A/N: I just want to apologize for taking so long to update this. RL has been kicking my butt lately and I'm trying to deal. I'm torn knowing that I'm checking the complete button with the upload of this story. This has been a crazy journey to take and I'm thankful for everyone who took it with me. Ya'll are the best.

Melissa and Effie you are amazing. Thank for you being the support I needed to get this story through to the end.

Disclaimer: I don't own Bones. Never will.

ooo

Brennan stretched, waking her muscles, and reached across her large bed only to find the sheets empty and cool. Propping herself up on her elbows she looked around her bedroom and was relieved to see his shoes and jacket still on the chair in the corner.

"Booth!" she called to the obviously empty bedroom. She wrapped a sheet around her bare body and stumbled out into the hallway. "Booth, where are you?"

"Kitchen," his voice responded quickly and she leaned in the doorway to watch him, standing in her kitchen, in only his boxers and her flowery apron, as he mixed pancake batter. He shot her his signature charm smile before continuing, "I hope I didn't wake you."

"You didn't," she assured him with a smile, "what is all of this for?"

"What?" Booth questioned innocently, "can't a guy make breakfast for his girl?"

"His girl?"

"Bones," Booth groaned, "Just a figure of speech. I'm not trying to claim any property over you or anything. You're just my girl. My Bones."

"I suppose that I can accept that," Brennan responded, "because you're not going to change your terms of endearment. I've only been trying to get you to for months."

"It's only been about four months," Booth corrected, "I believe you just exaggerated Dr. Brennan."

"Not entirely," Brennan replied wrapping an arm around his torso, "it has been months."

"Four."

"Technically, three months and two weeks."

"Because being exact is important."

"Facts don't lie."

"And what do your facts tell you?"

"That you love me."

"Which is correct."

"And I love you."

"And I'll never get tired of hearing that."

"And that maybe it's time that we take the next step."

"Of course…wait, what?"

"I want us to take the next step," Brennan repeated her words only a touch more shaky this time and Booth took a step towards her. "What would you think about us moving in together?"

"Are you being serious?"

"I'm always serious."

"You are. You want me to move in with you?"

"Or I could move in with you," Brennan offered, "but my place is bigger…"

"You want us to move in together."

"Yes." Brennan stated and caught her bottom lip between her teeth nervously. "But only if you want to. I mean, it was just a suggestion, we don't have do it if you're not ready…"

"I'm ready," Booth answered cutting her off. "More than ready."

"Good," Brennan said with a smile and Booth pressed his lips to hers before heading back over to the stove. Brennan put her hands on his and questioned him. "So, are you going to tell me what you're up to? It's early."

"It's nearly eight thirty," Booth corrected, "and it's your birthday. What does it look like I'm doing?"

"Cooking," she answered looking around him, "something."

"It's breakfast," Booth smiled, his grin growing. "Coffee should be done if you want some."

"Definitely," Brennan said with a nod and side stepped around him. "And thanks for breakfast. But you didn't have to…"

"I know I didn't," Booth assured her interrupting, "but it's a big deal. And since you wouldn't let me do anything for you on Valentine's Day I had to make it up somehow."

"I distinctly remember you still sending me flowers and taking me to dinner on Valentine's Day," Brennan argued with a smile. "It's a made up holiday, promoted by commercialism to make people spend senseless amounts of money in order to prove their love and commitment to someone. It's ludicrous."

"It may be ludicrous but you didn't refuse the bouquet I sent."

"They were daffodils," Brennan responded simply and Booth grinned.

"Yes they were. Because I know you."

"I'm glad you do," Brennan assured him and pressed a kiss to his cheek, when he leaned over to set a plate in front of her. "Okay, this looks decisively unhealthy. What is this?"

"They are pancakes Bones," Booth answered, "a recipe that my mom used to make on our birthday's every year. Banana pancakes with powdered sugar. Eat up."

Booth sat opposite of her and dug in to the mound of pancakes on his plate as he watched Brennan eye hers hesitantly. "What's wrong Bones?"

Brennan lifted her head to reveal tear filled eyes, "this is wonderful Booth. Thank you."

"It's only breakfast Bones."

"I know," Brennan answered, "it's just…thank you Booth."

Booth reached over the table to wipe a tear from her cheek and wound her fingers in his. They fell into their typical, comfortable conversation as Brennan argued his view on the already planned vacation day. Booth continued to insist and pulled her thoughts from the work she would be missing to their day of miscellaneous adventures.

"Will Parker be able to join us at all?" Brennan asked, knowing that although it was the middle of the week they should at least take him to dinner with them. "We could all go out to dinner…"

"I'll call Becca and ask," Booth assured her, "I would love to take him to dinner if you're sure."

"I am," Brennan answered, "and we can tell him about our cohabiting plans."

"Cohabiting?"

Brennan smirked, "if you think we should tell him now."

"The sooner the better," Booth responded happily. "I'm practically living with you already so I think making it official just makes sense."

"I agree."

"I'm glad you feel that way."

"Me too," Brennan whispered and brought her lips to his over their nearly empty plates. When her cell phone let off a familiar ring she started to pull away.

"Let it ring," Booth begged as he wrapped his arms around her and peppered her lips with more kisses. "It can't be important."

"It's Angela," she responded in between the kisses. "She probably wants to say happy birthday."

"She can leave a message."

"I can't argue with that," Brennan relented and engaged fully in the kiss with Booth as her phone returned to silent. Only a few minutes later the phone started again. "Booth…"

"Voicemail," he replied again, "it's too early for her to be calling anyways."

"No it's not," Brennan argued as she wrapped her arms around his neck. When the phone stopped ringing again, Booth already had her back pushed up against the counter. "Bed."

They were halfway down the hallway when Brennan's phone rang the same ringtone a third time. Groaning Brennan pulled away from Booth fully and rested her hand on his cheek. "If I don't answer she'll only keep calling."

"Fine," Booth huffed, "but let her know she owes me. Big time."

"I'll tell her," Brennan told him with a laugh and she picked up the phone. "Brennan."

"Bren," Angela panted, "I'm in labor. And Hodgins isn't here. And I feel bad bugging you because I know it's your birthday. Happy Birthday, by the way, but I need you to come and get me."

"Angela calm down," Brennan said and waved to get Booth's attention. "Booth and I will be there as soon as we can. Where is Hodgins?"

"He had a Cantilever board meeting today," Angela supplied through sort breaths. "I told him to go, that I would be fine. I'm not due for another week."

"You're going to be fine," Brennan answered and headed into the bedroom to change while she calmed Angela down. She flipped the phone to speaker and set it on the dresser. "Remember, deep breaths Angela."

"I'm trying sweetie," Angela assured her, "this is just painful. I mean, like really, really painful. I want drugs. Get me to the hospital so they can give me drugs."

"Don't worry Ange," Booth interrupted as he pulled on his shoes, "we're heading out in just another minute. Stay on the phone with Bones until we get to your house."

"Okay," Angela said and Brennan could imagine her best friend's nod. "I'm sorry to have interrupted your morning. I was trying to get a hold of Hodgins but I can't."

"Its fine Angela," Brennan assured her, "I promise. And we'll get you to the hospital and then I'll send Booth to get Hodgins."

"I can send an agent over the offices now to get him if you want."

"You can?" Angela asked, her voice sounding smaller than either of the partners had ever heard. "I would really, really like that."

"Of course," Booth replied. "I'll send Charlie to grab him and have them meet us at the hospital."

"Thanks Booth," Angela stated right as another painful cry ripped from her lungs. "God. This kid better realize how much pain he's put me through and never, ever gives me problems."

"It's going to be worth it when they place him in your arms," Booth promised, "all the pain will fade away."

"How in the hell do you know that?" Angela demanded, "you've never pushed a child out of a hole in your body."

Booth cringed and Brennan choked back a laugh as they climbed into his truck. "It is what Rebecca said after Parker was born. We're on our way."

"Just get here fast."

Booth sped through the quiet morning streets of DC as they worked their way to the Hodgins' mansion. He watched as Brennan flipped the phone off speaker and held it to her ear as she talked to her friend through the contractions and he grabbed his phone to have Charlie pull Hodgins from his board meetings. After arranging to have the agent and billionaire meet them at the hospital, he tucked his phone back in the chest pocket of his shirt.

Brennan reached across the center console of the car and threaded the fingers of her phoneless hand in his and he couldn't keep the smile off his face as he lifted their joint hands and pressed a kiss against her knuckles.

"Alright Angela," Brennan replied, "We're pulling in now. Do you have your hospital bag ready? Okay, good. I'm hanging up now and we'll be inside in a second."

Twenty minutes later they were wheeling Angela into a room at the hospital and Booth was waiting to hear from Charlie if he had been able to get to Hodgins when the door burst open and a frantic looking Jack Hodgins stormed into the room.

"Angela?"

"I'm fine," Angela answered automatically, "just in labor."

"Yes she is," her doctor said as she entered, "and we're going to see just how far along you are. If your friends want to step into the waiting room…"

"Of course," Brennan responded and leaned over to press a kiss to her friend's forehead. "We'll be in the waiting room and we'll give everyone a call."

"Thanks Bren," Angela whispered, "for everything."

"I'd do anything for you Angela, you should know that."

Angela nodded and Booth pulled Brennan from the room. Looking over his shoulder he called to Jack, "keep us updated man."

"You betcha."

Brennan threaded her fingers through Booth's as they walked through the stark white hallway of the hospital.

"You don't really mind hanging out here until the baby is born do you," Brennan asked Booth when they got settled into the chairs in the waiting room. "I don't want to leave."

"Of course I don't mind," Booth assured her as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders. "I know how much Angela means to you. We'll be here until you want to leave."

"Thanks Booth."

"Will you go call Cam? And Sweets? I know they will want to be here."

"Yeah," Booth said with a nod. "I'll be right back. Do you want anything from the cafeteria?"

"Coffee would be great," Brennan answered, "thanks Booth."

Booth pressed a kiss to her lips, "anything for you, birthday girl."

Brennan swatted his hand away and chuckled when he held her wrists in order to kiss her again.

"You know," he said quietly, "I really like this flirty side of you."

Brennan smiled and leaned up to let her lips meet his again, "I do too."

It was nearly an hour later when Sweets and Julie came walking through the doors. And Booth noticed Cam right behind them.

"Have you heard anything yet?" Sweets asked and Brennan shook her head. "Is that right?"

"I don't know," Brennan replied, "I mean, I know that labor can take awhile…"

"You've just never had to go through it before," Cam responded, "It's understandable. Let me go ask the nurse…"

"They won't say anything," Brennan huffed, "I've already tried that."

Cam shrugged and headed towards the nurses' station anyways when Booth noticed Brennan pull Julie into a conversation and he turned towards Sweets. "So, what's the deal with you and Julie?"

"What do you mean?"

"You have been pretty serious about her from the get-go huh?"

"Yeah," Sweets answered with a shrug, "why do you ask?"

"When are you going to propose?"

"What?" Sweets shrieked grabbing the attention of both Brennan and Julie who gave him odd looks. Sweets looked at them sheepishly and shrugged, "it's nothing, just nothing." He turned back to Booth with a glare, "what are you thinking?"

"It's a legitimate question."

"I'm not having this conversation here. Not now."

"Okay," Booth replied with a smirk. "So you have thought about it."

Sweets shrugged, "maybe."

"Go for it Sweets," Booth whispered to him and opened the newspaper with a small hidden smile. "Don't miss out."

Sweets smiled a little bit and nodded. "Thanks."

"Anytime Sweets," Booth replied without taking his eyes off the newspaper. His eyes snapped after a moment and he grinned. "Hey Bones! You know what I'm thinking?"

Bones turned and looked at him quizzically, "you should know that it is impossible to know what you're thinking without telling me."

"It's just," Booth started, "never mind. Would you like you know what I'm thinking?"

"Of course. "

"Today is Tuesday."

"That is what you were thinking about?"

"Not just that," Booth corrected with a sigh before continuing. "Tuesday. Normally our therapy session, looks like we won't have to worry about that this week."

"You know that isn't correct…"

Brennan grinned and winked, ignoring Sweets' attempt to refute Booth's idea. "I didn't think about that."

"Guys…"

"What Sweets?" Booth questioned with a smirk, "It's Tuesday, we're all here. We can just consider this our session. Perfect."

"But…"

"They won't tell me anything," Cam responded interrupting the argument much to Booth's appreciation. "I did request though for Hodgins to come out and update us if he can."

"Good," Julie answered, "thanks for checking Cam."

"It's the least I can do."

"Did they say…"

"Hodgins!" Brennan called when the curly haired entomologist came walking down the hall. "How is Angela?"

"She's doing great," Hodgins replied with a smile, "but her doctor is telling us it could still be awhile. Thank god for drugs."

"For her," Cam teased with a smile, "right."

"Oh yeah," Hodgins answered with a nod. "I'm afraid my fingers will have permanent damage."

"Let us know if you need anything," Julie offered, "we're feeling a little helpless out here."

"Thanks for being here," Hodgins answered with a shrug, "it means a lot to us. And you're family. But, I would kill for a burger. I didn't have a chance to eat today."

"Julie and I will make a diner run," Sweets' offered. "It'll be better than hospital food."

"Thanks," Hodgins answered, "have a nurse come and get me when you get back and I'll give you an update." Hodgins turned to head back down the hallway but quickly faced the group again. "Thanks again. It really does mean a lot."

"Go be with your wife Bug man," Booth called with a nod. "But you're welcome."

The five of them watched Hodgins until he disappeared around the corner and Cam let out a little laugh. "Leave it to Angela to have a stubborn baby. I wonder how long she'll be in labor for."

"Well it's been proven that your first child typically takes the longest," Brennan offered. "I would imagine she has several more hours to go."

"Poor Angela," Julie breathed as she picked up her purse.

"Poor Hodgins," Booth mumbled and all three pairs of female eyes fell on him. "What? I'm just saying…"

"I'd be really careful on what you say right now," Cam warned her long time friend. "You are far outnumbered."

"But…"

"I'd drop it man," Sweets offered weakly, "she's right."

"Thanks a lot Sweets."

"Why don't you and Julie take off," Cam suggested, "Hodgins needs to eat and I know I'm starting to get a little hungry too…"

"No problem," Julie offered immediately, "we'll be back soon."

"Great," Brennan said in thanks and Julie took Sweets' hand and pulled him away from the small cluster of chairs they had been occupying in the small waiting room. Brennan waited until they were out of earshot before she continued, "I think they are serious."

"They been serious since almost day one," Cam offered, "I expect them to announce a proposal soon."

"I'd take that bet."

Brennan scowled at Booth, "you really shouldn't be betting…"

"It's just an expression Bones," Booth offered with a sigh, "saying I agree. I'm going to take a walk, would either of you like to accompany me."

"I'm fine Booth," Brennan answered, "I want to stay close…"

Booth nodded and turned to Cam, "what about you Cam?"

"I'm going to stay here with Brennan," Cam answered, "but if you find a newspaper stand can you bring me a magazine or something?"

"Sure," Booth agreed with a nod, "do you want me to bring you anything Bones?"

"I have a copy of the latest Anthropology Today in my purse," she assured him, "I'll be fine."

Brennan watched as Booth walked down the hallway before turning her attention back towards a now smirking Cam. "What?"

"Nothing," Cam answered automatically and focused her eyes on her phone screen, her mouth still curved in a smirk. "Nothing at all."

"I don't believe you," Brennan replied. "But I also don't believe you'll tell me, so I guess I'll leave you to your phone."

Cam smiled, "you two are just happy. It's really great to see."

"We are happy," Brennan confirmed unable to hide the smile that spread over her face. "And soon we'll be sharing a domicile."

"You're moving in together?" Cam asked for clarification her eyes wide in surprise. "I suppose I shouldn't be surprised."

"I suppose you should not," Brennan agreed with a nod. "Booth and I have been in a monogamous relationship for several months. It's the next logical step."

"Yes," Cam agreed, "and we are all really happy for you both. You two deserve to be happy."

"Thank you," Brennan said quietly with a small smile. "That means a lot to me. And I know it would mean a lot to Booth as well."

They let the sounds of the hospital take over and fell into a comfortable, friendly silence. The moments passed by as Brennan started to lose interest in the magazine she was staring at and found her eyes searching the hallway for signs of Booth's return or an update from Hodgins.

Sweets and Julie returned first with bags full of goodies from the diner, including a salad for Brennan and a whole celebratory pie in honor of the newest squintfant.

Brennan sent a quick text to Booth to let him know the food had arrived and requested a nurse to inform Hodgins of the same before she started to eat.

They were enjoying their meals when Hodgins appeared, looking flustered, tired, and hungry.

"How are you doing daddy?" Julie asked handing him a cup of coffee and a cheeseburger.

"Angela has a death grip and our baby is stubborn."

"And that is news to you?" Cam teased him. "But seriously?"

"She's doing great," Hodgins replied, "but junior has stalled some. The doctors were sure Angie would be further along by now, but we're almost at a standstill. They are talking about doing a c-section if he doesn't hurry up."

"That seems unnecessary at this time," Brennan argued, "natural birth…"

"Bren," Cam interrupted with a pointed look before turning back to Hodgins. "They're going to be fine, either way it has to happen."

"Thanks Cam," Hodgins replied, "and thanks to you too Dr. B. I know you mean well."

"I do," Brennan answered quietly, "I didn't mean to upset…"

"You didn't," Hodgins quickly assured her. "Angie is arguing the same point. I just don't want to her shut the idea completely out if it is healthier for her and the baby."

"Did you two ever decide on a name?" Sweets asked changing the subject quickly. "Or were you still contemplating them."

Hodgins laughed, "we think we have it narrowed down to two. Angie wants to see him before we actually say we've decided though."

"Will you tell us the options?" Julie asked him with wide eyes.

"I can't," Hodgins replied, "I promised we wouldn't say anything until we decided." He wiped his mouth and took another gulp of coffee before he stood. "I should be getting back in there. You all really don't have to stay…"

"Nonsense," Cam replied with a wave of her arm, "We have to meet the little guy first. We're staying. We don't 'mind."

"Okay," Hodgins replied, "thanks."

They all watched him hurry down the hallway, briefly running into Booth on his way back to the waiting area, before he disappeared into their room.

Booth rejoined them and they all chatted aimlessly while they waited for news.

Nearly three hours later Brennan was being shaken awake by a weary looking Hodgins.

"He's here," Hodgins said quietly and Brennan smiled brightly, "Where is everyone?"

"Cam and Booth went to the cafeteria," Brennan responded with a yawn, "and I think Sweets and Julie were just going for a walk in the gardens. Do you want me to call them?"

Hodgins shook his head, "not yet. Angie wants to see you first."

Brennan nodded and followed Hodgins down the hallway. He pushed himself into their room and the let the door shut behind them before he led Brennan to the bed. Angela was staring at a small bundle that rested on her chest, a dark haired head sticking out from the green blanket.

"Meet Zander Brennan Hodgins," Angela said with a bright smile. "Zander, meet your godmother, Aunt Bren."

"Oh Angela. He's beautiful," Brennan breathed out with a sigh and a smile. Tears pooled in her eyes, "I'm so happy for you both."

"Thanks sweetie," Angela answered and reached out to grab the hand of her best friend. "It's incredible. It is such a surreal feeling."

"You're going to be an amazing mom," Brennan assured her and then turned to Hodgins, "and an amazing father. Zander is quite lucky to you have you as parents."

Angela smiled and squeezed her hand, "I'm sorry you had to spend your birthday in the hospital."

"I wouldn't have had it any other way," Brennan assured her with a grin. "I'm quite honored to say that I share a birthday with him."

"And we couldn't be more proud to say that he shares your birthday or namesake. You've been an amazing friend and colleague to both of us. We couldn't say thank you enough."

A tear spilled out of Brennan's eye as she reached her arms awkwardly around Angela and Zander. "No," she protested, "it's me who should be thanking you both. I'm honored, really."

"Would you like to hold him?"

"Are you sure?"

"Of course," Angela guaranteed her, "here."

Brennan took the small bundle of cloth and baby and held him close to her. "Hello Zander. It's nice to meet you. You're going to be quite the spoiled little squint."

ooo

A/N: So, this is it. I hope you all have enjoyed this crazy journey as much as I have. I do have plans for a sequel for anyone interested. I'm just planning on waiting for RL to slow down a bit. Thanks again for reading. Please leave a little note for me. I would very much appreciate it.