Chapter Fifteen:

Booth and Brennan carried their sleeping children up the stairs to Booth's apartment. Booth, being a skilled father, deftly put Parker down quicker then Brennan. He watched as she laid Elizabeth on her back on Booth's bed, tucking a small stuffed creature beside her.

She tiptoed out of the room, trying not to make any noise when a small voice cried out. "Mommy!" Brennan turned to see her daughter in the throes of a nightmare, calling out for the person who raised her.

"Bones, don't wake her just yet. Let her work through the nightmare. It will pass soon." Booth advised softly. Sure enough as quick as the nightmare came, it soon passed.

Brennan watched as her daughter slept and turned out of the room. Booth knew there was something wrong, but couldn't quite figure it out. He thought it would be a joyous day of sorts with the birthday of his son and the reuniting of a family, but Brennan didn't seem as happy as he thought she would be.

"Bones, talk to me." He walked slowly behind her, hoping not to startle her.

"She called out for her mother." Brennan explained. "I'm not the mother she knows."

Booth nodded his head, knowing that she was understandably upset. "I felt that feeling when Parker started calling one of Rebecca's boyfriends his other daddy." He paused, "It's just a title Bones. In our hearts we still love them, we still want to take away their pain. Elizabeth will soon figure out in time that you are her real mother and she will realize what a big heart you have. It will just take a little bit of time."

Brennan studied her partner trying to figure out if what he was saying was the truth. She searched his eyes, finding warmth and understanding. "It will just take time." She echoed his words.

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Brennan woke up to the sound of the pitter patter of little feet in the kitchen, she tried to move, but soon realized that two strong arms were holding her in place.

"Shhh, Elizabeth, don't be so loud. We don't want to wake up Bones and Dad." Parker tried to whisper, which didn't work out too well.

Booth shifted slightly, letting Brennan know that he was awake. They stretched, moving into a position to where they could spring into action if anything were to happen with the kids.

"Where do you think Dad hid my present?" Parker asked fairly loudly.

"I don't know." Elizabeth answered. "Parker?" She questioned.

"Yeah Elizabeth?" Parker helped her on to one of the chairs.

"Can we share Bones and your dad?" Elizabeth asked him.

Parker was a little confused. He heard the whispers of how Elizabeth was Bones' daughter, but didn't know why they didn't live together. "Huh?"

"I'm an orphan." Elizabeth said. Brennan's heart broke at the sound of those words. She knew what it was like, but not at that age. "Thomas told me last night, I have no parents. I'm an orphan."

Parker hopped off the stool and retrieved two glasses and juice boxes from the fridge. He carefully poured out the boxes. "Dad says that there a more than one type of family. I don't know what that means, but I think you can be part of my family." He handed her the juice box.

"Thanks Parker. Happy Birthday." Elizabeth smiled and drank her juice.

Booth marveled about the interaction between his son and Brennan's daughter. Brennan linked her hand with his. "You raised a great son Booth."

"Yeah," He whispered watching them interact a little more.

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Jack and Angela had outdone themselves for Parker's birthday party. They had offered to throw the party one afternoon and Angela had just thrown herself into the task. Booth had asked her not to make a big to-do of it, but as he maneuvered the SUV into the mansion he knew that his instructions where not followed.

All that though didn't matter when he saw his son's eyes light up at the sound of the music and the clatter of the children. Parker was already unbuckling himself before Booth put the car in the park position.

They helped the children down from vehicle walking down the path that was lined with balloons.

"Happy Birthday Parker!" A chorus of children called out. Booth watched Parker take Elizabeth by the hand and lead her into the group of children.

"Have fun." Brennan called out to the two.

"We will!" Parker called back.

Booth placed his hand on her back and led her to the group of adults, all perched at the picnic tables.

"Thank you for hosting again." Booth thanked Hodgins and Angela.

"Sure Booth, no problem." Angela sighed. "Who is the little girl that is with Parker?"

"One of his friends." Brennan replied quickly.

Booth and Brennan carried on conversations all the while keeping an eye on the two kids running around the yard which was transformed into a child's wonderland. Angela had outdone herself with the plans which included superheroes walking around instead of clowns. Brennan had guessed this had to do with Booth's clown aversion. She watched as Elizabeth hopped out of the jump castle.

Elizabeth ran over to Booth and Brennan. She held her arms up to Booth, indicating that she wanted him to pick her up. He obliged the little girl, settling her on his hip.

"Are you having fun?" He asked her. He could tell she was getting tired. The nap was wearing off on her.

"Yep," She yawned.

He carried her back to the group of adults. Brennan watched from where she was as he interacted with her. It was so natural with him, she only hoped that she would be that way as well. He approached with her, smiling at the squint squad who were sitting together enjoying the warm sun.

"Elizabeth is t-i-r-e-d." He spelled out tired.

She popped her head up from his shoulder. "I'm not tired!" She cried out, settling back into his shoulder.

Angela studied the little girl for the first time, noting her facial structure. The cheekbones were all Brennan she thought. The eye color as well. The lips though and skin tone all looked like . . . "Oh my God." Angela squealed.

Brennan turned and looked at Angela, holding up her hand to shield her eyes from the sun. "Angela . . ."

Booth quickly moved Elizabeth away from the group. They had decided not to tell Elizabeth anything until they knew for sure, until they had answer themselves. So many things were still unanswered.

"Brennan, tell me the truth." Angela demanded.

"There is a chance that Elizabeth is my daughter." She told the group.

"What?" Hodgins looked at his colleague.

She told them the story, watching Booth play with the kids. Parker was in his glory, eyeing the presents and covered with chocolate icing. Elizabeth had fallen asleep on his shoulder, and it didn't seem to mind him. She was a light child.

The group was quiet after Brennan had finished her story. She turned and looked at Cam. "I will find out the results soon, and if it turns out that she is my daughter, which I am fairly certain she is, I will need to take a little time off."

"I understand Dr. Brennan." Cam replied. "Take what you need."

"I'll still consult and come in when needed, I just think I will need to find a house, a different car, new furniture . . ." She rattled off the list.

Booth came and sat beside her, holding the sleeping Elizabeth. He wondered how much their life was going to change.


AN: Sorry it took me a little bit to get out. I had writers block for a little bit. I hope it didn't disappoint. Please read and review.