Wedding planning is in full swing, and everyone seems to have an opinion about how things are going. How are Aubrey and Jessica handling the situation? Read on to find out.

It was after 12 o'clock when Booth pulled his SUV into Aubrey's driveway. He honked the horn and settled back to wait. A minute or two later he saw his friend come out of the front door, lock it, and wave as he walked toward the truck and climbed in.

"How's it going?," Booth asked as he backed out of the driveway. "So, the ladies are having lunch before going shopping for Jessica's dress. It seems she's been making a lot of wedding plans lately…"

"I've helped, too.", Aubrey said, yawning as he looked out over the neighborhood. Clearing his throat slightly, he turned to his friend. "As a matter of fact, we've had to change some of our plans. My friend Rodney...the priest I wanted to do the wedding...is leaving the country in May for a sabbatical, so we decided to move the date up to April 14th."

"Oh...okay. I guess that makes sense. I mean, why wait, right?" Booth shrugged as they sat at a stoplight. "That means I'd better get a move on if I want you to have a great bachelor party."

"Hey, don't worry about it. We can have it after the wedding…," Aubrey said as he sent a text message to Jessica letting her know Booth was good with the date change. "No big deal…"

"Except you won't be a bachelor any more." Laughing, Booth lightly punched his friend in the arm. "I'll take care of it...and yes, I remember...no strippers. They're not really my favorite either." Accelerating through the intersection, he glanced at his passenger. "We need to talk about your party's guest list…"

"Well, we need to invite all of Jessica's brothers and her brother-in-law, Greg, along with Hodgins, Wendell, Arastoo, Clark...Hunter…" Aubrey grimaced slightly as he stared out the window. "It'd probably be good to ask Bower and Thompson, since we work so closely together...oh, and Rodney. Believe it or not, that guy can hold his liquor…"

"So between 12 and 15?" Booth nodded as he thought things over. "Yeah, that's doable. Here's what I was thinking...Hunter was telling me about the place he and Genny stayed when they were in St. Michael's. It's a couple hours drive from home. I'm gonna call and see if I can rent a block of rooms and the clubhouse for the weekend before the wedding. April isn't prime tourist time, so there should be space available…"

"Geez...that'll cost an arm and a leg, Booth. I mean, it sounds like a great idea, but…" Aubrey shook his head. "I don't want you to fork out that kind of cash just to give me a party…"

"Well, maybe I can find some place closer. Anyway, I'll look into it." He pointed at the mall entrance. "Here we are…hopefully we're in and out."

After parking the car, the agents made a beeline for the Mens' Wearhouse. They wanted to get their mission accomplished and go home so they could enjoy a couple of cold ones before the women finished with their shopping. There would be no window shopping today.

Glancing around the showroom for a minute or two, Aubrey finally spotted his favorite sales assistant. "Ricky, are you busy with someone?"

"No, I'm free." The man happily shook hands with his best customer. "How's it going? I haven't seen you in a few months."

'Well, I've been busy. With my promotion, I had to take on a few extra duties." Turning to Booth, he made the introductions. "Booth, this is Ricky Stone. He's the best when it comes to picking out a nice set of clothes. Ricky, this is my friend, Booth."

The men shook hands and then Ricky got down to business. "So what can I do for you this afternoon?"

Aubrey sighed happily. "I'm getting married, and I need a new suit to wear for the wedding." Seeing Ricky's surprised expression, the agent continued. "I know, I know...the last time you saw me, I was a confirmed bachelor." He pulled up Jessica's picture on his phone. "But, as you can see, I had a good reason to change my mind."

Ricky whistled softly. "Man...you're a lucky bastard, Aubrey. So no tux, huh?"

"Nah...we decided it made more sense for me to have a nice suit instead...one I can keep for special occasions. You know, working for the FBI can be hard on a guy's clothes and, besides, I want something special for my wedding so I look half as good as my bride."

Nodding in agreement, Ricky walked them over to the clothing racks. "What color did you have in mind?"

"Um...navy? The wedding colors are green and blue…"

Booth laughed out loud as he pulled a jacket from the racks. "I think you should get this bright green one so you can look like a leprechaun…"

"You're just a barrel of laughs, aren't you, Booth?" Rolling his eyes, Aubrey shrugged off his friend's goofy remark. "I think I want dark blue, Ricky."

"Okay…" He thumbed through some hangers and pulled out a contender. "Here we go...this one is Calvin Klein...wool...slim fit...40 long jacket, and the pants are 34. We can have the alterations department take the jacket in a little at the waist if it's too boxy…and you usually need the pants taken in, right? Or have you indulged in too much home cooking with the fiancee?"

It was Booth's turn to roll his eyes. "This guy can pack it away all day long and never gain an ounce. Disgusting…"

"Hey, it's not my fault I have an active metabolism and low blood sugar." Aubrey slipped into the jacket and checked his reflection in the mirror. "Hmm...I don't know. What do you think, Booth?"

"I think you look like a refugee from the Naval Academy.," Booth teased, shaking his head. "I'm not crazy about the color. I mean, if you were going to a funeral, maybe...but I think that navy is too somber for a wedding. It's just not you, okay?"

"Yeah, I'm not sure I like it, either." Aubrey took it off and handed it to Ricky. "So not dark blue, and definitely not black...or bright green for that matter."

Ricky nodded as he went back to the rack. "Why not this charcoal gray?" He held up the suit for the men to see. "You can wear it all year round, and since it's neutral you could wear either a blue shirt or a green shirt and fit into the wedding color scheme."

"That's a nice looking suit." Aubrey nodded his approval as he ran his hand down the lapel. "What do you think, Booth?"

Booth was thinking about that cold beer waiting at his friend's house. "I think you need to get it so we can go home."

Aubrey tried on the jacket and admired his reflection. "Yep, this is it. Good job, Ricky. You have my information in the computer right? So we can get the alterations done…"

Ricky nodded as he pulled up Aubrey's file on his tablet. "Yeah, it looks like everything's here, so unless something's changed dramatically, we're good to go." After entering some more information, he smiled. "We can have it ready for you by April 30."

"What? No...that won't do ...not at all, " Aubrey sputtered. "I need it by April 14...actually maybe even earlier than that if we're having pictures taken…"

"Normally, that wouldn't be a problem, but our alterations department is slammed this time of year with all the proms and Spring dances, not to mention graduations and weddings." Ricky sighed softly. "I wish I could help you out, Aubrey, but there's no way to put a rush on it...I'm sorry. April 30 is the best I can do."

"It's not your fault, Ricky. We'd originally planned to get married in June, but...look, it's a long story, okay?" Aubrey was terribly disappointed, but there wasn't anything they could do about it. After a few minutes of thought, he shook his head. "I think I'm gonna have to pass on the suit, Ricky. I'm sorry I wasted your time…"

Ricky smiled at his customer. "No worries...just make sure you ask for me next time you come in here to buy a suit, okay?"

"You got it." After shaking Ricky's hand, Aubrey turned to his friend. "Come on, Booth. Let's go home."

The men walked out to the SUV in silence. Sighing softly, Aubrey climbed into the passenger seat and sat dejectedly staring out of the window. "I don't know why I'm upset. I mean, it's not like I don't have a suit to wear to my wedding…and most people who come will be looking at Jess anyway..."

"Yeah, but it's not the same, right? I mean, a new suit can make a guy feel like a million bucks. Besides, it's your wedding day and you deserve new duds just the same as she does. You only get one shot at it, and you need to look good."

"Yeah, well...it's just silly to feel unhappy about it, that's all." Aubrey puffed out a sigh. "Let's go home. Maybe I can hit Al's tomorrow during my lunch hour...but he's probably swamped with prom season, too."

"Wait a minute...I have an idea." Taking his phone from his pocket, Booth made a quick call. "Hey, Saul? Yeah, it's me, Booth. Listen, can you spare an hour this afternoon? I've got a friend who needs a favor...yeah, okay. See you then." As he ended the call, the agent grinned at his friend. "I think I've got your new suit situation figured out...but you'll need to trust me."

"Okay. I guess don't have anything to lose." Aubrey tried to smile at Booth, but he was still unhappy. "Thanks, buddy."

"Don't mention it. Anyway, I can't promise that things will work out...but at least we will have tried, okay? So let's go see Saul."

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

The street in front of the little row of shops was nearly deserted. Quickly finding a parking space, Booth hopped out and fed the meter as his friend walked over to join him.

Running his hand through his dark hair, Aubrey clenched his jaw to keep his comments to himself. The rundown area didn't look very inviting, and yet Booth seemed happy to be there, anxious to do something nice for his friend.

"Okay, here goes nothing…," he murmured to himself. "Um...is this place even open, Booth?"

"Saul doesn't usually work on Sunday, but he said he'd meet us here. I've been a customer of his for a long time...ever since I first moved to DC. C'mon…"

They walked up to a storefront with a painted window which gave the particulars.

Saul's Tailor Shop

Custom Made Clothing and Alterations

Saul Morgenstern, prop.

Aubrey stopped in his tracks. "Whoa...I can't afford a custom made suit, Booth…"

"Well, they're more expensive than what you get at Men's Wearhouse, but with the way you stay so skinny, you'll be able to wear it for years. C'mon...it won't hurt to ask, right? And if you decide not to get one, it's no big deal for Saul. He does lots of business with the lobbyists and government types in DC. You won't offend him if you say no. Besides, he's already here, so we might as well talk to him, right?"

Unconvinced, Aubrey shrugged a shoulder. "I suppose…"

"Great!" Booth pushed the buzzer next to the door, waiting for the click to tell him the door had been unlocked. The men entered the darkened store, hesitating a bit before Booth called out. "Saul? It's me, Booth…"

"Keep your shirt on, why doncha?," a voice answered from the back room. "At my age, it takes me awhile to get anywhere."

Booth winked at Aubrey. "Oh, come on, Saul...you're not that old…"

The curtain covering the doorway was slowly pushed aside, and an elderly man eased his way up to the counter. "I'll be ninety in November." He smiled broadly. "And I'm still kicking...I could kick your ass if I wanted...not that I can raise my foot that high anymore…" Laughing happily, the frail gentleman offered his hand to Booth. "How's my best customer? You're looking good..."

"Yeah, I am." The agent patted his belly. "My wife keeps telling me that I need to go on a diet, but, as I keep telling her, my pants still fit…"

Saul chuckled softly. "That's because I keep letting them out for you, right? You know, what happens between a tailor and his customer is a sacred trust…"

"That's good to know." Booth gestured toward his companion. "My friend here needs to see about getting a suit made."

Eyeing Aubrey from head to toe, Saul pursed his lips. "40 long, right? Waist is a skosh less than 34...shirt is 16, and you prefer broadcloth with long sleeves…"

"Um...yeah." Surprised, Aubrey glanced at Booth. "How…"

"Saul's been making suits for almost 70 years, Aubrey.." Booth began. "He knows his stuff…"

Saul gave them a cocky grin. "It's been longer than that. I began as an apprentice when I was 16, when FDR was around." He sighed as he sat down on a stool behind the counter. "Now I have an apprentice of my own...the son of my assistant, Vo."

As if on cue, a middle-aged Vietnamese woman appeared with a teen-aged boy following closely behind.

"This is Vo…" He smiled as the woman bowed. "...and her son Minh. They do a lot of the work in the shop now, and we've made plans for her to buy it from me when I retire." Laughing heartily at Booth's gasp, he shrugged. "In a couple of years or so…"

"You had me worried there, Buddy." Booth grinned at Saul as he continued. "Anyway, my friend was thinking something in gray, right, Aubrey?"

"Um...yeah...maybe. I'm still not sure I…"

"I've got just the piece.," Saul interrupted. "Minh, bring me that new bolt of Italian wool...the one we got on Friday."

The young man ducked behind the curtain and quickly returned, lugging a large bundle wrapped in plastic.

"Wonderful." Nodding happily, Saul pulled back the wrapping. "Look at this...medium silver gray with a charcoal thread running through it...a fine hand and a nice drape...and you'll be able to wear it all year round."

Unsure of what he was supposed to see, Aubrey gingerly touched the fabric. "Wow. Well, it feels good…um...so you can make a suit from it?"

"Sure…," Saul said as Vo spread the fabric over the counter. "A jacket...two pair of pants…" He gave Aubrey an appraising glance. "And as slender as you are, you can easily wear a vest if you want…"

"How about that, Aubrey...you'd look real sharp." Booth nudged his friend gently. "You know Jessica would like it…"

"Maybe." Biting his lip, Aubrey was still hesitant as he turned toward the tailor. "I'll need it soon. When can you have it ready?"

Flipping through a ragged date book, Vo shrugged. "Two weeks."

"Really?" Relieved about the time frame, Aubrey relaxed a little before another thought occurred to him. "I like it...I really do...but won't it be really expensive? I mean, I was looking at spending 250 dollars, tops…"

Raising an eyebrow at him, Saul chuckled. "Oh, I see...you're used to making do with off the rack clothes that they have to remake for you. So you buy the suit for 200 dollars and spend all that extra money for alterations, right? So you'd pay 300 dollars in the end for something that sort of fits. This way you spend a thousand, get something that's made to fit you personally, and get an extra pair of pants, and a vest…" Saul winked broadly. "It's a good deal in the long run."

Seeing that his potential customer still wasn't convinced, the tailor shrugged. "Tell you what...how about I give it to you for 700 dollars? I'll throw in a new blue shirt to boot..."

As he looked over the beautiful cloth, Aubrey was sorely tempted. He had to admit...he'd often been slightly envious of how good Booth looked in his custom made suits, and on occasion he'd considered having one made. What better occasion than his wedding? It was a lot of money, but Jessica wouldn't mind...and he'd be able to wear it a lot…

"What do you think, Booth?"

"I think it's worth it, man, and seriously...that's a great price…" Booth crossed his arms and smiled. "You know that Italian wool suit I got last year...the one I'm wearing to your wedding? Saul made that one, okay? Got a great deal on it, too."

After thinking it over for a few seconds, Aubrey decided that the splurge would be worth it. "Okay. Let's do it."

Sighing in relief, Booth slapped his friend's back. "Good call. Now maybe we can focus on more important things…like cold beer and kung fu movies at your house."

As Vo took his measurements, Aubrey and Saul discussed the particulars about the suit's details.

"I don't want huge lapels...and the jacket needs to be nipped in at the waist...and I like flat waisted pants…", the younger man began. "And maybe a narrow pocket on the vest?"

Saul jotted down the notes. "Speaking of which...what color for the vest's lining? We'll do gray satin for the jacket's lining, but you can go a bit crazy on the vest if you want…"

"I don't know…" Aubrey grinned at the old man's suggestion. "Why not go all the way and get something really flashy?"

"Okay…" Saul looked at Minh, who nodded in understanding. Soon the young man returned with some bolts of satin in various colors. "How about one of these? Lavender goes well with the gray...so does red..."

"I like this one." He picked out a bolt of salmon pink. "Jessica sent a message right before we got here about persimmon, whatever that means, but this looks so good with the gray…"

Laughing out loud, Booth was grinning from ear to ear. "Well, you can't get much crazier than that. You're gonna be looking sharp on your wedding day, Aubrey."

Saul looked up from his notes. "For your wedding day?"

It was Aubrey's turn to grin. "Yeah...my fiancée and I were planning on a June wedding, but we had to move things up a bit, so we're getting married April 14th." Blushing a bit, he sighed happily. "I'm really glad about the change in plans, even if it did throw a wrench in my clothes shopping. I can't wait for her to be my wife…"

"Well, why didn't you tell me that this is gonna be your wedding suit?" Nodding, the old man patted Aubrey's shoulder. "You're a lucky man...you have a good friend in Booth and a woman who loves you, right? Tell you what...I'm gonna give you the Saul special, okay? In honor of my Dinah and me...we've been married over sixty years, you know... I'm gonna let you have this set of clothes for 500 dollars…"

"Really? You'd do that for me? Including a vest, a new shirt and an extra pair of pants? Wow..." Aubrey was thrilled to get such a bargain, happily signing the paperwork for his order. "And it'll be ready in two weeks?"

"You'll come in for a final fitting in two weeks, and it'll be ready to wear a few days after that. Okay?"

"Yeah, that's great. I'm looking forward to it. See you then." After shaking Saul's hand, Booth and Aubrey left the shop, chatting happily about how good the suit was going to look and how much Jessica would love it.

Seeing Vo's disapproving glare, Saul waved as the two men walked away. "Yeah, I know...I shoulda charged him more, but you'll still get your money, my dear...and it makes me happy to see how excited that fella was about getting married, so I gave him a gift. I can afford it, and I'm sure Dinah will approve. She always says I'm a hopeless romantic...and I guess she's right. I just hope that young man and his girl are as happy together as we've been over the years."

He laughed softly as he helped Minh gather up the stray bolts of fabric. "Anyway, that fella's gonna look great in that set of clothes, and when he gets used to wearing a custom made suit, he'll never settle for less. He'll get lots of compliments on it, and then he'll tell all of his friends where he had it made. A handsome man in a well made suit is the best advertising you can have, Vo. Trust me...he'll be back, along with his friends, and you'll have steady customers for many years to come, all because I gave him a bargain price on his wedding suit."

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

Aubrey was thrilled as he and Booth drove back to the house. His upcoming wedding was becoming more real to him everyday. Soon he'd be spending the rest of his life with the woman he loved. Nothing could ruin the happiness he felt at that moment.

Hearing his text alert sound, he checked his messages.

Got my dress! Plus Mom is probably staying with us tonight…

Well, almost nothing could ruin his happiness. Shaking his head in frustration, he sent the first thing that crossed his mind.

WTF?

Booth heard his friend groan as he sat back in the seat. "What? We got you a great suit to wear to your wedding and we're heading back to your house to kick back with beer and kung fu. What's up?"

"My future mother-in-law is staying with us tonight." Aubrey exhaled slowly. "Hey can we go to Founding Fathers instead? I need a beer and some comfort food."

"Works for me."

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

After a couple more stops, Jessica and her mother separated from Brennan and Angela back at the diner right before 4:00. "Dr. B, you're sure you don't mind taking my dress?"

"It's fine, Ms. Warren. I will call Millie's tomorrow morning. She may be able to get us in during our lunch hour this week."

"Bren, I'll just call Annabelle tonight. That way you don't waste your lunch hour."

The anthropologist was growing frustrated with her friend and couldn't help being snappy. "Angela, thank you for the offer, but I am her matron of honor and I will handle this."

Sensing the tension, Jessica decided it was time to head home and hugged her friends. "Thanks so much for your help today, especially you, Dr. B. Thanks to you, I found my wedding dress. Hopefully, Aubrey finds a suit today."

"My pleasure, Ms. Warren."

"Temperance, I know you said Jessica was working tomorrow, but would you be a dear and reconsider giving her the day off?," Eleanor asked with an artificial smile. "I would like to spend time with her...you know, having breakfast together and then we'll just pop up to New York for some shopping."

Jessica turned to her mother in irritation. "Mom! I told you I couldn't go shopping tomorrow, and I don't need any fancy accessories from Kleinfeld's. Besides, you said you had to take the 7:00 AM train back to Pittsburgh for a very important deposition at 2:00."

"Oh, I can reschedule, Darling. Kleinfeld's is having a sale on shoes and accessories tomorrow, and they do have the loveliest jewelry there. We could also look for a dress for the reception. You can either take the train home or fly back here in the afternoon."

Jessica rubbed her throbbing right temple,. "Mom, I already found accessories and shoes today. I also don't need a reception dress. That can get expensive quickly, okay? Besides, my schedule is tight with the wedding coming up and we are short a senior intern at the lab. Dr. B needs me at work tomorrow."

Eleanor merely waved her hand in the air. "Nonsense. She's also a mother, and I'm sure she will be more than happy to give you the day off."

Brennan continued to be befuddled at the woman's demeanor, very unlike her own mother's as she was growing up. "I'm sorry, Eleanor, but my second senior intern is working for his other graduate advisor. If Jessica would like to go to New York to purchase wedding items, she'll have to do it when she's not scheduled to work at the lab."

Undeterred, the attorney pressed further. "Oh please, Jessica can't be that integral to the place. She's just a student. Surely you have someone else who can help you at your little lab."

Brennan remembered Booth's advice over the years about being polite, even to rude people, but the attorney had gone too far with her comment about the lab. "Ms. Gordon, the Jeffersonian Medico-Legal Lab is a federally funded facility that also does investigations for several foreign governments, the CIA, ATF, and other parts of Homeland Security. We also verify archeological discoveries and assist other agencies with various tasks. All who work there are integral to the successful operation of the lab. My interns are not just my…little cooperative students, but also competent professionals learning how to be a forensic anthropologist. It's a discipline that requires hands on work, not just sitting in a classroom. I, along with our lab's director Dr. Camille Saroyan, assign our interns a schedule that is flexible with their college classes and research time, as well as meeting the needs of our facility. You also underestimate your daughter, a very gifted scientist in her own right. Not only does she have a bright future ahead of her, she also accepts her responsibilities as an intern under me. I'm sorry, but you simply must find another time for yourself and Ms. Warren to go shopping."

Eleanor gritted her teeth, embarrassed at the woman's rebuke. "I'm sorry if my request to spend time with my daughter interferes with your lab. I thought that perhaps as a mother, you would understand my request. Put yourself in my place."

Brennan nodded. "My children Hank, Christine, and when he is home, Parker, are the most important people in my life, outside of Booth. I always make time to spend them in a way that it does not interfere with my colleagues' personal lives, my job, or their job duties because I believe in teaching them about responsibility and respect for others. Surely there is a similar work structure at your law firm for your interns? Do you let them have the day off to just go shopping if their mother asks you to give him or her the day off?"

"Of course not, Dr. Brennan.," a humiliated Eleanor snapped as she pursed her lips. "Jessica, let's go get my things and go back to your home."

Jessica exhaled before following her mother to her Jeep. "See you tomorrow."

Brennan and Angela watched the two women get into Jessica's vehicle and pull out into traffic. After getting into Angela's minivan, it wasn't silent for long.

"Bren, that woman has got some nerve."

Brennan checked her phone. "I agree that Eleanor Gordon is quite unpleasant, but Ms. Warren will have to set boundaries with her."

"Boundaries is being polite. I'm the wedding planner and she's horning in on my job. Seriously, Jessica just needs to tell her mother to butt out." Angela chuckled. "I mean, I know my stuff. I helped you and Booth get your wedding after he burned the church down."

Brennan sighed softly. "Angela, Booth did not burn the church down. He really hates it when you make jokes about that. Please stop making that insinuation."

"Oh fine. Booth is so damn sensitive. Now, I'll set up Jessica and Aubrey with a few wedding registries at places that have good stuff and then start planning the bridal shower tonight. She's easy to please, so I'll plan a simple menu and decide what games to play. Perhaps we can go over everything I've gotten done over lunch tomorrow."

"Angela…" Brennan took a deep breath. "Ms. Warren and I already have plans to get together for lunch to detail what needs to be done…including getting our dresses to be altered at Millie's. I do appreciate your assistance, but as her matron of honor, it's my job to help Ms. Warren plan the bridal shower and other tasks that she will need assistance with."

Not listening, Angela continued to chatter. "Bren, I know you're the matron of honor, and you're my best friend, but this really isn't your thing. That's why you have me."

Hurt, Brennan turned to her friend. "What are you saying?"

"Sweetie, you're an amazing person, but you're also very...particular and not much for letting your hair down unless I push it. I mean, you were so there for me when you were my matron of honor, but a girl needs to leave the single life in style, you know, not with a tea party or some potluck dinner after the wedding."

Stung, Brennan interrupted. "I thought that my idea of a post wedding potluck was a good idea, Angela. Perhaps Ms. Warren could assist-"

"Bren, I don't want Jessica and Aubrey to start off on the wrong foot like you and Booth did. I mean, I couldn't throw you a bachelorette party until after you were married and Booth gave his blessing. Plus, I didn't get a bachelorette party because Hodgins and I had eloped in a jail cell. Jessica...isn't someone I ever thought would get married, but Aubrey managed to get her there, and I'm excited for her, but I also don't want her to second guess it, okay?"

"Ms. Warren is the one who proposed to Aubrey-"

"Yes I know, but we can't take any chances. I don't think Aubrey or Jessica could stand to get their hearts broken again and I'm going to make sure it doesn't happen." Angela went through her mental list. "I need to talk to Booth and coordinate with him regarding Aubrey's bachelor party. I need to make sure he doesn't mess that up. Aubrey only gets one, and you can't redo it after the wedding."

Hurt, Brennan took another breath to compose herself. "Booth was Hodgins' best man at your first wedding and according to him, my husband did a wonderful job. I'm sure Booth will take care of Aubrey's party, Angela, without your assistance."

"We'll see." Angela crossed over into Virginia. "Now, just relax, Bren, and let Angela work her magic for Aubrey and Jessica. I have more experience with this sort of thing than you do, and it'll just be easier that way."

Feeling unsettled, Brennan sat back quietly for the rest of the ride.

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

Forty minutes later, Jessica and her mother walked into the house and were immediately greeted by Skinner. Eleanor looked at the orange tabby with disdain, and the cat returned the compliment with a disgusted look of his own. "Oh, dear. You have a cat."

"Yes. Aubrey got him a couple years ago after they closed the case on his former owner's murder. He's such a good boy and a snuggle bug, aren't you, Skinner?" Jessica set her purse down and picked him up. "Come on, let's go get you something to eat."

"Jessica, I would like to put my things in my room."

"Just set them on the couch and I'll show you to your room in a moment." The redhead fed Skinner but when she turned around, her mother was still holding her stuff and looking impatient. "Come with me. You can sleep in the downstairs bedroom tonight. The bathroom next door has a shower and everything you should need to get ready in the morning."

After Eleanor put her things into the guest room, Jessica led her in a tour, starting with the den before moving onto the kitchen. "This is Aubrey's favorite room. I love that Booth and Dr. B put in all these modern appliances like the sub zero refrigerator, and the microwave under the cabinets, and this center island is amazing."

Eleanor was jealous. While she lived in a lovely home outside of Pittsburgh in Squirrel Hill North, it seemed small compared to this house, and she didn't like that feeling. As she followed her daughter back towards the office, she commented, "You two are very lucky."

"Yes, we are." Jessica opened the office door and turned on the light. "So, this is my office slash yoga room."

Eleanor was shocked at the room's size. "This is a very large room. Is James upset?"

"No, why would he be?" Jessica was confused. "He knows I need a large area for my yoga and dissertation stuff and he has the den for his man cave stuff. Across the hall here is the laundry room and now we'll go upstairs…"

The ladies went up the stairs and Eleanor asked a personal question. "How does an FBI agent afford a place like this? According to my research, the Cleveland Park homes of this size have an average value of 1.7 million dollars, and the average rent is $3800 dollars."

Jessica gave a revised history of the dwelling. "Dr. B and Booth bought this property at a police auction dirt cheap a few years ago and they had to essentially rebuild it. Since Aubrey helped them fix it up, they only charge him $1400 dollars a month."

"I understand they are friends, but to take a loss on the rent? That's very short sighted on their part. Of course, a little charity among friends is admirable." Eleanor looked around with a grimace. "What about utilities and other basic needs? Surely, the electric costs of this house are not cheap for him. I'm surprised he can make the payments."

Jessica took a breath. "I pay the electric bill, the cable, internet, streaming services, and half of the groceries, Mom. Aubrey pays the rent and other utilities, and we manage just fine."

Eleanor was dumbfounded. "Your father lets you use money from your trust fund to…cohabitate outside of marriage with this man and to pay for James' household expenses? That is egregious."

Frustrated, Jessica turned around to face her mother. "Yes, because I use my trust fund for my living and school expenses according to its guidelines and, by the way, it's OUR household expenses, Mom. We live here together and both of our names are on the lease." Jessica gestured to herself. "Honestly, how my fiancé and I divide our joint expenses is none of your business."

"I'm just trying to look out for your interests, but if you want to let that man milk your trust fund, so be it." Eleanor investigated the spare room as an irritated Jessica led the way. "Oh, you have that lovely bedroom set from when you were younger."

Jessica didn't like what her mother was insinuating. "For your information, Aubrey didn't want me to contribute to any of the expenses or to touch my trust fund, because he makes a very comfortable salary as an FBI Special Agent in Charge. However, I'd insisted on paying my share before moving here because our relationship is a partnership."

The attorney linked her hands as she perused the area with a sharp eye. "I'm sure he's insisted on combining all your money into one account like a good little wife is supposed to do."

"No, we still have our separate savings and checking accounts and we've put each other's names on them for emergencies. We've discussed creating a joint account for expenses after we're married, but Aubrey said that it's my call." Shaking her head at her mother's nosiness, she pointed across the room. "Now, across the hall is our bedroom."

Eleanor followed her daughter into the master suite, surprised as the massive space and tasteful décor. The woman opened the door and was envious to see the large walk in closet. Coming out, she peeked into the en-suite bathroom, amazed at the luxurious room that made her home seem pedestrian in comparison. Looking around the room, she grew jealous and spiteful.

"For a government employee and a graduate student, you two seem to live very well. A house with a master bedroom suite, four other bedrooms, including one for James' little toys...three bathrooms...a den...among other areas. You two should be careful to not get in over your heads. Your grandparents didn't create that trust fund so you two could live capriciously."

Jessica rolled her eyes. "Aubrey and I do live within our means and have created a household budget that lets us splurge once in a while."

"So, have you and James had time to discuss the prenuptial agreement I've suggested?"

Jessica leaned up against the door jamb. "Yes. Aubrey said he would sign one, but I will not be asking him to do so. I trust him."

Eleanor's hands went on her hips as she stared down her daughter. "Jessica, in May of next year, you will gain full control of a trust fund worth almost a million dollars. You need to protect yourself from anyone trying to take your money."

'Dad already did when he had you taken off my account years ago.' Jessica thought. "We've already discussed the trust fund and we're planning to use it for emergencies or the occasional trip, or even to purchase a house someday. I know James Aubrey, and he would never go after that money. He doesn't care about that stuff, Mom."

"Surprising, considering who his father is."

Jessica took a deep breath. "Mom, he doesn't like to talk about his father because it's upsetting to him. We've also been bombarded enough with reporters calling for interviews and other intrusive questions since we've returned to DC and we don't need your comments on top of all that. Now, do you want to see the rest of the house or not?"

"Fine." Eleanor watched her daughter walk out and followed, puffing out a sigh.

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

Booth turned down Janus Street and smiled as he listened to his friend pleading with him. "No, Aubrey. No way."

"Come on, Booth, stay for dinner. We have plenty of food. Jess always likes your company. It'll be fun."

"Tempting as it may be, I think I would prefer to have Sunday dinner with my family. Bones is making chicken for me and the kids tonight. Any night Bones makes meat for me I'm home for it...and I don't want to play referee for you and your future mother-in-law."

Aubrey groaned. He knew it wasn't Jessica's fault, but the last thing he wanted to do tonight was spend time with Eleanor Gordon. "Are you sure you don't want to stay, Booth? Steak and shrimp on the grill...cold beers…"

"Sorry, Aubrey." Booth pulled into the driveway and up by the front door. "Come on, you're faced down terrorists, bombs, killer chickens on a train...you can do this. You said you put Ms. Gordon in her place at Thanksgiving, so this will be a piece of cake. Don't let her walk all over you two."

Aubrey exhaled. "You're right. She's going back to Pittsburgh in the morning. NBD."

"Alright." Booth unlocked the doors. "I'll let you know when Saul gets the suit done and when I know about the bachelor party."

Getting out of Booth's SUV, Aubrey waved to his friend and walked into the house, where he saw Jessica and her mother sipping tea. When the redhead got up to greet him, he kissed her back. "So, you found a dress?"

"I did, Superman. I think you'll love it." Jessica smiled. "How was the suit shopping?"

"Booth and I couldn't find anything that could be altered in time for the wedding, so we went to see a friend of his and I've ordered a fancy new custom made suit with an extra pair of pants, vest, and shirt. It'll be ready in two weeks."

Eleanor picked up her tea and sipped. "Can you afford a bespoke suit, James? As a government servant, that's a lot of money for you to come up with..."

Aubrey smiled as he turned to Eleanor, who sipped her tea. "Well, usually it's something out of my budget, however, Booth's friend is giving me all that plus alterations for $500.00."

Eleanor stood behind her daughter. "James, Kleinfeld's in New York has lovely tuxedos that are on sale right now and you could maybe find one in your size...and budget. I could always help you if you were short on funds."

Aubrey swallowed his retort. "Thank you, Eleanor, but I'm sure Kleinfeld's costs more, so it would make no sense for me to get a fancy suit in New York when I can get one here in my budget range. Besides, I think a wedding suit is more appropriate since we're getting married either late morning or afternoon, it's not going to be all formal, and our guest list is a small one."

"I still say selecting April 14th for your wedding day is a thoughtless choice. A Friday, James? Many will not be able to attend the ceremony."

"Well, the people we have invited have already said they can come, so we're all set, and this way my friend Rodney can marry us before he and his wife go on their sabbatical to the UK this summer." Aubrey turned to his fiancée. "So, are we ready to grill up some shrimp and steaks?"

Eleanor put her tea cup down. "Actually, James, I've suggested to my daughter that we go out to dinner tonight."

Jessica was mortified. "Mom! No, I've already told you that we're having steak and shrimp for dinner tonight along with salad, green beans almondine, and roasted carrots…as planned."

Aubrey sighed. While they were not in the poorhouse and both had decent amounts in both their bank accounts to pay for wedding expenses, he and Jessica agreed to take it easy on finances the next few weeks. However, he decided that he needed to pick his battles.

"Of course. The meat in the fridge can keep until tomorrow. Anywhere in particular you would like to go, Eleanor?"

"The Dabney would be lovely." The older woman smiled at the agent. "If that is out of your price range, we can come up with something more…frugal."

Aubrey saw Jessica's face and knew what to do. "Since Jessica wants to stay in, I'll go heat up the grill. Eleanor, can we offer you some tea, coffee, or another drink?"

"Wine will be fine. I saw a lovely Beaujolais in the refrigerator."

Jessica was horrified. "Mom! You're not supposed to drink alcohol with your medication."

"I have Bipolar II Disorder and can drink in moderation." Eleanor turned back to the agent. "James, a glass of wine would be nice."

Aubrey wasn't impressed and even more, saw upset Jessica was. "I'm sorry, Eleanor, but wine won't be on the menu for you this evening. If you'll excuse me, I need to light the grill."

Eleanor was shocked as the agent walked into the kitchen. "Jessica, that was rude."

"You're not supposed to be drinking. I'll make you a pot of coffee or tea, but if you want to drink alcohol, you need to go elsewhere. Excuse me, I need to help Aubrey."

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

By 8:00 pm, the three were in the living room with Jessica curled up with Aubrey as they discussed wedding plans while Eleanor sipped from her wine glass.

"I'm very impressed you have Beaujolais, James. It's too bad I couldn't have any, being relegated to drinking water instead."

"Well, I do like wine, too. I'm just sorry you're restricted from having it." Aubrey sipped his beer as he stared at the woman across from him. "Of course, you were the one who wanted water in a wine glass."

Eleanor twirled her glass as she rested her arm on the recliner. "Really, James. I think you are being ridiculous. I'm a grown woman and can have wine if I want."

Jessica looked up from her tablet. "Mom, no alcohol. Aaron said you are not supposed to have alcohol with your bipolar medication."

"Your brother is a neuropathologist, not a psychiatrist. However, if it will make you happy, I won't say another word about it this evening." Eleanor tipped back the clear liquid and sat her glass down. "Now, we need to discuss wedding venues."

Aubrey looked up from the notes on his laptop. "We're having the ceremony at the vineyard, Eleanor."

"That simply will not do, James. I have invited several important guests, and I need the wedding to be somewhere where they will be comfortable, instead of some field." Eleanor sat up. "Your Ms. Montenegro has my list of guests, but I've invited my managing partners and their spouses. Oh, and the Reynolds. Jessica, you remember them?"

"Mrs. Reynolds, whose son is in the House of Delegates and is married to the president of the Maryland Bar Association." The redhead nodded. "Oh, I do…"

"Yes, when I mentioned to Madeline over the phone a few days ago that you were getting married, she happily accepted the invitation I'd extended. I do remember what a lovely couple you and their son Dan made."

"We went on two dates Mom, and we didn't click.," Jessica said quietly. "His opinions about women involved in STEM and working outside of the home were not very modern."

"Because you didn't give him a chance, young lady, just like you didn't give Marcus Andrews' son a chance when I had introduced you two right after you graduated from that Michigan school."

Jessica saw Aubrey silently clenching his jaw. "Mom, all that is in the past. Let's not talk about guys you set me up with, alright? We have a lot to plan in the next few days—"

"Yes, like a venue. The Carlton in Luray has a lovely ballroom that will fit 150 people for a wedding and reception. I called yesterday and since they had the 14th open, I reserved it and put a deposit down, as well as choosing an appropriate menu." Eleanor smiled at Aubrey. "James, it's a lovely place that I'm sure your friends will enjoy."

Aubrey took a breath. "I appreciate your time and efforts, but you've wasted your money, because our wedding will be at the winery with the reception nearby at the tasting room. You should call them back on Monday and cancel so you can get your entire deposit back."

Eleanor sighed. "It's not a waste, and we need a facility large enough for my guests. Consider it my wedding present to you two."

Jessica took a long drink of her beer. "Mom, we're having the wedding at the vineyard and we're not adding anyone else to the guest list. We don't want a bunch of people there we don't know. We're trying to keep costs down."

"Oh Jessica, just ask your father for some money. He's got enough of it.," Eleanor finished in a snarky tone. "Now, about the flowers—"

"Eleanor, the guest list is complete. We're not changing our venue or adding people. I'm sorry for the misunderstanding, but you'll have to let your friends know we're keeping it small. I'm sure they'll understand under the circumstances.," Aubrey said sternly, prepared for a fight.

Leaning forward, Eleanor focused her dark eyes on the man in front of her. "James, it's bad enough that my daughter is settling for a cheap thrift store dress and you'll probably be wearing some mediocre wedding suit, as well as refusing to hire a world-renowned wedding planner, and having a matron of honor who thinks because she's a best selling novelist she doesn't have to treat me with respect. Now, I've invited some people to watch my daughter get married and found an appropriate venue to hold everyone. I'm paying for the facility and food. Your wedding and reception will be at the Carlton and that's final."

"Mom—"

"End of discussion!," Eleanor barked. "Now, let's discuss the invitations. Gold lettering—"

Aubrey had reached his breaking point and stood up to face his future mother in law. "No. Let's discuss you butting out of our wedding, Eleanor."

Shocked, the woman stood up as well. "Excuse me?"

Aubrey walked right up to the woman. "I've had to listen to you bitch for the last few hours about our house, our jobs, our cat, and everything about our wedding, from Jess's dress, our ceremony, guests, wedding date, and everything else under the sun. I've done my best to be respectful, because you're my fiancée's mother, but you're acting like a passive aggressive pain in the ass."

"How dare you!," Eleanor yelled.

Aubrey cut off the woman's protest and held nothing back. "I've seen the way you treat Nadia, Gail, and Greg. God only knows how you've treated Mike's ex-wife and Jason's girlfriend and there's no way I'm letting you get away with that shit with me. Now, I'm making it clear right now that there will be no more belittling Jess's choice of wedding dress, no more demands that we invite people we don't know because you want your rich friends there so you can kiss their asses, no more demands that change our venue and no more changing our plans without our consent just because you don't like what we've decided. Most of all, you don't have the right to dictate how Jessica and I run our lives. This is our wedding, not yours. Stay the hell out of it."

"James Aubrey, you act so high and mighty. Want to prove you're worthy of my daughter? That you are even half as acceptable as the men who she's been with before?" Eleanor left the room and came back a moment later holding a document. Holding it out to the agent, she continued her tirade. "Sign this. I want my daughter protected from the likes of you trying to milk her dry."

"Why, so you can run over her with your social climbing ideas that will milk her dry, instead?"

"You have no right to talk to me like that. You're not good enough for my daughter. Your father is a criminal and a lowlife piece of crap who is no better than a bottom feeder. You are a social climbing piece of scum, James. You almost got her killed last weekend, and I hope my daughter is using birth control so you can't trap her with a child to get to her money. Now sign this, you little asshole!," Eleanor bellowed.

"Wow, tell some truth and the refined Eleanor Gordon turns into a gutter mouth." Aubrey ignored the sting of the woman's comments as he found a pen nearby and signed the document. "I don't need Jessica's money. Unlike you, I appreciate her for who she is, not for what favors she can get me."

Incensed, Eleanor turned to her daughter, who sat on the couch. "Jessica…are you going to let this man talk to me this way?"

The redhead stood up. "I love you, Mom, but if you can dish it, you can take it. As for our wedding, it's scheduled for April 14th, 2017, at the Saoirse Finn vineyard in Washington, Virginia, and the reception will be there as well. Our wedding guest list will not be changed to add your so-called friends. You will also say nothing more about my dress or I'll make sure to tell all your fancy society friends where you got your Vera Wang mother of the bride dress."

Eleanor's hand slapped her chest in indignation. "I'm your mother!"

"Yes, you are, but I'm not going to let you take over my marriage like Mike let you take over his. That's why he's divorced today. I just hope you don't run off his new girlfriend like you have the others." Jessica grabbed the prenup from her hands and ripped it in half. "Oh, and Aubrey is not signing anything. I trust him, Mom. He wants me, not my money, and I want him, no matter who his father is. Now, either sit down and be respectful or go to bed!"

Aubrey and Eleanor were stunned into silence before the attorney stiffened her spine. "I will spend the rest of the evening in my room working on research for my deposition tomorrow."

The agent held back his smirk. "I'll be leaving by 6:15 tomorrow so I can be at work before 7:00. Please be ready if you want a ride to Union Station, or you'll have to take a cab."

Eleanor exhaled. "Of course."

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

The couple went to bed at about 10:00 and they went about their routines quietly as Skinner sat on the bed. First Aubrey, then Jessica got into bed and silence filled the air as they read from their tablets. After about five minutes, the agent spoke up first. "Jess, are you mad at me?"

The redhead continued to read. "Why would you think that, Aubrey?"

Aubrey scrolled down his tablet. "Because you're barely speaking to me."

Jessica exhaled. "No...yes...no...maybe annoyed...Superman, did you really have to provoke my mom like that?"

Aubrey turned to Jessica. "Uh, yeah, I did. She'd been nit picking at you and our wedding all night. It was just like Thanksgiving all over again. I don't care what she throws at me, but I'm not going to let her treat you like shit."

The redhead exhaled as she realized Aubrey was right. "I know...I keep trying to give her some leeway, but when I give an inch she always wants a mile..."

The agent took her hand. "I'm sorry."

Jessica squeezed back. "Superman, I'm not mad at you...I love that you stuck up for me...for us. I'm just mad at myself for letting her walk all over me earlier."

"Yeah, but you stood up for us, also, Jess. She's the one who went into her bedroom and pouted all night." Aubrey looked down. "You didn't have to rip up that prenuptial agreement. I'm okay with signing it. I really am."

"Yes, I did have to rip it up, Aubrey." Jessica put her tablet aside. "She needs to learn to listen when I tell her to back off. She doesn't know you nor does she want to, and I'm so sorry for that because it's her loss. She's just worried about what her rich friends and law partners say, and I can't worry about all that."

Aubrey smirked at her. "Because we're getting married, Jessica Warren."

"Because we're getting married, James Aubrey." Jessica chuckled before kissing her fiancé. "Now, it's time to get ready for bed."

Aubrey made a suspicious face. "But we're already in bed, Jessica."

"I know, but we're not ready to go to sleep yet." The redhead turned out the light. "We have to prepare for our wedding night."

"Good idea." Aubrey pulled the covers over them and they wrestled under the covers. "It's always good to be prepared.," he growled as the two laughed.