After what felt like an eternity, Ziva was finally past the first trimester. They had cleared the first hurdle but they continued to hold their breaths. Slowly the excitement was setting in, Ziva had even looked up cute birth announcements and gender reveals on Pinterest. It was hard not to spill the beans the instant Ziva was thirteen weeks, but they knew they needed to wait for the tests and results. Time continued to drag on, but it did pass. Thirteen weeks turned to fourteen, which turned to fifteen, and then came sixteen. At the sixteen week mark Ziva's doctor, said they could run the necessary tests. Though they may need another ultrasound later on, if certain abnormalities appeared to present. Tony and Ziva jumped on the opportunity, though they were filled with nerves and dread.
"Don't forget I have a doctor's appointment at one. Marley you can ride the bus home but you have to come straight home and text as soon as you arrive. I also want you to stay inside and don't open the door for anybody. We are not expecting any deliveries and anybody who may need to come over would call first." Ziva explained.
"I was actually going over to Tanya's house. I am going to go with her to pick up dresses for the Spring Dance." Marley explained.
"And you are just now telling me? Marley I have to give you money, I have to get with Mrs. Garth. I am sorry but you are going to have to reschedule." Ziva rambled.
"You did approve it and Tony was going to drop money off with Mrs. Garth this morning." Marley explained.
"Marley I..." Ziva started.
"Ziva we have it covered. We talked about it last week." Tony corrected.
"We did, I am just so tired. I am having serious pregnancy brain this week. I did not have it near this bad with AJ." Ziva explained.
"That means we are having a smart baby." Tony commented.
"What about me?" Lily asked.
"Honey you are very smart." Tony assured.
"I mean how am I getting home? I get out at one." Lily questioned.
"Mrs. Travis is going to pick you up and you can play with Cam." Ziva explained.
By one thirty, Ziva was back on an exam table. Tony stood beside her, tightly gripping her hand in his own. This was the moment they were waiting for the moment that would make or break this pregnancy. Either they would get wonderful news or they would have their hearts shattered. There was no real in between. Their baby flashed onto the screen and the room was filled by a gentle heartbeat.
"We won't have your blood results in for a few more days but so far everything looks excellent." Shelly, Dr. Turner's ultrasound tech explained.
"What's that?" Ziva questioned pointing to the screen.
"Hold on, just hang on, I am sure that it's nothing but we can't be too careful." Shelly explained.
"Tony" Ziva gasped.
"We are going to be OK." Tony assured.
"Yes you are, that thing you see. That is a second baby. Congratulations you are having twins. From the looks of it two boys." Shelly explained.
Tony and Ziva were over the moon. Not only were they expecting twins, but both babies were thriving. After all the pain they had endured, these children would be welcome additions. They still had to wait on the blood-work but in a matter of days they would be making the big announcement. The announcement they had waited so long to make. The announcement they, thought they would never get to make.
"How do you feel?" Tony asked.
"Oh Tony I am in heaven. We are getting not one but two healthy babies." Ziva cooed.
"They are so cute and so perfect." Tony agreed.
"Thank you, Tony. You gave me these angels." Ziva sniffed.
"No Ziva you gave them to me." Tony corrected.
The ding of the microwave pulled Marley from her studies. She closed her books and slid them over on the couch. She walked to the kitchen and returned moments later with a bowl of ramen noodles. She was just starting to eat her lunch when there was a knock at the door. She started towards the door but then remembered Ziva's warnings. They were not expecting any parcels and any visitors had been instructed to call first. She went back to work but the knocking continued. Just when she was starting to get scared. A car pulled into the driveway. She raced over to the window and to her relief Tony and Ziva were the new arrivals. She watched from the window as Tony and Ziva climbed out of the car. Tony helped Lily out of her booster seat. The person at the door started down the drive but stopped when he saw Tony. Now Marley was really nervous.
Tony was walking up the drive with Lily. When he saw a familiar face step off the porch. Tony scooped Lily up, signaled for Ziva, and waited for his friend. His former frat brother stopped in the drive. Tony first noticed the look of pain on his friends face. His heart dropped and the happiness he had been feeling was rapidly vanishing.
"Oh Tony, I didn't realize you weren't home. I saw the lights on and just assumed." Clint explained.
"Our daughter is home alone but she was instructed not to open the door." Ziva explained.
"What can I do for you Clint?" Tony asked.
"I know you have a lot going on with the PTSD and mourning AJ but I am desperate and I didn't know where else to turn." Clint explained.'
"What's going on?" Tony questioned.
"Six months ago my best friend and fellow firefighter was killed in a horrific car accident. The accident claimed the lives of his wife, and four of his children. Including their infant daughter. Initially there two oldest boys survived the crash. His twelve year old son had severe injuries and died after spending a month in critical condition. The eight year old, had a few major injuries but was for the most part OK. Needless to say the boy was traumatized. I was given custody following the accident. I have tried everything but he just won't respond to me. You were so wonderful with AJ and you are great with your daughters. I know this sounds crazy but will you please consider taking Charlie in?" Clint requested.
A/N: Will Tony and Ziva take Charlie in? New chapter will be up soon. Please review and thanks for reading.