Thank you so much to my reviewers. Y'all just make my day. I hope you enjoy the chatper. I'm a little nervous about Caroline. I hope I captured her correctly; hopefully if she is OCC, maybe it's not too much. Please let me know what you think.
Chapter 16
"Caroline?" he questioned after hearing the muttered 'hello' on the other end.
"I said hello," she barked.
"Caroline," he repeated, "it's me, Seeley Booth."
"Well hello to you, you handsome devil," her voice as snappy as always. "Now, what do you want?"
"What makes you think I want something?" portraying as much innocence as possible.
"Because," she annunciated, "whenever I've been around you or your squints, there have always been favors that cause me to regret my job. So, just spit it out so I can say no now."
"Now Caroline," he reasoned, "Would you really say no to me?"
"Yes I would Agent Booth," she snipped, "but go ahead and ask any way."
"Here's the situation," he began as he heard Caroline let out an exasperated sigh, "Foster kid name Benjamin Dailey, diagnosed with cancer, Brennan wants to become his foster parent so he can get the treatment he needs."
"Humph," Caroline complained, "That's just like you and that doctor friend of yours to bring a kid up in all of this."
Booth smiled knowing he had won her over.
"I don't know what you expect me to do," she ranted. "It's not like I carry my broom around with me, but mark my words you two owe me. You understand that Booth?"
"Yes ma'am," he replied with a grin.
"Humph, you'd better," she muttered, "I'll call you back in an hour."
With that Booth snapped his phone shut and strolled back into Ben's room.
Brennan didn't look up as she heard his footsteps approaching. She was too afraid of the disappointment she'd see there.
"Hey," he whispered trying not to wake Benjamin.
"Hey," she replied refusing to look up.
"Caroline said she'd call me back in an hour," he stated as he rubbed her stressing shoulders.
"What did she say?" putting all her hope in the plea.
"You know Caroline," he teased, "We'll pay for it, but she'll get the job done."
Brennan allowed herself to smile.
The hour passed incredibly slow; antagonizing them with every fleeting minute. When Booth's cell finally rang, it scared both of them. Jumping up from his chair, Booth scurried out the door.
"Booth," he answered.
"Looks like Mr. Benjamin Dailey has himself a new foster mother," she stated matter-of-factly. "The references, finger printing, and background check were easy to brush aside, but I had to use my powers of persuasion on the 30 hours of training exercises and home study. And Booth I don't like having to use my powers of persuasion unless it benefits me and this will benefit me."
"Understood," Booth replied.
"The necessary paperwork is being faxed to the hospital now. Better go tell the kid he's got a family," she stated with just a hit of softness to her voice.
"Thank you, Caroline," Booth responded.
"Humph," mischief filling her voice, "Don't be thankful yet."
Booth practically ran back in the room. Brennan's head jerked around to see a huge smile plastered to his face.
"You might want to ask if Ben wants a foster mom," he spoke barely containing the excitement.
"You're serious?" she asked.
Giving a nod, he watched tears surface and cloud her vision. Brennan turned her attention to the sleeping form next to her.
Giving Ben's arm a jiggle, she kept her voice low, "Ben. Ben. Wake up."
Ben's eyes fluttered opened and settled on Brennan.
"What is it?" he asked through a yawn.
"There's a very important question I need to ask you," she soothed rubbing her hand across his head.
Ben gave her a 'go ahead' look and waited for her to gather her courage.
"Well, Ben," she began fumbling with her fingers and words, "I…if.."
Ben wound his finger through hers as he whispered, "It's okay Dr. Brennan. Whatever it is, it's okay."
A smiled danced across her features.
"I love you, Ben," she said teary-eyed, "and if you want I could be your foster mom."
"Do you want to be my mommy?" his eyes begged.
"Yes, I do," she sighed, "very much."
"Then I'll hold on tight and never let go," his voice soared as a tear slipped down his face.
Booth watched the scene play out before him with unshed tears in his eyes. His heart ached for what he had lost.
Brennan swiped her hand across her wet cheeks as she pulled back from Ben's embrace.
"I'm going to find Dr. Davis," she grinned. "I don't think our conversation is finished."
As she moved toward the door, she paused by Booth. Reaching up and giving his forearm a squeeze, she mouthed 'thank you'. All Booth could do was smile.
As Brennan approached the nurses' station, she spotted Emily.
"Look like Ben's file just got a little thicker," Emily's grin ever present in her tone. "You two are the luckiest people on earth."
"Thanks," Brennan's smile was warm and soft. "Could you have Dr. Davis paged to Ben's room. We need to have a…little talk."
"On it," Emily piped.
Brennan gave a thank you nod and returned to her son's room.
They didn't have to wait long for the appearance of Dr. Davis. He was a man of few words and didn't like repetition. He opened the door with an irritated force catching Brennan off guard.
"Dr. Davis," she stammered.
"Dr. Brennan," he interjected, "this better be important. Ben isn't the only patient I have."
"Oh, I assure you this won't be a waste of your time," she answered. "I simply wanted to know if we would be starting Ben's new treatment tomorrow per Dr. Andrew's previous orders."
"Dr. Brennan, I've already discussed the non-relevant role you play…"
"Oh," she interrupted, "I believe if you look through Ben's chart, you'll find out that my role had recently become very relevant."
Dr. Davis flipped back the cover back to unveil the documents that clearly stated legal custody to the foster parent: Temperance Brennan.
"Dr. Brennan, Ben, congratulations," stated a shocked Dr. Davis. "But to answer your question, Dr. Brennan, I will not begin a new treatment. I feel it is in the patient's best interest not to change treatments at this time."
"I see," she remarked.
A smirked danced on Dr. Davis's lips as a feeling of victory washed over him.
"However," she continued, "I feel that it is in my son's best interest to find a new doctor. Would you please have the release papers brought to me?"
"Are you refusing medical treatment for your….ahem….son?" he awkwardly asked.
"Oh, no," she replied giving an air of innocence, "just yours."
That little button really needs some attention. If you press it, I get in a woderful mood and start writing. :)