Thank you everyone for your reviews. It's really appreciated. Here's one of those missing scenes I wish we could've seen.

First Night Home

"I'm saying I have faith in you, Booth. And I think you should stay the night with me."

Booth blinked wondering if he had heard her right. It only took a split second for him to truly understand what she was saying. He broke into a smile of relief. Just moments ago, he was worried she was going to tell him that she would never want him back because there were no guarantees.

"I think I should, too." Booth continued smiling.

He waited, heart pounding wildly as she took a small step towards him. He leaned forward to meet her half way and they kissed, her pregnant belly bumping into him. They had kissed while they had been separated but those kisses felt awkward and almost forced. This one felt natural, almost like old times, almost. He knew he still had a lot of work to do to mend what he had broken.

As they broke the kiss, Brennan let her hands slide down his arms, stopping when he took her hands in hers.

"There's still a little monster waiting for her goodnight kiss." She smiled.

"Yeah, I didn't forget."

He started towards Christine's bedroom, her hand still in his. He pushed open their daughter's bedroom door slowly. The little girl was already under the covers, her face looking expectantly at her parents.

Booth stepped towards the bed, sitting down on the side of her bed.

"Did you say your prayers yet?"

"Yes Daddy. Mommy always reminds me to say my prayers when you're not here."

At her words, Booth's eye's prickled with tears. He blinked his eyes quickly, hoping their perceptive child would not notice.

"Goodnight Pumpkin and don't let the bedbugs bite." He moved his fingers to tickle her and Christine giggled.

"What time will you be here tomorrow to play with me?"

"I'll be here when you wake up. In fact, I'm not leaving anymore."

Christine's eyes grew wide, "Really?"

"Yup."

"You're not busy with your meetings anymore?"

"I'll still have those meetings but I'll come home after."

"And Mommy's gonna let you stay?"

"Yeah."

Needing her mother's confirmation, Christine looked over to Brennan who was leaning against the doorframe.

"Daddy's going to stay at home now." Brennan smiled.

Christine beamed. "You promise Daddy?"

"I promise Christine. And I'm not leaving you or Mommy ever again." He knew it was a promise he would keep. He could never break a promise he made to his little girl. He would never allow himself to fall off the wagon and slip into addiction again. He had too much to lose.

Christine held out her arms and Booth leaned forward, embracing her. After a moment, he straightened, kissing her on the forehead. "Now go to sleep. I'll see you in the morning."

"Goodnight Daddy."

"Goodnight Pumpkin. I love you."

"I love you too Daddy."

Booth grinned as he rose to his feet. He turned off the light in Christine's bedroom, leaving only the night light on as he pulled the door close, leaving it slightly ajar. Brennan was nowhere to be seen so he made his way to the family room. He watched from a distance as she checked the windows and then the front door, making sure everything was locked.

"I can do that." Booth spoke up as he approached her.

"I know." Brennan replied. "I did it nightly while you were away. It must have become a habit."

"Well you don't have to anymore." Booth remembered that when they were reunited after Brennan had been on the run from Pelant that they needed time to get back to what was routine to them. He was mindful not to rush her this time. He knew he couldn't assume that things would just go back to the way they were.

"Unless you want to…" he quickly added, "then you can keep doin' what you've been doin'."

Brennan's smile assured him. "No, you can check the windows and doors from now on. I'll go get ready for bed."

Booth continued what she had started, checking the kitchen windows and the back door before making his way back to their bedroom. He wasn't quite sure if she wanted him in the bed next to her. As he stepped into the bedroom they had shared, he couldn't help but feel thankful. He had been back in that room numerous times only to quickly grab items of clothing before leaving. Back then, he couldn't bear the thought of not sharing a bed with her again.

She didn't seem to mind as he settled himself on the armchair in the room, watching her as she went about her bedtime routine. When she undressed in front of him without hesitation, he felt as if a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. Surely he would not have to spend the night on Parker's bed.

As she pulled on her pyjamas, Booth noted how much her belly had grown since the last time he had seen her undressed.

"Our little Tiger's gonna be here soon." The observation slipped out of his mouth.

"Yes I am well aware of my increasing girth. We have at least three more weeks I'm sure."

"I'm just happy to be home before he gets here."

"I'm happy you're home too."

Booth stood, resting his hands on her swollen abdomen. "Listen Bones, I promise, I won't let you down like that ever again. I'm not gonna gamble ever again. I'm still gonna go to those meetings but I'll need your help too."

"I know…." Brennan closed her eyes inhaling deeply, the pain of his betrayal momentarily resurfacing. "I know that your addiction will be a lifelong struggle for you and I will be here to help you. But I need you to promise me too, the next time you feel the urge or if you should relapse – "

"I won't." Booth cut her off. "I promised Christine. And I promise you."

Brennan nodded. She knew there would be no guarantees. But for now she chose to trust him, to allow him back into her life. She stepped back climbing slowly into bed, aware that her every move was under his watchful eyes. She patted the space beside her, "We should get some sleep."

"Yeah." Booth had decided that for now, he would let her dictate the pace as they rebuilt their marriage.

"You know where to find the extra toothbrushes."

Booth nodded as he shrugged off his jacket, then ducked into the bathroom. Teeth brushed, he toed off his shoes, then pulled off his jeans and t-shirt before climbing into his side of the bed. He then turned off the bedside lamp, before reaching for her in the moonlight.

He let out a soft sigh of contentment as he relaxed into the mattress. It was good to be home, even better to be back on his side of the bed.

She had turned slowly to her side, and Booth leaned into press a kiss to her cheek. "Thank you Bones."

"You're welcome." She knew what she was thanking him for. "Goodnight."

"I love you". He whispered.

"I love you too Booth."

She didn't have to say it, he knew. She wouldn't have given him a chance if she didn't love him. He resolved never to let her down ever again. It wasn't long before Booth felt her breathing slow to an even rhythm. She was fast asleep. He had often dreamt of this moment while they had been apart and he was almost afraid to fall asleep, a part of him still fearful this was only a dream.

He forced himself to concentrate on the moment, the feel and smell of his wife beside him, the sounds of her soft breathing. He was home and it felt good. It wasn't long before he too fell asleep.