AN: This is the final chapter. Thank you to all who read, followed or made this a favorite. I enjoyed writing this little story so I hope you enjoyed reading.
Betrayal
Chapter 25
The next day Jethro took a long walk alone on the beach while Mike played grandpa with Mattie. When he'd gone about a mile he sat down and looked out at the water and thought about Jenny. And Ana. It wasn't Jenny that was holding him back. He accepted that she was gone and he knew she would be kicking his butt right now if she saw him afraid to admit he was in love with Ana. He believed she would want him to be happy and get on with life. And, he had to admit he was happy. He was happy to have Ana in DC, to have her in his life. He was happy to have a chance to go back to NCIS and of course he was very happy to be Mattie's dad. So, what the hell was his problem? Was he afraid Ana would die? No, he didn't really think that would happen. It could of course but surely no one was that unlucky; not even him. Then what? Jethro couldn't come up with any explanation of his reluctance to move on. So, if he couldn't figure out the reason not to move on then maybe it was because there wasn't one.
Jethro decided to list all the reasons to move on and see if there was anything left stopping him. He had to start with Mattie of course; his son was his number one reason for getting himself on track. Next was Ana. He had a woman who loved him, was accepting of his ongoing grief issues, and who said she'd wait for him no matter what. There were lots of other good things in his life; friends like Ducky and his old team, he was healthy, had a great place to live and of course he had Noemi taking care of him and Mattie. Now he even had a chance to go back to work where he really wanted to be. And again, he had Ana. A beautiful, loving, passionate woman who refused to let him go.
"You're an idiot, Gunny! Wake up and smell the coffee….it doesn't get better than what you have now. Get your ass back to DC and tell Ana you love her and want her always. Stop hiding behind Jenny and what happened with you two. You're missing out on all the good things love can do for you."
That voice in his head finally got through to him. Jethro walked back to the house knowing he was ready once and for all to accept Ana's love and give all of his to her. He felt like a new man. He was ready for his future and ready to let go of the past.
The next afternoon while they were all lounging around on the porch Ana called to wish Matthew a happy birthday. He was very excited to talk on the phone and told her at least four times that he was three now and a big boy.
"I love you Mattie and I'll see you when you get home okay?"
"Okay, love you Ana."
"Give the phone to daddy. Bye."
Mattie handed the phone to his dad who took it and walked out into the yard.
"Can you tell he's excited about being three?"
"Yes, that has certainly made an impression on him. Are you guys celebrating?"
"Carmelita wants us to come in for supper so we'll do that. She promised Mattie a chocolate cake and ice cream."
"Good. I'm glad you're doing that. I'm sorry to miss it."
"This is the last one we're doin' without you."
"It is?"
"Yes. And this is the last vacation I'm taking without you. Just so you know."
"Well, I like the sound of that and I'd love to hear more but damn, I'm getting paged. I love you Jethro. I'll see you tomorrow night."
"Yes you will. Bye. Love you."
For the first time in traveling with Mattie things didn't go well for the two of them. They were delayed all day long and Mattie was not a happy camper by the time they got on their last leg home. Jethro had used up all his patience and understanding so was greatly relieved when his unhappy child fell asleep. It didn't matter that they were going to be late because Ana had sent him a text that she was working late and wouldn't be home until at least ten that night. Because of all the flight delays Jethro and Matthew were only home about twenty minutes before Ana got there. Jethro had gotten Mattie into pajamas and settled in bed and was unpacking his bag when he heard the front door open and close. In that instant of knowing Ana was in the house Jethro felt himself relax. He felt a little spark of something and in that moment everything suddenly seemed right again. He couldn't wait to get his hands on the woman he had finally acknowledged he was in love with.
He got downstairs as Ana was hanging her coat in the hall closet.
"Hello beautiful."
Ana nearly jumped out of her skin. She knew he was home because of the truck in the driveway and lights being on but she hadn't heard him in the house yet.
"Oh lord, Jethro you scared me. Welcome home."
Jethro had her in his arms and was kissing her almost before she finished her sentence. More kissing and touching and holding followed by more kissing and finally they managed to make their way to the couch. Eventually Jethro started a fire and Ana found them some food since they were both starving. Ana wanted a full report on Mike and the folks at the cantina and Jethro said he'd fill her in all the gossip and news.
"Before we get to all that I have something to tell you. When I heard you come in tonight I felt like I could finally breathe again. I mean…I just felt something in my gut that felt like everything was okay now. I'm not saying this right but I want you to know I figured out some stuff while I was gone and I'm ready for us to really be us. I love you Ana. All of me loves you."
"Oh thank god because I didn't renew my lease!"
Jethro looked at her for a moment then burst out laughing. They held onto each other laughing and kissing until they heard fireworks in the neighborhood.
"Sounds like the new year has arrived."
"Good, more excuses to kiss you."
"Let's go upstairs and see what else we can think of to do."
"Yes, ma'am."
That was a new year's celebration they would never forget. After all it was the beginning of a new life for all of them.
Very early the next morning before Mattie woke up, Jethro and Ana were in the kitchen drinking coffee and talking. After Jethro finally told Ana all about how Mike was doing and how Eric was doing with the clinic he sat down and took her hand.
"I have something I want to tell you. When I was in Mexico without you I didn't feel very good. I don't mean sick but just like something wasn't right. And it wasn't. You weren't there and that meant a part of me was missing. I don't want to feel like that again. That's why I said no more birthdays or vacations without you. I need you in my life Ana. I want you to be with me forever how ever long that will be. I love you, babe."
Ana had tears in her eyes. She knew how much Jethro hated it when she cried but he'd have to deal with it because there was no stopping them now.
"Oh, Jethro, I don't know what to say except I love you and I don't ever want you to go on a vacation without me. Or celebrate anything without me."
Jethro pulled her onto his lap and kissed her. "When can we get your stuff and get you moved in here?"
"Today if possible."
"Anything's possible."
That afternoon they moved Ana's few belongings to Jethro's house. She settled in the house and the master bedroom and Jethro told her he finally felt like it was a home. That he felt complete again.
Three days later while Ana was at work Jethro went back to NCIS for the first time in over three years. He sat in his car in the parking lot for a while getting himself prepared to walk back into the building where he and Jenny had shared so much. Images of all the hard work and laughter and tears and some pretty fun times in her office ran through his mind as he sat there watching agents come and go. He wanted to be here but he dreaded that first time in the building without Jenny there.
Finally Jethro got out and made his way to the entrance. The guard on duty recognized him and welcomed him back. Jethro shook his hand and told him he was there to see the Director. The guard told him to go on in. When Jethro stepped off the elevator on "his" floor he saw that Tony and the team were out. He thought that was probably for the best. He quickly went up the stairs and without hesitating entered the outer office of the Director. Cynthia was still there and she beamed at him when he walked in.
"Oh my gosh I am so very happy to see you."
Cynthia came from behind her desk and gave Jethro a hug.
"I'm glad to see you after all this time Cynthia. How are you?"
"I'm fine. Is it true you're coming back?"
"That's what I'm here to find out."
"Please tell me you have a picture of your little one."
"Sure."
Jethro pulled out his phone and showed Cynthia several pictures of Matthew. And one of Ana.
"He looks just like you. And who is this lovely lady?"
"This is Ana Mendez. She's a doctor. And my….well I don't know what to say she is except very important and hopefully a wife some day. But don't spread that around just yet. Please."
"My lips are sealed. She's beautiful. Tell me about Matthew."
"He just turned three last week. He talks a lot sometimes and other times he's very quiet. So, like his mom some days and me others. He has a wonderful disposition; hardly ever fussy or unhappy. He loves trucks and blocks and books. Mattie is a joy, a fun little guy."
"Agent Gibbs I'm very happy for you that you have Matthew. And Ana. Now, Director Vance is in MTAC and said for you to go on in and he'll be with you in a few minutes. He thought maybe you'd want a minute or two in the office alone this first time. Go on in when you're ready and I'll let him know you're here."
"Thank you Cynthia."
Jethro went into the office and closed the door behind him. He stood there for a long moment looking around and remembering. He'd been thinking about this moment since he agreed to come talk to Leon about the job. The smartest thing he'd done was talk to Ana about it. She'd listened to him talk about Jenny and work and lots of stuff until he felt like he'd said all he needed to say. He'd admitted he was a little wary about being back at NCIS but that he also wanted desperately to go back. Ana hadn't said much really she just listened and the held onto him and that made everything alright. He felt much better after that and now standing in the office he was okay with being there. He could still picture Jenny behind the desk and standing looking out the window and yelling at him from the other side of the room but none of those memories were terrible. They were simply memories he'd deal with and put aside.
After a couple of minutes that felt longer, Jethro sat down at the conference table and pretty quickly after that Director Vance walked in followed by the Secretary of the Navy. Jethro stood up and held out his hand.
"Morning, Director. Mr. Secretary."
"Good morning Gibbs. Thanks for coming in."
"Morning Gunny. I just wanted to say hello. I'm going to wander around and bother people. Come find me in autopsy when you're through here."
"I will."
Jethro and Director Vance sat down and Vance handed Jethro some papers that formally described the job he was offering.
Jethro looked at them and then said, "Why don't you just tell me what you think I can do for you, Director."
Vance did just that for the next fifteen minutes or so. "Basically, what I want and what the SecNav has agreed we need, is for you to more or less be a team leader for the agency instead of just the MCRT. I need you to offer suggestions or advice when an investigation is stuck. All the teams will report to you and you will be responsible for signing off on all their final reports. More paperwork than you like, Gibbs."
"I've sorta gotten used to paperwork the last year or so. It sounds good and if you're sure I'm your man then I accept."
"Excellent."
Vance had all the necessary forms already on his desk so Jethro signed everything and just like that he was back.
"You still have a badge?"
"I do."
"Good. Here are your new creds."
"Pretty confident weren't you?"
"Yes." Vance laughed as he handed the newly printed credentials to Jethro.
"Thank you, Director. I'm not sure you understand what this means to me."
"I'm glad to have you Gibbs. We moved some people around so you will have the office on the other side of MTAC. Cynthia has a suggestion for your administrative assistant and I'd recommend you listen to her. She's almost never wrong."
"Yes, I remember. I'll need an assistant?"
"Yes, to keep the paperwork straight for you and help you stay organized. Trust me you'll like it."
"I'm sure I will."
"Okay, can you get started by the fifteenth?"
"Sure."
"Great. Now, I've got a meeting so Cynthia will show you the office and tell you who your assistant should be."
The two men stood up and Jethro shook hands with his new boss.
"Thanks again. I'll see you the fifteenth."
After spending about half an hour with Cynthia, Jethro went down to autopsy to see Ducky and Paul Burke. He found them laughing together at Ducky's desk.
"Hey Duck."
"Ah Jethro, I'm thrilled to hear you're coming back to us."
"I'm pretty happy too, Duck."
Turning to the SecNav Jethro said, "I have a feeling you had a lot to do with this. Am I right?"
"Yes. That's one reason I'm still here. I want to talk to you about this."
Ducky stood up and said, "Let me give you two some privacy."
"No, Ducky please stay. I think you should hear this too."
Jethro pulled up a rolling stool and sat down between two of his oldest, most trusted friends. Ducky had been with Jethro and Jenny in Europe and had been through a lot of difficulties with him. Paul Burke had been in Kuwait with Jethro. He was there when their CO told Jethro that Shannon and Kelly were dead and he was injured in the same mortar attack that almost cost Jethro his leg. Jethro trusted these men with his life. Paul credited Jethro with saving his life in Kuwait but Jethro didn't take any credit for that even though it was very true.
"Sounds pretty serious, Paul."
"Yeah, it is." Paul got up and paced around for a moment then came back to his seat. "Okay, what I want to say is that I'm sorry I didn't get Jenny her assistant years ago when she asked for one. She made a good argument but I just couldn't find the money at the time. Jethro, maybe if I'd gotten her the help she needed she wouldn't have done what she did. Maybe you wouldn't have had to leave and all that mess wouldn't have…."
Jethro reached over and put his hand on Paul's arm, "Hey, that's not why she did what she did. That was all about us, not the job. Paul, you can't blame yourself for that. The blame for what Jenny did was hers and mine."
"I've just thought ever since then that the pressure of the job got to her and if I'd done more to support her maybe it wouldn't have happened. I know it sounds crazy but there it is."
"Paul, listen to me. Even if Jenny had never had the affair she'd still be gone. The difference is if I hadn't found out about the affair and left I'd never have met Ana and that means Matthew and I would be alone now. As it is, I have someone to love again and Matthew will have a mother. I know it's an overused phrase but it's true, everything happens for a reason."
"I guess I hadn't thought of all that. Thank you Jethro."
"No, I'm the one who needs to say thank you. I've been struggling for the past two years to figure out how to have a future. With Ana's help I realized part of what was holding me back was I felt like I didn't know who I was anymore. You know, not a Marine or an Agent. Now, coming back to NCIS I do. I finally feel like I can move on with my life. Move on with Ana and make a family with her and Mattie. You made that possible, Paul. I can never thank you enough for that."
"Well, considering that if you hadn't shot that bad guy who was about to grab me in Kuwait I'd be dead long ago, I'd say we're even."
Ducky was busy wiping his eyes while Paul and Jethro hugged and slapped each other on the back.
"Alright, I have to get back to work. Ducky thanks for the break. Jethro, make me look good will ya?"
"Do my best."
"Hey, is there a wedding in your future?"
"Probably. Not sure when but yes, I'd say so."
"Good. See you guys later."
Jethro and Ducky talked for a while longer and Ducky told Jethro how happy he was for him not only to be coming back to NCIS but also to have Ana in his life.
"Things are really on the right track, Duck. I'm almost afraid to say it out loud in case I jinx things."
"No, you deserve this happiness Jethro. This job will be good for you and for the agency. You just enjoy your life my friend."
"That's the plan."
As planned Jethro went back to NCIS on January fifteenth. He loved being back in the action and back with the people who had meant so much to him for so long. He liked having an office and an assistant and plenty to keep him busy. Being able to see Ducky and Abby regularly along with DiNozzo and McGee was as good as he thought it would be.
Jethro and Ana were engaged on Valentine's Day simply because Jethro couldn't wait any longer to propose and Tony wouldn't leave the idea alone.
Ana was working the seven to three shift that day so she was already home when Jethro got there about six o'clock. There had been no talk of marriage since Ana moved in so Jethro was pretty sure he was going to surprise her with his proposal. He had no doubt about her answer but he was still a little nervous. The past month had been a busy but very happy one for the couple. Ana loved her work and now that Jethro was back at NCIS he was at last truly happy at work too. Being back where he and Jenny had worked together for so long was not difficult; in fact it seemed to give Jethro some peace. Tonight he was going to take the final step in his journey back from the pain of losing Jenny. He was going to step into his future with Ana and Mattie and he was excited to make that happen.
On his way home Jethro picked up Italian from his favorite spot because they had already arranged for Noemi to go home when Ana got home from work. It seemed Noemi had reconnected with an old friend and he was taking her out to dinner. Jethro kidded her all the time about her running off with Oscar and leaving him but Noemi assured him that was not going to happen. When he walked in the door Mattie came running from the kitchen and crashed into his daddy.
"Hi, daddy."
Jethro ruffled his son's hair, "Hi little one. You been a good boy today?"
"Yes. Ana gave me a present."
"She did? Why did you get a present?"
"She said I'm her favorite boy."
"I thought I was her favorite."
By this time they were in the kitchen and Ana turned around from the sink smiling at their exchange.
"You are my favorite big boy but Mattie is my favorite little boy."
Jethro leaned in and kissed her, "What happens when he's a big boy too?"
"Then you'll be my favorite old boy."
"Ouch! I love you too."
"Let me have all that and you go change and relax. I'll warm this up and we can eat in about twenty minutes."
"Perfect."
After a relaxing feast of salad, lasagna and breadsticks, Ana shooed her favorite boys out of the kitchen while she cleaned up. She had given Mattie a new puzzle for Valentine's day and he wanted his daddy to help him with it. Ana listened to them talking about how to do the puzzle and she was struck again by how much she loved those two. Since Jethro had come home from Mexico their life together had been everything she'd ever hoped for. All the time she'd waited had been worth it and she knew she and Jethro would be happy together forever.
Since it was a Friday and Ana had a rare Saturday off the next day no one had to get up early so they let Mattie stay up late and roast marshmallows in the fireplace. By the time he was ready for bed his daddy was getting anxious to be alone with Ana and get on with his plans. Jethro got Mattie to bed and while Ana was kissing him goodnight, Jethro hustled to the basement to retrieve the engagement ring from its hiding place in the workbench. He opened the box to check one last time and of course the ring was securely in place. He'd chosen a simple platinum band with inset diamonds that would nestle inside the wedding band when the time came for that. Ziva had gone with him to pick it out and had assured him Ana would love it.
Jethro took a deep breath and headed up the stairs. Ana was already on the couch snuggled under a light blanket waiting for her favorite warming device to show up. Once she had Jethro to snuggle with she wouldn't need a blanket.
"You want some dessert?"
"I'll share a piece with you."
"Okay, I'll be right there."
Jethro went to the kitchen and cut them a piece of cheesecake and got himself a cup of coffee. Ana encouraged more water and less coffee but in Jethro's opinion, dessert called for coffee. Once they were settled Ana ate at least her share of the creamy, wonderful cheesecake.
"Why do you always get this sinful thing?"
"Cos I know you love it as much as I do. Besides, Rosa sent it tonight for Valentine's Day. I didn't order it this time."
"Okay then it's alright."
Jethro set the plate on the table and took a drink of his coffee then put the cup down. He reached behind him and pulled the ring box out of his pocket. Ana was leaning into his side holding onto his arm and Jethro was afraid she was about to fall asleep. She was not. Jethro wasn't the only one with a Valentine gift but she wasn't in a hurry. The fire was perfect, she was full and she was cuddled up with the man of her dreams. What could be better? She was about to find out.
Jethro shifted a little and Ana had to sit up. The next thing she knew Jethro was off the couch and down on one knee. She closed her eyes and took a breath.
"Hey, open your eyes."
She did and when she looked at him he said, "Ana, I love you with all my heart. I want you to be with me always. Will you marry me?"
He held up the ring box and Ana was forced to look away from his face to see the ring. It took her breath away.
"Yes. Yes, a thousand times yes. Oh, Jethro I love you so much."
He slipped the ring on her finger and leaned into her and kissed her softly on the mouth. The kiss went on and on and finally he got up and pulled her into his arms. He danced her around the room and they laughed and kissed and Ana cried tears of pure joy and happiness.
"I surprised you didn't I?"
"Yes, you certainly did. I would have thought the idea of proposing on Valentine's day would be too cliché for you."
"DiNozzo wouldn't let the idea go. I had to shut him up."
"So I should thank Tony for this proposal?"
"I don't care who you thank as long as you said yes, that's all I care about. He can have the credit as long as I get you."
"Well you've surely got me. Now, let's sit down because I have a present for you."
Ana went to the closet and pulled out a gift box she'd hidden there earlier in the day. She went back to the couch and sat down sideways and handed Jethro the box. He had no idea what it might be. It was wrapped in red paper with hearts all over and tied with a white bow. When he didn't open it right away Ana got sort of nervous. She had done very well at hiding her excitement about this gift but now that it was in Jethro's hands she wanted it open.
"Hurry up."
"Geez, okay."
Jethro opened the box and folded back the tissue paper to find a framed picture of Mattie holding something. He didn't pay any attention to that; he was focused on what a handsome boy his son was becoming.
"This is a great picture. When did you do this?"
Ana shook her head. Of course all he saw was his child; not what his child was holding.
"I took it today and had it printed and framed this afternoon before you got home. Jethro, read the sign he's holding."
Jethro looked closer at the picture and saw that Mattie was holding a piece of poster board with a message written in magic marker. The sign said,
I'm going to be a
BIG BROTHER
in September
Jethro read it again and looked up at Ana who by now was about to come out of her skin with excitement.
"Big brother? You're pregnant? Oh my god, Ana that's fabulous. Wow, how….I mean I know how but what….? Never mind I don't care. This is so great."
"Yes. Quite the surprise huh?"
"Are you okay with this?"
"Yes, very much. I wasn't sure how you'd feel though since of course we haven't talked about kids and certainly this is an unexpected development."
"I'm thrilled. I can't think of a better surprise. You have made me unbelievably happy twice tonight. I love you, babe."
Ana had been nervous about telling Jethro about the pregnancy because it was definitely unplanned and they were still in the early stages of living together. She was happy and had been pretty sure he would be too but until she saw his face light up she worried just a tiny bit. Seeing that smile though told her all she needed to know; Jethro was happy.
"I guess our New Year's celebration was even more wonderful than what we thought."
"Apparently. So when did you find out?"
"Just a couple of days ago. It's still very, very early so I'd like to keep this between us for a while. I mean, I don't expect any problems but you never know."
"I understand. We'll keep this to ourselves for a few months. Did you tell Mattie?"
"No, I just said the sign was a wish for daddy."
"Okay, let's keep the picture in the bedroom. Noemi will see it though."
"I don't care if she knows. But no one else for a while."
"I'm good with that. Now, when can you and I get married?"
They were married in a small ceremony on the Navy Yard on April tenth because it was Ana's mother's birthday. Mike was there to escort Ana down the aisle. Ducky stood up for Jethro as the Best Man and Carmelita, who Jethro had flown in as a surprise for Ana, stood up for her as the Maid of Honor. After the wedding everyone gathered at the house for a party that lasted well into the night.
On September twelfth what had begun sometime in the wee hours of New Year's Day finally came to fruition and they welcomed a daughter to the family. Ella Marie had her mother's dark hair and eyes and her father was beside himself with pure happiness when he held his daughter for the first time. Mattie wasn't sure about a baby but he agreed she smelled good and was very soft.
There were still days when Jethro looked at Matthew and missed his mother. But those days were fewer and farther between now. The memory of Jenny was more light than darkness after Jethro gave into the love he felt for Ana. Still, there were some unexpected difficult days in the first few months of Ella's life. Seeing Ana nursing the baby, getting up in the middle of the night, and all the other things that went with having a new baby in the house, brought back a lot of memories for Jethro. He struggled with those memories by himself for a few weeks until one night Ana simply would not allow him to do so any longer.
She found him in the basement late one night when Ella was about three months old. He had started building a wall unit for Ella's room and Ana found him sanding the shelves at midnight.
"Jethro, come to bed."
"In a little while."
"No, not in a little while. You need sleep. And, you need to tell me what's going on with you."
"Nothing."
"Please don't insult me, Jethro. Something has been wrong for the last two weeks and I need you to talk to me. It's about Ella isn't it? Or is it Kelly and having another daughter? Or is it Jenny and Mattie? You think I don't know that watching me with the baby is giving you flashbacks? I can see it in your eyes, Jethro. You don't have to hide it from me."
When he finally looked at her she saw tears in his eyes. He was standing against the workbench, covered in a fine dusting of sawdust and sweat. He looked lost and as sad as Ana had seen him look in a long time. She stood in front of him and leaned in wrapping her arms around him and holding on.
Jethro hugged her and took some deep breaths to try and pull himself together. He'd forgotten somehow just how well Ana could read him.
"I'm sorry" he mumbled into her hair. "Yes, I'm having some trouble with all the memories of those months after Mattie was born."
"Then let's talk about it. Tell me what you're feeling or thinking. I can't fix it but you can't get past it if you don't get it out. You know that. You don't have to apologize. I love you and I want you to enjoy Ella."
"I do enjoy her. I love her totally you have to believe me. I'm not struggling because of her. Please tell me you know how much I adore our child."
"Oh sweetheart, I know that. I know you love her. But you can't fully enjoy her if it's bringing back painful memories all the time. You know you need to get those out in the light and let them go."
"Yes, I do know that and I will but can we start doing that tomorrow? I'm beat and I'd like to have a shower with Ella's mom and then go to bed."
"That sounds good to me. Promise me you won't try and deal with all this alone anymore"
"I promise. I love you."
After that night Jethro was able to talk about his memories and share his sadness which of course made it easier to bear. Ana made a point of including him in all of Ella's care which wasn't hard to do because he was totally smitten with his daughter and was an eager and very competent father. Before long the difficult memories were overwhelmed by the sheer joy Jethro found in having another child and a daughter at that.
The household was now full of laughter and love and Jethro finally had that love he had missed so much; the love of someone who thought he was special and who always made him feel good. Except now he had it not just from one person but from three.
END