David let the family reprieve last until Sunday evening. At 4:30 there was no stopping them. The JAG cast spilled into the door, laughing. The energy and excitement they brought with them was exciting.

"Jaidyn!" I laughed as I was lifted off my feet in a hug.

"Hey, Patrick."

"It's good to see you're still in one piece."

"Rumors of my death were greatly exaggerated."

"David ordered me not to come serenade you to sleep at the hospital."

"The way you sing, I'm grateful."

Over Patrick's shoulder, I saw Hallee swallowed up in a hug from Catherine. Hallee was petite to begin with and appeared to have lost even more weight, but her smile was radiant and her color good. I lowered my voice, "Any idea what her news is?"

Patrick lowered his head to hers as the serious side he so rarely showed came to the forefront. "We couldn't drag a thing out of her. It must be something pretty big."

I suppressed the desire to flinch. It was bad news. I just knew it.

"Thanks for the warning. Would you mind starting the grill? Marinated steaks are in the refrigerator."

"Consider it done. I'm starved."

"You're always hungry. I want mine pink, not charred."

"Despite all the aspersions to my cooking, I notice that you're still asking me to man the grill."

"Patrick, you know David will be out there to give you advice as soon as he sees the match in your hand."

"Just because we don't let you play around with the fire."

I swatted his arm, "Go on."

Patrick laughed and moved toward the patio.

"David, Patrick is going for the matches!" David strode across the room, angling after Pat.

"I'm on him. There is no way I'm letting him burn my steak."

Zoe was hanging back half a step, observing it all with a smile. I headed toward her because her hugs were always the best.

"How are you doing after Friday's excitement?"

"A few bad dreams."

"You got off relatively light, then."

"I did."

"Hey, Zoe, you've got to see my new pet!" Catherine said, "I picked him up last week."

"Does it slither?" Zoe said.

I grinned, having had the exact same concern when Catherine had mentioned the pet to me. With Catherine, it was best not to make assumptions.

"A Sable Ferret. He's adorable."

"The fact it has fur, is itself a relief. I want to hear about this car accident later… it all it's details."

"You will." I accepted the fact I would have to tell my story at least once tonight.

Zoe crossed the room to join Catherine.

"The cuts look like they're healing well." I turned to see Hallee at my side and had to smile at her observation.

"I wish you'd have been here. I had David convincing me to do the needle bit and a really hot, albeit obnoxious paramedic, offering lollypops."

"I heard. We were chatting on the phone, while you were still in the ER."

"I'm never going to live this one down am I?"

Something flickered in Hallee's eyes.

"Not until someone else in the family creates better news to talk about."

I searched Hallee's expression. Had that flicker been for good news or for bad?

"Would that by any chance be you?"

Hallee flashed a knowing smile. "You'll find out after dinner."

"Leaving me in the hot seat for a while?"

"You're a good cover. I think I'll hide behind you for at least another hour."

"In that case, I think I should hurry along dinner." I headed for the kitchen where John Jackson was leaning against the door watching me. His arm came out to hug me.

"I'm glad you're okay."

I drew in a deep breath and sighed, safe in the shelter of my "big brother's" arms.

"I honestly didn't get hurt that badly."

"I talked to your doctors. You weren't a pretty sight."

"It's relative. I nearly had a busted nose. I'd say the car accident was interesting for a few seconds." I leaned back and grinned.

"Thanks for the flowers."

"My pleasure… someone has to spoil you." He rubbed my arms.

"What else has been happening in your life? Been hiding any good secrets?" He leaned back to study my expression.

"I think you should explain that blush."

"Maybe later. We've got steaks for the grill as well as polish and brats. Would you take them out to Patrick and David?"

"The longer you duck my question, the more interested I'm going to be in the answer."

"Curiosity is good for you."

He nodded toward the kitchen, "Get the food."

Laughter erupted from the back patio where Zoe and Catherine had joined Patrick and David.

"Try to corral the kids while you're out there."

"This is your jurisdiction Jaidyn, not mine."

"You're the adult here. I'm going to join the fun." I slipped my arm around his waste. "Admit it, you like being the one in charge."

"In this family that means I get all the grief."

"Exactly. I'm going to hate this answer, but when is your flight back to D.C.?"

"The plane is leaving tomorrow morning."

"I was afraid of that."

"Why? Do you have something in mind?"

"I was looking forward to a basketball game."

John smiled. "You could use a couple more days to recover."

"I'm a little stiff… but, I'm ready to play. I figured you could use the handicap."

"Been beating David recently?"

"Frequently. My fade away jumper is red hot."

"Let me see what David and Patrick are doing. Maybe we could fit in an early morning game."

"Hey, Jaidyn, we're ready for food out here."

I gave John an amused look. "Coming Patrick!"

It had been six weeks since the last full gathering. Dinner was a riot. I sat back and enjoyed the share of laughter. There was something about having the family together that made everything more meaningful. As plates were collected so desert could be brought to the table Catherine leaned over to whisper, "Are you going to mention seeing Clayton?"

I glanced around at the group, "Do you think I should?"

"What do you think?"

I picked up my fork and tapped on my water glass.

"May I have your attention please?"

The family quieted down.

"Knowing the grapevine that cements this family together," I smiled at the main culprit sitting beside me as laughter echoed around the room, "allow me to dispel a rumor that I'm sure will soon be making the rounds. Yes, I have seen Clayton since Friday. It was not a date. Now who wants chocolate or raspberry ice cream for desert?"

I got to my feet and loved the looks of surprise around the table.

"Jaidyn is seeing someone!" Hallee said, "This is wonderful."

"Absolutely," Zoe joined in. "C'mon, Jaidyn, details!"

"I've only known him a couple of days. I think he'll make a good friend."

"We can tell. Nice blush, Ladybug," John commented. "When do we get to meet him?"

I knew the male figures in the family. "Check him out, you mean?"

"Of course. Invite him to the basketball game tomorrow morning."

"You guys would have him for breakfast."

"Only if we don't like him," Patrick chimed in from the other end of the table.

I knew it was true. I might as well find out if Clayton would survive the scrutiny. No one could read a guy better than my surrogate brothers.

"I would want an honest opinion," I said to John.

"Is it that serious?"

I thought… "Maybe… someday."

His hand grasped mine, "Bring him around."

I helped Catherine serve the desert.

"Since Jaidyn has broken the ice, I guess it's time for my announcement."

Hallee looked nervous, I decided as I resumed my seat. I glanced around the table and saw that everyone was braced for bad news.

"I appreciate you all changing your plans and flying out here on such short notice. I didn't want to do this over the phone."

Zoe reached over and held Hallee's hand, their bond more apparent now than when they were acting together.

I glanced over and saw not only a smile, but… relief? Yes, his worry for Hallee would have been intense. He was the guardian of the family.

"I have cancer."