Booth arrived home from work in a good mood. It was April 15...tax day, but also his birthday. Bones hadn't made any mention of it. She'd been notoriously bad about remembering dates, but he didn't think she'd forgotten since Christine had mentioned it earlier in the week.
He came into the kitchen and found his wife cooking dinner. "Hmmmm...that smells good." He kissed his wife. "And so do you. What's cooking?"
She smiled to herself, picturing his reaction. "Tofu and quinoa goulash. It's a new recipe I've been saving for a special occasion such as this evening."
Booth's jaw dropped. "Tofu for a special occasion? Really?" He was disgusted.
Brennan kept stirring. "Yes. Christine was named outstanding student for this month at school. Her teacher said her work was exemplary. Christine got to choose what she wanted for dinner. She likes tofu."
"How did any kid of mine decide they like tofu?" He sighed. He'd probably raid the refrigerator later so he wouldn't starve. "Where are the kids? Usually they run to meet me at the door."
"They'll be here in a little bit. Max took them to the park. If you want, go change clothes. We have plenty of time before dinner."
Booth slouched into the bedroom, feeling slightly sorry for himself. Bad enough they forgot his birthday, but having to eat tofu and quinoa would be the icing on the cake...if he had a birthday cake. Oh well...he was getting too old for birthdays, anyway.
About six o'clock the doorbell rang. "Booth, could you get that? I think Max forgot his key and my hands are dirty."
He'd just gotten comfortable. "Okay." He strode to the door impatiently and threw it open. "Max, you need your key…."
"SURPRISE!" shouted his friends and family. "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BOOTH!"