"I always wanted it," Tom said softly, looking up at Mike with wide, suddenly damp eyes. "I...."

He cleared his throat and abruptly looked away. The ocean was shrugging up onto the shore, just like always. He would always remember the dream of California, his blond haired grinning little girl. A father now, and maybe a husband. Maybe life ran in tighter circles than he ever realized before.

"I've always wanted it," he said again, rough and stilted. "You've thought about this?" he asked. "You're sure?"