As much as Booth loved Christmas this one was going to be hard, it was the first without Max. Brennan hated Christmas when the first met, but over the years Booth had been able to slowly give her the joy of Christmas back. Brennan was still dealing with Max's death and Booth was afraid this Christmas would be too much. He'd scaled back decorating and overall Christmas spirit, Brennan hadn't noticed. Or if she had she didn't comment on it. He'd gotten her the yearly new ornament, but he was worried about giving it to her. Booth was finishing their salad when Brennan came home. "Hey Bones!"

"Hello, Booth. Something smells good…"

"Spaghetti squash with marinara and parmesan, salad and garlic bread…"

"My favorite dinner…"

"I know."

"Where are Christine and Hank?"

"They're having dinner at Angela and Hodgins' tonight. They'll be home in time for you to read to Hank before he goes to sleep."

"Booth! Angela is due any day, she shouldn't be watching our children!" Brennan's phone buzzed with a text, she read it. "Angela says she's fine and that I should relax and enjoy dinner with you…"

"I agree with Angela." Booth put the salad on the table and guided Brennan to her seat. "The kids are fine, Angela's fine. Dinner is ready, let's eat." Booth kissed Brennan.

"Okay." They had a quiet dinner talking about what they were going to do with Christine and Hank for fun during their Christmas vacation. With the leftovers put away and the kitchen cleaned up Booth sat next to Brennan on the couch. He held a plain green box in his hand. "Bones, when I had this made, I had no idea what would happen to us this year… I'll understand if you don't want your ornament for this year."

"I'm sure it's fine, Booth." Booth shrugged a little and handed Brennan the box. She opened it and pulled out a clear glass Christmas ball with a picture of Christine and Hank siting on Max's lap while he read to them in the middle. "Booth…"l

Booth put his arm around Brennan, "I took it the day after Christmas last year, we got that dismemberment case and Max stayed here with them. I came home to that. I took the picture before they knew I'd taken it… then I took it to that ornament place in the mall and had two made, one for you and one for Max…" Brennan wiped away a tear and kissed Booth. "Thank you, Booth. I love it. I don't have many pictures of dad, he never liked having his picture taken…"

"You're welcome, Bones. I'm glad you like your ornament. I have the picture on my phone still if you want to get a print of it."

"I do. Maybe Christine would like the other ornament to hang in her room year round. We can ask her tomorrow."

"Good idea, Bones." Brennan smiled a little and got Booth's ornament. He quickly opened the box and pulled out a pie-eating Santa. He laughed, "This is great, Bones! Thanks! I wish Christine would leave Santa pie sometimes…"

"Maybe this year, Booth…"

Booth chuckled and led Brennan to the tree where together they hung their ornaments.

A/N: See you tomorrow for day 11…