Chapter 3

Kate was asleep in Gibbs' bed when she heard someone call her name. Taking her gun from the nightstand drawer she slowly made her way down the stairs to see Gibbs tossing and turning on the couch calling out her name again.

"What kind of dream is he having?" Kate wondered.

When Kate got closer to Gibbs she could tell he was shaking.

She shook his shoulder and said, "Gibbs, Gibbs, wake up it's just a dream."

"No! No! I can't lose her to," Gibbs screamed.

Gibbs was cold, but sweaty. The shaking slowed down a little, but she needed to wake him up.

"Gibbs!" Kate said louder. Gibbs snapped his eyes open and grabbed onto Kate's wrists holding her tightly in place.

"GIBBS!" Kate said, "let go. You are hurting me."

Gibbs snapped out of it, let her wrists go and said, "I-I-I'm so-sor-sorry K-Ka-Kate."

Kate placed her hand lightly on his cheek. Gibbs leaned into her touch.

"There is nothing to be sorry for. You had a bad dream. Everyone has them sometimes," Kate replied.

They stayed like that for a few minutes before Kate said, "Do you want to tell me about it?"

"You were lying on a slab. A bullet in the center of your head. Ari was in the corner saying you couldn't save her. I couldn't save you. I couldn't tell you I-," Gibbs couldn't finish his sentence. One lone tear fell from his eye. Kate wiped the tear away.

"It's okay. It's okay," Kate said while wrapping Gibbs up in her arms. He rested his head on her shoulder. Kate ran her hand from the top of his head down his back then up again.

"I couldn't lose you to," Gibbs said again.

"What do you mean me to?" asked Kate.

Gibbs lifted his head off her shoulder and said, "I wasn't married just three times, but four. My first wife and I had a daughter. They were going to testify against a drug lord Pedro Hernandez. They were on their way when he killed the agent driving the car. The car swerved off the road and everyone was killed. I was overseas at the time."

"What happened to Pedro Hernandez?" Kate questioned.

"I killed him. Almost killed myself," Gibbs said sadly.

"I'm glad you didn't," Kate said and patted his cheek reassuringly.

"Me either," Gibbs said, patting Kate's knee.

"Does anyone know?" Kate asked.

"Nope just you," Gibbs replied.

"I should go back to bed," Kate said getting up. Before she could get up all the way Gibbs grabbed her waist making her fall onto his lap straddling him.

"Don't go," Gibbs whispered.

"Okay," Kate said, hugging Gibbs making soothing circles on his back.

Soon the pair fell asleep, Kate in Gibbs lap and Gibbs head on Kate's shoulder.

The next morning…

Gibbs woke up with a sleeping Kate in his lap. She smelled of lavender.

"Wow," Gibbs thought.

Gibbs could feel Kate start waking up. She looked up. Hazel pouring into blue. Kate started blushing.

"I'm sorry," Kate said, trying to leave Gibb's lap, but his hands were holding her waist in place making her fall into his lap again.

"Don't apologize," Gibbs said getting closer to Kate, "it's a sign of weakness."

Gibbs lowered his mouth to Kate's. The kiss was sweet and gentle. It started slow before Gibbs deepened the kiss. His mouth was moving hungrily against hers. Then Gibbs stomach growled making the pair pull apart. Kate started to giggle.

"Maybe we should eat something first," Gibbs said. Gibbs got up and helped Kate stand up right. They walked into the kitchen where Gibbs started getting out things to make pancakes.

"By the way Director Morrow called and said we have the rest of the day off," Gibbs told Kate.

"What will be done on this day off," Kate questioned seductively walking slowly closer to Gibbs.

Gibbs grabbed Kate's waist and pressed his lips to hers. She kissed back her hands wandering down to his belt.

Gibbs backed away one step and said, "Nope. Eat first then we will see where the day takes us."

Rolling her eyes Kate sat down at the table taking a sip of her coffee then she frowned.

Gibbs caught her eye and said in a gruff tone, "What's wrong?"

Kate looked up saying, "Do you regret this? You know me and you. Us?"

Gibbs went on his knees in front of her taking her hand in his.

"I don't regret a second of it. I like you. You like me. We will take it slow," Gibbs said, kissing each of Kate's knuckles.

Kate smiled then leaned down so her lips could brush his.

"Now shall we eat?" Gibbs asked teasingly.

"We shall," Kate said, taking Gibbs hand and helping him up.

After breakfast the pair sat on the couch cuddling close watching the fire.

"Do you miss them," Kate asked, moving so her eyes could meet Gibbs'.

Knowing who she meant Gibbs said, "Sometimes. Like crazy. I know they are together in a safe place now. I visit their graves every Sunday when we don't have a case."

Gibbs took Kate's hand continuing on, "I want you to come visit them later today. You can meet the people who will always be with me."

Kate didn't know what to say. Instead she said, "Okay. Sure."

The couple cuddled closer until there was no more room left between them. With a soft kiss on the lips they fell asleep together content, happy, and filled with love.

In Gibbs' Truck…

Kate was sitting in the middle seat by Gibbs. Ever since they confessed their feelings to each other, they couldn't be separated for more than five minutes. They hadn't done it yet, but things were content for now.

Holding hands Gibbs interrupted the silence, "We are here."

Getting out of the truck, Kate followed Gibbs over to two headstones reading:

Shannon Marie Gibbs

October 12th 1958 - February 25th, 1991

Beloved wife and mother

Gone, but never forgotten

Kelly Marie Gibbs

September 18th, 1984 - February 25th, 1991

Beloved daughter

Her life ended too short gone, but never forgotten

Kate could feel tears in her eyes. Gibbs sat down in front of the two headstones. Kate backed up a few steps to give him some space.

Gibbs began speaking, "Hi Shannon, Kelly. I miss you both so much. You might be wondering who that woman is over there. Hopefully not another ex wife. I'm finally moving on, but I will never forget you guys. Kate over there is something special. I think she is the one Shan. I hope you approve of her. I think I might love her. I love you guys. Always and forever."

Gibbs finished then ushered Kate over to him. She could see the tears in his eyes.

She slowly sat down next to him and began, "Hi Shannon and Kelly. I'm Kate. I will never try to take him away from you knowing you both have a place in his heart."

The couple sat there for a few more minutes before Gibbs said, "I think it's time we get back for lunch."

Standing up Kate looked at the headstones one last time saying, "I'll take good care of him."

Grabbing Gibbs' hand, intertwining their fingers, the couple made their way to the truck getting in and driving home.