Disclaimer: Even after all this time I still don't own, or profit from, these characters or franchise. No copyright infringement is intended. I don't think even Hodgins has enough money to own these characters given the latest ratings. Go Team Bones!!!!!

Chapter 5 The Puzzle of Love

After dinner Parker was in his room doing some research. In his science class they had been discussing reproduction and there had been a few questions the instructor had glossed over that had him concerned. One of his fellow classmates had asked about the length of time an egg could remain viable in the ovary without developing birth defects. The instructor's comment had been the question was not germane to the current discussion and if she really wanted the answer to that question she needed to research it.

So here he was. He found the research difficult as it was limited but he did find some results. He found his concerns for her safety and her ability to carry the baby to full term were well founded. It seemed given her age it had been a miracle she even conceived naturally at all. He was sure they had not opted for any fertility intervention or they would have done it at an earlier age for both of them. It was likely the baby would not survive past her first months of pregnancy, to say nothing about birth defects. How would it physically affect her? How would it affect them? Could they accept whatever happened and live with the pain and loss it would leave in its wake? She had demonstrated over all the years he had known her she had the ability to rationalize her feelings, but did that mean she could deal with the loss this might bring. Could he, could his father? The fear for all of them was getting to him. He needed to talk to her and now. He knew she was working on her newest book and he was not supposed to interrupt her unless it was important, but he felt this qualified as important.

"Bones," he asked softly as he knocked on the door jamb waiting for her response to his knock.

"Yes Parker"

"Can I come in and talk to you about something? I know you are working but it is really important and it's something my Dad either can't or won't be able to answer."

Thinking it was a question about his school work she indicated he should come in and sit down. "What is it you need Parker, help with some school work?"

"Well I suppose I could lie and tell you yes I need help with my biology but I don't think you'd believe me."

"Ok Parker but remember our deal. Most of your sex education you are to get from your Father, you aren't supposed to ask me."

"Yeah I remember, but this isn't about sex, well it is but it isn't. Look we are studying reproduction in biology and something's were brought up and I had to research them. Since they might affect you and our family and are quite, well scary actually, I wanted to know if I can talk to you about them. Dad really won't have the answers to these questions."

"You are probably right Parker and I might not either but if I don't Cam probably will so what is your question?"

"We have been studying about chromosomes and how they work. A question was asked about why there is an increase in genetic diseases in older women; the instructor said it wasn't germane to the discussion and to look it up at home. I did and now I am confused."

"Go on Parker so far I don't understand your confusion."

"I guess given the scientific evidence I don't understand why you and Dad are so excited about this baby. Dad would say it's really not any of my business, but the information I found says not only is it dangerous for a baby but it is dangerous for you too. So I guess I want to know, you don't have any religious reason against abortion and this puts your life in danger, so why do it?"

"First of all you are probably right your Father would say it is none of your business, and it truly is not. However, I will answer your questions if I can. Your Father and I did not intentionally decide to wait until this late in our lived to have a child. In fact at one time we had even decided to have a child together before we became a couple. However, obviously it did not happen. We have waited all this time for life to come to us, and now it has. At your age it is hard to see a baby as more than an egg and sperm, just some chromosomes that have randomly come together to make another human. At one time that is all it was for me and not something I really wanted or needed to experience for a rewarding life. While our life has always been complete with just you, this new life whatever he or she brings is welcomed too. Parker I think I can have the definitive answer for you on Wednesday. I have a doctor's appointment for my first ultrasound. I want you to be there."

Wednesday morning "Bones are you sure you want Parker at your ultrasound? Isn't kinda personal and just between us?"

"You are right it is personal, but it is a family thing and Parker is family. Trust me Booth he needs to be there. They are only going to do the ultrasound today and the only thing exposed will be my stomach. He sees more exposed skin on a girl in a bikini. Let's go."

The room was small but there was room for all of them. The technician coming into the room said "looks like we have a full house. Mom, Dad and I assume this is the big brother. Well let's get started shall we? Before we begin do you want to know the sex of your baby?"

Booth and Brennan both said yes at the same time. This has surprised Parker. He thought his Dad would have wanted to be surprised.

The technician applied the cold gel to Brennan's stomach and began to move the wand over the area. Reaching up to the top she turned a dial and the room was filled with a strong steady rapid whooshing sound. "That's your baby's heat beat," said the tech. All three looked at each other in amazement and immediately turned at her next words. "There she is."

Booth reached for Bones hand and leaned down to place a kiss on her forehead. "A girl Bones, we got us a baby Bones, Bones."

"Booth it is we have a baby girl. Are you happy" she asked with tears shining in her eyes.

"Bones the only thing that has ever made me happier than I am at this minute was the day you agreed to marry me. I love you my beautiful Bones."

Parker watched with tears shinning in his eyes, he finally had all the pieces to the picture. This was true love. On their own each had told him a piece of the puzzle that lead to this one moment in time.

His Dad's piece had taught him love gives more than it takes so be willing for her sake to stand by her when the strong winds blow even when it hurts, don't let go. She I'll be your best friend and your lover, so if you want to keep her and take good care of her.

His Bones' piece had taught him if your time on earth was through and she must face the world without you would the love you gave her in the past be enough to last if tomorrow never comes?

His Aunt Angela's piece had taught him the excitement of love. Have you ever jumped in the car just before dark? Buy an ice cream and see how far you can drive before it melts? That's how love should make you feel inside. How about when there's a cow in the road and you swerve to the left, your heart skips a beat and it scares you to death and you laugh until you cry, that's how a true love should make you feel inside.

His Uncle Jack's piece had taught him about reaching for every rainbow and the value of the dance. Now I'm glad I didn't know, the way it all would end. The way it all would go. Our lives are better left to chance I could have missed the pain But I'd have had to miss the dance.

Later that evening looking at the ultrasound of his baby sister Parker knew this was the solution to life's ever evolving puzzle, love. Each piece enriched the pieces it attached to. How or when a piece entered the circle didn't matter. Some pieces would interlock and stay together forever. Some would only touch around the edges and move on to other pieces. But it was his baby sister and all the other baby brother and sisters before her, each one their own piece of the puzzle, that made love possible. Giving the picture of his sister a light kiss he placed her gently in his wallet.

Elizabeth's first picture stayed in Parker's wallet until the day his own son came to him and asked about the true secrets of love. He drew out the well worn picture of Parker Jr.'s Aunt and began the story of the puzzle.

Without me even knowing Kitty led me to this end. It seems she thinks Parker has a good understanding about the puzzle that is life and love and it seems fit somehow to let him go on and discover the rest without us watching him.

I hope you like this as much as I did.

~Love Byre~