Authors Note: So I have decided to expand my little foray into Christmas by exploring the Journey To New Year's. This is in fact a sequel to my story 12 Moments of Christmas. I am not sure how many one shots it will be (but I already wrote "the last one.")

I am very much into Characters and various points of view (as you are familiar with if you have read any of my writing.) I enjoy exploring how the same event is seen from both points of view. So that is how I am starting this mini-series---with the final scene through Booth's eyes.

Nothing would encompass his voice in this moment better than Coldplay's version of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. (Besides after the dig about Coldplay last season on Bones I feel like they need a little restitution!)

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Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Coldplay

Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Let your heart be light
From now on, our troubles will be out of sight

Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Make the Yuletide gay
From now on, our troubles will be far away

Here we are, as in olden days
Happy golden days of your
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Gather near to us
Once more

Through the years, we all will be together
If the fates allow
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough
And have yourself a merry little Christmas now

****

I had told her from day one that she would be hosting a Christmas Party. With all the trimmings, trappings and guests. She had balked at first, but it wasn't nearly as hard to convince her as I expected it to be, I have my guesses as to why. She tried to fill the space with excuses and logic and reasons, but the reality was I think she was looking forward to the gathering. I think the overwhelming success of the Gala bolstered her confidence to take on something far scarier to her. A family Christmas.

Something in her had changed.

I had been weeks since she had tried to boil the seasons festivities down by antiquated rituals, or anthropological inevitabilities or cultural dogmas. It was like she figured out that she couldn't hide behind those walls forever. Sometimes it was okay just to do something to make yourself or someone happy.

I could see it. Just in glimpses, but it was there. The signs of the young girl she used to be. The light and joy that was there before her world had collapsed nearly 20 years ago. It was breathtaking to watch.

I had begged her to come with me this Christmas morning. I wanted her to experience the utter magic of a kid finding what Santa had left behind. It was the truest way to connect with wonderment of Christmas. That and midnight Mass. She refused to come with me to see Parker. I think she is uncomfortable around Rebecca, and I know I need to respect that. I can't push her. Midnight Mass was as beautiful and meaningful as ever, and Bones was silent as instructed. I couldn't help but feel a little warmer though, knowing she was sitting beside me. If I had to nail down my favorite moment it would be her face lit by the candles of the church.

I couldn't help calling her with Parker right as he woke up at 7 a.m. I was so glad that Rebecca had allowed me to join her in the morning, and she was so understanding about my 'relationship' with Bones. I grinned as I hung up the phone. I could swear despite her moaning Bones was smiling.

****

I was finishing up at Rebecca's house. Breakfast had been made and eaten. I had gone thru the wrappings to make sure no pieces were lost and bound it up for recycling. Parker had plowed through the pile of presents. I gave Parker a few gifts today, but was saving the "Big Gift" for Bone's tonight. Rebecca had agreed that if Santa brought a Wii, she and Brent could give him new skis, I was allowed the bike.

She was initially surprised when I suggested it not be there Christmas morning. When I explained about Bone's little get together she immediately understood. I was sharing something with the rest of them too. Rebecca was fairly warm to the idea of Bones joining us this morning. Allowing for the balance of Brent, but also understood her absence was not a slight. Despite our differences Rebecca was a kind and understanding woman.

I pulled my cell out of my pocket and hit redial. I had already called several times that morning, and I am sure she knew who it was before even answering the phone.

"Hey Bones it is 1. I am leaving Rebecca's; do you want me to help you set up for a few hours?" I asked as we said good bye to Rebecca and Brent.

"No that is not necessary I have things well managed, being awoken at 7 put me well ahead of schedule." Sarcasm…just another skill I have taught her, but I could hear her smile.

I couldn't help but grin as I continued to tease her. "Hey, yeah, really sorry about that, really. It was Parker…all Parker. He really wanted to call." I winked at my son in the rearview mirror and he grinned sheepishly.

"Somehow I doubt that is the absolute facts. But really it was nice to wake up to his laughter." I beamed at her words. I LOVE that she and my son get on so well.

"He is really looking forward to coming tonight." I glanced one again back at one of the great joys in my life, as he quietly watched out the window. "Although he was a bit disappointed to learn you have only nieces and not nephews."

It was too quiet on the other end of the line, "I hope the children are able to interact peaceably. I know that forced interactions at that age can be detrimental. I would hate for any of them to be upset…." She was starting to panic.

"He will be fine, but he asked if he was allowed to bring a new toy. I told him as long as it didn't have projectiles it was fine." I had interrupted her frantic ravings. I needed her to know it was okay.

I was hoping the image of my son shooting missiles in her house would make her worry about something more trivial. Something she knew I had covered. "Taking into account the number of guests I am anticipating, I would imagine that is a superior thought. Incidentally Caroline called, she has decided to join us and is bringing a traditional Creole dish to the festivities and Mr. Nigel-Murray is bringing his sister." I was amazed, but her voice seemed pleased that more guests were coming. Leave it to Bones; take the bulls by the horns.

"Wow, it will be quite the full house tonight. Lots of fun!" I struggled with what to say next. Despite my numerous charms sometimes she leaves me at a loss for words. "Well okay if you are sure you have it well managed. I will take care of a few things…"

She cut me off. "Booth there is someone at the door. I will talk to you later."

Who the hell is at her door? But I know she won't take it well if I make it a big deal. "Okay. See you by four o'clock Bones."

"Perfect." Yeah…perfect.

****

I disconnected my phone as I pulled into my parking space. Noting that Parker was already making moves to unbuckle his belt. "Hey Bub. We talked about waiting until the car is off before we take off our seatbelt."

"Sorry dad. What time are we going to Dr. Bones? I am really excited to see everyone from your lab."

We walked up to the house. Later, a bit before 4 o'clock. We are going to leave to get Pops about 3. He is really looking forward to seeing you." We trudged up the stairs and I could see that he was already fading. Getting up hours before dawn after a restless sleep was hard on my little man. "Hey Parker. It is going to be really late tonight at Bones. Why don't we both lay down for an hour or two? I will put a movie on the bedroom T.V. We can just crash out."

"Daaaaaaad. I am not a little kid anymore. I don't need a nap!" I wasn't trained in negotiation and interrogation for nothing.

"Hey maybe I need a rest, I am an old man you know. Besides I never said you had to sleep. Just lay low. Trust me tonight at Bones you will thank me."

"All right Dad, if you need to rest."

Fifteen minutes later he were both spread out on my bed and he was sound asleep, and I was left alone with nothing but my own thoughts…not good.

****

I had picked up Pops at 3:30 we were at Bones by 3:45. I never in a million years would have guessed who had been at her door hours earlier. Despite the way we had parted I had never been so happy to see anyone…well maybe once or twice when Bones had been in a tight spot. He had greeted me, almost reticently, but knowing he had come thousands of miles to be with his family at Christmas, the fact that he knew that my family included Bones, well hell…

We went for a long walk through the neighborhood. He was bare and honest with me, expressing his feelings of failure and loss and expounding on the life he had built for himself. I was a new person. He had found the same kind of peace in India that I had discovered in my work, in my partner. We were righting old wrongs and healing old wounds. He was finding his way home. He was proud of helping others, not boastful of his accomplishments. It was like he had magically changed into a philanthropist overnight. My heart was full to bursting.

Two hours later her apartment was a bustle of joyful activity. Cam was cozied up to a man I didn't recognize, Hodgins and Angela were clearly on their way to reconciliation. Was it possible that we were all so close to actually embracing happiness? Or was it too much to hope?

I scanned the room looking for Bones. She had been amazing tonight. Gracious and friendly, almost effervescent. I nearly missed her, as she slipped out the door to the balcony.

I took a moment, watching her from beyond the glass, had she escaped the increasing warmth of the room or was she looking to be alone? What thought filled her mind tonight?

Was she recognizing what had occurred between us? Was she ready? Had it meant as much to her as it did to me?

Less than 90 seconds later I couldn't resist her siren call anymore. I slowly slid open the door not wanting to break her reverie. But she knew I was there. I could even tell she knew it was me. We had always had a sixth sense about the presence of the other.

Her voice came out a bit breathless, without looking my way. "I just need a little time."

"Time and Space?" I wondered if she would recognize the significance of my response.

I grinned when I realized she had. "Just time."

I could hear her relax, and took the moment to approach. I could see her shiver in the winter night, so I went to wrap my coat around her shoulders. "Thank you for all you did for Jared and me. I couldn't ask for a better gift." I prayed my voice wouldn't betray the emotion I carried. "Tonight my entire family is together. Happy, safe and healthy. Thank you."

She still didn't face me, but I knew her well enough that she was still attempting to process the shift that was occurring. Change was never easy for her. For a second I worried I may have said too much. "You are very welcome. I honestly didn't believe he would come. I am quite glad that he did. I am even more pleased with the final results. You deserve your family Booth." Her words broke my heart just a bit; I desperately wanted to scream that SHE was my family. Always would be.

I struggled for a minute with the lump that had formed in my throat. "How are you doing there, Bones?"

I felt her lean back into my touch. Something she never would have done previously. But this month had been unique. I couldn't beat back the hope that started to flicker, like a candle struggling in a winter wind. "I am good. Tired, needing a breath of fresh air, but good."

She was giving me the opening I need. I embraced her, in more of a hug. No apology, no excuses. "It was a really good month wasn't it? I kind of hate to see it end."

She wiggled, at first I thought she was pushing me away, but I soon realized she just wanted to face me. She was ready to meet my eyes. "I guess the experiment is concluded."

She sounded almost melancholy at the words. Did she not realize that it didn't have to end? That we could continue on forever; I desperately wanted to continue on forever? "I am almost afraid to ask, to hope. But…what…did you conclude?" I knew even she couldn't miss the double meaning of my question. Was this the beginning or the end?

I was at a loss for words. Knowing I had to wait for her to speak. The seconds ticking by like a time bomb. My world could either explode in color and hope or come crashing down in a million little pieces. In a single breath. I felt her reach up, her hand connect softly with my jaw.

But those crystal blue eyes gave nothing away. They were soft and contemplative. But was it hope and joy or sadness at having to end it all?

I wanted to crush my lips to hers, but I couldn't.

She seemed frozen, as if struggling with the indecision. Oh God she was trying to figure out how to reject my advances. She was only a friend. I had been deluding myself for so long. I should have seen it coming. A woman like her could never love a man like me. Hell she didn't even believe in love. She had told me a million times. I was just too desperate to hear it.

But she didn't say the words…

She didn't move to leave….

I felt her hesitate for a split second…….

It was when I felt her fingers caress my face I knew I had been wrong about her apprehension…..so blissfully wrong.

*******I hope that you enjoyed. I send this out to you with Best Christmas Wishes to you and all of yours!*******