A/N: Enjoy!

Surprisingly, Jenny's hands were steady as she finished applying her makeup and examined her reflection in the mirror. She fastened her earrings carefully, and next came the necklace that Gibbs had given her in Paris all those years ago while undercover. It was warm against her skin and she smiled as she turned her attention to her hair. It fell in loose waves, half up, half down hitting just below her shoulders, and she began the tedious process of threading flowers through the silken strands.

A quiet knock at the door caused her to turn, and she smiled as Heather stuck her head around the corner, waving her in. The younger redhead gasped at the white roses wound into her sister's fiery tresses and hugged her gently.

"Wow. What gave you that idea?"

Jenny shrugged.

"Less of a hassle than a veil."

She glanced around the room, frowning when she noticed Heather was alone.

"Where's Tori?"

"With David," she answered, "He's trying to explain that she has to be quiet during the ceremony."

Jenny laughed. It was no secret that her niece loved to talk, and she shook her head in amusement. She looked at her sister, glowing in her pregnancy, and smiled at her warmly.

"You look beautiful."

Heather scoffed.

"Please. No one is going to be looking at me today. You're...god, you're stunning, Jenny."

Smiling, Jenny finished threading the last of the roses into her hair and she stood, slipping into the shoes that Heather had allowed her to borrow for the occasion. There was another knock at the door, and David slowly opened it, leading his daughter into the room carefully.

"Tori, stay here with your mother until we need you."

He looked at Jenny, crossing the room to hug her gently, and he kissed her cheek.

"You look great. Tori, listen to your mother."

He left the room, leaving Tori to stare at her aunt, her eyes wider than Jenny had ever seen them.

"What's wrong, Tori?"

"You look like a queen, Aunt Jenny."

Jenny laughed, thinking of all the times Gibbs had mockingly referred to her as such, and bent down to hug her, careful of both their dresses.

"Thank you, sweetie. Are you nervous?"

She shook her head, looking at Jenny seriously.

"No. I don't have to say anything to anyone, do I?"

"Nope. You just spread the flowers over the back yard. Simple."

Tori looked relieved and when David returned to collect her, Jenny suddenly found her hands shaking. She reached for her bouquet of orchids, hardly able to grasp them, and Heather hugged her as she walked past.

"Just relax. You're doing fine."

Passing Ducky as he entered the room, Heather gave her one final smile of encouragement before disappearing down the hallway, and the doctor smiled as he hugged her.

"You are a vision, my dear Jennifer."

"I'm so nervous, Ducky," she said quietly, her voice shaking slightly.

He kissed her cheek and looped her hand through his arm.

"You'll be fine."

Leading her to the door, he paused just before opening it, and brought his lips close to her ear.

"Your father would be overjoyed to see you now. He'd be so proud."

Something in her memory stirred, and Jenny frowned, looking around her curiously.

"You know," she said quietly, "somehow, I feel like he's here, Ducky."

"Naturally. You don't think death would prevent him from seeing his daughter on her wedding day, do you?"

She laughed softly, and he pulled the door open, carefully descending the stairs. From where she stood, Jenny could see Tori as she walked down the makeshift aisle in the back yard, methodically throwing flowers as she walked, and she silently prayed that none of the candles lighting the path would catch them on fire. The little girl finished her task, pausing to hug Gibbs as she walked past and Ducky laughed quietly.

At the signal from Heather, standing near the back door, Ducky kissed Jenny on the cheek and nodded towards the yard.

"Are you ready?"

As nervous as she was, Jenny found herself nodding. Finally, after years of running, years of denial, it was time.

Every head turned to look at her as she walked slowly down the aisle, fighting every instinct she had to run to him, and she smiled as she met the eyes of a certain bubbly Goth who was bouncing in her seat. Gibbs knew that she was nervous about potentially messing up, but she seemed calmer than he would have thought. She looked absolutely radiant, and he couldn't tear his eyes away from hers as she walked closer.

"Who gives this woman?"

"I do," came the soft reply.

Ducky placed her hand in his, kissing her one last time before stepping aside, and as the preacher began speaking, the doctor wiped a tear from his eyes.

"We are gathered here today to witness the joining of two hearts in holy matrimony..."

Though she could hear the words being spoken, they hardly registered in Jenny's mind. Her eyes were locked on those of the man standing next to her, and it was only by a pure stroke of luck that she managed to look away just in time for the vow recital.

"I, Leroy Jethro Gibbs, take you, Jennifer Elise Shepard, to be my lawfully wedded wife. To honour and cherish, in sickness and in health, for better or worse, until death do us part."

Jenny took a shaking breath, looking into his eyes, and the emotions she saw in the blue irises gave her the strength to speak calmly.

"I, Jennifer Elise Shepard, take you, Leroy Jethro Gibbs, to be my lawfully wedded husband. To honour and cherish, in sickness and in health, for better or worse, until death do us part. No matter how annoying you are," she added quietly.

She heard the laughter of Tobias Fornell and Gibbs smirked at her, his eyes bright with amusement. Her eyes met his, and she smiled softly, not even really listening to the rest of the ceremony. When they were given permission to kiss, Gibbs automatically reached for her waist, pulling her close to him, and her own hands wound into his hair. His lips met hers and Jenny was dimly aware of the loud whistle that could have only come from Tony DiNozzo, and she smiled as he finally broke away.

"I love you," he whispered.

"I love you, too."

As they walked back down the aisle together, Jenny smiled as Tori waved at her excitedly from her place next to Heather, and she paused, kneeling down to hand the little girl her bouquet.

"I want you to have this," she said softly.

"Really?"

Jenny nodded, and straightened, allowing Gibbs to lead her the rest of the way back into the house. As soon as the door shut behind them, he kissed her again, much deeper than he had at the altar, and she moaned softly. When she looked up at him, she placed her hand on his cheek gently, and smiled.

"You're stuck with me now, Jethro. I don't believe in divorce."

He laughed.

"Wouldn't want it any other way."

Running his fingers lightly over the ring on her finger, he smiled as he stared into her eyes seriously.

"Never would have thought I'd convince you to wear this."

She glanced down at their entwined hands, touching his ring gently.

"It was inevitable, really."

He nodded to the door, and she sighed.

"We should probably get back."

Opening it slowly, Jenny was unprepared for the loud applause that greeted them as they walked back into the yard, and she smiled as she felt Gibbs wrap his arm around her from behind. Abby ran to her, throwing her arms around the redhead, and when she launched herself at Gibbs next, Jenny laughed.

"Congratulations! I'm so happy for you! Now you really are Mommy and Daddy!"

Gibbs laughed quietly.

"Thanks, Abs."

Cynthia was next, unsure if she should hug either of them, and she offered them a bright smile.

"Congratulations, Director Shepard. I mean—Director Gibbs."

Jenny laughed, reaching out to hug her gently.

"Cynthia, call me Jenny. Please."

The young woman nodded, and she held out her hand to Gibbs, smiling as he laughed.

"Congratulations, Agent Gibbs."

They made their rounds, accepting the well wishes of their guests, and as McGee hooked up the music system, Jenny found herself staring around the yard in amazement. She hadn't really taken the time to look at it during the ceremony, and she couldn't believe how gorgeous it was. Candles lined the aisle, littered with Tori's flowers, and the arch that Ziva had given them was draped in white lace, accented by still more candles. A few leaves had fallen onto the ground, providing a pleasing autumn aesthetic, and Jenny smiled as Ducky walked up to her.

"You did beautifully, Jennifer."

Music filled the air, and Gibbs smiled at her as he appeared by her side. He looked flawless in his suit, the blue of his tie accenting his eyes, and she smiled when he took her hand.

"May I have this dance, Mrs. Gibbs?"

She nodded, letting him pull her close and as she realised what song was playing, she frowned, looking up at him.

"Bryan Adams? Really?"

He shrugged.

"I like this song."

Jenny laughed softly, resting her head against his chest, and she could feel his heartbeat against her skin. The song began to pick up, and Jenny was acutely aware of the eyes of their guests watching their every move. He leaned down, his voice low in her ear, and she shivered,

"What do you say, Jen? Should we show them how it's done?"

She frowned.

"I haven't danced like that in years," she reminded him.

"Like riding a bike."

She nodded slowly, and as the guitar solo filled the air, he spun her away from him, smiling when she twirled back into his arms. He lifted her off her feet as they turned, and Jenny nearly laughed at the shocked expression on Tony's face. Her leg wrapped around his as he dipped her low to the ground, and he spun her away again. She landed back in his arms just as the song ended, and he kissed her, his hand protectively at the small of her back.

They stepped apart and as the next song began, Tony walked up to them, a smile on his face.

"Wow. Who knew you could dance like that, boss?"

Gibbs smirked and Tony looked at him somewhat nervously.

"Mind if I dance with her?"

Shrugging, Gibbs nodded in Jenny's direction.

"Ask her, not me."

"I just...I didn't want to overstep."

As Tony wrapped his arms around Jenny, Gibbs found himself looking into the eyes of Stan Burley, smiling as he tipped back a beer.

"Congratulations, Gibbs. You guys deserve to be happy."

Looking at him seriously, Gibbs jerked his head to the side, and Burley followed him as he walked a short distance away from the group.

"Jenny told me that you talked her out of cutting the day I was in the hospital."

Burley nodded.

"Just wanted to thank you. You're a good friend to her."

"Couldn't let anything happen to her. I love her. She's like my sister."

Jenny slowly approached them, her eyes lighting up when she saw Burley, and she threw her arms around him in a fierce hug.

"You made it!"

He kissed her cheek, nodding.

"Of course I did, Red. Wouldn't miss it for the world."

Smiling, Jenny led him to their makeshift dance floor, really just an area of the yard not occupied by tables and chairs, and he put his arm around her waist carefully. Abby bounded up to Gibbs, her smile brighter than the setting sun, and she tugged on his hand insistently.

"Come on, El Jefe. Dance with me."

He smiled and allowed the Goth to pull him to the center of the lawn, and she smiled as they swayed with the music.

"I have that letter in my purse," she whispered.

Right. He'd almost forgotten it. He nodded, and kissed her cheek warmly.

"Thanks, Abs. I owe you one."

"Just bring me CAF-POWs every day for a month, and we'll call it even."

He laughed, and she smiled at him excitedly.

"Gibbs, look."

He followed her gaze, frowning when he noticed Tony and Ziva dancing together, their eyes only for one another. He'd seen that look in Jenny's eyes many times, and he sighed.

"Rule twelve exists for a reason," he muttered.

"Yeah, and you just married that reason. I'd say you obliterated your own rule, Gibbs," the younger woman pointed out.

He nodded, realising she was right, and laughed. Said reason for the rule was currently dancing with the Scottish doctor, and he smiled as he watched them. He released his hold on Abby, having noticed that McGee seemed to be waiting nervously for his chance to dance with the Goth, and he walked over to Heather, smiling as she turned to face him.

"Guess you're officially family now, Jethro."

"Guess so. Thanks for everything."

She hugged him, her eyes filled with happy tears.

"Thank you for saving my sister's life."

He frowned.

"I didn't. She saved herself. I was just there to help."

"You saved each other, I think."

Kissing her cheek, he gave her a smile, turning just in time to see McGee kiss Abby softly, and he sighed, rolling his eyes. Maybe it was time to retire rule twelve...

"Keep them closed, Jen. I mean it."

Jenny laughed, shaking her head as Gibbs led her into the bedroom, and sighed.

"They're closed! I can't see a damn thing. If you even think about scaring me, I'm kicking your ass."

He guided her to the bed, helping her sit down and pulled out the letter that he'd given to Abby for safekeeping. Placing it in her hand, he took a deep breath and nodded.

"Okay, open."

She opened her eyes, glancing down at the envelope in her hand, and frowned.

"What is this?"

"My wedding gift to you."

Running her finger under the lip of the envelope, she pulled out the letter, her eyes reading it carefully. Tears filled her eyes as she read, and when she had finished, she looked over at him, speechless for once in her life.

"Jethro..." she whispered, "why did you do this?"

"I wanted you to know just how much you mean to me. Whenever you have a dark moment, you can look at this and remember how special you are. How much I love you."

She brought her hand to her mouth, tears dripping onto her fingers, and she pulled him closer, her lips meeting his in a soft kiss.

"I love you."

He reached for her hair, carefully pulling out the roses that had adorned it, and she smiled as his fingers ran through the soft waves.

"You are so beautiful."

She pulled him to her by the tie around his throat, and his hands instinctively went to her waist. Slowly undoing the silk fabric, she carelessly tossed it over her shoulder, and she shoved the jacket from his shoulders. He kissed her deeply, parting her lips with his tongue, and she fumbled with the buttons of his shirt.

"In a hurry, Jen?"

"You know what seeing you in a suit does to me," she whispered as she finally threw the offending item to the floor.

He laughed, his fingers making quick work of the zipper on her dress, and he ran his hands over her exposed skin lightly. She stood up, stepping out of the lace, and as she undid the button on his slacks, he flipped her onto her back. Her soft gasp as he touched her made him want her even more, and he had to force himself to move slowly. He kissed her slow and deep, his fingers slipping into her gently, and she moaned into his mouth as he moved.

Her head was spinning, unable to focus on anything except the feeling of his mouth and hands, and she arched her body into his. He brought her as close to the edge as he could, and when he removed his fingers, she moaned in protest.

"Jethro..."

"Shh..."

He entered her slowly, rolling his hips against hers, and she gasped as his lips found her throat. Sucking her porcelain skin in between his teeth, he moved slightly faster, a low moan falling from his lips. Without warning, Jenny flipped him over, her hair brushing over his face as her teeth nipped at his throat. He shuddered as she moved over him, her nails raking into his hair gently, and her name fell from his lips on a breath of air.

Flipping them again, he brought his mouth to her breast, loving the moan that graced his ears as he moved.

"Oh, fuck, Jethro..." she whispered, her head falling back against the bed.

He rubbed his thumb over her clit slowly, causing her breath to hitch in her throat, and she gripped his shoulders tightly. She could feel the pressure building within her body, and she pulled him down to her, wanting to kiss him as she came. It was nearly simultaneous, and she moaned into his mouth as her body shook in his arms. He buried his head in her shoulder, placing a breathless kiss to her collarbone, and she ran her hand through his slightly damp hair.

"I love you so much, Jen," he whispered.

"I love you, too."

He moved to the side of the bed, pulling her into his arms, and he kissed her hair softly. Her fingers trailed lightly up and down his arm, and she laughed quietly as a thought occurred to her.

"You know...I think we're going to have another wedding soon, Jethro."

He frowned.

"What?"

"Tony and Ziva."

Sighing, he raised up to look at her.

"You saw that, too?"

Jenny nodded.

"Kind of hard not to. They were staring at each other the same way we do."

"How is that, exactly?"

She met his eyes seriously, searching the sapphire depths.

"Like they can't stand to lose each other. Like the world makes sense when they look into each other's eyes. Like they would be lost without one another."

He nodded, kissing her gently.

"I would be," he answered seriously.

"Would be what?"

"Lost without you. It almost happened, and it very nearly killed me. I'm never letting you go again."

"You don't have to worry about that. I'm not going anywhere. The only way you're getting away from me is a body bag."

"And let's face it, you'll probably be the one to put me in it," he quipped.

She nodded.

"You know it. So don't test me, gunny."

He laughed, holding her tighter in his arms and she kissed his chest gently.

"Get some sleep, Jen. It's been a long day."

Jenny closed her eyes, tracing patterns on his skin lightly, and when he noticed that her movements had stopped, he ran his hand over her hair. He still couldn't quite believe that the woman in his arms was now his wife, and he smiled as he felt himself falling asleep. How had he gotten so lucky?

Stretching slowly in the morning light, Jenny swung her feet over the side of the bed, hell bent on finding coffee, and she frowned when she noticed that Gibbs was nowhere to be found. Pouring the rich liquid into her cup, she made her way slowly down to the basement, her mouth falling open slightly in shock when she noticed that his beloved boat was missing from the room. He smiled at her as she walked closer to him, and she frowned.

"It's gone."

He nodded.

"Moved it out a few days before the wedding."

It hadn't occurred to her that she hadn't even been in this room in a few days and she shook her head slowly.

"How?"

He smirked.

"You should know by now that I'm never going to tell you, Jen."

"Where?"

She couldn't seem to speak in more than two-word sentences, and he laughed at her puzzlement.

"I've got a place," he answered mysteriously.

"Leroy Jethro Gibbs, you are by far the most infuriating man I've ever met."

He smirked, reaching for her hand to pull her closer.

"That's probably true, but you married me, Jennifer Lorraine Gibbs."

Jenny smacked him, rolling her eyes.

"You know, I fully expected you to do that yesterday."

He frowned.

"What?"

"Deliberately mess up my middle name like you always do."

"Nah," he kissed her gently, winking at her, "Didn't particularly want to die before the honeymoon."

She laughed, shaking her head in defeat, and laying it on his shoulder.

"That reminds me, Jen. Did you ever decide about your last name? I know we talked about it, but you never gave me an answer."

She nodded.

"I'm taking yours," she said quietly, "I think Dad would understand."

"You could always hyphenate them if you wanted."

Frowning, Jenny shook her head.

"Jennifer Shepard-Gibbs is too damn long. Who's got time to say that when they answer the phone?"

He laughed at her practicality, but he also knew that she'd done it to remind herself that she did, in fact, belong to someone. That she had someone she could call her home. He would never consider her a possession, but she was his, in the same way that he was hers. No one else would see her smile in the morning or hear her whispered "I love you" at night, and that security was something she had always been desperate for.

His phone rang suddenly, shattering the silence, and he glared at it as he answered it.

"Yeah. Gibbs."

"Hey, boss. Sorry to bother you on a day off, but is the Director around? I tried calling her, but she didn't answer."

He frowned.

"Why do you want to talk to my wife?"

As soon as the words left his mouth, Jenny smiled. It was the first time he had ever referred to her as his wife, and it made her feel happier than she would have ever imagined. He handed the phone to her, and she frowned.

"DiNozzo," he muttered.

"Yes, DiNozzo?"

"Good morning, fearless leader! Sorry to call you on your honeymoon, but I wanted to thank you for your advice on a certain matter. It went perfectly. You're the best."

"I'm glad it worked out. Is there anything else?"

"No, ma'am. Thanks again. I owe you one."

"Oh, believe me, Tony," she laughed, "I'll collect."

She hung up the phone, passing it back to Gibbs, and he glared at her.

"What was that about?"

"Never you mind, Jethro," she said with a smile, "Why don't you make yourself useful and cook breakfast?"

Though he was tempted to protest, he was simply glad that she was eating without having to be reminded of it. He nodded, taking her hand and pulling her towards the stairs. She laughed as he threw her over his shoulder, taking care not to jostle her still-healing ribs, and when he set her down, she smacked him gently.

"I'm not your property just because we're married now."

"Nope, you're just my own personal sex slave."

She laughed outright, rolling her eyes and he kissed her.

"If you ever say that again, I'll rip your tongue out so fast that it'll make your head spin," she threatened.

He shook his head, looking at her seriously.

"Now why would you do that, Jen? There are so many other ways that my tongue can be put to use."

Kissing her hard to prove his point, his tongue explored her mouth carefully, and he lifted her up onto the kitchen counter, taking care not to let her skin touch the coffee pot. Her fingers threaded in his hair, and she moaned as he kept kissing her, as though his very life depended on it.

"Jethro," she said quietly, pulling away slightly, "Why don't we go upstairs and see just how good you really are with your tongue?"

"Thought you wanted breakfast," he said as he kissed her throat.

"Later," she promised.

He helped her down from the counter, and she pulled him to her again, gasping as he lifted her into his arms and headed for the stairs, all thoughts of food far from her mind.

Their "honeymoon" had only lasted that weekend, and as Jenny sat behind her desk, filling out the forms needed to officially change her last name, she smiled and turned the wedding band on her finger. This was real. It wasn't part of an undercover assignment, it wasn't just to mess with him, and she couldn't have been happier. The intercom beeped, and Cynthia's soft voice filled the silence, causing Jenny to pause her writing.

"Excuse me, Director, Agent Fornell is on line one for you."

"Thank you, Cynthia."

Frowning as she picked up the phone, Jenny took off her glasses and sat back in her chair.

"Gibbs," she answered.

"Woah, that's gonna take some getting used to," Fornell laughed, "Anyway, I hate to tell you this, Jenny, but the FBI is demanding that you turn over jurisdiction on your latest case."

"On what grounds?" she asked carefully.

"Body was dumped there, not killed there. Not your jurisdiction."

"He was carrying dog tags," she protested.

"Not his."

Jenny sighed, running her hand through her hair.

"Fine, but you're the one who has to deal with Jethro."

"Thanks a lot, Jenny."

"Anytime, Tobias."

Gibbs frowned as his phone rang, and when he answered it, he didn't try to disguise his annoyance.

"Yeah. Gibbs."

"Jethro, I think it's only fair to warn you that Tobias Fornell is on his way here, demanding that we turn over our case to the FBI."

"What?"

"Unless you can find some way to prove that he was murdered on the base, we have no choice."

"I'll find it. Thanks, Jen."

He hung up just as the elevator doors opened and Abby ran towards him, her hair flying behind her.

"Gibbs! Remember how we assumed that the body had to have been dumped on the base because there were no signs of a struggle? I found traces of the exact paint from the wall of the barracks under his fingernails. He was murdered there. He was locked in the barracks when the gas was released and he tried to claw his way out."

Gibbs frowned.

"Gas?"

She nodded.

"Yeah. I found traces of hydrogen sulfide in his lungs. He was poisoned, Gibbs. Someone locked him in that room intending to kill him, and then dragged the body out to another room to make it look like he'd been dumped."

"What about the dog tags?"

"They were probably already in the room when he was locked in."

He kissed her cheek, making his way to the stairs.

"Good work, Abby."

McGee frowned as Tobias Fornell walked into the squad room, his eyes scanning it quickly.

"Where is he, McGee?"

He didn't even need to clarify who he was referring to.

"Director's office."

Fornell nodded, walking up the stairs and he paused at Cynthia's desk, inclining his head to the door.

"May I?"

Cynthia nodded, and he knocked on the door, waiting until he heard Jenny grant him permission to enter and he frowned as he approached her desk.

"Jethro," he greeted, "Jenny."

"You get confused about where you're employed, Tobias?" Gibbs asked with a smirk.

"Cute. Look, I didn't want to be the one to have to do this, but my hands are tied."

Jenny sat straighter in her chair and gave him a smile that was far too calm for his liking.

"It's still our jurisdiction, Fornell."

"You can't just ignore a direct order, Jenny."

He handed her the piece of paper outlining said orders and the redhead skimmed it briefly before ripping it in two.

"What are you—"

"Tell him, Jethro."

As Gibbs relayed what Abby had found, Fornell found himself more than a little annoyed at the amused expression on Jenny's face. When he realised that he had no choice but to admit they were in the right, he glared at Gibbs, his eyes livid.

"You really had to sic your wife on me, Jethro?"

"She knew about it before I did, Tobias. You called her, remember?"

"You're enjoying this, aren't you, Director?"

She nodded, a light smile playing on her lips.

"Oh, only slightly more than a lot, Tobias. If your superiors give you any trouble, you tell them to take it up with me."

Somewhat comforted by the fact that Jenny had his back, Fornell nodded, and held out his hand to her. She took it, and he looked at her seriously.

"Still having trouble getting used to the last name, Jenny."

She smirked.

"You have no idea how many times I've almost signed a report incorrectly today."

He laughed and turned to Gibbs, shaking his head slowly.

"Two Gibbs' in one agency...God help us all."

The other agent shook his head as he laughed and led him to the door.

"Nah, the stubbornness in her is all Shepard. She was like that way before I met her. Ask her sister."

As the door of her office swung shut behind the two still-speaking agents, Jenny rolled her eyes and reached for her glasses. This was going to be a long day.

When she stepped onto the concrete floor of the basement, Jenny was surprised to see a large amount of lumber sitting in the middle of the room. Her husband was nowhere in sight, and she frowned as she turned to walk back up the stairs. She crashed into his body as she turned, and she jumped back, a loud gasp tearing from her throat.

"Jesus Christ, Jethro! You scared me to death!"

He smirked and stepped around her, heading for the work table. She made her way slowly closer, nodding to the pile of wood in the center of the basement.

"What's all this for?"

"New boat," he said simply.

She frowned.

"Really?"

He nodded.

"Yeah. I finished the Kelly, so it's time for a new one."

Pouring a generous amount of bourbon into a mason jar, he took a small drink, and passed it to her. She accepted it slowly, tipping it back, and she shuddered at the taste. It was so reminiscent of the first time she'd tasted it that he laughed, causing her to glare at him.

"Out of practice, Jen?"

"Shut up."

He poured another drink, watching her from the corner of his eye as she slowly took another sip of the liquid, and she smiled.

"What are you going to name this one?"

"Dunno yet."

Jenny frowned when she tried to take another drink and his hand on her wrist stopped her from raising the glass.

"Hey, Jen?"

"Yeah?"

"I wanted to ask you...I know you've still got a long road ahead of you, and I'm going to be here to help you in any way I can, but...would you build this one with me?"

She was silent, remembering the morning after her attack when he had shown her the proper way to sand the wood, and she frowned.

"I don't know, Jethro. This has always been your thing. I don't want to intrude on that. I can find other ways to cope."

He shook his head, taking her hand.

"You're not intruding. You're my wife, and I want to share this with you. Let's build this together, the same way we've built our lives. You and me, together or not at all."

Finally, she nodded, and he kissed her, nearly intoxicated on the combination of bourbon and something that was uniquely Jenny. As her hands found his waist, he tangled his fingers in her hair, loving the way it slipped through them like water.

"Jethro?"

"Hm?"

"You just said that because you want to watch me screw up this boat, didn't you?"

He smirked.

"Messing up is all part of the fun, Jen."

Though she hated to admit it, he had a point. Every decision she'd ever made had led her to this moment, and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't even pretend to regret it. They'd both made mistakes over the years, but it had made them stronger, and she knew that their marriage would be the same way: flawed, but undeniably strong.

A/N: Finally, a Jibbs wedding! For anyone curious about the Bryan Adams song, it was "Here I Am". I was listening to my old vinyl records and this song came on, and it was perfect for Gibbs and Jenny. Seriously, give it a listen. Hope you liked it! Only one more chapter to go, and this story will be wrapped up!