Dear readers, get ready for an extra long chapter that will hopefully warm your hearts :).

Chapter 9

It was the middle of the night when Brennan woke up from the pain. It was a weird kind of pain. She'd never experienced it before, yet she knew exactly what it was. "Russ!" she called out, slightly panicked. "Russ!" As she moved onto her side, she felt that the bed was wet. Her water had broken.

Russ was startled awake by the screams of his sister. She was due any minute now and he sprinted to her room. Turning the light on, he approached her. "What is it, Temp?"

For a few moments, she couldn't respond. The contractions were taking up all her energy already. She had a feeling it was going to be quick. She squeezed her brother's hand. "We have to get to the hospital," she panted.

"Yes," he agreed. "I'll grab your bag. Just let me know when the contractions lessen for a moment, so I can help you into the car. I'm going to call Dad."

"Wait - can you stay with me for a moment? Just a moment. I'm scared." She reached for her brother, her other hand on her protruding belly.

Immediately, he returned to his sister's side and sat down on the bed next to her. "There is nothing to be scared of. Remember the birthing class? Breathe in, hold, breathe out."

She closed her eyes and tried to breathe with him. "You'll stay with me, right?"

"Of course. Every step of the way, for as long as you will allow it," he squeezed her hand. "Let me know when it stops for a little while. Maybe I should call an ambulance instead."

"No, I can go now. Let's go now," she urged him.

"Okay, come on," he helped her to stand and change into a warm skirt and sweater. Slowly but surely, they made their way into the hallway. He helped her into her coat as he grabbed her bag. "You're doing great, Temp."

"No, I'm not. It freaking hurts," she groaned as she got herself out the door as best as she could.

Russ immediately wrapped his arm around her waist, supporting her as he guided her out the door and to the car. "Time the contractions, Temp," Russ told her. He knew it would distract her and it would give them and the doctors an idea of how far along his sister was.

"I'll try to watch the clock," she replied as he helped her get seated and buckled in. The next set of contractions occurred as he was driving her to the hospital. The following set occurred seven minutes afterwards and by this time, Brennan almost couldn't contain her moans of pain. "Drive faster," she told her brother. She'd never felt anything like this. Even menstrual cramps were a walk in the park compared to these contractions. A sheen of sweat covered her brow and she felt her muscles pushing her baby down. She couldn't get comfortable. Everything hurt. Her belly, her back, even her legs. "Oh, god," she groaned.

"I'm almost there, Temp, I'll get you and your little one to the hospital. All you have to worry about is your breathing and staying calm." At a red light, he reached for her hand, squeezed it and pressed a kiss to the back of her hand. "Come on, Temp. This is what we've been training for. Together, right? You can do this. You're not alone. I'm right here." He had always had a strong bond with his younger sister and during her pregnancy, it had only strengthened. Since that bastard hadn't been around to go to Lamaze and preparation classes, doctor's visits and shopping trips, Russ had been by her side every step of the way.

She squeezed his hand hard and nodded as she tried to battle the pain. "Five minutes, Russ. It's going fast."

"She's impatient." He winked at her. "Does that remind you of someone?" he teased as he drove as fast as he was allowed to the nearest hospital.

"Shut up, Russ," she spoke through clenched teeth. Then, "Sorry, but I'm in a lot of pain."

"I can only imagine. It's okay, little one. Today you get a free pass. You get to be irrational and angry for no reason and I won't hold it against you. Have you decided on a name for your baby girl yet?"

"Russ, I have no brain activity. Are we at the hospital yet? Because I'm going to give birth in about two minutes," she almost shouted. If she'd known how much this was going to hurt, she wouldn't have gone for it. In that moment, it made no sense at all that women would have more than one child. The pain was simply too much to handle.

"Of course you have brain activity," he told her as he parked the car. "Otherwise you couldn't yell at me. Just hang on," he got out of the car, locked his door and ran to the other side, opening the passenger door. "Are you having a contraction right now?"

"No, not at the moment." She felt a wave of relief when she saw the hospital entrance behind him.

"Perfect. Come on, I'll help you out. I'll come back for your bag later."

She managed to get out of the car and walking actually felt a little bit better. As soon as they were inside, Russ called to the nurse behind the desk what was going on and one minute later, a gurney was rushed into the room. Brennan lay down on it and they were taken upstairs. She held Russ's hand tightly as her body tried to push her baby's head through her seemingly way too narrow birth canal.

"We're at the hospital, Temp. We've made it this far and you're doing great." He held her hand as the midwife helped her to push her skirt higher, so she could check the dilation.

"Eight centimeters already, things are moving fast! How long between contractions?"

Russ looked at the midwife. "About five. Can you give her something for the pain?"

The midwife shook her head. "It won't do much good anymore now, she's almost fully dilated. We're going to attach mother and baby to the monitors. We can start pushing soon."

The pain was getting so intense and unrelenting that Brennan turned quiet, her eyes squeezed closed and a death-grip on her brother's hand. She didn't want anything anymore besides the baby being out of her.

Russ allowed her to squeeze her hand and as the nurses hooked her up to the monitors, he pulled up a chair and sat down in it. They had discussed the birth and she'd decided it would just be them. Angela was studying and his sister didn't want their dad around, so he had agreed that he would be the one holding her hand. He wanted to reassure her, ask her if there was something he could do, but in the end, he remained quiet and let her nearly break his hand.

For about five minutes, Brennan's laboured breath and the monitors beeping were the only sounds in the small room. She was in so much pain that she couldn't communicate anything to the outside world anymore. She hated her Zorro so fiercely in those moments, she could have killed him had he walked into the room. He'd put this baby inside of her, forcing her to give birth to it in this excruciating manner.

The midwife entered the room again and she gently placed Brennan's legs in the right position so she could check her progress. "You're fully dilated, we're moving to the delivery room. You're doing great, Temperance. It won't be long now until you get to hold your baby."

Russ got up and walked alongside his sister as she was wheeled into the delivery room. She wouldn't let go of his hand, so he stayed. The midwife returned with scrubs for him. "You have to let go of my hand, little one, so I can put the scrubs on."

Brennan opened her eyes and looked at him to make sure he was still there, then she gave a small nod. He was back just in time for another particularly painful set of contractions. This time, she nearly screamed as she felt every cell being stretched to its limit and beyond. She was exhausted, but suddenly found an enormous amount of power as she started to push.

"That's it," the midwife coached her. "Do not push once the contraction has disappeared, just wait for the next one."

"Come on, Temp," Russ encouraged her. "You can do this."

She fell back into the pillow after her first push, out of breath. Her body didn't grant her much rest, though, for the next contraction announced itself rapidly and she had to push again. Even the contractions weren't as painful compared to this. Finally, she felt the baby's head pop out. On the next contraction, the shoulders, and then the rest of the tiny body followed. Brennan's body immediately went limp and she felt she would pass out. But then, she heard it. Her baby's cries. Her body physically responded to the crying and she sat up a little as a nurse lowered her legs. Her eyes focussed on the tiny human in the midwife's arms and Brennan was in tears.

"She's beautiful," Russ whispered as his niece was placed on his sister's breasts and abdomen. He released her hand and helped her to support the baby as she held her daughter with trembling arms. He leaned down and kissed her temple as his niece continued to cry. "Congratulations, mom."

Brennan looked at the little miracle on her belly and smiled with happiness and awe. She closed her eyes as Russ pressed a kiss to her temple, feeling so much love for her family. Her brother was simply the best thing in her life. He'd supported her through the worst and best times since she found out she was pregnant. He'd done everything; from cleaning to cooking, so she could continue her study. And she had, even though it was hard to ignore the looks and whispers aimed at her in the hallways and lecture halls. Russ rested his body next to hers, keeping one leg on the floor, and Brennan rested her head on her brother's shoulder. Then, her baby girl's eyes opened, leaving no question as to who her father was. Some time ago, Brennan had asked Russ about what the daughter of Zorro was called in the movie. Now, she said, "Elena. Her name is Elena Angela Brennan."

The afterbirth had been delivered and Brennan had been brought to a hospital room where she was recovering. Elena Angela Brennan was sleeping in a crib and they both couldn't keep their eyes off of her. "She is beautiful. Your very own little angel," Russ told her. "I'm so proud of you and mom would've been too, had she been here."

Brennan's eyes teared up at the mention of their mother and she nodded. "I never thought this would happen to me, but I'm glad I had her. Thanks so much, Russ. You've always been the best brother in the world, but you've really outdone yourself these past nine months. I can never thank you enough." She only made herself cry more, but they were both used to it by now.

"You don't have to thank me. We talked about this, right? All you should be worried about is figuring out how to be a mother to Elena and focus on finishing school and getting your degree. I will worry about the finances. That's our five-year plan, right?"

She nodded, smiling because she was so lucky to have him. "Can you call Dad? And then I'd like to call Angela."

"I will. I'll call Dad. And he'll come over, even though it's the middle of the night. Because he loves you." Russ kissed her cheek and got up. "I'll be right back."

Brennan turned her face towards her daughter again. That something so tangible, so important and so miraculous could come into being from just one magical night. But as she looked at her daughter, she could clearly see her father's traits. She never thought she could even tell the difference between newborns, but now she could. And this little girl belonged to Zorro. Brennan wondered how he'd react to learning he had a daughter. But she'd never seen him again and she probably never would. In her mind, she both hated and loved him. He'd brought her so much trouble, yet he'd also given her such a complete sense of acceptance and safety. She was relieved she hadn't gone through with the abortion. She felt happy. That tiny baby girl in the crib was a small package full of promises, of surprises and infinite love. A connection so deep and reassuring that she felt she could handle anything.

"Hey, Temp," Russ whispered, holding out his cell phone to her. "Dad wants to talk to you before he leaves. I told him he could talk to you here, but he won't let it go, can you...?"

She nodded and put the phone to her ear. "Hi, Dad," she said softly.

"Hi, Temperance, how are you feeling? Did everything go okay?"

"I'm tired. And happy. The pain was awful, though."

"I want to come over. I want to see you and my granddaughter. Would that be okay?" Max had driven her even further away from him when she'd announced that she'd changed her mind and that she was going to keep her baby. Now, Max was determined to make it up to his daughter.

"Yes, Dad, you can come see her. She's perfect, you'll see." She was totally incapable of being bitter towards her father at this moment.

"Thank you, sweetheart." Tears filled Max's eyes and he got up, collecting his stuff. "Is there anything you need? Anything you want? I can bring it with me for you."

"No, everything's fine. Or - maybe you can pick up Angela on your way here. She's my friend from Arts. She's like a sister to me and she'll want to come."

"I will. It might take me a bit longer, but I will go and pick her up. I'll be there as soon as I can." His daughter gave him Angela's address and reassured him that she would let Angela know that he'd pick her up. "I love you, darling."

She bit her lip. "Love you, too, Dad," she whispered, then hung up. "I can't believe I just said that," she told Russ. "He's been so unkind to me. At least he's going to bring Angela. That should cheer everyone up."

"He's made mistakes, Temp. And he's a proud man, but he's trying. He really wants to mend the relationship he has with you. He regrets the way he reacted to your pregnancy."

"He should. He should feel ashamed of himself when he sees her. Elena." Brennan pronounced her daughter's name a few times, getting used to the sound of it. Brennan took a breath and couldn't help but smile as she watched her daughter sleep. "I'll call Angela now," she said and dialled her best friend's number.

"Whoever this is, it better a big-ass emergency," Angela grumbled sleepily into the phone. She'd studied and worked all night and had gone to bed early, only to be awoken by her cell phone around 2 AM and she wasn't happy about it.

"Ange, it's me. I... I had my baby tonight." Brennan started crying again, but out of happiness.

"Brenn? Oh my god! Congratulations! Oh my god, how is she? How are you? Did eveything go okay? How much does she weigh? How tall is she? Where are you? Ah damn it, I don't know if I'm going to get there! No worries though, I will..." She was interrupted by her friend and laughed sheepishly. "Whoops. Sorry..."

"Ange, we're fine and my dad's on his way to come get you. My baby's beautiful and healthy."

"What's her name?" Angela asked as she got up and got dressed.

"Elena Angela Brennan."

Angela froze when she heard the name. "You named her after me? Awe, sweetie..." tears formed in her eyes. "I'm honoured."

"Well, I consider you my sister, Ange. You've done so much for me. And you're her family, so... Do you like it?"

"It is perfect, sweetie. You chose well. Look, I'm going to get dressed and then I'm going to come over with your father. I love you. See you soon!"

"I love you, too, Ange." They hung up and Brennan handed the phone back to Russ. "Can you give her to me? I want to hold her," she asked her brother.

"Sure," Russ picked the baby up out of the crib and smiled as Elena curled up against him. She was dressed in a fluffy, soft, green onesie which he had bought for his niece. He placed her in her mother's arms and smiled at her. "I can step out if you need to nurse her."

"I don't know if I have to nurse her now. Should I? She's not fussy or anything." She happily accepted the tiny baby in her arms and settled her on her chest.

"I don't think so, no." Russ sat back down on the bed next to his sister. "Aren't you tired, Temp?" he whispered as he softly combed her hair back with his fingers, knowing that it was a movement, a sensation that calmed and soothed her.

She relaxed instantly. "I am, and I'm not at the same time." She felt such a rush of deep, deep love for the baby in her arms that she could hardly contain her happiness. Brennan kissed the top of her daughter's head, then put the small baby hat back in place to keep her warm.

Mesmerised by the newest member of the Brennan family, Russ and his sister kind of lost track of time, so when a soft knock was heard on the door, it seemed like hardly any time had gone by. Angela entered with Max in tow. "Oh my god!" Angela whispered as she approached them. "Awe, she's gorgeous! Can I hold her?"

Max followed quietly. He gave his son a questioning look and felt better when Russ simply nodded. Everything had gone as planned. No complications. At least, he could breathe freely again. Even though this was just the start of parenthood for his young daughter. Then again, he was determined to clean up his act, so he could offer help, which she would hopefully accept.

"Yes, you can. Say hi to your aunt Angela, Elena," Brennan smiled and handed her baby girl to her best friend. Then, she turned to her father. "Hi, Dad. This is your granddaughter."

"She's just as beautiful as you were the day you were born." Max walked over to her and leaned down to kiss her forehead. He leaned back a bit and smiled at his daughter as he cupped her cheek. "I'm so sorry, baby. I know I haven't been the father you deserve, but I'm going to start making up for that. I promise."

"It's okay," Brennan said, "I had Russ. And Angela. I was fine. I know you had a hard time dealing with my decisions."

"I did. But I'm your father and I should've supported you. I'm sorry that I didn't . I'm ready to start doing that now. I - I brought something for you." He reached into his pocket and got out a silver necklace with a pendant in the form of a small dolphin. "This used to be your mother's. Now that you are a mother, I think you should have it."

Brennan's eyes widened in recognition. "She wore that always! I thought it went to her grave with her." She looked up at her father.

He shook his head. "She always wanted you to have it. And yes, originally, I had asked them to put it on her, but I couldn't. I didn't tell you because it would've been too painful for me to see you walking around with it. I'm sorry, baby. Can you please give me a chance?"

"I need you to know that if you can't accept my daughter, I can't have you be a part of her life. But we can give you a chance. Of course we can."

"She's your flesh and blood. I lost sight of that for a little while and I'm sorry. Of course I accept your baby girl. You don't know how much I want to hold her."

Angela approached them and smiled. "What do you think, Mommy? Can Grandpa hold her?"

Brennan nodded. "Go ahead."

"What's her name?" Max asked her as he cradled his granddaughter in his arms as he went to sit down on the bed next to Brennan's feet.

"Elena Angela Brennan," she replied, now getting used to the name. It fit her. Somehow, Brennan knew her daughter had a strong character.

"It's a strong name. She's beautiful. Congratulations, Tempe." Max cuddled with his granddaughter and gave Angela and Temperance a few minutes to catch up. When he noticed his daughter subtly hide a third yawn, he got up. "I think we should all go and give you a chance to get some rest."

"I'm not tired," Brennan protested. The atmosphere in the room was warm, festive, happy, connected. She basked in it. She hadn't known many moments like this one. It was so special. Elena hadn't mind being passed from one set of arms to the next. She seemingly trusted everyone.

"Your dad is right, sweetie. Don't think I haven't seen you yawning." Angela yawned herself. "I need to get some more sleep as well. And Max is my ride home, but don't worry," she leaned forward and embraced her best friend. "We'll be back tomorrow. With gifts," she added with a grin.

The girls kissed each other's cheeks. "I think they said Elena and I could go home tomorrow. We could meet at our place," Brennan suggested.

"Yes," Russ agreed. "That's a deal. So sleep now, Temp. Do you want me to go home with them?"

"You can if you want to. You probably should. You haven't had any sleep, either, and I won't be alone here," she smiled, indicating the baby in her arms.

"You won't be," he agreed and leaned down to kiss her temple. "Sleep tight, Mommy." He leaned back and added in a whisper. "You made your daughter proud today. You made all of us proud."

"I love you, Russ. I couldn't have wished for a better uncle for my daughter," Brennan whispered back and they all said goodbye. The next moment, Brennan was alone with Elena. "Hi, little girl. I love you," she spoke softly to her daughter, who opened her eyes. Brennan smiled at her and kissed her tiny fists. Elena started to make sucking noises and Brennan wondered if she should feed her. She'd never done this before. Should she be supervised? But then, she thought, I'm a mother, I'm certified. She cradled Elena in the crook of her arm and exposed her breast. She guided Elena's lips to her nipple and was curious to see what would happen. Nature ran its course and Elena's eyes closed as she started to suckle. Brennan's breasts delivered the all-important, essential first milk to her newborn and she felt like the most powerful woman in the world. She realised she'd grown up a lot in just nine months. She couldn't be selfish anymore. She wouldn't. She was happy. Her daughter was healthy and drinking well. Her family were there for her. Right now, life was perfect.

We hope you enjoyed reading this chapter as much as we loved writing it. Please let us know ;). Three more chapters until Booth and Brennan meet! You'll start seeing the signs in the next chapter...