Tim told Stacy that since they got the new house, he wanted to have a formal dinner party for New Year's Eve. She seemed to like the idea. It would be nice to celebrate their first New Year's in their new house with their closest friends; their "family". He told her she should go shopping for a new dress for the occasion. He mentioned that Abby had said she needed to go shopping too, so maybe they could go together. Stacy thought it was a good idea, so the girls spent a Sunday together and went to lunch and dress shopping.
"Ya know Stacy, maybe you can check out some white dresses too. After all, you and McGee are engaged now." Abby held up a simple, but pretty white dress.
"I guess it wouldn't hurt." Stacy smiled and took the dress into the dressing room. Abby anxiously waited to see how she looked in it.
"What do you think?" Stacy came out and was absolutely glowing! Abby couldn't believe how perfect this dress looked on her.
"Stacy, it's perfect! We need to remember this place when the time comes for the wedding. Have you two set a date yet?" Keeping this secret was NOT easy for Abby.
"Actually, we really haven't even talked about it yet. But it is a busy time of year, I'm sure we will talk about it after the New Year. I'm gonna take this off and look for more stuff for the party." Stacy went back into the dressing room. Abby quickly found a couple of dresses for her while she changed.
"Here, why don't you try these and I'll put that one back." Abby took the dress from Stacy. While Stacy tried on the other's Abby quickly got the attention of one of the sale's girls and told her to put the dress on hold until later. She would come back for it after Stacy went home.
Stacy and Abby had a great time spending their girl's day together. Abby brought Stacy home and went back for the dress. Mission accomplished!
Tim let Stacy know about the "family tradition" of watching "It's a Wonderful Life" together on Christmas Eve. She was part of the family now, so of course she was invited. She thought this was a sweet tradition. She let him know she would meet up with him at NCIS later.
Everyone was gathered together in MTAC getting ready to watch the movie. Gibbs called everyone's attention. "This has really been one crazy year for all of us. I know this is last minute, but I would really like it if you would all come to my house tomorrow for Christmas dinner." Abby and McGee glanced at each other quickly. They didn't want to make it obvious that they were already in on this. Everyone thought it would be great idea. They all sat and watched the movie together.
Tim and Stacy went home and were getting ready for bed. Stacy thought it was going to be really nice to spend Christmas at Gibbs' house with everyone.
"Yeah, it's going to be great. Listen, Gibbs is going to need my help with some stuff so I'm going to be heading there early in the afternoon. I hope you don't mind." Tim had it set that Abby would pick up Stacy so that he could go over early and help set everything up.
"Ok Tim. Maybe I can come with you and give you guys a hand." Stacy was sure with this being so last minute they could probably use some extra help.
Tim panicked. "NO!" He should have known she would want to help out. "I mean…thanks but, he needs help moving some stuff around. Nothing really that you can do. Abby can swing by and pick you up on her way over. " Tim hoped she didn't push it.
"Oh, well alright then." Stacy actually was a bit happy about having some time to herself. There was something she needed to do anyway.
Tim held Stacy close as she fell asleep. By this time tomorrow night, she would be Mrs. Timothy McGee. He didn't think he would be able to sleep. He was so anxious about the wedding. He hoped she wouldn't be upset that she didn't get to plan it. He hoped she was going to like what he was doing for her. He eventually did fall asleep though. He slept a lot better than he thought he would.
Stacy woke up first on Christmas morning. She got out of bed being careful not to wake up Tim. She made coffee for them and brought it upstairs. She gently started kissing him to wake him. Tim grabbed Stacy and pulled her back into bed.
"Merry Christmas beautiful." Tim brushed Stacy's hair from her face and just looked into her eyes. He wanted her; but decided to wait until later that night. He gently stroked her face and kissed her.
"Merry Christmas, Timmy. I love you." Stacy could see in Tim's gaze that the wheels were spinning, but she didn't want to ruin whatever surprise he may have for her. She was never really one for surprises; but he seemed to be the only one who could ever get away with doing it.
They got up and exchanged the gifts they had gotten for each other. Tim offered to make breakfast for Stacy, but she declined. She hadn't been feeling that great. He had started to notice.
"Are you sure you're ok? I've noticed you haven't been feeling well off and on for a while. Maybe you should go to the doctor." Tim hoped she would feel better by the evening.
"I'm fine. It comes and goes. No big deal. I'm sure it's nothing." Stacy smiled at Tim hoping to reassure him that she was fine.
"As long as you are sure you'll be ok." Tim hugged her and kissed her on the cheek. He had to get ready to go soon. There was a lot to be done.
McGee got to Gibbs' house and was surprised to see how much had already been done.
"Boss, this is great. Stacy is really going to love this. And the archway…I can't thank you enough for doing all of this for us." Tim just looked around in amazement at everything that was already done.
Gibbs has always been a father figure to his team, but Tim felt it now more than ever. He was grateful to have someone like Gibbs. He needed that person who believed in him like that. He only hoped that someday, he might be able to be that kind of father to his own children; if he and Stacy ever decided to have them.
Gibbs sat McGee down and poured them each a drink. "Tim, you know I think of you guys as my "kids". I've been waiting for the right time to have this little talk with you. I knew from the night we all met Stacy, that she was special to you. I could see that bond between you two. When you were shot; I could feel Stacy's pain. I watched the way she cared for you. You had your problems there for a bit; but then you found a way to work them out. I've seen this before. I lived it once. When I look at you and Stacy, I see myself and Shannon. What you two have; that's once in a lifetime. Cherish it. Hold on to it. Don't ever let it go. Some things will come easy. Some will take work. Don't ever take Stacy for granted. Make sure you tell her you love her ever day; every chance you get. Make sure you show her you love her too. Don't ever leave or go to bed angry. Stay up all night to work it out if you have to. You never want to let the last words you say to be hurtful when you walk away; you never know when they will be the last words you ever say to her. She is your love of a lifetime. Lots of people never find that. You two are lucky. You are a good man, Tim. I know you will do whatever you can to make Stacy happy. You are going to be a good husband to her and someday I can tell you will be a great father for your kids. I am proud of you. I'll always be here if you ever need me." Gibbs could see by the look on McGee's face that it really meant a lot to be having this talk with him. "Oh, and for the rest of the day, I'm not your boss." He shook Tim's hand and gave him a fatherly hug.
McGee sat and looked at Gibbs while he said all of this. He wished his own father could have been the one saying this to him. But Gibbs was more of a father to him through all of these years, and hearing these words from him meant so much to him. It made him feel good to know that Gibbs was proud of him and that he thought so well of him. To hear him say that he and Stacy reminded him of himself and Shannon only reinforced the fact that he KNEW Stacy was THE ONE.
"Boss…sorry, Jethro, thank you. What you just said really means a lot. You have always been there for me. I know you've been there for Stacy when she needed you too. I am going to do my best to make this all work. I don't think I've ever wanted anything more in my life. I will remember your advice."
The door opened as they were talking. Tony walked in. Gibbs had asked him if he would come a little early too. Ziva was with him.
"Ok Boss. What's up with this last minute shin-dig you invited us to? What's really going on here?" Tony knew something was going on if he had McGee there too.
"Why don't you just ask McGee?" Gibbs went back outside to finish up what was left to be done.
"McGee? Why am I asking McGee?" Tony was really confused now.
Ziva took a close look at McGee. She could see that he seemed a little nervous. "Where is Stacy?"
"Stacy's home. She'll be here later. Abby is picking her up." Tim was still thinking about everything Gibbs had said to him.
McGee's phone rang. It was Sarah. "Hey Sarah, did you pick up the flowers yet? Yep. Ok, see you in a little while. Thanks." He hung up and looked at Tony and Ziva.
"Stacy and I are getting married today. I asked the Boss if we could do it here. It's actually a surprise. She doesn't know, or at least if she does she hasn't said anything to me. I wanted you all to be here with us for our special day. Sorry I kept it a secret from everyone." McGee was a happy that his family was going to be with him today.
"McGee I am so happy for you! This is great. How romantic?! A surprise Christmas wedding. Stacy is a very lucky girl!" Ziva gave McGee a big hug.
"Yeah this is great, but uh, what about the bachelor party? You can't get married without a bachelor party?" Tony seemed a bit disappointed at not having the opportunity of throwing the party for McGee.
"Tony, I can get married without a bachelor party. I know you're disappointed, but you'll get over it. Can't you just be happy for me?" McGee somehow knew that would be Tony's first reaction.
"Of course I'm happy for you. I was only kidding…well, sort of. But, as long as you are happy that's what matters." Tony put his hand on McGee's shoulder.
"There is something you could do for me though. You know you are like a brother to me. Will you be my best man?" Tim hoped he wouldn't regret this later during the best man speech.
"Of course, Tim. In all seriousness, I am really happy for you and Stacy. I hope you both have a long, happy life together." Tony shook McGee's hand. He really was happy for him. Being with Stacy really brought out the best in McGee.
Sarah and Abby got there at the same time. They brought in the flowers and Abby had the dress and everything Stacy was going to need.
Abby was trying to get upstairs when she saw Tim trying to sneak a peek at the dress. "McGee! You know you can't see any of this until it's on Stacy! Now shoo!" Sarah grabbed her brother and pulled him outside to help her with the rest of the flowers.
Everything was pretty much all set for the wedding. Everyone was there and knew what was going on. Except Stacy. She was still home, completely clueless about the magical night that was ahead of her. She knew Abby would be there soon, so she got ready to go. She took her time getting ready. She did her hair the way Tim liked it best; pulled up on the sides and down in back. She wore his favorite perfume too. She wanted to look really pretty for him tonight. Something told her she needed to look extra special.
Abby showed up at the house and it was all she could do not to tell Stacy what McGee was up to. She took one look at Stacy and tears filled her eyes. She was about to marry her best friend. She was so happy for them! She was practically bursting at the seams! She had to pull herself back together quick, or she would give it all away.
"Hi Abby! I'm just about all set to go. I just need to grab my coat." Stacy looked at Abby and noticed how nice she looked tonight. "You look nice tonight. What's the special occasion?" She laughed a little as she was getting her coat on.
"Occasion? No special occasion. Actually it's Christmas, so it is a special occasion." Abby caught herself before she said something she wasn't supposed to. McGee would kill her if she gave it away.
"Yes, it is special." Stacy smiled.
"Let's get going. I don't want McGee thinking we aren't showing up." Abby was getting more and more anxious by the second.
"Why would he think we weren't showing up?" Stacy thought it was odd for Abby to say something like that.
"You know how he is; he worries when he doesn't need to. Come on let's go." Abby grabbed Stacy by the arm and pulled her out the door.
They got to Gibbs' house and when they walked in everyone just stopped and looked at Stacy. She noticed that everyone seemed to be acting a little funny. It was like Thanksgiving all over again. What was Timmy up to this time?
McGee walked over and helped Stacy with her coat. He gave her a quick kiss and walked her over to everyone else. "Do you want a glass of wine?"
"Um, actually how about water? I haven't really eaten much, so I want to wait on the alcohol." This wasn't really completely true, but she knew the excuse would work; for now anyway.
"You feeling ok? I know you said earlier that you felt a little off?" Tim was hoping she was ok. She needed to be ok tonight.
"I'm fine. Just don't want it to go to my head." She just smiled at him.
Tim took a deep breath. "Stacy, I have one last gift for you tonight." He was actually starting to tremble a little.
"You've already given me so much. What else could you possible give me?" Stacy was a bit puzzled. Tim seemed really nervous. What was he up to?
"Me." Tim held her hand. "I want to give you me. Tonight. Marry me." His gaze was intense. He was looking deeply into her eyes.
"I already said I would marry you…" Stacy started putting it all together. Was this really happening?
"I mean now; tonight. Will you marry me tonight?" Tim was getting more and more nervous.
"But I don't have…" Stacy couldn't even finish the statement before Abby interceded.
"Yes you do. It's upstairs. Everything is here and all set." Abby smiled at Stacy.
Stacy was blown away. He did it again. He surprised her and thought of everything. She couldn't believe he actually pulled this all off. Now she knew why Abby was acting so strange before.
"Yes, Timmy. I will marry you tonight." She fought back tears as she answered him.
"Well, I guess you need to go upstairs and get ready then." Gibbs walked over and kissed her on the head.
Abby and Sarah took Stacy's hands and brought her upstairs. They went into the room and Stacy saw the dress she had tried on that day at the store.
"When did you get this?" She looked at Abby. She knew it had to be her.
"I went back right after I dropped you off that day. It looked so perfect on you. You were glowing! I also picked up everything else you would need." She smiled at Stacy with tears in her eyes.
"Thank you Abby." Stacy was on the verge of tears and hugged Abby. "Ok…we gotta stop this. I am NOT going to cry!"
Sarah looked at Stacy. "Thank you for making my brother so happy Stacy. I'm so happy that I'm finally officially going to have the big sister I always wanted!" They hugged each other and both started to cry a little.
"If we don't stop, my makeup is gonna run and I'm gonna be a mess." Stacy carefully wiped the tears from her eyes.
Abby and Sarah helped Stacy with her dress. Abby also got her a small tiara and a necklace. There was also a small fur lined jacket and ankle boots. Stacy just finished getting ready when there was a knock on the door.
Abby cracked the door open. It was Gibbs. "I've come to escort the bride." Abby opened the door all the way. Gibbs walked over to Stacy and offered her his arm.
"Stacy, you look beautiful. McGee is a lucky man. Be good to him. I know you two are going to have a long, happy life together." Gibbs kissed Stacy on the cheek. "May I have the honor of giving you away?"
Stacy was again on the verge of tears. "Thank you, Jethro. Yes, I would very much like it if you gave me away." She gave him a kiss on the cheek.
Abby and Sarah also started crying a little. Gibbs turned and looked at them. "Let's go. We have a wedding to get to."
The two girls went ahead downstairs. Stacy did a couple last minute touches to her makeup. Gibbs handed Stacy her flowers. "Are you ready?"
Stacy smiled. "Yes. I am more ready than I have ever been." They headed downstairs.
He walked her to the back door. Everyone was outside, waiting for her. Gibbs looked at Stacy. "Let's do this." He opened the back door.
Stacy looked out and saw everyone standing looking at her. There was a beautiful archway covered in white and red roses and twinkle lights. There were twinkle lights everywhere. It had started to snow ever so lightly, and it glistened so beautifully. Then she looked at Tim. He looked so handsome in his tux. There was no way for her to keep the tears back anymore. She was so overwhelmed with emotion. ALL of her dreams were coming true. She was tempted to pinch herself just to be sure it was all real.
Tim watched as the door opened and Gibbs and Stacy walked out. He thought his heart was going to leap right out of his chest. Seeing her took his breath away. She was stunning. For a moment, he could see nothing else. As they walked closer; he could see the tears on her face. It made him cry a little as well. He couldn't remember any other moment in his life when he was this happy.
Gibbs kissed Stacy on the cheek and handed off the bride. Tim Took Stacy's hand and looked into her eyes. "You are so beautiful. I love you." He whispered to Stacy. She smiled back at him. "I love you too."
The ceremony was short, but sweet. The time came for the vows. Tim looked at Stacy. "I hope you don't mind, but I want to do our own. I swear I don't have anything already written. It's just going to come from the heart."
Stacy was touched. She nodded her agreement.
"Stacy, the first day I met you; you were the only kid in school who would talk to me. You accepted me as I was. You became my friend, my only friend, my best friend. Through the years, you were always there for me. You held my hand when I was scared, you stuck up for me; you listened when I needed to talk. You always believed in me; even when I doubted myself. You let me grow into the person I wanted to be. I knew I could always trust you to be honest with me. You never knew it back then; but you had my heart. For years we were apart; and part of me was missing. I realized what that part was the night you walked back into my life. I can honestly say that I don't think I could have made it through this past year without you. I love you. I want to spend each and every day for the rest of my life showing you how much I love you. I want to make sure you always know how much you mean to me. I promise to never take you for granted. I promise to be the best husband that I can be. Tonight is the beginning of the rest of our lives. I look forward to making the journey with you. I love you."
There was not one dry eye there. Everyone was so caught in the moment with them. The words he said definitely came from the heart. Stacy was in awe. She was captivated by every word. She knew he meant all of it. Now it was her turn. She had so much she wanted to say. She needed to think quickly.
"Timmy, when you came to my birthday party and gave me those daisies, I knew you were special. It had to take a lot of nerve for a ten year old boy to give flowers to a girl. But at that point, that was the only thing you knew I liked. It showed me that you actually listen to me; and that meant a lot. No one ever really cared about what I had to say. Except for you. You always had the time to listen to me. You were my best friend. You never judged me. You believed in my dreams and did whatever you could to help me realize those dreams. You held me when I needed reassurance. You were a shoulder for me to cry on. You are one of the very few people who have ever seen me cry. I could let my guard down around you. You were the one person I let in. The first time I looked into your eyes, I was lost. Lost in you. I hope I am never found. I am the person I am today because of you. I want to spend the rest of my life reaching for the stars with you by my side; because I know I can do anything with you. Thank you for being you. You are all I ever needed; all I ever will need. I am yours forever. I love you."
They exchanged rings. They were both so emotional at this point, that they both almost dropped them.
The minister looked at Tim and Stacy. "I now pronounce you husband and wife. Tim, you may kiss your bride."
Tim looked into Stacy's eyes. He caressed her face with his hand and pulled her in. He kissed her very softly and sweetly.
The minister then announced them to everyone. "I would like to introduce for the first time Mr. and Mrs. Timothy McGee."
Everyone walked over and group hugged them. It was getting cold so they all went back inside. Tony and Ziva handed out champagne to everyone for the toast. Tony raised his glass to make his toast.
"Tim, I remember when you came to us as just a mere probie. I know I took my jabs at you, but I knew you had what it takes. I took you under my wing and helped you learn what you needed to know. We've been through a lot together over the years. Together we have all become a family. You are the little brother we've all looked out for at one point or another. The night Stacy came back into your life, it changed something. She gave you a confidence I hadn't seen before. Through tough times, she was there for you. She has made her way into our family and made it better. I look forward to watching you two go through your journey together. I love you both. Good luck in everything you do and may all your dreams come true. Since the two of you have found each other again, it truly has been –A wonderful life! To Tim and Stacy!"
Now it was Abby's turn.
"Stacy, I remember meeting you for the first time and I asked you why your boyfriend wasn't around. You started telling me about this boy who stole your heart way back in high school. The more stories you told me, the quicker I realized I knew who he was. I knew who he was, because he used to tell me all the same stories about the girl who stole his heart. When I brought the two of you together that night, I never would have dreamed this would be the outcome. You are two of the most beautiful people; inside and out, that I have ever met. I am so happy you are part of my family. I know that from this day forward, only good things will happen for you both. I love you guys!"
Abby walked over and hugged them both.
The night went on and everyone was having a great time. Stacy was talking with Ziva and Tim and Tony walked over. Tony asked if they wanted any wine. Ziva said yes, but Stacy politely declined.
"Stacy, this is a wedding. It's your wedding. I haven't seen you with a drink all night. What are you pregnant?"
Stacy's eyes widened and she just looked at Tim. "I was waiting for the right time to tell you."
Tim stood there for a second speechless. "Really?" He could barely even get that out. Stacy just nodded in response.
"Oh my god! Everyone, no drinks for Stacy, doubles for McGee! He's gonna be a Daddy!" Tony put his arm around Tim's shoulders.
Tim grabbed Stacy and kissed her. "I can't believe it. When did you find out?"
"I took the test this afternoon after you left. Actually it was the second test. I took the first one last week, but wanted to make sure before I told you. Surprise! Merry Christmas!"
Tim was overwhelmed with emotion. He finally had the woman of his dreams; and he just found out she was going to be having his baby. Everything was going to be perfect.
Stacy made her way around to everyone and thanked them for being there. She was happy to have such a wonderful family now. They all welcomed her with open arms and were there when she needed them.
Stacy finally made her way over to Gibbs. He was the father figure she had always wanted. Her own father never seemed to think she was good enough for anything she wanted. "Jethro, I don't even begin to know how to thank you for all of this. Everything is so beautiful." She hugged him and kissed him on the cheek.
"No need to thank me Stacy. Just be sure to keep McGee happy." Gibbs kissed Stacy back on the cheek and put his arm around her.
The night wore on into the wee hours. Everyone was having such a great time celebrating this unbelievably joyous occasion. It finally got to be time to go home.
Tonight was definitely a night no one was going to forget.