CHAPTER 17

Seeley and Tempe walked to their cars, kissed quickly and agreed to meet at The Diner at 7pm.

When Seeley arrived at the school, the kids were already outside. Parker wasn't expecting his dad so he was still carefully looking for Rosa.

"Parker, over here," Seeley yelled over a group of kids and parents.

At first, Parker didn't hear him then as he turned, he yelled out.

"Daddy!"

"Hey bud, how was your day?"

"How come you are here daddy? Where's Rosa? Is Mommy OK?"

Seeley was a bit taken back by all of his son's questions but knew it was confusing for him.

"I really wanted to see you, I called your mom, and she said it was OK to pick you up. I will take you home after dinner, OK?"

"OK, daddy. I like when you pick me up," and he smiled his cutest smile that hit Seeley's heart instantaneously.

As the two Booth boys walked to the car, Seeley's thoughts turned to Tempe and last night. I really want to tell Parker. But I should wait until next week so Tempe and I can tell him together. And I should tell Rebecca as well. I really think he would make great big brother

"Daddy what do you think about?"

Seeley snapped backed to reality and stood staring at Parker.

"I'm sorry buddy, I was thinking about something and … never mind."

He was with Parker because he needed to be with him and he was off in dreamland about marrying Tempe. Right now, his mind was all over the place and he dreaded having mourning thoughts and elated ones at the same time; one was conflicting with the other and messing up his brain.

"I think we should go to the toy store," Parker announced.

Parker and his dad liked to go to Toys R us, and just look around. He had many toys but liked the time he spent with his dad best, as did Seeley. He would much rather do something with his son than just go to the toy store and buy him something, and as a result, Parker rarely asked for material things. I have to thank Rebecca for being in harmony with me on this

They wandered the store picking up trucks, bouncing balls, riding scooters and then there it was: a bright shiny electric car. Not just any car, it was a red Mustang Convertible. They stopped and looked at each other and then back at the car. Parker's eye's lit up and his dad smiled.

"You can drive it but only in the store."

"I know dad. But it's a really cool car." He smiled his own version of his dad's charm smile.

Gee, I wonder where he learned that

An hour later Parker decided he was hungry and that he would like homemade pizza for dinner. Seeley knew he didn't have the makings for the pizza so they stopped off at the grocery store.

Once back at his place they started cutting up the peppers and pepperoni. Parker only liked yellow peppers and a specific kind of pepperoni on his pizza. They bought the ready made crust, as time was limited. They told silly jokes and laughed as the pizza cooked. Seeley made a small one for himself, as he would be joining Tempe soon for dinner.

"How about a pizza picnic in the living room daddy?"

"Sure, that sounds like fun."

Parker ran to his room and grabbed some stuffed toys so they could join them.

6 o'clock rolled around too fast. Seeley called Rebecca to tell her they were on their way. He still didn't like to say goodbye to his son but was grateful for the new arrangement. Drew was good to Rebecca and Parker and they were happy with him; that was what really mattered.

Tempe started to pack up her things and made her way to her car. She looked at her ring as she put her hands on the steering wheel. Why did I have to fall in love with him? The one man who would do anything for me has to be a person who risks his own life day to day fighting for justice. Life sure can be bitter sweet at times

She drove to the diner and saw his car outside so she went right in. He was sitting at their favorite table and had ordered two chocolate milkshakes, also their favorite. He stood to kiss her and she welcomed his lips to hers; it was brief but tender.

"So how did it go with Parker?"

"Good, we had a nice time and it was just what I needed; well that and dinner with my brilliant and beautiful fiancé."

Tempe smiled and was feeling much more relaxed now that the day of work was over and she was with Seeley.

They ordered and ate while talking about non-work related things.

As they finished their cheesecake, Seeley asked if she wanted to do anything tonight.

"I sure do; be with you."

He smiled and leaned over to kiss her and then stated he would meet her at home, as he had something to do.

"I won't be long."

"What is he up to?" she muttered aloud as she walked outside.

Her mind was wandering as she tried to think of what he could be up too as she drove home. She checked the mail, voice mail and changed into her favorite warm pajamas. The kettle finished boiling, she made some green tea and then settled down with her lap top in the living room, re-reading her last chapter which she didn't think was written very well. In twenty minutes, she had erased more than one-third of the chapter.

How could I have even thought that, delete

Just as she finished editing the last paragraph, Seeley walked through the door. He had a small bag in his hand that didn't look familiar to her. She closed her lap top and finished her tea which was a bit cool now but she still drank it.

"What do you have in the bag?" The curiosity was killing her.

He leaned over and kissed the top of her head.

"Patience my dear, patience. You stay here; I will be back in five minutes. Don't move," Seeley requested as he turned to go up the stairs.

Halfway up he looked over his shoulder to see if she was still on the couch and smiled when he saw that she was.

What is he up to?

She heard him moving around upstairs; still she staid put on the couch.

He came down in his sleep pants, no shirt, which always made Tempe happy. He has the nicest upper body. Smooth, muscular, and tasty

He took her hand and helped her up.

"What are you doing?" she asked.

"Come with me, don't ask questions."

She loved when he was assertive, it drove her crazy; and it aroused more than just her curiosity.

He took her into their bedroom and on the floor were a large sheet, towel and four purple bottles. He carefully helped her take off her top.

"Lay down on the floor," he said.

She lay down on her stomach and rested her head sideways on the towel that was at the edge of the sheet. He straddled her just below her bum, picked up a bottle and squeezed some liquid on his hand. As he pressed his hands on to her back, she let out a moan.

"Oh, Seeley, this is perfect. How did you know this is what I needed?"

"Man's intuition."

As he moved his warm hands over her back and shoulders, Tempe felt her body relaxing. She didn't realize she had been so tense. His hands were like conductor's: smooth, firm and moving to their own rhythm. Every so often, he would move his hands off her back and ever so lightly touch the outer rim of her breasts and when he did that she would let out a small noise that made him smile.

As he slid off her, he laid down beside her on his stomach. She really didn't want to move but quickly realized it was his turn and the thought of massaging his back aroused her instantly. She had been too relaxed to get aroused even though he was straddling her in a provocative manner.

Tempe straddled him in the same manner and started to move her hands around his back. She felt the tenseness in his muscles and as she pressed harder, he let out a big sigh.

"I'm sorry Seeley. My hands just aren't the same as yours."

"You are doing great. Just a little lower towards the centre, oh yeah, there, right there." He let out a moan that was quite clear to Tempe that she had hit 'the spot'.

When she finished, he sat up, placed his hands in hers, and pulled her closer to him.

"Now all we need to do is christen our bath tub."

Tempe grinned and jumped to her feet.

Seeley bent down, picked up the two bottles of bath oils, and headed for their bathroom and started running the water in the larger corner step up roman tub.

"I can't believe we haven't had a bath together in this thing, it's huge," Tempe said.

"It takes forever to fill up, so the shower is more practical," he replied with a grin on his face.

He poured in one bottle of oil and then removed his pants as the bathroom started to fill with steam. He got in first and then Tempe stepped in and sat in between his legs as the water still ran. Their bodies were sleek as the oils slickened the water. Tempe leaned forward, turned off the water then sank back into Seeley feeling his warmth over the hot, steamy water. They lingered for a long time, just enjoying each other and the atmosphere.

"I haven't been this relaxed, in I don't know how long. Thank you," Tempe whispered as she was starting to feel very sleepy.

"Your welcome. I thought this would be a great way to unwind after a crappy day," he said as he cupped his hands around her breasts and lightly held them.

"I like this, us, naked, giving each other massages, and in the bathtub - but not having sex or making is sexual." Tempe wasn't sure how he would take her comment.

"I agree," Seeley whispered in to her ear.

The stayed a while longer in the tub, toweled off, put their pajamas back on and climbed into bed, snuggling close to each other. Their bodies and minds relaxed, wrapped in each other's warmth, they drifted off to a sound slumber.