Arthur Joseph Matthews and Jack Hopkins meet in New York and become close friends. Their relationship grows into a true brotherhood. In 25 years, they grow emotionally closer, combining their friendship into a true family saga. Proof two men can become close without sexuality. Jack marries Arthur's niece and they have two male children. Arthur joins the army after 911. There he finally grows up as a good man. Both men can finally call themselves adults.There lives end up joining again at a Greek diner in Chicago. Arthur becomes a manager with his boss, Mary Papadopolous, Jack finds his love for pecan pie and is nicknamed Pecan Pie Man. This joining saves the life of Arthur when he has a mental breakdown on his tour of duty and he is sent to live with Jack in Chicago. When Arthur leaves and disappears, it is Mary who finds him and contacts Jack. Jack takes him back and finally helps him through the breakdown. Arthur works for Mary for four years and has only a professional relationship. When Mary gets cancer he becomes her care-giver and marries her eight months before she dies at the age of thirty-five. At this point Arthur rejoins the army only to get killed ten days later. He dies a hero by throwing a grenade away from him and his men in Afghanistan. This ends their earthly friendship but he will always be remembered by Jack and his family.