Chapter 9

Strangely, I seemed to be coveted by every man. Booth's words, not my own. Halfway through, a speaker, Booth's superior, Captain Summers, got onstage and asked for everyone's attention. I felt Booth stiffen next to me and I turned my head to ask him what was wrong when he got up from his seat and headed in the direction of the stage.

"As you all may know, Sargent Booth here endured 3 days worth of torture while serving 12 years ago. Since then, he has made the Army proud by being part of one of the most successful and influential FBI partnerships ever. Here is Sargent Booth, whom I have asked to say a few words."

Booth strode up the few steps of the stage and shook the hand of Summers. When he turned, he was slightly uncomfortable, but still had that familiar twinkle in his eye. He had something up his sleeve.

"Hello all. Obviously, I am Sargent Seeley Booth, head of the 4th Ranger Division with a specialty in sharpshooting. When I left the Army 12 years ago, I will admit, with much disdain, but honestly, that I was messed up. I was angry at the world. I was mad that I had gotten captured. I did some things to myself that I am not proud of. But there were a few constants in my life. My son, Parker, who is 10 years old, almost 11, was the reason that I stopped doing those things. But my real constant would have to be my partner."

He held up his hand and gestured to his wedding ring, "It took me six years to finally admit to my 'partner' that I loved her. My partner, and wife, is Dr. Temperance Brennan, who is here tonight, is the one person who does not judge me for who I am behind the scope, behind the trigger. She knows that I am doing this to truly make the world a better place. She knows that I am a wonderful father."

He smiled at me and gestured. Every head in the ball room turned and looked at me. I politely smiled and waved, but directed my attention to Booth immediately after.

"I replied to the Army to rejoin 12 years later because I felt like I had to make the world safe again for my son, my wife, and any children I may have in the future. So, tonight, I raise my glass to the 4th Ranger Division, I will lead you as I can, and I pray we all come home safe."

Booth took the applause and walked off stage and came back to our table to sit down. He leaned over and kissed me lightly, but full of emotion. A few more speeches passed, and I was getting exhausted. Being married for one day was hard work. Just as we were about to leave, Booth got hit with the shock of a lifetime. He was promoted to 1st lieutenant.

After beaming and cheesing like a champ, the valet brought the truck around and we went home. I pulled out my Blackberry and typed out a quick text to Angela.

I need your help tomorrow. A little going away gift for Booth. Can you help me?

Sweetie, of course. At the lab, or my apartment?

Apartment. Do you still have that professional camera? ;)

I know just what you are thinking. Just supply the clothes. 10AM?

Sure :) Thanks Ange, I owe you.

Anything for the big guy.

I sighed and felt a firm but gentle hand on my thigh.

"Everything okay Bones?"

I laid my hand on top of his and squeezed, "Yeah, baby, I'm fine."

He suddenly looked at me curiously.

"What?"

"What happened to no pet names? You just called me baby, what was that?"

I shrugged, I honestly had no good explanation.

"I don't know. It just felt right. Why? Do you not like it?"

Booth squeezed my thigh again and smiled at me, "Of course not. I have been trying to get you to use pet names for a while. It's about goddamn time."

When we got home, we were both exhausted, so we undressed and settled right into bed. Laying with his arms around my stomach just felt right. It felt like it was something natural, something that was meant to happen.

When I woke up the next morning at 8 AM, Booth was still fast asleep. He was so tired, so excited too. He had been promoted. I hung his dress uniform up and made a note on the Honey-Do list to get it dry cleaned. I got some coffee in me, mixed in a little liquid courage, and did my hair. I had all the clothes packed up and ready for Ange. Knowing I was a little buzzed, I called a cab, and went over to her apartment. She opened the door, smiling and laughing.

"Sweetie! You smell like whiskey! What, a little liquid courage before you bare all for Booth?"

I walked into her living room and sent Booth a short text telling him where I was and an approximation on when I would be done. I got his call back with a grunt and prompt snoring.

"So, Ange, I want to do a calendar for Booth. Is that stupid?"

"Bren, darling, if you are thinking of doing the kind of calendar that I am thinking about, he will love it. Definitely. So let's get started, what do you have for January?"

I pulled out a little white, fuzzy corset with sparkles on it. It was attached to a white fulled boyshort and fishnet stocking.

"Bren, where did you find that?"

"At that little store on 16th that you took me to one, do you think its okay?"

She sighed, "When will you ever learn? You are a hot mama BREN! I wish I had curves like you! That is a perfect outfit for January. Let's start!"

I got changed and Ange cat called when I walked out of the bathroom. We took 20 or so shots in varying poses and moved on to February. I was nervous about asking her to do this one favor for me.

"Ange, for February, would you take this box of rose petals and just throw them over my bare skin? I know it's a little personal, but I think it would be a pleasant surprise."

"Anything for Boothy boy. Plus, I was with a woman before. Don't you remember Roxy? I have seen everything. Trust me, I'll be fine."

As we progressed through the months, the pictures seemed to get more and more sultry. When we finally finished December, Ange uploaded the photos on the computer while I got changed and packed up my clothes. They were tasteful, but still damn hot. We pieced them together on the program to take the structure of a calendar. When it was printed, it was glossy and perfect. We packaged it up and I went on my merry way.

As I took the cab home, I realized that there was no way that I was going to be able to wait until next Thursday to give Booth the calendar. The cab pulled up in front of the apartment building, and I was excited to see his truck in his normal spot. Skipping and half tripping, I went up to the apartment with a cheesy smile on my face.

"What's up with you?"

He came very close to my face to kiss me.

"Bones you smell like whiskey. Tell me you didn't drive."

I smacked his arm, "Of course I didn't. I took a cab. I have a present for you though."

Booth's eyebrows rose in surprise, "Really?"

"Yes, but you may want to sit down."

Slowly, he back toward the sofa and sat down. His eyes were wide and wild. I could tell that his heart rate was erratic because his breathing was ragged. I leaned in towards him , putting my hands on his knees and calmed him.

"I think you'll like it. I hope you like it."

I handed him the package and watched as he meticulously unwrapped it. He opened it with delicated care and smiled when he saw the front. To fool him, Ange and I put a picture of him and Parker.

"Aww, Bones, you didn't have to do that. You made me a calendar of my family for when I'm away. That's sweet."

"Booth, open it up."

He smiled, nodded, and opened the calendar and his jaw dropped open. Quickly he scanned through the pictures and looked up at me with a smirk.

"You know that's wrong, right?"

I looked down to my feet and frowned. I guess he didn't like it. He hooked my chin with his finger and forced me to look into his eyes.

"Bones, other than the fact that these pictures are so goddamn hot and make me hard, I meant that it was wrong to tease me. It is wonderfully thoughtful of you to make this. I am going to take this with me so I can look at my beautiful woman all day when I'm in the desert."