A/N: An extra chapter! Mostly because I don't want to mess up the posting schedule I have written in my calendar, lol (mock me if you will), but you are free to feel spoiled if you want. Thank you all once again for the lovely response I've been getting to these recent chapters and this story in general. Your faithfulness amazes and humbles me and I love you all for it. Thank you :) ~Aliyah

PS. And because a couple people have asked about them, yes Ziva will eventually see all the letters Tony has written to her over the past year that are on his laptop, but it will happen in one of the last few chapters of this story. Something to look forward to, I guess :)

Ziva woke shortly after ten am when her phone beeped. With a sleepy smile she reached for it and Tony's words reminded her why today was so important. Four and a half hours Zi, I'll be waiting. PS. Don't freak out if you hear noises, it's just A&M. ILY, T.

She put a hand on her bump. "This is our last morning alone ktantonet. Tomorrow Daddy will be right beside us and we will be a family." The baby kicked and she sighed. "I am glad you are getting stronger. Please stay where it is safe for just a little longer."

Even with the warning, Ziva still tensed when a thump came from the livingroom. Seconds later there was a gentle tap on the door and Abby poked her head in. "Good morning Miss Bride-to-Be. Sorry if we scared you, Tony gave us a key." She held up the shiny object and then smiled. "Are you ready to get up? McGee and I brought breakfast."

Ziva pushed herself into a semi sitting position and leaned back against the wall. "I will be out in a moment, thank you Abby."

She moved to the edge of the bed and slowly slid off onto her feet. Taking a moment to get her balance, Ziva looked down at the pyjama pants and long sleeved shirt she was wearing and added Tony's hoody, just in case Tim was uncomfortable seeing her in sleepwear. Locating an elastic band to tie up her flyaway curls, Ziva emerged from her room but stopped at a familiar smell.

Her eyes widened. "Abby, where did you find latkes?"

She grinned. "Did I get it right? I read somewhere that it's a staple in Israel." Abby glanced back at her husband and shrugged. "I thought maybe some comfort food before your wedding couldn't hurt."

Ziva moved towards the plates already set up on her small table and broke off a piece of crisp potato pancake, dipping it into the small bowl of applesauce beside her plate. She took a bite and sat down slowly. "I have not had these in years." She indicated the other chairs. "Do not let me enjoy this feast all alone." The couple quickly took their places and Ziva continued to sample her food. "My mother used to make these for dinner on Friday nights, before the Sabbath. It was our favourite food, my siblings and I."

Abby and McGee stayed quiet, just listening. They had not heard Ziva speak about her family before. Just as quickly though she shook off the mood and looked back at them. "Has anyone talked to Tony yet today?"

They exchanged glances and then McGee took the lead. "He called us at six this morning, freaking out because he was sure he forgot something, worried that it might rain..." he trailed off and Ziva's eyes narrowed.

"And the last thing?"

McGee made a face. "I think he's a little bit afraid of you changing your mind."

Ziva shook her head. "Stupid man," she muttered. "What part of 'I love you' does he not understand?"

Abby ran a hand through her hair, which Ziva had just now noticed was hanging loose around her shoulders in a way she'd only see once before. "Well, it would've been funny if it wasn't six am. But don't worry," she assured the other woman, "we told him that everything was taken care of. McGee checked the weather on his phone and guaranteed Tony that there was no rain on the forecast until early next week. And," she looked at her husband again, "both of us made it clear that we wouldn't let you change your mind."

Ziva closed her eyes and took a breath, then remembered the text she'd gotten this morning and figured Tony had probably gotten over his panic attack by now. She smiled at her friends. "I will not make your job very difficult."

Tim's arm was slung loosely over the back of Abby's chair. "We didn't think you would, but it's nice to hear you say it."

They spent the rest of breakfast chatting about innocuous things and then McGee volunteered to do the dishes and Abby suggested she lay out Ziva's dress while the bride took a shower and got ready. The other woman agreed and disappeared into the bathroom, locking the door behind her.

True to his word, Tim did actually wash the dishes. He even dried them carefully and put them away. Abby laid the dress on Ziva's bed but wanted to admire it on her friend, not on the hanger. Then she turned her attention to more important things - notably how Ziva preferred to pack.

After a little careful investigating, she saw the stacked boxes and careful lists taped to the tops. Using hand signals and whispers, Abby got her husband to put together more of the boxes while she went in search of things that could be packed without Ziva noticing. They'd have a lot of work to do after the ceremony, may as well get a head start.

While Abby and McGee played the packing fairies, Ziva had changed her mind about a shower and instead was soaking in a tub of hot water and bubbles, with her hair twisted up on top of her head. She leaned back against the wall and sighed, knowing this was as close to a mikvah - a Jewish purification bath - as she was going to get.

There was no rush. She'd planned the morning so she could sleep in and hopefully be refreshed for their early afternoon wedding. They had plenty of time to get ready and go over to Ducky's. So Ziva enjoyed the chance for her last bit of relaxation before Abby went into crazy maid of honour mode as she tried to help.

Soon enough the water cooled and Ziva got out, quickly completing some personal hygiene tasks before wrapping herself in a bathrobe and opening the bathroom door a crack. "Abby?" she called.

The girl appeared in a second as if she'd been waiting to hear her name. "What's up?"

Ziva sighed, hating this part still even though she'd have to get used to it very soon. "Can you help me wash my hair?"

Abby smiled and started to come in, but leaned back out to see her husband. "If we're not out by twelve-fifteen, go to Ducky's and help Jimmy set up. Just make sure you're back to get us for one."

"Yes ma'am," Tim quipped from his place in the livingroom where he was unhooking and labeling wires and cables for Ziva's TV, DVD player and speakers. It would be one more thing they wouldn't have to worry about later on.

Abby closed the door behind her and went to kneel beside Ziva at the bathtub. Leaning her head on a towel she'd gotten out, Ziva closed her eyes and let herself enjoy the feeling of Abby's fingers running gently through her hair, of the warm water massaging her scalp, of the clean feeling that came as the shampoo and conditioner were washed away.

Once that was finished, Abby insisted on helping Ziva blow-dry her hair, but before she could start doing the dark curls in the style Ziva had chosen for the ceremony, the Israeli woman stopped her. "I should put my dress on first. It will have to go over my head and I do not want to mess up your work."

Having looked forward to this part since she woke up, Abby agreed and gathered everything from the bathroom that she needed to do her work, depositing an armful of stuff on the desk in Ziva's room. She walked over to the bed and smoothed her hand over the soft, cottony material of the gown. (McGee already gone?)

"It looks lovely on your bed, but I bet it looks a hundred times better on you," she commented, noting that Ziva didn't look as sure. "Are you ready?"

Ziva's fingers fiddled with the tie on her robe but she couldn't yet bring herself to untie it. "Abby," she began, struggling to share the truth she'd been hiding from her colleagues for months, "you may not know this but..." she swallowed hard and Abby put her hand on Ziva's arm.

"Is it the scars?" she whispered.

The other woman's eyes flew open. "How did you know?" she asked, confused and frightened and angry and hurt and self-conscious all at the same time.

Abby's gaze fell. "The first night you stayed at Tony's he..." She twirled a piece of hair around her finger. "I called to warn him about your nightmares, to prepare him for how bad they could get. But I couldn't get the words out right away and he asked me if I was talking about the scars." Tears glistened in her light green eyes.

"I didn't know Ziva. I didn't even think about what else you might have brought home with you. He never-Tony never said anything more than that but his words..." she shook her head, "they've haunted me ever since." Abby was almost afraid to ask. "How bad are they?"

Closing her eyes, Ziva undid her robe and let it fall from her body. All she wore underneath was a strapless bra, panties and a silk slip that started at her chest and fell to just above her knees. Abby remained silent as she surveyed the damage done to the friend she was slowly coming to love as a sister. She put one hand over her mouth and was almost unaware of the tears streaming down her face.

Before she even asked Ziva for permission, her fingers traced a couple of the darker lines on her back, then she pulled away as if the touch had burned her. "Do they hurt?" she whispered.

Swallowing back her own emotion, Ziva made herself look into Abby's eyes. "No," she answered gently, "they do not hurt. And you may not believe this, but they do not look as bad as they did when I first returned." She hugged her arms around herself, feeling exposed and vulnerable. "Tony should have been the first one to see them. He has waited...so long to gain my trust, to hear the stories of Somalia that I still relive in dreams. But I am not brave enough." She shook her head. "It has been months Abby, and I have still let him in so little."

Unable to help herself, Abby folded Ziva in her arms, squeezing her tightly as she sought to make this better, somehow, when that was not even close to possible. "You let yourself love him Ziva," she said in a choked voice. "And maybe Tony won't be the first to see your scars because there was the doctors and Ducky and maybe even Gibbs and then me, but," she pulled away to look into her friend's eyes, "maybe he will be the one to heal them."

This time Ziva was the one reaching for a hug and Abby held on like she would never let go. Finally they parted, both smiling at each other and wiping away tears. They each took a deep breath and then Abby said firmly, "Okay Ms. David, we have work to do."

Submitting to Abby's ministrations, Ziva cooperated as best she could while the Goth helped her don the surprisingly light-weight dress. After turning it over in her hands for a few moments, she fixed what looked like a little shrug over Ziva's arms and shoulders and found where it attached at the back. The material was similar to her dress and gauzy but not see through, covering all the scars on her back and forearms.

The last detail was using a bit of cover up on the scar that crept from the top of her right breast up to her collarbone. By the time her friend was finished, Ziva couldn't even see the mark and she was glad. She did not want to have a reminder of Somalia intrude on her wedding day.

As Abby was checking to make sure the dress was perfect, she ventured another question. "Are you nervous?"

The other woman didn't hesitate at all. "No," she said firmly. "I am excited. I feel as if I have been waiting for this moment my whole life. Tony...he is my home now." She smiled. "I am glad we are not waiting any longer."

Happy to hear her say that, Abby finished what she was doing and then had Ziva sit in her desk chair while she finished doing her hair and put on just a touch of make up. She'd always thought Ziva looked beautiful without any extras. Once that was finished, Ziva returned the favour by helping Abby into her, predictably, black knee length dress. It had roushing on the bodice, thicker straps and more of an empire waistline. And when she twirled around to get the full effect, the material swished out around her, making Abby grin with glee. She loved fun clothing.

Abby wet her hair down and fixed her customary buns that were worn for special occasions, sticking glittery bobby pins in around each of them to dress the look up a bit. Ziva toned Abby's normal make up down a bit but did something new that really accentuated her eyes and Abby loved it.

When they were both completely ready and just awaiting their chauffeur's return, Abby glanced at Ziva a little shyly. "Is the baby awake? Can you tell?"

Ziva smiled, perfectly understanding her curiosity. "Yes, she is awake. She has been trying to turn cartwheels for the last little while I think. Maybe she knows that something important is happening today."

Abby bit her lip. "Can I...can I see what it feels like?"

"Of course," came Ziva's immediate reply. She took Abby's hand and pressed it to the front of her belly.

It was mere seconds before the girl's eyes widened and she stared at Ziva. "Wow, that is so weird!"

Ziva laughed. "You have no idea what is like from the inside." Her expression softened. "But you will soon."

Abby looked down at her own abdomen, the only evidence of her pregnancy still had to be felt to be notice. But she was starting to see a change, just barely, and she was more impatient than ever for some actual proof of the life she carried. "When did you feel it the first time?"

Ziva thought back. "I was nineteen weeks," she remembered. "Mandy said anywhere between eighteen and twenty-two weeks is normal."

Abby frowned. "That's still ages away for me."

"I know it is fun to think about," Ziva sympathized, "but it will not be long before you are tired of the baby always sitting on your bladder and kicking you in the ribs when you are trying to sleep. Do not wish away these early days, enjoy them. Things will change an awful lot very soon."

The black-haired girl leaned back against the wall. "Tim and I are going on our honeymoon next week." She gave a weak smile. "Five and a half months overdue, but at least we're getting it." Abby looked up. "I thought you'd like to know."

Ziva's eyes lit up, she wasn't even thinking about the honeymoon she and Tony were not taking for several different reasons. "Where are you going?"

Abby rolled her eyes. "Tim says it's a surprise. He won't tell me until we get to the airport." She chuckled. "I guess that's what I get for telling him I couldn't decide on a destination."

Just then the door opened and McGee walked in. "Talking about me?" he grinned, kissing Abby's cheek lightly as he took in their appearance. "Wow, you guys look fantastic. Ziva," he shook his head, "Tony's going to fall over when he sees you. That dress is perfect."

Ziva couldn't help the smile that spread over her face at his praise. He held out his arms and looked expectantly at them. "Shall we? Only one more stop to make before we deliver Ziva to Ducky's, did we forget anything?"

"No," she shook her head. "I am ready."

"Okay then." He looked like he wanted to hug her but refrained, not wanting to mess up how she looked. "Let's get this party started."

NCIS

Gibbs arrived at Celeste's house promptly at 1300 on Wednesday afternoon. He let himself in just as she was coming downstairs. She took in his frank appreciation of her outfit - a stylish, purple, knee length, short sleeve dress accented with a forest green wrap that hung from her arms - and spun around slowly so he could get the whole effect. When he didn't say a word, she smirked.

"I'll take the staring as a compliment."

Gibbs cleared his throat. "You look great."

Her eyes lit up. "Ah, he speaks! For a minute there I wasn't sure."

He made a face at her. "Can we take your car? It's a better wedding vehicle."

Celeste laughed. "What you really mean is you want to drive my car." He shrugged but didn't deny it. She rolled her eyes and handed him the keys. "Fine, you can have your fun. But if you mess up my hair..."

She left the threat hanging and Gibbs held up his hands. "I know, I know, you probably won't feed me for weeks."

Celeste grinned. "At least."

Holding out his elbow, he looked at her expectantly. "Ready?"

She tucked her hand around his arm. "Yes." He led her out to the car, playing the gentleman and holding her door as well. "Thank you kind sir," she teased, waiting for him to settle in. As per orders he drove at a very reasonable speed towards their destination. She let the silence rest between them for awhile, then turned her head to watch him. "Are you nervous?"

He eyed her curiously. "Why?"

Celeste shrugged. "No reason. I just think being father of the bride is a lot of responsibility." She traced her fingers over her dress for a moment, then decided to ask regardless of the consequences. "Does it make you think of-"

Gibbs cut her off with a pained look. "Don't Les," he choked out. "I can't think about her today."

She swallowed and nodded, understanding completely. What thoughts must be rushing through his mind as he prepared to give an adopted daughter away, knowing he would never get that chance with Kelly, knowing that he should have, but nothing would ever change the fact that she was gone.

Celeste put her hand on his knee. "I'm sorry Jethro," she whispered, and he couldn't tell what the apology was for, but the warmth of her hand and the support she gave without saying a word enabled him to keep himself in today and not think back eighteen years to the last time he'd seen his little girl alive. Today the past had to stay in the past. He wouldn't let it ruin Ziva's special day. He loved her too much for that.

NCIS

When Gibbs escorted his date to the chairs set up in Ducky's backyard near the arch where the couple would stand to say their vows, eight in all, Tony's mouth fell open. He elbowed Tim. "That's Gibbs' mysterious redhead, the one who used to pick him up all the time."

They were close enough to hear and Celeste smiled at the group warmly. "Jethro, you didn't tell me I'd become a legend."

Gibbs stared Tony into silence before introducing her. "Team, Celeste Casey."

McGee reached forward to shake her hand and looked at her curiously. "Celeste Casey, the editor?"

She grinned. "One and the same. And you must be Thom E. Gemcity, renowned author."

Tim blushed and stepped back beside Abby. "Oh, I don't know about that. Ask Abby, it's more of a hobby." Then he realized he'd neglected to do his own introductions. "Celeste, this is my wife Abby."

"Hello Abby," Celeste greeted, "I remember you. You always were Gibbs' favourite."

"Still is," Tony muttered under his breath, then grinned when it was his turn. "Very Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo at your service."

"Always the charmer, aren't you Tony?" she inquired, a knowing look in her eyes.

Tony's expression grew more serious and he shook his head. "No ma'am, not anymore. At least, not for anyone except my fiancee."

Gibbs cast a glance around the property. "Where is Ziva?"

"Ducky let her use the downstairs bedroom to get ready in. She'll probably want to see you." Tony looked that way himself, anxious to get things stared.

He turned to Celeste. "Alright out here if I go see her?"

"I'm sure present company will keep me most entertained. Go Jethro, you have a daughter who needs you."

Gibbs left her side to kiss Abby's cheek, making more of an effort to be lavishing attention on her as well. "More than one," he whispered so she could hear, then strode off towards Mallard Manor.

Tony looked after him longingly and even took a step in that direction, but McGee stepped in front of him. "No way pal, you know the rules. You'll see her in less than half an hour, just cool it."

The groom did not seem to be in the mood to follow tradition. "What if I promise to keep my eyes closed? Then I won't actually see her. I just want to talk to her for...a minute."

Abby rolled her eyes. "Nice try DiNozzo. You. Stay. Put. Here. That's an order. Do not make me break out my superglue."

Tony looked at the small black clutch she was carrying with mild fear and respect. He'd seen what Abby could do with superglue and it wasn't pretty. Heaving a frustrated sigh, he dropped into one of the chairs and glanced towards the manor again. So close and yet so very far away...

Seeking to be a distraction, Celeste moved closer and took a seat across from him. "So Tony, tell me how you met Ziva."

At the mention of his fiancee's name, the man lit up and he grinned before settling back to tell the tale, while the rest of the group gathered around to listen in. "Well, it all started six years ago when she walked into the bullpen and asked me if I was having phone sex..."