A/N: Hello! Thanks for reviewing and the alerts! So, I went over my timeline of the past 25 chapters, and according to how I deciphered it, it is around February in the story now. Also, I apologize for disappearing for the past couple of weeks. I've been super busy with work and my birthday (I'm 19 now!) and getting ready to go on vacation. But, I'm back! Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own NCIS or any original characters.

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Over the next several days, Ziva's mindset had not improved. She hated being confined to bed rest and wanted to be able to leave her apartment. When Tony was at work, she was overly bored, even though she did appreciate Janice being there. Even when Tony was home, she couldn't find enjoyment in her days. Sure, Tony tried to keep her happy. He would cook for her, make sure she had everything she needed, watch movies with her, and spend as much time with her as possible, but Ziva craved interaction with others. Abby had visited twice, but Ziva understood that she was busy with her own life. All Ziva could do was lay around and try to make the best of her situation, which she was finding impossible to do.

One morning, Ziva was lying in bed a couple hours after Tony had left for work. She felt wide awake, and she could hear Janice in the kitchen. Ziva turned her head and looked out her bedroom window at the outdoor scene. There was a thin blanket of snow covering the ground, and the tree branch outside her window was frozen with icicles dangling from it. Ziva watched as the branch slightly wavered as the cool winter breeze blew. She closed her eyes and imagined being outside, hearing the snow crunch under her feet and feeling the wind in her hair and against her skin. When her eyes opened, they fell upon the window latch. Slowly and carefully, Ziva sat up in bed. She paused for a moment to make sure Janice wasn't on her way toward the bedroom. When Ziva was confident that Janice wasn't coming to check on her, she slipped her legs out from under the covers and stood up slowly. Ziva rarely got out of bed, and her body was sore from her condition and the fact she had been in bed for the past several hours. With caution, Ziva proceeded to the window and unlocked it before pushing it open. Instantly, the cold air filled the room and the scent of the outdoors filled Ziva's nostrils. Feeling as though she hadn't been outside in an eternity, Ziva stood there taking in the beauty of the world in front of her. She barely heard her bedroom door opening behind her.

"You're up," Janice observed. Ziva turned around to face her neighbor.

"Yes," she replied.

"What are you doing?" Janice asked.

"It looked so inviting," Ziva said. "I wanted to feel the fresh air again." Janice offered a sympathetic smile.

"It seems like you've been inside a lot longer than you actually have been, I know," she said gently. "But when the day finally comes that you've been waiting for, and you hold your babies for the first time, all of this will seem like nothing."

"June seems very far away," Ziva sighed, referring to her due date. "I am sure I will go crazy living like this for that much longer."

"I know it seems like that now," Janice said. "But it really will be here before you know it." Ziva silently hoped that Janice was right. "Would you like to come out into the living room?"

"Yes, please," Ziva replied. Janice went to the couch and laid a pillow on one end and a folded up blanket on the other end. Ziva sat on the couch, using the pillow to support her back.

"Are you comfortable?" Janice asked. Ziva nodded. She was really getting annoyed that everyone had to look out for her like that. She didn't like not being independent, and it bothered her more and more as time went on.

"What is the date?" Ziva asked. "I lose track quite a bit, being in bed so much."

"February thirteenth," Janice replied, checking her calendar. Ziva nodded; just a little over four months until her due date. "Tomorrow is Valentine's Day," Janice added.

"Not that I am able to enjoy it," Ziva sighed.

"You don't need to go anywhere to enjoy Valentine's Day," Janice smiled at her. "But why don't you lay down and make sure you're resting." Janice handed Ziva the remote for the television and Ziva turned it to a tv movie. She let the movie play as she became consumed in her thoughts.

At work, Tony was down in Abby's lab because Gibbs had sent him down to her with a new piece of evidence regarding their current case. Gibbs had gone out for coffee as Tony was heading down to the lab, so Tony figured he had time to talk to Abby before he needed to go back upstairs.

"It's strange not having Ziva here at all," Abby said, breaking the silence. She knew Tony wanted to talk, so she initiated the conversation.

"Yeah it is," he agreed.

"So how is she doing?" Abby asked.

"She's pretty depressed," Tony replied honestly. "She hates bed rest. She's uncomfortable and just miserable."

"Poor thing," Abby pouted sympathetically. "She really doesn't deserve any of this."

"I know," Tony agreed. "She just wants the babies to be born so she can go back to feeling healthy and being with other people."

"I can imagine," Abby sympathized. "But that actually reminds me of something I wanted to run past you."

"What would that be?" Tony asked.

"Well, the first time, I was going to throw Ziva a baby shower," Abby began. "I had planned to this time too, but now with all these issues, she wouldn't really be able to attend one, so I was thinking I could maybe bring a shower to her. I could invite the women like I had planned and we could just have the baby shower in your apartment. Would you and Ziva be okay with that idea?" A huge smile crossed Tony's face and he was extremely grateful for Abby's suggestion. Ziva wanted social interaction, and this would be just the right thing to bring a smile to her face.

"Of course I'm okay with it," Tony said. "And Ziva would love to see you."

"Okay, great," Abby smiled. "We can have it right in your living room. It won't be anything big, obviously. Just some women getting together. We'll have food and presents. I'm sure there are games that Ziva can do from the couch." Tony laughed as he thought of Ziva participating in baby shower games. But at this point, she would probably do anything if it meant being around other people.

"Alright, well you have fun planning that. Just let me know when you plan on doing it," Tony said. Abby promised that she would let him know in a couple of days, and Tony went back upstairs to get back to work.

When Tony got home that night, Ziva was back in bed. He was a few hours later than usual, and when he entered the bedroom it was completely dark. The only light was the light from the moon shining in through the window. He quietly changed clothes and got into bed next to his wife. Ziva didn't stir at all as he kissed the top of her head and quickly fell asleep.

The next morning, Ziva slowly came out of her slumber to the feeling of her hair being lightly tugged. When she opened her eyes, she noticed Tony sitting on the edge of the bed, already fully clothed for work, playing with her hair and watching her sleep.

"You haven't left yet?" she yawned and wiped the sleep from her eyes. Tony shook his head.

"I couldn't leave without giving you these," he replied and pulled a bouquet of roses from behind his back. "The red one is to symbolize our one complete year of marriage, and the white ones symbolize each month that has passed since our anniversary. We're well on our way to a second red rose." Tony gave her his signature smile, and Ziva couldn't help but smile back. She was overcome with happiness at the thought that Tony had put into the gift.

"Thank you," she said sitting up. "They are beautiful." Ziva accepted the flowers from her husband and leaned in to smell them. As Tony ran his fingers through her hair, he was happy to see that Ziva was finally experiencing some joy again. He had been longing to see a real smile on her face for such a long time.

"You're welcome. Happy Valentine's Day," Tony replied.

"Happy Valentine's Day," Ziva smiled. She stretched her arms out to hug him and placed a passionate kiss on his lips. Moments later, they heard a knock on the front door and knew it was Janice.

"I guess I should get going," Tony sighed, looking deeply into Ziva's eyes.

"Okay," she said. "Thanks again for the flowers." She offered another heartfelt smile which Tony returned.

"Anything for you," he replied with a flirtatious wink which received a small chuckle from Ziva. "I love you."

"I love you too," Ziva replied. Tony left the bedroom to let Janice inside and then left for work.

At work, everyone could notice Tony's good mood, and they were quite confused by it. Lately, he had clearly been distracted due to Ziva's situation, but today he looked strangely at peace. As he took his seat at his desk, Tony could feel McGee watching him from across the room.

"Yes, probie?" he asked.

"You seem rather chipper this morning," McGee observed. Tony smiled and looked over at his coworker.

"And why wouldn't I be? I just spent Valentine's Day morning with the most wonderful woman in the world," he replied in a carefree manner. "It's been a good day so far."

"So is Ziva feeling any better then?" McGee asked hopefully.

"She cheered up a bit this morning," Tony replied. "After I left work last night, I stopped and got her some flowers. She loved them. It was the first time I've seen a real smile from her in what seems like ages."

"Well that was very nice of you," McGee nodded. "I'm glad things are starting to look up."

"Thanks," Tony sighed. "I just hate seeing her so depressed. I wanted her to be happy again soon. I mean, I know Abby's planning a baby shower for her, but who knows when that's going to be."

"Actually, I have just the answer for you!" Abby exclaimed as she rounded the corner into the bullpen. She had come up from her lab and looked just as chipper as always.

"Good morning, Abby," McGee greeted her.

"Happy Valentine's Day, Timmy," she smiled at him. McGee returned the greeting and smile before Abby turned back to Tony.

"You've picked a date for the shower?" Tony asked her. Abby nodded.

"Yep! How does Saturday sound?" she asked.

"Which Saturday?" Tony asked.

"This one!" Abby replied. Tony looked at the calendar and noticed how soon this was.

"Abby, don't you think that's kind of short notice?" he asked. "I mean, can you really plan a whole shower by this Saturday?" Abby was grinning ear to ear and Tony noticed a slight look of embarrassment was threatening to cross her face before she replied.

"Well, you see, I kind of already have everything ready," she replied. "I already bought the decorations during the first pregnancy. Food will be no problem, and I've already talked to a bunch of women. I think the sooner we can raise Ziva's spirits, the better!" Tony shrugged; he couldn't argue with that logic.

"Well, if you really think you can have everything ready by Saturday, then it's absolutely fine with me," Tony said. "I can leave when you get there, and you can have the afternoon for the shower."

"Great!" Abby squealed. "Okay, thanks. I'll have everything ready, and it will be so fun!" Tony smiled as he watched the bubbly scientist nearly skip back to the elevator to go back to her lab. He was so grateful that Abby was going to throw a shower for Ziva, and he hoped that everything went well. Ziva deserved it.

The rest of the week went by surprisingly quickly, and soon it was Saturday morning. Tony woke up and made eggs, bacon, and toast for breakfast. When Ziva woke up, Tony served her breakfast in bed and sat next to her as she ate. Abby had told him not to ruin the surprise for Ziva, but Tony thought Ziva should at least be somewhat presentable for the shower, so while he watched her eat, he thought of how to suggest it to her without ruining the surprise.

"So, uh, Abby's coming over in a few hours," he decided to say. Ziva looked at him with excitement in her eyes. She loved when Abby visited.

"When?" she asked.

"Around one," Tony replied. Ziva looked at the clock and realized it was ten o'clock.

"Alright. I have time," she sighed. When she finished eating, Ziva brushed her hair and pulled it back into a ponytail and changed into black sweat pants and a t-shirt. She and Tony laid in bed until twelve thirty when Abby texted Tony to tell him she was outside the apartment.

"Well, you get your rest," he said lamely, not able to think of an excuse to leave. Ziva looked confused at him as he kissed her head and excused himself from the room.

"She's awake," Tony whispered as soon as he opened the door. "So you'll have to be quiet." Abby nodded and entered the apartment. She had balloons and baby shower decorations with her. Quickly, she explained to Tony how she wanted the room decorated, and within fifteen minutes, she was satisfied. The two of them set the food up on the counter in the kitchen, and by one o'clock, the baby shower was ready. Abby excused herself to go outside and wait on the women to arrive so they could surprise Ziva at once.

"Alright," Tony whispered. "I'll go on back into the bedroom, and you come on in when you're ready to bring her out." Abby nodded her agreement and left.

"Where did you go?" Ziva asked when Tony reentered.

"Just had to make a phone call," he replied lamely. Ziva gave him a questioning look but he dropped the subject.

"So whatcha watching?" he asked as he sat next to her on the bed.

"Nothing really," Ziva replied, turning off the television. "Is Abby here yet?"

"No," Tony replied.

"It is ten after one," Ziva observed as she checked the clock. "You are sure she is coming today?"

"Positive," Tony replied. Seconds later, Tony and Ziva heard the front door open and then Abby came into their bedroom.

"Hello!" she greeted cheerfully.

"Hi, Abby," Ziva replied.

"How are you feeling?" Abby asked from the doorway.

"I am feeling alright today," Ziva replied.

"Good," Abby replied with a smile. "That's great to hear."

"You can come on in if you'd like," Ziva offered and Abby shook her head.

"Actually, why don't we hang out in the living room instead?" she suggested. Ziva shrugged and decided to go along with it. She got out of bed and let Abby lead her down the hallway.

"Why are all the lights off?" Ziva wondered out loud as they turned in to the living room. Abby smiled at her and flicked on the light switch.

"Surprise!" exclaimed the shower guests. Ziva's mouth dropped in shock and she laughed in happiness. Abby had been so excited about throwing her a shower for Landon, Ziva should have expected this for the twins.

"A baby shower?" she observed, looking around the room at the decorations.

"You deserve it," Abby smiled.

"Thank you!" Ziva exclaimed and returned the hug that Abby was wrapping her in. Ziva looked around at the guests and noticed women from work and the apartment building. Some of the nuns that Abby was friends with were there as well. Then, feeling his presence behind her, Ziva turned to face Tony.

"Did you know about this?" she asked.

"How else would it have happened in our home?" he smiled. Ziva hugged him and gave him a quick kiss.

"Thank you," she said.

"You're welcome," he replied, rubbing her back. "But it was all Abby."

"Why don't you come on over to the couch," Abby suggested.

"Alright, well you ladies have fun," Tony said and gave Ziva one last hug before excusing himself from the shower.

"Abby, this is incredible," Ziva said as she sat next to her on the couch. "Thank you so much."

"It's really no problem at all," Abby replied. "I wanted to do this."

Over the next couple of hours, the room-full of women spent time talking, eating, and even playing shower games. Ziva had an excellent time at the baby shower, and she was very grateful for what Abby did for her. She knew that not only did she and Tony have a wonderful friend, but her babies had an absolutely wonderful godmother as well.

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A/N: Alrighty, there you have chapter 26! I promise the next chapter will be up tomorrow! Please review!