Chapter 3 – Slow and Steady

Booth and Brennan walked through the loading dock doors arm in arm.

"I'm glad it's over," She said as they entered the hallway. She reluctantly unwrapped her arm from his. He looked at her and tried to repress his desire to kiss her in the hallway. With the exception of Angela, the squints had no idea what was going on between the two of them and for awhile he wanted to keep it that way.

"Are you ready to go?"

"Past ready…" She said. "Let me grab some files I need for tomorrow and I'll meet you out front."

As she turned on her heel and moved quickly towards the elevator, he couldn't keep himself from wondering when the other shoe would drop. He was happy. He'd gotten what he wanted, but they'd finally come together too easily. There was no pomp and circumstance, no heavy drama, just them alone offering and accepting. Over the past five years, they'd been dealing with too challenging a dance for it to end with no fireworks. There was no way it would last for long.

"Booth," Angela appeared suddenly, interrupting his thoughts.

"Hey… you okay?" He said, reaching into his pocket for his car keys.

"Yeah, it's still hard to believe, but I think I'll be okay. I'm just glad you caught the bastard." She said touching him on his arm.

"Good. I know it will take some time, but we'll all get there. Vincent didn't deserve any of this." He nodded at her and began walking toward the garage.

"Take it slow." Angela suddenly said to his back. He quickly turned around, puzzled.

"What?"

"I said take it slow."

Booth walked back towards her. "Interesting advice…"

"Before you say anything, I know it's none of my business. I just don't want anything to throw you guys off course." She said quickly.

"And you think that's possible?"

"Not on purpose. I just know you've loved her for a long time, Booth. And I know you'll want to go full speed ahead now. She's not completely ready for that yet."

"She's changed, Angela. We wouldn't be where we are right now if she hadn't."

"You're right. She has but her natural tendencies are still there. She's fighting against them because she wants to be with you. I'm just saying be careful."

A small confident smile spread across Booth's face. "I can do that." He said.

"Good. Just know I'm cheering on the side lines."

"Goes without saying, Ang. I think we've always known that you were in our corner." He moved closer to her and quickly kissed her on the cheek. "I'm going to do everything in my power to make your best friend happy."

She grabbed his arm and looked at him. "I never worry about that."

He smiled, twirled his keys on his finger, nodded and began his journey down the short hallway to his car once again.