Chapter 15: The Invitation
Spring brought new life to the city. It had been exactly eleven months since the fire at the medical center.
Liam was finishing up his morning gear check at the station when one of the rookies tossed an elegant, heavy-stock envelope onto the workbench. "Mail call, Carter. Looks fancy."
Liam wiped the grease off his hands and picked up the envelope. His name was written in flowing, elegant calligraphy. He carefully sliced it open with his pocketknife and pulled out a beautifully printed card.
The top of the card featured a split photograph. On the left was Grace, sitting in the grass, smiling a wide, toothless grin. On the right was Noah, looking serious and observant, wearing a tiny pair of overalls.
The text read:
Some bonds are forged in the hardest of times.
Please join us to celebrate the First Birthdays of Grace Jenkins and Noah Vance.
Liam flipped the card over. On the back, in Sarah’s handwriting, was a short, heartfelt note.
May you like
Liam, Mary and I have become closer than sisters this past year. We survived that day together, and our children are going to grow up together. We couldn't imagine celebrating their first milestone without the man who made it possible. Please come.
Liam stared at the card for a long time, tracing the edges with his thumb. A profound sense of peace settled over him, settling deep in his chest. He pinned the invitation to the corkboard inside his locker, right at eye level, so it would be the first thing he saw every shift.
