Over the next few days Tony prepared to bring his son home and began to adapt to fatherhood. He bought a plane ticket and packed the clothes and supplies that Ziva had bought for her son. It was helpful having Deena by his side helping him along but he knew that had to end eventually. Before he knew it his week was up and he had to head back to the states. He shuffled to his seat on the plane. Doing his best to ignore the disapproving whispers, looks and groans. When people saw that he was bringing a baby on a plane. All to soon he would be in reality. Alone as a single father. At least he didn't have to go back to DC just yet. He had enough saved up for another few months off. Though he doubted he would be gone that long. He wasn't ready going to DC just yet. He was heading for Pennsylvania. Stillwater Pennsylvania to be exact. He Jack would be more than willing to help him deal with what he needed to and help him break it to Gibbs that he had a son with Ziva. Tony was dreading his Boss finding out. He would either be thrilled with his grandson or furious. His plane touched down at Harrisburg International airport. From there he took a domestic flight to Williamsport Regional airport. After that he took a train straight to Stillwater. He looked at his watch. It was five o'clock. Jack should be just closing the store for his dinner break around now. He took out his phone and dialed his surrogate grandfather's phone number.
"Hello?"
"Hi Jack it's me Tony."
"Tony my boy how are you? I heard about your surgery. I am so happy that you are still with us."
"I'm alright. I am glad to be alive too. How are you?"
"I'm alright"
"That's good to hear. Hey can I ask you a favor?"
"Of course Tony. Anything for you."
"I need you to pick me up at the train station."
"The train station? What brings you to Stillwater?"
"It's a long story. I will explain when you pick me up."
"I will be right there. I just have to finish my dinner and tell LJ that he is going to be alone the rest of the evening."
"Oh no you can go back to work. I just need a ride and a warm bed."
"Nonsense we need to catch up and you need a home cooked meal."
"Thanks Jack."
"It's no problem really."
"Look I have a surprise when you see me and it's a really long story. So be prepared."
"Please tell me you are alright. I can't bury another grandchild and I'm pretty sure losing you would kill Leroy."
"No I'm fine it's just."
"Waaaah"
"Is that a baby?"
"Yeah. I will explain when you get here."
Tony held baby Jack as he had started calling him. Baby Jack had started screaming bloody murder right after Tony had hung up with big Jack. It didn't take long to realize that the baby needed a fresh diaper. Tony had started to sneak into the lady's room.
"Oh no son. You can't go in there." An old woman said exiting the restroom.
"I know and I am sorry but my son needs a new diaper." Tony explained nervously.
"You're new at this aren't you?" The woman asked.
"Yes mam. His mother died and this is my first day alone. I had help before but I had to get home and I was on planes all day." Tony rambled.
"I am sorry to hear that. What I mean is. There is a changing table in the men's room too." The woman explained.
"Thank you so much mam." Tony replied.
"It's no problem." The woman assured.
Once baby Jack was changed Tony made his way to the pick-up area of the train station. He was relieved when he finally saw Jack's truck pull up beside him. He just wanted to climb into bed and sleep for the rest of his life. Unfortunately with baby Jack that was impossible. Jack climbed out of the truck and took the rolling suitcase from Tony's hand.
"Thank you so much Jack." Tony said.
"It's no problem. Now who's this?" Jack asked.
"Jack, this is Lior Jackson David-DiNozzo. He's my son." Tony replied.
"Your son?" Jack asked.
"Yeah" Tony replied.
"The Israeli is the mom isn't she?" Jack asked.
"Yes" Tony replied.
"Leroy told me she had passed but she didn't mention that she had a baby." Jack replied.
"He didn't know. I just got back from Israel. I went to say goodbye and I find out I have a kid." Tony explained.
"He's beautiful." Jack commented.
"I love him." Tony replied.
"Does that carrier work as a car-seat?" Jack asked.
"Yes" Tony replied.
"Do you know how to set it up?" Jack asked.
"No" Tony replied.
"That's fine. I think I can get it." Jack replied.
Tony was half asleep by the time Jack pulled into his driveway. He was beyond relieved when Jack called LJ to help him carry his bags inside. Tony slowly made his way through the store and upstairs to the apartment. He set baby Jack on the floor in his carrier and collapsed on to the couch. Jack came in a few minutes later with a plate of food.
"That was excellent." Tony commented handing Jack his empty plate.
"Thank you very much. You look exhausted." Jack replied.
"I am." Tony yawned.
"How about I take care of baby uh." Jack replied.
"Lee aw r but I have been calling him by his middle name Jack." Tony explained.
"Jack I love that." Jack replied.
"Thanks" Tony yawned.
"Well how about I take care of Baby Jack the rest of the night and you get some sleep?" Jack offered.
"I would love that. Where is he going to sleep though?" Tony asked.
"I can get Leroy's old crib from the basement." Jack explained.
"You sure it's safe?" Tony asked.
"Of course I built it myself, restored it when Kelly was born, and fixed it up a few years ago. When I had a young single mom working for me. So she could bring her kid to work with her." Jack replied.
"You're a good man Jack." Tony yawned.
"Thanks now let's get you into a real bed. You don't need to be sleeping on that old couch." Jack replied.
"Where can I sleep?" Tony asked.
"You can stay in Leroy's room." Jack replied.
"That sounds great" Tony replied.
"I will set the crib up in the guest room." Jack explained.
"Thank you so much." Tony replied.
Tony fell asleep to the sound of Jack assembling the crib in the guest-room. He knew that the next day he would have to call Gibbs and not only beg for his job back but explain that he had a kid. With any luck he still have use of part of his body when Gibbs was done with him. He woke up a couple of hours later to use the bathroom. As he passed the guest-room he heard Jack singing a lullaby to baby Jack. For a minute he stopped and listened. Jack was the most paternal person he had ever met and his son Jethro was a close second. He prayed that he would be at least half the father they were.
"You'll be a great father Tony. Now go back to sleep." Jack assured.
A/N: At least Tony has Jack to help him out. He talks to Gibbs in the next chapter and Emily and him will patch things up soon. New chapter should be up Friday. Please review and thanks for reading.