And then he'll talk about some of the pranks they played on Mike the Probie, all because he was the new guy, and that it was all part of earning his place among the crew. And then he'll go back a couple of decades and talk about his own early days as a firefighter, and how he thought it was the best job in the world then, and that he still thinks so now. It might sound sappy and cliche, he says, but he does get satisfaction out of doing some good.

It feels good...to do good.

And sometimes he's reminded that even the little things feel good.

Like staying up with Kate as she falls asleep in his arms.

Eventually he's unable to open his eyes even if he tried, and he can't keep track of his words anymore. He won't remember the last thing he talked about, as his voice becomes a garbled mumble that rumbles in his throat. Soon enough, his breathing falls in synch with hers, slow and steady.

It's been a long night, one that's not over yet -- but as long as she wants him here, he's not going anywhere.