Since this will be the last chapter of this story I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has been reading and especially reviewing it. I was very nervous about coming back to writing after being away for so long but you've all given me a very warm welcome back into the fanfiction community. I wish I had come back sooner! I have other stories in the pipeline which I'll leave a note about at the end of the chapter.

This chapter takes up just after The Change in the Game fades out.

Standing on the street corner with wide grins on their faces, Booth and Brennan continued to stare at each other as they allowed the significance of the moment to expand and surround them, making them feel as if time had stopped the second the words had left Brennan's lips.

"I'm pregnant."

She had struggled to get the words out, her usual eloquence and ability to articulate her thoughts having abandoned her in the face of the most important statement she had ever made in her life.

From the moment she had returned home from several days of "experiments" with Booth and noticed the forgotten birth control pills, she had known of the possibility. Brushing aside all emotional concerns, her scientist's mind had immediately taken over and she had begun to calculate the odds of a pregnancy occurring during that stage in her menstrual cycle.

She concluded that the probability was not high, but neither was it non-existent.

Rationalizing that it would be irresponsible to continue activities such as the consumption of alcohol while the possibility of her being pregnant existed, she had resolved to make an appointment with her gynecologist and have her perform a blood test. A fleeting thought had crossed her mind that she could simply purchase an over-the-counter home pregnancy test, however, that thought was quickly dismissed as she determined that she would prefer to wait for the more scientifically accurate blood test.

Having made her decision, her thoughts had turned to the question of what to tell Booth. She had paced the floor of her bedroom in an uncharacteristic display of nervousness as she mentally chastised herself for becoming so caught up in their new relationship that she had neglected to take basic precautions. Booth had made no comment on the issue over the few days they had spent together, but it was more than likely that he had assumed she was on birth control. He was so accustomed to her rational practicality that it made sense for him to assume that, had they needed to use condoms, she would have said so.

Apparently, even her formidable rationality was susceptible to being overcome by intense emotions – love, most of all. While she was the happiest she could ever recall feeling that she and Booth had finally embarked on a romantic relationship, she had not anticipated the issue of children to raise itself at such an early stage. If she was, in fact, pregnant, how would Booth react to fathering another child out of wedlock? Would he think it was too soon for them to become parents? Would he be angry with her for failing to take precautions? Her knowledge of Booth's character and his feelings for her were quick to dismiss that last possibility, and yet, a seed of doubt had remained in her mind.

She had gotten an appointment for a blood test quickly, and had thrown herself into her work as she waited for the results. Her evenings with Booth, Angela's impending due date and the case at the bowling alley had provided welcome distractions. It had certainly helped that she had been showing no signs of pregnancy, and she had almost succeeded in convincing herself that the blood test would come back negative.

Almost, that is, until her cell phone had rung while she was in the hospital waiting room during Angela's labor. She had quickly stepped outside to take the call, and been stunned to hear her gynecologist deliver the news of a positive result. Hanging up, she had taken several deep breaths to gather herself, knowing that she would soon be needed back inside to greet the newest member of the Jeffersonian family. In that moment, the comment she had made to her father during the case about the possibility of she and "Buck" having a child had suddenly seemed prophetic.

Summoning her ability to compartmentalize, she had walked confidently back into the waiting room and retaken her seat, brushing off Booth's questioning look with a smile she hoped was convincing. To her great relief, Hodgins had entered the room shortly afterwards carrying his new born son, who had served to effectively distract Booth and everyone else. Sharing a smile with Booth after taking a few moments to gaze fondly at Michael Vincent, she had quietly excused herself to speak with Angela. Feeling compelled to ask about the experience which she herself would be undergoing in nine months' time, Brennan had felt a little better hearing her best friend describe the wonder she had felt at giving birth.

Brennan's mind snapped back to the present as she felt Booth take a gentle hold of her hands and step closer to her.

"You're pregnant? Bones, that's … that's fantastic! Are you okay? I mean, are you happy? When did you find out?"

The questions tumbled excitedly out of Booth's mouth and as he began to wrap his mind around the news that he was going to be a father again. Even as Brennan considered her response, she couldn't help the spark of affection she felt as she saw an echo of Parker's youthful exuberance in Booth's expression.

Squeezing his hands in hers, Brennan prepared to give voice to the fears which had been plaguing her since she realized that she might be pregnant.

"I found out while we were at the hospital when my gynecologist called, but … you're not angry with me, for neglecting to maintain by birth control schedule? It doesn't bother you to be having another child out of wedlock?"

Booth caressed his thumbs across her skin reassuringly, "Bones, of course I'm not angry with you. I'm as responsible for this pregnancy as you are. I didn't even ask if you were on birth control, I just assumed you were. But none of that matters now."

Moving closer to Brennan, Booth gently took his hands from hers and brought them up to rest on her shoulders.

"I admit, it's unexpected, but being a father is the best thing I've ever done and I'm over the moon that I get to do it again, especially with you. I told you that my idea of happiness has changed, and that I don't need to be married to be happy. I meant that, Bones. All I care about is that we raise this baby together and that we love each other. Nothing else matters."

Tears welled in Brennan's eyes as her fears melted away at the love and sincerity in Booth's voice. Suddenly overcome with the urge to express her love and gratitude for the man standing before her, Brennan launched herself into Booth's arms and kissed him passionately, heedless of where they were and the passing glances of other pedestrians.

Booth returned the kiss with equal fervor as he wrapped his arms around her, scarcely able to believe that fate had granted him such great fortune. Pulling away from her slightly after a few moments, Booth took Brennan's face in his hands and injected every ounce of happiness into his words.

"Look, Bones, I love you. I know we have a lot of things that we'll need to work out before the baby comes, but I have absolute faith in us. We'll argue and we'll disagree sometimes but at the end of the day we'll work it out. Together, like always. We're going to be parents, Bones. For tonight, let's just enjoy that. We can start figuring out everything else tomorrow."

Brennan nodded and smiled, "I love you too, Booth, and to answer your earlier question: yes, I am very happy."

Booth grinned and kissed her again before enfolding her in his arms in a tight embrace.

"So, do you want to go home? We can head to your apartment if you want?"

Brennan pulled away slightly and looked up at him, "Actually, I would like to stop by The Founding Fathers first."

"Really?" Booth asked quizzically.

"Yes," Brennan smiled, "Over the past few months we have made significant strides in our relationship through conversations held at The Founding Fathers. Somehow, it feels appropriate to spend some time there tonight."

Booth smiled affectionately at Brennan's reasoning, "The Founding Fathers it is. But if you get tired, you let me know, okay? I don't want you to overdo it."

"Boooooth," Brennan rolled her eyes at Booth's overprotectiveness, "While I appreciate your concern, I am more than capable of ensuring that I take adequate care of myself during this pregnancy. It is not necessary for you to worry."

Booth chuckled, "Bones, telling me not to worry about you while you're pregnant is like telling a leopard not to have spots."

"That would be an impossibility," Brennan replied, frowning, "Since leopards by their very nature always have spots. It is not something they have the ability to change."

Booth smiled in satisfaction, "Exactly."

A slow smile spread across Brennan's face, "I believe you are trying to say that it is in your nature to show concern for me, despite my assurances that it is unnecessary."

"Right," Booth replied, "I know we've talked about my overprotectiveness and I understand that you can look after yourself, but I'm afraid that I can't help but feel extra protective of you now that you're having our baby."

Brennan nodded, her voice taking on a familiar analytical tone, "Scientifically, your argument makes sense. As the father of this child you have a biological imperative to protect your progeny. However," Brennan gently prodded Booth in the chest, "I reserve my right to assert my independence should I feel that you are becoming overbearing."

Booth shook his head and smiled, knowing this would be a conversation they would likely have multiple times before the baby was born. Deciding to concede defeat for the moment, Booth kissed Brennan's forehead before replying, "Okay, Bones. Deal."

With a satisfied smile, Brennan withdrew from Booth's embrace and slipped her arm through his as they headed for The Founding Fathers.

)()()()()()()()(

The bartender looked up from wiping a stain from the counter and smiled when he saw his favorite regulars walking through the door. He paused as his smile turned into a grin when he noticed that something was different – they were holding hands. And grinning like idiots. Could it be? He wondered to himself, that they've finally come to their senses?

The pair walked up to the bar and took two of the vacant seats. Still smiling, the bartender gestured towards the fridge containing rows of beers and asked, "The usual?"

The two exchanged glances and smiled secretly to each other. Yep, the bartender thought, something has definitely changed.

Booth responded first, "That's fine for me, but Bones will …"

"I will require a non-alcoholic beverage," Brennan cut in, "I have recently become pregnant."

Her matter of fact tone belied the significance of her statement and the incredulous look her partner gave her told the bartender that they were not accustomed to sharing this news.

"Well congratulations, that's fantastic! I'm glad you two have finally figured things out."

Two faces frowned in his direction. "Excuse me?" Brennan asked.

The bartender chuckled, "What I mean is, I'm a bartender, a people person, you know? I see a lot of folks come through here and you two have been coming in for years. I couldn't help but notice how good you are together. I'm just glad that you've both finally realized that yourselves."

Booth and Brennan smiled, "That is very kind of you to say," Brennan acknowledged.

"Hey," Booth said, "I don't think we've ever gotten your name."

The bartender extended his hand across the bar and shook Booth's, "Tony, sir. The name's Tony."

Again the pair exchanged looks, as if a secret was passing between them. Both turned back to him in unison as Brennan asked in a playful tone, "Do you by any chance have a girlfriend, or significant other, named Roxy?"

Booth chuckled in response as Tony frowned in confusion, obviously having stumbled onto a private joke.

"Eh, no, ma'am. I do have a dog called Bonnie, but no Roxy."

Moving past the unusual question, Tony said, "Listen, it's not every day that you get news like this. How about I get you a virgin cocktail and a fine scotch? On the house."

"That is very generous of you, thank you," Brennan said, smiling.

"Yeah," Booth agreed, "Thanks, man."

"You're welcome," Tony replied before moving away to get the drinks.

Just as he was putting the finishing touches to Brennan's non-alcoholic cocktail, Tony glanced back across the bar when he heard the familiar sounds of his favorite customers bickering. That didn't take long, Tony thought to himself, amused and unconcerned for the couple. He had overheard snippets of enough of their conversations over the years to know that this was just their way; arguing one minute and openly affectionate the next. Either way, there was no questioning the love between them, and Tony was delighted that, after so many years of denying themselves, they were finally going to be a family – with one hell of a lucky kid.

So, there you have it! I'm actually sad to have reached the end of this story but it had to finish sometime. I decided not to delve into all the issues Booth and Brennan will need to overcome on the road to becoming parents because that was what season 7 was for, so I'm going to leave it there.

A few of you have mentioned the possibility of a "scenes we didn't see" style sequel. I have thought about that and it's something I may consider in the future, but for the moment I have a long list of other story ideas I want to get to first, so if I do write a sequel then it probably won't be for a while.

I'm not sure which story idea the muse will choose next, but at the moment she's leaning towards this one: "When one of Brennan's former foster siblings turns up murdered, the resulting investigation forces her to confront a past she has tried so hard to forget."

Does that sound like something you guys would be interested in? I would love to hear your thoughts! I would also be delighted if you would add me to your author alert lists, that way you won't miss any new stories. Some of you have already done so which I really appreciate.

Thank you again to all of you and I hope you'll come back and read my future stories. :-)