Not a really long chapter sorry it took me so long. Hope you enjoy this one. Thank you for all the reviews that gave me and for all the alerts.

She had been off all weekend, try as he might he couldn't get her to tell him what was the matter. But he didn't push it, just like she never push it when was off. They read each other very well and they knew when it was best to back off and let the other work things out on their own.

"Mandy? I'm hungry and lazy how about we go out for dinner?"

She can't help but smile, then walk closer to him when he opens his arms for her letting her decide whether or not she wants or needs to be held. She gets as close as she can and lays her head on his shoulder.

"Baby is something wrong?" Tony asks as he rubs her back and holds her close.

"No, yes. I don't know. I've got the blues."

"I can cook for us. I'll make you anything you want."

"No let's go out. Can we go to our favorite Italian place?"

"Of course, anything you want."

They were greeted warmly at the restaurant then seated at their favorite table. The wine and food were perfect like always. After thanking the owners and leaving a good tip for the server. Tony held her close as they walked back to their car.

They split the chores of taking care of the animals, Tony took Gunny for a walk while Mandy took care of the cats and the litterbox. He came home to find her freshly showered, reading in their bed.

He soon joins her after washing away the day. "What are you reading?"

"It's a cook book, Ducky's birthday is coming up and there is no way I'm making Haggis. I thought of making Roast rack of lamb with herb crust or a Stovie, for the main course."

" A Stovie?"

"As far as I can figure it out it's a one pot, stew."

"I think lamb would be better. If you make a list of all the things we will need I'll go with you to get them. What about dessert?"

"I was thinking cream with Scotch whiskey over berries. It's suppose to be traditional."

"Maybe shortbread and tea for later." Tony suggests.

"Sounds good. I know Ducky likes his cookies and tea."

"Now that is out of the way. Will you tell me why you've been so unlike yourself all weekend?"

Mandy put the book down before she lays down placing her head on his chest. She gathers her thoughts while she puts her hand over his heart. " Kami came into the office on Friday. She brought her baby with her, he is such a beautiful little boy, just six weeks old."

He lets her talk rubbing her back gently in small circles. He had seen the look in her eyes before when they passed a baby in the market or in a store. It was a look of yearning, and sorrow. He was honest with her about not being able to have children and she knew his reasons too. He loved her too much not to tell the truth to her especially about something so important. He knew it was time he had been thinking about it for sometime. "We could adopt if you want or we could go to a sperm bank." saying that out loud the irony wasn't lost on him at all. No one wanted his sperm when he donated it, now that it is needed there wasn't any available.

"No, I don't want children that way. I know its selfish but they wouldn't be our children made from the love we have for each other. I'm sorry. It will pass, but can you hold me."

"Always till the day you tell me to stop." He continues to hold her tightly and rub her back soon she is sleeping soundly in his arms."

He walked into work Wednesday morning with his mask firmly in place. He needed to be on his toes, just in case anything happens once Tim comes back after his time away.

Gibbs and Tony barely looked at each other when Abby came bouncing into the bullpen all smiles and full of caffeine.

"Boss. Sorry I'm late. I was up late moving" Tim says as he places a cup of coffee on his desk.

'Not a problem McGee. How was your time off?"

"Great, April's parents are really nice people. We are planning to go back to seen them the next weekend we are off duty."

"I was hoping we could spend that weekend together Timmy. Why would you want to go see her parents?"

Tim looks at Abby, stands up straight with out any hesitation he replied. "I like my in-laws Abby, great people. I'm looking forward to seeing them again."

"In-laws?! How could you?!" She yelled.

Ziva keeps her peace standing and watching as the drama unfolds before them. She knew something was going on just from the way Tony and Tim behaved on Friday. But in all honestly she was happy for McGee.

"How could I what Abby? Marry the woman I love and want to spend the rest of my life with? Very easily."

"What about us Timmy?"

"Abby there never was any us. We slept together once and that was when I wasn't even a member of Gibbs' team. You've dated lots of men and I've never said anything about it. But if I date you get angry. So I kept April a secret, only Tony and Gibbs knew."

"You and Tony destroyed everything! All my plans everything! I hope she divorces you and takes you to the cleaners."

Tim laughs when he finally stops, he wipes his eyes. "She'll get very little I lost most of my earnings from the book in a bad investment."

"Congratulations McGee. My house tonight cowboy steak, bring the beer."

"Yes boss I'll tell April."

"Now everyone back to work."

Abby huffed and stomped her feet as she left, she was very angry at how things were not going as she planned.

Three hours later Gibbs followed Tony stealthy out of the bullpen and into the stairway. He had been watching Tony on and off first he would two-finger type on the computer then he would type something on his personal smart phone. Back and forth, Gibbs knew that he was getting his work done just from the amount of reports that he was sending over not to mention all the times he retrieved said reports from the printer.

His Senior field agent had been off but just enough for him to notice all morning and he wanted to find out what the problem was and offer any help he could. He just hoped it wasn't anything serious with his wife of his or lungs.

Standing in the shadows he watches and listens add Tony make a phone call. When Tony starts to talk Gibbs figures he is leaving a message, so he listens.

"Hey Brad, I know you're busy but can you call me back when you get a minute, I need to pick your brain. And no I'm not sick, not a sniffle in sight. I have lunch around 1400 hours. Thanks."

Gibbs can't help but smile in half smile sort of way when he hears Tony call out to him.

"I'm not sick boss and Mandy is fine too. I just need to ask Brad a personal question."

"How Tony?"

"If I don't know when your around me how can I protect your six Jethro?"

Gibbs likes the answers and he knows in time Tony will tell him if there is a problem.