93. Memory
They stood side by side in front of the two stones, one old, the other brand new, his arm wrapped securely around her shoulders.
"I miss him, Russ."
"I know, we all do, Tempe."
When her tears started to fall he pulled her to him, her head resting on his shoulder as they both cried.
"He was so happy, Tempe." He mumbled, "He was so proud of you, his daughter the scientist—"
"He was proud of you too, for everything you've done for yourself."
"I know, but God, I don't think I ever saw him so happy than when he was with the grandchildren, he adored all of them so much."
"Addie's only two, she won't— she won't remember him."
"She will, we're gunna tell her stories about her Grandpa Max, we're not gunna let them forget him."
"I hate that we lost so many years. I hate that we lost Mom. She'd have— she would have loved Booth and Amy, she'd have been so happy, and the grandchildren—"
"She would have loved them even more. She watches over them, Tempe, she takes care of us, now Dad will too."
"They're finally together again. He was so happy to be going back to her. He loved her so, so much, Russ, even after all these years."
"I have this one memory of Mom and Dad, and every time I recall it I just see you and Seeley. They were both always so incredibly happy, and they loved us so much, and just you and Seeley— God, just why did you wait so long?"
"We've had this conversation before." She laughed.
"I know, you just kept telling me it was complicated and that you were partners."
"We still are, he's always gunna be my partner."
"As long as he doesn't hurt you, 'cause I promised Dad—"
"He's not going to hurt me, Russ."
"I know." He replied, both of them falling into a comfortable silence before he grinned, "Marco."
"Polo." She replied, grinning widely.