NCIS: Ages & Stages: Growing Up McBaby

Chapter 4

Thanks for all of your support. You guys are the best! Just so you know there are a few parts in this chapter that reflect Tim's thinking and POV.

Gibbs anxiously paced back and forth as he cradled Tim in his arms and fed him his morning bottle; cherishing the last precious moments between them before the McGees arrived. The team had arrived early to start preparing brunch and add some finishing touches to Timmy's room. Looking down at his sweet, innocent boy, Gibbs smiled as he thought back to the previous day and how the entire family had pulled together for the two of them.

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It had been a long day of cleaning, cooking and more cleaning as the team prepared for the McGees arrival. Jethro the dog had been given a bath by Tony and Jimmy, which in turn required another round of cleaning and much needed laughter after the dog escaped his two handlers, leaving a trail of water and soap suds in his wake. Everyone enjoyed watching Tony and Jimmy chase Jethro throughout the house before they were able to corner him and retreat to the bathroom. Breena Palmer brought pizza and after getting over the initial shock of Baby Timmy, turned out to be a great help to Ziva and Abby in the kitchen. Once he was satisfied with the work they'd accomplished he thanked the team and sent them home for the night. Finally alone with his little guy, he was intent on savoring what could be their last night together as father and son. He had always been a 'glass half full' kind of guy, but as the looming hours approached he couldn't help but worry what tomorrow would bring. Once finished with their nighttime routine he grabbed the bottle, cradled Tim in his arms and collapsed into the recliner. Tim snuggled up and rested his head on the older man's shoulder, giggling as the stubble from Gibbs' chin brushed against his forehead.

"You thirsty, kiddo?"

Tim's eyes widened and he nodded as the nipple of the bottle approached his lips. Clamping down he let out a small sigh and huddled closer to his protector as the sweet creamy liquid trickled into his mouth. Between the rocking, the warm milk filling his tummy and Gibbs' thumb rubbing soothing circles on his forehead it wasn't long before he was fighting to stay awake.

"Sleep my son. Daddy will be here when you wake up." Gibbs soothed as he brushed the hair from Tim's forehead.

Briefly opening his eyes, Tim gave Gibbs a resolute look causing the older man to chuckle. "Don't worry about me, Timmy. I'll try and get some sleep."

Placing his tiny hand on top of Gibbs,' Tim grunted and pushed the bottle away from his mouth. Wiping the milk as it dribbled down the toddler's chin, Gibbs asked, "You done already? Normally you take the entire bottle."

Shaking his head, Tim replied, "Lub u dada."

Swallowing past the sudden lump in his throat, Gibbs' voice cracked as he leaned down and kissed Tim's forehead, "I love you too, son."

At that moment Tim reached over and curled his tiny fingers around the older man's thumb, pulled it towards him and rested it on his chest. Eyeing the bottle he opened his mouth and waited for Gibbs to reinsert the nipple between his lips. Sucking contentedly Tim's eyes drooped as he allowed the warmth from Gibbs and the rocking to lull him to sleep. Once certain he was asleep, Gibbs removed the bottle and carded his hand through the toddler's hair. The moonlight streaming in through the blinds reflected off Tim's face and reminded Gibbs of earlier that afternoon in the car. Once again Tim looked like the perfect little cherub and he couldn't help but think it was a sign from up above that they were meant to be together. He sighed remembering his two girls and the fun times they had as a family. That's the life he wanted to give his Tim, a loving, nurturing home where saying 'I love you', hugs and kisses were everyday occurrences. There was no doubt in his mind that if Shannon and Kelly were still alive they would have welcomed Tim into their family with open arms.