Chapter 5

The look on his face was serious and unyielding. His eyes were guarded as he pulled a chair right in front of me. I didn't know what to make of it.

"Temp, I bought this a while ago for you. For you to promise me, that if anything were to ever happen to me, you would wear this, for me, for your protection. To remind you that I am always watching over you, even if I am not doing it physically."

"Seeley, what's going on? Are you leaving the bureau?"

"No, I'm not. The bureau is only part of my life. You are now one part, and Parker is another."

"Then what are you talking about?"

From behind his body, Seeley pulled a black velvet box out. He opened it up to reveal a ring. He removed the ring from its box and handed it to me.

"Read the inscription please, it's important to me."

"Okay."

Bones, I'm still watching over you. I love you. Seeley.

My eyes started to tear as he took my face in his hands.

"Baby, I bought this after my brain surgery. I knew that I loved you more than anything. But I didn't know if you had the same feelings. But I couldn't leave you with nothing if I were to ever die. So I got this ring, hoping that you wearing it would keep you safe. I know you said objects have no intrinsic value, but I believe they do."

"Seel, this is more than anything I could have ever asked for. But I am a little confused. Are you asking me to promise to stay with you until you die? No marriage at all?"

"My dear Bones," his face completely serious now, "I want you to promise to stay with me until we get engaged and married. Think of this as an early engagement ring."

My eyes sparked with joy as I wrapped my arms around his neck and planting a passionate kiss on his lips. Holding it for a few more seconds, he released me, trying to catch his breath.

"So, I'm assuming that's a yes?"

"Of course, Seeley Booth. I will stay with you until the end of time, if that's what it takes."

As we pulled apart, I longed to be in his arms again. We had to get moving and quickly, because Parker was supposed to get picked up in an hour. I quickly got dressed into cropped jeans, brown leather flip-flops and a white t-shirt. As I was putting the final touches on my face, Booth appeared behind me. Pushing me against the countertop, he whispered in my ear, "You know, I can see your body much better without all these clothes on."

"Seeley Booth, you need to think of your son. We will be late if you keep going like this. We still have to go back to your apartment so you can change."

"Oh fine, party pooper. Let's go then."

We barreled out of my apartment, with Seeley locking my door. As I was heading toward the elevator, I felt a strong hand on my lower back. Now that I know how we both feel, his hand has a permanent place there. Stepping into the elevator, his eyes darken. I now know that look, and as much as I prepared myself for it, I wasn't ready for what came next. He pushed me gently against the wall and kissed my neck, leaving a hickey in every spot his lips came in contact with. The spark from his lips to my neck elicited a groan. Pulling away, he flashed his brightest charm smile possible.

"That was for last night." he whispered, pointing to the now inconspicuous hickey on his neck.