Brennan was about halfway to the grocery store when her phone rang. Glancing at the caller ID, she saw that it was Russ calling. She pressed a button on her dash to connect her phone to her car's Bluetooth system and picked it up.
"Hi, Russ."
"Hey Tempe," his voice sounded throughout her car. "Is this a bad time?"
"No, not at all. I'm just on my way to the grocery store to pick some things up. How are you? How's Hayley?"
"That's why I wanted to call. It's only been a few weeks but Hayley has been improving significantly. Dr. Goetz is a god-send, thank you again." The relief was evident in his voice.
"Oh, Russ! That's wonderful! How much longer until she's released?"
"Dr. Goetz is keeping her here for another week to monitor her vitals but he's hopeful that she should be home by the end of next week. We'll have to come in for weekly check-ups after but at least she'll be able to be home with all of us."
Brennan smiled, happy that her niece had pulled through and her health was improving. She couldn't bear to think about what it would mean if Hayley had taken a turn for the worse. "I'm really, really happy for you, Russ. Please give her my love."
"I will Tempe. She's been asking for you, Booth, and the kids. She wanted us to come down to see you guys but with everything going on, I told her we should wait a while."
"Yes, I agree. Let her rest and fully recuperate. Booth and I can talk and maybe we can figure something out. We can probably take a quick trip up depending on how things are with the pandemic around thanksgiving."
"That'd be great. Maybe even social distance in the driveway or something."
"For sure. We'll figure it out. In the meantime, we could always video call when Hayley's home and settled." Brennan suggested. Russ agreed that Hayley would really love that. The two talked on the phone for a bit longer until Brennan pulled into the grocery store parking lot. Russ told her that he had managed to find a job at one of the mechanic shops in his downtown neighborhood. Before the pandemic, the owners had acquired a couple of vintage vehicles but had no one with the right skill set to work on them.
"Didn't you used to help our neighbor with his for a bit?" Brennan asked, the memory very vague to her.
"Yeah, I did and for a brief period of time, after I left, I did too. So, I put in an application and I got the job. The owner, Mr. Millis also told me that we could work on me selling them after repair for a commission."
"Russ, that's great! I was worried that it'd take you longer to find something." He agreed and said that he had spent almost every moment he could find trying to find something he could do. Amy had been encouraging him and also trying to find a second job herself but Russ had stopped her saying it wasn't fair for her to take on so much. Especially with all the stress, they were already under with Hayley. He worked out with Brennan to keep the financial help she and Booth were providing until his first paycheck. Brennan assured him that if he needed it for a little more she was fine with helping but Russ told her it wasn't necessary. He and Amy had been putting a little bit of it aside for something like this. They then said their goodbyes promising to keep each other in the loop so they could plan when best to video call once Hayley was home.
Killing the ignition, Brennan put on her mask, grabbed her bag, hand sanitizer, and walked into the store. Grocery shopping had always weirdly relaxed her. Maybe it was the monotony of walking each aisle grabbing what she needed but it was something that calmed her. She grabbed a cart after wiping down the handles and began shopping. Cereal and other breakfast items and some snacks for kids (she even took the liberty of adding some of the more sugary snacks she let them indulge in from time to time). She smiled as she picked up a pack of Booth's favorite beef jerky. She hated it after he changed his mind about their proposal but once he cleared the air and they reconciled, she bought it for him every time she went shopping. It was one of those 'what's ours is ours moments'.
She did however tell Booth at breakfast that she wasn't going to buy fresh meat products for him and he'd have to wait until he could come and get them. She thought he'd be upset but he surprised her saying that he wouldn't mind trying her vegetarian choices.
She asked him if he was sure and he told her to not worry and get what she loved and they'd all eat it with her. She felt tears pricking her eyes when he had said that. From time to time, Booth lovingly joshed around about her eating rabbit food but he still supported and respected her eating habits. Oftentimes even cooking vegetarian meals for her. When they had first become a couple, on one of their first dates, he took her to a vegetarian restaurant. She had stopped him before he got out of the car and asked if he knew they didn't serve meat. He chuckled and told her he knew from the moment he called to make the reservation.
"Most 'normal' places don't have extensive vegetarian options Bones. I want you to be able to indulge, order what you want to eat, and not have to limit yourself. Don't worry about me, I'll be fine."
Brennan was sure that night she'd fallen impossibly more in love with him. She walked into the vegetarian/vegan section and picked up her favorite tofu and tempeh patties already planning on making burgers tonight. She placed a couple more items in the cart including some new ones she hadn't tried before and then went over to the baking aisle. As she was putting the items to bake the cake in the cart, her phone buzzed. Angela had text her asking to call as soon as she could. Worried that something had happened, Brennan immediately dialed.
"Hey, sweetie!" Angela answered after the second ring.
"Ange, are you okay? Are the kids okay? What about Hodgins?"
"Woah, sweetie calm down. We're all okay. What makes you think something went wrong?"
"Oh, are you sure? Your text seemed urgent so I just thought-"
"Oh sweetie, no-no. I'm sorry I didn't mean to worry you. I just wanted you to call me as soon as you could. I have something to ask."
"Okay, what's up?" Brennan sighed in relief, a little calmer.
"So, last week Hodgins and I were outside when we heard barking. We don't have a dog well, didn't anyway so we went to check and it turns out, this stray female dog found its way into our yard with her litter of puppies. We took them to the vet and got them checked out and all. They're about two months old and super cute but now, we have a litter of puppies and we were wondering, do you and Booth wanna talk about taking one in."
"Oh! Are you home right now?"
"Yeah."
"I'll be right there!"
"Bren, sweetie shouldn't you talk to Booth first- '' Angela stopped mid-sentence as she heard the dial tone. Without thinking twice, Brennan headed over to the pet aisle and picked up some things she figured they'd now need. She headed to self check out, bagged her groceries in the reusable shopping bags she brought along and got in her car heading over to Angela's. Ever since the Ripley case years ago, Brennan had entertained the idea of getting a dog but then her life got busy and she just never found the time to do it. As she pulled into Angela's driveway, she got excited thinking about having a dog again especially with the kids.
Angela stood by the front door, mask on and bouncing on the balls of her feet. This was the first time she'd seen Brennan since the pandemic hit. From inside the car, Brennan felt the same excitement bubble up in her and smiled at the sight of her best friend. She hadn't realized how much she missed Angela. They'd spent a lot of time on the phone talking, making video calls, and keeping in touch but seeing her best friend in person for the first in months made Brennan realize that there was something special about seeing people in person she had taken for granted.
Brennan put back on her mask and got out of her car.
"Hi, Ange! I'd give you a hug but you know."
"Oh sweetie I know. But I'm so happy to see you!" Angela beamed.
"How are you doing?"
"We're okay, sweetie. Hanging in there as best as we can. We have a doctor's appointment for Katherine tomorrow so we're hoping that goes well."
"The results from the last eye exam?"
"Yeah, they're finally here so we can get answers and know how to move forward."
"Good. Keep me updated okay? If Booth and I can help in any way, we want to." Brennan told her friend earnestly. She knew how much Angela had been struggling with being patient about her daughter's test results and was glad they'd finally be getting answers.
"How's school with the kids? Because I'm telling you I'm about ready to throw the laptop through the window from all the things Michael Vincent has to do."
"Oh god, don't get me started. Christine had a nine-page geometry test the other day. I wrote an email to the principal stating how ridiculous it was to be giving out so much under these circumstances. Some children probably don't even have the help at home as ours do."
Although Brennan couldn't see it because of the mask, Angela gave a knowing smirk. "So, it was your email that prompted the school-wide notice today about exams being optional depending on daily grades?"
"I assume it more than likely was. I took the liberty of forwarding it to the school board while I sent it."
Hodgins rolled out of the door. "Hello, ladies. Hey Dr. B! Long time no see! How are you?"
"Dr. Hodgins! Good to see you. I'm doing well, how about you?"
"Good. Good. Can't complain. Angie told me you wanted one of the puppies?"
"Yes! What breed are they?"
"Gerberian Shepsky. German Shepherd and Husky mix. They really are cute rascals. C'mon, I'll take you out back."
Hodgins rolled down the ramp and led the way to the backyard, Brennan, and Angela following.
"Sweetie, did you call Booth and talk to him about it?"
"Nope. I mean it's not as if we haven't spoken about getting a dog before and I'm sure the kids would love it. He'll be okay and if he isn't, I know how to get him in a good mood."
Angela laughed and Hodgins coughed. They'd sure missed their friend who felt more like a sister to the two of them after so long. As they walked towards the back verandah where the momma dog was with the five little puppies, Brennan was immediately drawn to a little one sitting right at the edge of the stairs. He had a fluffy white undercoat and black overcoat. His little ears were pointed up and his nose scrunched up as he saw her.
"Oooohhh look at him! He's so fluffy! He looks like a little marshmallow! Can I hold him?" Brennan squealed. Both Angela and Hodgins nodded and smiled at Brennan's reaction to the little puppy. She held out her hand and the little puppy sniffed her hand instantly wagging his tail. Brennan scooped him up and held him close to her. She rubbed his head, scratched behind his ears, and held him tightly. She was in love.
"Looks like you found the one sweetie," Angela smiled knowing that there was no way Brennan was leaving without the puppy.
"It appears I have. Oh, Ange, I love him! Have you named them?"
"Nah, we thought it'd be best to let their new owners have that luxury," Hodgins said. Brennan nodded, her attention taken up again by the puppy in her arms. His little head turned and his snout pushed into the side of her neck. His tongue came out and licked her. Brennan giggled at the feel. "Oh, you little…" she ruffled the top of the puppy's head laughing at the way his ears flopped. She didn't even notice when Angela left and came back with a box so she could place the puppy in it while she drove back home.
Angela let her know that they'd gotten the first vaccine recommended for them at two months old and handed over a copy of the record so Brennan could keep it. She'd have to call and schedule the next one next month. After staying and chatting with Angela and Hodgins a little and getting the puppy used to her some more while still in a familiar environment, Brennan bid them goodbye and headed home. The box and puppy were small enough that she could push back the passenger seat and keep the little guy on the floor in the front.
Booth quietly pulled the door to Hank's room closed leaving it open a crack. The little tiger had fallen asleep while watching Finding Nemo and Booth figured it'd be best to let him get some rest before waking him up for lunch. Christine was in her room working on an art project for school. She'd already finished her English worksheets and the project was the only other thing given today. During homeroom, they'd gotten an announcement and email sent to parents that they'd be pulling back on the workload for the remainder of the semester. Booth smirked and figured it had something to do with the email Brennan had sent out.
Speaking of, he looked at the clock and realized Brennan had been gone for about three hours. He wondered if she had gotten tied up at the store and was just about to send her a text when he heard her car pulling into the driveway. He slid on his slippers and decided to go meet her and help bring in the stuff.
Brennan got out of the car and went around to the passenger side opening the door. She smiled down at the little puppy. His head resting on the top edge of the box, ears perked up. She looked up and saw Booth making his way to the back of the car.
"Hey Bones, how'd it go?"
"Good but there's-"
Booth popped open the trunk before she could finish and she knew he'd come face to face with the bag of puppy chow. His head poked around the side and he looked at her confused.
"Umm… Bones, why did you get puppy chow? We don't have a dog."
"Well, we didn't have one but." She smiled. Booth gaped at her knowing that look that was on her face. It was the same look she got that one time Parker was visiting from England and she took him into the mall splurging on him without telling Booth she would be. He was a little upset at first but after seeing that look, he didn't know how to. Then, he heard a very loud pitched bark coming from the front of the car.
"Bones! You did not!" He walked over to stand beside her and sure enough, there was a little puppy in a box, wagging his tail. He blinked a couple of times as if that would help clear things up. The puppy barked again and Brennan reached in and picked him up.
"Oh Booth isn't he the cutest! Look at him! And he's so fluffy!" Booth watched as his wife held on tightly to this little puppy, her eyes, in fact, her whole body glowing with happiness. Her smile was radiant and she giggled and cooed at the puppy. She told him about her call with Angela and how they'd gotten the puppies. She told him that he already had his first vaccine and they'd just need to keep up with the rest of them. She told him that she already picked up food, a collar, leash, and a couple of other things like food and water bowls, a puppy bed, dog tag, and some toys.
Booth could do nothing but stand and stare at his wife as she spoke, the smile not once leaving her face as she recounted her morning and how she ended up with the latest addition to their family. He reached out a hand and rubbed the puppy's head, the little guy yipping excitedly at him.
"Does he have a name?
"Nope not yet, Ange said we have the honor of naming him."
"What breed is he? He looks like a Shepherd mix of some kind."
"Hodgins told me he's a Gerberian Shepsky. German Shepherd and Husky mix."
"I think Shepsky is a fitting name for him." Booth chuckled at the puppy now wiggling in Brennan's arms. She put him back in the box so he couldn't run off and smiled.
"Oh Booth, it's a perfect name!" She wrapped her arms around him, hugging him tightly. "Thank you," she whispered, grateful he didn't tell her she had to take the puppy back. She had taken a little risk getting the puppy without telling him first but she figured they'd work it out.
Booth hugged her back. To be honest, he was a little skeptical of them handling a puppy but if Brennan was this happy, he saw no reason to say no. Shepsky was a cute little thing and he knew by nature, he'd grow into the perfect, protective family dog for them. He also had to admit that he'd formed an instant connection to the puppy, maybe not as intense as Brennan had but he was already fond of little Shepsky. He kissed the top of her head and released her, walking to take in the groceries they'd briefly forgotten.
"How'd you wanna tell the kids we got a puppy, Bones?"
"Are they awake now?"
"Christine is, she's in her room. Hank fell asleep about a half-hour ago, I figured we let him sleep a bit and then wake him up for lunch."
"We can get him settled with his things outside on the back verandah and then after lunch introduce him to them. If we do it before they eat, it'll be impossible to separate them."
Booth nodded, figuring that once his children got sight of their furry friend, their attention would be grabbed until further notice. They both worked unpacking the car and carrying in the groceries. They kept Shepsky in his box so he didn't go wandering off around the house. They wiped down the things they needed to and packed everything away leaving out the things to make some stir fry rice bowls. Brennan watched as Booth put the things aside for lunch and she smiled. He was serious when he said they'd eat what she'd eat and she loved him for it. He caught her looking and winked at her.
"C'mon, let's get little Shepsky settled out there before we start on lunch." Booth took the garden hose and washed out the food bowls before filling them with the puppy chow and water. Brennan had purchased a small thing of puppy milk. She mixed a tiny amount, not wanting to upset Shepsky's stomach with too much. Booth found a bigger box and flipped it upside down to form a makeshift dog house. Brennan decided she'd order one tonight and have it delivered to the house tomorrow. With Shepsky settled, Booth and Brennan walked back into the house to cook lunch. Brennan went to change out of her day clothes and freshen up before joining Booth. Every so often Brennan would peep out of the back door to check on the puppy. But Shepsky seemed to be an easy-going puppy, entertaining himself with the rubber chew toys she got him and walking around the verandah sniffing as he went.
"Mommy you're home!" Christine ran down the hall.
"Hi, sweetheart!" Brennan bent down and hugged her daughter as she crashed into her Mom's arms. She loved that every time her children saw her after being apart for a little while, they ran to her and held on like it'd been years since they'd seen each other. She held a hand to Christine's head, the other around her waist as she kissed her temple.
"How was school today?"
"It was okay. My teacher said we wouldn't be getting too much work any more and gave us an art project to do. And she also told me that I did well on my English worksheets!"
"That's wonderful, sweetie! I'm proud of you. You'll have to show me them later, okay?"
"Okie mommy! Are you making lunch now?"
"Yep, Daddy and I are making lunch for everyone."
Christine nodded and asked if she could watch cartoons while she waited. Brennan nodded and watched as her daughter skipped into the living room. She stood up and went back into the kitchen to finish lunch. She and Booth fell into an effortless routine. Being partners for so long had given them time to develop the synchronicity between them and as husband and wife, they fell into even more so. Brennan diced the vegetables and cooked the eggs to top off the stir fry while Booth cooked the diced vegetables in the frying pan, seasoning it as he went. Brennan also worked on making a lime and orange juice mix using the fruits she picked up today. Hank woke up a little before everything was ready and went to join Christine in the living room.
He plopped right over her lap, laying on his stomach, his face turned toward the TV. Not making a big fuss, Christine simply leaned over and rested her upper arms on his back.
"C'mon kiddos, lunch is ready," Booth called out. Lunch went by, everyone enjoying the vegetarian dish. The kids didn't pick up on the difference and ate every last bite. They sat around the table talking amongst themselves, enjoying each other's company. Booth cleared the table and Brennan figured it was time to break the surprise.
"Christine, Hank, your Dad, and I have something we want to show you guys."
"Ohhh what is it, Mommy!"
"Is it a surprise?" Both kids scooted to the edge of their seats. Brennan and Booth nodded, both curious to what the reaction would be when they met Shepsky. Brennan got up from her seat and held out her hands. Christine and Hank each grabbed one and she led them to the back door. Booth followed. She briefly let go and motioned for them to wait a minute. Opening the back door, she poked her head around and sure enough, Shepsky was sitting by his box, wrestling with the edge of his puppy bed. Brennan turned around and knelt in front of the two of them wanting to instruct them on how to act so they didn't scare Shepsky.
"Before you go outside, I know you both are going to be excited but you can't be rough okay? Take your time and go gently. Your Daddy and I will be right there so don't be afraid either okay." Brennan figured Christine wouldn't be afraid but Hank would more than likely be inquisitive and timid. Both nodded, neither wanting to upset their Mom. Brennan stood up and opened the door, holding out her hands again, and led them outside. Booth chuckled as Christine bounced on the balls of her feet.
"A puppy! We got a puppy!" she squealed. She loosened her grip from Brennan's hand and skipped over to Shepsky. The puppy backed away at first but when Christine knelt down and reached her hand out, Shepsky sniffed, wagged his tail, and barked happily. Christine laughed and scratched his ear. Hank still held on to Brennan's hand looking curiously at the little puppy. Brennan knelt down encouraging her son to go over and meet their new puppy but Hank wouldn't budge.
Christine looked over, told Shepsky she'd be right back and walked over to Hank.
"Hey Hank, do you want to come with me to say hi. He's not biting and is really friendly. The puppy is our friend, right Mommy?"
Brennan nodded, "Yes sweetie." Brennan and Booth watched as Christine took Hank's hand in hers and led him over to the puppy. She stopped and whispered to him and he nodded and knelt down with her. Christine took Hank's hand and held it out gently showing him how to scratch behind Shepsky's ears and soon, Shepsky rolled his head chasing Hank's hand. Hank giggled and reached out his other hand and soon Shepsky was licking one of his hands. Christine giggled happily that she got her baby brother to be comfortable with the puppy.
She spun around. "Mommy, what's his name?"
"Shepsky, sweetheart. Daddy and I named him Shepsky."
"Skepie, Skepie!" Hank couldn't pronounce Shepsky and though Christine tried to help him pronounce it, it wasn't happening. She shrugged it off after a while and laid on her belly playing with Shepsky and Hank. The little puppy was a real trouper and attached to Christine and Hank without fuss. Yipping, rolling, and licking their toes. Hank had sat by the wall of the house, his back to it, and called Shepsky over to him. The little puppy bound over and plopped down in Hank's lap. He tensed up at first but Christine came over and sat next to him, talking to him about the fun they could have with Shepsky and how Shepsky loved him.
Brennan and Booth sat on the two porch chairs they kept outside and she leaned her head on his shoulder. Both in awe and in complete love with their children and the loving relationship they had. They were both equally proud of Christine for helping Hank get comfortable around Shepsky. Booth held Brennan's hand in his and rubbed circles over the pack of her palm. The smile unable to be wiped from his face.
"Oh Booth, look at them! Christine is such a loving big sister Booth like seriously, the way she was able to get him over there. I tried coaxing him but he wouldn't budge, he just kept staring at the puppy and then she came over, took his hand and just. Our kids are wonderful Booth." Brennan whispered to him not wanting to speak too loudly and interrupt the moment happening in front of her. Booth kissed the top of her head, a wordless agreement. They spent the afternoon watching their kids play with the puppy and when Shepsky ended up falling asleep on Hank's lap, wiped out from the ramping around, Booth lifted him off his son and put Shepsky in his little puppy bed that was under the box. Both kids didn't want to leave Shepsky outside but Booth and Brennan reassured them that they could come out a little later and play some more before dinner and since Shepsky would be living with them, they could play with him again tomorrow, the day after, and the days to come.
A/N: So, this chapter kinda got away from me and I just went for it. The kids were supposed to meet Shepsky next chapter but I decided, in the end, to keep it all together. I'm truly blown away by all the sweet reviews that have been left! I didn't think this story would generate this much and I am truly truly grateful for all of you reading and keeping up! Really, it means a lot :) Things are about to take a little bit of an unexpected turn for Booth and Brennan (not trying to scare anyone haha) but, I'm eager to see what you guys think about the upcoming chapters. As always, thank you for reading and keep the reviews coming!