Richard eventually recovered enough to return to a less physically demanding role.
But years later, he developed a serious illness.
By then, Beth was 15.
“When Richard learned how sick he was,” Patrick said, “he contacted every one of these men.”
He swallowed.
“He told them that if you ever chose to get married, he wanted them standing beside you. Not to replace him. Just to remind you how many people loved him, and how much he loved you.”
Patrick turned toward the firefighters.
“And today, every single one of them kept his word.”
Beth looked from one face to another.
“Danny?” she whispered.
A gray-haired firefighter stepped forward slightly.
“Hello, sweetheart.”
She recognized him from childhood, although she hadn’t seen him in years.
Patrick returned to Beth and offered his arm.
“We don’t have to do this right now,” he told her. “We can take a few minutes.”
