Five days later, Brennan walks into Parker's room, wearing a black knee-length dress, a structured jacket in the same color that stops at her hips, and ballet flats. She's holding Christine's hand as the two of them pass the threshold. The five year-old is wearing a similar outfit, even down to the shoes. A black headband with a small flower keeps her hair back and she's got a tiny purse hung over her shoulder.

Booth turns his head and takes a look at his girls. He can't help but smile at the beauty he's staring at.

Christine runs over to the bed and climbs up into his lap. "Guess what, daddy." She says, her blue eyes wide and bright.

He shrugs. "I give up."

"No, you gotta guess."

"Okay, hmmm, uh, I don't know. Tell me, princess."

Christine blows out a puff of air and shakes her head. "No, you gotta guess, daddy. You gotta. It's a rule."

"I've never heard of that rule."

"I maded it up. It's a new rule. Guess, daddy."

He nods. "Let's see—did you get ice cream with mom?"

Christine shakes her head. "Guess again."

"I get two guesses?"

Christine nods. "Yep."

"So you didn't get ice cream, how about French fries?"

Christine laughs. "No, daddy."

"Then I give up. What is it?"

"Mommy letted me put flowers on Ms. Rebecca's grave."

He glances at Brennan and smiles faintly. "That was nice of her, wasn't it?"

Christine nods. "Yeah-huh. Lots and lots of peoples put flowers on the grave too."

"Whoa."

Christine turns her head and looks at Parker. "Is he all better, daddy?"

He shakes his head. "Not yet, princess."

Christine sighs. "Can I kiss him?"

He smiles and nudges her. "Hop down."

Christine slips off his lap and touches the edge of the mattress.

He stands up and pushes back the chair. He lifts her up slightly and holds her while she leans over and presses a kiss to Parker's cheek. He sets her down carefully and sits again.

Brennan walks up to them and places her hand on Booth's shoulder.

He tilts his head up, and lets his eyes fall shut when she leans over and lightly brushes her lips against his. He shivers when the kiss deepens ever so slightly.

Brennan pulls back and gives him another soft peck on the forehead before standing up straight again. She steps to the side and looks at Christine. "Honey, I have to talk to your daddy for a couple of minutes. Sit on the couch and play with your baby doll while we talk, please."

Christine nods and skips over to the couch.

Brennan kneads her fingers into Booth's shoulder. "How's Parker?"

He sighs. "No change, but you said that's good, so I guess he's good." He pauses. "How was the funeral?" His voice is lower now and it fades out as he finishes his question.

"The funeral was beautiful. I mean, as beautiful as a funeral can be, I suppose. I'm sorry you missed it."

"I couldn't leave Parker."

"I know. Your presence was missed, that's all I'm saying." She sighs. "I'm going to change out of this dress and into something more comfortable and hospital appropriate."

His eyes twinkle just a tiny bit as he looks her up and down. "I like that dress on you."

She shifts her weight. "I've worn it before."

"I don't think so."

"I know I have, but thank you." She looks at their daughter, who's combing her baby doll's hair. "Honey, your grandfather's going to be here any minute to pick you up. Let's get you out of that dress and into your play clothes."

Christine hops off the couch, her doll tucked under her arm, and drags her bag over to Brennan.

"You don't need to bring the entire bag with you, Christine." Brennan meets her mini-me halfway and picks out an outfit. "Come on, sweetheart."

"Are you done talking to daddy?"

Brennan nods. "I am." She takes Christine's hand and they disappear into the bathroom.

I know it's short, but it felt natural to end the chapter here. More to come soon.