Tony was up bright and early the next morning preparing for the inspection. He honestly hoped he passed. If they failed Sadie would be put in the system and it was impossible to tell if she would have a happy childhood like that. At least Child Services had arrested Sherry and she had lost any parental rights until the trial. That was another concern for Tony. What if the judge sided with Sherry and let her take Sadie back. He knew that could happen even though Sherry had left her alone in a filthy apartment to go drinking and threatened to dump her off at the fire station. At ten fifteen he heard somebody knocking on the door and went to answer.
"Hello?" Tony greeted.
"Tony DiNozzo?" The man asked.
"Yes sir." Tony replied.
"I am detective Larsen and this officer Tucker. We are from Child Services." Larsen introduced.
"Are you here for the inspection?" Tony asked.
"Yes sir may we please come in?" Tucker asked.
"Of course." Tony replied ushering them in.
"Don't be nervous we understand that things can go wrong. We just want to make sure that Sadie is in a safe and healthy environment." Larsen explained.
"Where is little Sadie by the way?" Tucker asked.
"Right here. Sorry about that Tony. It took longer than I thought to get her changed. Guess I'm a little rusty haven't changed a diaper in over twenty years after all." Gibbs explained coming down the stairs.
"I didn't realize that you were gay Agent DiNozzo. Relax it won't affect anything." Larsen replied.
"Oh I'm not I mean we're not..." Tony stammered.
"My name is Jethro Gibbs I am Tony's Boss not his life partner." Gibbs corrected.
"You're living with your Boss?" Tucker questioned.
"Yes sir I have an apartment but it is only one tiny bed room and you have to understand this was a very sudden arrangement. I can start looking for a two bedroom place right away but when Boss found out he insisted I stay here." Tony explained.
"Oh not it's fine just an unusual arrangement." Tucker assured.
"Well so far I like what I see but I am going to have to inspect the whole house before I can give you a definite answer." Larsen replied.
"I understand." Tony replied.
"Um I didn't realize you would be inspecting the whole house. My room is kind of a mess. There aren't bugs or rats running around there it's just unkempt." Gibbs explained.
"That is alright as long as Sadie isn't running around in there." Larsen replied.
"I understand that you are both federal agents. Do you have guns?" Tucker asked.
"Yes sir but they are kept in a safe." Gibbs assured.
"Perfect" Larsen replied.
"Will I need to start locking my front door?" Gibbs asked.
"That is your business." Larsen replied.
Tony and Gibbs showed Larsen and Tucker around the house. Larsen advised Gibbs to put a child proof knob on the basement door. The last stop was Sadie's room. With the exception of a loose piece of wood on the windowsill. That Gibbs fixed right there in front of them. Tony was sitting on the bed holding Sadie.
"So did I pass?" Tony asked.
"Yes you did. You just have to fill out some paperwork and you will parental rights. We will be back for a second inspection after the trial. Assuming you keep custody but I am sure you will." Larsen replied.
"Call us if you have any questions and even though the trial will likely end in your favor. We recommend that you get a lawyer." Tucker added.
"Of course and thank you very much." Tony replied.
"Welcome to fatherhood DiNozzo." Gibbs said.
After signing the required paperwork Gibbs went downstairs to make lunch for himself, Tony, and Sadie. Tony took Sadie to the bathroom and changed her diaper. Once she got a little more adjusted Tony would start potty training her. He doubted that Sherry had even bothered to work with her. Once Sadie was changed Tony brought her downstairs and set her in the booster seat Gibbs had picked up the night before. Both men were surprised to hear somebody knocking on the door. Gibbs called for the person to come in and shortly after Vance walked into the kitchen.
"What are you doing here Leon?" Gibbs asked.
"I just came by to see how everything went last night." Vance replied.
"Director Vance this is Sadie. Sadie this is Director Vance my big boss." Tony introduced.
"Good to meet you Sadie." Vance said.
"Hi" Sadie replied.
"So are you her legal guardian now?" Vance questioned.
"I am her father. Sherry lost her parental rights and I got mine." Tony replied.
"Their will be a trial and they want DiNozzo to lawyer up just to be safe but they are pretty sure the courts will work in Tony's favor." Gibbs explained.
"They could also put her in the system." Tony sighed.
"Not if you get a good lawyer." Gibbs replied.
"Well while I can't get you and NCIS lawyer I can give you the number of the attorney who helped a friend of mine get custody of his twins. The lawyer was abused by his mother but back then it was rare for a father to get custody unless the mother was in prison or walked away. So he will fight to the death to keep a kid with his father. I mean he will do background checks and of course he will take woman as clients but he is the best around for you situation." Vance explained.
"Wow thanks Director." Tony replied.
"Would you like to stay for lunch Leon?" Gibbs offered.
"Thanks for the offer but I need to get home." Vance replied.
"Well thanks for the help." Tony replied.
After dinner Tony had left Sadie on the couch while he ran to the bathroom. When he returned his little girl was fast asleep. It was still early but they had all had a long day. He quietly picked her up, carried her upstairs and got her changed. Then took her to her room and tucked her in.
"I'm going to try to give you a better life." Tony whispered before leaving the room and getting ready for bed himself.
A/N: Tony passed the inspection. Now he just has to get the judge to see he is a good father. New chapter will be up soon. Please review and thanks for reading.