Chapter 31

Hope you really loved the proposal. I never really had a proposal when I got married at least a true one where the man I loved cared enough to really plan it out. It was always just assumed. Now this chapter is about telling the team. Please let me know about Chapter 30 and this one. I really enjoy reviews. I write for fun and relaxation but reviews really make my day.

Disclaimer: I do not own NCIS.

When Gibbs woke up on Sunday morning with the love of his life snuggled in his arms all he could do was smile. He looked down into her sleeping face. He loved the way she looked when she was asleep. She always looked so peaceful. He really hated to wake her but his pressing need for coffee and a full bladder was going to force him up soon.

Gibbs began to stroke her hair and whispered into her ear. "Sweetheart, I hate to wake you but I really need a cup of coffee." Sam began to stir quietly mumbling something about it not being a school day. He took her hand in his and watched how the ring she was wearing caught the light of the morning sun coming through the windows. "I really have to hit the head."

Samantha then let the giggles get the best of her. Gibbs looked at her. "You were awake all this time. "

She looked up at him and smiled. "Maybe" she giggled. "Do you really need a potty break?"

"Yes" he grumbled with a smile on his face.

"So I guess you would like me to get up now."

"That wouldbe nice."

Sam scooted up and kissed him. "Guess I have to let you go then." She got up and headed toward the kitchen. She looked at the clock. It was almost 10 am. "You head upstairs and I will get your coffee started," Samantha hollered up at him.

As she was making the coffee, Samantha looked down at her ring. She smiled and remembered last night when he had gotten down on one knee and asked her to be his forever. Samantha was lost in her own world when Gibbs came into the kitchen. He just gazed at her and just smiled. She was looking at her ring with a couple of tears of joy in her eyes. Gibbs walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. "What are you thinking about?"

She leaned back against his chest. "Just enjoying the moment I guess."

"Sounds like a good thing to do." He kissed her neck and then reached around her to grab his coffee cup. Samantha just smiled.

"Really Gibbs. You have me in your arms and you reach past me for coffee" she smirked.

"Love you but gota have my coffee."

"I was just wondering something. We need to tell the team about this." She smiled pointing to her ring. "Abby sees this and she will go ballistic if we don't tell her before she figures it out."

He looked at her and nodded yes. He thought about the firestorm they would receive from Abby if she found out about their engagement from someone else. Even Ziva knowing that he was going to ask was risking the wrath of Abby. "What do you suggest?"

"How about a dinner party tonight? I could get put on a pot of chili and some chips and salsa." Samantha suggested. "Then we can tell them over supper."

"That's great idea. If you are going to cook tonight, why don't you sit down and I will fix you breakfast."

"That sounds terrific I am starving. I will send a text to everyone inviting them over for tonight." He smiled at her and started rummaging through the kitchen for breakfast fixings.

"Why don't you ask Kelly and Julie?" Gibbs suggested. The two were fast becoming part of the NCIS extended family.

"I could but Julie is usually so tired on Sundays I really hate to interfere with their mother/daughter time. We could tell Kelly next Saturday. Take her to a special place. After all we won't see her until then. That would make it special for just her."

"Maybe so. She would love that." Gibbs smiled as he took the pancake mix from the reorganized pantry. He had decided today deserved a special breakfast and chocolate chip pancakes was Sam's favorite Sunday breakfast.

NCIS

Ziva was just waking up when her phone made a sound letting her know she had a text. She reached over to the bed side table and knocked her phone off into the floor. She leaned over and picked the phone up off the floor. Looking at the text she smiled. "Looks like you asked and she said yes," she told herself.

Just then Tony walked out of the bathroom. His hair was wet from the shower and he had a towel wrapped around his waist. "Who you talking to Zi?"

"Myself. Samantha just texted me about dinner tonight. Bet you got one too," she said. Tony walked over and picked up the tux pants he had been wearing for their big date. Taking his phone out of his pocket he noticed the same text from Samantha.

"Wonder what's up?"

"I have my suspicions," Ziva replied smiling.

"But you are not going to tell me right."

"No. However I am really getting hungry. Breakfast would be nice," she said changing the subject. She knew Gibbs would want to tell the team himself.

"Well my lady how about you get out of that bed and I take you out for brunch."

"That would be wonderful." Ziva grabbed Tony's OSU T-shirt and threw it on over her head as she got out of bed. She walked toward the bathroom. Tony just watched her walk totally enjoying the view. "Tony, could you go down to my car and get me my to go bag. I need a change of clothes." Ziva was really delighted knowing her little show was attractive to her long time partner.

"Your wish is my command," he said bowing at the waist. "Zi I totally enjoyed last night. Not just the bedroom part." He grinned and winked at her. Ziva just rolled her eyes. She knew he enjoyed their time in bed together but the whole night had been so wonderful. She truly felt loved.

"Me too, Tony." She smiled to herself. "Who knew Tony could be so romantic? Had to be a movie," she thought as she turned on the shower.

NCIS

Abby had hogtied McGee into joining her for church and now they were sitting at Abby's favorite place for brunch on Sundays. Both their cells beeped at the same time. The couple both jumped with surprise at the interruption to their silence. "Wonder what Sam wants" Abby said reading the text. "Looks like I have an invitation for supper."

"Me too." McGee smiled putting the phone down on the table. "Sounds important."

Abby's mind was racing like always. She wondered what was up. If Gibbs and Samantha wanted a "family" gathering at his place usually she knew about it long before this. Either way she was not going to miss this. Abby typed a quick" McGee and I will be there. You need me to bring anything." Abby looked at McGee. "I just answered for both of us."

"Thanks" he murmured taking a drip of his coffee. He still had his mind on last night. After the movie, he and Abby had gone back to her place and cuddled on the sofa enjoying her Valentine present. The movie was not his favorite but he always enjoyed watching it with Abby. At least he got to put his arms around her as she watched.

After Abby answered Samantha's text she took a sip of her CafPow and began remembering their conversation at the restaurant. They decided that dating again might be fun. She was not sure she wanted anything more just yet. Abby knew she had hurt Tim when they dated before and she did not want to hurt him again.

Tim on the other hand would have taken anything, even being hurt if he thought he had a chance to be with her. The couple looked up from their brunch and smiled. They were so in tune with each other as friends neither of them wanted to ruin that. A loving relationship might interfere with their friendship if they were not careful.

Abby looked up from her plate and reached for Tim's hand. "I had fun last night. I really did. I have really not had a Valentines' date since high school."

"I enjoyed it too, Abby. Maybe we can do it again another time. I would enjoy a dinner and a movie with you every day of the week."

Abby rubbed the top of his hand with her thumb. "Just name the day Timmy and I will be there with bells on."

Tim smiled laying his other hand on top of hers. Tim knew Abby and that was not just a saying with her. She just might show up for their next date with skull shaped bells on.

NCIS

Gibbs and Samantha spent the afternoon working. Samantha was in the kitchen starting the chili and dip when Gibbs came up from the basement. "Getting lonely down there alone." Samantha smiled as she heard him walk into the kitchen.

"Maybe a little. Kind of empty down there without you." He walked over and poured himself another cup of coffee. He then leaned against the cabinet and just watched her work. He loved watching her work. Gibbs did not care if she was cooking, grading papers or working on literacy stations for her students. Everything she did was done with the utmost care and love. "God," he thought "she can even make grading school papers look sexy."

Samantha put the green sauce and salsa into the refrigerator and put the chili in the Crockpot she had bought for family dinners at Casa de Gibbs. She then turned around and saw him watching here as she began washing the few dishes she had used to prepare the meal. "What is on your mind Jethro? You don't just stand and stare at me or do you and I just have not caught you doing it."

Gibbs gave her a "who me" smirk and walked up and put his arms around waist and pulling her closer for a kiss. After they broke apart he looked into her eyes. "Just thinking"

"About?" She knew he had something on his mind.

"The wedding" he told her.

"More like the wedding night I would imagine." Samantha smirked as she put her hands around his neck and looked straight into his deep blue eyes.

"No seriously Sam. Something came to me while I was in the basement. Do you want a big wedding since your first one was ruined?"

"I don't think so. David had lots of family and he wanted a wedding with all the bells and whistles. The big wedding was his idea. I am a simple lady and a wedding with just family and friends would be just great. Too many bad memories from the first time."

"I don't want you to be disappointed. I had my fairytale wedding with Shannon as well as three others. Don't want you to miss out if that is what you want." The couple left the kitchen Sam with her trusty diet coke and Gibbs with his coffee. They headed downstairs to the basement. Samantha grabbed her school bag and Gibbs went back to his boat. This was their usual Sunday afternoon date. They did not speak much just enjoyed listening to Sam's country music on her phone and each working on their respective tasks.

When they were both settled in the basement Sam continued the conversation about their wedding. "You know what I really want."

"What?"

"A simple quiet wedding in Ducky's backyard. I know it must beautiful when all his flowers are blooming, the birds singing and such on a lovely spring day."

Gibbs took a sip of coffee and looked at her. "Never really noticed but he does takes great pride in sharing the flowers he grows in the spring and summer" he said remembering the bouquets he had brought to Jenny's office in the summer. "But Spring that is so long away."

"Now it is not. You just want me moved in here and sleeping in your bed each night." She teased him. She knew her belief in not sharing each other sexually was truly hard on him. It sometimes was for her too. She had almost broken her rule 1 a couple of times but she knew in her heart that their relationship would be better in the long run for having waited.

Knowing what she was thinking Gibbs walked over to her and wrapped her in his strong arms. His scent of Old Spice, sawdust, coffee and bourbon caused her to relax and accept his embrace like a baby grabs for a security blanket. "I don't mind waiting really. I think I know why you wanted to wait for spring." He pulled her into his chest. "School will be out in June, correct"

"Yes, then we can have a true honeymoon without rushing to get back. I mean you have more vacation time than God. Right"

Gibbs chuckled and then kissed her on cheek. "We could take as much as a month and still not get close to the end."

"That way our marriage gets off on the correct foot."

"Marriage on solid ground. For me that is a novel concept. Shannon and I had that though." He held her tightly and leaned into kiss her firmly on the lips. "Whatever you say my darling. So I assume we have set a date. The Saturday after school lets out in the spring."

Samantha smiled and kissed him. "Sounds great." She picked up her phone and quickly looked at her calendar setting a reminder. "According to my calculations we have 3 and ½ months until our wedding."

"That sounds wonderful." Gibbs reached down and swatted her on the rear and walked back to workbench with a smile on his face.

"Payback will be a bitch Agent Gibbs" she smirked smiling back at him.

NCIS

Ziva and Tony were the first to arrive for dinner. Tony found a place to park his car and Ziva made it into the house ahead of him. She walked up to Gibbs who was standing in front of the fireplace getting fire started. "Hey Ziver. "

Ziva walked up behind him and kissed him on the cheek. "Can I say that congratulations are in order, Gibbs?" She said whispering in his ear just as Tony came into the living room. Gibbs nodded as his senior field agent gave them a look.

"Still keeping secrets from me Zi" Tony replied. Gibbs gave her an inquisitive look raising his eyebrow.

"No Tony. No secrets just not telling you all I know."

Gibbs looked at her and winked. "Well DiNozzo you will know all as soon as Abby gets here." He looked up at Ziva. "Sam is in the kitchen."

Ziva went into the kitchen leaving Tony alone with Gibbs. Tony had a puzzled look on his face. "What's up with Gibbs? He seems so happy tonight." He thought.

Ziva walked into the kitchen where Sam was finishing up the dessert. "Afternoon Sam." Ziva smiled at her. "Gibbs told me you were in here."

"Evening Ziva. Thanks for helping pick out my ring."

"Gibbs tell you." Ziva gave her a puzzled look.

"No but I figured it out. Really easy to figure it out. First it is beautiful. Second Gibbs would not want to pick it out alone. Third if Tony or Abby were in on my engagement ring they could not keep it quiet. Since Tim is not comfortable with all things romantic, my choice was you. "

"Such deductive reasoning there Sam. Yes I went with him but the choice was all his believe me." Ziva took her hand and looked at Sam's ring. "He has good taste. Does he not?"

"Totally." The two women started working in the kitchen in silence. After a few minutes Ziva spoke up. "Before Abby gets her I wanted to say congratulations. I know you two will be so happy."

"We already are Ziva. We talked about the wedding being just after school is out. That way we can truly have a honeymoon trip."

Just a few minutes later Abby burst into the room. Abby was ready to find out the reason for the impromptu dinner party. "Ok, Sam spill it. Why the party so soon after Kelly's birthday? Gibbs having two parties in a row. Very Strange. "

"Calm down Abby. Yes there is a reason for the party. Give me a minute and I will tell you." Sam held out her left hand for Abby to see. Taking Samantha's hand Abby let out a scream to rival all screams. "Sam it is beautiful. Gibbs give you this." Samantha smiled and nodded yes at the Goth as Abby gave her a huge bone crushing hug.

NCIS

Tim joined Tony and Gibbs sitting in front of the fireplace. Gibbs had handed Tony a beer. "Want one McGee?" Gibbs asked.

"Sure Boss." Gibbs handed McGee a beer just as they heard Abby scream with delight from the kitchen. Tim immediately put his beer down and started to run toward the kitchen with worry in his eyes.

Gibbs grabbed his arm. "Steady McGee, Abby is fine. She just got some very good news." McGee and Tony looked at each other with a questioning look. Gibbs cleared his throat. The three men could hear Abby asking many, many questions. Tim and Tony looked at their boss. "I asked Samantha to marry me last night and she said yes. "

"And Ziva knew" Tony added. "That day you two went to lunch and did not eat and then brought food back."

"Yes Tony. She helped me pick out the ring."

Tim walked up to his boss and offered his hand for congratulations. "Congrats Boss. Sam is so special."

"Thanks McGee." Just then Abby burst into the living room. She ran up to Gibbs and gave him a bone crushing hug. "Abby can't breathe." Gibbs managed to get out.

Abby eased her grip on her silver haired fox. "I am just so happy Gibbs."

"I know Abbs. Thank you." Just then Ziva and Sam followed Abby into the living room. Samantha walked up to Gibbs and took his hand in her's.

Tony walked up to Samantha and gave her a small kiss on her cheek. "I am so happy for you both."

"Does Ducky know?" Abby blurted out.

"Yes, I called him this afternoon. We are planning on using his garden for the wedding." Gibbs told her.

"Ducky's garden is so beautiful in the spring." Abby added. "Sam please let me help with the planning."

Samantha gave Gibbs a loving look of "I told you so". "That will be wonderful Abby. Right now we eat."

Gibbs watched Samantha and "his family" walk into the dining room. There was laughter, smiles and good wishes. He thought to himself. He had never been this happy or at least not since Shannon. There was one concern that was stuck in his craw. When would Samantha's past engagement rear its ugly head. He hoped that she would not think about the day David was killed but he deep down inside knew that the possibility was there. "Gibbs your food is ready. Are you coming?"

"Coming Sam," he said. Then to himself. "If David's accident does cause her pain I will always have her six."