Page 98 of When Love Is Lost and Found

"Our house has only two bedrooms. I don't know where we're going to fit another kid. They'll be able to share a room for a while, but after a certain age, they'll want their own rooms. We were able to fit a crib in there, but that's about it."

"It'll all work out," I smile. "God always provides, and He's never late."

"From your lips to God's ears," Cara laughs.

***

Back at Loren's, I shower and towel-dry my hair before changing into sweats and a T-shirt. When I sit on the couch, I start flipping through the pages of a magazine, trying my best to unwind. I notice soreness setting in on my shoulders, arms, and legs. Then my stomach starts protesting that I haven't eaten anything since this morning, but I'm too tired to move.

It doesn't take long before my mind circles back to Jon. His cold hello tonight let me know exactly where he stands. I'm so frustrated I could cry. How am I going to fix this? I wish I could talk to Loren one more time. She was my sounding board whenever I needed to talk, especially about Jon.

The light knock on the door makes my pulse quicken because I know it's him.

"Hi," I say, pushing the screen door open.

"Hi. Can I come in?"

"Yes, of course." I turn, and he follows me into the den, where I offer him a seat.

My heart is beating so hard that I feel it might explode.

He sits on the edge of the recliner and glances at me. I sit on the couch across from him, and when our eyes meet, I swallow the lump in my throat that's threatening to escape in a torrent of tears.

"I read Loren's letter," he says.

I nod, hoping he'll tell me what it says, and before I can ask, he pulls it out of his back pocket and hands it to me.

"Are you sure?" I ask, taking the piece of paper from him. My hands shake as I unfold it.

Dear Jon,

She was only eighteen. Too young to handle all the tragedy that befell her.

She lost her high school sweetheart.

Her mother died. She found out her dad was not her real father.

She was trying to protect her heart, and she made a mistake.

It's time to forgive yourself for Jimmy and forgive her for breaking your heart.

If you're willing to let go and let God heal you both, He will give you the future you deserve and the happily ever after most people only dream of.

You have enriched my life in so many ways. God sent you to me when I needed an angel. Thank you for always being there for me.

I love you, Son.

Your friend,

Loren

I can't hold back my tears as I read the letter several times before handing it back to him.

"Everything in this letter is true," I say, "but it's not an excuse. Can you forgive me?"

His eyes are unreadable.

"I forgave you a long time ago."

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