A/N: the big day is getting closer, and our favorite couple is getting a little bit antsy. Pre-wedding jitters? Read on to find out.

Aubrey and Jessica's Monday morning began at 5:30 when the two dragged themselves out of bed at the sound of the alarm. As Aubrey completed his morning constitutional, it was Jessica's turn to feed a hungry Skinner. When the cat attacked his morning kibbles, she went back upstairs and joined her future husband in the shower.

"So, Dr. B and I are going to Millie's for my final fitting during lunch today. Did you decide on when you're going to go get your suit?"

"Booth left a message with Saul this morning to see if we could come by today during our lunch hour." Aubrey rinsed his hair and ducked out from under the water. "By the way, he's going to take my handsome wedding suit home with him so you can't peek."

"Dr. B is also taking my wedding dress home to keep you from snooping." Jessica finished rinsing her hair. "So, Daisy, Andie, and I are going to order pizza tonight while we work on those reception party favors. Should we order a pizza for you to have when you get home?"

"I can order one at work. I plan to stay until at least 8:00 to make sure stuff is ready for Genny before I leave Wednesday afternoon."

"Aubrey, you just don't want to help us. Admit it." Jessica slapped her boyfriend's wet butt. Seeing the twinkle in his eye, she narrowed her eyes at him. "Don't you like tying endless yards of ribbon into bows?"

"No…I mean, it's not that I don't want to help, but I have to talk to Rodney tonight, too, you know….I need to get their flight information. I also have to call your brother and make sure he's still cool with them staying at the vineyard. I have important stuff to do..."

"When Jack called last night, he said he'll call the florist today to finalize plans for the delivery to the vineyard. He also said that it was still fine for Rodney and his wife to stay there, remember?" Seeing Aubrey chagrined, she chuckled. "Oh, and he wanted you to know that the ovens are in working order for our reception."

"Cool!" Aubrey squeezed some shower gel into his hand and washed Jessica's back. "So, we've made reservations at the inn for the rehearsal dinner?"

"Took care of that last week. A little pricey, but I think the Italian fare will go over well. Jack offered to host the dinner also, but he's also supplying all the food and booze for the reception. I just didn't want to take advantage of him and Greg, you know?"

"I know. If you want me to pay for the dinner, Jess—"

Jessica turned to her fiancé. "No, Aubrey. You've paid for the bridal cottage for our wedding night and Saturday, as well as the cabin for our honeymoon. You promised I could pay for the rehearsal dinner if I let you take all that, remember?"

"I did. Angela's check will make a nice honeymoon fund…not that we'll be going out much anyway." Aubrey smirked. "Oh, just an FYI. Don't pack a lot of clothes, Jess. You're not going to need them…well, except for the lingerie…and maybe a nice dress."

The redhead smirked. "I should say the same of you, Aubrey. However, I do want to take you on a wine crawl as well as spend some time in Luray and show you all of Rappahannock County. It's a nice area and I think you'll love it."

Aubrey let out an exaggerated sigh. "Oh, okay…I guess we can do that…"

"Don't worry, Superman…we'll have plenty of time to make love all over the cabin." Jessica smirked. "I have special plans for us next week."

"Are they naked plans?" Aubrey held her closer and his lips kissed her neck. "I like naked plans with my future wife."

"I think you'll enjoy them, Aubrey…," Jessica breathed as she gave into her lover's advances.

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

Six hours later, Angela and Daisy sat in the two small chairs of Millie's Tailor Shop waiting for their friends to come out of the dressing rooms. "So, when do you go back to work, Daisy?"

"Next Monday. I'm hoping to at least find a house by then so I don't have to continue mooching off you and Hodgins…"

Angela drank her coffee, lamenting the fact it wasn't decaf. "You're not mooching, Daisy. It's been fun having you and Lance around. Michael Vincent enjoys playing with him."

"But you also have a ten-day old baby, Angela." Daisy sipped her coffee. "Hodgins' paternity leave is over at the end of next week, so you'll have your hands full."

"I'll be busy with Jeffrey, but I'm also taking 12 weeks maternity leave and still working from home when I can." Angela put her hand on Daisy's. "That guest house just sits empty except when my father comes to visit. It's fine with us if you use it, and it's not like you're just loafing around. You've helped with the baby and with groceries and other stuff. You and Lance should stay until you find the right house for you two."

"I did have the right house…it was so perfect, Angela. It needs fixing up, but the price was great for that neighborhood. The schools are excellent and there's that playground near Aubrey and Jessica. The commute was comparable to when I lived in Annandale, and Jessica and I would've been neighbors. It just sucks that someone outbid me."

Angela sipped her beverage. "I talked to Avalon last night and she said that you will be living in your dream house soon, Daisy."

"Angela, you know I believe in Avalon, and she was amazing when she talked to Lancelot so we could find his thumb drive and his novel for Dr. B and Booth, but I can't see how she knows I'm going to be living in my 'dream house' soon..." Daisy made quotation marks. "...especially since it's off the market."

"I'm just telling you what Avalon said. Your dream house is out there, Daisy, and you're going to find it soon. Don't worry."

"It's not just that, Angela." Daisy played with her cup. "There are other things going on, too…"

"I know." Angela put her arm around Daisy. "Sweetie, I know Beau digging in his heels forced your hand in filing for a fault divorce, but he'll come around. He'll realize that he needs someone who wants a large family...someone who wants to be taken care of, and that you need an equal partner who will love Lance as his own...a man who'll also accept that you'll want to keep Sweets' memory alive for your son's sake. You're doing the right thing for both of you."

"Beau always got mad when I mentioned Lancelot and wanted to pretend he never existed. Not only that, he always wanted to adopt Lance and change his name, but…that didn't feel right to me. I won't take Lance's name from our son. I won't do it for anyone."

"Not even for Oliver?"

Daisy groaned in exasperation. "No, not even for Oliver. He's not even in my thoughts anymore, anyway. Our ship has sailed far, far away, and I'm moving on."

Angela sensed hesitation. "Daisy, you can't just turn your feelings for someone on and off like a faucet. That's not how it works."

"I know that, Angela, but I must work on being happy by myself and moving forward as well as thinking of my son's welfare before I even consider being in another relationship. Yes, I still care about Oliver and...I guess I always will. However, he has a lot of his own issues to work out besides recovering from what happened to him." Daisy shrugged. "Besides, he seems happy with Rani, and I'm happy for him. I'm just so sorry for my behavior after his assault. I was so out of line to slap her and practically stalk him." Daisy rubbed her face with a grimace. "God, I was like their Karen Delfs..."

"Whoa, Daisy...you were out of line, but you were nothing compared to that whack job, and you have to believe that. Now, have you tried calling Rani?"

"Yes. I've left messages at her office about us maybe talking together over coffee, but she never gets back to me. I was wrong, and I understand that she doesn't trust me. Hell, I wouldn't trust her if it was the other way around. I just don't want Jessica to end up being in the middle of something she had nothing to do with because she's my friend."

"I wouldn't worry about her too much. Jessica's a tough cookie. No way will she tolerate it if Rani pushes her to take sides." Angela squeezed the anthropologist's hand. "Daisy, you're doing what you can to make up for what happened. However, Rani has made it clear that she doesn't want to speak with you, so you may have to accept that for what it is."

Daisy nodded. "You're right. Maybe someday, right?"

"Yeah, maybe.," Angela said as the dressing rooms curtains opened simultaneously to reveal Brennan in her matron of honor dress and Jessica in her wedding dress. "Wow…you two look so beautiful. Brennan, that color is amazing on you. Jessica…wow…Aubrey is going to die when he sees you come down the aisle on Friday."

"Really?" Jessica had tears in her eyes. "I just…"

"Uh oh…," Daisy and Angela walked over to the other two women as Brennan also put her arm around Jessica. "Honey…" Daisy crooned softly. "...you're going to dazzle Aubrey. He's so excited about marrying you. It's going to be a wonderful day."

"Thank you." Jessica wiped her eyes. "I just keep getting this vibe that something is going to go wrong, like it's going to pour down rain…or what if the florist's truck gets hijacked? What if the wood fire ovens at the tasting room fail and Aubrey can't eat? You know how hangry he gets and he's so excited for the pizzas at the reception…what if something happens to his wedding ring…"

"Ms. Warren, stop!," Brennan said forcefully, turning the young woman. "Now, Friday's weather forecast for northern Virginia calls for sunny skies and a high of 79 degrees. The florist's truck will not get hijacked...that is ridiculous. If the ovens fail, we can always order pizza locally. As for Aubrey, he does get cranky when he doesn't eat, but he won't care what his meal is because he'll be too happy about being married to you. As for his wedding ring, Booth and I have both yours and his because you two ordered them to be shipped to our house, remember? They are secure and we won't lose them."

Angela put her hand on the intern's shoulder. "Brennan's right, Jessica. This wedding will go off without a hitch, and you two will be happily married and enjoying life with your cat after you return from your honeymoon in two weeks."

"We've got your back, Jessica." Daisy combed her friend's hair back. "Things will be fine."

"You mean it?" Jessica relaxed slightly. "Maybe I'm worrying a little too much."

"You are, but that's okay. We're your friends and we will help you. No matter what happens between now and Friday afternoon, you two will be married.," Angela said with conviction. "Now, your seamstresses want to check your dresses."

Jessica and Brennan joined the other two women waiting for them. As they worked, Jessica looked at Brennan. "Dr. B, you don't think Aubrey is worrying about the wedding, do you? I mean, he's the groom. He said last night things were going to be fine..."

Brennan gave her intern a look of reassurance. "Of course not, Ms. Warren. Even if he did, Booth would reassure him. Your fiance is fine."

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

"Booth, what if something goes wrong? I mean, Jess is worried about the wedding, but I told her last night nothing would happen and that everything was going to be fine. But what if I'm wrong? What if the vineyard blows up or something?" Aubrey's facial expression suddenly grew panic stricken. "What if we can't eat at the reception?"

Booth rolled his eyes as he parked his SUV by Saul's. "Aubrey, chill. The wedding will be just fine. Remember what happened before my wedding? The church burned down…and Bones and I almost gave up, but we got married. You and Jessica will get married, too. Quit fussing like a girl."

Aubrey exhaled in an attempt to calm down to no avail. "I can't help it. We're getting married in four days. We're so close, you know? It was nuts just getting to this point."

"Aubrey…" Booth was interrupted by his friend talking a mile a minute.

"We were too afraid to be more than friends for months, then I wait six months to kiss her because I'm chicken shit, then I push her away by asking her for a commitment she wasn't ready to make and not trusting her about my father, then we break up and I led Karen on and you know what all that led to…then Gerald attacked everyone and Jess shut down for a while…then we moved in together before we partnered up with you and Dr. B in West Virginia to crack the Vacchio case and Jess had to shoot the warden to protect me…"

Aubrey was stopped from speaking by a smack on the back of his head. "What the hell, Booth? What was that for?"

"Because you're talking stupid like a paranoid nut, Aubrey. You sound like Hodgins. Cut it out."

"I'm not talking like a stupid paranoid nut—" Booth hit Aubrey again. "OW! Damn it, Booth. Stop hitting me in the head!"

"I will when you stop being stupid. Yes, you and Jessica had some big challenges, mostly fears and insecurities on both ends. However, you two also built a friendship before becoming a couple and that's mostly why you two were able to not only work your way back to each other, but also stay together to build a future." Booth saw that he had Aubrey's attention. "Now you're marrying a very smart girl who, for some crazy reason, loves your scrawny ass and wants to build a life with you and that damn cat of yours. You're a lucky guy, Aubrey. Not everyone gets a second chance at being with the love of their life."

Aubrey nodded. "Yeah…I am pretty lucky…I didn't plan on ever getting married and now I'm marrying my best friend. My other best friend is standing up for me…"

"Alright, we're here. No more mushy shit. Come on." After Booth hit the buzzer and the door clicked, the two walked in. "Saul?"

"Keep your shorts on, I'm coming," a voice bellowed from the back. Soon Saul emerged, followed by Vo. "Ah, Mr. Aubrey…here for your wedding suit."

Aubrey shook the hand of the elderly tailor. "Yeah. Thanks for fitting me in with our lunch hour. I'm putting in long days since I'll be taking some time off for my honeymoon next week."

"That's fine. It's nice to see a boy so happy to be getting married, much like I was when I was marrying my Dinah years earlier." Saul nodded his head and the petite woman disappeared into the back. "We'll get it for you right now. I think you'll be very satisfied."

Vo emerged carrying a suit and an extra pair of pants, holding them up for Aubrey's inspection. Saul watched as the agent admired the final product. "Let's have you try that suit on first and make sure everything fits as it should, and then we'll let you pick out your shirt."

Aubrey took his stuff and went into the dressing room as Booth hung out with Saul. "Nice that you brought me another customer, Booth. Need any more suits let out?"

Booth chuckled. "Nope, Saul. All my suits still fit as they should. I'm wearing that Italian suit you made me last year when I stand up for Aubrey on Friday. Bones likes how I look in it, too."

"I'm glad. Hopefully your friend there is smart enough to stop buying shit suits off the rack and start getting himself real suits." The conversation ended when the door opened. "So, Mr. Aubrey…what do you think?"

Aubrey stood in front of the mirror, admiring the cut of the silver-gray suit. Turning around, he couldn't help but do a little subtle shimmy in his first bespoke suit. Checking the vest, he admired the small pocket before giving himself another once over in the mirror. 'Love you, Ricky, but no more off the rack at Men's Warehouse for me.'

Booth turned to the elderly man. "I think he likes it." Walking up to Aubrey, he admired his friend's appearance. "Looking sharp, Aubrey. Jessica is going to love you on your wedding day."

Booth's words brought another thought to Aubrey's mind. 'Oh yeah…my wife is going to be hot for me! We may not make it to the bridal cottage...'

Booth saw the smirk on Aubrey's face and knew what was going through his mind. "Hey, you're not married to Jessica, yet. Now, how does the suit feel?"

Aubrey moved around a bit, including bending over and coming back up. "Amazing…perfect…it's not too tight…the jacket isn't boxy and the pink silk of the vest gives my suit a little pop. Saul, this is the most awesome suit ever. Jessica is going to love it."

"Well, perhaps when you're ready for another one, you'll come my way and I'll dress you up." Saul pointed to a group of shirts. "Now, here are the shirts. I think this blue one will work best, unless you have another preference."

Aubrey admired the robin's egg blue shirt. Jessica always told him how good he looked in blue and how it always brought out his eyes. With her favorite tie, he was going to look handsome on Friday as he watched his beloved walk down the aisle to him.

"Yeah, this shirt is perfect, Saul."

Coming out of the store twenty minutes later, Aubrey held his suit as the two made their way to Booth's SUV. "Booth, thanks for talking me into coming here. I admit, paying $500.00 for a suit is pricey but this new suit fits me like a glove. I'm coming back here again one of these days."

"Well, as much as a wedding is for the bride, the groom should look good, too." Booth unlocked the vehicle. "I'll keep it at my house in the guest room where Bones has Jessica's wedding dress."

"Thanks, Booth." Aubrey buckled his belt as Booth moved into traffic. "I'm getting married, Booth. I'm actually getting married to the most beautiful, amazing, sexy, gorgeous woman in the world."

"I could argue your point about you being married to the most beautiful, amazing, sexy, gorgeous woman in the world, but Jessica is pretty special, Aubrey. Don't take it for granted for one second and fuck it up."

"I won't, Booth…believe me, I won't." Aubrey's stomach growled. "Hey, ready for lunch?"

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

Jessica pulled into her garage at 4:00, grateful for the slow day at the lab. Racing inside, she found all the wedding favors that were going on each table at the reception. Examining them, she chuckled at the small bottles of bubbles with her and Aubrey's name on them. Then she examined the mini chocolate bars and the wrappers' inscription.

James & Jessica

April 14, 2017

Daisy and Andie would be over shortly, and the women were going to make homemade trail mix and Chex mix and bag it up for the wedding guests. Hearing the doorbell, Jessica walked over and was surprised to see a twitchy Daisy outside.

"Daisy, hey. Come on in. I just got home myself-"

"I'm glad you're here." Daisy was bouncing up and down in the foyer. "I just got a call from my realtor and she said the seller wants to meet me at the house! I think something with the other buyer fell through and I'm getting the house after all! I'm so stoked! We get to be neighbors!"

Jessica screamed with her friend as they jumped up and down in excitement. "Oh, I hope so, Daisy. It'll be so much fun to have you two doors down."

"The owners are already there, so I'm going to walk over now. I'll be back here as soon as I can though to help, I promise." Daisy ran out the door and jogged down the driveway. " Wish me luck!"

"Good luck, Daisy." Jessica shut the door with a smile. Daisy's life was turning around and she was so happy for her.

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

Less than an hour later, Jessica had just finished the trail mix while Andie removed the Chex Mix from the oven and left the pan on the stove to cool. Setting everything down on the dining room table with the bags and other items, they were interrupted by the door.

"Must be Daisy. I hope she got that house.," Andie said.

"Me, too." Jessica peeked at the monitor and was alarmed to see Daisy upset. She opened the door and her friend ran into her arms. "Daisy, Honey, what's wrong?"

"Beau bought the house! He bought my house!"

Andie came up to the two as Jessica led her into the living room. "Beau bought your house? Why on earth did he do that?"

Daisy sat down, and after calming down told them the story of what had happened. "He said he bought it for me as a gift. Said we could…" Daisy began hiccupping and Andie gave her some water. "…we would have a wonderful future together in it with Lance, and that it would prove that he would never...desert us."

'He's not only just pissed about Daisy filing for divorce but the grounds she had to use to proceed.' Jessica grabbed the Kleenex from the coffee table and handed it to her friend. "Daisy, how did he know about the house?"

"Remember when Beau and I met up and I asked for a divorce?" Daisy sniffled. "I made the mistake of telling him about the house and about how if I got it how close I would be to you and Aubrey and that it would be good for Lance."

"So Beau bought that house so you couldn't? Douchecanoe.," Andie muttered.

"Yeah...my realtor is standing there with this damn smile on her face until I told her who Beau was. After I'd ripped her a new asshole, she had the good sense to leave while repeatedly apologizing to me. I'm still debating on whether to find a new agent or not."

Daisy continued to cry and Andie held her. "What happened after that, Daisy?"

"After she left, Beau started going on and on about how since I now didn't have to worry about getting a mortgage, I won't have to 'kill myself in a lab working all the time...and that he could take care of me." Daisy exhaled harshly as anger kicked in. "Instead of the gratitude he obviously expected, I told him I didn't want this house given to me by my soon to be ex-husband, but I wanted it to be purchased by me for my son and I to live in. Beau, of course, griped about how I was making things harder for Lance and myself and he couldn't understand why I was so angry that he bought the house."

"Of course he wouldn't.," Andie muttered. "Jackass."

"He finally said, and I quote because I'll never forget it, 'I'm trying to provide for my family and make you happy...but ever since I got back from Smithfield, you've been determined to punish me for leaving you when you're the one who cheated on me. I said I'll forgive you for fooling around with Oliver behind my back, so why can't you meet me halfway so we can work things out for Lance's sake? Why can't you be grateful that I bought you your dream house so we can make our marriage work and I can give Lance a real father and role model."

"He said you were filing for divorce merely to punish him for leaving you? What a...fucking jerk.," Jessica commented.

"He said that smack about role models? So what are Agent Booth, Aubrey, Wendell, Hodgins, Clark, and Arastoo? Chopped liver?," Andie fumed.

"That...was the last straw. I told him my son had had several amazing role models already that loved him and who would make sure his father would never be forgotten. Before he could interrupt me, I said that as much I wanted him to stay in Lance's life, I would no longer expose my son to his toxic jealousy over his biological father, and he would no longer be allowed in my son's life. He protested that I had no right to do that, but I told him that I could and he had no one to blame but himself. Before storming out of the house, I told him that he could take his house bribe and shove it up his ignorant, sexist ass."

Hearing the doorbell, the women looked at each other before an irate Jessica stood up. "If that's Beau, I'll take care of it."

Striding up to the door, she looked through the monitor and Beau standing on the porch. Opening the door, she stared down the linebacker. "What the hell do you want?"

Beau was momentarily startled when he saw the usually friendly redhead looking so fierce. "I just want to talk to Daisy. I just don't understand why me buying her a house is so bad—"

"Of course, you don't, Beau, because you don't understand anything except what you want. How could you buy that house out from under her, then try giving it to her as a bribe so she would cancel the divorce? What kind of an asshole does that?"

"I wasn't bribing my wife! I wanted to help her, Jessica, not only so she wouldn't have to take out a mortgage and be in debt, but also to make her see how wonderful it would be to have our family together again. I've always made her happy in the past by buying her nice gifts and I thought buying her the house would also make her understand how important our family is to me..."

"No, you're using gifts to get your own way because you don't like that Daisy isn't letting this go this time. First you used flowers and jewelry, and when that didn't work, you go low by not only buying the one house she had her heart set on to make a fresh start with her son, but also making her choose between her self respect and a house that was conditional to her staying in an unhappy marriage."

Beau opened his mouth to protest, but Jessica wouldn't let him get a word in. "I thought you were just having a hard time letting go, but what you did was a total dick move, Beau. You've gone too far this time! Don't you get it? You want a large family and a happy homemaker at home while she's content with her career and her son. In other words, you want different things. Why can't you just accept that you two are incompatible and that your marriage is over?"

Beau stiffened at Jessica's words. "Because we have a son! She's breaking up our family because she thinks she doesn't need me around. I told her that I could forgive her fooling around with that Oliver guy, and we could make things work as a family, but no, she has to make her point by hurting not only me, but our son by keeping us apart. That's unfair to Lance."

Jessica exhaled and offered as much patience as she could. "No, what's not fair is you making it harder for Daisy to move on with her life. As for Lance, Daisy wanted you to remain in his life, but you've pushed her too far. She loves you enough, Beau, to let you go so that neither of you have to compromise to the point where you'll resent each other. Why can't you just let her go?"

Beau refused to see Jessica's point. "Not happening. We're married, Jessica, and that's not something you just throw away. I won't accept being pushed out of Lance's life. A boy's parents need to stay together and I know that in time she'll come around to wanting more children. She should just try harder to accept that a career is not a woman's top priority. I know you don't get that because you and Aubrey have been shacking up together for a few months, but Daisy and I took vows and I'm that boy's dad, not some dead shrink you screwed before he knocked her up."

Fed up, Jessica's hands clenched into fists. "Fuck you, Beau. One, Aubrey and I weren't just 'shacking' up. We're planning a life together. As for your other crude point, who I've slept with is none of your business, and no matter what you say or think, Dr. Lance Sweets is that baby's father! I'm sorry that fact bothers you, but that's the way it is. Finally, I'm sorry you are now banned from Lance's life, but you have no one to blame but yourself, so quit whining about how much of a victim you are and man up."

Jessica crossed her arms and took a deep breath to avoid punching the man in the face. "You know, the problem isn't that you don't understand, it's that you don't WANT to understand Daisy's side and that makes you a first-class dick. Now, I have a ton of things to do before my wedding, and I don't have time to beat how reality works into your thick skull. Get the hell off my porch and leave Daisy alone, Beau!"

"Not until I talk to her." Beau tried to step inside but Jessica pushed him back, taking him by surprise. "Please step aside, Jessica. I want to talk to my wife and make her see reason. If you won't, I'll call Aubrey. He'll understand and help me."

The redhead stood her ground. "If you don't get off this porch right now, I'll make that call to Aubrey for you and he can come home and get you off our porch by either kicking your ass, putting a cap in it with his federally issued semi-automatic pistol, or both. After that, not only will you be charged with trespassing, but then I'll make sure everyone knows about how you're stalking Daisy...including your stockholders in Pixler's BBQ Palace. The publicity alone would make you look really bad and I have a big enough mouth to do it. Then Daisy's lawyer can go after you and not only get a restraining order against you, but she'll have an airtight case where she can not only expedite the divorce, but you also never see Lance again."

Beau realized Jessica was serious. "Aubrey wouldn't let you do that to me. We're friends…"

"Yeah? Well, I'm his fiancee, Beau. Right now, you're not his friend, but a man trying to enter our home against my wishes while he's at work, which will really piss him off. You see, although I can kick anyone's ass who tries to hurt me, he's very protective of me and gets really upset when someone threatens me or my safety. Remember Gerald Maxwell? Aubrey not only made him piss himself in public but he also gave Gerald's face all those pretty and colorful bruises he sported along with the boot print I branded him with after he attacked me back in January."

Jessica saw Beau grow pale. "Now, get off my property, or I'm calling Aubrey. Choose wisely."

Slamming the door, Jessica watched through the monitor as Beau stood for a few seconds before walking away. Coming back to her friends, she stroked Daisy's hair. "I'm sorry, Honey."

"I'll be fine. I'll be just fine." Daisy wiped her eyes. "He just proved that getting a divorce is the right thing to do for me and Lance. Now, let's get some wedding favors done."

Jessica and Andie looked at each other for a minute before following their friend's lead.

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

Tuesday morning found Aubrey in his office, working hard to finish all the things he needed to do before taking off a week or two from work. It was a tedious chore, but it had to be done, and he knew it'd all be worth it in the long run if it meant he'd be able to rest and enjoy his honeymoon with his new bride.

Feeling the need for a break, he yawned and stretched before strolling down to the break room for a cup of coffee. Last night had been hectic...getting home late, only to find that his fiancee and her friends had been upset by Beau's unannounced visit. After calming down a very irate Jessica, it had become difficult to relax, and now he was paying the price.

He grumbled to himself as he stirred some cinnamon and sugar into his mug. "Why is Beau so dense? What's the guy's problem? It's crystal clear, right? Daisy's done with his shit...he should just accept that and move on..."

Sipping his coffee, he grimaced slightly as he pictured himself in the man's shoes. "Beau's desperate to keep his family together...after all the upheaval with his parents and their troubles, he's probably clinging to the hope that he can fix things...and if it were me, I might feel the same way…"

Sighing softly, Aubrey took his coffee back to his office, hoping to finish the budget report before lunch. As he settled in behind his computer, he smiled as he saw Jessica's picture pop up on his phone.

"Hey, Jess…," he said as he answered her call. "What's up?"

"Just wondering what you're doing for lunch. I thought maybe I'd get some sushi and come by...you know, we can go over our honeymoon plans again...or we could talk about something other than the wedding for a change…" She giggled at his slightly exasperated groan. "Do you have plans?"

"No...lunch with you sounds good, and I don't care what we talk about, but I want something more substantial than sushi...how about some burgers from the diner instead?"

"But we're having a big dinner tonight, remember? We're cleaning out the fridge so we can avoid having too many leftovers for when we're gone…"

Aubrey chuckled as he accessed his computer. "I know, but still...can we please have burgers? Because you love me?"

"Oh, okay…"

"Thanks. Hey, I need to get back to work. See you about noon, okay? Love you…"

"Love you, too. Bye…"

Ending the call, the agent sighed happily as he sat back in his chair. He still couldn't wrap his head around how much his life had changed over the last seven months. He was going to be a married man in a few days, and his life with Jessica was going to be wonderful…they'd have a nice home...a couple of kids...

His reverie was interrupted by a knock on his door. "Hey...um...got a minute?"

Surprised to see his visitor, an annoyed Aubrey quickly rose from his chair. "Beau...sure, I've got a few minutes. Have a seat."

Noting the agent's look of irritation, the large man grimaced as he shuffled into the room and sat down. "I...er...I wanted to apologize...you know, for having the strippers show up at your party...and, um...for bothering Jessica last night. I guess she told you I showed up at your house, looking for Daisy…"

"Yeah...she did, and she's still pretty pissed, and I am, too." Aubrey nodded as he sat down behind his desk. "I forgive you for the strippers, but in regards to what happened last night, you should talk to her about that…that's the least you can do."

"I'm too embarrassed, buddy. I was a complete jerk last night…I know that now. I tell you what, sometimes I don't know what's wrong with me… but whatever it is, maybe that's why Daisy doesn't want me anymore..."

Feeling Beau's pain, Aubrey shook his head. "I don't think anything's really wrong with you, Beau. I think the problem is that you and Daisy were never really right for each other. I mean, I know you love her, but…"

"Well, you know, I've begun to think about that...about whether or not I really ever loved her, and I think I do love her in some ways...but…" Beau ran his hands over his face. "...but, truth be told, I think I wanted to marry her so I could have little Lance in my life." Glancing up at Aubrey, he shrugged. "We had this trip to Tahiti planned...it was supposed to be a little romantic getaway for the two of us, but then my mom kept fretting...saying that Lance would be alone if something happened to us, and we needed to make some sort of provision for him...you know, just in case, and she was constantly nagging me, saying he'd need a grandma and all, and that it'd be easier for her to look after him if we made things legal. Next thing I know, we're getting married and I'm a daddy."

Beau shuffled his feet as he shifted in his chair. "I love that little kid like he was my own flesh and blood, Aubrey. I know it may not make much sense, but I'd do almost anything to keep him…and I'm afraid if we get a divorce, I'll never get to see him again."

"Well, you really messed up with buying that house for Daisy as a way to get her to take you back, Beau, and furthermore, your refusal to take any responsibility for what's gone wrong in your marriage is making Daisy's case for a divorce even easier." Aubrey pressed his fingertips together as he regarded the teary eyed man in front of him. "I get what you're saying, Beau...I really do...but you know what? Even as much as you love Lance, it seems to me that it would be incredibly selfish for you to want Daisy to stay with you just so you can maintain your relationship with him."

Getting out of his chair, Aubrey walked over to the window, listening as Beau angrily insisted that he wasn't being selfish. Finally, he turned to face his visitor. Leaning against the window sill, he held up a hand to interrupt the tirade. "Just listen, okay?"

Beau inhaled deeply as he tried to regain his composure. "Why would I listen to you? You're just gonna take Daisy's side against me! Did Jessica tell you that Daisy said I can't see Lance anymore? I can't see my own son, damn it!"

"Yeah, I know all about it, and no, I'm not taking Daisy's side. Actually, I'm thinking of Lance." Aubrey pressed his lips together in a grim line as he explained. "See, my parents didn't get along at all, but they stayed married for many years, until my dad skipped town. Do you know what that's like for a kid? The constant tension between them? The angry words? The tears? The shouting? It was like my life was in constant turmoil. Our family dinners were a sham...my parents would sit through entire meals without speaking to each other." He paused, clearing his throat. "I kept thinking that I was the reason they hated each other. Of course, I know better now, but as a kid, I just wanted the fighting to stop. I just needed some peace."

Looking Beau in the eyes, he continued. "I don't think Lance should grow up that way...listening to his parents argue all the time...wondering why they can't just be happy."

"We wouldn't fight all the time…," Beau began. "We could see a marriage counselor...maybe Daisy could change her mind…change the way she looks at things...she just needs to make the effort, that's all."

"But see, that's just it, Beau. You keep wanting Daisy to change, right? Maybe take a different job, or quit work altogether and have a bunch of kids, but in reality, she shouldn't have to change her career or her outlook on life simply to fit your idea of what a wife should be. You should be able to accept her as she is, and if you can't, you should let her go."

"You mean give her a divorce? I don't know, man...that opens up a whole new can of worms, and there'd be no guarantee I'd ever get to see Lance. Maybe my mom is right...maybe I should sue for full custody..."

"Be practical, Beau...you don't have any grounds for gaining custody of Lance…and you have no right to do that, either. You're not Lance's legal father."

"Yeah, but Mom says it's worth a shot…she said both she and Dad will come back early from their cruise to help me get Lance."

"That is the stupidest thing you could ever do, Beau. Not only does Daisy have enough supportive friends and money to fight you tooth and nail, you'd alienate her forever, including being banished from Lance's life permanently. Do you want that?"

*/*/*/*/*/*

Unaware of the intense conversation taking place in Aubrey's office, Booth was enjoying himself immensely as he prepared to prank his friend. Leaving Major Crimes, he walked to the other side of the 4th floor armed with a stack of papers and a large rolled poster.

He chuckled as he quietly walked down the hall to the break room, taking the long way around so he could avoid Aubrey's office. "Here we are…"

Looking over his shoulder, he walked inside the empty room and closed the door behind him. "This place could use a little redecorating."

Unrolling the poster, he couldn't help but laugh out loud. There was his friend in all his drunken glory, wearing a pair of black plastic sunglasses and toothy, lopsided grin under a fake black handlebar mustache that hung down over his lip like a drowned skunk. His thick dark hair was sticking up in all directions, and his tee shirt was covered with barbecue sauce. He was also holding up a glass of beer as if in a toast.

"Best picture of Aubrey, ever." Booth chuckled as he read the captions once again. The poster had been printed to look like an official FBI bulletin. The top line read: Wanted for impersonating a bridegroom, and the bottom one stated: Yes, some nice girl is really gonna marry this clown.

"Aubrey's gonna be pissed...and that's hysterical…" He pulled a roll of tape from his pocket and taped the poster to the inside of the door. "Now everybody gets to enjoy the bachelor party…"

After finishing that chore, he picked up the stack of papers and a box of thumbtacks and began adding the picture to every bulletin board he could find before putting a copy on all of the desks in the bullpen and taping one onto Genny's office door as well as on the windows of the conference room.

Feeling very pleased with himself, Booth smiled as he picked up the few copies of the picture he had left. There were a few other places to put the pictures where they could be seen by loads of people. Fortunately, Deputy Director Stark was in on the joke, and had even made suggestions about where to place the pictures.

After taping the last of the papers on the mirrors of the mens' restroom, Booth smiled to himself. All he needed to do now was to visit Aubrey's office and pretend like things were perfectly normal.

Hearing loud voices as he approached the door to the special agent's office, Booth grew concerned. "What the hell?" After knocking sharply, he opened the door. "What's going on in here?" Surprised, he grimaced at Beau. "Oh...sorry. I guess this is a private conversation. I'll be going…"

"Wait, Booth." Aubrey beckoned the older man to come in. "I think maybe you have the perspective that Beau needs...you have some experience with his problem."

"Really?" Scratching the back of his neck, Booth sat down. "Okay...lay it on me…"

Suddenly feeling the awkwardness of the situation, Aubrey fidgeted with a paperclip. "Well...as you know, Daisy wants a divorce, but Beau is afraid that if he gives in, he'll never get to see Lance, and it kind of reminded me of what you went through with your ex and Parker…"

"Oh, I see. Well, I guess those are similar issues...the key difference being that I'm Parker's biological father…"

'Yeah, I know that…," Frustrated, Aubrey groaned slightly. "...but tell him about the whole visitation thing…"

Booth paused, gathering his thoughts before turning to Beau. "Yeah, it was a mess, because we'd never been married, and so my parental rights were kinda iffy. I paid child support, of course, but we never actually went to court to write out all the details. Even so, I still got to pay a big part of his life while he was growing up...even when Rebecca moved to the UK…"

Beau listened carefully to Booth's explanation. "So even though you never had a formal agreement, you still got to see him?"

"I did, but I've always wished I had pushed for something in writing...but live and learn, you know?" Catching Aubrey's pointed look, Booth cleared his throat. "Listen, Beau...if the only reason you want to keep Daisy around is to see her kid, that's not gonna work, because nobody will be happy. I think you'd be better off to go along with a no fault divorce, but ask her if you can work out some sort of visitation schedule so you can see Lance."

Aubrey nodded. "From a legal standpoint, that might have benefits for her, too, since she doesn't have any other family, unless she marries again." Seeing Beau's glum expression, the agent quickly continued. "If something were to happen to her, you could be named as her son's legal guardian, okay? But even if she doesn't want to do that, she might be willing to make arrangements for you to see him every other weekend or something like that…"

Beau wiped away a tear. "I just don't get it. I mean, I'm a good provider...I bought her a house, you know? The one she wanted...I can help her save money for Lance's education, too. She could have anything she ever wanted…"

"But what she wants is her freedom.," Booth said quietly. "Trust me, Beau...you'll both be miserable if you stay married. That's why Parker's mother and I finally split. We just weren't good for each other, but that didn't keep us from loving our son. Daisy loves you enough to let you go and find someone who you're more compatible with...someone who will truly make you happy. If you approach it the right way, you can end your marriage with Daisy, and still see Lance…"

"But she said she'd never let me see him!," Beau growled. "She's going to keep him from me…"

"She was angry, and maybe with good reason." Aubrey sighed softly. "Look...I know this whole situation sucks, Beau...but there's no reason for you and Daisy to have to live with this mistake forever. Just think about it, okay? Get your own divorce attorney and then have a meeting with Daisy. You might be surprised...Daisy may be willing to compromise. I mean, it couldn't hurt to ask, right?"

"I guess." Still visibly upset, Beau rose from his chair. "I'll think about it, okay?" After shaking Booth's hand, he sniffled slightly as he turned to Aubrey. "One way or the other, I'll see you at your wedding, buddy."

"Okay…" Watching Beau leave, Aubrey turned to Booth. "Thanks. I appreciate you adding your two cents. I sure as hell wasn't getting through to him."

"No problem. So we're still on schedule, right? Everything's ready for Shaw?"

"Pretty much. I've got to go over the duty schedule and the leave requests one more time, and I'm still holding my breath, hoping that we don't get a major case tomorrow…."

"Nah...don't worry about it. Even if something does happen, Shaw can handle it. You know she's gonna run the FBI someday, right?"

"Right." Laughing, Aubrey nodded happily. "I guess I'd better get back to work…"

"Yeah, me, too." Biting his lip so he wouldn't give away the practical joke he'd set up for his friend, Booth got up and moved towards the door. "Talk to you later."

Glancing up from his computer, Aubrey waved. "Bye…"

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

After working for what seemed like an eternity without a break, Aubrey finally glanced at his phone, relieved to see that it was almost noon. He finished his spreadsheet and saved it, anticipating Jessica's imminent arrival.

She always brightened her day...she'd been like a ray of sunshine for his soul since the first day he'd met her in Angela's office. He smiled to himself as he sat back in his chair. "And now that ray of sunshine is gonna be mine…," he murmured.

He laughed softly, knowing she'd rebel against the notion that he 'owned' her, but that would be the only secret he kept from her...that he was just enough of a caveman to think she 'belonged' to him. "Well, what she doesn't know won't hurt her, I suppose…"

Hearing the elevator chime, he cleared away the papers from his desk and pulled out a roll of paper towels from the credenza behind him. His mouth was watering as he thought about the diner's double chili cheese burger. He hadn't specifically asked for one, but she probably knew what he wanted…

"Hey, Superman. Time to come back from La La Land…" Jessica giggled as she held up a plastic bag. "I bet I can guess what you were daydreaming about…"

He grimaced slightly as he greeted her with a kiss. "I'm not that transparent, am I?"

"I prefer the term predictable." She sat down and pulled some sandwiches from her bag. "It was either sex or food, and since you knew I'd be going to the diner, I'd say you were thinking about a double chili cheese burger…"

He grinned as he unwrapped his meal. "You know me so well...but as it turns out, you're wrong…"

"Really?" She looked at him in surprise. "Then what were you thinking about?"

Arching an eyebrow at her, he laughed. "I was thinking about having a chili cheeseburger after having some amazing sex with my fiancee, so technically, I was thinking about both instead of either/or."

"Okay, I suppose you win." She smiled as she picked up some french fries. "So what have you been up to this morning? Have you finished everything?"

"Almost." He paused to take a sip of his soda. "I would've finished, but Beau came by." Seeing Jessica's frustration, he shook his head. "Yeah, I know he was a jerk last night, but honestly, I don't think he's a bad guy. He just doesn't get what he did wrong with Daisy. You know, his parents have a very traditional relationship, and that's all he understands...he thinks he and Daisy should be just like them..."

"You mean he doesn't want to understand." Jessica was indignant. "So what...he wants you to take his side against Daisy?"

"No, nothing like that." Aubrey sighed wistfully. "He wants to stay married so he can raise Lance. Through all of this, that's been his main focus. He views Lance as his own son, and he can't bear the thought that he'll never see him again."

"Oh." Jessica tilted her head to one side as she studied her fiance's expression. "Seriously? So all of his stupid stunts are because he wants to be in Lance's life?"

"Yeah, that's pretty much it. So what do you think? Will Daisy let him do that? I mean, Booth and I suggested that he give up contesting the divorce, and he said he'd think about it if he could see Lance on occasion…"

"I don't know. I guess I could talk to her…but he really upset her, Superman. That house was a big deal to her because it's a way for her to move forward with her life by having something of her own." Somewhat annoyed, Jessica groaned softly. "Why are we in the middle of this, anyway?"

Aubrey shrugged. "Just our lot in life, I guess...everyone looks up to us…"

Jessica was about to make a snarky remark when they were interrupted by a knock at the door. "Come in…"

A rookie agent sheepishly entered the room. "Agent Aubrey? Have you seen this?" The young woman handed him one of the pictures that Booth had recently put up. "It was on the bulletin board at the end of the hall…"

"Son of a bitch!" Aubrey slammed down his soda and grabbed for the paper.

"I wanna see…" Jessica was quicker and took the picture from the agent. "Oh...charming…"

"You wait 'til I see Booth.," Aubrey fumed. "I've got pictures of him that would make a sailor blush." He turned back to the rookie. "I need you to collect all of these you can find and bring them to me…"

"Oh, come on, Aubrey...it was a joke, okay? Let Booth have some fun…" Jessica was interrupted by her phone ringing. "Hello?"

"Oh, Jessie...I'm so glad I found you...it's a disaster…"

Jessica was startled as she heard the panic in her brother's voice. "Jack, what's wrong? Is Greg okay? Is something wrong with Dad?"

"No...nothing like that. Hey, are you with Aubrey? If so, put it on speaker…"

Complying with her brother's request, she put the phone on the desk so they could both hear. "Okay, so what's wrong?"

"The winery tasting rooms are a mess. It's awful...the sewer backed up into the rooms and there's about six inches of sewage covering the floor…"

"SHIT!," Aubrey yelled, slamming his fist on his desk. "I knew it…"

"Yeah, definitely shit...and a lot of other gross stuff, too. I'm sorry, you guys, but even after we get the gray water out, we'll need to totally redo all the floors and the drywall...the sewer line has to be either flushed or replaced...the dishwasher has to be repaired...the bathrooms aren't usable. There's no way to get any of it taken care of by Friday. I'm so sorry...but there's no way you can have your wedding here."

Jessica's lip trembled as she tried to console her brother. "Don't worry about it, Jack. It wasn't your fault. You just do what you have to do…"

"The insurance adjuster will be meeting with us later today. I'm so sorry…I fucked up your wedding..."

"I know you're sorry, but we'll survive. These things happen okay? And no, you didn't fuck up our wedding. Listen, as soon as we figure out what to do on our end, we'll let you know, okay?"

"Yeah, please do. Hey, I gotta go...bye."

Jessica ended the call and burst into tears. "What are we going to do now?"