Disclaimer: I don't own Bones or it's characters. Fox does.

Sorry that I kept you all waiting. I'm still on a Bones high from two new episodes. Thanks Melissa for yor help. Here's a new chapter.

Brennan

The month seems to pass by very slowly. I busy myself with work' that's what I'm good at, compartmentalizing. Working keeps my mind off Booth. I identify skeletons in limbo, work on the chapters of my latest novel and continue to consult with the FBI on their cases. I promised Booth I would. I'm working with a new partner now. an Agent Watford. He's alot like Booth, on the outside, obnoxious, loud and well-structured. But I know better, Booth is one-of-a-kind.

Not a day goes by that I don't miss him, my husband, Seeley Booth. Not a day goes by where I don't regret not telling him I love him. The first week he was gone was hard. It almost felt like the time I thought he was dead. I'd curl up on his side of the bed, wearing his over-sized T-shirts and cry myself to sleep.

But I promised Booth I'd be strong, With Angela's help I managed to get over the crying-myself-to-sleep phase. Booth's scent on his pillow is fading. It's disconcerting. I wear the necklace with his wedding ring round my neck, it serves as a reminder that he'll be back to reclaim it.

I watch the news daily, hoping to catch any snippet on war in Iraq. There's no news on Booth. It's not like he'll be on the news; he's a sniper, and he's supposed to remain unseen, unheard. I often wonder how he's handling things. Pulling the trigger, taking a life. I know he hates that. But he's been thrust into that world again.

Today's gonna be better. I received word that I'd be allowed to have a short video-conference with Booth this evening. A privilege only for wives or parents of troops in Iraq. I'm grateful for Booth's foresight. If I was his girlfriend, perhaps I wouldn't be allowed this form of communication with him.

My computer buzzes and my heart races. I had made the effort to wear a tad more make-up today. I chose a low-cut blouse that shows my cleavage. I've missed Booth and sex with Booth. I can only assume he has too.

The screen flickers. I click "Accept". Booth's face materializes on my computer screen. His face lights up the minute he sees me.

"Hey Bones!"

Booth looks tired. His eyes no longer have that tinkle I've grown accustomed to. It's a worrying change. He has what looks like a two-day-old beard and moustache. He looks dirty and his hair is cropped short, he looks a little more like Jared now.

"Hey Booth." I smile at him.

"It's so good to see you."

"Likewise."

"You look nice, beautiful."

I'm happy he noticed. I can't say the same for him. I absently finger his ring dangling from the necklace round my neck.

"Like the new me?"

"I prefer to old version of you." I admit.

"Sorry Bones. I got back from a mission a couple of hours ago. I haven't slept in three days. Razors are in short supply while you're camped out in the middle of nowhere." He scratches his beard.

"You look tired. Are you ok?" I ask.

"Let's just say we have three more bad guys to put away when I get back."

I nod my understanding. "I miss you."

"I miss you too Bones. Are you eating? Did you lose weight?"

"I'm eating Booth." I don't want to admit I've lost some of my appetite since he's left. "I'm fine Seeley. Parker says hi. He wanted me to tell you he got an A on his Science project."

Booth beams. "I bet you helped him with that."

"I did. But he's very smart. He did most of the work, all I had to do was point him in the right direction." I pause. "Parker misses you a lot."

"I miss him too. I'm glad he has you on weekends. How's that working out?"

"I have to admit I was nervous initially and the first weekend, I had Angela over, in case Parker got bored. But he didn't. We're ok now. Just like when you're around, minus the alpha-male stuff, and church."

"That's… good to know. Not the church part." He winks. "How's Hank treating you?" He's referring to Agent Watford.

"I don't go out to the field with him. It's not the same without you. But we still close cases."

"He can be a jackass but he'll get the job done."

I nod. I don't really want to talk about work with Booth right now.

"I think about you all the time Bones. I'm sorry you have to go through this."

"It's ok Booth. I'm waiting for you to come home."

"I can't wait to be home."

Booth's expression changes. He glances at his watch. "Sorry Bones. I have to go."

"When will you be back?"

He frowns. "I don't know. There're a couple more…. on my list."

"Take your time." I know rushing him would put him in greater danger. "Will I get to talk to you again?"

"I don't know Bones. But I'll write. I'm going away…. You know my next mission starts day after tomorrow. It's not gonna be an easy one."

"Things will be ok." He only got back this morning, and he has to leave the day after? I hope they're not working him too hard. "Get your rest. And be careful. And shave."

"I will." He grins. "Kiss Parker for me. I love you Temperance."

The screen goes blank. He didn't wait for me to reply. Not that I would have told him I'd love him too. I know I do, at least I think I do but I want to wait, till he comes back to tell him face-to-face.

My thoughts linger on Booth, I remind myself that its only been a month, it's gonna be a long time before he comes homes.

A month! It suddenly dawns on me that I'm late. The last time I had my period was more than a month ago, that was before we found out Booth was called back to active duty. My hands tremble as I check the date on my calendar. No mistake, I'm late.

Not now, not when Booth is miles away. I'm on the pill, it's not possible. There's always that one percent chance. I can't do this, not while he's away. I never even wanted to have children. But then I never wanted to get married either. So maybe this wouldn't be that bad. I try to rationalize to myself, remind myself that things will be ok. I always thought Booth would be by my side if this happened.

I can't be pregnant. I just can't be. I'm just getting used to having Parker around, I can't raise another child on my own. My gaze falls on the photograph of Booth and I, he's smiling so happily. I can imagine the smile on his face when I tell him. Seeley would be over the moon. The thought of telling Booth the news makes me feel less panicked. But I'm still uneasy about this.

"Hey Bren." Angela walks in. "How'd it go with Booth?"

She sees the expression on my face and assumes the worst. "You know Bren whatever Booth said – "

"No Angela, my conversation with Booth although short was very good. He looked tired but it was so good to see him, and hear his voice."

"Then why do you have this deer in the headlights look on your face?"

"I – " I'm not sure if I should tell Angela before I'm sure but I promised Booth I wouldn't do anything alone while he's gone. "I'm late Ange."

"Late?"

The look on my face explains things to her.

"You're – " Angela lets out a squeal and grabs me in a bear hug. "Oh Bren I know this isn't what you wanted but the timing couldn't be better. It's like Booth's left a little piece of himself for you while he's gone."

"Ange, we're jumping the gun here, I don't even know if I'm pregnant."

Angela grabs my hand. "Come on. Grab your coat."

"Where are we going?"

"To find out if you're pregnant."

Review please. Next chapter will be up soon!