The DiNozzo family was already facing a great deal of changes. They were fighting their way back from hell and struggling to get back to normal. They were also facing major changes with an already growing family, but this was a special opportunity. An opportunity that was near impossible to pass up. They knew that there would be challenges but they also knew this boy had no other choices. Clint was a good man but he was newly divorced and his children were long since grown. He had had lived a fairly stable life and had no idea how to handle a boy like Charlie. Tony had been through so much in his life and was perfect to raise the boy. It was still a major decision and not one to be made rapidly, and certainly not one to be made by only two.
"Clint, that is a wonderful opportunity and of course we are honored, but we really have to talk this over. We need to sleep on it and discuss it with the girls." Ziva explained.
"She's right" Tony agreed.
"Alright well Charlie is back with my mother in Ohio. Just give me a call when you come to a decision. If it's a yes we will fly out as soon as possible." Clint explained.
"We would fly out to get him of course." Tony assured.
That evening the family had gathered around the dimly lit dining room table. Ziva sat slightly back from the table, rubbing her belly. After this afternoon she understood why she was so big. They were working on ways to surprise the girls with the baby news, but the other news could not wait. Tony furrowed his brow and rung his hands together. Ziva patted her stomach and coughed. Marley took the cough as a cue to remove her sweatbands and Lily quietly dropped her stuffed frog to the floor.
"We received some major news today and while your father and I are very excited. We would like to talk it over with you before we make our final decision." Tony announced.
"Is everything OK with the baby?" Marley questioned.
"Everything is fine." Ziva assured.
"Then what's going on?" Marley asked.
"Your father and I were given the opportunity to adopt a little boy. His name is Charlie and he has been through a great deal of trauma. He is eight years old and he is living with a friend of your father's. This friend can no longer help him and we are his first choice over foster care." Ziva explained.
"If it were just your mom and I, we would jump on adopting him, but you girls are part of the family too. You have the right to be against it." Tony added.
"Well why would you care? I mean we are a family but Lily and I are just kids. Kids are not supposed to call the shots. Especially if a child needs a home. So I am OK with it." Marley replied.
"I would get a big brother?" Lily asked.
"Yes" Tony replied.
"Will he be able to play with me?" Lily asked.
"Physically yes but he has been through a lot. So he may not feel up to playing." Ziva explained.
"That's OK" Lily assured.
"Your father and I still have a lot to talk over. Obviously your father's problems may hinder an adoption. So we will need to speak with a social worker. This will not happen right away and it may not happen." Ziva explained.
"That is OK but I want you to know that I am fine with it. I would actually love to have another brother. Not that he will replace AJ." Marley explained.
"I still want a big brother!" Lily cried.
"We will speak with the social worker in the morning and make our official decision from there." Ziva replied.
Later on, Tony and Ziva were alone in bed. They had long since sent the girls to bed. They heard Lily racing around in her room but they were not going to fight with her. As long as she stayed in her room. They did not care. She would get woken up at seven in the morning, regardless. Lily's antics were not the concern of the moment. Right now there only concern was Charlie and whether or not he should be welcomed into the family.
"So the girls are on board." Tony commented.
"Yes but are you up to it?" Ziva asked.
"My symptoms are improving and everybody in the group says to find somebody you can relate to. That may just be Charlie." Tony explained.
"If you are sure you can handle it and if the girls want it. Then I am on board but I want to get the social worker's opinion." Ziva explained.
"Deal" Tony agreed.
Bright and early the next morning, the DiNozzo's were on the phone with the social worker. This was a key step in their process. The entire family was ecstatic to welcome Charlie but understood that it may not work out. Circumstances were too complex to promise and easy adoption.
"What is the problem again?"
"My husband and I were offered to adopt a little boy but my husband also suffers from PTSD. Would that have an impact on an adoption."
"This would be a private adoption?"
"Yes my friend was named guardian but he cannot continue to raise Charlie. The boy has far too many issues."
"Tony you will have to have a psychological exam but I do not see it being an issue with a private adoption. Unless Tony is found to be severely unstable."
The coming days were filled with appointments, paper work, and over a hundred calls. It all accumulated to one call late on a Friday afternoon. The family was gathered around the living room watching Seinfeld on DVD. When Tony's phone rang. He stepped out of the room to answer it and returned several moments later with a huge grin on his face.
"What was that?" Ziva questioned.
"That was the social worker." Tony replied,
"And?" Marley interrupted.
"Am I getting a brother?" Lily cried.
"We were approved! We are picking up Charlie on Monday!" Tony announced, victoriously.
A/N: How will Charlie take to the family? New chapter will be up soon. Please review and thanks for reading.