Chapter 5: Telling the Family
5 December 2027
Abby had worn her engagement ring on a necklace tucked into her shirt or blouse while at work and at family gatherings for the month of November. On the day of Kayla's wedding, she had put it on her finger. The father and stepmother of the bride waited to see if any of the extended family noticed. Both were sure Gibbs had; and Abby knew both Tony and Ziva had also noticed.
Kayla was a beautiful bride in her simple ankle length white gown with lace insets on the bodice and lace sleeves. Her flowers were white roses and white carnations. She and Kyle had decided to include his two children into the ceremony and the vows to emphasize that they were becoming a family as well as husband and wife.
Abby had helped Kayla get dressed and had spent some time with her stepdaughter to be as they were putting the finishing touches on her bridal attire.
"Abby," Kayla paused in her preparations, taking Abby's hand. "Thank you."
"For what?" Abby was surprised.
"For loving my dad, for one, and for doing the mom things for me for my wedding." Kayla hugged Abby tightly. Abby returned the hug with tears in her eyes.
"I hope you know that I would never…" Abby stopped midsentence as Kayla put her finger on Abby's lips.
"I know," the young woman whispered, "and that's why I love you already as my stepmom!" Abby wiped her tears.
"I love you, too." Kayla found herself the recipient of an 'Abby hug.' She also wiped tears from her eyes as her father knocked on the door.
"Are you ready, kiddo?" Leon tried not to let her see his tears. "I love you, baby girl."
Abby left to take her seat next to where Leon would sit after he walked Kayla down the aisle. When the bridal march played she stood up with the rest of the family and beamed with love. She watched Maya, Kayla's stepdaughter, as she dropped rose petals along the aisle. When Maya got to Abby she turned and hugged her Gigi Abby and stood next to her. Both watched as Leon walked Kayla to the altar, where Kyle and his son Max, as ring-bearer, were waiting in their matching blue tuxes.
After Leon put Kayla's hand in Kyle's, Abby gave Maya a gentle push in the direction of the altar, whispering to the girl, "Go up next to MomKa now. I love you."
"Love you too, Gigi Abby." Maya passed her Papa, and gave him a hug as she did. She climbed the steps to stand with her family. Leon moved next to Abby and the congregation sat as Kayla and Kyle exchanged vows and then all four of the new family said their family vows.
Abby wiped her tears several times and also wiped a few tears from Leon's face. They held hands as they watched Kayla and Kyle pledge their lives to each other and to their family. Abby could feel the family members watching them, but she knew that all would soon know Leon's and her plans.
The reception was held in the church fellowship hall with a buffet, dancing, and fun for everyone. After the newlyweds left for their night alone, Abby started gathering up Maya and Max's things. The two children would be spending the night at with Abby and Leon. The following day they would spend as a family before heading to Tennessee to visit Kyle's late wife's family and then to Mississippi to visit his grandmother. Then it would be back to Jacksonville to prepare for Kyle's PCS to Australia.
While Abby was getting the children ready to head out, Leon called the family together at one of the tables. He motioned for Abby to join him. She moved to his side and had the grandkids sit at the table with the others.
Abby looked out at the faces of her NCIS family, all of them filled with love and many of them appearing to know the news that they were about to hear.
Leon began, "Thank you all for making my daughter's day special. She knows she has a wonderful extended family in all of you.
"Now there is some other news Abby and I want to share with you. Most of you probably noticed that Abby was by my side today. She is my date, but more than that, she is my fiancée. We have been engaged since Halloween, but waited until today to tell you so that Kayla would have the spotlight."
Abby spoke next, "We plan to be married on Valentines' Day as the day is special to us. We will give you more details at the next family dinner. Right now, we have two very tired grandkids to get home and put to bed."
"WOW, congratulations, Leon and Abby," Ziva spoke first. She hugged each of them and then moved to get her five ready to head home. Tony shook Leon's hand and hugged Abby and went to help Ziva with their kids.
Tim, Delilah, a very pregnant Ellie, Clay, Jimmy and Breena also congratulated the couple and started getting their respective kids ready to go home. Gibbs was the last to congratulate the couple.
"Leon, you have a good woman there. Make my Abby happier than she has ever been. Take good care of her." Gibbs started to shake Leon's hand but instead drew him into a hug.
He turned to Abby, who was smiling and almost glowing. "Love you, Abs. He's a good man." Gibbs wrapped his arms around Abby and she hugged him back.
"Love you too, Gibbs."
