Page 102 of When Love Is Lost and Found

"I don't have any excuse."

"Well, at least you can admit it. What are you going to do?"

"I'm going to California to beg her to forgive me."

"That's the most sensible thing you've said in years."

"Wow, Dad, you're not holding back, are you?"

"I want you to be happy."

"I hope she forgives me."

"But have you forgiven her? Don't disrupt her life again if you're not willing to forget the past."

"It's already forgotten. I love her, Dad."

"Then go find her, Son."

"Is Noah still awake? If so, put him on."

***

When I knock on Sharon's door a week later, I feel like I'm reliving the day I came by and Rick wouldn't let me see her. I'm nervous, excited, and afraid she'll turn me away.

When the door opens, I'm greeted by a pretty, very pregnant woman in her early twenties with short auburn hair and crystal blue eyes. "Hi," she says. "Can I help you?"

"I'm looking for Sharon. Does she still live here?"

"Don't tell me," she says, raising an eyebrow. "You must be Jon?"

"I am."

"You're a jerk, you know that?"

"I deserve that," I say.

"I'm not your biggest fan," she says, glaring at me.

"Fair enough."

"Let me go get her."

I wait five minutes, then ten. When she finally steps out of one of the bedrooms and walks down the hallway, her beauty takes my breath away. Her hair is damp from a shower, and long ringlets frame her face. She's wearing cotton shorts and a gray T-shirt with I Practice Prudence printed on the front.

"What are you doing here?" she asks, surprised to see me.

"I came to beg you for forgiveness."

"You flew across the country to ask me for something I already gave you?" Her eyes are glistening with unshed tears.

"I'm not talking about Jimmy. I'm talking about my bad attitude while you were in Garrison."

"I'm listening."

"I am sorry. My behavior is inexcusable. I wish we could just start over."

"We can."

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