Being surrounded by a room full of people in formal dress was never something that made Gibbs happy. When he had gotten married to his wives, he insisted that they had a small and personal ceremony. He had a big church wedding with Shannon, and even then he wasn't a big fan. When he married the woman who happened to be across the room talking to a Senator, he would have been fine with a big church wedding with people he didn't know. Knowing him as well as she did, they had gone to City Hall and got married there. Small and Perfect. Gibbs watched his wife, who was dressed in a floor length forest green gown, interact with the various politicians. She laughed at something they had said, causing her eyes to lighten. It was a moment that was small and perfect.
"Agent Gibbs," A voice behind him announced. Gibbs turned partially to see an officer standing now at his side. "You look good this evening."
"Thank you sir," Gibbs replied, looking at the officer, but still could see his wife out of the corner of his eyes.
"How's your son?" He asked. "He's grown since the last time I saw him."
"He's good sir. And yes sir, he has." The lights dimmed and the guests all made it back to their seats. Still facing the Officer before him, Gibbs reached his arm out to his wife.
"Director," The officer said with a nod.
"Officer Chambers." She replied with a smile. The officer left the couple as they made their way to the table. "Where is Jackson, Jethro?"
"He's around." Gibbs said non chalantly. He looked at his wife who didn't look to please. "He's being taken care of Jen. He's in good hands." Jenny nodded and tightened her grip on his hand. She was nervous. Nervous about where her son was. A man stood at the podium in the middle of the room, thanking everyone for coming. Gibbs cell phone began to buzz, causing Jenny to look at him suspiciously.
"Jethro," She whispered with annoyance. He put a finger to her lips and answered the phone.
"Yeah Gibbs," He whispered. He looked to the entrance and saw DiNozzo standing at the door with his cell phone to his ear. Gibbs nodded and both men hung up their phones. Jenny leaned over into her husbands side.
"Case?" Gibbs took her hand and squeezed it. He shook his head. "Good."
The room went dim again and the doors to the room opened. A troop of Marines made their way in, all in sync with each other. The commands were silent, their movements all subtle and perfect. It was a dance they had come to learn. The Marines stopped with their backs turned toward their audience. With a faint tap of the foot, the Marines moved in two separate directions, revealing a lone Marine in the middle of the room with a microphone.
"Ladies and Gentleman. A year and a half ago, one of our brothers was informed with the news that rocked us all. A year and a half ago our hearts broke with the news that one of our mothers was sick. Five months ago we recieved the news that our mother was going to live and be in good health. The illness lost it's battle with the overpowering of our thoughts and prayers." As the young man made his speech, he made his way over to Jenny, who had tears in her eyes. He offered her his hand, eyeing Gibbs who gave the man a simple nod. Jenny took his hand and was on her feet, being led into the middle of the room. "Tonight is her night. Today is the day that I fell in love with her twenty three years ago. She is my hero, she is my best friend. But best of all she's my mother." The room broke out in an applause. Jackson embraced his mother in a hug, one which she just melted into. Jenny laughed as she wiped the tears from her eyes. Her son still had her hand in a tight embrace. "I love you, Mom." He whispered into her ear. She kissed his cheek, still speechless.
Music then filled the air, quieting the applause. As the song began, Jenny looked up into her son's green eyes and smiled. "Tonight is your night and you look wonderful." He told her. He gently began to sway with her on the floor as the music played. "Someday when I'm awfully low, I will feel a glow, just thinking of you, and the way you look tonight," Jackson sang along.
The sound of rain hitting the window woke Jenny up from her sleep. Groaning, Jenny rolled over only to be introduced with another pillow. She rolled back over to realize she was alone. The door to her bedroom was open, and the light to the hallway illuminated the pathway. She quickly got up and made her way into the room next door. An instant smile broke across her face at the sight of her husband bent over the crib.
"Hey," She whispered as she wrapped an arm around his waist.
"Hey. I didn't wake you up did I?" He asked quietly.
"No the rain did. Is he okay?"
"Yeah, just crying a little. I was awake and decided to deal with it." Gibbs noticed Jenny looking at her son. Her eyes were full of happiness and love. "Hey what's up?"
"I have a feeling he's going to be a Marine like his dad." She admitted. He looked at her with question in his eyes. "It's my gut talking." She smiled. He nodded and kissed her cheek. There are moments that are small and perfect. These are the moments that live with us forever.