Two days after Booth's arrival
"Do I look okay?"
"You look fine, babe. You always look wonderful."
"Do I look…like a professor? Do I look like a Dr. Brennan?"
Booth laughed. "Yes, you don't need to worry, Bren. When I see you this afternoon, you'll be Dr. Brennan and I'll be engaged to the youngest professor in the history of…ever. Now, go, I don't want you to be late."
She grabbed her keys and bag full of copies of her dissertation and graded papers for her class. Brennan was planning on taking everything and anything that would prove she was ready for the step up in the academic world. She knew they doubted her because of her youth, but she was ready to fight for her research. She was going to be the national, perhaps international, expert on her favorite member of the genus Homo.
Before she realized it, she was approaching the Anthropology building on the Georgetown campus. She was mounting her defense in her head; she knew this research could turn out to be controversial in an anthropological sense but she believed beyond a shadow of a doubt, that she could dethrone her former professor as the leading national, and possibly international, expert on Homo rhodesiensis.
"Temperance!"
She knew that voice. It was one she was going to have to get used to for the rest of the day.
"What do you want, Michael?"
"Whoa there. Isn't that a little informal for the situation?"
She scoffed at him. "Two days ago, you were begging me to call you by your given name. Sorry if I offended you, Dr. Stires. Excuse me if I'm a little short with you since you're about to destroy my research that I've given my last two years of my life for."
"You know that's part of the process, Tempe. I have to be here."
"Even if that is the case, you're here for two things: to save your ego and to get into my pants. You're going to fail on both missions, professor. Deal with it."
She left him standing there as she stormed off to the lecture hall to defend her future.
"Congratulations. Your dissertation and research has been accepted."
Four hours later, Brennan couldn't believe she was hearing those words. She knew that was just the beginning for her. She had big plans for herself, academically, and even bigger plans for her and Booth. She knew these plans were just that: plans that may not be completed as expected but she was well on her way.
She hurried out of the building and saw her family there waiting for her. Pops and Jared had come down the night before and Jack and Angela were still in town for a few more days. Booth stood in front of everyone, a new set of fatigues looking freshly pressed covered him, the thick material and long sleeves making him sweat in the August heat.
They looked worried. Brennan had assured them that at most, the challenging would last only two hours. She had been worried too. Stires risked his academic reputation time and time again, saying that her dissertation should be declared unacceptable and that she should be removed from the program.
"Okay," she said.
"Okay?" Booth was concerned.
"So…" Jack motioned for her to continue.
"Sweetie, I think we all want to know what happened."
"They accepted my dissertation. I'll be in science books and anthropology journals. And…the best part…Michael isn't the best anymore, I am." She was beaming and Booth had never seen her happier.
"I don't know what all of that means, Dr. Brennan, but I think it's time to go celebrate," Booth shouted, mid hug.
"Good. I haven't been out on the town here yet. Bren, what's a good place for celebratory drinks?"
"I heard Founding Fathers is pretty good," Jack added, giving Brennan a knowing look.
Angela was the first to head for the cars, muttering about how no one in this town knows how to have fun. The large group followed her, Booth and Brennan making up the end.
"Congrats, babe. I'm proud of you. So…now can we start some of that pesky wedding planning stuff?"
She smiled at him and took his hand in hers.
"Tonight. I would really like to stay away from Angela's input. I love her but…" Brennan exhaled, "She's got ideas and plans for us that are insane. I'd elope before I let her plan our wedding."
"So let's elope." Shit. She's going to freak out.
"I'm sure Pops wouldn't like that. He wants to be there for us. He loves you too much."
"I know. You're right. I just don't want to wait any longer. I just want you to be mine forever."
"I already am."
