Jeesh, sorry so much for the long time in between updates. Real life got terribly busy. I had 2 huge midterms and a huge project at work come up. The story kind of went on the back burner, but here is the newest chapter, up for your reading pleasure. I even made it a little longer to try and make up for being such a bad author.

As always, reviews feed the soul and if the soul starves…so does the author.

The kiss was quick and light, their lips had barely touched when he leaned back. His eyes sparkled with mirth as he took in what must have been a fleeting look of panic that had crossed her face. He looked over to the two visitors and smiled broadly, flashing his bright white teeth at them.

"Hi, I'm Temperance's husband," he extended his hand to them, shaking each of theirs. "Seeley Booth."

The visitors introduced themselves as well.

"We just thought we'd bring over some snacks to welcome you to the neighborhood," Georgia said as she moved towards the door. "We'll be on our way though. You two have things to do and we'd hate to keep you from them."

Booth followed them to the door. "It was nice meeting you both. Thank you for the welcome."

Brennan moved next to him and he wrapped his arm around her waist. Georgia and Brianna crossed the porch and walked down the driveway. They paused and turned back, waving. Booth and Brennan smiled and raised their hands, waving back. After their visitors were out of sight, Booth closed the door and turned to Brennan.

"Well that was just a little too Wisteria Lane to me," he chuckled and bent, picking up the few bags of groceries that he had dumped by the front door when he had arrived home.

"I don't know what that means," Brennan said, her brows knitting together as she shook her head.

Booth smirked. "Seriously Bones, it's a good thing we have a TV here. You are going to learn some pop culture, I swear."

Brennan shrugged. "Whatever you say." She bent and helped carry the few grocery bags to the kitchen. "You realize who that was here, don't you?"

At Booth's confused look, Brennan elaborated. "Georgia Morton. The veterinarian that told Annabelle Reynolds that the Schwartz's never picked up their dog."

"I knew the name sounded familiar." Booth placed a bag of frozen peas in the freezer. "Did you find out where she lives?"

Brennan smiled and tossed a bag salad in the fridge. "No, but that shouldn't be too hard for an FBI agent, should it?"

A few minutes later, Booth had the address. The groceries were all put away, and Booth was already sneaking a peek under the towel of one of the pans that the women had brought. At Brennan's look, he dropped the towel back over the food, and let go. They had decided to go for a walk around the neighborhood, getting to know their surroundings. If they happened to pass Georgia's house in their meanderings, then so be it.

As they walked down the sidewalk, Booth slipped his hand into Brennan's. She looked over at him, a bemused look on her face.

"Keeping up the charade," she goaded and graced him with a small smile.

"Hey, you never know who could be looking out the windows." He chuckled and squeezed her hand gently. "We are supposed to be a happily married couple."

Brennan laughed, "That we are."

They passed by the houses that lined the street, each home distinctive, yet similar to each other. They were all older homes, built in the early 1900's. Large porches flanked the fronts of each, and large windows looked down from the upper levels. They turned and walked around the block, until they reached Georgia's street. The homes here were smaller, one level homes. They still were older homes, just Lilliputian versions. They walked up the sidewalk, edging closer to Georgia Morton's home.

Brennan didn't know what she had expected, but what they saw was nothing spectacular. The home was small and well kept. Its sage green color contrasted with the white trim. The small porch had a white rocker and table. She must sit out there in the evenings and watch her neighborhood come to life or go to sleep. The white picket fence surrounding the property shielded the well manicured lawn. She definitely took care of her home. It was meticulous. Then again, she had seemed the same. There wasn't a car in the drive, so Booth and Brennan continued back around the block to their home.

Not knowing what else to do, they went back inside, and to the case files to see if there was anything that had been missed.

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The next morning, Booth and Brennan decided to take another stroll through the neighborhood. The morning light gleamed against the dewy grass. It was crisp and cool, but it was the first morning in many months that there wasn't ice on the rooftops and ground. The sun warmed the grass in each yard, the dew dripping down the slick blades. Most houses were quiet, their inhabitants off to work and school. A few still bustled with unhurried activities, mostly older couples sitting on their porch drinking their coffee or stay at home parents urging their wide-eyed toddlers down for their morning naps.

They walked the same path they had taken the day before, nodding at the neighbors they encountered along the way. They turned the corner and ambled onto Georgia's street. A large white can sat in her driveway staring at Booth and Brennan. As they drew closer, they saw a crude sketch of animals on the side. A small kitten with large eyes stood beside an undeterminable species of dog. In the sketch, small rodents lay beside the main cat and dog, and birds flew above them. Large green letters beside it read "Georgia's on the Go Veterinary Services." Under the company name, the slogan glared out in red lettering: "When your pet's in need- keep Georgia on your mind!"

Booth and Brennan looked at each other, amusement dancing between them. They slowed as they neared her home, hoping to catch her out and about. Not seeing any lights on inside, or signs of movement, they reluctantly continued pass. The followed the sidewalk around the corner, turning back onto their street.

"Temperance," a voice called out from across the street. Brennan turned her head looking for the source of the voice. Brianna Cobb waved from her front lawn, a small brown haired toddler on the ground between her feet.

Brennan raised her hand and waved back. Pulling Booth with her, she crossed the street towards Brianna's home.

"Good morning, Brianna," she said when they were close enough to talk. She smiled over the waist high fence.

Brianna bent down and picked up the little boy who squirmed in her grasp reaching down for the small trucks that were still lying on the ground.

"You guys out enjoying the perfect morning," Brianna smiled as she fought with the child, keeping him in her arms.

Brennan nodded. The little boy looked up at her, his bright green eyes peeking out from behind dark lashes. He smiled and wriggled against the confines of his mother's firm hold. She laughed and reached up, tickling him on his sides. He giggled and threw himself back, trying to trap her hand in the process. Brennan watched the interaction with open curiosity. The boy obviously didn't want to stay in his mother's arms, yet he didn't protest, but instead enjoyed being held and tickled.

Brianna looked back up at Brennan and Booth, her grin full-fledged and true. "Would you two like to come in for some coffee? It's about time Aiden get's his morning nap."

The little boy looked up at his mother, his face contorting as a cry bubbled out of him. Brianna's eyes went wide in amusement.

"Uh oh, looks like I said the N word…"

Brennan and Booth smiled and followed her into the house, stepping over the toys that littered the front yard. Coffee would definitely be a good thing. The morning hadn't been as cold as the previous mornings, but it definitely had seeped into their bones. The warmth would be welcome.

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