36-Expansion Pack

"Dad!" Parker yelled as he bolted from the house.

"Hey, Parks!" Booth returned, wrapping his son in a hug. "Come on, I think I want a milkshake."

"Can I have strawberry?"

"Of course!"

They took their milkshakes to go and Booth drove them to the apartment. "Parks, there are a few things I want to talk to you about, OK?"

Parker eyed his father worriedly and sank to the couch. "Is Bones OK? Is something wrong?"

Booth smiled softly and rubbed his son's leg. "No, nothing's wrong, Parker, I just think this might be a lot to handle."

Parker sat up straighter. "I can handle a lot, Dad."

Booth patted Parker's leg. "I know you can, Park. So first thing's first: Bones and I had a case about a month ago, and, well, they found a little boy at the scene. His name is Jaime." Parker nodded. "Jaime's parents…well…we don't know what happened to them. You know how Bones is a foster parent?" Parker nodded, hanging on his father's every nervous word. "Well, he stayed with us for a little bit, and Bones and I decided to adopt him. He's your brother."

Booth held his breath, and Parker launched himself into Booth's arms, grinning from ear to ear. "A new brother!" he exclaimed.

"Yeah, pal. He's your new brother."

"That's good news, Dad. I don't know why you were so nervous," Parker said easily as he sat back.

Booth smiled. "There's one more thing, Park. See, about a month before Jaime showed up, Bones and I decided we wanted to have another baby. When we found Jaime, we stopped trying for a little bit, but Bones was already pregnant."

"So…I'm gonna have another little brother or sister?"

Booth smiled hesitantly. "Yeah."

"Yes!" Parker shouted, jumping up and pumping his fist. "Dad, I'm gonna play with him, and teach him stuff, and do all the stuff I did with James except I'll be better at it because I'm older."

Booth smiled. "This baby is very lucky to have you as a brother."

Parker opened his mouth to answer when the door opened and Brennan and the boys entered. "Parker!" James shouted, running to his older brother.

"Hey, buddy!" Parker gave James a hug and a kiss.

"Park, did Daddy tell you?"

"Tell me what?" Parker played along.

"About our brother!" James looked for Jaime and saw him hiding behind Brennan's leg, Brennan's hand running soothingly through his hair. "Jaime, come on!"

"J, come here," Booth said quietly. James looked at his father curiously but ran over, allowing himself to be picked up. "Come on, show me your Iron Man action figure," Booth said, walking a squirming James to his room.

"Little Dude, it's OK," Brennan assured Jaime as she continued to stroke his hair. "Parker is your big brother." Jaime whimpered and hid his face.

"Bones?" Parker asked, confused. He was used to James' undying love for him, and couldn't fathom why this new brother wouldn't like him.

"Jaime, can you go play with Daddy and James for a little bit?" Jaime nodded and ran off, making sure not to get too close to Parker.

"Bones, why doesn't he like me?" Parker asked, clearly upset.

"Before we found him, Jaime lived with his uncle. His uncle was…was very mean. When Jaime first came here, he was so afraid of your dad he cried every time your dad said anything. He might take a while to warm up to you, but he will. He adores your father now."

"But…but he likes James."

Brennan hugged Parker tight. "James is not much older than Jaime. Jaime doesn't see him as a threat." Brennan pulled back and wiped Parker's tears. "Don't worry, Parker. By the end of your stay he'll love you. He's very devoted."

Parker nodded and hugged her again. "OK, Bones." Parker sniffed. "Dad told me you're pregnant."

Brennan studied his face. "Are you OK with that?"

Parker smiled and nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah!"

Brennan laughed and stroked Parker's hair. "Would you like to help me make dinner?" Parker nodded quickly and followed Brennan into the kitchen, where he proceeded to help her make a meal for his expanding family.