Ch. 10

"When is Beth going to be released, Tim?" Ziva asked her friend. She, Abby and Tony were at Tim's house after work, keeping him company while he was recovering. Tony had brought a few comedies and Ziva and Abby had brought food. The girls cleaned the apartment, despite the protesting of the injured agent. They had settled Tim on the couch, making him prop his feet up so he would be comfortable. They even had Tony help so they could finish quickly.

Tim smiled before standing, grabbing the trash from dinner off the coffee table, "Tomorrow. I told her I would pick her up." He then headed to the kitchen to throw the trash away.

"How? You haven't been released to drive yet have you?" Tony asked, throwing his head back to look at Tim over the top of the couch.

"No, I'm not cleared yet," Tim replied, clearing the dishes off the counter and starting to load the dishwasher.

Abby glanced at Tony before getting up to help Tim, "I'm taking him. Am I dropping you off on my way to work?"

"Yeah, that's fine. Her doctor said she wouldn't be released until sometime in the afternoon,, so I'll just stay with her until she is released," Tim answered, sitting back down on the couch when Abby shooed him out of the kitchen. He propped his feet up on the coffee table, trying to get comfortable.

"Is she staying by herself, or does she have family she will be staying with?" Ziva asked, as Tony chose a movie and put it in the DVD player.

"Nope, she's staying here."

Abby, Ziva and Tony exchanged a knowing glance before Tony teased, "Ohh....Probie's got a new roomie." Tim rolled his eyes, but didn't say anything, just let a smile play on his lips. He wasn't about ready to tell DiNozzo how excited he was that she was going to be staying. Or, for that matter, how excited she was to be staying at his apartment.

"That is really nice of you Tim," Ziva said honestly as Abby sat on the floor in front of Tim in front of the couch.

"She doesn't have family around here. I know her brother would have wanted to take care of her, but he and his wife are out of town on vacation and I couldn't reach them. I called her parents. They didn't want anything to do with her, told me that they were not going to take care of her. She got herself into this "mess", so she would have to get herself out of it," Tim quietly said, looking down to his lap. Abby glanced up before grabbing one of his hands. "I can't believe they didn't want anything to do with her. She almost died. She's such a beautiful, intelligent, hardworking woman. Why would they treat her like that?"

No one said a word for a few moments, taking in the fact that Tim had contacted Beth's family. To find out that her parents didn't want anything to do with their daughter, it was a hard pill for them all to swallow. They all liked Beth ever since they had met her. Abby squeezed Tim's hand, showing him her support of his decision.

"Some parents, just don't care about their kids, McGee. They don't have a maternal or paternal bone in their bodies. Its sad, but its not uncommon," Tony said, speaking from experience.

"Believe me, I know," Tim replied, keeping his hold on Abby's hand. His home life as a child was not a really happy one, with the Admiral and all. He never told any one about his childhood, except for Beth. It was what helped them bond.

The room lapsed into silence again before Tim glanced over at Tony. "Could you turn the movie on now? I need a good laugh."

Abby let Tim's hand go as Tony turned the TV on. "Right, me too." A moment later, he had the movie started.

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The next morning, Abby dropped Tim off in front of the lobby of the hospital, promising to return as soon as he texted her. Tim thanked her and watched as the friendly Goth left the hospital parking lot. He turned and made his way to the elevators. It wasn't long before he was on the fourth floor of the hospital and pushing open the door to Beth's room.

"Morning," Beth said brightly, sitting up in the bed. Tim entered the room and returned her greeting with a bright smile.

"Morning yourself. You look positively chipper this morning," Tim replied, sitting in the chair next to Beth's bed.

She looked over at him and smiled even more brilliant. "Well, you would be to if you were getting out of the hospital and staying with the person you love."

"Ah, so that's what has you all chipper this morning," he replied, his heart soaring. It was going to be awesome having her stay at his apartment.

It was after two before the doctor came in to sign Beth's release form, allowing her to be sprung from the hospital. Tim texted Abby, letting her know they would be ready to go within an hour. Abby, true to her word, made it to the hospital before they wheeled Beth out the front doors and drove them back to Tim's apartment.

"Do you guys need anything before I go?" Abby asked, helping Tim settle Beth on the couch.

"I think we're good, Abbs. Thank you so much for picking us up," Tim replied, hugging the forensic scientist.

"No problemo. You two need anything, you call me, Ziva or Tony. We'll be over here as soon as we can."

"Thank you Abby," Beth replied, wincing slightly when Abby gave her a soft hug.

She walked to the door before glancing back, "You two be good now, you here?" she teased, closing the door.

"I am so glad to be out of the hospital!" Beth exclaimed, sighing as she snuggled next to Tim on the couch. He wrapped his arms around her, also getting comfortable.

"I bet. I felt the same way when they sprung me."

They sat in companionable silence before Beth looked up, "How are you feeling?"

"Fine, why?" he answered, looking down into her eyes.

"Are you sure? Your eyes betray you, you know?"

"Really? What are they telling you?"

She put her hands over his before replying, "That you feel guilty about what happened to me and Matt. Its not your fault, you know. I don't blame you and I'm sure Matt wouldn't either."

He sighed before looking away, "You saw that, in my eyes?"

"Yes." She pulled his chin down so he would look at her before saying, "Tim, what Marty did was not your fault. Ziva told me that he had mental issues and had been on the wrong side of the law too many times. I don't blame you at all for what happened, and I never will."

He hugged her tightly as a few tears slipped down his face. "I'm going to miss him, you know."

"I know. You'll always have this spot in your heart that will hurt from time to time. I know it hurts all the time now, but that will ease. Just know that I will always be here for you, no matter what and through thick and thin."

He kissed her left temple before whispering in her ear, "I love you Elizabeth Morgan." They sat in each others arms on the couch for a long time, each trying to heal the wounds inflicted to them physically and emotionally.

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It was a week later, after Tim had been cleared for driving and light duty, when Tim took Beth to the Navy Yard to visit. They entered the lobby, so that Tim could get Beth a visitor's pass. They then entered the elevator up to the floor where Tim worked. A moment later, the doors opened and Tim led Beth out of the car and headed for the bullpen.

"Well look what the cat dragged in," Tony said, noticing their guests.

Ziva looked up as Tim and Beth entered into the bullpen. "McGee! Beth! Its so nice to see you."

"Nice to see you too Ziva, Tony," Beth replied. Gibbs came down the stairs from MTAC, coffee in hand. "How are you McGee?"

"Doing fine Boss. That's why I'm here. I've been cleared for light duty for about two weeks, so I can start working as early as tomorrow."

Gibbs sat down at his desk, setting the coffee down in front of his keyboard. "That's great. I'll make sure to tell Vance."

"How are you doing Beth?" Ziva asked.

"I'm doing okay. I still haven't been cleared for desk duty yet, but it should only be a another week or so," Beth replied, sitting down in the chair Tim had pulled up for her. About that time, Abby, Ducky and Palmer had come up from the basement, on their way out for the evening.

"Hi guys," Tim said, hugging Abby and shaking hands with Jimmy and Ducky.

"So how does that work, since your job is so physically demanding?" Gibbs asked, shocking the others with his fatherly tone and, well, interest in the subject.

Beth glanced at Tim's boss. "I've been down this road before. They'll put me on light duty, which usually means I will be working in Headquarters, either as a dispatcher or just a desk job until I am cleared to go back to the station."

"So it sounds like the two of you are doing well," Ducky said, glad to see the youngest field agent and his girlfriend in a better condition.

"We are Ducky. Taking it one day at a time," Tim replied, smiling.

"So, what exactly brings you here today?" Tony asked, his face betraying the look of pure curiosity he was feeling. He had been missing having McGee at work and was beginning to tease Ziva, which was really getting on her nerves.

"Well, I did have another reason besides telling you I could come back to work to be here today."

Gibbs looked up again, "What would that be, McGee?"

Tim took a moment to look at his teammates, taking a deep breath in to calm his nerves. He had been planning this moment for a week or so, and now that it was upon him, his heart was racing with anticipation.

He walked over to where Beth was sitting and went down carefully to one knee, pulling out a small, blue velvet box out of his pocket. Everyone on the MRCT floor got quiet, watching with bated breath as Tim opened the box, showing the contents to Beth. "You told me that you would always be there for me, no matter what and through thick and thin. I want you to know that I promise the same to you, to always be there for you when you fall, to pick you back up. That no matter how tough it gets that I will never leave you. I love you Elizabeth Morgan. Will you do me the honor of marrying me?"

A smile formed on her face as tears began to slide down her cheeks. She nodded before replying, "Yes. Yes, I will marry you Timothy McGee." He slipped the solitary diamond ring on her finger before she flew into his arms as they kissed. The loud cheering of the MRCT floor brought them back to reality and they pulled apart. They looked around, seeing everyone on their feet clapping. The loudest was coming from above them. Tim glanced up to see Vance leaning over the railing of the MTAC floor, a wide smile on his face.

Tony was the first to reach the happy couple. He slapped Tim on his back. "Congrats McGee!" When no teasing or anything was lobbed at him, Tim turned to face is partner. "What? I can be serious."

"Yeah right," Ziva said, before she gave Tim a hug. "I am so happy for you both."

"Thank you Ziva," Beth replied, admiring the ring on her finger. She looked up when Gibbs stood in front of them.

"I am happy for you both. I hope you last longer than I did." Gibbs said, grinning.

"Thanks Boss, I think," Tim replied as Vance entered the bullpen. He turned to face the director of NCIS.

He shook hands with Tim before saying, "I am glad at your upcoming nuptials. I hope you have many happy years together. And, I understand you will be able to return to light duty starting tomorrow Agent McGee. I expect to see you bright and early tomorrow morning."

"Yes sir," Tim replied, smiling as Vance left the bullpen.

The others looked at the happy couple. "I vote for a celebratory night on the town," Tony said, raising his hand.

"Me too," Ziva said. Abby and Jimmy voiced their agreement with the plan.

"What do you think?" Tim asked, turning to face Beth.

"Sounds good to me! The more the merrier," Beth replied, standing. They all looked to Gibbs.

"Okay, I'll come along too," he replied as Abby hugged him. They all laughed and joked as they made their way to the elevator to start their celebration.

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It was later that evening, after they had celebrated with their friends, that Tim and Beth were able to spend time alone. They were once again sitting on the couch, intertwined in each other's arms, watching a chick flick. Beth kept holding her left hand up, admiring the ring that now rested on her finger, a smile playing on her face.

She glanced up when she felt a set of eyes on her. Emerald green was lovingly looking into her caramel brown ones. "What?"

"You look, content. I don't think I have ever seen that in your eyes before," Tim replied, leaning down to kiss her on her temple.

"I am. You are already making my life better, in more ways than one. I love you so much too. I can't wait to be your wife," Beth replied. Tim didn't say anything, just hugged her closer. They stayed like that for another hour, before going to bed.

Beth fell asleep first, her hair billowing around her as her hands formed a pillow under her head. She was turned toward Tim. Once her breathing evened, Tim raised up on one elbow, watching her sleep with interest.

He thought of how much she had been through in her life, how her parents really didn't care whether she was alive or dead. Tim had called her brother and was glad that he and his wife would be coming to DC to visit his sister. Tim explained to him that their parents had basically disowned Beth. He then asked her brother for his sister's hand in marriage, even though they had never met.

It took talking for almost an hour before her brother finally gave him his blessing, making sure Tim knew that if he hurt his sister, he would be in trouble. Tim smiled when thinking about that part of the conversation. He was glad Beth's brother was such a good guy.

Beth sighed in her sleep, unconsciously twisting the ring on her finger. He smiled as he laid down, still facing her. He was such a lucky guy, to find such a beautiful and intelligent woman to complete him. She was the lyrics to his music; Elizabeth to his Mr. Darcy.

As his eyes began to get heavy with sleep, a quote from A.A. Milne's story Winnie-the-Pooh of all things was the last thing to run through his mind as he fell asleep, one that he knew expressed how he felt. If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day, so I never have to live without you.

A/N - Okay, so this is the end! As I mentioned above, I may write a sequel, a wedding perhaps?