A/N - Reposting after finding some phrasing errors. My thanks to those that have reviewed already - your kind words made my day.

That first year they had surprised each other. Everyone had been very aware of the date of course, and she had several offers of companionship. She had declined them all, making promises to call if she changed her mind. If there was one thing she had learned during that awful first year was that grief had its own timetable. Well meaning loved ones often panicked when she became overwhelmed and backed out of plans, so it was easier to be vague on those days when the reminders would be everywhere.

The day arrived bitterly cold with storm clouds threatening, a sharp contrast to the day they had officially said goodbye to her Lancelot. Unexpectedly she felt compelled to visit "their" spot. Not wanting to subject little Lance to the elements she dropped the baby off at day care and headed to the park. As she pulled into the parking lot she was shocked to see his SUV there. She walked towards the spot on the hill, lost in thought. Then she had come to the conclusion that she wasn't that shocked. Out of all the people who had loved Lance, he was the one whose sense of duty and ritual was the greatest. It really wasn't surprising that he would carve time out of his day specifically to remember his friend. She rounded the corner and saw him overlooking the city, shoulders hunched in the cold. She had hesitated, wondering if she would be intruding. As if sensing her, he had turned around and gave a small wave and a wan smile. She walked quickly towards him, suddenly unwilling to be alone. As she neared, he really did shock her, embracing her in a bear hug. Special Agent Seeley Booth was not known for displays of physical affection towards anyone save his wife and children. Her composure had slipped at that point and she had let her tears flow, clinging to him. He had simply held her and said, "I know. I miss him too." When she had calmed, they walked towards the bench and sat in silence. She overtly wiping tears with his handkerchief, he with eyes suspiciously bright, both just remembering. Finally the cold intruded and he suggested coffee at the shop around the corner. They spent the next hour sipping and reminiscing. Both left the shop feeling better than when they had arrived.

The second year, she had hesitated. She had decided that she needed to go, but had not wanted him to feel obligated. Finally, the night before she had texted her plans. His response was "I'll bring the coffee." It had been a nicer day, so they sat on the bench and watched little Lance play in the grass. Both had pointed out the traits the toddler had inherited from his father.

This third year, it was his turn to hesitate. Daisy was dating - an old college friend of Lance's had looked her up. At first the relationship had been out of shared loss, but then they had discovered common interests and view points. Steve was a nice guy (and yes, he had done a covert background check), adoring Daisy and doting on little Lance, and they were speaking of making it official. Booth was happy for them-Daisy and Lance deserved happiness and love, and he knew that Sweets would be pleased for his son to have a loving father. He was reluctant to suggest meeting-he did not want her to feel like he was disapproving of her moving on. In the end he didn't have to broach the subject, a couple of days before she stated her plans to visit the park and asked if he would join her.

She brought the coffee, he brought the donuts. They sat mostly in silence - their lives intersected enough that there was no need for small talk. Their boys were preschool pals. She had spent many a holiday with his family - she was Aunt Daisy to his children, he was "Uncle Boof" to her son. They laughed at Seeley Lance's antics, both secure in the knowledge that somewhere Lance Sweets was watching, happy to be remembered by the two people who had loved him the most.