A/N Surprise! Two chapters in one day. This one is very short. But, it just had to be written. Tomorrow would be Daddy's 90th birthday. Happy birthday, Old Man. I miss you.
Disclaimer I don't own them and I'm still not making any money off of them.
Ziva finished putting chocolate icing on a Black Forest Cake. She licked the remaining icing off of the spatula before she put it and the bowl into the sink. She checked the contents of the oven and turned down the temperature. Everything should be ready on time.
She ran upstairs for a quick shower. She left her hair in loose curls and applied the barest amount of cosmetics. Ziva dressed in a nice outfit of tan slacks and a bronze silk blouse.
Ziva returned quickly downstairs and checked the dining table one last time. The china looked perfect with the antique set of silver ware she had found on Ebay. She checked the centerpiece again and rearranged several flowers. She wanted everything to be perfect.
At the sound of a quiet knock, she passed through the kitchen and opened the back door. As she motioned to the living room, she dialed her cell phone. Gesturing for quiet, she listened to the rings.
When Jethro answered, she tried to sound serious, "Gibbs can you please come over? My hot water heater is leaking."
When she flipped the phone closed, she smiled and turned to the living room. "Get ready. He is on his way."
Less than two minutes later, Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs opened Ziva's front door and walked into a scene he would have avoided had he been given any warning.
"Happy Birthday Gibbs!" was shouted by his entire team including Abby, Ducky and Palmer. Then, much to his surprise, he heard a very familiar voice say, "Happy Birthday, Leroy." Jack stepped out from where he had been hiding behind Tony and McGee.
"Dad? When did you get here?" Jethro hugged his father.
"This afternoon. Tony picked me up at the airport." Jackson returned his son's hug.
Jethro released his dad and looked at the members of his team. He zeroed in on his newest agent. "This was your idea." It was a statement not a question.
Ziva patted him on the arm. "Yes. But, everyone helped."
Each of his friends wished him an individual Happy Birthday as Ziva started to bring food from the kitchen to the dining table. It didn't pass Jethro's notice that Tony was the one who helped her.
When everything was ready, Ziva directed Jethro to sit at the head of the table. After everyone was seated and had served their plates, it was Ducky who addressed Gibbs.
"Jethro, we knew you wouldn't want us to make a fuss. However, we wanted to do something special in honor of your birthday. " The ME handed Gibbs a card.
Jethro put on his glasses and opened the card. For the second time that night, he was speechless. His team and Jack had made a substantial donation to the Wounded Warriors Project in his honor. He removed his glasses and continued to look at the table for a few seconds.
Finally, he looked at the people sitting around him and had to clear his throat before he could speak, "Wow. This means a lot. Thank you."
The dinner was a huge success. As usual, everyone enjoyed Ziva's cooking. She had used several recipes provide by Jack to make Jethro's favorite dishes. The Black Forest cake had been an instant hit.
Everyone moved between the living room and the dining room in ever changing groups. They had sat and talked for hours. Jack fit in well. Much to Jethro's chagrin, Jack was happy to oblige the young people with stories of Jethro's childhood and teenage years. He and Ducky had even made plans to meet for lunch before Jack returned to Stillwater. And, for once, Jethro had relaxed and let himself be part of the group.
When the party began to break up, it was McGee who admitted they had hidden their cars in several driveways up and down the street. Ziva had arranged it with their neighbors. Jack headed next door. He would be staying for several days. Jethro let him know about the new guest room. Finally, Jethro and Ziva were alone in her living room.
"I can't believe you did this. Thank you for getting Jack here." He hugged her tightly.
Ziva returned the hug and said, "You are welcome." She leaned back and looked up into those vivid blue eyes. "Happy Birthday, Dad."
Jethro looked at her for several seconds before he wrapped her in another tight hug. Ziva knew he didn't want her to see how much her words had affected him. Still, she heard the sniffles.
A/N For anyone who is interested, the Wounded Warriors Project provides assistance to wounded veterans and their families. You can check them out at .