I freaking love my reviewers. I really, really do. This story is drawing to a close (THIS IS THE LAST CHAPTER!) but there will be a sequel! It will be called Rosie 2: Heartland.

So Gibbs is wrapping things up on the crime front…

Gibbs prowled down the hallway to the interrogation room, eyes surprisingly icy considering he was coming back from visiting Rosa, one of his new favorites. He paused in front of the door that would take him face to face with Rodriguez. Taking a deep breath, he reminded himself that this bitch was going down, so no mistakes. Just before he turned the handle, he whirled around. He had smelled a fresh scented perfume, so strong he was sure a woman was right behind him. There was no one. He knew he had smelled it before, maybe Ziva or Rosa… Rosa. Was there a spell that made someone invisible? An alien sense of amusement permeated the air. And Gibbs finally got it. In body, Rosa was sleeping peacefully in the front bedroom of Ducky's house. In spirit, she was right there next to him, lending silent encouragement.

Feeling a bit foolish about talking to no one, he murmured, "Thanks, Rosa." He could have sworn he heard a "Don't mention it" whispered in his ear. Taking one more deep breath, getting another whiff of Rosa's nonexistent perfume, he opened the door. Andrhriana sat moodily in her chair, glaring at anything that moved.

Her countenance changed, however, when her gaze moved beyond Gibbs. His gut clenched when he realized she could see Rosa's spectral form. He sat down, showing no emotion per usual, and waited, looking over the priestess's file. He could sense the silent battle of wills going on over his head, and he sensed when Rosa won. Hot breath smelling of heaven and brimstone blew from behind him, and Andrhriana was suddenly very interested in her nails. Gibbs smiled. And it was not a nice smile.

(Scene Change)

Tony smirked to himself as he thought about the case. Andrhriana Rodriguez and quite a few members of her coven were being locked up for life for murder. Among the arrested was that mean little Mexican chick, Raven Luna, and Padre Del Diablo himself. His real name was Carlos Marquez, arrested for murder, kidnapping, drug possession and distribution, and an assortment of other crimes. Tony was very pleased with the outcome. They would never bother his little sister again. Now he was free to tease her, after he finished the paperwork that is.

McGee strolled down the sidewalk, window shopping passively. He had already turned in his report, and had gone on a walk to clear his mind. He was relieved that Rosa didn't have to worry about those crazies anymore. When he had called to tell her though, she had seemed to already know. But she had stayed on the phone with him, chatting happily until Ducky had told her sternly to go back to sleep. "Miss you, Tim," she had almost whispered before hanging up hurriedly. McGee couldn't help but beam. His feelings might be returned! Now, what was Ostara, and should he get her something…?

Ziva and Abby were down in Abby's lab, sipping on coffee and Caf-Pow! respectively. Abby had brought up a webpage on the big screen about the Wiccan holiday of Ostara. They read quietly, Abby's music pounding in the background. Abby was excited; she was going to a party! And a Christian Wiccan party at that! And all her favorite people were going to be there! Ziva was more curious than her friend. What was Ostara? How was it celebrated? Should she bring something? Was she required to wear a certain outfit?

Gibbs sat on the deck swing facing Ducky, who was in a wooden rocking chair, on the M.E.'s front porch. Rosa slept peacefully on the other side of the window they were sitting in front of. Gibbs was pretty sure she was sleeping. She wasn't making her spectral self known at the moment in any case.

"What do you think of her, Jethro?"

"Who? Rosa?"

"Yes."

"She's a strong woman with a stubborn streak a mile wide. She'll make a hell of a good agent. Just gotta train her up a bit."

"A glowing recommendation coming from you, my friend."

"Hmm. What do you think of her, Duck?"

"She needs to be more concerned about her health! But other than that, she is a very nice young woman. She will be a great asset to your team."

"Thanks. By the way, what the hell is Ostara?" Ducky just laughed.

(Scene Change)

Rosa stood in full Wiccan garb in front of the alter, looking at her new family with affection. A light rose aroma hung in the air, wafting from an incense burner behind her. Light green and white candles dotted the room, casting an inviting light over the guests. They had all worn semi-casual attire, nothing more than what they wore to work every day. She was fine with that. She turned to the alter as the clock neared midnight. Resting against the wall at the back was a large pentacle with a cross in the middle, made of metal. One pure white candle was on the south side, a clear bowl of water on the west, the incense burner stood on the east, and another clear bowl of salt sat on the north side. In the middle was a collection of flowers and herbs, all reminiscent of spring time.

McGee approached her and held out his arm wordlessly. She took it, smiling, and they walked out onto the porch. The full moon shone peacefully on their faces, and Rosa's smile widened. She leaned on Tim, perfectly content. McGee wasn't. He cleared his throat nervously and opened his mouth. He tried to choke out a few words, but it was not to be. Rosa gently put a finger on his lips, then leaned up and gave him one sweet kiss on the lips. He was stunned. She pulled back, grinning mischievously, and hugged him before going inside. Tim stood rooted to the spot, grinning like a champion, for a moment before he, too, went inside.

She cleared her throat. All attention was on her. McGee couldn't help but notice she looked beautiful in her robe. It was dark blue, the color of healing she had told him, and pooled a little around her sandaled feet. The sleeves flared slightly at the wrists, revealing silver bangles and rings. The scooped neck line was somewhat modest, putting her pentacle necklace on show. Two little silver crosses dangled from her ears. The hems of the robe were lined with silver thread, and a purple sash (the color of spirituality) tied the robe in at her waist. Her long, curly, blond hair cascaded wildly down her back with no decoration.

She walked slowly, still limping, to the alter and faced every one again. "Tonight is Ostara, the vernal equinox, when day and night are in perfect balance. It is a time of rebirth, planning, planting, and new beginnings. I have been in the darkest and coldest of nights for three years now, but now spring has finally come for me. You have become my family, my new beginning, so I would like to thank you." From under the pile of herbs and flowers on the alter, she drew the small brown package that the soldier and tried to steal on her first day. She opened it and withdrew a green crystal on a leather string and handed it to Gibbs. She handed a dark green-blue one to Ziva, a pale sky-blue to Tony, and a bright red one to Tim. Jenny, Abby, Ducky, and Palmer all got clear crystals. To their surprise, they all found that they were warm to the touch. "They're necklaces." Rosa explained a little self-consciously. They all smiled and thanked her and put them on. Rosa turned to the alter, and in a clear, ringing voice said, "Lord Almighty, this is my family. Protect them and bless them, for they are all I have. Bless us with your joy and abundance this spring as we go forward into a new day." Ducky's old grandfather clock began to toll, and they fell silent. Bong…bong…bong…bong…bong…bong…bong…bong…bong…bong…bong…bong. "So mote it be." Rosa finished. A great rush of love and warmth was felt by everyone in the room, and they all cheered. Except Gibbs, who just walked up and gave Rosa a hug.

The End! Watch for the sequel: Rosie 2: Heartland!