Hey everyone. Sorry its taking me long for each chapter. I wish I could write every day but I cant.=(

Ch11

Kate and Tony drove home in silence after being at the hospital for quite awhile. Kates hand was indeed broken, and it would be in a cast for at least 6 weeks. While she was getting looked at, Tony called Gibbs to give him an update. Gibbs told Tony there was absolutely no way in hell she would go out in the field when she got back. It was desk duty whether she liked it or not. Gibbs told Tony one more thing.

"Shes like a daughter to me Tony. You know that. Just look out for her you got it Dinozzo?"

"You know you don't have to worry boss. I got her back."

Little did Gibbs know what was REALLY going on. Tony decided they couldn't focus on that now, all though he gulped at thought of not IF but WHEN Gibbs would find out. He hoped he wouldn't have to beg for mercy.

After Tony hung up, he called Kates parents to give them an update. They thanked him and told him they were at a relatives house and would be home later tonight. They also told him to take care of their daughter. Tony promised he would.

Not long after that conversation, Kate walked out of the room and she and Tony were free to go. Before they went home they stopped at the drug store for Kates pain pills. She was going to need them every four to six hours since she was going to be in pain for a few days. Tony pulled into the driveway, shut the car off and looked at Kate.

"Oh Katie. Baby. How are you feeling?"

"Surprisingly I'm ok Tony. Just in pain. I'm ok though."

"You're lying."

"What makes you say that?"

"Because I know you Katie. You bite your lower lip when you lie. Now tell me the truth. How are you feeling?"

He was right. She should have known he would know that she was lying.

"Tony I feel guilty. I missed my sisters funeral. What kind of sister am I?"

He took her good hand.

"You are a wonderful caring sister who loved her big sister very much. Rachel will understand Katie girl….and so will your parents. Come here baby."

Kate undid her seat belt and slid over to him. He put his arm around her and just held her. Surprisingly she didn't cry. She was done crying.

He kissed her forehead and spoke.

"You lost your sister very tragically. Its going to take a long time to get over that. How about this? We get something to eat, and then I'll drive you to the cemetery so you can have a proper good bye. Ok?"

She looked up at him and he rubbed her cheek with the back of her hand. She gave him a sad smile and he smiled a little back.

"It will ok Katie-girl. I promise."

"I love you Tony."

"I love you too beautiful. Come on."

Tony made them cold cut sandwiches for lunch while Kate cleaned up and took a pain pill which wouldn't make her drowsy. After they ate they got back in the car again and Tony drove them to the cemetery. Kates heart started to pound as they got closer. This was it. The final good bye. Tony parked the car and the two of them got out. Kate turned towards Tony.

"As much I would love for you to come with me, if you don't mind I need to have a private moment."

He hugged her and ran his fingers through her hair.

"Of course baby I understand. I'll wait right here and you take all the time you need."

They kissed and Tony leaned against the car as Kate walked towards Rachels freshly dug grave. She turned towards the marker and took a deep breath.

"Hi Rachel. Its me Kate. I wish you were here. I really wish you were here. I miss you big sister. Rachel I'm sorry I didn't come today. I just couldn't bare the thought…" I was remembering when we had that talk when you told me that some day I would find the right one; well you are right. I finally found the right one Rachey. He was right under my nose the whole time, and I cant believe it took me this long to realize how I felt about him. He has been absolutely amazing through this whole thing. You know when he and I met all those years ago, I thought he was the most egotistical, self-centered, obnoxious person I ever met. However that didn't stop a part of me for having feelings for him. We ended up just being friends and partners. Hes the best work partner I have ever had. Then…this…happened…and he has been WONDERFUL. He has been my rock, and he hasn't left my side. I realized that life was too short and I should tell him how I feel. Thank goodness he felt the same way. His name is Tony Dinozzo and as you know hes my partner at NCIS. I never thought we would end up together. I'm talking about somebody that would throw spit balls and play practical jokes."

Kate took a deep breath and continued.

"I also saw a different side of him too Rache. Hes so caring, loving, and not to mention extremely hot and sexy."

Kate giggled and then continued.

"So anyway I believe he is absolutely the one. I know we are going to be very happy together. "

She turned towards Tony, and they smiled at each other and Kate turned back towards the marker.

"Anyway I just wanted you to know that. "

Her voice broke.

"I miss you Rachel. If only we had one more talk….one more hug….but I know you are up there watching over all of us. I love you big sister. "

Kate felt a gentle breeze and smiled. Rachel was there with her. Silently crying, she put her head down and turned. She walked towards Tony as the tears slipped down her cheeks. He met her half way as he wrapped his arms tightly around her as she cried into his chest. After the stress of the past couple of days, Kate finally felt at peace.

When they left, instead of going home, Kate asked Tony to drive to the beach. She knew a private spot, and that spot she felt always calmed her down.

They grabbed a blanket out of the trunk, and hand in hand and they walked down towards the water. Tony spread the blanket out, and then he and Kate sat down. Tony pulled Kate towards him and she put her back towards his chest. He rubbed her shoulders.

"You ok Katie-girl?"

"Tony just being here, in you arms, its all I need."

He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her cheek.

"I'm very proud of you today beautiful."

"Really?"

"I am. You found the courage to say good bye to your sister one last time. I don't know what you said, but I could tell you were getting a lot of things off your chest. I can tell it made you feel better."

Kate remembered what she said and smiled. She turned towards him and he put his hand on her face.

"Theres that beautiful smile I love to see. Tell me whats going on?"

"I felt like she was there with me Tony. I could feel her. I told her at first how much I missed her, how much I wish she was here with me, and then I told her…."

She looked down and he cupped her chin and gently made her look up.

"Told her what baby girl?"

"That…that I finally found the one for me. The right one for me. You Tony. Its always been you."

"Oh Katie-girl. You know I feel the same way too. Always have."

He pushed some hair behind her ear as the two slowly leaned in and kissed. It deepened as he gently pushed her down on the blanket; avoiding her hand. He pulled away as they stared into each others eyes; and then he leaned down and kissed her again. She had a thought and giggled. Smiling he pulled away.

"Whats so funny Katie-girl?"

"Well, I'm sorry to ruin the mood Tony, but I was thinking of what Gibb's reaction would be when he finds out about us. You know his rule number twelve."

Tony rolled off of her and groaned.

"Did you have to bring that up baby? Knowing the boss man hes going to kill me first and ask questions later. You know how protective hes been of you since day one."

Kate smiled and scooted closer to Tony and put her head on his chest. He ran his fingers through her hair and kissed her forehead.

"You know what, I'm sorry for bringing it up. Lets cross that bridge when we come to it ok? Right now I just want to lay here with you as I think about how much I love you."

She looked up at him and he looked down at her and smiled.

"I love you too sweetie."

They kissed and then Kate relaxed in Tonys arms; feeling safe.