1Author's Note: I really wanted Ducky to have a love interest. On the show he's only ever been seen with two women, for a brief time, and they're both homicidal maniacs. My favorite Medical Examiner deserves better :)
Kate rolled over and pulled the comforter over her head. It had been a long night and she was vaguely unaware of how much she had actually slept. Her mind was racing. She had so much to do today, she had to get Maggie ready, and they all had to be in court by eleven. Kate could hardly stand it she was so excited. The adoption process had been horribly drawn out. It had taken months of getting through legal loopholes and attending countless hearings, but today had finally arrived. Maggie would officially belong to her and Jethro by lunch time.
Kate heard footsteps outside her bedroom door. Then a slight giggle. She hoped Jethro was taking care of Maggie and that she could sneak in some more sleep. Kate stayed hidden under the covers and closed her eyes. She heard the hinges on the bedroom door creak open. Tiny footsteps echoed on the hardwood floor.
"Mama..." Maggie said quietly.
Kate slowly pulled the covers down and smiled. She loved being called Mama.
"Hi sweetie!" Kate said as she eyed Maggie. The little girl was standing next to the bed still in her pajamas and slippers. She was holding a red rose.
"Pretty." Maggie said as she giggled and handed the rose to Kate.
"I love you!" Kate exclaimed as she sat up in bed and took the rose and reached for Maggie.
"I love mama!" Maggie said as Kate struggled to use one hand and get Maggie up into the tall bed.
Kate set Maggie next to her, and slowly reached for the rose. She twirled it between her fingers and smelled it.
"Divine." Kate said as she exhaled and looked at Maggie.
"Pretty." Maggie said as she pointed at Kate's wrist.
"Ouchie." Kate corrected once she realized Maggie was fascinated by her cast.
"Pretty ouchie?" Maggie asked in confusion.
"If you say so kid." Kate teased as she tousled Maggie's blond curls.
Maggie giggled as she crawled under the comforter.
"Even when you're hurt you look pretty." Jethro said as he entered the bedroom carrying a large tray filled with food.
Kate sniffed and immediately smelled waffles and bacon.
"You made breakfast?" Kate asked incredulously as Jethro set the tray down on the bedside table.
"Don't be ridiculous. Maggie and I got Waffle World take-out." Jethro said as he sat on the edge of the bed next to Kate.
"Really?" Kate said as she raised an eyebrow.
"Yep." Jethro said as he rested one hand gently over the comforter and pressed it to Kate's abdomen.
"And how are you two doing today?" Jethro asked as he leaned in and kissed Kate on the lips.
"Fine." Kate replied honestly as she savored the kiss.
"We all need breakfast." Jethro said as he began distributing the plates that were on the tray.
"Maggie. Come on out." Jethro said as he grabbed the smallest plate and fork off the tray.
Kate and Jethro could see Maggie wiggle her way back up the length of the bed and emerge from the comforter.
"Food!" Maggie said happily.
"And?" Jethro asked as he handed Maggie her plate.
"Thank-you." Maggie said she grinned and took the plate from her father.
"Jethro...help her, I don't want a mess in the bed." Kate said as she began tearing through a Belgian waffle.
"She's been doing just fine on her own." Jethro said as he picked up his plate and began eating.
"At a table." Kate growled.
"Are you sure you're fine?" Jethro asked. Kate was moody he knew that much for sure.
"Yes." Kate said with a mouthful of food.
Jethro ate silently and kept an eye on Maggie. For a child her age she was doing rather well. Her food had already been cut into bite-size pieces and she was taking one piece at a time and chewing slowly.
"I'm sorry." Kate said as soon as she swallowed her food.
"I expect the grumpiness. It comes with the territory." Jethro smiled as he reached over and brushed Kate's bangs out of her face.
"Thanks for breakfast and the rose." Kate said as she reached up and gently caressed Jethro's hand.
"You're welcome, but the rose was all Maggie's idea." Jethro said with a smile as he stood up and placed his empty plate on the tray.
Kate raised an eyebrow and giggled.
"No really it was." Jethro said as he reached for Kate's empty plate.
"Stay here, let Maggie finish eating I'll be right back." Jethro said as he leaned in and kissed Kate's forehead before turning to grab the tray.
Kate glanced at the clock. It was seven fifteen. She couldn't believe how decadent it felt to sleep in on a weekday, and be served breakfast in bed.
"Good isn't it?" Kate asked as Maggie finished her food.
"Yum!" Maggie said as she giggled and rubbed her stomach. She handed her empty plate to Kate who set it on the table.
Maggie loved food. That had been clear early on. Kate suspected that it had something to do with not being fed enough or on a regular schedule. Since Maggie had been with them she had grown accustomed to better eating habits, but it was obvious that Maggie still loved to eat.
"Here we go!" Jethro announced proudly as he returned to the bedroom. Tucked under one arm was a tube of plastic cling-wrap. He was holding a pair of scissors, masking tape and a small plastic shopping bag.
"What's that?" Kate asked as Jethro sat down next to her on the bed.
"You need a shower don't you?" Jethro asked as he rolled up the sleeve on Kate's pajamas.
Kate only nodded. He was so thoughtful, she hadn't even thought of how she'd be bathing.
In mere minutes Kate's cast was completely shrink wrapped in the clear plastic and as an added precaution it was covered with the shopping bag and securely closed with tape.
"You're good at that." Kate said as she looked into his blue eyes.
They instantly glazed over and he got that far-away look.
"I didn't mean to..." Kate stammered.
Jethro looked back at Kate. He knew she hadn't meant to bring up the past. It was something that just happened. If it hadn't been Valentine's Day he might have even forgotten about the whole incident.
"She was re-organizing the pantry when it happened. Fell off the step stool and broke her elbow. It took forever to heal." Jethro explained. He looked down at the floor as he said it.
Kate bit her lower lip. She didn't know what to say. She never knew what to say when he talked about Shannon and Kelly. So Kate did what she always did. She rested her good hand on his shoulder and kissed him.
"I love you." Kate whispered.
"I love you too." Jethro replied.
"I'm going to get ready now." Kate said as she swung her legs over the side of the bed.
"Let me help you." Jethro insisted as he helped Kate up.
"I'm not dizzy." Kate pouted as Jethro held her firmly in his grasp.
"I'm not taking chances." Jethro said as he let go of Kate.
"What are you doing?" Kate said as Jethro followed her into the bathroom.
"How are you getting out of your pajamas?" Jethro asked knowingly.
Kate looked down, she hadn't thought about the buttons.
"There you go...yell if you need help." Jethro said as he disappeared back into the bedroom. He was hoping to get Maggie at least partially ready while Kate showered.
"All ready?" Kate asked with a smile as she stood in the kitchen.
"Yes." Jethro said with a smile as he grabbed his keys.
Kate bent down to pick Maggie up.
"She can walk." Jethro said angrily.
"Walk!" Maggie said happily.
"I can carry her." Kate replied in a sharp tone.
"Don't you dare, not until all this fainting business is over with." Jethro said as he reached down and scooped Maggie up before Kate had the chance.
"Damnit!" Kate yelled angrily.
"I'm not an invalid!" Kate added as she grabbed her purse and stormed past Maggie and Jethro.
"Nope, just too independent for your own good." Jethro said simply as he headed out the door behind Kate.
"Got a problem with independent women?" Kate asked angrily after they were all in the car and heading towards the courthouse.
"Not at all." Jethro replied, knowing that there was no right thing to say.
"I hate this." Kate finally said as she rested a hand on Jethro's thigh.
"What?" Jethro asked as he continued to keep his eyes fixed on the road.
"I don't know what my mood will be from one minute to the next...I was so happy this morning, but now I've just screamed at you...and I'm going to....." Before Kate could finish her sentence she burst into tears.
"Cry." Jethro finished as Kate forced herself to stop crying.
Crying would ruin her make-up and she knew that she wanted to look perfect for the onslaught of pictures that would be taken later in the day.
"Kate...this is normal." Jethro reminded her as he pulled into the parking garage.
"I haven't been this moody yet...it's so weird." Kate said as she un-buckled Maggie from her car seat.
"Katie...stop worrying, I don't mind. Just let me know if you get too aggressive. I might confiscate your weapon." Jethro teased.
Kate stood to the side and let Jethro take Maggie out of her seat.
"Walk?" Maggie asked hopefully.
"Yes, but hold my hand." Jethro reminded Maggie as he set her down.
She instantly reached for his hand and the trio began walking. Maggie held Ella tightly in her other hand.
"Kate...you look really nice." Jethro complimented Kate as they walked towards the courthouse.
"Thank you." Kate replied with a small smile. She knew it was an honest compliment and it was nice to hear him say it.
"All ready?" Kate asked Maggie as she stood in front of the large oak doors to the court room.
Maggie had proudly walked the whole way into the courthouse and she stood outside the doors still holding Jethro's hand and clutching Ella.
Maggie nodded yes, and Kate smiled at her. Maggie had no clue what was happening, but she was ready for it.
"Everybody is here to see you!" Kate cooed happily as she walked into the already-bustling courtroom.
The attorneys were all discussing some last minute details and Abby and McGee were already sitting in the gallery. The court reporter was readying her machine and as Kate looked around she realized all they needed to get started was the Judge.
"You look beautiful!" A loud voice boomed from behind Kate and Jethro.
Tony DiNozzo scooped up Maggie and kissed her cheek. Maggie giggled as her Uncle Tony swung her around in his arms.
"New dress." Kate said proudly.
It had been an absolute steal. Kate found it on sale the day after Christmas. It was in the window of an upscale children's store in the mall, and when Kate saw it she knew it was perfect, just for this occasion. It was a pale yellow with white lace trim, and small white flowers embroidered along the skirt, and it had come with a matching sweater. Kate had finished the ensemble with a white headband and white dress shoes. The whole outfit had cost much less than Kate had expected, and for that she was very happy.
"It is an awesome dress!" Abby exclaimed as she ran over to the group and began hugging everyone.
Abby pried Maggie from Tony's arms and held the girl tightly.
"All ready for your big day?" Abby asked as she looked at Maggie.
"Potty." Maggie responded promptly.
"Spoken like a two-year-old." Abby said as she glanced at Kate.
"I'll take her." Abby said. She knew Kate had a lot to do in the next few minutes.
Abby and Maggie made their way out of the heavy oak doors in search of a restroom.
"Kate...Jethro, good to see you!" Their attorney exclaimed as he waved them over.
"Everything is good to go. This hearing is going to be amazingly short. Nothing like what we've done in the past." The lawyer explained as Kate sat down and let out a sigh of relief.
"This is practically a formality now. The Judge is just going to go on record signing the adoption decree, and then she's all yours. Where did she go?" The attorney asked as he looked around the courtroom for Maggie.
"Potty." Kate and Jethro replied in one voice.
Kate reached for Jethro's hand and held it nervously. She was silently thankful that in all the commotion nobody had noticed her wrist. Everybody was here for Maggie, not to fawn over Kate.
"Don't be so nervous." Jethro whispered as he looked at Kate and stroked the back of her hand gently.
Kate exhaled deeply, forgetting that she had been holding her breath. Kate felt a light tap on her shoulder, and she turned around. Her eyes instantly grew wide.
"Mom! Dad!" Kate exclaimed as she stood up.
She hugged both of her parents tightly.
"I didn't think you two could make it!" Kate said as her eyes went misty.
"We wouldn't miss this for the world." Kate's dad said as he hugged his daughter tightly.
"Oh there she is!" Kate's mom exclaimed as she turned around to see Abby and Maggie standing next to her.
She grabbed Maggie and kissed her granddaughter.
"The Judge is almost ready." The one attorney cautioned as everyone kept talking.
Kate's parents handed Maggie back and they went to take their seats. Kate saw the courtroom. She laughed at the almost full gallery. The only family members were Jack Gibbs and her parents. Everybody else was from NCIS with the exception of Kate's friend Alexa. To Kate it spoke volumes about their life. She was closer to her co-workers than her siblings and they had all turned out to celebrate this day with them. She noticed that even Director Sheppard had showed up, and she was sitting next to Chris Pacci, holding his hand.
Everbody stood as the Judge entered the courtroom, and Jethro held Maggie for the entire hearing. It was surprisingly short, and Kate cried when the Judge signed the final order and declared Kate and Jethro Maggie's legal parents. She hugged Maggie and kissed Jethro and the gallery clapped. Afterwards they took pictures with the Judge.
"Ready for lunch?" Kate asked Maggie as they drove towards the restaurant where Kate had already rented a party room.
Maggie nodded as she played with Ella.
"Notice the woman Ducky was with?" Kate asked Jethro as he drove.
"Yep." Jethro said dryly.
Ducky had filled out his RSVP card for lunch as two attending, but Kate figured he'd have Mrs. Mallard with him. The presence of a woman closer to Ducky's age in the courtroom had surprised Kate.
"Who is she?" Kate asked assuming Jethro would know.
"A female." Jethro replied as they arrived at the restaurant.
"So you don't know either?" Kate asked in surprise.
"Nope." Jethro said dryly as he put the car in park. He was a bit upset Ducky hadn't said a word about a girlfriend, the men had no secrets.
"Wow! Mama! Balloons!" Maggie said excitedly as the trio walked into the banquet room that Kate had reserved for lunch.
"Yes...balloons, and flowers, and Maggie this is all for you!" Kate explained as she leaned down and explained to Maggie what was going on.
"Me?" Maggie asked happily.
"Yes today is a very special day, just for you. Because Daddy and I love you so much." Kate explained as she stood up.
She felt a bit woozy and she grabbed Jethro's arm for support. He instantly gripped Kate around the waist to steady her.
"You need to eat." Jethro said simply.
Kate loved him so much but she wished he'd realize food wasn't the cure-all. She was pregnant and this sort of thing was bound to happen. Kate was very hungry though.
"Ducky!" Maggie yelled as she ran towards the older man who was already seated at his table, next to his mystery guest.
Ducky held out his arms and gently set Maggie on his lap.
"Let's figure this out." Kate said as she tucked an arm into the crook of Jethro's elbow for support.
They made their way to the table where Ducky was seated.
"Ah hello, congratulations to the new parents." Ducky said it with a knowing wink.
"Thanks." Kate said cheerfully as she eyed Ducky's date. She was older, but still beautiful.
"This is my dear friend Agatha Winters...we worked together at Scotland Yard many, many years ago, she just moved stateside to teach and lecture." Ducky explained.
Agatha stood and shook Kate and Jethro's hands and offered them a congratulations.
"So she's Scottish too?" Kate teased.
"Indeed." Ducky said with a smile.
"Do you mind?" Kate asked as she eyed Maggie.
"Not at all." Ducky said truthfully as Kate and Jethro headed back to the entrance so they could greet their guests.
Within a half-hour everybody had arrived and Kate was sick of fielding questions about her wrist.
"I fell." She had repeated simply over and over again. Abby was the only one who had questioned the explanation. Abby had been smart enough to dismiss the quick remark and figured Kate would tell her later.
"We're all ready." The restaurant manager informed Kate and Jethro as they headed towards their table. Jethro stopped by Ducky's table and picked Maggie up along the way.
The banquet room was filled with thirty of their closest friends, and family members, and as Kate and Jethro stood next to their chairs the group quieted down.
"We'd like to start by saying thank-you." Kate began speaking as everybody in the room concentrated on her and Jethro, and Maggie.
"Today is really special for our family, even more special than our wedding day. We couldn't be happier that this fell on Valentine's Day. It means a lot that all of you are here, and supporting us. Today we are celebrating true love, that of family, and friends." Kate said as she smiled at the crowd.
She leaned into Jethro and nudged him with her hip slightly. She smiled at him knowingly. He had tossed the idea off of her earlier that morning as they were getting dressed, and now she was sure she wanted him to do it.
"Before we eat I'd just like to say a few words...I'm not really good at this kind of thing but just bear with me please." Jethro surveyed the room. He hated speaking in public.
He didn't mind barking orders, interrogating people, or interviewing witnesses but adressing large groups of people made him nervous.
"Like Kate said...we couldn't be happier. When I married Kate I thought life couldn't get any better. Then when I found out we could adopt Maggie I thought to myself that life couldn't get any better, but I guess I was wrong, life always gets better when you're surrounded by the people you love, and Kate and I are so thrilled to tell all of you that in October Maggie will be a big sister. So I guess all I have to say is that life keeps getting better and better." Jethro let out a sigh. He was so glad he was done talking.
Jethro wrapped the arm that wasn't holding Maggie around Kate's waist and kissed her on the lips. The crowd was silent for a moment, and then they burst into applause.
In the far corner seated at the same table as Ducky and Agatha, Jenny Sheppard avoided Ducky's gaze. She knew for certain he'd be able to read her firey green eyes like a book. She was livid that she was even at this stupid party anyhow. It was far too extravagant for a two-year-old to appreciate. She could have killed Pacci for sending the reply card back without consulting her. When she had thrown a fit about it he had tried to reason with her. "Jen...we couldn't make it to their wedding, or Ducky's Christmas party...it's the least we can do." After he had said it like that Jenny knew it was the truth. They could only refuse so many invitiations before they came off as arrogant. Still, Jenny knew she only got invited to these things as a formality. It made Jenny sick to watch everybody fawn over Kate, fussing about her wrist, and fainting spells. The only solace Jenny had was knowing that Kate would be resigned to desk duty for months, and she could try her best to make Kate even more miserable than usual.
"Isn't it wonderful?" Pacci whispered in Jenny's ear after Jethro had announced that he and Kate were pregnant.
Jenny mustered a slow nod as Pacci reached under the table and squeezed her hand tightly.
Everybody appeared to be enjoying their meal, and Kate surveyed the room as she finished her chicken florentine. If her guests were happy, then she was happy.
"Better?" Jethro asked as a busboy cleared Kate's empty plate.
Kate nodded.
Shortly after dessert guests began to trickle out, most everybody had to get to the office.
"What do you want done with those?" Jethro asked as he pointed to a small pile of gifts on an empty table.
Kate had been so busy socializing she hadn't noticed that people brought gifts. Kate sighed. Today wasn't about gifts, it was about love, and family.
"How nice." Kate said forcefully as she looked at Jethro.
"Nice, but unnecessary." Kate lamented quietly.
"I thought the same thing." Jethro said as he stood up and headed towards the restroom before he ran smack into Jenny and Pacci.
"I just wanted to stop over and say congratulations personally!" Jenny gushed as she looked at Kate and Jethro.
"Why thank-you Director." Kate said with a small smile.
"Kate...you look lovely, that suit is amazing!" Jenny added as Kate stood up slowly hoping to avoid a dizzy spell.
"Thanks." Kate said as she looked down at her favorite suit.
"Better get all the use out of it you can!" Jenny added as she realized Pacci and Jethro were lost in their own conversation.
"I know...maternity clothes leave a lot to be desired." Kate grimaced at the thought of elastic-wasit pants and boxy looking tops.
"They're positively awful! And one can never be sure what will fit after the baby arrives!" Jenny added as she tugged at Pacci's hand. She wanted the insult to remain fresh in Kate's mind.
Kate eyed the Director suspiciously. For the first time in her life Kate Todd had been called fat. Well in a roundabout way. Jenny had alluded that Kate would never regain her perfect figure after having a baby.
She wanted to say something mean but couldn't think of it. So she decided to say something provacative.
"I might just end up barefoot and pregnant at the rate we're going! I've only been off the pill four months I guess that means Jethro's pretty potent. I don't know if it's the hormones or what, but I can't keep my hands off of him. Three, four times a day...I lose count but he's been a good sport about all of this. I could make a career out of having babies!" Kate said it all with a straight face.
She could see Jenny wince ever so slightly. Kate knew there was nothing Jenny hated more than women who thought it was their duty to do nothing but procreate and keep their husbands happy.
Jenny tugged at Pacci's hand again.
"Hey Gibbs...we'll talk later, bureacracy waits for no one." Pacci said as he was practically dragged out the door by Jenny. She looked so calm on the surface but on the inside Jenny was seething with anger.
"What did you do?" Jethro whispered it in Kate's ear.
"Freaked the Director out." Kate said simply.
"How exactly?" Jethro pressed.
"I tortured her, by threatening to leave NCIS and do nothing but make babies all day." Kate said as she looked into her husband's blue eyes.
"Really?" Jethro smirked and raised an eyebrow.
"Really." Kate re-iterated as she crossed her arms.
"Don't tempt me." Jethro said as he walked away to talk to Ducky.
"All of them?" McGee asked in a muffled voice.
"Please." Kate said as she knelt on the floor, handing McGee presents until the stack was above his head.
McGee had generously offered to help put all of the gifts in the car so Kate could get to know Agatha better. They were having a light conversation about careers, and the new baby. Kate found out that Agatha much preffered to be called "Aggie" Kate made a mental note to refer to the woman as "Aggie" in the future. That was if there was a future for her and Ducky.
Kate stood up and intsantly got that familiar but terrible feeling.
"Jethro!" Kate yelled as she began to pitch forward.
He was only a few feet away and caught Kate just in time.
"Sit." Jethro instructed Kate as Ducky pulled a chair over and Kate sat down obediently.
"I ate." Kate said hoping people would quit force feeding her.
"That's not the point. You need some rest." Jethro said as he rubbed Kate's shoulders.
"My dear...this is a bit much, even for a woman in your condition." Ducky said as he stood next to Kate.
Agatha looked at Ducky and he only nodded. She returned moments later with a glass of water and pressed it to Kate's lips. Slowly, Kate began to sip the water.
"It's not to drink my dear." Aggie said as she bent down and gently pushed Kate's hair off her face.
"Spit in it please." Aggie said in her quiet voice.
"I don't spit." Kate made a face, the habit had always disgusted her.
"Do what you're told Caitlin." Her mother's voice was scolding her from somewhere in the room.
Kate tried to figure out how to do such a thing and still be lady-like. Once she had decided it was impossible Kate spit, just to make everybody happy. Aggie took the glass from her hand and set it on the table behind them.
"Do you mind?" Aggie asked as she reached for Kate's hand.
Kate shook her head no. She felt too awful to care about much of anything.
Aggie looked at Kate's nails, and then stood up and ran a hand through her hair.
"Is it always this brittle and dry?" Aggie asked as she examined Kate's hair at the scalp.
Kate shook her head no once agian. She was used to shiny and luxurious hair.
"Increased appetite?" Aggie pressed on and Kate nodded yes.
"Fatigue?" Aggie added questioningly.
"Extreme." Kate said blithely.
"Loss of smell?" Ducky asked, knowing where Aggie was going with the questioning.
"Not lost, distorted." Kate explained.
"Bleeding gums?" Ducky added.
"Everytime I brush my teeth." Kate groaned.
"Any change in bathroom habits?" Aggie said in a much quieter tone.
Kate balked at the question. This was beyond embarassing. She knew Tony was around somewhere and he'd never let her live it down.
Kate motioned for Aggie to come closer.
She whispered in the older woman's ear "yes." Aggie only nodded as she went back to the table and examined the glass of water.
"Ducky." She motioned for her friend to join her.
"Oh my." Ducky said as he looked at the glass.
"Caitlin...you're anemic." Ducky said with certainty as he looked at Kate and Jethro.
"You're not getting enough B-12 vitamin either." Aggie added.
"What? Is that serious?" Jethro asked as his grip on Kate's shoulders tightened. He couldn't lose her. He wouldn't let that happen.
"It can be. It's not uncommon in pregnant women at all, but I must say Kate must be in a pretty bad way. The cardiovascular risks are staggering if left untreated. She really needs an accurate blood test. I'm afraid I can't even get a proper prescription for her without one." Ducky explained.
"Kate when is your next appointment?" Ducky asked.
"Next week." Jethro answered for Kate.
"Not good enough." Ducky said as he excused himself to go make a few phone calls.
"I didn't realize you were a doctor too." Kate said as she stared at Aggie.
"Honey, I'm the one Ducky calls when he's stumped. I'm an expert in mineral deficiencies and poisonings." Aggie smiled as she said it.
Ducky returned fifteen minutes later and scribbled an address on a piece of paper.
"We'll take care of Maggie. He can see you in an hour." Ducky said as he handed Jethro the paper.
"Kate...weren't you just in the hospital last night?" Aggie questioned.
Kate nodded.
"And they didn't try to figure out why you fainted?" Aggie pressed on.
"Nope, I think they just assumed it was because I'm pregnant." Kate said plainly.
"Can I help with anything?" Ziva asked as she approached the group.
"Get me new body." Kate joked.
Everybody laughed at the small joke.
Kate was in bed warm and comfortable when Jethro walked into the bedroom.
Maggie had fallen asleep earlier than usual, worn out from the excitement of the days events.
"Here you are." Jethro said as he handed Kate three pills and a bottle of water.
"Ducky?" Kate asked.
"Just dropped them off. I think he'll be having a very nice Valentine's Day." Jethro said with a grin.
"They were on their way somewhere fancy." Jethro added.
"I'm sorry. I feel like I ruined everything." Kate said as she swallowed her pills with a gulp of water.
"Not at all. I'm just glad we can make you better now." Jethro sighed as he curled up next to Kate.
"I love you." Kate whispered as Jethro rested his head on Kate's lap, one hand splayed across her stomach, and she lazily ran a hand through his hair.
"I love you." Jethro whispered back.