Chapter 13
It took another five days to wrap up the case. After Joshua Jackson was arrested, he pleaded guilty. It was concluded that Joshua Jackson was suffering from post-traumatic abuse he suffered as a child due to his mother's abandonment and his stepfather's physical and mental abuse and that that he was borderline schizophrenic. Joshua Jackson also revealed that he had gone to a psychiatrist before and told them about his desires to hurt women and that he was starting to hear voices in his head. But the psychiatrist cleared him.
The DA had asked both Kate and Gibbs to testify in front of the judge. Before doing so, both Gibbs and Kate talked to the families of the victims and told them Joshua Jackson's medical diagnosis. Both families felt that Joshua Jackson would be better off sentenced in the Mental Ward rather than in a criminal prison. The families felt that Joshua Jackson was failed by both his family, who were supposed to love him and the system, who was supposed to protect him and the public from him.
After filing the report, Kate stayed another 3 days so she could spend more time with Gibbs and the team. Abby and Kate finally went to that spa they had planned to go two years ago. Since it was a slow day in NCIS, Gibbs gave Abby the rest of the afternoon off to spend time with Kate. He told Abby to pick up Kate at his place and that he had made reservations for them at the spa and that it's paid for. Gibbs knew how much Abby had missed Kate this past six months. Abby made sure to let him know every single day how much she misses Kate's company. Gibbs is also aware how tiring this past case was Kate and he wanted her relaxed when she went back to Italy. Abby couldn't contain her excitement when Gibbs told her about the spa, so she jumped on him and kissed him on the cheek in the middle of the bullpen.
"I love you Gibbs. Oh my God, this is the best gift ever. I'm spending the day with my best girlfriend relaxing at a spa. This definitely puts you over the top as the best boss and the best boyfriend Gibbs."
"Thanks Abby. You better hurry up because I told Kate that you are picking her up. Enjoy your day. Bye Abs."
"Hey boss, how come she gets the day off and a day at the spa, all expenses paid for but McGee and I have to spend the day here at the office? That doesn't seem fair boss."
"Do you really want to see fair Dinozzo?"
"Ah, no boss. I'll get back to writing my report. Probie, hurry up with your report."
"Ah, Tony I already turned mine in five minutes ago."
"McGee, you can go home now." Gibbs shouted.
"Really, boss? Thank you."
Gibbs gave Tony a hard time and did not let him leave the office until late at night.
Two days later…
Today is Kate's last day in Washington D.C. Kate and Gibbs spent the whole day together in bed. They couldn't get enough of each other. They both know that it would be months before they saw each other again. Just thinking about it, made them missed each other already.
"Kate, I was wondering, if you don't mind, I'd like to start moving your stuff in the house soon. I know you have a lot of your stuff in the storage and I have a lot of space here. No point in paying for storage."
"Are you sure Gibbs? I mean, it could wait until I come back."
"No Katie, I will take care of it. Just leave the key to me and I promise I'll be a good boy and not snoop."
"I've got nothing to hide, Gibbs."
Gibbs reached over to the drawer next to him and took a tiny box out.
"Kate, I trust you and I don't want you to think that I'm giving this to you because I don't trust you."
"What's going on Gibbs?"
"I was wondering if you wouldn't mind wearing this? I'm pretty sure it's the right size and I hope you like it?" Gibbs had never been more nervous in his life.
"Is this an engagement ring?"
"Do you want it to be?"
"Gibbs, I swear you can be so frustrating sometimes."
"You know I'm just kidding. It's an engagement ring if you say "yes" If you don't say "yes" then it's a promise ring."
"How could I say "yes" if you haven't asked the question?"
"Katie, you know I have a bad knee so I hope you don't expect me to get down on my knee." Gibbs teased.
"Gibbs!"
"Alright, it's been awhile since I have done this. You know I swore after my third divorce that I'd never do this again but I just can't see my life without you. So please take pity on this old bastard and say yes to marry him."
"You know I'd never envisioned this kind of proposal but you're Gibbs and I would not have it any other way. And yes, I will wear the ring."
"So you want to marry me?"
"Yes, I will marry you Gibbs."
"Yes! Katie, are you up for another round? What round are we now?"
"I think we are going for the knock out this time. Last round, Gibbs!"
Gibbs started to tickle her neck with his stubble. Laughter and shrieks could be heard from the house.