Before anybody knew it, it was the holiday season. The DiNozzo household was decorated for both Christmas and Hanukkah. It was nothing short of a miracle that the Christmas decorations had been moved to storage while repairs were made on the garage. They were spared from the fire the previous year. Along with a few other mementos. The David's had not been so lucky but Tony went out and bought a menorah and a few other decorations. He would do anything to make them feel at home. In what was now their home. While he was at the mall, Tony stopped by the jewelry store. Juliana had been wanting this locket for months now and Tony was planning on slipping Ziva the money. While he was there he took a look at the engagement rings. He spotted the perfect ring. It was simple but elegant. The diamond was small but bold. It was perfect for Ziva. After checking his bank account. He purchased the ring to tuck away. It was still early but he knew that the big question was coming. He could not wait for the day he finally had the courage to ask.
On the first night of Hanukkah, Ziva and Juliana stood together and lit the menorah. Ziva watched with tears in her eyes as Juliana lit the first candle. Juliana loved lighting the candles. In the previous years Juliana would help John light the candles. This year he was not around. This was the first year he was not around. Juliana lit the candle and set the lighter down on the table. She then turned and headed towards her room.
"Do you want to open your present? It's the big gift night." Ziva offered.
"I don't feel like it." Juliana sniffed before rushing out of the room.
Juliana pretty much knew that holidays were going to suck from now on. John got over whelmed on Halloween and they rarely trick or treated beyond their street. Then everybody had been sick with the stomach flu on Thanksgiving. By the time everybody was well enough to actually eat. It was just a big meal on Saturday night. Both those holidays had been easy but Hanukkah was different. John had always liked Hanukkah. He was always so much more aware during those days. This was so much harder than she could have ever imagined.
"Juliana?" Ziva called.
"I'm fine" Juliana lied.
"Are you sure? Because I could make an extra appointment with Dr. Knight this week. Remember that he is going out of town for two weeks after today." Ziva offered.
"I don't need a doctor." Juliana insisted.
Gavriella had been saving her allowance for the past few months. She wanted to get something special for everybody on Christmas. Unfortunately she could only afford to shop at Family Dollar but she had ideas on what to buy everybody. She had even selected a gift for baby Jason. Juliana was going to take her the next afternoon but for now she stretched out on her bed making a list of possible gifts for the rest of her family. She could not wait for Christmas.
Carson stepped through the front door and took a seat at the kitchen table. He had no idea why he had agreed to work a double shift on a school night. He had already done his holiday shopping and his phone bill was not due until after the next paycheck. His dad had said there was food in the fridge for him and all he had to do was heat it in the microwave. He tossed the leftovers in the microwave and then walked into the living room. His dad had left the Christmas gifts out on the table. He knew that he was way too old for it but he could not help himself. He opened the bags to see if there was anything for him. Everything he found appeared to be in the Gavriella, Juliana, and Jason category. He hoped that meant his gift was a new car or something else epic. There was nothing for Ziva either. He wondered what that meant. Under the coffee table was a small bag. Carson knew it came from the mall's jewelry store. Curious he peeked inside. Inside was a tiny velvet box, again filled with curiosity he opened the box. His heart stopped for a minute and he felt as if he was going to be sick. He must have been screaming because the next thing he knew Juliana had turned her attention from the TV.
"Dude? What's wrong?" Juliana asked.
"This" Carson replied.
"Yeah so it's a ring. What's the big deal?" Juliana questioned.
"It's an engagement ring. My dad bought it. For your mom." Carson explained.
"Do you really think your dad and my mom are going to get engaged?" Juliana asked.
"That's what it looks like." Carson replied.
"Would that really be so bad? I mean they love each other and we all get along." Juliana offered.
"I don't want her to replace my mom!" Carson snapped.
The next morning Tony woke and found the ring on the floor. His heart began to race. What if Ziva had found it and this was her way of saying no. Maybe he had jumped the gun a bit. They had only been dating for few months. Was that too soon? Was he trying to build a family that was not meant to be. He put the ring back into the box and then back into the bag. He carried the bag to the attic and shoved it in with some random junk. For a long time he sat alone in the attic. He wanted to marry Ziva but he did not want to intimidate her and set the relationship back. He liked just having her as a roommate/friend. He should not have moved so quickly. He remained in the attic until he heard movement down below. He then came downstairs and prepared breakfast as if nothing had ever happened.
A/N: Will Carson confront Tony? New chapter will be up soon. Thanks for reading and please review.