Meanwhile on the other side of the villa Gibbs had taken a shave and a shower as well. After he’d dried off he dressed in a linen sand coloured suit with a white shirt. He didn’t want it to be too formal, so he had decided not to wear a tie. Instead the first two buttons of his shirt were open. When he was finished he smirked at the results.
“You ready?” Mac asked him as he entered the room. Gibbs took a deep breath.
“Almost.” He handed Mac Jordan’s and his ring. “As my best man I’d like you to hold on to it. I’m afraid I might lose it in the sand.” He said. “I’ve only been nervous like this once before.” Mac knew what Gibbs meant.
“We’re two lucky guys.” Mac said while sitting next to him. Gibbs nodded in agreement. “I never would have believed that we could find happiness again.” Mac thought about Stella.
“I wanna make her happy, Mac.” Mac looked up.
“You already are doing that, Jethro.” Mac assured him. “Now let’s get Stella and head down to the beach and make an honest man out of you.” He grinned. Gibbs went downstairs while Mac went over to his room to collect Stella. He softly knocked on the door.
“Wow…” He was stunned when Stella opened the door. She was wearing an ivory dress as well. “You’re a knock-out.” He kissed her hello.
“Wait till you see your sister.” Stella let him in and Mac was speechless for a few seconds when Jordan turned.
“Don’t just stand there.” Jordan now got really nervous and nearly jumped. “Say something… anything.”
“I got something for the bride and her maid of honour.” He handed both a bouquet of ivory flowers. “And you’re gonna give Jethro a heart attack.” He kissed her on the cheek.
“We can’t have that.” Jordan joked. “Maybe I should change.”
“Don’t you dare, D’Angelo.” Mac teased. “This guy has been waiting long enough for you. We’re heading down to the beach now.” Jordan nodded kissed Mac and Stella her thanks. They both went downstairs and walked up to the beach. Then Jack knocked on the door and gently opened it.
“My son is one lucky bastard.” Jack said as he saw his daughter-in-law. “If he wasn’t marrying you, I would marry you myself.” Jordan beamed at his compliment. “Ready to go, Mrs. Gibbs?” He offered her an arm. Jordan nodded.
“Ready to go… dad.” She accepted his arm. Then both of them went downstairs and walked to the beach themselves.
***
Gibbs was waiting nervously next to Mac on the beach when the music started to play. He was not sure if he saw Ziva and Abby holding his twins or Lindsay and Danny with Madison or Logan for that matter. When Jack walked up on the beach with his bride he had only eyes for Jordan.
Jordan was stunned by the music Stella had chosen. It was so typical her and Gibbs. When they reached the patio Jack kissed her on the cheek and handed her over in the care of his son. He shook Gibbs’ hand and silently made his son clear to hold on to this treasure. Gibbs nodded. Jordan gave her bouquet to Stella. They then turned to the priest who started the ceremony.
“Dear friends, we have gathered together today to witness and bless Jethro’s and Jordan’s mutual vows that will unite them in marriage. To this moment, they bring the dreams that bind them together. They bring those particular personalities and spirits which are uniquely their own, and out of which will grow the reality of their life together. Let our rejoicing be the outward symbol of an inward union of hearts, a union created by friendship, respect and love.”
Lindsay held Danny’s hand while the priest spoke his words. Madison held on to her daddy. Danny remembered his own wedding to Lindsay. Even though they married at the justice of the piece, he was happy with his Montana.
Ziva and Tony listened carefully to the words of the priest. It wasn’t Ziva’s religion but it all had a meaning. She had grown in to this family, just like Jordan had. Tony took over Ryan as Ziva reached out for a tissue when it was about time for the vows.
“Now, would the witnesses please come forward?” The priest asked. Stella and Mac stepped forward with the rings.
“Jethro, do you here in the presence of these witnesses declare your commitment to Jordan and choose her as the one with whom you wish to spend your life? Do you pledge to endure all of the difficulties which life may offer, even as you look forward to sharing the joys to be experienced together?
“I do.” Gibbs said firmly and held on to Jordan’s hand.
“Jordan, do you here in the presence of these witnesses declare your commitment to Jethro and choose him as the one with whom you wish to spend your life? Do you pledge to endure all of the difficulties which life may offer, even as you look forward to sharing the joys to be experienced together?”
“I do.” Jordan smiled at Gibbs, happy to have finally said the words.
“Jethro and Jordan, are you now ready to be married?”
“We are.” They both said in unison and interlaced their fingers.
“Will you who witness these pledges do your utmost to uphold this marriage?”
“We will.” Mac and Stella vowed.
“I, Jethro, take you, Jordan, to be my wife, and in doing so, commit my life to you in all sorrows and joys, all hardships and triumphs, all the experiences of life; a commitment made in love, kept in faith, lived in hope, and eternally made new.” Jordan was touched by his vow and took her turn.
“I, Jordan, take you, Jethro, to be my husband, and in doing so, commit my life to you in all sorrows and joys, all hardships and triumphs, all the experiences of life; a commitment made in love, kept in faith, lived in hope, and eternally made new.” Gibbs smirked at Jordan speaking her vows.
“What pledges do you offer that you will fulfill these vows?” The priest asked.
“These rings.” Mac handed the priest the rings.
“These rings are the symbols of the vows here taken; circles of wholeness; perfect in form and one very special in form.” The crowd laughed. “These rings mark the beginning of a long journey together filled with wonder, surprises, laughter, tears, celebration, grief and joy. May these rings glow in reflection of the warmth and the lives that flow through the wearers today.”
“Do you, Jordan, accept this ring?”
“I do.” She beamed and Gibbs placed the ring on Jordan’s finger. “In token and pledge of our abiding love, with this ring I’ll be wed.” His gaze never left hers.
“Do you, Jethro, accept this ring?” He gave the ring to Jordan.
“I do.” Jordan placed the ring on Jethro’s finger. “In token and pledge of our abiding love, with this ring I’ll be wed.” She spoke the words softly.
“Jethro and Jordan, having promised to live together in marriage, and having declared the same by the giving and receiving of the marriage rings, I, by virtue of the authority vested in me, do now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride, Jethro.” The priest finished.
Gibbs leaned in and softly claimed Jordan’s soft lips. What seemed forever were actually moments, till Mac patted Gibbs on the shoulder.
“Hello, Mrs. Gibbs.” He whispered with a grin. Jordan beamed at her new name.
“Goodbye, Ms. D’Angelo.” She whispered back and claimed on more kiss.
He then reluctantly let go of Jordan as the crowd applauded. Mac hugged his new brother-in-law and kissed his sister his congratulations till Stella made her presence known and did the same. Ziva and Abby walked up and congratulated them. They then handed over the twins to the new Gibbs’ family and joined Stella and Mac to let the other congratulated the newly weds.
***