Between the two brothers, Stan had always been the more excitable, or "spirited" as his mother called it. Ford got excited about things sure, but he was always the more reserved one. He would keep his joy and excitement to himself and only truly express himself when isolated or with the few people he trusted.

This time was different, though. Ford Pines was officially going to be a father: something he never knew he wanted before he was blessed with two children he loved so dearly. He had a family, a real family. The joy was too much for him and before he even consulted Stan about whether to wake the kids, his kids, he was sprinting up the stairs not even noticing his brother wasn't following him.

"DIPPER! MABEL! WAKE UP!" Ford said in a tone that must have been so boisterous and unlike him that it made the children worry.

So, when Dipper and Mabel opened their eyes, their eyes didn't hold the twinkle and shine that melted Ford's heart. Instead, their eyes were full of fear.

"Is Janice taking us?" Mabel asked in a scared tone. "She's won't even let us stay the rest of the night?"

Dipper bolted from his bed over to Mabel's and put his arms around his sister as though Janice would come in and snatch her up any second. "I am not going with her, and I'm not letting her take my sister away."

Ford's eyes began to mist. Parents were supposed to teach their kids, but just like everything else about the dynamic, this was different. Dipper taught Ford about loyalty every day. Ford had so much he could learn from the boy who, at just fourteen years old, knew so much more about being a good brother, a good person, every day.

Of course, Ford's watery eyes only worried the kids more. "Please, Grunkle Ford, don't make us leave," Poor Mabel pleaded. "We need you."

Ford was now full on crying. To be not only wanted, but needed, by these two beautiful children filled his heart with a sense of purpose that no scientific discovery ever could.

But it was cruel to continue holding the kids in suspense. He smiled as he sat on Mabel's bed with the kids. He put a six-fingered hand on each of their shoulders. "You two aren't going anywhere," he said, repeating the very words Stan had said after deciding to become their legal guardian.

The kids' eyes widened in shock. Dipper looked up at his uncle with unease. "You didn't kill Janice, did you?"

Ford laughed and ruffled the boy's hair. "No, she only wanted what was best for you kids and well—"

"You and Grunkle Stan are what's best for us!" Mabel exclaimed as she felt the weight of uncertainty fall off her shoulders.

Ford laughed as he pulled both kids into a tight embrace, "You two are what's best for us! Maybe Janice figured that you kids would be a good influence on Stan and me."

The three of them laughed and hugged each other until Mabel noticed something was missing in their moment of joy. "Where's Grunkle Stan?"

Ford turned around. They were all so emotional that they failed to notice the fourth member of their family was missing.

"I'll go find him," Mabel offered. Ford and Dipper looked at each other uncertainly. Mabel knew what they worried about. "I'll just be downstairs. I won't go anywhere."

Dipper took her hands and looked her with pleading eyes. "Promise?"

"Pinky Promise," she said as she linked pinkies with him like they did when they were small.

Dipper looked into her eyes and knew he could trust her. He slowly let her go so she could go downstairs and find Stan. Dipper let out a sigh. "I can't believe Janice is letting us stay."

"I know."

"Now I feel bad for what I said to her tonight. I was just so afraid."

Ford gently rubbed the boy's back. "She knows that Dipper, and she understands."

"I blamed her for Mabel being suicidal. But it's really my fault."

"Dipper?"

"It was my idea to go with Janice. And Mabel nearly killed herself because of my plan. I will never forgive myself for that."

"No, no, no, Dipper, it wasn't your fault." Ford quickly wrapped his arm around him as Dipper began to cry. "You were just doing what you thought was right. And we got her in time. But even if…even if we hadn't…" Ford choked up even hinting at the possibility where Mabel wasn't saved in time. "Remember that Mabel has been through a lot lately that has negatively impacted her mental health. She was pushed into a dark place that clouded her judgment. It's not her fault, it's not anyone's fault, especially not yours." Dipper gave him and small smile and hugged him tighter. Ford could feel Dipper trembling against him. "Are you alright, Dipper?"

"Yeah, it's just…I'm still kind of freaked from tonight and you know…everything."

"I understand, Dipper. I'll admit, I'm pretty shaken up as well."

"I know this is a childish thing to ask, but…you know how you and Stan sleep with Mabel when she's scared?"

"Yes?" Ford asked gently.

Dipper couldn't believe he was asking this, especially Ford of all people. It seemed so surreal that the mysterious author Dipper venerated was holding him in his arms to comfort. When they first met, he was a mentor and an idol to Dipper. Now, he was much more than that: he was Dipper's father. "Could you stay with me tonight…Dad?"

Ford was left speechless. Sure, he already considered himself the kids' father, but to be called the word…it made it seem real in a way that even filling out the adoption paperwork couldn't convey.

He pulled Dipper further into his loving embrace. He had one arm wrapped around Dipper and the other hand cupped the back of his head. "Of course, I will…son."