Page 3 of When Love Is Lost and Found

I know this is hard for you. Trust me, it's hard for me, too, but this is where I belong.

I'm convinced now more than ever that I was born to be a Marine.

Thank you for understanding and for always supporting me.

I miss you, Baby. I miss your beautiful face. I will never get tired of looking at you. I miss running my fingers through your long hair. I miss touching your soft skin. But more than anything, I miss your eyes.

I never get tired of looking into those big green eyes. Especially after I've kissed you. No one could ever look at me the way you do.

I dream about you every night, and I hate waking up every morning knowing it was just a dream.

I've met some good men here who will be my lifelong friends even after we leave the military.

And speaking of… I'm thinking about making this a career.

Once we're married, we can live on base together. I already submitted my application because the waiting list is long.

Maybe they'll station me in Japan, and you can come with me. Wouldn't that be something?

Before I forget, in your last letter, you mentioned you're still looking for a job.

Remember my buddy, Jon? I've mentioned him before. He told me his parents are looking for a nanny for his little brother.

I've included their information so you can call them. Let them know you were recommended by their son, Jonathan.

I can't wait to see you.

Love you always,

Jimmy

I received his letter two days after his father knocked on my door and gave me the devastating news that changed my life forever.

"There's been an accident," Jimmy's dad said.

"Is he okay?" I asked, knowing perfectly well that the answer was no and feeling like the earth was crumbling underneath my feet.

He shook his head before adding, "The water vehicle he was riding in sank this morning."

I don't remember what he said after that. All I knew was that my childhood sweetheart was gone. I would never see him again.

***

Two months after Jimmy's funeral, I called about the nanny position. I was surprised to find out the position was still open. I met with David and Elizabeth Linder the next day. I could tell they were as desperate to hire someone as I was to find employment. They said they had interviewed a few people, but no one was willing to move to New York with the family. They hired me on the spot when I told them I wouldn't mind leaving California. I never had to mention their older son's referral.

Construction on their new house would be completed in May, and they wouldn't be moving until June. That gave me the time I needed to graduate high school.

I started watching their son after Thanksgiving. Noah is a sweet little boy with blond hair and big brown eyes. He's intelligent, inquisitive, and articulate. He also has the energy of a kitten on catnip, so I understand why his parents hired a nanny to help them keep up with him. I watched him every afternoon after school and on Saturdays. I saved every penny I earned, spending only on bus fare, hoping to have enough to rent a small apartment after graduation. I never could have imagined that Jimmy's death had already secured my future.

When an insurance agent called me in late December, I struggled to understand what he was saying.

"I don't mean to sound rude," I said, "but what are you talking about?"

"Are you Sharon Marie Hansen?"

"Yes, but Jimmy never mentioned any life insurance."

"Well, Miss Hansen, I have the paperwork on my desk. Mr. James Michael Bowman had a half-million-dollar policy with our firm, and you're one of the beneficiaries."

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