Mabel was thrilled to be getting the birthday party she wanted, surrounded by all the people she has come to know and love. But she noticed one guest was missing: Ford.

If there was one regret she had this summer, it was not getting the chance to know her Grunkle better. He had been with them for such a short time, and most of that time was spent with Dipper instead of her.

She tried not to be bitter about it. When she comes back next summer, she can work on forming a better relationship with him.

She decided to sneak away from the party to go check on him. She found him on the side of the Shack pacing back and forth; Stan told her he always did when he was nervous.

"Grunkle Ford?"

Ford jumped slightly. Mabel lifted her arms pretending to surrender. "I come in peace."

Ford rubbed the back of his neck, slightly embarrassed. "Sorry, dear."

"It's okay. What are you doing here by yourself?"

"Just needed to think."

"About what?"

"Well…do you remember when Stan told you about our dream as kids to go sailing around the world together?"

"Yeah?"

"Well, I was going to propose that maybe…since we're together again…we can finally live that dream."

Mabel's face lit up with excitement. "Oh, Grunkle Ford! That's wonderful! I'm so excited for you!"

"Don't get too excited. I haven't asked him yet. He could still say no." Ford bowed his head in guilt. "And I wouldn't blame him if he did."

"Aww, Grunkle Ford, don't worry. I know he'll say yes."

"How can you be so sure?"

"He spent thirty years trying to get you back. I think we can take that as a sign he wants to be with you again."

Ford chuckled. "Point taken." Ford put his hand on Mabel's shoulder. "Thank you, Mabel. You really are a good person."

"Aw, shucks." Mabel waved her hand.

"Mabel, where are you?" Dipper called from the front of the shack. "It's time to cut the cake!"

"Coming!" Mabel turned back to Ford. "After we cut the birthday cake, you should ask him. You'll feel better if you just get it over with."

"Yes, you're right. After you cut the cake, I'll ask him!" Ford said with determination.

"That's the spirit, Grunkle Ford!"

"Alright, missy, we better get going."

"Yes, my public awaits!" Mabel said as she put her arm around her forehead in a dramatic pose.

Ford chuckled. His niece never failed to bring a smile to his face. He wished he had gotten to spend more time with her. But he supposed there was always next summer.

They sang happy birthday to the twins. When they went to open their presents, Ford decided now was his chance.

"Stanley, I need to talk to you." Ford led Stan behind the Shack. Ford noticed Stan was crossing his arms and frowning. It broke his heart that Stan automatically assumed any private conversation between them would be negative. Ford hoped he could change that.

"I didn't wanna say anything with everyone listening, but we've got a problem. Weirdmageddon has been contained, but I'm detecting some strange new anomalies near the Arctic Ocean. I want to go investigate it, but I think I might be too old to go it alone."

Stan's heart skipped a beat. Was Ford really asking…?

"Are you saying you need someone to help you sail around the world in the adventure of a lifetime…?"

"I don't just want someone to come with me, Stanley. I want it to be you." Ford pulled out an old photograph of Stan and Ford as children, shirtless and sunburnt on the jersey shore on their beloved Stan O' War. "Will you give me a second chance?"

Stan couldn't believe it. All those years hopping from dimension to dimension, Ford had held onto and treasured this photo. Despite everything, Ford always remembered his brother.

Stan looked up and grinned. "You think we'll find treasure? And babes?"

Ford knew this was his brother's way of saying yes. It had taken him a long time to admit it, but he longed for those crazy, carefree adventures with his beloved brother more than any scientific praise. He was finally ready to take the leap to earn his brother's forgiveness.

Their conversation was interrupted when a phone rang from inside the Shack. Stan went inside to answer it followed by Ford.

"Hello…? Yeah, this is Stan, who's this…?" Stan's entire demeanor changed. The joy he felt just a moment ago gave way to shock and anguish.

"No…it can't be…you're sure it's them…? Oh my God."

Stan put his hand on his head, looking like was trying to hold back tears.

"Stan, what is it?" Ford asked growing more concerned.

Stan either didn't hear him or ignored him and continued his phone conversation. "Which hospital?"

Ford was really worried upon hearing hospitals being mentioned.

Stan hung up the phone without even saying goodbye to the person he was speaking with. He was staring off into the distance like a shell-shocked soldier.

"Stanley, answer me!"

Stan snapped out of it as though he just remembered Ford was there. "The kids…their mom…she's dead, Ford."

"What?" Ford asked shocked and horrified.

"There was a car accident…they were coming up here to surprise the kids for their birthday. An eighteen-wheeler swerved into their lane..."

"They?"

"Their dad…my…our nephew. He's still alive, but he's in the critical condition. He might die too."

"Oh my God." Ford put his hand on his head in disbelief. "What…what do we do?"

Stan knew what they had to do. And it would be the hardest thing he's ever had to do in his life. "We gotta tell the kids."