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#1 Dads and Sons:

2025: Three years as Director

Sixteen year old Andy grinned at his dad as they walked out from their back patio to the path on the beach. "I'm finally old enough for a splash battle!"

His dad patted his back, "That you are son, been a long wait."

"Yeah. Only thing is, Evan won't be 16 until after we leave Greece. That doesn't seem fair."

His dad grinned at him, "It's supposed to be a secret…don't worry."

"Really?"

"Really. Uncle James and Aunt Sarah talked about it and decided he's old enough too."

"Dad, that is so cool, you guys are the best ever! Uh, you know that means…"

"Yes I do; Anna, Gemma and Zoe's birthdays will be fine, but Sean and Jorry will want to do the same thing - and the twins and the cousins. We'll figure it out as we go along."

"So when does Evan find out?"

His father shrugged, "Soon, too many of us know to keep it secret for long."

Andy laughed at him, "You spilled already!"

Tim smirked at him, "Couldn't have you thinking we're overprotective, now could I?" It was an argument they'd had recently, one settled with compromises on both sides.

His son rolled his eyes at him. "Yeah, Dad, I'd never think that." Now as tall as his father, he threw an arm around his shoulders. "It's okay, I know why."

XXX

On the Fourth, Tim was sitting in the sun shelter dripping sea water after their first splash battle of the season when his dad pulled a chair over. "Hey son!"

"Hey Dad. Good one, huh? And a kick to have Andy and Evan out there for their first time. Sixteen already, wow!"

"Yeah, it was fun to see them out there…although…" His father gave him a pointed look.

Tim chuffed, "That obvious, am I?"

"Trained observer, especially of my kids."

"I know Dad. It's strange, you think you've gotten used to things, his voice changing, going through puberty, shaving, learning to drive, dating…and I like teenage Andy, don't get me wrong, so far we're good, we can even argue and it's still good. It's just…it went too fast. He's grown now, yeah, he's still ours for a few more years and he'll always be ours to some extent, but…"

"But the world is demanding more of him, pulling him away from us. You're having to share more and more of him with the world. And that world, either his studies, his friends, a girl - or boy - or his work, will play an increasingly bigger part of his life." Jethro paused, "I haven't experienced this before, Timson. Kelly died too young, Tanya was nearly grown when she joined us and the rest of you came along as adults. This is a first for me too, first grandkids growing up. I'm thankful Rhea and I have been so much a part of their lives and that we'll still have some kids at home for a few years."

Tim nodded, he'd had the same thought, glad that the younger ones, Jorry, Sean, Zoe, Cailey, Lainey and DJ were still kids, still needed them. At 13 and 11, Anna and Gemma weren't quite as involved with the world as Andy but he was already seeing the signs with his Anna.

"I still need you, Dad. Yeah, maybe not to tie my shoelaces, but I always need you."

His father gave him a long look, finally saying "Who did I go to 12 years ago when you left the team?"

Tim huffed, "Jack."

"And how old was I?"

"Uh…older than I am now?"

He got a hair ruffle for that. "Yep."

Tim smiled, "Ok, got it. I'm always going to need you - and Andy and the rest of our kids are always going to need me, us, for emotional support at least."

Dad chuckled, "Looks like Geordie and Bec's little Maisie will be the last of our grandkids, the last of this generation of nieces and nephews for you but if Ethan and Tanya ever admit they're serious you could have your first grandchild in a few years."

Tim opened and shut his mouth, his eyes wide as he considered that. When Tanya turned 18, Tim and Lina asked to adopt her and Cailey. Waiting until she was legally an adult was important, she was an independent and somewhat stubborn young woman. She and Cailey were already part of the family, regarded as daughters to Lina and Tim and sisters to the rest of the McGee kids. Lina told Tim she thought Cailey had made the decision for all of them when she moved into Zoe's room, saying she didn't like being in the attic alone when Tanya was out late. The girls didn't ask; one day while their parents were out and Penny was watching them, Cailey and Zoe enlisted the others' help and Cailey's bedroom furniture and belongings were moved into Zoe's room. While the kids brought the youngster's things from the attic, Penny sent texts to her grandson and Tanya.

The adoption helped the young woman with some life decisions. Cailey having legal guardians, parents, besides her meant Tanya could pursue her dream of a college education and she already knew they had Tim and Lina's love and support. After joyfully agreeing to the adoption, the young woman applied to Marymount in Arlington, the one college that had the fashion design and merchandizing program she wanted. One of the things she'd need the most would be an internship with a real designer and Marymount had the creds for that. She realized she'd have to move to New York or California for the internship and probably to get her career started.

She spoke with Zach who was still living in the attic of the MFH as he neared the completion of his degree. The attic of the MFH was now divided into four bedrooms, also housing Doug, Rita and Carly who had aged out of the system, were in college and working part time. Tanya took Zach's information and advice, applied for several scholarships and was granted one with a full ride.

Leaving the McGees' attic vacant until Andy eventually migrated up there, Tanya moved to the campus dormitory, mandatory for her first year. In the years since, Tanya and Ethan remained close although they also dated other people. While their parents understood and appreciated the sensibility, all four believed the two would eventually get serious.

Now Tim shook his head, he hadn't thought that far ahead, he deliberately had not thought that far ahead and their twins DJ and Lainey weren't even three yet! He said as much to his father who chuckled, "Ok, maybe not that soon."

"He says after planting the idea."

"You'll love being a grandfather, except you have to give them back at the end of the day."

Tim chuffed, "You want more of them? We could do that. Lina and I still owe ourselves a trip to Paris that was supposed to happen…mmm a few years ago. Ten days, probably more like two weeks, no kids."

"Ten days…two weeks?" Gibbs hoped Tim hadn't heard the almost squeak (almost!) in his voice. But when his son started laughing, a laugh that turned into a belly laugh, he grinned and laughed along with him; glad his kid was relaxing. The laughter brought attention from the others, a belly laugh from Tim was always welcome and they loved hearing Poppy's laughter.