Chapter 11

The coming Friday was made into a team night out and Tony and Gibbs insisted that they all would be there, even if it was just for a little while. They chose a bar not far from the Navy Yard and managed to get a booth at the back so that they would have at least a little privacy. Tony and Tim went to get them drinks and when they got back they chatted lightly for a while before Ducky cleared his throat and turned to Gibbs.

"So, Jethro. Are you going to tell us why you and Anthony wanted us all here tonight?"

"I knew it!" Abby exclaimed. "I had a feeling that it was something hinky goin on! So what are you gonna tell us? Let me guess, you're getting married? No, you've already done that. Well, not getting married maybe but you still exchanged your vows and rings, so that should count as getting married. Are you gonna do it again? No, this must be something bigger than that. Oh! You are going to get-"

"Abby!" Tony cut her off and gave her a pleading look.

"Sorry", Abby said. "I'm just so excited. This is big, right? It has to be big. You wouldn't have insisted on us being here if it wasn't big."

"Abby", Tim said and took her hand in his to get her attention. "Can you just let them tell us?"

"Oh. Right."

Tony and Gibbs exchanged and swift look and then they turned back to the others, making themselves ready to drop the bomb.

"Guys, you know we see you as a family, right?" Tony said and gave them all a warm smile.

"Of course", Abby said and beamed. "You told us that at the ceremony."

"Yes, and I also hope that you know that we feel like we can trust you with anything."

"Certainly, my dear boy", Ducky said. "But what is this all about?"

"Well, we should probably have told you this earlier, but better late than never right? Jet and I are going to adopt."

A stunned silence followed Tony's announcement, all the others just staring at the couple. Suddenly Abby gave out a loud squeal and threw herself around Gibbs neck, giving him one of her bone crushing hugs before doing the same with Tony as the others congratulated them cheerfully.

"I can't believe it!" Abby shrieked. "That's so fantastic! I'm really happy for you guys!"

"I have to say that it wasn't quite what I had expected, Jethro", Ducky said and smiled at his old friend. "For how long have you been planning for this?"

"About a year", Gibbs replied. "We didn't want to tell you before we knew that it was really going to happen."

"Have you met your child yet?" Ziva asked.

"We have", Tony said. "We're going to have a daughter. Her name is Sarah and she is five years old. She's had a bit of a rough past, but we're positive that we can give all the love and security that she needs."

"What do you mean, Tony?" Tim asked.

Tony looked at Gibbs who nodded, and then Tony told them all about Sarah without getting into any details. Abby clenched her fists in anger and both she as Ziva looked like they wanted to kill something – or someone. Tim's and Palmer's eyes were hard as steel, and only Ducky seemed somewhat calm, even though a glint of sorrow flashed in his eyes.

"Well, I'm sure that you two will be perfect for the girl", he said when Tony had finished talking. "And we will help you out whenever you need us."

"You can count on us", Abby said. "We will be the best family Sarah's ever had."

"Thanks, Abs", Gibbs said and smiled.

"So when are you taking her home?" Tim asked.

"In a month or two", Tony replied. "Maybe sooner, maybe later. We're going to visit her soon again so that we can get to know her better, and her us, and also tell her what's happening."

Ziva gave them a surprised look. "She doesn't know?"

"No, not yet. And the orphanage wants us to tell her ourselves. So what do you say, guys. Are you willing to be her aunts and uncles?"

"Of course, Anthony", Ducky said. "We'd love to. Sarah will never be alone again."

They stayed in the bar for a while longer and then Ducky felt that it was time for him to go home to his mother. They all broke up after that and headed on their different ways.

"How do you think she'll take it?" Tony asked during his and Gibbs' drive home. "When we tell Sarah, I mean.

"I don't know, Tony", Gibbs said after a moment of silence. "And we won't know for sure until we do, so stop worry about it."

"I can't help it, Jet. I guess I'm a little nervous, is all."

"Me too, Tony. Me too."

TBC