July 4th
Only your son, Booth, would arrive on Independence Day, Brennan thought late that night as she stood at the window in her hospital room, staring out to see the fireworks erupt in the sky. She knew she should be sleeping, but she, even as tired as she was, just wanted to wait for Booth. The doctors in Germany still hadn't called and she knew that couldn't be good. It meant he wasn't awake yet.
She knew her always patriotic husband would love the fact that the baby decided today would be the day he came into the world. She wanted to call the hospital in Germany but when Angela had called while she was in labor, there were no updates to give her. Booth hadn't gotten worse, but he hadn't gotten better either.
Brennan had only wanted Angela in the room with her when the baby was born. Jack, Jared and Hank were more than fine with staying in the waiting room. After over twenty hours of painful labor and no drugs, he arrived and Brennan couldn't believe she had a son. He was finally here but, so far, without a father.
"Bren, sweetie, you need to be in bed. You need sleep," Angela said as she returned to the room.
"I'll be okay."
"Brennan, you've had a big day. A very long day. You hardly slept last night."
"Well I was in labor. Even the doctors didn't expect me to sleep."
"I still think you should sleep now. Sleep while the baby's in the newborn nursery so as soon as you take him home, you're not a zombie."
"I don't want to sleep. Have you heard from Booth's doctors?"
Angela shook her head. "I saw Jared down by the nursery. He said he was going to call over there to see if anything's changed."
"Dr. Brennan!" Dr. Francis greeted as she walked in, "I'm surprised to see you up and moving. How are you feeling?"
"I'm fine. When can we go home?"
Her doctor smiled at her and looked over to her bed. "Once you get some rest, you could probably go home tomorrow. You seem to be recovering quite quickly. The baby is doing well. I just checked on him. He's sleeping right now. Would you like to have him in here?"
Brennan nodded and she got back into her bed. "I'll have a nurse bring him in," she told her.
"Exactly how likely is it that I can go home tomorrow?"
"Very likely. You seem to be doing fine and your son is in perfect health."
Angela rolled her eyes as Brennan silently celebrated her short hospital stay. After Dr. Francis examined her, she called down to the nursery to have her son brought down to her room.
Minutes later, a nurse pushing a small bassinette appeared in the door way. She smiled at both women and asked Brennan if she wanted to hold him. Without a word, Brennan held out her arms, waiting to have the little sleeping bundle placed there. She stared down at her son, who seemed to not be fazed by the recent movement. Despite his pale skin, she already knew he was going to look like Booth. He had his father's bone structure, something she recognized instantly.
"Knock, knock," a voice came from her door way. Three of her favorite men were standing there. As Jared rushed to her side to look at his nephew, Jack went straight for Angela while Hank watched his great-grandson from a distance. The only person missing from this almost perfect day was Booth.
"Jared, did you call over to Booth's hospital?" Brennan asked her brother-in-law.
"Sorry, sis, there's nothing new."
"Jack?"
"What's up?"
"I have a question for you." Brennan waved him over and whispered something in his ear.
"How…you know about that?" Jack sputtered. She nodded.
"I need a favor."
