A/N Thanks for all the love and big thanks to my awesome beta, Gotta! FYI...This chapter starts the beginning of some time jumps.

It was three days away from Christmas and the mall was buzzing with shoppers as they crammed the stores looking for that last minute gift. Resting against the stroller, Gibbs sighed as he counted the number of families in front of them. It was Tim's first Christmas as a Gibbs and he was bound and determined to make it as special as possible. Tim had become fascinated with the jolly man in the red suit and Gibbs thought it would be fun to allow him to meet him up close and personal. However, he was unsure of how he would react once it was his turn. All of the kids he'd known reacted differently to the bearded man and he was anxious to see how Tim would do. Although they'd already waited for a half an hour Timmy was in a good mood while he sucked contently on a bottle and watched all the action going on around him.

A lot had happened over the past month and he couldn't believe it was only a few days away from Christmas. After Ducky was released from the hospital he returned home with a full time nurse to help with his recovery. The older man had exceeded everyone's expectations and was doing quite well despite the trauma he'd been through. Metro PD had finally caught the suspect as he was attempting to flee the country and the dirtbag was now sitting in a jail cell awaiting trial.

Once Sarah returned from Texas, the entire team spent a weekend cleaning out Tim's old apartment. Gibbs retained many of the items that Sarah noted were important to her brother including rare records, photos and his beloved car. The Porsche was paid off and Sarah urged Gibbs to take it. The older man was unsure what he would do with it, as it had too many bells and whistles for his liking, but it belonged to Tim and for sentimental reasons would be hard to get rid of right away. He was also worried about how they would handle the financial situation but being the planner that he was Tim had created joint accounts with Sarah; in case anything ever happened to him she would be financially stable while she finished school. At first Sarah had refused to take any of the money, however once Gibbs explained to her that Tim obviously wanted her to be taken care of, she allowed him to give her some of it. The rest was deposited into an account that Tim could access once he got older.

"Dada!"

A high-pitched squeal from his son thrust Gibbs from his musing and he shook his head as if to clear it. "What's wrong, kiddo?"

Tim smiled widely causing milk to dribble out of the corner of his mouth. The toddler now had a full view of Santa and pointed enthusiastically in his direction. Gibbs used his sleeve to wipe the milk off Timmy's face and crouched down next to the stroller, "You'll get your turn very soon, son. You've been such a good boy and you know who really likes good little boys and girls?" The little guy wrinkled his nose and shook his head slightly. Gibbs smiled at the adorable look on his face and tapped him gently on the nose. "Santa loves to give presents to good little boys and girls. He knows when you've been naughty or nice." Tim clapped his hands in excitement as the line moved forward and he was only a few minutes away from meeting the magical man. Out of the corner of his eye Gibbs noticed the older couple in front of them watching their interaction carefully. Ruffling Tim's hair he stood up and gave them a small smile. Realizing they'd been caught the man casually looked away, while the woman blushed and said, "What a beautiful grandson you have, dear. He's got the cutest little chubby cheeks, beautiful curls and gorgeous green eyes. What's his name?"

Before Gibbs could open his mouth to speak, Timmy proudly blurted out and motioned toward his daddy, "Dat muh Dada!"

The woman appeared confused by his statement and looked to Gibbs for confirmation. "He's your son?"

"Yes, Ma'am, Tim is indeed my son."

Clearly embarrassed by her mistake the woman blushed again and stammered, "Oh, I, umm…" Taking a deep breath she smiled sheepishly and continued, "Please accept my apology. I have to remind myself that times are changing and some people wait until they're much older to have children."

"It's perfectly fine. I understand why you could think that as I'm certainly not as young as I used to be." The woman patted his shoulder and sighed, "That goes for all of us, hon. Regardless, you have a beautiful son and I can tell that he loves you very much." She paused and glanced down at his left hand, "Is there a Mrs.?"

The older man quickly turned, slung his arm around his wife's shoulder and pulled her close, "That's none of your business, Beatrice. Leave the poor man alone and stop being so nosy." Giving Gibbs a sympathetic look he added, "She does this every time we're out in public. Please excuse her last comment."

Gibbs bit back a smile and motioned that it was their granddaughter's turn to see Santa, "No harm done. Have a Merry Christmas."

"Thanks, you too." The man replied, quickly ushering his wife and granddaughter up to the cashier to choose a photo package before meeting with Santa.

Removing the empty bottle from Tim's grasp, Gibbs shoved it in the diaper bag and pushed the stroller forward. "You're next, Timmy." Wiping the remaining milk from the toddler's chin he combed his fingers through his hair trying to tame the curls and straightened his shirt. "You look like a million bucks, kiddo." A moment later one of the elves motioned for Gibbs to come forward. "It's our turn, buddy." Parking the stroller to the side he lifted Tim out and kissed his forehead. After deciding on a photo package he climbed the stairs to where Santa was perched in an overstuffed chair.

"Ho, Ho, Ho! What's your name little fella?"

Tim's eyes widened and Gibbs could feel the tension start to build in his tiny body. The toddler's bottom lip started to quiver as he glanced between his daddy and the stranger with a full beard and deep booming voice.

"No, no, no!" Tim shrieked as Gibbs placed him on Santa's knee. "Its okay, kiddo. Santa won't hurt you." The older man tried to reassure him by gently rubbing his back.

"Santa this is Timmy. He's been so excited to meet you."

Santa tapped the youngster on the nose with his white glove and laughed heartily, "Well I've been excited to meet you too, Timmy."

Tim skeptically studied the man's face and before Gibbs could stop him, reached up and tugged on his beard. Another jovial laugh from Santa caused Tim to jump slightly and Gibbs knew he didn't have too much longer before the toddler completely lost it.

"Everyone loves to touch Santa's beard! So tell me Timmy…" He paused, patted Tim's knee and continued, "Have you been a good boy this year?"

With the question directed at him, Tim covered his face with his hands and nodded slowly.

"Well that's good. I love when all the children that have come to see me have been good for their parents. You want to tell me what Santa should bring you this year?"

Gibbs crouched down and whispered in Tim's ear, "Go ahead and tell Santa everything you want. Remember you want a piano, some new toys and books?" Tim nodded, but continued to try and stay hidden. Shooting a sympathetic look at Santa and his elves, Gibbs motioned to them to give him a moment to try and relax his son. Placing his hand on the toddler's back he rubbed small circles and said, "Can you be a big boy and tell Santa what you want? He's got lots of other boys and girls to visit with before Christmas." Eventually Timmy lowered his hands from his face and looked up at Santa.

"Hey, look, I found Tim. I thought you might have been gone forever and Santa would be sad if that happened. How about you tell me what you'd like for Christmas, hmm?"

Tim looked to his daddy in hopes that he would help him out. Aware of what his son was asking he began, "Timmy really likes to sing and likes banging on the keys of a piano. I told him we would have to see if you could bring him one this year."

Santa cleared his throat and leaned back in the chair, "Hmm, If I can find a way to bring it down the chimney without breaking my back then it will be near your tree on Christmas morning, kiddo."

After telling Santa the rest of Tim's list it was time for a picture. Tim was comforted by the fact that Gibbs was nearby, but when he stepped out of frame so they could take a few shots he started bawling hysterically. Santa tried his best to console him, but it was no use and soon Tim was flailing his arms and legs desperately trying to reach Gibbs. The older man bit back a smile as he imagined what the pictures would look like. He hated seeing his son upset, but had seen many of his co-workers kids pictures with Santa and now he had his own to share. Plus, they would be an excellent addition to Tim's scrapbook and one day they could look back and laugh at it together. Rushing in to save Santa he gave the man a grateful smile and gathered Tim in his arms. "Shh sweetie, daddy's got you now and everything is going to be alright."

Tim buried his face against Gibbs' shoulder and continued sobbing as the older man attempted to console him. One of the elves ushered them out to the area where their pictures would be available for viewing and held out a box of animal crackers, "Would the little one like some cookies?" When Tim heard the word cookies his sobs downgraded to sniffles and he lifted his head off Gibbs' shoulder to catch a glimpse of the tasty treats. Gibbs used his thumb to wipe the little guy's tear stained face and shook the box of cookies, "I was going to ask if you wanted some, but I think I already have an answer."

As Gibbs opened the box of animal crackers and handed a few to Tim the photographer pulled up the pictures he'd managed to shoot. Gibbs couldn't help but laugh at the progression of each photo. They started off with a very shocked looking Tim who was unhappy to be alone with Santa; to the final one where Tim had tears streaming down his face, arms aimed in Gibbs' direction and feet flailing.

The best part of the entire set was that Santa was completely unfazed by Tim's melt down and was smiling directly at the camera. After choosing photos to distribute to the team as well as a few to keep, Gibbs deposited Tim in the stroller and headed toward the parking lot. By the time they reached home Tim was sleeping soundly and Gibbs carried him up to his room to finish the remainder of his nap. It had taken some time and a few nights of Gibbs sleeping on the floor next to his crib, but Tim was finally comfortable sleeping in his own room. Occasionally he would awaken in the middle of the night and refuse to go back to sleep until he was tucked safely in his daddy's arms, but those were becoming few and far between as well. Gibbs relished in the fact that Tim still wanted to be close to him because he knew it wouldn't be like that forever. Tim stirred momentarily as he lay him down in the crib and Gibbs soothingly rubbed small circles on his back until his breathing evened out and he was asleep once again.

Sighing, he glanced up at all the pictures covering the wall. The frames that had been destroyed during his time of grief had been replaced and a few new photos had been added. There was one of Tim and Ducky during the older man's recovery, one of Tony, Ziva and Abby sitting on the couch with Tim sprawled out across their laps and finally another picture of father and son snoozing together on the couch. Abby suggested they try and get a new picture of the two napping together every month until Tim got too old and grew out of his baby phase. Even though he was reluctant at first because Tim would always be his baby, he now looked forward to seeing how much the toddler had grown each month. The only photo that was missing was one of Tim and Jack and until his father apologized for the hurtful things he said there would never be one of the two of them.

Covering Tim with the blanket he brushed the curls off his face and whispered, "Sleep well my baby." Walking to the window he closed the blinds, flipped off the light and headed downstairs to clean up for the company they were expecting.

Later that night as Gibbs and Timmy cuddled together on the couch watching Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer there was suddenly a knock on the door. The two had become so enthralled with the movie that Gibbs hadn't realized it was time for their company's arrival. Pausing the movie which elicited a scream of frustration from Tim, the older man stood up and situated the toddler on his hip. "I promise we'll watch the end as soon as we greet our guests." Tim stuck his thumb in his mouth and lay his head on Gibbs' shoulder as they walked to the door. After unlocking it he pulled it open and stepped to the side to allow their visitors entrance to the house.

"Gwapa Duck!"

"Abs!"

Tim squealed in delight as the older man, leaning heavily on a cane, shuffled into the house followed by Abby. It was the first time since his recovery that Ducky had been to the house and over a week since Tim had seen him last.

"You're looking good, Duck!" Gibbs proclaimed, patting him on the back and ushering him further into the warmth of the house. "How you feeling?"

"Thanks, Jethro. I have my good and bad days, but the doctors are pleased by my progress. I cannot wait until I no longer need to be chauffeured around and regain my independence."

"I know it's tough, Duck, but you only have a few more weeks until the doctor said you can try driving again."

"Yes I know, but I hate the fact that the entire team has been waiting on me hand and foot."

Gibbs opened his mouth to speak, but Abby beat him to the punch, "Well you're going to have to hate it for a little while longer, Ducky.

"We're a family and when one of our family members gets sick or hurt it's our job to take care of them."

Tim was bubbling with excitement and leaned over to snake his arms around Ducky's neck. "Oh my – what did I deserve to earn this big of a hug, hmm?" The toddler squeezed tighter, reveling in the familiar comfort and smell of his beloved Grandpa. Abby wiped away a tear as the two embraced and snuggled against Gibbs as he wrapped his free arm around her shoulder. Sniffling she pulled a tissue from her pocket and blotted her tears, "It's just so beautiful. A month ago we weren't even sure our entire family would be together for Christmas and now here we are." Tim released his grip from around Ducky's neck and extended his arms out toward Abby.

"Aww Timmy…c'mere you little cutie pie." She gushed, taking the toddler into her arms and spinning him around.

"Speaking of family – where are Anthony and Ziva?" Ducky asked, shedding his coat and handing it off to Gibbs.

"They stopped to get some last minute supplies we'll need for tonight. I'm assuming that they'll be here in the next few minutes. In the meantime we can go into the family room and relax. Tim and I were near the end of watching Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer when you arrived."

"Oh, I love that movie!" Abby squealed, bouncing Tim on her hip as they walked to the family room and took a seat on the couch. Gibbs hovered protectively close to Ducky, kicking toys out of the way until he made it to the chair and gingerly took a seat. Gibbs noticed the pain filled expression on his friend's face and crouched down in front of him, "Just take a deep breath, Duck. Let your body adjust to the different position. Anything I can get for you?"

Ducky grit his teeth and nodded, "Be a dear and fetch my pain pills from my coat pocket. I'm due for another one soon and that will really help take the edge off."

Abby and Tim looked on helplessly as Ducky continued his deep breathing exercises while Gibbs fetched his bottle of pain pills and a glass of water. Returning from the kitchen, Gibbs popped the top off the bottle and asked, "How many do you take, Duck?"

"Only one for right now, Jethro. If one doesn't work then I'll take a second one later."

Gibbs wrangled a pill out of the container, placed it in the older man's hand and gave him the glass of water. After swallowing the pill and taking a few sips of water he handed the glass back to Gibbs and leaned back in the chair. "Thanks." He motioned toward the television and continued, "Go ahead and resume the movie, I'll be okay in a few minutes."

The three skeptically looked at Ducky, wanting to be certain he was alright before they resumed the movie. Feeling three sets of eyes staring at him, Ducky reiterated what he'd just said, "I appreciate the concern, but I'll be fine in a few minutes. Please finish watching the movie."

Grabbing the remote from the table, Gibbs plopped down next to Abby on the couch and pressed the play button. The tension in the room dispersed as cheerful music and colorful animation illuminated the television screen. Twenty minutes later as the credits rolled, Gibbs turned to check on Ducky and smiled when he saw the older man's eyes closed and that he was sleeping peacefully.

"Gwapa Duck sweeping?" Tim questioned quietly just as there was a loud knock on the door.

"He was, kiddo." Gibbs sighed as Ducky's eyes fluttered open and he appeared to be confused as to where he was for a moment. "Take it easy, Duck. You're at my place, remember?" The doctor nodded, removed his glasses and wiped his eyes, "I'm sorry I fell asleep. Sometimes the pain medication makes me drowsy."

Gibbs patted Ducky's knee and stood up as a second knock rang out louder than the first. "Don't apologize, Duck, I'm glad you were able to get a few minutes rest."

Growling as a third knock vibrated throughout the downstairs, Gibbs threw open the door and huffed, "Knock one more time DiNozzo and I swear I'll stick my boot so far up…" He stopped short of what he was about to say when he caught a glimpse of Timmy watching him from the couch.

"Sorry Boss." Tony cringed and stomped his feet outside the door before stepping inside.

"We thought perhaps you were upstairs and did not hear us." Ziva explained, handing off several grocery bags to Gibbs as she entered.

"Toey!"

"Zeba!"

Timmy crawled off Abby's lap and was about to slide down the couch in order to reach them when he was suddenly wrapped in the Goth's arms and being carried to the newest arrivals. Being the closest, Ziva extended her arms and laughed as Tim fell into them. "You are getting to be such a big boy." Giggling as she peppered his face with kisses, Tim reached up to twirl her hair between his fingers.

"Already going for my hair, hmm? I see that it was a good decision to leave it down tonight." Tim blushed as he stuck his thumb in his mouth and continued to play with the long silky strands.

"Hey, how come Tim gets to play with your hair and I don…?" Ziva jabbed her elbow into Tony's stomach before he could finish and laughed nervously. Abby smirked at the pair's budding relationship while Gibbs raised his eyebrows slightly and gave them a lasting stare that meant it better not interfere with work. Once hugs were passed out amongst the team they gathered in the kitchen where Gibbs made a pot of coffee and boiled water for tea, while Abby and Ziva unpacked the treats they'd brought.

"Did you bring the movie, Tony?" Abby asked as she opened the tin of gingerbread cookies she'd made and arranged them on a platter.

"I brought several, but I think Gibbs should decide which movie would best suit Timmy." Instead of their traditional viewing of "It's A Wonderful Life" the team had decided to switch to a movie and treat that would be more appropriate for Tim's age. Following several discussions they'd decided on ice cream sundaes and cookies instead of caramel popcorn and hot mulled cider. Once Tim was older they could switch back to their traditional treats but they were all excited to try something new. There was nothing better than seeing Christmas through the eyes of a child and many of them were more excited for the holiday than Tim. Collecting bowls, spoons and coffee mugs from the cupboard, Gibbs placed them on the table and asked Tim, "Kiddo we're going to have some ice cream and cookies. Do you want juice or milk?"

"Uice!" Tim's eyes widened as three cartons of ice cream were placed on the table and opened. Licking his lips he pointed to the container of chocolate and bounced delightedly in Tony's lap. "Good luck getting this guy to sleep tonight." Tony laughed as Tim trembled with anticipation when he saw a bottle of chocolate syrup and can of whipped cream being dug out of the bag.

"Somebody get Timmy a sundae, stat!" Ducky chuckled, watching a steady stream of drool dribble down the toddler's chin.

Gibbs finished pouring a bottle of juice for Tim and grabbed a smaller bowl out of the cupboard. Motioning toward the cartoons of ice cream he said, "It may be twenty degrees outside, but it's warm in here and it won't last long if you guys don't start making sundaes soon." Filling the small bowl with chocolate ice cream for Timmy he glanced at DiNozzo and smirked, "You're right…Timmy will be hyped up on sugar tonight, but that's why I keep you around. If there's anyone who can match Tim's energy and eventually wear him out, it's you."

"Now that's a challenge I'll gladly accept."

As the team constructed their sundaes they chatted about work and how they were all grateful to finally have Christmas off. A year ago it would have been just another holiday, but with Tim now a child it was important that they have time together to spend as a family. Vance realized the significance and since Gibbs' team had been on Christmas detail since he took over as director, the vacation was long overdue. Once the sundaes were created, drinks poured and the ice cream was stored they began their journey out to the family room for a movie. It took several trips but soon everyone was huddled together enjoying the warmth of the fireplace and comfort of friends. Tim was salivating as his sundae sat just out of reach on the end table and he tugged desperately on Gibbs' shirt.

"I know, sweetie, give Daddy one moment, okay?"

Tim huffed and folded his arms across his chest as he watched Gibbs decide on the movie. He didn't care about the stupid movie, all he wanted was his ice cream and he wanted it now! Tugging a little harder on Gibbs' sleeve he whined and pointed in the direction of where his ice cream dish sat.

"I see you're already learning my impatience, son. That's going to be something we'll have to work on, huh?"

The team howled in laughter as they all knew how truly impatient Gibbs could be. Tim on the other hand had no idea what they were laughing about, nor did he care, his sole focus was tasting the sweet creamy chocolate in his mouth. "I think I've made you wait long enough, kiddo." Gibbs chuckled, grabbed the small bowl from the table and scooped a bite into Tim's mouth. Humming in victory and delight, Tin opened his mouth before he had even swallowed the first bite and awaited the next. As Gibbs shoveled another spoonful into Tim's mouth there was a knock on the door and everyone glanced around the room, wondering who it could possibly be. Groaning, Gibbs kissed Tim on the forehead and stood up, "I'll be right back, son. I'm going to take this bowl with me otherwise you'll make a huge mess."

As he crossed the entryway some of Tim's ice cream dripped onto his thumb and he licked it off. Abby yelled, "It could be Jimmy and Breena. I invited them to join us, but they weren't sure if they were going to be able to make it." He nodded, acknowledging her and reached for the door handle. Opening the door, the bowl went crashing to the floor as the person on the other side said, "Merry Christmas."