Chapter Ten

"I look retarded, Jethro" Jess said, waving her arms around. "I can fly" Jethro laughed and held onto her arms.

"You look beautiful, Jess" he said, grabbing her hand and leading her through the auditorium.

"Are you nervous about meeting my family?" asked Jess, seeing her mother, full in Dolly Parton costume.

"No. I've been around your brother," Jethro teased. Jess looked up at him.

"So not funny Leroy,"

"It was funny to me," he mumbled.

"Muriel and Marina are in jail, right?" Jess asked, looking at Jethro before her mother engulfed her in a hug. Jethro nodded, watching.

"Oh I'm sorry baby girl" her mother said pulling away. Her mothers Georgia accent stood out even more in D.C. "Oh, who's the delectable man behind you? A professor?" Jess turned around and looked back at Jethro.

"No mom. This is Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs" she grabbed Jethro's hand and pulled him close. "This delectable man is my boyfriend"

"Oh! This is Jethro!" Jess mom hugged Jethro, copped a feel and kissed his cheek. Her father shook his hand.

"I hope you're treating my baby girl right," he said, Jethro wrapped an arm around Jess, smiling.

"I wouldn't dream of hurting this girl. She has become my world," Jethro said. Jess smiled, laying her head on his chest.

"Class of 2008, please take your seats"

Jess kissed Jethro and hugged her parents before running to her seat.

"And now, our valedictorian, Jessica Elizabetta Warner, would like to say some words" Leroy Jethro Gibbs, Barbra Jones, and Fredrick Warner stood up, clasping and "woot"ing as loud as they could.

"Thank you," Jess said into the microphone. "I wrote this speech in my boyfriend's basement has he built his boat and I hated myself I couldn't find the words. While I racked my brain for words, I realized something; I have no words. There are no words to express this feeling. All I can say is 'thank you' and 'good riddance'" Jess and other students laughed. "I would like to thank to thank of the professors at D.C University who guided us. I would personally like to thank Dr. Temperance Brennan, who has inspired me to reach the height of my greatness" Jess looked at Brennan and smiled.

"I would also like to thank all of my classmates, who have known me for a while, those who have pushed me to be the best I can. And now for my personal thanks; to my mother, Barbra Jones. You have been everything to me, although sometimes you can embarrass me. But Mom, I do love the way you dress, it reminds me of Georgia and how much I do miss home. I also love the way you call everyone baby. My father, Fredrick Jones; I love watching old movies with you and I love your movie references, it has really come in handy," Jess smiled, looking at Tony DiNozzo.

"Recently, my life was put in danger and I have to thank NCIS for catching them. Thank you, Special Agents Anthony DiNozzo and Timothy McGee, Officer David and Abby Sciuto for finding him. But most importantly, I would like to thank Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs" She looked for his face, but couldn't find him. Frowning, she continued; "You have become my world, Jethro. If I hadn't had you, I wouldn't have been sane enough to last through this investigation. I love you Jethro," Jess stopped, earring someone get on their knees, a box snapping open. Jess looked down and saw Jethro. Jess' eyes opened wide. There was a small gold diamond band in a small black box… an engagement ring"

"Jessica Elizabetta Warner, would you—" Jethro stopped, swallowing to bite back tears "Make me the happiest man on earth" one tear fell down, his voice breaking. "Would you make me the happiest man on earth and become Mrs. Leroy Jethro Gibbs?"

Jess started sobbing as she nodded, Jethro sobbing as well. Neither of them could talk but Jethro knew 'yes' He took out the ring and slid it up her finger. Perfect match. Jethro stood and kissed Jess, holding her closely. In the background, they heard people screaming, laughing and chanting of "CLASS OF 2008!"