Disclaimer: I don't own them...Only Bridget and whoever else is original.

Summary: See Chapter 1

***Chapter 2***

He pulled into the driveway behind a familiar red and white Mini and smiled to himself. He knew she would be here, after all, she did have his baby girl all day. He let himself in quietly, knowing that his wife and daughter were probably resting on the sofa, and chatting with one of his best agents.

"Jethro? Is that you?" Jenny called from the living room.

"Yeah." came his reply. He peeked his head into the room, smiling at the mother of his child. "She looks comfy." he said as he walked over and dropped a kiss on Bridget's head, his lips met Jen's for a momentary kiss hello.

"Ziva wore her out today." Jen replied, sending a grateful smile in her best friends direction. "She's been camped here for the past few hours." Just as Jen spoke, Bridget began to stir, her blue eyes flashed open for a second, then abruptly closed and a mew-like wail erupted from the tiny baby.

"That is my cue to go." Ziva said as she stood. "Shalom Jen." she said to her friend.

"Shalom Ziva." Jen replied, handing Bridget to her father.

"Gibbs." Ziva said to her boss. "Goodnight Ahava." she said as she placed a gentle kiss on Bridget's downy copper colored hair.

Once Ziva was gone, and Bridget safely tucked in her bassinette for the night, Jethro climbed into bed next to Jenny.

"What's on your mind Jethro?" Jen asked as soon as he got in. "You know you can't pull a 'Rule 12' on them, not after we broke it. It would be considered hipocracy."

"I just don't want him to break her heart." he replied, knowing full well that he was indeed roped into the conversation.

"What makes you think he will break her heart? Ziva is a big girl, she can take care of herself Jethro. And Tony, well he reminds me of you." Jen cast a sidelong glance at her husband.

"Jen." he warned. He didn't get far though before Jen silenced him with a look.

"I have known Ziva for a long time, and I have watched her with Tony. The two of them seem made for each other. Tony is different around her, he's...how should I say it...he's calmer when he's with her. He follows her around like a lost puppy sometimes. He's also fiercely protective of her, I saw it when they went undercover as the married assassins. He's also loyal and he would never intentionally break her heart."

"I see your point Jen." Jethro assured, "What's going to happen if she's called back to Israel? We can't keep her here forever Jen. Director David is going to want his daughter back at some point. And we all know that Tony can't go with her when dear ole' dad calls her home."

Jen was silent for a moment, she knew what Jethro was saying was true. If and when Deputy Director Eli David did decide he wanted Ziva back, they would have to hand her over no questions asked, no answers given.

"That's a bridge we will cross when we get there Jethro." Jen said, "Besides, Eli David has a soft spot when it comes to his only living daughter. If he sees that she is truly happy and safe here, then he might let her stay."

"I hope you know what you're doing Jen." was all Jethro said before turning out the light.

*~*~*~*~*~*~

Tony lay in his bed, staring at the beautiful woman next to him. The moonlight shone around her and it made her look that much more like an angel. To him she was perfect. He loved the way here hair curled when it was wet from the shower. He loved the way her eyes sparkled in the sun. He loved the way his heart melted that morning when she was holding that baby. Most of all, Tony loved her. Tony let out a breath.

"Tony, would you please stop staring and go to sleep?" Ziva mumbled.

"I can't sleep." Tony said aloud, flopping back on his pillow.

"Then what do you suppose we do about that?" Ziva asked, now wide awake.

"I love you." he blurted suddenly.

"Tony." Ziva said. Tony looked at her skeptically for a second. "You do not mean that." she added as she sprang from the bed as if it were on fire.

"I do." Tony insisted. "Hey, where are you going?" he got up, pulling the sheet around his bare waist. "Ziva, wait." he called after her. He caught her arm. "What do you mean that I don't mean that?"

"It's complicated." she replied.

"No it's really not. All you have to do is repeat what I said. I'll say it again. I love..." he was stopped by Ziva's forefinger on his lips.

"Tony, I would love nothing more in the world then to be with you forever. When I saw you with Bridget this morning my heart grew a thousand times bigger. I pictured you with our daughter snuggled against your chest. A baby girl with your eyes and my curls."

"I did too." Tony replied. "What's wrong with that?" he asked.

"Don't you see? When my father decides that I am needed back home, he will not hesitate to pluck me from NCIS."

"So you won't be on our team anymore."

"You do not understand Tony. When I go back to Israel, I will not only be leaving the team, I will have to leave you behind as well. I know that my heart cannot bear that."

For the first time Tony understood what she was saying. Reality began to sink in and it scared him. He wasn't about to lose her, not now. He did the only thing he could rationally think of at the moment. He dropped to his knees.

"Marry me." he said softly.