Let me just say that Y'ALL ROCK! I know that probably comes as a shock to my wonderful reviewers, but I'm sure I don't tell you just how much I really appreciate all your reviews. I hope the extended time between Chapter 17 and 18 didn't result in the loss of any of the the awesome readers and reviewers. (Work...so unfair) So, as a thank you to those who reviewed chapter 18, I'm posting Chapter 19 tonight. I've had the past two days off and I have the next four days off. One could infer that lots of reviews would equal frequent updates with all my extra time. (hint hint nudge nudge) LOL! Anywho...hear it is, hope you enjoy.

Happy Valentine's Day!!!!!

Chapter 19

Ben was scheduled for his first chemo treatment at ten o'clock Wednesday morning. Booth arrived in Brennan's driveway at seven bearing coffee and bagels. Leaving breakfast in the SUV he hurriedly met the anthropologist at the front door and grabbed the dinosaur print duffel bag while Brennan locked up. She offered no argument concerning the bag as the pair walked toward the SUV. Climbing into their respective spots, Booth gestured to the coffee and bagels. That old spark twinkled in her eyes and Booth knew he was winning her back one moment at a time.

"So, what's in the bag for Ben?" Booth asked trying to strum up positive thoughts.

"Cars, dinosaurs, more cars, a few books, couple games," she rattled, "and a picture of us."

Booth's gaze drifted from the road to her. "A picture of us?" he questioned.

"From our last Christmas together," she explained. "I thought it would be nice if he could see his family when we weren't there."

Her choice of words caused a lump in his throat. 'His family,' Booth thought. 'I love the sound of that.' Glancing in her direction, he gave her a smile that said more than a thousand words.

"Thank you," he whispered.

"He loves you," her voice hushed, "A very smart man once told me that there are different kinds of families. I want that for Ben. I want him to love and be loved."

Booth gave an understanding smile as his hand brushed against hers.

ooOooOoo

As Booth parked the SUV, Brennan dug in her bag for her latest anthropology magazine happy she found it before exiting the vehicle.

"Bring along some reading material?" he chuckled.

"Well the hospital's collection of intellectual reading is a little less than desirable," she stated.

"That's the point Bones," he commented as they strolled through the glass doors, "You're not here to earn your PhD."

Making their way to Ben's room, they found him busy doodling with his etch-a-sketch. Booth cleared his throat immediately catching the boy's attention.

"Booth! Tempe!" he squealed wanting to run to them like other kids his age would do, but the already connected IV prevented him from doing so.

Booth lifted the duffle bag into the air, "Looks like you got her to pack you're whole room!"

Ben's eye gleamed with excitement as Booth and Tempe crossed the room to his bed.

"Anything you want right now?" she asked as she unzipped the bag Booth had placed at the foot of the bed.

Before Ben could answer, a series of knocks penetrated throughout the room grabbing everyone's attention. Brennan's head snapped around to find a nurse standing just inside the door.

"Hi, I'm Kate," she stated strolling further into the room, "and you must be Tempe and Booth."

Brennan gave a nod as the nurse continued.

"Ben hasn't stopped talking about the two you of since he woke up. It's a pleasure to finally have faces with the names," her smile never drooped as she set about making circles around Ben's bed.

"Excuse me…Kate?" Brennan spoke, somewhat dizzy from watching her, "I thought Ben wasn't scheduled for his treatment until ten."

"That's true, but we usually start prepping the patient thirty minutes before," she answered as she continued about her tasks. "But no worries, everything will be done in this room and you'll be able to stay right here with him."

Booth noticed the relief relaxing Tempe's features. He remembered how much it hurt to feel like he was always leaving Parker. He didn't want that for her or Ben. It was painful to experience, but much too painful to watch.

Once Kate was finished setting monitors, plugging in wires, and the yards of plastic tubing was connected, she gave a quick wave and purposefully strolled out of the room. Brennan was more accustomed to seeing Ben in this manner, but for Booth it was a whole new ball game. The times he had seen Ben in the hospital only a small IV saline drip was set up, nothing of this magnitude. Sensing Booth shock and bewilderment, Brennan decided to ease the situation.

"Well, Ben, do you think it will be lime green?" she asked with a laugh.

"Has to be," he replied matter-of-factly. "I wouldn't be a superhero without it."

Brennan glanced toward Booth. His features had settled into the lighthearted mood of the moment.

"Who's your favorite superhero?" Booth asked.

"Captain America!" Ben announced with excitement.

Booth smiled; glad to know he wasn't completely out of the loop when it came to kids these days.

The boys launched into a conversation about a vast array of comic book superheroes. Brennan, feeling she had been quiet long enough, spoke up,

"You two are forgetting one very important superhero."

"Who's that?" Ben asked intrigued that Tempe could join the conversation.

She darted her eyes in Booth direction just to see if he already knew the answer. Sure enough a smile graced his lips and his eyes were remembering a particular Halloween.

"Wonder Woman, of course!"

Booth and Brennan's laughter erupted simultaneously while Ben seemed somewhat confused.

"I don't get it," Ben stated, "What's so funny about Wonder Woman?"

Just as Booth started to explain, the laughter faded; time no longer stood still.

Ethan had made his way to the foot of Ben's bed. A smile beamed across his face as he watched the family, but quickly disappeared along with their laughing.

"There's no need in stopping," he assured as Kate hung the IV bag. "Ben can talk, laugh, and do pretty much anything as long as he doesn't get out of the bed. We didn't add an extension on the tubing."

Ethan tried, but miserably failed at making light of the situation. He hated this part of his job…the first treatment. It was always so serious; so scary. He knew that it wouldn't last, though. After a few treatments they would carry on as if he and the nurses were just good friends. It would become routine; part of every day life, but not today, not yet.

Kate adjusted the drip regulator and gave a nod to Ethan as she moved away from the bed and out the door once more. Ethan patted Ben's feet.

"Kate will be back after the meds have been administered, but if you need anything before just let one of the nurses know," giving a reassuring smile, he exited the room.

A hush fell over the space; no one daring to utter the thoughts that were searing their minds. Finally the muse of a six year old broke the silence,

"I still don't get it, what's so funny about Wonder Woman?"

And then the laughter returned.

The two adults attempted to tell the story of their costume case, but most of it was slurred with laughter and beyond recognition. Ben finally gave up.

Finally after several deep breaths and willing a subject change, things returned to a light calm mood. Kate had stopped by to disconnect the tubing and much to everyone's surprise, the mood wasn't affected. Brennan had immersed herself into the anthropology journal while Ben and Booth were busy playing Go Fish.

"Do you have any Dancing Bears?" Booth asked hopeful.

"Goooooooo Fish!" sang Ben.

Booth grumbled under his breath which managed to draw giggles from the tiring child and a shrill ring from Booth's cell. Hearing the exchange, Brennan looked up and cast a winning grin at Ben; going unnoticed by Booth as he dug for the phone.

"Booth," he answered; a sharp edge to his words.

"Yes sir," he stated, "I'll be right there."

Booth gave an apologizing glance to Ben before speaking.

"Ben, I hate to do this," he pleaded, "but I've got to go. I promise we'll finish this later, okay."

Brennan heard the unmistakable tone. It was his daddy voice. The one he reserved only for Parker.

"It's okay, Booth," Ben stated. "You've got to catch the bad guys."

"That's right, buddy." Booth sighed. This was all too familiar, but so long ago.

Booth caught Tempe's stare which told her to follow. Standing up, she dipped over Ben's bed.

"I'll be right outside," she stated. "Holler if you need anything."

Booth exited the room with Brennan in tow.

"What is it?" she asked closing the door securely behind her.

"Undercover operation," he sighed rubbing his hand over his face, "Cullen needs as many agents as possible for back up."

"I understand," she assured grabbing his forearm. "Just be careful and don't worry about us. Give me a call when you're finished."

"You sure?" he questioned.

She nodded her approval.

"Thanks," he whispered. "Um, by the way, how does he know about what I do?"

"He knows a lot about you, Booth," she furrowed her brow. "Quite a lot."

He ran his thumb across her shoulder and down her arm wanting so much to lean over and kiss her, but thought better of it. Instead, he gave her hand a squeeze and flashed his charm smile. Both opened their mouths opened to say something, but the moment passed as Tempe hear Ben's cry.

"I'd better go," she said placing her hand on the door.

"Me too," he answered. "I'll give you a call."

Looking over his shoulder he saw her disappear into the room as Ben's distressed voice cried out again.

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