Disclaimer: I still don't own Bones.

Thank you to everyone who had reviewed. I really enjoy reading them. Terri411 (thanks for your many comments and kind words) 554Laura (your explanation makes sense as well), jsboneslover (glad you like Brennan's little admission at the end of the chapter, I strive to keep them in character). Shout out to annnonymous reviewers too.

Brennan was now into her fourth month of pregnancy. The first trimester was thankfully uneventful and she had minimal bouts of morning sickness. She couldn't understand why people called it morning sickness since her nausea and vomiting occurred only in the evenings, thankfully in the safety of Booth's apartment. Booth had been his usual Boothy self, making sure he was always there for her, holding her hair as she threw up into the toilet and handing her the wash cloth after. He accompanied her to her doctor visits and attended to all her cravings. She had her mood swings and he was learning everyday how to tread the waters that were pregnant Bones with great care.

Much to his delight, his baby mostly wanted pie and he was more than happy to oblige in Brennan's cravings. Her body was changing right in front of his eyes and some of the changes were to his advantage. Like her breasts, although tender, he couldn't help but be happy that they were growing bigger along with the little bump at her abdomen that was only revealed to him when she didn't have any clothes on. Another perk of her pregnancy was an increased libido and he was delighted to be the one to help satisfy that insatiable appetite. Brennan's pregnancy had progressed smoothly and soon it was becoming impossible to hide her baby bump under baggy clothing anymore.

It was then that the happy couple decided that it was time to tell everyone the good news. Everyone meant that Max would have to be the first to know other than Angela.

Booth had decided on a public place for the reveal, for his own safety. If Max wanted to kill him for knocking up his daughter Booth figured he wouldn't do it with many witnesses around. And if all else failed he would appeal to Max's fatherly side. After all, Booth was sure Max wouldn't want his grandchild to grow up without a father. Or at least he hoped.

So there they were one Saturday afternoon when they did not have a murder to occupy their time. Sitting, side by side, at their regular table at the Royal Diner. Booth was nervous and maybe feared a little for his life. He wanted to live to see his baby grow up. He couldn't understand why he was scared. He was an ex-Ranger sniper and an FBI agent for crying out loud! Of course, his girlfriend's father was a known conman who had murdered people in the name of family before. Sure, who wouldn't be nervous?

Brennan, oblivious to Booth's nervousness was happily devouring a slice of apple pie. So much for not liking her fruit cooked.

"Aren't you going to eat your pie?"

"I'm not that hungry Bones."

"Are you unwell? You're usually able to have at least one slice." Brennan asked, eyeing his slice, which he had barely touched.

"If you want it, go ahead." He pushed the plate towards her.

"You sure you're not unwell?"

"I'm just a little nervous."

"Max would be more than happy Booth, you have nothing to worry about."

"Right, I just want to get this over with. Remember what I said, we'll ease him into this. Let it all sink in for Max. We don't want to give him a heart attack or something." Or make him kill me!

"I remember. Relax." She took his hand, squeezing it to give him some reassurance.

He smiled at her, "I love you Bones." The three magic words had slipped out one night during their love making, and he was relieved to realise that she liked hearing him say that. It didn't make her want to run or try to explain it away with brain chemistry. And so he said those words frequently now, reassuring her of how he felt for her. If he could he would shout it from the top of a mountain, he would.

"I know, I love you too." It was a rare instance when she echoed the same words to him. She was still getting used to saying "I love you," and every time he heard those words, he felt like the luckiest man on earth.

Ducking his head to give her a deep kiss, his mind replayed the sex they just had before leaving his apartment and his body reacted as it usually did to her touch. They were no longer keeping their relationship a secret so why not indulge in a little public display of affection? She responded the way he knew she would, kissing him back with much enthusiasm, her hand pulling his leather jacket to bring him closer to her. He shifted so he was now facing her to gain better access. Her muffled moan into his mouth caused him to begin to harden. His hand automatically slipped from her shoulder to briefly but sensually caress the swell of her breast before moving down to rest at her waist, his thumb brushing her slightly protruding abdomen. The alpha-male in him yelled in his mind, that's right baby! This beautiful woman and the baby she's carrying are all mine!

They were interrupted by the sound of throat clearing.

Alarmed Booth broke the kiss, jumping back as if some invisible magnetic force had pulled them apart. Much to his dread Max was standing next to their table. The erection that was growing in his pants instantly vanished.

"I was wondering why the two of you invited me to lunch." Max took the seat opposite Booth, staring him meaningfully in the eyes. "I enjoyed that little show, PDA. Is it what you youngsters call it?"

Booth blushed, willing the floor of the diner to open up and swallow him whole.

Without missing a beat, and much to his chagrin, Brennan took his hand in a show of their solidarity. "After witnessing that, I'm sure you must have surmised that Booth and I are in a romantic relationship now."

"Romantic relationship huh?" Max grinned. "Weren't you two together since that case at the bowling alley?"

"You knew?" Booth choked.

"I'm Tempe's father. Of course I know."

"Why didn't you say anything?"

"Why didn't you?" Max threw the question back at Booth.

"We ummm… we figured…"

"What's ours should just be ours." Brennan smiled.

"Yeah that. We just wanted to enjoy our new relationship by ourselves for awhile."

"Took you guys long enough to get your act together." Max laughed. He motioned to the waitress to bring him a cup of coffee. "What made you two decide that you didn't need all that secrecy anymore?"

Booth gulped. He cast a quick glance at Brennan, who smiled shyly back at him. "You tell him."

Booth took in a deep breath and gave Max a weak smile. Okay… don't be a wuss. Time to man up and own up to what you did.

"We umm… I just… you see funny story… the thing is… Bones is pregnant."

He cast another quick glance at Brennan who was still smiling, then back at Max who now was giving him a steely glare. The silence at the table was unbearable, broken only when the waitress brought Max his coffee.

Booth watched as Max took a sip from the steaming cup. Normally he was good at reading people but this time he hadn't had a clue if Max was happy he was going to be a grandfather or plotting how to kill him. Max placed the cup back on the table and Booth forced a smile.

"Didn't waste any time, did you?" Max didn't seem happy.

Booth wasn't sure how to answer that question.

"We didn't actually plan on this Dad, it was an accident. It must have happened the first or second time Booth and I had intercourse because he had forgotten to use any protection then."

Booth groaned inwardly. Why did she have to give her father the details? And to bring up that it was he who forgot to take any precautions?! His mind tried to formulate a quick response to what Brennan had just said.

"Tempe, honey, could you give us a second?"

No! No! No! Booth shook his head ever so slightly at Brennan. He wasn't sure if Brennan was in cahoots with her father or simply being her adorable oblivious self, but his heart sank when she replied, "Of course. I needed to use the bathroom anyway."

Booth held on to Brennan's hand tightly for as long as possible even after she rose from her seat but she pulled her hand away and made her way to the bathroom at the back of the diner.

Booth kept his forced smile plastered on his face. "Look Max, it's not what you think."

"And what exactly am I thinking Booth?"

"It's not like I used her or anything, I mean I love her. I didn't force her to do anything she didn't want to." Mentally Booth was kicking himself. That didn't come out right.

"Got my little girl pregnant did you?"

Booth nodded, the smile wiped off his face at Max's serious tone.

"And you intend to do right by her?"

"Yes of course! I'd marry her right now. Not that she would agree to getting married, but if she did, I'd marry her in a heartbeat." Booth's tone grew serious too. He wanted Max to know that he meant it when he said he loved Brennan.

"Look Max, I've loved Bones for a long time."

"I know."

"I just - she wasn't ready for my feelings for her." He didn't want to go into details, but her father had a right to know.

"You know that intern who was killed at the Jeffersonian? He died right in front of us. Bones felt so guilty. I wanted to protect her, there was a crazy sniper out there so I invited her to stay with me at my apartment. That night… she was so upset. I wanted to comfort her. I know it sounds like I took advantage of her when she was vulnerable and whatever I say, you'll think badly of me, but I swear I love Bones. I'd die for her. This baby just happened alright and I don't regret it. I'm not with her because of some sense of obligation. Being in a relationship with Bones, it's the best thing that's ever happened to me."

"And Tempe, she's as happy as you are?"

"Yes. You can ask her yourself."

"She's healthy? The baby too?"

"Yeah. The doctor says everything's as it should be, I'm making sure she gets her rest and that she eats."

"So you two are living together now?"

"We didn't exactly discuss this yet but yeah. We're spending a lot of time at my apartment."

"Well I'm happy for the both of you."

"You are?"

"Of course. I knew from the first time I met you that you'd be the right man for Tempe. There's no other man I'd entrust my little girl with. And that's high praise, you'll know if you ever have a daughter of your own."

"Thanks Max."

"You're a good man Booth. Although you arrested me once… but still, I know you're a good man. However, as her father, you must know, if you do anything to hurt her, I'll kill you. I won't hesitate. Not even if Tempe begs me not to."

Booth expected no less from Max Keenan. In a weird sense, he was glad that there was another man out there who was so willing to protect his Bones.

"I know Max. I won't let you down. And I won't let Bones or that baby she's carrying down either." Booth smiled, relieved.

Brennan returned to the table. "I take it all is well between the two of you?"

"Booth and I have come to an understanding. And I'm happy I'm going to be a grandfather."

"See Booth, I told you there was nothing to be afraid of." Brennan smiled, picking up her fork and continuing to attack Booth's slice of pie.

Booth looked indignant. "I wasn't afraid."

"Well, I'll leave you two lovebirds alone now. Honey, remember to tell me when my grandchild gets here. Take care of her." Max directed his last sentence at Booth.

"I will."

Max winked at Booth, then gave Brennan a kiss on her cheek. "I'm happy for you Honey. I really am."

Booth smiled as he watched Max leave. That hurdle cleared, his gaze fell back to his beloved girlfriend again. She was finishing his slice of pie but he didn't care. All was right with the world again. He just had to sit back and enjoy the ride and wait for the arrival of their baby.

"I'm satisfied now." Brennan announced, licking her lips. "I mean my hunger for food is satisfied but I find that my hunger for you sexually is growing. I think I would need your help in that aspect. Now."

"I always aim to please." Booth smiled as he allowed her to take his hand and lead him out of the diner.

All was indeed right with the world again.

I always liked Max. I was quite upset they killed him off the show even if it was the last season. IMO he deserved to be happy and grow old watching his grandkids grow up.

Well, this wraps up the last chapter of this story. It was meant to be a filler for the time we didn't see between seasons 6 and 7. Hope you all liked it.

I'm working on another story and a series of one-shots at the moment. And I didn't forget my other unfinished works. Stay tuned.