I can't believe it had taken me this long to update. I this chapter was hard for me. I deleted it so many times I lost count. Really hope you enjoy it. And a VERY BIG THANK YOU to all who reviewed and who are reading this story.
Chapter 17
Dr. Davis exited the room without a response.
Brennan pulled out her phone, quickly dialing a number.
"Ethan, hi, it's Temperance," the smile recognizable in her voice.
Ben and Booth listened to the one ended conversation while Booth helped Ben dress.
"And you're sure that will be okay? Thanks Ethan, see you tomorrow," Brennan ended the call and turned attention back to the pair sitting on the bed.
"Well, Ben, you ready to go home?" she asked.
Having been in the foster care system since he was three, his automated responses came easily. "But I don't have a home," he whispered as his eyes feel to the floor.
"You do now, Ben, now and always," she smiled wrapping him in a hug.
After signing the release papers Emily brought by, the trio left the hospital. From a stranger's perspective, they were the perfect family. Tempe carried Ben on her hip; Booth toted a duffle bag while his hand rested against her back. Yes, they were meant to be a family.
Opening the back door for Brennan, Booth watched as she gently place Ben in the seat and fasten the seatbelt. Booth moved around the vehicle tossing in the duffle bag before climbing in behind the wheel. Temperance slid into the passenger's seat as she gave Booth a 'thank you' smile.
"You know, Bones," Booth spoke as he pulled the SUV into drive, "you're gonna have to get a booster seat."
As he turned out of the parking lot, Booth glanced in her direction when he didn't receive a response. Shock covered her face as a fury of thoughts scrolled through her eyes like the ending credits to a movie. He knew immediately what she was thinking. Reaching over, he grasped her hand.
"You did the right thing, Bones," he whispered. "Don't worry he's got what money can't buy…love."
His last words soothed any doubt that bombarded her mind.
"Would you help?" she asked.
With a grin, he answered, "I'd love to."
The threesome pulled into a department store, hoping for a one stop shopping deal. As they proceeded into the store, Temperance began rattling off a list that would make anyone's head spin.
"Slow down there," he teased.
"But I need a list," she stated. "How can I know what to get without a list?"
"Bones," he paused her frantic movements with his hand on her arm, "the store isn't going anywhere. If we forget something, we can always come back."
She smiled liking the way he said 'we'. She suddenly didn't feel like she had stepped off a cliff all by herself. Settling Ben into the seat of the cart, she gave Booth a relieved smile as they began the enormous task at hand.
From animal crackers to zebra stripped pajamas, Brennan was certain that she had purchased everything in the store. Tempe asked Ben and Booth's opinion on everything. Booth got the "is it necessary" questions while Ben got the "do you like it" questions. Ben was elated. Never in his life could he have imagined anyone caring about him this much. It wasn't the items that kept piling in the cart, but the way she took the time to talk to him, caress his cheek with her hand, the emotions that welled in her eyes. Those were things Ben was most excited about. Finally after a few hours, Brennan and Booth shoved the two rounded over carts toward the exit and to his SUV. Ben, sporting a new denim blue baseball cap, giggled as the two adults bickered about the correct loading of the vehicle.
Upon arrival back at Brennan's, she realized that supper was in order. She was aware of the many tasks that lay before her for the evening so the most logical conclusion would be delivery. Knowing Ben's favorite food was pizza; she called a local delivery and placed her order. She had 30 minutes to accomplish as much as possible.
Everyone was assigned a chore to complete. Booth was responsible for the installation of the booster seat and lugging of bags. Brennan was responsible for the bedroom and all the tasks that emerged within the broad category. Ben's duty was to put away the books and toys in his new bedroom. The upstairs guest room was decorated in denim blue and white stripe which matched perfectly with the car theme Ben had picked out from the store. Peeling back the white duvet, Brennan replaced it with the white spread streaked with blue, red and green cars that speed across the bed. She replaced the sophisticated bed lamp with the blue car lamp whose headlights doubled as a nightlight. Beside the lamp was the car alarm clock that honked its horn as a reminder to get up. Ben laugh as Tempe tried to set the clock, but instead set off the honking alarm. By the time the door bell rang, Ben's room was complete; purchases were put in their proper places, booster seat installed and a load of Ben clothes in the washer. Brennan couldn't remember a time when she felt more satisfied with her work.
After their fill of pizza, the three plopped on the couch; Ben resting perfectly between Booth and Brennan. The two adults chatted while Ben's tired body gave into sleep. His head nodded its way to rest against Booth chest and his tiny fingers intertwined with Tempe's. Before long the soft snore of a six year old caught their attention.
"Could you carry him upstairs?' Brennan whispered. "I need to grab his pajamas and turn down the bed."
Booth gave a nod, shifting his position to cradle the small boy against his chest. Brennan moved toward the stairs, but paused when she didn't hear Booth following. When Brennan turned around, she saw Booth looking down at Ben with those father eyes. A wave of guilt plunged through her body. Booth, sensing Brennan's stance, raised his head. Brennan couldn't bear to see the pain in his eyes as he thought of Parker so she turned back into the direction of the stairs and began her assent.
By the time of Booth and Ben's arrival, Brennan had the nightlight's glow filling the room, the bed was turned down, and Ben's Snoopy pajamas were lying on the bed. Gently placing Ben on the cushioned bed, Booth stepped back as Tempe methodically undressed the little boy and pulled on the comfortable pajama set. She noticed Booth's hesitance in helping, but didn't question him, she already knew the reason. After Ben received two kisses and two 'I love you's', Booth and Brennan trudged downstairs and resumed their plopped positions on the oversized couch.
"Listen, Booth," her voice distant, "I completely understand if you're uncomfortable with the situation and I understand if you don't want to come around for a while."
Booth reached across the cushion; cradling her hand in his, "I'd love to come around as often as you'll let me."
She threw him a tired smile, "Really?" she questioned.
"Really," he answered returning the smile. "I will always miss Parker, but holding Ben tonight I felt a little more whole. A little less of me was missing, you know?"
Tempe nodded her head. She knew all too well what Booth meant. Benjamin had the same effect on her.
"Hey," she soothed, "I know you were planning on being at the hospital tomorrow, but would you mind a trip to Virginia instead?"
"Virginia?" his brow furrowed with confusion
"Ethan is one of the best pediatric oncologists in the nation," she explained. "He works at a specialty hospital that has agreed to take on Ben's case. The hospital is in Virginia."
"And you go tomorrow?" Booth clarified
"Yeah, he's reviewing Ben's record tonight and hopefully we'll be starting a new treatment tomorrow," she added.
A puzzled look drifted into Booth's eyes.
"About Ethan," Booth began, "What did he tell you at the diner that caused our hasty little trip to the hospital?"
"St. Jude's called Ethan asking for a personal recommendation concerning Cole," she stated. "Of course, Cole comes highly recommended even by Ethan, so he knew Cole would be hired. It was a department head position. Cole would have to be a fool to turn it down."
Booth nodded. 'I can think of a better description,' Booth thought to himself.
"So, how 'bout it?" she asked. "Want to go to Virginia?"
"I wouldn't miss it for the world," he beamed.
So, was it worth the wait, or a big fat disappointment?