And hi again!! Oh, the angst, the angst…. I know, I told you… I am a bad person ;) ah, well… let's see if things turn out well or not, shall we? winks

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And special thanks again to AnabellG (AnaG) who invested so much time into beta-ing this chapter, you are the best!!

Chapter 17

A tired-looking Brennan was lying in a big hospital bed, freshly fluffed pillows under her head and a white blanket tucked tightly around her. Booth was sitting by her side, holding her right hand.

"You know," she murmured "I'd do anything for our child."

"Me too, Bones. Anything." He pressed a soft kiss on the back of her hand.

"It's not you who's going to be forced to stay in bed for the next few months, Booth. I dread it. You know how I am. I need something to do, but... but when I thought I'd be losing the baby, it nearly killed me. I want this baby so much."

Despite the weakness in her voice, he also heard the surprise in it. A soft smile appeared on his face. The unconditional love a parent felt for their child was something new for her. He on the other hand already was a father and knew that he would sacrifice anything – including his own life – for his child.

"Baby, trust me, I know how you feel. And we will see about that staying in bed, okay? The doctor said it is possible you'll have to stay at home. We'll just have to wait and see. Maybe our little one is going to behave so that you can do at least a little work in your lab."

He tried to make light of it, though the prospect of one cranky - because the idea of a forced-to-stay-at-home-mommy-to-be named Temperance Brennan was not at all appealing to him. But – as they both had just learned – they would do anything for this baby.

"It has hardly anything to do with behaviour. The fetus has no influence on this, Booth." She corrected him, stifling a yawn.

He sighed. "I know. I just wanted you to loosen up a bit. You really need to sleep, Bones. A little rest will do you both good, okay? I'll be outside. I have to call Cullen. He asked me to keep him informed."

Brennan yawned again, but when he rose, she held him back, a frown on her bruised face. "Cullen... how did it go, how did he react?"

Booth shrugged. "Uh, he didn't really have time to react. His secretary put Angela through before I could even explain why I was there. And then... I just ... I don't remember exactly what I said. But he knows you're pregnant and he was very understanding." He watched her process the information.

"I'll be back soon, okay?" He gave her an encouraging smile. "You two rest a little." He winked at her and turned around to leave the room.

"Booth?" He heard her tired voice behind him. "I love you."

He glanced back at her over his shoulder, a smile on his face. "I love you too." He answered in a low voice, not sure if she heard it, since her eyes were already closed.

When the door softly clicked shut behind him, a small smile crept on Brennan's face. "Sleep tight, little one." She murmured and was asleep only a few moments later.

Booth took in a deep breath, enjoying the feeling of cool air filling his lungs and drowning out that unmistakable hospital-stench.

He took out his mobile phone and hit the speed dial button for the FBI headquarters. After a short talk with Rachel, he was waiting for Cullen to answer the call.

"Booth! How is Dr. Brennan?" Cullen asked without further words of greeting.

"We... she nearly lost the baby, Sir. The doctors said it was a very close call. But everything looks stable now, thank God. She has to stay at the hospital for a few days, for monitoring. Her shoulder was dislocated and her left side is bruised all over...I am just glad they are alive."

He quickly explained, his body tensing when he remembered the terrifying moments when they had not known if their child was going to survive or not.

"I understand. I am glad she is okay. And congratulations, by the way." His boss said.

"Thank you, Sir." Booth answered.

"You can take the rest of the day off, Booth. And if you need more time, just let me know." Cullen offered.

"That's very generous, thank you, Sir. In fact the doctor's said that Bones may have to stay at home for the rest of the pregnancy. So she may need me from time to time." Booth added, the thought causing him to grimace.

"For your sake I really hope that won't be necessary. Pregnant women are moody enough without being confined to bed all the time. And well, Dr. Brennan does not strike me as somebody who handles too much leisure time well." He heard the humour in his boss' voice and had to smile himself.

"She hates it. Bones simply isn't able to be idle for more than one hour. Being forced to stay at home has to be one of her worst nightmares."

"Good luck then, Booth. My best wishes for her too." Cullen said and Booth thanked him once again. After finished the call, he stared at his mobile and smiled, thinking back on how this morning he had been nervous about Cullen's reaction.

He closed his eyes and enjoyed the cool air for a few minutes before he went back inside and the sharp and chemical smell filled his nostrils again.

Well, I hope you're all happy now - she did NOT lose the baby...

Reviews would be great! Thanks!