An Unexpected Blessing

Chapter 5

Jethro arrived at Ducky's house with a pizza and a six-pack of Corona just over 30 minutes later. They took their early supper to the back porch and enjoyed the great weather along with the food and drink. When they had finished the pizza and were on their second beer each, Ducky sat back and waited for Jethro to tell him what was on his mind.

"You remember Holly Snow don't you Duck?"

"Of course. She is a hard person to forget. Very beautiful and fairly formidable as well if I remember correctly."

"You do." Jethro had been working out this conversation in his head but now he was at a loss as to where to begin. He decided to do as Holly had done with him and just get right to the point.

"Holly left town after I killed Dwight Casden last year and now she's back. While she was gone she had a baby and that baby is mine."

There, he'd said it to another person. Now he and Holly-and Allison of course-were no longer the only people who knew about Logan. He was watching Ducky to try and gauge his reaction but the old medical examiner was just as unreadable as Jethro could be.

"My goodness. I'm afraid I don't know what to say. I didn't know you and Ms. Snow were in a relationship."

"We weren't. It was one night. The night I saved her in fact. I went to check on her after it was all over. She was still really scared and well, one thing led to another and we wound up in bed. I'm not proud of it. We both…. anyway, that's what happened."

"And now you two are parents. Did she notify you when she learned she was pregnant? Have you been expecting this all along?"

"No, she didn't. I just found out about all this yesterday evening."

"And the baby? Tell me about the baby, Jethro."

At that Jethro finally smiled for the first time since he'd arrived. He moved to sit next to Ducky and took out his phone.

"The baby is a boy; his name is Logan and he's almost 6 months old. I met him for the first time last night and I spent all morning with him today while Holly ran some errands. Here, let me show you his picture."

Jethro handed Ducky the phone and let him scroll through the pictures he'd taken earlier. He told Ducky all about his time with Logan that morning.

"I am at loss as to what to say except congratulations. He is a beautiful baby and I can tell you are already in love with him. This is certainly an interesting turn of events for you, Jethro. A very happy turn to be sure but I'm guessing some complications are also rearing their heads."

"That's an understatement for sure, Duck. I'm not sure where to begin."

"Let me see if I can guess what some of those complications may be. First of all, you intend to be a full-time father but since you and Ms. Snow are not a couple you do not know how that will be possible. Second, you and Ms. Snow are not in a relationship and you are wondering how to deal with that. Third, you think maybe you would like to be in a relationship with Ms. Snow but you have no clue as to her feelings on the subject."

"That about covers it Duck. I've told her what I want in regards to Logan but you're correct, I'm at a loss as to what to do about his mom."

"I know you said the night you spent together was the result of her traumatic experience but I know you Jethro and I don't think you would have been in that circumstance if you didn't have at least some feelings for the lady. I thought I observed some interest on your part when the two of you were working on that case. Was I misreading the situation?"

"No, you weren't. I was interested at the time. I was worried about her that night but it wasn't just her trauma that got me to stay that night."

"So now you want to figure out how to rekindle that interest but it seems more complicated with Logan in the mix. Is that right?"

"Yeah. I do think I'm still interested in knowing Holly better and in a different way but somehow it seems really backwards now."

"Yes it is indeed backward. Dating, for lack of a better word typically takes place before the baby arrives. But there is no reason it can't take place now is there?"

"No, I don't suppose there is. Just seems weird is all."

"Maybe it feels that way because the woman you're interested not only has a child but that child happens to be yours. If you met a woman who had a child would you be opposed to dating her for that reason?"

"No. I've dated a couple of women who had a child. Not seriously of course."

"So perhaps once you can process the idea that Holly is the mother of your child, you can figure out how to begin building a relationship with her. Do you have an idea whether or not she will be open to the idea?"

"Not really."

Jethro told Ducky about the exchange about the car seat and Ducky said he thought that sounded like she was open to going out to dinner with him at least.

"You have been fairly successful at getting women to fall in love with you, Jethro so perhaps if you put your mind to it you can persuade Ms. Snow to do the same. If that is what you want of course."

"I think maybe I do want that. You say I've been successful at getting women to fall in love with me but of course I haven't been at all successful at keeping them. I worry about screwing up again and with Logan in the picture I can't let that happen."

"No, you cannot. Shall I tell you what I think would make the difference in this case?"

"That's why I'm here Duck; to get your advice."

"Not only will you have to get Ms. Snow to fall in love with you, you will have to allow yourself to fall in love with her. That is not something you allowed yourself to do with other women in your life."

Jethro was quiet as he thought about that analysis. Ducky was probably one of the smartest people Jethro had ever met and Jethro had to admit Ducky knew him better than anyone else. Ducky was right; Jethro had never allowed himself to love another woman after Shannon died. Even his relationship with Jenny was guarded and he was never fully invested in making it work. A relationship with Holly would absolutely have to be different. He would have to commit to it with no reservations in order to be able to have Logan in his life full-time. Was he able to do that? He told himself he would be able to because he already couldn't imagine a life that didn't include his son.

"Just a note of caution, Jethro. If you go into this only because of Logan I doubt it will be successful. I guess what I'm saying is you cannot build a successful relationship with Holly simply because there is a child involved. Suppose Holly had called you about the pregnancy; would you have gone to her and wanted to marry so you could have a family?"

"I understand where you're coming from and I guess I don't know the answer to that. If I had done that I'm fairly sure Holly's answer would have been no."

Jethro went to the kitchen and returned a few minutes later with coffee for himself and a cup of tea for Ducky. He stood looking out the window for a long time without speaking. Everything Ducky said made sense to him but he still didn't feel like he knew what he should do.

"Jethro, what scares you about this situation?"

"I'm afraid Holly won't want to let me be in Logan's life like I want to be. I'm afraid she'll want to keep him with her and just let me see him whenever I can. I know I can't take care of him by myself because of the job. I will need a partner and I'm afraid she won't want to be that partner."

"Well, legally you do have rights and you can certainly ask for some sort of custody arrangement that lets you have at least equal custody of Logan. I know that is not ideal by any means but if it come to that you know we will all help you. I'm sure Ms. Hart will be an advocate for you as well."

"I don't even want to think about that right now. I'm going to do all I can to convince Holly to give us a chance to be a family."

"I will do whatever I can to help you, Jethro. I am reminded just now of your relationship with Ms. Hart. How does that figure into your plans?"

"Ali and I aren't together and haven't been for several months. We're still friends but that's all."

"I wish I had the answer to your dilemma Jethro. My best advice is that you simply be honest with Ms. Snow and then do what you can to earn her love and her trust."

"I think that's the only answer, Duck. On the plus side she did come back and she told me about Logan right away. She says she wants us to work things out so maybe I'm worrying too much."

"Perhaps. Try to be patient with her. Most importantly be absolutely open and honest with her."

"I will. Thanks for listening Duck. I don't know what I'd do without you. This has been a big help."

"I'm always here for whatever you need. And, I want to meet Logan very soon."

"I'll bring him over as soon as I can. Thanks again."

Ducky hugged Jethro and walked to the door with him.

"Take care of yourself, Jethro. I'll see you at work Monday."

Jethro went home and spent some time with his boat. After a couple of hours of sanding he went upstairs for a sandwich. He stood in his kitchen and thought about having a child running around in the house. Then he thought about having Holly in the house and quickly realized some changes would need to be made. Holly was a good cook and he knew she enjoyed spending time in the kitchen. He doubted she'd enjoy preparing a meal in his small, outdated kitchen. So, that would need to be project number one in the house. The master bathroom would probably need to be number two. Logan would need a bedroom so Kelly's old room would have to be cleaned out and redone. Jethro got his phone and called his friend Mark who was a contractor he knew did really good work. He wasn't cheap but he was honest and reliable and Jethro knew he'd do exactly what he wanted done for a fair price.

"Hey Mark, how are you these days?"

"Jethro, it's been a while. I'm doing great. Staying busy but that's where the money is, right?"

"Not too busy I hope. I'd like to have you do some work on my house if you can manage it."

"I'll make time for you, buddy. What're we talking about?"

"Kitchen, master bath, maybe the master bedroom."

"Wow, that sounds pretty ambitious. When do you want to start?"

"The sooner the better. Could you come over and talk about it maybe tomorrow sometime?"

"How about this evening? I'm not too far from you now finishing up a small project. I could be there in an hour or so."

"That would be great. I'll see you then. Thanks."

Jethro went back to the basement and worked on the boat while he waited for Mark. It occurred to him that he might be getting ahead of himself making changes to the house with Holly in mind. That was a risk he was willing to take. He was going to be confident and plan accordingly. Worst case scenario, Holly would at least be spending some time in his house even if she didn't live there. Besides, Jethro reasoned, he hadn't updated anything in over 20 years and it was time to do that. Logan deserved to live in a nice home and Jethro was determined his son would be living there.

Mark arrived just over an hour after Jethro called him and Jethro showed him what he had in mind. He told him he was open to any suggestions especially about the kitchen. Mark asked to see the electrical box and Jethro showed it to him in the basement.

"I'm glad to see you've had this updated in the last couple of years. New appliances would have taxed your old box. Let's go upstairs and I'll make a couple of suggestions."

Mark took some measurements and checked on a couple of things then took out a tablet and showed Jethro his ideas.

"I'd like to move this wall back and wrap it around into what is now the dining room. That will make the kitchen bigger and more open to the rest of the living area. We would make that counter a coffee bar sort of deal which I know you would use. We can open up the other side a little bit to give you plenty of room for a dining table. What do you think?"

"I like it. New appliances of course."

"Yes. New fridge where it is now. Dishwasher and new stove with the microwave above it. What about the floor?"

"You think you could match the wood that's in here?" Jethro asked pointing to the dining room floor?"

"I could but I'd suggest an engineered hardwood or even tile that would be better for spills and water. We could choose something that would complement your existing wood floors. New cabinets and countertops of course. Any color preference?"

"I think since it's still going to be a fairly small kitchen white cabinets and a light color on the countertops and backsplash."

"Sounds good. I'll bring you some pictures of a couple of kitchens I've done lately to see what you like. Let's go up and see the bedroom and bathroom."

Mark showed Jethro how he'd remake the bathroom with a shower stall and double sinks. They discussed a tub and Jethro said if there was room he'd want a soaking tub. Mark gave him a sideways look but didn't say anything. He'd known Jethro for a long time and he wondered now who he wanted to update his house for. And who he wanted soaking in a new tub.

"You know, that antique tube you have is pretty big and in perfect condition. How about we relocate it instead of buying something new. I could replumb it and it'd be really nice."

"Yeah if you think that would work. I'd like to keep it if we can."

They went back into the bedroom and Mark said, "Should I assume you're expecting to need more closet space?"

Jethro smirked at him and said, "Let's say hoping more than assuming but yeah that's the reason for all this."

"Any deadline I need to be aware of?"

"Afraid not but let's get started as soon as possible. I'll be able to do some prep work in the next week or so if that will help."

"If you can start taking out kitchen cabinets and getting that ready it would be a help. And would save us a couple of days and you some money."

"I can do that. I'll get a dumpster ordered if that will help."

"Yes, do that. Give me a week and I'll get started a week from Monday. Do you want a dollar estimate before I start?"

"Not necessary. I trust you. Don't go crazy but don't go cheap either. I'm going to do some thinking about what else I might want to do and I'll let you know about that when you come back."

"Sounds good. I'm happy for you Jethro. Fingers crossed she'll be enjoying that soaking tub before too long."

Jethro laughed, "I hope so. Thanks."

The next morning Jethro stood in the kitchen with a cup of coffee thinking about what he had started with Mark the day before. A big undertaking to be sure and one that may or may not be necessary in the long run. Well, he thought, it will be nice for me anyway even if Holly isn't here. He gave himself a good headslap and vowed not to let that idea back in his head again. As he headed upstairs to take a shower and get dressed his phone rang. He answered without looking at the screen hoping it wasn't a case.

"Good morning, Jethro."

"Hey Ali. What's up?"

"I wanted to let you know you don't have to come with me to see the condo if you don't want to."

"You tryin' to give me the brush-off, babe?"

"Not at all. I just thought you might have somewhere else to be today."

"Nope. I'm picking you up as planned and taking you to a late breakfast. I want to see this new place. Okay?"

"Yes, I'll see you soon then."

"Good."

When Jethro arrived at Ali's apartment she was still getting ready. This was typical so Jethro made himself comfortable on the couch and waited. From the bedroom he heard her say, "You better have some pictures of your son to show me."

"So you did know about the baby before I did."

Jethro got up and walked to the bedroom doorway. Ali was putting on her shoes. She looked up at him to see if he was upset. He just smiled at her.

"Our search showed she was traveling with an infant but I was only guessing you were the father. I don't know why I thought that except that I thought you two were close before she left. Anyway, I ran into her on Friday and she confirmed it for me. I promise I wasn't trying to keep a secret I just thought Holly should be the one to tell you and I knew she was planning to do so that day. I didn't even look at him."

Jethro just laughed at that. I appreciate that. Here, come look at these."

Ali took his phone and scrolled through the pictures he had taken and the ones Holly had sent him. "Oh my gosh he is so cute, Jethro. He looks just like you!"

Jethro was beaming with pride; Ali had never seen him look so happy.

"He is pretty cute isn't he? Holly says he's a really good baby; never really fussy and he eats and sleeps great."

"We better get going but we have a lot to talk about mister. I want to hear all about…hey what's his name anyway?"

"Logan James Gibbs. Holly said she wanted him to have my initials. And yes I have a lot I want to talk with you about."

Since she knew where they were going, Ali drove.

"You know I have lots of questions but just tell me about Logan. Have you spent any time with him yet?"

Jethro told her about meeting his son for the first time and Ali heard the love and delight in his voice. He told her pretty much everything that happened Friday night and Saturday morning. It was very obvious to Ali that Jethro was already fully committed to his son and very much in love with him. She was a little surprised he wasn't angry with Holly for not telling him about the baby in the beginning but she was glad to hear he wasn't wasting any time on that useless emotion.

They arrived at the condo Ali was thinking of buying and spent almost an hour going through it. Jethro looked at everything with a critical eye which is exactly what Ali wanted him to do. He checked under the sinks and in all the closets and cabinets. He opened and closed all the windows and drawers.

"I like it, Ali. Seems to be well cared for and very clean. I thought you were looking for a townhouse. Why a condo?"

"No yard. Everything is taken care of. I know it's sort of a glorified apartment but I really like it and the location is great. You think the price is fair?"

"Yes. If you can swing it I think it's a good deal. Do you have any concerns?"

"No, I was just waiting for you to give it your stamp of approval. I'd like to do some updating in terms of paint and window coverings but otherwise I think it's just right."

"Consider it stamped. Now, I'm starving. How about we go someplace quiet where we can talk and have something to eat?"

Ali took them to a small café she liked that had some outdoor seating where they could talk with some privacy. There were few people there and Jethro found them a table away from anyone else. Once they had ordered, Ali decided to get the conversation started.

"I know you don't want to be a part-time dad so tell me how you see things going with Holly."

"You're right and I've already told Holly that. She agrees we need to talk and work things out. She says she doesn't really have any idea what that looks like."

"Do you?"

Jethro was quiet for a few minutes. He looked around at the traffic moving near the café. Ali didn't press; she knew he was trying to figure out how to say what was on his mind. She knew to be patient. The waiter brought their food and that gave Jethro some additional time to process. He ate some of his food then sat back and took some deep breaths.

"I know what I want the outcome to be but I don't know how to get there. I want Holly and I to raise Logan together. I want us to be a family."

Now it was Ali's turn to be quiet. She ate some of her waffle and thought about how to help Jethro. She wasn't at all surprised at what he wanted. She'd known for a long time that Jethro still wanted a family even after all these years of being alone. That was one of the reasons they weren't together; Ali wasn't ready for a family. She hoped for Jethro's sake that Holly was.

"Jethro, if Logan wasn't in the picture would you pursue Holly and want to make a family with her?"

"Ducky asked me something along those lines. I can't answer that. The fact is we have a child together and I want Logan to have two parents raising him together. I know any relationship Holly and I have will have to be for the two of us but I can't ignore the fact that Logan is in the picture."

"But do you have some romantic interest in Holly aside from the fact of Logan's existence?"

"Yes, I think so. I mean I had some interest in her when we first met and then again when I asked her to help me with the case that involved Casden. I think I would have pursued that if she hadn't left."

"Okay, so you like her. You like me too Jethro and we got into a relationship not too long after she disappeared to Europe. We spent a lot of time together; a lot of quality adult time and yet, here we are friends but no longer intimate and no longer together."

"Because we both realized pretty quickly we were not suited for a serious, long term relationship. Or am I remembering that incorrectly?"

"No, you remember it correctly. I'm not saying this right. What I'm trying to help you see is that if you want to make a family with Holly you will have to love her. Just her on her own terms for herself. Not for Logan. Not because she's the mother of your son. You have to love her because she's smart, beautiful, strong, caring and has a good sense of humor. You will have to love her for who she is and what she brings to your relationship; not for what she's already given you. That being Logan. Can you do that?"

Jethro looked at her and marveled at what a good friend she was to him even after their relationship ended. Even though it had been a mutual decision he knew it had been hurtful and difficult for Ali. It had been for him as well and he doubted he had been as good a friend since then as she was to him.

"I think so. I want to. Ducky said my problem would be letting myself fall in love. He seems to think I can fairly easily get Holly to fall in love with me."

Ali laughed at that. "Well, you do have a reputation for that sort of thing. I mean, I was trying my best to destroy you and look what happened."

"Did you fall in love?"

Ali looked him right in the eyes and said, "Yes, Jethro I did. But, I knew it wasn't meant to be. I knew I could not give you the family you so desperately wanted. But I still love you as a best friend and I want you to be happy. I think you can be happy with Holly but Ducky's right; you have to let yourself fall in love. At the very least you have to let Holly love you as much as you will love her."

"You know, for a lawyer you're pretty damn smart, Ms. Hart. And I do still love you as a friend. I don't regret our time together and I hope like hell you don't either."

"I don't regret one moment of our time together. Well, maybe that one time on the stairs; that was pretty uncomfortable and I had bruises for days and days."

Jethro smiled at her. "Yeah that was a lot. Got any tips and how to get Holly to fall for me?"

"Just be who you are, Jethro. You treat women with a lot of respect and tenderness. Show her that. Be honest with her about what you want so she can decide if she's able to give that to you. Be patient and let her see your heart. Let her know you're interested in her as her own person not just as the mother of your child. Of course, she already knows you love Logan and that will go a long way in your favor.

"Okay, I'll try to do all that. Can I call you for tips as this goes along?"

"You can but you won't need to. Just be your normal, charming self and you'll be fine. If you can do that she'll fall in love with your Jethro persona. Just don't let her see too much of Gibbs. At least not until she's hooked."

"Hah, very funny."

They ordered coffee and a slice of pie and sat without talking for the next several minutes. Jethro felt good about what Ali had said. He was becoming more confident things would work out for him and Holly in the near future. He told Ali about the work he was going to have done on the house.

"Wow, you're really serious about this, huh."

"Of course. It's way past time for the up-dates anyway and I can't ask Holly to live there the way it is."

"That's a great idea Jethro. It will show her how committed you are to being a family. Why don't we go so you can spend some time with Logan and Holly before you go back to work tomorrow."

"Okay. Thanks for the talk, Ali."

"You're welcome. I want this to work for you Jethro. And, I want to meet Logan pretty soon."

"I'll make it happen."

Ali left Jethro at his truck and he kissed her goodbye.

TBC