CHAPTER 26. Cards & Crayons

You have to walk carefully in the beginning of love; the running across fields into your lover's arms can only come later when you're sure they won't laugh if you trip.

- Jonathon Carroll

Angela and Parker wandered over to Booth, grinning. Parker wrapped his arms around Booth's middle and giggled with excitement.

"Hey, daddy," he beamed, rubbing his nose against Booth's stomach.

"Hello, buddy. Have you been good for Angela and Hodgins so far?" laughed Booth, tickling Parker under the arms.

"Of course I have!" Parker exclaimed.

"I have haven't I, Ange?" Parker asked her. He looked across at her and pouted, wanting her to confirm his good behaviour.

She laughed. "Yeah, he's been brilliant," she smiled, causing Parker to stick his tongue out smugly.

"Glad to hear it," nodded Booth. Angela waited until Parker let go of Booth and then launched herself into Booth's arms.

"You have no idea how happy I am," said Angela, tearing up. Booth thanked her before feeling a tug on the bottom of his shirt.

"Can we go and see mommy yet?" asked Parker, looking up at Booth eagerly.

"Sure, bub, I think she might be asleep at the moment but I know she'll be happy to see you," Booth smiled.

"Hodgins and Zach will be along soon. Goodman wanted to come but he's on vacation with his girls," stated Angela, releasing Booth and taking Parker's hand, "has anyone else been in yet?"

"Russ and Amy came earlier but they couldn't stay for long. Max is stopping by the house tomorrow to see them," he replied.

Angela nodded. "Do you have what I gave to you, Parker?" whispered Booth, placing a hand on his shoulder. Parker grinned proudly and nodded.

"Well done," he smiled, "come on then." He led Angela and Parker to the room where Brennan and Violet were now resting.

Brennan's eyes were closed as they entered the room. Parker looked up at Booth who raised a finger to his lips.

Booth walked over to Brennan and lifted her hand to his lips, kissing it softly. She opened her eyes and frowned, wondering where she was, before seeing Booth in front of her and smiling.

"Hey," whispered Booth, stroking her face gently.

"Hey," she murmured, her voice laced with sleep.

She ran her hand over her stomach and her eyes flew open with panic. "Where's Violet?" she cried, clutching Booth's hand.

"It's okay, Bones," he soothed, running his thumb over her velvety smooth knuckles, "she's over there in the cot." He pointed to a small crib a few feet away. She eased and returned to a hazy smile.

"Look who's here to see you," Booth grinned, moving aside to reveal Parker and Angela behind him. Brennan propped herself up and beamed.

"Hey, mommy!" smiled Parker, rushing to the side of her bed.

"Hey, sweetie. Did you have fun at Angela's?" she asked, stroking his cheek affectionately.

He nodded happily. "She let me use her special crayons. I drew this for you," he smiled, eager for approval as he held out his handmade card.

She opened it happily and read it, before setting it on the table next to the bed. "Thank you, Parker, it's amazing," she whispered, kissing his hand.

While Parker and Brennan were talking, Angela and Booth had gone over to the crib. Angela wiggled her fingers in front of Violet's face and cooed.

Booth lifted her out of the cot softly and placed her into Angela's waiting arms.

Angela was glowing as she turned around, walking to the side of Brennan's bed. "She's beautiful, Bren," she grinned, gazing at her friend with pride, "she looks so much like her mommy."

Brennan smiled sleepily. "Thank you, Ange," she whispered, looking intently at her daughter.

Parker stood on his tiptoes so he could see the baby. "Mommy, Angela told me I have to be really careful with Violet, 'cause she's so little," said Parker, licking his bottom lip.

"Angela's right, sweetie," Brennan nodded, "but she'll be able to play with you really soon. She'll be bigger before you know it." He nodded, satisfied with her answer.

"Hey, Parker, would you like to hold your little sister?" asked Angela, making sure that Parker felt involved with the experience. He nodded enthusiastically.

Brennan moved over in the bed and tugged back the covers for him.

"Come and sit by me, sweetie," motioned Brennan. He looked hesitant and he was chewing on his lip persistently.

"It's okay. You won't hurt me, I promise," whispered Brennan. Parker nodded and clambered up onto the bed next to her, wrapping his arms around her loosely.

He let go reluctantly and Angela came closer to the bed, smiling. She laid Violet into Parker's open arms, resting her in his lap. Angela held onto her in a similar fashion as Booth had done with Brennan.

"Put your hands here and here," Booth showed him, pointing.

"There we go," smiled Angela, releasing her hold on the baby and leaving it solely up to Parker.

Parker grinned and he held Violet for several minutes before wrinkling up his nose. "She doesn't really do much does she?" he stated, causing everyone to erupt with laughter.

Brennan's eyes flickered for a moment but she tried to disguise it. Angela had caught it however and she leaped into action.

She gently eased Violet out of Parker's arms and kissed her softly, before handing her to Booth.

"Come on, Parker, I think your mommy and Violet need to get some rest now," murmured Angela.

"Okay," whispered Parker. He kissed Brennan's cheek and nuzzled her face softly before jumping down from the bed.

He suddenly gasped as he remembered the present and he mouthed something to Booth. Booth gave him the thumbs up and Parker shoved his hand into his pocket, drawing it out.

"Mommy, me and daddy have a present for you," he beamed, holding something tightly in his fist.

"Oh, really?" smiled Brennan, glancing up at Booth who shrugged innocently, rocking Violet softly against his chest.

Brennan averted her attention back to Parker and he grinned, turning his hand over but still keeping it firmly closed.

Slowly, he peeled back his fingers, revealing the gift. Brennan's eyes welled with tears as she reached out and lifted it from his hand.

It was a tiny silver 'V', matching the other letters on her necklace, and it sparkled under the hospital lights.

"It's perfect," she grinned, reaching up behind her and unclasping her necklace, sliding on the new pendant.

"Thank you, Parker," she whispered, kissing his cheek and refastening the clasp.

"Thank you," she mouthed to Booth, earning her a winning smile.

Angela ruffled Parker's hair playfully and placed her hands on his shoulders. "Okay, charmer, we'd better get going. You'll see everyone at home tomorrow," she assured him.

He nodded. "Bye, mommy. Bye, daddy. Bye, Violet," he smiled, waving at each one individually.

"Bye, guys," said Angela, guiding Parker to the door.

Brennan smiled and waved, before falling back against the pillow and shutting her eyes.

"Bye," mouthed Booth, not wanting to wake Brennan from her light slumber; Hodgins and Zack would be along soon and she needed all the rest she could get before she could be discharged in the afternoon.

This chapter is dedicated to: canadiangurl

Delights for everyone. :D

A review would be yummy.