Chapter 23

I would like to thank Kikilia14 for the lovely review and the encouragement on the last chapter. It was a hard one to get right. I would love to hear for others. Did I get Gibbs right?

Gibbs and Samantha slept in each other's arms the whole night. Both had very good dreams and were well rested. Samantha awoke to the sun streaming into the window of Gibbs' guest room. She stretched and suddenly realized that Gibbs was up and gone. After the conversation last evening a look a panic filled her heart. What if he had left her? He promised her he would not ever send her away again but her anxious mind was flooded with what ifs. She knew he still loved Shannon and his Kelly. She knew that she could never take their place and did not want to.

Just then she heard steps on the stairs. She was not sure but she thought she heard someone humming a tune. She looked toward the door and in walked Leroy Jethro Gibbs carrying a tray of food and on the tray was a single red rose. "Well, look who is awake. I thought I was going to wake you for breakfast."

"Good morning yourself. When I woke up and did not see you I thought …" she stopped and just smiled at him.

"You thought what. That I left you." She nodded with tears in her eyes. "I am not going anywhere. I promised remember. I keep my word." He sat the tray down on the bed and handed her a crystal glass with diet coke. On the tray was a western omelet and bacon.

"You cooked?"

"I have been single a long time. Of course I know how to cook. Just not worth it for one. Ordering out is easier," he chuckled.

"Should I check this for egg shells?" she joked. Gibbs stared at her and smiled remembering the story she had told him about her first batch of brownies she had ever made. She had put the eggs in shells and all. "Yes I put the whole egg in it. Wasn't I supposed to?" He fed her a piece of the omelet.

"Don't make fun of me Jethro. I was only in the second grade." She pretended to hit him but instead she just brushed his cheek with her hand. "Mmmm this is good. Maybe you should cook for me more often."

"Naw, you are a much better cook than I am." Both started eating and just enjoying each other's company. "It snowed last night."

"Really, how much?"

"About six inches and it is still snowing. Maybe you and I could go for a walk later," he suggested.

"I would love to. I have been in Washington for almost five years and I can't get used to this much snow." Samantha told him between bites.

"What?" Gibbs asked.

"Remember I 'm from Texas. We only get snow once or twice a year and unless it is a major storm it is gone in one or two days. My little sister never saw snow that covered the ground until she was five years old." Gibbs chuckled and smiled at her. He would never get tired hearing her talk about Texas. Someday he needed to take her back there and see it through her eyes.

"Ok then eat up so we can take our walk. I have a feeling that we are going to be in for a family gathering this evening."

"Why is that?" Samantha inquired finishing up her omelet.

"Usually when we have a storm on the weekend the team shows up for a movie night or afternoon as the case maybe." He told her. "Besides Abby called earlier and asked."

"What time are they coming? Sounds like fun."

"About two o'clock."

Samantha looked at the clock on the bedside table. "Guess I had better get dressed. I will need a shower after we get back to warm me up."

"Oh I can imagine another way to warm you up." Gibbs smirked as he took the tray and left the room.

"Promises, promises," she yelled after him. She quickly got up and dressed in the warmest clothes she had at his house.

NCIS NCIS NCIS NCIS NCIS NCIS

Samantha came down the stairs into the living area to find Gibbs waiting for her. He was dressed ready for the outside and was holding a different coat for her. "That's not mine," she said.

"It belonged to Shannon but it is much warmer than yours for a walk in the snow. I am sure she would not mind."

"Are you sure?" Samantha stared into his eyes.

"Wouldn't offer it I was not sure." He helped her into the coat. She buttoned up the coat and Gibbs handed her the gloves that went with the coat. "Ready"

"Ready"

The two stepped out into the snow. Huge flakes were still falling and it was like a Winter Wonderland outside. Grabbing her arm Gibbs let Samantha walked out into the snow. Gibbs loved Samantha's child like amusement at the snow covered world. They headed toward the park located near both their houses.

Neither of them spoke as they walked through the falling snow. Samantha looked up at Gibbs as smiled with nothing but love in her eyes. As they entered park Gibbs led her toward a bench and wiped the snow off. The two sat down on the cleared bench. "I love snow that has not been walked it. It looks like a blanket spread out on the ground. It is beautiful." Samantha said looking across the snow covered playground.

"Never really thought about it myself."

"Bet it is because you never really paid attention since you are used to snow." She giggled "Or you are just not that observant."

"Being observant is my job Sam." Gibbs was just a little irritated.

"Don't get your underwear in a twist Jethro" She laid her head on his shoulder and sticking her hands in his pocket. "I was just kidding."

Gibbs smirked at her comment. He then reached down picked up some snow and put it down her back. Samantha squealed and jumped up trying to shake the show out of her coat. "Oh it is on now." She grabbed a handful of snow and made a snowball and hit him square in the face with the wet ball. Just as she threw it she ran away from him and made ready for his counter attack. "So that is how you want to play."

Gibbs made another ball and fired back hitting her in the back as she building up her arsenal. The two exchanged snowballs until Gibbs snuck up behind her and gently tackled her to the ground. The couple hit the ground both laughing. Jethro looked into her eyes as he was holding her. Snow was in her hair and on her eyelashes. He had never seen her look so beautiful. He leaned in and put his lips on hers kissing her with the all the passion that he felt for her at that moment.

When the kiss ended Gibbs looked at her and smiled. He noticed that her lips were quivering. "Are you cold?"

"Well that kiss warmed me up some." She smiled and kissed him again. This time he felt her shivering.

"You are cold. Guess we need to head back to the house," he said helping her up. He brushed the snow off her coat and offered her his arm for the walk back to the house.

"Ok I am a little bit cold. But next time I will win."

"Is that a challenge Miss Waverly?"

"Oh yes," she said snuggling in close as they walked home.

"Oh then you are so on," he whispered.

The two walked back to the house chatting quietly about nothing. They were just enjoying each other's company.

As they walked into the house Gibbs helped Samantha off with her coat and her boots. "I'll start a fire while you go get a shower and warm up."

"Sounds good." She smiled and headed toward the stairs just as Gibbs' phone rang.

"Gibbs." He looked toward Sam and mouthed the word Abby. Samantha shook her head and headed up the stairs. "Hey Abbs."

"Gibbs, it so beautiful outside. Have you seen it?"

"Yes Abby. Samantha and I just got back from a walk. What's up?" Gibbs still holding the phone went outside to get some wood for the fire.

"I was wondering if you are ready for us to come over. "

"Come on anytime. I am making a fire and Sam mentioned something about some chili."

"Does she need anything? We could pick up something on the way."

"I don't think so Abby. She usually keeps stuff here. She is in the shower right now. I will have her call you."

"Ok Gibbs. See you soon." Abby got off the phone and immediately called Tony and Ziva since McGee was already at her apartment.

"So, are we heading over there?" McGee asked. Abby nodded and grabbed her coat.

Gibbs got the fire started and made a pot of coffee. When he had poured himself a cup of coffee he heard Samantha come down the stairs. She looked beautiful. She was dressed in a pair of sweatpants and one of his NIS sweatshirts. Her hair hung down around her shoulders. She was putting it up in a pony tail when she noticed him. "Leave it down. It looks better that way." She smiled and let her hair fall back down around her shoulders and put the pony tail holder around her wrist. "Your wish is my command sir."

"I made you a cup of hot tea." Samantha made a face. She had never been a fan of drinking anything hot. "I know but you need something warm inside."

"Ok. What did Abby want?"

"The team is on it's was over."

"Guess I had better get the chili started." Samantha started into the kitchen.

"You don't have to start right now." He motioned to the couch where her cup of tea was sitting. She smiled and sat down. She looked over at the roaring fire. Gibbs sat down next to her and put his arm around her.

"That is a beautiful fire. I always wished we had a fire place growing up but Daddy said it was too much trouble."

"I love making a fire for you." He smiled kissing her on top of her head. They sat and snuggled him drinking his coffee and her sipping on her tea.

They had been sitting there for half an hour when the door opened and in bounced Abby with McGee on her heels. Gibbs got up and helped Abby off with her coat and hung it by the door. "Thank you Gibbs." Abby said looking toward Samantha. "You need any help with the chili."

"Sure been just sitting here enjoying the fire. Guess we better get started. Ziva and Tony on their way."

"Yes. He said he would bring the movies."

Ziva and Tony arrived a while later and most of the team was gathered for a fun afternoon. Ziva, Abby and Samantha were in the kitchen cooking and laughing. The men were in the living room watching a college basketball game on the television Samantha had convinced Gibbs to buy. She had also finally dragged him into the 21st century and convinced him to get cable.

Samantha was concerned that Ducky was not there. Abby had told her that Ducky could not get away because of his mother.

The family sat down at the table sometime later and enjoyed a wonderful meal of chili and for dessert Samantha had put together a peach cobbler for dessert.

After eating and cleaning up the group sat down ready to watch the movie Tony had brought. Samantha sat next to Gibbs on the sofa. Ziva and Tony were on the other end trying not to act like a couple. Tim and Abby were sitting on the floor. McGee was leaning against the bottom of the recliner and Abby was sitting in front of him with her back leaning back on his chest.

They watched in silence just enjoying being together. As the movie ended and Tony was picking another movie. Gibbs and Ziva went into the kitchen to make some hot chocolate for everyone but Sam. The others stayed in the living room.

Once they were in the kitchen Gibbs took Ziva aside. "Ziva, can I ask you a question? "

"Sure Gibbs," she said while she was mixing the hot chocolate.

"Would you go shopping with me?"

"For what, "she inquired raising her eyebrow."Why me Gibbs?'

"This is top secret mind you," he whispered. "I want to get something special Samantha."

Ziva eyed him. "A secret present for Samantha?"

"Yes, I picked you because you have elegant taste. I want to get her something elegant and special"

" We looking for something from a jewelry store. Yes."

Gibbs put a finger to his lips and winked. "We will see tomorrow Ziva," he said taking his hot chocolate and Sam's diet coke into the living room. "We shall see."

Gibbs looked at Ziva and winked again as he sat down next to Samantha. "What's up with you?"

"Oh nothing." Gibbs put his arm around her and hugged her close.