Bad Luck Turns to Good
Chapter 7
Ziva had been on many missions in her career but none she attacked with more seriousness and excitement than she did the mission to arrange their marriage in the next two days. She talked to the nurses, Mrs. Walker at the bed and breakfast and even Dale at the garage. Between them they told her everything she needed to know about how she and Jethro could get married on Tuesday. Dale told her where to go for the license, Mrs. Walker suggested a jeweler for rings and the nurses directed her to a dress shop they said would have something perfect for Ziva to wear; she was determined not to marry the man of her dreams wearing cargo pants.
Several hours after leaving the hospital, Ziva returned with some wonderful, homemade chicken noodle soup for Jethro and her to share for supper. Mrs. Walker had insisted and had included some fresh bread and even a big piece of German chocolate cake for dessert. Ziva's mouth was watering just thinking about that cake.
After they enjoyed the food and especially the cake, Jethro made room for Ziva on the bed and they spent the rest of the evening talking quietly and making plans for the next few days. Jethro would stay in the hospital another day to make sure his infection was completely gone and he had regained his strength. He was still running a low grade fever but was getting better as the day wore on. He was anxious to get out of the hospital but willing to stay since it meant less for Ziva to worry about. By ten o'clock Jethro was exhausted and managed to convince Ziva to go back to the bed and breakfast for the night.
She was reluctant but the idea of a soak in the tub and a good nights sleep were the deciding factors.
She had the long soak in a hot bath but even so she didn't sleep very well. Dreams plagued her and none of them were good dreams. She finally gave up about five o'clock, got up and went for a long run. She was back at the room, showered and dressed by seven and headed back to the hospital. There was a lot to do before Tuesday but today they would have to just wait and spend the day together planning.
She arrived in Jethro's room with a cup of coffee and some breakfast rolls and the newspaper. Jethro's breakfast had just been delivered when Ziva arrived. Although the coffee wasn't up to his standards the food wasn't bad. He drank the coffee Ziva brought and had a roll to go with the hospital food. He ate while Ziva told him about her night and the dreams that had kept her tossing and turning.
"I need you in the bed with me I guess in order to get a good nights sleep."
"Well, beginning tomorrow night you'll have me there every night for the rest of your life. Except when I'm working late of course."
"Of course."
Sunday might have been the longest day of their lives. Both of them wanted Jethro out of the hospital so they could get on with their plans but because it was Sunday they couldn't really do anything anyway. They passed the time reading, watching an old movie and talking about their future. After lunch Ziva snuggled onto the bed with Jethro and they took a nap together.
That evening while they were eating supper Jethro reminded Ziva that he was not an easy person to live with.
"Ziver, I screwed up three marriages and I don't even know how. Or I didn't at the time anyway. I have some ideas now but the point is I didn't know what I was messing up at the time."
"You do not need to worry about that, Jethro. If you are screwing something up with us I will be sure you know about it."
That drew a laugh from Jethro and the moment passed. Ziva stayed until eleven o'clock that night before she left for the bed and breakfast.
"I will see you in the morning and aid you in your escape. We have a lot to do tomorrow so get a good nights sleep."
"Okay. Hey, Ziver, I love you. I don't want you to worry about anything about when we go home. It will all be fine. I promise."
"I know. I am not worried. I love you. Goodnight."
Jethro kissed her and held onto her as if he wasn't going to let her go. If he had his way this was going to be the last time for a long time that he slept alone.
Ziva finally did sleep well that night and the next morning she arrived at the hospital at seven o'clock. Jethro was already up and in the shower when she walked in the room. She went in the bathroom and left his clean underwear and clothes on the counter. Ten minutes later he came out looking better than he had in several days. He looked rested and pain free for the first time since they left DC four days ago.
The next couple of hours waiting for the doctor passed slowly mainly because they were so anxious for Jethro's release. They had decided to get the marriage license, rings and a dress for Ziva that day and have the ceremony on Tuesday morning then drive back to DC. The plan was to tell everyone at the same time Tuesday evening at Jethro's house.
They talked at length about calling the team and inviting them down but decided against it. It didn't matter to Jethro really but Ziva thought if they invited the team and not Fornell or any of her friends someone's feelings would be hurt. She wanted to do as they said earlier and have a party for everyone after they were home. That way Abby could help plan it and some of the sting of them marrying without her there would be assuaged.
They looked at each other and the enormity of what they were planning seemed to hit them both at once.
"This is a pretty big deal, Ziver. I wouldn't blame you if you had second thoughts. About getting married I mean."
"Getting cold feet on me, Jethro?"
"No, but we are moving pretty fast. We can slow down and take our time if you need to. You can move in, see how things go and then we can get married later if you still want to. I mean it Ziver, it won't hurt my feelings if you need to take some time."
Ziva got up from the chair next to the bed and walked over to look out the window. Jethro was right, they were moving very quickly to do a very important thing. Marriage was not something Ziva took lightly and she intended to do it only once. Maybe they should slow down. Maybe she should take some time to make sure she could spend the rest of her life with Jethro. He could be infuriating and difficult that was true. He sometimes drove her crazy with his moodiness and his silences. He had a terrible history with marriage and had been with numerous women in just the last couple of years. Was he really ready to settle down with her? Working with Jethro was one thing but living with him every day would be an entirely different situation.
When she turned back to face him Jethro was studying her with a worried look on his face. Ziva looked at him and tried to imagine going through life without him beside her. She thought about the level of trust she had with Jethro and knew she had never, and would never, trust anyone else that way. He was the best man she knew; the most loyal and dedicated man she had ever met. His courage was without question and even though she knew he had operated on the edge of the law many times she believed his sense of morality was also without question.
Ziva believed him when he told her he loved her. She believed he wanted a life with her. Was there anything in her experience with Jethro over the past few years that told her he was wrong for her? No. To the contrary, everything Ziva knew about him screamed to her that he was the perfect man for her and if she didn't marry him either now or in the near future she would regret it for the rest of her life. So, the question became whether to marry him in the next two days or some day in the future. Why wait? She could come up with no logical reason to delay.
All this questioning and reasoning took just a couple of minutes in Ziva's head but Jethro was getting very nervous. She hadn't said a word since he offered her a postponement of the marriage and he was beginning to think she was going to take him up on the idea. He didn't want to wait but if that was what she needed that was what they would do.
Finally she walked back to the bed and took his hand. Jethro swallowed and waited for the verdict.
"I do not need to wait. I am very sure that you and I are meant to be married and I see no reason to delay. If you are willing and ready then I am as well. I love you Jethro and nothing in the world will make me happier than becoming your wife."
Jethro relaxed and smiled at her in relief.
"Thank god. I thought for sure you were going to say we needed to wait."
They laughed together and agreed there would be no more talk of backing out or delaying or anything else besides getting married on Tuesday. Jethro was getting agitated with the waiting so he walked down the hall and back stopping at the desk to ask about the doctor. The nurse there told him she was on her way and should be there in about five minutes. Jethro went back to the room to wait with Ziva.
Finally the doctor arrived with Jethro's discharge paperwork in hand.
"I understand you two have some pretty important plans for the next couple of days."
"We do. Anything I need to worry about?"
"No, Agent Gibbs you're in good shape. I just caution you to take it easy, especially today. Don't get over tired and I'd recommend no strenuous physical activity for a few days."
The doctor didn't fail to notice the smirk that comment provoked. She smiled at both of them and said, "Just take it easy. I'm not saying you can't be intimate but be mindful of your condition."
"Thanks doc."
With the paperwork signed, Jethro and Ziva left the hospital. Ziva took time to thank the nurses for their help and suggestions for her about the wedding plans. Jethro was more than ready to get outside and breathe some fresh air.
The rest of the morning was busy and by the time Ziva and Jethro got back to their room that afternoon they were both tired; Jethro especially. They had left the hospital shortly after ten o'clock that morning and gone straight to the courthouse to take care of the marriage license. They were told the county judge was not in on Mondays but would be there Tuesday morning at eight. They made an appointment for him to perform the marriage at eight-thirty so they could get on the road back to DC and get home at a reasonable hour.
After they left the courthouse they stopped at a small jewelry store not far from the bed and breakfast. Mrs. Walker had told Ziva about it and recommended it for both quality and price. After browsing separately for a few minutes as agreed beforehand, Jethro and Ziva each picked out two contenders. Happily, and not surprisingly to them, they had one set in common and that was the one they decided upon. The chosen rings were simple platinum bands with a beveled edge. Ziva loved them and spent several minutes convincing Jethro she didn't want a diamond. The jeweler had their correct sizes and said he could do the engraving and have the rings ready later in the day. They each wrote what they wanted engraved on the other's ring and handed their notes to the jeweler and told him they would be back later.
Jethro was craving coffee so they stopped in a diner and had a cup and sat for a while. Next Ziva went to a dress shop one of the nurses had told her about and Jethro went to the men's store next door to buy a dress shirt and a tie. He, like Ziva, refused to get married in his regular work clothes which was all he had with him. He told Ziva he wanted this to be as special as possible even considering the setting. Even though she would have been happy to marry Jethro wearing his sweat pants and a tee shirt she appreciated him wanting to look nice for her. She was doing the same thing after all in buying a dress to wear. Ziva's shopping took longer than expected and since she didn't want Jethro to see the dress yet he sat outside on a bench and watched the people go by.
While he was waiting, Jethro decided to call his father and tell him what was happening. Jackson knew Ziva of course and liked her very much. Jethro was certain his dad would be surprised but thought he'd be happy for him. That turned out to be an understatement. Jackson was thrilled with the news and told Jethro he expected to see them both before too much time passed. Jethro promised they would be in Stillwater the first weekend they had free. Before ending the call Jackson asked his son one more question.
"How are you feeling about this Leroy? I mean besides happy of course. You know what I'm asking?"
"Yes, dad I know. I feel like the weight of the world has been lifted off my shoulders. I have carried around so much negative stuff for so long. Once I admitted to myself and then to Ziva how I feel about her, it was as if everything changed. I feel. . .I don't know, really. Free, I guess. Like I can finally breathe again. Does that make sense?"
"Yes, son and that is exactly what I wanted to hear. I can't wait to see you and Ziva. Drive carefully home and come see me soon."
"We will dad. I love you."
"I love you Leroy. Give Ziva big kiss for me."
"Will do. Bye dad."
Jethro was more than pleased with his dad's reaction and knew Ziva would be too. He worried about her father's reaction to their news and dreaded Ziva making that phone call.
The bride-to-be finally came out of the store with a dress bag and another package containing shoes and what all else Jethro could only guess. They loaded their purchases in the car then decided to walk around town for a while before eating lunch. After a leisurely meal they went back to pick up the rings and then back to the bed and breakfast. It was late afternoon and Jethro was tired.
"I think you better relax for a while, Jethro. I do not want you to overdo it today."
"I am pretty worn out. Will you lie down here with me?"
"Try and keep me away."
They stretched out on the bed and Jethro told her about his conversation with his dad.
"He's pretty excited and wants us to go visit him asap."
"I think that can be arranged. First weekend we have off."
"When are you going to call your father?"
"Tomorrow. Maybe while we are on the way home. After we are married."
"Think he'll be mad?"
"I have no idea. You are not his favorite person but he loves me. I know that despite all our troubles. He will come around soon enough."
"Probably when the first grandchild arrives!"
"First?"
"Well yeah. I'm thinking three or maybe four."
"Jethro! How about two?"
"Whatever you want."
"For a while all I want is you. I want to enjoy just us for a while. Okay?"
"Whatever your want Ziver. I mean that."
"I know you do. Right now I want a kiss."
Jethro was happy to oblige that wish. One kiss turned into many and clothes were shed and there was lots of touching and caressing and laughing and then more kissing. They were trying to be mindful of Jethro's condition but eventually their passion overtook them. Jethro rolled over so Ziva was beneath him but when he did, he winced and she noticed a grimace pass over his face.
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah."
But he had to admit he was in a little bit of pain.
"Jethro, we can wait. Just hold me for a while."
She could tell by the look on his face Jethro was not at all pleased with this development. But, he knew he wasn't up to this level of activity just yet. A quick memory of a similar "failure" with Jenny long ago flashed through his mind. Reluctantly, and with a deep sigh, he rolled onto his back.
"Sorry 'bout that."
"Do not apologize. You just had serious surgery two days ago. The doctor warned us. We have a lifetime to be together Jethro, today we can manage in other ways."
"Yeah, I guess."
His disappointment was obvious in his expression and tone of voice. Ziva knew Jethro hated to admit any weakness or pain. They had only been this familiar with each other for a few days and Ziva was smart enough to realize Jethro wasn't ready to share everything with her just yet. He had been pushing aside feelings and pain for a very long time and it would take a while for him to really and truly trust her with his emotional safety as much as he did with his physical safety. Ziva was determined to be patient and not get her feelings hurt when he seemed to be shutting her out. As if he was reading her mind Jethro pulled her closer so he could kiss her.
"Don't worry Ziver. I'm okay. Whatta ya say we have a short nap then go get some dinner?"
"That sounds perfect."
Ziva laid her head on his shoulder, one leg between his and her arm around his middle. When she was situated Jethro kissed her on the top of the head and let himself fall asleep. Ziva soon followed and for the next two hours neither of them moved.
Jethro woke up first and laid very still absorbing the feeling of having the woman he loved wrapped around him. Try as he might he couldn't block out the memory of not being able to make love to that woman a few hours ago. He told himself it was just because he was tired and still recovering from surgery and he knew that was all true. He also knew he was old enough to be Ziva's father and he would be an old man long before she was an old woman. They would not grow old together. He would grow old while she matured into an even more beautiful woman. He would be in his sixties with children in grade school even if they started having children right away. As much as he loved Ziva and wanted to be with her he couldn't stop thinking that maybe he was being selfish by asking her to spend her life with him.
Ziva was awake but she didn't want to move. Jethro's hand was idly moving up and down her arm and she knew he was awake too. Knowing Jethro as well as she did, Ziva was quite sure he was worrying about not being able to do all he wanted to do earlier. Then she looked up at him and smiled.
"I can hear you thinking, Jethro. What is going on behind those baby blues?"
"Just thinking I could use a good meal."
Ziva shifted so she could see him better and decide if he was hiding something from her. His expression was neutral and when his stomach growled as if on cue, she laughed.
"Yes, it sounds as if you could. We should get dressed and go find something before you expire."
They did just that and Jethro enjoyed a steak and baked potato and felt better than he had in days. His earlier doubts and questions still lingered in his mind but he was an expert at keeping thoughts like those buried; even from Ziva.
"That was delicious. I am very glad you were so hungry because apparently I was as well."
They had talked about tomorrow and telling the team and her father. They decided Jethro would call Director Vance after the ceremony and then he would call Ducky and ask him to bring Abby and the boys to his house at six thirty. They would tell everyone together at that time. Ziva was particularly nervous about Tony's reaction but Jethro assured her it would be fine. After all, what could he say?
"He'll be fine with it. Might take a little getting used to and he'll be a pain about it for a while but he'll be okay. Any reason he should be extra unhappy?"
"Are you suggesting there is something between Tony and myself? Because if you are then the answer is of course not!"
"I'm not suggesting anything at all. But you have to admit, you two are close and I have sometimes wondered. That's all."
"Well you do not need to wonder. I love Tony like a brother or favorite cousin. There has never been anything romantic between us."
"Okay. Ready?"
"Yes."
Jethro paid the bill and they walked out into a crisp fall evening.
"Want to walk for a while?"
"Yes. You must be feeling better."
"I am. And, I feel like I haven't had any exercise in days and days. And, I miss my boat."
Ziva laughed. It had been a long few days. Certainly not uneventful but still.
"Now that we are getting married I expect I will learn the secret of getting the boat out of the basement."
"Not necessarily."
"Jethro! Surely you do not intend to keep secrets from me!"
"Maybe just a few. Like getting the boat out of the basement and where I hide your birthday presents."
"We will see. I am a spy you know. I can find things that people think are well hidden."
"Were a spy! Not anymore."
They stopped at the end of the block and Jethro pulled her against his chest and kissed her thoroughly. He knew he would never get tired of doing just that and he ignored the little voice in his head that had been there since he woke up earlier. They made their way back to their room with Ziva wondering what was on his mind.
Jethro was on the couch in the sitting area watching Ziva sitting at the small dressing table, brushing her hair. It pleased him to no end that he was the only one who would ever have the pleasure of watching her do that particular task while wearing nothing but her underwear. He was supposed to be reading but his book didn't hold his interest nearly like Ziva did. He took in her lustrous hair, her muscles as they moved under her soft skin and the way she ignored him even though he was quite sure she knew he was staring at her. A beautiful young woman for sure.
With that last thought, Jethro tore his eyes away from Ziva and looked at the two ring boxes on the table in front of him. In about twelve hours he was going to slip one of those rings on Ziva's finger and she was going to put the other one on his. And then they were going home. . .together. There would be a woman living in his house this time tomorrow. A woman who would expect him to be home by a certain time, who would not want him to spend hours in the basement sanding and drinking and brooding. A woman who would surely not want him sleeping on the couch.
What the hell am I doing?
"Jethro, did you say something?"
"Huh? What?"
"You said something but I did not understand what it was. Did you ask me a question?"
Shit, did I say that out loud?
"No. Never mind".
Ziva put down her brush and looked at him. Something was bothering him she was sure of it. She saw him staring at the ring boxes and she knew; he was having second thoughts. If she was one hundred percent honest with herself Ziva would have to admit she too was wondering just what in the world she was doing. Tomorrow she was going to promise to love, honor and care for Jethro for the rest of their lives. She was going to begin living with him. Give up her own home to live in his. Give up her routine and her private life to join his routines, his life and his way of doing things.
What if she didn't like how he kept the bathroom? What if he left dirty clothes all over the place? What if he refused to come out of the basement?
Before any more crazy questions popped into her head, Ziva got up and went into the bathroom and shut the door. She was beset by a sudden, almost overwhelming urge to run away. It was Monday night and just four days ago she and Jethro had left DC to go to North Carolina and pick up a fugitive. How in the world did that evolve into her getting married to her boss? Nothing in her training had prepared her for the feeling of dread and uncertainty she was experiencing at this moment. Ziva had faced down some terrible, fearsome circumstances in her life but right now, in a bathroom in a tiny town in North Carolina, she was more scared than she had ever been before. Was she making a mistake? Was she just overcome with the moment, the idea that Jethro loved her? The great sex? What if in a few years she found herself the fourth ex-wife of Leroy Jethro Gibbs?
Ziva looked at herself in the mirror and took several deep breaths. She splashed some cold water on her face and tried to calm her racing thoughts. She knew she needed to think rationally and calmly about what she and Jethro were doing. She told herself to get a grip and think about why she had agreed to marry Jethro in the first place. Well, she told herself, first of all she loved him. She felt safe with him in every respect. He was the only man she had ever trusted completely. Whenever he came into a room she felt better no matter what had been going on. She wanted to be with him, take care of him, grow old with him. But did that mean she had to marry him TOMORROW?
Sitting alone in the other room, Jethro knew Ziva had picked up on his mood. She knew him better than anyone had since Jenny. And, he knew her and he was sure she was in the bathroom wondering much the same thing he was; what were they doing? He gave her a few more minutes then he got up and started to the bathroom. Just as he was about to knock Ziva opened the door and stepped out.
"I was comin' to see if you're alright. Are you?"
"Yes, I am fine. I was going to ask you the same thing. You have been very quiet since we got back. More so than normal I mean."
"Just thinking."
"About?"
"You know. Stuff."
He reached up and brushed her hair back and Ziva grasped his wrist.
"Are you having second thoughts, Jethro?"
"Not sure. I don't want to make a mistake with you Ziver."
"Does what we are doing feel like a mistake to you?"
"No. But neither did any of the others."
At that Ziva let go of his wrist and walked past him. She felt the sting of tears in her eyes and forced herself to breathe steadily. She kept her back to Jethro and began pulling her sleep clothes out of her bag. She hadn't intended to need them tonight.
Jethro knew immediately he had hurt her feelings.
"Ziver, I didn't mean it like that. You are nothing like the others. I just meant I don't want to hurt you."
"Too late."
"Dammit Ziva! I'm sorry. You have to know I didn't mean it like it sounded. I love you. Please look at me."
Ziva turned back to look at him and the regret and apprehension was plain to see on his face. She forgave him instantly.
"I know you do Jethro. I think you are having second thoughts about us getting married and that is understandable. It has been a very confusing and unexpected few days. If you want to change our plans I understand."
"That's not what I want."
When he didn't continue Ziva knew he was he was unsure of his feelings.
"But?"
"Can you honestly tell me you weren't in that bathroom questioning all of this?"
Knowing she could not lie to him Ziva answered, "No I cannot tell you that. Questioning and changing your mind are two different things Jethro. Which one are you doing?"
Jethro stepped up very close to her and put his hands carefully on her shoulders.
"I am questioning, Ziver. I love you very much and I do not want us to make a mistake. Do you understand?"
"Yes, I understand. Is this because of what happened earlier when we were making love and had to stop? Is that bothering you somehow?"
"No, not really. But it does make me think about our age difference and the fact that I will be an old man when you are barely a middle aged woman. Our kids will have a dad old enough to be their grandfather."
Ziva tried not to be exasperated by this line of thought but it was difficult. She forced herself to be calm when she responded.
"I thought we had settled this already. There is nothing to be done about the fact that you are older than I. If that is reason for you to not want to marry me then there is nothing I can do. I may very well end up taking care of you. That could happen next week, Jethro. How many times have you been injured on the job? How many times have I already been to see you in the hospital? What if I get sick next month? Our children will have a loving, attentive, wonderful father and I do not give a damn what other people think about our age difference. If you do then that is your problem. Do make it OURS!"
"Ziver are you angry at me?"
She almost laughed at his expression. He looked as if she had taken away his last bottle of bourbon and all his sandpaper.
"No, I am not angry with you, Jethro, I am frustrated and scared and in love with you. I have my concerns but they are much more mundane and silly than yours. And no, I do not want to discuss them right now. All of a sudden I am very tired. I think we should sleep on it and decide tomorrow. We could talk about this all night but really, we each need to decide for ourselves what we want and then together, we can make our decision. Remember what I told you before, you do not have to marry me. I love you and I will be here for as long as you want me. Jethro, we do not have to get married in order to be together."
"I know, but. . . Let's go to bed and tomorrow we'll decide what to do."
The tension in the room was so thick Ziva could have sliced it with one of her knives. Jethro went into the bathroom to get ready for bed. The evening certainly wasn't ending the way he had imagined it would. And, he thought, he had no one to blame but himself. His doubts and fears were once again getting the best of him and no matter how hard he tried he couldn't put them to rest. He wondered what mundane, silly things Ziva was worried about.
Ziva took several calming breaths and changed into her sleep clothes. She told herself that no matter what Jethro decided about getting married she wasn't going to lose him either way. She had meant it when she told him he didn't have to marry her to keep her in his life and in his bed. She would prefer to be married because she wanted children and would not allow herself to get pregnant if they were not married. But, if the only way to be with Jethro was as an unmarried couple she could live with that. Temporarily.
When Jethro came out of the bathroom, Ziva was already in bed. He went over and sat on the side of the bed beside her. He leaned over and kissed her. He rested his forehead on hers for a moment then he kissed her again and told her he loved her.
"I'm going to read for a while. Go to sleep and I'll be back in a bit. Unless you want me to sleep on the couch tonight."
"Of course not! I want you here with me and pretty soon."
"Yes, ma'am. 'Night, Ziver."
"Goodnight, Jethro. I love you."
Miraculously, considering all she had on her mind, Ziva fell asleep almost immediately. Jethro, on the other hand, was awake for at least two hours longer. He read for a while but most of the time he spent watching Ziva sleep. He imagined them at home together, eating meals together, working in the yard together, traveling together. He tried to picture himself at home alone but he always came back to Ziva being there. In his heart he knew he didn't want to go home alone anymore. Once he made up his mind what he was going to say to Ziva in the morning he finally relaxed and began to doze off. He woke up on and off for another hour thinking about all the things he wanted to do to the house if Ziva moved in. He pictured all the changes and upgrades he wanted to do and then began wondering about moving.
About three hours after Ziva had gone to bed Jethro gave up and joined her. As he slid into bed, Ziva barely roused and moved over closer to him. Jethro laid on his side and spooned up behind her draping his arm possessively over her mid-section. Ziva wriggled back against him and in no time Jethro was sound asleep.
Sunlight peeking through the blinds and the aroma of breakfast cooking downstairs, began to reach Jethro and Ziva at the same time. They both woke up slowly and Ziva came fully awake to find Jethro kissing her shoulder while his hand smoothed up and down her leg. She rolled onto her back and smiled up at him.
"Good morning."
"Mornin' beautiful."
Jethro rolled over and braced himself above her keeping most of his weight on his arms. He kissed her softly and then more urgently as Ziva's hands began exploring his chest and sides. Jethro made his way from her mouth to her neck and then the soft spot just below her ear where she was particularly sensitive. He stopped kissing her only long enough to divest her of her cami then he resumed his exploration, kissing along the swell of her breasts before giving each of them some individual attention.
Ziva was getting very hot and bothered and the little noises she was making were driving him crazy with desire for her. When her hands snuck under the waistband of his boxers, Jethro got pretty hot and bothered himself. He returned to her mouth and kissed her with as much passion and love as he could muster. Ziva wrapped her arms around his neck and as soon as his tongue entered her mouth she rolled them over. They never broke the kiss and when they finally had to breathe, Ziva let him have only seconds to catch his breath before she was back for more. Jethro pushed her shorts down and she settled on him more completely. His thought processes were seriously hampered by now but somehow he managed to remember there was something he wanted to ask her. As they came up for air again he managed to flip their positions once more. He brushed her hair back and when she started to speak he quieted her with a finger softly placed on her swollen lips.
"Wait."
They both took some much needed breaths never taking their eyes off the other's face.
"Ziver, I love you. I waited long enough to tell you that and do something about it. I don't want to wait any longer. Will you marry me? Today?"
Relief ran through her with the speed of a jet. She had feared when she went to bed last night that Jethro would want to postpone their marriage. In fact her last thought before sleep claimed her was; 'I wonder if I can get a refund on the dress and shoes'?
"Yes, Jethro I will marry you today. I would like nothing more in this world than to do that very thing."
"Thank you, Ziver. I promise to do my best to always be the man you deserve."
"You are that and so much more. Now, could we get back to where we were before you proposed?"
"Absolutely."
And they did just that. They spent the next hour making love, recovering and then doing it all again. Then they both fell asleep and woke up with just an hour to go before their appointment at the City Hall. Luckily they were both accustomed to getting ready in a hurry. They showered together-to save time-dressed, packed and headed down for some breakfast, all within thirty minutes. Mrs. Walker had saved them some bacon and eggs knowing they were leaving right after the ceremony and wouldn't have time to eat.
"You two make a very nice looking couple this morning. Ziva, that dress is perfect on you."
"Thank you, Mrs. Walker. And thank you for saving us some breakfast."
"Yes, thanks. We're running a little late this morning."
"Well you two just enjoy your food. There's more coffee in the pot on the sideboard."
After they ate, Jethro went to find Mrs. Walker at the desk while Ziva put their bags in the car. Jethro paid the bill with the NCIS credit card. He had left a generous tip in the room from his own money.
"Mrs. Walker, we can't thank you enough for your hospitality and your help these last few days. You have a very nice place here. I suspect Ziva and I will be back one day."
"Agent Gibbs you are very welcome. It has been my pleasure to have you two here. I'm glad you're feeling well. Congratulations on the wedding. Please do come back."
She came around from behind the desk and gave Jethro a hug. Ziva came back in and thanked Mrs. Walker and gave her a hug as well.
"Oh, I almost forgot. I wanted to thank you for recommending the jeweler and show you the rings we chose."
Ziva took the boxes out of her bag and opened them for Mrs. Walker.
"My dear, they are perfect. You made a wonderful choice. And not just in the rings," she added with a twinkle in her eye.
Ziva leaned into Jethro and he smiled back at her, "Yes, I think you are right. Thank you again."
TBC