Chapter 72 – Planning the Wedding
Los Angeles, California – Jason and Ziva's Home
The morning sun streamed through the windows of Jason Gibbs and Ziva David's house, softly illuminating the living room, where a laptop, papers, and some notes were scattered on the coffee table.
Ziva sat on the sofa, taking a sip of coffee, while Jason, beside her, looked at an open list on the computer.
"I never thought planning a wedding could be so complicated," Jason murmured, running a hand over his face.
Ziva chuckled softly, resting her elbow on the back of the sofa and watching him with amusement.
"You've survived wars, clandestine operations, and years of combat… and you're complaining about a wedding list?"
Jason raised an eyebrow, looking at her.
"Ziva, we've been trying to plan this for an hour and we're still deciding who to invite. How could this not be complicated?"
Ziva smiled softly, taking his laptop.
— So let's keep it simple.
Jason leaned back on the sofa, crossing his arms.
— Okay, I'm listening.
Ziva typed a few things and turned the screen towards him.
— Just the people who really matter. No extravagant parties, no hundreds of guests.
Jason looked at the list on the screen.
Leroy Jethro Gibbs (obviously).
Tony DiNozzo.
Tim McGee and Delilah.
Eleanor "Ellie" Bishop.
Nick Torres.
Hetty Lange.
Jason smiled slightly.
— I can handle that.
Ziva nodded.
— Then it's decided. A simple wedding, just with those who are truly part of our lives.
Jason looked at her, holding her hand.
— Perfect.
Choosing the Venue
— Now… where are we going to do this? — Jason asked, picking up a notepad.
Ziva bit her lip thoughtfully.
"Something outdoors. Maybe by the sea?"
Jason nodded.
"I like the idea. Something small, discreet. I don't want anything extravagant."
Ziva smiled.
"We're in agreement then."
Jason picked up the phone.
"I'll look at some options in Malibu."
Ziva watched him for a moment, smiling softly.
"I never thought Gibbs' son would be such a romantic man."
Jason laughed.
"Only with you."
Later that day, Jason and Ziva began calling the guests.
First call: Gibbs.
"Hi, Dad. The wedding is set. Something simple. You're coming, right?"
"I wouldn't miss it for the world."
Jason smiled.
Second call: Tony DiNozzo.
"DiNozzo."
"Gibbs Jr.! How's the future husband?"
Jason rolled his eyes, laughing.
"We're getting married soon. Simple, small. Are you coming?"
"Of course! How could I miss this?"
Third call: McGee.
"McGee, my wedding. Are you and Delilah coming?"
"Sure, man! Where's it going to be?"
"Malibu. Small, just close friends."
"I can't wait."
And so, one by one, everyone confirmed their attendance.
Days later, Jason was in front of a mirror, trying on an elegant but simple black suit.
Gibbs was beside him, observing without saying much, as always.
"So, Dad?"
Gibbs looked at his son and nodded.
"Sounds right."
Jason smiled slightly.
"Well, that's something."
Meanwhile, Ziva was trying on a light white dress, understated, just elegant and comfortable.
Hetty, who had insisted on helping her, watched with a proud smile.
"You look radiant, my dear."
Ziva looked at herself in the mirror and smiled.
"I feel ready."
With everything decided—guests, location, clothes—the wedding was officially planned.
That night, Jason and Ziva sat together on the porch of their house, watching the starry sky.
Jason intertwined his fingers with hers.
"Are we ready for this?"
Ziva looked at him, her eyes shining.
"More than ever."
Jason smiled and kissed her hand.
The wedding was near.
And it would be the beginning of the rest of their lives.
Chapter 73 – Now and Forever
Malibu, California – The Big Day
The afternoon sun shone softly on the Malibu coast, painting the sky with golden and orange hues. A light breeze from the ocean stirred the waves, creating a soothing sound that mingled with the rustling of nearby palm trees.
The location chosen by Jason Gibbs and Ziva David for their wedding was simple, yet elegant. A white wooden structure adorned with light fabrics and delicate flowers was set up on the sand, facing the sea. A few chairs were arranged, and the small number of guests were already in place.
It wasn't a grand event, but it was exactly what they wanted.
Just close people, authentic moments, and the beginning of something eternal.
Gibbs was in the front row, wearing a dark suit, but without a tie in his typical style. His expression was serious, but his eyes held a glint of pride.
Tony DiNozzo, seated next to McGee and Delilah, observed everything with an amused smile.
"Who would have thought little Gibbs would get married before me?" Tony joked, nudging McGee.
McGee laughed.
"Maybe it'll give you some courage."
Tony snorted, but smiled.
"We'll see."
In the next row, Nick Torres and Ellie Bishop chatted quietly, while Hetty Lange, as always, maintained impeccable posture, observing everything as if she already knew this moment would come.
Everything was ready.
The ceremony was about to begin.
Jason stood at the altar, wearing a well-fitted black suit, understated, elegant and discreet.
But, as much as he was a soldier accustomed to pressure and extreme situations, at that moment, he felt more nervous than ever before.
He slightly adjusted the button of his suit and took a deep breath, looking down the aisle between the chairs.
And then, she appeared.
Ziva emerged at the beginning of the aisle, holding a small bouquet of white flowers.
Her dress was simple, yet incredibly elegant—a light, flowing fabric that enhanced her natural beauty. Her hair was slightly wavy, pinned back on one side, leaving the other loose in the wind.
When her eyes met Jason's, the world seemed to stop.
He swallowed hard, feeling his heart race.
Ziva smiled softly, walking with firm, graceful steps, as if she were going to something she always knew would happen.
And perhaps she did.
Gibbs watched intently, and for a moment, a memory flashed through his mind: Shannon, his late wife, walking towards him on their wedding day.
The same happiness in her eyes. The same pure love.
But Gibbs didn't let sadness take over.
This time, he saw his son find the happiness he so richly deserved.
Ziva finally reached the altar, and Jason extended his hand to her.
She held his hand firmly, as if sealing the moment even before the words were spoken.
The officiant smiled and began. The officer looked at Jason first.
"Jason Gibbs, do you wish to take Ziva David as your wife, to love her, protect her, and honor her, through good times and bad, for the rest of your life?"
Jason didn't hesitate for a second.
He looked at Ziva, and in his mind, all the memories flashed before his eyes like a film.
From their first glance, the challenges, the battles, the losses… to that very moment.
"With all that I am, and for all that we've lived through… yes. I do."
The officer smiled and looked at Ziva.
"Ziva David, do you wish to take Jason Gibbs as your husband, to love him, protect him, and honor him, through good times and bad, for the rest of your life?"
Ziva bit her lip slightly, trying to contain her emotion.
She held Jason's hand tightly and took a deep breath before speaking.
"I always knew my life wouldn't be ordinary." But I also always knew that if I ever chose someone to be by my side, it would be forever.
She smiled softly.
"Then yes. I do."
The officer nodded.
"By the vows exchanged and the commitment made, I pronounce you husband and wife."
Jason smiled, feeling his heart race.
"Now may I kiss my wife?"
Ziva chuckled and pulled Jason into a passionate kiss, while the guests applauded and celebrated.
The dinner after the ceremony was as intimate as the wedding.
They gathered in a small, reserved space at a seaside restaurant.
Tony raised a glass of champagne, smiling.
"A toast to the newlyweds! And may Jason Gibbs never lose a battle, especially with his wife."
Everyone laughed, and Jason shook his head, amused.
McGee smiled at Ziva.
"You look radiant."
Ziva nodded. — I'm happy, Tim. For the first time in a long time, I'm truly happy.
As they returned home, Jason and Ziva were embracing, both still absorbing the special day they had.
Ziva ran her fingers over the ring on Jason's finger.
— It seems you're officially stuck with me now.
Jason smiled, holding gently touched her face.
"I don't mind being your prisoner."
They kissed intensely, letting the night be just theirs, filled with love and silent promises.
At that moment, nothing else mattered.
And for the first time, they knew they were exactly where they were meant to be.
pat/SHADOWGHOST07