Disclaimer: Ehh, I really don't own them

A/N: I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry. Life definitely happened these past few weeks, I had some major testing going on and there was no time to write this chapter until now. Don't let the beginning part of this discourage you, it gets better. Thanks for sticking with me!

It had been three weeks since the artificial insemination and she had yet to look at pregnancy test nonetheless get one done. She knew the procedure had not taken, since she did not have morning sickness or dizzy spells. The general pregnancy symptoms were not there and she, on the inside, was heartbroken to know that she was not carrying Booth's child. Angela had already told her though that some women did not experience the morning sickness or dizzy spells and rationally Brennan knew that, but it didn't change her mind. She would try in a few months after the first holidays she experienced with Parker were over.

To ignore the aching she felt while she was at work she immersed herself in it, she was found buried in bones all the time and while at home she immersed herself in Parker and the puppy. Molly had somewhat been adopted as her baby along with Parker and all her co-workers noticed this but none of them said a word. Well, Angela warned them to not say anything. Brennan was knee-deep in Limbo bones when her alarm went off signaling that it was time to get Molly from home and then go get Parker from school. She cleaned up the bones and put them back in the container. Once on the steps she practically ran into Angela with Jared.

"Jared, what are you doing here?"

"Tempe am I not allowed to come see my nephew?"

She knew that this was a rhetorical question but it did not stop her from answering anyways.

"Of course, if you want to follow me to the house so I can pick up the dog and then you can ride with me to pick him up from school."

"Dog-?"

"Yes, Jared they have a dog."

Angela answered, unable to hide her grin. Brennan was so different now than she was a month and half ago. Of course, it saddened her that this change took place because Booth died, but if he could see her now he'd be so happy. Angela has been amazed by her best friend recently. She has seen her change from a person who cannot deal with others, who was closed off emotionally to this person who readily accepted this little boy as her son and she was creating a family with her son.

"Why is it so surprising that I would have a pet? Parker adores Molly and she is very good for him. Anyways, Ange I will call you later on tonight, maybe you and Hodgins can come over and eat with us. Jared how long will you be staying?"

"I was planning on staying a few nights if that is alright with you, Tempe."

"Of course, the guest room has been made up so you can stay there. Can we go, we're cutting into our time and Parker gets nervous when I'm late to get him."

Jared laughs at how blunt she is. Same old Tempe.

"Sure I'll follow you."

She walks quickly from the room, depositing the gloves she was wearing in the trash can. Jared hears the jingle of her keys as she pulls them from her pocket, he does the same. She's speed walking to her car and her wrist is pulled up to her face multiple times so that she can check the time. Jared can tell that she's really into this whole mom thing and he's actually pretty thankful that he didn't answer the call from the social worker that day. As he gets into his car, he watches her. He could see where his brother's death had affected her. There were bags under her eyes from lack of sleep and a certain glint in her eyes of pain that he had never seen before.

What have you done, Seeley.

He parks his car as she runs in to the house. It's large, maybe four or five bedrooms all upstairs, a mud room, a kitchen, and three car garage. But he's just guessing. It's completely gated too which is good since now that Seeley is dead the crime rate will go up again, he knows that for sure. She comes out, carrying this dog. She's golden with brown little paws, obviously this is Molly. The dog continually tries to lick its owners face and every time she squirms with disapproval. It's a cute scene and she notices him as he watches her.

"Why didn't you get in? It's unlocked, I may be late as is."

He glances at her as she puts the dog in the back passenger seat. He slips into the passenger side seat and watches as she strides to her door. She starts the engine back up and pulls out from the house's driveway. She pushes a button and the gate they just exited from closes. The drive to get to Parker's school does not take but five minutes, but he sees a group of parents waiting by the stairs that lead up to the school.

"Do you want me to take the dog?"

He asks her in a low whisper and he's not quite sure why he's whispering. It's just her, it's just Tempe. The girl he's known for what seems like forever even though it's only been a few years. Maybe that's why Parker is so comfortable with her, it's like you look into her eyes and you feel like you're home, no matter what.

"Sure, that'd be great. And Jared her name is Molly."

He gets out and grabs the dog, Molly. He carries her almost like a football but she doesn't seem to mind, she just stays there, content in his arms. He stands next to Tempe, patrolling the area, just in case an unforeseen threat was looming. He guesses that's how he's like Seeley. He needs to protect those closest to him, or else he feels powerless. He watches as the school doors open and a bunch of kids rush through the doorway, but he can pick out his nephew in a heartbeat. His long-ish blond hair and the energy you can just feel surging to you is always Parker.

"Mommy!"

He exclaims and Jared is amazed. She didn't tell him that Parker called her mommy. Sure he knew the general stuff, he'd been living with Tempe for a while and she was nurturing and loving. She practically rescued him from Rebecca, but he was not expecting the mommy comment, no not at all.

"Hi, baby. Do you see who's here?"

Her head leans toward Jared and Parker's mouth makes an 'o'. He jumps from his mother's arms and takes the two steps that it takes to get to Jared and Molly. The small boy grabs onto his uncle's left leg and the uncle in return ruffles his hair affectionately. Even though he didn't get to see his nephew often, he loved him just the same.

"Uncle Jared, did you come to see me and mommy?"

"Mommy and I." Brennan corrects him, gently.

Parker lets out a breath and a piece of his hair goes up with the current. His mother is attempting to teach him correct grammar so it'll be easier for him later on in school. As much as he appreciates it (he even tells her so), sometimes it's frustrating, because not even his teachers correct him that much. Jared smiles at the two as they begin to walk back to the car.

"I did, squirt. I've been thinking about you and Tempe, so I decided a visit was in order. I'm going to stay a few days if that's alright with you, squirt."

The six year old smiles the famous Booth smile and nods.

"It's totally okay with me. Can I have Molly?"

They transfer the dog into Parker's arms and then step into the car. The car ride home questions between Parker and his mom begin such as how his day was and what homework he has, if any since it is Friday. Jared just sits and listens to the back and forth, enjoying every single moment of it. While flipping through his phone, he noticed the date and realized it was getting close to Halloween. Jared remembered that Halloween was usually Booth's holiday and he could only imagine that Tempe had not clue of the holiday's coming.

"Hey, squirt, what are you going to be for Halloween?"

Parker looked stunned at the question and when Brennan stopped at the red light in front of her, she looked back at her son.

"We haven't gone shopping for it, I was just going to skip it this year."

Even Brennan knew that was not the case, he was just trying to make Brennan feel better because she was the one that forgot. She already felt terrible, both Jared and Parker could tell. It was her job as Parker's mother to know these things and to be organized enough to get it done.

"Well, why don't we just go shopping for it now..?"

Jared's proposition seemed to please Brennan, until Molly barked and they all realized their favorite four legged friend would not be allowed to accompany them into any store they choose. None of them desired to leave the puppy in the car considering she was still young and would get afraid to be alone.

"Well I'll stay in the car with Molly and you two can go in."

Jared tells them and Parker does a slight happy dance in the back seat. They pull up to the mall and Brennan and Parker get out. He grabs her hand before she has to ask and they walk together through the parking lot and into the mall. The first place they see is a costume shop and even though Halloween is only a few days away they still have an abundance of costumes.

"What would you like to be for Halloween, Parks?"

"I wanna be Superman, mommy! Can I please be Superman?"

She smiles down at him as he pulls at her hand, practically dragging her in a small circle.

"Of course you may. Let's see if we can find one, okay?"

A few minutes later they find exactly what they are looking for and Brennan is pleased to find that they have a Superman costume in his size. They purchase this along with a few bags of candy and a pumpkin bag for Parker's candy.

"Thank you, mommy!"

"You're very welcome baby."

They walk through the parking lot together and Parker shows his uncle his costume once he buckles his seat belt as Tempe begins to drive. They pull up to the house and Tempe closes the gate so Molly is free to run around with Parker chasing her. Parker's laugh is so happy and he just has this huge smile on his face as he rolls around with Molly. It makes Jared happy to see what Tempe has done for his nephew. For a few moments Jared stands there, right next to the car and watches. That is until Brennan calls for Parker to come in for an afternoon snack.

"Mommy can we have apple slices…Oh with caramel?"

"Sure, you can. Jared would you like some apple slices as well?"

"Yes, please, Tempe."

They sit and stand around the island as Brennan cuts apple slices for both Parker and Jared. She takes out the squeezable caramel from the fridge and squirts a small amount on each plate.

"Thanks mommy!"

"Yeah thanks Tempe."

She smiles.

"You're both very welcome."

For a moment everything is okay and the moment actually feels normal, but this is before Brennan pales and her knuckles turn bleach white from hanging on to the edge of the island so hard so that she doesn't collapse. Both Booth boys are up and on either side of her, the older one holding her up and the younger one looking quite concerned.

"Mommy, are you okay?"

She blushes from embarrassment and quickly pulls herself from her son's uncle. It takes a few seconds, but finally she is steady and has gained enough of her voice back to supply a needed answer.

"Of course I am, I haven't eaten in a while so I should-"

"Here mommy, you can have my apple slices."

He shoves the plate her way and she smiles at him.

"That's okay, sweetheart, I'll cut my own. You go sit back down, both of you."

Carefully she cuts another apple and eats it, juice splatters on the countertop from all three of them and she wipes it away with a paper towel.

"Mommy, I'm done."

She looks at her son, the small amount of caramel she gave him to dip his apple slices in somehow ended up all over his face.

"Come here, baby."

She lifts him up and sits him on the countertop. She opens the drawer beside her and grabs a wash cloth from it. She puts a dime sized squirt of soap on it and them wets the rag. She gently wipes the area around his mouth and then kisses his forehead after she is finished. Then she helps him off the counter even though he really didn't need to be helped.

"Can I show Uncle Jared my room?"

"Of course you can. Show him the guest room too so he can put his bags up."

"Okie dokie, mommy."

The two boys start to walk away, but Brennan stops them as she speaks.

"Would it be okay with both of you if Angela and Hodgins come over to eat?"

"Sounds good to me."

"Me too."

She smiles as the two boys walk away. Soon she hears the methodical thuds of four feet hitting the floor boards of the steps. Molly, patiently sits beside her however, waiting for instructions on what to do from her master. Brennan smiles and pets her head affectionately.

"Go get Parker, Molls."

The dog runs as quickly as possible to make it to her miniature sized owner. Brennan pulls out her phone and dials Angela's number, knowing that Hodgins will most likely be in the vicinity. Angela's cheerful answer is all she needs at the moment to make her smile.

"Hey Sweetie!"

"Hey Ange. We were wondering if maybe you and Hodgins wanted to come over for dinner tonight. It's nothing big, normally on Friday night Parker and I order Thai food."

"That sounds great, we will totally be there. Order us the normal stuff we used to get please? Hodgins can pay you back when we get there. Shall we say in thirty minutes or so."

"Sounds good, Ange, see you both then."

Fifteen minutes ago, Brennan called Parker down to set the table while calling the Thai place to get their order in. Ten minutes ago the Thai people delivered the order and Parker had to restrain Molly because a person at the door made her want to protect Brennan. And five minutes ago, Angela and Hodgins arrived to eat.

"Jared, Angie told me you came into town. How are ya man?"

Hodgins and Jared shared a man hug, which was just a pat on the back for the two of them.

"I'm doing good, Hodgins. Parker gave me a tour of the entire house and part of the property. Thanks for doing this for them. Tempe seems so happy and I know it's partially thanks to you."

"It was really no problem, man, I needed to know they were safe and this place is as safe as it gets. Plus the neighborhood is great and it's about five minutes away from work and the school. It was a perfect fit, I thought."

The women watch the exchange for a second before moving on to get drinks ready. Parker is told to feed Molly, which he does willingly. Finally everything is prepared and they all sit down at the table for dinner. Brennan helps Parker pour his food from his box so that he does not make a mess.

"Thanks, Bones."

Brennan's eyes widen in surprise. He hasn't called her Bones since the day Booth died, since he was last abused. Angela studies the two, she is also extremely surprised while the boys are at the end of the table talking about conspiracy theories. Brennan feels like she is about to cry but holds it in, it feels like she's losing her son and she doesn't understand why. Was it because she forgot about Halloween? Because she didn't get his costume until today? What did she do to deserve that?

"Parker, why did you call her Bones?"

Angela asks him, because she can tell that Brennan is not capable of speaking at this moment. She's confused just like Brennan. Parker hadn't called her that in such a long time, she had almost forgot that nickname. But now it was back and neither of them knew why. Parker is silent, he's afraid he did something wrong, that he's going to get yelled at and then hit.

"Parker, sweetheart, you're not in trouble, I just want to know why you called me Bones. You haven't called me that in a very long time."

"Because I thought maybe you missed being called that like I miss being called 'bub'."

"Oh sweetheart, it's okay. Would you like me to call you 'bub'?"

"No, it's okay mommy. I think I just miss daddy…"

Brennan smiles sadly at her son. She knows how hard this is, she lost both of her parents and then her brother and that was terrible. But Parker is only six and he doesn't know how to deal with these kind of things yet, at least that's what Sweets says. That's why she took him before the foster care system could.

"You wanna know a secret, Parks? I miss him too."

The rest of dinner is relatively quiet and afterward Parker goes to take a bath while the adults sit in the living room and talk. Things turn more serious as the topic is Parker.

"How is he really doing, Tempe?"

Jared, who hasn't seen his nephew since before Seeley died, needs to know this. He needs to know how long he needs to stay and if he needs to be a more driving force in his young nephew's life. Sure, that's how it should've been since the beginning. He should've spent Christmases and Thanksgivings and Halloweens with the boy, but he hadn't. Jared was a free spirit and he truly didn't like to be tied down for too long.

"He's okay, he's getting better. He has nightmares, a lot. He's slept with me in my bed a lot more than he's slept in his own. But I've taken him to Sweets a few times and he says that Parker is okay, it'll just take time as Sweets and I both know."

"Wait, Sweetie, you took him to Sweets? You don't believe in psychology. Are you feeling alright?"

"Yes, I'm fine. And no I still don't believe in psychology, but I was desperate to help Parker somehow and Sweets was the only option. His grades have not been adversely affected, so I take that as a sign that all is alright with him. It would be nice, though, Jared if maybe you would stay in DC for a while so Parker has someone he's known since birth near by."

"I'll start working on that, if he needs me I'll stay."

They all hear footfall and soon Molly is running into the living room with Parker not too far behind. His hair is even longer now because it's wet and Jared notices the content smile his nephew is wearing. It's great to finally see him like that. He cuddles in between Angela and Brennan, but lays his head on his mom's shoulder. By now, she knows he's tired and his schedule (the one she made for him) dictates that he go to bed earlier tonight and later tomorrow. She checks her watch and notices it is right around nine o'clock, his normal bed time.

"Baby, it's time for bed, come on say good night to everyone and I'll come tuck you in."

"But mommy, I wanna stay up, please. Aunt Ange and Hodgins and Uncle Jared are here, please let me stay up."

"Nope, come on. You'll see Uncle Jared tomorrow and I bet we can do something with Ange and Hodgins this weekend at some point. Let's go."

"But mom-"

"Squirt, listen to your mom. I'll see you in the morning."

He hangs his head low and then says goodnight to every one. Brennan and he start to walk up the stairs and they both notice Angela is following. They continue to walk up the steps, but once they get to the top they look at her.

"I'll be in your room, Sweetie. Night Baby Booth, sleep tight."

She kisses the top of his head and then goes to the end of the hallway where Brennan's room is. Once Parker is situated in his bed, Brennan pulls the covers up and turns on his night light. She kisses his head and pushes some of his hair out of his face.

"I love you, Parker. If you need anything, come get me, okay?"

"Okay, mommy. I love you too."

She smiles at him then turns out his light and closes his door until there is only a small crack left. She then calmly walks to her room and as soon as she closes her door, Angela throws something at her. She bends over to pick it up off of the ground and is surprised to see what it is.

"Angela what is this?"

"Come on Sweetie, you know what it is. You're a genius remember? Go pee on it now."

"Ange, I'm not pregnant, there's no way I am."

"I'm so doubtful of that Sweetie, go pee on it now, please, just do me a solid."

"A solid-?"

"A favor, Sweetie, a favor."

Brennan looks down at the box and then up to Angela. Things could drastically change with a plus sign shown on this stick and possibly she's scared. Even though she wants a baby, she wants to have her own piece of Booth that she can share with Parker. But she's still afraid. Booth isn't here, he's not here to help her and to guide her like she knows he would've if this had happened a year or so ago. She feels Angela grab her hand and she knows her best friend is trying to be reassuring. But she wants Booth, she needs Booth.

"I'll be right back."

"Okay, Sweetie, I'm right here waiting."

She closes the door to her bathroom and runs the sink water so that Angela can't hear her hyperventilating. She's afraid, but she knows she has to. She can't keep living like this. Parker asks her almost every night if she's pregnant, but she can never give him an answer. She needs to be able to, she needs an answer herself. So she does what the instructions say and then sets the timer for two minutes because that will be how long it takes.

"Booth, I wish you were here, with Parker and I. He needs you and so do I. How do I raise our child, possibly our children if the insemination took? Parker is a little boy, I don't know anything about little boys except for the ones that used to be on our autopsy tables. I don't want to mess him up Booth. I'm going insane, you can't hear me, there is no afterlife…."

The timer sounds, signaling that two minutes is up and it's time to look at the test. Instead she stays seated, resting her entire body on the edge of her bath tub. Her fear makes her entire skeleton shake and she starts to feel nauseous again. Slowly, she pushes herself up off of the floor and makes the few timid steps it takes to get to the sink.

Finally, she grabs the stick that will reveal her destiny.

Sorry guys for the cliffy, next chapter you will know for sure. Thanks for sticking with this story. And I'm sorry again for not updating for a long time.