Protecting Gibbs

Chapter 64

Abby swiftly whisked Charity away to the nearest ladies room. Once they were inside, Abby took Charity's hair out of the bun she always kept it in for work. Then she pulled a brush from a bag and began brushing Charity's hair. She pulled half of it back and let the rest fall in a cascade down Charity's back.

Charity scrambled through her own purse and pulled out the few things she had of make up. She dabbed a little blush on her cheeks and then put on some pink lip gloss. Once her hair and make up were finished, Charity slipped out of her clothes. Then she looked at the underwear and bra she was wearing, bright pink and the bra had straps.

"Uhm, Abby?"

"Way ahead of you." Abby said, reaching into the dress bag and handing Charity a the right undergarments. "I made sure we stopped by your house to pick these up."

"You think of everything, Abby." Charity said, taking the items and changing into them.

"That's what I'm here for." Abby replied, pulling the dress from the bag. She then helped Charity slip into the dress.

Charity let out a nervous and excited laugh. "I can't believe I'm actually doing this." She said.

"Marrying Tony or getting married in the hospital?" Abby inquired.

Charity laughed at Abby's joke. "Maybe a little bit of both." She replied, making her own joke.

"Just think in a few minutes, you're going to be married." Abby said with a grin.

A huge smile lit Charity's face. Then her eyes got wide. "I need something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue!"

"Hold on now, your dress is new." Abby said, working on calming the paniced bride.

"Right, right...and I have the saphires in my engagement ring, they're blue." Charity said, slowly calming.

Abby thought for a minute and then she reached around her neck and unfastened a necklace. It was a simple silver chain holding a small diamond pendant. "This was my mom's. I think this will do for your something borrowed." Abby said as she put the necklace around Charity's neck.

"Oh thank you Abby." Charity said, pulling Abby into a hug.

"Any time." Abby replied.

"Now, I just need something old." Charity said.

"Am I old enough for you?" came the sweet familiar voice of Memaw, as she walked in the bathroom holding onto Sherry for support.

Charity smiled. "Well, you are still young at heart, but I guess you'll do. But how did you know?"

"Your father called and told me and since I'm not contagious, well I just couldn't miss my dumplin's wedding." Memaw answered.

Charity smiled at the old woman. Then she pulled her into a hug. "I love you, Memaw."

"I love you, too, dumplin."

Tony...

After Abby had taken Charity to the bathroom, Duckie walked over to Tony. He reached in his pocket and pulled out a black bow tie. "This way you won't feel so underdressed."

Tony smiled at Duckie. "Thanks."

"Here, I'll help you put it on, since you only have one good arm." Duckie said. He then helped Tony tie the bow tie around his neck.

"Thanks, Duckie." Tony said again.

Just then Palmer entered the room. He was carrying a rather large box. "I have the cake." He said.