Chapter 5

Rose had to know what I was going to say, but that didn't stop her sharp intake of breath when I finally said that word aloud. Cancer. We could no longer pretend that it wasn't real. Rose didn't tell me it would all be okay, because there was a strong possibility that it wouldn't. Instead, she reached across the table and squeezed my hand.

"Em, we're going to do whatever Dr. Cullen says and you are going to get through this." She spoke fiercely and with conviction. Who was I to contradict her? I hoped that she was right.

I nodded and started to explain further, "I guess it could be worse. We actually caught it really early, it's still stage one at this point."

"That's good news," Rose interjected.

"Yeah…it is. It's just…" I trailed off uncertainly.

"What is it Emmett?"

"I'm scared Rose."

"I know you are," she said while squeezing my hand tighter, "I'm scared too. But, one way or another, we need to deal with this and Dr. Cullen is so good at what he does. If anyone can help you beat this, he can."

"I know," I practically whispered, "It's just…what if we can't. Beat it, I mean."

I looked up into her eyes, which were glassy with unshed tears. "Emmett, don't talk like that," she stated firmly. Her voice was sure, not betraying the emotions that her eyes held. "Just take it one step at a time, okay?"

"Yeah, you're right. You're always right Rosie."

"You know it!" she boasted with a smile.

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Life had been fairly ordinary over the past few weeks. I got up, went to work, came home, worked out, and basically kept myself as preoccupied as possible so I wouldn't have to think about what was going on with my body. I felt pretty normal, other than the fact that I was missing a testicle. That's where my cancer was located and it had been removed as the first form of treatment and testing. Its removal was how I learned of my Stage One Testicular Cancer nearly a month ago. The day my life changed.

Today would be my first time to return to Dr. Cullen's office. We had spoken over the phone a couple of times to clarify things and ask questions of one another. Since my cancer is stage one, I have to go for a round of tests every few months. Blood tests, CT scans, and other fun junk like that. I'm considered in remission unless these tests show otherwise. This is the first round and I am terrified.

I told Rose not to take off work this time; that I could handle things by myself. And really, I can. I'm a big boy and there's not much she could do for me anyway, except sit around in a waiting room for hours. I promised to call her as soon as my appointment is through.

Upon entering the office, I signed the ledger and took my seat. I started to shake my leg in nervous anticipation and prepared to wait. My mind began to wander to the last time I was in this office. I have thought about it daily, but had completely forgotten about the beautiful man in the waiting room. Mmm. Those gorgeous green eyes, his fitted jeans, his whole persona called to me. I had honestly never been more attracted to someone in my life. How could I not have gotten his number; or at the very least, made less of a fool of myself? But, I guess I was a bit preoccupied.

I really didn't know anything about him. Other than that he was the single-most striking man I had ever seen. Was he even attracted to men? Was he sick too? I had no clue, but this office was located in the oncology wing of the hospital.

I found myself watching each time the door opened, hoping that he might walk through it. I had no idea what I'd do if he did, but just about anything would be better than our initial interaction. My cell, which I had forgotten to shut off, vibrated with a text from Rose.

Hey honey! Good luck today. Call me after. Love you – Rosie :)

I responded quickly before turning off my cell.

Thanks. You know I will. Love you woman!

As I stowed my powered down phone into my pocket, I looked up and gasped silently. My beautiful man was back. What were the chances of that? Seriously? My memory hadn't done him justice at all. He was even more gorgeous than I had remembered. He moved his perfect frame from the front desk, where he'd just signed in, to find a seat adjacent from me. His clothing hugged his body deliciously and I bit my bottom lip to stop the groan that had threatened to escape at the sight of him. I stared, trying to come up with an opening line, when his dazzling green eyes flickered to mine. He held my gaze for a moment and smiled a small crooked smirk before looking away again. Oh my lord, he was hot.

I had to man up, it was now or never. I may never see this wonderful creature again. I swallowed my fear and plunged ahead, "Hey man. How's it going?" I tried to speak casually, despite my racing heart and the intense desire he evoked in me.

He slowly raised his eyes to mine and replied with sexy confidence, "Not too bad." He sighed and ran his hand through his uniquely colored bronze locks. My eyes followed the movement automatically and my fingers twitched, wanting to take over the action for him. "I'm actually just waiting for my father."

I was surprised by his statement, but glad that he seemed willing to engage in a conversation. "Oh, so you're not a patient then?" I asked.

"No. Neither is my father." He left it at that and I wasn't sure what to say in response. But, luckily, he continued on, "My father is a doctor here and I meet up with him once a week."

"Oh," I responded lamely. I paused for a minute and then said, "So, this is probably a stupid question, but why do you sign in at the front desk then?"

He actually chuckled at my statement, making his features more stunning, if that were even possible. I resolved to make him light up that way more often.

"Well," he answered, "It's kind of a running joke we have going…that he's so busy, the only time I can see him is if I make an appointment. So, I sign in at the front desk and it gives him a laugh." He shrugged.

"That's actually kind of cool." I said in reply. "I wish I could have something like that with my Dad."

"Well, why can't you?" He asked sincerely.

I wasn't sure if I really wanted to get into my whole history within five minutes of meeting him, but I also had no reason to hold back. "Actually," I began, "my Dad…"

"Emmett McCarty?" My name was called by the same little woman from my last appointment. As I stood up to go, I couldn't resist the chance to learn his name.

"I'm Emmett McCarty," I said as I offered him my hand. He shook it firmly in his own and countered, "Edward Cullen. It was nice meeting you Emmett."

Finally a name, and Dr. Cullen's son no less. Hearing my name come from those luscious full lips…there are no words. My fingers were tingling as I dazedly said, "You too Edward."