"Sam, you have a type of tumor called Medulloblastoma. Unfortunately it is cancerous. When we did your spinal tap we were easily able to name the tumor. Our plan here is to start you on chemo immediately to shrink the tumor. It is very risky to remove the tumor now based on how big it is. Removing now leads to damage to the brain. With chemo, we will start by high doses to shrink it faster. It's best to remove it before the year ends."

This replayed in Jessica's head on their way home from the hospital. She couldn't believe this. Her husband had cancer. In her head she kept asking god "why him?" "Why now?" "What did I do for him to deserve this?" "What did he do to deserve this?". Then she thought of her sweet and gentle Sam... never hurt anyone, was good to people, and was very healthy. So many questions swam through her thoughts leaving her speechless and numb.

Next week he would start chemo. Next week. Their life was going to change for the worst it felt like. Jessica couldn't bare to see Sam in pain or sick. It ripped her heart into a million pieces leaving her with a broken heart.

Sam had cancer. A deadly tumor in his head and they had to wait. What if the tumor doesn't shrink within 9 months? They do surgery that could damage his brain... every option was the worst.

//-//

When they pull in Jessica puts the car and park and stares at the home sam has built for her and her children. A man like this gets cancer? It's not fair.

She felt numb and tired on top of being sick. She just wanted to cry again but kept an optimistic face for Sam. She knew this was hardest on him. Her once active husband would have to slow it down and devote these next 9 months to getting better and putting poison in his body.

Sam knew this wasn't easy for Jessica. He saw her pain through his. He was scared like no other, but he couldn't show it. He still felt the need to protect Jessica and remind her that it was going to be okay.

"Jessica.... why don't we go inside, call family? have Danny drop off the kids and have a game night to distract us. There is nothing we can do right now." Sam says softly taking her shaking hand.

"I want there to be something that I can do to take this away." She cries

"I'm not dying... I'm going to be okay and they will get this tumor out before it gets to me. Do you hear me Jessica Shepard? Do you understand that I'm not going anywhere!" Sam then starts to bawl. He never did, but today was the day he let the waterworks take over.

Sam and Jessica very well knew the risks. His tumor was in a bad place in his brain. He could die. He could die if it got larger during chemo, if he gets the surgery, if it can't be removed. The odds were against them right now.

"This isn't suppose to happen to you, but to me!" She yells punching the steering wheel. It made Sam jump seeing Jessica in such distress.

"That's not true. I'd take any kind of disease for you to be healthy... we will get through this." He says sternly

"We have to take it slow." She calms down and sighs

"Yes. One small step at a time. We can do this. Let's go call our parents, work out a plan, and have the kids home. It's been too long."

//-//

The family didn't take it well. Jane, Sam's mother, knew this day would come. It was in Sam's genes. This is how his father died which made it even more scary.

Dorthy and Albert offered all the support they could give. After a few hours on the phone they made a schedule. When Danny arrived with the kids, they discussed it even more and entered him into the schedule.

Jessica was going to be 100% devoted to this to the extent of Sam and Jessica hiring people to run their business for the next year.

It happened pretty fast which put them more at ease.

"Sam... I have no words, I'm just.... so sorry." Danny says as he heads out the door

"It will be okay." Sam says to him quietly

"I know we've never clicked, but I'll be there for you, Jessica, our kids."

"Our?" He says

"You're a father to them. Ours."

"That means a lot, Danny. I hope you're not saying that because I have a tumor in my head." Sam jokes

"Nah... I'll see you guys next week."

"Sam? You wanted a game night!" Jessica says

"Oh I'm coming!"

For the rest of the night they took it easy. Having the kids back home brightened their spirits.

"Sammy! You're suppose to move left! Not right!" Scarlett says

"Do you know your left and right baby?" Jessica glees

"We both do! School taught us." Wyatt smiles

"You two are pretty smart!" Sam chuckles

Scarlett and Wyatt stand up and run to Sam giving him the best hug. They had no idea what was going on but the most magical part of having kids is they can sense when someone needs affection.

"Look, Jack is even blowing kisses!" Jessica chuckles

"Love you!" Jack smiles

"I love you all too."

//-//

Jessica wasn't able to sleep. She had been up all night with the worst cramps and body aches. It was three in the morning when she decided to go into the restroom to take a warm shower. Luckily Sam's new medicine made him a deep sleeper.

She snuck into the shower and sat on the floor. She broke down a bit. Thinking about what was to come.  She was overwhelmed and scared.

After giving herself a moment in the shower she got out. She scurried around then bathroom waiting to go back to bed.

As she grabbed her lotions she went to the bottom cabinet and saw something that she didn't want to see.

It was a box of pregnancy test. On the box had a note that read:

"I know my babies too well. Take the damn test Jessica.
-mom"

She couldn't believe it. Her mother snuck it into her room from the following day.

She rolled her eyes then put it back for a moment until she went deep into thought.

Her symptoms.... body aches, cramps, head aches, always tired, and then... mornings sickness. Jessica's biggest struggle in pregnancy.

She didn't want to take the test but she did.