Brennan slowly opened the door to Christine's room. She smiled and shook her head. Her daughter had an uncanny ability to sleep in a position as though all her limbs were broken. She had asked Christine one day if she was comfortable at night and Christine had responded in the affirmative without hesitation but there had been more than one morning where she woke up with a crick in her neck and Brennan had to massage it out.
She walked over and opened the curtains, letting some natural light in. She then picked up the discarded pillows that littered the floor. Sitting on the edge of the bed, she brushed her fingers against her daughter's forehead to her cheek.
"Christine, sweetie, it's time to wake up," she gently tried to wake her. Christine mumbled and shifted. Brennan reached out and this time, rubbed her hand up and down Christine's arm. "Sweetheart, come on, baby, time to wake up."
"Mmm… Mommy?"
"I'm right here baby." Brennan leaned over and kissed Christine's forehead, the gesture waking her daughter. Christine squinted and closed her eyes again and rolled over, burying her face in her pillow. Brennan giggled. Christine was definitely not a morning person, taking after Booth whereas Hank and Brennan were easier to wake up most of the time.
"Hmm, I guess we're gonna have to call in the tickle monster to wake you up then," Brennan joked and once she heard the little muffled giggles coming from her daughter, she jumped into action. She tickled Christine's ribs and just behind her arm where she knew Christine was most ticklish.
"Mom-! ahah… momm… hahahhahah MOMMMYYYYY stttoooppp… HAhaahhaha I'M AWAKE!" Christine squealed, twisting and trying to hide under the blankets.
"Are you really or does the tickle monster need a second round?"
Christine bounced up, kneeling, sitting back on her heels, and grinned. "Nope, all awake!"
"Oh, baby, look at your hair," Brennan, smiled, smoothing back the tangles of hair. "Did you sleep well, sweetheart?"
Christine nodded and crawled over, wrapping her arms around Brennan. Brennan gathered her daughter in her and shifted her so she sat comfortably on her lap. She returned the hug and gently swayed the two of them.
"Did you have a good sleep too, Mommy?"
"I did sweetheart, thank you for asking."
"You're welcome, Mommy."
The two sat in comfortable silence relishing in the quiet moment together. Brennan was in her joy sitting and holding her daughter. Christine was already eight years old and beginning to show a little of an independent streak within her. "Just like her mother." Booth had commented one day. Brennan understood her daughter's desire to explore her little independence, letting her take full control of what she wanted to wear each day or if she wanted to help in the kitchen, Brennan gave her small tasks she knew her daughter would be able to accomplish with ease. But being able to sit and cuddle with her, remembering that no matter how independent her daughter tried to be right now, she was still Brennan's little girl and she loved her immensely.
For years, Brennan had dismissed the notion of love, especially unconditional love, given her family's abandonment and what happened to her in the system but when Booth came into her life, she began to think otherwise. It wasn't until she held Christine in her arms for the first time that it struck her with force. The notion of unconditional love became tangible in the form of a small, crying baby that was half of her and half of her partner.
"Do you wanna come with me and wake up Hank?"
Christine nodded and Brennan squeezed her to her body one more time before letting go, allowing Christine to slide off her lap. The two made her bed and wandered down the hall to Hank's room. The little tiger was still fast asleep snuggled under his blankets.
"Okay, sweetheart, you go wake your brother and I'll open up his window."
"Okie!" Christine skipped along beside Hank and climbed up beside him. Brennan moved to his window to open it but her attention was focused on her two children.
"Haaannkkkk, wake up. It's mmooorrnniinggg," Christine sang out, tapping her brother's shoulder. Hank's eyes slowly opened and when he realized it was Christine waking him up, he rubbed his eyes and sat up. Leaning forward he wrapped his little arms around his sister and hugged her so tightly they both toppled over back on the bed.
"Ooofff," Christine giggled and rolled over so she could lie beside them. Brennan watched them and giggled herself.
"Did you sleep good?"
"Uh-huh! I dreamt about running with dinosaurs and then there was a wizard and then we were on a beach and then Daddy came and he was a superhero. He's a superhero right?" Hank asked vaguely, remembering the little simple explanation Christine had given him when Booth was needed at the Hoover and had to go to work one day.
"Mommy, is Daddy a superhero?" Christine asked.
Brennan was grateful that Booth was not here to listen to their conversation. She knew for a fact her already cocky husband would only have his ego swollen ten times more hearing his kids call him a superhero. But, she couldn't find it in herself either to deny it. Working alongside Booth for as long as she had been, she knew that in his own way, her husband was a superhero. So she simply nodded and confirmed. Hank, who hadn't seen Brennan yet, sat up and called out to her. She walked over and kissed her son, cuddling him as he crawled into her lap. Christine shuffled in closer and the three of them sat comfortably, Hank and Christine talking about their dreams and Brennan listening to them, in complete adoration of their little minds.
"Before we get ready, there's something Daddy and I have to talk to you about."
"What is it, Mommy?" Christine asked.
"Well, when your Dad is finished talking to Uncle Aubrey on the phone, he'll come in and we'll tell you both together but I want you guys to remember how much we love you both okay? And that sometimes, we need that love to help other people." Hank and Christine both genuinely curious about what would be said nodded.
Booth came in a few seconds later. "Knock knock," he said, pushing open the door.
"Daddyy!" both of his kids called out. Booth smiled and joined them on Hank's bed, sitting at the foot of the bed by Brennan who was now sitting with her back against the headboard and legs stretched out. Booth gently picked up her legs and put them in his lap, his hands resting by her ankles. Booth looked up at her, eyes questioning if she had started gauging their curiosity. Brennan nodded. The two of them communicated in the silent way they'd been doing for years.
"Hey kiddos, Mommy and I have something to tell you," Booth started.
Christine and Hank both sat by, listening attentively.
"I just got off the phone with Uncle Aubrey-"
"Are we gonna see him?" Hank asked.
"We might, sweetheart. We all have to go to where Uncle Aubrey works for a bit."
"Why Mommy?"
Booth and Brennan looked at each other. Brennan began again, "Well, you remember what I told you about love and how sometimes we need to use our love to help others?"
Both kids nodded. "Uncle Aubrey was at work and he was out doing his job and he met a little baby girl."
"What's her name?"
"We don't know yet bub. But, she does have any parents so -"
"Why doesn't she have parents? What happened to hers?" Christine's inquisitive nature took over.
"Sometimes, mommies and daddies aren't able to take care of their babies anymore, sweetheart." Brennan lifted her hand and stroked the top of Christine's head. She decided it'd be better to not delve into the full history of what Booth told her about the baby. There were certain things her children didn't need to be made aware of.
"Didn't her mommy and daddy love her?" This time it was Hank who asked. The little worried look on his face had Booth picking him up and sitting him closer to him.
"Oh, tiger, I'm sure her mommy and daddy loved her lots but it happens. And when mommies and daddies can't take care of their babies anymore, it doesn't mean they love them any less. It just means that the babies need a new home to stay in so they can be taken care of." Booth hugged his son.
"Will that ever happen to us?" Christine's timid voice asked.
"Oh sweetie, no. Daddy and I promise you that we will be here for you and your brother. Don't worry your little mind, okay. We love you both very very much."
"Your Mommy is right, pumpkin. We're always gonna be right here, okay?" The husband and wife shared a look knowing that there had been previous occasions that could have broken that promise. But, they each pushed the thoughts out of their minds and focused on the fact that they were here with their children right now and that's all that mattered at the moment.
"What will happen to the baby, Mommy?" Christine asked. She was now leaning against Brennan, her head resting on Brennan's torso and Brennan's left arm was wrapped around her keeping her snug.
"That's what Daddy and I want to ask you and Hank. Would it be okay if we brought the baby home and took care of her for a while? Until she is able to find a new forever home."
"Why can't this be her forever home?"
Brennan smiled, "We'll all think about it okay, sweetie. But for now, let's focus on taking care of her for a while and making sure that she's okay." Brennan looked across at her son and could see the little wheels turning in his head. At this age, Hank was processing a lot in his brain, even if he couldn't express the complexities of his thoughts. She caught Booth's attention and motioned with her chin toward Hank.
"Hank, sweetie, what are you thinking about?"
"Yeah, bub. Are you okay?"
Hank sat up and looked around his room and looked at Brennan and Booth. Sensing her son's hesitations, Brennan worked to calm them. "The baby will stay with us in our room, sweetie, and then Daddy and I are going to work on getting the spare room ready for her. Okay? You'll still have all your toys and your room and you can even be a big brother to her."
Hank's eyes lit up. "Can I?"
"You sure can bub. Being a big brother means that you get to help us take care of her. Just like how Christine is your big sister and helps you."
"Can I play with her?"
"Yes, sweetie, you can but she's going to be very small so you may have to find games that she can play."
"I'll be careful Mommy! I won't hurt her."
"Oh sweetie, I know you'll be careful. You'll be a good big brother."
"Can we build the pirate fort again?" Christine asked, sitting up. She liked the idea of being a big sister again.
Booth laughed remembering how the two of them fell asleep under the fort and when they woke up, they spent the whole next day playing in it. "I'm sure your Mom can build it again one day." Glancing at the little clock on Hank's bedside table, Booth realized they all only had about forty minutes to get the kids ready, get them some breakfast and take care of Shepsky before heading out. He got up, lifting Hank in his arms, and threw him over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.
"Hahahahahaa Daaddyyy" he squealed.
"Alright, let's go whip up some quick breakfast." Booth jostled him lightly and walked out the room, Christine skipping along asking for cheesy eggs and toast. Brennan stood up, made Hank's bed, and followed them outside. She figured that the conversation could have gone much worse but also knew that she and Booth would just have to play the situation by ear as the days with the baby living with them went on.
Fed, dressed and one happy puppy taken care of later, the Brennan-Booth family piled into the SUV and Booth drove them to the Hoover. The whole way there, the kids had questions about the baby. They were generally curious questions, wondering about movies to watch with the baby, the food the baby would like, how would the baby play with Shepsky, were they still not sure if the baby would live with them forever. Brennan and Booth tried to answer their questions as best as they could and were both grateful that Christine and Hank seemed to be in good spirits about bringing the baby home.
Booth pulled into the parking garage at the Hoover and could see Aubrey standing by the doors that led to the back stairs. He could also see Caroline's vintage yellow car parked towards the front of the entrance.
"Looks like Caroline is still here," he told Brennan, pointing towards it.
"Yes, I noticed her car when we pulled in. I wonder if she's had a chance to debrief with the Jeffersonian on the case or if she's been here the whole time."
"Knowing her, she's probably been here and sent out a junior agent to get her personal updates."
Brennan nodded, not disagreeing with him at all. If they were honest, they were also kinda missing the prosecutor's snippy remarks. Booth pulled into the parking spot and killed the engine. Without even thinking, he reached out and placed his hand on Brennan's knee and squeezed gently. She placed her hand over his and intertwined their fingers. They both put on their masks and Brennan turned around telling the kids to put theirs on and reached over to help Hank adjust his.
On the drive over, Brennan had explained to the kids that they would have to wear masks if they were going into the building so they could protect themselves and be safe.
Aubrey had reached the SUV and to say Christine and Hank were happy to see him was an understatement.
"UNCLE AUBRREEEYYY!" they both screamed out. Brennan had to turn around and remind them to not scream so loud.
Chuckling Aubrey waved at them as Booth rolled down the front and back seat windows on his side.
"Hey, squirts! Y'all being good?"
"Uh-huh!"
"Hey Booth, Dr. B. How are y'all?"
"We're good man, hanging in there. How about you? This morning sounds like it was rough." Booth had his fair share of surveillance cases and could sympathize with the fact that sometimes the situation was hell.
"Ahh, it is what it is, man. Jess and I are going to probably sit down later and talk just to process it all." Cautious that the two kids were still in the backseat, he stopped himself from saying more and having the kids overhear something they shouldn't. Booth nodded. He couldn't imagine not having Brennan with him to talk things through.
"Aubrey, is the social worker here?" Brennan asked, leaning over to see him.
"Yeah, Dr. B. She and Caroline and Jessica are upstairs in the third-floor conference room. If you want Booth, no one's been in your office since you left and the cleaning crew comes by daily and keeps it up to par so you can take the kids up."
"Ah, sounds good, man. Good to know that this time around, no one's touched it. About time." Booth joked, remembering the times when he left the Hoover for an extended period of time and his office had been taken over or completely emptied out.
Aubrey chuckled. "Yeah, well I made sure it stayed the same. But yeah, I can stay with them and keep an eye on them while the two of you meet Lily and deal with the paperwork. Booth and Brennan shared a smile when they heard her name.
"Lily is a beautiful name," Brennan commented absentmindedly.
"Yeah, she's a cute little thing."
"Alright, well, kids are you ready?" Booth asked.
"Are we going upstairs?" Christine asked.
"You bet 'mini Booth' and we're gonna hang out in your Dad's office while they take care of something."
"Oooo can we play 'I Spy'?" Hank smiled and was bouncing in his seat as Brennan came around to unbuckle him from his booster seat.
"You bet, squirt!"
Brennan held Hank's hand and walked around the car to the other side where everyone was and Booth locked the car. Both kids ended up skipping beside Aubrey and each one held on to one of his hands who had quickly whipped out the sanitizer in his pocket and wiped down his hands figuring the two would flock to him. Booth took the chance to fall into step beside Brennan. He intertwined their fingers and gently bumped her shoulder with his. Together they all walked in, heading towards the elevator.
"Hey, you still want to do this?" He knew Brennan would say yes and wouldn't change her mind but he still wanted to check in with her.
"Yes, of course. Why would I change my mind?"
"I know you wouldn't Bones. But I still wanted to check in with you."
Brennan nodded. "Do you?" She was suddenly nervous about Booth changing his mind and not really wanting to.
Sensing her slight mood change, he stopped and called out to Aubrey telling him to go ahead with the kids and they would be up soon. He pulled Brennan along to an empty hallway on the first floor.
"Booth- why-"
He unhooked his mask and looked at her, "Bones, look at me." When she looked up at him, he continued. "I wouldn't have agreed to do this if I wasn't a hundred percent there. Moreover, I wouldn't have agreed to this if it was with anyone else doing it with me."
"I don't -"
"You're worried about whether I really want this aren't you?"
Brennan should have known by now that after almost fifteen years with Booth, he could have read her so accurately. But she was still shocked that he had picked up on her thoughts.
"I… I am Booth. I mean just last week we were talking about having another baby together. And while I know you told me that whatever and however it happens, you'd be okay with it but I don't think this is what you had in mind. I just... I don't want you to regret this.." Brennan admitted. It had been a while since she had felt the overwhelming memories of what her time in the system was like but she couldn't help the insecurities that washed over.
"Baby, look at me. I won't lie and say that I wasn't looking forward to you being pregnant again. I mean, let's face it, you make pregnancy look sexy." he winked and Brennan scoffed and shook her head at him. "And yeah, I loved watching your body change as you grew our children but Bones, more than that, I love your heart."
When she looked at him, the familiar v forming in between her eyes, he clarified. "The way you love each of our children, baby. Your heart seemed to double in its size - metaphorically of course - with our children and because you glowed. Like God, Bones… you have this glow about you every time you're with our children and seeing you love them, that's what I loved the most about having a baby with you."
Brennan gave him a soft smile. She knew exactly what he was describing because she had seen the same metaphorical glow on him too.
"And I know that it doesn't matter that Lily isn't biologically ours because you'll love her and care for her and that loving glow that just radiates off of you, that is what I love." He gave her his signature charm smile and leaned in, unhooked her mask to give her a quick yet tender kiss which she returned.
"I love you too Booth."
"Okay so, let's go meet this little one and make sure Aubrey isn't giving our kids packets of gummy worms again." Hand in hand the two of them walked back down the hall and took the elevator up to the third floor. Not once did they let go of the other's hand.
Once they got out on the third floor, they walked down the familiar hallway down to the conference room and found Caroline, Jessica, and the social worker inside. The car seat that Lily was in was slightly turned so, upon arrival Booth and Brennan couldn't see her. After introducing themselves to the social worker, she smiled and motioned to the little baby.
"She just woke up from a small nap, do you guys want to say hi?"
Both parents nodded and just as he had done when their family had met Christine when they brought her home, Booth whipped out a bottle of hand sanitizer and he and Brennan wiped their hands down before walking around to meet Lily. The moment they set their eyes on her, Booth and Brennan had big smiles on their faces.
"Awww look at you, sweetheart, come here." Brennan cooed and reached in to unbuckle Lily. The baby smiled up at Brennan and babbled at her. Brennan giggled and lifted Lily into her arms gently. She held her, one hand under her bottom, the other holding her back up and for a couple of moments, the two got used to each other.
Booth stood close by, his hand resting on Brennan's lower back and the other hovering right over Brennan's that was on Lily's back.
"Do you want to say hi to Booth, he's going to be your daddy for a while?" Brennan gently bounced Lily in her arms. Although she knew that emergency care was typically temporary, she was already feeling attached to the little baby in her arms.
"Hey angel, you're gonna spend some time with us okay? We're really excited to get to meet you," Booth cooed, his voice going soft and gentle. It was the voice he reserved when he was interacting with their kids, especially when they were Lily's age and Brennan recognized it as the same one he used when he was talking to her belly when she was pregnant.
Caroline and the other ladies watched as the parents interacted with Lily and cooed to her and made funny faces to her, Booth especially, and their hearts melted. Caroline and Jessica had seen tough FBI guy Booth interact with his children before but watching how gentle he was with Lily, a baby who he didn't know of before today spoke volumes of how much of a fatherly man he was. And for Brennan. Well, to them Dr. Brennan was always proper and professional and yes, the two had seen her with her children before but watching her be so maternal and caring and gentle with the baby in her arms was something they never thought they'd witness. Both parents were, after all, pretty private people; they only let people see what they wanted them to see. But seeing them so unguarded, it was decided that they had made the right choice for Lily's foster parents.
A/N: Yay! They met Lily! Now it's time for the paperwork to be signed, the kids to meet the baby, and for them to go shopping for what little Lily needs. As always, thank you so much for reading and please leave me a review! I'd love to say hi and know what you think about this little story. Also, to jsboneslover, I tried to PM you but for some reason, it didn't work so I'd like to say thank you for all your kind words and feedback, I've truly appreciated it! To everyone else who has reviewed, if for some reason I have not gotten back to you, please know that I see your kind words and truly, truly appreciate them! You make a gal's day each time!