For smthknk1 (who asked for more!), DS2010, VG LittleBear and jdgatorbait, my faithful readers and reviewers! Many thanks to alix33, my awesome beta (now I get to see her comments before anyone else's!) and anyone else out there. Thanks! Two more chapters after this and then we're closing the book on the Serendipity universe.
Chapter 18
As the drivers reached each new home, people climbed out, thanking them. As they were dropped off, they met volunteer Eagle Scouts who took their names and then brought their belongings to them.
The tour car was watching a family enter their new home when the woman came running out. "There's food in the refrigerator and the cabinets. The beds are made and there are fresh flowers in a vase! You people are angels, thank you so much!"
Tim waved as he drove on, his passengers digesting the woman's words. "You buy food for everyone?"
"This time, enough for the first week or so. When we had Attack evacuees coming in, they had the clothes on their backs, one suitcase each, their first month's government voucher and nothing else. Every single one of them needed clothes and shoes, especially the children returning to school shortly after arriving. We didn't want them to have to spend their vouchers on food when we could help for a week or two. We supplied two weeks of staples: bread, eggs, milk, flour, sugar, coffee, tea, orange juice and some fresh and frozen food. That way they'd have more funds for what they needed. We decided to do the same for these folks. We cut it back to a week although I think there's actually enough for 10 days. With three gardens, we now have more fresh fruits and veggies to share. We didn't know what resources they'd have, figured they'd be exhausted and didn't want them to worry about anything."
Secretary Porter shook her head in amazement, "You really are angels!"
Tim tilted his head, "You know my background, Ma'am. Sarah, Rob, Geordie and I grew up on the streets of Baltimore; we were homeless until I turned 18. We know what it's like to be scared, hungry and exhausted with few or no resources available."
Jay's jaw dropped while the others murmured. Then he nodded to himself. That explained much of what he'd noticed about Timothy Gibbs.
They loved the street names and the different colors of the homes, got a kick out of the Laundry Barns and smiled at the personal touches people had on their homes. At Secretary McCord's request, Tim stopped at one of the larger homes where an Evacuee family was outside on the patio. She and the SecNav went to say hello and tell them what was going on. Tim could see the family was pleased and excited to meet the Secretaries.
After seeing the last of the homes, they crossed the bridge to the ranch. Secretary Porter asked if they could see the new homes; with a chuckle, Tim turned the vehicle toward the cul-de-sac. It was late enough now that the construction crews were done for the day and he smiled as his passengers ooh'd and ahh'd at the two adobe homes, something new to them and admired the Hubbards' New Mexican style ranch house. They were curious about the other homes and Tim quickly explained that the homes for the Chalmers, DiNozzos and Cranes were nearly finished and that the Perrys' home would be built last because they were the least crowded in their current place.
Elizabeth McCord smiled, "That's good, Tim. Now that things are returning to normal, the new normal, I expect most of our reservists will soon be standing down from active duty." Secretary Porter nodded and Tim smiled, "Thanks, I'll be happy again when the Major and the Captain tell us."
Porter smiled, "The Air Force will be sorry to lose Major Perry and Yuma will be sorry to lose Captain Barnes. She's doing excellent work getting our Marine dependent evacuee families placed. The major is also doing excellent work although that's not something I can speak to or even acknowledge." She chuckled, "I know Leon will be very happy to have Capt. Barnes return to the agency full-time and I'm sure the Major's wife and your parents will be happy to have him resume teaching history."
Tim nodded, "I'm thankful neither was posted away."
They drove through the lanes with the guesthouses, waving to Penny, the Colonel, Mac and the Mallards, having pre-dinner cocktails together on the Mallards' front porch. The two secretaries were half-tempted to join them but they had a journey to continue in a few minutes.
As the women wanted to see the ranch house, they stopped for a quick tour, a restroom break and more cold drinks. The babies were awake and all four of them were being fed in the kitchen. To Tim's surprise, Mackie was also there. Baby and Daddy grinned at each other and the little guy held out his arms, saying "Da-da". The littles were dutifully admired and then it was time to take the visitors back to the airfield for the rest of their journey.
Blake explained they were going on to San Diego and would return to Charlotte on Wednesday. Tim was a little embarrassed when his son insisted on giving each of the visitors a 'kiss' but at least he didn't slobber. As they drove away, Secretary Porter said, "When's your newest one due?"
Surprised, Tim told her, adding that he was sure they were having a girl.
"That's wonderful, congratulations! How about your newest book?"
Tim turned, mortified, "That's what…oh geez! Sorry, we just told the family yesterday, my mind went straight there."
She patted his shoulder, "That's all right, I don't mind knowing. Does Leon know yet?"
"No, Ma'am, unless Ellie told him today."
"I'll keep it to myself until he says something. Now, what about your new book?"
He shook his head, laughing. "That's due out in November."
"Oh thank you, I'll reread the others until that arrives. It's always fun to find out what all of you on your father's team really did, all the things that never get into reports."
Tim groaned, "Ma'am, you know the DoD doesn't allow the use of real cases!"
She laughed again, "I know; it's really too bad."
Jay's forehead was wrinkled in thought, "That's where we met, Tim! It was a week-long DoD seminar."
"Remember what it was about?"
Jay shook his head, "Not a clue."
"Me neither. Well, at least we recognized each other."
"Boston, it was in Boston. We sat next to each other the first day and we were bored. You knew where everything was, best time I've ever had in Boston or at a seminar!"
"All my old college haunts, yeah, I remember now."
Secretary McCord said, "Good, glad you two figured it out. Now, what books do you write? Are they under Gibbs?"
"No ma'am." He explained the Deep Six series and the pen name he used.
"I've read some of those, loved them! And now I've met the people who inspired the characters?"
Tim nodded and she smiled, "Henry will love them too, I'll have to get the rest of them."
Tim caught Blake's eye in the rear-view mirror and smiled, he'd send the books to him. He nodded when Blake held up 2 fingers with a raised eyebrow, yeah, he'd send two sets.
As they reached the tarmac, Tim turned, "One thing no one in my family has said yet. And that's thank you for bringing two people to us: little Henry Lorenz, we hope soon to be Henry Gibbs, and Ana Campo. Did you know about her?"
Blake shook his head while Jay smiled, "I knew something was up with her as we were disembarking. This must have happened while you were on the plane looking for Henry. I was standing in the aisle next to the row of seats Ana was sitting in although she was standing at her seat. I saw her face change, her eyes almost fell out of their sockets and then she smiled, the only smile I'd seen from her. It was a big happy 'oh my goodness I'm HOME' smile and then her eyes teared up. I don't know who she is to you but I'm glad she's here."
"Dad and I both heard her say something to you when she was on the gangway and then Dad just grabbed her. We haven't seen or heard from her in several years. She didn't know we were here and then poof, we're all here, her whole family."
"She's part of the family?"
"She was but left several years ago and we've had no word since." He smiled, "She's home now."
They nodded and he decided he'd better not say anything else.
The jet was ready to leave. Tim thanked them for the visit, adding that it had been fun showing them around, shook hands with the State folks and was given an upper arm pat and squeeze by Secretary Porter.
Tim sighed happily, glad his surprise hosting responsibilities were over and that their new folks were settling in. He turned the car around and headed for home and his family, including their new little one.
NCIS NCIS NCIS NCIS
When the others left for The Grove, Jethro held Ana back and they walked to the house, Poppy carrying Mackie. In the kitchen, he found a box of Ducky's tea and made her a cup. She smiled, "Thank you."
He looked at her, "Will you stay?"
"Yes, for a time."
"A month, two?"
She smiled, "A year, I hope more. I don't dare promise anything more. Although I have lived peacefully for nearly two years now and this move had nothing to do with me."
Gibbs grinned, "You're using contractions! The boys will go nuts when they hear you."
She chuckled, "Along with my name, I had to change my appearance, habits, my demeanor, my language and the way I speak. Using contractions is one of those changes. It will be fun to watch them when I speak! I have missed you all so much. When I saw Tim with the little boy today, I thought my heart would stop and I cried. And then he was gone before I could get through the line to him. When it was my turn to leave the plane, I saw you and I thought that maybe I'd died. But I didn't want you, Tim and the little boy to be dead…" She laughed at herself.
Jethro hugged her again. "And now you know we're alive and happy to see you. You have your choice of living quarters. This house has 12 bedrooms and several are vacant. Tim and Ellie have a room here they won't use again, they have their own home out on the ranch now, we'll show you later. The Palmers also have a room here and left for the same reason. The Mallards - did you know Ducky is married to Sarah's grandmother?"
"I know he's married to that pretty, sweet lady. I didn't realize she's Sarah's grandmother."
"Yes and Tim's too but not by blood. Anyway, when Mackie was born, most of us were living in the house. Within a week, just about everyone found somewhere else to stay. Our boy here has the healthiest lungs you've ever heard and he didn't sleep 6 hours straight until he was four months old. By that time, his parents and siblings, the Palmers and their kids were about the only ones left in the house. We had to move the kids up to the 3rd floor so they could sleep! And then just when Mackie was sleeping through the night, Maggie, then Bec, then Sarah had their babies. Shannon and I are the only ones to move back in so far. I don't know if the others will. Emily Fornell stays here when she visits, so does Abby, Sarah's in-laws and Ellie's family when they visit from Oklahoma."
He paused, "Another option is to live in one of the guesthouses. We have two vacant; they're furnished so you can take your pick. We have several guesthouses; that's where the great-grandparents and we grandparents moved when Mackie arrived. And Penny, that's Sarah's paternal grandmother, lives there too. They're nice houses, not as much room as here but each has two bedrooms; they're quiet and private. Duck and Maisie like to sit out on their front porch, Penny lives across the street. Tobias and his lady friend Mel live there, the Cranes, Dave, Liz and Matt, Geordie, his wife Bec and baby Alex, and Sarah, Bob and the twins. Although Sarah's family and the Cranes will be moving soon as their new homes are almost ready. The DiNozzos too."
Ana shook her head, "I know who Tobias is and now the grandmothers, Ducky of course and the DiNozzos but I don't know who the Cranes are or Geordie and his family."
"Ah, well quick rundown of our kids, Shannon's and mine. Tim and Kelly are our two biological children. You know Sarah, did you know Rob too?"
She shook her head and Jethro continued. "Tim, Sarah, Rob and Geordie grew up in a homeless camp in Baltimore." At the look in her eyes, he nodded, "You didn't know. Tim and Sarah's guardian abandoned them after Dan McGee and his son Patrick were killed. The kids ended up in Baltimore and met Geordie their first day there…" He explained the bus station; Tim's walking cast and Geordie helping them. "Geordie left for college when Tim was almost 16 and almost through earning his Bachelors of Science from Johns Hopkins. Geo was their legal guardian by then and Tim had money from scholarships so things were better.
"After Tim graduated from JH, he and the kids finally left the camp, moved to Cambridge, Massachusetts, and lived there for four years while he earned his Master's. After earning his bachelor's degree, Geo was accepted to Officer Candidates School. After MIT, Tim went to FLETC. Geordie graduated OCS as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Corps and eventually went into Special Ops. He left SpecOps in 2015 when Tim, Ty, Brynie and I were pulled away from home and nobody could tell Sarah or Rob what happened. Before we knew about the nuclear threat last year, Geo moved to the reserves but returned to active duty after we were released from shelter.
"Rob is the youngest of those four and he grew up wanting to be a pediatrician. He won scholarships to Johns Hopkins and graduated from college and medical school there. He completed his residency at Children's National Health Center in DC and was working there when we evacuated. Kelly also completed her residency and was working there."
He chuckled at the look on Ana's face. "Your children are all so accomplished!"
"Very proud of each of them!"
Ana hesitated and then shrugged, "When I left, Tim was dating Delilah, I don't remember her last name. As I recall, they were becoming serious."
"And two years later he was ready to propose when he walked in on her cheating on him."
"Zona!"
Gibbs nodded, "It was rough on him but he and Ellie are a much better match and he's a very happy man."
When she was ready, he and Mackie showed her the various rooms. She loved the layout and the roominess of the home. While she would enjoy the privacy of a guesthouse, she thought she'd feel safer here. This felt like family.
When they returned to the first floor, Ana said, "If it's all right with you and Shannon, I'd like to stay here in the house. At least for a few days, until my head clears enough to make a decision."
He nodded. "Know how that feels!"
She shook her head, "I can't believe how much you talk now."
He smiled, "Blame Tim and the grandkids. Kids need words."
"And Tim?"
"We had a lot of issues to work out between us. That took words, not just grunts and head slaps."
She chuckled and then yawned.
"Come on, let's get your stuff and get you moved in."
"I have my go bag with me – yes, I still call it that. Perhaps we could leave the rest for tomorrow?"
"Sure, up to you."
Shannon came in with Breena, Lia, Ricky and little Alex. She smiled, "Hello again Ana! I'm so glad to finally meet Jethro's last stray chick."
Ana laughed at that and then stopped, "Who else was a stray chick?"
"Abby."
Breena smiled, "I'll tell you sometime. It's good now."
"I'm glad."
Jethro frowned, "Where are Ellie and the rest of the kids?"
"They were all tired except Lia and you had Mackie so we drove them home. We watched Brynie and Ty while Henry had a bath, a cuddle and then Ellie put him to bed in Mackie's room. There's a single bed that Ellie says wasn't there this morning, was that you, Hon? Claire's over there now, Ellie was about to fall over so she'll stay until Tim gets home."
Jethro smirked, "Yeah, that was me. I grabbed Matt and we got the best looking one out of the storage barn. I figured the new little guy is probably so tired he won't move." He thought about his daughter-in-law. "It's been a long couple of days for Ellie, especially when she's pregnant and then to take on another little one."
Shannon nodded, "I'm glad she's already changed jobs. Five kids and a baby on the way, yikes!"
Ana listened, astounded, she hadn't realized Tim had so many children. She knew she'd met them but there were so many children around this afternoon she hadn't had time to sort them yet.
As if she'd read her thoughts, Breena smiled, "She'll be all right. Tim's like Jimmy, totally hands-on with the kids and the house."
Jethro smirked, "Tony, Bob and Geo are learning too. I hear they're doing great with the babies."
Ana shook her head again, "It's difficult to imagine Tony as a father. When I left he was still…uh…"
Breena patted her hand, "The word you want is 'player'. He was but he's grown up now."
Shannon nodded, "He told me that when Tim brought Ty and Brynie home, he discovered he could be an uncle without damaging the kids. He fell in love with them, who wouldn't but yes, that was the beginning. After he was confident with them he figured he could be a dad."
Jethro just beamed proudly; he was so damn happy to have all but one of his kids together he could hardly stand it. And a new grandbaby with another one arriving in January!
NCIS NCIS NCIS NCIS
After receiving a text that Lia and Mackie were with Breena at the big house, Tim stopped for them. After thanking Breena and Mom for all their help, he kissed everyone goodnight, with an extra hug for Ziva/Ana, and took his babies home.
Ty and Brynie were in the playroom with Claire when he arrived. Ellie and Henry were asleep. Lia joined her siblings while Mackie first had a detour to have a diaper change. When Tim worried about Henry sleeping all day, Claire smiled, "He's all right. Don checked him over; he said Henry's exhausted, a little dehydrated and he's had some Pedialyte now. He probably hasn't slept well since he was taken from the orphanage. Don't forget that was the only home he's ever known and he's been with strangers ever since. He's sleeping peacefully; go kiss him goodnight, you'll feel better. Need any help with dinner?"
Tim shook his head, "No, Claire, thanks. The slow cooker's been working on our dinner all day. Would you like to stay? And thanks so much for taking care of our family!"
"You're welcome, Tim and thanks, but no thanks. Jim is taking me out for dinner tonight!"
With a smile, he kissed her as he padded quietly down the hall to the kids' rooms, finding Henry in Mackie's room. The toddler was sound asleep, tucked into a single bed new to the room. Tim mentally thanked the person or persons who brought that in. He thought his father probably brought it from the storage barn.
The baby monitor was already set up so Tim forwarded it to his smart watch and went to see his wife.
Ellie was sound asleep; he kissed her, kicked his shoes off and went back down the hall. Thanking Claire again, he watched until she reached her front door. With two acres per lot, whoever lived at the top of the cul-de-sac might end up driving to visit the rest of them! He thought about street lamps, they could control them and they'd be solar powered. Might come in handy, he made a mental note to bring it up to the other owners.
As he checked their dinner, he thought about the new child in the family. Realizing he'd missed a key component of family leave, he quickly wrote Leon and HR a quick note, letting them know they'd taken on a foster son, aged 19 months. He'd officially be out on family leave for four weeks. He'd argue with Leon later about working part-time at home. Completing a form requesting leave, he attached the form to the e-mail and sent it.
Lia and Mackie were still in the kiddie corral; Tim scooped them both up. Telling Ty and Brynie to wash their hands and asking them to set the table, Tim and the babies walked down the hallway to the master bedroom. He was betting that part of Ellie's fatigue was lack of food; she needed to eat!
Gently waking her, he waited until she stopped blinking her eyes. "Come on, sleepyhead, it's time for dinner. Don't forget you're eating for two now!" He quickly added, "Henry's still asleep. I've got Mackie and Lia right here. I'll get them settled, feed the Mackster and then I think we should probably wake Henry to eat too."
"That's three high chairs, we only have two."
"I thought we could try one of the booster seats. And move the kiddie corral closer to the table, Lia and Mackie can play after they eat. If Lia-Malia doesn't want the booster seat, maybe it'll work for Henry. If not, I'll hold one of them on my lap."
"Oh, that works! But Tim, I can help!"
"Of course, sweetie, I just don't want you getting overtired."
She smiled, "Come here…"
Lia and Mackie both squawked as Daddy suddenly bent over and that made Mommy laugh. Instead of Daddy being kissed, Lia was transferred into Mommy's arms and she chortled happily.
Tim headed back to the kitchen where he secured Mackie in one of the highchairs. Ty stayed with him while Tim and Brynie moved the kiddie corral into the large, eat-in kitchen. Mackie had his usual appetizers, Cheerios, and happily played with and ate those while Tim found the booster seats in the coat closet. He quickly wiped one clean and installed it on one of their extra kitchen chairs.
While Daddy got his food ready, Mackie bounced in excitement. The little guy loved the solid food he was eating now and with some help, did a good job of feeding himself. When he was done he wanted down, which was fine as long as he was close enough to be reached by his parents.
Ellie appeared with Lia, ready for her dinner. She sat in the booster seat, playing with one of her toys. Ellie stayed with the kids while Tim went to wake Henry.
When Tim called his name, Henry opened his eyes slowly. Tim kissed him on the forehead. "Hi, sweet boy. I'm your new Daddy." The boy regarded him solemnly before holding up his arms, the signal for "up". Tim gathered him in his arms, giving him another gentle kiss. He asked him if he was hungry and Henry nodded. "Good! Let's get a clean diaper on you and then we'll eat." Tim kept his voice quiet and upbeat but not silly. He mentally thanked whoever packed Henry's belongings for including a package of diapers. Those made him feel a little better about Henry's life in the orphanage. They hadn't opened the Palmers' diaper pack yet and would return them with thanks. Ellie found an envelope in Henry's bag but neither she nor Tim had yet had time to look at the contents.
He decided to carry him to the kitchen to maintain contact and so Henry could see where they were going. He had him settled in his high chair, removed Lia's toy (standard procedure) and was just sitting down when Mackie changed his mind about hanging out in the kiddie corral. He wanted to be with everyone else. As Lia was still in the booster seat, Mackie returned to the high chair. As Tim slid him in, Henry pointed to the booster seat, "Me too?"
"Sure, Henry. Next meal, you can sit in a booster seat too."
The little boy nodded.
Ellie snickered, "So much for worrying about high chairs!"
Finally, everyone was seated and served. They were reaching for their forks when Henry held out his hands, quite clearly expecting a blessing before eating. Tim started to stand up to push Lia's chair closer so she could reach Henry's hand but with a grin, Ty beat him to it. With the whole family linking hands, Mommy said grace, despite Mackie's best, extra cute efforts to distract her.
After they ate, Brynie, Ty and Ellie cleaned the kitchen while Tim put all three little ones in the kiddie corral and then climbed in with them. He lay on his back while Mackie sat on his chest and Lia played with one of his ears. Henry crawled the length and width of the corral, checking everything out and then pushed himself up, running up and down. Ellie and Tim watched him quietly; glad to see he was right on track in his motor skills. He'd had no trouble eating, holding a spoon or drinking from a cup.
When Mackie decided to show off his new crawling skills, Henry toddled over to Tim and stood there looking at him. With a smile, Tim held out his arms and Henry went into them, crawling onto his chest. He lay down, his head close to Tim's heart and then he looked up, eyes wide, "What dat?"
Remembering Brynie at this age and Ty discovering his heartbeat, Tim smiled. "It's my heart beating! What does it sound like to you?" Henry thought a moment before saying, "Thub thub thub."
Watching, Ellie smiled, they were going to be fine. Crazy until he settled in, then a few months of 'normal' until the baby arrived. She sat on a kitchen chair, thinking aloud. "I'm glad we won't need another highchair. Hopefully by the time the baby is old enough to sit in one, Mackie will be in a booster seat too."
"You know if we do need another one, we can raid the storage barn. Who brought the single bed?"
"Somebody with a key, it was here when we got home. Probably your dad, maybe Jimmy."
Henry was still listening to Tim's heart. Ty climbed in and lay next to them. "What are you hearing, Henry?"
"Daddy heart. Goes thub thub thub."
Tim grinned at Ellie, kissed Henry and then pulled Ty in for a kiss. Ty said, "What?"
"I remember the first time you called me Daddy and the first time you listened to my heart."
"At our house that got blown up?"
"You called me Daddy while we were staying at Poppy's house. You heard my heartbeat after we moved into our house."
"Was I little?"
"You were 2½ years old."
"That's little but bigger than Lia, Henry and Mackie."
"That's right, son. Henry, you know what?"
The toddler looked up, shaking his head "Wha'?"
"I need to get up, can you help me?"
"Ok. How?"
"How about you slide off me and then your mama, sisters, brothers and I will take you for a walk around the house."
Henry nodded, sliding off, crawling away a couple of feet before he stood up. "I ready Mama, Daddy."
Grinning, Tim got up, picked him up and blew a raspberry kiss on his tummy. Henry giggled, the first sign of laughter they'd heard from him. Ellie didn't think they'd even seen a smile yet. The other kids cheered and squealed. Henry's blue eyes grew as big as saucers and then he broke into almost helpless laughter when his new daddy gave him another raspberry kiss.
Tim swung him up and gave him a big kiss. "Welcome home, Henry."