A/N: So glad you all enjoyed the wedding chapters! I loved how the wedding turned out but this morning after is one of my favourite scenes, such a great visual of T&Z together. So much more to come, I can't wait to share it with you guys. Thank you so much for your faithful reading and reviews, you guys are amazing! :)

Hebrew:

Ahava - love

Tinoket - baby girl

PS. Tiva Lovah - are you SURE you don't want to get an account just for reviewing and PM'ing? I would so love to chat with you and respond to all your lovely reviews. Your perspective, thoughtful words and reactions are very much appreciated!

And thank you to all my other non-signed in reviewers. I read each of your reviews and wish I could respond and let you know how much I love hearing from you. Thank you!

Tony opened his eyes the next morning to bright sunshine. But it wasn't the time that surprised him. Brown wavy hair rested on the pillow inches from his nose. His arm lay over a woman's body, her stomach rounded from thirty-four weeks of pregnancy. Her soft breathing spoke of sleep not yet disturbed, her warmth against him welcome even though April mornings were not as chilly as those in March.

Lifting his left hand, Tony focused on the solid gold band firmly hugging his fourth finger. The ring still felt strange, he wasn't used to the weight, but Tony loved the constant reminder it was that this was real. Not a dream, not a hope, not something he'd imagined. But they were here and Ziva was his and it was finally real.

Grinning like he'd won the lottery, Tony suddenly felt movement against his arm. Gently he rubbed Ziva's belly. "Mornin' Chipmunk," he whispered. "I know you're running out of room in there, but could you let Mom sleep just a little bit longer? Yesterday was a big day for us and she's probably still pretty tired."

The reason they'd moved up the wedding nagged at the back of Tony's mind, but he pushed it away. This was their first morning as husband and wife, he didn't want to ruin it by worrying. Relaxing again, Tony was content just to lay there and listen to his wife breathe, to watch her sleep, to marvel at the miracle that was their new life together.

Wife. What a beautiful word. Ziva was his wife. A giddiness he couldn't control ran through his body and Tony fought the urge to laugh. This, right here in their room in their house sharing their bed, was something at one point he'd almost lost hope of ever getting. That it had finally happened was still hard to comprehend. Their entire journey to get to each other had taken so many twists and turns, it was close to unbelievable that they could have made it to the same place at the same time at long last.

Ziva stirred as she began to wake, interrupting Tony's thoughts. She'd barely moved when she suddenly froze and Tony held his breath, unsure of what her first coherent moments would look like. "Tony?" she said in a small voice, like she wasn't sure who to expect in her bed.

Tony rubbed his hand over her shoulder and down her arm. "Right here Zi,"

She hesitated a beat, then slowly the tension he'd felt in her body drained away. "Sorry, I am just...not used to this yet."

He understood. Even though they'd spent so much more time together recently, actually being married and living together was going to be a huge change for both of them. Tony slid his fingers between hers. "Are you okay?"

Ziva rolled onto her back and Tony leaned over to kiss her bump good morning. She held up her left hand and smiled softly at the rings that held their promise. "It is hard to believe."

Tony grinned and kissed the simple gold band sprinkled with diamond chips that she wore. "Not a dream anymore beautiful." He studied her expression, so thoughtful it bordered on serious. "No regrets, right?"

Her hand fell to her bump, caressing it gently. "Only that we did not figure this out before." She shrugged sadly. "But if not for Africa, I am not sure I would have ever let myself love you like this."

Tony pressed in closer, not liking what he saw in her eyes. "I hope we would've figured it out Zi, when you came home."

Ziva turned to face him and put her hand against his cheek. "Do not be sad Tony, there are no more what ifs."

He leaned down and kissed her, needing the reassurance. Ziva pushed her lips onto his, just as eager for his touch, but after a few seconds she pulled away and Tony fought to get his brain working again. Ziva was like the most wonderful, non-illegal drug he'd ever had access to and it was so hard not to get completely lost in her when she wasn't ready for more just yet. He brushed his lips over her eyebrow and rested his cheek on her hair.

"Sorry babe." When he got his breath back and his heart under control, Tony moved and caught her frown. "Zi? What's wrong?" With the knowledge that the baby could come any time, that she was lucky to have made it this far, he was prepared to watch her like a hawk.

She shook her head and shifted. "I am just uncomfortable." Ziva poked her belly gently and sighed. "He is sitting on my bladder again."

Tony chuckled and placed his hand on hers, tapping her engagement ring lightly. "She Zi, the baby is a girl."

Ziva rolled her eyes. "So you say. But unless you have suddenly developed x-ray powers, you cannot be certain. I do not think your gut is a reliable source."

He pretended to be offended. "I'll have you know-" She started to sit up, a look of urgency on her face, and he got out of bed quickly. "Need a hand?"

Ziva accepted the help with less reluctance than before. "I wish it was not so hard to do the simple things."

He kissed her temple. "That's what I'm here for." Tony walked with her to the bathroom and waited outside the door until she finished.

Ziva opened the door and leaned against the doorframe. "I think I will take a shower. Abby put gel in my hair yesterday and it feels sticky." She ran her fingers through the brown waves and made a face.

It was far too soon to suggest that they share the shower so he could help her, much as he wanted to, so Tony just nodded. "Use the stool if you need to." He knew she would. Mandy hadn't been kidding when she explained how much the pregnancy was draining Ziva, he didn't even think she'd last five minutes on her feet.

She turned to go back into the bathroom, then stopped. "I am sorry Tony. I know this is not how you planned the day after your wedding."

He reached out a hand and stroked her cheek. "I didn't plan it at all until you Zi and while I know our first married days and weeks are going to look different than other couples, it doesn't matter. I love you. You're here finally, a permanent part of my life. That's the most important thing of all."

A faint smile crossed Ziva's lips and she kissed his cheek softly. "Thank you." Then the door closed and Tony was left alone with his thoughts again.

To distract himself from worrying, Tony walked across the hall and surveyed the set up in the guest room. The team had moved most of the things from Ziva's apartment in there and Abby had supervised the set up. Her dresser and the bookcase Gibbs made had gone in their room, along with a chair for the corner.

But the bed, wardrobe and night table now provided furniture for his previously empty guest room. Stacks of boxes piled on any empty floor space spoke of everything the team hadn't been sure what to do with. Tony was grateful for Abby's meticulous written and picture labels - it would make finding anything they needed much easier later.

Ziva's couch, his old TV and the coffee table now had a home at the far side of the unfinished basement. The small table from her kitchen was currently in the garage, but they'd have to decide at some point if they were keeping or donating any duplicates of things they both had, especially kitchen stuff.

Down the hall from their room was the nursery, though Ziva didn't know it yet. Gibbs was going to deliver the furniture next Monday while Ziva was at her doctor's appointment and Tony hoped they'd be done work in time for him to join her. He was officially the baby's dad now and Tony didn't want to miss a second.

He finally decided to get dressed, just sweatpants and a t-shirt, and was about to go downstairs when Ziva opened the bathroom door in her robe. "Oh, Tony." She looked surprised and embarrassed to be seen not fully clothed.

Wanting to dispel the awkwardness she was feeling, Tony smiled and kept his eyes on her face. "Hey, ready for breakfast?"

Ziva sighed and shook her head slowly. "I am very tired. Maybe I will go back to bed for awhile." Her expression was apologetic. "I am sorry-"

Tony took two steps towards her and placed his finger on her lips. "Zi, don't. I told you, it doesn't matter. I want you to stay strong and healthy for you and the baby, so if you need more rest, that's what you should do." He slid his fingers through her wet hair, looking at her so tenderly Ziva had to blink back tears. "I love you sweetheart, you don't have anything to be sorry for."

She reached up to kiss him, lost for words to describe how thankful she was for his love and understanding. Ziva tried to pour all her feelings into the kiss, but with Tony's hand on the back of her head and his other arm around her back, the intensity started to make her uncomfortable, so she pulled away. She saw the flash of disappointment in his eyes and tried not to smile. Tony, it seemed, would happily kiss her all day if that was allowed. It was nice to feel so wanted when she was fully pregnant and getting self-conscious about the changes in her body, now that there was someone around to see them.

Tony made sure she was tucked in again and leaned down to press his lips to her forehead. "Sleep well Zi. Call me when you wake up. I might run to the store for a few things." He set her cellphone on his pillow within easy reach, then started to leave.

"Tony," she called and he turned back. Ziva smiled. "I love you too."

His grin lit up the room and Ziva knew she would give her husband that gift as often as she could.

NCIS

Alyssa and Megan were behind the counter at Maternity Moms when a tall, handsome, green eyed man walked in looking very lost. "Oop, there's another one," Alyssa giggled. "Well meaning husband at two o'clock."

They exchanged glances and Megan elbowed her. "Uh-uhn, I took the last one. It's your turn."

Heaving a sigh, Alyssa put on her best smile and approached him. "Sir, can I help you find something?"

A look of relief crossed Tony's features and he nodded. "I hope so." He pushed a few buttons on his phone and handed it to the girl. It was a picture he'd snapped of Ziva during their picnic yesterday. "This is my wife." He stopped briefly to enjoy getting to say that out loud to someone else for the first time, then Tony cleared his throat. "Can you tell from that what size to get her?" He shrugged. "It's kind of a surprise."

Warming to this man already, Alyssa examined the picture closely and nodded. "I think I can. What do you have in mind?"

Feeling self-conscious, Tony stuck his hands in his jean pockets. "She's eight and a half months pregnant and it's hard for her to turn over in bed if she'd uncomfortable." He shrugged. "I was thinking silk pyjamas might make it easier."

Alyssa smiled. "That's very thoughtful of you Mr...?

"DiNozzo," he put in.

"Alright then, why don't you follow me and I'll show you our selection of sleepwear."

When they got to that side of the store, Tony immediately pointed out a particular pair. "Those ones," he said confidently. "Ziva loves green."

They were short sleeved, deep jungle green pyjamas with snaps instead of buttons, a small pocket on the left side and drawstring pants, suitable for long term pregnancy wear. The girl checked the tags. "Very good. We have that in your wife's size. Will there be anything else?"

Tony glanced around uncertainly. "Why don't you give me a tour and I'll let you know?"

Alyssa agreed and began to show him around the store. One thing she knew for sure - this Ziva was a very lucky woman.

NCIS

Ziva was in the kitchen making lunch when Tony returned bearing bags he was careful to keep concealed. If it piqued her interest, she didn't say anything. She just smiled when he went over and hugged her from behind, kissing her neck. Tony buried his face in her curls and took a deep breath.

"Has anyone ever told you how good your hair smells?"

Ziva chuckled and nudged him out of the way. "I think I may have heard that somewhere once." She tilted her head to the side. "You look sneaky again."

He spread his hands and put on his best smile. "It's part of my charm."

Ziva arched one eyebrow. "Sometimes."

"This time too," Tony assured her, "promise." He looked over her shoulder. "So, what's for lunch?"

Shaking her head, she handed him a plate bearing a toasted tomato and cheese sandwich and a small pile of salad. "There is a saying that if I feed you, you will love me, yes?"

He led the way to the table and snickered. "Close enough. But I already love you Zi, no bribery needed."

"Cake points for that," she said finally and Tony didn't want to correct her. Ziva's idiom issues were only one of the reasons he loved her. If she ever did start speaking proper English...well, he actually hoped she never did.

As soon as the food was gone, Ziva went to the door and grabbed a sweater off the coat rack. "I am going for a walk."

Tony didn't waste time getting to her. "You want company for that walk, right?"

Ziva bit her lip to keep from smiling. "You are a little bit sticky today."

He stared for a moment before starting to laugh. It took him a minute to compose himself. "I hope you meant 'clingy' and that wasn't a comment about me needing a shower." He sniffed his shirt. "I don't smell, right?"

Ziva leaned in and kissed his cheek, breathing as she did. "You smell like Tony and for six months that scent has comforted me, made me feel safe and spoken to me of home and belonging. There is nothing wrong with the way you smell."

Touched by her words but not sure what to say, Tony fell back into his old habit of playing things off. "You might not say that after I've been playing basketball."

She understood better than he gave her credit for. Ziva wrinkled her nose and opened the door. "If you come in all drippy I will not kiss you until after you shower."

His face lit hopefully. "Does that mean you'll kiss me now?"

Trying to retain at least a shred of self-respect when she wanted to act like a smitten schoolgirl, Ziva sent him a coy look over her shoulder. "Maybe later."

By the time his brain caught up with his facial expression and wiped most of the silly grin off his face, Ziva was already down the steps and headed for the sidewalk, but it didn't take Tony long to catch up. He wrapped his fingers around hers and fell into step beside her.

It was a beautiful day - sun shining, birds singing, a light breeze that carried the fragrance of spring - and the couple took things slow to savour it. After a few blocks Tony saw Ziva's spark begin to fade. He started to suggest heading back but she turned on him with a fierce stubbornness in her features and let go of his hand. She was so tired of feeling weak and inadequate.

Feeling frustration rise as she stalked ahead on her own, Tony let out a huff and jogged a couple steps to get back beside her again. There was hint of apology in her brown eyes but he didn't hide the worry this time. They came to the small park at the end of the street and Ziva sat down in one of the swings.

Tony dropped down onto the sand in front of her. "Want to talk about it?" She probably wouldn't, but he could try.

Ziva's expression was hard to read. "Are you always going to be this patient? Do you not ever get mad because of how I act, because this is hard, because we should be on a honeymoon right now but that is not even a possibility for so many reasons?"

Her question sparked a longing in his body but Tony ignored it and rested his arms on pulled up knees. "I've been angry a few times honey - at what happened, at the limitations, at the steps backward, at how long it took for us to get to more than friends. But," he shrugged, "anger doesn't get me anywhere and being patient will." Tony shook his head slowly. "I don't want to waste energy being angry when there are other options. It's not easy all the time but I can handle being patient. At least then I know there's a chance for things to change in a good way."

Ziva looked past him, seeing something or nothing, he couldn't tell. "I have been angry for so long," she confessed quietly. "When I was first back there was nothing, only nightmares. I could not think or feel or do anything except wait for it to be a bad dream. For three days I sat in that room at Gibbs' house, not sure if I was dead or alive, not sure which one I wanted to be."

She directed her gaze closer to him but still didn't make eye contact. "That changed once things settled down. Staying with Abby was hard - to see her scared of my nightmares but she did not have to live them, to watch McGee comfort her when there was none available for me, nothing anyone could do."

Finally her eyes met his. "Then there was our two weeks and you. You did everything, tried so hard to make it better. I did not think there was a chance for healing, but you taught me to accept touch, to be vulnerable and share what was in my head, to be a person again." Ziva held out her hand and he took the swing beside her. "I do not know if I ever said thank you."

He kissed her palm. "I didn't know if I was doing anything right."

"Not always," she acknowledged, "but you did not give up trying."

"I won't this time either Zi. We have so much more to lose now, but I won't give up if you won't."

Her fingers played over his knuckles and she continued as if he hadn't spoken. "When I found Ops there was finally an outlet for everything stuck inside me. All the guilt and shame and anger and pain could get out." She swallowed. "I would go and think of one thing and then work my body until it was gone or I could not feel it any more."

Ziva touched her bump. "I hated the memory of what they had done, not just the torture but...everything else. I was so angry because I had gotten caught, because I survived, because you and Gibbs and McGee put yourselves in danger to save me, because I could not control the nightmares, because as much as this baby is mine, he or she is growing inside me against my will. Sometimes," she blew out a breath, "sometimes it still hurts and I am still angry. Being helpless now just makes it worse."

Tony turned her face towards him. "I can't say anything to make what hurts better, I wish I could. But I'm here and you can be as stubborn and difficult as you want, but I'm not going anywhere. Your anger doesn't scare me Ziva, the only thing that does is losing you."

A tear fell onto her cheek and she leaned her head on his shoulder, sighing. "If you want to be angry, I will understand. This is not going to be an easy journey Tony. Even after the baby is born I cannot just flip a switch and be your wife." She looked up and tapped her temple. "The damage still runs very deep in here and," Ziva pointed to her chest, her heart, "here. Your expectations...know what is realistic, what is possible now. I can make no promises about later."

He tucked her hair back. "That felt like a therapy session." Tony cupped her cheek. "I'm not worried about the challenges sweetheart, you and I are partners. We can do anything and get through anything as long as it's together." His gaze dropped to her mouth and he licked his lips. "Is it later yet?"

Ziva smiled and willingly pressed her lips to his. Tony shifted closer, taking over her mouth, his lips sliding over hers with careful restraint. He pushed the limits a little bit further this time, both for confirmation of his promise and a release of emotions for both of them.

To her credit, Ziva trusted him enough to end it before she had to and he cherished her confidence. Pulling back, he leaned his forehead on hers. "I love you babe, I always will. Thank you for sharing that with me." He kissed her softly once more. "Can we go home now?"

A sheepish look crept onto her face. "Yes. I am sorry."

Tony shook his head and pulled her to her feet. "Nothing to be sorry for. I'd be frustrated too if I was on partial bedrest." He glanced around carefully. "We better watch ourselves or Mandy might ground both of us."

Her eyes shadowed but she said nothing and set a leisurely pace towards their house. Once they were back inside, Tony motioned to the couch. "How do you feel about Rush Hour Zi?"

She frowned. "Not my favourite time to drive."

He groaned. "No, no Zi, the movie! Chris Tucker, Jackie Chan - you really haven't seen it?"

Ziva shook her head. "I do not think so."

His eyes widened. "How can you have known me for six years and not seen Rush Hour?"

She sat down. "I am ready."

Tony grinned. "Alright." He grabbed a DVD and put it in. "Get set, go!" He pushed play, snaking his arm around her shoulders. Twenty minutes later she was shifting uncomfortably and at half an hour she leaned over as much as she could. He paused the movie. "What's wrong?"

She sighed and sat back again, hiding a grimace. "Nothing." Tony gave her a look that said 'Try again' so she rolled her eyes and admitted the truth. "My back...it is just an ache."

He snorted, sensing a gross understatement. He turned her shoulders. "Put your back to me, that's it." From his research, he knew it was the lower back that caused problems for pregnant women and gently dug his fingers into her muscles.

Ziva tensed at first and then let go and gave him full control to help. The movie played in the background and Tony massaged her tight lower back until she finally pulled away from his touch and smiled. "Thank you."

He gave her a half smile. "This isn't just your battle anymore Zi. If there's anything I can do to help, please tell me."

Seeing the sincerity he offered, she agreed. "I will try." Then she curled up away from him and fell asleep, missing the ending and all of the sequel. Tony waited supper until she started to stir but she didn't seem interested in eating much. It concerned him, but mention of that fact would not be appreciated.

Despite the nap, Ziva was tired early. She tried to convince Tony he didn't need to go to bed simply because she was, but he wouldn't listen. This whole married thing was still brand new and he didn't want to miss anything - especially the chance to lay beside his wife and watch her while she slept.

While Ziva was brushing her teeth, Tony grabbed one of the bags he'd stashed away from his shopping trip earlier and took the stairs two at a time. He stopped at the bedroom door and tried to act nonchalant. She came out to get something to wear for bed and saw him.

"Tony?"

"I...got you something today." He held out the bag awkwardly like a little boy not sure if his offering would be accepted.

Curious, she walked over and reached for it. Pulling out the soft silky nightwear, Ziva's eyes danced to his, soft joy in her face. "Presents already?"

Tony chuckled nervously. "First of many, I hope."

She laid the top and bottom out on the bed, noting the short sleeves but not commenting. Finally she smiled. "They are beautiful Tony, but why?"

He edged closer. "This is going to sound kind of dumb, but I thought maybe silk jammies would make it easier for you to roll over and change positions in bed." Tony felt foolish now. "It just seemed difficult, when I watched you."

Ziva stared at him, ignoring her discomfort at the thought of him watching her during the night, then looked back at the pyjamas before she made her way to him and put both palms against his cheeks. A tear escaped before she could say anything and Tony was suddenly sure he somehow screwed up big time.

"Zi?" he asked, wiping it away. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean-"

But she shushed him with a finger over his lips. "The hormones make everything worthy of tears, you do not need to apologize." Ziva shook her head once. "But even if they did not, it would be happy tears. Thank you for the gift ahava. No one has ever cared as much as you." She kissed him and Tony tried to process her words and delight in her touch all at the same time. Ziva pulled away and winked. "You will ruin your reputation with all this sweetness."

Tony leaned back against the wall and crossed his arms. "Hate to break this to you Zi, but after getting married, promising to be faithful and having a baby on the way, I'm pretty sure my reputation is completely shot."

She frowned at him from beside the bed. "You are not allowed to get shot."

He came behind her and wrapped his arm around her shoulder, resting it on her collarbone. "It's just a figure of speech." But Ziva flinched, actually flinched at his touch for the first time in months and drew away, covering with a smile.

"I will go change."

Tony sighed heavily and fell back onto the bed. He knew, he understood that easy would not be part of their life for a long time - years maybe - but to have little tiny things he forgot to think about cause problems he wasn't aware of them was exhausting.

He stayed like that until Ziva returned. She was glad to have shaved her legs that morning. The silk felt cool and soft on her skin, the sensation spoiling her. The top draped nicely over her bump - not huge and not too tight - and she loved feeling pretty and special. But her smile fled when she took in Tony's position. Somehow his body language spoke of defeat. Ziva sighed and sat down beside him, tracing her finger over the back of his hand.

Tony stared at the ceiling when he spoke. "Why Zi?"

There was no point in stalling and asking 'why what?' when she already knew. Ziva hugged her arms to her chest. "Someday I may find it a very comforting gesture, but right now it still reminds me of a choke hold." Before he could say anything, Ziva narrowed her eyes at him.

"I do not want you to apologize again. Saying 'I am sorry' does not fix anything and I have heard it too much." Her tone softened. "This will likely happen a lot more now that we are married. We share the same space and all our time, at least for a few days. There are more chances for me to remember."

He captured her fingers in his hand and just held them. His lack of response worried Ziva, but finally he sat up and then stood, kissing the top of her head. "It wouldn't mean nearly as much if we didn't have to work for it Zi," he murmured, leaving to get changed.

She heard the shower turn on and could tell he needed some time to process what had been shared today. Crawling under the covers that now smelled of them, Ziva drew her knees up and slid her hand under her head. "He is a good man tinoket, but even good men break now and then." She sighed sadly. "I do not think Daddy saw how hard it was going to be to love us. But he promised not to give up and I am holding hard to that."

Then Ziva closed her eyes and hoped she fell asleep before her husband returned. Only two days and already reality declared the honeymoon phase to be over. She wished it wasn't so blunt. On nights like tonight, the truth really hurt and no bandaid could make it feel better. They say things take time, but Ziva was tired of the time healing took and she wanted it to run out so everything could be over and life could be just a little bit of happily ever after. Even if she did not, she felt that Tony at least, deserved it.