A/N: Hey guys! Sorry, I meant to put this up yesterday but my schedule really wasn't cooperating with my intentions. And I just wanted to thank everyone. The response to the last chapter was incredible and I'm really, really appreciating it. I've read all your wonderful comments and I will reply as soon as I get time.

Also, I just thought I should clear something up. A lot of people have been asking when Ziva is going to tell Tony that she can't have any more kids. Well, she's not. I know she probably should, it would be the right thing to do, but just because it's the right thing doesn't mean it always happens. People lie because they're scared, they hide things because of the consequences, they don't always share what they should with the people they love. As I am trying to make this story semi-realistic, I'm not going to attempt to talk Ziva out of her decision. She will tell him eventually and yes you will get to see that, but it won't be for a long time. Sorry if that frustrates everyone, but it's out of my hands. The characters talk, I listen, lol. I don't usually make the important decisions, they do. Hope that helps, thanks! :)

~Aliyah

When the call with Tony was over, everyone hurried to get back to the case, but before he could focus on catching the bad guy, Gibbs had a mission. He made his way quickly to the Director's office and barged in unannounced, as usual.

Leon looked up. "What can I do for you Agent Gibbs?"

He got right to the point. "Need you to put my team on emergency leave until Thursday."

Vance raised an eyebrow. "You have an active case."

"We'll close it by morning," Gibbs asserted, not willing to be put off.

"What's the occasion?"

Gibbs didn't want to get the Director involved in family business, but he knew he didn't have much of a choice if he wanted the man's cooperation. "Wedding's been moved to Wednesday. Doctor put David on bedrest. They need help with the details."

Chewing on his toothpick, Leon took time answering. "Who'll cover Major Crimes while your team plays wedding planners?"

Gibbs gritted his teeth, he did not appreciate being mocked. Sometimes he really didn't like this man. "Carter owes me a favour. Rankin's team has been stuck on cold cases all week. Plenty of agents to share the load if we get a case."

It was feasible, so Vance nodded. "Alright. Hand me your report on the current case by morning and you have a deal."

Not one for thank you's, Gibs turned on his heel and left, punching his speed dial number for Abby as he went. Six hours later they had the guilty parties in handcuffs and Gibbs briefed Agent Carter, as well as loaning him Matt, while Abby turned her lab over to Tami for her trial by fire test. Then they all went home to grab a few hours of sleep, knowing the next couple of days were going to be busy. They had a wedding to throw.

NCIS

Gibbs was just finishing his first cup of coffee Tuesday morning after a relatively short night, when the phone rang unexpectedly. Snatching it up, he suddenly registered that it was his landline and only a few people were privy to the number. "Yeah, Gibbs," he said out of long habit.

"Good morning Jethro," Celeste's familiar voice came through the line.

He frowned. "You're up early."

She chuckled. "It's not so early. The sunrise was beautiful though."

Gibbs wasn't sure how to ask without it sounding like he didn't want to talk to her. So finally he just said her name. "Les?"

Celeste sighed. "Is everything alright Jethro? I just had this feeling I should call you."

He leaned back against the counter and poured more coffee, unnerved by her perception. "And Abby accuses me of having ESP."

Her silence spoke volumes. "So I was right. What's going on?"

Gibbs closed his eyes, dragging one hand over his face. "The news at Ziva's doctor's appointment yesterday wasn't good. It's taking a lot out of her to be pregnant and she's going to need more than just occasional help." He swallowed. "They moved the wedding to tomorrow."

"Ohh..." Celeste breathed, sympathy gripping her heart. "That's got to be hard to hear. How is Tony taking it?"

"DiNozzo is doing everything he can to pull this off for Ziva. He's enlisted all of us, so the team is off today. But despite the circumstances, I don't think he's upset bout not having to wait any longer."

"Can I help?" she wanted to know.

"We've got it covered." Abby would not appreciate an outsider being brought into family business and he did not want to fight with her today.

"Alright. Well, I'm glad you told me. Good luck."

He sighed. "We're going to need it."

Celeste paused. "If you need anything..."

Gibbs nodded. "Thanks Les." Hanging up the phone, he thought about his ex-wife and wondered if they really were still only friends.

NCIS

The house was quiet when Ziva woke up and though she called for him without thinking, she knew Tony had probably left for work awhile ago. Right then Ziva decided she wanted Tony to wake her up before he left from now on, so she would know he was gone.

Looking over to the empty place beside her, it occurred to Ziva that by tomorrow night they would be sharing Tony's bed and if he got up, she would likely notice. Heck, if he twitched she would know it. Sharing a bed, among other things, would take some getting used to.

Her cheeks warmed thinking of how, thirty-six hours from now, where she lay would be their bed and Tony would sleep by her side. If she dreamed he would be there, if she needed anything he wouldn't even be a phone call away, and she wouldn't have to worry about being alone again.

Shaking the thoughts away, Ziva sat up slowly. There was a lot that had to get done today and she wasn't even sure where to start. Just then her phone rang and she reached for it. "Shalom," Ziva answered automatically.

Tony's voice was warm in her ear. "Boker tov yafa." Good morning beautiful.

Her face broke into a smile. "You have been learning Hebrew behind my back."

He shrugged. "Nah, only the important stuff." Tony paused to enjoy the contentment he could almost hear from her. "I figured you'd be up by now."

"I think we need a new rule," Ziva declared before she forgot. "No leaving without saying goodbye."

Tony's grin practically danced over the phone line. "I get the feeling that after tomorrow that's really not going to be a problem."

Conceding the point, she changed the subject. "How is the case?"

"Can you believe it?" he asked, feigning indignance. "They solved it without me last night."

"I guess that is what you get for playing hokey."

He coughed. "It's called 'playing hooky' Zi. But even without a case, today is still pretty busy."

Ziva worried her bottom lip with her teeth. "Do you think you could get off early? I am not sure we will have time to get everything done."

"It'll work out," he said confidently and she wanted to be annoyed with his flippant attitude towards their rushed wedding. Then someone called his name. "Oops, gotta go babe. See you later?"

"I will drop by after my appointment," Ziva offered, remembering last week's fallout.

"Oh right, it's a Dr. Devon day. Umm...I really appreciate the thought, but there's no guarantee I'll be around. How about I take a raincheck and we do dinner out instead? Our last non-married date."

She chuckled. "We have never been on a date."

He was silent for a minute. "Well...will you go out with me tonight?"

Ziva laughed. "Yes. I will see you later." She was quiet for a moment. "I love you."

Tony couldn't stop the thrill of happiness that surged through him at her words. "Say it again."

It was like he didn't believe his ears, but Ziva was content to repeat the phrase as often as he needed to hear it. "I love you."

He grinned. "So I'm not dreaming?"

She shook her head. "Not unless we are having the same dream."

"Who knows?" Tony shrugged. "Maybe we'll never wake up." A voice echoed in the background and he groaned. "Okay, really need to go. I love you Zi. Bye."

He was gone before she could reply and Ziva sighed. Only a week and she already desperately missed being a work, her place at Tony's side as his partner. "You are well worth the sacrifice ahuvi sheli," she whispered to her baby, "and I will cherish out time together. But that does not stop me from looking forward to being back where I belong. Who knew that home could mean so many different things!"

Allowing plenty of time to accommodate her waning energy levels, Ziva showered, dressed and made her way downstairs for a light breakfast. She did the dishes, made a batch of brownies just because and finally sank into the sofa, acutely annoyed that she already felt worn down and the day had barely begun.

Ziva spent a blissful half hour lost in a book, but was startled out of her concentration by a knock on the door minutes before she needed to leave for therapy. Surreptitiously she peeked at the visitor and then opened the door. "Gibbs?" she asked. "What are you doing here?"

"Playing chauffeur," he said, as if it should be obvious.

She sighed and rolled her eyes. "Tony?"

Gibbs shrugged one shoulder. "Partly." He looked her up and down. "I'm no doctor, but I don't think 'partial bedrest' includes driving yourself around."

Ziva frowned. "He told you?"

"That was not a secret to keep from the family Ziver," he admonished gently. "DiNozzo isn't the only one who cares."

Her embarrassment fled and she looked down, chastened. "I know."

"So let us help. I hear plans have changed?"

She nodded. "We are getting married tomorrow."

Gibbs didn't even blink so it was hard to tell if the news was a surprise. "Then you're gonna need some help. Good thing there's five of us."

Though she wanted to protest, Ziva accepted his decision with a simple dip of her head. "Thank you." Then she slipped on her shoes and let Gibbs take her arm while they walked to the car. Even if she hated needing help, Ziva was glad he could come. She very much wanted her father around today.

NCIS

If Devon noticed the brooding mood Ziva was in when she arrived, the doctor had the grace not to say anything at first. But after they had glossed over several other things, it was time to get to the real problem and she didn't mince words. "Did you get your test results back yesterday?" Devon asked.

Ziva closed her eyes. "Yes."

Seeing that she wasn't going to make this easy, Dr. Andrews continued to gently prod. "And?"

"The baby...the pregnancy...it is draining me." Ziva rubbed her forehead. "Mandy put me on partial bedrest until my delivery date."

"I see." Devon made a note. "I guess we'll be setting up phone sessions for the next several weeks."

Ziva frowned. "Why?"

Devon gave her a look. "Because bedrest means no driving."

"Gibbs brought me," she defended, but the doctor didn't change her mind.

"You might not always have a volunteer to get you here and with all the changes coming, skipping sessions really isn't a good idea. Hmm..." Devon thought about it. "Maybe we'll do Skype therapy instead. I have a feeling you might be too good at pretending if I can't see you."

"You have been taking Tony notes," Ziva grumbled. "He always has to see me to tell how I am doing as well."

"Good," Devon affirmed. "Now, tell me how you feel about the doctor's orders."

Ziva sighed. "I feel like I cannot do anything, that I must just sit around and wait for this child to be born. I am not weak anymore, but it seems that way. There is much I want to do but I am tired all the time." Her voice dropped. "Mandy wanted to do a c-section because it is best for me, but my baby..."

The woman glared at Devon as if she were going to convince her it was a good idea."He or she is my responsibility. More important than what is good for me is what is best for my baby. Even if I am confined to bed for weeks, I will not give this child less of a chance to be healthy and ready to come out."

"Just keep in mind that your baby will want his or her mother around too. That might be worth spending a couple weeks in NICU."

The icy glare Ziva gave her doctor closed that subject, or at least sent her on a small detour. "So, what was Tony's reaction?" Devon questioned.

"He is worried for me," Ziva admitted. "I think Tony would have preferred Mandy's plan, but he knew I would not agree."

"Make sure your stubbornness doesn't rob you and Tony of everything you have worked so hard for."

Surprised because Devon was not usually so blunt, Ziva decided to keep her advice in mind. A disturbing thought hit her and she lifted concerned eyes to her therapist. "Do you think Tony would choose me or the baby if there was a problem?"

Devon's expression softened. "Men will typically chose their wives over their children. It is hard for them to think of raising a baby alone, hard for them to imagine life without the one they love by their side, almost impossible sometimes for them to ever give their hearts to another." The woman smiled sympathetically. "Tony needs you Ziva and you need him. Focus on that because wondering about 'what ifs' will make everything ten times harder."

It wasn't a very comforting answer and Ziva circled her belly with her arms. The protective gesture was not lost on Devon but the psychiatrist chose not to comment. Silence rested between them for nearly a minute before Devon got back to work. "Is there anything else I need to know about?"

Ziva didn't answer right away, twirling a piece of hair around her finger. "We are getting married tomorrow."

Devon blinked. "Tomorrow? What happened to the twenty-first?"

She shrugged. "Mandy suggested the change. I will be needing help with...everything soon."

That made sense. "Are you excited?" Devon ventured, not sure how her patient would take the change.

Ziva smiled. "Excited, nervous, terrified. It feels like a dream that we have finally made it to this point."

"But you have," Devon confirmed. "That in itself is such an accomplishment. I'm really proud of you."

Ziva touched her ring and stared out the window. "I think I am proud of me too," she said softly. "I am a person finally, not just a soldier or a weapon. I look forward to finding out what that means."

"It will be worth all the work," Devon said confidently. "Of that I have no doubt."

When the hour was up Ziva returned to the waiting room and saw Gibbs reading the paper. "You did not have to stay," she commented. "I could have found you upstairs."

Not without someone letting it slip that the MCRT wasn't actually on duty today, as she presumed. "Thought I'd take you to lunch," he said instead, folding the newspaper and standing up.

Her eyes widened. "Are you sure you have time?"

Gibbs grunted. "There's a reason I have a team."

She smiled. "Letting them do all the work Agent Gibbs?"

"For now," he said gruffly. "Come on, I know a place."

Gibbs drove them to a nice little restaurant that served a variety of cultural foods and let Ziva choose. When she selected a dish from her homeland, he was not surprised. In fact, he'd counted on it. Everyone needed comfort food once in awhile. He figured today especially it certainly couldn't hurt.

Ziva was not sure what a meal would look like with a man who barely spoke, but as soon as their meals arrived, he tapped her hand with one finger, reminiscent of their moment in interrogation months ago. "You ready for this Ziver?"

Taken aback by his serious tone, Ziva twirled her fork through her food, thinking. "I do not know if you can ever be ready for something like this. But I know it is right. I love Tony and he..." She shrugged. "Against all odds and barriers, he loves me Gibbs. I do not think he knows what he is getting into, but I am glad he is willing to try."

Gibbs shook his head once. "Tony's not just going to try this husband and father thing and then give up when it gets too hard. He's waited months for you Ziva, maybe even years. This is the real deal."

Ziva took a bite and let the taste of home roll over her tongue before she met his gaze again. "I will not leave either Gibbs," she tried to reassure him. "I will not hurt Tony."

The conversation sounded very familiar and Gibbs gave her the same advice. "You will hurt him. And you'll apologize and he'll forgive you. And you will forgive him. It's give and take, forgive and forget, fight and make up, getting mad but not giving up. It's not always going to be pretty or easy, but if you truly commit to Tony for better or worse, I guarantee it will be worth it. Love like what you two share," he cleared his throat, memories once again too close, "it doesn't come along every day. Hold onto it Ziver. With Tony and that baby, you'll get no greater gift."

Ziva curled her fingers around his and had to blink back tears. "Thank you Abba."

"And if he ever really screws up, I'll have Abby take care of him," Gibbs winked.

She laughed through her tears. "You are the only one who has ever treated me like a daughter, like that word means something more than just a label." Ziva squeezed his hand tighter. "I think Kelly would have been so lucky to have a father like you. I wish she had gotten to experience your love for more than eight years."

Gibbs couldn't speak at first and he had to swallow before he could force the words out. "Me too." He glanced out the window. "But who knows? Maybe she sent me you and Abby. She always was good at sharing."

Ziva gave him a watery smile. "I am honoured."

It was enough of heavy conversation topic then and he let them eat for awhile before asking another question. "So, what needs to be done for tomorrow?" Gibbs knew Tony was on top of things, but it was always good to have a second opinion, especially when she was the bride.