Chapter Seventeen (Last Chapter)

Ziva walked to the bathroom one more time to check her reflection. Normally she wouldn't be so concerned on how she looked, but tonight was special. Tony was bringing her out for dinner and he asked her to dress nice. It had been a year since she and Tony had begun to date and a year and a half since Lev had kidnapped her and hurt her. The scars and pain were still there, but with everything Tony did for her everyday, they began to fade slowly.

Ziva sighed, relieved that she looked fine like she had a minute ago. Her wavy hair was straightened and pulled back in a clip, her light brown blouse flowing over her torso and the black skirt reached her knees. She glanced at the time as she walked into the kitchen. 7:15. Where was Tony? He said he'd pick her up at 7:00. Anxiously she checked her phone to see if he had called or sent a message and she just missed it.

"Tony?" Ziva was getting concerned now as she called his phone. She leaned against the counter hoping every scenario running through her head was wrong and Gibbs had just needed him for something or he was running late.

Ziva felt relief when he answered on the fourth ring out of breath. "Knock, knock Zee."

"Tony, where are you?" Relief flooded through her hearing he was fine.

She could hear the smile in his voice. "Knock, knock."

"Tony this isn't a game. Where are you?" Ziva sighed.

Tony chuckled. "Zee where would you knock?"

"On wood, the door-" She paused and almost slapped her forehead feeling stupid. She walked over and opened the door. "Who's there?" She smiled into the phone looking at Tony.

Tony smiled and hung up along with her. "I'm sorry I'm late. I couldn't find my keys." He held up some roses. "Will this fix it?"

Ziva smiled and took them. "Yes. Thank you Tony, they're beautiful." She opened the door wider and went into the kitchen letting him come in. Quickly she filled a vase and put the roses in it.

"Ready to go now?" Tony leaned forward and quickly kissed her cheek.

Ziva smiled turning to hug him "Yes, thank you so much for the roses. They're gorgeous."

Tony smiled, "of course. Now lets go get dinner." He grabbed her coat and helped her put it on.

"Sounds good to me," Ziva lead the way into the hall and waited until he stood next to her before they started walking down the stairs and out to his car. "Where are we going?"

"A surprise." Tony grinned opening the car door for her.

Ziva got out and followed Tony into the restaurant. "Wow, this is nice."

Tony smiled. "See I know a good place to bring you for dinner."

Ziva chuckled. "At least you know something."

Tony laughed. "Hey, be nice." He told the host how many and waited with Ziva a few minutes before following the host to the table.

"Tony, this is so nice." Ziva smiled as he pushed her chair back in for her.

"Well I only want the best for you Zee." Tony kissed her head and sat smiling at her.

"What?" Ziva smiled. She felt self-conscious and worried her hair had fallen out or something.

"Nothing. You're just pretty Zee." Tony chuckled softly.

Ziva smiled and felt her cheeks warm. Tony knew how to make her feel better. "Thanks."

Tony chuckled and the two enjoyed talking during dinner.

"Zee." Tony walked with Ziva outside the restaurant.

"Yes Tony?" Ziva glanced at him quickly and gasped as he dropped onto a knee. "Tony."

"Zee, you are my ninja, my partner, and my best friend. I promise I'll protect you with my life, for the rest of my life."

He gently took one of Ziva's hands and then pulled out a ring. "Zee, you're my world. Will you marry me?"

Ziva nodded tearfully as he placed the ring on her finger. "Yes Tony. Yes." She hugged him as soon as he got to his feet. "A thousand times yes."

Tony smiled and kissed her. "yay."

Ziva laughed and snuggled her head against his chest under his chin and looked at the ring. She was safe whenever Tony was around. She knew that. And she wouldn't have to worry.

C'est Fini 3