Protecting Gibbs

Chapter 68

Tony and Charity walked down the steps, Tony carrying AJ. Abby looked up and snapped a few pictures of the family. "Adorable!" She squealed.

McGee looked up. "Matching outfits with your son?" He asked Tony.

Before Tony could respond, Abby gave him a head slap and Charity gave him the Gibbs stare. "I'm just getting myself in all kinds of trouble today." McGee said. Then he looked at Charity, "You really look like your father when you do that."

Charity grinned. "I take that as a compliment."

Before anything else could be added to the conversation, there was a knock at the door. Charity answered it and found that Ziva stood on the other side of the door. Before long, Memaw arrived, followed by Duckie and then Palmer and Breena. Soon everyone, including Senior, had arrived and the party moved to the backyard.

Gibbs was standing at the grill and Abby was checking on a few things and Charity and Tony were mingling with the guests and showing off AJ. Everyone was talking and laughing and having a good time.

Gibbs glanced down at his watch and told Tony to watch the grill for him. Then he headed inside. After a few minutes he came back out and called the attention of his daughter. "Charity, I have a surprise for you."

Charity looked up at her father. She watched as he stepped aside and opened the door. Then she was surprised by who walked through the door. "There's my best gal." came the familiar gruff voice.

"Mike!" Charity said running to embrace Mike Franks.

Mike returned her hug. "It's good to see you darlin'."

"It's good to see you, too." She replied and pulled away.

Mike looked down at Charity. "So, whose the lucky man that I have to give an ass-kicking?"

"That would be me." Tony spoke up walking to stand beside Charity, holding AJ still.

A stunned look came across Mike's face. Then he looked at Charity. "Seriously? DiNozzo?"

"Surprised me too." Charity said with a grin.

Tony wrapped his free arm around Charity's waist. "A pleasant surprise though?"

"Of course." Charity replied stretching up to kiss his cheek. "Of course the most pleasant surprise was my little AJ." She said reaching a hand over to tickle AJ's tummy. AJ of course giggled and smiled.

Mike just shook his head. "I just can't believe it."

Gibbs looked at his mentor, "Hey, if I can get used to it, you can. I mean I send him to protect her and nine months later I get a grandson." Gibbs told Mike.

The two men laughed and then headed over to the grill. Soon the food was ready and it was time to eat. While everyone was enjoying their meal Abby tapped on her glass to call the group's attention. "It is now time for us to toast the happy couple." She announced. "And as the maid of honor I guess I will go first."

Abby then stood up and raised her glass. "Your relationship started out in a very unique way," Abby began, "But somehow with you two, it makes sense. You guys have found something great and created a modern fairy tale. I love you guys and I wish you the best and a very long and happy marriage. To Charity and Tony."

Everyone lifted their glasses and then took a sip. Ziva then stood and picked up her glass. "I guess that it is my turn as best woman." She spoke. "I have worked with Tony for a few years now, and I have seen him do many stupid things and make many stupid mistakes."

Tony looked over at Ziva and raised an eyebrow in questioning.

"And for once he got something right. He found a wonderful woman and now has a beautiful family. To Tony and Charity may you have a long and happy life together, and may Tony continue to stumble into good luck."