A/N Sorry for the delay, but real life has been crazy lately. However, that doesn't mean that I'm still not committed to this story. Thanks for all your patience and Enjoy!

Ducky had momentarily dozed off on the couch, awakening when he heard the basement door creak open. Moments later both Gibbses were standing in the entryway between the kitchen and family room. Ducky took a moment to study his friend, frowning at the exhaustion that was evident on his face. He could only remember a few times when he'd ever seen the younger man like he was now and that had been when someone died. Jack, on the other hand looked as though a weight had been lifted off his shoulders and appeared to be in a much better state than when he arrived.

"Everything okay, gentlemen?"

"We're working on it, Duck." Gibbs paused, glanced over at his dad and then back to Ducky, "I know you're still recovering, but do you mind if Jack stays with you for the rest of his visit? If not I can ask one of the kids."

"Nonsense," Ducky scoffed, as he slowly stood up and stretched. "Of course he can stay with me. I have an extra guest room that hasn't been used since I moved in years ago. Besides, it will be nice having someone that's more my age around to talk to. Jack nodded and smiled in relief. Although he loved hanging out with all the 'kids' he felt more comfortable staying with Ducky. Slumping down in the chair, Gibbs ran his hand over his face as the adrenaline high he'd been on came crashing down and he was left to deal with the raw pain of losing a loved one. Not to mention the fact that he needed time to process the emotions he'd been left with after the conversation with his father.

"Jethro, are you going to be alright alone?" Ducky asked, a hint of concern in his voice as he once again examined the younger man's face.

Gibbs, who had been staring intently at the fire, looked up to connect with Ducky, "I won't be alone, Duck; I have Tim to keep me company and to be honest he's the only one I want right now."

Ducky nodded and clasped Gibbs' shoulder, "Perhaps it's time to collect the rest of the children and give you some time alone. Would you prefer to call them down here or would you like me to do it?"

Before Gibbs could respond Jack interrupted, "I'm not allowed to see Timothy right now. After what happened in Stillwater and the way I acted, I don't think I would want to see me either." Squeezing Gibbs' shoulder he continued, "Go spend time with your son. We can let ourselves out."

"I agree, Jethro. We are more than capable of getting out the door by ourselves. I'll have Anthony carry Jack's luggage out to Abigail's car and we'll manage to get it out of the trunk when we arrive at my place."

"No heavy lifting for you, Duck." Gibbs reminded him as he stood up and pulled him in for a hug. "Don't worry my dear boy, I certainly learned my lesson a few days ago when I tried lifting something heavy." Patting his old friend on the back Gibbs whispered in his ear, "I give you permission to discuss what happened downstairs with Jack. He needs someone to talk to and I think you would be the perfect person."

Jack couldn't help but smile as he watched the interaction between Leroy and Ducky. He'd known for a long time that the older man had been a positive influence and father figure in his son's life, but it wasn't until recently that he realized how close the two had become. After butting heads with his own father, Jack knew how important it was for Leroy to have someone else to look up to and he was thrilled that man was Ducky.

Smiling slightly, Ducky gently patted the younger man's face, "You always know where to find me if you need to talk. It's not healthy to keep all your emotions bottled up especially now that you have Timothy."

Gibbs huffed, "Taking it one step at a time, Duck. I do appreciate the offer and it is nice to know you're only a phone call away." Taking a few steps toward his dad he hesitated until Jack pulled him in for a hug, "Thanks again, son. Try and get some sleep and we'll talk tomorrow...hmm?"

"Uh, yeah, sure we can do that. We're taking Timmy sledding in the morning, but maybe you can come over for dinner tomorrow night."

"I'd like that."

Pulling away from his father's embrace he added; "Now if you'll excuse me I'm going to head up to Tim's room and I'll send the others down."

"Go!"

Both men chuckled as Gibbs flew up the stairs, two at a time in order to see Timmy. When he reached the bedroom door he stood outside and listened to Ziva and Abby discussing plans for Christmas. For a moment he wondered if Tim had fallen asleep and then he heard him shriek, "Howsey!" Smiling, he cracked the door open and watched quietly. Tony was laying on the floor, clearly exhausted as Tim bounced up and down on his back, babbling, "Howsey...howsey...howsey!"

Tony groaned, "Uncle Tony has been playing horsey with you for the last half an hour and he needs a break. How about we read a book instead?"

Tim shook his head and continued to bounce delightedly on Tony's back. Although Gibbs enjoyed watching Tony struggle to negotiate with a one year old, it was past Timmy's bedtime and given the amount of sugar he'd ingested it would take a while for him to wind down enough in order to sleep. Slowing pushing the door open further he brought his finger up to his lips to shush Abby and Ziva. The two nodded, turned toward Tony and Tim and waited for their reaction. Tony, unaware that Gibbs was in the room, moaned, "I'm going to be sore tomorrow. I shouldn't have made that bet that I could wear Timmy out because the kid clearly has more energy than me. How Gibbs does this every day and still has the stamina to work is a mystery to me."

Gibbs cleared his throat and spoke, "One of my many mysteries, DiNozzo. I do it because Tim is my son and I love him very much."

"Dada!"

"Boss!" Tony jumped and turned his head toward the door, "How much of that did you actually hear?"

"All of it," he smirked, taking a few steps toward Tim and lifting him up into his arms. "How's my baby?" He cooed, wrapping his arms around the little guy and smothering him with kisses. Tim sighed in contentment as his daddy's strong arms held him close and the familiar scent of his aftershave lingered in his nose. "Were you a good boy for your aunts and uncle?"

Tim stuck his thumb in his mouth and sleepily laid his head down on Gibbs' shoulder. Chuckling, Gibbs soothingly rubbed the toddler's back; "I think you wore him out more than you thought, Tony."

Tony huffed as he got up off the floor and straightened his clothes, "I've been trying to calm him down for the last fifteen minutes and suddenly you appear and he's tired." Shaking his head he continued, "I'll never understand what a toddler is thinking."

"Don't take it personally, Tony." Abby responded, patting him on the back, "You're a great uncle to Timmy, but sometimes little ones respond better to their mom or dad."

"Abby is right. It does not mean he loves you any less. You were able to keep him happy and safe while Gibbs was busy and that says a lot about you as a person."

"I suppose," Tony sulked, "I just want Tim to be comfortable with me too. Enough where he can fall asleep or settle down like he does for Gibbs."

"He already is, DiNozzo. Did you forget that for a long time he wouldn't let anyone else change his diaper besides the two of us?"

"No...I just..." Tony sighed, "You're right, Boss, it's stupid for me to get upset over something like this. I think I just need a hot shower and a good night's sleep." He paused, "Everything okay with you and Jack?"

Gibbs nodded, "Might take some time, but we're both willing to work on our relationship. I want him to be a part of Tim's life and he wants that too. He'll be staying with Ducky while he's visiting and they're both waiting for all of you downstairs."

The team knew better than to ask questions and nodded their understanding. "We still going sledding tomorrow, Gibbs? I heard on the news that it's supposed to snow tonight."

They all laughed as Tim yawned loudly and snuggled closer to his daddy. "Yes, Abs, as long as the temperature hoovers around freezing. I bought him a snowsuit the other day, but even with several layers I don't want him to be out in the cold for too long. I am looking forward to seeing how he reacts when he gets to play in the snow for the first time."

"As long as I don't have to play horsey."

"Me too!"

"I will bring my camera."

The others responded simultaneously as Tim yawned again.

"I think it is time we go and let this..." Ziva smiled and patted Timmy's leg, "Cutie pie get some sleep."

"Good idea, Zeever. Thanks for watching Tim while I talked to Jack. I know this wasn't how we intended the night to be, but I appreciate all of you going with the flow. Maybe on Christmas Eve we can actually start the movie." Kissing Tim on the temple he added, "Say good night, kiddo, it's time for beddy-bye." Tim stretched out his arms as each of his aunts and uncle gave him a hug and kiss.

"Lub u." The toddler mumbled sleepily as they began slipping out the door. Tony, who was the last person out, stopped and turned around, "Call us tomorrow once you decide on a time for sledding, Boss."

"Will do, Tony, good job tonight."

"Thanks, Boss. That means a lot to me." The younger man replied with a smile before closing the door and heading downstairs.

Laying a kiss to Timmy's forehead he patted the youngster's bottom as he carried him over to the changing table. "Let's get you ready for bed, hmm?" Tim gurgled happily around the thumb invading his mouth, closing his eyes as Gibbs tended to his diaper and changed him into his pajamas.

"Baba?" Tim mumbled hopefully as Gibbs grasped the zipper of his sleeper and pulled it up.

"Of course, sweetie." Picking the youngster up he positioned him on his hip and ran his fingers through Tim's hair, "Daddy has to clean up downstairs and we'll get you a bottle while we're down there." Yawning, Gibbs prodded the toddler's chubby tummy, "I think it's bedtime for both of us." Gibbs listened to make sure all the visitors had left before heading downstairs. He was surprised to see the ice cream that he spilled earlier had been cleaned up and he made a mental note to thank either Abby or Ziva in the morning. Jethro the dog greeted them in the kitchen, Tim giggling as the canine spun in circles, an indication he needed to go outside. "Sorry, boy, we've been a little busy tonight but let's get you outside before I have an accident to clean up." He ruffled the dog's fur, patted his leg and whistled for the pooch to follow him to the door. Once Jethro bounded outside, Gibbs closed the door and went to work preparing Timmy's bottle. By the time he'd finished in the kitchen, Jethro was scratching at the door wanting back inside and barked his appreciation when Gibbs handed him a treat. Flipping off lights along the way he stopped to check on the fire and was comfortable with letting it dwindle out rather than putting it out himself. Tim sucked greedily on his bottle as the pair ascended the stairs and the little guy was surprised when Gibbs bypassed his room. "I need you with me tonight, kiddo."

After laying Tim down on the bed, Gibbs ruffled his hair and said, "I'm going to get ready for bed, but I'll be back in a minute, sweetie." Concentrating on enjoying his milk Tim didn't even respond and watched Gibbs walk to the bathroom. Moments later when he emerged he couldn't help but smile at the sight on the bed. Jet was sprawled out; eyes at half-mast while Timmy rested his head on the dog's flank and used his free hand, not occupied by the bottle, to comb through the canine's fur.

"I wanted you to curl up with me, son." Gibbs remarked as he shut off the bathroom light and walked toward the pair. Tim glanced up at him briefly before closing his eyes and savoring every drop of warm, creamy milk. The older man chuckled, "Ah, I see where your priorities are, kiddo. Why would you want to use me as a pillow when you have a big fluffy dog pillow at your disposal? I guess I'll just climb in bed and you can stay down here with Jet all night." Tim's eyes suddenly popped open and he reached his arms up in Gibbs' direction. "Oh, now you want to snuggle with me, huh?"

Tim nodded, flashing his cute puppy dog eyes as Gibbs lifted him up into his arms and planted a kiss on his forehead. "Let's hit the sack, sweetie. We've got lots of fun things planned for tomorrow." Lightly tapping Jet on the flank he continued, "You're welcome to stay here tonight, but I'm going to need you to give me some room, dog." Jet snorted, gave him a defiant look and rested his head back down on the bed. The older man huffed and snapped his fingers, "I'm not in the mood, Jet." Physically moving an eighty-five pound German Shepard with one free hand wasn't going to be an easy feat so he plopped Tim down near the head of the bed and turned back to see Jet slowly rising to his feet. "That's what I thought." Gibbs sighed as the dog moved to the other side of the bed and collapsed in a heap. Flipping off the light switch he navigated his way back to bed, sliding in next to Timmy. "Looks like you're almost done with that bottle, kiddo." Tim popped the nipple out of his mouth and burped loudly. "That was a good one, sweetie." Patting the little guy's back he added, "Have any more in there?" After several smaller burps he set the bottle on the nightstand, lay down and pulled Timmy close to him. Switching off the bedside lamp he wrapped one arm around Tim, needing to feel the closeness.

As he lay there listening to the toddler's breathing, his mind drifted back to the conversation he'd had with his dad. He had many questions for his mom, which would remain unanswered and was beginning to understand how his father felt. It was no secret that his family had issues communicating especially after his mother passed away and he knew he didn't want it to be that way for Tim. Even though it would be hard to forgive his father for the hurtful things he'd said about him, it was important that he try to move on for Tim's sake. If he'd been given the same news of his mother's miscarriage three months ago he would have made bad choices and drunk himself into a stupor. Now he had a little boy who depended on him and he refused to make Timmy suffer because he couldn't emotionally work out his problems. It was going to take time to trust Jack again, but life was short and Tim deserved to get to know his other grandpa. Yawning, he could feel the stress and emotion start to take its toll and before he knew it he was following Tim into a deep slumber.

XXX

Abby's speculation had remained true and the next morning the ground was covered with fresh snow. Gibbs and Timmy had just finished breakfast and were bundling up to go sledding when the doorbell rang. Already dressed with the exception of his coat and gloves, Gibbs opened the door as his team bounded into the house ready for a fun day. They all laughed and commented on how Tim looked like the abominable snowman with all his layers of warmth. As they waited for Gibbs to finish with Tim, Abby called Jet over to her, giving the dog a gentle rubdown. "You still planning on taking Jet with us?" Gibbs nodded, "Yeah, I think he'll have fun chasing us down the hill and playing in the snow with Tim."

"Ooh! I was hoping you'd say that!" Abby squealed, digging a bag out of her coat pocket. "That's why I bought these." Curiosity piqued the others watched as Abby pulled a set of what appeared to be booties out of a package.

"What the heck are these?" Tony exclaimed, taking the package from the Goth's hand.

"They're dog boots!" She answered, crouching down to rub both sides of Jet's face. "We couldn't have poor little Jetty's tootsies freezing, could we?" Tony burst out laughing as Ziva bit back a smile. "He's a dog, Abs! Scratch that, he's a former drug dog and has worked in much tougher conditions, I'm sure. Why don't you just go out and buy him a cashmere coat and scarf?"

Abby scoffed, "Don't be ridiculous, Tony. So what if I want Jet to be protected from the cold too? I didn't buy these boots with your money."

Sensing an argument starting Gibbs whistled loudly before anyone could utter another word. "Leave her alone, DiNozzo. If Abby wants Jet to wear the boots then she's going to have to manage getting them on him by herself." Motioning to the canine he snickered, "Go for it, Abs."

"Thanks so much Gibbs!" She shrieked, nearly squeezing the stuffing out of the older man as she gave him a hug. Tony and Ziva watched in amusement as Abby attempted to slip the boots on the pooch's feet. Jet was wary at first, but after some reassurance from Abby he let her place each separate boot on. "See I told you he wouldn't mind," she scoffed, turning around to face the others.

"Uh Abs - I wouldn't be too sure of that." Tony gestured in the dog's direction and smiled, "Looks like he's really enjoying those boots." Abby spun around, her shoulders slumping when she saw Jet trying to remove one of the boots with his teeth. Crouching down she gently rubbed his ears, "It'll be okay, Jet. Trust me, once you get outside you'll be happy to have them on."

Jet whimpered and continued to gnaw at the rubber soles. Gibbs couldn't help but laugh at how miserable the dog appeared to be. It was evident the canine wanted nothing to do with his new attire, but he'd let Abby figure that out on her own. "Abs his leash is hanging on the door handle. Why don't you clip it on and see if Jet will follow you out to the car."

Grabbing the leash she attached it to Jet's collar and patted her leg, "C'mon boy let's go for a ride!" Jet cocked his head, watching Abby jump up and down enthusiastically. When the dog refused to budge Abby dropped the leash, went into the kitchen and rummaged through the cupboards. Emerging with a treat she picked the leash up off the floor and tried to coax Jet into following her out to the car. Jet salivated as the smell of his favorite treat filled the air. They were all getting a kick out of watching Jet contemplate his current situation. One side was screaming BACON while the other side was screaming TAKE THESE SILLY THINGS OFF! Finally, his stomach overruled and he took a step toward Abby, shaking each paw with every step he took. Tim giggled hysterically as Jet, seemingly knowing how ridiculous he looked, kept his eyes on the prize and snatched the treat out of Abby's hand. They clapped, hooted and hollered to commend the canine on a job well done.

"I told you he would do it!" Abby squawked, throwing her arms around the dog.

"It does not take a genius to see that he is miserable, Abby."

"I agree with Zeever. The boots were a nice thought, but it's clear he's not happy. Why don't you take them off and bring them with just in case. I think he'll be fine, Abs."

Abby sighed, crouched down and picked up one of Jet's front paws. "You win this round, dog." Jet licked her face with his giant slobbery tongue and was practically smiling once each boot had been removed.

"Now that Abby's done trying to play dog whisperer can we head out? I'm starting to sweat underneath all these layers of clothing!"

Gibbs nodded, "Yep, let's go while Timmy's still in a good mood. I loaded the sleds in the back of my trunk this morning." Gathering the last of the outerwear the group filed out the door and piled into Gibbs' car. The park was only a few miles away from the house and had a steep enough hill for sledding. The parking lot was fairly empty when they arrived allowing Gibbs to find a spot up close. Piling out of the car they grabbed the sleds from the trunk and started their short walk to the snow. Timmy bounced in excitement as Gibbs placed him down in the unmarred snow. Taking two handfuls of snow he threw them up in the air and giggled as a dusting of powder sprinkled down upon him.

Ziva laughed, "Tim throwing the snow like that is very reminiscent of when I was babysitting and he made a mess with the flour."

"I was just thinking the same exact thing, Zeever."

Tony and Abby had walked a little further into the park and were on their hands and knees rolling snowballs to make a snowman. "Boss, bring Timmy over here to play. I can't wait to show him how to make a snow angel." Gibbs nodded, leaned down to pick Timmy up and carried him over to the others. Jet was having a good time gallivanting through the snow and was excited when Gibbs pulled a tennis ball out of his coat pocket. "Go get it boy," he commanded as he threw the ball and watched it sail across the park. Jet took off at lightning speed and before Gibbs knew it the dog was back and eager to go again. After nearly two-dozen throws both human and canine Jethro were worn out and needed a break. When Tim saw Jet eating some of the snow he licked off the extra snow that had accumulated on his mittens. Shrieking, he took a handful and was about to place it in his mouth when Gibbs bellowed, "No Timmy!" The toddler's lip stuck out in a pout as he blinked back tears wondering why he wasn't allowed to eat the snow.

"What is wrong, Gibbs? A little snow never hurt anybody."

"You're right, Ziva, regular snow never hurt anybody but Tim was about to eat yellow snow. Brushing the snow off Timmy's mitten he groaned, "Apparently Jet decided to relieve himself right next to Tim."

"He was marking his territory, Boss."

Gibbs reached down and smacked the back of DiNozzo's head. "Hey, what was that for?"

"Marking my territory." Gibbs retorted with a smirk.

Tim had crawled over next to Tony and was attempting to pull himself up on the base of the snowman. However, the number of layers he was wearing made it difficult for him to stand and he collapsed in a heap. "Hey Timmy - Uncle Tony is going to show you how to make a snow angel. C'mon on guys..." he motioned to Ziva and Abby, "Let's show the kid how to have some fun." Gibbs took Ziva's camera from her and snapped several photos of his kids making snow angels. Tim was enthralled with his aunts and uncle and wanting to emulate them, lay back in the snow.

Taking several more pictures, Gibbs had a hard time keeping the camera steady because he was laughing too hard. The layers of clothing Tim had on made it hard for him to move his arms and legs so he just lay there. After playing for a few more minutes they decided to climb the large hill to go sledding. Tony agreed to carry Tim with the notion that Gibbs didn't need any extra stress on his knees. As they were climbing Ziva admitted that it would be her first time sledding and she was looking forward to a new experience. When they reached the top of the hill Gibbs plopped down in one of the inner tubes and took the little guy into his arms. "This is going to be so much fun, buddy." Tim's eyes widened as Tony pushed them closer to the edge and he hung on for dear life as Ziva snapped a picture before their maiden voyage. "Not a big push DiNozzo just enough to get us going."

"You got it, Boss. Now sit back and enjoy the ride." As the inner tube started plummeting toward the bottom Gibbs wrapped his arms around a screaming Tim. Snow was flying back in their faces and the older man did his best to shield the toddler's face from being bombarded. When they reached the bottom Gibbs turned Tim to face him unsure of the reaction he'd receive.

"Mor Dada...Mor!" Tim shrieked, bouncing up and down in the older man's lap. Gibbs hugged the youngster close to his chest and kissed the top of his head. "Aww sweetie I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Let's watch the others come down the hill now." Turning around he motioned for the team to join them. After giving the girls a hefty push, Tony dove onto his tube, following them down the hill with Jet hot on their heels. After reaching the bottom each of them had smiles plastered on their face and were anxious to go again.

"Did you like it Timmy?" Tony asked, scooping the toddler into his arms.

Tim nodded his head vigorously and shouted, "Mor!"

The four adults chuckled and started back up the hill. They continued sledding, each getting several opportunities to ride with Tim. By lunchtime all the adults were exhausted from climbing the hill and were ready to call it a day. Timmy, on the other hand, could have stayed all-day and cried as they walked to the car. "I promise we'll come back and go sledding again really soon, kiddo. Right now daddy needs a break and I think your aunts and uncle do too." As they wiped the excess snow from their coats, hats and gloves, Gibbs suggested, "How about we have some hot chocolate when we get home?" The others agreed as they piled back in the car for the short drive home. Once they arrived Gibbs ushered everyone into the laundry room to remove their wet clothing. Tim had been nodding off, but once he smelled the hot cocoa his eyes popped open and he waited patiently for a bottle. Adding a little chocolate mix to the toddler's milk, Gibbs warmed it in the microwave and presented it to his son. Clapping wildly, Tim couldn't get the bottle into his mouth fast enough and hummed in delight as the treat tickled his taste buds.

"Whoa slow down, son. Don't want you to choke." Gibbs chuckled as he ran his fingers through the little guy's unkempt hair. They all sat enjoying their hot chocolate, talking about how much fun they had and when they'd be doing it again. Once Tim fell asleep the rest of the team made their exit with a promise to be in touch about plans for Christmas Eve. Leaning back in the chair Gibbs finished his beverage, content to watch his baby sleep. The day had been a welcome distraction from dealing with his father and he remained optimistic that moments like these would help carry him through their healing process.