Marcus had asked Chance to meet him at his office to review the results from the test, but Chance decided to just have everyone come to his home for dinner and for him to tell everyone at the same time. 'No more secrets' he thought to himself as he finished prepping dinner. He was having second thoughts about sending Tim back without him, he relied on him for so much over the past year but knew he had to face whatever the diagnosis may be, but vowed to himself he would not keep it from anyone anymore.

Just as he was heading out to the back patio to start the grill for some steaks, Jake and Heather walked in the front door.

"Hey big brother, need any help " Heather asked as she carried in a salad to add to the menu.

"I told you no need to make anything, especially since you had to work today" he replied with a smile.

"Not a big deal, just a zesty pasta and bean salad. You know how we are down here, ya never go to a gathering empty handed" she chuckled.

"Which is why I brought the beer" Jake added.

Chance really wanted one right about now but refrained, he wanted a clear mind for this meeting with Marcus. Heather put the salad in the fridge, then followed Chance and Jake to the patio.

...

Maggie made a dessert to take for dinner and grabbed a bottle of wine, more for her than Chance because she was extremely nervous to find out the test results. She wanted to ask Marcus to tell her before they went but knew it would be useless to ask. Besides, he needs to know first, we're just there for support, she thought to herself. She also decided to take Meeshka, not only for support but because she knew they both needed to see each other one last time.

Marcus and Maggie arrived about 15 mins after Heather. Meeshka ran to the back of the house where she found Chance sitting on the lounge. She jumps into his lap, licking his face intensely, making him laugh hysterically. Marcus and Maggie followed close behind.

Chance stood to greet them, giving his mother a quick peck on the cheek as he took the key lime pie she brought for dessert. "I'll put this in the fridge for now. Anyone care for a drink while I get the steaks started" he asked. His mother handed him the bottle of wine, " I'll take a glass of this over ice" she told him. Heather said she'd have some wine while both Marcus and Jake requested a beer. Jake offered to help and followed Chance inside.

"How you been feeling" Jake asked as he opened the wine bottle.

Chance didn't really want to talk about any of it yet " ok, not a big deal" he replied as he grabbed the beer then ice for the wine.

Jake looked at him for a moment then said " we all got a little scared the other night when you passed out. I just wanted to let you know I'm here to help if you need anything. We've been friends a long time Chance, just let me know if I can help" he said as he patted him on the shoulder.

"I appreciate that, I really do but not much to do really, just something I've dealt with my whole life. But there is one thing you could do for me" he told him.

"Sure buddy, what's that?" Jake asked.

"Marry my damn sister will ya. Don't you think it's about time? You two love each other, you have since high school" Chance said half jokingly.

Jake smiled briefly but then looked away, "she has her career to focus on. I don't want to hold her back from anything she wants to do" he said.

"Don't let anything keep you from being together, don't make the same mistake I did with Mina. You two belong together. I can see it and I know you both believe it too, you're just afraid to admit it" Chance stated.

Just then Heather walked in the screen door "you two have those drinks? We're melting out here, we need fluids stat" she laughed.

"Here ya go Dr. Bossy," Jake laughed as he handed the two glasses of wine to her, then took the beer from Chance as he headed out with the tray of steaks.

As dinner was ending Chance knew the inevitable was nearing. He had prolonged hearing what the doctor had found long enough. Part of him wanted answers, the other part not so much. He really regretted not having Tim there for moral support this time.