Once again, everyone was dressed to the nines. This time they stood in the courthouse outside their assigned courtroom. McGee and Ziva were adopting Chelsea. Finally. Ziva had dressed her in a floral dress with little pink Mary Jane's. Ziva loved dressing Chelsea up. Ducky thought maybe it was because she didn't get to play with dolls much as a child. McGee was holding Chelsea while Tony attempted to get her to giggle. Gibbs was in deep conversation with Ducky and Jen. Jimmy was just arriving with Abby right behind him. Damon was all wrapped up in Sarah. Ziva smiled. Her sister-in-law was falling in love.

"You may enter." a courtroom clerk said, opening the chamber doors.

McGee took Ziva's hand and smiled at her. Ziva felt so nervous. The group filed in and sat down. McGee and Ziva sat up front, holding Chelsea.

"All rise for the honorable Judge Mikowski."

They all stood as a kind-looking middle-aged man entered the room.

"You may sit."

The judge shuffled some papers around.

"Wow." he said, "This is an unusual case."

Everyone had to laugh. Boy, was that the truth.

"Timothy and Ziva McGee, please stand." the judge said.

They nervously stood.

"I have reviewed your background checks, your latest investigation, and your relationship with Chelsea." the judge said, "And I have come to the conclusion that you are fit to become Chelsea's legal parents."

The judge struck his gavel.

"Ladies and gentlemen, Chelsea McGee." he paused, "Is there a middle name you would like on the birth certificate?"

McGee and Ziva smiled at each other.

"Laurie."

Damon gasped. They were giving Chelsea his stepsister's name. Once again, he became emotional.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, I hereby declare Timothy and Ziva McGee the legal parents of Chelsea Laurie McGee." the judge announced, striking the gavel once again.

Ziva and McGee hugged and kissed Chelsea while everyone gathered around.

"Damon." McGee said.

"Yeah?"

McGee smiled and looked at Ziva.

"We would like you to be Chelsea's godfather."

Damon looked shocked.

"What? Really?"

"Yes Damon." Ziva said with a smile.

"Yay! Day!" Chelsea babbled from McGee's arms.

Damon smiled and took her from McGee.

"I'd be honored."

Ziva turned to Abby.

"Yes!" the black haired girl said before Ziva could speak, "I will totally be Chelsea's fairy godmother."

"Fairy?" Ziva was once again confused.

"I'll explain later." McGee said with a laugh, putting his arm around his wife.

"What does a fairy have to do with anything?"

McGee just grinned and kissed Ziva.

"I love you."

"I love you too." Ziva responded, but she still looked confused.

"There is a feast waiting for us back at my house." Ducky announced, "Shall we continue the celebration there?"

Everyone filed out of the courthouse in excitement.

LINE BREAK

"You are a very loved little girl." Tony informed Chelsea as she stuffed some watermelon in her little mouth.

"Yep." she said, some juice dribbling down her face.

Tony laughed and wiped her face off, something she still hated.

Chelsea watched with big blue eyes as her family flitted around her. She didn't know much at three years old, but she knew what her uncle Dino had said was true.

"I wuv you!" she shouted.

"Awww…we love you too." Abby cooed.

McGee looked at his daughter. He couldn't believe he was a father. Or a husband for that matter. And he married the most beautiful women in the world.

"How'd I do that?"

"How'd you do what?" Tony asked his best friend.

McGee realized he had spoken aloud. He chuckled.

"How'd I get Ziva?"

Tony made a face and slapped McGee on the back.

"I have no clue McLame."

McGee rolled his eyes. Some things would never change. He heard someone tapping a fork against a glass.

"I would like to propose a toast." Ducky said, standing at the head of the table.

They all stood.

"To family, friends and little girls that capture our hearts," Ducky began theatrically, "congratulations to Timothy and Ziva and Chelsea."

They all cheered, hoping to avoid a Ducky monologue. Luckily, he seemed to be finished.

Ziva put her arm around her husband and watched the only real family she'd ever known. All she could think about was that Chelsea would have a family and would be loved. Just like she already was.

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Authors Note: Sorry the court scene was a little thin, I was nine when we adopted my little brother, so I only remember a few things. Up Next: Epilogue 3.