Chapter 47

Thank you for all the reviews and new story alerts. As the teacher myself I totally feel for the students of the elementary school in this weekend's tragedy. Hope those babies that did survive will be able to move past what they saw and still have an enjoyable childhood. Needless to say I have had trouble getting into writing this weekend.

Disclaimer: I do not own NCIS or any of its wonderful characters.

The nurses came in quietly during the night so that Gibbs and Sam would not be disturbed. Samantha's cell phone alarm quietly buzzed at 0700. Gibbs had been awake for over an hour just watching her sleep cuddled up next to him. As he watched, he had begun planning his part of the wedding. Abby and Sam had given him two jobs for the wedding. He had to show up healthy and plan the honeymoon. He had decided to keep his plans totally secret. He wanted to surprise Samantha at the reception with the destination and the duration of their stay. He had already talked to HR and Vance. He was planning on taking the whole month of June off. He was brought back from his plans when Samantha reached over to the table and turned off the alarm. "Always hated alarms," she mumbled. Gibbs wrapped his arms around her almost pulling out the IV. "Did that stupid thing wake you?"

"No, been awake about an hour. Thinking."

"Do I want to know?" she asked.

"Probably but not going to tell you. Thinking about our honeymoon."

"So you really are going to keep this a secret from me." She batted her eyelashes at him. "Not even a little hint."

"No way. I told you I want it to be a surprise and special."

"Who would have guessed you would be such a romantic?"

"Don't let that get around. Would ruin my reputation," he smirked kissing her. Just then the nurse came in to check vitals. "Shift change?" Gibbs growled at being interrupted.

"You both are looking much better today. Somebody will be in with your breakfast tray in a while Gibbs."

"Thank you I guess. I am sure ready to get off that liquid slop." Gibbs grumbled.

"I think they are bringing oatmeal this morning." Gibbs made a face. "Well you have to be on more solid food if you want to get out of here." He nodded knowing the drill. This was not his first trip to the rodeo.

Samantha looked at the time on her phone. "Guess I had better get beautiful before McGee gets here."

Gibbs just looked at her and smiled. "Don't have much work to do there. You are always beautiful to me."

"Well you love me in sweats and a T-shirt but I don't think this is appropriate for a lawyer's office." She smiled, grabbed her backpack and headed toward the bathroom.

"Thinking of a whole different outfit right now. But that is still just in my imagination."

The nurse smiled at the couple's banter and left the room.

NCIS

The whole team was scattered around Gibbs' house asleep. Kelly was in her room. Jack had decided to sleep on the cot in the basement allowing Ziva and Abby to have the guestroom. Tony and McGee were asleep on Samantha's sofa bed in the living room. Tim's alarm went off at 0730 getting him up so he could be dressed and ready to get Samantha to the lawyer's office by 0900.

He quietly headed up the stairs to the bathroom that was next to the guestroom. Just as he was about to walk in to get a shower when he heard the door of Kelly's room creak and he saw Kelly's blue eyes looking at him. "Morning baby. Did I wake you?"

"No. Is everybody still asleep?"

"Yes, I think so. Did you sleep ok?"

"I had a bad dream. I dreamed that my father was after me. He wanted to take me away from Sam and Gibbs." Tim could see tears in her eyes. He sat his backpack down on the floor and bent down holding his arms out toward her. She ran into his arms crying.

"It's ok baby. Joseph is dead. Gibbs killed him. You are totally safe." Tim assured her stroking her hair. "I am taking Samantha to the lawyer today so you will belong to us." He wiped the tears from her eyes.

"Morning all." Abby said coming out of the guest room. Seeing Kelly's red eyes a look of concern came over her face. "Baby, are you ok?"

"Calm down Abbs. She just had a nightmare." Tim told her. Abby bent down and pulled Kelly into a hug. "Baby I am so sorry. What was it about?"

"Nothing Abby. Tim took care of me." Kelly smiled. "Abby, could we talk about something? I have for an idea."

"Of course Kelly, Tim needs some breakfast before he leaves. Bet you could use some breakfast too. Why don't we talk while we fix breakfast?" Kelly nodded. Abby stood up and grabbed her hand. "Timmy, you get a shower and we will have breakfast ready in a jiffy. " Abby and Kelly skipped off down the stairs.

Once down in the kitchen, Abby noticed the coffee was already made. Then she saw Jack was sitting at the table with coffee, the newspaper and some toast. "Morning, Grandpa Jack. " Kelly smiled running to him, giving him a hug and jumping up on his lap.

"Morning sweetheart. Did you sleep well?"

"Kind of. I had a nightmare but I feel better now. Abby, how can I help with the pancakes?"

"Come on over here. You can help read the recipe and we can measure out the ingredients"

"Just like Samantha." Kelly giggled. She jumped off Jack's lap and raced over to Abby who lifted her up on the chair to mix the pancakes.

"So what are you planning Kelly?"

"I want to give Gibbs a welcome home party."

"That's a good idea. We need a celebration right now." Abby grinned. Jack gave Abby a look of concern. Abby continued, "Kelly, you know when Gibbs gets out of the hospital we have to go to the funeral to say goodbye to Mommy."

"We are saying goodbye to Mommy's body at the funeral, Abby. Mommy will not be there. She is in heaven with my new sister Kelly." Kelly smiled as she added some chocolate chips into the pancake batter.

"Kelly, could you give me some of those?" Jack asked getting up. "The nurse said that they are fixing Leroy some oatmeal for breakfast this morning and I am pretty positive he won't touch it without some of those." He smirked getting a Ziploc bag from the cabinet. Kelly giggled and handed him some chips.

After they finished breakfast, Kelly ran upstairs to get dressed. She and Abby were going out to pick up some decorations and food for the welcome home party.

NCIS

Samantha came out of the bathroom wearing her dress jeans, a tailored green shirt over a white tank top, her hair was pulled back into a pony tail and for the first time in days she was wearing make-up. Gibbs looked up and watched as she walked over to the chair next to his bed. She put her bag down on the chair and turned to see him staring at her. Gibbs let out a wolf whistle. "You look beautiful this morning."

"Thank you sir. A lady can never get to many complements." She smiled kissing him. They continued kissing until they were disturbed by Timothy McGee clearing her throat. Jackson Gibbs was standing next to him smiling.

"Morning Boss, Sam." Samantha pulled away from Gibbs and winked at him.

"Good morning Tim. Are you ready to go?" Tim nodded as Samantha grabbed her purse and walked past him to hug Jack. "Keep your eyes on him Jack and don't let anything happen to him while I am gone."

"I will take good care of him. Now go take care of the legal stuff to take care of my new granddaughter." Jack smiled as the nurse brought in Gibbs' breakfast, a bowl of oatmeal.

"Thanks, Jack." Gibbs made a face like a little boy when the nurse sat the bowl down on the table in front of him. "Make sure he eats that." She glared at Gibbs who raised his eyebrows. "I will be checking up on you. So eat that. Kelly and I need you home. So eat. That's an order marine." She blew him a kiss as she left the room.

"Yes Sergeant. But I don't have to like it though," he called after her.

Jack smiled as Gibbs looked down at the oatmeal. Jack then reached into his pocket and pulled out the Ziploc bag filled with chocolate chips and poured them on his oatmeal. "Well son this might make following Sam's orders a little easier." He smiled.

Gibbs looked at the oatmeal and smiled. "Mom always did that to help me to eat my oatmeal. Thanks Dad."

"I remember Son. I had to get Kelly to give them up. She and Abby were making pancakes this morning."

"Chocolate chip pancakes are her favorite." He smiled and took a bite of his oatmeal. "Sure wish they will let me have some coffee."

"Eat son. You can have some coffee when we get you home."

"That is if Samantha lets me. She is taking all of next week off to nurse me back to health."

"She is a special lady son. She just wants you well. Let her fuss over you. She is a very special woman." He looked over at the door and then handed him his cup of coffee. "Just a sip there Leroy. Samantha would kill me if she found out."

Gibbs smirked. "She would at that."

NCIS

Tim and Samantha made it downstairs without saying a word. Tim opened the passenger side door for her when he realized he had left a large file folder sitting on the seat. "Sorry Sam. I meant to put that in the back." He moved the folder and Samantha got into the car and he closed the door. Tim went around and got into the driver's side. "What's the matter Sam?" he asked. "I checked with Brad before I came in. The Boss is going to be just fine."

"That's not what I am worried about. This trip to the lawyer, Tim. I am worried that something is going to happen and they will take Kelly away from us." Tim smiled and put his arm around her shoulder.

"You have nothing to worry about. I have been in contact with the attorney since Monday. That folder has everything the lawyer needs to get your guardianship underway and begin adoption procedures if that is what you and the Boss want. Background checks, financials, searches for any blood relatives and several other things they needed." He kissed her cheek. "Tony and Ziva did my paper work so I could put all this together. We don't want to lose Kelly either Sam."

Tears filled her eyes and she started to cry. "I can't believe you did all this."

"We all love Kelly and we want her to have the family she deserves. Since Julie is no longer here to give her that life, I want our family to be the ones to give it to her."

"Timothy McGee you are totally the best." She reached over and kissed him. "Well let's go get the papers signed so Kelly will be ours."

NCIS

Abby and Kelly left the party shop totally loaded down with streamers, crate paper, balloons, paper plates and a welcome home banner. They then went by and picked out and ordered a cake. "You think they will be surprised," Kelly asked as Abby buckled her back into the car and began to drive back over to Gibbs' house.

"Absolutely Baby. Now all we have to do is find out when Dr. Pitt will let Gibbs come home."

Kelly smiled. "Samantha told me maybe Friday if he is a good boy."

"That's terrific Kelly. Samantha will make sure that he will be a good boy" Abby smiled looking at her watch. "How about we call Ziva and see if she wants to meet us for lunch."

"I would like that." Kelly giggled. "A really big girl lunch."

"What's a big girl lunch, Kelly?"

"I want a real restaurant where they wait on you. Mommy always said we could go and then we got to." Kelly explained.

"That that is what we will do." Abby picked up the phone and called Ziva.

NCIS

The trip to the lawyer went like a dream, thanks to Tim McGee. The lawyer was amazed at the detail the young agent had put in just for a simple guardianship application. They were able to start the adoption process and Samantha left with the papers declaring her current status as Kelly's legal guardian.

Samantha felt much better about the whole ordeal as they drove back toward the hospital. Tim looked over at her from the driver's side and noticed her smiling to herself. "You feeling better now."

"Much better now thanks to you."

"So what's next?"

"Get Jethro home and on the mend. With this paper I can get Kelly registered back at my school and hopefully we get her back into a normal routine. She needs all the love and normalcy right now."

"I know she does. She had a nightmare last night about Joseph coming to get her and take her away." Samantha gasped and then looked down at the floor. She was feeling guilty for not being there for her. "Oh she is fine now. She and I talked about it. I reassured her that Gibbs and the rest of us will keep her safe." He told her. "She thinks of Gibbs as a super hero. You know that."

"She sure does. Totally fine with him being her hero. She loves him so much."

"Much like her guardian." Tim laughed. Samantha just nodded at smiled.

NCIS

After their "big girl lunch" Ziva, Abby and Kelly were walking through the mall just window shopping when they walked past the T-shirt shop. Abby got an idea. She was very excited and grabbed Ziva and Kelly hands dragging them into the shop. "Come on" she said. "I need to custom order some shirts for Gibbs and Samantha."

"Custom ordered T-shirts, Abby." Ziva questioned.

"Yeah I have had something in mind since Samantha discussed the wedding plans." Abby raced over to the counter and started talking to the clerk.

Ziva and Kelly wandered around the store looking at the different shirts with different and to Ziva strange sayings written on them. "Very strange" she thought. "Americans love to wear their opinions on their shirts." Kelly was enjoying that she was able to read most of the sayings on the shirts. Then she saw it. The shirt she would love to give to Gibbs. But she had no money and she was taught by her mother not to ask others for presents. But this was for Gibbs. She stopped and was staring up at it hanging on the wall tears forming in her eyes. "Kelly, is there something wrong?" Ziva put her hand on her shoulder.

"No, I am fine."

"Sweetie you are not fine you are crying yes." Kelly looked up at her the wetness of her tears in her eyes. She nodded at Ziva. "Then what is it that is bothering you." Kelly timidly looked up at the shirt and pointed at it. Ziva looked at the shirt reading the message. She immediately caught the meaning. "You want to buy this for Gibbs, yes." Kelly nodded and smiled. "Of course we can get this. I am sure that Gibbs would love a gift like this." Ziva took the shirt down making sure she had a shirt that was Gibbs' size and carried it to the counter.

Abby smiled seeing the shirt and added it to her bill for the preorder. She smiled down at Kelly. "You are such a special little girl. Gibbs will totally love this." Deep inside Abby knew that if it was not for Kelly he would not be caught dead in the shirt. She also hoped that Samantha would love the shirts she ordered. She was not so sure about Gibbs.

NCIS

After Tim and Samantha talked on the way back from the lawyer she asked him if she could turn on the radio. She needed time to think. The weight of the last few days was bearing down on her. She was just holding onto her emotions, after all she was a Marine and she needed to continue to be strong. Kelly needed her to help her through all of the rough days ahead, Gibbs was injured and needed a nurse, and all she wanted was just to get her life back to normal. She wanted to start planning her wedding. She was ready for some fun, laughter and happiness. The past week had been hell and she wanted it to end.

Then a song came on the radio. It was one that always made her cry but for some reason "He didn't have to be" by Brad Paisley held special meaning for her today. Gibbs was taking on being Kelly's dad and he did not have to. Tears began to feel her eyes. The walls she had been forcing up for Gibbs, Kelly, the team and the nurses were crumbling. Tears were running down the face as the song ended. Samantha loved movies. They comforted her emotions but music was could produce emotions in her that she worked so hard to keep hidden. Samantha managed to shore up her shaky emotional walls while the radio went to commercials. Then the song "Holes in the floor of Heaven" by Steve Wariner came on the radio, Samantha wanted to reach up and shut off the radio but she just could not make herself. It was one of her favorites. Her walls began to tumble down. Tim noticed that she was crying and then her body began to convulse with sobs. He immediately pulled the car over into a parking. Samantha got out of the car and just slid down the door and sat down on the ground, sobs still coming from her body. Tim got out and ran around the car. Sitting down next to her he put his arm around her shoulders and pulled his body into his. She turned into him and began crying into his shoulder. "Samantha, you can't be strong all the time. You can lean on us. You have let us help you. You have a family now that will always support you." She looked up at him and nodded. Her crying was still keeping her from talking. People in the parking lot drove by giving her and Tim strange looks. Tim did not care. He had seen this coming and he knew Samantha needed someone to talk to.

When she was able to talk she looked up at Tim. "I could have lost him Tim. Joseph Williams could have killed him just like he killed Julie from Kelly."

"But he didn't. Focus on the good stuff Samantha. He is getting better and better. He will be going home soon. Kelly is doing so well. She is very happy. "He told her rubbing her arm. "It's time you start thinking about plans for your wedding. Abby is totally ready to help you. She is jumping with excitement."

Samantha chuckled and a small smile appeared on her face. "She sure is. Thanks Tim. I just put up walls to protect myself and those two songs totally destroyed them."

"You don't have to be strong all the time. Don't you think we knew you were just holding on by a thread? Gibbs knows too but he is not going say anything." He stood up holding his hand out to help her up. "Remember Sam, it is ok to ask for help. We don't really mind helping you. You make Gibbs happy and we love you like a sister."

Samantha wiped her eyes and then smiled at him. "I hope Abby appreciates what she has. You are the best. Maybe if I met you first …. Naw sorry as much as I love you as a brother I love Gibbs more."

"Gibbs is your soul mate. I can see it in your eyes." He hugged her. "You want to get something to drink and talk some more before we head to the hospital. The boss is a trained investigator and he will know you have been crying."

"I guess so. I don't think he won't sense it anyway but I could use a Sonic Cherry Limeade."

Tim smiled as he started the car. They drove to the nearest Sonic Drive in. They ordered drink and continued their talk.

NCIS

Gibbs was getting worried. Sam had been gone too long. He had long finished his oatmeal and it was getting close to lunchtime. They had promised some soup and pudding for lunch. "Dad, have you heard anything from Sam?"

"No son." He smiled. "Don't worry son. She is with Tim and he will risk his life for her."

"I know Dad. Just need her back here." Just then there was a knock on the door. Abby stuck her head in. "Can we come in Gibbs?" His face fell slightly. He had so hoped it was Samantha coming back.

"Come on in Abbs. Kelly with you.

"Yes, she has a present for you." Kelly bounced in carrying a gift bag. She ran over and gave Jack a kiss and then climbed up on the bed next to Gibbs. She handed him the bag.

"Open it please." Kelly told him. Gibbs reached into the bag and pulled out the T-shirt she had bought for him. Gibbs looked down at it as smiled. It was a royal blue t-shirt with a yellow triangle with the red letters SD in the middle. Under the triangle read the words Super Dad. Kelly got Abby to add words under the super dad. "You are my hero." Gibbs looked at the shirt tears filling his eyes. "Do you like it Gibbs?"

"Sweetheart, I love it. Thank you." He grabbed her and hugged her. They had removed his IV earlier in the day so he had both arms to wrap her into a bear hug. Just then Tony walked in as saw the t-shirt. He started to laugh. Kelly turned away from Gibbs and gave Tony a glare that could rival a glare from one angry Leroy Jethro Gibbs. Tony took a step back and fought to conceal a grin. "Sorry Kelly. Love your shirt Boss. You going to wear it." Kelly glared again and even Gibbs had to smirk at his senior agent.

"DiNozzo!" He barked then he turned to Kelly. "Of course I will kido. Dad would you and DiNozzo help change my shirt." He kissed Kelly on the head. "I really like my shirt. Now you and Abby turn your heads while I get this shirt changed." Abby giggled but she knew Gibbs did not want Kelly to see his bandages.

They men helped Jethro with his shirt and when they were finished Gibbs was wearing his Super Dad shirt. He tapped Kelly on the shoulder and she turned around to see her hero wearing her shirt with a huge smile on his face. "Well how do I look?"

"You look super Dad," she giggled jumping into his arms. "You ready for our movie."

"Yep, DiNozzo will you set things up."

NCIS

Samantha and Tim finished their drinks and discussion. Samantha's eyes were no longer red and most of the evidence of her break down was gone. Tim started the car started driving toward the hospital. After finding a parking place, Tim went around and opened the door helping her out.

They walked upstairs meeting Dr. Pitt in the hallway. "Glad to see you are getting away from this place Sam."

"I wouldn't have but I had to see the lawyer about my new daughter's guardianship."

"You mean Kelly. She is such a special little lady. I was just in there to check on thinks. Gibbs vitals and his stamina are much better. She is the best medicine for him." Brad smiled. "Any problems with the lawyer."

"Nope no worries. Thanks to McGee here," she said putting her arm around his shoulder and smiling.

"Well I am so glad to see you smiling Samantha. I have some good news that will broaden that smile even wider. I would wager. How would you like if nothing changes taking your man home tomorrow?"

Both Tim and Samantha stared at him. Tears filled Samantha's eyes. "You sure Brad. We can go home tomorrow."

"Well there are a few conditions and I am not sure he will abide by my wishes. He is kind of stubborn." He smirked.

"Oh he will agree or he will have to deal with me," she giggled.

"Well, as long as his blood test I just took shows no problems and he is eating well. Then he can't be alone for at least a week. I want someone with him at all times. But with this family I would imagine that won't be a problem." He reached out and grabbed her hand. "Just make him take things easy. He needs to rest and recoup. That may be a huge job in itself."

"Don't worry Brad. I am a retired drill sergeant." She smiled at him. "He'll do as he is told." Brad and Tim looked at her and smiled. They knew he would just to please her.

NCIS

Tim and Samantha joined the movie party in Gibbs' hospital room. The whole family was there expect Jimmy Palmer. When they entered the room Sam saw the shirt Gibbs was wearing. She smiled at him. He looked at her expectantly. "It's a girl." She signed winking at him. "Love your shirt."

"Present from my girl. Like it." She nodded and walked up next to him whispering in his ear. "Brad just caught me in the hall. If you take things easy and follow orders Marine, we can go home tomorrow."

"Follow you anywhere sweetheart." She smiled and kissed his temple. She knew it was not going to be easy. But he was going to rest and get well in spite of himself.