DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN NCIS OR ANY OF ITS CHARACTERS.

Just love writing about them!

Chapter Fourteen

After a night of fitful dreams I awoke sore, barely able to get out of bed. It seemed every muscle had tensed and been fused so that I was unable to fully stand erect.

I knew I needed a nice long soak in a hot tub. I made my way to the bathroom to fill the bath with the hottest water I could stand. As an after thought I tossed in a bit of Epsom salt.

Twenty minutes later the water became lukewarm, I had to get out to open the store soon anyway.

Thankfully the soak did wonders and I felt completely relaxed. As long as I didn't let the concern for my son encompass me I would stay at ease.

True to her word Shannon told me what she could of Leroy's next assignment. He was headed to the Middle East to help the troops already stationed there by helping to secure their zone. Apparently they were being assaulted by long range artillery.

Leroy having completed all his sniper training with flying colors would be targeting the insurgents and protecting his brother Marines. I tried hard not to think about how he did what he did, but instead looked at the positive end and those depending on his success.

She had no idea how long they planned to keep him there and made tentative plans for the holidays to spend with her parents. She invited me to join them. "We're all family now," she stated.

"I appreciate the invite, but I have some things already lined up. Next year maybe you two can come see me?" I didn't really have any set plans and I think she knew. Still she let me off the hook.

"Next year we'll definitely be in Stillwater," she promised.

I did spend the holidays with friends. Christmas Eve I got a call; Leroy had made it home. There was no better gift I could've received.

A few months later I got a call from my son. The first time in years he put forth the effort on his own. He was excited and I couldn't help myself from getting caught up in it.

"Jack, I had to call and share some wonderful news," he spoke quickly.

"Okay son. Take a breath and tell me," I managed to stay calm.

"Shannon and I are going to have a baby. Isn't that great?" he almost shouted.

Chuckling I said, "That is indeed great news. Congratulations, Leroy! Tell Shannon for me too. Take extra special care of her," I ordered. I prayed he'd be around enough to take care of her and witness the birth; a practice I wasn't permitted to partake in- Thank God.

"Right, I will. I have some more calls to make. Talk later."

"Bye, son," I said to the open line.

Leroy a dad. That will be a true test of his patience. I tried to picture him with a son like himself and laughed. Then I saw a daughter a lot like Shannon. Either would make for a perfect grandchild, but secretly I hoped they had a girl. Leroy needed more softening.

I smiled throughout the day, sharing the news and accepting congratulations from my customers. I was looking forward to being 'Grandpa Gibbs'.