Page 74 of When Love Is Lost and Found

We shake both their hands before another man approaches us. He's taller than Rick, with black hair and Sharon's green eyes. There's no denying it. This man is a blood relative.

"Sharon," Rick begins, "this is your uncle, Caleb."

"My uncle," Sharon says, reaching for Calab's extended hand.

"I'm your mom's twin brother," Caleb says. "I came as soon as I heard."

"Thank you for coming," Sharon says before turning her attention back to Rick. "How is she doing?"

"She made it through the surgery," Rick says. "Doctor said the next twenty-four hours are crucial."

"So she's going to be okay?" Sharon asks, the question filled with hope. I put my arm around her, wanting to protect her from the answer.

"They're not being very optimistic," he says, "but I am. As long as there's life, there's hope."

"Can I see her?" Sharon asks.

"Yeah," he says. "We've all been in to see her. They only allow one person at a time. Push that button behind you and let them know you're here to see her, and they'll buzz you in."

She leaves my side and presses the call button by the doors that lead to the ICU.

"Yes, how can I help you?" says a female voice.

"Hi, I'm Sharon Hansen. I'm here to see Carol Alonzo."

"I'll buzz you in, Miss."

"I'll be right back," she says, squeezing my hand before walking away. Her eyes are clear and beautiful. She's one of the strongest people I've ever met.

When the doors close behind her, I sit next to Caleb.

"Sharon looks a lot like you," I say.

"Thank you," he says. "She looks exactly like Carol at her age. The resemblance is remarkable."

"You had never met Sharon before today?"

"No. My sister moved away as soon as she married Sharon's dad. We tried to find her for years. I love my sister, but she's as stubborn as a mule. She convinced herself that the world was against her. That getting pregnant was the end of the world. She set out to punish everyone around her, and she knew the worst thing she could do to our parents was leave."

"Are your parents still alive?"

"No. Mom died ten years ago, and Dad died a year later. They never met Sharon."

"How did you find her?"

"I didn't. Rick hired a private investigator to find us after he married Carol, and I'm glad he did. If Carol dies, I want Sharon to know she's not alone. I'm married and have four kids close to her age, two boys and two girls."

"Why did Rick look for you? If you don't mind me asking?"

"He did it for Sharon."

I glance at Rick, who's studying me like a scientist studies a lab rat.

"I don't think Rick cares too much for me," I say.

"He's very protective of Sharon. It was one of the first things he said when we spoke for the first time. If meeting me would create problems for her, he'd rather I kept my distance."

"And now you're here."

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