Chapter 55
Disclaimer: I really, really don't claim to own any characters or plot lines of NCIS.
Gibbs and Samantha fell asleep in each other's arms with the hope that the nightmares would stay away for the rest of the night but their hopes were dashed about 3 am. Once again Samantha woke up screaming for Gibbs. She had dreamed that he was driving to the wedding and just as it had happened with David he was hit by a drunk driver. This time however Samantha knew it was a dream and just grabbed him and held him tightly. She never wanted to let him go.
This difference this time was her screaming woke up Kelly who got up and came to the door of the bedroom. She had a death grip on her hippo. She started to go in but she decided to leave them alone. She knew that Gibbs would make it all better. She did decide that she would call Abby in the morning. Samantha needed some help.
Kelly went back into her room, crawled back in her bed and fell back asleep looking at her mother's picture. She and Abby would get Samantha's smile back.
NCIS
Tim and Abby had fallen asleep watching their movie. Abby was awakened by her phone very early Saturday morning. She sat up and rubbed her eyes and smiled at the sleeping figure of Timothy McGee. She reached for her phone and noticed Samantha's picture on her caller ID. "Morning Samantha, you ok. This is a little early even for you," Abby answered.
"It's not Mama, Abby. It's me." Kelly said.
Upon hearing Kelly's voice Abby felt panic rising in her chest. "What's wrong Kelly? Why are you calling me? Is Gibbs and your Mama ok? Are you ok baby?" The panic and volume of Abby's voice woke up Tim who looked at Abby very concerned.
"I'm fine Abby. I am worried about Mama. I talked to Dad last night. She is so scared and I want her to get her smile back," Kelly told her.
Abby looked at Tim and smiled. "Did she have trouble sleeping last night?"
"Yes. I heard her screaming for Dad a couple of times last night. She really seems scared that something is going to happen to him. Why is she worried that he won't show up for the wedding?" Kelly was really concerned. "I don't understand that."
"Don't worry baby. I have an idea that can help her." Abby told her.
"I know how to help too. Tomorrow when we go to Ducky's we need to just have some fun. Mama needs to find her smile. Can you help me?"
"Let me get my idea in motion sweetie. Then I will come over and we can plan tomorrow. Bet you have some great fun ideas. See you soon Baby."
"Ok Abby. Thanks. We just need to help Mama." Kelly added.
"We will baby. We will." Abby hung up the phone and Tim wrapped her in his arms.
"What's up with Kelly?" he asked.
"Samantha had several nightmares last night," she told him.
"That's to be expected. Yesterday really hit her hard."
"Not sure it was about yesterday. I am beginning to wonder it is about her anxiety of Gibbs not making it alive to the wedding." Abby explained. Tim's eyes widened and then he nodded his head. "Kelly wants to help her get her smile back. I think it is more than that. I think I need to make a call to Rachel. Samantha needs more help that Gibbs can give her."
"You might be right Abby," he said looking at his watch. "A little too early to call Dr. Cranston just yet. How about I take you to breakfast?" He smiled wrapping her in his arms for a huge bear hug. The couple shared a kiss and then headed out the door to breakfast.
NCIS
After their 3 am awaking the couple slept later than normal and when Gibbs woke up he carefully slipped out of bed as not to wake his sleeping fiancé. He came downstairs to find his daughter eating cereal and watching cartoons. "Morning sweetheart. You need anything else to eat."
"No dad, I'm fine," she smiled at him.
"You're sure. I am headed into the kitchen to start coffee. I could fix you some eggs or even pancakes if you want."
"No cereal is fine. Mama got it for me last time she was at the store. It's my favorite." She turned back to the television to enjoy Sponge Bob. Gibbs shook his head. He was just getting used to cartoons again but Sponge Bob was just plain silly. "What happened to Buggs Bunny and Wylie Coyote?" he thought to himself. He needed some coffee and some time to think.
Gibbs was in the kitchen waiting for his coffee when his phone rang. "Gibbs" he answered not recognizing the number on the caller ID.
"Morning Gibbs. This is Rachel Cranston. I just got a strange call from Abby. She says you have a fiancé and she needs my services. Since when do you have a fiancé? "
"Well hello to you to Rachel. Abby called you about Samantha? When?"
"Just awhile ago. She did not go into details but was she the teacher involved in that situation at George W. Bush yesterday."
Gibbs rubbed his hand down his face. Leave it up to Abby to interfere. Maybe it was a good thing. "She was but really Rachel I don't think she will talk to you. She has always tried to handle things on her own. You know a Marine thing," he mused.
"She's a retired Marine then. Well Abby was very insistent that I come over and talk to her. If I can help, I would really love to do that."
Gibbs looked up toward the bedroom and frowned. "Not sure she will let you but why don't you come over for lunch? Come over as Kate's sister instead of a psychiatrist. Let me see if I can get her to talk to you. I really think it will help."
"Sounds like a plan. Really want to help Gibbs. Glad you are thinking about getting married again."
"Not thinking about Rachel. Wedding's on June 6. Could wrangle you an invitation." Gibbs poured himself a cup of coffee.
"See you at noon Gibbs," Rachel said hanging up the phone. She looked over at the picture of Kate and the team she had sitting on her desk. "Gibbs is getting married again Kate. Wonder if this time it will take. This should prove interesting."
NCIS
Samantha woke up around ten in the morning. After noticing that Gibbs was no longer in bed with her she got up and went looking for him. She came down the stairs to the sound of the Sponge Bob theme playing on the television. "Kelly, have you had breakfast?" she asked.
"Yes, I got some cereal and some orange juice. You feeling better Mama." Kelly ran over to her giving her a hug.
"I am baby." Samantha bent down to get on Kelly's level and looked her straight in the eye. "Kelly, I realized last night that you started calling me Mama yesterday. I am so sorry I did not notice before."
"Is it all right? I can go back to Samantha if you want me too."
"Oh no baby. I really love it. I want to be your Mama. I was a little upset last night." She hugged Kelly tightly.
"I know Dad explained it to me. You were really scared yesterday. Dad said you were the hero. You took care of all of us." Kelly smiled gently touching her cheek. "Does it hurt much?"
"Your dad was the hero. I just kept the guy busy until he stopped him." Samantha told her. "My face is fine. It looks way worse than it is. It is really going to turn many different colors before it heals." Kelly hugged her mother and just shook her head.
"Maybe we can just say that both of you were the heroes." Kelly added.
"That sounds like a good compromise." Gibbs replied coming out of the kitchen. Samantha looked up at him and smiled. "You doing better this morning."
"Inside I think so. How does the outside look?"
"Like you could use another steroid pill and some ice." He was nothing but honest. "You feel like you could eat something."
"Maybe a bowl of Kelly's cereal and some toast. I smell the coffee so I know you've had breakfast." She smiled up at him. Gibbs took her hand and led her into the kitchen. Kelly watched her parents walk away and then went back to watching her program.
Gibbs pulled out the chair for her. "Sit down. I will get your cereal and your medicine," he said kissing her on her good cheek.
"How did I get so lucky? A super sweet daughter and the most handsome man anyone could ask for who waits on me hand and foot." She looked at him with nothing but love in her eyes.
"Well just returning the favor. You waited on me when I was shot or did you forget." He sat her cereal, milk, her medication and a can of Diet Coke in front of her. "Guess we are both lucky." She nodded, smiled and reached up and cupped his cheek. She brushed her lips over his and winked at him. He walked over and got another cup of coffee and joined her at the table. He knew he had to talk to her about Dr. Cranston coming over but was not sure what tactic to take. She began to eat her cereal but had a feeling that Gibbs wanted to talk to her about something.
"You're fidgeting Jethro. What's on your mind?"
"Well, I have something I want to talk to you about."
She had never seen him this unsure of himself. "Shoot from the hip Jethro. There is nothing we can't talk about."
Gibbs swallowed hard, "Got a call from Kate's sister, Rachel this morning. Seemed that Abby called her."
"You mean the physiatrist. Why would Abby call?" She smiled and shook her head. "Abby's worried about me."
"Not just me. " Abby said entering the room. "Kelly called me about seven. She worried about you Sam."
"Kelly called," both Gibbs and Samantha said in unison.
"Yep. Will you please visit with her Samantha?" Abby added pouring herself a cup of coffee.
Timothy McGee cautiously entered the kitchen as well. "Samantha, please consider it. Rachel is one of the best. Maybe she can help."
Gibbs eyed the couple. It was obvious that they cared for his lady almost as much as he did. He reached out and took Samantha's hand. "You know how I feel about therapy Sam but you can't go on like this. If this could help us get our happy ever after what can it hurt?"
Samantha looked at the group that was standing in her kitchen. Each of their faces was etched with concern for her. "What's this an intervention?"
"It is if it convinces you to get some help." Abby told her.
"Ok, call her get her over here. I talk to her." Samantha replied.
"She will be here for lunch." Gibbs told her.
"Pretty sure of yourself weren't you Agent Gibbs?" Samantha reached across the table and kissed him. Gibbs smirked and kissed her back.
NCIS
Dr. Rachel Cranston drove up to the Gibbs' house at 12 noon. She saw Abby's car, Gibbs' truck and a Toyota Corolla which she assumed to be Samantha's parked in front of the house. She parked her car behind Abby's hearse and walked up to the door. She knew that most people just walked in but she knocked just the same. Kelly peeked out the window next to the door and looked at her. Rachel smiled and waved at her. Gibbs opened the door as he reminded Kelly to never open the door to a stranger. "Well I hope I won't be a stranger for long, Gibbs." Rachel said smiling at the little girl who stood very close to Gibbs. "Kelly, this is my friend Rachel. Rachel this is my daughter Kelly Williams."
Rachel gave Gibbs a puzzled look. "Seems a lot of things have changed around here."
"Just a bit," Gibbs gave her a half grin which was something Rachel had never seen before. "Kelly, run get your Mama. I think she is upstairs getting dressed."
"Ok Dad." The little girl hugged Gibbs' leg and then ran up toward the stairs.
"So she is Samantha's daughter?" Rachel asked handing Gibbs her sweater and purse.
"No. We are adopting her after her father killed her mother about a month ago." Gibbs told her. Just then Abby burst out of the kitchen arms open to hug Rachel.
"Rachel," Abby screamed. "So glad you could come over. Lunch is just about ready."
"Hello Abby," Rachel bracing herself against the force of one of Abby's hug. She nodded at Tim as he joined the group in the living room. "Did you convince your Samantha to talk to me?"
"Yes they did." Samantha said coming down the stairs. "The tag teamed me and I agreed. I am Samantha Waverly and you must be Rachel. I understand you are Kate Todd's sister."
"Well I see you have heard more about me than I have about you." She rolled her eyes at Gibbs. Samantha smiled at all of them. "Would you like to talk before lunch or after lunch?"
"How about now? We can go upstairs to my room and visit. Then we can eat."
"Sounds fine by me." Samantha turned and started up the stairs. Rachel put her hand on Gibbs' arm and smiled. "Don't worry Jethro. I am here to help her."
After the two left Kelly went over to Abby. "Can we talk in the backyard Abby? I want to plan our surprise for tomorrow," she giggled.
"Sounds great munchkin." Gibbs raised his eyebrows as he looked at them. "Secret mission Gibbs. Operation return Samantha's smile. I think." She followed the little girl out the back door into the yard.
NCIS
Samantha led the way upstairs toward the guest room. The two went inside and Samantha offered Rachel a chair and she sat on the bed. It was oblivious to Rachel that Samantha lived in this room. "I will let your start. Why do think Abby called me?"
"Well first off Abby called you because Kelly called her. She was worried about me."
"Kelly, oh your daughter. Really why was she so worried?"
"I had a few nightmares last night and I am sure it scared her and after losing her mother a couple of weeks ago she is a bit insecure."
"Possibly. So what were the nightmares about?" Rachel asked.
"Wow no beating around the bush with you. Straight to the point." Samantha began to shift uncomfortably on the bed. "Guess I can be that straight forward too. I keep dreaming about Gibbs dying before our wedding."
Rachel gave her a questioning look. "Gibbs dying? Was he in danger yesterday?"
"No this guy pulled the gun on me. It was me that was in danger not him. That is why it is so strange."
"Explain your thinking to me."
Samantha started talking and it all came out. David, her aunt and uncle, Kelly everything. Rachel was just such a good listener. She offered suggestions and some exercises that might help. Samantha felt comfortable with her. More comfortable that she ever felt with anyone except Gibbs.
NCIS
About an hour or so later Rachel and Samantha came downstairs both were laughing about something. "Well looks like you two had a nice chat," Abby replied. "We went ahead and ate but we saved lunch for the two of you."
"Thanks Abby," Samantha smiled. It was obvious that Abby wanted to know what they talked about. Samantha looked at the Goth and smiled. "Relax I'm fine Abbs. We talked about everything." The two ladies stepped into the kitchen and sat down at the table. Abby set two bowls of chili in front of them with some chips and green sauce.
"This looks good, Abby. Thanks." Rachel said.
"Thank Samantha. She's the chef. I just heated things up." Abby admitted as Kelly bounced into the room. She was dressed in pink capree pants with a black shirt with a pink skull on the shirt. "You ready Kelly girl."
"You two going somewhere?" Samantha asked as Gibbs came into the kitchen and sat down next to her. He put his arm around the back of the chair and unconsciously began rubbing her back. Rachel smiled as she noticed the closeness between the couple, who according to Sam had never slept together.
"Yes, seems these two have some secret plans for tomorrow at Ducky's." Gibbs replied and then he kissed Samantha on the temple.
Samantha looked at Kelly. "Secret mission, really. Care to let me in on it."
"No we do not." Kelly and Abby said in unison.
"You joining them Tim." Samantha quizzed him.
"I'm just the chauffer. I am not in on the mission." Tim smiled. He could see Samantha's face seem to have lighter look to it. Maybe talking to Rachel had helped Samantha.
Kelly bounced over and first kissed her mother and then her father. "We will be back later. Enjoy your afternoon."
After lunch Rachel handed her number to Samantha and decided to leave. "I'll see you tomorrow, Samantha. Relax this afternoon and think about what I said. We can revisit things tomorrow if you like."
Samantha smiled and looked at Gibbs. "See her out Jethro. I know you want to ask her about our talk. Rachel, I have no secrets from him. Whatever will ease his mind?"
Rachel Cranston loved this lady. Despite her self-esteem issues, she was a really special woman. Gibbs had picked someone who could help him exercise his demons. Gibbs helped her on with her sweater and they started out to the car. Rachel noticed Samantha's eyes were always on him and his on her. Their connection was very, very strong. She could hardly wait to see them with the whole team on Sunday.
Closing the door, Gibbs asked. "Will she be ok, Rachel?"
"She's fine Gibbs. You were right. Yesterday's incident just brought some of her insecurities to the surface. We talked a lot of things over. She has some homework to do and we will discuss things tomorrow in a less stressful setting. I also want to observe her with the team. She considers them her new family."
"Did she tell you about her aunt and uncle?"
"Yes. She said you supported her decision to cut all ties with them. Even threw her a party. Independence Day, cute."
"Would do anything for her." Gibbs replied almost in a whisper.
"I get that Gibbs. She would do anything for you. I think." Gibbs opened the car door for her. "Keep an eye on her Gibbs. Let me know if she falls into a depression. She says she had had a couple of panic attacks now and in the past. She does not want medication but if that becomes necessary she would consider it."
"Thanks Rachel. So you are joining us tomorrow."
"Yes Samantha asked me. Seems your "family"is her family now." Rachel got into her car and Gibbs closed the door. She continued to speak to him through the open window. "She is looking forward to tomorrow. Wants to get her mind off of things. She really loves you Gibbs." Rachel leaned toward him and beaconed him to lean down. She whispered in his ear causing him to smile.
"Good idea. I might just do that." he replied. "See you tomorrow Rachel. We're headed to Ducky's about 1300.
NCIS
Gibbs came back into the house smiling. Samantha was sitting on the couch. She had picked out a movie for them to watch and was just waiting for him to come back in. "She ease your mind, Jethro?"
"Sort of." He sat down next to her and pulled her into his arms. "You do know that I'm not planning on leaving you anytime soon."
"I know that. Rachel and I talked about my reasons for worrying so much." She cuddled into his arms. "Let's just watch a movie this afternoon. I have a few things to work on." He looked at her concerned. "Nothing major Gunny Relax. She gave me some things to think about."
He just pulled her closer. "Don't want to lose you either lady."
"I'm not going anywhere either. I kind of like things right here." Gibbs lifted her chin so he could see in her eyes. He kissed her carefully on the lips. After they broke the kiss Samantha started the movie and both just enjoyed each other's company.
NCIS
Samantha and Gibbs were asleep on the couch when Gibbs' phone rang. "Gibbs," he answered sleepily.
"Hey Gibbs."
"What ya need Abbs?"
"Was wondering if you would mind if I kidnap Kelly tonight for a sleep over? We have some more plans to put in place for operation get Samantha's smile back."
Gibbs looked down and Samantha who was yawning. "What's up?"
"Abby wants to kidnap Kelly for a sleep over."
"If is ok with Kelly it is ok with me," she answered.
"Sounds great Abbs. You coming by here to pick up Kelly's things."
"No we picked up her a new outfit and she can sleep in one of my t-shirts. We'll see you tomorrow at Ducky's."
"Ok. Have fun." He hung up the phone and turned to his lovely fiancé. "Well lady, looks like we have the house to ourselves tonight."
"Whatever will we ever do with this time alone?" she smiled.
"I have an idea," He pulled her into his embrace. "If this was six weeks from now, I could imagine several things we could do and it would involve never leaving our bed." She giggled and blushed. "But since I have some special plans for our first night, how about I take my best girl on a date?"
"A date?"
"Since we moved in together we have not really gone out much." He smiled kissing her.
"Yeah just like an old married couple." She giggled nervously. "Without the fringe benefits."
He got that small smirk he got when he was planning something. "Ok, let's remedy the whole date situation. You go upstairs, lock yourself in your room, relax and get all dolled up. Maybe you would consider wearing that little black dress you wore on the first night we went out."
"I could. Where are we going?"
"That's need to know and right now you don't need to know. Just take a couple of hours to get ready. I'm going out to run a few errands. Won't be gone long, I promise." He leaned in and kissed her good-bye. She started to protest and he placed two fingers on her lips. "I promise I won't be gone long and you will enjoy the result. Trust me." Samantha nodded her head. Gibbs grabbed his keys off the table by the door and after locking up Samantha watched him go to his truck.
"Well, if I have a couple of hours to pamper myself I'm going to take a bubble bath and start my music." She turned and walked upstairs to her room humming quietly to herself as she wondered what Gibbs had in store for her that evening.
NCIS
Samantha was dancing to her "happy" music while she was putting the finishing touches on her appearance when there was a knock at the door of her room. She quickly checked her hair in the mirror. It was pulled back with a black headband and was loose and curly down her shoulders. Just the way he likes it she whispered to herself and she opened the door. She was greeted by a smiling handsome man. He was dressed in his black sport coat with black slacks. He had a blue shirt and was wearing the tie she had given him for Valentines' day. He was holding one red rose. "Good evening Miss Waverly. You look very beautiful this evening."
She smiled and took the rose from his hand, her hand brushing up against his knuckles as she took it. "You clean up pretty well also Agent Gibbs," she said as she looked him over. "Where are we going this evening?"
"That's for me to know and you to find out. Shall we go?" He held out his arm. She took his arm and grabbed his hand in hers.
"We shall. Lead the way." Jethro escorted her down the stairs and through the kitchen. Samantha gave him a questioning look.
Before she could ask the question he put his two fingers against her lips. "No questions, just trust me." They continued toward the door to the basement. Across the door was a huge red ribbon tied in a large bow. He handed her the scissors and she cut the bow just like a supermarket opening. He then opened the door and continued to escort her down the stairs.
As they went down the stairs she saw what he had planned for her. The CD player was playing soft romantic music and the whole room was covered with colored mini-Christmas lights. In the middle of the room was a table made from two sawhorses and a large piece of plywood. It was covered with a beautiful white satin table cloth. In the middle of the table were the other eleven roses from the dozen red roses he bought her. The table was set with china with crystal wine glasses and the whole room flickered with candlelight. Samantha gasped when she saw the room. "So I take it our date is heretonight."
Gibbs smirked, "You like it." She nodded and kissed his cheek. She nodded almost to awe stuck for words. Just then the song they first danced to that night in her apartment Toby Keith's "You shouldn't kiss me like this" started playing on the stereo. "Miss Waverly, may I have this dance?"
"Yes sir." He took her in his arms and they started dancing to the music. Samantha laid her head on his chest and just wrapped his arms around him enjoying the closeness of him. "This is so wonderful. Thank you," she managed to whisper. As the song ended, he put his hands on either side of her face being careful not to hurt her bruise. Carefully he tilted her face upward toward him. Gently he began placing soft kisses on her lips and the uninjured parts of her face. Then he noticed the tears in her eyes. "Crying again, maybe we should not dance to this song. You cried the last time too."
"No," she whispered "This is just so wonderful. The place, the decorations and the food smells delicious. You really have out done yourself sir."
"Oh this is only the beginning," he smirked leading her over to the table. Holding the chair out for her he carefully pushed the chair in as she sat down. First he left her and went over the workbench where he had the food he ordered ready to be served. He brought to plates filled with well cooked steaks with vegetables and a pan fried potatoes. After setting them on the table he sat down in the chair next to her. Reaching into the silver ice bucket he took out a bottle of champagne. After opening the bottle he poured the sparkling liquid first into her glass and then his. "I want to propose a toast."
"Ok, "She was smiling so much it was starting to make her face hurt but she couldn't stop.
"This is something Rachel said to me. She suggested that we need to cease the day. Enjoy each other now. "Gibbs leaned in closer. He was so close she could feel his breath on her cheek. "I totally want to make each day count. No more worries about what is going to happen tomorrow. We have had our share of troubles. Hell one of us has been injured almost the entire time we have been together."
Samantha giggled leaning her forehead against his. "That much is so true and we are both still here."
"That's what I am saying. So I propose we put all our worries behind us. Just enjoy each day as it comes. What do you think?"
"I totally like that idea. I have been thinking about this all afternoon," she smiled. "I have wasted so much time worrying that you won't be here I have forgotten to enjoy you."
"Ok, this toast is a pack. We need to just enjoy things and what comes our way we will face it together." They both lifted their glasses and touched the rims of their crystal glasses together. After the small bell like sound each took a drink. Then they gently kissed which began to evolve into something more. Gibbs pulled away and placed his forehead on hers. "Food's getting cold."
"More like things are getting to hot." Samantha blushed. "This looks delicious," she said changing the subject.
"It does." He pulled back and took a bite of his potatoes. "How much longer?" he grumbled.
"Six weeks," Samantha answered. "Not sure either of us is going to survive."
"Oh we will and the night I have planned after the wedding will make this one look like a Disney movie." He began to cut his steak.
"You promise," she giggled taking a sip of her wine.
"Been planning it for weeks. Romance will abound." He kissed her nose and then went back to his meal. Both of them looked their plates each wishing that June 6 would hurry up and get here.
This idea came to me the other day so I just had to push the fun family day to Chapter 56. Wanted Gibbs to be part of the operation to get Samantha' smile back.
Coming on the next NCIS.
Someone pulled a gun on Tony who took the full shot right in the chest. Just then another enemy hit Ziva with a bomb. Even Kelly was involved in the fight. Gibbs stalked behind the gunman his gun firmly in hand. TBC
Author's note. I promise no character is injured in the next chapter. I would not be like that. Well they may fall down laughing. Samantha will get her smile back.
