CHAPTER 6
"Abby, could you fill up the glasses with Champagne?
"Sure thing Jenny."
"Thanks." In just a few short hours, she and Jethro would finally be husband and wife.
"Does Gibbs want bourbon?" Abby hesitated as she to Jenny and Jethro's glasses.
"Um…give him some bourbon. If he wants champagne, we can always get him a glass."
"Okies." Abby went on pouring the champagne, humming the wedding march to herself. She was so excited. Weddings always got her excited. She could never seem to figure out why though.
"Abby, its time to get ready. Let the waiters finish up. Kate peeped her head in the door, her hair already prepped for styling.
"Ok, Kate. How's the Director holding up? Abby put the bottle down and headed out of the reception hall.
"Holding up rather well I'd say. But, I bet you 10 bucks she crumbles before we walk down the aisle."
"You are so on."
Abby and Kate shook hands, and then walked into the room they were using to get ready. Jenny was setting in a chair with a hairdresser curling her hair into long gorgeous ringlets. Rebekah was sitting beside her, getting her make-up done.
"When I'm done with make-up, someone can take my spot. It doesn't really matter who."
"Is Ducky here yet?" Jenny asked as the hair dresser was finishing the last couple curls.
"Yeah he was going into the guys' room with his tux. I didn't see Gibbs though."
"He's here. I had Ducky bring him so I knew he would be here and have enough time to get ready."
"That's good."
"Director?"
"Yes Abby?"
"Where's Cynthia?"
"She's already done, so she' in the room next door getting dressed."
"Oh."
"Okay Becky your turn." Jenny got up and let Becky sit down to get her hair done, and Kate took the make-up chair.
"I'm not getting in my gown yet. I'm gonna be the last one. I want to surprise you all with my gown. Only Rebekah has a small idea of what it looks like, but I've tweaked it since she seen it last."
"I bet it's gorgeous."
"That, it is."
"Your turn Abby." Kate got up and Abby sat down. It didn't take long to do make-up on Kate. She stood beside Rebekah waiting to get her hair done.
"What do you think guys?" Cynthia came out, her gorgeous Italian blue dress moving softly with every step, the long train trailing behind her.
"Oh! You look so gorgeous." All three girls, Rebekah, Abby, and Kate all sad at the same time. They burst out laughing at that.
Rebekah and Kate dresses were the same style, but, instead they were Dutch Pink. Abby wanted the other blue dress. Apparently, pink didn't look very good on her.
"Okay. Kate, you're up for hair now." Becky got up and headed into the changing room.
"Be back out in a few." Jenny sat down on the bed, and, taking a deep breath, said I'm gonna admit something girls."
"What?"
"I'm a nervous wreck. "I've only tried staying strong because I wanted everything to seem as if it was going smoothly."
"It's okay to be nervous. We all are."
"Yeah. I mean, you may be the bride, but we are just as nervous as you are."
"Thanks for understanding." Jenny started to tear up. "I'm sorry…..I'm just sad. I always pictured this day with my dad here to walk me down the aisle."
"Don't apologize….."
"It's a sign of weakness… I know. Gibbs drilled them into my head as a field agent too."
"They all giggled. That was one thing they all had in common. Gibbs was always drilling the rules into their heads everyday, making sure they followed them.
"Is everyone almost done?"
"Kate is almost and Abby needs her hair done. Then we all get dressed."
"Rebekah came out in her pink dress, with a huge grin on her face. "I love this dress. It's gorgeous. It fits even better than it did the store."
"You look like a princess." Kate got done with her hair and headed to the room. "I hope mines fits that good. I think I may have lost some weight."
"I'm sure it will look fine, Kate." Jenny gave Kate a smile and a wink. She couldn't wait till the girls finally got to see her dress."
As Abby finished up with hair and went and got dressed, Rebekah caught her mother's eye in the mirror. She could see the sadness and the nervousness. She wasn't hiding it very well.
"Mom, is everything okay?"
"Yes. Just last minute butterflies. I'm okay I'm promise."
"Are you sure?" Rebekah gave her mom the famous stare.
"Yes, I'm sure that I'm fine. A little nervous, but fine." Jenny gently moved a curl back into its place. Becky could see that she was nervous. It was just too obvious.
Becky walked over to her mom and sat down beside her. She took her moms hands in her and gave them a little squeeze.
"You're missing Grandma and Grandpa, aren't you?" Jenny looked up at Rebekah and shook her head. "Yeah. I always pictured mama and daddy being here."
"They're here. They are looking down on us now. Look, I think they're crying. It's raining outside." Jenny looked to the window, watching the rain trickle down the window. She let out a little laugh, and tears began welling in her eyes.
"Don't cry you." Here dry your eyes. Its time to get ready." Becky handed her mom a tissue, smiling at her.
"Wow. You actually sound more like a mom instead of a daughter."
"I learned from the best, ya know."
"That you did."
"Come on. You don't want to be late for your wedding." Kate and Abby came out, all dressed and looking amazing.
"Director, they are waiting for you in there."
"Kate, call me Jenny. This is my wedding. Only call me Director at the office."
"Okay. I guess it's just hard for me to call my boss by name and not by his or her title."
"It's okay. It takes time to get used to it…But, you will". Jenny disappeared into the changing room with butterflies in her stomach. She couldn't wait till the girls seen her dress. She hoped they loved it as much as she did.
"I bet her dress is absolutely stunning." Abby carefully sat down on the bed, hoping to not wrinkle the dress.
"Why do you say that?" Kate sat down in the chair across from Abby.
"Because Kate. Jenny has really good taste, and so does Becky. They know their fashion."
"Thank you Abby. You have great taste too ya know."
"Thank you. Ya know, you'd look good in my clothes."
"Mom would freak if I dressed like you."
"I know. That's the fun of it." Becky shook her head, giving Abby an evil grin." Maybe on Halloween. We'll go as twins."
"Cool."
"Okay. Are you ready out there?" Jenny stood on the other side of the door listening to the girls scramble around to prepare to have their socks knocked off.
"Hold on, we're missing someone."
"Who?"
"Me." Ducky walked in, and gave all of the girls a hug. "You all look smashing."
"Thanks Ducky."
"Okay mom, you can come out now." The French doors swung open, revealing Jenny standing in her long gown. It was fitted to the waist with a sweet heart cut top. All of the way down the bodice was jeweled. She sparkled from head to toe. The bottom of the gown was an A-line/ball-gown style with little jewel patterns going down it. A long, cathedral style train followed behind her. Her veil went clear down to the end of the train, and a chest length blusher. On top of the veil was her diamond tiara, which a bride out of a movie. All of the girls gasped and 'ooohhhed' and 'awwwwwed'. Ducky had tears forming in his eyes. Rebekah began to cry.
"Mom, you look…….Amazing!" Rebekah gave her mom a hug, and Cynthia, Abby, and
Kate joined in. They broke the hug, and Jenny walked over to Ducky."
"You look absolutely stunning Jenny."
"Thank you Ducky." She gave him a hug, and as Rebekah was drying her tears and making-sure her make up wasn't messed up, a knock came at the door."
Tony cracked the door, and said, "I'm not gonna come in I promise.
"Is Gibbs with you?"
"No."
"Okay."
"Just thought I would tell you it's time to get into our places."
"Already?!" Jenny's eyes got huge.
"Yeah, everyone is seated and ready. Gibbs and Fornell are getting ready to walk up the
aisle as we speak."
""Hoh boy."
"Mom, you okay?"
"I'm fine. Just a big adrenaline rush." Everyone went out of the room in the order they were to walk up the aisle. Kate, Rebekah, Abby and Cynthia joined with the guys to form their groups. Kate and McGee, Rebekah and Tony, Abby and Palmer, Cynthia and Gerald. They got to the entrance to the sanctuary, lined up, and Jenny and Ducky got into their places. Jenny started taking deep breaths, calming her nerves down. She gave each of the girls and guys one last hug. Just as she got back into her spot, the wedding march started. The doors swung open, and Kate and McGee started up the aisle. Rebekah and Tony followed. As the last group made their way to the alter, Jenny looked over to Ducky, giving him a smile. Ducky smiled back, still not able to fully comprehend that Jenny and Jethro was getting married.
Finally, all of the wedding party was at their places in the front of the church. Jenny heard her cue. As the big wooden doors swung opens, she walked to Ducky, meeting him in the middle and taking his arm. She and Ducky began their slow adventure to the front. As she walked, She looked at Jethro, who was grinning form ear to ear back at her with a hint of tears in his eyes. She realized that tears were forming in her eyes as well. They finally arrived at the end of the aisle and stopped. The preacher looked to Ducky after everyone had taken their seat and asked, "Who gives this bride?"
"I do." Ducky turned to Jenny, lifted her blusher, kissed her on the cheek and put the blusher back down. Jenny handed her bouquet of lavender flowers and white roses to Kate. Ducky took her left hand in his left and Jethros left in his right. He brought their hands together, then sat down in the front row. Jenny stepped up onto the alter with Jethro, and the wedding moved into full swing.
"This still seems like a dream." Kate whispered as she leaned over to Rebekah.
"I know. Did you see the tears in my moms eyes?"
"Yeah. I so won the bet."
"What bet?"
"The one between me and Abby..."
"About?"
"I bet her 10 dollars she would either cry or have some sort of nervous breakdown before the wedding.."
"Yup. You won the bet."
"I know."
"SHH...They're beginning their vows. "Rebakah and Kate turned their attention to Jenny and Jethro.
"Do you, Jenny, take Jethro to be your lawfully wedded husband to have and to hold from this day forward, till death do you part?"
"I Do."
"And do you Jethro, take Jenny to be your lawfully wedded wife to have and to hold from this day forward till death do you part?"
"I Do."
"Repeat after me. 'I, Leroy Jethro Gibbs'
"I, Leroy Jethro Gibbs,"
"Take thee, Jennifer Marie Shepard, to be my lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, to love honor and cherish form this day forward..."
"Take thee, Jennifer Marie Shepard, to be my lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold to love honor and cherish from this day forward.."
"For better for worse, for richer for poorer, for sickness and in health till death do we part."
"For better for worse, for richer for poorer, for sickness and in health till death do we part." Jethro gave Jenny's hand a gentle squeeze, and the preacher turned to Jenny.
"Jenny, repeat after me.. 'I, Jennifer Marie Shepard, take the, Leroy Jethro Gibbs,
"I, Jennifer Marie Shepard, take the Leroy Jethro Gibbs," Rebekah could hear the shakiness in her moms voice.
"To be my lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, to love honor and cherish, form this day forward.."
"To be my lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold to love honor and cherish for this day forward.."
"For better for worse, for richer, for poorer, for sickness and in health, till death do we part."
Jenny took a deep breath. "For better for worse for richer for poorer for sickness and in health till death do we part."
The preacher turned to the wedding party. "May we have the rings?"
Fornell handed Jenny's to Gibbs, and Kate handed Gibbs' to Jenny.
Jethro took Jenny's hand in his and positioned ring partway on her finger and began. " I give you this ring as token of my of my faithfulness, love, and affection for you." As he slid the ring the rest of the way onto her finger, he said, " With this ring, I thee wed."
Jenny took Jethros left hand, positioned the ring partway onto his finger, and began. "I give you this ring as a token of my faithfulness, love, and affection for you. She slid the ring the rest of the way in. "With this ring, I thee wed."
The preacher closed his bible as everyone quietly readied the rice to throw.
"With the power vested in me, and with God and your family and friends as witness to your
public proclamation of your love for one another, I now pronounce you man and wife." Jethro, while holding Jenny's hands, stepped on the glass in the cloth that was on the floor, a symbol that the groom would forever be faithful. "You may kiss the bride."
Jethro lifted Jenny's blusher as she let out a little giggle. He took Jenny into his arm and kissed her. As the kiss ended, everyone cheered and clapped and Tony whistled making everyone laugh. Jenny and Jethro turned to face the audience, Jenny took Jethros arm, and the preacher said the words she had longed to hear for so many years.
"I now present to you Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Jethro Gibbs." Everyone cheered again, and threw the rice as the bride and groom made their way down the aisle. As the wedding party followed, she noticed it was raining. She glanced at the ceiling, knowing that Grandma and Grandpa were looking down on this wonderful moment, crying tears of happiness. She focused back on the wedding, took Tonys arm and followed the wedding party. She smiled and noticed that tears were slowing going down her cheeks. She had completed the one thing she always wanted to do: She brought her mom and dad together forever. She now had a complete family. Outside the church, as the wedding party was preparing to get into the limos and head to the reception hall, Jenny walked up to the girls and gave all of them a big group hug. The guys did the same with Gibbs, then they switched. They all got into the limos. Jenny and Jethro in one, the rest of the party in the other. As everyone talked and laughed, Rebekah felt attracted to Tony. In the back of her mind she felt she had found the man she had been looking for. She wondered if Tony felt the same about looked to Tony just as he looked over at her. The moment their eyes met, she knew he was that special someone she had been looking for. They quickly broke eye contact and continued talking to everyone else. They soon arrived at the reception hall with Jenny and Jethro behind them. Everyone went in to the hall except Jenny and Jethro who were waiting for their moment. Tony and Rebekah stayed behind.
"Tony..."
"Rebekah..." They both started talking at the same time.
"You first." Rebekah blushed.
"Okay...Becky, can I ask you a question?"
"Yeah sure go ahead."
"What do you think of me? In all honesty..Stories put aside."
Becky giggled and took a deep breath.
"I think that you are a wonderful, cheerful, funny guy with this amazingly attractive sensitive side."
"Really?"
"Yeah."
"So, you are saying you are attracted to me?"
"Yes. Big time."
"Haha. I told Probilicous, but he wouldn't believe me."
"Tony. Would you.....Geesh… I'm not good at this."
"Take your time..."
"Tony, would you escort me to my junior prom in 3 weeks?"
"I would be honored. Wow. I never thought I would get the chance to go to prom for a third time. I wouldn't miss it for the world."
"Thanks Tony." Becky kissed him on the cheek. "We'd better get going if we are going to be in there before mom and dad." Becky took Tony's arm and they walked into the reception hall laughing. Tony was smiling for more reasons than one. Becky liked him...Now he just needed to get up the courage to ask her out. He had never been nervous to ask a girl out before.
"What is your honest opinion of Tony Jethro?" Jenny laced her fingers into his.
"He's a damn good agent."
"I don't mean about his work. Just in general."
"Good guy. Good sense of humor. Knows how to cheer people up when they are down. Has some commitment issues, but treats ladies with respect. Not like animals. Why are you asking me all of this Jen?" Jethro turned on the seat to face Jenny better.
"Because Becky wanted to ask Tony to escort her to her prom. I just wanted to know your opinion of Tony though."
I was hoping she would ask a team member. At least she didnt choose Elf Lord."
"Who's Elf Lord?"
"McGee. Its his nickname on a computer game."
"Why not McGee?"
"I just cant see him as the prom going kind of person. He would have a harder time blending in than Tony would."
"True. It settled then. You are okay with Tony going to prom with Becky?"
"Yeah."
"I'm glad. Jenny leaned in and gave Jethro a kiss. A knock came on the window and the door opened.
"Oh...I'm sorry...I. just...They're ready for you agent Gibbs, Director."
"Its okay Palmer. One more thing. Never apologize its a sign of weakness. And, call us Gibbs and Jenny."
"Sure thing Director...I mean Jenny." Jenny smiled and Jethro climbed out of the limo. Jenny slid over and took Jethros hand and carefully got out of the limo. Palmer had already went back into the hall.
"Well, this is it Mrs. Gibbs."
"I love the sound of that."
"Sound of what?"
"Mrs. Gibbs."
"Me too. I'll say it a million times a day." They smiled and walked into the reception hall, knowing that they would be together for the rest of their lives.
30 minutes into the wedding, Jethro went up onto the stage and put on his little ear mic. No one knew what he was going to do. Everyone went silent and turned their attention to him.
"I would like to ask my beautiful bride to join me on stage." A spotlight floated over the crowd and landed on Jenny as she made her way onto the stage. When she finally joined him on stage, he took her hands into his and gave the DJ the cue. The song, 'Our love is unconditional' came blasting out of the speakers. Tears formed in her eyes. It was her favorite song. Jethro knew that. He began to sing:
'Our love is unconditional, we knew it from the start.
I see it in your eyes, you can feel it form my heart.
From here on after lets stay the way we are right now.
And share all the love and laughter, that a lifetime will allow.'
' I cross my heart, and promise to
give all I've got to give to make all your dreams come true.
In all the world you'll never find
A love as true as mine'
'You will always be the miracle
that makes my life complete
and as long as there's a breath in me
Ill make yours just a sweet.
As we look into the future
Its as far as we can see
So lets make each tomorrow be the best
that it can be.'
"I cross my heart and promise to
give all I've got to give to make all your dreams come true.
In all the world
you'll never find
a love as true as mine'
'And if along the way we find the day
it starts to storm, you've got the promise of my love
to keep you warm.'
'In all the world, you'll never find
a love as true as mine.'
'A love as true as mine.'
By the time the song was over, Jenny was crying along with Kate, Abby, Cynthia and Becky. When the song ended, Everyone cheered and Jenny gave Jethro a gigantic hug. This had to be the sweetest thing he had ever done. Later on in the reception. After they had cut the cake and took a sip of champagne with their arms intertwined, It was time to throw the bouquet. Jenny went up onto the stage, everyone gathered around. Becky was standing between Kate and Tony in the front row not wanting this night to end. Jenny threw the bouquet and Rebekah caught it. She knew what that meant. Gibbs took the garter off of Jenny's leg and handed it to Tony.
"I'm gonna enjoy this. Oww!" Gibbs head slapped him." I meant that in a good way boss."
"I know."
"Then why did you slap me?"
"As a warning"
For what?"
"You mess with my daughter the wrong way Dinozzo, Ill kill you myself."
"Got it boss."Rebekah sat down and lifted the bottom of her gown. Tony bent down on one knee, and put the garter on Becky's leg. He had never planned on hurting her. He respected her too much.
"You know what this means right Becky?" Abby came up to her as she stood up and straightened the bottom of the gown.
"What what means?"
"You caught the bouquet."
"Yeah, and?"
"That means you are the next one to get married."
"That will be a long while from now. I'm not out of high school yet."
"True, but you're still next."
"if dad doesn't scare the guy I plan to marry away before the big day."
"Gibbs may be protective, but, if he likes him, there wont be any problems."
"I hope so. Oh, guess what."
"What?"
"I asked Tony to escort me to prom."
"Really what did he say?"
"He said that he would be honored."
"Yay! Do you have a dress?"
"No, I thought of just wearing this one. Saving money."
"That could work.."
"Yeah."
"Well, its time to send your mom and dad off on their honeymoon."
"Yeah..Lets do it."
"Are you sure you want to stay at the house by yourself honey?"
"Yes mom, I'll be fine."
"Okay. here's the key. Call me if you get lonely or need something. If you cant reach me, call one of the team members."
"I will. Now go. Times a-wasting. You don't want to miss your flight or your honeymoon.
We'll be fine Tony will be in charge of the team. I'm acting Director. We'll get through."
"Okay....Love you!"
"We love you too!"
Everyone gave Jenny and Jethro one last got into the Limo, followed by Jethro. He closed the door, and as they went down the road, she watched the cans bounce along behind. They were Tonys idea. As the limo went out of sight, they all went back into the hall and cleaned it up. Rebekah finally arrived home at 3 in the morning, exhausted. She closed the door and locked it, a habit she would never give up. She went into her moms study pausing in the doorway. In two weeks, the now silent room would be filled with the sounds of 'Eastern European ops' and we need to find the murderer.' Dinner would be different too. Instead of two plates, there would be three. She even wondered if there might be a new baby in the near future. She smiled at the thought of having a baby in the house. It would be a nice change. She walked over to the bookshelf, pulled out an old family album and sat down behind the desk. As she flipped through the pages, it brought back memories from all of the birthday parties and Christmases she had spent with her mom. She finally knew what she had felt missing for all of those years. Her dad. Now it was complete. She smiled flashing back to the moment when she had laid her eyes on her dad for the very first time. She was ten, spending the Saturday at work with her mom. She never told Gibbs that she was his daughter, mainly because her mom told her not to. The best moment of her life was the dad she and her dad hugged for the first time. That day he found out she was his daughter. She fell asleep in the study sitting in her moms chair with her gown still on, and the album open to the picture Abby had taken of Her, Her mom and her dad on her 17th birthday. the photo beside it was the whole group, standing around the table in her moms office, the cake in front of them. She would never forget that day.
The next morning, she went to work with butterflies in her stomach. Today was her first day as Acting Director of NCIS. Director of a Federal Agency...She had here work cut out for her. Thank goodness for Cynthia. Without her, she would be lost. She arrived in her moms office to find a large stack of folders in the 'in box'. 'Great'. she thought. 'Not even Noon and I already have to sign all of this stuff.' She sighed, took a deep breath, and began. She had large shoes to fill. But, she would manage. As she was deeply entranced in a recent autopsy report from Ducky, her moms private phone line rang. She hesitated from answering it, hoping Cynthia would get it. When it rang three times and Cynthia didnt answer it, she picked it up. "Hello. Acting Director Shepard speaking.."
"Wow, very formal. Good job Honey."
"Mom! How's the honey moon going?"
"Its wonderful, but, I'll tell you more when we get back. How's the work load?"
"There was already a stack of rather thick folders waiting in your in box when I arrived at 0730 this morning. I'm almost through half of them."
"Anything of interest?"
"Not really. Weapon requisition forms from dads team. Request forms for gloves and things for the team, Abby and Ducky. Lab material requests from Abby, and a speaking request for you at a local elementary school. They are having a 'Women who head government agencies' day."
"Sounds like the normal day. Accept the Speaking request for me. I enjoy talking to young women that want to achieve high status' like me."
"A lot of people look up to you. You are a role model to a lot of young women."
"I know. Sometimes it can be intimidating though. If you do the wrong thing, sometimes those people who look up to you can do the same thing. That's not good."
"I know. Its almost lunch time, but I will probably eat lunch either in here or in MTAC. I have a video conference with SECNAV in 30 minutes."
"What about?"
"I think he wants to discuss stuff about our recent case."
"Oh. If you want, I can patch into MTAC from here, and we can both speak with him."
"That would be great. I've never talked to SECNAV, so I'm really nervous."
"Its not that bad once you get used to it. Everyone feels intimidated by him at one point. He's sort-of NCIS' boss."
"Don't remind me. It'll just make the nervousness worse."
"Okay. I won't. Well, honey, I'm gonna get off of here and let you get back to work. Ill set up the laptop. Let Marie in MTAC know, so when you go in for conference, I can be patched
in."
"Okay I will. Talk to you in a little while. Make sure dad knows. Wouldn't want to interrupt anything."
"I will make sure. Love ."
"love you too. Tell dad I love him."
"I will."
"Bye mom."
"Bye." Becky hung up the phone and took a deep breath. She still couldn't get used to the fact that her mom was married. It still seemed so unreal. She left her moms office and entered MTAC, the huge Plasma screen blank. "Marie, my mom is setting up the laptop in her hotel room. She wants to be patched in so we can both talk to SECNAV. Let him know."
"Sure thing Director."
'I'm not Director. Just acting Director...but, you can call me Director if its easier for you."
"Okay Director." Director. That's a title she could probably never get used to. She often thought that she could take hers moms place, if she needed to, but that would never happen.
"Director, Tony is attempting to enter MTAC."
"Let him in." Tony came into MTAC with a big smile on his face. " 'Morning Beck." Becky gave him a 'what did you just call me' look. "I mean Director."
"That's better. What do you need Tony?"
"Just wanted to see how your first day as Director was going."
"ACTING Director. And, Its going fine. A lot of work comes with it, but I'm getting through. How's the team-leading going?"
"Pretty good. Probie and Ziva are having a little difficulty adjusting to me being in charge, but they'll be fine."
"Don't get used to it. Gibbs will be back in two weeks. Then, you go back to being a senior field agent. And, I go back to being Probie. But, you still have to be nice to me. Remember, I'm really good friends with your boss'. "Tony began to speak, then quickly shut his mouth. He knew he had no argument against what Becky had just said. "Glad everything is going good." Have you heard anything from your mom and dad?"
"Mom called me this morning to see how things were going. She said the honeymoon was going great. I have a video conference in ten minutes with SECNAV. She'll be joining us via satellite from their Hotel room.
"Wow. Hope Gibbs knows. If not, it could turn into an embarrassing moment."
"She told me she would tell him. I already motioned that possibility to her. She just smiled."
Tonys phone rang just then. " Dinozzo........be right there...Have McGee gas the truck." Tony hung up and began running to the door. They had a case to go investigate. "Tell them I said Hi!"
"I will! Marie, I'm gonna call my mom. When I give you the signal, patch her in."
"Sure thing."
"Hey mom. We have five minutes.........I'm patching you in now." Becky signaled to Marie. 10 seconds later, her mom pooped up on one side of the screen that was separated into halves. When she appeared on the screen, they hung up at the same time.
"Where's dad?"
"I'm right here." Jethro appeared beside Jenny. He clearly hadn't shaved yet."
"Hey Daddy. Loving the shadow."
"Hi sweetheart. Thanks. I'll shave tomorrow. If not your mom may get mad."
"I will not Jethro. You know I like your stubble. It turns.....never mind."
"Awkward." Becky closed her eyes trying to pretend she hadn't just heard that. But she knew she did.
"Mom SECNAV is ready. He's coming on in 30 seconds." Her dad went off screen, and her mom checked to make sure she looked okay. She didnt want SECNAV to see her without any make-up. "He's on."
"Hello. Acting Director Shepard.. Director Shepard...That could get confusing."
"Hello Mr. SECNAV." Becky and Jenny responded at the same time. As the video conference continued, Becky began to feel more comfortable. It wasn't as bad as she thought it would be. Actually, it was just like talking to a team member, only with bigger more complex words. By the time the video conference was done an hour and 30 minutes later, Becky was exhausted. She had sat through conferences before, which she thought was tiring, but this was way more exhausting. She definitely understood why her mom was extremely exhausted by the end of the day. She stood through every video conference, and Becky knew that her feet must be hurting by the end of the day. Hers were. She wrote herself a mental note to buy a pair of cushioned, comfortable heels. Or, start wearing flats. Rebekah went back into her moms office. She walked over to the liquor cabinet, hoping there was something she could drink. She was underage, so she couldn't have any of the liquor. There wasn't even a bottle of sparkling water. She walked over to the desk and pushed the 'page' button to get Cynthia.
"Yes Director Shepard?" Becky didnt even correct her. She was too tired.
"Would you please bring me a couple of bottles of sparkling water from the cafeteria?"
"Sure will. Ill have it for you in ten."
"Thanks Cynthia." Becky sat down in the big plushy arm chair behind the desk. Only 12 more days of being Director. Hopefully, tomorrow would be a little easier. As the night drug on, she found herself dozing off. As she got down to the last five folders to sign, Cynthia buzzed her again.
'Beep'
"Yes Cynthia?"
"Dr. Mallard is here to see you."
"Send him in." Ducky entered the office carrying a manila folder with the NCIS logo on it."
"I'm guessing you need me to read and sign that?"
"Your guess would be correct my dear. How was your first day as Director?"
Still happening. I have 5...now 6 more folders to read through and sign, then I will be done.
Its exhausting."
"I know. At times I am amazed at Jenny, er, your moms stamina."
"Ducky, you can call her Jenny around me. I don't mind. Really."
"Have you heard anything?"
"Yes. I talked to mom this morning. She did a video conference with me from her hotel room via satellite... You know, Tony asked me the same question before we did the video conference? I was standing in MTAC waiting when he came in. I know he is enjoying his authority status."
"Oh, that he is. He'll be disappointed when Gibbs returns."
"Oh, I know he'll be disappointed. I love how he has to obey what I tell him to do because I'm acting Director over him... I love watching him squirm." Becky got up and walked over to the liquor cabinet and grabbed two glasses off of the shelf. "Want to glass of scotch Ducky?"
"I would love a glass of scotch... How did you know I drank Scotch?"
"You're Scottish, and I can just tell. Its the investigator trait that runs in my blood." Ducky smiled as Becky handed him his glass of scotch.
"You get that from your mom and dad. They were great agents. There wasn't a suspect they couldn't break. I'll expect you'll turn out to be just as good as them. You do get it naturally my dear." Becky took a drink of sparkling water smiling as she swallowed.
"Me and mom used to set up late at night talking about cases. Interesting ones, sad ones, ones where Dad wanted to kill the bastards, usually because the suspect was a guy that hurt a young child, a girl in most cases, or a young women. I remember one case where a man beat his wife and daughter to death. Mom had to do the interrogation so that Dad wouldn't end up killing the guy."
"Yes, Jethro does tend to let his emotions get tied into the case. But, he knows when to back off and when to not let his emotions get in the way."
"I guess that's just the kind of man he is. And I think, a little bit of the Marine in him." Becky signed the fourth folder and put it on top of the others that were finished. Two left. She continued to skim over the next one as Ducky continued.
"He's a good agent. And I'm guessing a good husband. A wonderful man...although I don't know what kind of a father he is...How can you concentrate and talk at the same time?"
"I'm a great multi-tasker Duck. I don't know for sure yet, but I imagine he is a great father. I'll know as I get to know him more."
"Are you happy?"
"About?"
"Jethro and your mom, finally married?"
"I've been wanting that moment to come since I was a little girl. Home life is going to be hard to get used to. It will be so much different with a guy in the house. If anything, me and mom will drive him crazy with our 'girl talk'.
"Haha...I bet he'll be able to understand 'girl talk' by the end of the second week living with you and Jenny. Probably. We hardly ever use complete sentences when we are in our 'girl talk' mode late at night, sitting in her study.. we had our best talks late at night." Becky signed the fifth folder and reached for the one Ducky had. He gave it to her, and she laid it on the desk. She got up and grabbed another bottle of sparkling water, and the bottle of scotch.
"Another glass Duck?"
"Yes please...thank you, my dear." Becky put the bottle down and sat back down, pouring some sparkling water into her glass of ice. She took a small bottle of pills out of the top desk drawer and took two out of it. As she put them into her mouth, she saw Ducky giving her a strange look. She swallowed them, and raised her eyebrow.
"Problem Dr. Mallard."
"A little one...What are the pills for Becky?"
"I've been feeling a little under the weather lately. Its nothing to worry about. Really." Ducky had a look on his face she didnt like. He knew it was more than that.
"So you've went to the doctor?"
"Well, no, not exactly. These ore Over-The-Counter meds."
"If you haven't went to the doctor, how do you know what Over-The-Counter medicines to take?"
"I consulted the Pharmacist, and she told me what meds to take based on my symptoms...I was hoping to get a blood test done soon. I want things to get back to normal first."
"I can do that whenever you are ready and have Abby do the blood work."
"But, I don't want Abby to know who's blood she's running test on."
"She wont. Ill make sure of that."
"Thanks Duck." Becky signed the report and handed it back to Ducky. "Here ya go Duck."
"Thank You, Madame Director." Ducky winked at her and left the office. As they door closed, she breathed a sigh of relief. She no longer had to keep her secret from Ducky anymore...But, she wasn't for sure if she was ready to tell her mom and dad.. maybe she should wait till she was certain about what was wrong with her. She hoped it wasn't anything serious.
On her last night as Director, she was sitting on her bed, looking over some files she needed to brief her mom on tomorrow when she returned, when the phone rang.
"Shepard..."
"Hi. How are you?"
"Hey Tony. I'm fine."
"Need some company?"
"Yeah, I'm a little lonely…want to come over?"
"I'm across the street, so I'll be there in 3 minutes."
"You're across the street?"
"Yeah. Look out the window."
"Becky got up and went to the window. She pulled the curtain aside to see Tony leaning up against the side of the company car looking up at her. He waved, and she waved back.
"Come on over. Ring the bell and I'll let you in. The doors are locked. I keep them locked at night when moms not here, even though I have my weapon and I'm a damn good shot."
"I'll be there in three minutes."
"I'll be waiting."
"See you in three then. Bye"
"Bye." Becky hung up and put the folders in the top drawer of her nightstand. She went to her bedroom door, grabbed her robe, and headed downstairs. As she got to the landing between the first two sets of stairs, she finally managed to get her robe on. She closed her robe as the doorbell rang. She unlocked the door and opened it. Tony was standing there with a rather large bouquet of red roses and babies breath. He knew her favorite flower.
"These are for you." Tony handed her the roses.
"Awwwwwww. Thank you Tony. Come on in." Tony stepped into the house and she closed
the door behind him.
"Did I interrupt anything?"
"No....I was just reading over some reports.. I have a lot of briefing to do tomorrow. Mom will be back at her desk."
"Oh...wow. These past two weeks have flown right by."
"For you maybe. For me they drug on and on. I thought they would never end."
"I better get these flowers into a vase." Becky took the flowers into the study and put them into the vase on her moms desk.
"So...What do you want you to do?"
"I don't know...wow. I never pictured the Directors house to look like this..."
"What did you think it would like?"
"I'm not for sure...fancier I guess."
"My mom likes this better. She says it fells more like a home."
"It does..I really like this.. and I really like you." Tony walked closer to Becky. His eyes connected with hers, with an almost magical feeling.
"I like you too." Becky smiled and bit her lip. She grabbed Tonys tie. "Want to check out the upstairs too?"
"Do you really have to ask that? I'm sure you already know the answer to it."
"I do, but it doesn't hurt to ask." Becky went up the stairs, Tony following close behind. As
they got to the top of the stairs, Becky ran into her room. Tony followed, not knowing what was going to happen.
"Well, this is my room....." Becky sat down on the bed.
"I can tell.. I like it." He took his coat off and draped it on the chair and closed the door.
"I'm glad you like it." Becky patted the bed beside her. "Come, sit down beside me." Tony
sauntered over to the bed and sat down. He began to think that maybe he and Becky had the same thing on their minds. As they sat there and talked, their emotions began to escalate to amazing heights. They kissed, and then they were to the part of now return. As clothes came off, the heat in the room began to rise. Becky was having feelings she had never experienced before wash over her all at once. Their bodies were covered in sweat. Tony's hot body was pressed hard against hers. Emotions took control of Becky as Tony continued his assault on her body. When she thought she couldn't raise any higher into the clouds, the biggest, most spectacular feeling rocked her from head to toe. Tonya animal-like moan told her that he had followed. Tony collapsed on the bed beside her, breathing heavy. They laid there and didn't talk the rest of the night. Becky fell asleep on Tonys shoulder with a smile on her face. She and Tony had gotten as close as any man and women could possibly get.
The next morning, she woke up to find the spot beside her empty. She looked over at the clock and seen that it was 0530. She got up and headed into the bathroom to find that Tony was already up and had gotten a shower. When she walked in, he smiled at her in the mirror. "Hope you don't mind me using the bathroom."
"No. Not at all." Becky gave him a hug from behind. "I hate to ruin the fun, but you gotta get out so I can take a shower. We cant be late for work. Mom and Dad will be in around 100. If they find out, Dad will kill both of us."
"They'll still probably find out, I mean, he has a way of figuring things out."
"Well, lets hope he doesn't."
Tony and Becky arrived at work at 0730 to find the whole team waiting in the squad room. They had these strange looks on their faces, like they knew something went on between Tony and Becky.
"Morning everyone…..Why is everyone here?"
"Gibbs and Jenny will be here in a little while and we want to throw them a 'Welcome Back' party. But, as acting director, we need your permission…and the office." Abby held up a box containing decorations.
"Oh. Good idea. Lets go. We don't have much time." They all headed up to the office to decorate, eager for Jenny and Gibbs return. As they decorated and laughed and joked, Becky's mind kept going back to last night. Every time she looked at Tony, she had flashbacks to their passion filled night of making love. She shook the feeling off and continued decorating. She knew she screwed up. Broke rule one: Never screw (over) your partner. She put her thoughts aside and focused at the task at hand. Her mom and dad would be arriving in an hour and a half, and she felt they deserved a big 'welcome home'.
"Something's missing."
"What?"
"I don't know, But something's missing. We are missing an important item." Ducky walked into the office carrying a bottle of champagne, and Cynthia followed behind him with a cake.
"You guys read my mind."
"Well, you can't throw a party without cake and champagne. Of course, I prefer scotch."
"Amen Duck." Ducky placed the bottle of champagne on the table beside the cake, and joined in on the decorating.
"Uh-oh. Gotta get to the Air Port. Mom and Dads gonna be in in about 45 minutes." Becky grabbed her ID, Badge, and Sig. Never know what's gonna happen in an AirPort these days. Dads rule 5: Always anticipate. She smiled to herself. She was slowly learning. In a few months, she would officially be an NCIS Special Agent.. Excitement!
As she was driving to the Air Port, she began thinking about all of the days she had spent at NCIS growing up, and interacting with her dad. Now she would be around him day and night, finally having a dad to share memories with. Having both parents would make it easier to relate to others.
As she walked into the AirPort and proceeded to the terminal, her cell phone rang. She looked to see that it was her mom.
"Mom! Where are you?"
"We just landed. We should see you in ten minutes. We'll be coming out of terminal 216-C."
"Okay. I'm looking right at it. I'll be waiting."
"Okay. See ya in 10. Love you."
"See ya. Love you too."
Becky hung up the phone, put it back in her pocket, and grabbed the bouquet of flowers and the two balloons that were attached off of the bench. She couldn't wait to see them. She told herself not to cry, but to be strong. People began flooding out of the terminal in huge crowds. She stood on her tiptoes, trying to see if her mom and dad were off yet. The crowd diminished into only a couple at a time, which made her nervous. Finally, she saw them.
"Mom! Over here!" Rebekah started running toward them, excited.
"Becky! Hi! Wow, you look different!" Jenny dropped her carry-on and hugged Becky.
"You look different too! I cut my hair a little. Do you like it?"
"I do. Looks better. More, Professional."
"Dad!"
"Hey! There's my girl!" Jethro dropped his carry-on and Becky jumped into his arms. His Girl. She liked the sound of it. She let go of him, and wiped her eyes. She then remembered the flowers.
"Here. These are for you. Both of you."
"Lavender…My favorite."
"I know. It was the teams idea."
"I'll be sure to thank them." Jenny and Jethro took their carry-ons and went to baggage claim. They were all talking at once, trying to catch up. Of course, some of it would have to wait. The walked out into the parking lot and Becky brought the car around and Jethro loaded their luggage. As they were driving back to the office, Jenny got curious.
"So, How was your experience these past two weeks, Director?"
"I had good times, bad times. I even thought my hand was gonna fall off with all of the signing I did."
"There's a lot of that."
"Ya know what you should invest in, mom?"
"What's that?"
"A stamp."
"Haha. I've thought of that often. But, I'll sign it by hand. Seems more legit that way."
"Yeah, well, it was just an idea…." They entered the motor pool and Becky parked the car in its usual spot. As they went into the building, Becky could feel her excitement beginning to rise.
"I need to see both of you in my office." Becky told her mom and dad as they passed through the squad room and headed to the stairs.
"Sure thing….Director." Jethro smiled, and Jenny blushed. Tomorrow, She would be back at her desk as Director, but, today, She would let Becky be in charge. She would be able to see how she was doing at being Director. They stopped outside the office.
"Wait here. I have to take care of something first." Becky stepped inside and everyone looked at her.
"Are you done decorating?" They all shook their head yes. "Okay. Get into your spots Mom and Dad are outside. Once they had all secured their spots, Becky turned the lights off and stepped back outside.
"Okay, you can go in now." Becky opened the doors and let Jenny and Jethro go in front of her.
"SURPRISE!!!" Everyone jumped out of their spots and Becky turned the lights on. Her mom jumped..
"Welcome Back!" There was a large 'WELCOME BACK MR AND MRS LEROY JETHRO GIBBS!' banner hanging above the table, and a bottle of champagne and a cake on the table. Balloons were strung up, and some on the floor. Everyone hugged the newlyweds, and the party lasted into late afternoon. Finally, around 1400, everyone went back to work.
"Dad, stay here please." He turned around and walked back to the desk.
"Need something Director?" Becky got into her desk drawer, got out Jethros badge, ID, and Sig. She walked around and stood in front of her dad.
"Leroy Jethro Gibbs, as Acting Director of NCIS, I hereby reinstate you as Team Leader, as well as an NCIS Special Agent." She placed the items in his hands, and he kissed her on the cheek. When he got to the door, paused and turned.
"Thank you…Director. As he walked out and closed the door, Becky walked back around to her chair and sat down with a sigh.
"Does that ever get annoying?'
"What?"
"Everyone always calling you Director."
"Not really. You sort-of get used to it."
"It was neat the first couple of days, but, now, its not."
"I know how you feel. Sometimes I wish people would call me Jenny. But, I guess it's the formality of the job."
"You can gladly have it back tomorrow."
"Haha. Tired already?
"No….I just want to start small. I enjoyed it though, Don't get me wrong. Good experience."
"I understand what you're going through. I was a Probie once. Of course, I was never Acting Director, but I did have to be team leader once."
"Did you like it?"
"Yeah, but, there was a lot of things I had to do, that I wasn't prepared for. Much like you are dealing with now."
As the day faded away, Becky and her mom continued catching up on things. Becky told her everything that had happened over the course of the two weeks, and read her in on some files that she would have to be read in on before resuming her position as Director. Becky updated her mom on her current op, which they had had a major breakthrough on. Finally, at 2100, they left work. They were all exhausted, and they had a lot of loose ends to tie up.
Later that night, after Jethro had went to bed, Jenny knocked on Becky's door. The light was still on, so she hoped she was still up.
"Come in."
"Hey Hun….I hoped you would be up. I want to talk."
"Sure…What about?" As Jenny sat on the bed. Becky slid up and scooted over to give Jenny more room.
"There was something bothering you earlier…I could see it in your eyes. You can tell me."
"It was nothing…Just, preoccupied. Lots of things on my mind." Jenny gave Becky her famous 'There's more. You're lying' look."
"Okay Okay. There was something bothering me." Becky got up and walked over to the full length mirror on her wall and pulled her blanket tighter to her. Jenny got up and walked over beside her.
"You can tell me. No matter what it is."
"I know." Becky took a deep breath. "Last night, I was laying here, well, actually sitting here, on my bed, when the phone rang. I answered it and it was Tony. He wanted to know if I cared for company. I told him to come on over. I was sort of lonely in this big house. He came over, I let him in….He had flowers…."
"The ones in my study?"
"Yes. He came over with flowers, and, I gave him a tour of the house, except the master bedroom… didn't think that was appropriate. Anyways, we got done with that, and we came in here. He volunteered to help me with some paperwork had to do. Well. We sat here for awhile, and after a awhile, we grew close." Jenny got this 'I know where this is going look on her face.
"You had sex with him didn't you?" Becky breathed a sigh of relief.
"..Yes…How did you know?"
"You have, a different look in your eye. You walk a little more confidently, and your posture gets better. I went through it one time too. And, there was another way I knew."
"How? Did Tony…"
"No. Tony didn't tell me…"
"Then how…?"
"Mothers intuition."
"Ha. I knew you were gonna say that. So, you're not, like, mad or disappointed?"
"No…Why would you think that? In fact, I'm happy for you."
"Really?"
"Yeah. You're no longer a 'kid'." Jenny took the necklace off of her neck, placed it around Becky's, and fastened it.
"This is yours now."
"Your necklace? I thought Grandma gave you this?"
"She did. She gave it to me the night she found out I had lost my virginity. it's a special necklace. And, Its yours. You're a women now." Becky gave Jenny a hug.
"Uh-oh."
"What?"
"Dad."
"What?"
"Dad. What if he finds out?"
"Lets not tell him."
"Okay…If you say so…Oh no."
"What?"
"What if I become pregnant? You can get pregnant your first time….."
"Did you use protection?"
"Yeah, but, that still isn't 100% fool proof…"
"I know.. .Well, all we can do is wait. If you miss you next cycle, come to me and we'll figure out what to do from there."
"Okay…Thanks mom.. I feel better with the situation out in the open."
"I know you do. Try to get some sleep. You get to go back to being a Probie tomorrow." Becky climbed into bed and Jenny tucked her in. She kissed her on the cheek and turned the light off.
"Goodnight Hun."
"Goodnight mom." Becky fell asleep, happy that her relationship with Tony wasn't a secret anymore. Tomorrow, she would reinstate her mom as Director of NCIS, and her mom would reinstate her as an NCIS Special Agent. In-training.