Chap. 2

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Tony stared at the tree in awe. Baubles of every color, size, and shape, glittering lights, and a glowing angel now adorned the thick Fir. It was beautiful and he had a hand in making it that way. He hadn't ruined it.

"What do you think?"

Tony leaned into his dad and sighed.

"It's amazing. I can't believe I didn't mess it up."

Gibbs squeezed his son's shoulders and tamped down his anger at the people who raised Tony. Tony needed him to be Dad now.

"You do lots of things you don't think you can do, and you're great at them."

"You have to say that."

"No, I don't. You suck at several things."

"Name one."

"You're clumsy, your handwriting is atrocious, and golf isn't your game at all."

"That what you came up with?"

"Yeah."

Tony chuckled and reached for his hot cocoa. He knew he wasn't perfect, no one was, being here with the Gibbs men made him realize that he didn't have to be. They loved him regardless. He could be Tony with them and not have worry about what they thought. It was a wonderful feeling.

"Can we put garland on the banister?"

Jack reached for the box that contained the numerous strands of colorful garland and handed it to his grandson.

"Have at it. We'll put some wreaths up on the front and back doors after we finish this. Or we could make some. I saw this video online about it. It looked easy. Between the three of us, we could do it."

"We could use the candy canes to do them. We might need a few more boxes though if we're making more than one."

"I'll send you dad to the store while we string the garland on the banister. How many do you want to make?"

"Can we do one for each door? The front door, the back door, and the door leading into the garage?"

"Sure, let's get online and figure out how many boxes we're going to need."

Gibbs watched as the two enthusiastically searched wreath making on the internet. Seeing Tony happy and loved made his day. He should bring Tony up more often. Or have Jack drive down more often. Maybe both. When they got back to D.C. he promised himself he'd make a point to set aside time every month for a visit. Tony would benefit greatly. Besides, the team worked hard, they came in early and stayed late, they went beyond what was expected of them. It wouldn't be hard to convince the director that they needed a little down time.

"Dad, I made a list of all the things we need. Can you go get them?"

Grabbing his coat and a travel mug for his coffee, Gibbs snatched the list and head out the door. If making candy cane wreaths made Tony happy, he'd buy the store out of them. Besides, Jack could order more tomorrow, and then they could make more. He was sure Tony and Jack would find more projects to keep them busy.

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Jack watched as Tony stretched the garland and twisted it around the banister. He marveled at how such a simple act could make the kid so happy. Tomorrow, they could make candy and cookies and maybe if Tony wanted to attempt it, they could try a gingerbread house. Now that he had someone he could trust with the store, he could enjoy some family time.

"How's work been for you two?"

"It's hectic, but I love it. Dad says it's because I'm just naturally nosey. I think he's right."

Jack chuckled.

"Your dad is nosey too. Don't let him give you a hard time. He just hides it better."

"I know. He has to know everything I'm doing, where I am, who I'm with. It's crazy."

"It's called being a parent, son. He worries because he loves you. I still want to know about his life and yours too."

"I get that. It just gets annoying sometimes. I'm not accustomed to having someone worry over me. I'm still getting used to it."

"You'll get there. And eventually he'll ease up worrying a little. Maybe."

"I doubt it. It's kind of nice to be worried over though. Just don't tell Dad that."

"Your secret's safe with me. Now come on, let's find some candy recipes online."

Tony grabbed his computer and started searching. He could get used to these family holidays.