Chapter 70 – The Request
Los Angeles, California – Preparing the Surprise
Jason Gibbs stood in front of a discreet yet sophisticated jewelry store in Beverly Hills. The window display showcased incredibly detailed diamond rings, but he already knew exactly what he wanted.
Upon entering the store, he was greeted by a well-dressed clerk who quickly assessed him, as if he already knew he wasn't an ordinary customer.
"How can I help you, sir?"
Jason pulled a folded piece of paper from his pocket and handed it to the clerk.
"I want a ring like this. Simple, elegant, but meaningful."
The clerk unfolded the paper and saw a hand-drawn sketch—a platinum ring with a central diamond and small engraved details around the band, representing Ziva's Israeli culture.
The clerk smiled.
"That can be done. We'll give it top priority."
Jason nodded.
"Great. I need it ready as soon as possible." The clerk understood the urgency and assured him the ring would be ready within a few days.
Jason left the jewelry store with a satisfied smile.
Now, he just needed to plan the right moment.
On the night of the proposal, Jason prepared a perfect surprise for Ziva.
He booked a sophisticated seaside restaurant, in a more secluded and intimate setting.
Ziva found it strange when he insisted she dress elegantly, but accepted without question.
She wore a long black dress, her slightly wavy hair falling over her shoulders. Jason, on the other hand, wore a dark suit without a tie, looking casual but still sophisticated.
Upon arriving at the restaurant, Ziva looked around suspiciously.
"Such a fancy dinner, Gibbs? Since when do you like this sort of thing?"
Jason smiled, pulling out a chair for her to sit.
"Since I decided to make this night special."
Ziva raised an eyebrow, but smiled, accepting the gesture. The dinner was peaceful, filled with laughter and shared memories.
But Jason was just waiting for the right moment.
When dessert arrived, the waiter brought a small silver plate, covered by a lid.
Ziva frowned.
"I don't remember ordering anything special."
Jason just smiled.
The waiter removed the lid, revealing a small black velvet box in the center of the plate.
Ziva held her breath, her eyes wide.
Jason slowly stood up, taking the box and kneeling before her.
Ziva put her hand over her mouth, already feeling her eyes burning with emotion.
The entire restaurant seemed to disappear, and all that remained was Jason and her.
Jason opened the box, revealing the custom-made ring.
He looked directly into her eyes, his voice firm but full of emotion.
— Ziva David… I've spent my whole life in wars, battles, and missions that seemed never-ending. But the only thing that has always sustained me are the people I love. You taught me that there's something beyond the battlefield. That I can have a real life.
Ziva felt her heart race, tears already streaming down her face.
Jason took a deep breath before continuing.
— I want to spend the rest of my life by your side. To build something that doesn't depend on weapons, combat, or secret missions. I want it to be us, just us.
He gently held her hand.
— Ziva David, will you marry me?
For a moment, Ziva couldn't speak.
She looked at Jason, looked at the ring, and then at Jason again.
Her heart pounded, and a pure happiness overwhelmed her like never before.
Finally, she let out an emotional laugh and nodded repeatedly.
— Yes! Yes, I will!
The restaurant erupted in applause, but for them, it was just background noise.
Jason slid the ring onto Ziva's finger, and she pulled him into a deep kiss, full of emotion and love.
That was the best decision they had ever made in their lives.
After dinner, they returned home.
Ziva still couldn't stop looking at the ring, smiling whenever she did.
"You really managed to surprise me," she said, gently touching Jason's face.
"That was the idea," he replied, pulling her closer.
Ziva smiled, kissing him slowly, deepening the moment.
The night was theirs, filled with love, passion, and the certainty that they had found their true home in each other.
Chapter 71 – The News and a Joke with Dad
Washington, D.C. – Leroy Jethro Gibbs's House
The morning was quiet at Leroy Jethro Gibbs's house. The smell of fresh coffee mingled with the woody aroma of the basement, where he spent much of his time carving wood.
The constant sound of sandpaper scratching the surface of the oak echoed through the silent space.
Then Gibbs's phone vibrated on the table, interrupting his concentration.
He wiped his sawdust-stained hands on his apron and picked up the phone, seeing a familiar name on the screen.
Jason Gibbs.
Gibbs raised an eyebrow, wondering why the call was so early.
He answered simply, as always.
— Gibbs.
On the other end, Jason's voice sounded cheerful.
— Dad. I have news.
Gibbs realized from the tone of voice that something big had happened.
— Tell me. Jason chuckled softly, seemingly amused by his father's impatience.
"She said yes."
There was a brief silence on the other end of the line.
Gibbs put the nail file aside, processing his son's words.
"She said yes?"
"She said yes," Jason confirmed.
Gibbs, not one for exaggerated displays of emotion, simply let out a light sigh and smiled slightly.
"I knew she would."
Jason laughed.
"You knew? You didn't seem so sure about it when we talked."
"Ziva is complicated, but you two understand each other."
Jason sensed the hidden pride in his father's voice—a pride Gibbs rarely expressed directly.
"I'm glad you told me before the press," Gibbs joked, making Jason chuckle.
"Yes, because our wedding would be an international event."
Gibbs took a sip of the coffee he'd left beside the counter and then asked,
"So, what about wedding plans?"
Jason ran a hand through his hair, taking a deep breath.
"We haven't decided everything yet, but we want something meaningful, something that represents our story."
Gibbs nodded on the other end of the line, understanding perfectly.
"It doesn't matter where it is, as long as it's with the right person."
Jason smiled at that.
"Exactly."
That's when he decided to change the subject, a mischievous smile appearing on his lips.
"Now tell me, Dad… when are you going to do the same with Jack?"
There was silence on the other end of the line.
Jason stifled a laugh.
"Dad? Are you still there?"
Gibbs let out a heavy sigh, already anticipating that Jason wouldn't let the subject drop.
"I don't have time for that."
Jason laughed loudly.
"Sure, sure." Old Gibbs was always busy with his cases and his carpentry. But you and Jack have been together for quite a while… don't you think it would be a good idea?
Gibbs rolled his eyes, even though he knew his son couldn't see.
"Don't interfere, Jason."
"Ah, so there's something there. Have you at least thought about it?"
Gibbs took another sip of coffee before answering.
"Jack is an amazing woman. But not everyone needs a ring to prove something."
Jason smiled, understanding his father's philosophy.
"I understand. But if you ever need help choosing a ring, I know a great jeweler in Beverly Hills."
Gibbs snorted.
"Go enjoy your fiancée and leave me alone, kid."
Jason couldn't help but laugh.
"Alright, alright. But Dad… thank you. For everything."
Gibbs took a deep breath, his tone softening slightly.
"You deserve to be happy, Jason. And Ziva too."
Jason felt a warmth in his chest upon hearing this.
"See you soon?"
"I'll be there."
And with that, Gibbs hung up the phone, a small smile still on his lips.
Jason looked at the ring on Ziva's finger, who was sleeping peacefully beside him in bed, and knew that this was the beginning of the best chapter of his life.
pat/SHADOWGHOST07