35- Pickle and Ice Cream

Booth happily walked into the Jeffersonian, excited to pick up Brennan so they could get Jaime's name changed. He glanced at the platform, but no one was up there. Next he tried her office, but although the door was open, no one was in there either. Booth glanced around and smiled. An anthropology journal lay open on the couch next to a Corduroy Bear picture book, and a dinosaur action figure was toppled over on the floor on the other side of the room.

"Oh! Hey, Studly," Angela greeted him, derailing his train of thought. Booth smiled at her. "She's in Limbo."

Booth nodded gratefully and stepped forward, wrapping Angela in a tight embrace. "Thank you, Ange," he whispered in her ear.

"Of course, Studly."

Booth smiled and sniffed, tears nearly escaping his eyes. "I'll go find Bones." He traveled down the well-known staircase and came to the double doors. He slowly pushed one of them open, giving his eyes time to adjust to the bright light. Blinking and squinting, Booth realized that he didn't see Brennan anywhere. "Bones?" He swiveled around and was just about to call her again when he choked on her name as he saw her slumped against the wall, fast asleep. He crouched down and kissed her cheek. "Bones, wake up," he whispered.

"Hmm? Oh, Booth. What…?" she started, looking around the room.

"I came in here and you were sleeping."

"I've been so tired lately," she explained as she took his hand and lifted herself off the floor.

"You wanna go to your office? Maybe work on your book?" Booth suggested.

Brennan thought, still clearing her mind from the fog of sleep. "Yes, I think that would be a productive use of my time."

Booth smiled. "You know you don't always have to be productive, Bones. It's good to relax. Especially when you're carrying our little one in there," he said, rubbing his hand over her stomach.

Brennan smiled, but was leaning heavily against Booth. Booth crouched down and scooped Brennan into his arms. "Booth, I can walk by myself."

"I know, but you're tired," Booth soothed. "Just up the stairs," he compromised.

"OK," she agreed. "But you're putting me down as soon as we get to the door."

Booth smiled. "OK, Bones," he said softly. He put her down once they had ascended the stairs and followed her to her office. "So, I guess you didn't eat yet, huh, Bones?" Brennan just blushed. "I'll get us something from the diner."

"Can I have grilled cheese?" Brennan asked.

Booth pulled her to him. "You can have anything you want, baby."

After Booth's quick trip to the diner, Brennan was enjoying her grilled cheese and Booth his burger when Angela came in holding Jaime's hand. "Look who I found," Angela sing-songed, letting Jaime's hand go.

"Mommy," he stated, and ran on little legs towards Brennan, who welcomed his hug. He then eyed the pickle in Booth's takeout container and picked it up, taking a large, experimental bite.

"Hey, you stole my pickle!" Booth teased, grabbing the boy and tickling him until he laughed and squirmed in Booth's arms. "You like pickles, Little Dude?" Jaime took another bite and swallowed before nodding.

They finished their lunch and Booth was just about to head back to his office when his phone rang. "Booth," he answered. "Yeah, yeah, it's no problem. Really. I'd be happy to, you know that. OK, I'll pick him up in about two hours. Bye." He hung up and looked at Brennan. "Captain Fantastic had an emergency, so I'm picking up Parker in a couple hours."

"Is he alright?"

"She didn't say much, just that she's taking him to the hospital. Her parents are coming for a few hours until I get there."

Brennan nodded and leaned down to Jaime. "Are you ready to meet your other brother?" she asked.

Jaime's jaw dropped. "TWO brothers?" he asked excitedly.

"Maybe three soon," Booth mumbled to Brennan.

"It could be a girl," she argued.

"Face it, Bones, I carry the Y chromosome." Brennan reached between Booth's legs and squeezed, causing him to yelp.

Brennan laughed. "I'll catch a cab home. I think you and Parker should spend some time alone first."

Booth nodded. "OK," he answered, then kissed her quickly. "I love you."

"I love you too."

Booth picked Jaime up and spun him around before kissing him on the cheek. "Bye, Pickle. I love you."

"I love you, Daddy!" he shouted.

Brennan smiled and took Jaime's hand. "Come on, Little Dude, let's go get James."