On an Oak Creek Street, a Retired Navy SEAL Took Off His Flannel Shirt

“He was wrong about every bit of it,” I said.

“I was so scared when he threw those blue leather gloves on the grass,” she said quietly.

“I thought he was going to hurt you.”

“He never had a chance of hurting me, Em,” I said.

“Are you all right?” she asked, glancing up from the picture.

“I miss your mom,” I said.

Emily gazed at the photo for a long moment, then reached across the wooden table and took my right hand in hers.

Her fingers were warm and sure.