Ian tapped his foot, bouncing his leg rapidly. He checked his watch again. He scanned the restaurant, seeking out his wife.

She still wasn't there.

He straightened up, readjusting his crisp sport coat. He anxiously smoothed down his hair and let out a sigh, trying not to get mad.

Ian practiced shrugging it off. He grinned the tiniest bit, knowing that the time always got away from Toula. He couldn't blame her. That's just how she was.

Ah! At long last, there she was.

The tall man jumped up excitedly, smiling at her. He pulled out her chair, gesturing for her to sit.

"And how is my personal Greek statue tonight?"

"I'm sorry I'm late, E," she apologized softly.

"Don't worry about it." He shook his head, and unconditional love gushed from his eyes.

He cleared his throat. "You look very nice. I like that shirt on you."

Toula gave a short, curt nod. Her stare bored into the table.

"Hey." Ian knit his eyebrows together, reaching over and grasping her hand warmly. "What's going on?"

His soothing voice never failed to make Toula weak. She turned her head away and closed her eyes, squeezing his hand tightly.

"Something happened today, Ian." Her voice wavered.

"You can tell me." Concern creased his face.

"I went to the doctor today, and, um… she-" Toula hitched in a breath. "She told me that I have Stage 2 breast cancer."

Her husband blanched and his grip on her hand slackened. The fear and sadness in his expression broke Toula instantly. Tears dripped down her cheeks and she let out a tiny sob.

Somewhat panicked, Ian leapt out of his chair and hurried around the small table, wrapping Toula in a fierce hug. She pressed her fingers into his back and cried into his chest while he fought the stinging in his eyes and rested his chin on top of her head.

His mind was racing at hundreds of miles per hour.

He bent his neck down so that he could whisper into his wife's left ear.

"I'm so sorry," he murmured in shock. Ian cradled the back of Toula's head with one of his hands. She shuddered in his arms. "But we're going to get through this, okay?" He had newfound resolve. There was no way he was going to lose her.

"I'm scared," she admitted unevenly. "I'm so scared."

"Listen to me. You're so strong, and you're going to have your entire family to back you up. They're going to help take care of you. And I'm going to take care of you, too." Ian gently wiped the tears from her cheeks and kissed her forehead.

"I ruined our date night."

"No way. Come on, let's get out of here. We don't need to be on a date to be together. You'll be more comfortable at home." He took her hand and squeezed it reassuringly, leading the way out of the restaurant. While she wasn't looking, Ian brushed away the tears in his eyes. He had to be strong for her.