The First Step — Kristine Kathryn Rusch

Harvey DeLeo spent most of his long career working on one thing: a time machine. Now, he fears he might run out of time to use it. And if that happens, all of his work, all of the time spent will prove meaningless. Because his whole life comes down to one moment -- and he might only get one second chance.

Finalist for the Asimov's Readers Choice Award for Best Short Story.

“Rusch's short fiction is golden.”
-- Kansas City Star