CONFIDENT A
Angela was usually very confident in her ability to get her way, both in her love life and regular life. That is why she was worried that maybe she was losing her touch. Hodgins had gotten back together with her four months ago and though she had wanted to take things slow this time around, he was taking to long. Last time he had proposed over and over, until she finally believed it was the real deal and she was fated to stay with him for the rest of their lives. This time they had bypassed getting to know each other but he had never talked about getting married. Of course last time they ended up more as "star-crossed" lovers than soul mates.
She debated going to talk to Brennan or going straight to the source. Brennan first she decided unsure about Hodgins mindset, but knowing Brennan would be supportive no matter what.
"Hey Sweetie" Angela offered as a greeting. "Hi" Brennan said distractedly. "What are you doing?" Ange asked. "Emailing my editor about the latest draft of the book" Bren replied. "Does that mean we get to drink and edit soon?" Ange asked knowing Brennan didn't let her see until it was as complete as possible, soon after the book went straight to the editor. "Yeah" Brennan replied finishing typing and hitting send, "so… do you have a face yet?" "No" Ange admitted, "I sort of have a problem" "The tissue markers should all be correct, I did them myself" Bren said. "No, a love problem Sweetie" Ange said. Brennan rotated her hand in a circle prompting Ange to continue. "Hodgins hasn't proposed yet," Ange said dejectedly. "Maybe he doesn't get it," Brennan offered in response, "apparently we squints aren't good at emotional signs." Normally Angela would have brought up that Brennan and Booth were both missing each other's signs, but she was distracted. "I can talk to him," Brennan suggested. Ange hesitated. "Or get Booth to" Bren concluded. "Booth would be good," Angela said relieved "a man to man talk. Just to see if he'd want to, don't ask him to. I don't want a pity proposal, maybe just nudge him in that direction" thinking Brennan and Hodgins conversation would have been sort of awkward.
Brennan tells Booth later that day almost word for word their conversation. Booth agrees to be the middleman and talks to Hodgins.
The Next Night
Hodgins and Angela planned on going out to dinner. Angela wasn't going to bring up the conversation unless he did. They made polite small talk and he spouted a few conspiracy theories until it has time for desert. They walked out on to the balcony as they waited for the food to be brought out.
Hodgins wrapped his arm around her when she shivered. Together they stared up at the stars, "There's the big dipper," Hodgins pointed. "And delphinius," Ange said pointing out Bren's favorite constellation.
Moments later Hodgins dropped to one knee "Angela you are truly the love of my life, the one thing that I think of right when I wake and right before I go to sleep, and often in my dreams. You have made me believe in true love and soul mates and that every one has a perfect half. You're my best friend who I want with me in hard times and in times of laughter. I want to be with you and be a father to the million kids you want. I want to learn new things with you and take in all you have taught me. You told me 'Childhood should be all about swings. You know how high can I go, if I twist the chains how fast will I if I try and jump off before the swing stops.' And I get that feeling from being with you, the swing is high and I'm scared to jump but I really want to take the chance with you because love makes it worth it. Some times in a relationship we don't get along with the person and we call it a day and try to move one. But you know how difficult it is to get over with the one relationship, which has been held closest to your heart, and I don't want to. I want to spend the rest of my life with you Ange. I promise to love and trust you even more this time around. Will you do me the pleasure of allowing me to spend the rest of my life jumping with you? Will you Angela Montenegro marry me and make me the happiest man alive?" he asked."
Angela's head was reeling as she took in his words. She had assumed that Hodgins would wait a few days before springing this on her. She bit her lip before replying, "Yes, I would love to, let's jump." He kissed her and slid the ring on her finger. She took it in; it was different than the old one. "It's beautiful Jack" Angela said as they walked inside.
"Ok I have to ask you, what did Booth say?" Ange asked once they were seated again. "Oh" Hodgins replied "I'm meeting him for lunch tomorrow. I was busy examining the particulates today. Why, was it important?" "No" Ange said beaming. They ate dessert and left arms around each other, kissing every few steps. He pulled out the car and opened her door, Angela slid in.
I've still got it she thought; pleased Hodgins really loved her without any nudges. She was happy, confident, and a fiancée the world is a magical place she decided.