Page 75 of When Love Is Lost and Found

"He called me last night, or this morning, I should say. I got here as soon as I could. So, how did you and Sharon meet?"

"She's my little brother's nanny."

"Oh, she works for you?"

"For my parents. We're friends."

"I thought the two of you were together," he says. "The body language."

"Pardon?" I say, feeling even more like a lab rat than before.

Caleb laughs.

"I'm sorry," he says. "I'm a family therapist, so reading body language is part of the job."

"What exactly do your professional body language skills tell you about Sharon and me?"

"You might not know this yet, but you two are in love."

"I know," I say honestly. "I've loved her since the day I met her."

"I've always been told my eyes are very expressive," Caleb says, "Even my patients tell me they can tell what I'm going to say before I say it just by looking me in the eyes. Carol is the same way. Neither of us has a good poker face. Something tells me Sharon is the same way. These green eyes are our family curse."

"That's how Sharon knows her mom doesn't love her."

"Rick mentioned something along the same lines. I'm sorry that bitterness took hold of my sister's heart and never let go."

"Are you going to be in town for a while?" I ask.

"As long as it takes. I want to be here for Carol, Sharon, and Rick. He and I have become good friends in the last year."

"Where are you staying?"

"I'm staying at a hotel down the street from the hospital."

"You're welcome to stay with Sharon and me. We're staying in my parents' old house. It's only about fifteen minutes away.”

"Thank you for the offer. Rick also offered his home, but I'm fine at the hotel."

"Let me know if you change your mind."

When Sharon returns, her face is puffy, and her eyes are red. Everyone in the room stands to hear the latest.

"How is she?"

"Has she opened her eyes?"

"Can she talk?"

"How does she look?"

Sharon's gaze locks on mine, and I pull her in protectively.

"You want to sit down?" I ask.

She takes a few deep breaths before speaking.

"She's attached to so many machines. I wasn't emotionally prepared to see her hooked up to a ventilator."

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