Page 81 of Space Balls: Houston, We Have Liftoff
“So,” Dr. Sato says once we’re seated on opposite sides of her large, glass-topped desk. “What can I help you with, Vance?”
Ten minuteslater a frowning Dr. Sato guides me out of her office, and I have the referral appointment reminder card in my pocket.
“Just do me a favor and think about this a bit longer, Vance.” She closes her office door behind us. “As much as soap operas like to say otherwise, this really isn’t reversible. Once you do it, there’s no going back.”
I nod. “Sounds good to me.”
The V between Rebecca’s brows deepens. “I—”
“There you are.”
We both look up to see Ryan, Rebecca’s husband, pushing a double stroller into the lobby. “I was wondering what was taking so long.”
“Didn’t you get my text?” Rebecca pulls her phone back out and checks the screen. She sighs. “Sorry babe, I forgot to hit send.”
“No problem, the kids and I just took a stroll.” He looks down at the twins, sleeping soundly in their seats. “Knocked Emma right out.” The baby in blue waves and smacks his lips, drool sliding toward his chin. “As usual, Charlie doesn’t want to nap.”
Rebecca’s eyes light up as she leans down to unbuckle Charlie from his stroller seat, picking him up.
I’m not one for babies, as the piece of paper burning a hole in my pocket can attest to, but even I must admit that these two are damn adorable. The mix of Rebecca’s Japanese heritage and Ryan’s classic all-American looks made for two cute kids.
Guilt over my reason for being here hits me, and I cover my pocket with my hand.
Rebecca sees my move and assesses me. “I need one more minute.” Dr. Sato shifts Charlie in her arms and kisses her husband’s cheek. “I forgot to sign off on something.”
“Sure thing, babe.” He reaches for his son, but Rebecca turns to me.
“Here.” She holds out her son, and my arms lift by instinct.
Before my brain can register the soft weight in my arms, she walks back down the hallway to her office.
As Charlie settles in against my chest, my initial spike of panic fades.
Ryan grins. “You’re a natural.”
“I have two nephews.” Though I don’t remember holding them as babies very often. I don’t believe I let myself, come to think of it.
Ryan’s wearing his Houston Fire Department shirt. The sight of that and the reason for the appointment card in my pocket converge. “Aren’t you worried?” The words shoot out of my mouth before I can think them through.
“Worried about what?” Ryan’s Thor-like muscles in his arm flex as he pushes the stroller back and forth, rocking his sleeping daughter.
“About dying?”
Ryan pauses, looking at me with wide eyes. “Isn’t everyone?”
I only just register his comical expression. “No. I mean, because of your job.”
“My job?” He’s looking at me like maybe I need more than just a physical doctor.
“Firefighting is dangerous.” I say this as if he doesn’t already know.
Ryan just laughs. “So says the astronaut.”
Gently, my thumb traces the bridge of Charlie’s nose. He closes his eyes from the soft touch. “But I don’t have a family.”
When Charlie’s breath evens out, I look up to see Ryan staring at me as if all my fears are written across my face.
“Yeah.” He nods, his voice resigned. “Fighting firesisdangerous. And unfortunately, I know of quite a few families who lost a fireman parent in the line of duty.” Ryan’s eyes suddenly look much older than his twenty-something years. “But—”
