Thanks so much to everyone who reviewed. Y'all are awesome! Sorry it took longer to update. Hope it was worth the wait. Anywho...you know what to do.

Chapter 10

She gave her shoulders a shrug as he moved to the swing beside her.

"So," he murmured.

Giving a sigh, she asked, "What do you want?"

"A chance," he confessed.

Shooting him a bewildered look, she waited for him to continue.

"A chance to apologize and a chance to explain," he stated.

She rubbed her hand across her forehead before speaking, "You know Booth I'm just really tired."

"I'm trying not to push," he stated, "but it's difficult."

"And I appreciate it," she replied.

"Tell you what," he began. "How about I treat you to a cup of coffee and a large slice of pie as a way of apologizing for being such an ass earlier?"

She mulled his proposal over in her mind before answering.

"I really don't want any pie," she commented as she placed her hand over her stomach remembering how much she ate at lunch, "but coffee would be nice."

Rubbing his hands together, he gleamed, "Coffee it is then, but I'm still getting pie."

A small grin tugged at the corners of her mouth as she noticed some familiarity in the situation.

Walking toward the vehicles, Booth considered offering her a lift, but decided that would definitely be pushing. As he climbed into the SUV, he couldn't help but hope that one day its rightful owner would reclaim the passenger's seat. Pulling away from the curb, he prayed that she wouldn't decide to run.

Relief washed over him as her car pulled up along side his SUV at the diner. Walking the length of the sidewalk, he had to suppress the urge to place his hand on her back. Such little things he took for granted now seemed so needful; so wanted.

They settled into a corner booth each waiting for the other to speak. The silence that filled the space between the two was uncomfortable. The conservation didn't come as easily as it did two years ago, but this didn't discourage Booth.

"How was your…afternoon?" he stammered remembering all too well how her day started.

"Fine," she replied. "How about yours?"

"Fine," he returned.

For several minutes the only words spoken were to the waitress that approached to take their orders.

Booth finally broke the silence once again, "This isn't as easy as it use to be, is it?"

"It doesn't seem to be," she replied over the clamor of the dishes being placed on the table.

Booth sank his fork into the apple pie as he contemplated his next words.

"Do you think we could work on it?" he asked.

"I think I'd like that," she answered before taking a sip of her coffee.

Charm smile in full effect, he offered a plea, "How about tomorrow?"

"I think it's going to take more than just one day, and I have plans for tomorrow," she answered.

"I understand," he said trying to hide the hurt in his voice.

She suddenly felt guilty and the need to explain. Her hand began to inch toward him across the table, but she pulled back before any progress had been noticed. 'Where did that come from,' she thought to herself.

"So what's so exciting at the lab?" he asked.

"Nothing, why?" she returned.

"Just wondering," he replied. "I thought it had to be something pretty interesting to have you going in on a Saturday."

She cocked her head as she spoke, "While I do spend many Saturdays at the lab, that's not what I had planned for tomorrow."

"Sorry," he stated, "I just assumed."

"There's no need to be sorry," she continued. "I actually had plans to go to the hospital."

"Oh," he gave a limited answer too afraid of what he might say if he continued.

"But I'll be free after lunch," she added. "We could get together then if you want."

He gave a grin, "That would be nice."

The small chitchat began to flow a little easier, but both were selective on their wording. It wasn't like old times, but it was a start.

When the pie and refills on coffee were consumed, Brennan decided it was time to call it a night. Booth tossed a few bills on the table, insisting that it was his treat. Once out of the diner, Booth and Brennan said their good byes.

"I'll call you tomorrow if that's okay," Booth held his breath as he awaited her answer.

Giving a nod, she answered, "Sounds good."

Climbing into the vehicles, both were comfortable with their new arrangement.

It was after eleven before Brennan pulled into her garage. Staggering into the house, she immediately headed for her bedroom. Tugging out of her daily wear, Brennan poured herself into bed for a restful night's sleep.

ooOoo

The morning sun streamed in through the blinds much too early. Brennan rolled over, squinting at the red numbers displayed on the alarm clock.

"Eight," she grumbled rolling off the side and wobbling into the bathroom.

After a long shower, she slipped into shorts and a tee shirt; leaving her hair to cascade down her shoulders. Finally making her way downstairs, she turned on the coffee pot and proceeded to fix a bowl of cereal. As she went about her tasks, a blinking light from the phone base caught her attention. Pressing the button, Angela's voice filled the room.

"Hey sweetie, I hope you're not still at the lab. You know it's already after ten! Anyway, I emailed you a surprise. It's actually for you and Ben. Hope you like it. I'll talk to you later. Bye!"

Brennan smiled as she reached across the island for her laptop. Opening her email she downloaded Ange's file and actually considered looking at it, but decided to wait until she got to the hospital.

Realizing that it was almost, Brennan took a few bites of cereal and poured the coffee into a travel mug. Grabbing her laptop and sliding on a pair of flip-flops at the door, she quickly left the house excited about all the day's events.

Booth had found it nearly impossible to sleep. He willed the hands on the clock to speed along their journey, but to no avail. He finally managed a couple of hours on the couch, but they were not the restful hours he needed. He wanted to be near her, and hear her voice. It was all beginning to feel like home again; like he belonged again.

Reaching for his phone from the coffee table, he dialed her number.

"Brennan," she answered on the third ring.

"Hey, it's me," he stammered suddenly feeling nervous.

"Oh, hi Booth," she smiled. "What did you need?"

His heart sank just a little as he remembered a time when he didn't need a reason to call.

"Um…I just wanted to see if we were still on for this afternoon?" he asked.

"Sounds good," she answered. "What time?"

"Say around one at your place?" he suggested.

"Okay, talk to you then," she said just before her phone died.

Casting the phone an angry glare, she flung it in the passenger's seat.

By ten thirty, Brennan was making her way through the entrance doors of the hospital with her laptop tucked snuggly in her bag. Arriving on the children's floor, Brennan methodically proceeded to Benjamin's room. She could hear Cole's voice flowing from the opened door as she approached. Standing in the doorway, she waited for Cole to finish before she intruded. She didn't have to wait long.

"Dr. Brennan," came Benjamin's tiny voice.

She moved further into the room never taking her eyes off the small form lying in the hospital bed.

"Hey little man," she replied sitting down in her chair.

"Well, Ben," Cole remarked, "Everything's looking good so I'm going to leave you to spend some quality time with our favorite Dr. Brennan."

Temperance's cheeks slightly blushed at his complement. This didn't go unnoticed by Cole or Benjamin for that fact.

After Cole stepped out of the room, Temperance turned her attention back to Benjamin.

"Do you like him?" Ben asked.

"Who, Dr. Andrews?" she returned.

Ben sighed, "Who else would I be talking about?"

"He is a very good doctor and a nice man," she answered trying to avoid the direct question.

"But do you like him?" he pried.

"As a doctor and a friend, yes," she answered.

He gave a smile; his understanding far surpassed his age.

"You still love him," Ben stated.

"No, Ben, I only like Dr. Andrews as a friend, nothing more," she explained.

Ben shook his head, "I don't mean Dr. Andrews. I mean Parker's daddy."

Temperance released a sigh, "I wish I knew, Ben."

"They were very lucky, you know," he commented.

Tilting her head, "Why do you say that?"

"Because they had you," he stated. "If you wanted to be my mommy, I'd hang on and never let go. Just like Parker."

Tears welled up in Brennan's eyes as she rubbed the top of Benjamin's head and planted a kiss there.

"You know what," she said wiping her eyes and changing the subject, "I've got a surprise for us."

"What is it?" he squealed.

"Don't know," she confessed, "Angela said it was a surprise for both of us."

Brennan reached into her bag grabbing her laptop. Benjamin scooted over allowing her room to join him on the bed. She slipped off her flip-flops and settled in beside him. Opening the file, both were amazed. Angela had created a complete video tour of the museum. Ben's eyes were glue to the screen; Brennan's eyes were fixed on the tiny six year old.

An hour into the video Ben rested his head against Brennan as she twirled his imaginary hair through her fingers. Soon Ben's breathing settled into a steady pattern and Brennan's eye grew heavy. Emily came to check Ben's vitals at her one o'clock rounds only to find the pair sound asleep.

Booth sat on the porch steps of Brennan's suburban home tossing his phone between his hands. Trying her cell for the tenth time, he only became more aggravated.

"One step forward and two steps back," he said to the closed phone.

Standing, he walked across the street to his parked SUV. He started the engine and headed toward the hospital. Booth had a plan and it didn't involve giving up.

Minutes later he was pulling into a space at the hospital. Walking toward the entrance, he noticed her car, which gave him some hope, but also offered some concern…Cole Andrews. He swiftly made his way inside the hospital and took the elevator to the seventh floor. Stepping out of the elevator, he approached the nurses' station.

"Can I help you," asked Emily.

"Yes," he stalled looking for the correct wording, "I was looking for Dr. Brennan and Dr. Andrews."

Cole was approaching the nurses' station as he overheard his name.

"I'm right here, Emily," Cole stated before she could act.

Walking up to Booth, Cole extended his hand, "I'm Dr. Andrews. Can I help you?"

Booth had expected to see Temperance with him, and was more confused now than ever.

"I was actually looking for Dr. Brennan," he stated. "I had assumed she'd be with you."

"Don't I wish," replied Cole, "but I'm afraid there's only room for one man in her life. You can find her in room 725."

"Thank you," Booth commented as he made his way down the corridor.

The words 'one man in her life' swirled in Booth mind. 'Who is she seeing if it's not Cole Andrews,' he wondered. As he approached room 725, he noticed the door was closed. Peering in the small window, his heart melted.

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