But something made her answer.
"Hello?"
A deep male voice spoke.
"Ma'am, this is Cole Brennan. The biker from yesterday."
Rachel stopped moving.
For a moment, she pictured the enormous man kneeling in front of her daughter.
"Yes," she said cautiously.
"I hope I'm not calling at a bad time."
"I'm getting Ellie ready."
"I understand. I won't keep you long."
Rachel leaned against the counter.
"What can I do for you?"
Doc hesitated.
Then he said, "I need Ellie's measurements."
Rachel stared at the wall.
"Excuse me?"
"Her height, approximate seated measurements, and some information about how she needs to be supported."
Rachel's expression hardened.
"Mr. Brennan, if you're thinking about putting my daughter on a motorcycleβ"
"I'm not."
She stopped.
"I'm not putting her on the back seat," Doc continued. "I heard what you said yesterday. I understand she can't safely sit there."
Rachel waited.
"I'm trying to find another way."
For several seconds, the kitchen was silent.
Then Rachel asked, "Another way to do what?"
"Let her experience a Harley."
Rachel closed her eyes.
The words were almost painfully tempting.
"What are you talking about?"
"I'm a mechanic. I have a shop. I know people who build specialized vehicles, and I want to ask whether something can be designed around her needs."
Rachel shook her head, even though he couldn't see her.
"Do you understand how complicated that would be?"
"Not yet."
"Her condition isn't just about not being able to walk."
"I know."
"She gets tired. Her muscles don't support her the way they should. Her breathing can be affected, and she can't protect herself the way a healthy child might if something unexpected happened."
Doc listened.
Rachel's voice trembled.
"Even sitting in the wrong position can make her uncomfortable."
There was a pause.
Then Doc said, "That's why I'm asking for help instead of guessing."
Rachel looked down at the medication tray.
She had expected him to argue.
Instead, he sounded almost apologetic.
"Listen," Doc continued. "I won't promise you a moving motorcycle. I won't build something and expect you to put her in it. If her doctors or therapists say it isn't safe, that's the end of it."
Rachel swallowed.
"Then why do this?"