Second Chance Chapter 14 by believesvueo
Kate turned around, not quite sure of what to say to Ducky.
Ducky moves his eyes to Gibbs and asked "Jethro, how could you keep her from us?"
"Ducky…"
"Jethro, it's okay. Let me tell him."
"Ducky, I don't know how to explain this. There isn't any scientific explanation as to what I am doing here."
"Caitlin, my dear, you are confusing me. It's simple. It was all a set up. You didn't die. The FBI just made it look like you did. But wait, who was that on my autopsy table?"
"Ducky, it was me."
"What? Caitlin, you are not making any sense. If you are dead, then why am I talking to you." Ducky reached over to touch her hand.
"And I can touch you. I can feel you. And you are with child."
"That's just it Ducky, I did die. And soon, I will have to return."
"Come again, my dear?"
"I asked God to let me be here for a year to make sure that Jethro moves on with his life. Ever since I died, my soul has never left me because I have not been able to leave Jethro alone. I watched him every day and night and I still see him not over my death. So, God said, until I can let him go and he can let me go, then I cannot enter his kingdom. So I asked him, to let me be with him one more time. So one night, I came down here and I asked Jethro, that in able for us to be together again, he has to let me go, after my time is up. He agreed. So here we are."
"This is all very confusing, Caitlin. And there is no logical explanation for it. I think I am going need more than one bottle of wine to absorb all this."
Both Kate and Gibbs laughed.
"But I really don't care how you came back, Caitlin because seeing you again, is so wonderful. I have missed you so much. You are like the daughter I never had and always wanted."
Kate stood up and walked over to Ducky to give him a very tight embrace.
"Oh, my child, it's okay. You were taken from us way too soon. And I am glad that he brought you back to us even if it's just for a little while. A year with you here on earth is equivalent to a lifetime. So how far along are you, my dear?"
"Six months."
"Do you know yet what you are having?"
"We are having a girl, Ducky." Gibbs said.
"Oh, Jethro, we'll have a little Caitlin running around."
"Yeah, that is what I told her."
"So now that the shock is over, shall we have dinner now, children. I'm starving."
"Oh, sure Ducky. Why don't you take a seat and I'll bring the food to the table."
"Katie, no heavy lifting, remember?"
"Oh Jethro, I am fine. Why don't you just sit with Ducky and let me do this."
"But Katie…"
"No buts Jethro."
"Oh, Jethro, she is still the same old Caitlin, stubborn and independent minded. So how do you suppose you are going to tell the team about this especially Abby?"
"I don't know yet Ducky. We wanted to tell you first and then go from there."
"if you want my opinion, I suggest you tell Abby first. If you tell her last, she will not be happy. I think you should just let them talk alone."
Jethro nodded.
Gibbs and Ducky dropped the topic once Kate joined them at the table.
"So, Jethro, when you took a vacation, you were with Caitlin, I assume?
"Yes, I was Ducky. Tell them Katie, where we went."
"Well, we visited my family in California. I didn't talk to them. Jethro and I just watched them from across the street." Tears started rolling down her cheeks.
"I'm so sorry Caitlin."
"It's okay Ducky. Just to see them happy and move on, that's all I wanted to see. But I won't lie that I was so tempted to just knock on their door and hug my parents even just one last time."
It was quiet for awhile until Kate spoke again.
"While in LA, we visited USC, my alma mater and UCLA, his alma mater. We also visited my old high school. We had so much fun reminiscing when we were in LA. Then after a few days in LA we went to Rome. I have always wanted to go there. And Ducky, before we forget to tell you, Jethro and I got married."
"Wow. So another congratulations is in order."
"Thanks Ducky."
They continued to talk about their trip in Rome.
After a few hours, it was obvious to both Ducky and Gibbs that Caitlin is exhausted.
"Kate, why don't you go upstairs and turn in for the night. You have been cooking all day. I will take care of the dishes here."
"Are you sure Jethro?"
"Yes, babe. Go and get some rest."
"I'm sorry Ducky. This little one here is getting heavier every minute and I am getting tired faster."
"Oh, my dear, it is okay. It is quite late anyway. So I should also be heading home too."
"I'll walk Ducky to the door, Katie. Go on upstairs and sleep. I'll join you soon. Let me just put the dishes in the washer."
Before going upstairs, Kate gave Ducky another hug.
"Thanks for coming Ducky.'
"Caitlin, the pleasure was all mine. We'll talk soon. Goodnight, my dear."
"Goodnight, Ducky."
After walking Ducky to the door and finally putting all the dishes in the washer, Gibbs locked up and turned off all the light and headed upstairs to their bedroom.
He stood by the door and just watched Kate sleep. He could help but smile at how beautiful and peaceful she looked. He took a deep breath and thought about the child growing inside of her. He couldn't help but feel the overwhelming happiness inside of him as he pictures the life they have created together. But the thought of their daughter never having the chance to see her mother made him cry. Would he be able to let Kate go? Would he be able to live without her again? Knowing now what it feels to have Kate in his arms and to wake up next to her every morning, a life without her would be like death. But a little girl's face with curly brown hair, deep dimples and blue eyes shining and beaming at him was enough to assure him that Kate will never really be gone.
He wiped his tears and joined his wife in bed. He reaches over and held her hand that's placed on her stomach. He closed his eyes and felt himself being gently rocked to sleep. "I love you, Katie."