I'm going to be busy tomorrow so posting ahead again.

The following takes place after "The Doom in the Boom".

Season 11

Brennan had just finished removing the last box of decorations from the garage and placing it in the family room. They were finally ready to put up the tree along with all the decorations. That family activity would have to wait till the following morning. She checked the time, it was late. Booth had left her a text message, informing her that he would be home late but didn't elaborate on the reason. And since they didn't currently have a case, she assumed he was caught up with paperwork in the office. She fought the disconcerting worry that he might have lapsed back into his gambling but quickly decided that she should trust him.

She moved to the bar counter, pouring herself a glass of wine, intending to relax on the couch with it. It would be a luxury with a nine-month-old baby at home. Thankfully Hank had recently started sleeping through the night.

She heard the front door open and saw her husband enter.

"Hey Bones, sorry I'm late. Kids asleep?"

"Yes."

"It's just that I was in the office trying to finish up some paperwork, then I thought of how Christmas is comin', so I decided to go visit Hodgins."

"Hodgins?"

"Yeah. You told me what a hard time Angela was having." Booth moved behind the bar counter, pouring himself a drink.

"Yes he is being rather unpleasant and unfair to her, but then again given his current circumstances, I am of the opinion that perhaps he can't help himself."

"Yeah it sucks to be him now, but I bet it sucks even more to be Angela."

"Did you find Hodgins in better spirits?"

Booth took a sip out of the glass of scotch that he had poured himself, then placed the glass back down on the counter.

"No."

"That's upsetting to hear. I'm not sure how much more Angela can put up with. What did you say to him?"

"I put him in my truck and we went for a drive. I needed to get him out of the house you know? Keepin' himself in that house isn't healthy. We drove for awhile and I told him about guys I knew when I was in the service, guys like him."

"You were hoping to talk him to his senses, help him feel better about his situation?" Brennan took a sip from of wine from her glass.

"I just told him about this old Army buddy of mine, Gabe, how he ended up being stuck in a chair too. But he and his wife, they made it work. Even had another kid. Gabe and his family are doing well, last I heard. Then I told him about Travis, another guy I knew. Took being stuck in a chair real hard. Ended up getting' a divorce, never saw his kids again. I told Hodgins it was up to him how his life pans out from here on. Told him Michael-Vincent was still counting on him to be his Dad."

"And did he respond positively?"

Booth shrugged. "He still looked kinda pissed when I drove him home. Like I kidnapped him and made him do something he didn't want. But hey, like I told him, ball's in his court now. We just do what we can to help out, if he wants our help."

Brennan nodded, genuinely sorry for her best friend's family.

Booth gestured to the boxes sitting in the corner of the family room. "Sorry. I told you I'd help with that."

"The boxes aren't that heavy. I told Christine we would put up the tree tomorrow."

"I'd like that. Oh and I invited Hodgins and Angela over for Christmas dinner. Hope you don't mind."

"No, why would I?"

"I figured they're having a hard enough time, they could use with a little yuletide cheer. Besides, I think Michael-Vincent will love coming over to play with Christine. That kid needs a break too."

"You're a good man Booth."

"I try." Booth grinned. He made his way to the jukebox. Soon soft music filled the room. He stretched out his hand to her.

"Dance with me?"

Brennan smiled. Rising from her seat she took his hand. Moving towards him, she wrapped her arms round his neck, burying her face in his neck. She felt his arms snake round her waist. They swayed to the music.

"I don't know what I did to deserve you Bones."

She lifted her head to look him in the eyes. "I love you too Booth."

"I think I'm in the mood for an early gift exchange." Booth waggled his eyebrows.

"Really?"

"I got you something you can wear. From the same place I got you the matching bra and panty set when you just had Christine."

"I see. Is that a present for you or for me?"

"For you of course. Just like before, I was only thinking about how comfortable you'd be in 'em."

Brennan laughed. "Then I can't wait to try them on."