One last time: all my love to Linda (1cosmicgirl) and Michelle (BlueMoonFan)!

VI. Epilogue

She awoke to the rosy light of dawn. A new day, the day after Christmas. Next to her, Booth was still sleeping soundly, his dark hair standing in every direction, their little daughter resting safely on his chest. Every breath he took caused Christine's feathery hair to flutter, and Brennan turned around on her elbow, watching them with a full heart.

A sight so rich in peace and love.

Grazing his cheek, the child's head with one cautious finger, Brennan eventually slipped out of the bed, reaching for her robe. Fastening the belt, she padded downstairs on bare feet, starting the coffee machine, lingering in the kitchen for a few minutes, thinking about everything and nothing.

Christmas had been splendid. Happy children – even though Christine had found the wrapping paper and boxes more interesting than the actual presents – excellent food, friends and family. It had been a day one should lock away in their heart for hard times, a day that already was and would forever be a precious memory.

It had been Christmas.

Taking one mug full of steamy coffee, Brennan walked in the direction of their living room, and there it was. Their tree. It was still magnificent, still festive, as if it didn't know that Christmas was over. Over. It was over.

Come and gone.

On the floor, crumpled wrapping paper was lying around, evidence of joy and pleasure, and she poked one paper bundle with her toes. Taking a sip of coffee, Brennan pondered tidying up, but part of her wasn't ready to let go of Christmas, not this year. Part of her wanted to hold fast onto it and everything it implied.

How do you go on after the holidays? How do you slip back into a life without bright lights, gingerbread and snowmen?

Could they still go sledding tomorrow? Sing Christmas carols?

How do you know that it is over?

She thought about Gretzky the dog, thought about another way of expanding their family. She hadn't mentioned it to Booth so far, but over the past weeks, Brennan had caught herself thinking about it every once in a while. Another baby.

Was he ready for one more child? Or should she ask him to marry her first?

So many possibilities, so many roads yet untraveled.

So many unknown variables, things that did just happen in this miracle that was life. One thing was for certain though, and it couldn't be explained, but she did never question it for one second. She belonged to Booth. Or he to her.

That was that.

"Look, there's Mommy."

Unbeknownst to her, Booth had entered the room, a smiling Christine on his shoulders.

"Good morning," she murmured, waving softly.

Booth put down the child, and Christine danced towards the Christmas tree.

"More Christmas?"

"Yes, there's more Christmas today. We'll switch on the lights and you can play with your new toys all day long."

Brennan's eyes flew to him.

"There's more Christmas?"

Taking a few steps towards her, he took her into his arms, and she inhaled his sleepy warm scent.

"There's the tree and plenty of leftover food. It doesn't have to end today, Bones."

She buried her face in his chest.

"I like that."

"Bones...?"

"Hmm?"

"With you, every single day feels like Christmas morning," he murmured, and if she didn't already love him so damn much...

Lifting herself onto her toes, she met his lips for a warm kiss.

"Merry Christmas, Booth."

"Merry life, Bones."

The End.