Page 139 of Commander’s Mate

Her fingers hovered over the record.

“Can I?”

“Yes.”

She touched the shield.

“Tell me about her.”

“You already know she damaged household property.”

“Important biographical detail.”

“She wanted to be a survey pilot.”

“Why?”

“She liked maps and hated being told there were places she could not go.”

Harper glanced at me.

“I like her even more now.”

“She was stubborn.”

“Family trait?”

“No.”

Harper laughed.

I continued before I could stop myself.

“She sang badly.”

“So do I.”

“She cheated at table games.”

“I do not.”

“She loved winter.”

“I hate winter.”

“She wanted four children.”

Harper’s smile faded gently.

“Do you?”

The question had too much inside it.

“Children?”

“Yes.”

“Someday.”