Disclaimer on chapter one.

AN: It's a miracle! I'm posting on LEA! haha, sorry bout the wait guys I really got stuck on this story. Should move faster now but I can't promise anything! But here you go Chapter twenty-four. Must warn you it's pretty short for my work but it's a good one...I think...anyway tell me what YOU think. dark rolling sea.


Chapter Twenty-Four: Morning

As Kate woke with the sun that morning, the early nerves started in on her. She was happy, but extremely nervous. Her wedding was today. That was all she could think about. She sat forward and took a deep breath. She had had a little too much to drink last night, but not enough to ruin the day for her. She looked to the other side of the bed and sighed. She had not slept well in the empty bed. Well, semi empty bed, Blukie was curled up where Gibbs should have been.

She went downstairs in the quiet house and fixed herself some coffee, before heading out onto the porch. She leaned on the railing and had to smile to herself. The sun was just coming up and there wasn't a cloud in the sky. She looked down and shook her head. When she turned around she saw her mother standing in the doorway watching her.

"What?" Kate asked after her mother simply smiled at her.

"Nervous?" Kathy asked calmly, stepping onto the porch. Kate couldn't stop the smile that flitted across her lips as she nodded slowly.

"A little, but more excited," Kate said the smile on her lips growing more.

"Yeah, I think you found the right one, Sissy," Kathy said stepping closer to Kate. Kate simply nodded before looking out at the sunrise.

"No clouds, Mom, told you it would be ok."

"We'll see."

Kate gave a small smile and leaned out over the railing. They were both quiet for a while, before Kathy went back inside leaving Kate alone on the porch. Kate's attention drifted to the end of the driveway as a car pulled in. The corners of her mouth pitched upwards as she saw Gibbs come to a stop in front of the house. She came down the steps and met him as he stepped from the vehicle.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, unable to suppress the grin.

"Missed you," he whispered as he wrapped his arms around her neck and settled his forehead to hers.

Kate's features spread into a grin as she locked eyes with him. They stood still, enjoying the simple contact for another minute or so before Kate pulled back, Gibbs arms still draped over her neck.

"Hmmm, late night last night?" Kate asked softly. Gibbs smiled.

"DiNozzo got drunk."

"Just DiNozzo?"

"Your brothers were knocking back pretty good too," he replied leaning in and kissing her lightly on the lips.

"Doesn't surprise me. E. J. and Josh were probably the worst."

"Yeah, they're the ones that got DiNozzo drunk."

"He going to be ok by this afternoon?"

"It's DiNozzo," Gibbs said as his shoulders rose and fell slightly.

"Great."

"Let's get some food."

"Ok," Kate replied with a smile as Gibbs grinned back at her. They both got into the car as Kathy grinned from the front window shaking her head. Gibbs and Kate rode in silence towards the diner in town, hands interlaced on the middle consol. When they arrived they took a booth by the window and each looked at the menu, and after ordering they sat in silence, both grinning.

"It's finally here," Kate said breaking the silence. Gibbs grinned at her while he picked up her hand and gently kissed the back of it.

"Yeah," he said a slight waiver in his voice. Kate smiled at him.

"Nervous?"

"Excited."

"My mom was so worried about rain."

"Looks pretty clear to me, but we don't have to worry. All of it's inside."

"Yeah, I know," Kate replied as the waitress brought their food. Gibbs looked up at the middle aged woman and smiled.

"We're getting married today," he said proudly. Kate smiled.

"Congrats, Kate," the waitress said and Gibbs looked at Kate as the woman walked away.

"You know her?" Gibbs asked.

"Jethro, this is a small town. I know everyone that grew up around here. I went to school with her."

He nodded his understanding and dug into his breakfast. They finished their meal, making small talk, trying to avoid the subject of the day. Once they were finished Gibbs took Kate back to her parents' house.

"I'll see you this afternoon, Jethro," Kate said leaning over in the car and placing a gentle kiss on his lips. Gibbs gave her a wide grin when she pulled back.

"Wouldn't miss it for the world," he said softly as she got from the car. She watched as he drove away and then bounded up the stairs and into the house. She checked her watch and saw that her bridesmaids would be showing up soon. She was about to go up to her room to get things in order when her father appeared from the kitchen and stopped her.

"Come talk with me, Sissy," he said, heading for the front door. Kate paused a moment, her left foot already on the first step before she turned and followed her father out the front door. He was sitting in a chair looking out towards the barn when Kate came out. He pointed to the chair next to him and she slid into the chair, never taking her eyes off him.

"What's up, Dad?" Kate asked slightly nervous. He glanced at her and she saw the smile hiding just below the surface.

"Today's the day my baby gets married," he said with pride in his voice.

"I'm not the baby, Daddy, E.J. is," Kate said with a smile. "But I know I was always the favorite."

"Shh, don't tell your mother, or your brothers," Doug said with a wide smile.

"Our little secret," Kate said reaching out and laying her hand on her father's shoulder.

"I just want to say that I'm happy you're happy, Sissy. I'm glad you finally found someone you can settle down with."

"Thanks, Dad," she said biting back the tears.

"You better visit more often once that rug rat is born," Doug said sternly pointing a finger at her. Kate laughed.

"Of course."

Doug smiled at his daughter and nodded once before he turned his attention back to the yard in front of them. The two of them sat in silence for a while watching the wind blow the grass and the dogs sniff lazily around the yard. After a while Kate heard a car pulling in and saw Abby behind the wheel. Shortly after Abby arrived, the rest of the bridesmaids showed up and the five of them made their way into the house to get ready for the big day.

TBC…