A/N: And we're back. When we left our favorite couple, they were busy planning a wedding and wondering if they'd made the right choice to assist their preparations for the happy day. So how are things going? Read on to find out.
Aubrey and Jessica spent the last bit of their evening working on their wedding plans. Their online research led them to the perfect wedding rings, which were set to arrive by April 6th. When they were done with their shopping, however, the agent picked up his laptop and started into the den.
"Superman, are you hiding in your den to watch some porno?," Jessica teased.
"No…I don't need porno because I have you. No adult film star can give a lap dance or move like you can." Aubrey stopped and turned around with a smirk. "I'm just checking on a little surprise I'm buying you for your wedding gift."
Jessica made a face. "Aubrey, don't spend a lot of money on me for that…"
"Don't worry, Jessica. It's something that only you would appreciate...so, what are you getting me?," Aubrey asked. "I saw you hide your phone when I came back from the bathroom."
"A little something...but you have to wait until April 14th.," the redhead said smugly. "You'll love them though, I promise."
"Okay, I guess I can wait." Aubrey kissed her. "Oh, and to give you a heads up. The cabin is already reserved for the 14th and the 15th. I'm sorry...I know you had your heart set on it."
Disappointed, she sighed. "Oh, that's too bad, but we can always schedule it for another time. Maybe during the two weeks in between my summer classes with Dr. B?"
"That's what I thought." Aubrey set down his laptop and returned to sit next to Jessica. "However, I did book us the bridal cottage at the Mimslyn Inn in Luray for the weekend."
Jessica's eyes widened in shock. "Aubrey, those cottages are like 500 dollars a night…that's really expensive. Can we afford it?"
The agent rolled his eyes at his fiancee'. "Hey, it's our wedding night, Jess, and I want to celebrate with my bride in style. Think about it…room service…maybe a fancy dinner at Circa 31…a hot tub…no bathing suits necessary, though."
Jessica chuckled. "Think we'll ever make it outside that weekend, Aubrey?"
"With the exception of opening our wedding presents the next morning with everyone...probably not. The only thing I'll be interested that weekend in seeing is my wife naked. Come here…" Aubrey laughed as he pulled her into his arms.
"What about your secret porno?," Jessica asked before kissing her fiance.
"Didn't I just say that I don't need porno because I have you?," Aubrey admonished as his hand moved under her sweater.
"You did, and for that bit of gallantry, I think you deserve a reward, Superman." Climbing off the agent, Jessica kneeled down on the floor, and after gesturing for him to pull his pants down, slid her warm mouth around him.
"Oh yeah...," Aubrey groaned. "I'm so lucky to be marrying you...you're the best…"
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
Jessica arrived at work the next morning in a good mood, ready to tackle her day. Already given her work assignment via text, the intern badged into the lab and trotted up to the platform, where Brennan, Cam, and Hodgins had started their examination of a set of remains brought in by the Maryland State Police.
"Morning, everyone." Jessica looked around the platform. "Curly, how's Angela?"
Hodgins pulled his visor over his face. "Dr. Banno said if she does alright the rest of the week, she can come back Monday and then work half days until she goes into labor."
"Okay." Jessica hummed a happy tune as she pulled out a pair of gloves and put them on.
Cam smiled at the intern. "Ms. Warren, you seem particularly cheerful this morning."
Jessica couldn't hold in her excitement any longer. Removing her gloves, she pulled out her phone and found the pictures of the rings she and Aubrey had selected. "Last night, Aubrey and I found our wedding rings! They're so amazing and they didn't cost us an arm and a leg. What do you think?"
Brennan nodded her approval at the rings. "I like your band, Ms. Warren. Very practical with a touch of your style. It will complement your engagement ring very well."
"Aubrey's ring is sharp.," Cam replied. "I like the blue."
"Me, too." Jessica scrolled down to let Hodgins see. "They're both titanium, so I don't have to worry about something happening while I'm working or if Aubrey has an issue if he's out in the field."
"Very nice." Hodgins nodded, but it seemed he was troubled by Jessica's news. "I thought you and Angela set up that appointment with Ralston's for wedding rings. They do a lot of Billy's jewelry."
"Yes, Angela set that up, and I really appreciate it, but the rings would cost a lot more than what we wanted to spend. Since Aubrey and I found what we wanted last night for much less, I'll cancel the appointment later today." Jessica put her phone away and put on another set of gloves.
Hodgins grinned he turned back to the remains. "So…inquiring minds want to know…where is your FBI agent taking you on your honeymoon?"
"Well, the cabin we wanted for the weekend was booked, but Aubrey got us a very lovely hotel suite instead."
"Where at?," Hodgins asked, trying to be casual.
"None of your business, Curly.," Jessica chuckled.
Hodgins slapped his chest in mock indignation. "You don't trust me?"
"No, I don't, Curly, but I still love you.," the redhead responded. "I just want to make sure there aren't any special surprises when we show up there...you know, like a swarm of bees or a snake of some sort."
"I do apologize that I'm unable to give you the 17th and 18th off, Ms. Warren.," Brennan said, exchanging a look with Cam.
"It's alright, Dr. B. Yeah, I'm disappointed, but we moved up our wedding, and it's a crazy time here with school and with Oliver still on medical leave. Aubrey is going to look into renting that cabin during the two-week period I'm off between our summer class sessions, so we'll still get a honeymoon."
As her intern spoke, Brennan found a metal rod in the patient's femur. "Ms. Warren, please use the saw to extricate that object and clean it." Brennan watched as the intern did as told perfectly. "Good work. Oh, the appointment for our dress fittings at Millie's is today at 11:30."
Jessica looked up at Cam after putting the object, a surgical rod, into a shallow dish for transport. "Thank you for the long lunch hour, Dr. Saroyan. I know this wedding is tying me up a lot."
Cam smiled as she weighed what remained of the liver. "Well, Jessica, you've been a great help to us here at the lab with all the extra hours you and Wendell have put it to assist us while Dr. Wells is on medical leave."
Brennan looked up from the remains. "Ms. Warren, after cleaning the surgical rod, please take a picture of it and send it to Angela. She may be able to identify it from her home computer. If not, Agent Nguyen has been working with her, so perhaps he can step in and assist us."
When Jessica left the platform, Hodgins sighed. "Angela was really stoked about getting those two that appointment at Ralston's. I guess he's a big deal jeweler whose customers include not only ZZ Top, but other rock groups, too."
"Well, I'm sure she will be happier that Aubrey and Jessica found the rings they wanted within their price range.,"Cam replied while exchanging an exasperated look with Brennan.
"I know." Hodgins continued to pluck particulates. "It's just that Angela wants Jessica and Aubrey to have the perfect wedding, like the one she gave Booth and Brennan, so she wants to make sure they have the best of everything."
Cam weighed the remains of the heart while the anthropologist remained mum. "That's understandable, but Angela also needs to keep in mind Aubrey and Jessica's budget when she sets up things like this. Jessica's indicated to me that they prefer to keep the wedding and all arrangements as intimate and simple as possible."
Hodgins nodded at the pathologist's point. "Agreed…"
Cam looked over at the entomologist. "Also, Dr. Brennan is Jessica's matron of honor and is fully capable of assisting her with whatever she needs for the wedding. Your wife needs to remember that as well while she rests and takes care of herself and the baby this week."
Brennan looked up with a grin. "Thank you, Cam."
The entomologist nodded in acceptance. "I completely agree…but Angela and rest do not go together. You also know that once she makes up her mind about something it's full steam ahead."
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
At 12:10, Jessica pulled back a curtain and came out of a dressing room in her wedding gown. Seeing a mirror, she gazed at her reflection as she gently touched the fabric, giddy and dazzled by how she looked. "I love this dress so much. I can't believe we found it."
Brennan, whose green gown was being pinned by a seamstress, smiled happily. "It is a very lovely gown, Ms. Warren. Simple, classic, but very lovely. It looks very beautiful on you and I'm sure Aubrey will feel the same way."
Jessica joined Millie so the older woman began the same process. "Young lady, I won't have to do much with this dress. I just need to nip it in here and there, but this dress seems made for you."
"Thank you."
After carefully removing their gowns in the dressing rooms, the women changed and scheduled their final fitting for April 10th. As they headed back to Brennan's Prius, Jessica's phone rang and her stomach sank when she saw who was calling. Accepting, she put a smile on her face. "Hi, Angela. What's up?"
"Going nuts here. I can't believe I have to be stuck at home for all this. I mean sure, I want to have this baby before he's due, but not this early."
Jessica put the call on speaker phone before responding. "I know when I was stuck at home after what Gerald did to me, I got bored fast. So, Dr. B and I are leaving Millie's now to get some lunch and go back to work. Is there anything we can do for you?"
"No. Cam is letting me do some work from home, but other things need to be hands on. Luckily, my new Thin Client will arrive tomorrow so I can work at home during maternity leave when Agent Nguyen can't. In the meantime, I've got your wedding to work on so I don't go stir crazy."
"Angela, Ms. Warren and I can take care of things, so don't worry. Just concentrate on your baby right now."
"Bren, you're too busy to worry about a bridal shower, engagement party, and all that other stuff. This stuff isn't your thing anyway, remember? That's what I'm for and I've got you covered, Jessica. You got my message about the jeweler's, right?"
"Yes, I did, but I canceled it because Aubrey and I found our rings online last night and they're so amazing. I'll send you a picture. Mine was-"
"Jessica, this is Ralston's Jewelers. They designed some of my dad's rings, plus they do stuff for all the hot people right now. You don't just cancel them for rings online. Now, I'll call them back and reschedule you for Friday."
Not happy at the artist's reaction, Jessica took a deep breath. "Angela, I really appreciate you arranging the appointment, but Ralston's jewelry exceeded the price range that Aubrey and I wanted to spend. It worked out because Aubrey found me a band that matches my engagement ring perfectly, and I found him a great one with some style for a good price, too."
The women heard an exasperated sigh on the other end. "Fine. Now the florist asked for what time your wedding was, but since you haven't given me a time, I told them 1:00. Does that work?"
"Sure, that's fine. Can you text me their number? I wanted to discuss what I want for my bouquet and my colors-"
"I've already taken care of that for you, Jessica. I told them calla lilies and pink peonies. They're going to add blue ribbon and with the greenery, it will get all your wedding colors. I'll send you a picture of what it will look like."
Jessica had a vision of tiger lilies mixed with magenta and blue orchids and eucalyptus cascading down. However, Angela had gone to a lot of trouble, so she held back the tears she felt. "Okay…"
"I've also got us a party bus to take us to that biker bar for your bachelorette party. The strippers will be performing for us in the back room but the rest of the night we'll be in the main area. We're going to party and have a good time…"
"Angela, my sister-in-law is over seven months pregnant. I'm not sure she'll be comfortable at a bar or any taverns—"
"I'm almost nine months pregnant and I'm going, so Nadia will be fine. Besides, you don't want to celebrate losing your singlehood like Brennan did a month after she and Booth were married."
Jessica didn't like Angela's last comment. "I'm not losing out on anything, Angela. Aubrey and I are getting married, but I'm not changing my name, so the only thing that will change is my marital status. We're still living together and stuff and I don't need a blowout-"
"You sound just like Brennan did while she was planning her wedding. I had to nag her to let me take her out to the bar instead of that potluck she wanted to have with Booth and Hodgins, and we're not repeating that mistake again, Jessica. Quit worrying about everyone else, all right?"
Brennan gripped the steering wheel on the driver's side and could see Jessica was getting visibly upset. "Angela, I thought my idea was a lovely one, but we can agree to disagree. Now, Ms. Warren and I need to go get a meal and head back to work."
"Okay, understood. Jessica, I've just emailed you five designs I've created for your bridal shower and wedding invitations. Look them over and call me tonight so I can put the order in first thing tomorrow. I have a friend who can print them out for me, and we can give them out on Saturday, saving us some postage."
"Sounds good, Angela. Bye." Jessica ended the call and took a breath to steady herself.
"Ms. Warren, you're in obvious distress."
The intern began wringing her hands together. "I…wanted to design my bouquet. I sketched out an idea yesterday while I was on break…and…oh well…"
Brennan still sometimes messed up with it came to emotions, but it was obvious even to her that a bride shouldn't be this miserable planning her wedding. "Would you like me to talk to Angela? It seems that not having control over your wedding is causing you considerable distress."
"I can't, Dr. B…she's helping me and Aubrey out. We were the ones who moved up our wedding date by two months. I wouldn't know what to do to prepare for a wedding…I didn't think I was ever getting married…neither did Aubrey…Angela is good at this stuff, better than I would be. Besides, she's doing this as our wedding present and I'm grateful. I just need to take her advice and relax."
"How about I call Booth and see if he and Aubrey could join us today at the diner? Would that be acceptable for you?"
Jessica smiled for the first time in several minutes. "Yeah, Dr. B. That sounds really nice."
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
An hour later, Booth and Aubrey kissed Brennan and Jessica goodbye in front of the diner and the men separated from their mates to return to work. As they were crossing the street, Booth's phone rang. Seeing it was Angela, he answered. "Hey Angela, what's up?"
"We need to discuss the bachelor party. Now, the company for the strippers I've ordered for Jessica also has women who jump out of a cake-"
Booth rolled his eyes. "Angela, Aubrey won't be bored, and he's already told me no strippers. From what I understood, it seems that Jessica didn't want any, either."
"Booth, all guys want strippers at their bachelor party. It's a rite of passage. Aubrey need to celebrate getting married, not worrying about no longer being a bachelor." There was a quick pause. "Wait, does Aubrey have his nose out of joint because I got her strippers? It's not like she's going to cheat on him."
"Aubrey is pretty jazzed about getting married, Angela and he trusts Jessica. Also be assured that when it comes to his bachelor party, I've got everything covered." Booth saw his friend's questioning face and knew that while needing to tread carefully, he also couldn't mince words. "I know you want this wedding to go well since you're planning it, but may I suggest dialing it back a bit? Bones can handle Jessica's bridal shower and helping her with what whatever she needs. Just plan the ceremony and reception like you're supposed to do."
"Booth, Aubrey and Jessica need me—"
"Yeah, to help them with the wedding, not be pushy and take over everything." Booth contemplated his words. "You need to back off a bit and trust people."
"Booth, you don't know what you're talking about. I'm planning this wedding and I won't let anything get messed up. It's not like when you burned down the church right before your wedding. If it wasn't for me getting that last minute ceremony together, you and Brennan would have not been married, you know?"
'She doesn't get it. Why am I not surprised?,' Booth thought before deciding bluntness was the way to go. "We would have gotten married eventually, Angela, but thanks for the reminder once again about how you single handedly pulled the ceremony together and that we're all helpless without you."
"Booth, quit being so damn sensitive. It's not my fault the universe was sending you a message about having Brennan marry you in a Catholic wedding ceremony."
"Bye, Angela." Booth ended the call, grinding his teeth.
"What is she up to now, Booth?" Aubrey opened the door for the two and they entered.
"She wanted to give me suggestions for your bachelor party, such as which strippers she recommends, to make sure you don't have to worry about losing your bachelorhood."
Aubrey growled quietly. "Seriously? What's her deal, Booth? She's acting like Jess and I can't do anything without her magical guiding hand. I'm getting tired of not having any say so in planning my own damn wedding. I don't want strippers and all that shit, Booth, and Jess didn't want them, either, or to go to a damn biker bar for a bachelorette party. Nadia may not go because she will probably be too tired and a bar like that seems too rowdy for her. I can't understand why Angela would want to, either, when she's about to pop."
"Nadia's only got less than eight weeks, right?," Booth asked. When Aubrey replied in the affirmative, he groaned. "I don't blame her at all. Right now, Bones is upset because Angela took over all the traditional stuff a matron of honor is supposed to do, because essentially, she doesn't trust her to be able to do it."
"Yeah, Jess told me and that's really crappy." Aubrey shook his head. "I know she's got great instincts, but from what I've heard, her fancy wedding to Hodgins didn't go so well all those years ago, so I don't know where she gets off thinking she is the wedding expert."
"It's because in a matter of hours, she created an instant wedding for her best friend and the guy who pissed her off by shutting her out of the original wedding planning." Booth saw Aubrey's questioning face. "When Bones and I got engaged again, I told her I didn't want anyone else's input, just ours. It was pretty wild...Bones agreed as we hung over a cliff at a crime scene. Cam, Hodgins...they understood and supported us. However, Angela complained more than once that I was shutting her out of her best friend's wedding, even though she was the matron on honor. She was really ticked off about our original plan of a Catholic wedding ceremony, which, by the way, was Bones' idea, not mine."
"Dr. B is her best friend, so she goes along with what she wants...that's it. That's how it's supposed to be." Aubrey shook her head. "It wasn't any of Angela's business how you planned your wedding."
"No, it wasn't." Booth sighed as he remembered the events leading up to the wedding. "I think she was still pissed at me because of all that happened with Pelant. We...hadn't getting along for a while and...it got pretty nasty for a bit. I let it go for Bones, but I'll never forget the horrid and disgusting things she said. She actually accused me of wanting to cheat on Bones."
"Pelant had you over a barrel, Booth, and Dr. B understood that. If Angela had been a real friend, she would have tried to help Brennan find out what was wrong, instead of constantly talking shit about you to anyone who would listen." Aubrey was dumbfounded. "I mean, I'm sure Dr. B respected what Angela wanted for her wedding to Hodgins the first time around. She was in charge of the shower, bachelorette party, and all that other bride stuff that the maid of honor does, right?"
"Yeah, she was. At that time, though, Bones used to be more…closed off, and she didn't have much experience in being a maid of honor. Cam helped where she could, but they'd set the date like two weeks after Angela proposed to Hodgins, so there was no time for a real shower or a bachelorette party. We were scrambling to get things done, and as Bug Boy's best man, I couldn't even give him a bachelor party, which he really didn't care about anyway. Besides, Zach was leaving for the military and…let's just say it got a bit complicated, especially when we all found out Angela was still married."
"Yeah, that does sound wild, but how to stage that wedding was Angela's choice. This is our wedding. We asked you and Dr. B to stand up for us not only because you're our friends, but we also trust the two of you to help us with things like bridal showers, bachelor parties, and that other stuff. So far, you're been an awesome best man."
"Well, thank you. Hodgins told me the same after their aborted wedding." Booth sighed quietly. "Yeah, Bones has felt kind of awkward and she's still…Bones, but she's come a long way since then." Booth exhaled slowly as he shrugged at Aubrey. "Angela really does mean well and wants the best for everyone, but she doesn't know everything like she thinks she does, nor does she know when to quit."
"Tell me about it.," Aubrey grumbled, remembering Genny's wedding back in February. "I thought after we talked that she'd learn to back off a bit, but she's taken over everything. We're not clueless. I'm 33 and Jessica's 28. We're adults...we're completed premarital counseling and the two of us are pretty much in sync with our career and life goals. Hell, neither of us planned on getting married and look where we are."
Aubrey opened the door to the 4th floor and let Booth go in first. "Sure, I was afraid to get married, thinking it might turn out like my folks, but if almost getting killed a few weeks ago taught us anything, it's that life is short. I realized I was ready, but I was prepared to wait until Jessica was ready because being together was the important thing, you know? However, the fact that she asked me to marry her…it's amazing. Now, we're planning this wedding and…it's crazy…and turning into something we don't want."
"Like your engagement party?," Booth asked. "You two don't seem that excited about having one."
"We didn't want an engagement party…gathering…whatever the hell we're calling it. The fact that we bought our rings online instead of that appointment Angela arranged for us felt great because we made the decision. Us. Not anyone else. Booth, we don't want to hurt Angela's feelings because she is doing us a favor, but Jessica is becoming more miserable every day, and I don't know what to do. "
Entering the communal break room, Booth found their mugs and poured two cups of coffee. Giving one to Aubrey, he chuckled as the man pulled a small bottle of cinnamon out of his pocket. "Aubrey, you two have to tell Angela to back off. You might have to get nasty about it, like you did at Genny's wedding when she was hounding you about getting married. It's the only way."
"I have no problem with being honest and blunt, Booth. I have a problem with being an asshole, especially to my friends. I don't have a lot of close ones and Angela is one I really treasure, annoyances and all."
Booth scratched his chin. "Angela is a great person who will always be in your corner, Aubrey. However, she doesn't…always see outside of what she feels is right. Yeah, she'll get pissy about it and whine, but she'll come around and understand. I know you're deferring to Jessica with everything, but remember that this is your wedding, too, all right?"
"Yeah. You're right. It is." Aubrey sipped his coffee and contemplated his friend's words.
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
Thursday was hectic for the couple as worked cases and then spent their evening talking to Angela as she laid out her plans for their wedding. Friday, Jessica spent the afternoon working on her dissertation research before joining Aubrey for half price appetizers at Founding Fathers. The plan was to take a break from the wedding details for a few hours and just enjoy each other's company, but before long, they were discussing plans, not that they minded much.
"So, Sunday you're going to a fancy lingerie store, huh?" Aubrey sipped his beer and wiggled his eyebrows, visions of a naughty wedding night dancing in his head.
"Yeah, Angela got me an appointment at Coup de Foudre on Sunday. Dr. B is going with me to shop for my trousseau. I'm not sure I'll find anything there, though. It's really expensive."
"Can I come?," Aubrey asked in a hopeful voice.
"No, you can't, Aubrey." Jessica held back a chuckle at her fiance's groaning. "You'll see it on our honeymoon.
"Fine." Aubrey ate his potato skin. "So, when do we show up for our engagement party tomorrow?"
"It starts at 4:00 but…I want to go over there early. We need to talk to Angela." Jessica sipped her beer. "I can't do this anymore, Aubrey. This is our wedding and I feel like I'm just a spectator. It doesn't feel right."
Relieved, Aubrey took her hand. "I feel the same way, Jess. Angela probably doesn't realize how bad she is acting and Booth said we need to just come out and tell her."
"Okay, so we're agreed. Talk to Angela."
Aubrey nodded and held up his bottle and clinked it with Jessica's. "Talk to Angela."
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
The next day, Jessica and Aubrey showed up at Hodgins' and Angela's house at 3:30, encountering several cars. "Shit…" Aubrey groaned. "It seems we hit a snag."
"Maybe we can talk to her after the party?" Jessica grabbed her purse from the SUV. "I don't want to do it with everyone around."
"Good idea. Well, ready to face the engagement gauntlet?," Aubrey quipped.
"Superman…"
"Sorry. Okay, let's go."
The couple walked up the ramp and rang the doorbell. A few seconds later, Booth opened the door. "Hey, you guys…you came early."
"We wanted to help set up, but it looks like everyone had the same idea." Aubrey walked in while holding Jessica's hand.
"What are you guys doing here?," Angela exclaimed. "You're the guests of honor."
Jessica took her coat off and hung it up by the door. "We wanted to help set up, but it looks like everything is done."
The open living room and kitchen area had tables and chairs set up. There was a banner stating HAPPY ENGAGEMENT, AUBREY & JESSICA. Nearby, Hodgins had a minibar set up for drinks with another table nearby holding a tub filled with ice and cans of pop. Music was playing in the room and in the kitchen, there were several foil pans waiting to be opened along with a frosted cake nearby.
"Ooh, there's cake..." Aubrey sniffed the air and his mouth watered. "..and barbecue…damn I'm getting hungry."
"When aren't you hungry, Aubrey?," Angela joked to the group's laughter. "Everyone should be here soon, and we can eat."
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
An hour later, everyone enjoyed the delicious barbecue with Aubrey going back for seconds and thirds. When the meal was over, most were full…except the groom to be.
"Cake time…I love cake."
"Alright. It's cut. Brennan, can you and Cam help me pass it out?" Angela saw Jessica get up to help. "Not you. Sit. You're the guest of honor."
Sitting down, Jessica sighed. "Alright."
The cake was passed out and Angela looked very proud of herself. "I tried this cake before ordering it and it's amazing. Everyone is going to love it."
People dug in except Jessica who was drinking from her water before stabbing her own. Aubrey took one bite and immediately panicked. Turning to his fiancée, he grabbed the cake from her as she stabbed into it, sending a piece of it flying into her lap.
"Aubrey, what the hell!"
The agent held it away from her. "It's got strawberries in it! You didn't eat any of it, did you?"
Realizing how close she'd come to getting sick, Jessica exhaled in relief of her boyfriend's quick reflexes. Looking down, she picked up the chunk that landed on her lap and saw a plump cut strawberry. "No, thank God. Thank you, Superman, for catching it before I ate it."
Angry, Aubrey turned to Angela. "Why in the hell did you order a cake with strawberries?!"
The confused artist heard others sigh, but didn't understand why. "Jessica has said that she loves Angel food cake with fruit, so I had this cake specially made from The Cake Courtesan and I designed it myself with instructions to use only fresh strawberries and whipped frosting. I don't understand what your deal is, Aubrey."
"My deal is that Jess is highly allergic to strawberries, Angela. She'll go into anaphylactic shock if she eats them and has to carry an Epi-Pen in her purse and keep one her locker at the lab for emergencies." Aubrey shook his head in disgust. "Seriously?"
Angela immediately felt guilty. "Oh gosh, I'm so sorry, Jessica. I forgot that you were allergic."
Jessica sighed. "It's okay, Angela."
"No, it's not, because if you'd eaten a bite of that cake, you'd be on your way to the ER." Aubrey couldn't help himself as he turned back to the artist. "Maybe next time you throw a party for Jessica, you should let her be part of the menu."
The tension was thick in the room until Hodgins put his own dessert down and rubbed his hands together. "Hey, cake is overrated anyway. Listen, we have some mint chocolate chip ice cream in the fridge if you want to join me for some, Jessica."
"That sounds good. Thanks, Curly." Jessica smiled, trying to stay composed.
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
Over the next hour, everyone, including the guests of honor, were enjoying themselves as they ate and drank while the kids ran around in the large backyard. The couple relaxed a little bit as they chatted with their guests. They knew they still had to talk to Angela, but the party was nice, and they were lucky to have friends who wanted to celebrate their engagement with them. While Aubrey hung out with Hodgins and Clark, Andie and Jessica were chatting with Cam and Angela.
Leaning against her counter because her back was sore, Angela sipped from her water bottle. "So, Hodgins said Aubrey got a fancy hotel for your wedding weekend. Where are you going that Monday and Tuesday?"
Jessica sipped her Coke. "Dr. B can't spare me on the 17th and 18th, so we're going back to work Monday morning."
"You're kidding me, right?" Angela leaned against the counter. "That's ridiculous. We can live without you for a couple of days. She can just talk to Wendell's advisor and ask to use him while you're gone or just deal without a senior intern for two days."
Andie stepped forward. "Wendell can't work for her, Angela. He's got a big project going with Dr. Anderson and he works in her department on Mondays and Tuesdays. If Dr. B can't spare her, shit happens. It's not like they'll never have a honeymoon."
Jessica shook her head. "It's fine, Angela. I knew this was a possibility, and so did Aubrey. We're planning on making the most of our weekend and we'll go somewhere later this year when things aren't as crazy."
"But still, while Brennan has gotten a lot better about her interns, she really needs to cut you a little slack." The artist looked at her boss. "Cam, can't you do something?"
Cam crossed her arms. "Angela, we had three interns already request those days off ahead of Ms. Warren's request. We discussed it and I agree with her decision. Neither she nor I made this decision lightly."
"Cam, come on…"
"Angela, if Ms. Warren has accepted it, maybe you should as well," Cam said tactfully.
"Alright." Angela sipped her water. "If Brennan feels it's necessary, then that's the way it is."
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
An hour later, everyone continued to mingle around while nibbling on food or enjoying one of Hodgins' special drinks. Sitting on the couch, Aubrey put his arm around his fiancee as he and Jessica chatted about the evening.
"Okay, I know I didn't want this, but this was nice, Jess. What do you think?"
"This has been fun." Finishing her bottle of water, the redhead stood up. "I'm going to get a beer from the fridge. Do you want another one?"
Aubrey debated. "Yeah, I think I can have one more but then I'll call it for the night since I'm driving us home."
"Okay, I'll be right back." Jessica walked into the kitchen but when she opened the fridge there were no more bottles of beer. Heading back into the living room, she found Hodgins and Booth talking. "Curly, there's no more beer. Is there more in the garage I can bring in?"
"Yeah, they're in the fridge. Thanks, Jessica. Don't tell Angela I had you work at your party."
"Your secret is safe." Jessica looked to the other man. "Booth, do you want a beer?"
"Yeah, thanks, Jessica."
The redhead walked through the kitchen and towards the three-car garage. As she passed Hodgins' workout room, she heard raised voices. Concerned, she quietly stepped closer and was alarmed to hear it was Angela and Brennan arguing.
"Bren, what is wrong with you? It's her honeymoon for crying out loud! You seriously couldn't spare Jessica two days?"
In the room, Brennan crossed her arms. "Angela, I had other interns request the day off first. I don't pick and choose favorites in these requests. It was fair to grant these requests ahead of Ms. Warren's. Frankly, I don't understand your opposition. How Cam, Hodgins, and I determine the intern schedule is really none of your concern."
"Bren, it's her honeymoon. Jessica and Aubrey have been through so much—"
Jessica continued to listen from outside the door and grew irritated.
"I know that, Angela. However, I'm her immediate supervisor and I have a responsibility to my department in making sure it runs successfully. While Cam does have the ability to overrule me, she understood when I explained why I turned down the request. When I told Ms. Warren this, she also graciously understood. It's resolved."
"Of course she understood. You're her advisor. Bren…sometimes you have to stop being a boss and be a human. You know, this is just like when I wanted to save that pig years ago. You were so clinical and…logical…I thought you had moved beyond all that."
"I resent your insinuation, Angela and it's really hurtful to hear that from you."
Angela's harsh words led to Jessica considering all that had happened with her wedding…her bridal shower and bachelorette party…the wedding gift registry...her bouquet…the cake…and was finally pushed too far. Barging in, she surprised the two women.
"That is enough, Angela. Leave Dr. B alone!"
Surprised, Angela stood straight, ignoring the increasing pain in her back. "Jessica…I thought you were in the living room…"
"I was, but I'm glad I'm here right now. Where the hell do you get off bitching to Dr. B about my schedule?" Jessica's fists were clenched, and her cheeks turned red. "My work schedule is none of your business, Angela!"
Angela took in the young woman's obvious irritation and stepped back. "Jessica, I'm trying to help you-"
"You haven't been helping me at all. This is supposed to be the happiest time of my life, but you've taken over everything!"
"Jessica, I'm doing my job-"
"No, you're doing what you want to do. I've told you that I didn't want strippers but you ordered them anyway! I told you that I didn't want my bachelorette party at a damn bar and you reserved it anyway! I don't want some fancy ass catered bridal shower, either, but guess what? I'm having one. I wanted to design my own bouquet, but you decided what I should have without even consulting me! You haven't listened to anything I wanted since you became my wedding planner!"
Angela laughed nervously while rubbing her back. "Jessica—"
"You don't care what I want! You just care about what you think I need! I don't want half naked men dancing around me at a bar! I don't want a fancy ass catered affair for a bridal shower! I don't want to be registered at Pier 1 Imports. I would have liked to have had my engagement party cake, but you forgot that I was allergic to strawberries. If you would have asked Aubrey and I what we wanted tonight, I would have reminded you of that. Even worse, you're shutting out my matron of honor, who is supposed to be helping me plan a bridal shower, bachelorette party, and my other stuff. You're making me miserable to the point I'm beginning to hate my own wedding and I'm fed up!"
Angela rubbed her back again as Jessica's words began to sink in. "Jessica, I didn't realize...it's just that things like this aren't really Brennan's thing...she didn't even give me a shower-''
"While I am not fully read up on some of the intricacies of bridal showers and other traditions, I have learned a lot since I stood up for you at your first wedding to Hodgins." Brennan squared her shoulders. "As for you not having a bridal shower or bachelorette party, you insisted on marrying Hodgins two weeks after getting engaged. Cam and I did the best we could in moving our schedules around, but between fittings for our dresses, helping you keep calm when YOUR wedding planner was taking over your wedding, and our work at the lab, giving you those gatherings before the wedding was impossible, and you said you understood. After the aborted wedding, your focus was finding your ex-husband, so I focused on my life."
Angela threw her hands up in annoyance. "You complain about my wedding, but you were also only engaged for like a month and we were busy as hell because you were insistent on getting married on October 21st. You were also bending yourself backwards to marry Booth in a Catholic wedding ceremony, which is off the wall because you're an atheist, but I helped you. Booth shut me out of the wedding planning except for your needs, which was crap, but I did my job. I still tried to give you a bachelorette party, but you wouldn't let me until after you were married!"
"You're absolutely right, Angela. We wanted to get married on October 21st because that's a day that meant a great deal to Booth, and I wanted him to be able to marry in a Catholic ceremony because he had sacrificed much in his religion to live with me outside of marriage. That only left us a few weeks to plan the wedding, which included premarital counseling, deciding our reception menu and other items, along with raising our daughter. Booth didn't want everyone pushing their nose into what we wanted for the wedding and looking back, he was right, because you were critical of almost everything we had planned, including the fact I had pigs in a blanket on the menu. Frankly, an event where I became inebriated and lost my faculties as a way to say goodbye to my non-marital status was not on the top of my priorities!"
Infuriated, Brennan continued her lecture. "When I finally consented to a bachelorette party, we ended up getting arrested. Booth had to call in several favors so we were released without being charged, which could have affected all our careers. Have you ever thanked him for all that or at least given him any appreciation for what he did?"
Brennan's words struck a nerve with Angela. "Brennan-"
Not letting the artist get a word in edgewise, the forensic anthropologist continued. "I've also have excellent hearing and know enough to ask Ms. Warren what she wants before planning a bridal shower, bachelorette party…"
Seeing Angela stunned, Jessica jumped in to speak. "I didn't choose you as my matron of honor, Angela. I chose Dr. B because she's not only my friend, but someone I trust her to help me with throwing the bridal shower that I wanted! To have a bachelorette party that I wanted! To help me plan the ceremony I wanted! Did you know that Nadia can't come to the bachelorette party YOU planned because you insisted on making it at the bar, even after I told you it would be too much for her with her pregnancy?" Jessica almost cried. "She's been a part of my life since I was 11 years old…"
"Jessica...I…," Angela said quietly, seeing how upset the intern was. "Listen, I'm farther along that she is. Maybe I can talk to her and change her mind...or even move the party to earlier if the strippers are available-"
Jessica was stunned at the artist's complete inability to see what what wrong. "Are you listening to yourself? You're actually more concerned with your plans about MY party than the fact that someone I'm very close to can't be there. I don't give a fuck about the strippers, Angela! I never wanted them there! If you would have listened to me at all, you would have known that, instead of assuming what I wanted or thinking that Dr. B is a moron who can't plan a bachelorette party!"
"Fine, I messed up with the strippers. Since you are so damn set on not having them, I'll cancel them tomorrow, Jessica. Hopefully you get your deposit back, but don't count on it." Angela sighed in frustration at Jessica's attitude. "Now, about the fact Brennan isn't letting you have a honeymoon-"
Jessica rubbed her temples from the headache starting to form. "Have you not been listening? Others have already requested the days off before me and it's only fair to give them first dibs, especially since we were the ones who changed the wedding date. Shit happens, Angela! Instead of having a cow about something that doesn't affect you, maybe listen for once when I say that Aubrey and I are fine with waiting for a honeymoon because Dr. B said I could have the two weeks off between our summer sessions in June."
Stunned at the news, Angela could only mutter, "Oh...I didn't realize."
"Of course not, because you always know best, Angela Montenegro, especially when you don't have all the facts!" Jessica took a deep breath. "The fact that you didn't think Dr. B and I could be trusted to plan my own wedding and activities…it shows how little you really think of me."
"Jessica…I think the world of you." Angela could see how upset she was. "I just want you to have the wedding of your dreams without any regrets about marrying Aubrey."
Jessica's blood ran cold. "Why would I have regrets about marrying Aubrey?"
"Because…you were so scared when he told you how he felt, remember? Remember how broken hearted you were when you thought Aubrey was with Karen? I don't want you to take this step and later regret it because I know how afraid of commitment you both are."
"I will admit that Aubrey and I had emotional baggage and issues that we had to work out over the last several months, but we did it together. He was willing to wait for marriage until I was ready for that step and I asked him when I was ready to get married." Jessica chuckled mirthlessly. "You really…don't have any faith in me, do you? Or Aubrey? We're just so feckless that we'll just do things like getting married because it's something to do, right?"
"It's not that, Jessica." Angela sighed sadly. "You and Aubrey almost lost each other once...I tried helping you but—"
"No, you stuck your nose it where it didn't belong, always telling us how we were doing things wrong. Aubrey and I did things differently, but so what? They were our mistakes to make and we learned from them. I'd thought after my fiance explained to you how you overstepped at Genny's wedding, you would've learned your lesson, but it's obvious that you haven't. Why do you have to assume you're right about everything?"
Tired of being yelled at, Angela stepped up while rubbing her back. "Jessica, I know you. You're not a typical woman who dreams of June weddings and flowers and stuff, but a free spirit. You thumb your nose at institutions. Someone like you needs a big blow out before settling down and I didn't think…Brennan was up for that. As for the wedding plans, I just wanted to do my job and make things easier for you."
"But you didn't make things easier for Aubrey and I. Not once did you ask what we wanted. You just assumed. You didn't trust my judgement...you didn't trust me." Jessica sighed as she realized what had to be done. "As a matter of fact, I think there's only one way to solve this problem."
"You're right, Jessica." Angela put her hand up. "After the party is over, how about the three of us sit down and talk. It's getting a little bit heated in here."
"No." Jessica hugged herself to gather the courage for what she was about to do. "Angela, I love you, but you're fired."
Shocked, the artist shook her head. "Jessica, you don't mean that. Come on, you need help with everything for the wedding. You're not the most organized person, you know..."
"Dr. B can help me…" Jessica trailed off when Michael Vincent opened the door and came into the room.
"Mom! Jessica! Aunt Bren! Aubrey said you need to come out here right away."
Angela turned to her son. "Michael Vincent, we're in the middle of something right now."
"But Mom, Uncle Aubrey said he has to do this right now…you all have to be there…"
Jessica inhaled to hold back her tears. "We'll be right out, Michael Vincent. Tell Uncle Aubrey I'll be right there with your mom and Aunt Brennan."
When the child left, Angela smiled. "Okay, now, let's go out there and put some smiles on our faces. We'll cool off for a day or two and talk about this when we're not so upset."
"No, we're done talking. After the party, you can give me everything you have regarding our arrangements." The redhead turned away from the two women. "Let's go find out what Aubrey needs."
The three walked silently out of the room and back to the party, where Aubrey was barely containing himself. "It's about time you three got here. Where's my beer and Booth's?"
"I'm sorry, Aubrey, I got waylaid on the way to the garage."
"That's okay. Now come with me over here." Taking Jessica's hand, he led her to the fireplace where they were in front of everyone. "I want to thank everyone for coming tonight. It's great to have such good friends to help us celebrate our upcoming marriage."
Aubrey pulled a card from behind his back. "I was going to have Dr. B give you this at your bridal shower next week as a gift from me, but I can't wait anymore. Open it."
"I knew you couldn't wait, Aubrey." Booth quipped to everyone's chuckles but a sad Angela.
"Okay…" Jessica opened the envelope and pulled out a single sheet of paper. Reading it, she got confused. "Superman, this is a confirmation of a stay at our cabin, but the dates are April 16th to the 23rd. I have to work that week and I thought we were going to go this summer?"
"Ms. Warren, there has been a change of plans…," Brennan said with a smile.
"What…"
Booth stepped forward. "Aubrey, Genny, and I got called to a meeting with Deputy Director Stark on Monday and it was a good meeting."
Aubrey took the lead. "The Croatian government was grateful for the FBI breaking the drug and computer parts smuggling ring up in Morgantown. They wanted to give each of us a cash reward, but as FBI agents, we are not allowed to accept cash rewards from a foreign government."
"However, Stark wanted to show his appreciation for what we did with the case and let the Croatians know we appreciated their thanks." Booth said. "So, he talked to the Director, and he came up with something that would pass FBI regulations."
"The Director granted us ten days of vacation leave, the equivalent of the cash reward the Croatian government wanted to give us for breaking the case." Aubrey said. "I was going to tell you Monday, but then, I thought it might be a nice surprise, so I called Dr. B—"
"…and while we did have several intern requests for time off, I didn't want to deprive you of a proper honeymoon, especially with all the extra work you have put in with Dr. Wells being off on leave."
"So, we talked to Dr. Anderson and she agreed to loan us Wendell on the 17th and 18th…but you're working Monday through Friday the following week so he can put in the extra time in Medical Anthropology." Cam smiled.
Jessica eyes grew large. "So, when we talked on the platform Tuesday morning…"
"You had not only the 17th and 18th off, but the entire week with a return date of April 24th." The pathologist revealed. "Dr. Brennan has an amazing poker face…"
Jessica turned to Aubrey. "But you said the cabin was full that weekend."
"It was on Saturday, but the occupants were checking out on the 16th, so I reserved it. Jessica, we have that cabin to ourselves that entire week."
"OMG! Aubrey, that's so awesome! I can't wait to marry you!" Jessica jumped into Aubrey's arms to everyone's cheers.
Everyone except Angela, as she realized that Brennan knew Aubrey's plan all along and helped him, as did Cam. 'Why didn't they tell me about it?'
"Hodgins, did you know about it?," Angela asked.
"I knew Aubrey was cooking up a surprise for Jessica, but I didn't know this was coming." The scientist giggled. "We need a round of drinks, folks."
"Nobody told me…I'm the wedding planner…"
"Because there was no need for you to know, Angela.," Booth retorted with restrained bite. "You're the wedding planner, remember? Not the matron of honor."
"Everyone knew but me…" Suddenly, the back pain she had intermittently throughout the day grew stronger until she felt a familiar feeling from between her legs. Looking down, she saw a puddle on the floor and doubled over in pain.
Everyone turned to see Angela clutching her abdomen. Stunned, Hodgins grabbed his wife's hand. "Angie…are you..."
"Yes, I'm in labor, damn it!" The artist leaned against the wall as everyone ran over to support her. "Not on April Fool's Day! I don't want my son born on April Fool's Day..."