Brennan retrieved the plates and the silverware from the cupboard. Booth placed a generous serving on a plate and displayed it to Brennan, "Do you think this is enough for Erin?" he asked with a smile and Brennan chuckled and nodded, "Yes, more than enough." as she took the plate and wrapped it up. "Thank you for making a plate for her and... thank you for being so protective." she said as she closed the fridge. Booth placed their plates on the table and Brennan grabbed the wine bottle. "Oh, Bones. No need to thank me. She's special. Have you gotten used to having her around?" Booth asked as he took a seat. Brennan took a seat as well and took a sip of her wine. "I can't remember what my life was like without her. This summer has been fantastic. I find you've helped me transition into parenthood. I finally understand what you meant when you've discussed Parker." she said as she placed the fork in her hand. Booth placed his hand on hers, for a moment, "No, Bones. You transitioned over very nicely. By yourself. Erin loves you. I can see it in her eyes. You're a fantastic mother." he said and placed his hand back on his plate. Brennan smiled and looked down at her place and Booth did the same. The pair began to eat and talked about Parker and Rebecca. Soon, Brennan looked over at her watch and noticed the time. "Erin has yet to contact me about her arrival time." She stood up from the table to retrieve her cell phone from the kitchen counter. "Do you mind If I call her?" she asked Booth. Erin's ears perked up in the hallway and she moved down the hall to answer the call. She immediately picked up, "Hi mom, I'm sorry I haven't called or sent you a text. I am on my way home now." Erin said. Booth saw Brennan's safe soften, he could tell she was concerned. To Booth, this was the Bone's he adored. Brennan took a sigh of relief, "It's okay, I just wanted to make sure you were alright. I'll see you when you get home, honey. I love you." she said, and her eyes shined when she heard Erin say she loved her back. She hung up the phone and went back to the table. "She's on her way home...This is nice. I mean having dinner with you in a different setting." Brennan said as she placed her napkin back on her lap. Booth shifted in his seat. "I know what you mean, Bones. I always like spending time with you." he said. Brennan could feel her body temperature rising along with her heartbeat. She couldn't stop smiling and she longer desired the food on her plate or wine in her glass. Booth was feeling the same way.
Erin didn't want to eavesdrop, but she really needed to use the bathroom. She held up her ear to the door, but she was met with silence. She could hear the hum of jazz melodies but not the voices that inhabited the room. Booth, being the man of action, decided to scoot his seat closer to Brennan as he was sitting to her right. Bone's breath became heavier, "Booth, what are you doing? Do I have cheese on my face? She asked as she began to touch her face with the napkin. Booth chuckled and got closer, "No, you're perfect. I'm the gambler Bone's. I'm the gambler." he said between breaths. Erin heard Booth's words. They were muffled but they were a clear indication of what he was about to do. Erin covered her mouth to hide the squeals of excitement. Brennan stayed perfectly still, her heartbeat now pounding between her ears. Booth leaned in and kissed her. Softly. Not wanting to scare her away. But to his surprise, she kissed back. They seperated, their faces inches away, and they looked into each other's eyes, "Your odds were in your favor," she whispered and smiled. Booth's eyes widened, "Are you saying, you're willing to take a us, Bones?" he asked, his voice full of hope. Brennan took a breath, she had these words harbored inside for a while, and she needed to let them out. "When we first met, I didn't believe that such a thing as love existed. I maintained that it was simply brain chemistry. With Erin coming back into my life, she and you have taught me that love comes first and creates a reaction second. You and Erin are the tangible proof I needed to accept your premise of love. So, yes, I'm willing to give us a chance. I didn't think I was capable of change. But now all I've done is change." she said while allowing a single tear drop fall. Erin was now standing with her ear still by the door ignoring the glances of her neighbors. She shooed them away, "I live here!" she whispered. She did not want to ruin their moment by entering the apartment, but she didn't know how much longer she could hold it in. Booth kissed Brennan once more and held her tightly. They separated from the hug, "I should go. Erin will be coming home any moment." Booth said as he began to pick up his plate. Brennan stood up as well, "Booth, don't worry about the plates or Erin. You know she loves you. Talk more tomorrow?" she said. Booth placed his plate down and walked towards Brennan and held her hands, "Yes, talk more tomorrow." he said and began walking to the door. Erin sprinted down the hall to make it seem like she was just about to enter the hallway. Brennan opened the door and saw Erin approaching them. "Hi guys!" Erin said and waved. She was a tad out of breath, and she was attempting to conceal it. Brennan and Booth chuckled, "Hi Erin! Did you have a nice time tonight?" Booth said, giving Erin a hug. Erin hugged back and placed her head on Booth's forearm. "Yes, did you guys have a good dinner? It smells great." Erin asked while looking at her mom and Booth exchanged glances. Brennan opened the door even more, "Yes, we did. We're glad you're home now." she said as she leaned against the frame. Erin nodded, "Good night, Booth, see you tomorrow!" Erin said as she walked through the door and kissed Brennan on the cheek and ran to the bathroom. Booth waved, "Good night, Erin! Good night, Bones. See you guys tomorrow." he said. Brennan waved smiling and Booth waved back as he turned around and started heading towards the elevator. Brennan smiled and stepped back inside her apartment.