Thanks yous to: hpslashrules, RobinAngelena, 554Laura, dms517, Vmf447 (I'll keep your suggestion in mind), FaithinBones (agree), kareneb (happy to know), GalaxieGurl, LoveShipper, ZinaR, jsboneslover, regbride12, Julie SBXMomX (thanks! Glad to see you're catching up) and anonymous guests. Thank you so much for your continued support.

I suggest reading my other fic "Valentine's Day" before reading this one. GalaxieGurl mentioned in her review that she would love to have seen the Sunday dinner mentioned in the story and I thought it was an excellent idea, so here it is.

Sunday Dinner

"So you absolutely sure you're ready to come over for Sunday dinner?" Parker asked.

They had just enjoyed dinner and a movie and both reluctant that the night was ending, strolled slowly back to Sophie's dorm. Hand in hand the young couple walked the short distance from Parker's truck to the dorm entrance.

"Yeah. It's been long overdue."

"The last time we planned it, my Dad got shot."

"I'm glad he's okay now."

"You and me both."

"Bones is gonna make her puttanesca sauce. It's delicious. And of course Dad's gonna keep calling it whore sauce."

"It is what the word means."

"Yeah and Dad does that to annoy her." Parker laughed. "He loves pushing her buttons and she loves doing it back."

"It's amazing they're still married."

"They're still crazy about each other. But they probably love getting on each other's nerves just as much. My dad used to say Bones irritates him but he loves her anyway."

"They're not like any couple I've met."

"Definitely not."

"And it's cute you call your Step-mom Bones."

"You probably think it's childish."

"I think it's nice. You're close to them. That's not common these days."

Parker shrugged, slightly embarrassed. "I've known her forever. She's been in my Dad's life since I was little. You know, my Mom didn't let me spend a lot of time with my Dad. I guess I'm trying to make up for it now."

Parker stopped in his tracks at the entrance to the dorm, squeezing Sophie's hand. "I'm sorry, I know your Dad left when you were little."

"It's okay. I turned out fine didn't I?"

"You turned out more than fine." Parker flashed his inherited Booth charm smile. "So I'll come pick you up at six-thirty tomorrow?"

"Yes and we'll go over to your parent's house."

"Don't worry I won't let Christine prank us this time."

"It was rather funny, thinking back."

"I was totally embarrassed!"

Sophie laughed. "I'll see you tomorrow Parks."

Parker leaned in to press a kiss to Sophie's lips. "See you tomorrow Soph."

…

"They're here!" Christine squealed happily as the doorbell rang.

"Christine, wait. Remember we talked about how you're not allowed to answer the door till you're older?" Booth called out to her.

Christine stood at the door, bouncing on the heels of her feet, waiting for her father to reach her.

"It's Parker and Sophie. Who else could it be?"

"You never know Pumpkin. What if it's someone else?"

It had been 4 weeks since the shooting and Booth still favored his right side where he had been shot. As a result, he moved slower than usual. He had been disappointed at how slowly he healed this time compared to years ago, and Brennan reminding him that he wasn't young anymore didn't help.

Opening the door, he smiled warmly as Christine greeted the young couple. "It is them! Hi Parker! Hi Sophie!"

"Hey Monkey!" Parker hugged his sister.

"Hi Parker." Hank appeared from behind his father's legs.

"Hi little man." Parker picked Hank up, swinging him around, causing Hank to giggle in delight.

"Come on in." Booth ushered the couple in. "Why didn't you use your key Parker?"

"Sophie said since it's her first time here, we should use the doorbell."

"It's only polite to do so Mr Booth. It's so good to see you're better."

"Yeah, better than the last time we met but still not a hundred percent."

"Give it some time Dad."

"Yeah, yeah I'm not getting any younger, Bones does a good enough job of reminding me that."

"It's only because I love you Booth." Brennan teased as she approached, welcoming Sophie and Parker with a hug. "Dinner's ready."

"Bones made her whore sauce. You'll love it."

Parker grinned at Sophie. "Told you."

…

After dinner, and with Christine and Hank tucked into bed, the adults gathered round the kitchen island for dessert.

"So how's school Parker?" Brennan asked.

"It's busy but I think I'm doing okay so far." Parker was doing Pre-med courses and the fact that he aspired to be a doctor made Booth immensely proud.

"Well he's still got time to date, so it's more than okay." Booth teased.

"Parker tells me you're majoring in psychology Sophie." Brennan smiled.

"Yes."

"It's a soft science, not like what Parker's studying."

"Bones!" Booth hissed.

"It's not a bad thing. Brain and heart, like us."

"We're not like you guys Bones." Parker laughed.

"Hey what's wrong with being like us?" Booth scowled. "We may be old but we still got a fiery romance in our marriage."

"Like Kathy and Andy!" Sophie grinned. "So those hot sex scenes are really what you both do?"

"Sophie!" Parker groaned. "Those are images I'd rather not have in my head!"

Brennan laughed. "Booth contributes his ideas at times but it's my best friend Angela that helps me with most of those scenes. However, that's not to say Booth and I don't enjoy re-enacting them in the privacy of our bedroom."

"Really Bones?" Booth asked incredulously.

"Don't worry Dad, Sophie knows Bones likes to speak her mind."

"They're good suggestions that Parker and you might enjoy in private."

This time it was Parker who groaned, embarrassed.

"Just make sure you practice proper contraception. It is ideal that both of you complete your studies before thinking about progeny. That is if you intend to pursue a long term relationship with Parker."

"And that's our cue." Booth shook his head amused. "C'mon Parker, have a beer with your old man? We'd best let the ladies talk."

"Right." Parker squeezed Sophie's hand reassuringly then stood, following his father to the stadium seats down the hall.

The men now out of earshot, Brennan smiled at Sophie. "Parker told us your father left you when you were six."

"Yes."

"Your mother raised you alone. It couldn't have been easy raising a child on her own. She must be extremely proud of you."

"She is. I call her almost every day."

"That is a good practice to cultivate." Brennan paused, taking a sip out of her wine. "I've known Parker since he was four. I've watched him grow up into a fine young man. He has a good heart, like his father."

"Is this your don't-break-my-son's-heart speech?"

Brennan laughed. "I do believe you are Parker's first serious girlfriend. But no, I trust that if the both of you are meant to be, everything will work out eventually. It did for my husband and I. Our relationship was marked by several instances where we hurt each other. But now's not the time to recount them." She paused, as if deep in thought. "My parents abandoned me when I was fifteen."

"I didn't know. I'm sorry."

"No don't be. It was a long time ago. It did make me hesitant to trust in the goodness of people. Booth made me see otherwise. We're both very fortunate women to have their love." Brennan nodded towards the Booth men who seemed equally engrossed in their conversation.

…

"So you're gonna give me your don't-break-her-heart speech?"

"Nah. I think I've taught you well. You know how to treat a woman right." Booth took a swig out of his beer bottle.

"You sure you can drink that?" Parker asked as he drank his own beer.

"If I couldn't Bones wouldn't be smiling at us right now." Booth smiled back at Brennan sweetly. "I'm off my pain meds. Just need some more time to heal up. Don't mess it up okay? I like her."

"Yeah so do I. But how do I know she's the one? Like Bones is for you."

"Everything happens eventually. You just gotta be ready for it. Like Bones, she had it a little rough growing up."

"Yeah her Dad walked out on her and her Mom."

"If she's anything like Bones, you shouldn't push her okay? Give her time."

"I will."

"You've got time, so take it slow."

Parker nodded as he stood. The two women approached them. "I have an early class tomorrow." Sophie explained.

"Yeah we should get going."

The four adults made their way towards the front door.

"You're welcome back here anytime Sophie." Brennan wrapped her arms round the younger woman in a hug.

"Thank you both Mr Booth, Dr Brennan for your hospitality."

"Like she said, come back have dinner with us soon."

"We will." Parker nodded. "Now I've got some studying to do."

"You sure you two are going back to just study?"

"Dad!"

"Hey I was your age and in college once too."

"Apparently, Parker's more studious than you."

"It's a good thing he is." Booth chuckled.

"See ya Dad. Bones."

"Bye guys." Booth waved as he watched his son and girlfriend climb into the truck and drive off. Closing their door he turned to Brennan.

"I don't know why but that just made me feel really old."

"Me too." Brennan smiled.

"She's a good kid, good for Parker."

Brennan took a moment to consider her husband's words. "Wait Booth… you didn't!"

"Didn't what?"

"You ran a background check on her didn't you?"

"What?" Booth feigned innocence. "No."

"I know you're lying."

"All right fine. I did."

"Did you forget what happened the last time you ran a background check on Padme?"

"Yeah and you see how Jared's marriage turned out."

"Jared had multiple problems and he was an alcoholic. Parker's not like that."

"I'm just looking out for our son, that's all."

"So does Sophie's background check turn out hinky?"

Booth chuckled. "You remembered that word!" He shook his head. "Nope. Sophie's a good girl."

"That's reassuring to know."

"See you approve!"

"Simply because I love Parker."

"And so do I. But seriously this is between the two of us okay?"

"I can imagine Parker would be enraged if he found out."

"Promise you won't tell him? It's one of those what goes on between us things."

"I promise. I see the logic in looking out for our son. I can't imagine when Christine starts dating."

"The way she's turning out to be as beautiful as you, I'm gonna be one busy Dad I can tell ya that!"