Page 40 of When Love Is Lost and Found

Her favorite color is blue because nothing beats a clear blue sky on a sunny summer day. English was her favorite subject in school, and she hated math. Her favorite movie is The Breakfast Club. Her favorite television show is The Golden Girls because she used to watch it with her grandmother.

I know you so well, Sharon; you just don't know it. You're sweet, kind, humble, thoughtful, and wise beyond your years.

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

"I'm sorry," I say. "You caught me staring again."

"I wouldn't call it staring," she says. "You just look like you have a lot on your mind."

I have you on my mind, and if I'm not careful, you'll soon be in my heart, too.

"What kind of music do you like?" I ask, knowing perfectly well she likes rock.

"I enjoy all kinds of music," she says. "But my favorite is rock."

Her favorite song is “Layla.”

"My favorite song is ‘Layla.’ Eric is the greatest guitar player of all time."

"Eric? You two are on a first-name basis?"

"Come on. There's only one Eric. If Jimmy and I ever had a son, we were going to name him Eric."

"Was Jimmy aware of your fascination with another man?"

She laughs out loud and looks down at her engagement ring, twisting it around her finger a few times before looking out the window.

"And if you have a daughter?" I ask, not wanting her to get sad.

"Layla, of course, but spelled L-A-I-L-A."

"Wow," I say. "You've put a lot of thought into this."

"I have. Jimmy wanted sons, but I've always wanted daughters."

Me too.

"What about you?" she asks, "Do you want children someday?"

"Yes, and I hope God gives me a bunch of daughters."

"Really? A bunch, huh? How many is that exactly, and why girls?"

"At least three, and girls because I know they'll be beautiful like their mother."

The glance she gives me now is beautiful and sweet.

"What about sons?" she asks. "Most men want boys, don't they?"

"God will give me sons and grandsons through my daughters. I pray they all find good, faithful men who will love them and help me lift heavy things when I'm old."

She laughs again before saying. "I actually know exactly what you'll look like when you're older."

"How's that?" I ask.

"Your dad. You look just like him."

"I guess he looks alright for his age," I say, smiling.

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