That may have been the most surprising moment of the entire weekend.
Not General Harrington standing when I entered the ballroom.
Not hearing Operation Lantern Bridge described publicly after seven years.
Not Mrs. Alvarez appearing with a letter from my mother.
This.
My family standing in Mom’s study while I admitted I did not know what came next—and nobody rushing to decide it for me.
Dad finally asked, “When do you have to choose?”
“Friday.”
It was Saturday night.
Madison frowned.
“That soon?”
“I’ve had the offer for weeks.”
Ethan gave me a look.
“And you told none of us.”
“I was going to.”
“When?”
I considered lying.
“Possibly after I moved.”
Madison sighed.
“Mom’s letter was annoyingly accurate.”
I smiled.
“Yes.”
Dad sat in Mom’s chair.
“Is it a promotion?”
“No.”
“Would it help you make general someday?”
Ethan looked at him.
“Dad.”
“What?
