Chapter Two

They were not late meeting Tony, mostly due to Ziva's driving and valet parking. DiNozzo had just arrived so their time was actually pretty good. With the Gemcity reservations they only had to wait fifteen minutes for their table, not a bad deal for a beautiful Sunday at a very popular restaurant.

As they finished their brunch, Tony polishing off both their desserts and still working on his own, Tim leaned back, "So Tony, we want to have some fun before the work week starts. Do you still want to play miniature golf? Because Ziva wants to take on both of us. What do you say?"

"I say, let's do it!"

Tim did a quick look-up and while Tony finished his dessert, they decided to try Woody's; it sounded like a lot of fun and was meant for all ages. After paying their tab, the trio left, agreeing to meet in Herndon at the course.

Woody's "Perils of the Jungle" proved to be a lot of fun and they had a great time hacking 'through the Amazon' and deliberately misreading the clues to get them through the course. Luckily there weren't a lot of players behind them and they quickly let those who were play ahead. They took their time and laughed their way through the day. Tony was happily acting out golf movies, his favorite being "Caddyshack" with Bill Murray and Chevy Chase and his antics had Tim laughing so hard at one point he thought he was going to either have an accident or an asthma attack. Neither happened and the boys went on to clobber Ziva on the first nine, however she fought back and won the second nine, declaring a tie.

It was heading toward late afternoon when they finished up and the trio split at the parking lot. Ziva wanted to stop at their favorite gourmet grocery before heading over to Ducky's. Once there she quickly found what she was looking for, ingredients for strawberry shortcake. They weren't that far from Ducky's so arrived before Tim could work his hand into the bag with the fresh strawberries. Ducky was his usual affable self; Tim wondered if the older man felt that he and Ziva were scrutinizing him more than usual. The doctor prepared their tea while Ziva put the strawberry shortcakes together. They adjourned to the dining room where they could eat their treat without danger of spilling on Ducky's newly cleaned carpet.

After they ate, Ducky cleared his throat. "Timothy, Ziva thank you for coming. I have something I need to talk with you about. I suppose I should have included your sister and brother, but it's a bit personal and I don't know the children that well yet."

"That's fine, Ducky, please don't be concerned."

"Very well, well you see, children, it involves your grandmother."

"Which one?"

"Maisie, dear boy, Maisie… I…" Ducky sighed. "Did you never wonder why I remain single and childless?"

Tim swallowed, "Ducky…"

"Oh, that's not fair of me, I should just get off the stick and tell you." Ducky took a deep breath. "You see, when I was a young man in medical school in Edinburgh, I won a prestigious award that allowed me to attend one of the country's premiere medical schools for a year. So instead of doing my third year in Edinburgh, I did it in London."

Ziva nodded, "I remember you telling me that some time ago, of your year in London."

"Yes, good. I was enthralled, I had been quite content in Edinburgh, but London really opened my eyes. You might say it opened me up to the world, as cliché as that sounds. Not just the people, as Edinburgh is also an international city, but in more ways than I can say, London seemed to me to be the crossroads of the planet. There were, and are, bits of every known culture; whether that culture is alive and active or ancient and extinct. News flows in from everywhere; events became known to me far faster than I'd ever experienced. And this changed nearly everything for me. My determination to become a physician, no, that was strengthened but not changed. What changed was how and where I would practice. I saw an open venue, if you will, such a large number of choices. I could go to Africa and work in clinics there, perhaps travel to work in a canoe or through a jungle. Or South America or the Middle East or the Far East, the possibilities seemed endless. I dug even deeper into my studies, determined to be the best so that the best choices would be open to me. I became something of a recluse, devoting my life to my education and ignoring my friends and their attempts to tempt me away from the books and operating theaters.

"However, eventually one of my closest friends got as we would say today, "in my face", and convinced me that my seclusion was unhealthy. He was a fellow Reekie, that's old slang for a fellow Edinburghian, studying law at Oxford. I managed to avoid his Boxing Day invitation but felt so badly that I accepted the invitation to Burns' Night, a celebration we Scots hold on Robbie Burns' birthday." Ducky paused and chuckled, "Drew, my chum, was so determined to roust me from my quarters he showed up in full regalia nearly an hour ahead. He was there, he said, to ensure I didn't weasel out of going. Since he was in his clan tartan, I followed suit.

"Now, Mallard is a French name; the story passed down in my family is that my French ancestor, Henri Mallard, the younger son of Yves Mallard, a merchant of spirits in the region of Brittany, was sent to Edinburgh to meet with their business partners. While there he met and fell in love with sweet Alice Buchanan. His father, having also known true love, allowed him to emigrate and open a branch of their business in Edinburgh. Henri married Alice, his true love and thus the Mallard family was established in Scotland. Although my ancestors have added many illustrious names to my lineage, I regard myself as a member of the Clan Buchanan. So for the party, I donned my own clan finery and left with Drew." Ducky paused for a long sip of his rapidly cooling tea.

"The celebration was held at a private home and as such was by 'invitation only'. We arrived to find an astounding array of fellow Scots in various tartans and even Sassenach clothing," He paused again at Tim and Ziva's inquiring expressions, "English clothing; Sassenach is the word a Scot may use to describe an English person or something English. Not the friendliest term, mind you! But my eyes were immediately drawn to the most beautiful being I'd ever seen in my life, a lovely young woman with light hair and cornflower blue eyes. Although she was dressed in a Sassenach dress, it fit her very well and she wore a scarf – or sash –of her family tartan around her waist. Now, I wasn't a child, I was in my mid 20s and had dated my share of lovely young ladies. But this one took my breath and speech away, yes, that is what I said, Timothy!"

Tim smiled back at Ducky, trying to imagine him 1) speechless and 2) a young man. Shaking his head a bit, the older man continued his tale, "Now as it happened, my parents and forefathers passed along the right genes to me and the ladies generally seemed to find me pleasing to look at – I have photographs, yes, there, Ziva in that second album – so other than the fact that I still could not form an entire word, I had little trepidation that the young lady would turn me away, not for my looks at any rate."

He stopped as Ziva had opened the album and was gazing, trying not to look astonished, at a photo of a decades-younger very fashionable and admittedly hot Ducky, sparkling bright blue eyes, his hair a bright blonde and in a stylish 60's haircut with a devilish smile on his lips. Holding the album up so Tim could see, she saw the brightness in her boyfriend's eyes and knew he was wishing, as she was, that they had known the younger Ducky and what formed him, as well as their beloved older friend. Ziva knew both of them were thankful he was sharing this piece of his past with them.

They looked up at him now, smiling and nodding and he continued. "Drew saw my eyes go straight to the young woman and guessed my predicament. He laughed at me, but then brought me a glass of beer to bring me back to reality. After I'd quaffed a good deal of it, I ventured over to the ladies. Ah, I neglected to mention, my new love was in the company of another comely young woman, also in a pretty dress but of course nowhere near as bright and beautiful as her friend. So as I said, I ventured over to them, asking them if they would like a drink and thus easing myself into some conversation. They introduced themselves, the friend's name was Jocelyn, she worked in some sort of office and the two young women were flat mates. From her accent, she was from Cornwall, in southern England.

"My angel introduced herself to me and I gave her my name and we drifted off together to talk and listen and learn and I couldn't tell you anything else about that party, just her face, her eyes, her lovely voice. My dear children, it was love at first sight for the two of us. Drew and Jocelyn eventually pried us apart and we left; telephone numbers and addresses in hand. We met, my angel and I, on the weekend for a romantic walk in Kensington Gardens and an even more romantic dinner. Finding time for each other was difficult with her work – she worked in the same office as Jocelyn – and my studies, but we managed. Money was limited so I splurged on our first outing and then cut back. She cooked me dinner in her flat and we did a lot of walking together. I don't think either one of us cared what we did, as long as we were together. We saw the occasional movie, went dancing, attended parties together, after all that meant free food and drink. As the months went by, our relationship grew and I was finding it difficult to balance my studies, my aspirations and my heart.

"We had been seeing each other for close to six months when I received a tremendous opportunity, one I did not feel I could easily pass up. I was invited to join "Doctors Without Borders" for a twelve month period, even though I had not yet completed my studies or my residency, some of which could be completed within the organization. It was the chance of a lifetime and although I agonized over my decision, there was no clear answer. It would mean leaving my love who wanted and deserved marriage, a home and children. Facing the facts, I knew this would also likely lead to other opportunities. When my angel realized I was agonizing over something, she sweet talked it out of me and that night I could see, as I told her, something changing in her eyes. Talking of my hopes and dreams was very different from being presented with a real and present opportunity. I had listened to her dreams as well and knew she wanted stability and a family, not following a doctor around the world or perhaps worse, having a spouse who was rarely home. I knew I would have regrets whichever I chose, but my angel surprised me, freeing me to follow the other part of my heart, the part that wanted to save the world. We said our goodbyes and I left London for my 'tour of duty' with the Doctors' organization.

"I stayed with them for nearly two years, completing my residency. At some point I received a letter from my angel, a "Dear Donald" letter if you will, telling me she had married my friend Drew; she was content with him and they were now preparing to move to America. I continued my work and my broken heart, the one I myself broke, eventually mended. I had relationships after that, but never found anyone to replace my angel and so I have remained single and childless. That is until I joined NCIS, made friends with Leroy Jethro Gibbs and met you lot. Now I have family again and I find a deep happiness within me knowing all of you."

They sat in the darkening dining room, the sun having set during Ducky's story. Noticing now, he rose and turned the overhead light on. "Mustn't sit in the gloom!"

Tim, hoping he knew the answer, finally asked the question, "What was her name, Ducky? Your angel's name?"

Ducky looked at him and chuckled, "As if you haven't guessed, Timothy! Her name is Maisie; Maisie Charlotte Stirling Hubbard, yes your grandmother is my angel."

Ziva and Tim gave each other high fives and Ducky looked rather astonished.

"Ducky, I saw you two on the plane to California. And at the cemetery. On the plane you were shocked and at the cemetery the two of you walked off together and I could see there was some emotion between you. But it wasn't any of my business, so I didn't ask and I only told Ziva yesterday, when Gram was acting a little…different."

Ducky nodded, "Yes, I called her Friday and asked her to lunch with me this week. She wanted me to talk with you first."

"About how you almost became my grandfather."

"Well yes, and there is more; I am hoping to …that is…I still love Maisie and I would like to pursue a relationship with her, but only with your permission."

"My permission, why not Uncle Jim's?"

"I suppose because you are the one with whom I have a familial relationship. If I win back my angel's heart, this time we will marry and we will then be related."

While Tim was processing that, Ziva cleared her throat, deciding to ask the question she knew Tim would not.

"Ducky, is there any chance that Lily was yours?"

Ducky smiled nostalgically. "I'm not saying it could not have happened as we were very close, but no, dear, Lily was born more than a year after Maisie and Drew's marriage. "

Tim looked disappointed and Ducky chuckled. "I am sorry, Timothy."

Tim nodded his head and then sat up, squared his shoulders and looked his still-surrogate grandfather straight in the eyes.

"You intend to stay with her, to provide a home for her?"

"Yes, lad, I do."

"And you promise not to hurt her?"

"Barring the occasional argument and never physically, yes I promise."

"All right, you have my permission to date my grandmother."

After a few more minutes of conversation and another story from Ducky, the two bid him goodnight and left for home. Tim handed the keys to Ziva, much to her amazement. "Here Zee, would you mind, I need to think."

"Thank you, Tim, I will drive carefully."

He looked at her, his brow furrowed, "Who are you and what have you done with my girlfriend?" They laughed and made their way home.

As the next day started a new work week, Tim let the information about Ducky and Maisie drift to the back of his mind. He thought of telling his dad, but figured that was Ducky's business. They caught a triple homicide Monday afternoon and spent the week chasing down leads, finally matching their suspicions with Abby's ballistics evidence toward the end of the week. The killer behind bars, reports done, Tim was packing his gear for their on call weekend when his cell buzzed, the ID showed Gram Maisie.

He mouthed "Maisie" at Gibbs, who nodded his permission to take a personal call; Tim's reports were in and finalized, he had dismissed him minutes ago and knew his son was really waiting for Ziva to be done. DiNozzo would likely be here half the night at the pace he was working, or rather not working. Gibbs guessed the man either had a late date with Wendy this evening or was not seeing her at all. He realized he hadn't heard much chatter about Wendy recently and frowned, thinking he would talk with Tony later, see what was going on.

Tim accepted the call, "Hello Gram, how are you?"

"I'm fine, darling boy, how are you, how has your week gone?"

"Had a tough case, Gram, but it's settled now."

"That means you caught the miscreant, Timothy, I'm glad."

"Thanks, Gram. Have you spoken with Ducky?"

"Yes, I did and he told me the two of you had talked."

"I'm so relieved, son, I wanted you to know but thought it better that Donald tell you."

"It's fine Gram, and I was glad to learn some history of the two of you." He got up from his desk and walked down the hall for a little more privacy. "I'm touched that you wanted my permission. I love both of you very much and I think it's great that the two of you have reconnected."

"Yes, Donald told me you caught us on the plane and later. It was such a shock, Timothy, to sit there on that plane, thinking of my Lily, Patrick and Daniel, being thankful to have found you and Sarah, or rather have you find us, and to meet our Rob - and then to see my first love walk right by me, more than 50 years later! I didn't even notice when the plane took off or much of the flight. I finally made myself turn and look at him, I was so afraid I was wrong, but when I saw those blue eyes, I knew it was Donald; especially when he looked up and saw me, he was shocked, I was probably the last person on earth he was expecting to see. Oh Timothy, I know you've had so much heartache, I hope you'll forgive two old people trying to rekindle their love."

"Gram, I meant what I said, I think it's wonderful. Please don't worry about any of us fretting over that. I do have a question for you, though."

"Yes of course, sweet boy." Tim smiled; over the weeks he had started getting used to the affectionate nicknames from his father, grandparents and the rest of the family; now he was noticing they felt normal. "Are you going to tell Sarah and Rob or shall I? "

"Oh no, I'll do that, I'm having lunch with them on Saturday. Just the three of us as Donald said you, Ziva and Jethro are on call and he and Dr. Palmer will be at their clinic."

"That's good, Gram, are you meeting somewhere or are they picking you up?" His grandmother laughed, a lovely joyous sound, "Oh no, 'Timpa', yes Rob told me that is a combination of Tim and Pa, and I understood what that means, you have been both older brother and father to those two. You raised those children right. Rob insisted on picking up both your sister and me."

"Good man, proud of him."

Maisie chuckled again, "Now you sound like your father."

"Thanks Gram, that's a great compliment!"

"Speaking of Rob, I haven't wanted to pry, but how is he paying for medical school, Timothy and when will we be able to call him Doctor?"

"He has scholarships and grants, Gram, Rob works hard, always has. And… Mr. Gemcity occasionally fills in a gap here and there. As for when we can properly call him Doctor, he'll be able to tell you better than me. I've been calling him Doc since he was 5 years old and tried to operate on me!" They both laughed at that, imagining a small Rob with the doctor kit he'd received for Christmas from Toys for Tots.

"You're hoping I won't comment on the Gemcity generosity, but I heard that and I imagine the same holds true for Sarah."

"Yes she works very hard too, Gram and the book money is extra. College money for both of them is why I've continued writing. When they got the scholarships and grants, some of the Gemcity money just got re-directed."

"I'll bet to those poor children at your shelter and camp."

"Um, yes, Gram, but they're not 'mine'!"

"I understand, sweet boy."

They chatted for a few more minutes, until Ziva and Ducky came looking for him. He looked up in surprise, "Gram, Ziva is here, ready to go home and Ducky's here too, guess he just wants to say hello before we leave. "

"That's fine, Timothy, tell them hello for me. I'll talk with you soon!"

"Have fun with the kids tomorrow, Gram." He disconnected the call and smiled at his girlfriend and his 'almost' grandfather.

A/N: 1. "Woody's Perils of the Jungle" is a real miniature golf course in Herndon VA and it sounds like a lot of fun, very imaginative in that it's not the traditional windmill, bridge setup.

2. I used some creative license with the reference to Doctors-Without-Borders as it was started in the 1970's; Ducky's year in London story takes place in 1958.