the way to work, telling her what was happening and she managed to call in some favors to reserve the rec room, get the decorations and cake here by today…Hunter arranged for the DJ and Aguilar's Mexican Cantina to cater since it's his favorite Mexican restaurant, and now I'm getting married!"

Suddenly, Genny broke down and began to cry, surprising Jessica, who rushed to console her friend. "Genny, what's wrong?"

Struggling to regain her composure, Genny shrugged. "I'm sorry…I've been so emotional lately…either I cry, vomit, or eat like a pig…"

"Genny, this is more than that. What's wrong?"

The agent wiped away her tears. "It finally hit me that I'm getting married for the first time in my life and there's no drama..."

Surprised, Jessica gently prodded. "You and Josh weren't married?"

"No. He asked me many times, but I knew I wasn't ready, even when I was pregnant with Danny…but Josh waited patiently for me to change my mind. Then when Danny turned one, I knew it was time, so I asked him to marry me. He accepted by saying it would be easy for me because I wouldn't have to change my name since his last name was also Shaw…"

Jessica laughed. "That's pretty funny."

"Yeah, it was...people joked that we were meant to be because of that." Genny exhaled slowly before continuing. "We were going to away for a few days for a quick honeymoon because a week after the ceremony I was going to Quantico. Things were looking up…" The agent paused, collecting her thoughts. "But…."

Jessica waited for Genny to speak, squeezing the other woman's hand in support.

"A couple weeks before the wedding, I had him run to the store to get me a green pepper for dinner because I was making his favorite pasta dish. When he wasn't home after over an hour, I called him but got no answer. Finally, a police officer showed up at the house. Josh was almost home when a drunk driver hit him...he had died instantly. Danny was a year and a half...too young to remember anything about him."

Genny wiped her eyes. "When he died…my world fell apart. Suddenly I was a single mother about to leave for 21 weeks to train at the FBI Academy. God, if it wasn't for my mother's support in taking care of Danny and moving with me when I was transferred to DC, I don't know what I would have done…"

"Your mom moved with you? That was really awesome of her." Jessica said, knowing that her mother would never do the same.

Genny crossed her arms over her chest. "It hurt so much that when I arrived at Quantico I just…shut myself off emotionally and focused on training, graduating in the top ten percent of my class. After that, it was all work and Danny. Like I told you that day at the diner, I did date, but...I never found anyone who could compare to Josh. I wasn't going to ever get married…but I guess Hunter got Danny's permission last weekend to ask me and when he got the okay, he asked me as the three of us ate breakfast together. I just couldn't say no..."

"Are you…having second thoughts?"

Genny's eyes widened in surprise. "No…I think I just needed to get all that out. I feel better now…" The women started to laugh before Genny looked in the mirror. "Shit…I have to fix my make up. I'll be late…"

"Genny, it's your day…you can be as late as you want…as long as there's enough food for Aubrey." Jessica looked over and saw the agent's wedding clothes, a cream colored bridal pantsuit with a sage colored silk tank blouse hanging up on the coat rack. "You're wearing a pantsuit? That's awesome."

"There really wasn't time to dress shop, but honestly I'm so not the dress type, and anyway, being a petite, I knew I wouldn't be able to find something off the rack without having to pay a fortune for it. I found this suit at the first store my mother and I went to, and I just fell in love with it. My mom was able to do the alterations for me and I had my final fitting last night before we left for St. Michael's."

"You and Hunter are masters keeping things secret, that's for sure."

"Yeah, it was pretty fun to see everyone's surprise.", Genny chuckled as she examined her wedding attire. "The pant legs are wide enough for Hunter to get the garter from me but even with those high heels over there he's still going to tower over me. Oh well...it just means there's more of him to love..."

Jessica nodded as she brushed her fingers over the lapels. "I like all the details...and this green blouse is a great color for you. It's nice that you'll be able to wear it again…"

Genny walked over and picked up her shoes. "Unless I spill Mexican food on it…"

The women both laughed at the joke as Jessica took the slacks from the hanger. "Well, let's get you dressed and we'll get your makeup touched up, and then we'll have some champagne to celebrate your wedding."

"Sounds good."

*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*

Forty minutes later, Aubrey returned to his table with another plate of food. Booth snickered as he watched his friend chow down on another chorizo egg roll and other Mexican delights. "Keep that up, Aubrey, and you'll be so gassy Jessica will make you sleep on the couch tonight."

Aubrey finished chewing. "Ha ha, Booth...I'm a gentleman...I don't do that with Jessica in bed with me. Anyway, It's not my fault I'm hungry…I've got low blood sugar and the bride is late."

Angela chuckled in between the chorizo egg rolls she was also enjoying. Wiping her fingers on a napkin, she grinned. "It's a bride's prerogative to be late, Aubrey."

"If you say so…", Aubrey muttered while sipping his Corona beer. "I prefer punctuality…"

Angela was still smiling as she dipped a chip in her spicy queso dip. "So, Aubrey...is today giving you any...ideas…"

'Why does everyone give a shit about Jess and me getting married all of a sudden?' The agent fought the urge to roll his eyes and instead he offered her a neutral expression. "About what, Angela?"

Surprised at Aubrey's obtuseness, she continued to gently prod. "You know…"

Dipping his own chip in his queso dip, Aubrey looked her right in the eye. "No, Angela, I don't."

"Aubrey, I'm talking about you and Jessica finally getting married. The two of you are renting Booth and Bren's house together..."

"So?"

'Aubrey is usually much quicker on the uptake.' Angela thought. "So, now that you two are officially under one roof, are you guys talking about it...thinking about it...what? Spring is a nice time of year for a wedding, you know."

Irritated at all the opinions and prying about their marital status of late, Aubrey didn't bite his tongue. "What I want to know is what business is it of yours, Angela?"

Surprised at Aubrey's tone, Angela tried to make things light again while still being nosy. "Come on, Aubrey, of course it's our business. I mean, we are the ones that got you and Jessica back together. Come on...inquiring minds want to know."

"My mind doesn't need to know because I figure they'll know the right time without being nagged.", Booth said succinctly before sipping his beer, silently noting Aubrey's irritation. "Perhaps a change of subject is in order, Angela."

Angela didn't appreciate the subtle hint. "Come on, Booth, it's just a simple question that we're all dying to know the answer to…"

"Dying to know about what?", Jessica asked as she sat back down at the table.

"About when you and Aubrey are going to get married. I mean-"

Angela was interrupted by Pachelbel's Canon in D playing softly as Genny's mother emerged from behind a Chinese screen hiding the hall's entrance. She walked down the aisle wearing a sage green chiffon pants suit. Arriving at the altar, Jackie gave a smile to Hunter, who was standing there with his brother Mark as best man. When she got to her place, the music changed to Train's Marry Me and Genny emerged, accompanied by Danny walking her down the aisle.

"Genny looks quite beautiful in her bridal suit. I do like the green blouse underneath." Brennan said. "Quite lovely, but also very practical."

Angela rolled her eyes at her friend and chuckled. "Bren, practical is not what one wants to be at their wedding."

"Angie…", Hodgins said quietly, in the hopes that his wife would turn her filter on. "That's enough…"

The artist heard the warning tone and decided to cool it for now. "Okay, fine…"

When Genny arrived at the altar, she took Hunter's hand and they smiled at each other before turning to the officiant. "Who gives this woman to be married to this man?"

"I do!", Danny said very loudly, to people's chuckles. "She's my mom…and Hunter is going to be my dad!"

Everyone chuckled at the boy's response before he sat down next to Hunter's parents. After a brief prayer. Sarah began the ceremony. "Hunter and Genny are so pleased that you, their friends and family, are here to witness the blending of these two families. They each have something they wish to say as we begin their celebration." Wiping a tear from her cheek, she turned to her brother. "Hunter?"

Running his thumb over the back of Genny's hand, he sighed softly. "I've searched for someone like you for so long...and I'd begun to wonder if I'd ever find someone to love...but, Sweetheart...you are so worth waiting for…and I love you so much..."

Blinking back his tears, he turned to Sarah, who, in turn, nodded at Genny.

The agent cleared her throat softly as she gazed at their clasped hands. "Hunter, you've taught me how to love again, and it's been amazing...feeling this way about someone after all these years. Having you by my side has been too wonderful for words. I'm so glad to have someone like you in my life. I love you, too."

"Excellent." Sarah pulled out a small book and opened it to a page. Glancing at the couple before her, she laughed. "Now, let's get this done! Dearly beloved, we are gathered together in the sight of God and this company…"

It only took her a few minutes to read the service, and after the couple had exchanged vows and rings, Sarah said the words everyone wanted to hear.

"By the authority granted to me by of the District of Columbia, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride, little brother."

An ecstatic Hunter bent down to Genny and planted a searing kiss on her lips to the hoots and hollers of the party goers. When they pulled apart, the blushing agent turned to everyone. "Okay, we need to take pictures, but then we're coming back for dinner and to party, folks!"

Standing up, everyone applauded as Hunter called out to Danny, who took his other hand, and the three walked down the aisle together, followed by Jackie and Hunter's brother.

"That was such a wonderful ceremony….quick and to the point", Booth said. "Hunter did good by our Genny."

Brennen rolled her eyes at her husband. "Booth, Genny does not belong to us...she's her own person."

"Bones, I didn't mean it like that…"

Jessica and Aubrey chuckled before he kissed her cheek. "I don't know about you, but I'm ready for more food...I need something to tide me over until dinner comes out. Want something to eat?"

"Not right now. I'm still stuffed from the appetizers." The intern shook her head. "However, I could use another beer, Superman."

"How about we go together?"

"Sounds great."

The couple left their table with Angela watching them, and she couldn't resist making another comment. "It's so obvious how much those two love each other. Hopefully they finally decide to tie the knot sooner than later."

Deciding to bite his tongue, Booth turned to his spouse. "Bones, do you want a glass of wine or a beer?"

"A beer sounds nice, actually. I'm going to check on the children and see if they're hungry yet." Brennan saw Christine running around with the other kids. "Hank will need to eat soon."

"Okay, we'll meet back here in a few minutes."

Cam and Arastoo followed along with Caroline, Wendell, and Andie, leaving Angela and Hodgins at the table. "How do you like that? Aubrey got snarky with me and now Booth is a bit frosty with me. They both need to relax...we're here to have fun."

"Angie, please lay off that wedding talk tonight. Aubrey didn't look very happy when you brought it up and Booth is probably irritated because his friend is irritated."

Angela turned to her husband. "Hodgins, I'm just trying to get Aubrey and Jessica to figure things out…they are already totally committed to each other..."

"Yes, they are, but let's just mind our own business for a change, alright?" Hodgins wheeled his chair from under the table. "Now, I'm hungry, and I'm sure our little guy in there is hungry, too."

"Yeah, he is…" Angela put one hand on the table and the other on Hodgins' shoulder to pull herself up. "I can't wait until our son is born...it's getting harder to move around."

*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*

Two hours later, people were enjoying the party, mingling around, talking and congratulating the new bride and groom or with Booth and Brennan out on the dance floor, where they were dancing to Hot Blooded with Christine, when the Chicken Dance started to play.

'Oh hell no.' Booth thought as Brennan made a quick escape. "Monkey, I need to get off the dance floor…"

Christine grabbed her father's hand. "No….dance with me, Daddy…"

"Okay…but only if Uncle Aubrey joins us.", Booth replied loudly as he saw Aubrey sneaking away from the DJ booth.

"Nah, you guys...I'm tired…", Aubrey proclaimed, only to be shot down by Christine and new arrivals Michael Vincent, Danny, and Jordan.

"Please dance with us, Uncle Aubrey..."

Aubrey knew he was stuck and he decided to play along. "Crap...fine…only because I love you guys so much."

From their table, Jessica, Angela, Andie, and recent arrival Brennan watched the show and chuckled. "Booth is adorable with the kids, Dr. B.", Jessica said. "He's an awesome father."

"Yes, he is, Ms. Warren. Aubrey is also very good with children it seems." Brennan sipped her wine. "Do you see yourself having children with him someday?"

Nearly spitting out her beer, Jessica composed herself as she looked at the women before her. Knowing that her mentor had no ulterior motive for asking other than curiosity, she relaxed and answered. "I do...someday. I figure we'll know when the right time is for all that."

"You mean like the right time for you and Aubrey to get married?", Angela asked impishly, forgetting both her husband's point and Booth's request from earlier. "I mean, you're living together…any wedding bells in the near future?"

Not comfortable with the question, Jessica looked at the table. Stammering for an answer, she was saved when Booth and Aubrey returned to the group.

"Those kids have a lot of energy.", Aubrey panted, but just before he was going to sit down, 'Lay Lady Lay' began to play. Turning to his girlfriend, he held out his hand. "Care to dance, Ms. Warren?"

"Certainly, Mr. Aubrey."

Walking towards the dance floor, Aubrey took her in his arms and they swayed until Jessica looked up at her lover. "Aubrey, this is why you were talking to the DJ a few minutes ago, wasn't it?"

"I might have...had the DJ check his collection and asked him to play it." Aubrey held her hand to his heart. "It's a great song. It's a wonderful song to dance to...to make love to…"

Jessica blushed slightly as she remembered Aubrey's birthday. "Yes, it is, Superman. Maybe...we can repeat history later tonight."

"I could go for that. ", Aubrey whispered back. "I could actually go for that right now."

"We can't leave now, James. They still have to cut Hunter's birthday cake and the wedding cake as well as do the bouquet and garter toss." Jessica smiled as she wrapped her arms around his neck. "Patient you must be."

Aubrey looked at her pointedly. "I saw what you're wearing under that dress, Jessica. Patience is not a virtue of mine."

"What is it with you and your lingerie fetish?", Jessica asked with a chuckle. "Lace seems to make your hormones run amok."

Aubrey leaned in to whisper in her ear. "Lace is pretty but when it's on you, it's beautiful and sexy...and then I want to get it off your silky skin as quickly as possible, sometimes with force, like I did last Sunday night. You always like it when I do that..."

"I do, as long as you remember to replace them every Christmas.", Jessica responded. "I'll tell you what...we watch them cut the cakes, do the bouquet and garter toss, and then we're out of here."

Aubrey nodded. "Sounds good."

When the song ended, the DJ stepped up with the microphone. "Okay folks...it's time for the bride and groom to cut the groom's birthday cake and the wedding cake."

"Sweet! I love cake.", Aubrey exclaimed to Jessica's laughter.

*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*

Ninety minutes after the cake cutting, it was announced that it was time for the bride to toss the bouquet. "Come on single ladies, get out here…"

As Hot Chocolate's 'You Sexy Thing' began to play, Jessica hesitated until Angela pushed her forward. "Jessica...get out there."

Jessica was hesitant to do it. "I don't know...I've caught it three times already…and I haven't had the best of luck at weddings..."

"It's doubtful that you'll catch it again, Jessica.", the artist giggled. "Although if you catch it again...somebody is trying to tell you something…"

"Angela…", Booth said quietly.

"Booth, relax, will you?", Angela shot back. "This is a wedding reception and we're supposed to have fun, not get all bitchy."

"Come on Jessica, I'm going out there.", Andie said before pulling her friend to the dance floor, where Genny was waiting.

When everyone was gathered, Genny turned around and began a few practice tosses before throwing it over her shoulder. "One...two...three!"

It flew in the air past Hunter's relatives and and squarely in Jessica's arms. Stunned, she could only look at the flowers in her arms. "You've got to be kidding me…"

"Jessica, that's number four. Now, I figure you'll know when you and Aubrey are ready to marry, but I think the universe is trying to tell you something…", Andie chuckled.

"Andie, I'm sorry…"

"Jessica, Wendell and I will get there when we get there and we don't need some wedding legend or Angela to tell us when that is...and neither do you.", Andie replied with a chuckle. "Come on, girl, let's get a couple of shots."

As the two women headed to the bar, Jessica looked up to see Aubrey smiling at her. 'Is he thinking about getting married? I thought that we agreed that it would be awhile before we got there...oh boy...but he's not getting shitfaced this time...that's good.'

Meanwhile, Aubrey was watching Jessica with a smile, hoping to hide the thoughts in his mind. 'Holy shit...again? What the hell is going on lately? Damn it, we'll get married when we're ready, not when our busybody friends or colleagues think we have to.'

The music changed to 'Macho Man' by the Village People as the DJ spoke again. "Okay, single guys...it's your turn. Head on out."

Wendell grabbed Aubrey. "Come on, dude...let's get it over with."

"Damn it, no! I don't want to."

"If you don't come with me, Angela will hound you until you go. Come on, be a pal and come with me. Arastoo is married now so he can't."

Exhaling, Aubrey rolled his eyes. "Fine, I'll stand next to you. Jessica was pissed at me the last two wedding receptions I went to where I caught the garter, so I'm not jumping for it. You can have it. We're not getting married anytime soon."

Wendell chuckled. "Methinks the man doth protest too much."

"Bite me, Wendell-" Aubrey flipped off his friend but was stunned when the garter landed and hung off his middle finger. "Are you shitting me?"

Wendell laughed loudly as he grabbed his phone up and took a picture. "Dude...only you could catch a garter with the bird."

Aubrey could only stare at the green garter dangling off his middle finger. Turning towards his friends, he ignored Angela's knowing face. Finding Jessica, he was relieved to see that she wasn't mad and was instead giggling at him, so he relaxed a bit. 'Well, she's not running away and I'm not super trashed and obnoxious or have an annoying date this time around. Okay, catching it with my middle finger was pretty funny.'

After getting a nod from Genny, the DJ took to the mic once again. "Okay folks, time for the garter to be placed on the leg of the winner of the bouquet toss before they take a turn around the dance floor."

Coming together on the dance floor at the chair Genny and Hunter left a few minutes before, the couple gave a silent nod to each other before 'The Stripper' began to play once more. Sitting down, Jessica held out her leg before quicking switching to her right arm, where Aubrey put it on her. Laughing as they stood up, they greeted the playful heckling from their friends and fellow guests with a wave before 'My Girl' began to play.

"Can I have this dance, Jessica?"

"You sure can, James."

The couple came together with Jessica's head on Aubrey's shoulder before they swayed to the music, ignoring everyone else in the room. "Jess, I think I would prefer to remove the garter from your leg as opposed to putting it on…preferably in our bedroom tonight...followed by your dress...then your panties and bra...then I'll trail up that thigh with my lips..."

Jessica shuddered slight with anticipation. "I think that's an excellent plan, Superman."

*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*

After Genny and Hunter left for an unknown honeymoon destination thirty minutes later, the lab group sat around their table talking about various things and enjoying themselves. Seeing Jessica continue to wear the garter while admiring Genny's bouquet, Angela decided to try for the answer she was seeking earlier.

"So, you guys...now that you've caught the garter and bouquet...tradition has it that you'll be the next to marry."

Aubrey exhaled. He knew Angela didn't mean any harm but her constant pestering was getting on his nerves tonight. "Yeah, we've heard that."

"It's just a legend, Angela, that doesn't always come true.", Jessica said.

Not satisfied with the answer, Angela pushed further. "Come on, your two...you're living together...surely marriage has come up here and there."

"Not really. We're busy working on the house and stuff." Jessica sipped her beer, hoping that the topic would end, especially when she saw her boyfriend's irritation.

"Angie…this isn't their wedding. Let's just enjoy our drinks and our friends…", Hodgins pleaded, trying to steer the conversation away. "So, how surprised was everyone about the wedding?"

"A lot, but let's get back to Aubrey and Jessica…" Angela sipped her mineral water. "When do we get to hear wedding bells? I'm hoping it's after I have the baby, but I'll take it wherever. You two were so cute earlier...you should quit making us wait."

There was uncomfortable laughter as the couple in question squirmed slightly before Jessica responded. "Angela, Aubrey and I will let you know..."

"If you're anything like Booth and Brennan it will be years...I don't want to wait almost nine years for you two like I did for them. Now, I helped them plan a new wedding in a day after Booth got the church burned down the night before. Wedding planning is my thing-"

Fed up, Aubrey stood up. "Angela, that's enough. You know, my mother was Catholic and if her parish church burned down, she would be devastated. I'm sure Booth felt the same way when that happened the night before his wedding. You making jokes about it is insensitive…"

"Aubrey…", Angela said but she was soon interrupted as Aubrey was on a roll.

"...I'm ecstatic that Super Angela saved the day for Booth and Dr. B, and I'm sure Booth always appreciates the reminder about what happened, but I've lost count on how many times you've brought it up over the years." Aubrey put his hands on his hips. "I'm also over the damn moon that you're so amazing at wedding planning for your friends."

"Um, Aubrey…", Hodgins said, trying to keep the peace but it was a futile gesture.

"Yeah, Jess and I live together and you're our friend. However, that doesn't mean you can snoop and push us into marriage when we're not ready because you think it's something we need to do. Why do you care so much? Are you bored or something? No one else to nag?"

"Whoa, Aubrey…" Angela was surprised at Aubrey's temper. "I was just teasing…"

"No, Angela, you're being a gossip hound and I'm fed up with it tonight. Jess and I have had to listen to this shit for almost two weeks now and we're had it up to here with people who think we don't know what we want."

Jessica tried to grab Aubrey's arm to calm him down, to no avail. "Aubrey…"

"No, Jess, I've had it with this shit and so have you!" Turning back to the pregnant artist, Aubrey continued his tirade. "Now listen to me...we're getting married when we want to, not when you think we should. Besides, you have no room to talk. Didn't you shut Hodgins down several times before accepting? Then you two broke up before finally getting married almost three years later after your first wedding was canceled because you were already married?"

"Aubrey, that was out of line…" Angela was stung at his words. "That's none of your business-"

"Just like what Jess and I do is none of your business. Now butt out, and that goes for everyone else." Aubrey turned to Jessica, his frustration spent. "Are you ready to go?"

Jessica knew Angela hadn't meant any harm, but her intrusiveness all night had her fed up as well. She hated to be mean to her friend, but Angela had pushed Aubrey too far and as his girlfriend, she supported him. "Yeah, I'm ready."

Getting up, she grabbed her purse and bouquet. Turning to her friends, Jessica waved. "Good night."

Watching the two leave the room, Angela looked back at her friends. "What crawled up Aubrey's butt and died? What he said was really hurtful...I was just curious…"

Booth gave her an angry glare. "No, once again you're meddling when you don't know the whole story besides your opinion, and you need to stay out of it, Angela. That's why they had trouble the first time they were together...people kept interjecting their opinions about what they should be doing instead what they were doing, which seemed to work for them. You mean well, but you went too far tonight and you deserved every word that Aubrey said to you."

Angela was shocked. "Booth-"

"Angela...you're a good friend, but sometimes you don't know when to quit and its quite hurtful sometimes. Maybe now you'll see that.", Booth said politely before turning to his wife. "Bones, we should probably get the kids home."

"I agree." Brennan stood up and grabbed her purse. "Good night, everyone."

As they left, Caroline, Cam, Arastoo, Wendell, and Andie all made their excuses to leave as well, eventually leaving Angela and Hodgins alone at the table.

"Hodgins, why was Booth so rude tonight?", Angela huffed. "I love that big guy, but sometimes he's so mean...and Aubrey? What he said was uncalled for..."

Hodgins took his wife's hand. "Angie, you have a big heart, but Booth is right. Sometimes, you meddle and you really shouldn't. Jessica told me that they've been getting comments from Daisy, Beau and several others lately and I'm sure they were fed up."

"Oh, I didn't know that...but still. I'm just teasing him and it's all in good fun. Aubrey needs to get the stick out of his butt."

"Come on, didn't it get on your nerves when people kept asking about your divorce from Barasa after our first wedding went to shit?"

"Well yeah, but-"

"Then you understand how annoying it is when people stick their noses where it doesn't belong." Hodgins gave his wife a small smile. "Now, Aubrey and Jessica will do what's right for them. Come on, did you see them living together six months ago?"

"No, but…"

"Angie…" Hodgins took her hand. "They'll figure things out, alright? They'll also do it on their own time. Now, do we need to talk about how many time I proposed before you finally accepted? Several people at work picked on us for that, also."

"I asked you to marry me when you said just being together was enough. People needed to mind their own business.", Angela sighed as she realized what she just said. "Okay, I see your point. Alright...maybe I went too far. I'll back off Aubrey and Jessica."

"Good." Hodgins looked and saw their son playing with Christine as Booth was standing nearby. "Well, Jordan's already left and I'm sure Danny will be going home soon. We should get our son as well."

"Sounds good, but I have to pee again first..." Angela groaned as she slowly got out of her chair. "I'm sure they'll get over being mad, Hodgins. I'll just take Jessica to lunch one day next week and things will be alright again."

*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*

Aubrey and Jessica stuck to mundane topics for most of the thirty minute drive home but eventually there was silence as each pondered their own thoughts. Finally, the agent broke the stalemate.

"Jess...do you want to talk about us getting married?"

Startled, the redhead turned to her boyfriend. "Um, we can if you want."

Aubrey thought about what he wanted to say. "Well, Angela kept talking about marriage tonight. I guess...I didn't know if...well...what are you thinking?"

"Well, I caught the bridal bouquet for the fourth time. You caught the garter...this is number three, right?"

"Yes...but I didn't have an annoying date with me because I was jealous that you had one...and this time I wasn't shit faced...and talking to everyone else about my future except with you. I swore I would never do that again, and I won't, Jessica." Aubrey took a breath. "I'm not sure why people have something to say about our marital status of late, but...that nosy, 'Aubrey and Jessica don't know what they're doing' shit is starting up again."

Jessica knew what he was referring to. "I know. Booth and Dr. B have been good at keeping their opinions to themselves. In fact, they've been our biggest supporters."

"Yeah, they have been. Andie and Wendell have been great, too, as Arastoo and Cam."

"Aubrey, a few minor people at the FBI and the lab who can't keep their noses out of our business is an annoyance, but it's frustrating that now because Angela, Beau, and Daisy are saying something. I'm doing my best to ignore them because..." Jessica played with her nails. "Angela is just a gossip but she means well. Daisy...I think...just wants something to distract her, preferably with drama, but Beau…"

Aubrey heard her silence. "What, Jess?"

"Beau...I think he's jealous of you." Seeing her boyfriend's surprised face, she chuckled. "Yes, I think he is, Superman."

"Okay, Mensa girl, tell me why an NFL football player is jealous of me, an FBI agent." Aubrey laughed as he shook his head, thinking Jessica had lost her mind.

"I've been thinking about when Daisy chewed him a new asshole at the crime scene Tuesday and...what she said makes sense. Yes, Beau's family has money, and he makes a lot more money than we do, but I don't think he's happy, Aubrey. He can't talk about anything other than football...his marriage is obviously strained...and his options in the NFL are very limited, among other things. From what Daisy has told me, he doesn't have a lot of good friends. He's also threatened by her having a work life that's fulfilling and which doesn't involve him, and that leads him to get mega pushy to get his way, showing no aptitude for compromise."

Aubrey nodded in agreement. "Okay, so where does my superiority come in the picture?"

"Superman, you've very intelligent and have a career that can take you in several directions. You and I are doing well, and you have good friends who love you. You are also secure enough in your manhood that you're willing to compromise, and you don't get your nose out of joint with the idea that my work will sometimes take me out of your orbit. People respect you, Aubrey, without you feeling the need to show off like Beau does."

"Well, I appreciate the sentiment, Jess." Aubrey took her hand. "I really do."

Jessica rubbed his hand as he turned onto Janus Street. "In regards to marriage, I figured that we had an understanding that things were fine now. I'm not worried because we'll know when the time is right. If we get there at a different pace that's okay, because I'll wait for you and you'll wait for me. Our commitment is that strong."

Aubrey turned into the driveway and pulled into the garage. Getting out, there was silence as Aubrey contemplated what Jessica had said a few minutes earlier. Letting themselves into the house, he waited at the bottom of the stairs as the redhead finished checking Skinner's food and water.

"Jessica, I agree with everything that you said a few minutes ago. About getting married..well, we just completed a big step by moving in together and...I'm secure in our relationship but...I'm not ready to get married yet."

Jessica took his hand. "Like I said, I'm not, either, Aubrey, but that's really okay. We'll know when it's time."

"We will...and it will be our decision, and not based on peer pressure or a need to conform." Aubrey chuckled. "Booth and Dr. B didn't get married until Christine was almost two years old and look at them...they're happy, and have Hank now, too."

"Angela has given me great advice over the last three years, but I think we need to let her stew a bit...she was a bit intrusive. Hopefully, she'll apologize Monday, because we both deserve that."

"I agree." Aubrey had a twinkle in his eye. "Now, I say that...perhaps we need to get some practice in some of the traditions…"

Jessica chuckled as he pulled the garter off her arm and held it up. "Ahhhh, I see. Get the garter off me...get my dress and panties off me…put kisses up and down my thigh...perhaps even farther up...you're so good at that..."

"Yep...I'll even give you a head start."

Jessica snickered before racing up the steps. When she made the landing, Aubrey followed her. "Okay, here I come…"

Hearing laughter from upstairs, Skinner remained at the foot of the stairs before walking over to the couch and taking a nap.

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