Page 105 of When Love Is Lost and Found

I slip it onto my right-hand ring finger.

I remember taking my engagement ring off my finger the day Jon left California four years ago. I went to see Jimmy's parents to return the ring. As much as I tried to explain to them what happened, they never forgave me for having a relationship with the Linders. It was never the same even after I cut all ties with Jon and his family.

"Earth to Sharon," Betty's voice snaps me back to the present.

"I'm sorry," I say.

"Where did you go?"

"I was just thinking about the Bowmans."

"Can you imagine if they found out you two are together now?"

"They know. I had lunch with Rick and Caleb last week. Rick ran into them the week before. They didn't ask about me, but he let them know Jon and I are together."

"How did they take it?" Betty asks, her eyes growing wide.

"He said they had no reaction, which makes me really sad. Anyway, Caleb took the opportunity to ask if I was going to marry Jon. He asked if it's what I want."

"Is it?" Betty asks.

"Yes! I love him, Betty. He's everything I've ever wanted. He makes me happy. He's sweet, romantic, and respectful."

"Respectful? In other words, no hanky-panky."

"No, no hanky-panky. He respects my choice to wait just like Jimmy did. How lucky am I to have met two wonderful men who never pressured me."

"You don't know what you're missing," Betty says teasingly. "You, too, could have a beautiful bundle of joy like the one cooing happily in his bassinet."

"You're incorrigible," I say, shaking my head.

"What time is Jon picking you up?"

"He should be here any minute," I say, glancing at my watch.

"Well, so much for the manicure."

***

Jon and I take the ferry to Catalina Island and spend the day jet skiing, swimming at the Blue Caverns, and sunbathing.

After dinner, we go for a walk along the beach just before sunset. The cool ocean breeze feels good against my almost sunburned skin.

"I met Caleb and Rick for coffee last night," Jon says.

"You did?" I ask, surprised. "I didn't know the three of you kept in touch."

"I got their number from Betty." And that's when I know.

"I asked them for your hand in marriage, and they gave me their blessing."

"Jon," I whisper. The world seems to stand still for a moment where only the two of us exist. When he goes down on one knee, my hand instinctively goes up to my lips to suppress a squeal that threatens to escape.

"Will you marry me?" He's looking up at me expectantly, waiting for my answer. He's holding a black velvet box with a beautiful diamond ring nestled inside.

"Yes! Yes! I will marry you!"

He slips the ring on my finger and stands. Raising a hand to my face, he whispers, "I love you." Then he kisses me. It all feels like a dream—a fairytale. The way he kisses me is so incredibly intimate that I can't help but surrender completely to the intoxicating pleasure it sparks inside me, leaving me giddy and weak at the knees.

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