Gibbs walked into their bedroom and smiled. He should have suspected she would be awake. The room had candles scattered about, softly they glowed against the warm wood of the bed and dresser. She had changed into a soft peach frothy nightgown that managed to be both sexy and innocent at the same time. The color reminded him of that first night in her room. She smelled sweet and familiar with a smile that forced his own. His heart squeezed tightly in his chest, she'd saved him whether she knew it or not she'd rescued him from living his life in the grey shadows of the past. Her hair fell in long shining waves, his private temptation an indulgence just for him. He stepped closer to her savoring the way she looked at him.

Ziva let her hand press softly against his chest, the steady beat beneath her palm and the depth of the moment had her eyes stinging with tears. His finger under her chin told her he saw them. She didn't have to work to smile again even when she saw the question in his eyes. "I have never had anyone I could call mine, not until you. And now tonight you are more than mine you are my husband. I did not think that would ever happen. It is a bit hard to believe."

Gibbs rubbed her chin with the pad of his thumb as always amazed at how soft she was. She was lethal, dangerous, deadly even and yet when he touched her she was like the finest silk. "I am yours until death Ziva, there will never be another. I swear." He thought maybe his words would upset her, a finger of darkness in the light of the moment but she smiled again.

Ziva knew his words were as much of a vow as those he'd spoken in their earlier ceremony. The meaning behind them had a tear slipping from her eye to cross her cheek. "And I will love you with all I am until my last breath. I have never loved a man the way I love you."

Her words were so fiercely spoken he wondered if she'd heard some part of his earlier conversation with Tony. He could have asked but instead chose to pull her into his arms and simply hold her for a long moment. Against his body he could feel the roundness of her belly proof of the depth of their connection.

Gently he lowered his head to hers finding her mouth with his own. The moment their lips touched it felt like the first time a mix of both intense passion and love. Only this time he recognized the love for what it was. His tongue danced with hers just savoring the taste of her for a long moment. As strong as she was cradled in his arms she felt delicate, almost fragile and he nearly laughed at that. She might be delicate, small even but she was anything but fragile. "How did I manage to be blessed with you Ziva? I'm not entirely sure I deserve you."

Ziva stepped just one footfall away from him and looked at him pouring all her strength into the way she watched him. "We deserve each other Jethro that is all that matters. We are not simply our pasts, the things we have done, or the mistakes we have made. I believe with all I am we had to journey through everything to be ready for each other." She watched him blink rapidly and swallow hard, a wealth of emotion showed in that moment and it was gift.

Gibbs couldn't speak couldn't swallow past the blatant honesty and belief in his words. Instead he reached for the bows of ribbon at her shoulders. The only things holding up the nightgown they teased him. "You look beautiful Ziva, but then you always do." With a simple pull of satin he tugged the bows loose and the gown fell at her feet.

Ziva felt a wash of cool air across her skin, and then he was kneeling in front of her. His hands cradled the gentle but obvious curve of her belly. "Ours, part of us for always. It amazes me that we have this child. Our miracle Ziva." He pressed a gentle kiss to skin beneath his hands. She'd grown considerably in the past few days and that had him smiling. "I don't want you to hide our child anymore Ziva. I know there is risk but we will discuss that and all it means later for now I don't want you to hide this anymore." His mind was already working out the maze that was what was left of their secrets. Vance would know the baby was his but not that the rest of the team knew. The team wouldn't know all of why they had to keep things secret and so would remain silent. And Haven was a mess of a whole different kind. Smoke and mirrors, darkness and light it was the turn of their everyday life lately.

Ziva felt the tension in the set of his shoulders as he rose to stand before her. "Jethro I will do anything you ask, you already know that. We knew people would find out and those that know will not tell anyone else. We can trust our friends, our family for that matter." She knew he was worried about her father but she let that go for the moment. "We will persevere for as long as we can and then go from there."

Gibbs drew in a breath and forced away the worry, he saw her do the same and grinned. "I believe you Ziva when you say we were meant for each other. In some ways I think we are far more alike than either of us would like. In others I am glad we are not." As he spoke his hand slipped down to cup one breast so full and rounded he shook his head at how she was able to disguise the way her body had changed.

His mouth followed and she gasped out his name. He led her toward the bed and was grateful that before her another woman had not shared this bed with him. She hadn't asked and when he'd shared that bit of information with her she'd tried to play it off but it mattered to him. She was his fresh start his new beginning. He laid her gently across the bed savoring the beauty of her across his crisp white sheets. He wanted to savor the moment just as much and yet her hands worked magic across his body. The danced form his shoulders and chest lower until her hand was wrapped around him. Long slow strokes had his mind burning with the need to be inside her.

Ziva felt him thrusting in her hand; she felt the power in her ability to arouse him to such an extent. She loved the way he always seemed to lose control with her. The carefully contained man disappeared any time they were together. Even when he controlled her it was an effort to gain control of himself it was beautiful not to mention addicting. Of their own will her legs wrapped around his waist her arms around his neck and her mouth touched the skin of his jaw. Whispering softly she demanded what she needed of him. "Do not make me wait any longer Neshama."

Gibbs felt her body call to him and her demand was easily answered. He managed a slow sweep of her neck with gentle nips and then he was slipping inside her. Sweat broke out across his shoulders even as her nails bit into that same skin. She wrapped like a satin vise around him pulling and teasing at him with silken muscles designed to torture him in the best way possible.

Ziva almost missed the way his he threw his head back growling out her name so lost was she in her own pleasure. Swift sure strokes had her body begging for more. Each stroke had her pulling at his body needing more and more of him moving inside her. The rhythm they created was as old as time and yet tonight was far gentler, far more meaningful than anything else she'd known. It should have taken far longer. She'd been tired even when she'd readied the room and yet her body was reaching the edge he always seemed to take her to. She tightened her whole body around him, holding him as close as was physically possible. Even as she fragmented fell into pieces all around him she felt him fall heavily against her, whispering her name again and again as he found his own release.

Ziva was wrapped around him like a second skin and he wore her with pride. This amazing woman who'd known hell and then some had chosen him. She loved him without fear, without holding back. That feeling was as physically powerful as the feeling of her body shattering around him. It was too much and he gave in sinking deep into all that was Ziva his body jumping off the cliff with her pulsing from the pure energy of everything she gave and took from him.

ZGZGZGZGZGZG

Ziva woke first giving her the ability to watch him as he slept. Dawn was approaching and work would call but for now his face was gentle in sleep. The hard edges softened; still he pressed against her one hand tangled in her hair the other laying strong against her belly. Her fingers found his hair as well. The strands drifting through her fingers, the softness would surprise people. He kept it just long enough for her to do this very thing and it made her smile. He preferred it shorter yet he knew she liked touching it so he gave in. She smiled remembering his comment the night before about being alike.

Gibbs woke to her smile and decided that was exactly how he wanted to wake up from now on. The reality that it might not be possible followed quickly but again he ignored it. "Good morning Mrs. Gibbs." He took great pride in the way her eyes widened with surprise and then showed genuine joy.

"That sounds nice." She watched him frown and pressed her finger to his mouth. "Why the frown Jethro?"

Gibbs nipped at her finger and heard her giggle. Sighing, he finally answered her. "I don't want you to feel less than special because you are my fifth wife." He'd almost refused to answer her but she deserved the honesty and he needed her reaction.

Ziva saw he was serious and so bit back any laugh she might have been tempted to give into. "Jethro I chose you because I love you. All of who you are is the man I love. If not for them then perhaps I would not have you now. Either way it does not matter because this is now."

Gibbs reached up and gently stroked her cheek where Eli's hand had landed the night before. It had swollen slightly during the night and the sight of it brought anger freshly back into his mind. "I should not have allowed him to be so close to you. He should never have been able to hurt you."

Ziva grasped his hand and kissed his fingertips. "You were giving me the chance to deal with him on my own as a grown woman should. I knew he would react badly, just not how badly. This is his shame to bear not yours or mine."

"Still…" he frowned a moment longer than pulled her even closer. "You will have some explaining to do about your face and we will need to explain about the baby. Vance is going to…."

"Bite through his toothpick?" Ziva heard him laugh and joined him "Well it is likely true."

"How is it by the truth coming out things are now more complicated than ever?" Gibbs heard the alarm go off and smacked it a bit harder than necessary.

"I doubt anything between us will ever not be complicated." She watched his blue eyes meet hers and grinned again.

"I really want to stay in bed with you all day, and that isn't going to happen." He saw the same disappointment he felt mirrored in hers. "In fact we should get to work early so we can talk to Vance." He pulled himself and her from the bed in one fluid motion. The light from the early dawn bathed her in the softest glow and he was almost tempted to push her back down on the bed despite the lack of time. This time his better judgment won out and he only kissed her. "Grab your shower and I'll fix breakfast."

"You spoil me." She saw him shrug and this time she did laugh.

Minutes later Ziva stood in front of the mirror both frowning and smiling at the same time. Gibbs had said the night before they shouldn't hide the baby anymore. So when dressing she'd put on her very first set of maternity clothes. They were ridiculously comfortable. No more tight edges, or snug fitting bras, it was like she could really breathe. Only problem was she looked far more pregnant than she'd counted on. The beautiful blue blouse she'd purchased made her look soft and feminine, emphasizing rather than hiding her belly. The soft grey slacks fit perfectly, the band around her tummy no longer tight and constricting. Low heeled pumps, her favorites had been an indulgence since she knew field work was no longer an option. She'd braided her hair back but on a whim pinned a flower at the base of the braid. In a sense it was her honeymoon, she wanted to look pretty whatever the day brought. Sliding a hand over her belly she wondered how people at work would react.

Gibbs went looking for her when she took longer than he'd guessed she'd might. When he stepped in the bedroom he didn't bother to hide his surprise. She looked gorgeous and decidedly pregnant. "When did that happen?" he heard her giggle and chuckled himself. "You know what I mean."

Ziva shrugged and turned toward him. "I have not worn maternity clothes before but I am guessing this is how they are supposed to fit?" she bit her lip and looked in the mirror again. "Do I look okay or should I change?" the thought of wearing her old clothes made her shift in anticipated discomfort.

Gibbs smiled and came to stand near her. "You look beautiful Ziva." Letting his hand drift to her belly he wondered again how on earth she'd managed to hide so well. "I'm guessing from the look on your face the other stuff wasn't fitting well?"

"No, I gave as gifts some of the things that were made to make them more comfortable and had just not gotten around to buying more. What I am wearing fits. But I feel so big.." She wasn't sure how to say the words without sounding disappointed.

Gibbs nestled her head into the curve of her neck. She was tiny, had gained weight really only in the belly and chest but he understood what she was saying. In her new clothes she looked just pregnant enough to shock everyone not just because of the baby itself but the advanced nature of it. "People will understand or they won't Ziva it doesn't matter. I would suggest that after we speak with Vance you go straight to Abby."

Ziva nodded she had already decided that. "Only our team and Vance will know this baby is yours Gibbs. I am sorry for that."

Refusing to let her see the way those words frustrated him he just held her tighter. "We know Ziva that is what matters most."

Ziva lifted her mouth to his, savoring how gentle he was with her knowing just what she always needed. "We should go Jethro, or I will be undressing very shortly." She watched his eyes burn with desire and then he was smiling again.

"Good thing I made breakfast sandwiches, we're running late and can eat in the car."

ZGZGZGZGZGZGZG

Ziva stepped off the elevator glad the weather was cool enough to allow her to wear a coat. Glancing up at Vance's office she rubbed her hands against her pants, he was going to be unsettled to say the least and would most likely blame Gibbs. Glancing around she saw only a few workers already at their desks. Gibbs would be following behind her any minute but he'd agreed to let her go into Vance first. He hadn't been happy but he'd agreed.

Making her way up the stairs she saw that Vance's secretary wasn't in yet so she knocked softly on the door, hoping he was in early as he normally was. Stepping inside she shut the door behind her and was grateful he was on the phone, even more so when he was smiling. As he hung up she realized he was speaking with his wife.

"Agent David did we have a meeting this morning?" he watched her shake her head and then point to the button that indicated she wanted the room to go into secure mode. Without further question he pushed the button.

Ziva stuck her hands in her pockets trying to steady her breathing. "Gibbs will be here shortly but I asked him to let me speak to you first."

Vance almost asked her to sit but she was shuffling in place showing every nerve he wasn't used to seeing. In deference he remained standing as well. "Ok?...Wait what happened to your face?" He stepped slightly closer surprised when she didn't back away but let him look at the swelling bruise and cut not fully covered with make-up.

Ziva refused to show any shame instead she drew in a deep breath. "My father. After your meeting last night he spoke with me and was unhappy with some things he learned." She heard Vance swear and smiled lightly. "Gibbs and the rest of the team were there and Jethro did not react well."

Vance's head snapped up when she used Gibbs' given name. Something in the tone of her words, the revelation along with them made him wonder. Before he could ask there was another knock at the door. Releasing the locks he allowed Gibbs to enter and then put the room in secure mode once again.

Gibbs glanced at Ziva silently asking her how much she'd shared. She shook her head "I have not gotten to all of it." Turning her attention back to Vance she smiled. "I married Jethro yesterday Leon."

Vance felt his mouth drop open, heard his toothpick hit the carpet and he was looking at her and the very real smile on her face. "So not about the case then?"

Ziva shook her head. "No, it was about loving him, it's always been more about that than anything else." She felt Gibbs' hand join hers holding tightly she thought perhaps offering her comfort but when she looked at him she saw it was Jethro that needed the strength. He was not a man used to sharing his emotions and here he was hearing her declare her love for him so openly. "It is true Jethro and only right I share the truth with him."

Vance looked to Gibbs almost ready to reprimand him for taking advantage of the situation. Then he saw the way Gibbs was looking at Ziva, almost like a drowning man he held onto her hand looked at her as though she was his whole world. He didn't have to ask then; he could see it easily and wondered how he'd missed it before. "Congratulations."

Gibbs managed a smile wishing he could say the words so openly the way Ziva had, but he was afraid if he did the depth of the feeling that went with them would break him. She squeezed his hand and he knew she understood. "Thank you Leon have to admit I'm amazed she said yes."

"Lucky man Gibbs." Vance saw Ziva raise her eyebrow at Gibbs asking him a silent question. Then Ziva was looking at him blushing.

"We are expecting a baby." For the second time Ziva saw his shock, watched him lean against his desk this time the look towards Gibbs was clear.

Gibbs looked down at the floor shifting his feet a bit. Then he grinned "Damn lucky."

Vance laughed it was that or start yelling and laughing was far more appropriate. After a few moments he was able to settle and the rest of the conversation could continue.

Ziva stood in Abby's lab having just stepped into see McGee and Abby speaking in hushed voices. She had already known that McGee would speak with Abby and that together they would share what they knew. The pair was frequently inseparable, so when they looked up to see her she smiled to reassure them.

Abby ran up to Ziva and gave her a tight hug. She touched her hand gently to Ziva's cheek and bit back a nasty word. "You okay?"

"Yes very much so, but I have something to tell you." She glanced up at McGee and smiled.

"I should go then." McGee set down Abby's café-pow but stopped when Ziva shook her head.

"No you should stay." Ziva bit her lip trying to find the words that would ease any hurt she might cause from not having told Abby sooner. Instead she untied her coat and shrugged it off, setting it in the chair beside her. Only then did she glance back at Abby.

Abby looked at Ziva and almost didn't recognize her. Not only did she look more feminine than she'd ever seen before but she was obviously pregnant. She glanced from Ziva's belly to her face and back again. "Holy Hannah. Gibbs must be over the moon."

Ziva felt tears threaten when Abby's first reaction was so positive. "We both are. I am sorry I did not tell you sooner."

Abby saw the very careful way Ziva was holding herself and held back her typical teasing. "This is so exciting how far along are you?"

Ziva finally relaxed "fifteen weeks today"

Abby squealed and then dragged Ziva into a hug again. "How on earth did you hide that?" Abby pointed to Ziva's belly and heard her giggle.

"Uncomfortable clothing. I am grateful I do not have to wear them anymore. But Abby no one knows…" she saw Abby nod and bit back the rest of her words.

"I know. It's okay Ziva. We all have secrets and reasons for those secrets." She glanced to McGee who was grinning. "Well say something…"

McGee stuck his tongue out at her. "I was waiting for a turn. Congratulations Ziva, you are going to be a wonderful mother." He saw her eyes well up with tears and wondered what he'd said.

Ziva swiped at the stupid tears with a piece of tissue from her pocket. "Thank you McGee, just stupid hormones. I have learned babies wreak havoc on every part of you."

Abby squeeled again. "A baby Ziva an honest to goodness baby. That means, booties and blankets and a nursery, oh please say I can help?"

Ziva laughed. "Of course you can help Abby. But I have to get back upstairs now. We will have lunch perhaps." Ever in her mind was the fact that Haven would be making a delivery today, the knowledge that Tony knew about the baby. A fact Gibbs had informed her of on the way to work and her father was still out there somewhere. The multiple knives hidden in her clothing were a testament to that.

"Plan on it." Abby gave her one last hug bouncing with excitement even as Ziva stepped onto the elevator.

Ziva laid her head back against the metal as the doors closed. Today was going to be a long day and she worried just what her father had planned, he was unpredictable and a dangerous man when crossed. Sighing she caressed her belly willing the stress away at least for the moment trying to savor just a bit of Abby's enthusiastic joy.