"She said what?" asked Lieutenant Commander Burke.

Tony had finally caught up with the chaplain. He had met her at the church with Tali and they had introduced her to the font. Tony promised to practise watery things at bath time so his daughter could be prepared on the day. Tali had behaved well but had then spotted the children's play corner and had wandered off to explore. Left alone, Tony had explained what he had been doing before arriving at the church.

"You heard, Mel," said Tony. "She said she wanted me to go back to NCIS."

"Why?" asked Melanie. "I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm sure you'd be an asset … it's just -why? What does she want you to do?"

"Corral Gibbs, I guess, keep him in line," said Tony.

"You mean she wants you to go back to your previous job?"

Tony shrugged in reply.

"But that's crazy. It would be a demotion, a step backwards, wouldn't it?"

"We didn't get into specifics," said Tony fairly, "I didn't get the idea that I'd be working directly under Gibbs. I think she heard the Federal Agency Liaison part of my job title and wants some of that."

"But, still …" said Melanie. "And what did you tell her?"

"Well, for starters I pointed out that Vance probably wouldn't want me back."

"And what did she say to that?"

"She sort of sniffed," said Tony thoughtfully.

"And what did that mean?"

"Not sure. It was quite an expressive sniff and I don't think it was a good sign for the Director. I don't think she plans on keeping the acting part of her job title for long."

"Really?" said Melanie. "That's interesting. Wonder if the Director knows what's going on?"

"I doubt it," said Tony, "Unless he's easing himself out."

"And letting NCIS down gradually in case they went into meltdown at losing him abruptly?" asked Melanie sarcastically.

Tony stared at her, "That doesn't seem a very chaplainy thing to say, Chaplain Burke."

Melanie looked a little embarrassed. "No, I guess not. But I still get mad when I remember what he put you through."

"Thanks, Mel. That means a lot," said Tony. "I don't know what's going on between the Director and the Acting Director but it might not turn out to be pretty."

"Does that make you or more less likely to take her offer?" asked Melanie.

"Well," said Tony judiciously, "While watching them slug it out might be entertaining, I think I'll give it a miss."

"So you turned it down?"

"Yep. Several times but she insisted that she hadn't taken no for an answer and would give me some more time to make my decision," said Tony.

"But you have decided?"

"Oh yes. I mean, trying to tame Gibbs is obviously very tempting … not … but I'll stick with what I've got here. What do you think?"

"I think you make good decisions," said Melanie after a pause.

"And I think you're very diplomatic," laughed Tony. "Actually, I'm not sure about whether I do make good decisions."

Melanie groaned, "Please don't tell me you changed your mind about godparents!"

"No," said Tony, "It's still Kit and Andi Lacey, Doug Sutherland, McGee and now Bishop like I told you."

"Phew," said Melanie. "So, what decisions have been bad?"

"Oh, many many many," said Tony. "But the one I'm thinking of is having stayed at NCIS as long as I did."

"How so?"

"That raid I organized?"

"Yes?"

"Milsom Bay Chief of Police was impressed. He's retiring in three months' time. He wants to suggest me for the job."

"Wow," said Melanie.

"Yeah, wow. And Laura, my Boss at Raleigh … she told me the other day that she's pregnant. And she's going to recommend that I step up to be Chief while she's on maternity leave. And she's not sure she'll come back – she never thought she would or could have a child and she's so excited about it that she's seriously thinking of being a full-time mom for a few years."

"Wow again," said Melanie. "So what's that got to do with making bad decisions about staying at NCIS?"

"Look how many job offers I've got since I left there," said Tony. "Who knows where I'd be if I'd left earlier?"

"Do you regret it, staying with NCIS?" asked Melanie gently.

Tony was silent for a moment or two but then said, "No. I try not to have regrets and I was happy there for most of the time. And I guess when I stopped being happy, I left."

"Sounds good to me," said Melanie.

"Abba, I'm hungry," said Tali as she came out of the play corner.

"OK, let's get you home," said Tony. "Abba'll cook you some … octopus and seaweed!"

"No!" protested Tali.

Tony seemed to think, "OK. How about prawns and pineapple?"

"No!" giggled Tali. "Dada's silly!"

"I know!" said Tony, "Turnips and tomatoes!"

"No!" squealed Tali.

"Well, what do you want then?" asked Tony.

"Eggy bread," said Tali.

"Eggy bread it is," said Tony, "And apple pie. If Mac hasn't eaten it all."

Tali tugged on her father's hand, "Hurry," she said, "I want pie!"

Melanie laughed. "You're good with her, you know."

"I owe it all to you," said Tony dramatically. "Who knows what would have happened if you hadn't made me confront my deepest fears?"

"You'd have been fine," said Melanie. "You'd have risen to the occasion. Like you always do."

Tony bowed in gratitude. "Thank you. Now, are you coming with us for eggy bread and grey apple pie?"

"Wouldn't miss it for the world," smiled Melanie.

NCISNCIS

Tim and Ducky arrived the next day at the café and found the DiNozzos having a late breakfast there.

"Don't you ever cook at home?" asked Tim.

"We had eggy bread yesterday," said Tony defensively. "Besides, you've tasted Millie's cooking. Why on earth would I cook for myself?"

"Indeed," said Ducky, "And I will admit to have only consumed the lightest of breakfasts in order to leave room for whatever Mrs Lacey might provide."

"Where's Delilah?" asked Tony.

Tim winced, "She has to work. She might make it down tomorrow but it doesn't look promising. She sends her apologies."

"No worries," said Tony, "I'm surprised we've got you and Bishop here."

"And Gibbs," Tim reminded him. "Where is he?"

"Went out early this morning," said Millie as she emerged to check on her new customers. "He said he'd be gone till late this afternoon."

"Wonder what the old ba-blighter is up to," said Tony.

"What?" asked Tim.

Ducky chuckled. "Well done, my boy. Glad to see the alternative words are working well. And can we expect your esteemed father to be here for this auspicious occasion?"

"No," said Tony, "Milsom Bay isn't really his scene. And he got invited to Gstaad to meet up with Prince Ali but he sent my Christening gown for Tali – it's a DiNozzo heirloom."

"That's … sweet," said McGee uncertainly.

"Yeah, except I was baptized when I was three months old," said Tony, "I mean, I was a big baby but not so big that Tali's going to fit into what I wore!"

"Ah, well. It's the thought that counts," said Ducky wisely.

"And which doesn't cost much," said Tony with a hint of bitterness. "Although he did send a gift certificate as well."

"Excellent," said Ducky cheerfully.

"Although Tali's not into golf so I'm not sure how much use she'll get out of a free day on the range."

"Perhaps it will be a chance for grandfatherly bonding," said Ducky still determined to look on the bright side.

"Jimmy and Breena will be down later," said McGee. "Victoria has a party to go to this afternoon."

Millie returned with plates of food for the new arrivals. Ducky and Tim paused reverently for a moment and then dived in. Silence reigned for a few minutes and then McGee asked,

"Where's Bishop? Thought she was coming down yesterday?"

"Oh, she's here," said Tony, "She's doing research. Still."

"Research?" asked Tim, "What? Did we catch a case?"

"No. Bishop is going to be a godparent. Which apparently requires preparation. A lot of preparation," said Tony.

"It does?" said Tim.

"According to Bishop," said Tony.

"Eleanor is not known for her spontaneity," observed Ducky.

"Still, preparation?" said Tim worriedly, "I mean, I've done some. Perhaps I should check in with her. Where is she?"

"Room above this one," said Tony, "Room 3."

Tim swallowed the last of his coffee and hurried away. Tony watched him go and then said, "I've either given Tali the best godparents in the world or … they'll drive her mad."

"Somewhere between those two extremes I would surmise," said Ducky placidly. "And what of Abby, if I may ask?"

"Haven't heard from her for a day or so," said Tony. "Which is a relief. Uh oh," he added.

"What is the matter, Anthony?" asked Ducky.

Tony jerked his head to the outside seating area where he could see a black lace parasol making its way towards them.

"Oh my," said Ducky. "Would you like me to speak with her, dear boy? I am sure I could make her see reason."

"No," sighed Tony, "I'll do it. I don't want her to be persuaded by someone else. But do me a favour, would you?"

"Assuredly," said Ducky.

"Could you take Tali down to John's? He wanted one more sitting before tomorrow. He's hoping to show Tali's picture to everyone after the service."

"It will be a pleasure," said Ducky, "Now, Miss DiNozzo," he beamed at Tali, "Would you be so kind as to accompany me to Mr Sutherland's house?"

Tali turned saucer like eyes on Ducky and then giggled and put her hand in his. Tony kissed her goodbye and whispered to Ducky to go out the back way and avoid meeting Abby. He then sat back down and waited for Abby to spot him.

"Was that Tali?" she asked when she neared the table where he was sitting.

"Yes," said Tony.

"She's grown," said Abby.

"Yes."

"Tony …"

"Yes?"

Abby twisted her hands in a gesture familiar to Tony and he felt a pang when he saw that she was even paler than usual and that the black circles around her eyes were not wholly due to her makeup.

"Sit down, Abs," he said in a gentler tone than he'd intended.

Millie arrived with another coffee for Tony and a mug of tea for Abby.

"Thank you," said Abby.

"It's valerian tea," said Millie sternly.

"Oh," said Abby, "That's good for …"

"Calming you down," said Millie.

"Oh," said Abby again. "Oh, thank you."

"And some of my malted milk cookies. My grandchildren like them before they go to bed," said Millie in a kinder voice.

"They look delicious," said Abby in a slightly husky voice.

Millie nodded and went away although Tony noticed that she didn't go to the kitchen but stayed to clean the already pristine tables. He smiled at this show of support.

"What you doing here, Abby?" he asked.

"I wanted to see you," she replied.

"Why?"

"I wanted to talk to you."

Tony sighed, "We've already done a lot of talking, Abs. What else is there to say?"

"I've brought you this," said Abby. She fished in her tote bag and drew out a flat parcel wrapped in pink skulls and crossbones.

"Abs, I don't need any more stuff about Judaism," said Tony.

"It's not that," said Abby, "It's not that at all. Open it."

Tony looked at her a little suspiciously but did as he was told.

"I know it's probably too late," said Abby as he peeled back the paper, "But Sister Rosita made it for me."

"Abs, I think it's too small for you," joked Tony.

Abby hit him gently on the arm, "Idiot! I don't mean she made it for me to wear. She made it for me to give to Tali."

Tony gasped as he drew out a floral dress with exquisite embroidery.

"It's smocking," explained Abby. "It's kinda old-fashioned now but it's all handmade."

"It's beautiful, Abby," said Tony. "This must have taken her hours."

"It did," said Abby, "I did her chores while she sat and made it. I thought Tali might want to wear it for her … baptism."

Tony laughed, "It'll fit better than what Senior sent!"

"I mean, I know it's late … and I'll understand if you don't want to use it," said Abby.

"Abby, it's wonderful. She'll love it. Of course she'll wear it."

"You mean it?" said Abby.

"Of course. I hope it's washable though?"

"Why?"

"My daughter attracts dirt like a … well, I don't know. A dirt magnet, I guess. Her clothes practically live in the washer!"

"It's cotton," said Abby, "And Sister Rosita sews really well. I'm sure it will go in the washer. And, if it doesn't, I'll get her to make another."

"Thanks, Abby," said Tony.

"And I'm sorry," said Abby. "I don't know why I got so angry about it all."

"'Cos you care," said Tony quietly, "It's one of the things I love about you. That passion. That purity … that focus of feeling."

"But I was so mean to you," said Abby.

"Yes," agreed Tony. "But I know that it was partly because you cared for Ziva so much."

"I spoke to the nuns about it," said Abby, "And they said that I was refusing to let go of her. That I hadn't accepted that she's gone."

"And were they right?" probed Tony.

Abby sniffed, "I think so. I thought I was doing what she'd want me to do."

"I know," said Tony, "But we don't really know what she would have wanted. And it's up to me to decide what's best for our daughter."

"I know," said Abby as the tears threatened to spill over, "But hearing what you were planning seemed to bring it all back. And I am sorry, Tony."

"I'm not going to stop Tali learning about her roots," said Tony, "But it's …"

"What?"

"I'm building a family here, Abby. I missed out on the start of Tali's life and I'm never going to get that time back. There's lots of reasons to have my daughter baptised and one of them is that I get to stand up in front of the people I love and say 'this is my daughter and we're starting something together'. Do you understand?"

"Yes."

"I'm not doing it out of revenge or spite, Abs. I'm doing it because I think it's the best thing for Tali. And it's part of our life together. Are you OK with that?"

Abby nodded, "And even if I wasn't," she said bravely, "I know that it's your decision to make."

"Doesn't mean I don't want your opinion," said Tony. "I'll get things wrong sometimes."

"I'll give you my opinion," said Abby, "Once … or maybe twice but then it's up to you."

"That's what I want," said Tony, "And there's something else I'll be relying on you for."

"Yes?" said Abby eagerly.

"I think you'll be a good person to tell Tali about her Jewish roots. When the time's right. Are you up for that?"

"Absolutely," said Abby. "And there's something else I can do for you."

Tony suddenly felt anxious, "Um, Abby, I've asked Ellie to be Tali's godmother."

Abby's smile wavered for a moment but then she said, "That's good … that's excellent. She and Timmy will be good. But I can still come to the service, can't I?"

"Of course you can. I want my friends there," said Tony.

"So I wondered if I could record it for you? Look, I brought my camcorder with me." She dived into her tote once more and drew out the camera.

"How big is that bag?" asked Tony, "It's like the one out of Mary Poppins!" He saw Abby's surprised expression, "Hey," he continued, "Father of a small child here. My movie watching has changed, you know."

Abby grinned back, "Tony DiNozzo! You can't fool me! You always liked Mary Poppins!"

"Guilty as charged," said Tony sheepishly. "But you have got a seriously scary bag."

"So can I? Can I?" asked Abby. "Can I film it?"

"I don't know," said Tony, "We'll have to ask the church if it's OK."

"Oh," said Abby, "Oh, I understand."

"But if they don't," said Tony hastily, "You can totally film the party afterwards. And take the photos!"

Abby clapped her hands in excitement. "It'll be so cool. I'll take loads of photos!"

Somehow, Tony didn't doubt that for a moment.

"Everything all right here?" asked Millie coming towards them.

"Oh, yes!" said Abby happily, "Your tea really calmed me down!"

It wasn't often that Millie looked puzzled but Tony could see that Abby's claim to be calm had bewildered her.

"Are we good?" asked Abby when they were alone again.

Tony stared at Abby. He knew that some of what she had said had hurt him but he couldn't help but forgive her and he couldn't imagine not having her in his life.

"Course," he said.

"Then can I give you a hug?" asked Abby.

"You never have to ask," said Tony standing up and opening his arms.

NCISNCIS

Later that evening, Tony found Gibbs sitting once more on the pier by the Pink House.

"Thought I'd find you here," he said.

"Nice spot," said Gibbs still looking out to sea.

"Abby's arrived," said Tony.

That made Gibbs look at Tony, "Everything OK?" he asked.

"Yeah," said Tony, "We're good. Abby's on board now. Really, really on board."

"Good," said Gibbs, "That's good."

"What about you, Gibbs? Are you good?" asked Tony.

Gibbs looked at Tony quizzically. "You my therapist, DiNozzo?"

"No, Gibbs. No, I just wondered why you keep coming down to the Pink House."

"Cos it's usually quiet," said Gibbs pointedly.

"I was wondering if you had plans for the place," said Tony cautiously.

"What would I do with it?" asked Gibbs.

"I don't know," said Tony, "You tell me."

Just one more chapter to go, I think.