Page 18 of When Love Is Lost and Found

Some of the curls in her hair have come loose and are framing her beautiful face. I look away when she catches me staring at her.

"How did the interviews go?" she asks.

"I think we made our choices," I say. "Mom is going to meet Dad for lunch to discuss it further, but I think we'll have someone here by next week."

"I told your mom I could do the housekeeping, but she said no."

"She wants you to focus on Noah. This house is a lot of work."

"I guess you're right, but between now and Monday, I can do it."

"And I can help," I say.

"I do love the garden out here," she says, looking at our beautiful surroundings. "It's so pretty and peaceful."

"Let's put the ladybugs back, Buddy," I say. "We're walking over to our neighbor's house to have lunch with her."

I watch as Sharon helps Noah gently place the ladybugs back on one of the leaves.

"I'd like to take some photos out here when I have some free time," she says. "It's beautiful."

The breeze has loosened her curls even more. I could reach out and tuck one of those strands behind her ear, but I keep my hands to myself.

"Give me your hand, Noah," I say.

We walk together across the back of our property. A small clearing lined by trees leads us right to Loren's property.

"Her house is so charming," says Sharon when we see the back of Loren's house. It's also a colonial, about 3,000 square feet. It's painted slate blue, and the front and the back doors are both painted a golden yellow.

"That's where I live," I say, pointing to the guesthouse behind Loren's house. "It's small but comfortable. It has several windows that let in a lot of light."

"Are you going to move in with your parents or stay here?"

"I haven't decided yet. I could move and still help Loren when she needs me, but being here gives me more peace of mind."

"I understand," says Sharon. "She's all alone and if something happens, well, you'd be here to help."

We walk up the back porch steps and knock on the door.

"Well, hello!" says Loren, opening the screen door.

"Hi, Miss Loren," says Sharon, "I can't believe we're neighbors."

"What are the odds?" says Loren. "We were meant to be friends."

I smile as I watch them hug each other like they're best friends.

"Come in, you two. I made roast beef sandwiches and a potato salad for lunch."

"That sounds delicious," I say.

"Are you hungry?" Loren asks.

"I could eat," I say.

"Hi, Noah," says Loren. "Remember me?"

"Yes," says Noah. "We met you on the plane."

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