Chapter 22: Favorites

Doran's crew held its spring cookout in the lot behind Station Nine, with a grill the size of a truck bed.

I brought Maddy in a carrier, and Zelda brought a bag of rolls and a lot of opinions.

Doran met us at the gate in a white T-shirt and an apron that said KISS THE MEDIC.

"Don't read it," he said.

"I'm reading it."

"A captain gave it to me. It's a joke."

"It's a very good joke."

He took the carrier handle from me and led us across the lot, and then stopped by the engine bay where it was quiet.

"I have to ask you something before we go in," he said.

"Okay."

"I put in for the training academy. Days only, no nights, no holidays."

"Doran."

"It's a pay cut."

"Why?"

"Because I'd like to be home for dinner," he said. "If there's a table to be home for."

I looked at him.

He was holding my daughter's carrier and waiting for me to refuse.

"I haven't said yes," I said.

"I know."

"I'm going to."

His whole face changed.

"Claire."

"But I want to say it when I've eaten something."

He was laughing when a voice behind us said, "Doran?"

We both turned.

A tall woman in a camel coat stood at the open gate, with her car keys in her hand.

She had smooth dark blond hair and a careful smile.

Doran's face went blank.

"Hey," he said. "I thought you moved to Phoenix."

"I did. I'm back for my sister's wedding."

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