Chapter 66
The Wedding Part 1
AN: Well we made it to the wedding. I have been planning this for some time. I hope I do my ideas justice. Thanks for all who have followed my story and have left such wonderful reviews. Thank you silvermoon217 for your wonderful thoughts about my writing. Thank you jess114 for adding my story. I planned this chapter here are many of the songs that spurred my thoughts and fueled my ideas. Some will be used in the story and credit will be given to the writers of this special music.
Soundtrack:
"I'll Be There" by Mariah Carey
"Wanted " by Hunter Hayes
"Love you more than Most" by Eric Church
"Then" by Brad Paisley
"Don't kiss me like this if you mean it like that" by Toby Keith
NCIS
Samantha woke up on her wedding day to the sun shining through the window of Ducky's upstairs bedroom. She could hear the birds singing outside her window. It was a wonderful morning. A morning she had always dreamed her wedding day would be. She had been sleeping in a huge white canopy bed with soft pillows and a fluffy comforter. She had fallen asleep late in the evening after talking to Gibbs on the phone. Abby had cut their conversation short not wanting to risk fate or any bad luck from their contact on their wedding day. She smiled to herself. She was happy so very happy. After having a wonderful dream she was certain that all would be well and she would achieve her happily ever after moment this time. To be Mrs. Leroy Jethro Gibbs was what she wanted most in the world and she was totally confident that he would be standing there at the end of the red carpet Abby had gotten for the aisle leading her to him.
She lazily leaned over and picked up her phone. It was now 0800 and the wedding was scheduled at 1400. She had four text messages. Two were from Tony and two were from Tim all assuring her that Gibbs was alive and well. They revealed nothing of what he was doing just that he was breathing and ordering them around. She could not help but laugh. Her friends wanted her wedding day to be anxiety free. Tim had even sent her a picture as confirmation. Jethro was sitting at the kitchen table, reading the paper and drinking a huge cup of coffee.
She had to smile. It was business as usual. He did not seem nervous or concerned. He had promised to be there and she knew he would. Gibbs always kept his promises. Sometimes she wondered about his ex-wives and how they could leave such a wonderful man. She had met a couple of them and they had warned her about his moods. Samantha did not care. She knew his need to retreat to the basement when things got tough. She knew he did not always say what he feels. But he showed it each and every day with his actions. She loved him with all her heart and she was going it with her eyes open.
Just then her phone rang with a familiar caller ID. "Good morning. You know Abby is going to kill you."
She heard the chuckle in Gibbs' voice. "Nope, I have permission."
"Really, why?"
"Wanted to tell my bride good morning and be on the phone with her when she received the first of many surprises of the day."
"Surprises?" Samantha questioned as she heard a small knock at her door. "Come in"
The door slowly opened to reveal Kelly smiling carrying a breakfast tray. "Morning Mama. I heard the phone. Is that Dad?" Samantha smiled at her daughter and nodded. "Dad wanted me to bring in your breakfast when I heard the phone ring." She came in with Abby right behind her to help with the tray.
"Breakfast? Your idea Jethro."
"Of course. I wanted my girl to have her favorite breakfast this morning." On the tray was a plate with blueberry pancakes, three slices of bacon, toast with apple jelly and a can of diet coke. Beside the plate was a neatly wrapped blue and silver package. "Open the package first." He told her. Samantha picked up the package and carefully opened it. "Just open it Sam. You don't have to save the paper." She could almost hear the smirk in his voice.
"You know me to well," she giggled. Finally she ripped the paper off to reveal a black velvet jewelry box. She carefully opened it. Inside was a silver necklace with a stone hanging from it. It matched her engagement ring perfectly. She gasped when she saw it. "Jethro it is just so beautiful."
"Thought you needed something new and blue to wear on your wedding day. Bought it alone with your ring." He said and then whispered. "Can't wait to see that stone hanging someplace naughty." Samantha had to hide a nervous giggle and Abby noticed a slight blush in her check. She said nothing as Kelly got up carefully up on the bed and hugged her mother. It was then that Samantha noticed that Kelly was wearing a necklace just like hers.
"Dad gave me this yesterday."
"Jethro you are such a sneak." She then turned her attention to her breakfast. "You thought of everything." She then saw the jelly that was sitting next to her toast. It was in the small packages you would get with a breakfast at a restaurant. Tears filled her eyes. "You remembered. That was my favorite part of going out to breakfast with my granddad as a kid. The little jellies." She wiped a tear as it escaped her eyes.
"Wanted him to be a part of our day. He would have wanted to be at your wedding if he could."
"I know he is. Thank you." Just then the group heard another knock was heard at the bedroom door. In walked Ziva she was carrying a vase with six beautiful red roses.
"Morning Samantha, happy wedding day." She sat the roses on the bedside table and handed her the card. It was a quote from one of her favorite love songs by Mariah Carey, "I'll be there"
Let me fill your heart with joy and laughter,
Togetherness, girl, is all I'm after,
Whenever you need me, I'll be there. (I'll be there)
I'll be there to protect you, (yeah baby)
With unselfish love that respects you.
Just call my name, I'll be there. (I'll be there)
Underneath the quote was a scribbled note. "Six hours from now I will be standing at the end of the aisle waiting for you. One rose for each hour until our life begins. Love you more than most. Jethro" Tears filled her eyes and Gibbs heard the hitch in her voice.
"I take it that the flowers arrived." Gibbs chuckled.
"Yes," she managed to squeeze out. Kelly grabbed the phone from her mother who was busy wiping the happy tears that were falling down her face.
"You got her on that one Dad. She can't stop crying. Don't make her so sad on her special day." Kelly chastised her father. Abby, Ziva and Samantha managed a chuckle.
Abby came up and put her hand on Kelly's shoulder. "Don't worry Kelly girl. She is not crying because she is sad but she is happy." Samantha hugged her and nodded as Ziva tossed her a box of tissue.
"That's right baby. I am just showing your mama how much I love her." Gibbs told her. "I would not hurt your Mama for the world. And I am sure this is not the end of happy tears for today. From any of us." Samantha knew that he was including himself in that pronouncement.
"Ok Dad, I'll trust you but I don't get it crying because you are happy." Samantha took the phone from her and hugging her daughter again.
"I think I am still in a little bit of trouble, "he whispered.
"Ya think." Samantha smiled. "Well, what are your plans for this morning may I ask?"
"Need to know and you don't need to know" he paused "just yet."
"Really?" Abby tapped Kelly's shoulder and motioned toward the door.
"Let's let you Mama and Dad talk alone for a few minutes." Abby replied. She leaned into the phone. "15 minutes Gibbs then I cut your phone time off." Samantha looked at her puzzled.
"Guess if I'm going to talk dirty I need to make it quick." Samantha could almost hear the smirk over the phone.
Abby, Kelly and Ziva left the room. "So this is an obscene phone call then."
"Not exactly. Don't think Abby has given me enough time for an obscene phone call. Just wanted to surprise you and hear your lovely voice. Also, I wanted to assure you I am ok and will be there if I have to show up in an ambulance."
"Don't even joke about that Jethro."
"I know sweetheart but I think I am well protected. I have your two NCIS spies and they have enlisted the help of a decorated FBI agent. So I think we're safe."
Samantha smiled and sighed. "Tell Fornell hello for me. And they are not my spies."
"Not your spies really. How often do they have to check in?" He smirked.
She coughed not wanting to answer the question. "They don't have to check in."
"Sam, truth."
"Tony on the odd hour and Time on the even. "She finally admitted.
"Don't trust me." Gibbs inquired.
"Oh it's not that Jethro. They offered and I just ….."
"Wanted to ease your anxiety. Believe me sweetheart I understand. It's fine," he told her. "I'm going to be ok and I will be waiting at the end of the aisle for you at 1400." He looked down at his watch. "Guess I better let you off now. Watchdog Abby will be in soon. She will hold me to the minute. Enjoy your breakfast."
"I love you Jethro." Samantha took a bite of bacon.
"I love you more." He told her. "See you this afternoon."
He hung up the phone and looked around his basement. He looked over at Samantha's surprise before heading up the stairs to get his watchdogs/furniture movers. They had a lot to do for Samantha's magic evening and only five and a half hours to do it.
NCIS
Samantha finished her breakfast just as Abby entered. "Enjoying your morning?" Abby asked.
"Yes, you all have made it so special." Samantha told her as Abby took the tray.
"Well we are under stick orders to make your day anxiety free." Abby told her just as Samantha's phone pinged announcing a text message. "Tim?"
"Yep. All is well. Seems Jethro is keeping them busy. Don't know with what but they are busy." She looked at Abby with a questioning look. "Do you know?"
"Sworn to secrecy, under penalty of death," she joked.
"Really. Looks like I am in for a day full of surprises." Samantha joked.
"Yes, now hurry up and get dressed. We have a spa appointment in 20 minutes. Gibbs idea. He wants you totally anxiety free and pampered today."
Samantha smiled to herself. "That sweetheart. You would never know Abby how much a romantic that tough Marine is." Then she realized what she just said. "Opps don't tell him I said that. He had a reputation of being a hard assed Marine to protect."
Ziva then walked into the room smiling. "Secret is safe with me. Always known it though," she snickered.
Samantha jumped up quickly and dressed in jeans and her bride T-shirt as Abby instructed. Abby, Ziva, Kelly and Samantha left Ducky's house for two hours of pampering and preening at the spa.
NCIS
Over at Casa de Gibbs all four men were working hard getting the place ready for the surprises to come. They had taken a break around 1000 and were sitting at the kitchen table enjoying coffee and the cinnamon rolls Samantha had made for them the day before. She had left a detailed note on how to reheat them so the tasted just like she had taken them out of the oven. "Well Jethro, if this is a sample of your bride's cooking you're a lucky man." Tobis Fornell laughed as he reached for a second roll.
"That's right Boss. Sam is a special cook." Tony joked. "How did she know you were going to work us like slaves this morning?"
"Didn't. She just wanted my body guards to be happy with their jobs."
"Body guards? Boss." Tim questioned. Gibbs looked over the rim of his coffee cup and glared at both of them. Tim confessed immediately. "We offered Boss. I didn't want her to spend this morning worried about you."
"That's right Boss. She didn't ask us we volunteered." Tony added as he started on his third cinnamon roll.
"No problem. Needed you here anyway. Just no hints on what is going on here. Just let her know I am ok." He grumbled with a small grin on his face. They were family and wanted Samantha happy just as much as he did. "Finish stuffing your face DiNozzo and let's get moving. We still have a lot to do before we need to clean up for the wedding. Abby and Ziva will be here at 1130 hours to add the woman's touch." All three men groaned and finished their food. They knew that their muscles were going to be sore tomorrow.
NCIS
Samantha and the ladies left the spa. They each had had a massage, manicures and pedicures and all in all a relaxed feeling. Kelly was really happy with her manicure. She had never had one and she loved how her nails looked. She would show them to total strangers. The group stopped by a near-by diner for a small lunch before heading back to Ducky's to get ready for the wedding.
Samantha checked her phone when Tony's text tone sounded. "Seems like Jethro is working them pretty hard." She eyed her friends. "What is my fiancé up to?"
"Can't tell you? Sworn to secrecy." Abby smiled. "I can tell you that while you are showering and getting your hair done Ziva and I have to run over there. Gibbs wants us to add the ladies touch to your surprise."
Samantha eyed them suspiciously. "Now you really have picked my curiosity."
Ziva, Kelly and Abby just smiled and started eating very quickly.
NCIS
Ziva drove the group back to Ducky's after lunch. The hair dresser had arrived and was waiting upstairs. She was going to design a beautiful hair-do for Samantha and one for Kelly a princess style to match her dress. Abby and Ziva slipped away to go to Gibbs' house.
When Ziva drove up to Gibbs' house she and Abby got out carrying the last finishing touches to the surprise. The men were sitting on couch watching a movie. All except for Gibbs, he was upstairs standing at the door of the master bedroom examining the room. Abby came up behind him and gave him a huge bear hug. "Oh Gibbs' it looks fantastic."
Gibbs stepped out of the doorway allowing Ziva and Abby to step into the room. Both of them gravitated to the huge king sized bed in the middle of the room. "It is just lovely Gibbs," Ziva gasped looking around the room. "Samantha will love this."
"Totally Gibbs. She will be blown away." Abby added.
"Did you get the things I asked for Abbs?"
"Yes, candles, lights and that I put all the music you requested on this IPod. I'll get it set up so all you have to do is push the button."
He hugged both of them. "Could not have done this without you both."
"Do you still want me to come over here before you two leave the wedding?" Abby asked. Gibbs nodded checking his watch. "Guess I better start getting ready." He chuckled. "Even though I am the groom, I would bet it will take DiNozzo and McGee longer than me."
Abby and Ziva laughed. They both knew that he was totally right.
NCIS
As the time of the wedding approached Ducky's house was full of excitement. All of the chairs, carpet and flowers were not in the backyard and as Abby instructed they had put up a white canopy with the sides hanging down so that Samantha could be hidden from Gibbs view until just the proper time.
The caterers were setting up the food and drinks up in Ducky's large formal dining room and all that was left was getting the wedding party dressed and any before the wedding pictures taken.
The women entered the room set aside as the bride's dressing room to see Samantha standing in front of the full length mirror. Her beautiful auburn hair was up on her head with several ringlets hanging down from the pony tail. Each of the six rose buds Gibbs had sent her that morning was placed into different parts of her hairdo. Her veil was attached to the pony tail and hung down her back.
Neither Abby nor Ziva had seen the dress. Samantha had kept it a secret even from her brides' maids. It was a white Edwardian empire waist dress made with cotton handmade princess lace. It had as scalloped lace train descending from a V-shaped neckline. The front of the dress was had a modest neckline showing just a little cleavage. Underneath was a modest full length slip and on her feet Samantha wore a pair of low heeled white shoes.
Samantha was wearing the necklace Gibbs had given her with her breakfast that morning. On her ears were antique diamond pierced earrings that sparkled in the light. In her hands was her bouquet of red and white roses surrounded by honeysuckle.
Next to her Kelly was standing smiling from ear to ear. Her blue princess dress had been altered to fit perfectly and on her feet were blue princess slippers. In her hair was a small princess crown and her hair was done in beautiful brown ringlets.
"Kelly, Samantha you look fantastic." Abby squealed as they entered the room.
"You don't look so bad yourselves." Samantha smiled.
"You will take Gibbs' breath away when he sees you." Ziva added. Just then there was a knock at the door. It was the photographer ready to take the before wedding photographs.
NCIS
Gibbs, Tony and Tim arrived at 1:30. Each was dressed in black suits. Tony had a green tie that would match Ziva's dress and Tim had a black tie with a gold tie clip to match Abby's. Gibbs had decided on a blue tie to match Kelly's dress. The group of men walked into the house each of them smiling at Ducky who was in his black suit with a dark blue bow tie. "Well how are my girls doing?" Gibbs asked.
"They're all upstairs taking pictures Jethro. I heard lots of giggling and happy voices through the door." Ducky smiled. Just then the photographer walked to the top of the landing.
"Dr. Mallard, could we get you to join us for a few minutes? Then Agent Gibbs I will be ready for the groom shots." Gibbs nodded looking up as Ducky headed up the stairs.
Ducky walked into the room to find the four beautiful ladies in his family. Kelly ran up to him and hugged him around his knees. Samantha saw the man wipe a tear from his eye as he looked at each one of them. "You all look so beautiful." He replied smiling. He walked up to Samantha reaching into his pocket. "Here my dear." He handed her an antique lace handkerchief. "I know Jethro gave you your something blue and new. Your dress is old and now you have this handkerchief that I borrowed from Mother."
"Thank you Ducky. I will take very good care of it."
It was about 20 minutes later when the Palmer knocked on the door to tell them that all the guests had arrived and they were ready to begin. Abby, Ziva and Kelly each hugged Samantha and left the room walking down the stairs to wait in Ducky's parlor for Ducky and Samantha. Samantha was standing at the window looking out at the sky. Ducky walked up behind her. "They are watching my dear. This is a perfect day for the wedding and I know your family is in your heart today."
"Thank you Ducky. Always wanted them to be here. Thank you for standing in for my Daddy," she said to him talking his arm.
"Hold on to that hanky my dear. I have a feeling you will need it today." She smiled at him.
NCIS
Meanwhile, the guests had been seated in the chairs on either side of a beautiful red carpet. Gibbs had his pictures made and walked down to the front of the group with Tony and Tim. He shook hands with his friend Bob and kissed his wife on the cheek as she was sitting on the bride's side near the front. Then turning to his side of the aisle he saw his father sitting in the chair just next to the aisle. Jackson Gibbs stood up and hugged his son wishing him all the luck in the world. After hugging his father, Gibbs noticed a familiar black man sitting in the seat next to his father. "Hello LJ," he said "Glad to see you hear. Did my dad invite you?"
"Wasn't my idea son."
"Your lovely bride called me and invited me. She came to my place and joined me for lunch." LJ Moore told him.
"Samantha?"
"Yes she wanted all of you family here today," he replied, "She is wonderful lady and that daughter of yours is so special. Wanted to be here for you, son."
Gibbs had to fight the tears in his eyes. "Thanks LJ." He managed to get out as he shook the older man's hand. He then turned back to join Tony and Tim.
"Going to be an emotional day huh, Boss" Tony added. Just then Gibbs noticed a small glass table covered with a white lace table cloth. On that table were photographs of his mother, Shannon, Kelly and Jennifer Sheppard. On the edge of the table was a sign that read In Remembrance. "Whose idea was that?" He asked more tears welling up in his eyes.
"Samantha's." Tim told him "She wanted all of your family here today."
Gibbs wiped his eyes and he choked out. "Great minds think alike" He looked over at the bride's side and saw the same type of table on her side with her family pictures on it. That had been his idea. He wanted her family there as well.
Just then the music began. Samantha loved music and always said it was the backdrop of her life so as Ziva and Abby came to the end of the aisle they got to choose the music that they would walk into. Ziva's song began it was a classical song that reminded her of her sister Tali. Tony heard the music start he left Gibbs by the judge and made his way up the aisle to meet Ziva. He took her hand in his and wrapped it around his arm as he escorted her down the aisle. As she neared Gibbs she left Tony walking up to Gibbs and kissing him on the cheek. She then whispered in his ear. "Prepare yourself Gibbs. She will take your breath away. She is very beautiful." She smiled and then winked at him.
Tim saw Abby in her beautiful black dress exit the curtained doorway at the end of the aisle. Her song "November rain" by Guns and Roses started playing in instrumental. Tim walked up the aisle to meet Abby. She took his arm gripping his hand in hers. They turned and started walking toward Gibbs and Tony. Abby was wearing a huge smile and she held on to Tim's hand tightly. When she reached Gibbs she released Tim's hand and wrapped Gibbs into one of her huge bear hugs. "Hold on to your socks Gibbs," she whispered in his ears. "She is going to blow you away." She then joined Ziva on the bride's side as her music ended.
Then Kelly's music began. She had chosen "Have you seen the love tonight "from the Lion King and she walked down the aisle holding her bouquet of daisies and blue ribbon. The daisies were for her big sister Kelly. Gibbs had told her that they were Kelly's favorite flower. Seeing Kelly walking toward him brought both tears and a huge smile to Gibbs' face. There was his daughter walking toward. He glanced over toward his remembrance table and he almost thought he saw Shannon and Jennifer winking at him.
Then the time came for Samantha. The music she picked was special to both of them even though no one at the wedding knew it was. It was an instrumental rendition of Toby Keith's "Don't kiss me like this if you mean it like that". As the music started Rachel and Brenna pulled back the curtain to reveal Ducky in his dark suit with Samantha on his arm.
Ziva was right the sight of her took his breath away. He almost rocked on his unsteady legs when he saw her exit the curtained area. She was smiling and her eyes were glistening with tears. Gibbs could not take his eyes off of her. Their eyes met and it was magic. There was no one in the world at that moment but their two hearts. As the music continued Ducky led her down the aisle to his waiting arms.
As Ducky and Samantha neared him Gibbs' heart skipped a beat as he saw how breathtakingly beautiful she was. Samantha smiled as she walked up to him. He then looked deeply into her eyes and whispered. "I told you I would be here. You look amazing."
"You ready for this."
"Been waiting forever Sam," he replied leaning in and kissing her cheek.
An: Samantha's dress is at new_page_ if you would like to see it.