"Are you sure that you're going to be okay?"

"Tim, honey, you're going to be late." She was giving him an exasperated grin. "I am fine."

"And if something happens-,"

"And if something happens, I will call Abby. Or Bishop. Or Breena, who is coming over anyway to help me get ready. I can take care of myself, Tim."

"I know, sweetheart, I know. I just worry-,"

"Well stop worrying. For a few minutes anyway."

"I can't help it," he said, giving her a smile. "I just don't want to miss anything-,"

"This is your day with Tony. Tomorrow is our day, but this is your day with Tony. To bond over being dads or crush beer cans against your head or whatever it is the two of you do for fun. And no showering together!" Delilah said with a grin, before resting a hand on her bump. "As for me, I'm gonna get some quiet time in with Peanut."

"Good idea." He leaned down and kissed her. "I'm bringing home Tony, the team, and pizza in that order."

"Can't wait. For the pizza that is."

"Call me with what you want on it. And nothing too crazy."

"You wish. Now go. Say hi to Tony for me."

"You know I will," he said, squeezing her hand. "Love you."

"Love you too. Now hurry, you're going to be late." She watched him leave, smiling to herself, and patting her bump as she fiddled with her wedding ring. "Oh Peanut," she sighed. "He's gonna be a great dad, isn't he?"

She turned back to the empty apartment, grateful for a few moments where Tim wasn't hovering. She felt Peanut kick, and smiled. "I'm glad you agree. Now c'mon, let's rest up before the family gets here."

XNCISX

He was walking into Arrivals at the airport, scanning the crowds for the familiar sight of his best friend. He'd always thought that airport reunions were the cheesiest thing ever, but that was before his long- distance relationship, and before his best friend moved away. He was looking through the crowds of people arriving; it was a busy day at the airport, but in a few weeks, it would be insanity as the holidays arrived.

The holidays weren't the only occasion with an imminent arrival. He felt his heart skip a beat as he thought of what the new few weeks could bring. A baby.

His baby.

His thoughts were interrupted when he saw the familiar face in the crowd. He felt a grin spread across his own face, as Tony spotted him and smiled. There was sudden relief, like the world had never turned upside down, because it was Tony, the one constant at NCIS for so many years.

He waved, barely resisting the urge to run to his best friend and hug him. They rarely hugged but it felt right. And Tony himself started a half jog, getting to him. "Tim," he said, in disbelief, before pulling him into a tight hug. Tim closed his eyes for a second, thinking for a second that maybe he'd dreamed everything that had happened since they'd separated.

And then Tony pulled away, looking at him, and laughing. "You look good, McPapa."

"Yeah, so do you… where's Tali?" he asked, noticing a very conspicuous absence. "And Senior?"

"Oh, uh, funny story. Senior wanted to spend some quality time with just Tali so they flew here a few days ago. Gave me a few days to get ready to come here, and pull myself together."

"It was hard coming back, wasn't it?" Tim asked, and then pulled Tony into another hug. "Thank you for coming, Tony."

"Wouldn't miss it for the world, McGoo." He pulled away. "Don't worry, Senior and Tali are both coming to the baby shower. Today though, my friend, is not about children. It's about us."

"That's what Delilah said."

"Well she is a very smart lady." They started walking, Tim still unable to believe that Tony was by his side again. He would never complain. "And how is the expectant mother?"

"Absolutely beautiful. And totally healthy."

"She scared?" Tony asked.

"Not as much as I am."

"Don't worry McPapa, it'll all be okay. What's the plan for today?"

"Well, I figured I'd show you the house."

"The house?" Tony asked, curious, as McGee took one of his bags from him.

"Yeah, the house. Tony, at the moment, Delilah and I are living in your old apartment, which if you'll remember has one bedroom. It's not big enough for three people."

"Oh!" Tony slapped a palm to his forehead. "Tim you shoulda told me, I would've brought a housewarming gift!"

"It's enough that you're here."

"Don't get mushy on me, Tim. I hate emotions."

"No you don't."

He grinned. "No I don't." The smile dropped from his face for a second. "It's good to see you, Tim. You look good. Gave us a hell of a scare." He lifted his hand, and headslapped Tim, who winced, but didn't say anything. "Don't ever do anything like that again."

"Don't worry Tony, I won't. I've learned my lesson."

"Damn right you've learned. I would have handcuffed you to the helicopter. What are you, stupid?"

"Yes," Tim said.

"At least you're being honest now. How are thing with the team?"

"Good. They're the team."

"Heard you got some new blood. Again. We have a great turnover rate, don't we?"

"You're not part of the we anymore, Tony," Tim said, but he was grinning.

"I am too! I was here longer than anyone else! Including you." He wrapped an arm around Tim's shoulder. "I can't believe how grown up you are!" He ruffled Tim's hair as Tim laughed and swatted his hand away. "I've mostly only come to wrestle the title of uncle away from your other teammates."

"I know Bishop will be thrilled to see you. As will everyone else."

"Like I said Tim, I couldn't miss this. It wouldn't be fair if I showed up when the gremlin had his baby but not come for my McPartner!"

Tim shot him a look. "Really, with the nicknames?"

"It's either I nickname you or the baby, so take your pick."

Tim laughed. "It's good to have you back."

Tony had a pensive look on his face, as though he was momentarily lost in thought, but then he smiled. "It's good to be back. Now c'mon show me this house of yours."

XNCISX

Tim unlocked the door, and they stepped into the empty house, Tony exhaling in surprise as he looked around. "This is nice, Tim! Really nice. Good taste. Which means Delilah picked it out, not you."

"Excuse you," Tim said as Tony laughed. "I have great taste!"

"In women, maybe. Don't you remember your old apartment? It was not pretty. This however… is pretty."

"Yeah, well. It's amazing how many single-story houses are ugly. We really lucked out with this place."

Tony laughed. "And there's one added perk."

"What's that?" Tim asked.

"No bodies underneath the floorboards?" Tony suggested.

Tim rolled his eyes. "That's not funny, Tony."

"It is too funny. So, Tim, you're getting your white picket fence… wife, baby, the whole nine yards. I'm almost jealous."

Tim turned to him, hearing something in his voice. "Tony?"

He shrugged. "It's okay. I'm not the domestic type anyway."

"You miss her, don't you?" he asked, the words hanging in the air. Tony stiffened like he'd just seen something horrible.

"I didn't find her, Tim. I wanted to… I didn't want to believe that she's dead… I still don't believe it. But she is gone. I uprooted my whole life to try and chase a ghost."

"So what's next?"

Tony turned and gave him a sad smile. "I'm raising my daughter by myself, far away from everyone I know and love, grieving a woman I have no right to grieve."

"You had every right, Tony. You loved her."

"I do. I still love her. But if she's still out there, she's running from something… I know she's not dead, Tim. But she doesn't want to be found."

"What'll you do?"

"Stop chasing. And stay put for once in my life. I'm a runner, Tim. Not like you. You stay, steady and unchanging… me? I run. Ran from Philly and Peoria, and Baltimore, and ran from NCIS. You stayed."

"I stay," Tim replied, touching Tony's shoulder. "Because everyone else leaves first."

Tony sighed, shaking his head. "I didn't come back to rejoin the team, Tim."

"I know. You came back because…"

"Because you're going to be a dad, and the least I can do, as your best friend, is support you. Beyond that… I sorta have a plan."

"What kind of plan?" Tim asked, concerned. "You're going to back to Paris, aren't you?"

"Paris isn't really my scene, Tim. Tali likes it well enough, but then, she's a better traveller than I am."

"It must be strange."

"Every day… she reminds me more and more of Ziva. It's always so strange to think about… kids scared me, Tim. And then I ended up with one."

"I'm scared too, Tony."

"Why? You're great with kids!"

"Yeah, but I don't want to mess up… I know that Delilah is gonna be an amazing mom, because she's just… amazing."

"You gotta have faith, Tim. That's all I was going on when I moved to Paris with a toddler that I barely knew, but who was half of me. You and I, Tim, we created kids. I mean sure, we're not giving them a great world to live in, but… faith, Tim."

"As usual, you're right."

"I am going back to Paris, and then I'm coming here."

Tim hadn't been expecting that, and he looked up, surprised. "What?"

"I'm going to get an apartment here in DC, or maybe in this neighborhood. I'm gonna try and go for a job at FLETC. Not very thrilling, but…"

Tim was confused. "Why?"

"What do you mean why?"

"Why are you doing this, Tony?"

"Because, Tim, my family is here."

"But-,"

"I mean it, Tim. My family is here. Besides, that kid of yours needs a fun uncle."

"You're going to have competition for that title," Tim said with a smile, thinking of Nick. "But Tony…"

"No buts, McGee. Just let me come back. If Ziva wants to find me, she can find me. I can't spend the rest of my life globetrotting and chasing a ghost. You know?"

"I do. I understand."

Tony shook his head, sitting down. "I miss her, Tim."

"I do too. I kept thinking that she would… she'd wanna be here."

"Yeah. She'd be so thrilled about the baby. And about Delilah."

"She never even got to meet Delilah," Tim said.

"Or Baby Gremlin." Tony sighed. "You're a lucky man, Tim McGee."

"I'm luckier because of who my friends are," Tim said as he turned to him.

Tony grinned. "I'm touched, Tim. Really."

"Are you okay, Tony?"

"I think so. Tali keeps me busy. Senior helps me stay sane. I just… miss the team. We were dysfunctional but we did make a pretty okay family. What about you? Are you okay?"

"Some days are better than others. Most nights now, I don't wake Delilah up with my screaming."

Tony's face changed. "That bad?"

"It comes and goes." He took a deep breath. "I started writing again, trying to get my feelings out on paper. I see Gibbs' therapist. I don't have a boat though to take out my emotions on… so I write."

"And does it help?"

"It does, but the real savior is Delilah. She didn't just… swoop in and fix all my problems… but having her helps."

"You really love her, don't you Tim?"

Tim grinned. "I can't picture a universe where I don't love her."

"Well," Tony clapped him on the back. "In that case, enjoy the happy ending. You deserve it, Tim."

"Thanks Tony." He grinned. "Now who's getting mushy?"

"Shut up McPapa. I've still got dirt on you. Now, I need all the good gossip that I've missed about the team."

XNCISX

"Dee!" Tim yelled, clutching the pizza box. "We're home!"

Delilah rolled out of the dining room, grinning when she saw Tony, Tim and the pizza. "It's so good to see you!" she called, hurrying over to the them.

"Nice to see you too, Wheels," Tony said with a grin.

She scoffed. "I was talking to the pizza, Tony."

"Ouch, that hurts, Delilah."

"C'mere." She pulled him into a hug. "It really is good to see you."

"And you! You're… very pregnant." He kissed her on the cheek as he pulled away, taking her in. God, McGee was a lucky bastard.

She smiled up at him. "Such a way with words."

"If you wanted a wordsmith, shoulda married McGee. Oh wait! You did!"

"The rest of the team on their way?" she asked, as McGee kissed her on his way into the dining room.

"You tell me, I haven't heard from them all day. Haven't heard from anyone except you."

"Well, Ducky is home so he can be at the shower… my mother is flying in tomorrow morning… and Nick called an hour ago, offering to bring more food."

"That's oddly domestic of him!" Tim called, as he set the pizza down on the island in the kitchen.

"You're not kidding."

Tony was grinning at the place. "What a nice home you live in, Delilah!"

She raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "Uh huh. The bodies make the rent really cheap."

He winced. "Oh yeah. Hell of thing to be under the bed, huh? Worse than a comic book collection." She rolled her eyes. He noticed his former goldfish. "Kate! Ziva! It's so good to see you, girls. I missed you. I hope Tim has been taking care of you."

"He has. And so have I. Don't worry, Tony, your goldfish are in good hands."

"And what about you, Delilah?" Tony asked, straightening from where he'd been bent over the goldfish bowl. "Are you in good hands?"

She cradled her bump. "I like to think so. I married Tim, didn't I?"

Tony looked, seeing the wedding photo front and centre on the mantel above the fireplace. "You certainly did. Right in this very room."

"How's Tali?" she asked.

"Good. Wanting to meet her Auntie Dee in person. She thinks you look like a Disney princess."

"Really?"

"Oh, yeah, she'll love you. I promise."

Delilah laughed. "I like to think I'm good with kids."

"I'll bet you are. You aren't nervous?"

"It's a little late for second thoughts, but… a little nervous. I'll be okay."

"Of that, I have no doubt."

"I've certainly looked worse things in the face than parenthood, haven't I?" she asked, turning to look at him, eyebrows raised.

"Well, you're one strong lady, Delilah, so I know you'll be okay."

"Here," she said, holding out a hand. "Give me your hand."

"Why?"

"C'mon Tony, just trust me."

"I do trust you, Mrs. McGee. I trust you with my best friend's happiness," he said, giving her his hand. She placed it on her large belly.

"Wait for it," she warned.

"Wait for- whoa." He'd definitely felt movement. "Is that…?"

"That would be the youngest McGee."

"That's so cool. Quite a kick he's got."

"He?" she asked.

"He," he said with a nod, and then grinned. "I'm just guessing. And you don't know either."

"I don't." But she winked at him. "I, however have an idea."

"Mother's instinct?" he asked, teasing.

"Something like that."

"This kid's got a lotta energy, don't they?"

She laughed, and he smiled, watching her. "Yeah, you can say that. Usually Peanut here has a foot stuck in between my ribs, so kicking you is better."

"It must be weird," he said.

"What, growing another human?"

"Yeah."

"Yeah." She half-shrugged. "It's worth it though."

"Oh yeah," Tony said, thinking of Tali. "Definitely. So, you gonna give little Peanut here any siblings?"

"A little early to think of that," she said, looking amused. "I think if I suggested that to Tim, he might pass out again."

"I can't believe he actually passed out. He McSwooned."

"I totally called it," she told him. "I always knew if we had kids… I could always see him fainting."

"Could you always see the two of you having kids? Or is that too personal a question?"

"What is this, Tony, an interrogation?" she asked, grinning.

"No. You know what I'm like when I'm interrogating. Now answer the question, Mrs. McGee."

She opened her mouth, looking a little wistful, but then there was a knock on the door. "Ha!" she cried. "Saved by the door! Remind me to thank whoever is at the door. It's open!" she called, still hurrying to play the good host.

The door opened, and there was Ellie and Nick. "Delilah! You look amazing!" Ellie cried.

"Let me in, Bish, I'm hungry!" Nick called from behind her. "You're blocking the door!"

"It's not my fault you skipped lunch!" she retorted, moving into the room as she leaned down, pulling Delilah into a hug. "You're glowing, Dee."

"That's what they keep telling me."

"I hate to say it, but Bishop is right," Nick said as he walked in, closing the door behind him.

And then Ellie looked up, seeing Tony. Her mouth dropped open. "Tony?" she said, stunned.

"Hey there, Special Agent Bishop. Good to see you."

"You too, I…" She ran over as he stood up, pulling him into a hug. "I can't believe you're actually here!"

"Who the hell is that?" Nick muttered to Delilah.

She nudged him. "Play nice, Nick. This is Anthony DiNozzo."

Tony pulled away from Ellie and held out a hand. "I'm here to be the fun uncle."

"Right… oh hey!" Torres grinned. "You're the one who posted that meme of McGee!"

"That would be me," Tony said, grinning.

"I gotta say, that was evil, but pure genius."

"I had a lot of practice in tormenting McGee. 13 years of it, in fact. Tell me, Nick, have you ever tried supergluing his keyboard?"

"Tony," Delilah said, with a warning note in her voice.

He winced. "Sorry. I'm just kidding, Delilah. You know I have the utmost respect and love for your husband."

"Delilah, I'm coming over early to help with the shower tomorrow, right?" Ellie asked.

"Oh yeah, any and all help would be appreciated. I'm a little slower than I was."

"Well, you're the reason for the shower, so I'd say you're entitled to rest," Ellie said.

"I'm inclined to agree with that," McGee said, walking in. "Hey Ellie, Nick."

"Stop hovering, Tim," Delilah warned.

There was another knock at the door, and Ellie opened it. "Right on time."

"I can smell pizza from down the hall," Gibbs said. "And I didn't eat lunch."

"What is it with no one eating lunch today?" Delilah asked. "Was it a busy case?"

"Yeah, we were workin' one short," Gibbs said.

"Don't be mad at Tim, he needed a day."

"I'm not mad," Gibbs said, leaning down to kiss her on the cheek. "As long as he's doin' his job."

"And what job would that be?" Tony asked.

Gibbs turned to him, grinning, and nodded. "DiNozzo."

"Boss."

"Not your boss anymore, Tony," he said, before walking over and pulling his former subordinate into a hug.

"And the job Gibbs mentioned is keeping an eye on Delilah. Did you know she worked a case with us a few weeks ago?" Tim asked, walking in, a dish towel thrown over his shoulder. He grinned at the sight of all his family in the same room.

"At such an advanced stage? I can just picture McGee's face if you'd had the baby at the Yard," Tony said, snorting. "Then fainting would be the least of his problems."

Delilah giggled. "Very funny, Tony."

"We still have a few weeks to go," Tim said, walking over and placing a possessive hand on Delilah's shoulder. She reached up, covering his hand with hers, and turned to smile at him.

"He's very overprotective."

"Well, Delilah, now that I'm here, I'm relieving him. So he doesn't have to worry as much when he's at work," Tony said with a smile.

"Really?" she asked.

"What, you think I just came here to watch you break his fingers? I mean, that's definitely part of it."

"Tony!" Tony was knocked backwards, and grinned as he realized who was hugging him.

"Jimmy Palmer, it has been too long."

"You could say that again," Jimmy said, pulling away. "How are you? How's Tali?"

"Tali is fantastic. And me? I'm just…" He looked around, seeing Tim and Delilah together, and Ducky standing there, talking to Gibbs, Ellie and Nick talking to Abby who'd just arrived, and suddenly he realized that something very small and empty in him had been filled again. He swallowed a sudden lump of emotion clogging his throat. "I'm glad to be home, Jim."

"We're glad to have you, Tony."

XNCISX

"I am so glad you didn't use those decorations," Tim said to Abby.

"I will still kick you out of this baby shower, Tim," Abby said, glaring at him.

"You wouldn't dare. If it wasn't for me, this baby wouldn't exist."

She considered it for a second, and then nodded. "That's fair enough. But please, don't make me think about that." She looked around it. "It's pretty good, isn't it?"

He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. "It's great, Abs. Thank you."

"I was mostly only involved so I could meet Delilah's sister. Cathleen is super cool, I love her!"

"She is pretty great," Tim agreed, but he wasn't watching Delilah's sister. He was watching Delilah, as always. His Delilah, who was grinning and glowing in the maternity shirt he'd bought her, the one that said Mother of Dragons over the belly, laughing at a stupid remark that Tony had made, her rings glowing in the afternoon sunshine, surrounded by their friends. His Delilah, who he loved so dearly.

Abby saw who he was looking at, and smiled to herself. "You really love her, don't you Tim?"

He grinned. "Like you once told me, Abs, she's the best thing that ever happened to me. I didn't see it then, but I see it now."

She smiled and it was her turn to kiss him on the cheek. "I always saw it."

He walked over to his seat of honor, right next to her, and grinned.

"What are you smiling about?" Delilah asked, noticing his good mood.

"Just thinking about how lucky I am."

She turned a faint shade of pink, but laughed. "You're a terrible flirt."

"All right you two, save it for when we've all gone home," Cathleen said, grinning. "I think it's time for gifts."

"You want me to open my gifts right now?" Delilah asked.

"Uh yes, we all want to compare how well we did on buying you things for this baby. And kids are expensive."

"Amen to that," Tony said, giving a sarcastic toast with his sparkling juice.

Delilah laughed. "All right. Which one should I start with?"

"Mine," Cathleen and Tony said at the same time, before glaring at each other.

Delilah reached for the nearest bag. "Who is this from?"

"Oh, that's from me," Ellie said, blushing, and then she grinned at them. "I hope you like it."

Delilah unwrapped it, as Tim grabbed a pen (Penny had recommended that he write down what everyone had gotten them, and it would come in handy for the cards). "Ooh," she said, looking it over.

"It's a baby book," Ellie explained, under scrutiny from everyone else. "Y'know, to record every milestone, and there are places for pictures…"

"It's beautiful, Ellie," Delilah said, grinning at her. "I love it."

Cathleen grabbed it from her. "Mine next!"

Delilah opened the card. "A photo frame… and babysitting coupons?"

"Yeah. You two are gonna need some kind of way to relax, even once you're parents," Cathleen said with a smile.

"You live in London," Tim said, with a grin.

"So?"

"A little out of your way, isn't it?" he asked.

"Consider it… only to be used when the two of you want weekends away. I can do weekends."

"Come here," Delilah said, before pulling her younger sister into a hug. "Thank you."

"You're welcome. Use only if necessary, and only once that kid is out of diapers."

Delilah started laughing, and Tim joined in, the two of them giggling, as Tony handed over his gift, before tossing something to McGee. "This one is for you, McPapa!"

"What is it?"

"Open it and see."

"It's supposed to be gifts for the baby, Tony," Tim said, as he unwrapped it, and then started laughing. He held up the shirt that Tony had gotten him, which simply said Special Agent Dad on it. "That's very cute, Tony, thank you."

Tony shrugged. "Anytime. Wait until you see what I got the McBaby."

It was Delilah's turn to laugh, as she pulled out a onesie, that had nothing but the word Probie embroidered on it. "Tony!" she protested, laughing.

Gibbs was laughing too. "Nice one, DiNozzo."

"It'll go perfectly with the baby NCIS cap that Alex sent," Tim said.

"I can't believe our baby got an official hat before I did," Delilah complained.

Tim grinned, leaning in and kissing her on the cheek. "I'll get you an official cap, don't worry."

"Yeah, especially considering this baby is going to be like… our team mascot," Abby said from her spot by the window.

"This is all news to me," Delilah retorted, but she was laughing. "Abby, I'm guessing the one with the black wrapping paper is from you?"

"Oh you bet," Abby said. "Go on then, unwrap it!"

Delilah did unwrap it, and smiled to herself. "Did you knit this yourself, Abs?" she asked.

"Yes. It's a baby blanket. And I really hope you like it," Abby said, smiling.

"I don't, I love it. It's awesome, Abby. Thank you."

"Anything for one of my favourite couples," she said.

Tim chuckled to himself as he looked over the baby blanket, and smiled over at Abby, who nodded at him, expressing her approval of his happiness. And wasn't that what mattered, after their history?

"Who is this from?" Delilah asked as Cathleen pushed a very large wrapped lump with a bow.

"That's from me," Gibbs said, very softly, as he looked over at them.

Delilah reached for it, but couldn't. "Tim, can you help me out here?"

"I can," he said, kneeling on the floor, and pulling out his pocket knife, he cut the ribbon. Tali immediately scooped it up, giggling, as she placed it on her head. Tim and Tony exchanged a quick look and a smile, before Tim, unwrapped it.

Delilah gasped, as they both stared at it. It was… "It's a cradle."

"A bassinet. Or a cradle," Gibbs said. "Figured since the baby will be in your room for the first little while, something simple would work…"

"Gibbs, you made this?" Delilah asked.

"Boss, I…" Tim said.

Delilah wiped at her eyes with her hands. "Oh, great. Thank you, Gibbs, it's beautiful."

"It's for family," he said softly.

"Gibbs, it's perfect," Tim said.

"Come here, Gibbs." Delilah gestured to him, still furiously wiping her eyes. "Come here!"

He obeyed, walking over, and she pulled him into a hug, before kissing him on the cheek. "Thank you."

Gibbs smiled as he pulled away, looking between her and Tim. "The two of ya deserve every happiness, Delilah."

"It's a perfect gift from an amazing grandpa," Delilah said.

Gibbs grinned, as Tim pulled him into a hug too.

"C'mon keep opening gifts! I want to get to the cake before midnight," Tony said.

"Aw Tony," Jimmy said. "Did you miss your afternoon nap?"

"Yes, I'm tired. And cranky. Give me cake."

Gibbs head-slapped him on his way by. "Don't ruin the moment, DiNozzo."

"Sorry."

Delilah looked at the cradle, feeling her eyes welling up again. "It's perfect," she whispered.

McGee reached over and took her hand. "It really is," he agreed, sounding somewhat choked up himself.

XNCISX

The two of them were curled up on the couch together, Tim's eyes heavy with exhaustion as he watched the glow of the dying embers, sending flickering shadows across the room. He was sure that Delilah was asleep, his arms around her, her head resting on his shoulder, until she spoke. "I'd call that a success."

"Oh yeah," he agreed, whispering, afraid to shatter the intimacy of the moment. "It was really sweet seeing you with Victoria and Tali today. You're a natural with kids."

"Not too bad yourself, Tim."

"And I… I'm still scared."

She lifted her head up, staring into his eyes as he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "After all we've been through, don't you believe that we've earned this?"

"I know that," he said softly as she took his hands in hers. "But I don't know what to believe."

She cupped his face in her hands, letting his hands fall to his lap, and pressed her forehead to his. "Timothy McGee, think about everything we survived, everything that you and I went through… and look at us now. Do you honestly think that we can't handle this?"

"I didn't say that."

"Listen to me Tim. I believe in science and soulmates and Gibbs's gut. I still believe in Santa Claus. But most of all, Tim, I believe in us."

"I do too. And I want this happy ending."

"We made it, Tim. Never doubt that. You and I are here, and this is happening, but we have each other."

He looked into her eyes, darker than usual in the dim light, and then kissed her, offering a white flag of surrender. He knew whatever came next, they would survive.

Delilah believed in them. And so did he.