He opened his eyes and glanced over at the clock. Usually, he hated waking up before the alarm sounded. He smiled as he realized he had an extra hour to spend with the woman he loved. Lizzie rolled over, stealing his covers yet snuggling into his side. She sighed softly in her sleep while moving her head to his chest and putting an arm over him. He had to admit it was hard to be mad about her stealing covers when she looked so damn angelic while sleeping. Tony made no effort to move and merely watched his fiancée dream.

Twenty minutes later, Lizzie opened her eyes. She buried her face into Tony's neck, laughing softly. "I hate when you watch me sleep."

"I can't help it. It's the only time you're angelic."

Her teeth nipped his shoulder, and he yelped. She gently placed herself on top of him. "You better not find any wide awake angelic looking women in Los Angeles."

He shook his head. He found enjoyment in the subtle jealous streak. "Elizabeth Gibbs…I wouldn't. The only woman I plan on watching closely is your mother."

Lizzie smirked and rearranged herself to be more comfortable. "Good. Now," she whispered into his ear. "Let's make use of the time. After all, it'll be two long days." She began placing light kisses on his neck, chest, and continued her way down his body.

Tony let out a content sigh and accepted his send off.

Meanwhile, Leroy Jethro Gibbs sat at the foot of the bed, watching his wife go in and out of the master bedroom, her closet, and bathroom. He glanced over to the two suitcases at the doorway. "Jen…Jenny," he huffed, always irritated with her last minute checking. "Jennifer."

She stopped in her tracks and glared at him. "What, Leroy?"

"Don't ya think you packed everything last night?"

"I'm making sure I did. If I haven't, it's your fault."

A self-satisfied grin spread over his lips. He may have been a hindrance to her packing. "I was just tryin' to help."

"Uh huh," she muttered, walking over to the bed and stroking his face. "My husband…always so helpful."

"That's me."

"Always such a pain in the ass, stubborn, never plays well with others…" The redhead had plenty more to say, but the sudden kiss shut her up. It was one of the few ways Jethro could make her be quiet.

She pulled away from him, smiling and green eyes sparkling. "Handsome and such a good kisser."

He smiled. "And good in bed. Good at protection details too."

Jenny straightened, standing to her full height. She gave him a decided glare and crossed her arms over her chest. "Took you longer than I expected, Jethro."

He rolled his eyes at her. "Jenny, you're too goddamn stubborn. I should be going with you."

"Me? Too goddamn stubborn? Who's the one still chewing on this like a dog with an old bone?"

"You know what they say, Jen, can't teach an old dog new tricks."

She cocked her hip to the side, staring at the floor and trying to hide the smile on her face. She sighed softly. He wasn't trying to be such a pain in the ass, but he was an old dog. He hated learning new tricks which explained his lack of use with technology. She couldn't teach him to let go of her. He wasn't one for letting go of the reins. One of the best things he did in life was protect especially her. "Jethro," she said softly as she made eye contact with him. "Come here."

He cautiously approached his wife. She slid her arms around his waist and hugged him to her softly. "Stop worrying. I'll be back in two days in one piece. Tony and Ziva will make sure of it." She lifted her head and looked into his blue eyes. "Now, take my bags downstairs. No more complaining or arguing. I don't want to leave that way."

Gibbs nodded his head. He was worried, and he couldn't pinpoint the reason. She was right. His wife didn't need to be leaving for the west coast with them in a fight. As he walked away to take her bags, she popped him on the ass playfully. "That's a good Jethro." She erupted into laughter as he muttered several words about redheads.

As he dropped the two bags in the foyer, he was still muttering. The front door opened. "Hey daddy," Katie greeted him, hugging him and kissing his cheek.

He hugged his oldest tightly and kissed the side of her head. "Missed your hugs, Katie."

She pulled back slightly and stared at him, reading his face. She admitted she'd been too busy academically and socially lately. By the look on her father's face, she would cancel her plans. "Hey…have I told you about what I'm doing tonight?"

"Nope."

"I have a date with a marine."

Gibbs furrowed his brows. He knew how marines could be and how Katie could be. "Katie…"

"Wait, daddy…let me tell you about him. He's in his 50s and is known as a silver haired fox to some," she finished, grinning.

He chuckled, shaking his head. "I'm the only marine you better ever go out with."

"It's a date. Me, you, pizza, bourbon, boat, and a basement."

He smiled at her, nodding his head. He looked up to the stairs when he heard heels clicking.

"Good…you found the time to tell your mother bye," Jen remarked to her daughter.

Katie rolled her eyes. "Okay, I know I haven't been around much lately."

"You haven't been around at all." She missed her daughters. Yes, she realized they had lives and didn't need her as much, but it was a bitter pill for her to swallow.

"I was here for dinner on Sunday, mother."

Jenny raised an eyebrow as she checked her phone. "Dined and dashed."

She sighed heavily and looked at her father for help. He held his hands up.

"Okay, I get it, mom. You miss me."

"I do. Let's have a spa day when I get back."

Katie nodded her head. She exchanged the same look with her father after her mother's cell began ringing. They witnessed her demeanor change in seconds. "Director mode," the two voiced in unison. They went into the kitchen for coffee while waiting on the others to arrive.

In the back of the limo, Ziva checked her watch. She hadn't doubted Stanley and his punctuality, and traffic wasn't a problem so far. The car stopped in front of Tony's building. The Israeli let the window down, ready to fire back at DiNozzo for whatever wisecrack he'd make to her. However, her mouth fell open. There were few occasions when shock truly came over her. Her eyes had caught the sparkle of the engagement ring on Elizabeth's slender finger.

"Car's here," Lizzie said breathlessly. She needed air after the sidewalk mini make out session.

"One more." Tony rested his forehead against hers.

She smiled and kissed him softly before taking his hand. She turned and witnessed Ziva's stunned face. In one swift move, her elbow found Tony's ribs. "You hadn't told Ziva and McGee?"

He winced. "Not exactly."

"Ziva knows now."

"Hey Ziva!" Tony smiled brightly and opened the door of the limo.

"Morning, Tony. Lizzie," she acknowledged, scooting over to allow them to slide in. She couldn't believe that the Italian womanizer was engaged. As her mind began to race back over the last months, the subtle, positive changes in her partner dawned on her. Lizzie had turned DiNozzo into a man ready for commitment. Ziva smiled, happy for the two of them. She congratulated the couple and thought how the trip to Los Angeles would be an out of the ordinary experience. DiNozzo not ogling women. No McGee to be the buffer between them. In a way, it could be refreshing. At the Director's home, goodbyes were said and done. The two agents would quickly learn traveling with the NCIS Director was much different than traveling with their team leader.