Gibbs didn't waste any time. "Tony, get up to speed with McGee. Ziva, you're with me. We've already booked everything, so we have no time to waste. Come on, Ziva. Abby's waiting." He dragged her toward the elevator.

"Boss, wait a minute. What in the hell is going on? Booked what? What are…?"

"Oh, didn't I tell you?" Gibbs head peaked through the elevator doors before they closed, a small smile on his face. "You and Ziva are getting married in two days."

Vignette Three: Part One

Tony just stared at the closed elevator doors. He turned to look at McGee, who was back at work, typing furiously on his keyboard.

Tony marched himself over to McGee's desk and put his hand over the keyboard.

McGee looked up. "Tony! I'm trying to work here."

"McGee, you need to tell me what in the hell is going on. Not that I am upset that Ziva and I are getting married. I just didn't expect to hear the news about it from Gibbs!" Tony refused to move his hand.

"OK, here's what I know. Yesterday, a Navy Captain and his new bride were killed during a robbery attempt, in the hotel where they were spending their honeymoon. They had just eloped."

Tony grimaced at that. "Ok, but there's more to it than that, right? Otherwise…"

"Yes, there's more. The case just seemed hinky to me, so I did some crossing-referencing of robberies and military couples while on their honeymoons."

"And?"

"And I was right. There have been at least fifty newlyweds who have been robbed with this scenario. Of'course, they never came across our desks…"

"Yeah, I get it. Simple robberies. Sad, but not exactly our area."

"Exactly. So I did some more digging to see if there was anything I could find that might link any of these couples, other than the obvious that they were all newlyweds and in the military. I found out that they had all been married at this place called the "Garden of Love" Chapel in Alexandria, VA., outside the beltway."

"Something went wrong with this robbery. Maybe the Captain fought back, or they weren't supposed to be in their rooms and came back early." McGee shrugged. "Now that we are dealing with a murder, it's our case."

"And we need a target." Tony rubbed his jaw. "As thrilled as I am to even pretend to be getting married to Ziva, I am not really interested in knowingly putting her in danger."

Tim looked at Tony. "DiNozzo please: Other than the part about being thrilled to be married to you. Ziva is probably saying the same thing to Gibbs."

"You wound me McGee. But you are right about Ziva; she can take care of herself. But that doesn't mean I have to like it. So what's next? Where do we go from here?"

McGee handed Tony a form. "You and Ziva need to fill this out and get it paid for. You already have your ceremony scheduled for 1pm on the 28th." Tim paused to hand Tony a packet.

"Inside are your reservations for your honeymoon at the Williamsburg Inn and Resort. You are booked for three days. From what we've seen, all of the robberies have occurred on the second night, but we want to make sure in case, well, you know."

"Stan Burley will be your contact and backup. He will be staying in the room next to you and Ziva. You will have an adjoining door which I usually find annoying when I stay in a hotel but will work to our advantage in this case."

"Ok, this is an impressive amount of work you've done in a…very short time, McGee. But I feel a little lost. What I am I missing here?"

McGee looked worried. "Well, we don't know about the chain of communication. How did the robbers know where these newlyweds were going to be staying? We are assuming that there is someone at this chapel that somehow decides who the victims will be, figures out where they will be staying, and then contacts another party, the group responsible for the robberies. Which does remind me of a part I left out."

"The only couples targeted were those who seemed to have something worth stealing. Apparently a sailor who bought his bride to be a $500 .25 carat diamond chip engagement ring in 10k gold was not considered to be worth the effort."

"So we need to bring some serious bling to the table." Tony clutched his packet.

McGee nodded. "Very serious bling."

Abby's Lab

Ziva followed Gibbs into Abby's lab, uncertain as to what she was getting into. She liked going undercover, but this seemed to be hitting a little too close to home. Gibbs had given her an abbreviated version of Tim's story to Tony as they were descending to Abby's lab.

Abby looked up and smiled brightly. "There you are! Ok, let me show you what I've got." She upended an envelope, out of which tumbled three rings. One was clearly an engagement ring. It had a large center diamond and a row of three smaller diamonds on each side. The setting appeared to be 14k Gold. The Brides' wedding band was a ring of diamonds, totally encircling the ring. The husband's ring was a thick band of 14k Gold, with three diamonds in a channel set on top.

Abby went on. "These rings have tracking sensors in them. In the off chance this gang is actually able to steal them, we will be able to follow them. It's like the same technology of the chip you put in your pet's ear in case they run away or get taken."

Ziva caught her breath. "You could not have found something simpler?" Gibbs smiled. "No Ziver. We want someone to want to steal these rings. Have to dangle some damn good bait to catch the bad guys."

Ziva smiled at that. "Yes, I suppose you are right about that. So what do we need to do right now?"

"I thought you'd never ask!" Abby took her hand. "You and I are going shopping. You need a dress, and shoes and a veil and…"

Ziva held up her hand. "Wait. If this is not real, then why do we need all of this stuff?"

Gibbs whispered in her ear. "Because these guys don't know it's not real. This has to look like you and Tony are really getting married. Which is why Abby is going to be your Bridesmaid, Tim the Best Man, and I am going to walk you down the aisle."

Ziva looked at Gibbs. "Don't worry; we won't ruin it for you, for when it happens for real." He kissed her on the cheek.

Ziva wasn't sure, but she thought Gibbs just gave her and Tony permission to get married. "Is it getting warm in here?" She asked suddenly.

Abby smirked at Gibbs. "Getting cold feet already? Let's go before Papa Gibbs changes his mind." Abby grabbed Ziva's hand and pulled her out of the lab. Ziva just looked at Gibbs behind her, feeling lost and scared.

"Ziver! It will be ok, have fun with it." Gibbs smiled as Ziva tried to summon up a smile.

Before they left the building, Ziva stopped Abby. "I need to speak to Tony first, Abby. I will not be long." Abby looked a little disappointed but agreed. "Remember, not too long!"

Ziva entered the bullpen, looking for Tony. "McGee! Where is Tony?" McGee pointed towards the Men's room. Ziva made a bee-line for it and then opened the door. Fortunately, only Tony was inside.

He got one look at her face and walked over to her to rub her arms. "Hey, it's just undercover. You like undercover, remember?"

"This is different. We are actually going through with a wedding ceremony, Tony. It will seem…real." Tony tried not to look hurt.

"I didn't realize you would find that so…distasteful."

Ziva's features softened and she felt bad. "I did not mean it that way. I am sorry Tony. What I meant was. A wedding is a special day. I do not want this to…" Tony engulfed her in a big hug. "Ziva, I have no idea if you will ever want to marry me for real, but I will promise you one thing."

"What is that?" Ziva looked into Tony's eyes.

"That if we ever get married for real our wedding will look nothing like what we will be doing in two days." Ziva relaxed against him. "Thank you. I am sorry to worry about such simple things."

"Hey there is nothing simple about a wedding, fake or real. You wouldn't believe the crap McGee gave me to do."

"Oh, that reminds me. Abby is waiting for me. Apparently I have to buy a wedding outfit." Tony's eyes widened at that. "Do I get to see it later?"

"No, if you are going to be a groom then you have to wait."

Amara's Bridal Salon, Annapolis

Ziva let Abby handle most of the conversation- "Yes, we know it is not much time; no we do not have any special needs; just a wedding gown that looks like a wedding gown and that can be purchased off the rack."

Ziva had discovered the cover story regarding the sudden marriage to be that Tony "DeMarco" was a retired Marine officer who was currently attached to an intelligence unit in Afghanistan, as a consultant. Even though his deployment would end in three months, they didn't want to wait, and like all good American's, they wanted to take advantage of the tax break.

The bridal consultant brought out a variety of gowns, most of which Ziva nixed outright. Abby talked to her privately. "Ziva, what is going through your head? If you have been thinking of what you would be wearing if you and Tony were getting married, then I can understand your pickiness."

Ziva looked uncomfortable. "Yes, that is partly it. I do not know what will happen with Tony and me. But if we should ever decide to take that step, I want that day to be the way I want it. I do not want this day to look anything…this is not how it is supposed to be."

Abby took her friends hand. "Have you ever thought about what you would wear if you and Tony were actually getting married?'

Slightly embarrassed, Ziva nodded yes. "Ok, then! We just won't look at any dresses that resemble your dream dress." Abby thought for a while. "Is your dream dress sleeveless or does it have sleeves?"

Ziva crinkled her eyebrows. "Sleeveless? I think, what I want is called strapless."

Abby grinned. "Oohh…I am liking your style already. Onward: loose and flowy, A-line, form-fitting…"

"Form fitting, but not all the way down, maybe just past my hips."

Abby blinked her eyes. "You really do know what you want, don't you?" Abby was furiously taking notes, with two columns: Yes, No. "Now, fabric. Plain? Satin or taffeta? Lace? Crystals and pearls?"

"Definitely crystals and pearls. I do not know fabrics." Ziva looked confused.

"OK, well it is winter, so let's pick a fabric that is not real flimsy, like a satin. Taffeta can be really heavy and is more appropriate for the ball-gown type. Do you want to look like Cinderella?"

Abby had to laugh at the horror in Ziva's eyes. "That's a big no." She wrote.

Abby walked over the bridal consultant and spoke to her privately, showing her the list. The saleswoman's eyes almost popped out her head when she saw the "No" list. She looked at Abby with concern. "She does realize she wants an off the rack dress?"

"Please, just find something that's close to what is on the "Yes" list."

The consultant looked at the list again. Suddenly, a big smile appeared on her face. "I'll be right back."

Abby went back and sat with Ziva. "She's going to get a gown. Try to be open."

When the consultant returned, both Ziva and Abby gasped. The gown has made of satin and organza. The bodice was shirred, with a large band made of the same material with lace and an applique in the middle at the waist. The skirt of the dress fell in a slight A-line from the waist, satin overlaid with organza.

The bodice was attached to lace that formed the top of the dress and the three-quarter length sleeves. So even though the dress had the feel of being strapless, because of the sheer lace top and sleeves it was modest and offered a beautiful alternative to the solid satin.

"Try it on, try it on!" Abby pushed Ziva toward the dress. Shyly, Ziva looked at her friend, and then followed the consultant to the dressing room.

Ziva returned ten minutes later. Abby was busy texting Tim and didn't notice Ziva's return. When she looked up, she dropped her phone. "Oh, my God, Ziva! And this isn't your dream dress?"

Despite herself, Ziva had a beautiful smile on her face. "It is perfect, is it not?" The consultant was fussing with the skirt, flipping it out to show its shape at its best. "It doesn't have a train, I hope that is ok. It wasn't on your…list." Ziva smiled. "I would not want a train, so yes it is ok."

The consultant stood back, hands on hips, satisfied. "I forgot about this dress. It was a special order, and then, sadly the wedding was called off." She took a breath. "Now, what about the veil?"

That took Ziva out of the little world she was in. "Do I have to wear one?" The consultant sighed and Abby frowned. "Ziva, what did we just talk about? Just pick something you would not pick if…well, you know." They didn't want the consultant to know that this was not Ziva's real wedding.

Ziva sighed. "Very well. Something simple, no longer than, I don't know, here?" She touched the middle of her upper arm.

"And the headpiece?"

Ziva shook her head, adamant. "No headpiece. Something that I can just attach to my hair, in the back."

"Well, then, I know what will be perfect." This was Abby who spoke. "I saw it as we were walking in." Abby walked over to the veil area and returned with a white, 20" rattail edged veil, attached to a comb.

"You can put your hair up, half up, half down or leave it down." The consultant took the veil from Abby and attached the veil to the back of Ziva's hair, which she was currently wearing with the top loosely pulled back and the rest as loose curls resting on her shoulders.

After using several bobby pins, the veil was secured. "There you go." Abby turned Ziva around so she could see the full affect in the floor length mirrors.

Ziva gasped and got mad at herself when she felt tears forming. "This isn't even real, get hold of yourself, David!" She sternly lectured herself.

"No blusher?" Abby asked, not really sure if Ziva knew what that was. Ziva leaned in to Abby and whispered. "Not this time."

Abby smiled her understanding. They couldn't believe how lucky they were: the dress fit Ziva as if it was made for her. The veil was perfect, not taking away from the beauty of the dress.

"We'll take it!" Abby beamed. The sales consultant smiled. "This dress had never been worn, so it doesn't really need to be cleaned. We can do a quick steam press to get any wrinkles out if you would like. The same with your veil."

Abby thought about it. "How long would that take?" The consultant checked her book. "Ready by 10am tomorrow morning?"

"Done!" Abby handed over a credit card. Ziva grabbed Abby's hand. "Abby what are you doing? You can't pay for this. If I am wearing this, I should pay and pray to be reimbursed."

Abby grinned. "No worries, my Israeli friend. All complements of NCIS." Ziva just looked at Abby stunned. "Of'course, that means you don't get to keep it. I guess they'll just use it the next time you have to go undercover and get married."

That brought a smile and a head shake from Ziva. She looked at her watch. "Good, Tony and I have time to do something about a driver's license. He texted me about a half hour ago."

Abby giggled. "Marriage license, Ziva. Not driver's license. Go ahead, shoo! Go meet Tony. I got this all under control." Ziva gave her friend a quick kiss on the cheek and practically ran out the door.

"Oh yeah. This is going to be fun!" Abby murmured to herself.

Ziva called Tony and told him where she was. Less than ten minutes later, he showed up. His eyes got huge when he realized she was standing in front of a bridal salon. "Wow! Do I get to see?"

"In two days." Ziva teased him. "Now what is this we are doing?"

"Before you can get married, you have to file for a marriage license. You can't get married without one. So we are getting this taken care of today so there are no problems. I already filled out my part. You just need to fill in your section, then we take it to the courthouse, pay a fee and get the form back so gthat the minister or whatever he is called signs once we are married."

"You seem to know an awful lot about this...Oh, I am sorry Tony. I forgot." She caressed his cheek. "I am sorry. Forgive me?"

Tony took her hand and kissed it. "Of'course. That was a long time ago. Frankly, I'm surprised I remembered as much as I did. Maybe I've been thinking a lot about it lately."

Ziva gave him a look of shock, then punched him in his upper arm when he saw his silly grin.

As they were driving, Ziva used Tony's laptop as a table and completed her portion of the application. After signing it, she folded it up and put it in the envelope. "Is that it?"

"Just need to pay the fee." Tony looked at Ziva after they pulled into a parking spot. "You did bring some money didn't you?" Before Ziva could punch him again, he grabbed her arm and pulled her into an embrace. He kissed her deeply. "Are you ready?"

Ziva kissed him back. "I think so, yes."

They got out of the car and walked into the building hand in hand.

Friday, December 28, 2012.

Tony was pacing up and down in front of the chapel, clearly nervous. Tim, as Best Man was quietly taking photos with his phone, grinning at Tony's discomfort.

"Are you going to be this nervous when you two finally get married, you know for real?" Tim's voice was a whisper. Tony whipped his head around and looked at him. Tim was clearly egging him on, but he also looked like he was asking a legitimate question that needed a truthful answer.

Tony leaned into Tim. "No, because when that time comes, I know she will show up." Tim nodded. "Uh, huh," and walked away and texted Abby.

The minister, Samuel Evans, was chatting with Tony and Tim, when he looked up. "Ah, it looks like the Bridal party has arrived. He looked at the organist, who began playing the "Wedding March."

Abby started walking down the aisle, shaking a little. Ziva would not let her wear black. So she had allowed Abby to wear a dark green dress that came to just above her knees, which went with the holiday. She carried reddish-orange colored roses and baby's breath.

Tony and Tim smiled as Abby navigated down the aisle, wearing fairly high heels. To her credit, she didn't stumble once. She gave Tony a tearful smile.

"Geesh, she's playing her role really well." Tim whispered to Tony. Tony bumped his elbow, the closest he could get to a head slap. Suddenly, the music swelled and the double doors opened.

Gibbs stepped inside, wearing a dark suit, green tie and a cream colored rose boutinneire. Beside him, on his arm, swept in Ziva, carrying a bouquet of cream colored roses.

Tony and Tim's mouths both dropped open, but they quickly recovered themselves. Tony couldn't believe what he was looking at. To say Ziva was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen wouldn't even begin to describe it. He also couldn't believe it when he felt the tears start to slowly slide down his cheeks.

Ziva locked eyes with Tony the entire walk down the aisle. No one else was in the room. Even if this was not the real thing, it had to appear to be the real thing. Ziva had no trouble playing the part. She was startled when she realized that Tony had actually started to cry, but was glad he had quickly recovered himself.

Once Gibbs got her to Tony's side, he gave them both a 'Gibbs look.' Reverend Evans began, using the standard ceremony. Fortunately, no one stood up and declared a reason for the couple not to be joined in marriage. When he asked, "Who gives this woman to this man to married in Holy Matrimony?"

Gibbs stepped forward, and with a slightly emotional voice said, "I do." He placed Ziva's right hand into Tony's right hand, kissed Ziva on the cheek and sat down in a pew. Abby looked at him and smiled, knowing he was probably thinking of another young lady he should have given away in marriage.

The ceremony was short, no additional readings or lectures, no special vows written and recited by the Bride and Groom. "Anthony, will you take this woman, whose hands you hold, choosing her alone to be your wedded wife? Will you live with her in the state of true matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, through good times and bad, in sickness and in health, honor her at all times, and be faithful to her?"

Tony looked deeply into Ziva's eyes, "Yes, I will."

"Ziva, will you take this man, whose hands you hold, choosing him alone to be your wedded husband? Will you live with him in the state of true matrimony? Will you love him, comfort him, through good times and bad, in sickness and in health, honor him at all times, and be faithful to him?"

Ziva had not broken eye contact with Tony. A gentle tear slid down her cheek. "Yes, I will."

They placed their rings on each other's fingers, Tony kissing Ziva's hand when he finished.

"What God and Love hath joined together, let no man or woman tear asunder. In as much as you, Anthony, and you Ziva, have consented together to this union of marriage, and you have pledged your faith to each other here in my presence, and the presence of this company, now by the authority vested in me as a minister for the state of Virginia, I now announce that you are Husband and Wife." Reverend Evans broke out into a big grin.

"Kiss your bride, young man!" Everyone laughed and Tony took Ziva into her arms and kissed her with so much emotion he couldn't stop the tears as well. Everyone cheered and clapped.

With a big DiNozzo grin, Tony escorted Ziva back down the aisle. Everyone soon gathered around, Jimmy talking pictures as the "official photographer."

"I believe you have something for me to sign?" Rev. Evans asked Tony. "Oh, yes." He pretended that he couldn't find it, slapping several pockets. After seeing the look in Gibbs' eye, he smiled. "Just kidding. Here it is." He handed over the license to the minister, who quickly scrawled the date, time and his signature. "Joey?" He called to his son; he helped him run the Chapel. "The stamp please?"

They had a special stamp made up for the Chapel so he wouldn't have to write it out each time. Stamping the document, he handed it back to Tony. "Get that in the mail right away, so you can get your marriage certificate." Joey, Jr. came up and offered them a guestbook. "Can you please sign this for us? We like all our couples to sign our book."

Taking a pen, Tony signed "Anthony DeMarco" and Ziva signed "Ziva Davidson DeMarco." "Great, thanks!" Joey shook Tony and Ziva's hands, offering them his left hand. "So any great honeymoon plans?"

Tony put his arm around Ziva. "A short one, unfortunately. I rejoin my unit in Afghanistan in a week. We're spending a couple of days at the Williamsburg Inn and Resort." Reverend Evans raised his eyes in appreciation. "That is a beautiful place. I know you will enjoy it. I'm sorry to hear you have to leave your bride so soon."

Tony looked appropriately sad. "Well, I'm a consultant with the Corps. My deployment actually ends in three months but…" He looked at Ziva and kissed her again. The Reverend laughed. "Couldn't wait?"

Tony continued looking at Ziva. "Would you?" Gibbs pointedly looked at his watch. "Hey, if we want to get to the restaurant in time and get you down to Williamsburg, we need to go…now!"

Tony and Ziva thanked the Chapel people again for a wedding "they will always remember." The group left together, then got into their separate cars. They would all meet again at a pre-arranged placed.

Thanks for the super support for this series. Once again, this Vignette is larger than expected. Since the Season X premiere is a 10 days away, I need to get on the stick with this series. Thanks again!