CHAPTER 26

"The baby's stem cells can be viable at 13 weeks. That's only 10 days from now. It's a relatively new procedure, it was first done in 2013, but it has been 100% successful given the baby is a match," Brennan told Booth as they stood outside Emily's room.

Booth regarded Brennan for a few moments. He couldn't believe what he was hearing.

He sighed. "10 more days then? 10 more days and then we can see if our baby is a match for Emily?" he questioned, wanting to make sure he had this straight.

"Yes," Brennan replied. "The chances of our baby being a match are in the 90th percentile, close to the 95th, actually. I didn't believe it at first, but the more I read, the more confident I became. This could be it, Booth…our miracle," Brennan said, her voice speeding up as she spoke. She could barely contain her excitement.

"So, what now? Why didn't Dr. Caldwell think of this? Does she still need to undergo consolidation?" Booth inquired.

"We need to talk to her. It's so new, she hasn't performed one. Emily might not have to undergo consolidation. We would need to keep her healthy for the next month so that when our baby's stem cells are extracted, she is in the best possible shape to receive them. A good immune system makes for a more successful transplant," Brennan continued.

"Keep her healthy…okay. But what if the baby isn't a match?" Booth had to ask it. This truly was their last chance, but he had to ask.

Brennan sighed and looked deep into his eyes. "Then we're back on Dr. Caldwell's floor," Brennan replied as she crossed her arms and shifted her jaw.

Booth looked at his wife and then through the glass on the door and into Emily's room. Emily's head was smooth and hairless and her wig was sitting atop Davey's head. Emma and Haley stood by, laughing along with Davey and Emily. Angela, Russ, and Amy watched the kids, while Hodgins appeared to be in a heated discussion with Max and Parker.

This was their one and only chance.

"100% success rate. You can't argue with them odds," Booth said as he turned back to Brennan, game face on.

Determined and with hope revived, Booth and Brennan set off to find Dr. Caldwell.

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"There are risks involved. I know oncologists who have had success, but only 33 procedures have been performed," Dr. Caldwell explained.

"Yes, but with a 100% success rate for those with matches," Brennan added.

"Quite true," Dr. Caldwell replied. She paused a moment and looked between Brennan and Booth. She knew this woman was a fighter; she had figured that out the first day she had met Temperance Brennan. She would fight to the bitter end and that bitter end was fast approaching. "The closest hospital performing the procedure is The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, but Emily cannot travel. I'll make a phone call; the #2 oncologist knows me pretty well," Dr. Caldwell explained smirking ever so slightly.

"How well?" Booth inquired.

"Let's just say he got the dog…and I got the house," Dr. Caldwell replied smugly as she glanced at Brennan, who caught on right away. "I will come and find you just as soon as I hear something. Dr. Brennan, we will need to discuss your part of the procedure as well," Dr. Caldwell explained.

"I've read up on it. Whatever it takes, you know that," Brennan told the doctor.

"Right then. Go be with your little girl and let me handle this," Dr. Caldwell instructed before whirling around in that way she always did and disappearing down a hallway.

Brennan turned to Booth and before she could open her mouth, Booth's lips were on it. Happily surprised, she closed her eyes and kissed him softly back. Booth swept her lips a second time and then leaned his head back to look at her. She opened her eyes a second later.

"You did this. If our baby is a match, you will have saved Emily's life. Michelle wouldn't have thought of this; it was all you," Booth told his wife as he smiled softly.

"No. WE did this. If we hadn't conceived another child, none of this would be possible. WE, Booth…WE," Brennan said softly, eyes gleaming as a tear trickled down her left cheek.

He smiled sweetly. "WE…sure do make a good team," he said as he brushed the tear away.

She smiled back. "Always have…always will," she replied and her lips met his again.