"Agent Booth, thank you for joining me today," Deputy Director Cullen said as he motioned to a chair for the agent in question. Booth eased himself down into the seat and flattened his tie. This was a chat he'd been long dreading, ever since Cullen told him they'd be having it five months earlier. "I know you're taking some well deserved time off to spend with your family."
"Yes sir."
"You know why I've asked to meet with you today, correct?"
"Of course sir. You wished to speak to me about my conduct regarding Bones."
"What? No, not at all, though I'm sure it will have an impact on your relationship with her. Congratulations by the way. I understand she's expecting."
"Yes, she is." Booth looked at his boss, confused as to where this conversation would be going if not toward his relationship with his partner.
"You've done some outstanding work on this case Agent Booth. You put so much of your time and energy into bringing down the Costellos, albeit by some rather unconventional means. I mean, who honestly gets an ex-felon and a mob boss to testify against their own crew." Cullen shook his head and flipped through the file before him.
"Well it wouldn't have happened without Bones."
"I believe that before this went to trial I mentioned there could be a promotion in your future."
"Yes sir, you did."
"Well, as you know, the assistant director of criminal investigations is retiring, and we need a replacement for him. I recommended you for the job." Cullen looked at Booth, who was at a loss for words. "The Executive Assistant Director Mason agreed that you were a good choice. You'll start transitioning into the role when you return from your vacation." Cullen stood with Booth and shook his hand.
"Congratulations Assistant Director Booth."
"Thank you sir." Booth was trying to contain his near elation at the news. Sure it meant he would no longer be in the field, but his injuries had already assured that occurrence. With a nod to Cullen, he left the office, intent to head home and give his family the news.
XxXxX
Temperance sat on the couch of Booth's house as she listened to his mother tell stories from his childhood. She ran a hand over her belly, soothing the light kicks she felt. Her father sat next to her, his pride at being a grandfather evident on his face as Russ, Amy and the girls sat on the floor with Parker and worked on an art project.
"So he came running back, his side bleeding, shouting that the Vietcong had blown up his brother." Margaret laughed a little as she finished the tale, and Jared, who came in from the kitchen just shook his head.
"We should have known then he'd try to follow dad's footsteps." Jared handed Temperance a glass of juice, to which she smiled in thanks before taking a sip.
"And what about you Temperance? You're yet to tell us anything about yourself." As Brennan opened her mouth to speak, the front door opened and Booth practically skipped inside. Temperance stood as he made his way over to her and kissed her soundly.
"I take it the meeting went well," she said as he slung an arm around her shoulders and pulled her into his side.
"Yes, it did."
"And there are no repercussions for our partnership?"
"Well, yes and no. I won't be able to work with you anymore."
"What? Why not?"
"Because I'm the new head of crime investigation for Washington DC." He kissed her again as a round of congratulations filled the air.
XxXxX
A cool breeze washed over Temperance as she stood in the backyard, watching lightning bugs flicker around. Parker, Emma and Haley chased the bugs, trying to catch them to put in jars and laughing as they did so. Brennan felt a pair of strong arms encircle her waist before a pair of lips met the join of her shoulder and neck.
"What are you thinking about," Booth asked as she leaned back into him.
"I was just thinking about how much has happened in the past year. I mean, a year ago you were getting married to Annie... how is she by the way?"
"She's good. Her daughter is getting so big. I forgot how quickly babies grow."
"Has Michael seen her at all?" Brennan turned in his arms slightly when he didn't answer right away. After a time, he met her gaze and shook his head.
"No. She's reserving the right to deny visitation to him and his family. I think the only member of the Costellos to have seen Katie is Sal." Brennan smiled at the mention of her pseudo grandfather.
"Did you see the gift he sent us? We are going to have one very spoiled child."
"Is he the one that sent that monstrosity of a crib? I was wondering about that."
"Dad and Russ put it together for us." Temperance smiled as Seeley began to rub her large belly. "Dad said it was a favor to Sal."
"Those two are always going to owe each other something, aren't they?"
"I think so, but what else can you say about family?" With that, she turned in his arms and kissed him on the lips, glad to finally have the family she'd always imagined having. As he held her in his arms and enjoyed the press of her lips on his, Booth sent up a prayer of thanks. Not only did he have Temperance and his son, but he had his own family back, and for that he couldn't be more grateful.
AN: Now it's time to say goodbye to all my company. R-E-V this story is done. I-E-W why because all good things must come to an end at some point right? N-O-W. Review now, review now, and tell me what you think of my little Booth saga. And to think, this story was only supposed to be three chapters long. Originally, after Brennan said 'I love you' to Booth at his reception,he was going to head out on his honeymoon with his wife, only to come home and find that by an error in the paperwork, he'd accidentally married Brennan by proxy. I think this version is a lot better, don't you?