The guys finally got a call an hour later to return home. Cassie was still kind of freaked out that she was wearing a wig, but the girls had helped her style it and make it uniquely hers. Cass saw them pull up but Jenny encouraged her to keep playing the board game they started.
"Hey, were are back," said Tony walking into the room. He smiled at the girls in the living room.
"Hi, you boys have a good time?" asked Jen looking at Jethro
"Yeah, we had a good time. How'd you girls do?"
"We are good," said Abby taking Cassie's hand in hers.
"Anybody hungry?" asked Jethro walking toward the kitchen. Cassie slowly followed him. The rest of the gang hung back to give them some privacy.
"Daddy?"
"Yeah Cass?"
"What do you think?"
"About what?"
"Dad, my hair?"
"You look beautiful. Always have," he said smiling at her.
"I wanted to tell you, but it was just hard. I hope I didn't hurt you,"
"You can always come to me, but I understand if you don't feel comfortable. I'm glad you're able to find some people you are comfortable talking to."
"Are we still going to see Jack?"
"You still want to?"
"Yeah, that is if you still do,"
"Anything you want," he said hugging her.
"I love you kiddo," he said chocking on his words.
"I love you too Dad," she said hugging him back.
"The natives are getting restless," said Jenny walking in as they pulled apart.
"We should get to ordering food then," said Jethro turning away to wipe away the tears.
"I hope you guys didn't cheat me out of my turn," said Cassie turning to go back to the game. She smiled at her Dad as she left the room.
"So, everything is OK?" asked Jenny walking toward him.
"Yes, thanks. I don't know what she'd do if she didn't have you in her life. I'm glad she trusts you,"
"She doesn't want to hurt you Jethro. You two are so much alike it kind of scares me. You know I'm here for you too right?"
"Yeah, Jen, I'm terrified of what this is with her. I can't go through losing another child like I did Kelly."
"Hopefully you won't. So what is it going to be?" she said staring at the takeout menus on the counter.
"A little bit of everything I suppose," he said reaching for the phone.
They ordered the food and ate together. Cassie loved being surrounded by her family. It gave her hope and strength, but they also wore her out. Before long she was laying asleep on the couch between Tony and Abby.
"Guys, I think we've out stayed our welcome," said Tony adjusting his arm from under Cassie.
"Thanks for coming over guys," said Jethro as each of them left.
"You want me to stay?" asked Jenny as the team filed out.
"Sure, wouldn't hurt to have the extra help," he said kissing her.
"Get a room," groaned Cassie from the couch.
"Hey sleepy head, everyone left. You want help upstairs?" asked Jethro not getting a response. He gently picked her up. He was surprised when the wig fell off, but Jen caught it. Jethro kissed her head and carried her upstairs. He noticed too how light she felt. Her frame seemed small engulfed into Tony's huge sweatshirt.
"Night sweetie," said Jen covering her up
"Night," she said.
"I love you," said Jethro gently kissing her and following Jen out of the room.
They went into the master bedroom and laid out on the bed. They laid together in silence for awhile. They were both pondering what to say. They hadn't been this close in a long time. Nearly 15 years ago.
"What are you thinking about?" asked Jen running her hand over his chest.
"About how happy I am to have both my girls with me tonight."
"She was terrified of how you'd react to seeing her without the wig. She is more concerned about you than she is herself. When does she go back to the doctor?"
"Unless something happens; next week. You know you don't have to do this,"
"Jethro, I want to do this. I love her just as much as you do."
"She still wants to go see Jack,"
"I forgot you are supposed to be there instead,"
"I'm glad this happened here today. I don't know what I would have done if it had happened in front of Jack."
"Have you told him?"
"No, I want it to be something she tells people. I don't want to feel like I'm taking over like the sickness. I want her to be able to control something," he said hearing something in the doorway.
"Dad," said Cassie with a blanket wrapped around her as she walked in the room
"Hey sweetie, what's wrong?" asked Jethro sitting up and making room for her.
"I can't sleep," she said walking over. Jethro motioned her to crawl in with them.
"Want something to drink?" he asked as she curled up between them.
"No," she said as Jen gently rubbed her back. Jethro closed his eyes and fell asleep with one arm around Jen and the other over Cassie. As he drifted into his dreams he felt peaceful and knew they would be able to conquer anything as long as they had each other.