Author's Note – Thank you everyone who has stuck with this story. I keep tossing around the idea of revising/changing parts and reposting, but haven't come to a definite decision yet.

I hope you enjoy this final chapter. Oh, and I disclaim...I just like to borrow the characters from time to time to escape from reality...


Chapter 9some months later…

"Gear up! We have a hostage situation at Quantico." Gibbs breezed into the bullpen, coffee in hand. He tossed the van's keys to McGee without even looking up. "McGee, gas the truck – I want to be ready to roll in five."

Tony and McGee sprung into action, each quickly gathering their things. Tony had to hold back a laugh as he watched his partner - and more importantly, now his wife – attempt to reach over to grab her backpack, but found that her basketball-sized stomach was in the way. He nodded to McGee to go ahead and he walked over to Ziva's desk.

"A little help would be nice, Tony," she said harshly, still bent at an awkward angle. Instead of reaching down to pick up the bag, he grabbed her desk chair and guided her into it.

"Gibbs will have my ass if you try to come with us." Ziva shook her head.

"And you will be sleeping on the couch if you try to stop me." Tony let his backpack fall to the floor as he squatted down in front of his wife.

"If keeping you and the baby safe means a night on the couch, then so be it." He tried not to smile, knowing that Ziva wouldn't argue with him when it came to the safety of their child. Ziva rolled her eyes, but chose not to push the issue any further.

Tony gently squeezed her knee, about to stand up, when Ziva's hand clamped down over his. "Wait," was all she said before making a face then gasping out in pain.

Tony refocused his attention on his wife. He didn't even have to ask if she thought it was another false alarm – he already sensed that this time was different. He removed his hand from under hers, and began to brush his thumb over the top of her hand, speaking to her in a soothing voice.

"It's okay, Zi…I'm right here…" he did his best to try to stay calm, hoping to keep Ziva calm as well, but inside he was ready to lose it – he guessed his daughter wasn't going to wait for the C-section that was scheduled for the following week.

After several more seconds, Ziva's breathing pattern began to return to normal. She took a few deep breaths, trying to calm her body down, before the next pain began again. They had been coming on and off for a few hours now, but she thought it was nothing to be concerned over. This time though, the pain had been far more intense – she sensed this time was different.

Tony continued to rub his finger gently over her hand as he answered his ringing cell phone with the other.

"Tony, where the hell are you? We're down here waiting…"

"You're going to have to go on without me Boss," Tony interrupted. A huge smile broke out on his face. "Looks like our daughter has decided to make her entrance into this world a little early."

Gibbs chuckled and grinned. "Let us know."

"Will do." Tony flipped his phone shut and continued to look at his wife, a wide grin still on his face. She couldn't help but smile in return.

"What do you say, Sweetcheeks? Ready to go have this baby?" Ziva nodded and carefully pushed herself up out of her chair. Tony reached down, gathering up both of their things, before taking his wife's hand into his own. The two headed towards the elevator, both ready to take on this next chapter of their lives.


Thanks to anyone who decides to review - makes my day! :)