First, thank you to everyone who has stuck with me! It's been a long, crazy, winding road that had so many twists and turns it's dizzying. Thank you all for the very nice reviews and pm's you've sent me, it's very encouraging knowing even one other person out there appreciates your hard work. Second, I want to thank a dear friend of mine, practically my twin ;), Odette03. I first met her in real life and she has been an AMAZING friend—she encourages me to write and understands a lot of what I've gone through…we've been though very similar things with parents. I also want to thank her for beta'ing this monster of a story and for loving NCIS as much as I do. Odette, you know you rock!

I want to explain that this story is based off a video by Ziver92x. The link is available in my profile for anyone who wants to view it. Ziver92x, thank you for letting me take your video and turning it into written word, for trusting me not to ruin it. After months of e-mailing back and forth, it's finally here!

Summary: Three words change their lives forever: "I'm pregnant, Tony." After years of happiness with their son, Leroy, Ziva is called back to Mossad for one last mission in the Horn of Africa. Several months later word reaches NCIS that she has been killed. Tony and Leroy have to learn how to live without a wife and mother but after Tony has several suspicions, it turns out not everything is as it seems.

Disclaimer: I just want to get this out of the way in the beginning so I don't have to type this 20-some-odd times.

I do not own NCIS (characters, plots, or anything affiliated with the show), Belisarius Productions, Paramount Network Television, CBS Paramount Network Television, CBS Television Studios, or any other company associated or affiliated with the show NCIS or any constituents. I neither fund nor produce anything associated with NCIS, Belisarius Productions, Paramount Network Television, etc. or any other company associated or affiliated with the show NCIS or any constituents.

I am writing this story purely for entertainment value and will make no money or receive no free services for the publishing of this story nor will I sell this story as canon documents for money or free services.

I do not own 'May I' by Trading Yesterday nor am I affiliated with David Hodges, Steven McMorran, Josh Dunahoo, Will Hunt, or Mark Colbert, or any constituents of the band or artists, recording studio, etc. I do not own 'The Way You Look Tonight' by Frank Sinatra nor am I affiliated with Frank Sinatra or any constituents of the band or artist, recording studio, etc.

The plot idea of 'The Meaning of Family' belongs solely to Ziver92x and has been used with her full knowledge and understanding. Please do not steal, copy, or borrow without her permission.

Any character, plot idea, quote, etc. not found in canon NCIS or in Ziver92x's video belongs to me. Please do not steal, copy, or borrow without my permission.

Now that that's over, we can begin the story! Please remember that reviews are always encouraged and appreciated. If you don't like the story and feel the need to flame, please flame responsibly.