March 1946
United States

After Gibbs left, Tony spent the next several hours cleaning up the small apartment that was now his home. All the while, images of Cali Gibbs flashed through his mind. Once Gibbs had cued him in on what to look for, he had seen her everywhere. It seemed, every time he'd been locked up, she had been hovering around the corner. He remembered her at Tim's basketball games and in the hardware store. All the time, Tony had figured she was set on the clean cut, good looking McGee, not him. He'd had to admit that, if Callie might like him, it would be a good reason to try and sober up. That thought, and his curiosity, had driven him to seek out the doctor. As he worked, Tony would stop and glance downstairs ever so often, but he knew he couldn't get in the girls' ways if the restaurant was busy. He paced for another hour before looking at his watch - 7:30pm. He'd lasted as long as he could.

He entered the back of the restaurant, through the kitchen, stopping long enough to congratulate Abby. She bubbled enthusiasm as they talked a few more minutes. Tim McGee was a lucky man.

"Is it busy up front?" he asked her.

"No, it's been pretty quiet tonight. Usually is on Wednesday's though." She smiled at Tony. "Go on. She's looking for you, too."

He smiled and winked and made his way through the door that separated the kitchen from the dining room. He took a seat on the serving counter.

Cali turned when he walked in. The restaurant was completely empty and she had already started the clean up for the night. She walked over to Tony, standing between his legs where he sat on the counter.

"Mr. DiNozzo?" she smiled.

"Miss Gibbs. Why don't you lock up early tonight?"

"I don't know. I'd have to talk to the owner about that."

"I don't think he'll mind. Besides, I need to talk to you."

"About what?"

"Guess you know Abby's getting married a week from Saturday?" He asked, holding her hand in his.

"I did. I'm the maid of honor." She replied saucily.

"Well, I'm the best man. And the reception is going to be here in the restaurant."

Cali was surprised, "Abby didn't tell me that."

"That's because Abby doesn't know. I offered it to Tim earlier today as a wedding present."

"That's wonderful."

"Yeah, well, I'm going to need some help getting everything ready. Can I count on you?"

"You're going to cook?"

Tony shook his head, "Why is everyone so surprised that I can cook? I grew up practically tied to that stove."

"Just tell me what time and what you need. I'll be here." Cali answered, squeezing his hand.

"And one more thing," he turned toward the kitchen. "Abby! Come here, would ya?"

Abby came through the door, wiping her hands on a towel.

"Yes, Mr. DiNozzo?"

"Would you please call me Tony?" She nodded in response as he continued, "Don't suppose you'd like the week off before the wedding would you?"

Abby's face lit up, "I would love it. But who's going to help Cali?"

Before he could answer, Cali supplied, "I think Tonio knows his way around."

"Yes, then, absolutely. Thank you!" And she came forward and hugged Cali and Tony. As she returned to the kitchen, Cali told her to go ahead and start cleaning up for the night. She then turned back to Tony.

"Anything else?"

He leaned forward. Cali leaned in towards him. But, instead of a kiss, he pulled her close and whispered, "I always loved to tug your pony tails."

When she jerked back, the first things she noticed were the twinkle in his eye and the sly smile, so like the younger man she had been infatuated with all those years before. Tony slid down off the counter and pulled her into an embrace, followed by a kiss.


The next week and a half were a blur. The first morning after he had made his deal with Abby, Tony showed up in the restaurant at 9 to make sure he truly did remember what he was doing. By the end of the day, it was as if the almost five years away from the restaurant had never happened.

Then, it was just Cali and Tony for the week leading up to the wedding. He was always in the kitchen by the time she let herself in every morning. They got into a quick routine and things, for the most part, ran smoothly. He left the business decisions to her, admiring her expertise. She let him run the kitchen, discovering that he was as good a cook or better than either Abby or Antonio, Senior, and much more efficient.

During one lunch rush, it did get a little heated between the two. They argued in between her trips into the kitchen and it ended with Tony muttering under his breath, in Italian, as she left, that she was as stubborn as any Army mule he'd ever encountered. She came back in a few minutes later with a mischievous grin.

"You do know I understand Italian, don't you?"

He wheeled around quickly. "No."

"I don't speak it, but I worked with your father and Abby long enough that I have a pretty good grasp on the language."

"So you know…" Tony trailed off.

"Yes. I know exactly what you said." Tony was immediately contrite. She walked up close enough to him so that she could poke him in the stomach, "Don't say it again."

"Yes, ma'am." And he kissed her. That was the end of that fight.

They worked together late into the night, every night. Only once did Gibbs have to come in to get them. It was well past midnight and Callie still hadn't come out of the restaurant. In fact, Jethro had seen no movement of any kind for some time. Not realizing that the two had been in the kitchen talking and finishing off the last of the tiramisu, Gibbs burst through the kitchen door, his gun drawn. Tony had instantly grabbed Cali to protect her. Realizing the two were okay, just young, dumb and in love, Gibbs didn't say anything. He just shook his head, holstered his weapon and turned around and walked out. Tony smiled. Cali, peeking out from behind Tony, only giggled and then quickly followed after her father.

The Saturday of the wedding, they started cooking at eight. By noon, everything was ready. They went upstairs to Tony's apartment to get dressed.

Tony came out of his room in his dress uniform. "Look at this." Tony exclaimed, "I've been back here less than three weeks and I've already put on enough weight that the jacket's tight. How is that possible?"

He looked up into Cali's admiring and loving glance. Tony was frozen in place. She swallowed as she walked closer to him and said quietly, "I think you look very handsome, Tonio. And you needed a little weight."

He leaned down into the kiss. This beautiful, headstrong, familiar girl had won Anthony DiNozzo's heart. When they broke from their kiss, she was breathless.

"If we're late, your father will kill me." Tony whispered.

She smiled, "Yes, he will."

They left the apartment hand in hand.


The wedding was small, intimate and beautiful. Tim and Tony were resplendent in their dress uniforms; any signs of the devastation and heartache they had seen in Europe miles away. As Cali came down the aisle, Tony couldn't stop smiling. Her dark red hair accented the green floral print of the dress. The flowers made her look more like she should be skipping than walking, but Tony couldn't tear his gaze away from the beautiful Gibbs girl. He watched her all the way up to the altar. As Abby entered the church, escorted by her father, every person turned to watch. Every person but Tony, who only had eyes for Cali. And Gibbs, who could only close his eyes and shake his head, knowing that the next time he was in church it would be for Cali's wedding.

As soon as the vows were read and the now married couple exited the church, Tony, Cali and Gibbs left for the restaurant. They quickly changed and started putting the finishing touches on the bridal feast. The tables were lined up in one long row in the middle of the restaurant, all set with the best of the dishes Tony had. The bread and olive oil was already on the table as the guests started flowing in. The Sciuto family brought several bottles of fine red wine. The McGee's brought several bottles of Irish whiskey.

Tony knew he'd have to give the wedding toast. Taking two wine glasses, he slipped into the kitchen and filled them with grape juice. Coming back out by Gibbs, he set one down in front of him. Jethro looked up to see Tony with a glass and gave him a glare.

Tony leaned down, "A promise kept, Jethro." And smiled.

Gibbs picked up his own glass and tasted it. He laughed to himself as Tony took his place next to McGee. With the food ready, Tony called for the attention of the gathered families and turned to the happy couple.

"It is my honor to be the first one to publicly congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Timothy McGee." Tim and Abby looked to each other and got even closer as Tony continued, "To you both I wish a long and prosperous life, a gloriously happy marriage and children with the beauty of their mother," as Tony gestured towards Abby, and then turned to Tim, "and the heart and courage of their father." Tim smiled appreciatively. "Saluda!!"

"Saluda!" the crowd responded.

The happy couple finally left around ten that night. The families followed after that. By midnight, the restaurant was empty except for Cali, Tony and Gibbs.

Tony yawned as he said, "What a mess but it'll keep to tomorrow."

Cali leaned in, placing her hand intimately on Tony's leg, "I'll come help."

Tony leaned in to Cali, "I accept." And kissed her.

"Does it matter to either of you that I'm sitting right here?" Was the disgusted response of the Sheriff.

They broke apart quickly, Cali smiling. Tony had the decency to look somewhat guilty. "I'll just go put this stuff in the refrigerator." Cali stood up and grabbed several pans full of food.

Tony and Jethro both stood as she left. Gibbs spoke, "You gonna walk her home?"

Tony turned around, "You might want to stay for a few more minutes."

Jethro looked questioningly but he didn't have time to ask as Cali came back from the kitchen. Pulling something from his pocket, Tony got down on one knee to block Cali's path. Gibbs was standing slightly behind and to Tony's left, watching.

"Cali, I am far from perfect. Everything I own in this world is right here, in this building." He motioned up and around. "But I give you my solemn word, if you'll have me, you will always have a roof over your head. You will never go hungry. You will always be safe and protected. And, above all, you will always be loved and cherished. I've made this vow to you in front of your father because he knows, if I make a promise, I will keep it. So, will you, Cali Gibbs? Will you marry me?"

The ring he offered her was a simple silver band with three set pearls, a perfect compliment to the teardrop necklace Cali had worn every day since Tony put it around her neck. She reached up and touched Tony's face lovingly and then made eye contact with her dad. Her greatest wish now fulfilled, she knew what her answer was going to be. Her father's blessing would make it easier.

Gibbs had known it was coming. He was surprised Tony had done it in his presence but he was honored, none the less. He smiled warmly at his daughter and gave her an imperceptible nod.

"Yes, Tonio." And he stood up and kissed her, embracing her tightly. Remembering what else he needed to do, Tony turned, with Cali still in his arms. He extended his right hand.

"Thank you, Jethro, for everything."

Returning the hand shake, Gibbs replied, "You're welcome, Anthony."