I know my story turned rather sad. Hopefully these next few chapters will be a little less angst.

I don't own bones.

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The next morning, Booth walked into the kitchen to find his daughter eating a bowl of cereal. Max was sitting next to her drinking a cup of coffee. Seeing his daughter give him a sad look, Booth walked over to the island and picked up the cookie Christine had decorated for him the previous evening. Placing the cookie on a plate, Booth poured a cup of coffee and then walked to the table and sat down across from Christine.

"Thanks for the cookie, Christine. It looks great."

Frowning, Christine looked at the cookie and then at her father, "Daddy, you can't eat a cookie for breakfast."

Smiling, Booth looked down at his daughter and asked, "How come?"

Looking at Max and then at her father, Christine replied, "Cookies are for dessert not to eat for real. Mommy will get mad if she sees you eating cookies for breakfast."

Leaning towards Christine, Booth took a bite out of his cookie and explained, "We won't tell Mommy so she won't get mad."

Walking through the doorway, Brennan asked, "Mommy won't get mad about what?"

Startled, Christine slid out of her seat and stood in front of her father, "Daddy needs the cookie Mommy. It will make him happy."

Puzzled, Brennan turned to see Booth wave at her and hold up the partially eaten cookie. Rolling her eyes, Brennan replied, "I see. Well, if he starts bouncing off walls this morning then at least I'll know why."

Laughing, Booth put his cookie down and picked up his daughter, placing her on his lap. Hugging her, Booth smiled, "Thanks for the cookie, Christine. It was very thoughtful of you to make me one."

Giggling, Christine exclaimed, "I love you Daddy."

Grinning, Booth kissed his daughter, "I love you too, Sweetheart."

Max, happy to see his granddaughter so happy, smiled and drank his coffee.

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Since Brennan's partner was in Colorado, Booth drove her to work. Turning the radio on, Booth listened to the radio playing softly. Booth hadn't put his seatbelt on; but, Brennan decided to not make an issue of it that morning. She was more concerned about Booth's state of mind.

Brennan glancing at Booth, "Did you talk to Dad last night?"

Nodding his head, Booth replied, "Yeah, he told me about . . . about . . . a . . uh . . friend of his."

Curious, Brennan asked, "You slept very well last night. Did Dad help you?"

Trying to be honest, Booth replied, "I think that massage you gave me made me relax more than anything . . . I didn't tell you; but, I fell asleep in the back yard last night before I came in and I had a nightmare. Max woke me up and talked to me for awhile. He made me think about some stuff and I think we need to give me some time. I think it will be ok. I just need time."

Nodding her head, Brennan remarked, "I understand. If you need to talk to me Booth you know you can. You can always tell me anything."

Biting his lower lip, Booth glanced at Brennan, "Yeah, I know. It's just that sometimes stuff . . . the things I want to tell you might be bad and I don't want to upset you. I don't want you to think bad about me. I've done stuff . . . I . . . let me think about it."

Placing her hand on his knee, Brennan said, "Booth, nothing you want to tell me would upset me or make me think badly about you. You are a good man and I love you. If you want to talk to me about anything you can. I want to be there for you."

Smiling, Booth reached down and put his hand over Brennan's, "I know you do. Let me think about it."

Nodding her head, Brennan sighed and then watched the scenery roll by.

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Booth had been working on a report for the Director when Sweets knocked on the doorframe to his office and then walked in. Booth looking up put his pen down and leaned back in his chair. Staring at Sweets, Booth watched Sweets sit down across from him and stare back.

Sweets, surprised that Booth wasn't ignoring him, hopefully asked, "Uh, can I talk to you?"

Facetiously, Booth answered, "You already are."

Nervously, Sweets continued, "I'm sorry for what I did ten years ago. I'm sorry I let my own agenda supersede the well being of you and Dr. Brennan. It was a mistake that I've regretted for a long time. If I could, I'd go back and make myself grow up and not do what I did; but, I can't. I did what I did. I just want you to forgive me. It was ten years ago. I'm sorry."

Sighing, Booth cocked his head and stared at Sweets. Looking down at his hands, Booth relaxed his hands and then looked back up, "I forgive you."

Relief flooding him, Sweets felt weak, "You do? I mean thanks. I mean, wow. I didn't expect you to forgive me so soon."

Holding up his right hand, Booth replied, "Yeah, well, too much of the past is turning around and biting me on the ass lately. It has to stop somewhere; so, I guess it can start with you. I forgive you for being an asshole. I'm just warning you that if you ever pull any crap like that again on me or Bones, I'll beat the shit out of you and I won't give a damn what happens. Now get the hell out of my office, I'm busy."

Smiling, Sweets stood up and walked to the door. Turning around, Sweets exclaimed, "Thank you."

Shrugging his shoulders, Booth replied, "No problem kid." Picking up his pen, Booth continued to work on his report.

Sweets happy for the first time in days walked down the hallway with a grin on his face. Entering his office, Sweets sat down at his desk and called Brennan.

"Dr. Brennan, would it be possible for me to come see you this afternoon?"

Brennan glancing at her watch, replied, "I should be available at 3 p.m."

Smiling, Sweets responded, "Thank you. I'll be there at three."

Ending his call, Sweets picked up his Nerf ball and threw it at the wall to his left. Nodding his head, Sweets turned on his laptop and started to work on some reviews that he had coming up.

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Reviews would be appreciated and welcome. Thanks.