Thank you so much for your replies. Hope you enjoy.
Chapter 2
As the two strolled out of the Jeffersonian, Brennan was silently giving herself a pep talk. 'You can do this,' she thought, 'Just try to remember it's like dealing with a smaller version of Booth. Well that settles what's for supper….Mac and Cheese!'
When they reached her car, she opened the passenger's door for Parker and flipped back the front seat.
"Huh, Dr. Bones," Parker hesitated, "What about my booster seat?"
"Hum," she stated biting her bottom lip as she looked around the parking lot. Seeing Dr. Goodman, she felt relieved.
"Dr. Brennan," he announced as he moved toward her, "I see you have a young Agent Booth with you."
"Booth had a meeting with Cullen and I'm watching Parker for the night," she replied.
"That sounds wonderful," he interjected, "so why such the distressed look?"
"Well, it seems I'm fresh out of booster seats," she answered.
"Ah, I see," he stated walking around to the back driver's side door.
Pressing the lock release and opening the door, Dr. Goodman pulled out a tan colored booster seat.
"I don't believe I'll be in dire need of this within the next 24 hours or so," he explained handing the seat to Brennan.
Brennan looked puzzled for a moment and then remembered. Dr. Goodman saw the realization cross her face.
"Twins," he stated.
"Yes, I remember now," she replied. "Thank you Dr. Goodman."
Placing the borrowed seat into the back, Brennan stepped aside so Parker could weasel his way in. Brennan reached into the back, latched Parker's seat belt, and closed the door. Dr. Goodman was watching with fascination as Brennan went about the whole process like a pro.
"Dr. Brennan," Goodman began, "Not intending on prying, but you know children can be quite the challenge."
Brennan cocked her head not fully understanding where Goodman was going with this conversation.
"Meaning," he continued, "What do you have planned for supper?"
"Mac and Cheese," she replied matter-of-factly.
Goodman let out an amused laugh as he patted her shoulder, "Good choice, good choice."
Brennan walked around the car pleased that her decision-making skills seemed to be in Dr. Goodman's approval.
Situating herself into the driver's seat, she adjusted the rearview mirror in order to see Parker. He was busy playing with two toy dinosaurs that were apparently fighting one another. She gave a smile as she pulled out of the parking lot.
Mentally she was going over a checklist of the night's events to ensure she didn't miss any important detail.
She began her mental list, 'First, dinner – Mac and Cheese, check. Second, dessert – Crap! No problem, we'll stop at the market on our way home. Third, snack – popcorn, check. Fourth, bath, check. Fifth, bed – pajamas, Crap! Okay, Okay…stop at Booth's first. Sixth, breakfast – we'll pick up cereal at the market.'
Hoping that she had figured out most of the possible crises, she was actually feeling more comfortable. Checking again on Parker through the rearview mirror, she noticed him staring out the window.
"Parker?" she questioned, "You okay?"
"Yeah," he answered, "Just miss daddy."
"Tell you what," she began, "We've got to go by your daddy's to pick you up some clean clothes and pajamas. Why don't we call him while we're there?"
"Really?" his face beamed.
"Really," she answered.
"You know what, Dr. Bones," he asked.
"What?" she replied.
"My daddy's right, you are the best!" he exclaimed.
She couldn't stop the smile that spread across her face. It was a complement in its truest form.
Arriving shortly there after at Booth's apartment. Brennan and Parker climbed the stairs hand in hand. Reaching the door, Brennan pulled out the 'emergency' key he had given her some time back. Opening the door, Parker burst into the living room leaving Brennan at the door.
"Can we call daddy now?" he asked impatiently.
"Sure, Parker," she smiled as she pulled her cell from her bag.
Dialing Booth's number while Parker danced with excitement was quite entertaining to her. She wondered what Parker could possibly have to say that was so urgent. Booth picked up on the second ring.
"Bones! Is something wrong with Parker?" his voice was full with panic.
"No, Parker's fine, Booth. He just missed you and wanted to talk to you. I hope this isn't a bad time," she replied.
"No, it's fine, Bones. Let me talk to Parker," he answered.
Brennan handed the phone to Parker. He looked like a pot ready to boil over. As he talked to Booth, he made laps around the couch. Brennan decided to excuse herself, figuring only a father could possible decipher exactly what Parker was saying. Making her way to his room, she rummaged through the chest of drawers finding a pair of red pajamas covered in blue and green cars. Next, she searched for underwear. Finding a pair with T-Rex on the back, she had to let out a chuckle. Then it was off to the closet for a "FBI in training" shirt and jeans. 'He is so much like his dad,' she thought making her way back to the living room. Parker was still circling the couch, but stopped when he saw her.
"Okay daddy I will," he stated, "And here's Dr. Bones."
"Yes?" she asked.
"I just wanted to say thanks again," he said, his voice filled with gratitude knowing his son was safe and happy, "He really likes you, you know?"
"I like him too, Booth. I really do," she answered watching Parker grab a stuffed Oscar the Grouch from the couch.
"I'll call around 8:30 to tell Parker goodnight, okay?" he said.
"Okay," she answered, "talk to you then."
She and Parker made their way back to the car with all the necessary items for the night and headed off to the market.
"What are we doing here?" Parker asked as she pulled into the parking lot.
"Well, I needed some help picking out ice cream for dessert and some cereal for tomorrow morning," she stated, "Do you think you could help me out?"
"You bet I could!" he yelled.
Walking into the market, Parker clutched tightly to Brennan's hand and for some odd reason, it made her feel proud. She grabbed a basket and they proceed to the cereal aisle. Parker picked out his favorite cereal, Captain Crunch, and then they were off to the frozen section of the market. Parker couldn't seem to make up his mind. First he wanted strawberry and then it was chocolate. Brennan even surprised herself at how quickly she came up with a solution.
"Well, how about we get Neapolitan. Then you can have both," she suggested.
"That's a great idea!" beamed Parker.
Strolling up to the checkout counter, Brennan reached into her bag pulling out her wallet.
"Your son is just adorable," remarked the lady behind them in line.
"Oh," stammered Brennan, "he's not my son."
"Oh, I'm sorry," replied the stranger.
For some odd reason, this tugged at Brennan's heartstrings. She'd always said she didn't want children, but for some odd reason her confession made her a little sad. She chalked it up to Parker being such a great kid and making parenting look so easy.
After paying for the items, the two strolled out to the car ready to head for home.
"You know Dr. Bones," Parker began, "You'd make a really great mom, but you already make a great Dr. Bones."
Brennan smiled, "Thank you Parker."
Arriving back at her apartment, Brennan set about the task of making supper. Parker was thrilled to find out they were having Mac and Cheese. As Brennan busied herself in the kitchen, Parker kept himself entertained at the dining table drawing a picture for his daddy. About the time Parker unveiled the finished portrait, the timer announced that supper was ready. Parker jabbered throughout supper while Brennan tried to keep up with the changing of topics. How she wished she had an ounce of his energy. When they were both finished, Parker carried his plate into the kitchen followed by Brennan with the remaining dishes.
"Ready for dessert?" she asked.
"Yay! Dessert!" he answered enthusiastically. "Can I have a scoop of strawberry and a scoop of chocolate?"
"You betcha!" she said with a smile.
Once dessert was finished, both made their way to the living room. Brennan remembered from a conversation with Booth that Curious George enthralled Parker. Finding the program on the television, Parker curled up next to Brennan as they both enjoyed the show.
Parker let out a big yawn as Brennan caught a glimpse of the clock.
"You ready for a bath?" she asked.
Parker nodded a sleepy yes and followed Brennan down the hall. Filling the tub with warm water, she helped Parker undress and climb into the tub.
"I'll be right back to help you wash you hair," she stated as she slipped out the door to grab his underwear and pajamas.
Moments later, she was back in the bathroom washing Parker's hair and rising the soap away. Helping him out, she quickly dried him off and lent a hand in getting the sleepy child dressed.
"Is daddy gonna call to tell me good night?" he asked with a yawn.
"He said he'd call at 8:30," she replied. "Which should be any time now."
Leading him into the guest room, she turned back the covers as he climbed in. She pulled her cell phone from her pocket to check the time. Before the phone was completely out of her pocket, it began to ring.
"See there," she commented, "it's your daddy."
Parker gave a sleepy smile as she pressed the phone to his ear.
"Goodnight daddy," was all he could manage before his eyes closed.
She pulled the phone away, kissed his forehead, and quietly left the room.
Once in the living room, she fell into the couch.
"Hey Booth," she said, "How's it going?"
"You sound exhausted," he stated.
"I actually feel better than I have in a long time," she admitted.
He gave a chuckle. He knew Parker had that effect on people. He made them feel alive, needed, wanted, and loved.
"Did I hear you kiss him good night?" he asked a little jealous if the truth were told.
"Isn't that what your supposed to do?" she questioned nervously afraid she'd cross some other line.
"Yes, Bones," he whispered, "I'm…we're just so lucky to have such a wonderful person like you in our lives."
She couldn't help but smile. This day had ended up so much better than how it started.
"Hey, I've got to go, but I'll call in the morning after you two get to the Jeffersonian. I should be able to let you know more then," he stated.
"Okay," she replied, "Good night, Booth."
"Good night, Bones."
Well...whatcha think???
