Page 104 of When Love Is Lost and Found

"Meeting you was the best thing that has ever happened to me. I thought I had lost you, too, but here you are, and you love me as much as I love you."

I kiss her and feel her melt into my arms—without reserve, without doubt. When I deepen the kiss, she responds, surrendering herself completely. Her soft body fits so perfectly in my arms.

"Sharon," I whisper, dusting her face with light kisses.

"Hmm?"

"I haven't been with anyone since the day I met you."

"What about Susan?" her eyes are clear and devoid of judgment.

"My heart belongs to you, so no, I never slept with her again."

"I haven't been with anyone either?"

"Not since Jimmy."

"Not ever."

Feeling guilty, I can't help but search her face for a hint of deception, but the only thing I find in her green gaze is guileless innocence.

***

I make the trip back to California a couple of times during the month to see Sharon, quickly realizing this arrangement will not work long term. Once school begins in September, I won't be able just to pick up and go.

"What am I going to do once school is back in session?"

Dad wastes no time in responding. "That's easy, Son. Ask her to marry you."

"You have our blessing," Mom quickly adds. "The key to the safety deposit box is in the safe. Go to the bank and get your grandmother's engagement ring. The Linder men have been proposing with that ring for four generations. It's your turn."

"Thank you. I honestly don't know how I could've made it through the last five years without you two."

"We love you, Son."

"I love you too."

We spend the next half hour discussing different ways I could propose, and before I hang up, I talk to Noah.

Chapter 21

Sharon

"Where is Jon taking you this time?" asks Betty, gently laying baby Tony in his bassinet.

"Catalina Island," I say. "I've never been, so I'm looking forward to it."

"Catalina Island?" she asks. "It sounds romantic."

"I know. I'm so excited."

"Wait!" she exclaims, "Sharon, he's going to ask you to marry him!"

"No," I laugh. "Wait! You think so?" She slaps my hand away when I start nervously gnawing on my thumbnail.

"You need a manicure for the big event. Here, give me your hand."

When I give her my left hand, she takes my class ring off my finger and hands it to me. "You'll need to put this on a different finger."

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