Chap. 8

Gibbs kept a close eye on Jen the entire evening, and made sure she took breaks from standing in her heels all night.

When they first arrived at the White House, Jethro kept his hand on the small of her back, as they moved down the line of people to meet. Secnav stopped them and whispered into Jens ear, Gibbs couldn't hear what was said so he just smiled and guided Jen further, and once they had greeted the President and his wife, he moved her straight to a chair, he had felt her muscles tighten a few times during the meeting and greeting session.

"Are you alright?" the more than worried frown on his forehead was present at his question

"Yes thank you. Jethro I'm not in labour, if that's what you want to know, I'm having these tiny contractions that helps the birth along once we get to that, so I've been told." She smiled a little breathless at him. "It is hard keeping a smile on your face when the kid inside you thinks that its pure fun to kick the air out of you, and the people who's hand you are shaking expect you to answer a silly question." She sat down slowly and enjoyed the feeling of the pressure leaving her back muscles.

"You know you just have to say the words Jen, and we'll be out of here." He sat down in front of her taking her hands in his, softly rubbing his thumb over the back of her hand.

She nodded her answer, and looked around the ball room for a long time, simply enjoying the feeling of him holding her hands. Neither of them cared about letting go when people approached them. After a good hour Jenny leaned back in the chair and placed a soothing hand on her belly, since the little boy in hiding suddenly woke up. But before they had a chance to begin a conversation about the movement, Jenny rolled her eyes and it didn't go unnoticed by Jethro.

"What's wrong?"

"Congressman Barry Simmons is on his way over here, and he always has the most stupid lines ready, and I am really not in the mood for him right now." Jenny didn't get any further because Simmons was now right at their table.

"Director Shepard – you've grown since the last time I saw you!" He grunted at his own little joke.

"Congressman Simmons, I have indeed, but at least it's only temporary." She stated coldly.

"I guess I wasn't fast enough."

"Fast enough for what?" She dared him to answer.

"To be one of the lucky few who get to bed you." He whispered the last part and took the liberty to place a hand on her growing form.

Gibbs noticed Jen's shocked expression and frozen pose, so he quickly moved and removed Simmons hand, and stared at him. Jen noticed how uncomfortable Simmons started to look and decided to save Gibbs from punching the guy all the way to the moon.

"I would suggest Congressman Simmons that you go find your wife, and forget you ever said any of this, I will try and do the same!" Jenny spat at him sweetly.

"And never, and I do mean never touch Director Shepard again. Do I make myself clear?" Gibbs slowly released Simmons hand from his grip. Simmons nodded at Gibbs and then quickly disappeared into the crowd not looking back once.

"Jen I can't figure out how to deal with these things, men throwing themselves over you, I can almost see them undressing you, even with you, or us, in this situation 6 months pregnant! And I know I will regret saying this, but it makes me think that you did what you felt you had to, to get to the top, even if it meant being on top! I know it is not fair saying this to you now, but I hope you will tell me at some point. Guys like him, makes me want to take you away from here, away from all their prying fingers, eyes and minds, taking away all that they think is theirs to touch. You are mine, and only mine!" He held her face between his hands and leaned in quickly and kissed her deeply. She was shocked at first but then started returning his kiss, neither of them caring about where they were or who was watching them. Suddenly Jen pulled back and gave him a light smack at the side of his face.

"I never ever once slept with anyone to get to the top – but you would be the closest to know about me being on top!" She whispered the last part, and was suddenly aware of being watched.

"Special Agent Gibbs, do you have a good reason for swallowing my best director?" Secnav stood by them watching the show, his arm linked with his wife.

"Yes sir, yes I have!" Gibbs was at his feet in no time, sounding nervous.

"Well - I'm waiting!"

"Well you see sir, I haven't planned it through yet so it will be difficult to explain without giving my plan up before hand." Gibbs stuttered, but held his head high and bent down to help up Jen when she indicated that she wanted to stand.

"Don't scare the man darling, I'm sure that Director Shepard is capable of taking care of herself, even against agent Gibbs!" Secnav's wife pulled his arm.

"I expect you to take good care of my girl here, Agent Gibbs. You hurt her once and you will be unemployed and I don't care how good you are!" He put his hand on top of Jenny's that was resting on top of her pregnant form.

Gibbs nodded and pulled Jenny closer to him. She smiled up at him, and turned her head towards Secnav.

"Sir I think the time has come for me to inform you of the father of my child. Agent Gibbs is the father. And don't worry if he gets to open mouthed I will personally call you for backup!" She smiled and hoped that Secnav wouldn't fire any of them, but she was almost certain that the timing was perfect. He had just informed of his satisfaction about them both.

"I had a feeling Agent Shepard that that was the case!"

"Agent Shepard? You degrading me sir?"

"Of course not, but I'm somewhat certain that this whole thing and my future grandchild, if I may call it that, is a product of something that happened a long, long time ago. I mean while you where only just an agent." He smiled at her and kisses her cheek. "But Director Shepard you call me the second that he starts being too much, and I will get him keelhauled myself!" With that they left Jen and Jethro to themselves.

"I'm sorry but it was a chance and luckily it went well. So now he knows that you are the reason for me asking for some personal time in about two and a half months time." She smiled innocently at him, batting her eyelashes just the way that made her even more irresistible to him.

"You like playing with fire Jen?"

"A little I guess!" She replied fast with a more than innocent look.

"So I've noticed!" He smiled at her.

"Well you where there, you lit the first match!" She said as she tightened the fabric of her dress around her stomach, showing him the size of her growth.