Tony wasn't going to let Cassie down by not finding him. He searched high and low. He finally found him sitting by the pond. The kid was a mess and Tony hated that he was in this position, but Cass was going to get what she wanted. Tony just hoped he had enough energy to convince the kid to go see her.

"Eric," said Tony approaching him.

"Hey, why aren't you at the hospital?"

"Could ask you the same thing. Why'd you take off like that?"

"I was scared. I didn't know what to say to her. I'm in love with her. I always have been. I just never got the chance to tell her."

"Don't you think she'd like to know all this?"

"I know I'm a coward, but the idea of losing her after I've waited this long just seems cruel to her and to me. We'll never get to know what would have been. I know she's been hurt by the guys she's dated, but I don't want to hurt her anymore. She's in enough pain as it is,"

"Don't you think that she has the right to make that decision for herself?" asked Tony sitting down next to him.

"Your right she does. I can't imagine my life without her being part of it. She's always been there. Even halfway across the country somehow she know when I need her," said Eric throwing rocks into the pond.

"I know exactly what you mean, but let me tell you that Cassie Gibbs is a stubborn girl. She's mean as a bull when she wants to be. She's got enough in her to probably come here and kick both of us for sitting here talking about her behind her back like this. She's still here. Make the most of what time we have left with her. She wants you there Eric. I wouldn't have hiked up this goat path to find you if I didn't think that it was worth it,"

"It's not actually a goat path," said Eric

"Well, you know what I mean. So what do you say? You in for one last HooRah?"

"Yeah, on last Hoo Rah," said Eric

Meanwhile Jethro was talking to Ducky on the phone. Abby was there with the rest of the team who were planning on coming to see them ASAP. There was no way they weren't going to be there for Cassie. Jethro had arranged for a priest to come and give Cassie the last rites. Even though he wasn't a very godly man he still knew it was important for her. It was hard thinking of making arrangements for her when she was still alive. With everyone gone he managed to find a moment alone with her.

"Hi, baby, I want you to know it's OK. I'm going to be OK. I just want you to be at peace. I know I've been somewhat of a hard ass on you, but I love you with all my heart. I promised myself when you were born that I'd move heaven and earth to keep you safe. You are my world and I have been so blessed to have you in it. I have no regrets with you. I hope you can forgive me for anything I've done to hurt you."

"Dad," said Cassie opening her eyes.

"I love you so much," he said crying.

"I love you too, I couldn't ask for a better father," she said smiling at him.

Cassie slept on and off for a long time. Jenny had gone back with Jack to eat something and to help get things in order since Jethro was in no state to do so. Jack was also a mess. He was going to lose his grand-daughter. His heart ached for his son and for himself. Nobody deserved to have this happen to them. Jenny called Ducky and talked to him. They were all so shocked, but they knew they'd be able to get through it together. By evening the rest of the team was there. They went together to the hospital. Jethro was sitting in the chair holding Cassie's hand. The monitor faint beep read her vitals.

"Jethro," said Jenny gently waking him.

"Jen," he said opening his eyes.

"The team is here," said Jen taking his hand. He went out in the hallway to see them. Abby hugged Gibbs and he hugged her back. Ziva too hugged him. He told them to go ahead into the room.

"Jethro," said Ducky.

"Ducky," was all he could say.

"I've made all the arrangements. How's she doing?'

"Trying to be strong. She's scared of course."

"What about you?"

"I don't know if I can be strong enough. I shouldn't be doing this Ducky. I shouldn't be planning her funeral! This is wrong. How's we get here?"

"Jethro just because the doctors are saying a time frame they could be wrong. How many times have you beaten the odds? Tow comas multiple gunshots. She's your daughter. She's got a lot left in her. Don't count her out quite yet,"

"Thanks Duck,"

"Excuse me Gibbs. There's something I need to talk to you about," said Eric walking up to him.

"Sure Eric, what I can I do?"

"I want to ask for your daughter's hand in marriage," said Eric very sure sounding.

"Have you talked to Cassie?" he said baffled by the words he was hearing. True he'd always wanted a son-in-law like Eric, but somehow doing it now seemed not right.

"I love her sir. I always have. I know that this seems rather desperate, but I know it's what I want,"

"I'm not the one you need to ask son," said Jethro shaking his hand.

"Thank you," said Eric

"Hey Eric,"

"Yeah Tony?"

"Welcome to the family. You break her heart I'll kill you myself," said Tony

"Understood,"

Eric went into the hospital room. The girls were talking together. They didn't notice Eric coming into the room.

"Cassie," said Eric knocking

"Eric, come here. Abby, Ziva, this is Eric. I'm glad you're here," said Cassie taking his hand.

"I love you Cassie,"

"Eric, I love you too, but.."

"Just listen for a minute OK?"

"OK,"

"I've talked to your Dad and I got his permission to marry you. I never stopped caring about you. I know that you've been in a bad relationship, but I want this for us,"

"Eric, your serious?"

"Yeah, I love you Cassie. You're my soulmate. Will you marry me?"

"Yes, Eric. Yes I will marry you," said Cassie with tears in her eyes.

"Congratulations," said Abby hugging Eric

"Thanks, so I guess we should find a minister and a few people to be witnesses?" said Eric

"Will you go get my Dad Ziva?"

"Yeah," she said smiling.

Ziva went out to get Gibbs and the rest of the group followed. Gibbs agreed to the wedding because it was what they both wanted. Tony was going to be best man. Ziva and Abby brides maids. Ducky would be a witness as would Jack and Jen and Gibbs would give away the bride. Everyone ran around getting things ready for the soon to be couple.

AN: sorry this is short but I wanted to get another one up before I forget!