It was just a few steps, but what a difference it made! Billy's ability to walk a short distance allowed him to get from his wheelchair into the warm ocean, where he became so buoyant he could move independently. He and Sue spent hours in the warm Hawaiian sunshine until their skin glowed with healthy tans.

"I'm anxious to see Rebecca. It's been a long time," Billy remarked as he finished dressing. "I'm glad we're going by helicopter, so we can get back here tonight. I'm sure she understands - it's still our honeymoon."

Sue picked up Billy's hat and handed it to him. She tossed her purse over her shoulder and picked up the room keys from the TV stand. "Will Solomon be there? I think I've only met him once - at their wedding. I know he's all over the place with his surfing."

"No, I'm sorry we'll miss him but he's in Japan this week. You ready?"

Sue sighed. "I guess. I mean, I'm looking forward to seeing Rebecca too - just have mixed feelings about leaving our awesome hotel, even for a day. That sounds selfish, huh?" She grinned and kissed his cheek. "Let's go before I change my mind and you have to haul me out the door, kicking and screaming." Laughing, they wheeled out into the hallway and to the elevator.

Rebecca opened the door and flung herself on her father. "Daddy! Come in - here, let me help with the step." She expertly tipped the wheels back and angled his chair up the single step to get into the house, then turned to hug Sue. "And Sue - congratulations! You've got yourself a good man here." She grinned and wiped a stray tear from her cheek. "I just can't tell you how good it is to see both of you!" She hugged her father again.

"It's good to see you too, honey. Looks like you have a beautiful home here." He looked around, admiring the island flavor of the neat, sprawling ranch.

Sue couldn't believe how alike Billy's twins were. They were still identical, right down to their hair styles, except that Rebecca was shockingly thin. Sue tried to ignore the alarm bells going off in her head. It was none of her business, and if Rebecca was sick it was up to her whether or not she wanted to share.

"I hope roast chicken is okay with both of you. I remember how much you used to like it, Daddy," Rebecca said as she bustled around the kitchen. She pulled an apron over her head, momentarily revealing a central venous catheter port near her shoulder. Sue looked away quickly, but Rebecca knew she had seen it. As a nurse, Sue would know what it meant. Rebecca touched a finger to her lips, and Sue nodded.

Rebecca had a reputation as a good cook, and she didn't disappoint. The chicken was roasted to perfection and served with several varieties of local fresh vegetables and fruits. Billy groaned and pushed back from the table. "Wonderful meal, Becks. Makes me miss you even more." He smiled at her. "Can I help clean up?"

"Nope. We girls will handle it. I'll bring your coffee into the living room, Dad. Make yourself comfortable in front of the TV - and fall asleep, as usual," she added with a grin as she kissed his cheek and sent his wheelchair toward the living room with a gentle shove.

"How are you feeling, Sue?" Rebecca asked when they were alone in the kitchen. "I heard your exciting news. I think it's great that you and Dad will have a big blended family. It is a little weird that my brother is dating our sister though!" She laughed softly.

"I'm feeling great, Rebecca. No morning sickness yet. I'm very lucky - never had it with either of my other pregnancies."

Rebecca rinsed the plates and stacked them carefully in the dishwasher before speaking again. "It's breast cancer, Sue. I just can't bring myself to tell him."

Sue put down the dish towel she was holding and wrapped her arms around Rebecca. "I'm so sorry, honey." She had so many questions she wanted to ask, but she kept silent, knowing Rebecca would volunteer as much information as she wanted to share. Sure enough, she looked at Sue with haunted eyes and whispered "stage three."

Sue held her close. "You had surgery?"

Rebecca nodded. "I'm fighting with all my strength, Sue. Solomon hasn't left my side for three months until this trip. I begged him to go. Surfing is his life."

Sue smiled. "I suspect you are his life, Rebecca. I'll respect your confidence if you ask me to. I don't normally have secrets from your dad, but this one is yours - and the choice is yours."

"Let's see how it goes, Sue. If I have to…" She looked stricken for a moment. "If I need to tell him, I will. But I'd prefer to tell him about it when it's all behind me and I'm healthy again. I talk to Rachel every week, and she'll keep you updated. Try not to think too badly of me." She looked like she was about to cry.

"Oh, Rebecca, I'd never judge you. It's absolutely your decision to make, and I respect that. But if you have no objection, I will pray for you. Every day."

"Thanks, Sue. I'd appreciate that." With trembling hands, she poured a cup of coffee for Billy and handed it to Sue. "I'd prefer not to spill it on him," she said with a weak smile.

Sue was quiet on the way back to the airport. Billy took her hand. "She's my daughter, Sue. I can tell she's sick. And it must be bad if she doesn't want me to know. I won't ask you to betray her confidence though. I won't put you in the middle."

Sue picked up his hand and kissed it softly. She murmured, "Just one more reason I love you with all my heart." She leaned her head on his shoulder and sighed, and they did not speak of it again.

Leah hit the floor with an "oomph" sound and rubbed her shoulder. Jacob opened his eyes and looked around, trying to figure out why he was suddenly alone in the narrow twin bed.

"Oh. Honey, I'm sorry. This bed is too small for one person, never mind two." He dragged the comforter off and spread it beside the bed on the floor, then pulled the two pillows down and joined Leah on the floor. "It's a little hard, but at least we can't fall off."

Leah lay down beside him, her back curving against his warmth. "Much better," she muttered.

"Next time," Jacob breathed in her ear, "we stay at your house - Seth or no Seth."