A/N: Finally, the chapter you've all been waiting for. I sincerely hope it lives up to expectations. I did a decent amount of research on Jewish wedding traditions but please forgive me if I've gotten anything wrong. Enjoy!

Gibbs knocked twice on the door, then pushed it open. Ziva was standing by the window staring out, bathed in muted sunshine through the gauze curtains. She turned to greet him, holding her flowers, and smiled. He had to do the same. "You're living up to your name today Ziver. You look beautiful."

Ziva swallowed and blinked quickly. "Thank you." She brushed her hand over her dress. "It was a great gift."

His nod was brief. "Nothing more than you deserved." Gibbs walked over and took her hands. "It's almost time."

She glanced back towards the window which faced the yard. "Is Tony here?"

He snorted. "Yeah. And trying everyone's patience because they won't let him near the house."

"He is not the only one who is anxious to begin," Ziva admitted softly. Then her gaze shadowed. "We are doing the right thing, are we not?"

Gibbs regarded her seriously. "Why ask?"

She fiddled with the flower stems. "We have always been all wrong for each other, but neither could we stay away. It was always the wrong time and I...want to be sure."

Gibbs tipped her chin up. "Six years ago you were all wrong for each other. You were wild and impulsive and Tony was too immature to see through that. Four years ago you were friends who weathered a storm together but had no chance as anything else. Two years ago the timing didn't work - both people and issues professional and personal stood in your way."

"But now," he gave her a small smile, "now there is nothing and no one between you. The two of you have become so much more than partners and everything about the promise you are making today is right." He kissed her forehead. "Trust your heart Ziva, it chose the right man."

It was a watery smile she returned and then she rested her head on his shoulder for a moment, basking in everything he was offering - the love of a father and the wisdom of one who had seen even more of life than she. Finally he stepped back and looked into her eyes. "Ready?"

Ziva nodded. "I love you Abba. Thank you for...thank you for this."

Gibbs understood and accepted her appreciation. "It's my honour to be given that place in your life Ziva. Now let's go, you have a fiancé waiting."

The moment Gibbs and Ziva stepped out of the house, music began playing and Tony grasped a microphone in sweaty hands. Ziva heard the opening words, but from the distance they were away she couldn't see that it was him singing. Then she couldn't do anything but stare as each step took her closer and what he was saying finally made sense to her ears.

"I may not say it quite as much as I should/but when I say I love you darling that means for good./So open up your heart and let me in./And I will love you until forever/until death do us part we'll be together./So take my hand and hold on tight/and we'll get there, this I swear."

Ziva had forgotten, or maybe she'd never heard how good Tony's voice was. He'd timed the song perfectly so when he sang, "So take my hand..." with his own outstretched, she placed her palm over his.

When Tony got his first close up look at Ziva, he almost forgot the next words. She was practically glowing as she walked on the grass towards him in a dress more beige than white that flowed softly over her bump and down to the ground. He didn't think he'd ever seen her look more stunning.

Ziva's hair was down and curly, just how he loved it, gathered over her shoulder and off to one side, secured with a white flower behind her ear. It was all Tony could do to keep his mouth from falling open. He hoped his eyes conveyed to her what words could not.

By the time she reached his side, Ziva could no longer keep the tears from dripping down her cheeks and was glad that Abby insisted on using waterproof make-up. The love and truth shining in Tony's eyes as he sang her a promise just multiplied the happy tears and she gratefully took the handkerchief Ducky held out.

Her husband-to-be looked so handsome standing there in a black cashmere suit with a white shirt and stylish silk tie. She ran her fingers down it and then hugged him, almost overcome by emotion. Whoever thought she, Ziva David, would ever be here - about to be married, about to have a child, about to be truly happy for the first time in her life?

Tony held Ziva close, crooning soft words in her ear that sounded like, "It's okay," and, "You look amazing." Then he pulled back just enough to kiss her cheek and murmur the words against her skin. "You ready for this?"

She nodded and wiped her eyes, but nearly cried again when he reached out to catch a tear she'd missed. Ziva took a deep breath and looked at Gibbs who stood back, waiting. She went to him for a hug which he willingly gave, then kissed her cheek. Gibbs cupped her face and stared into her eyes.

"I love you like my own Ziver and this family isn't right without you in it. Mazel tov." Ziva put her hand over his and closed her eyes, convinced now that they'd all conspired to see how much they could make her cry today. He turned to Tony next and held out a hand. "You do me proud son." Gibbs squeezed harder and looked at Ziva. "Take care of her."

Tony swallowed hard, his own eyes a bit shiny. "On it Boss."

The familiar reply caused a tiny bit of laughter from the group and finally they faced Dr. Kalev. Ziva handed Abby her flowers so she could hold Tony's hand. The older man looked amused at the proceedings, but didn't comment. Instead he gestured to the small table set up to his left.

"Because Tony and Ziva are of two different faiths, they have chosen to include a few Jewish customs in their otherwise traditional American ceremony. This is a ketubah, a traditional marriage contract. We will now sign it in the presence of myself and Dr. Mallard."

Tony held her hand as they walked to the table and he scrawled his signature. Then Ziva took the pen, signing her own name for the last time. They returned to their place under the arch and Jacob continued.

"In Israel when a couple is married they come together under the chuppah - a canopy held up on four poles, symbolizing their new life. But today this arch stands in. With its open sides it encourages Tony and Ziva to have their home open to family and friends as they begin their new life together."

At that point they took a step back and Ziva started walking slowly around Tony while Dr. Kalev explained. "The seven circles reminds us of the seven days of creation and represents the new life the bride and groom are creating together. Also, it parallels the story of Jericho and just as the walls came crumbling down after the seventh day and the seventh time around, so Tony and Ziva face the challenge of breaking down any walls that exist between them from this day on."

That statement cut to the heart and Ziva's steps faltered. But she completed the final circle and smiled a little uncertainly at Tony as he tightened his grip on her hand. They would get through this, through all the walls that still stood between them. It wouldn't be easy but Tony was prepared to work as hard as need be for it to happen. Gibbs was right, it would be worth all the effort.

Jacob smiled and opened the small book he held. "Tony and Ziva, if you would face each other and join hands." They did and he began. "We are gathered here together in the sight of God and the presence of these witnesses to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony. If at this time anyone can show just cause why they should not be wed, please speak now or forever hold your peace."

Everyone held their breath and no one moved a muscle. Tony and Ziva looked intently into each other's eyes, holding a silent conversation.

Are you sure about this? he asked with raised eyebrows. There's still time to back out.

Ziva took one of his hands and set it on the side of her belly. We are not going anywhere, her gaze and her touch promised. There is nowhere else I would rather be.

Then the moment was over and Dr. Kalev cleared his throat. "Very well then, we shall begin. Do you have the rings?" McGee reached into his jacket pocket and handed Tony a small black box that held both of their wedding bands. Tony gave it to Jacob who opened it and offered the box to Tony first, then Ziva. He looked up at the guests. "Tony and Ziva will now take turns exchanging vows."

Tony took a deep breath and began. "I take you as my partner, my lover and my friend."

Ziva swallowed and met his eyes. "I pledge to you my life and love from this day on."

"I promise to treat you with tenderness, devotion and love. To be there when the darkness comes, to dance in sunshine and shelter you from shadows." And from everything hiding in the shadows, he added silently.

"I will be your light when you cannot see in the dark, I will be your joy when there is none to be found."

Tony caressed her knuckles with his thumb. "I will be your strength when you can't stand and your happiness even in a well of tears."

Ziva kept her gaze locked on his. "I will be strong for you when you cannot be strong anymore. I will love you with every breath for every day we have left."

"I promise to stand by you through trouble, trials, and truth," he continued. Truth I don't even know if I'm ready to hear.

"I will do my best to share not only the easy things, but those that are hard." She knew what he was thinking of and it was why she couldn't promise, but she could promise to try.

Tony stood a little straighter, sparing a glance at her belly with a smile. "I will raise our child with everything we never had - two parents who love her and each other more than anything else, who make their family their number one duty because it's the most important one."

Ziva blinked back more tears because she didn't want to ruin this beautiful moment. "I will be forever thankful because you have saved me in so many different ways."

"I promise to protect and defend you - even if you don't need me to fight for you - because you deserve for me to." It was important to Tony that he be the man, that he be the one who cared for his family even if Ziva could take care of herself perfectly well without him.

She smiled. "I will be your helpmate and partner in life and in love, at work and at home, raising our baby and working side by side with you always."

Tony cleared his throat, they were nearing the end. "I promise you all the days of my life. I told you once that I couldn't live without you. Today I am so grateful that I'll never have to do that again."

Her eyes were a deep well of everything he wanted to explore with her in this life. "I trust you with my life, my heart and my child. Thank you for being exactly what I need." With a gentle push she slid the band over his knuckle and repeated the quote that had been engraved inside their rings. "Ani l'dodi, ve dodi li."

He pressed the ring onto Ziva's finger and said the same words in English, "I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine."

When they finished speaking, Jacob smiled broadly. "By the power vested in me, I now pronounced you man and wife. Tony, you may kiss your bride."

Feeling like he'd been waiting his entire life to hear those words, Tony lifted his hands to Ziva's face. "Ani ohev otach," he whispered onto her lips. Before Ziva could even show her surprise, he kissed her softly, then pulled back, there was no pressure at all for it to be anything more than a simple sealing of their promise.

Ziva closed her eyes and drank in the scent of him. "I love you too."

He leaned down to kiss her bump. "I love you too Baby DiNozzo." She smiled brilliantly at him and Dr. Kalev had to clear his throat to get their attention.

They held hands and faced their family. "I give you for the first time Mr. and Mrs. Tony and Ziva DiNozzo. Mazel tov."

The team jumped from their seats and hurried to surround and congratulate the couple. Hugs, kisses and pats on the back were exchanged, with everyone laughing and smiling and crying for joy. When things had settled down, Dr. Kalev held up his hands to get their attention.

"We are going to employ a Jewish custom called 'yichud' which means 'alone together' and gives the bride and groom some quality time following the ceremony. Tony and Ziva, Tim and Abby, if you will come with me to sign the marriage certificate, the newlyweds can begin their time alone."

With Abby and McGee acting as witnesses, Tony and Ziva signed on the appropriate lines, barely able to concentrate for the joy fogging their minds. At long last it was official and they were a family. Ziva had to take a breath to calm down before she could sign first her old and then her new name without a shaking hand.

Then it was done and Jacob clasped their hands. "Congratulations. May God bless your lives together. Kol tuv, be well." With that he left them and headed for the refreshments table where everyone had gathered.

Tony turned to Ziva and pulled her so close he could feel her trembling. "You okay?"

She nodded and tried to smile. "I cannot believe this is really real."

He grinned. "As real as the rings on our fingers babe." Tony tipped her chin up, searching her eyes. "How're you holding up?"

Ziva tilted her head to the side. "I am too happy to be tired."

Tony raised an eyebrow as he softly traced the skin under her eyes. "Want to try that again?"

Ziva wrinkled her nose at him. "Perhaps I am a little tired."

"I thought so." He slid his fingers through hers. "Take a short walk with me for our yichud time? Then I promise you can sit down for awhile."

She leaned into him. "I would love to."

The team watched as Tony and Ziva started a slow circuit of Ducky's yard. Gibbs stood beside Celeste with his glass of punch. "We've got two hours, three max, to pack, move and unpack once they leave." He glanced at the Goth. "Abby, how's it look?"

Perched on McGee's lap, Abby sung her small bouquet back and forth. "Ziva had several boxes packed when we got there, and Tim and I got the kitchen mostly finished while she showered. So it's clothes, books, movies and decorative stuff that still has to be packed, then the furniture. There's five of us, how long can it take?"

"Five?" Celeste interjected, looking around the group. "I count eight."

McGee slid his arm around Abby's back. "This is a family thing Celeste. It's not fair to ask guests to help."

"What if the guests volunteer?" Celeste wanted to know, though she could tell she was treading a thin line.

Abby didn't look too happy that she was interfering. None of them were certain what her role was in Gibbs' life yet and she could see from their expressions that they were protective of him. She would remain on the outside until she proved she was going to stay, or until they could see her make him happy again. It was a sentiment she understood and a boundary she wanted to respect.

Gibbs gave her a mild glare that might've been a warning. "Les-"

She cut him off. She'd never been very good at listening anyways. "Jethro I want to do something! Let me be useful, please."

Aware of the tension, Breena twirled a section of hair around her finger. "Jimmy told me some of what is going on and I wish I could stay, but it was hard enough to get my father to let me off work for a couple hours, let alone the rest of the day," she explained apologetically.

Jordan laid her hand on Ducky's arm. "I'd love to offer my services as well Donny, but unfortunately I have bodies to get back to."

"Down to six then," Gibbs growled. "Think we'll make it?"

"Doesn't seem to me as we have much choice Jethro," Ducky observed. "But if anyone is capable of pulling it off, I believe it is this group. We are, after all, doing this out of love."

The newlyweds made it back then and everyone sat and chatted for awhile longer once Ziva was off her feet, more to keep her distracted than anything else. After a few minutes Adrian approached the group, camera in hand. Tony stood to shake his hand.

"You throw a pretty decent wedding DiNozzo," his friend smiled.

"Yeah, well you're not too bad at that photography stuff you were always playing around with. I barely even noticed you." He saw Adrian eyeing Ziva and stood to the side to introduce his wife. "Adrian Platz, this is my...Ziva."

Adrian grinned and took the hand Ziva held out, kissing the back rather than shaking it. "It's a pleasure to meet the woman who claimed Anthony DiNozzo Jr.'s heart. To be honest, I wasn't sure it could be done."

Ziva's eyes sparkled. "It was not an easy task." She reached for her husband's hand. "But well worth the wait." The two were quickly lost again in one of their intense staring competitions and Adrian cleared his throat.

"Okay guys, before any serious PDA'ing begins, let's get some group shots, shall we?"

He led the way back to where the arch was set up and positioned everyone where he wanted them. Tony and Ziva, with Gibbs and Ducky slightly behind and to their sides and Tim and Abby sitting on the grass in front of them. Jimmy was put on Ducky's right, while Breena, Celeste and Dr. Jordan watched from the chairs.

Adrian took several pictures, calling out instructions and changing things around until he was sure he had enough to choose from. Just before he dismissed them, Ziva caught his attention. "May we have one with everyone? I would like to have it as a memory."

"As you wish my lady," Adrian bowed and motioned the waiting women to join in.

Ziva's eyes flickered to Tony's at the well-remembered phrase and he mouthed the words, certain lip-reading was among her skills somewhere. And even if it wasn't, Abby did possess the ability and felt a thrill shoot through her watching how happy her friends were together. She slid her fingers into Tim's and leaned against him, soaking in the joy of the day.

The last photos taken were of all the couples together and separately. Then Tony joined Adrian to thank him again for being so discreet and ask how he thought the pictures were going to turn out, and the ladies chatted while McGee and Jimmy began slowly folding up chairs and returning Ducky's yard to its previous undecorated state. Finally everything was back to normal and while the team enjoyed their time with Tony and Ziva, they had places to be and things to do, so one by one they stood and found reasons to leave.

"Thank you for loving him Ziva," Abby whispered as she held her friend tight. "You have no idea how much he needs you."

"Almost as much as I need him," she replied quietly. "Have a great honeymoon. After this long of a wait you deserve it."

Tim was next to wrap his arms around Ziva as Abby tackled Tony with a hug, for once out of words to say. "Congratulations Ziva. I'm so happy for you."

Ziva relaxed against him. "Thank you McGee, for everything. You gave me this chance by bringing me back. You and Abby always believed, you saw somehow that we could do this, that we could be together. Thank you."

"My reward is to see you happy. I cherish that." He smiled. "We'll see you in a week and a half."

Ducky and Jimmy and their respective dates offered congratulations and best wishes to the couple before leaving. When the ME bent down to kiss her cheek, Ziva whispered a thank you in his ear for what he and Gibbs had given her, causing the older man to smile broadly.

Then only Gibbs and Celeste were left. Celeste hung back when he approached them, not wanting to intrude. Gibbs nodded at Tony. "I don't want to see you until Monday DiNozzo. I'd give you longer but with Abby and McGee gone I need you around."

Not knowing what to say because he'd been expecting a day at the most, Tony threw on his familiar grin. "Ah, at last you admit it, you need me." Gibbs glared and Tony swallowed, then shook his boss's hand. "Thanks."

Ziva was next. "Bedrest. Follow the rules. I want you both healthy." He moved closer. "He's a good man, trust him."

She nodded and hugged him. "I will try, thank you Gibbs."

"Take care Ziver."

Celeste tucked her hand into Gibbs' elbow as they walked away. "You made a good choice," she commented, and he turned to her.

"For what?"

She looked around at the people leaving, at the couple they'd left behind, and smiled. "For a family."

He sighed and put his arm around her waist, holding her close for a brief moment. "Yeah. They're one thing I finally did right."

Celeste touched his cheek gently. "Whether you believe it or not, you are a good man Jethro Gibbs. And they are lucky to have you."

Gibbs didn't say anything else as they got in her car and drove away. But he spared a glance back at Tony and Ziva with mixed feelings. They deserved for this to be easy, to work out well, to be without complications. But it wasn't going to happen like that and he wondered what challenges they might be facing next. The games had just begun.