The Good Neighbor

by hslacer

Gibbs has been basically alone since the death of his wife. His neighbor Sarah had been alone even though her husband was still alive and in her house. Gibbs has always been there for her, helping her with home repair and still being there for her when she needed anything. It would have continued that way forever until the team gets involved. What will happen is anybody's guess.

38. Chapter 38

The Good Neighbor

Chapter 38 The Proposal and a little Surprise

AN: There is the long awaited romantic proposal. I think there will only be two more chapters unless I get long winded. First I want to thank all of you that have read this story. Second the proposal will be at the National Mall. I have never been there or even to Washington for that matter so I hope you will give me poetic license with some of the things I plan to write about. This is how I picture things from the pictures I have seen. If they don't put up Christmas lights in the trees during November and December, they should. If they don't have lights in the reflecting pool, they should and put colored lights in there during Christmas. And since 9-11 if they close the park at night Gibbs has a way to get it open for his personal needs. After all he is Gibbs. Hope you enjoy this. Been planning it for some time.

NCIS

Previously on NCIS

"No need I am quite warm now." She set the drinks down on the coffee table and plopped on the sofa. "What are we watching?"

"McClintock or True Grit?"

"Ok comedy or drama. Good choices both. We watch McClintock about a month ago. Let's watch John Wayne's best movie."

"Already in the player." Gibbs winked at her. He quickly joined her on the sofa. He put his arm on the back of the sofa. Sarah wrapped a blanket around both of them and snuggled into the curve of his arm. Gibbs started the movie with the remote and the two settled into a comfortable silence.

It was not long before Sarah's breathing evened out and he knew she was asleep. "I love you so much" Gibbs whispered just as he arms went to sleep but there was not a chance he was going to move her. He sat watching the movie and thinking about how the night's events would unfold. He smiled to himself.

NCIS

Sarah was still sleeping until about 4:00 when Gibbs had to move his left arm to wake it up. Sarah felt the movement and woke up immediately. "Arm fall asleep again?"

"Kind of" Sarah sat up and grabbed his arm gently. She began to gently massage the stiff muscles from his shoulder down to his wrist. There were a couple of times she could see his facial features showed pain.

"Sorry" she whispered. "Why do you do this? Once it falls asleep wake me up."

"Can't you look so beautiful when you sleep I hate to disturb you." He leaned in and kissed her softly.

"I mean it. I don't ever want you to ever be hurt because of me.

She massaged Gibbs arm for another few minutes until he began to stretch on his own. "I'm fine now. It's almost 4:30 and we have reservations at 7 and the restaurant is about 30 minutes away."

"Guess you are right." She wrapped her arms around him and laid her head on his shoulder. "Sure you don't want to just stay home, order in and ask me here."

"Nope. Want to take my girl out to dine, dance and a romantic stroll in the moonlight."

"In this weather. Guess I need my snow boots instead of my heels." She joked.

"Oh now don't spoil that dress I bought you with snow boots. I will take care of your feet on our walk. Now go upstairs and beautiful."

"You mean you don't want to take me to dinner in this ensemble."

"Well you are pretty gorgeous in that outfit but I have been dying to see you in that blue dress since Abby brought it in to show me after she bought it so scoot. Upstairs and get dolled up."

"On it Boss." Sarah leaned in and kissed him firmly on the lips. Gibbs put his sore arm around her waist and pulled her closer. Their kisses got more passionate. After about ten minutes Sarah pulled back to get some much needed air into her lungs. "That was nice. But if I don't get dressed we will never make it to the restaurant."

"True, and I don't want to miss this night." Sarah stood up and turned to the stairs. "Love you."

He watched her almost bounce up the stairs. He then got up and started the plans for the evening. First he called and confirmed the reservation and the champagne he had ordered. He then went upstairs and got out his tuxedo. He quickly showered in the master bath since Sarah was in the other one. It did not take long for him to be dressed, shaved and ready to go.

He went back downstairs and went to the truck. He found the corsage he at bought for Sarah while she was at the beauty salon. He came back into the house and sat down on the sofa. He began the wait for Sarah to descend the stairs.

Sarah took a little bit longer that she usually did to get ready but she wanted to be top drawer. She wanted him to be proud of her when they walked into that restaurant. Finally, she stood and looked at herself in the mirror. She still did not feel beautiful but thanks to Ziva and Abby she was able to feel better about her appearance. Rachel has also helped her face herself in the mirror. She checked her dress, her hair and her make up before she walked to the door. She called down to Gibbs. "I think I am ready to go. Is my dress coat downstairs?"

"Yes I have it hanging over the banister. I am ready for the unveiling." Gibbs took his post at the bottom of the stairs. Sarah walked up to the head of the stairs.

"Here I come. Ready or not."

"Oh I am totally ready." Gibbs replied smiling. Sarah looked down at him. He looks marvelous in his black tuxedo with his blue tie that matched his eyes.

She stepped down the stairs. When Gibbs saw her a smile appeared on his face that would rival Rhett Butler's at the bottom of the stairs staring lustfully up at Scarlett O'Hara. He took a couple of steps to meet her on the stairs. "You look totally divine," he whispered into her ear. "You are going to turn heads tonight. I know that blue would look fantastic on you. I hope you feel at beautiful as you look."

She nodded. "I didn't up there looking at myself in the mirror but seeing that look in your eyes and that huge smile on your face makes me feel like a beauty queen."

"Well you are." Gibbs said.
"But you're bias in my favor Agent Gibbs." She kissed his lips gently as not to smear her lipstick.

"I love you is all." He replied. "Again your chariot awaits my princess." He helped Sarah on with her coat and then handed her the wrist corsage. She admired it and kissed him on the cheek with tears in her eyes. "What's wrong sweetheart?"

"Nobody has ever given me a corsage. Never in my life."

"Well that is the first of many. I will even get you a homecoming mum if you want one. Stillwater High or from your high school." Sarah stared at him.

"Thank you. What would I do without you?"

"Not going to let you ever find out." He held out his arm. Sarah took it and Gibbs escorted her outside. As they stepped outside the door Sarah noticed a black limo parked outside the house.

"Is that for us?" Sarah stammered.

"Yep." They went up to the limo. The driver got out and tipped his hat to Sarah as he opened the door. He offered her his hand to help her into the car. Gibbs followed behind her.

The driver closed the door and moved around to the front of the car. He got it and drove off toward the restaurant.

Sarah turned to Gibbs. "Well isn't this a night for surprises?" Gibbs pulled her into a hug.

"Well sweetheart you have no idea."

NCIS

Abby was parked down the street and watched the limo pull away from the curb. She waited until the limo turned the corner and then she pulled into Gibbs' driveway. She got out and started carrying things into the house. A few minutes later Tim McGee drove up and started carrying his supplies into the house.

"Abby, where are you?"

"In the kitchen" Abby answered. She was putting some munchies in the oven.

"Aren't you a little early with those?"

"No. These are for the team. We need some munches for us to decorate." She told him. "You know if there is no food in the house Tony will need to order pizza."

"Somebody say pizza?" Tony replied as he and Ziva entered the kitchen.

"No Tony. Abby has something for us to eat so we are not ordering pizza."

Abby came into the dining room carrying a tray of hot munchies. "Eat up Tony. We have a lot of work to do." Abby set the tray on the dining room table. Tim moved a file of papers Gibbs had sitting there. He dropped a couple of papers out of the file on the floor. He bent down to pick them up. He tried not to read them but the one on top was hard to miss.

"Wait a minute. This is a marriage license."

"A what?" Ziva asked.

"A marriage license. Why would the boss and Sarah have a marriage license when he has not given her the ring yet?"

Tony started talking even though his mouth was full of food. "I think I know. "he mumbled.

"Finish your food Tony." Ziva instructed.

Tony chewed very fast and almost swallowed his food whole. "Sarah and I were talking last week. Seems the Boss was concerned about Sarah. After that shooting a couple of weeks ago where that bullet almost hit him in the car, he wanted Sarah to be able to get his life insurance just in case. Sarah let it slip that they got their marriage license so Gibbs could add her to his benefits package.

Just then Abby started to squeal and jump up and down. "Oh I wonder. I wonder. Would that be something if the agreed to it?"

"What Abby?" Tim asked then he looked into her eyes. Then he looked down at the marriage license. " Abby you're not thinking of planning their wedding for tonight. Are you?" Abby nodded. "That's crazy. Gibbs would never agree to that."

Tony quickly swallowed another pizza roll. "Don't think Gibbs would be opposed to it. Sarah might however. Wouldn't she want her daughters here?"

"Well we can call them but after the way they acted this morning I would say they won't come. "Abby confirmed. "Not sure after what Sarah told them she will care."

"Abby if we do this who do we get to perform the ceremony? "Ziva asked.

Tony wiped his face with a napkin before he talked. "We could call Col. Ellis. He would probably do it no problem."

"Col. Ellis." Ziva said as she tried desperately to remember who he was. "Oh I remember him now. Gibbs was very respectful of his son. I am sure he would do it but should we even considerate it. Would not Gibbs be mad? He wanted an engagement party not a wedding."

Abby interrupted her. "We can have it all ready and offer it. If they disagree then we just have the party."

Tim and Tony looked at each other. They knew that Abby's mind was made up and no logic they offered would change it. "Ok Abby" they agreed. "Let's get the plans in place."

Abby clapped and jumped up and down. Ziva turned to Tony. "I hope we are not making a mistake."

"I know."

NCIS

The limo carrying Gibbs and Sarah arrived at a restaurant near the national mall. To Sarah the lights of the city were so beautiful and the four inches of snow that was still on the grassy areas glistened in the twinkling of the city lights and the lights from the cars in the area. It was like a wonderland. The driver opened the car door. Gibbs got out first and held his hand out to help her out of the car.

Sarah stepped out. She looked around the city like a child seeing the family Christmas tree for the first time. "This has to be the most beautiful night I have ever seen."

Gibbs pulled her close to him. He whispered into her ear. "It was ordered just for you." He then kissed her ear. "Love you so much." He then turned to the limo driver and nodded. "Will call when we need you."

Gibbs escorted Sarah into the restaurant. He helped her remove her coat and then handed it to the coat check clerk along with his coat. They then went up to the hostess who immediately escorted them to a table near the large windows in the back. The windows opened onto the city and the lights from the national mall. Sarah gasps when as she took in the view. "Oh my God. It is so beautiful." Gibbs pulled out her chair and helped her to sit down at the table.

"Chosen just for you." He kissed her on the cheek and then he went to the chair on the other side of the table.

"Your waiter George will be here with the champagne you requested in a few moments." Gibbs nodded.

"Champagne really?"

"Special night. I want you to try some please." Sarah smiled and nodded. Normally she did not drink but tonight was a night to remember and she wanted to make the most of it. "Also calories do not count tonight."

"Wasn't even going to think about what I eat. I plan to totally enjoy this special night."

The waiter quickly brought the champagne. He poured Gibbs a small amount to taste. He sipped the wine from the champagne flute. He looked at the waiter and smiled. The waiter then filled Gibbs glass before pouring some for Sarah. She nodded thank you. "Now can I get you two an appetizer."

Both answered in unison. "No thank you. We will be saving some room for dessert." Gibbs looked into Sarah's eyes and smiled. Sarah giggled.

The waiter nodded. "I will give you a few minutes to decide on an entrée then." He quietly backed away. It was clear that this couple only had eyes for each other.

Sarah sipped the wine. Her gaze was locked into Gibbs blue eyes. "This tastes better than I thought it would." She took another sip. "The bubbles tickle." Gibbs just smiled. He loved exposing her to new experiences, especially the ones most women take for granted. "Why are you grinning like the Chasseur cat?"

"Just love you." He picked up the menu. "Well I am having the bourbon steak with mashed potatoes and a salad."

"That sounds good but make mine the smallest one they have."

"Of course." The waiter soon returned and Gibbs ordered for both of them. Sarah continued to sip her wine as she stared out the window at the view. Gibbs got up and walked to Sarah's chair. "I would love a dance with the most beautiful woman in the place." He smiled holding out his hand for her to take.

Sarah looked up at him. Her eyes were wet with tears. "You sure you mean me." Gibbs took both her hands and gently lifted her out of the chair. Without a word he kissed her gently and then he led her out on the dance floor. He nodded to the director of the live ensemble. The music started and Sarah recognized it immediately. It was You are so Beautiful written by Billy Preston and Bruce Fisher. Gibbs pulled her closer and began to move her around the dance floor. Sarah listened to the song. Gibbs hoped she would internalize the words to this song.

He leaned down closer to her ear and whispered "You are so beautiful to me, can't you see. You're everything I hoped for and you're everything I need." He then lifted her chin and kissed away her tears. "You bring such joy and happiness. It's like a dream. You are heavens gift to me."

Sarah could not help but smile at him. "What am I going to do with you?"

"Believe me when I tell you that no matter what you are the most beautiful woman in the world in my eyes. And mine are the only ones that count." The music ended and the couple then noticed that they were the center of attention of the patrons of the restaurant. Gibbs chuckled. "Well I did say I wanted you to be noticed." Gibbs escorted her back to the table just as their food was being served. "Happy?"

"I don't think I have ever been happier." Sarah told him.

"Good there is more to come." Gibbs smiled.

NCIS

Dinner was a fairy tale. The couple talked, ate and danced. They shared an elegant dessert. Then they got up to leave. Gibbs had called the limo and it was waiting outside the restaurant. "Now we are going for that walk I promised." The limo drove them to a place near the Lincoln Memorial and stopped the car. He opened the door and Gibbs got out. Sarah turned to get out of the car. "Hold on. Driver my lady needs her glass slippers." The driver opened the trunk of the car and pulled out Sarah's snow boots. "Told you I would always protect you." Gibbs took the boots from the driver and kneeled down and replaced her high heels with the snow boots.

Sarah could not help but giggle as her prince charming changed her shoes. "This is why I love you."

Gibbs then took her hand and helped her out of the car. "Shall we go for our walk."

"Are we going to the reflecting pool?"

"Not saying." But Sarah knew right where they were going. He escorted her in the direction of the pool. The trees that in April would be full of cherry blossoms were not full of twinkling Christmas lights and the normal white lights in the reflecting pool were now replaced with red and green lights.

The snow was still on the grassy areas of the park but on the sidewalks it had melted since the sidewalks were still warm from the above average heat they had lately. Gibbs and Sarah walked passed the reflecting pool. Sarah was like a child. The walk was so beautiful. She wrapped her arms around Gibbs' arm. She leaned her head against his arm. Gibbs patted her hands.

They continued to walk toward the Washington Monument. They came upon a bench. Gibbs stopped at the bench and offered her a seat. Sarah sat down. Gibbs sat down next to her and pulled her into a hug. "You warm enough."

"Yes. This is the most gorgeous sight. Do they always decorate it like this?"

"Don't know. I just knew about this year. You have always said you love walking here." Gibbs replied. They couple sat there looking around the sights. Gibbs waited just long enough that he could feel Sarah squirming with anticipation. He got up. Sarah started to join him. "Stay put."

Gibbs then went down on one knee in front of her. Tears filled Sarah's eyes almost immediately. "Should you be doing that? Your knee." Gibbs reached up and pulled her lips closed.

"Sh! I have something to ask you. Knee's fine." Gibbs glared. Sarah smiled and kissed his fingers. "Now the first time I asked you it was a spur of the moment kind of thing. Nothing planned, no romance just me blurting out what had been on my mind for some time. First of all, I am ready to share my heart with you. I can only say I love you with most of my heart. Part will always belong to Shannon but you understand that. I have made enough romantic mistakes in my life. You have been there for all of those mistakes." He took a breath. "You are my best friend. You put up with my bad days and my good days. You don't but up with my crap and you love me anyway." Gibbs had never said so much at one time since never. "I am a man of few words but if you will marry me I promise to make you feel like a princess. I want you to feel beautiful and I promise I will never mistreat you. Sarah Elizabeth Layton will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

Sarah wiped the tears from her eyes and smiled. "Of course I will. "Gibbs raised up and pulled her into a kiss. While he was kissing her, he reached into his pocket and pulled the ring out and slipped it on her finger. When he pulled away Sarah looked down at her hand. Oh her finger was a large stone, larger that she could imagine. "Oh Gibbs I just love it." She raised her hand up and put the stone in her mouth. "I can't imagine you would give me a ring pop." She was trying to be serious but she knew her fiancé was playing a trick on her. "It is strawberry my favorite. It's good try it." Sarah could no longer keep her laugh under control both of them started laughing.

Gibbs took her hand and put the candy ring in his mouth. "Pretty good." He smiled.

"Now where is my ring?" she demanded mocking him.

Gibbs smiled. "Saw it at the store and couldn't resist. I love to hear you laugh. I hope we have a marriage of love and laughter." He immediately pulled the ring box out of his pocket. Quickly removed the ring pop and replaced it with the beautiful diamond he had bought for her.

"Well this more like it." She smiled. "Thank you sweetheart." Sarah kissed him again. "Now get off that knee before we have to take you to the emergency room." Gibbs just shook his head and strained to get up and sit next to Sarah and pulled her closer. They sat there enjoying the view for about thirty minutes trading out with make out sessions.

Gibbs looked down at his watch. It was ten o'clock and he knew Abby would want him there on time and he also sensed Sarah was getting cold. "We had better get you in before you get sick. "

"Do we have to? I'm not cold really." She could not keep her lips from quivering

"Lier." Gibbs said. The cold was causing his joints to stiffen up so standing up was a small challenge. He held out his hand. Sarah took it her diamond catching the Christmas lights causing it to sparkle more than normal. "That ring makes you hand look even more beautiful."

They strolled back toward the Lincoln Memorial to meet the limo. The drive back to the house was mostly in silence. The couple just cuddled in the back seat. Sarah noticed all the cars in the driveway. "What's up?"

"Well I have another surprise for you." Gibbs whispered. The two got out and went into the house.

The team jumped out and yelled "Surprise." Sarah just started crying. Gibbs pulled her into his arms.

"I'm sorry sweetheart. I just wanted one more surprise for tonight after what the girls did this morning. Was I wrong?"

Sarah wiped her eyes. "No oh no you could never be wrong. It is just so nice to have friends that would do this for me. Thank you everyone. I hope I did not spoil your gift."

Abby rushed up and almost pushed Gibbs out of the way as she hugged Sarah. "You did not spoil anything. We have another surprise for both of you if you want it." Abby walked toward the kitchen. "Colonel?"

Gibbs was confused but he recognized the colonel immediately. "Colonel Ellis, what do I own the honor of this visit."

"Well it seems you might be in need of my services as a Chaplain."

Gibbs looked at him and then the team. He turned to Sarah. "Seems this bunch has a surprise for both of us. This is more than just an engagement party. They found the marriage license and this is our wedding." He walked over and took her hands. "What do you think? Place looks festive enough with the flowers and decorations. We have a chaplain. You look like a beautiful bride."

Sarah looked at him. "Our wedding?" She said apprehensively.

"Only if you want to." Gibbs replied.

"Well?" Sarah walked over to Gibbs. And kissed him. "I will be right back. Abby, Ziva could I see you two in my room for a minute?" She then looked over at Tony. "Is Ducky coming to the party?"

"I can call him."

"Please, I have a favor to ask him." Sarah turned and started up the stairs.

Sarah and her two friends entered the guest bedroom and closed the door. Tony is on the phone calling Ducky. Tim McGee turns to his boss. "So are we having a wedding or not?"

"it is still up to Sarah." Gibbs replied dryly.