This is the 3rd attempt to post chapter 3. No idea what the heck is going on. But will keep trying. This one is a little longer to make up for the aggravation!
As Deeks walked in, Granger leaned back in his chair, clasped his hands behind his head and thought pretty sure I know what this is. He's gonna have to convince me. I promised Don I would watch out for her if something ever happened. Someday I have to fess up about that and tell her more about her dad as a marine. Oh well, I know Hetty and Vance are on board and he is good but this is Kensi. "What the hell do you want Deeks I'm busy?"
Deeks was sweating bullets. This one he dreaded. He expected Granger to be a jerk just cause he could. He then let out what was becoming an all too often happening of a long slow exhale of a deep breath. Deeks then looked at Granger who was still leaning back with hands clasped and a perfectly clean desk and smirked. He then went on in a very tentative voice. "Yea, a well ok I just need to talk to you about something. I am asking certain people this same question and so far all is going well. I am thinking about asking Kensi to-a-well marry me and I want your permission. I know you were close to her dad and I'm bettin someplace in the mix you-a-well feel like she might be kinda your responsibility to this day." A brief smile appeared and left as quickly on Grangers face. It didn't go unnoticed by Deeks who thought hah-nailed it. He does have a vested interest. That helps. Going on "so I wanted to ask your permission also." He recapped what had happened so far (except for Sam, Granger was aware of it all but didn't let on) but I want everyone on board. We talk about family and we have to act like one so that means getting everyone involved." Deeks then recapped his ideas for the proposal (he still hadn't talked to Kip-damn it he needs to remember that and the wonder twins) and went on to talk about some of the details of his life growing up and the reversal by both of them on kids. "I'm trying to adjust on the fly so to speak but the kids thing threw me. As I said the fear of being like my dad but at the same time, Kensi isn't my mom. She would beat me to a pulp if I hit her or our kid. I know that but that doesn't mean I wouldn't try. That's the crux of the matter I'm tryin' to deal with."
Granger continued to lean back, but a smile came across his face as he rocked forward and said "yea you're right, she would whip your ass bad. Personally I don't think you ever would do such a thing. You would have lost your temper by now and I have never seen that no matter how much pressure you have been under. Early on here when you were still trying to fit in would have broken most men but you made it thru and survived Siderov. You and she share a lot of similarities. You are nothing like Don, but you know that. He and Sam are 2 peas in a pod. But one thing is obvious. You love her and she loves you. Don's desire for his daughter would be that she finds someone who makes her happy and takes care of her. That isn't even a worry in this case. I planned on giving you a load of crap but once you laid it all out it was clear that you had thought about this carefully. If she is crazy enough to say yes, then I'm crazy enough to let you ask her but in the end it's her decision. However, if you ever do hurt her they will never find your body." Then he stared at Deeks. Couldn't come across as a total softie. The smirk was back but he also added, under his breath and almost as an afterthought "but Donnie would like you cause he would see the good in you and the love in her eyes. "Damn, did I just say that out loud? Crap."
Deeks smiled quickly and as he got up to leave he offered, in a quiet voice "I will take care of her Granger, you can count on it." He then walked out and called Kip, quickly explaining what was happening and what he wanted.
After a discussion Deeks said, "remember that group you said you were buddies with? One of their songs would be perfect-any chance they might help with this? (listening) Yea, you guessed it, that's the song. You will, hope the cost isn't- -what oh, man I can't ask you to do that. You sure? Ok well thanks man I owe ya."
"Nope, I finally get to pay you back Marty-Mar. You're the one that pushed me to work at hoops and now I'm set for life. Least I can do is help my bud propose. Call it an engagement present."
"Thanks again. Good luck in the playoffs." After hanging up Deeks just smiled and shook his head. Man the stars are aligning-maybe this is gonna work after all. Ok Deeks-next up, the wonder twins just to be sure they are on board.
All was quiet as he walked into OPS. Eric and Nell looked up and both of em grinned when they saw who it was. "What up Bro" came from Eric as Deeks took a position behind the center console.
Deeks smiled, leaned his elbows on the console and spoke "obviously you heard the discussion with the Director but I am asking all family members if they have a problem and give em a chance to have their say and wouldn't feel right leaving you out. Take your best shot." And he looked at both of them.
Eric spoke first saying simply "not a chance she says no man, congrat's you guys are a great couple."
"I agree" added Nell and I can help you with the rings if you want. I have a cousin who designs jewelry and is really good. I'm sure he'll do a good job and I can get you a great price or he gets audited yearly for the next 10 years." That caused everyone to smile.
"Yea, a wow, ok, I hadn't gotten that far but that's great. What do you need from me?"
"He works by getting to know the client thru others eyes. I can tell him a lot about her but he'll want details from you. I'll check with him and get you an email shortly. Then I'll go see him armed with that. He should have drawings about a week later. That's when you and I both go see him. Oh, do you know her ring size?"
"Actually I do, she's a 5." Nell wrote that down and then Deeks went on to explain what he planned. He ended it by asking Nell if she would co-ordinate everything since Kensi would figure it out if he made all the calls and running around. She jumped for joy and thanked him for letting her do it. He then ran thru everyone that would be involved. Closing it by saying "I'll take care of Monty and my little brother." That got a smile from her. At that time the light bulb when on. Where do I do this? She expects the beach and sunset but we could do it at the MMA gym where we met or a couple other places. Gotta work on that one also. I'll let ya know where when I figure it out Nell. Oh and check into getting one of those fancy buses, I don't want anyone-insert Granger here-drinking to the point of getting a DWI or DUI. I can swing that much." Both wonder twins smiled at that and as he walked out his mind was running a mile a minute thinking of all the things involved it pulling this off and knowing he did the right thing in asking Nell. That means Eric will also be heavily involved and those 2 can move mountains with a spoon if they have to. They have done it many times to help save the team.
Getting back to his desk, the 3 agents all eyed him. G spoke first "where you been all this time?"
Since Kensi was back he had to do a little dancin'. "Got called up to OPS. One of my CI's from LAPD was causing some issues and Eric found some camera footage of what really happened. Talked to Bates and the Chief of D's and got it worked out." Everyone went back to their paperwork and Deeks quietly relaxed. Another bullet dodged. He had also decided that he was gonna talk with Kensi that night about the kids thing from his perspective. If she saw what the rest of them seemed to he felt like he had to believe them and that helped clear the way to what he was working on.
That evening, while stretched out on the couch watching her eat her evening Rocky Road he cleared his throat and offered "we need to talk about something." He explained his reaction to the baby comment but then he went on and told her why-his dad, Max etc. Then he added "it has been bugging me. This mentor thing was a way to 'test the waters' but the more I thought about it the more I realized I was wrong. I have never shown signs of dad's temper except as Max and that was intentional. All the tough spots we've been in and I've never gone into a rage-even when you and I were 'fencing' so to speak it never crossed my mind to explode on you. And finally, you would kick my ass across 3 states and the Rockies if I ever tried to. Given all that, when the time is right I'm all in with kids, if that is still what you want at that time." The look on his face told her more than what he said. It told her he had truly worried about this and that this conclusion was something that was important and based in thought, not a whim or fear of losing her or any of the 10 or so other things she had worried about. Maybe this is the reason for his actions. I thought it might be the marriage thing. Well he had to decide this first given what I said. He's about ready to reel in and then she silently chuckled.
Putting the ice cream down she curled up under his arm and offered "I always knew that. You don't have the capacity to hurt someone that hasn't done anything to anyone. Never in a million years. And for the record, I would never fall in love with someone that I thought might hurt me or our child. I'm glad you finally realized it. I really hate your dad for beating you and your mom but even more because he gave you a good dose of insecurity or even an inferiority complex. But that is something we can fix. You just need to start listening to those around you. You are an equal part of the OSP team and respected by all in that building-yes I'm bettin' even Granger. You know damn well how I feel about you. Your mom is amazed at how you've turned out and my mom said she wishes she had met someone like you after she left dad." That caused his eyebrows to pop up in a look of amazement. Well, that confirms it. Everyone has said the same thing, maybe I am a decent guy. Damn, gotta work on that part. Man is she gonna drop when I get my cred's from Vance.
"I have no clue what I'd be without you princess. You're the reason I can deal with all of this." He planted a tender kiss on her forehead. She smiled, stood up, took his hand and pulled him towards their bedroom, grinning like a Cheshire cat all the way.
Ok, let me know if you got the real chapter 3 and how ya liked it. I won't be doing a detailed description of the ring as I know very little about em. Chapter 4 is almost done. Oh and Julia is next and no she won't hit on him. lol